 Section 46 of the Dream of the Red Chamber, Book 2, this is a Liberbox Recording. All Liberbox recordings are in the public domain. For more information on the volunteer, please visit Liberbox.org. The Dream of the Red Chamber, Book 2, by Charles Routine, translated by Henry Bancroft-Joey, Chapter 48, Part 1. Essential-minded man gets into such trouble through his essentiality, that he entertains the idea of going abroad. An estimable and refined girl manages, after great exertion, to compose verses at a refined meeting. But to resume our story, after hearing his mother's arguments, Sherpa's intonation gradually abated, but notwithstanding that his pains and aches completely disappeared in three or five days time, the scars of his wounds were not yet healed, and shaming illness, he remained at home. So ashamed was he to meet any of his relations or friends. In a trinkle, the tenth moon drew near, and as several among the partners in the various shops, with which he was connected, wanted to go home after the settlement of the annual accounts. He had to give them a farewell spread at home. In their number was one Zhang Dehui, who from his early years filled the post of manager, in Sherpa's pawnshop, and who enjoined in his home a living of two or three thousand tales. His purpose, too, was to visit his native place this year, and return the following spring. Stationery and perfumery have been so scarce this year, he consequently represented, that prices will next year inevitably be high. So when next year comes, what I'll do will be to set up my elder and younger sons ahead of me, to look after the pawnshop, and when I start on my way back before the dragon festival, I'll purchase a stock of paper, sand, and fence, and bring them for sale. And though we'll have to reduce the duties, payable at the barriers, and other expenses, they will still remain for us a considerable percentage of profits. This proposal set Sherpa musing. With the dressing I've recently had, he pointed, I cannot, furthermore at present, appear before anyone. Whether fancy to take me to get out of the way for half a year, or even a year, there isn't a place where I can safely retire. And to share my illness day after day, isn't again quite the right thing. In addition to this, here I've reached this grown-up age, and yet I'm neither a civilian nor a soldier. It's true I call myself a merchant, but I've never in point of fact, handled the scales or the epicures. Nor do I know anything about our territories, customs and manners, distances, and roots. So wouldn't it be advisable that I should also get ready some of my capital, and go on a tour with John the Huy for a year or so? Whether I earn any money or not will be equally immaterial to me. More, I should escape from all disgrace. It will, secondly, be a good thing for me to see a bit of country. This resolution once arrived at in his mind. He waited until they rose from the banquet. When he, with calmness and equanimity, brought his plans to John the Huy's cognizance, and asked him to postpone his departure for a day or two so that they should proceed on the journey together. In the evening, he imparted the tidings to his mother. Mrs. Che upon hearing his intention, was a bit delighted, tormented with fresh misgivings, lest he should stir up trouble abroad. For as far as the expense was concerned, she deemed it a mere begotel, and she consequently would not permit him to go. You have to reason with him to take proper care of me, so that I may be able to live in peace. Another thing is that you can well dispense with all this buying and selling, for you are in no need of the few hundreds of tales you may make. Che upon had long ago thoroughly resolved in his mind what to do, and he did not therefore feel disposed to listen to her remodels. You daily tax me, he pleaded, with being ignorant of the world, with not knowing this and not learning that. And now that I stir up my good resolution with the idea of putting an end to all tribaling, and that I wish to become a man, to do something for myself and learn how to carry on business, you won't let me. But what would you have me do? Besides, I am not a girl that usually cooped me up at home. And when is this likely to come to an end? Zhang Dehui is, moreover, a man well up in years, and he is an old friend of our family, so if I go with him, however will I be able to do anything that's wrong? Should I at any time be guilty of any impropriety, he will be sure to speak to me, and to exalt me. He even knows the prices of things and customs of trade, and as I shall, as a man of course, consult him in everything, what advantage won't I enjoy? But if you refuse to let me go, I'll wait for a couple of days, and without breathing a word to anyone at home, I'll virtually make my preparations and start. And when by next year, I shall have made my fortune and come back, you at length know what stuff I'm made of. When he had done speaking, he flew into a huff and went off to sleep. Mrs. Che felt impelled after the arguments she heard him propound to deliberate with Bao Chai. If brother Bao Chai smilingly rejoined, were in real earnest about gaining experience in some legitimate concerns, it would be well and good. But though he speaks now that he is at home in a plausible manner, in a plausible manner, the moment he gets abroad, his own mania will break out again, and it will be hard to exercise any check over him. Yet it isn't worth the while distressing yourself too much about him. If he does actually mend his ways, it will be the happiness of our whole lives. But if he doesn't change, you won't, mother, be able to do anything more. For though in part it depends on human exertion, it in part depends upon the will of heaven. If you keep on giving way to fears that with his lack of worldly experience, he can't be fit to go abroad and can't be up to any business, and you lock him up at home this year, why next year he will be just the same? Such being the case, you'd better, ma, since his arguments are right and spacious enough, make up your mind to sacrifice from 800 to 1000 tales and let him have them for a try. He'll at all events have one of his partners to lend him a helping hand, one who won't either think it's a nice thing to play any of his tricks upon him. In the second place, there will be, when he's gone, no one to the left of him or to the right of him, to stand by him and no one upon home to rely. For when one goes abroad, who cares for anyone else? Those who have it, and those who haven't, starve. When he therefore casts his eyes about him and realizes that there's no one to depend upon, he may, upon seeing this, be up to less mischief than were he to stay at home. But of course, there's no saying. Mrs. Shea listened to her and commuted within herself for a moment. What you say is indeed right and proper, she remarked, and could one, by spending a small sum, make him learn something profitable, it would be well worth. They then matured their plans and nothing further of any note transpired during the rest of the night. The next day, Mrs. Shea sent a messenger to invite Jiang Dehui to come round. On his arrival, she charged Shea Peng to regale him in the library. Then appearing in person, outside the window of the covered passage, she made thousands of appeals to Jiang Dehui to look after her son and take good care of him. Jiang Dehui assented to her solicitations with profuse assurances and took his leave after the collation. The 14th, he went on to explain to Shea Peng, is a propitious day to start. So, with a friend, you'd better be quick and pack up your baggage and I am you, for us to begin our long journey as soon as the day dawns on the 14th. Shea Peng was intensely gratified and he communicated their plans to Mrs. Shea. Mrs. Shea then said to and worked away with the assistance of Bao Chai, Xiang Ling and two old nurses for several consecutive days before she got his luggage ready. She fixed upon the husband of Shea Peng's nurse and old man with a hoary head, two old servants with ample experience and long services, and two young pages who acted as Shea Peng's constant attendants to go with him as his companions. So the party mustered inclusive of master and followers, six persons in all. Three large cards were hired for the sole purpose of carrying the baggage and reprises and four mules suitable for long journeys were likewise engaged. A tall dark brown home brand mule was selected for Shea Peng's use, but a saddle horse as well was provided for him. After the various preparations have been effected, Mrs. Shea, Bao Chai and the other inmates attended him night after night words of advice. But we can well dispense with dilating on this topic. On the arrival of the 13th, Shea Peng went and made goodby to his maternal uncles, after which he came and paid his farewell visit to the members of the Jia household. Jartan and the other male relatives unavoidably prepared an entertainment to speed him off, but through these festivities, there is likewise little need to allude with any minuteness. On the 14th, at break of day, Mrs. Shea, Bao Chai and the other members of the family accompanied Shea Peng beyond the ceremonial gate. Here, his mother and her daughter stood and watched him. Their four eyes fixed intently on him, until he got out of sight. One day at length, retraced their footsteps into the house. Mrs. Shea had, in coming up to the capital, only brought four or five family domestics and two or three old matrons and waiting-mates with her. So after the departure on the recent occasion of those who followed Shea Peng, no more than one or two men's servants remained in the outer quarters. Mrs. Shea repaired therefore on the very same day into the study, and had the various ornaments, brick-and-brack curtains, and other articles removed into the inner compound and put away. Then, bidding the wives of the two male attendants who had gone with Shea Peng likewise moved the quarters inside. Along with the other women, she went on to impress upon Chang Ling to put everything carefully away in her own room as well, and to lock the doors. For, she said, you must come at night and sleep with me. Since you've got all these people to keep you company, Ma, Bao Chai remarked, wouldn't it be as well to tell Sister Ling to come and be my companion? Our garden is besides quite empty, and the nights are so long. And as I work away every night, won't it be better for me to have an extra person with