Chapter 77: The quick-witted maid dies unjustly for her passion; The charming actresses renounce worldly ties and enter a nunnery

When Lady Wang saw that the Mid-Autumn Festival had passed, Xifeng’s illness had already eased compared to before. Although not yet fully recovered, she could move about and go out, and still had a physician come daily to take her pulse and administer medicine. A prescription for pill medicine was also made up to prepare the Tiao Jing Yang Rong Wan (Regulate the Menses and Nourish the Vitality Pills). Because two ounces of top-quality ginseng were needed, Lady Wang went to fetch it and searched for a long time, finding only a few sticks as thick as hairpins in a small box. Lady Wang thought them inferior and ordered another search, which yielded a large bundle of root hairs and broken bits. Lady Wang said irritably, “When it’s not needed, there’s always some; but when it’s truly needed, it can’t be found. I’ve told you every day to check and put everything together in one place, but you won’t listen and just scatter it about carelessly. You don’t know how valuable it is—how much silver it would take to buy, and even then it’s not good enough.” Caiyun said, “I think there’s no more—only this. Last time the lady from that side came to ask for some, and you gave it all away.” Lady Wang said, “That’s not true. Search again more carefully.” Caiyun had no choice but to look again and brought out several packets of medicinal herbs, saying, “We don’t recognize these; please look for yourself, madam. There’s nothing else besides these.” When Lady Wang opened them, she too had forgotten what they were, not knowing which medicines they were, and there was not a single stick of ginseng. So she sent someone to ask Xifeng if she had any. Xifeng replied, “There are only some ginseng paste and root hairs. Although there are a few sticks, they aren’t top quality, and I need them every day for my decoctions.” Hearing this, Lady Wang had no choice but to inquire at Lady Xing’s place. Lady Xing said, “Because I had none last time, I came here to look. They’ve long been used up.” Lady Wang, at her wit’s end, had to go in person to ask Grandmother Jia. Grandmother Jia promptly ordered Yuanyang to take out what was left from before. There was actually a large bundle, with sticks as thick as fingers. She weighed out two ounces and gave them to Lady Wang. Lady Wang took them out and gave them to Zhou Rui’s wife, telling her to have a servant deliver them to the physician’s home. She also ordered that the several packets of unidentifiable medicines be taken along for the physician to identify, each wrapped separately with a label, and brought back.

After a while, Zhou Rui’s wife returned with them and said, “These packets have each been wrapped and labeled with their names. But this bundle of ginseng, though top quality, cannot be found even at thirty times the price now. It’s just too old. This stuff is different from other things—no matter how good it is, once it’s over a hundred years, it turns to ash by itself. Now, though it hasn’t become ash yet, it’s already rotten and decayed like wood, with no medicinal potency left. Please keep this, madam, but it’s better to exchange it for some new ones, regardless of thickness or quality.” When Lady Wang heard this, she bowed her head and said nothing, then after a long while said, “There’s no help for it then—I’ll have to buy two ounces.” She had no heart to look at the rest and only ordered, “Put them all away.” Then she said to Zhou Rui’s wife, “Go and tell the people outside to pick good ones and exchange for two ounces. If the old lady asks about it, just say you’re using the old lady’s—there’s no need to say more.” As Zhou Rui’s wife was about to leave, Baochai, who was present, smiled and said, “Aunt, wait a moment. Nowadays the ginseng sold outside is never good. Even if there’s a whole stick, they always cut it into two or three pieces, add lumps and root hairs, mix it up to sell it well, so you can’t tell the thickness. Our shop often deals with ginseng merchants. Let me go and speak to Mother now, and have Brother entrust a clerk to negotiate with the ginseng merchant and explain, so that he can exchange two ounces of unprocessed, whole, good ginseng. We can spend a few extra taels of silver and still get good quality.” Lady Wang smiled and said, “You understand it well. It would be best if you trouble yourself to go in person.” So Baochai left. After a long while, she returned and said, “I’ve already sent someone; there will be a reply by evening. It won’t be too late to prepare the medicine tomorrow morning.” Lady Wang was naturally very pleased and said, “‘The woman who sells oil uses water to dress her hair.’ We’ve always had good things at home and given away who knows how much to others. Now when it’s our turn to use them, we have to beg from everyone.” After saying this, she heaved a long sigh. Baochai smiled and said, “This stuff may be valuable, but after all, it’s only medicine. It should be used to help people and be distributed to others. We’re not like those families who have never seen the world, who get something like this and hide it away secretly.” Lady Wang nodded and said, “That’s very true.”

