Waiting for a Fragrant Soul, Wu’er Receives a Misplaced Love; Repaying a Debt of Fate, Yingchun Returns to the True Source

Baochai called Xiren and questioned her closely about the reason for Baoyu’s grief. Fearing that if Baoyu grieved too much he would fall ill, she took the occasion of casual talk and said, ostensibly to Xiren but intending Baoyu, who was in the outer room, to hear:

“In this world, even if two people shared deep love in life, once one dies each goes their own way, and they are no longer as they were in life. The living may cling in foolish devotion, but the dead know nothing of it. Besides, Miss Lin was said to have left as an immortal. In her eyes, mortals are all foul and commonplace; why would she wish to remain in the mortal world? It is only the living who let their imaginations run wild, and so invite unclean influences to disturb them.”

Baochai spoke to Xiren, but in truth she was speaking for Baoyu in the outer room to hear. Xiren understood and joined in: “Of course there is no such thing. If Miss Lin’s soul were still in the garden, since we were so close to her, why have we never once dreamed of her?”

Baoyu heard them outside and thought carefully: “That is strange. I know perfectly well that Cousin Lin is dead, and I think of her every day. Why have I never once dreamed of her? No doubt she has ascended and become an immortal. I am only a common mortal and cannot commune with a spirit, so she will not even entrust me with a dream. Tonight I will sleep in the outer room. Perhaps she will know my true heart and be willing to come to me in a dream. I must ask her where she has gone, so that I may make offerings to her. If she truly disdains me as a common man and will not even grant me a dream, then I will stop thinking of her.”

Having made up his mind, Baoyu said, “Tonight I will sleep in the outer room. You need not bother about me.” Baochai did not force him. She only urged, “Do not let your thoughts run wild. The other day, when you went into the garden, Lady Wang was so frightened she could not speak. If she knew you were still not taking care of yourself, and if Old Ancestor heard of it, she would say we have not looked after you properly.” Baoyu said, “I am only speaking casually. I will sit a while and then go inside. You are tired too, so go to sleep first.” Baochai thought he would eventually come in, so she pretended to say, “I am going to sleep. Call Xiren to attend you.” When Baoyu heard this, it was exactly what he wanted.

After Baochai lay down, Baoyu told Xiren and Sheyue to make up a separate bed in the outer room. From time to time he sent someone in to see whether Baochai had truly fallen asleep. Baochai pretended to sleep, but her mind was uneasy, and she did not rest the whole night. When Baoyu saw that Baochai had lain down, he said to Xiren, “You all go to sleep. I will not grieve again. If you are uneasy, attend me until I lie down, then go inside. Only do not disturb me.” Xiren had no choice but to help Baoyu lie down, prepare tea, close the outer door, and return to the inner room to rest a little. If there was any sound from Baoyu, she would come out at once to look after him. After Xiren had gone in, Baoyu dismissed the two old women on night watch to the outside. He sat up softly, silently said a prayer, and then lay down, hoping to see Daiyu in a dream. At first he could not sleep at all. Later, when his mind grew quiet, he gradually fell asleep.

Unexpectedly, he slept very deeply and did not wake until dawn. When Baoyu awoke, he rubbed his eyes and sat up, thinking back. He had not dreamed of Daiyu. He sighed and murmured softly:

Long years have passed since life and death parted us;
Her soul has never come into my dreams.

Baochai had in fact not slept all night. Hearing Baoyu recite these two lines in the outer room, she said, “Those words were rash. If Cousin Lin were still here, she would be angry again.” When Baoyu heard this, he felt embarrassed instead. He rose and made an excuse to go inside: “I had meant to come in, but before I knew it I had fallen asleep.” Baochai said, “Whether you come in or not has nothing to do with me.”

Xiren and the others had not slept soundly either. Hearing the two speaking, they hurriedly brought tea. Just then a young maid came from Old Ancestor’s side to ask, “Did Second Master Bao sleep peacefully last night? If he slept well, let him and Second Mistress wash and dress early and come over.” Xiren replied to the maid, “Go back and tell Old Ancestor that Baoyu slept very well last night and will come over shortly.” The maid went back and reported this.

