 Section 9 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 Gelshu Ting, translated by Helby Bancraft-Julie, Chapter 29, Part 1. A happy man enjoys a full measure of happiness, but still prays for happiness. A beloved girl is very much loved, but yet grieves for more love. Bao Yu, so our story runs, was occasionally vacantly when Da Yu, at a moment least expected, flung her handkerchief at him, which just hit him on the eyes, and frightened him out of his wits. Who was it he cried? Lin Da Yu nodded her head and smiled. I would not venture to do such a thing, she said. It was a mere slip of my hand. As cousin Bao Tai wished to see the city wild goose, I was pointing it out to her, when the handkerchief inadvertently threw out of my grip. While Yu kept unwrapping his eyes, the idea suggested itself to him to make some remonstrance, but he could not again very well open his lips. Presently, Lady Feng arrived. She then alluded, in a course of conversation, to the Thanksgiving service, which was to be offered on the first in the Qingshu Temple, and invited Bao Tai, Bao Yu, Da Yu, and the other inmates with them to be present at the theatricals. Never mind smiled Bao Tai. It's too hot. Besides, what place haven't I seen? I don't mean to come. It's cool enough over at that place, answered Lady Feng. There are also two storied buildings on either side, so we must all go. I'll send servants a few days before to drive all that herd of Taoist priests out to sweep the upper stories, hang up curtains, and keep out every single loafer from the interior of the temple. So it would be alright like that. I've already told our Madam Wang that if you people don't go, I mean to go all alone, as I've been again in very low spirits these last few days, and as when theatricals come off at home, it's all of the question for me to look on with any peace and quiet. When Taoja Lady Jia heard what she said, she smiled. Well, in that case, she remarked, I'll go along with you. Lady Feng, at least words gave a smile. Venerable ancestor, she replied, where you also do go, it would be ever so much better, yet I won't feel quite at my ease. Tomorrow, Taoja Lady Jia continued, I can stay in the two storied buildings situated on the principal site, while you can go to the one on the side. You can then likewise dispense with coming over to where I shall be to stand on any ceremonies. Will this suit you or not? This is indeed, Venerable Feng smiled, a proof of your regard for me, my worthy senior. Old Lady Jia at this stage faced Bao Chai. You too should go, she said. So should your mother, for if you remain the whole day long at home, you will again slip your head off. Bao Chai felt constrained to signify her ascent. Taoja Lady Jia then also dispatched domestic to invite Mrs. Xie and on their way, they notified Madam Wang that she was to take the young ladies along with her. But Madam Wang felt in the first place in a poor state of health and was, in a second, engaged in making preparations for the reception of any arrivals from Yuan Jun so that she, at an early hour, sent word that it was impossible for her to leave the house. Yet, when she received Old Lady Jia's behest, she smiled and exclaimed, Our spirits still so buoyant and transmitted the message into the garden that any were any wish to avail themselves of the opportunity were at liberty to go on the first, with their Venerable Senior as their chaperone. As soon as these tidings were spread abroad, everyone else was indifferent as to whether they went or not. But of those girls who, day after day, never put their foot outside the doorstep, which of them was not keen upon going, the moments they heard the permission conceded to them. Even if any of their respective mistresses were too lazy to move, they employed every expedience to induce them to go. Hence, it was that the kung-tai and the other inmates signified their unanimous intention to be present. Baozhou Lady Jia, at this, grew more exultant than ever and she issued immediate directions for servants to go and sweep and put things in proper order. But to all these preparations, there is no necessity of making detailed reference. Sufficient to relate that on the first day of the moon, characters stood in a thick maze and men and horses in clothes concourse etched the entrance of the Yongguo mansion. For the servants, the various managers and other domestics came to learn that the imperial consorts was to perform good deeds and that Taoja Lady Jia was to go in person and offer incense. They arranged, as it happened, that the first of the moon, which was the principal day of the ceremonies, was in addition the season of the Dragon Boat Festival. All the necessary articles in perfect readiness end with unusual splendor. Shortly, old Lady Jia and the other inmates started on their way. The old lady sat in an official chair carried by eight bearers, Ridley, Betty Fung and Mrs. Che each in a four-bearer chair. Bao Chai and Dai Yu mounted together a curicle with green cover and pearl tassels bearing the eight precious things. The three sisters, Ying Chun, Tan Jin and Xi Chun got in a carriage with red wheels and ornamented hood. Next, in order, followed Taoja Lady Jia's waiting-mates, Yuan Yang, Ying Wu, Wu Po, Zhen Zhu, Lin Dai Yu's waiting-mates, Ji Chun, Xue Yan and Chun Xian, Bao Chai's waiting-mates, Ying Er and Wen Xin, Ying Chun's serving girls, Xi Qi and Xiu Jue, Tan Chun's waiting-mates, Xi Shu and Tui Mo, Xi Chun's serving girls, Yu Hua and Cai Ping and Mrs. Che's waiting-mates, Dong Xi and Dong Gui. Besides these were joined to direct new Chiang Lin and Chiang Lin's serving girls, Zhen Er, Mrs. Li's waiting-mates, Zhu Yun and Bi Yue, Ridley Fung's serving girls, Ping Er, Feng Er and Xiao Hong, as well as Madam Wang's two waiting-mates, Jin Tuan and Cai Yun. Along with Ridley Fung came a nurse, Kerion, Da Jue, she drove in a separate carriage together with a couple of serving girls added also to the number of the suites where matrons and nurses attached to the various establishments and the wives of the servants of the household who were in attendance out of doors, their carriages forming one black solid mass therefore crammed the whole extent of the suites. Da Jue, Lady Jia and other members of the party had already proceeded a considerable distance in their chairs and yet the inmates at the gate had not finished mounting their vehicles. This one shouted, I won't sit with you. Then one cried, you've crossed our mistress' bundle. In the carriage's yonder one screamed, you've pulled my flowers off. Another one nearer exclaimed, you've broken my fan. And they chatted and chatted and talked and laughed with such incessant volubility that Jia's wife had to go backward and forward calling them to task. Girls, she said, this is the street, the onlookers will laugh at you. But it was only after she had expostulated with them several times that any sign of improvement became a last visible. The van of the procession had long ago reached the entrance of the Qingxu temple Baoyu rode on horseback. He preceded the chair occupied by his grandmother Jia, the thrones that filled the streets ranged themselves on either side. On the arrival at the temple, the sound of bells and the rattle of drums struck their ear. Forthwood appeared the head pawn's Jia. A stick of incense in hand, his cloak thrown over his shoulders, he took his stand by the wayside at the head of a company of Taoist priests to present his greetings. The moment Daozhe Lady Jia reached in her chair, the interior of the main gate, she described the lairies and the penatis, the lord presiding over that particular district, and the clay images of the various gods, and she at once gave orders to hold. Zhang Zhen advanced to receive her acting as leader to the male members of the family. Lady Feng was well aware that Yuan Yang and the other attendants were at the back and could not overtake their own mistress. So she herself alighted for her chair to volunteer her services. She was about to hastily press forward and support her, when by a strange accident, a young Taoist neo-fight of 12 or 13 years of age will have the case containing seizes with which he had been snuffing the candles burning in the various places just seized the opportunity to run out and hide himself when he and the wares rushed head foremost into Lady Feng's arms. Lady Feng speedily raised her hand and gave him such a slap on the face that she made the young fellow reel over and perform a somersault. You purish young bastard, she shouted, where are you running to? The young Taoist did not even give a thought to picking up the seizes, but crawling up onto his feet again he tried to scamper outside. But just at that very moment Bao Chai and the rest of the young ladies were dismounting from their vehicles. And the matrons and women servants were closing them in so thoroughly on all sides that not a puff of wind or a drop of rain could penetrate. And when they perceived a Taoist neo-fight come rushing headlong out of the place they with one voice exclaimed catch him, catch him, beat him, beat him. Olivia Jia overheard their cries she asked with allegority what the fuss was all about. Jia Zhen immediately stepped outside to make inquiries. Lady Feng then advanced and propping up her old senior she went on to explain to her that a young Taoist priest whose duties were to snuff the candles had not previously retired out of the compound and that he was now endeavouring to recklessly force his way out. Be quick and bring the lad here shouted Tao Zhe Li Jia as soon as she heard her explanation. But mind, don't frighten him. Children of mean families invariably get into the way of being spoiled by over-indulgence. However could he have said eyes before such display as this? Were you to frighten him he will really be much to be pitied and on his father and mother be exceedingly cut up. As she spoke she asked Jia Zhen to go and do his best to bring him round. Jia Zhen felt under the necessity of going and he managed to drag the lad into her presence. With the scissors still clasped in his hand the lad fell on his knees and trembled violently. Tao Zhe Li Jia bade Jia Zhen raise him up. There's nothing to fear, she said reassuringly. Then she asked him how old he was. The boy however could on no account give revenge to speech. Poor boy once more exclaimed the old lady and continuing, brother Zhen she added addressing herself to Jia Zhen take him away and give him a few cash to buy himself