Xifeng, Proud and Strong, Is Ashamed to Admit Her Illness; Wang’er’s Wife, Relying on Power, Forces Through a Marriage

Faithful walked out of the side gate, her face still burning and her heart pounding. She had never expected to run into such a thing. She thought to herself: This is no small matter. If word gets out, it will involve an illicit affair. People may die, and others will be dragged in. Fortunately it has nothing to do with me. I will bury it in my heart and not mention it to anyone. She went back and reported to the old lady, and then everyone retired. From then on, she seldom entered Grand View Garden at night. She thought, if such strange things are hidden even in the garden, other places must be even harder to predict; so she did not dare walk about casually elsewhere either.

As for Chess, she had played with her cousin on her aunt’s side since childhood. As children they had joked and vowed that they would marry no one but each other. When they grew up, both were outstanding in looks. Each time Chess went home, they exchanged glances, unable to forget their old love, but they had no chance to meet. They also feared their parents would not agree, so they bribed an old woman in the garden to leave a gate open and keep watch for them. This time, taking advantage of the crowds and confusion during the old lady’s birthday celebrations, they had managed a secret meeting. Though they had not become husband and wife, they had already sworn vows and exchanged tokens, and their feelings were deep. Suddenly Faithful discovered them. The young man hurried through the flowers and trees and escaped through the side gate.

Chess did not sleep all night, full of regret. The next day when she saw Faithful, her face turned red and white by turns, and she was utterly ashamed. With this matter on her mind, she could not eat or drink and was restless sitting or lying. After enduring two days without hearing a whisper, she began to relax a little. That evening an old woman came secretly to tell her, “Your cousin has run away. He has not been home for three or four days, and people are searching everywhere.” When Chess heard this, she nearly fainted with anger. She thought: Even if the matter were exposed, we should face it together. He is a man, yet he ran away first. Clearly he is heartless. Another layer of anger was added to her heart. The next day she felt unwell and could not hold up. She took to her bed and lay ill.

Faithful heard that a page had run away from the garden and that Chess was seriously ill and wanted to move out to recover. She guessed that the two had been frightened by the fear that she would expose them, and she felt uneasy instead. Taking the chance to visit Chess, she sent everyone else away and swore to her: “If I breathe half a word of this to anyone, may I be punished at once! Set your heart at rest and nurse your illness. Do not throw your life away for nothing.”

Chess seized Faithful’s hand and wept. “Good sister, we grew up together day and night. You never treated me as an outsider, and I never dared slight you. Now I have taken one wrong step. If you truly keep your mouth shut, you will be like my own mother. Every day I live from now on will be a gift from you. When I am well, I will set up a long-life tablet for you, burn incense every day, and pray for your happiness and longevity. If I die, may I repay you as a donkey or a dog in my next life. As the saying goes, ‘Even a long feast must end.’ In two or three years we must all leave here. And it is also said, ‘Drifting duckweed may meet again; how can people never meet?’ If we meet again in the future, how shall I repay your kindness?”

These words made Faithful’s heart ache, and tears fell from her eyes. She nodded. “That is just the truth. I am not a steward. Why should I ruin your reputation by gossiping? Besides, this is not something I could easily speak of to others. Set your mind at ease. When you recover, you must behave yourself and never do such a wrong thing again.” Chess nodded on the pillow.

Faithful comforted her a while longer, then left. She heard that Jia Lian was not at home, and she saw that Xifeng had been listless for the past two days, unlike her usual self. She went to visit her on the way. Entering Xifeng’s courtyard, the servants at the second gate saw who she was and quickly greeted her and let her pass. When Faithful reached the main hall, Patience came out from the inner room and whispered with a smile, “The mistress has just eaten and is taking a nap. Sister, sit in this room for a while.” Faithful followed Patience to the east room, and a little maid served tea.

Faithful asked in a low voice, “What is wrong with your mistress these two days? She looks languid.” Patience saw that no one was in the room and sighed. “It has been more than these two days. It began a month ago. With the birthday feasts and some petty anger, her old illness has returned. These last two days it has grown worse, and she can no longer hide it.” Faithful quickly asked, “Then why not call a doctor?” Patience sighed. “You still do not understand her temper. Never mind medicine and doctors—if I feel sorry for her and casually ask how she is, she gets angry and says I am cursing her with illness. Even so, she still worries and asks about everything, unwilling to put aside business and rest quietly.”

