 Section 42 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 Shuteen, translated by Henry Bancroft-Jolie, Chapter 46, Part 1. An Improper Man with Difficulty keeps from Improprieties. The maid, Yuanyang, bows to break off the marriage match. Lin Daiyu, to resume our story, dropped off gradually to sleep about the close of the fourth watch. As there is therefore nothing more that we can for the present say about her, let us take up the thread of our narrative with Lady Four. Upon hearing that, Madam Xin wanted to see her. She could not make out what it could be about. So hurriedly putting on some extra things on her person and head, she got into a carriage and crossed over. Madam Xin at once dismissed every attendant from her suite of apartments. I said for you, she began, addressing herself to Lady Four in a confidential tone. Not for anything else, but on account of something which places me on the horns of a dilemma. My husband has entrusted me with a job. And being quite at my wit's end how to act, I'd like first to consult with you. My husband has taken quite a fancy to Yuanyang who is in our worthy senior's rooms. So much so that his desires to get her into his quarters as a secondary wife. He has deputed me therefore to ask her of our vulnerable ancestor. I know that this is quite an ordinary matter, yet I can't help fearing that our worthy senior may refuse to give her. But do you, perchance, see a way to bring this concern about? Lady Four listened to her. You shouldn't, I say. Go and bang your head against a nail. Shouldn't vehemently exclaimed. Where our old ancestor separated from Yuanyang, she wouldn't even touch her eyes. However, could she represent herself to part from her? Besides, our worthy senior has time and again said in the course of a chat that she can't see the earthly use of a man well up in ears as your lord and master is, having here one concubine and there another, that cupping them up in his rooms is a mere waste of human beings. That he neglects his constitution and doesn't husband it. And that he doesn't either attend diligently to his official duties but spends his whole days in boozing with his young concubines. When your leadership hears these nice doings of his, don't you feel enamored with that fine gentleman of ours? Were he even to try at this juncture to beat a retreat? He couldn't, I fear, effectively do so. Yet, instead of making an effort to turn tail, he wants to go and take the tiger's nostrils with a blade of straw. Don't, my lady, be angry with me. But I dare not undertake the errand. It's clear as day that it will be a wild goose chase. What's more, it will do him no good. But will contrary wise he disgrace upon his own head. Our Mr. Jarsher is now so stricken in years that in all his actions he unavoidably behaves somewhat as a daughter. It would be well therefore for your leadership to advise him what to do. It isn't as if he were in the prime of life to be able to do all these things with impunity. He's got at present a whole array of brothers, nieces, sons and grandsons. And should he still go on in this wild sort of way, how will he be able to face any of them? Madam Singh gave a satanic smile. There are endless wealthy families with three and four concubines, she said. And is it in ours that such a thing won't do? But were I even to tender him as much advice as I can, it isn't at all likely that he'll abide by it, even though that may be one beloved by a vulnerable senior. It doesn't follow that she'll very well be able to give a rebuff to a horny bearded elderly son and a wild and official, were he to express a wish to have her as an inmate of his household. I stand for you for no other purpose than to deliberate with you. And here you take the initiative and enumerate a whole array of shortcomings. But is there any reason why I should commission you to go? Of course I'll go and speak to her. You make a bold statement that I don't give him any good counsel. But don't you yet know that with a disposition such as his, he rushes before I can very well open my lips to advise him into a tendrum with me. Lilithong was well alive to the fact that Madam Sing was, by nature, simple and weak-minded, and that all she knew was to adulate Jiaxue so as to ensure her own safety. That she was, in the next place, ever ready, so greedy was she to grasp as much hard cash and as many effects as she could lay hold of for her own private gain. That she left all family matters irrespective of important or unimportant under the sole control of Jiaxue. But that whenever anything turned up involving any receipts or payments, she extorted an unusual percentage the moment the money passed through her clutches. Giving up as a pretence, well Jiaxue is so extravagant that I have to interfere and effect sufficient economies to enable us to make up our deficits. And that she would not trust anyone, whether son, daughter or servant, nor land and year to a single word of remorsements. When she therefore now heard Madam Sing speak as she did, she concluded that she must be in another of her perverse moods and that any ammunition would be of no avail. So hastily forcing a smile. My lady, she observed, you are perfectly right in your remarks. But how long can I have lived and what discrimination can I boast of? It seems to me that if a father and mother do not bestow not a mere servant girl like she is, but a living jewel of the size of her on one like Mr Jiaxue, to whom are they likely to give her? How can one give faith towards a spoken behind one's back? So what a fool I was in cramming what I heard down my throat. Just take our Mr Sikundas, that is my husband, as an instance. If ever he does anything to incur blame, Mr Jiaxue and you, my lady, feel so rough with him as to only wish you could lay hands upon him there and then and give him such a blow as would kill him downright. But the moment you set eyes on his face, your whole resentment vanishes. And lo, you again let him have as of all everything and anything, much so both of you might relish it in your hearts. Our worthy ancestor will certainly therefore behave in the present instance with equal liberarity towards Mr Jiaxue. So if her leadership feels in the humor today, she'll let him have her, I fancy, at once this very day, if he makes the proper advances. But I'll go ahead and coax our venerable senior, and when your leadership comes over, I'll find some pretence to get out of the way and take along with me those two who may be present in her rooms, so as to make it convenient for you to broach the subject. She gives her so much the better. But if even she doesn't, it won't matter. For none of the inmates will have any idea what the object of the mission could have been. After listening to her suggestion, Madam Xin began again to feel in a happier frame of mind. My dear years, she observed, that I shouldn't start by mentioning anything to our venerable senior, for were she to say that she wouldn't give her, the matter would be simply quashed on the head. I can't help thinking that I should first and foremost quietly approach Yuan Yang on the subject. She will of course feel extremely ashamed, but when I explain everything minutely to her, she will certainly have nothing to say against the proposal, and everything will be alright. I can then speak to our old senior, and despite any desire on her part, not to accede to our wishes, she won't be able to put the girl off, provided she herself be willing. For as the adage says, if a person wishes to go, it's no use trying to keep him. Thus, in needness to say, the whole thing would be satisfactorily settled. You're really screwed in your devices. My lady. Lady Feng smilingly ejaculated. This is perfect in every respect. For without taking Yuan Yang into account, what girl does not long to rise high, or hope to exalt herself, or think of pushing herself forward above the rest as to cast away the chances of becoming half a mistress, and prefer instead being a maid and merely becoming, by and by, the maid of some servant led. Quite so, madam Singh smiled. But let's put Yuan Yang aside. Who is there, even among the various elderly waiting-mates, who look after the house, who wouldn't be only too willing to step into these shoes? You'd better then go ahead. But mind, don't let the cat out of the bag. I'll join you as soon as I can finish my evening meal. Yuan Yang, therefore secretly reflected, lady Feng, has always been an extremely still-minded girl to such a degree that there is notwithstanding all our arguments, no saying positively whether she'll accept or refuse. So we ought to go ahead, and madam Singh to follow me, by and by, there won't be any occasion for her to rumble or complain, so long as she ascends. But if she doesn't, why? Madam Singh, who is so suspicious of a creature, will possibly imagine that I've been guessing with her, and be the means of making her put on sight and assume high ears. When madam Singh finds then that my conjectures have turned out true again, her shame will be converted into anger, and she will so vent, respite upon me that I shall, after all, be put in a false position. Would it not be better that she and I should go together, for if she says yes, I'll be alright, and if she replies no, I'll be on the safe side, and no suspicion of any kind will fall upon me. At the close of her reflections, as I was about to cross over here, she remarked lovingly, I won't you understand as two baskets of quails, and I gave orders that they should be fried, with the idea that they should be brought to your leadership, in time for you to have some at your evening repost. Just as I was stepping inside the main entrance, I saw the servant boys carrying your curico. They said that it was your leadership's vehicle, that it had cracked, and that they were taking it to be repaired. Wouldn't it be as well then that you should now come in my carriage, for it will be better for you and me to get there together? As a suggestion, Madam Singh directed her servants to come and change her costume. Lady Feng quickly waited upon her, and in a while, the two ladies got into one in the same curico, and drove over. My lady, Lady Feng went on to say, it would be well for you to look up our worthy senior, for were I to accompany you and her leadership to ask me what was the object of my visit, the best way is for your leadership to go first, and I will join you, as soon as I divest myself of my fine clothes. Madam Singh noticed how reasonable her proposal was, and she readily betook herself to only the jars of waters. But after a chat with her senior, she quitted the apartment, under the pretense that she was going to Madam Wang's rooms. Then, making her exit by the back door, she passed in front of Yuan Yuan's bedroom. Here, she saw Yuan Yuan sitting hard at work at some needlework. The moment she caught sight of Madam Singh, she rose to her feet. What are you up to? Madam Singh lovingly inquired. Let me see, how much nicer you embroidered artificial flowers now. So speaking, she entered and taking the needlework