TheProjectGutenbergEBookofHungLouMeng,BookI,byCaoXueqin

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Title:HungLouMeng,BookI
Author:CaoXueqin
PostingDate:November23,2011[EBook#9603]ReleaseDate:January,2006FirstPosted:October9,2003
Language:English
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HUNGLOUMENG,BOOKI
OR,THEDREAMOFTHEREDCHAMBER,ACHINESENOVELINTWOBOOKS
BY
CAOXUEQIN

TranslatedbyH.BENCRAFTJOLY

BOOKI.

PREFACE.
Thistranslationwassuggestednotbyanypretensionstorangemyselfamongtheranksofthebodyof
sinologues,butbytheperplexitiesanddifficultiesexperiencedbymeasastudentinPeking,when,atthe
completionoftheTzuErhChi,IhadtoplungeinthemazeoftheHungLouMeng.
Shortcomingsare,Ifeelsure,tobediscovered,bothintheprose,aswellasamongthedoggerelanduncouth
rhymes,inwhichthetexthasbeenmoreadheredtothanrhythmbutIshallfeelsatisfiedwiththeresult,ifI
succeed,evenintheleastdegree,inaffordingahelpinghandtopresentandfuturestudentsoftheChinese
language.
H.BENCRAFTJOLY,H.B.M.ViceConsulate,Macao,1stSeptember,1891.

THEDREAMOFTHEREDCHAMBER.

CHAPTERI.
ChenShihyin,inavision,apprehendsperceptionandspirituality.
ChiaYts'un,inthe(windyanddusty)world,cherishesfondthoughts
ofabeautifulmaiden.
Thisistheopeningsectionthisthefirstchapter.Subsequenttothevisionsofadreamwhichhehad,onsome
previousoccasion,experienced,thewriterpersonallyrelates,hedesignedlyconcealedthetruecircumstances,
andborrowedtheattributesofperceptionandspiritualitytorelatethisstoryoftheRecordoftheStone.Withthis

purpose,hemadeuseofsuchdesignationsasChenShihyin(truthunderthegarboffiction)andthelike.What
are,however,theeventsrecordedinthiswork?Whoarethedramatispersonae?
Weariedwiththedrudgeryexperiencedoflateintheworld,theauthorspeakingforhimself,goesontoexplain,
withthelackofsuccesswhichattendedeverysingleconcern,Isuddenlybethoughtmyselfofthewomankindof
pastages.Passingonebyoneunderaminutescrutiny,Ifeltthatinactionandinlore,oneandallwerefarabove
methatinspiteofthemajestyofmymanliness,Icouldnot,inpointoffact,comparewiththesecharactersof
thegentlesex.Andmyshameforsooththenknewnoboundswhileregret,ontheotherhand,wasofnoavail,as
therewasnotevenaremotepossibilityofadayofremedy.
OnthisverydayitwasthatIbecamedesiroustocompile,inaconnectedform,forpublicationthroughoutthe
world,withaviewto(universal)information,howthatIbearinexorableandmanifoldretributioninasmuchas
whattime,bythesustenanceofthebenevolenceofHeaven,andthevirtueofmyancestors,myapparelwasrich
andfine,andaswhatdaysmyfarewassavoryandsumptuous,Idisregardedthebountyofeducationandnurture
offatherandmother,andpaidnoheedtothevirtueofpreceptandinjunctionofteachersandfriends,withthe
resultthatIincurredthepunishment,offailurerecentlyintheleasttrifle,andtherecklesswasteofhalfmy
lifetime.Therehavebeenmeanwhile,generationaftergeneration,thoseintheinnerchambers,thewholemass
ofwhomcouldnot,onanyaccount,be,throughmyinfluence,allowedtofallintoextinction,inorderthatI,
unfilialasIhavebeen,mayhavethemeanstoscreenmyownshortcomings.
Henceitisthatthethatchedshed,withbamboomatwindows,thebedoftowandthestoveofbrick,whichareat
presentmyshare,arenotsufficienttodetermefromcarryingoutthefixedpurposeofmymind.AndcouldI,
furthermore,confrontthemorningbreeze,theeveningmoon,thewillowsbythestepsandtheflowersinthe
courtyard,methinksthesewouldmoistentoagreaterdegreemymortalpenwithinkbutthoughIlackculture
anderudition,whatharmisthere,however,inemployingfictionandunreconditelanguagetogiveutteranceto
themeritsofthesecharacters?AndwereIalsoabletoinducetheinmatesoftheinnerchambertounderstand
anddiffusethem,couldIbesidesbreakthewearinessofevensomuchasasinglemoment,orcouldIopenthe
eyesofmycontemporaries,willitnotforsoothproveaboon?
ThisconsiderationhasledtotheusageofsuchnamesasChiaYts'unandothersimilarappellations.
Morethananyinthesepageshavebeenemployedsuchwordsasdreamsandvisionsbutthesedreams
constitutethemainargumentofthiswork,andcombine,furthermore,thedesignofgivingawordofwarningto
myreaders.
Reader,canyousuggestwhencethestorybegins?
Thenarrationmayborderonthelimitsofincoherencyandtriviality,butitpossessesconsiderablezest.Butto
begin.
TheEmpressNWo,(thegoddessofworks,)infashioningblocksofstones,fortherepairoftheheavens,
prepared,attheTaHuangHillsandWuCh'icave,36,501blocksofroughstone,eachtwelvechanginheight,
andtwentyfourchangsquare.Ofthesestones,theEmpressWoonlyused36,500sothatonesingleblock
remainedoverandabove,withoutbeingturnedtoanyaccount.ThiswascastdowntheCh'ingKengpeak.This
stone,strangetosay,afterhavingundergoneaprocessofrefinement,attainedanatureofefficiency,andcould,
byitsinnatepowers,setitselfintomotionandwasabletoexpandandtocontract.
Whenitbecameawarethatthewholenumberofblockshadbeenmadeuseoftorepairtheheavens,thatitalone
hadbeendestituteofthenecessarypropertiesandhadbeenunfittoattainselection,itforthwithfeltwithinitself
vexationandshame,anddayandnight,itgavewaytoanguishandsorrow.
Oneday,whileitlamenteditslot,itsuddenlycaughtsight,atagreatdistance,ofaBuddhistbonzeandofa
Taoistpriestcomingtowardsthatdirection.Theirappearancewasuncommon,theireasymannerremarkable.
WhentheydrewnearthisCh'ingKengpeak,theysatonthegroundtorest,andbegantoconverse.Buton
noticingtheblocknewlypolishedandbrilliantlyclear,whichhadmoreovercontractedindimensions,and

becomenolargerthanthependantofafan,theyweregreatlyfilledwithadmiration.TheBuddhistpriestpicked
itup,andlaiditinthepalmofhishand.
"Yourappearance,"hesaidlaughingly,"maywelldeclareyoutobeasupernaturalobject,butasyoulackany
inherentqualityitisnecessarytoinscribeafewcharactersonyou,sothateveryonewhoshallseeyoumayat
oncerecogniseyoutobearemarkablething.Andsubsequently,whenyouwillbetakenintoacountrywhere
honourandaffluencewillreign,intoafamilyculturedinmindandofofficialstatus,inalandwhereflowersand
treesshallflourishwithluxuriance,inatownofrefinement,renownandglorywhenyouoncewillhavebeen
there"
Thestonelistenedwithintensedelight.
"WhatcharactersmayIask,"itconsequentlyinquired,"willyouinscribe?andwhatplacewillIbetakento?
pray,prayexplaintomeinlucidterms.""Youmustn'tbeinquisitive,"thebonzereplied,withasmile,"indaysto
comeyou'llcertainlyunderstandeverything."Havingconcludedthesewords,heforthwithputthestoneinhis
sleeve,andproceededleisurelyonhisjourney,incompanywiththeTaoistpriest.Whither,however,hetookthe
stone,isnotdivulged.Norcanitbeknownhowmanycenturiesandageselapsed,beforeaTaoistpriest,K'ung
K'ungbyname,passed,duringhisresearchesaftertheeternalreasonandhisquestafterimmortality,bytheseTa
HuangHills,WuCh'icaveandCh'ingKengPeak.Suddenlyperceivingalargeblockofstone,onthesurfaceof
whichthetracesofcharactersgiving,inaconnectedform,thevariousincidentsofitsfate,couldbeclearly
deciphered,K'ungK'ungexaminedthemfromfirsttolast.They,infact,explainedhowthatthisblockof
worthlessstonehadoriginallybeendevoidofthepropertiesessentialfortherepairstotheheavens,howit
wouldbetransmutedintohumanformandintroducedbyMangMangtheHighLord,andMiaoMiao,the
Divine,intotheworldofmortals,andhowitwouldbeledovertheotherbank(acrosstheSanSara).Onthe
surface,therecordofthespotwhereitwouldfall,theplaceofitsbirth,aswellasvariousfamilytriflesand
trivialloveaffairsofyoungladies,verses,odes,speechesandenigmaswasstillcompletebutthenameofthe
dynastyandtheyearofthereignwereobliterated,andcouldnotbeascertained.
Ontheobverse,werealsothefollowingenigmaticalverses:
Lackinginvirtuesmeettheazureskiestomend,
InvainthemortalworldfullmanyayearIwend,
Ofaformerandafterlifethesefactsthatbe,
Whowillforatraditionstrangerecordforme?
K'ungK'ung,theTaoist,havingponderedovertheselinesforawhile,becameawarethatthisstonehadahistory
ofsomekind.
"Brotherstone,"heforthwithsaid,addressingthestone,"theconcernsofpastdaysrecordedonyoupossess,
accordingtoyourownaccount,aconsiderableamountofinterest,andhavebeenforthisreasoninscribed,with
theintentofsolicitinggenerationstohandthemdownasremarkableoccurrences.Butinmyownopinion,they
lack,inthefirstplace,anydatabymeansofwhichtoestablishthenameoftheEmperorandtheyearofhis
reignand,inthesecondplace,theseconstitutenorecordofanyexcellentpolicy,adoptedbyanyhighworthies
orhighloyalstatesmen,inthegovernmentofthestate,orintheruleofpublicmorals.Thecontentssimplytreat
ofacertainnumberofmaidens,ofexceptionalcharactereitheroftheirloveaffairsorinfatuations,oroftheir
smalldesertsorinsignificanttalentsandwereItotranscribethewholecollectionofthem,theywould,
nevertheless,notbeestimatedasabookofanyexceptionalworth."
"SirPriest,"thestonerepliedwithassurance,"whyareyousoexcessivelydull?Thedynastiesrecordedinthe
rustichistories,whichhavebeenwrittenfromagetoage,have,Iamfaintothink,invariablyassumed,under
falsepretences,themerenomenclatureoftheHanandT'angdynasties.Theydifferfromtheeventsinscribedon
myblock,whichdonotborrowthiscustomarypractice,but,beingbasedonmyownexperiencesandnatural
feelings,present,onthecontrary,anovelanduniquecharacter.Besides,inthepagesoftheserustichistories,
eithertheaspersionsuponsovereignsandstatesmen,orthestricturesuponindividuals,theirwives,andtheir

daughters,orthedeedsoflicentiousnessandviolencearetoonumeroustobecomputed.Indeed,thereisone
morekindoflooseliterature,thewantonnessandpollutioninwhichworkmosteasyhavocuponyouth.
"Asregardstheworks,inwhichthecharactersofscholarsandbeautiesisdelineatedtheirallusionsareagain
repeatedlyofWenChn,theirthemeineverypageofTzuChienathousandvolumespresentnodiversityanda
thousandcharactersarebutacounterpartofeachother.Whatismore,theseworks,throughoutalltheirpages,
cannothelpborderingonextremelicence.Theauthors,however,hadnootherobjectinviewthantogive
utterancetoafewsentimentalodesandelegantballadsoftheirown,andforthisreasontheyhavefictitiously
inventedthenamesandsurnamesofbothmenandwomen,andnecessarilyintroduced,inaddition,somelow
characters,whoshould,likeabuffooninaplay,createsomeexcitementintheplot.
"Stillmoreloathsomeisakindofpedanticandprofligateliterature,perfectlydevoidofallnaturalsentiment,
fullofselfcontradictionsand,infact,thecontrasttothosemaidensinmywork,whomIhave,duringhalfmy
lifetime,seenwithmyowneyesandheardwithmyownears.AndthoughIwillnotpresumetoestimatethem
assuperiortotheheroesandheroinesintheworksofformerages,yettheperusalofthemotivesandissuesof
theirexperiences,maylikewiseaffordmattersufficienttobanishdulness,andtobreakthespellofmelancholy.
"Asregardstheseveralstanzasofdoggerelverse,theymaytooevokesuchlaughterastocompelthereaderto
blurtouttherice,andtospurtoutthewine.
"Inthesepages,thescenesdepictingtheanguishofseparation,theblissofreunion,andthefortunesof
prosperityandofadversityareall,ineverydetail,truetohumannature,andIhavenottakenuponmyselfto
maketheslightestaddition,oralteration,whichmightleadtotheperversionofthetruth.
"Myonlyobjecthasbeenthatmenmay,afteradrinkingbout,oraftertheywakefromsleeporwheninneedof
relaxationfromthepressureofbusiness,takeupthislightliterature,andnotonlyexpungethetracesof
antiquatedbooks,andobtainanewkindofdistraction,butthattheymayalsolaybyalonglifeaswellasenergy
andstrengthforitbearsnopointofsimilaritytothoseworks,whosedesignsarefalse,whosecourseis
immoral.Now,SirPriest,whatareyourviewsonthesubject?"
K'ungK'unghavingponderedforawhileoverthewords,towhichhehadlistenedintently,reperused,
throughout,thisrecordofthestoneandfindingthatthegeneralpurportconsistedofnoughtelsethanatreatise
onlove,andlikewiseofanaccuratetranscriptionoffacts,withouttheleasttaintofprofligacyinjurioustothe
times,hethereuponcopiedthecontents,frombeginningtoend,totheintentofchargingtheworldtohandthem
downasastrangestory.
HenceitwasthatK'ungK'ung,theTaoist,inconsequenceofhisperception,(inhisstateof)abstraction,of
passion,thegeneration,fromthispassion,ofvoluptuousness,thetransmissionofthisvoluptuousnessinto
passion,andtheapprehension,bymeansofpassion,ofitsunreality,forthwithalteredhisnameforthatof
"Ch'ingTseng"(theVoluptuousBonze),andchangedthetitleof"theMemoirofaStone"(Shiht'ouchi,)for
thatof"Ch'ingTsengLu,"TheRecordoftheVoluptuousBonzewhileK'ungMeichiofTungLugaveitthe
nameof"FengYehPaoChien,""ThePreciousMirrorofVoluptuousness."Inlateryears,owingtothedevotion
byTsaoHsehch'inintheTaoHungstudy,oftenyearstotheperusalandrevisionofthework,theadditions
andmodificationseffectedbyhimfivetimes,theaffixofanindexandthedivisionintoperiodsandchapters,the
bookwasagainentitled"ChinLingShihErhCh'ai,""TheTwelveMaidensofChinLing."Astanzawas
furthermorecomposedforthepurpose.Thisthen,andnoother,istheoriginoftheRecordoftheStone.Thepoet
saysappositely:
Pagesfullofsillylitter,
Tearsahandfulsourandbitter
Allafooltheauthorhold,
Buttheirzestwhocanunfold?
YouhavenowunderstoodthecauseswhichbroughtabouttheRecordoftheStone,butasyouarenot,asyet,
awarewhatcharactersaredepicted,andwhatcircumstancesarerelatedonthesurfaceoftheblock,reader,

pleaselendaneartothenarrativeonthestone,whichrunsasfollows:
Inolddays,thelandintheSouthEastlaylow.InthisSouthEastpartoftheworld,wassituatedawalledtown,
KuSubyname.Withinthewallsalocality,calledtheCh'angMen,wasmorethanallothersthroughoutthe
mortalworld,thecentre,whichheldthesecond,ifnotthefirstplaceforfashionandlife.BeyondthisCh'ang
MenwasastreetcalledShihlichieh(TenListreet)inthisstreetalane,theJenCh'inglane(Humanityand
Purity)andinthislanestoodanoldtemple,whichonaccountofitsdiminutivedimensions,wascalled,by
generalconsent,theGourdtemple.Nextdoortothistemplelivedthefamilyofadistrictofficial,Chenby
surname,Feibyname,andShihyinbystyle.Hiswife,neFeng,possessedaworthyandvirtuousdisposition,
andhadaclearperceptionofmoralproprietyandgoodconduct.Thisfamily,thoughnotinactualpossessionof
excessiveaffluenceandhonours,was,nevertheless,intheirdistrict,concededtobeaclanofwelltodo
standing.AsthisChenShihyinwasofacontentedandunambitiousframeofmind,andentertainedno
hankeringafteranyofficialdistinction,butdayafterdayofhislifetookdelightingazingatflowers,planting
bamboos,sippinghiswineandconningpoeticalworks,hewasinfact,intheindulgenceofthesepursuits,as
happyasasupernaturalbeing.
Onethingalonemarredhishappiness.Hehadlivedoverhalfacenturyandhad,asyet,nomaleoffspring
aroundhisknees.Hehadoneonlychild,adaughter,whoseinfantnamewasYingLien.Shewasjustthreeyears
ofage.Onalongsummerday,onwhichtheheathadbeenintense,Shihyinsatleisurelyinhislibrary.Feeling
hishandtired,hedroppedthebookheheld,leanthisheadonateapoy,andfellasleep.
Ofasudden,whileinthisstateofunconsciousness,itseemedasifhehadbetakenhimselfonfoottosomespot
orotherwhitherhecouldnotdiscriminate.Unexpectedlyheespied,intheoppositedirection,twopriestscoming
towardshim:theoneaBuddhist,theotheraTaoist.Astheyadvancedtheykeptuptheconversationinwhich
theywereengaged."Whitherdoyoupurposetakingtheobjectyouhavebroughtaway?"heheardtheTaoist
inquire.TothisquestiontheBuddhistrepliedwithasmile:"Setyourmindatease,"hesaid"there'snowin
maturityaplotofageneralcharacterinvolvingmundanepleasures,whichwillpresentlycometoadenouement.
Thewholenumberofthevotariesofvoluptuousnesshave,asyet,notbeenquickenedorenteredtheworld,andI
meantoavailmyselfofthisoccasiontointroducethisobjectamongtheirnumber,soastogiveitachancetogo
throughthespanofhumanexistence.""Thevotariesofvoluptuousnessofthesedayswillnaturallyhaveagainto
enduretheillsoflifeduringtheircoursethroughthemortalworld,"theTaoistremarked"butwhen,Iwonder,
willtheyspringintoexistence?andinwhatplacewilltheydescend?"
"Theaccountofthesecircumstances,"thebonzeventuredtoreply,"isenoughtomakeyoulaugh!Theyamount
tothis:thereexistedinthewest,onthebankoftheLing(spiritual)river,bythesideoftheSanSheng(thrice
born)stone,abladeoftheChiangChu(purplepearl)grass.Ataboutthesametimeitwasthattheblockofstone
was,consequentuponitsrejectionbythegoddessofworks,alsolefttorambleandwandertoitsown
gratification,andtoroamaboutatpleasuretoeveryandanyplace.Onedayitcamewithintheprecinctsofthe
ChingHuan(MonitoryVision)FairyandthisFairy,cognizantofthefactthatthisstonehadahistory,detained
it,therefore,toresideattheCh'ihHsia(purpleclouds)palace,andapportionedtoitthedutiesofattendanton
ShenYing,afairyoftheCh'ihHsiapalace.
"Thisstonewould,however,oftenstrollalongthebanksoftheLingriver,andhavingatthesightofthebladeof
spiritualgrassbeenfilledwithadmiration,it,daybyday,moisteneditsrootswithsweetdew.Thispurplepearl
grass,attheoutset,tarriedformonthsandyearsbutbeingatalaterperiodimbuedwiththeessenceand
luxurianceofheavenandearth,andhavingincessantlyreceivedthemoistureandnurtureofthesweetdew,
divesteditself,incourseoftime,oftheformofagrassassuming,inlieu,ahumannature,whichgradually
becameperfectedintothepersonofagirl.
"EverydayshewaswonttowanderbeyondtheconfinesoftheLiHen(divestedanimosities)heavens.When
hungryshefedonthePiCh'ing(hiddenlove)fruitwhenthirstyshedranktheKuanch'ou(discharged
sorrows,)water.Having,however,uptothistime,notshewnhergratitudeforthevirtueofnurturelavished
uponher,theresultwasbutnaturalthatsheshouldresolveinherheartuponaconstantandincessantpurposeto
makesuitableacknowledgment.

"Ihavebeen,"shewouldoftencommunewithinherself,"therecipientofthegraciousbountyofrainanddew,
butIpossessnosuchwateraswaslavisheduponmetorepayit!Butshoulditeverdescendintotheworldinthe
formofahumanbeing,Iwillalsobetakemyselfthither,alongwithitandifIcanonlyhavethemeansof
makingrestitutiontoit,withthetearsofawholelifetime,Imaybeabletomakeadequatereturn."
"Thisresolutionitisthatwillevolvethedescentintotheworldofsomanypleasureboundspiritsofretribution
andtheexperienceoffantasticdestiniesandthiscrimsonpearlbladewillalsobeamongthenumber.Thestone
stillliesinitsoriginalplace,andwhyshouldnotyouandItakeitalongbeforethetribunaloftheMonitory
VisionFairy,andplaceonitsbehalfitsnameonrecord,sothatitshoulddescendintotheworld,incompany
withthesespiritsofpassion,andbringthisplottoanissue?"
"Itisindeedridiculous,"interposedtheTaoist."NeverbeforehaveIheardeventheverymentionofrestitution
bymeansoftears!WhyshouldnotyouandIavailourselvesofthisopportunitytolikewisegodownintothe
world?andifsuccessfulineffectingthesalvationofafewofthem,willitnotbeaworkmeritoriousand
virtuous?"
"Thisproposal,"remarkedtheBuddhist,"isquiteinharmonywithmyownviews.Comealongthenwithmeto
thepalaceoftheMonitoryVisionFairy,andletusdeliverupthisgoodfornothingobject,andhavedonewith
it!Andwhenthecompanyofpleasureboundspiritsofwrathdescendintohumanexistence,youandIcanthen
entertheworld.Halfofthemhavealreadyfallenintothedustyuniverse,butthewholenumberofthemhave
not,asyet,cometogether."
"Suchbeingthecase,"theTaoistacquiesced,"Iamreadytofollowyou,wheneveryoupleasetogo."
ButtoreturntoChenShihyin.Havingheardeveryoneofthesewordsdistinctly,hecouldnotrefrainfrom
forthwithsteppingforwardandpayinghomage."Myspirituallords,"hesaid,ashesmiled,"acceptmy
obeisance."TheBuddhistandTaoistpriestslostnotimeinrespondingtothecompliment,andtheyexchanged
theusualsalutations."Myspirituallords,"Shihyincontinued"Ihavejustheardtheconversationthatpassed
betweenyou,oncausesandeffects,aconversationthelikeofwhichfewmortalshaveforsoothlistenedtobut
youryoungerbrotherissluggishofintellect,andcannotlucidlyfathomtheimport!Yetcouldthisdulnessand
simplicitybegraciouslydispelled,youryoungerbrothermay,bylisteningminutely,withundefiledearand
carefulattention,toacertaindegreebearousedtoasenseofunderstandingandwhatismore,possiblyfindthe
meansofescapingtheanguishofsinkingdownintoHades."
Thetwospiritssmiled,"Theconversation,"theyadded,"referstotheprimordialschemeandcannotbedivulged
beforetheproperseasonbut,whenthetimecomes,minddonotforgetustwo,andyouwillreadilybeableto
escapefromthefieryfurnace."
Shihyin,afterthisreply,feltitdifficulttomakeanyfurtherinquiries."Theprimordialscheme,"hehowever
remarkedsmiling,"cannot,ofcourse,bedivulgedbutwhatmannerofthing,Iwonder,isthegoodfornothing
objectyoualludedtoashortwhileback?MayInotbeallowedtojudgeformyself?"
"Thisobjectaboutwhichyouask,"theBuddhistBonzeresponded,"isintended,Imaytellyou,byfatetobejust
glancedatbyyou."Withthesewordsheproducedit,andhandeditovertoShihyin.
Shihyinreceivedit.Onscrutinyhefoundit,infact,tobeabeautifulgem,solustrousandsoclearthatthe
tracesofcharactersonthesurfaceweredistinctlyvisible.Thecharactersinscribedconsistedofthefour"T'ung
LingPaoY,""PreciousGemofSpiritualPerception."Ontheobverse,werealsoseveralcolumnsofminute
words,whichhewasjustintheactoflookingatintently,whentheBuddhistatonceexpostulated.
"Wehavealreadyreached,"heexclaimed,"theconfinesofvision."Snatchingitviolentlyoutofhishands,he
walkedawaywiththeTaoist,underaloftystoneportal,onthefaceofwhichappearedinlargetypethefour
characters:"T'aiHsHuanChing,""TheVisionarylimitsoftheGreatVoid."Oneachsidewasascrollwiththe
lines:

Whenfalsehoodstandsfortruth,truthlikewisebecomesfalse,
Wherenaughtbemadetoaught,aughtchangesintonaught.
Shihyinmeantalsotofollowthemontheotherside,but,ashewasabouttomakeonestepforward,he
suddenlyheardacrash,justasifthemountainshadfallenintoruins,andtheearthsunkintodestruction.As
Shihyinutteredaloudshout,helookedwithstrainedeyebutallhecouldseewasthefierysunshining,with
glowingrays,whilethebananaleavesdroopedtheirheads.Bythattime,halfofthecircumstancesconnected
withthedreamhehadhad,hadalreadyslippedfromhismemory.
HealsonoticedanursecomingtowardshimwithYingLieninherarms.ToShihyin'seyeshisdaughter
appearedevenmorebeautiful,suchabrightgem,soprecious,andsolovable.Forthwithstretchingouthisarms,
hetookherover,and,asheheldherinhisembrace,hecoaxedhertoplaywithhimforawhileafterwhichhe
broughtheruptothestreettoseethegreatstiroccasionedbytheprocessionthatwasgoingpast.
Hewasabouttocomein,whenhecaughtsightoftwopriests,onea
Taoist,theotheraBuddhist,cominghitherfromtheoppositedirection.
TheBuddhisthadaheadcoveredwithmange,andwentbarefooted.The
Taoisthadalimpingfoot,andhishairwasalldishevelled.
Likemaniacs,theyjostledalong,chatteringandlaughingastheydrewnear.
AssoonastheyreachedShihyin'sdoor,andtheyperceivedhimwith
YingLieninhisarms,theBonzebegantoweepaloud.
TurningtowardsShihyin,hesaidtohim:"MygoodSir,whyneedyoucarryinyourembracethislivingbut
lucklessthing,whichwillinvolvefatherandmotherintrouble?"
ThesewordsdidnotescapeShihyin'searbutpersuadedthattheyamountedtoravingtalk,hepaidnoheed
whatevertothebonze.
"Partwithherandgivehertome,"theBuddhiststillwentontosay.
Shihyincouldnotrestrainhisannoyanceandhastilypressinghisdaughterclosertohim,hewasintentupon
goingin,whenthebonzepointedhishandathim,andburstoutinaloudfitoflaughter.
Hethengaveutterancetothefourlinesthatfollow:
Youindulgeyourtenderdaughterandarelaughedatasinane
Vainyoufacethesnow,ohmirror!foritwillevanescentwane,
Whenthefestivaloflanternsisgoneby,guard'gainstyourdoom,
'Tiswhattimetheflameswillkindle,andthefirewillconsume.
Shihyinunderstooddistinctlythefullimportofwhatheheardbuthisheartwasstillfullofconjectures.Hewas
abouttoinquirewhoandwhattheywere,whenheheardtheTaoistremark,"YouandIcannotspeedtogether
letusnowpartcompany,andeachofuswillbethenabletogoafterhisownbusiness.Afterthelapseofthree
ages,IshallbeatthePeiMangmount,waitingforyouandwecan,afterourreunion,betakeourselvestothe
VisionaryConfinesoftheGreatVoid,theretocancelthenameofthestonefromtherecords."
"Excellent!firstrate!"exclaimedtheBonze.Andattheconclusionofthesewords,thetwomenparted,each
goinghisownway,andnotracewasagainseenofthem.
"Thesetwomen,"Shihyinthenponderedwithinhisheart,"musthavehadmanyexperiences,andIoughtreally
tohavemademoreinquiriesofthembutatthisjuncturetoindulgeinregretisanyhowtoolate."
WhileShihyingavewaytothesefoolishreflections,hesuddenlynoticedthearrivalofapennilessscholar,Chia
bysurname,Huabyname,ShihfeibystyleandYts'unbynickname,whohadtakenuphisquartersinthe

Gourdtemplenextdoor.ThisChiaYts'unwasoriginallyadenizenofHuChow,andwasalsoofliteraryand
officialparentage,butashewasbornoftheyoungeststock,andthepossessionsofhispaternalandmaternal
ancestorswerecompletelyexhausted,andhisparentsandrelativesweredead,heremainedthesoleandonly
survivorand,ashefoundhisresidenceinhisnativeplaceofnoavail,hethereforeenteredthecapitalinsearch
ofthatreputation,whichwouldenablehimtoputthefamilyestateonaproperstanding.Hehadarrivedatthis
placesincetheyearbeforelast,andhad,whatismore,livedallalonginverystraitenedcircumstances.Hehad
madethetemplehistemporaryquarters,andearnedalivingbydailyoccupyinghimselfincomposing
documentsandwritinglettersforcustomers.ThusitwasthatShihyinhadbeeninconstantrelationswithhim.
AssoonasYts'unperceivedShihyin,helostnotimeinsalutinghim."MyworthySir,"heobservedwitha
forcedsmile"howisityouareleaningagainstthedoorandlookingout?Isthereperchanceanynewsastirin
thestreets,orinthepublicplaces?"
"Nonewhatever,"repliedShihyin,ashereturnedthesmile."Justawhileback,myyoungdaughterwasinsobs,
andIcoaxedheroutheretoamuseher.Iamjustnowwithoutanythingwhatevertoattendto,sothat,dear
brotherChia,youcomejustinthenickoftime.Pleasewalkintomymeanabode,andletusendeavour,ineach
other'scompany,towhileawaythislongsummerday."
Afterhehadmadethisremark,hebadeaservanttakehisdaughterin,whilehe,handinhandwithYts'un,
walkedintothelibrary,whereayoungpageservedtea.Theyhadhardlyexchangedafewsentences,whenone
ofthehouseholdcamein,inflyinghaste,toannouncethatMr.Yenhadcometopayavisit.
Shihyinatoncestoodup."Prayexcusemyrudeness,"heremarkedapologetically,"butdositdownIshall
shortlyrejoinyou,andenjoythepleasureofyoursociety.""MydearSir,"answeredYts'un,ashegotup,also
inaconcedingway,"suityourownconvenience.I'veoftenhadthehonourofbeingyourguest,andwhatwillit
matterifIwaitalittle?"Whiletheseapologieswereyetbeingspoken,Shihyinhadalreadywalkedoutintothe
frontparlour.Duringhisabsence,Yts'unoccupiedhimselfinturningoverthepagesofsomepoeticalworkto
dispelennui,whensuddenlyheheard,outsidethewindow,awoman'scough.Yts'unhurriedlygotupand
lookedout.Hesawataglancethatitwasaservantgirlengagedinpickingflowers.Herdeportmentwasoutof
thecommonhereyessobright,hereyebrowssowelldefined.Thoughnotaperfectbeauty,shepossessed
neverthelesscharmssufficienttoarousethefeelings.Yts'ununwittinglygazedatherwithfixedeye.This
waitingmaid,belongingtotheChenfamily,haddonepickingflowers,andwasonthepointofgoingin,when
sheofasuddenraisedhereyesandbecameawareofthepresenceofsomepersoninsidethewindow,whose
headgearconsistedofaturbanintatters,whilehisclothesweretheworseforwear.Butinspiteofhispoverty,
hewasnaturallyendowedwitharoundwaist,abroadback,afatface,asquaremouthaddedtothis,his
eyebrowswereswordlike,hiseyesresembledstars,hisnosewasstraight,hischeekssquare.
Thisservantgirlturnedawayinahurryandmadeherescape.
"Thismansoburlyandstrong,"shecommunedwithinherself,"yetatthesametimegotupinsuchpoorattire,
must,Iexpect,benooneelsethantheman,whosenameisChiaYts'unorsuchlike,timeaftertimereferredto
bymymaster,andtowhomhehasrepeatedlywishedtogiveahelpinghand,buthasfailedtofindafavourable
opportunity.Andasrelatedtoourfamilythereisnoconnexionorfriendinsuchstraits,Ifeelcertainitcannotbe
anyotherpersonthanhe.Strangetosay,mymasterhasfurtherremarkedthatthismanwill,foracertainty,not
alwayscontinueinsuchastateofdestitution."
Assheindulgedinthistrainofthought,shecouldnotrestrainherselffromturningherheadroundonceortwice.
WhenYts'unperceivedthatshehadlookedback,hereadilyinterpreteditasasignthatinherhearther
thoughtshadbeenofhim,andhewasfranticwithirrepressiblejoy.
"Thisgirl,"hemused,"is,nodoubt,keeneyedandeminentlyshrewd,andoneinthisworldwhohasseen
throughme."

Theservantyouth,afterashorttime,cameintotheroomandwhenYts'unmadeinquiriesandfoundoutfrom
himthattheguestsinthefrontparlourhadbeendetainedtodinner,hecouldnotverywellwaitanylonger,and
promptlywalkedawaydownasidepassageandoutofabackdoor.
Whentheguestshadtakentheirleave,ShihyindidnotgobacktorejoinYts'un,ashehadcometoknowthat
hehadalreadyleft.
IntimethemidautumnfestivitiesdrewnearandShihyin,afterthefamilybanquetwasover,hadaseparate
tablelaidinthelibrary,andcrossedover,inthemoonlight,asfarasthetempleandinvitedYts'untocome
round.
ThefactisthatYts'un,eversincethedayonwhichhehadseenthegirloftheChenfamilyturntwiceroundto
glanceathim,flatteredhimselfthatshewasfriendlydisposedtowardshim,andincessantlyfosteredfond
thoughtsofherinhisheart.Andonthisday,whichhappenedtobethemidautumnfeast,hecouldnot,ashe
gazedatthemoon,refrainfromcherishingherremembrance.Henceitwasthathegaveventtothesepentameter
verses:
Alas!notyetdivinedmylifelongwish,
Andanguishceaselesscomesuponanguish
Icame,andsadatheart,mybrowIfrowned
Shewent,andoftherheadtolookturnedround.
Facingthebreeze,hershadowshedothwatch,
Who'smeetthismoonlightnightwithhertomatch?
Thelustrousraysiftheymywishbutread
Wouldsoonalightuponherbeauteoushead!
Yts'unhaving,afterthisrecitation,recalledagaintomindhowthatthroughouthislifetimehisliterary
attainmentshadhadanadversefateandnotmetwithanopportunity(ofreapingdistinction),wentontorubhis
brow,andasheraisedhiseyestotheskies,heheavedadeepsighandoncemoreintonedacoupletaloud:
Thegeminthecaskahighpriceitseeks,
Thepininthecasetotakewingitwaits.
Asluckwouldhaveit,Shihyinwasatthemomentapproaching,anduponhearingthelines,hesaidwitha
smile:"MydearYts'un,reallyyourattainmentsareofnoordinarycapacity."
Yts'unlostnotimeinsmilingandreplying."Itwouldbepresumptioninmyparttothinkso,"heobserved."I
wassimplyatrandomhummingafewversescomposedbyformerwriters,andwhatreasonistheretolaudme
tosuchanexcessivedegree?Towhat,mydearSir,doIowethepleasureofyourvisit?"hewentontoinquire.
"Tonight,"repliedShihyin,"isthemidautumnfeast,generallyknownasthefullmoonfestivalandasIcould
nothelpthinkingthatliving,asyoumyworthybrotherare,asamerestrangerinthisBuddhisttemple,you
couldnotbutexperiencethefeelingofloneliness.Ihave,fortheexpresspurpose,preparedasmall
entertainment,andwillbepleasedifyouwillcometomymeanabodetohaveaglassofwine.ButIwonder
whetheryouwillentertainfavourablymymodestinvitation?"Yts'un,afterlisteningtotheproposal,put
forwardnorefusalofanysortbutremarkedcomplacently:"Beingtherecipientofsuchmarkedattention,how
canIpresumetorepelyourgenerousconsideration?"
Ashegaveexpressiontothesewords,hewalkedoffthereandthen,incompanywithShihyin,andcameover
onceagainintothecourtinfrontofthelibrary.Inafewminutes,teawasover.
Thecupsanddisheshadbeenlaidfromanearlyhour,andneedlesstosaythewineswerelusciousthefare
sumptuous.
Thetwofriendstooktheirseats.Atfirsttheyleisurelyreplenishedtheirglasses,andquietlysippedtheirwine
butas,littlebylittle,theyenteredintoconversation,theirgoodcheergrewmoregenial,andunawaresthe

glassesbegantoflyround,andthecupstobeexchanged.
Atthisveryhour,ineveryhouseoftheneighbourhood,soundedthefifeandlute,whiletheinmatesindulgedin
musicandsinging.Abovehead,theorboftheradiantmoonshonewithanallpervadingsplendour,andwitha
steadylustrouslight,whilethetwofriends,astheirexuberanceincreased,drainedtheircupsdrysosoonasthey
reachedtheirlips.
Yts'un,atthisstageofthecollation,wasconsiderablyundertheinfluenceofwine,andthevehemenceofhis
highspiritswasirrepressible.Ashegazedatthemoon,hefosteredthoughts,towhichhegaveventbytherecital
ofadoublecouplet.
'Tiswhattimethreemeetsfive,Seleneisaglobe!
Herpureraysfillthecourt,thejadelikerailsenrobe!
Lo!intheheavensherdisktoviewdothnowarise,
Andintheearthbelowtogazemenlifttheireyes.
"Excellent!"criedShihyinwithaloudvoice,afterhehadheardtheselines"Ihaverepeatedlymaintainedthat
itwasimpossibleforyoutoremainlonginferiortoany,andnowtheversesyouhaverecitedareaprognosticof
yourrapidadvancement.Alreadyitisevidentthat,beforelong,youwillextendyourfootstepsfarabovethe
clouds!Imustcongratulateyou!Imustcongratulateyou!Letme,withmyownhands,pouraglassofwineto
payyoumycompliments."
Yts'undrainedthecup."WhatIamabouttosay,"heexplainedashesuddenlyheavedasigh,"isnotthe
maudlintalkofamanundertheeffectsofwine.Asfarasthesubjectsatpresentsetintheexaminationsgo,I
could,perchance,alsohavewellbeenabletoenterthelist,andtosendinmynameasacandidatebutIhave,
justnow,nomeanswhatevertomakeprovisionforluggageandfortravellingexpenses.Thedistancetooto
ShenChingisalongone,andIcouldnotdependuponthesaleofpapersorthecompositionofessaystofindthe
meansofgettingthere."
Shihyingavehimnotimetoconclude."Whydidyounotspeakaboutthissooner?"heinterposedwithhaste."I
havelongentertainedthissuspicionbutas,wheneverImetyou,thisconversationwasneverbroached,Ididnot
presumetomakemyselfofficious.Butifsuchbethestateofaffairsjustnow,Ilack,Iadmit,literary
qualification,butonthetwosubjectsoffriendlyspiritandpecuniarymeans,Ihave,nevertheless,some
experience.Moreover,Irejoicethatnextyearisjusttheseasonforthetriennialexaminations,andyoushould
startforthecapitalwithalldespatchandinthetriposnextspring,youwill,bycarryingtheprize,beabletodo
justicetotheproficiencyyoucanboastof.Asregardsthetravellingexpensesandtheotheritems,theprovision
ofeverythingnecessaryforyoubymyownselfwillagainnotrendernugatoryyourmeanacquaintancewith
me."
Forthwith,hedirectedaservantladtogoandpackupatoncefiftytaelsofpuresilverandtwosuitsofwinter
clothes.
"Thenineteenth,"hecontinued,"isapropitiousday,andyoushouldlosenotimeinhiringaboatandstartingon
yourjourneywestwards.Andwhen,byyoureminenttalents,youshallhavesoaredhightoaloftyposition,and
wemeetagainnextwinter,willnottheoccasionbeextremelyfelicitous?"
Yts'unacceptedthemoneyandclotheswithbutscantyexpressionofgratitude.Infact,hepaidnothought
whatevertothegifts,butwenton,againdrinkinghiswine,ashechatteredandlaughed.
ItwasonlywhenthethirdwatchofthatdayhadalreadystruckthatthetwofriendspartedcompanyandShih
yin,afterseeingYts'unoff,retiredtohisroomandslept,withonesleepallthrough,neverwakinguntilthe
sunwaswellupintheskies.
Rememberingtheoccurrenceofthepreviousnight,hemeanttowriteacoupleoflettersofrecommendationfor
Yts'untotakealongwithhimtothecapital,toenablehim,afterhandingthemoveratthemansionsofcertain

officials,tofindsomeplaceasatemporaryhome.Heaccordinglydespatchedaservanttoaskhimtocome
round,butthemanreturnedandreportedthatfromwhatthebonzesaid,"Mr.Chiahadstartedonhisjourneyto
thecapital,atthefifthwatchofthatverymorning,thathehadalsoleftamessagewiththebonzetodeliverto
you,Sir,totheeffectthatmenofletterspaidnoheedtoluckyorunluckydays,thatthesoleconsiderationwith
themwasthenatureofthematterinhand,andthathecouldfindnotimetocomeroundinpersonandbidgood
bye."
Shihyinafterhearingthismessagehadnoalternativebuttobanishthesubjectfromhisthoughts.
Incomfortablecircumstances,timeindeedgoesbywitheasystride.Soondrewnearalsothehappyfestivalof
the15thofthe1stmoon,andShihyintoldaservantHuoCh'itotakeYingLientoseethesacrificialfiresand
flowerylanterns.
Aboutthemiddleofthenight,HuoCh'iwashardpressed,andheforthwithsetYingLiendownonthedoorstep
ofacertainhouse.Whenhefeltrelieved,hecamebacktotakeherup,butfailedtofindanywhereanytraceof
YingLien.Inaterribleplight,HuoCh'iprosecutedhissearchthroughouthalfthenightbutevenbythedawnof
day,hehadnotdiscoveredanyclueofherwhereabouts.HuoCh'i,lacking,ontheotherhand,thecouragetogo
backandfacehismaster,promptlymadehisescapetohisnativevillage.
Shihyininfact,thehusbandaswellasthewifeseeingthattheirchildhadnotcomehomeduringthewhole
night,readilyconcludedthatsomemishapmusthavebefallenher.Hastilytheydespatchedseveralservantstogo
insearchofher,butoneandallreturnedtoreportthattherewasneithervestigenortidingsofher.
Thiscouplehadonlyhadthischild,andthisatthemeridianoftheirlife,sothathersuddendisappearance
plungedtheminsuchgreatdistressthatdayandnighttheymournedherlosstosuchapointastowellnighpay
noheedtotheirverylives.
Amonthinnotimewentby.Shihyinwasthefirsttofallill,andhiswife,DameFeng,likewise,bydintof
frettingforherdaughter,wasalsoprostratedwithsickness.Thedoctorwas,dayafterday,sentfor,andthe
oracleconsultedbymeansofdivination.
Littledidanyonethinkthatonthisday,beingthe15thofthe3rdmoon,whilethesacrificialoblationswere
beingpreparedintheHuLutemple,apanwithoilwouldhavecaughtfire,throughthewantofcareonthepart
ofthebonze,andthatinashorttimetheflameswouldhaveconsumedthepaperpastedonthewindows.
Amongthenativesofthisdistrictbamboofencesandwoodenpartitionswereingeneraluse,andthesetoo
provedasourceofcalamitysoordainedbyfate(toconsummatethisdecree).
Withpromptness(thefire)extendedtotwobuildings,thenenvelopedthree,thendraggedfour(intoruin),and
thenspreadtofivehouses,untilthewholestreetwasinablaze,resemblingtheflamesofavolcano.Though
boththemilitaryandthepeopleatoncerantotherescue,thefirehadalreadyassumedaserioushold,sothatit
wasimpossibleforthemtoaffordanyeffectiveassistanceforitssuppression.
Itblazedawaystraightthroughthenight,beforeitwasextinguished,andconsumed,thereisinfactnosaying
howmanydwellinghouses.Anyhow,pitifultorelate,theChenhouse,situatedasitwasnextdoortothetemple,
was,atanearlypartoftheevening,reducedtoaheapoftilesandbricksandnothingbutthelivesofthatcouple
andseveralinmatesofthefamilydidnotsustainanyinjuries.
Shihyinwasindespair,butallhecoulddowastostamphisfeetandheavedeepsighs.Afterconsultingwithhis
wife,theybetookthemselvestoafarmoftheirs,wheretheytookuptheirquarterstemporarily.Butasit
happenedthatwaterhadoflateyearsbeenscarce,andnocropsbeenreaped,robbersandthieveshadsprungup
likebees,andthoughtheGovernmenttroopswerebentupontheircapture,itwasanyhowdifficulttosettle
downquietlyonthefarm.Hethereforehadnootherresourcethantoconvert,ataloss,thewholeofhisproperty
intomoney,andtotakehiswifeandtwoservantgirlsandcomeoverforsheltertothehouseofhisfatherinlaw.

Hisfatherinlaw,FengSu,byname,wasanativeofTaJuChou.Althoughonlyalabourer,hewasnevertheless
ineasycircumstancesathome.Whenheonthisoccasionsawhissoninlawcometohiminsuchdistress,he
forthwithfeltatheartconsiderabledispleasure.FortunatelyShihyinhadstillinhispossessionthemoney
derivedfromtheunprofitablerealizationofhisproperty,sothatheproducedandhandedittohisfatherinlaw,
commissioninghimtopurchase,wheneverasuitableopportunitypresenteditself,ahouseandlandasa
provisionforfoodandraimentagainstdaystocome.ThisFengSu,however,onlyexpendedthehalfofthesum,
andpocketedtheotherhalf,merelyacquiringforhimsomefallowlandandadilapidatedhouse.
Shihyinbeing,ontheotherhand,amanofbooksandwithnoexperienceinmattersconnectedwithbusiness
andwithsowingandreaping,subsisted,byhookandbycrook,foraboutayearortwo,whenhebecamemore
impoverished.
Inhispresence,FengSuwouldreadilygiveventtospeciousutterances,while,withothers,andbehindhisback,
heonthecontraryexpressedhisindignationagainsthisimprovidenceinhismodeofliving,andagainsthissole
delightofeatingandplayingthelazy.
Shihyin,awareofthewantofharmonywithhisfatherinlaw,couldnothelpgivingway,inhisownheart,to
feelingsofregretandpain.Inadditiontothis,thefrightandvexationwhichhehadundergonetheyearbefore,
theanguishandsuffering(hehadhadtoendure),hadalreadyworkedhavoc(onhisconstitution)andbeinga
manadvancedinyears,andassailedbythejointattackofpovertyanddisease,heatlengthgraduallybeganto
displaysymptomsofdecline.
Strangecoincidence,ashe,onthisday,cameleaningonhisstaffandwithconsiderablestrain,asfarasthestreet
foralittlerelaxation,hesuddenlycaughtsight,approachingfromtheoffside,ofaTaoistpriestwithacrippled
foothismaniacappearancesorepulsive,hisshoesofstraw,hisdressallintatters,mutteringseveralsentiments
tothiseffect:
Allmenspirituallifeknowtobegood,
Butfametodisregardtheyne'ersucceed!
Fromoldtillnowthestatesmenwherearethey?
Wastelietheirgraves,aheapofgrass,extinct.
Allmenspirituallifeknowtobegood,
Buttoforgetgold,silver,illsucceed!
Throughlifetheygrudgetheirhoardingstobescant,
Andwhenplentyhascome,theireyelidsclose.
Allmenspirituallifeholdtobegood,
Yettoforgetwives,maids,theyne'ersucceed!
Whospeakofgratefullovewhilelivestheirlord,
Anddeadtheirlord,anothertheypursue.
Allmenspirituallifeknowtobegood,
Butsonsandgrandsonstoforgetneversucceed!
Fromoldtillnowofparentssoftmany,
Butfilialsonsandgrandsonswhohaveseen?
Shihyinuponhearingthesewords,hastilycameuptothepriest,"Whatwereyousogliblyholdingforth?"he
inquired."AllIcouldhearwerealotofhaoliao(excellent,finality.")
"Youmaywellhaveheardthetwowords'haoliao,'"answeredtheTaoistwithasmile,"butcanyoubesaidto
havefathomedtheirmeaning?Youshouldknowthatallthingsinthisworldareexcellent,whentheyhave
attainedfinalitywhentheyhaveattainedfinality,theyareexcellentbutwhentheyhavenotattainedfinality,
theyarenotexcellentiftheywouldbeexcellent,theyshouldattainfinality.MysongisentitledExcellent
finality(haoliao)."
Shihyinwasgiftedwithanaturalperspicacitythatenabledhim,assoonasheheardtheseremarks,tograsp
theirspirit.

"Waitawhile,"hethereforesaidsmilingly"letmeunravelthisexcellentfinalitysongofyoursdoyoumind?"
"Pleasebyallmeansgoonwiththeinterpretation,"urgedtheTaoistwhereuponShihyinproceededinthis
strain:
Sordidroomsandvacantcourts,
Repleteinyearsgonebywithbedswherestatesmenlay
Parchedgrassandwitheredbaniantrees,
Whereoncewerehallsforsonganddance!
Spiders'websthecarvedpillarsintertwine,
Thegreengauzenowisalsopastedonthestrawwindows!
Whataboutthecosmeticfreshconcoctedorthepowderjustscented
Whyhasthehairtoooneachtemplebecomewhitelikehoarfrost!
Yesterdaythetumulusofyellowearthburiedthebleachedbones,
Tonightundertheredsilkcurtainreclinesthecouple!
Goldfillsthecoffers,silverfillstheboxes,
Butinatwinkle,thebeggarswillallabuseyou!
Whileyoudeplorethatthelifeofothersisnotlong,
Youforgetthatyouyourselfareapproachingdeath!
Youeducateyoursonswithallpropriety,
Buttheymaysomeday,'tishardtosaybecomethieves
Thoughyouchoose(yourfareandhome)thefattedbeam,
Youmay,whocansay,fallintosomeplaceofeasyvirtue!
Throughyourdislikeofthegauzehatasmean,
Youhavecometobelockedinacangue
Yesterday,poorfellow,youfeltcoldinatatteredcoat,
Today,youdespisethepurpleembroidereddressaslong!
Confusionreignsfarandwide!youhavejustsungyourpart,Icomeon
theboards,
Insteadofyours,yourecogniseanotherasyournativeland
Whatutterperversion!
Inoneword,itcomestothiswemakeweddingclothesforothers!
(Wesowforotherstoreap.)
ThecrazylimpingTaoistclappedhishands."Yourinterpretationisexplicit,"heremarkedwithaheartylaugh,
"yourinterpretationisexplicit!"
Shihyinpromptlysaidnothingmorethan,"Walkon"andseizingthestolefromtheTaoist'sshoulder,he
flungitoverhisown.Hedidnot,however,returnhome,butleisurelywalkedaway,incompanywiththe
eccentricpriest.
Thereportofhisdisappearancewasatoncebruitedabroad,andplungedthewholeneighbourhoodin
commotionandconvertedintoapieceofnews,itwascirculatedfrommouthtomouth.
DameFeng,Shihyin'swife,uponhearingthetidings,hadsuchafitofweepingthatshehungbetweenlifeand
deathbutheronlyalternativewastoconsultwithherfather,andtodespatchservantsonallsidestoinstitute
inquiries.Nonewswashoweverreceivedofhim,andshehadnothingelsetodobuttopractiseresignation,and
toremaindependentuponthesupportofherparentsforhersubsistence.Shehadfortunatelystillbyherside,to
waituponher,twoservantgirls,whohadbeenwithherindaysgonebyandthethreeofthem,mistressaswell
asservants,occupiedthemselvesdayandnightwithneedlework,toassistherfatherinhisdailyexpenses.
ThisFengSuhadafterall,inspiteofhisdailymurmuringsagainsthisbadluck,nohelpbuttosubmittothe
inevitable.

Onacertainday,theelderservantgirloftheChenfamilywasatthedoorpurchasingthread,andwhilethere,
sheofasuddenheardinthestreetshoutsofrunnersclearingtheway,andeveryoneexplainthatthenew
magistratehadcometotakeuphisoffice.
Thegirl,asshepeepedoutfrominsidethedoor,perceivedthelictorsandpolicemengobytwobytwoand
whenunexpectedlyinastatechair,wascarriedpastanofficial,inblackhatandredcoat,shewasindeedquite
takenaback.
"Thefaceofthisofficerwouldseemfamiliar,"shearguedwithinherself"justasifIhadseenhimsomewhere
orothererethis."
Shortlysheenteredthehouse,andbanishingatoncetheoccurrencefromhermind,shedidnotgiveitasecond
thought.Atnight,however,whileshewaswaitingtogotobed,shesuddenlyheardasoundlikearapatthe
door.Abandofmenboisterouslycriedout:"Wearemessengers,deputedbytheworthymagistrateofthis
district,andcometosummononeofyoutoanenquiry."
FengSu,uponhearingthesewords,fellintosuchaterribleconsternationthathiseyesstaredwideandhismouth
gaped.
Whatcalamitywasimpendingisnotasyetascertained,but,reader,listentotheexplanationcontainedinthe
nextchapter.

CHAPTERII.
ThespiritofMrs.ChiaShihyindepartsfromthetownofYangChou.
LengTzuhsingdilatesupontheJungKuoMansion.
Tocontinue.FengSu,uponhearingtheshoutsofthepublicmessengers,cameoutinaflurryandforcinga
smile,heaskedthemtoexplain(theirerrand)butallthesepeopledidwastocontinuebawlingout:"Bequick,
andaskMr.Chentocomeout."
"MysurnameisFeng,"saidFengSu,ashepromptlyforcedhimselftosmile"Itis'ntChenatall:Ihadoncea
soninlawwhosesurnamewasChen,buthehaslefthome,itisnowalreadyayearortwoback.Isitperchance
abouthimthatyouareinquiring?"
Towhichthepublicservantsremarked:"WeknownothingaboutChenorChia(trueorfalse)butasheisyour
soninlaw,we'lltakeyouatoncealongwithustomakeverbalanswertoourmasterandhavedonewithit."
AndforthwiththewholebevyofpublicservantshustledFengSuon,astheywentontheirwaybackwhile
everyoneintheFengfamilywasseizedwithconsternation,andcouldnotimaginewhatitwasallabout.
Itwasnoearlierthanthesecondwatch,whenFengSureturnedhomeandthey,oneandall,pressedhimwith
questionsastowhathadhappened.
"Thefactis,"heexplained,"thenewlyappointedMagistrate,whosesurnameisChia,whosenameisHuoand
whoisanativeofHuchow,hasbeenonintimateterms,inyearsgoneby,withoursoninlawthatatthesight
ofthegirlChiaoHsing,standingatthedoor,intheactofbuyingthread,heconcludedthathemusthaveshifted
hisquartersoverhere,andhenceitwasthathismessengerscametofetchhim.Igavehimaclearaccountofthe
variouscircumstances(ofhismisfortunes),andtheMagistratewasforatimemuchdistressedandexpressedhis

regret.Hethenwentontomakeinquiriesaboutmygranddaughter,andIexplainedthatshehadbeenlost,while
lookingattheilluminations.'Nomatter,'putintheMagistrate,'Iwillbyandbyordermymentomakesearch,
andIfeelcertainthattheywillfindherandbringherback.'Thenensuedashortconversation,afterwhichIwas
abouttogo,whenhepresentedmewiththesumoftwotaels."
ThemistressoftheChenfamily(Mrs.ChenShihyin)couldnotbutfeelverymuchaffectedbywhatsheheard,
andthewholeeveningsheutterednotaword.
Thenextday,atanearlyhour,Yts'unsentsomeofhismentobringovertoChen'swifepresents,consistingof
twopacketsofsilver,andfourpiecesofbrocadedsilk,asatokenofgratitude,andtoFengSualsoaconfidential
letter,requestinghimtoaskofMrs.ChenhermaidChiaoHsingtobecomehissecondwife.
FengSuwassointenselydelightedthathiseyebrowsexpanded,hiseyessmiled,andhefelteagertotoadytothe
Magistrate(bypresentingthegirltohim).Hehastenedtoemployallhispersuasivepowerswithhisdaughter(to
furtherhispurpose),andonthesameeveningheforthwithescortedChiaoHsinginasmallchairtotheYamn.
ThejoyexperiencedbyYts'unneednotbedilatedupon.HealsopresentedFengSuwithapacketcontaining
onehundredouncesofgoldandsentnumerousvaluablepresentstoMrs.Chen,enjoiningher"tolivecheerfully
intheanticipationoffindingoutthewhereaboutsofherdaughter."
Itmustbeexplained,however,thatthemaidChi'aoHsingwastheveryperson,who,afewyearsago,had
lookedroundatYts'unandwho,byonesimple,unpremeditatedglance,evolved,infact,thisextraordinary
destinywhichwasindeedaneventbeyondconception.
Whowouldeverhaveforeseenthatfateandfortunewouldbothhavesofavouredherthatsheshould,contrary
toallanticipation,givebirthtoason,afterlivingwithYts'unbarelyayear,thatinadditiontothis,afterthe
lapseofanotherhalfyear,Yts'un'swifeshouldhavecontractedasuddenillnessanddepartedthislife,andthat
Yts'unshouldhaveatonceraisedhertotherankoffirstwife.Herdestinyisadequatelyexpressedbythe
lines:
Throughbutonesingle,casuallook
Soonanexaltedplaceshetook.
ThefactisthatafterYts'unhadbeenpresentedwiththemoneybyShihyin,hepromptlystartedonthe16th
dayforthecapital,andatthetriennialgreattripos,hiswishesweregratifiedtothefull.Havingsuccessfully
carriedoffhisdegreeofgraduateofthethirdrank,hisnamewasputbyselectiononthelistforprovincial
appointments.Bythistime,hehadbeenraisedtotherankofMagistrateinthisdistrictbut,inspiteofthe
excellenceandsufficiencyofhisaccomplishmentsandabilities,hecouldnotescapebeingambitiousand
overbearing.Hefailedbesides,confidentashewasinhisownmerits,inrespecttowardhissuperiors,withthe
resultthattheseofficialslookeduponhimscornfullywiththecorneroftheeye.
Ayearhadhardlyelapsed,whenhewasreadilydenouncedinamemorialtotheThronebytheHighProvincial
authorities,whorepresentedthathewasofahaughtydisposition,thathehadtakenuponhimselftointroduce
innovationsintheritesandceremonies,thatovertly,whileheendeavouredtoenjoythereputationofprobityand
uprightness,he,secretly,combinedthenatureofthetigerandwolfwiththeconsequencethathehadbeenthe
causeofmuchtroubleinthedistrict,andthathehadmadelifeintolerableforthepeople,&c.&c.
TheDragoncountenanceoftheEmperorwasconsiderablyincensed.HisMajestylostnotimeinissuing
commands,inreplytotheMemorial,thatheshouldbedeprivedofhisofficialstatus.
OnthearrivalofthedespatchfromtheBoard,greatwasthejoyfeltbyeveryofficer,withoutexception,ofthe
prefectureinwhichhehadheldoffice.Yts'un,thoughatheartintenselymortifiedandincensed,betrayednot
theleastoutwardsymptomofannoyance,butstillpreserved,asofold,asmilingandcheerfulcountenance.

Hehandedoverchargeofallofficialbusinessandremovedthesavingswhichhehadaccumulatedduringthe
severalyearshehadbeeninoffice,hisfamilyandallhischattelstohisoriginalhomewhere,afterhavingput
everythinginproperorder,hehimselftravelled(carriedthewindsandsleevedthemoon)farandwide,visiting
everyrelicofnoteinthewholeEmpire.
Asluckwouldhaveit,onacertaindaywhilemakingasecondjourneythroughtheWeiYangdistrict,heheard
thenewsthattheSaltCommissionerappointedthisyearwasLinJuhai.ThisLinJuhai'sfamilynamewasLin,
hisnameHaiandhisstyleJuhai.Hehadobtainedthethirdplaceintheprevioustriennialexamination,andhad,
bythistime,alreadyrisentotherankofDirectoroftheCourtofCensors.HewasanativeofKSu.Hehad
beenrecentlynamedbyImperialappointmentaCensorattachedtotheSaltInspectorate,andhadarrivedathis
postonlyashortwhileback.
Infact,theancestorsofLinJuhaihad,fromyearsback,successivelyinheritedthetitleofMarquis,whichrank,
byitspresentdescenttoJuhai,hadalreadybeenenjoyedbyfivegenerations.Whenfirstconferred,the
hereditaryrighttothetitlehadbeenlimitedtothreegenerationsbutoflateyears,byanactofmagnanimous
favourandgenerousbeneficence,extraordinarybountyhadbeensuperaddedandonthearrivalofthe
successiontothefatherofJuhai,therighthadbeenextendedtoanotherdegree.IthadnowdescendedtoJuhai,
whohad,besidesthistitleofnobility,begunhiscareerasasuccessfulgraduate.Butthoughhisfamilyhadbeen
throughuninterruptedagestherecipientofimperialbounties,hiskindredhadallbeenanyhowmenofculture.
TheonlymisfortunehadbeenthattheseveralbranchesoftheLinfamilyhadnotbeenprolific,sothatthe
numbersofitsmemberscontinuedlimitedandthoughthereexistedseveralhouseholds,theywereallhowever
toJuhainocloserrelativesthanfirstcousins.Neitherwerethereanyconnectionsofthesamelineage,orofthe
sameparentage.
Juhaiwasatthisdatepastfortyandhadonlyhadason,whohaddiedthepreviousyear,inthethirdyearofhis
age.Thoughhehadseveralhandmaids,hehadnothadthegoodfortuneofhavinganothersonbutthiswastoo
amatterthatcouldnotberemedied.
Byhiswife,neChia,hehadadaughter,towhomtheinfantnameofTaiYwasgiven.Shewas,atthistime,in
herfifthyear.Uponhertheparentsdoatedasmuchasifshewereabrilliantpearlinthepalmoftheirhand.
Seeingthatshewasendowedwithnaturalgiftsofintelligenceandgoodlooks,theyalsofeltsolicitoustobestow
uponheracertainknowledgeofbooks,withnootherpurposethanthatofsatisfying,bythisillusoryway,their
wishesofhavingasontonurtureandofdispellingtheanguishfeltbythem,onaccountofthedesolationand
voidintheirfamilycircle(roundtheirknees).
Buttoproceed.Yts'un,whilesojourningataninn,wasunexpectedlylaidupwithaviolentchill.Findingon
hisrecovery,thathisfundswerenotsufficienttopayhisexpenses,hewasthinkingoflookingoutforsome
housewherehecouldfindarestingplacewhenhesuddenlycameacrosstwofriendsacquaintedwiththenew
SaltCommissioner.Knowingthatthisofficialwasdesiroustofindatutortoinstructhisdaughter,theylostno
timeinrecommendingYts'un,whomovedintotheYamn.
Hisfemalepupilwasyouthfulinyearsanddelicateinphysique,sothatherlessonswereirregular.Besides
herself,therewereonlytwowaitinggirls,whoremainedinattendanceduringthehoursofstudy,sothatY
ts'unwassparedconsiderabletroubleandhadasuitableopportunitytoattendtotheimprovementofhishealth.
Inatwinkle,anotheryearandmoreslippedby,andwhenleastexpected,themotherofhisward,neChia,was
carriedawayafterashortillness.Hispupil(duringhermother'ssickness)wasdutifulinherattendance,and
preparedthemedicinesforheruse.(Andafterherdeath,)shewentintothedeepestmourningprescribedbythe
rites,andgavewaytosuchexcessofgriefthat,naturallydelicateasshewas,heroldcomplaint,onthisaccount,
brokeoutanew.
Beingunableforaconsiderabletimetoprosecuteherstudies,Yts'unlivedatleisureandhadnodutiesto
attendto.Wheneverthereforethewindwasgenialandthesunmild,hewaswonttostrollatrandom,afterhe
haddonewithhismeals.

Onthisparticularday,he,bysomeaccident,extendedhiswalkbeyondthesuburbs,anddesiroustocontemplate
thenatureoftherusticscenery,he,withlistlessstep,cameuptoaspotencircledbyhillsandstreamingpools,
byluxuriantclumpsoftreesandthickgrovesofbamboos.Nestlinginthedensefoliagestoodatemple.The
doorsandcourtswereinruins.Thewalls,innerandouter,indisrepair.Aninscriptiononatablettestifiedthat
thiswasthetempleofSpiritualPerception.Onthesidesofthedoorwasalsoapairofoldanddilapidatedscrolls
withthefollowingenigmaticalverses.
Behindamplethereis,yettoretractthehand,themindheedsnot,
until.
Beforethemortalvisionliesnopath,whencomestoturnthewill.
"Thesetwosentences,"Yts'unponderedafterperusal,"althoughsimpleinlanguage,areprofoundin
signification.Ihaveprevioustothisvisitedmanyaspacioustemple,locatedonhillsofnote,butneverhaveI
beheldaninscriptionreferringtoanythingofthekind.Themeaningcontainedinthesewordsmust,Ifeel
certain,owetheirorigintotheexperiencesofsomepersonorotherbutthere'snosaying.ButwhyshouldInot
goinandinquireformyself?"
Uponwalkingin,heataglancecaughtsightofnooneelse,butofaveryagedbonze,ofunkemptappearance,
cookinghisrice.WhenYts'unperceivedthathepaidnonotice,hewentuptohimandaskedhimoneortwo
questions,butastheoldpriestwasdullofhearingandadotard,andashehadlosthisteeth,andhistonguewas
blunt,hemademostirrelevantreplies.
Yts'unlostallpatiencewithhim,andwithdrewagainfromthecompoundwiththeintentionofgoingasfaras
thevillagepublichousetohaveadrinkortwo,soastoenhancetheenjoymentoftherusticscenery.Witheasy
stride,heaccordinglywalkeduptotheplace.Scarcelyhadhepassedthethresholdofthepublichouse,whenhe
perceivedsomeoneorotheramongthevisitorswhohadbeensittingsippingtheirwineonthedivan,jumpup
andcomeuptogreethim,withafacebeamingwithlaughter.
"Whatastrangemeeting!Whatastrangemeeting!"heexclaimedaloud.
Yts'unspeedilylookedathim,(andremembered)thatthispersonhad,inpastdays,carriedonbusinessina
curioestablishmentinthecapital,andthathissurnamewasLengandhisstyleTzuhsing.
Amutualfriendshiphadexistedbetweenthemduringtheirsojourn,indaysofyore,inthecapitalandasY
ts'unhadentertainedthehighestopinionofLengTzuhsing,asbeingamanofactionandofgreatabilities,
whilethisLengTzuhsing,ontheotherhand,borrowedofthereputationofrefinementenjoyedbyYts'un,the
twohadconsequentlyallalonglivedinperfectharmonyandcompanionship.
"Whendidyougethere?"Yts'uneagerlyinquiredalsosmilingly."Iwasn'tintheleastawareofyourarrival.
Thisunexpectedmeetingispositivelyastrangepieceofgoodfortune."
"Iwenthome,"Tzuhsingreplied,"aboutthecloseoflastyear,butnowasIamagainboundtothecapital,I
passedthroughhereonmywaytolookupafriendofmineandtalksomemattersover.Hehadthekindnessto
pressmetostaywithhimforacoupleofdayslonger,andasIafterallhavenourgentbusinesstoattendto,Iam
tarryingafewdays,butpurposestartingaboutthemiddleofthemoon.Myfriendisbusytoday,soIroamed
listlesslyasfarashere,neverdreamingofsuchafortunatemeeting."
Whilespeaking,hemadeYts'unsitdownatthesametable,andorderedafreshsupplyofwineandeatables
andasthetwofriendschattedofonethingandanother,theyslowlysippedtheirwine.
Theconversationranonwhathadoccurredaftertheseparation,and
Yts'uninquired,"Isthereanynewsofanykindinthecapital?"
"There'snothingnewwhatever,"answeredTzuhsing."Thereisonethinghowever:inthefamilyofoneofyour
worthykinsmen,ofthesamenameasyourself,atrifling,butyetremarkable,occurrencehastakenplace."

"Noneofmykindredresideinthecapital,"rejoinedYts'unwithasmile."Towhatcanyoubealluding?"
"Howcanitbethatyoupeoplewhohavethesamesurnamedonotbelongtooneclan?"remarkedTzuhsing,
sarcastically.
"Inwhosefamily?"inquiredYts'un.
"TheChiafamily,"repliedTzuhsingsmiling,"whosequartersareintheJungKuoMansion,doesnotafterall
reflectdiscredituponthelintelofyourdoor,myvenerablefriend."
"What!"exclaimedYts'un,"didthisaffairtakeplaceinthatfamily?Werewetobeginreckoning,wewould
findthemembersofmyclantobeanythingbutlimitedinnumber.SincethetimeofourancestorChiaFu,who
livedwhiletheEasternHandynastyoccupiedtheThrone,thebranchesofourfamilyhavebeennumerousand
flourishingtheyarenowtobefoundineverysingleprovince,andwhocould,withanyaccuracy,ascertaintheir
whereabouts?AsregardstheJungkuobranchinparticular,theirnamesareinfactinscribedonthesameregister
asourown,butrichandexaltedastheyare,wehaveneverpresumedtoclaimthemasourrelatives,sothatwe
havebecomemoreandmoreestranged."
"Don'tmakeanysuchassertions,"Tzuhsingremarkedwithasigh,"thepresenttwomansionsofJungandNing
havebothalikealsosufferedreverses,andtheycannotcomeuptotheirstateofdaysofyore."
"Uptothisday,thesetwohouseholdsofNingandofJung,"Yts'unsuggested,"stillmaintainaverylarge
retinueofpeople,andhowcanitbethattheyhavemetwithreverses?"
"Toexplainthiswouldbeindeedalongstory,"saidLengTzuhsing."Lastyear,"continuedYts'un,"Iarrived
atChinLing,asIentertainedawishtovisittheremainsofinterestofthesixdynasties,andasIonthatday
enteredthewalledtownofShihT'ou,Ipassedbytheentranceofthatoldresidence.Ontheeastsideofthe
street,stoodtheNingKuomansiononthewesttheJungKuomansionandthesetwo,adjoiningeachotheras
theydo,coverinfactwellnighhalfofthewholelengthofthestreet.Outsidethefrontgateeverythingwas,itis
true,lonelyanddesertedbutataglanceintotheinteriorovertheenclosingwall,Iperceivedthatthehalls,
pavilions,twostoriedstructuresandporchespresentedstillamajesticandloftyappearance.Eventheflower
garden,whichextendsoverthewholeareaofthebackgrounds,withitstreesandrockeries,alsopossessedto
thatdayanairofluxurianceandfreshness,whichbetrayednosignsofaruinedordecrepidestablishment."
"Youhavehadthegoodfortuneofstartinginlifeasagraduate,"explainedTzutsingashesmiled,"andyetare
notawareofthesayingutteredbysomeoneofold:thatacentipedeevenwhendeaddoesnotliestiff.(These
families)may,accordingtoyourversion,notbeuptotheprosperityofformeryears,but,comparedwiththe
familyofanordinaryofficial,theirconditionanyhowpresentsadifference.Oflatethenumberoftheinmates
has,daybyday,beenontheincreasetheiraffairshavebecomedailymorenumerousofmastersandservants,
highandlow,wholiveineaseandrespectabilityverymanytherearebutofthosewhoexerciseany
forethought,ormakeanyprovision,thereisnotevenone.Intheirdailywants,theirextravagances,andtheir
expenditure,theyarealsounabletoadaptthemselvestocircumstancesandpractiseeconomy(sothatthough)
thepresentexternalframeworkmaynothavesufferedanyconsiderablecollapse,theirpurseshaveanyhow
beguntofeelanexhaustingprocess!Butthisisameretrifle.Thereisanothermoreseriousmatter.Wouldany
oneeverbelievethatinsuchfamiliesofofficialstatus,inaclanofeducationandculture,thesonsand
grandsonsofthepresentagewouldafterallbeeach(succeeding)generationbelowthestandardoftheformer?"
Yts'un,havinglistenedtotheseremarks,observed:"Howevercanitbepossiblethatfamiliesofsuch
educationandrefinementcanobserveanysystemoftrainingandnurturewhichisnotexcellent?Concerningthe
otherbranches,IamnotinapositiontosayanythingbutrestrictingmyselftothetwomansionsofJungand
Ning,theyarethoseinwhich,aboveallothers,theeducationoftheirchildrenismethodical."
"Iwasjustnowalludingtononeotherthanthesetwoestablishments,"Tzuhsingobservedwithasigh"butlet
metellyouall.Indaysofyore,thedukeofNingKuoandthedukeofJungKuoweretwouterinebrothers.The
Ningdukewastheelderhehadfoursons.AfterthedeathofthedukeofNingKuo,hiseldestson,ChiaTai

hua,cameintothetitle.Healsohadtwosonsbuttheeldest,whosenamewasHu,diedattheageofeightor
nineandtheonlysurvivor,thesecondson,ChiaChing,inheritedthetitle.Hiswholemindisatthistimeset
uponTaoistdoctrineshissoledelightistoburnthepillandrefinethedualpowerswhileeveryotherthought
findsnoplaceinhismind.Happily,hehad,atanearlyage,leftason,ChiaChen,behindinthelayworld,and
hisfather,engrossedashiswholeheartwaswiththeideaofattainingspirituallife,cededthesuccessionofthe
officialtitletohim.Hisparentis,besides,notwillingtoreturntotheoriginalfamilyseat,butlivesoutsidethe
wallsofthecapital,foolishlyhobnobbingwithalltheTaoistpriests.ThisMr.Chenhadalsoason,ChiaJung,
whois,atthisperiod,justinhissixteenthyear.Mr.Chinggivesatpresentnoattentiontoanythingatall,sothat
Mr.Chennaturallydevotesnotimetohisstudies,butbeingbentuponnoughtelsebutincessanthighpleasure,
hehassubversedtheorderofthingsintheNingKuomansion,andyetnoonecansummonthecouragetocome
andholdhimincheck.ButI'llnowtellyouabouttheJungmansionforyouredification.Thestrange
occurrence,towhichIalludedjustnow,cameaboutinthismanner.AfterthedemiseoftheJungduke,theeldest
son,ChiaTaishan,inheritedtherank.Hetooktohimselfaswife,thedaughterofMarquisShih,anoblefamily
ofChinLing,bywhomhehadtwosonstheelderbeingChiaShe,theyoungerChiaCheng.ThisTaiShanis
nowdeadlongagobuthiswifeisstillalive,andtheelderson,ChiaShe,succeededtothedegree.Heisaman
ofamiableandgenialdisposition,buthelikewisegivesnothoughttothedirectionofanydomesticconcern.The
secondsonChiaChengdisplayed,fromhisearlychildhood,agreatlikingforbooks,andgrewuptobecorrect
anduprightincharacter.Hisgrandfatherdoateduponhim,andwouldhavehadhimstartinlifethroughthe
arenaofpublicexaminations,but,whenleastexpected,Taishan,beingonthepointofdeath,bequeatheda
petition,whichwaslaidbeforetheEmperor.HisMajesty,outofregardforhisformerminister,issued
immediatecommandsthattheeldersonshouldinherittheestate,andfurtherinquiredhowmanysonstherewere
besideshim,allofwhomheatonceexpressedawishtobeintroducedinhisimperialpresence.HisMajesty,
moreover,displayedexceptionalfavour,andconferreduponMr.ChengthebrevetrankofsecondclassAssistant
Secretary(ofaBoard),andcommandedhimtoentertheBoardtoacquirethenecessaryexperience.Hehas
alreadynowbeenpromotedtotheofficeofsecondclassSecretary.ThisMr.Cheng'swife,neWang,firstgave
birthtoasoncalledChiaChu,whobecameaLicentiateinhisfourteenthyear.Atbarelytwenty,hemarried,but
fellillanddiedsoonafterthebirthofason.Her(Mrs.Cheng's)secondchildwasadaughter,whocameintothe
world,byastrangecoincidence,onthefirstdayoftheyear.Shehadanunexpected(pleasure)inthebirth,the
succeedingyear,ofanotherson,who,stillmoreremarkabletosay,had,atthetimeofhisbirth,apieceof
variegatedandcrystallikebrilliantjadeinhismouth,onwhichwereyetvisibletheoutlinesofseveral
characters.Now,tellme,wasnotthisanovelandstrangeoccurrence?eh?"
"Strangeindeed!"exclaimedYts'unwithasmile"butIpresumethecomingexperiencesofthisbeingwillnot
bemean."
Tzuhsinggaveafaintsmile."Oneandall,"heremarked,"entertainthesameidea.Henceitisthathismother
doatsuponhimlikeuponapreciousjewel.Onthedayofhisfirstbirthday,Mr.Chengreadilyentertainedawish
toputthebentofhisinclinationstothetest,andplacedbeforethechildallkindsofthings,withoutnumber,for
himtograspfrom.Contrarytoeveryexpectation,hescornedeveryotherobject,and,stretchingforthhishand,
hesimplytookholdofrouge,powderandafewhairpins,withwhichhebegantoplay.Mr.Chengexperienced
atoncedispleasure,ashemaintainedthatthisyouthwould,byandbye,growupintoasybarite,devotedtowine
andwomen,andforthisreasonitis,thathesoonbegantofeelnotmuchattachmentforhim.Buthis
grandmotheristheonewho,inspiteofeverything,prizeshimlikethebreathofherownlife.Theverymention
ofwhathappenedisevenstrange!Heisnowgrownuptobesevenoreightyearsold,and,although
exceptionallywilful,inintelligenceandprecocity,however,notoneinahundredcouldcomeuptohim!Andas
fortheutterancesofthischild,theyarenolessremarkable.Thebonesandfleshofwoman,heargues,aremade
ofwater,whilethoseofmanofmud.'Womentomyeyesarepureandpleasing,'hesays,'whileatthesightof
man,Ireadilyfeelhowcorrupt,foulandrepellingtheyare!'Nowtellme,arenotthesewordsridiculous?There
canbenodoubtwhateverthathewillbyandbyeturnouttobealicentiousrou."
Yts'un,whosecountenancesuddenlyassumedasternair,promptlyinterruptedtheconversation."Itdoesn't
quitefollow,"hesuggested."Youpeopledon't,Iregrettosay,understandthedestinyofthischild.Thefactis
thateventheoldHanlinscholarMr.Chengwaserroneouslylookeduponasalooserakeanddissolute
debauchee!Butunlessaperson,throughmuchstudyofbooksandknowledgeofletters,soincreases(inlore)as

toattainthetalentofdiscerningthenatureofthings,andthevigourofmindtofathomtheTaoistreasonaswell
astocomprehendthefirstprinciple,heisnotinapositiontoformanyjudgment."
Tzuhsinguponperceivingtheweightyimportofwhathepropounded,"Pleaseexplain,"heaskedhastily,"the
drift(ofyourargument)."TowhichYts'unresponded:"Ofthehumanbeingscreatedbytheoperationof
heavenandearth,ifweexcludethosewhoaregiftedwithextremebenevolenceandextremeviciousness,the
rest,forthemostpart,presentnostrikingdiversity.Iftheybeextremelybenevolent,theyfallin,atthetimeof
theirbirth,withaneraofpropitiousfortunewhilethoseextremelyviciouscorrespond,atthetimeoftheir
existence,withaneraofcalamity.Whenthosewhocoexistwithpropitiousfortunecomeintolife,theworldis
inorderwhenthosewhocoexistwithunpropitiousfortunecomeintolife,theworldisindanger.Yao,Shun,
Y,Ch'engT'ang,WenWang,WuWang,ChouKung,ChaoKung,Confucius,Mencius,T'ungHu,HanHsin,
ChouTzu,Ch'engTzu,ChuTzuandChangTzuwereordainedtoseelightinanauspiciousera.WhereasCh'i
Yu,KungKung,ChiehWang,ChouWang,ShihHuang,WangMang,TsaoTs'ao,WenWen,AnHushan,Ch'in
Kueiandotherswereoneandalldestinedtocomeintotheworldduringacalamitousage.Thoseendowedwith
extremebenevolencesettheworldinorderthosepossessedofextrememaliciousnessturntheworldinto
disorder.Purity,intelligence,spiritualityandsubtletyconstitutethevitalspiritofrightwhichpervadesheaven
andearth,andthepersonsgiftedwithbenevolenceareitsnaturalfruit.Malignityandperversityconstitutethe
spiritofevil,whichpermeatesheavenandearth,andmaliciouspersonsareaffectedbyitsinfluence.Thedaysof
perpetualhappinessandeminentgoodfortune,andtheeraofperfectpeaceandtranquility,whichnowprevail,
aretheoffspringofthepure,intelligent,divineandsubtlespiritwhichascendsabove,totheveryEmperor,and
belowreachestherusticandunculturedclasses.Everyoneiswithoutexceptionunderitsinfluence.The
superfluityofthesubtlespiritexpandsfarandwide,andfindingnowheretobetakeitselfto,becomes,indue
course,transformedintodew,orgentlebreezeand,byaprocessofdiffusion,itpervadesthewholeworld.
"Thespiritofmalignityandperversity,unabletoexpandunderthebrilliantskyandtransmutingsun,eventually
coagulates,pervadesandstopsupthedeepguttersandextensivecavernsandwhenofasuddenthewind
agitatesitoritbeimpelledbytheclouds,andanyslightdisposition,onitspart,supervenestosetitselfin
motion,ortobreakitsbounds,andsolittleaseventheminutestfractiondoesunexpectedlyfindanoutlet,and
happenstocomeacrossanyspiritofperceptionandsubtletywhichmaybeatthetimepassingby,thespiritof
rightdoesnotyieldtothespiritofevil,andthespiritofevilisagainenviousofthespiritofright,sothatthetwo
donotharmonize.Justlikewind,water,thunderandlightning,which,whentheymeetinthebowelsofthe
earth,mustnecessarily,astheyarebothtodissolveandarelikewiseunabletoyield,clashandexplodetothe
endthattheymayatlengthexhaustthemselves.Henceitisthatthesespiritshavealsoforciblytodiffuse
themselvesintothehumanracetofindanoutlet,sothattheymaythencompletelydisperse,withtheresultthat
menandwomenaresuddenlyimbuedwiththesespiritsandspringintoexistence.Atbest,(thesehumanbeings)
cannotbegeneratedintophilanthropistsorperfectmenatworst,theycannotalsoembodyextremeperversityor
extremewickedness.Yetplacedamongonemillionbeings,thespiritofintelligence,refinement,perceptionand
subtletywillbeabovetheseonemillionbeingswhile,ontheotherhand,theperverse,depravedandinhuman
embodimentwilllikewisebebelowthemillionofmen.Borninanobleandwealthyfamily,thesemenwillbea
salacious,lustfullotbornofliterary,virtuousorpoorparentage,theywillturnoutretiredscholarsormenof
markthoughtheymaybysomeaccidentbeborninadestituteandpovertystrickenhome,theycannotpossibly,
infact,eversinksolowastobecomerunnersormenials,orcontentedlybrooktobeofthecommonherdorto
bedrivenandcurbedlikeahorseinharness.Theywillbecome,foracertainty,eitheractorsofnoteor
courtesansofnotorietyasinstancedinformeryearsbyHsYu,T'aoCh'ien,YuanChi,ChiKang,LiuLing,the
twofamiliesofWangandHsieh,KuHut'ou,Ch'enHouchu,T'angMinghuang,SungHuitsung,LiuT'ing
chih,WenFeiching,MeiNankung,ShihManch'ing,LuiC'hihch'ingandChinShaoyu,andexemplified
nowadaysbyNiYnlin,T'angPohu,ChuChihshan,andalsobyLiKueimen,HuangP'ancho,ChingHsin
mo,ChoWenchnandthewomenHungFu,HsiehT'ao,Ch'Ying,Ch'aoYnandothersallofwhomwere
andareofthesamestamp,thoughplacedindifferentscenesofaction."
"Fromwhatyousay,"observedTzuhsing,"successmakes(aman)adukeoramarquisruin,athief!"
"Quitesothat'sjustmyidea!"repliedYts'un"I'venotasyetletyouknowthataftermydegradationfrom
office,Ispentthelastcoupleofyearsintravellingforpleasureallovereachprovince,andthatIalsomyself

cameacrosstwoextraordinaryyouths.Thisiswhy,whenashortwhilebackyoualludedtothisPaoy,Iatonce
conjectured,withagooddealofcertainty,thathemustbeahumanbeingofthesamestamp.There'snoneedfor
metospeakofanyfartherthanthewalledcityofChinLing.ThisMr.Chenwas,byimperialappointment,
namedPrincipaloftheGovernmentPublicCollegeoftheChinLingprovince.Doyouperhapsknowhim?"
"Whodoesn'tknowhim?"remarkedTzuhsing."ThisChenfamilyisanoldconnectionoftheChiafamily.
Thesetwofamilieswereontermsofgreatintimacy,andImyselflikewiseenjoyedthepleasureoftheir
friendshipformanyaday."
"Lastyear,whenatChinLing,"Yts'uncontinuedwithasmile,"someonerecommendedmeasresidenttutor
totheschoolintheChenmansionandwhenImovedintoitIsawformyselfthestateofthings.Whowould
everthinkthatthathouseholdwasgrandandluxurioustosuchadegree!Buttheyareanaffluentfamily,and
withalfullofpropriety,sothataschoollikethiswasofcoursenotoneeasytoobtain.Thepupil,however,was,
itistrue,ayoungtyro,butfarmoretroublesometoteachthanacandidatefortheexaminationofgraduateofthe
seconddegree.WereItoenterintodetails,youwouldindeedhavealaugh.'Imustneeds,'heexplained,'have
thecompanyoftwogirlsinmystudiestoenablemetoreadatall,andtokeeplikewisemybrainclear.
Otherwise,iflefttomyself,myheadgetsallinamuddle.'Timeaftertime,hefurtherexpoundedtohisyoung
attendants,howextremelyhonourableandextremelypurewerethetwowordsrepresentingwoman,thattheyare
morevaluableandpreciousthantheauspiciousanimal,thefelicitousbird,rareflowersanduncommonplants.
'Youmaynot'(hewaswonttosay),'onanyaccountheedlesslyutterthem,yousetoffoulmouthsandfilthy
tongues!thesetwowordsareoftheutmostimport!Wheneveryouhaveoccasiontoalludetothem,youmust,
beforeyoucandosowithimpunity,takepurewaterandscentedteaandrinseyourmouths.Intheeventofany
slipofthetongue,Ishallatoncehaveyourteethextracted,andyoureyesgougedout.'Hisobstinacyand
waywardnessare,ineveryrespect,outofthecommon.Afterhewasallowedtoleaveschool,andtoreturn
home,hebecame,atthesightoftheyoungladies,sotractable,gentle,sharp,andpolite,transformed,infact,
likeoneofthem.Andthough,forthisreason,hisfatherhaspunishedhimonmorethanoneoccasion,bygiving
himasoundthrashing,suchasbroughthimtothevergeofdeath,hecannothoweverchange.Wheneverhewas
beingbeaten,andcouldnomoreendurethepain,hewaswonttopromptlybreakforthinpromiscuousloud
shouts,'Girls!girls!'Theyoungladies,whoheardhimfromtheinnerchambers,subsequentlymadefunofhim.
'Why,'theysaid,'whenyouarebeingthrashed,andyouareinpain,youronlythoughtistobawloutgirls!Isit
perchancethatyouexpectusyoungladiestogoandintercedeforyou?Howisthatyouhavenosenseof
shame?'Totheirtauntshegaveamostplausibleexplanation.'Once,'hereplied,'whenintheagonyofpain,I
gaveventtoshoutinggirls,inthehope,perchance,Ididnotthenknow,ofitsbeingabletoalleviatethe
soreness.AfterIhad,withthispurpose,givenonecry,IreallyfeltthepainconsiderablybetterandnowthatI
haveobtainedthissecretspell,Ihaverecourse,atonce,whenIamintheheightofanguish,toshoutsofgirls,
oneshoutafteranother.Nowwhatdoyousaytothis?Isn'tthisabsurd,eh?"
"Thegrandmotherissoinfatuatedbyherextremetendernessforthisyouth,that,timeaftertime,shehas,onher
grandson'saccount,foundfaultwiththetutor,andcalledhersontotask,withtheresultthatIresignedmypost
andtookmyleave.Ayouth,withadispositionsuchashis,cannotassuredlyeitherperpetuateintacttheestateof
hisfatherandgrandfather,orfollowtheinjunctionsofteacheroradviceoffriends.Thepityis,however,that
thereare,inthatfamily,severalexcellentfemalecousins,thelikeofallofwhomitwouldbedifficultto
discover."
"Quiteso!"remarkedTzuhsing"therearenowthreeyoungladiesintheChiafamilywhoaresimplyperfection
itself.TheeldestisadaughterofMr.Cheng,YuanCh'unbyname,who,onaccountofherexcellence,filial
piety,talents,andvirtue,hasbeenselectedasagovernessinthepalace.ThesecondisthedaughterofMr.She's
handmaid,andiscalledYingCh'unthethirdisT'anCh'un,thechildofMr.Cheng'shandmaidwhilethefourth
istheuterinesisterofMr.ChenoftheNingMansion.HernameisHsiCh'un.AsdowagerladyShihissofondly
attachedtohergranddaughters,theycome,forthemostpart,overtotheirgrandmother'splacetoprosecutetheir
studiestogether,andeachoneofthesegirlsis,Ihear,withoutafault."
"Moreadmirable,"observedYts'un,"isthergime(adheredto)intheChenfamily,wherethenamesofthe
femalechildrenhaveallbeenselectedfromthelistofmalenames,andareunlikeallthoseoutoftheway

names,suchasSpringBlossom,ScentedGem,andthelikeflowerytermsinvogueinotherfamilies.Buthowis
itthattheChiafamilyhavelikewisefallenintothiscommonpractice?"
"Notso!"venturedTzuh'sing."Itissimplybecausetheeldestdaughterwasbornonthefirstofthefirstmoon,
thatthenameofYuanCh'unwasgiventoherwhilewiththerestthischaracterCh'un(spring)wasthen
followed.Thenamesoftheseniorgenerationare,inlikemanner,adoptedfromthoseoftheirbrothersandthere
isatpresentaninstanceinsupportofthis.Thewifeofyourpresentworthymaster,Mr.Lin,istheuterinesister
ofMr.Chia.SheandMr.ChiaCheng,andshewent,whileathome,underthenameofChiaMin.Shouldyou
questionthetruthofwhatIsay,youareatliberty,onyourreturn,tomakeminuteinquiriesandyou'llbe
convinced."
Yts'unclappedhishandsandsaidsmiling,"It'sso,Iknow!forthisfemalepupilofmine,whosenameisTai
y,invariablypronouncesthecharacterminasmi,whenevershecomesacrossitinthecourseofherreading
while,inwriting,whenshecomestothecharacter'min,'shelikewisereducesthestrokesbyone,sometimesby
two.OftenhaveIspeculatedinmymind(astothecause),buttheremarksI'veheardyoumention,convinceme,
withoutdoubt,thatitisnootherreason(thanthatofreverencetohermother'sname).Strangeenough,thispupil
ofmineisuniqueinherspeechanddeportment,andinnowaylikeanyordinaryyounglady.Butconsidering
thathermotherwasnocommonplacewomanherself,itisnaturalthatsheshouldhavegivenbirthtosucha
child.Besides,knowing,asIdonow,thatsheisthegranddaughteroftheJungfamily,itisnomatterofsurprise
tomethatsheiswhatsheis.Poorgirl,hermother,afterall,diedinthecourseofthelastmonth."
Tzuhsingheavedasigh."Ofthreeelderlysisters,"heexplained,"thisonewastheyoungest,andshetoois
gone!Ofthesistersoftheseniorgenerationnotoneevensurvives!Butnowwe'llseewhatthehusbandsofthis
youngergenerationwillbelikebyandbye!"
"Yes,"repliedYts'un."ButsomewhilebackyoumentionedthatMr.Chenghashadason,bornwithapieceof
jadeinhismouth,andthathehasbesidesatenderagedgrandsonleftbyhiseldestsonbutisitlikelythatthis
Mr.Shehasnot,himself,asyet,hadanymaleissue?"
"AfterMr.Chenghadthissonwiththejade,"Tzuhsingadded,"hishandmaidgavebirthtoanotherson,who
whetherhebegoodorbad,Idon'tatallknow.Atallevents,hehasbyhissidetwosonsandagrandson,but
whatthesewillgrowuptobebyandbye,Icannottell.AsregardsMr.ChiaShe,hetoohashadtwosonsthe
secondofwhom,ChiaLien,isbythistimeabouttwenty.Hetooktowifearelativeofhis,anieceofMr.
Cheng'swife,aMissWang,andhasnowbeenmarriedforthelasttwoyears.ThisMr.Lienhaslatelyobtained
bypurchasetherankofsubprefect.Hetootakeslittlepleasureinbooks,butasfarasworldlyaffairsgo,heisso
versatileandgliboftongue,thathehasrecentlytakenuphisquarterswithhisuncleMr.Cheng,towhomhe
givesahelpinghandinthemanagementofdomesticmatters.Whowouldhavethoughtit,however,eversince
hismarriagewithhisworthywife,notasingleperson,whetherhighorlow,hastherebeenwhohasnotlooked
uptoherwithregard:withtheresultthatMr.Lienhimselfhas,infact,hadtotakeabackseat(lit.withdrew35
li).Inlooks,sheisalsosoextremelybeautiful,inspeechsoextremelyquickandfluent,iningenuitysodeepand
astute,thatevenamancould,innoway,comeuptohermark."
AfterhearingtheseremarksYts'unsmiled."Younowperceive,"hesaid,"thatmyargumentisnofallacy,and
thattheseveralpersonsaboutwhomyouandIhavejustbeentalkingare,wemaypresume,humanbeings,who,
oneandall,havebeengeneratedbythespiritofright,andthespiritofevil,andcometolifebythesameroyal
roadbutofcoursethere'snosaying."
"Enough,"criedTzuhsing,"ofrightandenoughofevilwe'vebeendoingnothingbutsettlingotherpeople's
accountscomenow,haveanotherglass,andyou'llbethebetterforit!"
"Whilebentupontalking,"Yts'unexplained,"I'vehadmoreglassesthanisgoodforme."
"Speakingofirrelevantmattersaboutotherpeople,"Tzuhsingrejoinedcomplacently,"isquitethethingtohelp
usswallowourwinesocomenowwhatharmwillhappen,ifwedohaveafewglassesmore."