fruit with and do impress upon everyone that they are not to bully him. Jia Zhen signified his assent and let him off. During this time old lady Jia taking along with her the whole family party paid her devotions in story after story and visited every place. The young pages who stood outside watched their old mistress and the other inmates enter the second row of gates but over sudden they aspired Jia Zhen went his way outwards leading a young Taoist priest and calling the servants to come say take him and give him several hundreds of cash and abstain from ill-treating him. At these orders the domestics approached with hurried step and let him off. Jia Zhen then inquired from the terrace steps where the major dharma was at this inquiring the pages standing below called out in chorus major dharma Lin Ji Xiao ran over at once while adjusting his head with one hand and appeared in the presence of Jia Zhen albeit this is a spacious place Jia Zhen began we must a good concourse today so you'd better bring into discord those servants will be of any use to you and send over into that one those who won't and choose a few from among those young pages to remain on duty at the second gate and at the two side entrances so as to ask for things and deliver messages do you understand me yes or no the young ladies and ladies have all come out of town today and not a single outsider must be permitted to put his foot in here I understand replied Lin Ji Xiao privately signifying his obedience next he uttered several yeses now proceeded Jia Zhen you can go on your way but how is it I don't see anything of Rong'er he went on to ask this question was barely out of his lips when he caught sight of Rong'er running out of the belfry looked at him shouted Jia Zhen look at him I don't feel hot in here and yet he must go in search of a cool place spit at him he cried to the family servants the young pages were fully aware that Jia Zhen's ordinary disposition was such that he could not rook contradiction and one of the lead speedily came forward and sputtered in Jia Rong's face but Jia Zhen still kept his gaze fixed on him so the young page had to inquire of Jia Rong Master doesn't feel hot here and how is it that you sir have been the first to go and get cool Jia Rong however dropped his arms and did not venture to utter a single sound Jia Yuan, Jia Ping, Jia Jing and the other young people over heard what was going on and not only were they scared out of the woods but even Jia Lin, Jia Ping, Jia Tuo and the companions were stricken with intense fright and one by one they quietly slipped down along the foot of the wall what are you standing there for Jia Zhen shouted to Jia Rong don't you yet get on your horse and get up home and tell your mother that our venerable senior is here with all the young ladies and bit them come at once and wait upon them as soon as Jia Rong heard these words he ran out with hurried stride and caught out repeatedly for his horse now he felt resentment arguing with him himself who knows what he has been up to the whole morning that he now finds force with me now he went on to abuse the young servants crying are your hands made fast that you can't lead the horse around and he felt inclined to bit a servant boy to go on the errand but fearing again lest he should subsequently be found out and be at a loss how to account for his conduct he felt compelled to proceed in person so mounting his steed he started on his way but to return to Jia Zhen just as he was about to be taken himself inside he noticed the Taoist Zhang who stood next to him forced a smile properly speaking he remarked on the same footing as the others and should be in attendance inside but as on account of the intense heat the young ladies have come out of doors I couldn't presume to take upon myself to intrude and ask what your orders, sir, are but the Taoist lady may possibly inquire about me or may like to visit any part of the temple so I shall wait in here Jia Zhen was fully cognizant that this Taoist priest Zhang had it is true in past days stood as a substitute for the Duke of the Rongguo mansion but that the former emperor had with his own lips conferred upon him the appellation of the immortal being of the great unreal that he held at present the seal of Taoist superior that the reigning emperor had raised him to the rank of the pure man that the princess nowadays Duke and high officials styled him the supernatural being and he did not therefore venture to treat him with any disrespect in the second place he knew that he had paid frequent visits to the mansions and that he had made the acquaintance of the ladies and young ladies so when he heard his present remark he smilingly rejoined and again made use of such a language amongst ourselves one word more and I will take that beard of yours and I'll root it don't you yet come along with me inside ah ha laughed the Taoist Zhang aloud as he followed Jia Zhen in Jia Zhen approached Taoist lady Jia bending his body he strained a laugh grandfather Zhang he said has come in to pay his respects raise him up already Jia vehemently called out Jia Zhen lost no time in pulling him to his feet and bringing him over the Taoist Zhang first indulged in loud laughter oh Buddha of unlimited ears he then observed have you kept all right and in good health throughout venerable senior have all the ladies and young ladies continued well I haven't been for some time to your mansion or business but you my Taoist lady have improved more and more venerable immortal being smiled already Jia how are you quite well thanks to the 10,000 blessings he has enjoyed from your hands rejoined Jia the Taoist your servant to continues pretty strong and held in every unrespectful I have after all been all right but I have felt much concerned about Mr. Bao Yu I've actually been all right all the time the other day on the 26th of the fourth moon I celebrated the birthday of the heaven pervading mighty king few people came and everything went off right and proper I told them to invite Mr. Bao to come for a stroll but how was it they said that he wasn't at home it was indeed true that he was away from home remarked Taoist lady Jia actually spoke she turned her head around and called Bao Yu her head as it happened just returned from outside where he had been to make himself comfortable and with speedy step he came forward my respects to you grandfather Zhang he said the Taoist Zhang eagerly clasped him in his arms and inquired how he was getting on turning towards old lady Jia Mr. Bao he observed has grown better than ever outwardly his looks reply Taoist lady Jia may be alright but inwardly he is weak in addition to this his father presses him so much to study that he has again and again managed all through this bullying to make his child fall sick the other day continued the Zhang the Taoist I went to several places on a visit and saw characters written by Mr. Bao and verses composed by him all of which were exceedingly good so how is it that his worthy father still feels displaced with him and maintains that Mr. Bao is not very fond of his books according to my humble idea he knows quite enough as I consider Mr. Bao's face his bearing his speech and his deportment he proceeded heaving a sigh what a striking resemblance I found in him to the former Duke of the Yong Mansion as he uttered these words tears rolled down his cheeks as these words already Jia herself found it hard to control her feelings her face became covered with the traces of tears quite so she ascended I've had ever so many sons and grandsons and not one of them betrayed the slightest resemblance to his grandfather and this Bao Yu turns out to be the very image of him what the former Duke of Yong Guo was like in appearance Jiang, the Taoist went on to remark addressing himself to Jia Zhen you gentlemen and your generation were of course needless to say not in time to see for yourselves but I fancy that even our senior master and our master secunders have but a faint recollection of it this said he burst into another loud fit of laughter the other day he resumed I was at someone's house and there I met a young girl this year in her 15th year and very gifted with a beautiful face and I thought myself that Mr. Bao must also have a wife found for him as far as looks, intelligence and mental talents extraction and family standing go this maiden is a suitable match for him but as I didn't know what your vulnerable leadership would have to say about it your servant did not presume to act recklessly waited until I could ascertain your wishes before I took a point myself to open my mouth with the party's concern some time ago responded Tao Zhe Li Dijia a bonds explained that it was ordained by destiny that this child shouldn't be married at an early age and that we should put things off until he grew somewhat in years before anything was settled but mark my words now pain or regard as to whether she be of wealthy and honorable stock or not the sensible thing is to find one whose looks make her a fit match for him and then come at once and tell me for even admitting that the girl is poor all I shall have to do will be to bestow on her a few ounces of silver but fine looks and a sweet temperament are not easy things to come across when she had done speaking Lady Feng was heard to smilingly interpose Grandfather Zhang aren't you going to change the talisman of record the name of our daughter the other day lucky enough for you you had again the great cheek to send someone to ask me for some setting of course laying yellow color I give it to you for had I not I was afraid that your old face should have been made to feel uneasy ah ha Lord the Taoist Zhang just see how my eyes must have grown dim I didn't notice that you my lady were in here nor did I express one word of thanks to you the talisman of recorded name is ready long ago I managed to upset it over the day before yesterday but the unforeseen visit of the Empress to perform meritorious deeds upset my equilibrium and made me quite forget it but it's still placed before the gods and if you will wait I will go and fetch it saying this he rushed into the main hall presently he returned with a tea tray in hand on which was spread a deep red satin copper located with dragons in this he presented the charm Da Jue'er's nurse took it from him but just as the Taoist was on a point of taking Da Jue'er in his embrace Lady Feng remarked with a smile it would have been sufficient to put it in your hand