me? Quite so, smiled Mrs. Shea. I forgot that. I should have told her to go with you. Is but right. It was only the other day that I mentioned to your brother that Wen Xin Tu was young and not fit to attend to everything that turns out, that in her could not alone do all the waiting, and that it was necessary to purchase another girl for your service. If we buy one, we won't know what she's really like, Bao Chai demerred. If she gives us the slip, the money we may have spent on her will be a mere tribal so long as she hasn't been up to any pranks. So let's quietly make inquiries, and when we find one with well-known antecedents, we can purchase her, and we'll be on the safe side then. While speaking, she told Xiang Ling to collect her bedding and clothes, and desiring an old matron and jinner to take them over to the Aung Wu Yuan. Bao Chai returned at last into the garden in company with Xiang Ling. I managed to have proposed to my lady, Xiang Ling said to Bao Chai, that when Master left, I should be your companion, Miss, but I feared lest her leadership should, with the suspicious mind of hers, have maintained that I was longing to come into the garden to roam. But would I have thought it was you, after all, who spoke to her about it? I'm well aware, Bao Chai smiled, that you've been inwardly yearning for this garden, and that's not for a day or two, but with the little time you can call your own, you would find it no fun, while you're even able to run over once in a day, so long as you have to do it in a hurry scary. Seize therefore this opportunity of staying, better still for a year, as I, on my side, will then have an extra companion, and you on yours will be able to accomplish your wishes. My dear Miss, openly observed Xiang Ling, do let's make the best of this time, and teach me how to write verses. I say, Bao Chai laughed, you know sooner, get the long state than you long for the soon. I'd advise you to wait a bit, this is the first state that you spend in here, and you should, first and foremost, go out of the garden by the eastern side gate, and look up and salute everyone in their respective quarters, commencing from our old lady, but you needn't make the point of telling them that you've moved into the garden. If anyone does allude to the reason why you've shifted your quarters, you can simply explain cursorily that I've brought you in as a companion, and then drop the subject. On your return by and by into the garden, you can pay a visit to the apartments of each of the young ladies. Xiang Ling certified her acquittance and was about to start when she saw Ping'er rush in with her step. Xiang Ling hastened to ask after her health, and Ping'er felt compelled to return her smile and reciprocate her inquiry. I've brought her in today, Bao Chai there upon smilingly said to Ping'er to make a companion of her. She was just on a point of going to tell your lady about it. All the steps that you are saying miss Ping'er rejoined with a smile. I really am at a loss or to reply to make to you. It's the right thing, Bao Chai answered, and the house there's the master, and in the temple there's the chief priest. It's true, it's no important concern, but something must in fact be mentioned so that those who set up a night duty in the garden may be aware that these two have been added to my rooms. I know when to close the gates, and when to wait. When you get back there for, do imagine it, so that I may have to send someone to tell them. Ping'er promised to carry out her wishes. As you are moved in here, she said to Xiang Ling, won't you go and pay your respects to your neighbors? I adjust this very moment, Bao Chai smiled, told her to go and do so. You needn't, however, go to our house, Ping'er remarked. Our Mr. Secundus is lay up at home. Xiang Ling ascended and went off, passing first and foremost by Dao Jiu Li Dijia's apartment. But without devoting any of our attention to her, we will refer to Ping'er. Seeing Xiang Ling walked out of the room, so through Bao Chai near her, Miss, have you heard our news? She inquired in a low tone of voice. I haven't heard any news, Bao Chai responded. We have been daily so busy in getting my brother's things ready for his voyage abroad, that we know nothing whatsoever of any of your affairs in here. I haven't even seen anything of my female cousins these last two days. Our master, Mr. Jarsher, has beaten our Mr. Secundus to such a degree that he can't budge. Ping'er smiled. But is it likely, Miss, that you have heard nothing about it? This morning, Bao Chai said by way of reply, I heard a great report on the subject, but I didn't believe it could be true. I was just about to go and look up your mistress when you unexpectedly arrived. But why did he beat him again? Ping'er said her teeth too and gave way to abuse. It's all on account of some Jaryu Chun or other. A staffed and half-dead Burj Astad, who went on to do quite unexpectedly. It isn't yet ten years since we've known him, and he has been the cause of ever-so-much trouble. In the spring of this year, Mr. Jarsher saw somewhere on our side, sure, saw somewhere or other, I can't tell where, a lot of antique fans. So, when on his return home, he noticed that the fine fans stored away in the house were all of no use. He had once directed servants to go everywhere and hunt up some like those he had seen. Who'd have anticipated it? They came across a reckless creature of retribution, dubbed by common consent the stone fool, who, though so poor as to not even have any rights to put to his mouth, happened to have at home 20 antique fans. But these he utterly refused to take out of his main door. Our Mr. Sekundas had thus a precious lot of bother to ask ever-so-many favors of people. But when he got to see the man, he made endless appeals to him before he could get him to invite him to go and sit in his house. When producing the fans, he allowed him to have a short inspection of them. From what our Mr. Sekundas says, it would be really difficult to get any the like of them. They are made entirely of spotted black bamboo, and the stacks and jade-like clusters of bamboo on them are the genuine pictures drawn by men of olden times. When he got back, he explained these things to Mr. Jasher, who readily asked him to buy them and give the man his own price for them. The stone fool, however, refused. Where I even to be dying from hunger, he said, or perishing from frost brides. And so much as a thousand tales were offered me for each single fan, I wouldn't part with them. Mr. Jasher could do nothing, but the day after day he abused our Mr. Sekundas as a good for nothing. Yet he had long ago promised the man 500 tales, payable cash done in advance, before delivery of the fans. But he would not sell them. If you want the fans, he answered, you must first of all take my life. Now, miss, do you consider what was to be done? But each one is, as it happens, a man with no regard for divine justice. Well, when he came to hear of it, he at once devised a plan to lay hold of these fans. So fabricating the charge against him of letting a government debt drag on without payment, he had him arrested and brought before him in a yamen when he adjudicated that his family property should be converted into money to make up the amount due to the public chest. And confiscating the fans in question, he set an official value on them and sent them over here. And as for that stone fool, no one now has the faintest idea whether he be dead or alive. Mr. Jasher, however, taunted Mr. Sekundas. How is it, he said, that other people can manage to get them? Our master simply rejoined that to bring ruin upon a person in such a trivial matter could not be accounted ability. But at these words, his father suddenly rushed into a fury and a word that Mr. Sekundas had said things to gag his mouth. This was the main cause. But several minor matters, which I can't even recollect, also occurred during these last few days. So when all these things accumulated, he said to work and gave him a sound threshing. He didn't, however, drag him down and strike him with a rattan or cane, but recklessly assaulted him while he stood before him with something or other, which he lay hold of and broke his face open in two places. We understand that Mr. Jasher has in here some medicine or other for applying on wounds, so do try, miss, and find a ball of it and let me have it. Hearing this, Bao Chai speedily directed Inge to go and look for some, and on discovering two balls of it, she brought them over and handed them to Ping'er. Such being the case, Bao Chai said, to make, on her return, the usual inquiries for me, and I won't then need to go. Ping'er turned towards Bao Chai and expressed her readiness to execute her commission, after which she betook herself home where we will leave her without further notice. End of section 46. Section 47 of the Dream of the Red Chamber, Book 2, this is a LibreWalks recording. All LibreWalks recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibreWalks.org. The Dream of the Red Chamber, Book 2 by Jiao Xu team, translated by Henry Bancroft Jolie, chapter 48, part 2. Up to Shang Ling, for we will take up the threat of our narrative with her, completed her visits to the various inmates, shared her evening meal. Then, when Bao Chai and everyone else went to Dao Jiao Lady Jiao's quarters, she came into the Xiao Shang Lodge. By this time, Dai Yu had got considerably better. Upon hearing that, Shang Ling had also moved into the garden, she, needless to say, was filled with delight. Now that I've come in here, Shang Ling then smiled and said, do please teach me, at your leisure, how to write verses, it would be a bit of good luck for me if you do. Since you're anxious to learn how to diversify, Dai Yu answered with a smile, you'd better acknowledge me as your tutor. For though I'm not a good hand at poetry, yet I know, after all, enough to be able to teach you. Of course you do, Shang Ling lovingly remarked, I readily treat you as my tutor, but you mustn't put yourself to any trouble. Is there anything so difficult about this, Dai Yu pursued, as to make it necessary, to go in for any study? Why? Is purely and simply a matter of openings, elucidations, embellishments, and conclusions. The elucidations and embellishments which come in the center should form two antithetical sentences. The eventones must pair with the uneven, empty words must correspond with full words and full words with empty words. In the events