Chapter 104: The Drunk Gambler Raises a Storm; The Love-Struck Youth Recalls Past Grief
Chapter 104
The Drunken Diamond Causes a Little Ripple; The Love-Stricken Youth Is Stung by Old Memories
Jia Yucun had just thought of crossing the river when he saw someone running towards him at full speed. The man reached him and said, "Your Excellency, the temple you just entered has caught fire!" Yucun turned his head and saw flames soaring to the sky, with flying ashes obscuring his vision. He thought to himself, "How strange—I only just came out and haven't gone far. Where could this fire have come from? Could it be that Shiyin has met his doom here?" He wanted to go back, but feared delaying his crossing; yet if he didn't return, he felt uneasy. After a moment's thought, he asked, "Did you see that old Taoist come out just now?" The man replied, "I originally followed you out, but because of a stomach ache, I walked a little way off. When I looked back, I saw a blaze of fire. It turned out to be that temple burning, so I hurried back to inform you. I didn't see anyone come out." Though Yucun was suspicious at heart, he was ultimately a man concerned with fame and gain. How could he be willing to go back and check? So he told the man, "Wait here until the fire is out, then go in and see whether that old Taoist is there or not, and come back to report to me." The man had no choice but to agree and wait.
Yucun crossed the river and continued his inspections. He checked several places and, encountering an official residence, stopped to rest. The next day, he traveled another stage and entered the capital. A crowd of yamen runners met him, escorting him with much noise and bustle. As Yucun sat in his sedan chair, he heard the men clearing the way ahead shouting and arguing. Yucun asked what the matter was. The men clearing the way dragged a man over and made him kneel before the sedan chair, reporting, "This man was drunk and didn't know to get out of the way; instead, he barged right into us. When I shouted at him, he relied on his drunkenness to act insolent, lying down in the middle of the street and claiming I had beaten him." Yucun then said, "I am the magistrate of this area. You are all my subjects. Knowing that I, the prefect, was passing by, you drank and didn't know to withdraw. You even dare to be insolent!" The man replied, "I drink with my own money, and I lie drunk on the Emperor's land. Even you, Your Excellency, can't control that." Yucun said angrily, "This man has no regard for the law. Ask him his name." The man answered, "My name is Ni Er, the Drunken Diamond." Yucun was furious and ordered his men, "Beat this Diamond! Let's see if he's a diamond or not!" The attendants forced Ni Er to the ground and gave him several thorough lashes with a whip. Ni Er, in pain, sobered up and begged for mercy. Yucun laughed from inside the sedan chair and said, "So this is what a diamond amounts to? I won't beat you for now. Have him taken to the yamen, and I'll question him slowly." The attendants agreed, tied up Ni Er, and dragged him away. Ni Er begged for mercy, but to no avail. Yucun entered the city to report to the Emperor and return to his office, hardly giving the matter another thought.
The onlookers in the street talked among themselves in twos and threes, saying, "Ni Er relied on his strength and his drunkenness to extort people. Today he's run afoul of Lord Jia; he probably won't get off lightly." This talk reached the ears of his wife and daughter. That night, when Ni Er failed to return home, his daughter went to look for him at various gambling dens. All the gamblers there said the same thing, and the daughter cried in distress. Everyone said, "Don't worry. That Lord Jia is from the same clan as the Rong Mansion. Some Second Master from the Rong Mansion is a good friend of your father's. Go with your mother and ask him to intercede, and your father will be released." Ni Er's daughter thought it over and said, "Indeed, my father often says that Second Master Jia next door is on good terms with him. Why not go and find him?" She hurried back and told her mother. The two women went to find Jia Yun.
