Chapter 49: Beyond the Plan

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  As I have already experienced a dream, I will conceal the true facts and use the phrase "communicating with spirits" to write this "Story of the Stone". Jia Yu Cun said: "Now, in the midst of worldly dust, without any achievements, suddenly thinking about the women from my past, carefully examining each one, I realize that their behavior, actions, and knowledge are truly not as good as those of the ladies. I am filled with shame and regret, but it is too late to do anything about it! At this moment, I recall the blessings of heaven and ancestors, the times when I wore fine clothes and ate delicious food, but turned my back on the kindness of my father and brothers, and ignored the teachings of my teachers and friends. As a result, I have accomplished nothing in my life, and my crimes are numerous. I will write down this collection to inform people: although my crimes cannot be forgiven, there were indeed women with virtues in the inner chambers. It is not acceptable for me to hide my own shortcomings and use them as an excuse. The wind, moonlight, trees, flowers, and everything else can be used as inspiration. Why not use fictional language to create a story that will make people happy, relieve their worries, and bring joy to their eyes? Therefore, I am called Jia Yu Cun.

  In this chapter, whenever the words "dream" or "illusion" are used, they serve as a reminder to the reader and also represent the main idea of this book.

  Honorable officials: How did this book come into being? Although the origins are somewhat absurd and ridiculous, it will make readers understand and not be confused.

  Nüwa was smelting stones to repair the sky, and at Mount Dahuang's Wuji Cliff, she had refined a high-quality stone that was 12 zhang long. However, there was only one piece left unused. The spirits were already in harmony, but seeing all the other stones being used to repair the sky while it alone was not worthy of selection, it began to lament and sigh, crying out in shame day and night.

  One day, just as he was lamenting his fate, he saw a monk and a Taoist priest approaching from afar. They had extraordinary physiques and were full of vitality. As they walked towards the mountain, laughing and chatting, they unintentionally stirred up worldly desires in him. He wanted to go down to the mortal world and experience its wealth and glory, but he regretted his own coarseness and ignorance. So, he spoke out in a human voice, saying: "Great masters, I am an ignorant creature, but I have some understanding of the world. Seeing your divine forms and extraordinary physiques, I know you are not ordinary beings. You must have the talent to save the world. Take me with you into the mortal world, where I can enjoy wealth and glory for a few years. I will forever be grateful and never forget your kindness." The two masters smiled at each other and said: "Good, good! There is indeed some pleasure in the mortal world, but it cannot be relied upon forever. Moreover, there are eight characters that go together: 'beauty is not enough, good things have demons.' In an instant, joy turns to sorrow, and people change like objects. In the end, it's all just a dream, and everything returns to emptiness. It's better not to go." The stone's worldly desires were already burning brightly, so he didn't listen to their words. He sighed and said: "This is also a kind of extreme joy. We'll take you with us to enjoy the world, but don't regret it later." The stone said: "Of course, of course." The monk added: "If I say your spirit is good, but your nature is still coarse, I will use Buddhist magic to help you. When your karma ends, you will return to your original state." The stone heard this and was overjoyed. He displayed his magical powers, transforming a large rock into a bright and beautiful jade in an instant. He laughed and said: "This body is also a precious object! But it's still not enough; we need to add some decorations, like poetry and music, flowers and willows, wealth and glory." The stone heard this and was overjoyed. He asked: "I don't know what wonderful things you have given me, nor do I know where you are taking me. Please enlighten me, so I won't be confused." The monk smiled and said: "Don't ask now; you'll understand later." With that, he put the stone in his sleeve and left with the Taoist priest, disappearing into the distance without a trace.

  Later, after unknowingly passing through several reincarnations, a certain Taoist priest seeking immortality came to visit and suddenly passed by the foot of Qingfeng Peak in this vast wilderness. Suddenly, he saw that on a large stone, the words were clearly visible: "Wucai Butian, Huanxing Ru Shi, Mengmeng Dashi, Miao Miao Zhenren" - it turned out to be Wucai entering the world, transforming his shape and entering the mortal realm, carrying with him the true person of vastness.

  No materials can be used to repair the blue sky, in vain entering the red dust for many years.

  Who can recall the past and future, to make a strange legend? After the poem is the place where this stone fell, the birthplace, as well as the idle poetry, which is still complete, may be suitable for interest and boredom, but the dynasty years, geography, country, are lost without examination.

  "Brother Stone, you've written this story with some interest, but I'm afraid people won't like it," said the Taoist. "Firstly, there's no specific dynasty or era to anchor it in time. Secondly, there are no great sages or virtuous officials who can serve as role models for governance and social norms. All you have is a few unusual women, some of whom are romantic, some foolish, and some with minor talents and slight virtues. I'm afraid people won't enjoy reading this."

  Stone smiled and replied, "My master is too narrow-minded! If we say there's no specific dynasty to anchor it in time, then why can't we simply borrow from the Han or Tang dynasties? But I think that all unofficial histories follow the same pattern. Mine may not be as flashy, but at least it's new and unusual. We're only taking the essence of the story and its emotional resonance, so why must we be bound by dynasty and era?

  "Moreover, ordinary people don't enjoy reading books about governance and morality. They might mock or slander officials, or belittle their wives and daughters. The writing is often vicious and poisonous, corrupting young minds and causing harm to society. And yet, these books all follow the same pattern, with authors trying to show off their own poetic skills by inventing fictional characters and scenarios.

  "In contrast, my story may not be as grand or impressive, but at least it's based on real people and events that I've witnessed or heard about myself. The stories of these women may not be as extraordinary as those in books from previous dynasties, but they can still provide some comfort and solace. And even if the writing is not as polished, at least it's sincere and true to life.

  "As for the wealthy, they're often too busy with their own pursuits to bother with reading about governance and morality. And when they do have some free time, they're more likely to indulge in sensual pleasures or worry about their wealth. Where will they find the time to read books about governance and morality?

  "So I don't care if people praise my story as extraordinary or wonderful. I just hope that when they're feeling down or bored, they'll pick up this book and find some comfort in it. At least it might save them from wasting their energy on frivolous pursuits or getting caught up in gossip and rumors. And who knows, maybe it will even give them a new perspective on life."

  The empty Taoist heard this and pondered for a long time, then reviewed the "Shi Tou Ji" again. He saw that although there were some words of criticism and condemnation, they were not intended to satirize the times or curse the world. The parts about the ruler's benevolence, the minister's integrity, the father's kindness, and the son's filial piety all conformed to the norms of human relationships and were full of praise and admiration. They were merely a true record of events, not fabricated or falsely claimed. He then copied it from beginning to end, and as he did so, his emotions were stirred, and he was moved to tears. He renamed himself "Qing Seng" (Emotion Monk) and changed the title of the book to "Qing Seng Lu" (The Record of Emotion Monk). Dong Ru Kong Mei Xi then titled it "Feng Yue Bao Jian" (The Precious Mirror of Wind and Moon). Later, after Cao Xueqin had spent ten years revising it in his Red Chamber, making five revisions, compiling a directory, and dividing it into chapters, he titled it "Jin Ling Shi Er Chai" (The Twelve Beauties of Jinling). He also wrote an inscription that read:

  A sheet of absurd words, a handful of bitter tears!

  Everyone says the author is crazy, but who can understand the meaning behind it?

  When you go out, it's already bright.

  When the land of Wu fell to the southeast, in this southeastern corner there was a place called Gusu, with a city called Panmen. Inside the city, there was an alley called Renqing Lane, and inside the lane, there was an ancient temple. Because the local area was narrow, there lived a man named Zhen Fei, who was kind and virtuous, not thinking about fame or fortune, but only enjoying watching flowers, trimming bamboo, drinking wine, and reciting poetry. This year he is already over fifty years old, with no sons below his knees, only one daughter, named Yinglian, who is just three years old.

  Here is the translation:

  One day, during a long summer afternoon, Scholar Shi sat idly in his study, until he grew tired and threw down his book. He leaned on the table for a short rest, when suddenly he heard someone say: "You've brought this foolish thing, where are you going?" The monk smiled and said: "Don't worry, now is the time to settle a romantic case that has been pending for a long time. This group of romantic villains will take this foolish thing with them and make him experience it." The Taoist said: "So, another romantic calamity is about to befall someone? But I don't know where it will happen?" The monk smiled and said: "This story is quite amusing. There was a plant called 'Jade Pearl Grass' that had a red fruit. A heavenly maiden named Xian Yu would water it with dew every day, and after being nourished by the rain, it finally shed its grassy skin and wooden texture, transformed into a human body, and became a woman. She wandered outside the sky of longing, eating honey and green fruits as her food... During the prosperous and peaceful era of the great Ming dynasty, she descended to the mortal world to experience romantic entanglements. The heavenly maiden's favor had not been repaid, so I went down to the mortal world to repay it with my own tears." Because of this matter, many romantic villains were implicated, and they all went together to settle this case. The Taoist said: "This is even more complicated than past romantic affairs." The monk said: "In the past, stories about romantic heroes only transmitted their general outline and poetry, but in reality, most of them were just stealing glances and secretly eloping... Their emotions were foolish and absurd, different from what was passed down by previous generations." The Taoist said: "Why don't we also go down to the mortal world to help a few people attain enlightenment? Wouldn't that be a meritorious act?" The monk said: "That's exactly my intention. Let's go together to the palace of the Jing Huan fairy and hand over this foolish thing clearly. Once these romantic villains have finished their experiences in the mortal world, we can still collect them." The Taoist said: "Very well, let's go with you."

  But then Zhen Shiyin and Jia Da heard it clearly, but didn't understand what "foolish thing" meant, so they laughed and asked: "Two Immortals, please explain."

  "We just heard the Immortal Master's discussion of cause and effect, but couldn't quite grasp it. If you would be willing to enlighten our foolishness and explain it in detail, we disciples will listen carefully and perhaps gain some understanding, thus avoiding the suffering of being sunk in ignorance."

  The two immortals laughed and said: "If that's the case, then you can jump out of the fire pit."

  Shiyin heard this and thought to himself: "Mysterious principles shouldn't be revealed prematurely. Just now he mentioned 'foolish thing', I don't know what it refers to. Can I see it?"

  The monk said: "If you ask about this thing, then there's a connection between us."

  As he spoke, he took out a piece of bright and beautiful jade with clear characters carved on it, reading "Magical Spirit Jade". The monk then said that they had arrived at the Illusory Realm, and forcibly snatched the jade from Shiyin's hand. Together with Da, they passed through a large stone archway inscribed with four big characters: "Tai Xu Illusory Realm". On either side was a couplet which read:

  When false becomes true, true also becomes false. Just as he was about to take a step, he suddenly heard a loud clap of thunder. He looked up and saw only the fiery flames and the banana leaves swaying gently in the wind. Delighted by this strange sight, he stretched out his hand to receive it and held it close to his chest. After playing with it for a while, he brought it to the front of the street. There, he saw a monk and a Taoist coming from the other direction: the monk was bald-headed and barefooted, while the Taoist had a crippled foot and a messy head. They looked crazy and confused. When they saw Rongguo holding Yilian, the monk burst into loud wailing and then said to Rongguo, "Donor, why are you holding this unlucky creature who has no fate but is a burden to her parents?" Rongguo listened and knew it was nonsense, so he said, "Let me go, let me go!" Rongguo was impatient and wanted to take his daughter inside. The monk pointed at him with his finger and recited four lines of verse:

  Spoiled and pampered, you laugh foolishly, while lotus flowers face the snow alone.

  After the Lantern Festival, they hesitated and said: "We don't have to travel together, let's part ways here. I'll wait for you at Beimang Mountain, and when we meet again, we'll go to the Taixu Fantian together." The monk said: "Wonderful, wonderful!" After finishing speaking, the two of them left separately. These two people must have a story behind them, it's worth asking, but now it's too late to regret.

  He was lost in thought when he suddenly saw a poor scholar named Jia Fu, also known as Zhiying, who lived next door in the gourd temple. He was from a family of poets and officials, but due to his birth at the end of an era, his family's foundation had been exhausted, and only he remained. Having no prospects in his hometown, he came to the capital to seek fame and fortune, but got stuck and temporarily lived in the temple, making a living by selling his writing skills. He hastily paid his respects and smiled, saying: "Sir, you're standing at the door, is there any news on the street?" Zhen Shiyin laughed and invited him out for a chat, which was just what he needed to alleviate his boredom. He asked Jia Fu to enter his study for a talk, and just then, someone reported that Mr. Yan had arrived to pay his respects. Zhen Shiyin hastily got up to apologize, saying: "Please forgive me for not being able to greet you properly, please sit down, I'll be right back." Jia Fu also stood up and yielded, saying: "It's no trouble at all, take your time."

  Yu village got up and looked out the window, it turned out to be a maidservant, picking flowers there, born with elegant appearance, clear eyebrows and eyes, although not extremely beautiful, but when walking away, suddenly raised her head and saw someone in the window, wearing old clothes, although poor, but born with a round waist and thick back, broad face and square mouth, and also with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes. In his heart, he thought: "This person is born so majestic, yet so shabby, I think he must be the Jia Yu Cun my family master often talks about, who always intentionally helps and assists." Thinking this way, he was overjoyed, thinking that this woman had a crush on him, and that she must be a heroic figure. Knowing that Yu village had asked to leave food in front, and couldn't wait long, he bid farewell, also not going to invite again.

  One day, he set up another seat in the study, as if it were a bosom friend. He couldn't help but feel nostalgic for the moon, and thus wrote a five-character poem:

  No need to ask about the three lives, frequently adding a piece of sorrow.

  When coming, lower your head; when going, look back several times.

  Alone with the wind and shadows in front, who can keep me company under the moon?

  The firefly's light seems to have a purpose, and because of this, he thinks again about the ambitions of his life, bitterly not meeting with the times, then again scratches his head facing the sky and sighs deeply, once more chanting a couplet:

  In the study, Jia Yuanchun sought a good price for his jade, and laughed saying: "Brother Ruyu truly has great ambitions!" Ruyu hastily smiled and said: "I'm just casually reciting someone else's poem, how dare I be so bold?" Then he asked: "Master Shi, what brings you here tonight?" Shi Yingliang smiled and said: "Tonight is the Mid-Autumn Festival, commonly known as 'Reunion Day', I thought Brother Ruyu was living in a monk's quarters, perhaps feeling a bit lonely. So I specially prepared some wine and invited Brother to come to my study for a drink, do you accept?" Ruyu listened and didn't decline, smiling and saying: "Since you've shown me such kindness, how could I refuse this grand gesture." As he spoke, the cups and plates had already been set out. At first they drank leisurely, then gradually became more enthusiastic in their conversation, unaware of the passing time. The moon was full overhead, its light shining brightly, and the two men's excitement grew, their wild enthusiasm unstoppable. They faced the moon, poured out their emotions, and Ruyu recited a poem saying:

  When it's time for a family reunion on the 3rd or 5th day of the month, the warm sunlight shines brightly on the jade balustrade.

  The moon had just risen high in the sky when a loud cry was heard: "Wonderful! I've always said that my brother wouldn't be living among ordinary people for long, and now the lines he's reciting show signs of great things to come! Congratulations!" He sighed and said: "It's not just drunken nonsense, but if we're talking about the latest fashion in learning, I might be able to make a name for myself too. The only problem is that right now I don't have any money for traveling expenses, and the road to the capital is long. Without relying on selling my writing and calligraphy, I wouldn't be able to get there." Before he could finish speaking, Shi Ying said: "But every time we meet, you never mention this. Although I'm not talented, when it comes to 'righteousness and profit', you should hurry up and enter the capital, compete in the exams, and I'll take care of things for you. It won't be a waste of your mistaken trust!" He immediately ordered a young servant to bring in fifty taels of silver: "The nineteenth is the day of the Yellow Road, you can buy a boat and head west, wait until you've achieved great success and we'll meet again next winter. Won't that be a wonderful thing?" Yu Cun received the silver and only thanked him briefly, not paying much attention to it. He returned to his room and slept for a while, then wrote two more letters of recommendation for Yu Cun to take with him to the capital. The people from that household came back and said: "The monk said that Master Jia had already entered the capital at the fifth watch today, and he also left a message for the old master to pass on, saying 'A scholar doesn't care about the Yellow Road or the Black Road, what's most important is reason. I didn't have time to bid farewell in person.'" Shi Ying heard this and was worried, but it wasn't until midnight that Huo Qi got up to use the bathroom and discovered that Lin Daiyu was nowhere to be found. He frantically searched for her throughout the night, but by dawn he still hadn't found her. Huo Qi didn't dare return to face his master, and when he saw that his daughter had been gone all night, he knew something was wrong. He sent several people out to search for her, but they couldn't find any trace of her. Shi Ying had already fallen ill, and at the same time, Feng's wife had also become sick with worry about their daughter. Day and night, she cried and wailed...

  On the fifteenth of March, a fire broke out in the temple's kitchen during the food offering ceremony. The monks were careless and the oil cauldron caught fire. It was also due to fate that the fire spread quickly, engulfing everything in its path. How could it be saved? The fire burned all night before gradually dying down. Thieves and bandits took advantage of the chaos, stealing from the fields and homes, causing the people to live in fear. As a result, the government sent soldiers to capture them, so I took my wife and two maidservants to seek refuge at my father-in-law's house.

  His father-in-law, Feng Su, was a native of Da Ruzhou, although he was engaged in agriculture, he took out some land and houses to entrust him to manage, but he was not used to managing the farm work, and barely supported himself for one or two years. He then spoke some ready-made words, and in front of people and behind their backs, he blamed them for not living a good life. In his heart, he couldn't help but regret it, and last year's shock and anger had already caused him internal injuries. As an old man, poverty and illness attacked him together, and gradually, the signs of the afterlife began to appear.

  Just then, as he was hobbling along with his crutch and had arrived at the street corner to clear his mind, he suddenly saw a lame Taoist priest approaching from the other direction, dressed in tattered and worn-out clothes, muttering some phrases to himself.

  Everyone knows that immortals are good, but they can't forget their merits and fame!

  Where have all the heroes of past and present gone? A deserted tomb with a pile of grass has buried them.

  Everyone knows that immortals are good, but gold and silver cannot be forgotten!

  Regretting that gatherings are too few, and when they finally happen, eyes are closed.

  Everyone knows that immortals are good, but only a loving wife is unforgettable!

  When you're alive, people talk about your kindness; when you die, they follow others.

  Everyone knows that immortals are good, but only children and grandchildren can't forget!

  Many a father has been foolish in the past, but who has ever seen a filial son? Mr. Zhen heard this and immediately came forward to ask, "What are you talking about? I only hear 'good' and 'fine'." The Taoist priest smiled and said, "If you really heard the two words 'good' and 'fine', then it's fine. If not, then it's not good. But if you want it to be good, then let's call it the 'Song of Goodness'". Mr. Zhen was originally a wise man, so when he heard this, he said, "Wait! Let me annotate your 'Song of Goodness'. How about that?" The Taoist priest smiled and said, "Go ahead and annotate."

  A humble abode, once filled with the fragrance of flowers and the warmth of love, now lies empty and cold. The grass has withered, the willows are bare, and the scent of powder is all that remains. How is it that my temples have turned gray? Yesterday, I sent off a coffin on the yellow earth mound, and today I am left to mourn my own return.

  I had thought that I would be able to live out my days in peace, but who could have foreseen that I would end up wandering the streets of Smoke Flower Lane? Because I was dissatisfied with my humble hat, I ended up wearing a prisoner's cangue. Yesterday, I pitied the beggar's tattered clothes, and today I disdain the luxurious robes.

  You sang your song, now it's my turn to take the stage. In the end, it all comes down to making clothes for others. The crazy Taoist heard this and clapped his hands in laughter, saying "Well said, well said!" Then he took the shoulder pole from the Taoist and slung it over his own shoulder, and without a word, set off on the road.

  The family was left to cry and wail, and had no choice but to send people out to search for him. But there was no news of him anywhere. In the end, the three of them - master and servants - spent their days making needlework to sell at night, with no other recourse.

  That day, the big girl of the Zhennan family was buying thread at the door when she suddenly heard a loud shout on the street. She saw a group of soldiers rushing past in pairs. Thinking that this official had a good face, she was about to rest when she suddenly heard a loud knock on the door and many people shouting: "The master of the house has sent someone to ask questions." Feng Su heard it and was so frightened that his eyes widened and he was speechless.

  One game win or lose is hard to say, you have to ask a bystander with a clear eye.

  But then Feng Su heard the public runner summoning: "Quickly invite out Zhen Ye!" Feng Su hastily smiled and said: "I, a humble person surnamed Feng, have already left home for one or two years now, I don't know if it's to ask him?" Those public runners said: "We also don't know what is true or false, because we received the order from Master Ta to come and ask, since he is your son-in-law, bring you along to personally see Master Ta and report, to avoid running around in vain."

  That night, at around two watches, Feng Su came back and said: "It turns out that the newly promoted young master of this mansion is surnamed Jia and named Hua, a native of Hu Zhou. He saw Xiangling buying thread and was moved to sigh. He asked his granddaughter, 'Don't worry, I'll send someone to investigate and come back.' After talking for a while, he left and gave me two taels of silver." Zhen Shiying heard this and had already sent two taels of silver, four pieces of brocade, and a thank-you note to Zhen Shiying through Yu Cun. She was eager to curry favor and managed to persuade her daughter to agree. That night, she took only one small sedan chair and, without saying a word, gave Feng Su a hundred taels of gold as a gift and thanked Zhen Shiying for many things, instructing her to take good care of herself.

  But then the maid Yu Xiang came up with this scheme, and unexpectedly ended up by Rain Village's side. Within a year she gave birth to a son, and half a year later, Rain Village's first wife suddenly fell ill and passed away.

  Because of a mistake, Yu Cun, after receiving the silver from Shi Ying that year, set out for the capital at the age of sixteen and arrived just in time for the imperial examination. To his great delight, he had passed with honors and was selected as an official in the outer court. However, he could not avoid being somewhat arrogant and overbearing, and moreover relied on his talent to bully his superiors. As a result, his superior found an opportunity to frame him and wrote a memorial impeaching him for being cunning and deceitful, and for altering rituals at will. The emperor was furious, but Yu Cun's face showed not the slightest sign of resentment; he remained as calm and composed as ever, handing over official business and sending his family back to their hometown with some capital they had accumulated while in office. After making these arrangements, he himself set out on a journey, traveling wherever he pleased and visiting famous scenic spots.

  That day, I again strolled to the Weiyang area, where I met Ruhai, whose courtesy name was like the sea. He was a former jinshi and had now risen to become a Daifu of the LanTai Temple. Originally from Suzhou, he had been appointed as a touring salt inspector. His family had once held the title of Marquis, but it had only been passed down for three generations. Due to the current emperor's great benevolence and virtue, which surpassed that of previous dynasties, an extra grant was given, allowing Ruhai's father to inherit the title for another generation. However, Ruhai himself had limited descendants - although he had several nephews, they were all from a different branch of the family. He only had one three-year-old son, but unfortunately, his fate was that he would have no children. His daughter, named Daiyu, was born instead. Therefore, he loved her like a precious gem and also saw that she was intelligent and elegant, so he made her study and learn to read a few characters, just pretending to raise her as a son, to alleviate the desolation of his old age.

  It was raining in the village, and he had just caught a chill, so he stayed at an inn to recover. However, as his funds were running low, he was also looking for a suitable place to stay. He heard that the local government was hiring a Western teacher, so he asked a friend to introduce him, and he managed to get in. There were two female students who accompanied him, but they were very young and frail, and their workload was not heavy. They observed mourning rituals and were naturally weak and sickly, which triggered old symptoms. Whenever the weather was fine, they would take a walk after dinner.

  Today, I arrived at the outskirts of a village and saw a dense forest with deep bamboo groves. Hidden among them was an old temple, its gate leaning to one side, its walls crumbling, and its door worn out. Above the entrance was a sign that read "Zhī Tōng Temple" in three characters. Next to the door was an old, broken couplet that read

  Behind him, he had a surplus of forgetting to shrink his hand, and thought: "These two sentences, although the text is shallow and near, have never seen this topic before, there must be some twists and turns in it, why not go in and try." Thinking about walking in, that old monk was both deaf and confused, with loose teeth and a dull tongue, his answers were not what he asked.

  The village head, impatient, came out again and went to the tavern in the middle of the village to drink three cups of wine to enhance his interest in the countryside. He only saw a guest who was drinking on the seat stand up and greet him, saying: "What a coincidence! What a coincidence!" The village head hurriedly looked at this person and found that he was Leng Zixing, who traded antiques in the capital. Zixing also borrowed the village head's reputation for being refined and cultured, so the two of them hit it off immediately. "Old brother, how did you come here? What a wonderful coincidence!" Zixing said: "I returned home at the end of last year, and now I'm going back to the capital, so I took this opportunity to visit an old friend and repay his kindness. I've been staying for two days, and I happened to stroll here and rest my feet. I didn't expect such a wonderful encounter!" As they spoke, Zixing invited the village head to sit down with him and chat about what had happened since they last parted ways.

  Here is the translation:

  "Has there been any news in the capital recently?" Ruyu asked. Zixing replied, "There's nothing much to report, but something strange has happened in your family." Ruyu laughed and said, "I have no relatives in the capital, what are you talking about?" Zixing smiled and said, "You share the same surname, aren't you from the same clan?"

  Ruyu asked, "Could the Rongguo House of the Jia family bring shame to our family's gate?" Ruyu laughed and said, "Our family has many descendants, since the Eastern Han dynasty, we have branched out and prospered in various provinces. Who can investigate this thoroughly? If we talk about the Rongguo branch, it's not convenient for us to claim a connection with them." Zixing sighed and said, "It's all become distant and sparse, unlike the past when things were flourishing."

  Ruyu asked, "The Ning and Rong houses have many people, how can they be sparse?" Zixing replied, "That's exactly what I mean, it's a long story." Ruyu said, "Last year I went to Jinling and visited the Six Dynasties' ruins. When I entered the Stone City, on the west side of the street was the Rongguo House, two houses connected, separated by a wall. From afar, I saw that the halls, pavilions, and towers were still majestic, just like before. The trees, mountains, and rocks in the back garden also had a lush and vibrant atmosphere. How could this be a declining family?"

  Zixing smiled and said, "You're an imperial scholar, but you don't understand! Ancient people have said: 'A hundred-legged insect dies without stiffening.' Although it's not as prosperous as before, compared to ordinary official families, they still have many affairs, masters and servants above and below, enjoying wealth and honor. However, there is no one who can manage the household expenses, and they cannot be frugal. Now, although the exterior framework has not collapsed, who knows that this family, which was once renowned for its poetry and literature, has become less prosperous with each generation?"

  Ruyu listened and said in surprise, "How could a family of poetry and etiquette not educate their children well? I don't know about other families, but the Ning and Rong houses are known for their strict education."

  Zixing sighed and said: "The eldest son, Jia Daishan, inherited the official position and had two sons. The elder son, Jia Fu, died at the age of 19, leaving only the second son, Jia Jing, who inherited the official position. He is now obsessed with Taoism and loves to burn incense and refine mercury. His name is Jia Zhen. Because his father wanted to become an immortal, he has been indulging in pleasures since he was 16 years old and has turned the Ningguo Mansion upside down. The strange things that happened recently are all because of him.

  The eldest son, Jia Daishan, inherited the official position and married a daughter of the Marquis Shi's family from Jinling as his wife. He had two sons: the elder son, Jia Yu, and the younger son, Jia Zheng. The old lady was still alive when Jia Yu inherited the official position. Jia Zheng loved to hunt and was favored by his grandfather. Originally, he was supposed to take the imperial examination, but unexpectedly, Daishan left a will before he died, asking the emperor to let his younger son inherit the official position as well. The emperor granted his wish and also gave Jia Zheng a special title, ordering him to enter the government to learn.

  The first child born to Jia Yu was a boy named Jia Zhu. He entered school at the age of 14 and married before he turned 20. His wife gave birth to a son on New Year's Day, which was strange enough. But then, another son was born, which was even stranger. As soon as he was born, he spat out a piece of colorful jade with many characters on it."

  Yu Cun smiled and said, "Ha ha! Zi Xing coldly laughed and said, "Everyone says so, but I think he's just a child. When he grows up, his ambitions will be different." He then placed all sorts of things in front of him and said, "In the future, you'll only care about wine and women!" Now that he's seven or eight years old, although he's extremely mischievous, but his cleverness is quite remarkable. He says, "Girls are made of water, I feel refreshed when I see them, but when I see boys, I feel disgusted and annoyed." Isn't that ridiculous? In the future, he'll definitely be a lecher! Yu Cun hastily stopped him, saying, "No, no! With his intelligence and perception, he will understand the way of things. He has the power to comprehend the mysteries of the universe, don't worry about it!"

  When Zixing heard him say this, he said: "Heaven and earth give birth to people. Apart from the two kinds of great benevolence and great evil, they should be born according to their destiny. The great evils are: Gun, Jie, Zhou, Qin Shi Huang, Wang Mang, Cao Cao, Huan Wen, An Lushan, Qin Hui, etc. They govern the world with great benevolence. Those who are greatly evil are the orthodox energy of heaven and earth, which is what the benevolent ones possess. The cruel and perverse are the evil energy of heaven and earth. In a peaceful and effortless world, the clear and elegant energy that is possessed by all, from the imperial court to the grasslands, is scattered without a place to return to. It becomes sweet dew or gentle breeze, but it cannot be dispersed in the midst of the radiant heavenly energy. It condenses and fills up in the deep valleys and great gorges. Occasionally, due to the wind blowing or clouds urging, there is a slight movement and stirring of emotions. A thread or a strand mistakenly leaks out. Occasionally, when encountering elegant energy, it does not tolerate evil. Evil again envies orthodoxy, and neither can overcome the other. It is like wind, water, thunder, and lightning. When they meet in the earth, they cannot be eliminated, nor can they yield to each other. If they are above, they cannot become benevolent gentlemen. Their intelligent, elegant, and refined energy is among the millions of people. Their perverse, evil, and unfeeling attitude towards human emotions is like a madman or a fool. If born into a family of poetry books and poverty, then they become carefree scholars or superior men. Even if they are occasionally born into a humble gate or a poor household, they cannot be made to be lowly servants or slaves who are driven and controlled by ordinary people. Examples include Tao Qian, Ruan Ji, Xie Lingyun, Liu Ling, Wang Huizhi, Chen Shubao, Tang Minghuang, Song Huizong, Liu Tingzhi, Wen Feiqing, Mi Nan Gong, Shi Man Gong, Liu Zongyuan, Qin Shaoyou, and the recent ones like Yunlin, Tang Bohu, Zhu Zhishan, Li Longji, Huang Fanzuo, Jing Xinmo, Zhuo Wenjun, Hong Xiu, Xian Yu, Cui Ying. These are all people who would be the same if they were to change places."

