Chapter 113: Expiating Her Sins, Wang Xifeng Entrusts a Village Woman; Releasing Old Grievances, a Sentimental Maid Moves an Infatuated Youth

Chapter 113: Repenting Past Wrongs, Xifeng Entrusts an Old Village Woman; Resolving Old Grievances, a Sentimental Maid Moves a Devoted Lover

It is said that Concubine Zhao, having fallen acutely ill in the temple, grew even more delirious and raved nonsense as fewer people were around, frightening everyone and earning their disgust. Two women supported her. Concubine Zhao knelt on the ground, speaking and crying in turns, sometimes prostrating herself and begging for mercy, crying out: “They’re beating me to death! Oh, Red-Bearded Lord, I dare not do it again!” At other times she clasped her hands together, also crying out in pain. Her eyes bulged, blood streamed from her mouth, and her hair was disheveled. Everyone was terrified and dared not approach her. As it grew dark, her voice became increasingly hoarse, sounding like a ghost’s wail. No one dared stay near her, so they called several bold men to come and sit with her. Concubine Zhao would die for a moment, then revive after a while, carrying on like this all night. By the next day, she could no longer speak, only making grimaces, tearing at her own clothes with her hands and baring her chest, as if someone were stripping her. Pitiful as she was, though she could not speak, her agonized appearance was truly unbearable. In the midst of this crisis, the doctor arrived. He dared not even take her pulse and only instructed, “Prepare the funeral arrangements,” then rose and left. The servant who had escorted the doctor begged repeatedly: “Please, sir, take her pulse, so that I may report back to my master.” The doctor felt her pulse with his hand, but it had already stopped. When Jia Huan heard this, he burst into loud weeping. Everyone was preoccupied with Jia Huan, and no one attended to Concubine Zhao. Only Concubine Zhou felt a deep bitterness, thinking: “This is the fate of a concubine! And she even had a son. When I die, I don’t know what will become of me!” So she wept even more sorrowfully. Meanwhile, the servant hurried back to report. Jia Zheng then sent servants to handle the funeral arrangements as per custom, and they accompanied Jia Huan, staying for three days before returning together.

After that servant left, news spread from one person to ten, and from ten to a hundred. Everyone knew that Concubine Zhao, having used a venomous scheme to harm others, had been beaten to death by the underworld’s judgment. It was also said, “And Second Mistress Lian probably won’t recover either—how could it be said that Second Mistress Lian accused her?” These words reached Pinger’s ears, and she grew extremely anxious. Seeing Xifeng’s condition, it truly seemed hopeless. She also noticed that Jia Lian, of late, was not as affectionate as before; with many matters to attend to, he acted as though it were none of his concern. Pinger could only console Xifeng at her bedside, while thinking that Lady Xing and Lady Wang had returned home days ago and only sent servants to inquire, never coming in person. Xifeng felt even more distressed. When Jia Lian came back, he had not a single heartfelt word. At this point, Xifeng only wished to die quickly, but as soon as she thought of it, all sorts of evil spirits appeared. She saw You Erjie walking from behind the room, gradually approaching the bed, saying: “Elder sister, it’s been a long time. Your younger sister has missed you dearly, wishing to see you but unable to. Now I’ve managed to come in and see you at last. You have exhausted your schemes, sister. Our Second Master is muddle-headed and doesn’t appreciate your efforts. Instead, he blames you for being too harsh, ruining his prospects, so that now he can’t face anyone. I feel indignant on your behalf.” Xifeng, in a daze, said: “I now regret that my heart was too narrow. Sister, do not bear old grudges, and you still come to see me.” Pinger, hearing this by her side, said: “What are you saying, Mistress?” Xifeng came to her senses for a moment, remembering that You Erjie was already dead—this must be her coming to claim her life. Awakened by Pinger, she felt terrified but refused to speak of it, forcing herself to say: “My mind is unsettled; I must have been talking in my sleep. Rub my back for me.” Pinger went up to rub her, when a little maid entered and announced: “Granny Liu has come. The matrons are bringing her to pay her respects to the Mistress.” Pinger hurriedly got down and asked: “Where is she?” The little maid said: “She dared not come in without your orders, and is waiting for your instructions.” Pinger nodded at this, thinking that in her illness Xifeng would surely be too weary to see anyone, and said: “The Mistress is resting now. Tell her to wait for now. Did you ask what she came for?” The little maid replied: “They asked. There’s no particular business. She said she knew the old lady had passed away, and since no one sent word, she came late.” As the little maid spoke, Xifeng heard and called out: “Pinger, come here. She comes with good intentions; don’t snub her. Go and invite Granny Liu in; I’ll chat with her.” Pinger had no choice but to go out and invite Granny Liu to sit inside.

