Through Beaded Curtains, Father and Daughter Exchange Words of Duty; Taking Up the Hunan Brush, Sister and Brother Compose Verses

When Baoyu reached the gate of the courtyard, several of Jia Zheng's pages rushed up, threw their arms around his waist, and said, "You owe us a good one today—we kept the master in a good mood! The Dowager sent people out to ask about you several times, and we said you were doing well. If she'd called you in, you'd have missed your chance to shine. Everyone says your poems were better than anything those scholars could write. Since you've won such praise, you should reward us!" Baoyu laughed, "A string of cash each." They said, "Who hasn't seen a string of cash? Give us these pouches instead!" One reached for his embroidered purse, another for his fan-case, and before he could stop them, they had stripped him of all his trinkets. "Now we'll see you safely in," they said. One carried him on his back while the others surrounded him and took him to the second gate of the Dowager's quarters. The Dowager had already sent people several times to check on him. When his nurses and maids saw him, they brought him to the Dowager, who was relieved to learn he had not been scolded.

Presently Xiren brought tea and, seeing that he had been stripped of all his ornaments, laughed, "Those shameless creatures have taken all your things again." Lin Daiyu came over, looked, and seeing that not a single piece remained, said to Baoyu, "Did you give them that purse I made you too? If so, don't ever ask me for anything again!" Angry, she went back to her room and, in a fit of pique, took the half-finished incense pouch she had been making for him and began cutting it to pieces. Baoyu, seeing her angry, knew something was wrong and rushed after her, but the pouch was already ruined.

Though unfinished, the pouch was exquisitely made and had taken much effort. Seeing it cut for no reason, he too grew angry. He unbuttoned his collar, took off the purse she had given him from inside his red jacket, and held it out to her. "Look at this! When have I ever given away anything of yours?" Lin Daiyu, seeing that he had treasured it so much that he wore it under his clothes to keep it safe, regretted her rashness in cutting the unfinished pouch without first checking. Ashamed and upset, she hung her head and said nothing. Baoyu said, "You needn't cut it—I know you don't want to give me things. Here, take this purse back too." He threw it into her lap and turned to leave. Seeing this, Daiyu grew even more upset, her voice choked with sobs, and picked up the purse to cut it too. Baoyu turned back, snatched it from her, and laughed, "Dear cousin, spare it!" Daiyu threw down the scissors, wiped her tears, and said, "You don't have to be nice one minute and cold the next. If you're angry, just say so—what's the point of all this?" She lay down on the bed, facing the wall, and wept. Baoyu came over, apologizing and calling her "dear cousin" over and over.

Just then the Dowager called for Baoyu. The nurses and maids replied, "He's in Miss Lin's room." The Dowager said, "Good, good! Let them play together. His father kept him cooped up all day—he deserves some fun. Just don't let them quarrel or upset him." The maids acknowledged. Daiyu, unable to bear Baoyu's pestering, got up and said, "If you won't let me have any peace, I'll leave." She started toward the door. Baoyu laughed, "Wherever you go, I'll follow." He put the purse back on. Daiyu snatched at it, saying, "You said you didn't want it—now you're wearing it again! I'm embarrassed for you!" She burst out laughing. Baoyu said, "Dear cousin, make me another incense pouch tomorrow." Daiyu said, "That depends on whether I feel like it." They left together and went to Lady Wang's rooms, where they happened to find Baochai.

Lady Wang's household was bustling. Jia Qiang had returned from Suzhou with twelve young actresses, a music master, and costumes. Aunt Xue had moved to a quiet house in the northeast, and the Pear Fragrance Court had been refurbished as a rehearsal hall for the opera troupe. Some elderly women who had studied singing in their youth were put in charge of the girls, with Jia Qiang managing finances and supplies.