from her hands, she scrutinized it while extolling its beauty, then laying down the work and scanning her again from head to foot. She observed that her costume consisted of a half-new grey-thin silk jacket and a blueish satin waist coat with scallops. That below this came a water-green jup that her waist was slim instead of a wab that her shoulders looked as if paired, that her face resembled a duck's egg, that her hair was black and shiny, that her nose was very high and that on both her cheeks were slightly visible several small flat moles. Yuan Yuan realized how intensely she was being passed under scrutiny and began to feel inwardly uneasy while utter astonishment prevailed in her mind. Madam, she felt impaled to ask, what do you come for at this impossible hour? At a wink from Madam's scene, her attendance withdrew from the room. Madam seen forthwith seated herself and grasped Yuan Yuan's hands in hers. I've come, she smiled, with the special purpose of presenting you my congratulations. This reply enabled Yuan Yuan at once to form within herself some surmise more or less correct of the object of her errand and suddenly brushing crimson she lowered her head and uttered not a word. You know well enough she next heard Madam's scene resume that there's not a single reliable person with my husband but much though we'd like to purchase some other girl, we fear that such as might come out of a broker's household wouldn't be quite spotless and taintless nor would one be able to get any idea what her feelings are. Until after she has been purchased and brought home. When she too will be sure in two or three days to behave like an imp and play some monkey tricks. That's why we thought of choosing some home-born girl out of those which thrown in our mansion. But then again we could find none decent enough for if her looks were not at fault her disposition was not proper and if she possessed this quality she liked that one. Hence it is that after repeatedly choosing with dispassionate eye during half a year he finds that there's only you among that whole bevy of girls who's worth anything that in looks, behavior and department were gentle trustworthy and perfection itself in every respect. His intention therefore is to ask hand of our old lady and take you over and attach you to his quarters. You won't be treated as one newly purchased or newly sought from outside. For the moment you put your foot into our house you at once have your face shaved and be promoted to a secondary wife. So you does attain as much dignity as honor. More you're one who is anxious to excel and as the proverb says gold will still be exchanged for gold. My husband says who have thought it taken a fancy to you so when you now enter our threshold you fulfill the wish you have cherished all along with such high purpose and love the aim and stop the mouths of those persons who are envious of your lot. Follow me therefore and let's go and lay the matter before our venerable ancestor. Outgoing the while she dragged her by the hand with the idea of hurrying her off there and then Yuan Yang however bludged to her very ears and snatching her hand out of her grip she refused to budge. Madam Singh was conscious that she was under the spell of intense shame. Was there in this to be ashamed she continued you needn't besides breath a word all you have to do is to follow me that's all. Yuan Yang continued to droop her head and to decline to go with her. Madam Singh perceiving her behavior went on to exalt her. Is it likely that you still hesitate if you actually don't feel inclined to accept the offer you are in real truth a foolish girl. For here you let go the chances of becoming the secondary consort of a master and choose instead to continue a servant-girl. You'll be united in two or three years to know one higher than some Yuan domestic and remain as much a born servant as ever. If you come along with us you know that my disposition to is gentle that I'm not one of those persons who don't show any regard for anyone. That my husband will also treat you well as he does everyone else. And that when in the course of a year or so you give birth to a son or daughter you'll be placed on the same footing as myself. And of all the servants at home do any of you may wish to employ not a day to move to execute your orders. If now that you have a chance of becoming a mistress you don't choose to why you'll miss the opportunity but it will be too late. Yuan Yan still kept her head and against her chest and spake not a syllable by way of reply. How is it Madam Singh that you who've ever been so quick have now too begun to be so infirm of purpose? What is there that doesn't fall in with your wishes? Just tell me and I can safely assure you that you have everything done to satisfy you. Yuan Yan observed as he though in perfect silence. I suppose laughed Madam Singh that having a father and mother you yourself don't wish to speak for fear of being put to the blush and that you want to wait until such time as they consult you about it. This is quite right but you better let me go and make the proposal to them to come and ascertain your wishes and whatever your answer then maybe just untrust it to them. This said she spent in the ladyphone suite of rooms. Ladyphone had long ago changed her attire and availed herself of the absence of any bystander in her apartments to confide the whole matter to Ping'er. Ping'er nodded her head and smiled. According to my views success is not so certain she observed she and I have often secretly talked this matter over and the arguments I heard her propound don't make it the least probable that she'll consent but all we can say now is we'll see. Madam Singh Ladyphone remarked is sure to come over here to consult with me if she has ascended well and good but if she hasn't she'll bring this pleasure upon her own self and won't you feel out of countenance if all of you are present so tell the others to fry several quails and get anything nice that goes well with them and prepare it for our repost while you can go and stroll about in some other spot and return when you fancy she has gone. Hearing this Ping'er transmitted her wishes word forward to the matrons after which she sauntered leisurely or alone into the garden when Yin Yang saw Madam Singh depart she concluded that she was bound to go into Ladyphone's room to consult with her and that someone was sure to come and ask her about the proposal so thinking it advisable to cross over to this side of the mansion to get out of the way she consequently repaired in quest of Wu Po. Should our old mistress, she said to her ask for me just say that I was so unwell that I couldn't even have any breakfast that I've gone into the garden for a stroll but that I will be back at once Wu Po undertook to tell her soul and Yin Yang then betook herself to into the garden while rolling all over the place she considerably to her expectations encountered Ping'er Ping'er looked around to see that there was no one about here comes the new secondary wife she smilingly exclaimed Yin Yang cut this greeting and promptly the color rose to her face how strange it is she rejoined that you've all colluded together to come with one cut and skimmed against me but wait until I've had it out with your mistress and then I will set things all right when Ping'er observed the angry look on Yin Yang's countenance her conscience was so stricken with remorse on account of the inconsiderate remark she had passed that during her under the maple tree she made her sit on the same boulder as herself and then went so far as to recount to her from beginning to end all that transpired and everything that was set on Lady Feng's return a short while back from the end of mansion blushes through to Yin Yang's cheeks facing Ping'er she gave a sadonic smile with all ever been friends she said that is Zhe Ren Wu Po Zhu Yun Ji Zhuang Chai Xia Yue Chuan She Yue Zui Mo Zui Lu was in Miss She's service and is now gone Ke Ren and Jin Chuan now deceased Jin Shi who left and you and I ever since our youth up how many chats have the 10 or dozen of us not had and what have we not been up to together but now that we've grown up each of us has gone her own way yet my heart is just what it was in days gone by whenever there is anything for me to say or do I don't try to impose upon any of you so just first treasure in your heart the secret I'm going to tell you and don't mention it to our Lady Sikunda not to speak of our senior master wishing to make me his concubine we're even our lady to die this very moment and he to send endless co-betweens and countless betrothal presents with the idea of wedding me and taking me over as his lovable primary wife I wouldn't also go Ping'er was at this point desirous to put in some observation when from behind the boulder came all the boulder loud tones of laughter you most bare faced girl a voice cried is well you're not afraid of your teeth falling when you are to such things these words reached the years of both girls and so unawares were they taken they got a regular start and jumping up with all haste he went to see behind the boulder they found no one else than Jiren who presented herself before them with a smiling countenance and asked what's up do tell me as she spoke the trio seated themselves on a rock Ping'er then imparted to Jiren as well the drift of their recent conversation probably speaking we shouldn't pass such judgments Jiren remarked after listening to her confidences but this senior master of ours is really a most licentious Liberton so much so that whenever he comes across a girl with any good looks about her he won't let her out of his grasp since you don't like to entertain his offer Ping'er suggested I'll put you up to a plan what plan is it Yuanyang inquired just simply tell our own mischievous Ping'er laughed this answer that you have already been promised to our master seconders Mr. Lin our senior master then won't very well be able to be impotent Choi ejaculated Yuanyang what a thing you are do you still make such suggestions didn't your master the other day this silly nonsense who have thought it the words have now come true if you won't have either of them Jiren smiled my dear is that you should tell our old lady point blank and ask her to give out that she promised you long ago to our master Baoyu our senior master will then banish this fact from his mind Yuanyang was overcome with anger shame and exasperation what dreadful visions both of you are she shouted you don't deserve natural death I find myself in a fix and treat you as decent sort of persons and confide in you so that you should arrange matters for me and not to say that you don't bother yourselves of rap about me you take turn and turn about to poke fun at me you are under the impression in your own minds that your fates are sealed and that both of you are bound by and by to become secondary wives but I can't have thinking that affairs under the heavens don't so certainly foreign always with one's wishes and expectations so you'd better now pull up a bit