After Baochai left, and seeing no one else in the room, Lady Wang called for Zhou Rui’s wife to ask about the outcome of the search in the Garden a few days earlier. Zhou Rui’s wife, having already discussed the matter with Xifeng and the others, concealed nothing and reported everything to Lady Wang. Lady Wang, though shocked and angered by what she heard, also felt troubled, thinking that Siqi was Yingchun’s maid and therefore belonged to the other branch of the family. She could only send someone to inform Lady Xing. Zhou Rui’s wife replied, “A few days ago, that lady blamed Wang Shanbao’s wife for meddling and slapped her several times. Now she’s pretending to be ill and staying home, unwilling to come forward. Besides, Siqi is her granddaughter, so she’s made herself look foolish. She’s just pretending to have forgotten, waiting for the matter to blow over with time. If we go to report it now, that lady might become suspicious and think we’re the ones stirring up trouble. It would be simpler to take Siqi directly over, with the stolen goods as evidence, and show them to that lady. At worst, she’ll be beaten and married off, and we’ll ask for another maid in her place. Wouldn’t that save trouble? If we just go and tell her now, she might make excuses and say, ‘If that’s the case, your mistress should handle it herself. Why bring it to me?’ That would only delay things. And if that girl takes the chance to kill herself, it will be even worse. We’ve watched her for two or three days, but people can slack off. If we miss one moment of attention, it could lead to disaster.” Lady Wang thought it over and said, “That’s a good idea. Deal with this one quickly, and then we’ll handle those little demons in our own household.” Zhou Rui’s wife, receiving the order, gathered several other matrons and went first to Yingchun’s room. There she informed Yingchun, “The mistresses have said that Siqi is grown up, and her mother has been begging them for days. The mistresses have already granted her permission to let Siqi marry. Today she is to leave, and we’ll pick another good maid for you to use.” With that, she ordered Siqi to pack and go. Yingchun, hearing this, held back tears as if reluctant to part, for she had already learned the reason from another maid whispering the night before. Though their years of friendship made it hard to let go, the matter involved moral misconduct, and there was nothing she could do. Siqi had previously begged Yingchun, truly hoping that Yingchun would fight to keep her, even at the cost of her own life. But Yingchun was slow of speech, weak-willed, and indecisive, unable to take charge. Seeing the situation, Siqi knew there was no escape and wept, saying, “How cruel you are, miss! You’ve put me off for two days, and now you can’t even say a single word?” Zhou Rui’s wife and the others said, “Do you still expect the young lady to keep you? Even if she did, you’d find it hard to face anyone in the Garden now. Listen to our good advice and stop this fuss. Slip away quietly, and we’ll all save face.” Yingchun, holding back tears, said, “I know you’ve done something very wrong. If I tried too hard to plead for you to stay, wouldn’t that ruin me too? Look at Ruhua—she was with us for years, and she left just like that. It’s not just the two of you. I imagine all the senior maids in the Garden will have to go. As I see it, sooner or later everyone parts ways. You might as well go on your own.” Zhou Rui’s wife said, “That’s why the young lady is so sensible. There will be more sent away tomorrow, so rest assured.” Siqi had no choice but to weep as she kowtowed to Yingchun, said goodbye to the other sisters, and then whispered in Yingchun’s ear, “At least find out if I’m being punished, and put in a good word for me. We were mistress and maid after all!” Yingchun, also in tears, promised, “Don’t worry.” So Zhou Rui’s wife and the others led Siqi out of the courtyard gate, and ordered two old women to carry all of Siqi’s belongings for her. They had not gone far when Xiuju caught up from behind, wiping her tears, and handed Siqi a silk bundle, saying, “This is from the young lady. We were mistress and maid, and now we’re parting. Take this as a keepsake.” Siqi took it, crying even harder, and wept with Xiuju for a while. Zhou Rui’s wife grew impatient and urged them on, so the two had to part. Siqi, still weeping, begged, “Aunties and elder sisters, please do me a favor and let me rest a moment. Let me say goodbye to my close friends among the sisters. We’ve been close for years.” Zhou Rui’s wife and the others all had their own business to attend to, and dealing with this was already a burden. Moreover, they deeply resented Siqi’s usual haughty airs, so they had no time to listen to her pleas. She sneered, “I advise you to get moving and stop dragging things out. We have real business to handle. Who are you, that we came out of the same swaddling clothes? Why say goodbye to them? They’ve already had enough laughs at your expense. You’re just stalling for time, but do you think that will let you off? I say, hurry up and go.” As she spoke, she never slowed her pace, leading Siqi straight to the back corner gate and out. Siqi, helpless and afraid to argue further, could only follow.