and why use a tray to lay it on my hands aren't clean replied the Taoist Zhang so how could I very well have taken hold of it a tray therefore make things much cleaner when you produced that tray just now laughed Lady Feng you gave me quite a start I didn't imagine that it was for the purpose of bringing the charm in it really looked as if you were disposed this observation sent the whole company into a violent fit of laughter even Zhang Zhen could not suppress a smile what a monkey Tao Jue Lady Zhang exclaimed turning her head around what a monkey you are aren't you afraid of going down to that hell where tongues are cut off I've got nothing to do with any men whatever rejoined Lady Feng laughing and why does he time and again tell me that it's my bounty duty to lay up a store of meritorious deeds and that if I'm remiss my life would be short Zhang the Taoist endowed in further laughter I brought out he explained the tray so as to kill two birds with one stone it wasn't however to beg for donations on the contrary it was in order to put in it the Jade which I managed to ask Mr Bao to take off so as to carry it outside all those Taoist friends of mine who come from far away as well as my little fights and the young apprentices see what it's like well since that be the case at the oligarch why do you at your age try your strength by running about the whole day long take him at once along and let them see it but were you to have caught him in there wouldn't it have saved a lot of trouble your venerable leadership Zhang the Taoist isn't aware that though I be to look at a man of 18 I after all continue thanks to your protection my Taoist lady quite held and strong in the second place there are crowds of people in outer rooms and the smells are not agreeable besides it's a very hot day and Mr Bao couldn't stand the heat as he is not accustomed to it so ready to catch any disease from the filthy odors it would be a grave thing after these four boldings all Lady Jia accordingly desired Bao Yu to unclasp the jade of spiritual perception and to deposit it in the tray the Taoist Zhang gave it and scorned it in the folds of the wrapper embroidered with dragons and left the room supporting the tray with both his hands during this while Taoist Lady Jia and the other inmates devoted more of their time in visiting the various places but just as they were on the point of going up the two storage building they heard Jia Zhen shout grandfather Zhang has brought back the jade as he spoke the Taoist Zhang was seen advancing up to them the tray in hand the whole company he smiled were much obliged to me they think Mr Bao's jade really lovely none of them have however any suitable gifts to bestow these are religious articles used by each of them in propagating the doctrines of reason but they're all only too ready to give them as congratulatory presents if Mr Bao we don't fancy them for anything else just keep them to play with or to give away to others Bao Jia Lady Jia had these words looked into the tray she discovered that its contents consisted of gold signets and jade rings or sceptres implying may you have your wishes accomplished in everything or may you enjoy peace and health from year to year that's the various articles were strung with pearls or inlaid with precious stones worked in jade or mounted in gold and that they were in all from 30 to 50 what nonsense you are talking should then exclaimed those people are all divines and where could they have rummaged up these things but what need is there from any such presence he may, on no account accept them these are intended as a small token of their esteem responded Jia the towers smiling the servants cannot therefore venture to interfere with them if your venerable leadership will not keep them and listen to them that I'm treated contemptuously and unlike what one should be who has joined the order through your household only when old lady Jia heard these arguments that she directs a servant to receive the present venerable senior Baoyu smilingly chimed in after the reasons advanced by grandfather Jia we cannot possibly refuse them but I bet I feel disposed to keep these things they are of no avail to me so it did not be well where a servant told to carry the tray and to follow me out of doors that I may disobey them to the poor you are perfectly right in what you say smiled doubt your lady Jia the tower's Jia however went on speedily to use various arguments to dissuade him Mr Baoyu observed your intention is, it is true to perform charitable acts but though you may aware that these things are of little value you'll nevertheless find among them several articles you might turn to some account where you do let the beggars have them why? they will first of all be none the better for them and next it will contrary wise be tender month to throwing them away if you want to disobey anything among the poor why don't you do all cash to them? put them by promptly shouted Baoyu after this rejoinder and when evening comes take a few cash and disobey them these directions given Jia the tower's retired out of the place and of section 9 section 10 of the dream of the red chamber book 2 this is a Libber Rocks recording all Libber Rocks recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit Libber Rocks.org the dream of the red chamber book 2 by Chao Shuqin translated by Henry Bancraft Jolie chapter 29 part 2 Dao Jue Lady Jia and her companions there upon walked upstairs and sat in the main part of the building Lady Feng and her friends adjourned into the eastern part while the waiting mates and servants remained in the western portion and took their turns in waiting on their mistresses before long Jia Zhen came back the place he announced have been chosen by means of slips pecked out before the guard the first one on the list is the record of the white snake of what kind of old story does the record of the white snake treat Lady Jia inquired the story above Han Gao Zhu replied Jia Zhen killing a snake and then ascending the throne the second plate is the bed covered with ivory tablets has this been assigned the second place asked Dao Jue Lady Jia yet never mind for as the guards will it has there is no help then not to demur but what about the third plate to announce to inquire the nine ker dream is the third Jia Zhen answered this response elicited no comments from Dao Jue Lady Jia Jia Zhen therefore withdrew downstairs and he took himself outside to make arrangements for the offerings to the guards for the paper money and eatables that had to be burned and for the theoretical about to begin so we will leave him without any further illusion and take up our narrative with Bao Yu sitting himself upstairs next to old Lady Jia he called to a serving girl to fetch the tray of presents given to him a short while back and put him on his own trinkets of jade he fumbled about with the things for a bit and picking up one by one he handed them to his grandmother to admire but old Lady Jia as spied among them a unicorn made of fabulous gold with kingfisher feathers inserted and eagerly extending her arm she took it up this object she smiled seems to me to resemble very much one I've seen one also by the young lady of some household or other of ours senior cousin, Xie Xiangyuan chimed in Bao Cai a smile playing on her lips as one but is a tribal smaller than this the young lady exclaimed old lady Jia now that she lives in our house remarked Bao Yu how is it that even I haven't seen anything of it cousin Bao Cai rejoined Tan Chen lovingly has the power of observation no matter what she sees she remembers then Dai Yu gave a sartonic smile as far as other matters are concerned she incinerated her observation isn't worth speaking of whereas she's extra observant is in articles people may wear about their persons Bao Cai upon catching this sneering remark at once turned her head around and pretended she had not heard but as soon as Bao Yu learns that Xie Xiangyong possessed a similar trinket he speedily picked up the unicorn and hid it in his breast indulging at the same time yet feeling less people might have noticed that he kept back that particular thing the moment he discovered that Xie Xiangyong had one identical with it he fixed his eyes intently upon all around while clutching it he found her that not one of them was playing any hit to his movements except Lin Daiyu who while gazing at him was nodding her head expressing her admiration Bao Yu therefore at once felt inwardly ill at ease and pulling out his hand he observed addressing himself to Daiyu with an assumed smile this is really a fine thing to play with I'll keep it for you and when we get back home I'll pass a ribbon through it for you to wear I don't care about it said Lin Daiyu giving her head a sudden twist well continued Bao Yu lovingly if you don't like it I can't do otherwise then keep it myself saying this he once again thrusted away but just as he was about to open his lips to make some other observation he saw Mrs. Yao the spouse of Jiajian arrived along with the second wife recently married by Jia Erong that is his mother and her daughter-in-law to pay their obeisance to Dao Zhe Lady Jia what do you people rush over here for again? already Jia inquired I came here for a turn simply because I had nothing to do but no sooner was this inquiry concluded than they heard a messenger announce that someone had come from the house of General Feng the family of Feng Jiyin had it must be explained come to learn the news that the image of the Jia mansion was offering a Thanksgiving service in the temple and without loss of time they got together presence of pigs sheep candles tea and eatables and send them over the moment Lady Feng heard about it she hastily crossed to the main part of the two-storeyed building Aiya she ejaculated clapping her hands and laughing I never expected anything of the sort the immediate sense that we ladies were coming for a leisurely stroll and people imagined that we were spreading a sumptuous altar with lantern-viant and came to bring us offerings but is all our old ladies' fault for putting it about? why? we haven't even got any slips of paper with tips ready she had just finished speaking when she perceived two matrons who acted as housekeepers in the Feng family walk upstairs but before the Feng servants could take their leave presence likewise arrived in quick succession from Chao, the vice president of the board in due course one lot of visitors followed another for as