 Section 21 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 Jiao Xuqin. Translated by Henry Bencroft Jolie, Chapter 35, Part 2. Daoja Lady Jiao stepped into the room leaning on LibriVox's arm. Xu and Mrs. Xie took their places with due regard to the distinction between hostess and visitors, and Xie Baocai and Xi Xiangyun seated themselves below. Ben and Wang then came forward and presented with their own hands tea to Old LibriJiao, while Li Gongcai handed a cup to Mrs. Xie. You'd better let those young sisters-in-law do the honors, demonstrate Old LibriJiao, and sit over there so that we may be able to have a chat. Madam Wang at length sat on a small bench, let our worthy senior's vions, she cried, addressing herself to Lady Feng, be served here, and let a few more things be brought. Lady Feng acquiesced without delay, and she told the servant to cross over to their old mistress' quarters, and to bid the matrons employed in that part of the household promptly go out and summon the wedding girls. The various wedding mates arrived with all dispatch. Madam Wang directed them to ask their young ladies around, but after a poor chanted absence on the errand, only two of the girls turned up, Tan Chun and Xi Chun. Yin Chun was not in her state of health equal to the fatigue, or able to put anything in her mouth, and Lin Da Yu, suplefused to add, could only safely partake of five out of ten meals, so no one thought anything of their non-appearance. Presently, the eatables were brought, and the servants arranged them in their proper places on the table. Lady Feng took a napkin and wrapped a bunch of chopsticks in it. Venerable Ancestor and Yu, Mrs. Cher, she smiled, standing a while below. There's no need of any yielding, just you listen to me and I'll make things all right. Let's do as she wills, or Lady Cher remarked to Mrs. Cher laughingly. Mrs. Cher signified her approval with a smile. So Lady Feng placed, in due course, four pairs of chopsticks on the table, the two pairs on the upper end for Dao Zhe Lady Cher and Mrs. Cher, those on the two sides for Cher Bao Tai and Xi Xiang Yun, Madam Wang, Li Gong Chai, and a few others stood together below and watched the attendants serve the viands. Lady Feng first and foremost hastily asked for clean utensils and drew near the table to select some eatables for Bao Yu. Presently, the soup on the lotus leaves arrived. After all Lady Cher had well scrutinized it, Madam Wang turned her head, and catching sight of Yu Chun'er, she immediately commissioned her to take some over to Bao Yu. She can't carry it single-handed in her Lady Feng, but by a strange coincidence, Ying'er then walked into the room along with Xi'er and Bao Chai, knowing very well that they had already had their meal forthwith, said to Ying'er, Your Master Secundus, Mr. Bao Yu, just asked that you should go and twist a few girdles for him. So you two might as well proceed together. Ying'er expressed her readiness and left the apartment in company with Yu Chun'er. How can you carry it so very hard as it is? The whole way there observed Ying'er. Don't distress yourself with joint Yu Chun smiling. I know how to do it. Seeing this, she directed a matron to come and place the soup, rice and the rest of the eatables in the present box, and bidding her layhold of it and follow them. The two girls spat on the way with empty hands and made straight for the entrance of the Yi Hong Court. Here, Yu Chun'er at length took the things herself and entered the room in company with Ying'er. The trio, Zhe Ren, Xie Yue and Chou Wen were at a time chatting and loving with Bao Yu. But the moment they saw their two friends arrive, they speedily jumped to their feet. How is it, they exclaimed lovingly, that you two dropped in just the nick of time. Have you come together? With these words on their lips, they descended to greet them. Yu Chun took at once a seat on a small stool. Ying'er, however, did not presume to see herself, and though Zhe Ren was quick enough in moving a food stool for her, Ying'er did not still venture to sit down. Ying'er's arrival filled Bao Yu with intense delight, but as soon as he noticed Yu Chun'er, he recalled to memory her sister, Jin Chun'er, and he felt wounded to the very heart and overpowered with shame. And without troubling his mind about Ying'er, he addressed his remarks to Yu Chun'er. Zhe Ren saw early while that Ying'er failed to attract his attention, and she began to fear, lest she felt uncomfortable. And when she further realized that Ying'er herself would not take a seat, she drew her out of the room and repaired with her into the outer apartment where they had a chat over their tea. Zhe Yue and her companions had, in the meantime, got the bowls and chopsticks ready and came to wait upon Bao Yu during his meal. But Bao Yu would not have anything to eat. It's a matter of right. He bought with inquire of Yu Chun'er. An angry scowl crapped over Yu Chun'er's face. She did not even look straight at Bao Yu. And only after a long pause was it that she at last uttered merely the words. All right. By way of reply, Bao Yu therefore found talking to her of little zest. But after a protracted silence, he felt impelled to again force a smile and to ask, Who told you to bring these things over to me? The ladies answered Yu Chun'er, Bao Yu discerned the mournful expression which still beclouded her condolence, and he readily jumped at the conclusion that there must be entirely occasioned by the fate which had befallen Jin Chun'er. But when fame to put on a meek and unassuming manner and endeavor to cheer her, he saw how little he could demean himself in the presence of so many people. And consequently, he did his best and discovered the means of getting everyone out of the way. Afterwards, streaming another smile, he applied her with all sorts of questions. Yu Chun'er, it is true, did not at first choose to heed his advances. Yet, when she observed that Bao Yu did not put on any errors and that in spite of all her quarrelous approaches, he still continued pleasant and agreeable. She felt disconcerted and her features at last assumed a certain expression of cheerfulness. Bao Yu thereupon smiled. My dear girl, he said, as he gave way to entreaties, bring that soup and let me taste it. I've never been in the habit of feeding people. Yu Chun'er replied, you better wait till the others return. You can have some then. I don't want you to feed me, laughed Bao Yu. It's because I can't move about that I appeal to you. Do let me have it. You'll then get back early and be able, when you've handed over the things, to have your meal. But, were I to go on wasting your time, won't you feel upset from hunger? Should you be lazy to budge? Well then, I'll endure the pain and get down and fetch it myself. As he spoke, he tried to alight from back. He strained every nerve and raised himself but unable to stand the exertion he burst out into groans. At the sight of his anguish, Yu Chun'er had not the heart to refuse her help. Springing up, lying down, she cried, in what form existence did you commit such evil that your retribution in the present one is so apparent? Which of my eyes however can brook looking at you going on in that way? While taunting him, she again blurted out laughing and brought the soup over to him. My dear girl smiled about you. If you want to show temper, better do so here. When you see our venerable senior and madam, my mother, you should be a little more even-tempered. For if you still behave like this, you at once get a scolding. Eat away, eat away, urged Yu Chun'er. There's no need for you to be so sweet-mouthed and honey-tongued with me. I don't put any faith in such talk. So speaking suppressed Bao Yu until he had two mouthfuls of soup. It isn't nice, it