Wang Xifeng Abuses Her Power at the Iron Threshold Temple; Qin Jingqing Finds Pleasure at the Mantou Nunnery

Baoyu looked up and saw the Prince of Beijing, Shui Rong, wearing a white kingly cap with silver wings and pearl tassels, a white python robe embroidered with five-clawed dragons amid river-and-sea patterns, and a red leather belt studded with jade. His face was like fine jade, his eyes like bright stars—truly a handsome figure. Baoyu hurried forward to pay his respects, and Shui Rong, from within his sedan, reached out to stay him. He saw Baoyu in a silver coronet, a headband with twin dragons emerging from the sea, a white arrow-sleeved python robe, and a silver-studded belt, with a face like spring flowers and eyes like black lacquer. Shui Rong smiled and said, "Truly worthy of the name—'precious' and 'jade' indeed." He asked, "Where is the treasure you were born with?" Baoyu quickly took it from under his clothes and handed it over. Shui Rong examined it closely, read the inscriptions, and asked, "Does it really work?" Jia Zheng hastily replied, "So it is said, but it has never been put to the test." Shui Rong marvelled at it, then straightened the coloured cords and put it back on Baoyu with his own hands. He took Baoyu's hand and asked his age and what books he studied. Baoyu answered all.

Seeing Baoyu's clear speech and polished conversation, Shui Rong said to Jia Zheng with a smile, "Your son is truly a young dragon or a fledgling phoenix. I do not flatter you when I say that 'the fledgling phoenix will sing more clearly than the old'—his future is boundless." Jia Zheng smiled politely in return, "My unworthy son hardly deserves such praise. If, by your Highness's blessing, he should prove so, it would be our family's great fortune." Shui Rong added, "Yet one thing: with such gifts, I imagine the Dowager and your lady dote on him greatly. But for a young man, too much indulgence is harmful—it leads to neglect of studies. I myself once fell into that error, and I suspect your son may be no different. If he finds it hard to study at home, he is welcome to visit my mansion often. Though I am unworthy, I am fortunate that when famous scholars and recluses come to the capital, they do not overlook me. Thus there are many learned men at my house. If your son comes often to converse with them, his learning will steadily improve." Jia Zheng bowed in agreement.

Shui Rong then took off a string of prayer beads from his wrist and handed them to Baoyu, saying, "This is our first meeting, and I have no fitting gift at hand. This is a string of 'brotherly love' incense beads, bestowed upon me by His Majesty the other day—please accept it as a token." Baoyu took them and turned to hand them to Jia Zheng. Both father and son thanked him. Then Jia She, Jia Zhen, and the others came forward to invite Shui Rong to return to his sedan. Shui Rong said, "The departed has ascended to the immortal realm; she is no longer one of us in this dusty world. Though I have been graced by Heaven with this title, how could I ride ahead of an immortal's bier?" Seeing his insistence, Jia She and the others had to take their leave with thanks, ordered the music to stop, and waited until the entire funeral procession had passed before allowing Shui Rong to return. But no more of that.

Now the funeral procession of the Ning Mansion proceeded with great pomp. At the city gate, sacrificial pavilions set up by Jia She, Jia Zheng, Jia Zhen, their colleagues and subordinates were received in turn, and after acknowledging all, they left the city and took the high road to the Iron Threshold Temple. Jia Zhen, with Jia Rong, went to each of the elders to see them into their carriages, sedan-chairs, or horses. The elders of Jia She's generation boarded their vehicles, and those of Jia Zhen's generation were about to mount their horses. Xifeng, mindful of Baoyu, feared that in the countryside he might be willful and not listen to the servants; since Jia Zheng could not attend to such small matters, she worried that some mishap might occur and she would have to answer to the Dowager. So she sent a page to call him. Baoyu came to her carriage. Xifeng smiled and said, "Good brother, you are a delicate young gentleman, with a disposition like a girl's—don't ape those ruffians on horseback. Get down and ride with me in the carriage—isn't that better?" Baoyu dismounted at once and climbed into Xifeng's carriage, and they chatted as they rode along.

