 Section 13 of the Dream of the Red Chamber, Book 2. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Dream of the Red Chamber, Book 2 by Qiao Xuqing. Translated by Henry Bankraft Jolie, Chapter 31, Part 1. Jolie allows the girl, Qin Wen, to tear his fan so as to afford her amusement. A wedding proves to be the result of the descent of a unicorn. But the proceed. When she saw on the floor the blood she had brought up, Jolie immediately grew partly cold. What she had often heard people mention in past days, that the lives of young people who expect to raise blood are uncertain. And that although they may live long, they are, after all, mere rags. Fleshed through her mind, the remembrance of this saying at once completely scattered to the winds the wish she had all alone cherished, of striving for honor and of being able to boast of glory, and from her eyes unwittingly ran down streams of tears. When Baoyu saw her crying, his heart was seized with anguish. Was it that praise on your mind, he consequently asked her? Turn strained every nerve to smile. There's no rhyme or reason for anything, she replied. So what can it be? Baoyu's intention was to there and then give orders to the servant to warm some white wine and to ask them for a few Lidong pills compounded with gold's blood. But Jolie clasped his hand tight. My troubling you is of no matter, she smiled. But were I to put ever so many people to inconvenience, there will bear me a ground for my impudence. Not a soul, it's clear enough. Baoyu knows anything about it now, but were you to make such a bustle as to bring it to people's notice? You'll be in an outward fix, and so will I. The proper thing, therefore, is for you to send a page tomorrow to request, not one, to prepare some medicine for me. When I take this, I shall be alright. And as neither any human being nor spirit will thus get wind of it, won't it be better? Baoyu found her suggestion so full of reason that he thought himself obliged to abandon his purpose. So approaching the table, he poured a cup of tea and came over and gave it to Jolie to range her mouth with. Aware, however, as Jolie saw that Baoyu himself was not feeling at ease in his mind. She was on the point of bidding him not to wait upon her, but convinced that he would once more be certain not to accede to her wishes and that the others would, in a second place, have to be disturbed. She deemed it expedient to humor him. Leaning on the coach, she was consequently allowed Baoyu to come and attend to her. As soon as the fifth watch struck, Baoyu unmindful of combing or washing, hastily put on his clothes and left the room. And sending for Wang Jiyin, he personally questioned him with all my newtiness about her ailment. Wang Jiyin asked how it had come about. It simply arose, nothing more, he said, and forthwith he gave him the names of some pills and medicines and told him how they were to be taken and how they were to be applied. Baoyu committed every detail to memory, and when his return into the garden, the treatment was a needless for us to explain, taken in hand in strict compliance with the directions. This was the day of the Dragon Boat Festival. Cattail and Artemisia were put over the doors. Tidal charms were suspended on every bank. At noon, Madam Wang got her banquet ready, and to this midday feast, she invited the mother, daughter, and the rest of the members of the share household. Baoyu noticed that Baochai was in such low spirits that she would not even speak to him, and concluded that the reason was to be sought in the incident of the previous day. Madam Wang, seeing Baoyu in a solemn humor, found at the surmise that it must be due to Jin Chuan's affair of the day before, and so it was at ease that she felt that she heeded him less than ever. Linda Yu detected Baoyu's empathy and presumed that he was out of sorts for having given an umbrage to Baochai, and her manner likewise assumed a listless error. Lady Feng had, in the course of the previous evening, been told by Madam Wang what had taken place between Baoyu and Jin Chuan. And when she came to know that Madam Wang was in an unhappy frame of mind, she herself did not venture to chat or laugh, but at once regulated her behavior to suit Madam Wang's mood. So the lack of animation became more than ever perceptible. For the good share of Yin Chun and her sisters was also damned by the sight of all of them down in the mouth. The natural consequence, therefore, was that they all left after a very short stay. Linda Yu had a natural predilection for retirement. She did not care for social gatherings. Her notions, however, were not entirely devoid of reason. She maintained that people who gathered together must soon part, that when they came together they were full of rejoicing. But did they not feel lonely when they broke up? That since this sense of loneliness gave rise to chagrin, it was consequently preferable not to have any gatherings. The flowers afforded an eight example. When they opened, they won people's admiration. But when they faded, they added to the feeling of vexation. So that better worry if they did not blossom at all. To this cause, therefore, must be assigned the fact that when other people were glad, she, on the contrary, felt unhappy. Ba Yu's disposition was such that he simply yearned for frequent gatherings and looked forward with sorrow to the breaking up which must too soon come round. As for flowers, he wished them to bloom repeatedly and was haunted with the dread of their dying in a little time. Yet Obed's manifold anguish fell to his share when bankers drew to a close and flowers began to fade. He had no alternative but to practice resignation. On this account was it that when the company cheerlessly broke up from the present feast, Lin Da Yu did not mind the separation and that Ba Yu experienced such melancholy and depression that on his return to his apartment, he gave way to deep groans and frequent signs. Qin Wen, as it happened, came to the upper quarters to change her costume. In an unguarded moment, she let her fan slip out of her hand and dropped on the ground. As it fell, the bones were snapped. You stupid thing Ba Yu exclaimed, sighing. What a don'ts! What next will you be up to by and by? When in a little time you get married and have a home of your own, will you forsooth still go on in this epico-lucky careless sort of way? Master Secundus replied Qin Wen with a sceptonic smile. Your temper is of late dreadfully furious and time and again it leaks out on your very face. The other day you even beat Juederen and here you are again now finding fault with us. If you feel disposed to kick or strike us, you are at liberty, sir, to do so at your pleasure. But for a fan to slip on the ground is an everyday occurrence. How many of those crystal jars and collinian bowls were smashed the other time? I don't remember. And yet you were not seen to fly into a tantrum. And now, for a fan, do you distress yourself so? What's the use of it? If you dislike us, well, pick us off and select some good girls to serve you. And we will quietly go away. Won't this be better? This rejoinder so exasperated Bao Yu that his whole frame trembled violently. You needn't be in a hurry, he then shouted. There will be a day of parting by and by. Juederen was on the other side and from an early period she listened to the conversation between them, hurriedly crossing over. What are you up to again? She said to Bao Yu. Why? There is nothing to put your monkey up. I'm perfectly right in my assertion that when I'm away for any length of time, something is sure to happen. Qingwen heard these remarks. Sisters shouldn't have posed smiling ironically. Since you've got the gift of the garb, you should have come at once. You will then have spared your master's fit of anger. It's you who have from bygone days up to the present waited upon master. We've never had anything to do with attending on him and it's because you have served him so faithfully that he repaid you yesterday with a cake on the stomach. But who knows what punishment may be in store for us? Who unfit to wait upon him decently? At these insinuations, Juederen felt both incensed and ashamed. She was about to make some response but Bao Yu had worked himself into such another passion as to get quite yellow in the face and she was obliged to reign in her temper. Puxing Qingwen, dear sister, she cried, you had better be off for a stroll. It's really we who are to blame. The very mention of the word we make a certain to Qingwen that she implied herself and Bao Yu and thus unaware more fuel was added again to a jealous notions. Giving way to several loud smiles full of irony, I can't make out so insinuated who you may mean but don't make me blush on your account. Even those undervalued planks of yours can't hook with me. How and why is it that you've started styling yourself as we? Probably speaking, you haven't as yet so much as attained the destination