Then Lin Zhixiao's wife reported, "We've found ten young nuns and ten young Taoist priestesses, and twenty new robes have been made. There is also one young woman who has taken vows but keeps her hair—a native of Suzhou from a scholar-official family. She was sickly as a child, and after trying many substitutes without success, she entered holy orders herself and recovered. She is eighteen and her monastic name is Miaoyu. Her parents are dead, and she has only two old maids and a little girl to serve her. She is well-versed in literature and has no need to study scriptures; she is also very beautiful. She came to the capital last year with her master to see the relics of Guanyin and the Buddhist scriptures. Her master, who was an expert in divination, passed away last winter. Miaoyu wanted to take the coffin home, but her master's dying words were that she should not return to her hometown, but stay here quietly, and in time her fate would be settled. So she has not gone back." Before she finished, Lady Wang said, "Then why not invite her here?" Lin Zhixiao's wife replied, "When asked, she said, 'Noble houses always lord it over others—I will not go.'" Lady Wang smiled, "Since she's a gentlewoman, she naturally has some pride—what harm is there in sending her a formal invitation?" Lin Zhixiao's wife agreed and went to have a letter of invitation written for Miaoyu. The next day, carriages and chairs were sent to fetch her—but we shall leave that for now.

Other reports came: the construction workers needed gauze and silk for pasting; someone asked Xifeng to open the storehouse to select fabrics; another came to open the treasury for gold and silver vessels. Even Lady Wang and her maids were too busy to rest. Baochai said, "Let's not be in the way here—let's go find Tanchun." She and Baoyu and Daiyu went to visit Yingchun and the others.

Lady Wang and the others bustled about daily until the end of the tenth month, when all was finally ready: all accounts were settled; all antiques and ornaments were in place; all birds and animals—cranes, peacocks, deer, rabbits, chickens, geese—had been purchased and placed in the various scenic spots; Jia Qiang's troupe had rehearsed twenty comic and serious plays; and the nuns and priestesses had learned their chants. Jia Zheng, somewhat relieved, invited the Dowager and the others into the garden to inspect everything, making sure nothing was lacking. Then he chose a day to present his memorial. The Emperor's vermilion endorsement approved: on the fifteenth day of the first month, the Lantern Festival, the Imperial Consort would be permitted to visit her family. The Jia household, receiving this gracious decree, worked day and night without rest—even the New Year was barely celebrated.

Soon the Lantern Festival was at hand. From the eighth day of the first month, eunuchs came to inspect the grounds: where to change clothes, where to rest, where to receive formalities, where to feast, where to retire. Other eunuchs, in charge of security, came with their attendants to set up screens and cordons, instructing the Jia household staff on where to withdraw, where to kneel, where to serve meals, where to present petitions—all the complex rituals. Outside, officials from the Board of Works and the Five Cities Patrol swept the streets and cleared away idlers. Jia She and the others oversaw the craftsmen making lanterns and fireworks, and by the fourteenth day all was in order. That night, no one in the household slept.

At the fifth watch on the fifteenth, the Dowager and all who held rank dressed in full court regalia. In the garden, dragon-embroidered curtains billowed, phoenix-painted draperies fluttered, gold and silver glittered, pearls and jewels vied for brilliance; incense burned in tripods, and vases held ever-blooming flowers. The silence was so deep that not a cough was heard. Jia She and the others waited outside the west street gate, while the Dowager and the ladies waited at the main gate of the Rong Mansion. The streets and alleys were sealed with screens. Just as they grew impatient, a eunuch rode up on a large horse. The Dowager received him and asked for news. He said, "It will be a while yet! Her Highness will take her evening meal at the beginning of the Wei hour, visit the Baoling Palace to worship Buddha at the second quarter of the Wei hour, attend the banquet and lantern-viewing at the Daming Palace at the beginning of the You hour, and only after that will she request permission to leave—probably not until the beginning of the Xu hour." Xifeng said, "In that case, Dowager and ladies, please return to your rooms for now—you can come back when the time comes." So the Dowager and the others withdrew, while Xifeng attended to everything in the garden, ordering the servants to take the eunuchs for wine and food.