isn't nice. Bao Yu purposely exclaimed. I'll be thoughtful, ejaculated Yu Chun'er. If this isn't nice, what's nice? There's no flavor about it at all, resumed Bao Yu. If you don't believe me, taste it and you will find out for yourself. Yu Chun'er in a tantrum actually put some of it to her lips. Well, laughed Bao Yu. It is nice. This exclamation eventually enabled Yu Chun to see what Bao Yu was driving at. For Bao Yu had, in fact, been trying to beg out her to have a mouthful. As at one moment, you say you don't want any, she forthwith observed, and now you say it is nice, I won't give you any. While Bao Yu returned her smiles, he kept on earnestly and treating her to let him have some. Yu Chun'er, however, would still not give him any, and she at the same time called to the servants to fetch what there was for him to eat. But the instant the waiting maid put her foot into the room, the servants came quite unexpectedly to deliver a message. Two nurses, they said, have arrived from the household of Mr. Fu, to present his compliments. They have now come to see you, Mr. Sekondas. As soon as Bao Yu heard this report, he felt sure that they must be nurses sent over from the household of Deputy Sub-Prefact Fu Xi. This Fu Xi had originally been a pupil of Zha Zheng, and had indeed had to rely entirely upon the reputation and joy for the Zha family, for the realization of his wishes. Zha Zheng had likewise treated him with such a genuine regard, and so unlike any of his other pupils, that he, that is, Fu Xi, ever and a non-dispatched inmate from his mansion to come and see him so as to keep up friendly relations. Bao Yu had at all times entertained and aversion for both-faced men and unsophisticated women. So why did he once more, on this occasion, issue directions that the two maids should be introduced into his presence? There was, in fact, a reason for his action. It was simply that Bao Yu had come to learn that Fu Xi had a sister, Chiu Fang by name, a girl as calmly as a magnificent gem, and perfection itself. The report of outside people went as much in intellect as in beauty. He had, it is true, not yet seen anything of her with his own eyes. But the sentiments which made him think of her and Cherisher from a distance were characterized by such extreme sincerity that, dreading last he should by refusing to admit the matrons, reflects discredit upon Fu Chiu Fang. He was prompted to lose no time in expressing a wish that they should be ushered in. This Fu Xi had really risen from the vulgar herd. So seeing that Chiu Fang possessed several traits of beauty and exceptional intellectual talents, Fu Xi arrived as the resolution of making his sister the means of joining a relationship with the influential family of some honorable clan. And so I'm willing or see to promise her lightly to any suitor that things were delayed up to this time. Therefore, Fu Chiu Fang though at present past her 20th birthday was not as yet engaged. But the various well-to-do families belonging to honorable clans looked down on the other hand on her poor and mean extraction, holding her in such a light esteem as not to relish the idea of making any offer for her hand. So if Fu Xi cultivated intimate terms with the jia household he needless to add he saw with an interested motive. The two matrons deputed on the present around completely lacked as it happened all knowledge of the world. And the moment they heard that Bao Yu wished to see them they went at steps inside. But no sooner had they inquired how he was and passed a few remarks then Yu Chuner becoming conscious of the arrival of strangers did not bend the words with Bao Yu but stood with a plate of soup in her hands and crossed in listening to the conversation. Bao Yu again was absorbed in speaking to the matrons and while eating some rice he stretched out his arm to get at the soup. But both his and her that is Yu Chuner's eyes were riveted on the women and as he thoughtlessly jerked out his hand with some violence he struck the bowl and turned it clean over the soup fell over Bao Yu's hand but it did not hurt Yu Chuner she sustained her ever such a fright that she gave a start. How did this happen? She smilingly shouted with vehemence to the intense constellation of the wedding-mates who rushed up and clasped the bowl but nowithstanding that he had scolded his own hand he was quite unconscious of the accident so much so that he assailed Yu Chuner with a heap of questions as to where she had been burnt and whether it was sore or not. Yu Chuner and everyone present were highly amused. You yourself observed Yu Chuner have been scolded and do you keep on asking about myself? At this words Bao Yu became at last of the injury he had received. The servants rushed with all promptitude and cleared the mess but Bao Yu was not inclined to touch any more food. He washed his hands drank a cup of tea and then exchanged a few further sentences with the two matrons but subsequently the two women said goodbye and quitted the room. Qing Wen and some other girls saw them as far as the bridge after which they retraced their steps. The two matrons perceived that there was no one about and while proceeding on their way they started a conversation. It isn't strange smiled the one. If people say that this Bao Yu of theirs is handsome in appearance but stupid as far as brains go. Nice enough thing to look at but not to put to one's lips. Rather idiotic in fact. Bao Yu burns his own hand and then he asks someone else whether she saw or not. Now isn't this being a regular fool? The last time I came the other remarked, also smiling I heard that many inmates of his family feel ill will against him. In real truth he is a fool for there he drips in the heavy downpour like a waterfall and instead of running to shelter himself he reminds other people of the rain and urges them to get quick out of the wet. Now tell me isn't this ridiculous? Time and again when no one is present he cries to himself then laughs to himself. When he sees a swallow he instantly talks to it when he aspies a fish in the river he for food speaks to it. At the sight of stars or the moon if he doesn't groan and sigh he mutters and mutters in the he has since the least bit of character so much so that he even puts up with the temper shown by those low-bred maids. If it takes a fancy to a thing it's nice enough even though it be a bit of threat but as for waste what does he mind? A thing maybe worth a thousand or ten thousand pieces of money he doesn't worry his mind in the least about it. While they talked they reached the exterior of the garden and they betook themselves back to their home where we will leave them. As soon as Jeryan for we will return to her saw the women leave the room she took in her by the hand and let her in and they asked Baoyu what kind of girl he wanted made. I was just now so bent upon talking Baoyu smiled to Ine that I forgot all about you I put you to the trouble of coming not for anything else but that you should also make me a few nets. Nets? To put what in? Ine in quiet? Baoyu at this question put on a smile Don't concern yourself about what they are for he replied just make me a few of each kind Ine clapped her hand and laughed Could this ever be done? She cried If you want all that lot why? They couldn't be finished in ten years time My dear girls smiled Baoyu work at them for me then whenever you are at leisure and have nothing better to do how could you get through them all in a little time? Jeryan in the post smilingly first choose now therefore such as are most urgently needed and make a couple of them What about urgently needed? Ine exclaimed they are merely used for fans dependents and handkerchiefs Nets for handkerchiefs will do all right Baoyu answered What's