Soon two horsemen galloped up from the side, dismounted not far from Xifeng's carriage, and announced, "There is a resting place ahead—please alight and refresh yourself, mistress." Xifeng sent word to Lady Xing and Lady Wang for instructions; the messenger returned saying, "The ladies say they do not need to stop—you may do as you please." Xifeng then ordered a halt. The pages turned the carriage horses, left the main procession, and sped north. Baoyu, from the carriage, told them to invite Qin Zhong. Qin Zhong had been riding behind his father's sedan when Baoyu's page ran up and asked him to stop for refreshment. Seeing Xifeng's carriage heading north, with Baoyu's horse and saddle being led behind, Qin Zhong knew Baoyu was riding with Xifeng, so he spurred his horse to join them, and they all entered the gateway of a farmstead. The servants had already cleared the farm labourers out. The farmhouse had few rooms, and the women had nowhere to hide, so they could only stay where they were. Those village girls and farm wives, seeing the fine clothes, looks, and refined manners of Xifeng, Baoyu, and Qin Zhong, could not help staring in wonder.

Xifeng entered the thatched hall and told Baoyu and the others to go outside and amuse themselves. They understood and went out with Qin Zhong, accompanied by pages, to explore the place. They had never seen any farming implements before. Baoyu found spades, hoes, ploughs, and mattocks all very curious, not knowing their names or uses. The pages told him each name and function. Baoyu nodded and sighed, "No wonder the ancient poem says, 'Who knows that every grain in the dish comes from bitter toil.'" While speaking, he came to a room with a spinning wheel on the kang. He asked what it was, and the pages explained. Baoyu turned it and played with it, finding it amusing. Then a village girl of seventeen or eighteen ran in, shouting, "Don't break it!" The pages tried to stop her, but Baoyu let go at once and said with a smile, "I've never seen one before, so I was just trying it." The girl said, "You wouldn't know how to work it. Stand aside and I'll spin for you." Qin Zhong whispered to Baoyu with a laugh, "This girl is quite interesting." Baoyu pushed him away, laughing, "You wretch! Say that again and I'll hit you." The girl began to spin. Baoyu was about to speak when an old woman called out, "Er Yatou, come here quickly!" The girl heard, dropped the wheel, and left.

Baoyu felt a sense of loss. Just then Xifeng sent for them. She had washed her hands, changed her clothes, and brushed off the dust, and asked if they wanted to change. Baoyu did not, so they let it be. The servants brought out tea utensils, a tiered picnic box, and various snacks. Xifeng and the others drank tea, and when all was packed, they got back into the carriage. Wang'er had prepared gratuities for the farmstead host. The farm women came to kowtow their thanks. Xifeng paid no heed, but Baoyu looked among the crowd—there was no Er Yatou. Soon they rode out, and not far ahead, they saw Er Yatou carrying her little brother, laughing and chatting with some other girls. Baoyu longed to jump out and follow her, but knew the others would not permit it. He could only watch until the fast carriage and swift horses bore them away, and she was soon out of sight.

They soon rejoined the main funeral procession. Ahead, the monks of the Iron Threshold Temple, with their drums, cymbals, banners, and canopies, had come to receive the coffin. Presently they reached the temple, where more Buddhist rites were performed and altars newly set up. The coffin was placed in an inner side hall, with Baozhu staying in an adjoining room to keep vigil. Outside, Jia Zhen entertained the relatives and friends. Some ate, some left without eating, all took their leave with thanks. They departed in groups according to rank—dukes, marquises, earls, viscounts, barons—and by the end of the Wei hour (about 3 p.m.) all had gone. The womenfolk were looked after by Xifeng; the titled ladies of high officials left first, and by after noon the rest had also dispersed. Only a few close relatives remained for the three-day memorial rites. Lady Xing and Lady Wang, knowing Xifeng could not return home, prepared to go back to the city. Lady Wang wanted to take Baoyu with her, but he, new to the countryside, refused to go and insisted on staying with Xifeng. Lady Wang had no choice but to leave him in Xifeng's care.

Now the Iron Threshold Temple had been founded by the Dukes of Ning and Rong in former days, and still received land and incense offerings, to serve as a convenient place for storing coffins when members of the family died in the capital. Both living quarters and funeral halls had been prepared for those who came to accompany the funeral. But as the descendants grew numerous and their circumstances and temperaments varied, some who were more modest and frugal stayed at the temple, while others, more ostentatious and wealthy, found it inconvenient and would arrange lodgings in nearby villages or nunneries to rest and feast after the rites. For Qin Keqing's funeral, most of the clan stayed at the Iron Threshold Temple, but Xifeng found it inconvenient and had sent word ahead to the Abbess Jingxu of the Mantou Nunnery to reserve two rooms.

