Chapter 93: A Servant of the Zhen Family Seeks Refuge at the Jia Mansion; The Water Moon Convent Is Rocked by a Scandal

After Feng Ziying left, Jia Zheng called for the gateman and instructed him: "When the Prince of Lin'an sent someone today to invite me to drink, do you know what the occasion is?" The gateman replied, "Your servant did ask, but there was no cause for celebration. It’s just that the Prince of Nan’an’s household has brought in a troupe of young actors, all said to be a renowned company. His Highness, in a moment of high spirits, wants to put on two days of opera and invite the favored gentlemen to watch and enjoy themselves. Probably no gifts are needed." As they spoke, Jia She came over and asked, "Are you going tomorrow, Second Brother?" Jia Zheng said, "Since he’s being so cordial, how can I not go?" Just then, the gateman entered and reported, "A clerk from the yamen has come to ask you, sir, to attend the office tomorrow. There is a matter from the hall that requires your presence early." Jia Zheng said, "I understand." As they were talking, two stewards who managed the estate’s land rents came in, paid their respects, kowtowed, and stood to the side. Jia Zheng said, "You’re from the Hao family estate?" The two replied in the affirmative. Jia Zheng asked no further questions, but chatted briefly with Jia She before they parted. The servants held up lanterns to escort Jia She back.

Here, Jia Lian called the rent steward and said, "Tell me your business." The man replied, "I’ve hurriedly collected the October rents and was originally set to deliver them tomorrow. But on the way, outside the capital, officials seized the carts and threw all the goods onto the ground without reason. I told them these were the estate’s rent carts, not commercial ones, but they paid no heed. I ordered the carters to keep moving, but several yamen runners beat them savagely and forcibly took two carts away. So I came ahead to report, begging you, sir, to send someone to the yamen to demand their return. Moreover, those lawless runners need to be dealt with. You wouldn’t believe it, sir—what’s worse is that they did the same to commercial carts, tossing merchants’ goods aside and driving off. If the carters said a word, they were beaten bloody." Jia Lian listened and cursed, "This is outrageous!" He immediately wrote a note and told a servant: "Take this to the yamen that seized the carts and demand them back, along with the goods. If even one item is missing, I won’t let it rest. Call Zhou Rui quickly." Zhou Rui was not at home. He then called Wang Er, but Wang Er had gone out at noon and not yet returned. Jia Lian said, "These bastards—none of them are home! They draw their pay all year and do nothing." So he ordered the pages: "Find them for me at once." With that, he went back to his own room to sleep. Let us leave this aside.

The next day, the Prince of Lin’an sent someone again to invite Jia Zheng. Jia Zheng told Jia She: "I have business at the yamen, and Lian’er must stay home to wait on the cart matter, so he can’t go either. It would be fine for you, Elder Brother, to take Baoyu and entertain for the day." Jia She nodded and said, "That will do." Jia Zheng sent someone to summon Baoyu, saying, "Today you are to go with your uncle to the Prince of Lin’an’s residence to watch the opera." Baoyu was overjoyed. He changed his clothes, took his pages Bei Ming, Sao Hong, and Chu Yao, and went out. He greeted Jia She, paid his respects, mounted the carriage, and arrived at the Prince of Lin’an’s mansion. The gateman announced them, and after a moment came out and said, "The master requests your presence." So Jia She led Baoyu into the courtyard, where guests were lively and noisy. Jia She and Baoyu met the Prince of Lin’an and exchanged greetings with all the other guests. Everyone sat and chatted for a while. Then a troupe manager came forward with a playbill and an ivory tablet, knelt on one knee, and said, "I beg the honored gentlemen to select the plays." They started from the most senior seat, and when it came to Jia She, he also chose one. The man turned and saw Baoyu, and instead of moving on, he hurried over, knelt on one knee, and said, "I beg the Second Young Master to choose two plays." When Baoyu saw the man—his face powdered like jade, his lips red as cinnabar, fresh as a lotus from the water, elegant as a jade tree in the wind—he recognized him as no other than Jiang Yuhan. He had heard that Yuhan had brought a troupe of young actors to the capital, but he had not come to visit. Now seeing him, Baoyu could not stand up, so he smiled and asked, "When did you arrive?" Jiang Yuhan pointed to himself and smiled, "How is it that the Second Young Master doesn’t know?" Since many guests were present, Baoyu found it hard to speak further, so he randomly chose a play. After Jiang Yuhan left, several people began to discuss him: "Who is that?" Some said, "He used to play female roles, but now he won’t. He’s older, so he manages the troupe in the mansion. Earlier, he switched to young male roles. He’s saved quite a bit of money and already owns two or three shops, but he won’t give up his original trade and still leads the troupe." Others said, "He must be married by now." Still others said, "He’s not betrothed yet. He’s set on the idea that marriage is a lifelong affair, not to be trifled with. Regardless of rank or status, he wants a wife who matches his talent. So he’s still unmarried." Baoyu thought to himself, "I wonder which girl will marry him in the future. To marry such a man would be no waste." Then the opera began, with Kun opera, Gao opera, Yiyang opera, and Bangzi opera all performed in lively succession.