the color of your handkerchief? In quiet Ine is a deep red one Baoyu rejoined for a deep red one continued Ine a black net will do very nicely or one of dark green Bothies agree with the color What goes well with brown? Baoyu asked Peach red goes well with brown Ine added that will make them look gaudy Baoyu observed yet with all their plainness they should be somewhat gaudy Leak green and willow yellow are what are most to my taste Ine pursued Yes, they will also do Baoyu retorted but make one of Peach red too and then one of Leak green of what design? Ine remarked How many kinds of designs are there? Baoyu said There are the stick of incense stools upset towards heaven part of Elephant's eyes squares chains plum blossom and willow leaves Ine answered What was the kind of design you made from this tertiary the other day? Baoyu inquired It was the plum blossom with piled cores Ine explained in reply Yes, that's nice Baoyu rejoined As he uttered this remark Jueran arrived with the cords but no sooner were they brought than a major inquired from outside the window Your variants are ready Go and have your meal urged Baoyu and come back quick after you've had it There are visitors here Jueran smiled and how can I very well go? What makes you say so? Ine laughed while adjusting the cords It's only right and proper that you should go and have your food at once and then return Hearing this Jueran and her companions went off leaving behind only two youthful servant girls to answer the cords Baoyu watched Ine make the nets but while keeping his eyes intent on her he talked at the same time of one thing and then another and next went on to ask her how far she was in her teens Ine continued plaiting I'm 16, she simultaneously rejoined What was your original surname? Baoyu added It was Huang answered Ine That's just the thing Baoyu smiled for in real truth there's the Huang Ine that is Oreo My name at one time consisted of two characters continued Ine I was called Qingying but Miss Baochai didn't like it as it was difficult to pronounce and only called me Ine so now I've come to be known under that name One can very well say that cousin Baochai is fond of you Baoyu pursued by and by when she gets married she's sure to take you along with her Ine puckered up her lips and gave a significant smile I've often told Jueran Baoyu smiled that I can't have wondering who shortly with the lucky ones to win your mistress and yourself You aren't aware, laughed Ine that our young mistress possesses several qualities not to be found in a single person in this world A face is a second consideration Baoyu noticed how captivating Ine's tone of voice was how complacent she was and how simple and like unaffected Ine's language and smiles Anisun felt the warmest affection for her and particularly so when she started the conversation about Baochai when to her call this line he readily inquired my dear girl, please tell me if I tell you said Ine you must, on no account let her know anything about it again just goes without saying smiled Baoyu but this answer was still on his lips when they overheard someone outside remark how is it that everything is so quiet both gazed around to see who possibly it could be they discovered Surangina no one else then Baochai herself Baoyu hastily offered her a seat Baochai seated herself and then wanted to know what Ine was busy plotting Incorring the while she approached her and scrutinized what she held in her hands half of which had by this time been done what's the fun of a thing like this she said wouldn't it be preferable to plant a net and put the jade in it the solution suggested the idea to Baoyu speedily clapping his hands he smiled and exclaimed your idea is splendid cousin I'd forgotten all about it the only thing is what color will suit it best it will never do to used mixed colors Baochai rejoined deep red will on one hand clash with the color while yellow is not pleasing to the eye and black on the other hand is too somber but wait I'll try and devise something bring the gold cord and use it with the black beaded cord and if you twist one of each together and make a net with them it will look very pretty upon hearing this Baoyu was immeasurably delighted and time after time he shouted to the servants to fetch the gold cord but just at that moment Joeran stepped in with two bowls of Ita bowls however strange this is today she said to Baoyu why? a few minutes back my mistress and her mother sent someone to bring me two bowls of vines the supply replied Baoyu smiling must have been so plan for today that they have sent some to every one of you it isn't that continued Joeran for they were distinctly given to me by name what's more I wasn't bitten to go and knock my head so this is indeed remarkable if they are given to you Baoyu smiled why? you had better go and eat them was there in this to fill you with conjectures? there's never been anything like this before Joeran added so it makes me feel uneasy Baoyu chai compressed her lips if this she laughed makes you felt uneasy that will be by and by other things to make you far more uneasy Joeran realized that she implied something by her insinuations as she knew from past experience that Baochai was not one given to lightly and contemptuously poking fun at people and remembering the notions entertained by Madam Wang on the last occasion she had seen her she dropped at once any further allusions to the subjects and brought the eatables up to Baoyu for his inspection I shall come and hold the court she observed as soon as I've grinsed my hands this said she immediately quitted the apartment after a meal she washed her hands and came inside to hold the gocots putting her to plant the net with by this time Baochai had been caught away by a servant dispatched by Cherpeng but while Baoyu was watching the net that was being made he caught sight at a moment least expected of two servant girls who came from the part of Madam Xin of the other mansion to bring him a few kinds of fruits and to inquire whether he was able to walk if you can go about they told him our mistress desires you, Mr Baoyu to cross over tomorrow and have a little distraction her leadership really long to see you where I am able to walk Baoyu answered with alacrity I would feel it my duty to go and pay my respects to your mistress anyhow the pain is better than before so request your lady to allay her solicitude as he bathed and both sit down he at the same time called Chiuwen take his hat to her half of the fruits just received to miss Lin as a present Chiuwen signified her obedience and was about to start on her errand when she heard Daoyu talking in the court and Baoyu eagerly shout out request her to walk in at once but should there be any further particulars which you reader might feel disposed to know peruse the details given in the following chapter end of section 21 section 22 of the dream of the red chamber book 2 this is a liverbox recording all liverbox recordings are in the public domain for more information on the volunteer please visit liverbox.org the dream of the red chamber book 2 by Zhao Shuqing translated by Henry Bankraff's Joli chapter 36 part 1 while Jiren is busy embroidering Mandarin ducks Baoyu receives in the Jiangyun pavilion an omen from a dream Baoyu apprehends that there is a destiny in affections when his feelings are aroused to a sense of the situation in the pair fragrance court ever since Dao Joli did Zhao's return from Medan Wang's quarters for we will now take up the strength of our narrative she naturally fell happier in her mind as she saw that Baoyu improved from day to day but nervous last Zhao Zheng should again in the future send for him there must no time in bidding a servant summon a head page a constant