That day Jia Yun happened to be at home. When he saw the mother and daughter arrive, he invited them to sit down. Jia Yun's mother poured tea. The Ni family mother and daughter then told him the whole story of Ni Er being taken away by Lord Jia and begged, "Please, Second Master, put in a good word to get him released." Jia Yun agreed readily, saying, "This is nothing. I'll go to the West Mansion and say a word, and he'll be released. That Lord Jia owes his high position entirely to the West Mansion of our family. All it takes is sending someone to speak to them, and it's done." The Ni family mother and daughter were delighted. They went home and told Ni Er, "Don't worry. We've already asked Second Master Jia. He promised wholeheartedly to intercede, and you'll be released." Ni Er was pleased to hear this.
But it so happened that since the day Jia Yun had sent gifts to Xifeng and they were not accepted, he felt too embarrassed to visit and rarely went to the Rong Mansion. The gatekeepers of the Rong Mansion followed their masters' lead: they only showed respect to those who were in favor. If someone came who was welcome, they would announce him; but if the master paid no attention to a person, whether relative or clan member, they would not report his arrival at all and simply send him away. That day, Jia Yun went to the Mansion and said, "I've come to pay my respects to Second Master Lian." The gatekeeper said, "Second Master is not at home. When he returns, we'll pass on your regards." Jia Yun thought of asking to pay respects to Second Mistress instead, but fearing the gatekeepers would be annoyed, he had to go home. Then the Ni family mother and daughter pressed him, saying, "Second Master always said that your family can get anything done at any yamen with just a word. Now, since this is someone from the same household, and it's not a big matter, if you can't even get this favor done, then you're not much of a Second Master." Jia Yun was mortified, but still boasted, "Our family had business yesterday, so I didn't send anyone to speak. Today I'll have it done and he'll be released. What's such a big deal?" The Ni family mother and daughter had no choice but to believe him.
Little did they know that recently Jia Yun could not even get through the main gate. He went around to the back, trying to enter the garden to find Baoyu, but found the garden gate locked. He had to return dejectedly. He thought back, "That year Ni Er lent me money to buy spices to give to her, and only then did she assign me to plant trees. Now that I have no money to bribe her, she rejects me. She's no good either—using the public funds left by the old master to lend at usurious interest. We poor clansmen can't even borrow a single tael. She thinks she'll never be poor for the rest of her life, but she doesn't know how bad her reputation is outside. I won't say anything, but if I did, I wonder how many murder cases she's been involved in." As he was thinking, he arrived home and saw the Ni family mother and daughter waiting. Jia Yun had nothing to say, so he blurted out, "The West Mansion has already sent someone to speak, but Lord Jia just won't agree. You'd better go and ask our servant Zhou Rui's relative, Leng Zixing. He's the one who can get things done." The Ni family mother and daughter said, "If a distinguished gentleman like you can't manage it, a servant would be even more useless." Jia Yun was embarrassed and said impatiently, "You don't understand. Nowadays, servants are far more powerful than their masters." The Ni family mother and daughter saw no way out and could only sneer, saying, "Well, we've troubled you for nothing these past few days. When our man gets out, he'll thank you properly." With that, they left and found someone else to get Ni Er released, who was let off with just a few strokes of the bamboo and no further trouble.