  Zixing said: "According to you, 'If successful, then princes and marquises; if defeated, then bandits.' Yucun said: "Since I resigned from office, I have traveled extensively throughout the provinces for two years. Only when you mentioned Baoyu just now did I realize that in Jinling City, there is a high-ranking official named Zhen who is the supervisor of the Benevolent Charity Institute. Do you know him?" Zixing said: "Who doesn't know? The Zhen and Jia families are old relatives."

  He laughed and said, "Last year I was in Jinling, who knew that his family was so noble, but it was a rich and polite family. Although he was just beginning to learn, he said: 'I must have two daughters accompany me to read books, otherwise I won't be able to recognize characters, and my heart will be confused.' He often told the young servants following him: 'These two words "daughter" are extremely noble and pure, more honorable than the names of Amitabha Buddha and Yuanshi Tianzun. You must not profane these two words with your foul mouths, you must first rinse your mouth with clear water and fragrant tea before speaking them, otherwise you will be punished.' His cruelty, arrogance, and foolishness were extreme, but when he met those daughters, he was warm, gentle, and refined. He had been beaten by his parents several times, and then he would say to his sisters: 'Why are you in a hurry? Are you asking your sisters to intercede for you? Aren't you ashamed?' His sisters said: 'When we were in pain, we only called out "sister" and it seemed to relieve the pain. We don't know why, but after calling out "sister", the pain really did stop.' You say it's ridiculous or not? It's also because his grandmother spoiled him and didn't discipline him clearly, every time he disobeyed his teacher or father, this kind of son will definitely not be able to inherit his ancestors' foundation."

  "Even in the Jia household, there are four young ladies. The eldest is Yuan, who is currently studying here due to her virtuous and talented nature. The second is Ying, who is the third daughter of Old Master Jia. The third is Tan, who is the fourth daughter of Ning Mansion's Zhenyuan. All of them live with their grandmother on this side and study together.

  What's even more remarkable is that in the Jia household, the names of the daughters are also derived from the names of males, just like the sons. It's not like other households where they use those flowery names like 'Hong', 'Xiang', 'Yu'?

  Yuan is indeed a talented and virtuous one, while the others have only recently started their studies. Now, you should know that your esteemed wife, Madame Lin, is actually the daughter of Rongguo Mansion's Old Master Jia, and the younger sister of the two gentlemen.

  When I asked about it earlier, I found out that when these young ladies read books with the character 'min' (sensitive), they all pronounce it as 'mi' (secret). Whenever they write the character 'min', they also omit one or two strokes. It's not like other girls of their age. I reckon their mother must be someone extraordinary, and only then can they have such daughters.

  Now that I know they are from Rongguo Mansion, it's no wonder. But alas, what a pity that the eldest daughter passed away last month!" Zixing sighed, "These four young ladies, this one is still very young... how will she turn out in the future?"

  Yu Cun said: "He already has a son, Yu Er. Zi Xing said: "After Yu Er was born, his concubine gave birth to another child. He also had two sons, the elder named Jia Yun, who is now over twenty years old. He married the niece of Wang Shi, the wife of Zheng Lao Ye. However, he refused to study and was not good at socializing. Now, he lives in his uncle Zheng Lao Ye's house. Everyone praises his wife, but Jia Yun himself retreated a step: His appearance is extremely elegant, his speech is fluent, and his mind is very meticulous. He is indeed a man of great talent."

  Yu Cun smiled and said, "It's probably just someone who has come to settle accounts with the two families. We can't be sure yet." Zi Xing said, "Whether it's a good or bad thing, let's not worry about other people's business. Let's just have another cup of wine." Yu Cun said, "Exactly, I got carried away talking and ended up drinking a few more cups than I should have." Zi Xing laughed and said, "Talking about other people's gossip is the perfect way to wash down the wine, so what if we drink a few more cups?" Yu Cun looked out the window and said, "It's getting late, it's not too early to leave yet." The two men stood up, and just then they heard someone behind them calling out, "Brother Yu Cun, congratulations! I came especially to bring you some good news!"

  But just as Yucun was busy turning his head, it wasn't someone else, but Zhang Ruguang, who had been living in the Jia family's house after being dismissed from office. Now that he had heard the news that all the former officials were to be reinstated, he was looking everywhere for a way to get back in. Suddenly, he ran into Yucun and told him the news. Yucun was overjoyed and hastily exchanged a few words with him before eagerly offering his advice. He asked Yucun to trouble Lin Ruhai to vouch for him, then took his leave and returned to his residence, where he quickly looked up the official gazette to confirm the news.

  Here is the translation:

  "Yesterday, I received a letter from my brother-in-law, saying that since his mother passed away, he was worried about his younger sister having no one to rely on for education. He had already sent a boat to pick her up, but she hadn't fully recovered from her illness yet. When this happened, I wrote a letter of introduction and asked my brother-in-law to take care of everything. As for the expenses, I've already explained them clearly in the letter, so you don't need to worry about it.

  Rain Village bowed and thanked him repeatedly, asking at the same time: "I wonder what position your esteemed father holds now? I'm afraid I'm too rash and wouldn't dare to suddenly enter the capital and disturb him."

  Ruhai smiled and said: "If we talk about our family background, my brother-in-law is still a member of the same clan as yours. He's the grandson of Rong Gong. My older brother has succeeded to the title of First-Class General, with the name Xie and courtesy name Enhou. My second brother's name is Zheng, with courtesy name Cunzhou, and he currently holds the position of Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Works. He's a humble and kind person, just like our grandfather. He's not one of those arrogant and frivolous officials.

  Rain Village listened and finally believed what Ruhai had said yesterday: "I've already decided that on the second day of next month, my younger sister will enter the capital. You can travel together, won't that be convenient?" Rain Village nodded in agreement and accepted the task."

  That girl student Daiyu, her body was just recovering, originally did not want to abandon her father and go, but could not help it as her paternal grandmother insisted that she must go, and also said: "Your father is approaching fifty years old, no longer has the intention of taking a concubine, and you are often ill, and young, above without a mother's education, below without sisters to support, now relying on your maternal grandmother and maternal aunt and sisters to go, just right to reduce my worries, why say not to go?" Daiyu listened, then shed tears and bid farewell, bringing two small boys, following closely behind her as she left.

  Having arrived in the capital, he entered the imperial city and Rain Village first tidied up his attire, brought a young boy, holding Xiangyun's name card, with refined language, and since Jia Zheng was particularly fond of scholars, respected talent, helped the weak and supported those in danger, had a strong ancestral spirit, and was also related to his sister's husband, he treated Rain Village exceptionally well, and went out of his way to assist him internally, making it easy for him to be reinstated as an official after only two months, when the position at Nanjing's Tianfu Temple became available, he plotted to fill this vacancy, bid farewell to Jia Zheng.

  And so Daiyu, from the moment she abandoned her boat and landed on shore, was already quite extraordinary in terms of food, clothing, and daily necessities. She was always mindful and unwilling to speak a single word or take an extra step lightly. As they entered the city, she glanced out from behind the silken window at the bustling streets and prosperous crowds. Suddenly, she saw two large stone lions squatting on the north side of the street, in front of three large gates with animal heads, above which was written "Ningguo Mansion". Further west, there were also three large gates, after walking a short distance, they turned a corner, and the sedan chair carriers came up to lift the curtains. They entered through the Flowery Gate, where two corridors flanked a central passageway, leading to a small three-room hall, all intricately carved with painted beams, with mountain-shaped galleries on either side, adorned with various lanterns. Several maidservants dressed in red and green were seated there, who immediately smiled and welcomed them as they arrived, saying: "The old lady was just mentioning you, how fortunate that you've come." At once, three or four people rushed to lift the sedan chair curtains, while listening to someone report: "Miss Lin has arrived."

  As Daiyu entered the room, she saw two people supporting an old mother with silver hair coming towards her. She was immediately swept into her grandmother's arms and everyone covered their faces and wept. "This is your eldest maternal aunt, this is your second maternal aunt, and this is your elder brother-in-law Zhu's wife, Zhu Da Sao." "You don't have to go to school anymore." Everyone responded in unison and two of them left.

  At this moment, only three old women and five or six maidservants were seen, with slender figures, cheeks like fresh lotus flowers, noses like goose fat, gentle and quiet, with long and slender bodies, duck-egg faces, beautiful eyes and eyebrows, looking around restlessly, with colorful and elegant clothes. After they had greeted each other, they asked how to invite doctors and take medicine. Because she said: "Among these children, the one I love most is your mother. Today, suddenly, before I could see her face, she left me. Now that I've seen you, how can I not be heartbroken?" As she spoke, she hugged Daiyu in her arms, and only then did she slowly calm down.

  Everyone saw that Daiyu was young and small in stature, but her demeanor and speech were not common, although her body and face were weak and fragile, she had a natural elegance: "What medicine do you usually take? Why don't you hurry up and get treatment?" Daiyu said: "I've been like this since I was born, from the time I started eating food, I took medicine until now. Many famous doctors have prescribed me medicine, but it's all useless. Someone told me that a bald-headed monk came to take me away to become a nun, saying that if I didn't leave home, I would never be able to see my parents again, and that I couldn't meet any relatives or friends outside of the family, otherwise I wouldn't be able to live out this life." She spoke wildly and irrationally. Grandma Jia said: "That's perfect...

  Here is the translation:

  Just as she was about to speak, a burst of laughter came from the backyard, and someone said, "I'm late! I didn't welcome our distant guest!" Daiyu was taken aback and thought to herself, "These people are all so solemn and serious, who is this person who dares to be so rude?" As she looked up, she saw a vision of splendor: the woman's hair was adorned with golden threads and precious jewels, her headdress shone like the sun, and her clothes were embroidered with intricate patterns. She wore a crimson dress with a golden belt, and her sleeves were trimmed with fur. Her face was powdered and her eyebrows were shaped like willow leaves.

  Just as Daiyu didn't know what to call her, she heard the other sisters telling her, "This is Sister Xue." Although Daiyu had never met her before, she had heard her mother mention that her elder brother-in-law's son, Jia Yu, was married to a woman named Wang Shi, who had been raised as a boy since childhood. As she thought about this, she realized that the woman in front of her must be Jia Yu's wife.

  As they sat down next to Grandmother Jia, Daiyu couldn't help but exclaim, "I've never seen anyone so beautiful! And yet, you don't look like a granddaughter at all - you look just like a daughter!" The woman smiled and said, "Don't mention it anymore, I'm still recovering from my illness." Xue then quickly changed the subject and asked Daiyu, "How old are you? Have you studied before? What medicine are you taking now?" She also asked the servants, "Has Lin's luggage been brought in? How many people did she bring with her? Hurry up and clean two rooms for them to rest in."

  When speaking, "Has the monthly allowance been given out yet?" Xifeng said: "I've looked for it this whole time, but I haven't seen what Madame Wang mentioned yesterday, perhaps Madame Wang remembered incorrectly?" Madame Wang said: "Whether or not there is any doesn't matter." Then she also said: "You should take two of them out to give to your sister to make clothes with. We can have someone pick them up again in the evening, just don't forget." Xifeng said: "This was what I had expected, knowing that my sister would arrive within these two days, I've already prepared them. When Madame Wang returns and inspects them, they will be sent over." Madame Wang smiled and nodded silently.

  When the tea and fruit had been removed, Xiang's wife smiled and said: "I'll take my niece over, it's more convenient." Grandmother Jia laughed and said: "That's right, you go too, no need to come back." Xiang's wife responded with a "yes" and took Daiyu and Wang Fu to bid farewell. The servants had already pulled up a green carriage with a blue canopy, and Xiang's wife got in with Daiyu, sitting on top. The servant women lowered the curtains, and then ordered the young men to lift it up and pull it to a wider area, where they hitched up a tame mule. They exited through the west corner gate and headed east, passing by the main gate of Rong Fu, before entering a large black-lacquered gate. Only then did they raise the curtains again. Xiang's wife held Daiyu's hand and said: "Look, this is the main house." Indeed, the buildings were small but exquisite, unlike the grand and majestic ones on the other side. Many beautifully dressed maidservants came out to greet them, and Xiang's wife let Daiyu sit down. She said: "The old master said that since he's not feeling well, meeting you would be sad for both of you. Just stay with the old lady and your aunt, and we'll all keep each other company. Don't worry about anything else." Daiyu quickly stood up and smiled back: "Aunt is kind to have invited me to dinner, I shouldn't have declined. But I still need to go pay respects to my second uncle, I'm afraid it would be impolite if I didn't receive the gift again." Xiang's wife heard this and laughed, saying: "That's right." She then ordered two or three maidservants to send Daiyu over in the same carriage, and instructed them a few more times before watching as the carriage left.

  As soon as Daiyu entered the Rong mansion, she turned east and passed through a corridor that ran from east to west. Behind the main hall to the south was a large courtyard with five spacious rooms in the main house, and wing-rooms with carved railings and eaves that curved like a bat's ears. The whole layout was magnificent and imposing, with a wide road leading up to it. As she raised her head to look ahead, she first saw a horizontal inscribed board of gold with nine dragons on a blue background, with three large characters written in bold strokes: "Ronggui Tang". Below the board were some smaller characters that read: "In such-and-such year and month, bestowed by the Emperor upon Rongguo Gong Jia Yuan", followed by "Treasures from the Imperial Brush". On top of a dark red sandalwood table carved with dragons stood three-foot-high ancient bronze tripods in green patina. Hanging on one side was a large painting of a black dragon amidst clouds and mist, while on the other side were golden vases. There was also a couplet written on ebony tablets with silver characters that read:

  The moon is shining brightly in the sky, and the Taoist says: "Fellow villager Shi Xian's younger brother, Xun, succeeded to the title of Duke of Dong'an Commandery, Mu Zhen wrote a letter by hand."

  Originally, Mrs. Wang often sat and rested in this main room, which was not the case now. In front of her was a large red gold-embroidered dragon-patterned backrest, with a stone-green gold-embroidered dragon-patterned pillow. On the right side of the table were several beautiful vases from Ru kiln, each containing fresh flowers. All of them were covered with silver-red flower-patterned chairs. There was also a pair of high tables. Along the edge of the kang (heated bed) were two pairs of brocade quilts. Daiyu measured the position and did not go up to the kang. On one side, she observed these maids, their dress and makeup, their behavior and movements, which were indeed different from those in other families.

  The tea had not been served yet, when a maid dressed in red silk and green satin came over smiling and said: "Madam says please ask Miss Lin to take a seat over there." The old woman heard this and led Daiyu out again. On the table were piled books and tea utensils, as well as an old inkstone chair cover. "Your uncle has gone on a vegetarian diet today," she said. "You three sisters are all very good, in the future you can study together, learn to read and write, or occasionally have a laugh. But I have a wicked son who is the 'mischief-maker' of our family. Today he went to the temple to fulfill his vows and has not returned yet. None of your sisters dare to provoke him."

  Daiyu also often heard her mother say that her second aunt had given birth to a nephew, who was born with a jade in his mouth and was extremely stupid and hated reading books. He loved to fool around in the inner courtyard and his grandmother doted on him excessively. "Is this the brother that my aunt spoke of?" Daiyu thought to herself, "I've also heard my mother mention him before, he's one year older than me, and his nickname is Baoyu. Although he's very foolish, naturally he would only be with his sisters, how could he go and bother others?" Madame Wang smiled and said, "You don't know the reason why: he's different from others, since childhood because of Old Lady's love for him, he's actually quite well-behaved. Even though he's not interesting, once he leaves the house, he secretly takes out his frustrations on two little maidservants behind people's backs. He's happy in his heart, sometimes he's crazy and sometimes he's foolish, don't believe him."

  "Old Mrs. has sent over dinner." Lady Wang hastily took Daiyu from the back door through the west corridor, and out of the corner gate. On the north side stood a large screen with a powder puff design, behind which was a half-size gate: "This is your sister Feng's house; when you come back, you can find her here. If you need anything, just tell her." At this gate there were also four or five young servants on duty. Entering the back door, many people were already waiting in attendance. Seeing Lady Wang arrive, Xiufeng stood up and invited Daiyu to sit down: "You should sit like this originally." Daiyu had just sat down when she asked about the second seat, and was told it was for washing one's hands. After dinner, they waited until everyone had finished eating before drinking tea. It was not allowed to rush; if you didn't finish your meal, you would have to start all over again. Then tea was brought in: "You can go now, let us talk freely." Lady Wang heard this and hastily stood up, saying a few more casual words before leading Feng out: "I've just finished reading the Four Books." "What book were you reading? You only recognize two characters; aren't you a blind fool!"

  Here is the translation:

  Just as she was about to speak, a servant girl came in and announced with a smile: "Bao Yu has arrived!" Daiyu thought to herself: "This Bao Yu, I wonder what kind of lazy and foolish person he is?" Just then, before the servant girl had finished speaking, a young man entered. He wore a purple gold crown on his head, with two dragons playing with pearls on his forehead, and a large red sleeve with golden threads embroidered with flowers. His waist was wrapped in a colorful silk sash with a long tassel, and he wore an outer garment of dark blue satin with eight auspicious symbols. His face was as delicate as a flower at dawn, his hair was cut straight like a knife, his eyebrows were painted like ink, and his complexion was as smooth as a peach blossom. Daiyu's heart skipped a beat as she thought to herself: "How strange! He looks so familiar, as if I've seen him somewhere before!" Bao Yu bowed to Grandmother Jia, who told him to go see his mother. When he reappeared, he had changed into different clothes: his hair was cut short and tied up in a small queue, with red silk threads at the end, and a large braid on top of his head, shiny like lacquer, from which hung four large pearls on a golden clasp. He wore an old silver-red flowered robe, still wearing his jade pendant, lock, and other trinkets, and his lower half was clad in loose-fitting trousers with a floral pattern, and black boots with a red border. His lips were as if painted with rouge, and his eyes sparkled with emotion. All the emotions of life seemed to be concentrated on his eyebrows. The two lines from "West River Moon" that described Bao Yu most accurately read:

  Looking for trouble and grievances without reason, with a bitter heart.

  ，

  I'm innocent and upright, so what if others slander me!

  Wealth and honor cannot be known without being industrious

  Don't follow this kid's example!

  Mrs. Jia laughed and said, "The guest has not arrived yet, but you've already taken off your clothes! Why don't you go see your sister?" Bao Yu had already seen that there was an additional sister, and he guessed it must be Lin Daiyu, the daughter of his aunt. He took a closer look at her features, which were different from those of the others: two curved eyebrows like crescent moons, and a face as white as jade. Mrs. Jia laughed and said, "This younger sister I have seen before." Bao Yu smiled and said, "Although I haven't met her before, my heart feels like we're old acquaintances. Today is just a reunion after a long separation, which isn't impossible." Mrs. Jia laughed and said, "Even better! If it's like this, you'll get along even more harmoniously." Bao Yu walked over to Daiyu's side and sat down, taking another close look at her. He asked, "Younger sister, have you studied before?" Daiyu replied, "I haven't studied much, only attended school for a year, and I can barely recognize a few characters." Bao Yu asked again, "What are your given names, younger sister?" Daiyu said, "I don't have any." Bao Yu smiled and said, "I'll give you a wonderful name - 'Daiyu' is perfect!" He explained, "According to the 'Biographies of People from Past and Present', there's a stone in the West called 'dai' that can be used as ink for painting eyebrows. Considering this younger sister's eyebrows are like crescent moons, taking these two characters would be wonderful! Wouldn't it be perfect?" Xiangling laughed and said, "I'm afraid you're just making things up again." Bao Yu smiled and said, "Apart from the 'Four Books', I've made up too many things. Why can't I make something up for once?!" He asked Daiyu again, "Do you have a jade or not?" The others didn't understand what he meant, but Daiyu thought about it and replied, "How could everyone have one?" Bao Yu heard this and suddenly became hysterical, taking off his jade pendant and smashing it to the ground. He cursed, "What a useless thing! It doesn't distinguish between high and low, and yet it's called 'divine'! I don't want this thing anymore!" Mrs. Jia scolded him, "You're being naughty again, wanting to hit and scold people. Why smash that thing?!" Bao Yu cried and said, "At home, none of my sisters have one, only I do. It's so unfair! Now that this fairy-like younger sister has arrived, she doesn't have one either. This must be a bad omen!" Mrs. Jia quickly comforted him, saying, "This younger sister originally had one, but when your aunt passed away, she couldn't bear to part with it and took it with her as a burial object. Firstly, it was to fulfill the rituals of mourning, and secondly, it was to show respect for your aunt's spirit." She then took the jade pendant from a maid's hand and said, "Think about it carefully - there's a lot of reason in this. Don't say anything else."

  "Now, let's bring Baoyu out and have him stay with me in the warm room of the suite. We'll clean up the house again and make some new arrangements." Baoyu said, "It's all right, I'm fine on the bed outside the green gauze window. Why bother coming out and disturbing Grandma?" Lady Wang thought for a moment and said, "All right then." Each person had one nanny and one maid to take care of them, as well as several pieces of brocade bedding and satin quilts.

  Daiyu brought only two people with her: one was Wang Xiang, a nurse who had been by her side since childhood, and the other was a ten-year-old little maid, also someone she had grown up with, full of childish energy. As Wang Xiang was extremely old, Daiyu thought it would be inconvenient for her to serve herself, so she assigned one of her second-grade maids to attend to her needs. Each person, apart from their childhood wet nurse, had four servant women to instruct and guide them, as well as two personal maids who took care of their hair and jewelry. In addition, there was a senior maid named Zijuan who waited on them outside the large bed.

  It turned out that this maid was also a maid of Grandmother Jia, who feared that Baoyu's maids were not capable of being loyal and diligent, and had always been fond of Xiren's pure and kind heart, as well as her ability to fulfill her duties. Moreover, she had once seen an old poem with the line "Floral fragrance wafts towards people", so she recommended Xiren to Grandmother Jia: When serving Grandmother Jia, her heart and eyes were only on Grandmother Jia; now that she was serving Baoyu, every time she advised him, her heart was truly worried.

  It was late, and Bao Yu's maid Li had already gone to sleep. He saw that Daiyu and Xiangling were still awake inside, so he quietly came in after removing his makeup and asked with a smile: "Miss, why are you not resting yet?" Daiyu hastily invited him to sit down. Lin Daiyu was crying and wiping away tears, saying: "Today I just arrived, but I've already caused your brother's illness to flare up. What if he breaks that jade? Wouldn't it be my fault?" Therefore, she was heartbroken. I tried to comfort her. Xiangling said: "Miss, don't worry about this. In the future, there may be even more absurd things happening! If you're too worried about his behavior, you'll be heartbroken." Daiyu asked: "Sisters, is there anything written on it?" Xiangling replied: "Not even a single word is known about its origin, and there's already a pair of eyes on top. I heard that..." Daiyu hastily stopped her, saying: "Enough, it's late at night now. We can look again tomorrow; it won't be too late." Everyone chatted for a while longer before finally going to sleep.

  She got up and went to Madame Wang's place, where she found Madame Wang and Xifeng examining a letter from Jinling. It turned out that everyone knew it was about the son of Aunt Xue's family in Jinling, who had relied on his wealth and power to kill someone, so he sent someone from his own family to inform them, with the intention of calling him back to Beijing.

  But to say that Daiyu and her sisters went to Wang Furen's place, where they saw Wang Furen discussing family matters with the messenger from their brother's house. The sisters then came out and went to Widow Li's room.

  She gave birth to a son, named Jia Lan, who is now five years old. Her father's name was Li Shouzhong, and he used to be the libationer of the Imperial Academy. He would often say that "a woman without talent is virtuous." Therefore, when she was born, he didn't encourage her to read much, only teaching her a few books such as "The Four Books for Women", "Biographies of Exemplary Women" and "A Collection of Virtuous Women". He just wanted her to recognize a few characters and remember the names of virtuous women from previous dynasties. He emphasized the importance of spinning and weaving, hence her name Li Xiangjun. She grew up in a wealthy family surrounded by silk and embroidery, but was as dull as dead wood, without any accomplishments or reputation. All she knew was how to serve her parents and raise children.

  Now, as for Yu Cun, after taking up the post of Magistrate of Ying Tian Prefecture, he had a case of homicide brought before him. It was about two families fighting over buying a slave girl, each refusing to give in. "My family's young master originally said that the third party was good, but we were deceived and went to find the seller, who relied on wealth and power to evade responsibility. We have no choice but to take drastic measures to eliminate evil and rescue the widows and orphans. The deceased will be grateful for the heavenly kindness!"

  The village head, Yu Cun, flew into a rage and shouted: "How can such a thing happen! The murderer gets away scot-free and is never caught again!" He immediately ordered the constables to bring in the relatives of the murderer for questioning, demanding that they reveal where the culprit was hiding. Just then, a gatekeeper standing by the case made a signal with his eyes, and Yu Cun had to stop the interrogation. He retired to his private chambers, dismissing all attendants. The gatekeeper smiled and asked: "Sir, you have risen high in office and wealth, but have you forgotten me after all these years?" Yu Cun replied: "Your face looks familiar, but I just can't recall who you are." The gatekeeper laughed and said: "You truly are a nobleman with many things on your mind, forgetting even the place of your origin. Don't you remember what happened at the Gourd Temple all those years ago?" Yu Cun was shocked by these words, for after being dismissed from his previous post, he had nowhere to go and had gone to another temple to practice asceticism. However, he couldn't bear the quiet and peaceful atmosphere there, so he thought this new position would be more lively and easier to manage. He hastily grasped the gatekeeper's hand and smiled: "So you're an old acquaintance!" The gatekeeper said: "Since we are in a private room and will be talking for a long time, isn't it reasonable that we sit down?" Upon hearing this, Yu Cun invited him to take a seat, and the gatekeeper sat down with a smile.

  "Since the old master has taken office in this province, can't he even get a copy of the 'official protection symbol' for this province? Rain Village hastily asked: "What is an 'official protection symbol'? I really don't know." The gatekeeper said: "This is unbearable! If you don't even know this, how can you be a long-term official? Nowadays, all local officials have a private list, which lists the most powerful and wealthy gentry in the province. Each province has one. If you don't know, once you offend such a family, not only will your official position be gone, but even your life may not be spared! So it's called 'official protection symbol'. Just now, I mentioned the Xue family, how did the old master provoke them? This case is not difficult to decide, but because of emotional considerations, it has become like this." As he spoke, he took out a copied "official protection symbol" from his sleeve pocket and handed it to Rain Village. Upon examination, it read:

  Jia Bu Xia, white jade for the hall and gold for the horse. (After Ning Guo Rong Guo two gentlemen, a total of 20 houses were divided, Ning Rong sent 8 houses outside the capital, now 12 houses live in their original place of residence.)

  Epang Palace, three hundred miles long, cannot accommodate a single historian from the Golden Mausoleum. (After the death of Prime Minister Lord Shi, the family was divided into eighteen branches, with ten currently residing in the capital and eight in their hometown.)

  The East China Sea lacks a white jade bed, the Dragon King comes to invite the Golden Ridge King. (After General Du Taoyi governed County Marquis Wang Gong, there were twelve houses in total, two of which were in the middle, and the rest were registered.)

  A year of great abundance and heavy snow, pearls are as common as dirt and gold is like iron. (After the death of Mr. Xue of the Purple Wei House, his estate was divided among eight households, including the Imperial Treasury and merchant banks.)

  The rain village had not yet finished, suddenly heard the transmission point, people reported: "Wang Lao Ye came to worship." Rain village listened and said: "These four families are all connected by kinship, one loss is a loss for all, one honor is an honor for all, supporting and covering up each other, it's just like the snow of a rich year. His friends and relatives in the capital, where are they?" Rain village heard this and smiled to ask the doorman: "If you say so, how will this case be concluded? You probably also know the direction of the fugitive?"

  The gatekeeper smiled and said, "To be honest with you, sir, I not only know the direction of the murderer, but also the person who sold the girl. The man who was beaten to death is a young master from this area named Feng Yuan. He lost his parents at a young age and had no siblings. He loved men and happened to meet the slave trader selling the girl. He fell in love with her at first sight and decided to buy her as a concubine, vowing not to associate with other men or marry another woman again. He embezzled money from both families, but they refused to accept it after he was beaten to death. His servants beat him up, and two days later, he coincidentally met the girl again and bought her before entering the capital. After taking the girl away, he acted as if nothing had happened. Sir, do you know who the sold girl is?" The gatekeeper smiled coldly and said, "As it turns out, this person is actually your benefactor! She is Miss Yinglian, the daughter of Mr. Zhen from the temple next to the gourd." Rain Village was surprised and said, "So it's her! I heard she was kidnapped at the age of five but wasn't sold until now?"