of a miss. You're simply no better than I am. And how is it then that you presume so high as to call yourself we? Juederen's face grew purple from shame. The fact is, she reflected that I've said more than I should. As one and all of you are ever bearing her malice, as Bao Yu simultaneously observed, I'll actually raise her tomorrow to a higher status. Juederen quickly snatched Bao Yu's hand. She's a stupid girl, she said. What's the use of arguing with her? What's more, you're so far born with them and overlooked ever so many other things more grievous than this. And what are you up to today? If I'm really a stupid girl, repeated Qingwen, smiling sarcastically, am I a fit person for you to hold converse with? Why, I'm purely and simply a slave girl. That's all. Are you, after all, cried Juederen at these words, bickering with me or with Master Secundus? If you bear me a grudge, you're better than address your remarks to me alone. Or bet it isn't right that you should kick up such a hullabaloo in the presence of Mr. Secundus. But if you have a spite again, Mr. Secundus, you shouldn't be shouting so boisterously as to make thousands of people know all about it. I came in a few minutes back merely for the purpose of setting matters right and of urging you to make up your quarrels so that we should all be on a safe side. And here I have the unlucky fate of being set upon by you, Miss. Yet you neither seem to be angry with me nor with Mr. Secundus, but armed, capped up, as you appear to be, what is your ultimate design? I won't utter another word, but let you have your say. While she spoke, she was hurriedly winding her way out. You needn't raise your dander while you remark to Qingwen. I've guessed the secret of your heart, so I'll go and tell Mother that as you have also attained a certain age, she should send you away. Will this please you, yes or no? This illusion made Qingwen unwittingly feel again wounded at heart to try to conceal her tears. Why should I go away, she asked. If even you be so prejudiced against me as to try and devise means to pack me off, you won't succeed. An episode such brawling about you exclaimed, you are certainly bent upon going. I might as well therefore let Mother know, so as to bundle you off. While addressing her, he rose to his feet and was intent upon trudging off at once. Jiren lost no time in turning round and impeding his progress. While you off too, she cried, I'm going to tell Mother, answered Baoyu. It's no use whatsoever, Jiren smiled. You may be in real earnest to go and tell her, but aren't you afraid of putting her to shame? If even she positively means to leave, you can very well wait until you too have got over this bad blood. And when everything is past and gone, it won't be any too late for you to explain, in the course of conversation, the whole case to our Lady, your Mother. But you will now go in hot haste and tell her as if the matter were an urgent one, won't you be the means of making our mistress give way to suspicion? My Mother, Di Mur Baoyu, is sure not to entertain any suspicions. As all I will explain to her is that she insists upon leaving. When did I ever insist upon going? So, Jiren, you fly into a rage, and then you have recourse to threats to intimidate me, but you are at liberty to go and say anything you like, for as I would knock my brains out against the wall, I won't get a life out of this door. This is indeed strange, exclaimed Baoyu. If you won't go, what's the good of all this fuss? I can't stand this polling. So it will be a riddance if you would get out of the way. Saying this, it was resolved upon going to report the matter. Jiren found herself powerless to dissuade him. She had inconsequence no other resource, but to fall on her knees. Bi Hen, Zhou Wen, Xie Yue, and the rest of the waiting-mates had realized all the serious aspects the dispute had assumed. And not a sound was to be heard to fall from their lips. They remained standing outside, listening to what was going on. They now overheard Jiren making solicitors and treaties on her knees. They rushed into the apartment in the body, and with one consent, they prostrated themselves on the floor. Baoyu at once pulled Jiren up. Then with a sign, he took a seat on the bed, got up and shouted to the body of girls, and cleared out. What would you have me do? He asked, addressing himself to Jiren, his heart of mine has been rend to pieces, and no one has any idea about it. While speaking, tears of a sudden rolled down his cheek. At the sight of Baoyu whipping, Jiren also melted into a fit of crying. Zhou Wen was standing by them with watery eyes. She was on the point of reasoning with them when aspiring Linda Yu stepped into the room, too speedily walked out. On a grand holiday like this, remonstrated Linda Yu smiling. How is it that you are sniffling away and all for nothing? Is it likely that high words have resulted all through that dumpling contest? Baoyu and Linda Yu blurted out laughing. You don't tell me a dozen seconds Linda Yu put in, but I know all about it, even though I have asked no questions. Now she spoke, and now she patted Jiren on the shoulder. My dear sister-in-law, she smiled, just you tell me, it must surely be that you two have had a quarrel, confide in me your cousin, so that I might reconcile you. Miss Lin rejoined Jiren, pushing her off. What are you fussing about? I'm simply one of our seven girls. You are therefore rather erratic in your talk. You say that you are only a certain girl, smilingly replied Dai Yu, and yet I treat you like a sister-in-law. Why do you, Baoyu, chime in, give her this abusive epithet? But however much she may make allowance for this, can she, when there are so many others who tell idol tales on her account, put up with your coming and telling her or you have said, Miss Lin smiled to Jiren, you are not aware of the purpose of my heart. Unless my breath fails and I die, I shall continue in his service. If you die, you must Lin Dai Yu smile. What will others do, I wonder? As for me, I shall be the first to die from crying. Were you to die at Baoyu's lovingly, I shall become a bonds. You better be a little more sober-minded, love Jiren, what's the good of coming out with all these things. Lin Dai Yu put out two of her fingers and pocketed up her lips. Up to this, she laughed, it's become a bonds trice. Henceforward, I'll try and remember how many times you make up your mind to become a Buddhist priest. This reminded Baoyu that she was referring to a mark he had made on a previous occasion. But smiling to himself, he allowed the matter to drop. After a short interval, Lin Dai Yu went away. A servant then came to announce Mr. Xie wanted to see him and Baoyu had to go. The purpose of this visit was in fact to invite him to a banquet. And as he could not very well put forward an excuse to refuse, he had to remain to the end of the feast before he was able to take his leave. The result was that, on his return in the evening, he was to a great extent under the effect of wine. With bustling step, he went this way into his own court. Here he perceived that the cool coach with a back to it had already been placed in the yard and that there was someone asleep on it. To the conviction that it must be Jiu Ren, Baoyu seated himself on the edge of the coach. As he did so, he gave her a push and inquired whether her sore place was any better. But thereupon he saw the occupant turn herself round and exclaimed, What do you come again to irritate me for? Baoyu at a glance realized that it was not Jiu Ren, but Jing Wen. Baoyu then clutched her and held her to sit next to him. Your disposition, they smiled, has been more and more spoiled through in thousands. When you let the fan drop this morning, I simply made one or two remarks and out you came with that long rigmarole. Had you gone for me, it wouldn't have mattered. But you also dragged in Jiu Ren, who only interfered with very good intention of inducing us to make it up again. But point and now, have you done it, yes or no? With this intense heat demonstrated, Jing Wen, what do you pull me and toss me about? Should any people see you, what would they think? But this person of mine isn't meat to be seated in here. Since you yourself know that it isn't meat, replied Baoyu with a smile, why then were you sleeping here? To this town, Jing Wen had nothing to say, but she spurted out into fresh laughter. It was alright, she retorted, during your absence, but the moment you come, it isn't meat for me to stay. Get up and let me go and have my bath. Jiu Ren and Xie Yue have both had theirs, so I'll call them here. I have just had again a good deal of wine, remarked Baoyu, laughingly. So a wash will be good for me, and since you have not had your bath, you had better bring the water, and let's both have it together. No, no, smiled Jing Wen, waving her hand. I cannot presume to put you to any trouble. Sir, I still remember how, when Bi Heng used