attendant upon Zhao Zheng to come to her and in impressing upon him various orders should she enjoin him anything turned up hands forward connected with meeting guests entertaining visitors and other such matters and your master mean to send for Baoyu you can dispense to deliver the message just you tell him that I say that after the severe thrashing he has had great care must be first taken of him during several months before he can be allowed to walk and that secondly his constellation is unpropitious and that he could not see any outsider while sacrifices are being offered to the stars that I won't have him therefore put his foot beyond the second gate before the expiry of the 8th moon they had page listened patiently to her instructions and ascending to all she had to say he took his leave old Lü Dijia thereupon also sent for nurse Li Zhejun and the other waiting mates and recommended them to tell Baoyu about her injunctions so that he might be able to quiet his mind Baoyu had always had a repentance for entertaining high officials and men in general and the greatest horror of going in official hat and ceremonial dress to offer congratulations or express condolences to pay calls return visits or perform other similar conventionalities but upon receipt on the present occasion of this message he became so much the more confirmed in his dislikes that not only did he suspend or intercourse with every single relative and friend but even went so far as to study more than he had ever done before his own capricious in the fulfillment of those morning and evening salutations due to the senior members of his family day after day he spent in the garden then loathing about sitting down here or reclining there of a morning he would as soon as he would stay throw as far as the quarters of Dao Jiao Li Jiao and Madam Wang to repair bag however in no time yet ever ready was he every day that went by to perform in new services for any of the waiting mates he in fact wasted away far Nian Tei days as well as months if perchant Bao Chai or any other girl of the same age as herself found at any time an opportunity to give him advice he would instead of taking it in good part fly into a half appear and spotless maiden he would say has likewise gone and deliberately imitated those persons whose aim is to fish for reputation and to seek praise that set of government thieves and celery devils this result entirely arises from the fact that there have been people in former times who have uselessly stirred up trouble and purposely fabricated stories with the primary objects of enticing the filthy male creatures who will spring up in future ages to follow in their steps and who would have thought it I have had the misfortune of being born a masculine being but even those beautiful girls in the female apartment have been so contaminated by this practice that rarely they show themselves ungrateful for the verge of heaven and earth in endowing them with perception and in rearing them with so much calmliness seeing therefore what an insane mania possessed him not one of his cousins came forward to tender him one proper word of counsel Lin Da Yu was the only one of them who from his very infancy had never once admonished him to strive and make a position and attain fame so thus it was that he entertained for Da Yu profound consideration but enough of minor details we will now turn our attention to Lady Feng Soon after the news of Jin Chun-er's death reached her she saw that domestics from various branches of the family paid her frequent visits at most unexpected hours and presented her a lot of things and that they courted her presence at most unseasonable moments to pay their compliments and adulate her and she began to harbour suspicions in her own mind as she little knew what their object could possibly be on this date she again noticed that some of them had brought their gifts so when evening arrived and no one was present she felt compelled to inquire to closely of Ping-er what their aim could be can't your leadership fathom even this Ping-er answered with a sadonic smile why? their daughters must be seven girls in Madam Wang's apartment for her leadership's room four elderly girls are at present allotted with a monthly allowance of one tail the rest simply receiving several hundreds of cash each month so now that Jin Chun-er is dead and gone these people must of course be contentious to try their tricks and get this one tail job hearing this Lady Feng smiled a significant smile that's it yes, that's it she exclaimed you have really suggested the idea to my mind from all appearances these people are a most insatiable lot for they make quite enough in the way of money and as for any business that requires a little exertion why they are never ready to bear a share of it they make use of their girls as so many tools to show their own duties upon yet one overlooks that but must they too have designs upon this job never mind these people cannot easily afford to spend upon me the money they do but they bring this upon their own selves so I will keep every bit of Feng they sent after all resolved how to act in the matter having arrived at this decision Lady Feng purely and simply projected the delay until all the women had sent her enough to satisfy her when she at last suited her own convenience and spoke to Madam Wang on the subject of the vacant post Mrs. Xie and her daughter were sitting one day at noon in Madam Wang's orders of Lin Da Yu and the other girls where Lady Feng found an opportunity and approached the topic with Madam Wang ever since she said Sister Jin Chuner's death there has been one servant less in your leadership's service but you may possibly have said your choice upon some girl if so, do let me know who it is so that I may be able to pay her her monthly wages this reminder made Madam Wang commute with her own self I fancy, she remarked that the custom is that there should be four or five of them but as long as they are enough to wait upon me I don't mind so we can really dispense with another what you say is, probably speaking perfectly correct smile Lady Feng but it's an old established custom there are still a couple to be found in other people's rooms and won't you, Madam conform with the rule besides, the saving of a tail is a small matter after this argument Madam Wang indulged in further thoughts never mind, she then observed just you bring over this allowance and pay it to me and there will be no need to supply another girl I'll hand over this tail to her younger sister Yu Shun'er and finish with it her elder sister came to an unpleasant end after long term of service with me so if the younger sister she leaves behind in my employ receives a double share it won't be any too excessive Lady Feng expressed her approval and turning round she said smilingly to Yu Shun'er I congratulate you I congratulate you Yu Shun'er there upon crossed over and prostrated herself I just want to ask you Madam Wang went on to inquire how much Mrs. Zhao and Mrs. Zhou are allowed monthly they have a fixed allowance answered Lady Feng each of them draws two tails but Mrs. Zhao gets two tails for cousin Jia Huang so hers amounts in all to four tails besides these four strings of cash are they paid in full month after month Madam Wang inquired Lady Feng thought the question so very strange that she hastened to exclaim by way of reply how are they not paid in full the other day Madam Wang proceeded I heard a faint rumour that there was someone who complained in an aggrieved way that she had got a string shot how and why is this the monthly allowances of the 7 girls attached to the 7 wives Lady Feng hurriedly added with a smile amounted originally to a dow each but ever since last year it was decided