Yts'unthereuponlookedoutofthewindow.
"Thedayisalsofaradvanced,"heremarked,"andifwedon'ttakecare,thegateswillbeclosingletusleisurely
enterthecity,andaswegoalong,therewillbenothingtopreventusfromcontinuingourchat."
Forthwiththetwofriendsrosefromtheirseats,settledandpaidtheirwinebill,andwerejustgoing,whenthey
unexpectedlyheardsomeonefrombehindsaywithaloudvoice:
"Acceptmycongratulations,BrotherYts'unI'venowcome,withtheexpresspurposeofgivingyouthe
welcomenews!"
Yts'unlostnotimeinturninghisheadroundtolookatthespeaker.Butreader,ifyouwishtolearnwhothe
manwas,listentothedetailsgiveninthefollowingchapter.

CHAPTERIII.
LinJuhaiappealstohisbrotherinlaw,ChiaCheng,recommending
Yts'un,hisdaughter'stutor,tohisconsideration.
DowagerladyChiasendstofetchhergranddaughter,outof
commiserationforherbeingamotherlesschild.
Buttoproceedwithournarrative.
Yts'un,onspeedilyturninground,perceivedthatthespeakerwasnootherthanacertainChangJukuei,anold
colleagueofhis,whohadbeendenouncedanddeprivedofoffice,onaccountofsomecaseorotheranativeof
thatdistrict,whohad,sincehisdegradation,residedinhisfamilyhome.
Havinglatelycometohearthenewsthatamemorial,presentedinthecapital,thattheformerofficers(whohad
beencashiered)shouldbereinstated,hadreceivedtheimperialconsent,hehadpromptlydoneallhecould,in
everynookandcorner,toobtaininfluence,andtofindthemeans(ofrightinghisposition,)whenhe,
unexpectedly,cameacrossYts'un,towhomhethereforelostnotimeinofferinghiscongratulations.Thetwo
friendsexchangedtheconventionalsalutations,andChangJukueiforthwithcommunicatedthetidingstoY
ts'un.
Yts'unwasdelighted,butafterhehadmadeafewremarks,inagreathurry,eachtookhisleaveandspedon
hisownwayhomewards.
LengTzuhsing,uponhearingthisconversation,hastenedatoncetoproposeaplan,advisingYts'untorequest
LinJuhai,inhisturn,toappealinthecapitaltoMr.ChiaChengforsupport.
Yts'unacceptedthesuggestion,andpartedfromhiscompanion.
Onhisreturntohisquarters,hemadeallhastetolayhishandontheMetropolitanGazette,andhaving
ascertainedthatthenewswasauthentic,hehadonthenextdayapersonalconsultationwithJuhai.
"Providenceandgoodfortunearebothalikepropitious!"exclaimedJuhai."Afterthedeathofmywife,my
motherinlaw,whoseresidenceisinthecapital,wassoverysolicitousonmydaughter'saccount,forhavingno
onetodependupon,thatshedespatched,atanearlyperiod,boatswithmenandwomenservantstocomeand
fetchher.Butmychildwasatthetimenotquiteoverherillness,andthatiswhyshehasnotyetstarted.Iwas,

thisverymoment,cogitatingtosendmydaughtertothecapital.Andinviewoftheobligation,underwhichIam
toyoufortheinstructionyouhaveheretoforeconferreduponher,remainingasyetunrequited,thereisnoreason
why,whensuchanopportunityasthispresentsitself,Ishouldnotdomyutmosttofindmeanstomakeproper
acknowledgment.Ihavealready,inanticipation,giventhemattermyattention,andwrittenaletterof
recommendationtomybrotherinlaw,urginghimtoputeverythingrightforyou,inorderthatImay,toa
certainextent,beabletogiveeffecttomymodestwishes.Asforanyoutlaythatmayprovenecessary,Ihave
givenproperexplanation,inthelettertomybrotherinlaw,sothatyou,mybrother,neednottroubleyourselfby
givingwaytomuchanxiety."
AsYts'unbowedandexpressedhisappreciationinmostprofuselanguage,
"Pray,"heasked,"wheredoesyourhonouredbrotherinlawreside?andwhatishisofficialcapacity?ButIfear
I'mtoocoarseinmymanner,andcouldnotpresumetoobtrudemyselfinhispresence."
Juhaismiled."Andyet,"heremarked,"thisbrotherinlawofmineisafterallofoneandthesamefamilyas
yourworthyself,forheisthegrandsonoftheDukeJung.Myelderbrotherinlawhasnowinheritedthestatus
ofCaptainGeneralofthefirstgrade.HisnameisShe,hisstyleNgenhou.Mysecondbrotherinlaw'snameis
Cheng,hisstyleisTzuchou.HispresentpostisthatofaSecondclassSecretaryintheBoardofWorks.Heis
modestandkindhearted,andhasmuchinhimofthehabitsofhisgrandfathernotoneofthatpurseproudand
haughtykindofmen.ThatiswhyIhavewrittentohimandmadetherequestonyourbehalf.Werehedifferent
towhathereallyis,notonlywouldhecastasluruponyourhonestpurpose,honourablebrother,butImyself
likewisewouldnothavebeenaspromptintakingaction."
WhenYts'unheardtheseremarks,heatlengthcreditedwhathadbeentoldhimbyTzuhsingthedaybefore,
andhelostnotimeinagainexpressinghissenseofgratitudetoLinJuhai.
Juhairesumedtheconversation.
"Ihavefixed,"(heexplained,)"uponthesecondofnextmonth,formyyoungdaughter'sdepartureforthe
capital,and,ifyou,brothermine,weretotravelalongwithher,woulditnotbeanadvantagetoherself,aswell
astoyourself?"
Yts'unsignifiedhisacquiescenceashelistenedtohisproposalfeelinginhisinnerselfextremelyelated.
Juhaiavailedhimselfoftheearliestopportunitytogetreadythepresents(forthecapital)andallthe
requirementsforthejourney,which(whencompleted,)Yts'untookoveronebyone.Hispupilcouldnot,at
first,brooktheidea,ofaseparationfromherfather,butthepressingwishesofhergrandmotherleftherno
course(buttocomply).
"Yourfather,"Juhaifurthermorearguedwithher,"isalreadyfiftyandIentertainnowishtomarryagainand
thenyouarealwaysailingbesides,withyourextremeyouth,youhave,above,nomotherofyourowntotake
careofyou,andbelow,nosisterstoattendtoyou.Ifyounowgoandhaveyourmaternalgrandmother,aswell
asyourmother'sbrothersandyourcousinstodependupon,youwillbedoingthebestthingtoreducethe
anxietywhichIfeelinmyheartonyourbehalf.Whythenshouldyounotgo?"
Taiy,afterlisteningtowhatherfatherhadtosay,partedfromhiminafloodoftearsandfollowedhernurse
andseveraloldmatronsfromtheJungmansiononboardherboat,andsetoutonherjourney.
Yts'unhadaboattohimself,andwithtwoyouthstowaitonhim,heprosecutedhisvoyageinthewakeofTai
y.
Byacertainday,theyreachedChingTuandYts'un,afterfirstadjustinghishatandclothes,came,attended
byayouth,tothedooroftheJungmansion,andsentinacard,whichshowedhislineage.

ChiaChenghad,bythistime,perusedhisbrotherinlaw'sletter,andhespeedilyaskedhimtowalkin.When
theymet,hefoundinYts'unanimposingmannerandpoliteaddress.
ThisChiaChenghad,infact,agreatpenchantaboveallthingsformenofeducation,mencourteoustothe
talented,respectfultothelearned,readytolendahelpinghandtotheneedyandtosuccourthedistressed,and
was,toagreatextent,likehisgrandfather.Asitwasbesidesawishintimatedbyhisbrotherinlaw,hetherefore
treatedYts'unwithaconsiderationstillmoreunusual,andreadilystrainedallhisresourcestoassisthim.
OntheverydayonwhichthememorialwassubmittedtotheThrone,heobtainedbyhisefforts,areinstatement
tooffice,andbeforetheexpiryoftwomonths,Yt'sunwasforthwithselectedtofilltheappointmentofprefect
ofYingT'ieninChinLing.TakingleaveofChiaCheng,hechoseapropitiousday,andproceededtohispost,
wherewewillleavehimwithoutfurthernoticeforthepresent.
ButtoreturntoTaiy.Onthedayonwhichshelefttheboat,andthemomentsheputherfootonshore,there
wereforthwithatherdisposalchairsforherownuse,andcartsfortheluggage,sentoverfromtheJung
mansion.
LinTaiyhadoftenheardhermotherrecounthowdifferentwashergrandmother'shousefromthatofother
people'sandhavingseenforherselfhowabovethecommonrunwerealreadytheattendantsofthethreegrades,
(senttowaituponher,)inattire,intheirfare,inalltheirarticlesofuse,"howmuchmore,"(shethoughtto
herself)"nowthatIamgoingtoherhome,mustIbecarefulateverystep,andcircumspectateverymoment!
NormustIutteronewordtoomany,normakeonestepmorethanisproper,forfearlestIshouldberidiculedby
anyofthem!"
Fromthemomentshegotintothechair,andtheyhadenteredwithinthecitywalls,shefound,asshelooked
around,throughthegauzewindow,atthebustleinthestreetsandpublicplacesandattheimmenseconcourseof
people,everythingnaturallysounlikewhatshehadseenelsewhere.
Aftertheyhadalsobeenaconsiderabletimeontheway,shesuddenlycaughtsight,atthenorthernendofthe
street,oftwohugesquattinglionsofmarbleandofthreeloftygateswith(knockersrepresenting)theheadsof
animals.Infrontofthesegates,sat,inarow,abouttenmenincolouredhatsandfineattire.Themaingatewas
notopen.Itwasonlythroughthesidegates,ontheeastandwest,thatpeoplewentinandcameout.Abovethe
centregatewasatablet.Onthistabletwereinscribedinfivelargecharacters"TheNingKuomansionerected
byimperialcommand."
"Thismustbegrandmother'seldestson'sresidence,"reflectedTaiy.
Towardstheeast,again,atnogreatdistance,werethreemorehighgateways,likewiseofthesamekindasthose
shehadjustseen.ThiswastheJungKuomansion.
Theydidnothowevergoinbythemaingatebutsimplymadetheirentrancethroughtheeastsidedoor.
Withthesedansontheirshoulders,(thebearers)proceededaboutthedistanceofthethrowofanarrow,when
uponturningacorner,theyhastilyputdownthechairs.Thematrons,whocamebehind,oneandallalso
dismounted.(Thebearers)werechangedforfouryouthsofseventeenoreighteen,withhatsandclotheswithout
ablemish,andwhiletheycarriedthechair,thewholebevyofmatronsfollowedonfoot.
Whentheyreachedacreeperladengate,thesedanwasputdown,andalltheyouthssteppedbackandretired.
Thematronscameforward,raisedthescreen,andsupportedTaiytodescendfromthechair.
LinTaiyenteredthedoorwiththecreepers,restingonthehandofamatron.
Onbothsideswasaverandah,liketwooutstretchedarms.AnEntranceHallstoodinthecentre,inthemiddleof
whichwasadoorscreenofTaLimarble,setinanebonyframe.Ontheothersideofthisscreenwerethreevery
smallhalls.Atthebackofthesecameatonceanextensivecourtyard,belongingtothemainbuilding.

Inthefrontpartwerefiveparlours,thefriezeoftheceilingofwhichwasallcarved,andthepillarsornamented.
Oneitherside,werecoveredavenues,resemblingpassagesthrougharock.Inthesideroomsweresuspended
cages,fullofparrotsofeverycolour,thrushes,andbirdsofeverydescription.
Ontheterracesteps,satseveralwaitingmaids,dressedinredandgreen,andthewholecompanyofthem
advanced,withbeamingfaces,togreetthem,whentheysawthepartyapproach."Hervenerableladyship,"they
said,"wasatthisverymomentthinkingofyou,miss,and,byastrangecoincidence,hereyouare."
Threeorfourofthemforthwithviedwitheachotherinraisingthedoorcurtain,whileatthesametimewas
heardsomeoneannounce:"MissLinhasarrived."
Nosoonerhadsheenteredtheroom,thansheespiedtwoservantssupportingavenerablelady,withsilverwhite
hair,comingforwardtogreether.Convincedthatthisladymustbehergrandmother,shewasabouttoprostrate
herselfandpayherobeisance,whenshewasquicklyclaspedinthearmsofhergrandmother,whoheldherclose
againstherbosomandasshecalledher"myliver!myflesh!"(mylove!mydarling!)shebegantosobaloud.
Thebystanderstoo,atonce,withoutoneexception,meltedintotearsandTaiyherselffoundsomedifficulty
inrestraininghersobs.Littlebylittlethewholepartysucceededinconsolingher,andTaiyatlengthpaidher
obeisancetohergrandmother.HerladyshipthereuponpointedthemoutonebyonetoTaiy."This,"shesaid,
"isthewifeofyouruncle,yourmother'selderbrotherthisisthewifeofyouruncle,hersecondbrotherandthis
isyoureldestsisterinlawChu,thewifeofyourseniorcousinChu."
Taiybowedtoeachoneofthem(withfoldedarms).
"Asktheyoungladiesin,"dowagerladyChiawentontosay"tellthemaguestfromafarhasjustarrived,one
whocomesforthefirsttimeandthattheymaynotgototheirlessons."
Theservantswithonevoicesignifiedtheirobedience,andtwoofthemspeedilywenttocarryoutherorders.
Notlongafterthreenursesandfiveorsixwaitingmaidswereseenusheringinthreeyoungladies.Thefirstwas
somewhatplumpinfigureandofmediumheighthercheekshadacongealedappearance,likeafreshlicheeher
nosewasglossylikegoosefat.Shewasgracious,demure,andlovabletolookat.
Thesecondhadslopingshoulders,andaslimwaist.Tallandslenderwassheinstature,withafaceliketheegg
ofagoose.Hereyessobeautiful,withtheirwellcurvedeyebrows,possessedintheirgazeabewitchingflash.
Attheverysightofherrefinedandelegantmannersallideaofvulgaritywasforgotten.
Thethirdwasbelowthemediumsize,andhermienwas,asyet,childlike.
Intheirheadornaments,jewelry,anddress,thegetupofthethreeyoungladieswasidentical.
Taiyspeedilyrosetogreetthemandtoexchangesalutations.Aftertheyhadmadeeachother'sacquaintance,
theyalltookaseat,whereupontheservantsbroughtthetea.TheirconversationwasconfinedtoTaiy'smother,
howshehadfallenill,whatdoctorshadattendedher,whatmedicineshadbeengivenher,andhowshehad
beenburiedandmournedanddowagerladyChiawasnaturallyagainingreatanguish.
"Ofallmydaughters,"sheremarked,"yourmotherwastheoneIlovedbest,andnowinatwinkle,shehas
passedaway,beforemetoo,andI'venotbeenabletosomuchasseeherface.Howcanthisnotmakemyheart
sorestricken?"
Andasshegaveventtothesefeelings,shetookTaiy'shandinhers,andagaingavewaytosobsanditwas
onlyafterthemembersofthefamilyhadquicklymadeuseofmuchexhortationandcoaxing,thatthey
succeeded,littlebylittle,instoppinghertears.
TheyallperceivedthatTaiy,despiteheryouthfulyearsandappearance,wasladylikeinherdeportmentand
address,andthatthoughwithherdelicatefigureandcountenance,(sheseemedasif)unabletobearthevery

weightofherclothes,shepossessed,however,acertaincaptivatingair.Andastheyreadilynoticedthe
symptomsofaweakconstitution,theywentoninconsequencetomakeinquiriesastowhatmedicinesshe
ordinarilytook,andhowitwasthathercomplainthadnotbeencured.
"Ihave,"explainedTaiy,"beeninthisstateeversinceIwasbornthoughI'vetakenmedicinesfromthevery
timeIwasabletoeatrice,uptothepresent,andhavebeentreatedbyeversomanydoctorsofnote,I'venot
derivedanybenefit.IntheyearwhenIwasyetonlythree,Irememberamangyheadedbonzecomingtoour
house,andsayingthathewouldtakemealong,andmakeanunofmebutmyfatherandmotherwould,onno
account,givetheirconsent.'Asyoucannotbeartopartfromherandtogiveherup,'hethenremarked,'her
ailmentwill,Ifear,never,throughoutherlife,becured.Ifyouwishtoseeherallright,itisonlytobedoneby
notlettingher,fromthisdayforward,onanyaccount,listentothesoundofweeping,orsee,withtheexception
ofherparents,anyrelativesoutsidethefamilycircle.Thenalonewillshebeabletogothroughthisexistencein
peaceandinquiet.'NooneheededthenonsensicaltalkofthisravingpriestbuthereamI,uptothisveryday,
dosingmyselfwithginsengpillsasatonic."
"Whataluckycoincidence!"interposeddowagerladyChia"someofthesepillsarebeingcompoundedhere,
andI'llsimplytellthemtohaveanextrasupplymadethat'sall."
Hardlyhadshefinishedthesewords,whenasoundoflaughterwasheardfromthebackcourtyard."HereIam
toolate!"thevoicesaid,"andnotintimetoreceivethedistantvisitor!"
"Everyoneofallthesepeople,"reflectedTaiy,"holdsherpeaceandsuppressestheverybreathofhermouth
andwho,Iwonder,isthiscominginthisrecklessandrudemanner?"
While,asyet,preoccupiedwiththesethoughts,shecaughtsightofacrowdofmarriedwomenandwaiting
maidsenterfromthebackroom,pressingroundaregularbeauty.
Theattireofthispersonborenosimilaritytothatoftheyoungladies.Inallhersplendourandlustre,shelooked
likeafairyoragoddess.Inhercoiffure,shehadabandofgoldfiligreework,representingtheeightprecious
things,inlaidwithpearlsandworepins,attheheadofeachofwhichwerefivephoenixesinarampantposition,
withpendantsofpearls.Onherneck,shehadareddishgoldnecklet,likecoileddragons,withafringeoftassels.
Onherperson,sheworeatightsleevedjacket,ofdarkredfloweredsatin,coveredwithhundredsofbutterflies,
embroideredingold,interspersedwithflowers.Overall,shehadavariegatedstiffsilkpelisse,linedwithslate
blueerminewhilehernethergarmentsconsistedofajupeofkingfishercolourforeigncrepe,brocadedwith
flowers.
Shehadapairofeyes,triangularinshapelikethoseoftheredphoenix,twoeyebrows,curvedupwardsateach
temple,likewillowleaves.Herstaturewaselegantherfiguregracefulherpowderedfacelikedawningspring,
majestic,yetnothaughty.Hercarnationlips,longbeforetheyparted,betrayedasmile.
Taiyeagerlyroseandgreetedher.
OldladyChiathensmiled."Youdon'tknowher,"sheobserved."Thisisacunningvixen,whohasmadequitea
nameinthisestablishment!InNanking,shewentbytheappellationofvixen,andifyousimplycallherFeng
Vixen,itwilldo."
Taiywasjustatalosshowtoaddressher,whenallhercousinsinformedTaiy,thatthiswashersisterinlaw
Lien.
Taiyhadnot,itistrue,madeheracquaintancebefore,butshehadheardhermothermentionthathereldest
maternaluncleChiaShe'sson,ChiaLien,hadmarriedthenieceofMadameWang,hersecondbrother'swife,a
girlwhohad,fromherinfancy,purposelybeennurturedtosupplytheplaceofason,andtowhomtheschool
nameofWangHsifenghadbeengiven.

Taiylostnotimeinreturninghersmileandsalutingherwithallpropriety,addressingherasmysisterinlaw.
ThisHsifenglaidholdofTaiy'shand,andminutelyscrutinisedher,forawhile,fromheadtofootafterwhich
sheledherbacknexttodowagerladyChia,wheretheybothtookaseat.
"Ifreallytherebeabeingofsuchbeautyintheworld,"sheconsequentlyobservedwithasmile,"Imaywell
considerashavingseteyesuponittoday!Besides,intheairofherwholeperson,shedoesn'tinfactlooklike
yourgranddaughterinlaw,ourworthyancestor,butineverywaylikeyourladyship'sownkindred
granddaughter!It'snowonderthenthatyourvenerableladyshipshouldhave,dayafterday,hadherunforgotten,
evenforasecond,inyourlipsandheart.It'sapity,however,thatthiscousinofmineshouldhavesuchahard
lot!Howdidithappenthatourauntdiedatsuchanearlyperiod?"
Assheutteredthesewords,shehastilytookherhandkerchiefandwipedthetearsfromhereyes.
"I'veonlyjustrecoveredfromafitofcrying,"dowagerladyChiaobserved,asshesmiled,"andhaveyouagain
cometostartme?Yourcousinhasonlynowarrivedfromadistantjourney,andsheissodelicatetoboot!
Besides,wehaveafewminutesbacksucceededincoaxinghertorestrainhersobs,sodropatoncemakingany
allusiontoyourformerremarks!"
ThisHsifeng,uponhearingthesewords,lostnotimeinconvertinghersorrowintojoy.
"Quiteright,"sheremarked."Butatthesightofmycousin,mywholeheartwasabsorbedinher,andIfelt
happy,andyetwoundedatheart:buthavingdisregardedmyvenerableancestor'spresence,Ideservetobe
beaten,Idoindeed!"
AndhastilytakingoncemoreTaiy'shandinherown:"Howoldareyou,cousin?"sheinquired"Haveyou
beentoschool?Whatmedicinesareyoutaking?whileyoulivehere,youmustn'tfeelhomesickandifthere's
anythingyouwouldliketoeat,ortoplaywith,mindyoucomeandtellme!orshouldthewaitingmaidsorthe
matronsfailintheirduties,don'tforgetalsotoreportthemtome."
Addressingatthesametimethematrons,shewentontoask,"HaveMissLin'sluggageandeffectsbeenbrought
in?Howmanyservantshasshebroughtalongwithher?Go,assoonasyoucan,andsweeptwolowerrooms
andaskthemtogoandrest."
Asshespake,teaandrefreshmentshadalreadybeenserved,andHsifengherselfhandedroundthecupsand
offeredthefruits.
UponhearingthequestionfurtherputbyhermaternalauntSecunda,"Whethertheissueofthemonthly
allowancesofmoneyhadbeenfinishedornotyet?"Hsifengreplied:"Theissueofthemoneyhasalsobeen
completedbutafewmomentsback,whenIwentalongwithseveralservantstothebackupperloft,insearchof
thesatins,welookedforeversolong,butwesawnothingofthekindofsatinsalludedtobyyou,madame,
yesterdaysomayitnotbethatyourmemorymisgivesyou?"
"Whethertherebeanyornot,ofthatspecialkind,isofnoconsequence,"observedmadameWang."Youshould
takeout,"shethereforewentontoadd,"anytwopieceswhichfirstcomeunderyourhand,forthiscousinof
yourstomakeherselfdresseswithandintheevening,ifIdon'tforget,I'llsendsomeonetofetchthem."
"I'veinfactalreadymadeeveryprovision,"rejoinedHsifeng"knowingverywellthatmycousinwouldbe
arrivingwithinthesetwodays,Ihavehadeverythinggotreadyforher.Andwhenyou,madame,goback,ifyou
willpassaneyeovereverything,Ishallbeabletosendthemround."
MadameWanggaveasmile,noddedherheadassentingly,bututterednotawordbywayofreply.
Theteaandfruithadbythistimebeencleared,anddowagerladyChiadirectedtwooldnursestotakeTaiyto
goandseehertwomaternaluncleswhereuponChiaShe'swife,madameHsing,hastilystoodupandwitha
smilingfacesuggested,"I'lltakemynieceoverforitwillafterallbeconsiderablybetterifIgo!"

"Quiteso!"answereddowagerladyChia,smiling"youcangohometoo,andtherewillbenoneedforyouto
comeoveragain!"
MadameHsingexpressedherassent,andforthwithledTaiytotakeleaveofmadameWang.Thewholeparty
escortedthemasfarasthedooroftheEntranceHall,hungwithcreepers,whereseveralyouthshaddrawna
carriage,paintedlightblue,withakingfishercolouredhood.
MadameHsingledTaiybythehandandtheygotupintotheirseats.Thewholecompanyofmatronsputthe
curtaindown,andthenbadetheyouthsraisethecarriagewhodraggeditalong,untiltheycametoanopen
space,wheretheyatlengthputthemulesintoharness.
Goingoutagainbytheeasternsidegate,theyproceededinaneasterlydirection,passedthemainentranceofthe
Jungmansion,andenteredaloftydoorwaypaintedblack.Onthearrivalinfrontoftheceremonialgate,theyat
oncedismountedfromthecurricle,andmadameHsing,handinhandwithTaiy,walkedintothecourt.
"Thesegrounds,"surmisedTaiytoherself,"musthavebeenoriginallyconvertedfromapiecepartitionedfrom
thegardenoftheJungmansion."
Havingenteredthreerowsofceremonialgatestheyactuallycaughtsightofthemainstructure,withits
vestibulesandporches,allofwhich,thoughonasmallscale,werefullofartisticanduniquebeauty.Theywere
nothinglikethelofty,imposing,massiveandluxuriousstyleofarchitectureontheotherside,yettheavenues
androckeries,inthevariousplacesinthecourt,wereallinperfecttaste.
Whentheyreachedtheinterioroftheprincipalpavilion,alargeconcourseofhandmaidsandwaitingmaids,got
upingaladress,werealreadytheretogreetthem.MadameHsingpressedTaiyintoaseat,whileshebade
someonegointotheouterlibraryandrequestMr.ChiaShetocomeover.
Inafewminutestheservantreturned."Master,"sheexplained,"says:'thathehasnotfeltquitewellforseveral
days,thatasthemeetingwithMissLinwillaffectbothheraswellashimself,hedoesnotforthepresentfeel
equaltoseeingeachother,thatheadvisesMissLinnottofeeldespondentorhomesickthatsheoughttofeel
quiteathomewithhervenerableladyship,(hergrandmother,)aswellashermaternalauntsthathercousinsare,
itistrue,blunt,butthatifalltheyoungladiesassociatedtogetherinoneplace,theymayalsoperchancedispel
somedulnessthatifever(MissLin)hasanygrievance,sheshouldatoncespeakout,andonnoaccountfeela
strangerandeverythingwillthenberight."
Taiylostnotimeinrespectfullystandingup,resumingherseataftershehadlistenedtoeverysentenceofthe
messagetoher.Afterawhile,shesaidgoodbye,andthoughmadameHsingusedeveryargumenttoinduceher
tostayfortherepastandthenleave,Taiysmiledandsaid,"Ishouldn'tunderordinarycircumstancesrefusethe
invitationtodinner,whichyou,aunt,inyourlovekindlyextendtome,butIhavestilltocrossoverandpaymy
respectstomymaternaluncleSecundusifIwenttoolate,itwould,Ifear,bealackofrespectonmypartbutI
shallacceptonanotheroccasion.Ihopethereforethatyouwill,dearaunt,kindlyexcuseme."
"Ifsuchbethecase,"madameHsingreplied,"it'sallright."Andpresentlydirectingtwonursestotakeherniece
over,inthecarriage,inwhichtheyhadcomeawhileback,TaiythereupontookherleavemadameHsing
escortingherasfarastheceremonialgate,whereshegavesomefurtherdirectionstoallthecompanyof
servants.Shefollowedthecurriclewithhereyessolongasitremainedinsight,andatlengthretracedher
footsteps.
TaiyshortlyenteredtheJungMansion,descendedfromthecarriage,andprecededbyallthenurses,sheat
onceproceededtowardstheeast,turnedacorner,passedthroughanEntranceHall,runningeastandwest,and
walkedinasoutherndirection,atthebackoftheLargeHall.Ontheinnersideofaceremonialgate,andatthe
upperendofaspaciouscourt,stoodalargemainbuilding,withfiveapartments,flankedonbothsidesbyout
houses(stretchingout)liketheantlersontheheadofdeersidegates,resemblingpassagesthroughahill,
establishingathoroughcommunicationallround(amainbuilding)lofty,majestic,solidandgrand,andunlike
thoseinthecompoundofdowagerladyChia.

Taiyreadilyconcludedthatthisatlastwasthemaininnersuiteofapartments.Araisedbroadroadledina
straightlinetothelargegate.UponenteringtheHall,andraisingherhead,shefirstofallperceivedbeforehera
largetabletwithblueground,uponwhichfiguredninedragonsofreddishgold.Theinscriptiononthistablet
consistedofthreecharactersaslargeasapeckmeasure,anddeclaredthatthiswastheHallofGloriousFelicity.
Attheend,wasarowofcharactersofminutesize,denotingtheyear,monthandday,uponwhichHisMajesty
hadbeenpleasedtoconferthetabletuponChiaYuan,DukeofJungKuo.Besidesthistablet,werenumberless
costlyarticlesbearingtheautographoftheEmperor.Onthelargeblackebonytable,engravedwithdragons,
wereplacedthreeantiqueblueandgreenbronzetripods,aboutthreefeetinheight.Onthewallhungalarge
picturerepresentingblackdragons,suchaswereseeninwaitingchambersoftheSuidynasty.Ononesidestood
agoldcupofchasedwork,whileontheother,acrystalcasket.Onthegroundwereplaced,intworows,sixteen
chairs,madeofhardgrainedcedar.
Therewasalsoapairofscrollsconsistingofblackwoodantitheticaltablets,inlaidwiththestrokesofwordsin
chasedgold.Theirburdenwasthis:
Ontheplatformshineresplendentpearlslikesunormoon,
AndthesheenoftheHallfaadegleamslikerussetsky.
Below,wasarowofsmallcharacters,denotingthatthescrollhadbeenwrittenbythehandofMuShih,a
fellowcountrymanandoldfriendofthefamily,who,forhismeritoriousservices,hadthehereditarytitleof
PrinceofTungNganconferreduponhim.
ThefactisthatmadameWangwasalsonotinthehabitofsittingandresting,inthismainapartment,butinthree
sideroomsontheeast,sothatthenursesatonceledTaiythroughthedooroftheeasternwing.
Onastovecouch,nearthewindow,wasspreadaforeignredcarpet.Onthesideofhonour,werelaiddeepred
recliningcushions,withdragons,withgoldcash(forscales),andanoblongbrowncolouredsittingcushionwith
goldcashspotteddragons.Onthetwosides,stoodoneofapairofsmallteapoysofforeignlacquerofpeach
blossompattern.Ontheteapoyontheleft,werespreadoutWenWangtripods,spoons,chopsticksandscent
bottles.Ontheteapoyontheright,werevasesfromtheJuKiln,paintedwithgirlsofgreatbeauty,inwhichwere
placedseasonableflowers(onitwere)alsoteacups,ateaserviceandthelikearticles.
Ontheflooronthewestsideoftheroom,werefourchairsinarow,allofwhichwerecoveredwith
antimacassars,embroideredwithsilverishredflowers,whilebelow,atthefeetofthesechairs,stoodfour
footstools.Oneitherside,wasalsooneofapairofhighteapoys,andtheseteapoyswerecoveredwithteacups
andflowervases.
Theothernicknacksneednotbeminutelydescribed.
TheoldnursespressedTaiytositdownonthestovecouchbut,onperceivingneartheedgeofthecouchtwo
embroideredcushions,placedoneoppositetheother,shethoughtofthegradationofseats,anddidnottherefore
placeherselfonthecouch,butonachairontheeasternsideoftheroomwhereuponthewaitingmaids,in
attendanceinthesequarters,hastenedtoservethetea.
WhileTaiywassippinghertea,sheobservedtheheadgear,dress,deportmentandmannersoftheseveral
waitingmaids,whichshereallyfoundsounlikewhatshehadseeninotherhouseholds.Shehadhardlyfinished
hertea,whenshenoticedawaitingmaidapproach,dressedinaredsatinjacket,andawaistcoatofbluesatin
withscollops.
"MyladyrequestsMissLintocomeoverandsitwithher,"sheremarkedassheputonasmile.
Theoldnurses,uponhearingthismessage,speedilyusheredTaiyagainoutofthisapartment,intothethree
roomedsmallmainbuildingbytheeasternporch.

Onthestovecouch,situatedattheprincipalpartoftheroom,wasplaced,inatransverseposition,alowcouch
table,attheupperendofwhichwerelaidout,inaheap,booksandateaservice.Againstthepartitionwall,on
theeastside,facingthewest,wasarecliningpillow,madeofbluesatin,neitheroldnornew.
MadameWang,however,occupiedthelowerseat,onthewestside,onwhichwaslikewiseplacedarather
shabbybluesatinsittingrug,withabackcushionanduponperceivingTaiycomeinsheurgedheratonceto
sitontheeastside.
Taiyconcluded,inhermind,thatthisseatmustcertainlybelongtoChiaCheng,andespying,nexttothe
couch,arowofthreechairs,coveredwithantimacassars,strewnwithembroideredflowers,somewhatalsothe
worseforuse,Taiysatdownononeofthesechairs.
ButasmadameWangpressedheragainandagaintositonthecouch,
Taiyhadatlengthtotakeaseatnexttoher.
"Youruncle,"madameWangexplained,"isgonetoobservethisdayasafastday,butyou'llseehimbyandbye.
There's,however,onethingIwanttotalktoyouabout.Yourthreefemalecousinsareall,itistrue,everything
thatisniceandyouwill,whenlateronyoucometogetherforstudy,ortolearnhowtodoneedlework,or
whenever,atanytime,yourompandlaughtogether,findthemallmostobligingbutthere'sonethingthat
causesmeverymuchconcern.Ihavehereone,whoistheveryrootofretribution,theincarnationofall
mischief,onewhoisane'erdowell,aprinceofmalignantspiritsinthisfamily.Heisgonetodaytopayhis
vowsinthetemple,andisnotbackyet,butyouwillseehimintheevening,whenyouwillreadilybeableto
judgeforyourself.Onethingyoumustdo,andthatis,fromthistimeforth,nottopayanynoticetohim.All
thesecousinsofyoursdon'tventuretobringanytaintuponthemselvesbyprovokinghim."
Taiyhadindaysgonebyheardhermotherexplainthatshehadanephew,bornintotheworld,holdingapiece
ofjadeinhismouth,whowasperversebeyondmeasure,whotooknopleasureinhisbooks,andwhosesole
greatdelightwastoplaythegiddydogintheinnerapartmentsthathermaternalgrandmother,ontheother
hand,lovedhimsofondlythatnooneeverpresumedtocallhimtoaccount,sothatwhen,inthisinstance,she
heardmadameWang'sadvice,sheatoncefeltcertainthatitmustbethisverycousin.
"Isn'tittothecousinbornwithjadeinhismouth,thatyouarealludingto,aunt?"sheinquiredasshereturned
hersmile."WhenIwasathome,Iremembermymothertellingmemorethanonceofthisverycousin,who(she
said)wasayearolderthanI,andwhoseinfantnamewasPaoy.Sheaddedthathisdispositionwasreally
wayward,butthathetreatsallhiscousinswiththeutmostconsideration.Besides,nowthatIhavecomehere,I
shall,ofcourse,bealwaystogetherwithmyfemalecousins,whiletheboyswillhavetheirowncourt,and
separatequartersandhoweverwilltherebeanycauseofbringinganysluruponmyselfbyprovokinghim?"
"Youdon'tknowthereasons(thatpromptmetowarnyou),"repliedmadameWanglaughingly."Heissounlike
alltherest,allbecausehehas,sincehisyouthup,beendoateduponbyouroldlady!Thefactisthathehasbeen
spoilt,throughoverindulgence,bybeingalwaysinthecompanyofhisfemalecousins!Ifhisfemalecousins
paynoheedtohim,heis,atanyrate,somewhatorderly,butthedayhiscousinssayonewordmoretohimthan
usual,muchtroubleforthwitharises,attheoutburstofdelightinhisheart.That'swhyIenjoinuponyounotto
heedhim.Fromhismouth,atonetime,issuesugaredwordsandmellifluousphrasesandatanother,likethe
heavensdevoidofthesun,hebecomesaravingfoolsowhateveryoudo,don'tbelieveallhesays."
Taiywasassentingtoeverybitofadviceasitwasuttered,whenunexpectedlyshebeheldawaitingmaidwalk
in."Hervenerableladyshipoverthere,"shesaid,"hassentwordabouttheeveningmeal."
MadameWanghastilytookTaiybythehand,andemergingbythedoorofthebackroom,theywent
eastwardsbytheverandahattheback.Pastthesidegate,wasaroadway,runningnorthandsouth.Onthe
southernsidewereapavilionwiththreedivisionsandaReceptionHallwithacolonnade.Onthenorth,stooda
largescreenwall,paintedwhitebehinditwasaverysmallbuilding,withadoorofhalftheordinarysize.

"TheseareyourcousinFeng'srooms,"explainedmadameWangtoTaiy,asshepointedtothemsmiling.
"You'llknowinfutureyourwaytocomeandfindherandifyoueverlackanything,mindyoumentionittoher,
andshe'llmakeitallright."
Atthedoorofthiscourt,werealsoseveralyouths,whohadrecentlyhadthetuftsoftheirhairtiedtogether,who
alldroppedtheirhandsagainsttheirsides,andstoodinarespectfulposture.MadameWangthenledTaiyby
thehandthroughacorridor,runningeastandwest,intowhatwasdowagerladyChia'sbackcourt.Forthwith
theyenteredthedoorofthebacksuiteofrooms,wherestood,alreadyinattendance,alargenumberofservants,
who,whentheysawmadameWangarrive,settoworksettingthetablesandchairsinorder.
ChiaChu'swife,neLi,servedtheeatables,whileHsifengplacedthechopsticks,andmadameWangbrought
thesoupin.DowagerladyChiawasseatedallaloneonthedivan,inthemainpartoftheapartment,onthetwo
sidesofwhichstoodfourvacantchairs.
HsifengatoncedrewTaiy,meaningtomakehersitintheforemostchairontheleftside,butTaiysteadily
andconcedinglydeclined.
"Yourauntsandsistersinlaw,standingontherightandleft,"dowagerladyChiasmilinglyexplained,"won't
havetheirrepastinhere,andasyou'reaguest,it'sbutproperthatyoushouldtakethatseat."
ThenaloneitwasthatTaiyaskedforpermissiontositdown,seatingherselfonthechair.
MadameWanglikewisetookaseatatoldladyChia'sinstanceandthethreecousins,YingCh'unandtheothers,
havingcravedforleavetositdown,atlengthcameforward,andYingCh'untookthefirstchairontheright,
T'anCh'unthesecond,andHsiCh'unthesecondontheleft.Waitingmaidsstoodbyholdingintheirhands,flips
andfingerbowlsandnapkins,whileMrs.LiandladyFeng,thetwoofthem,keptnearthetableadvisingthem
whattoeat,andpressingthemtohelpthemselves.
Intheouterapartments,themarriedwomenandwaitingmaidsinattendance,were,itistrue,verynumerous
butnotevensomuchasthesoundofthecawingofacrowcouldbeheard.
Therepastover,eachonewaspresentedbyawaitingmaid,withteainasmallteatraybuttheLinfamilyhad
allalongimpresseduponthemindoftheirdaughterthatinordertoshowdueregardtohappiness,andto
preservegoodhealth,itwasessential,aftereverymeal,towaitawhile,beforedrinkinganytea,sothatitshould
notdoanyharmtotheintestines.When,therefore,Taiyperceivedhowmanyhabitstherewereinthis
establishmentunlikethosewhichprevailedinherhome,shetoohadnoalternativebuttoconformherselftoa
certainextentwiththem.Upontakingoverthecupoftea,servantscameoncemoreandpresentedfingerbowls
forthemtorinsetheirmouths,andTaiyalsorinsedhersandaftertheyhadallagainfinishedwashingtheir
hands,teawaseventuallyservedasecondtime,andthiswas,atlength,theteathatwasintendedtobedrunk.
"Youcanallgo,"observeddowagerladyChia,"andletusalonetohaveachat."
MadameWangroseassoonassheheardthesewords,andhavingmadeafewirrelevantremarks,sheledthe
wayandlefttheroomalongwiththetwoladies,Mrs.LiandladyFeng.
DowagerladyChia,havinginquiredofTaiywhatbooksshewasreading,"IhavejustbegunreadingtheFour
Books,"Taiyreplied."Whatbooksaremycousinsreading?"Taiywentontoask.
"Books,yousay!"exclaimeddowagerladyChia"whyalltheyknowareafewcharacters,that'sall."
Thesentencewasbarelyoutofherlips,whenacontinuoussoundingoffootstepswasheardoutside,anda
waitingmaidenteredandannouncedthatPaoywascoming.Taiywasspeculatinginhermindhowitwas
thatthisPaoyhadturnedoutsuchagoodfornothingfellow,whenhehappenedtowalkin.

Hewas,infact,ayoungmanoftenderyears,wearingonhishead,toholdhishairtogether,acapofgoldof
purplishtinge,inlaidwithpreciousgems.Parallelwithhiseyebrowswasattachedacirclet,embroideredwith
gold,andrepresentingtwodragonssnatchingapearl.Heworeanarcherysleeveddeepredjacket,with
hundredsofbutterfliesworkedingoldoftwodifferentshades,interspersedwithflowersandwasgirdedwitha
sashofvariegatedsilk,withclustersofdesigns,towhichwasattachedlongtasselsakindofsashworninthe
palace.Overall,hehadaslatebluefringedcoatofJapanesebrocadedsatin,witheightbunchesofflowersin
reliefandworeapairoflightbluesatinwhitesoled,halfdresscourtshoes.
Hisfacewaslikethefullmoonatmidautumnhiscomplexion,likemorningflowersinspringthehairalong
histemples,asifchiselledwithaknifehiseyebrows,asifpencilledwithinkhisnoselikeasuspended
gallbladder(awellcutandshapelynose)hiseyeslikevernalwaveshisangrylookevenresembledasmilehis
glance,evenwhenstern,wasfullofsentiment.
Roundhisneckhehadagolddragonneckletwithafringealsoacordofvariegatedsilk,towhichwasattached
apieceofbeautifuljade.
AssoonasTaiybecameconsciousofhispresence,shewasquitetakenaback."Howverystrange!"shewas
reflectinginhermind"itwouldseemasifIhadseenhimsomewhereorother,forhisfaceappearsextremely
familiartomyeyes"whenshenoticedPaoyfacedowagerladyChiaandmakehisobeisance."Goandsee
yourmotherandthencomeback,"remarkedhervenerableladyshipandatonceheturnedroundandquittedthe
room.
Onhisreturn,hehadalreadychangedhishatandsuit.Allroundhishead,hehadafringeofshorthair,plaited
intosmallqueues,andboundwithredsilk.Thequeuesweregatheredupatthecrown,andallthehair,which
hadbeenallowedtogrowsincehisbirth,wasplaitedintoathickqueue,whichlookedasblackandasglossyas
lacquer.Betweenthecrownoftheheadandtheextremityofthequeue,hungastringoffourlargepearls,with
pendantsofgold,representingtheeightpreciousthings.Onhisperson,heworealongsilveryredcoat,moreor
lessold,bestrewnwithembroideryofflowers.Hehadstillroundhisneckthenecklet,preciousgem,amuletof
RecordedName,philacteries,andotherornaments.Belowwerepartlyvisibleafirconecolouredbrocadedsilk
pairoftrousers,socksspottedwithblackdesigns,withornamentededges,andapairofdeepred,thicksoled
shoes.
(Gotupashewasnow,)hisfacedisplayedastillwhiterappearance,asifpainted,andhiseyesasiftheywere
setoffwithcarnation.Asherolledhiseyes,theybrimmedwithlove.Whenhegaveutterancetospeech,he
seemedtosmile.Butthechiefnaturalpleasingfeaturewasmainlycentredinthecurveofhiseyebrows.Theten
thousandandonefondsentiments,fosteredbyhimduringthewholeofhisexistence,wereallamassedinthe
cornerofhiseyes.
Hisoutwardappearancemayhavebeenpleasingtothehighestdegree,butyetitwasnoeasymattertofathom
whatlaybeneathit.
Thereareacoupleofroundelays,composedbyalaterpoet,(aftertheexcellentrhythmofthe)HsiChiangYueh,
whichdepictPaoyinamostadequatemanner.
Theroundelaysrunasfollows:
Togloomandpassionprone,withoutarhyme,
Inaneandmadlikewashemanyatime,
Hisouterself,forsooth,finemayhavebeen,
Butonewild,howlingwastehismindwithin:
Addledhisbrainthatnothinghecouldsee
Adunce!toreadessayssolothtobe!
Perverseinbearing,intemperwayward
Forhumancensurehehadnoregard.
Whenrich,wealthtoenjoyheknewnothow

Whenpoor,topovertyhecouldnotbow.
Alas!whatutterwasteoflustrousgrace!
Tostate,tofamilywhatadisgrace!
Ofne'erdowellsbelowhewastheprime,
Unfiliallikehimnoneuptothistime.
Yelads,pamperedwithsumptuousfareanddress,
Beware!Inthisyouth'sfootstepsdonotpress!
Buttoproceedwithourstory.
"Youhavegoneandchangedyourclothes,"observeddowagerladyChia,"beforebeingintroducedtothedistant
guest.Whydon'tyouyetsaluteyourcousin?"
Paoyhadlongagobecomeawareofthepresenceofamostbeautifulyounglady,who,hereadilyconcluded,
mustbenootherthanthedaughterofhisauntLin.Hehastenedtoadvanceuptoher,andmakehisbowand
aftertheirintroduction,heresumedhisseat,whenceheminutelyscrutinisedherfeatures,(whichhethought)so
unlikethoseofallothergirls.
Hertwoarchedeyebrows,thickasclusteredsmoke,boreacertainnotverypronouncedfrowningwrinkle.She
hadapairofeyes,whichpossessedacheerful,andyetonewouldsay,asadexpression,overflowingwith
sentiment.Herfaceshowedtheprintsofsorrowstampedonhertwodimpledcheeks.Shewasbeautiful,buther
wholeframewasthepreyofahereditarydisease.Thetearsinhereyesglistenedlikesmallspecks.Herbalmy
breathwassogentle.Shewasasdemureasalovelyflowerreflectedinthewater.Hergaitresembledafrail
willow,agitatedbythewind.Herheart,comparedwiththatofPiKan,hadonemoreapertureofintelligence
whileherailmentexceeded(inintensity)bythreedegreestheailmentofHsiTzu.
Paoy,havingconcludedhisscrutinyofher,putonasmileandsaid,
"ThiscousinIhavealreadyseenindaysgoneby."
"Thereyouareagainwithyournonsense,"exclaimedladyChia,sneeringly"howcouldyouhaveseenher
before?"
"ThoughImaynothaveseenher,erethis,"observedPaoywithasmirk,"yetwhenIlookatherface,itseems
sofamiliar,andtomymind,itwouldappearasifwehadbeenoldacquaintancesjustasif,infact,wewerenow
meetingafteralongseparation."
"Thatwilldo!thatwilldo!"remarkeddowagerladyChia"suchbeingthecase,youwillbethemoreintimate."
Paoy,thereupon,wentuptoTaiy,andtakingaseatnexttoher,continuedtolookatheragainwithall
intentnessforagoodlongwhile.
"Haveyoureadanybooks,cousin?"heasked.
"Ihaven'tasyet,"repliedTaiy,"readanybooks,asIhaveonlybeentoschoolforayearallIknowaresimply
afewcharacters."
"Whatisyourworthyname,cousin?"Paoywentontoaskwhereupon
Taiyspeedilytoldhimhername.
"Yourstyle?"inquiredPaoytowhichquestionTaiyreplied,"Ihavenostyle."
"I'llgiveyouastyle,"suggestedPaoysmilingly"won'tthedoublestyle'P'inP'in,''knittingbrows,'dovery
well?"
"Fromwhatpartofthestandardbooksdoesthatcome?"T'anCh'unhastilyinterposed.

"ItisstatedintheThoroughResearchintothestateofCreationfromremoteagestothepresentday,"Paoy
wentontoexplain,"that,inthewesternquarter,thereexistsastone,calledTai,(black,)whichcanbeused,in
lieuofink,toblackentheeyebrowswith.Besidestheeyebrowsofthiscousintaperinaway,asiftheywere
contracted,sothattheselectionofthesetwocharactersismostappropriate,isn'tit?"
"Thisisjustanotherplagiarism,Ifear,"observedT'anCh'un,withanironicsmirk.
"ExclusiveoftheFourBooks,"Paoyremarkedsmilingly,"themajorityofworksareplagiarisedandisitonly
I,perchance,whoplagiarise?Haveyougotanyjadeornot?"hewentontoinquire,addressingTaiy,(tothe
discomfiture)ofallwhocouldnotmakeoutwhathemeant.
"It'sbecausehehasajadehimself,"Taiyforthwithreasonedwithinhermind,"thatheasksmewhetherIhave
oneornot.NoIhaven'tone,"shereplied."Thatjadeofyoursisbesidesarareobject,andhowcouldevery
onehaveone?"
AssoonasPaoyheardthisremark,heatonceburstoutinafitofhisravingcomplaint,andunclaspingthe
gem,hedasheditdisdainfullyonthefloor."Rareobject,indeed!"heshouted,asheheapedinvectiveonit"it
hasnoideahowtodiscriminatetheexcellentfromthemean,amonghumanbeingsanddotellme,hasitany
perceptionornot?Itoocandowithoutthisrubbish!"
Allthose,whostoodbelow,werestartledandinabodytheypressedforward,vyingwitheachotherastowho
shouldpickupthegem.
DowagerladyChiawassodistressedthatsheclaspedPaoyinherembrace."Youchildofwrath,"she
exclaimed."Whenyougetintoapassion,it'seasyenoughforyoutobeatandabusepeoplebutwhatmakesyou
flingawaythatstemoflife?"
Paoy'sfacewascoveredwiththetracesoftears."Allmycousinshere,senioraswellasjunior,"herejoined,as
hesobbed,"havenogem,andifit'sonlyItohaveone,there'snofuninit,Imaintain!andnowcomesthis
angelicsortofcousin,andshetoohasnone,sothatit'sclearenoughthatitisnoprofitablething."
DowagerladyChiahastenedtocoaxhim."Thiscousinofyours,"sheexplained,"would,underformer
circumstances,havecomeherewithajadeandit'sbecauseyourauntfeltunable,asshelayonherdeathbed,to
reconcileherselftotheseparationfromyourcousin,thatintheabsenceofanyremedy,sheforthwithtookthe
gembelongingtoher(daughter),alongwithher(inthegrave)sothat,inthefirstplace,bythefulfilmentofthe
ritesofburyingthelivingwiththedeadmightbeaccomplishedthefilialpietyofyourcousinandinthesecond
place,thatthespiritofyourauntmightalso,forthetimebeing,useittogratifythewishofgazingonyour
cousin.That'swhyshesimplytoldyouthatshehadnojadeforshecouldn'tverywellhavehadanydesireto
giveventtoselfpraise.Now,howcanyouevercompareyourselfwithher?anddon'tyouyetcarefullyand
circumspectlyputiton?Mind,yourmothermaycometoknowwhatyouhavedone!"
Assheutteredthesewords,shespeedilytookthejadeoverfromthehandofthewaitingmaid,andsheherself
fasteneditonforhim.
WhenPaoyheardthisexplanation,heindulgedinreflection,butcouldnoteventhenadvanceanyfurther
arguments.
AnursecameatthemomentandinquiredaboutTaiy'squarters,anddowagerladyChiaatonceadded,"Shift
Paoyalongwithme,intothewarmroomofmysuiteofapartments,andputyourmistress,MissLin,
temporarilyinthegreengauzehouseandwhentherestofthewinterisover,andrepairsaretakeninhandin
springintheirrooms,anadditionalwingcanbeputupforhertotakeupherquartersin."
"Mydearancestor,"venturedPaoy"thebedIoccupyoutsidethegreengauzehouseisverycomfortableand
whatneedisthereagainformetoleaveitandcomeanddisturbyouroldladyship'speaceandquiet?"

"Well,allright,"observeddowagerladyChia,aftersomeconsideration"butleteachoneofyouhaveanurse,
aswellasawaitingmaidtoattendonyoutheotherservantscanremainintheoutsideroomsandkeepnight
watchandbereadytoansweranycall."
Atanearlyhour,besides,Hsifenghadsentaservantroundwithagreyfloweredcurtain,embroideredcoverlets
andsatinquiltsandothersucharticles.
Taiyhadbroughtalongwithheronlytwoservantstheonewasherownnurse,dameWang,andtheotherwas
ayoungwaitingmaidofsixteen,whosenamewascalledHsehYen.DowagerladyChia,perceivingthatHseh
Yenwastooyouthfulandquiteachildinhermanner,whilenurseWangwas,ontheotherhand,tooaged,
conjecturedthatTaiywould,inallherwants,nothavethingsassheliked,soshedetachedtwowaitingmaids,
whowereherownpersonalattendants,namedTzuChanandYingKo,andattachedthemtoTaiy'sservice.
JustashadYingCh'unandtheothergirls,eachoneofwhomhadbesidesthewetnursesoftheiryouth,four
othernursestoadviseanddirectthem,andexclusiveoftwopersonalmaidstolookaftertheirdressandtoilette,
fourorfiveadditionalyoungmaidstodothewashingandsweepingoftheroomsandtherunningabout
backwardsandforwardsonerrands.
NurseWang,TzuChanandothergirlsenteredatonceupontheirattendanceonTaiyinthegreengauze
rooms,whilePaoy'swetnurse,dameLi,togetherwithanelderlywaitingmaid,calledHsiJen,wereonduty
intheroomwiththelargebed.
ThisHsiJenhadalsobeen,originally,oneofdowagerladyChia'sservantgirls.Hernamewasindaysgoneby,
ChenChu.Ashervenerableladyship,inhertenderloveforPaoy,hadfearedthatPaoy'sservantgirlswere
notequaltotheirduties,shereadilyhandedhertoPaoy,asshehadhithertohadexperienceofhowsincereand
considerateshewasatheart.
Paoy,knowingthathersurnamewasatonetimeHua,andhavingonceseeninsomeversesofanancientpoet,
theline"thefragranceofflowerswaftsitselfintoman,"lostnotimeinexplainingthefacttodowagerladyChia,
whoatoncechangedhernameintoHsiJen.
ThisHsiJenhadseveralsimpletraits.WhileinattendanceupondowagerladyChia,inherheartandhereyes
therewasnoonebuthervenerableladyship,andheraloneandnowinherattendanceuponPaoy,herheart
andhereyeswereagainfullofPaoy,andhimalone.ButasPaoywasofaperversetemperamentanddidnot
heedherrepeatedinjunctions,shefeltatheartexceedinglygrieved.
Atnight,afternurseLihadfallenasleep,seeingthatintheinnerchambers,Taiy,YingKoandtheothershad
notasyetretiredtorest,shedisrobedherself,andwithgentlestepwalkedin.
"Howisit,miss,"sheinquiredsmiling,"thatyouhavenotturnedinasyet?"
Taiyatonceputonasmile."Sitdown,sister,"sherejoined,pressinghertotakeaseat.HsiJensatontheedge
ofthebed.
"MissLin,"interposedYingKosmirkingly,"hasbeenhereinanawfulstateofmind!Shehascriedsotoherself,
thathereyeswereflooded,assoonasshedriedhertears.'It'sonlytodaythatI'vecome,'shesaid,'andI've
alreadybeenthecauseoftheoutbreakofyouryoungmaster'sfailing.Nowhadhebrokenthatjade,ashehurled
itontheground,wouldn'tithavebeenmyfault?Henceitwasthatshewassowoundedatheart,thatIhadall
thetroubleintheworld,beforeIcouldappeaseher."
"Desistatonce,Miss!Don'tgoonlikethis,"HsiJenadvisedher"therewill,Ifear,inthefuture,happenthings
farmorestrangeandridiculousthanthisandifyouallowyourselftobewoundedandaffectedtosuchadegree
byaconductsuchashis,youwill,Iapprehend,sufferendlesswoundsandanguishsobequickanddispelthis
oversensitivenature!"
"Whatyousistersadviseme,"repliedTaiy,"Ishallbearinmind,anditwillbeallright."

Theyhadanotherchat,whichlastedforsometime,beforetheyatlengthretiredtorestforthenight.
Thenextday,(sheandhercousins)gotupatanearlyhourandwentovertopaytheirrespectstodowagerlady
Chia,afterwhichuponcomingtomadameWang'sapartments,theyhappenedtofindmadameWangandHsi
fengtogether,openingtheletterswhichhadarrivedfromChinLing.Therewerealsointheroomtwomarried
women,whohadbeensentfrommadameWang'selderbrother'swife'shousetodeliveramessage.
Taiywas,itistrue,notawareofwhatwasup,butT'anCh'unandtheothersknewthattheywerediscussing
thesonofhermother'ssister,marriedintheHsehfamily,inthecityofChinLing,acousinoftheirs,Hseh
P'an,whorelyinguponhiswealthandinfluencehad,byassaultingaman,committedhomicide,andwhowas
nowtobetriedinthecourtoftheYingT'ienPrefecture.
Hermaternaluncle,WangTzut'eng,hadnow,onthereceiptofthetidings,despatchedmessengerstobringover
thenewstotheChiafamily.Butthenextchapterwillexplainwhatwastheultimateissueofthewishentertained
inthismansiontosendfortheHsehfamilytocometothecapital.

CHAPTERIV.
Anillfatedgirlhappenstomeetanillfatedyoungman.
TheHuLuBonzeadjudicatestheHuLucase.
Taiy,forweshallnowreturntoourstory,havingcome,alongwithhercousintomadameWang'sapartments,
foundmadameWangdiscussingcertaindomesticoccurrenceswiththemessengers,whohadarrivedfromher
elderbrother'swife'shome,andconversingalsoaboutthecaseofhomicide,inwhichthefamilyofhermother's
sisterhadbecomeinvolved,andothersuchrelevanttopics.Perceivinghowpressingandperplexingwerethe
mattersinwhichmadameWangwasengaged,theyoungladiespromptlyleftherapartments,andcameoverto
theroomsoftheirwidowsisterinlaw,Mrs.Li.
ThisMrs.LihadoriginallybeenthespouseofChiaChu.AlthoughChuhaddiedatanearlyage,hehadthe
goodfortuneofleavingbehindhimason,towhomthenameofChiaLanwasgiven.Hewas,atthisperiod,just
inhisfifthyear,andhadalreadyenteredschool,andappliedhimselftobooks.
ThisMrs.LiwasalsothedaughterofanofficialofnoteinChinLing.Herfather'snamewasLiShouchung,
whohad,atonetime,beenImperialLibationer.Amonghiskindred,menaswellaswomenhadalldevoted
themselvestopoetryandlettersbuteversinceLiShouchungcontinuedthelineofsuccession,hereadily
assertedthattheabsenceofliteraryattainmentsinhisdaughterwasindeedavirtue,sothatitsooncameabout
thatshedidnotapplyherselfinrealearnesttolearningwiththeresultthatallshestudiedweresomepartsof
the"FourBooksforwomen,"andthe"Memoirsofexcellentwomen,"thatallshereaddidnotextendbeyonda
limitednumberofcharacters,andthatallshecommittedtomemoryweretheexamplesofthesefewworthy
femalecharactersofdynastiesofyorewhilesheattachedspecialimportancetospinningandfemalehandiwork.
Tothisreasonistobeassignedthenameselectedforher,ofLiWan(Li,theweaver),andthestyleofKungTs'ai
(PalaceSempstress).
Henceitwasthat,thoughthisLiWanstillcontinued,afterthelossofhermate,whileshewasasyetinthe
springofherlife,toliveamidstaffluenceandluxury,sheneverthelessresembledineveryrespectablockof
rottenwoodordeadashes.Shehadnoinclinationwhatsoevertoinquireafteranythingortolistentoanything
whilehersoleandexclusivethoughtwastowaituponherrelativesandeducatehersonand,inadditiontothis,
toteachheryoungsistersinlawtodoneedleworkandtoreadaloud.

Taiywas,itistrue,atthisperiodlivingasaguestintheChiamansion,whereshecertainlyhadtheseveral
youngladiestoassociatewithher,but,outsideheragedfather,(shethought)therewasreallynoneedforherto
extendaffectiontoanyoftherest.
ButwewillnowspeakofChiaYts'un.HavingobtainedtheappointmentofPrefectofYingT'ien,hehadno
soonerarrivedathispostthanachargeofmanslaughterwaslaidbeforehiscourt.Thishadarisenfromsome
rivalrybetweentwopartiesinthepurchaseofaslavegirl,eitherofwhomwouldnotyieldhisrightwiththe
resultthataseriousassaultoccurred,whichendedinhomicide.
Yts'unhad,withallpromptitude,theservantsoftheplaintiffsbroughtbeforehim,andsubjectedthemtoan
examination.
"Thevictimoftheassault,"theplaintiffsdeposed,"wasyourservants'master.Havingonacertainday,
purchasedaservantgirl,sheunexpectedlyturnedouttobeagirlwhohadbeencarriedawayandsoldbya
kidnapper.Thiskidnapperhad,firstofall,gotholdofourfamily'smoney,andourmasterhadgivenoutthathe
wouldonthethirdday,whichwasapropitiousday,takeheroverintothehouse,butthiskidnapperstealthily
soldheroveragaintotheHsehfamily.Whenwecametoknowofthis,wewentinsearchofthesellertolay
holdofhim,andbringbackthegirlbyforce.ButtheHsehpartyhasbeenallalongthebullyofChinLing,full
ofconfidenceinhiswealth,fullofpresumptiononaccountofhisprestigeandhisarrogantmenialsinabody
seizedourmasterandbeathimtodeath.Themurderousmasterandhiscrewhavealllongagomadegoodtheir
escape,leavingnotracebehindthem,whilethereonlyremainseveralpartiesnotconcernedintheaffair.Your
servantshaveforawholeyearlodgedcomplaints,buttherehasbeennoonetodoourcausejustice,andwe
thereforeimploreyourLordshiptohavethebloodstainedcriminalsarrested,andthusconducetothe
maintenanceofhumanityandbenevolenceandtheliving,aswellasthedead,willfeelboundlessgratitudefor
thisheavenlybounty."
WhenYts'unheardtheirappeal,heflewintoafieryrage."What!"heexclaimed."Howcouldacaseofsuch
gravityhavetakenplaceasthemurderofaman,andtheculpritshavebeenallowedtorunawayscotfree,
withoutbeingarrested?Issuewarrants,anddespatchconstablestoatoncelayholdoftherelativesofthe
bloodstainedcriminalsandbringthemtobeexaminedbymeansoftorture."
ThereuponheespiedaRetainer,whowasstandingbythejudgmenttable,winkathim,signifyingthatheshould
notissuethewarrants.Yt'sungavewaytosecretsuspicion,andfeltcompelledtodesist.
WithdrawingfromtheCourtroom,heretiredintoaprivatechamber,fromwhencehedismissedhisfollowers,
onlykeepingthissingleRetainertowaituponhim.
TheRetainerspeedilyadvancedandpaidhisobeisance."Yourworship,"hesaidsmiling,"haspersistentlybeen
risinginofficialhonours,andincreasinginwealthsothat,inthecourseofabouteightornineyears,youhave
forgottenme."
"Yourfaceis,however,extremelyfamiliar,"observedYts'un,"butIcannot,forthemoment,recallwhoyou
are."
"Honourablepeopleforgetmanythings,"remarkedtheRetainer,ashesmiled."What!Haveyouevenforgotten
theplacewhereyoustartedinlife?anddoyounotrememberwhatoccurred,inyearsgoneby,intheHuLu
Temple?"
Yts'unwasfilledwithextremeastonishmentandpasteventsthenbegantodawnuponhim.
ThefactisthatthisRetainerhadbeenatonetimeayoungpriestintheHuLutemplebutas,afteritsdestruction
byfire,hehadnoplacetoresthisframe,herememberedhowlightandeasywas,afterall,thiskindof
occupation,andbeingunabletoreconcilehimselftothesolitudeandquietofatemple,heaccordinglyavailed
himselfofhisyears,whichwereasyetfew,tolethishairgrow,andbecomearetainer.

Yts'unhadhadnoideathatitwashe.Hastilytakinghishandinhis,hesmilinglyobserved,"Youare,indeed,
anoldacquaintance!"andthenpressedhimtotakeaseat,soastohaveachatwithmoreease,buttheRetainer
wouldnotpresumetositdown.
"Friendships,"Yts'unremarked,puttingonasmilingexpression,"contractedinpoorcircumstancesshouldnot
beforgotten!Thisisaprivateroomsothatifyousatdown,whatwoulditmatter?"
TheRetainerthereuponcravedpermissiontotakeaseat,andsatdowngingerly,allawry.
"Whydidyou,ashortwhileback,"Yts'uninquired,"notallowmetoissuethewarrants?"
"Yourillustriousoffice,"repliedtheRetainer,"hasbroughtyourworshiphere,andisitlikelyyouhavenot
transcribedsomephilacteryofyourpostinthisprovince!"
"Whatisanofficephilactery?"askedYts'unwithalacrity.
"Nowadays,"explainedtheRetainer,"thosewhobecomelocalofficersprovidethemselvesinvariablywitha
secretlist,inwhichareenteredthenamesandsurnamesofthemostinfluentialandaffluentgentryofnoteinthe
province.Thisisinvogueineveryprovince.Shouldinadvertently,atanymoment,onegiveumbragetopersons
ofthisstatus,why,notonlyoffice,butIfearevenone'slife,itwouldbedifficulttopreserve.That'swhythese
listsarecalledofficephilacteries.ThisHsehfamily,justawhilebackspokenof,howcouldyourworship
presumetoprovoke?Thiscaseinquestionaffordsnodifficultieswhateverinthewayofasettlementbutthe
prefects,whohaveheldofficebeforeyou,haveall,bydoingviolencetothefeelingsandgoodnameofthese
people,cometotheendtheydid."
Asheutteredthesewords,heproduced,frominsideapursewhichhehadhandy,atranscribedofficephilactery,
whichhehandedovertoYts'unwhouponperusal,founditfulloftriteandunpolishedexpressionsofpublic
opinion,withregardtotheleadingclansandnotableofficialfamiliesinthatparticulardistrict.Theyranas
follows:
The"Chia"familyisnot"chia,"amythwhitejadeformtheHallsgoldcomposetheirhorses!The"AFang"
Palaceisthreehundredliinextent,butisnofitresidencefora"Shih"ofChinLing.Theeasternseaslackwhite
jadebeds,andthe"LungWang,"kingoftheDragons,hascometoaskforoneoftheChinLingWang,(Mr.
WangofChinLing.)Inaplenteousyear,snow,(Hseh,)isveryplentifultheirpearlsandgemsarelikesand,
theirgoldlikeiron.
ScarcelyhadYts'undonereading,whensuddenlywasheardtheannouncement,communicatedbythebeating
ofagong,thatMr.Wanghadcometopayhisrespects.
Yts'unhastilyadjustedhisofficialclothesandhat,andwentoutoftheroomtogreetandreceivethevisitor.
ReturningafterashortwhileheproceededtoquestiontheRetainer(aboutwhathehadbeenperusing.)
"Thesefourfamilies,"explainedtheRetainer,"areallinterlacedbytiesofrelationship,sothatifyouoffendone,
youoffendallifyouhonourone,youhonourall.Forsupportandprotection,theyallhavethosetotakecareof
theirinterests!NowthisHseh,whoischargedwithhomicide,isindeedtheHsehimpliedby'inaplenteous
year,(Hseh,)snow,isveryplentiful.'Infact,notonlyhashethesethreefamiliestorelyupon,buthis(father's)
oldfriends,andhisownrelativesandfriendsarebothtobefoundinthecapital,aswellasabroadinthe
provincesandtheyare,whatismore,notfewinnumber.WhoisitthenthatyourWorshippurposeshaving
arrested?"
WhenYts'unhadheardtheseremarks,heforthwithputonasmileandinquiredoftheRetainer,"Ifwhatyou
saybetrue,howisthenthislawsuittobesettled?Areyoualsoperchancewellawareoftheplaceofretreatof
thishomicide?"

"Idon'tdeceiveyourWorship,"theRetainerventuredsmiling,"whenIsaythatnotonlydoIknowthehiding
placeofthishomicide,butthatIalsoamacquaintedwiththemanwhokidnappedandsoldthegirlIlikewise
knewfullwellthepoordevilandbuyer,nowdeceased.Butwait,andI'lltellyourworshipall,withfulldetails.
Thisperson,whosuccumbedtotheassault,wasthesonofaminorgentry.HisnamewasFengYan.Hisfather
andmotherarebothdeceased,andhehaslikewisenobrothers.Helookedaftersomescantypropertyinorderto
ekeoutaliving.Hisagewaseighteenornineteenandhehadastrongpenchantformen's,andnotmuchfor
women'ssociety.Butthiswastootheretribution(forsinscommitted)inapreviousexistence!forcoming,bya
strangecoincidence,inthewayofthiskidnapper,whowassellingthemaid,hestraightwayataglancefellin
lovewiththisgirl,andmadeuphismindtopurchaseherandmakeherhissecondwifeenteringanoathnotto
associatewithanymalefriends,noreventomarryanothergirl.Andsomuchinearnestwasheinthismatter
thathehadtowaituntilafterthethirddaybeforeshecouldenterhishousehold(soastomakethenecessary
preparationsforthemarriage).Butwhowouldhaveforeseentheissue?Thiskidnapperquietlydisposedofher
againbysaletotheHsehfamilyhisintentionbeingtopocketthepricemoneyfrombothparties,andeffecthis
escape.Contrarytohiscalculations,hecouldn'tafterallrunawayintime,andthetwobuyerslaidholdofhim
andbeathim,tillhewashalfdeadbutneitherofthemwouldtakehiscoinback,eachinsistinguponthe
possessionofthegirl.Butdoyouthinkthatyounggentleman,Mr.Hseh,wouldyieldhisclaimtoherperson?
Why,heatoncesummonedhisservantsandbadethemhaverecoursetoforceand,takingthisyoungmanFeng,
theyassailedhimtilltheymademincemeatofhim.Hewasthencarriedbacktohishome,wherehefinallydied
aftertheexpiryofthreedays.ThisyoungMr.Hsehhadpreviouslychosenaday,onwhichhemeanttosetout
forthecapital,andthoughhehadbeatentheyoungmanFengtodeath,andcarriedoffthegirl,henevertheless
behavedinthemannerofamanwhohadhadnoconcernintheaffair.Andallhegavehismindtowastotake
hisfamilyandgoalongonhiswaybutnotinanywiseinordertoevade(theconsequences)ofthis
(occurrence).Thiscaseofhomicide,(helookedupon)asamosttrivialandinsignificantmatter,which,(he
thought),hisbrotherandservants,whowereonthespot,wouldbeenoughtosettle.But,however,enoughof
thisperson.Nowdoesyourworshipknowwhothisgirliswhowassold?"
"HowcouldIpossiblyknow?"answeredYts'un.
"Andyet,"remarkedtheRetainer,ashelaughedcoldly,"thisisapersontowhomyouareindebtedforgreat
obligationsforsheisnooneelsethanthedaughterofMr.Chen,wholivednextdoortotheHuLutemple.Her
infantnameis'YingLien.'"
"What!isitreallyshe?"exclaimedYts'unfullofsurprise."Iheardthatshehadbeenkidnapped,eversinceshe
wasfiveyearsoldbuthassheonlybeensoldrecently?"
"Kidnappersofthiskind,"continuedtheRetainer,"onlyabductinfantgirls,whomtheybringuptilltheyreach
theageoftwelveorthirteen,whentheytakethemintostrangedistrictsanddisposeofthemthroughtheiragents.
Indaysgoneby,weuseddailytocoaxthisgirl,YingLien,torompwithus,sothatwegottobeexceedingly
friendly.Henceitisthatthough,withthelapseofsevenoreightyears,hermienhasassumedamore
surpassinglylovelyappearance,hergeneralfeatureshave,ontheotherhand,undergonenochangeandthisis
whyIcanrecogniseher.Besides,inthecentreofhertwoeyebrows,shehadaspot,ofthesizeofagrainofrice,
ofcarnationcolour,whichshehashadeversinceshewasbornintotheworld.Thiskidnapper,italsohappened,
rentedmyhousetoliveinandonacertainday,onwhichthekidnapperwasnotathome,Ievensetherafew
questions.Shesaid,'thatthekidnapperhadsobeatenher,thatshefeltintimidated,andcouldn'tonanyaccount,
venturetospeakoutsimplyaverringthatthekidnapperwasherownfather,andthat,ashehadnofundsto
repayhisdebts,hehadconsequentlydisposedofherbysale!'Itriedtimeaftertimetoinducehertoanswerme,
butsheagaingavewaytotearsandaddednomorethan:'Idon'treallyrememberanythingofmyyouth.'Ofthis,
anyhow,therecanbenodoubtonacertaindaytheyoungmanFengandthekidnappermet,saidthemoneywas
paiddownbutasthekidnapperhappenedtobeintoxicated,YingLienexclaimed,asshesighed:'My
punishmenthasthisdaybeenconsummated!'Lateronagain,whensheheardthatyoungFengwould,afterthree
days,havehertakenovertohishouse,sheoncemoreunderwentachangeandputonsuchasorrowfullookthat,
unabletobrookthesightofit,Iwaitedtillthekidnapperwentout,whenIagaintoldmywifetogoandcheer
herbyrepresentingtoherthatthisMr.Feng'sfixedpurposetowaitforapropitiousday,onwhichtocomeand
takeherover,wasampleproofthathewouldnotlookuponherasaservantgirl.'Furthermore,'(explainedmy

wifetoher),'heisasortofpersonexceedinglygiventofasthabits,andhasathomeamplemeanstoliveupon,
sothatif,besides,withhisextremeaversiontowomen,heactuallypurchasesyounow,atafancyprice,you
shouldbeabletoguesstheissue,withoutanyexplanation.Youhavetobearsuspenseonlyfortwoorthreedays,
andwhatneedistheretobesorrowfulanddejected?'Aftertheseassurances,shebecamesomewhatcomposed,
flatteringherselfthatshewouldfromhenceforthhaveahomeofherown.
"Butwhowouldbelievethattheworldisbutfullofdisappointments!Onthesucceedingday,itcameaboutthat
thekidnapperagainsoldhertotheHsehfamily!Hadhedisposedofhertoanyotherparty,noharmwould
anyhowhaveresultedbutthisyounggentlemanHseh,whoisnicknamedbyall,'theFoolishandoverbearing
Prince,'isthemostperverseandpassionatebeinginthewholeworld.Whatismore,hethrowsmoneyawayasif
itweredust.Thedayonwhichhegavethethrashingwithblowslikefallingleavesandflowingwater,he
dragged(lit.pullalive,dragdead)YingLienawaymoredeadthanalive,bysheerforce,andnoone,evenupto
thisdate,isawarewhethershebeamongthedeadortheliving.ThisyoungFenghadaspellofempty
happinessfor(notonly)washiswishnotfulfilled,butonthecontraryhespentmoneyandlosthislifeandwas
notthisalamentablecase?"
WhenYts'unheardthisaccounthealsoheavedasigh."Thiswasindeed,"heobserved,"aretributioninstore
forthem!Theirencounterwaslikewisenotaccidentalforhaditbeen,howwasitthatthisFengYantooka
fancytoYingLien?
"ThisYingLienhad,duringalltheseyears,toenduremuchharshtreatmentfromthehandsofthekidnapper,
andhad,atlength,obtainedthemeansofescapeandbeingbesidesfullofwarmfeeling,hadheactuallymade
herhiswife,andhadtheycometogether,theeventwouldcertainlyhavebeenhappybut,asluckwouldhaveit,
thereoccurredagainthiscontretemps.
"ThisHsehis,itistrue,moreladenwithrichesandhonoursthanFengwas,butwhenwebearinmindwhat
kindofmanheishecertainly,withhislargebevyofhandmaids,andhislicentiousandinordinatehabits,cannot
everbeheldequaltoFengYan,whohadsethisheartupononeperson!Thismayappositelybetermeda
fantasticsentimentaldestiny,which,byastrangecoincidence,befellacoupleconsistingofanillfatedyoung
fellowandgirl!Butwhydiscussthirdparties?Theonlythingnowishowtodecidethiscase,soastoputthings
right."
"Yourworship,"remarkedtheRetainersmiling,"displayed,inyearsgoneby,suchgreatintelligenceand
decision,andhowisitthattodayyou,onthecontrary,becomeapersonwithoutanyresources!Yourservanthas
heardthatthepromotionofyourworshiptofillupthisofficeisduetotheexertionsoftheChiaandWang
familiesandasthisHsehP'anisarelativeoftheChiamansion,whydoesn'tyourworshiptakeyourcraft
alongwiththestream,andbring,bytheperformanceofakindness,thiscasetoanissue,sothatyoumayagain
indaystocome,beabletogoandfacethetwoDukesChiaandWang?"
"Whatyousuggest,"repliedYts'un,"is,ofcourse,rightenoughbutthiscaseinvolvesahumanlife,and
honouredasIhavebeen,byHisMajestytheEmperor,byarestorationtooffice,andselectiontoan
appointment,howcanIattheverymoment,whenImaystrainallmyenergiestoshowmygratitude,byreason
ofaprivateconsideration,setthelawsatnought?ThisisathingwhichIreallyhaven'tthecouragetodo."
"Whatyourworshipsaysisnaturallyrightandproper,"remarkedtheRetaineratthesewords,smiling
sarcastically,"butatthepresentstageoftheworld,suchthingscannotbedone.Haven'tyouheardthesayingof
amanofoldtotheeffectthatgreatmentakeactionsuitabletothetimes.'Hewhopresses,'headds,'towards
whatisauspiciousandavoidswhatisinauspiciousisaperfectman.'Fromwhatyourworshipsays,notonlyyou
couldn't,byanydisplayofzeal,repayyourobligationtoHisMajesty,but,whatismore,yourownlifeyouwill
finditdifficulttopreserve.Therearestillthreemoreconsiderationsnecessarytoinsureasafesettlement."
Yts'undroopedhisheadforaconsiderabletime.
"Whatisthereinyourideatobedone?"heatlengthinquired.

"Yourservant,"respondedtheRetainer,"hasalreadydevisedamostexcellentplan.It'sthis:Tomorrow,when
yourLordshipsitsincourt,youshould,merelyforform'ssake,makemuchado,bydespatchinglettersand
issuingwarrantsforthearrestoftheculprits.Themurdererwillnaturallynotbeforthcomingandasthe
plaintiffswillbestrongintheirdispleasure,youwillofcoursehavesomemembersoftheclanoftheHseh
family,togetherwithafewservantsandothers,takenintocustody,andexaminedundertorture,whenyour
servantwillbebehindthescenestobringmatterstoasettlement,bybiddingthemreportthatthevictimhad
succumbedtoasuddenailment,andbyurgingthewholenumberofthekindred,aswellastheheadmenofthe
place,tohandinadeclarationtothateffect.YourWorshipcanaverthatyouunderstandperfectlyhowtowrite
charmsindust,andconjurethespirithavinghadanaltar,coveredwithdust,placedinthecourt,youshouldbid
themilitaryandpeopletocomeandlookontotheirheart'scontent.YourWorshipcangiveoutthatthedivining
spirithasdeclared:'thatthedeceased,FengYan,andHsehP'anhadbeenenemiesinaformerlife,thathaving
nowmetinthenarrowroad,theirdestinieswereconsummatedthatHsehP'anhas,bythistime,contracted
someindescribablediseaseandperishedfromtheeffectsofthepersecutionofthespiritofFeng.'Thatasthe
calamityhadoriginatedentirelyfromtheactionofthekidnapper,exclusiveofdealingwiththekidnapper
accordingtolaw,therestneednotbeinterferedwith,andsoon.Yourservantwillbeinthebackgroundtospeak
tothekidnapperandurgehimtomakeafullconfessionandwhenpeoplefindthattheresponseofthedivining
spiritharmonizeswiththestatementsofthekidnapper,theywill,asamatterofcourse,entertainnosuspicion.
"TheHsehfamilyhaveplentyofmoney,sothatifyourWorshipadjudicatesthattheyshouldpayfivehundred,
theycanaffordit,oronethousandwillalsobewithintheirmeansandthissumcanbehandedtotheFeng
familytomeettheoutlayofburningincenseandburialexpenses.TheFengfamilyare,besides,peopleofnot
muchconsequence,and(thefussmadebythem)beingsimplyformoney,theytoowill,whentheyhavegotthe
cashinhand,havenothingmoretosay.Butmayitpleaseyourworshiptoconsidercarefullythisplanandsee
whatyouthinkofit?"
"Itisn'tasafecourse!Itisn'tasafecourse!"Yts'unobservedashesmiled."Letmefurtherthinkand
deliberateandpossiblybysucceedinginsuppressingpubliccriticism,themattermightalsobesettled."
Thesetwoclosedtheirconsultationbyafixeddetermination,andthenextday,whenhesatinjudgment,he
markedoffawholecompanyoftheplaintiffsaswellasoftheaccused,aswerementionedbyname,andhad
thembroughtbeforehim.Yts'unexaminedthemwithadditionalminuteness,anddiscoveredinpointoffact,
thattheinmatesoftheFengfamilywereextremelyfew,thattheymerelyrelieduponthischargewiththeideaof
obtainingsomecompensationforjosssticksandburialsandthattheHsehfamily,presumingontheirprestige
andconfidentofpatronage,hadbeenobstinateintherefusaltomakeanymutualconcession,withtheresultthat
confusionhadsupervened,andthatnodecisionhadbeenarrivedat.
Followingreadilythebentofhisfeelings,Yts'undisregardedthelaws,andadjudicatedthissuitinarandom
wayandastheFengfamilycameinforaconsiderablesum,withwhichtomeettheexpenseforincenseandthe
funeral,theyhad,afterall,notverymuchtosay(inthewayofobjections.)
Withalldespatch,Yts'unwroteandforwardedtwoletters,onetoChiaCheng,andtheothertoWangTzu
t'eng,atthattimecommanderinchiefofaMetropolitanDivision,simplyinformingthem:thatthecase,in
whichtheirworthynephewwasconcerned,hadcometoaclose,andthattherewasnoneedforthemtogive
waytoanyextremesolicitude.
ThiscasehadbeensettledthroughtheexclusiveactionoftheyoungpriestoftheHuLutemple,nowanofficial
RetainerandYts'un,apprehending,ontheotherhand,lesthemightinthepresenceofothers,divulgethe
circumstancesconnectedwiththedaysgoneby,whenhewasinastateofpenury,naturallyfeltveryunhappyin
hismind.Butatalaterperiod,hesucceeded,byultimatelyfindinginhimsomeshortcoming,anddeportinghim
toafarawayplace,insettinghisfearsatrest.
ButwewillputYts'unononeside,andrefertotheyoungmanHseh,whopurchasedYingLien,and
assaultedFengYuantodeath.

HetoowasanativeofChinLingandbelongedtoafamilyliteraryduringsuccessivegenerationsbutthisyoung
Hsehhadrecently,whenoftenderage,losthisfather,andhiswidowedmotheroutofpityforhisbeingthe
onlymaleissueandafatherlesschild,couldnothelpdoatingonhimandindulginghimtosuchadegree,that
whenhe,incourseoftime,grewuptoyearsofmanhood,hewasgoodfornothing.
Intheirhome,furthermore,wasthewealthofamillionaire,andtheywere,atthistime,inreceiptofanincome
fromHisMajesty'sprivypurse,forthepurveyofvariousarticles.
ThisyoungHsehwentatschoolunderthenameofP'an.HisstylewasWenCh'i.Hisnaturalhabitswere
extravaganthislanguagehaughtyandsupercilious.Hehad,ofcourse,alsobeentoschool,butallheknewwas
alimitednumberofcharacters,andthosenotwell.Thewholedaylong,hissoledelightwasincockfighting
andhorseracing,ramblingoverhillsanddoingthesights.
ThoughaPurveyor,byImperialappointment,hehadnottheleastideaofanythingrelatingtomattersof
businessoroftheworld.Allhewasgoodforwas:totakeadvantageofthefriendshipsenjoyedbyhis
grandfatherindaysofold,topresenthimselfattheBoardofRevenuetoperfunctorilysignhisnameandtodraw
theallowanceandrationswhiletherestofhisaffairshe,needlesstosay,lefthispartnersandoldservantsofthe
familytomanageforhim.
Hiswidowedmother,aMissWang,wastheyoungestsisterofWang
Tzut'eng,whosepresentofficewasthatofCommanderinChiefofa
MetropolitanDivisionandwas,withMadameWang,thespouseofChia
Cheng,oftheJungKuoMansion,sistersbornofonemother.Shewas,in
thisyear,moreorlessfortyyearsofageandhadonlyoneson:this
HsehP'an.
Shealsohadadaughter,whowastwoyearsyoungerthanHsehP'an,andwhoseinfantnamewasPaoCh'ai.
Shewasbeautifulinappearance,andelegantandrefinedindeportment.Indaysgoneby,whenherfatherlived,
hewasextremelyfondofthisgirl,andhadherreadbooksandstudycharacters,sothat,ascomparedwithher
brother,shewasactuallyahundredtimeshissuperior.Havingbecomeaware,eversinceherfather'sdeath,that
herbrothercouldnotappeasetheanguishofhermother'sheart,sheatoncedispelledallthoughtsofbooks,and
gavehersolemindtoneedlework,tothemenageandothersuchconcerns,soastobeabletoparticipateinher
mother'ssorrow,andtobearthefatigueinlieuofher.
AsoflatetheEmperorontheThroneheldlearningandproprietyinhighesteem,HisMajestycalledtogether
andsingledouttalentandability,uponwhichhedeignedtodisplayexceptionalgraceandfavour.Besidesthe
numbercalledforthfromprivatelifeandchosenasImperialsecondarywives,thedaughtersoffamiliesof
hereditaryofficialstatusandrenownwerewithoutexception,reportedbynametotheauthorities,and
communicatedtotheBoard,inanticipationoftheselectionformaidsinwaitingtotheImperialPrincessesand
daughtersofImperialPrincesintheirstudies,andforfillinguptheofficesofpersonsofeminence,tourgethem
tobecomeexcellent.
EversincethedeathofHsehP'an'sfather,thevariousassistants,managersandpartners,andotheremployesin
therespectiveprovinces,perceivinghowyouthfulHsehP'anwasinyears,andhowmuchhelackedworldly
experience,readilyavailedthemselvesofthetimetobeginswindlinganddefrauding.Thebusiness,carriedon
invariousdifferentplacesinthecapital,graduallyalsobegantofalloffandtoshowadeficit.
HsehP'anhadallalongheardthatthecapitalwastheoneplaceforgaieties,andwasjustentertainingtheidea
ofgoingonavisit,whenheeagerlyjumpedattheopportunity(thatpresenteditself,)firstofalltoescorthis
sister,whowasgoingtowaitfortheselection,inthesecondplacetoseehisrelatives,andinthethirdtoenter
personallythecapital,(professedly)tosettleuplongstandingaccounts,andtomakearrangementsfornew
outlays,but,inreality,withthesolepurposeofseeingthelifeandsplendourofthemetropolis.
Hetherefore,had,atanearlyperiod,gotreadyhisbaggageandsmallluggage,aswellasthepresentsfor
relativesandfriends,thingsofeverydescriptionoflocalproduction,presentsinacknowledgmentoffavours

received,andothersucheffects,andhewasabouttochooseadaytostartonhisjourneywhenunexpectedlyhe
cameinthewayofthekidnapperwhoofferedYingLienforsale.AssoonasHsehP'ansawhowdistingue
YingLienwasinherappearance,heformedtheresolutionofbuyingherandwhenheencounteredFengYan,
comewiththeobjectofdeprivinghimofher,heintheassuranceofsuperiority,calledhissturdymenials
together,whosetuponFengYanandbeathimtodeath.Forthwithcollectingalltheaffairsofthehousehold,
andentrustingthemonebyonetothechargeofsomemembersoftheclanandseveralelderlyservantsofthe
family,hepromptlytookhismother,sisterandothersandafterallstartedonhisdistantjourney,whilethe
chargeofhomicidehe,however,treatedaschild'splay,flatteringhimselfthatifhespentafewfilthypiecesof
money,therewasnodoubtastoitssettlement.
Hehadbeenonhisjourneyhowmanydays,hehadnotreckoned,when,onacertainday,astheywereaboutto
enterthecapital,hefurthermoreheardthathismaternaluncle,WangTzut'eng,hadbeenraisedtotherankof
SupremeGovernorofnineprovinces,andhadbeenhonouredwithanImperialcommandtoleavethecapitaland
inspectthefrontiers.
HsehP'anwasatheartsecretlyelated."Iwasjustlamenting,"hethought,"thatonmyvisittothecapital,I
wouldhavemymaternaluncletoexercisecontroloverme,andthatIwouldn'tbeabletogambolandfrisktomy
heart'scontent,butnowthatheisleavingthecapital,onpromotion,it'sevidentthatHeavenaccomplishesman's
wishes."
Asheconsequentlyheldconsultationwithhismother"Thoughwehave,"heargued,"severalhousesofour
owninthecapital,yetfortheselasttenyearsorso,therehasbeennoonetoliveinthem,andthepeople
chargedwiththelookingafterthemmustunavoidablyhavestealthilyrentedthemtosomeoneorother.It's
thereforeneedfultoletservantsgoaheadtosweepandgettheplaceinproperorder,beforewecanverywellgo
ourselves."
"Whatneedistheretogotosuchtrouble?"retortedhismother"themainobjectofourpresentvisittothe
capitalisfirstofalltopayourrespectstoourrelativesandfriendsanditis,eitheratyourelderuncle's,my
brother'splace,oratyourotheruncle's,mysister'shusband'shome,bothofwhichfamilies'housesare
extremelyspacious,thatwecanputupprovisionally,andbyandbye,atourease,wecansendservantstomake
ourhousetidy.Nowwon'tthisbeaconsiderablesavingoftrouble?"
"Myuncle,yourbrother,"suggestedHsehP'an,"hasjustbeenraisedtoanappointmentinanoutsideprovince,
sothat,ofcourse,inhishouse,thingsmustbetopsyturvey,onaccountofhisdepartureandshouldwebetake
ourselves,likeahiveofbeesandalongtrail,tohimforshelterwon'tweappearveryinconsiderate?"
"Youruncle,"remarkedhismother,"is,itistrue,goingonpromotion,butthere'sbesidesthehouseofyouraunt,
mysister.Whatismore,duringtheselastfewyearsfrombothyouruncle'sandaunt'shave,timeaftertime,been
sentmessages,andlettersforwarded,askingustocomeoverandnowthatwe'vecome,isitlikely,thoughyour
uncleisbusywithhispreparationstostartonhisjourney,thatyourauntoftheChiafamilywon'tdoallshecan
topressustostay?Besides,werewetohaveourhousegotreadyinascramble,won'titmakepeoplethinkit
strange?Ihoweverknowyourideaverywellthatwerewekepttostayatyouruncle'sandaunt's,youwon't
escapebeingunderstrictrestraint,unlikewhatwouldbethecasewerewetoliveinourownhouse,asyou
wouldbefreethentoactasyouplease!Suchbeingthecase,go,onyourownaccount,andchoosesomeplaceto
takeupyourquartersin,whileImyself,whohavebeenseparatedfromyourauntandcousinsfortheseseveral
years,wouldhoweverliketostaywiththemforafewdaysandI'llgoalongwithyoursisterandlookupyour
auntatherhome.Whatdoyousaywillthissuityouornot?"
HsehP'an,uponhearinghismotherspeakinthisstrain,knewwellenoughthathecouldnotbringherround
fromherdeterminationandhehadnohelpbuttoissuethenecessarydirectionstotheservantstomakestraight
fortheJungKuomansion.MadameWanghadbythistimealreadycometoknowthatinthelawsuit,inwhich
HsehP'anwasconcerned,ChiaYts'unhadfortunatelyintervenedandlenthisgoodoffices,andwasatlength
morecomposedinhermind.Butwhensheagainsawthathereldestbrotherhadbeenadvancedtoapostonthe
frontier,shewasjustdeploringthat,deprivedoftheintercourseoftherelativesofhermother'sfamily,how
doublylonelyshewouldfeelwhen,afterthelapseofafewdays,someoneofthehouseholdbroughtthe

unexpectedannouncementthat"ourlady,yoursister,has,withtheyounggentleman,theyoungladyandher
wholehousehold,enteredthecapitalandhavedismountedfromtheirvehiclesoutsidethemainentrance."This
newssodelightedmadameWangthatsherushedout,withafewattendants,togreettheminthelargeEntrance
Hall,andbroughtMrs.Hsehandtheothersintoherhouse.
Thetwosisterswerenowreunited,atanadvancedperiodoftheirlives,sothatmixedfeelingsofsorrowandjoy
throngedtogether,butontheseitis,ofcourse,needlesstodilate.
Afterconversingforatimeonwhathadoccurred,subsequenttotheirseparation,madameWangtookthemto
paytheirobeisancetodowagerladyChia.Theythenhandedoverthevariouskindsofpresentsandindigenous
articles,andafterthewholefamilyhadbeenintroduced,abanquetwasalsospreadtogreettheguests.
HsehP'an,havingpaidhisrespectstoChiaChengandChiaLien,waslikewisetakentoseeChiaShe,Chia
Chenandtheothermembers.
ChiaChengsentamessengertotellmadameWangthat"'aunt'Hsehhadalreadyseenmanyspringsand
autumns,whiletheirnephewwasoftenderage,withnoexperience,sothattherewaseveryfear,werehetolive
outside,thatsomethingwouldagaintakeplace.IntheSoutheastcornerofourcompound,"(hesentword,)
"thereareinthePearFragranceCourt,overtenapartments,allofwhicharevacantandlyingidleandwerewe
totelltheservantstosweepthem,andinvite'aunt'Hsehandtheyounggentlemanandladytotakeuptheir
quartersthere,itwouldbeanextremelywisething."
MadameWanghadinfactbeenentertainingthewishtokeepthemtolivewiththem,whendowagerladyChia
alsosentsomeonetosaythat,"Mrs.Hsehshouldbeaskedtoputupinthemansioninorderthatagreater
friendlinessshouldexistbetweenthemall."
Mrs.Hsehherselfhadallalongbeendesiroustoliveinoneplacewithherrelatives,soastobeabletokeepa
certaincheckoverherson,fearingthat,iftheylivedinaseparatehouseoutside,thenaturalbentofhishabits
wouldrunriot,andthatsomecalamitywouldbebroughtonandshetherefore,thereandthen,expressedher
senseofappreciation,andacceptedtheinvitation.ShefurtherprivatelytoldmadameWanginclearterms,that
everykindofdailyexpenseandgeneralcontributionwouldhavetobeentirelyavoidedandwithdrawnasthat
wouldbetheonlythingtojustifyhertomakeanyprotractedstay.AndmadameWangawarethatshehad,inher
home,nodifficultyinthisline,promptlyinfactcompliedwithherwishes.
Fromthisdateitwasthat"aunt"HsehandherchildrentookuptheirquartersinthePearFragranceCourt.
ThisCourtofPearFragrancehad,wemustexplain,beenatonetimeusedasaplaceforthequietretirementof
theDukeJunginhisadvancedyears.Itwasonasmallscale,butingeniouslylaidout.Therewere,atleast,over
tenstructures.Thefronthallsandthebackhouseswereallinperfectstyle.Therewasaseparatedoorgivingon
tothestreet,andthepeopleofthehouseholdofHsehP'anusedthisdoortogoinandout.Atthesouthwest
quarter,therewasalsoasidedoor,whichcommunicatedwithanarrowroadway.Beyondthisnarrowroad,was
theeasterncourtofmadameWang'sprincipalapartmentsothateveryday,eitherafterherrepast,orinthe
evening,Mrs.Hsehwouldreadilycomeoverandconverse,ononethingandanother,withdowagerladyChia,
orhaveachatwithmadameWangwhilePaoch'aicametogether,dayafterday,withTaiy,Yingch'un,her
sistersandtheothergirls,eithertoread,toplaychess,ortodoneedlework,andthepleasurewhichtheyderived
wasindeedperfect.
HsehP'anhoweverhadallalongfromthefirstinstance,beenlothtoliveintheChiamansion,ashedreaded
thatwiththedisciplineenforcedbyhisuncle,hewouldnotbeabletobehisownmasterbuthismotherhad
madeuphermindsopositivelytoremainthere,andwhatwasmore,everyoneintheChiamansionwasmost
pressingintheireffortstokeepthem,thattherewasnoalternativeforhimbuttotakeuphisquarters
temporarilythere,whileheatthesametimedirectedservantstogoandsweeptheapartmentsoftheirown
house,withaviewthattheyshouldmoveintothemwhentheywereready.