Soon candles were brought in and lamps lit throughout the garden. Just as they finished, the sound of galloping horses was heard outside. A dozen or more eunuchs ran in panting and clapped their hands. The others understood—"She's coming, she's coming"—and took their positions. Jia She led the men outside the west street gate, while the Dowager led the women at the main gate. For a long time, all was still. Then a pair of eunuchs in red rode slowly up, dismounted at the west street gate, led their horses behind the screens, and stood facing west with hands folded. After a while, another pair came, and so on until some ten pairs had arrived. Then faint strains of music were heard. Rank upon rank of dragon-and-phoenix banners, peacock-feather fans, and golden incense-burners appeared; then a golden canopy with curved handle and seven phoenixes, followed by ceremonial robes, crowns, belts, and slippers. Eunuchs in attendance bore fragrant pearls, embroidered handkerchiefs, spittoons, and dust-whisks. After all these had passed, eight eunuchs carried a golden-canopied palanquin embroidered with phoenixes, advancing slowly. The Dowager and the others knelt by the roadside. Several eunuchs hurried forward to help the Dowager, Lady Xing, and Lady Wang to their feet. The palanquin was carried through the main gate and the ceremonial gate, turning east to a courtyard. There, a eunuch with a whisk knelt and asked Her Highness to alight and change her clothes. The palanquin entered, and the eunuchs withdrew, leaving only the female attendants to lead Yuanchun out. In the courtyard, brilliant lanterns of all colours, exquisitely made of gauze and silk, were displayed. Above hung a lantern plaque inscribed with four characters: "Embodying Virtue, Immersed in Grace." Yuanchun entered, changed her clothes, came out, and re-entered the palanquin to proceed into the garden. There, incense curled in clouds, flowers bloomed in profusion, lamps gleamed on every side, and music filled the air—a scene of peace and splendour beyond description.

From within the palanquin, Yuanchun observed the lavish display and sighed inwardly at the excessive extravagance. Suddenly a eunuch with a whisk knelt and invited her to board a boat. She alighted and saw a clear stream winding like a dragon; along the stone balustrades hung crystal and glass lanterns of every hue, blazing like silver flowers and snow waves. Though the willow and apricot trees had no leaves or blossoms, artificial flowers of pith, silk, and paper had been attached to the branches, with several lanterns on each tree. Even the water-plants, ducks, and egrets were made of shells and feathers. Above and below, lights vied in brilliance—a veritable world of glass and jewels. The boat itself carried exquisite potted lanterns and was fitted with pearl curtains and embroidered hangings, with oars of cassia and orchid wood. Thus they entered a stone harbour, where a lantern plaque bore the characters "Reed-Fringed Shore and Flowering Creek."

Now these names—"Reed-Fringed Shore and Flowering Creek," "The Phoenix Has Come," and the like—had been composed by Baoyu when Jia Zheng tested his talent. Why were they now being used? The Jia household had been a literary family for generations; their guests and associates were men of culture and talent. Surely they had better calligraphers than a child's scribblings—would they not seem like vulgar upstarts who splurged on gaudy displays and then plastered them with crude verses like "Green willows hang golden locks at the front gate; blue hills frame brocade screens at the back," mistaking this for elegance? How could the Ning and Rong mansions, as recorded in The Story of the Stone, be guilty of such a thing? You may wonder at this seeming contradiction. Let me explain.

