Chapter 47: The stupid bully is beaten up after making advances; the cold-hearted young gentleman flees to escape trouble

Lady Wang, hearing that Lady Xing had arrived, hurried out to greet her. Lady Xing was still unaware that the Dowager already knew about the Yuanyang affair and had come precisely to inquire for news. As she entered the courtyard, several old matrons whispered the truth to her, and only then did she understand. She wanted to turn back, but word had already reached those inside; seeing Lady Wang come out to welcome her, she had no choice but to enter. First she paid her respects to the Dowager, who remained utterly silent, and Lady Xing herself felt ashamed and regretful. Xifeng had long since found an excuse to slip away. Yuanyang had also returned to her own room to nurse her anger. Aunt Xue and Lady Wang and the others, fearing to embarrass Lady Xing, gradually withdrew. Lady Xing dared not leave for the time being.

When the Dowager saw that she was alone, she said, “I hear you’ve come to play matchmaker for your husband. You are indeed a model of the Three Obediences and Four Virtues, but this wifely virtue of yours is overdone! With grandsons and sons all around your eyes now, are you still afraid of him? You can’t even give him a word of advice, but let him follow his own will and make trouble.” Lady Xing flushed crimson and replied, “I’ve advised him several times, but he won’t listen. What does Your Old Ladyship not know? I am acting under necessity.” The Dowager said, “If he forced you to commit murder, would you do that too? Now think it over: your sister-in-law has always been simple and honest, and besides, she’s sickly and ailing. Who in the household, high and low, hasn’t had her to worry over them? Though your niece-in-law helps, she’s always running from one chore to the next. As for all sorts of matters, I’ve already cut back on them myself. If those two ever overlook anything, there’s Yuanyang—that child is still careful; she remembers my affairs, and when something ought to be taken away, she takes it; when something needs to be added, she gauges the right moment and tells them to add it. If it weren’t for Yuanyang, those mother and daughter, inside and out, old and young, would surely neglect one thing or another. Am I now supposed to worry about everything myself? Or should I daily scheme with you to demand things? In this room of mine, with what there is and isn’t, she’s the only one left, and she’s older now, so she knows something of my temper and habits. Besides, she suits the fancy of the young masters and mistresses; she never relies on me to ask this lady for clothes or that lady for silver. That’s why, in these recent years, whatever she says—from your younger sister-in-law and your daughter-in-law on down to the whole household, great and small—everyone believes her. So it’s not just that I depend on her; even your sister-in-law and daughter-in-law are spared trouble. With such a person, even if my daughter-in-law and granddaughter-in-law overlook something, I lack nothing and have no cause for anger. Now if she leaves, what sort of person will you find for me to use? Even if you fetched me a pearl of a girl like her, if she couldn’t speak, she’d be useless. I was just about to send someone to tell your husband: if he wants someone, I have money here—let him go ahead and spend ten or twenty thousand to buy one, but this maid is not to be had. Let her stay and serve me for a few years; that would be better than if he served me day and night in filial piety. Your coming is opportune—go and tell him; that would be most fitting.”

When she finished, she ordered someone, “Invite the ladies and your young mistresses to come and talk. I was just getting cheerful—why have they all scattered?” The maids hurriedly assented and went. The company quickly rushed back. Only Aunt Xue said to the maid, “I just came; why must I go again? Just say I’ve gone to sleep.” The maid replied, “Dearest, sweetest Aunt Xue, our ancestral aunt! Our old lady is angry. If you don’t go, there’ll be no settling it. Do it for pity of us. If you’re too tired, I’ll carry you on my back.” Aunt Xue said, “You little imp, what are you afraid of? At worst she’ll scold a few words and that’ll be the end of it.” So saying, she had no choice but to go with the little maid. The Dowager hurriedly offered her a seat and said with a smile, “Let’s play cards. Your cards are rusty, Aunt; let’s sit together and not let Xifeng bamboozle us.” Aunt Xue laughed, “Exactly, Your Old Ladyship, keep an eye on things for me. Are we four mother-and-daughter-in-laws playing, or shall we add another?” Lady Wang said with a smile, “Aren’t there just four?” Xifeng said, “Adding one more would liven things up.” The Dowager said, “Call Yuanyang, and have her sit here on my left. Aunt’s eyesight is failing; let her watch both our cards.” Xifeng sighed and said to Tanchun, “You who can read and write—why don’t you learn fortune-telling instead!” Tanchun said, “That’s odd. Now you should be focusing your energy to win a few coins from the old lady, and instead you’re thinking of fortune-telling.” Xifeng said, “I was just thinking of having my fortune told to see how much I’ll lose today—do you think I’m hoping to win? Look, before the game has even started, there are ambushes on left and right.” This made the Dowager and Aunt Xue laugh heartily.