Just as Xifeng was about to close her eyes, she saw a man and a woman walking toward the kang, as if about to climb onto it. Alarmed, Xifeng called out: “Pinger, where did that man come from, running into this room!” She called twice, and Feng’er and Xiaohong rushed in, saying: “What does Mistress want?” Xifeng opened her eyes and looked around—no one was there. She understood inwardly but refused to speak of it, and asked Feng’er: “Where has that Pinger gone?” Feng’er replied: “Didn’t you, Mistress, send her to invite Granny Liu?” Xifeng steadied her mind for a moment and said nothing.

Soon, Pinger entered with Granny Liu and a little girl. Granny Liu said: “Where is our young mistress?” Pinger led her to the kang, and Granny Liu said: “I pay my respects to you, young mistress.” Xifeng opened her eyes and looked at her, and could not help feeling a pang of grief, saying: “How are you, Granny? Why have you come only now? Look, your granddaughter has grown so big.” Granny Liu, seeing Xifeng thin as a skeleton and in a dazed state, felt a pang of sorrow herself and said: “Oh, my mistress, how is it that in just a few months you’ve fallen so ill? I’m so stupid—why didn’t I come sooner to pay my respects!” She then told Qing’er to greet the young mistress. Qing’er just smiled, and Xifeng found her very pleasant to look at, so she told Xiaohong to look after her. Granny Liu said: “In our village, we country folk don’t get sick easily. If we do fall ill, we pray to the gods and make vows; we never know about taking medicine. I wonder if your illness, mistress, might have been brought on by offending something?” Pinger thought these words were inappropriate and tugged at her sleeve from behind. Granny Liu took the hint and fell silent. Little did she know that these words exactly matched Xifeng’s thoughts. Xifeng struggled to say: “Granny, you are a person of years, and you speak rightly. You’ve seen Concubine Zhao—she also died. Do you know that?” Granny Liu said in surprise: “Amida Buddha! How could a perfectly healthy person just die like that? I recall she also had a little boy—what will become of him now?” Pinger said: “What’s there to fear? She still has the Master and the Mistress.” Granny Liu said: “Miss, you don’t understand. When someone dies, it’s the one born of your own flesh that matters; a child from another womb is useless.” These words struck a chord in Xifeng’s sorrowful heart, and she began to sob. Everyone tried to console her.

Qiao-jie heard her mother crying bitterly, so she went to the edge of the kang, took Xi-feng’s hand, and began to cry too. Xi-feng wept as she said, “Have you seen the old woman yet?” Qiao-jie replied, “No.” Xi-feng said, “She was the one who named you, so she is like your godmother. Go and pay your respects to her.” Qiao-jie went up to her, and Granny Liu hastily took her hand, saying, “Amituofo, don’t overwhelm me with such honor! Miss Qiao, it’s been over a year since I saw you last—do you still recognize me?” Qiao-jie said, “How could I not? That year when I saw you in the garden, I was still small. The year before last, when you came, I asked you for the cricket from the year before that, but you never gave it to me—you must have forgotten.” Granny Liu said, “Dear child, I’m getting old and muddle-headed. As for crickets, we have plenty in our village, but you never come there. If you did, it would be easy to get a cartload.” Xi-feng said, “In that case, why not take her with you?” Granny Liu laughed and said, “A young lady like this, raised on silk and satin and fine food—if she came to our place, what could I find to amuse her or feed her? Wouldn’t that be the ruin of me?” As she spoke, she laughed again, then said, “If that’s the case, let me be her matchmaker. Although we’re a poor country village, we have very wealthy families there—thousands of acres of land, hundreds of head of livestock, and no small amount of silver and money. It’s just not like here, with gold and jade. You, dear lady, would look down on such families, but we farmers see these rich landlords as beings from heaven.” Xi-feng said, “Go ahead and propose it—if I agree, it’s settled.” Granny Liu said, “That was just a joke. With a family like yours, even high officials and grand households might not get her, let alone farmers. Even if you, dear lady, were willing, the ladies above would never consent.” Qiao-jie found this talk unpleasant, so she went off to talk with Qing-er. The two girls got along well and soon became familiar with each other.