Just then Baoyu came in from outside. As soon as he saw Siqi being led out, and then noticed people carrying things behind her, he realized that once she left this time, she would never return. Having heard about the events of the previous night, and moreover, since Qingwen’s illness had worsened from that very day, he had pressed her for details, but she would not say what had caused it. A few days earlier he had seen Ruhua taken away, and now today he saw Siqi about to leave as well. He felt utterly forlorn, as if his soul had left him, and hastily stopped them, asking, “Where are you going?” The women under Zhou Rui’s wife knew Baoyu’s usual ways and were afraid he would make a fuss and delay matters, so they laughed and said, “This is none of your business. Go and study quickly.” Baoyu smiled and said, “Good sisters, please stop for just a moment. I have something to say.” Zhou Rui’s wife then said, “Her Ladyship will not allow a moment’s delay. What reasoning could there be? We only know to obey Her Ladyship’s orders and cannot concern ourselves with much else.” When Siqi saw Baoyu, she grabbed hold of him and said tearfully, “They cannot make decisions. In any case, you must beg Her Ladyship for me.” Baoyu could not help but feel grieved and, with tears in his eyes, said, “I do not know what great offense you have committed. Qingwen is also ill, and now you are about to leave. Everyone is leaving. What can be done?” Zhou Rui’s wife grew impatient and said to Siqi, “You are no longer a deputy young mistress now. If you do not behave, I can beat you. Do not think that in the past the young ladies protected you and let you do as you pleased. The more you talk, the slower you go. Now you are pulling and dragging with the young masters—what kind of decency is that!” The several matrons, without waiting for further argument, pulled Siqi and led her out. Baoyu, afraid they would go and report him, glared at them hatefully until they had gone far off, and then pointed after them and said indignantly, “Strange, strange! How is it that once these women marry a man and take on the smell of men, they become such scoundrels, even more detestable than men!” The old women guarding the garden gate heard this and could not help but find it amusing, so they asked, “If that is so, then all maidens are good and all married women are bad?” Baoyu nodded and said, “Exactly, exactly!” The old women laughed and said, “There is one more thing we do not understand and would like to ask you about.” Just as they were about to speak, several old matrons came hurrying over and said urgently, “Be careful! Gather everyone and be ready. Her Ladyship has come to the garden in person and is checking on people. She may even come here. She has also ordered that Qingwen’s elder brother and sister-in-law from Happy Red Court be summoned to wait here to take her sister away.” Then they laughed and said, “Amida Buddha! Today Heaven has opened its eyes and sent this calamitous away, so we can all have some peace.” As soon as Baoyu heard that Lady Wang had come to conduct an inspection, he concluded that Qingwen could not be saved and had already rushed back as fast as he could, so he did not hear these last spiteful words. When Baoyu reached Happy Red Court, he saw a crowd of people there. Lady Wang was sitting inside with a furious expression and did not even acknowledge Baoyu when she saw him. Qingwen had not touched food or water for four or five days, her breath was faint, and now she had been pulled down from the kang, disheveled and dirty, and two women were supporting her as she was led out. Lady Wang ordered that only her underclothes be taken out; the rest of her good clothes were to be left for the good maids to wear. She then commanded that all the maids here be summoned and examined one by one. It turned out that ever since Lady Wang had been angered that day, Wang Shanbao’s wife had taken the opportunity to denounce Qingwen, and some people in the household who were on bad terms with those in the garden had also added their own gossip. Lady Wang had remembered it all. Because it was the festival period and there were other matters, she had restrained herself for two days. Today she had come in person to investigate. First, there was the matter of Qingwen, but that was not all. Second, there were those who had used Baoyu as a pretext, saying that he had grown up and was now aware of human affairs, and that it was all because the maids in his room were not behaving properly and had corrupted him. This matter was even more serious than Qingwen’s alone. So she examined every single maid, from Xiren down to the lowest rough-workers, one by one. Then she asked, “Who was born on the same day as Baoyu?” The girl in question dared not answer. An old nurse pointed and said, “This one, Huixiang, also called Sir, was born on the same day as Baoyu.” Lady Wang looked her over carefully. Though she was not even half as good as Qingwen, she had a certain delicate and clever appearance. Her manner and behavior showed all her intelligence on the surface, and her dress was also different. Lady Wang sneered and said, “This is another one who is not afraid to be shameless. She said behind our backs that those born on the same day are husband and wife. Did you say that? You thought that because I live far away, I knew nothing. But you should know that although my body does not often come here, my heart, mind, and spirit are always here. Do you think that with my only son Baoyu, I would be so at ease as to let you corrupt him as you please?” This Sir, seeing Lady Wang mention the private words she had exchanged with Baoyu, could not help blushing, lowering her head and shedding tears. Lady Wang then ordered that her family be summoned quickly to take her out and marry her off. Then she asked, “Who is Yelü Xiongnu?” The old nurses pointed out Fangguan. Lady Wang said, “Opera girls are naturally vixens! Last time I let you go, but you were too lazy to leave. You should have been content with your lot. Instead, you started making mischief and inciting Baoyu to do all sorts of things.” Fangguan smiled and defended herself, saying, “I never dared to incite anything.” Lady Wang laughed and said, “Still talking back. Let me ask you, two years ago when we went to the imperial mausoleum, who was it that incited Baoyu to ask for Liu’s daughter, Wu’er? Fortunately, that girl died young, or if she had come in, you would have formed a clique and ruined this garden. You even bullied your own godmother, let alone others!” Then she shouted, “Call her godmother to take her away. Let her find a husband for herself outside. Give her all her belongings.” She also ordered that all the opera girls who had been assigned to the young ladies in previous years were not to be kept in the garden any longer. Each was to be taken out by her godmother and married off as she pleased. As soon as this command was given, the godmothers were all extremely grateful and gathered together to kowtow to Lady Wang and take them away. Lady Wang then searched Baoyu’s room thoroughly. Anything that seemed even slightly unfamiliar was ordered to be collected, rolled up, and taken to her own room. Then she said, “Now it is clean, and there will be no idle talk from others.” Then she instructed Xiren, Sheyue, and the others: “Be careful! From now on, if there is any further improper behavior, I will not forgive any of you.” Then she had someone check and was told that this year it was not auspicious to move, so they were to endure this year. Next year, they were all to move out again, and she would have peace of mind.” After saying this, she did not even drink tea but led her entourage off to inspect other places. For now, we shall not speak of what followed.

Let us now speak of Baoyu. He had thought that Lady Wang had only come to conduct a search and that nothing serious would come of it. Who could have known that she would arrive in such a thunderous rage? Every accusation she made concerned things he had said on ordinary days, not a single word amiss. He knew in his heart that there was no hope of reversing matters. Though he wished he could die on the spot, while Lady Wang was in the midst of her fury, he dared not say an extra word or make an extra move. He followed her all the way to Drenching Fragrance Pavilion. Lady Wang ordered, “Go back and recite that book properly. Be careful—tomorrow I will question you. I have already made up my mind.” Hearing this, Baoyu turned back. On the way, he thought to himself, “Who was it that gossiped? Besides, no one knew about these things here. How did they all come out?” As he pondered, he entered the room and saw Xiren weeping silently. And when the foremost person had been dismissed, how could he not be broken-hearted? He threw himself onto the bed and wept as well.

Xiren knew that while other things might be tolerable to him, Qingwen was the foremost concern. She pushed him and tried to console him, saying, “Crying is useless. Get up, and I’ll tell you: Qingwen is already better. Now that she has gone home, she can have peace of mind and rest for a few days. If you truly cannot bear to part with her, wait until the mistress’s anger has subsided, then beg the old lady to have her called back. That won’t be difficult. It’s just that the mistress happened to believe someone’s slander and acted in a fit of temper.” Baoyu wept, “I still don’t know what unpardonable crime Qingwen has committed!” Xiren said, “The mistress only dislikes that she is too beautiful, and inevitably a bit frivolous. In the mistress’s eyes, someone so lovely is bound to be restless, so she hates her. People like us, who are coarse and clumsy, are considered good enough.” Baoyu said, “That’s one thing. But how did she find out about our private jokes? No outsider leaked them—that’s strange.” Xiren said, “What secrets do you keep? When you’re in high spirits, you don’t care whether anyone’s around or not. I’ve given you hints and signals, but others have already noticed, and you remain oblivious.” Baoyu said, “How is it that the mistress knows everyone’s faults, but she never singles out you, Sheyue, or Qiuwen?” Xiren was startled by these words. She bowed her head for a long time, finding no reply, and then forced a smile, saying, “Exactly so. If you think about it, we too have had careless and reckless moments in our joking. How could the mistress have forgotten? Perhaps there are other matters, and when she finishes, she’ll deal with us—who knows?” Baoyu laughed, “You are the first one known far and wide for your perfect virtue and goodness. The other two have been nurtured and taught by you. How could they have any faults worthy of punishment? As for Fangguan, she is still young, too clever by half, and inevitably she relies on her strength to overpower others, making herself disliked. Si’er—I wronged her. It all started that year on the day you and I quarreled, when I called her up to do fine work, and she ended up encroaching on others’ positions, leading to today. But Qingwen—she is just like you, raised from childhood in the old lady’s quarters. Though she is more beautiful than others, that shouldn’t be a hindrance. Even if she is sharp-tongued and outspoken, she never actually offended any of you. I think it’s because she was too beautiful, and that beauty has been her ruin.” Having said this, he began to weep again.

