Wang Xifeng Passes Through Illusion and Returns to Jinling; Zhen Yingjia, Receiving Grace, Returns to the Jade Court

When Baoyu and Baochai heard that Xifeng was dying, they rose quickly. The maids lit candles to attend them. They were just about to go out when someone came from Lady Wang’s quarters to say, “Second Mistress Lian is sinking fast, but she has not yet breathed her last. You two should not go over yet. Her illness is strange. Between the third and fourth watches she kept raving, asking now for a boat, now for a sedan chair. She said she wanted to return to Jinling and be entered in the registers. No one could understand her. She only wept and cried out. Second Master Lian had no choice but to send for paper boats and paper sedan chairs to be made. Before the things arrived, she was already gasping and waiting. We were told to come and say that after she has gone, you may go over.”

Baoyu said, “This is very strange. What would she go to Jinling for?” Xiren said softly to Baoyu, “Did you not have a dream once? I still remember there were many registers in it. Could Second Mistress Lian also be going there?” Baoyu nodded. “Yes. It is a pity I cannot remember a word written in those registers. So human fate is fixed. I wonder where Cousin Lin has gone. Hearing you say this, I seem to understand a little. If I have that dream again, I must look carefully, and then I could know beforehand what will happen.” Xiren said, “There is no talking to you. I made one careless remark, and you took it seriously. Even if you could foreknow the future, what good would it do?” Baoyu said, “I fear I cannot foreknow it. If I could, I would not need to worry myself sick over all of you.”

As the two were speaking, Baochai came over and asked, “What are you talking about?” Baoyu, afraid she would press him, only said, “We were talking about Sister Feng.” Baochai said, “She is nearly dead, and you are still discussing her. Last year you said I was cursing people. Did not the lot she drew then come true now?” Baoyu thought, then clapped his hands. “Right, right. Then you can foreknow the future. Let me ask you—do you know what will become of me?” Baochai laughed. “You are being foolish again. I only explained a few words from the lot she drew, and you took it seriously. You are just like Sister Xing. When you lost your jade, she went to Miaoyu for planchette writing. The words written were beyond anyone’s understanding, and she privately told me Miaoyu could foreknow good and ill and understood Chan and the Way. But now that Sister Xing has met such great calamity, why did she foresee nothing herself? What kind of foreknowledge is that? Even if I happened to be right about Second Mistress Lian, I did not really know what would happen to her. I am afraid I do not even know what will become of myself. How can such vague and empty talk be taken seriously?” Baoyu said, “Say no more of her. Let us speak of Sister Xing. Since our family has had one trouble after another, her affairs have been forgotten. Such a great marriage in your family—why was it done so hastily, without inviting relatives and friends?” Baochai said, “You are being pedantic again. Among our relatives, only our family and the Wang family are closest. The Wang family now has no elder able to take charge. Our family is in mourning for Old Ancestor, so it was not done on a grand scale. Second Brother Lian simply arranged it. There are one or two other relatives, but you did not go, so naturally you do not know. When you reckon it, my second sister-in-law’s fate is much like mine. At first, when she was betrothed to my second brother, my mother wanted to make a fine wedding. First, because my elder brother is still in prison, my second brother did not want extravagance. Second, our family has had one trouble after another. Third, my second sister-in-law had a very hard time at Lady Xing’s, and then came the confiscation. Lady Xing is harsh, and she could hardly endure it. So I discussed it with my mother and brought her in simply. Now I see that my second sister-in-law is content and willing to serve my mother, ten times better than a daughter-in-law born of her own flesh. She keeps to a wife’s duty toward my second brother and gets on well with Xiangling. When my second brother is not at home, the two live together in harmony. Though the family is poorer, my mother has actually been more peaceful lately. She only grieves when she thinks of my elder brother. And my brother often sends people home for money. Thanks to my second brother collecting debts outside, he can help. I hear several houses in town have already been pawned. One is left, and they plan to move there.” Baoyu said, “Why move away? Living here, it is convenient for you to visit. If they move far, a visit will take a whole day.” Baochai said, “Though we are relatives, in the end each household lives better on its own. No one lives in a relative’s house forever.”

Baoyu wanted to urge her further, but someone came again from Lady Wang’s side to report, “Second Mistress Lian has breathed her last. Everyone has gone over. Please, Second Master and Second Mistress, go quickly.” When Baoyu heard, he could not help stamping his foot and wanting to weep. Baochai, though grieved herself, feared Baoyu would grieve too much, so she said, “Rather than weep here, let us go there and weep.”