Baochai rose and washed and dressed. Ying’er and Xiren accompanied her first to Mother Jia’s rooms to pay her respects, then to Lady Wang’s to offer greetings. She also saw Xifeng and the others, and then returned to Mother Jia’s room. Aunt Xue had already come over. Everyone asked how Baoyu had been the night before. Baochai only said, “He went to sleep as soon as he came back. There was nothing wrong.” Everyone was relieved and chatted for a while. Suddenly a young maid came in and announced, “Second Aunt Yingchun is going back. We hear that someone from the Sun family came to Lady Xing and said something, and Lady Xing sent word to Fourth Girl that there is no need to keep Yingchun, and that she should go back. Second Aunt is now weeping in Lady Xing’s room. She will probably come soon to take leave of Old Ancestor.”

When Mother Jia and the others heard this, they all felt uneasy and sighed, “Second Girl is such a good person. Why did she have to marry such a husband and never be able to hold up her head? What is to be done?” As they spoke, Yingchun came in, her face covered with tears. Today was Baochai’s happy day, so Yingchun could only hold back her tears and take leave of everyone, preparing to go home. Mother Jia knew her fate was bitter and could not well force her to stay. She only said, “It is just as well that you go back. But do not grieve too much. Meeting such a man, there is no help for it. In a few days I will send someone to fetch you again.” Yingchun said, “Old Ancestor has always loved me, but now your love cannot reach me. Poor me—I fear I shall never have the chance to come again.” As she spoke, tears fell without stopping. Everyone urged her, “How could you not come again? You are not like your Third Sister Tanchun, who married far away, so that meeting is truly difficult.” At the mention of Tanchun, Mother Jia and the others could not help shedding tears. But because it was Baochai’s birthday, they forced themselves to brighten, turning sorrow to joy: “Meeting is not difficult. As long as the coastal region is peaceful and your in-laws are transferred back to the capital, you will be able to meet.” Everyone echoed this. Yingchun could only take her leave with a heart full of sorrow. They saw her out, then returned to Mother Jia’s room and were busy from morning till night, keeping lively the whole day.

Seeing Mother Jia tired, everyone dispersed. Aunt Xue took leave of Mother Jia and came to Baochai’s room. She said to Baochai, “Your brother Xue Pan’s case must wait until the Emperor grants a general amnesty before his punishment can be reduced and he can redeem himself. There is no hope this year. These past years he has left me all alone. How am I to endure the days? I am thinking of arranging the marriage of your second brother Xue Ke. What do you think?” Baochai said, “Mother has been frightened by Elder Brother’s marriage, and that is why you hesitate over Second Brother’s marriage. In my view, this marriage should be arranged. You know Miss Xing Xiuyan’s situation. She is having a very hard time here. If she is married into our family, though we are poor, it will still be much better than living under another’s roof.” Aunt Xue said, “Find a chance to mention it to Old Ancestor. Say that there is no one to manage affairs at home and we intend to choose a day to hold the wedding.” Baochai said, “Mother, just discuss it with Second Brother and choose a good day. Then come and tell Old Ancestor and Lady Xing. Once she is married in, this great matter will be settled. Lady Xing, for her part, is eager to have Xiuyan married off early.” Aunt Xue also said, “Today I heard that Shi Xiangyun is also going back. Old Ancestor wants to keep her a few more days, so Xiangyun is staying. I think she will not stay long. You sisters should talk together as much as you can.” Baochai nodded. Aunt Xue sat a while longer, then took leave of everyone and went home.