and not be cheeky to such an excessive degree both the companions then realized in what state of despair she was and promptly forcing her smile the assistant they said don't be so touchy we have been ever since we were little mites like their sisters all we have done is to spontaneously indulge in a little fun in a spot where there is no one present but tell us what you have decided to do so that we too should know and set our minds at ease decided what? Yunyang cried all I know is that I won't go that's finished Ping'er shook her head you might not go she interposed but it isn't likely that the matter will drop well aware what sort of temperament that of our senior masters is it's true that you are attached to our own mistress rooms and that he can't just at present presume to do the least thing to you but can it be for sooth that you will be with the old dame for your whole lifetime you also have to leave to get married and if you then fall into his hands it won't go well with you Yunyang smiled ironically I won't leave this place solo as my old lady lives Yunyang protested in the event of her leadership departing this life you'll have under any circumstances you also go into mourning for three years for there's no such thing as starting by marrying a concubine soon after a mother's death and while he waits for three years to expire can one say what may not happen it will be time enough to talk about it when that day comes but should I be driven to despair from being hard pressed I'll cut my hair off and become a nun if not there's yet another thing death and as for a whole lifetime I shall not join myself to a man or John would not then be mine for having managed to preserve my purity in very truth Pinger and Jiren laughed this vixen has no sense of shame she has now more than ever spoken whatever came foremost to her lips what matters are moments of shame Yunyang rejoined when things have reached this juncture but if you don't believe my words well you'll be able to see by and by then you will feel convinced Madam Xin said a short while back that she was going to look up my father and mother would like to see whether she will proceed to Nanking to find them your parents are in Nanking looking after the houses Pinger said and they can't come up yet in the long run they can be found out your elder brother and your sister-in-law are besides in here at present you poor thing are a child born in this establishment you are not like us too who are solitary creatures here what does it matter whether I be born here or not Yunyang exclaimed you can lead a horse to a fountain but you can't make him drink so if I don't listen to any proposals is it likely may I ask that they'll kill my father and mother while the words were still on her lips they caught sight of her sister-in-law advancing from the opposite side as they couldn't at once get at your parents Jiren remarked Dave for certainty told your sister-in-law all this wange is good for Yunyang's childhood is to rush about as if selling camels in the six states if she heard what I said she won't feel flattered but while she spoke her sister-in-law approached them well didn't I look for you her sister-in-law smilingly observed have you missed run over here come along with me I've got something to tell you end of section 42 section 43 of the dream of the red chamber book 2 this is a LibreBox recording all LibreBox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibreBox.org the dream of the red chamber book 2 by Charles Xu team by Henry Bancroft Jolie chapter 46 part 2 Ping'er and Jiren speedily motioned to her to sit down but Yunyang's sister-in-law demerred young ladies, pray be seated I've come in search of our girl to tell her something Jiren and Ping'er feigned perfect ignorance what can it be that is so pressing they said with a smile we were engaged in guessing puns here so let's find out this before you go what do you want to tell me Yunyang inquired speak out follow me, her sister-in-law left when we get over there I'll tell you it's really some good tidings you said by chance what Madam Singh has told you Yunyang asked since you miss know what it's all about her sister no added smilingly what else remains for me to do be quick and come with me and I'll explain everything Reveille is a piece of happiness as large as the heavens Yunyang at these words rose to her feet and spat contemptuously with all her might in her sister-in-law's face pointing at her be quick, she cried abusively and stopped that filthy tongue of yours it would be ever so much better where you to bundle yourself away from this what good tidings and what piece of happiness little wonder is it that you long and crave the whole day long to see other people's daughter turned into a secondary wife as one and all of your family would rely upon her to act contrary to reason and right a whole household has been converted into secondary wives but the sight fills you with such keen jealousy that you lay hold of me and throw me into the pit fire if any honors fall to my share all of you outside will do everything disorderly and improper and raise yourselves in your own estimations to the status of uncles and aunts but if I don't get any and come to grief you'll draw in your foul necks and let me live or die as I please while indulging in this rhetoric she gave range to tears Pinger and Jayran did all they could to reason with her so as to prevent her from crying her sister-in-law felt quite out of countenance whether you mean to accept the proposal or not she consequently said you can anyhow speak nicely it isn't worth the while dragging this one in and involving that one the proverb adequately says in the presence of a dwarf one mustn't speak of dwarfish things here you have been heaping insult upon me but I didn't presume to retaliate these two young ladies have however given you no provocation whatever and yet by referring as we have done in this way and that way to seven-way wives how can people stand it peacefully you shouldn't speak so Jayran then Pinger quickly remonstrated she didn't allude to us so don't be implicating others have you heard of any ladies or gentlemen who'd like to raise us to the rank of secondary wives what's more we too have neither father nor mother nor brothers within these stores to avail ourselves of our positions to act in a way contrary to right and reason if she abuses people let her do so it isn't worth our while to be touchy Yuanyuan assumed that the abuse I have heaped upon her head has put her to such a shame that she doesn't know where to go and scream her face she tries to egg you too on but you too have fortunately your wits about you though quite impatient I never started arguing the question she it was who choose to speak just now her sister in law felt inwardly much disconcerted and beat a retreat in high dungeon but Yuanyuan so lost her temper that she still went on to abuse her and it was only after Ping'er and Jiren had admonished her for ever so long that she let the method drop what were you hiding there for Ping'er then asked Jiren we couldn't see any of you I went Jiren explained into miss quarter's room but would have thought it I got there a little too late and they told me that he had gone home but my suspicions were however around as I couldn't make out how it was that I hadn't come across him and I was about to go and hunt him up in miss Lin's apartment when I met one of her servants who said that he hadn't been there either then just as I was surmising that he must have gone out of the garden behold you came as luck would have it from the opposite direction but I dodged you so you didn't see anything of me subsequently she too appeared on the scene but I got behind the boulder from the back of these trees I however saw that you too had come to have a chat strange to say though you have four eyes between you you never caught a glimpse of me scarcely as she concluded this remark then they heard someone else from behind lovingly exclaim four eyes never saw you but your six eyes haven't as yet found me out the three girls received all your shock from fright but turning around they perceived that it was no other person than Baoyu Sharon smiled and was the first to speak you've made me have a good search where do you have from I was just leaving casting quarters Baoyu laughed when I noticed you coming along just in front of me and knowing well enough that you were bent upon finding me I concealed myself to have a luck with you I saw you then go by with uplift ahead enter the court walked out again and asked everyone you met on your way but there I stood convulsed with laughter I was only waiting to rush up to you and frighten you when I afterwards realized that you too were prowling stealthily about so I readily infer that you also were playing a trick upon someone then when I put out my head and looked before me I saw that it was these two girls so I came behind you by a circuitous way and as soon as you left I fought with sneaked into your hiding place let's go and look behind there beginner suggested lovingly we may possibly discover another couple there's no saying there's no one else Baoyu laughed Yunyang had long ago concluded that every word of the conversation had been overheard by Baoyu but leaning against the rock she pretended to be fast asleep Baoyu gave her a push this stone is cold he smiled let's go and sleep in our rooms won't it be better there seeing this he made an attempt to pull Yunyang to her feet then hastily pressing Ping'er to repair to his quarters and have some tea he united his efforts with those of Jioyuan and tried to induce Yunyang to come away Yunyang at length got up and the quartet betook themselves to draw into the Yi-Hong court Baoyu had caught every word that had fallen from their lips a few minutes back and felt indeed at heart so much distressed on Yunyang's behalf that throwing himself silently on his bed left the three girls in the outer rooms to prosecute their chat and laugh on the other side of the compound made them think about this time inquired of Lady Feng who Yunyang's father was her father, Lady Feng replied is called Jincai he and his wife are in Nang King they have to look after our houses there so they can pay frequent visits to the capital her brother is Wen Xiang who acts as present as our senior's accountant but her sister-in-law too is employed in our worthy assessor's room as head washerwoman Madam Xin then upon dispatched a servant to go and call Yunyang's sister-in-law on Mrs. Jin Wen Xiang's arrival she told her all Mrs. Jin was naturally pleased and left in capital spirits to find Yunyang in the hope that the moment she communicated the offer to her the whole thing would be satisfactory arranged but contrary to all her anticipations she had to bear a good blowing up from Yunyang and to be told several unpleasant things by Jiren and Ping'er so that she was filled with as much shame as indignation she then came and reported the results to Madam Xin is no use she said she gave me a scolding but as Lady Feng was standing