  Menzi said: "This kind of swindler only steals children who are five or six years old, raises them in a secluded place, and when they are eleven or twelve years old, he assesses their appearance. We coax them into being playful every day, even though it's been seven or eight years, now at the age of twelve or thirteen, although their appearance has become more refined, but overall, their looks haven't changed much, it's what they were born with. When the swindler is not home, he dares not say anything, only saying that the swindler is his father, because he owes money and can't pay it back. He cried again, only saying 'I don't remember things from when I was young!' After receiving the silver, the swindler got drunk, and he sighed: 'Today my sins are finally fulfilled!' Later, I heard that Mr. Feng's son came to take him away after three days, and when the swindler went out, he ordered his wife to explain to him: 'This Mr. Feng must have waited for a good opportunity to come and get you, our family is quite well-off, and we especially dislike having guests in the hall, now he has bought you at a low price, why should you be worried!' He heard this and was slightly relieved of his worries. The next day, this Xiangzi's nickname was 'Dumb Tyrant', he was the number one person in the world who was good at playing with women and had a lot of money, so he spent it lavishly, and eventually got what he wanted, but in the end, he spent all his money and lost his life, isn't that lamentable!"

  Here is the translation:

  Yucun sighed and said, "This is also their fate. This Yinglian has suffered for several years under the torment of Qiaojie, and finally got a way out, and she's also a sentimental person. If they can be together, it would be a beautiful thing. Thinking about his character, he naturally has many concubines, and is licentious without restraint... But now with this lawsuit, how should we judge it?" The gatekeeper smiled and said, "Master, you were so decisive in the past, but now you've become indecisive! I heard that Master was promoted to this position with the help of the Jia and Wang families. This Xue Pan is a relative of the Jia family, why not take advantage of the situation and make a good impression by settling this case? Later it will be easier to meet with the Jia and Wang families." Yucun said, "I have received great favor from the Emperor, and I was reinstated and reappointed. This is my chance to start anew and repay the kindness. How can I abandon justice for personal reasons?" The gatekeeper listened and coldly smiled, "Master's words are indeed reasonable, but 'a great man moves with the times' and 'those who avoid calamity are gentlemen'. According to Master's logic, not only will you be unable to serve the court, but you also won't be able to protect yourself. You should think carefully about this."

  The village head lowered his voice and said, "What do you think? The gatekeeper said, "I've thought of a good idea: tomorrow morning, the master will sit in court, just making a show of authority, and have them report that someone has died suddenly. Then, the clan and local officials will jointly submit a petition, and the master will say that he can summon spirits to help the deceased. In the courtroom, set up an altar for the spirit to descend, and the spirit will write that the deceased, Feng Yuan and Xue Pan, were predestined to meet in their past lives. Now that they've met on this narrow road, the person who killed them is a certain someone from a certain village and surname, and according to the law, he should be punished. The master can sentence him to 1,000 or 500, it's all just about the money. Once we get the silver,..." Rain Village smiled and said, "Not good, it might not be enough to silence them." The two of them discussed and planned until nightfall, with nothing more to say.

  Upon arriving at the yamen, he summoned all the notorious culprits and interrogated them thoroughly. It turned out that the Feng family had indeed suffered a loss, but only managed to obtain some compensation for funeral expenses. The Xue family, relying on their power and influence, refused to yield. In haste, two letters were written, one to Jia Zheng and the other to Wang Ziteng, the Commander of the Imperial Guards, stating that "the matter regarding your nephew has been settled, do not worry". However, Yucun was still afraid that he would reveal his humble origins, which made him extremely unhappy. Later on, a pretext was found to dismiss him from his post and send him far away.

  He is also a native of Jinling, and his widowed mother spoiled him because he was an only child, which led to his laziness and lack of achievement. His family has a wealth of over a million taels, and he currently receives an allowance from the imperial treasury. His courtesy name is Wenqi, and since he was five years old, he has been indulged in luxury and extravagance. However, he only knows a few characters and spends his time on trivial pursuits such as raising fighting cocks and horses. He relies on his grandfather's reputation to hold an honorary position in the Ministry of Revenue, where he receives a salary but does not actually do any work. He is also related to Lady Wang, the wife of Jia Zheng from the Rongguo House, being her younger brother by two years. His name is Baoyu, and he was born with delicate features and skin. He loves his sister dearly and has taught her to read and write. However, seeing that his older brother is not filial, he does not bother with books and instead focuses on domestic skills such as needlework and household management. The emperor's decree states that all daughters of officials and noble families must be registered in the Ministry of Revenue for selection as consorts or ladies-in-waiting. Taking advantage of Baoyu's youth and naivety, various business managers and accountants from different provinces began to cheat him. In the capital, several businesses were thinking of sending someone to collect debts, and they saw this as an opportunity to send Baoyu on a trip for three purposes: to escort his sister to be selected as a consort, to visit relatives, and to settle old accounts with the Ministry of Revenue and make new payments. He also wanted to buy some local specialties and gifts for friends and family. Just as he was about to set off, he encountered someone from the Feng family who came to collect debts, but Baoyu thought it was just a joke and spent a few hundred taels without hesitation.

  However, he just heard that his maternal uncle Wang Ziteng had been promoted to the position of Governor of Nine Provinces: "I was worried about going to Beijing because I have a maternal uncle who is in charge, and I couldn't do as I pleased. Now that he has been promoted, it's clear that heaven is granting my wish." He discussed with his mother: "Although we have several houses in Beijing, no one has lived there for over ten years, and the people watching them must be secretly renting them out to others. We need to send a few people to clean up first." His mother said: "Why make such a fuss? When we arrive in Beijing, we should first visit our relatives, or stay at your uncle's house. We can slowly send someone to clean up afterwards, won't that be more relaxed?" Xue Pan said: "Now that my uncle has been promoted to another province, his household is naturally busy with preparations for departure. If we rush over now, won't it seem like we're being too forward?" His mother said: "Although your uncle's household has been promoted, your aunt and uncle are always sending messages and letters back and forth. Even though your uncle is busy preparing to leave, wouldn't it be strange if he didn't see us? I understand what you mean - living with your uncle would be too restrictive for you. Why don't we each live separately? You can go choose a house to live in, and I'll take your sister to stay with your aunt. We sisters haven't seen each other for years, so we should spend some time together. What do you think?" Xue Pan saw that his mother was determined, and he knew he couldn't change her mind, so he ordered the servants to hurry to Rongguo House.

  At that time, Lady Wang had already learned about Xue Pan's lawsuit and was worried that they would have fewer relatives from their maternal family visiting them. Just then, a servant reported: "Auntie is bringing her son and daughter to move into the capital, and they are currently getting out of their carriage outside the gate." Delighted, Lady Wang hastily brought some female servants to greet them in the main hall. It goes without saying that there was a mixture of sadness and joy. She then hurriedly prepared a banquet to welcome them.

  Xue Pan had already paid his respects to Jia Zheng, and Jia Lian introduced him to Jia She, saying: "Aunt has become pregnant, and my young nephew doesn't know the ways of the world, so it's better for him to stay here with us. We've cleaned up a place for Aunt and the children to live in, it's very suitable." Before Madame Wang could decline, Old Lady Jia sent someone to say: "Please let Aunt stay here, we can be closer as a family, and keep an eye on our son. If he were to live outside, I'm afraid he would get into trouble again." All expenses will be taken care of, it's just the usual custom. Madame Wang knew that his household was not troubled by this.

  Originally, the Li Xiangyuan was a quiet place for Rongguo Gong to live in his later years. It was small and exquisite, with more than ten rooms, connected by a corridor. In the evening, Aunt Xue would often come over, either to chat with Grandmother Jia, or to play chess, read books, or do needlework. She didn't originally want to live in the Jia residence, but she was afraid that her husband's strict rules would make her feel uncomfortable. However, her mother insisted on staying here, and the people in the house were very enthusiastic about keeping her, so she had no choice but to stay temporarily. Meanwhile, she sent someone to clean up her own house. Among the Jia family members, all the sons and nephews had already become familiar with half of them. Those who were fond of luxury and extravagance all liked to socialize with him. Today they would have a drinking party, tomorrow they would go flower-watching, and even gather to gamble and visit prostitutes, gradually going to extremes. The reason for this was that the family had many rules, but the elders couldn't keep track of everything. Secondly, the current head of the family was Jia Zhen, who was the eldest grandson of the Ning Mansion and had inherited his position. He took care of all the family matters himself. Thirdly, he was busy with public and private affairs, and was naturally carefree and didn't consider mundane tasks important. In his free time, he only liked to read books and play chess. Moreover, there was a separate street entrance that allowed people to come and go freely, so these young men could indulge in their desires without restraint. As a result, the idea of moving away gradually faded away.

  The fourth return has already shown that Xue's mother and son are temporarily living in Rongfu, so this return cannot be written for the time being.

  Now, let's talk about Lin Daiyu since she arrived at Rongguo House. Grandmother Jia loved her in every way, and she lived with her just like Baoyu. When it came to welcoming guests or going out, the three young ladies would follow behind, but Baoyu and Daiyu were especially close, and their friendship was different from the others. During the day, they would go out together and sit together; at night, they would sleep in the same room. They truly got along well and had a deep understanding of each other. Although they weren't much different in age, Daiyu's character was upright and her appearance was beautiful. She wasn't like Baoyu, who was self-willed and thought himself superior to others. As for Grandmother Jia, she loved them both equally, but she felt especially close to Daiyu because of their similar personalities. However, this closeness also led to some conflicts between the two. One day, they had a disagreement, and Daiyu went back to her room alone, crying. Baoyu regretted his words and went to apologize to her. Meanwhile, Lady Wang invited Grandmother Jia, Mrs. Xing, and others to a small gathering at Huanxiang Garden, where they would have tea and wine. It was just a casual get-together among the women of the Ningguo and Rongguo houses, and there wasn't anything particularly interesting or noteworthy about it.

  At this time, Bao Yu was tired and fell asleep. Grandmother Jia ordered someone to coax him: "We have a house here that has been cleaned up for Uncle Bao, don't worry, just hand it over to me." She also said to Bao Yu's nurse and maids: "Nannies, sisters, please bring Uncle Bao here with me." Grandmother Jia had always known that Qin Shi was a very proper person, born gentle and delicate, and doing things in a warm and peaceful manner. She was the first among her granddaughters-in-law to win her approval, so she felt at ease seeing her take care of Bao Yu's arrangements.

  The person in the painting is good, but the story is "Burning Nettle Picture", and it doesn't matter who painted it.

  The world is full of mysteries, and even if the room is beautifully decorated, it's still not suitable for me to stay here. Hurry up and get out! Get out!" Qin Shi heard this and laughed, saying: "If it's not good here, where can we go? Why don't we just go to my place?" "Is there a reason why an uncle would sleep in his nephew's room?" Qin Shi smiled and said: "Oh dear, you're being superstitious again! Last month, didn't you see my Tianqi come over? Although he's the same age as Baoyu, if they stood together, I'm afraid Tianqi would be even taller!" Baoyu said: "I haven't seen him before, bring him over and let me take a look." Everyone laughed and said: "He's thirty or forty miles away, where can we bring him to see?"... ...and kept saying "it smells so good!" When they entered the room and looked at the wall, there was a painting by Tang Bohu called "Sea Peach Sleeping Picture". On either side of it were a pair of couplets written by Song Dynasty scholar Qin Taixu, which read:

  The cold wind locks the dream, and on one side, a golden plate is placed with flying swallows dancing over it. "This is great!" said Qin Shi. "My house is big enough for even gods to live in." She personally unfolded the silk quilt that Xi Zi had washed, and gently spread it out, leaving only Baochai, Daiyu, Xiangling, and Baoyu watching the cats and dogs fight under the eaves of the corridor.

  Baoyu had just closed his eyes when he fell into a daze and drifted off to sleep, as if Qinshi was still in front of him. He floated along with Qinshi, passing by green trees and clear streams, truly a place where human footprints were rarely seen. He thought to himself: "This is an interesting place, I'd be happy to spend my whole life here, even if it means losing my family home. It's better than being beaten every day by my parents and teachers." Just as he was lost in thought, he suddenly heard someone singing a song from behind the mountain:

  Dreams drift away with the clouds, flowers float downstream.

  A message for all sons and daughters: soon a person will come out from that side, walking with a swaying gait.

  Beyond the willow lodge, birds are startled by the trees in the courtyard, it's about time

  The fragrance of musk and orchids wafts by, and the lotus-leaf cloak rustles.

  Clouds pile up in her hairdo, cherry lips open slightly, pomegranate

  The wind blows back, snow dances, pearls and jade shine brightly, full of beauty

  With a smile and with a frown, I wander by the pool's side, as if flying, as if floating.

  Her eyebrows are slightly raised in a smile, as if she is about to speak but hasn't yet, her lotus-like steps suddenly move...

  How excellent is he! His heart is pure and his words are elegant. I admire his fine clothes.

  With gentle elegance, fragrance is cultivated like jade, beautiful is her demeanor.

  Song Shengkong Valley

  What brilliance is this? The moon is full of beauty.

  Born in which place, from where

  Which direction is it? Is it true that the Jade Pool is not divided? Like this?

  Beautiful!

  A fairy maiden appeared, and with a joyful haste, she came to make a bow and asked: "Immortal sister, I don't know where you come from, nor do I know where you are going. I also don't know what place this is, please take me with you." The fairy maiden smiled and said: "I reside above the Sky of Lofty Hatred and in the Sea of Sorrowful Longing, I am the Taixu Xian Fairy from the Mountain of Dispersed Fragrance and the Cave of Void Illusion. I am in charge of the love debts between mortals, and have been lingering here for a long time. Previously, I came to visit and inspect this place, there is nothing else, only a cup of self-picked fairy tea, a jar of personally brewed beautiful wine, several female immortals who practice magic dance and song, and twelve branches of the 'Red Chamber Dream' immortal melody newly filled. Would you like to follow me on a tour?" Baoyu listened and immediately forgot about Qinshi's whereabouts, and followed the fairy maiden to a place with a stone tablet erected horizontally, inscribed with the four large characters "Taixu Xianjing". On both sides was a couplet:

  When false becomes true, true also becomes false. Above the gate of a palace, four large characters were written horizontally: "The Sea of Karma and the Sky of Sentiment". There was also a couplet written in large characters:

  The earth is thick and the sky is high, it's a pity that the feelings of ancient and modern times are not exhausted.

  The foolish man and the resentful woman; pitifully, their love debt is hard to repay under the wind and moon.

  Baoyu looked and thought to himself, "The emotions of past and present, what is this 'debt of wind and moon'? From now on, I must understand it thoroughly." Baoyu only thought about this for a moment, until he reached the two side halls, each with a plaque and couplet. At first glance, he couldn't see them all, but saw that several places were written: "Infatuated Love Section", "Grudge Section", "Morning Tears Section", "Night Sorrow Section", "Sympathy Section", "Autumn Sorrow Section". After looking, he turned to the fairy and said, "I dare to trouble you, fairy, to take me to each section to play around. Is it possible?" The fairy said, "Each of these sections contains the records of all women under heaven, past and future. You are just a mortal, not yet qualified to know." Baoyu heard this and was unwilling to comply, saying, "Never mind, I'll just stay in this section and take a look around." Baoyu was overjoyed, raised his head to look at the plaque above this section, which read "Thin Fate Section" in three characters. The couplets on either side were written:

  All the sorrow of autumn is self-inflicted, beauty like flowers and moonlight is for whom?

  The jade looked and saw that there were over a dozen large kitchens, with the words "Jinling Twelve Hairpins Official Register" written on them. The jade asked: "What is 'Jinling Twelve Hairpins Official Register'?" Jing Huan replied: "It refers to the register of the twelve most prominent women in your province, hence the name 'Official Register'." The jade said: "I've often heard people say that Jinling is very large, how can there only be twelve women? In my own household alone, from top to bottom, there are several hundred girls." Jing Huan coldly smiled and said: "Although your province has many women, they cannot all be recorded in a register." The jade listened and looked down at the next two kitchens, which indeed had the words "Jinling Twelve Hairpins Secondary Register" and "Jinling Twelve Hairpins Another Secondary Register" written on them. The jade then reached out to open the "Another Secondary Register" kitchen first, took out a book, opened it, and saw that the first page had a painting of something that was neither human nor landscape, but rather...

  A rare clear moon is hard to come by

  The sentimental young master is lost in thought.

  Baoyu looked again and saw that on the back was painted a cluster of fresh flowers, a broken mat, and several lines of words, which read:

  In vain is gentle and obedient, empty words like osmanthus and orchid.

  Fortune and prosperity are enviable, but then he opened the kitchen door again, picked up a book, and when he opened it to look, all he saw was a picture of an osmanthus tree, with a pond below, where the water had dried up and the mud was dry, the lotus flowers were withered and the reeds were defeated, behind which was written:

  The lotus root and flower are fragrant on one stem, but in life, I have suffered many hardships.

  Since the two trees were born in isolation, I went to take out the "authentic book" and look at it. On the first page, I saw that there were two withered trees drawn on it, with a jade belt hanging from the tree, and a pile of snow below, which said:

  Alas, the machine has stopped, and the silk is worthy of lamentation.

  A jade belt hangs in the forest, I know he must not leak it out. When I want to throw it down, I only see a bow drawn:

  For twenty years I have been distinguishing right from wrong, and wherever the pomegranate flowers bloom, they illuminate the palace.

  Three disputes and initial scenery, a vast ocean, a large ship

  Just then, Jingming's will was high, but he was born in a declining era and his luck was dwindling.

  Tears fall as I gaze out at the riverbank on a Clear and Bright day

  Wealth and honor, what are they? Between birth and diapers, parents' love is already biased.

  The setting sun shines slantingly, with a lingering glow.

  Jade is not necessarily clean, and an empty space is not necessarily vacant.

  Poor golden jade, chasing after a beautiful woman, alas!

  In the nest of wolves, when they succeed, they become arrogant and unruly.

  Golden phoenix and jade rabbit, the beauty of the boudoir is hard to describe.

  Three scenes of a broken heart are hard to bear; overnight, the dress is changed and last year's makeup is gone.

  Poor embroidered silk lady, behind the gate of Hou's mansion

  All birds know that they will come from the end of the world, and they all love and admire this life.

  One from two orders three people wood

  When the general's power declines, even his friends from Yunnan and Guizhou will desert him; when a family is ruined, don't mention relatives.

  Because of Liu's mother-in-law, he was often scolded by his wife.

  Peach and plum blossoms have borne fruit, but in the end, who is like a pot of orchids?

  Like ice and water, they are mutually jealous of each other's beauty.

  Affection fills the sky and sea, affection takes shape in the body, when affection meets it must be the master of fate.

  All the uncles and cousins came out in honor, but the origin of the trouble was actually Ning.

  The fairy knew that Baoyu had a high innate talent and was clever, fearing that he would reveal the secrets of the immortals, so she covered up the book and smiled at Baoyu: "Let's go with me to visit the wonderful scenery, why bother to be bored here!"

  Baoyu was in a daze, unaware that he had discarded the book. The painted beams and carved eaves seemed to stretch on forever, with the sunlight shining brightly on the vermilion doors and golden thresholds. The fragrance of rare flowers wafted through the air as someone called out: "Quickly come out and welcome our noble guest!" Before the words were even finished, several more fairy-like maidens emerged from the house, all with flowing sleeves and fluttering clothes, their beauty rivalling that of flowers. They all complained to Jingui: "We didn't know what kind of 'noble guest' was coming, so we hurried out to greet them! Sister once said that today at this time, the living spirit of Xue Baochai would come to visit and play."

  Baoyu heard this and was so frightened that he couldn't retreat, and said to his sisters: "You don't know the whole story. Today I went to Rongguo House to pick up Xiangyun, and on my way back from Ningguo House, I happened to meet the spirits of Ning and Rong, who told me: 'My family has been prosperous since the founding of our dynasty, with honors and wealth passed down for generations. Although we have gone through a hundred years, our luck is finally exhausted, and our fate is against us. Our children are born with strange and eccentric personalities, although they are intelligent and clever, but it's hard to expect them to achieve anything. Since my family's luck has come to an end, I hope that you will use emotional and sensual things to awaken their foolishness, or perhaps they can jump out of the circle of confusion and enter the right path. This is also a blessing for me.' They instructed me like this, so I took pity on him and let him experience it again, but he still hasn't realized it. So I brought him here again, to make him go through the illusion of music and feasting once more, hoping that maybe someday he will awaken, but it's hard to know."

  When he had finished speaking, he said: "This fragrance is not found in the mortal world, how can you know it? This fragrance is made from the essence of rare flowers born in famous mountains and beautiful scenery, combined with the oil of various precious trees, and is called 'Group Fragrance Essence'." Bao Yu listened, and thought it was extremely beautiful. "This tea comes from the Mountain of Dispersing Fragrance Cave, and is brewed with the dew on the leaves of the immortal flowers, this tea is called 'Thousand Reds in One Hollow'." Bao Yu listened, and saw that there were jade flutes, precious tripods, ancient paintings, new poems, and everything else, and was even more delighted to see that under the window there was also a spittoon, with an inscription that read:

  In a delicate and elegant manner, there were four people: one was a foolish dreamy girl, one was a devoted gentleman, one was a golden girl who brought sorrow, and one was a Bodhi who transcended hatred. A young maid came to adjust the table and chairs. The crystal glasses were filled with a fragrant wine that seemed extraordinary. "This wine is made from the stamens of hundreds of flowers, the sap of thousands of trees, mixed with the marrow of the unicorn and the fermentation of the phoenix's saliva, hence its name 'Ten Thousand Beauties in One Cup'." Bao Yu praised it repeatedly.

  While drinking, twelve dancing girls came up and said: "Just perform the new 'Dream of Red Mansions' in twelve acts." The dancing girls agreed, then lightly tapped the clappers, pressed the silver strings, and listened to the song which was:

  ...Just as he had sung the first line, Jing Huan said: "This song is not like those legendary songs in the mortal world, which must have a beginning and an end, or be inspired by some event, and then become a song. Later, when you hear this song, it will be like chewing wax." After speaking, he turned his head and ordered the little maid to bring over the original manuscript of "Dream of Red Mansions", and while looking at the text, he listened to the song...

  "The Red Chamber Dream" opens with a vast and mysterious universe. Who is the emotional kind? Injured heart, desolate time,

  Performing "Dream of Red Mansions" with a heart full of grief and longing.

  Everyone says it's a golden marriage, but in the mountains, the high scholar is as pure as snow, and he will never forget his beauty.

  It's hard to calm down.

  A pair of eyebrows furrowed in worry, one was a fairy from the heavenly garden

  No fate, yet we meet again in this life. If it's said that there is a predestined relationship, how can my heart's desires be in vain? One is a futile sigh, the other is a reflection in the mirror.

  How can it flow into autumn and reach winter?

  Summer!

  Baoyu listened to this tune and thought it was rambling and absurd, without any redeeming qualities. However, the sound of the melody was mournful and sorrowful, enough to move one's emotions. He asked about its origins:

  [Hate impermanence] Delighted with honor and prosperity, everything is just right

  ，，

  In a dream, I was told: Your son's life has entered the Yellow Springs, familial relationships are at stake, you must retreat and withdraw early!

  A sail of wind and rain on a 3,000-mile road, throwing away the bone-and-flesh home together.

  Crying out in fear, I inform Father and Mother,

  Is it destined for us to part? From now on we'll be in different places, don't look back.

  Lotus

  [Sorrow in Joy] In swaddling clothes, who knows tenderness

  Nourishing? Fortunately born, heroic and generous, broad-minded and magnanimous, never having private feelings of son or daughter lingering in his heart.

  A good resemblance, won a place for a long time

  The Yangtze River is dry and the Xiangjiang River has dried up.

  This is the rise and fall of the mortal world, why be sorrowful in vain!

  [The world is hard to accommodate] temperament as beautiful as orchids

  Disdainful of worldly vanity, yet unaware that the higher one climbs, the more envy they'll attract. In the ancient temple, under the green lamp, people will grow old, having wasted their youth, in the red mansion with vermilion halls.

  Flawless white

  A jade trapped in the mud, what's the need? The princes and young masters sigh at having no fate.

  Zhongshan wolf, ruthless beast

  The beauty of the Hou's gate is like a willow, but it has been trampled on by the public office.

  A boat floats gently along.

  [Hua Wu] Having seen through those three, what about the peach blossoms and willows? Take this Shao

  The peach blossoms are in full bloom in heaven, and the apricot flowers are numerous in the clouds.

  In the end, who harvested autumn? Look at that, people in White Willow Village are sobbing, under the green maple forest.

  Yesterday poor today rich people tired

  Alas, life and death are bound together, who can escape? It is said that...

  Western Treasure Tree sways gently, with Longevity Fruits hanging from it.

  Cleverness is overrated; being too clever can be a curse.

  It's over, with a heart suspended in mid-air for half a lifetime, what a wonderful resemblance.

  Alas! It's hard to decide!

  Liu Yuqing, Liu Yuqing, suddenly met a kind person, fortunate mother, fortunate daughter-in-law

  Brother, helping those in need and supporting the poor is unlike my uncle who loves money more than his own flesh and blood! It's all about addition and subtraction, with heaven above.

  The beauty of youth is reflected in the mirror, but what can be done about the fame and fortune that are lost in dreams? Alas, how swiftly beautiful youth departs! Even wearing a luxurious robe cannot compensate for it.

  Life should not be poor in old age, and one must also accumulate wealth for their children and grandchildren.

  With a proud and majestic air, wearing a hairpin on his head, with a proud and majestic air, wearing a hairpin on his head, shining brightly with a golden seal suspended from his chest, awe-inspiring.

  He Zonglu Gao Dēng, Wei He He Zonglu Gao Dēng

  Is it still worth keeping? It's just a nominal existence and revered by later generations.

  Good things come to an end, beauty is just a facade, and it's all downhill from there.

  ，

  Love

  As an official, his family business declined; as a rich and noble person, he was beheaded.

  Silver scattered, with kindness, escaped from death, without affection, life has been returned, owed tears, separation and reunion are all predetermined.

  Do you know your life is short? Ask about your past life, escape into emptiness, foolish

  Mysterious, snowflakes fell, covering the vast land in white, making it look so clean!

  After the song, he sighed: "The foolish child has not yet awakened!" Baoyu hastily stopped the singing girl and did not continue to sing. He felt dizzy and confused, and sent Baoyu to the Xianggui Embroidered Pavilion. The interior was decorated with great splendor. There was already a woman inside, whose beauty and charm seemed like Baochai's. She was elegant and slender, and suddenly said: "In this mundane world, how many wealthy families have green windows and moonlit nights, embroidered pavilions and misty clouds? Since ancient times, how many frivolous and dissolute young masters have used 'good looks are not enough' as an excuse, and 'love without restraint' as a pretext? The joys of the flesh are all due to being pleased with one's appearance. He is indeed the greatest romantic in the world, past and present."

  Baoyu listened and hastily replied, "My parents at home often instruct me, how dare I again indulge in 'yin'? I don't know what the word 'yin' means." Jing said, "It's just that you take pleasure in beauty, enjoy music and dance, and delight in jests without end. If only I could have all the beautiful women in the world to amuse me for a moment! We call this 'intentional indulgence'. The two words 'intentional indulgence' can only be understood by the heart and cannot be transmitted through words. In the boudoir, it's possible to be good friends, but in the world, it's unavoidable to be seen as strange and ridiculous, with a hundred mouths mocking and ridiculing. I couldn't bear for you to be the only one to bring glory to my boudoir and be abandoned by the world. That's why I especially invited you here today, to get drunk on spiritual wine, to moisten with immortal tea, to appreciate wonderful music, and again to introduce my younger sister, a person of both talent and beauty, to you... what more can be said about worldly emotions? From now on, please thoroughly understand the situation, pay attention to the teachings of Confucius and Mencius, and devote yourself to the way of managing the household." After finishing speaking, he secretly entrusted him with some matters, pushed Baoyu into the room, closed the door, and left.

  Baoyu was in a daze, recalling the words of Qingfang's instructions. He couldn't help but think about romantic affairs and began to speak softly and affectionately. Suddenly, he found himself in a desolate place with thorns and brambles everywhere, wolves and tigers roaming together. A black creek blocked his path, and he saw Qingfang chasing after him from behind, warning: "Don't go any further! Hurry back, it's urgent!" Baoyu stopped in his tracks and asked: "Where is this place?" Qingfang replied: "This is a treacherous terrain that stretches for thousands of miles, with no boats or rafts to cross. There is only one wooden ferry, steered by the Wooden Master, with a gray-robed attendant poling it. They don't accept gold or silver as thanks. If you fall into their trap, you will deeply disappoint me and my previous warnings." Before Qingfang finished speaking, the sound of rushing water was heard from within the whirlpool, and someone cried out: "Qingfang, save me!" The noise startled Baoyu, and he was quickly surrounded by his maid servants, who held him tight and called out: "Baoyu, don't be afraid! We're here with you!"

  But she was telling the young maids outside to carefully watch the cat and dog fight, when she suddenly heard Baoyu calling out her nickname in his sleep. She was puzzled and thought: "My nickname has never been known by anyone here, how did he know it? He's actually calling it out in his dream!"

  A lonely dream is close to whom, a thousand-year-old lover, only I am infatuated.

  After sending Liu's mother away, she asked the maids and then went out of the east corner gate to the east wing, where she saw Wang's maid named Jin Guan'er, who knew there was something to report, so she nodded towards the inside.

  Zhou Ruijia quietly lifted the curtain and entered, with only a few loose strands of hair on her head, sitting on the edge of the kang. Baochai had just put down her pen and turned around, smiling: "Sister Zhou, please sit." Zhou Ruijia also smiled and asked: "Miss, are you well? I haven't seen you go for a stroll in two or three days, I'm afraid it's because of your temperament that you're not feeling well?" Baochai laughed and said: "That's right, I haven't left the house these past two days." Zhou Ruijia said: "Exactly! Miss, you should find out what's wrong with you and invite a doctor to come and write a prescription. If you take your medicine seriously, it won't be too late." Baochai listened and smiled: "I've heard that there are doctors who specialize in treating nameless illnesses. Fortunately, I'm naturally robust and not affected by this. If I were to take ordinary medicine, it would only make things worse. But if I were to eat his medicine, it might have some effect."