That evening, when Baoyu returned to his room, his mind was still on the fact that he had not dreamed of Daiyu the night before. “Perhaps she has become an immortal and does not wish to see a common mortal like me. Or perhaps I was too anxious, and that is why I could not dream.” He thought of an idea and said to Baochai, “Last night I happened to sleep in the outer room, and it seemed I slept more peacefully than in the inner room. Today my mind feels quieter too. I would like to sleep in the outer room two more nights, but I am afraid you will stop me.” As soon as Baochai heard this, she understood that his reciting the poem that morning had been for Daiyu. She knew Baoyu was stubborn and that persuasion would be useless. It was better to let him sleep outside two nights and wait until he gave up hope himself. Besides, the night before he had seemed to sleep fairly well. So she said, “How strange! If you want to sleep there, why would we stop you? Only do not let your thoughts run wild and invite evil influences.” Baoyu laughed and said, “Who is letting his thoughts run wild?” Xiren urged, “Second Master, in my opinion you should still sleep in the inner room. There is no one to look after you outside. If you catch cold, that will be bad.” Before Baoyu could answer, Baochai quietly gave Xiren a look. Xiren understood and changed her words: “Well, then, send someone to stay with you, so that there will be someone to hand you tea at night.” Baoyu laughed and said, “In that case, you stay with me.” Xiren blushed scarlet and could not say a word. Baochai knew Xiren had always been steady, so she said, “Xiren has always been with me. She had better stay in the inner room to attend me. Tell Sheyue and Wu’er to look after you in the outer room. Besides, she has been busy with me all day and is tired. She should rest.” Baoyu had no choice but to go out with a smile. Baochai told Sheyue and Wu’er to make up a bed in the outer room and warned them to stay alert and watch for Baoyu’s calls for tea or water.

The two agreed and came to the outer room. They saw Baoyu sitting upright on the bed, eyes closed and hands clasped, like a monk meditating. They did not dare speak and only watched him and smiled secretly. Baochai called Xiren over to look in on him. When Xiren saw Baoyu like this, she also found it funny and said softly, “It is time to sleep. Why are you sitting in meditation again?” Baoyu opened his eyes and saw Xiren. “You all go to sleep. I will sit a while and then lie down.” Xiren said, “Last night you carried on like that and kept Second Mistress awake all night. If you do this again, what will people think?” Baoyu knew that if he did not rest, no one else would dare sleep, so he got ready and lay down. Xiren gave Sheyue a few more instructions, then closed the door and went back to the inner room to rest. Sheyue and Wu’er spread their own bedding, helped Baoyu lie down, and then went to rest themselves.

But the more Baoyu tried to sleep, the less he could. Seeing Sheyue and Wu’er lying on the floor nearby, he suddenly remembered how, when Xiren was away, Qingwen and Sheyue had attended him. One night Sheyue went out, and Qingwen, wanting to frighten her, went without clothes and caught cold. In the end that illness had killed Qingwen. At this thought, his mind turned wholly to Qingwen. Then he remembered that Xifeng had said Wu’er looked exactly like Qingwen, and his thoughts turned to Wu’er. Pretending to be asleep, he stole glances at Wu’er. The more he looked, the more she seemed to be Qingwen, and his old foolish infatuation rose again. He listened: the inner room was silent; everyone seemed asleep. Sheyue was also asleep. Baoyu deliberately called Sheyue twice, but no one answered. Wu’er heard Baoyu call and asked softly, “What does Second Master want?” Baoyu said, “I want to rinse my mouth.”

Wu’er saw that Sheyue was sleeping deeply, so she had to get up. She trimmed the lamp again, brought a cup of tea, and held the rinse cup. In her hurry, she wore only a peach-pink silk short jacket, her hair loosely coiled. When Baoyu looked at her, it was as if Qingwen had come back to life. He remembered Qingwen’s words: “If I had known I would bear a false name, I would have made a proper plan.” Baoyu stared at her blankly and did not take the teacup.