Xiren carefully pondered his words; they seemed to imply suspicion of her. She found it hard to continue consoling him, and sighed, “Heaven knows the truth. At this point, no one can be found out. Crying for a while is useless. It’s better to conserve your energy and wait until the old lady is happy, then explain things clearly and ask for her back—that’s the proper course.” Baoyu laughed coldly, “Don’t give me hollow comfort. By the time the mistress’s anger has cooled and I can gauge the situation to ask for her back, who knows if her illness will wait? She has been pampered since childhood; she has never suffered a single day’s grievance. Even I, who know her temperament, often clash with her. For her to leave now is like sending a tender orchid shoot into a pigsty. And on top of that, she is gravely ill, with a belly full of pent-up anger. She has no loving parents or warm relatives—only a drunken lout of a cousin and his wife. Once she goes, she won’t be comfortable for a moment. How could she wait several days? Who knows if I’ll even see her once or twice more!” As he spoke, his grief grew deeper.

Xiren smiled and said, “Indeed, it’s a case of ‘the magistrate may burn down the house, but the common people cannot even light a lamp.’ If we happen to say something slightly inappropriate, you call it unlucky talk. Now you’re cursing her properly—is that right? Even if she is more delicate than others, it shouldn’t come to this.” Baoyu said, “I’m not recklessly cursing her. There was an omen this spring.” Xiren quickly asked what omen. Baoyu said, “That crabapple tree below the steps—it was perfectly fine, but inexplicably half of it withered. I knew something strange was coming, and sure enough, it has fallen on her.” Xiren laughed again at this, and said, “I don’t want to say it, but I can’t hold back—you are being too fussy and womanish. How can a man of letters like you say such things? How can plants be connected to people? If you weren’t so fussy, you’d be a proper fool.” Baoyu sighed, “How would you understand? It’s not just plants—everything in the world has feeling and reason, just like people. When they find a true friend, they become extremely responsive. If I use grand examples, there is the juniper before Confucius’s temple, the yarrow on his grave, the cypress before Zhuge Liang’s shrine, the pine at Yue Fei’s tomb. These are all upright and noble things that follow human righteousness. They are imperishable through the ages. When the world is in chaos, they wither; when it is at peace, they flourish. Over thousands of years, they have died and revived several times. Isn’t that an omen? For smaller examples, there are the tree peonies at Yang Guifei’s Aloeswood Pavilion, the love-vine at Upright Tower, the grass on Wang Zhaojun’s grave—are they not also endowed with spiritual response? So this crabapple, too, should respond to the person about to die, and therefore half of it withered first.” Xiren heard this crazy talk, and found it both laughable and pitiful. She smiled and said, “Truly, these words only make me angrier. What is Qingwen, that you should expend such thought, comparing her to all these worthy figures? Besides, even if she were good, she cannot surpass my position. If the crabapple were to respond, it should have withered for me first—it wouldn’t be her turn. I suppose I am about to die.” When Baoyu heard this, he quickly covered her mouth and urged, “Why do this? One matter is not settled, and you start again. Enough—don’t mention it anymore. Don’t let us lose three and throw in another one for good measure.” Xiren was secretly pleased at this, thinking, “If not for this, you wouldn’t be able to let it go.” Baoyu then said, “From now on, let’s not speak of it. Treat them as if they were dead—that’s all. Besides, I’ve had people die before, and you didn’t see me act like this. It’s the same principle. For now, let’s talk about the present. Just take her things—keep it from the mistress but not from others—and quietly send someone to deliver them to her. Also, take a few strings of the money we’ve saved up over time and give it to her to convalesce. It would count as the sisterly affection you shared.” Xiren smiled when she heard this and said, “You really think we are petty and heartless. You didn’t need to say that. I’ve already packed all her usual clothes and belongings, and put them aside. Now, in broad daylight, with many eyes and ears, I’m afraid of causing trouble. Wait until evening, and I’ll secretly ask Old Woman Song to take them to her. I also have a few strings of my own savings to give her.” Baoyu was endlessly grateful. Xiren laughed, “I’ve long been known as a virtuous person. Wouldn’t I be a fool not to buy myself this good name?” Baoyu, hearing her words, quickly smiled and comforted her for a while.

That evening, he indeed secretly sent Old Woman Song to deliver the things. Baoyu steadied everyone, then slipped out alone through the back corner gate. He begged an old woman to take him to Qingwen’s home to see her. At first, the woman refused on every account, saying she was afraid of being found out: “If the mistress is told, will I still have a rice bowl?” But Baoyu pleaded desperately, and promised her some money, so the woman finally led him there.

Now, Qingwen had originally been bought with money by Lai Da’s family. At that time, Qingwen was only ten years old, her hair not yet grown long. She often accompanied Old Woman Lai when she came to call. Lady Jia saw that she was clever and pretty, and took a great liking to her. So Old Woman Lai presented her as a gift to Lady Jia to serve, and later she ended up in Baoyu’s room. When Qingwen entered the household, she no longer remembered her hometown or her parents. She only knew she had a cousin who was a good cook and had been living a vagrant life. So she begged the Lai family to take him in and give him work and food. The Lai family saw that although Qingwen, now in Lady Jia’s service, was sharp-tongued and willful, she was still mindful of old ties. So they took in her cousin and married him to a maid in their household. After they were married, who would have thought that once her cousin found security, he forgot the days of his vagrancy, gave himself over to heavy drinking, and neglected his family? And he happened to marry a wife who was amorous and beautiful. Seeing that he had no regard for his own life, understood nothing of romance, and only drank himself to death, she could not help but sigh at the contrast between the jade tree and the weed, and lament the loneliness of a beauty in her prime. Moreover, seeing that he was broad-minded and showed no jealousy, this woman gave free rein to her passions. Throughout the household, she gathered heroes and collected talents; among the upper and lower ranks, fully half had been tested by her. If you ask the names of this husband and wife, they were none other than the Drunken Slob and Lamp Girl that Jia Lian had encountered in a previous chapter. At present, Qingwen had only these relatives, so when she was sent out, she went to their home.