Faithful said, “Even if she is proud and strong, she should have a doctor see what the illness is, if only to set her mind at ease.” Patience leaned closer and whispered in her ear, “Since her period last month, the flow has not stopped for a whole month. Is that not a serious illness?” Faithful was startled. “Aiyo, by that account, is it not a flooding hemorrhage?” Patience spat and whispered with a smile, “You are a girl. How can you say such frightening things, as if cursing her?” Faithful blushed and whispered with a smile, “I did not understand such illnesses at first. My elder sister died of this illness. I once heard my mother and a relative’s wife talking about it. I did not understand then, and only later came to understand a little.” Patience smiled. “No wonder you know. I had forgotten that.”

As the two were chatting, a little maid came in and reported to Patience, “Old Mrs. Zhu has come again. We told her the mistress is napping, so she went to Lady Wang’s.” Patience nodded. Faithful asked, “Which Old Mrs. Zhu?” Patience said, “The official matchmaker, Mrs. Zhu. The Sun family has come to propose, and for the past two days she has been bringing betrothal cards and pestering us endlessly.” Before she finished, a little maid ran in and said, “The Second Master is back.”

Jia Lian had already reached the door of the main hall and was calling Patience. Patience went out to meet him, and Jia Lian came straight into the room. Seeing Faithful sitting on the kang, he stopped and smiled. “Sister Faithful, today a noble person has graced our humble place.” Faithful did not rise, but smiled. “I came to pay my respects to you and your wife, but one is not at home and the other is asleep.” Jia Lian smiled. “You serve the old lady all year round. I have not yet visited you; how dare I trouble you to come and see us? As it happens, I was just going to look for you. This robe is hot and stuffy. I meant to come back and change to a lined jacket before going to find you, but you came first and saved me the trip.” He sat down.

Faithful asked, “What did you want me for?” Jia Lian smiled first. “There is something I cannot remember clearly, and I thought you would. Last year on the old lady’s birthday, a monk from somewhere offered a waxen-jade Buddha’s-hand citron. The old lady liked it and kept it in her room. A few days ago, for her birthday, I looked through the antique accounts and saw it entered, but I do not know where it is now. The people in the antique room have asked me twice to clarify it so they can record it. So I came to ask you: is it still in the old lady’s room, or was it given to someone to keep?” Faithful replied, “The old lady kept it a few days, tired of it, and gave it to your wife. I had Old Wang’s wife send it over. If you have forgotten, ask your wife and Patience.” Patience was getting clothes and heard this. She came out and said, “It was indeed sent here, and it is stored upstairs. The mistress told the antique room long ago that it was given to us. They were muddle-headed and did not record it, and now they are raking up old accounts.” Jia Lian smiled. “Since it was given to your mistress, how is it I did not know? You secretly kept it?” Patience said, “The mistress told you then. You meant to give it away, but she could not bear to and kept it. Now you have forgotten and accuse us of hiding it. What rare treasure is it? Things ten times more valuable we have never kept privately. Why would we covet this worthless thing?” Jia Lian lowered his head and thought. Then he clapped his hands and smiled. “I am truly muddle-headed now, forgetting things and making people complain. I am not what I was.” Faithful smiled. “No wonder. Household affairs are many, gossip never ends, and if you drink a little, how can you remember everything?” She rose to take leave.

Jia Lian quickly rose to detain her. “Good sister, sit a little longer. I have another favor to ask.” He turned and scolded the little maid. “Why have you not brewed good tea? Bring a clean covered bowl and make tea from the new tribute tea that came yesterday.” Then he said to Faithful, “During the old lady’s birthday, several thousand taels were spent. Rents and land taxes from various places will not be collected until the ninth month. Right now silver is tight. Tomorrow I must send gifts to the Nan’an household and prepare Yuanchun’s Double Ninth gifts, and there are several red and white ceremonies requiring gifts. I need at least two or three thousand taels, and I have nowhere to borrow. As the saying goes, better ask yourself than others. I must trouble you to take a little risk: secretly carry out a chest of gold and silver vessels from the old lady’s storeroom that are not often checked, pawn it for a thousand taels or so to tide me over. Within half a year, when the rents come in, I will redeem and return them. I will never let you bear the blame.”

Faithful laughed. “You are good at finding ways. How did you think of that?” Jia Lian smiled. “I am not lying. Besides you, there are others who could produce a thousand taels, but they are timid and not as understanding and bold as you. If I spoke to them, I would only frighten them. So I would rather strike the golden bell once than break three thousand drumheads.” Before he finished, a little maid from the old lady came hurrying to Faithful. “The old lady has been looking for you everywhere. You are here.” Faithful had to go quickly to the old lady.

