Visiting the Palace: the Imperial Concubine Jia Yuanchun Falls Ill; Quarrels at Home: Xue Baochai Endures in Silence

Tanchun and Xiangyun were just about to leave Bamboo Lodge when they suddenly heard someone outside cursing loudly: “You good-for-nothing little wretch! Who do you think you are, running into the garden to make trouble!” At these words Daiyu cried out, “There is no living here!” She pointed one hand toward the window, her eyes rolled up, and she fainted. Although Daiyu lived in Grand View Garden and was cherished by Grandmother Jia, she was sensitive to every word and action of others. When she heard the old woman outside cursing, others might think it had nothing to do with them, but Daiyu felt the words were aimed at her. She thought: I am a daughter of a noble house, but my parents died early. Who knows who has set this old woman to humiliate me in public? Her grievance was so great that her breath caught, and she wept until she fainted. Zijuan cried in panic, “Miss, wake up!” Tanchun called to her too. After a long while Daiyu slowly revived, but could not speak; her hand still pointed toward the window. Tanchun understood. She opened the door and went out to......