The Mantou Nunnery was actually the Water-Moon Convent, nicknamed "Mantou" for its fine steamed buns. It was not far from the Iron Threshold Temple. After the monks had finished their ceremonies and the tea and offerings were presented, Jia Zhen told Jia Rong to ask Xifeng to rest. Seeing that a few of her sisters-in-law were still with the female guests, Xifeng took her leave and, with Baoyu and Qin Zhong, went to the Water-Moon Convent. Qin Ye, being old and unwell, could not stay, and had only asked Qin Zhong to see the funeral through. Qin Zhong therefore stuck close to Xifeng and Baoyu. When they arrived at the convent, Abbess Jingxu came out with her two disciples, Zhishan and Zhineng, to welcome them. After they had changed and washed in the quiet room, Xifeng noticed that Zhineng had grown taller and prettier, and said, "Why haven't you and your master come to our place lately?" Jingxu said, "Indeed we've been so busy—Master Hu's household had a son, and his lady sent ten taels of silver to invite us to chant the Blood Basin Sutra for three days. We've been rushed off our feet and haven't had time to pay our respects."

Leaving the old nun to attend to Xifeng, Baoyu and Qin Zhong wandered about the main hall. When Zhineng came by, Baoyu laughed, "Neng'er is here." Qin Zhong said, "Why bother with her?" Baoyu laughed, "Don't pretend. That day in the Dowager's room when no one was about, what were you doing hugging her? Don't try to fool me now." Qin Zhong said, "Nonsense." Baoyu said, "I don't care about that—just tell her to pour me a cup of tea, and I'll drop it." Qin Zhong said, "That's strange—you can ask her yourself. Why should I?" Baoyu said, "If I ask, it's just a favour—but if you ask, it's a token of affection." Qin Zhong had to say, "Neng'er, pour me some tea." Zhineng had known the Rong household since childhood and was familiar with everyone; she often joked with Baoyu and Qin Zhong. Now that she was older and had begun to understand love, she had taken a fancy to Qin Zhong's handsome looks, and Qin Zhong was equally attracted to her coquettish charm. Though nothing had yet happened between them, they were of one mind. When Zhineng saw Qin Zhong, her heart opened; she went and poured tea. Qin Zhong said, "Give it to me." Baoyu said, "Give it to me!" Zhineng pursed her lips and laughed, "Fighting over one cup of tea—do I have honey in my hands?" Baoyu snatched it, drank, and was about to speak when Zhishan came to call Zhineng to set out tea refreshments. Soon both were invited to have tea and snacks, but they had no appetite and after sitting a moment went out again.

Xifeng also rested briefly in her quiet room, with the old nun attending. Most of the serving women had gradually dispersed to rest, leaving only a few trusted maids. Abbess Jingxu took the opportunity to say, "I have a favour to ask of you, mistress. I was going to petition the lady, but I beg you to give your instructions first." Xifeng asked what it was. The old nun said, "Buddha bless you! When I was a novice at the Shancai Convent in Chang'an County, there was a donor family named Zhang, a wealthy household. They had a daughter nicknamed Jinge. One year they came to the convent to burn incense, and they happened to meet the young master Li, brother-in-law of the prefect of Chang'an. He took a fancy to Jinge and sent a matchmaker to propose. But the girl had already received betrothal gifts from the son of the former garrison commander of Chang'an. If the Zhangs broke the engagement, they feared the commander would not agree—so they said she was already betrothed. Young Li would not give up and insisted on marrying her. The Zhangs were at their wits' end. Then the commander's family, hearing this, without regard for right or wrong, began to abuse and insult them, saying they had betrothed their daughter to several families, and refused to return the betrothal gifts, and even brought a lawsuit. The Zhangs, desperate, sent someone to the capital to seek influence, determined to get the betrothal gifts back. I recalled that Governor Yun of Chang'an is on excellent terms with your household. If you would ask the lady to speak to the master and send a letter to Governor Yun, asking him to speak to the commander, I'm sure the commander would comply. If you can manage this, the Zhangs would be willing to give anything, even their entire fortune, in gratitude."