After Fangguan left, Wu’er had not wanted to enter the household to serve. Later, when she heard that Xifeng had arranged for her to serve Baoyu, she had looked forward to it even more than Baoyu. But after entering the room, she saw how dignified and steady Baochai and Xiren were, and she respected them greatly. She also saw that Baoyu was foolish and dazed, no longer as he had once been. And she had heard that Lady Wang had driven out many maids because they laughed and talked with Baoyu. So Wu’er had long since put aside any romantic thoughts and had not the slightest improper intention. But tonight Baoyu took her for Qingwen and was full of pity for her. Wu’er blushed deeply under his gaze and did not dare speak loudly. She said softly, “Second Master, rinse your mouth.” Baoyu smiled and took the teacup. Whether he actually rinsed his mouth or not, no one knew. He asked with a grin, “Were you and Sister Qingwen very close?” Wu’er was bewildered. “We were all sisters. There was nothing bad between us.” Baoyu asked quietly again, “When Qingwen was gravely ill and I went to see her, did you not go with me?” Wu’er nodded slightly. Baoyu pressed, “Did you hear what she said?” Wu’er shook her head. “No.” Baoyu was lost for a moment, then reached out and took Wu’er’s hand. Wu’er was so frightened that her face burned and her heart beat wildly. She said softly, “If Second Master has something to say, say it. Do not pull and tug like this.” Baoyu released her hand and said, “She told me, ‘If I had known I would bear a false name, I would have made a proper plan.’ How could you not have heard?” When Wu’er heard this, she thought Baoyu was being frivolous with her, but she did not dare contradict him. She said, “That was because she did not respect herself. How could a girl like us say such things?” Baoyu said anxiously, “Why are you acting like a rigid old pedant too! I spoke to you because you look exactly like her. Why do you instead speak ill of her?”

Wu’er could not understand what Baoyu really meant. She urged, “It is late, Second Master. Go to sleep quickly. Do not sit up so long or you will catch cold. What did the Mistress and Sister Xiren tell you just now?” Baoyu said, “I am not cold.” As he spoke, he saw that Wu’er had no outer garment on. Afraid she would catch cold like Qingwen, he said, “Why did you not put on more clothes before coming over?” Wu’er said, “You called so urgently, how could I take time to dress slowly? If I had known we would talk so long, I would have put on more.” When Baoyu heard this, he quickly lifted the moon-white silk padded jacket covering him and handed it to Wu’er, telling her to put it on. Wu’er refused to take it. “Second Master, keep it over yourself. I am not cold. If I am cold, I have clothes.” She went back to her bedding and put on a long jacket. She listened and heard Sheyue sleeping deeply, then slowly came back and asked, “Was Second Master not going to quiet his mind and rest tonight?” Baoyu laughed. “To tell you the truth, it is not rest I want. I am waiting to meet an immortal.” Wu’er grew even more suspicious. “Meet what immortal?” Baoyu said, “If you want to know, it is a long story. Come and sit beside me, and I will tell you.” Wu’er blushed and smiled. “You are lying in bed. How can I sit?” Baoyu said, “What does that matter? One winter, Sister Sheyue and Sister Qingwen were playing, and I was afraid she would freeze, so I pulled her into the quilt to warm her. What is so strange about that? People should not be so affected and prudish.” Wu’er heard Baoyu’s every word as teasing, yet Baoyu was only foolishly devoted and meant no harm. Wu’er was caught between advancing and retreating. She could neither stand nor sit, and could only smile slightly and say, “Do not talk nonsense. If anyone hears, what will they think? No wonder people say you are always entangled with girls. You have a wife like Second Mistress and a person like Sister Xiren, both like heavenly immortals, yet you still carry on with others. If you say such things again, I will go tell Second Mistress and see how you face anyone.”

Just then, there was a sudden thud outside, and both were startled. From the inner room came the sound of Baochai coughing. Baoyu quickly signaled with his eyes to Wu’er. Wu’er hurriedly blew out the lamp and quietly lay down. It turned out that Baochai and Xiren had not slept well the night before and had been tired all day. They had just fallen asleep and had not heard the conversation. When the sound came from the courtyard, they woke with a start and listened carefully outside, but there was no other noise. Baoyu lay in bed letting his thoughts run wild: “Could it be that Cousin Lin came, heard me talking with Wu’er, and deliberately frightened us?” He tossed and turned, and only after the fifth watch did he fall into a troubled sleep.

As for Wu’er, she had been entangled with Baoyu for half the night and had also heard Baochai cough. Her heart was uneasy, and she feared Baochai had heard what was said. Thinking it over again and again, she did not sleep all night. The next morning she rose early. Seeing that Baoyu was still sleeping heavily, she quietly tidied the room. Sheyue woke and asked, “Why are you up so early? Did you not sleep all night?” When Wu’er heard this, she thought Sheyue had heard something the night before. She could only smile awkwardly and did not answer. Before long, Baochai and Xiren also rose and opened the door. Seeing Baoyu still asleep, they wondered privately: How is it that he has slept so peacefully these two nights in the outer room?

