A Dream of Red Mansions – Chapter 57

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Chapter 57

Artful Zijuan Tests Baoyu’s Feelings

Kindly Aunt Xue Comforts Daiyu

Baoyu hurried to his mother as soon as summoned, to find that she wanted to take him to call on Lady Zhen. Naturally delighted to go, he changed his clothes hurriedly and accompanied her. The Zhens’ house struck him as much like the Rong and Ning mansions, if not slightly grander, and by making careful inquiries he learned that they did indeed have a young master called Baoyu. By the time they has spent the day there, for Lady Zhen kept them to a meal, he was quite convinced of this.

On their return that evening Lady Wang ordered a sumptuous feast to be prepared and a celebrated opera company hired to entertain Lady Zhen and her daughter, who two days later set off for Nanjing without any further leave-taking.

One day, having seen that Xiangyun was on the road to recovery, Baoyu went to call on Daiyu. She was taking a siesta, and not wishing to disturb her he’s joined Zijuan who was sewing on the verandah.

‘Was her cough any better last night?’ he asked.

‘A little.’

‘Amida Buddha! I do hope she soon gets well.’

‘Really, this is news to me! Since when have you started invoking Buddha?’ she teased.

‘‘Men at death’s door will turn in desperation to any doctor,’’ he quipped.

Noticing that she was wearing a thin padded silk tunic with black dots under a lined blue silk sleeveless jacket, he reached out to feel her clothes.

‘You shouldn’t sit in the wind so lightly dressed,’ he remarked. ‘If you fall ill too in this treacherous early spring weather, it will be even worse.’

‘When we talk to each other in future kindly keep your hands to yourself,’ retorted Zijuan. ‘You’re growing up now and should want people to respect you, but you keep provoking those wretches to gossip behind your back. You’re so careless, you still carry on like a little boy. Well, that won’t do. Our young lady’s warned us many a time not to joke with you. Haven’t you noticed recently how she’s been avoiding you?’

She got up then and took her needlework inside.

Baoyu felt as if doused by a bucket of cold water. He was staring blankly at the bamboo grove when Mrs. Zhu came to dig up some bam­boo shoots and trim the bamboos. Then, stupefied, he went away. Pres­ently, his wits wandering, not knowing what he did, he sank down in a daze on a rock and shed tears. For the time half a dozen meals would take he sat there brooding, but could not think what to do.

It so happened that Xueyan passed here now on her way back from Lady Wang’s quarters with some ginseng. Turning her head towards the rock below the peach tree she noticed someone sitting there lost in thought, his face propped on his hands. To her surprise she saw it was Baoyu.

‘What’s he doing here all alone on such a chilly day?’ she won­dered. ‘Spring’s a dangerous time for people in delicate health. Can his wits be wandering again?’

Going over she crouched down beside him.

‘What are you doing here?’ she asked.

‘What do you want with me?’ countered Baoyu as soon as he saw who it was. ‘Aren’t you a girl too? To prevent gossip she’s ordered you to ignore me, but here you come seeking me out. If you’re seen, there will be talk. Hurry up and go home.’

Thinking Daiyu had been scolding him again, Xueyan had to go back to Bamboo Lodge where she gave Zijuan the ginseng, as their mistress was still asleep.

‘What’s Her Ladyship doing?’ Zijuan asked.

‘She’s been having a siesta too. That’s why I’ve been so long,’ replied Xueyan. ‘But let me tell you something amusing, sister. As I was waiting for the mistress and chatting with Sister Yuchuan in the maids’ quarters, who should beckon me out but Concubine Zhao. I thought she had some message, but it turned out she was there to ask leave from the mistress to go to her brother’s wake tonight and the funeral tomorrow; and she wanted to borrow my pale-blue satin tunic for her little maid Jixiang, who’s to go with her too but has nothing decent to wear. Well, I thought, they’ve clothes of their own, they just don’t want to wear them to the funeral for fear of getting them dirty they’d rather borrow someone else’s to soil. Of course, I’m not all that fussy about my clothes, but what kindness has that woman ever done us? So I told her. ‘All my clothes and trinkets are kept by Sister Zijuan on our young lady’s orders. I should have to tell her first and then report to my young mistress. And as our young lady’s not well, it would be a lengthy business and delay you, madam. Can’t you borrow from someone else?’’

‘You imp!’ Zijuan laughed. ‘You shift the blame for not lending your things to us, to stop her complaining about you. Is she leaving now or not till tomorrow morning?’

‘She was just setting off. I expect she’s gone by now.

Zijuan nodded in silence.

‘If our young lady’s still asleep, who’s been upsetting Baoyu?’ con­tinued Xueyan. ‘He’s sitting out there crying.’

‘Out where?’

‘Under the peach-blossom behind Seeping Fragrance Pavilion.’

At once Zijuan laid down her needlework.

‘Be ready if she calls,’ she told Xueyan. ‘If she asks for me, tell her I’ll be back in a minute.’ So saying she left Bamboo Lodge to look for Baoyu.

