Tasting Plum‑blossom Snow‑tea at Green Bower Hermitage; The Mother Locust Meets with Mishap in Happy Red Court

Granny Liu spread out both hands and declared, “The blossom falls and bears a big pumpkin!” The whole company roared with laughter. After they had all drunk the communal cup, Granny Liu continued her jest: “To tell you the truth, my hands are clumsy and I’ve had wine—I’m afraid I might drop and break this porcelain cup. If you have a wooden one, give me that—even if it falls, no harm done.” Everyone laughed again. Xifeng promptly said, “You really want wooden ones? I’ll fetch them. But one condition: these wooden cups are not like porcelain—they come in a set, and you must drink from every single one in order.” Granny Liu thought to herself, “I was only joking, but she really has them. I’ve been to many country gentry feasts and seen gold and silver cups, but never wooden ones. Ah, they must be children’s wooden bowls—just trying to make me drink a few extra cups. Well, the wine is as sweet as honey, so a little more won’t hurt.” So she said, “Bring them...