 Section 17 of The Dream of the Red Chamber, Book 2. This is the LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Sao Yutin in Singapore. The Dream of the Red Chamber, Book 2 by Sao Yutin. Translated by Henry Bancroft Jolly, Chapter 33. A brother is prompted by ill-feeling to wreck his tongue a bit. A depraved son receives heavy blows with a return cane. Madam Wan, for we shall now continue our story, sent for Ding Chai's mother. On her revival, she gave her several hairpins and rings, and then told her that she could invite several Buddhist priests as well to read the prayers necessary to relieve the spirit from purgatory. The mother prostrated herself and expressed her gratitude, after which she took her leave. Indeed, Bao Yu, on his return from entertaining Utsun, heard the tidings that Ding Chai had been instigated by a sense of shame to take her own life, and he at once fell prey to grief. So much so that when he came inside and was again spoken to and admonished by Madam Wan, he could not utter a single word in his justification. But as soon as he perceived Bao Chai make her appearance in the room, he seized the opportunity to scamper out in precipitate haste. Whether he was trudging, himself had not the least idea, but throwing his hands behind his back and dripping his head against his chest, he gave way to sighs while with slow and listless step, he turned towards the hall. Scarcely, however, had he rounded the screen wall which stood in front of the doorway, when, by a strange coincidence, he ran straight into the arms of someone who was unaware approaching from the opposite direction and was just about to go towards the inner portion of the compound. Hello, the person was heard to cry out, as he stood still. Bao Yu sustained a dreadful start. Brazing his face to see, he discovered that it was no other than his father. At once, he unconsciously drew a long breath and adopted the only safe course of dropping his arms against his body and standing on one side. Why are you, exclaimed Jia Zhuo, drooping your head in such a melancholy mood and indulging in all these moments? When Yu Sen came just now and he asked to see you, you only put in your appearance after a long while, but though you did come, you were not in the least disposed to chat with anything like chivalrous and animation. You behaved as you ever do, like a regular fool. I detected then, in your countenance, a certain expression of some hidden taintering and sadness, and now again here you are groaning and sighing. Does all you have not suffice to please you? Are you still dissatisfied? You've no reason to be like this, so why is it that you go on in this way? Bao Yu had ever, it is true, shown a glib tongue, but on the present occasion he was so deeply affected by Qing Chua's fate, and thanks at not being able to die that very instant and following her footsteps, that although he was now fully conscious that his father was speaking to him, he could not, in fact, learn to mania, but simply stood in a timid and nervous mood. Dajun noticed that he was in a state of trembling and fear, not as ready with an answer as he usually was, and his sorry plight somewhat incensed him, much though he had not at first brought him any ill feeling. But just as he was about to chide him, a messenger approached and announced to him, someone has come from the mention of Imperial Prince Zhongshun and wishes to see you, sir. At this announcement, surmises sprung up in Dajun's mind. Here the two, he secretly moved. I've never had any dealings with the Zhongshun mansion, and what is it that someone has dispatched here today? As he gave way to these infractions, be quick, he shouted, and asked him to take a seat in the pavilion, while he himself precipitately entered the inner room and changed his costume. When he came out to greet the visitor, he discovered that he was the senior officer of the Zhongshun mansion. After the exchange of the salutations prescribed by the rites, they sat down and tea was presented. But before Dajun had had time to start a topic of conversation, the senior officer anticipated him and spiddily observed, Your humble servant does not pay this visit today to your worthy mansion on his own authority, but entirely in compliance with instructions received, as there is a favour that I have to beg of you. I make bold to trouble you, esteemed sir, on behalf of his highness, to take any steps you might seem suitable, And if you do, not only will his highness remember your kindness, but even I, your humble servant, and my colleagues, will feel extremely grateful to you. Dajun listened to him, but he could not nevertheless get a clue of what he was driving at. Promptly returning his smile, he rose to his feet. Even calm, sir, he inquired, at the instance of his royal highness, but what, I wonder, are the commands you have to give me? I hope you will explain them to your humble servant, worthy sir, in order to enable him to carry them out effectively. The senior officer gave a sadonic smile. There's nothing to carry out, he said. All you, venerable sir, have to do, is to utter one single word, and the whole thing will be affected. There is in our mansion a certain Qixi-guan, who plays the part of young ladies. He hid the two stayed quietly in the mansion, but for the last three or five days or so, no one has seen him return home. Search has been instituted in every locality, yet his whereabouts cannot be discovered. But throughout these various inquiries, eight out of the ten-tenths of the inhabitants of the city have, with one consent, asserted that he was, yes, of late, been on very friendly terms with that honorable son of yours, who was born with a jade in his mouth. This report was told your servant and his colleagues, but as your worthy mention is, unlike such residences, as we can take upon ourselves to enter and search with impunity, we felt unequivocally the necessity of laying the matter before our Imperial Master. Had it been any of the other actors, His Highness also said, He wouldn't have minded if every one hundred of them had disappeared, but this Qixi-guan has always been so ready with part repartee, so respectful and trustworthy, that he has thoroughly won my aged heart, and I could never do without him. He entrees you, therefore, worthy sir, to, in your turn, plead with your illustrious sire and request him to let Qixi-guan go back, in order that the feelings which prompt the Prince of such earnest supplications may, in the first place, be satisfied, and that, in the next, your mean servant and his associates may be spared the fatigue of toiling and searching. At the conclusion of this appeal, he promptly made a low bow. As soon as Diatrong found out the object of his aran, he felt both astonishment and his pleasure. Without promptitude, he issued directions that Baoyu should be told to come out of the garden. Baoyu had no notion, whatever, why he was wanted, so speedily he hurried to appear before his father. What a regular scoundrel you are, Diatrong exclaimed. Is it enough that you won't read your books at home, but will you also go in for all these lawless and wrongful acts? That Qixi-guan is a person whose present honorable duties are to act as an attendant on his highness, the Prince of Zhongshun. And how extremely heedless of propriety must you be to have enticed him, without good cause, to come away, and thus have no broad calamity upon me. These reproaches plunged Baoyu in a dreadful state of consternation. With the lackerty, he said, by way of the reply, I really don't know anything about the matter. To what do, after all, the two words Qixi-guan referred, I wonder. Still less, besides, am I aware what entice can imply? As he spoke, he started crying. But before Diatrong could open his mouth to pass any further remarks, young gentleman, he heard the senior officer interpose with a sadonic smile. He shouldn't conceal anything, if he be either hidden in your home, or if you know his whereabouts, and divulge the truth at once, so that less trouble could fall to our lot than otherwise would. And will we not then bear in mind your virtue, worthy siren? I positively don't know, Baoyu time after time maintained. There must, I fear, be some false rumour abroad, for I haven't so much seen anything of him. The senior officer gave two loud smiles full of derision. There's evidence at hand, he rejoined. So if you compelled me to speak out before your vulnerable father, won't you, young man, have to suffer the consequences? But as you assert that you don't know who this button is, how is it that that rare stash has come to be attached to your waist? When Baoyu caught this illusion, he suddenly felt quite out of his senses. He stared and gaped, while within himself he argued. How has he come to hear anything about this? But since he knows all these secret particulars, I cannot, I expect, put him off in other points. So wouldn't it be better for me to pack him off, in order to obviate his blubbering anything more? Sir, he consequently remarked aloud, how is it that, despite your acquaintance with all these minute details, you have no inkling of this having purchased a house? Are you ignorant of an essential point like this? I've heard people say that he is, at present, staying in the eastern suburbs at the distance of 20 li from the city walls, at some place or other, called Sir Thambal, and that he has walked there several acres of land and a few houses. So I presume he's to be found in that locality, but of course, there's no saying. According to your version, Smale's senior officer, as soon as he heard his explanation, he must for a certainty be there. I shall therefore go and look for him, if it's there, well and good, that if not, I shall come again and request you to give me further directions. These words were still on his lips when he took his sleeve and walked off with hurried step. Diao Zheng was by this time stirred up to such a pitch of indignation that his eyes stared aghast and his mouth opened in bewilderment. And as he escorted the officer out, he turned his head and obeyed Bao Yun, not budge. I have, he said, to ask you something on my return. Straight away, he then went to see the officer off. But just as he was turning back, he casually came across to Jia Huan and several servant boys running wildly about in a body. Quick, bring him here to me. Shout at Diao Zheng to the young boys. I want to beat him. Jia Huan, at the side of his father, was so terrified that his bones mollified and his tendons grew weak and promptly lowering his head, he stood still. What are you running about for? Diao Zheng asked. These menials of yours do not mind you, but go who knows where and let you roam about like a wild horse. Where are the attendants who wait on you at school? he cried. When Diao Huan saw his father in such a dreadful rage, he availed himself of the first opportunity to try and clear himself. I wasn't running about just now, he said, but as I was passing by the side of the well, I caught sight for in that well a servant girl was drowned and of a human head that large, a body that swollen, floating about in really a frightful way and therefore hastily rushed past. Diao Zheng was thunderstruck by this disclosure. There's been nothing up, so who was gone and jumped into the well? he inquired. Never has there been anything of the kind in my house before. Ever since the time of our ancestors, servants have invariably been treated with clemency and consideration. But I expect that I must of late have become remiss of my domestic affairs and that the managers