Finding him, she told him gently, ‘I was only thinking of what’s best for us all. Why take offence and rush over here to sit crying in the wind? Are you trying to scare me by risking your health like this?’

‘I didn’t take offence,’ he answered with a smile. ‘You were quite right. But if everyone feels the way you do, before long nobody will speak to me at all. The thought of that upset me.’

Zijuan sat down too then beside him.

‘Just now we were talking face to face but you wouldn’t stay,’ he pointed out. ‘Why are you sitting right beside me now?’

‘You’ve probably forgotten, but a few days ago you and your cousin had just started talking about bird’s nest when Concubine Zhao burst in. I’ve just heard that she’s gone out, and that reminded me to come and ask you: what more did you mean to say if she hadn’t interrupted you that day?

‘Oh, nothing much,’ said Baoyu. ‘It simply occurred to me that now that she’s taking bird’s-nest and has to keep it up, it’s not right to impose too much on Baochai who’s only a visitor here. As it’s no use asking my mother. I dropped a hint to the old lady, and I suspect she must have told Xifeng. That was what I started explaining. I understand an ounce of bird’s-nest is being sent over to you every day now, so that’s all right.’

‘So it was you who suggested that, was it?’ said Zijuan. ‘That was very good of you. We’ve been wondering what made the old lady sud­denly start sending an ounce every day. So that’s the reason.’

‘If she takes it regularly every day, after two or three years her health should be much better.’

‘She can have some every day here, but where will the money come from to continue the cure when she goes home next year?’

Baoyu gave a start.

‘Who’s going to which home?’ he demanded.

‘Your cousin back to Suzhou.’

‘Nonsense!’ Baoyu chuckled. ‘Suzhou may be her hometown, but she came here because there was no one there to look after her after her parents’ death. Whom could she go back to next year? No, you’re obvi­ously fibbing.’

‘What a poor opinion you have of other people!’ Zijuan snorted. ‘You Jias may be a big, wealthy family, but do other families have only a father and mother and not other relatives? Our young lady was brought here for a few years while she was still only a child, because the old lady felt for her and didn’t think her uncles could take the place of her parents. When she grows up to marriageable age, she’s bound to be sent back to the Lin family.

‘How can a daughter of the Lins stay all her life with you in your Jia family? Even if the Lins were desperately poor, for generations they’ve been a family of scholars and officials: they’d never expose themselves to ridicule by abandoning a daughter to relatives. So next spring or next autumn at the latest, even if your family doesn’t send her back, the Lins are sure to send to fetch her.

‘The other evening our young lady told me to ask you for all the little gifts and souvenirs she’s given you since you were children. She means to return all yours to you as well.’

Baoyu was thunderstruck. Zijuan waited for him to answer, but not a word could he utter. And just then Qingwen came up.

‘So here you are, Baoyu!’ she cried. ‘The old lady wants you.’

‘He’s been inquiring after Miss Daiyu’s health, and I’ve been reas­suring him,’ Zijuan remarked. ‘But he won’t believe me. You’d better take him away.’ With that she returned to her room.

Qingwen noticed Baoyu’s distraught look, the hectic flush on his cheeks and the sweat on his forehead. She at once led him by the hand to Happy Red Court where his appearance horrified Xiren, who imagined he must have caught a chill in the wind while overheated. A fever was not too alarming, but his eyes were fixed and staring, saliva was trickling from the corners of his lips, and he seemed in a state of stupefaction. He would lie down if a pillow was put for him, would sit up if pulled, and drink tea if it was brought. His condition threw them all into a panic, but not daring to report this too hastily to the Lady Dowager they first sent for his old nurse, Nanny Li.

Nanny Li, arriving presently, examined Baoyu carefully. When he made no answer to any of her questions she felt his pulse, then pinched his upper lip so hard that her fingers left deep imprints ‘ yet he felt no pain. At that she gave a great cry of despair and, taking him in her arms, started weeping and wailing.

Xiren frantically pulled her away.

‘Is it serious, nanny?’ she demanded. ‘Do tell us, so that we can let the old lady and the mistress know. Don’t start carrying on like this.’

Nanny Li beat the bed and pillows with her fists.

‘He’s done for,’ she wailed. ‘A life-time of care gone for nothing!’

Xiren had asked the nurse to have a look because she respected her age and experience. So now her words carried conviction. They all started sobbing.

Qingwen told Xiren then what had just happened, whereupon Xiren dashed off to Bamboo Lodge. There she found Zijuan giving Daiyu her medicine. Blind to everything else, Xiren flew at her.

‘What have you been saying to our Baoyu?’ she demanded. ‘Go and see the state he’s in! You’ll have to answer for this to the old lady. I wash my hands of it.’ So saying she threw herself into a chair.

Daiyu was taken aback by Xiren’s furious, tear-stained face and this behaviour which was so unlike her.

‘What’s happened?’ she asked.

Making an effort to calm herself Xiren sobbed, ‘I don’t know what your Miss Zijuan’s been telling him, but the silly boy’s eyes are staring, his hands and feet are cold; he can’t speak, and when Nanny Li pinched him he felt nothing. He’s more dead than alive! Even Nanny Li says there’s no hope and is weeping and wailing there. He may be dead by now for all I know.’