Meanwhile, Ping-er was afraid that Granny Liu’s chatter might disturb and tire Xi-feng, so she pulled Granny Liu aside and said, “Since you mentioned the ladies, you haven’t yet been to see them. I’ll go out and have someone take you to pay your respects, so your trip won’t be wasted.” Granny Liu was about to leave, but Xi-feng said, “What’s the hurry? Sit down and tell me how you’ve been getting on lately.” Granny Liu, with a thousand thanks and ten thousand expressions of gratitude, said, “If it weren’t for you, dear lady,” pointing at Qing-er, “her parents would have starved to death. Now, although we farmers work hard, our family has managed to buy several mu of land and dig a well. We grow vegetables and melons, and the money from selling them each year is enough for us to eat and drink. In the last two years, you, dear lady, have often given us clothes and cloth—in our village, we’re considered well-off. Amituofo, the day before yesterday, when her father came to town and heard that your household here had been raided, I was scared half to death. Luckily, someone said it wasn’t this place, so I felt relieved. Then I heard that the master here had been promoted, and I was delighted—I wanted to come and congratulate you, but the fields were full of crops and I couldn’t leave. Yesterday, I heard that the old lady had passed away. I was threshing beans in the field, and when I heard the news, I was so startled I couldn’t even pick up the beans. I wept bitterly right there in the field. I told my son-in-law, ‘I don’t care about you anymore—whether it’s true or false, I must go into town to see.’ My daughter and son-in-law aren’t ungrateful—they cried too when they heard, and before dawn today, they hurried me into town. I didn’t know a single person and had no way to inquire. I went straight to the back gate and saw the door gods were all pasted over—that gave me another fright. When I entered, I looked for Sister Zhou but couldn’t find her anywhere. I ran into a young girl who said Sister Zhou had gotten into trouble and been dismissed. I waited a long time before I met someone I knew and finally got in. I never expected you, dear lady, to be so ill too.” As she spoke, tears fell again. Ping-er and the others grew anxious and, without waiting for her to finish, pulled her away, saying, “You’ve been talking for so long—you must be thirsty. Let’s go drink a cup of tea.” They led Granny Liu to sit in the servants’ quarters, while Qing-er stayed with Qiao-jie. Granny Liu said, “I don’t need any tea. Dear girl, have someone take me to pay my respects to the ladies and to mourn the old lady.” Ping-er said, “Don’t rush—you wouldn’t be able to get out of the city today anyway. Just now, I was afraid you might speak carelessly and make our mistress cry, so I hurried you out. Don’t take it amiss.” Granny Liu said, “Amituofo, you’re worrying too much—I understand. But how is the mistress’s illness?” Ping-er said, “Do you think it’s serious or not?” Granny Liu said, “It’s a sin to say so, but I think it’s not good.” Just then, they heard Xi-feng calling again. When Ping-er reached the bedside, Xi-feng had stopped speaking. Ping-er was asking Feng-er a question when Jia Lian came in. He glanced at the kang, said nothing, and went into the inner room, sitting down with a huff. Only Qiu-tong followed him in, poured tea, and fussed over him for a while, muttering something indistinct. Soon after, Jia Lian called Ping-er over and asked, “Isn’t the mistress taking her medicine?” Ping-er said, “She’s not taking any. What can be done?” Jia Lian said, “How should I know! Bring me the keys to the cabinet.” Ping-er saw that Jia Lian was angry and didn’t dare ask further. She had to go out and whisper in Xi-feng’s ear. Xi-feng said nothing, so Ping-er placed a box near Jia Lian and was about to leave. Jia Lian said, “Are you possessed by a ghost! You leave it there—who’s supposed to fetch it?” Ping-er swallowed her anger, opened the box, took out the keys, unlocked the cabinet, and asked, “What do you want?” Jia Lian said, “Do we have anything?” Ping-er, furious and weeping, said, “Speak plainly—I’d rather die than endure this!” Jia Lian said, “Do I need to say more? Everything that happened before was your doing. Now, for the old lady’s affairs, we’re still short four or five thousand taels of silver. Father told me to get the money from the estate accounts—do you think there’s any there? And the debts outside—won’t they have to be paid? Who forced me to take this blame! I’ll have to sell off the things the old lady gave me. Do you object?” When Ping-er heard this, she said nothing and began moving things out of the cabinet. Just then, Xiao-hong came in and said, “Sister Ping, come quickly—the mistress is failing.” Ping-er, ignoring Jia Lian, hurried over and saw Xi-feng clawing at the air. Ping-er grasped her hands and wept, calling out. Jia Lian came over too, took one look, stamped his foot, and said, “If this is how it is, it will be the death of me.” As he spoke, tears fell. Feng-er came in and said, “Someone is looking for the master outside.” Jia Lian had no choice but to go out.