After noon, tables were set for drinking. They watched a while longer, and then Jia She began to take his leave. The Prince of Lin’an came over to detain him, saying, "It’s still early. I hear Jiang Yuhan has one more piece, ‘The Flower Queen’s Conquest,’ which is his best show." Baoyu was secretly hoping Jia She would not leave. So Jia She sat a little longer. Sure enough, Jiang Yuhan, playing the young attendant Qin, portrayed the tender care for the drunken Flower Queen with utmost sincerity and skill. Then came their duet, full of lingering affection. Baoyu paid no attention to the Flower Queen; his eyes were fixed solely on the young Qin. Moreover, Jiang Yuhan’s voice was clear and resonant, his enunciation crisp, and his rhythm precise—Baoyu’s soul seemed to be drawn into the singing. Not until the piece ended did he realize even more that Jiang Yuhan was a true connoisseur of passion, no ordinary actor. He recalled the Record of Music, which says: "When emotions stir within, they take form in sound. Sound patterned becomes music." Thus, understanding sound, music, and melody involves many nuances. The roots of sound cannot be ignored. Poetry can convey emotion but cannot penetrate to the bone; from now on, he thought, he wanted to study the principles of rhythm. Baoyu was lost in thought when suddenly he saw Jia She rise, and the host could no longer detain him. Powerless, Baoyu had to follow back. At home, Jia She went to his own quarters, while Baoyu went to see Jia Zheng.

Jia Zheng had just returned from the yamen and was asking Jia Lian about the cart seizure. Jia Lian said, "Today the gateman took the note, but the magistrate was not at home. His gatekeeper said: ‘This was not ordered by our official; no warrant was issued to seize carts. It was all the doing of those scoundrels making trouble and extorting. Since it concerns your lordship’s household, I will immediately send someone to investigate and retrieve them. I guarantee that by tomorrow, both carts and goods will be delivered. If there is any delay, I will report to the official for severe punishment. For now, the official is not here. I beg your lordship to overlook it and not trouble him further.’" Jia Zheng said, "If there was no official warrant, what sort of people are causing this trouble?" Jia Lian said, "You don’t know, sir, but this is common outside. I expect they will surely send them back tomorrow." After saying this, Jia Lian withdrew, and Baoyu came forward to greet his father. Jia Zheng asked a few questions and then told him to go to the old lady’s quarters.

Because the servants had all been absent the night before, Jia Lian came out to summon them. This time, the whole crew had assembled. Jia Lian scolded them thoroughly and ordered the chief steward Lai Sheng: "Bring the roster of all departments and check them over carefully. Post a notice telling everyone: If anyone leaves without permission, fails to report when called, or neglects official duties, I’ll have him beaten on the spot and dismissed!" Lai Sheng promptly replied with several "Yes, sirs," went out, and gave the orders. The servants all took heed.