everyone got one of the facts that the Jia family was having Thanksgiving services and that the ladies were in the temple distant and close relatives friends, old friends and acquaintances all came to present their contributions so much so that Taoja Lady Jia began at this juncture to feel sorry that she had ever let the cat out of the bag this is no regular fasting she said we simply have come for a little change and we should not have put anyone to any inconvenience although therefore she was to have remained present all day at the theoretical performance she promptly returned home soon after noon and the next day she felt very love to go out of doors again by striking the wall we have also stirred up dust Lady Feng argued why we have already put those people to the trouble so we should only be too glad today to have another outing but as when Taoja Lady Jia interviewed Taoja Zhang the previous day he made allusion to Baoyu and the canvas his engagement Baoyu experienced little as one would have thought it much secret displeasure during the whole of that day and on his return home he flew into a rage and abused Zhang the rationalistic priest for harboring designs to try and settle a match for him at every breath and at every word he resolved that hence forward he would not set eyes again upon Taoja Zhang but no one but himself had any idea of the reason that actuated him to absent himself in the next place Lin Daoyu began also on her return the day before to air from a touch of the sun so the grandmother was induced by these two considerations to remain firm in her decision when Lady Feng however found that she would not join them she herself took charge of the family party and set out on the excursion but without descending to particulars let us avert to Baoyu seeing that Lin Daoyu had fallen ill he was so full of solicitude on her account that he even had little thought for any of his meals and not long elapsed before he came to inquire how she was Daoyu on her part gave way to fear lest anything should happen to him and she tried to reassure him just to go and look at the place she therefore replied what's the use of boxing yourself up at home Baoyu was however not in a very happy frame of mind on account of the reference to this marriage made by Zhang the Taoist the day before so when he heard Lin Daoyu's utterances if others don't understand me he mused is anyhow excusable but as she too began to make fun of me his heart smarted in consequence under the sting of a modification a hundred times keener than he had experienced up to that occasion had he been with anyone else it would have been utterly impossible for her to have brought into play of such resentment but as it was no other than Daoyu who spoke the words the impression produced upon him was indeed different from that left in days gone by when others employed similar language unable to curb his feelings he instantaneously lowered his face my friendship with you has been of no avail he rejoined but never mind patience this insinuation induced Lin Daoyu to smile a couple of sarcastic smiles yes your friendship with me has been of no avail she repeated for how can I compare with those whose manifold qualities make them fit matches for you as soon as this sneer fell on Baoyu's ear it drew near to her are you by telling me this he asked select to her face deliberately bent upon invoking implications upon me that I should be annihilated by heaven and extinguished by earth Lin Daoyu could not for a time fathom the import of his remarks it was Baoyu then resumed on account of this very conversation that I yesterday swore several oaths and now would you really make me repeat another one but were there heavens to annihilate me and the earth to extinguish me what benefit would you derive this rejoinder reminded Daoyu of the drift of the conversation on the previous day and as indeed she had on this occasion framed in words those sentiments which should not have dropped from her lips she experienced both annoyance and shame and she tremblesly observed if I entered any deliberate intention to bring any harm upon you may I too be destroyed by heaven and exterminated by earth but what's the use of all this I know very well that's the allusion to marriage made yesterday by Jiang the Taoist feels you with dread that she might interfere with your choice you are inwardly so irate that you come and treat me as your malignant influence Baoyu the fact is that since this youth developed a peculiar kind of mean and silly propensity every moreover from tender infancy grown up side by side with Daoyu their hearts and their feelings were in perfect harmony more yet recently come to know to a great extent what was what and had also filled his head with the contents of a number of corrupt books and licentious stories of all the eminent and beautiful girls he had met too in the families of either distant or close relatives or of friends not one could reach the standard of Lin Daoyu hence it was that he commenced from an early period of his life to foster sentiments of love for her but as he could not very well give utterance to them he felt time and again sometimes elated sometimes vexed and won't to exhaust to secretly subject her heart to a test Lin Daoyu happened on the other hand to possess in like manner a somewhat silly disposition and she too frequently had because to feign sentiments to feel her way and as she began to conceal her true feelings and inclinations and to simply dissimulate and he to conceal his true sentiments and wishes and to disassemble the two unrealities that landed together constituted eventually one reality but it was hardly to be expected that tribals would not be the cause of tiffs between them thus it was that in our use mind at this time prevailed the reflection that where others unable to read my feelings it would anyhow be excusable but is it likely that you cannot realize that in my heart and in my eyes no one else besides yourself but as you were not able to do anything to dispel my annoyance but made use instead of the language you did to laugh at me and to gag my mouth it's evident that though you hold at every second and at every moment a place in my heart I don't in fact occupy a place in yours such was the construction attached to a conduct by Baoyu yet it did not have the courage to text her with it if really I hold a place in your heart linda you again reflected why do you obey what said about gold and jade being a fit match attach more importance to this perverse report and think nothing of what I say did you when I so often broach the subject of this gold and jade behaves as if you rarely had never heard anything about it I would then have seen that you treat me with preference and that you don't harbor the least particle of a secret design but how is it that the moment I allude to the topic of gold and jade you at once lose all patience this is proof enough that you are continuously pondering over that gold and jade and that as soon as you hear me speak to you about them and that I shall once more give way to conjectures and intentionally pretend to be quite out of temper with the deliberate idea of cajoling me these two cousins had to all appearances once been of one and the same mind but the many issues which had sprung up between them brought about a contrary result and make them of two distinct minds I don't care what you do everything as well but we further argued so long as you add up to your feelings and if you do I shall be ever only too willing to even suffer immediate death for your sake whether you know this or not doesn't matter it's all the same yet were you to just do as my heart would have you you afford me a clear proof that you and I are united by close times and that you are no stranger to me just you mind your own business Linda you on her side cogitated if you will treat me well I will treat you well and what need is there to put an end to yourself for my sake are you not aware that if you kill yourself I will also kill myself but this demonstrates that you don't wish me to be near to you and that you really want that I should be distant to you it would thus be seen that the desire by which they were both actuated to strive and draw each other close and ever closer became contrary wise transformed into a wish to become more distant but as it is no easy task to frame into words the manifold secret thoughts entertained by either we will now confine ourselves to a consideration of their external manner the three words a fine match which bow you heard again Linda you pronounced proof so revolting to him his heart got full of disgust and he was unable to give utterance to a single syllable losing all control over his temper he snatched from his neck the jade of spiritual perception and clenching his teeth his spitefully dashed it down on the floor what rubbishy trash he cried I will smash you to atoms and put an end to the whole question the jade however happens to be of extraordinary hardness and did not after all sustain the slightest injury from this single fall when are you realized that it had not broken the forefoot turned himself round to get to the trinket with the idea of carrying out his design of smashing it but are you divine his intention and soon started crying what's the use of all this she demurred and why gray do you better that dumb thing about instead of smashing it wouldn't it be better for you to come and smash me but in the middle of the dispute Ji Zhuang, Xie Ying and the other mates promptly interfered and quieted down subsequently however they show how deliberately bent bow you was upon breaking the jade and they vehemently rushed up to him to snatch it from his hand but they failed in their endeavors and perceiving that he was getting more troublesome than he had ever been before they had no alternative but to go and call Ji Yuan Ji Yuan knows no time in running over and succeeded at length in getting hold of the trinket I'm smashing what belongs to me remarked bow you with a cynical smile and what has that to do with you people Ji Yuan knew this that his face had grown quite shallow from anger that his eyes had assumed a totally unusual expression and that he had never had such a fit of ill temper and she hastened to take his hand in hers and to smilingly expostulate with him if you had a tiff with your cousin she said it isn't worthwhile flinging this down had you broken it how would her heart and face have been able to bear the modification Linda Yu