Soon Yuanyang arrived and sat to the Dowager’s left; below Yuanyang sat Xifeng. They spread a red felt cloth, shuffled the cards, and called the “one,” and the five of them began. After a few rounds, Yuanyang saw that the Dowager’s hand was nearly complete, waiting only for the two of circles, so she gave a secret signal to Xifeng. Xifeng was about to deal a card; she deliberately hesitated for a long while, then said with a smile, “This card of mine must be held back by Aunt. If I don’t play it, I can’t force it out.” Aunt Xue said, “I don’t have any of your cards in my hand.” Xifeng said, “I’ll check later.” Aunt Xue said, “Check as you like. Play it down first, and let me see what it is.” Xifeng then placed it before Aunt Xue. When Aunt Xue saw it was the two of circles, she laughed and said, “I don’t covet it; I’m only afraid the old lady has completed her hand.” On hearing this, Xifeng hurriedly said with a smile, “I played it wrong.” The Dowager had already thrown down her cards, laughing, “Do you dare take it back? Who told you to make a mistake?” Xifeng said, “Well, I really should have my fortune told! I played it myself—I can hardly blame the ambush!” The Dowager laughed, “Indeed, you should hit your own mouth and ask yourself.” Then she said to Aunt Xue, “I’m not stingy and fond of winning money; it’s just for the fun of it.” Aunt Xue laughed, “Of course. What muddle-headed person would say the old lady loves money?” Xifeng was counting her coins when she heard this; she quickly strung them back together and said to the company, “That’s enough for me. It’s not for the money, only for the sport. I’m the petty one—when I lose, I count the coins. Let’s put them away.” The Dowager’s habit was for Yuanyang to shuffle the cards; but as she was chatting with Aunt Xue, she noticed Yuanyang wasn’t moving. The Dowager said, “Are you angry that you won’t even shuffle the cards for me?” Yuanyang picked up the cards and said with a smile, “The second mistress hasn’t paid.” The Dowager said, “If she doesn’t pay, that means her luck has turned.” She ordered a little maid, “Take that string of coins of hers and bring it here.” The little maid did so and placed it beside the Dowager. Xifeng laughed, “Let me have it as a gift, and I’ll pay the same amount later.” Aunt Xue laughed, “Indeed, Phoenix is petty; it’s only a game.” On hearing this, Xifeng stood up, took Aunt Xue’s arm, and turning back, pointed to the small wooden box where the Dowager usually kept money, and said with a smile, “Aunt, look—who knows how much of mine has been coaxed into that box. This string of coins won’t last half an hour before that box’s money beckons to it. As soon as this string is called in, we won’t need to play cards anymore; the old ancestor’s anger will be soothed, and she’ll have some proper business for me to attend to.” Before she finished, the Dowager and the whole company burst into laughter. Just then, Pinger, fearing the money wouldn’t be enough, brought another string. Xifeng said, “Don’t put it by me; put it with the old lady’s. Let it all be called in at once—that saves trouble, instead of doing it twice and making the coins in the box work harder.” The Dowager laughed so hard that the cards in her hand scattered all over the table; she pushed Yuanyang and cried, “Quick, tear her mouth!”