But,contrarytoexpectation,aftertheyhadbeenintheirquartersfornotoveramonth,HsehP'ancametobeon
intimaterelationswithalltheyoungmenamongthekindredoftheChiamansion,thehalfofwhomwere
extravagantintheirhabits,sothatgreatwas,ofcourse,hisdelighttofrequentthem.Today,theywouldcome
togethertodrinkwinethenextdaytolookatflowers.Theyevenassembledtogamble,todissipateandtogo
everywhereandanywhereleading,withalltheirenticements,HsehP'ansofarastray,thathebecamefar
worse,byahundredtimes,thanhewashitherto.
AlthoughitmustbeconcededthatChiaChengwasintheeducationofhischildrenquitecorrect,andinthe
controlofhisfamilyquitesystematic,yetinthefirstplace,theclanwassolargeandthememberssonumerous,
thathewasunabletoattendtotheentiresupervisionand,inthesecondplace,theheadofthefamily,atthis
period,wasChiaChen,who,astheeldestgrandchildoftheNingmansion,hadlikewisenowcomeintothe
inheritanceoftheofficialstatus,withtheresultthatallmattersconnectedwiththeclandevolveduponhissole
andexclusivecontrol.Inthethirdplace,publicaswellasprivateconcernsweremanifoldandcomplex,and
beingamanofnegligentdisposition,heestimatedordinaryaffairsofsolittleconsequencethatanyrespitefrom
hisofficialdutieshedevotedtonomorethanthestudyofbooksandtheplayingofchess.
Furthermore,thisPearFragranceCourtwasseparatedbytworowsofbuildingsfromhisquartersandwasalso
providedwithaseparatedooropeningintothestreet,sothat,beingableattheirownheart'sdesiretogooutand
tocomein,theseseveralyoungfellowscouldwellindulgetheircaprices,andgratifythebentoftheirminds.
HenceitwasthatHsehP'an,incourseoftimegraduallyextinguishedfromhismemoryeveryideaofshifting
theirquarters.
Butwhattranspired,onsubsequentdays,thefollowingchapterwillexplain.

CHAPTERV.
ThespiritofChiaPaoyvisitstheconfinesoftheGreatVoid.
TheMonitoryVisionFairyexpounds,inballads,theDreamoftheRed
Chamber.
HavinginthefourthChapterexplained,tosomedegree,thecircumstancesattendingthesettlementofthe
motherandchildrenoftheHsehfamilyintheJungmansion,andotherincidentalmatters,wewillnowrevert
toLinTaiy.
EversinceherarrivalintheJungmansion,dowagerladyChiashowedherthehighestsympathyandaffection,
sothatineverythingconnectedwithsleeping,eating,risingandaccommodationshewasonthesamefootingas
PaoywiththeresultthatYingCh'un,HsiCh'unandT'anCh'un,herthreegranddaughters,hadafteralltotake
abackseat.Infact,theintimateandclosefriendlinessandlovewhichsprungupbetweenthetwopersonsPao
yandTaiy,was,inthesamedegree,ofanexceptionalkind,ascomparedwiththoseexistingbetweenthe
others.Bydaylighttheywerewonttowalktogether,andtosittogether.Atnight,theywoulddesisttogether,and
resttogether.Reallyitwasacaseofharmonyinlanguageandconcordinideas,oftheconsistencyofvarnishor
ofglue,(aclosefriendship),whenatthisunexpectedjuncturetherecamethisgirl,HsehPaoch'ai,who,though
notverymucholderinyears(thantheothers),was,nevertheless,inmannersocorrect,andinfeaturesso
beautifulthattheconsensusofopinionwasthatTaiyherselfcouldnotcomeuptoherstandard.
Whatismore,inherwaysPaoCh'aiwassofullofgoodtact,soconsiderateandaccommodating,sounlikeTai
y,whowassupercilious,selfconfident,andwithoutanyregardfortheworldbelow,thatthenatural
consequencewasthatshesooncompletelywontheheartsofthelowerclasses.Eventhewholenumberof

waitingmaidswouldalsoforthemostpart,playandjokewithPaoch'ai.HenceitwasthatTaiyfostered,in
herheart,considerablefeelingsofresentment,butofthishoweverPaoch'aihadnottheleastinkling.
Paoywas,likewise,intheprimeofhisboyhood,andwas,besides,asfarasthebentofhisnaturaldisposition
wasconcerned,ineveryrespectabsurdandperverseregardinghiscousins,whethermaleorfemale,oneandall
withonecommonsentiment,andwithoutanydistinctionwhateverbetweenthedegreesofdistantorclose
relationship.Sittingandsleeping,ashenowwasunderthesameroofwithTaiyindowagerladyChia'ssuiteof
rooms,henaturallybecamecomparativelymorefriendlywithherthanwithhisothercousinsandthis
friendlinessledtogreaterintimacyandthisintimacyonceestablished,renderedunavoidabletheoccurrenceof
theblightofharmonyfromunforeseenslightpretexts.
Thesetwohadhadonthisveryday,forsomeunknownreason,wordsbetweenthemmoreorlessunfriendly,
andTaiywasagainsittingallaloneinherroom,givingwaytotears.Paoywasoncemorewithinhimself
quiteconsciencesmittenforhisungracefulremarks,andcomingforward,hehumblymadeadvances,until,at
length,Taiylittlebylittlecameround.
Astheplumblossom,intheeasternpartofthegardenoftheNingmansion,wasinfullbloom,ChiaChen's
spouse,Mrs.Yu,madepreparationsforacollation,(purposing)tosendinvitationstodowagerladyChia,
mesdamesHsing,andWang,andtheothermembersofthefamily,tocomeandadmiretheflowersandwhen
thedayarrivedthefirstthingshedidwastotakeChiaJungandhiswife,thetwoofthem,andcomeandask
themroundinperson.DowagerladyChiaandtheotherinmatescrossedoveraftertheirearlymealandtheyat
oncepromenadedtheHuiFang(ConcentratedFragrance)Garden.Firstteawasserved,andnextwinebutthe
entertainmentwasnomorethanafamilybanquetofthekindredofthetwomansionsofNingandJung,sothat
therewasatotallackofanynovelororiginalrecreationthatcouldbeputonrecord.
Afteralittletime,Paoyfelttiredandlanguidandinclinedforhismiddaysiesta."Takegoodcare,"dowager
ladyChiaenjoinedsomeofthem,"andstaywithhim,whileherestsforawhile,whenhecancomeback"
whereuponChiaJung'swife,Mrs.Ch'in,smiledandsaidwitheagerness:"Wegotreadyinherearoomforuncle
Pao,soletyourvenerableladyshipsetyourmindatease.Justhandhimovertomycharge,andhewillbequite
safe.Mothersandsisters,"shecontinued,addressingherselftoPaoy'snursesandwaitingmaids,"inviteuncle
Paotofollowmeinhere."
DowagerladyChiahadalwaysbeenawareofthefactthatMrs.Ch'inwasamosttrustworthyperson,naturally
courteousandscrupulous,andineveryactionlikewisesobenignandgentleindeedthemostestimableamong
thewholenumberofhergreatgrandsons'wives,sothatwhenshesawherabouttogoandattendtoPaoy,she
feltthat,foracertainty,everythingwouldbewell.
Mrs.Ch'in,thereandthen,ledawayacompanyofattendants,andcameintotheroomsinsidethedrawingroom.
Paoy,uponraisinghishead,andcatchingsightofapicturehungontheupperwall,representingahuman
figure,inperfectstyle,thesubjectofwhichwasaportraitofYenLi,speedilyfelthisheartsinkwithinhim.
Therewasalsoapairofscrolls,thetextofwhichwas:
Athoroughinsightintoworldlymattersarisesfromknowledge
Aclearperceptionofhumannatureemanatesfromliterarylore.
Onperusalofthesetwosentences,albeittheroomwassumptuousandbeautifullylaidout,hewouldonno
accountremaininit."Letusgoatonce,"hehastenedtoobserve,"letusgoatonce."
Mrs.Ch'inuponhearinghisobjectionssmiled."Ifthis,"shesaid,"isreallynotnice,whereareyougoing?ifyou
won'tremainhere,wellthencomeintomyroom."
Paoynoddedhisheadandgaveafaintgrin.

"Wheredoyoufindthepropriety,"anursethereuponinterposed,"ofanunclegoingtosleepintheroomofa
nephew'swife?"
"Aiya!"exclaimedMrs.Ch'inlaughing,"Idon'tmindwhetherhegetsangryornot(atwhatIsay)buthowold
canhebeastoreverentiallyshunallthesethings?Whymybrotherwaswithmeherelastmonthdidn'tyousee
him?he's,trueenough,ofthesameageasunclePao,butwerethetwoofthemtostandsidebyside,Isuspect
thathewouldbemuchhigherinstature."
"Howisit,"askedPaoy,"thatIdidn'tseehim?Bringhimalongandletmehavealookathim!"
"He'sseparated,"theyallventuredastheylaughed,"byadistanceoftwentyorthirtyli,andhowcanhebe
broughtalong?butyou'llseehimsomeday."
Astheyweretalking,theyreachedtheinteriorofMrs.Ch'in'sapartments.Assoonastheygotin,averyfaint
puffofsweetfragrancewaswaftedintotheirnostrils.Paoyreadilyfelthiseyesitchandhisbonesgrowweak.
"Whatafinesmell!"heexclaimedseveralconsecutivetimes.
Uponenteringtheapartments,andgazingatthepartitionwall,hesawapicturethehandiworkofT'angPohu,
consistingofBegoniasdroopinginthespringtimeoneithersideofwhichwasoneofapairofscrolls,written
byCh'inTaihs,aLiteraryChancelloroftheSungera,runningasfollows:
Agentlechilldothcircumscribethedreamingman,becausethespring
iscold.
Thefragrantwhiff,whichwaftsitselfintoman'snose,istheperfume
ofwine!
Onthetablewasamirror,onewhichhadbeenplaced,indaysofyore,intheMirrorPalaceoftheEmperorWu
Tset'ien.Ononesidestoodagoldplatter,inwhichFeiYen,wholivedintheCh'aostate,usedtostandand
dance.Inthisplatter,waslaidaquince,whichAnLushanhadflungattheEmpressT'aiChen,inflictinga
woundonherbreast.Intheupperpartoftheroom,stoodadivanornamentedwithgems,onwhichthe
Emperor'sdaughter,ShouCh'ang,waswonttosleep,intheHanChangPalaceHanging,werecurtains
embroideredwithstringsofpearls,byT'ungCh'ang,theImperialPrincess.
"It'sniceinhere,it'sniceinhere,"exclaimedPaoywithachuckle.
"Thisroomofmine,"observedMrs.Ch'insmilingly,"isIthink,goodenoughforevenspiritstolivein!"and,as
sheutteredthesewords,shewithherownhands,openedagauzecoverlet,whichhadbeenwashedbyHsiShih,
andremovedabridalpillow,whichhadbeenheldinthearmsofHungNiang.Instantly,thenursesattendedto
Paoy,untilhehadlaiddowncomfortablywhentheyquietlydispersed,leavingonlythefourwaitingmaids:
HsiJen,Ch'iuWen,Ch'ingWenandSheYuehtokeephimcompany.
"Mindbecareful,asyousitundertheeaves,"Mrs.Ch'inrecommendedtheyoungwaitingmaids,"thatthecats
donotstartafight!"
Paoythenclosedhiseyes,and,littlebylittle,becamedrowsy,andfellasleep.
ItseemedtohimjustasifMrs.Ch'inwaswalkingaheadofhim.Forthwith,withlistlessandunsettledstep,he
followedMrs.Ch'intosomespotorother,wherehesawcarnationlikerailings,jadelikesteps,verdanttrees
andlimpidpoolsaspotwhereactuallynotraceofanyhumanbeingcouldbemetwith,whereoftheshifting
mundanedustlittlehadpenetrated.
Paoyfelt,inhisdream,quitedelighted."Thisplace,"hemused,"ispleasant,andImayaswellspendmy
wholelifetimeinhere!thoughImayhavetolosemyhome,I'mquitereadyforthesacrifice,forit'sfarbetter
beingherethanbeingflogged,dayafterday,byfather,mother,andteacher."

Whileheponderedinthiserraticstrain,hesuddenlyheardthevoiceofsomehumanbeingatthebackofthe
rocks,givingventtothissong:
Likescatteringcloudsdothfleetavernaldream
Thetransientflowerspasslikearunningstream
Maidensandyouthsbearthis,yeall,inmind
Inuselessgriefwhatprofitwillyefind?
Paoyperceivedthatthevoicewasthatofagirl.Thesongwasbarelyatanend,whenhesoonespiedinthe
oppositedirection,abeautifulgirladvancingwithmajesticandelasticstepagirlquiteunlikeanyordinary
mortalbeing.Thereisthispoem,whichgivesanadequatedescriptionofher:
Loshejustquitsthewillowbankandsuddennowsheissuesfromthe
flowerbedeckedhouse
Asonwardaloneshespeeds,shestartlesthebirdsperchedinthe
trees,bythepaviliontowhichasshedrawsnigh,hershadow
flitsbytheverandah!
Herfairyclothesnowflutterinthewind!afragrantperfumelike
untomuskoroleaiswaftedintheairHerapparellotuslikeis
suddenwonttomoveandthejingleofherornamentsstrikesthe
ear.
Herdimpledcheeksresemble,astheysmile,avernalpeachher
kingfishercoiffureislikeacumulusofcloudsherlipspart
cherrylikeherpomegranateliketeethconcealafragrant
breath.
Herslenderwaist,sobeauteoustolookat,isliketheskippingsnow
waftedbyagustofwindthesheenofherpearlsandkingfisher
trinketsaboundswithsplendour,greenasthefeathersofaduck,
andyellowastheplumesofagoose
Nowsheissuestoview,andnowishiddenamongtheflowersbeautiful
sheiswhendispleased,beautifulwheninhighspiritswith
lissomestep,shetreadsalongthepond,asifshesoarsonwings
orswaysintheair.
Hereyebrowsarecrescentmoons,andknitunderhersmilesshe
speaks,andyetsheseemsnowordtoutterherlotuslikefeet
witheasepursuetheircourseshestops,andyetsheseemsstill
tobeinmotionthecharmsofherfigureallviewithicein
purity,andinsplendourwithpreciousgemsLovelyisher
brilliantattire,sofullofgrandeurandrefinedgrace.
Loveablehercountenance,asifmouldedfromsomefragrantsubstance,
orcarvedfromwhitejadeelegantisherperson,likeaphoenix,
dignifiedlikeadragonsoaringhigh.
Whatisherchastitylike?Likeawhitepluminspringwithsnow
nestlinginitsbrokenskinHerpurity?Likeautumnorchids
bedeckedwithdewdrops.
Hermodesty?LikeafirtreegrowinginabarrenplainHer
comeliness?Likerussetcloudsreflectedinalimpidpool.
Hergracefulness?Likeadragoninmotionwrigglinginastream
Herrefinement?Liketheraysofthemoonshootingontoacool
river.
SureisshetoputHsiTzutoshame!BoundtoputWangCh'iangtothe
blush!Whataremarkableperson!Wherewassheborn?andwhence
doesshecome?
OnethingistruethatinFairylandthereisnosecondlikeher!that

inthePurpleCourtsofHeaventhereisnoonefittobeherpeer!
Forsooth,whocanitbe,sosurpassinglybeautiful!
Paoy,uponrealisingthatshewasafairy,wasmuchelatedandwitheagernessadvancedandmadeabow.
"Mydivinesister,"heventured,asheputonasmile."Idon'tknowwhenceyoucome,andwhitheryouare
going.NorhaveIanyideawhatthisplaceis,butImakeboldtoentreatthatyouwouldtakemyhandandlead
meon."
"Myabode,"repliedtheFairy,"isabovetheHeavensofDivestedAnimosities,andintheoceanofDischarged
Sorrows.I'mtheFairyofMonitoryVision,ofthecaveofDroopingFragrance,inthemountofEmittedSpring,
withintheconfinesoftheGreatVoid.Ipresideoverthevoluptuousaffectionsandsensualdebtsamongthe
mortalrace,andsuperviseinthedustyworld,theenviesofwomenandthelustsofman.It'sbecauseI've
recentlycometohearthattheretributionforvoluptuousnessextendsuptothisplace,thatIbetakemyselfhere
inordertofindsuitableopportunitiesofdisseminatingmutualaffections.Myencounterwithyounowisalsonot
amatterofaccident!Thisspotisnotdistantfrommyconfines.Ihavenothingmuchtherebesidesacupofthe
tenderbudsofteapluckedbymyownhands,andapitcheroflusciouswine,fermentedbymeaswellasseveral
spritelikesinginganddancingmaidensofgreatproficiency,andtwelveballadsofspiritualsong,recently
completed,ontheDreamoftheRedChamberbutwon'tyoucomealongwithmeforastroll?"
Paoy,atthisproposal,feltelatedtosuchanextraordinarydegreethathecouldskipfromjoy,andthereand
thendiscardingfromhismindallideaofwhereMrs.Ch'inwas,hereadilyfollowedtheFairy.
Theyreachedsomespot,wheretherewasastonetablet,putupinahorizontalposition,onwhichwerevisible
thefourlargecharacters:"TheconfinesoftheGreatVoid,"oneithersideofwhichwasoneofapairofscrolls,
withthetwoantitheticalsentences:
Whenfalsehoodstandsfortruth,truthlikewisebecomesfalse
Whennaughtbemadetoaught,aughtchangesintonaught!
PastthePortalstoodthedoorofaPalace,andhorizontally,abovethisdoor,werethefourlargecharacters:"The
SeaofRetribution,theHeavenofLove."Therewerealsoapairofscrolls,withtheinscriptioninlarge
characters:
Passion,alas!thickastheearth,andloftyastheskies,fromages
pasttothepresenthathheldincessantsway
Howpitifulyourlot!yelustfulmenandwomenenvious,thatyour
voluptuousdebtsshouldbesohardtopay!
Paoy,afterperusal,communedwithhisownheart."Isitreallyso!"hethought,"butIwonderwhatimpliesthe
passionfromoldtillnow,andwhatarethevoluptuousdebts!Henceforward,Imustenlightenmyself!"
Paoywasbentuponthistrainofthoughtswhenheunwittinglyattractedseveralevilspiritsintohisheart,and
withspeedystephefollowedinthetrackofthefairy,andenteredtworowsofdoorswhenheperceivedthatthe
LateralHallswere,onbothsides,fulloftabletsandscrolls,thenumberofwhichhecouldnotinonemoment
ascertain.Hehoweverdiscriminatedinnumerousplacestheinscriptions:TheBoardofLustfulLovetheBoard
ofcontractedgrudgesTheBoardofMatutinalsobstheBoardofnocturnaltearstheBoardofvernalaffections
andtheBoardofautumnalanguish.
Afterhehadperusedtheseinscriptions,hefeltimpelledtoturnroundandaddresstheFairy."MayIventureto
troublemyFairy,"hesaid,"totakemealongforaturnintotheinteriorofeachoftheseBoards?MayIbe
allowed,Iwonder,todoso?"
"InsideeachoftheseBoards,"explainedtheFairy,"areaccumulatedtheregisterswiththerecordsofallwomen
ofthewholeworldofthosewhohavepassedaway,aswellasofthosewhohavenotasyetcomeintoit,and

you,withyourmortaleyesandhumanbody,couldnotpossiblybeallowedtoknowanythinginanticipation."
ButwouldPaoy,uponhearingthesewords,submittothisdecree?Hewentontoimploreherpermissionagain
andagain,untiltheFairycastinghereyeuponthetabletoftheboardinfrontofherobserved,"Well,allright!
youmaygointothisboardandreapsometransientpleasure."
Paoywasindescribablyjoyous,and,asheraisedhishead,heperceivedthatthetextonthetabletconsistedof
thethreecharacters:theBoardofIllfatedlivesandthatoneachsidewasascrollwiththeinscription:
Uponone'sselfaremainlybroughtregretsinspringandautumngloom
Aface,flowerlikemaybeandmoonliketoobutbeautyallforwhom?
UponperusalofthescrollPaoywas,atonce,themorestirredwithadmirationand,ashecrossedthedoor,
andreachedtheinterior,theonlythingsthatstruckhiseyewereabouttenlargepresses,thewholenumberof
whichweresealedwithpaperslipsoneveryoneoftheseslips,heperceivedthattherewerephrasespeculiarto
eachprovince.
Paoywasinhismindmerelybentupondiscerning,fromtherest,theslipreferringtohisownnativevillage,
whenheespied,ontheotherside,aslipwiththelargecharacters:"thePrincipalRecordoftheTwelveMaidens
ofChinLing."
"Whatisthemeaning,"thereforeinquiredPaoy,"ofthePrincipal
RecordoftheTwelveMaidensofChinLing?"
"Asthisistherecord,"explainedtheFairy,"ofthemostexcellentandprominentgirlsinyourhonourable
province,itis,forthisreason,calledthePrincipalRecord."
"I'veoftenheardpeoplesay,"observedPaoy,"thatChinLingisofvastextentandhowcanthereonlybe
twelvemaidensinit!why,atpresent,inourownfamilyalone,therearemoreorlessseveralhundredsofyoung
girls!"
TheFairygaveafaintsmile."Throughtherebe,"sherejoined,"solargeanumberofgirlsinyourhonourable
province,thoseonlyofanynotehavebeenselectedandenteredinthisrecord.Thetwopresses,onthetwo
sides,containthosewhoaresecondbestwhile,forallwhoremain,astheyareoftheordinaryrun,thereare,
consequently,noregisterstomakeanyentryofthemin."
Paoyuponlookingatthepressbelow,perceivedtheinscription:"SecondaryRecordofthetwelvegirlsof
ChinLing"whileagaininanotherpresswasinscribed:"SupplementarySecondaryRecordoftheTwelvegirls
ofChinLing."Forthwithstretchingouthishand,Paoyopenedfirstthedoorsofthepress,containingthe
"supplementarysecondaryRecord,"extractedavolumeoftheregisters,andopenedit.Whenhecameto
examineit,hesawonthefrontpagearepresentationofsomething,which,thoughbearingnoresemblancetoa
humanbeing,presented,atthesametime,nosimilitudetosceneryconsistingsimplyofhugeblotchesmade
withink.Thewholepaperwasfullofnothingelsebutblackcloudsandturbidmists,afterwhichappearedthe
tracesofafewcharacters,explainingthat
Acloudlessmoonisrareforsoothtosee,
Andprettycloudssosoonscatterandflee!
Thyheartisdeeperthantheheavensarehigh,
Thyframeconsistsofbaseignominy!
Thylooksandclevermindresentmentwillprovoke,
Andthineuntimelydeathvileslanderwillevoke!
Alovingnobleyouthinvainforlovewillyearn.
Afterreadingtheselines,Paoylookedbelow,wherewaspicturedabouquetoffreshflowersandabed
coveredwithtatteredmatting.Therewerealsoseveraldistichesrunningasfollows:

Thyselfesteemforkindlygentlenessisbutafancyvain!
Thycharmsthattheycanmatchtheoleaororchid,butthoughtsinane!
Whileanactorwill,enviouslot!withfortune'ssmilesbeborn,
Ayouthofnoblebirthwill,strangetosay,belucklessandforlorn.
Paoyperusedthesesentences,butcouldnotunfoldtheirmeaning,so,atoncediscardingthispress,hewent
overandopenedthedoorofthepressofthe"SecondaryRecords"andtookoutabook,inwhich,on
examination,hefoundarepresentationofatwigofOleafragrans.Below,wasapond,thewaterofwhichwas
parchedupandthemuddry,thelotusflowersdecayed,andeventherootsdead.Atthebackweretheselines:
Thelotusrootandflowerbutonefragrancewillgive
Howdeepalas!thewoundsofthylife'sspanwillbe
Whattimeadesolatetreeintwoplaceswilllive,
Backtoitsnativehomethefragrantghostwillflee!
Paoyreadtheselines,butfailedtounderstandwhattheymeant.Hethenwentandfetchedthe"Principal
Record,"andsettolookingitover.Hesawonthefirstpageapictureoftworottentrees,whileonthesetrees
wassuspendedajadegirdle.Therewasalsoaheapofsnow,andunderthissnowwasagoldenhairpin.There
wereinadditionthesefourlinesinverse:
Bitterthycupwillbe,e'enwerethevirtuethinetostoptheloom,
Thinethoughthegiftthewillowflufftosing,pitywhowillthy
doom?
Highinthetreesdothhangthegirdleofwhitejade,
Andlo!amongthesnowthegoldenpinislaid!
ToPaoythemeaningwasagain,thoughhereadthelinesover,quiteunintelligible.Hewas,abouttomake
inquiries,buthefeltconvincedthattheFairywouldbebothtodivulgethedecreesofHeavenandthoughintent
upondiscardingthebook,hecouldnothowevertearhimselfawayfromit.Forthwith,therefore,heprosecuteda
furtherperusalofwhatcamenext,whenhecaughtsightofapictureofabow.Onthisbowhungacitron.There
wasalsothisode:
Fulltwentyyearsrightandwrongtoexpoundwillbethyfate!
WhatplacepomegranateblossomscomeinbloomwillfacethePalace
Gate!
Thethirdportionofspring,ofthefirstspringinbeautyshortwill
fall!
Whentigermeetswithharethouwiltreturntosleepperennial.
Furtheron,wasalsoasketchoftwopersonsflyingakiteabroadexpanseofsea,andalargevesselwhilein
thisvesselwasagirl,whoscreenedherfacebedewedwithtears.Thesefourlineswerelikewisevisible:
Pureandbrightwillbethygifts,thypurposeveryhigh
Butbornthouwiltbelateinlifeandluckbepassedby
Atthetombfeastthouwiltrepinetearfulalongthestream,
Eastwindsmayblow,buthomemilesoffwillbe,evenindream.
Afterthisfollowedapictureofseveralstreaksoffleetingclouds,andofacreekwhosewaterswereexhausted,
withthetext:
Richesandhonourstoowhatbenefitarethey?
Inswaddlingclothesthou'ltbewhenparentspassaway
Therayswillslant,quickasthetwinkleofaneye
TheHsiangstreamwillrecede,theCh'ucloudsonwardfly!

Thencameapictureofabeautifulgem,whichhadfallenintothemire,withtheverse:
Thineaimischastity,butchastethouwiltnotbe
Abstractionisthyfaith,butvoidthoumay'stnotsee
Thyprecious,gemlikeselfwill,pitifultosay,
Intothemundanemirecollapseatlengthsomeday.
Aroughsketchfollowedofasavagewolf,inpursuitofabeautifulgirl,tryingtopounceuponherashewished
todevourher.Thiswastheburdenofthedistich:
Thymateislikeasavagewolfprowlingamongthehills
Hiswishoncegratifiedahaughtyspirithisheartfills!
Thoughfairthyformlikeflowersorwillowsinthegoldenmoon,
Upontheyellowbeamtohangwillshortlybeitsdoom.
Below,wasanoldtemple,intheinteriorofwhichwasabeautifulperson,justintheactofreadingthereligious
manuals,asshesatallalonewiththisinscription:
Inlightesteemthouhold'stthecharmsofthethreespringsfortheir
shortliv'dfate
Thineattireofpastyearstolayasidethouchang'st,aTaoistdress
todon
Howsad,alas!ofareputedhouseandnoblekindredthescion,
Alone,behold!shesleepsunderaglimmeringlight,anoldidolfor
mate.
Nextinordercameahillofice,onwhichstoodahenphoenix,whileunderitwasthismotto:
Whentimeends,surecoincidence,thephoenixdothalight
Thetalentsofthishumanformallknowandlivingsee,
Forfirsttoyieldshekens,thentocontrol,andthirdgenialtobe
Butsadtosay,thingsinChinLingareinmoresorryplight.
Thiswassucceededbyarepresentationofadesolatevillage,andadrearyinn.Aprettygirlsatinthere,spinning
thread.Thesewerethesentimentsaffixedbelow:
Whenricheswillhaveflownwillhonoursthenavail?
Whenruinbreaksyourhome,e'enrelativeswillfail!
ButsuddenthroughtheaidextendedtoDameLiu,
Afriendinneedfortunewillmaketoriseforyou.
Followingtheseverses,wasdrawnapotofOrchids,bythesideofwhich,wasabeautifulmaideninaphoenix
crownandcloudymantle(bridaldress)andtothispicturewasappendedthisdevice:
Whattimespringwanes,thenfadesthebloomofpeachaswellasplum!
Whoevercanlikeapotoftheoleabewinsome!
Withicethypuritywillvie,vaintheirenvywillbe!
Invainalaughingstockpeoplewilltrytomakeofthee.
Attheendofthispoeticaldevice,cametherepresentationofaloftyedifice,onwhichwasabeauteousgirl,
suspendingherselfonabeamtocommitsuicidewiththisverse:
Lovehighasheav'n,loveoceanwide,thylovelyformwilldon
Whattimelovewillencounterlove,licensemustrisewanton

WhyholdthatallimpietyinJungdothfinditsspring,
Thesourceoftrouble,verily,iscentredmostinNing.
Paoywasstillbentuponprosecutinghisperusal,whentheFairyperceivingthathisintellectwaseminentand
bright,andhisnaturaltalentsquickwitted,andapprehendinglestthedecreesofheavenshouldbedivulged,
hastilyclosedtheBookofRecord,andaddressedherselftoPaoy."Comealongwithme,"shesaidsmiling,
"andseesomewonderfulscenery.What'stheneedofstayinghereandbeatingthisgourdofennui?"
Inadazedstate,Paoylistlesslydiscardedtherecord,andagainfollowedinthefootstepsoftheFairy.Ontheir
arrivalattheback,hesawcarnationportires,andembroideredcurtains,ornamentedpillars,andcarvedeaves.
Butnowordscanadequatelygiveanideaofthevermilionapartmentsglisteningwithsplendour,ofthefloors
garnishedwithgold,ofthesnowreflectinglustrouswindows,ofthepalatialmansionsmadeofgems.Healso
sawfairylandflowers,beautifulandfragrant,andextraordinaryvegetation,fullofperfume.Thespotwasindeed
elysian.
HeagainheardtheFairyobservewithasmilingface:"Comeoutallofyouatonceandgreetthehonoured
guest!"
Thesewordswerescarcelycompleted,whenheespiedfairieswalkoutofthemansion,allofwhomwere,with
theirdanglinglotussleeves,andtheirflutteringfeatherhabiliments,ascomelyasspringflowers,andas
winsomeastheautumnmoon.AssoonastheycaughtsightofPaoy,theyall,withonevoice,resentfully
reproachedtheMonitoryVisionFairy."Ignorantastowhothehonouredguestcouldbe,"theyargued,"we
hastenedtocomeouttoofferourgreetingssimplybecauseyou,eldersister,hadtoldusthat,onthisday,andat
thisverytime,therewouldbesuretocomeonavisit,thespiritoftheyoungersisterofChiangChu.That'sthe
reasonwhywe'vebeenwaitingforeversolongandnowwhydoyou,inlieuofher,introducethisvileobjectto
contaminatetheconfinesofpureandspotlessmaidens?"
AssoonasPaoyheardtheseremarks,hewasforthwithplungedinsuchastateofconsternationthathewould
haveretired,buthefounditimpossibletodoso.Infact,hefelttheconsciousnessofthefoulnessandcorruption
ofhisownnaturequiteintolerable.TheMonitoryVisionFairypromptlytookPaoy'shandinherown,and
turningtowardsheryoungersisters,smiledandexplained:"You,andallofyou,arenotawareofthewhyand
wherefore.TodayIdidmeantohavegonetotheJungmansiontofetchChiangChu,butasIwentbytheNing
mansion,IunexpectedlycameacrosstheghostsofthetwodukesofJungandNing,whoaddressedmeinthis
wise:'Ourfamilyhas,sincethedynastyestablisheditselfontheThrone,enjoyedmeritandfame,which
pervadedmanyages,andrichesandhonourstransmittedfromgenerationtogeneration.Onehundredyearshave
alreadyelapsed,butthisgoodfortunehasnowwaned,andthispropitiousluckisexhaustedsomuchsothat
theycouldnotberetrieved!Oursonsandgrandsonsmaybemany,butthereisnooneamongthemwhohasthe
meanstocontinuethefamilyestate,withtheexceptionofourkindredgrandson,Paoyalone,who,though
perverseindispositionandwaywardbynature,isneverthelessintelligentandquickwittedandqualifiedina
measuretogiveeffecttoourhopes.Butalas!thegoodfortuneofourfamilyisentirelydecayed,sothatwefear
thereisnopersontoincitehimtoentertherightway!Fortunatelyyouworthyfairycomeatanunexpected
moment,andweventuretotrustthatyouwill,aboveallthings,warnhimagainstthefoolishindulgenceof
inordinatedesire,lasciviousaffectionsandothersuchthings,inthehopethathemay,atyourinstigation,beable
toescapethesnaresofthosegirlswhowillallurehimwiththeirblandishments,andtoenterontherighttrack
andwetwobrotherswillbeevergrateful.'
"Onlanguagesuchasthisbeingaddressedtome,myfeelingsofcommiserationnaturallyburstforthandI
broughthimhere,andbadehim,firstofall,carefullyperusetherecordsofthewholelivesofthemaidensinhis
family,belongingtothethreegrades,theupper,middleandlower,butashehasnotyetfathomedtheimport,I
haveconsequentlyledhimintothisplacetoexperiencethevisionofdrinking,eating,singingandlicentious
love,inthehope,thereisnosaying,ofhisatlengthattainingthatperception."
Havingconcludedtheseremarks,sheledPaoybythehandintotheapartment,wherehefeltawhiffofsubtle
fragrance,butwhatitwasthatreachedhisnostrilshecouldnottell.

ToPaoy'seagerandincessantinquiries,theFairymadereplywithasardonicsmile."Thisperfume,"shesaid,
"isnottobefoundintheworld,andhowcouldyoudiscernwhatitis?Thisismadeoftheessenceofthefirst
sproutsofrareherbs,growingonallhillsoffameandplacesofsuperiorexcellence,admixedwiththeoilof
everyspeciesofsplendidshrubsinpreciousgroves,andiscalledthemarrowofConglomeratedFragrance."
AtthesewordsPaoywas,ofcourse,fullofnootherfeelingthanwonder.
Thewholepartyadvancedandtooktheirseats,andayoungmaidservantpresentedtea,whichPaoyfoundof
purearoma,ofexcellentflavourandofnoordinarykind."Whatisthenameofthistea?"hethereforeasked
uponwhichtheFairyexplained."Thistea,"sheadded,"originatesfromtheHillsofEmittedSpringandthe
ValleyofDroopingFragrance,andis,besides,brewedinthenightdew,foundonspiritualplantsanddivine
leaves.Thenameofthisteais'onethousandredinonehole.'"
AtthesewordsPaoynoddedhishead,andextolleditsqualities.Espyingintheroomlutes,withjasper
mountings,andtripods,inlaidwithgems,antiquepaintings,andnewpoeticalworks,whichweretobeseen
everywhere,hefeltmorethaneverinahighstateofdelight.Belowthewindows,werealsoshredsofvelvet
sputteredaboutandatoiletcasestainedwiththetracesoftimeandsmudgedwithcosmeticwhileonthe
partitionwallwaslikewisesuspendedapairofscrolls,withtheinscription:
Alonesome,small,ethereal,beauteousnook!
Whathelpisthere,butHeaven'swilltobrook?
Paoyhavingcompletedhisinspectionfeltfullofadmiration,andproceededtoascertainthenamesand
surnamesoftheFairies.OnewascalledtheFairyofLustfulDreamsanother"theHighRulerofPropagated
Passion"thenameofonewas"theGoldenMaidenofPerpetuatedSorrow"ofanotherthe"IntelligentMaiden
ofTransmittedHatred."(Infact,)therespectiveTaoistappellationswerenotofoneandthesamekind.
Inashortwhile,youngmaidservantscameinandlaidthetable,putthechairsintheirplaces,andspreadout
winesandeatables.Therewereactuallycrystaltankardsoverflowingwithlusciouswines,andamberglassesfull
tothebrimwithpearlystrongliquors.Butstilllessneedistheretogiveanyfurtherdetailsaboutthe
sumptuousnessoftherefreshments.
Paoyfounditdifficult,onaccountoftheunusualpurityofthebouquetofthewine,toagainrestrainhimself
frommakinginquiriesaboutit.
"Thiswine,"observedtheMonitoryDreamFairy,"ismadeofthetwigsofhundredsofflowers,andthejuiceof
tenthousandsoftrees,withtheadditionofmustcomposedofunicornmarrow,andyeastpreparedwithphoenix
milk.Hencethenameof'TenthousandBeautiesinoneCup'wasgiventoit."
Paoysangitsincessantpraise,and,whilehesippedhiswine,twelvedancinggirlscameforward,and
requestedtobetoldwhatsongstheyweretosing.
"Take,"suggestedtheFairy,"thenewlycomposedTwelveSectionsofthe
DreamoftheRedChamber,andsingthem."
Thesinginggirlssignifiedtheirobedience,andforthwiththeylightlyclappedthecastagnettesandgently
thrummedthevirginals.Thesewerethewordswhichtheywereheardtosing:
Atthetimeoftheopeningoftheheavensandthelayingoutoftheearthchaosprevailed.
TheyhadjustsungthisonelinewhentheFairyexclaimed:"Thisballadisunliketheballadswritteninthedusty
worldwhosepurportistohanddownremarkableevents,inwhichthedistinctionofscholars,girls,oldmenand
women,andfoolsisessential,andinwhicharefurthermoreintroducedthelyricsoftheSouthernandNorthern
Palaces.Thesefairysongsconsisteitherofelegaiceffusionsonsomepersonorimpressionsofsomeoccurrence
orother,andareimpromptusongsreadilysettothemusicofwindorstringinstruments,sothatanyonewhois

notcognisantoftheirgistcannotappreciatethebeautiescontainedinthem.Soyouarenotlikely,Ifear,to
understandthislyricwithanyclearnessandunlessyoufirstperusethetextandthenlistentotheballad,you
will,insteadofpleasure,feelasifyouwerechewingwax(devoidofanyzest)."
Aftertheseremarks,sheturnedherheadround,anddirectedayoungmaidservanttofetchthetextoftheDream
oftheRedChamber,whichshehandedtoPaoy,whotookitoverandashefollowedthewordswithhiseyes,
withhisearshelistenedtothestrainsofthissong:
PrefaceoftheBreamoftheRedChamber.WhentheHeavenswereopenedandearthwaslaidoutchaos
prevailed!Whatwasthegermoflove?Itarisesentirelyfromthestrengthoflicentiouslove.
Whatday,bythewillofheaven,Ifeltwoundedatheart,andwhattimeIwasatleisure,Imadeanattemptto
disburdenmysadheartandwiththisobjectinviewIinditedthisDreamoftheBedChamber,onthesubjectof
adisconsolategoldtrinketandanunfortunatepieceofjade.
WasteofawholeLifetime.Allmaintainthatthematchbetweengoldandjadewillbehappy.AllIcanthinkofis
thesolemnoathcontractedindaysgonebybytheplantandstone!VainwillIgazeuponthesnow,Hseh,[Pao
ch'ai],pureascrystalandlustrouslikeagemoftheeminentpriestlivingamongthehills!NeverwillIforgetthe
noiselessFairyGrove,Lin[Taiy],beyondtheconfinesofthemortalworld!Alas!nowonlyhaveIcometo
believethathumanhappinessisincompleteandthatacouplemaybeboundbythetiesofwedlockforlife,but
thatafteralltheirheartsarenoteasytolullintocontentment.
Vainknittingofthebrows.TheoneisaspiritflowerofFairylandtheotherisabeautifuljadewithoutablemish.
Doyoumaintainthattheirunionwillnotberemarkable?Whyhowthenisitthathehascometomeetheragain
inthisexistence?Iftheunionwillyousay,bestrange,howisitthenthattheirloveaffairwillbebutempty
words?Theoneinherlonelinesswillgivewaytouselesssighs.Theotherinvainwillyearnandcrave.Theone
willbelikethereflectionofthemooninwatertheotherlikeaflowerreflectedinamirror.Consider,howmany
dropsoftearscantherebeintheeyes?andhowcouldtheycontinuetodropfromautumntowinterandfrom
springtoflowtillsummertime?
ButtocometoPaoy.Afterhehadheardtheseballads,sodiffuseandvague,hefailedtoseeanypointof
beautyinthembuttheplaintivemelodyofthesoundwasneverthelesssufficienttodriveawayhisspiritand
exhilaratehissoul.Henceitwasthathedidnotmakeanyinquiriesaboutthearguments,andthathedidnotask
aboutthemattertreated,butsimplymakingtheseballadsthemeansforthetimebeingofdispellingmelancholy,
hethereforewentonwiththeperusalofwhatcamebelow.
DespicableSpiritofDeath!Youwillberejoicingthatgloryisatitsheightwhenhatefuldeathwillcomeonce
again,andwitheyeswidewithhorror,youwilldiscardallthings,anddimlyandsoftlythefragrantspiritwill
wasteanddissolve!Youwillyearnfornativehome,butdistantwillbetheway,andloftythemountains.Hence
itisthatyouwillbetakeyourselfinsearchoffatherandmother,whiletheylieundertheinfluenceofadream,
andholddiscoursewiththem."Yourchild,"youwillsay,"hasalreadytroddenthepathofdeath!Ohmyparents,
itbehovesyoutospeedilyretraceyourstepsandmakegoodyourescape!"
SeparatedfromRelatives.Youwillspeedonajourneyofthreethousandliatthemercyofwindandrain,and
tearyourselffromallyourfamilytiesandyournativehome!Yourfearswillbelestanguishshoulddoanyharm
toyourparentsintheirfailingyears!"Fatherandmother,"youwillbidthem,"donotthinkwithanyanxietyof
yourchild.Fromagespastpovertyaswellassuccesshavebothhadafixeddestinyandisitlikelythat
separationandreunionarenotsubjecttopredestination?Thoughwemaynowbefarapartintwodifferent
places,wemusteachofustryandpreservegoodcheer.Yourabjectchildhas,itistrue,gonefromhome,but
abstainfromdistressingyourselvesonheraccount!"
SorrowinthemidstofJoy.Whilewrappedasyetinswaddlingclothes,fatherandmother,bothalas!willdepart,
anddwellthoughyouwillinthatmassofgauze,whoistherewhowillknowhowtospoilyouwithanyfond
attention?Bornyouwillbefortunatelywithamplemoralcourage,andhighmindedandboundlessresources,
foryourparentswillnothave,intheleast,theirchild'ssecretfeelingsatheart!Youwillbelikeamoon

appearingtoviewwhentherainholdsup,sheddingitsraysupontheJadeHalloragentlebreeze(waftingits
breathuponit).Weddedtoahusband,fairylikefairandaccomplished,youwillenjoyahappinessenduringas
theearthandperennialastheHeavens!andyouwillbethemeansofsnappingasunderthebitterfateofyour
youth!But,afterall,thecloudswillscatterinKaoT'angandthewatersoftheHsiangriverwillgetparched!
Thisistheinevitabledestinyofdissolutionandcontinuancewhichprevailsinthemortalworld,andwhatneed
istheretoindulgeinuselessgrief?
Intolerabletotheworld.Yourfigurewillbeaswinsomeasanoleafragransyourtalentsasampleasthoseofa
Fairy!Youwillbynaturebesohaughtythatofthewholehumanracefewwillbelikeyou!Youwilllookupona
meatdietasoneofdirt,andtreatsplendourascoarseandloathsome!Andyetyouwillnotbeawarethatyour
highnotionswillbringuponyoutheexcessivehatredofman!Youwillbeveryeagerinyourdesireafter
chastity,butthehumanracewilldespiseyou!Alas,youwillwaxoldinthatantiquetemplehallunderafaint
light,whereyouwillwasteungratefulforbeauty,looksandfreshness!Butafterallyouwillstillbeworldly,
corruptandunmindfulofyourvowsjustlikeaspotlesswhitejadeyouwillbewhosefateistofallintothe
mire!Andwhatneedwilltherebeforthegrandsonofaprinceorthesonofaduketodeplorethathiswillnotbe
thegoodfortune(ofwinningyouraffections)?
TheVoluptuary.Youwillresembleawolfinthemountains!asavagebeastdevoidofallhumanfeeling!
Regardlessineverywayoftheobligationsofdaysgoneby,yoursolepleasurewillbeintheindulgenceof
haughtiness,extravagance,licentiousnessanddissolutehabits!Youwillbeinordinateinyourconjugal
affections,andlookdownuponthebeautifulcharmsofthechildofamarquis,asiftheywerecattailrushor
willowtramplinguponthehonourabledaughterofaducalmansion,asifshewereoneofthecommonherd.
Pitifultosay,thefragrantspiritandbeauteousghostwillinayearsoftlyandgentlypassaway!
ThePerceptionthatallthingsaretransientlikeflowers.Youwilllooklightlyuponthethreespringsandregard
theblushofthepeachandthegreenofthewillowasofnoavail.Youwillbeatoutthefireofsplendour,and
treatsolitaryretirementasgenial!Whatisitthatyousayaboutthedelicatepeachesintheheavens(marriage)
beingexcellent,andthepetalsofthealmondinthecloudsbeingplentiful(children)?Lethimwhohasafterall
seenoneofthem,(reallyamortalbeing)gosafelythroughtheautumn,(wadesafelythrougholdage),behold
thepeopleinthewhitePoplarvillagegroanandsighandthespiritsunderthegreenmaplewhineandmoan!
Stillmorewideinexpansethaneventheheavensisthedeadvegetationwhichcoversthegraves!Themoralis
this,thattheburdenofmanispovertyonedayandaffluenceanotherthatbloominspring,anddecayinautumn,
constitutethedoomofvegetablelife!Inthesameway,thiscalamityofbirthandthevisitationofdeath,whois
abletoescape?ButIhavehearditsaidthattheregrowsinthewesternquarteratreecalledtheP'oSo(Patient
Bearing)whichbearsthefruitofImmortallife!
ThebaneofIntelligence.Yourswillbethepowertoestimate,inathoroughmanner,therealmotivesofall
things,asyourswillbeintelligenceofanexcessivedegreebutinstead(ofreapinganybenefit)youwillcastthe
dieofyourownexistence!Theheartofyourpreviouslifeisalreadyreducedtoatoms,andwhenyoushallhave
died,yournaturewillhavebeenintelligenttonopurpose!Yourhomewillbeineasycircumstancesyourfamily
willenjoycomfortsbutyourconnexionswill,atlength,fallapreytodeath,andtheinmatesofyourfamily
scatter,eachoneofyouspeedinginadifferentdirection,makingroomforothers!Invain,youwillhave
harassedyourmindwithcankeringthoughtsforhalfalifetimeforitwillbejustasifyouhadgonethroughthe
confusedmazesofadreamonthethirdwatch!Suddenacrash(willbeheard)likethefallofaspaciouspalace,
andaduskygloominess(willsupervene)suchasiscausedbyalampabouttospenditself!Alas!aspellof
happinesswillbesuddenly(dispelledby)adversity!Woeismanintheworld!forhisultimatedoomisdifficult
todetermine!
Leavebehindaresidueofhappiness!Handdownanexcessofhappinesshanddownanexcessofhappiness!
Unexpectedlyyouwillcomeacrossabenefactor!Fortunateenoughyourmother,yourownmother,willhave
laidbyastoreofvirtueandsecretmeritoriousactions!Myadvicetoyou,mankind,istorelievethedestituteand
succourthedistressed!Donotresemblethosewhowillharpafterlucreandshowthemselvesunmindfulofthe
tiesofrelationship:thatwolflikematernaluncleofyoursandthatimpostorofabrother!Trueitisthataddition
andsubtraction,increaseanddecrease,(rewardandpunishment,)restinthehandsofHeavenabove!

Splendouratlast.Lovingaffectioninamirrorwillbestillmoreephemeralthanfameinadream.Thatfine
splendourwillfleethowsoon!Makenofurtherallusiontoembroideredcurtain,tobridalcoverletforthough
youmaycometowearonyourheadapearlladencoronet,and,onyourperson,ajacketornamentedwith
phoenixes,yourswillnotneverthelessbethemeanstoatonefortheshortlife(ofyourhusband)!Thoughthe
sayingisthatmankindshouldnothave,intheiroldage,theburdenofpovertytobear,yetitisalsoessentialthat
astoreofbenevolentdeedsshouldbelaidupforthebenefitofsonsandgrandsons!(Yourson)maycometobe
dignifiedinappearanceandwearonhisheadtheofficialtassel,andonhischestmaybesuspendedthegoldseal
resplendentinlustrehemaybeimposinginhismajesty,andhemayrisehighinstatusandemoluments,butthe
darkanddrearywaywhichleadstodeathisshort!Arethegeneralsandministerswhohavebeenfromagesof
oldstillintheflesh,forsooth?Theyexistonlyinafutilenamehandeddowntoposteritytoreverence!
Deathensueswhenthingspropitiousreign!Upontheornamentedbeamwillsettleatthecloseofspringthe
fragrantdust!Yourrecklessindulgenceoflicentiousloveandyournaturallymoonlikefacewillsoonbethe
sourceoftheruinofafamily.ThedecadenceofthefamilyestatewillemanateentirelyfromChingwhilethe
waneofthefamilyaffairswillbeentirelyattributabletothefaultofNing!Licentiouslovewillbethemain
reasonofthelongstandinggrudge.
Theflyingbirdseachperchuponthetrees!Thefamilyestatesofthoseinofficialpositionswillfade!Thegold
andsilveroftherichandhonouredwillbescattered!thosewhowillhaveconferredbenefitwill,evenindeath,
findthemeansofescape!thosedevoidofhumanfeelingswillreapmanifestretribution!Thoseindebtedfora
lifewillmake,induetime,paymentwiththeirlivesthoseindebtedfortearshavealready(gone)toexhaust
theirtears!Mutualinjurieswillberevengedinnolightmanner!Separationandreunionwillbothalikebe
determinedbypredestination!Youwishtoknowwhyyourlifewillbeshortlookintoyourpreviousexistence!
Verily,richesandhonours,whichwillcomewitholdage,willlikewisebeaquestionofchance!Thosewhowill
holdtheworldinlightesteemwillretirewithinthegateofabstractionwhilethosewhowillbealluredby
enticementwillhaveforfeitedtheirlives(TheChiafamilywillfulfilitsdestiny)assurelyasbirdstaketothe
treesaftertheyhaveexhaustedalltheyhadtoeat,andwhichastheydropdownwillpileupahoary,vastand
loftyheapofdust,(leaving)indeedavoidbehind!
Whenthemaidenshadfinishedtheballads,theywentontosingthe"SupplementaryRecord"buttheMonitory
VisionFairy,perceivingthetotalabsenceofanyinterestinPaoy,heavedasigh."Yousillybrat!"she
exclaimed."What!haven'tyou,evennow,attainedperception!"
"There'snoneedforyoutogoonsinging,"speedilyobservedPaoy,asheinterruptedthesingingmaidensand
feelingdrowsyanddull,hepleadedbeingundertheeffectsofwine,andbeggedtobeallowedtoliedown.
TheFairythengaveorderstoclearawaytheremainsofthefeast,andescortedPaoytoasuiteoffemale
apartments,wherethesplendourofsuchobjectsaswerelaidoutwasathingwhichhehadnothithertoseen.But
whatevokedinhimwonderstillmoreintense,wasthesight,atanearlyperiod,ofagirlseatedintheroom,
who,inthefreshnessofherbeautyandwinsomenessofhercharms,boresomeresemblancetoPaoch'ai,while,
ineleganceandcomeliness,ontheotherhand,toTaiyu.
Whilehewasplungedinastateofperplexity,theFairysuddenlyremarked:"Allthosefemaleapartmentsand
ladies'chambersinsomanywealthyandhonourablefamiliesintheworldare,withoutexception,pollutedby
voluptuousopulentpuppetsandbyallthatbevyofprofligategirls.Butstillmoredespicablearethosefromold
tillnownumberlessdissoluterous,oneandallofwhommaintainthatlibidinousaffectionsdonotconstitute
lewdnessandwhotry,further,toprovethatlicentiousloveisnottantamounttolewdness.Butallthese
argumentsaremereapologiesfortheirshortcomings,andascreenfortheirpollutionsforiflibidinousaffection
belewdness,stillmoredoestheperceptionoflicentiousloveconstitutelewdness.Henceitisthattheindulgence
ofsensualityandthegratificationoflicentiousaffectionoriginateentirelyfromarelishoflust,aswellasfroma
hankeringafterlicentiouslove.Loyou,whoaretheobjectofmylove,arethemostlewdbeingunderthe
heavensfromremoteagestothepresenttime!"
Paoywasquitedumbstruckbywhatheheard,andhastilysmiling,hesaidbywayofreply:"MyFairylabours
underamisapprehension.Simplybecauseofmyreluctancetoreadmybooksmyparentshave,onrepeated

occasions,extendedtomeinjunctionandreprimand,andwouldIhavethecouragetogosofarastorashly
plungeinlewdhabits?Besides,Iamstillyounginyears,andhavenonotionwhatisimpliedbylewdness!"
"Notso!"exclaimedtheFairy"lewdness,althoughonethinginprincipleis,asfarasmeaninggoes,subjectto
differentconstructionsasisexemplifiedbythoseintheworldwhoseheartissetuponlewdness.Somedelight
solelyinfacesandfiguresothersfindinsatiablepleasureinsinginganddancingsomeindallianceandraillery
othersintheincessantindulgenceoftheirlustsandtheseregretthatallthebeautifulmaidensundertheheavens
cannotministertotheirshortlivedpleasure.Theseseveralkindsofpersonsarefoulobjectssteepedskinandall
inlewdness.Thelustfullove,forinstance,whichhassprungtolifeandtakenrootinyournaturalaffections,I
andsuchasmyselfextendtoitthecharacterofanabstractlewdnessbutabstractlewdnesscanbegraspedby
themind,butcannotbetransmittedbythemouthcanbefathomedbythespirit,butcannotbedivulgedin
words.Asyounowareimbuedwiththisdesireonlyintheabstract,youarecertainlywellfittobeatrustworthy
friendin(Fairyland)innerapartments,but,onthepathofthemortalworld,youwillinevitablybemisconstrued
anddefamedeverymouthwillridiculeyoueveryeyewilllookdownuponyouwithcontempt.Aftermeeting
recentlyyourworthyancestors,thetwoDukesofNingandJung,whoopenedtheirheartsandmadetheirwishes
knowntomewithsuchfervour,(butIwillnothaveyousolelyonaccountofthesplendourofourinner
apartmentslookdowndespisinglyuponthepathoftheworld),Iconsequentlyledyoualong,myson,and
inebriatedyouwithlusciouswines,steepedyouinspiritualtea,andadmonishedyouwithexcellentsongs,
bringingalsohereayoungsisterofmine,whoseinfantnameisChienMei,andherstyleK'oChing,tobegiven
toyouasyourweddedwife.Tonight,thetimewillbepropitiousandsuitablefortheimmediateconsummation
oftheunion,withtheexpressobjectoflettingyouhaveacertaininsightintothefactthatiftheconditionofthe
abodeofspiritswithintheconfinesofFairylandbestillso(imperfect),howmuchthemoresoshouldbethe
natureoftheaffectionswhichprevailinthedustyworldwiththeintentthatfromthistimeforthyoushould
positivelybreakloosefrombondage,perceiveandamendyourformerdisposition,devoteyourattentiontothe
worksofConfuciusandMencius,andsetyoursteadypurposeupontheprinciplesofmorality."
Havingendedtheseremarks,sheinitiatedhimintothemysteriesoflicentiouslove,and,pushingPaoyintothe
room,sheclosedthedoor,andtookherdepartureallalone.Paoyinadazedstatecompliedwiththe
admonitionsgivenhimbytheFairy,andthenaturalresultwas,ofcourse,aviolentflirtation,thecircumstances
ofwhichitwouldbeimpossibletorecount.
Whenthenextdaycame,hewasbythattimesoattachedtoherbytiesoftenderloveandtheirconversationwas
sogentleandfullofcharmthathecouldnotbrooktopartfromK'oChing.Handinhand,thetwoofthem
therefore,wentoutforastroll,whentheyunexpectedlyreachedaplace,wherenothingelsemettheirgazethan
thornsandbrambles,whichcoveredtheground,andawolfandatigerwalkingsidebyside.Beforethem
stretchedthecourseofablackstream,whichobstructedtheirprogressandoverthisstreamtherewas,whatis
more,nobridgetoenableonetocrossit.
Whiletheywereexercisingtheirmindswithperplexity,theysuddenlyespiedtheFairycomingfromthebackin
pursuitofthem."Desistatonce,"sheexclaimed,"frommakinganyadvanceintothestreamitisurgentthatyou
should,withallspeed,turnyourfacesround!"
Paoylostnotimeinstandingstill."Whatisthisplace?"heinquired.
"ThisistheFordofEnticement,"explainedtheFairy."Itsdepthistenthousandchangitsbreadthisathousand
liinitsstreamtherearenoboatsorpaddlesbymeansofwhichtoeffectapassage.Thereissimplyaraft,of
whichMuChushihdirectstherudder,andwhichHuiShihchenpuntswiththepoles.Theyreceiveno
compensationintheshapeofgoldorsilver,butwhentheycomeacrossanyonewhosedestinyitistocross,they
ferryhimover.Younowhavebyaccidentstrolledasfarashere,andhadyoufallenintothestreamyouwould
haverenderedquiteuselesstheadviceandadmonitionwhichIpreviouslygaveyou."
Thesewordswerescarcelyconcluded,whensuddenlywasheardfromthemidstoftheFordofEnticement,a
soundlikeuntoapealofthunder,whereuponawholecrowdofgobblinsandseaurchinslaidhandsuponPaoy
anddraggedhimdown.

ThissofilledPaoywithconsternationthathefellintoaperspirationasprofuseasrain,andhesimultaneously
brokeforthandshouted,"Rescueme,K'oChing!"
ThesecriessoterrifiedHsiJenandtheotherwaitingmaids,thattheyrushedforward,andtakingPaoyintheir
arms,"Don'tbeafraid,Paoy,"theysaid,"wearehere."
ButwemustobservethatMrs.Ch'inwasjustinsidetheapartmentintheactofrecommendingtheyoung
waitingmaidstobemindfulthatthecatsanddogsdidnotstartafight,whensheunawaresheardPaoy,inhis
dream,callherbyherinfantname.Inamelancholymoodshethereforecommunedwithinherself,"Asfarasmy
infantnamegoes,thereis,inthisestablishment,noonewhohasanyideawhatitis,andhowisitthathehas
cometoknowit,andthatheuttersitinhisdream?"Andshewasatthisperiodunabletofathomthereason.But,
reader,listentotheexplanationsgiveninthechapterwhichfollows.

CHAPTERVI.
ChiaPaoyreapshisfirstexperienceinlicentiouslove.
OldGoodyLiupaysavisittotheJungKuoMansion.
Mrs.Ch'in,toresumeournarrative,uponhearingPaoycallherinhisdreambyherinfantname,wasatheart
veryexercised,butshedidnothoweverfeelatlibertytomakeanyminuteinquiry.
Paoywas,atthistime,insuchadazedstate,asifhehadlostsomething,andtheservantspromptlygavehima
decoctionoflungngan.Afterhehadtakenafewsips,heforthwithroseandtidiedhisclothes.
HsiJenputoutherhandtofastenthebandofhisgarment,andassoonasshedidso,anditcameincontactwith
hisperson,itfeltsoicycoldtothetouch,coveredasitwasalloverwithperspiration,thatshespeedilywithdrew
herhandinuttersurprise.
"What'sthematterwithyou?"sheexclaimed.
AblushsuffusedPaoy'sface,andhetookHsiJen'shandinatightgrip.HsiJenwasagirlwithallherwits
abouthershewasbesidesacoupleofyearsolderthanPaoyandhadrecentlycometoknowsomethingofthe
world,sothatatthesightofhisstate,shetoagreatextentreadilyaccountedforthereasoninherheart.From
modestshame,sheunconsciouslybecamepurpleintheface,andnotventuringtoaskanotherquestionshe
continuedadjustinghisclothes.Thistaskaccomplished,shefollowedhimovertooldladyChia'sapartments
andafterahurryscurrymeal,theycamebacktothisside,andHsiJenavailedherselfoftheabsenceofthe
nursesandwaitingmaidstohandPaoyanothergarmenttochange.
"Please,dearHsiJen,don'ttellanyone,"entreatedPaoy,withconcealedshame.
"Whatdidyoudreamof?"inquiredHsiJen,smiling,asshetriedtostifleherblushes,"andwhencecomesall
thisperspiration?"
"It'salongstory,"saidPaoy,"whichonlyafewwordswillnotsufficetoexplain."
Heaccordinglyrecountedminutely,forherbenefit,thesubjectofhisdream.WhenhecametowheretheFairy
hadexplainedtohimthemysteriesoflove,HsiJenwasoverpoweredwithmodestyandcoveredherfacewith
herhandsandasshebentdown,shegavewaytoafitoflaughter.PaoyhadalwaysbeenfondofHsiJen,on

accountofhergentleness,prettylooksandgracefulandelegantmanner,andheforthwithexpoundedtoherall
themysterieshehadbeentaughtbytheFairy.
HsiJenwas,ofcourse,wellawarethatdowagerladyChiahadgivenherovertoPaoy,sothatherpresent
behaviourwaslikewisenotransgression.AndsubsequentlyshesecretlyattemptedwithPaoyaviolent
flirtation,andluckyenoughnoonebrokeinuponthemduringtheirttette.Fromthisdate,Paoytreated
HsiJenwithspecialregard,farmorethanheshowedtotheothergirls,whileHsiJenherselfwasstillmore
demonstrativeinherattentionstoPaoy.Butforatimewewillmakenofurtherremarkaboutthem.
AsregardsthehouseholdoftheJungmansion,theinmatesmay,onaddingupthetotalnumber,nothavebeen
foundmanyyet,countingthehighaswellasthelow,therewerethreehundredpersonsandmore.Theiraffairs
maynothavebeenverynumerous,stilltherewere,everyday,tenandtwentymatterstosettleinfact,the
householdresembled,ineveryway,ravelledhemp,devoidevenofaclueend,whichcouldbeusedasan
introduction.
Justaswewereconsideringwhatmatterandwhatpersonitwouldbebesttobeginwritingof,byalucky
coincidencesuddenlyfromadistanceofathousandli,apersonsmallandinsignificantasagrainofmustard
seedhappened,onaccountofherdistantrelationshipwiththeJungfamily,tocomeonthisverydaytotheJung
mansiononavisit.Weshallthereforereadilycommencebyspeakingofthisfamily,asitafterallaffordsan
excellentclueforabeginning.
ThesurnameofthismeanandhumblefamilywasinpointoffactWang.Theywerenativesofthisdistrict.Their
ancestorhadfilledaminorofficeinthecapital,andhad,inyearsgoneby,beenacquaintedwithladyFeng's
grandfather,thatismadameWang'sfather.BeingcovetousoftheinfluenceandaffluenceoftheWangfamily,he
consequentlyjoinedancestorswiththem,andwasrecognisedbythemasanephew.
Atthattime,therewereonlymadameWang'seldestbrother,thatisladyFeng'sfather,andmadameWang
herself,whoknewanythingofthesedistantrelations,fromthefactofhavingfollowedtheirparentstothe
capital.Therestofthefamilyhadoneandallnoideaaboutthem.
Thisancestorhad,atthisdate,beendeadlongago,leavingonlyonesoncalledWangCh'eng.Asthefamily
estatewasinastateofruin,heoncemoremovedoutsidethecitywallsandsettleddowninhisnativevillage.
WangCh'engalsodiedsoonafterhisfather,leavingason,knowninhisinfancyasKouErh,whomarrieda
MissLiu,bywhomhehadasoncalledbytheinfantnameofPanErh,aswellasadaughter,Ch'ingErh.His
familyconsistedoffour,andheearnedalivingfromfarming.
AsKouErhwasalwaysbusywithsomethingorotherduringthedayandhiswife,dameLiu,ontheotherhand,
drewthewater,poundedthericeandattendedtoalltheotherdomesticconcerns,thebrotherandsister,Ch'ing
ErhandPanErh,thetwoofthem,hadnoonetolookafterthem.(Henceitwasthat)KouErhbroughtoverhis
motherinlaw,oldgoodyLiu,tolivewiththem.
ThisgoodyLiuwasanoldwidow,withagooddealofexperience.Shehadbesidesnosonroundherknees,so
thatshewasdependentforhermaintenanceonacoupleofacresofpoorland,withtheresultthatwhenherson
inlawreceivedherinhishome,shenaturallywaseverwillingtoexertheartandmindtohelpherdaughterand
hersoninlawtoearntheirliving.
Thisyear,theautumnhadcometoanend,winterhadcommenced,andtheweatherhadbeguntobequitecold.
Noprovisionhadbeenmadeinthehouseholdforthewintermonths,andKouErhwas,inevitably,exceedingly
exercisedinhisheart.Havinghadseveralcupsofwinetodispelhisdistress,hesatathomeandtriedtoseize
uponeverytrifletogiveventtohisdispleasure.Hiswifehadnotthecouragetoforceherselfinhisway,and
hencegoodyLiuitwaswhoencouragedhim,asshecouldnotbeartoseethestateofthedomesticaffairs.
"Don'tpullmeupfortalkingtoomuch,"shesaid"butwhoofuscountrypeopleisn'thonestandopenhearted?
Asthesizeofthebowlwehold,soisthequantityofthericeweeat.Inyouryoungdays,youweredependenton
thesupportofyouroldfather,sothateatinganddrinkingbecamequiteahabitwithyouthat'show,atthe

presenttime,yourresourcesarequiteuncertainwhenyouhadmoney,youlookedahead,anddidn'tmind
behindandnowthatyouhavenomoney,youblindlyflyintohuffs.Afinefellowandacapitalheroyouhave
made!Livingthoughwenowbeawayfromthecapital,weareafterallatthefeetoftheEmperorthiscityof
Ch'angNganisstrewnalloverwithmoney,butthepityisthatthere'snooneabletogoandfetchitawayand
it'snouseyourstayingathomeandkickingyourfeetabout."
"Allyouoldladyknow,"rejoinedKouErh,afterhehadheardwhatshehadtosay,"istositonthecouchand
talktrash!Isitlikelyyouwouldhavemegoandplaytherobber?"
"Whotellsyoutobecomearobber?"askedgoodyLiu."Butitwouldbewell,afterall,thatweshouldputour
headstogetheranddevisesomemeansforotherwise,isthemoney,pray,ableofitselftorunintoourhouse?"
"Hadtherebeenaway,"observedKouErh,smilingsarcastically,"wouldIhavewaiteduptothismoment?I
havebesidesnorevenuecollectorsasrelatives,orfriendsinofficialpositionsandwhatwaycouldwedevise?
'ButevenhadIany,theywouldn'tbelikely,Ifear,topayanyheedtosuchasourselves!"
"That,too,doesn'tfollow,"remarkedgoodyLiu"theplanningofaffairsrestswithman,buttheaccomplishment
ofthemrestswithHeaven.Afterwehavelaidourplans,wemay,whocansay,byrelyingonthesustenanceof
thegods,findsomefavourableoccasion.Leaveittome,I'lltryanddevisesomeluckychanceforyoupeople!In
yearsgoneby,youjoinedancestorswiththeWangfamilyofChinLing,andtwentyyearsback,theytreatedyou
withconsiderationbutoflate,you'vebeensohighandmighty,andnotcondescendedtogoandbowtothem,
thatanestrangementhasarisen.Irememberhowinyearsgoneby,Iandmydaughterpaidthemavisit.The
seconddaughterofthefamilywasreallysopleasantandknewsowellhowtotreatpeoplewithkindness,and
withoutinfactanyhighairs!She'satpresentthewifeofMr.Chia,thesecondsonoftheJungKuomansionand
Ihearpeoplesaythatnowthatshe'sadvancedinyears,she'sstillmoreconsideratetothepoor,regardfulofthe
old,andveryfondofpreparingvegetablefoodforthebonzesandperformingcharitabledeeds.Theheadofthe
Wangmansionhas,itistrue,beenraisedtosomeofficeonthefrontier,butIhopethatthisladySecundawill
anyhownoticeus.Howisitthenthatyoudon'tfindyourwayasfarasthereforshemaypossiblyrememberold
times,andsomegoodmay,noonecansay,comeofit?Ionlywishthatshewoulddisplaysomeofherkind
heartedness,andpluckonehairfromherpersonwhichwouldbe,yeathickerthanourwaist."
"Whatyousuggest,mother,isquitecorrect,"interposedMrs.Liu,KouErh'swife,whostoodbyandtookupthe
conversation,"butwithsuchmouthandphizasyoursandmine,howcouldwepresentourselvesbeforeher
door?WhyIfearthatthemanathergatewon'talsoliketogoandannounceus!andwe'dbetternotgoandhave
ourmouthsslappedinpublic!"
KouErh,whowouldhavethoughtit,prizedhighlybothaffluenceandfame,sothatwhenheheardthese
remarks,heforthwithbegantofeelatheartalittlemoreatease.Whenhefurthermoreheardwhathiswifehad
tosay,heatoncecaughtupthewordashesmiled.
"Oldmother,"herejoined"sincethatbeyouridea,andwhat'smore,youhaveindaysgonebyseenthisladyon
oneoccasion,whyshouldn'tyou,oldlady,starttomorrowonavisittoherandfirstascertainhowthewind
blows!"
"AiYa!"exclaimedoldGoody,"Itmayverywellbesaidthatthemarquis'doorislikethewideocean!whatsort
ofthingamI?whytheservantsofthatfamilywouldn'tevenrecogniseme!evenwereItogo,itwouldbeona
wildgoosechase."
"Nomatteraboutthat,"observedKouErh"I'lltellyouagoodwayyoujusttakealongwithyou,your
grandson,littlePanErh,andgofirstandcalluponChouJui,whoisattachedtothathouseholdandwhenonce
you'veseenhim,therewillbesomelittlechance.ThisChouJui,atonetime,wasconnectedwithmyfatherin
someaffairorother,andwewereonexcellenttermswithhim."
"ThatItooknow,"repliedgoodyLiu,"butthethingisthatyou'vehadnodealingswithhimforsolong,that
whoknowshowhe'sdisposedtowardsusnow?thiswouldbehardtosay.Besides,you'reaman,andwitha

mouthandphizlikethatofyours,youcouldn't,onanyaccount,goonthiserrand.Mydaughterisayoung
woman,andshetoocouldn'tverywellgoandexposeherselftopublicgaze.Butbymysacrificingthisoldface
ofmine,andbygoingandknockingit(againstthewall)theremay,afterall,besomebenefitandallofusmight
reapprofit."
Thatverysameevening,theylaidtheirplans,andthenextmorningbeforethebreakofday,oldgoodyLiu
speedilygotup,andhavingperformedhertoilette,shegaveafewusefulhintstoPanErhwho,beingachildof
fiveorsixyearsofage,was,whenheheardthathewastobetakenintothecity,atoncesodelightedthatthere
wasnothingthathewouldnotagreeto.
Withoutfurtherdelay,goodyLiuledoffPanErh,andenteredthecity,andreachingtheNingJungstreet,she
cametothemainentranceoftheJungmansion,where,nexttothemarblelions,weretobeseenacrowdof
chairsandhorses.GoodyLiucouldnothowevermusterthecouragetogoby,buthavingshakenherclothes,and
saidafewmoreseasonablewordstoPanErh,shesubsequentlysquattedinfrontofthesidegate,whenceshe
couldseeanumberofservants,swellingouttheirchests,pushingouttheirstomachs,gesticulatingwiththeir
handsandkickingtheirfeetabout,whiletheywereseatedatthemainentrancechatteringaboutonethingand
another.
GoodyLiufeltconstrainedtoedgeherselfforward."Gentlemen,"sheventured,"mayhappinessbetideyou!"
Thewholecompanyofservantsscrutinisedherforatime."Wheredoyoucomefrom?"theyatlengthinquired.
"I'vecometolookupMr.Chou,anattendantofmylady's,"remarkedgoodyLiu,assheforcedasmile"which
ofyou,gentlemen,shallItroubletodomethefavourofaskinghimtocomeout?"
Theservants,afterhearingwhatshehadtosay,paid,thewholenumberofthem,noheedtoheranditwasafter
thelapseofaconsiderabletimethattheysuggested:"Goandwaitatadistance,atthefootofthatwallandina
shortwhile,thevisitors,whoareintheirhouse,willbecomingout."
Amongthepartyofattendantswasanoldman,whointerposed,
"Don'tbaffleherobject,"heexpostulated"whymakeafoolofher?"andturningtogoodyLiu:"ThisMr.
Chou,"hesaid,"isgonesouth:hishouseisatthebackrowhiswifeisanyhowathomesogoroundthisway,
untilyoureachthedoor,atthebackstreet,where,ifyouwillaskabouther,youwillbeontherighttrack."
GoodyLiu,havingexpressedherthanks,forthwithwent,leadingPanErhbythehand,roundtothebackdoor,
whereshesawseveralpedlarsrestingtheirburdens.Therewerealsothosewhosoldthingstoeat,andthosewho
soldplaythingsandtoysandbesidesthese,twentyorthirtyboysbawledandshouted,makingquiteanoise.
GoodyLiureadilycaughtholdofoneofthem."I'dliketoaskyoujustaword,myyoungfriend,"sheobserved
"there'saMrs.Chouhereissheathome?"
"WhichMrs.Chou?"inquiredtheboy"weherehavethreeMrs.Chousandtherearealsotwoyoungmarried
ladiesofthenameofChou.Whatarethedutiesoftheoneyouwant,Iwonder?"
"She'sawaitingwomanofmylady,"repliedgoodyLiu.
"It'seasytogetather,"addedtheboy"justcomealongwithme."
LeadingthewayforgoodyLiuintothebackyard,theyreachedthewallofacourt,whenhepointedandsaid,
"Thisisherhouse.MotherChou!"hewentontoshoutwithalacrity"there'sanoldladywhowantstosee
you."
ChouJui'swifewasathome,andwithallhasteshecameouttogreethervisitor."Whoisit?"sheasked.
GoodyLiuadvanceduptoher."Howareyou,"sheinquired,"Mrs.Chou?"

Mrs.Choulookedatherforsometimebeforesheatlengthsmiledandreplied,"OldgoodyLiu,areyouwell?
Howmanyyearsisitsincewe'veseeneachothertellme,forIforgetjustnowbutpleasecomeinandsit."
"You'realadyofrank,"answeredgoodyLiusmiling,asshewalkedalong,"anddoforgetmanythings.How
couldyouremembersuchasourselves?"
Withthesewordsstillinhermouth,theyhadenteredthehouse,whereuponMrs.Chouorderedahiredwaiting
maidtopourthetea.Whiletheywerehavingtheirteasheremarked,"HowPanErhhasmanagedtogrow!"and
thenwentontomakeinquiriesonthesubjectofvariousmatters,whichhadoccurredaftertheirseparation.
"Today,"shealsoaskedofgoodyLiu,"wereyousimplypassingby?ordidyoucomewithanyexpressobject?"
"I'vecome,thefactis,withanobject!"promptlyrepliedgoodyLiu"(firstofall)toseeyou,mydearsisterin
lawand,inthesecondplacealso,toinquireaftermylady'shealth.Ifyoucouldintroducemetoseeherfora
while,itwouldbebetterbutifyoucan't,Imustreadilyborrowyourgoodoffices,mysisterinlaw,toconvey
mymessage."
Mr.ChouJui'swife,afterlisteningtothesewords,atoncebecametoagreatextentawareoftheobjectofher
visit.Herhusbandhad,however,inyearsgonebyinhisattempttopurchasesomeland,obtainedconsiderably
thesupportofKouErh,sothatwhenshe,onthisoccasion,sawgoodyLiuinsuchadilemma,shecouldnot
makeuphermindtorefuseherwish.Beinginthesecondplacekeenuponmakingadisplayofherown
respectability,shethereforesaidsmilingly:
"OldgoodyLiu,praycomposeyourmind!You'vecomefromfaroffwithapureheartandhonestpurpose,and
howcanIevernotshowyouthewayhowtoseethislivingBuddha?Properlyspeaking,whenpeoplecomeand
guestsarrive,andverbalmessageshavetobegiven,thesemattersarenotanyofmybusiness,asweallhere
haveeachonekindofdutiestocarryout.Myhusbandhasthespecialchargeoftherentsoflandcomingin,
duringthetwoseasonsofspringandautumn,andwhenatleisure,hetakestheyounggentlemenoutofdoors,
andthenhisbusinessisdone.Asformyself,Ihavetoaccompanymyladyandyoungmarriedladieson
anythingconnectedwithoutofdoorsbutasyouarearelativeofmyladyandhavebesidestreatedmeasahigh
personandcometomeforhelp,I'll,afterall,breakthiscustomanddeliveryourmessage.There'sonlyone
thing,however,andwhichyou,oldlady,don'tknow.Weherearenotwhatwewerefiveyearsbefore.Mylady
nowdoesn'tmuchworryherselfaboutanythingandit'sentirelyladySecundawholooksafterthemenage.But
whodoyoupresumeisthisladySecunda?She'sthenieceofmylady,andthedaughterofmymaster,theeldest
maternaluncleofbygonedays.HerinfantnamewasFengKo."
"Isitreallyshe?"inquiredpromptlygoodyLiu,afterthisexplanation."Isn'titstrange?whatIsaidabouther
yearsbackhascomeoutquitecorrectbutfromallyousay,shallItodaybeabletoseeher?"
"Thatgoeswithoutsaying,"repliedChouJui'swife"whenanyvisitorscomenowadays,it'salwaysladyFeng
whodoesthehonoursandentertainsthem,andit'sbettertodaythatyoushouldseeherforawhile,forthenyou
willnothavewalkedallthiswaytonopurpose."
"Omitofu!"exclaimedoldgoodyLiu"Ileaveitentirelytoyourconvenience,sisterinlaw."
"What'sthatyou'resaying?"observedChouJui'swife."Theproverbsays:'Ourconvenienceistheconvenience
ofothers.'AllIhavetodoistojustutteroneword,andwhattroublewillthatbetome."
Sayingthis,shebadetheyoungwaitingmaidgotothesidepavilion,andquietlyascertainwhether,inherold
ladyship'sapartment,tablehadbeenlaid.
Theyoungwaitingmaidwentonthiserrand,andduringthiswhile,thetwoofthemcontinuedaconversationon
certainirrelevantmatters.

"ThisladyFeng,"observedgoodyLiu,"canthisyearbenoolderthantwenty,andyetsotalentedastomanage
suchahouseholdasthis!thelikeofherisnoteasytofind!"
"Hai!mydearoldgoody,"saidChouJui'swife,afterlisteningtoher,"it'snoteasytoexplainbutthisladyFeng,
thoughyounginyears,isnevertheless,inthemanagementofaffairs,superiortoanyman.Shehasnowexcelled
theothersanddevelopedtheveryfeaturesofabeautifulyoungwoman.Tosaytheleast,shehastenthousand
eyesinherheart,andweretheywillingtowagertheirmouths,whytenmengiftedwitheloquencecouldn'teven
outdoher!Butbyandbye,whenyou'veseenher,you'llknowallabouther!There'sonlythisthing,shecan't
helpbeingrathertoosevereinhertreatmentofthosebelowher."
Whileyetshespake,theyoungwaitingmaidreturned."Inhervenerablelady'sapartment,"shereported,"repast
hasbeenspread,andalreadyfinishedladySecundaisinmadameWang'schamber."
AssoonasChouJui'swifeheardthisnews,shespeedilygotupandpressedgoodyLiutobeoffatonce."This
is,"sheurged,"justthehourforhermeal,andassheisfreewehadbetterfirstgoandwaitforherforwerewe
tobeevenonesteptoolate,acrowdofservantswillcomewiththeirreports,anditwillthenbedifficultto
speaktoherandafterhersiesta,she'llhavestilllesstimetoherself."
Asshepassedtheseremarks,theyalldescendedthecouchtogether.GoodyLiuadjustedtheirdresses,and,
havingimpressedafewmorewordsofadviceonPanErh,theyfollowedChouJui'swifethroughwinding
passagestoChiaLien'shouse.Theycameinthefirstinstanceintothesidepavilion,whereChouJui'swife
placedoldgoodyLiutowaitalittle,whilesheherselfwentahead,pastthescreenwallandintotheentranceof
thecourt.
HearingthatladyFenghadnotcomeout,shewentinsearchofanelderlywaitingmaidofladyFeng,P'ingErh
byname,whoenjoyedherconfidence,towhomChouJui'swifefirstrecountedfrombeginningtoendthe
historyofoldgoodyLiu.
"Shehascometoday,"shewentontoexplain,"fromadistancetopayherobeisance.Indaysgoneby,ourlady
usedoftentomeether,sothat,onthisoccasion,shecan'tbutreceiveherandthisiswhyI'vebroughtherin!I'll
waithereforladyFengtocomedown,andexplaineverythingtoherandItrustshe'llnotcallmetotaskfor
officiousrudeness."
P'ingErh,afterhearingwhatshehadtosay,speedilydevisedtheplanofaskingthemtowalkin,andtositthere
pending(ladyFeng'sarrival),whenallwouldberight.
ChouJui'swifethereuponwentoutandledthemin.Whentheyascendedthestepsofthemainapartment,a
youngwaitingmaidraisedaredwoollenportire,andassoonastheyenteredthehall,theysmeltawhiffof
perfumeasitcamewaftedintotheirfaces:whatthescentwastheycouldnotdiscriminatebuttheirpersonsfelt
asiftheywereamongtheclouds.
Thearticlesoffurnitureandornamentsinthewholeroomwereallsobrillianttothesight,andsovyingin
splendourthattheymadetheheadtoswimandtheeyestoblink,andoldgoodyLiudidnothingelsethewhile
thannodherhead,smackherlipsandinvokeBuddha.Forthwithshewasledtotheeasternsideintothesuiteof
apartments,wherewasthebedroomofChiaLien'seldestdaughter.P'ingErh,whowasstandingbytheedgeof
thestovecouch,castacoupleofglancesatoldgoodyLiu,andfeltconstrainedtoinquirehowshewas,andto
presshertohaveaseat.
GoodyLiu,noticingthatP'ingErhwasentirelyrobedinsilks,thatshehadgoldpinsfixedinherhair,andsilver
ornamentsinhercoiffure,andthathercountenanceresembledaflowerorthemoon(inbeauty),readily
imaginedhertobeladyFeng,andwasabouttoaddressherasmyladybutwhensheheardMrs.Chouspeakto
herasMissP'ing,andP'ingErhpromptlyaddressChouJui'swifeasMrs.Chou,sheeventuallybecameaware
thatshecouldbenomorethanawaitingmaidofacertainrespectability.

SheatoncepressedoldgoodyLiuandPanErhtotakeaseatonthestovecouch.P'ingErhandChouJui'swife
satfacetoface,ontheedgesofthecouch.Thewaitingmaidsbroughtthetea.Aftertheyhadpartakenofit,old
goodyLiucouldhearnothingbuta"lotang,lotang"noise,resemblingverymuchthesoundofaboltingframe
winnowingflour,andshecouldnotresistlookingnowtotheEast,andnowtotheWest.Suddenlyinthegreat
Hall,sheespied,suspendedonapillar,aboxatthebottomofwhichhungsomethingliketheweightofa
balance,whichincessantlywaggedtoandfro.
"Whatcanthisthingbe?"communedgoodyLiuinherheart,"Whatcanbeitsuse?"Whileshewasaghast,she
unexpectedlyheardasoundof"tang"likethesoundofagoldenbellorcoppercymbal,whichgaveherquitea
start.Inatwinkleoftheeyesfollowedeightornineconsecutivestrokesandshewasbentuponinquiringwhat
itwas,whenshecaughtsightofseveralwaitingmaidsenterinaconfusedcrowd."Ourladyhascomedown!"
theyannounced.
P'ngErh,togetherwithChouJui'swife,rosewithallhaste."OldgoodyLiu,"theyurged,"dositdownandwait
tillit'stime,whenwe'llcomeandaskyouin."
Sayingthis,theywentouttomeetladyFeng.
OldgoodyLiu,withsuppressedvoiceandearintent,waitedinperfectsilence.Sheheardatadistancethevoices
ofsomepeoplelaughing,whereuponabouttenortwentywomen,withrustlingclothesandpetticoats,madetheir
entrance,onebyone,intothehall,andthenceintotheroomontheotherquarter.Shealsodetectedtwoorthree
women,withredlacqueredboxesintheirhands,comeoveronthispartandremaininwaiting.
"Gettherepastready!"sheheardsomeonefromtheoffsidesay.
Theservantsgraduallydispersedandwentoutandthereonlyremainedinattendanceafewofthemtobringin
thecourses.Foralongtime,notsomuchasthecawofacrowcouldbeheard,whensheunexpectedlyperceived
twoservantscarryinacouchtable,andlayitonthissideofthedivan.Uponthistablewereplacedbowlsand
plates,inproperorderreplete,asusual,withfishandmeatsbutoftheseonlyafewkindswereslightlytouched.
AssoonasPanErhperceived(allthesedelicacies),hesetupsuchanoise,andwouldhavesomemeattoeat,but
goodyLiuadministeredtohimsuchaslap,thathehadtokeepaway.
Suddenly,shesawMrs.Chouapproach,fullofsmiles,andasshewavedherhand,shecalledher.GoodyLiu
understoodhermeaning,andatoncepullingPanErhoffthecouch,sheproceededtothecentreoftheHalland
afterMrs.Chouhadwhisperedtoheragainforawhile,theycameatlengthwithslowstepintotheroomonthis
side,wheretheysawontheoutsideofthedoor,suspendedbybrasshooks,adeepredfloweredsoftportire.
Belowthewindow,onthesouthernside,wasastovecouch,andonthiscouchwasspreadacrimsoncarpet.
Leaningagainstthewoodenpartitionwall,ontheeastside,stoodachainembroideredbackcushionanda
recliningpillow.Therewasalsospreadalargewateredsatinsittingcushionwithagoldembroideredcentre,and
onthesidestoodcuspidoresmadeofsilver.
LadyFeng,whenathome,usuallyworeonherheadafrontpieceofdarkmartinlaChaoChn,surrounded
withtasselsofstrungpearls.Shehadonarobeofpeachredfloweredsatin,ashortpelisseofslatebluestiffsilk,
linedwithsquirrel,andajupeofdeepredforeigncrepe,linedwithermine.Resplendentwithpearlpowderand
withcosmetics,shesatinthere,statelyandmajestic,withasmallbrasspokerinherhands,withwhichshewas
stirringtheashesofthehandstove.P'ingErhstoodbythesideofthecouch,holdingaverysmalllacqueredtea
tray.Inthistraywasasmallteacupwithacover.LadyFengneithertookanytea,nordidsheraiseherhead,but
wasintentuponstirringtheashesofthehandstove.
"Howisityouhaven'tyetaskedhertocomein?"sheslowlyinquiredandasshespake,sheturnedherself
roundandwasabouttoaskforsometea,whensheperceivedthatMrs.Chouhadalreadyintroducedthetwo
personsandthattheywerestandinginfrontofher.