shed tears and listened the while to her remunerances yet these words which so corresponded with her own feelings made it clear to her that bow you could not even compare with Ji Yuan and wounded her heart so much more to the quick that she began to weep aloud but at the moment she got so vexed to keep down the potion of polectice and the decoction for counteracting the effects of the sun she had taken only a few minutes back and with a wretch she brought everything up Ji Yuan immediately pressed to her side and used her handkerchief to stop her mouth with but a mouthful succeeded and in no time the handkerchief was soaked through and through Sharon then approached in a hurry tapped her on the back you may of course give way to this pleasure Ji Yuan argued but you should after all take good care of yourself Miss you had just taken the medicines and felt the better for them and here you now begin vomiting again and all because you've had a few words with our master secunders but should your complaint break out afresh how would Mr. Bow bear the blow to the moment how you caught the surprise which accorded so thoroughly with his own ideas he found how little Da Yu could hold her own with Ji Yuan and perceiving how flushed Da Yu's face was how her temples were swollen how while sobbing she panted and how while crying she was suffused with perspiration and betrayed signs of extreme weakness he began as the side of her condition he thought to himself I shouldn't he reflected, have panted words with her for now that she's got into this frame of mind I may even suffer in her stead the self-reproachers however which ignored his heart made it impossible for him to refrain from tears much as he fought against them Ji Yuan saw them both crying and while attending to Baoyu she too unavoidably experienced much soreness of heart she nevertheless went on robbing Baoyu's hands which were icy cold she felt inclined to advise Baoyu not to weep but fearing again last in the first place Baoyu might be inwardly aggrieved and nervous in the next last she should not be dealing rightly by Baoyu she thought it advisable that they should all have a good cry as they might then be able to breathe off she herself therefore also melted into tears as for Ji Yuan at one time she cleaned the expected medicine at another she took up a fan and gently fan Daoyu but at the sight of the trail plunged in perfect silence and of one at all sobbing for reasons of their own grief much though she did to struggle against it mastered her feelings too producing a handkerchief she tried the tears that came to her eyes so they stood for inmates face to face uttering not a word and indulging in weeping shortly Ji Yuan made a supreme effort and smilingly said to Baoyu if you don't care for anything else you should at least have shown some regard for those tazels sprung on the jade and not have wrangled with Miss Lin with these words and mindless of her in disposition she rushed over and snatched into trinkets she picked up a pair of scissors lying close at hand bent upon cutting the tazels Zhe Ren and Ji Yuan were on the point of arresting it from her but she had already managed to mangle them into several pieces I have sobbed Daoyu wasted my energies on them for nothing for he doesn't price them he's certain to find others to string some more fine tazels for him Zhe Ren promptly took the jade is it worthwhile going on in this way she cried but this is all my fault for having blabbered just now what should have been left unsaid cut it, if you like chimed in Baoyu addressing himself to Daoyu I will on no account wear it so it doesn't matter a wrap but while all they mind inside was to create this commotion they little dreamt that the old matrons had described Daoyu with bitterly and vomit copiously and Baoyu again dashed its jade on the ground and that not knowing how far the excitement might not go and whether they themselves might not become involved they had repaired in a body to the front and reported the occurrence to Daoja Lady Jia and Madam Wang their objects being to try and avoid being themselves implicated in the matter their mistress and Madam Wang seeing them made so much of the occurrence as to rush with precipitate haste to bring it to their notice could not in a least imagine what great disaster might not have befallen them and without loss of time they betook themselves together into the garden and came to see what the two cousins were up to Jiren felt irritated and harbored resentment against Ji Zhuan unable to conceive what business she had to go and disturb their old mistress and Madam Wang but Ji Zhuan on the other hand presumed that it was Jiren who had gone and reported the matter to them and she too cherished angry feelings towards Jiren Daoja Lady Jia and Madam Wang walked into the apartment they found Baoyu on one side saying not a word Lin Daoyu on the other uttering not the sound was up again they asked but throwing the whole blame upon the shoulders of Jiren and Ji Zhuan why is it being quiet that you have not diligent in your attendance on them they now started quarrel and don't you exert yourself at least to restrain them therefore with obligary and hard words they rated the two girls for a time in such a way that none of them could put in a word by way of reply but felt compelled to listen patiently and it was only after Daoja Lady Jia had taken Baoyu away with her that things quieted down again one day passed then came the third of the moon this was Shepang's birthday so in their house a banquet was spread and preparations made for a performance and to these the various inmates of the Jia Mansion went but as Baoyu had so hurt Daoyu's feelings the two cousins saw nothing was ever of each other and the conscience stricken despondent and unhappy as he was at this time could he have had any inclination to be present at the place as it was that he refused to go on the pretests of indisposition Lin Daoyu had got a couple of days back but a slight touch of the sun and naturally there was nothing much to matter with her when the news however reached her that he did not intend to join the party if with his weakness for wine and for theatricals Shepang did within herself he now chooses to stay away instead of going why? that quarrel with me yesterday must be at the bottom of it all if this isn't the reason well then it must be that he has no wish to attend as he sees that I'm not going either but I should on no account have cut the tassles from that jade for I feel sure he won't wear it again I should therefore have to strain some more on to it before he puts it on on this account the keenest remorse known her heart Taoja Lady Jia so well enough that they were both under the influence of temper we should avail ourselves on this occasion she said to herself to go over and look at the place and as soon as the two young people come face to face everything will be squared contrary to her expectations neither of them would volunteer to go this so exasperated their old grandmother that she fell waxed with them in what part of my previous existence could an old sufferer like myself she exclaimed have incurred such retribution that my destiny is to come across these two troublesome new flashed foes why not a single day goes by without there being instrumental in very in my mind the problem is indeed correct which says that people who are not enemies are not brought together shortly my eyes shall be closed this breath of mine shall be snapped and those two enemies will be free to cause trouble even up to the very skies for as my eyes will then lose the power of vision and my heart will be void of concern it will really be nothing to me but I couldn't very well stable this breath of life of mine while inwardly afraid to resentment she also melted into tears these words were brought to the years of Bao Yu and Da Yu neither of them had hitherto heard the adage people who are not enemies are not brought together so when they suddenly got to know the line it seemed as if they had a pre-handed abstraction both lowered their heads and meditated on the subtle sense of the saying but unconsciously a stream of tears rolled down their cheeks if not it is true get a glimpse of each other yet as the one was in the Xiaoxiang lodge standing in the breeze be deal with tears and the other in the Yi Hong court facing the moon and heaving deep sighs was it not in fact a case of two persons living in two distinct places yet with feelings emulating from one and the same heart and consequently tended advice to Bao Yu you are a million times to blame she said it's you who are entirely at fault for when some time ago the pages in the establishment wrangled with their sisters or when husband and wife fell out and you came to hear anything about it you blew up the lads and called them fools for not having the heart to show some regard to girls now here you go and follow their lead but tomorrow is the fifth day of the moon a great festival and will you choose to continue like this as if you were very enemies if so our venerable mistress will be the more angry and she certainly will be driven sick I advise you therefore to do what's right by suppressing your spite and confessing your fault so that we should all be on the same terms as either two you here will then be alright and so will she over there Bao Yu listened to what she had to say but whether he fell in with her views or not is not yet ascertained yet if you reader choose to know we will explain in the next chapter end of section 10 all LibriVox recordings are in a public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org read by Min the dream of the Red Chamber book 2 by Cao Xueqin translated by Henry Bencroft Jolie chapter 30 part 1 Bao Chai avails herself of the excuse afforded her by a fan to administer a couple of raps while Chun Ling traces in an absent frame of mind the outlines of the character Qiang a look around appears on the scene Lin Da Yu herself for we will now resume our narrative was also ever since her tiff with Bao Yu full of self-condemnations yet as she did not see why she should run after him she continued day and night as despondent as she would have been had she lost something or other belonging to her Zijun surmised her sentiments as regards what happened the other day she advised her you were after all miss a little too hasty for if others don't understand the temperaments of Bao Yu have you and I surely also no idea about it besides haven't there been