Xifeng smiled, "That's no great matter—but the lady never involves herself in such things." The old nun said, "If the lady won't, you can decide it yourself." Xifeng laughed, "I don't need money, and I don't do such things." Abbess Jingxu, hearing this, gave up hope. After a pause, she sighed, "Even so, the Zhangs know I've come to beg your house. If nothing is done, they won't know that your house had no time for such trifles or that you don't care for the reward—they might think that your house lacks the means to manage it."

Xifeng was piqued by this and said, "You know me well—I have never believed in hell or retribution. Whatever I say I'll do, I do. Tell them to bring three thousand taels of silver, and I'll settle the matter for them." The old nun was overjoyed and said, "They have it—that's no problem." Xifeng added, "I'm not like those go-betweens who take a cut. This three thousand taels is only for the servants' travelling expenses and their trouble—I won't take a single cent. Even thirty thousand taels, I could produce at this moment." The old nun agreed readily and said, "Then will you be gracious enough to see to it tomorrow?" Xifeng said, "Look how busy I am—there's not a place that doesn't need me. Since I've promised, I'll see it done quickly." The old nun said, "For anyone else, this would be a great task, but for you, even more would be no burden. But as they say, 'The able are always busy.' The lady, seeing you manage everything so well, leaves it all to you—you really should take care of yourself." This flattery pleased Xifeng, and she forgot her weariness and talked on.

Meanwhile, Qin Zhong, taking advantage of the darkness, went to find Zhineng. He entered the back room and found her alone washing tea bowls. He ran up and embraced and kissed her. Zhineng stamped her foot in distress, "What are you doing? If you do that again, I'll scream." Qin Zhong pleaded, "My dear, I'm dying. If you don't agree tonight, I'll die here." Zhineng said, "What do you want? Only when I leave this prison and get away from these people will I consent." Qin Zhong said, "That's easy, but far-off water won't quench present thirst." With that, he blew out the lamp and, in the pitch dark, carried her to the kang and had his way with her. Zhineng struggled in vain and dared not cry out, so she yielded. Just as they were enjoying themselves, someone came in and held them both down without a word. They were terrified and dared not move. Then the person gave a "pfft" of stifled laughter, and they recognized Baoyu by his voice. Qin Zhong scrambled up and protested, "What is this?" Baoyu laughed, "You dare to complain? Let's all shout, then." Zhineng slipped away in the dark. Baoyu pulled Qin Zhong out and said, "Will you still argue with me now?" Qin Zhong smiled, "My dear, just don't tell anyone—I'll agree to anything you want." Baoyu said, "We'll settle accounts later tonight." When it was time to undress and retire, Xifeng was in the inner room, while Qin Zhong and Baoyu slept in the outer, with the serving women sleeping on the floor. Xifeng, fearing the magic jade might be lost, had it taken from Baoyu after he slept and placed it beside her pillow. What accounts Baoyu settled with Qin Zhong that night is not recorded, for no one saw clearly—it remains an unresolved matter, and we dare not speculate.

The next morning, the Dowager and Lady Wang sent people to see Baoyu, telling him to wear more clothes and come home if he had nothing to do. Baoyu would not go back, and Qin Zhong, loath to part with Zhineng, urged Baoyu to beg Xifeng to stay another day. Xifeng thought it over: though the major funeral affairs were settled, there were still minor matters to arrange; by staying another day, she could do Jia Zhen a favour; she could also settle the old nun's business; and she could please Baoyu, which would please the Dowager. With these three advantages, she said to Baoyu, "My affairs are done, but if you want to stay here, we must put up with one more day's fatigue. We'll leave for sure tomorrow." Baoyu pleaded, "Dear sister, just one day—we'll go back tomorrow." So they stayed another night.

Xifeng then quietly told Wang'er about the old nun's matter. Wang'er understood at once, hurried into town, found a clerk, and wrote a letter in Jia Lian's name, and rode post-haste to Chang'an County—only a hundred li away—and settled everything within two days. The governor, Yun Guang, long indebted to the Jia family, naturally granted the favour and sent back a reply, which Wang'er brought. We shall leave that for now.

The next day, Xifeng and the others took leave of the old nun, telling her to come to the mansion in three days for the reply. Qin Zhong and Zhineng parted with great reluctance, with many secret assignations and promises passed between them—too many to detail—and they went their separate ways with heavy hearts. Xifeng also went to the Iron Threshold Temple to look things over. Baozhu was determined not to return home, so Jia Zhen had to send women to keep her company. We shall meet her again later.