of any out of the way lines, it won't matter if the even and uneven tones and the empty and full words do not pair. Strange though it may appear, smiled Shang Ling, I often handle books with old poems and read one or two stanzas whenever I can steal the time. And some among these I found pair most scubbly, while others don't. I have also heard that the first, third, and fifth lines are of no consequence, and that the second, fourth, and sixth must be clearly distinguished. But I noticed that there are in the poetical works of ancient writers both those which accord with the rules, as well as those whose second, fourth, and sixth line are not in compliance with any rule. Hence it is that my mind has daily been full of doubts. But after the hints you have given me, I really see that all these formulas are of no account, and that the main requirement is originality of diction. Yes, that's just the principle that holds good, Dai Yu answered, but diction is, after all, a last consideration. The first and foremost thing is the choice of proper sentiments. For when the sentiments are correct, there will even be no need to polish the diction. It's certain to be elegant. This is called versifying without letting the diction affect the sentiments. What I admire, Shaolin proceeded with a smile, are the lines by Oh Wu Fang. The double portier, but not raised, retains the fragrance long. An old ink slap with a slight hole collects plenty of ink. Their language is so clear that it's charming. You must account, Dai Yu observed, reportry of the kind. It's because you people don't know what verses mean that you no sooner read any shallow lines like these, then they take your fancy. But when once you get into this sort of style, it's impossible to get out of it. Mark my words. If you are in earnest about learning, I've got here one more G complete collection, so your better tip is 100 stanzas written in the Pantometer rule of versification and carefully study them until you apprehend them thoroughly. Afterwards, look over the 120 stanzas of Lao Du in the half-meter rule. And next, read 100 or 200 of the half-meter four-lined stanza by Li Qinglian. When you have, as a first step, digested these three authors and make them your foundation, you can take Tao Yunming, Liu Xie, Ran Lu, Bao, and other writers and go through them once. And with those sharp and quick wits of yours, I have no doubt, but that you will become a regular poet before a year's time. Well, in that case, Xiang Ling smiled after listening to her. Bring me the book, My Dear Miss, so that I can take it along. It would be a good thing if I can manage to read several stanzas at night. At these words, Lai Lv paid Ji Zhongan fetch Wang Youcheng's Pantometer stanzas. When brought, she handed them to Xiang Ling. On the peruse those marked with red circles, she said, they've all been selected by me. Reach each one of them, and should there be any you can't fathom, ask your miss about them. Or when you come across me, I can explain them to you. Xiang Ling took the poems and repaired back to the Hang Wu Yuan, and without worrying her mind about anything, she approached the lamp and began to con stanzas after stanzas. Bao Chai pressed her several consecutive times to go to bed. But as even rest was far from her thoughts, Bao Chai let her, when she perceived what trouble she was taking over her task, have her own way in the matter. Dai Yu had one day just finished combing her hair and performing her ablutions. When she aspired Xiang Ling come with smiles playing about her lips, to return her the book and to ask her to let her have those poetical compositions in exchange. Of all these, how many stanzas can you recollect, Dai Yu asked, smiling? I've read every one of those marked with a red circle, Xiang Ling lovingly rejoined. Have you caught the ideas of any of them? Yes or no? Dai Yu inquired. Yes, I've caught some, Xiang Ling smiled. But whether rightly or not, I don't know. Let me tell you, you must really, Dai Yu lovingly remarked, might mutually solicit people's opinions if you want to make any progress. But go on and let me hear you. From all I can see, Xiang Ling smiled, the beauty of poetry aligns in certain ideas, which though not quite expressible in words, are nevertheless found on reflection to be absolutely correct. Some may have the semblance of being totally devoid of sense, but on second thought, they are truly be seen to be full of sense and feeling. There's a good deal of right in what you say, Dai Yu observed. But I wonder how you arrived at this conclusion. I notice in that stanza on the borderline, the antithetical couplets. In the vast desert, rains but upright mist, in the long river-setthed, the round sun. Consider now however can mist be upright. The sun is, of course, round, but the word upright would seem to be devoid of common sense. And round appears far too commonplace a word. But upon throwing the whole passage together and pondering over it, one fancies having seen the scenery alluded to. Now will anyone suggest that two other characters should be substituted for these two? One would verily be hard pressed to find any other two as suitable. Besides this, there's also the couplet. When the sun sets, rivers and lakes are white. When the mist falls, the heavens and earth are sure. Both white and usher apparently too, lack any sense. But reflection will show that these two words are absolutely necessary to bring out thoroughly the aspects of the scenery. And in conning them over, one feels stressed as if one had an olive weighing several thousands of catties in one's mouth. So much relief doesn't want to derive from them. But there's this too. As the fairy stays the setting sun, over the mark hangs the lonesome mist. And how much trouble must these words stay and over have caused the author in their conception? When the both made fast in the evening of a certain day of that year in which we came up to the capital, the banks were without trace of human beings. And there were only just a few trees about. In the distance loomed the houses of several families engaged in preparing the evening meal. And the mist was, in fact, usher like jade. And connected like plows. So when I, as it happened, read this couplet last night, it actually seemed to me as if I had come again to that spot. But in the course of their colloquy, Bao Yu and Tan Zhen arrived. And entering the room, they seated themselves and lent an ear to her arguments on the verses. Seeing that you know so much, Bao Yu remarked with a smiling face, you can dispense with reading poetical works, but you are not far off from proficiency. To hear you expatiate on these two lines makes it evidence to my mind that you've even got at their secret meaning. Yu said, argued, dive you with a significant smile. That's the line. Over the mark hangs the lonesome mist. It's good. But aren't you yet aware that this is only patronized from an ancient writer? But I'll show you the line I'm telling you off. You'll find it far plainer and clearer than this. While uttering these words to turn up Tao Yunming's dim in the distance lies a country place feigned in the Hamlet market hangs the mist and handed it to Xiang Ling. Xiang Ling perused it and nodding her head to eulogize it. Really, she smiled. The word over is deduced from the two characters implying feign. Bao Yu burst out into a loud fit of exultant laughter. You've already got it. He cried. There's no need of explaining anything more to you. Any further explanations will, in lieu of benefiting you, make you unlearn what you have learned. Will you therefore, too, at once set to work and versify your lines are bound to be good? Tomorrow observe Tan Chun with a smile. I'll stand in extra treats and invite you to join the society. Why make a fool of me, miss? Xiang Ling luckily ejaculated. It's merely that manyer of mine that make me apply my mind to this subject at all, just for fun and no other reason. Tan Chun and Dai Yu both smiled. Who doesn't go in for these things for fun? They asked. Is it likely that we improvised verses in real earnest? Why, if anyone treated our verses as genuine verses and took them outside this garden, people would have such a hearty laugh at our expense that their very teeth would drop. This is again self-violence and self-abasement, Bao Yu interposed. The other day, I was outside the garden consulting with a gentleman about paintings and when they came to hear that we had started a political society, they begged of me to let them have the rough copies to read. So I wrote out several stances and gave them to them to look over, and who did not praise them with all sincerity. They even copied them and took them to have the blocks cut. Are you speaking the truth? Tan Chun and Dai Yu eagerly inquired. If I'm telling a lie, Bao Yu laughed, I'm like that cockatoo on that frame. You verbally do foolish things. Dai Yu and Tan Chun exclaimed with one voice at these words, but not to mention that they were dark real lines. Had they even been anything like what verses should be, our writings shouldn't have been hawked about outside. Was there to fear? Bao Yu smiled. Hadn't the writings of women of old been handed outside the limits of the inner chambers? Why? There would, at present, be no one with any idea of their very existence. While we pass this remark, they saw Lu Hua arrive from C-twins quarters to ask Bao Yu to go over, and Bao Yu eventually took his departure. Shang Ling then pressed Dai Yu to give her Lu's poem. To choose some theme, she also asked Dai Yu and Tan Chun, and let me go and write on it, but I've done I'll bring it for you to correct. Last night, Dai Yu observed, the poem was so magnificent that I meant to improvise a standard on it, but as I haven't done yet, go at once and write one using the 14th rhyme. Heng, meaning cool, were liberty to make use of whatever words you fancy. Hearing this, Shang Ling was simply delighted. And taking the poems, she went back. After considerable exertion, she succeeded in devising a couplet. But solely to able was she to tear herself away from the two poems, that she perused another couple of stanzas, until she had no inclination for either tea or food, and she felt in an unsettled mood, tried all she did to sit or recline. Why, Bao Zhai remonstrated, do you bring such trouble upon yourself? It's that pinger who has led you on to it, but I'll settle accounts with her. You've all along been a thick-headed fool, but now that you've