must have arrogated to themselves the right of domineering and so being the cause of bringing about such calamities as violent deaths and disregard of life. Were these things to reach the ears of the people outside, what will become of the reputation of our seniors? Cause Diao Lian and Lai Da here, he shouted. The servant lads signified their obedience with one voice. They were about to go and summon them when Diao Huan hastened to press forward, grasping the lapel of Diao Zheng's coat and clinging to his knees he knelt down. Father, why need you be angry? he said. Excluding the people in Madame Yuan's rooms, this occurrence is entirely unknown to any of the rest and I have heard my mother mention. At this point he turned his head and cast a glance in all four quarters. Diao Zheng guessed his meaning and made a sign with his eyes. The young boys grasped his purpose and drew far back on either side. Diao Huan resumed his confidences in a low tone of voice. My mother, he resumed, told me that when Brother Bao Yu was, the other day, Madame Yuan's apartments, he seized her servant maid Jing Chuang with the intent of dishonoring her. Dad, as he failed to carry out his design, he gave her a thrashing, which so exasperated Jing Chuang that she threw herself into the well and committed suicide. Before, however, he could conclude his account. Diao Zheng had been incensed to such a degree that his face assumed the colour of silver paper. Bring Bao Yu here, he cried. While uttering these orders, he walked into the study. If anyone does again today come to dissuade me, he vociferated, I shall take this official hat and sash my home and private property and surrender everything at once to him to go and bestow them upon Bao Yu. For if I cannot escape blame with the sun like the one I have, I mean to shave this ganty, troubled-aidened hair about my temples and go in search of some unsolid place where I can spend the rest of my days alone. I shall thus also avoid the crime of keeping above, insult upon my predecessors and below of having given birth to such a rebellious son. At the sight of Diao Zheng in this exasperation, the family companions and attendants spiddily released that Bao Yu must once more be the cause of it and the whole posse hastened to withdraw from the study, biting their fingers and putting their tongues out. Diao Zheng panted with excitement. He stretched his chest out and set bold upright on a chair. His whole face was covered with the traces of tears. Bring Bao Yu, bring Bao Yu, he shouted consecutively. Fetch a big stick, bring a rope and tie him up, close all the doors. If anyone does communicate anything about it in the inner rooms while I'll immediately beat him to death. The servant boys felt compelled to express their obedience with one consent and some of them came to look after Bao Yu. As for Bao Yu, when he heard Diao Zheng enjoying him not to move, he forthwith became aware that the chances of an unappropriate issue outnumbered those of a propitious one. But how could he have had any idea that Diao Huan as well had put in his word? There he still stood in the pavilion, revolving in his mind how he could get someone to speed inside and deliver a message for him. But as it happened, not a soul appeared. He was quite had a loss to know where even beaming could be. His longing was at his height when he perceived an old nurse come on on that scene. The sign of her exalted Bao Yu, just as much as if he had obtained pearls or gems and hurriedly approaching her, he dragged her and forced her to halt. Go in, he urged, at once and told him that my father wishes to be me to death. Be quick, be quick, for it's urgent, there's no time to be lost. But first and foremost, Bao Yu's excitement was so intense that he spoke with indistinctness. In a second place, the old nurse was, as luck would have it, dull of hearing so that she did not catch the drift of what he said and she misconstrued the two words. It's urgent for the two representing jumped into the well, readily smiling therefore. If she wants to jump into the well, let her do so. She said, Was there to make you fear, Master Secundus? Go out, pursued Bao Yu in despair, undiscovering that she was deaf and tell my page to come. Was there left unsettled, rejoined the old nurse. Everything has been finished long ago. A tip has also been given them. So how is it things are not settled? Bao Yu fidgeted with his hands and feet. He was just as his wits end when he aspired Jiao Zheng's servant's boys come up and press him to go out. As soon as Jiao Zheng caught sight of him, his eyes got quite red, without even allowing himself any time to question him about his guiding, about with actors and the presents he gave them on the slide during his absence from home or about his playing the truant from school and lately importuning his mother's maid during his day at home. He simply shouted, Gag his mouth and positively beat him till he dies. The servant boys did not have the boldness to disobey him. They were under the necessity of seizing Bao Yu of stretching him on a bench and of taking a heavy return and giving him about ten blows. Bao Yu knew well enough that he could not lead for mercy and all he could do was to whimper and cry. Jiao Zheng however found foot with the light blows they administered to him with one kick he shoved the castigator aside and snatching the retina to his own hands he spitefully let Bao Yu have ten blows and more. Bao Yu had not, from his very birth, experienced such anguish. From the outset he found the pain unbearable yet he could shout and weep as boisterously as ever he pleased but so weak subsequently did his breath little by little become so hoarse his voice and so choked his throat that he could not bring out any sound. The family companions noticed that he was beaten in that way that might lead to an unappropriate end and they drew near with odd dispatch and made earnest in treaties and exhortations but would Jiao Zheng listen to them? You people, he answered, had better asked him whether the trick he has been up to deserve to be overlooked or not. It's you who have all long so thoroughly spoiled him as to make him reach this degree of depravity. And do you yet come to advise me to spare him? When by and by you've incited him to commit parasite or regicide you will at length then give up trying to dissuade me, eh? This language jarred on the years of the whole party and knowing only too well that he was in an exasperated mood they fussed about endeavoring to find someone to go in and convey the news but Madam Wang did not presume to be first to inform Dowager Lady Jia about it. See no other courts open to her she hastily dressed herself and issued out of the garland without so much as worrying her mind as to whether there were any male inmates about or not. She straightaway leaned on a waiting-maid and hurriedly betook herself into the library so the intense consternation of the companions pagers and all the men present who could not manage to clear out of the way in time. Dowager was on the point of further belaboring his son when at the sight of Madam Wang walking in his temper fled up with such enscrized violence just as fire on which oil is poured that the rot fell with greatest fight and celebrity. The two servant boys who held Bai Wu down precipitately loosened their grip and beat a retreat. Bai Wu had long ago lost all power of movement Jia Zheng however was again preparing to assail him when the baton was immediately locked tightly by Madam Wang in both her arms. Of course, of course Jia Zheng exclaimed What I want to do today is to make me succumb to anger. Bai Wu does, I admit, merit to be beaten, sobbed Madam Wang, but you should also, my lord, take good care of yourself. The weather, besides, is extremely hot and I wrote Lady is not feeling quite up to the mark. Were you to knock Bai Wu about and kill him? It would not matter much, but were perchance our vulnerable senior for ill? Wouldn't it be a grave thing? Better not talk about such things, observed Jia Zheng with a listless smile. By my bringing up such a degenerate child of retribution I have myself become unfilial. Whenever I've had to call him to account there has always been a whole crowd of you to screen him. So isn't it as well for me to evade myself up today to put an end to his core-like existence and first prevent future misfortune? As he spoke he asked for a robe to strangle him but Madam Wang lost no time in classifying him in her embrace and reasoning with him as she wept. My lord and master, she said, it is your duty, of course, to keep your son in proper order but you should also regard the relationship of husband and wife. I'm ready a woman of fifty and I've got only this gay grace. Was there any need for you to give him such a bitter lesson? I wouldn't presume to use any strong dissuasion but having, on this occasion, gone so far as to harbour the design of killing him isn't there a fixed purpose on your part to cut short my own existence but as you are bent upon strangling him be quick and first strangle me before you strangle him. It will be as well that we, mother and son, should die together so that if even we go to hell we may be able to rely upon each other. At the conclusion of these words she unfolded Baoyu in her embrace then raised her voice in loud sobs. After listening to her appeal Dajun could not restrain their deep sigh and taking a seat on one of the chairs the tears ran down his cheeks like drops of rain but while Madam Wang held Baoyu in her arms she noticed that his face was shallow and his breath faint and that his green gaze neither garments were all speckled with stains of blood so she could not check her fingers from loosening his girdle and realising that from the thighs to the buttocks this person was here green their purple here whole their broken and that there was in fact not the least bit of sudden burst out in bitter lamentations for offspring's wretched lot in life but while bemoaning her unfortunate son she again recalls she minded memory of Jiazhu and vehemently calling out Jiazhu she thought if which you were alive I would not care if even 100 died but by this time the inmates of the inner rooms discovered that Madam Wang had gone out and Li Gongcai, Wang Si Feng and Ying Chun and her sister promptly rushed out of the garden and came to join her while Madam Wang mentioned with eyes based than tears the name of Jiazhu everyone listened with composure with the exception of Li Gongcai who unable to cover feelings also raised her voice in stops as soon as Jiazhu heard her plains his tears trickled down with greater profusion like pearls scattered about but just as there seemed no prospect of there being consul a servant girl was unaware's heard to announce our dowager lady has come before this announcement was ended her tremulous accents reached their ears from outside the window if you were to beat me to death and then despatch him she cried one should be clear of us Jiazhu upon seeing that his mother was coming fell distressed and pained with all promptitude she went out to meet her he perceived his old parents toddling along leaning on the arm of a servant girl wagging her head and gasping for breath Jiazhu flew forward and made a courtesy on hot whirling day like this he ventured forcing a smile what made you mother get so angry as to rush over in person had you anything to join me you could have sent for me your son they'd given me your orders oh lady Jia at these words halted and panted are you really chiding me she at the same time said in a stern