  " 'I don't know what kind of prescription this is,' said Zhou Rui's wife. 'Miss, you've told us about it, and we'll remember to tell others that if they have this illness, it's a good thing to do.' Baochai smiled when she heard the question and said, 'It's not easy to get the ingredients for this prescription. You need twelve liang of white peony flower buds that bloom in spring, twelve liang of white lotus flower buds that bloom in summer, and twelve liang of white hibiscus flower buds that bloom in autumn. Then you have to dry them in the sun on the same day next year, mix them with medicine powder, and add twelve qian of frost that falls on this day, mixed with twelve qian of honey and twelve qian of sugar. Make pills the size of dragon eyes, store them in an old ceramic jar, take one pill out to eat, and send it down with a decoction of twelve fen of Huangbai.' Zhou Rui's wife exclaimed, 'Oh my! Where can we find such rare ingredients?' Baochai smiled and said, 'That's why I say that there are few people who have such good fortune.'"

  Zhou Rui's wife laughed and said: "Amitabha, it's really a matter of killing people! Maybe after ten years, it won't be so coincidental." Baochai said: "It's actually good, since he said it would happen later, within one or two years it all came true, and the fight was buried under the pear blossom tree." Zhou Rui's wife asked again: "Does this medicine have a name?" Baochai replied: "It's called 'Lengxiang Wan'." Zhou Rui's wife nodded after hearing this, and then said: "When the illness occurs, what does it feel like?" Baochai replied: "It doesn't feel much of anything, just a bit of coughing. After taking one pill, it gets better."

  Mrs. Wang asked, "Who's in the room?" Zhou Ruijia hastily went out to answer and saw Mrs. Wang speechless, then retreated. Aunt Xue suddenly smiled and said, "You take it away." The little maid who had just been playing with Jin Guan came in and asked, "What do you want me to do, Nai Nai?" Aunt Xue said, "Bring the flowers from the box." Xiangxiang answered, "This is a new style from the palace, it would be a pity to leave them unused. Each person gets one pair, and the remaining six branches will be sent to Lin's daughter, two branches, and the four branches will be given to Feng Ge." Mrs. Wang said, "Keep them for Bao Yu to wear, what are they thinking of doing?" Aunt Xue said, "You don't know, Nai Nai, Bao Yu is strange, she never likes these flowers and powders."

  As she spoke, Zhou Ruijia took the box and walked out of the room: "That Xiangqiang little girl, is it not the one who was often mentioned as being bought when going to the capital, the one who was involved in a murder case?" Jinlian said: "It's indeed her." As they spoke, they looked at each other for a while, and then Zhou Ruijia smiled at Jinlian and said: "She has quite a good appearance, somewhat like our Dongfu's Rong Dajie's temperament." Jinlian also smiled and said: "I think so too." Zhou Ruijia asked Xiangqiang again: "How old were you when you entered this place?" And then asked: "Where are your parents now? How many years old are you this year? Where is your hometown?" Xiangqiang listened to the questions, shook her head and said: "I don't remember." Zhou Ruijia and Jinlian heard this and couldn't help but sigh with sadness.

  In a secluded spot, only Bao Yu and Dai Yu were left to amuse themselves, while the others moved to the inner house of Wang Fu Ren's residence, where they sat in the three small rooms at the back. Each held a tea cup in their hands. Zhou Ruijia knew that the sisters were sitting together in one place, so she entered the inner room and curtsied to thank them, ordering the maids to take away the cups.

  Zhou Ruijia's maid replied, "Fourth Miss isn't in her room, she might be at Old Madame's place." The maids said, "Isn't that Fourth Miss over there?" Zhou Ruijia's maid heard this and saw Zhou Ruijia enter. She said, "I was just talking to Zhihua about how I'll shave my head tomorrow and become a nun with her. How convenient that someone sent flowers over. If I shaved my head, where would I put these flowers?" Everyone laughed at this, and the maid Xianglin came in to collect the flowers.

  Zhou Ruijia's maid asked the clever boy: "Where did you come from? Where did your master go?" The clever boy replied: "He went to Old Master's house, and told me to wait for him here." Zhou Ruijia's maid asked again: "Did you get the monthly incense money for the 15th?" The clever boy shook his head and said: "I don't know." Xishi heard this and asked Zhou Ruijia's maid: "Who is in charge of the monthly temple silver now?" Zhou Ruijia's maid replied: "It's Yu Xin who is in charge." Xishi smiled and said: "Yu Xin will come soon, and he must have discussed with his master for half a day, probably about this matter."

  That day, Zhou Ruijia again went to the trouble of speaking with the clever and diligent servant for a while, and through the glass window saw Li Niang sleeping on the kang. He then crossed over the west flower wall, and only saw little Feng'er sitting on the threshold of Feng's room. Seeing Zhou Ruijia arrive, she hastily got up and came to the east wing: "Sister is still sleeping? It's also time to wake her up." Only a burst of laughter was heard from that side, and Ping'er came out carrying a large copper basin. As soon as she saw Zhou Ruijia, she asked: "You old madam has come again, what are you doing?" Zhou Ruijia hastily stood up, handed over the box to her, opened it, took out four hairpins, and held two in his hand. He first instructed Cai Ming: "Send these to the other manor for little Rongniang to wear." After that, he ordered Zhou Ruijia to return and thank them.

  "What brings you here?" She asked with a smile. "Mom, how have you been? I've been waiting at home for half a day, and you didn't come out. What's going on that's keeping you so busy you can't even come home? I got tired of waiting, so I came to pay my respects to Grandma myself. What's in your hand?" Zhou Ruijia smiled and said, "Ah! Today, coincidentally, Liu Jiaojiao came, and I had to run around for her all morning. Now, I've been seen by the madam, there must be something going on." Her daughter smiled and said, "Yesterday, your son-in-law got drunk and quarreled with someone, and somehow he was accused of being a suspicious person, and it was reported to the government... This is a serious matter, who can help us now?" Zhou Ruijia heard this and said, "You go back home and wait for me, I'm busy right now." Her daughter listened and left, saying "Mom, please hurry up!" Zhou Ruijia said, "Don't be so anxious," and then went to Daiyu's room.

  "Who would have thought that Daiyu was not in her own room?" said Lin's maid, "Miss Lin, the mistress has sent flowers for you to bring." Bao Yu heard this and first asked, "What kind of flowers? Bring them here for me to see." Then he asked, "Are they only for me alone or do the other girls have some too?" Zhou Rui's wife said, "Everyone else has received theirs, these two branches are yours." Daiyu coldly smiled and said, "I knew it, others wouldn't even give me their leftovers." Zhou Rui's wife heard this and asked, "Where did you go just now?" Zhou Rui's wife explained, "The mistress was there, I went to answer her call, and the mistress happened to ask me to bring these over." Bao Yu said, "What is Baoyu doing at home? Why hasn't she come over in a few days?" Zhou Rui's wife replied, "She's not feeling well." Bao Yu heard this and told the maid, "Who will go take a look? Just say I sent someone to ask after her health, what illness does she have... also say that I just came from school and caught a chill, and I'll come visit again soon." As they spoke, it was raining outside. Meanwhile, Feng's wife had removed her makeup and came to see Wang Furen to report: "The things the Jia family sent over today, we can send them back with their boat that brings fresh goods for the New Year, what do you think?" Wang Furen asked, "Has the gift for Old Lady Lin been prepared? Who will be sent to deliver it?" Feng's wife replied, "You see who is free and just ask them to go, it doesn't matter which of the four women goes." Wang Furen said, "If we have nothing better to do, you naturally wouldn't need to ask me. Since they didn't invite us but only invited you, you should know that they sincerely want you to relax and not waste their kindness. Even if something comes up, you should still go." Feng's wife smiled and said, "Today, Zhen's sister-in-law came and asked me to visit tomorrow, but I don't have anything important to do tomorrow." Wang Furen said, "Since we are here, you naturally wouldn't need to ask. If they didn't invite us but only invited you, it means they want you to take a break and not waste their kindness... if something comes up, you should still go." After the sisters finished paying their respects, each returned to their own rooms without another word.

  After washing and dressing, Phoenix returned to Madame Wang's place first. The two sisters got into the carriage, and before they started, they had a good laugh together. Phoenix said, "Why did you invite me here? If there's something good for me, bring it out quickly, I have other things to attend to." Before Yu and Qin could respond, several concubines on the ground laughed and said, "If Second Sister hadn't come today, that would be fine, but since she has come, we can't let her off the hook!" Just then, someone asked, "Isn't Big Brother at home today?" Yu replied, "What's the point of sitting here? Why not go out for a stroll too?"

  Qin Shi smiled and said, "Today is a coincidence. The Tianqi I was going to see last time is also here today. He's probably in the study. Why don't you go take a look, Uncle Bao?" Bao Yu listened and said, "What's the hurry? Let him be." At the same time, he instructed someone to carefully follow him and not to offend him. "If that's the case, why not invite this young master Qin in?" You Shi smiled and said, "Forget it, forget it! There's no need to see him. He can't compare to our family's children. If you meet this poor boy, you'll be laughed at to death." Feng Jie smiled and said, "I don't laugh at anyone in the world, but I won't let this child laugh at me!" Jia Rong smiled and said, "It's not that, he's just shy and hasn't seen a big gathering before. Aunt will get angry if she sees him." Feng Jie said, "No matter what he looks like, I want to see him! Give him a good scolding." Jia Rong smiled and said, "I don't dare, but I'll bring him over."

  As she spoke, she indeed went out and brought in a young boy, who was slightly thinner than Baoyu, with clear eyebrows and bright eyes, a fair complexion and red lips, a handsome figure and elegant demeanor, seemingly superior to Baoyu, but only shy and timid, with the manner of a young girl, blushing and smiling, saying: "It's all right now!" Then she took this child's hand and had him sit down beside her, slowly asking him: how old he was, what books he read, how many brothers he had, and why he hadn't brought any gifts, although it was a small boy's family, it wasn't suitable to be too stingy. So she took charge herself, taking out a piece of brocade, two small golden hairpins with the words "Number One Scholar" on them, and some playing cards with the images of You sisters, Feng sister, Qin sister etc., not mentioning anything else.

  He was amazed by Qin Zhong's exceptional character and felt a sense of loss, as if he had been foolish for half a day. He thought to himself: "There are indeed such people in the world! If I were born into a humble family with a low social status, I would have befriended him earlier. Alas, my life has been wrapped in luxurious silks and satins, and my belly has been filled with fine wine and delicacies. The two words 'wealth' and 'nobility' have brought me suffering! Qin Zhong, seeing Bao Yu's handsome appearance and elegant demeanor, thought to himself: "I am not worthy of being close friends with him, and the two words 'poverty' and 'humbleness' are indeed a great sorrow in this world." As they talked for over ten sentences, they felt increasingly intimate.

  They brought out tea and fruit, and Bao Yu said: "We two don't drink wine, let's put the fruit on the small stove in the inner room, we'll go sit there, so as not to disturb you." At the same time, he hurriedly came over to instruct Bao Yu: "Uncle Bao, if your nephew says something improper, please keep an eye on me. Xing Zi is a bit stubborn and not very accommodating, this is indeed true." Bao Yu smiled and said: "You go ahead, I understand." Qin Shi again instructed him for a moment before going to accompany Feng Jie.

  Here is the translation:

  Just then, Feng's sister, You Shi, sent someone to ask Bao Yu: "What do you want to eat? We have everything outside, just let us know." Bao Yu only responded, but he had no interest in food and drink. He said: "My teacher passed away last year, my father is old and frail, with a disability, and public duties are busy, so we haven't discussed hiring another teacher yet. I need one or two close friends to accompany me, discuss together, and make progress." Bao Yu didn't finish speaking before he replied: "That's right! We have a family school, and those in the clan who can't hire teachers can enter the school to study. Why don't you temporarily send me to review my old books, and wait for next year when the teacher comes? On one hand, there are too many children in our family school, I'm afraid they will be naughty and it won't be good. On the other hand, I've been ill for a few days, why not tell them and come to our family school? We can accompany each other, benefit from each other, isn't that a good thing?" Qin Zhong smiled and said: "My father mentioned hiring teachers at home, and also mentioned that this charity school is good. Why don't we quickly make it happen? We won't waste time, we can often gather to talk, comfort our parents' hearts, and enjoy the pleasure of friendship. Isn't that a beautiful thing?" Bao Yu said: "Don't worry, I'll go back and tell my grandmother again, there's no reason not to make it happen quickly." However, Qin Shi and You Shi had lost at playing drinking games...

  After dinner, as it was getting dark, Madame Yu said: "First send two young boys to escort Mr. Qin home." The wives relayed the message for half a day, and then asked: "Who was sent to escort him?" The wives replied: "It was Jiao Da who was sent, but he got drunk and started scolding people." Madame Yu and Madame Qin both said: "Why did they have to send him? Can't anyone else be sent? Why provoke him?" Feng Jie said: "I've always said that you're too soft-hearted. If the people in your household behave like this, it's unbearable." Madame Yu sighed: "Don't you know about Jiao Da? Even the master doesn't bother with him. He carried our ancestor on his back from a pile of dead bodies and saved his life. When he was starving, he stole food to give to the master. When there was no water for two days, he got half a bowl of water for the master to drink. In the old days, we treated him with respect, but now he doesn't care about appearances and just drinks excessively. It's better not to assign tasks to him." Feng Jie said: "If that's the case, why not send him to work on a distant farm?" As she spoke, she asked: "Are our carriages ready?" The people below all responded: "They're ready."

  Phoenix rose to bid farewell, only to see the lights shining brightly. Even at home, he was not good at how he was treated. He scolded Lai Er, the steward, saying that he was unfair and bullied the weak while fearing the strong. "When there's a good job, you assign it to someone else, but when it comes to sending people out in the middle of the night like this, you're just pretending to be in charge! You don't even think about how Focused Big Brother is going to react?" Just as he was scolding, Jia Rui sent Phoenix's carriage away. The crowd tried to stop him, but Jia Rui couldn't bear it and scolded him a few times, ordering someone to tie him up. "Wait until tomorrow when the wine wears off, then ask him if he still wants to seek death!" Focused Big Brother didn't put Jia Rui in his eyes at all, instead shouting loudly and chasing after Jia Rui, saying: "Rui Ge, even if you were your father or grandfather, you wouldn't dare stand up straight in front of Focused Big Brother! If it weren't for Focused Big Brother, you wouldn't be enjoying wealth and honor now. Your ancestors worked hard to build this family's business, but now you don't repay my kindness. If you say anything else, I'll take out the red knife and come back with a white one!" Phoenix said to Jia Rui in the carriage: "In the future, we should get rid of this lawless thing early on! Leaving him here would be a disaster. What if our relatives and friends find out? Wouldn't they laugh at us for not having any rules or discipline?" Jia Rui replied with an "yes".

  The little rascals saw that he was too wild, so they came up with a few, grabbed him and tied him up, shouting: "Every family steals dogs and chickens, those who climb ash climb ash, those who raise small uncles raise small uncles, what don't I know? We hide our broken arms in our sleeves! The little rascals heard him say these outrageous words, were frightened out of their wits, and didn't care about anything else. They tied him up and filled his mouth with dirt and horse dung.

  Phoenix Sister and Jia Yu heard from afar, thought it was interesting, so asked Phoenix Sister: "Sister, did you hear him say 'crawling gray crawling gray'? What is 'crawling gray'?" Phoenix Sister listened, hastily raised her eyebrows and scolded: "Don't spout nonsense! That's the drunken man's confused talk. What kind of person are you? You didn't even hear it clearly, yet you dare to ask in detail! Wait till I go back and tell Auntie, see if I don't give you a good scolding!" Frightened, Baoyu hastily pleaded: "Good sister, I won't dare again." Phoenix Sister said: "We'll report this to Old Madame, it's more important to send you with Qin family nephew to study in school."

  Not because of being handsome is it hard to make friends, but rather because of being elegant one starts reading books.

  Phoenix Sister and Baoyu returned home, they also had a companion to read together, just in time to make progress, and sincerely praised Qin Zhong's character and behavior, saying "he will come to pay respects to the ancestors again", etc., and then You Shi came to invite them, and they spent the whole day happily until late at night without any worries.

  But just as Baoyu was about to go and watch the play, he thought of Xue Baochai who had been ill at home and hadn't gone to visit her yet. He also feared that if he went there might be other things that would entangle him, or perhaps he might run into his father, which would be even more inconvenient. Seeing that it was not convenient for him to go, he instead left by the second door, with all the maids and servant girls following behind. As soon as they saw Baoyu, they all smiled and hurried over to him, one embracing his waist, another holding his hand, saying: "My dear brother, I said you'd had a good dream, and now here you are!" They asked after his well-being and chatted for half the day, then asked: "Are the two of you coming from Master's place?" The two nodded, saying: "Master is taking a nap in the small study at Dreamy Slope House, it's nothing to worry about." As they spoke, seven or eight managers and heads of households came out of the accounting room, saw Baoyu, and because they hadn't seen him for many days, hurried over to kowtow and pay their respects: "The other day we saw a couplet written by you, Second Master, your calligraphy is getting better and better! When will you give us some more to paste up?" Baoyu smiled and said: "Where did you see it?" The crowd replied: "It's everywhere, everyone is praising it to the skies, they're even asking us for some!" Baoyu smiled and said: "It's nothing special, just tell my little sisters about it." As he spoke, he walked forward, and after he passed by, the crowd dispersed.

  Here is the translation:

  With few words, let's talk about Bao Yu arriving at Li Xiang Yuan. He first entered Aunt Xue's room and was immediately pulled into her arms by Aunt Xue, who laughed and said: "On this cold day, my child, it's hard for you to think of coming, quickly come sit on the kang." "Is Brother not at home?" Aunt Xue sighed: "He is a horse without a halter, busy every day, how can he stay at home?" Bao Yu asked: "Sister, are you better now?" Aunt Xue replied: "Yes, go take a look, it's warmer inside than here. I'll tidy up and come in to talk with you." Bao Yu listened and quickly got off the kang and arrived at the door of the inner room. He first saw Xue Bao Chai sitting on the kang doing needlework, her hair styled in a shiny black bun, wearing a honey-colored silk jacket with a rose-purple lining, a golden mouse-fur trimmed cloak, and an onion-yellow satin skirt that was neither new nor old. Her eyebrows were not painted but looked naturally beautiful, her face as white as silver, people said she was gentle and kind, always content with her circumstances. She asked: "Sister, are you better now?" Bao Chai raised her head to see Bao Yu enter, quickly stood up and smiled in response: "I'm already much better, thank you for remembering me." As she spoke, she let him sit on the edge of the kang. He was wearing a purple gold crown with a dragon-shaped hairpin, a white fox-fur trimmed autumn-colored silk jacket, a five-colored butterfly-patterned sash, and a longevity lock pendant around his neck. He said: "I've heard people talk about your jade, but I haven't had a chance to carefully examine it. Today I want to take a look." He took the jade from his neck, and saw that it was as big as a quail egg, shining brightly like a clear dawn, smooth and lustrous like cream.

  Nüwa refines the stone, absurdity has already been achieved, and she proceeds to perform an even greater absurdity.

  Lost the true realm of the ghost, and returned to the stinky flesh bag.

  Good fortune and prosperity have failed, no glory remains; it's a pity that the times are unfavorable, and jade is not radiant.

  Bleached bones like mountains, forgotten surname and clan, afraid that the written characters are too fine, causing the viewer to waste their eyesight, merely roughly displaying some squares, how can a mouth as small as an infant's hold such big words of slander?

  Tong Ling Bao Yu front pattern diagram

  Spirit Jade

  May your immortal life be forever prosperous and never lost or forgotten

  Talismans of Divination Reverse Pattern

  Eliminate evil spirits, treat diseases, and know fortune and misfortune.

  Baochai finished reading and turned it over to examine the front side carefully, murmuring to herself: "May nothing be lost, may nothing be forgotten, may the celestial blessings be forever prosperous." She repeated this twice, then turned her head to smile at Xiangyun, saying: "You're not going to pour tea, what are you doing standing there in a daze?" Xiangyun giggled and said: "I heard those two sentences, they seem to match the two sentences on your necklace, elder sister." Bao Yu heard this and hastily smiled, saying: "So, elder sister's necklace also has eight characters, let me take a look!" Baochai said: "Don't listen to her nonsense, there are no words." Bao Yu laughed and coaxed: "Good elder sister, why do you treat me like this?" Baochai was unable to resist his entreaties, so she said: "It's also someone who gave me two auspicious sentences, so I had them engraved on it, telling me to wear it every day; otherwise, what's the fun in wearing something heavy?" As she spoke, she undid the clasp, and indeed one side had four seal characters, both sides having eight characters:

  Sound annotation cloud never leave never abandon

  Ying'er smiled and said, "It was given by a bald-headed monk, who said it must be engraved on a gold object." Baochai didn't wait for her to finish speaking, but scolded him for not going to pour tea, while also asking Baoyu where he came from.

  Baoyu was now close to Baochai, and all he could smell were the faint, cool, sweet scents of some perfume. He didn't know what kind of fragrance it was, so he asked: "Sister, what scent are you burning? I've never smelled anything like this before." Baochai laughed and said: "I'm afraid of incense, it's good for clothes, but the smoke from the fire is overwhelming." Baoyu said: "If that's the case, then what is this scent?" Baochai thought for a moment, then laughed and said: "It must be the fragrance of the medicine I took early this morning." Baoyu laughed and said: "What kind of medicine smells so good? Good sister, give me one to try." Baochai laughed and said: "You're being foolish again, you can't just eat any old medicine!"

  Just as they were speaking, someone outside said, "Miss Lin has arrived." Before the words were out of his mouth, Lin Daiyu had already walked in, swaying slightly. As soon as she saw Baoyu, she smiled and said, "Oh dear, I've come at a bad time!" Baoyu and the others hastily stood up to greet her and invite her to sit down. Baochai laughed and asked, "What do you mean by that?" Daiyu smiled and replied, "If I had known he was coming, I wouldn't have come." Baochai said, "I don't understand what you're getting at." Daiyu smiled and explained, "If we all came together, it would be too much. But if we take turns coming one by one, then every day someone will be here. That way, no one will feel neglected or left out."

  Baoyu asked, "Has it snowed?" The servant girls replied, "It's snowing heavily!" Baoyu said, "Bring me my cloak, hasn't it?" Daiyu said, "Whether or not, I came and he should have left." Baoyu laughed, "When did I say I was leaving? It's just to prepare in advance." Baoyu's nurse Li Mama said, "The sky is snowing again, it's getting late, tell the young ones to disperse." She ordered the servants to scatter and didn't mention it again.

  "This wine is good only when it's drunk." "Aunt, the wine is fine." Bao Yu begged: "Mom, I'll just have one cup." Li Niang said: "It won't do! In front of Old Madame and Madame Wang, who knows which one hasn't been taught manners, only trying to curry favor with you, without regard for others' lives, giving you a mouthful of wine to drink... that Xing Er is detestable, always indulging in drinking, what day isn't he allowed to drink? Why must I suffer in vain?" Xue Niang smiled: "Don't worry, I'm here." At the same time, she ordered a young maid: "Come, let you and your sisters go, also have a cup of warm wine." When Li Niang heard this, she said: "No need to warm it up, I only like eating cold things." Xue Niang hastily said: "This won't do, drinking cold wine will make your hands numb." Bao Chai smiled: "Bao Yu, you're lucky to have learned something from your miscellaneous studies. Don't you know that the nature of wine is hottest? If it's hot when you drink it, it disperses quickly; if it's cold when you drink it, it congeals inside and relies on the five viscera to warm it up - isn't that harmful? From now on, don't you dare drink that cold stuff again." Bao Yu listened to this reasonable talk and put down the cold wine, ordering someone to warm it up before drinking.

  Daiyu was cracking melon seeds, and Daiyu smiled and asked him: "Who told you to send it? It's hard for him to take the trouble, and I'm freezing to death here!" Xueyan said: "Sister Zi Juan was afraid that the young lady would be cold, so she sent me to deliver it." Daiyu took it with a smile and held it in her arms, saying: "It's all nonsense, how can he say something and you follow, even faster than an imperial edict!" Baoyu heard this and knew that Daiyu was teasing him, but had no words to retort. He said: "You are naturally weak and can't stand the cold, it's good that they care about you." Daiyu smiled and said: "If I were in someone else's home, wouldn't they be annoyed? It's easy to say, but if someone's family doesn't even have a hand warmer, would they still think I'm so reckless?" Xueyan's mother said: "You're too suspicious, I don't have such thoughts."

  When speaking, Baoyu and Daiyu sisters were laughing and chatting: "Good mother, I'll just eat two more dishes and then stop." Li Niang said: "You must be careful, Master is at home today, he will ask you about your studies!" Baoyu heard this and felt uneasy in his heart, slowly putting down the wine cup: "Don't spoil everyone's fun! If Uncle calls you, he'll scold us for drinking again!" On one hand, she quietly pushed Baoyu to make him angry, on the other hand, she whispered: "Don't mind that old woman, let's just enjoy ourselves." Li Niang didn't understand Daiyu's meaning and said: "Lin sister, I'm afraid he still listens." Lin Daiyu coldly smiled and said: "Why should I help him? Usually, the old lady gives him wine to drink, now at Aunt's place, he eats a bit more, it's not certain if he'll be punished or not." Li Niang heard this and was both anxious and laughing, saying: "Really, Lin sister, you speak out one sentence..." Baochai also couldn't help but laugh, pinching Daiyu's cheek and saying: "Really, this Lin sister, her mouth is so sharp, it makes people hate and like at the same time." Xue Aunt said on one hand: "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, my child! Come here and eat whatever you want, don't put these little things in your heart..." Then she ordered: "Heat up more wine! Aunt will accompany you to drink two cups, then we'll have dinner." Baoyu heard this and his enthusiasm was revived.

  Mrs. Li told the young maids: "You be careful here, I'll change my clothes and come back, quietly go to Madam Wang, don't let him have his way, give him more food." They were all unrelated and unimportant, seeing Mrs. Li leave, only allowing him to eat a few cups, Bao Yu drank two bowls in pain, "Are you leaving or not?" Bao Yu asked with tired eyes: "If you're leaving, I'll go with you." Dai Yu heard this and stood up saying: "We've come for one day..." As she spoke, the two of them bid farewell.

  Xiaoyu quickly fetched a bamboo hat and came over, Bao Yu slightly lowered his head, and then put the hat on his head. Bao Yu said: "Alright, alright! You silly thing, be gentle! Haven't you seen others wear it before? Let me put it on myself." Daiyu stood by the edge of the kang and said: "What's all the fuss about? Come here, let me take a look." She gently placed the hat on Bao Yu's head, adjusted the brim to fit his forehead, and picked up the crimson tassel that was as big as a walnut. After examining it carefully, she said: "It's fine now, put on your cloak." Bao Yu heard this and said: "But their mother hasn't arrived yet, let's wait a bit longer." Bao Yu said: "We can go ahead and wait for them, the maids will be enough to accompany us." Xue's wife was worried and went back to Lady Jia's room.

  The old lady had not yet finished her dinner, and knowing that she had come from Aunt Xue's place, she told her to go back to her room and rest. Then she asked the others: "Where is Li Niangzi? Why hasn't she come?" The others did not dare to say that she had gone home, but only said: "She just came in and must have left because of something." Bao Yu turned around and said: "She's more favored than even Grandma! What's the point of asking about her? Without her, I'm afraid I would live two days longer!" As he spoke, Qing Wen took over and smiled: "Good, good! You asked me to grind that ink, and early this morning you were in high spirits, but after writing only three characters, you threw down your brush and left!" Bao Yu suddenly remembered what had happened earlier and laughed: "Where are the three characters I wrote?" Qing Wen smiled: "I was told to paste them on the door frame. I personally climbed up high and pasted them there, and my hands were numb with cold." Bao Yu heard this and laughed: "Let me warm you up!" As he spoke, he reached out and took Qing Wen's hand, and together they looked up at the three new characters on the door frame.

  Daiyu arrived, and Baoyu smiled: "Good sister, don't lie to me, which of these three characters is good?" Daiyu looked up at the horizontal inscribed board above the door and saw that it had been newly pasted with three characters reading "Zijin Xuan". Daiyu laughed and said: "Tomorrow you should also write one for me." Baoyu chuckled and said: "You're teasing me again." He then asked: "Where's Sister Shaoying?"... "It's a bit too early," he said, and then asked Xiangyun: "Today I had some tofu skin buns at the Ningguo House, I thought you liked them, so I told Zhen Bao to say that I was saving them for tonight, and someone brought them over. Did you eat them?" Xiangyun replied: "I knew they were mine, but I had just eaten lunch... Someone said: 'Baoyu probably didn't eat them, take them home for my grandson instead.'" They then called someone to take them away." Lin's sister is having tea." Everyone laughed and said: "Lin's sister left early, why invite her?"