So the two hurried to Xifeng’s quarters. They saw many people gathered around the bed, weeping. Baochai went forward and saw that Xifeng had already been laid out on the bed. She immediately wept aloud. Baoyu also took Jia Lian’s hand and wept bitterly. Jia Lian wept again with him. Ping’er and the others, seeing that no one was urging them to stop, had to hold back their grief and come forward to persuade them. But everyone was still grief-stricken. Jia Lian was so flustered he did not know what to do. He sent for Lai Da and told him to manage the funeral. He himself first went to report to Jia Zheng, then arranged what followed. But there was no money at hand, and he was hard pressed everywhere. He also remembered Xifeng’s many kindnesses in former days and wept even more bitterly. Seeing Qiaojie weeping as if she would die, he felt even worse. They wept until dawn. He at once sent someone to invite Qiaojie’s maternal uncle Wang Ren. Since Wang Ziteng’s death, Wang Zisheng had been useless, and Wang Ren had done as he pleased, long ago causing discord among the relatives. Now hearing his sister was dead, he had no choice but to come and weep. Seeing that the funeral was being managed frugally, he was very displeased and said, “My sister managed your household bitterly for so many years and never did anything wrong. Your family should have given her a fine funeral. Why are even the things not yet ready?” Jia Lian had never gotten along with Wang Ren. Hearing this nonsense, he knew Wang Ren was unreasonable and did not want to pay him much attention. Wang Ren called his niece Qiaojie over and said, “When your mother was alive, she did not manage things thoroughly. She only tried to please Old Ancestor and never took our family into account. Niece, you have grown up too. When have you ever seen me get any benefit from your family? Now your mother is gone, and in everything you must listen to your uncle. Of your mother’s family, only your second uncle and I are left. I have long known what your father is like—he values outsiders only. When Aunt You died, I was not in the capital, but I heard a great deal of silver was spent. Now that your mother has passed away, your father means to send her off so shabbily! Go quickly and urge your father.” Qiaojie said, “My father would like to do things properly too, but we are not what we were. There is no money in hand, so many things must be cut down.” Wang Ren said, “Surely you still have plenty of things!” Qiaojie said, “When the house was confiscated last year, everything was taken away. What is left?” Wang Ren said, “You say that too. I heard Old Ancestor gave you many things. You should bring them out.” Qiaojie could not well say that her father had already taken them to use, so she only pleaded ignorance. Wang Ren said, “Oh, I understand. You simply want to keep them for your dowry.” Qiaojie did not dare contradict him. She was so angry that she choked and wept. Ping’er said angrily, “If Uncle has something to say, wait until our Second Master comes in. The girl is young and knows nothing of such matters.” Wang Ren said, “You people wish Second Mistress were dead so you can seize power. It is not that I want anything. A decent funeral would be to your family’s credit too.” Then he sat down in a huff. Qiaojie was deeply upset. She thought, “My father is not a heartless man. When my mother was alive, my uncle took who knows how many things from our house, and now he speaks as if he were clean of it all.” From then on she looked down on this uncle. But Wang Ren secretly calculated: His sister must have saved much property. Though the house had been confiscated, the silver hidden in her rooms must be considerable. “She must have been afraid I would ask for it, so she joined in the lie. This little girl cannot be relied on either.” After that, Wang Ren also turned against Qiaojie.

Jia Lian knew nothing of this quarrel. He was busy trying to raise money. The outside affairs were given to Lai Da. The household expenses also required a good deal, and for a time he could not gather enough. Ping’er saw his anxiety and said to Jia Lian, “Second Master, do not ruin your health.” Jia Lian said, “What health is there to speak of? We have not even daily expenses, and how shall we manage the funeral? And there is a muddled man here making trouble. What do you suggest?” Ping’er said, “Second Master need not worry. If it is money you lack, I still have a few things. When the house was confiscated last year, they fortunately were not taken. They are kept in my room. If you need them, take them and pawn them for emergency.” Jia Lian was deeply grateful and said with a smile, “That is best. It saves me begging everywhere. When I get silver, I will repay you.” Ping’er said, “My things were all given me by Mistress. There is no question of repayment. Only let the funeral be a little more decent.” Jia Lian was deeply moved by Ping’er. He pawned her jewelry for money and discussed all matters, great and small, with her. Qiutong was displeased and often complained, “Now that Ping’er has no mistress to back her, she is climbing up. I was given to Second Master by the Master. How is it that she puts herself above me?” Ping’er heard the resentment in her words but paid no attention. Jia Lian, now clear-eyed in his heart, disliked Qiutong more and more. When he was gloomy, he took it out on Qiutong. When Lady Xing learned of it, she instead blamed Jia Lian for being wrong. Jia Lian could only swallow his anger. Of this no more for the moment.