When Baoyu woke and saw everyone up, he hurriedly got up. Rubbing his eyes, he thought back. He had still not dreamed of Daiyu. It seemed that immortal and mortal were truly separated. He got down slowly. Remembering that Wu’er had said the night before that Baochai and Xiren were like heavenly immortals, he thought it was indeed so, and stared blankly at Baochai. Baochai saw him dazed and knew he was still thinking of Daiyu. She did not know whether he had dreamed anything in the night. Feeling embarrassed under his gaze, she asked, “Did Second Master really meet an immortal last night?” When Baoyu heard this, he thought Baochai had heard everything from the night before. He forced a smile and said, “How could there be such a thing!” Wu’er, hearing this, felt even more guilty. She did not dare say much and could only look at Baochai. Baochai smiled and asked Wu’er, “Did you hear Second Master talking to someone in his dream?” Baoyu could not sit still and made an excuse to leave. Wu’er’s face was crimson. She answered vaguely, “In the first half of the night he did say a few things, but I did not hear clearly. Something about ‘bearing a false name,’ and something about ‘not making a proper plan.’ I did not understand. I urged Second Master to sleep, and afterward I fell asleep too. I do not know whether he said anything more.” Baochai lowered her head and thought: These words clearly show he is still thinking of Daiyu. If he keeps sleeping in the outer room, I fear his thoughts will go astray and invite other evil influences. The root of Baoyu’s old illness is that he is too full of romantic feeling. I can only find a way to gradually turn his heart aside, and then he will be safe. At this thought, she could not help feeling warm in the face. She went awkwardly into the room to wash and dress.

Meanwhile, Mother Jia had been in good spirits for the past two days and had eaten a little more than usual. That night she felt uncomfortable in the stomach. The next day her chest was swollen and tight. Yuanyang wanted to report it to Jia Zheng, but Mother Jia stopped her: “I was greedy these two days and ate too much. I will skip a meal and be better. Do not make a fuss.” So Yuanyang and the others told no one.

That evening Baoyu returned to his room. Baochai had just come back from paying her respects to Mother Jia and Lady Wang. Baoyu thought of the morning’s affair and felt very ashamed. Baochai saw him like this and understood: Baoyu was by nature deeply devoted. To cure his heartache, she could only use devotion to gradually dissolve it. After thinking a while, she asked Baoyu, “Are you still going to sleep in the outer room tonight?” Baoyu felt foolish and replied, “Inner room or outer room, it is all the same.” Baochai had wanted to say a few more things, but instead felt too embarrassed to speak. Xiren said, “How strange! I do not believe he can sleep so peacefully outside!” Wu’er heard this and quickly put in, “When Second Master sleeps in the outer room, everything else is fine, but he talks in his sleep, and one cannot make sense of it. One does not dare interrupt him.” Xiren said, “Tonight I will move to the outer room and see whether he still talks in his sleep. You move Second Master’s bedding back to the inner room.” Baochai heard this and said nothing. Baoyu was full of shame and did not argue. He moved back to the inner room. First, Baoyu felt guilty and wanted to soothe Baochai. Second, Baochai feared Baoyu would fall ill from melancholy and meant to treat him gently, slowly drawing his heart back. So that night Xiren moved to the outer room. Baoyu was remorseful, and Baochai was deliberately kind. Since Baochai had married into the family, only now did the two truly understand each other and become affectionate. This is later talk.

The next day Baoyu and Baochai rose together. After Baoyu washed and dressed, he first went to Mother Jia’s room. Mother Jia doted on Baoyu and also felt Baochai was filial. She suddenly thought of something and told Yuanyang to open a chest and take out a piece of Han jade, a jue, left by their ancestors. Though this jade could not compare with the Magic Jade Baoyu had lost, it was still very rare to wear. Yuanyang took it out and handed it to Mother Jia, saying, “I do not think I have ever seen this thing, yet you remembered so clearly which chest and box it was in. I found it at once. Whom do you mean to give it to?” Mother Jia said, “You do not know. This jade was passed from my great-grandfather to my grandfather. My grandfather loved me, and before I married, he gave it to me with his own hand. He said, ‘This is an ancient jade worn in the Han dynasty. It is very precious. To hold it is like seeing me.’ I was young then and did not take it seriously. I kept it in a chest. After I entered the Jia family, there were so many treasures that this jade was never taken out. It has been put away for over sixty years. Now I see that Baoyu is filial, and he has lost his own jade, so I want to give it to him, just as my grandfather gave it to me.”