already one or two rows on account of that very jade Tui exclaimed Da Yu have you come on behalf of others to find fault with me but however was I hasty why did you smiled Zijun take the scissors and cut that tassel when there was no good reason for it so isn't Bao Yu less to blame than yourself miss I've always found his behaviour towards you miss without a fault it's all that touches dispositions of yours which make you so often perverse that induces him to act as he does Lin Da Yu had every wish to make some suitable reply when she heard someone calling at the door Zijun discerned a tone of voice this sounds like Bao Yu's voice she smiled I expect he's come to make his apologies I won't have anyone open the door Da Yu cried at this words here you are in a wrong again miss Zijun observed how will it ever do to let him get a sunstroke and come to some harm on a day like this and under such a scorching sun saying this he immediately walked out and opened the door it was indeed Bao Yu while ushering him in she gave him a smile I imagined, she said that he would never again put your food inside our door master succumbed this but here you are once more and quite unexpectedly you have by Dean of Talking Bao Yu laughed, made much a do of nothing and why shouldn't I come when there's no reason for me to keep away where I even to die too will come a hundred times a day but is cousin quite well she is replied Zijun physically alright but mentally her resentment is not quite over I understand continue Bao Yu with a smile but resentment for what with this inquiry he went at his steps inside the apartment he then caught sight of Ling Da Yu reclining on a bed in the act of crying Da Yu had not in fact shed a tear but hearing Bao Yu breaking upon her she could not have feeling upset she found it impossible therefore to prevent her tears from rolling down her cheeks Bao Yu assumed a smiling expression and drew near the bed cousin are you quite well again he inquired Da Yu simply went on drying her tears and made no reply of any kind Bao Yu approached the bed and sat on the edge of it I know he smiled that you are not vexed with me but had I not come third parties would have been allowed to notice my absence and it would have appeared to them as if we had had another quarrel and had I to wait until they came to reconcile us would we not by that time become perfect strangers it would be better supposing you wish to beat me or blow me up that you should please yourself and do so now but whatever you do don't give me the cold shoulder continuing he proceeded to call her my dear cousin for several tens of times Da Yu had resolved not to pay any more heat to Bao Yu when she however now heard Bao Yu urge don't let us allow others to know anything about our having had a quarrelled as it would look as if we had become thorough strangers it once more became evident to her from the single remark that she was really dearer and nearer to him than any of the other girls so she could not refrain from saying subbingly you needn't have come to chaff me I couldn't presume hands forward to be on friendly terms with you you should treat me as if I were gone at this words Bao Yu gave way to laughter where are you off to he inquired I'm going back home answer to Da Yu I'll go along with you then smiled Bao Yu but if I die ask Da Yu well if you die rejoin to Bao Yu I'll become bones the moment Da Yu caught this reply she hung down her head you must I presume be banned upon dying she cried but what stuff and nonsense is this you are talking you've got so many beloved elder and younger cousins in your family and how many bodies will you have to go and become bonzes when by and by they all pass away but tomorrow I'll tell them about this to judge for themselves what your motives are Bao Yu was himself aware of the fact that this rejoinder had been recklessly spoken and he was seized with regret his face immediately became suffused with flushes he lowered his head and had not the courage to utter one word more fortunately however there was no one present in the room Da Yu stared at him for ever so long with eyes fixed straight on him but losing control over her temper I she shouted can't you speak then when she perceived Bao Yu reduced to such straights as to turn purple she clenched her teeth and spitefully gave him on the forehead a phillip with her finger she cried gnawing her teeth you this but just as she had pronounced these two words she heaved another sigh and picking up her handkerchief she wiped her tears Bao Yu treasured at one time numberless tender things in his mind which he meant to tell her but feeling also while he smarted under the sting of self-reproach for the indiscretion he had committed Da Yu give him a wrap he was utterly powerless to open his lips much though he may have liked to speak so he kept on sighing and sniveling to himself with all these things therefore to work upon his feelings he unwillingly melted into tears he tried to find his handkerchief to dry his face with but unexpectedly discovering that he had again forgotten to bring one with him he was about to make his coat sleeve after the purpose when Da Yu, albeit her eyes were watery noticed at a glance that he was going to use the brand new coat of gray colored ghouls he wore and while wiping her own she turned herself round and seized a sealed kerchief thrown over the pillow and thrust it into Bao Yu's lap but without saying a word she screamed her face and continued sobbing Bao Yu saw the handkerchief she threw and hastily snatching it he wiped his tears then drawing nearer to her he put out his hand and clasped her hand in his and smilingly said to her you've completely lacerated my heart and you still cry but let's go I'll come along with you and see our venerable grandmother Da Yu thrushed his hand aside who wants to go hand in hand with you she cried here we grow older day after day but we're still so full of brazen faced effrontery that we don't even know what right means but scarcely had she concluded before she heard a voice say aloud they are all right Bao Yu and Da Yu were little prepared for the surprise and they were startled out of their senses turning around to see who it was they caught sight of Lady Feng running in laughing and shouting our old lady she said it's over there giving way to anger against heaven and earth she would insist upon my coming to find out whether you were reconciled or not there's no need for me to go and see I told her they were before the expiry of three days be friends again of their own accord our venerable ancestor however called me to account and maintained that I was lazy so here I come but my words have in very did turn out true I don't see why you two should always be wrangling for three days you are on good terms and for two on bad you've become more and more like children and here you are now hand in hand blubbering but why did you again yesterday become like black-eyed fighting cocks don't you yet come with me to see your grandmother and make an old lady like her set her mind at ease a bit while reproaching them she clutched Da Yu's hand and was trudging away when Da Yu turned her head round and called out for her servant girls but not one of them was in attendance what do you want them for again Lady Feng asked I'm here to wait on you still speaking she pulled her along on their way with Bao Yu following in their footsteps then making their exit out of the garden gate they entered Dowager Lady Jia's suite of rooms I said that it was superfluous for anyone to trouble Lady Feng smiled as they were sure of themselves to become reconciled but you dear ancestor so little believed it you insisted upon my going to act a part of mediator yet when I got there with the intentions of inducing them to make it up I found them though one did not expect it in each other's company confessing their faults and laughing and chatting just like a yellow eagle clutching the feet of a kite where those two hanging onto each other so where was the necessity for anyone to go these words evoked laughter from everyone in a room Bao Chai however was present at the time so Ling Da Yu did not retort but went and ensconced herself in a seat near her grandmother when Bao Yu noticed that no one had anything to say he smilingly addressed himself to Bao Chai on cousin Xie Pan's birthday he remarked I happened again to be unwell so not only did I not send him any presents but I failed to go and knock on my head before him yet cousin knows nothing about my having been ill and it would seem to him that I had no wish to go and that I brought forward excuses so as to avoid paying him a visit if tomorrow you find any leisure, cousin do therefore explain matters for me to him this is too much punctiliousness smiled Bao Chai even had you insisted upon going we wouldn't have been so arrogant as to let you put yourself to the trouble and how much less when you were not feeling well you two are cousins you always used to be found together the whole day if you encourage such ideas some estrangement will after all arise between you cousin continued to Bao Yu smilingly you know what to say and so long as you are lenient with me all will be alright but how is it he went on to ask that you haven't gone over to see the theatricals I couldn't stand the heat rejoined Bao Chai I looked on while two plays were being sung I found it so intensely hot that I felt anxious to retire but the visitors not having dispersed I had to give as an excuse that I wasn't feeling up to the mark and so came away at once Bao Yu at these words could not but feel ill at ease all he could do was to faint another smile it's no wonder he observed that they compare you cousin to Yang Guifei for she was too fat and afraid of hot weather hearing this Bao Chai involuntarily flew into a violent rage yet when about to call him to task she found that it would not be nice for her to do so after some reflections the color rushed to her cheeks smiling ironically twice I may resemble she said Yang Guifei but there's not one of you young man whether senior or junior good enough to play the part of Yang Guo Zhong while they were bandying words a servant girl lost sight of her fan and lovingly remarked to Bao Chai it must be you miss Bao who have put my fan away somewhere or other dear mistress to let me have it you'd better be mindful rejoined Bao Chai shaking a finger at her with whom have I ever been up to jokes that you come and suspect me have I heeded to laugh and