Sheforthwithpretendedtorise,butdidnotactuallygetup,andwithafaceradiantwithsmiles,sheascertained
abouttheirhealth,afterwhichshewentintochideChouJui'swife."Whydidn'tyoutellmetheyhadcome
before?"shesaid.
OldgoodyLiuwasalreadybythistimeprostratedontheground,andaftermakingseveralobeisances,"Howare
you,mylady?"sheinquired.
"DearMrs.Chou,"ladyFengimmediatelyobserved,"dopullherup,anddon'tletherprostrateherself!I'myet
younginyearsanddon'tknowhermuchwhat'smore,I'venoideawhat'sthedegreeoftherelationshipbetween
us,andIdaren'tspeakdirectlytoher."
"ThisistheoldladyaboutwhomIspokeashortwhileback,"speedilyexplainedMrs.Chou.
LadyFengnoddedherheadassentingly.
BythistimeoldgoodyLiuhadtakenaseatontheedgeofthestovecouch.AsforPanErh,hehadgonefurther,
andtakenrefugebehindherbackandthoughshetried,byeverymeans,tocoaxhimtocomeforwardandmake
abow,hewouldnot,forthelifeofhim,consent.
"Relativesthoughwebe,"remarkedladyFeng,asshesmiled,"wehaven'tseenmuchofeachother,sothatour
relationshavebeenquitedistant.Butthosewhoknowhowmattersstandwillassertthatyoualldespiseus,and
won'toftencometolookusupwhilethosemeanpeople,whodon'tknowthetruth,willimaginethatwehave
noeyestolookatanyone."
OldgoodyLiupromptlyinvokedBuddha."Weareathomeingreatstraits,"shepleaded,"andthat'swhyit
wasn'teasyforustomanagetogetawayandcome!Evensupposingwehadcomeasfarasthis,hadwenot
givenyourladyshipaslaponthemouth,thosegentlemenwouldalso,inpointoffact,havelookeddownupon
usasameanlot."
"Why,languagesuchasthis,"exclaimedladyFengsmilingly,"cannothelpmakingone'sheartfullof
displeasure!Wesimplyrelyuponthereputationofourgrandfathertomaintainthestatusofapennilessofficial
that'sall!Why,inwhosehouseholdisthereanythingsubstantial?wearemerelythedenudedskeletonofwhat
wewereindaysofold,andnomore!Astheproverbhasit:TheEmperorhimselfhasthreefamiliesofpoverty
strickenrelativesandhowmuchmoresuchasyouandI?"
Havingpassedtheseremarks,sheinquiredofMrs.Chou,"Haveyouletmadameknow,yesorno?"
"Wearenowwaiting,"repliedMrs.Chou,"formylady'sorders."
"Goandhavealook,"saidladyFeng"but,shouldtherebeanyonethere,orshouldshebebusy,thendon't
makeanymentionbutwaituntilshe'sfree,whenyoucantellheraboutitandseewhatshesays."
ChouJui'swife,havingexpressedhercompliance,wentoffonthiserrand.Duringherabsence,ladyFenggave
orderstosomeservantstotakeafewfruitsandhandthemtoPanErhtoeatandshewasinquiringaboutone
thingandanother,whentherecamealargenumberofmarriedwomen,whohadthedirectionofaffairsinthe
household,tomaketheirseveralreports.
P'ingErhannouncedtheirarrivaltoladyFeng,whosaid:"I'mnowengagedinentertainingsomeguests,solet
themcomebackagainintheeveningbutshouldtherebeanythingpressingthenbringitinandI'llsettleitat
once."
P'ingErhlefttheroom,butshereturnedinashortwhile."I'veaskedthem,"sheobserved,"butasthere'snothing
ofanyurgency,Itoldthemtodisperse."LadyFengnoddedherheadintokenofapproval,whensheperceived
ChouJui'swifecomeback."Ourlady,"shereported,assheaddressedladyFeng,"saysthatshehasnoleisure
today,thatifyou,ladySecunda,willentertainthem,itwillcometothesamethingthatshe'smuchobligedfor

theirkindattentioningoingtothetroubleofcomingthatiftheyhavecomesimplyonastroll,thenwelland
good,butthatiftheyhaveaughttosay,theyshouldtellyou,ladySecunda,whichwillbetantamounttotheir
tellingher."
"I'venothingtosay,"interposedoldgoodyLiu."Isimplycometoseeourelderandouryoungerlady,whichisa
dutyonmypart,arelativeasIam."
"Well,ifthere'snothingparticularthatyou'vegottosay,allright,"Mrs.Chouforthwithadded,"butifyoudo
haveanything,don'thesitatetellingladySecunda,anditwillbejustasifyouhadtoldourlady."
Assheutteredthesewords,shewinkedatgoodyLiu.GoodyLiuunderstoodwhatshemeant,butbeforeshe
couldgiveventtoaword,herfacegotscarlet,andthoughshewouldhavelikednottomakeanymentionofthe
objectofhervisit,shefeltconstrainedtosuppresshershameandtospeakout.
"Properlyspeaking,"sheobserved,"thisbeingthefirsttimeIseeyou,mylady,Ishouldn'tmentionwhatI'veto
say,butasIcomeherefromfarofftoseekyourassistance,myoldfriend,Ihavenohelpbuttomentionit."
Shehadbarelyspokenasmuchasthis,whensheheardtheyouthsattheinnerdoorcryout:"Theyoung
gentlemanfromtheEasternMansionhascome."
LadyFengpromptlyinterruptedher."OldgoodyLiu,"sheremarked,"youneedn'taddanythingmore."She,at
thesametime,inquired,"Where'syourmaster,Mr.Jung?"whenbecameaudiblethesoundoffootstepsalong
theway,andinwalkedayoungmanofseventeenoreighteen.Hisappearancewashandsome,hispersonslender
andgraceful.Hehadonlightfurs,agirdleofvalue,costlyclothesandabeautifulcap.
Atthisstage,goodyLiudidnotknowwhetheritwasbesttositdownortostandup,neithercouldshefind
anywheretohideherself.
"Praysitdown,"urgedladyFeng,withalaugh"thisismynephew!'OldgoodyLiuthenwriggledherself,now
oneway,andthenanother,ontotheedgeofthecouch,whereshetookaseat.
"Myfather,"ChiaJungsmilinglyventured,"hassentmetoaskafavourofyou,aunt.Onsomeprevious
occasion,ourgrandauntgaveyou,dearaunt,astovecouchglassscreen,andastomorrowfatherhasinvited
someguestsofhighstanding,hewishestoborrowittolayitoutforalittleshowafterwhichhepurposes
sendingitbackagain."
"You'relatebyaday,"repliedladyFeng."ItwasonlyyesterdaythatIgaveittosomeone."
ChiaJung,uponhearingthis,forthwith,withgigglesandsmiles,made,neartheedgeofthecouch,asortof
genuflexion."Aunt,"hewenton,"ifyoudon'tlendit,fatherwillagainsaythatIdon'tknowhowtospeak,andI
shallgetanothersoundthrashing.Youmusthavepityuponyournephew,aunt."
"I'veneverseenanythinglikethis,"observedladyFengsneeringly"thethingsbelongingtotheWangfamily
areallgood,butwherehaveyouputallthosethingsofyours?theonlygoodwayisthatyoushouldn'tsee
anythingofours,forassoonasyoucatchsightofanything,youatonceentertainawishtocarryitoff."
"Pray,aunt,"entreatedChiaJungwithasmile,"doshowmesomecompassion."
"Mindyourskin!"ladyFengwarnedhim,"ifyoudochiporspoilitintheleast."
ShethenbadeP'ingErhtakethekeysofthedooroftheupstairsroomandsendforseveraltrustworthypersons
tocarryitaway.
ChiaJungwassoelatedthathiseyebrowsdilatedandhiseyessmiled."I'vebroughtmyself,"headded,with
vehemence,"somementotakeitawayIwon'tletthemrecklesslybumpitabout."

Sayingthis,hespeedilygotupandlefttheroom.
LadyFengsuddenlybethoughtherselfofsomething,andturningtowardsthewindow,shecalledout,"JungErh,
comeback."Severalservantswhostoodoutsidecaughtupherwords:"Mr.Jung,"theycried,"you'rerequested
togoback"whereuponChiaJungturnedroundandretracedhisstepsandwithhandsdroopingrespectfully
againsthissides,hestoodreadytolistentohisaunt'swishes.
LadyFengwashoweverintentupongentlysippinghertea,andafteragoodlongwhileofabstraction,sheatlast
smiled:"Nevermind,"sheremarked"youcango.Butcomeafteryou'vehadyoureveningmeal,andI'llthen
tellyouaboutit.Justnowtherearevisitorshereandbesides,Idon'tfeelinthehumour."
ChiaJungthereuponretiredwithgentlestep.
OldgoodyLiu,bythistime,feltmorecomposedinbodyandheart."I'vetodaybroughtyournephew,"shethen
explained,"notforanythingelse,butbecausehisfatherandmotherhaven'tathomesomuchasanythingtoeat
theweatherbesidesisalreadycold,sothatIhadnohelpbuttotakeyournephewalongandcometoyou,old
friend,forassistance!"
Assheutteredthesewords,sheagainpushedPanErhforward."Whatdidyourfatherathometellyoutosay?"
sheaskedofhim"andwhatdidhesendusoverheretodo?Wasitonlytogiveourmindstoeatingfruit?"
LadyFenghadlongagounderstoodwhatshemeanttoconvey,andfindingthatshehadnoideahowtoexpress
herselfinadecentmanner,shereadilyinterruptedherwithasmile."Youneedn'tmentionanything,"she
observed,"I'mwellawareofhowthingsstand"andaddressingherselftoMrs.Chou,sheinquired,"Hasthisold
ladyhadbreakfast,yesorno?"
OldgoodyLiuhurriedtoexplain."Assoonasitwasdaylight,"sheproceeded,"westartedwithallspeedonour
wayhere,andhadweevensomuchastimetohaveanybreakfast?"
LadyFengpromptlygaveorderstosendforsomethingtoeat.InashortwhileChouJui'swifehadcalledfora
tableofviandsfortheguests,whichwaslaidintheroomontheeasternside,andthencametotakegoodyLiu
andPanErhovertohavetheirrepast.
"MydearMrs.Chou,"enjoinedladyFeng,"givethemalltheywant,asIcan'tattendtothemmyself"which
said,theyhastilypassedoverintotheroomontheeasternside.
LadyFenghavingagaincalledMrs.Chou,askedher:"Whenyoufirstinformedmadameaboutthem,whatdid
shesay?""OurLadyobserved,"repliedChouJui'swife,"thattheydon'treallybelongtothesamefamilythat,
informeryears,theirgrandfatherwasanofficialatthesameplaceasouroldmasterthathenceitcamethatthey
joinedancestorsthatthesefewyearstherehasn'tbeenmuchintercourse(betweentheirfamilyandours)that
someyearsback,whenevertheycameonavisit,theywereneverpermittedtogoemptyhanded,andthatas
theircomingonthisoccasiontoseeusisalsoakindattentionontheirpart,theyshouldn'tbeslighted.Ifthey've
anythingtosay,"(ourladycontinued),"tellladySecundatodothenecessary,andthatwillberight."
"Isn'titstrange!"exclaimedladyFeng,assoonasshehadheardthemessage"sinceweareallonefamily,how
isitI'mnotfamiliarevenwithsomuchastheirshadow?"
Whileshewasutteringthesewords,oldgoodyLiuhadhadherrepastandcomeover,draggingPanErhand,
lickingherlipsandsmackinghermouth,sheexpressedherthanks.
LadyFengsmiled."Dopraysitdown,"shesaid,"andlistentowhatI'mgoingtotellyou.Whatyou,oldlady,
meantalittlewhilebacktoconvey,I'malreadyasmuchasyourselfwellacquaintedwith!Relatives,asweare,
weshouldn'tinfacthavewaiteduntilyoucametothethresholdofourdoors,butought,asisbutright,tohave
attendedtoyourneeds.Butthethingisthat,oflate,thehouseholdaffairsareexceedinglynumerous,andour
lady,advancedinyearsassheis,couldn'tatamoment,itmaypossiblybe,bethinkherselfofyouall!What's

more,whenItookoverchargeofthemanagementofthemenage,Imyselfdidn'tknowofallthesefamily
connections!Besides,thoughtolookatusfromoutsideeverythinghasagrandandsplendidaspect,people
aren'tawarethatlargeestablishmentshavesuchgreathardships,which,werewetorecounttoothers,they
wouldhardlyliketocreditastrue.Butsinceyou'venowcomefromagreatdistance,andthisisthefirst
occasionthatyouopenyourmouthtoaddressme,howcanIverywellallowyoutoreturntoyourhomewith
emptyhands!Byaluckycoincidenceourladygave,yesterday,tothewaitingmaids,twentytaelstomake
clotheswith,asumwhichtheyhaven'tasyettouched,andifyoudon'tdespiseitastoolittle,youmaytakeit
homeasafirstinstalment,andemployitforyourwants."
WhenoldgoodyLiuheardthementionmadebyladyFengoftheirhardships,sheimaginedthattherewasno
hopebutuponhearingheragainspeakofgivinghertwentytaels,shewasexceedinglydelighted,somuchso
thathereyebrowsdilatedandhereyesgleamedwithsmiles.
"Wetooknow,"shesmilinglyremarked,"allaboutdifficulties!buttheproverbsays,'Acameldyingofleanness
isevenbiggerbymuchthanahorse!'Nomatterwhatthosedistressesmaybe,wereyouyettopluckonesingle
hairfromyourbody,myoldfriend,itwouldbestouterthanourownwaist."
ChouJui'swifestoodby,andonhearinghermakethesecoarseutterances,shedidallshecouldtogivehera
hintbywinking,andmakeherdesist.LadyFenglaughedandpaidnoheedbutcallingP'ingErh,shebadeher
fetchtheparcelofmoney,whichhadbeengiventothemthepreviousday,andtoalsobringastringofcashand
whenthesehadbeenplacedbeforegoodyLiu'seyes:"Thisis,"saidladyFeng,"silvertotheamountoftwenty
taels,whichwasforthetimegiventotheseyounggirlstomakewinterclotheswithbutsomeotherday,when
you'venothingtodo,comeagainonastroll,inevidenceofthegoodfeelingwhichshouldexistbetween
relatives.It'sbesidesalreadylate,andIdon'twishtodetainyoulongerandallfornopurposebut,onyour
returnhome,presentmycomplimentstoallthoseofyourstowhomIshouldsendthem."
Asshespake,shestoodup.OldgoodyLiugaveutterancetoathousandandtenthousandexpressionsof
gratitude,andtakingthesilverandcash,shefollowedChouJui'swifeonherwaytotheouthouses."Well,
motherdear,"inquiredMrs.Chou,"whatdidyouthinkofmyladythatyoucouldn'tspeakandthatwhenever
youopenedyourmouthitwasall'yournephew.'I'llmakejustoneremark,andIdon'tmindifyoudogetangry.
Hadheevenbeenyourkindrednephew,youshouldinfacthavebeensomewhatmilderinyourlanguagefor
thatgentleman,Mr.Jung,isherkithandkinnephew,andwhencehasappearedsuchanothernephewofhers(as
PanErh)?"
OldgoodyLiusmiled."Mydearsisterinlaw,"shereplied,"asIgazeduponher,weremyheartandeyes,pray,
fullofadmirationornot?andhowthencouldIspeakasIshould?"
Astheywerechatting,theyreachedChouJui'shouse.Theyhadbeensittingforawhile,whenoldgoodyLiu
producedapieceofsilver,whichshewaspurposingtoleavebehind,tobegiventotheyoungservantsinChou
Jui'shousetopurchasefruittoeatbuthowcouldMrs.Chousatiatehereyewithsuchasmallpieceofsilver?
Shewasdeterminedinherrefusaltoacceptit,sothatoldgoodyLiu,afterassuringherofherboundless
gratitude,tookherdepartureoutofthebackgateshehadcomeinfrom.
Reader,youdonotknowwhathappenedafteroldgoodyLiuleft,butlistentotheexplanationwhichwillbe
giveninthenextchapter.

CHAPTERVII.
PresentationofartificialflowersmadeinthePalace.
ChiaLiendisportshimselfwithHsifeng.

PaoymeetsCh'inChungatafamilyparty.
Toresumeournarrative.ChouJui'swifehavingseenoldgoodyLiuoff,speedilycametoreportthevisitto
madameWangbut,contrarytoherexpectation,shedidnotfindmadameWanginthedrawingroomanditwas
afterinquiringofthewaitingmaidsthatsheeventuallylearntthatshehadjustgoneovertohaveachatwith
"aunt"Hseh.Mrs.Chou,uponhearingthis,hastilywentoutbytheeasterncornerdoor,andthroughtheyardon
theeast,intothePearFragranceCourt.
Assoonasshereachedtheentrance,shecaughtsightofmadameWang'swaitingmaid,ChinCh'uanerh,
playingaboutontheterracesteps,withayounggirl,whohadjustletherhairgrow.WhentheysawChouJui's
wifeapproach,theyforthwithsurmisedthatshemusthavesomemessagetodeliver,sotheypurseduptheirlips
anddirectedhertotheinnerroom.ChouJui'swifegentlyraisedthecurtainscreen,anduponentering
discoveredmadameWang,involubleconversationwith"aunt"Hseh,aboutfamilyquestionsandpeoplein
general.
Mrs.Choudidnotventuretodisturbthem,andaccordinglycameintotheinnerroom,whereshefoundHseh
Paoch'aiinahousedress,withherhairsimplytwistedintoaknotroundthetopofthehead,sittingontheinner
edgeofthestovecouch,leaningonasmalldivantable,intheactofcopyingapatternforembroidery,withthe
waitingmaidYingErh.Whenshesawherenter,PaoCh'aihastilyputdownherpencil,andturningroundwitha
facebeamingwithsmiles,"SisterChou,"shesaid,"takeaseat."
ChouJui'swifelikewisepromptlyreturnedthesmile.
"Howismyyounglady?"sheinquired,asshesatdownontheedgeofthecouch."Ihaven'tseenyoucomeover
ontheothersidefortwoorthreedays!HasMr.Paoyperhapsgivenyouoffence?"
"Whatanidea!"exclaimedPaoCh'ai,withasmile."It'ssimplythat
I'vehadforthelastcoupleofdaysmyoldcomplaintagain,andthat
I'veinconsequencekeptquietallthistime,andlookedaftermyself."
"Isthatit?"askedChouJui'swife"butafterall,whatrootedkindofcomplaintareyousubjectto,miss?you
shouldlosereallynotimeinsendingforadoctortodiagnoseit,andgiveyousomethingtomakeyouallright.
Withyourtenderyears,tohaveanorganicailmentisindeednotrifle!"
PaoCh'ailaughedwhensheheardtheseremarks.
"Pray,"shesaid,"don'talludetothisagainforthisailmentofmineI'veseen,Ican'ttellyou,howmanydoctors
takennoendofmedicineandspentIdon'tknowhowmuchmoneybutthemorewedidso,nottheleastlittle
bitofreliefdidIsee.Luckyenough,weeventuallycameacrossabaldpatedbonze,whosespecialitywasthe
cureofnamelessillnesses.Wethereforesentforhimtoseeme,andhesaidthatIhadbroughtthisalongwithme
fromthewombasasortofinflammatoryvirus,thatluckilyIhadaconstitutionstrongandhalesothatitdidn't
matterandthatitwouldbeofnoavailifItookpillsoranymedicines.Hethentoldmeaprescriptionfrom
abroad,andgavemealsoapacketofacertainpowderasapreparative,withapeculiarsmellandstrange
flavour.Headvisedme,whenevermycomplaintbrokeout,totakeapill,whichwouldbesuretoputmeright
again.Andthishas,afterall,strangetosay,donemeagreatdealofgood."
"Whatkindofprescriptionisthisonefromabroad,Iwonder,"remarkedMrs.Chou"ifyou,miss,wouldonly
tellme,itwouldbeworthourwhilebearingitinmind,andrecommendingittoothers:andifeverwecame
acrossanyoneafflictedwiththisdisease,wewouldalsobedoingacharitabledeed."
"You'dbetternotaskfortheprescription,"rejoinedPaoCh'aismiling."Why,itsenoughtowearoneoutwith
perplexity!thenecessariesandingredientsarefew,andalleasytoget,butitwouldbedifficulttofindthelucky
moment!Youwanttwelveouncesofthepollenofthewhitepeone,whichflowersinspring,twelveouncesof
thepollenofthewhitesummerlily,twelveouncesofthepollenoftheautumnhibiscusflower,andtwelve

ouncesofthewhitepluminbloominthewinter.Youtakethefourkindsofpollen,andputtheminthesun,on
theverydayofthevernalequinoxofthesucceedingyeartogetdry,andthenyoumixthemwiththepowderand
poundthemwelltogether.Youagainwanttwelvemaceofwater,fallenon'rainwater'day.."
"Goodgracious!"exclaimedMrs.Choupromptly,asshelaughed."Fromallyousay,whyyouwantthreeyears'
time!andwhatifnorainfallson'rainwater'day!Whatwouldonethendo?"
"Quiteso!"PaoCh'airemarkedsmilingly"howcantherebesuchanopportunerainonthatveryday!butto
waitisalsothebestthing,there'snothingelsetobedone.Besides,youwanttwelvemaceofdew,collectedon
'WhiteDew'day,andtwelvemaceofthehoarfrost,gatheredon'FrostDescent'day,andtwelvemaceofsnow,
fallenon'SlightSnow'day!Younexttakethesefourkindsofwatersandmixthemwiththeotheringredients,
andmakepillsofthesizeofalungngan.Youkeeptheminanoldporcelainjar,andburythemundertherootsof
someflowersandwhentheailmentbetraysitself,youproduceitandtakeapill,washingitdownwithtwo
candareensofayellowcedardecoction."
"Omitofu!"criedMrs.Chou,whensheheardallthis,burstingoutlaughing."It'sreallyenoughtokillone!
youmightwaittenyearsandfindnosuchluckymoments!"
"Fortunateforme,however,"pursuedPaoCh'ai,"inthecourseofayearortwo,afterthebonzehadtoldme
aboutthisprescription,wegotalltheingredientsand,aftermuchtrouble,wecompoundedasupply,whichwe
havenowbroughtalongwithusfromthesouthtothenorthandliesatpresentunderthepeartrees."
"Hasthismedicineanynameorotherofitsown?"furtherinquiredMrs.
Chou.
"Ithasaname,"repliedPaoCh'ai"themangyheadedbonzealsotolditmehecalledit'coldfragrance'pill."
ChouJui'swifenoddedherhead,assheheardthesewords."Whatdoyoufeellikeafterallwhenthiscomplaint
manifestsitself?"shewentontoask.
"Nothingmuch,"repliedPaoCh'ai"IsimplypantandcoughabitbutafterI'vetakenapill,Igetoverit,and
it'sallgone."
Mrs.Chouwasbentuponmakingsomefurtherremark,whenmadameWangwassuddenlyheardtoenquire,
"Whoisinhere?"
Mrs.ChouwentouthurriedlyandansweredandforthwithtoldherallaboutoldgoodyLiu'svisit.Having
waitedforawhile,andseeingthatmadameWanghadnothingtosay,shewasonthepointofretiring,when
"aunt"Hsuehunexpectedlyremarkedsmiling:"Waitabit!I'vesomethingtogiveyoutotakealongwithyou."
Andasshespoke,shecalledforHsiangLing.Thesoundofthescreenboardagainstthesidesofthedoorwas
heard,andinwalkedthewaitingmaid,whohadbeenplayingwithChinCh'uanerh."Didmyladycall?"she
asked.
"Bringthatboxofflowers,"saidMrs.Hsueh.
HsiangLingassented,andbroughtfromtheothersideasmallembroideredsilkbox.
"These,"explained"aunt"Hseh,"areanewkindofflowers,madeinthepalace.Theyconsistoftwelvetwigs
offlowersofpiledgauze.Ithoughtofthemyesterday,andastheywill,thepityis,onlygetold,ifuselesslyput
away,whynotgivethemtothegirlstowearthemintheirhair!Imeanttohavesentthemoveryesterday,butI
forgotallaboutthem.Youcometodaymostopportunely,andifyouwilltakethemwithyou,Ishallhavegot
themoffmyhands.Tothethreeyoungladiesinyourfamilygivetwotwigseach,andofthesixthatwillremain
giveacoupletoMissLin,andtheotherfourtoladyFeng."

"BetterkeepthemandgivethemtoyourdaughterPaoCh'aitowear,"observedmadameWang,"andhavedone
withitwhythinkofalltheothers?"
"Youdon'tknow,sister,"replied"aunt"Hseh,"whatacrotchetything
PaoCh'aiis!shehasnolikingforflowerorpowder."
Withthesewordsonherlips,ChouJui'swifetooktheboxandwalkedoutofthedooroftheroom.Perceiving
thatChinCh'uanerhwasstillsunningherselfoutside,ChouJui'swifeaskedher:"Isn'tthisHsiangLing,the
waitingmaidthatwe'veoftenheardofashavingbeenpurchasedjustbeforethedepartureoftheHsehfamily
forthecapital,andonwhoseaccountthereoccurredsomecaseofmanslaughterorother?"
"Ofcourseit'sshe,"repliedChinCh'uan.Butastheyweretalking,theysawHsiangLingdrawnearsmirkingly,
andChouJui'swifeatonceseizedherbythehand,andafterminutelyscrutinizingherfaceforatime,she
turnedroundtoChinCh'uanerhandsmiled."Withthesefeaturesshereallyresemblesslightlythestyleoflady
JungofourEasternMansion."
"SoItoomaintain!"saidChinCh'uanerh.
ChouJui'swifethenaskedHsiangLing,"Atwhatagedidyouenterthisfamily?andwhereareyourfatherand
motheratpresent?"andalsoinquired,"Inwhatyearofyourteensareyou?andofwhatplaceareyouanative?"
ButHsiangLing,afterlisteningtoallthesequestions,simplynoddedherheadandreplied,"Ican'tremember."
WhenMrs.ChouandChinCh'uanerhheardthesewords,theirspiritschangedtogrief,andforawhiletheyfelt
affectedandwoundedatheartbutinashorttime,Mrs.Choubroughttheflowersintotheroomatthebackof
madameWang'sprincipalapartment.
ThefactisthatdowagerladyChiahadexplainedthatashergranddaughtersweretoonumerous,itwouldnotbe
convenienttocrowdthemtogetherinoneplace,thatPaoyandTaiyshouldonlyremainwithherinthispart
tobreakherloneliness,butthatYingCh'un,T'anCh'un,andHsiCh'un,thethreeofthem,shouldmoveonthis
sideinthethreeroomswithintheantechamber,atthebackofmadameladyWang'squartersandthatLiWan
shouldbetoldofftobetheirattendantandtokeepaneyeoverthem.
ChouJui'swife,therefore,onthisoccasioncamefirsttotheseroomsastheywereonherway,butsheonly
foundafewwaitingmaidsassembledintheantechamber,waitingsilentlytoobeyacall.
YingCh'un'swaitingmaid,SsuChi,togetherwithShihShu,T'anCh'un'swaitingmaid,justatthismoment
raisedthecurtain,andmadetheiregress,eachholdinginherhandateacupandsaucerandChouJui'swife
readilyconcludingthattheyoungladiesweresittingtogetheralsowalkedintotheinnerroom,wheresheonly
sawYingCh'unandT'anCh'unseatednearthewindow,intheactofplayingchess.Mrs.Choupresentedthe
flowersandexplainedwhencetheycame,andwhattheywere.
Thegirlsforthwithinterruptedtheirgame,andbothwithacurtsey,expressedtheirthanks,anddirectedthe
waitingmaidstoputtheflowersaway.
Mrs.Choucompliedwiththeirwishes(andhandingovertheflowers)"MissHsiCh'un,"sheremarked,"isnot
athomeandpossiblyshe'sovertherewithouroldlady."
"She'sinthatroom,isn'tshe?"inquiredthewaitingmaids.
Mrs.Chouatthesewordsreadilycameintotheroomonthisside,whereshefoundHsiCh'un,incompanywith
acertainChihNeng,ayoungnunofthe"moonreflectedonwater"convent,talkingandlaughingtogether.On
seeingChouJui'swifeenter,HsiCh'unatonceaskedwhatshewanted,whereuponChouJui'swifeopenedthe
boxofflowers,andexplainedwhohadsentthem.

"IwasjusttellingChihNeng,"remarkedHsiCh'unlaughing,"thatIalsopurposeshortlyshavingmyheadand
becominganunandstrangeenough,hereyouagainbringmeflowersbutsupposingIshavemyhead,where
canIwearthem?"
Theywereallverymuchamusedforatimewiththisremark,andHsi
Ch'untoldherwaitingmaid,JuHua,tocomeandtakeovertheflowers.
"Whattimedidyoucomeover?"theninquiredMrs.ChouofChihNeng.
"Whereisthatbaldpatedandcrotchetysuperiorofyoursgone?"
"Wecame,"explainedChihNeng,"assoonasitwasdayaftercallinguponmadameWang,mysuperiorwent
overtopayavisitinthemansionofMr.Y,andtoldmetowaitforherhere."
"Haveyoureceived,"furtheraskedMrs.Chou,"themonthlyallowanceforincenseofferingdueonthefifteenth
ornot?"
"Ican'tsay,"repliedChihNeng.
"Who'snowinchargeoftheissueofthemonthlyallowancestothevarioustemples?"interposedHsiCh'un,
addressingMrs.Chou,assoonassheheardwhatwassaid.
"It'sYHsin,"repliedChouJui'swife,"who'sintrustedwiththecharge."
"That'showitis,"observedHsiCh'unwithachuckle"soonafterthearrivaloftheSuperior,YHsin'swife
cameoverandkeptonwhisperingwithherforsometimesoIpresumeitmusthavebeenaboutthisallowance."
Mrs.ChouthenwentontobandyafewwordswithChihNeng,afterwhichshecameovertoladyFeng's
apartments.Proceedingbyanarrowpassage,shepassedunderLiWan'sbackwindows,andwentalongthewall
ornamentedwithcreepersonthewest.Goingoutofthewesternsidegate,sheenteredladyFeng'scourt,and
walkedoverintotheEntranceHall,wheresheonlyfoundthewaitinggirlFengErh,sittingonthedoorstepsof
ladyFeng'sapartments.
WhenshecaughtsightofMrs.Chouapproaching,sheatoncewavedherhand,biddinghergototheeastern
room.ChouJui'swifeunderstoodhermeaning,andhastilycameontiptoetothechamberontheeast,whereshe
sawanursepattingladyFeng'sdaughtertosleep.
Mrs.Choupromptlyaskedthenurseinalowtoneofvoice:"Istheyoungladyasleepatthisearlyhour?Butif
evensheisImustwakeherup."
Thenursenoddedherheadinassent,butastheseinquirieswerebeingmade,asoundoflaughtercamefrom
overtheotherside,inwhichladyFeng'svoicecouldbedetectedfollowed,shortlyafter,bythesoundofadoor
opening,andoutcameP'ingErh,withalargebrassbasininherhands,whichshetoldFengErhtofillwith
waterandtakeinside.
P'ingErhforthwithenteredtheroomonthisside,anduponperceivingChouJui'swife:"Whathaveyoucome
hereagainfor,myoldlady?"shereadilyinquired.
ChouJui'swiferosewithoutanydelay,andhandedherthebox."I'vecome,"saidshe,"tobringyouapresentof
flowers."
Uponhearingthis,P'ingErhopenedthebox,andtookoutfoursprigs,and,turninground,walkedoutofthe
room.Inashortwhileshecamefromtheinnerroomwithtwosprigsinherhand,andcallingfirstofallTs'ai
Ming,shebadehertaketheflowersovertothemansionontheothersideandpresentthemto"madame"Jung,
afterwhichsheaskedMrs.Choutoexpressherthanksonherreturn.

ChouJui'swifethereuponcameovertodowagerladyChia'sroomonthissideofthecompound,andasshewas
goingthroughtheEntranceHall,shecasuallycame,facetoface,withherdaughter,gotupingaladress,just
comingfromthehouseofhermotherinlaw.
"Whatareyourunningoverhereforatthistime?"promptlyinquired
Mrs.Chou.
"Haveyoubeenwelloflate,mother?"askedherdaughter."I'vebeenwaitingforeversolongathome,butyou
nevercomeout!What'stheresopressingthathaspreventedyoufromreturninghome?IwaitedtillIwastired,
andthenwentonallalone,andpaidmyrespectstoourvenerableladyI'mnow,onmywaytoinquireaboutour
ladyWang.Whaterrandhaven'tyoudeliveredasyet,maandwhatisityou'reholding?"
"Ai!asluckwouldhaveit,"rejoinedChouJui'swifesmilingly,"oldgoodyLiucameovertoday,sothatbesides
myownhundredandoneduties,I'vehadtorunabouthereandthereeversolong,andallforher!While
attendingtothese,Mrs.Hsuehcameacrossme,andaskedmetotaketheseflowerstotheyoungladies,andI've
beenatituptothisverymoment,andhaven'tdoneyet!Butcomingatthistime,youmustsurelyhave
somethingorotherthatyouwantmetodoforyou!what'sit?"
"Reallyma,you'requickatguessing!"exclaimedherdaughterwithasmile"I'lltellyouwhatit'sallabout.The
daybeforeyesterday,yoursoninlawhadaglassofwinetoomany,andbeganaltercatingwithsomepersonor
otherandsomeone,Idon'tknowwhy,spreadsomeevilreport,sayingthathisantecedentswerenotclear,and
lodgedachargeagainsthimattheYamen,pressingtheauthoritiestodeporthimtohisnativeplace.That'swhy
I'vecomeovertoconsultwithyou,astowhomweshouldappealto,todousthisfavourofhelpingusoutofour
dilemma!"
"Iknewatonce,"Mrs.Chouremarkedafterlistening,"thattherewassomethingwrongbutthisisnothinghard
tosettle!GohomeandwaitformeandI'llcomestraightway,assoonasI'vetakentheseflowerstoMissLin
ourmadameWangandladySecundahavebothnoleisure(toattendtoyounow,)sogobackandwaitforme!
What'stheuseofsomuchhurry!"
Herdaughter,uponhearingthis,forthwithturnedroundtogoback,whensheaddedasshewalkedaway,"Mind,
mother,andmakehaste."
"Allright,"repliedChouJui'swife,"ofcourseIwillyouareyoungyet,andwithoutexperience,andthat'swhy
youareinthisflurry."
Asshespoke,shebetookherselfintoTaiy'sapartments.ContrarytoherexpectationTaiywasnotatthis
timeinherownroom,butinPaoy'swheretheywereamusingthemselvesintryingtosolvethe"ninestrung
rings"puzzle.OnenteringMrs.Chouputonasmile."'Aunt'Hseh,"sheexplained,"hastoldmetobringthese
flowersandpresentthemtoyoutowearinyourhair."
"Whatflowers?"exclaimedPaoy."Bringthemhereandletmeseethem."
Asheutteredthesewords,hereadilystretchedouthishandsandtookthemover,anduponopeningtheboxand
lookingin,hediscovered,infact,twotwigsofanovelandartistickindofartificialflowers,ofpiledgauze,
madeinthepalace.
Taiymerelycastaglanceatthem,asPaoyheldthem."Havetheseflowers,"sheinquiredeagerly,"beensent
tomealone,orhavealltheothergirlsgotsometoo?"
"Eachoneoftheyoungladieshasthesame,"repliedMrs.Chou"andthesetwotwigsareintendedforyou,
miss."
Taiyforcedasmile."Oh!Isee,"sheobserved."Ifalltheothershadn'tchosen,eventhesewhichremainover
wouldn'thavebeengiventome."

ChouJui'swifedidnotutterawordinreply.
"SisterChou,whattookyouoverontheotherside?"askedPaoy.
"IwastoldthatourmadameWangwasoverthere,"explainedMrs.Chou,"andasIwenttogiveheramessage,
'aunt'Hsehseizedtheopportunitytoaskmetobringovertheseflowers."
"WhatwascousinPaoCh'aidoingathome?"askedPaoy."Howisitshe'snotevenbeenoverforthesefew
days?"
"She'snotquitewell,"remarkedMrs.Chou.
WhenPaoyheardthisnews,"Who'llgo,"hespeedilyascertainedofthewaitingmaids,"andinquireafterher?
TellherthatcousinLinandIhavesentroundtoaskhowourauntandcousinaregettingon!askherwhatshe's
ailingfromandwhatmedicinesshe'staking,andexplaintoherthatIknowIoughttohavegoneovermyself,
butthatonmycomingbackfromschoolashortwhileback,IagaingotaslightchillandthatI'llgoinperson
anotherday."
WhilePaoywasyetspeaking,HsiHsehvolunteeredtotakethemessage,andwentoffatonceandMrs.
Chouherselftookherleavewithoutanotherword.
Mrs.Chou'ssoninlawwas,infact,LengTzuhsing,theintimatefriendofYts'un.Havingrecentlybecome
involvedwithsomepartyinalawsuit,onaccountofthesaleofsomecurios,hehadexpresslychargedhiswife
tocomeandsueforthefavour(ofahelpinghand).ChouJui'swife,relyinguponhermaster'sprestige,didnot
somuchastaketheaffairtoheartandhavingwaitedtillevening,shesimplywentoverandrequestedladyFeng
tobefriendher,andthematterwasforthwithended.
Whenthelampswerelit,ladyFengcameover,afterhavingdisrobedherself,toseemadameWang."I'vealready
takencharge,"sheobserved,"ofthethingssentroundtodaybytheChenfamily.Asforthepresentsfromusto
them,weshouldavailourselvesofthereturnoftheboats,bywhichthefreshdelicaciesforthenewyearwere
forwarded,tohandthemtothemtocarryback."
MadameWangnoddedherheadintokenofapproval.
"Thebirthdaypresents,"continuedladyFeng,"forladyLingNgan,themotheroftheEarlofLingNgan,have
alreadybeengottogether,andwhomwillyoudeputetotakethemover?"
"See,"suggestedmadameWang,"whohasnothingtodoletfourmaidsgoandallwillberight!whycome
againandaskme?"
"OureldestsisterinlawChen,"proceededladyFeng,"cameovertoinvitemetogotomorrowtotheirplacefor
alittlechange.Idon'tthinktherewillbeanythingformetodotomorrow."
"Whethertherebeornot,"repliedmadameWang,"itdoesn'tmatteryoumustgo,forwhenevershecomeswith
aninvitation,itincludesus,whoareyourseniors,sothat,ofcourse,itisn'tsuchapleasantthingforyoubutas
shedoesn'taskusthistime,butonlyasksyou,it'sevidentthatshe'sanxiousthatyoushouldhavealittle
distraction,andyoumustn'tdisappointhergoodintention.Besidesit'scertainlyrightthatyoushouldgooverfor
achange."
LadyFengassented,andpresentlyLiWan,YingCh'unandtheothercousins,likewisepaideachherevening
salutationandretiredtotheirrespectiverooms,wherenothingofanynoticetranspired.
ThenextdayladyFengcompletedhertoilette,andcameoverfirsttotellmadameWangthatshewasoff,and
thenwenttosaygoodbyetodowagerladyChiabutwhenPaoyheardwhereshewasgoing,healsowishedto
goandasladyFenghadnohelpbuttogivein,andtowaituntilhehadchangedhisclothes,thesisterand
brotherinlawgotintoacarriage,andinashortwhileenteredtheNingmansion.

Mrs.Yu,thewifeofChiaChen,andMrs.Ch'in,thewifeofMr.ChiaJung,thetwosistersinlaw,had,along
withanumberofmaids,waitinggirls,andotherservants,comeasfarastheceremonialgatetoreceivethem,
andMrs.Yu,uponmeetingladyFeng,forawhileindulged,aswasherwont,inhumorousremarks,afterwhich,
leadingPaoybythehand,theyenteredthedrawingroomandtooktheirseats,Mrs.Ch'inhandedtearound.
"Whathaveyoupeopleinvitedmetocomeherefor?"promptlyaskedladyFeng"ifyouhaveanythingto
presentmewith,handittomeatonce,forI'veotherthingstoattendto."
Mrs.YuandMrs.Ch'inhadbarelyanytimetoexchangeanyfurtherremarks,whenseveralmatronsinterposed,
smilingly:"Hadourladynotcometoday,therewouldhavebeennohelpforit,buthavingcome,youcan'thave
itallyourownway."
Whiletheywereconversingaboutonethingandanother,theycaughtsightofChiaJungcomeintopayhis
respects,whichpromptedPaoytoinquire,"Isn'tmyelderbrotherathometoday?"
"He'sgoneoutoftowntoday,"repliedMrs.Yu,"toinquireafterhisgrandfather.You'llfindsittinghere,"she
continued,"verydull,andwhynotgooutandhaveastroll?"
"Astrangecoincidencehastakenplacetoday,"urgedMrs.Ch'in,withasmile"sometimebackyou,unclePao,
expressedawishtoseemybrother,andtodayhetoohappenstobehereathome.Ithinkhe'sinthelibrarybut
whynotgoandseeforyourself,unclePao?"
Paoydescendedatoncefromthestovecouch,andwasabouttogo,whenMrs.Yubadetheservantstomind
andgowithhim."Don'tyoulethimgetintotrouble,"sheenjoined."It'safardifferentthingwhenhecomes
overunderthechargeofhisgrandmother,whenhe'sallright."
"Ifthatbeso,"remarkedladyFeng,"whynotasktheyounggentlemantocomein,andthenItoocanseehim.
Thereisn't,Ihope,anyobjectiontomyseeinghim?"
"Nevermind!nevermind!"observedMrs.Yu,smilingly"it'saswellthatyoushouldn'tseehim.Thisbrotherof
mineisnot,liketheboysofourChiafamily,accustomedtoroughlybangingandknockingabout.Otherpeople's
childrenarebroughtuppolitelyandproperly,andnotinthisvixenishstyleofyours.Why,you'dridiculehimto
death!"
"Iwon'tlaughathimthen,that'sall,"smiledladyFeng"tellthemtobringhiminatonce."
"He'sshy,"proceededMrs.Ch'in,"andhasseennothingmuchoftheworld,sothatyouaresuretobeputout
whenyouseehim,sister."
"Whatanidea!"exclaimedladyFeng."WereheevenNoChahimself,I'dliketoseehimsodon'ttalktrashif,
afterall,youdon'tbringhimroundatonce,I'llgiveyouagoodslaponthemouth."
"Idaren'tbeobstinate,"answeredMrs.Ch'insmiling"I'llbringhimround!"
Inashortwhileshedidinfactleadinayounglad,who,comparedwithPaoy,wassomewhatmoreslightbut,
fromallappearances,superiortoPaoyineyesandeyebrows,(goodlooks),whichweresoclearandwell
defined,inwhitecomplexionandinruddylips,aswellasgracefulappearanceandpleasingmanners.Hewas
howeverbashfulandtimid,likeagirl.
Inashyanddemureway,hemadeabowtoladyFengandaskedafterherhealth.
LadyFengwassimplydelightedwithhim."Youtakealowseatnexttohim!"sheventuredlaughinglyasshe
firstpushedPaoyback.Thenreadilystoopingforward,shetookthisladbythehandandaskedhimtotakea
seatnexttoher.Presentlysheinquiredabouthisage,hisstudiesandsuchmatters,whenshefoundthatatschool
hewentunderthenameofCh'inChung.

ThematronsandmaidsinattendanceonladyFeng,perceivingthatthiswasthefirsttimetheirmistressmet
Ch'inChung,(andknowing)thatshehadnotathandtheusualpresents,forthwithranovertotheothersideand
toldP'ingErhaboutit.
P'ingErh,awareofthecloseintimacythatexistedbetweenladyFengandMrs.Ch'in,speedilytookuponherself
todecide,andselectingapieceofsilk,andtwosmallgoldmedals,(bearingthewishthatheshouldattain)the
highestdegree,theseniorwranglership,shehandedthemtotheservantswhohadcomeover,totakeaway.
LadyFeng,however,explainedthatherpresentsweretoomeanbyfar,butMrs.Ch'inandtheothersexpressed
theirappreciationofthemandinashorttimetherepastwasover,andMrs.Yu,ladyFengandMrs.Ch'in
playedatdominoes,butofthisnodetailsneedbegivenwhilebothPaoyandCh'inChungsatdown,gotup
andtalked,astheypleased.
SincehehadfirstglancedatCh'inChung,andseenwhatkindofpersonhewas,hefeltatheartasifhehadlost
something,andafterbeingplungedinadazedstateforatime,hebeganagaintogivewaytofoolishthoughtsin
hismind.
"Therearethensuchbeingsasheintheworld!"hereflected."Inowseethereare!I'mhowevernobetterthana
wallowingpigoramangycow!Despicabledestiny!whywasIeverborninthishouseholdofamarquisandin
themansionofaduke?HadIseenthelightinthehomeofsomepennilessscholar,orpovertystrickenofficial,I
couldlongagohaveenjoyedthecommunionofhisfriendship,andIwouldnothavelivedmywholeexistence
invain!Thoughmorehonourablethanhe,itisindeedevidentthatsilkandsatinsonlyservetoswathethisrotten
trunkofmine,andchoicewinesandrichmeatsonlytogorgethefilthydrainandmirysewerofthisbodyof
mine!Wealth!andsplendour!yearenomorethancontaminatedwithpollutionbyme!"
EversinceCh'inChunghadnoticedPaoy'sunusualappearance,hissedatedeportment,andwhatismore,his
hatornamentedwithgold,andhisdressfullofembroidery,attendedbybeautifulmaidsandhandsomeyouths,
hedidnotindeedthinkitamatterofsurprisethateveryonewasfondofhim.
"BornasIhavehadthemisfortunetobe,"hewentontocommunewithinhimself,"inanhonest,thoughpoor
family,howcanIpresumetoenjoyhiscompanionship!Thisisverilyaproofofwhatabarrierpovertyand
wealthsetbetweenmanandman.Whataseriousmisfortuneisthistoointhismortalworld!"
Inwildandinaneideasofthesamestrain,indulgedthesetwoyouths!
Paoybyandbyfurtheraskedofhimwhatbookshewasreading,andCh'inChung,inanswertothese
inquiries,toldhimthetruth.Afewmorequestionsandanswersfollowedandafterabouttenremarks,agreater
intimacysprangupbetweenthem.
Teaandfruitswereshortlyserved,andwhiletheywerehavingtheirtea,Paoysuggested,"Wetwodon'ttake
anywine,andwhyshouldn'twehaveourfruitservedonthesmallcouchinside,andgoandsitthere,andthus
saveyouallthetrouble?"
ThetwoofthemthereuponcameintotheinnerapartmenttohavetheirteaandMrs.Ch'inattendedtothelaying
outoffruitandwinesforladyFeng,andhurriedlyenteredtheroomandhintedtoPaoy:"DearunclePao,your
nephewisyoung,andshouldhehappentosayanythingdisrespectful,dopleaseoverlookit,formysake,for
thoughshy,he'snaturallyofaperverseandwilfuldisposition,andisrathergiventohavinghisownway."
"Offwithyou!"criedPaoylaughing"Iknowitall."Mrs.Ch'inthenwentontogiveabitofadvicetoher
brother,andatlengthcametokeepladyFengcompany.PresentlyladyFengandMrs.Yusentanotherservantto
tellPaoythattherewasoutsideofeverythingtheymightwishtoeatandthattheyshouldmindandgoandask
foritandPaoysimplysignifiedthattheywouldbuthismindwasnotsetupondrinkingoreatingallhedid
wastokeepmakinginquiriesofCh'inChungaboutrecentfamilyconcerns.

Ch'inChungwentontoexplainthathistutorhadlastyearrelinquishedhispost,thathisfatherwasadvancedin
yearsandafflictedwithdisease,andhadmultifariouspublicdutiestopreoccupyhismind,sothathehadasyet
hadnotimetomakearrangementsforanothertutor,andthatallhedidwasnomorethantokeepuphisold
tasksthatasregardsstudy,itwaslikewisenecessarytohavethecompanyofoneortwointimatefriends,as
thenonly,bydintofafrequentexchangeofideasandopinions,onecouldarriveatprogressandPaoygave
himnotimetocomplete,buteagerlyurged,"Quiteso!Butinourhousehold,wehaveafamilyschool,andthose
ofourkindredwhohavenomeanssufficienttoengagetheservicesofatutorareatlibertytocomeoverforthe
sakeofstudy,andthesonsandbrothersofourrelativesarelikewisefreetojointheclass.Asmyowntutorwent
homelastyear,Iamnowalsowastingmytimedoingnothingmyfather'sintentionwasthatItooshouldhave
goneovertothisschool,sothatImightatleasttemporarilykeepupwhatIhavealreadyread,pendingthe
arrivalofmytutornextyear,whenIcouldagainverywellresumemystudiesaloneathome.Butmy
grandmotherraisedobjectionsmaintainingfirstofall,thattheboyswhoattendthefamilyclassesbeingso
numerous,shefearedwewouldbesuretobeuptomischief,whichwouldn'tbeatallproperandthat,inthe
secondplace,asIhadbeenillforsometime,themattershouldbedropped,forthepresent.Butas,fromwhat
yousay,yourworthyfatherisverymuchexercisedonthisscore,youshould,onyourreturn,tellhimallabout
it,andcomeovertoourschool.I'llalsobethereasyourschoolmateandasyouandIwillreapmutualbenefit
fromeachother'scompanionship,won'titbenice!"
"Whenmyfatherwasathometheotherday,"Ch'inChungsmiledandsaid,"healludedtothequestionofa
tutor,andexplainedthatthefreeschoolswereanexcellentinstitution.Heevenmeanttohavecomeandtalked
mattersoverwithhissoninlaw'sfatheraboutmyintroduction,butwiththeurgentconcernshere,hedidn't
thinkitrightforhimtocomeaboutthissmallthing,andmakeanytrouble.ButifyoureallybelievethatImight
beofusetoyou,ineithergrindingtheink,orwashingtheslab,whyshouldn'tyouatoncemaketheneedful
arrangements,sothatneitheryounorImayidleourtime?Andasweshallbeabletocometogetheroftenand
talkmattersover,andsetatthesametimeourparents'mindsatease,andtoenjoythepleasureoffriendship,
won'titbeaprofitablething!"
"Composeyourmind!"suggestedPaoy."Wecanbyandbyfirstofall,tellyourbrotherinlaw,andyoursister
aswellassisterinlawSecundaLienandonyourreturnhometoday,losenotimeinexplainingalltoyour
worthyfather,andwhenIgetback,I'llspeaktomygrandmotherandIcan'tseewhyourwishesshouldn't
speedilybeaccomplished."
Bythetimetheyhadarrivedatthisconclusion,thedaywasfaradvanced,andthelightswereabouttobelitand
theycameoutandwatchedthemoncemoreforatimeastheyplayedatdominoes.Whentheycametosettle
theiraccountsMrs.Ch'inandMrs.Yuwereagainthelosersandhadtobeartheexpenseofatheatricaland
dinnerpartyandwhiledecidingthattheyshouldenjoythistreatthedayafterthemorrow,theyalsohadthe
eveningrepast.
Darknesshavingsetin,Mrs.YugaveordersthattwoyouthsshouldaccompanyMr.Ch'inhome.Thematrons
wentouttodeliverthedirections,andafterasomewhatlonginterval,Ch'inChungsaidgoodbyeandwasabout
tostartonhisway.
"Whomhaveyoutoldofftoescorthim?"askedMrs.Yu.
"ChiaoTa,"repliedthematrons,"hasbeentoldtogo,butithappensthathe'sundertheeffectsofdrinkand
makingfreeuseagainofabusivelanguage."
Mrs.YuandMrs.Chinremonstrated."What'stheuse,"theysaid,"ofaskinghim?thatmeanfellowshouldn'tbe
chosen,butyouwillgoagainandprovokehim."
"Peoplealwaysmaintain,"addedladyFeng,"thatyouarefartoolenient.Butfancyallowingservantsinthis
householdtogooninthiswaywhy,whatwillbetheendofit?"
"Youdon'tmeantotellme,"observedMrs.Yu,"thatyoudon'tknowthisChiaoTa?Why,eventhegentlemen
oneandallpaynoheedtohisdoings!youreldestbrother,ChiaCheng,hetoodoesn'tnoticehim.It'sallbecause

whenhewasyounghefollowedourancestorinthreeorfourwars,andbecauseononeoccasion,byextracting
ourseniorfromtheheapofslainandcarryinghimonhisback,hesavedhislife.Hehimselfsufferedhungerand
stolefoodforhismastertoeattheyhadnowaterfortwodaysandwhenhedidgethalfabowl,hegaveitto
hismaster,whilehehimselfhadsewagewater.Henowsimplypresumesuponthesentimentalobligations
imposedbytheseservices.Whentheseniorsofthefamilystilllived,theyalllookeduponhimwithexceptional
regardbutwhoatpresentventurestointerferewithhim?Heisalsoadvancedinyears,anddoesn'tcareabout
anydecentmannershissoledelightiswineandwhenhegetsdrunk,thereisn'tasinglepersonwhomhewon't
abuse.I'veagainandagaintoldthestewardsnottohenceforwardaskChiaoTatodoanyworkwhatever,butto
treathimasdeadandgoneandherehe'ssentagaintoday."
"HowcanInotknowallaboutthisChiaoTa?"remarkedladyFeng"butthesecretofallthistroubleis,thatyou
won'ttakeanydecisivestep.Whynotpackhimofftosomedistantfarm,andhavedonewithhim?"Andasshe
spoke,"Isourcarriageready?"shewentontoinquire.
"Allreadyandwaiting,"interposedthemarriedwomen.
LadyFengalsogotup,saidgoodbye,andhandinhandwithPaoy,theywalkedoutoftheroom,escortedby
Mrs.Yuandtheparty,asfarastheentranceoftheMainHall,wheretheysawthelampssheddingabrilliant
lightandtheattendantsallwaitingontheplatforms.ChiaoTa,however,availinghimselfofChiaChen'sabsence
fromhome,andelatedbywine,begantoabusetheheadstewardLaiErhforhisinjustice.
"Youbullyoftheweakandcowardwiththestrong,"hecried,"whenthere'sanypleasantcharge,yousendthe
otherservants,butwhenit'saquestionofseeinganyonehomeinthedark,thenyouaskme,youdisorderly
clown!anicewayyouactthesteward,indeed!DoyouforgetthatifMr.ChiaoTachosetoraiseoneleg,it
wouldbeagooddealhigherthanyourhead!Rememberplease,thattwentyyearsago,Mr.ChiaoTawouldn't
evensomuchaslookatanyone,nomatterwhoitwasnottomentionapackofhybridcreatureslike
yourselves!"
Whilehewentoncursingandrailingwithallhismight,ChiaJungappearedwalkingbyladyFeng'scarriage.
Alltheservantshavingtriedtohushhimandnotsucceeding,ChiaJungbecameexasperatedandforthwithblew
himupforatime."Letsomeonebindhimup,"hecried,"andtomorrow,whenhe'soverthewine,I'llcallhimto
task,andwe'llseeifhewon'tseekdeath."
ChiaoTashowednoconsiderationforChiaJung.Onthecontrary,heshoutedwithmorevigour.Goingupto
ChiaJung:"BrotherJung,"hesaid,"don'tputontheairsofamasterwithChiaoTa.Nottospeakofamansuch
asyou,whyevenyourfatherandgrandfatherwouldn'tpresumetodisplaysuchsidewithChiaoTa.Wereitnot
forChiaoTa,andhimalone,wherewouldyouroffice,honours,richesanddignitybe?Yourancestor,whomI
broughtbackfromthejawsofdeath,heapedupallthisestate,butuptothisverydayhaveIreceivednothanks
fortheservicesIrendered!onthecontrary,youcomehereandplaythemasterdon'tsayawordmore,and
thingsmaycomerightbutifyoudo,I'llplungethebladeofaknifewhiteinyouandextractitred."
LadyFeng,frominsidethecarriage,remarkedtoChiaJung:"Don'tyouyetpackoffthisinsolentfellow!Why,
ifyoukeephiminyourhouse,won'thebeasourceofmischief?Besides,wererelativesandfriendstohear
aboutthesethings,won'ttheyhavealaughatourexpense,thatahouseholdlikeoursshouldbesodevoidofall
propriety?"
ChiaJungassented.ThewholebandofservantsfindingthatChiaoTawasgettingtooinsolenthadnohelpbut
tocomeupandthrowhimover,andbindinghimup,theydraggedhimtowardsthestables.ChiaoTaabused
evenChiaChenwithstillmorevehemence,andshoutedinaboisterousmanner."Iwanttogo,"hecried,"tothe
familyAncestralTempleandmournmyoldmaster.Whowouldhaveeverimaginedthathewouldleavebehind
suchvilecreaturesofdescendantsasyouall,dayafterdayindulginginobsceneandincestuouspractices,'in
scrapingoftheashes'andinphilanderingwithbrothersinlaw.Iknowallaboutyourdoingsthebestthingisto
hideone'sstumpofanarminone'ssleeve!"(washone'sdirtyclothesathome).

Theservantswhostoodby,uponhearingthiswildtalk,werequiteattheirwits'end,andtheyatonceseized
him,tiedhimup,andfilledhismouthtothefullestextentwithmudmixedwithsomehorserefuse.
LadyFengandChiaJungheardallhesaidfromadistance,butpretendednottohearbutPaoy,seatedinthe
carriageashewas,alsocaughtthisextravaganttalkandinquiredofladyFeng:"Sister,didyouhearhimsay
somethingabout'scrapingoftheashes?'What'sit?"
"Don'ttalksuchrubbish!"hastilyshoutedladyFeng"itwasthemaudlintalkofadrunkard!Aniceboyyouare!
nottospeakofyourlistening,butyoumustalsoinquire!waitandI'lltellyourmotherandwe'llseeifshe
doesn'tseriouslytakeyoutotask."
Paoywasinsuchastateoffrightthathespeedilyentreatedhertoforgivehim."Mydearsister,"hecraved,"I
won'tventureagaintosayanythingofthekind"
"Mydearbrother,ifthatbeso,it'sallright!"rejoinedladyFengreassuringly"onourreturnwe'llspeaktoher
venerableladyshipandaskhertosendsomeonetoarrangemattersinthefamilyschool,andinviteCh'inChung
tocometoschoolforhisstudies."
Whileyetthisconversationwasgoingon,theyarrivedattheJung
Mansion.
Reader,doyouwishtoknowwhatfollows?ifyoudo,thenextchapterwillunfoldit.

CHAPTERVIII.
Byastrangecoincidence,ChiaPaoybecomesacquaintedwiththe
goldenclasp.
Inanunexpectedmeeting,HsehPaoch'aiseesthejadeofspiritual
perception.
PaoyandladyFeng,wewillnowexplain,paid,ontheirreturnhome,theirrespectstoalltheinmates,and
PaoyavailedhimselfofthefirstoccasiontotelldowagerladyChiaofhiswishthatCh'inChungshouldcome
overtothefamilyschool."Thepresenceforhimselfofafriendasschoolmatewould,"heargued,"befitly
excellenttostirhimtozeal,"andhewentontospeakintermsofhighpraiseofCh'inChung,hischaracterand
hismanners,whichmostofallmadepeopleesteemhim.
LadyFengbesidesstoodbyhimandbackedhisrequest."Inadayortwo,"sheadded,"Ch'inChungwillbe
comingtopayhisobeisancetoyourvenerableladyship."
ThisbitofnewsgreatlyrejoicedtheheartofdowagerladyChia,andladyFenglikewisedidnotletthe
opportunityslip,withoutinvitingtheoldladytoattendthetheatricalperformancetocomeoffthedayafterthe
morrow.DowagerladyChiawas,itistrue,welloninyears,butwas,nevertheless,veryfondofenjoyment,so
thatwhenthedayarrivedandMrs.Yucameovertoinviteherround,sheforthwithtookmadameWang,LinTai
y,Paoyandothersalongandwenttotheplay.
Itwasaboutnoon,whendowagerladyChiareturnedtoherapartmentsforhersiestaandmadameWang,who
washabituallypartialtoaquietlife,alsotookherdepartureaftershehadseentheoldladyretire.LadyFeng
subsequentlytooktheseatofhonourandthepartyenjoyedthemselvesimmenselytilltheevening,whenthey
brokeup.

ButtoreturntoPaoy.HavingaccompaniedhisgrandmotherChiabackhome,andwaitedtillherladyshipwas
inhermiddaysleep,hehadinfactaninclinationtoreturntotheperformance,buthewasafraidlestheshould
beaburdentoMrs.Ch'inandtherestandlesttheyshouldnotfeelatease.RememberingthereforethatPao
Ch'aihadbeenathomeunwellforthelastfewdays,andthathehadnotbeentoseeher,hewasanxioustogo
andlookherup,buthedreadedthatifhewentbythesidegate,atthebackofthedrawingroom,hewouldbe
preventedbysomethingorother,andfearing,whatwouldbemakingmattersworse,lestheshouldcomeacross
hisfather,heconsequentlythoughtitbettertogoonhiswaybyadetour.Thenursesandwaitingmaids
thereuponcametohelphimtochangehisclothesbuttheysawhimnotchange,butgooutagainbythesecond
door.Thesenursesandmaidscouldnothelpfollowinghimoutbuttheywerestillundertheimpressionthathe
wasgoingovertotheothermansiontoseethetheatricals.Contrarytotheirspeculations,uponreachingthe
entrancehall,heforthwithwenttotheeast,thenturnedtothenorth,andwalkingroundbytherearofthehall,
hehappenedtocomefacetofacewithtwoofthefamilycompanions,Mr.Ch'anKuang,andMr.TanT'ingjen.
AssoonastheycaughtsightofPaoy,theybothreadilydrewuptohim,andastheysmiled,theoneputhis
armroundhiswaist,whiletheothergraspedhimbythehand.
"Ohdivinebrother!"theybothexclaimed,"thiswecalldreamingapleasantdream,forit'snoeasythingtocome
acrossyou!"
Whilecontinuingtheirremarkstheypaidtheirsalutations,andinquiredafterhishealthanditwasonlyafter
theyhadchattedforeversolong,thattheywentontheirway.Thenursecalledouttothemandstoppedthem,
"Haveyoutwogentlemen,"shesaid,"comeoutfromseeingmaster?"
Theybothnoddedassent."Yourmaster,"theyexplained,"isintheMengP'oChaismalllibraryhavinghis
siestasothatyoucangothroughtherewithnofear."
Astheyutteredthesewords,theywalkedaway.
ThisremarkalsoevokedasmilefromPaoy,butwithoutfurtherdelayheturnedacorner,wenttowardsthe
north,andcameintothePearFragranceCourt,where,asluckwouldhaveit,hemettheheadmanagerofthe
HouseholdTreasury,WuHsinteng,who,incompanywiththeheadofthegranary,TaiLiang,andseveralother
headstewards,sevenpersonsinall,wasissuingoutoftheAccountRoom.
OnseeingPaoyapproaching,they,inabody,stoodstill,andhungdowntheirarmsagainsttheirsides.Oneof
themalone,acertainbutler,calledCh'ienHua,promptlycameforward,ashehadnotseenPaoyformanya
day,andbendingononeknee,paidhisrespectstoPaoy.Paoyatoncegaveasmileandpulledhimup.
"Thedaybeforeyesterday,"smiledallthebystanders,"weweresomewheretogetherandsawsomecharacters
writtenbyyou,masterSecundus,inthecompositestyle.Thewritingiscertainlybetterthanitwasbefore!When
willyougiveusafewsheetstostickonthewall?"
"Wheredidyouseethem?"inquiredPaoy,withagrin.
"Theyaretobefoundinmorethanoneplace,"theyreplied,"andeveryonepraisesthemverymuch,andwhat's
more,asksusforafew."
"Theyarenotworthhaving,"observedPaoysmilingly"butifyoudowantany,tellmyyoungservantsandit
willbeallright."
Ashesaidthesewords,hemovedonwards.Thewholepartywaitedtillhehadgoneby,beforetheyseparated,
eachonetogohisownway.
Butweneednotdilateuponmattersofnomoment,butreturntoPaoy.
OncomingtothePearFragranceCourt,heentered,first,into"aunt"Hseh'sroom,wherehefoundhergetting
someneedleworkreadytogivetothewaitingmaidstoworkat.Paoyforthwithpaidhisrespectstoher,and

"aunt"Hseh,takinghimbythehand,drewhimtowardsherandclaspedhiminherembrace.
"Withthiscoldweather,"shesmilinglyurged,"it'stookindofyou,mydearchild,tothinkofcomingtoseeme
comealongonthestovecouchatonce!Bringsometea,"shecontinued,addressingtheservants,"andmakeit
ashotasitcanbe!"
"Isn'tHsehP'anathome?"Paoyhavinginquired:"He'slikeahorsewithoutahalter,"Mrs.Hsehremarked
withasigh"he'sdailyrunninghereandthereandeverywhere,andnothingcaninducehimtostayathomeone
singleday."
"Issister(PaoCh'ai)allrightagain?"askedPaoy."Yes,"repliedMrs.Hseh,"she'swellagain.Itwasvery
kindofyoutwodaysagotoagainthinkofher,andsendroundtoinquireafterher.She'snowinthere,andyou
cangoandseeher.It'swarmertherethanit'sheregoandsitwithherinside,and,assoonasI'veputeverything
away,I'llcomeandjoinyouandhaveachat."
Paoy,uponhearingthis,jumpeddownwithalacrityfromthestovecouch,andwalkeduptothedoorofthe
innerroom,wherehesawhangingaportiresomewhattheworseforuse,madeofredsilk.Paoyraisedthe
portireandmakingonesteptowardstheinterior,hefoundPaoCh'aiseatedonthecouch,busyoversome
needlework.Onthetopofherheadwasgathered,andmadeintoaknot,herchevelure,blackaslacquer,and
glossylikepomade.Sheworeahoneycolouredwaddedrobe,arosebrownshortsleevedjacket,linedwiththe
furofthesquirreloftwocolours:the"goldandsilver"andajupeofleekyellowsilk.Herwholecostumewas
neithertoonew,neithertooold,anddisplayednosignofextravagance.
Herlips,thoughnotrouged,werenaturallyredhereyebrows,thoughnotpencilled,wereyetblueblackher
faceresembledasilverbasin,andhereyes,juicyplums.Shewassparinginherwords,charyinhertalk,so
muchsothatpeoplesaidthatsheposedasasimpleton.Shewasquietintheacquittalofherdutiesand
scrupulousastotheproperseasonforeverything."Ipractisesimplicity,"shewouldsayofherself.
"Howareyou?areyouquitewellagain,sister?"inquiredPaoy,ashegazedatherwhereuponPaoCh'ai
raisedherhead,andperceivingPaoywalkin,shegotupatonceandrepliedwithasmile,"I'mallrightagain
manythanksforyourkindnessinthinkingofme."
Whileutteringthis,shepressedhimtotakeaseatonthestovecouch,andashesatdownontheveryedgeofthe
couch,shetoldYingErhtobringteaandaskedlikewiseafterdowagerladyChiaandladyFeng."Andareallthe
restoftheyoungladiesquitewell?"sheinquired.
SayingthisshescrutinisedPaoy,whoshesawhadaheaddressofpurplishgoldtwistedthreads,studdedwith
preciousstones.Hisforeheadwasboundwithagoldcirclet,representingtwodragons,claspingapearl.Onhis
personheworealightyellow,archerysleevedjacket,ornamentedwithrampantdragons,andlinedwithfur
fromtheribsofthesilverfoxandwasclaspedwithadarksash,embroideredwithdifferentcolouredbutterflies
andbirds.Roundhisneckwashunganamulet,consistingofaclaspoflongevity,atalismanofrecordedname,
and,inadditiontothese,thepreciousjadewhichhehadhadinhismouthatthetimeofhisbirth.
"I'vedailyheardeveryonespeakofthisjade,"saidPaoCh'aiwithasmile,"buthaven't,afterall,hadan
opportunityoflookingatitclosely,butanyhowtodayImustseeit."
Asshespoke,shedrewnear.Paoyhimselfapproached,andtakingitfromhisneck,heplaceditinPaoCh'ai's
hand.PaoCh'aihelditinherpalm.Itappearedtoherverymuchliketheeggofabird,resplendentasitwaslike
abrightrussetcloudshinyandsmoothlikevariegatedcurdandcoveredwithanetforthesakeofprotection.
Readers,youshouldknowthatthiswastheveryblockofuselessstonewhichhadbeenontheTaHuangHills,
andwhichhaddroppedintotheCh'ingKengcave,inastateofmetamorphosis.Alaterwriterexpresseshis
feelingsinasatiricalwayasfollows:

NWo'sfusionofstoneswase'eramythinane,
Butfromthismythhathsprungfictionstillmoreinsane!
Lostisthesubtlelife,divine,andreal!gone!
Assumed,meansubterfuge!foulbagsofskinandbone!
Fortune,whenonceadverse,howtrue!goldglowsnomore!
Inevildays,alas!thejade'ssplendouriso'er!
Bones,whiteandbleached,innamelesshilllikemoundsareflung,
Bonesonceofyouthsrenownedandmaidensfairandyoung.
Therejectedstonehasinfactalreadygivenarecordofthecircumstancesofitstransformation,andthe
inscriptioninsealcharacters,engraveduponitbythebaldheadedbonze,andbelowwillnowbealsoappended
afaithfulrepresentationofitbutitsrealsizeissoverydiminutive,astoallowofitsbeingheldbyachildinhis
mouthwhileyetunborn,thatwereittohavebeendrawninitsexactproportions,thecharacterswould,itis
feared,havebeensoinsignificantinsize,thatthebeholderwouldhavehadtowastemuchofhiseyesight,andit
wouldbesideshavebeennopleasantthing.
Whilethereforeitsshapehasbeenadheredto,itssizehasunavoidablybeenslightlyenlarged,toadmitofthe
readerbeingable,conveniently,toperusetheinscription,evenbyverylamplight,andthoughhemaybeunder
theinfluenceofwine.
Theseexplanationshavebeengiventoobviateanysuchsneeringremarksas:"Whatcouldbe,pray,thesizeof
themouthofachildinhismother'swomb,andhowcoulditgraspsuchalargeandclumsything?"
Onthefaceofthejadewaswritten:
PreciousGemofSpiritualPerception.
Ifthouwiltlosemenotandneverforgetme,
Eternallifeandconstantluckwillbewiththee!
Onthereversewaswritten:
1Toexorciseevilspiritsandtheaccessoryvisitations2Tocurepredestinedsickness3Toprognosticate
wealandwoe.
PaoCh'aihavinglookedattheamulet,twisteditagaintotheface,andscrutinisingitclosely,readaloud:
Ifthouwiltlosemenotandneverforgetme,
Eternallifeandconstantluckwillbewiththee!
Sheperusedtheselinestwice,and,turninground,sheaskedYingErhlaughingly:"Whydon'tyougoandpour
thetea?whatareyoustandingherelikeanidiot!"
"ThesetwolineswhichI'veheard,"smiledYingErh,"wouldappeartopairwiththetwolinesonyournecklet,
miss!"
"What!"eagerlyobservedPaoywithagrin,whenhecaughtthesewords,"aretherereallyeightcharacterstoo
onyournecklet,cousin?doletmetooseeit."
"Don'tlistentowhatshesays,"remarkedPaoCh'ai,"therearenocharactersonit."
"Mydearcousin,"pleadedPaoyentreatingly,"howisityou'veseenmine?"
PaoCh'aiwasbroughtquiteatbaybythisremarkofhis,andsheconsequentlyadded,"Therearealsotwo
propitiousphrasesengravedonthischarm,andthat'swhyIweariteveryday.Otherwise,whatpleasurewould
therebeincarryingaclumsything."

Asshespoke,sheunfastenedthebutton,andproducedfrominsidehercrimsonrobe,acrystallikelocket,set
withpearlsandgems,andwithabrilliantgoldenfringe.Paoypromptlyreceiveditfromher,anduponminute
examination,foundthattherewereinfactfourcharactersoneachsidetheeightcharactersonbothsides
formingtwosentencesofgoodomen.Thesimilitudeofthelocketislikewisethengivenbelow.Onthefaceof
thelocketiswritten:
"Partnotfrommeandcastmenotaway"
Andonthereverse:
"Andyouth,perennialfreshnesswilldisplay!"
Paoyexaminedthecharm,andhavingalsoreadtheinscriptiontwiceoveraloud,andthentwiceagainto
himself,hesaidashesmiled,"Dearcousin,theseeightcharactersofyoursformtogetherwithminean
antitheticalverse."
"Theywerepresentedtoher,"venturedYingErh,"byamangypatedbonze,whoexplainedthattheyshouldbe
engravedonagoldentrinket."
PaoCh'ailefthernotimetofinishwhatshewishedtosay,butspeedilycalledhertotaskfornotgoingtobring
thetea,andtheninquiredofPaoy"Wherehehadcomefrom?"
Paoyhad,bythistime,drawnquiteclosetoPaoCh'ai,andperceivedwhiffafterwhiffofsomeperfumeor
other,ofwhatkindhecouldnottell."Whatperfumehaveyouused,mycousin,"heforthwithasked,"to
fumigateyourdresseswith?Ireallydon'tremembersmellinganyperfumeryofthekindbefore."
"I'mveryaverse,"repliedPaoCh'aiblandly,"totheodouroffumigationgoodclothesbecomeimpregnatedwith
thesmellofsmoke."
"Inthatcase,"observedPaoy,"whatscentisit?"
"Yes,Iremember,"PaoCh'aianswered,aftersomereflection"it'sthescentofthe'coldfragrance'pillswhichI
tookthismorning."
"Whatarethesecoldfragrancepills,"remarkedPaoysmiling,"thattheyhavesuchafinesmell?Giveme,
cousin,apilltotry."
"Hereyouarewithyournonsenseagain,"PaoCh'airejoinedlaughingly"isapillathingtobetaken
recklessly?"
Shehadscarcelyfinishedspeaking,whensheheardsuddenlysomeoneoutsidesay,"MissLiniscome"and
shortlyLinTaiywalkedininajauntymanner.
"Oh,Icomeatawrongmoment!"sheexclaimedforthwith,smirkingsignificantlywhenshecaughtsightofPao
y.
Paoyandtherestlostnotimeinrisingandofferingheraseat,whereuponPaoCh'aiaddedwithasmile,"How
canyousaysuchthings?"
"HadIknownsooner,"continuedTaiy,"thathewashere,Iwouldhavekeptaway."
"Ican'tfathomthismeaningofyours,"protestedPaoCh'ai.
"Ifonecomes,"Taiyurgedsmiling,"thenallcome,andwhenonedoesn'tcome,thennoonecomes.Now
werehetocometoday,andItocometomorrow,wouldn'ttherebe,byadivisionofthiskind,alwayssomeone

withyoueveryday?andinthisway,youwouldn'tfeeltoolonely,nortoocrowded.Howisit,cousin,thatyou
didn'tunderstandwhatImeanttoimply?"
"Isitsnowing?"inquiredPaoy,uponnoticingthatsheworeacloakmadeofcrimsoncamlet,buttoningin
front.
"Ithasbeensnowingforsometime,"venturedthematrons,whowerestandingbelow."Fetchmywrapper!"
Paoyremarked,andTaiyreadilylaughed."AmInotright?Icome,and,ofcourse,hemustgoatonce."
"DidIevermentionthatIwasgoing?"questionedPaoy"IonlywishitbroughttohaveitreadywhenIwant
it."
"It'sasnowyday,"consequentlyremarkedPaoy'snurse,dameLi,"andwemustalsolooktothetime,butyou
hadbetterremainhereandamuseyourselfwithyourcousin.Youraunthas,inthere,gotreadyteaandfruits.I'll
tellthewaitingmaidtogoandfetchyourwrapperandtheboystoreturnhome."Paoyassented,andnurseLi
lefttheroomandtoldtheboysthattheywereatlibertytogo.
BythistimeMrs.Hsehhadpreparedteaandseveralkindsofnicethingsandkeptthemalltopartakeofthose
delicacies.Paoy,havingspokenhighlyofsomegoosefeetandducks'tongueshehadtastedsomedaysbefore,
athiseldestsisterinlaw's,Mrs.Yu's,"aunt"Hsehpromptlyproducedseveraldishesofthesamekind,madeby
herself,andgavethemtoPaoytotry."Withalittlewine,"addedPaoywithasmile,"theywouldbefirst
rate."
Mrs.HsehthereuponbadetheservantsfetchsomewineofthebestqualitybutdameLicameforwardand
remonstrated."Mylady,"shesaid,"nevermindthewine."
Paoysmilinglypleaded:"Mynurse,I'lltakejustonecupandnomore."
"It'snouse,"nurseLireplied,"wereyourgrandmotherandmotherpresent,Iwouldn'tcareifyoudrankawhole
jar.IrememberthedaywhenIturnedmyeyesawaybutforamoment,andsomeignorantfoolorother,merely
withtheviewofpanderingforyourfavour,gaveyouonlyadropofwinetodrink,andhowthisbrought
reproachesuponmeforacoupleofdays.Youdon'tknow,mylady,youhavenoideaofhisdisposition!it's
reallydreadfulandwhenhehashadalittlewineheshowsfarmoretemper.Ondayswhenhervenerable
ladyshipisinhighspirits,sheallowshimtohavehisownwayaboutdrinking,buthe'snotallowedtohavewine
onanyandeverydayandwhyshouldIhavetosufferinsideandallfornothingatall?"
"Youantiquatedthing!"repliedMrs.Hsehlaughing,"setyourmindatease,andgoanddrinkyourownwine!I
won'tlethimhavetoomuch,andshouldeventheoldladysayanything,letthefaultbemine."
Sayingthis,sheaskedawaitingmaidtotakenurseLialongwithherandgiveheralsoaglassofwinesoasto
keepoutthecoldair.
WhennurseLiheardthesewords,shehadnoalternativebuttogoforatimewithalltheothersandhavesome
winetodrink.
"Thewineneednotbewarmed:Ipreferitcold!"Paoywentontosuggestmeanwhile.
"Thatwon'tdo,"remonstratedMrs.Hseh"coldwinewillmakeyourhandtremblewhenyouwrite."
"Youhave,"interposedPaoCh'aismiling,"thegoodfortune,cousinPaoy,ofhavingdailyopportunitiesof
acquiringaknowledgeofeverykindofsubject,andyetdon'tyouknowthatthepropertiesofwinearemostly
heating?Ifyoudrinkwinewarm,itseffectssoondispel,butifyoudrinkitcold,itatoncecongealsinyouand
asuponyourintestinesdevolvesthewarmingofit,howcanyounotderiveanyharm?andwon'tyouyetfrom
thistimechangethishabitofyours?leaveoffatoncedrinkingthatcoldwine."

Paoyfindingthatthewordshehadheardcontainedagooddealofsense,speedilyputdownthecoldwine,and
havingaskedthemtowarmit,heatlengthdrankit.
Taiywasbentuponcrackingmelonseeds,sayingnothingbutsimplypursingupherlipsandsmiling,when,
strangecoincidence,HsehYen,Taiy'swaitingmaid,walkedinandhandedhermistressasmallhandstove.
"Whotoldyoutobringit?"ascertainedTaiygrinningly."I'msorrytohavegivenwhoeveritisthetroubleI'm
obligedtoher.ButdidsheeverimaginethatIwouldfreezetodeath?"
"TzuChuanwasafraid,"repliedHsehYen,"thatyouwould,miss,feelcold,andsheaskedmetobringitover."
Taiytookitoverandhelditinherlap."Howisit,"shesmiled,"thatyoulistentowhatshetellsyou,butthat
youtreatwhatIsay,dayafterday,assomuchwindblowingpastyourears!Howisitthatyouatoncedowhat
shebidsyou,withevengreateralacritythanyouwouldanimperialedict?"
WhenPaoyheardthis,hefeltsureinhismindthatTaiywasavailingherselfofthisopportunitytomakefun
ofhim,buthemadenoremark,merelylaughingtohimselfandpayingnofurthernotice.PaoCh'ai,again,knew
fullwellthatthishabitwasaweakpointwithTaiy,soshetoodidnotgooutofherwaytoheedwhatshesaid.
"You'vealwaysbeendelicateandunabletostandthecold,"interposed"aunt"Hseh,"andisitnotakind
attentionontheirparttohavethoughtofyou?"
"Youdon'tknow,aunt,howitreallystands,"respondedTaiysmilingly"fortunatelyenough,itwassenttome
hereatyourquartersforhaditbeeninanyoneelse'shouse,wouldn'tithavebeenaslightuponthem?Isit
forsoothnicetothinkthatpeoplehaven'tsomuchasahandstove,andthatonehasfussilytobesentoverfrom
home?Peoplewon'tsaythatthewaitingmaidsaretooofficious,butwillimaginethatI'minthehabitof
behavinginthisoffensivefashion."
"You'refartoopunctilious,"remarkedMrs.Hseh,"astoentertainsuchnotions!Nosuchideasasthesecrossed
mymindjustnow."
Whiletheywereconversing,Paoyhadtakensomuchasthreecupsofwine,andnurseLicameforwardagain
topreventhimfromhavinganymore.Paoywasjusttheninastateofexultationandexcitement,(astate)
enhancedbytheconversationandlaughterofhiscousins,sothatwashereadytoagreetohavingnomore!But
hewasconstrainedinahumblespirittoentreatforpermission."Mydearnurse,"heimplored,"I'lljusttaketwo
morecupsandthenhavenomore."
"You'dbetterbecareful,"addednurseLi,"yourfatherisathometoday,andseethatyou'rereadytobe
examinedinyourlessons."
WhenPaoyheardthismention,hisspiritsatoncesankwithinhim,andgentlyputtingthewineaside,he
droppedhisheaduponhisbreast.
Taiypromptlyremonstrated."You'vethrowncoldwater,"shesaid,"overthespiritsofthewholecompany
why,ifuncleshouldasktoseeyou,well,saythatauntHsehdetainedyou.Thisoldnurseofyourshasbeen
drinking,andagainmakesusthemeansofclearinghermuddledhead!"
Whilesayingthis,shegavePaoyabignudgewiththeintentofstirringuphisspirits,adding,assheaddressed
himinalowtoneofvoice:"Don'tletusheedthatoldthing,butmindourownenjoyment."
DameLialsoknewverywellTaiy'sdisposition,andthereforeremarked:"Now,MissLin,don'tyouurgehim
onyoushouldafterall,givehimgoodadvice,ashemay,Ithink,listentoagooddealofwhatyousaytohim."
"WhyshouldIurgehimon?"rejoinedLinTaiy,withasarcasticsmile,"norwillItroublemyselftogivehim
advice.You,oldlady,arefartooscrupulous!OldladyChiahasalsotimeaftertimegivenhimwine,andifhe
nowtakesacuportwomorehere,athisaunt's,ladyHseh'shouse,there'snoharmthatIcansee.Isitperhaps,

whoknows,thatauntisastrangerinthisestablishment,andthatwehaveinfactnorighttocomeoverhereto
seeher?"
NurseLiwasbothvexedandamusedbythewordsshehadjustheard."Really,"sheobserved,"everyremark
thisgirlLinuttersissharperthanarazor!Ididn'tsayanythingmuch!"
PaoCh'aitoocouldnotsuppressasmile,andasshepinchedTaiy'scheek,sheexclaimed,"Ohthetongueof
thisfrowninggirl!onecanneitherresentwhatitsays,noryetlistentoitwithanygratification!"
"Don'tbeafraid!"Mrs.Hsehwentontosay,"don'tbeafraidmyson,you'vecometoseeme,andalthoughI've
nothinggoodtogiveyou,youmustn't,throughfright,letthetrifleyou'vetakenlieheavyonyourstomach,and
thusmakemeuneasybutjustdrinkatyourpleasure,andasmuchasyoulike,andlettheblamefallonmy
shoulders.What'smore,youcanstaytodinnerwithme,andthengohomeorifyoudogettipsy,youcansleep
withme,that'sall."
Shethereupontoldtheservantstoheatsomemorewine."I'llcome,"shecontinued,"andkeepyoucompany
whileyouhavetwoorthreecups,afterwhichwe'llhavesomethingtoeat!"
ItwasonlyaftertheseassurancesthatPaoy'sspiritsbeganatlength,oncemoretorevive,anddameLithen
directedthewaitingmaidswhattodo."Youremainhere,"sheenjoined,"andmind,bediligentwhileIgohome
andchangewhenI'llcomebackagain.Don'tallowhim,"shealsowhisperedto"aunt"Hseh,"tohaveallhis
ownwayanddrinktoomuch."
Havingsaidthis,shebetookherselfbacktoherquartersandduringthiswhile,thoughthereweretwoorthree
nursesinattendance,theydidnotconcernthemselveswithwhatwasgoingon.Assoonastheysawthatnurse
Lihadleft,theylikewiseallquietlyslippedout,atthefirstopportunitytheyfound,whilethereremainedbuttwo
waitingmaids,whowereonlytoogladtocurryfavourwithPaoy.Butfortunately"aunt"Hseh,bymuch
coaxingandpersuading,onlylethimhaveafewcups,andthewinebeingthenpromptlyclearedaway,pickled
bambooshootsandchickenskinsoupwereprepared,ofwhichPaoydrankwithrelishseveralbowlsfull,
eatingbesidesmorethanhalfabowloffinestricecongee.
Bythistime,HsehPaoCh'aiandLinTaiyhadalsofinishedtheirrepastandwhenPaoyhaddrunkafew
cupsofstrongtea,Mrs.Hsehfeltmoreeasyinhermind.HsehYenandtheothers,threeorfouroftheminall,
hadalsohadtheirmeal,andcameintowaituponthem.
"Areyounowgoingornot?"inquiredTaiyofPaoy.
Paoylookedaskancewithhisdrowsyeyes."Ifyouwanttogo,"heobserved,"I'llgowithyou."
Taiyhearingthis,speedilyrose."We'vebeenherenearlythewholeday,"shesaid,"andoughttobegoing
back."
Asshespokethetwoofthembadegoodbye,andthewaitingmaidsatoncepresentedahoodtoeachofthem.
Paoyreadilyloweredhisheadslightlyandtoldawaitingmaidtoputiton.Thegirlpromptlytookthehood,
madeofdeepredcloth,andshakingitoutofitsfolds,sheputitonPaoy'shead.
"Thatwilldo,"hastilyexclaimedPaoy."Youstupidthing!gentlyabitisitlikelyyou'veneverseenanyone
putoneonbefore?letmedoitmyself."
"Comeoverhere,andI'llputitonforyou,"suggestedTaiy,asshestoodontheedgeofthecouch.Paoy
eagerlyapproachedher,andTaiycarefullykeptthecap,towhichhishairwasbound,fastdown,andtaking
thehoodsheresteditsedgeonthecircletroundhisforehead.Shethenraisedtheballofcrimsonvelvet,which
wasaslargeasawalnut,andputitinsuchawaythat,asitwavedtremulously,itshouldappearoutsidethe

hood.Thesearrangementscompletedshecastalookforawhileatwhatshehaddone."That'srightnow,"she
added,"throwyourwrapperoveryou!"
WhenPaoycaughtthesewords,heeventuallytookthewrapperandthrewitoverhisshoulders.
"Noneofyournurses,"hurriedlyinterposedauntHseh,"areyetcome,soyouhadbetterwaitawhile."
"Whyshouldwewaitforthem?"observedPaoy."Wehavethewaitingmaidstoescortus,andsurelythey
shouldbeenough."
Mrs.Hsehfindingitdifficulttosethermindateasedeputedtwomarriedwomentoaccompanythetwo
cousinsandaftertheyhadbothexpressed(tothesewomen)theirregretathavingtroubledthem,theycame
straightwaytodowagerladyChia'ssuiteofapartments.
Hervenerableladyshiphadnot,asyet,hadhereveningrepast.HearingthattheyhadbeenatMrs.Hseh's,she
wasextremelypleasedbutnoticingthatPaoyhadhadsomewine,shegaveordersthatheshouldbetakento
hisroom,andputtobed,andnotbeallowedtocomeoutagain.
"Dotakegoodcareofhim,"shethereforeenjoinedtheservants,andwhensuddenlyshebethoughtherselfof
Paoy'sattendants,"Howisit,"sheatonceinquiredofthemall,"thatIdon'tseenurseLihere?"
Theydidnotventuretotellherthetruth,thatshehadgonehome,butsimplyexplainedthatshehadcomeina
fewmomentsback,andthattheythoughtshemusthaveagaingoneoutonsomebusinessorother.
"She'sbetteroffthanyourvenerableladyship,"remarkedPaoy,turningroundandswayingfromsidetoside.
"Whythenaskafterher?WereIridofher,IbelieveImightlivealittlelonger."
Whileutteringthesewords,hereachedthedoorofhisbedroom,wherehesawpenandinklaidoutonthe
writingtable.
"That'snice,"exclaimedCh'ingWen,asshecametomeethimwithasmileonherface,"youtellmetoprepare
theinkforyou,butthoughwhenyougetup,youwerefulloftheideaofwriting,youonlywrotethree
characters,whenyoudiscardedthepencil,andranaway,foolingme,bymakingmewaitthewholeday!Come
nowatonceandexhaustallthisinkbeforeyou'reletoff."
Paoythenrememberedwhathadtakenplaceinthemorning."WherearethethreecharactersIwrote?"he
consequentlyinquired,smiling.
"Whythismanistipsy,"remarkedCh'ingWensneeringly."Asyouweregoingtotheothermansion,youtold
metostickthemoverthedoor.Iwasafraidlestanyoneelseshouldspoilthem,astheywerebeingpasted,soI
climbedupahighladderandwaseversolonginputtingthemupmyselfmyhandsareevennownumbwith
cold."
"OhIforgotallaboutit,"repliedPaoygrinning,"ifyourhandsarecold,comeandI'llrubthemwarmfor
you."
Promptlystretchingouthishand,hetookthoseofCh'ingWeninhis,andthetwoofthemlookedatthethree
characters,whichherecentlyhadwritten,andwhichwerepastedabovethedoor.Inashortwhile,Taiycame.
"Mydearcousin,"Paoysaidtohersmilingly,"tellmewithoutanyprevaricationwhichofthethreecharacters
isthebestwritten?"
Taiyraisedherheadandperceivedthethreecharacters:Red,Rue,Hall."They'reallwelldone,"sherejoined,
withasmirk,"Howisityou'vewrittenthemsowell?Byandbyeyoumustalsowriteatabletforme."
"Areyouagainmakingfunofme?"askedPaoysmiling"whataboutsisterHsiJen?"hewentontoinquire.

Ch'ingWenpoutedherlips,pointingtowardsthestovecouchintheinnerroom,and,onlookingin,Paoy
espiedHsiJenfastasleepinherdailycostume.
"Well,"Paoyobservedlaughing,"there'snoharminit,butitsratherearlytosleep.WhenIwashavingmy
earlymeal,ontheotherside,"heproceeded,speakingtoCh'ingWen,"therewasasmalldishofdumplings,with
beancurdoutsideandasIthoughtyouwouldliketohavesome,IaskedMrs.Yuforthem,tellingherthatI
wouldkeepthem,andeatthemintheeveningItoldsomeonetobringthemover,buthaveyouperchanceseen
them?"
"Bequickanddropthatsubject,"suggestedCh'ingWen"assoonastheywerebroughtover,Iatonceknew
theywereintendedformeasIhadjustfinishedmymeal,Iputthembyinthere,butwhennurseLicameshe
sawthem.'Paoy,'shesaid,'isnotlikelytoeatthem,soI'lltakethemandgivethemtomygrandson.'And
forthwithshebadesomeonetakethemovertoherhome."
Whileshewasspeaking,HsiHsehbroughtintea,andPaoypressedhiscousinLintohaveacup.
"MissLinhasgonelongago,"observedallofthem,astheyburstoutlaughing,"anddoyouofferhertea?"
Paoydrankabouthalfacup,whenhealsosuddenlybethoughthimselfofsometea,whichhadbeenbrewedin
themorning."Thismorning,"hethereforeinquiredofHsiHseh,"whenyoumadeacupofmapledewtea,I
toldyouthatthatkindoftearequiresbrewingthreeorfourtimesbeforeitscolourappearsandhowisthatyou
nowagainbringmethistea?"
"Ididreallyputitby,"answeredHsiHseh,"butnurseLicameanddrankit,andthenwentoff."
Paoyuponhearingthis,dashedthecupheheldinhishandontheground,andasitbrokeintosmallfragments,
withacrash,itspatteredHsiHseh'spetticoatallover.
"Ofwhosefamilyisshethemistress?"inquiredPaoyofHsiHseh,ashejumpedup,"thatyouallpaysuch
deferencetoher.Ijustsimplyhadalittleofhermilk,whenIwasabrat,andthat'sallandnowshehasgotinto
thewayofthinkingherselfmorehighandmightythaneventheheadsofthefamily!Sheshouldbepackedoff,
andthenweshallallhavepeaceandquiet."
Sayingthis,hewasbentupongoing,thereandthen,totelldowagerladyChiatohavehisnursedrivenaway.
HsiJenwasreallynotasleep,butsimplyfeigning,withtheidea,whenPaoycame,tostartlehiminplay.At
first,whensheheardhimspeakofwriting,andinquireafterthedumplings,shedidnotthinkitnecessarytoget
up,butwhenheflungtheteacuponthefloor,andgotintoatemper,shepromptlyjumpedupandtriedto
appeasehim,andtopreventhimbycoaxingfromcarryingouthisthreat.
AwaitingmaidsentbydowagerladyChiacamein,meanwhile,toaskwhatwasthematter.
"Ihadjustgonetopourtea,"repliedHsiJen,withouttheleasthesitation,"andIslippedonthesnowandfell,
whilethecupdroppedfrommyhandandbroke.Yourdecisiontosendherawayisgood,"shewentontoadvise
Paoy,"andweareallwillingtogoalsoandwhynotavailyourselfofthisopportunitytodismissusina
body?Itwillbeforourgood,andyoutooontheotherhand,needn'tperplexyourselfaboutnotgettingbetter
peopletocomeandwaitonyou!"
WhenPaoyheardthistaunt,hehadatlengthnotawordtosay,andsupportedbyHsiJenandtheother
attendantsontothecouch,theydivestedhimofhisclothes.ButtheyfailedtounderstandthedriftofwhatPao
ykeptonstillmuttering,andalltheycouldmakeoutwasanendlessstringofwordsbuthiseyesgrewheavier
anddrowsier,andtheyforthwithwaiteduponhimuntilhewenttosleepwhenHsiJenunclaspedthejadeof
spiritualperception,androllingitupinahandkerchief,shelayitunderthemattress,withtheideathatwhenhe
putitonthenextdayitshouldnotchillhisneck.