Nanny Li was such an experienced old nurse that Daiyu could not but believe her gloomy predictions. With a cry she threw up all the medicine she had just taken, and was racked by such dry coughing that her stom­ach burned and it seemed her lungs would burst. Red in the face, her hair tousled, her eyes distended, limp in every limb, she choked for breath and could not lift up her head. Zijuan made haste to massage her back while she lay gasping on her pillow.

‘Stop thumping me,’ cried Daiyu at last, pushing her away. ‘You’d far better fetch a rope to strangle me.’

‘I didn’t say anything,’ the maid protested with tears. ‘Just a few words in fun, which he jook seriously.’

‘You should know how seriously the silly boy always takes teasing,’ scolded Xiren.

‘Whatever you said, go and clear up the misunderstanding, quick!’ urged Daiyu. ‘That may bring him back to his senses.’

Zijuan jumped up then and hurried off with Xiren to Happy Red Court, where the old lady and Lady Wang had already arrived. At sight of Zijuan the old lady’s eyes flashed.

‘You bitch!’ she stormed. ‘What did you say to him?’

‘Nothing, madam. Nothing but a few words in fun.’

At the sight of her Baoyu cried out and burst into tears, to the relief of everybody present. The Lady Dowager caught Zijuan’s arm, thinking she had offended him, and urged him to beat her. But Baoyu seized hold of her and would not let go.

‘If you go,’ he shouted, ‘you must take me with you!’

No one could understand this till Zijuan. when questioned, explained her threat made in fun of going back to Suzhou.

‘Is that all?’ exclaimed the Lady Dowager, the tears running down her cheeks. ‘So it was because of a joke.’ She scolded Zijuan, ‘You’re such a sensible girl normally, how could you tease him like that when you know how credulous he is?’

‘Baoyu’s always been too trusting,’ put in Aunt Xue soothingly. ‘And since Daiyu came here as a child and they’ve grown up together, they’re particularly close. This sudden talk of her leaving would have upset even a hard-hearted grown-up, let alone such a simple, credulous boy. But this disorder isn’t serious; you ladies mustn’t worry. One or two doses of medicine will set him right.’

Just then it was announced that the wives of Lin Zhixiao and Shan Daliang had come to inquire after the young master.

‘Show them in,’ said the old lady. ‘It’s thoughtful of them.’

But on hearing the name Lin, Baoyu grew frantic again.

‘No, no!’ he shouted from his bed. ‘The Lins have come to fetch her. Drive them away!’

Hastily chiming in, ‘Drive them away!’ his grandmother assured him. ‘They’re not from the Lin family. All those Lins are dead. Nobody will ever come to fetch her. Don’t you worry.

‘Never mind who they are,’ stormed Baoyu tearfully. ‘No one but Cousin Daiyu should have the name Lin.’

‘There are no Lins here,’ repeated the old lady. ‘They’re all been driven away.’ She ordered the attendants, ‘In future don’t let Lin Zhixiao’s wife into the Garden. And never mention the name Lin again. Mind you all do as I say like good children.’

Suppressing their smiles at this, the others assented.

Baoyu’s eye now fell on a golden boat with an engine, a toy from the West, which was on his cabinet.

‘Isn’t that the boat coming to fetch them?’ he shouted, pointing at it. ‘‘It’s mooring there.

The Lady Dowager ordered its instant removal, and when Baoyu reached out for it Xiren gave it to him. He tucked it under his bedding.

‘Now they won’t be able to sail away,’ he laughed. Seizing tight hold of Zijuan he refused to let her go.

At this point Doctor Wang was announced, and the old lady ordered him to be brought straight in. Lady Wang, Aunt Xue and Baochai with­drew to the inner room while the Lady Dowager seated herself by Baoyu. When Doctor Wang found such a company assembled, he paid his re­spects to the Lady Dowager before taking Baoyu’s hand to feel his pulse, while Zijuan had to stand there with lowered head, to the doctor’s aston­ishment.

Presently the doctor rose and declared, ‘The trouble with our honourable brother is that some sharp distress has clouded his mind. According to the ancients, ‘Disorders of the phlegm take different forms:

indigestion owing to a weak constitution, derangement brought on by a sudden fit of anger, and obstruction caused by sudden distress.’ This is a disorder of the third kind. It is only a temporary blockage, however, less serious than the other types.’

‘Just tell us if he’s in danger or not.’ urged the Lady Dowager. ‘Who wants to hear this recital of medical lore?’

Doctor Wang bowed.

‘He is in no danger, no.

‘Is that really true?’ she persisted.

‘There is really no danger, madam, I give you my word.’

‘In that case, please take a seat in the outer room to make out your prescription. If you cure him, I shall prepare presents to show my grati­tude and send him to kowtow to you in person. If you delay his recovery, though, I shall send to tear down the main hall of your Academy of Impe­rial Physicians!’

The doctor bowed again.

‘You are too good, too good!’