Ni Er returned home, and his wife and daughter told him how the Jia family had refused to intercede. Ni Er was drinking wine and became angry, wanting to find Jia Yun. He said, "That little bastard, that ungrateful wretch! Before, when he had no money for food and wanted to worm his way into the mansion to find work, he relied on me, Ni Er, to help him. Now that I’m in trouble, he doesn’t care. Fine! If I, Ni Er, kick up a fuss, even both mansions won’t come out clean!" His wife and daughter quickly urged, "Oh, you’ve drunk your liquor and now you’re running wild. Wasn’t it just a few days ago you got into trouble drunk, got beaten, and haven’t even healed yet? And now you’re starting again." Ni Er said, "Do you think I’m afraid of a beating just because I got hit? I’m only worried I can’t find a pretext! While I was in prison, I got to know several loyal friends. From what they said, it’s not just the Jias in the city—there are plenty of Jias in other provinces too. Just a few days ago, several of the Jia family’s servants were taken into prison. I thought to myself, even if the younger generation and servants of the Jia family here are no good, the older generation are decent. So how did they get into trouble? I made inquiries and found out they’re from the same Jia family as here, all living in another province. They were interrogated, found guilty, and sent here for punishment, so I was relieved. But if that Jia Er, that ingrate, turns his back on me, I’ll tell a few friends how his family bullies others with their power, how they exploit the common people, and how they force married women into marriage. They’ll spread the word, and when it reaches the ears of the censors, there’ll be an uproar—then you’ll know who Ni Er the Vajra is!" His wife said, "Go to sleep after your drink! Which woman has he forcibly taken now? There’s no such thing—don’t babble nonsense." Ni Er said, "You stay at home and know nothing of the outside world. Two years ago, I ran into Little Zhang at the gambling den. He said his wife had been taken by the Jia family and consulted me about it. I advised him to let it go. But I don’t know where Little Zhang is now—I haven’t seen him in two years. If I run into him, I, Ni Er, will come up with a plan to make Jia Er die, so he’ll show me proper respect! And you ignore me!" With that, he lay down, muttering and grumbling for a while, then fell asleep. His wife and daughter thought it was just drunken talk and paid no attention. The next morning, Ni Er went off to the gambling den again. No more of this.
Let us speak now of Jia Yucun. He returned home, rested for the night, and told his wife about meeting Zhen Shiyin on the road. His wife scolded him, saying, "Why didn’t you go back to check? If he had been burned to death, wouldn’t we be heartless?" As she spoke, tears fell. Yucun said, "He is a man outside the worldly realm and wouldn’t stay with us." Just then, a servant announced, "The runner sent the other day to inspect the burned temple has returned to report." Yucun strolled out. The runner knelt and saluted, reporting, "I followed your honor’s orders and went back. Without waiting for the fire to go out, I braved the flames to look for that Daoist. But the place where he sat was burned. I thought the Daoist must have been burned to death. The walls and roof collapsed behind the fire, and there was no trace of the Daoist—only a rush cushion and a gourd ladle, still intact. I searched everywhere for his corpse, but there wasn’t even a bone. Fearing your honor wouldn’t believe me, I wanted to bring back the cushion and ladle as proof. But when I picked them up, they had turned to ash." Yucun listened, understood in his heart that Shiyin had become an immortal, and dismissed the runner. Returning to his room, he said nothing about Shiyin’s immolation by fire, fearing his wife, being a woman, might not understand and would grieve instead. He only said there was no trace, that Shiyin must have left beforehand.