After Xifeng’s coffin had rested for more than ten days, the funeral and burial took place. Jia Zheng was in mourning for Mother Jia and stayed in the outer study. Most of his former hangers-on and protégés gradually took their leave. Only Cheng Rixing remained in the household, often keeping Jia Zheng company in casual talk. They spoke of how the family’s fortunes had declined and how several people had died one after another. The Elder Master and Master Zhen were away, and life grew harder day by day. They did not know how the harvest on the eastern estates would be, and it looked as though they could not hold on. Cheng Rixing said, “I have been in this household for many years and know in my heart that everyone in charge thinks only of lining his own pockets. Year after year they carry the household’s goods to their own homes, and so the estate grows emptier every year. Add to that the expenses of the Elder Master and Master Zhen, the debts outside, and the great loss suffered recently. It will be hard to have the authorities catch the thieves and recover the stolen goods. If you wish to set the household in order, Venerable Sir, you had better call in the stewards and send a trustworthy confidant to investigate the accounts, fields, and lands everywhere. Those who should be dismissed, dismiss; those who should be kept, keep. Where a deficit is found, make the one who handled it repay. Only thus can the estate be made clear. As for that great garden, no one else dares buy it. It once brought in income, but now no one guards it. In the years when you were not at home, the servants played ghosts and spirits and made people afraid to enter. These are all abuses created by the stewards and servants. If you now investigate the servants carefully, keep the capable and drive out the bad, that is the proper way.” Jia Zheng nodded. “You do not know, Sir. Never mind the servants—even my own nephews cannot be relied on. If I investigated myself, how could I verify everything with my own eyes? Besides, I am in mourning and cannot attend to such trifles. I have never been good at managing a household. Many inner details of the family, great and small, are unknown to me.” Cheng Rixing said, “Venerable Sir, you are most benevolent. In another family, fallen to such a state, they could still hold out for five or six years simply by demanding restitution from the stewards. I hear some of your family servants have even become district magistrates.” Jia Zheng said, “If I set my mind on squeezing money from servants, that would be most unseemly. I can only live frugally myself. But as for the property recorded in the registers, if it truly exists, well and good; I fear much of it is nominal only.” Cheng Rixing said, “Venerable Sir sees it clearly. That is why I said an investigation should be made.” Jia Zheng said, “You must have heard something.” Cheng Rixing said, “I know a little of how the stewards secretly enrich themselves, but I dare not speak recklessly.” Jia Zheng sensed there was more behind his words and sighed deeply. “From my grandfather’s generation, our family has always treated others generously and never dealt harshly with servants. Yet these servants now are worse year by year. If I let them put on the airs of masters while I am here, it will only make us a laughingstock.”

