The Birthday Banquet at Green Delights Prolongs the Revels Till Night; Death by Golden Elixir Leaves His Sole Widow to Manage the Funeral

The maids of Green Delights gave a birthday party for Baoyu, and they all caroused far into the night; Jia Jing died from taking a golden elixir, and his widow, Madam You, had to manage the funeral alone. Baoyu went back to his room to wash his hands. “Let’s have a party tonight,” he said to Aroma. “We can all relax and enjoy ourselves. If there’s anything special you’d like to eat, tell them now so they can get it ready.” “Don’t worry,” Aroma said with a smile. “Musk, Skybright, Autumn, and I are each contributing five silver cents, making two taels in all. Parfumée, Emerald, Swallow, and Scribe are giving three cents each; that makes three taels, two cents, not counting those who are just pretending and can’t be counted on. We’ve already given the money to Mrs. Liu to buy us forty plates of dried and fresh fruits and nuts. I’ve also spoken to Patience. We’ve had a jar of good Shaoxing wine put aside over there. The eight of us are giving you this party by ourselves.” Baoyu was delighted. “They shouldn’t have to pay for it.” “They’re poor, but we’re not rich!” said......