Before Yuanchun entered the palace, she had been raised by the Dowager. When Baoyu was born, Yuanchun, as his eldest sister, felt great affection for him, for she knew her mother had borne him late in life. Her love for him exceeded that for her other brothers. They grew up together, never apart. Before Baoyu went to school, when he was three or four, Yuanchun had taught him by hand and by mouth several books and thousands of characters. In name they were sister and brother; in truth they were like mother and son. After she entered the palace, she often sent messages to her parents, saying, "Please raise him well—if you are not strict enough, he will not become worthy; but if too strict, there may be ill consequences, which would grieve you." Her care for him never ceased. When Jia Zheng heard the schoolmaster praise Baoyu's unusual talents, he had been sceptical; but when the garden was finished, he took the opportunity to test him. Though the inscriptions were not masterpieces, for a boy they were commendable. And rather than invite famous scholars to compose them, it seemed more fitting to keep the family touch—and besides, when Yuanchun saw that her beloved younger brother had written them, it would please her and answer the hopes she had always held for him. For these reasons, Baoyu's inscriptions were used. Some had not been finished that day, but were later completed.

Now Yuanchun, seeing the four characters "Reed-Fringed Shore and Flowering Creek," smiled and said, "'Flowering Creek' is fine—why add 'Reed-Fringed Shore'?" The attendant eunuch hurried ashore by small boat and relayed the message to Jia Zheng, who at once had it changed.

When the boat reached the inner shore, they left it and took up the palanquin again. Now they saw the splendid palaces and lofty halls. On the white jade archway appeared the four characters "Heavenly Immortal Realm." Yuanchun ordered it changed to "Provincial Villa." Entering the palace, they saw great bonfires lighting the sky, fragrant dust strewn on the ground, trees of fire and jewel-flowers, gold windows and jade thresholds. The pearl-embroidered curtains, the otter-skin rugs, the musk-scented incense burners, the peacock-feather screens—all defied description. Truly:

Golden gates and jade doors—a palace of immortals;
Cassia halls and orchid chambers—a home for a princess.

Yuanchun asked, "Why is there no plaque on this main hall?" The attendant eunuch knelt and replied, "This is the principal hall—none of the outer officials dared presume to inscribe it." Yuanchun nodded in silence. The ceremonial eunuch knelt and invited her to ascend the throne to receive formal obeisance. Music rose from both sides. Two ceremonial eunuchs led Jia She, Jia Zheng, and the others to take their positions below the terrace, but the chief lady-in-waiting announced, "Excused." They withdrew. Another eunuch led the Dowager and the womenfolk to the eastern steps to take their places, and again the announcement came: "Excused." They also withdrew.

After tea had been presented three times, Yuanchun descended from her seat and the music stopped. She retired to a side chamber to change, then prepared to leave the garden to pay her family respects. In the Dowager's main hall, when she was about to perform the family kowtow, the Dowager and the others knelt to stop her. Yuanchun's eyes filled with tears; she came forward and took the Dowager's hand in one of hers and Lady Wang's in the other. The three of them had so much to say, but could only weep in silence. Lady Xing, Li Wan, Wang Xifeng, Yingchun, Tanchun, Xichun, and the others stood around, weeping without words.

After a long while, Yuanchun forced a smile and said, "Since you sent me to that place where one cannot see people, and today I've finally come home to see you, we should be laughing, not crying. When I leave, who knows when I'll come again!" At this she choked up once more. Lady Xing and the others tried to console her. They made Yuanchun take her seat, and one by one the family members came to pay their respects—each occasion bringing fresh tears. Then the stewards and household officers from both mansions paid their respects in the outer hall, followed by the senior serving women and maids. Yuanchun asked, "Why are Aunt Xue, Baochai, and Daiyu not here?" Lady Wang replied, "As they are external relatives without official rank, they did not presume to enter." Yuanchun at once had them summoned. When Aunt Xue and the others came and were about to perform the court ceremony, she had it dispensed with, and they exchanged greetings. Yuanchun's personal maid, Baoqin, whom she had brought to the palace, came forward to kowtow; the Dowager and the others had her rise and sent her to another room to be entertained. Only a few eunuchs and serving women remained, while the others were looked after in the Ning Mansion and by Jia She's household. Mother, daughters, and sisters then talked at length of their separation and family affairs.