by those people outside that the shares of each of those ladies girls should be reduced by half that is each to 500 cash and as each lady has a couple of 7 girls they receive therefore a dow short but for this they can't bear me a grudge as far as I am concerned I would be too glad to let them have it but our people outside will again disallow it so is it likely that I can authorize any increase prey in this matter of payment to receive the money and I have nothing to do with how it comes and how it goes I nevertheless recommended on two or three occasions that it would be better if these two shares were again raised to the old amount but they said there is only that much money so that I can't very well volunteer any further suggestions now that the funds are paid into my hands I give them to them every month without any irregularity of even so much as a day when payments that are due were effected outside what month were they not short of money and did they ever on any single instance obtain their pay at the proper time and date having heard this explanation Madam Wang kept silent for a while next she proceeded to ask how many girls there were with Alger Lady Jar 8 of them rejoined Lady Feng but there are at present only 7 the other one is Jiren quite right Ascended Madam Wang but your cousin Bao Yu has an animate at one tail for Jiren is still a servant belonging to old Lady Jar's household Jiren Lady Feng smiled is still our de-accessed servant she's only land to cousin Bao Yu so that she still receives this tail in her capacity of maid to our worthy senior any proposal therefore that might now be made that this tail should as Jiren is Bao Yu's servant be curtailed can on no account be entertained yet where it suggested that another servant should be added to our senior's staff then in this way one could reduce the tail she gets but if this be not curtailed it will be necessary to also add a servant in cousin Jia Huang's rooms in order that there should be a fair apportionment in fact Qin Wen, Xie Yue and the others numbering 7 senior maids receive each a Dao a month and Jia Hui and the rest of the junior maids you know each 500 cash and this was recommended by our venerable ancestor herself so how can anyone be angry and feel this pleasure just listen to that girl Feng's mouth it rattles and rattles like a cart laden with walnuts which has turned topsy-turvy yet her accounts are from what one can gather clear enough for a reason and rejoined Lady Feng's smiling was I likely wrong in what I said whoever said you were wrong Mrs. Che smiled but were you to talk a little slower wouldn't it be a saving of expression for you Lady Feng was about to laugh but hastily checking herself she lands an ear to what Madam Wang might have to tell her Madam Wang indulged in thought for a considerable time afterwards face Lady Feng with better she said select a waiting maid tomorrow and send her over to our worthy senior to fill up Jia Ren's place then discontinue that allowance which Jia Ren draws and keep out of the sum of 20 tales allotted to me monthly 2 tales and a Dao and give them to Jia Ren so hands forward what Mrs. Zhao and Mrs. Zhou will get Jia Ren will likewise get with the only difference that the share granted to Jia Ren will be entirely apportioned out of my own allowance mine therefore there will be no necessity to touch the public funds Lady Feng acquiesced to each one of her recommendations and pushing Mrs. Che and to inquire have you heard her proposal what if I owe allowance maintained well my words have actually come out true today this should have been accomplished long ago Mrs. Che answered for without of course making any allusion to her looks her way of doing business is liberal her speech and her relations with people are always prompted by an even temper while inwardly she has plenty of singleness of heart and eagerness to hold her own indeed such a girl is not easy to come across Madam Wang made every effort to conceal her tears how could you people ever rightly estimate Jia Ren's qualities she observed why she's a hundred times better than my own bao yu fortunate in reality bao yu is well would it be if he could have her way upon him for the whole length of his life in that case Lady Feng suggested why have a face shaped at once and openly place her in his room as a secondary wife won't this be a good plan this won't do Madam Wang retorted for first and foremost in the second place my husband won't countenance any such thing in the third so long as bao yu sees that Jia Ren is his waiting mate he may in the event of anything occurring from his having been allowed to one world listen to any good counsel she might give him but where she now remains his secondary wife Jia Ren would not venture to tender him any extreme advice no one is necessary to do so it's better therefore to let things stand as they are for the present and talk about them again after the lapse of another two or three years as the close of these arguments Lady Feng could not put in a word by way of reply to refute them so turning around she left the room she had no sooner however the veranda than she discerned the wives of a number of butlers waiting for her to report various matters to her seeing her issue out of the room they with one consent smiled or as your leadership had to lay before Madam Wang they remarked that you have been talking away this length of time didn't you find it hard work Lady Feng tucked up her sleeves several times then resting her foot on the step of the side door she laughed and rejoined the draft in this passage is so cool that I will stop and let it play on me a bit before I go on you people she proceeded to tell them say that I've been talking to her all this while but Madam Wang conjured up all that has occurred for the last 200 years and questioned me about it so could I very well not have anything to say in reply but from this day forth she added with a sarcastic smile I shall do several mean things and should even Mrs. Zhao and Mrs. Zhou go of any ill will and tell Madam Wang I won't know what fear is for such stupid, glib-tongued foul-mouthed creatures as they who are bound not to see a good end it isn't for them to indulge in those fanciful dreams of becoming primary wives for there will come soon a day when a whole lump sum of the allowance will be cut off they grumble against us for having now reduced the purchases of the servant maids but they don't consider whether they deserve to have so many as three girls to dance attendance on them while heeping abuse on their heads she started homeworks and went all along in search of some domestic to-go and deliver a message to old lady Zhao but without any further reference to her we will take up the thread of our narrative with Mrs. Xue and the others along with her during this interval they finished feasting on melons after some more gossip it went her own way and Bao Chai, Da Yu and the rest of the cousins returned into the garden Bao Chai then asked Da Yu to repair with her to the old Xiang Arbor but Da Yu said that she was just going to have her bath so they parted company and Bao Chai walked back all by herself on her way she stepped into the Yi Hong Yuan to look of Bao Yu and have a friendly hope not with him with the idea of dispelling her midday leisitude but contrary to her expectations the moment she put her foot into the court she did not so much as catch the call of a crow even the two stalks stood under the banana trees plunged in sleep Bao Chai proceeded along the covered passage and entered the rooms here she discovered the seven girls sleeping soundly on the bed of the outer apartment some lying one way some another so turning around the decorated screen she went her steps into Bao Yu's chamber