Let us now speak of Baoyu. He had only thought that Lady Wang had come to make a search, and that it was no great matter; who could have expected that she would arrive with such thunderous fury? The things she reproached him for were all his usual words, not a single syllable amiss, and he was certain there was no hope of turning things around. Although in his heart he wished he could die of grief, while Lady Wang was in the midst of her rage he dared not say a single word more nor move a single step, and he followed her all the way to Drenching Fragrance Pavilion. Lady Wang ordered: “Go back and recite that book properly. Be careful, tomorrow I’ll question you. I have already made up my mind.” When Baoyu heard this, he returned. As he walked, he thought: “Who could have been so loose-tongued? Besides, no one knew about the things that happened here. How could they all have been spoken of?” Thinking this, he went inside, and there he saw Xiren weeping. And having lost the foremost person, how could he not be heartbroken? He threw himself onto the bed and also cried.

Xiren knew that other matters might be bearable for him, but Qingwen was the first and greatest concern. She pushed him and urged: “Crying is useless now. Get up, and I’ll tell you: Qingwen has already recovered a little. Now that she’s gone home, she can calm her heart and rest for a few days. If you truly cannot bear to part with her, wait until the mistress’s anger has subsided, then beg the old lady. To call her back slowly won’t be difficult. The mistress only happened to believe someone’s slander, and in a fit of temper she acted this way.” Baoyu wept, saying: “I still don’t know what monstrous crime Qingwen has committed!” Xiren said: “The mistress only dislikes that she was born too beautiful, and is unavoidably a little frivolous. The mistress deeply believes that someone so lovely will certainly not be peaceful, and so she hates and resents her. Someone coarse and clumsy like me is considered good instead.” Baoyu said: “That’s all very well. But how did she know about our private jokes? There was no outsider to spread the word. This is strange.” Xiren said: “What secrets do you have? When you’re pleased, you don’t care whether anyone is there or not. I have given you hints with my eyes, I have signaled to you secretly, but others have already noticed, and you remain unaware.” Baoyu said: “How is it that the mistress knows everyone’s faults, but she doesn’t single out you, Sheyue, and Qiuwen?” When Xiren heard this, her heart stirred. She lowered her head for a long while, unable to answer, and then she smiled and said: “Exactly. If you consider us, we also have had careless and reckless moments when joking. How could the mistress have forgotten? Perhaps there are other matters, and when they are finished she will deal with us. It’s not impossible.” Baoyu smiled and said: “You are the first one, famous for supreme goodness and virtue. The other two were molded and taught by you. How could they have any reckless faults worth punishing! As for Fang Guan, she is still young, too clever by half, and unavoidably she uses her strength to overpower others, inviting dislike. Si’er, I wronged her. It was that day when you and I quarreled, from then on I called her in to do some fine work, and she inevitably encroached on others’ positions. That’s why things are as they are today. But Qingwen—she, like you, came from the old lady’s apartments since childhood. Although she was born more beautiful than others, that didn’t harm anything. Even if her nature is frank and her tongue sharp, she never offended you all. I think it’s because she was born too beautiful, and that beauty has been her downfall.” Having said this, he wept again.

Xiren carefully pondered his words; it seemed that Baoyu suspected her. She could hardly urge him further, so she sighed and said: “Heaven knows the truth. At this point, we cannot find out who it was. Crying in vain for a while is useless. Better to conserve your strength. When the old lady is pleased, explain things clearly and ask for her back—that is the proper way.” Baoyu laughed coldly: “Don’t try to comfort me with empty words. When the mistress calms down and I see how things stand before asking for her, who knows whether her illness will wait that long? She was pampered and spoiled from childhood; she never suffered a single day’s grievance. Even I, who know her nature, often clash with her. For her to go down there now is like sending a pot of orchids that have just sprouted tender shoots into a pigsty. And on top of that, she is gravely ill, and her heart is full of pent-up anger. She has no loving parents, only a drunken lout of a cousin-brother. Once she goes, she won’t be comfortable for even a moment. How could she wait several days? Who knows whether I will see her once or twice more!” As he spoke, he became even more distressed. Xiren smiled and said: “It’s just like the saying: ‘The magistrate may set fire, but the commoners cannot light a lamp.’ When we occasionally say something a little off, you call it unlucky talk. Now you are cursing her outright—is that proper! Even if she is more delicate than others, she wouldn’t come to such a pass.” Baoyu said: “I am not cursing her recklessly. This spring there was already an omen.” Xiren quickly asked what omen. Baoyu said: “That crabapple flower at the foot of the steps, which was perfectly fine, suddenly withered on one side for no reason. I knew something strange would happen, and it has indeed come true for her.” When Xiren heard this, she laughed again and said: “I’d better not speak, but I can’t hold back. You are too motherly and fussy. How can a man who reads books say such things? How can plants be connected to people? If you weren’t so fussy, you’d really be a fool.” Baoyu sighed: “How would you know? Not only plants, but all things under heaven have feelings and principles, just like people. When they find a true friend, they become extremely responsive. If I use a grand example, there are the juniper in front of Confucius’ temple, the yarrow on his grave, the cypress before Zhuge Liang’s shrine, the pine on Yue Fei’s tomb. These are all upright and majestic, following the righteous spirit of men, things that endure for millennia. When the world is in chaos, they wither; when it is at peace, they flourish. Over several thousand years, they have died and revived many times. Isn’t this an omen? For a smaller example, there are the tree peonies at Yang Guifei’s Aloeswood Pavilion, the longing trees at Upright Tower, the grass on Wang Zhaojun’s grave—are they not also responsive? So this crabapple, responding to the person who is about to die, first withered on one side.” When Xiren heard this mad talk, she found it both laughable and pitiful. She smiled and said: “Truly, this makes me more and more angry. What is Qingwen, that you should expend such thought and compare her to such worthy people! Besides, even if she is good, she cannot surpass my rank. Even this crabapple should first be compared to me; it wouldn’t be her turn. Perhaps I am the one who is going to die.” When Baoyu heard this, he quickly covered her mouth and urged: “What’s this for! One matter is not yet settled, and you start like this. Enough, don’t mention it anymore. Don’t let us lose three and then throw in another one.” When Xiren heard this, she secretly rejoiced in her heart, thinking: “If not for this, you would never come to an end.” Baoyu then said: “From now on, let’s drop it. Treat it as if all three of them are dead, and that’s that. Besides, we have had people die before, and you didn’t see me act like this. The principle is the same. For now, let’s talk about the present. We should take her belongings, pretending to hide them from the mistress only, and secretly send someone to deliver them to her. Also, if we have some money saved up, take a few strings of cash and give them to her to nurse her illness. It would be a kindness for your sisterhood.” When Xiren heard this, she smiled and said: “You really think we are both stingy and heartless. Do you need to tell me this? I have already packed up all her usual clothes and everything else, and put them away. Now, in broad daylight, with many eyes around, I’m afraid of causing trouble. I’ll wait until evening and secretly ask Old Woman Song to take them to her. I also have a few strings of cash I’ve saved; I’ll give them to her as well.” Baoyu was endlessly grateful. Xiren smiled and said: “I have long been famous as a virtuous person. Wouldn’t I be a fool not to buy even this little bit of a good name?” When Baoyu heard her words, he quickly smiled and comforted her for a while.