to look after your bath, you occupied fully two or three hours. What you were up to during that time, we never knew. We could not very well walked in. When you had our river done washing, and we entered your room, we found the floor so covered with water, that the legs of the bed were soaking, and the matting itself a regular pool. Nor could we make out what kind of washing you've been having. And for days afterwards, we had a laugh over it. But I've neither any time to get the water ready, nor do I see the need for you to have a wash along with me. Besides, today is chilly, and as you've had a bath only a little while back, you can very well just now dispense with one. But I'll draw a basin of water for you to wash your face, and to shampoo your head with. Not long ago, Yuan Yang sent you a few fruits. They were put in that crystal bowl, so you'd better tell them to bring them to you to taste. Well, in that case, laughed Ao Yu. You needn't also have a bath. Just simply wash your hands and bring the fruits and let's have some together. I'm so shaky, smiled Qin Wen, that even fans slip out of my hands. And how could I fetch the fruit for you? While I also do break the dish, it will be still more dreadful. If you want to break it, break it. Smiled Bao Yu. These things are only intended for general use. You like this thing? I fancy that. Our respective tastes are not identical. The original use of that fan, for instance, was the fan once self-worth. But if you choose to break it for fun, you were quite a liberty to do so. The only thing is, when you get angry, don't make it the means of giving vent to your temper. Just like those selfers. They're really meant for serving things in. But if you fancy that kind of sound, then deliberately smash them. That would be alright. But don't, when you are in high dodging, avail yourself of them to air your resentment. That's what one would call having a fancy for a thing. Qin Wen greeted his words with a smile. Since that episode she said, bring me your fan and let me tear it. What most takes my fancy is tearing. Upon hearing this, our Yu smilingly handed it to her. Qin Wen, in punch of fact, took it over and with a crash, she ran it in two. Close upon this, the sound of crash upon crash became audible. Our Yu was standing next to her. How nice the noise is, he laughed. Tear it again and make it sound a little more. But while we spoke, she a year was seen to walk in. Don't, she smiled, be up to so much mischief. While Yu however, went up to her and snatching her fan also from her hand. He gave it to Qin Wen. Qin Wen took it and there and then likewise broke it in two. Both he and she then had a hearty laugh. What do you call this? Xie Yue, expostulated. Do you take my property and make it the means of distracting yourselves? Open the fan box, shout out to Bao Yu and choose one and take it away. What, are they such fine things? In that case, I ventured Xie Yue. Fetch the fans and let her break as many as she can. Won't that be nice? Go and bring them at once, Bao Yu laughed. I won't be up to any such confullery. Xie Yue demurred. She hasn't snapped her hands. So, bid her go herself and fetch them. I'm feeling tired, interposed, Qin Wen as she lovingly leaned on the bed. I'll therefore tear some more tomorrow again. An orator says at the Bao Yu with a smile that a thousand ounces of gold cannot purchase a single love. What can a few fans cost? After moralizing, he went on to call Jiren. Jiren has just finished the necessary change in her dress, so she stepped in. And a young servant girl, Jia Hui, crossed over and picked up the broken fans. Then they all sat and enjoyed a cool breeze. But we can well dispense with launching into any of my new details. Enough section 13. Section 14 of the Dream of the Red Chamber. Book 2. This is a Liber Box recording. All Liber Box 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 Zhao Shuqing. Translated by Helby Bankraft Jolie. Chapter 31, Part 2. On the morrow, Nun found Madam Wang, Xue Baochai, Lin Daiyu, and the rest of the young ladies congregated in Daoja Lady Jar's suite of rooms. Someone then brought the news that Miss Xi had arrived. In a little time they perceived Xi Xiangyun make her appearance in the court, at the head of a bevy of waiting-mates and married women. Baochai, Daiyu, and her other cousins quickly ran down the steps to meet her and exchange greetings. But with what further goes of tender years we unite someday after a separation of months. Need not, of course, be explained. Presently she entered the apartment, paid her respects and inquired how they all were. But after this conventional interchange of salutations, Old Lady Jar pressed her to take off her outer garments as the weather was so close. Xi Xiangyun lost no time in rising to her feet and loosening her clothes. I don't see why, whether or not there are points mild, you wear all these things. It's entirely at Aunt Sikunda's bidding, retorted Xi Xiangyun, that I put them on. Why would anyone of her own accord wear so many things? Aunt, interposed Baochai, who stood by with a smile. You are not aware that what most elites her in the matter of dress is to don other people's clothes. Yes, I remember how during a stay here in the third and fourth months of last year she used to wear Kazanbao's polices. She even put on his shoes and attached his frontlets as well around her head. At a casual glance, she looked at the very image of Kazanbao. What was so plump was that pair of earrings of hers. As she stood at the back of that chair, she so thoroughly took in her venerable ancestor that she kept on shouting, Baoyu, come over. Mind the tassels suspended on that lamp. For if you shake the dust off, it may get into your eyes. But all she did was to laugh. She did not budge. And it was only after everyone found it hard to keep their countenance that our worthy senior also started loving. You do look well in male habiliments, so said to her. What about that? cried Lin Daoyu. Why? She had scarcely been here with us a couple of days in the first moon of last year when we sent and fetched her that we had a fall of snow, you venerable senior, and her maternal aunt had on that day, I remember so well, just returned from worshiping the images of our ancestors. And a brand new deep red felt wrapper of yours, dear grandmother, had been lying over there when suddenly it disappeared. But lo, she it was who had put it on. Being however too large and too long for her, she took a couple of handkerchiefs and fastened them around her waist. She was then trudging into the backcourt with the seven girls to make snowmen when she tripped and fell flat in front of the train and got covered all over with mud. As she narrated this incident, everyone recalled the circumstances to mind and had a good laugh. Dame Zhou, Baoyu smilingly inquired of Nurse Zhou, is your young lady always as fond of pranks as ever or not? Nurse Zhou then also gave a laugh. Pranks are nothing, in June smiled. What I do detest is her fondness for tittle tattle. I've never seen anyone who even when asleep goes on chatter chatter, loving and now talking as she does. Nor can I make out where she gets all those idolions of hers. I think she's better off late in the post-medal one. The other day some party or other came and they met, so she's to have a mother-in-law very soon. And can she still be comporting herself like that? Are you going to stay the day? Elder Lady Zhou then asked. Or going back home? Nurse Zhou smiled. Your venerable leadership has not seen what an amount of clothes you have brought, she replied, we mean of course, to stay a couple of days. Is cousin Baoyu not at home inquired Xiao Yun? That's just again, she doesn't think of others, remarked Baochai smiling significantly. She only thinks of her cousin Baoyu. They are both so fond of lies. This proof that she hasn't yet got rid of that spirit of Miss Cheap. You are all now grown up, observed in Old Lady Zhao, and you shouldn't allude to infant names. But while she was chiding them, they noticed Baoyu arrive. Cousin Yun, have you come? He smiled. How is it that you wouldn't come the other day when someone was dispatched to fetch you? It's only a few minutes, Madam Wang said, since our venerable senior called that one to task. And now here he comes and refers to names and surnames. Your cousin Baoyu learned Lin Da Yu as something good which has been waiting to give you. What good thing is it? Ask Xiao Yun. Will you believe what she says? Observe Baoyu laughingly. But how many days is it that I have not seen you and you have grown so much taller? Is cousin Zhe Ren alright inquired Xiao Yun? She's alright to answer Baoyu. Many thanks for your kind thought of her. I've brought something nice for her, resumed Xiao Yun, saying this should produce her handkerchief tied into a knot. Was this something nice? Asked Baoyu. Wouldn't it have been better if you brought her a couple of those rings with