Bao Yu was asleep in bed Jiren was seated by side busy plying her needle next to her lay a yak tail Bao Chai advanced up to her not too scrupulous she said smilingly in an undertone are there still flies or mosquitoes in here and why do yet use that fly flap for to drive what away Jiren was quite taken by surprise but hastily raising her head and realizing that it was Bao Chai she hurriedly puts down her needlework miss she whispered with a smile you came upon me so unawares that you gave me quite a start you don't know miss that though there be no flies or mosquitoes there is no one would believe it a kind of small insect which penetrates through the holes of these gourds it is scarcely to be detected but when one is asleep it bites just like ants do it isn't to be wondered at Bao Chai suggested but the back of these rooms adjoins the water the whole place is also one mass of fragrant flowers and the interior of this room is too full of their aroma these insects grow mostly in the core of flowers so no sooner do they sense the smell of any than they at once rush in saying this she cast a look on the needlework to that is Jue Ren held in her hand it consisted in fact of a belt of white silk lined with red and embroidered on the upper part with designs representing mandarin ducks despoting themselves among some lotus the lotus flowers were red the leaves green the ducks of variegated colors Aiyah ejaculated Bao Chai what very beautiful work for whom is this that is worth your while wasting so much labor on it Jue Ren pouted her lips towards the bed there's a big strapping fellow like this which I loved still wear such things he would never wear any before Jue Ren smiled that's why such a nice one was specially worked for him in order that when he was allowed to see it he should not be able to do otherwise then use it with the present hot weather he goes to sleep anyhow but as he has been caused to wear it it doesn't matter if even he doesn't cover himself well at night you say that I bestow much labor upon this but you haven't yet seen the one he has on it is a lucky thing Bao Chai observed smiling that you are gifted with such patience I've done so much of it today remarked Jue Ren that my neck is quite sore from bending over it my dear miss, she then urged with a beaming countenance to sit here a little I will go out for a turn I'll be back shortly with these words she sell it out of the room section 22 section 23 of the dream of the red chamber book 2 this is a Libberbox recording all Libberbox recordings are in the public domain for more information of the volunteer, please visit Libberbox.org the dream of the red chamber book 2 by Chiao Xuqin translated by Henry Bancraft Jolie chapter 36 part 2 Bao Chai was intent upon examining the embroidery so in her absent-mindedness she with one band of her body settled herself on the very same spot which Jue Ren had recently occupied but she found on second scrutiny the work so really admirable that impulsively picking up the needle she continued it for her it's quite an unforeseen moment for Lin Daiyu had met Xi Xiangyun and asked her to come along with her and present her congratulations to Jue Ren these two girls made their appearance in the court finding the whole place plunged in silence Xiangyun turned around and he took herself first into the side rooms in search of Jue Ren Lin Daiyu meanwhile walked up to the window from outside and peeped in through the ghost's frame at a glance she aspired Bao Yu clad in a silvery red coat lying carelessly on the bed and Bao Chai seated by his side busy at some needlework with a fly brush resting by her side as soon as Lin Daiyu became conscious of the situation she immediately slipped out of sight and stopping her mouth with one hand as she did not venture to laugh aloud she waved her other hand and backened to Xiangyun the moment Xiangyun saw the way she went on she concluded that she must have something new to impart to her and she approached her with all prontitude at the sight which opened itself before her eyes she also felt inclined to laugh yet the sudden recollection of the kindness with which Bao Chai had always dealt towards her induced her to quickly seal her lips and knowing well enough that Daiyu never spared anyone with her mouth she was seized with such fear lest she should cheer at them that she immediately dragged her past the window come along she observed Jiren I remember said that she would be going at noon to wash some clothes at the point I presume she's there already so let's go and join her Daiyu inwardly grasped her meaning but after indulging in a couple of sadonic smiles she had no alternative but to follow in her footsteps Bao Chai had during this while managed to embroider two or three petals when she heard Bao Yu begin to shout abusingly in his dreams how can he cried would never believe what monsters and Taoist priests say what about a match between Gold and Jade my impression is that is to be a union between a shrub and a stone Bao Chai caught every single word uttered by him and fell unconsciously all of a sudden a rapper Jiren appeared on the scene hasn't he yet woke up she inquired Bao Chai nodded her head by way of reply I just come across Jiren smiled Miss Lin and Miss Xi did they happen to come in I didn't see them come in Bao Chai answered did they tell you anything she next smilingly asked Jiren blushed and laughed significantly they simply came out with some of those jokes of theirs she explained what decent things could such as they have had to tell me they made insinuations today Bao Chai laughed which are anything but a joke I was on the point of telling you them when rushed away in an awful hurry but no sooner had she concluded then she perceived a servant come over from Lady Feng's part to fetch Jiren it must be on account of what they hinted Bao Chai smilingly added Jiren could not therefore to otherwise then arouse two servant mates and go she proceeded with Bao Chai out of the Yi Hong court and then repaired all along to Lady Feng's on this side it was indeed to communicate to her what had been decided about her and to explain to her as well that though she could go and prostrate to herself before Madam Wang she could dispense with seeing Taoja Lady Jia this news made Jiren feel very awkward to such an extent that no sooner had she got through her visit to Madam Wang then she returned in a hurry to her rooms Bao Yu had already awoke he asked the reason why she had been called away but Jiren temporized by giving him an evasive answer and only at night when everyone was quiet did Jiren at length give him a full account of the whole matter Bao Yu was delighted beyond measure Tao Xi now he said with a face beaming with smiles whether he was going back home or not on your return after your last visit to your people you stated that your brother wished to redeem you adding that this place was no home for you and that you didn't know what would become of you in the long run you freely uttered all that language devoid of feeling and reason and enough too to produce an entrenchment in order to frighten me but I'd like to see who will hands forward have the audacity to come and ask you to leave Jiren upon hearing this smiled a smile full of irony you shouldn't say such things so replied from hands forward I shall be our Madam Wang's servant so that if I choose to go I needn't even breathe a word to you all I have to do will be to tell her and then I shall be free to do as I like but supposing that I behaved improperly demerred by you laughingly and that you took your leave after letting Mother know you yourself will be placed in no nice fix when people get wind that you left on account of my having been improper what no nice fix smiled