Then Jia Zheng came to the curtain to pay his respects; Yuanchun received him from behind the curtain. Through the curtain she said tearfully to her father, "In a peasant home, though the fare be coarse, they can at least enjoy family affection. Now, though we have reached the height of wealth and honour, we are parted from our kin—in the end, what is the use?" Jia Zheng replied with tears, "We are a humble family; we never expected such good fortune. Now, through the Emperor's grace and our ancestors' virtue, you have been raised to this eminence. It is the good fortune of your parents. Moreover, His Majesty's benevolence is beyond that of any age—no subject, even if he were to give his life, could repay a fraction of it. I can only labour day and night, serve with loyalty, and pray that His Majesty's reign may last ten thousand years—the blessing of all under heaven. Do not let your thoughts of us trouble you; take care of your own health, and serve His Majesty with diligence and reverence, so as not to disappoint his great kindness." Yuanchun likewise urged him, "Put state affairs first, rest in your spare time, and do not worry about me."

Jia Zheng then said, "The pavilions and lodges in the garden were all inscribed by Baoyu. If any are passable, I beg you to bestow your own names." Hearing that Baoyu had been able to compose inscriptions, Yuanchun smiled and said, "He has indeed improved." Jia Zheng withdrew. Yuanchun, observing that Baochai and Daiyu were quite different from the other girls—like tender flowers and soft jade—asked, "Why is Baoyu not here to see me?" The Dowager replied, "Without your command, no male outsider dares enter." Yuanchun ordered him in at once. A eunuch brought Baoyu in. After he had performed the court ceremony, Yuanchun told him to approach, took his hand, drew him close, and patted his head and neck, saying, "You've grown so much..." Before she could finish, tears poured down like rain.

You Shi and Xifeng stepped forward and said, "The feast is ready; please honour us with your presence." Yuanchun rose, ordered Baoyu to lead the way, and they all went to the garden gate. Already the lanterns and fiery trees displayed a magnificent array. Entering, they visited "The Phoenix Has Come," "Red Fragrance and Green Jade," "Apricot Sign in Sight," "Pure Fragrance of Angelica and Iris," and other spots, climbing pavilions and ascending towers, crossing water and skirting hills, with endless delight. Each place had different furnishings and novel decorations. Yuanchun praised them all, but urged, "Let this not be too lavish in future—this is already excessive." Then they came to the main hall; she excused them from formalities and took her seat, and a great banquet was set. The Dowager and the others sat below, while You Shi, Li Wan, and Xifeng personally served the dishes and poured wine.

Yuanchun ordered writing-brush and inkstone and took up her Hunan brush. She selected a few favourite spots and bestowed names, which are recorded here:

Plaque: "Gratitude for Grace" (Gu'en Si Yi)

Couplet for the main hall: "Heaven and Earth in boundless kindness, old and young alike give thanks; From ancient times to now, a rare grace, all lands and peoples share its glory."

Garden name: "Grand View Garden" (Daguanyuan)

"The Phoenix Has Come" renamed "Xiaoxiang Pavilion" (Xiaoxiang Guan)

"Red Fragrance and Green Jade" changed to "Crimson Delight and Emerald Joy," and the residence named "Crimson Delight Court" (Yihong Yuan)

"Pure Fragrance of Angelica and Iris" renamed "Hengwu Garden" (Hengwu Yuan)

"Apricot Sign in Sight" renamed "Washing-Grass Hill" (Huange Shan) — the main tower named "Grand View Tower"; the eastern flying pavilion "Embroidered Brocade Pavilion" (Zhuijin Ge); the western slanting pavilion "Fragrant Pavilion" (Hanfang Ge).

Other names: "Reed-Wind Pavilion" (Liaofeng Xuan), "Lotus Pavilion" (Ouxiang Xie), "Purple Caltrop Isle" (Ziling Zhou), "Duckweed Bank" (Xingye Zhu).