tone it's I who should call you to task but as the son I brought up isn't worth a straw to whom can I go and address a word when Jiazhu heard language so unlike that generally used by her he immediately fell on his knees while doing all in his power to contain his tears the reason why he explained your son corrects his offering is a desire to reflect lust on his ancestors and splendor on his seniors so how can I your son deserve the rebuke with which you greet me mother and this reply old lady Jia sputtered contemptuously I made just one remark she added and you couldn't stand it and while you likely put up with that death working cane you say that your object incorrectly your son is reflected lustful on your ancestors and splendor on your seniors but in what manner did your father correct you in days gone by saying this tears suddenly rose down from her eyes also dad enforced another smile mother he proceeded you shouldn't distress yourself your son did it in a sudden fit of rage but from this time forth I won't touch him again dowager lady Jia smiled several loud, smearing smiles but you shouldn't get into a hub with me she urged he's your son so if you choose to flock him you can naturally do so but I cannot help thinking that you're sick and tired of me your mother of your wife and of your son so wouldn't it be as well that we should get out of their way the better as we shall then be able to enjoy his peace and quiet so speaking go and look after the chairs she spidily cried to a servant I and your lady as well as Bowie will without delay return to Nanjing the servant had no help but to assent old lady Jia thereupon called madam one over to her you need an indulge in sorrow she extorted her Bowie is now young but does it follow that when in years to come he becomes an official he'll remember that you are his mother you mustn't therefore at present lavish too much of your affection upon him so that you may buy and buy spare yourself at least some displeasure when these exhortations fell on Jiazheng's ear he instantly prostrated himself before her your remarks mother he observed cut the ground under your son's very feet you distinctly act in a way cynically smulled old lady Jia sufficient to deprive me of any ground to stand upon and then you on the contrary go and speak about yourself but when we shall have gone back your mind will be free of all trouble we'll see then who is interfere and dissuade you from beating people after this reply she went on to give orders directly get ready to the baggage carriages, chairs and horses necessary for their return Jiazheng stiffly and rigidly fell on his knees and knocked his head before her and pleaded guilty dowager lady Jia then addressed him some words and as she did so she came to have that look at Bowie upon perceiving that the thrashing he had got this time was unlike those of past occasions she experienced both pain and resentment so clasping him in her arms she wept and wept incessantly it was only after Madam Wang Lady Feng and the other ladies had reasoned with her for a time that they at length gradually succeeded in consoling her but waiting maize married women another attendant soon came to support Bowie and take him away Lady Feng however at once expatiated with them you stupid things she exclaimed once she opened her eyes and see however could he be raised and made to walk in the state he's in they should get instantly run inside and fetch them returned slaves and a bench to carry him out of this zone at this suggestion the servants rushed Harry's curry inside and actually brought a bench and lifting Bowie they placed him on it then following dowager lady Jia Madam Wang and the other inmates into the inner part of the building they carried him into his grandmother's apartments but dowager did not fail to notice that his own mother's passion had not by this time yet abated so without presumed consult his own convenience he too came inside after them here he discovered how heavily he had in reality castigated Bowie upon perceiving Madam Wang also crying with one breath my flesh and with another saying with tears my son if had died sooner instead of drawer and left drawer behind you you would have saved your father these fits of anger and even I would not have had so fruitlessly worry and fresh for half of my existence would anything to happen now to make you forsake me upon whom will you have me depend and then after keeping reproaches upon herself for a time break out of fresh and lamentations for unavailing offspring Jia Zheng was much cut up and filled conscious that he should not with his own hand have struck his son so ruthlessly as to bring him to this state and his first and foremost directed his attention to consoling dowager lady Jia if your son isn't good rejoin the old lady repressing her tears it is naturally for you to exercise control over him you shouldn't beat him to such a pitch don't you yet bundle yourself away why are you dialing in here for is it likely pray that your heart is not yet satisfied and that you wish to feast your eyes by seeing him die before you go these taunts induce Jia Zheng to eventually withdraw out of the room by this time Mrs Shui together with Bao Chai Xiang Ling, Xi Ren, Shi Xiang Ling and his other cousins had also congregated in these apartments Xi Ren's heart was overflowing with greed but she could not very well give expression to it when she saw that a whole company of people shut him in some pouring water over him others fanning him and that she herself could not lend a hand in anyway she availed herself of a favourable moment to make her exit preceding then as far as the second gate she bade the servant boys go and fetch beaming on his arrival she was admitted to a search and inquiry why is it, she asked that he was beaten just now without the least provocation and that he didn't run over soon he told me a word about it it happened answered beaming in great complexity that it wasn't present it was only after he had given him half the flogging that I heard what was going on and lost no time in entertaining what it was all about it's on account of those affairs connected with Qi Guan and that goes in turn how did these things come to master's knowledge as for that affair with Qi Guan continued beaming it is very likely Min Xue Pan who had slated out for as he has ever been jealous he may in the absence of any other way of quenching his resentment have instigated someone or other outside who knows to come and see master and add fuel to his anger as what he tries of there he has presumably been told by master Tertious this I heard from the lips of some person who was in attendance on master Xiren saw how much his two versions tell it with the true circumstances so she readily credited the greater portion of what was told her subsequently he returned inside and she found a whole crowd of people trying to do the best to benefit Baoyu but after they had completed every arrangement dowager Lady Jia impressed on their minds that it would be the best were they to carefully move him into his own quarters with one voice they all signified their approval and with a good deal of bustling and fuzzing they spigly transferred Baoyu into the Yihong court where they stretch him out comfortably on his own bed and entered some further excitement the members of the family began gradually to disperse Xiren at last entered his room and waited upon him with singleness of heart but reader if you feel any curiosity to hear what follows listen to what you will find divulged in the next chapter End of section 17 Recording by Cao Yuqin in Singapore Section 18 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 Recording by Cao Yuqin in Singapore The Dream of the Red Chamber Book 2 by Cao Yuqin Translated by Harry Bencroft's Jolly Chapter 34, Part 1 Daoyu loves Baoyu with extreme affection but on account of this affection her female cousin gets indignant Xie Pan commits a great mistake but Baochai makes this mistake a pretext to tender advice to her brother When Xiren saw Daoyu's lady Jia Madam Wang and the other members of the family take their leave Our narrative says she entered the room and taking a seat next to Baoyu she asked him while she did all she could to hide her tears How was it that he bit you to such extremes? Baoyu heaves a sigh It was simply he replied about those trifles but what's the use of your asking me about them The lower part of my body is so very sore Do look and see where I'm bruised At these words Xiren put out her hand and inserting it gently under his clothes she began to pull down the middle garment She had but slightly moved them however when Baoyu ground his teeth and ground Aiya Xiren at once stayed her hand It was after three or four similar attempts that she at length succeeded in drawing them down Then looking closely Xiren discovered that the upper part of his legs was all green and purple one mass of scars four fingers wide and covered with huge blisters Xiren nursed the teeth My mother she ejaculated How is it that he struck you with such a ruthless hand? Has you minded that at least bit of my advice to you things wouldn't have come to such a pass Luckily no harm was done to any tendon or bone for had you been crippled by the thrashing you've got what could we do? In the middle of these remarks all the servant girls come and they told her that Miss Baochai had arrived Hearing this Xiren saw well enough that she had no time to put him on his middle garments so forthwith snatching a double gauge coverlet she threw it over Baoyu This done she perceived Baochai walk in her hands laden with pills and medicines At night she sat at Xiren take these medicines and dissolve them in wine and put them on him and when the fiery virus from that stagnant blood has been dispelled he'll be alright again After these erections she handed the medicines to Xiren Is he feeling any better now? she proceeded to inquire Thanks, Ridwen Baoyu I'm feeling better he at the same time went on to say after which he pressed her to take a seat Baochai noticed that he could open his eyes wide that he could speak and that he was not as bad as he had been and she felt considerable inward relief but nodding her head she sighed if I had long ago listened to the least bits of the advice tended to you by people things would not have reached this climax today she said not to speak of the pain experienced by our dear ancestor and aunt Wang the sight of you in this state makes even us feel like heart just as she had uttered half of the remark she meant to pass she quickly suppressed the rest and smitten by remorse for having spoken too hastily she could not help getting red in the face and lowering her head Baoyu was realising how affectionate how friendly and how replete with deep meaning were the sentiments that dropped from her mouth when of a sudden he saw her seal her lips and flashing crimson drew her head and simply fumbled with her girdle yet so fascinating was she in those timid blushes which completely baffled description that his feelings were roused within him to such a degree that all sense of pain flew at once beyond the Empyrean I've only had to bear a few blows he reflected and yet every one of them puts on those pitiful looks sufficient to evoke love and regard however after all any mishap or untimely end to unexpectedly before me who can tell how much more reflected they want be and as they go on in this way I shall have them where I even to die in a moment to feel so much for me so there will indeed be no reason for regret I'll beat the concerns of a