After a while Baoyu came to pay his respects. Mother Jia said happily, “Come here. I will show you something.” Baoyu went to the bedside, and Mother Jia handed him the Han jade. Baoyu took it and examined it closely. It was about three inches long, shaped like a muskmelon, with a red glow in the jade and fine workmanship. Baoyu praised it again and again. Mother Jia asked, “Do you like it? It was passed down to me by our ancestors. Now I pass it to you.” Baoyu smiled, bowed, and thanked her. He wanted to take it to show his mother. Mother Jia laughed. “If your mother sees it, she will surely tell your father that love for a son is not as great as love for a grandson. They have never seen this jade.” Baoyu laughed and went off with the jade. Baochai stayed and spoke a few more words with Mother Jia, then also took her leave.

From that day on, Mother Jia could not eat for two days. Her chest remained tight, and she was dizzy and coughing. Lady Xing, Lady Wang, Xifeng, and the others came to pay their respects. Seeing that Mother Jia’s spirits were still fair, they sent word to Jia Zheng, who came at once to pay his respects. After Jia Zheng went out, he called a doctor to take her pulse. Before long the doctor came. After examining her, he said, “The old lady has eaten too much and also caught a cold. Some medicine to aid digestion and disperse the cold will set her right.” Jia Zheng saw that the prescription contained only ordinary medicines, so he had it brewed and given to Mother Jia. After that, Jia Zheng came morning and evening to pay his respects. For three days, however, her illness showed no improvement at all. Jia Zheng instructed Jia Lian, “Find a skilled doctor and bring him quickly to treat Old Ancestor. The doctors we usually call are only mediocre.” Jia Lian thought and said, “I remember that when Brother Bao was ill years ago, we called a man who was not a professional doctor, and he cured him. Why not look for him?” Jia Zheng said, “Medicine is a mysterious art. Sometimes those without fame have real skill. Send someone to find him.” Jia Lian quickly sent someone. The man returned and reported, “That Doctor Liu has recently gone out of the city to teach and only comes into town once every ten days or more. We cannot wait for him. We have invited another doctor, who will arrive soon.” Jia Zheng had no choice but to wait.

During Mother Jia’s illness, the women of the household came every day to pay their respects. One day, when everyone was in the room, an old woman guarding the garden’s waist gate came in and announced, “Reverend Miaoyu of the Green Lattice Hermitage has heard that Old Ancestor is ill and has come specially to pay her respects.” Everyone said, “She does not often come. Since she has come specially today, ask her in quickly.” Xifeng went to the bedside and reported to Mother Jia. Xiuyan and Miaoyu were old acquaintances, so Xiuyan went out first to welcome her. They saw Miaoyu with her hair in a Daoist nun’s coil, wearing a moon-white silk jacket, over it a long dark satin sleeveless jacket with a patterned border, tied with an olive-yellow silk sash, and below a white silk skirt with pale ink patterns. In her hand she held a horsetail whisk and prayer beads. Followed by a maid, she came forward with an air of purity and elegance. Xiuyan greeted her: “When you lived in the garden, we could still meet often. Lately there are few people in the garden, and it is not convenient to come out. Besides, the waist gate here is often locked, so we have not met for a long time. Today is a rare chance.” Miaoyu said, “In former days, when you were amid bustle and splendor, I did not like to intrude. Now I hear the household’s circumstances are poor, and I also heard Old Ancestor is ill. I thought of you and wished to see Miss Bao. Whether the gate is open or not is no concern of mine. If I want to come, I come; if I do not, no one can summon me.” Xiuyan laughed. “You are still the same.”