by she could not summon up courage enough to allude to Ping'er so she added Jiren too helped her to rate me and they told me a whole lot of improper words which could not be breathed in a mistress ears it would thus be better to arrange with our master to purchase a girl and have done for from all I see neither can that mean Vixen enjoy such great good fortune nor we such vast propitous luck what's that again to do with Jiren how came they to know anything about it Madam Xin exclaimed upon learning the issue who else was present she proceeded to inquire there was Miss Ping was Jin's wise reply shouldn't you have given her a slap on the mouth Lady Feng precipitately shouted as soon as I ever put my foot outside the door she starts getting about and I never see so much as her shadow when I get home you is bound to have had a hand in telling you something or other Miss Ping wasn't present Jin's wife protested looking from a distance it seemed to me like her but I couldn't see distinctly it was amissomized on my part that was she at all go and fetch her at once Lady Feng shouted to a servant tell her that I've come home and that Madam Xin is also here and wants her to help her in her hurry Feng Her quickly came up to her Miss Lin she observed dispatched a messenger for her and asked her in writing three and four times before she at last went I advised her to get back so soon as your leadership stepped inside the gate but tell your mistress Miss Lin said that I've put her to the inconvenience of coming around as I've got something for her this explanation satisfied Lady Feng and she let the matter drop what has she got to do she purposely went on to ask that she'll trouble her day after day Madam Xin was driven to her wit's ends as soon as the meal was over she returned home and in the evening she communicated to Jiaxue the result of her errand after some reflection Jiaxue promptly summoned Jialin there are other people in Nanking to look after our property he told him on his arrival there's not only one family so be quick and appeal someone to go and summon Jincai to come up to the capital last night a letter arrived from Nanking Jialin rejoined to the effect that Jincai had been suffering from some flame obstruction in the channels of the heart so a coffin and money were allowed from the other mansion whether he be dead or alive now I don't know but even if alive he must have lost all consciousness it would therefore be a fruitless errand to send for him his wife on the other hand is quite deaf during this Jiaxue gave went to an exclamation of reproof and next launched into abuse you stupid and unreasonable rascal he shouted is it you of all people who are up to those things don't you yet bundle yourself off from my presence Jialin withdrew out of the room in a state of trepidation but in a short while Jiaxue gave order to call Jinwenxiang Jialin Minhua remained in the outer study for as he neither ventured to go home nor presumed to face his father his only alternative was to tarry behind presently Jinwenxiang arrived the servant led him straight way past the second gate and he only came out again and took his departure after sufficient time at the lab to enable one to have four or five meals in Jialin could not or long summon up courage enough to ask what was up but when he found out after a time that Jiaxue had gone to sleep he eventually crossed over to his quarters in the course of the evening Lady Feng told him the whole story then at last he understood the meaning of the excitement but to revert to Yuanyang she did not get the whole night a wink of sleep on the model her brother reported to Daoja Lady Jia that he would like to take her home on a visit Daoja Lady Jia accorded her consent and told her she could go and see her people Yuanyang however would have rather preferred to stay where she was but the fear last her old mistress should give way to suspicion placed her under the necessity of going much against her own inclinations though it was the brother then had no cause but to lay before her Jiaxue's proposal and all his promises that she would occupy an honorable position and that she would be a secondary wife with control in the house but Yuanyang was so persistent in her refusal that her brother was quite non-plus as he was compelled to return and inform Jiaxue Jiaxue flew into a dreadful passion I'll tell you what he shouted bid your wife go and tell her that I say that she must like the goddess Qiang'er herself who has from olden times shown a predilection for young people only despised me for being advanced in years that as far as I can see she must be hankering after some young man that it must most likely be Bao Yu but probably linear too if she fosters these affections want her to at once set them at rest for she should not come when I'm ready to have her so by and by venture to take her this is the first thing should she imagine in the next place that because our venerable senior is fond of her she may in the future be engaged to be married in the orthodox way tell her to consider carefully that she won't very well be able to escape my grip no matter in what family she may marry that is only in case of her dying anyone throughout her life that I shall submit to her decision under other circumstances urge her to cease the first opportunity and change her mind that she will come in for many benefits do ever remark that Jia She uttered Jin Wenxiang acquires yes he said mind you don't humbug me I shall observe I shall tomorrow send again your mistress around to ask Yuan Yang to have spoken to her and she hasn't given a favorable answer well then no blame will fall on you but if she does ascend when she approaches the subject with her look out for your heads Jin Wenxiang eagerly expressed his obedience over and over again and withdrawing out of the room he retraced his footsteps homeward noted he have the patience to wait until he could commission to speak to her indeed he went in person and told her face to face the injunctions and trusted to him Yuan Yang was incensed to such a degree that she was at a loss what to reply to make I'm quite ready to go she rejoined after some consultation but you people must take me before my own mistress first and let me tell her something about it the brother and sister-in-law treated themselves that reflection had induced her to alter her previous decision and they were both immeasurably delighted but sister-in-law there and then led her into the upper quarters and ushered her into the presence of old lady Jia as luck would have it Madam Wang, Mrs. Xie Li Wen, Lady Feng Bao Chai and the other girls were together with several respectable outside married women who acted as housekeepers having some fun with old lady Jia Yuan Yang observed where her mistress was seated and hastily dragging her sister-in-law before her she fell on her knees and explained to her with tears in her eyes what proposal Madam Xie had made to her what her sister-in-law who lived in the garden had told her and what message her brother had recently conveyed to her as I would not accept his advances she continued our senior master has just now gone so far as to in sinui that I was violently attached to Bao Yu or if that wasn't the case my object was to gain time so as to espouse someone outside that where I even to go up to the very heavens I couldn't during my lifetime escape his clutches and that he would in the long run stand on me I have obstinately made up my mind so I may state in the presence of all of you here that I will under no circumstances marry as long as I live any man whatsoever not to speak of his being of Bao Yu that is precious jade but even a Bao Jin that is precious gold a Bao Yin that is precious silver a Bao Tian Wang precious lot of heaven or a Bao Wang Di that is precious emperor and have done where even your venerable leadership to press me to take such a step I couldn't comply with your commands though you may threaten to cut my throat with a sword I'm quite prepared to wait upon your leadership till you depart this life but go with my father, mother or brother I won't I'll either commit suicide or cut my hair off and go and become a nun if you fancy that I'm not in earnest and that I'm temporarily using this language to put you off may as surely as heaven earth, the spirit the sun and moon look upon me my throat be covered with boils Yuan Yang had in fact upon entering the room brought along a pair of scissors concealed in her sleeve and while she spoke she drew her hand back and the shivering her dresses she began to clip them when the matrons and wedding-mates saw what she was up to they hurriedly did everything they could to induce her to desist from her purpose but already half of her locks had gone and when they found on close inspection that with a thick crop of hair she happily had she had not succeeded in cutting it all they immediately dressed it up for her upon hearing of Zhao Shui's designs Dao Zhilili Zhao was provoked to displeasure her whole body trembled and shook of all the attendants I've had she cried there only remains this single one upon whom I can depend and now they want to conspire and carry her off noticing then Madam Wang standing close to her to turn herself towards her all you people really know is to impose upon me so resumed outwardly you display filial devotion but secretly you plot and scheme against me if I have all the tests worth having you come and don me for it if I have anyone who is nice you come and ask for her what's left to me is this low waiting mate but as you see that she serves me faithfully you naturally can't stand it and you are doing your utmost to ensrange her from me so as to be the better able to play your tricks upon me Madam Wang quickly rose to her feet she did not hurry up they had to return a single syllable in self-defense Mrs. Zhao shared noticed that Madam Wang herself came in for a share of blame and she did not feel as if she could any longer make an attempt to turn the words of advice Li Wen the moment she heard Yuan Yang speak in the strength she did seized an early opportunity to lead the young ladies out of the room Tan Qin was a girl with plenty of common sense so reflecting within herself that Madam Wang could not in spite of the insult heaped upon her very well presumed to say anything to exculpate herself that Mrs. Zhao could not of course in a position of sister bring forward any arguments that Bao Chai was unable to explain things on behalf of her maternal aunt and that Li Wen Li Li Feng or Bao Yu could still less take upon themselves the right of censorship she thought the opportunity rendered necessary to services of a daughter but as Yin Jun was so quiet and Xi Jun so young she consequently walked in no sooner did she overhear from outside the window what was said inside and forcing a smile she addressed herself to her grandmother how does this matter concern Madam Wang my mother, she in the post vulnerable senior just consider this is a matter affecting her husband's eldest brother and how could she a junior sister-in-law