For he had heard only the first part of her speech and not the jocular threat with which it concluded. He went on protesting his unworthiness until the old lady and all the rest burst out laughing.

When the medicine had been prepared according to the prescription and Baoyu had taken it, he did indeed calm down a little. He still refused to let go of Zijuan, however.

‘If she leaves here, they’ll go back to Suzhou!’ he cried.

The Lady Dowager and Lady Wang had perforce to let Zijuan stay there. They dispatched Hupo in her place to look after Daiyu, who from time to time sent Xueyan over to ask for news and was deeply moved when she learned all that had happened.

As everyone knew how cranky Baoyu was, and how close he and Daiyu had been since they were children, they took Zijuan’s joke as quite natural and his illness as nothing out of the way either, not suspecting anything else.

That evening, as Baoyu was quieter, his grandmother and mother re­turned to their own quarters but sent several times during the night for reports from the sickroom. Nanny Li, Mrs. Song and some other ma­trons nursed the patient devotedly, while Zijuan, Xiren and Qingwen watched day and night by his bedside. Whenever he slept he had night­mares, and would wake up crying that Daiyu had gone or that people had come to fetch her. Each time this happened Zijuan had to comfort him.

Now his grandmother had Baoyu given all sorts of rare medicine-pills to dispel evil influences and powders to clear the mind. And the next day, after more of Doctor Wang’s medicine, his condition gradually improved; but although he was in his right senses again, he pretended from time to time to be delirious in order to keep Zijuan with him. As for her, thor­oughly repenting the mischief she had caused she served him day and night without a murmur.

Xiren, herself once more, told her, ‘As you’re the one to blame for this, it’s up to you to cure him. I’ve never seen such a simpleton as our young master, the way he catches at shadows. What’s to become of him?’ But enough of this.

By now Xiangyun was better, and she came every day to see Baoyu. Finding that he had recovered his faculties she mimicked his crazy behaviour during his illness until, lying on his pillow, he had to laugh. Hav­ing no idea himself of what had passed, he could hardly believe what was told him.

When no one else was about but Zijuan, he took her hand.

‘Why did you frighten me?’ he asked.

‘I only did it for fun,’ she replied. ‘But you took it seriously.’

‘You made it sound so convincing, how was I to know it was just a joke?’ he retorted.

‘Well, I made the whole thing up. There’s really no one left in the Lin family except for some very distant relatives who no longer live in Suzhou but are scattered in different provinces. Even if one of them asked for her, the old lady would never let her go.’

‘Even if the old lady would let her go, I wouldn’t.’

‘You wouldn’t!’ Zijuan laughed. ‘That’s just talk, I’m afraid. You’re growing up now and already engaged; in a couple of years you’ll be marrying, and then you’ll forget other people.’

‘Who’s engaged?’ asked Baoyu in dismay. ‘To whom?’

‘Before New Year I heard the old lady say she wanted to engage Miss Baoqin to you. Why else would she make such a favourite of her?’

He laughed.

‘People may call me crazy, but you’re even crazier! That was just a joke. She’s already engaged to the son of Academician Mei. If I were engaged to her, would I be in this state? Didn’t you plead with me and say I was mad when I swore that oath and wanted to smash that silly jade? Now you’ve come to provoke me again just as I’m getting bet­ter.’ Through clenched teeth he added. ‘I only wish I could die this very minute and tear out my heart to show you. Then all the rest of me, skin and bones, could be turned into ashes ‘ no, ashes still have form better be turned into smoke. But smoke still congeals and can be seen by men it would have to be scattered in a flash, by a great wind, to the four quarters. That would be a good death.’ Tears were running down his cheeks as he spoke.

Zijuan hastily put her hand to his mouth, then wiped away his tears.

‘You needn’t worry,’ she urged. ‘I was putting you to the test be­cause I was worried.’

‘You worried? Why?’ he asked in surprise.

‘You know I don’t belong to the Lin family. Like Xiren and Yuanyang, I was given to Miss Lin. And she couldn’t have been kinder to me. She treats me ten times better than her own maids brought from Suzhou; we don’t like being parted for a single moment. I’m worried now because, if she leaves, I shall have to go with her; but my whole family’s here. If I don’t go, I’ll be unworthy of all her goodness; if I do, I shall have to abandon my own people. That’s why, in my dilemma, I told you that fib to see how you felt about it. How was Ito know you’d take it so hard?’

‘So that’s what’s worrying you,’ Baoyu chuckled. ‘What a goose you are! Well, set your heart at rest. Let me just put it in a nutshell for you. If we live, we shall live together; and if we die, we shall turn into ashes and smoke together. What do you say to that?’

Zijuan was turning this over in her mind when suddenly Jia Huan and Jia Lan were announced. They had called to ask after Baoyu.

‘Thank them for coming,’ he said. ‘But tell them I’ve just gone to bed and they needn’t trouble to come in.’

The woman who had brought the message assented and left.

‘Now that you’re better you should let me go back to see my own patient,’ said Zijuan.

‘I know,’ he replied. ‘I meant to send you yesterday, but then I for­got. Go along then, since I’m completely well again.’