As they spoke, the two entered Mother Jia’s room. Everyone greeted Miaoyu. Miaoyu went to Mother Jia’s bedside and asked after her, saying a few polite words. Mother Jia said, “You are a Bodhisattva. Look at me and tell me whether this illness can be cured.” Miaoyu said, “Old Ancestor is kindhearted and charitable. Your fortune and longevity are still long. This is only a temporary cold. A few doses of medicine will make you better. For one of your age, the most important thing is to keep your heart at ease.” Mother Jia said, “I am not afraid of illness. I have always liked to seek pleasure. Now I am not really suffering, only my chest feels tight and swollen. Just now the doctor said it was caused by anger. You know, who would dare anger me? It seems this doctor’s skill is only ordinary. I told Jia Lian that the first doctor was right in saying it was food stagnation and wind-cold. Tomorrow we will call him again.” She then told Yuanyang to have the kitchen prepare a vegetarian meal and asked Miaoyu to stay and eat. Miaoyu said, “I have already eaten lunch. There is no need to prepare anything.” Lady Wang said, “If you do not eat, that is fine. Sit a while and talk.” Miaoyu said, “I have not seen everyone for a long time. I came today to look in on you.” After chatting a while, Miaoyu prepared to take leave. Turning, she saw Xichun standing nearby and asked, “Why has Fourth Girl grown so thin? Do not keep painting and taxing your spirit and health.” Xichun said, “I have not painted for a long time. The rooms I live in now are not as bright as in the garden, and I have no heart to put brush to paper.” Miaoyu asked, “Where are you living now?” Xichun said, “The room east of the gate you just entered. If you wish to come, it is very close.” Miaoyu said, “When the mood takes me, I will come see you.” Xichun and the others saw Miaoyu out. Turning back, they heard a maid report that the doctor had arrived at Mother Jia’s room. Everyone dispersed for the time being.

Yet Mother Jia’s illness grew worse day by day. Medicine and nursing had no effect, and later she developed diarrhea. Jia Zheng was anxious. He knew the illness was hard to cure, so he asked for leave from his office and stayed by day and night with Lady Wang, preparing soups and medicines. One day Mother Jia could eat a little, and everyone felt somewhat relieved. Suddenly they saw an old woman peeping in at the door. Lady Wang told Caiyun to go out and ask who it was. Caiyun saw that it was the old woman who had accompanied Yingchun to the Sun family. Caiyun asked, “What are you doing here?” The old woman said, “I have been here half a day. I could not find any of the maids and did not dare come in rashly. I am frantic.” Caiyun said, “What are you frantic about? Has the son-in-law been bullying the young lady again?” The old woman wept. “The young lady is failing. A few days ago there was a quarrel, and she cried all night. Yesterday phlegm blocked her throat. The Sun family will not even call a doctor. Today she is worse.” Caiyun said, “Old Ancestor is ill. Do not make a fuss.” Lady Wang heard this inside and, fearing Mother Jia would hear and be grieved, quickly told Caiyun to take the old woman outside to speak. But Mother Jia, though ill, had a quiet mind and happened to hear. She asked, “Is Ying girl dying?” Lady Wang quickly covered it up: “No. The old woman is foolish. She says the girl has been ill these two days and fears it may be serious. She came to ask whether she could call our doctor.” Mother Jia said, “The doctor treating me is very good. Send him quickly to see Ying girl.” Lady Wang told Caiyun to take the old woman to Lady Xing. The old woman left. Mother Jia immediately wept in sorrow: “I have three granddaughters. One enjoyed all glory and splendor and died early. The Third Girl married far away and I cannot see her. Ying girl, though her fate was bitter, I had thought she might someday come into her own. Who would have thought that at such a young age she would be going? What is the use of my living to such an age!” Lady Wang and Yuanyang tried to comfort her for a long time. Baochai and Li Wan were not in the room at the time. Xifeng had recently been ill. Lady Wang, fearing Mother Jia’s grief would worsen her illness, sent for them to come and keep her company. She herself returned to her room and told Caiyun to scold the old woman for being foolish: “In the future, when I am in Old Ancestor’s room, if anything happens, do not come and report it.” The maids agreed.