When Jia Lian saw Faithful go, he went back to see Xifeng. Xifeng had already woken and heard Jia Lian discussing the pawn with Faithful. She did not speak, but lay on the couch. After Faithful left, Jia Lian came in. Xifeng asked, “Did she agree?” Jia Lian smiled. “She did not agree at once, but there is hope. Tonight you speak for me again, and it will be certain.” Xifeng smiled. “I will not meddle in this. Even if it succeeds, you speak fair now, but when you get the silver you will forget all about it. Who will clean up after you? If the old lady finds out, I will lose the face I have built up for years.” Jia Lian smiled. “Good person, if you help me succeed, I will thank you well.” Xifeng said, “What will you thank me with?” Jia Lian said, “Whatever you want, I will give you.”

Patience smiled nearby. “The mistress does not want other thanks. Yesterday she was thinking of doing something and lacked one or two hundred taels. If the pawn money comes, the mistress can keep one or two hundred taels for use. That would be perfect.” Xifeng smiled. “Good of you to remind me. Then that is settled.” Jia Lian sighed. “You are too ruthless. Never mind a thousand taels from pawning; even three or five thousand in silver I could produce. I did not borrow from you, and just asking you to say a word costs interest. Truly formidable.” Xifeng, hearing this, turned and sat up. “Even if I had thirty or fifty thousand in hand, it would not be to make money off you. Now inside and outside this household, many people gossip behind my back and speak ill of me. It only lacks you joining in. Truly, without family, outside ghosts will not come. Was the wealth of our Wang family earned through your Jia family? Do not disgust me. Your Jia family thinks itself as rich as Shi Chong and Deng Tong. If we swept the cracks in our Wang family’s floors, the money would last you a lifetime. You are shameless to say such things. There is proof: compare Lady Wang’s dowry and mine with yours—what item of ours is inferior to your Jia family’s?” Jia Lian smiled. “It was only a joke. Why be angry? One or two hundred taels is nothing. I still have some on hand. I will give it to you first. How is that?” Xifeng said, “I am not waiting to die and prepare my funeral. Why are you in such a hurry to give me money?” Jia Lian said, “Why such a temper?” Xifeng herself laughed. “It is not that I am quick-tempered; your words stung. I was thinking that the day after tomorrow is the anniversary of Second Sister You. We were sisters for a time. I cannot do much else, but I should go to her grave and burn paper. She left no children. As the saying goes, ‘The former scatters earth to blind the eyes of those who come after’—I should show my heart.” Jia Lian fell silent, lowered his head, and after a long while said, “It is good of you to think of it. I had forgotten. Since it is for the day after tomorrow, when the pawn money comes tomorrow, take what you need.”

Before he finished, Wang’er’s wife came in. Xifeng asked, “Did the marriage proposal succeed?” Wang’er’s wife said, “No. I said only if the mistress would take charge could it be done.” Jia Lian asked, “What is it?” Xifeng explained, “It is no great matter. Wang’er’s son is seventeen this year and not yet married. He wants to marry Cai Xia in Lady Wang’s room. A few days ago Lady Wang saw Cai Xia was getting older and often ill, so she mercifully released her to let her parents choose a husband. Wang’er’s wife came to ask me to be matchmaker. I thought the families were well matched and it would be easy, but when I sounded them out, I met a rebuff. The girl herself is willing, but her parents are too proud and refuse.” Jia Lian said, “Such a small matter. There are many girls better than Cai Xia.” Wang’er’s wife smiled. “Though you say so, if even Cai Xia’s family looks down on us, others will look down on us more. We have finally found a match we like and beg you and the mistress to grant us this favor. The mistress said it could be done, but when I sent someone to sound them out, we got nothing but a snub.” This suited Xifeng. Seeing Jia Lian present, she said nothing and watched his attitude. Jia Lian had other things on his mind and did not take it seriously. But Wang’er was Xifeng’s dowry servant and had done much service. It would not look good to refuse. He said, “This small matter need not be repeated. Go back first. Tomorrow I will send two respectable people to propose, with betrothal gifts, and say it is my idea. If they still refuse, tell them to come see me.”

Wang’er’s wife looked at Xifeng, who gave her a look. Wang’er’s wife understood and quickly knelt to Jia Lian to thank him. Jia Lian said, “You should kowtow to your mistress. Though I have said this, it would be best if your mistress sent for Cai Xia’s mother and discussed it properly. Even if they must agree, do not be too overbearing.” Xifeng immediately said, “Since even you are willing to take trouble, how can I stand by? Wang’er’s wife, do this quickly. Tell your man that all the outside loans must be collected by the end of the year, not one coin short. My reputation is already bad. If it drags another year, everyone will eat me alive.”