She set about bundling together her bedding and dressing-cases.

‘I see several minors in your cases,’ he commented laughingly. ‘Will you leave me that small one? I can keep it by my pillow to use in bed, and it will come in handy when I go out.’

Zijuan had to do as he asked. Having sent her things on ahead, she took her leave of everyone and went back to Bamboo Lodge.

The news of Baoyu’s disorder had made Daiyu suffer a relapse and brought on many bouts of weeping. Now she asked Zijuan why she had returned and, learning that he was better, sent Hupo back to wait on the Lady Dowager.

That night, when all was quiet and Zijuan had undressed and lain down, she whispered to Daiyu:

‘Baoyu’s heart is really true to you. Fancy his falling ill like that when he heard we were leaving!’

Daiyu made no answer to this.

Presently Zijuan went on, half to herself, ‘Moving isn’t as good as staying put. This is a good family anyway. It’s the hardest thing in the world to find people who’ve grown up together and know each other’s character and ways.

‘Aren’t you tired after the last few days?’ scoffed Daiyu. ‘Why don’t you sleep instead of talking such nonsense?’

‘It isn’t nonsense. I was thinking of you. I’ve felt worried for you all these years with no father, mother or brothers to care for you. The im­portant thing is to settle the main affair of your life in good time, while the old lady’s still clear-headed and healthy. The proverb says, ‘The healthi­est old people last as long as a chilly spring or a hot autumn.’ If anything should happen to the old lady your marriage might be delayed, or else not turn out in the way you hoped.

‘There’s no lack of young lordlings, but they all want three wives and five concubines and their affections change from one day to the next. They may bring home a wife as lovely as a fairy, yet after four or five nights they cast her off, treating her like an enemy for the sake of a concubine or a slave girl. If her family’s large and powerful, that’s not so bad; and for someone like you, miss, so long as the old lady lives you’ll be all right. Once she’s gone, you’ll have to put up with ill treatment. So it’s important to make up your mind. You’ve sense enough to understand the saying, ‘The thousand taels of gold are easier come by than an under­standing heart.

‘The girl’s crazy!’ exclaimed Daiyu. ‘A few days away, and you’ve suddenly changed into a different person. Tomorrow I shall ask the old lady to take you back. I no longer dare keep you.’

‘I meant well,’ was the smiling answer. ‘I just wanted you to look out for yourself, not to do anything wrong. What good will it do if you report me to the old lady and get me into trouble?’ With that Zijuan closed her eyes.

Although Daiyu had spoken so sharply, this talk had distressed her. After Zijuan went to sleep she wept all night, no dozing off until dawn. The next morning she found it an effort to wash herself, rinse her mouth and swallow her bird’s-nest broth. Then the Lady Dowager and others called to see her and urged her to take better care of herself.

That day was Aunt Xue’s birthday. Everyone from the Lady Dowa­ger down gave her presents, and Daiyu also sent over two pieces of her own embroidery. Aunt Xue had hired a company of actresses and at her invitation the old lady, Lady Wang and the whole family except Baoyu and Daiyu went to watch the performance. On their way back from it that evening, the Lady Dowager and others dropped in to see the two patients again.

The next day Aunt Xue made Xue Ke keep their shop assistants com­pany at a whole day’s feasting. The celebrations lasted for three or four days.

Now Aunt Xue had been struck by Xiuyan’s dignity and refinement; and as the girl was poor, having ‘only a thorn for a hair-pin, and plain cloth for a skirt,’ her habits were frugal. Thus Aunt Xue thought of be­trothing her to her son. After some hesitation, however, she decided it would not be fair to the girl to marry her to a profligate like Xue Pan, and it occurred to her that Xiuyan and Xue Ke who was still unmarried would make a perfect match. She broached the subject to Xifeng.

‘You know how crotchety my mother-in-law is, auntie,’ said Xifeng with a sigh. ‘You must give me time to manage it.’

When the Lady Dowager called to see Xifeng, the matter was broached to her.

‘Aunt Xue has something to ask our Old Ancestress, but doesn’t know how to put it.’

‘What is it?’ asked the old lady.

Xifeng explained the marriage proposal.

‘Where’s the difficulty?’ The old lady smiled. ‘Nothing could please me better. Let me tell your mother-in-law and she’s sure to agree.

Once back in her own apartments, she sent immediately to ask Lady Xing over and proposed the match herself. Since the Xues came of fairly good stock and were now very wealthy, while Xue Ke was a handsome young man, and the go-between, moreover, was no less a person than the Lady Dowager, a moment’s thought convinced Lady Xing that this would be to her advantage. So she agreed.

The Lady Dowager in high delight promptly asked Aunt Xue to come over, and there was the usual exchange of polite formalities between both parties. Lady Xing lost no time in informing her brother Xing Zhong and his wife; and since they had come there to throw themselves upon her bounty, they were naturally more than happy to give their approval.

‘I love meddling in other people’s affairs,’ said the Lady Dowager. ‘Now that I’ve fixed this up, how much are you going to pay your go-between?’