streaked stones of the kind you sensed the other day? Why? What's this? exclaimed Xiao Yun laughing, opening as she spoke the handkerchief. Unclose scrutiny, they actually found four streaked rings similar to those she had previously sent, tied up in the same packet. Look here. Lin Da Yu smiled. What a girl she is. Had you when sending that feather the other day to bring ours, given him this also to bring along with him, wouldn't it have saved trouble? Instead of that, here you firstly bring them yourself today. I presumed that it was something out of the way again. But is it really only these things? In very truth, you are mere don'ts. Is you who behave like a don's now? She, Xiao Yun, smiled. I'll speak out here and let everyone judge for themselves who is the don's. The servant, the pewter to bring the things to you, had no need to open his mouth and say anything. For as soon as they were brought in, it was of course evident, at a glance, that they were to be presented to you young ladies. But had he been the bearer of these things for them, I would have been under the necessity of explaining to him which was intended for this serving girl and which for that. Had the messenger had his wits about him, well and good. But had he been at all stupid, he wouldn't have been able to remember so much as the names of the girls. He would have made an awful mess of it and talked a lot of nonsense. So instead of being of any use, he would have even muddled hickety-pickety your things. Had a female servant been dispatched, it would have been alright. But as it happened, a servant boy was again sent the other day. So how could he have mentioned the names of the waiting girls? And by my bringing them in person to give them to them, doesn't it make things clearer? As she said this, she put down the four rings. One is for sister Jeon, she continued, one is for sister Yuanyang, one for sister Jin Chun-er, and one for sister Ping-er. They are only for these four girls. But would the servant boys, two for Suf, have remembered them so clearly? As these words, the whole company smiled. How really clear, they cried. This is what it is to be able to speak, how you put in. She doesn't spare anyone. Hearing this, Lin Da-yu gave a sartonic smile. If she didn't know how to use her tongue, she observed, would she deserve to wear that unicorn of gold? While speaking, she rose and walked off. Luckily, everyone did not hear what she said. She and Bao-chai burst up her lips and laughed. Bao-yu however had overheard her remark and he blamed himself for having once more talked in a heedless manner. Unaverse, his eyes aspired Bao-chai much amused and he too could not suppress a smile. But at the sight of Bao-yu in laughter, Bao-chai instantly rose to her feet and withdrew. She went in search of Da-yu to have a chat and laugh with her. After you've had tea, only the jar there are points said to Xiangyun, you'd better rest a while and then go and see your sisters-in-law. Besides, it's cool in the garden, so you can walk about with your cousins. Xiangyun expressed her accent and collecting the three rings she wrapped them up and went and laid down to rest. Presently she got up with the idea of paying a visit to Lady Feng and her other relatives. Followed by a whole basket of nurses and waiting-mates, she repaired into Lady Feng's quarters on the off-site. She bandied with her for a while and then coming out, she took herself into the garden of broad vista and called on Li Gong-chai. But on a short visit, she turned her steps towards the Yihong Court to lock up Jiren. The people needed, she said, turning her head round. Come along with me. You may go and see your friends and relatives. It would be quite enough if you simply leave Chui Lu to wait upon me. Hearing her wishes eat when her own way in quest of aunts or sisters-in-law, there only remained but Xiangyun and Chui Lu. How is it in quite Chui Lu that these lotus flowers have not yet opened? The proper season hasn't yet arrived, but they have joined Xi Xiangyun. They too continued Chui Lu, resembled those in our pond. They are double flowers. These here remarked Xiangyun are not however up to ours. They have over there observed Chui Lu. A pomegranate tree with four or five branches joined one to another just like one story raised above another story or trouble it must have caused them to wear. Flowers and plants suggested Xi Xiangyun are precisely like the human race. With sufficient vitality, they grow up in a healthy condition. I can't credit these words replied Chui Lu, twisting her face around if you maintain that they are like human beings. How is it that I haven't seen any person with one head growing over another? This rejoinder evoked a smile from Xiangyun. I tell you not to talk, she cried, but you will insist upon talking. How do you expect people to be able to answer everything you say? All things, whether in heaven or on earth, come into existence by the cooperation of the dual powers, the male and female. So all things whether good or bad, novel or strange, and all those manifold changes and transformations arise entirely from the favorable or adverse influence exercised by the male and female powers. And though some things seldom seen by mankind might come to life, the principle at work is, after all, the same. In the face of these arguments laughed Chui Lu, everything from old to now, from the very creation itself embodies a certain proportion of the Yin and Yang principles. You stupid thing, exclaimed Xiangyun smiling. The more you talk, the more stuff and nonsense falls from your lips. What about everything embodying a certain proportion of the principles Yin and Yang? Besides the two words Yin and Yang are really one word, for when the Yang principle is exhausted, it becomes the Yin. And when the Yin is exhausted, it becomes Yang. And it isn't that, as the exhaustion of the Yin and other Yang comes into existence, and that, as the exhaustion of the Yang, a second Yin arises. This trash is sufficient to kill me, ejaculated Chui Lu. What are the Yin and Yang? Why? They are without substance or form. But pray, miss, tell me what sort of things these Yin and Yang can be? The Yin and Yang explained Xiangyun are no more than spirits, but anything affected by the influence that one assumes form. The heavens, for instance, are Yang, and the earth is Yin. Water is Yin, and fire is Yang. The sun is Yang, and the moon, Yin. Quite so, quite so, cried out Chui Lu. Much amused by these explanations, I've at length attained perception. It isn't strange, then, that people invariably call the sun Tai Yang, while astrologers keep on speaking of the moon as Tai Yin-Sin, or something like it. It must be on account of this principle. Amitabha, Laugh Xiangyun, you have at last understood. All these things possess the Yin and Yang. That's alright, Chui Lu put in, but is there any likelihood that all those mosquitos, fleas, and worms, flowers, herbs, bricks and tiles have in like manner anything to do with the Yin and Yang? How don't they, exclaimed Xiangyun? For example, even the leaves of that tree are distinguished by Yin and Yang. The side which looks up and faces the sun is called Yang, while that in the shade downward is called Yin. Is it really so? Exhausted Chui Lu upon hearing this, while she smiled and nodded her head. Now I know all about it, but which is Yang and which Yin in these fans were holding? This side, the front, is Yang, answered Xiangyun, and that the reverse is Yin. Chui Lu went on to nod her head to laugh. She felt inclined to apply her questions to several other things, but as she could not fix her mind upon anything in particular, she all of a sudden drooped her head, catching sight of the pendant in gold representing a unicorn, which Xiangyun had about her person. She thought with, made allusion to it. This miss, she said smiley, cannot likely also have Yin and Yang. The beasts of the field and the birds of the air proceeded Xiangyun, the cockbirds, Yang, and the handbirds, Yin. The females of beasts are Yin and the males, Yang. So how is that done? Is this male or is this female inclined Chui Lu? Chui exclaimed Xiangyun, what about male and female? Here you are with your annoyances again. Well, never mind about that, at the Chui Lu. But how is it that all things have Yin and Yang, and that we human beings have no Yin and no Yang? Xiangyun then lowered her face. You low-bred thing, she exclaimed, but it's better for us to proceed on our way. For the more questions you ask, the nicer they get. What's there in this that you can't tell me? Asked Chui Lu. But I know all about it, so there's no need for you to keep me on pins and needles. Xiangyun blurted out laughing. What do you know? She said, that you miss our Yang, and that I'm in. Answered Chui Lu. Xiangyun produced a rancor chip and while screening her mouth with it, burst out into a loud fit of laughter. What I say must be right for you to laugh in