Wang’er’s wife smiled. “Mistress worries too much. Who would dare gossip about you? If the accounts are collected, it will be easier and offend fewer people.” Xifeng sneered. “My foolish heart is wasted. I am not greedy for money; the household expenses are huge and income too little. In this room, your master’s and my monthly allowance, plus the four maids’ allowances, is only twenty taels or so. It cannot last three or five days. If I did not shift and borrow to keep things going, we would have collapsed long ago. Now I have the bad name of a usurer. Since that is so, collect all the accounts. Who does not know how to spend? We will sit and consume and see how long it lasts. Recently for the old lady’s birthday, Lady Wang worried for two months and could think of nothing. It was I who suggested selling four or five chests of useless copper and tin vessels stored upstairs for three hundred taels to barely manage the gifts. You know the gold chiming clock sold for five hundred and sixty taels. In less than half a month, a dozen or so matters, big and small, swallowed it all. Now the household is short of money, and someone is scheming to get at the old lady’s storeroom. In another year, I fear we will be selling everyone’s jewelry and clothes to live!” Wang’er’s wife smiled. “Which lady’s or mistress’s jewelry and clothes, if sold, would not last a lifetime? They simply cannot bear to part with them.” Xifeng said, “It is not that I am saying discouraging words, but at this rate I truly cannot hold on. Last night I had a strange dream: a person whose face I knew but whose name I did not came to me and said he was sent by a palace consort to ask for a hundred bolts of brocade. I asked which consort, not our Yuanchun. I would not give it, and he came to snatch it. Just as we struggled, I woke.” Wang’er’s wife smiled. “That is because you worry day and night and always have palace matters on your mind.” As she spoke, a servant reported, “Eunuch Xia’s household has sent a young eunuch with a message.” Jia Lian frowned. “Coming for money again. How many times a year does he fleece us? It never ends.” Xifeng said, “You hide in the inner room. I will see him. If it is small, fine; if large, I have excuses.” Jia Lian hid in the inner chamber. Xifeng had the young eunuch brought in, offered him a seat and tea, and asked his business.

The young eunuch said, “Eunuch Xia has recently taken a fancy to a house and lacks two hundred taels. He sent me to ask if you, Madam, could lend one or two hundred taels and he will return it in a day or two.” Xifeng smiled. “What return? Just take the silver. When we lack money someday, we will borrow from Eunuch Xia.” The young eunuch added, “Eunuch Xia also said the twelve hundred taels borrowed the last two times will be returned together at the end of the year.” Xifeng smiled. “Your Eunuch Xia is too petty, still remembering such a sum. If I may say so without his taking offense, if every loan were repaid so clearly, I do not know how many times it would be. As long as there is silver, take it.” She called Wang’er’s wife. “Go out and first draw two hundred taels.” Wang’er’s wife understood and smiled. “We cannot draw it elsewhere, so we come to the mistress.” Xifeng said, “You only know how to ask the inner treasury, not how to turn money outside.” She called Patience. “Take my two gold necklaces out and pawn them for four hundred taels.” Patience obeyed, brought a brocade box with two necklaces wrapped in brocade: one of filigree gathered pearls, the pearls as large as lotus seeds; one of kingfisher feather and inlaid gems, as fine as palace wares. They were pawned for four hundred taels. Xifeng gave two hundred to the young eunuch and the remaining two hundred to Wang’er’s wife for Mid-Autumn supplies. The young eunuch took leave, and someone was sent to carry the silver out the gate for him. Jia Lian came out from the inner room and sighed. “These palace wolves—when will it end?” Xifeng smiled. “We were just speaking of it, and one came.” Jia Lian said, “Yesterday Eunuch Zhou came and demanded a thousand taels at once. I answered a little slowly and he was displeased. In future we will offend people. If only we could get a windfall of two or three million taels.” Patience attended Xifeng as she washed and changed, then went to the old lady’s to serve dinner.

Jia Lian went out and had just reached the outer study when Lin Zhixiao came to report. Jia Lian asked what it was. Lin Zhixiao said, “I heard Jia Yucun has been demoted. I do not know if it is true or why.” Jia Lian said, “True or not, his official position was never secure. If trouble comes later, it may involve us. Best to keep our distance.” Lin Zhixiao said, “That is reasonable, but hard to do. Jia Zhen of the East Mansion is close to him, and the master appreciates him. They visit often, and everyone knows.” Jia Lian said, “As long as we do not join him in any great undertaking, it does not matter. Inquire carefully and see why he was demoted.”