burdened yourself with all this, you've become a great fool. Miss Smart Shang Ling, don't confuse me. So saying, she sets the work and puts together a standard, which she first and foremost handed to Bao Zhai to look over. This isn't good, Bao Zhai smilingly said. This isn't the way to do it. Don't fear of losing faith, but take it and give it to her to peruse. You'll see what she says. At this suggestion, Shang Ling forthwith went with her verses in search of Da Yu. When Da Yu came to read them, she found the test to be The night grows cool, what time slainly reaches the mid-heavens. Her radiance pure, shined around with such a spotless sheen. But, oft for inspiration, raise on her their thoughts and eyes. The rustic, daring to see her, so fears he to enhance his grief. Jade mirrors are suspended near the tower of Manachite. An ice-like plate dangles outside the gem-laden potty-a. The eve is fine, so why need any silvery candles burned? A clear light shines with dazzling luster on the painted rails. There's a good deal of spirit in them, Da Yu smiled, but the language is not elegant. It's because you've only read a few vertical works that you labor under restraint. Now, put your stance aside and write another. Lock up your courage and go and work away. After listening to her advice, Shang Ling quietly went that way back. But so much the more preoccupied was she in her mind that she did not even enter the house. But remaining under the trees, planted by the side of the point. She either seated herself on a rock and plunged in a reverie, squatted down and dug the ground, to the astonishment of all those who went backwards and forwards. Li Wen, Bao Chai, Tan Chen, Bao Yu and some others heard about her and taking their position some way off on the mount. They watched her, much amused. At one time they saw her pocket up her eyebrows and another smile to herself. That girl must certainly be cracked, Bao Chai laughed. Last night, she kept on muttering away straight up to the fifth watch, when she at last turned in. But shortly, the light broke and I heard her get up and comb her hair all in a hurry and rushed after a painter. In a while however, she returned and after acting like an idiot the whole day, she managed to put together a stanza. But it wasn't after all good. So she's of course now trying to devise another. This indeed shows, Bao Yu lovingly remarked, that the earth is spiritual, that man is intelligent. And that heaven does not in the creation of human beings, bestow on them natural gifts to no purpose. We have been sighing and lamenting that it was a pity, that such a one as she should really be so unpolished. But who could ever have anticipated that things would, in the long run, reach the present past? This is a clear sign that heaven and earth are most equitable. If only smiled Bao Chai at these words, who could be as painstaking as she is? What a good thing it would be. And would you fail to attain success in anything you might take up? Bao Yu made no reply, but realizing that Shang Ling had crossed over in high spirits to find Da Yu again. Tan Jun laughed and suggested, let's follow her there and see whether her composition is any good. At this proposal, they came in a body to the Shao Shan lodge. Here they discovered Da Yu holding the verses and explaining various things to her. What are they like? They are there upon inquired of Da Yu. This is a naturally hard job for her. Da Yu rejoins. They are not yet as good as they should be. The stanza is far too forced. You must write another. One and all, however, expressed a desire to look over the verses. On Peruso, they read, There's no silver, neither water, that on the windows shines so cold. Selene Ma covers, like a jade platter, the clear vault of heaven. What time the fragrance faints of the plum bloom is fain to tinge the air. The duped, decked, silken willow trees begin to lose their leaves. There's the remains of powder, which, me thinks, besmear the golden steps. Her lustrous rays and shrug-like light hold frost, the jade-like monestrates. When from my dreams I wake, in the west tower, all human trace is gone. Her slanting orb can yet clearly be seen across the bamboo screen. It doesn't sound like a song on the moon, Bao Chai lovingly observed. Yet, were after the work moon, that of the word light, be supplied, it would be better. For, just see, if each of these lines treated of the moonlight, they would be all right. But poetry primarily springs from blond sensical language. In a few days longer, you'll be able to do well. Chang Lin had flattered herself that this last stanza was perfect, and the criticisms that fell on her ear, damned her spirits again. She was not, however, disposed to relax in her endeavors, but fell eager to commune with her own thoughts. So, when she perceived the young ladies chatting and loving, she betook herself all along to the bamboo roof as the foot of the steps. When she wracked her brain and ransacked her mind with such intentless that her ears were deaf to everything around her, and her eyes blind to everything beyond her task. Ms. Lin, Tan Chun presently cried, smiling from inside the window, do have a rest. The character rests, Chang Lin nervously replied, comes from lot number 15 under Chang to correct. So, it's the wrong rhyme. This rambling talk made them involuntarily burst out laughing. In very fact, Bao Chai laughed, she's under a poetical frenzy, and it's all painter who has incited her. The holy man says that you smilingly rejoined, that one must not be weary of exalting people, and if she comes time and again to ask me this and that, how can I possibly not tell her? Let's take her to Ms. Quarters rooms. Liu Wen smiled, and if we could coach her to look at the painting and bring her to her senses, it would be well. Speaking the while, she actually walked out of the room, and laying hold of her, she brought her through the lotus fragrance arbor to the bank of warm fragrance. Xi Chuan was tired and languid, and was lying on the window, having a midday siesta. The painting was resting against the partition wall, and was screened with a coarse cover. With one voice, they roused Xi Chuan, and raising the coarse cover to contemplate her work. They saw that three-tenths of it had already been accomplished. But their attention was attracted by the representation of several beautiful girls inserted in the picture. So pointing at Xiang Lin, everyone who can write verses is to be put here, they said. So be quick and learn. But while conversing, they played and laughed for a time, after which it went her own way. Xiang Lin was meanwhile preoccupied about her verses. So when evening came, she said facing the lamp absorbed in thought. And the third watch struck before she got to bed. But her eyes were so wide awake, that it was only after the fifth watch had come and gone, that she at length felt drowsy and felt fast asleep. Presently, the day dawned, and Bao Chai woke up. But when she left and here, she discovered Xiang Lin in a sound sleep. She has wrecked her brains the whole night long, she pondered. I wonder, however, whether she has succeeded in finishing her task. She must be tired now, so I won't disturb her. But in the midst of her cogitations, she heard Xiang Lin laugh and exclaim in her sleep. I've got it. It cannot be that this stanza too won't be worth anything. How sad and ridiculous, Bao Chai soliloquized with a smile. And calling her by name, she woke her up. What have you got? She asked, with that firmness of purpose of yours, you could even become a spirit. But before you can learn how to write poetry, you'll be getting some illness. Xiang Lin made, in fact, such desperate efforts to learn all about poetry that her system got quite out of order. But although she did not in the course of the day hit upon anything, she quite casually succeeded in her dreams in devising egg lines. So concluding her toilette and the rest of the day, she decided to go to the toilet and wash her hair. And after that, she decided to go to the toilet and wash her hair. And she took the egg lines. So concluding her toilette and her ablutions, she hastily jotted them down. And they took herself into the Qing Fang pavilion. Here she saw Li Wen and the whole baby of young ladies, returning from Madam Wang's suite of apartments. Bao Chai was in the act of telling them of the verses composed by Xiang Lin while asleep and of the nonsense she had been talking. And every one of them was convulsed with laughter. But upon raising their heads and perceiving that she was approaching, they lied with each other in pressing her to let them see her composition. But, Rita, do you wish to know any further particulars? If you do, read those given in the next chapter. End of section 47, section 48 of the Dream of the Red Chamber, Book 2. This is a liberal box recording. All liberal box recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit liberalbox.org. The Dream of the Red Chamber, Book 2, by Chao Xu team, translated by Henry Bancraft Jolie, chapter 49, part 1, White Snow and Red Plum Blossom in the Crystal World. The pretty girl, fragrant with powder, cuts some meat and eats it. Xiang Lin, we will now proceed, perceived the young ladies engaged in chatting and laughing, and went up to them with a smiling countenance. Just you look at this stanza, she said. If it's all right, then I'll continue my studies. But if it isn't worth anything, I'll vanish at once from my mind or idea of going in for a vacation. With these words, she handed the verses to Da Yu and her companions. When they came to look at them, they found this to be their burden. If thou wouldst stream Celanus' beauteous scene, thou'dst find it hard. Her shadows are by nature full of grace, frigid her form. A row of clothes storms better, while she likes a thousand li. When her discs half and a cock crows at the fifth watch, this cold, wrapped in my green cloak in optimum, I hear flutes on the stream, while in the tower, the red-sleeved maid leans on the rails at night. She feels also constrained to ask of the goddess, Cheng'er, why it is that she does not last no more, ere remain round. The stanza is not only good, they with one voice exclaimed, after perusing it. But it's original, it's charming. It bears out the proverb, in the world, there's nothing difficult. The only thing hard to get at is a human being with a will. You certainly ask you to join our club. Changlin caught this remark, but so little did she credit it, that