Paoyfellsoundasleepthemomenthelayhisheadonthepillow.BythistimenurseLiandtheothershad
comein,butwhentheyheardthatPaoywastipsy,theytoodidnotventuretoapproach,butgentlymade
inquiriesastowhetherhewasasleepornot.Onhearingthathewas,theytooktheirdeparturewiththeirminds
moreatease.
ThenextmorningthemomentPaoyawoke,someonecameintotellhimthatyoungMr.Jung,livinginthe
mansionontheotherside,hadbroughtCh'inChungtopayhimavisit.
PaoyspeedilywentouttogreetthemandtotakethemovertopaytheirrespectstodowagerladyChia.Her
venerableladyshipuponperceivingthatCh'inChung,withhishandsomecountenance,andhisrefinedmanners,
wouldbeafitcompanionforPaoyinhisstudies,feltextremelydelightedatheartandhavingreadilydetained
himtotea,andkepthimtodinner,shewentfurtheranddirectedaservanttoescorthimtoseemadameWang
andtherestofthefamily.
WiththefondregardofthewholehouseholdforMrs.Ch'in,theywere,whentheysawwhatakindofperson
Ch'inChungwas,soenchantedwithhim,thatatthetimeofhisdeparture,theyallhadpresentstogivehim
evendowagerladyChiaherselfpresentedhimwithapurseandagoldenimageoftheGodofLearning,witha
viewthatitshouldincitehimtostudyandharmony.
"Yourhouse,"shefurtheradvisedhim,"isfaroff,andwhenit'scoldorhot,itwouldbeinconvenientforyouto
comeallthatway,soyouhadbettercomeandliveoverherewithme.You'llthenbealwayswithyourcousin
Paoy,andyouwon'tbetogether,inyourstudies,withthosefellowpupilsofyourswhohavenoideawhat
progressmeans."
Ch'inChungmadeasuitableanswertoeachoneofherremarks,andonhisreturnhomehetoldeverythingtohis
father.
Hisfather,Ch'inPangyeh,heldatpresentthepostofSecretaryinthePekingFieldForce,andwaswellnigh
seventy.Hiswifehaddiedatanearlyperiod,andassheleftnoissue,headoptedasonandadaughterfroma
foundlingasylum.
Butwhowouldhavethoughtit,theboyalsodied,andthereonlyremainedthegirl,knownasKCh'inginher
infancy,whowhenshegrewup,wasbeautifulinfaceandgracefulinmanners,andwhobyreasonofsome
relationshipwiththeChiafamily,wasconsequentlyunitedbythetiesofmarriage(tooneofthehousehold).
Ch'inPangyehwasinhisfiftiethyearwhenheatlengthgotthisson.Ashistutorhadthepreviousyearleftto
gosouth,heremainedathomekeepinguphisformerlessonsand(hisfather)hadbeenjustthinkingoftalking
overthematterwithhisrelativesoftheChiafamily,andsendinghissontotheprivateschool,when,asluck
wouldhaveit,thisopportunityofmeetingPaoypresenteditself.
KnowingbesidesthatthefamilyschoolwasunderthedirectionofthevenerablescholarChiaTaiju,andhoping
thatbyjoininghisclass,(hisson)mightadvanceinknowledgeandbythesemeansreapreputation,hewas
thereforeintenselygratified.Theonlydrawbackswerethathisofficialemolumentswerescanty,andthatboth
theeyesofeveryoneintheotherestablishmentweresetuponrichesandhonours,sothathecouldnotcontribute
anythingshortoftheamount(givenbyothers)buthisson'swelfarethroughoutlifewasaseriousconsideration,
andhe,needlesstosay,hadtoscrapetogetherfromtheEastandtocollectfromtheWestandmakingaparcel,
withalldeference,oftwentyfourtaelsforanintroductionpresent,hecamealongwithCh'inChungtoTaiju's
housetopaytheirrespects.ButhehadtowaitsubsequentlyuntilPaoycouldfixonanauspiciousdateon
whichtheycouldtogetherentertheschool.
Asforwhathappenedaftertheycametoschool,thenextchapterwilldivulge.

CHAPTERIX.
ChiaChenggivesgoodadvicetohiswaywardson.
LiKueireceivesareprimand.
ChiaJuiandLiKueirebuketheobstinateyouths!
MingYencausestroubleintheschoolroom.
Buttoreturntoourstory.Mr.Ch'in,thefather,andCh'inChung,hisson,onlywaiteduntilthereceipt,bythe
handsofaservant,ofaletterfromtheChiafamilyaboutthedateonwhichtheyweretogotoschool.Indeed,
PaoywasonlytooimpatientthatheandCh'inChungshouldcometogether,and,withoutlossoftime,hefixed
upontwodayslaterasthedayuponwhichtheyweredefinitelytobegintheirstudies,andhedespatcheda
servantwithalettertothiseffect.
Onthedayappointed,assoonasitwasdaylight,Paoyturnedoutofbed.HsiJenhadalreadybythattimegot
books,pencilsandallwritingnecessariesinperfectreadiness,andwassittingontheedgeofthebedina
mopingmoodbutassoonasshesawPaoyapproach,shewasconstrainedtowaituponhiminhistoiletteand
ablutions.
Paoy,noticinghowdespondentshewas,madeitapointtoaddressher."Mydearsister,"hesaid,"howisit
youaren'tagainyourself?Isitlikelythatyoubearmeagrudgeforbeingabouttogotoschool,becausewhenI
leaveyou,you'llallfeeldull?"
HsiJensmiled."Whatanideal"shereplied."Studyisamostexcellentthing,andwithoutitawholelifetimeisa
merewaste,andwhatgoodcomesinthelongrun?There'sonlyonething,whichissimplythatwhenengagedin
readingyourbooks,youshouldsetyourmindonyourbooksandthatyoushouldthinkofhomewhennot
engagedinreading.Whateveryoudo,don'tromptogetherwiththem,forwereyoutomeetourmaster,your
father,itwillbenojoke!Althoughit'sassertedthatascholarmuststraineverynervetoexcel,yetit'spreferable
thatthetasksshouldbesomewhatfewer,as,inthefirstplace,whenoneeatstoomuch,onecannotdigestitand,
inthesecondplace,goodhealthmustalsobecarefullyattendedto.Thisismyviewonthesubject,andyou
shouldatalltimesconsideritinpractice."
WhileHsiJengaveutterancetoasentence,Paoynoddedhisheadinsignofapprovalofthatsentence.HsiJen
thenwentontospeak."I'vealsopackedup,"shecontinued,"yourlongpelisse,andhandedittothepagesto
takeitoversomind,whenit'scoldintheschoolroom,pleaseremembertoputonthisextraclothing,forit'snot
likehome,whereyouhavepeopletolookafteryou.Thefootstoveandhandstove,I'vealsosentoverandurge
thatpackoflazybonestoattendtotheirwork,forifyousaynothing,theywillbesoengrossedintheirfrolics,
thatthey'llbelothtomove,andletyou,allfornothing,takeachillandruinyourconstitution."
"Composeyourmind,"repliedPaoy"whenIgoout,Iknowwellenoughhowtoattendtoeverythingmyown
self.Butyoupeopleshouldn'tremaininthisroom,andmopeyourselvestodeathanditwouldbewellifyou
wouldoftengoovertocousinLin'sforaromp."
Whilesayingthis,hehadcompletedhistoilette,andHsiJenpressedhimtogoandwishgoodmorningto
dowagerladyChia,ChiaCheng,madameWang,andtheothermembersofthefamily.
Paoy,afterhavinggoneontogiveafeworderstoCh'ingWenandSheYueh,atlengthlefthisapartments,and
comingover,paidhisobeisancetodowagerladyChia.HervenerableLadyshiphadlikewise,asamatterof
course,afewrecommendationstomaketohim,whichended,henextwentandgreetedmadameWangand
leavingagainherquarters,hecameintothelibrarytowishChiaChenggoodmorning.
Asithappened,ChiaChenghadonthisdayreturnedhomeatanearlyhour,andwas,atthismoment,inthe
library,engagedinafriendlychatwithafewgentlemen,whowerefamilycompanions.Suddenlyperceiving
Paoycomeintopayhisrespects,andreportthathewasabouttogotoschool,ChiaChenggaveasardonic

smile."Ifyoudoagain,"heremarked,"makeallusionstothewordsgoingtoschool,you'llmakeevenmeblush
todeathwithshame!Myadvicetoyouisthatyoushouldafterallgoyourownwayandplaythat'sthebest
thingforyouandmindyoudon'tpollutewithdirtthisfloorbystandinghere,andsoilthisdoorofmineby
leaningagainstit!"
Thefamilycompanionsstoodupandsmilinglyexpostulated.
"VenerableSir,"theypleaded,"whyneedyoubesodownuponhim?Ourworthybrotheristhisdaygoingto
school,andmayintwoorthreeyearsbeabletodisplayhisabilitiesandestablishhisreputation.Hewill,beyond
doubt,notbehavelikeachild,ashedidinyearsgonepast.Butasthetimeforbreakfastisalsodrawingnigh,
youshould,worthybrother,goatonce."
Whenthesewordshadbeenspoken,twoamongthem,whowereadvancedinyears,readilytookPaoybythe
hand,andledhimoutofthelibrary.
"WhoareinattendanceuponPaoy?"ChiaChenghavinginquired,heheardasuitablereply,"We,Sir!"given
fromoutsideandthreeorfoursturdyfellowsenteredatanearlyperiodandfellononeknee,andbowedand
paidtheirobeisance.
WhenChiaChengcametoscrutinisewhotheywere,andherecognisedLiKuei,thesonofPaoy'snurse,he
addressedhimselftohim."Youpeople,"hesaid,"remainwaitinguponhimthewholedaylongatschool,but
whatbookshasheafterallread?Booksindeed!why,hehasreadandfilledhisbrainswithalotoftrashywords
andnonsensicalphrases,andlearntsomeingeniouswayofwaywardness.WaittillIhavealittleleisure,andI'll
settowork,firstandforemost,andflayyourskinoff,andthensettleaccountswiththatgoodfornothing!"
ThisthreatsoterrifiedLiKueithathehastilyfellonbothhisknees,pulledoffhishat,knockedhisheadonthe
ground,andgaveventtorepeatedassentingutterances:"Oh,quiteso,Sir!OurelderbrotherMr.Paohas,"he
continued,"alreadyreaduptothethirdbookoftheBookofOdes,uptowherethere'ssomethingorotherlike:
'Yiu,Yiu,thedeerbleatthelotusleavesandduckweed.'Yourservantwouldn'tpresumetotellalie!"
Ashesaidthis,thewholecompanyburstoutintoaboisterousfitoflaughter,andChiaChenghimselfcouldnot
alsocontainhiscountenanceandhadtolaugh."Wereheeven,"heobserved,"toreadthirtybooksoftheBookof
Odes,itwouldbeasmuchanimpositionuponpeopleandnomore,as(whenthethief)who,inordertostealthe
bell,stopsuphisownears!Yougoandpresentmycomplimentstothegentlemanintheschoolroom,andtell
him,frommypart,thatthewholelotofOdesandoldwritingsareofnouse,astheyaresubjectsforempty
showandthatheshould,aboveallthings,taketheFourBooks,andexplainthemtohim,fromfirsttolast,and
makehimknowthemallthoroughlybyheart,thatthisisthemostimportantthing!"
LiKueisignifiedhisobediencewithallpromptitude,andperceivingthatChiaChenghadnothingmoretosay,
heretiredoutoftheroom.
Duringthiswhile,Paoyhadbeenstandingallaloneoutsideinthecourt,waitingquietlywithsuppressed
voice,andwhentheycameoutheatoncewalkedawayintheircompany.
LiKueiandhiscompanionsobservedastheyshooktheirclothes,"Didyou,worthybrother,hearwhathesaid
thathewouldfirstofallflayourskinsoff!People'sservantsacquiresomerespectabilityfromthemasterwhom
theyserve,butwepoorfellowsfruitlesslywaituponyou,andarebeatenandblownupinthebargain.Itwould
bewellifwewere,fromhenceforward,tobetreatedwithacertainamountofregard."
Paoysmiled,"DearBrother,"headded,"don'tfeelaggrievedI'llinviteyoutocomeroundtomorrow!"
"Myyoungancestor,"repliedLiKuei,"whopresumestolookforwardtoaninvitation?allIentreatyouisto
listentooneortwowordsIhavetosay,that'sall."
AstheytalkedtheycameoveroncemoretodowagerladyChia'sonthisside.

Ch'inChunghadalreadyarrived,andtheoldladywasfirsthavingachatwithhim.Forthwiththetwoofthem
exchangedsalutations,andtookleaveofherladyshipbutPaoy,suddenlyrememberingthathehadnotsaid
goodbyetoTaiy,promptlybetookhimselfagaintoTaiy'squarterstodoso.
Taiywas,atthistime,belowthewindow,facingthemirror,andadjustinghertoilette.UponhearingPaoy
mentionthathewasonhiswaytoschool,shesmiledandremarked,"That'sright!you'renowgoingtoschool
andyou'llbesuretoreachthelunarpalaceandplucktheoleafragransbutIcan'tgoalongwithyou."
"Mydearcousin,"rejoinedPaoy,"waitformetocomeoutfromschool,beforeyouhaveyoureveningmeal
waitalsountilIcometopreparethecosmeticofrouge."
Afteraprotractedchat,heatlengthtorehimselfawayandtookhisdeparture.
"Howisit,"interposedTaiy,assheonceagaincalledouttohimandstoppedhim,"thatyoudon'tgoandbid
farewelltoyourcousinPaoCh'ai?"
Paoysmiled,andsayingnotawordbywayofreplyhestraightwaywalkedtoschool,accompaniedbyCh'in
Chung.
Thispublicschool,whichitmustbenoticedwasalsonotfarfromhisquarters,hadbeenoriginallyinstitutedby
thefounderoftheestablishment,withtheideathatshouldtherebeamongtheyoungfellowsofhisclananywho
hadnotthemeanstoengageatutor,theyshouldreadilybeabletoenterthisclassfortheprosecutionoftheir
studiesthatallthoseofthefamilywhoheldofficialpositionshouldallgive(theinstitution)pecuniary
assistance,withaviewtomeettheexpensesnecessaryforallowancestothestudentsandthattheywereto
selectmenadvancedinyearsandpossessedofvirtuetoactastutorsofthefamilyschool.
Thetwoofthem,Ch'inChungandPaoy,hadnowenteredtheclass,andaftertheyandthewholenumberof
theirschoolmateshadmadeeachother'sacquaintance,theirstudieswerecommenced.Eversincethistime,these
twowerewonttocometogether,gotogether,getuptogether,andsittogether,tilltheybecamemoreintimate
andclose.Besides,dowagerladyChiagotveryfondofCh'inChung,andwouldagainandagainkeephimto
staywiththemforthreeandfivedaysatatime,treatinghimasifhewereoneofherowngreatgrandsons.
PerceivingthatinCh'inChung'shometherewasnotmuchinthewayofsufficiency,shealsohelpedhimin
clothesandothernecessariesandscarcelyhadoneortwomonthselapsedbeforeCh'inChunggotonfriendly
termswitheveryoneintheJungmansion.
Paoywas,however,ahumanbeingwhocouldnotpractisecontentmentandobserveproprietyandashissole
delightwastohaveeverycapricegratified,henaturallydevelopedacravingdisposition."Wetwo,youandI,
are,"hewasalsowontsecretlytotellCh'inChung,"ofthesameage,andfellowscholarsbesides,sothatthere's
noneedinthefuturetopayanyregardtoourrelationshipofuncleandnephewandweshouldtreateachother
asbrothersorfriends,that'sall."
Ch'inChungatfirst(explainedthat)hecouldnotbesopresumptuousbutasPaoywouldnotlistentoany
suchthing,butwentontoaddresshimasbrotherandtocallhimbyhisstyleCh'ingCh'ing,hehadlikewise
himselfnohelp,buttobegincallinghim,atrandom,anythingandanyhow.
Therewere,itistrue,alargenumberofpupilsinthisschool,buttheseconsistedofthesonsandyounger
brothersofthatsameclan,andofseveralsonsandnephewsoffamilyconnections.Theproverbappositely
describesthatthereareninespeciesofdragons,andthateachspeciesdiffersanditgoesofcoursewithout
sayingthatinalargenumberofhumanbeingsthereweredragonsandsnakes,confusedlyadmixed,andthat
creaturesofalowstandingwereincluded.
Eversincethearrivalofthetwoyoungfellows,Ch'inChungandPaoy,bothofwhomwereinappearanceas
handsomeasbuddingflowers,andthey,ontheonehand,sawhowmodestandgenialCh'inChungwas,howhe
blushedbeforeheutteredaword,howhewastimidanddemurelikeagirl,andontheotherhand,howthatPao
ywasnaturallyproficientinabasinganddemeaninghimself,howhewassoaffableandgoodnatured,

considerateinhistemperamentandsofullofconversation,andhowthatthesetwowere,inconsequence,on
suchtermsofintimatefriendship,itwas,infact,nomatterofsurprisethatthewholecompanyoffellow
studentsbegantofosterenviousthoughts,thatthey,behindtheirbacks,passedontheiraccount,thisoneone
disparagingremarkandthatoneanother,andthattheyinsinuatedslanderousliesagainstthem,whichextended
insideaswellasoutsidetheschoolroom.
Indeed,afterHsehP'anhadcomeovertotakeuphisquartersinmadameWang'ssuiteofapartments,heshortly
cametohearoftheexistenceofafamilyschool,andthatthisschoolwasmainlyattendedbyyoungfellowsof
tenderyears,andinordinateideasweresuddenlyarousedinhim.Whilehethereforefictitiouslygaveoutthathe
wenttoschool,[hewasasirregularinhisattendanceasthefisherman]whocatchesfishforthreedays,andsuns
hisnetsforthenexttwosimplypresentinghisschoolfeegifttoChiaTaijuiandmakingnottheleastprogress
inhisstudieshissoledreambeingtoknitanumberoffamiliarfriendships.Whowouldhavethoughtit,there
wereinthisschoolyoungpupils,who,intheirgreedtoobtainmoney,clothesandeatablesfromHsehP'an,
allowedthemselvestobecajoledbyhim,andplayedtricksuponbutonthistopic,itislikewisesuperfluousto
dilateatanylength.
Therewerealsotwolovableyoungscholars,relativesofwhatbranchofthefamilyisnotknown,andwhosereal
surnamesandnameshavealsonotbeenascertained,who,byreasonoftheirgoodandwinsomelooks,were,by
thepupilsinthewholeclass,giventwonicknames,toonethatof"HsiangLin,""FragrantLove,"andtothe
other"YAi,""PreciousAffection."Butalthougheveryoneentertainedfeelingsofsecretadmirationforthem,
andhadthewishtotakelibertieswiththeyoungfellows,theylived,nevertheless,oneandall,insuchterrorof
HsehP'an'simperiousinfluence,thattheyhadnotthecouragetocomeforwardandinterferewiththem.
AssoonasCh'inChungandPaoyhad,atthistime,cometoschool,andtheyhadmadetheacquaintanceof
thesetwofellowpupils,theytoocouldnothelpbecomingattachedtothemandadmiringthem,butastheyalso
cametoknowthattheyweregreatfriendsofHsehP'an,theydidnot,inconsequence,venturetotreatthem
lightly,ortobeunseemlyintheirbehaviourtowardsthem.HsiangLinandYAibothkepttothemselvesthe
samefeelings,whichtheyfosteredforCh'inChungandPaoy,andtothisreasonistobeassignedthefactthat
thoughthesefourpersonsnurturedfondthoughtsintheirheartstherewashowevernovisiblesignofthem.Day
afterday,eachoneofthemwould,duringschoolhours,sitinfourdistinctplaces:buttheireighteyeswere
secretlylinkedtogetherand,whileindulgingeitherininnuendoesorindoubleentendres,theirhearts,inspiteof
thedistancebetweenthem,reflectedthewholenumberoftheirthoughts.
Butthoughtheiroutwardattemptsweredevotedtoevadethedetectionofotherpeople'seyes,ithappenedagain
that,whileleastexpected,severalslyladsdiscoveredtherealstateofaffairs,withtheresultthatthewhole
schoolstealthilyfrownedtheireyebrowsatthem,winkedtheireyesatthem,orcoughedatthem,orraisedtheir
voicesatthemandtheseproceedingswere,infact,notrestrictedtoonesingleday.
Asluckwouldhaveit,onthisdayTaijuiwas,onaccountofbusiness,compelledtogohomeandhavingleft
themasatasknomorethanaheptameterlineforanantitheticalcouplet,explainingthattheyshouldfinda
sentencetorhyme,andthatthefollowingdaywhenhecameback,hewouldsetthemtheirlessons,hewenton
tohandtheaffairsconnectedwiththeclasstohiseldergrandson,ChiaJui,whomheaskedtotakecharge.
WonderfultosayHsehP'anhadoflatenotfrequentedschoolveryoften,notevensomuchastoanswerthe
roll,sothatCh'inChungavailedhimselfofhisabsencetoogleandsmirkwithHsiangLinandthesetwo
pretendingthattheyhadtogoout,cameintothebackcourtforachat.
"Doesyourworthyfatherathomemindyourhavinganyfriends?"Ch'inChungwasthefirsttoask.Butthis
sentencewasscarcelyended,whentheyheardasoundofcoughingcomingfrombehind.Bothweretakenmuch
aback,and,speedilyturningtheirheadsroundtosee,theyfoundthatitwasafellowscholaroftheirs,called
ChinJung.
HsiangLinwasnaturallyofsomewhathastytemperament,sothatwithshameandangermutuallyimpelling
eachother,heinquiredofhim,"What'stheretocoughat?Isitlikelyyouwouldn'thaveusspeaktoeachother?"

"Idon'tmindyourspeaking,"ChinJungobservedlaughing"butwouldyouperchancenothavemecough?I'll
tellyouwhat,howeverifyouhaveanythingtosay,whynotutteritinintelligiblelanguage?Wereyouallowed
togooninthismysteriousmanner,whatstrangedoingswouldyoubeupto?ButIhavesureenoughfoundyou
out,sowhat'stheneedofstillprevaricating?Butifyouwill,firstofall,letmepartakeofashareinyourlittle
game,youandIcanholdourtongueandutternotaword.Ifnot,whythewholeschoolwillbegintoturnthe
matterover."
Atthesewords,Ch'inChungandHsiangLinweresoexasperatedthattheirbloodrusheduptotheirfaces.
"Whathaveyoufoundout?"theyhastilyasked.
"WhatIhavenowdetected,"repliedChinJungsmiling,"istheplaintruth!"andsayingthishewentontoclap
hishandsandtocalloutwithaloudvoiceashelaughed:"Theyhavemouldedsomenicewellbakedcakes,
won'tyoufellowscomeandbuyonetoeat!"(Thesetwohavebeenuptolarks,won'tyoucomeandhavesome
fun!)
BothCh'inChungandHsiangLinfeltresentfulaswellasfumingwithrage,andwithhurriedsteptheywentin,
insearchofChiaJui,towhomtheyreportedChinJung,explainingthatChinJunghadinsultedthemboth,
withoutanyrhymeorreason.
ThefactisthatthisChiaJuiwas,inanextraordinarydegree,amanwithaneyetothemainchance,anddevoid
ofanysenseofpropriety.Hiswontwasatschooltotakeadvantageofpublicmatterstoservehisprivate
interest,andtobringpressureuponhispupilswiththeintentthattheyshouldregalehim.Whilesubsequentlyhe
alsolenthiscountenancetoHsehP'an,schemingtogetsomemoneyoreatablesoutofhim,helefthimentirely
freetoindulgeindisorderlybehaviourandnotonlydidhenotgooutofhiswaytoholdhimincheck,but,on
thecontrary,heencouragedhim,infamousthoughhewasalready,tobecomeabully,soastocurryfavourwith
him.
ButthisHsehP'anwas,bynature,giftedwithafickledispositiontoday,hewouldinclinetotheeast,andto
morrowtothewest,sothathavingrecentlyobtainednewfriends,heputHsiangLinandYAiaside.ChinJung
toowasatonetimeanintimatefriendofhis,buteversincehehadacquiredthefriendshipofthetwolads,
HsiangLinandYAi,heforthwithdeposedChinJung.Oflate,hehadalreadycometolookdownuponeven
HsiangLinandYAi,withtheresultthatChiaJuiaswellwasdeprivedofthosewhocouldlendhimsupport,
orstandbyhimbutheboreHsehP'annogrudge,forwearyingwitholdfriends,assoonashefoundnewones,
butfeltangrythatHsiangLinandYAihadnotputinawordonhisbehalfwithHsehP'an.ChiaJui,Chin
Jungandinfactthewholecrowdofthemwere,forthisreason,justharbouringajealousgrudgeagainstthese
two,sothatwhenhesawCh'inChungandHsiangLincomeonthisoccasionandlodgeacomplaintagainst
ChinJung,ChiaJuireadilyfeltdispleasurecreepintohisheartand,althoughhedidnotventuretocallCh'in
Chungtoaccount,heneverthelessmadeanexampleofHsiangLin.Andinstead(oftakinghispart),hecalled
himabusybodyanddenouncedhiminmuchabusivelanguage,withtheresultthatHsiangLindidnot,
contrariwise,profitinanyway,butbroughtdispleasureuponhimself.EvenCh'inChunggrumbledagainstthe
treatment,aseachofthemresumedtheirplaces.
ChinJungbecamestillmorehaughty,andwagginghisheadandsmackinghislips,hegaveventtomanymore
abusiveepithetsbutasithappenedthattheyalsoreachedYAi'sears,thetwoofthem,thoughseatedapart,
begananaltercationinaloudtoneofvoice.
ChinJung,withobstinatepertinacity,clungtohisversion."Justashortwhileback,"hesaid,"Iactuallycame
uponthem,astheywereindulgingindemonstrationsofintimatefriendshipinthebackcourt.Thesetwohad
resolvedtobeoneinclosefriendship,andwereeloquentintheirprotestations,mindfulonlyinpersistently
talkingtheirtrash,buttheywerenotawareofthepresenceofanotherperson."
Buthislanguagehad,contrarytoallexpectations,given,fromtheveryfirst,umbragetoanotherperson,and
whodoyou,(gentlereader,)imaginethispersontohavebeen?

Thispersonwas,infact,onewhosenamewasChiaSeagrandsonlikewiseofamainbranchoftheNing
mansion.Hisparentshaddiedatanearlyperiod,andhehad,eversincehisyouth,livedwithChiaChen.Hehad
atthistimegrowntobesixteenyearsofage,andwas,ascomparedwithChiaJung,stillmorehandsomeand
goodlooking.Thesetwocousinswereunitedbytiesoftheclosestintimacy,andwerealwaystogether,whether
theywentoutorstayedathome.
TheinmatesoftheNingmansionweremanyinnumber,andtheiropinionsofamixedkindandthatwhole
bevyofservants,devoidastheywereofallsenseofright,solelyexcelledinthepracticeofinventingstoriesto
backbitetheirmastersandthisishowsomemeanpersonorotheragain,whoitwasisnotknown,insinuated
slanderousandopprobriousreports(againstChiaSe).ChiaChenhad,presumably,alsocometohearsome
unfavourablecriticisms(onhisaccount),andhaving,ofcourse,tosavehimselffromodiumandsuspicion,he
had,atthisjuncture,afterall,toapportionhimseparatequarters,andtobidChiaSemoveoutsidetheNing
mansion,wherehewentandestablishedahomeofhisowntolivein.
ThisChiaSewashandsomeasfarasexternalappearanceswent,andintelligentwithalinhisinwardnatural
gifts,but,thoughhenominallycametoschool,itwassimplyhoweverasamereblindforhetreated,ashehad
everdone,aslegitimateoccupations,suchthingsascockfighting,dogracingandvisitingplacesofeasyvirtue.
Andas,above,hehadChiaChentospoilhimbyoverindulgenceandbelow,therewasChiaJungtostandby
him,whooftheclancouldconsequentlypresumetoruncountertohim?
SeeingthathewasontheclosesttermsoffriendshipwithChiaJung,howcouldhereconcilehimselftothe
harshtreatmentwhichhenowsawCh'inChungreceivefromsomepersons?Beingnowbentuponpushing
himselfforwardtorevengetheinjustice,hewas,forthetime,givinghimselfuptocommuningwithhisown
heart."ChinJung,ChiaJuiandtherestare,"hepondered,"friendsofuncleHseh,butItooamonfriendly
termswithhim,andhewithme,andifIdocomeforwardandtheytelloldHseh,won'tweimpairtheharmony
whichexistsbetweenus?andifIdon'tconcernmyself,suchidletalesmake,whenspoken,everyonefeel
uncomfortableandwhyshouldn'tInowdevisesomemeanstoholdthemincheck,soastostoptheirmouths,
andpreventanylossofface!"
Havingconcludedthistrainofthought,healsopretendedthathehadtogoout,and,walkingasfarastheback,
he,withlowvoice,calledtohissideMingYen,thepageattendinguponPaoyinhisstudies,andinoneway
andanother,hemadeuseofseveralremarkstoegghimon.
ThisMingYenwasthesmartestofPaoy'sattendants,buthewasalsoyounginyearsandlackedexperience,
sothathelentapatienteartowhatChiaSehadtosayaboutthewayChinJunghadinsultedCh'inChung.
"Evenyourownmaster,Paoy,"(ChiaSeadded),"isinvolved,andifyoudon'tlethimknowabitofyour
mind,hewillnexttimebestillmorearrogant."
ThisMingYenwasalwaysready,evenwithnovalidexcuse,tobeinsolentandoverbearingtopeople,sothat
afterhearingthenewsandbeingfurthermoreinstigatedbyChiaSe,hespeedilyrushedintotheschoolroomand
criedout"ChinJung"nordidheaddresshimasMr.Chin,butmerelyshouted"Whatkindoffellowisthis
calledChin?"
ChiaSepresentlyshuffledhisfeet,whilehedesignedlyadjustedhisdressandlookedattheraysofthesun."It's
time,"heobservedandwalkingforthwith,firstuptoChiaJui,heexplainedtohimthathehadsomethingto
attendtoandwouldliketogetawayalittleearlyandasChiaJuididnotventuretostophim,hehadno
alternativebuttolethimhavehiswayandgo.
Duringthiswhile,MingYenhadenteredtheroomandpromptlyseizingChinJunginagrip:"Whatwedo,
whetherproperorimproper,"hesaid,"doesn'tconcernyou!It'senoughanywaythatwedon'tdefileyourfather!
Afinebratyouareindeed,tocomeoutandmeddlewithyourMr.Ming!"
Thesewordsplungedthescholarsofthewholeclassinsuchconsternationthattheyallwistfullyandabsently
lookedathim.

"MingYen,"hastilyshoutedoutChiaJui,"you'renottokickuparumpus."
ChinJungwassofullofangerthathisfacewasquiteyellow."Whatasubversionofpropriety!aslaveanda
menialtoventuretobehaveinthismanner!I'lljustsimplyspeaktoyourmaster,"heexclaimedashereadily
pushedhishandsoffandwasabouttogoandlayholdofPaoytobeathim.
Ch'inChungwasonthepointofturningroundtoleavetheroom,whenwithasoundof'whiff'whichreached
himfrombehind,heatoncecaughtsightofasquareinkslabcomeflyingthatway.Whohadthrownithecould
notsay,butitstruckthedeskwhereChiaLanandChiaChnwereseated.
Thesetwo,ChiaLanandChiaChn,werealsothegreatgrandsonsofaclosebranchoftheJungmansion.This
ChiaChnhadbeenleftfatherlessatanearlyage,andhismotherdoateduponhiminanunusualmanner,andit
wasbecauseatschoolhewasonmostfriendlytermswithChiaLan,thatthesetwosattogetheratthesamedesk.
WhowouldhavebelievedthatChiaChnwould,inspiteofbeingyounginyears,havehadanextremelystrong
mind,andthathewouldbemostlyuptomischiefwithouttheleastfearofanyone.Hewatchedwithlistlesseye
fromhisseatChinJung'sfriendsstealthilyassistChinJung,astheyflunganinkslabtostrikeMingYen,but
when,asluckwouldhaveit,ithitthewrongmark,andfelljustinfrontofhim,smashingtoatomstheporcelain
inkslabandwaterbottle,andsmudginghiswholebookwithink,ChiaChnwas,ofcourse,muchincensed,and
hastilygavewaytoabuse."Youconsummatepugnaciouscriminalrowdies!why,doesn'tthisamounttoallof
youtakingashareinthefight!"Andasheutteredthisabuse,hetooforthwithseizedaninkslab,whichhewas
bentuponflinging.
ChiaLanwasonewhoalwaystriedtoavoidtrouble,sothathelostnotimeinpressingdowntheinkslab,while
withallthewordshismouthcouldexpress,hetriedtopacifyhim,adding"Mydearbrother,it'snobusinessof
yoursandmine."
ChiaChncouldnotrepresshisresentmentandperceivingthattheinkslabwashelddown,heatoncelaidhold
ofaboxcontainingbooks,whichheflunginthisdirectionbutbeing,afterall,shortofstature,andweakof
strength,hewasunabletosenditanywherenearthemarksothatitdroppedinsteadwhenitgotasfarasthe
deskbelongingtoPaoyandCh'inChung,whileadreadfulcrashbecameaudibleasitfellsmashonthetable.
Thebooks,papers,pencils,inkslabs,andotherwritingmaterialswereallscatteredoverthewholetableand
Paoy'scupbesidescontainingteawasitselfbrokentopiecesandtheteaspilt.
ChiaChnforthwithjumpedforwardwiththeintentofassailingthepersonwhohadflungtheinkslabatthe
verymomentthatChinJungtookholdofalongbamboopolewhichwasnearbybutasthespacewaslimited,
andthepupilsmany,howcouldheverywellbrandishalongstick?MingYenatanearlyperiodreceiveda
whack,andheshoutedwildly,"Don'tyoufellowsyetcometostartafight."
Paoyhad,besides,alongwithhimseveralpages,oneofwhomwascalledSaoHung,anotherCh'uYo,another
MoY.Thesethreewerenaturallyuptoeverymischief,sothatwithonevoice,bawlingboisterously,"You
childrenofdoubtfulmothers,haveyoutakenuparms?"MoYpromptlytookupthebarofadoorwhileSao
HungandCh'uYobothlaidholdofhorsewhips,andtheyallrushedforwardlikeahiveofbees.
ChiaJuiwasdriventoastateofexasperationnowhekeptthisoneincheck,andthenextmomenthereasoned
withanother,butwhowouldlistentohiswords?Theyfollowedthebentoftheirinclinationsandstirredupa
seriousdisturbance.
Ofthewholecompanyofwaywardyoungfellows,sometherewerewhogaveslyblowsforfun'ssakeothers
therewerewhowerenotgiftedwithmuchpluckandhidthemselvesononesidetherewerethosetoowhostood
onthetables,clappingtheirhandsandlaughingimmoderately,shoutingout:"Goatit."
Therowwas,atthisstage,likewaterbubblingoverinacauldron,whenseveralelderlyservants,likeLiKuei
andothers,whostoodoutside,heardtheuproarcommenceinside,andoneandallcameinwithallhasteand
unitedintheireffortstopacifythem.Uponasking"What'sthematter?"thewholebevyofvoicesshoutedout

differentversionsthisonegivingthisaccount,whileanotheragainanotherstory.ButLiKueitemporisedby
rebukingMingYenandothers,fourinall,andpackingthemoff.
Ch'inChung'sheadhad,atanearlyperiod,comeintocontactwithChinJung'spoleandhadhadtheskingrazed
off.Paoywasintheactofrubbingitforhim,withtheoverlapofhiscoat,butrealisingthatthewholelotof
themhadbeenhushedup,heforthwithbadeLiKueicollecthisbooks.
"Bringmyhorseround,"hecried"I'mgoingtotellMr.ChiaTaijuthatwehavebeeninsulted.Iwon'tventure
totellhimanythingelse,but(tellhimIwill)thathavingcomewithallproprietyandmadeourreporttoMr.
ChiaJui,Mr.ChiaJuiinstead(ofhelpingus)threwthefaultuponourshoulders.Thatwhileheheardpeople
abuseus,hewentsofarastoinstigatethemtobeatusthatMingYenseeingothersinsultus,didnaturallytake
ourpartbutthatthey,instead(ofdesisting,)combinedtogetherandstruckMingYenandevenbrokeopenCh'in
Chung'shead.Andthathowisitpossibleforustocontinueourstudiesinhere?"
"Mydearsir,"repliedLiKueicoaxingly,"don'tbesoimpatient!AsMr.ChiaTaijuhashadsomethingtoattend
toandgonehome,wereyounow,foratriflelikethis,togoanddisturbthatagedgentleman,itwillmakeus,
indeed,appearasifwehadnosenseofpropriety:myideaisthatwhereverathingtakesplace,thereshoulditbe
settledandwhat'stheneedofgoingandtroublinganoldmanlikehim.Thisisallyou,Mr.ChiaJui,whoisto
blameforintheabsenceofMr.ChiaTaiju,you,sir,aretheheadinthisschool,andeveryonelookstoyouto
takeaction.Hadallthepupilsbeenatfault,thosewhodeservedabeatingshouldhavebeenbeaten,andthose
whomeritedpunishmentshouldhavebeenpunished!andwhydidyouwaituntilthingscametosuchapass,and
didn'tevenexerciseanycheck?"
"Iblewthemup,"pleadedChiaJui,"butnotoneofthemwouldlisten."
"I'llspeakout,whetheryou,worthysir,resentwhatI'mgoingtosayornot,"venturedLiKuei."It'syou,sir,who
allalonghaveafterallhadconsiderableblameattachedtoyournamethat'swhyalltheseyoungmenwouldn't
hearyou!Nowifthisaffairisbruited,untilitreachesMr.ChiaTaiju'sears,whyevenyou,sir,willnotbeable
toescapecondemnationandwhydon'tyouatoncemakeupyourmindtodisentangletheravelledmessand
dispelalltroubleandhavedonewithit!"
"Disentanglewhat?"inquiredPaoy"Ishallcertainlygoandmakemyreport."
"IfChinJungstayshere,"interposedCh'inChungsobbing,"Imeantogobackhome."
"Whythat?"askedPaoy."IsitlikelythatotherscansafelycomeandthatyouandIcan't?Ifeelitmybounden
dutytotelleveryoneeverythingathomesoastoexpelChinJung.ThisChinJung,"hewentontoinquireashe
turnedtowardsLeiKuei,"istherelativeorfriendofwhatbranchofthefamily?"
LiKueigavewaytoreflectionandthensaidbywayofreply:"There'snoneedwhateverforyoutoraisethis
questionforwereyoutogoandreportthemattertothebranchofthefamilytowhichhebelongs,theharmony
whichshouldexistbetweencousinswillbestillmoreimpaired."
"He'sthenephewofMrs.Huang,oftheEasternmansion,"interposedMingYenfromoutsidethewindow.
"WhatadeterminedandselfconfidentfellowhemustbetoevencomeandbullyusMrs.Huangishispaternal
aunt!Thatmotherofyoursisonlygoodfortossingaboutlikeamillstone,forkneelingbeforeourladyLien,and
beggingforsomethingtopawn.I'venoeyeforsuchaspecimenofmistress."
"What!"speedilyshoutedLiKuei,"doesthissonofadoghappentoknowoftheexistenceofallthesegnawing
maggots?"(thesedisparagingfacts).
Paoygaveasardonicsmile."Iwaswonderingwhoserelativehewas,"heremarked"ishereallysisterinlaw
Huang'snephew?well,I'llgoatonceandspeaktoher."

Asheutteredthesewords,hispurposewastostartthereandthen,andhecalledMingYenin,tocomeandpack
uphisbooks.MingYenwalkedinandputthebooksaway."Master,"hewentontosuggest,inanexultant
manner,"there'snoneedforyoutogoyourselftoseeherI'llgotoherhouseandtellherthatouroldladyhas
somethingtoaskofher.Icanhireacarriagetobringherover,andthen,inthepresenceofhervenerable
ladyship,shecanbespokentoandwon'tthiswaysavealotoftrouble?"
"Doyouwanttodie?"speedilyshoutedLiKuei"mind,whenyougoback,whetherrightorwrong,I'llfirstgive
youagoodbumping,andthengoandreportyoutoourmasterandmistress,andjusttellthemthatit'syou,and
onlyyou,whoinstigatedMr.Paoy!I'vesucceeded,aftereversomuchtrouble,incoaxingthem,andmending
matterstoacertainextent,andnowyoucomeagaintocontinueanewplan.It'syouwhostirredupthisrowin
theschoolroomandnottospeakofyourfinding,aswouldhavebeenthepropercourse,somewayof
suppressingit,thereyouareinsteadstilljumpingintothefire."
MingYen,atthisjuncture,couldnotmusterthecouragetoutterasound.BythistimeChiaJuihadalso
apprehendedthatiftherowcametobebeyondclearingup,hehimselfwouldlikewisenotbeclearofblame,so
thatcircumstancescompelledhimtopockethisgrievancesandtocomeandentreatCh'inChungaswellasto
makeapologiestoPaoy.Thesetwoyoungfellowswouldnotatfirstlistentohisadvances,butPaoyat
lengthexplainedthathewouldnotgoandreporttheoccurrence,providedonlyChinJungadmittedhisbeingin
thewrong.ChinJungrefused,attheoutset,toagreetothis,butheultimatelycouldfindnowayoutofit,as
ChiaJuihimselfurgedhimtomakesometemporisingapology.
LiKueiandtheothersfeltcompelledtotenderChinJungsomegoodadvice:"It'syou,"theysaid,"whohave
givenrisetothedisturbance,andifyoudon'tactinthismanner,howwillthemattereverbebroughttoanend?"
sothatChinJungfounditdifficulttopersistinhisobstinacy,andwasconstrainedtomakeabowtoCh'in
Chung.
Paoywas,however,notyetsatisfied,butwouldinsistuponhisknockinghisheadontheground,andChiaJui,
whosesoleaimwastotemporarilysmothertheaffair,quietlyagainurgedChinJung,addingthattheproverbhas
it:"Thatifyoukeepdowntheangerofaminute,youwillforawholelifetimefeelnoremorse."
WhetherChinJungcompliedornottohisadviceisnotknown,butthefollowingchapterwillexplain.

CHAPTERX.
WidowChin,promptedbyadesiretoreapadvantage,putsup
temporarilywithaninsult.
Dr.ChangindiscussingMrs.Chin'sillnessminutelyexhaustsits
origin.
Wewillnowresumeourstory.AsthepersonsagainstChinJungweresomanyandtheirpressuresogreat,and
as,whatwasmore,ChiaJuiurgedhimtomakeamends,hehadtoknockhisheadonthegroundbeforeCh'in
Chung.Paoythengaveuphisclamorousremonstrancesandthewholecrowddispersedfromschool.
ChinJunghimselfreturnedhomeallalone,butthemoreheponderedontheoccurrence,themoreincensedhe
felt."Ch'inChung,"heargued,"issimplyChiaJung'syoungbrotherinlaw,andisnosonorgrandsonofthe
Chiafamily,andhetoojoinstheclassandprosecuteshisstudiesonnootherfootingthanthatofminebutit's
becausehereliesuponPaoy'sfriendshipforhimthathehasnoeyeforanyone.Thisbeingthecase,heshould
besomewhatproperinhisbehaviour,andtherewouldbethennotawordtosayaboutit!Hehasbesidesall
alongbeenverymysticalwithPaoy,imaginingthatweareallblind,andhavenoeyestoseewhat'sup!Here

hegoesagaintodayandmixeswithpeopleinillicitintriguesandit'sallbecausetheyhappenedtoobtrude
themselvesbeforemyveryeyesthatthisrumpushasbrokenoutbutofwhatneedIfear?"
Hismother,neHu,hearinghimmutter"Whymeddleagain,"sheexplained,"inthingsthatdon'tconcernyou?
Ihadendlesstroubleingettingtospeaktoyourpaternalauntandyouraunthad,ontheotherhand,athousand
andonewaysandmeanstodevise,beforeshecouldappealtoladySecunda,oftheWesternmansionandthen
onlyitwasthatyougotthisplacetostudyin.Hadwenototherstodependuponforyourstudies,wouldwe
haveinourhousethemeanssufficienttoengageateacher?Besides,inotherpeople'sschool,teaandeatables
areallreadyandfoundandthesetwoyearsthatyou'vebeenthereforyourlessons,we'velikewiseeffectedat
homeagreatsavinginwhatwouldotherwisehavebeennecessaryforyoureatinganduse.Somethinghasbeen,
it'strue,economisedbutyouhavefurtheralikingforspickandspanclothes.Besides,it'sonlythroughyour
beingtheretostudy,thatyou'vecometoknowMr.Hseh!thatMr.Hseh,whohaseveninoneyeargivenusso
muchpecuniaryassistanceasseventyandeightytaels!Andnowyouwouldgoandraisearowinthisschool
room!why,ifwewerebentuponfindingsuchanotherplace,Itellyouplainly,andonceforall,thatwewould
finditmoredifficultthanifwetriedtoscaletheheavens!Nowdoquietlyplayforawhile,andthengotosleep,
andyou'llbeeversomuchbetterforitthen."
ChinJungthereuponstifledhisangerandheldhistongueand,afterashortwhile,heinfactwenttosleepofhis
ownaccord.
Thenextdayheagainwenttoschool,andnofurthercommentneedbemadeaboutitbutwewillgoonto
explainthatayoungladyrelatedtoherhadatonetimebeengiveninmarriagetoadescendant(oftheeldest
branch)oftheChiafamily,(whosenameswerewritten)withthejaderadical,ChiaHuangbynamebuthow
couldthewholenumberofmembersoftheclanequalinaffluenceandpowerthetwomansionsofNingand
Jung?Thisfactgoes,asamatterofcourse,withoutsaying.TheChiaHuangcoupleenjoyedsomesmallincome
buttheyalsowent,onfrequentoccasions,tothemansionsofNingandJungtopaytheirrespectsandtheyknew
likewisesowellhowtoadulateladyFengandMrs.Yu,thatladyFengandMrs.Yuwouldoftengrantthemthat
assistanceandsupportwhichaffordedthemthemeansofmeetingtheirdailyexpenses.
Itjustoccurredonthisoccasionthattheweatherwasclearandfine,andthattherehappened,ontheotherhand,
tobenothingtoattendtoathome,soforthwithtakingalongwithheramatron,(Mrs.ChiaHuang)gotintoa
carriageandcameovertoseewidowChinandhernephew.Whileengagedinachat,ChinJung'smother
accidentallybroachedthesubjectoftheaffair,whichhadtranspiredintheschoolroomoftheChiamansionon
thepreviousday,andshegave,forthebenefitofheryoungsisterinlaw,adetailedaccountofthewhole
occurrencefrombeginningtoend.
ThisMrs.Huangwouldnothavehadhertemperruffledhadshenotcometohearwhathadhappenedbut
havingheardaboutit,angersprungfromtheverydepthsofherheart."Thisfellow,Ch'inChung,"she
exclaimed,"isarelativeoftheChiafamily,butisitlikelythatJungErhisn't,inlikemanner,arelativeofthe
Chiafamilyandwhenrelativesaremany,there'snoneedtoputonairs!Besides,doeshisconductconsist,for
themostpart,ofanythingthatwouldmakeonegetanyface?Infact,Paoyhimselfshouldn'tdoinjuryto
himselfbycondescendingtolookathim.But,asthingshavecometothispass,givemetimeandI'llgotothe
EasternmansionandseeourladyChenandthenhaveachatwithCh'inChung'ssister,andaskhertodecide
who'srightandwho'swrong!"
ChinJung'smotheruponhearingthesewordswasterriblydistressed."It'sallthroughmyhastytongue,"she
observedwithvehemence,"thatI'vetoldyouall,sisterinlaw:butplease,sister,giveupatoncetheideaof
goingovertosayanythingaboutit!Don'ttroubleyourselfastowhoisintheright,andwhoisinthewrongfor
wereanyunpleasantnesstocomeoutofit,howcouldweherestandonourlegs?andwerewenottostandon
ourlegs,notonlywouldweneverbeabletoengageatutor,buttheresultwillbe,onthecontrary,thatforhis
ownpersonwillbesuperaddedmanyanexpenseforeatablesandnecessaries."
"WhatdoIcareabouthowmany?"repliedMrs.Huang"waittillI'vespokenaboutit,andwe'llseewhatwillbe
theresult."Norwouldsheaccedetohersisterinlaw'sentreaties,butbidding,atthesametime,thematronlook
afterthecarriage,shegotintoit,andcameovertotheNingMansion.

OnherarrivalattheNingMansion,sheenteredbytheeasternsidegate,anddismountingfromthecarriage,she
wentintocallonMrs.Yu,thespouseofChiaChen,withwhomshehadnotthecouragetoputonanyhighairs
butgentlyandquietlyshemadeinquiriesafterherhealth,andafterpassingsomeirrelevantremarks,she
ascertained:"HowisitIdon'tseeladyJungtoday?"
"Idon'tknow,"repliedMrs.Yu,"what'sthematterwithhertheselastfewdaysbutshehasn'tbeenherselffor
twomonthsandmoreandthedoctorwhowasaskedtoseeherdeclaresthatitisnothingconnectedwithany
happyevent.Acoupleofdaysback,shefelt,assoonastheafternooncame,bothtomove,andbotheventoutter
awordwhilethebrightnessofhereyeswasalldimmedandItoldher,'Youneedn'tsticktoetiquette,forthere's
nouseforyoutocomeintheforenoonandevening,asrequiredbyconventionalitiesbutwhatyoumustdois,
tolookafteryourownhealth.Shouldanyrelativecomeover,there'salsomyselftoreceivethemandshould
anyoftheseniorgenerationthinkyourabsencestrange,I'llexplainthingsforyou,ifyou'llletme.'
"IalsoadvisedbrotherJungonthesubject:'Youshouldn't,'Isaid,'allowanyonetotroublehernorletherbe
putoutoftemper,butletherquietlyattendtoherhealth,andshe'llgetallright.Shouldshefancyanythingto
eat,justcomeoverhereandfetchitfor,intheeventofanythinghappeningtoher,wereyoutotryandfind
anothersuchawifetowed,withsuchafaceandsuchadisposition,why,Ifear,wereyoueventoseekwitha
lanterninhand,therewouldreallybenoplacewhereyoucoulddiscoverher.Andwithsuchatemperamentand
deportmentashers,whichofourrelativesandwhichofoureldersdon'tloveher?'That'swhymyhearthasbeen
verydistressedthesetwodays!Asluckwouldhaveitearlythismorningherbrotherturneduptoseeher,but
whowouldhavefanciedhimtobesuchachild,andsoignorantofwhatisproperandnotpropertodo?Hesaw
wellenoughthathissisterwasnotwellandwhat'smoreallthesemattersshouldn'thavebeenrecountedtoher
forevensupposinghehadreceivedthegravestoffencesimaginable,itbehovedhimanyhownottohave
broachedthesubjecttoher!Yesterday,onewouldscarcelybelieveit,afightoccurredintheschoolroom,and
somepupilorotherwhoattendsthatclass,somehowinsultedhimbesides,inthisbusiness,therewereagood
manyindecentandimproperutterances,butallthesehewentandtoldhissister!Now,sisterinlaw,youarewell
awarethatthough(oursonJung's)wifetalksandlaughswhensheseespeople,thatsheisnevertheless
imaginativeandwithaltoosensitive,sothatnomatterwhatshehears,she'sforthemostpartboundtobrood
overitforthreedaysandfivenights,beforeshelosessightofit,andit'sfromthisexcessivesensitivenessthat
thiscomplaintofhersarises.Today,whensheheardthatsomeonehadinsultedherbrother,shefeltbothvexed
andangryvexedthatthosefoxlike,curlikefriendsofhishadmovedrightandwrong,andintriguedwiththis
oneanddeludedthatoneangrythatherbrotherhad,bynotlearninganythingprofitable,andnothavinghis
mindsetuponstudy,beenthemeansofbringingaboutarowatschoolandonaccountofthisaffair,shewasso
upsetthatshedidnotevenhaveherearlymeal.Iwentoverashortwhilebackandconsoledherforatime,and
likewisegaveherbrotherafewwordsofadviceandafterhavingpackedoffthatbrotherofherstothemansion
ontheotherside,insearchofPaoy,andhavingstoodbyandseenherhavehalfabowlofbirds'nestssoup,I
atlengthcameover.Now,sisterinlaw,tellme,ismyheartsoreornot?Besides,asthere'snowadaysnogood
doctor,themerethoughtofhercomplaintmakesmyheartfeelasifitwereactuallyprickedwithneedles!Butdo
youandyours,perchance,knowofanygoodpractitioner?"
Mrs.Chinhad,whilelisteningtothesewords,been,atanearlyperiod,sofilledwithconcernthatshecastaway
todistantlandstherecklessrageshehadbeeninrecentlywhileathersisterinlaw'shouse,whenshehad
determinedtogoanddiscussmattersoverwithMrs.Ch'in.UponhearingMrs.Yuinquireofheraboutagood
doctor,shelostnotimeinsayingbywayofreply:"Neitherhaveweheardofanyonespeakofagooddoctor
butfromtheaccountI'vejustheardofMrs.Ch'in'sillness,itmaystill,there'snosaying,besomefelicitous
ailmentso,sisterinlaw,don'tletanyonetreatherrecklessly,forwereshetobetreatedforthewrongthing,the
resultmaybedreadful!"
"Quiteso!"repliedMrs.Yu.
Butwhiletheyweretalking,ChiaChencameinfromoutofdoors,anduponcatchingsightofMrs.Chin"Isn't
thisMrs.Huang?"heinquiredofMrs.YuwhereuponMrs.ChincameforwardandpaidherrespectstoChia
Chen.

"Invitethisladytohaveherrepastherebeforeshegoes,"observedChiaChentoMrs.Yuandasheuttered
thesewordsheforthwithwalkedintotheroomontheoffside.
TheobjectofMrs.Chin'spresentvisithadoriginallybeentotalktoMrs.Ch'inabouttheinsultwhichher
brotherhadreceivedfromthehandsofCh'inChung,butwhensheheardthatMrs.Ch'inwasill,shedidnot
havethecouragetoevensomuchasmakementionoftheobjectofhererrand.Besides,asChiaChenandMrs.
Yuhadgivenheramostcordialreception,herresentmentwastransformedintopleasure,sothatafterawhile
spentinafurtherchataboutonethingandanother,sheatlengthreturnedtoherhome.
ItwasonlyafterthedepartureofMrs.ChinthatChiaChencameoverandtookaseat."Whatdidshehaveto
sayforherselfduringthisvisittoday?"heaskedofMrs.Yu.
"Shesaidnothingmuch,"repliedMrs.Yu."Whenshefirstenteredtheroom,herfaceboresomewhatofan
angrylook,but,afteralengthychatandassoonasmentionofourson'swife'sillnesswasmade,thisangered
lookafterallgraduallyabated.Youalsoaskedmetokeepherfortherepast,but,havingheardthatourson's
wifewassoillshecouldnotverywellstay,sothatallshedidwastositdown,andaftermakingafewmore
irrelevantremarks,shetookherdeparture.Butshehadnorequesttomake.Toreturnhowevernowtotheillness
ofJung'swife,it'surgentthatyoushouldfindsomewhereagooddoctortodiagnoseitforherandwhateveryou
do,youshouldlosenotime.Thewholebodyofdoctorswhoatpresentgoinandoutofourhousehold,arethey
worthhaving?Eachoneofthemlistenstowhatthepatienthastosayoftheailment,andthen,addingastringof
flowerysentences,outhecomeswithalongrigmarolebuttheyareexceedinglydiligentinpayingusvisitsand
inoneday,threeorfourofthemarehereatleastfourandfivetimesinrotation!Theycomeandfeelherpulse,
theyholdconsultationtogether,andwritetheirprescriptions,but,thoughshehastakentheirmedicines,shehas
seennoimprovementonthecontrary,she'scompelledtochangeherclothesthreeandfivetimeseachday,and
tosituptoseethedoctorathingwhich,infact,doesthepatientnogood."
"Thischildtooissomewhatsimple,"observedChiaChen"forwhatneedhasshetobetakingoffherclothes,
andchangingthemforothers?Andweresheagaintocatchachill,shewouldaddsomethingmoretoherillness
andwon'titbedreadful!Theclothesmaybenomatterhowfine,butwhatistheirworth,afterall?Thehealthof
ourchildiswhatisimportanttolookto!andweresheeventowearoutasuitofnewclothesaday,whatwould
thattooamountto?Iwasabouttotellyouthatashortwhileback,FengTzuyingcametoseeme,and,
perceivingthatIhadsomewhatofaworriedlook,heaskedmewhatwasupandItoldhimthatourson'swife
wasnotwellatall,thataswecouldn'tgetanygooddoctor,wecouldn'tdeterminewithanycertainty,whether
shewasinaninterestingcondition,orwhethershewassufferingfromsomediseasethataswecouldneithertell
whethertherewasanydangerornot,myheartwas,forthisreason,reallyverymuchdistressed.FengTzuying
thenexplainedthatheknewayoungdoctorwhohadmadeastudyofhisprofession,Changbysurname,and
Yushihbyname,whoselearningwasprofoundtoadegreewhowasbesidesmostproficientintheprinciplesof
medicine,andhadtheknackofdiscriminatingwhetherapatientwouldliveordiethatthisyearhehadcometo
thecapitaltopurchaseanofficialrankforhisson,andthathewasnowlivingwithhiminhishouse.Inviewof
thesecircumstances,notknowingbutthatif,perchance,thecaseofourdaughterinlawwereplacedinhis
hands,hecouldn'tavertthedanger,Ireadilydespatchedaservant,withacardofmine,toinvitehimtocome
butthehourtodaybeingratherlate,heprobablywon'tberound,butIbelievehe'ssuretobeheretomorrow.
Besides,FengTzuyingwasalsoonhisreturnhome,topersonallyentreathimonmybehalf,sothathe'sbound,
whenhehasaskedhim,tocomeandseeher.Let'sthereforewaittillDr.Changhasbeenhereandseenher,when
wecantalkmattersover!"
Mrs.Yuwasverymuchcheeredwhensheheardwhatwassaid."Thedayaftertomorrow,"shefeltobligedto
add,"isagainoursenior's,Mr.ChiaChing'sbirthday,andhowarewetocelebrateitafterall?"
"I'vejustbeenovertoourSenior'sandpaidmyrespects,"repliedChiaChen,"andfurtherinvitedtheold
gentlemantocomehome,andreceivethecongratulationsofthewholefamily.
"'I'maccustomed,'ourSeniorexplained,'topeaceandquiet,andhavenowishtogoovertothatworldlyplaceof
yoursforyoupeoplearecertaintohavepublishedthatit'smybirthday,andtoentertainthedesigntoaskmeto
goroundtoreceivethebowsofthewholelotofyou.Butwon'titbebetterifyouweretogivethe"Recordof

MeritoriousActs,"whichIannotatedsometimeago,tosomeonetocopyoutcleanforme,andhaveitprinted?
Comparedwithaskingmetocome,anduselesslyreceivetheobeisancesofyouall,thiswillbeyeaevena
hundredtimesmoreprofitable!Intheeventofthewholefamilywishingtopaymeavisitonanyofthetwo
days,tomorroworthedayaftertomorrow,ifyouweretostayathomeandentertaintheminproperstyle,that
willbeallthatiswantednorwilltherebeanyneedtosendmeanything!Evenyouneedn'tcometwodaysfrom
thisandshouldyounotfeelcontentedatheart,well,youhadbetterbowyourheadbeforemetodaybeforeyou
go.Butifyoudocomeagainthedayaftertomorrow,withalotofpeopletodisturbme,Ishallcertainlybe
angrywithyou.'Afterwhathesaid,Iwillnotventuretogoandseehimtwodayshencebutyouhadbettersend
forLaiSheng,andbidhimgetreadyabanquettocontinueforacoupleofdays."
Mrs.Yu,havingaskedChiaJungtocomeround,toldhimtodirectLaiShengtomaketheusualnecessary
preparationsforabanquettolastforacoupleofdays,withdueregardtoaprofuseandsumptuousstyle.
"Yougobyandby,"(sheadvisedhim),"inpersontotheWesternMansionandinvitedowagerladyChia,
mesdamesHsingandWang,andyoursisterinlawSecundaladyLientocomeoverforastroll.Yourfatherhas
alsoheardofagooddoctor,andhavingalreadysentsomeonetoaskhimround,Ithinkthatbytomorrowhe's
suretocomeandyouhadbettertellhim,inaminutemanner,theserioussymptomsofherailmentduringthese
fewdays."
ChiaJunghavingsignifiedhisobediencetoeachofherrecommendations,andtakenhisleave,wasjustintime
tomeettheyouthcomingbackfromFengTzuying'shouse,whitherhehadgoneashortwhilebacktoinvitethe
doctorround.
"Yourslave,"heconsequentlyreported,"hasjustbeenwithacardofmaster'stoMr.Feng'shouseandaskedthe
doctortocome.'Thegentlemanhere,'repliedthedoctor,'hasjusttoldmeaboutitbuttoday,I'vehadtocallon
peoplethewholeday,andI'veonlythismomentcomehomeandIfeelnowmystrength(sowornout),thatI
couldn'treallystandanyexertion.InfactwereIeventogetasfarasthemansion,Ishouldn'tbeinafitstateto
diagnosethepulses!Imustthereforehaveanight'srest,but,tomorrowforcertain,Ishallcometothemansion.
Mymedicalknowledge,'hewentontoobserve,'isveryshallow,andIdon'tdeservethehonourofsucheminent
recommendationbutasMr.Fenghasalreadythusspokenofmeinyourmansion,Ican'tbutpresentmyself.It
willbeallrightifinanticipationyoudeliverthismessageformetoyourhonourablemasterbutasforyour
worthymaster'scard,Icannotreallypresumetokeepit.'ItwasagainathisinstancethatI'vebroughtitback
but,Sir,pleasementionthisresultforme(tomaster)."
ChiaJungturnedbackagain,andenteringthehousedeliveredthemessagetoChiaChenandMrs.Yu
whereuponhewalkedout,and,callingLaiShengbeforehim,hetransmittedtohimtheorderstopreparethe
banquetforacoupleofdays.
AfterLaiShenghadlistenedtothedirections,hewentoff,ofcourse,togetreadythecustomarypreparations
butupontheseweshallnotdilate,butconfineourselvestothenextday.
Atnoon,aservantondutyatthegateannouncedthattheDoctorChang,whohadbeensentfor,hadcome,and
ChiaChenconductedhimalongtheCourtintothelargereceptionHall,wheretheysatdownandaftertheyhad
partakenoftea,hebroachedthesubject.
"Yesterday,"heexplained,"theestimableMr.Fengdidmethehonourtospeaktomeofyourcharacterand
proficiency,venerabledoctor,aswellasofyourthoroughknowledgeofmedicine,andI,yourmeanbrother,was
filledwithanimmeasurablesenseofadmiration!"
"YourJunior,"remonstratedDr.Chang,"isacoarse,despicableandmeanscholarandmyknowledgeisshallow
andvile!butasworthyMr.Fengdidmethehonouryesterdayoftellingmethatyourfamily,sir,had
condescendedtolookuponme,alowscholar,andtofavourmetoowithaninvitation,couldIpresumenotto
obeyyourcommands?ButasIcannotboastoftheleastparticleofreallearning,Ifeeloverburdenedwith
shame!"

"Whyneedyoubesomodest?"observedChiaChen"Doctor,dopleasewalkinatoncetoseeourson'swife,
forIlookup,withfullreliance,toyourloftyintelligencetodispelmysolicitude!"
ChiaJungforthwithwalkedinwithhim.Whentheyreachedtheinnerapartment,andhecaughtsightofMrs.
Ch'in,heturnedroundandaskedChiaJung,"Thisisyourhonourablespouse,isn'tit?"
"Yes,itis,"assentedChiaJung"butplease,Doctor,takeaseat,andletmetellyouthesymptomsofmyhumble
wife'sailment,beforeherpulsebefelt.Willthisdo?"
"Mymeanideais,"remarkedtheDoctor,"thatitwould,afterall,bebetterthatIshouldbeginbyfeelingher
pulse,beforeIaskyoutoinformmewhatthesourceoftheailmentis.ThisisthefirstvisitIpaytoyour
honourablemansionbesides,IpossessnoknowledgeofanythingbutasourworthyMr.Fengwouldinsist
uponmycomingovertoseeyou,Ihadinconsequencenoalternativebuttocome.AfterIhavenowmadea
diagnosis,youcanjudgewhetherwhatIsayisrightornot,beforeyouexplaintomethephasesofthecomplaint
duringthelastfewdays,andwecandeliberatetogetheruponsomeprescriptionastothesuitablenessor
unsuitablenessofwhichyourhonourablefatherwillthenhavetodecide,andwhatisnecessarywillhavebeen
done."
"Doctor,"rejoinedChiaJung,"youareindeedeminentlyclearsightedallIregretatpresentisthatwehavemet
solate!Butplease,Doctor,diagnosethestateofthepulse,soastofindoutwhethertherebehopeofacureor
notifacurecanbeeffected,itwillbethemeansofallayingthesolicitudeofmyfatherandmother."
ThemarriedwomenattachedtothatmenageforthwithpresentedapillowandasitwasbeingputdownforMrs.
Ch'intorestherarmon,theyraisedthelowerpartofhersleevesoastoleaveherwristexposed.TheDoctor
thereuponputouthishandandpresseditonthepulseoftherighthand.Regulatinghisbreath(tothepulsation)
soastobeabletocountthebeatings,hewithduecareandminutenessfelttheactionforaconsiderabletime,
when,substitutingthelefthand,heagainwentthroughthesameoperation.
"Letusgoandsitoutside,"hesuggested,afterhehadconcludedfeelingherpulses.ChiaJungreadilyadjourned,
incompanywiththeDoctor,totheouterapartment,wheretheyseatedthemselvesonthestovecouch.Amatron
havingservedtea"Pleasetakeacupoftea,doctor,"ChiaJungobserved.Whenteawasover,"Judging,"he
inquired,"Doctor,fromthepresentactionofthepulses,isthereanyremedyornot?"
"Theactionofthepulse,undertheforefinger,onthelefthandofyourhonorablespouse,"proceededtheDoctor,
"isdeepandagitatedthelefthandpulse,underthesecondfinger,isdeepandfaint.Thepulse,underthe
forefinger,oftherighthand,isgentleandlacksvitality.Therighthandpulse,undermysecondfinger,is
superficial,andhaslostallenergy.Thedeepandagitatedbeatingoftheforepulseofthelefthandarisesfromthe
febrilestate,duetotheweakactionoftheheart.Thedeepanddelicateconditionofthesecondpartofthepulse
oftheleftwrist,emanatesfromthesluggishnessoftheliver,andthescarcityofthebloodinthatorgan.The
actionoftheforefingerpulse,oftherightwrist,isfaintandlacksstrength,asthebreathingofthelungsistoo
weak.Thesecondfingerpulseoftherightwristissuperficialanddevoidofvigour,asthespleenmustbe
affectedinjuriouslybytheliver.Theweakactionoftheheart,anditsfebrilestate,shouldbethenaturalcauses
whichconducetothepresentirregularityinthecatamenia,andinsomniaatnightthepovertyofbloodinthe
liver,andthesluggishconditionofthatorganmustnecessarilyproducepainintheribswhiletheoverdueofthe
catamenia,thecardiacfever,anddebilityoftherespirationofthelungs,shouldoccasionfrequentgiddinessin
thehead,andswimmingoftheeyes,thecertainrecurrenceofperspirationbetweentheperiodsof3to5and5to
7,andthesensationofbeingseatedonboardship.Theobstructionofthespleenbythelivershouldnaturally
createdistasteforliquidorfood,debilityofthevitalenergiesandprostrationofthefourlimbs.Frommy
diagnosisofthesepulses,thereshouldexistthesevarioussymptoms,before(thepulsesandthesymptomscan
besaid)toharmonise.Butshouldperchance(anydoctormaintain)thatthisstateofthepulsesimportsa
felicitousevent,yourservantwillnotpresumetogiveaneartosuchanopinion!"
Amatron,whowasattachedasapersonalattendant(toMrs.Ch'in,)andwhohappenedtobestandingby
interposed:"Howcoulditbeotherwise?"sheventured."Inrealtruth,Doctor,youspeaklikeasupernatural
being,andthere'sverilynoneedforustosayanything!Wehavenow,readyathand,inourhousehold,agood

numberofmedicalgentlemen,whoareinattendanceuponher,butnoneoftheseareproficientenoughtospeak
inthispositivemanner.Sometherearewhosaythatit'sagenitalcomplaintothersmaintainthatit'sanorganic
disease.Thisdoctorexplainsthatthereisnodanger:whileanother,again,holdsthatthere'sfearofacrisiseither
beforeorafterthewintersolsticebutthereis,inoneword,nothingcertainsaidbythem.Mayitpleaseyou,sir,
nowtofavouruswithyourcleardirections."
"Thiscomplaintofyourlady's,"observedtheDoctor,"hascertainlybeenneglectedbythewholenumberof
doctorsforhadatreatmentwithcertainmedicinesbeeninitiatedatthetimeofthefirstoccurrenceofher
habitualsickness,Icannotbutopinethat,bythistime,aperfectcurewouldhavebeeneffected.Butseeingthat
theorganiccomplainthasnowbeen,throughneglect,allowedtoreachthisphase,thiscalamitywas,intruth,
inevitable.Myideasarethatthisillnessstands,asyet,acertainchanceofrecovery,(threechancesoutoften)
butwewillseehowshegetson,aftershehashadthesemedicinesofmine.Shouldtheyproveproductiveof
sleepatnight,thentherewillbeaddedfurthermoretwomorechancesinthegripofourhands.Frommy
diagnosis,yourladyisaperson,giftedwithapreminentlyexcellent,andintelligentdispositionbutan
excessivedegreeofintelligenceisthecauseoffrequentcontrarietiesandfrequentcontrarietiesgiveorigintoan
excessiveamountofanxiouscares.Thisillnessarisesfromtheinjurydone,byworryingandfretting,tothe
spleen,andfromtheinordinatevigouroftheliverhenceitisthatthereliefcannotcomeatthepropertimeand
season.Hasnotyourlady,mayIask,heretoforeattheperiodofthecatamenia,suffered,ifindeednotfrom
anaemia,thennecessarilyfromplethora?AmIrightinassumingthisornot?"
"Tobesureshedid,"repliedthematron"butshehasneverbeensubjecttoanaemia,buttoaplethora,varying
fromeithertwotothreedays,andextending,withmuchirregularity,toeventendays."
"Quiteso!"observedtheDoctor,afterhearingwhatshehadtosay,"andthisisthesourceofthisorganicillness!
Haditinpastdaysbeentreatedwithsuchmedicineascouldstrengthentheheart,andimprovetherespiration,
wouldithavereachedthisstage?Thishasnowovertlymadeitselfmanifestinanailmentoriginatingfromthe
paucityofwaterandthevigouroffirebutletmemakeuseofsomemedicines,andwe'llseehowshegetson!"
Thereandthenhesettoworkandwroteaprescription,whichhehandedtoChiaJung,thepurposeofwhich
was:Decoctionfortheimprovementofrespiration,thebettermentoftheblood,andtherestorationofthespleen.
Ginseng,AtractylodesLanceaYunnanrootPreparedTirootAraliaedulisPeonyrootsLevisticumfromSze
Ch'uanSophoratormentosaCyperusrotundus,preparedwithriceGentian,soakedinvinegarHuaiShanYao
rootReal"O"glueCarydalisAmbiguaandDriedliquorice.SevenFukienlotusseeds,(thecoresofwhich
shouldbeextracted,)andtwolargezizyphitobeusedasapreparative.
"Whatexaltedintelligence!"ChiaJung,afterperusingit,exclaimed."ButIwouldalsoaskyou,Doctor,tobe
goodenoughtotellmewhetherthisillnesswill,inthelongrun,endangerherlifeornot?"
TheDoctorsmiled."You,sir,whoareendowedwithmosteminentintelligence(arecertaintoknow)thatwhena
humanillnesshasreachedthisphase,itisnotaderangementofadayorofasinglenightbutafterthese
medicineshavebeentaken,weshallalsohavetowatchtheeffectofthetreatment!Myhumbleopinionisthat,
asfarasthewinterofthisyeargoes,thereisnofearinfact,afterthespringequinox,Ientertainhopesofa
completecure."
ChiaJungwaslikewiseapersonwithallhiswitsabouthim,sothathedidnotpressanyfurtherminute
questions.
ChiaJungforthwithescortedtheDoctorandsawhimoff,andtakingtheprescriptionandthediagnosis,he
handedthembothtoChiaChenforhisperusal,andinlikemannerrecountedtoChiaChenandMrs.Yuallthat
hadbeensaidonthesubject.
"Theotherdoctorshavehithertonotexpressedanyopinionsaspositiveasthisonehasdone,"observedMrs.Yu,
addressingherselftoChiaChen,"sothatthemedicinestobeusedare,Ithink,surelytherightones!"

"Hereallyisn'taman,"rejoinedChiaChen,"accustomedtogivemuchofhistimetothepracticeofmedicine,in
ordertoearnriceforhissupport:andit'sFengTzuying,whoissofriendlywithus,whoismainlytobethanked
forsucceeding,aftereversomuchtrouble,ininducinghimtocome.Butnowthatwehavethisman,theillness
ofourson'swifemay,thereisnosaying,standachanceofbeingcured.Butonthatprescriptionofhisthereis
ginsengmentioned,soyouhadbettermakeuseofthatcattyofgoodqualitywhichwasboughttheotherday."
ChiaJunglisteneduntiltheconversationcametoaclose,afterwhichhelefttheroom,andbadeaservantgoand
buythemedicines,inorderthattheyshouldbepreparedandadministeredtoMrs.Ch'in.
WhatwasthestateofMrs.Ch'in'sillness,aftershepartookofthesemedicines,wedonotknowbut,reader,
listentotheexplanationgiveninthechapterwhichfollows.

CHAPTERXI.
InhonourofChiaChing'sbirthday,afamilybanquetisspreadinthe
NingMansion.
AtthesightofHsifeng,ChiaJuientertainsfeelingsoflicentious
love.
Wewillnowexplain,incontinuationofourstory,thatonthedayofChiaChing'sbirthday,ChiaChenbeganby
gettingreadylusciousdelicaciesandrarefruits,whichhepackedinsixteenspaciouspresentboxes,andbade
ChiaJungtakethem,alongwiththeservantsbelongingtothehousehold,overtoChiaChing.
TurningroundtowardsChiaJung:"Mind,"hesaid,"thatyouobservewhetheryourgrandfatherbeagreeableor
not,beforeyousettoworkandpayyourobeisance!'Myfather,'tellhim,'hascompliedwithyourdirections,
venerablesenior,andnotpresumedtocomeoverbuthehasathomeusheredthewholecompanyofthe
membersofthefamily(intoyourapartments),wheretheyallpaidtheirhomagefacingthesideofhonour.'"
AfterChiaJunghadlistenedtotheseinjunctions,hespeedilyledoffthefamilydomestics,andtookhis
departure.Duringthisinterval,onebyonearrivedtheguests.FirstcameChiaLienandChiaSe,whowentto
seewhethertheseatsinthevariousplaces(weresufficient)."Istheretobeanyentertainmentornot?"theyalso
inquired.
"Ourmaster,"repliedtheservants,"had,atonetime,intendedtoinvitethevenerableMr.ChiaChingtocome
andspendthisdayathome,andhadn'tforthisreasonpresumedtogetupanyentertainment.Butwhentheother
dayhecametohearthattheoldgentlemanwasnotcoming,heatoncegaveusorderstogoinsearchofatroupe
ofyoungactors,aswellasabandofmusicians,andallthesepeoplearenowengagedmakingtheirpreparations
onthestageinthegarden."
Nextcame,inagroup,mesdamesHsingandWang,ladyFengandPaoy,followedimmediatelyafterbyChia
ChenandMrs.YuMrs.Yu'smotherhavingalreadyarrivedandbeinginthereinadvanceofher.Salutations
wereexchangedbetweenthewholecompany,andtheypressedoneanothertotakeaseat.ChiaChenandMrs.
Yubothhandedthetearound.
"Ourvenerablelady,"theyexplained,astheysmiled,"isaworthyseniorwhileourfatheris,ontheotherhand,
onlyhernephewsothatonabirthdayofamanofhisage,weshouldreallynothavehadtheaudacitytoinvite
herladyshipbutastheweather,atthistime,iscool,andthechrysanthemums,inthewholegarden,arein
luxuriantblossom,wehaverequestedourvenerableancestortocomeforalittledistraction,andtoseethewhole

numberofherchildrenandgrandchildrenamusethemselves.Thiswastheobjectwehadinview,but,contrary
toourexpectations,ourworthyseniorhasnotagainconferreduponusthelustreofhercountenance."
LadyFengdidnotwaituntilmadameWangcouldopenhermouth,buttooktheinitiativetoreply."Our
venerablelady,"sheurged,"had,evensolateasyesterday,saidthatshemeanttocomebut,intheevening,
uponseeingbrotherPaoeatingpeaches,themouthoftheoldladyonceagainbegantowater,andafterpartaking
ofalittlemorethanthehalfofone,shehad,aboutthefifthwatch,togetoutofbedtwoconsecutivetimes,with
theresultthatalltheforenoontoday,shefeltherbodyconsiderablywornout.Shethereforebademeinformour
worthyseniorthatitwasutterlyimpossibleforhertocometodayaddinghoweverthat,iftherewereany
delicacies,shefanciedafewkinds,butthattheyshouldbeverytender."
WhenChiaChenheardthesewords,hesmiled."Ourdowagerlady,"hereplied,"is,Iargued,sofondof
amusementthat,ifshedoesn'tcometoday,theremust,foracertainty,besomevalidreasonandthat'sexactly
whathappenstobethecase."
"TheotherdayIheardyoureldestsisterexplain,"interposedmadameWang,"thatChiaJung'swifewas
anythingbutwellbutwhat'safterallthematterwithher?"
"Shehas,"observedMrs.Yu,"contractedthisillnessverilyinastrangemanner!Lastmoonatthetimeofthe
midautumnfestival,shewasstillwellenoughtobeabletoenjoyherself,duringhalfthenight,incompanywith
ourdowagerladyandmadameWang.Onherreturn,shecontinuedingoodhealth,untilafterthetwentieth,
whenshebegantofeelmoreandmorelanguideveryday,andloth,likewise,toeatanythingandthishasbeen
goingonforwellnighhalfamonthandmoreshehasn'tbesidesbeenanythinglikeheroldselffortwo
months."
"Mayshenot,"remarkedmadameHsing,takingupthethreadoftheconversation,"beailingforsomehappy
event?"
Butwhileshewasutteringthesewords,someonefromoutsideannounced:"Ourseniormaster,secondmaster
andallthegentlemenofthefamilyhavecome,andarestandingintheReceptionHall!"WhereuponChiaChen
andChiaLienquittedtheapartmentwithhurriedstepandduringthiswhile,Mrs.Yureiteratedhowthatsome
timeagoadoctorhadalsoexpressedtheopinionthatshewasailingforahappyevent,butthatthepreviousday,
hadcomeadoctor,recommendedbyFengTzuyingadoctor,whohadfromhisyouthupmademedicinehis
study,andwasveryproficientinthetreatmentofdiseases,whoasserted,afterhehadseenher,thatitwasno
felicitousailment,butthatitwassomegravecomplaint."Itwasonlyyesterday,"(sheexplained,)"thathewrote
hisprescriptionandallshehashadisbutonedose,andalreadytodaythegiddinessintheheadisconsiderably
betterasregardstheothersymptomstheyhaveasyetshownnomarkedimprovement."
"Imaintain,"remarkedladyFeng,"that,wereshenotquiteunfittostandtheexertion,wouldsheinfact,ona
daylikethis,beunwillingtostraineverynerveandcomeround."
"Yousawher,"observedMrs.Yu,"onthethirdinherehowthatsheboreupwithaviolenteffortforeverso
long,butitwasallbecauseofthefriendshipthatexistsbetweenyoutwo,thatshestilllongedforyoursociety,
andcouldn'tbrooktheideaoftearingherselfaway."
WhenladyFengheardthesewords,hereyesgotquitered,andafteratimesheatlengthexclaimed:"Inthe
Heavensofasuddencomewindandrainwhilewithman,inadayandinanight,woeandwealsurvene!But
withhertenderyears,ifforacomplaintlikethissheweretorunanyrisk,whatpleasureisthereforanyhuman
beingtobebornandtosojournintheworld?"
Shewasjustspeaking,whenChiaJungwalkedintotheapartmentandafterpayinghisrespectstomadame
Hsing,madameWang,andladyFeng,hethenobservedtoMrs.Yu:"Ihavejusttakenovertheeatablestoour
venerableancestorand,atthesametime,Itoldhimthatmyfatherwasathomewaitinguponthesenior,and
entertainingthejuniorgentlemenofthewholefamily,andthatincompliancewithgrandfather'sorders,hedid
notpresumetogoover.Theoldgentlemanwasmuchdelightedbywhatheheardmesay,andhavingsignified

thatthatwasallinorder,bademetellfatherandyou,mother,todoallyoucaninyourattendanceuponthe
seniorgentlemenandladies,enjoiningmetoentertain,withallpropriety,myuncles,aunts,andmycousins.He
alsowentontourgemetopressthementocut,withalldespatch,theblocksfortheRecordofMeritorious
Deeds,andtoprinttenthousandcopiesfordistribution.AllthesemessagesIhavedulydeliveredtomyfather,
butImustnowbequickandgoout,soastosendtheeatablesfortheelderaswellasfortheyoungergentlemen
oftheentirehousehold."
"BrotherJungErh,"exclaimedladyFeng,"waitamoment.Howisyourwifegettingon?howisshe,afterall,
today?"
"Notwell,"repliedChiaJung."Butwereyou,aunt,onyourreturntogoinandseeher,youwillfindoutfor
yourself."
ChiaJungforthwithlefttheroom.Duringthisinterval,Mrs.YuaddressedherselftomesdamesHsingand
Wang"Myladies,"sheasked,"willyouhaveyourrepastinhere,orwillyougointothegardenforit?Thereare
nowinthegardensomeyoungactorsengagedinmakingtheirpreparations?"
"It'sbetterinhere,"madameWangremarked,assheturnedtowardsmadameHsing.
Mrs.Yuthereuponissueddirectionstothemarriedwomenandmatronstobequickinservingtheeatables.The
servants,inwaitingoutsidethedoor,withonevoicesignifiedtheirobedienceandeachofthemwentoffto
fetchwhatfelltohershare.Inashortwhile,thecourseswerealllaidout,andMrs.YupressedmesdamesHsing
andWang,aswellashermother,intotheupperseatswhileshe,togetherwithladyFengandPaoy,satata
sidetable.
"We'vecome,"observedmesdamesHsingandWang,"withtheoriginalideaofpayingourcongratulationstoour
venerableseniorontheoccasionofhisbirthdayandisn'tthisasifwehadcomeforourownbirthdays?"
"Theoldgentleman,"answeredladyFeng,"isamanfondofaquietlifeandashehasalreadyconsummateda
processofpurification,hemaywellbelookeduponasasupernaturalbeing,sothatthepurposetowhichyour
ladyshipshavegivenexpressionmaybeconsideredasmanifesttohisspirit,upontheveryadventofthe
intention."
Asthissentencewasutteredthewholecompanyintheroomburstoutlaughing.Mrs.Yu'smother,mesdames
HsingandWang,andladyFenghavingoneandallpartakenofthebanquet,rinsedtheirmouthsandwashed
theirhands,whichover,theyexpressedawishtogointothegarden.
ChiaJungenteredtheroom."Theseniorgentlemen,"hesaidtoMrs.Yu,"aswellasallmyunclesandcousins,
havefinishedtheirrepastbuttheeldergentlemanMr.ChiaShe,whoexcusedhimselfonthescoreofhavingat
homesomethingtoattendto,andMr.Secundus(ChiaCheng),whoisnotpartialtotheatricalperformancesand
isalwaysafraidthatpeoplewillbetooboisterousintheirentertainments,havebothofthemtakentheir
departure.TherestofthefamilygentlemenhavebeentakenoverbyuncleSecundusMr.Lien,andMr.Se,tothe
othersidetolistentotheplay.AfewmomentsbackPrinceNanAn,PrinceTungP'ing,PrinceHsiNing,Prince
PeiChing,thesefourPrinces,withNiu,DukeofChenKuo,andfiveotherdukes,sixinall,andShih,Marquis
ofChungChing,andotherseven,inalleightmarquises,senttheirmessengerswiththeircardsandpresents.I
havealreadytoldfatherallaboutitbutbeforeIdidso,thepresentswereputawayinthecountingroom,the
listsofpresentswereallenteredinthebook,andthe'receivedwiththanks'cardswerehandedtotherespective
messengersofthevariousmansionsthementhemselveswerealsotippedinthecustomarymanner,andallof
themwerekepttohavesomethingtoeatbeforetheywentontheirway.But,mother,youshouldinvitethetwo
ladies,yourmotherandmyaunt,togooverandsitinthegarden."
"Justso!"observedMrs.Yu,"butwe'veonlynowfinishedourrepast,andwereabouttogoover."
"Iwishtotellyou,madame,"interposedladyFeng,"thatIshallgofirstandseebrotherJung'swifeandthen
comeandjoinyou."

"Allright,"repliedmadameWang"weshouldallhavebeenfaintohavepaidheravisit,didwenotfearlestshe
shouldlookuponourdisturbingherwithdispleasure,butjusttellherthatwewouldliketoknowhowsheis
gettingon!"
"Mydearsister,"remarkedMrs.Yu,"asourson'swifehasareadyearforallyousay,dogoandcheerherup,
(andifyoudoso,)itwillbesidessetmyownmindateasebutbequickandcomeassoonasyoucanintothe
garden."
PaoybeinglikewisedesiroustogoalongwithladyFengtoseeladyCh'in,madameWangremarked,"Goand
seeherjustforawhile,andthencomeoveratonceintothegarden(forremember)sheisyournephew'swife,
(andyoucouldn'tsitintherelong)."
Mrs.YuforthwithinvitedmesdamesWangandHsing,aswellasherownmother,toadjourntotheotherside,
andtheyallinabodywalkedintothegardenofConcentratedFragrancewhileladyFengandPaoybetook
themselves,incompanywithChiaJung,overtothisside.
Havingenteredthedoor,theywithquietstepwalkedasfarastheentranceoftheinnerchamber.Mrs.Ch'in,
uponcatchingsightofthem,wasbentupongettingupbut"Bequick,"remonstratedladyFeng,"andgiveupall
ideaofstandingupfortakecareyourheadwillfeeldizzy."
LadyFenghastenedtomakeafewhurriedstepsforwardandtograspMrs.Ch'in'shandinhers."Mydeargirl!"
sheexclaimed"HowisitthatduringthefewdaysI'venotseenyou,youhavegrownsothin?"
Readilyshethentookaseatontherug,onwhichMrs.Ch'inwasseated,whilePaoy,afterinquiringtooabout
herhealth,satinthechairontheoppositeside.
"Bringtheteainatonce,"calledoutChiaJung,"forauntanduncle
Secundushavenothadanyteainthedrawingroom."
Mrs.Ch'intookladyFeng'shandinherownandforcedasmile."Thisisallduetomylackofgoodfortunefor
insuchafamilyasthis,myfatherandmotherinlawtreatmejustasifIwereadaughteroftheirownfleshand
blood!Besides,yournephew,(myhusband,)may,itistrue,mydearaunt,beyounginyears,butheisfullof
regardforme,asIhaveregardforhim,andwehavehadsofarnomisunderstandingbetweenus!Infact,among
theseniorgeneration,aswellasthatofthesameageasmyself,inthewholeclan,puttingyouaside,aunt,about
whomnomentionneedbemade,thereisnotonewhohasnoteverhadanythingbutloveforme,andnotone
whohasnotevershownmeanythingbutkindness!ButsinceI'vefallenillwiththiscomplaint,allmyenergy
haseveneverybitofitbeentakenoutofme,sothatI'vebeenunabletoshowtomyfatherandmotherinlaw
anymarkoffilialattention,yeasomuchasforonesingledayandtoyou,mydearaunt,withallthisaffectionof
yoursforme,Ihaveeverywishtobedutifultotheutmostdegree,but,inmypresentstate,I'mreallynotequal
toitmyownideais,thatitisn'tlikelythatIshalllastthroughthisyear."
Paoykept,while(shespoke,)hiseyesfixedintentlyuponapictureontheoppositeside,representingsome
begoniasdroopinginthespringtime,anduponapairofscrolls,withthisinscriptionwrittenbyCh'inTaihs:
Agentlechilldothcircumscribethedreamingmanbecausethespring
iscold!
Thefragrantwhiffwhichwaftsitselfintoman'snose,istheperfume
ofwine!
Andhecouldnothelprecallingtomindhisexperiencesatthetimewhenhehadfallenasleepinthisapartment,
andhad,inhisdream,visitedtheconfinesoftheGreatVoid.Hewasjustplungedinastateofabstraction,when
heheardMrs.Ch'ingiveutterancetothesesentiments,whichpiercedhisheartasiftheyweretenthousand
arrows,(withtheresultthat)tearsunwittinglytrickledfromhiseyes.