Jiren is it likely that you'll serve even highway robbers well, if anything else I can die for human beings may live a hundred years but they are bound in the long run to fall a victim to death and when this breath shall have departed and I shall have lost the sense of hearing and of seeing all will then be well when the rejoinder fell on his ear but you promptly stopped her mouth above his hands enough, enough that will do he shouted there is no necessity for you to utter language of this kind Jiren was well aware that Baoyu was gifted with such a peculiar temperament that he even looked upon flattering or auspicious phrases with utter aversion treating them as meaningless and consequently insincere so, when after listening to those truths, she has spoken with such pathos elapsed into another of his melancholy moods she blamed herself for the want of consideration she had betrayed hastily therefore putting on a smile she tried to hit upon some suitable remarks with which to interrupt the conversation her choice fell upon those licentious and immodest topics which has ever been a relish to the taste of Baoyu and from these the conversation drifted to the subject of womankind but when subsequently reference was made to the excellency of the weak sex they somehow or other also came to touch upon the mortal nature of women and Jiren promptly closed her lips in silence notice however that now that the conversation had reached upon so full of zest for him she had nothing to say for herself Baoyu smilingly remarked what human being is there that can escape death but the main thing is to come to a proper end or that those abject male creatures excel in is the civil officers to sacrifice their lives by remonstrating with the emperor and the military to leave their bones on the battlefield both these deaths do confer after life is extinct the fame of great men upon them but isn't it in fact better for them not to die for as it is absolutely necessary that there should be a disorderly emperor before they can afford any revolution to what future fate do they thus expose their sovereign if they will actually throw away their lives with the sole aim of ripping a fair name for themselves war to a must superbean before they can fight but if they go and recklessly lay down their lives with the exclusive idea of gaining the reputation of intrepid warriors destiny will they abandon their country by and by hence it is that neither of these deaths can be looked upon as illegitimate death loyal ministers jiren argued and excellent generals simply died because it isn't in their power to do otherwise military officers while you explained place such entire reliance upon brute force that they become lacks in their stratagems and faulty in their plans it's because they don't possess any inherent abilities that they lose their lives would one therefore pray say that they had no other alternative civil officials on the other hand can still less compare with military officers they read a few passages from books and commit them to memory and on the slightest mistake made by the emperor there at once rash enough to demonstrate with him prompted by the sole idea of attaining the fame of loyalty and devotion but as soon as their stupid notions have bubbled over they forfeit their lives and is it likely that it doesn't lie within their power to do otherwise why they should also bear in mind that the emperor receives his decrees from heaven and that were he not a perfect man having himself would on no account whatever confer upon him a charge so extremely onerous this makes it evident therefore that the whole pack and parcel of those officers who are dead and gone have invariably fallen victims of their endeavors to attain a high reputation and that they are no knowledge whatever of the import of the great principle of right take me as an instance now we're really mine the good fortune of departing life at a fit time I unveil myself of the present when all you girls are alive to pass away and could I get you to shed such profuse tears for me as to swell out into a stream large enough to raise my corpse and carry it to some secluded place with a no-bur even as ever went at his flight and could I become invisible like the wind and never more from this time come into existence as a human being I should then have died at a proper season there is certainly a work to the fact that he was beginning to give event to a lot of twaddle and speedily pleading fatigue she paid no further notice to him this compelled Baoyu to at last be quiet and go to sleep by the morrow all recollection of the discussion had vanished from his mind one day Baoyu was feeling weary at heart after strolling all over the place when remembering the song of the peony pavilion he really over-tries to himself but still his spirits continued anything but joyous having heard however that among the 12 girls in the pair fragrance court there was one called Ningguan who excelled in singing he purposely issued forth by a side gate and came in search of her but the moment he got there he discovered Baoguan and Yueguan in the court as soon as they caught sight of Baoyu they with one consent smiled and urged him to take a seat Baoyu then inquired where Ningguan was both girls explained that she was in her room so Baoyu hastened in here he found Ningguan alone reclining against a pillow to perfectly conscious of his arrival she did not move a muscle Baoyu ensconced himself next to her he had always been in the habit of playing with the rest of the girls so thinking that Ningguan was like the others he felt impelled to draw near her and to entreat her with a forced smile to get up and sing part of the Niaoqingshi but his hopes were battled for as soon as Ningguan perceived him sit down she impetuously raised herself and withdrew from his side I'm horse so rejoined with a stern expression on her face the Empress the other day called us into the palace but I couldn't sing even then seeing her sit both upright Baoyu went on to pass her under a minute survey he discovered that it was the girl whom he had some time ago beheld under the cinnamon broses drawing the character Qiang but seeing the reception she accorded him who had never so far known what it was to be treated contemptuously by anyone he blushed crimson while muttering some abuse to himself and felt constrained to quit the room Baoguan and her companion could not fathom why he was so red and inquired of him the reason Baoyu told them which a while Baoguan said until Mr. Qiang Secundus comes and when he asks her to sing she is bound to sing Baoyu at these words felt very sad within himself where's brother Qiang gone too he asked he's just gone out Baoguan answered because Lingguan must have wanted something or other and he's gone to devise ways and means to bring it to her Baoyu thought this remark very extraordinary but after standing about for a while he actually saw Jiaqiang arrive from outside carrying a cage with a tiny stage inserted at the top and a bird as well and when he steps in a gleeful mood towards the interior to join Lingguan the moment however he noticed Baoyu he felt under the necessity of halting what kind of bird is that Baoyu asked can he hold a flat in his beak or do any tricks is the jay crested and go-headed bird smiled Jiaqiang how much did you give for it Baoyu continued a tail and egg maze replied Jiaqiang but while replying to his inquiries he mentioned to Baoyu to take a seat and then went himself into Lingguan's apartment Baoyu had by this time lost every wish of hearing a song his sole desire was to find what relations existed between his cousin and Lingguan when he perceived Jiaqiang walk in and lovingly say to her come and see this thing was it Lingguan asked rising