Ping’er put down the money as instructed, laughed for a while too, then came back. At the entrance to the courtyard she ran into Jia Lian, who asked her: “Where is the mistress? Father ordered me to go and fetch her.” Ping’er quickly smiled and said: “She’s with the old lady; she’s been standing there for ages and hasn’t moved yet. You’d better wash your hands of it now. The old lady was angry for a long time, and it was only because Second Mistress spent half the day amusing her that she’s a little better.” Jia Lian said: “If I go over and just say I’m asking for the old lady’s instructions—whether she’s going to Lai Da’s place on the fourteenth or not, so I can prepare the sedan chair—and I also invite the mistress and join in the fun, wouldn’t that be good?” Ping’er laughed: “If you ask me, you’d better not go. The whole household, including the mistress and Bao-yu, are in disgrace, and now you’re about to step into the breach.” Jia Lian said: “It’s already over and done with—surely they’re not going to make it up? Besides, it’s none of my business. And secondly, Father personally ordered me to fetch the mistress. If I send someone else now and he finds out, he’s already in a bad temper; he’ll take it out on me.” With that, he walked off. Ping’er saw his reasoning was sound and followed him.

When Jia Lian reached the main hall, he lightened his step and peered into the inner room, where he saw Lady Xing standing there. Xi-feng, sharp-eyed, spotted him first and signaled with her eyes for him not to come in, then signaled to Lady Xing. Lady Xing couldn’t just leave, so she poured a cup of tea and placed it in front of Grandmother Jia. Grandmother Jia turned around, and Jia Lian, caught off guard, wasn’t nimble enough in dodging. Grandmother Jia asked: “Who’s that outside? Looked like some youngster poking his head in.” Xi-feng quickly stood up and said: “I thought I saw a figure too—let me go and have a look.” As she spoke, she rose and went out. Jia Lian hurried inside and said with an ingratiating smile: “I was just asking if you’ll be going out on the fourteenth, so I can prepare the sedan chair.” Grandmother Jia said: “If that’s the case, why didn’t you come in? Why all this sneaking around?” Jia Lian smiled obsequiously: “I saw you were playing cards and didn’t dare disturb you. I just sent your daughter-in-law out to ask.” Grandmother Jia said: “Are you in such a rush? When she goes home, you can ask all you want. When have you ever been so considerate? You’re either here as a spy or a snoop, skulking about and giving me a fright. What a low, wretched creature! Your wife is playing cards with me; we’ll be at it for a while yet. You go home and scheme with that Zhao the Second’s wife to deal with your own wife.” At this, everyone laughed. Yuanyang laughed and said: “It was Bao the Second’s wife, Old Ancestress—you’ve mistaken her for Zhao the Second’s wife.” Grandmother Jia laughed too and said: “That’s right—how can I remember all these ‘hugging’ and ‘carrying’ sorts? Mentioning such things makes me angry! From the time I came into this house as a great-granddaughter-in-law until now, when I have great-granddaughters-in-law of my own, it’s been fifty-four years in all. I’ve seen great dangers and strange wonders, but I’ve never seen anything like this. Now get out of my sight!”

Jia Lian didn’t dare say a word and quickly withdrew. Ping’er stood outside the window and whispered with a laugh: “I told you not to go, but you wouldn’t listen—now you’ve fallen right into the net.” Just then, Lady Xing also came out. Jia Lian said: “It’s all Father’s doing, and now it’s all shifted onto me and you, Mother.” Lady Xing said: “You unfilial, thunder-struck wretch! Other people would die for their father, and you complain over a few words. If you don’t behave yourself, with all this anger these days, watch out he doesn’t give you a beating.” Jia Lian said: “Mother, go quickly—I was sent to fetch you ages ago.” With that, he escorted his mother out and over to the other side.