That evening, they secretly sent Old Woman Song to deliver the things. After Baoyu had calmed everyone down, he took the opportunity to slip out alone through the back side gate. He begged an old woman to take him to Qingwen’s home to have a look. At first, the woman refused in every way, saying she was afraid someone would find out: “If it’s reported to the mistress, will I still have a job?” But Baoyu pleaded desperately, and promised her some money, so the woman finally led him there.

This Qingwen had originally been bought by Lai Da’s family with silver. At that time, Qingwen was only ten years old, and her hair had not yet been pinned up. Because she often followed Old Nurse Lai into the mansion, Lady Jia saw that she was clever and pretty, and was very fond of her. So Old Nurse Lai presented her to Lady Jia as a gift, and later she came to Baoyu’s room. When Qingwen came in, she didn’t remember her hometown or her parents. She only knew she had a cousin-brother who was skilled at butchery, but had also fallen on hard times outside. So she begged the Lai family to take him in as a hired worker. When the Lai family saw that Qingwen, even after coming into Lady Jia’s favor, was extremely clever and sharp-tongued but still did not forget her old ties, they also took in her cousin-brother and married him to a girl from their household. After they were married, who would have thought that once her cousin-brother had found comfort, he would forget the days of his wandering, drink himself to death recklessly, and neglect his family. As luck would have it, he had married a beautiful and amorous wife. Seeing that he cared nothing for his life, had no understanding of romance, and only drank himself to death, she could not help but sigh over the contrast between the weed and the jade, and grieve over the loneliness of beauty in her prime. Moreover, seeing that he was broad-minded and had no jealousy at all, this woman gave free rein to her lust. Throughout the household, she recruited heroes and gathered talents, and among the upper and lower ranks, fully half had been tested by her. If you ask the names of this husband and wife, they are the Drunken Mud-Eel and Lamp-Girl that Jia Lian had met earlier. At present, Qingwen had only this one relative, so when she was sent out, she went to their home.

By this time, Duo Hun-chong had gone outside, and Lamp Girl had finished her meal and gone visiting neighbors, leaving Ching-wen alone, lying prostrate in the outer room. Pao-yü told the old woman to keep watch outside the courtyard gate, then lifted the straw curtain and entered. At a glance, he saw Ching-wen sleeping on a mud-brick kang spread with a reed mat; fortunately, the bedding was still the same as before. His heart was at a loss, so he stepped forward, tears in his eyes, and gently tugged at her, calling her name softly twice. Ching-wen, having caught a chill and suffered from her brother and sister-in-law's slander, had fallen ill on top of her previous sickness. She had coughed all day and only just drifted off to sleep. Suddenly hearing someone call her, she forced open her bright eyes and saw it was Pao-yü. Overcome with surprise, joy, grief, and pain, she hastily grasped his hand tightly. After choking for a long while, she managed to utter half a sentence: "I thought I would never see you again." Then she fell into a fit of coughing. Pao-yü could only choke back sobs himself. Ching-wen said, "Amitabha, you've come just in time. Pour me half a bowl of that tea. I've been thirsty for ages, and I can't get anyone to fetch it." Hearing this, Pao-yü quickly wiped his tears and asked, "Where is the tea?" Ching-wen replied, "On that stove top." Pao-yü looked and saw a black earthenware pot that didn't resemble a teapot. He found a bowl on the table, large and coarse, not like a teacup, and before he even picked it up, he caught a greasy, rancid smell. He took it anyway, rinsed it twice with some water, then swished it clean, and finally lifted the pot to pour half a bowl. The liquid was dark red and hardly seemed like tea. Ching-wen, leaning on her pillow, said, "Quick, give me a sip! This is tea now. How could it compare to ours!" Hearing this, Pao-yü tasted it himself first; it had no fragrance, no tea flavor, only a bitter, astringent taste, barely suggesting tea. After tasting it, he handed it to Ching-wen. She drank it down in one gulp as if it were sweet dew. Pao-yü thought to himself, "In the past, even with such fine tea, she was never satisfied, yet today this is enough. Truly, the ancients were right when they said, 'One who is sated disdains rich fare; one who is hungry relishes husks,' and also, 'When full, one craves congee.' It all rings true." As he thought, tears streaming, he asked, "Do you have anything to say? Tell me now, while no one's around." Ching-wen choked out, "What is there to say! Just endure moment by moment, day by day. I know it's only a matter of three to five days before I'm gone. But one thing I'll never accept in death: though I may be a bit prettier than others, I never used secret flirtations or sweet talk to seduce you. Why do they insist I'm a fox spirit? I can't stand it! Since I'm bearing this false reputation, and on my deathbed—I'm not saying this out of regret—if I'd known this would happen, I would have acted differently from the start. I never expected to be so foolish and naive, thinking we'd always be together. Who could have imagined this would come out of nowhere, with no one to hear my grievance?" After speaking, she wept again. Pao-yü held her hand, finding it thin as withered firewood, with four silver bracelets still on her wrist. Crying, he said, "Take these off first; put them back when you're well." He removed them and tucked them under the pillow. "It's a pity about these two fingernails," he added. "They took so long to grow two inches, and now with this illness, they've been ruined." Ching-wen wiped her tears, took the scissors, and cut off her left hand's fingernails, shaped like scallion tubes, right at the roots. Then she reached under the covers, took off the old red silk bodice she wore next to her skin, and handed it along with the nails to Pao-yü. "Keep these," she said. "In the future, it will be like seeing me. Quickly take off your jacket and let me wear it. When I lie alone in my coffin, it will feel like I'm still in Happy Red Court. It's not proper, but since I'm bearing a false name, I have no choice." Hearing this, Pao-yü quickly undressed, put on her garment, and hid the nails. Ching-wen wept again, saying, "When you go back, if they see and ask, don't lie—just say it's mine. Since I'm bearing this false reputation, let it be so; it's no worse than this."