  Baoyu drank half a bowl of tea, and suddenly remembered the tea from earlier, so he asked Xiangyun: "I brewed a pot of maple dew tea this morning, I said that it would take three or four times to bring out its color, why did you brew another one now?" Xiangyun replied: "I had originally saved some, but then Li Niang came and wanted to try some, so I gave her some." Baoyu heard this and threw the teacup in his hand to the ground with a loud crash, shattering it into pieces. "What kind of relative is she to you that you're so filial to her? What's the point of raising ancestors if they're just going to be useless! Get rid of them all!" He said this as he was about to go and report back to Grandmother Jia, but intentionally pretended to fall asleep. Later, after shattering the tea clock and getting angry, he said: "I had just poured some tea when Snowy accidentally knocked it over and broke the clock." At the same time, he also comforted Baoyu by saying: "If you really want to get rid of her, that's fine with us too. Why don't we all leave together? That way, you won't have to worry about finding someone else to serve you." Baoyu heard this and was speechless, so Xiangyun and the others helped him onto the bed. He only felt his mouth and tongue getting dry and his eyes getting more and more blurry. He used his own handkerchief to wrap up the broken pieces of the clock and hid them under the bedding. When he heard that Baoyu had fallen asleep, they didn't dare come near again for fear of offending him, so they quietly asked if he was sleeping and only then dispersed.

  As soon as he woke up, someone replied: "The young master of the Qin family has brought Master Qin to pay his respects." Bao Yu hastily went out to greet him, with a gentle demeanor, suitable for accompanying Bao Yu in reading books, and was very pleased in his heart. He invited them to stay for tea and dinner. Now that he had met Qin Zhong, who was such a refined person, everyone was delighted. He took the opportunity to say: "Your home is far away, and sometimes you may not be comfortable with hunger or cold. You can just live here, don't follow those useless people." Qin Zhong nodded in agreement and went back to report.

  His father, Qin Ye, is currently the Lang of the Imperial Household Department, nearly seventy years old. He only has a daughter, nicknamed Ke'er, who grew up to be elegant and refined in appearance. Therefore, they arranged for her to marry into the Jia family. As they were busy with the wedding preparations, they didn't have time to invite any renowned scholars, so they temporarily entrusted Qin Zhong's education to an old Confucian scholar. With this arrangement, Qin Zhong's studies will surely improve and he can look forward to gaining a reputation. The entire Jia family, from top to bottom, has high expectations for wealth and prestige. As for the betrothal gift, they couldn't come up with anything impressive, so they hastily put together twenty-four taels of silver as a respectful gift. Qin Ye personally brought Qin Zhong...

  If I had known earlier, I would have been more relaxed and wouldn't have argued; how could I bear to misread books today?

  However, I couldn't attend to anything else, so I decided to go to school afterwards." The next day, I invited Mr. Qin to come here, and after everyone was gathered, we went together." - After sending someone to deliver the letter.

  Here is the translation:

  It was already early, and when Bao Yu got up, Xiangyun had already packed up his books, pens, and other things, and everything was tidy and in order. She smiled and asked: "Good sister, why are you not at ease again? Is it because I'm going to school and leaving you all feeling deserted?" Xiangyun smiled and said: "It's not that, but if one doesn't study hard, they'll be a failure for their whole life. When studying, one should focus on their books, and even if the workload is heavy, it's better to have less rather than more, or else you won't be able to digest it all." Xiangyun said another sentence: "I've also packed your thick clothes, and you should think about adding some new ones. If you don't say anything, they'll just leave them there and they'll get ruined." Bao Yu said: "Don't worry, I'll go play with Lin Daiyu and have a good time." As he spoke, they had all finished getting dressed, and Xiangyun urged him to go see Grandmother Jia and Father Jia. He replied that he was going to school, but Father Jia coldly laughed and said: "If you mention the words 'going to school' again, I'll kick you out of my house!" The various guests all stood up and smiled, saying: "In three or five years, you'll be able to make a name for yourself. Young master, please go quickly." As they spoke, two elderly men came over and took Bao Yu away.

  "Who is with Baoyu?" Only to hear the response from outside, three or four big men came in, recognized as Baoyu's wet nurse's son: "You've been following him to school, what has he learned? He's only learned some rumors and slang by heart! First, I'll flay your skin, then settle accounts with that good-for-nothing!" Li Gui was so frightened that he quickly knelt down on both knees, took off his hat, and knocked his head loudly, repeatedly answering "yes". He also replied: "Young master has already read up to the third volume of 'The Book of Songs', what's this about 'The Deer Cry, The Lotus Leaf Floats'? I dare not deceive you." "Even if he reads thirty volumes of 'The Book of Songs', it's all just covering his ears and stealing a bell. As I said: What 'The Book of Songs' ancient texts, all are not to be used as a pretext, only first to clearly explain and memorize 'The Four Books' is the most important." Li Gui hastily answered "yes", seeing Jia Zheng had nothing more to say, he then exited.

  At this time, Baoyu stood alone outside the courtyard, quietly waiting for them to come out. As they emerged, he said with a smile: "Brother, did you hear that? They want to flay us alive! The servants of others curry favor with their masters, but we..." Baoyu chuckled and said: "Good brother, don't be so modest, I'll invite you over tomorrow." Li Gui replied: "Young master, who dares hope for your invitation? Just listening to a word or two from you is enough." As he spoke, he went over to Lady Jia's side. Qin Zhong had arrived early and was waiting there. Hearing Baoyu mention going to school, he smiled and said: "Good, this time it's definitely 'a scholar winning honors'!" Baoyu said: "Good sister..." After chatting for a while, he said: "Why don't you go bid farewell to your elder sister?" Baoyu just smiled and didn't respond. Not far from there, within a distance of about one li, was the ancestral school established by their ancestors. It was meant to provide financial assistance to clan members who were too poor to afford tutors, with the amount depending on their official rank... After they had all paid their respects to each other, the two of them came and went together, sat and stood together, and sometimes Qin Zhong would stay behind for three or five days. As a result, Baoyu developed a strong affection for him and quietly told Qin Zhong: "We're both about the same age, and we're fellow students, so from now on let's just consider each other as brothers, not uncle and nephew." At first, Qin Zhong was unwilling, but he couldn't resist Baoyu's persistence. Baoyu only called him 'Tianqi' or his courtesy name 'Jingyi', and Qin Zhong had to follow suit and address him randomly.

  Here is the translation:

  It turned out that although they were all from the same clan and relatives, there was a saying: "One dragon gives birth to nine kinds, each kind is different." With so many people, it's inevitable that there would be dragons and snakes mixed together. When Qin Zhong and Qin Ke came, they looked like flowers in bloom, with Qin Zhong being shy and gentle, his face flushing before he even spoke, and having a feminine air about him. Bao Yu was also born to be clever and able to make small talk, with a humble and courteous demeanor, and words that were as smooth as silk. Therefore, the two of them became even closer, and it's not surprising that the other students in the school started to suspect something, whispering to each other behind their backs, and spreading rumors.

  It was said that there was a certain family with many young sons, who would occasionally get excited and indulge in some improper behavior. They would come to the school under the pretext of studying, but actually they were just looking for opportunities to flirt with the girls. They would send gifts to Jia Daifu, but not really learn anything from him. They were all taken care of by Xue Pan, who would give them money and clothes, and they didn't know which family they belonged to or what their real names were. Because they looked so charming and elegant, the whole school gave them two nicknames: "Xiang Lian" and "Yu Ai".

  Although everyone had some admiration for them, it was not good for the young masters. They were all afraid of Xue Pan's power, but when Qin Zhong and Qin Ke came, they saw them too, and couldn't help but feel envious. The two of them also knew that they were friends with Xue Pan, so they left some affection for Bao Yu.

  The four of them sat in different places, but their eyes would meet secretly, and they would exchange words and hints. They would recite poems and sing songs, using the lyrics to express their feelings. They would cough and clear their throats, making excuses to leave early. Only when they got home did they realize that they had left behind a seven-character couplet, which they had asked the students to compose.

  Qin Zhong took advantage of this opportunity to exchange secret signals with Xiang Lian, and the two of them pretended to be angry, saying: "Can't we even talk to each other? Do you think we're not allowed to have friends?" Jin Rong laughed and said: "I'm just asking, what's going on here? Why are you two being so secretive? I've already figured it out, don't try to deny it! Let me take a guess, and if I'm right, then everyone will know."

  Qin Zhong and Xiang Lian were furious, their faces red with anger, and they asked: "What have you figured out?" Jin Rong smiled and said: "I've figured out that you two are up to something. You're not even buying a pancake to eat? Ha! You're just like a pair of lovers!" Qin Zhong and Xiang Lian were both angry and anxious, and they quickly went to report Jin Rong's behavior to Jia Rui.

  It turned out that Jin Rong had been using his position to bully the other students, extorting money and gifts from them, and he would often help Xue Pan get what he wanted. He didn't care about anything else, as long as he could get benefits for himself. Recently, he had found a new friend, and he had abandoned his old friends, including Xiang Lian and Yu Ai.

  Jia Rui was not happy when he heard this, but he couldn't scold Jin Rong openly. He thought to himself: "If I don't do anything, then the rumors will just spread even more. But if I take action, then it might affect my relationship with Xue Pan." After thinking for a moment, he decided to pretend to be angry and went outside, where he quietly called over Bao Yu's book boy, Jian Yan, and instructed him on what to do.

  This is the first time that Bao Yu has been able to use his authority, and he is still young and inexperienced in worldly affairs. Now, after hearing Jia Xiang say that Jin Rong has bullied Qin Zhong so much that even Bao Yu's own father is involved, and not giving him any benefit, now that he has received this letter, with Jia Xiang's help, he rushes in to find Jin Rong, no longer calling him Master Jin, but saying "What kind of thing are you, surname Jin!" Jia Xiang then stamps his foot and deliberately adjusts his clothes, looking at the shadow on the wall and saying "It's settled." He asks: "Do we have a fart or not? What business is it of yours? In any case, there's no need for your father to come. You're a good little boy, come out and move around with your uncle!" Bao Yu says: "Don't be wild, Bao Yan!" Jin Rong's face turns yellow with anger, saying: "This is outrageous! Even a lowly servant dares to speak like this, I'll only talk to your master." Suddenly, a loud crash is heard from behind, and a brick flies in, but fortunately it doesn't hit anyone, instead hitting the seat of someone else. The person sitting on that seat is Jia Lan and Jia Jun.

  The Jia family's young master, also a great-grandson of the Rongguo Mansion, had lost his mother at a young age and was known for his arrogant temper. He was playing with a fly swatter, trying to hit a fly, but missed and instead knocked over an inkstone on the table in front of him, shattering it into pieces. "You rascals!" he cursed, "Can't you see I'm busy?" As he scolded, he quickly pressed down on the inkstone, urging everyone to calm down. But Jia Rong couldn't take it anymore and picked up a book box with both hands, but missed his target and slammed it onto the table instead, scattering books, papers, pens, and inkstones everywhere. The room was in chaos as people shouted, "You're still not coming to fight?" Baoyu's three servants, named Diao Yan, Sao Hong, and another, all shouted in unison, "The young master is being bullied! Weapons have been drawn!" Mo Yu picked up a door bar, while Sao Hong and Diao Yan held horse whips. Some tried to mediate, but no one listened. Some were too afraid to move, while others stood on the table, clapping their hands and laughing wildly.

  Outside, Li Gui and several other senior servants heard the commotion inside and rushed in. The room was filled with different voices, each person saying something different. Baoyu was helping someone adjust their clothes when he saw Li Gui trying to calm everyone down. He ordered, "Li Gui, put away the books! Bring my horse, I'm going to report this to Master Rong! We've been bullied and can't say anything else, so we'll have to tell Master Rong about it." Li Gui advised, "Don't bother Master Rong with such a trivial matter. Let's settle this here and now. Master Rong isn't here, but you're the one in charge of this school. You should be able to handle this situation. Why let things escalate to this point?" Jia Rui said, "I've already scolded them, but they won't listen." Li Gui smiled and said, "Don't worry about offending me, but you do have a bit of a temper, Master Rong." Baoyu said, "What's going on? I must go back!" Qin Zhong cried out, "If it weren't for Jincheng, I wouldn't be studying here!" Baoyu asked, "Why is that? Is someone from his family coming to study here and we can't?" He continued, "I'll definitely report this to Master Rong and have Jincheng expelled." Then he asked Li Gui, "Which family is Jincheng related to?" Li Gui thought for a moment before responding.

  Qingwen said outside the window: "What's all the fuss about?!" Li Gui hastily interrupted, saying: "You little dog, you know so much! What a lot of nonsense!" Bao Yu sneered and said: "I thought it was someone else's relative, but it turns out to be Hua's nephew. I'll go ask him myself!" He then said with satisfaction: "There's no need for Master to go himself. When I get to his house, I'll just say that the old lady has something to ask him. We can hire a carriage and take him in, and question him in front of the old lady. Isn't that more convenient?" Li Gui hastily shouted: "You want to die?! Be careful on your way back, or I'll beat you up first before reporting back to Master and Mistress! If we don't handle this carefully and keep it under wraps, it will only lead to more trouble!" Qingwen didn't dare make another sound.

  At this time, Jia Rui was also afraid of making a big deal out of it and not being clean himself, so he had to come and beg Qin Zhong: "If you don't go back, that's fine, just get Jin Rong to apologize and that's it." Jin Rong initially refused, but later couldn't withstand Jia Rui also coming to pressure him to apologize. Li Gui and others could only persuade Jin Rong by saying: "It was originally your fault, if you don't do this, how can the matter be settled?" Jin Rong had no choice, and again quietly advised Jin Rong: "As the common saying goes: 'Killing someone is just a head point to the ground.' You've stirred up trouble, so you can't help but swallow some pride, kowtow once and it's over." Jin Rong was helpless, and also under Jia Rui's orders, apologized and kowtowed to Qin Zhong. After returning home, Jin Rong thought about it more and more angrily, saying: "Qin Zhong is just Jia Yu's younger brother-in-law, not even a son of the Jia family, studying by attachment, he should be doing some proper things, treating everyone as if they were blind, what am I afraid of?"

  His mother, Hu Shi, heard him muttering to himself and asked: "What are you arguing about again? Good brother, I've already spoken to your aunt, and she's tried every way to get the message across to Xie Erniang in the Western Mansion that our family can still afford to hire a teacher. Besides, at their school, tea is readily available, it's not like you're familiar with Mr. Xue just because you study there. That Mr. Xue doesn't give anything for a whole year, and if we want to find another place like this, I'm telling you, it's harder than climbing the sky! Just be obedient and go back to sleep, that's better." And so Jin Rong swallowed his anger and remained silent.

  And as for his daughter, she was originally engaged to a member of the Jia family with a jade character in their name, and often went to Ning and Rong's mansions to pay her respects, and would also flatter Feng's wife and You-shi, so Feng's wife and You-shi would often provide her with financial assistance. With nothing much happening at home, she brought a servant along, got into the carriage, and came to their house for a visit, to see her sister-in-law and nephew.

  In the course of conversation, Jin Rong's mother happened to mention the affair in Jia's schoolroom from start to finish. Upon hearing this, she suddenly became angry and said: "This Qin Zhong is a relative of the Jia family, isn't Rong Er also a relative of the Jia family? People are too calculating! What kind of decent thing is this? Even if it were Baoyu, he should tell Qin Zhong's sister about it and ask her to evaluate this reasoning." Jin Rong's mother heard these words and became extremely anxious, hastily saying: "This was all because my mouth was too quick, I told Nainai, please don't go, our family not only can't invite the teacher, but also added many unnecessary expenses on him." Wang Xifeng listened to this and said: "Don't worry about that, just wait for me to speak, let's see how it goes!" Not allowing his wife to persuade him, he immediately ordered the old servant woman to prepare the carriage, then got in and headed towards Ning Mansion.

  Here is the translation:

  Upon arriving at Ning's residence, they entered through the carriage gate and stopped in front of a small side door on the east side. After exchanging pleasantries and chatting for a bit, she asked: "Why didn't I see Rong today?" Madame You replied: "These days, he's been acting strangely, becoming lazy in the afternoons and reluctant to speak. He told me not to bother with formalities, that it was unnecessary to come visit him regularly... I even instructed Rong's brother not to exhaust himself or provoke him, saying 'If you want to marry a wife like this, with such a temperament and character, you won't find another one even with a lantern.' His behavior has made all the relatives dislike him. These past two days have been so frustrating for me... Who knew that child's family wouldn't know better? Seeing his sister wasn't feeling well, they didn't bother to inform him of anything important. Not just this small matter, but even if you suffered a great injustice, he wouldn't care. That wife of his may seem pleasant and sociable on the surface, but she's actually meticulous and stubborn. She won't listen to reason or advice from others... Those people who are always causing trouble have been saying that he's not studying hard enough, that he's not diligent in his schoolwork... I had to comfort him for a while before he would even eat half a bowl of swallow's nest soup. You can imagine how worried I am! And now, there isn't even a good doctor around... Thinking about his illness is making me anxious."

  Mr. Jin listened to this and immediately replied, "This is indeed a serious matter." Yu Shi said, "Isn't it?" Just then, Jia Zhen entered from outside and saw Mr. Jin, so he asked Yu Shi, "Isn't this Mrs. Huan's older sister?" He told the servant to let his older sister have some food. Jia Zhen had originally wanted to speak with Qin Shi about how Qin Zhong bullied his nephew, but upon hearing that Qin Shi was ill, not only could he not mention it, but instead turned his anger into joy and chatted for a while before leaving.

  After Jia Zhen left, Jia Jing came over and sat down, asking You Shi: "Now that he's gone, is there anything to talk about?" You Shi replied: "His face seemed a bit annoyed, but after talking for half a day, he brought up the topic of his wife's illness again. When he heard about his wife's condition, he didn't want to just sit around, so he said a few more words and left. You should go find a good doctor to take a look at her, it's urgent. Those doctors are all just listening to people's opinions, they don't know what's really going on, and even if you eat their medicine, it doesn't work. It's better not to change clothes too much, or she might catch a chill and get even sicker." Jia Jing said: "Why bother changing clothes so much? If she catches a cold, it'll just add another layer of illness. What's the point? The child's body is what matters most, even if you wear a new set of clothes every day... Just now, Feng Ziying came to see me, and he saw that I had some melancholy on my face. My wife suddenly felt unwell, but we couldn't find a good doctor, so we don't know whether it's a blessing or a curse, or if there are any complications. There is a doctor named Zhang Yongshi, whose learning is very profound and whose medical skills are extremely deep..."

  Yu's wife was delighted when she heard this and said, "But what about the birthday celebration? What are we going to do?" Jia Zheng said, "I just came from paying respects to Master Rong and I told him that as someone who is used to a quiet life, it would be too much for me to receive bows from many people. Instead, you can have someone copy out my old composition 'Yin Fu Wen' in a nice handwriting and carve it onto a stone tablet. You don't even need to come yourself on the birthday, but if you do, I will not agree to it." After saying this several times, he instructed them to prepare for the two-day banquet. Yu's wife then called Jia Rong over and said, "Tell Lai Sheng to follow the usual custom and prepare for the two-day banquet. The mistress has already sent someone to invite him."

  He replied, "I just arrived at Mr. Feng's house and have only just returned home, my spirit is really unable to support me, even if I went to the mansion, I couldn't possibly take his pulse." He said he would rest for a night and then go. "My medical skills are shallow, I don't dare accept this heavy responsibility, but since Mr. Feng and the master of the house have already spoken, I have no choice but to go." Jia Rong turned around and went back in, conveying Jia Zhen's words to Yu Shi, and then came out to call Lai Sheng over.

  Here is the translation:

  Just then, someone came in and announced: "The Mr. Zhang you invited has arrived." Xueyan immediately spoke up: "Yesterday, Mr. Feng told me about your character and learning, and also that you are well-versed in medicine. I am deeply admiring of you." Mr. Zhang said: "I am a rough and unrefined scholar, my knowledge is shallow and narrow. Yesterday, thanks to Mr. Feng's introduction, I was able to meet you, sir, and now you are calling me again, which makes me even more ashamed."

  Jia Zhen said: "We rely on your wisdom to dispel our worries." Then, he saw Qinshi and turned to Jia Rong and said: "Is this the respected madam?" Jia Rong replied: "Let me tell you about my wife's illness, and then you can take her pulse and see how it is." Mr. Zhang said: "In my opinion, I don't know what it is, but since Mr. Feng insisted that I come and take a look, let me examine the symptoms of this illness and discuss them with everyone, and then we can decide whether to use this method or not."

  Jia Rong said: "Sir, you are truly wise. Whether you can cure her or not, please tell us so that our parents can be at ease." Then, the servant women brought over a large pillow and helped Qinshi roll up her sleeve, and Mr. Zhang took her pulse for half a moment before switching to his left hand and saying: "Let's sit outside for now."

  "Mr. Jia then sat down on the bed in the outer room with the master and said, 'Master, please have some tea.' After they finished their tea, he asked, 'Master, can you take a look at this pulse? Can it be treated or not?' The master replied, 'Looking at your pulse, madam: the left inch is sunken and rapid, the left guan is sunken and hidden, the right inch is thin and weak... This indicates that the heart energy is deficient and giving rise to fire. The left guan being sunken and hidden means that the lung meridian's energy is too deficient. The right guan being weak and lacking spirit means that the menstrual cycle is not regulated... It must be that there is pain and distension below the ribs, delayed menstruation, dizziness and fainting at times, spontaneous sweating between 3-5 am, and a lack of desire to eat or drink. The spirit is weary and tired...' A servant woman standing beside them said, 'One doctor says it's an illness, another says it's not related, and yet another says they're afraid of the winter solstice.'"

  The gentleman smiled and said: "This symptom, not only is there no harm now, but also if you sleep well at night, this girl is a clever and intelligent person. Being too clever often leads to unpleasant things, and unpleasant things often lead to liver fire rising excessively. Is it not always shrinking?" The woman replied: "That's right! Never has it shrunk, or sometimes grown for two or three days, up to ten days." The gentleman listened and said: "Wonderful!" Then he wrote a prescription and handed it to Jia Rui, on which was written:

  Benefit Qi and Nourish the Spleen and Liver Decoction

  Ginseng 2 qian White Poria 2 qian Earth-roasted Yunling 3 qian Prepared Rehmannia 4 qian

  Gui Zhi (Cassia Twig) 2 qian, Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 2 qian, Chuan Xiong (Szechwan Lovage Rhizome) 1.5 qian, Huang Qi (Astragalus Root) 3 qian

  Cyperi Rhizoma 8g, vinegar-processed Paeoniae Radix Alba 4g, Bupleuri Radix 2.5g, roasted Astragali Radix 4g, roasted Angelicae Sinensis Radix 4g, roasted Glycyrrhizae Radix 2g, roasted Cyperi Rhizoma 2g, roasted Poria 4g, roasted Cinnamomi Cortex 1.5g, roasted Zingiberis Rhizoma 2g, roasted Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma 4g, roasted Alismatis Rhizoma 4g, roasted Polypori 2g, roasted Schisandrae Fructus 2g, roasted Foeniculi Fructus 1.5g, roasted Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium 2g, roasted Aurantii Immaturi Fructus 2g, roasted Toosendan Fructus 2g, roasted Meliae Cortex 4g, roasted Paeoniae Radix Rubra 4g, roasted Rehmanniae Radix 4g, roasted Lycii Cortex 4g, roasted Corni Fructus 4g, roasted Dioscoreae Rhizoma 4g, roasted Aconiti Radix 1.5g, roasted Ephedrae Herba 2g, roasted Asari Radix et Rhizoma 1.5g, roasted Cinnabaris 1.5g, roasted Bovis Calculus 2g, roasted Ostrea Concha 4g, roasted Testudinis Carapax 4g, roasted Fossilia Ossis 4g, roasted Moutan Cortex 4g, roasted Paeoniae Radix Alba 4g, roasted Glycyrrhizae Radix 2g.

  Glycyrrhizae Radix 8 grams, Paeoniae Radix Alba 12 grams, Angelicae Sinensis Radix 10 grams, Astragali Radix 15 grams, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma 10 grams, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium 6 grams, Zingiberis Rhizoma 5 grams, Jujubae Fructus 10 grams

  Jia Rui took seven lotus seeds and two red dates, and Jia Yu looked at them and said: "Is this illness related to life and death? Is it serious or not?" The doctor smiled and said: "This is not a condition that can be cured in one day. If you take the medicine according to the prescription, you will be able to recover completely." Jia Rui was also a clever person, so she showed the prescription and pulse diagnosis to Jia Zhen and said: "Usually doctors don't say it's as simple as he says, I suppose the medicine is not bad either." Jia Zhen said: "Just use that good one we bought yesterday."

  It was Jia Zheng's birthday, and Jia Zhen first prepared some high-quality food and rare fruits, packed them in a box, and had Jia Rong lead the family members to send them to Jia Jing. He instructed Jia Rong: "Pay attention to whether Old Master likes it or not. My father obeyed Old Master's words and did not dare come, but at home, he led all the family members in paying respects." Jia Rong listened and then led the family members away.

  Jia Xiang arrived, first looked at the seats everywhere, and asked: "Is there any fun?" The housekeeper replied: "Our master originally planned to invite Master Tai to come home today. Now he has ordered us to find a group of small plays and a set of ten rounds of drums, all prepared on the stage in the garden."

  Then came Mrs. Xing, Mrs. Wang, Phoenix Sister, and Baoyu. Because of this, they said: "The old lady is the ancestor, my father is her nephew, so it's not suitable to invite her, but since everything is ready and the chrysanthemums are in full bloom, please come over to take a stroll and watch the children having fun." Before Mrs. Wang could speak, Phoenix Sister said: "The old lady said she wanted to come yesterday, but last night while watching Baoyu eat peaches, she got hungry and ate half of one, then had diarrhea twice in the middle of the night, so today she definitely can't come. She said if there's something delicious, she wants a few dishes, and they must be very ripe." Jia Zhen heard this and smiled: "I knew the old lady loved excitement, today she didn't come, there must be a reason, it turns out it was because of this."

  Mrs. Wang said, "I heard your elder sister say that Rong's wife is not feeling well. What's wrong with her?" Yu's wife replied, "The ladies played mahjong for half the night and were all lazy, unwilling to eat." Mrs. Xing added, "Is she pregnant?" Just then, someone outside reported, "The old masters, the second master, and their families have arrived and are in the hall." The doctor said, "Her condition is not good, it's not pregnancy, but after taking some medicine, her dizziness has improved slightly today. As for other symptoms, there's no significant improvement yet." Phoenix said, "I said she couldn't hold on much longer. If she doesn't get better by tomorrow, I won't let her exert herself again." Yu's wife said, "You saw her on the third day of the new year, and she struggled to get out of bed for half a day, only because your mother and daughter were being too nice to her, and she didn't want to leave." Phoenix heard this and her eyes turned red. After a while, she said, "It's really 'the heavens have unpredictable winds and clouds, people have unexpected fortunes and misfortunes.' At this age, if something happens because of this illness... what's the point of living?" Just then, Jia Rong came in and greeted Mrs. Xing, Mrs. Wang, and Phoenix. Then she turned to Yu's wife and said, "Just now I went to deliver food to my father and told him that my father is taking care of the old masters at home, entertaining their families... He said, 'This is what it means to be a good son.' Tell Father and Mother to take good care of the old masters. The Yin Fu Wen should be carved quickly." Phoenix asked, "Rong, is it not good?" Jia Rong furrowed her brow and replied, "It's not good! Aunt will know when she comes back." Then Jia Rong left.

  Here is the translation:

  Yu's wife said to Mrs. Xing and Mrs. Wang, "Ladies, would you like to have dinner here or in the garden? The little play has been prepared in the garden." Mrs. Wang said to Mrs. Xing, "Let's eat first and then go over there, it will be more convenient." Mrs. Xing agreed. Then Yu's wife ordered the maids and servants, "Quickly bring the food!" Outside the door, they all responded with a loud voice. Mrs. Wang and her mother got up from their seats, and she said to Feng Jie'er, "We originally came to celebrate Old Master's birthday, but it seems we've come to celebrate our own good fortune instead?" Feng Jie'er said, "Old Master has always been good at cultivating his spirit, he has already achieved a state of 'heart arrives, spirit knows'." Her words made everyone in the room burst out laughing.

  Then, Madam You's mother and Mrs. Xing, Mrs. Wang, and Feng Jie all finished their meal, rinsed their mouths, and washed their hands before saying they wanted to go to the garden. Jia Rui came in and said to Madam You: "The two masters don't like listening to opera and are afraid of noise, so the four princes from Dongping, Xining, Beijin, and other six families, as well as the eight families of Zhongjing Hou Shi Fu, all sent people with name cards bearing birthday gifts. They were all received by my father and put in the account room first. The rewards for each person who came have also been given according to the usual practice. Mother and aunt can go sit in the garden now." Madam You said: "It's just after eating, and we're going over already."

  Phoenix said: "I'll go back to my aunt, I'll take a look at Qin's wife first, and then I'll go over." Mrs. Wang said: "That's right, we all want to go see him, but I'm afraid he'll think it's too noisy and say that we're asking for trouble." Yu Shi said: "Good sister, listen to your words, you go and persuade him." Bao Yu also wanted to follow Phoenix to see Qin Shi, Mrs. Wang said: "Just take a look and then leave, she is your nephew's wife after all." So Yu Shi invited Mrs. Xing, Mrs. Wang and her mother all went to the willow garden together.

  Phoenix, quietly walked to the door of the inner room, Qin saw her and was about to get up, Phoenix said: "Don't get up quickly, it's dizzy." Then Phoenix took two quick steps forward, held Qin's hand and said: "My nainai! How come you haven't seen me for a few days and got so thin?" : "Quickly pour tea, Auntie and Second Uncle are still drinking tea in the upper house."

  Qin's wife pulled Feng Jie's hand, forcing a smile: "Although he is strict with me, it is also his way of showing respect to me, and I respect him. Except for Aunt, no one has ever been unkind to me. Even if Aunt were to treat me like this, I would still have a very obedient heart. Who knows, maybe I won't even make it to the New Year."