Here Xifeng grew even worse, and Feng'er and the others could not help crying. Qiaojie heard the commotion and came over. Granny Liu also hurried to the edge of the kang, chanting "Amitabha" and muttering some incantations, and indeed Xifeng felt a little better. Presently Lady Wang, having heard the maids' report, also arrived. Seeing that Xifeng was calmer, she felt somewhat relieved. When she saw Granny Liu, she said, "How are you, Granny Liu? When did you come?" Granny Liu replied, "I pay my respects to you, madam." Without time for further pleasantries, they only discussed Xifeng's illness. After talking for a good while, Caiyun came in and said, "The master requests you, madam." Lady Wang gave a few instructions to Pinger and then left. Xifeng, after another bout of agitation, now felt a bit clearer in her mind. Seeing Granny Liu there, she put her faith in her prayers and supplications, so she sent Feng'er and the others away, asked Granny Liu to sit by her head, and told her about her uneasy spirit, as if seeing ghosts and demons. Granny Liu then said, "In our village, such-and-such a bodhisattva is efficacious, and such-and-such a temple grants responses to prayers." Xifeng said, "I beg you to pray for me. If you need money for offerings, I have it." And she slipped a gold bracelet from her wrist and handed it to her. Granny Liu said, "Aiyo, young mistress, there's no need for that. In our village, when folks make a vow and it's fulfilled, they spend a few hundred coppers at most—what need for such things? Even if I go to pray for you, it's just making a vow. When you're better, you can spend whatever you like yourself." Xifeng knew that Granny Liu meant well and could not insist, so she had to keep the bracelet. "Granny," she said, "I entrust my life to you. And my Qiaojie, who has also been through a thousand illnesses and disasters, I entrust to you as well." Granny Liu readily agreed and said, "In that case, I see it's still early in the day and I can make it out of the city before dark, so I'll go now. Tomorrow, when you're better, I'll come again to fulfill the vow." Xifeng, tormented by the haunting of vengeful spirits, was eager for her to leave and said, "If you are willing to do this for me with all your heart, and I can sleep peacefully for one night, I will be deeply grateful. Let your granddaughter stay here with me." Granny Liu said, "A village child has never seen the world; she'd only disgrace herself here. It's better I take her along." Xifeng replied, "Now you're being overly suspicious. Since we're all one family, what's there to fear? Even if we are poorer now, one more mouth to feed doesn't matter much." Seeing Xifeng's sincerity, Granny Liu was happy enough to let Qing'er stay a few days, which would also save on food at home. But fearing Qing'er might not want to stay, she thought it best to ask her. If she agreed, she would leave her. So she spoke a few words with Qing'er. Since Qing'er had grown familiar with Qiaojie through playing together, and Qiaojie did not want her to leave, Qing'er was willing to stay. Granny Liu then gave her a few instructions, took her leave of Pinger, and hurried out of the city. No more of this.