whole lifetime will be thus flung entirely to the winds while indulging in these sensations he overheard Baochai ask Xiren how is it that he got angry without rhyme or reason and started beating him and Xiren tell her he replied the version given to her by Feiming Baoyu had in fact no idea as yet of what had been said by Jia Huan and when he heard Xiren's disclosures he eventually got to know what he was but as it also premonated Xie Pan he might feel unhappy so he lost no time in interrupting Xiren cousin Xie he interposed has never been like that new people mustn't therefore give away to idle sermons these words were enough to make Baochai see that Baoyu had thought it expedient to say something to stop Xiren's mouth apprehending that her suspicions might get roused and she consequently secretly mused within herself he has been beaten to such a pitch and yet heedless of his own pains and aches he's still so careful not to hurt people's feelings but since you can be so considerate why don't you take a little more caring greater concerns outside so that your father should feel a little happier and that you also should not have to suffer such bitter ordeals but notwithstanding that the dread of my feeling has prompted you to interrupt Xiren in what she had to tell me isn't likely that I am blind to the fact that my brother has ever followed his fancies allowed his passions to run riot and never done a thing to exercise any check over himself his temperament is such that he sometime back created all on account of that fellow Qin Zhong a rumpus that turned heaven and earth topsy-turvy and as a matter of course he's now far worse than he was ever before you people she then observed aloud at the close of these cogitations shouldn't bear this one or that one grudge I can't help thinking that it's after all because of your usual readiness cousin Bao Yu to hope not with that said that your father recently lost control over his temper but assuming that my brother did speak in a careless manner and did casually elude you cousin Bao Yu it was with no design to instigate anyone in the first place the remarks he made were really founded on actual facts and secondly he's not one to ever trouble himself about such petty trifles as trying to guard against animosities ever since your youth up you've simply had before your eyes a person so punctilious as cousin Bao Yu but have you ever had any experience for one like that brother of mine who neither fears the powers in heaven nor in earth and who regularly blurs out all his things Xiren seeing Bao Yu interrupt her at the bare mention of Xue Pan understood at once that she must have spoken recklessly in gay boy tumours givings last Bao Yu might not have been placed in a false position but when she heard the language used by Bao Yu she was filled with a keenest sense of shame and could not utter a word Bao Yu too listening to the sentiments which Bao Chai expressed felt partly because they were so magnanimous and noble and partly because they banished all misconception from his mind his heart and soul throb with great emotion than ever before when however about to put in this word he noticed Bao Chai rise to her feet I'll come again to see you tomorrow she said but take good care of yourself the medicines I brought just now to Xiren let her rub you with them at night and I feel sure you'll get alright with these recommendations she walked out of the door Xiren hastened to catch her up and escorted her beyond the court miss, she remarked would really put you to the trouble of coming some other day when Mr. Sekundus is well I shall come in person to thank you what's there to thank me for replied Bao Chai turning her head round and smiling but mind, you advise him to carefully tend his health and not to give away to idle thoughts and reckless ideas and he'll recover if there's anything he fancies to eat or amuse himself with come quietly over to me and fetch it for him there will be no use to disturb either Royal Old Daisy or Madam Wang or any of the others for in the event of its reaching Mr. Jia Zheng's ear nothing may at the time come of it but if by and by he finds it to be sure we will doubtless suffer for it while tendering this advice she went on her way Xiren traced her steps and returned into the room fostering genuine feelings of gratitude for Bao Chai but on entering she aspired by his silently lost and deep thought and looking as if he were asleep and yet not quite asleep so she withdrew into the out-of-quarters to comb her hair and wash Bao Yunming well lay motionless in bed he's botox tingled with pain as if they were pricked with needles or dug with knives giving him to boot a fiery sensation just out of fire while eating into them he tried to change his position a bit but unable to bear the anguish he burst into groans the shades of evening were by this time falling perceiving that though Xiren had left his side there remained still two or three waiting maids in attendance he said to them as he could find nothing for them to do just then you might as well go and comb your hair and perform your ablutions come in when I call you hearing this they likewise retired during this while Bao Yunming fell into a drowsy state Jiang Yuanhan then rose before his vision and told him all about his capture by men from the Zhongshui Mansion presently Jing Chuan too appeared in his room bathed in tears and explained to him the circumstances which drove her to leap into the well but Bao Yunming who was half dreaming and half awake was not able to give his mind to anything that was told him unawares he became conscious of someone having given him a push and thankfully fell on his ear the plaintive tones of some person in distress Bao Yunming was startled out of his dreams unopening his eyes he found it to be no other than Ling Daiyu but still fearing that it was only a dream he promptly raised himself and drawing near her face he passed her features under a minute scrutiny seeing her two eyes so swollen as to look as big as peaches and her face glistening all over with tears if it is not Daiyu he thought who else can it be Bao Yunming to continue his scrutiny the lower part of this person gave him such unbearable sharp twitches that finding had a hard task to keep up he with a shout of Aiyu lay himself down again as he heaved a sigh what do you once more come here for he asked the truth has set but the heat remaining on the ground hasn't yet gone so you may by coming over get another sunstroke of course I had a thrashing but I don't feel any pains or aches if I behave in this fashion it will be all put on to work upon their credibility so that they may go and spread the reports outside in such a way as reached my father's ear really it's all shang so you must treat it as a fact though Ling Daiyu was not giving away at the time to any wails or loud sobs yet the more she indulged in those suppressed planes of hers the words she felt her breath get choked and her throat obstructed so that when Bao Yunming's assurances fell on her ear she could not express a single sentiment though she treasured thousands in her mind it was only after a long pause that she at last could observe with agitated voice it must after this turn over a new leaf at these words Bao Yunming heaved a deep sigh tempers your mind he urged don't speak to me like this for I'm quite prepared to even lay down my life for all those persons but scarcely had he concluded this remark then someone outside the court was heard to say Our Lady Secunda has arrived Ling Daiyu readily concluded that it was Lady Feng coming so springing to her feet at once I'm off she said out by the back court I'll look you up again by and by this is indeed strange exclaimed Bao Yunming as he laid hold of her and tried to detain her how is it that you've deliberately started living in fear and trembling of her Ling Daiyu grew impatient and stamped her feet look at my eyes she added in an undertone must those people amuse themselves again by poking fun at me after this response Bao Yuns bitterly let her go Daiyu with her step was free behind the bed and no sooner has she issued into the back court then Lady Feng made her appearance in the room by the front entrance Are you better? she asked Bao Yun if you fancy anything to eat mind you send someone over to my place to fetch it for you thereupon Mrs. Xue also came to pay him a visit shortly after a messenger likewise arrived from Old Lady Jia to inquire after him when the time came to prepare the lights Bao Yun had a couple of mouthfuls of soup to eat but he felt so drowsy and heavy that he fell asleep presently Zhou Rui's wife Wu Xingdeng's wife and Zheng Haoshi's wife all of whom were road dames who frequently went to and fro that Bao Yun had been flocked and they too hurried into his quarters Xun'en promptly went out to greet them An's she whispered smiling if come a little too late Master Secundus is sleeping saying this she let them into the room on the opposite side and pressing them to sit down she poured them some tea after sitting perfectly still for a time when Master Secundus awakes he asked her if she loved do you send us word Xun'en assured them that she would and escorted them out just however as she was about to retrace the footsteps she met an old matron sent over by Madam Wang who said to her our mistress wants one of Master Secundus' attendants to go and see her upon hearing this message Xun'en communed with her own thoughts then turning round to Xun'en and the other maids our lady wishes to see one of us so be careful and remain in the room while I go I'll be back soon at the close of her injunctions she and the matron made their exit out of the garden by her shortcut and repaired into the drawing room Madam Wang were seated on a cool couch waving a banana leaf fan when she became conscious of her arrival it didn't matter whom you sent to remind anyone would have done but having left him again he was there to wait on him at this question Xun'en lost no time in forcing a smile Master Secundus she replied just now fell into her sound sleep those four or five girls are all right now they are well able to attend to their master so please Madam this fell all anxious thoughts I was afraid that your ladyship might have some orders to give and any of them that might probably not hear distinctly and thus occasion delay in what there was to be done there's nothing much to tell you I did Madam Wang I only wish to ask how his planes and eggs are getting on now I applied on Mr. Secundus answered Xun'en the medicine which Miss Baochai brought over and he's getting better than he was he was so sore at one time that he couldn't lie comfortably his sleep in which he's plunged now is a clear sign of his having improved has he had anything to eat? further inquired Madam Wang our dowager mistress sent him a bowl of soup Xun'en continued and of this he has had a few mouthfuls he shouted and shouted that his mouth was part and offensive a decoction of sour plums but remembering that sour plums are astringent things we've touched only a short time before and that not having been allowed to groan he must of course have been so heart-pressed that fiery virus and heated blood must unavoidably have accumulated in the heart and that were he to put anything of the kind within his lips he might be driven into the cardiac regions and give rise to some serious illness and what then would we do? I therefore reasoned with him for ever so long he needed in deterring him from touching any so simply taking the syrup of roses prepared with sugar I mixed some