Lin Zhixiao agreed but did not leave. He sat in a chair and chatted. He took the occasion to speak of the household’s difficulties. “The household has too many people. We should find a chance to report to the old lady and the master and mercifully release a few households of old servants who are no longer useful. First, they can make their own living; second, the household will save their grain and monthly allowances each year. Also there are too many young ladies’ maids. As the saying goes, times differ; we cannot follow old rules. Those who had eight maids should be reduced to six; those with four to two. Adding up all the rooms, we can save a good deal of money and grain each year. Moreover, many maids are grown and should be married off. Once they set up households, they will produce more people.” Jia Lian said, “I have thought so too. But the master has just returned to the capital, and many great matters are unsettled. He has no time for this. Recently when the official matchmaker brought betrothal cards, Lady Wang said the master had just come home and the family was reunited. Suddenly bringing up marrying off maids might sadden him, so it is postponed.” Lin Zhixiao said, “Lady Wang is thoughtful.” Jia Lian suddenly remembered. “Speaking of that, Wang’er’s son wants to marry Cai Xia in Lady Wang’s room. Yesterday Wang’er begged me. I thought it no great matter and would send someone to propose, saying it was my wish.”

Lin Zhixiao was silent a moment, then advised, “Second Master, best not meddle in this. Wang’er’s youngest son, though young, drinks and gambles outside and does every evil. Though they are all servants, this is a lifetime marriage. Cai Xia, though I have not often seen her, is said to be very good-looking. Why ruin her life for nothing?” Jia Lian asked, “His son is really a drunkard and good-for-nothing?” Lin Zhixiao sneered, “Not only drinking and gambling; he does every bad thing outside. Because he is one of the mistress’s people, we close one eye.” Jia Lian said, “I did not know. In that case, why give him a wife? First give him a beating, lock him up, then question his parents.” Lin Zhixiao smiled, “No need to rush. When he makes trouble again, we will report to you. Let it pass this time.” Jia Lian said no more. Lin Zhixiao took leave.

That evening Xifeng had already sent for Cai Xia’s mother to propose. Cai Xia’s mother was unwilling in her heart, but Xifeng herself was matchmaker—what an honor. She could not help herself and agreed readily. Xifeng asked Jia Lian how the proposal was going. Jia Lian said, “I meant to speak, but heard Wang’er’s son is a bad lot, so I have not yet. If he is truly vicious, discipline him first, then find him a wife.” Xifeng asked, “Who told you he is bad?” Jia Lian said, “The servants in the household.” Xifeng smiled, “The people of our Wang family—even I do not meet your eyes, let alone a servant. I have already settled it with Cai Xia’s mother. She agreed happily. Would you call them back and break it off?” Jia Lian said, “Since you have settled it, do not break it. Tomorrow tell Wang’er to discipline his son.”

Now Cai Xia, having been released from the mansion, waited for her parents to choose a husband. She had long been fond of Jia Huan, but nothing had been settled. Now Wang’er repeatedly sought the match. She had heard Wang’er’s son was fond of drink and gambling, ugly, and good for nothing. She was deeply unhappy, fearing Wang’er would use Xifeng’s power to force the marriage and ruin her life. That night she secretly called her younger sister Xiao Xia into the second gate to ask Concubine Zhao for news.

Concubine Zhao had always been close to Cai Xia and wanted to give her to Jia Huan as a helper. She had not expected Lady Wang to release Cai Xia. She had often urged Jia Huan to ask Lady Wang for Cai Xia. Jia Huan was too ashamed to speak, and he did not value Cai Xia much, thinking she was only a maid and there would be others after she left. He kept delaying and did not take it seriously. Concubine Zhao was unwilling. Hearing Xiao Xia had come to ask, she found a chance that night to plead with Jia Zheng.

Jia Zheng said, “What is the hurry? Wait until Baoyu and Jia Huan have studied another year or two; then arranging maids will not be too late. I have already noted two maids, one for Baoyu and one for Huan. They are still young, and I fear it will interfere with their studies. We will wait a year or two.” Concubine Zhao quickly said, “Baoyu already has someone in his room. Does the master not know?” Jia Zheng quickly asked, “Who gave her to him?” Concubine Zhao was about to speak when suddenly a loud noise came from outside. Everyone was startled. No one knew what had happened. Read the next chapter.