Lady Xing only gave a brief account of what had happened. Jia She was at a loss and felt ashamed. From then on, he pleaded illness and dared not see Grandmother Jia, merely sending Lady Xing and Jia Lian to pay their respects every day. He also sent people everywhere to search and buy, and in the end spent eight hundred taels of silver to acquire a seventeen-year-old girl named Yan-hong, whom he took into his household. No more of that.

Here, they played cards for half the day and only stopped for the evening meal. Nothing else happened for a day or two.

Soon it was the fourteenth day. At early dawn, Lai Da’s wife came again to invite them. Grandmother Jia was in high spirits, so she took Lady Wang, Aunt Xue, Bao-yu, and the girls along to spend half the day in Lai Da’s garden. Though the garden was not as fine as Grand View Garden, it was still very neat and spacious, with springs, rocks, woods, pavilions, and towers—several spots were quite striking. In the outer hall were Xue Pan, Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, Jia Rong, and a few close relatives; those from farther away hadn’t come, nor had Jia She. Lai Da’s household had also invited several current officials and a few young gentlemen from good families as company. Among them was Liu Xiang-lian. Xue Pan, ever since meeting him once before, had been unable to forget him. He had also heard that Xiang-lian was fond of acting in plays, and that he always played the roles of young lovers in romantic dramas. This led him to misunderstand, taking Xiang-lian for a dissolute playboy, and he was eager to strike up a friendship, regretting only that he had no introduction. That day, encountering him by chance, he felt beside himself with joy. Moreover, Jia Zhen and the others admired Xiang-lian’s reputation; emboldened by wine, they begged him to perform two scenes. After the performance, they moved seats and sat with him, asking all sorts of questions and chatting about this and that.

Now Liu Xiang-lian came from a good family. He had failed in his studies, lost his parents early, and had a natural disposition of chivalrous frankness, careless of trivialities. He was exceedingly fond of wielding spears and swords, gambling and drinking, and even frequenting brothels, playing the flute and zither—there was nothing he didn’t do. Because he was young and handsome, those who didn’t know his background mistook him for an actor. Lai Da’s son, Lai Shang-rong, had long been friends with him, so he had invited him that day as a guest. But after drinking, while others were manageable, Xue Pan alone relapsed into his old habits. Xiang-lian had already grown displeased and wanted to slip away when he had the chance, but Lai Shang-rong absolutely wouldn’t let him go. Lai Shang-rong said: “Just now, Master Bao told me that when you first came in, he saw you, but there were too many people to talk. He told me to remind you not to leave when the party breaks up—he has something to say to you. If you insist on going, let me call him out so you two can meet first, then you can go; it won’t be my concern.” With that, he ordered a servant to go inside and find an old woman, whispering to her to “ask Second Master Bao to come out.” The servant had been gone less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea when, sure enough, Bao-yu came out. Lai Shang-rong said to Bao-yu with a smile: “Good uncle, I’m handing him over to you. I’ve got to go see to the guests.” With that, he went off.