Yucun went out and sat alone in his study, about to ponder Shiyin’s words, when a servant announced, "An imperial decree from the inner court has been delivered for review." Yucun hurriedly got into his sedan chair and entered the palace. He heard people saying, "Today Jia Cunzhou, the Grain Intendant of Jiangxi, was impeached and has returned to the capital to apologize for his fault in court." Yucun quickly went to the Grand Secretariat, met with the various officials, and read the decree about mismanagement in the coastal regions. He came out, immediately found Jia Zheng, and first expressed sympathy for his grievance, then offered congratulations, asking, "How was the journey?" Jia Zheng also recounted in detail everything since their parting. Yucun said, "Has the memorial of apology been submitted?" Jia Zheng replied, "It has been submitted. We await the imperial decree after the noonday meal." As they spoke, a decree was announced summoning Jia Zheng, who immediately entered. The officials who were close to Jia Zheng waited inside. After a long while, Jia Zheng came out, sweating profusely. The crowd surrounded him and asked, "What was the decree?" Jia Zheng stuck out his tongue and said, "Frightening, frightening! I am grateful for your concern. Fortunately, there is nothing serious." The crowd asked, "What did the decree ask about?" Jia Zheng said, "It asked about the case of privately carrying firearms in Yunnan. The memorial stated that the culprit was a servant of the former Grand Preceptor Jia Hua. His Majesty always remembers our ancestor’s name, so he inquired. I hastily kowtowed and stated that my ancestor’s name was Daihua. His Majesty smiled and issued a decree saying, ‘Wasn’t the one formerly appointed Minister of War and later demoted to Prefect also named Jia Hua?’" At that time, Yucun was nearby and was startled. He asked Jia Zheng, "How did you, old sir, reply?" Jia Zheng said, "I slowly replied, ‘The former Grand Preceptor Jia Hua was a native of Yunnan; the current Prefect Jia is a native of Zhejiang.’ His Majesty then asked, ‘Is Jia Fan, impeached by the Suzhou Censor, a member of your clan?’ I kowtowed again and replied, ‘Yes.’ His Majesty’s expression changed and he said, ‘Allowing servants to forcibly seize the wives and daughters of good citizens—is that acceptable?’ I dared not say a word. His Majesty then asked, ‘What relation is Jia Fan to you?’ I quickly replied, ‘A distant relative.’ His Majesty snorted and issued a decree for me to withdraw. Isn’t that strange!" The crowd said, "It is indeed coincidental. How did these two matters come up in succession?" Jia Zheng said, "The matters themselves are not strange, but it’s unfortunate that they both involve the surname Jia. Considering our humble clan has many members, over the years there are branches everywhere. Although there’s no trouble now, if His Majesty keeps the character ‘Jia’ in mind, it’s bad." The crowd said, "True is true, false is false—what is there to fear?" Jia Zheng said, "In my heart, I wish I could stop being an official, but I dare not retire on account of age. Our family now holds two hereditary titles, so there’s no help for it." Yucun said, "Now, old sir, you are still in the Ministry of Works. I imagine a post in the capital is safe." Jia Zheng said, "A capital post may be safe, but I have served twice in the provinces, so things are uncertain." The crowd said, "We all admire your character and conduct, Second Elder. Your elder brother, First Elder, is also a good man. Just be stricter with your nephews." Jia Zheng said, "Since I spend little time at home, I haven’t looked into my nephews’ affairs much, and I’m not at ease. Since you bring it up today—you are all close relatives and good friends—have you heard of any improper behavior among the nephews in the eastern mansion?" The crowd said, "We haven’t heard of anything else, but there is some discord among the Vice Ministers, and some among the eunuchs. Probably nothing to worry about—just tell the nephew over there to be careful in all matters." With that, they bowed and dispersed.
Jia Zheng then returned home. All his sons, nephews, and others came to greet him. Jia Zheng first paid respects to Lady Jia, then all the sons and nephews paid respects to Jia Zheng, and they entered the mansion together. Lady Wang and the others had already arrived at the Rongxi Hall to welcome him. Jia Zheng first went to Lady Jia’s place to pay his respects and recount the events of their parting. Lady Jia asked about Tanchun. Jia Zheng reported the betrothal of Tanchun and said, "I left in haste and missed the Double Ninth Festival. Although I didn’t see it myself, I heard from the matchmaker that it went very well. The bride’s parents both send their regards. They also said that perhaps this winter or next spring, he might be transferred to the capital. That would be good. But now I hear there is trouble on the coast, so he might not be able to transfer then." At first, Lady Jia was saddened by Jia Zheng’s demotion and return, and by Tanchun being far away with no relatives nearby. But after Jia Zheng explained the official matters and that Tanchun was well, she turned from grief to joy, smiled, and told Jia Zheng to go out. Then the brothers met, and all the sons and nephews paid their respects. It was decided that the next morning, they would go to the ancestral temple.