  Baoyu gazed intently at the "Sea Oats Slumber Picture" and the couplet written by Qin Taixu, "Tender cold locks dreams due to chill, fragrant air envelops people is wine fragrance". He couldn't help but think of taking a nap here and dreaming of the "Taixu Fantasy Realm". When he heard Qin's words, it was like a thousand arrows piercing his heart. However, he feared that if the patient saw everyone in this state, it would only add to their sorrow. So he said: "Baoyu, how did you get to this point? Moreover, at such a young age, after being slightly ill, why think such thoughts? Isn't this just adding to your own illness?" Jia Rong said: "His illness doesn't need anything else, as long as he eats some food, he'll be fine." Feng Jie said: "Baoyu..." and then turned to Jia Rong saying: "You go with your uncle first, I'll sit for a bit longer." Jia Rong heard this and immediately went with Baoyu to the Fragrant Garden.

  Here, Lady Feng again consoled Qinshi for a while and then said many heartfelt words in a low voice. After Yu's mother sent someone to invite her two or three times, Lady Feng finally said to Qinshi: "You just take good care of yourself, so I've already recommended this good doctor before, and it's not too late now." Qinshi smiled and said: "Even if it were a god, I know my illness is just from being pregnant." Lady Feng said: "If you keep thinking like that, how can your illness get better? If we don't treat it, there are still four or five months of time, what illness can't be cured? We're not people who can afford ginseng, but if your husband's parents hear that you've been treated well, they won't say anything about one or two taels of ginseng." Qinshi said again: "Auntie, let's sit and chat for a while, talk more." Lady Feng heard this and felt her eyes getting red again, so she said: "I'll come to visit you often when I have time." Then Lady Feng led the maids and wives of Ningguo who had followed her...

  Yellow flowers cover the ground, winding paths lead to the heavenly platform

  The hedge falls fragrant, the tree head's red leaves flutter, sparse forest like a painting.

  The west wind blows strongly, and the oriole's song has just stopped; warmth is spreading, and spring is arriving.

  Build several pavilions on the mountain, overlooking the northwest.

  Luo Qi walked through the forest, and then turned to Feng Jie and said: "Please be at ease, sister." Feng Jie suddenly saw him, took a step back, and said: "Is this not Mr. Rui?" Jia Rui said: "Sister doesn't even recognize me? Who else could it be?" Feng Jie said: "It's not that I don't recognize you, but I didn't expect to see you here." Jia Rui said: "I came to this quiet place to take a stroll. While speaking, he couldn't help but keep glancing at Feng Jie with his eyes.

  Phoenix was a clever person, seeing this scene, how could she not guess Jia Rui's intentions? She smiled and said: "No wonder your brother often mentions you, listening to you say these few words, I'm afraid we can't talk now, let's talk later when we're free." Jia Rui said: "I want to go to my sister-in-law's house to pay respects, but I'm afraid she's too young and won't easily see people." Phoenix smiled and said: "We're all family, what's the point of talking about being young or not?" Jia Rui heard this and didn't think about the strange encounter he had today. He quickly went in and sat down, careful not to get caught and penalized with wine. After hearing this, his body was already half numb, slowly walking away, seeing him go far away, Phoenix thought to herself: "This is what they mean by knowing people's faces but not their hearts! When will he die at my hands? He'll only know my methods then!" Seeing two or three servant women hurrying over, they saw Phoenix and smiled saying: "We were worried that you wouldn't come, we were anxious to death, so we sent the servants to invite you again." Phoenix said: "You're always in such a rush." As she slowly walked, she asked: "How many acts of the play have been performed?" The servant woman replied: "About half." In the midst of conversation, they arrived at the back door of the Sky Fragrance Pavilion. A young maid said: "The ladies are all sitting upstairs, please go up from this side."

  Phoenix Sister listened and stepped up to the floor, "You two are too good, I'll toast you first." Then Phoenix Sister bowed to Mrs. Xing and Mrs. Wang, and then made a round of courtesy to Madam You's mother, asking Phoenix Sister to choose a play. Phoenix Sister said: "With my aunt and ladies present, how dare I choose?" Mrs. Xing and Mrs. Wang said: "We've all chosen several plays already, you choose two more for us to listen." Phoenix Sister stood up and responded with a bow, took the playbill, looked at it from top to bottom, chose one play "Return of the Soul" and another "Ballad", handed over the playbill and said: "Let Zhang sing 'Double Official Document' first, after finishing, sing these two plays, that's all." Mrs. Wang said: "That's right, we should call your brother and sister-in-law to rest early, they're not at ease in their hearts." Madam You said: "Ladies don't come often, let the girls sit for a while longer, it's more fun, and it's still early." Phoenix Sister stood up and looked down at the floor, saying: "Where did the gentlemen go?" A servant woman nearby said: "The gentlemen just went to Qingxi Hall, bringing wine and food to eat." Phoenix Sister said: "It's not convenient here, who knows what they're doing behind our backs!" Madam You laughed and said: "Not everyone is as serious as you." After chatting and laughing, the chosen plays were finished, and only then was the wine table withdrawn. Everyone came out of the garden and sat down in the upper house, had tea, and only then called for the carriage to be prepared. Jia Zhen led all his sons and nephews to stand beside the carriage, waiting. Seeing Mrs. Xing and Mrs. Wang, he said: "Two aunts will come again tomorrow." Mrs. Wang said: "No need, we've sat for a whole day today, we're tired, let's rest tomorrow." Li Gui then led the horse over, Bao Yu mounted it, and only then did everyone disperse.

  The next day, the people of various tribes still made a big fuss, especially You Shi and Jia Zhuang were very worried.

  Jia Rui came to the Rong Mansion several times, and Jia Mu, Wang Fu Ren, and Feng Jie sent someone to visit Qin Shi. The people who returned said: "These days have not seen any worsening of her illness, nor has she shown much improvement." Wang Fu Ren said to Jia Mu: "With this condition, if she doesn't worsen during such a big festival, there's great hope for recovery." Jia Mu said: "That's right, poor child. If something happens, it would be heartbreaking." As she spoke, her heart felt a pang of sadness. She called out to Feng Jie: "You two have also recovered from your illness. On the second day of the new year, if Qin Shi has improved somewhat, come back and tell me. You should also often send someone to deliver some things to her." Feng Jie nodded in agreement.

  Arrived at the Ning Mansion after breakfast, saw Qin Shi's appearance, although not much worse, chatted with some idle talk: "Is it good or not? It didn't seem to be anything serious. I even ate two pieces, just like a tonic." Feng Jie said: "I'll have to hurry back and report to Old Madame." Qin Shi said: "Auntie, please ask Old Madame for me, is she well?"

  Phoenix Sister came out and said, "What do you think of my daughter-in-law?" Phoenix Sister lowered her head and said, "It's okay to rush a bit." Yu Shi said, "Let's take it slow for now." Then Phoenix Sister had some tea, chatted for a while, and said, "I need to hurry back and report to Old Madame." Yu Shi said, "Speak slowly, don't scare Old Madame." Phoenix Sister said, "I know." She saw Grandmother Jia and said, "Rong's wife greets you, Old Madame, and kowtows to you. He's a bit better now and wants to come kowtow to Ancestress too." Grandmother Jia asked, "What do you think of him?" Phoenix Sister replied, "He's fine for now, his spirit is still good." After hearing this, Grandmother Jia pondered for a moment, then told Phoenix Sister, "You go change your clothes and take a rest."

  Phoenix Sister nodded and came out, after seeing Madame Wang, she arrived home and asked: "Is there anything going on at home?" Ping'er poured tea and handed it over, saying: "Wang Er's wife sent someone to come in, he wants to come and pay respects." Phoenix Sister heard this and snorted, saying: "This beast deserves to die, let's see how he comes!" Ping'er asked: "Why does Rui Da Ye only take care of coming?" Phoenix Sister then told about the scene in September at Ning Mansion's garden, his words were: "A toad wants to eat swan meat, a shameless and disorderly thing, having this idea, he will not die well!" Phoenix Sister said: "Wait for him to come, I have my own way." Let's wait and see what happens when Jia Rui arrives next time.

  Phoenix was speaking with Ping'er when someone announced, "Mr. Rui has arrived." Phoenix hastily ordered, "Quickly invite him in." Seeing the way clear, Jia Rui's heart overflowed with joy, and he hurried in. Upon seeing Phoenix, his face beamed with a flattering smile as he offered tea and a seat.

  Jia Rui saw Feng Jie dressed up like that and was also delighted, so he asked with a smile: "Why hasn't Second Brother come back yet?" Feng Jie said: "I don't know what's going on." Jia Rui laughed and said: "Maybe someone has stopped him on the road and he can't bear to come back, who knows?" Feng Jie said: "..." Jia Rui laughed and said: "Sister-in-law, you're wrong this time, I'm not like that." Feng Jie smiled and said: "People like you are rare, even among ten people, it's hard to find one." Jia Rui was overjoyed when he heard this, scratching his ears and cheeks, and then said: "Sister-in-law is always bored too." Feng Jie said: "That's right, I just wish someone would come and talk to me to relieve my boredom." Jia Rui smiled and said: "I'm free every day, why don't I come over every day to keep you company and relieve your boredom?" Feng Jie smiled and said: "You're teasing me, you wouldn't really come here." Jia Rui said: "I swear on my life, if I ever lie to Sister-in-law, may lightning strike me! It's just that I've heard people say that Sister-in-law is a shrewd person, and one can't be wrong in front of her. How could I not come? Even if I died, I'd be willing!" Feng Jie smiled and said: "You're indeed a clever person... who would have thought that you two are actually a pair of foolish people, completely unaware of human nature."

  Jia Rui listened to this and was even more excited, unable to help but lean in closer, peering at the purse Feng Sister was carrying: "Be careful not to let the maids see it and laugh." Jia Rui heard this as if it were the Buddha's words: "You should leave now." Jia Rui said: "I'll sit for a bit longer." - Ah, cruel sister. Feng Sister whispered again: "When night falls and people are coming and going, wait until after the watch is changed and come quietly to the west corridor to meet me." Jia Rui heard this as if he had obtained a treasure, hastily asking: "How can I hide well?" Feng Sister said: "Once the doors on both sides are closed, there won't be anyone else around." Jia Rui listened, overjoyed, and quickly took his leave, thinking to himself that he would succeed.

  It wasn't until evening that he snuck into the Rong estate, taking advantage of the closing doors to head towards Lady Wang's quarters. However, the gate had already been locked, and after half a night without anyone coming, he suddenly heard a creaking sound. He quietly came out and pushed against the door, but both north and south were high walls, empty and desolate. It was now the tenth month, and the night was long and cold, with a cutting wind that pierced to the bone. Just then, an old woman opened the east gate and ran out quickly, hugging her shoulders. Fortunately, it was still early, and no one had yet risen. He didn't dare let Jia Rui take another step, fearing he would go out drinking or gambling again. He thought that if Jia Rui went out, he would either drink or gamble, and perhaps even spend the night with a prostitute. Who would have thought of this public case? He had to come back and make excuses, saying: "I went to my uncle's house, it got dark, and they kept me overnight." Dai Yu said: "Since you started going out, I haven't dared to go out without telling you, how did you secretly go out yesterday? According to this, you should be beaten. What's more, you're making excuses." As a result, he was fiercely beaten with thirty or forty slaps, not allowed to eat, and ordered to kneel in the courtyard reading books. Today, he suffered another severe beating, his stomach empty, kneeling in the wind reading books, his suffering beyond description.

  At this time, Jia Rui's mind had not changed yet, and he took advantage of the opportunity to try again, thinking that he could still find another way to make him understand. So he made an appointment with him, saying: "Tonight, you can't be rude anymore." Jia Rui said: "Really?" Feng sister said: "Who can cheat you? If you don't believe it, then don't come." Jia Rui said: "I'll come, I'll come!" Feng sister said: "You go first for now." Jia Rui was certain that he would succeed tonight and set a trap.

  Jia Rui could only wait until evening, but unfortunately, some relatives came to his house again, and he didn't leave until after dinner. He then snuck into the Rong Mansion and went straight to the side room in the alley, waiting anxiously like an ant on a hot pot. Just as he was starting to worry that she might not show up again and he would be left out in the cold all night, he saw someone approaching in the dark. Jia Rui assumed it was Feng Sister and pounced on the person like a starving tiger, embracing them and exclaiming, "Dear aunt, I've been waiting for you until I'm half dead!" As they entered the room, he started kissing and fondling the person, calling out "Mother" and "Father". However, to his surprise, it was actually Jia Xiang holding a lantern and asking, "Who's in there?" The person on the bed laughed and said, "Uncle Rui is trying to take advantage of me!" Jia Rui was mortified when he saw that it was Jia Ying, and he didn't know what to do. He tried to run away but was caught by Jia Xiang, who said, "Don't go! Lady Wang has already reported you to Mother, and she's furious. You have to come with me to see her!"

  Jia Rui listened, his soul not attached to his body, and only said: "Good nephew, just say you haven't seen me, tomorrow I'll thank you heavily." Jia Ju said: "If you want to thank me, letting you go is nothing, but how much will you thank me? Moreover, verbal promises are unreliable, write a contract." Jia Rui said: "How can this be put into writing?" Jia Ju said: "This doesn't matter, just write that you lost money gambling with outsiders and borrowed so many taels of silver from the head of the household." Jia Rui said: "..." Jia Ju said: "This is also good." After speaking, he turned over and came out, paper and pen were ready, and he only wrote fifty taels, then drew a seal, and only said: "Tomorrow tell the people in the clan to evaluate this." He said: "Now if I want to let you go, Master is currently in the hall looking at things from Nanjing, that road will be difficult to pass, if we encounter someone..." After finishing speaking, he pulled Jia Rui and again extinguished the light, went out to the courtyard, felt around under the big stone pedestal, and said: "This nest is good, you just squat here, don't make a sound, wait for us to come back before moving." After speaking, the two of them left.

  Jia Rui was beyond control, and just as he heard a loud noise above his head, a bucket of urine and feces poured down from above, drenching him from head to toe. He hastily covered his mouth, not daring to make a sound. His entire body was covered in the foul-smelling liquid. "Quickly, quickly!" someone shouted. Jia Rui felt as if he had narrowly escaped death, and he rushed back home through the rear door. It was already the third watch of the night. "It's dark," he muttered to himself, "I slipped and fell into the toilet." Once inside his own room, he changed clothes and washed up. At first, he thought it was Feng Jie who had played a trick on him, and he felt a surge of anger. But then he thought about Feng Jie's appearance, and his anger turned to desire. He couldn't help but want to hold her in his arms at that very moment. That night, he didn't sleep a wink.

  From then on, he couldn't help but think of Feng Jie, and he was also afraid that his grandfather would find out. It was just that the longing was hard to bear, and there were added debts, and the work schedule was tight. He was a young man in his early twenties who had not yet married, and recently thinking about Feng Jie, he couldn't help but have some thoughts of indulgence. Moreover, after two trips of rushing back and forth, he fell ill with symptoms such as heart palpitations, loss of appetite, numbness in the feet, blurred vision, insomnia at night, fatigue during the day, and frequent urination. He slept a lot, and even when he closed his eyes, he still had chaotic dreams and spoke nonsense. Various medicines were prescribed, including cinnamon, aconitum, tortoise shell, Ophiopogon japonicus, and bamboo, which he took in large quantities. After seeking medical treatment everywhere, the "Solitary Orchid Decoction" was prescribed, but it was ineffective. Feng Jie said, "The other day, I helped the old lady prepare medicine, and then she said to keep some for Yang's wife, but yesterday I already sent it over." Wang Fu Ren said, "If we don't have any here, send someone to ask your mother-in-law or your brother-in-law's household if they have some. Saving a life is also a good deed for you." Feng Jie listened and didn't send anyone to look for the medicine, so she just mixed some leftover medicine with other things, made it into a few taels, and had someone deliver it, saying, "This was sent by the lady, there's no more." Then she reported back to Wang Fu Ren, saying, "I've looked everywhere and managed to gather two taels to send over."

  At this time, Jia Rui was desperate to save his life and would take any medicine, but it was all in vain. He loudly called out: "Quickly invite that Bodhisattva to come and rescue me!" As he shouted, he repeatedly cried out: "Bodhisattva, save me!" The Daoist sighed and said: "If you had looked at the time every day, your life would have been preserved." After speaking, he took out a mirror from his bag - both sides of which could reflect people. On the handle of the mirror were engraved the four characters 'Wind Moon Treasure Mirror'. He handed it over to Jia Rui and said: "This object comes from the Taixu Fantasy Realm's Empty Spirit Temple, and was made by Jingxuan Fairy. It is especially used to treat symptoms of evil thoughts and reckless behavior. Only clever and outstanding people can use it. You must only look at its back side, be careful! After three days, I will come to collect it, and guarantee that you will be cured." After speaking, he left as if nothing had happened, and the crowd could not persuade him to stay.

  Jia Rui took the mirror and thought, "This Taoist priest is quite interesting, why don't I take a look?" He picked up the 'Wind and Moon Mirror' and looked at the back side, only to see a skull standing inside, which frightened Jia Rui so much that he quickly covered it and cursed, "The Taoist priest is a scoundrel, how dare he scare me! Let me take another look at the front side." He thought for a moment, then looked at the front side again. Suddenly, he felt himself being pulled into the mirror, where he had an encounter with Feng Jie, and let out a cry of surprise. When he opened his eyes again, the mirror slipped from his hands and flipped over to the front side once more. He saw Feng Jie beckoning him to come in, just as he was about to step out of the mirror, two men appeared, holding an iron lock which they used to bind him, saying "Let me take the mirror before you go." After that, he couldn't speak anymore.

  The people standing beside Jia Rui saw him holding a mirror, and when he put it down, his eyes were still open, staring at the palm of his hand. He suddenly scolded the Taoist priest, "What kind of evil mirror is this? If you don't destroy it quickly, it will bring great harm to the world!" Then he ordered someone to bring fire to burn it. Just as they were about to burn it, a voice cried out from inside the mirror, "Who told you to look at my front side? You yourselves are pretending to be real, why bother burning me?" As it was crying out, the lame Taoist priest rushed in from outside, shouting, "Who is destroying the 'Wind and Moon Mirror'? I've come to save it!" Saying this, he rushed into the hall, snatched the mirror from their hands, and floated away.

  At the moment, the funeral of Rongguo Mansion's Confucius was being held, and seven carriages were invited to escort the coffin to Tiechan Temple. Jia She from Rongguo Mansion donated 20 taels of silver, as did Jia Zheng, and Jia Zhen from Ningguo Mansion also gave 20 taels. Others in the family, rich or poor, gave three or five taels each, and thus the matter was settled with a flourish.

  Who would have thought that at the end of this year, Lin Ruhai's letter arrived, but he was suffering from a serious illness, which added to his worries and sorrows. Alas, the father-daughter relationship is not to be mentioned. Jia Yu and Lin Daiyu bid farewell to Grandmother Jia and others, led the servants, and listened to the next episode.

  Phoenix Sister has been feeling uninterested since Jia Yu sent Daiyu to Yangzhou, and every evening she just chats with Ping'er for a while before going to sleep carelessly.

  That night, while they were peacefully sleeping under the warm quilt, Qin Shi suddenly appeared from outside with a smile and said: "Auntie is sleeping well! I'm going back today, I couldn't bear to part with Auntie, so I must tell you, others may not be able to understand."

  Phoenix Sister listened and asked in a daze, "What wish do you have? Just entrust it to me." Qin Shi said, "Auntie, you are a hero among the beauties, even those men with their hair tied up and wearing hats can't surpass you. How could you not know two common sayings? It's often said that 'when the moon is full, it will wane; when the water is full, it will overflow.' And also, 'those who climb high will fall hard.' Now our family has been prosperous for a hundred years, and if we were to suddenly change from joy to sorrow, wouldn't that fulfill the saying 'when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter'? Wouldn't that be a shame for a family with a history of poetry and books? Phoenix Sister listened to these words and felt a great sense of relief and respect. She quickly asked, "This is well thought out, but what method can we use to forever avoid worries?" Qin Shi coldly smiled and said, "Rise and fall have always been cyclical since ancient times... there are only two things that haven't been taken care of. If this matter is handled in such a way, then later on, it will be safe and secure."

  "Nowadays, although we offer sacrifices to our ancestors four times a year, there is no fixed amount of money and grain. Secondly, even though the family school has been established, during prosperous times, there will be no shortage of offerings for the sacrifices, but when the family declines in the future, where will these two items come from? It would be better to follow my plan, take advantage of our current wealth and prestige, and purchase more fields, houses, and land near our ancestors' graves, so that the expenses for the sacrifices can all come from this source. Everyone should set an example, each year taking turns managing the land, money, grain, and sacrifices, without any competition. All things can be submitted to the authorities, and our descendants will have a place to return to, to study and farm, and there will be a way out for them. Don't think about the future, it's like a fierce fire burning oil, just a moment of prosperity, a brief pleasure, we must not forget that 'all feasts must come to an end', and when the time comes, we will only regret it." Feng Jie hurriedly asked: "What good news is this?" Qin Shi said: "I'm leaving you with two words, remember them well." And then she recited:

  After the third watch, all was quiet, and only the sound of the night-watchman's clapper board could be heard striking four times: "The Eastern Mansion's Lady Wang has passed away." Feng Jie heard this and was frightened out of her wits, breaking into a cold sweat. She quickly regained her composure and hastily got dressed to come to Lady Wang's residence.

  At that time, all the family members knew that there was no one who did not admire him, the older generation thought he was kind and affectionate, the younger generation thought he was loving and caring, and the servants in the household from old to young thought he was compassionate and humble, and everyone mourned his death with wails and tears.

  Baoyu, having recently returned from a visit to Lin Daiyu, was left alone and didn't want to play with anyone else. He quickly got up, feeling as if he had been stabbed in the heart, and let out a loud cry. Someone asked him what was wrong, saying "Don't worry, it's nothing serious, just a sudden attack of fiery energy that has disrupted the flow of blood." Baoyu then got dressed and went to see Grandmother Jia, but his mind was still preoccupied with thoughts of Daiyu.

  He told Grandmother Jia that he didn't want to go out today because the weather was not good and it would be better to wait until tomorrow. However, many servants were already on their way to the funeral, and when Baoyu arrived at the mourning hall, he saw that the doors were wide open and lanterns were shining brightly.

  Many people were coming and going, and Baoyu rushed over to where the coffin was placed. He saw Jia Duan, Jia Xing, Jia Zhen, Jia Rong, Jia Zheng, Jia Qiong, Jia Heng, Jia Yan, Jia Yun, Jia Jing, Jia Li, Jia Mei, Jia Fen, Jia Fang, Jia Lan, Jia Jun, and others gathered there.

  Jia Duan said to the group, "The whole family, both near and far, has been destroyed." Someone else added, "Now that the person is gone, crying won't do any good. We should discuss what needs to be done next."

  Jia Zhen clapped his hands and said, "There's nothing much to discuss. I'll just use all my resources to take care of everything!" Just then, Qin Ye, Jia Xun, Jia Yan, and Jia Yun arrived to pay their respects.

  Someone instructed the servants to invite the Yin Yang Master from Qing Tian Temple to choose an auspicious day for the funeral, which would be 49 days after the person's passing. They also arranged for 108 Buddhist monks to hold a grand ceremony in the main hall to pray for the deceased and help them avoid punishment in the afterlife.

  Additionally, they set up an altar on the Tian Xiang Tower, where 99 Taoist priests would perform rituals. There were also 50 high-ranking monks and 50 high-ranking Taoist priests who would be present at the funeral.

  However, Jia Zhen didn't pay much attention to these arrangements, as he was worried that if he became too attached to worldly things, he would lose all his previous spiritual progress.

  Jia Zhen saw that his father was not paying attention, so he said: "We have a piece of wood in our store called '樯木' (a type of fragrant wood), which comes from the Iron Net Mountain in Haizhou. It's originally meant for the coffin of Prince Yizhong, but since he's no longer around, we can use it instead." Jia Zhen was overjoyed when he heard this and saw that the wood was eight inches thick at the bottom, with a texture like sandalwood and a fragrance like musk. He knocked on it with his hand and asked: "How much is it worth?" Xue Pan smiled and said: "Just give them 1,000 taels of silver, and we'll throw in a few extra for labor costs." Jia Zhen was thrilled when he heard this and thanked him profusely, saying: "This wood is truly fit for royalty. Even the best cedar would be inferior to it." At that moment, Jia Zhen wished he could take Qinshi's place in death, but since she had passed away, he decided to make her his adopted daughter instead. He immediately gave orders for the whole family and all the servants to follow the old customs and not cause any disturbance.

  Jia Zhen was thinking that Jia Xiang was just a minor official, and it wouldn't look good to have his name on the list of officials in charge of the funeral rites. Just then, Dai Quan, who had been granted the title of Grand Palace Guardian by the Emperor, arrived with a group of people carrying sacrificial offerings. He sat down in a large sedan chair, surrounded by attendants holding umbrellas and beating gongs. Jia Zhen smiled and said, "I suppose this is to make the funeral rites more impressive." Dai Quan replied, "As it happens, there's a good opportunity available right now. Two positions of Dragon Guard are vacant, and yesterday, Tianqi, the third son of the Marquis of Xiangyang, came to ask me for one of them. He offered 1,500 taels of silver, but I didn't accept it because we're old friends and I wanted to do you a favor instead." Jia Zhen quickly ordered his servants to write out Dai Quan's resume, which read:

  Jiangnan Jiangning Fu Jiangning County monitor student Jia Rong

  Jia Daihua, hereditary first-class General of Divine Might and Military Governor of Renjing Camp, was the descendant of Jia, a jinshi (a successful candidate in the imperial examination) of the Yimao year.

  Respectfully, Father, handed it over to a personal attendant and said: "When you return, give it to the Minister of Revenue, Old Zhao, and tell him that I pay my respects to him. Have him issue a fifth-rank Dragon Guard officer's permit, and also provide a certificate. Then fill out this resume, and tomorrow I will come to exchange silver coins." The attendant replied in agreement... Jia Zhen asked: "Should the silver be exchanged at the Ministry or sent directly to the Old Imperial Censor's residence?" Dai Yuan said: "If it is exchanged at the Ministry, then sending it to my home would be sufficient." Jia Zhen thanked him profusely and only said: "After the mourning period is over, I will personally bring a small gift to your residence to express gratitude." And with that, they parted ways.

  Then, the sound of drinking and cheering was heard again. Mrs. Xing, Feng Jie and others had just entered the upper house when they saw Jinxiang Hou, Chuanning Hou and three others getting off their sedan chairs. On the street in front of Ningguo Mansion, a vast crowd of people came and went, with flowers blooming everywhere, officials coming and going.

  Jia Zhen ordered Jia Rong to change into auspicious clothes, 'The heavenly dynasty confers the spirit position of the respectful person of the Qin family of the Jia gate'. The main entrance of the Fragrant Garden was wide open, and a drum and music hall was set up on both sides. Two classes of green-clad musicians played music on time. Above it was written in large letters: 'Protecting the inner court, the imperial guard of the dragon prohibition'. Opposite stood a high platform for proclamation, where Buddhist monks and Taoist priests posted proclamations. The proclamation read: 'The wife of the hereditary Duke of Ningguo, the grandson of the emperor, respectfully offers sacrifices to heaven and Buddha', as well as 'Respectfully inviting all gods, Buddhas, and deities to bestow divine blessings, to dispel disasters and calamities, and to bring peace and security to the land and water'.

  Although Jia Zhen was satisfied at this time, Yu Shi inside had a relapse of her old illness and could not take care of things. He was afraid that the various orders would come and go, lacking in etiquette, and people would laugh. Because Baoyu was by his side, he asked: "Everything is fine, what are you still worried about?" Jia Zhen saw him ask and said: "This is not difficult, I recommend someone to take charge of this month's affairs for you, it will definitely be handled properly." Jia Zhen hurriedly asked: "Who is it?" Baoyu saw that there were many relatives and friends in the room, so he didn't dare speak clearly. He quickly got up and laughed, saying: "It's really fine, I'll go now." Saying this, he pulled Baoyu and bid farewell to everyone, then went to the upper house.

  Here is the translation:

  It was just at this time that Jia Rui entered, and the ladies all retreated to the back rooms in a flurry, only a few close relatives remaining. Mrs. Xing and Mrs. Wang said, "The master has arrived." The other women all exclaimed and hastily hid themselves away. Jia Rui, however, was overcome with grief: "You're not well, and there's been so much trouble lately, you should be resting, what are you doing coming in here?" Jia Rui supported himself on his cane and forced a smile as he said, "I've come to ask something of my aunts and elder sister." Mrs. Xing and the others hastily asked, "What is it?" Jia Rui smiled and said, "You naturally know that now that our grandson's wife has passed away, my own wife has fallen ill, I'll be able to rest easy if you take care of things here." Mrs. Xing smiled and said, "Just tell your aunts about it." Mrs. Wang hastily said, "He's just a young man from a small family, he's never experienced anything like this before, if he can't handle the arrangements properly, people will laugh at him, it would be better to trouble someone else." Jia Rui smiled and said, "I understand what you're getting at, aunt. I guarantee that everything will be taken care of properly, even if there are some small mistakes. Now that she's passed away, and with the affairs in our household, my wife's funeral arrangements will have to be handled according to her status." As he spoke, tears rolled down his face.

  Mrs. Wang was worried that Phoenix would not be able to handle the funeral arrangements properly, as she had no experience with such matters. Although Phoenix was capable of managing the household, Mrs. Wang feared that others might not submit to her authority since she had never handled a major event like a wedding or funeral before. Later, when Jia Zheng spoke sincerely, Mrs. Wang began to consider the idea and said to Phoenix: "Since your brother has spoken so earnestly, I will agree." Phoenix replied quietly: "I'll just take care of things inside, and if there's anything I don't understand, I'll ask you." Mrs. Wang saw that Phoenix was being reasonable and smiled, saying: "It can't be helped now; after the funeral is over, I'll go to the other mansion to apologize." With that, she bowed her head and went down, while Phoenix returned the courtesy awkwardly.