know anything about it but before she had exhausted all her arguments doubtfully the Zhao's countenance fall into a smile a really grown stupid from old age she exclaimed Mrs. Zhao, don't make fun of me this eldest sister of yours is most reverent to me and so unlike that senior lady of mine who only knows how to regard her a lot and master and to simply do things for the mere sake of appearances when she deals with her mother-in-law after all, done her a wrong Mrs. Zhao confined her reply to a yes Dear senior you are so full of prejudices she afterwards observed that you love your youngest son's wife more than any one of the others but it's quite a natural I have no prejudices only they are protested about you, she then proceeded I unjustly found fault with your mother but how is it that even you didn't tell me anything but that you looked on while she was having her feelings trembled upon could I, smiled about you have taken my mother's part and run down my senior uncle and aunt if my mother did not bear the whole blame upon whom could she throw it and had I admitted that it was I who was entirely at fault you, a vulnerable ancestor wouldn't have believed me what you say is quite reasonable his grandmother laughed so be quick and fall on your knees before your mother and tell her mother, don't feel aggrieved our old lady is so advanced in years do it for Bao Yu's sake at this suggestion Bao Yu hastily crossed over and dropping on his knees he was about to open his lips when Madam Wang lovingly pulled him up get up she cried at once this won't do at all is it likely, pray that you will tend apologies to me on behalf of our vulnerable ancestor hearing this Bao Yu promptly stood up even that girl Feng didn't call me to my senses largely they just smiled again I don't lay a word to your charge worthy senior lady Feng remarked smilingly and yet you brand me with reproach this rejoinder amused doubt your lady jar this is indeed strange she said to all around but I'd like to listen to these charges we told you the senior lady Feng resumed to look after your attendance so well and lavish such care on them as to make them plumb and fine as water onions however can you therefore bear people a grudge if they ask for her hand I am lucky for you your grandson's wife for where I your grandson I would long ere this have proposed to her what I have ever waited up to the present is this any fault of mine how did the jar laughed of course it's your fault Madam Bao senior lady Feng retorted with a smile well in that case I too don't want her already jar proceeded loving take her away and have done wait until I go through this existence lady Feng responded and in the life to come I will assume the form of a man and apply for her hand take her along and give her to Ling'er to attach to his apartments and we will see whether that bear faced father-in-law of yours will still wish to have her or not and Ping'er is not a match for her lady Feng added is only a fit mate for such as myself and Ping'er a pair of loudest bumpkins like us to have anything to do with such a one as herself at this rejoinder they all exploded into a hearty fit of laughter but the wedding-mate thereupon announced our senior lady has come so Madam Wang immediately quitted the room to go and meet her but any further particulars which you reader may like to know will be given in the following chapter so listen to it end of section 43 section 44 of the Dream of the Red Chamber, Book 2 this is a Librebox recording all Librebox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit Librebox.org recording by Yuqing in Singapore The Dream of the Red Chamber, Book 2 by Cao Xueqing translated by Henry Bencroft Jolly chapter 47 part 1 an idiotic bully tries to be lewd and comes in for a sound threshing a cold-hearted fellow is prompted by a dread of trouble to be taking himself to a strange place as soon as Madam Wang so runs our narrative head of Menom Xing's arrival she quickly went out to welcome her Menom Xing was not yet aware that Dowager Lady Zha had learnt everything connected with her young affair and she was coming again to see which way the wind blew the moment however she stepped inside the courtyard entrance several matrons promptly explained to her quite confidentially that the road to mistress had been towed all only a few minutes back and she meant to retrace the steps but she saw that every inmate in the suite of rooms was already conscious of her presence when she caught sight besides of Menom Wang walking out to meet her she had no option but to enter first and foremost she paid her respects to Dowager Lady Zha but Dowager Lady Zha did not address her a single remark so she felt within herself smitten with shame and remorse Lady Feng soon gave something or other and an excuse and withdrew Yin Yang then returned quite alone to her chamber to give vent to her resentment and Mrs Xu, Menom Wang and the other inmates one by one retired in like manner for fear of putting Menom Xing out of countenance Menom Xing however could not muster courage to be to retreat Dowager Lady Zha noticed that there was no one but themselves in her apartment I here she remarked that you had come to play the part for your Lord and Master it can very well observe the three obedience and four virtues but this softness of yours is a work of superrogation you people have also got now a whole lot of grandchildren and sons do you still leave in fear and trembling lest he should put his monkey up rumour has it that you will yet let their disposition of your husbands run riot Menom Xing's whole face got suffused with blushes I advised him time and again she explained but he wouldn't listen to me how is it, Venerable Senior that you don't yet know that he turns a deaf ear to me that's why I had no choice in the matter would you go and heal anyone Dowager Lady Zha asked that he might instigate you too but consider now your brother's wife is naturally a quiet sort of person and is born with many ailments but is there anything whether large or small that she doesn't go to the trouble of looking after and notwithstanding that daughter-in-law of yours lends her helping hand she is daily so busy that she knows you know puts down the pick then she has to take up the broom so busy that I have myself now curtailed a hundred and one things but whenever there's anything those who can't manage this really aren't a con to the resistance she is, is true a mere child but nevertheless very careful knows how to concern herself about my affairs of it indenting for anything that needs to be indented and avail herself of an opportunity to tell them to supply every requisite when you're young not the kind of girl she is to lay these not-neglect a whole or part of those matters both important as well as unimportant connected with the inner and outer quarters or do I not at present have to worry my own mind instead of leaving things to others or why I daily have to wreck my brain and go and ask them to give me whatever I might need of those girls who have come to my quarters and those who've gone there only remains this single one she is besides other respects somewhat owed in her years and has as well a slight conception of my ways of doing things and of my tastes in the second place she has managed to win her mistress's heart for she never tried to extort all from me or to have done this later for clothes or that one for money hence it is that beginning from your sister-in-law in the house irrespective of old and or young there isn't a soul who doesn't readily believe every single word she says in anything no matter what it is not only do I thus have someone upon whom I can rely but your answer to her in law and your daughter in law are both as well spared as much trouble with a person such as this by me should even my daughter in law and grand daughter in law have the time to think of anything I'm not left without it nor am I given occasion to get my temper ruffled but where she now to go which kind of a creature would they come to again to present in my service were you even to bring me a person made of real pearls should be of no use if she doesn't know how to speak I was just about to send someone to go and explain to your husband that I've got money in here which he fancies and to tell him that he set liberty to give for her purchase from eight to ten thousand tales that if he had set his heart upon this girl he can't however have her as yet by leaving her behind to attend to me during the few years to come he will be just at the same as if he tried to acquit himself of his filial duties by waiting upon me day and night so you will come at a very opportune moment for you therefore to go yourself at once and deliver him my message it will answer the purpose far better these words over she called the servants go, she said and asked Mrs. Xu and her young mistresses to come we were in the middle of a chat full of zest and how is it they've all dispersed the waiting mains immediately assented and left to go instead of the mistresses one and all of whom were in her apartments with a sole exception of Mrs. Xu I've only now returned she observes to the waiting maid and watched how I go again for just tell her that I'm a foster sleep dear Mrs. Xu the waiting maid pleaded my worthy senior I wrote to the mistresses what gets angry if you, a venerable lady don't appear, nothing will appease her so do it for the love of us she did object to all of him I'm quite ready to carry you on my back you little imp Mrs. Xu laughed what are you afraid of all she'll do will be to coach you a little and you'll all be over soon while replying she felt that she has no cause for to retrace her footsteps in company with the waiting maid thou, dear Lady Jia at once motioned her into a seat let's have a game of cars she then smileily proposed you, Mrs. Xu are not a good hand at them so let's sit together and see that Lady Feng doesn't cheat us quite so but it will be well if your venerable ladyship which will look over my hand a bit are we fourth ladies to play or are we to add one or two more persons to our number naturally only four were one more player letting Lady Feng interposed it would be Marry her call Yuan Yang here or do they just suggested and make her take this lower seat for as Mrs. Xu's eyesight is rather dim we'll charge her to look over our two hands a bit you girls know how to read and write Lady Feng remarked with a smile addressing herself to Tantuan but why don't you learn fortune telling this is again strange Tantuan explained instead of bracing up your energies now and running out of our venerable senior you turn your thoughts to fortune telling I was just wishing to consout to the faith Lady Feng proceeded as to how much I shall lose today can I ever dream of winning oh I look here we haven't commenced to playing and they have placed themselves in ambush on the left and right this remarked amused our lady and Mrs. Xu but presently Yuan Yang arrived herself below her old mistress after Yuan Yang sat Lady Feng the red cloth was then spread