Jia Zheng returned to his own rooms, where Lady Wang and the others greeted him. Baoyu and Jia Lian paid their respects separately. Seeing that Baoyu’s face was indeed plumper than when he had left, Jia Zheng found him calmer, though unaware of the confusion in his mind. He was therefore very pleased, not dwelling on his demotion, and thinking how fortunate it was that the old lady had handled matters so well. He also noticed that Baochai was more composed and steady than before, and that Lan’er was refined and handsome, so his joy showed on his face. Only when he saw that Huan’er remained the same as ever did he feel no particular fondness for him. After resting for some time, he suddenly thought: “Why is one person missing today?” Lady Wang knew he was thinking of Daiyu, but since the family letter had not reported her death, and he had just arrived home and was in good spirits, she did not speak directly, merely saying she was ill. Little did she know that Baoyu’s heart was already wrenching like a knife, but because his father had just arrived, he had to restrain himself and wait upon him. Lady Wang hosted a welcome banquet, and the younger generation offered toasts. Although Xifeng was a niece-in-law, she was now managing household affairs and joined Baochai and the others in toasting. Jia Zheng then ordered a round of wine and said, “All of you rest now.” He told the servants not to wait on him, saying they could pay their respects after he had worshipped at the ancestral temple the next morning. Having given these instructions, Jia Zheng and Lady Wang spoke of events since they had parted, but Lady Wang dared not mention anything else. It was Jia Zheng who first brought up Wang Ziteng’s matter, and Lady Wang could not give way to grief. Jia Zheng then spoke of Xue Pan’s affair, and Lady Wang only said he had brought it upon himself. She took the opportunity to tell him of Daiyu’s death. Jia Zheng was startled, and tears fell from his eyes as he sighed repeatedly. Lady Wang could no longer contain herself and began to weep. The maidservant Caiyun quickly tugged at her clothes, and Lady Wang stopped, turning the conversation to more cheerful topics before they retired for the night.
The next morning, Jia Zheng went to the ancestral temple to perform the rites, with all the younger nephews accompanying him. He then sat down in the side chamber next to the temple and summoned Jia Zhen and Jia Lian to ask about household affairs. Jia Zhen reported what was fit to tell. Jia Zheng added, “I have just returned home and am not yet in a position to make detailed inquiries, but I have heard outside that this household is no longer what it once was. You must be cautious in everything. You are no longer young, and the boys need to be disciplined, so that they do not offend others outside. Lian’er should also heed this. It is not that I am criticizing you as soon as I return, but because I have heard things that I speak. You should be even more careful.” Jia Zhen and the others flushed red but could only reply with a “yes,” not daring to say anything else. Jia Zheng then let the matter drop. He returned to the West Mansion, where the servants kowtowed, and then went inside to receive the bows of the maidservants — these details need not be elaborated.
As for Baoyu, because Jia Zheng had asked about Daiyu the day before and Lady Wang had replied that she was ill, he grieved in secret. He did not shed tears until Jia Zheng ordered him to leave, and on the way back, he wept many tears. Returning to his room, he saw Baochai talking with Xiren and the others, so he sat alone in the outer room, brooding. Baochai told Xiren to bring him tea, knowing that he must be worried about his father checking his lessons, so she came over to comfort him. Taking this opportunity, Baoyu went to Baochai and said, “You go to sleep first tonight. I need to calm my mind. I’m even worse than before — I forget three words out of two, and Father won’t think well of it. You sleep first, and let Xiren sit with me for a while.” Baochai could not force him, so she nodded in agreement.