  Jia Zhen hastily took out the Ningguo Mansion's token from his sleeve and ordered Baoyu to deliver it to Fengsao, saying: "Sister, do as you please, take whatever you want with this token, just make sure it looks good, and also treat the people in that mansion well. I'll have no worries then." Fengsao didn't dare accept the token immediately, saying: "If something happens, I'll send someone to ask Brother Zhen, Auntie will be anxious." Baoyu had already taken the token from Jia Zhen's hand, saying: "Sister is staying here, or coming every day? If it's every day, Sister can stay for a few days and rest assured." Fengsao smiled, saying: "It's better to come every day." Jia Zhen heard this and only then went out.

  After the women dispersed, Lady Wang asked Phoenix: "How are you today?" Phoenix said: "Madam, please go back first, I need to sort out a thread before I can go back." Lady Wang heard this and went back with Mrs. Xing and others, not mentioning it again.

  Here, Lady Feng arrived at a three-roomed building and sat down. She thought: Firstly, the population is mixed, and things are lost. Secondly, there is no one in charge of affairs, and they are pushed around when it's time to do them. Thirdly, expenses are excessive, and there is reckless spending and embezzlement. Fourthly, regardless of size, suffering and happiness are not evenly distributed. Fifthly, the family members are extravagant, and those with a sense of shame do not obey discipline. I don't know how Lady Feng will handle these problems.

  Thousands of purple and gold can govern a country, but one or two women in skirts can manage a household.

  The steward of the Ningguo Mansion, Lai Sheng, had heard that Feng Jie was invited to manage the internal affairs, so he told his colleagues: "Now that we have asked the second lady of the Western Mansion to take charge of internal matters, if she comes to ask for something or talk, it's better to be patient for a month and then rest. If you get angry and don't recognize people, your face will turn sour and your heart will harden." Everyone agreed, saying "That makes sense." Another person joked: "In fact, we also need her to come and discipline us a bit, as things have become too sloppy inside." Just as they were talking, Lai Wang's wife came with a pair of cards to collect the paper for the imperial examination, and ordered someone to take the paper according to the number, carrying it together with Lai Wang's wife all the way to the gate of the mansion, where she handed it over to Lai Wang's wife to carry inside herself.

  Phoenix was busy assigning tasks to the new wife, and no one dared to interrupt. "Since you've entrusted me with this matter," she said, "this is how things are done in this household now. If anyone makes a mistake, I won't tolerate it, regardless of who has face or not. We'll handle everything fairly and openly." With that, she instructed Cai Ming to read out the names from the flower register, calling each person in one by one for inspection.

  After reading it, he instructed: "Divide these twenty people into two groups of ten each. One group will be in charge of receiving guests and serving tea, while the other group will take care of the family's relatives and serve meals. They will also burn incense and add oil in front of the coffin, hang curtains, guard the spirit, offer food and tea, and participate in mourning rituals. If anything is missing, I will provide it and hand it over to you eight people. You are responsible for managing the entrance, monitoring the candles and lanterns, and ensuring that each person is at their designated post. As for the furniture, antiques, spittoons, brooms, and every single blade of grass, if anything goes missing or gets damaged, or if anyone is lazy, gambles, drinks, fights, or quarrels, report back to me immediately. If I find out that someone has been negligent, there will be consequences. From now on, everyone must wear a watch, regardless of the time. Even during breakfast, if there's any matter related to the funeral, I will personally inspect each place. Once everything is done, your master will naturally reward you."

  After that, he ordered the distribution of tea leaves, oil candles, feather dusters, tablecloths, chair covers, cushions, woolen blankets, spittoons, and so on. Someone was in charge of something, someone took something, and they all had a place to go. Unlike before when they only chose the easy tasks, now they were all calm and quiet. Gone were the chaos, excuses, laziness, theft, and other problems that existed previously.

  Phoenix Sister saw that her authority was effective, and Jia Zhen was too sad to eat much food. She herself would often go to the mansion to cook all sorts of fine porridge and small dishes. Every day at 8-10 am, she would come over to take care of things, sitting alone in the Baoxuan Hall, not socializing with the other wives. Even when there were guests coming and going, she wouldn't greet them.

  Here is the translation:

  At that moment, the Buddhist monks were just opening the ritual to break the prison, transmit the lamp to shine on the dead, and invite the King of the Earth Treasury to open the golden bridge and lead the way. The Taoist priests were bowing down to submit their memorials, paying respects to the Three Pure Ones, knocking on the Jade Emperor's door, while the Buddhist monks were burning incense, releasing flames from their mouths, and making water offerings. There were also thirteen nuns who had set up embroidered clothes and red shoes in front of the coffin, silently reciting the incantations for guiding the spirits. They stayed overnight at home until the third watch, when they changed into mourning clothes, washed their hands, and ate two mouthfuls of sweet rice porridge. After rinsing their mouths, they got on the carriage. In front of them, a pair of bright lanterns was lit, with the three large characters "Rongguo Mansion" written on them. On both sides, there were lanterns that shone like daylight. The young servants retreated, and one of them supported Feng'er while the two wives held the lantern covers. As soon as they saw the coffin, tears flowed from their eyes like broken pearls: "Offering tea and burning paper." Suddenly, a drum was beaten, and all the musical instruments played together. Someone quickly brought over a large round chair and placed it in front of the coffin. Phoenix Sister sat down, and when she made a sound, everyone else followed suit, wailing loudly.

  Jia Lian and Yu's wife sent someone to persuade, Phoenix Sister just got up, bid farewell to the relatives, all the people have arrived, said: "I said who was wrong, it turned out to be you! You originally had more dignity than them, so you didn't listen to my words." The person said: "I come early every day, only today, I woke up feeling a bit earlier, and then fell asleep again, came late by a step, please forgive me this time." Just as they were speaking, Wang Xing's wife from Rongguo Mansion arrived, peeking her head in.

  Phoenix didn't let the man go, but first asked: "What is Wang Xing's wife doing?" Wang Xing's wife was eager to ask him and quickly went in to say: "Taking cards and threads, weaving sedan chair networks." She said: "Two large sedan chairs, four small sedan chairs, four cars, using a total of several dozen large and small threads, and several catties of pearl thread." Phoenix listened, the numbers matched, and then ordered Cai Ming to register.

  Phoenix Sister Fang Yu spoke, seeing the four stewards of Rongguo Mansion come in. After listening to all four, she pointed to two and said: "These two expenses were wrong, recalculate them clearly before taking them."

  Phoenix asked, "What's the matter?" Zhang Cai's wife hastily took out a note and replied, "It was just now that the sedan chair was surrounded and made into a circle, and I received so many taels of silver for the sewing work." Phoenix listened, then took the note, got the purchasing agent's receipt which matched, it was because Baoyu's outer study was completed, she ordered to collect the note and register, waiting for Zhang Cai's wife to clear up, and then sent it back to this person.

  Phoenix Sister said, "Tomorrow he will also be late, and the day after tomorrow I will also be late. It's just that this time I was lenient, next time it will be hard to control him. It's better to deal with it now." She immediately put down her face and shouted, "Take him out and give him twenty slaps! At the same time, she threw down Ning Guo Fu's plaque: "Go tell Lai Sheng to deduct a month's worth of silver and rice from his salary!" The crowd heard this and saw Phoenix Sister's angry expression, so they knew she was furious. They didn't dare to be slow, and dragged the person out to receive twenty slaps. After being dragged out and receiving the punishment, Phoenix Sister said, "If there is another mistake tomorrow, give forty slaps. If there is a mistake the day after tomorrow, give sixty slaps. Whoever wants to be punished can just make mistakes!" She then ordered, "Dismissed." The crowd outside heard this and came and went without stopping. The person who was punished with slaps left in shame, from then on being very diligent and careful.

  Now, let's talk about Baoyu, who saw that there were many people present today and was afraid that Qin Zhong would be embarrassed, so he quietly discussed with him: "He has a lot of things to do, and besides, he doesn't like people going there, if we go, won't he be annoyed?" Baoyu said: "How can he be annoyed with us? It's none of our business, just follow me." As they spoke, he pulled Qin Zhong along. When they arrived, she smiled and said: "Good long legs, come on up!" Baoyu said: "We're not going to that side." Feng Jie said: "Are you eating outside or inside?" Baoyu said: "What's the point of eating with those rough people? We originally came from the other side, just the two of us eating with Old Lady." As they sat back down.

  Phoenix Sister finished eating, then a woman from the Ningguo Mansion came to take the card: "I calculated that you should come to collect today, but I didn't see you coming, it seems like you forgot, naturally it's your loss and my gain." The woman smiled and said: "How could we not forget? Just now I remembered, if I was a step late, I wouldn't have been able to take it." After speaking, she took the card and left.

  Here is the translation:

  "You two families are all like this, what if someone else privately makes one and runs away with the silver? Phoenix laughed and said: "According to you, there's no law." Bao Yu then said: "Why doesn't our family have anyone making things with the card?" Phoenix said: "Others come to take it, when will you finish reading your books?" Bao Yu said: "I wish they would hurry up and read now, but they just won't quickly clean out the study." Phoenix laughed and said: "If you invite me, I'll make sure it's done quickly." Bao Yu said: "Even if you want to hurry, it's no use. They have to do things their way, naturally it will be done." Phoenix laughed and said: "Even if they do things, they still need the card. It's not easy for me to give it out without a reason." Bao Yu heard this and immediately asked Phoenix for the card, saying: "Good sister, give me the card so they can go get things." Phoenix said: "I'm tired and my body hurts, I just got back from getting paper glued today. They should be called to come get it, aren't you silly?" Bao Yu didn't believe her and asked someone to call out: "The person who went to Suzhou has returned." "What did he do when he came back?" Zhao Er said: "The second master brought Lin's daughter to send Lin's old master's spirit to Suzhou, to ask the old lady for instructions, and also to take a look at Nai Nai's home. He asked me to bring some thick clothes." Phoenix asked: "Have you seen anyone else?" Zhao Er said: "I've seen everyone." After finishing speaking, he said: "Lin's sister can stay in our house for a long time." Bao Yu said: "It's unbearable, I wonder how she cried these days." Saying this, he furrowed his brow and sighed.

  Phoenix saw Zhao'er return, and because she was in front of people, she didn't have time to ask Jia Yu in detail. She remembered it in her heart, but when she wanted to go back, there were many things to do, and if she went at that moment, she might be delayed or make mistakes. So she ordered Zhao'er to come in again, and together with Ping'er, they carefully checked the packages and thought about what else was needed: "Be careful outside and serve your master well, don't provoke Second Master's anger, often advise him to drink less wine, and don't let him get involved with those messy old women. If you do, I'll break your legs when you come back." The sky had already reached the fourth watch, and after sleeping for a while, she got up again, feeling tired, and didn't realize it was dawn until the rooster crowed. She hurriedly washed and dressed, then came to the Ning mansion.

  Brought yin yang officials, carefully prepared fresh offerings, invited many famous monks, because it was late and could not enter the city, they entered the city to handle the funeral affairs, at the same time sending people ahead to Tiegan Temple, overnight to decorate the place where the spirit would be kept, and prepare food and tea for the mourners.

  Inside, Feng Jie saw that the time was limited, and she had already made detailed arrangements for the funeral, while also sending people from Rong Fu to follow Wang Furen to send off the coffin. Meanwhile, Wang Xing's two wives went to offer sacrifices and send off the coffin, and the wife of Xi'an County King celebrated her birthday by sending gifts. The Duke of Town had a son born, so they prepared congratulatory gifts. Additionally, Feng Jie's brother Wang Ren brought his family back south, and she wrote letters to inform their parents and bring things with them. There were also illnesses to attend to, and every day she asked doctors for treatment, looked at medical records, and checked prescriptions. As a result, Feng Jie was so busy that she didn't even have time to eat tea and rice. The people from Rong Fu followed her to Ning Fu, and when they returned to Rong Fu, she was very happy in her heart, but did not dare to slack off or make excuses, fearing that others would look down on her. Therefore, every night was busy.

  On the evening of the funeral, inside the house, two groups of small plays and hundred plays were played with relatives and friends, Yu Shi was still sleeping in the inner room, all arrangements for hospitality, but some were shy about their mouths, or shy about their feet, or not used to seeing people, or afraid of nobles and officials, all kinds of things, are not as good as Feng Jie's demeanor is comfortable and calm, speech is generous and open-minded, precious and broad-minded, therefore also don't put the crowd in their eyes, lavish and instruct, let them do what they want, send off guests and welcome officials, all sorts of bustling, auspicious time has arrived, sixty-four young people dressed in green clothes invited the spirit, on the front of the banner written in large letters: "Feng Tian Hong Jian Zhao Nian Bu Yi Zhi Chao Xun Feng Yu Nei Ting Zi Jin Dao Yu Qian Shi Wei Long Jin E Jun Xiang Jiang Shou Zu Jia Men Qin Shi Gong Ren Zhi Ling Guan", all the things that were set up, are new and just made, the funeral procession was very sad.

  At that time, there were officials and guests attending the funeral, including:

  * The grandson of Taichang Gong Bull Qingzhi, who inherited the title of First-Class Baron, Bull Jizong

  * The grandson of Liguogong Liu Biao, who inherited the title of First-Class Viscount, Liu Fang

  * The grandson of Qiguo Gong Chen Yi, who inherited the title of Third-Rank General, Chen Ruiwen

  * The grandson of Ziguo Gong Ma Kui, who inherited the title of Third-Rank General, Ma Shang

  * The grandson of Xiuguo Gong Hou Xiaoming, who inherited the title of First-Class Viscount, Hou Xiaokang

  The eight officials were:

  * The grandson of Xining Junwang

  * Zhongjing Hou Shi Ding

  * The grandson of Pingyuan Hou, who inherited the title of Second-Class Baron, Jiang Zining

  * The grandson of Dingcheng Hou, who inherited the title of Second-Class Baron and concurrently served as a commander in the capital's garrison, Xie Jing

  * The grandson of Xiangyang Hou, who inherited the title of Second-Class Baron, Qi Jianhui

  Also attending were:

  * Shenwu Jiangjun Gongzi Feng Ziyin

  * Chen Yejun

  * Wei Ruolan

  * And other princes and officials' sons

  There were thirty to forty small sedan chairs, with a long line of large and small vehicles, decorations, and performances, stretching three or four miles.

  After walking for a short while, the sound of music was heard, and it turned out that each family had set up an altar to pay their respects. The first one was the mourning hall of the King of Dongping, the second one was the mourning hall of the Duke of Nanan, and the third one was the mourning hall of the Duke of Xining. As for Beizheng Wang, his merits were high, and he had a beautiful appearance. He thought about how his ancestors had been through thick and thin together, sharing joys and sorrows, and did not consider themselves to be of different surnames. Therefore, he did not take the throne for himself. Previously, he had also paid his respects at the mourning hall, and now he was setting up a roadside altar. After finishing the official ceremony, he changed into plain clothes and came in a large sedan chair with gongs and umbrellas, accompanied by a large crowd of soldiers and civilians who were not allowed to come and go freely.

  At this time, only Ningguo Mansion was seen to be in a grand and solemn funeral procession. Jia Zhen, Jia She, and Jia Zheng hastily went out to welcome them, still addressing each other as old friends: "The humble widow's funeral has been honored by the presence of your esteemed selves; how can we, the younger generation, possibly repay this kindness?" Shi Xiangyun smiled and said: "What words are these that you use? It is only right that we should pay our respects." She then turned around to thank them again.

  Here is the translation:

  "Who is that one who was born with a precious stone in his mouth?" Water Sol asked Jia Zheng humbly, "I've wanted to meet him several times, but was prevented by various things. I thought he would come today, why not invite him over for a meeting?" Jia Zheng heard this and hastily went back, urgently ordering Baoyu to take off his mourning clothes. He praised Water Sol as a virtuous king, who was born with both talent and good looks, elegant and refined. However, his father's strict rules had prevented them from meeting before. Now that he had come, Jia Zheng called him over. As soon as he saw Water Sol sitting in the sedan chair, wearing a white dragon robe with five-clawed dragons, a jade belt with a red gemstone, his face was like beautiful jade and his eyes were like bright stars... He exclaimed, "His name is not in vain, indeed he is like 'precious jade'!" Then he asked, "Where is the precious stone that he was born with?" Baoyu saw him ask and recited the words on top of his head. Water Sol asked, "Is it really effective?" Jia Zheng hastily replied, "Although it's said to be so, we haven't actually tried it out." Water Sol was extremely amazed and praised it as a rare treasure. He personally helped Baoyu put on a colorful belt, held his hand and asked him how old he was...

  The water solution saw him speaking clearly and fluently, and with a smile, he said to Jia Zheng: "Your son is indeed a dragon and phoenix among men, not a mediocre person in front of the old master. In the future, 'the young phoenix sings more beautifully than the old phoenix', it's hard to predict." Jia Zheng hurriedly smiled and replied: "If it's really as you said, it would be a blessing for our generation too." The water solution continued: "It's just that one thing, if your son has such talent, I think the old lady and the madam will naturally love him extremely. But we younger generations should not be overly indulgent. However, many famous scholars from all over the world come to the capital, then learning can progress." Jia Zheng hurriedly bowed his head in response.

  Water Soluble took off a string of rosary beads from his wrist and handed it to Baoyu, saying: "Today is the first meeting, and in the haste, there was no gift for congratulations. This is a string of incense rosary beads bestowed by the Holy One last year, temporarily used as a congratulatory gift." Baoyu hastily accepted it. Jia Zhen and others came up to invite him back to his sedan chair. Water Soluble said: "The deceased has already ascended to the immortal realm, how can we mortals dare to proceed beyond the heavenly gate? Jia She and others saw that he was determined not to return, so they had to bid farewell and thank him before leaving. They ordered their subordinates to stop the music and silence the sound, and thus the funeral procession passed by.

  Now, as for the funeral procession of Ningguo House, there were also Jia She, Jia Zheng, and Jia Zhen, who led their respective family members to pay their respects at the mourning shed. After they finished paying their respects, they left the city, and let the sedan chairs go ahead. As a result, Jia She's generation got into their own carriages, fearing that he would indulge in licentious behavior outside the city and not listen to his family members' words. Jia Zheng couldn't manage these trivial matters, and was only afraid of making mistakes, so as to avoid being scolded by Grandmother Jia. "Good heavens, you're a noble person, with a temperament like that of a young lady. Why don't we two sisters sit in the carriage together? It would be much better!" Bao Yu heard this and quickly got off his horse, climbed into Feng's sedan chair, and saw two riders on horseback galloping towards them from afar, not far from Feng's carriage. They dismounted their horses and came to report: "There is a resting place here, please rest and change your clothes." Feng hastily ordered someone to ask for the instructions of Mrs. Xing and Mrs. Wang, and that person reported back saying: "The ladies said there was no need to rest, just do as you please." Feng heard this and led the sedan chair and horses out of the crowd, when suddenly she saw Bao Yu's page boy running towards her. She saw that Feng's carriage was heading north, with Bao Yu's horse following behind, carrying a saddle and bridle, and knew that Bao Yu was sitting in the same carriage as Feng. The page boy also brought his horse to hurry up and catch up. The servant women had no place to hide, and Bao Yu and Qin Zhong's noble character, elegant clothes, and refined manners were something that people couldn't help but love to see.

  Phoenix Sister entered the thatched cottage, and because she came out with Qin Zhong, she saw a hoe, a rake, a plow, etc., all of which she thought were strange and didn't know what they were used for. She nodded her head and sighed, saying: "It's no wonder that ancient poetry says, 'Who knows that the food in the bowl is bitter and hard to swallow?' It's really like this." As she spoke, she went to another room and saw a spinning wheel on the kang. Baoyu asked the young servants, "What's this?" He went up to turn it around and play with it, saying, "It's broken!" The maid laughed and said, "You don't know how to use it, get out of the way, I'll spin some for you to see." Qin Zhong secretly pulled Baoyu and smiled, saying: "This is really interesting." Baoyu pushed him away and laughed, saying: "You're going to die! If you talk nonsense again, I'll hit you!" As they spoke, an old woman on the other side called out, "Second Maid, come quickly!" The maid heard her and put down the spinning wheel, then left immediately.

  They changed their clothes and shook off the dust, then ten kinds of pastries were brought in, and Feng's sister waited for them to finish cleaning up. When Baoyu carefully looked out, he didn't see them far away, only seeing two maidservants with his little brother Tianqi in their arms, it seemed that everyone couldn't bear to part with him, so they had to bid farewell with their eyes, but the carriage was light and the horse was fast, and soon they disappeared from view.

  After a short while, the precious canopy was raised, and another Buddhist ceremony was performed. Some people ate rice, while others declined and left after thanking everyone. From the officials to the commoners, they all dispersed one by one. The king's two wives knew that Feng Jie would not be able to return home, and Bao Yu had just arrived at the outskirts of the city, so he was reluctant to go back. Now, there is still a place for incense and fire, with land donated to support the elderly in the capital. Among them, some were poor and others were rich, or they were merchants who came to offer sacrifices. Those who had a hard time making a living stayed here, while those who had money and power said that this place was not suitable and would definitely find another village or nunnery to settle down. All the people in the clan stayed at Tiechan Temple, except for Feng Jie, who disliked it and sent someone to tell Nun Jingxu of Fentou An earlier. Because the nun's temple made good rice balls, they started calling her this name. After offering tea and rice, she bid farewell to everyone and took Bao Yu away. They couldn't stay there, so Bao Yu arrived at Shuiyue An in no time. Nun Jingxu led out two disciples, Zhishan and Zhineng, to welcome them. Because they saw that Zhineng had grown taller and more beautiful, they said: "Why haven't you and your master come to visit us for so many days?" Nun Jingxu replied: "These past few days have been busy, because Old Master Hu's household has given birth to a son, and the mistress sent ten taels of silver here to ask several masters to recite the 'Blood Bowl Sutra' for three days. We were too busy to come invite you." Bao Yu and Qin Zhong were playing in the hall when they saw Zhineng arrive. Bao Yu smiled and said: "Neng has arrived." Qin Zhong said: "What's the point of calling him?" Bao Yu smiled and said: "Don't tease, that day at Old Lady Wang's house, there was no one around, you were hugging him, what were you doing? This kid is still fooling me." Qin Zhong smiled and said: "This is nonsense." Bao Yu smiled and said: "Whether it's true or not doesn't matter to you, just call him over to pour tea for me." Qin Zhong smiled and said: "This is strange, you're calling him to pour tea, are you afraid he won't pour? Why do I need to tell him?" Bao Yu said: "I'm calling him to pour tea without any intention, but when you call him to pour tea, it's with intention." Qin Zhong had no choice but to say: "Neng, come pour me a cup of tea." That Zhineng had been familiar with the Rong household since childhood and knew everyone. Gradually, he became aware of the romantic feelings between men and women and took a liking to Qin Zhong's elegant appearance. Qin Zhong also deeply loved him, and although they hadn't taken any action yet, their hearts were open to each other. "Pour me a cup," Bao Yu called out. "Give me!" Zhineng smiled and said: "You're fighting over one cup of tea, do I have honey in my hands?" Bao Yu grabbed the cup first and drank it, then asked questions. Just then, Zhishan came to call Zhineng to arrange the tea cups, and after sitting for a while, they came out to play again.

  Phoenix Sister sat for a while, then returned to the clean room to rest. Everyone dispersed and went to rest, leaving only a few close attendants and old nuns in front of her. The old nun took the opportunity to say: "I have something to ask for, I want to go to the mansion to ask Madam, please give me an introduction first." "Amitabha! It's just that when I was still at Shancun Temple in Chang'an County, there was a donor named Zhang who came to our temple to burn incense every year. He wanted to marry my disciple Jinge, but he was afraid of being rejected, so he insisted on marrying his daughter. The Zhang family had no strategy and didn't care about right or wrong, they just came to insult and scold us, saying that the girl was promised to several families but refused to return the betrothal gift. They had to send someone to Beijing to find a way out, I hope Madam can ask Master Yun and the guard to say something on their behalf, and send a letter to ask them to help the Zhang family, they are willing to do anything."

  Phoenix Sister smiled and said, "This matter is not big, it's just that the lady doesn't care about such things." The old nun said, "If the lady doesn't care, then Nainai can also take charge." Phoenix Sister heard this and smiled, saying, "I don't wait for silver to be used, nor do I do such things." Jingxu listened and put aside her wild thoughts, sighed after a while, saying, "Although it's said like that, the Zhang family already knows I came to ask the mansion, now if we don't care about this matter, the Zhang family will think there's no time to care about this matter, not expecting his thank-you gift, it seems like the mansion doesn't even have this little trick."

  Phoenix Sister heard this and became excited, saying: "You are always honest with me, never believing in the idea of 'yin' (hell) or retribution. Whatever it is, I'll take care of it for him." The old nun was overjoyed and quickly said: "Yes, yes! This isn't difficult." Phoenix Sister continued: "It's just a matter of giving some money to the young servant who was sent on an errand, so he can earn some hard-earned cash. I can take care of it right now." The old nun hastily agreed and added: "If that's the case, then nǎinǎi will be generous tomorrow as well." Phoenix Sister said: "Look at how busy I am! Where is there a place that doesn't need me? Since I've promised you, I'll naturally take care of it quickly." The old nun said: "This kind of thing, in front of others, would make them busy to the point of not knowing what to do. But in nǎinǎi's presence, 'those who are capable will work harder', and because nǎinǎi is always so considerate with big and small matters, everything is pushed onto nǎinǎi. Nǎinǎi must also take care of herself." With these flattering words, Phoenix Sister became even more pleased and didn't mind the fatigue, continuing to chat enthusiastically.

  Who would have thought that Qin Zhong would take advantage of the darkness and sneak into the room where Zhenzhen was washing tea bowls? "What's going on here?" he said, his voice low and menacing. "If you keep this up, I'll call out for help." Qin Zhong begged him to stop, saying "Good sir, I'd rather die right here." Zhenzhen sneered at him, saying "You want me to do what? Unless we get out of this prison and away from these people, I won't give in to you." Qin Zhong said, "This is all just a joke, but it's like trying to use distant water to put out a fire that's right in front of us." With that, he blew out the lamp, plunging the room into darkness. He grabbed Zhenzhen and pulled him onto the bed, where they... But then someone came in and pinned them down, unable to contain their laughter. "What is this?" Baoyu laughed, saying "You're not going to give in, are you? Let's just call out for help." "Are you still trying to be strong?" Qin Zhong laughed, saying "Good sir, please don't shout and let everyone know. I'll do whatever you want." Baoyu laughed, saying "We can settle this later, when we're all asleep. For now, let's just rest." Later, when it was time for bed, Fengjie was in the inner room, Qin Zhong and Baoyu were in the outer room, and the floor was filled with maidservants from the household...

  Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang sent someone to check on Baoyu, instructing him to wear more clothes. Meanwhile, Qin Zhong was infatuated with Xiangling. Although the funeral arrangements were almost complete, there were still some minor details that needed attention, which could be taken care of by staying another day. This would also allow them to show off their filial piety in front of Jia Zheng, resolve the issue with the empty coffin, and cater to Baoyu's wishes. Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia was delighted and said to Baoyu, "My tasks are all done, but if you want to stay here, you'll have to endure a bit more hardship for one more day. Tomorrow is definitely the day we must leave." Baoyu begged, "Please let us stay just one more day, and I promise we will return tomorrow." And so they stayed another night.

  Phoenix promptly ordered the old nun's affair to be kept secret, and hastily entered the city to find Master Wen's husband. Under false pretenses of being entrusted by Jia Yun, she drafted a letter and sent it overnight to Chang'an County, which was only a hundred miles away. Given their long-standing relationship with the Jia family, how could they refuse such a small request? She received a reply.

  But to say that Feng Jie and the others again spent a day, then bid farewell to Lao Ni, secretly making many secret appointments, all of which are not worth detailing.

  Baoyu, having closed up the outer study, had been exposed to wind and frost in the suburbs, and also had a secret tryst with Intelligentia, so that he was somewhat indisposed, and on his return home began to cough and suffer from cold, feeling too languid to take any nourishment, and presenting all the symptoms of being at a loss how to rally. He therefore did not venture out, but simply resigned himself to his fate, waiting for a turn for the better, before he issued another invitation.

  That Feng's daughter had already received a reply from Yun Guang, but she had raised a filial and sentimental daughter who heard that her parents had divorced her previous husband, he was also extremely sentimental, so he also threw himself into the river to die, after that there was such a thing.

  It was Jia Zheng's birthday, and the people from both Ningguo House and Rongguo House had all gathered to celebrate. Just as they were about to take their seats, someone came in to report: "The eunuch Xia Laoye has arrived with an imperial edict." This startled Jia She and Jia Zheng, who didn't know what the news was, so they hastily stopped the performance, cleared away the wine cups, set up an incense table, and waited at the gate. The eunuch dismounted his horse, beaming with smiles, walked into the hall, stood facing south, and said: "By imperial edict, Jia Zheng is to enter the palace immediately and pay respects in the Lijing Hall." Having finished speaking, he didn't even stay for a cup of tea.

  The whole family, including Mrs. Jia, were anxious and uneasy in their hearts, when suddenly Lai Da and three or four other stewards rushed in, panting, to report the good news: "By order of the old master, please hurry and invite the elderly lady to lead the ladies to the imperial court to thank His Majesty for his grace." In the corridor below the main hall, Mrs. Xing, Mrs. Wang, Yu's wife, Li Wan, Phoenix, Ying's sister, as well as Aunt Xue and others were all gathered in one place. Upon hearing this news, they said: "We, the younger ones, will wait outside the palace gate to pay our respects. It is announced that our family's eldest young lady has been promoted to be the wife of the Duke of the Imperial Palace, and we are requested to hurry and invite the elderly lady to lead the ladies to thank His Majesty for his grace." Mrs. Jia and others heard this and their hearts were finally at peace. Mrs. Wang, Yu's wife, and Jia Zhen also changed into their court attire, leading Jia Rong, and they all went with joy and excitement, each face showing a pleased expression, as they chattered and laughed without end.