the cards were shuffled the dealer was decided upon and the quintet began to play after the game had gone on for a time Yuan Yang noticed that our Lady Zhao had a full hand and was only waiting for one two-spotted card and she made a secret sign to Lady Feng Lady Feng was about to lead but purposely lingered for a few moments this card well for certainty be snatched when Mrs. Xu she smiled yet if I don't play this one I want to be able later to come out with what I want I haven't got any cards I want in my hand Mrs. Xu remarked I mean to see by and by Lady Feng resumed you are at liberty to see Mrs. Xu said but go on play now let me look at what it is Lady Feng threw the card in front of Mrs. Xu at a glance Mrs. Xu perceived that it was the two-spot I don't fancy this card she smiled what I fear is that our dear senior will get a full hand I've played wrong Lady Feng laughed and exclaimed at these words Lady Zhao laughed and thrown down her cards if you dare she shouted take it back I've played the wrong card didn't I want to have my fortune told Lady Feng observed I played this card of my own accord so there's no one with whom I can find fault you should then beat around lips and punish your own self it's only fair old ladies I remarked then facing Mrs. Xu I'm not a niggered one of winning money she went on to say don't we too think as much Mrs. Xu smiled who's there stupid enough to say that your venerable ladyship's heart is set upon money Lady Feng was busy counting the cash but just counting what it was said she restrained them without delay I've got my share she said, lovely to the company it isn't at all that you wish to win it's your good luck that made you come out a winner but as for me I didn't want to increase her and as I managed to lose I counted the money and put it away at once Dowager Lady Jia usually made Yuan Yang shuffle the cards for her but being engaged and chatting and joking with Mrs. Xu she did not notice Yuan Yang take them in hand why is it you're so huffed old ladies are asked that you don't even shuffle for me Lady Feng let me have the money Yuan Yang replied, picking up the cards if she doesn't give the money Dowager Lady Jia observed it will be a turning point in her luck take that string of a thousand cash of hers she accordingly directed a servant and bring it bodily over here a young waiting maid actually fetched the string of cash and deposited it by the side of her road to mistress let me have them Lady Feng eagerly cried smiling and I'll square all that stew and finish in the very truth Lady Feng you're a miserly creature Mrs. Xu loved it's simply for mere fun nothing more Lady Feng at this incineration speedily stood up and laid her hand on Mrs. Xu she turned her head around and pointed at a large wooden box in which old ladies usually deposited her money and she said a smile curled in her lips look here, I couldn't tell you how much there is in that box, that was one from me this dial will be weadled by the cash in it we've always played for half an hour all we've got to do is to give them sufficient time to lure the string in as well we needn't trouble to touch the cards you're a temper worthy ancestor will thus calm down if you also got any legitimate thing for me to do you might have bit me go and attend to you it this joke had successfully be concluded then it evoked incessant laughter to be jammed at everyone else but while she was spending in words Puyang'er happened to bring her another string of cash prompted by the apprehension their capital might not suffice to meet her once it's useless putting them in front of me Lady Feng cried place these two over there by our low lady and let them be weadled in along with the others it will thus save trouble as there won't be any need to make two drops of them to the inconvenience of the cash already in the box Dao Wajie Lady Jia had a hearty love so much so that the cards she held in her hand flew all over the table but bushing Wanyang be quick she shouted and wrenched that mouth of hers Puyang'er placed the cash according to her mistress's directions but after her indulging too in her laughter for a time she retraced her footsteps on reaching the entrance into the court she met Jia Lian where's your madam Xing? he implied miss Jia told me to ask her to go around she's been standing in there with her old mistress Puyang'er hastily laughed for ever so long and yet she isn't inclined to budge see to the earliest opportunity you can get to watch your hands clean of this business our old lady has had a good long fit of fuming and raiding luckily our lady Sekunda cracked an endless stock of jokes so she at length got a bit calmer I'll go over Jia Lian said all I have to do is to find out her vulnerable senior's wishes as to whether she means to go to Lei Da's house on the 14th so that I might have time to get the chairs ready as I'll be able to tell madam Xing to return and have a share of the fun wouldn't it be well for me to go? my idea is Puyang'er suggested it laughingly that you shouldn't put your foot in there everyone, even up to madam Wang and Bao Yu, have a like received a wrap on knuckles and I'm also going now to fill up the gap everything is over long ago Jia Lian observed and can it be that she'll cap the whole thing by blowing me up too? what's more, it's no concern of mine in the next place Mr Jia enjoined me that I was to go in person and asked his wife round so if I at present depute someone else and he comes to know about it he really won't feel in a pleasant mood and he'll take advantage of these pretexts to give then to spite on me these words over he quickly marched off and Ping'er was so impressed with the reasonableness of his arguments that she followed in his track as soon as Jia Lian reached the reception hall he trod with a lie step then peeping in he saw Madam Xing standing inside Lady Feng with her eagle eye was the first to spy on him but she winked at him and dissuaded him from coming in and next gave a wink to Madam Xing Madam Xing could not conveniently get away at once and she had to pour a cup of tea and place it in front of Daoidu Lady Jia but old Lady Jia jerked suddenly round and took Jia Lian at such a disadvantage that he found it difficult to beat her a sheet who's outside? it seemed to me as if some servant boy had poked his head in Lady Feng sprung to her feet without delay I also she interposed indistinctly noted the shadow of someone saying this she walked away and quitted the room Jia Lian entered with hasty step forcing a smile I wanted to ask whether you or vulnerable senior are going out on the 14th so that the chairs maybe got ready in that case Daoidu Lady Jia rejoined why didn't she come straight in but behaved again in that mysterious way I saw that you were playing at cars dear ancestor that I explained with a strange laugh and I didn't venture to come and disturb you I therefore simply meant to call my wife out to find out from her is there anything so very urgent that you had to say it in this very moment old lady Jia continued how to wait it until she had gone home couldn't you have asked her any amount of questions you may have liked when have you been so full of zeal before I'm puzzled to know whether it isn't as an eavesdropping spirit that you appear on the scene nor can I say whether you don't come as a spy but that impish way of yours gave me quite a start what a low-bred fellow you are your wife will play at cars with me for a good long while more so you'd better bundle yourself home and conspire again with Zha'ara's wife how to deal with your better half her remarks evoked general merriment it's Zha'ara's wife Yuanyang put in laughingly and it you, a worthy senior have dragged in the game of Zha'ara's wife yes assented old lady Jia with a laugh how could I remember whether he wasn't embracing her or carrying her on his back the bare mention of these things makes me lose all self control and provokes me to anger ever since I crossed these doors as a great grandson's wife I have never during the whole of these 54 years seen anything like these affairs albeit it has been my share to go through great fires, great dangers thousands of strange things and remarkable occurrences don't you yet pack yourself off from my presence Dalian could not muster courage to utter single words to vindicate himself but retired out of the room with all promptitude Ping'er was standing outside the window I gave you due warning in a gentle tone but you wouldn't hear, you after all rushed into the very matches of the net these repotions were still being heaped on him when he caught sight of Menom Singh as he likewise made her appearance outside my father Dalian ventured is at the bottom of all these trouble and the whole blame now is shoved upon your shoulders as well as mine mother I'll take you you unfilial thing and Menom Singh shouted people lay down their lives for their fathers and you are prompted by a few harmless remarks to murmur against heaven and fumble against earth the head getting a proper manner he's in high dutton these last few days so mine he doesn't give you a pounding mother cross over at once Dalian urged for he told me to come and ask you to go a long time ago pressing his mother he escorted her outside as far as the other part of the mansion Menom Singh gave her husband nothing beyond a general outline of all that has been recently said but Mr Jaff earned himself deprived of furthering his ends indeed so stricken with see with shame that from that day he pleaded illness and so little able was he to rally sufficient pluck to face old lady Jaff that he merely commissioned Menom Singh and Dalian to go daily and pay the respects to her on his behalf he had no help too but to dispatch servants all over the place to make every possible search and inquiry for a suitable cocking by for him after a long time this succeeded in purchasing for the sum of 80 tales a girl of 17 years of age Yongkong by name whom he introduced as a secondary wife into his household end of section 44 recording by Saru Singh in Singapore section 45 of the dream of the Red Chamber book 2 this is a Libravox recording all Libravox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit Libravox.org recording by Yuqing in Singapore the dream of the Red Chamber book 2 by Cao Xueqing translated by Harry Bencroft Jolly chapter 47 part 2 but enough of this subject in the rooms on the near side it's protracted for a long time their noisy game of cars that only broke up after they had something to eat nothing worthy of note however occurred during the course of the following day or two in a twinkle the 14th drew near at an early hour before daybreak Lai Da's wife came again into the mansion to invite her guests Daoidu Lady Zhao was in buoyant spirits so taking along Madam Wang Mrs Xue, Bao Yu and the various young ladies she betroth herself into Lai Da's garden where she sat for considerable time this garden was not it is true to be compared with a garden of broad vista but it also was most beautifully laid out and consisted of spacious