this way, Chui Lu, observed. Perfectly right, acquires Xiangyun. People say continued Chui Lu, that masters are Yang and that certain girls are Yin. Don't I even apprehend this primary principle? You apprehended thoroughly, responded Xiangyun laughingly. But while she was speaking, she aspired under the trellis with the cinnamon roses, something glistening like gold. Do you see that? What is it? Xiangyun asked, pointing at it. Hearing this, Chui Lu hastily went over and picked up the object. While scrutinizing it, she observed with a smile. Let's us find out whether it's Yin or Yang. So she first lay hold of the unicorn, belonging to Xi Xiangyun under inspection. Xi Xiangyun longed to be shown what she had picked up, but Chui Lu would not open her hand. It's a precious gem. She smiled. You may not see it. Miss, where can it be from? How very strange it is. I've never seen anyone in here with anything of the kind. Give it to me and let me look at it. We told Xiangyun, Chui Lu stretched out her hand with a dash. Let's miss. Please look at it. She left. Xiangyun raised her eyes. She perceived at a glance that it was a golden unicorn, so beautiful and so bright and so much larger and handsomer than the one she had on. Xiangyun put out her arm and taken a gem in the palm of her hand. She fell into a silent reverie and uttered not a word. She was quite absent-minded when certainly Baoyu appeared in the opposite direction. What are you two, he asked, smiling, doing here in the sun? How is it you don't go and find Zhe Ren? Xi Xiangyun precipitately concealed the unicorn. We were just going, she replied, so let us all go together. Conversing, they in the company went the steps into the Yihong court. Zhe Ren was leaning on the balustrade at the bottom of the steps. Her face turned to the breeze. Upon unexpectedly seeing Xiangyun arrive, she with alacrity rushed down to greet her and taking her hand in hers. They cheerfully canvassed the events that had transpired during the separation while they entered the room and took a seat. You should have come earlier, Baoyu said. I've got something nice and was only waiting for you. So in this, he searched and searched about this person. After a long interval, Ayya, he ejaculated. Have you by chance put that thing away? He eagerly asked Zhe Ren. What thing? Inquired Zhe Ren. The unicorn explained Baoyu. I got the other day. You've daily warned it about you and how is it you asked me? Remarked Zhe Ren. As soon as her answer fell on his ear, Baoyu clapped his hands. I've lost it. He cried. Where can I go and look for it? Zhe Ren then he managed to go and search in person. But Xi Xiangyun heard his inquiries and concluded that it must be he who had lost the gem. When the you two should promptly smile get the unicorn. I got it the other day after ever so much trouble. We joined Baoyu. I can't make out when I can have lost it. I've also become quite idol-headed. Fortunately, smiled Xi Xiangyun. It's only a sort of a toy. Still, are you so careless? While speaking, she flung open her hand. Just see. She laughed. Is it this or not? As soon as she saw it, Baoyu was seized with unwanted delight. Just read her if you care to know the cause of his delight. The rules to explanation contained in the next chapter. End of section 14 Section 15 of the Dream of the Red Chamber Book 2 This is a Librebox recording. All Librebox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librebox.org Recording by using in Singapore. The Dream of the Red Chamber Book 2 by Cao Xueqing translated by Henry Bencroft's Jolly Chapter 32, Part 1 Xi Ren and Xiangyun tell their secret thoughts. Da Yu is infatuated with living Baoyu. While trying to conceal her sense of shame and injury, Zhong Chua is driven by her impetuous feelings to seek death. But here is a more narrative. At the side of the unicorn, Baoyu was filled with intense delight. So much so, that he forthwith put out his hand and made a grab for it. Luckily enough, it was you who picked it up, he said, with a face gleaming with smiles. But when did you find it? Fortunately, it was only this rejoined as Xiangyun laughing. If you buy and buy, also lose a seal, will you likely banish it at once from your mind and never make an effort to discover it? After all, smiled Baoyu. The loss of a seal is an ordinary occurrence, but had I lost this, it would have deserved to die. Xi Ren then poured a cup of tea and handed it to Xiangyun. Miss Senior, he remarked smileily, I heard that you had occasioned the other day to be highly pleased. Xiangyun flushed crimson. She went on drinking her tea and did not utter a single word. Here you are again, full of shame. Xi Ren smiled. But do you remember when we were living about ten years back in those warm rooms on the west side and you confided in me one evening? You didn't feel any shame then? And how is it you blush like this now? Do you still speak about that? exclaimed Xi Ren laughingly. You and I were then great friends, but when our mother subsequently died and I went home for a while, how is it you were once sent to be with my cousin Secundus and that now I've come back you don't treat me as you did once. Are you yet harping on this? retorted Xi Ren putting on a smile. Why, at first, used to coax me with a lot of endearing terms to comb your hair and to water face, to do this and that for you. But now that you've become a big girl, you assume the manner of a young mistress towards me. And as you put on this heirs of a young mistress, how can I ever presume to be on a familiar footing with you? Umi tuofo, kral shisaming. What a false accusation. If I be guilty of anything of the kind, may I at once die. Just see what a boiling hot day this is and yet as soon as I arrived I felt bound to come and look you up first. If you don't believe me, well, ask for lure. And while at home, when I did not at every instant say something about you, scarcely has she concluded that Xi Ren and Bao you tried to soothe her. We were only joking, they said, but you've taken everything again as gospel. What, are you still so impetuous in your temperament? You don't say, Umi tuofo, that your words are hard things to swallow, but contrary to what is called people's temperaments impetuous. As she spoke, she unfolded her handkerchief and, producing a ring, she gave it to Xi Ren. Xi Ren did not know how to think her enough. When, she consequently smiled, you sent those to your cousin the other day, I got one also, and hear you yourself bringing me another today. It's clear enough, therefore, that you haven't forgotten me. This alone has been quite enough to test you. After the ring itself, what is it's worth, but it's a token of the sincerity of your heart. Who gave it to you? Inquired Xi Ren. Miss Bao let me have it, replied Xi Ren. I was under the impression, remarked Xi Ren with a sigh, that it was as present from cousin Lin, but is it really cousin Bao that gave it to you? When I was at home, I day after day found myself reflecting that among all these cousins of mine, there wasn't one able to compare with cousin Bao. So excellent is Xi. How I do regret that we are not the offspring of one mother, for could I boast of such a sister of the same flesh and blood as myself? It wouldn't matter though, I had lost both father and mother. While indulging in these regrets, her eyes got quite red. Never mind, never mind, interposed Bao Yu. We need to speak of these things. If I do allude to this, answered Xi Ren, what does it matter? I know that weak point of yours, you're in fear and trembling, let your cousin Lin should come to hear what I say, and get angry with me again with eulogising cousin Bao. Now, isn't it this, eh? Love Xi Ren, you were standing by her. Miss Ving, she said, know that you've grown up to be a big girl, you've become more than ever open-hearted and outspoken. When I contend, smiled Bao Yu, that it is difficult to say a word to any one of you, I'm indeed perfectly correct. My dear cousin, observed Xi Ren laughingly, don't go on in that strain, you'll provoke me to this pleasure. When you are with me all you are good for, is to talk and talk away, but were you to catch a glimpse of cousin Lin, you would once more be quite at a loss to know what's best to do. Now, enough of your jokes, urged Xi Ren, I have a favour to crave of you. What is it, vehemently inquired Xi Zhang Yun? I've got a pair of shoes, answered Xi Ren, for which I've stuck to the padding together, but I'm not feeling up through the mark these last few days, so I haven't been able to work at them. If you have any leisure, do finish them for me. This is indeed strange, exclaimed Xi Zhang Yun. Running aside all the skillful workers engaged in your household, you have besides some people for doing needlework, and others for tailoring and cutting. And how is it, you appeal to me, to take your shoes in hand? Were you to ask any one of those men to execute your work, who could very well refuse to do it? Here