Baoyu then took Liu Xianglian into the small study beside the hall and sat down, asking him whether he had been to Qin Zhong’s grave in the past few days. Xianglian said, “How could I not go? The other day we went out to fly falcons, and when we were still two li from his grave, I thought of the heavy rains this summer, afraid his grave might not hold up. I slipped away from the others, went to look, and sure enough, it had shifted a bit. When I got home, I scraped together a few hundred cash, and early on the third day, I hired two men to fix it up.” Baoyu said, “No wonder—last month, when lotus seedpods grew in our Grand View Garden pond, I picked ten and sent Mingyan out to offer them at his grave. When he came back, I asked if the rain had damaged it. He said not only was it undamaged, but it looked newer than before. I thought it must be the work of a few friends. I just hate being cooped up at home every day, unable to make any decisions, with people knowing my every move—either this one stops me or that one advises me. I can talk, but I can’t act. Even though I have money, I can’t spend it as I please.” Xianglian said, “You don’t need to worry about this. I’ll handle things outside; just keep it in your heart. The first day of the tenth month is coming, and I’ve already set aside money for the grave-visiting expenses. You know I’m as poor as a church mouse, with no savings at home; even if I get a few coins, they’re gone in a flash. So I thought I’d set this portion aside while I could, so I won’t be empty-handed when the time comes.” Baoyu said, “I was just about to send Mingyan to find you about this, but you’re hardly ever home. I know you drift like duckweed on the waves, with no fixed place.” Xianglian said, “No need to look for me. This is just each of us doing his part. Soon I’ll be going out on the road, wandering for three or five years before I come back.” Baoyu heard this and quickly asked, “Why is that?” Liu Xianglian sneered and said, “You don’t know what’s on my mind, but when the time comes, you’ll understand naturally. I have to take my leave now.” Baoyu said, “It’s so rare to meet you; wouldn’t it be good to spend the evening together?” Xianglian said, “That cousin of yours by marriage is still the same. If I sit any longer, there’ll be trouble. Better I avoid him.” Baoyu thought for a moment and said, “If that’s the case, it’s right to avoid him. But if you’re truly going far away, you must tell me beforehand; don’t slip away quietly.” As he spoke, tears fell. Liu Xianglian said, “Of course I’ll say goodbye. Just don’t tell anyone else.” With that, he stood up to leave, adding, “You go back inside; no need to see me out.” As he spoke, he left the study. Just as he reached the front gate, he ran into Xue Pan, who was shouting wildly, “Who let Little Liu go!” At this, Liu Xianglian’s rage flared up; he wished he could knock him dead with one punch. But then he thought that after drinking, throwing a punch might offend Lai Shangrong’s face, so he held back, again and again. When Xue Pan suddenly saw him come out, it was like finding a treasure. He staggered over, grabbed him, and laughed, “My brother, where have you been?” Xianglian said, “Just out for a walk, and I’ll be back.” Xue Pan laughed, “Good brother, once you left, there was no fun. Please, sit a while; you’ll be doing me a kindness. No matter what urgent business you have, leave it to your big brother. Don’t be in a hurry—with a brother like me, getting an official post or making a fortune is easy.” Xianglian saw how despicable he was, feeling both hatred and shame, and quickly thought of a plan. He pulled him to a secluded spot and laughed, “Are you truly friendly with me, or just pretending?” Xue Pan, hearing this, was so delighted his heart itched. He squinted and laughed hastily, “Good brother, why ask me that? If I were pretending, may I die right before your eyes!” Xianglian said, “If that’s so, this place isn’t convenient. Sit a while, then I’ll go first, and you follow later. Come to my lodgings, and we’ll drink all night separately. I have two excellent boys there who’ve never been out. You don’t even need to bring a servant—when you arrive, attendants are all ready.” Xue Pan, hearing this, sobered up half from joy and said, “Truly?” Xianglian said, “What’s this! I treat you sincerely, and you don’t believe me!” Xue Pan laughed quickly, “I’m no fool; how could I not believe it! If that’s so, I don’t know the place. You go first—where do I find you?” Xianglian said, “My lodgings are outside the North Gate. Can you bear to leave home and spend a night outside the city?” Xue Pan laughed, “With you, what do I need a home for!” Xianglian said, “In that case, I’ll wait for you on the bridge outside the North Gate. Let’s go back to the feast and drink a bit. After I leave, you wait a while before following, so they won’t notice.” Xue Pan agreed eagerly. So the two returned to the feast and drank for a while. Xue Pan found it hard to endure, constantly eyeing Xianglian, his mind more delighted with each thought. He poured himself one cup after another, needing no urging, and drank on and on, until he was about eight or nine parts drunk.