Not long after, a man appeared, wearing a felt hat, a blue cloth tunic, and straw sandals. He approached the gate, bowed to the assembled servants, and asked to be announced. The servants looked him up and down and asked where he came from. The man said, "I come from the Zhen family in the south. I have a personal letter from my master, which I beg you to present to your master." Upon learning he was from the Zhen mansion, the servants stood up, offered him a seat, and said, "You must be tired. Sit down for a while, and we’ll report for you." One of the gatemen went inside to inform Jia Zheng and presented the letter. Jia Zheng broke the seal and read it. It said:

Our families have always been close friends, bound by deep and long-standing affection. Gazing from afar at your carriage, my heart is filled with reluctant longing. I have been punished for my lack of ability, believing my crimes a thousand deaths could not atone, yet fortunate to receive clemency, awaiting judgment in a distant borderland. Now my household is in decline, my family scattered. Among my former servants, Bao Yong, whom I once employed, though without extraordinary talent, is fairly honest in nature. If you could let him serve you, providing him with a meal, it would be like loving the crow because it roosts on your house—I would be endlessly grateful. I specially send this report; other matters await a later occasion. I will not write in detail.

Jia Zheng read it and laughed, saying, "Here we are with too many people already, yet the Zhen family recommends someone—it's hard to refuse." He instructed the gatekeeper, "Bring him to see me. Let him stay for now, and we'll assign him work according to his abilities." The gatekeeper went out and brought the man in. The man kowtowed three times before Jia Zheng, then stood up and said, "My master sends his regards to you, sir." He then made a half-kneeling salute and said, "Bao Yong pays respects to you, sir." Jia Zheng returned greetings about Master Zhen's well-being and looked him over from head to toe. He saw that Bao Yong was over five feet tall, with broad shoulders and a thick back, bushy eyebrows and bulging eyes, a prominent forehead, a long beard, a coarse, dark complexion, and stood with his hands at his sides. He asked, "Have you always been with the Zhen family, or did you live there for a few years?" Bao Yong said, "I have always been with the Zhen family." Jia Zheng said, "Why are you leaving now?" Bao Yong said, "I originally did not want to leave. But my master repeatedly insisted I come, saying that since you wouldn't go anywhere else, and here at your household you may treat it as your own home, that is why I have come." Jia Zheng said, "Your master should not have had such troubles, to end up in such a state." Bao Yong said, "I dare not speak of it, but my master is simply too good, always treating people with utter sincerity, and that is what brought on trouble." Jia Zheng said, "Sincerity is the best thing." Bao Yong said, "Because he was too sincere, everyone disliked him, and he certainly incurred their displeasure." Jia Zheng smiled and said, "If that is so, Heaven will surely not let him down." Bao Yong was about to speak further when Jia Zheng asked, "I hear that your household's young master is also called Baoyu?" Bao Yong said, "Yes." Jia Zheng said, "Does he still strive to improve himself?" Bao Yong said, "If you ask about our young master, sir, it is a strange thing. The young master's temperament is exactly like my master's—utterly honest. From childhood, he only played with the young ladies, and his parents beat him severely several times, but he never changed. That year when the lady went to the capital, the young master fell gravely ill, was dead for half a day, and nearly drove my master frantic—burial clothes were prepared. Fortunately, he later recovered. He said that as he walked to a memorial archway, he saw a girl who led him to a temple, where he saw many cabinets containing many booklets. Then he went into a room and saw countless women, all of whom had turned into ghosts and monsters, some into skeletons. Terrified, he wept and screamed. When my master knew he had regained consciousness, he quickly treated him, and he gradually recovered. My master still let him play with the young ladies, but his temperament had changed—all his former amusements he abandoned entirely, and only studying was the proper thing. Even if someone came to tempt him, he was utterly unmoved. Now he can gradually help my master manage some household affairs." Jia Zheng pondered silently for a moment, then said, "Go and rest. When there is work here that suits you, I will naturally assign you a task." Bao Yong acknowledged this and withdrew, following someone out to rest. No more of this.