LadyFengperceivinghimintearsfeltitextremelypainfulwithinherselftobearthesightbutshewasonpins
andneedleslestthepatientshoulddetecttheirframeofmind,andfeel,instead(ofbenefit),stillmoresoreat
heart,whichwouldnot,afterall,bequitethepurposeofhervisitwhichwastoaffordherdistractionand
consolation."Paoy,"shethereforeexclaimed,"youarelikeanoldwoman!Ill,assheis,simplymakesher
speakinthiswise,andhowevercouldthingscometosuchapass!Besides,sheisyounginyears,sothataftera
shortindisposition,herillnesswillgetallright!""Don't,"shesaidassheturnedtowardsMrs.Ch'in,"giveway
tosillythoughtsandidleideas!forbysodoingwon'tyouyourselfbeaggravatingyourailment?"
"Allthathersicknessinfactneeds,"observedChiaJung,"is,thatsheshouldbeabletotakesomethingtoeat,
andthentherewillbenothingtofear."
"BrotherPao,"urgedladyFeng,"yourmothertoldyoutogoover,assoonasyoucould,sothatdon'tstayhere,
andgooninthewayyou'redoing,foryouafterallincitethisladyalsotofeeluneasyatheart.Besides,your
motheroverthereissolicitousonyouraccount.""YouhadbettergoaheadwithyourunclePao,"she
consequentlycontinued,addressingherselftoChiaJung,"whileIsitherealittlelonger."
WhenChiaJungheardthisremark,hepromptlycrossedoverwithPaoyintothegardenofConcentrated
Fragrance,whileladyFengwentonbothtocheerherupforatime,andtoimparttoher,inanundertone,agood
dealofconfidentialadvice.
Mrs.Yuhaddespatchedservants,ontwoorthreeoccasions,tohurryladyFeng,beforeshesaidtoMrs.Ch'in:
"Doallyoucantotakegoodcareofyourself,andI'llcomeandseeyouagain.You'reboundtogetoverthis
illnessandnow,infact,thatyou'vecomeacrossthatrenowneddoctor,youhavereallynothingmoretofear."
"Hemight,"observedMrs.Ch'inasshesmiled,"evenbeasupernaturalbeingandsucceedinhealingmy
disease,buthewon'tbeabletoremedymydestinyfor,mydearaunt,Ifeelsurethatwiththiscomplaintof
mine,Icandonomorethandragonfromdaytoday."
"Ifyouencouragesuchideas,"remonstratedladyFeng,"howcanthisillnessevergetallright?Whatyou
absolutelyneedistocastawayallthesenotions,andthenyou'llimprove.Ihearmoreoverthatthedoctorasserts
thatifnocurebeeffected,thefearisofachangefortheworseinspring,andnottillthen.DidyouandI
moreoverbelongtoafamilythathadn'tthemeanstoaffordanyginseng,itwouldbedifficulttosayhowwe
couldmanagetogetitbutwereyourfatherandmotherinlawtohearthatit'sgoodforyourrecovery,whynot
tospeakoftwomaceofginsengaday,buteventwocattieswillbealsowithintheirmeans!Somindyoudotake
everycareofyourhealth!I'mnowoffonmywayintothegarden."
"Excuseme,mydearaunt,"addedMrs.Ch'in,"thatIcan'tgowithyoubutwhenyouhavenothingtodo,I
entreatyoudocomeoverandseeme!andyouandIcansitandhavealongchat."
AfterladyFenghadheardthesewords,hereyesunwillinglygotquiteredagain."WhenI'matleisureIshall,of
course,"sherejoined,"comeoftentoseeyou"andforthwithleadingoffthematronsandmarriedwomen,who
hadcomeoverwithher,aswellasthewomenandmatronsoftheNingmansion,shepassedthroughtheinner
partofthehouse,andentered,byacircuitousway,thesidegateofthepark,whensheperceived:yellowflowers
coveringthegroundwhitewillowsflankingtheslopesdiminutivebridgesspanningstreams,resemblingtheJo
Yehzigzagpathways(lookingasif)theyledtothestepsofHeavenlimpidspringsdrippingfromamongthe
rocksflowershangingfromhedgesemittingtheirfragrance,astheywereflappedbythewindsredleaveson
thetreetopsswayingtoandfrogrovespicturelike,halfstrippedoffoliagethewesternbreezecomingwith
suddengusts,andthewailoftheoriolestillaudiblethewarmsunshiningwithgenialrays,andthecicadaalso
addingitschirp:structures,visibletothegazeatadistanceintheSoutheast,soaringhighonvarioussitesand
restingagainstthehillsthreehalls,visiblenearbyontheNorthwest,stretchinginoneconnectedline,onthe
bankofthestreamstrainsofmusicfillingthepavilion,imbuedwithanunwontedsubtlecharmandmaidensin
fineattirepenetratingthegroves,lendinganadditionalspelltothescene.
LadyFeng,whileengagedincontemplatingthebeautiesofthespot,advancedonwardsstepbystep.Shewas
plungedinastateofecstasy,whensuddenly,fromtherearoftheartificialrockery,egressedaperson,who

approachedherandfacinghersaid,"Myrespectstoyou,sisterinlaw."
LadyFengwassostartledbythisunexpectedappearancethatshedrewback."Isn'tthisMr.Jui?"sheventured.
"What!sisterinlaw,"exclaimedChiaJui,"don'tyourecogniseevenme?"
"Itisn'tthatIdidn'trecogniseyou,"explainedladyFeng,"butatthesuddensightofyou,Icouldn'tconceivethat
itwouldpossiblybeyou,sir,inthisplace!"
"Thiswasinfactboundtobe,"repliedChiaJui"forthere'ssomesubtlesympathybetweenmeandyou,sister
inlaw.HereIjuststealthilyleavetheentertainment,inordertorevelforawhileinthissolitaryplacewhen,
againsteveryexpectation,Icomeacrossyou,sisterinlawandisn'tthisasubtlesympathy?"
Ashespoke,hekepthisgazefixedonladyFeng,whobeinganintelligentperson,couldnotbutarrive,atthe
sightofhismanner,atthewholetruthinhersurmises."Itisn'ttobewonderedat,"sheconsequentlyobserved,
asshesmiledhypocritically,"thatyoureldestbrothershouldmakefrequentallusiontoyourqualities!forafter
seeingyouonthisoccasion,andhearingyouutterthesefewremarks,Ihavereadilydiscoveredwhatan
intelligentandgenialpersonyouare!Iamjustnowonmywaytojointheladiesontheotherside,andhaveno
leisuretoconversewithyoubutwaituntilI'venothingtoattendto,whenwecanmeetagain."
"Imeanttohavegoneovertoyourplaceandpaidmyrespectstoyou,sisterinlaw,"pleadedChiaJui,"butI
wasafraidlestapersonoftenderyearslikeyourselfmightn'tlightlyreceiveanyvisitors!"
LadyFenggaveanothersardonicsmile."Relatives,"shecontinued,"ofonefamily,asweare,whatneedisthere
tosayanythingoftenderyears?"
AfterChiaJuihadheardthesewords,hefelthisheartswellwithinhimwithsuchsecretjoythathewasurgedto
reflect:"Ihaveatlengthtoday,whenleastIexpectedit,obtainedthisremarkableencounterwithher!"
Butasthedisplayofhispassionbecamestillmorerepulsive,ladyFengurgedhimtogo."Beoffatonce,"she
remarked,"andjointheentertainmentformind,iftheyfindyouout,theywillmulctyouinsomanyglassesof
wine!"
BythetimethissuggestionhadreachedChiaJui'sears,halfofhisbodyhadbecomestifflikealogofwoodand
ashebetookhimselfaway,withlothfulstep,heturnedhisheadroundtocastglancesather.LadyFeng
purposelyslackenedherpaceandwhensheperceivedthathehadgoneacertaindistance,shegavewayto
reflection."Thisisindeed,"shethought,"knowingaperson,asfarasfacegoes,andnotasheart!Cantherebe
anothersuchabeastashe!Ifhereallycontinuestobehaveinthismanner,Ishallsoonenoughcompasshis
death,withmyownhands,andhe'llthenknowwhatstuffI'mmadeof."
LadyFeng,atthisjuncturemovedonward,andafterturningroundachainofhillocks,shecaughtsightoftwoor
threematronscomingalongwithallspeed.AssoonastheyespiedladyFengtheyputonasmile."Our
mistress,"theysaid,"perceivingthatyourladyshipwasnotforthcoming,hasbeeninagreatstateofanxiety,and
badeyourservantscomeagaintorequestyoutocomeover.
"Isyourmistress,"observedladyFeng,"solikeaquickfooteddemon?"
WhileladyFengadvancedleisurely,sheinquired,"Howmanyplayshavebeenrecited?"towhichquestionone
ofthematronsreplied,"Theyhavegonethrougheightornine."Butwhileengagedinconversation,theyhad
alreadyreachedthebackdooroftheTowerofCelestialFragrance,whereshecaughtsightofPaoyplaying
withacompanyofwaitingmaidsandpages."BrotherPao,"ladyFengexclaimed,"don'tbeuptotoomuch
mischief!""Theladiesareallsittingupstairs,"interposedoneofthemaids."Please,mylady,thisisthewayup."
AtthesewordsladyFengslackenedherpace,raisedherdress,andwalkedupthestairs,whereMrs.Yuwas
alreadyatthetopofthelandingwaitingforher.

"Youtwo,"remarkedMrs.Yu,smiling,"aresofriendly,thathavingmetyoucouldn'tpossiblytearyourselfaway
tocome.Youhadbettertomorrowmoveoverthereandtakeupyourquarterswithherandhavedonebutsit
downandletme,firstofall,presentyouaglassofwine."
LadyFengspeedilydrewnearmesdamesHsingandWang,andbeggedpermissiontotakeaseatwhileMrs.Yu
broughttheprogramme,andpressedladyFengtomarksomeplays.
"Theseniorladiesoccupytheseatsofhonour,"remonstratedladyFeng,"andhowcanIpresumetochoose?"
"We,andourrelativebymarriage,haveselectedseveralplays,"explainedmesdamesHsingandWang,"andit's
foryounowtochoosesomegoodonesforustolistento."
Standingup,ladyFengsignifiedherobedienceandtakingovertheprogramme,andperusingitfromtopto
bottom,shemarkedoffoneentitled,the"ReturnoftheSpirit,"andanothercalled"ThrummingandSinging"
afterwhichshehandedbacktheprogramme,observing,"Whentheyhavedonewiththe'Ennoblementoftwo
Officers,'whichtheyaresingingjustatpresent,itwillbetimeenoughtosingthesetwo."
"Ofcourseitwill,"retortedmadameWang,"buttheyshouldgetitoverassoonastheycan,soastoallowyour
elderBrotherandyourSisterinlawtohaverestbesides,theirheartsarenotatease."
"Youseniorladiesdon'tcomeoften,"expostulatedMrs.Yu,"andyouandIwillderivemoreenjoymentwerewe
tostayalittlelongerit'sasyetearlyintheday!"
LadyFengstoodupandlookeddownstairs."Wherehaveallthegentlemengoneto?"sheinquired.
"ThegentlemenhavejustgoneovertothePavilionofPlenteousEffulgence,"repliedamatron,whostoodby
"theyhavetakenalongwiththemtenmusiciansandgoneintheretodrinktheirwine."
"Itwasn'tconvenientforthem,"remarkedladyFeng,"tobeoverherebutwhoknowswhattheyhaveagain
gonetodobehindourbacks?"
"Couldeveryone,"interposedMrs.Yu,"resembleyou,apersonofsuchpropriety!"
Whiletheyindulgedinchattingandlaughing,theplaystheyhadchosenwereallfinishedwhereuponthetables
wereclearedofthewines,andtherepastwasserved.Themealover,thewholecompanyadjournedintothe
garden,andcameandsatinthedrawingroom.Aftertea,theyatlengthgaveorderstogetreadythecarriages,
andtheytooktheirleaveofMrs.Yu'smother.Mrs.Yu,attendedbyallthesecondarywives,servants,and
marriedwomen,escortedthemout,whileChiaChen,alongwiththewholebevyofyoungmen,stoodbythe
vehicles,waitinginagroupfortheirarrival.
AftersalutingmesdamesHsingandWang,"Aunts,"theysaid,"youmustcomeoveragaintomorrowfora
stroll."
"Wemustbeexcused,"observedmadameWang,"we'vesatherethewholedaytoday,andare,afterall,feeling
quitetiredbesides,weshallneedtohavesomeresttomorrow."
Bothofthemthereupongotintotheircarriagesandtooktheirdeparture,whileChiaJuistillkeptafixedgaze
uponladyFenganditwasafterChiaChenhadgoneinthatLiKueiledroundthehorse,andthatPaoy
mountedandwentoff,followinginthetrackofmesdamesHsingandWang.
ChiaChenandthewholenumberofbrothersandnephewsbelongingtothefamilyhad,duringthisinterval,
partakenoftheirmeal,andthewholepartyatlengthbrokeup.Butinlikemanner,alltheinmatesoftheclanand
theguestsspentonthemorrowanotherfestiveday,butweneednotadverttoitwithanyminuteness.
Afterthisoccasion,ladyFengcameinpersonandpaidfrequentvisitstoMrs.Ch'inbutasthereweresome
daysonwhichherailmentwasconsiderablybetter,andothersonwhichitwasconsiderablyworse,ChiaChen,

Mrs.Yu,andChiaJungwereinanawfulstateofanxiety.
ChiaJui,itmustmoreoverbenoticed,cameover,onseveralinstances,onavisittotheJungmansionbutit
invariablyhappenedthathefoundthatladyFenghadgoneovertotheNingmansion.
Thiswasjustthethirtiethoftheeleventhmoon,thedayonwhichthewintersolsticefellandthefewdays
precedingthatseason,dowagerladyChia,madameWangandladyFengdidnotletonedaygobywithout
sendingsomeonetoinquireaboutMrs.Ch'inandastheservants,ontheirreturn,repeatedlyreportedthat,
duringthelastfewdays,neitherhadherailmentaggravated,norhaditundergoneanymarkedimprovement,
madameWangexplainedtodowagerladyChia,thatasacomplaintofthisnaturehadreachedthiskindof
seasonwithoutgettinganyworse,therewassomehopeofrecovery.
"Ofcoursethereis!"observedtheoldlady"whatadearchildsheis!shouldanythinghappentoher,won'titbe
enoughtomakepeoplediefromgrief!"andasshespakeshefeltforatimequitesoreatheart."Youandshe,"
continuing,shesaidtoladyFeng,"havebeenfriendsforeversolongtomorrowisthegloriousfirst(andyou
can'tgo),butaftertomorrowyoushouldpayheravisitandminutelyscrutiniseherappearance:andshouldyou
findheranybetter,comeandtellmeonyourreturn!Whateverthingsthatdearchildhasallalongafancyfor,do
sendherroundafewevenasoftenasyoucanbysomeoneorother!"
LadyFengassentedtoeachofherrecommendationsandwhenthesecondarrived,shecame,afterbreakfast,to
theNingmansiontoseehowMrs.Ch'inwasgettingonandthoughshefoundhernonetheworse,thefleshall
overherfaceandpersonhadhoweverbecomeemaciatedandparchedup.ShereadilysatwithMrs.Ch'infora
longwhile,andaftertheyhadchattedononethingandanother,sheagainreiteratedtheassurancesthatthis
illnessinvolvednodanger,anddistractedherforeversolong.
"WhetherIgetwellornot,"observedMrs.Ch'in,"we'llknowinspringnowwinterisjustover,andI'manyhow
noworse,sothatpossiblyImaygetallrightandyetthere'snosayingbut,mydearsisterinlaw,dopressour
oldladytocomposehermind!yesterday,herladyshipsentmesomepotatodumplings,withminceddatesin
them,andthoughIhadtwo,theyseemafteralltobeveryeasilydigested!"
"I'llsendyouroundsomemoretomorrow,"ladyFengsuggested"I'mnowgoingtolookupyourmotherin
law,andwillthenhurrybacktogivemyreporttoourdowagerlady."
"Please,sisterinlaw,"Mrs.Ch'insaid,"presentmybestrespectstohervenerableladyship,aswellasto
madameWang."
LadyFengsignifiedthatshewouldcomplywithherwishes,and,forthwithleavingtheapartment,shecame
overandsatinMrs.Yu'ssuiteofrooms.
"Howdoyou,whodon'tseeourson'swifeveryoften,happentofindher?"inquiredMrs.Yu.
LadyFengdroopedherheadforsometime."There'snohelp,"sheventured,"forthisillness!butyoushould
likewisemakeeverysubsequentpreparation,foritwouldalsobewellifyoucouldscouritaway."
"I'vedonesomuchastosecretlygiveorders,"repliedMrs.Yu,"togetthingsreadybutforthatthing(the
coffin),there'snogoodtimbertobefound,sothatitwillhavetobelookedafterbyandby."
LadyFengswallowedhastilyacupoftea,andafterashortchat,"Imustbehurryingback,"sheremarked,"to
delivermymessagetoourdowagerlady!"
"Youshould,"urgedMrs.Yu,"besparseinwhatyoutellherladyshipsoasnottofrightenanoldpersonlike
her!"
"Iknowwellenoughwhattosay,"repliedladyFeng.

Withoutanyfurtherdelay,ladyFengthenspedback.Onherarrivalathomeshelookeduptheoldlady."Brother
Jung'swife,"sheexplained,"presentshercompliments,andpaysobeisancetoyourvenerableladyshipshesays
thatshe'smuchbetter,andentreatsyou,herworthysenior,tosetyourmindatease!Thatassoonasshe'salittle
bettershewillcomeandprostrateherselfbeforeyourladyship."
"Howdoyoufindher?"inquireddowagerladyChia.
"Forthepresentthere'snothingtofear,"continuedladyFeng"forhermienisstillgood."
Aftertheoldladyhadheardthesewords,shewasplungedforalongwhileindeepreflectionandassheturned
towardsladyFeng,"Goanddivestyourselfofyourtoilette,"shesaid,"andhavesomerest."
LadyFenginconsequencesignifiedherobedience,andwalkedaway,returninghomeafterpayingmadame
Wangavisit.P'ingErhhelpedladyFengtoputonthehousecostume,whichshehadwarmedbythefire,and
ladyFengeventuallytookaseatandasked"whethertherewasanythingdoingathome?"
P'ingErhthenbroughtthetea,andaftergoingovertohandthecup:"There'snothingdoing,"shereplied"as
regardstheinterestonthethreehundredtaels,WangErh'swifehasbroughtitin,andI'veputitaway.Besides
this,Mr.Juisentroundtoinquireifyourladyshipwasathomeornot,ashemeanttocomeandpayhisrespects
andtohaveachat."
"Heng!"exclaimedladyFengatthesewords."Whyshouldthisbeastcompasshisowndeath?we'llseewhenhe
comeswhatistobedone."
"WhyisthisMr.Juisobentuponcoming?'P'ingErhhavinginquired,ladyFengreadilygaveheranaccountof
howshehadmethiminthecourseoftheninthmoonintheNingmansion,andofwhathadbeensaidbyhim.
"Whatamangyfrogtobebentuponeatingthefleshofaheavenlygoose!"ejaculatedP'ingErh."Astupidand
disorderlyfellowwithnoconceptionofrelationship,toharboursuchathought!butwe'llmakehimfindan
unnaturaldeath!"
"Waittillhecomes,"addedladyFeng,"whenIfeelcertainIshallfindsomeway."
Whathappened,however,whenChiaJuicamehasnot,asyet,beenascertained,butlisten,reader,tothe
explanationgiveninthenextchapter.

CHAPTERXII.
WangHsifengmaliciouslylaysatrapforChiaJui,underpretence
thathisaffectionisreciprocated.
ChiaT'ienhsianggazesatthefaceofthemirrorofVoluptuousness.
LadyFeng,itmustbenoticedincontinuationofournarrative,wasjustengagedintalkingwithP'ingErh,when
theyheardsomeoneannouncethatMr.Juihadcome.LadyFenggaveordersthatheshouldbeinvitedtostep
in,andChiaJuiperceivingthathehadbeenaskedtowalkinwasatheartelatedattheprospectofseeingher.
Withafacebeamingwithsmiles,LadyFenginquiredagainandagainhowhewasand,withsimulated
tendernessshefurtherpressedhimtotakeaseatandurgedhimtohaveacupoftea.

ChiaJuinoticedhowstillmorevoluptuousladyFenglookedinherpresentcostume,and,ashiseyesburntwith
love,"Howisit,"heinquired,"thatmyelderbrotherSecundusisnotyetback?"
"WhatthereasonisIcannottell,"ladyFengsaidbywayofreply.
"Mayitnotbe,"ChiaJuismilinglyinsinuated,"thatsomefairdamselhasgotholdofhimontheway,andthat
hecannotbrooktotearhimselffromhertocomehome?"
"Thatmakesitplainthattherearethoseamongmenwhofallinlovewithanygirltheycasttheireyeson,"
hintedladyFeng.
"Yourremarksare,sisterinlaw,incorrect,forI'mnoneofthiskind!"
ChiaJuiexplainedsmirkingly.
"Howmanylikeyoucantherebe!"rejoinedladyFengwithasarcasticsmile"inten,notoneevencouldbe
pickedout!"
WhenChiaJuiheardthesewords,hefeltinsuchhighgleethatherubbedhisearsandsmoothedhischeeks.
"Mysisterinlaw,"hecontinued,"youmustofcoursebeextremelylonelydayafterday."
"IndeedIam,"observedladyFeng,"andIonlywishsomeonewouldcomeandhaveachatwithmetobreak
mydullmonotony."
"Idailyhaveampleleisure,"ChiaJuiventuredwithasimper,"andwouldn'titbewellifIcameeverydayto
dispelyourdulness,sisterinlaw?"
"Youaresimplyfoolingme,"exclaimedladyFenglaughing."Itisn'tlikelyyouwouldwishtocomeoverhereto
me?"
"Ifinyourpresence,sisterinlaw,Iutterasinglewordoffalsehood,maythethunderfromheavenblastme!"
protestedChiaJui."It'sonlybecauseIhadallalongheardpeoplesaythatyouwereadreadfulperson,andthat
youcannotcondoneeventheslightestshortcomingcommittedinyourpresence,thatIwasinducedtokeepback
byfearbutafterseeingyou,onthisoccasion,sochatty,sofulloffunandmostconsideratetoothers,howcanI
notcome?wereittobethecauseofmydeath,Iwouldbeevenwillingtocome!"
"You'rereallyacleverperson,"ladyFengobservedsarcastically."AndohsomuchsuperiortobothChiaJung
andhisbrother!Handsomeastheirpresencewastolookat,Iimaginedtheirmindstobefullofintelligence,but
whowouldhavethoughtthattheywould,afterall,beacoupleofstupidworms,withouttheleastnotionof
humanaffection!"
ThewordswhichChiaJuiheard,fellinsomuchthemorewithhisownsentiments,thathecouldnotrestrain
himselffromagainpressingforwardnearertoherandaswitheyesstrainedtogiveintentnesstohisview,he
gazedatladyFeng'spurse:"Whatringshaveyougoton?"hewentontoask.
"Youshouldbealittlemoredeferential,"remonstratedladyFenginalowtoneofvoice,"soasnottoletthe
waitingmaidsdetectus."
ChiaJuiwithdrewbackwardwithasmuchalacrityasifhehadreceivedanImperialdecreeoramandatefrom
Buddha.
"Yououghttobegoing!"ladyFengsuggested,asshegavehimasmile.
"Doletmestayawhilelonger,"entreatedChiaJui,"youareindeedruthless,mysisterinlaw."
ButwithgentlevoicedidladyFengagainexpostulate."Inbroaddaylight,"shesaid,"withpeoplecomingand
going,itisnotreallyconvenientthatyoushouldabideinheresoyouhadbettergo,andwhenit'sdarkandthe

watchisset,youcancomeover,andquietlywaitformeinthecorridorontheEasternside!"
Atthesewords,ChiaJuifeltasifhehadreceivedsomejewelorpreciousthing."Don'tmakefunofme!"he
remarkedwithvehemence."Theonlythingisthatcrowdsofpeopleareeverpassingfromthere,andhowwillit
bepossibleformetoevadedetection?"
"Setyourmindatease!"ladyFengadvised"Ishalldismissonleavealltheyouthsondutyatnightandwhen
thedoors,onbothsides,areclosed,therewillbenooneelsetocomein!"
ChiaJuiwasdelightedbeyondmeasurebytheassurance,andwithimpetuoushaste,hetookhisleaveandwent
offconvincedatheartofthegratificationofhiswishes.Hecontinued,uptothetimeofdusk,apreytokeen
expectationand,whenindeeddarknessfell,hefelthiswayintotheJungmansion,availinghimselfofthe
moment,whenthedoorswerebeingclosed,toslipintothecorridor,whereeverythingwasactuallypitchdark,
andnotasoultobeseengoingbackwardsorforwards.
ThedoorleadingovertodowagerladyChia'sapartmentshadalreadybeenputunderkey,andtherewasbutone
gate,theoneontheEast,whichhadnotasyetbeenlocked.ChiaJuilenthisear,andlistenedforeversolong,
buthesawnooneappear.Suddenly,however,washeardasoundlike"loteng,"andtheeastgatewasalso
boltedbutthoughChiaJuiwasinagreatstateofimpatience,henonethelessdidnotventuretoutterasound.
Allthatnecessitycompelledhimtodowastoissue,withquietsteps,fromhiscorner,andtotrythegatesby
pushingbuttheywereclosedasfirmlyasiftheyhadbeenmadefastwithironboltsandmuchthoughhemay,
atthisjuncture,havewishedtofindhiswayout,escapewas,infact,outofthequestiononthesouthandnorth
wasonecontinuousdeadwall,which,evenhadhewishedtoscale,therewasnothingwhichhecouldclutchand
pullhimselfupby.
Thisroom,besides,wasonetheinterior(ofwhichwasexposed)tothewind,whichenteredthrough(thefissure)
ofthedoorandwasperfectlyemptyandbareandtheweatherbeing,atthistime,thatofDecember,andthe
nighttooverylong,thenortherlywind,withitsbitinggusts,wassufficienttopenetratethefleshandtocleave
thebones,sothatthewholenightlonghehadanarrowescapefrombeingfrozentodeathandhewasyearning,
withintolerableanxietyforthebreakofday,whenheespiedanoldmatrongofirstandopenthedooronthe
Eastside,andthencomeinandknockatthewesterngate.
ChiaJuiseeingthatshehadturnedherfaceaway,boltedout,likeastreakofsmoke,ashehuggedhisshoulders
withhishands(fromintensecold.)Asluckwouldhaveit,thehourwasasyetearly,sothattheinmatesofthe
househadnotallgotoutofbedandmakinghisescapefromtheposterndoor,hestraightawaybetookhimself
home,runningbackthewholeway.
ChiaJui'sparentshad,itmustbeexplained,departedlifeatanearlyperiod,andhehadnooneelse,besideshis
grandfatherTaiju,totakechargeofhissupportandeducation.ThisTaijuhad,allalong,exercisedaverystrict
control,andwouldnotallowChiaJuitoevenmakeonesteptoomany,intheapprehensionthathemightgad
aboutoutofdoorsdrinkingandgambling,totheneglectofhisstudies.
Seeing,onthisunexpectedoccasion,thathehadnotcomehomethewholenight,hesimplyfeltpositive,inhis
ownmind,thathewascertaintohaverunabout,ifnotdrinking,atleastgambling,anddissipatinginhousesof
thedemimondeuptothesmallhoursbutheneverevengavesomuchasathoughttothepossibilityofapublic
scandal,asthatinwhichhewasinvolved.Theconsequencewasthatduringthewholelengthofthenighthe
boiledwithwrath.
ChiaJuihimself,ontheotherhand,was(insuchastateoftrepidation)thathecouldwipetheperspiration(off
hisface)byhandfulsandhefeltconstrainedonhisreturnhome,tohaverecoursetodeceitfulexcuses,simply
explainingthathehadbeenathiseldestmaternaluncle'shouse,andthatwhenitgotdark,theykepthimto
spendthenightthere.
"Hitherto,"remonstratedTaiju,"whenabouttogooutofdoors,youneverventuredtogo,onyourownhook,
withoutfirsttellingmeaboutit,andhowisitthatyesterdayyousurreptitiouslyleftthehouse?forthisoffence

aloneyoudeserveabeating,andhowmuchmoreforthelieimposeduponme."
Intosuchaviolentfitofangerdidheconsequentlyflythatlayinghandsonhim,hepulledhimoverand
administeredtohimthirtyorfortyblowswithacane.Norwouldheallowhimtohaveanythingtoeat,butbade
himremainonhiskneesinthecourtconningessaysimpressingonhismindthathewouldnotlethimoff,
beforehehadmadeupforthelasttendays'lessons.
ChiaJuihadinthefirstinstance,frozenthewholenight,and,inthenextplace,cameinforaflogging.Witha
stomach,besides,gnawedbythepangsofhunger,hehadtokneelinaplaceexposedtodraftsreadingthewhile
literarycompositions,sothatthehardshipshehadtoendurewereofmanifoldkinds.
ChiaJui'sinfamousintentionshadatthisjunctionundergonenochangebutfarfromhisthoughtsbeingeven
thenanyideathatladyFengwashumbugginghim,heseized,afterthelapseofacoupleofdays,thefirstleisure
momentstocomeagaininsearchofthatlady.
LadyFengpretendedtobearhimagrudgeforhisbreachoffaith,andChiaJuiwassodistressedthathetriedby
vowsandoaths(toestablishhisinnocence.)LadyFengperceivingthathehad,ofhisownaccord,fallenintothe
meshesofthenetlaidforhim,couldnotbutdeviseanotherplottogivehimalessonandmakehimknowwhat
wasrightandmendhisways.
Withthispurpose,shegavehimanotherassignation."Don'tgooverthere,"shesaid,"tonight,butwaitforme
intheemptyroomsgivingontoasmallpassageatthebackoftheseapartmentsofmine.Butwhateveryoudo,
minddon'tbereckless."
"Areyouinrealearnest?"ChiaJuiinquired.
"Why,whowantstoplaywithyou?"repliedladyFeng"ifyoudon'tbelievewhatIsay,wellthendon'tcome!"
"I'llcome,I'llcome,yeaI'llcome,wereIeventodie!"protested
ChiaJui.
"Youshouldfirstatthisverymomentgetaway!"ladyFenghavingsuggested,ChiaJui,whofeltsanguinethat
wheneveningcame,successwouldforacertaintycrownhisvisit,tookatoncehisdepartureinanticipation(of
hispleasure.)
DuringthisintervalladyFenghastilysettoworktodisposeofherresources,andtoaddtoherstratagems,and
shelaidatrapforhervictimwhileChiaJui,ontheotherhand,wasuntiltheshadesofdarknessfell,apreyto
incessantexpectation.
Asluckwouldhaveitarelativeofhishappenedtolikewisecomeonthatverynighttotheirhouseandtoonly
leaveafterhehaddinnerwiththem,andatanhourofthedaywhenthelampshadalreadybeenlitbuthehad
stilltowaituntilhisgrandfatherhadretiredtorestbeforehecould,atlengthwithprecipitatestep,betake
himselfintotheJungmansion.
Straightwayhecameintotheroomsinthenarrowpassage,andwaitedwithasmuchtrepidationasifhehad
beenanantinahotpan.Hehoweverwaitedandwaited,buthesawnoonearrivehelistenedbutnoteventhe
soundofavoicereachedhisear.Hisheartwasfullofintensefear,andhecouldnotrestraingivingwayto
surmisesandsuspicion."Mayitnotbe,"hethought,"thatsheisnotcomingagainandthatImayhaveonce
moretofreezeforanotherwholenight?"
Whileindulgingintheseerraticreflections,hediscernedsomeonecoming,lookinglikeablackapparition,who
ChiaJuireadilyconcluded,inhismind,mustbeladyFengsothat,unmindfulofdistinguishingblackfrom
white,heassoonasthatpersonarrivedinfrontofhim,speedilyclaspedherinhisembrace,likearavenoustiger
pouncinguponitsprey,oracatclawingarat,andcried:"Mydarlingsister,youhavemademewaittillI'm
readytodie."

Asheutteredthesewords,hedraggedthecomer,inhisarms,ontothecouchintheroomandwhileindulging
inkissesandprotestationsofwarmlove,hebegantocryoutatrandomepithetsofendearment.
Notasound,however,camefromthelipsoftheotherpersonandChiaJuihadinthefulnessofhispassion,
exceededtheboundsoftimidloveandwasintheactofbecomingstillmoreaffectionateinhisprotestations,
whenasuddenflashofalightstruckhiseye,bytheraysofwhichheespiedChiaSewithacandleinhand,
castingthelightroundtheplace,"Who'sinthisroom?"heexclaimed.
"UncleJui,"heheardsomeoneonthecouchexplain,laughing,"wastryingtotakelibertieswithme!"
ChiaJuiatoneglancebecameawarethatitwasnootherthanChiaJungandasenseofshameatonceso
overpoweredhimthathecouldfindnowheretohidehimselfnordidheknowhowbesttoextricatehimself
fromthedilemma.Turninghimselfround,hemadeanattempttomakegoodhisescape,whenChiaSewithone
gripclutchedhiminhishold.
"Don'trunaway,"hesaid"sisterinlawLienhasalreadyreportedyourconducttomadameWangand
explainedthatyouhadtriedtomakehercarryonanimproperflirtationwithyouthatshehadtemporisedby
havingrecoursetoaschemetoescapeyourimportunities,andthatshehadimposeduponyouinsuchawayas
tomakeyouwaitforherinthisplace.Ourladywassoterriblyincensed,thatshewellnighsuccumbedand
henceitisthatshebademecomeandcatchyou!Bequicknowandfollowme,andletusgoandseeher."
AfterChiaJuihadheardthesewords,hisverysoulcouldnotbecontainedwithinhisbody.
"Mydearnephew,"heentreated,"dotellherthatitwasn'tIandI'llshowyoumygratitudetomorrowina
substantialmanner."
"Lettingyouoff,"rejoinedChiaSe,"isnodifficultthingbuthowmuch,Iwonder,areyoulikelytogive?
Besides,whatyounowutterwithyourlips,therewillbenoprooftoestablishsoyouhadbetterwritea
promissorynote."
"HowcouldIputwhathappenedinblackandwhiteonpaper?"observed
ChiaJui.
"There'snodifficultyaboutthateither!"repliedChiaSe"justwriteanaccountofadebtdue,forlossesin
gambling,tosomeoneoutsideforpaymentofwhichyouhadtoraisefunds,byaloanofastatednumberof
taels,fromtheheadofthehouseandthatwillbeallthatisrequired."
"Thisis,infact,easyenough!"ChiaJuihavingaddedbywayofanswerChiaSeturnedroundandleftthe
roomandreturningwithpaperandpencils,whichhadbeengotreadybeforehandforthepurpose,hebadeChia
Juiwrite.Thetwoofthem(ChiaJungandChiaSe)tried,theonetodoagoodturn,andtheothertobeperverse
inhisinsistencebut(ChiaJui)putdownnomorethanfiftytaels,andappendedhissignature.
ChiaSepocketedthenote,andendeavouredsubsequentlytoinduceChiaJungtocomeawaybutChiaJung
was,attheoutset,obdurateandunwillingtogivein,andkeptonrepeating"Tomorrow,I'lltellthemembersof
ourclantolookintoyourniceconduct!"
ThesewordsplungedChiaJuiinsuchastateofdismay,thatheevenwentsofarastoknockhisheadonthe
groundbut,asChiaSewastryingtogetunfairadvantageofhimthoughhehadatfirstdonehimagoodturn,he
hadtowriteanotherpromissorynoteforfiftytaels,beforethematterwasdropped.
Takingupagainthethreadoftheconversation,ChiaSeremarked,"NowwhenIletyougo,I'mquitereadyto
beartheblame!Butthegateatouroldlady'soverthereisalreadybolted,andMr.ChiaChengisjustnow
engagedintheHall,lookingatthethingswhichhavearrivedfromNanking,sothatitwouldcertainlybe
difficultforyoutopassthroughthatway.Theonlysafecourseatpresentisbythebackgatebutifyoudogoby
there,andperchancemeetanyone,evenIwillbeinforamesssoyoumightaswellwaituntilIgofirstand

haveapeep,whenI'llcomeandfetchyou!Youcouldn'tanyhowconcealyourselfinthisroomforinashort
timethey'llbecomingtostowthethingsaway,andyouhadbetterletmefindasafeplaceforyou."
Thesewordsended,hetookholdofChiaJui,and,extinguishingagainthelantern,hebroughthimoutintothe
court,feelinghiswayuptothebottomofthestepsofthelargeterrace."It'ssafeenoughinthisnest,"he
observed,"butjustsquatdownquietlyanddon'tutterasoundwaituntilIcomebackbeforeyouventureout."
Havingconcludedthisremark,thetwoofthem(ChiaSeandChiaJung)walkedawaywhileChiaJuiwas,all
thistime,outofhissenses,andfeltconstrainedtoremainsquattingatthebottomoftheterracestairs.Hewas
abouttoconsiderwhatcoursewasopenforhimtoadopt,whenheheardanoisejustoverhisheadand,witha
splash,thecontentsofabucket,consistingentirelyoffilthywater,wasemptiedstraightdownoverhimfrom
above,drenching,asluckwouldhaveit,hiswholepersonandhead.
ChiaJuicouldnotsuppressanexclamation."Aiya!"hecried,buthehastilystoppedhismouthwithhishands,
anddidnotventuretogiveventtoanothersound.Hiswholeheadandfacewereamassoffilth,andhisbody
felticycold.Butasheshiveredandshook,heespiedChiaSecomerunning."Getoff,"heshouted,"withall
speed!offwithyouatonce!"
AssoonasChiaJuireturnedtolifeagain,heboltedwithhastystrides,outofthebackgate,andranthewhole
wayhome.Thenighthadalreadyreachedthethirdwatch,sothathehadtoknockatthedoorforittobeopened.
"What'sthematter?"inquiredtheservants,whentheysawhiminthissorryplight(aninquiry)whichplaced
himinthenecessityofmakingsomefalseexcuse."Thenightwasdark,"heexplained,"andmyfootslippedand
Ifellintoagutter."
Sayingthis,hebetookhimselfspeedilytohisownapartmentanditwasonlyafterhehadchangedhisclothes
andperformedhisablutions,thathebegantorealisethatladyFenghadmadeafoolofhim.Heconsequently
gavewaytoafitofwrathbutuponrecallingtomindthecharmsofladyFeng'sface,hefeltagainextremely
aggrievedthathecouldnotthereandthenclaspherinhisembrace,andasheindulgedinthesewildthoughts
andfancifulideas,hecouldnotthewholenightlongclosehiseyes.
Fromthistimeforwardhismindwas,itistrue,stillwithladyFeng,buthedidnothavethecouragetoputhis
footintotheJungmansionandwithChiaJungandChiaSebothcomingtimeandagaintodunhimforthe
money,hewaslikewisefulloffearslesthisgrandfathershouldcometoknoweverything.
HispassionforladyFengwas,infact,alreadyaburdenhardtobear,andwhen,moreover,thetroublesofdebts
weresuperaddedtohistasks,whichwerealsoduringthewholedayarduous,he,ayoungmanofabouttwenty,
asyetunmarried,andapreytoconstantcravingsforladyFeng,whichweredifficulttogratify,couldnotavoid
givingway,toagreatextent,tosuchevilhabitsasexhaustedhisenergies.Hislothad,whatismore,beenon
twooccasionstobefrozen,angeredandtoenduremuchhardship,sothatwiththeattacksreceivedtimeand
againfromallsides,heunconsciouslysooncontractedanorganicdisease.Inhisheartinflammationsetinhis
mouthlostthesenseoftastehisfeetgotassoftascottonfromweaknesshiseyesstung,asiftherewere
vinegarinthem.Atnight,heburntwithfever.Duringtheday,hewasrepeatedlyundertheeffectsoflassitude.
Perspirationwasprofuse,whilewithhisexpectorationsofphlegm,hebroughtupblood.Thewholenumberof
theseseveralailmentscameuponhim,beforetheexpiryofayear,(withtheresultthat)incourseoftime,hehad
notthestrengthtobearhimselfup.Ofasudden,hewouldfalldown,andwithhiseyes,albeitclosed,hisspirit
wouldbestillplungedinconfuseddreams,whilehismouthwouldbefullofnonsenseandhewouldbesubject
tostrangestarts.
Everykindofdoctorwasaskedtocomein,andeverytreatmenthadrecoursetoand,thoughofsuchmedicines
ascinnamon,aconitumseeds,turtleshell,ophiopogon,Ychherb,andthelike,hetookseveraltensofcatties,
heneverthelessexperiencednochangeforthebettersothatbythetimethetwelfthmoondrewonceagaintoan
end,andspringreturned,thisillnesshadbecomestillmoreserious.

Taijuwasverymuchconcerned,andinviteddoctorsfromallpartstoattendtohim,butnoneofthemcoulddo
himanygood.Andaslateron,hehadtotakenothingelsebutdecoctionsofpureginseng,Taijucouldnotof
courseaffordit.HavingnootherhelpbuttocomeovertotheJungmansion,andmakerequisitionforsome,
MadameWangaskedladyFengtoweightwotaelsofitandgiveittohim."Theotherday,"rejoinedladyFeng,
"notlongago,whenweconcoctedsomemedicineforourdowagerlady,youtoldus,madame,tokeepthepieces
thatwerewhole,topresenttothespouseofGeneralYangtomakephysicwith,andasithappensitwasonly
yesterdaythatIsentsomeoneroundwiththem."
"Ifthere'snoneoverhereinourplace,"suggestedmadameWang,"justsendaservanttoyourmotherinlaw's,
ontheotherside,toinquirewhethertheyhaveany.OritmaypossiblybethatyourelderbrotherinlawChen,
overthere,mighthavealittle.Ifso,putallyougettogether,andgiveittothemandwhenheshallhavetakenit,
andgotwellandyoushallhavesavedthelifeofahumanbeing,itwillreallybetothebenefitofyouall."
LadyFengacquiescedbutwithoutdirectingasinglepersontoinstituteanysearch,shesimplytooksomerefuse
twigs,andmakingupafewmace,shedespatchedthemwiththemeagremessagethattheyhadbeensentby
madameWang,andthattherewas,infact,nomoresubsequentlyreportingtomadameWangthatshehadasked
forandobtainedalltherewasandthatshehadcollectedasmuchastwotaels,andforwardedittothem.
ChiaJuiwas,meanwhile,veryanxioustorecoverhishealth,sothattherewasnomedicinethathewouldnot
take,buttheoutlayofmoneywasofnoavail,forhederivednobenefit.
Onacertaindayandatanunexpectedmoment,alameTaoistpriestcametobegforalms,andheaverredthathe
hadthespecialgiftofhealingdiseasesarisingfromgrievancesreceived,andasChiaJuihappened,frominside,
tohearwhathesaid,heforthwithshoutedout:"Goatonce,andbidthatdivinecomeinandsavemylife!"while
hereverentiallyknockedhisheadonthepillow.
ThewholebevyofservantsfeltconstrainedtoushertheTaoistinandChiaJui,takingholdofhimwithadash,
"MyBuddha!"herepeatedlycriedout,"savemylife!"
TheTaoistheavedasigh."Thisailmentofyours,"heremarked,"isnotonethatcouldbehealedwithany
medicineIhaveapreciousthingherewhichI'llgiveyou,andifyougazeatiteveryday,yourlifecanbe
saved!"
Whenhehaddonetalking,heproducedfromhispouchalookingglasswhichcouldreflectaperson'sfaceon
thefrontandbackaswell.Ontheupperpartofthebackwereengravedthefourcharacters:"PreciousMirrorof
Voluptuousness."HandingitovertoChiaJui:"Thisobject,"heproceeded,"emanatesfromtheprimordial
confinesoftheGreatVoidandhasbeenwroughtbytheMonitoryDreamFairyinthePalaceofUnrealityand
Spirituality,withthesoleintentofhealingtheillnesseswhichoriginatefromevilthoughtsandimproper
designs.Possessing,asitdoes,thevirtueofrelievingmankindandpreservinglife,Ihaveconsequentlybrought
italongwithmeintotheworld,butIonlygiveittothoseintelligentpreminentandrefinedprincelymentoset
theireyeson.Onnoaccountmustyoulookatthefrontsideandyoushouldonlygazeatthebackofitthisis
urgent,thisisexpedient!Afterthreedays,Ishallcomeandfetchitawaybywhichtime,I'msure,itwillhave
madehimallright."
Thesewordsfinished,hewalkedawaywithleisurelystep,andthoughalltriedtodetainhim,theycouldnot
succeed.
ChiaJuireceivedthemirror."ThisTaoist,"hethought,"wouldseemtospeaksensibly,andwhyshouldInot
lookatitandtryitseffect?"Attheconclusionofthesethoughts,hetookuptheMirrorofVoluptuousness,and
casthiseyesontheobversesidebutuponperceivingnoughtelsethanaskeletonstandinginit,ChiaJui
sustainedsuchafrightthathelostnotimeincoveringitwithhishandsandinabusingtheTaoist."Yougood
fornothing!"heexclaimed,"whyshouldyoufrightenmeso?butI'llgofurtherandlookatthefrontandsee
whatit'slike."

Whilehereflectedinthismanner,hereadilylookedintothefaceofthemirror,whereinhecaughtsightoflady
Fengstanding,noddingherheadandbeckoningtohim.Withonegushofjoy,ChiaJuifelthimself,inavague
andmysteriousmanner,transportedintothemirror,whereheheldanaffectionatettettewithladyFeng.
LadyFengescortedhimoutagain.Onhisreturntobed,hegaveventtoanexclamationof"Aiyah!"and
openinghiseyes,heturnedtheglassoveroncemorebutstill,ashitherto,stoodtheskeletoninthebackpart.
ChiaJuihad,itistrue,experiencedallthepleasantsensationsofattette,buthisheartneverthelessdidnot
feelgratifiedsothatheagainturnedthefrontround,andgazedatladyFeng,asshestillwavedherhandand
beckonedtohimtogo.Oncemoreenteringthemirror,hewentoninthesamewayforthreeorfourtimes,until
thisoccasion,whenjustashewasabouttoissuefromthemirror,heespiedtwopersonscomeuptohim,who
madehimfastwithchainsroundtheneck,andhauledhimaway.ChiaJuishouted."Letmetakethemirrorand
I'llcomealong."Butonlythisremarkcouldheutter,foritwasforthwithbeyondhispowertosayoneword
more.Theservants,whostoodbyinattendance,sawhimatfirststillholdingtheglassinhishandandlooking
in,andthen,whenitfellfromhisgrasp,openhiseyesagaintopickitup,butwhenatlengththemirrordropped,
andheatonceceasedtomove,theyinabodycameforwardtoascertainwhathadhappenedtohim.Hehad
alreadybreathedhislast.Thelowerpartofhisbodywasicycoldhisclothesmoistfromprofuseperspiration.
Withallpromptitudetheychangedhimthereandthen,andcarriedhimtoanotherbed.
Taijuandhiswifeweptbitterlyforhim,totheutterdisregardoftheirownlives,whileinviolenttermsthey
abusedtheTaoistpriest."Whatkindofmagicalmirrorisit?"theyasked."Ifwedon'tdestroythisglass,itwill
doharmtonotafewmenintheworld!"
Havingforthwithgivendirectionstobringfireandburnit,avoicewasheardintheairtosay,"Whotoldyouto
lookintothefaceofit?Youyourselveshavemistakenwhatisfalseforwhatistrue,andwhyburnthisglassof
mine?"
SuddenlythemirrorwasseentoflyawayintotheairandwhenTaijuwentoutofdoorstosee,hefoundnoone
elsethanthelimpingTaoist,shouting,"WhoishewhowishestodestroytheMirrorofVoluptuousness?"While
utteringthesewords,hesnatchedtheglass,and,asalleyeswerefixeduponhim,hemovedawaylissomely,asif
swayedbythewind.
Taijuatoncemadepreparationsforthefuneralandwenteverywheretogivenoticethatonthethirddaythe
obsequieswouldcommence,thatonthesevenththeprocessionwouldstarttoescortthecoffintotheIronFence
Temple,andthatonthesubsequentday,itwouldbetakentohisoriginalhome.
NotmuchtimeelapsedbeforeallthemembersoftheChiafamilycame,inabody,toexpresstheircondolences.
ChiaShe,oftheJungMansion,presentedtwentytaels,andChiaChengalsogavetwentytaels.OftheNing
Mansion,ChiaChenlikewisecontributedtwentytaels.Theremainderofthemembersoftheclan,ofwhom
somewerepoorandsomerich,andnotequallywelloff,gaveeitheroneortwotaels,orthreeorfour,some
more,someless.Amongstrangers,therewerealsocontributions,respectivelypresentedbythefamiliesofhis
fellowscholars,amounting,likewise,collectivelytotwentyorthirtytaels.
TheprivatemeansofTaijuwere,itistrue,precarious,butwiththemonetaryassistanceheobtained,heanyhow
performedthefuneralriteswithallsplendourandclat.
Butwhowouldhavethoughtit,atthecloseofwinterofthisyear,LinJuhaicontractedaseriousillness,and
forwardedaletter,bysomeone,withtheexpresspurposeoffetchingLinTaiyback.Thesetidings,whenthey
reacheddowagerladyChia,naturallyaddedtothegriefanddistress(shealreadysuffered),butshefelt
compelledtomakespeedypreparationsforTaiy'sdeparture.Paoytoowasintenselycutup,buthehadno
alternativebuttodefertotheaffectionoffatheranddaughternorcouldheverywellplaceanyhindranceinthe
way.
OldladyChia,induecourse,madeuphermindthatshewouldlikeChiaLientoaccompanyher,andshealso
askedhimtobringherbackagainalongwithhim.Butnominuteparticularsneedbegivenofthemanifoldlocal
presentsandofthepreparations,whichwere,ofcourse,everythingthatcouldbewishedforinexcellenceand

perfectness.Forthwiththedayforstartingwasselected,andChiaLien,alongwithLinTaiy,saidgoodbyeto
allthemembersofthefamily,and,followedbytheirattendants,theywentonboardtheirboats,andsetouton
theirjourneyforYangChou.
But,Reader,shouldyouhaveanywishtoknowfullerdetails,listentotheaccountgiveninthesubsequent
Chapter.

CHAPTERXIII.
Ch'inK'och'ingdies,andChiaJungisinvestedwiththerankof
militaryofficertotheImperialBodyguard.
WangHsifenglendsherhelpinthemanagementoftheJungKuo
Mansion.
LadyFeng,itmustbeadded,inprosecutingournarrative,waseversinceChiaLien'sdeparturetoaccompany
TaiytoYangChou,reallyverydejectedatheartandeveryday,wheneveningcame,shewould,aftersimply
indulginginachatandalaughwithP'ingErh,turnin,inaheedlessframeofmind,forthenight.
Inthecourseofthenightofthisday,shehadbeensittingwithP'ingErhbylamplightclaspingthehandstove
andwearyofdoingherworkofembroidery,shehadatanearlyhour,givenorderstowarmtheembroidered
quilt,andbothhadgonetobedandasshewasbendingherfingers,countingtheprogressofthejourney,and
whentheyshouldbearriving,unexpectedly,thethirdwatchstruck.
P'ingErhhadalreadyfallenfastasleepandladyFengwasfeelingatlengthhersleepyeyesslightlydose,when
shefaintlydiscernedMrs.Ch'inwalkinfromoutside.
"Mydearsisterinlaw,"shesaidasshesmiled,"sleepinpeaceI'monmywaybacktoday,andwon'tevenyou
accompanymejustonestage?ButasyouandIhavebeengreatfriendsallalong,Icannotpartfromyou,sister
inlaw,andhavethereforecometotakemyleaveofyou.Thereis,besides,awishofmine,whichisn'tyet
accomplishedandifIdon'timpartittoyou,itisn'tlikelythattellinganyoneelsewillbeofanyuse."
LadyFengcouldnotmakeoutthesenseofthewordssheheard."Whatwishisityouhave?"sheinquired,"do
tellme,anditwillbesafeenoughwithme."
"Youare,mydearsisterinlaw,aheroineamongwomen,"observedMrs.Ch'in,"somuchsothatthosefamous
men,withsashesandofficialhats,cannotexcelyouhowisitthatyou'renotawareofevenacoupleoflinesof
commonadages,ofthattritesaying,'whenthemoonisfull,itbeginstowanewhenthewatersarehigh,they
mustoverflow?'andofthatotherwhichsaysthat'ifyouascendhigh,heavymustbeyourfall.'Ourfamilyhas
nowenjoyedsplendourandprosperityforalreadywellnighacentury,butadaycomeswhenattheheightof
goodfortune,calamityarisesandiftheproverbthat'whenthetreefalls,themonkeysscatter,'befulfilled,will
notfutilehavebeenthereputationofcultureandoldstandingofawholegeneration?"
LadyFengatthesewordsfeltherheartheavy,andoverpoweredbyintenseaweandveneration.
"Thefearsyouexpressarewellfounded,"sheurgentlyremarked,"butwhatplanisthereadequatetopreserveit
fromfutureinjury?"
"Mydearsisterinlaw,"rejoinedMrs.Ch'inwithasardonicsmile,"you'reverysimpleindeed!Whenwoehas
reacheditsclimax,wealsupervenes.Prosperityandadversity,fromdaysofyoreuptothepresenttime,now

passaway,andnowagainrevive,andhowcan(prosperity)beperpetuatedbyanyhumanexertion?Butifnow,
wecouldinthetimeofgoodfortune,makeprovisionagainstanyworldlyconcerns,whichmightariseatany
seasonoffutureadversity,wemightinfactprolongandpreserveit.Everything,forinstance,isatpresentwell
regulatedbuttherearetwomatterswhicharenotonasurefooting,andifsuchandsuchsuitableactioncould
beadoptedwithregardtotheseconcerns,itwill,insubsequentdays,befoundeasytoperpetuatethefamily
welfareinitsentity."
"Whatmattersarethese?"inquiredladyFeng.
"Thoughatthegravesofourancestors,"explainedMrs.Ch'in,"sacrificesandoblationsbeofferedatthefour
seasons,there'sneverthelessnofixedsourceofincome.Inthesecondplace,thefamilyschoolis,itistrue,in
existencebutithasnodefinitegrantsinaid.Accordingtomyviews,nowthatthetimesareprosperous,there's,
asamatterofcourse,nolackofofferingsandcontributionsbutbyandbye,whenreversessetin,whencewill
thesetwooutlaysbemetfrom?Woulditnotbeaswell,andmyideasarepositiveonthisscore,toavail
ourselvesofthepresenttime,whenrichesandhonoursstillreign,toestablishintheimmediatevicinityofour
ancestraltombs,alargenumberoffarms,cottages,andestates,inordertoenabletheexpenditureforofferings
andgrantstoentirelyemanatefromthissource?Andifthehouseholdschoolwerealsoestablishedonthis
principle,theoldandyounginthewholeclancan,aftertheyhave,bycommonconsent,determineduponrules,
exerciseindaystocomecontrol,intheorderofthebranches,overtheaffairsconnectedwiththelanded
property,revenue,ancestralworshipandschoolmaintenancefortheyear(oftheirrespectiveterm.)Underthis
rotatorysystem,therewilllikewisebenoanimositiesneitherwilltherebeanymortgages,orsales,oranyof
thesenumerousmalpracticesandshouldanyonehappentoincurblame,hispersonaleffectscanbeconfiscated
byGovernment.Buttheproperties,fromwhichwillbederivedthefundsforancestralworship,eventhe
officialsshouldnotbeabletoappropriate,sothatwhenreversesdosupervene,thesonsandgrandsonsofthe
familymaybeabletoreturntotheirhomes,andprosecutetheirstudies,orgoinforfarming.Thus,whilethey
willhavesomethingtofallbackupon,theancestralworshipwill,inlikemanner,becontinuedinperpetuity.
But,ifthepresentaffluenceandsplendourbelookeduponasboundtogoonwithoutintermission,andwithno
thoughtforthedaytocome,noenduringplanbeafteralldevised,presently,inalittlewhile,therewill,once
again,transpireafelicitousoccurrenceofexceptionalkind,which,inpointoffact,willresemblethesplendour
ofoilscorchedonaviolentfire,orfreshflowersdecoratedwithbrocades.Youshouldbearinmindthatitwill
alsobenothingmorerealthanatransientpageant,nothingbutashortlivedpleasure!Whateveryoudo,don't
forgettheproverb,that'there'snobanquet,howeversumptuous,fromwhichtheguestsdonotdisperse'and
unlessyoudo,atanearlydate,takeprecautionsagainstlaterevils,regretwill,Iapprehend,beofnoavail."
"Whatfelicitousoccurrencewilltakeplace?"ladyFenginquiredwithalacrity.
"ThedecreesofHeavencannotbedivulgedbutasIhavebeenveryfriendlywithyou,sisterinlaw,forsolong,
Iwillpresentyou,beforeItakemyleave,withtwolines,whichitbehovesyoutokeepinmind,"rejoinedMrs.
Ch'in,assheconsequentlyproceededtorecitewhatfollows:
Thethreesprings,whenover,allradiancewillwane
Theinmatestoseekeachahomewillbefain.
LadyFengwasbentuponmakingfurtherinquiries,whensheheardamessengeratthesecondgatestrikethe
"cloudyboard"fourconsecutiveblows.ItwasindeedtheannouncementofadeathanditwokeupladyFeng
withastart.AservantreportedthatladyJungoftheeasternmansionwasnomore.
LadyFengwassotakenabackthatacoldperspirationbrokeoutalloverherperson,andshefellforawhileinto
vacantabstraction.Butshehadtochangehercostume,withallpossiblehaste,andtocomeovertomadame
Wang'sapartments.
Bythistime,allthemembersofthefamilywereawareofthetidings,andtherewasnotoneofthemwhodidnot
feeldisconsolateoneandallofthemweremuchwoundedatheart.Theeldergenerationbethoughtthemselves
ofthedutifulsubmissionwhichshehadallalongdisplayedthoseofthesameageasherselfreflecteduponthe
friendshipandintimacywhichhadeverexistedwithherthoseyoungerthanherrememberedherpast

benevolence.Eventheservantsofthehousehold,whetheroldoryoung,lookedbackuponherqualitiesof
sympathywiththepoor,pityofthedestitute,affectionfortheold,andconsiderationfortheyoungandnotone
ofthemallwastherewhodidnotmournherloss,andgivewaytointensegrief.
ButtheseirrelevantdetailsneednotbedilateduponsufficeittoconfineourselvestoPaoy.
ConsequentuponLinTaiy'sreturnhome,hewaslefttohisownselfandfeltverylonely.Neitherwouldhego
anddisporthimselfwithothersbutwiththedailyreturnofdusk,hewaswonttoretirequietlytosleep.
Onthisday,whilehewasyetundertheinfluenceofadream,heheardtheannouncementofMrs.Ch'in'sdeath,
andturninghimselfroundquicklyhecreptoutofbed,whenhefeltasifhishearthadbeenstabbedwitha
sword.Withasuddenretch,hestraightwayexpectoratedamouthfulofblood,whichsofrightenedHsiJenand
therestthattheyrushedforwardandsupportedhim.
"Whatisthematter?"theyinquired,andtheymeantalsotogoandletdowagerladyChiaknow,soastosendfor
adoctor,butPaoydissuadedthem.
"There'snoneedofanyflurryit'snothingatall,"hesaid,"it'ssimplythatthefireofgriefhasattackedtheheart,
andthattheblooddidnotcirculatethroughthearteries."
Ashespoke,hespeedilyraisedhimselfup,and,afteraskingforhisclothesandchanging,hecameovertosee
dowagerladyChia.HiswishwastogoatoncetotheothersideandHsiJen,thoughfeelinguneasyatheart,
seeingthestateofmindhewasin,didnotagainhinderhim,asshefeltconstrainedtolethimpleasehimself.
WhenoldladyChiasawthathewasbentupongoing:"Thebreathisjustgoneoutofthebody,"she
consequentlyremonstrated,"andthatsideisstillsullied.Inthesecondplaceit'snowdark,andthewindishigh
soyouhadbetterwaituntiltomorrowmorning,whenyouwillbeinampletime."
Paoywouldnotagreetothis,anddowagerladyChiagaveorderstogetthecarriageready,andtodeputeafew
moreattendantsandfollowerstogowithhim.Underthisescorthewentforwardandstraightwayarrivedin
frontoftheNingmansion,wheretheysawthemainentrancewideopen,thelampsonthetwosidesgivingouta
lightasbrightasday,andpeoplecomingandgoinginconfusedandlargenumberswhilethesoundofweeping
insidewassufficienttoshakethemountainsandtomovethehills.
Paoydismountedfromthecarriageandwithhurriedstep,walkedintotheapartment,wherethecoffinwas
laid.Hegaveventtobittertearsforafewminutes,andsubsequentlypaidhissalutationstoMrs.Yu.Mrs.Yu,as
ithappened,hadjusthadarelapseofheroldcomplaintofpainsinthestomachandwaslyingonherbed.
HeeventuallycameoutagainfromherchambertosaluteChiaChen,justattheverymomentthatChiaTaiju,
ChiaTaihsiu,ChiaCh'ih,ChiaoHsiao,ChiaTun,ChiaShe,ChiaCheng,ChiaTsung,ChiaPin,ChiaHsing,
ChiaKuang,ChiaShen,ChiaCh'iung,ChiaLin,ChiaSe,ChiaCh'ang,ChiaLing,ChiaYn,ChiaCh'in,Chia
Chen,ChiaP'ing,ChiaTsao,ChiaHeng,ChiaFen,ChiaFang,ChiaLan,ChiaChun,ChiaChihandtheother
relativesofthefamilieshadlikewisearrivedinabody.
ChiaChenweptsobitterlythathewaslikeamanoftears."Ofthewholefamily,whetheryoungorold,distant
relativesorclosefriends,"hewasjustexplainingtoChiaTaijuandtherest,"whodidnotknowthatthisgirl
wasahundredtimesbetterthanevenourson?butnowthatherspirithasretired,it'sevidentthatthiselder
branchofthefamilywillbecutoffandthattherewillbenosurvivor."
Whilehegaveventtothesewords,heagainburstintotears,andthewholecompanyofrelativessettoworkat
oncetopacifyhim."Shehasalreadydepartedthislife,"theyargued,"andtearsarealsoofnoavail,besidesthe
pressingthingnowistoconsultastowhatkindofarrangementsaretobemade."
ChiaChenclappedhishands."Whatarrangementsaretobemade!"heexclaimed"nothingistobedone,but
whatiswithinmymeans."

Astheyconversed,theyperceivedCh'inYehandCh'inChung,aswellasseveralrelationsofMrs.Yu,arrive,
togetherwithMrs.Yu'ssistersandChiaChenforthwithbadeChiaCh'ung,ChiaShen,ChiaLinandChiaSe,
thefourofthem,togoandentertaintheguestswhilehe,atthesametime,issueddirectionstogoandaskthe
AstrologeroftheImperialObservatorytocomeandchoosethedaysfortheceremonies.
(ThisAstrologer)decidedthatthecoffinshouldremaininthehouseforseventimessevendays,thatisforty
ninedaysthatafterthethirdday,themourningritesshouldbebegunandtheformalcardsshouldbedistributed
thatallthatwastobedoneduringthesefortyninedayswastoinviteonehundredandeightBuddhistbonzesto
perform,inthemainHall,theHighConfessionMass,inordertofordthesoulsofdepartedrelativesacrossthe
abyssofsuffering,andafterwardstotransmutethespirit(ofMrs.Ch'in)that,inaddition,analtarshouldbe
erectedintheTowerofHeavenlyFragrance,whereninetimesninevirtuousTaoistpriestsshould,fornineteen
days,offerupprayersforabsolutionfrompunishment,andpurificationfromretribution.Thatafterthese
services,thetabletshouldbemovedintotheGardenofConcentratedFragrance,andthatinthepresenceofthe
tablet,fifteenadditionaleminentbonzesandfifteenrenownedTaoistPriestsshouldconfrontthealtarand
performmeritoriousdeedseverysevendays.
ThenewsofthedeathofthewifeofhiseldestgrandsonreachedChiaChingbutashehimselffeltsurethat,at
nodistantdate,hewouldascendtotheregionsabove,hewaslothtoreturnagaintohishome,andsoexpose
himselftothecontaminationoftheworld,astocompletelywastethemeritoriousexcellenceacquiredinpast
days.Forthisreason,hepaidnoheedtotheevent,butallowedChiaChenafreehandtoaccomplishthe
necessarypreparations.
ChiaChen,towhomweagainrevert,wasfondofdisplayandextravagance,sothathefound,oninspectionof
coffins,thosefewmadeofpinewoodunsuitabletohistastewhen,strangecoincidence,HsehP'ancameto
payhisvisitofcondolence,andperceivingthatChiaChenwasinquestofagoodcoffin:"Inourestablishment,"
hereadilysuggested,"wehavealotoftimberofsomekindorothercalledCh'iangwood,whichcomesfromthe
T'iehWangMount,inHuangHaiandwhichmadeintocoffinswillnotrot,notfortenthousandyears.Thislot
was,infact,broughtdown,someyearsback,bymylatefatherandhadatonetimebeenrequiredbyHis
HighnessIChung,aPrinceoftheroyalbloodbutashebecameguiltyofsomemismanagement,itwas,in
consequence,notused,andisstilllyingstoredupinourestablishmentandanotherthingbesidesisthatthere's
noonewiththemeanstopurchaseit.Butifyoudowantit,youshouldcomeandhavealookatit."
ChiaChen,uponhearingthis,wasextremelydelighted,andgaveordersthattheplanksshouldbethereandthen
broughtover.Whenthewholefamilycametoinspectthem,theyfoundthoseforthesidesandthebottomtobe
alleightinchesthick,thegrainlikebetelnut,thesmelllikesandalwoodormusk,while,whentappedwiththe
hand,thesoundemittedwaslikethatofpreciousstonessothatoneandallagreedinpraisingthetimberforits
remarkablequality.
"Whatistheirprice?"ChiaCheninquiredwithasmile.
"Evenwithonethousandtaelsinhand,"explainedHsehP'anlaughingly,
"Ifeelsureyouwouldn'tfindanyplace,whereyoucouldbuythelike.
Whyaskaboutprice?ifyoujustgivetheworkmenafewtaelsfortheir
labour,itwillbequitesufficient."
ChiaChen,atthesewords,lostnotimeingivingexpressiontoprofuseassurancesofgratitude,andwas
forthwithissuingdirectionsthatthetimbershouldbesplit,sawnandmadeup,whenChiaChengprofferedhis
advice."Sucharticlesshouldn't,"hesaid,"be,inmyidea,enjoyedbypersonsofthecommonrunitwouldbe
quiteampleifthebodywereplacedinacoffinmadeofpineofthebestquality."
ButChiaChenwouldnotlistentoanysuggestion.
SuddenlyhefurtherheardthatMrs.Ch'in'swaitingmaid,JuiChubyname,had,aftershehadbecomealiveto
thefactthathermistresshaddied,knockedherheadagainstapost,andlikewisesuccumbedtotheblows.This
unusualoccurrencethewholeclanextolledinhightermsandChiaChenpromptlydirectedthat,withregardto

ceremonies,sheshouldbetreatedasagranddaughter,andthatthebodyshould,afterithadbeenplacedinthe
coffin,bealsodepositedintheHallofAttainedImmortality,intheGardenofConcentratedFragrance.
Therewaslikewiseayoungwaitingmaid,calledPaoChu,who,asMrs.Ch'inleftnoissue,waswillingto
becomeanadoptedchild,andbeggedtobeallowedtoundertakethechargeofdashingthemourningbowl,and
accompanyingthecoffinwhichpleasedChiaChensomuchthathespeedilytransmittedordersthatfromthat
timeforthPaoChushouldbeaddressedbyallas'youngmiss.'
PaoChu,aftertheritesofanunmarrieddaughter,mournedbeforethecoffintosuchanunwonteddegree,asif
bentuponsnappingherownlifewhilethemembersoftheentireclan,aswellastheinmatesoftheMansions,
eachandall,readilyobserved,intheirconduct,theestablishedmourningusages,withoutofcourseany
transgressionorconfusion.
"ChiaJung,"ponderedChiaChen,"hasnohigherstatusthanthatofgraduatebypurchase,andwerethis
designationwrittenonthefuneralstreamer,itwillnotbeimposing,and,inpointoffact,theretinuewill
likewisebesmall."Hethereforewasexceedinglyunhappy,inhisownmind,when,asluckwouldhaveit,on
thisday,whichwasthefourthdayofthefirstseven,TaiCh'an,aeunuchofthePalaceofHighRenown,whose
officewasthatofPalaceOverseer,firstpreparedsacrificialpresents,whichhesentroundbymessengers,and
nextcamehimselfinanofficialchair,precededbycriersbeatingthegong,tooffersacrificialoblations.
ChiaChenpromptlyreceivedhim,andpressedhimintoaseatandwhentheyadjournedintotheHallofthe
LoiteringBees,teawaspresented.
ChiaChenhadalreadyarrivedatafixedpurpose,sothatheseizedanopportunitytotellhimofhiswishto
purchaseanofficeforChiaJung'sadvancement.
TaiCh'anunderstoodthepurportofhisremark."Itis,Ipresume,"headdedsmilingly,"thatthefuneralrites
shouldbealittlemoresumptuous."
"Myworthysir,"eagerlyrejoinedChiaChen,"yoursurmiseonthatscoreisperfectlycorrect."
"Thequestion,"explainedTaiCh'an,"comesupatanopportunemomentforthereisjustatpresentagood
vacancy.OfthethreehundredofficerswhoatpresentconstitutetheImperialBodyGuard,therearetwo
wanting.YesterdaymarquisHsiangYang'sthirdbrothercametoappealtomewithonethousandfivehundred
taelsofreadymoney,whichhebroughtovertomyhouse.Youknowthefriendshipofoldstandingwhichexists
betweenhimandme,sothat,placingotherconsiderationsaside,Iwithoutasecondthought,assentedforhis
father'ssake.Buttherestillremainsanothervacancy,which,whowouldhavethoughtit,fatgeneralFeng,of
YungHsing,askedtopurchaseforhissonbutIhavehadnotimetogivehimananswer.Besides,asourchild
wantstopurchaseit,youhadbetteratoncewriteastatementofhisantecedents."
ChiaChenlostnotimeinbiddingsomeonewritethestatementonredpaper,whichTaiCh'anfound,on
perusal,torecordthatChiaJungwasagraduate,bypurchase,oftheDistrictofChiangNing,oftheYingT'ien
Prefecture,inChiangNanthatChiaTaihua,hisgreatgrandfather,hadbeenCommanderinChiefofthe
MetropolitanCamp,andanhereditarygeneralofthefirstclass,withtheprefixofSpiritualMajestythathis
grandfatherChiaChingwasametropolitangraduateofthetriposinthePingCh'enyearandthathisfatherChia
Chenhadinheritedarankofnobilityofthethirddegree,andwasageneral,withtheprefixofMajestic
Intrepidity.
TaiCh'an,afterperusal,turnedhishandbehindhimandpassed(thestatement)toaconstantattendantofhis,to
putaway:"Goback,"heenjoinedhim,"andgiveittoHisExcellencyMr.Chao,attheheadoftheBoardof
Revenue,andtellhim,thatIpresenthimmycompliments,andwouldlikehimtodrawupawarrantfor
subalternoftheImperialBodyGuardofthefifthgrade,andtoalsoissueacommissionthatheshouldtakethe
particularsfromthisstatementandfillthemupandthattomorrowI'llcomeandhavethemoneyweighedand
sentover."

Theyoungattendantsignifiedhisobedience,andTaiCh'anthereupontookhisleave.ChiaChendidallhe
couldtodetainhim,butwithnosuccesssothathehadnoalternativebuttoescorthimasfarastheentranceof
theMansion.Ashewasabouttomountintohischair,ChiaCheninquired,"Asregardsthemoney,shallIgoand
payitintotheBoard,oramItosendittotheBoardofEunuchs?"
"IfyouweretogoandpayitattheBoard,"observedTaiCh'an"youaresuretosufferlosssothatitwouldbe
betterifyoujustweighedexactlyonethousandtaelsandsentthemovertomyplaceforthenanendwillbeput
toalltrouble."
ChiaChenwasincessantinhisexpressionofgratitude."Whentheperiodofmourninghasexpired,"he
consequentlyadded,"Ishallleadinperson,mydespicableeldestsontoyourmansion,topayourobeisance,and
expressourthanks."
Theythenpartedcompany,butcloseuponthis,wereheardagainthevoicesofrunners.Itwas,infact,the
spouseofShihTing,themarquisofChungChing,whowasjustarriving.ShihHsiangyun,mesdamesWang,
andHsing,ladyFengandtherestcameoutatonce,togreether,andleadherintotheMainBuildingwhenthey
furthersawthesacrificialpresentsofthethreefamilies,ofthemarquisofChinHsiang,themarquisofCh'uan
Ning,andtheearlofShouShan,likewisespreadoutinfrontofthetablet.
Inashortwhile,thesethreenoblemendescendedfromtheirchairs,andChiaChenreceivedthemintheLarge
Hall.Inlikemanneralltherelativesandfriendsarrivedinsuchquicksuccession,onecoming,anothergoing,
thatitisimpossibletorememberevensomuchastheirnumber.Onethingneedbesaidthatduringtheseforty
ninedaysthestreetonwhichtheNingKuomansionstood,wascoveredwithasheetofwhite,formedbythe
people,comingandgoingandthrongedwithclustersofflowers,astheofficialscameandwent.
AttheinstanceofChiaChen,ChiaJung,thenextdaydonnedhisgaladressandwentoverforhispapersandon
hisreturnthearticlesinuseinfrontofthecoffin,aswellasthosebelongingtothecortegeandothersuchthings,
wereallregulatedbytherulesprescribedforanofficialstatusofthefifthdegreewhile,onthetabletandnotice
aliketheinscriptionconsistedof:SpiritofladyCh'in,(bymarriage)oftheChiamansion,andbypatentaladyof
thefifthrank(ofthetitlesofhonour).
ThemainentranceoftheGardenofConcentratedFragrance,adjoiningthestreet,wasopenedwideandonboth
sideswereraisedshedsforthemusicians,andtwocompaniesofplayers,dressedinblue,discoursedmusicat
thepropertimeswhileonepairafteranotheroftheparaphernaliawasdrawnoutsostraightasifcutbyaknife
orslitbyanaxe.Therewerealsotwolargecarmineboards,carvedwithgiltinscriptions,erectedoutsidethe
gatethedesignationsinboldcharactersontheuppersidesbeing:GuardoftheImperialAntechamber,charged
withtheprotectionoftheInnerPalaceandRoads,intheRedProhibitedCity.
Ontheoppositeside,facingeachother,rose,highabovetheground,twoaltarsfortheservicesoftheBuddhist
andTaoistpriests,whileaplacardboretheinscriptioninboldtype:FuneralObsequiesofladyCh'in,(by
marriage)oftheChiamansion,bypatentaladyofthefifthrank,consortoftheeldestgrandsonofthehereditary
dukeofNingKuo,andguardoftheImperialAntechamber,chargedwiththeprotectionoftheInnerPalaceand
RoadsintheRedProhibitedCity.We,WanHs,byHeaven'scommandschargedwiththeperennialpreservation
ofperfectpeaceintheKingdomoftheFourContinents,aswellasofthelandscontainedtherein,Head
ControlleroftheSchoolofVoidandAsceticism,andSuperiorinChief(oftheBuddhisthierarchy)andYeh
Sheng,PrincipalController,sincethecreation,oftheDisciplesofPerfectExcellenceandSuperiorinChief(of
theTaoistpriesthood),andothers,havinginareverentspiritpurifiedourselvesbyabstinence,nowraiseour
eyesuptoHeaven,prostrateourselveshumblybeforeBuddha,anddevoutlyprayalltheChiaLans,ChiehTis,
KungTs'aosandotherdivinitiestoextendtheirsacredbounties,andfromafartodisplaytheirspiritualmajesty,
duringthefortyninedays(ofthefuneralrites),forthedeliverancefromjudgmentandtheabsolutionfrom
retribution(ofthespiritofladyCh'in),sothatitmayenjoyapeacefulandsafepassage,whetherbyseaorby
landandothersuchprayerstothiseffect,whichareinfactnotworththetroubleofputtingonrecord.
ChiaChenhad,itistrue,allhiswishesgratifiedbut,ashiswifewaslaidupintheinnerchambers,witha
relapseofheroldcomplaint,andwasnotinafitstatetoundertakethedirectionoftheceremonies,hewasvery

muchdistressedlest,whenthehighofficials(andtheirwives)cameandwent,thereshouldoccuranybreachof
theprescribedconventionalities,whichhewasafraidwouldevokeridicule.Henceitwasthathefeltinlow
spiritsbutwhilehewasplungedinsolicitudePaoy,whohappenedtobecloseby,readilyinquired,
"Everythingmaybesafelylookeduponasbeingsatisfactorilysettled,andwhyneedyou,elderbrother,stillbe
sofullofconcern?"
ChiaChenforthwithexplainedtohimhowitwasthatintheladies'apartmentstherewasnoone(todothe
honours),butPaoyatthesewordssmiled:"Whatdifficultyisthereaboutit?"heremarked"I'llrecommend
someonetotaketemporarychargeofthedirectionofthingsforyouduringthemonth,andIcanguaranteethat
everythingwillbeproperlycarriedout."
"Whoisit?"ChiaChenwasquicktoaskbutasPaoyperceivedthattherewerestilltoomanyrelativesand
friendsseatedaround,hedidnotfeelasifhecouldverywellspeakoutsothathewentuptoChiaChenand
whisperedacoupleofremarksinhisear.
ChiaChen'sjoyknewnoboundswhenheheardthissuggestion."Everythingwillindeedbeproperlycarried
out,"headdedlaughingly"butImustnowbegoingatonce."
Withthesewords,hedrewPaoyalong,andtakingleaveofthewholenumberofvisitors,theyforthwithcame
intothedrawingrooms.
Thisdaywasluckilynotagrandoccasion,sothatfewrelativesandfriendshadcome.Intheinnerapartments
therewereonlyasmallnumberofladiesofclosekinship.MesdamesHsingandWang,andladyFeng,andthe
womenofthewholehousehold,wereentertainingtheguests,whentheyheardaservantannouncethatMr.Chia
Chenhadcome.(Thisannouncement)tookthewholebodyofladiesandyoungladiessomuchbysurprise,that,
witharushingsound,theytriedtohideinthebackroomsbuttheywerenotquickenough(toeffecttheir
escape).
LadyFengalonecomposedlystoodup.ChiaChenwashimselfatthistimeratherunwell,andbeingalsovery
muchcutup,heenteredtheroomshufflingalong,proppinghimselfupwithastaff.
"Youarenotwell?"thereforeremarkedmadameHsingandtheothers,"andyou'vehadbesidessomuchto
attendtoduringtheseconsecutivedays,thatwhatyourequireisresttogetallrightandwhydoyouagaincome
over?"
ChiaChenwas,asheleantonhisstaff,strainingeverynervetobendhisbodysoastofallonhiskneesandpay
hisrespectstothem,andexpresshissenseofobligationforthetroubletheyhadtaken,whenmadameHsingand
theotherladieshastilycalledPaoytoraisehimup,biddingaservantmoveachairforhimtositon.Chia
Chenwouldnottakeaseatbutmakinganefforttoreturnasmile,"Yournephew,"heurged,"hascomeover,as
there'safavourthatIwanttoaskofmytwoauntsaswellasofmyeldestcousin."
"Whatisit?"promptlyinquiredmadameHsingandtherest.
"Myaunts,"ChiaChenrepliedwithallhaste,"yousurelyareawarethatyourgrandson'swifeisnownomore
yournephew'swifeisalsolaidupunwell,and,asIseethatthingsintheinnerapartmentsarereallynotwhat
theyshouldproperlybe,Iwouldtroublemyworthyeldestcousintoundertakeinherethedirectionofaffairsfor
amonthandifshedoes,mymindwillbesetatease."
MadameHsingsmiled."Isitreallyaboutthisthatyou'vecome?"sheasked"youreldestcousinisatpresent
stayingwithyourauntSecunda,andallyouhavetodoistospeaktoheranditwillbeallright."
"Howevercouldamerechildlikeher,"speedilyremonstratedmadameWang,"carryoutallthesematters?and
shouldn'tshemanagethingsproperly,shewill,onthecontrary,makepeoplelaugh,soitwouldthereforebe
betterthatyoushouldtroublesomeoneelse."

"Whatyourideasare,aunt,"rejoinedChiaChensmiling,"yournephewhasguessedyou'reafraidlestmyeldest
cousinshouldhavetobearfatigueandannoyanceforastowhatyousay,thatshecannotmanagethings,why
myeldestcousinhas,fromheryouthup,everbeeninherrompingandplayingsofirmanddecidedandnow
thatshehasenteredthemarriedestate,andhastherunofaffairsinthatmansion,shemusthavereapedsomuch
themoreexperience,andhavebecomequiteanoldhand!I'vebeenthinkingtheselastfewdaysthatoutsidemy
eldestcousin,there'snooneelsewhocouldcometomyhelpand,aunt,ifyoudon'tdoitforthefaceofyour
nephewandyournephew'swife,doit,atleast,fortheaffectionyouboretoherwhoisnomore."
Whileheutteredthesewordstearstrickleddownhisface.ThefearsthatmadameWanginwardlyentertained
werethatladyFenghadnoexperienceinfuneralmatters,andsheapprehended,thatifshewasnotequalto
managingthem,shewouldincurtheridiculeofothersbutwhenshenowheardChiaChenmaketheappealin
suchadisconsolatemood,sherelentedconsiderablyinherresolution.Butassheturnedhereyestowardslady
Feng(toascertainherwishes),shesawthatshewasplungedinabstraction.
LadyFenghadallalongfoundthegreatestzestintakingtheinitiativeineverything,withtheideaofmakinga
displayofherabilities,sothatwhensheperceivedhowearnestChiaChenwasinhisentreaties,shehad,atan
earlyperiod,madeuphermindtogiveafavourablereply.SeeingbesidesmadameWangshowsignsof
relenting,shereadilyturnedroundandsaidtoher,"Myeldercousinhasmadehisappealinsuchasolicitous
waythatyourladyshipshouldgiveyourconsentandhavedonewithit."
"Doyouthinkyouareequaltothetask?"inquiredmadameWanginawhisper.
"What'stherethatIcouldn'tbeequalto?"repliedladyFeng"forurgentmattersoutside,mycousinmaybesaid
tohavealreadymadefullprovisionandallthereistobedoneistokeepaneyeoverthingsinside.Butshould
thereoccuranythingthatIdon'tknow,Icanaskyou,madame,anditwillberight."
MadameWangperceivingthereasonablenessofwhatsheheardhersay,utterednotaword,andwhenChia
ChensawthatladyFenghadassented"HowmuchyoudoattendtoIdon'tmind,"heobserved,forcinganother
smile,"butImust,inanycase,entreatyou,cousin,toassumetheonerouscharge.AsafirststepI'llpaymy
obeisancetoyouinhere,andwheneverythinghasbeenfinished,Ishallthencomeoverintothatmansionto
expressmythanks."
Withthesewordsstillonhislips,hemadealowbow,butladyFenghadscarcelyhadtimetoreturnthe
compliment,beforeChiaChenhaddirectedaservanttofetchthewarrantoftheNingmansion,whichhebade
PaoyhandovertoladyFeng.
"Cousin,"headded,"takewhateverstepsyouthinkbestandifyouwantanything,allyouhavetodoisto
simplysendforitwiththis,andtherewillevenbenousetoconsultme.TheonlythingImustaskyouis,notto
betoocarefulinordertosavemeexpense,forthemainconsiderationisthatthingsshouldbehandsomelydone.
Inthesecondplace,itwillbewellifyouwerealsototreatservantshereinthesamewayasintheother
mansion,andnotbetooscrupulousinthefearthatanyonemighttakeoffence.Outsidethesetwoconcerns,
there'snothingelsetodisturbmymind."
LadyFengdidnotventuretotakeoverthewarrantatonce,butmerelyturnedroundtoascertainwhatwere
madameWang'swishes.
"InviewofthereasonbrotherChenadvances,"madameWangrejoined,"youhadbetterassumethechargeat
onceandfinishwithitdon't,however,actonyourownideasbutwhenthere'saughttobedone,becarefuland
sendsomeonetoconsultyourcousin'swife,eversolittlethoughitbeonthesubject."
PaoyhadalreadytakenoverthewarrantfromChiaChen'sgrasp,andforciblyhandedittoladyFeng,"Will
you,cousin,"hewentontoquestion,"takeupyourquartershereorwillyoucomeeveryday?shouldyoucross
over,dayafterday,itwillbeeversomuchmorefatiguingforyou,sothatIshallspeedilyhaveaseparatecourt
gotreadyforyouinhere,whereyou,cousin,canputupfortheseseveraldaysandbemorecomfortable."

"There'snoneed,"repliedladyFengsmiling"foronthatsidetheycan'tdowithoutmeanditwillbebetterifI
weretocomedaily."
"Doasyoulike,"ChiaChenobservedandaftersubsequentlypassingafewmoreirrelevantremarks,heat
lengthlefttheroom.
Afteratime,theladyrelativesdispersed,andmadameWangseizedtheopportunitytoinquireofladyFeng,
"Whatdoyoupurposedoingtoday?"
"Youhadbetter,pleasemadame,goback,"urgedladyFeng,"forImustfirstofallfindoutsomecluebeforeI
cangohome."
MadameWang,uponhearingthesewords,returnedtoherquarters,inadvance,incompanywithmadame
Hsing,wherewewillleavethem.
LadyFengmeanwhilecameintoacolonnade,whichenclosedasuiteofthreeapartments,andtakingaseat,she
gavewaytoreflection."Thefirstconsideration,"shecommunedwithinherself,"isthatthehouseholdismade
upofmixedelements,andthingsmightbelostthesecondisthatthepreparationsareundernoparticular
control,withtheresultthat,whenthetimecomes,theservantsmightshirktheirdutiesthethirdisthatthe
necessaryexpenditurebeinggreat,therewillberecklessdisbursementsandcounterfeitreceiptsthefourth,that
withtheabsenceofanydistinctioninthematterofduties,whetherlargeorsmall,hardshipandeasewillbe
unequallysharedandthefifth,thattheservantsbeingarrogant,throughleniency,thosewithanyselfrespect
willnotbrookcontrol,whilethosedevoidof'face'willnotbeabletoimprovetheirways."
Thesefivewere,inpointoffact,usagesinvogueintheNingmansion.Butasyouareunable,reader,to
ascertainherehowladyFengsetthingsright,listentotheexplanationsgiveninthefollowingchapter.

CHAPTERXIV.
LinJuhaidiesintheCityofYangChou.
ChiaPaoymeetsthePrinceofPeiChingontheway.
WhenLaiSheng,beitnoticedincontinuingourstory,themajordomointheNingKuomansion,cametohear
thatfrominsideaninvitationhadbeenextendedtoladyFengtoactasdeputy,hesummonedtogetherhisco
workersandotherservants."LadySecunda,ofthewesternmansion,"heharanguedthem,"hasnowbeenasked
totakeoverthecontrolofinternalaffairsandshouldshecomewemust,whenweapplyforanything,orhave
anythingtosay,becircumspectinourserviceweshouldalleverydaycomeearlyandleavelateandit'sbetter
thatweshouldexertourselvesduringthisonemonthandtakerestafterit'sover.Wemustn'tthrowawayourold
'face,'forshe'swellknowntobeanimpetuousthing,withasouredfaceandahardheart,who,whenangry,
knowsnodistinctionofpersons."
Thewholecompanyunanimouslyadmittedthathewasrightandoneoftheirnumbertooobservedsmilingly,
"It'sbutrightthatfortheinnerapartments,weshould,infact,gethertocomeandputthingsinproperorder,as
everythingisverymuchwhatitshouldnotbe."
Butwhileheutteredthesewords,theysawLaiWang'swifecoming,withanindentinhand,tofetchpaperfor
thesupplicationsandprayers,theamountofwhichwasmentionedontheorderandtheyoneandallhastenedto
pressherintoaseat,andtohelphertoacupofteawhileaservantwastoldtofetchthequantityofpaper
required.(Whenitwasbrought,)LaiWangcarrieditinhisarmsandcame,thewholewaywithhiswife,asfar

astheceremonialgatewhenhe,atlength,delivereditovertoherandsheclaspedit,andwalkedintotheroom
allalone.
LadyFengissuedpromptdirectionstoTs'aiMingtopreparearegisterandsending,thereandthen,forLai
Sheng'swife,sheaskedhertosubmit,forherperusal,therollwiththeservants'names.Shefurthermorefixed
uponanearlyhourofthefollowingdaytoconvenethedomesticsandtheirwivesinthemansion,inorderthat
theyshouldreceivetheirordersbut,aftercursorilyglancingoverthenumberofentriesinthelist,andmakinga
fewinquiriesofLaiSheng'swife,shesoongotintohercurricle,andwenthome.
Onthenextday,atsixandtwoquarters,shespeedilycameover.ThematronsandmarriedwomenoftheNing
Kuomansionassembledtogether,assoonastheyheardofherarrivalbut,perceivingladyFeng,assistedbyLai
Sheng'swife,engagedinapportioningthedutiesofeachservant,theycouldnotpresumetointrude,but
remainedoutsidethewindowlisteningtowhatwasgoingon.
"AsI'vebeenaskedtotakeoverthecharge,"theyheardladyFengexplaintoLaiSheng'swife,"I'm,needlessto
say,suretoincurthedispleasureofyouall,forIcan'tcomparewithyourmistress,whohassuchasweettemper,
andallowsyoutohaveyourownway.Butsayingnothingmoreofthoseways,whichprevailedhithertoamong
yourpeopleinthismansion,youmustnowdoasItellyouforontheslightestdisregardofmyorders,Ishall,
withnodiscriminationbetweenthosewhomayberespectableandthosewhomaynotbe,clearlyanddistinctly
callallaliketoaccount."
Havingconcludedtheseremarks,shewentontoorderTs'aiMingtoreadtherolland,astheirnameswere
uttered,onebyonewascalledin,andpassedunderinspection.Afterthisinspection,whichwasgotoverina
shorttime,shecontinuedgivingfurtherdirections."Thesetwenty,"shesaid"shouldbedividedintotwo
companiestenineachcompany,whosesoledailydutiesshouldbetoattendinsidetotheguests,comingand
going,andtoserveteaforthemwhilewithanyothermatters,theyneedn'thaveanythingtodo.Theseother
twentyshouldalsobedividedintotwocompanies,whoseexclusivedutieswillbe,dayafterday,tolookafter
theteaandeatablesoftherelativesofourfamilyandthesetoowillhavenobusinesstoconcernthemselves
withoutsidematters.Thesefortywillagainbedividedintotwocompanies,whowillhavenothingelsetolook
tothantoremaininfrontofthecoffinandofferincense,renewtheoil,hangupthestreamers,watchthecoffin,
offersacrificesofrice,andoblationsoftea,andmournwiththemournersandneitherneedtheymindanything
outsidetheseduties.Thesefourservantswillbespeciallyattachedtotheinnertearoomstolookaftercups,
saucersandtheteaarticlesgenerallyandintheeventofthelossofanysinglething,thefourofthemwillhave
tomakeitgoodbetweenthem.Theseotherfourservantswillhavethesolechargeofthearticlesrequiredfor
eatablesandwineandshouldanygetmislaidcompensationwillhavelikewisetobemadebythem.Theseeight
servantswillonlyhavetoattendtotakingoverthesacrificialofferingswhiletheseeightwillhavenothingmore
toseetobeyondkeepinganeyeoverthelamps,oil,candlesandpaperwantedeverywhere.I'llhaveawhole
supplyservedoutandhandedtoyoueighttobyandbyapportiontothevariousplaces,inquantitieswhichIwill
determine.Thesethirtyservantsareeachday,byrotation,tokeepwatcheverywhereduringthenight,looking
afterthegatesandwindows,takingcareofthefiresandcandles,andsweepingthegroundswhiletheservants,
whoremain,aretobedividedfordutyinthehousesandrooms,eachonehavingchargeofaparticularspot.
Andbeginningfromthetables,chairsandcuriosineachplace,uptotheverycuspidorsandbrooms,yeaevento
eachbladeofgrassorsproutofherb,whichmaybethere,theservantslookingafterthispartwillbecalledupon
tomakegoodanythingthatmaybeeithermislaidordamaged.You,LaiSheng'swife,willeverydayhaveto
exercisegeneralsupervisionandinspectionandshouldtherebethosewhobelazy,anywhomaygamble,drink,
fightorwrangle,comeatonceandreportthemattertomeandyoumustn'tshowanyleniency,forifIcometo
finditout,Ishallhavenoregardtothegoodoldnameofthreeorfourgenerations,whichyoumayenjoy.You
nowallhaveyourfixedduties,sothatwhateverbatchofyouafterthisactscontrarytotheseorders,Ishall
simplyhavesomethingtosaytothatbatchandtonooneelse.Theservants,whohaveallalongbeeninmy
service,carrywatchesontheirpersons,andthings,whetherlargeorsmall,areinvariablydoneatafixedtime.
But,inanycase,youalsohaveclocksinyourmaster'srooms,sothatat6.30,Ishallcomeandreadtheroll,and
attenyou'llhavebreakfast.Wheneverthereisanyindentofanypermitstobemadeoranyreporttobe
submitted,itshouldbedoneat11.30a.m.andnolater.At7p.m.,aftertheeveningpaperhasbeenburnt,Ishall
cometoeachplaceinpersontoholdaninspectionandonmyreturn,theservantsonwatchforthenightwill

handoverthekeys.Thenextday,Ishallagaincomeoverat6.30inthemorningandneedlesstosaywemust
alldothebestwecanforthesefewdaysandwhentheworkhasbeenfinishedyourmasterissureto
recompenseyou."
Whenshehaddonespeaking,shewentontogiveordersthattea,oil,candles,featherdusters,broomsandother
necessariesshouldbeissued,accordingtothefixedquantities.Shealsohadfurniture,suchastablecovers,
antimacassars,cushions,rugs,cuspidors,stoolsandthelikebroughtoveranddistributedwhile,atthesame
time,shetookupthepencilandmadeanoteofthenamesofthepersonsinchargeofthevariousdepartments,
andofthearticlestakenoverbytherespectiveservants,inentriesremarkablefortheutmostperspicacity.
Thewholebodyofservantsreceivedtheirchargeandleftbuttheyallhadworktogoandattendtonotasin
formertimes,whentheywereatlibertytoselectforthemselveswhatwasconvenienttodo,whilethearduous
work,whichremainedover,noonecouldbefoundtotakeinhand.Neitherwasitpossiblefortheminthe
variousestablishmentstoanylongeravailthemselvesoftheconfusiontocarelesslymislaythings.Infact,
visitorscameandguestsleft,buteverythingafterallwentoffquietly,unlikethedisorderlywaywhichprevailed
hitherto,whentherewasnocluetotheravelandallsuchabusesasindolence,andlosses,andthelikewere
completelyeradicated.
LadyFeng,onherpart,(perceiving)theweightherinfluencehadinenjoiningtheobservanceofherdirections,
wasinherheartexceedinglydelighted.Butasshesaw,thatChiaChenwas,inconsequenceofMrs.Yu's
indisposition,evensomuchthemoregrievedastotakeverylittletodrinkortoeat,shedaily,withherown
hands,prepared,intheothermansion,everykindoffinecongeeandluscioussmalldishes,whichshesentover,
inorderthathemightbetemptedtoeat.
AndChiaLienhadlikewisegivenadditionaldirectionsthateverydaythefinestdelicaciesshouldbetakeninto
theantechamber,fortheexclusiveuseofladyFeng.
LadyFengwasnotonetoshirkexertionandfatigue,sothat,dayafterday,shecameoveratthepropertime,
calledtheroll,andmanagedbusiness,sittingallaloneintheantechamber,andnotcongregatingwiththewhole
bevyofsistersinlaw.Indeed,evenwhenrelativesorvisitorscameorwent,shedidnotgotoreceivethem,or
seethemoff.
Thisdaywasthethirtyfifthday,theverydayofthefifthseven,andthewholecompanyofbonzeshadjust
(commencedtheservices)forunclosingtheearth,andbreakingHellopenforsendingalighttoshowtheway
tothedepartedspiritforitsbeingadmittedtoanaudiencebythekingofHellforarrestingallthemalicious
devils,aswellasforsolicitingthesoulsavingBuddhatoopenthegoldenbridgeandtoleadthewaywith
streamers.TheTaoistpriestswereengagedinreverentlyreadingtheprayersinworshippingtheThreePure
OnesandinprostratingthemselvesbeforetheGemmyLord.Thedisciplesofabstractionwereburningincense,
inordertoreleasethehungeredspirits,andwerereadingthewaterregretsmanual.Therewasalsoacompanyof
twelvenunsoftenderyears,gotupinembroidereddresses,andwearingredshoes,whostoodbeforethecoffin,
silentlyreadingalltheincantationsforthereceptionofthespirit(fromthelowerregions,)withtheresultthat
theutmostbustleandstirprevailed.
LadyFeng,wellawarethatnotafewguestswouldcallonthisday,wasquicktogetoutofbedatfoursharp,to
dressherhairandperformherablutions.Afterhavingcompletedeveryarrangementfortheday,shechangedher
costume,washedherhands,andswallowedacoupleofmouthfulsofmilk.Bythetimeshehadrinsedher
mouth,itwasexactly6.30andLaiWang'swife,attheheadofacompanyofservants,hadbeenwaitingagood
longwhile,whenladyFengappearedinfrontoftheEntranceHall,mountedhercarriageandbetookherself,
precededbyapairoftransparenthornlanterns,onwhichwerewritten,inlargetype,thethreecharacters,Jung
Kuomansion,tothemainentrancegateoftheNingHousehold.Thedoorlanternsshedbrilliantraysfromwhere
theyweresuspendedwhileoneithersidethelanterns,ofuniformcolours,proppedupright,emittedalustrous
lightasbrightasday.
Theservantsofthefamily,gotupintheirmourningclothes,coveredthegroundfarandwidelikeawhitesheet.
Theystooddrawnintworows,andrequestedthatthecarriageshoulddriveuptothemainentrance.Theyouths

retired,andallthemarriedwomencameforward,andraisingthecurtainofthecarriage,ladyFengalightedand
aswithonearmshesupportedherselfonFengErh,twomarriedwomen,withlanternsintheirhands,lightedthe
way.Pressedroundbytheservants,ladyFengmadeherentry.ThemarriedwomenoftheNingmansion
advancedtogreether,andtopaytheirrespectsandthisover,ladyFeng,withgracefulbearing,enteredthe
GardenofConcentratedFragrance.AscendingtheSpiritHall,wherethetabletwaslaid,thetears,assoonasshe
caughtsightofthecoffin,trickleddownhereyeslikepearlswhosestringhadsnappedwhiletheyouthsinthe
court,andtheirnumberwasnotsmall,stoodinareverentposture,withtheirarmsagainsttheirsides,waitingto
burnthepaper.LadyFengutteredoneremark,bywayofcommand:"Offertheteaandburnthepaper!"when
thesoundoftwoblowsonthegongwasheardandthewholebandstruckuptogether.Aservanthadatanearly
periodplacedalargearmchairinfrontofthetablet,andladyFengsatdown,andgavewaytoloudlamentations.
Promptlyallthose,whostoodinsideoroutside,whetherhighorlow,maleorfemale,tookupthenote,andkept
onwailingandweepinguntilChiaChenandMrs.Yu,afteratime,sentamessagetoadvisehertowithholdher
tearswhenatlengthladyFengdesisted.
LaiWang'swifeservedtheteaandwhenshehadfinishedrinsinghermouth,ladyFenggotupand,taking
leaveofallthemembersoftheclan,shewalkedallaloneintotheantechamber,wheresheascertained,inthe
orderoftheirnames,thenumberoftheservantsofeverydenominationinthere.Theywereallfoundtobe
present,withtheexceptionofone,whohadfailedtoappear,whosedutiesconsistedinreceivingandescorting
therelativesandvisitors.Orderswerepromptlygiventosummonhim,andthemanappearedinadreadful
fright."What!"exclaimedladyFeng,assheforcedasmile,"isityouwhohavebeenremiss?Isitbecauseyou're
morerespectablethantheythatyoudon'tchoosetolistentomywords?"
"Yourservant,"hepleaded,"hascomeatanearlyhoureverydayandit'sonlytodaythatIcomelatebyone
stepandIentreatyourladyshiptoforgivethismyfirstoffence."
Whileyethespoke,sheperceivedthewifeofWangHsing,oftheJung
Kuomansion,comeforwardandpopherheadintoseewhatwasgoingon
butladyFengdidnotletthismango,butwentontoinquireofWang
Hsing'swifewhatshehadcomefor.
WangHsing'swifedrewnear."I'vecome,"sheexplained,"togetanorder,soastoobtainsomethreadtomake
tasselsforthecarriagesandchairs."Sayingthis,sheproducedthepermitandhandeditup,whereuponlady
FengdirectedTs'aiMingtoreadthecontentsaloud."Fortwolarge,sedanchairs,"hesaid,"foursmallsedan
chairsandfourcarriages,areneededinallsomanylargeandsmalltassels,eachtasselrequiringsomanycatties
ofbeadsandthread."
LadyFengfinding,aftershehadheardwhatwasread,thatthenumbers(andquantities)corresponded,forthwith
badeTs'aiMingmaketheproperentryandwhentheorderfromtheJungKuomansionhadbeenfetched,and
thrownather,WangHsing'swifetookherdeparture.
LadyFengwasontheverypointofsayingsomething,whensheespiedfourmanagersoftheJungKuomansion
walkinallofwhomwantedpermitstoindentforstores.Havingaskedthemtoreadoutthelistofwhatthey
required,sheascertainedthattheywantedfourkindsofarticlesinall.Drawingattentiontotwoitems:"These
entries,"sheremarked,"arewrongandyouhadbettergoagainandmakeouttheaccountclearly,andthencome
andfetchapermit."
Withthesewords,sheflungdowntherequisitions,andthetwomenwenttheirwayinlowerspiritsthanwhen
theyhadcome.
LadyFengthencaughtsightofthewifeofChangTs'aistandingby,andaskedherwhatwasherbusiness,
whereuponChangTs'ai'swifepromptlyproducedanindent."Thecoversofthecarriagesandsedanchairs,"she
reported,"havejustbeencompleted,andI'vecometofetchtheamountduetothetailorsforwages."
LadyFeng,uponhearingherexplanation,tookovertheindent,anddirectedTs'aiMingtoentertheitemsinthe
book.AfterWangHsinghadhandedoverthemoney,andobtainedthereceiptoftheaccountant,dulysigned,

whichtalliedwiththepayment,hesubsequentlywalkedawayincompanywithChangTs'ai'swife.LadyFeng
simultaneouslyproceededtogiveordersthatanotherindentshouldberead,whichwasformoneytopurchase
paperwithtopasteonthewindowsofPaoy'souterschoolroom,therepairstowhichhadbeenbroughtto
completion,andassoonasladyFengheardthenatureoftheapplication,shethereandthengavedirectionsthat
thepermitshouldbetakenoverandanentrymade,andthatthemoneyshouldbeissuedafterChangTs'ai'swife
haddeliveredeverythingclearly.
"Iftomorrowheweretocomelate,"ladyFengthenremarked,"andifthedayafter,Iweretocomelatewhyby
andbythere'llbenoonehereatall!Ishouldhavelikedtohaveletyouoff,butifIbelenientwithyouonthis
firstinstance,itwillbehardforme,ontheoccurrenceofanotheroffence,toexerciseanycontrolovertherest.
It'smuchbetterthereforethatIshouldsettleaccountswithyou."
Themomentsheutteredthesewords,sheputonaseriouslook,andgaveordersthatheshouldbetakenoutand
administeredtwentyblowswiththebamboo.WhentheservantsperceivedthatladyFengwasinanangrymood,
theydidnotventuretodillydally,butdraggedhimout,andgavehimthefullnumberofblowswhichdone,
theycameintoreportthatthepunishmenthadbeeninflicted.
LadyFenglikewisethrewdowntheNingMansionorderandexclaimed,addressingherselftoLaiSheng:"Cut
himamonth'swagesandrice!andtellthemalltodisperse,andhavedonewithit!"
Alltheservantsatlengthwithdrewtoattendtotheirrespectiveduties,whilethemantoo,whohadbeenflogged,
walkedaway,ashedidallhecouldtoconcealhisshameandstiflehistears.Aboutthistimearrivedandwent,in
anincessantstream,servantsfromboththeJungandNingmansions,bentuponapplyingforpermitsand
returningpermits,andwithonebyoneagaindidladyFengsettleaccounts.And,asinduecourse,theinmatesof
theNingmansioncametoknowhowterribleladyFengwas,eachandallwereeversincesowaryanddutiful
thattheydidnotventuretobelazy.
Butwithoutgoingintofurtherdetailsonthissubject,weshallnowreturntoPaoy.Seeingthattherewerealot
ofpeopleaboutandfearinglestCh'inChungmightreceivesomeoffence,helostnotimeincomingalongwith
himtositoveratladyFeng's.LadyFengwasjusthavingherrepast,anduponseeingthemarrive:"Yourlegsare
longenough,andcouldn'tyouhavecomesomewhatquicker!"shelaughinglyobserved.
"We'vehadourrice,thanks,"repliedPaoy.
"Haveyouhadit,"inquiredladyFeng,"outsidehere,oroverontheotherside?"
"Wouldweeatanythingwithallthatriffraff?"exclaimedPaoy"we'vereallyhaditoverthereinfact,Inow
comeafterhavinghadminewithdowagerladyChia."
Asheutteredthesewords,theytooktheirseats.LadyFenghadjustfinishedhermeal,whenamarriedwoman
fromtheNingmansioncametogetanordertoobtainanadvanceofmoneytopurchaseincenseandlanterns
with.
"Icalculated,"observedladyFeng,"thatyouwouldcometodaytomakerequisition,butIwasunderthe
impressionthatyouhadforgottenhadyoureallydonesoyouwouldcertainlyhavehadtogetthemonyour
ownaccount,andIwouldhavebeentheonetobenefit."
"Didn'tIforget?Idid,"rejoinedthemarriedwomanasshesmiled"andit'sonlyafewminutesbackthatitcame
tomymindhadIbeenonesecondlaterIwouldn'thavebeenintimetogetthethings."
Thesewordsended,shetookovertheorderandwentoff.Entrieshad,atthetimetobemadeinthebooks,and
orderstobeissued,andCh'inChungwasinducedtointerposewithasmirk,"Inboththesemansionsofyours,
suchordersarealikeinusebutwereanyoutsiderstealthilytocounterfeitoneandtoabscond,aftergettingthe
money,whatcouldeverbedone?"