A dozen four-character plaques, such as "Pear Blossoms in Spring Rain," "Plane-Trees Cut by Autumn Wind," "Reeds in Night Snow"—too many to record.

She also ordered that the old inscriptions need not be removed. She first wrote a quatrain:

Embraced by hills and water, built with skill,
What toil and labour brought it to completion!
All scenes of heaven and earth are gathered here—
Let this fair garden be called Grand View.

Having written it, she said to her sisters with a smile, "I have never been quick with verse, nor am I a skilled poet, as you all know well. Tonight I have merely done this to pass the occasion, not to let the scenery go uncelebrated. In time, if I have leisure, I shall write essays on the Grand View Garden and a eulogy for this visit. You sisters may each compose an inscription and a poem, according to your talents, and write them out now. Do not let my poor abilities restrict you. I am also pleasantly surprised that Baoyu can compose. Of these four places—'Xiaoxiang Pavilion,' 'Hengwu Garden,' 'Crimson Delight Court,' and 'Washing-Grass Hill'—the first two are my favourites, and the other two also merit special poems. Though the couplets are good, I should like each of these four to have a five-character regulated verse, so that I may test his skill—and not disappoint the pains I took in teaching him as a child." Baoyu had no choice but to accept and set to work.

Among the three sisters Yingchun, Tanchun, and Xichun, Tanchun was the most accomplished, but even she knew she could not match Xue or Lin, so she merely did what she could. Li Wan also managed to compose something. Yuanchun first read the sisters' poems:

"Carefree Temperament" – by Yingchun
The garden's finished, scenes both rare and fine;
Ashamed, I write "Carefree" by your decree.
Who'd think such beauty in this world could be?
Could one not feel the spirit soar with glee?

"A Myriad Things Vying in Glory" – by Tanchun
This famous garden rises proud and grand;
Ashamed of shallow skill, I write by your command.
Its wonders words can scarcely tell—
All things indeed with radiant splendour swell.

"Genius of Nature" – by Xichun
Hills and waters stretch a thousand li away;
Towers rise into the clouds of five-hued day.
The garden's beauty glows in sun and moon,
A masterpiece of Nature's own perfect boon.

"Elegance and Talent" – by Li Wan
Fair hills and waters wind and embrace;
This grace and charm surpass the Immortal's place.
Green fans of song blend with the fragrant grass;
Red skirts in dance with falling plum-blossoms pass.
The age of peace should sing its songs of praise;
How blest the immortals who visit these days!
Now that this garden's won your royal gaze,
No mortal foot may tread its hallowed ways.

"Converging Radiance and Auspicious Light" – by Xue Baochai
West of the capital this garden stands,
With sun and cloud its wondrous beauty crowns.
The willows gladden as the orioles leave the vale;
The bamboos wait for the phoenix's happy trail.
When now the Emperor's consort graces this place,
Filial piety shines in this homecoming grace.
Your heavenly words, your brush of genius bright—
Ashamed, how dare I add my feeble light!

"Fairy Realm Beyond the World" – by Lin Daiyu
Where is this famous garden built?
A fairy realm, of dust and guilt.
It borrows from the hills and streams their grace,
And adds a new brilliance to the place.
Its fragrance mingles with the Golden Valley wine;
Its flowers smile on the jade hall divine.
How blest to have won such imperial grace,
To greet the palace chariot in this place!

After reading them, Yuanchun praised them, then laughed, "In the end, the verses of Cousins Xue and Lin are quite different from the rest—not to be compared with ours." Lin Daiyu had intended to show her brilliance and outshine everyone, but Yuanchun had allowed only one plaque and one poem, so she could not do more and had only made a casual five-character verse.

