While Xifeng, in jest, contributes money for a birthday feast, Jia Baoyu, prompted by affection, sacrifices incense in a lonely shrine.

Lady Wang saw that Grandmother Jia’s illness in the Garden, contracted from a slight chill, was nothing serious; and when the doctor had given her two doses of medicine and she was better, she felt relieved, and summoned Xifeng to discuss what things should be sent to Jia Zheng.

They were talking when a messenger came to say that Grandmother Jia wished to see them. Lady Wang at once went with Xifeng to her apartments, and asked whether she felt much better. “Yes, I am much better today,” answered Grandmother Jia. “The pheasant broth you sent me was very tasty. I ate a little of it and two pieces of the meat, and felt very comfortable.” “That was a filial offering from Xifeng,” said Lady Wang, smiling. “She is a good girl, and all your love for her is not thrown away.” “It was good of her to think of it,” said Grandmother Jia. “If there is any more pheasant, fry a little and salt it well. It is good with porridge, though the broth is too rich for it.” Xifeng promised to tell the kitchen to prepare it at once.

Then Grandmother Jia said to Lady Wang, smiling, “I sent for you for a reason. The second of the ninth month is Xifeng’s birthday. Two years ago I meant to celebrate it, but something important intervened and the day passed. This year everyone is here and there is nothing to prevent us. Let us enjoy ourselves for a day.” “I have been thinking the same,” said Lady Wang. “If you are happy, let us decide upon it.” “In previous years,” said Grandmother Jia, “everyone sent presents, which is a commonplace custom and makes people seem like strangers. I have thought of a new way, which will not seem so stiff and will be more amusing.” “Whatever you think best,” said Lady Wang. “Let us follow the custom of ordinary families,” said Grandmother Jia, “and contribute what we can afford, according to our means.” “That would be very amusing,” said Lady Wang. “But how shall we apportion it?” Grandmother Jia was delighted, and sent to invite Aunt Xue, Lady Xing, the young ladies, Baoyu, and also the wives of the elder branch, and the chief stewards’ wives. In a short time a crowd of old and young, high and low, filled the room. Aunt Xue sat facing Grandmother Jia; Lady Xing and Lady Wang sat on chairs by the door; Baozhai and her companions sat on the kang; Baoyu was in Grandmother Jia’s lap; and the floor was crowded. Grandmother Jia ordered stools for the old nurses, for in the Jia family old servants who had served the parents were treated with more respect than the younger masters. So the old nurses sat on stools, while You-shi and Xifeng stood.

Grandmother Jia explained her plan, and everyone agreed, some to please Xifeng, some because they liked the idea, some from fear of Xifeng, and all because they could afford it. Grandmother Jia began by contributing twenty taels. Aunt Xue said she would give the same. Lady Xing and Lady Wang said they would give sixteen taels each. You-shi and Li Wan said they would give twelve taels each. But Grandmother Jia said to Li Wan, “You are a widow and have no money. I will pay for you.” Xifeng laughed. “Don’t be in a hurry, Grandma. You already have two shares, and now you are paying for Li Wan. You will be sorry afterwards and say it was all for me, and then you will find some way to make me pay three or four shares secretly.” Everyone laughed. “What do you propose?” asked Grandmother Jia. “I will pay Li Wan’s share myself,” said Xifeng. “I will not contribute anything, but on the day I will eat and drink and enjoy myself.” This was agreed. Then Xifeng said, “There is another thing. You, Grandma, give twenty taels, and Lin and Baoyu give two shares. Aunt Xue gives twenty taels, and Baozhai gives one share. But the two ladies give sixteen taels each and have no one to pay for them. That is unfair to you.” “You are right,” said Grandmother Jia. “They would have cheated me.” Xifeng suggested that the two ladies should each take one of the girls and pay for her. This was agreed. Then the old nurse Lai Da’s mother said, “This is upside down. I am sorry for the two ladies. Here is a daughter-in-law and a niece who side against their mother-in-law and aunt.” Everyone laughed. Then she asked what the young married women should give. Grandmother Jia said, “You are rich, though your position is low. You must give the same as they do.” The old nurses agreed. Then Grandmother Jia said the young ladies should give a month’s allowance each. She also told Yuanyang to collect from the maids, who gave various sums. Ping’er gave two taels, and Xifeng said she should not, but Ping’er said she had already given privately, and this was a public contribution. Then Xifeng said they should ask the two concubines, and they each gave two taels. You-shi scolded Xifeng for making the poor concubines contribute, but Xifeng said they had money and it was better to use it for their amusement.