Before she finished speaking, her sister-in-law lifted the curtain with a grin and came in, saying, "Well, well, I've heard everything you two said." Then, turning to Pao-yü, she said, "You, a master, what are you doing in a servant's room? Is it because I'm young and pretty that you've come to seduce me?" Pao-yü, terrified, quickly put on a pleading smile and begged, "Good sister, don't shout. She served me once, and I came to see her privately." Lamp Girl grabbed Pao-yü by the hand and pulled him into the inner room, laughing, "If you don't want me to make a fuss, it's easy—just do one thing for me." With that, she sat on the edge of the kang and pulled Pao-yü tightly into her arms. Pao-yü had never seen such a thing; his heart began to pound wildly, his face flushed crimson with shame and fear, and he stammered, "Good sister, don't tease." Lamp Girl, her drunken eyes slanting, laughed and said, "Pah! I've heard all day that you're a master of dalliance in romantic affairs. Why are you so awkward today?" Pao-yü, red-faced, forced a smile and said, "Sister, let go. Let's talk properly. There's an old woman outside; what will she think if she hears?" Lamp Girl laughed, "I came in long ago and sent her to wait at the garden gate. I've been waiting for this. Today, I've caught you. Though reputation doesn't match reality, you have a good face, but you're like a firecracker without powder—just for show. You're even more shy than I am. So much for trusting people's gossip! Just now, when our girl came down, I thought you two were carrying on in secret. I came in and listened at the window for a while. Only the two of you were in the room, and if you'd been up to anything, it would have come out by now. But you two didn't disturb each other at all. So there must be many injustices in the world. Now I regret misjudging you. Since it's so, don't worry. Come as often as you like from now on; I won't make trouble." Hearing this, Pao-yü relaxed and stood up to straighten his clothes, begging, "Good sister, please look after her for a couple of days. I'm leaving now." After speaking, he went out and told Ching-wen. The two were naturally reluctant to part but had to say goodbye. Knowing that Pao-yü would find it hard to leave, Ching-wen covered her head with the blanket and ignored him entirely, and only then did Pao-yü go out. He had intended to go to Fang-kuan and Ssu-erh, but since it was already dark and he had been away for some time, he feared the others inside might be looking for him and cause trouble. So he decided to go back to the garden for now and make plans tomorrow. He reached the back corner gate, where the page boys were carrying bedrolls and the matrons inside were checking the roll call. If he had been any later, the gate would have been locked.