"Inwhatyousay,"repliedladyFeng,"youtakenoaccountofthelawsoftheland."
"Howisitthatfromourhouse,noonecomestogetanyordersortoobtainanything?"Paoyhavinginquired:
"Atthetimetheycometofetchthem,"rejoinedladyFeng,"you'restilldreamingbutletmeaskyouonething,
whenwillyoutwoatlastbeginyoureveningcourseofstudies?"
"Oh,Iwishwewereabletobeginourstudiesthisveryday,"Paoyadded"thatwouldbethebestthing,but
they'reveryslowinputtingtheschoolroominorder,sothatthere'snohelpforit!"
LadyFenglaughed."Hadyouaskedme,"sheremarked,"Icanassureyouitwouldhavebeenreadyquick
enough."
"Youtoowouldhavebeenofnouse,"observedPaoy,"foritwillcertainlybereadybythetimetheyoughtto
finishitin."
"Butinorderthattheyshoulddothework,"suggestedladyFeng,"it'salsonecessarythattheyshouldhavethe
material,theycan'tdowithoutthemandifIdon'tgivethemanypermits,itwillbedifficulttoobtainthem."
PaoyatthesewordsreadilydrewneartoladyFeng,andthereandthenappliedforthepermits."Mydear
sister,"headded,"dogivethemthepermitstoenablethemtoobtainthematerialandeffecttherepairs."
"Ifeelquitesorefromfatigue,"venturedladyFeng,"andhowcanIstandyourrubbingagainstme?butcompose
yourmind.Theyhavethisverydaygotthepaper,andgonetopasteitandwouldthey,forwhatevertheyneed,
havestillwaiteduntiltheyhadbeensentfor?theyarenotsuchfoolsafterall!"
Paoywouldnotbelieveit,andladyFengatoncecalledTs'aiMingtolookupthelist,whichshehandedfor
Paoy'sinspectionbutwhiletheywerearguingaservantcameintoannouncethatChaoErh,whohadgoneto
SuChow,hadreturned,andladyFengallinaflurrydirectedthatheshouldbeaskedtowalkin.ChaoErhbent
onekneeandpaidhisobeisance.
"Whyhaveyoucomeback?"ladyFengreadilyinquired.
"Mr.Secundus(ChiaLien),"hereported,"sentmebacktotellyouthatMr.Lin(ourdowagerlady's)soninlaw,
diedonthethirdoftheninthmoonthatMasterSecundusistakingMissLinalongwithhimtoescortthecoffin
ofMr.LinasfarasSuChowandthattheyhopetobebacksometimeabouttheendoftheyear.Master
despatchedmetocomeandannouncethenews,tobringhiscompliments,andtocraveouroldlady's
instructionsaswellastoseehowyouaregettingoninmylady'shome.Healsobademetakebacktohimafew
longfurpelisses."
"Haveyouseenanyoneelsebesidesme?"ladyFenginquired.
"I'veseeneveryone,"rejoinedChaoErhandwithdrewhastilyattheconclusionofthisremark,outofthe
apartment,whileladyFengturnedtowardsPaoywithasmileandsaid,"YourcousinLincannowliveinour
houseforever."
"Poorthing!"exclaimedPaoy."Ipresumethatduringallthesedaysshehasweptwhoknowshowmuch"and
sayingthishewrinkledhisbrowandheavedadeepsigh.
LadyFengsawChaoErhonhisreturn,butasshecouldnotverywell,inthepresenceofthirdpersons,make
minuteinquiriesafterChiaLien,shehadtocontinueapreytoinwardsolicitudetillitwastimetogohome,for,
nothavinggotthroughwhatshehadtodo,shewascompelledtowaitpatientlyuntilshewentbackinthe
evening,whensheagainsentwordforChaoErhtocomein,andaskedhimwithallminutenesswhetherthe
journeyhadbeenpleasantthroughout,andforfullparticulars.Thatverynight,shegotinreadinessthelong
pelisses,whichsheherself,withtheassistanceofP'ingErh,packedupinabundleandaftercarefulthoughtas
towhatthingshewouldrequire,sheputtheminthesamebundleandcommittedthemtoChaoErh'scare.She

wentontosolicitouslyimpressuponChaoErhtobecarefulinhisattendanceabroad."Don'tprovokeyour
mastertowrath,"shesaid,"andfromtimetotimedoadvisehimnottodrinktoomuchwineanddon'tentice
himtomaketheacquaintanceofanylowpeopleforifyoudo,whenyoucomebackIwillcutyourlegoff."
Thepreparationswerehurriedlyandconfusedlycompletedanditwasalreadythefourthwatchofthenight
whenshewenttosleep.Butsoonagainthedaydawned,andafterhastilyperforminghertoiletteandablutions,
shecameovertotheNingMansion.
AsChiaChenrealisedthatthedayforescortingthebodyawaywasdrawingnigh,heinpersonwentoutina
curricle,alongwithgeomancers,totheTempleoftheIronFencetoinspectasuitableplacefordepositingthe
coffin.Healso,pointbypoint,enjoinedtheresidentmanagingbonze,SeK'ung,tomindandgetreadybrand
newarticlesofdecorationandfurniture,andtoinviteaconsiderablenumberofbonzesofnotetobeathandto
lendtheirservicesforthereceptionofthecoffin.
SeK'unglostnotimeingettingreadytheeveningmeal,butChiaChenhad,infact,nowishforanyteaorrice
and,asthedaywasfaradvancedandhewasnotintimetoenterthecity,hehad,afterall,torestduringthat
nightasbesthecouldina"chaste"roominthetemple.Thenextmorning,assoonasitwasday,hehastenedto
comeintothecityandtomakeeverypreparationforthefuneral.Helikewisedeputedmessengerstoproceed
aheadtotheTempleoftheIronFencetogive,thatverynight,additionaldecorativetouchestotheplacewhere
thecoffinwastobedeposited,andtogetreadyteaandalltheothernecessaries,fortheuseofthepersonswho
wouldbepresentatthereceptionofthecoffin.
LadyFeng,seeingthatthedaywasnotfardistant,alsoapportioneddutiesandmadeprovisionforeverything
beforehandwithcircumspectcarewhileatthesametimeshechoseintheJungmansion,suchcarriages,sedan
chairsandretinueasweretoaccompanythecortege,inattendanceuponmadameWang,andgavehermind
furthermoretofindingaplacewheresheherselfcouldputupinatthetimeofthefuneral.Aboutthisverytime,
ithappenedthattheconsortoftheDukeShanKuodepartedthislife,andthatmesdamesWangandHsinghad
likewisetogoandoffersacrifices,andtofollowtheburialprocessionthatthebirthdayoccurredoftheconsort
ofPrinceHsiAnthatpresentshadtobeforwardedontheoccasionofthisanniversaryandthattheconsortof
theDukeofChenKuogavebirthtoafirstchild,ason,andcongratulatorygiftshad,inlikemanner,tobe
provided.Besides,heruterinebrotherWangJenwasabouttoreturnsouth,withallhisfamily,andshehadtooto
writeherhomeletters,tosendherreverentcomplimentstoherfatherandmother,aswellastogetthethings
readythatweretobetakenalong.TherewasalsoYingCh'un,whohadcontractedsomeillness,andthedoctor
hadeverydaytobesentfor,andmedicinestobeadministered,thenotesofthedoctortobelookedafter,
consistingofthebulletinsofthediagnosisandtheprescriptions,withtheresultthatthevariousthingsthathad
tobeattendedtobyladyFengweresomanifoldthatitwould,indeed,bedifficulttogiveanexhaustiveideaof
them.
Inadditiontoallthis,thedayfortakingthecoffinawaywascloseathand,sothatladyFengwassohard
pressedfortimethatshehadevennodesireforanyteatodrinkoranythingtoeat,andthatshecouldnotsitor
restinpeace.AssoonassheputherfootintotheNingmansion,theinmatesoftheJungmansionwouldfollow
closeuponherheelsandthemomentshegotbackintotheJungmansion,theservantsagainoftheNing
mansionwouldfollowherabout.Inspitehoweverofthisgreatpressure,ladyFeng,whosenaturaldisposition
hadeverbeentotryandexcel,wasurgedtostraintheleastofherenergies,ashersoledreadwaslestsheshould
incurunfavourablecriticismfromanyoneandsoexcellentweretheplansshedevised,thateveryoneinthe
clan,whetherhighorlow,readilyconcededherunlimitedpraise.
Onthenightofthisday,thebodyhadtobewatched,andintheinnersuiteofapartmentstwocompaniesof
youngplayersaswellasjugglersentertainedtherelatives,friendsandothervisitorsduringthewholeofthe
night.Mrs.Yuwasstilllaidupintheinsideroom,sothatthewholetaskofattendingtoandentertainingthe
companydevolveduponladyFengalone,whohadtolookaftereverythingforthoughtherewere,inthewhole
clan,manysistersinlaw,somethereweretoobashfultospeak,otherstootimidtostandontheirfeetwhile
therewerealsothosewhowerenotaccustomedtomeetingcompanyandthoselikewisewhowereafraidof
peopleofhighestateandshyofofficials.Ofeverykindtherewere,butthewholenumberofthemcouldnot
comeuptoladyFeng'sstandard,whosedeportmentwascorrectandwhosespeechwasaccordingtorule.Hence

itwasthatshedidnotevensomuchasheedanyofthatlargecompany,butgavedirectionsandissuedorders,
adoptinganycourseofactionwhichshefancied,justasiftherewerenobystander.
Thewholenight,thelanternsemittedabrightlightandthefiresbrilliantrayswhileguestswereescortedon
theirwayoutandofficialsgreetedontheirwayinbutofthishundredfoldbustleandstirnothingneed,of
course,besaid.
Thenextmorningatthedawnofday,andatapropitiousmoment,sixtyfourpersons,dressedallalikeinblue,
carriedthecoffin,precededbyastreamerwiththerecordinlargecharacters:CoffinofladyCh'in,aladyofthe
fifthdegree,(bymarriage)oftheChiamansion,deceasedatmiddleage,consortofthegrandsonoftheNing
KuoDukewiththefirstranktitleofhonour,(whosestatusis)aguardoftheImperialantechamber,chargedwith
theprotectionoftheInnerPalaceandRoadsintheRedProhibitedCity.
Thevariousparaphernaliaandornamentswereallbrandnew,hurriedlymadeforthepresentoccasion,andthe
uniformlustrousbrilliancytheyshedwassufficienttodazzletheeyes.
Paochu,ofcourse,observedtheritesprescribedforunmarrieddaughters,anddashedthebowlandwalkedby
thecoffin,asshegavewaytomostbitterlamentations.
Atthattime,amongtheofficialswhoescortedthefuneralprocession,wereNiuChitsung,thegrandsonofthe
ChenKuoduke,whohadnowinheritedthestatusofearlofthefirstdegreeLiuFang,thegrandsonofLiuPiao,
dukeofLiKuo,whohadrecentlyinheritedtherankofviscountofthefirstclassCh'enJuiwen,agrandsonof
Ch'enYi,dukeofCh'iKuo,whoheldthehereditaryrankofgeneralofthethirddegree,withtheprefixof
majesticauthorityMaShang,thegrandsonofMaK'uei,dukeofChihKuo,byinheritancegeneralofthethird
rankwiththeprefixofmajestyafarHouHsiaokeng,anhereditaryviscountofthefirstdegree,grandsonofthe
dukeofHsiuKuo,HouHsiaomingbynamewhilethedeathoftheconsortofthedukeofShanKuohad
obligedhisgrandsonShihKuangchutogointomourningsothathecouldnotbepresent.Thesewerethesix
familieswhichhad,alongwiththetwohouseholdsofJungandNing,been,atonetime,designatedtheeight
dukes.
Amongtherest,therewerebesidesthegrandsonofthePrinceofNanAnthegrandsonofthePrinceofHsiAn
ShihTing,marquisofChungChingChiangTzuning,anhereditarybaronofthesecondgrade,grandsonofthe
earlofP'ingYuanHsiehK'un,anhereditarybaronofthesecondorderandCaptainoftheMetropolitancamp,
grandsonofthemarquisofTingCh'ang:HsiChienhui,anhereditarybaronofthesecondrank,agrandsonof
themarquisofNangYangCh'inLiang,incommandoftheFiveCities,grandsonofthemarquisofChingT'ien.
TheremainderwereWeiChi,thesonoftheearlofChinHsiangFengTzuying,thesonofageneral,whose
prefixwassupernaturalmartialspiritCh'enYehchn,WeiJolanandothers,grandsonsandsonsofprinces
whocouldnotbeenumerated.
Inthewayofladies,therewerealsoinallabouttenlargeofficialsedanchairsfullofthem,thirtyorfortyprivate
chairs,andincludingtheofficialandnonofficialchairs,andcarriagescontaininginmatesofthehousehold,
theremusthavebeenoverahundredandtensothatwiththevariouskindsofparaphernalia,articlesof
decorationandhundredsofnicknacks,whichpreceded,thevastexpanseofthecortegecoveredacontinuous
lineextendingoverthreeorfourli.
Theyhadnotbeenverylongontheirway,whentheyreachedvariegatedshedssoaringhighbytheroadside,in
whichbanquetswerespread,feastslaidout,andmusicdiscoursedinunison.Theseweretheviatorysacrificial
offeringscontributedbytherespectivefamilies.Thefirstshedcontainedthesacrificialdonationsofthemansion
ofthePrinceofTungP'ingthesecondshedthoseofthePrinceofNanAnthethirdthoseofthePrinceofHsi
Ning,andthefourththoseofthePrinceofPeiChing.
IndeedofthesefourPrinces,thereputationenjoyedinformerdaysbythePrinceofPeiChinghadbeenthemost
exalted,andtothisdayhissonsandgrandsonsstillsucceededtotheinheritanceoftheprincelydignity.The
presentincumbentofthePrincedomofPeiChing,ShihJung,hadnotasyetcomeofage,buthewasgiftedwith
apresenceofexceptionalbeauty,andwithadispositioncondescendingandgenial.Atthedemise,recently,of

theconsortoftheeldestgrandsonofthemansionofNingKuo,he,inconsiderationofthefriendshipwhichhad
formerlyexistedbetweenthetwograndfathers,byvirtueofwhichtheyhadbeeninseparable,bothinadversity
aswellasinprosperity,treatingeachotherasiftheyhadnotbeenofdifferentsurnames,wasconsequently
inducedtopaynoregardtoprincelydignityortohisimportance,buthavingliketheotherspaid,ontheprevious
day,hiscondolencesandpresentedsacrificialofferings,hehadfurthernowraisedashedwhereintooffer
libations.Havingdirectedeveryoneofhissubordinateofficerstoremaininthisspotinattendance,hehimself
wentatthefifthwatchtocourt,andwhenheacquittedhimselfofhispublicdutiesheforthwithchangedhis
attireforamourningcostume,andcamealong,inanofficialsedanchair,precededbygongsandumbrellas.
Uponreachingthefrontoftheshedthechairwasdepositedontheground,andashissubordinateofficers
pressedoneithersideandwaiteduponhim,neitherthemilitarynorthepopulace,whichcomposedthemassof
people,venturedtomakeanycommotion.Inashortwhile,thelongprocessionoftheNingmansionbecame
visible,spreadingfarandwide,coveringinitscoursefromthenorth,thewholegroundlikeasilvermountain.
Atanearlyhour,theforerunners,messengersandotherattendantsonthestaffoftheNingmansionapprised
ChiaChen(ofthepresenceofthesheds),andChiaChenwithallalacritygaveordersthattheforemostpartof
thecortegeshouldhalt.AttendedbyChiaSheandChiaChen,thethreeofthemcamewithhurriedsteptogreet
(thePrinceofPeiChing),whomtheysalutedwithdueceremony.ShihJung,whowasseatedinhissedanchair,
madeabowandreturnedtheirsalutationswithasmile,proceedingtoaddressthemandtotreatthem,ashehad
donehitherto,asoldfriends,withoutanyairsofselfimportance.
"Mydaughter'sfuneralhas,"observedChiaChen,"putyourHighnesstothetroubleofcoming,anhonourwhich
we,thoughnoblebybirth,donotdeserve."
ShihJungsmiled."Withthetermsoffriendship,"headded,"whichhaveexistedforsomanygenerations
(betweenourfamilies),isthereanyneedforsuchapologies?"
Turninghisheadroundthereandthen,hegavedirectionstotheseniorofficerofhishouseholdtopresideatthe
sacrificesandtoofferlibationsinhissteadandChiaSheandtheothersstoodtogetherononesideandmade
obeisanceinreturn,andthencameinpersonagainandgaveexpressiontotheirgratitudeforhisbounty.
ShihJungwasmostaffableandcomplaisant."Whichisthegentleman,"heinquiredofChiaChen,"whowas
bornwithapieceofjadeinhismouth?I'velonghadawishtohavethepleasureofseeinghim,andashe'ssure
tobeonthespotonanoccasionlikethis,whyshouldn'tyouinvitehimtocomeround?"
ChiaChenspeedilydrewback,andbiddingPaoychangehismourningclothes,heledhimforwardand
presentedhim.
PaoyhadallalongheardthatShihJungwasaworthyPrince,perfectinabilityaswellasinappearance,
pleasantandcourteous,notbounddownbyanyofficialcustomorstaterite,sothathehadrepeatedlyfeltakeen
desiretomeethim.Withthesharpcontrol,however,whichhisfatherexercisedoverhim,hehadnotbeenable
togratifyhiswish.Butonthisoccasion,hesawonthecontrarythathecametocallhim,anditwasbutnatural
thatheshouldbedelighted.Whilstadvancing,hescrutinisedShihJungwiththecornerofhiseye,who,seated
ashewasinthesedanchair,presentedanimposingsight.
But,reader,whatoccurredonhisapproachisnotyetknown,butlistentothenextchapter,whichwilldivulgeit.

CHAPTERXV.
LadyPeng,neWang,exercisesherauthorityintheIronFenceTemple.
Ch'inChingch'ing(Ch'ingChung)amuseshimselfintheMant'ou
(Bread)nunnery.

Butweshallnowresumeourstory.WhenPaoyraisedhiseyes,henoticedthatShihJung,PrinceofPeiChing,
woreonhisheadaprincelycapwithpurewhitetasselsandsilveryfeathers,thathewasappareledinawhite
ceremonialrobe,(withapatternrepresenting)thetoothlikerippleofariverandthewatersofthesea,
embroideredwithfiveclaweddragonsandthathewasgirdedwitharedleatherbelt,inlaidwithwhitejade.
Thathisfacewaslikeabeauteousgemthathiseyeswerelikesparklingstarsandthathewas,inverytruth,a
humanbeingfullofgracefulcharms.
Paoyhastilypressedforwardandmadeareverentobeisance,andShihJunglostnotimeinextendinghisarms
frominsidethesedanchair,andembracinghim.Ataglance,hesawthatPaoyhadonhisheadasilvercap,to
whichthehairwasattached,thathehad,roundhisforehead,aflaponwhichwereembroideredacoupleof
dragonsissuingfromthesea,thatheworeawhitearcherysleevedrobe,ornamentedwithdragons,andthathis
waistwasencircledbyasilverbelt,inlaidwithpearlsthathisfaceresembledvernalflowersandthathiseyes
werelikedropsoflacquer.
ShihJungsmiled."Yournameis,"hesaid,"notrumpedupstoryforyou,verily,resembleapreciousgembut
where'sthevaluabletrinketyouhadinyourmouth?"heinquired.
AssoonasPaoyheardthisinquiry,hehastenedtoproducethejadefrominsidehisclothesandtohanditover
toShihJung.ShihJungminutelyexamineditandhavingalsoreadthemottoonit,heconsequentlyascertained
whetheritwasreallyefficaciousornot.
"It'struethatit'ssaidtobe,"Paoypromptlyexplained,"butithasn'tyetbeenputtothetest."
ShihJungextolleditwithunboundedpraise,and,ashedidso,hesetthevariegatedtasselsinproperorder,and,
withhisownhands,attacheditontoPaoy'sneck.Takingalsohishandinhis,heinquiredofPaoywhatwas
hisage?andwhatbookshewasreadingatpresent,toeachofwhichquestionsPaoygavesuitableanswer.
ShihJungperceivingtheperspicacityofhisspeechandtheproprietyofhisutterances,simultaneouslyturned
towardsChiaChenandobservedwithasmileonhisface:"Yourworthysonis,inverytruth,liketheyoungofa
dragonorlikethenestlingofaphoenix!andthisisn'tanidlecomplimentwhichI,adespicableprince,utterin
yourvenerablepresence!Buthowmuchmoregloriouswillbe,inthefuture,thevoiceoftheyoungphoenix
thanthatoftheoldphoenix,itisn'teasytoascertain."
ChiaChenforcedasmile:"Mycurlikeson,"hereplied,"cannotpresumetosuchbountifulpraiseandgolden
commendationbutif,bythevirtueofyourHighness'excessofhappiness,hedoesindeedrealiseyourwords,he
willbeasourceofjoytousall!"
"There'sonething,however,"continuedShihJung"withtheexcellentabilitieswhichyourworthyscion
possesses,he'ssure,Ipresume,tobeextremelylovedbyherdowagerladyship,(hisgrandmother),andbyall
classes.Butforyoungmenofourageit'sagreatdrawbacktobedoatedupon,forwithoverfondness,wecannot
helputterlyfrustratingthebenefitsofeducation.WhenI,adespicableprince,wasyoung,Iwalkedinthisvery
track,andIpresumethatyourhonourablesoncannotlikewisebutdothesame.Byremainingathome,your
worthyscionwillfinditdifficulttodevotehisattentiontostudyandhewillnotreapanyharm,wereheto
come,atfrequentintervals,tomyhumblehomeforthoughmydesertsbesmall,Ineverthelessenjoythegreat
honouroftheacquaintanceofallthescholarsofnoteintheEmpire,sothat,wheneveranyofthemvisitthe
capital,notoneofthemistherewhodoesnotlowerhisblueeyesuponme.Henceitisthatinmymeanabode,
eminentworthiesrendezvousandwereyouresteemedsontocome,asoftenashecan,andconversewiththem
andmeetthem,hisknowledgewould,inthatcase,haveeveryopportunityofmakingdailystridestowards
improvement."
ChiaChenspeedilybenthisbodyandexpressedhisacquiescence,bywayofreplywhereuponShihJungwent
further,andtakingofffromhiswristachapletofpearls,hepresentedittoPaoy.
"Thisisthefirsttimewemeet,"heobserved."OurmeetingwassounexpectedthatIhavenosuitable
congratulatorypresenttoofferyou.ThiswasconferreduponmebyHisMajesty,andisastringofchaplet

pearls,scentedwithLingLing,whichwillserveasatemporarytokenofrespectfulcongratulations."
Paoyhastenedtoreceiveitfromhishands,andturninground,hereverentlypresentedittoChiaChen.Chia
ChenandPaoyjointlyreturnedthanksandforthwithChiaShe,ChiaChenandtherestcameforwardina
body,andrequestedthePrincetoturnhischairhomewards.
"Thedeparted,"expostulatedShihJung,"hasalreadyascendedthespiritualregions,andisnomoreamortal
beinginthisdustyworldexposedtovicissitudelikeyouandI.Althoughameanprincelikemehasbeenthe
recipientofthefavouroftheEmperor,andhasundeservedlybeencalledtotheprincelyinheritance,howcouldI
presumetogobeforethespiritualhearseandreturnhome?"
ChiaSheandtheothers,perceivinghowpersistenthewasinhisrefusalhadnocoursebuttotaketheirleave,
expresstheirsenseofgratitudeandtorejointhecortege.Theyissuedorderstotheirservantstostoptheband,
andtohushthemusic,andmakingtheprocessiongoby,theyatlengthleftthewayclearforShihJungto
prosecutehisway.
ButwewillnowleavehimandresumeouraccountofthefuneraloftheNingmansion.Allalongitscoursethe
roadwasplungedinunusualcommotion.AssoonastheyreachedthecitygatesChiaShe,ChiaCheng,Chia
Chen,andtheothersagainreceiveddonationsfromalltheirfellowofficersandsubordinates,insacrificialsheds
erectedbytheirrespectivefamilies,andaftertheyreturnedthankstooneafteranother,theyeventuallyissued
fromthecitywalls,andproceededeventuallyalongthehighway,inthedirectionoftheTempleoftheIron
Fence.
ChiaChen,atthistime,went,togetherwithChiaJung,uptoalltheirseniors,andpressedthemtogetintotheir
sedanchairs,andtoridetheirhorsesandChiaSheandallofthesameageashimselfwereconsequently
inducedtomountintotheirrespectivecarriagesorchairs.ChiaChenandthoseofthesamegenerationwere
likewiseabouttoridetheirhorses,whenladyFeng,throughhersolicitudeonPaoy'saccount,gavewayto
fearslestnowthattheyhadreachedtheopencountry,heshoulddoashepleased,andnotlistentothewordsof
anyofthehousehold,andlestChiaChenshouldnotbeabletokeephimincheckand,asshedreadedthathe
mightgoastray,shefeltcompelledtobidayouthcallhimtoherandPaoyhadnohelpbuttoappearbefore
hercurricle.
"Mydearbrother,"ladyFengremarkedsmiling,"youarearespectableperson,andlikeagirlinyourways,and
shouldn'timitatethosemonkeysonhorseback!dogetdownandletbothyouandIsittogetherinthiscarriage
andwon'tthatbenice?"
Atthesewords,PaoyreadilydismountedandclimbedupintothecarriageoccupiedbyladyFengandthey
bothtalkedandlaughed,astheycontinuedtheirway.
Butnotalongtimeelapsedbeforetwomen,onhorseback,wereseenapproachingfromtheoppositedirection.
ComingstraightuptoladyFeng'svehicletheydismounted,andsaid,astheyleanedonthesidesofhercarriage,
"There'sahaltingplacehere,andwillitnotpleaseyourladyshiptohavearestandchange?"
LadyFengdirectedthemtoaskthetwoladiesHsingandWangwhattheywouldliketodo,andthetwomen
explained:"Theseladieshavesignifiedthattheyhadnodesiretorest,andtheywishyourladyshiptosuityour
convenience."
LadyFengspeedilyissuedordersthattheyshouldhavearest,beforetheyprosecutedtheirway,andtheservant
youthledtheharnessedhorsesthroughthecrowdofpeopleandcametowardsthenorth,whilePaoy,from
insidethecarriage,urgentlyaskedthatMr.Ch'inshouldberequestedtocome.
Ch'inChungwasatthismomentonhorsebackfollowinginthetrackofhisfather'scarriage,whenunexpectedly
hecaughtsightofPaoy'spage,comeatarunningpaceandinvitehimtohavesomerefreshment.Ch'inChung
perceivedfromadistancethatthehorse,whichPaoyhadbeenriding,walkedbehindladyFeng'svehicle,asit
wenttowardsthenorth,withitssaddleandbridlesallpiledup,andreadilyconcludingthatPaoymustbein

thesamecarriagewiththatlady,hetooturnedhishorseandcameoverinhasteandentered,intheircompany,
thedoorofafarmhouse.
Thisdwellingofthefarmer'sdidnotcontainmanyroomssothatthewomenandgirlshadnowheretogetoutof
thewayandwhenthevillagelassesandcountrywomenperceivedthebearingandcostumesofladyFeng,Pao
y,andCh'inChung,theywereinclinedtosuspectthatcelestialbeingshaddescendedintotheworld.
LadyFengenteredathatchedhouse,and,inthefirstplace,askedPaoyandtheresttogooutandplay.Paoy
tookthehint,and,alongwithCh'inChung,heledofftheservantboysandwenttorompallovertheplace.
Thevariousarticlesinuseamongthefarmerstheyhadnotseenbefore,withtheresultthatafterPaoyhad
inspectedthem,hethoughtthemallverystrangebuthecouldneithermakeouttheirnamesnortheiruses.But
amongtheservantboys,therewerethosewhoknew,andtheyexplainedtothem,oneafteranother,whatthey
werecalled,aswellaswhattheywerefor.AsPaoy,afterthisexplanation,noddedhishead"Itisn'tstrange,"
hesaid,"thatanoldwriterhasthislineinhispoeticalworks,'Whocanrealisethatthefoodinabowlis,grain
bygrain,allthefruitoflabour.'Thisisindeedso!"Ashespoke,theyhadcomeintoanotherhouseandatthe
sightofaspinningwheelonastovebed,theythoughtitstillmorestrangeandwonderful,buttheservantboys
againtoldthemthatitwasusedforspinningtheyarntoweaveclothwith,andPaoyspeedilyjumpingonto
thestovebed,settoworkturningthewheelforthesakeoffun,whenavillagelassofaboutseventeenor
eighteenyearsofagecameforward,andaskedthemnottomeddlewithitandspoilit.
TheservantboyspromptlystoppedherinterferencebutPaoyhimselfdesisted,asheadded:"It'sbecauseI
hadn'tseenonebeforethatIcametotryitforfun."
"Youpeoplecan'tdoit,"rejoinedthelass,"letmeturnitforyoutosee."
Ch'inChungsecretlypulledPaoyandremarked,"It'sgreatfuninthisvillage!"butPaoygavehimanudge
andobserved,"Ifyoutalknonsenseagain,I'llbeatyou."Watchingintently,asheutteredthesewords,thevillage
girlwhostartedreelingthethread,andpresented,inverytruth,aprettysight.Butsuddenlyanoldwomanfrom
theothersidegaveashout."MygirlSecunda,comeoveratonce"andthelassdiscardedthespinningwheel
andhastilywentonherway.
Paoywasthewhilefeelingdisappointedandunhappy,whenheespiedaservant,whomladyFenghadsent,
comeandcallthembothin.LadyFenghadwashedherhandsandchangedhercostumeandaskedhimwhether
hewouldchangeornot,andPaoy,havingreplied"No!itdoesn'tmatterafterallifIdon'tchange,"thefemale
attendantsservedtea,cakesandfruitsandalsopouredthescentedtea.LadyFengandtheothersdranktheirtea,
andwaitinguntiltheyhadputthevariousarticlesby,andmadeallthepreparations,theypromptlystartedtoget
intotheircarriages.Outside,WangErhhadgotreadytipsandgavethemtothepeopleofthefarm,andthefarm
womenandalltheinmateswentuptothemtoexpresstheirgratitudebutwhenPaoycametolookcarefully,
hefailedtoseeanythingofthelasswhohadreeledthethread.Buttheyhadnotgonefarbeforetheycaught
sightofthisgirlSecundacomingalongwithasmallchildinherarms,who,theyconcluded,washeryoung
brother,laughingandchatting,incompanywithafewyounggirls.
Paoycouldnotsuppressthevoiceoflove,butbeingseatedinthecarriage,hewascompelledtosatisfy
himselfbyfollowingherwithhiseyes.Soonhoweverthevehiclespedonasrapidlyasacloudimpelledbythe
wind,sothatwhenheturnedhisheadround,therewasalreadynovestigetobeseenofherbut,whiletheywere
bandyingwords,theyhadunexpectedlyovertakenthegreatconcourseofthecortege.
Likewise,atanearlystagemenwerestationedahead,withBuddhistdrumsandgoldcymbals,withstreamers,
andjewelledcoveringsandthewholecompanyofbonzes,belongingtotheIronFenceTemple,hadalready
beendrawnoutinalinebythesidesoftheroad.Inashortwhile,theyreachedtheinteriorofthetemple,where
additionalsacrificeswereofferedandBuddhisticservicesperformedandwherealtarshadagainbeenerectedto
burnincenseon.ThecoffinwasdepositedinasideroomoftheinnercourtandPaoChugotreadyabedroom
inwhichshecouldkeepherwatch.

Intheouterapartments,ChiaChendidthehonoursamongthewholepartyofrelativesandfriends,someof
whomaskedtobeallowedtostayfortheirmeals,whileothersatthisstagetooktheirleave.Andaftertheyhad
onebyonereturnedthanks,thedukes,marquises,earls,viscountsandbarons,eachinrespectivebatches,(got
uptogo,)andtheykeptonleavingfrombetween1and3p.m.beforetheyhadfinallyalldispersed.
IntheinnerChambers,theladiesweresolelyentertainedandattendedtobyladyFeng.Firsttomakeamove
weretheconsortsofofficialsandnoonhadalsocome,bythetimethewholepartyofthemhadtakentheir
departure.Thosethatremainedweresimplyafewrelativesofthesameclanandotherslikethem,who
eventuallyleftafterthecompletionofthethreedays'rationalisticliturgies.
ThetwoladiesHsingandWang,wellawareatthistimethatladyFengcouldonnoaccountreturnhome,desired
toenterthecityatonceandmadameWangwantedtotakePaoyhomebutPaoy,whohad,onan
unexpectedoccasion,comeoutintothecountry,entertained,ofcourse,nowishtogobackandhewouldagree
tonothingelsethantostaybehindwithladyFeng,sothatmadameWanghadnoalternativebuttohandhim
overtoherchargeandtostart.
ThisTempleoftheIronFencehad,infact,beenerectedindaysgoneby,attheexpenseofthetwodukesNing
andJungandtherestillremaineduptothesedays,acresofland,fromwhichwerederivedthefundsforincense
andlightsforsuchoccasions,onwhichthecoffinsofanymembers,oldoryoung,(whodied)inthecapital,had
tobedepositedinthistempleandtheinnerandouterhouses,inthiscompoundwereallkeptinreadinessand
goodorder,fortheaccommodationofthosewhoformedpartofthecortge.
Atthistime,asithappened,thedescendantsmusteredanimmensecrowd,andamongthemwerepoorandrich
ofvariousdegrees,orwithlikesanddislikesdiametricallyopposed.Therewerethose,who,beinginstraitened
circumstancesathome,andeasilycontented,readilytookuptheirquartersinthetemple.Andtherewerethose
withmoneyandposition,andwithextravagantideas,whomaintainedthattheaccommodationinthetemplewas
notsuitable,and,ofcourse,wentinsearchofadditionalquarters,eitherincountryhouses,orinconvents,where
theycouldhavetheirmealsandretire,aftertheceremonieswereover.
OntheoccasionofMrs.Ch'in'sfuneral,allthemembersoftheclanputuptemporarilyintheIronFence
TempleladyFengalonelookeddownuponitasinconvenient,andconsequentlydespatchedaservanttogoand
tellCh'ingHs,anunintheBreadConvent,toemptytworoomsforhertogoandlivein.
ThisBreadConventhadatonetimebeenstyledtheShuiYuehnunnery(watermoon)butasgoodbreadwas
madeinthattemple,itgaverisetothisnickname.
ThisconventwasnotverydistantfromtheTempleoftheIronFence,sothatassoonasthebonzesbroughttheir
functionstoaclose,andthesacrificeofeveningwasoffered,ChiaChenaskedChiaJungtorequestladyFeng
toretiretorestandasladyFengperceivedthattherestillremainedseveralsistersinlawtokeepcompanyto
thefemalerelatives,shereadily,ofherownaccord,tookleaveofthewholeparty,and,alongwithPaoyand
Ch'inChung,cametotheWaterMoonConvent.
Ch'inYeh,itmustbenoticed,wasadvancedinyearsandavictimtomanyailments,sothathewasunableto
remaininthetemplelong,andhebadeCh'inChungtarryuntilthecoffinhadbeensetinitsrestingplace,with
theresultthatCh'inChungcamealong,atthesametimeasladyFengandPaoy,totheWaterMoonConvent,
whereCh'ingHsappeared,togetherwithtwoneophytes,ChihShanandChihNeng,toreceivethem.Afterthey
hadexchangedgreetings,ladyFengandtheothersenteredthe"chaste"apartmentstochangetheirclothesand
washtheirhandsandwhentheyhaddone,assheperceivedhowmuchtallerinstatureChihNenghadgrown
andhowmuchhandsomerwereherfeatures,shefeltpromptedtoinquire,"Howisitthatyourprioressand
yourselveshaven'tbeenallthesedaysasfarasourplace?"
"It'sbecauseduringthesedayswehaven'thadanytimewhichwecouldcallourown,"explainedCh'ingHs.
"OwingtothebirthofasoninMr.Hu'smansion,dameHusentoverabouttentaelsandaskedthatweshould
inviteseveralheadnunstoreadduringthreedaystheserviceforthechurchingofwomen,withtheresultthat

we'vebeensoverybusyandhadsolittleleisure,thatwecouldn'tcomeovertopayourrespectstoyour
ladyship."
Butleavingasidetheoldnun,whokeptladyFengcompany,wewillnowreturntothetwoladsPaoyand
Ch'inChung.Theywereuptotheirpranksinthemainbuildingoftheconvent,whenseeingChihNengcome
over:"Here'sNengErh,"Paoyexclaimedwithasmile.
"Whynoticeacreaturelikeher?"remarkedCh'inChungtowhichPaoyrejoinedlaughingly:"Don'tbesly!
whythendidyoutheotherday,whenyouwereintheoldlady'srooms,andtherewasnotasoulpresent,hold
herinyourarms?anddoyouwanttofoolmenow?"
"Therewasnothingofthekind,"observedCh'inChungsmiling.
"Whethertherewasornot,"repliedPaoy,"doesn'tconcernmebutifyouwillstopherandtellhertopoura
cupofteaandbringittometodrink,I'llthenkeephandsoff."
"Thisisindeedverystrange!"Ch'inChungansweredlaughing"doyoufearthatifyoutoldhertopouryouone,
thatshewouldn'tandwhatneedistherethatIshouldtellher?"
"IfIaskher,"Paoyobserved,"topourit,shewouldn'tbeasreadyasshewouldwereyoutotellheraboutit."
Ch'inChunghadnohelpbuttospeak."NengErh!"hesaid,"bringacupoftea."
ThisNengErhhad,sinceheryouth,beeninandoutoftheJungmansion,sothattherewasnoonethatshedid
notknowandshehadalso,timeaftertime,rompedandlaughedwithPaoyandCh'inChung.Beingnow
grownupshegraduallycametoknowtheimportoflove,andshereadilytookafancytoCh'inChung,whowas
anamorousbeing.Ch'inChungtooreturnedheraffection,onaccountofhergoodlooksand,althoughheand
shehadnothadanyveryaffectionatettettes,theyhad,however,longagocometounderstandeachother's
feelingsandwishes.
ChihNengwalkedawayandreturnedafterhavingpouredthetea.
"Giveittome,"Ch'inChungcriedoutsmirkinglywhilePaoylikewiseshouted:"Giveittome."
ChihNengcompressedherlipsandsneeringlyrejoined,"Areyougoingtohaveafightevenoveracupoftea?
Isitforsoothlikelythatthere'shoneyinmyhand?"
Paoywasthefirsttograspandtakeoverthecup,butwhiledrinkingit,hewasabouttomakesomeinquiry,
whenhecaughtsightofChihShan,whocameandcalledChihNengawaytogoandlaytheplateswithfruiton
thetable.Notmuchtimeelapsedbeforeshecameroundtorequestthetwoladstogoandhaveteaand
refreshmentsbutwouldtheyeatsuchthingsaswerelaidbeforethem?Theysimplysatforawhileandcame
outagainandresumedtheirplay.
LadyFengtoostayedforafewmoments,andthenreturned,withtheoldnunasherescort,intothe"unsullied"
roomstoliedown.Bythistime,allthematronsandmarriedwomendiscoveredthattherewasnothingelsetobe
done,andtheydispersedinsuccession,retiringeachtorest.Thereonlyremainedinattendanceseveralyoung
girlswhoenjoyedherconfidence,andtheoldnunspeedilyavailedherselfoftheopportunitytospeak."I'vegot
something,"shesaid,"aboutwhichImeantogotoyourmansiontobegofmadameWangbutI'llfirstrequest
you,mylady,totellmehowtosettowork."
"What'sit?"ascertainedladyFeng.
"Omitofu!"exclaimedtheoldnun,"It'sthisindaysgoneby,IfirstlivedintheCh'angAndistrict.WhenI
becameanunandenteredthemonasteryofExcellentMerit,therelived,atthattime,asubscriber,Changby
surname,averywealthyman.Hehadadaughter,whoseinfantnamewasChinKothewholefamilycamein
thecourseofthatyeartotheconventIwasin,toofferincense,andasluckwouldhaveittheymetLiYanei,a

brotherofasecondarywifeofthePrefectoftheCh'angAnPrefecture.ThisLiYaneifellinloveatfirstsight
withher,andwouldwedChinKoashiswife.Hesentgobetweenstoaskherinmarriage,but,contrarytohis
expectations,ChinKohadalreadyreceivedtheengagementpresentsofthesonoftheexMajoroftheCh'ang
AnPrefecture.TheChangfamily,ontheotherhand,wereafraidthatiftheywithdrewfromthematch,theMajor
wouldnotgiveuphisclaim,andtheythereforerepliedthatshewasalreadypromisedtoanother.But,who
wouldhavethoughtit,thisMr.Liwasseriouslybentuponmarryingtheyounglady.ButwhiletheChangfamily
wereatalosswhatplantodevise,andbothpartieswereinadilemma,thefamilyoftheMajorcame
unexpectedlytohearofthenewsandwithoutevenlookingthoroughlyintothematter,theythereandthenhad
recoursetoinsultandabuse.'Isagirl,'theyinsinuated,'tobepromisedtothesonsofseveralfamilies!'And
obstinatelyrefusingtoallowtherestitutionofthebetrothalpresents,theyatoncehadrecoursetolitigationand
broughtanaction(againstthegirl'speople.)Thatfamilywasattheirwits'end,andhadnoalternativebuttofind
someonetogotothecapitaltoobtainmeansofassistanceand,losingallpatience,theyinsisteduponthereturn
ofthepresents.IbelievethatthepresentcommanderofthetroopsatCh'angAn,Mr.Yn,isonfriendlyterms
withyourhonourablefamily,andcouldonesolicitmadameWangtoputinawordwithMr.ChiaChengtosend
aletterandaskMr.YntospeaktothatMajor,Ihavenofearthathewillnotagree.Should(yourladyship)be
willingtotakeaction,theChangfamilyareevenreadytopresentalltheyhave,thoughitmayentailtheruinof
theirestate."
"Thisaffairis,it'strue,ofnogreatmoment,"ladyFengrepliedsmiling,afterhearingthisappeal"buttheonly
thingisthatmadameWangdoesnolongerattendtomattersofthisnature."
"Ifmadamedoesn'theedthem,"suggestedtheoldnun,"you,mylady,cansafelyassumethedirection."
"I'mneitherinneedofanymoneytospend,"addedladyFengwithasmirk,"nordoIundertakesuchmatters!"
ThesewordsdidnotescapeChingHs'seartheyscatteredtothewindshervainhopes.Afteraminuteorsoshe
heavedasigh.
"Whatyousaymaybetrueenough,"sheremarked"buttheChangfamilyarealsoawarethatImeantocome
andmakemyappealtoyourmansionandwereyounownottomanagethisaffair,theChangfamilyhavingno
ideathatthelackoftimepreventsanystepsbeingtakenandthatnoimportanceisattachedtotheirpresents,it
willappear,onthecontrary,asiftherewerenoteventhislittleparticleofskillinyourhousehold."
AtthesewordsladyFengfeltatonceinspirited."You'veknownofold,"sheadded,"thatI'veneverhadanyfaith
inanythingconcerningretributionintheCourtofJudgmentintheunseenorinhellandthatwhateverIsaythat
Ishalldo,thatIdotellthemthereforetobringthreethousandtaelsandIshallthenremedythisgrievanceof
theirs."
Theoldnunuponhearingthisremarkwassoexceedinglydelighted,thatsheprecipitatelyexclaimed,"They've
gotit,they'vegotit!therewillbenodifficultyaboutit."
"I'mnot,"ladyFengwentontoadd,"likethosepeople,whoaffordhelpandrenderassistancewithaneyeto
moneythesethreethousandtaelswillbeexclusivelydevotedforthetravellingexpensesofthoseyouths,who
willbesenttodelivermessagesandforthemtomakeafewcashfortheirtroublebutasformeIdon'twant
evensomuchasacash.InfactI'mableatthisverymomenttoproduceasmuchasthirtythousandtaels."
Theoldnunassentedwithalacrity,andsaidbywayofreply,"Ifthatbeso,mylady,dodisplayyourcharitable
bountyatoncetomorrowandbringthingstoanend."
"Justsee,"remarkedladyFeng,"howhardpressedIamwhichplacecandowithoutme?butsinceI'vegiven
youmyword,Ishall,needlesstosay,speedilybringthemattertoaclose."
"Asmalltriflelikethis,"hintedtheoldnun,"would,ifplacedinthehandsofanyoneelse,flurryhertosuchan
extentthatshewouldbequiteatalosswhattodobutinyourhands,mylady,evenifmuchmorewere
superadded,itwouldn'trequireasmuchexertionasawaveofyourhand.Buttheproverbwellsays:'thatthose

whoareablehavemuchtodo'formadameWang,seeingthatyourladyshipmanagesallconcerns,whether
largeorsmall,properly,hasstillmoreshovedtheburdenofeverythingonyourshoulders,myladybutyou
should,it'sbutright,alsotakegoodcareofyourprecioushealth."
ThisstringofflatterypleasedladyFengmoreandmore,sothatheedlessoffatigueshewentontochatwithstill
greaterzest.
But,thingunthoughtof,Ch'inChungavailedhimselfofthedarkness,aswellasoftheabsenceofanyoneabout,
tocomeinquestofChihNeng.Assoonashereachedtheroomattheback,heespiedChihNengallaloneinside
washingtheteacupsandCh'inChungforthwithseizedherinhisarmsandimplantedkissesonhercheek.Chih
Nenggotinadreadfulstate,andstampingherfeet,cried,"Whatareyouupto?"andshewasjustonthepointof
shoutingout,whenCh'inChungrejoined:"Mydeargirl!I'mnearlydeadfromimpatience,andifyoudon'tagain
todayacceptmyadvances,Ishallthisverymomentdieonthisspot."
"Whatyou'rebentupon,"addedChihNeng,"can'tbeeffectednotunlessyouwaituntilI'veleftthisdenand
partedcompanyfromthesepeople,whenitwillbesafeenough."
"Thisisofcourseeasyenough!"remonstratedCh'inChung"butthedistantwatercannotextinguishtheclose
fire!"
Ashespoke,withonepuff,heputoutthelight,plungingthewholeroominpitchdarknessandseizingChih
Neng,hepushedherontothestovecouchandstartedaviolentloveaffair.ChihNengcouldnot,thoughshe
strainedeverynerve,escapehisimportunitiesnorcouldsheverywellshout,sothatshefeltcompelledto
humourhimbutwhilehewasinthemidstofhisecstaticjoy,theyperceivedapersonwalkin,whopressedboth
ofthemdown,withoututteringevensomuchasasound,andplungedthembothinsuchafrightthattheirvery
soulsflewawayandtheirspiritswanderedfromtheirbodiesanditwasafterthethirdpartyhadburstout
laughingwithaspurtingsoundthattheyeventuallybecameawarethatitwasPaoywhen,springingtohisfeet
impetuously,Ch'inChungexclaimedfullofresentment,"What'sthisthatyou'reupto!"
"Ifyougetyourmonkeyup,"retortedPaoy,"why,thenletyouandIstartbawlingout"whichsoabashed
ChihNengthatsheavailedherselfofthegloomylighttomakeherescapewhilePaoyhaddraggedCh'in
Chungoutoftheroomandasked,"Nowthen,doyoustillwanttoplaythebully!"
"Mydearfellow,"pleadedCh'inChungsmilingly,"whateveryoudodon'tshoutoutandleteveryoneknowand
allyouwant,I'llagreeto."
"Weneedn'targuejustnow,"Paoyobservedwithagrin"waitawhile,andwhenallhavegonetosleep,we
canminutelysettleaccountstogether."
Soonitwastimetoeasetheirclothes,andgotobedandladyFengoccupiedtheinnerroomCh'inChungand
Paoytheouterwhilethewholegroundwascoveredwithmatronsofthehousehold,whohadspreadtheir
bedding,andsatwatching.AsladyFengentertainedfearsthatthejadeofSpiritualPerceptionmightbelost,she
waiteduntilPaoyfellasleep,whenhavingdirectedaservanttobringittoher,sheplaceditunderthesideof
herownpillow.
WhataccountsPaoysettledwithCh'inChungcannotbeascertainedandasintheabsenceofanypositive
proofwhatisknownisbaseduponsurmises,weshallnotventuretoplaceitonrecord.
Nothingworthnoticingoccurredthewholenightbutthenextday,assoonasthemorningdawned,dowager
ladyChiaandmadameWangpromptlydespatchedservantstocomeandseehowPaoywasgettingonandto
tellhimlikewisetoputontwopiecesofextraclothing,andthatiftherewasnothingtobedoneitwouldbe
betterforhimtogoback.
ButwasitlikelythatPaoywouldbewillingtogoback?BesidesCh'inChung,inhisinordinatepassionfor
ChihNeng,instigatedPaoytoentreatladyFengtoremainanotherday.LadyFengponderedinherownmind

that,althoughthemostimportantmattersconnectedwiththefuneralceremonieshadbeensettledsatisfactorily,
therewerestillafewminordetails,forwhichnoprovisionhadbeenmade,sothatcouldsheavailherselfofthis
excusetoremainanotherdaywouldshenotwinfromChiaChenagreaterdegreeofapprobation,inthesecond
place,wouldshenotbeablefurthertobringCh'ingHs'sbusinesstoanissue,and,inthethirdplace,tohumour
Paoy'swish?Inviewofthesethreeadvantages,whichwouldaccrue,"AllthatIhadtodo,Ihavedone,"she
readilysignifiedtoPaoy,"andifyoubebentuponrunningaboutinhere,you'llunavoidablyplacemeinstill
greatertroublesothatwemustforcertainstarthomewardstomorrow."
"Mydearcousin,myowndearcousin,"urgentlyentreatedPaoy,whenheheardthesewords,"let'sstayonly
thisoneday,andtomorrowwecangobackwithoutfail."
Theyactuallyspentanothernightthere,andladyFengavailedherselfoftheirstaytogivedirectionsthatthe
casewhichhadbeenentrustedtoherthepreviousdaybytheoldnunshouldbesecretlycommunicatedtoLai
WangErh.LaiWang'smindgraspedtheimportofallthatwassaidtohim,and,havingenteredthecitywithall
despatch,hewentinsearchofthegentleman,whoactedassecretary(inMr.Yn'soffice),pretendingthathe
hadbeendirectedbyMr.ChiaLientocomeandaskhimtowritealetterandtosenditthatverynighttothe
Ch'angAnmagistrate.Thedistanceamountedtonomorethanonehundredli,sothatinthespaceoftwodays
everythingwasbroughttoasatisfactorysettlement.Thegeneral,whosenamewasYnKuang,hadbeenfora
longtimeunderobligationstotheChiafamily,sothathenaturallycouldnotrefusehiscooperationinsuch
smalltrifles.Whenhehadhandedhisreply,WangErhstartedonhiswaybackwhereweshallleavehimand
returntoladyFeng.
Havingspentanotherday,sheonthemorrowtookleaveoftheoldnun,whomsheadvisedtocometothe
mansionaftertheexpiryofthreedaystofetchareply.
Ch'inChungandChihNengcouldnot,byanymeans,brooktheseparation,andtheysecretlyagreedtoa
clandestineassignationbuttothesedetailsweneednotalludewithanyminutenesssufficienttosaythatthey
hadnoalternativebuttobeartheanguishandtopart.
LadyFengcrossedoveragaintothetempleoftheIronFenceandascertainedhowthingswereprogressing.But
asPaoChuwasobstinateinherrefusaltoreturnhome,ChiaChenfoundhimselfunderthenecessityof
selectingafewservantstoactashercompanions.Butthereadermustlistentowhatissaidinthenextchapter
bywayofexplanation.

CHAPTERXVI.
ChiaYuanch'unis,onaccountofhertalents,selectedtoenterthe
FengTs'aoPalace.
Ch'inChingch'ingdeparts,intheprimeoflife,bytheyellowspring
road.
Butwemustnowreturntothetwolads,Ch'inChungandPaoy.Aftertheyhadpassed,alongwithladyFeng
fromtheTempleoftheIronFence,whithershehadgonetoseehowthingsweregettingon,theyenteredthecity
intheircarriages.Ontheirarrivalathome,theypaidtheirobeisancetodowagerladyChia,madameWangand
theothermembersofthefamily,whencetheyreturnedtotheirownquarters,wherenothingworthmentioning
transpiredduringthenight.
Onthenextday,Paoyperceivingthattherepairstotheouterschoolroomhadbeencompleted,settledwith
Ch'inChungthattheyshouldhaveeveningclasses.ButasithappenedthatCh'inChung,whowasnaturallyof

anextremelydelicatephysique,caughtsomewhatofachillinthecountryandclandestinelyindulged,besides,in
anintimacywithChihNeng,whichunavoidablymadehimfailtotakegoodcareofhimself,hewas,shortly
afterhisreturn,troubledwithacoughandafeverishcold,withnauseafordrinkandfood,andfellintosuchan
extremelypoorstateofhealththathesimplykeptindoorsandnursedhimself,andwasnotinafitconditionto
gotoschool.Paoy'sspiritswerereadilydamped,butastherewaslikewisenoremedyhehadnoothercourse
thantowaituntilhiscompleterecovery,beforehecouldmakeanyarrangements.
LadyFenghadmeanwhilereceivedareplyfromYnKuang,inwhichheinformedherthateverythinghadbeen
satisfactorilysettled,andtheoldnunapprisedtheChangfamilythatthemajorhadactuallysuppressedhis
indignation,hushedhiscomplaints,andtakenbackthepresentsofthepreviousengagement.Butwhowould
haveeveranticipatedthatafatherandmother,whoseheartsweresetuponpositionandtheirambitionupon
wealth,couldhavebroughtupadaughtersoconsciousofproprietyandsofulloffeelingastoseizethefirst
opportunity,aftershehadheardthatshehadbeenwithdrawnfromherformerintended,andbeenpromisedto
theLifamily,tostealthilydeviseawaytocommitsuicide,bymeansofahandkerchief.ThesonoftheMajor,
uponlearningthatChinKohadstrangledherself,thereandthenjumpedintotheriveranddrownedhimself,as
hetoowasabeingfulloflove.TheChangandLifamilieswere,sadtorelate,verymuchcutup,and,invery
truth,twolivesandmoneyhadbeensacrificedalltonouse.
LadyFeng,however,duringthiswhile,quietlyenjoyedthethreethousandtaels,andmadameWangdidnothave
evensomuchasthefaintestideaofthewholematter.Buteversincethisoccasion,ladyFeng'saudacity
acquiredmoreandmorestrengthandtheactionsofthiskind,whichshe,inafterdays,performed,defy
enumeration.
Oneday,theverydayonwhichChiaCheng'sbirthdayfell,whilethemembersofthetwohouseholdsofNing
andJungwereassembledtogetherofferingtheircongratulations,andunusualbustleandstirprevailed,a
gatekeepercamein,atquiteanunexpectedmoment,toannouncethatMr.Hsia,MetropolitanHeadEunuchof
thesixpalaces,hadcomewiththespecialpurposeofpresentinganedictfromhisMajestyabitofnewswhich
plungedChiaShe,ChiaChengandthewholecompanyintogreatconsternation,astheycouldnotmakeout
whatwasup.Speedilyinterruptingthetheatricalperformance,theyhadthebanquetcleared,andthealtarlaid
outwithincense,andopeningthecentregatetheyfellontheirkneestoreceivetheedict.
Soontheycaughtsightoftheheadeunuch,HsiaPingchung,advancingonhorseback,andbesideshimself,a
considerableretinueofeunuchs.TheeunuchHsiadidnot,infact,carryanymandateorpresentanydecreebut
straightwayadvancingasfarasthemainhall,hedismounted,and,withafacebeamingwithsmiles,hewalked
intotheHallandtookhisstandonthesouthernside.
"Ihavehadthehonour,"hesaid,"ofreceivingaspecialordertoatoncesummonChiaChengtopresenthimself
atCourtandbeadmittedinHisMajesty'spresenceintheLinChingHall."
Whenhehaddeliveredthismessage,hedidnotsomuchastakeanytea,butforthwithmountedhishorseand
tookhisleave.
ChiaChengandtheotherscouldnotevenconceivewhatomenthissummonsimplied,buthehadnoalternative
buttochangehisclotheswithallhasteandtopresenthimselfatCourt,whiledowagerladyChiaandtheinmates
ofthewholehouseholdwere,intheirhearts,apreytosuchperplexityanduncertaintythattheyincessantly
despatchedmessengersonflyingsteedstogoandbringthenews.
Aftertheexpiryoffourhours,theysuddenlyperceivedLaiTaandthreeorfourotherbutlersrunin,quiteoutof
breath,throughtheceremonialgateandreportthegladtidings."Wehavereceived,"theyadded,"ourmaster's
commands,tohurriedlyrequesthervenerableladyshiptotakemadameWangandtheotherladiesintothe
Palace,toreturnthanksforHisMajesty'sbounty"andotherwordstothesamepurport.
DowagerladyChiawas,atthistime,standing,withagitatedheart,undertheverandahoftheLargeHallwaiting
fortidings,whilstthetwoladies,mesdamesHsingandWang,Mrs.Yu,LiWan,ladyFeng,YingCh'unandher
sisters,evenuptoMrs.Hsehandtherest,werecongregatedinoneplaceascertainingwhatwasthenews.Old

ladyChialikewisecalledLaiTainandminutelyquestionedhimastowhathadhappened."Yourservants,"
repliedLaiTa,"simplystoodwaitingoutsidetheLinChuanggate,sothatwewereintotalignoranceofwhat
wasgoingoninside,whenpresentlytheEunuchHsiacameoutandimpartedtousthegladtidingstellingus
thattheeldestoftheyoungladiesinourhouseholdhadbeenraised,byHisMajesty,tobeanoverseerinthe
FengTs'aoPalace,andthathehad,inaddition,conferreduponhertherankofworthyandvirtuoussecondary
consort.Byandby,Mr.ChiaChengcameoutandalsotoldusthesamething.Masterisnowgonebackagainto
theEasternPalace,whitherherequestsyourvenerableladyshiptogoatonceandofferthanksfortheImperial
favour."
WhenoldladyChiaandtheothermembersofthefamilyheardthesetidingstheywereatlengthreassuredin
theirminds,andsoelatedweretheyallinonemomentthatjoywasvisibleintheirveryfaces.Withoutlossof
time,theycommencedtodonthegaladressessuitabletotheirrankwhichdone,oldladyChialedthewayfor
thetwoladies,mesdamesHsingandWang,aswellasforMrs.Yuandtheirofficialchairs,fouroftheminall,
enteredthepalacelikeatrailoffishwhileChiaSheandChiaChen,whohadlikewisechangedtheirclothesfor
theircourtdress,tookChiaSeandChiaJungalongandproceededinattendanceupondowagerladyChia.
Indeed,ofthetwohouseholdsofNingandJung,therewasnotone,whetherhighorlow,womanorman,who
wasnotinahighstateofexultation,withtheexceptionofPaoy,whobehavedjustasifthenewshadnot
reachedhisearsandcanyou,reader,guesswhy?ThefactisthatChihNeng,oftheWaterMoonConvent,had
recentlyenteredthecityinasurreptitiousmannerinsearchofCh'inChungbut,contrarytoexpectation,her
visitcametobeknownbyCh'inYeh,whodroveChihNengawayandlaidholdofCh'inChungandgavehima
flogging.Butthisoutburstoftemperofhisbroughtaboutarelapseofhisoldcomplaint,withtheresultthatin
threeorfivedays,he,sadtosay,succumbed.Ch'inChunghadhimselfeverbeeninadelicatestateofhealthand
hadbesidesreceivedacaningbeforehehadgotoverhissickness,sothatwhenhenowsawhisagedfatherpass
awayfromtheconsequencesofafitofanger,hefelt,atthisstage,sofullofpenitenceanddistressthatthe
symptomsofhisillnesswereagainconsiderablyaggravated.HenceitwasthatPaoywasdowncastand
unhappyatheart,andthatnothingcould,inspiteofthepromotionofYuanCh'unbyimperialfavour,dispelthe
depressionofhisspirits.
DowagerladyChiaandtherestinduecourseofferedthanksandreturnedhome,therelativesandfriendscame
topresenttheircongratulations,greatstirandexcitementprevailedduringthesefewdaysinthetwomansionsof
NingandJung,andeveryonewasinhighgleebuthealonelookeduponeverythingasifitwerenothingtaking
nottheleastinterestinanythingandasthisreasonledthewholefamilytosneerathim,theresultwasthathe
gotmoreandmoredoltish.
Luckily,however,ChiaLienandTaiywereontheirwayback,andhaddespatchedmessengers,inadvance,to
announcethenewsthattheywouldbeabletoreachhomethefollowingday,sothatwhenPaoyheardthe
tidings,hewasatlengthsomewhatcheered.Andwhenhecametoinstituteminuteinquiries,heeventually
foundout:"thatChiaYts'unwasalsocomingtothecapitaltohaveanaudiencewithHisMajesty,thatitwas
entirelybecauseWangTzut'enghadrepeatedlylaidbeforetheThronememorialsrecommendinghimthathe
wascomingonthisoccasiontowaitinthemetropolisforavacancywhichhecouldfillupthatashewasa
kinsmanofChiaLien's,acknowledgingthesameancestorsashedid,andhestood,ontheotherhand,withTai
y,intherelationshipoftutorandpupil,hewasinconsequencefollowingthesameroadandcomingastheir
companionthatLinJuhaihadalreadybeenburiedintheancestralvault,andthateveryrequirementhadbeen
attendedtowithproprietythatChiaLien,onthisvoyagetothecapital,would,hadheprogressedbythe
ordinarystages,havebeenoveramonthbeforehecouldreachhome,butthatwhenhecametohearthegood
newsaboutYuanCh'un,hepressedondayandnighttoenterthecapitalandthatthewholejourneyhadbeen
throughout,ineveryrespect,bothpleasantandpropitious."
ButPaoymerelyascertainedwhetherTaiywasallright,anddidnotevensomuchastroublehismindwith
therestofwhatheheardandheremainedonthetiptoeofexpectation,tillnoonofthemorrowwhen,inpoint
offact,itwasannouncedthatMr.Lien,togetherwithMissLin,hadmadetheirentranceintothemansion.When
theycamefacetoface,griefandjoyviedwitheachotherandtheycouldnothelphavingagoodcryforawhile

afterwhichfollowedagainexpressionsofsympathyandcongratulationswhilePaoyponderedwithinhimself
thatTaiyhadbecomestillmoresurpassinglyhandsome.
Taiyhadalsobroughtalongwithheragoodnumberofbooks,andshepromptlygaveordersthatthesleeping
roomsshouldbeswept,andthatthevariousnicknacksshouldbeputintheirproperplaces.Shefurtherproduced
acertainquantityofpaper,pencilsandothersuchthings,anddistributedthemamongPaoCh'ai,YingCh'un,
PaoyandtherestandPaoyalsobroughtout,withextremecare,thestringofLinglingscentedbeads,
whichhadbeengiventohimbythePrinceofPeiChing,andhandedthem,inhisturn,toTaiyasapresent.
"Whatfoulmanhastakenholdofthem?"exclaimedTaiy."Idon'twantanysuchthings"andassheforthwith
dashedthemdown,andwouldnotacceptthem,Paoywasunderthenecessityoftakingthemback.Butforthe
timebeingwewillnotalludetothem,butdevoteourattentiontoChiaLien.
Having,afterhisarrivalhome,paidhissalutationstoalltheinmates,heretiredtohisownquartersatthevery
momentthatladyFenghadmultifariousdutiestoattendto,andhadnotevenaminutetosparebut,considering
thatChiaLienhadreturnedfromadistantjourney,shecouldnotdootherwisethanputbywhatshehadtodo,
andtogreethimandwaitonhim.
"Imperialuncle,"shesaid,inajocosemanner,whensherealisedthattherewasnooutsiderpresentintheroom,
"Icongratulateyou!Whatfatigueandhardshipyou,Imperialuncle,havehadtobearthroughoutthewhole
journey,yourhumbleservantheardyesterday,whenthecouriersentaheadcameandannouncedthatYour
Highnesswouldthisdayreachthismansion.Ihavemerelygotreadyaglassofmeanwineforyoutowipedown
thedustwith,butIwonder,whetherYourHighnesswilldeigntobestowuponitthelustreofyourcountenance,
andacceptit."
ChiaLiensmiled."HowdareIpresumetosuchanhonour,"headdedbywayofrejoinder"I'munworthyof
suchattention!Manythanks,manythanks."
P'ingErhandthewholecompanyofwaitingmaidssimultaneouslypaidtheirobeisancetohim,andthis
ceremonyconcluded,theypresentedtea.ChiaLienthereuponmadeinquiriesaboutthevariousmatters,which
hadtranspiredintheirhomeafterhisdeparture,andwentontothankladyFengforallthetroubleshehadtaken
inthemanagementofthem.
"HowcouldIcontrolallthesemanifoldmatters,"remarkedladyFeng"myexperienceissoshallow,myspeech
sodullandmymindsosimple,thatifanyoneshowedmeaclub,Iwouldmistakeitforapin.Besides,I'mso
tenderheartedthatwereanyonetoutteracoupleofglibremarks,Icouldn'thelpfeelingmyheartgivewayto
compassionandsympathy.I'vehad,inaddition,noexperienceinanyweightyquestionsmypluckislikewiseso
verysmallthatwhenmadameWanghasfeltintheleastdispleased,Ihavenotbeenabletoclosemyeyesand
sleep.UrgentlydidImorethanonceresignthecharge,butherladyshipwouldn'tagainagreetoitmaintaining,
onthecontrary,thatmyobjectwastobeatease,andthatIwasnotwillingtoreapexperience.Leavingaside
thatshedoesn'tknowthatItakethingssomuchtoheart,thatIcanscooptheperspirationinhandfuls,thatI
daren'tutteronewordmorethanisproper,norventuretorecklesslytakeonestepmorethanIoughtto,you
knowverywellwhichofthewomenservants,inchargeofthemenageinourhousehold,iseasytomanage!If
everImaketheslightestmistake,theylaughatmeandpokefunatmeandifIinclinealittleoneway,they
showtheirdispleasurebyinnuendoestheysitbyandlookon,theyuseeverymeanstodoharm,theystirup
trouble,theystandbyonsafegroundandlookonanddon'tgiveahelpinghandtoliftanyonetheyhavethrown
over,andtheyare,oneandallofthem,oldhandsinsuchtricks.I'mmoreoveryounginyearsandnotableto
keeppeopleincheck,sothattheynaturallydon'tshowanyregardforme!Whatisstillmoreridiculousisthat
afterthedeathofJungErh'swifeinthatmansion,brotherChen,timeandagain,beggedmadameWang,onhis
veryknees,todohimthefavourtoaskmetolendhimahandforseveraldays.Irepeatedlysignifiedmyrefusal,
butherladyshipgaveherconsentinordertoobligehim,sothatIhadnohelpbuttocarryoutherwishputting,
asismywont,everythingtopsyturvey,andmakingmattersworsethantheywerewiththeresultthatbrother
Chenuptothisdaybearsmeagrudgeandregretshavingaskedformyassistance.Whenyouseehimto
morrow,dowhatyoucantoexcusemebyhim.'Youngassheis,'tellhim,'andwithoutexperienceoftheworld,
whoevercouldhaveinstigatedMr.ChiaChengtomakesuchamistakeastochooseher.'"

Whiletheywerestillchatting,theyheardpeopletalkingintheouterapartments,andladyFengspeedily
inquiredwhoitwas.P'ingErhenteredtheroomtoreply."LadyHseh,"shesaid,"hassentsisterHsiangLing
overtoaskmesomethingbutI'vealreadygivenhermyanswerandsentherback."
"Quiteso,"interposedChiaLienwithasmile."AshortwhileagoIwenttolookupMrs.Hsehandcameface
tofacewithayounggirl,whosefeaturesweresupremelyperfect,andasIsuspectedthat,inourhousehold,there
wasnosuchperson,Iaskedinthecourseofconversation,Mrs.Hsehabouther,andfoundouteventuallythat
thiswastheyoungwaitingmaidtheyhadpurchasedontheirwaytothecapital,HsiangLingbyname,andthat
shehadafterallbecomeaninmateofthehouseholdofthatbigfoolHseh.Sinceshe'shadherhairdressedasa
marriedwomanshedoeslooksomuchmorepreeminentlybeautiful!ButthatbigfoolHsehhasreallybrought
contaminationuponher."
"Ai!"exclaimedladyFeng,"hereyouarebackfromatriptoSuchowandHangChow,whereyoushouldhave
seensomethingoftheworld!andhaveyoustillaneyeasenviousandaheartsocovetous?Well,ifyouwishto
bestowyourloveonher,there'snodifficultyworthspeakingof.I'lltakeP'ingErhoverandexchangeherfor
herwhatdoyousaytothat?thatoldbrotherHsehisalsooneofthosemen,who,whileeatingwhatthereisin
thebowl,keepsaneyeonwhatthereisinthepan!Forthelastyearorso,ashecouldn'tgetHsiangLingtobe
his,hemadeeversomanydistressingappealstoMrs.HsehandMrs.HsehwhileesteemingHsiangLing's
looks,thoughfine,asafterallasmallmatter,(thought)herdeportmentandconductsofarunlikethoseofother
girls,sogentleandsodemurethatalmosttheverydaughtersofmastersandmistressescouldn'tattainher
standard,thatshethereforewenttothetroubleofspreadingabanquet,andofinvitingguests,andinopencourt,
andinthelegitimatecourse,shegavehertohimforasecondarywife.Buthalfamonthhadscarcelyelapsed
beforehelookeduponheralsoasagoodfornothingpersonashediduponalargenumberofthem!Ican't
howeverhelpfeelingpityforherinmyheart."
Scarcelyhadshetimetoconcludewhatshehadtosaywhenayouth,ondutyatthesecondgate,transmittedthe
announcementthatMr.ChiaChengwasintheLibrarywaitingforMr.Secundus.Atthesewords,ChiaLien
speedilyadjustedhisclothes,andlefttheapartmentandduringhisabsence,ladyFenginquiredofP'ingErh
whatMrs.Hsehwantedafewminutesback,thatshesentHsiangLingroundinsuchahurry.
"WhatHsiangLingevercame?"repliedP'ingErh."Isimplymadeuseofhernametotellaliefortheoccasion.
Tellme,mylady,(what'scometo)WangErh'swife?whyshe'sgotsobadthatthere'sevennocommonsense
leftinher!"SayingthissheagaindrewnearladyFeng'sside,andinasofttoneofvoice,shecontinued:"That
interestofyours,mylady,shedoesn'tsendlater,nordoesshesenditsoonerbutshemustsenditroundthevery
momentwhenmasterSecundusisathome!Butasluckwouldhaveit,Iwasinthehall,sothatIcameacross
herotherwise,shewouldhavewalkedinandtoldyourladyship,andMr.Secunduswouldnaturallyhavecome
toknowaboutit!Andourmasterwould,withthatframeofmindofhis,havefisheditoutandspentit,hadthe
moneyevenbeenatthebottomofapanfullofoil!andwerehetohaveheardthatmyladyhadprivatemeans,
wouldhenothavebeenstillmorerecklessinspending?Henceitwasthat,losingnotimeintakingthemoney
over,Ihadtotellherafewwordswhich,whowouldhavethought,happenedtobeoverheardbyyourladyship
that'swhy,inthepresenceofmasterSecundus,IsimplyexplainedthatHsiangLinghadcome!"
ThesewordsevokedasmilefromladyFeng."Mrs.Hsueh,Ithoughttomyself,"sheobserved,"knowsverywell
thatyourMr.Secundushascome,andyet,regardlessofpropriety,she,instead(ofkeepingherathome),sends
someoneoverfromherinnerrooms!anditwasyouafterall,youvixen,playingthesepranks!"
Assheutteredthisremark,ChiaLienwalkedin,andladyFengissuedorderstoservethewineandtheeatables,
andhusbandandwifetooktheirseatsoppositetoeachotherbutnotwithstandingthatladyFengwasvery
partialtodrink,sheneverthelessdidnothavethecouragetoindulgeherweakness,butmerelypartookofsome
tokeephimcompany.ChiaLien'snurse,dameChao,enteredtheroom,andChiaLienandladyFengpromptly
pressedhertohaveaglassofwine,andbadehersitonthestovecouch,butdameChaowasobstinateinher
refusal.P'ingErhandtheotherwaitingmaidshadatanearlyhourplacedasquarestoolnexttotheedgeofthe
couch,wherewaslikewiseasmallfootstool,andonthisfootstooldameChaotookaseat,whereuponChiaLien
chosetwodishesofdelicaciesfromthetable,whichhehandedhertoplaceonthesquarestoolforherownuse.

"DameChao,"ladyFengremarked,"couldn'tverywellbitethroughthat,forminditmightmakeherteethdrop!
Thismorning,"shethereforeaskedofP'ingErh,"Isuggestedthatthatshoulderofporkstewedwithhamwasso
tenderastobequitethethingtobegiventodameChaotoeatandhowisityouhaven'ttakenitovertoher?
Butgoatonceandtellthemtowarmitandbringitin!DameChao,"shewenton,"justyoutastethisHui
Ch'anwinebroughtbyyourfosterson."
"I'lldrinkit,"replieddameChao,"butyou,mylady,mustalsohaveacup:what'stheretofear?theonethingto
guardagainstisanyexcess,that'sall!ButI'venowcomeover,notforanywineoreatablesonthecontrary,
there'saseriousmatter,whichIwouldaskyourladyshiptoimpressonyourmind,andtoshowmesomeregard,
forthismasterofoursisonlygoodtoutterfinewords,butwhenthetime(toact)doescome,heforgetsallabout
us!AsIhavehadthegoodfortunetonursehiminhisinfancyandtobringhimuptothisage,'Itoohavegrown
oldinyears,'Isaidtohim,'andallthatbelongtomearethosetwosons,anddolookuponthemwithsome
particularfavour!'WithanyoneelseIshouldn'thaveventuredtoopenmymouth,buthimIanywayentreated
timeandagainonseveraloccasions.Hisassentwasofcoursewellandgood,butuptothisverymomenthestill
withholdshishelp.Nowbesidesfromtheheavenshasdroppedsuchamightypieceofgoodluckandinwhat
placewilltherebenoneedofservants?that'swhyIcometotellyou,mylady,asisbutright,forwereIto
dependuponourmaster,IfearIshallevendieofstarvation."
LadyFenglaughed."You'dbetter,"shesuggested,"putthosetwoelderfosterbrothersofhisbothundermy
charge!Butyou'venursedthatfostersonfromhisbabyhood,anddon'tyouyetknowthatdispositionofhis,
howthathetakeshisskinandfleshandsticksit,(notonthebodyofarelative),but,onthecontrary,onthatof
anoutsiderandstranger?(toChiaLien.)Whichofthosefosterbrotherswhomyouhavenowdiscarded,isn't
clearlybetterthanothers?andwereyoutohaveshownthemsomefavourandconsideration,whowouldhave
venturedtohavesaid'don't?'Insteadofthat,youconferbenefitsuponthoroughstrangers,andalltonopurpose
whatever!Butthesewordsofminearealsoincorrect,eh?forthosewhomweregardasstrangersyou,
contrariwise,willtreatjustasiftheywererelatives!"
AtthesewordseveryonepresentintheroomburstoutlaughingevennurseChaocouldnotrepressherselfand
assheinvokedBuddha,"Inverytruth,"sheexclaimed,"inthisroomhassprungupakindheartedperson!as
regardsrelativesandstrangers,suchfoolishdistinctionsaren'tdrawnbyourmasterandit'ssimplybecausehe's
fullofpityandistenderheartedthathecan'tputoffanyonewhogivesventtoafewwordsofentreaty,and
nothingelse!"
"That'squiteit!"rejoinedladyFengsmilingsarcastically,"tothosewhomhelooksuponasrelatives,he's
kindhearted,butwithmeandhismotherhe'sashardassteel."
"Whatyousay,mylady,isveryconsiderate,"remarkednurseChao,"andI'mreallysofullofdelightthatI'll
haveanotherglassofgoodwine!and,iffromthistimeforward,yourladyshipwillactasyouthinkbest,I'll
havethennothingtobesorryfor!"
ChiaLiendidnotatthisjuncturefeelquiteathisease,buthecoulddonomorethanfeignasmile."You
people,"hesaid,"shouldleaveofftalkingnonsense,andbringtheeatablesatonceandletushaveourmeal,asI
havestilltogoontheothersideandseeMr.ChiaChen,toconsultwithhimaboutbusiness."
"Tobesureyouhave,"venturedladyFeng,"andyoushouldn'tneglectyourlegitimateaffairsbutwhatdidMr.
ChiaChentellyouwhenhesentforyoujustawhileback?"
"Itwasaboutthevisit(ofYuanCh'un)toherparents,"ChiaLienexplained.
"Hasafterallpermissionforthevisitbeengranted?"ladyFenginquiredwithalacrity.
"Thoughnotquitegranted,"ChiaLienrepliedjoyously,"it'sneverthelessmoreorlessanaccomplishedfact."
"ThisisindeedevidenceofthegreatbountyofthepresentEmperor!"ladyFengobservedsmirkingly"one
doesn'thearinbooks,orseeinplays,writtenfromtimetotime,anymentionofsuchaninstance,evensofar

backasthedaysofold!"
DameChaotookupagainthethreadoftheconversation."Indeedit'sso!"sheinterposed"ButI'minverytruth
quitestupidfromoldage,forI'veheardeveryone,highandlow,clamouringduringthesefewdays,something
orotherabout'HsingCh'in'orno'HsingCh'in,'butIdidn'treallypayanyheedtoitandnowagain,here's
somethingmoreaboutthis'HsingCh'in,'butwhat'sitallabout,Iwonder?"
"TheEmperoratpresentontheThrone,"explainedChiaLien,"takesintoconsiderationthefeelingsofhis
people.Inthewholeworld,thereis(inhisopinion),nomoreessentialthingthanfilialpietymaintainingthat
thefeelingsoffather,mother,sonanddaughterareindiscriminatelysubjecttooneprinciple,withoutany
distinctionbetweenhonorableandmean.ThepresentEmperorhimselfdayandnightwaitsupontheirmajesties
hisFatherandtheEmpressDowager,andyetcannot,intheleastdegree,carryouttothefullhisidealoffilial
piety.Thesecondaryconsorts,meritoriouspersonsandotherinmatesofthePalace,heremembered,hadentered
withinitsprecinctsmanyyearsback,castingasidefathersandmothers,sohowcouldtheynothelpthinkingof
them?Besides,thefathersandmothers,whoremainathomemustlongfortheirdaughters,ofwhomtheycannot
getevensomuchasaglimpse,andif,throughthissolicitude,theyweretocontractanyillness,theharmonyof
heavenwouldalsobeseriouslyimpaired,soforthisreason,hememorialisedtheEmperor,hisfather,andthe
EmpressDowagerthateverymonth,ontherecurrenceofthesecondandsixthdays,permissionshouldbe
accordedtotherelativesoftheimperialconsortstoenterthepalaceandmakeapplicationtoseetheirdaughters.
TheEmperor,hisfather,andEmpressDowagerwere,forthwith,muchdelightedbythisrepresentation,and
eulogised,inhighterms,thepietyandgenerosityofthepresentEmperor,hisregardforthewillofheavenand
hisresearchintothenatureofthings.BoththeirsacredMajestiesconsequentlyalsoissuedadecreetotheeffect:
thattheentranceoftherelativesoftheimperialconsortsintothePalacecouldnotbutinterferewiththedignity
ofthestate,andtherulesofconventionalrites,butthatasthemothersanddaughterscouldnotgratifythe
wishesoftheirhearts,TheirMajestieswould,afterall,showahighproofofexpedientgrace,andissueaspecial
commandthat:'exclusiveofthegenerousbounty,byvirtueofwhichtheworthyrelationsoftheimperial
consortscouldenterthepalaceonthesecondandsixthdays,anyfamily,havingextensiveaccommodationand
separatecourtssuitableforthecantonmentoftheimperialbodyguard,could,withoutanydetriment,make
applicationtotheInnerPalace,fortheentranceoftheimperialchairintotheprivateresidences,totheendthat
thepersonalfeelingsofrelationsmightbegratified,andthattheyshouldcollectivelyenjoytheblissofafamily
reunion.'Aftertheissueofthisdecree,whodidnotleapfromgratefuljoy!Thefatherofthehonourable
secondaryconsortChouhasnowalreadyinitiatedworks,inhisresidence,fortherepairstotheseparatecourts
necessaryforthevisitingparty.WuT'ienyutoo,thefatherofWu,thedistinguishedconsort,haslikewisegone
outsidethecitywallsinsearchofasuitableplotofgroundanddon'ttheseamounttowellnighaccomplished
facts?"
"Omitofu!"exclaimeddameChao."Isitreallyso?butfromwhatyousay,ourfamilywillalsobemaking
preparationsforthereceptionoftheeldestyounglady!"
"Thatgoeswithoutsaying,"addedChiaLien,"otherwise,forwhatpurposecouldwebeinsuchastirjustnow?"
"It'sofcourseso!"interposedladyFengsmiling,"andIshallnowhaveanopportunityofseeingsomethinggreat
oftheworld.MymisfortuneisthatI'myoungbyseveralyearsforhadIbeenborntwentyorthirtyyearssooner,
alltheseoldpeoplewouldn'treallybenowtreatingmecontemptuouslyfornothavingseentheworld!Tobegin
with,theEmperorTaiTsu,inyearsgoneby,imitatedtheoldpolicyofShun,andwentonatour,givingriseto
morestirthananybookcouldhaveeverproducedbutIhappentobedevoidofthatgoodfortunewhichcould
haveenabledmetocomeintime."
"Aiya,ya!"ejaculateddameChao,"suchathingisrarelymetwithinathousandyears!Iwasoldenoughatthat
timetoremembertheoccurrence!OurChiafamilywasthenatKuSu,Yangchowandallalongthatline,
superintendingtheconstructionofoceanvessels,andtherepairstotheseaboard.Thiswastheonlytimein
whichpreparationsweremadeforthereceptionoftheEmperor,andmoneywaslavishedinquantitiesasgreat
asthebillowingwatersofthesea!"