with water and he had half a small cup of it but he drank it with distaste for being surfited with it he found it neither scented nor sweet Aya! ejaculated Madam Wang why didn't you come earlier and tell me? someone sent me the other day several bottles of scented water it was one time to have given him some but as I feared that it would be mere waste I didn't let him have any but since he is so sick and tired of what preparation of roses that he turns up his nose at it take those two bottles with you if you just mix a teaspoon full of it in a cup of water it will impart to it a very strong perfume so saying she hastened to tell Tsaiwing to fetch the bottles of scented water which she had received as a present a few days before let her only bring a couple of them they'll be enough, Xiren chandun if you give us more it will be a useless waste if it isn't enough I can come and fetch a fresh supply you will come to the same thing having listened to all they had to say Tsaiwing left the room after some considerable time she in point of fact returned with only a couple of bottles which she delivered to Xiren on examination, Xiren saw two small glass bottles no more than 3 inches in size with screwing silver stoppers at the top on the glossings yellow labels was written on one pure extract of oleafragrance on the other pure extract of roses what fine things these are Xiren smiled how many small bottles the light of this can there be thereof the kind send to the palace reviewing Madame Wang didn't she notice that gosling yellow slip but mind take good care of them or for him don't fritter them away Xiren ascended she was vaguely depart when Madame Wang called her back I've thought of something she said that I want to ask you Xiren hastily came back Madame Wang made sure that there was no one in the room I've heard a faint rumour she then inquired when you got a threshing on this occasion on account of something or other which why I told my husband have you perchance heard what it was that he said if you happen to learn anything about it do confide in me and I won't make any fuss and let people know that it was you who told me I haven't heard anything of the kind answered Xiren it was because Mrs. Secundus forcibly detained an actor and that people came and asked master to draw him to them that he got flogged it was also for this continued Madame Wang as you nodded her head but there's another reason besides as for the other reason I honestly haven't the least idea about it explained Xiren but I'll make bold today and say something in your presence Madame about which I don't know whether I am right or wrong in speaking according to what's proper she had only spoken another sentence when hastily she closed her mouth again you are at liberty to proceed urged Madame Wang if your ladyship will not get angry I'll speak out why should I get angry observed Madame Wang proceed according to what's proper our Mr. Secundus should receive our master's admonition for if master doesn't hold him in check there's no saying what he might do in the future as soon as Madame Wang heard this she clapped her hands and uttered the invocation unable to resist the impulse she drew near Xiren my dear child you have also luckily understood the real stage of things what you told me is in perfect harmony with my own views isn't likely that I don't know how to look after a son for several days when your elder master drew was alive how did I succeed in keeping him in order and can it be that I don't after all now understand how to manage a son but there's a why and wherefore in it the thought is ever present in my mind now that I'm already a woman past 50 that of my children there only remains this single one that he too is developing a delicate physique or small our dear senior prizes him as much as she would a jewel that wish he kept under strict control and anything per chance to happen to him she might, an old lady as it is sustain some harm from resentment and that as the high as well as the low will then have no peace or quiet would things get in a bad way so I feel prompted to spoil him by over indulgence time and again I reason with him sometimes I talk to him sometimes I advise him sometimes I cry with him but though for the time being is alright he doesn't later on worry his mind in any way about what I say until he positively gets into some other mess when he settles down again but should any harm before him through these floggings upon whom I depend by and by as she spoke she could not help melting into tears end of section 18 recording by Cao Xiuqing in Singapore section 19 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 recording by Yuqing in Singapore the dream of the red chamber book 2 by Cao Xiuqing translated by Henry Bencroft Jolly chapter 34 part 2 at the side of man and one in the disconsolate mood she and herself unconsciously grew wounded at heart and as she wept along with her Mr. Secundus she ventured is your ladyship's own child so how could you not love him even we who are mere servants thinking a piece of good fortune when we can wait on him for a time and all parties can enjoy peace and quiet but if he begins to behave in this manner even peace and quiet will be completely out of the question for us on what day and at what hour do I advise Mr. Secundus yet I can't manage to stir him up by any advice but it happens that all that crew are ever ready to court his friendship so it isn't to be wondered that he is what he is the truth is that he thinks it's not right and proper as you have today madam alluded to this subject I've got something to tell you which has weighed heavy on my mind I've been anxious to come and confide it to your ladyship and to solicit your guidance but I've been in fear and dread lest you should give way to suspicion for not only would then all my disclosures have been in vain but I would have depraved myself of even a piece of ground that things could be laid Madam One perceived that her remarks were prompted by some purpose my dear child she eagerly urged go on speak out when I recently heard one and all praise you secretly behind your back I simply fancied that it was because you were carefully no attendance to Ombaru or possibly because you got on well with everyone all on account of minor considerations like these you were on account of your good qualities as it happens what you told me just now concerns in all its bearings a great principle and is in perfect accord with my ideas so speak out freely if you have ought to say only let no one else know anything about it that is all that is needed I've got nothing more to say proceeded Shiran my sole idea was to solicit your advice madam as to how to devise a plan to induce Mr. Sekundus to move his quarters out of the garden by and by as things will get her all right then this illusion much alarmed Madam One speedily taking Shiran's hand in hers is it lightly she inquired that Barui has been up to any mischeap with anyone don't be too suspicious precipitately replied Shiran it wasn't at anything of the kind that I was hinting I merely expressed my humble opinion Mr. Sekundus is a young man now and the young ladies inside are no more children more than that Ms. Lin and Ms. Baal may be two female maternal first cousins of his but albeit his cousins there is nevertheless the distinction of male and female between them and day and night as they are together it isn't always convenient when they have to rise and where they have to sit so this cannot help making one give way to misgivings were in fact any outsider to see what's going on it would not look like the propriety which should exist in great families the proverb appositely says that when there's no trouble one should make provision for the time of trouble how many concerns there are in the world of which there's no making head or tail mostly because what persons to do without any design is construed by such designing people it's chance to have their notice attracted to it as having been designedly accomplished and go on talking and taking tail instead of mending matters they made them worse but if precautions be not taken forehand something improper will surely happen for your ladyship is well aware of the temperament Mr. Secundus has shown all along besides his great weakness is to fasten our mists so if no caution be exercised and the slightest mistake be sooner or later committed there will be then no question of true or false for when people are many one says one thing and another and what is there that months of that mean lot will shine with any sign of respect why if their hearts be well disposed they'll maintain that he is far superior to Buddha himself but if their hearts be badly disposed they will at once need a tissue of lies to show that he cannot even reach the standard of a beast now if people by and by speak well of Mr. Secundus we'll all go on smoothly with our lives but should he perchance give reason to anyone to breathe the slightest disparaging remark want his body needless to for us to say be smashed to pieces his bones ground to powder and the blame which he might incur be made ten thousand times more serious than it is these things are all commonplace trifles but won't Mr. Secundus name and reputation be subsequently done for full life secondly it's no easy thing for your ladyship to see anything of our master a proverb also says the perfect man makes provision beforehand so when is it be better that we should this very minute adopt such steps as will enable us to guard against such things your ladyship has much to attend to and you couldn't of course think of these things in a moment and as for us it would have been well and good had they never suggested themselves to our minds but since they have we should be the more to blame did we not tell you anything about them madam of late I have wrecked my mind both day and night on the score and though I couldn't very well confide to anyone my lamp alone knows everything after listening to these words madam one felt as if she had been blasted by thunder and struck by lightning and as they did it so oppositely with the incident connected with Jintrara her heart was more than ever fired with boundless affection for Sheeran my dear doll she promptly smiled it's you who are gifted with enough foresight to be able to think of these things so thoroughly yet did I not also think of them but so busy have I been these several times that they slipped from my memory what you've told me today however has brought me to my senses it's thanks to you that the reputation of me his mother and of him my son is preserved intact I really never had the faintest idea that you were so excellent but you had better go now I know of a way yet just another word after your remarks to me I'll hand him over to your charge please be careful of him if you preserve him from harm it will be tantamount to preserving me from harm and I shall certainly not be ungrateful to you for it Sheeran set several consecutive yeses and went on her way she got back just in time to see Baoyu awake Sheeran explained all about the scented water and so intensely delighted was Baoyu that he at once asked that some should be mixed and brought to him to taste in the very deed he found it unusually fragrant and good but as his heart was afraid to anxiety on Daoyu's behalf he was full of longings to dispatch someone to look her up he was however afraid of Sheeran readily therefore he devised a plan to first get Sheeran out of the way by dispatching her to Baochai's to borrow a book after Sheeran's departure he forthwith