you are in another stupid mood, loved Xi Ren. Can it be that you don't know that our sewing in these quarters may not be done by these needle workers? And this reply, yet once dawned upon Xi Zhang Yun, that the shoes must be intended for Bao Yu. Since that be the case, she in consequence smiled, I'll work them for you. There's however one thing, I'll readily attend to any of yours, but I will have nothing to do with any for other people. There you are again, loved Xi Ren. Who am I to venture to trouble you to make shoes for me? I'll tell you plainly however, that they are not mine, but no matter whose they are, it is anyhow I will be the recipient of your favour. That is sufficient. Xi Zhang Yun, you've put me to the trouble of working. I don't know how many things for you. The reason why I refuse on this occasion should be quite evident to you. I can't nevertheless make it out, answered Xi Ren. I heard the other day, continued Xi Zhang Yun, a sudden smile on her lip, that while the fan case I had worked was being held in her bed with that of someone else, it too was slashed away in a fit of high dudgeon. This reached my ears long ago, and you still try to dupe me by asking me again to now to make something more for you. Have I really become a slave to you people? As to what I heard the other day, he surely explained about you smiling. I positively had no idea that the thing was your hand of work. He never knew that you'd done it. Xi Ren also laughed. I asked him by telling him that there had been off late some capital hands at needlework outside who could execute any embroidery with surpassing beauty and that I had asked them to bring a fan case just to try them and to see whether they could actually work well or not. He had once believed what I said but as he produced this case and gave it to this one and that one to look at he somehow or other, I don't know to put someone's back up and she cut it into two. On his return however he made me hurry the men to make another and at length I explained to him that it had been worked by you. He felt I can't tell you what keen regret. This is getting stranger and stranger said Xi Ren. It wasn't worth the while for Miss Lin to lose her temper about it but as she sized the scissors so admirably why you might as well tell her to finish the shoes for you. She couldn't, replied Xi Ren. For besides other things our venerable lady is still in fear and trembling, lest she should tie herself in anyway. The doctor likewise says that she will continue to enjoy good health so long as she is carefully looked after. So who would wish to ask her to take them in hand? Narsia, she managed to just get through a scented bag after a whole year's work but here we've already reached the middle of the present year and she hasn't yet taken up any needle or thread. In the course of their conversation a servant came and announced that the gentleman who lived in the Xiongnong street had come. Our master, he added is you Mr. Sukundus come out and greet him. As soon as while you heard this announcement he knew that Jiayun Sun must have arrived and he felt very unhappy at heart. Xi Ren hurried to go and bring his clothes. Baoyu meanwhile put on his boots but as he did so he gave way to resentment. Why there's father he soliloquized to sit with him that should be enough and must he on every visit he pays insist upon seeing me. It is of course because you've such a knack for receiving and visitors that Mr. Jiazheng will have you go out. Laughingly interposed Shi Xiangrong from one side as you waved her fan. Is it father's doing? Baoyu rejoined. Why, it's himself who asked that I should be sent forth to see him. When a host is courteous visitors come often smiled Xiangrong so it's surely because you possess certain qualities which I've worn his regard insist upon seeing you. But I am not what one would call courteous demerred Baoyu. I am of all course people the courses. Besides, I do not choose to have any relations with such people as himself. Here again at that unchangeable temperament of yours laughed Xiangrong. But you're a big fellow now and you should at least if it loads to study and go and pass for a provincial graduate or metropolitan graduate have frequent intercourse with officers and ministers of state and discuss those various attainments which one acquires in an official career so that you also may be able in time to have some idea about matters in general. And that when by and by you've made friends they may not see you spending the whole day long in doing nothing then loafing in our midst. Every imaginable mischief miss exclaimed Baoyu after this herring play go and sit in some other go's room for mind-wine like myself may contaminate a person who knows so much of attainments and experience as you do. miss drop this at once last time miss Baoyu tended him this advice but without troubling himself as to whether uneasy or not he simply came out with an ejaculation of high and rushed out of the place miss Baoyu hadn't meanwhile concluded her say so when she saw him fly she got so full of shame that flushing scarlet she could neither open her lips nor hold her own counsel but lucky for him it was only miss Baoyu Had it been miss Lin there's no saying what to row they may not have been again may not have been shun yet the very mention of all she had to tell him is enough to make people look up to miss Baoyu with respect but after a time she also but took herself away I then felt very unhappy as I imagined that she was angry but contrary to all my expectations she was by and by just the same as ever she is in very truth long suffering and indulgent this other party contrary wise had been quite distant to her little though one would have thought it of him and as miss Baoyu perceived that he had lost his temper and didn't choose to seed her she subsequently made I don't know how many apologies to him did miss Lin ever talk such trash exclaimed Baoyu had she ever talked such stuff in nonsense it would have long ago become chilled towards her what you say is all trash but she was remarked with one voice while they shook their heads to and fro and smiled Lin Daoyu the fact is was well aware that now that the shusang ring was staying in the mansion Baoyu too was certain to hasten to come and tell her all about the unicorn he had got so she thought to herself in the foreign traditions and wild stories introduced here of late by Baoyu literary persons and pretty girls are for the most part wrought together in marriage through the agency of some trifling but ingenious knickknack these people either have miniature depth of phoenixes jade necklace or gold pendants fine handkerchiefs or elegant sashes and they have through the instrumentality of such trivial objects invariably succeeded in accomplishing the wishes they entertained throughout their lives when she recently discovered by some unforeseen way that Baoyu had likewise a unicorn she began to apprehend lest he should make this circumstance a pretext to create an estrangement with her an indulge with shusang ring as well in various free and easy flirtations and fine doings she therefore quietly crossed over towards her opportunity and take such action as would enable her to get an insight into his and her sentiments contrary however to all her calculations no sooner did she reach her destination than she overheard shusang ring dilate on the topic of experience and Baoyu would go on to observe cousin Lin had never indulged in such stuff in Nansen had she ever uttered any such trash it would have become chilled even towards her this language suddenly produced a Lin Dairi's mind both surprise as well as delight sadness as well as regret delight at having indeed been so correct in her perception that he whom she had ever considered in the light of a true friend had actually turned out to be a true friend surprise because she set herself he has in the presence of so many witnesses displayed such partiality as to speak in my praise and has shown such affection and friendliness for me as to make no attempt whatever to show suspicion regret for since she pondered you are my intimate friend you could certainly well look upon me too as your intimate friend and if you and I be real friends why need there be any more talk about gold and jade but since there be that question of gold and jade you and I should have such things in our possession yet why should this bar try stepping again bring us sad because she reflected my father and mother departed life at an early period and because I have in spite of the secret engraving on my heart and imprinted on my bones not a soul to act as a mentor to me besides off late I continuously feel confusion creep over my mind so my disease must already have gradually developed itself the doctors further state that my breath is weak my blood is poor and that they dread less consumption should declare itself so despite that sincere friendship I foster for