‘Don’t worry about that,’ replied Aunt Xue. ‘Even if we brought you a hundred thousand taels of silver, I don’t suppose it would mean much to you. But since you’re the go-between, madam, will you find us someone to take charge of the betrothal ceremony?’

‘Whatever else we’re short of, we can produce one or two helpers of a sort, ‘the old lady chuckled.

She sent for ha Zhen’s wife and daughter-in-law. When they heard the news from her they offered their congratulations.

‘You know our family ways,’ she told Madam You. ‘The two fami­lies never squabble over betrothal gifts. You must handle this business for me, neither too stingily nor too lavishly. Report to me when everything is arranged.’

As soon as Madam You accepted this task, Aunt Xue went home overjoyed to write invitation cards for the Ning Mansion.

Madam You knew Lady Xing’s cantankerous temper and would have preferred to have nothing to do with the business, but she had to fall in with the old lady’s wishes. She did her best to please Lady Xing, aware that Aunt Xue was so easygoing there would be no problem there. But enough of this.

Now that the whole household knew that Xiuyan was to marry Aunt Xue’s nephew, Lady Xing wanted to move her out of the Garden.

‘What does it matter if she stays?’ demurred the Lady Dowager. ‘There’s no danger of the two young people meeting, and it shouldn’t worry you if she sees Aunt Xue and the two cousins of the other family every day. They’re all girls, aren’t they? They may as well get to know each other better.’

Lady Xing made no further objection then.

Xue Ke and Xiuyan had met once previously on their way to the capital, and in all probability they were pleased enough with the match; but naturally this made Xiuyan more reserved and tongue-tied in the pres­ence of Baochai and the rest of the girls. She felt specially shy with Xiangyun, who was such a tease. But being a well-brought up girl of some education, she showed no false modesty or silly coyness.

Baochai had realized from the start that Xiuyan’s family was poor, and while the other girls’ parents were respectable old people hers were penniless bodies who cared little for their daughter; Lady Xing had no genuine feeling for her either, simply making a show of affection. And Xiuyan had a sense of self-respect. As Yingchun was too feeble even to take care of herself, let alone look after her cousin whenever Xiuyan ran short of any daily necessities there was no one to see to it, and she was too unassuming to mention it. Baochai accordingly often helped her in secret, not letting Lady Xing know for fear of giving offence, with the result that now that this unexpected match had been arranged Xiuyan felt even more closely bound to Baochai than to Xue Ke. She often went to chat with her, and Baochai continued to address her as ‘cousin.’

One day Baochai set out to call on Daiyu. Happening to meet Xiuyan on the way, she beckoned her with a smile and they walked on together. As they skirted the back of a rockery, Baochai inquired:

‘Why have you changed out of padded clothes into lined ones, when the weather is still so cold?’

Xiuyan hung her head and said nothing.

Sensing some reason for this Baochai continued, ‘Don’t tell me this month’s allowance was held up again? Cousin Xifeng really is growing rather thoughtless.’

‘She issued it on the right date,’ rejoined Xiuyan. ‘But my aunt sent to tell me I shouldn’t need two taels a month and must save one for my parents. She said if I was short of anything I could borrow from Yingchun and make do. But, you see, Yingchun is a simple soul who doesn’t al­ways think. She wouldn’t mind my using her things, but those maids and nannies of hers are all troublemakers ‘ you know what sharp tongues they have. Though I’m staying there, I dare not order them about; in fact, every few days I have to spend money on wine and cakes for them. I can’t manage even on two taels a month, and now it’s been cut to one. So the other day I got someone, on the sly, to pawn my padded clothes for a few strings of cash.’

Hearing this, Baochai frowned and sighed in sympathy.

‘It’s too bad that the Mei family have all gone to the new post and won’t be back in the capital till the year after next,’ she said. ‘If they were here, we could arrange Baoqin’s wedding and then yours. Once you leave here you’ll be all right. The trouble is that Xue Ke won’t consider getting married before his young sister; yet if you have to put up with two more years of this, I’m afraid it may ruin your health. I must talk to my mother and see what can be done.

‘If people bully you, just keep your temper and on no account fall ill. Actually you may just as well give them the other tael too, so that they stop pestering you; then you needn’t treat those creatures for nothing. If they make scathing remarks, just pretend not to hear and go about your own business. When you’re short of anything just apply to me. Don’t be finicky. It’s not because you’re engaged now to one of our family that I want you to treat me as your relative. Didn’t we become friends as soon as you arrived here? If you are afraid of gossip, just send your maid quietly to pass on messages to.’

Xiuyan lowered her head and assented.

Then Baochai pointed at the green jade pendant hanging from her skirt.

‘Who gave you that?’

‘It’s a present from Cousin Tanchun.’

Baochai nodded.

‘She must have noticed that you were the only one with no jade to wear; so to stop people laughing at you she gave you this. It shows how thoughtful and observant she is. Still, you should know that trinkets like these are only worn in big official families of rich nobles. Just look at me. Do I wear such magnificent ornaments? Seven or eight years ago I did, but not now that our family position’s changed. I economize whenever I can. In future, when you come to our family, I dare say you’ll find a whole chest of such trash still there. But nowadays our family’s not like theirs. We should after all dress more simply, not copy them.’