grounds in the way of springs, rockeries arbors and woods, towers and terraces, pavilions and halls it likewise contained good many sufficient to excite admiration in the main hall outside were assembled Xuepan Jiazhen, Jia Lian, Jia Rong and several close relatives but Lai Da had invited as well a number of officials still in active service and numerous young men of wealthy families to keep them company among that party figured Wen Liu, Zhang Lian whom Xuepan had met on a previous occasion and kept ever since in constant remembrance having besides discovered that he had a passionate liking for theatricals and that the party generally filled with those of a young man or lady in fast pace but unvoidably misunderstood the object with which he indulged in these amusements to such a degree as to misjudge him for a young rake about this time he had been entertaining a wish to cultivate intimate relations with him but he had much to taste discussed thrown to no one to introduce him so when he, by a strange coincidence came to be thrown in his way on the present occasion he rebelled in intense delight but Jiazhen and the other guests had heard of his reputation so as soon as wine had blinded their sense of shame they entreated him to string two short plays and when subsequently they got up from the banquet they had scorned themselves near him and pressing him with questions they carried on a conversation on one thing and then another this Liu Xianglian was in fact a young man of an old family but he had been unsuccessful in his studies and had lost his father and mother he was naturally light-hearted and magnanimous not particularly minor matters a more directly fond of spear exercise and fencing of gambling and boozing even going to such excesses as spending his nights in houses of easy virtue playing the fight thrombing the harp and going in for everything and anything being besides young in years and of handsome appearance those who did not know what his standing was invariably mistook him for an actor but led our son had all along beyond such friendly terms with him that he consequently invited him for the nonce to help him do the honours all of a sudden while everyone was after the wines had gone round still on his good behaviour Shupan alone got another fit of his own mania from an early stage his spirits sunk within him and he would feign have seized the third convenient moment to withdraw and consummate his designs but for Lei Shangrong he then said that although he saw you as you walked in he couldn't speak to you with so many people present so he bade me ask you not to go when the party breaks up as he has something more to tell you but as you insist upon taking your leave you'd better wait until they call him out and when you've seen each other you can get away I'll have nothing to say then while delivering the message go inside he directed the servant boys and get told off some old matron and tell her quietly to invite Mr Bao Yu to come out our servant lad went on the errand and scarcely had time enough to elapsed to enable one to have a cup of tea and then Bao Yu actually made his appearance outside my dear sir Lei Shangrong was smilingly observes to Bao Yu I hand him over to you I'm going to entertain the guests with these words he was off Bao Yu poured Liu Shangrong into a side study in the hall where they sat down have you been recently to Qin Zhong's grave he inquired of him how could I not go Shangrong answered the other day a few of us went out to give our falcons a fly and we were yet at a distance of tuitly from his tomb when remembering the heavy rains we've had this summer let's describe may not have been proved against them so evading the notice of the party I went over and had a look I found it again slightly damaged but when I got back home I speedily raised a few hundreds of cash and issued early on the third day and hired two men who put it right isn't this strange then exclaimed Bao Yu when the lotus blossomed last month in the point of our garden not for broad vista I plucked ten of them and laid them as my offering on this grave on his return I also inquired of him whether it had been damaged by the water or not and explained that not only had it not sustained any harm but that it looked better than when last he'd seen it several of his friends I argued must have had it put in proper repair and I felt it irksome that I should day after day be so caged at home as to be unable to be my own master the least thing and that even I move and anyone comes to know of it this one is sure to exhort me if that one is not restraining me I can thus afford it to brag but cannot manage to act and though I've bought plenty of money I'm not at liberty to spend any of it there's no use you're worrying in a matter like this your Xiangyan said I'm outside so all you need to do is to inwardly foster the wish but as the first of the 10th moon will shortly be upon us I've already prepared the money necessary for going to the graves you know well enough that I'm as poor as a rat I've no holdings at home and when a few cash find their wearings in my pocket I should remain again quite empty-handed but I'd better make the best of this opportunity and keep the amount I have in order that, when the time comes I may end to find myself without a cash it's exactly about this that I'm meant to send Baiming to see you value-added but it isn't often that one can manage to find you at home I'm well aware how uncertain your movements are one day you're here and another there you've caught a no-fixed resort there's no need sending anyone to hunt me up the Xiangyan replied all that each of us need to do in this matter is to equip ourselves towards right in a little while, I again purpose going away on a tour abroad to return in three to five years time when Baoyu heard his intention, why is this he had once inquired Liu Xiangyuan gave a sadonic smile when my wish is on a fair way to be accomplished he said, you'll certainly hear everything I must now leave you after all the difficulty we've had in meeting Baoyu remarked, wouldn't it be better were you and I to go away together in the evening? that worthy cousin of yours Xiangyuan rejoined is as bad as ever and were I to stay any longer trouble would inevitably arise so it is well that I should clear out of his way Baoyu communed with himself for a time in that case he then observed it's only right that you should retire but if you really be bent upon going on a distant tour you must absolutely tell me something beforehand don't on any account sneak away quietly as he spoke that he has trickled down his cheeks I shall of course say goodbye to you Liu Xiangyuan rejoined but you must not let anyone know anything about it while uttering these words he stood up to get away go in at once he urged there's no need to see me off saying this he quitted the study as soon as he reached the main entrance he came across Xuepan bawling at boisterously who let Yang Liu go? the moment these shots fell on Liu Xiangyuan's ear his anger flared up as if he had been sparks spurting wildly about and he only wished he could strike him dead with one blow but on second consideration he pondered then a fight after the present festivation would be an insult to Lei Shangrong and he perforce felt bound to stifle his indignation when Xuepan suddenly inspired him walking out he looked as delighted as he had come in for some precious jen with staggering step he drew near him clutching him with one grip my dear brother he smugged where are you off to? I'm going somewhere but we'll be back soon Xiangyuan said by way of response as soon as you left Xuepan smiled all the fun went but pray sit and while if you do so it will be a proof of your regard for me don't flurry yourself with such a senior brother as myself to stand by you it will be as easy a job for you to become an official as you reap a fortune the sight of his repulsive manner filled the heart of Xiangyuan with disgust and shame he drew him to a secluded spot is your friendship real? he smiled or is it only a sham? this question sent Xuepan into such raptures that he found it difficult to check himself from gratifying his longings but glancing at him with the corner of his eye my dear brother he smiled what may he ask me such a thing if my friendship for you is a sham may I die this moment with your very eyes well if that be so stallion proceeded it isn't convenient in here so sit down and wait a bit I'll go ahead but come out of this yourself by and by and follow me to my place where we can drink the whole night long I've also got there two first rate young fellows who never go out of doors but don't bring so much as a single fall away with you as you'll find when you get there plenty of people ready they attend to wait on you so hide does this assignation raise Xuepan's spirits that he recovered to a certain extent from the effects of wine is it really so he asked how is it stallion loved that when people treat you with a sincere heart you don't after all believe them I'm no fool eagly exclaimed Xuepan and how could I not believe you the case how am I who don't even know the way to find a whereabouts if you are to go ahead of me my place is outside the northern gate stallion explained but can you tear yourself away from your home to spend the night outside the city walls as long as you're there Xuepan said what will I want my home for if that be so stallion resumed I'll wait for you on the bridge outside the northern gate but let us meanwhile rejoin the banquet and have some wine come along after you've seen me go they would notice us then yes shouted Xuepan with a lacquity as he acquiesced to the proposal the two young fellows thereupon returned to the feast and drank for a time Xuepan however could with difficulty endure the suspense he kept his gaze intent upon Xianglian and the more he pondered within himself upon what was coming the more exuberance swelled in his heart now he emptied one wine kettle now another and without waiting for anyone to press him he off his own accord gulped down one drink after another with the result that he unconsciously made himself nearly quite tipsy Xianglian then got up and quitted the room and perceiving everyone off his guard he egressed out of the main entrance go home ahead directed his page Xinglu I'm going out of town but I'll be back at once by the time he had finished giving him these directions he had already mounted his horse and straight away he proceeded to the bridge beyond the northern gate and waited for Xuepan a long while elapsed however before he aspired Xuepan in the distance hiring along a stride of a high steed with gaping mouth staring eyes and his head banging from side to side like a peddler's drum without intermission he glanced confusedly about sometimes to the left and sometimes to the right but as soon as he got where he had to pass in front of Xianglian's horse he kept his gaze fixed far away and never troubled his mind with the immediate vicinity Xianglian felt amused and angry with him but forthwith giving his horse