Baoyu entered the garden, relieved that no one knew. When he reached his own room, he told Xiren that he had been at Aunt Xue’s house, and that was that. When it was time to make the beds, Xiren had to ask how he wished to sleep that night. Baoyu said, “It doesn’t matter how I sleep.” For the past year or two, Xiren, feeling favored by Lady Wang, had become more mindful of her own dignity. Whenever they were alone, especially at night, she kept her distance from Baoyu, even more so than when they were younger. Besides, although she had no major duties, all the needlework, Baoyu’s comings and goings, and the money, clothes, shoes, and odds and ends for him and the younger maids were a great deal of trouble. Her old illness of spitting blood had healed, but whenever she overworked or caught a chill, she would cough and bring up blood. So lately she had not shared a room with Baoyu at night. Baoyu often woke up during the night and was very timid; every time he awoke, he would call for someone. Since Qingwen slept lightly and moved quietly, all nighttime tasks—tea, getting up, sitting, and answering his calls—had been entrusted entirely to her, so she always slept on the outer bed. Now that she was gone, Xiren had to ask, thinking this duty was even more important than the daytime ones. Since Baoyu answered that it didn’t matter, Xiren had to follow the old custom and moved her own bedding to the outer bed. Baoyu was dazed all evening. When they urged him to lie down, and Xiren and the others had all gone to sleep, he could be heard sighing and tossing and turning on his pillow until after the third watch. Only then did he gradually quiet down, with a slight snore. Xiren, relieved, also dozed off. Before half a cup of tea had passed, she heard Baoyu call, “Qingwen.” Xiren quickly opened her eyes and answered repeatedly, asking what he wanted. Baoyu wanted tea. Xiren hurried down, dipped her hands in the basin, poured half a cup of tea from the thermos, and gave it to him. Baoyu then laughed and said, “I’ve gotten used to calling her lately, and I forgot it was you.” Xiren laughed, “When she first came, you used to call out for me in your sleep, and it took half a year before you changed. I know that even though Qingwen is gone, those two words probably won’t leave you.” With that, they both lay down again. Baoyu tossed and turned for another watch, finally falling asleep at the fifth watch. He dreamed that Qingwen came in from outside, looking just as she always did. She came in, smiled at Baoyu, and said, “You all get along well. From now on, I’m saying goodbye.” Then she turned and left. Baoyu quickly called out, waking Xiren again. She thought he was just calling out from habit, but then she saw Baoyu crying and saying, “Qingwen is dead.” Xiren laughed, “Where do you get such ideas! You’re just fooling around; what will people think if they hear?” Baoyu wouldn’t listen and wished for daylight to come so he could send someone to inquire. When dawn came, a young maid from Lady Wang’s room was waiting at the front corner gate to deliver Lady Wang’s message: “Wake Baoyu immediately, have him wash his face quickly, change his clothes, and come at once. Today someone has invited the Master to enjoy the autumn scenery and admire osmanthus flowers, and the Master, pleased with the poem Baoyu wrote the other day, wants to take them along. These are the Lady’s exact words, not a single mistake. Run and tell him quickly, tell him to come right away; the Master is waiting for him in the main room to have noodle tea. Master Huan has already arrived. Hurry, hurry. Also send someone to call Master Lan, and say the same thing.” The old women inside listened to each sentence and responded, buttoning their clothes as they opened the door. Two or three people, buttoning up as they went, hurried off in different directions. Xiren heard the knocking at the courtyard gate and knew something was up. She quickly told someone to ask what was happening, while she herself got up. Hearing the message, she urged someone to fetch water for washing, and hurried Baoyu to get up, wash his face, and rinse his mouth. She went to get his clothes. Thinking he was going out with Jia Zheng, she decided not to bring out his most splendid or new clothes, only second-rate ones. Baoyu had no choice and hurried over. Sure enough, Jia Zheng was there drinking tea, looking very pleased. Baoyu quickly performed the morning greeting ceremony. Jia Huan and Jia Lan also greeted Baoyu. Jia Zheng told them to sit and drink tea, and said to Huan and Lan, “Baoyu may not be as good at reading as you two, but when it comes to composing couplets and poetry, neither of you can match him. On this trip, you’ll inevitably be asked to write poems, so Baoyu must help you both along.” Lady Wang and the others had never heard such praise before, and it was an unexpected joy.

After a while, when the father and sons had left, and she was about to go to Lady Jia’s place, the foster mothers of Fangguan and the other two arrived and reported: “Fangguan, since the day before yesterday when by your grace she was let go, has been acting like a madwoman. She won’t eat or drink, and she’s seduced Ouguan and Ruiguan into joining her. The three of them are bent on life and death, insisting on cutting off their hair and becoming nuns. I thought it was just that the little girls weren’t used to being out and would be fine in a couple of days. But instead, they’ve gotten worse, and even scolding and beating them doesn’t scare them. We’re truly at our wit’s end, so we’ve come to beg you, Madam. Either let them become nuns, or give them a good scolding and give them away as adopted daughters to someone else. We don’t have the good fortune to keep them.” Lady Wang replied, “Nonsense! How can they have their way? The Buddhist gate is not so easily entered! Give each of them a beating and see if they still make trouble!” Now, because on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, offerings were made at various temples, and it was customary for nuns from each temple to bring gifts of offerings, Lady Wang had kept Zhitong from Water Moon Nunnery and Yuanxin from Earth Treasury Nunnery for two days, and they had not yet returned by today. Hearing this news, they were eager to coax two more girls away to work for them, so they said to Lady Wang, “Your house is truly a charitable one. It is because you, Madam, are so good and kind that these girls are so moved. Though the Buddhist gate is not easily entered, you must know that the Buddha’s law is equal for all. Our Buddha made a vow to save all sentient beings, even chickens and dogs, but the deluded do not awaken. If they truly have good roots and can awaken, they can transcend the cycle of rebirth. Thus, the scriptures record many tigers, wolves, snakes, and insects that have attained the Way. Now, these two or three girls have no parents and are far from home. Having experienced wealth and honor, and having been born into a life of suffering and entered this profession of pleasure since childhood, they don’t know what their future holds. So they want to turn back from the sea of suffering, leave the family, and cultivate themselves for the next life. It is a noble intention. Madam, you should not hinder such good thoughts.” Lady Wang had always been fond of doing good deeds. At first, she had not wanted to let them have their way, thinking that Fangguan and the others were just young girls momentarily unhappy, and she feared that if they couldn’t endure the quiet life of a nun, they would only sin further. But now, hearing the two nuns’ words, which seemed very reasonable, and with all the recent troubles at home—Lady Xing had sent someone to say that Yingchun would be brought home for two days to prepare for a matchmaking visit, and a government matchmaker had come to propose for Tanchun—her mind was troubled and she didn’t care about such trivial matters. So she laughed and replied, “If you two say so, why don’t you take them as your disciples?” The two nuns chanted a Buddha’s name and said, “Good, good! If so, your virtue will be immense.” Then they kowtowed in thanks. Lady Wang said, “In that case, go and ask them. If they are truly sincere, bring them up to pay respects to me as their master.” The three women went out and indeed brought the three girls in. Lady Wang questioned them repeatedly; the three had already made up their minds. So they kowtowed to the two nuns, took their leave of Lady Wang, and kowtowed to her as well. Seeing that their resolve was firm, Lady Wang knew she could not force them, and instead felt sad and sorry for them. She quickly ordered some things to be given to them as gifts, and also gave some presents to the two nuns. From then on, Fangguan followed Zhitong of Water Moon Nunnery, and Ruiguan and Ouguan followed Yuanxin of Earth Treasury Nunnery, each leaving to become nuns. Listen to the next chapter for the explanation.