‘If that’s how you feel, sister, I’ll go back and take it off.’

‘No, that’s not what I meant,’ disclaimed Baochai hastily. ‘Since she was kind enough to give you this, if you don’t wear it she’ll wonder why. I just happened to mention the matter for you to bear in mind later.’

Xiuyan assented, then asked her where she was going.

‘To Bamboo Lodge,’ Baochai told her. ‘Slip back and send a maid over to our place with the pawn ticket. I’ll have the clothes redeemed quietly and sent to you this evening, so that you have something warm to wear; otherwise you’ll catch cold, and that would never do. Which shop is it, by the way?’

‘A shop called Heng Shu on the main road west of the Drum Tower.’

‘It happens to belong to our family.’ Baochai smiled. ‘If the shop assistants knew they’d say, ‘Before the bride is fetched her clothes have arrived.

Xiuyan blushed when she realized that it was one of the Xues’ shops. Making no answer she went away with a smile.

At Bamboo Lodge, Baochai found her mother chatting with Daiyu.

‘When did you get here, mother?’ she asked. ‘I didn’t know you were coming.’

‘I’ve been too busy till today to call to see her and Baoyu,’ said Aunt Xue. ‘And now I find both of them are well again.’

Daiyu offered Baochai a seat. ‘Life is certainly full of surprises,’ she said to her. ‘Take Aunt Xue and my Eldest Aunt, for instance. They’re going to be linked more closely still by marriage.’

‘What do girls like you know about such things, child?’ replied Aunt Xue. ‘There’s an old saying: ‘People a thousand ii apart may be linked by marriage.’ It’s all the doing of the Old Man of the Moon. If he’s secretly fastened his red thread around the ankles of two young people, not even the ocean or a whole country, or even a family feud for genera­tions can stop them from becoming husband and wife. It always comes as a surprise.

‘On the other hand, if the Old Man of the Moon doesn ‘t do his part, even if the parents on both sides are willing and the young people have been brought up together and think themselves destined for each other, they’ll never be united.

‘Take the case of you two girls. We don’t yet know whether you’ll marry someone close at hand or beyond mountains and seas.’

‘Mother always drags us in!’ protested Baochai. Resting her head against her mother’s breast she asked laughingly, ‘Shall we go now?’

‘Look at her.’ teased Daiyu. ‘Such a big girl, and when you’re not around, aunt, she looks very dignified; but when she’s with you she acts just like a baby.’

Caressing her daughter Aunt Xue told Daiyu, ‘This child means as much to me as Xifeng does to the old lady. When I’ve serious business, I consult her; when there’s none, she amuses me. When I see her like this all my troubles melt away.’

Tears came into Daiyu’s eyes.

‘She’s doing this on purpose here, to wound me by reminding me that I’ve no mother.’

‘Look, mother!’ cried Baochai gaily. ‘Who’s acting like a baby now?’

‘You can’t blame here for being upset,’ replied Aunt Xue. ‘She has no parents, poor thing, no one to care for her.’ She turned then to caress Daiyu as well. ‘Don’t cry, there’s a good child,’ she urged. ‘It upsets you to see how fond I am of your cousin, but I love you even more if you only knew it. She’s better off than you, because though she’s lost her father she at least has me and her brother. I’ve often told her I can’t show how fond I am of you, for fear of the gossip it would cause. People like to put the worst interpretation on things. Instead of admitting that you’ve no one to turn to and behave in a way to make everybody love you, they’d accuse me of being good to you just because you’re the old lady’s favourite so as to please her.’

‘If you really love me, aunt, will you be my foster-mother?’ pleaded Daiyu .’If you turn me down, that means you aren’t in earnest.’

‘I’m willing, if you think I’m good enough.’

‘No, that wouldn’t do,’ put in Baochai.

‘Why not?’ Daiyu wanted to know.

‘Let me ask you a question,’ retorted Baochai with a smile. ‘why is Xiuyan engaged to my younger cousin before my brother’s engaged?’

‘Because he’s not at home, I suppose. Or because the horoscopes don’t match.’

‘‘No, it’s because my brother has already set his mind on someone, and it’ll be fixed up as soon as he returns. I needn’t name any names. Why did I say you couldn’t take her as your mother? Just work it out for yourself!’ She winked at her mother and laughed.

Daiyu buried her face in Aunt Xue’s lap protesting. ‘Aunt, if you don’t spank her, I won’t let her go!’

Aunt Xue put her arms round her and smiled.

‘Don’t believe a word of it. She’s only teasing.’

‘But honestly!’ Baochai giggled. ‘Mother’s going to ask the old lady for your hand tomorrow. Why waste time looking elsewhere?’

Daiyu lunged out at her laughing, ‘You crazy thing!’

Aunt Xue hastily parted them and told Baochai, ‘I think even Xiuyan’s too good for that brother of yours, that’s why I asked for her for your cousin instead. How could I dream of giving your brother this child?’