fancying that they were making fun of her. She still went on to press Da Yu, Bao Chai and the other girls to give her their opinions. But while engaged in speaking, despite a number of young wedding maids and old matrons come with her at a step. Several young ladies and ladies have come, they are not smilingly, but we don't know any of them. So your ladyship and you, young ladies, had better come at once and see what relatives they are. What are you driving at, they went laughed. You might after all state distinctly whose relatives they are. Your ladyship's two young sisters have come, the matrons and maids rejoined smiling. There is also another young lady who says she's Miss Cher's cousin. And a gentleman who pretends to be Mr. Cher Peng's junior cousin. We are now off to ask Mrs. Cher to miss them. But your ladyship and the young ladies might go in advance and greet them. As they spoke, they straightway took their leave. As our Cher Kerr come along with his sisters, Bao Chai inquired with a smile. My aunt has probably also come to the capital, live and laughed. How is it they've all arrived together? This is indeed a strange thing. Then adjourning in the body into Madam Wang's drawing rooms, they saw the floor covered with a black mass of people. Madam Xin's sister-in-law was there as well. She had entered the capital with her daughter, Cher Yan, to look up Madam Xin. But Lady Feng's brother, Wang Ren, had as luck would have it, just been preparing to start for the capital. So the two family connections set out in company for their common destination. After accomplishing half their journey, they encountered while their boats were lying at anchor, Li Wen's widowed sister-in-law, who also was on her way to the Petropolis. With her two girls, the elder of whom was Li Wen and the younger Yi Qi. They all talked matters over and induced by the ties of relationship. The three families prosecuted their voyage together. But subsequently, Cher Kong's cousin, Cher Ke, whose father had went on a visit years ago to the capital, engaged his uterine sister to the son of the Hang Nian Mei, whose residence was in the Metropolis. Came while planning to go and consummate the marriage, to learn of Wang Ren's departure. So taking his sister with him, he kept in his track till he managed to catch him up. Hence it happened that they all now arrived in a body to look up their respective relatives. In due course, they exchanged the conventional salutations, and these over, they had a chat. Dao Zhe Li Di Jia and Madam Wang were both filled with ineffable delight. Little wonder is it, smile o Li Di Jia. If the snuff of the lamb crackled time and again, and if it formed and reformed into a head, it was indeed true to come to this today. While she conversed on everyday topics, the presence had to be put away, and as she at the same time expressed a wish to keep the new arrivals to partake of some wine and eatables, Lady Feng had nearness to say much extra work added to her ordinary duties. Li Wen and Bao Chai, the scandal of course, with their aunts and cousins on the events that had transpired since their separation. But Da Yu, though when they first met, continued in cheerful spirits, could not again, when the recollection afterwards, flashed through her mind that one and all had their relatives. And that she alone had not a soul to rely upon, avoid restoring out of the way and giving vent to tears. Bao Yu, however, read her feelings, and he had to do all that lay in his power to extort her and to console her for a time before she cheered up. Bao Yu then hurried into the Yi Hong court. Going up to Zhe Ren, Zhe Yue, and Qin Wen, don't you yet hasten to go and see them? He smiled. Would ever have fancied that cousin Bao Chai's own cousin would be what he is? That cousin of hers is so unique in appearance and in department. It looks as if he were cousin Bao Chai's uterine younger brother. But what's still more odd is that you should have kept on saying the whole day long that cousin Bao Chai is a very beautiful creature. You should now see her cousin, as well as the two girls of her senior sister-in-law. I couldn't adequately tell you what they are like. Good heavens, good heavens, what subtle splendor and spiritual beauty must few possess to produce beings like them, so superior to other human creatures. How plain it is that I'm like a frog watering at the bottom of a well. I've threw out every hour of the day said to myself that nowhere could any girls be found to equal those as present in our home. But as it happens, I haven't had far to look. Even in our own native sphere, one would appear to eclipse the other. Here I have now managed to add one more stratum to my store of learning. But can it possibly be that outside these few there can be any more like them? As he uttered these sentiments, he smiled to himself. But Jue Ren noticed how much under the influence of his insane fits he wants more was, and she promptly abandoned all idea of going over to pay her respects to the visitors. Qing Wen and the other girls had already gone and seen them and come back. Putting on a smile, it was better they urged Jue Ren to be off at once and have a look at them. Our elder mistress niece, Miss Bao's cousin and our senior ladies two sisters resemble a bunch of four leeks, so pretty a day. But scarcely were these words out of their lips, then they perceived Tan Chen to enter the room, beaming with smiles. She came in quest of Bao Yu. Our poetical society is in a foreign way, she remarked. It is, smiled Bao Yu. Here no sooner do we, in the exuberance of our spirits, start a poetical society than the devils and gods bring through their agency all these people in our midst. There's only one thing however. Have they, I wonder, ever learned how to write poetry or not? I just now asked every one of them. Tan Chen replied, The ideas of themselves are modest, it's true. Yet from all I can gather, there's not one who can't versify. But should there even be any who can't, there's nothing hard about it. Just look at Shang Ling. Her case will show you the truth of what I say. Of the whole lot, smiled Qing Wen, Miss Xie's cousin carries the palm. What do you think about her, Mr. Xie? It's really so, Tan Chen responded. In my own estimation, even her elder cousin and all these wavy of girls are not fit the whole candle to her. Jiu Ren felt much surprise at what she heard. This is indeed odd, she smiled. Wenz could one hunt up any better, would like to go and have a peep at her. Our vulnerable senior, Tan Chen observed, was at the very first sight of her so charmed with her that there's nothing she wouldn't do. She had already compelled our madam Xie to adopt her as a god child. Our de-ancestor wishes to bring her up herself. This point was settled a little while back. Bao Yu went into ecstasy. Is this a fact? He eagerly inquired. How often have I gone in for yarns? Tan Chen said. Now that our worthy senior, continuing, she laughed, has got this nice granddaughter she has banished from her mind or thought of a grandson like you. Never mind, answered Bao Yu's minding. It's only right that girls should be more dotted a point. But tomorrow is the 16th, so we should have a meeting. That girl, Lin Da Yu, is no sooner out of bed, Tan Chen remarked that in Cousin Secunder, force you again. Everything is, in fact, up and down. Our Cousin Secunder, Bao Yu explained, doesn't also go in very much for verses, so what would it matter if she were left out? It would be well to wait a few days. Tan Chen urged, until the newcomers have had time to see enough of us, to become intimate. We can then invite them to join us. Won't this be better? Our senior sister-in-law and Cousin Bao have now no mind for poetry. Besides, Xiang Yun has not arrived. Ping Er is just over her sickness. The members are not all therefore in a fit state, so wouldn't it be preferable if we waited until that girl, Yun, came? The new arrivals will also have a chance of becoming friendly. Ping Er will likewise recover entirely. Our senior sister-in-law and Cousin Bao will have time to compose their minds, and Xiang Lin will improve in her verses. We shall then be able to convene a full meeting. Won't it be better? Yun and I must now go over to our worthy ancestors on the other side and hear what's up, but barring Cousin Bao Chai's cousin, for we didn't take her into account, as it's sure to have been decided that she should live in our home. If the other three are not to stay here with us, we should entreat our grandmother to let them as well take up their quarters in the garden, and if we succeed in adding a few more to our number, won't it be more fun for us? Bao Yu, at these words, was so much the more gratified that his very eyebrows, the standard, and his eyes laughed. You've got your wits about you, he speedily exclaimed. My mind is ever so dull, half-vainly given way to a fit of joy, but to think of these contingencies was beyond me. So saying, the two cousins repaired together to their grandmother's suite of apartments, where in point of fact, Madam Wang had already gone through the ceremony of recognizing Cui Bao Jin as her god-child. Daoist Lady Zhao's fascination for her, however, was so much out of the common realm that she did not tell her to take up her quarters in the garden. Overnight, she therefore slept with Old Lady Zhao in the same rooms, while Shui Ke put up in Shui Peng's study. Your niece, Niden, either returned home, Daoist Lady Zhao observed to Madam Xin, let her spend a few days in the garden and see the place before she goes. Madam Xin's brother and sister-in-law were indeed in straightened circumstances at home, so much so that they had, on their present visit to the capital, actually to rely upon such accommodation as Madam Xin could procure for them, and upon such help towards their traveling expenses as she could afford to give them. When she subsequently heard her proposal, Madam Xin was of course only too glad to comply with her wishes, and readily she handed Xin Xiu Yan to the charge of Lady Feng. But Lady Feng be thinking herself of the number of young ladies already in the garden of their divergent dispositions, and about both things of the inconvenience of starting a separate household, deemed it advisable to send her to live along with Ying Chun. For in the event she thought of Xie Xiu Yan meeting afterwards with any controversies, she herself would be clear of all responsibilities, even though Madam Xin came to hear