Baoyu had not yet finished; he had completed two poems—for "Xiaoxiang Pavilion" and "Hengwu Garden"—and was working on "Crimson Delight Court." In his draft was the line "Green jade, spring leaves still curled." Baochai glanced at it and, seizing the moment when no one was looking, turned and quietly nudged him, whispering, "She changed 'Red Fragrance and Green Jade' to 'Crimson Delight and Emerald Joy' because she didn't like those words. Now you use 'green jade'—aren't you deliberately challenging her? Besides, there are many ways to describe banana leaves—think of another character." Baoyu wiped his sweat and said, "I can't think of any allusion now." Baochai laughed, "Just change 'jade' to 'wax.'" Baoyu asked, "Is there a source for 'green wax'?" Baochai smiled knowingly, "For all your efforts tonight, if you were ever to take the palace examination, you'd probably forget even the 'Zhao Qian Sun Li' primer! Qian Xu of the Tang dynasty wrote a poem on banana leaves—the opening line is 'Cold candle without smoke, green wax dried'—have you forgotten?" Baoyu was enlightened and laughed, "How stupid of me! I couldn't think of something right before my eyes—truly a 'teacher of a single word.' From now on I'll call you Master, not sister!" Baochai whispered with a smile, "Hurry and finish—stop with all this sister talk. Who's your sister? The one in yellow robes up there is your sister—you've got the wrong sister!" She moved away, not wanting to waste time. Baoyu finished his three poems.

Lin Daiyu, unable to display her talents, was dissatisfied. Seeing Baoyu labouring over four poems, she thought to help him by composing two of them. She went to his desk and whispered, "Are they all done?" Baoyu said, "Only three—I'm missing the one for 'Apricot Sign in Sight.'" Daiyu said, "Then just copy out the first three. By the time you've done them, I'll have composed this one." She lowered her head, thought for a moment, and completed a verse, which she wrote on a slip, crushed into a ball, and tossed before him. Baoyu read it and found it ten times better than his own—he was overjoyed. He copied it neatly in his best hand and presented it. Yuanchun read:

"The Phoenix Has Come" – by your subject Baoyu
The tender bamboo has grown to fruit,
Worthy to welcome the phoenix's foot.
Each stem drips green, each leaf gives shade;
Their coolness on the steps is laid.
They guard the path from dripping rain,
Their fragrance veils the incense's fane.
Do not shake these clear, shadowed forms—
Long days are made for happy dreams.

"Pure Fragrance of Angelica and Iris"
Angelica fills this pure retreat,
With vines and creepers fragrant sweet.
Softly they cushion the spring grass green,
Gently trailing fragrance unseen.
Light mist blurs the winding way,
Cool jade drips where the galleries stray.
Who says that by the winding pool,
The Xie family's dream is not long and cool?

"Crimson Delight and Emerald Joy"
In the deep courtyard, the long day is still,
Two beauties side by side, their charms fulfill.
Green wax, spring leaves still tightly curled—
Red robes that keep their watch through the night world.
Leaning on rails, they drop their crimson sleeves;
By the rocks, green mist their shade receives.
Facing each other in the eastern breeze,
Their master should cherish such charms as these.

"Apricot Sign in Sight"
The wine-shop sign invites the guest to stay,
A hilltop village lies across the way.
Geese in the water where arrowheads grow,
Swallows on the elm and mulberry bough.
A plot of spring leeks glows emerald green,
Ten li of rice-flowers scent the scene.
In this blessed age, no one goes hungry—
Why should they toil and labour busily?

Yuanchun was delighted and said, "He has truly improved!" She singled out the "Apricot Sign" poem as the best of the four, and accordingly changed "Washing-Grass Hill" to "Rice-Fragrance Village." She had Tanchun copy all the poems onto coloured paper and sent them out to the men. Jia Zheng and the others read them with great praise, and Jia Zheng presented his own eulogy for the visit. Yuanchun also bestowed pastries and delicacies upon Baoyu and Jia Lan. Jia Lan was still very young and only followed his mother in saluting his uncle, so no more need be said. Jia Huan had been ill since the New Year and was recuperating elsewhere, so he was not present.