you I cannot I fear last for very long you are I admit a true friend to me but what can you do for my unfortunate destiny upon reaching this point in her reflections she cannot control her tears and they rolled freely down her cheeks so much so that when about to enter and meet her cousins she experienced such utter lack of sex that while drying her tears she turned around and went at her steps back in the direction of her apartments end of section 15 recording by Kauru Singh in Singapore section 16 of the dream of the red chamber book 2 Lieberbach's recording all Lieberbach's recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit Lieberbach's.org recording by Cao Xiuqing in Singapore the dream of the red chamber book 2 by Cao Xueqing translated by Henry Bencroft Jolie chapter 32 part 2 Bao Yu, meanwhile had hurriedly got into his new costume upon coming out of doors he caught sight of Lin Daiyu walking quietly ahead of him engaged to all appearances and wiping tears from her eyes with rapid stride he overtook her cousin Lin he smiled where are you off to how is it that you're crying again who has once more hurt your feelings Lin Daiyu turned her head around to look and seeing that it was Bao Yu just smiled why should I be crying? she replied when there is no reason to do so look here observed Bao Yu smilingly the tears in her eyes are not dry yet and do you still tell me a fib seeing this he could not check an impulse to raise his arm and wipe her eyes but Lin Daiyu speedily withdrew several steps backwards are you again bent? she said upon compassing her own death then why do you knock your hands and to your feet about in this wise while I intend upon speaking I forgot all about propriety and gesticulated get called inadvertently but walk here whether I die or live to die would after all added Lin Daiyu before you of no matter but you will leave behind some gold or other and a unicorn too or other and what should they do this insinuation was enough to plunge Bao Yu into a fresh fit of exasperation he spinning up to her do you still give vent to such language he asked why it's really tantamount to invoking implications on me why are you yet angry with me this question recalls to Lin Daiyu's mind the incidents of a few days back and a pang of remorse immediately gnawed her heart for having been again so indiscreet in her speech now don't you distress your mind she observed hastily smiling I barely said that I shouldn't yet what is there in this to make her veins protrude and to so provoke you as to subdue your whole face with perspiration while reasoning with him she felt unable to repress herself and approaching him she extended her hand and wiped the perspiration from his face Bao Yu gazed intently at her for a long time do you set your mind at ease yet the length observed at this remark, Lin Daiyu felt quite nervous what is there to make my mind uneasy she asked after a protracted interval I can't make out what you're driving yet tell me what's this about making me easy around an easy Bao Yu heaved a sigh don't you truly fathom the depth of my words he inquired why do you mean to say that I've threw out my such poor use of my love for you as not to be able to even define your feelings well, if so it's no wonder that you daily lose your temper on my account I actually don't understand what you mean by easy or not easy Lin Daiyu replied my dear girl Earth Bao Yu, nodding and sighing don't be making a fool of me for if you can't make out these words not only have I ever uselessly lavish the faction upon you but the regard with which you have always treated me has likewise been entirely of no avail and it's mostly because you once set your mind at ease that your whole frame is riddled with disease have you taken things easier a bit this ailment of yours too wouldn't have grown worse from day to day these words made Lin Daiyu feel as if she has been blessed by thunder or struck by lightning but after carefully weighing them within herself they seemed to her far more fervent than any that might have emanated from the depth of her own heart and thousands of sentiments in fact thrones together in her mind but though she had every wish to frame them into language she founded a hard task to pronounce so much as half a word all she therefore did was to gaze at him with vacant stare Bao Yu thought her innumerable thoughts within himself but unable in a moment to resolve from which particular one to begin he too absently looked at Daiyu thus it was that the two cousins remained for a long time under the spell of a deep delivery an ejaculation of Hai was the only sound that issued from Lin Daiyu's lips and while two years dreamed suddenly from her eyes he turned herself around and started on her way homeward Bao Yu jumped forward with a lacquery and dragged her back with dear cousin he pleaded do you stop a bit let me tell you just one thing after that you may go what can you have to tell me exclaims Lin Daiyu who while to walk in her tears extricated her hand from his grasp I know she cried all you have to say as she spoke she went away without even turning her head to cast a glance behind her as Bao Yu gazed at her receding figure he fell into abstraction he had in fact quitted his apartments a few moments back in such precipitate hurry that he had omitted to take a fan with him and Xiren, fearing less he might suffer from the heat promptly seized one and ran to find him and give it to him but upon casually raising her head she aspired Lin Daiyu standing with him after a time Daiyu walked away and as he still remained where he was without budging she approached him you left she said taking a fan with you happily unnoticed it and so hurried to catch you up and bring it to you but Bao Yu was so lost in thought that as soon as he caught Xiren's voice he made a dash and clapped her in his embrace without so much as trying to make sure who she was my dear cousin he cried I couldn't heal her to muster enough courage to disclose the secrets of my heart but on this occasion I shall make bold and give utterance to them for you I'm quite ready to even pay the penalty of death I have too for your sake brought ailments upon my whole frame it's in here but I haven't ventured to breathe it to anyone my only alternative has been to bear it patiently in the hope that when you got all right I might then perchance also recover but whether I sleep or whether I dream I never, never forget you these declarations quite dumbfounded Xiren she gave away to incessant apprehensions all she could do was to shout out oh spirits oh heaven oh Buddha he's come passing my death then pushing him away from her what is it you're saying she asked may it be that you are possessed by some evil spirit don't you quick yet get yourself off this brought Bao Yu to his senses at once he then became aware that it was Xiren and that she had come to bring him a fan Bao Yu was overpowered with shame his whole face was suffused with scarlet and snatching the fan out of her hands he bolted away with rapid stride when Xiren meanwhile saw Bao Yu effect his escape Ling Da Yu she pondered at the bottom of all he said just now but from what one can see it will be difficult in the future to obfuscate the occurrence of some unpleasant mishap it's sufficient to fill one with fear and trembling at this point in her cogitations she involuntarily melted into tears so agitated was she while she secretly exercised her mind so as to prevent this dreadful calamity but while she was lost in this maze of surmises and doubts Bao Chai unexpectedly appeared from the offside what she smiling exclaimed are you dreaming away in a hot boiling sun like this Xiren at this question he still returned her smile those two birds she answered were having a fight and such one was it that I stopped to watch them bow off to you now in such a hurry got up in that fine attire asked Bao Chai I just caught sight of him as he went by I meant to have called out and stopped him but as he, off late, talks greater rubbish than ever I didn't challenge him but let him go past our master rejoined Xiren sent for him to go out I ya, hastily exclaimed Bao Chai as soon as this remark reached her years what does he want him for on this golden day like this might he not have thought of something and got so angry about it as to send for him to give him a lecture if it isn't this added Xiren laughing some visitor must I presume have come and he wishes him to meet him whether like this not Bao Chai even visited her for no amusement why don't they while this fiery temperature last stay at home where it's much cooler instead of getting about all over the place could you tell them so smiled Xiren what was that girl Xiang Yun doing in your quarters Bao Chai then asked she only came to chat with us on irrelevant matters Xiren replied smiling but did you see the pair of shoes I was facing the other day well I meant to ask her tomorrow to finish them for me