When all was counted, there were over a hundred and fifty taels. Grandmother Jia said it was enough for a day’s entertainment. You-shi said it would be enough for two or three days. It was decided to hire a company of players. Grandmother Jia said she would leave everything to You-shi, and Xifeng was not to worry. Then they all dispersed.

You-shi went to Xifeng’s room to discuss the arrangements. Xifeng said she was to follow Grandmother Jia’s wishes. You-shi said Xifeng was very lucky, and Xifeng said she had not asked for it. You-shi advised her not to be too elated.

The next day the money was sent to the Ningguo Mansion. You-shi asked who had brought it, and was told it was Lin Zhixiao’s wife. You-shi called her in and asked how much was in the packet. She said it was the servants’ contribution, and the old lady’s and the ladies’ were not yet sent. Then the Rongguo Mansion sent their contributions, including those of Baozhai and Daiyu. You-shi asked who were missing, and was told the old lady, the ladies, the young ladies, and the maids. You-shi asked about Li Wan’s share. Lin Zhixiao’s wife said it was all in Xifeng’s hands.

You-shi then went to the Rongguo Mansion and saw Xifeng, who had the money ready. You-shi insisted on counting it, and found Li Wan’s share missing. Xifeng said it was not needed. You-shi said she would not agree, and Xifeng said she would not be responsible if anything happened. Then You-shi took Ping’er’s share and gave it back to her. Ping’er accepted. You-shi said Xifeng was too grasping, and that she would not be able to spend all the money even if she took it to her grave.

You-shi then went to Grandmother Jia’s apartments, and after greeting her, went to Yuanyang’s room to consult with her. She also returned Yuanyang’s two taels, and later returned Caiyun’s and the two concubines’ shares. The concubines were afraid to accept, but You-shi said she would take the responsibility.

On the second of the ninth month, everyone in the Garden knew that You-shi had arranged a great celebration, with plays, variety shows, and storytelling. Li Wan reminded the girls that it was the day for the poetry club, and that Baoyu was not there. She sent for him, but was told he had gone out early. The girls were surprised. Then Xiren came and explained that Baoyu had gone to the Prince of Beijing’s mansion because a concubine had died. Li Wan said he should have asked leave. Xiren said he had left early in the morning.

In reality, Baoyu had a private affair. The day before he had told Mingyan to prepare two horses at the back gate early in the morning, and to tell Li Gui that he was going to the Prince of Beijing’s mansion. At dawn he went out in plain clothes, mounted, and rode away. Mingyan followed, asking where they were going. Baoyu said he wanted a quiet place. They rode out of the city for seven or eight li, until they were in open country. Baoyu asked if there was any place to buy incense. Mingyan said there was incense, but not the kinds Baoyu wanted. Baoyu remembered he had some in his purse. Then he asked for a censer and charcoal. Mingyan said they could not be had in the open country. Baoyu said he had not brought them because he had come in a hurry. Mingyan suggested they go to the Water Immortal Nunnery, which was two li ahead. Baoyu agreed, and said he would borrow a censer from the nun. Mingyan asked why he disliked the nunnery, and Baoyu explained that he hated the foolish people who built temples to imaginary gods. But today it suited his purpose.

They arrived at the nunnery. The old nun was surprised to see Baoyu, and welcomed him. Baoyu did not worship the image of the Goddess of the Luo River, but admired it. He wept. He borrowed a censer, and Mingyan prepared incense and paper. Baoyu told him to put the censer in the back yard. They found a clean place on the well-platform. Baoyu burned incense and bowed. Mingyan, not knowing whom he was mourning, prayed that the spirit would protect Baoyu in the next life, so that he might be born a girl and be with her. Baoyu laughed and kicked him, telling him not to talk nonsense.

Mingyan said he had told the nun to prepare a vegetarian meal. Baoyu said he would eat a little. Mingyan advised him to return home soon, so that his family would not worry. Baoyu agreed. They ate and then rode back to the city. They entered by the back gate and went to Happy Red Court. The old women there were glad to see him and told him that Xiren was frantic, and that he should go to the banquet. Baoyu changed into bright clothes and went to the new large flower hall. He heard music. He saw Yuanyang sitting alone on the porch, weeping. She told him to go in. He asked her where he had been, but she did not answer. He went in and greeted everyone. Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang scolded him for going out without permission, and asked where he had been. He said that a concubine of the Prince of Beijing had died, and he had gone to offer condolences. Grandmother Jia said he must not do it again. Then they all watched the play, “The Story of the Thorn Hairpin.” Grandmother Jia and Aunt Xue were moved to tears.