about them. Detecting therefore any period spent by Xie Xiu Yan on a visit home, Lady Feng allowed Xie Xiu Yan as well if she extended her stay in the garden of broad vista for any time over a month, and among equal to the allotted to Ying Chun. Lady Feng weighed with unprecedented eye Xi Xiu Yan's temperament and department. She found in her not the least resemblance to Madam Xin or even to her father and mother, but thought her a most genuine and love-inspiring girl. This consideration actuated Lady Feng not to deal harshly with her, but to pity her instead for the property in which they were placed at home, and for the hard lot she had to bear, and treat her with far more regard than she did any of the other young ladies. Madam Xin, however, did not lavish much attention on her. Dajie Dijia, Madam Wang, and the rest had all alone been fond of Li Wen for her virtuous and benevolent character. Besides, her countenance in remaining a widow at her tender age commanded general esteem. When they therefore now saw her husband's sister-in-law come to pay her a visit, they would not allow her to go and live outside the mansion. Her sister-in-law was, it is true, extremely opposed to the proposal, but as Dajie Dijia was affirmed in her determination, she had no other cause but to settle down, along with Li Wen and Li Ji in the Daoshan village. They had by this time assigned quarters to all the newcomers, when who would have thought it? Xi Ding, Marquis of Zhongjing, was once again appointed to a high office in another province, and he had shortly to take his family and proceed to his post. But so little could Old Lady Dijia brook the separation from Xiang Yun that she captured behind and received her in her own home. Her original idea was to have asked Lady Feng to have separate rooms arranged for her, but Xi Xiang Yun was so obstinate in the refusal, her so wish being to put up with Bao Chai that the idea had inconsequence to be abandoned. At this period, the garden of broad vista was again much more full of life than it had ever been before. Li Wen was the chief inmates, the rest consisted of Yin Chun, Tan Chun, Xi Chun, Bao Chai, Dai Yu, Xiang Yun, Li Wen, Li Qi, Bao Qing, and Xi Shuyuan. In addition to these, there were Lady Feng and Bao Yu, so that they mustered 13 in all. As regards age, respective of Li Wen, who was by far the eldest, and Lady Feng who came next, the other inmates did not exceed 14, 16, or 17, but the majority of them had come into the world in the same year, though in different months, so they themselves could not remember distinctly who was senior and who junior. Even Daoist Lady Jia, Madam Wang, and the maids and maids in the household were unable to tell the differences between them with any accuracy, given as they were to the simple observance of addressing themselves promiscuously and quite at random by the forwards representing female cousin and male cousin. Xiang Ling was gratifying her wishes to her heart's content and devoting her mind exclusively to the composition of verses, not presuming, however, to make herself too much of a nuisance to Bao Chai, when, by a lucky coincidence, Xi Xiang Yun came on the scene. But how was it possible for one so equations as Xiang Yun to avoid the subject of verses when Xiang Ling repeatedly begged her for explanations? This inspirated her so much the more that not a day went by, yay, not a single night, on which she did not start some loud argument and lengthy discussion. You really, Bao Chai felt impaled to laugh, kick up such a din? That is quite unbearable. Fancy a girl doing nothing else than turning poetry into a legitimate thing for raising an argument. Why, where some literary persons to hear you, they would, instead of praising you, have a laugh at your expense and say that you don't mind your own business. We hadn't yet got rid of Xiang Ling with all her rubbish, and here we have a chatterbox like you thrown on us. But what is it that that mouth of yours keep on jabbering? What about the Beatles of Du Gong Bu and the undaunted refinement of Wei Shu Zhou? What also about Wen Ba Cha's elegance diction? And the Yishan's abstrusiveness? A pack of silly fools that you are. Do you in any way behave like girls should? These sneers evoked laughter from both Xiang Ling and Xiang Yun, but in the course of their conversation they perceived Bao Qin drop in with a waterproof wrapper thrown over her. So dazzling with this gold and purplish colors that they were at a loss to make out what sort of article it could be. Where did you get this? Bao Cha eagerly inquired. It was snowing, Bao Qin smilingly replied, so her venerable leadership turned up this piece of clothing and gave it to me. Xiang Ling drew near and passed it under inspection. No wonder she exclaimed, it looks so handsome. It's verily woven with peacock's feathers. What about peacock's feathers? Xiang Yun laughed. It's made of the feathers plucked from the heads of wild ducks. This is a clear sign that our worthy ancestor is fond of you, for with all her love for Bao Yu, she hasn't given it to him to wear. Truly does the proverb say that every human being has his respective lot. Bao Qin smiled. Nothing ever was further from my thoughts than that she would, at this juncture, drop on the scene. Come she may, but here she also gets our dear ancestor to lavish such a love on her. Unless you stay with our worthy senior, Xiang Yun said, do come into the garden. You may roam and laugh and eat and drink as much as you like in these two places. But when you get over to Madam Xing's rooms, talk and joke with her. If she be at home to your heart's content, it won't matter if you tarry ever so long. But should she not be in, don't put your foot inside. For the inmates are many in those rooms, and their hearts are evil, all they're up to is to do us harm. This was much amused Bao Chai, Bao Qin, Xiang Lin, Ying Er, and the others' presence. We want to say, Bao Chai smiled, that you are heartless, it wouldn't do, for you've got a heart. But despite your having a heart, your tongue is, in fact, a little too outspoken. You should really today acknowledge this Qing Er of ours as your own sister. This article of clothing Xiang Yun loved, casting another glance at Bao Qin, is only meat for her to wear. It wouldn't barely look well on anyone else. Saying this, she aspired Wu Po entered the room. Our old mistress, she put in smiling, made me tell you, Miss Bao Chai, not to keep too strict a check over Miss Qin, for she's yet young, that you should let her do as she pleases, and that whatever she wants, you should ask for, and not be afraid. Bao Chai hastily jumped to her feet and satisfied her obedience. Puxian Bao Qin, she laughed, even you couldn't tell when this piece of good fortune hails from, she said. Be off now, for mind, we might hurt your feelings. I can never believe myself so inferior to you. As she spoke, Bao Yu and Dai Yu walked in, but as Bao Chai continued to indulge in rhetoric to herself, Cousin Bao, Xiang Yun smilingly remorse-rated, you may is true, be jesting, but what if there were anyone to entertain such ideas in real earnest? If anyone took things in earnest, Wu Po interposed loving, why, should give offense to no one else but to him? Pointing as she uttered this remark at Bao Yu, it's not that sort of person, Bao Chai and Xiang Yun simultaneously ventured with a significant smile. If it isn't he, Wu Po proceeded still loving, is she? Turning again her finger was Dai Yu. Xiang Yun expressed not a word by way of rejoinder. That's still less likely, Bao Chai smiled. For Cousin is like her own sister, and she is far fonder of her than of me. How could she therefore take offense? Do you credit that nonsensical trash uttered by Yun Er? Why, what could ever comes out of that mouth of hers? Bao Yu was ever well aware that Dai Yu was gifted with a somewhat mean disposition. Yet not however, as had come to learn anything of what had recently transpired between Dai Yu and Bao Chai, he was therefore just giving way to fears that his grandmother's fondness for Bao Qin should be the cause of her feeling dejected. But when he now heard the remarks passed by Xiang Yun, and the rejoinders made, on the other hand, by Bao Chai, and when he noticed how different Dai Yu's voice and manner were from former occasions, and how they actually bore out Bao Chai's insinuation, he was at a great loss how to solve the mystery. These two, he consequently pondered, were never like this before. For all I can now see, they're really a hundred times far more friendly than any others are. But presently he also observed Lin Dai Yu rushed after Bao Qin and the corrupt sister, and without even making any allusion to her name or any mention to her surname, treat her in every respect just as if she were her own sister. This Bao Qin was young and warm-hearted. She was naturally besides of an intelligent disposition. She had, from her very youth up, learned how to read and how to write. After a stay on the present occasion, over a couple of days in the Jia Mansion, she became acquainted with nearly every inmate. And as she saw that the whole bevy of young ladies were not of a halting nature, and that they kept on friendly terms with her own cousin, she did not feel disposed to treat them with any discursive. But she likewise found out for herself that Lin Dai Yu was the best among the whole lot. So she started with Dai Yu, more than with anyone else, a friendship of unusual fervor. This does not escape Bao Yu's notice, but all he could do was to secretly give way to amazement. Shortly, however, Bao Qin and her cousin repaired to Mrs. Cher's quarters. Shang Yun then betook herself to Dao Zhili Di Zhao's apartment, while Lin Dai Yu returned to her room and lay down to rest. End of section 48. Section 49 of the Dream of the Red Chamber, book 2. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Dream of the Red Chamber, book 2. By Charles Routine. Translated by Henry Bencraft Jolie, chapter 49, part 2. Bao Yu, therefore, came to look up Dai Yu. Obed up read the record of the resident's side room, he smiled and understood a few passages of it. Yet when I quoted some in order to make you laugh, you flew into a half. But I now remember that there is indeed a passage which is not intelligible to me. So let me quote it for you to explain it for me. Hearing this, Dai Yu immediately concluded that his words harbored some secret meaning. So putting on a smile, recite it and let me hear it, she said. In the Confucian chapter, Bao Yu lovingly began, there is a line, coached in most beautiful language. Is this. What time did Meng Guang receive Dan Hong? Can't you think? Meaning, when did you and Bao Chai get to be such friends? These five characters simply bear on a stock story. But to the credit of the writer, be it the question contained in the three empty words representing what time it said so charmingly, when did you receive it to tell me? It's this inquiry Dai Yu too could not have laughing. The question was originally nicely put. She felt urged to rejoin with a laugh. But though the writer said such gracefully, we ask it likewise with equal grace. At one time, Bao Yu observed, all you knew was to suspect that I was in love with Bao Chai. And have you now no thoughts to find? Whoever could have imagined her such a really nice girl, Dai Yu smiled. I've all along fought her full of guile. And since the occasion, she told Bao Yu with full particulars how she had, in the game of four feats, made an improper quotation, and what advice Bao Chai had given her on the subject. How she had even sent her some bird's nests, and what they had said in the course of the chat they had had during her illness. Bao Yu then at length came to see why it was that such a warm friendship had sprung up between them. To tell you the truth, he consequently remarked smilingly. I was just wondering when Meng Guan had received Yan Hong's candlestick and lo, you indeed, got it, when a mere child and threw some reckless talk, and your friendship was sealed. As the conversation again turned on Bao Qing, Dai Yu recalled to mind that she had no sister, and she would not have melting once more into tears. Bao Yu hastened to reason with her. This is again bringing trouble upon yourself. He argued, just see how much thinner you are this year, than you were last. And don't you yet look after your health? You deliberately worry yourself every day of your life. And when you've had a good cry, you feel at last that you have acquitted yourself of the duties of the day. Of late, Dai Yu observed, trying her tears. I feel sorry at heart, but my tears are scantier by far than they were years gone by, with all the grief and anguish which norm my heart, my tears won't fall plentifully. This is because whipping has become a habit with you, Bao Yu added, but don't you fancy to yourself that it is so? How can your tears have become scantier than they were? While arguing with her, he perceived a young waiting-mate, attached to his room, bringing him a red felt wrapper. Our senior mistress, Lady Zha Zhu, she went on, as just sent a servant to say that, as it snows, arrangements should be made for inviting people tomorrow to write verses. But hardly was this message delivered, then they saw Li Wen's maid enter, and invite Dai Yu to go over. Bao Yu then proposed to Dai Yu to accompany him, and together they came to the Daoshan village. Dai Yu changed her shoes for a pair of low shoes made of red center-shaped skin, ornamented with gold and hollowed clouds. She put on a deep red gray cloak, lined with white phosphor, girdled herself with a lapis lazuli colored sash, decorated with bright green double rings, and four sceptres, and covered her head with a hat suitable for rainy weather. After which, the two cousins trudged in the snow, and repaired to this side of the mansion. Here they discovered the young ladies assembled, dressed all alike in deep red felt, or colored capes, with the exception of Li Wen, who was clad in a woolen jacket, buttoning in the middle. Che Bao Tai wore a pinkish purple twilled police, lined with foreign bar fur, worked with threads from abroad, and ornamented with double embroidery. Since Xiao Yan was still a tired in an old costume, she ordinarily used at home, without any garment for protection against the rain. Shortly, Qixiang Yun arrived. She wore the long police, given her by Tao Zhe Li Dijia, which gave warmth both from the inside and outside. As the top consisted of martin head fur, and the lining of the long haired coat of the dark gray squirrel. On her head, she had a deep red wooden hood, made ala Xiao Jun, with designs of clouds scooped out on it. This was lined with ghostly yellow ghost-rigid silk. Around her neck, she had the color of sable fur. Just see here, Dai Yu was the first to shout with a laugh. Here comes Jun Xinjie, the monkey walker. Low, like him, she holds a snow cloak, and purposely puts on the air of a young bewitching ape. Look here, all of you. Xiao Jun laughed. See what I wear inside. So saying, she threw off her cloak. This enabled them to notice that she wore underneath a half-new garment with three different colored borders on the collar and cuffs. Consisting of a short piece of rosette material lined with ermine and ornamented with dragons embroidered in variegated silks, whose coils were worked with golden threads. The lapel was narrow, the sleeves were short, the folds buttoned on the side. Under this, she had a very short, light red, brocade-setting bockin, lined with fur from foxes' ribs. Rumor waste was likely attached a many-hilled palace sash, with butterfly knots and long tassels. On her feet, she too wore a pair of low shoes made of deer leather. Her waist looked more than ever like that of a wasp, her back like that of a gibbon. Her bearing resembled that of a crane, her figure that of a mantis. Her weak point, they laughed unanimously, is to get herself up to look like a young mesher. But she does, there's no denying, cut a much handsomer figure like this, then when she's dressed up like a girl. Loose no time, Xiang Yun smiled, in deliberating about writing verses, for I'd like to hear who is to stand treats. According to my idea, Li Wen chimed in, I think that as the legitimate day which was yesterday has gone by, it would be too long to wait for another proper date. As luck would have it, is snowing again today. So won't it be well to raise contributions among ourselves and have a meeting? Who does be able to give the visitors a greeting and to get an opportunity of writing a few verses? But what are your views on the subject? This proposal is excellent, Baoyu was the first to exclaim, the only thing is that it's too late today, and if it clears up by tomorrow there will be really no fun. It isn't likely, cried out the party with one voice, that this snowy weather will clear up. But even supposing it does, the snow which will fall during this night will be sufficient for our enjoyment. This place of mine is nice enough, is true, Li Wen added, yet it isn't up to the Lu Xia pavilion. I've already therefore dispatched workmen to raise earthen cultures, so that we should all be able to sit around the fire and compose our verses. Our venerable senior, I fancy, is not sure about caring to join us. Besides, this is only a small amusement between ourselves, so if we just let that housey phone know something about it, it would be quite enough. A tale from each of you will be able, but send your money to me here. As regards Xianglin, Baoqing, Li Wen, Li Qi, and Zhou Yan, the five of them we needn't count them. Neither need we include the two girls of our number who are ill, nor take into account the four girls who've asked for leave. If you will let me have your four shares, I will undertake to see that five or six tales be made to suffice. Baoqing and the others, without exception, signified their equations. They consequently proceeded to propose the themes and to fix upon the rhymes. A long ago, smile Li Wen, settled them in my own mind, so tomorrow at the proper time you'll really know all about them. At the conclusion of this remark, they indulged in another chat on the relevant topics, and this over, they came into only the jar's quarters. Nothing of any note transpired during the course of that day. At an early hour on the morrow, Bao Yu, for he had been looking forward with such keen expectation to the coming event that he had found it impossible to have any sleep during the night, jumped out of bed with the first blush of dawn. Upon raising his curtain and looking out, he observed that a bedstead doors and windows were as yet closed, a bright light shone on the lectures sufficient to dazzle their eyes, and his mind began at once to entertain the skippings and to feel regrets in the assurance that the weather had turned out fine, and that the sun had already risen. In a hurry, he simultaneously sprung to his feet and flung the window frame open. Then, casting a glance outside, from within the glass casement, he realized that it was not the reflection of the sun, but that of the snow, which has fallen throughout the night to the depth of overfoot, and that the heavens were still covered as if with twisted cotton and unrivaled floors. Bao Yu got, by this time, into an unusual state of acceleration. Hastely, calling up the servants and completing his ablutions, he rubbed himself in an eggplant-colored camelot- fox fur-lined palace, torn a short-sleeved fulcunary shirt to, ornamented with water dragons. Tied a sash around his waist, threw over his shoulders a fine bamboo waterproof, covered his head with a golden-ratan-ringed hat, put on a pair of charred-tongued clogs, and rushed out with a precipitate step towards the direction of the luscious pavilion. As soon as he sailed out of the gate of the courtyard, he gazed on all four quarters, no trace whatsoever of any other color, but white struck his eye. In the distance stood the green fur trees and the kingfisher-like bamboos. They two looked, however, as if they were placed in a glass bowl. Fourth with he went this way down the slope and trudged along the foot of the hill. But the moment he turned the bend, he felt a whiff of cold fragrance come wafted into his nostrils. Turning his head, he aspired ten and more red plum trees over at Miao Yues, in the Long Tui Monastery. They were red like very rouge, and reflecting the white color of the snow, they showed off a beauty to such an extraordinary degree as to present a most pleasing sight. Baoyu quickly stood still and gazed with all intentness as the landscape for a time. But just as he was proceeding on his way, he caught sight of someone on the wasp-waste wooden bridge, advancing in his direction, with an umbrella in hand. It was a servant, dispatched by Li Wen, to request Lady Feng to go over. On his arrival in the Lu Xie pavilion, Baoyu found the maids and matrons engaged in sweeping away the snow and opening a passage. This