Bao Chai at these words turned her head around first on this side and then on the other seeing that there was no one coming or going how is it she smiles that you who have so much gumption don't ever show any respect for people's feeling I've been off late keeping an eye on Miss Xiren's manner and from what I can glean from the various rumors of Float she can't be in a slightest degree her own mistress at home in that family of theirs so little can they stand the burden of any heavy expenses that they don't employ any needlework people in ordinary everyday things are mostly attended to by their ladies themselves if not why is it that every time she has come to us on the visit and she and I have had a chat she had once broached the subject of there being in great difficulties at home the moment she perceived that there was no one present yet whenever I went on to ask her a few questions about their usual way of living her very eyes grew red while she made some indistinct reply but as for speaking out she wouldn't but when I consider the circumstances in which she is placed first I certainly had the misfortune of being left from her very infancy without father and mother the very sight of her is too much for me and my heart begins to bleed within me quite so, quite so observes serum clapping her hands after listening to her throughout it isn't strange then if she let me have the ten butterfly knots I asked her to tie for me only after so many days and if she said that they were coarsely done but that I should make the best of them and they use them elsewhere as a nice one I should wait until by and by when she came to stay here when she would work them neatly for me what you've told me now reminds me that as she had found it difficult to find an excuse when we appealed to her she must have had to slave away who knows how much to the third watch in the middle of the night what a stupid thing I was had I known this sooner I would never have told her a word about it last time continued about Chad she told me that when she was at home she had ample to do that she kept busy as late as the third watch and that if you did the slightest stitch of work for any other people the various ladies belonging to her family did not like it but as it happens explains serum that muleish minded and perverse tempered young master of ours won't allow the least bit of needlework no matter whether small or large to be made by those persons employed to do so when in the household and as for me I have no time to turn my attention to all these things why mind him left vouchad simply got someone to do the work and finish how should one then buzzle him resumed serum why he'll promptly find out everything such a thing can't even be suggested the only thing I can do is to quietly slave away that's all it shouldn't work so hard smell about chai what do you say to my doing a few things for you are you in real earnest ventured a serious smiling well in that case it is indeed a piece of good fortune for me I'll come over myself in the evening but before she could conclude her reply she all of a sudden noticed an old major and come up to her with precipitate step where does the report come from she interposed that means Jing Chuang'er has gone for no rhyme or reason and committed suicide by jumping into the well this bit of news startled Xirin which Jing Chuang'er is it she speedily inquired where are two Jing Chuang'ers to be found rejoin the old matron it is the one in our mistress madam Wan's apartment who was the other day sent away for something or other I don't know what on her return home she raised her groans to the sky and she had profuse tears but none of them worried their minds about her until who'd have thought it they could see nothing of her a servant however went just now to draw water and he says that while he was getting it from the well in the southeast corner he caught sight of a dead body and that he hurriedly augment his help and that when they fished it out they unexpectedly found that it was she but that though they bustled around trying to bring her round everything proved of no avail this is odd Bao Chai exclaimed the moment Xirin heard the tidings she shook her head and moaned at the remembrance of the friendship which had ever existed between them tears suddenly trickled down her cheeks and as for Bao Chai she listened to the account of the accident and then hastened to Madam Moan's quarters to try and afford her consolation Xirin during this interval returned to her room but we will leave her without further notice and explain that when Bao Chai reached the interior of Madam Moan's home she found everything plunged in perfect stillness Madam Moan was seated all alone in the inner chamber indulging her sorrow with such difficulties did Bao Chai experience to allude to the occurrence that her only alternative was to take a seat next to her where do you come from asked Madam Moan I come from inside the garden answered Bao Chai as you come from the garden Madam Moan inquired did you see anything of your cousin Bao Yu I saw him just now Bao Chai replied go out dressed up in his finaries but where he is gone to I don't know every perchance heard of any strange occurrence asked Madam Moan while she nodded her head and sighed why Xinchuan jumped into the well and committed suicide how is it that she jumped into the well when there was nothing to make her do so Bao Chai inquired this is indeed a remarkable thing the fact is proceeded Madam Moan that she spoiled something the other day and in the sudden fit of temper I gave her a slap and sent her away simply meaning to be angry with her for a few days and then bring her in again but who could have ever imagined that she has such a resentful temperament as to go and drown herself in a well and it's not this all my fault it's because you're such a kindhearted person and that such ideas crossed your mind but she didn't jump into the well when she was in the tentrum so what must have made her do so was that she had to go and live in the lower quarters or she might have been standing in front of the well and her foot slipped and she fell into it while in the upper room she was under restraint so when this time she found herself outside she must of course have felt the wish to go strolling all over the place in search of fun how could she have ever had such a fiery disposition but even admitting that she had such a temper she was after all a stupid girl to do as she did and she doesn't deserve any pity in spite of what you say said Madam Moan I really feel unhappy at heart you shouldn't ant distress your mind about it Baochai smiled yet if you feel very much exercised this is for a few more tales than you would otherwise have done and let her be buried you'll thus carry out to the full feelings of a mistress towards her servant I just now gave them 50 tales for her I also meant to let them have some of her cousin's new clothes to enshroud her in but who'd have thought it none of the girls had strange coincidence any newly made articles of clothing and there were only that couple of birthday shoes of her cousin Lin but as her cousin Lin has ever been such a sensitive child and has always too suffered and ailed I thought it would be unpropletious for her if her clothes were also now handed to people to wrap their dead in after she had been told that they were given her for her birthday so I ordered a tailor to get a suit for her as soon as possible it didn't mean any other servant girl I could have given her a few tales and have finished but deep trunger was albeit a servant maid nearly as dear to me as if she had been a daughter of mine saying this tears unwittingly ran down from her eyes and vehemently exclaimed Bao Chai what earthly use is it of hiring a tailor just now to prepare clothes for her I have a couple of suits I made the other day and wanted to save trouble where I could go and bring them for her besides when she was alive she used to wear my old clothes and what's more are figures much alike what you say is all very well I joined Madam Wan but can it be that it isn't this tasteful to you compose your mind urged Bao Chai with a smile I have never paid any heed to such things as she spoke she rose to her feet and walked away Madam Wan then promptly caught two servants go and accompany Miss Bao she said in a brief space of time Bao Chai came back with her clothes and discovered Bao you seated next to Madam Wan all melted in tears Madam Wan was reasoning with him at the side of Bao Chai she at once resisted when Bao Chai saw them go on in this way and came to weigh their conversation and to scan the expression on their incontinences she immediately got a pretty correct insight into their feelings but presently she handed over the clothes and sent for Jing Chuang's mother to take them away but reader you'll have to pursue the next chapter for further detail end of section 16 recording by Cao Yuxing in Singapore