One morning, Jia Zheng rose early and was about to go to his office when he saw the gatekeepers whispering among themselves, as if they wanted Jia Zheng to know something but dared not speak openly, just muttering and murmuring. Jia Zheng called them over and asked, "What business do you have, skulking about like this?" The gatekeeper replied, "Your servants dare not speak." Jia Zheng said, "What business is there that you dare not speak of?" The gatekeeper said, "When your servants got up this morning and opened the gate to go out, we saw a white paper stuck on the gate, with many improper words written on it." Jia Zheng said, "How could such a thing happen? What was written?" The gatekeeper said, "It was filthy talk about the Water Moon Convent." Jia Zheng said, "Bring it to me to see." The gatekeeper said, "Your servants meant to tear it off, but it was stuck so firmly we couldn't, so we had to copy it down while washing it off. Just now, Li De tore off a piece and showed it to your servant—it was the same words as on the gate. Your servants dare not conceal it." With that, he presented the placard. Jia Zheng took it and looked at it. On it was written:

"Xi Bei Cao Jin, young in years, / In Water Moon Convent, nuns he steers. / One man with many girls so fair, / Keeps whores and gamblers—a life of air. / A worthless scion manages affairs, / In Rongguo Mansion, new gossip flares."

Jia Zheng read it and became so dizzy with rage that he immediately ordered the gatekeepers not to spread the news, but to quietly send someone to search the walls of the alleyways adjoining the Ning and Rong mansions for more such notices. He then sent for Jia Lian to come out.

Jia Lian hurried over. Jia Zheng asked urgently, "Those nuns and Taoist nuns lodged in the Water Moon Convent—have you ever made inquiries about them?" Jia Lian said, "No. It has always been Qin'er who looks after them." Jia Zheng said, "Do you know whether Qin'er is capable of managing them or not?" Jia Lian said, "Since you say so, sir, I suppose Qin'er must have done something improper." Jia Zheng sighed, "Look at what is written on this placard." Jia Lian looked at it and said, "Can such a thing be?" Just as they were speaking, Jia Rong arrived carrying a letter, addressed "Private and confidential to the Second Master." When they opened it, it was another unsigned placard, the same as the one on the gate. Jia Zheng said, "Quickly call Lai Da to take three or four carriages to the Water Moon Convent and bring back all those nuns and Taoist nuns. No word must leak out; just say they are summoned inside." Lai Da received the order and left.