smirked with you there's that whole lot of girls go and ask them about it at his suggestions Jiang Er made her escape the consciousness then burst upon Bao Yu that he had again been inconsiderate in his speech in the presence of so many persons and he was overcome by a greater sense of shame than when a short while back he had been speaking with Ling Da Yu precipitately turning himself round he went therefore and talked to the others as well the sight of Bao Yu poking fun at Bao Chai gratified Da Yu immensely she was just about to put in her word and also seize the opportunity of chafing her but as Jiang Er unawares asked for her fan and Bao Chai added a few more remarks she at once changed her purpose kuzhen Bao Chai she inquired what two place did you hear Bao Chai caught the expressions of gratifications in Da Yu's countenance and concluded that she had for a certainty heard the railway recently indulged in by Bao Yu and that it had fallen in with her own wishes and hearing her also suddenly ask the question she did she answered with a significant laugh what I saw was Li Kui blows up Song Jiang and subsequently again tender his apologies Bao Yu smiled how is it he said that with such white knowledge of things new as well as old and such general informations as you possess you aren't even up to the name of a play and that if came out with such a whole string of words why the real name of the play is carrying a birch and begging for punishment is it truly called carrying a birch and begging for punishment Bao Chai asked with love but you people know all things new and also are able to understand the import of carrying a birch and begging for punishment as for me I have no idea whatever what carrying a birch and begging for punishment implies when sentence was scarcely ended when Bao Yu and Da Yu felt guilty in their consciences and by the time they heard all she said they were quite flushed from shame Lady Feng did not it is true fathom the gist of what had been said but at the sight of the expression betrayed on the faces of the three cousins she readily got an inkling of it on this broiling hot day she inquired laughing also who still eats raw ginger none of the party could make out the import of insinuations there's no one eating raw ginger they said Lady Feng intentionally then brought her hands to her cheeks and rubbing them she remarked with an air of utter astonishment since there's no one eating raw ginger how is it that you are also fiery in the face hearing this Bao Yu and Da Yu waxed more uncomfortable than ever so much so that Bao Chai who meant to continue the conversations did not think it nice to say anything more when she saw how utterly abashed Bao Yu was and how changed his manner her only cause was therefore to smile and hold her peace and as the rest of the inmates had not the faintest notions of the drift of the remarks exchanged between the four of them they consequently followed her lead and put on a smile in a short while however Bao Chai and Lady Feng took their leave he have also tried your strength with them Da Yu said to Bao Yu laughingly but they are far worse than I is everyone as simple in mind and dull of tongue as I am as to allow people to say whatever they like Bao Yu was inwardly giving way to that unhappiness which had been occasioned by Bao Chai's touchiness so when he also saw Da Yu approach him and taunt him this pleasure keener than ever was aroused in him a desire then exerted itself to speak out his mind to her but dreading last Da Yu should he in one of her sensitive moods he needless to say stifled his anger and straight way left the apartment in a state of mental depressions and of chapter 30 part 1 section 12 of the dream of the red chamber book 2 this is a LibreVox recording all LibreVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibreVox.org Recording by Wen Rou Yi Singapore the dream of the red chamber book 2 by Cao Xue Qing translated by Henry Bancroft Jolly chapter 30 part 2 it happened to be the season of the Greatest Heat breakfast time too was already passed and masters as well as servants were for the most part under the influence of the lecithic film Nancy Days as Bao Yu therefore strolled from place to place his hand behind his back he heard not so much as the call of a crowd issuing out of his grandmother's compound on the near side he rendered his steps westward and crossed the passage on which Lady Feng's quarters gave as soon as he reached the entrance of a court he perceived the door ajar but aware of Lady Feng's habit of taking during the hot weather a couple of hours sister at noon he did not feel it a convenient moment to intrude walking accordingly through the corner door he stepped into Madame Wang's apartment here he discovered several waiting mates dozing with the needle work clothed in their hands Madame Wang was asleep on the cool couch in the in the rooms Jing Chuanger was sitting next to her massaging her legs but she too was quite drowsy and her eyes were all array Bao Yu drew up to her with gentle treat the moment however was he unfaithful dependence from the air in she wore Jing Chuanger opened her eyes and realized that it was no one than Bao Yu are you feeling so worn out he smothering remarked in a low tone of voice Jing Chuanger passed out her leaves and gave him a smile no waving her hands so as to be in quick the room she again closed her eyes Bao Yu at the side of her feel considerable affection for her and unable to tear himself away so quietly stretching his head forward and noticing that Madame Wang's eyes were shut he extracted from a purse suspended about his person one of the senti snow for listening mouse peeled with which it was full and place it on Jing Chuanger's lips Jing Chuanger however did not open her eyes but simply held the peel in her mouth Bao Yu then approached her and took her hand in his I ask you of your mistress he gently observed smiling and you and I will live forever through this I will say not a word if that won't do Bao Yu continued I'll wait for your mistress to wake and appeal to her at once Jing Chuanger distended her eyes wide and pushed Bao Yu off what's the hurry she laughed a gold hairpin may fall into the well but if it's yours it will remain yours only is it possible that you don't even see the spirit but I'll tell you a smart thing just you go into the small court on the east side and you are fine for yourself or Mr Jia Huan and Cai Yu are up to let them be up to whatever they like smiled about you I shall simply stick to your side but he then saw Madam Wan twist herself around get up and give a slap to Jing Chuanger on her mouth you mean wench she exclaimed abusing her while she pointed her finger at her it's you and the like of you who corrupt these fine young fellows with all the nice things you teach them the moment Bao Yu perceived Madam Wan right he bolted like a strike of smoke Jing Chuanger meanwhile fell half of her face as hot as fire yet she did not dare utter one word of complaint the various waiting-mates soon came to hear that Madam Wan has awoke and they rushed in in the body go and tell your mother Madam Wan they upon say to Yu Chuanger to fetch your elder sister away Jing Chuanger at this word speedily fell on her knee with tears in her eyes I won't venture to do it again she pleaded if you madam wish to flog me or to scold me do so at once and as much as you like but don't send me away you will thus accomplish the act of heavenly grace I've been in attendance on your leadership for about 10 years and if you now drive me away will I be able to look at anyone in the face though Madam Wan was a generous tender hearted person and had at no time raised her hand to give a single blow to any servant girl she however when she accidentally discovered Jing Chuanger behave on this occasion in this bare-faced manner a manner which had all her lifetime been most reprehensible to her was so overcome by passion that she gave Jing Chuanger just one slip and spoke to her a few sharp words and albeit Jing Chuanger indulged in solicitous entreaties she would not on any account keep her in her service at length Jing Chuanger's mother Dame Bai was sent for to take her away Jing Chuanger therefore had to conceal her disgrace suppress her resentment and quit the mansion but without any further reference to her we are now take up our story with Baoyu as soon as he saw Madam Wan awake his spirits were crushed all along he hesitantly made his way into the Da Guan Garden here his attention was attracted by the ruddy sun shining in the then the shade of the trees extending far and wide the thong of the cicadas filling the air and by a perfect stillness not even broken by the echo and voice by the instant he got near the trellis with the cinnamon roses the sound of sobs fell on his ear doubts and surmises crept into Baoyu's mind so holding at once he listened with intentness then actually he discerned someone on the offsite of the trellis this was the fifth moon the season when the flowers and the foliage of the cinnamon roses were in full bloom furtively peeping through an aperture in the fence Baoyu saw a young girl scouting under the flowers and digging the ground with her hairpin she held in her hand as she dug she silenced and gave way to tears can it be possible mused Baoyu that this girl too is stupid can she also be following Pinger's example and come to inter flowers why if she's likewise really burying flowers he afterwards went until smilingly reflect this can aptly be termed Dongshi tries to imitate a frown but not only is what she does not original but it is despicable to boot you needn't he meant to shout out to the girl at the conclusion of this train of thought try and copy Miss Lin's example but before the words had issued from his mouth he luckily scrutinized her a second time and found that the girl's features were quite unfamiliar to him that she was no menial and that she looked like one of the twelve singing mates who are giving up the days he could not however make out what roles she filled scholars, girls, old men women and performance Baoyu quickly put out his tongue and stopped his mouth with his hand how fortunate he was so little crazed that I did not make any relentless remark it was all because of my inconsiderate talk on the last two occasions that Ping'er got angry with me and that Baochang felt hurt and had I now given them offence also I would have been in a still more awkward fix while wrapped in these thoughts he filled much