called Qinwen go he said over to Miss Lin's and see what she's up to should she inquire about me all you need to tell her is that I'm all right what shall I go empty-handed for rejoin Qinwen if I were at least to give her a message it would look as if I had gone for something I have no message that you can give her I did Baoyu if it can't be that suggest it Qinwen I might either take something over or fetch something otherwise when I get there would excuse will I be able to find after some cogitation Baoyu stretched out his hand and took a couple of handkerchiefs he threw them to Qinwen these will do he smiled just tell her that I beige you take them to her this is strange exclaimed Qinwen will she accept these two half worn out handkerchiefs she'll besides get angry and say that you are making fun of her don't worry yourself about that laughed Baoyu she will certainly know what I mean Qinwen and this rejoinder has no help but to take the handkerchiefs and go to Xiaoshan Lodge where she discovers Chunxin in the act of hanging out handkerchiefs on the railings to dry as soon as she saw her walk in she vehemently waved her hand she's gone to sleep Qinwen however entered the room it was in perfect darkness there was not even so much as a lantern burning and Daoyu was already as gone in bed who's there she shouted Qinwen promptly replied the Qinwen what are you up to Daoyu inquired Mr. Secundus explained Qinwen send you some handkerchiefs miss Daoyu's spirit sunk as soon as she caught her reply what can he have sent me handkerchiefs for she's secretly reasoned within herself who gave him these handkerchiefs she then asked aloud there must be fine ones so tell them to keep them and give them to someone else for I don't need such things at present they're not new smart Qinwen they're of an ordinary kind and old here in this Lin Daoyu felt downcast but after minutely searching her heart she at last suddenly grabbed his meaning and she hastily observed leave them and go your way Qinwen was compelled to put them down and turning round she betook herself back again but much though she turned things over in her mind during the whole of her way homewards she did not succeed in solving their import when Daoyu guessed the object of the handkerchief her very soul unaware flitted from her as Baoyu has gone to such pains she pondered to try and probe there's a dejection of mine I have on one hand sufficient cause to feel gratified but there's no knowing what my dejection will come to on the other enough to make me sad there he abruptly and deliberately send me a couple of handkerchiefs and words not that he has divined my inmost feeling the mere sight of these handkerchiefs will be enough to make me treat the whole thing as ridiculous the secret exchange of presence between us fills me also with fears and the thought that those tears which I'm ever so fond of shedding to myself are of no avail drives me likewise to blush with shame and by dint of musing and reflecting her heart began in a moment to bubble over with such excitement that much against her will her thoughts in their superabundance rolled on incessantly so speedily directing that a lamp should be lighted she little concerned herself about avoiding suspicion shining the use of names or any other such things and said to work and robbed the ink so to the pen and there wrote the following stanzas on the two old handkerchiefs vein in my eyes the tears collect those tears in vein they flow which I in secret shed they slowly drop but for whom though the silk kerchief which he so kindly troubled to give me however could they not with anguish dress fill me the second ran thus like falling pearls or rolling gems they trickled on the slide daily I have no heart for ought listless or day M.I as on my pillow or sleeve's edge I may not wipe them dry I let them dot by dot and drop by drop to run freely and the third the coloured thread to contain the pearls covering my face tears were of all that shall shangshed but faint has waxed each trace outside my window thousands of baboons law also grow but whether they be stained with tears or not I did not know then there you were still bent upon going on writing the feeling her whole body burn like fire and her face golden hot she advanced towards the chivalr glass and raising the embroidered cover she looked in she saw at a glance that her cheeks were so red that they in very truth put even the peach blossom to the shade yet little did she dream that from this day to realness would assume a more serious phase shortly she threw herself on the bed and with a handkerchief still grasped in her hand she was lost in the reverie putting her aside we will now take up our story with Siren she went to pay a visit to Balchey but as it happened Balchey was not in the garden but had gone to look up her mother Siren however could not very well come back with empty hands so she waited until the second watch when Balchey eventually returned to her quarters indeed so correct an estimate of Siphan's natural disposition did Balchey ever have that from an early moment she entertained within herself some faint suspicion that it must have been Siphan who had instigated some person or other to come in a lot to complain against Balchey and when she also unexpectedly heard Siren's disclosures on the subject she became more positive in her surmises the one who had in fact told Siren was Beiming but Beiming too had arrived at the conjecture in his own mind and could not adduce any definite proof so that everyone treated his statements as founded partly on mere supposition and partly on actual facts but despite this they felt quite certain that it was Siphan who had intrigued Siphan had always enjoyed this reputation but on this particular instance the hum was not actually his own doing yet as everyone with one consent tenaciously affirmed that it was he it was no easy matter for him much though he might argue to clear himself of blame soon after his return on this day from a drinking bout out of doors he came to see his mother but finding Balchey in her rooms they exchanged a few irrelevant remarks I hear he consequently asked that Cousin Balchey has gone into trouble why is it? it's as sure as at the time as soon as therefore as she caught this question she gnashed her teeth with rage and shouted you're good for nothing spiteful fellow it's all you who are at the bottom of this trouble and do you still have the faith to come and ply me with questions these words made Balchey wince where did I stir up any trouble he quickly asked do you still go on shaming cried Mrs. Drew everyone knows full well that it was you who said those things and do you yet to prevaricate were everyone insinuated to assert that I had committed murder will you believe even that your very sister is well aware that they were said by you Mrs. Drew continued and is it likely that she would accuse you falsely pray mother probably interposed Balchey I shouldn't be bawling with it brother just now if you wait quietly we'll find out the plain and honest truth then turn it to us Japan whether it's you who said those things or not she added it of no consequence the whole affair besides is a matter of the past so what need is there for any argument they will only be making a mountain of a molehill I have just one word of advice to give you don't from hence forward be up to such reckless mischief outside and concern yourself a little less with other people's affairs all you do is stay after day do social with your friends and foolishly gad about you're a happy go lucky sort of creature if nothing happens well and good but should by and by anything turn up everyone will there is none of your doing imagine again that you are at the bottom of it not to speak of others why I myself will be the first to suspect you Japan was naturally open-hearted and plain-spoken and could not prove anything in the way of insniridols so when on the one side but I advised him not to foolishly gad about and his mother on the other hinted that he had a foul tongue and that he was the cause that Bahui had been flocked yet one got so exasperated that he jumped about in an erratic manner ended all in his power by vowing and swearing to explain matters who has he ejaculated keeping abuse upon everyone laid such a tissue of lies to my charge I'd like to take the teeth of that felon and pull them out it's clear as day that they shove me forward as a target for now that Bahui has been flocked they find no means of making a display of their zeal but is Bahui forsooth the lord of the heavens that because he has had a thrashing from his father the whole household should be fussing for days the other time he behaved improperly and my uncle gave him two wax but our venerable ancestor came after time somehow or other I don't know how to hear about it and maintaining that it was all due to Mr. Ziajin she called him before her and gave him a good blowing up and here today they have gone further and involved me they may drought me in as much as they like I don't fear a rap but want to be better for me to go into the garden and take Bahui and give him bit of my mind and kill him I can then pay the penalty by laying down my life for his and one and all will enjoy peace and quiet while he clambered and shouted he looked about him for the bar of the door and snatching it up to the consternation of Mrs. Xue who clutched him in her arms you murderous child of retribution she cried whom would you go and beat come first in the sale of me from excitement Xue Pan-Zai protruded like copper bells what are you up to he was liberated that you want to let me go where I please and that you deliberately go on colluminating me but every day that Bahui lives longer by that day I have to bear a false charge so it's as well that we should both die that things be cleared up but I too hurriedly rushed forward be patient a bit she exhorted him his mama in an awful state of despair not to mention that it should be for you to come and pacify her you can't re-rise kick up all this rumpus why saying nothing about her who is your parent or even a perfect stranger to advise you you would be meant for your good but the good counsel she gave you has stirred up your monkey instead from the way you are now speaking Xue Pan rejoined it must be you who said that it was I no one else but you you simply know how to feel displeased with me for speaking argue about time but you don't feel displeased with yourself for that reckless way of yours of looking ahead and not minding what is behind you now bear me a grudge shippen added for looking to what is ahead and not to what is behind but how is it you don't feel indignant with Baoyu for stirring up strife and provoking trouble outside living aside everything else I merely take that of her of Dinh Trang's which occurred the other day and recounted to you as an instance my friends and I came across this Dinh Trang ten times at least but never has he made a single intimate remark to me but how is it that as soon as he met Baoyu the other day he had once produced his sash and gave it to him though he did not so much as to know what his star name and name were now is it likely for soothe that this too was something that I started do you still refer to this exclaimed Mrs. Xu and Baochai out of patience wasn't it about this that he was beaten this makes it clear enough that it's you who gave the thing out really you're enough to exasperate one to death Xuepeng exclaimed had you confined yourself to saying that I had started the yarn I wouldn't have lost my temper but what