I've bought a bird for you to amuse yourself with Jiaqiang added so that you may and daily feel dull and have nothing to distract yourself with but I'll first play with it and let you see with this prelude he took a few seats and began to coach the bird until it in point of fact performed on the stage clasping in his beaks a mask and a flag all the girls shouted out how nice with the sole exception of Lingguan who gave a couple of apathetic smirks and went in a half to lie down again Jiaqiang however kept on forcing smiles and inquiring of her whether she liked it or not isn't it enough Lingguan observed that your family and traps are fine lot of human beings like us and coop us up in this hole to study this stuff and nonsense but do you also now go and get a bird which likewise is as it happens up to this sort of thing you distinctly fetch it to make fun of us and mimic us and do you still ask me whether I like it or not hearing this reproach Jiaqiang of a sudden sprang to his feet with alabrity and vehemently endeavored by vowing and swearing to establish his innocence however could I have been such a fool today he proceeded as to go and throw away a tail or two to purchase this bird I really did it in the hope that it would afford you amusement I never for a moment entertained such thoughts as those you credit me with but never mind I'll let it go and save you all this misery so say he thoroughly gave the bird his liberty and with one blow he smashed the cage to atoms this bird still argued Lingguan differs is true from a human being but it too has a mother and father in his nest and could you have had the heart to bring it here to perform these silly pranks in coughing today I expectorated two morphos of blood and madam Wang send someone here to find you so much to tell you to ask the doctor around to minutely diagnose my complaint and have you instead brought this to mock me with but it so happens that I would have not a soul to look after me or to care for me also have the fate the foal ill Jiaqiang listened to her yesterday evening he eagerly explained I asked the doctor about it he said that it was nothing at all that you should take a few doses of medicine and that he would be coming again in a day or two to see how you were getting on but who have thought it you have again today expectorated blood I would go at once and invite him to come round speaking to Wang he was about to go immediately when Lingguan cried out and stopped him do you go off in a tandem in this hot and bright sun she said you may ask him to come but I won't see him when he heard her resolution Jiaqiang had perforce to stand still while you perceiving what transpired between them fell unwittingly in a dull reverie he then at length got an insight into the deep import of the tracing of the character Qiang but unable to bear the audio any longer he forthwith took himself out of the way so absorbed however was Jiaqiang's old mind with Lingguan that he could not even give a thought to escorting anyone and it was in fact the rest of the singing girls who saw Bao Yu out Bao Yu's heart was annoyed with tubs and conjectures in an imbecile frame of mind he came to the Yi Hong Court Lin Da Yu was at the moment sitting with Zhe Ren and chatting with her as soon as Bao Yu entered his quarters he addressed himself to Zhe Ren with a long sigh I was very wrong in what I said yesterday evening he remarked it's no matter of surprise that father says that I'm so narrow-minded that I look at things through a tube and measure them with a clam shell I mentioned something last night about having nothing but tears shared by all of you girls in but this was a mere delusion so as I can't guess the tears of the whole lot of you each one of you can hands forward keep her own for herself and have done Zhe Ren had flattered herself that the words he had uttered the previous evening amounted to idle talk and she had long ago dispelled all thoughts of them from her mind but when Bao Yu unawares made further allusion to them she smilingly rejoined you are verily somewhat cracked Bao Yu kept silent and attempted to make no reply yet from this time he fully apprehended that a lot of human affections is in every instance subject to predestination and time and again he was warned to secretly muse with much anguish so I wonder who shed tears for me at my burial Lin Da Yu for we will now allude to her noticed Bao Yu's behavior but readily concluding that he must have been somewhere or other once more possessed by some benign spirit she did not feel advisable to ask many questions I just saw she consequently observed her maternal aunt who hearing that tomorrow is Miss Cher's birthday bathed me come at my convenience to ask you whether you will go or not and to tell you to send someone ahead to let them know what you mean to do I didn't go the other day when it was Mr. Jia Cher's birthday so I won't go now Bao Yu answered if it is a matter of meeting anyone on a hot day like this to again don my ceremonial dress no I won't go aunt is not likely to feel displeased with me what are you driving at to run speedily venture it she couldn't be put on the same footing as our senior master she lives close by here besides she is a valetie why if you don't go won't you make her imagine things well if you dread the heat just get up at an early hour and go over and prostrate yourself before her and come back again after you've had a cup of tea on this look well before Bao Yu had time to say anything by way of response Dai Yu anticipated him you should she smiled go as far as there for the sake of her who drives the mosquitos away from you Bao Yu could not make out a drift of her insinuation what about driving mosquitos away he vehemently inquired Jo Yuan then explained to him how while he was fast asleep the previous day and no one was about to keep him company Miss Bao Chai had sat with him for a while it shouldn't have been done Bao Yu promptly exclaimed after hearing her explanations but how did I manage to go to sleep and show such utter discursive to her I must go tomorrow he then went on to act but while these words were still on his lips he unexpectedly caught sight of Xin Xiangyun walking in full dress to beat them a duel as she said that someone had been sent from her home to fetch her away the moment Bao Yu and Dai Yu heard what was the object of her visit they quickly rose to their feet and pressed her to take a seat but Xin Xiangyun would not sit down so Bao Yu and Dai Yu were compelled to escort her as far as the front part of the mansion Xin Xiangyun's eyes were brimming with tears but realizing that several people from her home were present she did not have the courage to give full vent to her feelings but when shortly Bao Chai ran over to find her she felt so much more drawn towards them that she could not look to part from them Bao Chai however inwardly understood that if her people told her aunt anything on their return there would again be every fear of her being blown up but back home and she therefore urged her to start on her way one of them walked with her up to the second gate and Bao Yu wished to accompany her still further outside but Xin Xiangyun deterred him presently they turned to go back but once more she called Bao Yu to her and whispered to him in a soft tone of voice should our venerable senior not think of me you do often allude to me so that she should depute someone to fetch me Bao Yu time after time assured her that he would comply with her wishes and having followed her with their eyes while she got into her critical and started they eventually retraced the steps towards the inner compound but reader if you like to follow up the story peruse the details contained in the chapter below end of section 23