  Who would have thought that the clever and cunning Jia Rui would secretly escape into the city, find his way to Qin Zhong's house, and visit him without being detected? However, he was discovered by Qin Ye, who chased him away and beat Qin Zhong severely. As a result, Qin Ye fell ill again due to his anger, and before he had fully recovered, he received a severe punishment. Now that he has seen his father die of rage, he is filled with regret and pain, wondering how he can face his family and friends who have come to celebrate, and how the two families can be joyful when he alone is treated as if he were invisible.

  Earlier, someone had been sent to report the news, and it was said that they would arrive home tomorrow. When Baoyu heard this, he finally realized that Jia Yucun had also entered the capital to meet with officials, all thanks to Wang Xifeng's recommendation. This time, he came to fill a vacancy in the capital, and he was a cousin of Jia Zhen. He also had a teacher-student relationship with Daiyu.

  Everything was settled, but then they received news that made them hasten their journey day and night. The two words "safe and sound" were all that mattered; everything else was insignificant.

  Good news, brother: "Baoyu and Lin Daiyu have arrived at the mansion." When they met, they were overjoyed and tearfully reunited, but soon burst into tears again. They busied themselves cleaning the bedroom, arranging furniture, and distributing paper, pen, and other items to Baochai. Suddenly, she said: "What stinky man has handled this! I don't want it." For now, there's nothing more to say.

  Here is the translation:

  Just then, Jia Lian returned home and paid his respects to everyone. He had no time to rest, as he was busy attending to various matters. When he saw Jia Lian return from afar, he couldn't help but welcome him warmly. As they were alone in the room, he smiled and said, "Uncle, you must be overjoyed! I heard that today is a grand day for our family, so I prepared a small cup of wine to celebrate. Please accept it." Jia Lian smiled and replied, "How could I dare? Thank you, thank you."

  After Ping'er and the other maids finished paying their respects, Jia Lian said, "I'm not good at managing these things! My vision is limited, my words are clumsy, and my heart is straightforward. If someone gives me a stick, I'll think it's a needle. My face is soft, and I can't bear to hear people scold me. My courage is small, and if the mistress is slightly displeased, she won't forgive me. But if I try to please her, she'll say I'm being insincere."

  He continued, "In our family, which of these housekeepers is good at managing things? If they make a slight mistake, they'll be ridiculed and teased. If they're biased, they'll be criticized and blamed. It's like 'watching the tiger fight from a safe distance', 'borrowing a sword to kill someone', 'fanning the flames', or 'standing on the shore while others drown'. The first one is not oppressed by the many, but Zhen Dai is always kneeling in front of the mistress, begging for forgiveness. If I try to help him, he'll refuse, and if the mistress doesn't agree, it will be a disaster."

  Just then, they heard someone speaking outside, and Feng Jie asked, "Who is it?" Ping'er came in and replied, "The second wife sent Xiangxiang to ask me something, but I've already answered her and sent her back." Jia Lian smiled and said, "That's right. Just now, when I saw my aunt, I accidentally bumped into a young woman. When I asked my aunt who she was, it turned out to be the little maid Xiangxiang, whom we bought in Beijing. She has become a concubine of Xue Big Foolish Son."

  Feng Jie said, "Hmph! After traveling to Suzhou and Hangzhou, you should have gained some experience. It's not worth mentioning. I'll go and exchange Ping'er for her. That old Xue is also 'eating from the bowl while looking at the pot'. This year's events have been quite something. He wanted Xiangxiang so badly that he couldn't get his hands on her, but as a person, she is different from other girls. She is gentle and quiet, almost like a mistress or a young lady. So, this matter of holding a banquet to celebrate is also... Ah, I'm just sorry for him."

  Before she finished speaking, a small servant reported from outside the door, "The old master is waiting for the second master in the large study." Jia Lian heard this and quickly adjusted his clothes before going out.

  Here is the translation:

  Just now, Aunt Wang asked Ping'er: "What was it that your aunt had just now, and why did she hastily send Xiangqin over?" Ping'er smiled and said: "Where did Xiangqin come from? Wang's wife has become even more shameless." As she spoke, she walked over to Feng Jie's side and whispered: "Aunt's interest money, whether it comes late or early, now that the second master is at home... otherwise, if he were to ask Aunt what kind of interest money it was, Aunt would naturally not dare to deceive him. The money in the oil pot still needs to be found to spend. I heard that Aunt had this private money and asked me to speak to her about it. Who knew that Aunt would actually listen and ask? So I lied and said Xiangqin had come." Feng Jie listened and laughed, saying: "I thought so - when your master came, why did you suddenly send someone from the house over? It turns out you're a sly one!"

  When Jia Lian came in, Feng Sister ordered the wine and dishes to be served. However, she didn't dare to indulge too much. Jia Lian and Feng Sister urged her to drink, but then a small voice chimed in: "Mom can't chew that, it's too hard for her teeth." Turning to Ping'er, she said: "I told you earlier that the braised pork belly was very tender, just right for Mom to eat. Why didn't you bring some over and have them heat it up?" She also said: "Mom, try some of the Huishui wine your son brought back." Zhao Nai'nai said: "I'll drink a cup too, what's there to be afraid of? It's not about drinking, but rather a serious matter. You should remember this in your heart, it's not just empty words. Those two sons of yours are quite something, you should keep an eye on them. Your promise is good, but where do we need people for that? I'm actually here to talk to you about something serious, relying on our master. I'm afraid I'll starve to death otherwise."

  Phoenix Sister smiled and said: "Mom, don't worry, what else do you not know about his temper? Which one is not better than others? You take care of them, who dares to say a word of dissent? We look like outsiders, but you look at them as insiders." She then chanted Buddha's name and said: "These confusing reasons for 'insiders' and 'outsiders', our master doesn't have, it's just that he has a soft face and a kind heart, can't help but agree to people's requests." Phoenix Sister smiled and said: "Isn't that right? He is only kind to those with insiders, he is strict in front of us women!" Old Lady Zhao laughed and said: "Nainai, you've spoken too frankly, I'm delighted, now I have nothing to worry about."

  Jia Lian was too embarrassed to say anything, so he just smiled and drank his wine, saying "nonsense" and "hurry up and bring the rice, I still have to go to Zhen Dajie's place to discuss some business." Feng Jie asked: "What about the family visit?" Jia Lian replied: "It's almost certain, at least 80% sure." Feng Jie laughed and said: "This is unprecedented!" Zhao Yiniang chimed in: "But what's going on? What's this about a family visit or not? I don't understand. Now you're saying it's happening, but what's the reason?" Jia Lian explained: "Nowadays, the emperor is very concerned with the feelings of his people, and nothing is more important than filial piety. Thinking about it, the relationships between parents and children are all connected. Even the empress dowager cannot fully express her filial piety. Seeing that the palace ladies have been away from their parents for many years, how can they not think of them? If only thinking of one's daughter but being unable to see her, and thus falling ill or even dying, it would all be because I, the emperor, am confined and cannot fulfill their desires. The empress dowager is very pleased with this idea, praising my filial piety and benevolence. She said that although the imperial family members have entered the palace, they still have to follow certain rules and etiquette. Therefore, she has decreed that all the noble families can, except for the days when they enter the palace on the 2nd and 16th of each month, live in their own private residences outside the city gates, as long as they ask permission from the imperial court first. Who wouldn't be overjoyed by this? Now, Zhou Guiren's father has already started building a house..."

  "Amitabha! Are we also preparing to welcome our elder sister?" Zhao asked. Jia Rui replied, "What's the need to ask? Otherwise, what's all the fuss about?" Feng smiled and said, "If that's really the case, if I were born 20 or 30 years earlier, it would be more lively than a novel! Unfortunately, I didn't have the good fortune to experience it." Zhao sighed, "Oh my, that was a rare opportunity! Back when I was still aware of things, our Jia family was overseeing the construction of seafaring vessels in Suzhou and Yangzhou, repairing seawalls, all in preparation for receiving an imperial visit. We spent money like flowing water... Speaking of which..." Feng hastily interrupted, "Whenever foreigners came, all the goods from their ships, whether from Fujian, Yunnan, or Zhejiang, were all ours."

  "Who doesn't know that? Nowadays, there's even a slogan saying 'The East Sea lacks the White Jade Bed, the Dragon King invites the Jiangnan King'. Ah, what a grand gesture! Only his family has received the imperial carriage four times. If we hadn't seen it with our own eyes, no matter how much wealth and power one has in this world, the phrase 'crime of extravagance' would be forgotten." Feng Jie said: "I often hear our masters say that too..." Zhao Nai Nai said: "Let me tell you something, it's just using the emperor's silver to curry favor with the emperor! Which family has the money to buy this empty pomp? Just as we were talking about the commotion, I quickly finished half a bowl of rice and was about to leave when the little servants from the second gate came back: 'The two young masters from the Eastern Mansion, Rong and Er, have arrived.'" Jia Lian had just rinsed his mouth, Ping'er held the basin for him to wash his hands, and seeing the two arrive, asked: "What's the matter? Speak quickly." Feng Jie stopped in her tracks and said: "My father sent me to tell Uncle that the masters have already discussed it and decided from the eastern edge of the Eastern Mansion garden, turning northward, a total of three and a half li. It would be too tiring, so there's no need to come over our way. If there's anything else, we can discuss it again tomorrow morning." Jia Lian smiled and quickly said: "Thank you for your trouble, sir. If we were to choose another location, that would be even more troublesome. If the masters want to change their minds again, I'll rely on your advice to dissuade them, and then we can discuss the details further." Jia Rong hastily nodded several times in agreement.

  Jia Zhai stepped forward and said, "Young Master Jia has sent his nephew to lead the two sons of the steward's family to Suzhou to hire a teacher, buy musical instruments, and other things. He also brought along two gentlemen, Shi Pingren and Bu Guixiu, to accompany them on their journey. That's why he asked me to come see you, Uncle." Jia Xiang listened and smiled, "You're quite capable in this line of work! Although it's not a big deal, there are many intricacies involved." Jia Zhai smiled, "I'll just have to learn as I go along."

  It was all due to an old gentleman named Shanzai who planned and initiated the construction.

  Here is the translation:

  Just then, Qin Zhong's soul had already left his body, leaving only a faint breath in his chest. He was thinking about how there was no one to take care of things at home, and he was worried about the three or four thousand taels of silver that his father had left behind, and he was also worried about not knowing where his intelligent friend was. Suddenly, he scolded Qin Zhong, saying: "You're a scholar, don't you know what the common saying says? 'Yan Wang calls you to die at three o'clock, who dares to keep you until five o'clock.' We are all impartial and unfeeling, unlike those in the world above who have many concerns." Just as they were arguing, Qin Zhong's soul suddenly heard the words "Bao Yu has arrived" and quickly begged again: "Honorable gods, please show some mercy and let me go back. I want to say one more thing to this good friend of mine." The ghosts asked: "What good friend?" Qin Zhong replied: "It's the grandson of the Duke of Rongguo, whose nickname is Bao Yu." When the judge heard this, he was immediately frightened and scolded the ghostly messengers: "I told you to let him go back for a walk, but you didn't listen. Now it's only when he asks someone with good fortune to come out that we'll stop." The ghosts saw how scared the judge was and quickly apologized, saying: "You were so fierce just now, but now you're afraid of 'Bao Yu'. He's from the world above, and we're afraid of them too, it won't do us any good." The judge said: "Nonsense! As the common saying goes, 'the officials manage the affairs of the world', the way of humans and ghosts is the same. Whether it's the world above or below, it's all the same. Letting him go back was not wrong." The ghosts had no choice but to let Qin Zhong's soul return. He opened his eyes slightly and saw Bao Yu by his side, so he forced himself to say: "Why didn't you come earlier? If you were one step later, I wouldn't have been able to see you." Bao Yu quickly held his hand and cried, saying: "What do you want to leave behind?" Qin Zhong said: "I hope our family will be prosperous and glorious in the future." After finishing speaking, he let out a long sigh. Bao Yu cried bitterly, and Li Gui and others tried to comfort him. Meanwhile, they prepared some offerings outside. Then, Jia Zhen came back to report to Jia Zheng: "The construction work in the garden is all done, and the old master has already inspected it. We're just waiting for you to take a look, and if there's anything that needs to be changed, we'll make the changes. It's also time to think of a title and couplet for the garden." Jia Zheng thought for a moment and said: "However, if the imperial concubine doesn't see it herself, she probably won't dare to propose a title. If we wait until after she visits the garden before asking her to propose a title, it will be too late. The scenery is already complete, but without a title and couplet, it seems empty and uninteresting. Even with beautiful flowers and trees, it's not lively enough." The scholars nearby smiled and replied: "It's impossible to have no title or couplet for each place. We can just come up with something that fits the meaning, and then ask for a final decision. Wouldn't that be a good solution?" Jia Zheng and others said: "Just go ahead and propose some titles, if they're good we'll use them, if not, we'll ask Yu Cun to come up with new ones." The scholars smiled and said: "Why wait for Yu Cun? You've already proposed some good titles, sir." Jia Zheng smiled and said: "You don't know that I'm actually quite mediocre when it comes to poetry about flowers, birds, mountains, and water. Now that I'm older and busy with official work, I'm afraid my poems will be old-fashioned and lacking in interest. It's better to let others propose some titles." The scholars smiled and said: "We can just take the good ones and discard the bad ones, it's not a problem." Jia Zheng said: "Let's go take a walk around the garden." And with that, he stood up and led everyone forward.

  Sorrow not yet exhausted, suddenly saw Jia Zhen walking over, smiling at him: "You still don't go out, Master is coming." Bao Yu heard this, led the young servants, and just then Jia Zheng led the guests in, couldn't hide in time, although he didn't like reading books, but somehow had some poetic talent, today coincidentally stumbled upon this, still doesn't know what it means.

  Jia Zheng had just arrived at the garden gate when Jia Zhen led a group of servants to him, saying: "You should close all the gates first, and then we'll take a look around outside before going in." Jia Zhen listened and saw that above the eaves were glazed tiles with ridges shaped like mud eels, the door frames and windows were intricately carved with fresh flower patterns, without any red or pink decorations. The walls were made of bluish-grey bricks, below which was a white stone foundation, all snow-white and spotless. Below that was tiger-skin patterned stone, built in a random manner, truly not falling into the category of rich and gaudy. "Good mountain! Good mountain!" Jia Zheng said: "If it weren't for this one mountain, once you enter the garden, all the scenery would be visible at a glance, what's the fun in that?" Everyone said: "We didn't think of that." After finishing speaking, they looked ahead and saw white mist swirling around, like ghosts or ferocious beasts, rising and falling, with moss growing in patches, wisteria vines covering and shading. "Let's take this small path to tour around, and come back from the other side, only then can we see everything."

  When he finished speaking, he ordered Jia Zhen to lead the way in front and supported Baoyu himself, saying: "Gentlemen, please take a look, what name would be suitable for this place?" Everyone listened and said that some people suggested the title "Steep Green", some suggested "Brocade Cliff", some suggested "Fragrant Stove", and some suggested "Small South End". There were all sorts of names. Baoyu said: "I've heard that in the past, it was said: 'New compilation is not as good as old description, ancient carvings are better than modern carvings.' Moreover, this place is not the main mountain scenery, and there is no suitable place to inscribe. The phrase 'Winding path leads to a secluded place' from the old poem above is still quite elegant." Everyone listened and praised: "It's great! Second brother has high natural talent and far-reaching literary talent, unlike us who have read rotten books." Jia Zheng smiled and said: "It's just using one knowledge to make ten uses."

  As they spoke, the flowers shone brightly, and a clear stream flowed gently towards the north. The ground was flat and wide, with flying eaves and carved windows on both sides, all hidden among the mountains. Then, the clear brook poured out like snow, and the stone steps pierced the clouds. White stones formed the balustrade, embracing the pool's edge. There were three bridges, and Jia Zheng leaned against the railing, asking: "Gentlemen, what shall we name this place?" Everyone replied: "When Ouyang Xiu wrote 'The Record of the Drunken Old Man Pavilion', he said: 'There is a pavilion wing-like.' Let's call it 'Wing-like'." Jia Zheng smiled and said: "Although 'wing-like' is good, this pavilion was built over water. Ouyang Xiu's phrase 'flowing out between the two peaks' uses the word 'flow'. Wouldn't that be better?" A guest chimed in: "That's excellent! The two words 'flowing jade' are wonderful." Jia Zheng stroked his beard thoughtfully, then looked up and saw Baoyu standing beside him. He hastily replied: "It seems to me that when Ouyang Xiu named the Wine Spring using the word 'flow', it was fitting. Now, if we use the same word for this spring, wouldn't it be included in the category of clichés? Using such words would be..." Jia Zheng smiled and said: "Gentlemen, what do you think of this argument? Just now, everyone was composing new phrases, but you said that wasn't as good as describing ancient things. Now we're describing ancient things, and you say that's not good either." Baoyu said: "If we use the words 'flowing jade', wouldn't it be better to use 'fragrant droplets'? Isn't that more elegant?"

  The willow trees along the embankment borrowed three bamboos of green, a mountain and a stone, a flower and a tree. Inside, several pillars supported a refined house: "What a wonderful place!" Everyone entered, only to see that upon entering the gate, there was a winding corridor, with one bright and two dark sections. Going out led to the backyard, where a spring flowed in a small stream, which was channeled into the wall, circling around the steps and the house until it reached the front yard, swirling under the bamboo before flowing out.

  Jia Zheng smiled and said, "It's not in vain that I've lived a life." After finishing speaking, he looked at Baoyu and said, "The horizontal inscribed board here should have four characters written on it." Jia Zheng asked with a smile, "What four characters?" "One is 'Qī Shuǐ Yí Fēng' (Tranquil Water's Remaining Wind)." Jia Zheng said, "Commonplace." Another one is 'Huì Yuán Yǎ Jì' (Elegant Traces of the Garden). Jia Zheng said, "Also commonplace." Jia Zhen smiled and said, "Let Baoyu come up with one instead." Jia Zheng said, "He hasn't even started yet, but he's already criticizing others. It can be seen that he is a frivolous person." The guests said, "His criticism is indeed apt, what can we do about it?" Jia Zheng hastily said, "Don't indulge him like this." He then ordered Baoyu to come up with something and asked, "Can you come up with something suitable?" Baoyu saw the question and replied, "They all seem unsuitable." Jia Zheng coldly smiled and said, "Why are they unsuitable?" Baoyu said, "This is the first place where we're taking a stroll, and there's already an existing phrase from ancient times. Why do we need to come up with another one?" Jia Zheng said, "Are 'Qī Shuǐ' and 'Huì Yuán' not phrases from ancient people?" Baoyu said, "How about the four characters 'Yǒu Fèng Lái Yí' (Phoenix Comes to Roost)?" "Good, good, it can be called 'Guan Qiū Kuī Cè' (Measuring the Depth of the Ocean with a Reed) indeed." He then ordered Baoyu to come up with another couplet. Baoyu recited:

  The tea utensils were still green, and the smoke was still lingering: "It's not yet complete." After finishing speaking, he suddenly thought of something else and asked Jia Zhen: "These courtyards, houses, tables, chairs, and other furniture are all accounted for, but what about those curtains, screens, and antique decorations? Are they also properly arranged?" Jia Zhen replied: "Those decorative items have already been added in large quantities. I heard that Xue Pan measured them according to their size." Upon hearing this, Jia Zheng knew that this matter was not Jia Zhen's responsibility from start to finish, so he ordered someone to summon Jia Xue Pan.

  At this moment, Jia Lian hurried over and Jia Zheng asked him how many kinds there were in total and how many they had obtained so far. He quickly took out a paper slip from his boot and looked at it before responding: "Embroidered silk fans with various designs, one hundred and twenty frames; we got eighty frames yesterday... Two hundred gold-painted bamboo blinds, two hundred black-painted bamboo blinds, two hundred five-colored silk blinds, each style obtained half of the total... Table skirts, bed skirts, table covers, twelve hundred pieces in all, also obtained." As he spoke, he walked along, and a low wall made of yellow mud appeared before them. There were willow, elm, and locust trees with tender new shoots that followed the curves of the wall. A well was nearby, surrounded by lush vegetables and flowers that stretched as far as the eye could see.

  Jia Zheng smiled and said, "This is a good place. If we hang a sign here, it will be even better." Just then, he saw a stone tablet by the side of the road with an inscription that read: "Even more wonderful, even more wonderful. This place is perfect for hanging a sign. The scenery here is so beautiful that not even Fan Shihu's poem can fully capture its beauty." Jia Zheng said, "Please, gentlemen, write something on it." Everyone said, "Just now, brother, you said 'it's better to describe the old than to create something new.' This place has already been perfectly described by ancient people. Why not just simply write 'Apricot Flower Village'? It's perfect!" Jia Zheng listened and smiled at Jia Zhen, saying, "Don't make it too fancy, just follow the style of the village outside and use bamboo poles to hang it on the treetops." Jia Zhen agreed and then said, "This place is not suitable for raising other birds, only geese, ducks, and chickens are suitable." Jia Zheng and everyone else said, "Even better!" Jia Zheng also said to everyone, "'Apricot Flower Village' is good, but it's a bit too straightforward. We should wait until we have a name before putting up the sign." All the guests said, "What kind of words would be good?"

  Everyone thought, but Baoyu couldn't wait any longer and didn't even wait for Jia Zheng's order. He said: "The old poem says: 'Red apricot branch head hangs wine flag'. Now it's better to use the four characters 'Apricot screen in sight'." Everyone said: "Good 'in sight'! It also subtly matches the meaning of 'Apricot Blossom Village'." Baoyu sneered and said: "If the village name uses the two characters 'apricot blossom', then it should be 'Chai Men Lin Shui Dao Hua Xiang', why not use the wonderful 'Dao Xiang Village'? Everyone heard this and also burst into laughter and applause, saying: "Wonderful!" Jia Zheng shouted loudly: "Ignorant monk, you can recite a few ancient poems, you can remember several familiar poems, but you dare to show off in front of me! What you just said was just to test your clarity, to mock you, and you took it seriously!"

  As he spoke, he led the way into the thatched cottage. Inside, there were paper windows and a wooden bed. He looked at Baoyu and said: "How is this place?" Everyone saw him ask and quietly pushed Baoyu forward, who then replied: "It's not as good as 'Phoenix Comes to the Ritual'." Jia Zheng heard this and said: "You foolish creature! You only know that vermilion pavilions and painted buildings are beautiful, but you don't understand the meaning of the two words 'natural'!" Baoyu hastily replied: "Grandfather's teachings are correct, but ancient people often spoke of the two words 'heavenly nature', I wonder what they mean?"

  Everyone saw Bao Yu's inscription, "Heavenly Nature" two words. Everyone busily said: "All the others are clear, why don't you know 'Heavenly Nature'? 'Heavenly Nature' means what is naturally produced by heaven and not created by human power." Bao Yu said: "Here comes another one! If this place were to be built into a villa, it would not be located near the city wall, nor would it have a mountain with no pulse, or water with no source. It would be high without a hidden temple tower, and below without a bustling market bridge. It would stand out sharply, obtaining the natural atmosphere. Even if bamboo were planted to attract springs, the four words 'Heavenly Nature Painting' would still fear that it is not suitable for this land while forcing it to be land, not suitable for this mountain while forcing it to be a mountain. Although there are many ways, they will ultimately not match..." Before he finished speaking, Jia Zheng angrily shouted: "Get out!" Just as he was about to leave, he was again ordered: "Come back!" And ordered him to compose another couplet: "If you don't understand, I'll hit your mouth!" Bao Yu had no choice but to recite:

  Newly risen green adds to the beauty of the calanthe orchid, good clouds and fragrance protect the people picking Chinese angelica.

  Jia Zheng listened and shook his head, saying: "Even worse." He led the way out, turning over the mountain slope, passing through flowers and willows, stroking stones and leaning on springs, crossing the wisteria trellis, entering the wood fragrance pavilion, passing by the peony pavilion, crossing the iris garden, entering the rose courtyard, exiting the banana valley, and pouring out of the stone cave. Above, the wisteria drooped down: "Good scenery, good scenery!" Jia Zheng said: "What name do you gentlemen give to this place?" Everyone said: "No need to think about it, it's exactly 'Wuling Spring' three words." Jia Zheng smiled and said: "It's too realistic and old-fashioned." Everyone laughed and said: "If not, we can use the four words 'Qin people's old house' instead." Bao Yu said: "This is even more revealing. The phrase 'Qin people's old house' implies avoiding chaos, how can it be used? It would be better to use the four words 'Lian Ting Hua Qu'." Jia Zheng listened and said: "There are four lotus-picking boats, one sedan chair boat, but they have not been built yet." Jia Zheng smiled and said: "What a pity that we can't enter." Jia Zhen said: "We can also enter from the mountain path." After finishing speaking, he led the way forward. The water became clearer and more turbulent, with peach blossoms and apricot blossoms floating on the surface, covering the sky and blocking the sun. After crossing the bridge, all roads were accessible, and a cool and refreshing tile-roofed house came into view, with a brick wall surrounding it, and all the walls had been penetrated.

  "This place is quite tasteless." As he spoke, they entered the gate and were suddenly confronted with a massive, towering rock that seemed to touch the sky. The surrounding area was filled with various types of rocks, completely blocking the view of the houses inside. Some had vines crawling up them, some had creepers trailing down, some hung from the mountain peaks, while others poked out from between the rocks. Even the eaves and pillars were wrapped around by the lush greenery, which seemed to be a mix of different plants with varying scents. "How interesting! But I don't quite recognize them." Some said it was wisteria or clematis. Jia Zheng said, "Wisteria and clematis can't have such an unusual fragrance." Baoyu said, "That one is probably jasmine, this one is probably sweet flag grass, that one is goldenrod, and this one is jade vine. The red one must be purple aster... In the 'Shan Hai Jing' and 'Wen Xuan', there are records of rare plants like what's called 'yinzhu lan', also known as 'lian zi cao', and some called 'shi fan', 'shui song', 'fu liu', etc. There's also something called 'lv ying', and something called 'dan jiao', 'mang wei'... People can't recognize them, so they just describe their shapes and give them names. Gradually, the names get mixed up..." Before he could finish speaking, Jia Zheng shouted, "Who asked you to come here!" Baoyu was startled and retreated, not daring to speak again.

  Jia Zheng said, "Since both sides are exquisite and have corridors on all four sides, with green windows and painted walls, 'In this pavilion, tea is brewed and the zither is played. Gentlemen must have new compositions to adorn its facade, or it would be a waste.' Everyone laughed and said, 'Nothing could be more fitting than "Orchid Fragrance and Jade Dew".' Jia Zheng said, 'What about...?' Someone said, 'I've thought of a couplet, let everyone revise and correct it.' The recited lines were:

  The fragrance of musk and orchids wafts through the Slanting Sun Courtyard. "It's wonderful, but the two words 'slanting sun' are not quite right." The person said: "Ancient poetry says 'a handful of withered flowers weep at the slanting sunlight'." Everyone said: "Decline, decline." Another person said: "I also have a couplet, please evaluate it." Then he recited:

  Three scents of fragrance wafted, and Jia Yuanchun said with a smile: "How is it that you should speak at the right moment, yet now you don't say anything? Must we wait for someone to ask you before you'll speak?" Baoyu heard this and replied: "There's no '兰麝' or '洲渚' here, if I were to start speaking in such a manner, even two hundred couplets wouldn't be enough." Jia Zheng said: "Who forced you to say these exact words?" Baoyu said: "In that case, the inscription should simply read '蘅芷清芬'"

  "This is a set phrase, 'the book is finished, the banana leaves are still green', it's not surprising." The guests said: "Li Taibai's 'Fenghuangtai' is entirely based on 'Huanghe Lou', and this couplet is even more similar to 'the book is finished' than 'the book is finished, the banana leaves are still green'." Jia Zheng laughed and said: "How can that be?"

  The story goes that in the 'Daughter's Country', this kind of thing is very popular, but it's just a ridiculous rumor." Everyone laughed and said, "Even if it's not true, how did this name become so well-known?" Bao Yu said, "Swords, hanging bottles, table screens and the like, even though they are hung on the wall, can't be seen from afar. It's really clever! How could you have thought of this?" Originally, Jia Zheng and others had walked in and gotten lost after passing through two layers. On the left, there seemed to be a door that led somewhere, but on the right, there was only a window with a screen. When they got closer, there were windows with transparent screens and doors that could be passed through. But when they reached the door, suddenly a group of people appeared in front of them, all looking exactly like themselves. Jia Zheng said, "This is the back garden, let's go out from here, it's actually closer than before." As he spoke, he turned two layers of silk and brocade, and indeed found a door to exit. In the courtyard, there were trellises full of roses. Bao Yu asked, "Where does this stream come from?" Jia Zheng pointed far away and said, "Originally it flowed from that dam to that cave entrance, then from the northeast mountain pass, it was diverted to that village, and another fork in the road led it to the southwest, all flowing together here, and finally merging into one place, passing under that wall." Everyone listened and exclaimed, "It's incredibly clever!" As they spoke, Jia Zheng smiled and said, "Follow me." He led them forward, and everyone followed him. They walked along the mountain foot and suddenly turned a corner, and it was a wide and flat road. Bao Yu exclaimed, "How interesting! It's really ingenious!" Just then, without waiting for Jia Zheng to order, someone shouted, "You still haven't left? Are you not satisfied with your stroll? Don't you think you've strolled enough for half a day?" Bao Yu heard this and...