Now, about the young nuns and Taoist nuns in the Water Moon Convent: when they first arrived, the novices and Taoists were under the supervision of the old nun, who taught them scriptures and chants during the day. Later, after the Imperial Consort no longer needed them, they grew lazy in their studies. As the girls grew older, they became more aware. Moreover, Jia Qin was a dashing sort, and thinking that Fang Guan and the others had become nuns only out of childish whim, he tried to entice them. But Fang Guan was truly devoted and could not be won over, so he turned his attention to the nuns and Taoist nuns. Among the young novices, there was one named Qin Xiang, and among the Taoist nuns, one called He Xian, both quite alluring. Jia Qin began to dally with these two. In their spare time, they learned to play stringed instruments and sing songs. It was mid-October when Jia Qin brought the monthly allowance to the convent residents and thought up a scheme. He told everyone, "I can't go into town just to collect your monthly money, so I have to stay here. It's terribly cold. What do you say? Today I've brought some fruit wine, and we can drink and enjoy ourselves all night—how about it?" The girls were all delighted and set up a table, even inviting the convent's own nuns, except Fang Guan, who would not come. After a few cups, Jia Qin proposed they play a drinking game. Qin Xiang and others said, "We don't know any games; better to play finger-guessing. Whoever loses drinks a cup—won't that be more fun?" The convent's own nun said, "It's barely past noon; all this noise and drinking doesn't look right. Let's have a few cups first, and those who want to leave can go; whoever wants to keep Master Qin company can drink all night later—I won't interfere." Just as she spoke, a lay sister rushed in and said, "Break it up quickly! Master Lai Da from the mansion has arrived." The nuns hurriedly began to tidy up and told Jia Qin to hide. But Jia Qin, having had too much to drink, said, "I came to deliver the monthly money—what is there to fear!" Before he finished, Lai Da walked in. Seeing the scene, he was furious inside. But because Jia Zheng had ordered him not to make a fuss, he forced a smile and said, "So Master Qin is here too." Jia Qin quickly stood up and said, "Master Lai, what brings you here?" Lai Da said, "It's even better that you are here. Quickly tell the novices and Taoists to pack up and get into the carriages to go to the city—the palace has summoned them." Jia Qin and the others, not knowing the reason, wanted to ask further. Lai Da said, "It's getting late. Hurry, we must get to the city quickly." The girls all had to get into the carriages. Lai Da mounted a large mule and escorted them into the city. No more of this.

When Jia Zheng learned of this, he was so furious he could not even go to his duties. He sat alone in his study sighing. Jia Lian dared not leave his side. Suddenly a servant at the gate came in to report: "The gentleman on duty tonight at the yamen is Master Zhang, but because he is ill, a notice has come asking you to take his shift." Jia Zheng was waiting for Lai Da to return to deal with Jia Qin, and now he had to go on duty. Annoyed, he said nothing. Jia Lian stepped forward and said: "Lai Da left after the midday meal. Water Moon Convent is over twenty li from the city. Even if he hurries in, it will be the second watch. Today is your turn to fill in, so please go ahead. When Lai Da arrives, tell him to keep the matter quiet and not spread it around; let it wait until you return tomorrow to settle it. If Qin’er comes, don’t explain anything—just see what he says when he sees you tomorrow." Jia Zheng thought this reasonable, so he had to go on duty.

Jia Lian seized the chance to return to his own room. As he walked, he inwardly complained about Xifeng’s scheme. He wanted to reproach her, but since she was ill, he held back and walked slowly. Meanwhile, the servants spread the news from one to another. First, Ping’er learned of it and hurriedly told Xifeng. Xifeng had been unwell that night, listless and lacking energy, still brooding over the Iron Threshold Temple affair. When she heard that an anonymous notice had been posted outside, she was startled and hastily asked what was written. Ping’er answered carelessly and, without thinking, slipped up: "Nothing serious—it’s about the Steamed Bun Convent." Xifeng, already guilty at heart, was terrified at the mention of Steamed Bun Convent. She went rigid, unable to speak a word. A surge of anger rose in her; her vision blurred, she coughed several times, and with a retch, spat out a mouthful of blood. Ping’er panicked and said: "Water Moon Convent only involves nuns and young Daoist nuns—why should you be so upset, madam?" Xifeng, hearing it was Water Moon Convent, steadied herself and said: "Pah! Stupid creature! Is it Water Moon Convent or Steamed Bun Convent?" Ping’er laughed: "I misheard at first and thought it was Steamed Bun Convent, but later I heard it wasn’t—it was Water Moon Convent. I just blurted it out wrong and said Steamed Bun Convent." Xifeng said: "I knew it was Water Moon Convent. What has Steamed Bun Convent to do with me? It was I who put Qin’er in charge of Water Moon Convent—probably he’s been skimming the monthly allowance." Ping’er said: "I don’t think it’s about the monthly allowance; there’s some dirty talk too." Xifeng said: "I don’t care about that. Where has your Second Master gone?" Ping’er said: "I heard the master was angry, so he doesn’t dare leave. I heard things were bad, so I told the servants not to make a fuss—I don’t know if the ladies have found out yet. But I heard the master told Lai Da to go seize those girls. Let’s send someone to the front to find out. You’re ill now; in my opinion, it’s best not to meddle in their affairs." Just then, Jia Lian came in. Xifeng wanted to ask him, but seeing his face full of anger, she pretended not to know. Jia Lian had not finished his meal when Wang’er came in and said: "Someone is calling for you outside, sir. Lai Da has returned." Jia Lian asked: "Has Qin’er come?" Wang’er replied: "He’s come too." Jia Lian said: "Go tell Lai Da that the master has gone on duty. Put those girls temporarily in the garden, and tomorrow, when the master returns, send them to the palace. Just tell Qin’er to wait for me in the study." Wang’er left.