Xianglian then got up and slipped out while no one was watching. At the gate, he told his young servant Xingnu, “Go home first. I’ll be back after a trip to the city outskirts.” With that, he mounted his horse and headed straight out of the North Gate, waiting on the bridge for Xue Pan. In less than the time it takes to eat a meal, Xue Pan came riding a large horse from afar, his mouth agape, his eyes wide, his head bobbing like a rattle-drum as he looked left and right. As he passed by Xianglian’s horse, he stared into the distance, not noticing what was near, and actually rode past him. Xianglian, half laughing and half angry, spurred his horse and followed. Xue Pan, looking ahead and seeing the area grow sparser, turned his horse back to search. But when he turned his head and saw Xianglian, it was like finding a rare treasure. He laughed quickly, “I said you’d never break your word.” Xianglian laughed, “Hurry forward, careful—if people see and follow, it’ll be inconvenient.” With that, he spurred his horse ahead, and Xue Pan followed closely.

Seeing that the area ahead was growing sparsely populated and there was a stretch of reedy marshland, Liu Xianglian dismounted, tied his horse to a tree, and said to Xue Pan with a laugh, “Get down. Let’s first swear an oath. If in the future either of us changes his mind and tells others about this, may the curse fall upon him.” Xue Pan laughed and replied, “That makes sense.” He quickly dismounted, tied his horse as well, knelt down, and said, “If I ever change my mind in the future and tell anyone about this, may heaven and earth destroy me!” Before he could finish, he heard a dull thud, and something like a hammer struck the back of his neck. Everything went black before his eyes, stars of gold danced wildly, and, losing control of himself, he collapsed to the ground. Xianglian stepped forward to look at him, knowing that Xue Pan was clumsy and unaccustomed to being beaten. Using only three-tenths of his strength, he slapped him several times across the face, and instantly it swelled up like a fruit shop. Xue Pan first tried to struggle to his feet, but Xianglian tapped him twice with the tip of his toe, and he fell back down again, saying, “This was supposed to be a mutual agreement. If you weren’t willing, you could have just said so. Why trick me into coming out here to beat me?” As he spoke, he began to curse wildly. Xianglian said, “You blind fool, do you know who Master Liu is? Instead of begging for mercy, you still dare to insult me! I gain nothing by killing you, but I’ll give you a taste of what it means to be taught a lesson.” So saying, he took his horsewhip and laid into Xue Pan from his back down to his calves, delivering thirty or forty strokes. By then, Xue Pan was more than half sober from his wine. The pain was unbearable, and he couldn’t help crying out, “Aiyo!” Xianglian sneered and said, “So that’s all there is to you! I thought you could take a beating.” As he spoke, he grabbed Xue Pan’s left leg, dragged him a few steps toward the muddy reed marsh, and rolled him until he was covered in mud and water. Then he asked, “Do you recognize me now?” Xue Pan didn’t answer, just lay there groaning. Xianglian threw down the whip and pummeled him several times with his fists. Xue Pan writhed and screamed, “My ribs are broken! I know you’re an upright man—I was wrong to listen to others.” Xianglian said, “Don’t drag anyone else into this; just talk about what’s in front of you.” Xue Pan said, “There’s nothing to say about what’s in front of me. Except that you’re an upright man, and I was wrong.” Xianglian said, “You need to say something softer before I’ll let you off.” Xue Pan groaned, “Good brother.” Xianglian punched him again. Xue Pan cried out, “Aiyo! Good elder brother.” Xianglian hit him twice more. Xue Pan hastily shouted, “Aiyo! Good grandfather, spare this blind wretch! From now on, I’ll respect and fear you.” Xianglian said, “Drink two mouthfuls of that water.” Xue Pan frowned and said, “That water is filthy—how can I drink it?” Xianglian raised his fist to strike again. Xue Pan hurriedly said, “I’ll drink, I’ll drink.” As he spoke, he had no choice but to lower his head and take a sip from the roots of the reeds. Before he could swallow, he let out a loud “Wa!” and vomited everything he had just eaten. Xianglian said, “What filthy stuff! Finish it quickly, and I’ll let you go.” Xue Pan kowtowed frantically and said, “For heaven’s sake, show some mercy and spare me! I could never eat that, even if it killed me.” Xianglian said, “Such a stench—it’s spoiling me.” With that, he abandoned Xue Pan, mounted his horse, and rode away. Xue Pan, seeing him gone, finally felt relieved and regretted having mistaken his man. He tried to struggle to his feet, but his whole body ached unbearably.