Baoyu went out and whispered to Xiren, begging her: “Call Zijuan over. I have something to ask her. But whenever Zijuan sees me, her face is always angry. You must go and soothe her first before she comes.” Xiren said, “I was glad when you said you needed to calm your mind, but how can you calm it on this? Can’t you ask her tomorrow?” Baoyu said, “Tonight is the only time I’m free. If Father calls on me for something tomorrow, I won’t have any time. Dear sister, go quickly and fetch her.” Xiren said, “She won’t come unless Second Mistress calls her.” Baoyu said, “That’s why you need to explain it clearly.” Xiren asked, “What should I say?” Baoyu replied, “Don’t you know my heart and hers? It’s all about Miss Lin. Tell her I am not ungrateful. Now you’ve all made me into an ungrateful person!” As he said this, he glanced toward the inner room and pointed with his finger, saying, “She was not my choice; it was all the old lady and the others who tricked me. They caused Miss Lin to die for no reason. Even when she died, I should have been allowed to see her and speak plainly, so she wouldn’t blame me. Didn’t you hear what the Third Miss and the others said — that she resented me when she died? And Zijuan, for her young lady’s sake, hates me terribly. Do you think I am an unfeeling person? Qingwen was after all just a maid, with no great merits. When she died, I tell you truly, I even wrote a memorial for her. Miss Lin saw that with her own eyes. Now that Miss Lin is dead, is she not even as good as Qingwen? I can’t even offer a sacrifice to her. And besides, if Miss Lin’s spirit lives on, won’t she resent me even more when she thinks of it?” Xiren said, “If you want to sacrifice, go ahead. Who’s stopping you?” Baoyu said, “Ever since I recovered, I’ve wanted to compose a memorial, but now I don’t have a single spark of inspiration. If I were to sacrifice for someone else, I could do it carelessly, but for her, I cannot be the least bit crude. That’s why I want to call Zijuan and ask her about her young lady’s feelings — where she saw them. Before I fell ill, I could still recall it, but after my illness, I’ve forgotten it all. You said Miss Lin had recovered; how did she die suddenly? When she was well, I didn’t go to her — what did she say? When I was ill, she didn’t come — what did she say then? I’ve taken all her belongings, but your Second Mistress won’t let them be moved. I don’t know what that means.” Xiren said, “Second Mistress just fears you’ll be too sad. What else could it be?” Baoyu said, “I don’t believe it. If Miss Lin thought of me, why did she burn all her poems before she died, not leaving me even a memento? And I heard that heavenly music sounded — she must have become a spirit or ascended as an immortal. Though I saw the coffin, I still don’t know if she was inside it.” Xiren said, “You’re talking more and more nonsense. How can a person who hasn’t died be put in a coffin as if dead?” Baoyu said, “Isn’t that so! Generally, those who become immortals either leave with their physical bodies or shed their mortal shells. Dear sister, please just call Zijuan.” Xiren said, “Now let me explain your heart to you clearly. If she is willing to come, fine; if not, it will take a lot of talk. And even if she comes, she won’t tell you in detail. In my opinion, wait until tomorrow when Second Mistress goes upstairs, and I’ll ask her slowly. Then I might get a thorough answer. When I have free time, I’ll tell you little by little.” Baoyu said, “What you say is reasonable, but you don’t know how anxious I am.”
As they were speaking, Sheyue came out and said, “Second Mistress says it’s already the fourth watch. Please go in and sleep, Second Master. Sister Xiren must have been talking so happily that she forgot the time.” Xiren heard this and said, “Indeed, it’s time to sleep. We’ll talk about it tomorrow.” Baoyu had no choice but to go in, but he whispered to Xiren, “Be sure not to forget tomorrow.” Xiren laughed and said, “I know.” Sheyue wiped her face with a smile and said, “You two are up to your tricks again. Why don’t you explain it to Second Mistress and go sleep in Xiren’s room? You can talk all night, and we won’t care.” Baoyu waved his hand and said, “Don’t say anything.” Xiren said angrily, “You little wretch, you’re yapping again. See if I don’t tear your mouth tomorrow!” Turning to Baoyu, she said, “Isn’t this your doing? Talking until the fourth watch.” As she spoke, she escorted Baoyu into the room, and then everyone dispersed.
That night Baoyu could not sleep. The next day, he was still thinking about it. Then he heard a message from outside: “All the relatives and friends, because the master has returned home, want to send operas to welcome him. The master has repeatedly declined, saying there’s no need for operas, and that he will prepare simple refreshments at home and invite the guests over to chat. So it’s been settled that the day after tomorrow he will set out a feast to entertain them. That’s why we came to report.” Who the guests are will be revealed in the next chapter.