Downstairs, Jia Qiang and the twelve actresses had been waiting impatiently when a eunuch ran out and said, "The poems are done—bring the playbill!" Jia Qiang quickly presented the brocade list, along with a roster of the actresses. Soon the eunuch came out and selected four plays:

First: The Grand Feast
Second: The Prayer for Love
Third: The Immortal Bond
Fourth: The Departing Soul

Jia Qiang hurriedly prepared the performances. The actresses sang with voices that could split rocks and danced with heavenly grace; though but players on a stage, they embodied the full range of human joy and sorrow. When the plays ended, a eunuch brought in a golden tray of cakes and asked, "Which one is Língguan?" Jia Qiang knew she was being rewarded, and had her kneel in thanks. The eunuch said, "The Imperial Consort says Língguan is excellent—she may perform two more plays, whichever she chooses." Jia Qiang told Língguan to perform "The Garden Visit" and "The Startled Dream," but Língguan insisted they were not in her repertoire and refused, demanding instead to do "The Rendezvous" and "The Quarrel." Jia Qiang had to yield. Yuanchun was pleased and ordered, "Do not force this child—train her well," and gave extra gifts of two bolts of palace silk, two purses, gold and silver ingots, and sweets. Then the feast was cleared, and the party toured the parts of the garden they had not yet seen. Coming upon a Buddhist temple nestled in the hills, Yuanchun washed her hands, entered, burned incense, and worshipped Buddha, adding a plaque: "The Ferry of Mercy." She also bestowed additional gifts on the nuns and priestesses.

Presently a eunuch knelt and said, "The gifts are ready—please inspect the list." A detailed list was presented. Yuanchun read it through and approved it. The eunuch then distributed the gifts: to the Dowager: one each of gold and jade Ruyi, a sandalwood walking-stick, a string of ghat sandalwood prayer-beads, four bolts of palace satin with "Prosperity and Eternal Spring" pattern, four bolts of palace silk with "Happiness and Long Life" pattern, ten gold ingots of "Brush-and-Ruyi" design, and ten silver "Auspicious Fish" ingots. Lady Xing and Lady Wang each received the same, minus the Ruyi, stick, and prayer-beads. Jia Jing, Jia She, Jia Zheng, and the others each received two new imperial books, two boxes of precious ink, two gold and two silver goblets, plus gift fabrics as before. Baochai, Daiyu, and the sisters each received a new book, a precious inkstone, and two pairs of gold and silver ingots. Baoyu received the same. Jia Lan received two gold neck-rings and two pairs of gold and silver ingots. You Shi, Li Wan, Xifeng, and the like received four gold and silver ingots and four bolts of fabric. There were also twenty-four bolts of fabric and a hundred strings of cash for the nannies and maids in the Dowager's, Lady Wang's, and the young ladies' rooms. Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, Jia Huan, Jia Rong, and others each received a gift of fabric and a pair of gold ingots. In addition, hundreds of rolls of coloured silk, thousands of taels of gold and silver, and imperial wines and delicacies were distributed to all who had worked on the garden, the furnishings, the entertainment, and the lighting, in both mansions. Five hundred strings of cash were given to the cooks, actors, acrobats, and servants.

After all had given thanks, the chief eunuch announced, "The hour is the third quarter of the Chou watch—it is time for Her Highness to return to the palace." Yuanchun's eyes filled with tears again. She forced a smile, held the Dowager's and Lady Wang's hands tightly, and would not let go. "Do not worry about me," she urged. "Take good care of yourselves. His Majesty's grace is boundless—I am permitted to visit you once a month. We shall have many opportunities to meet—do not grieve. If next year I am again permitted to come, please do not go to such extravagant expense again!" The Dowager and the others were too choked with tears to speak. Though Yuanchun could not bear to leave, the palace regulations could not be broken. She had to mount her palanquin and depart. The others, with great difficulty, comforted the Dowager and Lady Wang and led them out of the garden.