Meanwhile, Jia Zhen and the others at the banquet suddenly noticed that the two of them were missing. They searched everywhere but couldn’t find them. Someone said, “I think I saw them heading out the north gate.” Xue Pan’s servants were usually afraid of him; since he had ordered them not to follow, who dared to go looking? In the end, Jia Zhen grew worried and sent Jia Rong with some servants to track them down. They followed the trail straight out the north gate, crossed the bridge, and went two li or more, when suddenly they spotted Xue Pan’s horse tied by the reedy ditch. Everyone said, “Good! Where there’s a horse, there must be a man.” They all went up to the horse and heard someone groaning among the reeds. They hurried over and saw Xue Pan with his clothes torn, his face swollen and bruised, his head and body unrecognizable, and rolled all over in mud like a pig. Jia Rong guessed most of what had happened. He quickly dismounted, ordered the men to help him out, and said with a laugh, “Uncle Xue, you flirt every day, but today you’ve ended up flirting in the reed ditch. It must be that the Dragon King has taken a fancy to your charm and wants you as his son-in-law, so you ran into his horns.” Xue Pan was so ashamed he wished he could crawl into a crack in the ground. How could he manage to mount a horse? Jia Rong had no choice but to send someone to the town gate to hire a small sedan chair. Xue Pan got in, and they all entered the city together. Jia Rong wanted to carry him back to Lai Shangrong’s feast, but Xue Pan begged him repeatedly not to, and also asked him not to tell anyone else. Jia Rong finally agreed and let him go home. Jia Rong then returned to the Lais’ residence to report to Jia Zhen and recounted the scene. Jia Zhen knew that Xue Pan had been beaten by Liu Xianglian, and he laughed, saying, “He needed to suffer a loss like that to learn his lesson.” That evening, when the party broke up, he went to inquire after Xue Pan, but Xue Pan stayed in his room nursing his injuries and refused to see anyone, claiming illness.

When Grandmother Jia and the others returned home, Xue Yima and Baochai saw Xiangling crying with her eyes swollen. They asked the reason and hurried over to see Xue Pan. Although his face and body bore bruises, his bones and sinews were not broken. Xue Yima was both pained and furious. She cursed Xue Pan for a while, then cursed Liu Xianglian, and wanted to tell Lady Wang to send men to arrest Liu Xianglian. Baochai quickly advised her, “This is no great matter. They were just drinking together, and it’s common for tempers to flare after wine. When someone’s drunk, getting hit a few more times is nothing unusual. Besides, everyone knows how lawless our family can be. Mother is only upset out of concern. If you want to vent your anger, it’s easy enough. Wait three or five days until Brother is well enough to go out. Cousin Zhen and Cousin Lian and the others won’t let this drop for nothing. They’ll surely host a banquet, call that man over, and make him apologize to Brother in front of everyone. If Mother makes a big deal out of this now and tells everyone, it will only make you seem partial and indulgent, encouraging him to stir up trouble and provoke others. Now that he’s suffered a loss for once, you’re raising such a hue and cry, using our relatives’ influence to bully ordinary people.” Xue Yima listened and said, “My child, you’re the one who thinks things through. I was just confused in my anger.” Baochai laughed and said, “This is good. He’s not afraid of Mother, and he won’t listen to advice. He grows more reckless every day. After a few such setbacks, he might calm down.” Xue Pan lay on the kang, cursing Liu Xianglian bitterly, and ordered his servants to go tear down his house, beat him to death, and take him to court. Xue Yima stopped the servants, saying only that Liu Xianglian had been reckless while drunk, but now that he was sober, he regretted it deeply and had fled for fear of punishment. When Xue Pan heard this, if you want to know the outcome, listen to the next chapter for the explanation.