Let us now speak of Longcui Nunnery. It had originally been part of the Jia estate, but when the garden for the Imperial Consort's visit was built, the nunnery was enclosed within it. For years, its daily expenses and incense money had not drawn on the Jia family's funds. Now that Miaoyu had been abducted, the nuns reported it to the authorities. On one hand, they awaited the government's pursuit of the thieves; on the other, they did not wish to disperse Miaoyu's foundation, so they stayed on as before. However, they reported the matter to the Jia family. Although everyone in the Jia household knew of it, because Jia Zheng had just passed away and their minds were troubled, they dared not bring up such trivial matters. Only Xichun knew of this affair and was anxious day and night. Gradually, word reached Baoyu's ears that Miaoyu had been kidnapped by bandits, while others said she had been stirred by worldly desires and gone off with a man. Baoyu was greatly puzzled. He thought she must have been seized by ruffians, and that such a person would never submit and would surely die rather than yield. But without any news of her whereabouts, he was deeply uneasy and sighed long and often every day. He said, "A person like this, who called herself 'One Beyond the Threshold'—how could she meet such an end!" Then he thought, "In those days, how lively the garden was! Ever since Second Sister married out, some have died, some have married. I thought she, unsullied by any dust, would be safe. Who would have guessed that such a storm would arise suddenly—her death is even stranger than Sister Lin's!" And from one thought to another, and from two to three, as he traced back his memories, he came to recall a passage from Zhuangzi—illusions and emptiness, life in this world inevitably scattering like wind-blown clouds—and he could not help bursting into loud weeping. Xiren and the others thought his madness had flared up again and tried their utmost to soothe him with gentle words. Baochai, at first not knowing the reason, also tried to admonish him. But Baoyu remained depressed and unreleased, and his spirit seemed dazed. Baochai could not fathom the cause, but after repeated inquiries, she learned that Miaoyu had been abducted and was missing. She too felt sorrowful, but because she was troubled by Baoyu's distress, she used proper words to explain things to him. So she brought up the matter: "Since Lancer returned from the funeral, though he hasn't been to school, I hear he studies day and night. He is the Old Lady's great-grandson; she always hoped you would become a man. Your father worries for you day and night. If you waste yourself on idle fancies and foolish attachments, what kind of outcome can we expect, with all of us watching over you?" Baoyu had no reply. After a while, he said, "What do I care about other people's affairs? I only lament that our family's fortune is declining." Baochai said, "There you go again. Your father and mother wanted you to become a man and carry on the ancestral legacy. You remain obstinately deluded—what is to be done?" Baoyu, finding their words at odds, leaned on the table and pretended to sleep. Baochai ignored him, told Sheyue and the others to attend to him, and went to bed herself.

When Baoyu saw that there were few people in the room, he thought, "Since Zijuan came here, I've never spoken a heartfelt word with her. To leave her so cold and neglected—I feel very sorry about it. And she is not like Sheyue or Qiuwen, whom I can casually set at ease. I remember when I was ill, she stayed with me for so long. Her little mirror is still with me. Her kindness was not slight. Now, I don't know why, but she is always cold toward me. If it's because of that one, she was closest to Sister Lin, and I see she treats Zijuan well too. When I was away from home, Zijuan used to chat and laugh with her, but as soon as I come, Zijuan goes away. I suppose it must be because after Sister Lin died, I got married. Ah, Zijuan, Zijuan—a clever girl like you, can't you see even a little of my suffering?" Then he thought again, "Tonight, some are asleep, some are doing their work. Why not take this chance to go find her and see what she has to say? If I have offended her in any way, I can apologize and that will be fine." Having made up his mind, he quietly left the room and went to look for Zijuan.