also the ring in his track while Xuepan continued to stare ahead little by little the habitations got scantier and scantier so pulling his horse around Xuepan restrained his steps the moment he turned back he unawares caught sight of Xianglian and his spirits rose within him as if he had got hold of some precious thing of an extraordinary value I knew well enough he eagerly smiled that you weren't a want to break faith quick let's go ahead Xianglian smilingly urged minor people might notice us and follow us you want them be nice while instigating him he took the lead and letting his horse have the ring he wended his way onwards followed closely by Xuepan but when Xianglian perceived that the country ahead of them was already thinly settled and saw besides a stretch of water he speedily dismounted and tied his horse to a tree turning down round get down he said lovingly to Xuepan you must first take an oath so that in the event of your changing your mind in the future and telling anything to anyone the oath might be accomplished you're quite right Xuepan smiled and jumping down with all dispatch he too made his horse fast to a tree and then crouched on his knees if I ever in days to come he exclaimed no any change in my feelings and breath words to any living soul may heaven blurt me and earth annihilate me scarcely had he ended this oath when the crash fell on his ear and though he felt as if an iron hammer had been brought down to bear upon him from behind a black mist shrouded his eyes golden stars flew wildly about before his gaze and losing all control over himself he sprawled on the ground Sally approached and had a look at him and knowing how little he was accustomed to thrashings he only exerted little of his strength and struck him a few blows on the face but about this time a fruit shop happened to open and Xuepan's string did first every nerve to rise to his feet when another slight kick from Sally and tumbled him over again both parties should really be agreeable he shouted but if you were not disposed to accept my advances you should have simply towed me in a proper way and why did you begal me here to give me a beating so speaking he went unvoicedously to keep invective upon his head I'll take you, you blind fellow and show you who Mr. Liu is Sally and cried you don't appeal to me with solicitors and treaties but go on abusing me to kill you would be of no use so I'll merely give you a good lesson with these words he fetched his whip and administered him 30 or 40 blows from his back down to his shins Xuepan had sobered down considerably from the effects of wine and found the stings of pain so intolerable and a little able to constrain himself he gave way to groans do you go on in this way Xianglian said with an ironical smile why I thought you were not afraid of beatings while uttering this taunt he seized Xuepan by the left leg and dragged him several steps into a mile he spoke among the reeds he rolled him about till he was covered with one massive mud do you now know what stuff Xuepan made of he proceeded to ask Xuepan made no reply but simply laid prostrate and moaned then throwing away his whip Sally and gave him with his fist several thumps all over the body Xuepan began to wriggle violently and vociferate wildly oh my roots are broken he shouted I know you're a proper sort of person it's all because I made the mistake that's no need for you to drag in other people Xianglian went on just confine yourself to those present there's nothing up at present Xuepan cried from what you say you're a person full of propriety there's I who are met forward you'll have to speak a little milder Xianglian added before I let you off my dear younger brother Xuepan pleaded with a groan Xianglian added struck him another blow with his fist I ejaculated Xuepan my dear senior brother he exclaimed Xianglian then gave him two more whacks one after the other ayo Xuepan precipitately screamed my dear sir do you spare me an eyeless beggar and henceforth I'll look up to you with veneration I'll fear you drink two mouthfuls of that water shouted Xianglian that water is really too foul Xuepan argued in reply to this suggestion wrinkling his eyebrows for a while and how could I put any of it in my mouth Xianglian raised his fist and struck him I'll drink it I'll drink it quickly bored Xuepan so saying he felt obliged to lower his head to the very roots of the vase before he had had time to swallow it a sound of I became audible and up came all the stuff he had wouldn't do his mouth only a few seconds back you filthy thing exclaimed Xianglian be quick and finish drinking and I'll let you off upon hearing this Xuepan bombarded his head repeatedly on the ground do please he cried lay up a store of meritorious acts for yourself and let me off I couldn't take that right even on the verge of death this kind of stench will suffocate me Xianglian observed and with this remark he abandoned Xuepan to his own devices and pulling his horse who put his foot to the stirrup and rode away Xuepan meanwhile became aware of his departure and felt at last relieved in his mind in his conscience pricked him before he saw that he was not misjudged people then made an effort to raise himself but the racking torture he experienced all over his limbs was so sharp that he could with difficulty bear it Jiajun and the other guests present at the banquet became as it happened suddenly alive to the fact that the two young fellows had disappeared but though they extended their search everywhere they saw nothing of them someone insinuated in an uncertain way that they had gone outside the northern gate but as Xuepan's pages had ever lived in dread of him who of them had the audacity to go and hunt him up after the injunctions he had given them that they were not to follow him but racking solicitors on his account Jiajun subsequently bid JiaRong take a few servant boys and go and discover some clue of him or institute inquiries as to his whereabouts straight away therefore they prosecuted their search beyond the northern gate to a distance of Tuli below the bridge and it was quite by accident that they discerned Xuepan's horse made fast by the sight of a pit full of wreaths that's a good sign there was one boys exclaimed for if the horse is there the master must be there too in a body they throned round the horse when from among the wreaths they caught the sound of human groans so hurriedly rushing forward to ascertain for themselves they at a glance perceived Xuepan his costumes all in tatters his countenance and eyes so swollen and bruised that it was hard to make out the head and face and his whole person inside as well as outside his clothes rolled like a soul in a heap of mud JiaRong surmised pretty nearly the truth speedily dismounting he told the servants to prop him up uncle Xue he loved you daily go in for lewd dalliance but have you today come to dissipate in a reed covered pit the king of the dragons in this pit must have also fallen in love with your charms and enticed you to become his son-in-law that you've come and gawd yourself on his horns like this Xuepan was such a prey to intense shame that he would feign have groveled into some fissure in the earth that he would detect any but so little able was he to get on his horse that JiaRong directed the servants to run to the suburbs and fetch a chair esconced in this, Xuepan entered town along with the search party JiaRong still insisted upon carrying him to Leida's house to join the feast so Xuepan had to make 101 urgent appeals to him to tell no one before JiaRong eventually yielded to his solicitations to have his own way and return home JiaRong but took himself again to Leida's house and narrated to JiaRong their recent experiences when JiaRong also learned of the flogging Xuepan had received from Sun Lian, he laughed it's only through scrapes he cried that he'll get all right in the evening after the party broke up he came to inquire after him but Xuepan who was lying all alone in his bedroom himself refused to see him on a plea of indisposition when DaoJia Lady Jia and other inmates had returned home and everyone had retired into their respective apartments Mrs Xue and BaoChai observed that XiangLing's eyes were quite swollen from crying and they questioned her as to the reason of her distress on being told they hastily rushed to look up Xuepan but though they saw his body covered with scars they could discover he was broken or both dislocated Mrs Xue fell afraid to anguish and displeasure at one time she scolded Xuepan at another she abused Liu XiangLian her wish was to lay the matter before Madam Wang in order that someone should be dispatched to trace Liu XiangLian and bring him back but BaoChai speedily dissuaded her it's nothing to make her fuss about she represented they were simply drinking together big quarrels after a wine about are ordinary things and for one who's strung to get a few wax more or less it's nothing uncommon besides there's in our home neither regard for gort nor discipline everyone knows it if it's purely out of love mother that your desire to give vent to your spite is an easy matter enough have a little patience for three or five days until brother is alright and he can go out Mr JiaJian and Mr ZheLian over there are not people likely to let the affair drop without doing anything they are for certainty stand the streets and ask that fellow and make him apologise and admit he's wrong in the presence of the whole company so that everything will be properly settled but were you now Ma to begin making much of this occurrence and telling everyone it should on the contrary look as if you had in your motherly partiality and fond love for him indulged him to stir up her row and provoke people he has on this occasion had to underwears to eat humble pie but will you Ma put people to all this trouble and inconvenience and may use of the prestige enjoyed by your relatives to oppress an ordinary person my dear child Mrs Shu rejoined after listening to the advised prophet by her you've after all been able to foresee all these things as for me that sudden fit of anger quite dazed me all while that's to be square but I smiled for as it's neither afraid of you mother nor gives an ear to people's exhortations but gets wilder and wilder every day that goes by he may if he gets two or three lessons turn over and leave while Shephan lay on the stove couch he reviled Xianglian with all his might he instigated the servant boys to go and demolish his house kill him and bring the charge against him but Mrs Shu hindered the lads from carrying out his purpose and explained to her son that Liao Xianglian had casually after drinking behaved in this orderly way that now that he was over the effects of wine he was exceedingly filled with remorse and that prompted by the fear of punishment he had effected his escape but Reza if you feel any interest to know what happened when Shephan heard the version his mother gave him listen to what you will find in the next chapter end of section 45 recording by Sao Yuxing in Singapore