annoyance at not being able to recognize who she was but on further minute inspection he noticed that this maiden with contracted eyebrows as beautiful as the hills in spring frowning eyes as clear as the streams in autumn a face with transparent skin and slim waist was elegant and beautiful and almost the very image of Ling Daoyu Baoyu could not from the very first make out his mind to wrench himself away but as he stood gazing at her in a tautish mood he realized that although she was tracing on the ground with the gold hairpin she was not digging a hole to bury flowering but was merely delineating characters on the surface of the soil Baoyu's eyes followed the hairpin from first to last as he went up and as he came down he watched each dash each dot and each hook he counted the strokes they numbered 18 he himself then said to work and sketched with his finger on the palm of his hand the lines in the various directions and in the order they had been traced a few minutes back so as to endeavor to guess what the character was on completing the sketch he discovered the moment he came to reflect that it was the character Qiang in the combination Qiangwei representing cinema roses she too must have been bent upon writing verses or supplying some line or other and at the side now of the flowers the idea must have suggested itself to her mind only may very likely be there but she continuously devised a couplet she got suddenly elated and began for fear it should sleep from her memory to trace it on the ground though as to turn the rhythm yet there's no thing let me see however what she's going to write next while cogitating he looked once more the girl was still tracing by tracing up or tracing down it was ever the character Qiang when he gazed again it was still the self same Qiang the one inside the fence fell in fact from her early stage into a foolish moat and no sooner was one Qiang finished than she started with another so that she had already written several tens of them the one outside gazed and gazed until he unwittingly also got into the same foolish moat intent with his eyes upon following the movements of the pin in his mind he commutes thus with his own thoughts this girl must for a certainty have something to say or some unspeakable momentous secret that she goes on like this but if altruistically she behaves in this wise who knows what anguish she may and suffer at heart and yet with a frame to all appearances so very delicate how could she ever resist much inward anxiety while it's me that I'm unable to transfer some part of her burden onto my own shoulders in mid-summer cloudy and bright weather uncertain a few specks of clouds suffice to bring about rain of a sudden cloud blasts wet by and torched about by the wind fill a shower of rain baoyu perceived that the water trickling down the girl's head saturated her gold's attire in no time it's pouring baoyu debated withing himself and how can a frame like hers resist the burnt of such a score unable therefore to restrain himself he vehemently shouted leave of writing see it's pouring you're wet too the girl caught its words and was frightened out of her wits raising her head she at once described something one or other standing beyond the flowers and calling out to her leave of writing it's pouring but as baoyu was firstly of handsome appearance and then secondly the luxuriant abundance of flowers and foliage screamed with their borts seek laden with leaves the upper and lower part of his person just leaving half of his countenance exposed to view the maiden simply jumped at the conclusion that he must be a servant girl and never for a moment dreamed that he might be baoyu for recalling me to my senses she consequently smart yet is there falsehoods anything outside there to protect you from the rain big thing a remark proves sufficient to recall baoyu to himself with an exclamation of aya he at length become conscious that his whole body was culled as eyes then dropping his head he realized that his own person too was drenched this will never do he cried and with one breath he had to run back into the yihongkot his mind however continued much exercise about the girl and she had nothing to shelter her from the rain as the next day was the dragon ball festival wengguan and the other thing girls chouvinou were given a holiday so they came into the garden and mused themselves by roaming everywhere and anywhere as luck would have it the two girls baoguan who filled the role of young men and yu guan who represented young women were in the yihongkot in joining themselves with xiren were rain setting and they were prevented from going back so in a body they stopped off the rain to allow the water to accumulate in the yard then catching those that could be caught and driving those they had to be driven they laid hold of a few of the green-headed ducks variegated marsh birds and colored main drain ducks and tying their wings they let them lose in the court to despot themselves closing the court xiren and her playmates do together under the veranda and enjoys the fun baoyu therefore found the entrance shut he gave a rap at the door but as everyone inside was bent upon laughing they naturally did not catch the sound and it was only after he had called and called and made the noise by thumping at the door that they had last heard imagining however that baoyu could not be coming back xiren shouted laughing who's it now knocking at the door there's no one to go and open it's I rejoined baoyu it's Miss Baochai's tone of voice I'll show you nonsense what would Miss Baochai come over to do at such an hour let me go chamed in xiren and leaned through the fissure in the door and if we can open we'll open but we mustn't let her go back wet through with these words she came along the passage to the doorway unlooking out she espied baoyu dripping like a chicken drenched with rain seeing him in this plight xiren felt solicitors as well as amused with alacrity she flung the door wide open laughing so heartily that she was doubled in two how could I ever have known she said clapping her hands that you had returned sir yet how is that you run back in this heavy rain baoyu had however being feeling in no happy frame of mind he had fully resolved using himself to administer a few kicks to the person who came to open the door so as soon as it was unbarred he did not try to make sure who he was but under the presumption that it was one of the servant girls he raised his leg and gave her a kick on the side aya ejaculated xiren baoyu nevertheless went down to abuse you mean things he shouted because I've always treated you so considerably that you don't respect me in the last and you now go to the length of making a laughing stock of me as he spoke he lowered his head then catching sight of xiren in tears he realised that he had kicked the wrong person hello he said promisefully smiling is it you who have come where did I kick you xiren had never previous to this received even the harsh words from him when therefore she on this occasion unexpectedly saw baoyu gave her a kick in the feet of anger and what made it worse in the presence of so many people shame resentment and bodily pain overpowered her and she did not in fact know where to go and hide herself she was then about to give rain to her displeasure but the reflection that baoyu could not have kicked her intentionally obliged her to suppress her indignation instead of kicking she remarked don't you yet go and change your clothes baoyu walked into the room and he did so he smiled up to the age I've reached he observed this is the first instance on which I've ever thought thoroughly lost control over my temper as to strike anyone and contrary to all my thoughts it's you that happened to come in my way xiren while patiently enjoying the pain affected the necessary change in his attire I've been here from the very first she simultaneously added smilingly so in all things whether large or small build a bed it has naturally fallen to my share to bear the burden but not to say another word about your assault on me why? tomorrow you'll indulge your hand and start beating others I did not strike you intentionally just now retorted baoyu whoever said xiren they you did intentionally it has ever been the duty of the tribe of servant girls to open and shut the doors yet they've gotten to the way of being obstinate and have long ago become such an abomination that people's teeth each to revenge themselves on them they don't know besides what fear means so had you first assured yourself that it was and given them a kick a little intimidating would have done them good but I'm at the bottom of the mischief that happened just now for not calling those upon who it devolves to come and open for you during the course of the conversation the rain ceased and Baoguan and Yukuan had been able to take their leave Xiren however experienced such intense pain in her side and felt such inward vexation that as supper she could not put a morsel of anything in her mouth when in the evening at the time came for her to have her bath she discovered on divesting herself of her clothes a bluish bruise on her side of the sides of her saucer and she was very much frightened but as she could not very well say anything about it to anyone she presently retired to rest but twitches of pain make her involuntarily mourn in her dreams and groan in her sleep Baoyu did it is true not hurt her with any madness but when he saw Xiren so listless and restless and suddenly hurt her groan in the course of the night he realized severely he must have kicked her so getting out of bed he gently seized the lantern and came over to look at her but as soon as he reached the side of her bed he perceived Xiren expectorate with a rich a whole mouthful of flame oh me she gasped as she opened her eyes the presence of Baoyu started her out of her wits what are you up to she asked you groaned in your dreams answered Baoyu so I must have kicked you hard do you let me see my hand feels giddy said Xiren my throat foul and sweet throw the light on the floor at this words Baoyu actually raised the lantern the moment he cast the light below he discerned a quantity of fresh blood on the floor Baoyu was seized with consternation dreadful was all he could say at the side of the blood Xiren's heart two partially waxed cold but reader the next chapter will reveal in sequel if you really have any wish to know more about them end of section 12 recording by Wenroui Singapore