Zijuan’s room was also in the western wing, inside the side chamber. Baoyu crept up to the window, and seeing lamplight within, licked his finger to wet the paper and peered through a hole. He saw Zijuan sitting alone by the lamp, doing nothing, just staring blankly ahead. Baoyu called softly, “Sister Zijuan, aren’t you asleep yet?” Startled, Zijuan was dazed for a long moment before asking, “Who is it?” Baoyu said, “It’s me.” Recognizing Baoyu’s voice, she asked, “Is it Master Bao?” Baoyu answered softly from outside. Zijuan asked, “What are you here for?” Baoyu replied, “I have something on my mind I want to tell you. Open the door so I can sit in your room for a while.” After a pause, Zijuan said, “Master Bao, whatever you have to say, it’s late. Please go back, and we can talk tomorrow.” Baoyu’s heart sank. He wanted to go in but feared Zijuan wouldn’t open the door; he wanted to go back, but the hidden feelings inside him were stirred even more by her words. With no alternative, he said, “I don’t have much to say, just one question.” Zijuan said, “If it’s just one question, then please say it.” Baoyu remained silent for a long time. When Zijuan heard nothing from him, she recalled his usual infatuation and feared that if she provoked him too harshly, his old illness might return. So she stood up, listened carefully, and asked again, “Have you left, or are you still standing there like a fool? If you have something to say, say it, instead of standing there annoying people. You’ve already driven one to death with anger—are you trying to drive another to death too? What’s the point of this!” As she spoke, she also peered out through the hole Baoyu had made and saw him standing there, listening dazedly. Not wanting to say more, she turned back and trimmed the lamp wick. Suddenly, she heard Baoyu sigh and say, “Sister Zijuan, you were never so hard-hearted before. Why is it you won’t even speak a single kind word to me lately? I know I’m a coarse creature, not worthy of your notice, but if I’ve done something wrong, I just wish you’d tell me clearly. Even if you ignore me for the rest of your life, I’d at least die as a ghost who understands!” When Zijuan heard this, she sneered, “Is that all you have to say, Master Bao? Anything else? If it’s about this, I heard it so often when our young lady was alive that I’m sick of it! If you think we’ve done something wrong, I was sent here by the mistress. You should go and report it to her, since we maidservants don’t count for anything anyway.” As she spoke, her voice choked with sobs, and she blew her nose. Baoyu, knowing from outside that she was weeping bitterly, stamped his foot in distress and said, “What’s this all about? You’ve been here for months—surely you know everything about my affairs. Even if no one else will speak for me, can’t you at least let me speak? Do you want me to die of suffocation!” He too began to sob.

As Baoyu was grieving, he suddenly heard someone behind him say, “Who are you asking to speak for you? What’s who to whom? If you’ve offended someone, you should apologize yourself. Whether they accept it or not is up to them. Why drag us innocent people into it?” This startled both the person inside and the one outside. Who do you think it was? It was Sheyue. Baoyu felt thoroughly embarrassed. Sheyue went on, “What’s going on? One is apologizing, and the other won’t respond. Hurry up and beg properly! Ah, our Sister Zijuan is too hard-hearted. It’s so cold out here, and he’s been pleading for so long without getting a single sign of softening.” Then she said to Baoyu, “Just now, the Second Mistress said it’s getting late, and she wondered where you were. What are you doing standing alone under the eaves here!” Zijuan called out from inside, “What’s the meaning of this? I’ve already asked you to go in, Master Bao. Say whatever you have to say tomorrow. Why put yourself through this?” Baoyu wanted to speak further, but seeing Sheyue there, he couldn’t say much else. He had to walk back with Sheyue, muttering, “Enough, enough! In this life, I’ll never be able to make my heart clear! Only Heaven knows!” As he spoke, tears poured from his eyes in an endless stream, as if from some unknown source. Sheyue said, “Master Bao, if I were you, I’d give up hope. It’s a waste of tears.” Baoyu didn’t reply and entered the room. He saw Baochai asleep, though he knew she was pretending. Xiren said, “Couldn’t whatever you had to say wait until tomorrow? Why did you have to rush over there and make a scene, and if it stirs up—” She stopped there, hesitated, and then continued, “Don’t you feel unwell?” Baoyu said nothing, just shook his head. Xiren then helped him settle down for the night. He lay awake the whole night, needless to say.

As for Zijuan, Baoyu’s visit left her feeling even more distressed, and she wept the entire night. She thought it over: “Regarding Baoyu’s affair, I know full well that he wasn’t in his right mind when he was ill, so everyone put on a show and carried it through. Later, when he recovered and his old illness returned, he often wept and longed for her—he’s not someone who forgets his feelings or betrays kindness. Today’s tenderness is even harder to bear. It’s just a pity that our Miss Lin wasn’t fortunate enough to enjoy it. Seeing this, human affections are all governed by fate. Before the end comes, everyone indulges in foolish hopes and vain dreams. When things become hopeless, the muddle-headed simply let them go, while the deeply devoted can only face the wind and moon, shedding bitter tears. The poor dead one may not know, but the living truly suffer in endless sorrow. When you think of it, it would be better to be like grass, wood, or stone—without feeling or awareness, and so with a pure heart!” At this thought, the feverish pain in her heart suddenly cooled. Just as she was about to settle down and sleep, she heard a commotion from the eastern courtyard. Not knowing what it was, we await the next chapter to find out.