Jia Qin entered the study to find the servants pointing and whispering, though he could not tell what they were saying. From their demeanor, it did not seem like the palace was calling for people. He wanted to ask someone, but could get no answer. Puzzled, he saw Jia Lian come out. Jia Qin made his salutation, stood with his hands at his sides, and said: "I wonder why the Imperial Consort’s palace is sending for those girls so urgently, forcing me to rush. Luckily, I was still here delivering the monthly allowance and hadn’t left, so I came with Lai Da. I suppose you know, Uncle." Jia Lian said: "What do I know? You’re the clever one!" Jia Qin was baffled and dared not ask further. Jia Lian said: "You’ve done a fine thing—you’ve made the master furious." Jia Qin said: "I haven’t done anything, Nephew. The convent’s monthly allowance is given every month, and the girls never forget their sutra-chanting." Seeing Jia Qin’s ignorance, and since they usually joked together, Jia Lian sighed and said: "Shameless wretch! Go and see for yourself!" He took the anonymous notice from his boot and threw it to him. Jia Qin picked it up, read it, and turned ashen with fright. "Who did this!" he cried. "I’ve offended no one—why would anyone frame me like this? I go once a month to deliver the money, and none of this ever happened. If Father comes back and interrogates me, I’ll be done for. If my mother finds out, she’ll beat me to death." Seeing no one nearby, he knelt down and said: "Good uncle, save me!" He kowtowed repeatedly, tears streaming down his face. Jia Lian thought: "Father hates this sort of thing most. If it’s confirmed, the anger will be immense. Making a fuss would also sound bad and give that poster-writer satisfaction. We have too many things ahead of us. Better, while Father is on duty, to consult with Lai Da and see if we can hush it up. With no evidence, we can get away with it." Having decided, he said: "Don’t try to hide it from me. You think I don’t know about your sneaky doings? If you want this settled, when Father interrogates you, you must insist it never happened. Shameless—get up!" He sent someone to summon Lai Da. Soon Lai Da arrived, and Jia Lian conferred with him. Lai Da said: "This Master Qin has been carrying on disgracefully. When I went to the convent today, they were drinking in there. What’s on that notice must be true." Jia Lian said: "Hear that, Qin’er? Is Lai Da lying about you?" Jia Qin’s face flushed red, and he dared not say a word. Jia Lian then pulled Lai Da aside and begged him: "Cover for him, please. Just say Qin’er was found at home. Take him away and say you didn’t see me. Tomorrow, when you beg Father, don’t have those girls questioned—just call a matchmaker and have them sold off. If the Consort ever asks for them again, we’ll buy new ones." Lai Da thought that making a fuss would do no good and would harm their reputation, so he agreed. Jia Lian told Jia Qin: "Go with Uncle Lai Da and do as he says. Follow him." Jia Qin kowtowed once more and followed Lai Da out. When they reached a secluded spot, he kowtowed to Lai Da again. Lai Da said: "My young master, you’ve gone too far. You must have offended someone to cause this mess. Think—who bears you a grudge?" Jia Qin thought for a moment and suddenly remembered someone. Who it was will be revealed in the next chapter.