irritates me is that such a fuss should be made for a single Baoyu as you subvert heaven and earth who fusses shouted Baochai you are the fuss to arm yourself to the teeth and start a row and then you say that it's others Xuepeng seeing that every remark made by Baochai contained so much reasonableness that he could with difficulty refute it and that her words were even harder for him to reply to than were those uttered by his mother he was consequently bent upon contriving a plan to make use of such language as could silence her and compel her to return to her room so as to have no one bored enough to interfere with his speaking but his temper being up he was not in a position to weigh his speech dear sister he readily therefore said you needn't be flying to help with me I've long ago defined your feelings mother told me some time back that for you with that gold trinket must be selected some suitor provided with a jade one as such a one will be suitable match for you and having treasured this in your mind and seeing that Baoyu has that rubbishy thing of his you naturally now sees every occasion to screen him however before he could finish but her trembled with anger and clinging to Mrs. Shu she melted into tears mother she observed have you heard what brother says what is it all about Shu Pan and the side of his sister bathed in tears became alive to the fact that he had spoken inconsiderately and flying into a rage he walked away to his own quarters and retired to rest but we can well dispense with any further comment on the subject Baoyu was at heart full of vexation and displeasure she meant to give vent to her feelings in some way but her fear again of upsetting her mother compelled her to conceal her tears she therefore took leave of her parent and went back all alone on her return to her chamber she sobbed and sobbed throughout the whole night the next day she got out of bed as soon as it dawned but feeling even no inclination to cover her shablua or perform her ablutions she carelessly adjusted her clothes and came out of the garden to see her mother as luck would have it she encountered Daoyu standing alone under the shade of the trees who inquired of her where she was off to I'm going home and as she uttered these words she kept on her way but Daoyu perceived that she was going off in a disconsolate mood and noticing that her eyes betrayed signs of crying and that her manner was unlike that of other days she smileily called out to her from behind sister you should take care of yourself a bit were you even to cry so much as to fill two water jars with tears you shouldn't heal the wounds inflicted by the cane but as what reply Srebochai gave is not yet known to you reader lend a near to the explanation contained in the next chapter end of section 19 recording by Cao Yuqing in Singapore section 20 of the dream of the red chamber book 2 the sister Liberbox recording all Liberbox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit Liberbox.org the dream of the red chamber book 2 by Cao Yuqing translated by Henry Bankraft Jolly chapter 35 part 1 by Yu Chun takes to the lotus leaf soup Wang Jingying skillfully plaques the plum blossom knotted nets Bao Chai had our story goes distantly heard Lin Daiyu sneer but in her eagerness to see her mother and brother she did not so much as turn her head around but continued straight on her way during this time Lin Daiyu halted under the shadow of the trees upon casting a glance in the distance towards the Yi Hong Yuan she observed Wang Chai Ying Chun Tan Jin Xi Chun and various inmates winding their steps in the body in the direction of the Yi Hong court but after they had gone past and company after company of them had dispersed she only failed to see Lady Feng come how is it she cogitated within herself that she doesn't come to see Bao Yu even supposing that there was some business to detain her she should also have put in an appearance so as to carry favor with our venerable senior and Madam Wang but if she hasn't shown herself at this hour of the day there must certainly be some cause or other while preoccupied with conjectures she raised her head by casting glance she discerned a crowd of people as thick as flowers in a bouquet pursuing their way also into the Yi Hong court on looking fixedly she recognized Daochu Lady Jia leaning on Lady Feng's arm followed by Madame Ying and Wang Mrs. Zhou and several girls married women and other domestics in a body into the court at the sight of them Da Yu unwittingly nodded her head and reflected on the benefit of having a father-mother and tears forthwith again betrothed to her face in a while she beheld Bao Chai, Mrs. Xie and the rest likewise go in but at quite an unexpected moment she became aware that Zijun was approaching her from behind Miss, she said you better go and take your medicine the hot water too has got cold what do you after all mean by keeping on pressing me so in quite Da Yu whether I have it or not or said to you the cough smiled Zijun has recently got a trifle better and won't you again take your medicine this is true the fifth moon and whether it's hot but you should nevertheless take good care of yourself a bit here you've been at this early hour of the morning standing forever so long in this damn place so you should go back and have some rest this single hint recalled Da Yu to her senses she at length realized that her legs felt rather tired after lingering about abstractly for a long while she quietly returned into the Xiao Xiang lodge supporting herself on Zijun as soon as they stepped inside the entrance of the court the gaze was attracted by the confused shadows of the bamboos which covered the ground and the traces of moss here fake, they are thin and she could not have recording to mind those two lines of the passage in the Xie Xiang Ji in that long loop someone saunters about why do you coldly bespect the verdant moss Xiang Wen she consequently secretly commuted within herself as she signed had of course a poor fate but she nevertheless had a widowed mother and a young brother but in the unhappy destiny to which I, Da Yu am at present doomed I have neither a widowed mother nor a young brother at this point in her reflections she was about to melt into another fit of crying when of a sudden the parrot under the veranda caught sight of Da Yu approaching and with a streak he jumped down from his perch and make her start with fright are you bent upon passing your own death she exclaimed you have covered my head all over with dust again the parrot flew back to his perch Xie Xiang he kept on shouting quick, raise the portier miss is come Da Yu stopped short and wrapped on the frame with her hand have his foot and water been replenished she asked the parrot both with heath a deep sigh closely resembling in sound the groans usually indulged in by Da Yu and then went on to reside here I am think these flowers do enter but humankind will laugh me as a fool who knows who will in years to come commit me to my grave as soon as these lines fell on the year of Da Yu and each one they blurt out loving this is what you were repeating sometime back miss, did one laughed how did he ever manage to commit it to memory Da Yu then directed someone to tip down the frame and suspended instead on a hoop outside the circular window and presently entering her room she seated herself inside the circular window she has just done drinking her medicine when she perceived that the shade cast by the cluster of bamboos planted outside the window was reflected so far on the gorgeous light as to fill the room with a faint light so green and mellow and we impart a certain coolness to the tea boys and meds but Da Yu had no means at hand to dispel her ennui so from inside the gorgeous light she instigated the parrot to perform his pranks and selecting some verses which had ever found favour with her she tried to teach them to him but without descending to particulars let us now avert to Shabao Chai on her return home she found her mother alone combing her hair and having a wash why do you run over at this early hour of the morning she is bitterly inquired when she saw her enter to see replied Baochai whether you were alright or not mother did he come again? I wonder after I left yesterday and make any more trouble or not as she spoke she said by her mother's side but unable to curb her tears she began to weep seeing her sobbing Mrs. Che herself could not check her feelings and she too burst out into a fit of crying my child she simultaneously exalted her don't feel aggrieved and I would call that child of wrath to order for with anything to happen to you from whom will I have anything to hope? Che Peng was outside and happened to overhear their conversation so with elaborate he ran over and facing Baochai he make a bow now to the left and now to the right observing the while my dear sister forgive me this time some wine yesterday I came back late as I met a few friends on the way on my return home I hadn't as yet got over the films so I unintentionally talked a lot of nonsense but I don't so much as remember anything about all I said it isn't worth your while or ever losing a temper over such a thing Baochai was in fact weeping as she covered her face but the moment this language fell on her ear she could scarcely again refrain from laughing forthwith raising her head she spurted contemptuously on the ground you can well dispense with all this sham she exclaimed I'm well aware that you so dislike us both that you're anxious to devise some way of inducing us to part company with you so that you may be at liberty Sherpeng at these words hastened to smile sister he argued what makes you say so once upon a time you weren't so suspicious and given to uttering anything so perverse Mrs. Sher hurriedly took up the thread of the conversation all you know she interposed is to find fault with your sister's remarks but can it be that what you said last night was the proper thing to say in very truth you were drunk there is no need for you to get angry mother Sherpeng rejoined nor for you sister either for from this day I shouldn't anymore make common cause with them nor drink wine or get about what do you say to that there's equal to an acknowledgement of your failings Baochai laughed could you exercise such strength of will and Mrs. Sher why the dragon too would lay eggs if I again go and get about with them Sherpeng replied and you sister come to hear of it you can freely spit in my face and call me a beast and no human being do you agree to that but why should you too be worried and all through me alone for you mother to be angry on my account is anyhow excusable but for me to keep on worrying you sister makes me less than ever worthy of the name of a human being if now that father is no more I manage instead of showing you plenty of video piety mama and you sister plenty of love to provoke my mother to anger and annoying you sister why I can't compare myself to even a full footed creature while from his mouth issued these words tears rolled down from his eyes for he too found it hard to contain them Mrs. Sher had not at first been overcome by her feelings but the moment his utterances reached her ear she once more began to experience the anguish which they stirred in her heart Balchai made an effort to force a smile you've already she said being the cause of quite enough trouble and do you now provoke mother to have another cry hearing this Sherpeng promptly checked his tears as he put on a smiling expression when did I he asked make mother cry but never mind enough of