Lu Xie, meaning water rush snow, pavilion was, we might explain, situated on a side hill, in the vicinity of a stream and spanned the rapids formed by it. The whole place consisted of several fetched roofs, mud walls, side fences, bamboo lattice windows, and pushing windows, out of which fishing lines could be conveniently dropped. On all four sides flourished one mass of reeds, which concealed the single path out of the pavilion. Turning and twisting, he penetrated on his way through the growth of reeds until he reached the spot where stretched the bamboo bridge, leading to the lotus fragrance arbor. The moment the maids and matrons saw him approach with his waterproof wrapper thrown over his person and his rain hat on his head, they with one voice laughed. We were just remarking that what was lacking was a fisherman and low. Now we've got everything that was wanted. The young ladies are coming after their breakfast. We were in too impatient a mood. At these words, Baoyu had no help but to retrace his footsteps. As soon as he reached the Xinfang pavilion, he perceived Tan Chun, issuing from the Zhu Xiang study, wrapped in a deep red woolen waterproof and a guan yin hood on her head, supporting herself on the arm of a young maid. Behind her followed a married woman holding a glazed umbrella made of green satin. Baoyu knew very well that she was on her way to his grandmother's, so speedily holding by the side of the pavilion, he waited for her to come up. The two cousins then left the garden together and betook themselves to the front part of the mansion. Baoting was at a time in the inner apartments, combing her hair, washing her hands and face and changing her apparel. Shortly the whole number of girls arrived. I feel packish. Baoyu shouted and again and again he tried to hurry the meal. It was with great impatience that he waited until the eatables could be laid on the table. One of the dishes consisted of kid, boiled in cow's milk. This is medicine for us who are advanced in years. Already jar observed. There are things that haven't seen the light. The beauty is that you young people can't have any. There is some fresh venison today as an extra cause. So you better wait and eat some of that. What I know expressed their readiness to wait. Baoyu however could not delay having something to eat. Seizing a cup of tea, he soaked a bowl full of rice to which he added some wheat from a fish's leg and gobbled it down in a scramble. I'm well aware, Tao Zhai Li Di Zhao said, that as you are up to something again today, you people have no mind even for your meal. Let them keep, she therefore cried, that venison for their evening repost. What an idea, Lady Feng promptly put in, will have enough with what remains of it. She shangyun there upon consulted with Baoyu. As there's fresh venison, she said, wouldn't it be nice to ask for a hunch and take it into the garden and prepare it ourselves? We'll just be able to save our hunger and have some fun as well. As this proposal, Baoyu actually asked Lady Feng to let them have a hunch and he baited a matron carry it into the garden. Presently, they all got up from table. After a time, they entered the garden and came in the body to the Luxue pavilion to hear Li Wen give out the themes and fix upon the rhymes. But Xiangyun and Baoyu were the only two of whom nothing was seen. Those two, that you observed, can't get together. The moment they meet, how much trouble doesn't arise. They must surely have now gone to hedge their plans over that hunch of venison. These words were still on her lips when she saw Sister-in-law Li coming also to see what the noise was all about. How is it, she then inquired of Li Wen, that that young fellow with the jade and that girl with the jade with the golden unicorn round her neck, both of whom are so clean and tidy and have besides able to eat are over there conferring about eating raw meat. There they are chatting, saying this and saying that. But I can't see how meat can be eaten raw. This remark much amused the party. How dreadful, they exclaimed. Be quick and bring them both here. All this fuss that you smiled is the word of that girl Yun. I'm not far off again in my surmises. Li Wen went out with precipitate step in search of the cousins. If you two are bent upon eating raw meat, she cried, I'll send you over to our old seniors. You can do so there. What will I care then if you have a whole deal raw and make yourselves ill over it? It won't be any business of mine. But it's snowing hard and it's bitterly cold. So be quick and go and write some verses for me and me off. We're doing nothing of the kind. While you hastily rejoined, we're going to eat some roasted meat. Well, that won't matter, Li Wen observed. And seeing the old matrons bring an iron stove, prawns, and a grid iron of iron wire. Mind you don't cut your hands, Li Wen resumed. For we won't have any crying. This remark concluded, she walked in. Lady Feng had sent Ping'er from her quarters to announce that she was unable to come. As the issue of the customary annual money gave her just at present, planning to keep her busy. Zhang Yun caught sight of Ping'er and would not let her go on her errand. But Ping'er too was fond of amusement and had ever followed Lady Feng everywhere she went. So when she perceived what fun was to be got and how merrily they joked and laughed, she felt impelled to take off her bracelets and to join them. The trio then pressed around the fire. And Ping'er wanted to be the first to roast three pieces of cavernison to regale themselves with. On the other side, Bao Zhai and Tai Yu had even in ordinary times seen enough of occasions like the present. They did not therefore think it anything out of the way. But Bao Qing and the other visitors, inclusive of sister-in-law Li were filled with intense wonder. Tan Chen had with the help of Li Wen and her companions succeeded by this time in choosing the subjects and rhymes. Just smell that sweet fragrance. Tan Chen remarked, we can smell it even here. I'm also going to taste some. So speaking, she went to look them up. But Li Wen likewise followed her out. The guests are all assembled, she observed. Haven't you people had enough as yet? While Xiang Yun munched what she had in her mouth, she replied to her question. Whenever, she said, I eat this sort of thing. I feel a craving for wine. It's only after I've had some that I shall be able to rhyme. I read not for this venison. I would today have positively been quite unfit for any poetry. As she spoke, she discerned Bao Qing, standing and laughing opposite to her, in her dark, down garment. You idiot, Xiang Yun lovingly cried. Come and have a mouthful to taste. It's too filthy. Bao Qing replied smiling. You go and try it. Bao Qing added with a laugh. It's capital. Your cousin Lin is so very weak that she couldn't digest it, if she had any. Otherwise, she too is very fond of this. Upon hearing this, Bao Qing readily crossed over and put a piece in her mouth. And so good, did she find it that she likewise started eating some of it. In a little time, however, Lady Feng sent a young maid to call Ping'er. Miss Xie, Ping'er explained, won't let me go. So just return ahead of me. The maid thereupon took her leave, but shortly after, they saw Lady Feng arrive. She, too, with a wrapper over her shoulders. You're having, she smiled, such dandies to eat. And don't you tell me? Saying this, she also drew near and began to eat. Where has this crown of baggis turned up from, that you put in with a laugh? But never mind, never mind. Here's the Lu Xie pavilion coming in for this calamity today. And as it happens, it's that Chit Yun by whom it has been polluted. But I will have a good cry for the Lu Xie pavilion. Xiao Yun gave an ironic smile. What do you know? She exclaimed, a genuine man of letters is naturally refined. But as for the whole lot of you, your poor and lofty notions are all a sham. You are most loathsome. We may now be frowsy and smelly as we munch away lustily with our voracious appetites. But by and by, we'll prove as refined as scholars, as if we had cultured minds and polished talents. If by and by, Bao Chai lovingly interposed, the verses you compose are not worth anything, but tuck out that meat you have eaten. And take some of these snow-buried weeds and stuff you up with. I'll just put an end to this evil fortune. While bending words, they finished eating. For a time, they visit themselves with washing their hands. But when Ping'er came to put on her bracelets, she found one missing. She looked in a confused manner. At one time to the left, at another to the right, now in front of her and then behind her forever so long. But not a single vestige of it was visible. What and all were therefore filled with utter astonishment. Under where this bracelet has gone to, the difference adjusted smilingly, but just you all go and attend to your poetry. We too can well dispense with searching for it and repair to the front. Before three days are out, I'll wager that it turns up. What verses are you writing today? Continuing to went on to inquire. Our worthy senior says that the end of the year is again nine at hand, and that in the first moon some more conundrums will have to be devised to be affixed on lanterns for the recreation of the whole family. Of course, we'll have to write a few. They lovingly rejoined upon hearing her remarks. We forgot all about it. Let's hurry up now and compose a few fine ones so as to have them ready to enjoy some good fun in the first moon. Speaking the while, they came in a body into the room with the other cultures where they found the cups, dishes and intervals already laid out in readiness. On the walls had been put up the themes, meter, and specimen verses. Bao Yu and Shang Yun hastened to examine what was written. They saw that they had to take for a theme, something on the present scenery and indict a stanza with antithetical bandimeter lines. That's the word Xiao second in the book of meter had been fixed upon as a rhyme, but that there was, below that, no mention as yet made of antipresidents. I can't write verses very well, they weren't pleaded. So all I would do will be to devise three lines and the one who finish the task first will have afterwards to pair them. We should after all, Bao Chen urged, make some distinction with regard to order. But reader, if you entertain any desire to know the sequel, peruse the particulars recorded in the chapter that follows. End of section 49