The old woman had just reached Lady Xing when news came from outside: Second Aunt Yingchun was dead. Lady Xing wept bitterly. Yingchun’s father, Jia She, was not at home, so Jia Lian was called to go at once and manage matters. Mother Jia was gravely ill, and no one dared tell her of Yingchun’s death. Poor Yingchun, lovely as a flower and jade, had been married only a little over a year and had been tormented to death by the Sun family. And just when Mother Jia was dying, no one in the household could leave. The Sun family hastily concluded Yingchun’s funeral.

Mother Jia’s illness grew more critical. Her heart kept turning to these girls. She suddenly thought of Shi Xiangyun and sent someone to visit her. The person sent quietly found Yuanyang. Yuanyang was keeping watch by Mother Jia, and Lady Wang and the others were present, so she could not come forward. She found Hupo instead and quietly told her, “Old Ancestor is thinking of Miss Shi and sent us to visit her. Miss Shi wept very bitterly. Her husband has come down with a sudden illness. The doctor examined him and said it would likely be very hard to cure. If it turns into consumption, he will at most last four or five years. Miss Shi is frantic with worry, and she knows Old Ancestor is ill and cannot come to pay her respects. She also told us not to mention this before Old Ancestor. If Old Ancestor asks, we must find some way to hide it.” Hupo sighed when she heard this and did not know what to do. She meant to quietly tell Yuanyang and let her think of a reply. She came to Mother Jia’s bedside and saw that Mother Jia’s expression had greatly changed. Everyone in the room was whispering, saying the old lady was probably failing. Hupo was so frightened that she did not dare speak.

Jia Zheng quietly called Jia Lian to his side and gave him a few low instructions. Jia Lian softly assented and withdrew. He gathered the household stewards: “Old Ancestor’s great affair is coming soon. Everyone must prepare separately. First, take out the coffin and inspect it, and have the interior lining made ready. At once measure everyone for mourning clothes and give the measurements to the tailors to make them quickly. Settle prices in advance with the awning-makers and the funeral procession suppliers. Put more hands in the kitchen.” Lai Da and the others replied, “Second Master, we have long since prepared these things. You need not worry. But from where shall the money for the funeral come?” Jia Lian said, “Do not worry about money. Old Ancestor long ago left funds. Father has instructed that the funeral be conducted with dignity, and the outside arrangements must also be complete.” Lai Da and the others accepted the orders and went about their duties.

Jia Lian returned to his own room and asked Ping’er, “How is your mistress today?” Ping’er jerked her chin toward the inner room. “See for yourself.” Jia Lian went in and saw Xifeng trying to dress, but she could not support herself and could only lean against the kang table. Jia Lian said, “I fear you cannot hold up. Old Ancestor’s funeral will be held within a day or two, and you cannot avoid it. Quickly have the room tidied and summon your strength to go over. Once the matter comes, neither of us will be able to escape.” Xifeng said, “What is there to tidy at home? We have only these few things. What is there to fear? Go back first. Father may call you. I will change my clothes and come over.”

Jia Lian first returned to Mother Jia’s room and quietly reported to Jia Zheng, “All matters are arranged.” Jia Zheng nodded. Outside it was announced that the imperial doctor had come. Jia Lian welcomed him in. The doctor took Mother Jia’s pulse, then came out and quietly told Jia Lian, “The old lady’s pulse is bad. You must be prepared.” Jia Lian understood and quietly told Lady Wang. Lady Wang quickly signaled to Yuanyang to prepare Old Ancestor’s burial clothes. Yuanyang went to see to it. Mother Jia opened her eyes and wanted tea. Lady Xing brought a cup of ginseng broth. As soon as Mother Jia touched the cup, she said, “Not that. Pour me a cup of clear tea.” No one dared disobey, and tea was quickly brought. Mother Jia drank a sip, asked for more, drank another sip, and said, “I want to sit up.” Jia Zheng and the others urged, “If Old Ancestor has any instructions, just say them. Do not force yourself to sit up.” Mother Jia said, “After drinking water, I feel a little better. Let me lean up and sit awhile and talk with you.” Zhenzhu and the others gently helped Mother Jia sit up. Her spirits seemed somewhat better. No one knew whether Mother Jia would live or die. Read the next chapter for the outcome.