As the two were speaking, the gate servant came in and announced, “Master Zhen of Jiangnan has arrived.” Jia Zheng asked, “Why has Master Zhen come to the capital?” The servant replied, “This servant inquired. They say he has received the Emperor’s grace and been restored to office.” Jia Zheng said, “Say no more. Ask him in quickly.” The servant went out and invited Zhen Yingjia in. This Master Zhen was the father of Zhen Baoyu. His name was Zhen Yingjia, courtesy name Youzhong. He was also a man of Jinling, and his ancestors had won merit. He and the Jia family had long been relatives and often exchanged visits. The year before, he had been implicated, stripped of office, and his property confiscated. Now the Emperor, mindful of his ancestors’ merit, restored his hereditary office and summoned him to the capital to have audience. Hearing that Mother Jia had just passed away, he had specially prepared offerings and intended to go to the place where the coffin rested to pay his respects, so he first came to call. Jia Zheng, being in mourning, could not go far to welcome him. He waited at the gate of the outer study. When Master Zhen saw Jia Zheng, grief and joy mingled. Because Jia Zheng was in mourning, it was not convenient to perform grand ceremony. They took each other’s hands and spoke of long separation and longing. Then they sat as host and guest, tea was served, and they told each other what had befallen them since parting. Jia Zheng asked, “When did you have audience, old kinsman?” Zhen Yingjia said, “The day before yesterday.” Jia Zheng said, “The Emperor’s grace is deep. There must have been many kind edicts.” Zhen Yingjia said, “The Emperor’s grace is higher than heaven. Several edicts were issued.” Jia Zheng asked, “What edicts?” Zhen Yingjia said, “Recently rebels have risen in the south, and the coastal people have no peace. The Emperor has sent the Duke of Anguo with troops to suppress them. Knowing that I am familiar with the local customs, the Emperor has ordered me to go and pacify the people. I set out soon. Yesterday I heard Old Ancestor had passed away, so I prepared incense and candles and will go to the coffin to offer sacrifice, as a small token of my heart.” Jia Zheng quickly bowed and thanked him, saying, “On this journey, old kinsman, you will surely pacify the people and not fail the Emperor’s trust. It is a great merit. It is a pity I cannot see with my own eyes your talents displayed. I will wait quietly for news of victory. Now the Commandant of Zhenhai is my in-law. When you go there, I hope you will show him some consideration.” Zhen Yingjia asked, “What relation is old kinsman to this Commandant?” Jia Zheng said, “Years ago, when I was Grain Intendant in Jiangxi, I betrothed my younger daughter to the Commandant’s son. They have been married three years. Because the case at the seaport has not been settled, and then pirates arose, there has been no word. I am deeply concerned for my daughter. After you have finished your pacification, I beg you, when convenient, to help inquire after her. I will write a letter and trouble you to send it by someone. I would be endlessly grateful.” Zhen Yingjia said, “Concern for one’s children is human nature. I too have a matter to entrust to you, old kinsman. This time, by imperial grace, I have been summoned to the capital. Since my son is young and there is no one at home to look after him, I have brought my whole family to the capital. The Emperor’s time limit is urgent. I must travel day and night and go ahead. My family will travel slowly and will not arrive for some time. I am leaving the capital by decree and cannot stay long. In the future, when my family arrives in the capital, they will certainly come to visit your honored house, and I will have my son come to pay his respects. If the boy is worth teaching, and if in the future there is a suitable marriage, I hope you will keep him in mind.” Jia Zheng agreed to all of it. Zhen Yingjia said a few more words, then rose to take leave, saying, “Tomorrow I will see you again outside the city.” Jia Zheng saw that his official business was pressing and knew he could not sit long, so he saw him out of the study.

Jia Lian and Baoyu had long been waiting outside to help see off the guest. Jia Zheng had not called them, so they did not dare enter the study. When Zhen Yingjia came out, the two came forward to pay their respects. Zhen Yingjia looked at Baoyu and was startled. He thought, “Why does this person look exactly like my own Baoyu, only dressed in mourning?” So he asked, “We are close relatives, and it has been long since we met. I cannot recognize either of your young gentlemen.” Jia Zheng quickly pointed to Jia Lian and said, “This is my elder brother Jia She’s son, my second nephew Lian.” Then pointing to Baoyu, he said, “This is my second son, named Baoyu.” Zhen Yingjia clapped his hands in amazement. “This is truly strange! At home I heard that old kinsman had a beloved son born with a piece of jade in his mouth, named Baoyu. He has the same name as my son. At the time I thought it strange, but later I thought identical names were common enough and paid it no mind. Who would have thought that today I would see that not only his face resembles him, but his bearing and manner are exactly the same. It is most strange.” He asked their ages. Zhen Baoyu was one year younger than Jia Baoyu. Jia Zheng then mentioned how Bao Yong had come to them, and told of the strange matter of the two boys sharing the same name. Zhen Yingjia’s mind was still on Baoyu, and he had no time to ask in detail about Bao Yong. He only exclaimed again and again, “Most strange!” He also took Baoyu’s hand with great warmth. Thinking that the Duke of Anguo would soon set out and that he himself must hurry to prepare for the long journey, he had to take leave reluctantly and walked slowly outward. Jia Lian and Baoyu escorted him all the way out. On the road Zhen Yingjia asked Baoyu many things. After Zhen Yingjia got into his carriage and left, Jia Lian and Baoyu returned to see Jia Zheng and reported how Zhen Yingjia had questioned them. Jia Zheng told the two to go back to their own quarters. Jia Lian continued to check the accounts of Xifeng’s funeral. Baoyu returned to his room and said to Baochai, “I have often heard people speak of Zhen Baoyu. I have always wanted to meet him but could not. Today I met his father first. I also hear Zhen Baoyu will soon come to the capital and will come to pay his respects to Father. Everyone says he looks exactly like me, and I have never believed it. In a few days, when he comes to our house, you must all take a look and see whether he really resembles me.” When Baochai heard this, she said, “Aiya, the more you speak, the less careful you are. What man looks like you, and you want us to go and look?” Baoyu then realized he had spoken out of turn. His face reddened, and he hurried to explain. What he was about to say will be told in the next chapter.