‘The other day, the old lady wanted your cousin Baoqin for Baoyu; and if she hadn’t happened to be engaged it would have been a good match. When I fixed things up for Xiuyan the old lady quipped, ‘I wanted one of your girls, but you’ve got one of ours instead.’ There’s some­thing in that although she was only joking. Baoqin is engaged and I’ve no girl for her, but I can make a suggestion. Since the old lady is so fond of Baoyu and he’s such a handsome boy, she’ll never agree to a wife from outside for him. Then why not engage him to Baiyu? Wouldn’t that please everyone?’

Daiyu had been listening intently, but now, at the mention of her own name, she spat in disgust and grabbed hold of Baochai.

‘I’m going to teach you a lesson!’ she cried, her cheeks burning. ‘Why should you provoke my aunt into rambling on in such an indelicate way?’

‘That’s strange.’ Baochai laughed. ‘Why spank me for something my mother said?’

Zijuan ran up to them and cried laughingly, ‘Since you have this idea, madam, why not propose it to the mistress?’

‘What’s the hurry, child?’ asked Aunt Xue teasingly. ‘I suppose the sooner your mistress is married off, the sooner you can find yourself a young husband.’

Zijuan flushed and flashed back, ‘You’re presuming on your age, madam!’ With that she flung off.

‘What has this to do with you?’ scolded Daiyu, and then laughed too at her discomfiture. ‘Amida Buddha! Serves her right!’

Aunt Xue, Baochai and all the attendants present joined in the merri­ment. Then some of the older maids said cheerfully:

‘Though it was just said in fun, it’s a good idea. We hope, madam, when you have time, you’ll discuss this with the old lady. You can volun­teer to be the go-between, then this marriage is bound to come off.’

‘Yes,’ agreed Aunt Xue. ‘If I make this suggestion, the old lady’s sure to be pleased.’

As they were talking Xiangyun came in, a pawn ticket in her hand.

‘What’s this certificate for?’ she asked.

Daiyu had a look but did not know what it was.

‘It’s something marvellous,’ the matrons laughed. ‘But we won’t teach you for nothing.’

Baochai took it and saw that it was the pawn ticket Xiuyan had men­tioned. She hastily folded it up.

‘It must be a pawn ticket some old nurse has lost,’ suggested Aunt Xue. ‘She’ll be frantic when she can’t find it.’

‘A pawn ticket? What’s that?’ asked Xiangyun.

Everybody laughed.

‘Little simpleton! She doesn’t even know what a pawn ticket is.’

‘That’s quite natural,’ remarked Aunt Xue. ‘As the daughter of a noble house, and still young, how could she know of such things? Where would she have seen one? Even if some one in their household had one, she wouldn’t set eyes on it. So don’t you go calling her a simpleton. If you showed your young mistresses this, that would make them all simple-tons too.’

‘Just now Miss Lin didn’t know it either,’ agreed the women. ‘And not only the young ladies. We’d be surprised if Baoyu ever set eyes on such a thing, though he often goes outside.’

Aunt Xue then explained to Xiangyun and Daiyu what a pawn ticket was.

‘So that’s it!’ they exclaimed. ‘How clever people are at making money! Is your family shop the same, aunt?’

‘Listen to them!’ Everyone laughed. ‘‘All crows are black the world over.’ How could their shop be any different?’

‘Where did you find this?’ asked Aunt Xue.

Before Xiangyun could answer, Baochai put in, ‘This ticket has ex­pired. It was cancelled years ago. Xiangling must have given it them for fun.’

Her mother, believing this, let the matter drop.

Just then someone reported that the mistress of the other house had called to see Aunt Xue, and she went home. When the others had left as well, Baochai asked Xiangyun where she had found the ticket.

‘I saw your future sister-in-law’s maid Zhuaner slip it to Yinger, who tucked it between the pages of a book, thinking I hadn’t noticed. As soon as they’d gone I took a peep at it, but couldn’t guess what it was. Know­ing you were all here I brought it along to show you.’

‘Can she be pawning her things?’ asked Daiyu. ‘If so, why send you this ticket?’

Realizing that she could no longer hide the truth from them, Baochai explained what had happened. Daiyu exclaimed in distress and sympa­thy, but Xiangyun grew most indignant.

‘Wait till I go and take this up with Yingchun,’ she fumed. ‘I shall give those matrons and maids a piece of my mind. Won’t that help us to get our own back?’

Baochai caught hold of her as she was starting off.

‘Are you out of your mind again?’ she cried. ‘Sit down.’

‘If you were a man, you could go out and right wrongs,’ teased Daiyu. ‘But you’re not a Jing Ke or a Nie Zheng. Don’t be ridiculous.’

‘If you won’t let me have this out with them, shall we ask Xiuyan to come and stay with us in our apartments?’ rejoined Xiangyun.

‘We can discuss that later.’ Baochai smiled.

Tanchun and Xichun being announced at this point, they made haste to change the subject. If you want to know the upshot, read the next chapter.

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