this let's drop the matter and not allude to it anymore call Xiangming to come and give you a cup of tea sister I don't want any tea Balchai answered I wait until mother have finished washing her hands and then go with her into the garden let me see your necklace sister Sherpeng continued I think it requires cleaning it is so yellow and bright rejoined Balchai I want to use of cleaning it again sister who see the Sherpeng you must now add a few more clothes to your wardrobe so tell me what color and what design you like best I haven't yet worn all the clothes I have Balchai explained and why should I have more made but in a little time Mrs. Sher effected the change in her costume and hand in hand with Balchai she started on her way to the garden Sherpeng therefore took his departure during this while Mrs. Sher and Balchai trudged in the direction of the garden to look of Bao Yu as soon as they reached the interior of the Yihong court they saw a large concourse of waiting mates and maids standing inside as well as outside the ending chambers and they readily concluded that old lady Cha and the other ladies were assembled in his rooms Mrs. Sher and her daughter stepped in after exchanging salutations with everyone present they noticed that Bao Yu was reclining on the coach and Mrs. Sher inquired of him whether he felt any better Bao Yu recently attempted to bow I'm considerably better he said all I do he went on is to disturb you aunt and you my cousin but I don't deserve such attentions Mrs. Sher lost no time in supporting and laying him down mind you tell me whatever may take your fancy should proceed it if I do fancy anything with what about you smilingly I shall certainly send to you aunt for it what would you like to eat likewise inquired Madam Wang so that I may on my return send it round to you there's nothing that I care for smiled Bao Yu though the soup made for me the other day with young lotus leaves and small lotus cores was I thought somewhat nice from what I hear its flavor is nothing very grand ladyfung chimed in lovingly from where she stood on one side it involves however a good deal of trouble to concord and he would deliberately go and fancy this very thing go and get it ready cried Tao Jiu Li the jar several successive times venerable ancestor urged ladyfung with a smile don't you bother yourself about it let me try and remember who can help put the moats away then turning her head round go and bid she enjoined an old matron the chief in the coke house go after a considerable lapse of time the matron returned the chief in the coke house she explained says that the four sets of moats four soups have all been handed up upon hearing this ladyfung thought again for a while yes I remember she afterwards remarked they were handed up but I can't recollect to home they were given possibly they are in the tea room she also dispatched a servant to go and inquire of the keeper of the tea room about them but he too had not got them and it was subsequently the butler entrusted with the care of the gold and silver articles who brought them round Mrs. Xia was the first to take them and examine them what in fact struck her gaze was a small box the contents of which were four sets of silver moats each of these was over a foot long and one square inch in breadth on the top holes were bald of the size of beans some resembled chrysanthemums others plum blossom somewhere in the shape of lotus seed cases others like water chestnuts they numbered in all 30 or 40 kinds and were ingeniously executed in your mention she felt impaled to observe little old Lady Char and Madam Wang everything has been aimably provided for have you got all these things to prepare a plate of soup worth hadn't you told me and I happened to see them I wouldn't have been able to make out what they were intended for Lady Feng did not allow time to anyone to put in her word and she said how could you ever have defined that these were used last year for the imperial violence they thought of a way by which they devised somehow or other I can't tell how some do shapes which borrow a little of the pure fragrance of the new lotus leaves but as all mainly depends upon the quality of the soup they are not after all of much use yet who often goes in for such soup it was made once only and thus at a time when the moats were brought and how is it that so speaking she took the moats and handed them to a married woman to go and issue directions to the people in the cook house to procure at once several files and to add other ingredients besides and prepare 10 bowls of soup what do you want all that lot for observed Madam Wang there's good reason for it answered Lady Feng a dish of this kind isn't at ordinary times very often made and where now that brother Bao Yu has alluded to it only sufficient prepared for him and none for you dear senior, you aren't and you Madam Wang it won't be quite the thing so isn't it better that this opportunity should be availed of to get ready a whole supply so that everyone should partake of some and that even I should throw my reliance on your kind favor taste this novel kind of relish you are sharper than a monkey Dao Zhe Lady Zhao lovingly exclaimed it may apply to her proposal you make use of public money to confer boons upon people this remark evoked general laughter this is a mere bag of tail eagerly laughed Lady Feng even I can afford to stand you such a small treat then turning her head around tell them in the cook house she said to a married woman to please make an extra supply and that they'll get the money from me the matron ascended and went out of the room Bao Chai who was standing there there apart in a post with a smile during the few years that have gone by since I've come here I've carefully noticed that Sister in North Secunder cannot with all her acumen outwith our venerable ancestor my dear child for who replied old Lady Zhao at these words I'm now quite an old woman and how can there still remain any wit in me when I was long ago of your manlike custom Feng's age I have far more wits about me than she has but she now averse that which our standard she's good enough and compared with your aunt Wang why? she's infinitely superior your aunt's poor thing won't speak much just like a block of wood and when with her father and mother in law she won't show herself off to advantage but that girl Feng has a sharp tongue so is it a wonder if people take to her do you say insinuated Baoyu with a smile those who don't talk much are not loved those who don't speak much resumed our Lady Zhao possess the endearing quality of reserve but among those with clip towns there's also a certain despicable lot thus it's better in a word not to have too much to say for oneself quite so smiled Baoyu yet those senior sister in law Zhao Zhu doesn't I must confess talk much you, venerable ancestor treat her just as you do cousin Feng but if you maintain that those alone who can talk are worthy of love then among all those young ladies sister Feng and cousin Lin are the only ones good enough to be loved with regard to the young ladies it isn't that I have any wish to flatter your aunt share in her presence but it is a positive and incontestable fact that there isn't beginning from the four girls in our household a single one able to hold a candle to that girl Baochai at these words Mrs. Share promptly smiled dear venerable senior she said you are the partial in your verdict our dear senior vehemently put in Madam Wang also smiling as often told me in private how nice your daughter Baochai is so this is no lie Baoyu had tried to lead Oly the jar on originally with the idea of inducing her to speak highly of Lin Daoyu but when unaware she began to eulogize Baochai and said the result exceeded all his thoughts and went far beyond his expectations forthwith he cast a glance at Baochai and gave her a smile but Baochai at once twisted her head around and went and chatted with Jiren but all of a sudden someone came to ask them to go and have their meal now the lady jar rose to her feet and enjoined Baoyu herself she then gave a few directions to the waiting-mates and resting her weight on Lady Feng's arm and pressing the Mrs. Share to go out first she and all with her left the apartment in the body but still she kept on inquiring whether the soup was ready or not if there's anything you might fancy to eat she also said to Mrs. Share and the others come and tell me and I know how to co-step her siphon to get it for you as well as me my venerable senior rejoined Mrs. Share you do have the happy neck of putting her on her metal but though she has often got things ready for you you have after all not eaten very much of them and smiled Lady Feng don't make such statements if our worthy senior hasn't eaten me up it's purely and simply because she dislikes human flesh as being sour they should not look down upon it as sour why? she would long ago have garbled me up this joke was scarcely ended when it so tickled the fancy of only the jar and all the inmates that they broke out with one voice in a boisterous fit of laughter while you who was inside the room could not keep quiet really, Jiu Yuan laughed the mouth of our mistress seconder is in love to terrify people to death while you put up his arm and pulled Jiu Yuan you have been standing for so long he smiled that you must be feeling tired saying this he dragged her down and make her take a seat next to him and forgotten lovingly exclaimed Jiu Yuan avail yourself now that Miss Bao Chai is in a court to tell her to kindly bid that Yinger come and plant a few girdles with twisted cords how lucky it is you've reminded me Bao you observed with a smile and putting our respect his head out of the window because of Bao Chai he cried when you've had your repast to tell Yinger to come over I would like to ask her to plant a few girdles for me has she got the time to spare Bao Chai heard him speak and turning around about no time she answered, I'll tell her by and by to come it would be alright Gao Zhaolidijia and the others however failed to catch distinctly the drift of their talk and they halted and made inquiries of Bao Chai what it was about Bao Chai gave them the necessary explanations my dear child remarked Oolidijia to let her come and twist a few girdles for your cousin and should you be in need of anyone for anything I've over at my place a whole number of serving girls doing nothing out of them you are at liberty to send for any you'd like to wait on you we'll send her to plaques them Mrs. Xie and Bao Chai observed smilingly with one consent what can we want her for she also daily idles her time away and is up to every mischief but chatting for a while they were about to proceed on their way when they unexpectedly caught sight of Chiang Yun Ping Er, Chiang Lin and other girls picking balsam flowers near the rocks who as soon as they saw the company approaching advanced to welcome them shortly they all set it out of the garden Madam Wang was burying that Dao Jialidijia's strength might be exhausted and she did her utmost to induce her to enter the drawing room and sit down Oolidijia herself was feeling her legs quite tired out so she advanced another head and expressed her ascent Madam Wang then directed a waiting mate to hurriedly precede them and get ready the seeds but as Mrs. Zhou had about this time pleaded in disposition there was only therefore Mrs. Zhou with the matrons and serving girls at hand so they had ample to do to raise the porters to put the bag cushions in their places and to spread out the rocks and of section 20