Thissubjectonceintroduced,ladyFengtookupthethreadoftheconversationwithvehemence."OurWang
family,"shesaid,"didalsomakepreparationsononeoccasion.Atthattimemygrandfatherwasinsolecharge
ofallmattersconnectedwithtributefromvariousstates,aswellaswithgeneralleves,sothatwheneverany
foreignersarrived,theyallcametoourhousetobeentertained,whilethewholeofthegoods,broughtbyforeign
vesselsfromthetwoKuangprovinces,fromFukien,YunnanandChekiang,werethepropertyofourfamily."
"Whoisn'tawareofthesefacts?"ventureddameChao"thereisuptothisdayasayingthat,'intheeasternsea,
therewasawhitejadebedrequired,andthedragonprincecametorequestMr.WangofChinLing(togiveitto
him)!'Thissayingrelatestoyourfamily,mylady,andremainsevennowinvogue.TheChenfamilyofChiang
Nanhasrecentlyheld,ohsuchafineoldstanding!italonehasentertainedtheEmperoronfouroccasions!Had
wenotseenthesethingswithourowneyes,werewetotellnomatterwhom,theywouldn'tsurelyeverbelieve
them!Nottospeakofthemoney,whichwasasplentifulasmud,allthings,whethertheyweretobefoundinthe
worldornot,weretheynotheapeduplikehills,andcollectedlikethewatersofthesea?Butwiththefour
charactersrepresentingsinandpitytheydidn'thowevertroubletheirminds."
"I'veoftenheard,"continuedladyFeng,"myeldestunclesaythatthingswereinsuchastate,andhowcouldn'tI
believe?butwhatsurprisesmeishowiteverhappenedthatthisfamilyattainedsuchopulenceandhonour!"
"I'lltellyourladyshipandallinonesentence,"repliednurseChao."WhytheysimplytooktheEmperor'smoney
andspentitfortheEmperor'sperson,that'sall!forwhatfamilyhassuchalotofmoneyastoindulgeinthis
uselessextravagance?"
Whiletheywereengagedinthisconversation,aservantcameasecondtime,attheinstanceofmadameWang,
toseewhetherladyFenghadfinishedhermealornotandladyFengforthwithconcludingthattheremustbe
somethingwaitingforhertoattendto,hurriedlyrushedthroughherrepast.Shehadjustrinsedhermouthand
wasabouttostartwhentheyouths,ondutyatthesecondgate,alsoreportedthatthetwogentlemen,Mr.Chia
JungandMr.ChiaSe,belongingtotheEasternmansion,hadarrived.
ChiaLienhad,atlength,rinsedhismouthbutwhileP'ingErhpresentedabasinforhimtowashhishands,he
perceivedthetwoyoungmenwalkin,andreadilyinquiredofthemwhattheyhadtosay.
LadyFengwas,onaccount(oftheirarrival),likewisecompelledtostay,andsheheardChiaJungtakethelead
andobserve:"Myfatherhassentmetotellyou,uncle,thatthegentlemen,havealreadydecidedthatthewhole
extentofground,startingfromtheEastside,borrowing(fortheoccasion)theflowergardenoftheEastern
mansion,straightuptotheNorthWest,hadbeenmeasuredandfoundtoamountinalltothreeandahalflithat
itwillbesuitablefortheerectionofextraaccommodationforthevisitingpartythattheyhavealready
commissionedanarchitecttodrawaplan,whichwillbereadybytomorrowthatasyou,uncle,havejust
returnedhome,andmustunavoidablyfeelfatigued,youneednotgoovertoourhouse,butthatifyouhave
anythingtosayyoushouldpleasecometomorrowmorning,asearlyasyoucan,andconsultverballywithhim."
"Thankunclewarmly,"ChiaLienrejoinedsmilingly,"forthetroublehehastakeninthinkingofmeIshall,in
thatcase,complywithhiswishesandnotgoover.Thisplaniscertainlytheproperone,forwhiletroublewill
thusbesaved,theerectionofthequarterswilllikewisebeaneasymatterforhadadistinctplottobeselected
andtobepurchased,itwouldinvolvefargreaterdifficulties.What'smore,thingswouldn't,afterall,bewhat
theyproperlyshouldbe.Whenyougetback,tellyourfatherthatthisdecisionistherightone,andthatshould
thegentlemenhaveanyfurtherwishtointroduceanychangeintheirproposals,itwillrestentirelywithmy
uncletopreventthem,asit'sonnoaccountadvisabletogoandcastone'schoiceonsomeotherplotthatto
morrowassoonasit'sdaylight,I'llcomeandpaymyrespectstouncle,whenwecanenterintofurtherdetailsin
ourdeliberations!"
ChiaJunghastilysignifiedhisassentbyseveralyes's,andChiaSealsocameforwardtodeliverhismessage.
"ThemissiontoKuSu,"heexplained,"tofindtutors,topurchaseservantgirls,andtoobtainmusical
instruments,andtheatricalpropertiesandthelike,myunclehasconfidedtomeandasI'mtotakealongwith
methetwosonsofacoupleofmajordomos,andtwocompanionsofthefamily,besides,TanP'ingjenandPei
Kuhsiu,hehas,forthisreason,enjoinedmetocomeandseeyou,uncle."

Uponhearingthis,ChiaLienscrutinisedChiaSe."What!"heasked,"areyouabletoundertakethese
commissions?Thesemattersare,it'strue,ofnogreatmomentbutthere'ssomethingmorehiddeninthem!"
ChiaSesmiled."ThebestthingIcando,"heremarked,"willbetoexecutetheminmynovicesortofway,that's
all."
ChiaJungwasstandingnexttoladyFeng,outofthelightofthelamp,andstealthilypulledthelapelofher
dress.LadyFengunderstoodthehint,andputtingonasmilingexpression,"Youaretoofulloffears!"she
interposed."IsitlikelythatouruncleChendoesn't,afterall,knowbetterthanwedowhatmentoemploy,that
youagaingivewaytoapprehensionsthatheisn'tuptothemark!butwhoarethosewhoare,ineveryrespect,up
tothemark?Theseyoungfellowshavegrownupalreadytothisage,andiftheyhaven'teatenanypork,they
haveneverthelessseenapigrun.IfMr.Chenhasdeputedhimtogo,heissimplymeanttositunderthe
general'sstandardanddoyouimagine,forsooth,thathehas,inrealearnest,toldhimtogoandbargainabout
thepurchasemoney,andtointerviewthebrokershimself?Myownideaisthat(thechoice)isaverygoodone."
"Ofcourseitis!"observedChiaLien"butitisn'tthatIentertainanywishtobefactiousmyonlyobjectisto
devisesomeplanorotherforhim.Whencewill,"hethereforewentontoask,"themoneyrequiredforthis
purposecomefrom?"
"Alittlewhileagothedeliberationsreachedthispoint,"rejoinedChiaSe"andMr.Laisuggestedthattherewas
nonecessityatalltotakeanyfundsfromthecapital,astheChenfamily,inChiangNan,hadstillintheir
possessionTls.50,000ofourmoney.Thathewouldtomorrowwritealetterofadviceandadraftforustotake
along,andthatweshould,firstofall,obtaincashtotheamountofTls.30,000,andletthebalanceofTls.20,000
remainover,forthepurchaseofpaintedlanterns,andcolouredcandles,aswellasfortheoutlayforeverykind
ofportieres,banners,curtainsandstreamers."
ChiaLiennoddedhishead."Thisplanisfirstrate!"headded.
"Sincethatbeso,"observedladyFeng,assheaddressedherselftoChiaSe,"I'vetwoableandreliablemenand
ifyouwouldtakethemwithyou,toattendtothesematters,won'titbetoyourconvenience?"
ChiaSeforcedasmile."Iwasjustonthepoint,"herejoined,"ofaskingyou,aunt,fortheloanoftwomen,so
thatthissuggestionisastrangecoincidence."
Ashewentontoascertainwhatweretheirnames,ladyFenginquiredwhattheywereofnurseChao.Butnurse
Chaohad,bythistime,becomequitedazedfromlisteningtotheconversation,andP'ingErhhadtogivehera
push,asshesmiled,beforeshereturnedtoconsciousness."Theone,"shehastenedtoreply,"iscalledChao
T'ienliangandtheotherChaoT'ientung."
"Whateveryoudo,"suggestedladyFeng,"don'tforgetthembutnowI'mofftolookaftermyduties."
Withthesewords,shelefttheroom,andChiaJungpromptlyfollowedherout,andwithgentlevoicehesaidto
her:"Ofwhateveryouwant,aunt,issueordersthatalistbedrawnup,andI'llgiveittomybrothertotakewith
him,andhe'llcarryoutyourcommissionsaccordingtothelist."
"Don'ttalknonsense!"repliedladyFenglaughing"I'vefoundnoplace,asyet,whereIcouldputawayallmy
ownthingsanddothestealthypracticesofyoupeopletakemyfancy?"
Assheutteredthesewordsshestraightwaywentherway.
ChiaSe,atthistime,likewise,askedChiaLien:"Ifyouwantanything(inthewayofcurtains),Ican
convenientlyhavethemwovenforyou,alongwiththerest,andbringthemasapresenttoyou."
"Don'tbeinsuchhighglee!"ChiaLienurgedwithagrin,"you'vebutrecentlybeenlearninghowtodo
business,andhaveyoucomefirstandforemosttoexcelintricksofthiskind?IfIrequireanything,I'llofcourse

writeandtellyou,butweneedn'ttalkaboutit."
Havingfinishedspeaking,hedismissedthetwoyoungmenand,inquicksuccession,servantscametomake
theirbusinessreports,notlimitedtothreeandfivecompanies,butasChiaLienfeltexhausted,heforthwithsent
wordtothoseondutyatthesecondgatenottoallowanyoneatalltocommunicateanyreports,andthatthe
wholecrowdshouldwaittillthenextday,whenhewouldgivehismindtowhathadtobedone.
LadyFengdidnotcometoretiretoresttillthethirdwatchbutnothingneedbesaidaboutthewholenight.
Thenextmorning,atanearlyhour,ChiaLiengotupandcalledonChiaSheandChiaChengafterwhich,he
cameovertotheNingKuomansionwhen,incompanywiththeoldmajordomosandotherservants,aswellas
withseveraloldfamilyfriendsandcompanions,heinspectedthegroundsofthetwomansions,anddrewplans
ofthepalatialbuildings(fortheaccommodationoftheImperialconsortandherescort)onhervisittoher
parentsdeliberatingatthesametime,onthesubjectoftheworksandworkmen.
Fromthisdaythemasonsandworkmenofeverytradewerecollectedtothefullnumberandthearticlesof
gold,silver,copper,andpewter,aswellastheearth,timber,tiles,andbricks,werebroughtover,andcarriedin,
inincessantsupplies.Inthefirstplace,orderswereissuedtotheworkmentodemolishthewallandtowersof
thegardenofConcentratedFragrance,andextendapassagetoconnectinastraightlinewiththelargecourtin
theEastoftheJungmansionforthewholeextentofservants'quartersontheEasternsideoftheJungmansion
hadpreviouslybeenpulleddown.
ThetworesidencesofNingandJungwere,inthesedays,itistrue,dividedbyasmallstreet,whichservedasa
boundaryline,andtherewasnocommunicationbetweenthem,butthisnarrowpassagewasalsoprivate
property,andnotinanywayagovernmentstreet,sothattheycouldeasilybeconnected,andasinthegardenof
ConcentratedFragrance,therewasalreadyastreamofrunningwater,whichhadbeenintroducedthroughthe
corneroftheNorthernwall,therewasnofurtherneednowofgoingtothetroubleofbringinginanother.
Althoughtherockeriesandtreeswerenotsufficient,theplacewhereChiaShelived,wasanoldgardenofthe
Jungmansion,sothatthebamboos,trees,androckeriesinthatcompound,aswellasthearbours,railingsand
othersuchthingscouldallbeverywellremovedtothefrontandbythesemeans,thesetwogrounds,situatedas
theywerebesidessoveryneartoeachother,could,bybeingthrownintoone,conducetothesavingof
considerablecapitalandlabourfor,inspiteofsomedeficiency,whathadtobesupplieddidnotamountto
much.AnditdevolvedentirelyuponacertainoldHu,amanofnote,styledShanTzuyeh,todeliberateupon
onethingafteranother,andtoinitiateitsconstruction.
ChiaChengwasnotuptotheseordinarymatters,sothatitfelltoChiaShe,ChiaChen,ChiaLien,LaiTa,Lai
Sheng,LinChihhsiao,WuHsinteng,ChanKuang,Ch'engJihhsingandseveralotherstoallotthesites,toset
thingsinorder,(andtolookafter)theheapingupofrockeries,thediggingofponds,theconstructionoftwo
storiedbuildings,theerectionofhalls,theplantationofbamboosandthecultivationofflowers,everything
connectedwiththeimprovementofthescenerydevolving,ontheotherhand,uponShanTzuyehtomake
provisionfor,andafterleavingCourt,hewoulddevotesuchleisuremomentsashehadtomerelygoing
everywheretogivealookatthemostimportantspots,andtoconsultwithChiaSheandtheothersafterwhich
hetroubledhismindnomorewithanything.AndasChiaShedidnothingelsethanstayathomeandlieoff,
wheneveranymatterturnedup,triflingthoughitmayhavebeenasagrainofmustardseedorabean,ChiaChen
andhisassociateshadeithertogoandreportitinpersonortowriteamemorandumofit.Orifhehadanything
tosay,hesentforChiaLien,LaiTaandotherstocomeandreceivehisinstructions.ChiaJunghadthesole
directionofthemanufactureofthearticlesingoldandsilverandasforChiaSe,hehadalreadysetoutonhis
journeytoKuSu.ChiaChen,LaiTaandtheresthadalsotocallouttherollwiththenamesoftheworkmen,to
superintendtheworksandotherdutiesrelativethereto,whichcouldnotberecordedbyonepenalonesufficient
tosaythatagreatbustleandstirprevailed,buttothissubjectweshallnotreferforatime,butalludetoPaoy.
Asoflatetherewereinthehouseholdconcernsofthismagnitudetoattendto,ChiaChengdidnotcometo
examinehiminhislessons,sothathewas,ofcourse,inhighspirits,but,asunfortunatelyCh'inChung's
complaintbecame,daybyday,moreserious,hewasatthesametimereallysoverydistressedatheartonhis
account,thatenjoymentwasforhimoutofthequestion.

Onthisday,hegotupassoonasitwasdawn,andhavingjustcombedhishairandwashedhisfaceandhands,
hewasbentupongoingtoaskdowagerladyChiatoallowhimtopayavisittoCh'inChung,whenhesuddenly
espiedMingYenpeeproundthecurtainwallatthesecondgate,andthenwithdrawhishead.Paoypromptly
walkedoutandinquiredwhathewasupto.
"Mr.Ch'inChung,"observedMingYen,"isnotwellatall."
Paoyatthesewordswasquitetakenaback."Itwasonlyyesterday,"hehastilyadded,"thatIsawhim,andhe
wasstillbrightandcheeryandhowisitthathe'sanythingbutwellnow?"
"Imyselfcan'texplain,"repliedMingYen"butjustafewminutesagoanoldmanbelongingtohisfamilycame
overwiththeexpresspurposeofgivingmethetidings."
Uponhearingthisnews,PaoythereandthenturnedroundandtolddowagerladyChiaandtheoldladyissued
directionstodeputesometrustworthypersonstoaccompanyhim."Lethimgo,"(shesaid),"andsatisfyhis
feelingstowardshisfellowscholarbutassoonashehasdone,hemustcomebackanddon'tlethimtarrytoo
long."
Paoywithhurriedsteplefttheroomandcameandchangedhisclothes.Butasonhisarrivaloutside,the
carriagehadnotasyetbeengotready,hefellintosuchastateofexcitement,thathewentroundandroundall
overthehallinquiteanerraticmanner.Inashortwhile,afterpressurehadbeenbroughttobear,thecarriage
arrived,andspeedilymountingthevehicle,hedroveuptothedoorofCh'inChung'shouse,followedbyLi
Kuei,MingYenandtheotherservants.Everythingwasquiet.Notasoulwasabout.Likeahiveofbeesthey
flockedintothehouse,totheastonishmentoftwodistantaunts,andofseveralmalecousinsofCh'inChung,all
ofwhomhadnotimetoeffecttheirretreat.
Ch'inChunghad,bythistime,hadtwoorthreefaintingfits,andhadalreadylongagobeenchangedhismat.As
soonasPaoyrealisedthesituation,hefeltunabletorepresshimselffromburstingforthaloud.LiKuei
promptlyreasonedwithhim."Youshouldn'tgooninthisway,"heurged,"youshouldn't.It'sbecauseMr.Ch'in
issoweakthatlyingflatonthestovecouchnaturallymadehisbonesfeeluncomfortableandthat'swhyhehas
temporarilybeenremoveddownheretoeasehimalittle.Butifyou,sir,gooninthisway,willyounot,instead
ofdoinghimanygood,aggravatehisillness?"
Atthesewords,Paoyaccordinglyrestrainedhimself,andheldhistongueanddrawingnear,hegazedatCh'in
Chung'sface,whichwasaswhiteaswax,whilewithclosedeyes,hegaspedforbreath,rollingaboutonhis
pillow.
"BrotherChing,"speedilyexclaimedPaoy,"Paoyishere!"Butthoughheshoutedouttwoorthree
consecutivetimes,Ch'inChungdidnotheedhim.
"Paoyhascome!"Paoywentonagaintocry.ButCh'inChung'sspirithadalreadydepartedfromhisbody,
leavingbehindonlyafaintbreathofsuperfluousairinhislungs.
Hehadjustcaughtsightofanumberofrecordingdevils,holdingawarrantandcarryingchains,comingtoseize
him,butCh'inChung'ssoulwouldonnoaccountgoalongwiththemandrememberinghowthattherewasin
hishomenoonetoassumethedirectionofdomesticaffairs,andfeelingconcernedthatChihNenghadasyetno
home,heconsequentlyusedhundredsofargumentsinhisentreatiestotherecordingdevilsbutalas!these
devilswould,noneofthem,showhimanyfavour.Onthecontrary,theyheapedinvectivesuponCh'inChung.
"You'refortunateenoughtobeamanofletters,"theyinsinuated,"anddon'tyouknowthecommonsayingthat:
'ifthePrinceofHellcalluponyoutodieatthethirdwatch,whocanpresumetoretainyou,ahumanbeing,up
tothefifthwatch?'Inourabode,intheunseen,highaswellaslow,haveallalikeafacemadeofiron,andheed
notselfishmotivesunlikethemortalworld,wherefavouritismandpartialityprevail.Thereexistthereforemany
difficultiesintheway(toouryieldingtoyourwishes)."

Whilethisfusswasgoingon,Ch'inChung'sspiritsuddenlygraspedthefourwords,"Paoyhascome,"and
withoutlossoftime,itwentonagaintomakefurtherurgentappeals."Gentlemen,spiritualdeputies,"it
exclaimed"showmealittlemercyandallowmetoreturntomakejustoneremarktoanintimatefriendof
mine,andI'llbebackagain."
"Whatintimatefriendisthisagain?"thedevilsobservedwithonevoice.
"I'mnotdeceivingyou,gentlemen,"rejoinedCh'inChung"it'sthegrandsonofthedukeofJungKuo,whose
infantnameisPaoy."
TheDecideroflifewas,atfirst,uponhearingthesewords,soseizedwithdismaythathevehementlyabusedthe
devilssentontheerrand.
"Itoldyou,"heshouted,"tolethimgobackforaturnbutyouwouldbynomeanscomplywithmywords!and
nowdoyouwaituntilhehassummonedamanofgloriousfortuneandprosperousstandingtoatlastdesist?"
WhenthecompanyofdevilsperceivedthemanneroftheDecideroflife,theywerealllikewisesoseizedwith
consternationthattheybustledwithhandandfeetwhilewithheartsalsofullofresentment:"You,sir,"they
replied,"wereatonetimesuchaterror,formidableaslightningandareyounotforsoothabletolistenwith
equanimitytothetwosoundsof'Paoy?'ourhumbleideaisthatmortalasheis,andimmortalasweare,it
wouldn'tbetoourcreditifwefearedhim!"
ButwhetherCh'inChung,afterall,diedorsurvived,thenextchapterwillexplain.

CHAPTERXVII.
IntheTaKuanGarden,(BroadVista,)themeritsofPaoyareputto
thetest,byhisbeingtoldtowritedevicesforscrollsand
tablets.
YuanCh'unreturnstotheJungKuomansion,onavisittoherparents,
andoffershercongratulationstothemonthefeastoflanterns,
onthefifteenthofthefirstmoon.
Ch'inChung,toresumeourstory,departedthislife,andPaoywentonsounceasinglyinhisbitter
lamentations,thatLiKueiandtheotherservantshad,foreversolong,anarduoustaskintryingtocomforthim
beforehedesistedbutonhisreturnhomehewasstillexceedinglydisconsolate.
DowagerladyChiaaffordedmonetaryassistancetotheamountofseveraltensoftaelsandexclusiveofthis,
shehadsacrificialpresentslikewisegotready.Paoywentandpaidavisitofcondolencetothefamily,and
aftersevendaysthefuneralandburialtookplace,buttherearenoparticularsaboutthemwhichcouldbeputon
record.
Paoy,however,continuedtomourn(hisfriend)fromdaytoday,andwasincessantinhisremembranceof
him,buttherewaslikewisenohelpforit.Neitherisitknownafterhowmanydayshegotoverhisgrief.
Onthisday,ChiaChenandtheotherscametotellChiaChengthattheworksinthegardenhadallbeenreported
ascompleted,andthatMr.ChiaShehadalreadyinspectedthem."Itonlyremains,"(theysaid),"foryou,sir,to
seethemandshouldtherepossiblybeanythingwhichisnotproper,stepswillbeatoncetakentoeffectthe
alterations,sothatthetabletsandscrollsmayconvenientlybewritten."

AfterChiaChenghadlistenedtothesewords,heponderedforawhile."Thesetabletsandscrolls,"heremarked,
"presenthoweveradifficulttask.Accordingtotherites,weshould,inordertoobviateanyshortcoming,request
theimperialconsorttodeignandcomposethembutifthehonourableconsortdoesnotgazeuponthescenery
withherowneyes,itwillalsobedifficultforhertoconceiveitsnatureandinditeuponit!Andwerewetowait
untilthearrivalofherhighness,torequesthertohonourthegroundswithavisit,beforeshecomposesthe
inscriptions,suchawidelandscape,withsomanypavilionsandarbours,will,withoutonecharacterintheway
ofamotto,albeititmayaboundwithflowers,willows,rockeries,andstreams,neverthelessinnowaybeableto
showoffitspointsofbeautytoadvantage."
Thewholepartyoffamilycompanions,whostoodby,smiled."Yourviews,remarkablesir,"theyventured,"are
excellentbutwehavenowaproposaltomake.Tabletsandscrollsforeverylocalitycannot,onanyaccount,be
dispensedwith,buttheycouldnotlikewise,byanymeans,bedetermineduponforgood!Werenow,forthetime
being,two,threeorfourcharactersfixedupon,harmonisingwiththescenery,tocarryout,forform'ssake,the
idea,andweretheyprovisionallyutilisedasmottoesforthelanterns,tabletsandscrolls,andhungup,pending
thearrivalofherhighness,andhervisitthroughthegrounds,whenshecouldberequestedtodecideuponthe
devices,wouldnottwoexigenciesbemetwithsatisfactorily?"
"Yourviewsareperfectlycorrect,"observedChiaCheng,afterhehadheardtheirsuggestion"andweshouldgo
todayandhavealookattheplacesoasthentosettoworktowritetheinscriptionswhich,ifsuitable,can
readilybeusedand,ifunsuitable,Yts'uncanthenbesentfor,andaskedtocomposefreshones."
Thewholecompanysmiled."Ifyou,sir,weretocomposethemtoday,"theyventured,"theyaresuretobe
excellentandwhatneedwilltherebeagaintowaitforYts'un!"
"Youpeoplearenotaware,"ChiaChengaddedwithasmilingcountenance,"thatI'vebeen,eveninmyyoung
days,verymediocreinthecompositionofstanzasonflowers,birds,rockeriesandstreamsandthatnowthatI'm
wellupinyearsandhavemoreoverthefatigueandtroubleofmyofficialduties,I'vebecomeinliterary
compositionslikethese,whichrequirealightheartandgladsomemood,stillmoreinapt.WereIeventosucceed
incomposingany,theywillunavoidablybesodoltishandforcedthattheywouldcontrariwisebeinstrumental
inmakingtheflowers,trees,gardenandpavilions,throughtheirdemerits,loseinbeauty,andpresentinsteadno
pleasingfeature."
"Thiswouldn'tanyhowmatter,"remonstratedallthefamilycompanions,"forafterperusingthemwecanall
decideuponthemtogether,eachoneofusrecommendingthosehethinksbestwhichifexcellentcanbekept,
andiffaultycanbediscardedandthere'snothingunfeasibleaboutthis!"
"Thisproposalismostapposite,"rejoinedChiaCheng."What'smore,theweatheris,Irejoice,finetodayso
let'sallgoinacompanyandhavealook."
Sayingthis,hestoodupandwentforward,attheheadofthewholepartywhileChiaChenbetookhimselfin
advanceintothegardentoleteveryoneknowoftheircoming.Asluckwouldhaveit,Paoyforhehadbeen
theselastfewdaysthinkingofCh'inChungandsoceaselesslysadandwoundedatheart,thatdowagerlady
Chiahadfrequentlydirectedtheservantstotakehimintothenewgardentoplaymadehisentrancejustatthis
verytime,andsuddenlybecameawareofthearrivalofChiaChen,whosaidtohimwithasmile,"Don'tyouyet
runawayasfastasyoucan?Mr.ChiaChengwillbecominginawhile."
Atthesewords,Paoyledoffhisnurseandtheyouths,andrushedatonceoutofthegarden,likeastreakof
smokebutasheturnedacorner,hecamefacetofacewithChiaCheng,whowasadvancingtowardsthat
direction,attheheadofallthevisitorsandashehadnotimetogetoutoftheway,theonlycourseopentohim
wastostandononeside.
ChiaChenghad,oflate,heardthetutorextolhimbysayingthathedisplayedspecialabilityinrhyming
antitheticallines,andthatalthoughhedidnotliketoreadhisbooks,heneverthelesspossessedsomedepraved
talents,andhenceitwasthathewasinducedatthismomenttopromptlybidhimfollowhimintothegarden,
withtheintentofputtinghimtothetest.

Paoycouldnotmakeoutwhathisobjectwas,buthewascompelledtofollow.Assoonastheyreachedthe
gardengate,andhecaughtsightofChiaChen,standingononeside,alongwithseveralmanagers:"Seethatthe
gardengateisclosedforatime,"ChiaChengexclaimed,"forwe'llfirstseetheoutsideandthengoin."
ChiaChendirectedaservanttoclosethegate,andChiaChengfirstlookedstraightaheadofhimtowardsthe
gateandespiedonthesamesideasthemainentranceasuiteoffiveapartments.Above,thecylindricaltiles
resembledthebacksofmudeels.Thedoors,railings,windows,andframeswereallfinelycarvedwithdesigns
ofthenewfashion,andwerepaintedneitherinvermilionnorinwhitecolours.Thewholeextentofthewalls
wasofpolishedbricksofuniformcolourwhilebelow,thewhitemarbleontheterraceandstepswasengraved
withwesternforeigndesignsandwhenhecametolooktotherightandtotheleft,everythingwaswhiteas
snow.Atthefootofthewhitewashedwalls,tigerskinpebbleswere,withoutregardtopattern,promiscuously
insertedintheearthinsuchawayasoftheirownselvestoformstreaks.Nothingfellinwiththecustomof
gaudinessanddisplaysomuchinvogue,sothathenaturallyfeltfullofdelightand,whenheforthwithasked
thatthegateshouldbethrownopen,allthatmettheireyeswasalongstretchofverdanthills,whichshutinthe
viewinfrontofthem.
"Whatafinehill,whataprettyhill!"exclaimedallthecompanionswithonevoice.
"Wereitnotforthisonehill,"ChiaChengexplained,"whateversceneryiscontainedinitwouldclearlystrike
theeye,assoonasoneenteredintothegarden,andwhatpleasurewouldthathavebeen?"
"Quiteso,"rejoinedallofthem."Butwithoutlargehillsandravinesinone'sbreast(liberalcapacities),how
couldoneattainsuchimagination!"
Aftertheconclusionofthisremark,theycastaglanceaheadofthem,andperceivedwhiteruggedrockslooking,
eitherlikegoblins,orresemblingsavagebeasts,lyingeithercrossways,orinhorizontaloruprightpositionson
thesurfaceofwhichgrewmossandlichenwithmottledhues,orparasiticplants,whichscreenedoffthelight
while,slightlyvisible,wound,amongtherocks,anarrowpathwayliketheintestinesofasheep.
"Ifwewerenowtogoandstrollalongbythisnarrowpath,"ChiaChengsuggested,"andtocomeoutfromover
thereonourreturn,weshallhavebeenabletoseethewholegrounds."
Havingfinishedspeaking,heaskedChiaChentoleadthewayandhehimself,leaningonPaoy,walkedinto
thegorgewithleisurelystep.Raisinghishead,hesuddenlybeheldonthehillablockofstone,aswhiteasthe
surfaceofalookingglass,inasitewhichwas,inverydeed,suitabletobeleftforaninscription,asitwasbound
tomeettheeye.
"Gentlemen,"ChiaChengobserved,asheturnedhisheadroundandsmiled,"pleaselookatthisspot.What
namewillitbefittogiveit?"
Whenthecompanyheardhisremark,somemaintainedthatthetwowords"Heapedverdure"shouldbewritten
andothersupheldthatthedeviceshouldbe"EmbroideredHill."Othersagainsuggested:"VyingwiththeHsiang
Lu"andothersrecommended"thesmallChungNan."Andvariouskindsofnameswereproposed,whichdid
notfallshortofseveraltens.
Allthevisitorshadbeen,itmustbeexplained,awareatanearlyperiodofthefactthatChiaChengmeanttoput
Paoy'sabilitytothetest,andforthisreasontheymerelyproposedafewcombinationsincommonuse.Butof
thisintention,Paoyhimselfwaslikewisecognizant.
Afterlisteningtothesuggestions,ChiaChengforthwithturnedhisheadroundandbadePaoythinkofsome
motto.
"I'veoftenheard,"Paoyreplied,"thatwritersofoldopinethatit'sbettertoquoteanoldsayingthanto
composeanewoneandthatanoldengravingexcelsineveryrespectanengravingofthepresentday.What's
more,thisplacedoesn'tconstitutethemainhillorthechieffeatureofthescenery,andisreallynositewhereany

inscriptionshouldbeput,asitnomorethanconstitutesthefirststepintheinspectionofthelandscape.Won'tit
bewelltoemploytheexacttextofanoldwriterconsistingof'atortuouspathleadingtoasecluded(nook).'This
lineofpastdayswould,ifinscribed,be,infact,liberaltoboot."
Afterlisteningtotheproposedline,theyallsangitspraise."Firstrate!excellent!"theycried,"thenaturaltalents
ofyoursecondson,dearfriend,areloftyhismentalcapacityisastuteheisunlikeourselves,whohaveread
booksbutaresimplefools."
"Youshouldn't,"urgedChiaChengsmilingly,"heapuponhimexcessivepraisehe'syounginyears,andmerely
knowsonethingwhichheturnstotheuseoftenpurposesyoushouldlaughathim,that'sallbutwecanbyand
bychoosesomedevice."
Ashespoke,heenteredthecave,whereheperceivedbeautifultreeswiththickfoliage,quaintflowersin
lustrousbloom,whilealineoflimpidstreamemanatedoutofadeeprecessamongtheflowersandtrees,and
oozeddownthroughthecreviceoftherock.Progressingseveralstepsfurtherin,theygraduallyfacedthe
northernside,whereastretchoflevelgroundextendedfarandwide,oneachsideofwhichsoaredlofty
buildings,intrudingthemselvesintotheskies,whosecarvedraftersandengravedbalustradesnestledentirely
amongthedepressionsofthehillsandthetopsofthetrees.Theyloweredtheireyesandlooked,andbehelda
purestreamflowinglikejade,stonestepstraversingtheclouds,abalustradeofwhitemarbleencirclingthepond
initsembrace,andastonebridgewiththreearchways,theanimalsuponwhichhadfacesdisgorgingwaterfrom
theirmouths.Apavilionstoodonthebridge,andinthispavilionChiaChenandthewholepartywentandsat.
"Gentlemen,"heinquired,"whatshallwewriteaboutthis?"
"Intherecord,"theyallreplied,"ofthe'DrunkenOldMan'sPavilion,'writtenindaysofoldbyOuYang,
appearsthisline:'Thereisapavilionpinionedlike,'soletuscallthis'thepinionedlikepavilion,'andfinish."
"Pinionedlike,"observedChiaChengsmiling,"isindeedexcellentbutthispavilionisconstructedoverthe
water,andthereshould,afterall,besomeallusiontothewaterinthedesignation.Myhumbleopinionisthatof
thelineinOuYang'swork,'(thewater)dripsfrombetweenthetwopeaks,'weshouldonlymakeuseofthat
singleword'drips.'"
"Firstrate!"rejoinedoneofthevisitors,"capital!butwhatwouldreallybeappropriatearethetwocharacters
'drippingjadelike.'"
ChiaChenpulledathismoustache,ashegavewaytoreflectionafterwhich,heaskedPaoytoalsopropose
onehimself.
"Whatyou,sir,suggestedawhileback,"repliedPaoy,"willdoverywellbutifwewerenowtosiftthematter
thoroughly,theuseofthesingleword'drip'byOuYang,inhiscompositionabouttheNiangspring,would
appearquiteappositewhiletheapplication,alsoonthisoccasion,tothisspring,ofthecharacter'drip'wouldbe
foundnotquitesuitable.Moreover,seeingthatthisplaceisintendedasaseparateresidence(fortheimperial
consort),onhervisittoherparents,itislikewiseimperativethatweshouldcomplywithalltheprinciplesof
etiquette,sothatwerewordsofthiskindtobeused,theywouldbesidesbecoarseandinappropriateandmayit
pleaseyoutofixuponsomethingelsemorereconditeandabstruse."
"Whatdoyou,gentlemen,thinkofthisargument?"ChiaChengremarkedsneeringly."Alittlewhileago,when
thewholecompanydevisedsomethingoriginal,youobservedthatitwouldbebettertoquoteanolddeviceand
nowthatwehavequotedanoldmotto,youagainmaintainthatit'scoarseandinappropriate!Butyouhadbetter
giveusoneofyours."
"Iftwocharacterslike'drippingjadelike'aretobeused,"Paoyexplained,"itwouldbebetterthentoemploy
thetwowords'PenetratingFragrance,'whichwouldbeuniqueandexcellent,wouldn'tthey?"

ChiaChengpulledhismoustache,noddedhisheadanddidnotutterawordwhereuponthewholepartyhastily
pressedforwardwithonevoicetoeulogizePaoy'sacquirementsasextraordinary.
"Theselectionoftwocharactersforthetabletisaneasymatter,"suggestedChiaCheng,"butnowgoonand
composeapairofantitheticalphraseswithsevenwordsineach."
Paoycastaglanceroundthefourquarters,whenanideacameintohishead,andhewentontorecite:
Thewillows,whichenclosetheshore,thegreenborrowfromthree
bamboos
Onbanksapart,theflowersasundergrow,yetoneperfumetheygive.
Uponhearingtheselines,ChiaChenggaveafaintsmile,ashenoddedhishead,whilstthewholepartywenton
againtobeeffusiveintheirpraise.Butforthwiththeyissuedfromthepavilions,andcrossedthepond,
contemplatingwithcloseattentioneachelevation,eachstone,eachflower,oreachtree.Andassuddenlythey
raisedtheirheads,theycaughtsight,infrontofthem,ofalineofwhitewall,ofnumbersofcolumns,and
beautifulcottages,whereflourishedhundredsandthousandsofverdantbamboos,whichscreenedofftheraysof
thesun.
"Whatalovelyplace!"theyoneandallexclaimed.
Speedilythewholecompanypenetratedinside,perceiving,assoonastheyhadenteredthegate,azigzagarcade,
belowthestepsofwhichwasaraisedpathway,laidpromiscuouslywithstones,andonthefurthestpartstooda
diminutivecottagewiththreerooms,twowithdoorsleadingintothemandonewithout.Everythinginthe
interior,intheshapeofbeds,teapoys,chairsandtables,weremadetoharmonisewiththespaceavailable.
Leadingoutoftheinnerroomofthecottagewasasmalldoorfromwhich,astheyegressed,theyfoundaback
courtwithloftypeartreesinblossomandbananatrees,aswellastwoverysmallretiringbackcourts.Atthe
footofthewall,unexpectedlybecamevisibleanaperturewherewasaspring,forwhichachannelhadbeen
openedscarcelyafootorsowide,toenableittoruninsidethewall.Windingroundthesteps,itskirtedthe
buildingsuntilitreachedthefrontcourt,whereitcoiledandcurved,flowingoutunderthebamboos.
"Thisspot,"observedChiaChengfullofsmiles,"isindeedpleasant!andcouldone,onamoonlightnight,sit
underthewindowandstudy,onewouldnotspendawholelifetimeinvain!"
Ashesaidthis,hequicklycastaglanceatPaoy,andsoterrifieddidPaoyfeelthathehastilydroopedhis
head.Thewholecompanylostnotimeinchoosingsomeirrelevanttalktoturntheconversation,andtwoofthe
visitorsprosecutedtheirremarksbyaddingthatonthetablet,inthisspot,fourcharactersshouldbeinscribed.
"Whichfourcharacters?"ChiaChenginquired,laughingly.
"ThebequeathedaspectoftheriverCh'i!"suggestedoneofthem.
"It'scommonplace,"observedChiaCheng.
Anotherpersonrecommended"theremainingvestigesoftheChGarden."
"Thistooiscommonplace!"repliedChiaCheng.
"LetbrotherPaoyagainpropoundone!"interposedChiaChen,whostoodby.
"Beforehecomposesanyhimself,"ChiaChengcontinued,"hiswontistofirstdiscusstheprosandconsof
thoseofotherssoit'sevidentthathe'sanimpudentfellow!"
"He'smostreasonableinhisarguments,"allthevisitorsprotested,"andwhyshouldhebecalledtotask?"

"Don'thumourhimsomuch!"ChiaChengexpostulated."I'llputupfortoday,"hehoweverfeltconstrainedto
tellPaoy,"withyourhaughtymanner,andyourrubbishyspeech,sothatafteryouhave,tobeginwith,given
usyouropinion,youmaynextcomposeadevice.Buttellme,arethereanythatwilldoamongthemottoes
suggestedjustnowbyallthegentlemen?"
"Theyallseemtomeunsuitable!"Paoydidnothesitatetosaybywayofreplytothisquestion.
ChiaChenggaveasardonicsmile."Howallunsuitable?"heexclaimed.
"This,"continuedPaoy,"isthefirstspotwhichherhighnesswillhonouronherway,andthereshouldbe
inscribed,sothatitshouldbeappropriate,somethingcommendinghersacredmajesty.Butifatabletwithfour
charactershastobeused,therearelikewisedevicesreadyathand,writtenbypoetsofoldandwhatneedis
theretocomposeanymore?"
"Areforsooththedevices'theriverCh'iandtheChuGarden'notthoseofoldauthors?"insinuatedChiaCheng.
"Theyaretoostiff,"repliedPaoy."Wouldnotthefourcharacters:'aphoenixcomeswithdignifiedair,'be
better?"
Withclamorousunanimitythewholepartyshouted:"Excellent:"andChiaChengnoddinghishead"Youbeast,
youbeast!"heejaculated,"itmaywellbesaidaboutyouthatyouseethroughathintubeandhavenomore
judgmentthananinsect!Composeanotherstanza,"heconsequentlybadehimandPaoyrecited:
Intheprecioustripodkettle,teaisbrewed,butgreenisstillthe
smoke!
O'eristhegameofchessbythestillwindow,butthefingersareyet
cold.
ChiaChengshookhishead."Neitherdoesthisseemtomegood!"hesaidandhavingconcludedthisremarkhe
wasleadingthecompanyout,whenjustashewasabouttoproceed,hesuddenlybethoughthimselfof
something.
"Theseveralcourtsandbuildingsandtheteapoys,sideboards,tablesandchairs,"headded,"maybesaidtobe
providedfor.Buttherearestillallthosecurtains,screensandportieres,aswellasthefurniture,nicknacksand
curiosandhavetheytooallbeenmatchedtosuittherequirementsofeachplace?"
"Ofthethingsthathavetobeplacedabout,"ChiaChenexplained,agoodnumberhave,atanearlyperiod,been
added,andofcoursewhenthetimecomeseverythingwillbesuitablyarranged.Asforthecurtains,screens,and
portieres,whichhavetobehungup,IheardyesterdaybrotherLiensaythattheyarenotasyetcomplete,that
whentheworkswerefirsttakeninhand,theplanofeachplacewasdrawn,themeasurementsaccurately
calculatedandsomeonedespatchedtoattendtothethings,andthathethoughtthatyesterdayhalfofthemwere
boundtocomein.
ChiaCheng,uponhearingthisexplanation,readilyrememberedthatwithalltheseconcernsChiaChenhad
nothingtodosothathespeedilysentsomeonetogoandcallChiaLien.
Havingarrivedinashortwhile,"Howmanysortsofthingsarethereinall?"ChiaChenginquiredofhim."Of
thesehowmanykindshavebythistimebeengotready?andhowmanymoreareshort?"
Atthisquestion,ChiaLienhastilyproduced,fromtheflapsofhisboot,apaperpocketbook,containingalist,
whichhekeptinsidethetopsofhisboot.Afterperusingitandreperusingit,hemadesuitablereply."Ofthe
hundredandtwentycurtains,"heproceeded,"ofstiffspottedsilks,embroideredwithdragonsinrelief,andof
thecurtainslargeandsmall,ofeverykindofdamasksilk,eightyweregotyesterday,sothattherestillremain
fortyofthemtocome.Thetwoportiereswerebothreceivedyesterdayandbesidesthese,therearethetwo
hundredredwoollenportieres,twohundredportieresofHsiangFeibambootwohundreddoorscreensof

rattan,withgoldstreaks,andofredlacqueredbambootwohundredportieresofblacklacqueredrattantwo
hundreddoorscreensofvariegatedthreadnettingwithclustersofflowers.Ofeachofthesekinds,halfhave
comein,butthewholelotofthemwillbecompletenolaterthanautumn.Antimacassars,tablecloths,flounces
forthebeds,andcushionsforthestools,thereareathousandtwohundredofeach,buttheselikewiseareready
andathand."
Ashespoke,theyproceededoutwards,butsuddenlytheyperceivedahillextendingobliquelyinsuchawayas
tointerceptthepassageandastheywoundroundthecurveofthehillfaintlycametoviewalineofyellowmud
walls,thewholelengthofwhichwascoveredwithpaddystalksforthesakeofprotection,andtherewere
severalhundredsofapricottreesinbloom,whichpresentedtheappearanceofbeingfire,spurtedfromthe
mouth,orrussetclouds,risingintheair.Insidethisenclosure,stoodseveralthatchedcottages.Outsidegrew,on
theotherhand,mulberrytrees,elms,mallows,andsilkwormoaks,whosetendershootsandnewtwigs,ofevery
hue,wereallowedtobendandtointertwineinsuchawayastoformtworowsofgreenfence.Beyondthis
fenceandbelowthewhitemound,wasawell,bythesideofwhichstoodawellsweep,windlassandsuchlike
articlesthegroundfurtherdownbeingdividedintoparcels,andapportionedintofields,which,withthefine
vegetablesandcabbagesinflower,presented,atthefirstglance,theaspectofbeingillimitable.
"Thisis,"ChiaChengobservedchuckling,"theplacereallyimbuedwithacertainamountoftherightprinciple
andlaidout,thoughithasbeenbyhumanlabour,yetwhenitstrikesmyeye,itsomovesmyheart,thatitcannot
helparousinginmethewishtoreturntomynativeplaceandbecomeafarmer.Butletusenterandresta
while."
Asheconcludedthesewords,theywereonthepointofwalkingin,whentheyunexpectedlydiscernedastone,
outsidethetrellisgate,bytheroadside,whichhadalsobeenleftasaplaceonwhichtoinscribeamotto.
"Wereatablet,"arguedthewholecompanysmilingly,"putuphighinaspotlikethis,tobefilledupbyandby,
therusticaspectofafarmwouldinthatcasebecompletelydoneawaywithanditwillbebetter,yeafarbetter
toerectthisslabontheground,asitwillfurthermakemanifestmanypointsofbeauty.Butunlessamottocould
becomposedofthesameexcellenceasthatinFanShihhu'ssongonfarms,itwillnotbeadequatetoexpressits
charms!"
"Gentlemen,"observedChiaCheng,"pleasesuggestsomething."
"Ashortwhileback,"repliedthewholecompany,"yourson,venerablebrother,remarkedthatdevisinganew
mottowasnotequaltoquotinganoldone,andassitesofthiskindhavebeenalreadyexhaustedbywritersof
daysofold,wouldn'titbeaswellthatweshouldstraightwaycallitthe'apricotblossomvillage?'andthiswill
dosplendidly."
WhenChiaChengheardthisremark,hesmiledandsaid,addressinghimselftoChiaChen:"Thisjustreminds
methatalthoughthisplaceisperfectineveryrespect,there'sstillonethingwantingintheshapeofawine
boardandyouhadbetterthenhaveonemadetomorrowontheverysamepatternasthoseusedoutsidein
villagesanditneedn'tbeanythinggaudy,buthungabovethetopofatreebymeansofbamboos."
ChiaChenassented."There'snonecessity,"hewentontoexplain,"tokeepanyotherbirdsinhere,butonlyto
rearafewgeese,ducks,fowlsandsuchlikeasinthatcasetheywillbeinperfectkeepingwiththeplace."
"Asplendididea!"ChiaChengrejoined,alongwithalltheparty.
"'Apricotblossomvillage'isreallyfirstrate,"continuedChiaChengasheagainaddressedhimselftothe
company"buttheonlythingisthatitencroachesontherealdesignationofthevillageanditwillbeaswellto
wait(untilherhighnesscomes),whenwecanrequesthertogiveitaname."
"Certainly!"answeredthevisitorswithonevoice"butnowasfarasanamegoes,formereform,letusall
considerwhatexpressionswillbesuitabletoemploy."

PaoydidnothowevergivethemtimetothinknordidhewaitforChiaCheng'spermission,butsuggested
thereandthen:"Inoldpoeticalworksthere'sthispassage:'Atthetopoftheredapricottreehangstheflagofan
inn,'andwouldn'titbeadvisable,onthisoccasion,totemporarilyadoptthefourwords:'thesignontheapricot
treeisvisible'?"
"'Isvisible'isexcellent,"suggestedthewholenumberofthem,"andwhat'smoreitsecretlyaccordswiththe
meaningimpliedby'apricotblossomvillage.'"
"Werethetwowords'apricotblossom'usedforthenameofthevillage,theywouldbetoocommonplaceand
unsuitable"addedPaoywithasardonicgrin,"butthere'sanotherpassageintheworksofapoetoftheT'ang
era:'Bythewoodengatenearthewaterthecornfloweremitsitsfragrance'andwhynotmakeuseofthemotto
'cornfragrancevillage,'whichwillbeexcellent?"
Whenthecompanyheardhisproposal,they,withstillgreatervigour,unanimouslycombinedincryingout
"Capital!"astheyclappedtheirhands.
ChiaCheng,withoneshout,interruptedtheircries,"Youignorantchildofwrath!"heejaculated"howmanyold
writerscanyouknow,andhowmanystanzasofancientpoeticalworkscanyouremember,thatyouwillhave
theboldnesstoshowoffinthepresenceofalltheseexperiencedgentlemen?(Inallowingyoutogiveventto)all
thenonsenseyouutteredmyobjectwasnootherthantoseewhetheryourbrainwasclearormuddledandall
forfun'ssake,that'sallandlo,you'vetakenthingsinrealearnest!"
Sayingthis,heledthecompanyintotheinteriorofthehallwiththemallows.Thewindowswerepastedwith
paper,andthebedsteadsmadeofwood,andallappearanceoffineryhadbeenexpunged,andChiaCheng'sheart
wasnaturallymuchgratifiedbutnevertheless,scowlingangrilyatPaoy,"Whatdoyouthinkofthisplace?"
heasked.
Whenthepartyheardthisquestion,theyallhastenedtostealthilygiveanudgetoPaoy,withtheexpress
purposeofinducinghimtosayitwasnicebutPaoygavenoeartowhattheyallurged."It'sbyfarbelowthe
spot,"hereadilyreplied,"designated'aphoenixcomeswithdignifiedair.'"
"Youignorantstupidthing!"exclaimedChiaChengatthesewords"whatyousimplyfancyasexquisite,with
thatdespicablerelianceofyoursuponluxuryanddisplay,aretwostoriedbuildingsandpaintedpillars!Buthow
canyouknowanythingaboutthisaspectsopureandunobtrusive,andthisisallbecauseofthatfailingofnot
studyingyourbooks!"
"Sir,"hastilyansweredPaoy,"yourinjunctionsarecertainlycorrectbutmenofoldhaveoftenmadeallusion
to'natural'andwhatis,Iwonder,theimportofthesetwocharacters?"
ThecompanyhadperceivedwhataperversemindPaoypossessed,andtheyoneandallweremuchsurprised
thatheshouldbesosillybeyondthepossibilityofanychangeandwhennowtheyheardthequestionheasked,
aboutthetwocharactersrepresenting"natural,"they,withoneaccord,speedilyremarked,"Everythingelseyou
understand,andhowisitthatonthecontraryyoudon'tknowwhat'natural'implies?Theword'natural'means
effectedbyheavenitselfandnotmadebyhumanlabour."
"Well,justso,"rejoinedPaoy"butthefarm,whichislaidoutinthislocality,isdistinctlythehandiworkof
humanlabourinthedistance,therearenoneighbouringhamletsnearit,adjoinnowastesthoughitbearsa
hill,thehillisdestituteofstreaksthoughitbeclosetowater,thiswaterhasnospringabove,thereisnopagoda
nestlinginatemplebelow,thereisnobridgeleadingtoamarketitrisesabruptandsolitary,andpresentsno
grandsight!Thepalmwouldseemtobecarriedbytheformerspot,whichisimbuedwiththenaturalprinciple,
andpossessesthecharmsofnaturefor,thoughbambooshavebeenplantedinit,andstreamsintroduced,they
neverthelessdonoviolencetotheworksexecuted.'Anaturallandscape,'says,anancientauthorinfourwords
andwhy?Simplybecauseheapprehendedthatwhatwasnotland,would,byforcibleways,beconvertedinto
landandthatwhatwasnohillwould,byunnaturalmeans,beraisedintoahill.Andingeniousthoughthese
worksmightbeinahundredandoneways,theycannot,afterall,beinharmony."

Buthehadnotimetoconclude,asChiaChengflewintoarage."Drivehimoff,"heshouted(butasPaoy)
wasonthepointofgoingout,heagaincriedout:"Comeback!makeup,"headded,"anothercouplet,andifit
isn'tclear,I'llforallthisgiveyouaslaponyourmouth."
Paoyhadnoalternativebuttoreciteasfollows:
Aspotinwhichthe"Ko"fibretobleach,asthefreshtidedothswell
thewatersgreen!
Abeauteoushaloandafragrantsmellthemanencompasswhothecress
didpluck!
ChiaCheng,afterthisrecital,noddedhishead."Thisisstillworse!"heremarked,butashereprovedhim,heled
thecompanyoutside,andwindingpastthemound,theypenetratedamongflowers,andwendingtheirstepsby
thewillows,theytouchedtherocksandlingeredbythestream.Passingunderthetrelliswithyellowroses,they
wentintotheshedwithwhiterosestheycrossedbythepavilionwithpeonies,andwalkedthroughthegarden,
wherethewhitepeonygrewandenteringthecourtwiththecinnamonroses,theyreachedtheislandofbananas.
Astheymeanderedandzigzagged,suddenlytheyheardtherustlingsoundofthewater,asitcameoutfroma
stonecave,fromthetopofwhichgrewparasiticplantsdroopingdownwards,whileatitsbottomfloatedthe
fallenflowers.
"Whatafinesight!"theyallexclaimed"whatbeautifulscenery!"
"Gentlemen,"observedChiaCheng,"whatnamedoyouproposeforthisplace?"
"There'snofurtherneedfordeliberation,"thecompanyrejoined"forthisisjusttheveryspotfitforthethree
words'WuLingSpring.'"
"Thistooismatteroffact!"ChiaChengobjectedlaughingly,"andlikewiseantiquated."
"Ifthatwon'tdo,"thepartysmiled,"wellthenwhataboutthefourcharactersimplying'Anoldcottageofaman
oftheCh'indynasty?'"
"Thisisstillmoreexceedinglyplain!"interposedPaoy."'TheoldcottageofamanoftheCh'indynasty'is
meanttoimplyaretreatfromrevolution,andhowwillitsuitthisplace?Wouldn'tthefourcharactersbebetter
denoting'anisthmuswithsmartweed,andastreamwithflowers'?"
WhenChiaChengheardthesewords,heexclaimed:"You'retalkingstillmorestuffandnonsense?"and
forthwithenteringthegrotto,ChiaChengwentontoaskofChiaChen,"Arethereanyboatsornot?"
"Therearetobe,"repliedChiaChen,"fourboatsinallfromwhichtopickthelotus,andoneboatforsittingin
buttheyhaven'tnowasyetbeencompleted."
"Whatapity!"ChiaChengansweredsmilingly,"thatwecannotgoin."
"Butwecouldalsogetintoitbythetortuouspathupthehill,"ChiaChenventuredandafterfinishingthis
remark,hewalkedaheadtoshowtheway,andthewholepartywentover,holdingontothecreepers,and
supportingthemselvesbythetrees,whentheysawastilllargerquantityoffallenleavesonthesurfaceofthe
water,andthestreamitself,stillmorelimpid,gentlyandidlymeanderingalongonitscircuitouscourse.Bythe
bankofthepondweretworowsofweepingwillows,which,interminglingwithpeachandapricottrees,
screenedtheheavensfromview,andkeptofftheraysofthesunfromthisspot,whichwasinrealtruthdevoidof
evenagrainofdust.
Suddenly,theyespiedintheshadeofthewillows,anarchedwoodenbridgealsorevealitselftotheeye,with
bannistersofvermilioncolour.Theycrossedthebridge,andlo,allthepathslayopenbeforethembuttheirgaze
wasreadilyattractedbyabrickcottagespotlessandcoollookingwhosewallswereconstructedofpolished

bricks,ofuniformcolour(whoseroofwaslaid)withspecklesstilesandwhoseenclosingwallswerepainted
whiletheminorslopes,whichbranchedofffromthemainhill,allpassedalongunderthewallsontotheother
side.
"Thishouse,inasitelikethis,isperfectlydestituteofanycharm!"addedChiaCheng.
Andastheyenteredthedoor,abruptlyappearedfacingthem,alargeboulderstuddedwithholesandsoaring
highintheskies,whichwassurroundedonallfoursidesbyrocksofeverydescription,andcompletely,infact,
hidfromviewtheroomssituatedinthecompound.Butofflowersortrees,therewasnotevenoneaboutandall
thatwasvisiblewereafewstrangekindsofvegetationsomebeingofthecreepergenus,othersparasiticplants,
eitherhangingfromtheapexofthehill,orinsertingthemselvesintothebaseoftherocksdroopingdowneven
fromtheeavesofthehouse,entwiningthepillars,andclosingroundthestonesteps.Orlikegreenbands,they
wavedandflappedorlikegoldthread,theycoiledandbent,eitherwithseedsresemblingcinnabar,orwith
blossomslikegoldenoleawhosefragranceandaromacouldnotbeequalledbythoseemittedbyflowersof
ordinaryspecies.
"Thisispleasant!"ChiaChengcouldnotrefrainfromsaying"theonlythingisthatIdon'tknowverymuch
aboutflowers."
"Whatareherearelianasandficuspumila!"someofthecompanyobserved.
"Howevercanthelianaandtheficushavesuchunusualscent?"questionedChiaCheng.
"Indeedtheyaren't!"interposedPaoy."Amongalltheseflowers,therearealsoficusandliana,butthose
scentedonesareiris,ligularia,and'Wu'flowersthatkindconsist,forthemostpart,of'Ch'ih'flowersand
orchidswhilethismostlyofgoldcoloureddolichos.Thatspeciesisthehypericumplant,thisthe'YLu'
creeper.Theredonesare,ofcourse,thepurpleruethegreenonesconsistforcertain,ofthegreen'Chih'plant
and,tothebestofmybelief,thesevariousplantsarementionedinthe'LiSao'and'WenHsuan.'Theserare
plantsare,someofthemcalledsomethingorotherlike'HuoNa'and'ChiangHui'othersagainaredesignated
somethinglike'LunTsu'and'Tz'uFeng'whileotherstherearewhosenamessoundlike'ShihFan,''ShuiSung'
and'FuLiu,'whichtogetherwithotherspeciesaretobefoundinthe'TreatiseabouttheWucity'byTsoT'ai
chung.Therearealsothosewhichgoundertheappellationof'LuT'i,'orsomethinglikethatwhilethereare
othersthatarecalledsomethingorotherlike'TanChiao,''MiWu'and'FengLien'referencetowhichismadein
the'TreatiseontheShucity.'Butsomanyyearshavenowelapsed,andthetimeshavesochanged(sincethese
treatiseswerewritten),thatpeople,beingunabletodiscriminate(therealnames)mayconsequentlyhavehadto
appropriateineverycasesuchnamesassuitedtheexternalaspect,sothattheymay,itisquitepossible,have
graduallycometobecalledbywrongdesignations."
ButhehadnotimetoconcludeforChiaChenginterruptedhim."Whohaseveraskedyouaboutit?"he
shoutedwhichplungedPaoyintosuchafright,thathedrewback,anddidnotventuretoutteranotherword.
ChiaChengperceivingthatonbothsidesalikewerecoveredpassagesresemblingoutstretchedarms,forthwith
continuedhisstepsandenteredthecoveredway,whenhecaughtsight,attheupperend,ofafiveroomed
building,withoutspotorblemish,withfoldingblindsextendinginaconnectedline,andwithcorridorsonall
foursides(abuilding)whichwithitswindowssogreen,anditspaintedwalls,excelled,inspotlesselegance,
theotherbuildingstheyhadseenbefore,towhichitpresentedsuchacontrast.
ChiaChengheavedasigh."Ifonewereable,"heobserved,"toboilhisteaandthrumhislyreinhere,there
wouldn'tevenbeanyneedforhimtoburnanymoreincense.Buttheexecutionofthisstructureissobeyond
conceptionthatyoumust,gentlemen,composesomethingniceandoriginaltoembellishthetabletwith,soas
nottorendersuchaplaceofnoeffect!"
"There'snothingsoreallypat,"suggestedthecompanysmiling"as'theorchidsmellladenbreeze'and'thedew
bedeckedepidendrum!"

"Theseareindeedtheonlyfourcharacters,"rejoinedChiaCheng,"thatcouldbesuitablyusedbutwhat'stobe
saidasfarasthescrollgoes?"
"I'vethoughtofacouplet,"interposedoneoftheparty,"whichyou'llallhavetocriticise,andputintoship
shapeitsburdenisthis:
"Themusklikeepidendrumsmellenshroudsthecourt,whereshinesthe
sunwithobliquebeams
Theirisfragranceiswaftedovertheisleilluminedbythemoon's
clearrays."
"Asfarasexcellenceisconcerned,it'sexcellent,"observedthewholeparty,"butthetwowordsrepresenting
'withobliquebeams'arenotfelicitous."
Andassomeonequotedthelinefromanoldpoem:
Theangelicafillsthecourtwithtears,whattimethesundothslant.
"Lugubrious,lugubrious!"expostulatedthecompanywithonevoice.
Anotherpersontheninterposed."Ialsohaveacouplet,whosemeritsyou,gentlemen,canweighitrunsas
follows:
"AlongthethreepathwaysdothfloattheYHuiscentedbreeze!
Theradiantmooninthewholehallshinesonthegoldorchid!"
ChiaChengtuggedathismoustacheandgavewaytomeditation.Hewasjustaboutalsotosuggestastanza,
when,uponsuddenlyraisinghishead,heespiedPaoystandingbyhisside,tootimidtogiveventtoasingle
sound.
"Howisit,"hepurposelyexclaimed,"thatwhenyoushouldspeak,youcontrariwisedon't?Isitlikelythatyou
expectsomeonetorequestyoutoconferuponusthefavourofyourinstruction?"
"Inthisplace,"Paoyrejoinedatthesewords,"therearenosuchthingsasorchids,musk,resplendentmoonor
islandsandwereonetobeginquotingsuchspecimensofallusions,toscenery,twohundredcoupletscouldbe
readilygivenwithout,eventhen,havingbeenabletoexhaustthesupply!"
"Whopressesyourheaddown,"ChiaChengurged,"andusesforcethatyoumustcomeoutwithallthese
remarks?"
"Well,inthatcase,"addedPaoy,"therearenofitterwordstoputonthetabletthanthefourrepresenting:'The
fragrancepureoftheligulariaandiris.'Whilethedeviceonthescrollmightbe:
"Sungisthenutmegsong,butbeauteousstillisthesonnet!
NeartheT'uMeitosleep,makese'enadreamwithfragrancefull!"
"Thisis,"laughedChiaChengsneeringly,"animitationoftheline:
"Abookwhenitismadeofplaintainleaves,thewritinggreenisalsoboundtobe!
"Sothatthere'snothingremarkableaboutit."
"LiT'aipo,inhisworkonthePhoenixTerrace,"protestedthewholeparty,"copied,ineverypoint,theHuang
HuaLou.Butwhat'sessentialisafaultlessimitation.Nowwerewetobegintocriticiseminutelythecoupletjust
cited,wewouldindeedfindittobe,ascomparedwiththeline'Abookwhenitismadeofplantainleaves,'still
moreelegantandofwiderapplication!"

"Whatanidea?"observedChiaChengderisively.
Butashespoke,thewholepartywalkedoutbuttheyhadnotgoneveryfarbeforetheycaughtsightofa
majesticsummerhouse,toweringhighpeaklike,andofastructurerisingloftilywithstoreyuponstoreyand
completelylockedinastheywereoneverysidetheywereasbeautifulastheJadepalace.Farandwide,road
uponroadcoiledandwoundwhilethegreenpinesswepttheeaves,thejadyepidendrumencompassedthe
steps,theanimals'facesglistenedlikegold,andthedragons'headsshoneresplendentintheirvariegatedhues.
"ThisistheMainHall,"remarkedChiaCheng"theonlywordagainstitisthatthere'salittletoomuchfinery."
"Itshouldbeso,"rejoinedoneandall,"soastobewhatit'sintendedtobe!Theimperialconsorthas,itistrue,
anexaltedpreferenceforeconomyandfrugality,butherpresenthonourablepositionrequirestheobservanceof
suchcourtesies,sothat(finery)isnofault."
Astheymadetheseremarksandadvancedontheirwaythewhile,theyperceived,justinfrontofthem,an
archwayprojecttoview,constructedofjadelikestoneatthetopofwhichthecoilsoflargedragonsandthe
scalesofsmalldragonswereexecutedinperforatedstyle.
"What'sthedevicetobeforthisspot?"inquiredChiaCheng.
"Itshouldbe'fairyland,'"suggestedallofthem,"soastobeapposite!"
ChiaChengnoddedhisheadandsaidnothing.ButassoonasPaoycaughtsightofthisspotsomethingwas
suddenlyarousedinhisheartandhebegantoponderwithinhimself."Thisplacereallyresemblessomething
thatI'veseensomewhereorother."Buthecouldnotatthemomentrecalltomindwhatyear,moon,ordaythis
hadhappened.
ChiaChengbadehimagainproposeamottobutPaoywasbentuponthinkingoverthedetailsofthescenery
hehadseenonaformeroccasion,andgavenothoughtwhatevertothisplace,sothatthewholecompanywere
atalosswhatconstructiontogivetohissilence,andcamesimplytotheconclusionthat,afterthebullyinghe
hadhadtoputupwithforeversolong,hisspiritshadcompletelyvanished,histalentsbecomeexhaustedand
hisspeechimpoverishedandthatifhewereharassedandpressed,hemightperchance,astheresultofanxiety,
contractsomeailmentorother,whichwouldofcoursenotbeasuitableissue,andtheylostnotimein
combiningtogethertodissuadeChiaCheng.
"Nevermind,"theysaid,"tomorrowwilldotocomposesomedevicelet'sdropitnow."
ChiaChenghimselfwasinwardlyafraidlestdowagerladyChiashouldbeanxious,sothathehastilyremarked
asheforcedasmile."Youbeast,thereare,afterall,alsooccasionsonwhichyouarenogood!butnevermind!
I'llgiveyouonedaytodoitin,andifbytomorrowyouhaven'tbeenabletocomposeanything,Ishallcertainly
notletyouoff.Thisisthefirstandforemostplaceandyoumustexerciseduecareinwhatyouwrite."
Sayingthis,hesalliedout,attheheadofthecompany,andcastanotherglanceatthescenery.
Indeedfromthetimetheyhadenteredthegateuptothisstage,theyhadjustgoneoverfiveorsixtenthsofthe
wholeground,whenithappenedagainthataservantcameandreportedthatsomeonehadarrivedfromMr.Y
'ts'un'stodeliveramessage."Theseseveralplaces(whichremain),"ChiaChengobservedwithasmile,"we
havenotimetopassunderinspectionbutwemightaswellneverthelessgooutatleastbythatway,asweshall
beable,toacertaindegree,tohavealookatthegeneralaspect."
Withthesewords,heshowedthewayforthefamilycompanionsuntiltheyreachedalargebridge,withwater
enteringunderit,lookinglikeacurtainmadeofcrystal.Thisbridge,thefactis,wasthedam,which
communicatedwiththeriveroutside,andfromwhichthestreamwasintroducedintothegrounds.
"What'sthenameofthiswatergate?"ChiaChenginquired.

"Thisis,"repliedPaoy,"themainstreamoftheHsinFangriver,andisthereforecalledtheHsinFangwater
gate."
"Nonsense!"exclaimedChiaCheng."ThetwowordsHsinFangmustonnoaccountbeused!"
Andastheyspeedilyadvancedontheirway,theyeithercameacrosseleganthalls,orthatchedcottageswalls
madeofpiledupstone,orgatesfashionedoftwistedplantseitherasecludednunneryorBuddhistfane,atthe
footofsomehillorsomeunsulliedhouses,hiddeninagrove,tenantedbyrationalisticpriestesseseither
extensivecorridorsandwindinggrottoesorsquarebuildings,andcircularpavilions.ButChiaChenghadnot
theenergytoenteranyoftheseplaces,forashehadnothadanyrestforeversolong,hislegsfeltshakyandhis
feetweak.
Suddenlytheyalsodiscernedaheadofthemacourtdiscloseitselftoview.
"Whenwegetthere,"ChiaChengsuggested,"wemusthavealittlerest."Straightwayasheutteredtheremark,
heledthemin,andwindingroundthejadegreenpeachtrees,coveredwithblossom,theypassedthroughthe
bamboofenceandflowerladenhedge,whichweretwistedinsuchawayastoformacircular,cavelikegateway,
whenunexpectedlyappearedbeforetheireyesanenclosurewithwhitewashedwalls,inwhichverdantwillows
droopedineverydirection.
ChiaChengenteredthegatewayincompanywiththewholeparty.Alongthewholelengthofbothsides
extendedcoveredpassages,connectedwitheachotherwhileinthecourtwerelaidoutseveralrockeries.Inone
quarterwereplantedanumberofbananatreesontheoppositestoodaplantofbegoniafromHsiFu.Its
appearancewaslikeanopenumbrella.Thegossamerhanging(fromitsbranches)resembledgoldenthreads.The
corollas(seemed)tospurtoutcinnabar.
"Whatabeautifulflower!whatabeautifulflower!"ejaculatedthewholepartywithonevoice"begoniasare
verilytobefoundbutneverbeforehaveweseenanythingthelikeofthisinbeauty."
"Thisiscalledthemaidenbegoniaandis,infact,aforeignspecies,"ChiaChengobserved."There'sahomely
traditionthatitisbecauseitemanatesfromthemaidenkingdomthatitsflowersaremostprolificbutthisis
likewiseerratictalkanddevoidofcommonsense."
"Theyare,afterall,"rejoinedthewholecompany,"sounlikeothers(wehaveseen),thatwhat'ssaidaboutthe
maidenkingdomis,weareinclinedtobelieve,possiblyafact."
"Ipresume,"interposedPaoy,"thatsomecleverbardorpoet,(perceiving)thatthisflowerwasredlike
cosmetic,delicateasifproppedupinsickness,andthatitcloselyresembledthenatureofayounglady,gaveit,
consequently,thenameofmaiden!Peopleintheworldwillpropagateidletales,allofwhichareunavoidably
treatedasgospel!"
"Wereceive(withthanks)yourinstructionswhatexcellentexplanation!"theyallremarkedunanimously,andas
theyexpressedthesewords,thewholecompanytooktheirseatsonthesofasunderthecolonnade.
"Let'sthinkofsomeoriginaltextorotherforamotto,"ChiaChenghavingsuggested,oneofthecompanions
opinedthatthetwocharacters:"Bananaandstork"wouldbefelicitouswhileanotheronewasoftheideathat
whatwouldbefaultlesswouldbe:"Collectedsplendourandwavingelegance!"
"'Collectedsplendourandwavingelegance'isexcellent,"ChiaChengobservedaddressinghimselftotheparty
andPaoyhimself,whilealsoextollingitasbeautiful,wentontosay:"There'sonlyonethinghowevertobe
regretted!"
"Whataboutregret?"thecompanyinquired.

"Inthisplace,"Paoyexplained,"aresetoutbothbananasaswellasbegonias,withtheintentofsecretly
combininginthemthetwopropertiesofredandgreenandifmentionofoneofthembemade,andtheotherbe
omitted,(thedevice)won'tbegoodenoughforselection."
"Whatwouldyouthensuggest?"ChiaChengasked.
"Iwouldsubmitthefourwords,'thered(flowers)arefragrant,thegreen(bananaleaves)likejade,'whichwould
rendercompletethebeautiesofboth(thebegoniasandbananas)."
"Itisn'tgood!itisn'tgood!"ChiaChengremonstratedasheshookhisheadandwhilepassingthisremark,he
conductedthepartyintothehouse,wheretheynoticedthattheinternalarrangementseffecteddifferedfrom
thoseinotherplaces,asnopartitionscould,infact,bediscerned.Indeed,thefoursideswereallalikecovered
withboardscarvedhollowwithfretwork,(indesignsconsisting)eitherofrollingcloudsandhundredsofbatsor
ofthethreefriendsofthecoldseasonoftheyear,(fir,bambooandalmond)ofsceneryandhumanbeings,orof
birdsorflowerseitherofclustersofdecoration,orofrelicsofoldentimeseitheroftenthousandcharactersof
happinessoroftenthousandcharactersoflongevity.Thevariouskindsofdesignshadbeenallcarvedby
renownedhands,invariegatedcolours,inlaidwithgold,andstuddedwithpreciousgemswhileonshelfupon
shelfwereeitherarrangedcollectionsofbooks,ortripodswerelaidouteitherpensandinkslabswere
distributedabout,orvaseswithflowerssetout,orfiguredpotswereplacedaboutthedesignsoftheshelves
beingeitherroundorsquareorsimilartosunflowersorbananaleavesorlikelinks,halfoverlappingeach
other.Andinverytruththeyresembledbouquetsofflowersorclustersoftapestry,withalltheirfretworkso
transparent.Suddenly(theeyewasstruck)byvariegatedgauzespasted(onthewoodwork),actuallyforming
smallwindowsandofasuddenbyfinethinsilkslightlyovershadowing(thefretwork)justasiftherewere,
afterall,secretdoors.Thewholewallswereinadditiontraced,withnoregardtosymmetry,withoutlinesofthe
shapesofcuriosandnicknacksinimitationoflutes,doubleedgedswords,hangingbottlesandthelike,the
wholenumberofwhich,though(apparently)suspendedonthewalls,wereallhoweveronasamelevelwiththe
surfaceofthepartitionwalls.
"Whatfineingenuity!"theyallexclaimedextollingly"whatalabourtheymusthavebeentocarryout!"
ChiaChenghadactuallysteppedinbutscarcelyhadtheyreachedthesecondstage,beforethewholeparty
readilylostsightofthewaybywhichtheyhadcomein.Theyglancedontheleft,andtherestoodadoor,
throughwhichtheycouldgo.Theycasttheireyesontheright,andtherewasawindowwhichsuddenly
impededtheirprogress.Theywentforward,butthereagaintheywereobstructedbyabookcase.Theyturned
theirheadsround,andtheretoostoodwindowspastedwithtransparentgauzeandavailabledoorways:butthe
momenttheycamefacetofacewiththedoor,theyunexpectedlyperceivedthatawholecompanyofpeoplehad
likewisewalkedin,justinfrontofthem,whoseappearanceresembledtheirownineveryrespect.Butitwas
onlyamirror.Andwhentheyroundedthemirror,theydetectedastilllargernumberofdoors.
"Sir,"ChiaChenremarkedwithagrin"ifyou'llfollowmeoutthroughthisdoor,we'llforthwithgetintothe
backcourtandonceoutofthebackcourt,weshallbe,atallevents,nearerthanwewerebefore."
Takingthelead,heconductedChiaChengandthewholepartyroundtwogauzemosquitohouses,whenthey
verilyespiedadoorthroughwhichtheymadetheirexit,intoacourt,repletewithstandsofcinnamonroses.
Passingroundtheflowerladenhedge,theonlythingthatspreadbeforetheirviewwasapurestreamimpeding
theiradvance.Thewholecompanywaslostinadmiration."Wheredoesthiswateragainissuefrom?"theycried.
ChiaChenpointedtoaspotatadistance."Startingoriginally,"heexplained,"fromthatwatergate,itrunsasfar
asthemouthofthatcave,whenfromamongthehillsonthenortheastside,itisintroducedintothatvillage,
whereagainadivergingchannelhasbeenopenedanditismadetoflowinasouthwesterlydirectionthewhole
volumeofwaterthenrunstothisspot,wherecollectingoncemoreinoneplace,itissues,onitsoutwardcourse,
frombeneaththatwall."
"It'smostingenious!"theyoneandallexclaimed,aftertheyhadlistenedtohimbut,astheyutteredthese
words,theyunawaresrealisedthataloftyhillobstructedanyfurtherprogress.Thewholepartyfeltveryhazy

abouttherightroad.But"Comealongafterme,"ChiaChensmilinglyurged,asheatoncewentaheadand
showedtheway,whereuponthecompanyfollowedinhissteps,andassoonastheyturnedroundthefootofthe
hill,alevelplaceandbroadroadlaybeforethemandwidebeforetheirfacesappearedthemainentrance.
"Thisischarming!thisisdelightful!"thepartyunanimouslyexclaimed,"whatwitsmusthavebeenransacked,
andingenuityattained,soastobringthingstothisextremedegreeofexcellence!"
Forthwiththepartyegressedfromthegarden,andPaoy'sheartanxiouslylongedforthesocietyoftheyoung
ladiesintheinnerquarters,butashedidnothearChiaChengbidhimgo,hehadnohelpbuttofollowhiminto
thelibrary.ButsuddenlyChiaChengbethoughthimselfofhim."What,"hesaid,"youhaven'tgoneyet!theold
ladywillIfearbeanxiousonyouraccountandisitpraythatyouhaven'tasyethadenoughwalking?"
Paoyatlengthwithdrewoutofthelibrary.Onhisarrivalinthecourt,apage,whohadbeeninattendanceon
ChiaCheng,atoncepressedforward,andtookholdofhimfastinhisarms."You'vebeenluckyenough,"he
said,"todaytohavebeeninmaster'sgoodgraces!justawhilebackwhenouroldmistressdespatchedservants
tocomeonseveraloccasionsandaskafteryou,werepliedthatmasterwaspleasedwithyouforhadwegiven
anyotheranswer,herladyshipwouldhavesenttofetchyoutogoin,andyouwouldn'thavehadanopportunity
ofdisplayingyourtalents.Everyoneadmitsthattheseveralstanzasyourecentlycomposedweresuperiorto
thoseofthewholecompanyputtogetherbutyoumust,afterthegoodluckyou'vehadtoday,giveusatip!"
"I'llgiveeachoneofyouatiao,"Paoyrejoinedsmirkingly.
"Whoofushasn'tseenatiao?"theyallexclaimed,"let'shavethatpurseofyours,andhavedonewithit!"
Sayingthis,onebyoneadvancedandproceededtounloosenthepurse,andtounclaspthefancaseand
allowingPaoynotimetomakeanyremonstrance,theystrippedhimofeveryornamentinthewayof
appendagewhichhecarriedaboutonhisperson."Whateverwedolet'sescorthimhome!"theyshouted,andone
afteranotherhustledroundhimandaccompaniedhimasfarasdowagerladyChia'sdoor.
Herladyshipwasatthismomentawaitinghisarrival,sothatwhenshesawhimwalkin,andshefoundoutthat
(ChiaCheng)hadnotbulliedhim,shefelt,ofcourse,extremelydelighted.Butnotalongintervalelapsedbefore
HsiJencametoservetheteaandwhensheperceivedthatonhispersonnotoneoftheornamentsremained,she
consequentlysmiledandinquired:"Haveallthethingsthatyouhadonyoubeenagaintakenawaybythese
barefacedrascals?"
AssoonasLinTaiyheardthisremark,shecrossedovertohimandsawataglancethatnotonesingletrinket
was,infact,left."Haveyoualsogiventhem,"shefeltconstrainedtoask,"thepursethatIgaveyou?Well,by
andby,whenyouagaincovetanythingofmine,Ishan'tletyouhaveit."
Afterutteringthesewords,shereturnedintoherapartmentinhighdudgeon,andtakingthescentedbag,which
Paoyhadaskedhertomakeforhim,andwhichshehadnotasyetfinished,shepickedupapairofscissors,
andinstantlycutittopieces.
Paoynoticingthatshehadlosthertemper,cameafterherwithhurriedstep,butthebaghadalreadybeencut
withthescissorsandasPaoyobservedhowextremelyfineandartisticthisscentedbagwas,inspiteofits
unfinishedstate,heverilydeploredthatitshouldhavebeenrenttopiecesfornorhymeorreason.Promptly
thereforeunbuttoninghiscoat,heproducedfrominsidethelapelthepurse,whichhadbeenfastenedthere.
"Lookatthis!"heremarkedashehandedittoTaiy"whatkindofthingisthis!haveIgivenawaytoanyone
whatwasyours?"LinTaiy,uponseeinghowmuchheprizeditastowearitwithinhisclothes,becamealive
tothefactthatitwasdonewithintent,ashefearedlestanyoneshouldtakeitawayandasthisconvictionmade
hersorrythatshehadbeensoimpetuousastohavecutthescentedbag,sheloweredherheadandutterednota
word.
"Therewasreallynoneedforyoutohavecutit,"Paoyobserved"butasIknowthatyou'relothtogiveme
anything,whatdoyousaytomyreturningeventhispurse?"

Withthesewords,hethrewthepurseinherlapandwalkedoffwhichvexedTaiysomuchthemorethat,after
givingwaytotears,shetookupthepurseinherhandstoalsodestroyitwiththescissors,whenPaoy
precipitatelyturnedroundandsnatcheditfromhergrasp.
"Mydearcousin,"hesmilinglypleaded,"dospareit!"andasTaiydasheddownthescissorsandwipedher
tears:"Youneedn't,"sheurged,"bekindtomeatonemoment,andunkindatanotherifyouwishtohaveatiff,
whythenlet'spartcompany!"Butasshespoke,shelostcontroloverhertemper,and,jumpingonherbed,she
laywithherfaceturnedtowardstheinside,andsettoworkdryinghereyes.
Paoycouldnotrefrainfromapproachingher."Mydearcousin,myowncousin,"headded,"Iconfessmy
fault!"
"GoandfindPaoy!"dowagerladyChiathereupongaveashoutfromwhereshewasinthefrontapartment,
andalltheattendantsexplainedthathewasinMissLin'sroom.
"Allright,thatwilldo!thatwilldo!"herladyshiprejoined,whensheheardthisreply"letthetwocousinsplay
togetherhisfatherkepthimashortwhilebackundercheck,foreversolong,solethimhavesomedistraction.
Buttheonlythingisthatyoumustn'tallowthemtohaveanyquarrels."Towhichtheservantsinabody
expressedtheirobedience.
Taiy,unabletoputupwithPaoy'simportunity,feltcompelledtorise."Yourobjectseemstobe,"she
remarked,"nottoletmehaveanyrest.Ifitis,I'llrunawayfromyou."Sayingwhich,shethereandthenwas
makingherwayout,whenPaoyprotestedwithafacefullofsmiles:"Whereveryougo,I'llfollow!"andashe,
atthesametime,tookthepurseandbegantofastenitonhim,Taiystretchedoutherhand,andsnatchingit
away,"Yousayyoudon'twantit,"sheobserved,"andnowyouputitonagain!I'mreallymuchashamedon
youraccount!"AndthesewordswerestillonherlipswhenwithasoundofCh'ih,sheburstoutlaughing.
"Mydearcousin,"Paoyadded,"tomorrowdoworkanotherscentedbagforme!"
"Thattoowillrestuponmygoodpleasure,"Taiyrejoined.
Astheyconversed,theybothlefttheroomtogetherandwalkedintomadameWang'ssuiteofapartments,where,
asluckwouldhaveit,Paoch'aiwasalsoseated.
Unusualcommotionprevailed,atthistime,overatmadameWang's,forthefactisthatChiaSehadalready
comebackfromKuSu,wherehehadselectedtwelveyounggirls,andsettledaboutaninstructor,aswellas
aboutthetheatricalpropertiesandtheothernecessaries.AndasMrs.Hsehhadbythisdatemovedherquarters
intoaseparateplaceonthenortheastside,andtakenupherabodeinasecludedandquiethouse,(madame
Wang)hadhadrepairsofadistinctcharacterexecutedinthePearFragranceCourt,andthenissueddirections
thattheinstructorshouldtraintheyoungactressesinthisplaceandcastingherchoiceuponallthewomen,who
had,indaysofold,receivedatraininginsinging,andwhowerenowoldmatronswithwhitehair,shebadethem
haveaneyeoverthemandkeeptheminorder.Whichdone,sheenjoinedChiaSetoassumethechiefcontrolof
allmattersconnectedwiththedailyandmonthlyincomeandoutlay,aswellasoftheaccountsofallarticlesin
useofeverykindandsize.
LinChihhsiaoalsocametoreport:"thatthetwelveyoungnunsandTaoistgirls,whohadbeenpurchasedafter
properselection,hadallarrived,andthatthetwentynewlymadeTaoistcoatshadalsobeenreceived.Thatthere
wasbesidesamaiden,whothoughdevotedtoasceticism,keptherchevelureunshavedthatshewasoriginallya
denizenofSuchow,ofafamilywhoseancestorswerealsopeopleoflettersandofficialstatusthatasfromher
youthupshehadbeenstrickenwithmuchsickness,(herparents)hadpurchasedagoodnumberofsubstitutes(to
entertheconvent),butallwithnorelieftoher,untilatlastthisgirlherselfenteredthegateofabstractionwhen
sheatoncerecovered.Thathenceitwasthatshegrewherhair,whileshedevotedherselftoanasceticlifethat
shewasthisyeareighteenyearsofage,andthatthenamegiventoherwasMiaoYthatherfatherandmother
were,atthistime,alreadydeadthatshehadonlybyherside,twooldnursesandayoungservantgirltowait
uponherthatshewasmostproficientinliterature,andexceedinglywellversedintheclassicsandcanonsand

thatshewaslikewiseveryattractiveasfaraslookswentthathavingheardthatinthecityofCh'angan,there
werevestigesofKuanYinandrelicsofthecanonsinscribedonleaves,shefollowed,lastyear,herteacher(to
thecapital).Shenowlives,"hesaid,"intheLaoNinunnery,outsidethewesterngateherteacherwasagreat
expertinpropheticdivination,butshediedinthewinteroflastyear,andherdyingwordswerethatasitwasnot
suitablefor(MiaoY)toreturntohernativeplace,sheshouldawaithere,assomethinginthewayofa
denouementwascertaintoturnupandthisisthereasonwhyshehasn'tasyetbornethecoffinbacktoher
home!"
"Ifsuchbethecase,"madameWangreadilysuggested,"whyshouldn'twebringherhere?"
"Ifwearetoaskher,"LinChihhsiao'swifereplied,"she'llsaythatamarquis'familyandaduke'shouseholdare
sure,intheirhonourableposition,tobeoverbearingtopeopleandIhadrathernotgo."
"Asshe'sthedaughterofanofficialfamily,"madameWangcontinued,"she'sboundtobeinclinedtobe
somewhatproudbutwhatharmistheretooursendingherawritteninvitationtoaskhertocome!"
LinChihhsiao'swifeassentedandleavingtheroom,shemadethesecretarywriteaninvitationandthenwent
toaskMiaoY.Thenextdayservantsweredespatched,andcarriagesandsedanchairsweregotreadytogoand
bringherover.
Whatsubsequentlytranspiredisnotasyetknown,but,reader,listentotheaccountgiveninthefollowing
chapter.

CHAPTERXVIII.
HisMajestyshowsmagnanimousbounty.
TheImperialconsortYuanpaysavisittoherparents.
Thehappinessofafamilygathering.
Paoydisplayshispolishedtalents.
Butletusresumeourstory.Aservantcame,atthismoment,toreportthatfortheworksincourseofexecution,
theywerewaitingforgauzeanddamasksilktopasteonvariousarticles,andthattheyrequestedladyFengtogo
andopenthedeptforthemtotakethegauzeandsilk,whileanotherservantalsocametoaskladyFengtoopen
thetreasuryforthemtoreceivethegoldandsilverware.AndasMadameWang,thewaitingmaidsandtheother
domesticsoftheupperroomshadallnoleisure,Paoch'aisuggested:"Don'tletusremaininhereandbeinthe
wayoftheirdoingwhatthereistobedone,andofgoingwheretheyhavetogo,"andsayingthis,shebetook
herself,escortedbyPaoyandtherest,intoYingCh'un'srooms.
MadameWangcontinueddayafterdayinagreatstateofflurryandconfusion,straightuptowithinthetenth
moon,bywhichtimeeveryarrangementhadbeencompleted,andtheoverseershadallhandedinaclear
statementoftheiraccounts.Thecuriosandwritingmaterials,whereverneeded,hadallalreadybeenlaidoutand
everythinggotready,andthebirds(andanimals),fromthestork,thedeerandrabbitstothechickens,geeseand
thelike,hadallbeenpurchasedandhandedovertoberearedinthevariouslocalitiesinthegardenandoverat
ChiaSe's,hadalsobeenlearnttwentymiscellaneousplays,whileacompanyofyoungnunsandTaoist
priestesseshadlikewisethewholenumberofthem,masteredtheintonationofBuddhistclassicsand
incantations.
ChiaChengafterthis,atlength,wasslightlycomposedinmind,andcheerfulatheartandhavingfurtherinvited
dowagerladyChiaandotherinmatestogointothegarden,hedeliberatedwiththemon,andmadearrangements

for,everydetailinsuchabefittingmannerthatnottheleasttrifleremainedforwhichsuitableprovisionhadnot
beenmadeandChiaChengeventuallymusteredcouragetoinditeamemorial,andontheverydayonwhichthe
memorialwaspresented,adecreewasreceivedfixinguponthefifteenthdayofthefirstmoonoftheensuing
year,theverydayoftheShangYuanfestival,forthehonourableconsortstovisittheirhomes.
Uponthereceiptofthisdecree,withwhichtheChiafamilywashonoured,theyhadstilllessleisure,bothbyday
aswellasbynightsomuchsothattheycouldnotevenproperlyobservethenewyearfestivities.Butina
twinkleoftheeye,thefestivalofthefullmoonofthefirstmoondrewnearandbeginningfromtheeighthday
ofthefirstmoon,eunuchsissuedfromthepalaceandinspectedbeforehandthevariouslocalities,theapartments
inwhichtheimperialconsortwastochangehercostumetheplacewhereshewouldspendherleisuremoments
thespotwhereshewouldreceivetheconventionalitiesthepremiseswherethebanquetswouldbespreadthe
quarterswhereshewouldretireforrest.
Therewerealsoeunuchswhocametoassumethepatrolofthegroundsandthedirectionofthedefencesand
theybroughtalongwiththemagoodmanyminoreunuchs,whosedutyitwastolookafterthesafetyofthe
variouslocalities,toscreentheplacewithenclosingcurtains,toinstructtheinmatesandofficialsoftheChia
mansionwhithertogooutandwhencetocomeinfrom,whatsidetheviandsshouldbebroughtinfrom,where
toreportmatters,andintheobservanceofeverykindofetiquetteandforoutsidethemansion,therewere,on
theotherhand,officersfromtheBoardofWorks,andasuperintendentofthePolice,ofthe"FiveCities,"in
chargeofthesweepingofthestreetsandroads,andtheclearingawayofloungers.WhileChiaSheandthe
otherssuperintendedtheworkmeninsuchthingsasthemanufactureoffloweredlanternsandfireworks.
Thefourteenthdayarrivedandeverythingwasinorderbutonthisnight,oneandallwhetherhighorlow,did
notgetawinkofsleepandwhenthefifteenthcame,everyone,atthefifthwatch,beginningfromdowagerlady
Chiaandthosewhoenjoyedanyofficialstatus,appearedinfullgaladress,accordingtotheirrespectiveranks.
Inthegarden,thecurtainswere,bythistime,flappinglikedragons,theportieresflyingaboutlikephoenixes
withvariegatedplumage.Goldandsilverglistenedwithsplendour.Pearlsandpreciousgemsshedouttheir
brilliantlustre.ThetripodcensersburntthePaihoincense.Inthevaseswereplacedevergreens.Silenceand
stillnessprevailed,andnotamanventuredsomuchastocough.
ChiaSheandtheothermenwerestandingoutsidethedoorgivingontothestreetonthewestandoldladyChia
andtheotherladieswereoutsidethemainentranceoftheJungmansionattheheadofthestreet,whileatthe
mouthofthelanewereplacedscreenstorigorouslyobstructthepublicgaze.Theywereunabletobearthe
fatigueofanyfurtherwaitingwhen,atanunexpectedmoment,aeunucharrivedonhorseback,andChiaCheng
wentuptomeethim,andascertainedwhattidingshewasthebearerof.
"It'sasyetfartooearly,"rejoinedtheeunuch,"foratoneo'clock(herhighness)willhavehereveningrepast,
andattwoshehastobetakeherselftothePalaceofPreciousPerceptiontoworshipBuddha.Atfive,shewill
enterthePalaceofGreatSplendourtopartakeofabanquet,andtoseethelanterns,afterwhich,shewillrequest
HisMajesty'spermissionsothat,I'mafraid,itwon'tbeearlierthansevenbeforetheysetout."
LadyFeng'searcaughtwhatwassaid."Ifsuchbethecase,"sheinterposed,"mayitpleaseyourvenerable
ladyship,andyou,mylady,toreturnforawhiletoyourapartments,andwaitandifyoucomewhenit'stime
you'llbeherenonetoolate."
DowagerladyChiaandtheotherladiesimmediatelyleftforatimeandsuitedtheirownconvenience,andas
everythinginthegardendevolveduponladyFengtosupervise,sheorderedthebutlerstotaketheeunuchsand
givethemsomethingtoeatanddrinkandatthesametime,shesentwordthatcandlesshouldbebroughtinand
thatthelanternsinthevariousplacesshouldbelit.
Butunexpectedlywasheardfromoutsidethecontinuouspatterofhorsesrunning,whereuponaboutteneunuchs
hurriedingaspingandoutofbreath.Theyclappedtheirhands,andtheseveraleunuchs(whohadcomebefore),
understandingthesignal,andknowingthatthepartyhadarrived,stoodintheirrespectivepositionswhileChia
She,attheheadofallthemenoftheclan,remainedatthewesternstreetdoor,anddowagerladyChia,atthe
headofthefemalerelativesofthefamily,waitedoutsidetheprincipalentrancetodothehonours.

Foralonginterval,everythingwasplungedinsilenceandquietwhensuddenlytwoeunuchsonhorsebackwere
espiedadvancingwithleisurelystep.Reachingthewesternstreetgate,theydismounted,and,drivingtheir
horsesbeyondthescreens,theyforthwithtooktheirstandfacingthewest.Afteranotherlonginterval,asecond
couplearrived,andwentlikewisethroughthesameproceedings.Inashorttime,drewnearabouttencouples,
when,atlength,wereheardthegentlestrainsofmusic,andcouplebycoupleadvancedwithbanners,dragons,
withfansmadewithphoenixfeathers,andpalaceflabellaofpheasantplumesandthosebesideswhocarried
goldwashedcensersburningimperialincense.Nextinorderwasbroughtpastastateumbrellaofgoldenyellow,
withcrookedhandleandembroideredwithsevenphoenixesafterwhichquicklyfollowedthecrown,robe,
girdleandshoes.
Therewerelikewiseeunuchs,whotookapartintheprocession,holdingscentedhandkerchiefsandembroidered
towels,cupsforrinsingthemouth,dustersandothersuchobjectsandcompanyaftercompanywentpast,when,
attherear,approachedwithstatelystepeighteunuchscarryinganimperialsedanchair,ofgoldenyellow,witha
goldknobandembroideredwithphoenixes.
OldladyChiaandtheothermembersofthefamilyhastilyfellontheirknees,butaeunuchcameoveratonceto
raiseherladyshipandtherestandtheimperialchairwasthereuponcarriedthroughthemainentrance,the
ceremonialgateandintoacourtontheeasternside,atthedoorofwhichstoodaeunuch,whoprostratedhimself
andinvited(herhighness)todismountandchangehercostume.
Havingforthwithcarriedherinsidethegate,theeunuchsdispersedandonlythemaidsofhonourandladiesin
waitingusheredYuanCh'unoutofthechair,whenwhatmainlyattractedhereyeintheparkwasthebrilliant
lustreofthefloweredlampsofeverycolour,allofwhichweremadeofgauzeordamask,andwerebeautifulin
texture,andoutofthecommonrunwhileontheuppersidewasaflatlanternwiththeinscriptioninfour
characters,"Regarded(byHisMajesty's)benevolenceandpermeatedbyhisbenefits."
YuanCh'unenteredtheapartmentandeffectedthenecessarychangesinhertoiletteafterwhich,sheagain
egressed,and,mountingherchair,shemadeherentryintothegarden,whensheperceivedthesmokeofincense
whirlingandtwirling,andthereflectionoftheflowersconfusingtheeyes.Farandwide,theraysoflight,shed
bythelanterns,intermingledtheirbrilliancy,while,fromtimetotime,finestrainsofmusicsoundedwith
clamorousdin.Butitwouldbeimpossibletoexpressadequatelytheperfectharmonyintheaspectofthisscene,
andthegrandeurofaffluenceandsplendour.
TheimperialconsortoftheChiafamily,wemustnowobserve,uponcatchingsight,fromtheinteriorofher
chair,ofthepicturepresentedwithinaswellaswithouttheconfinesofthisgarden,shookherheadandheaveda
sigh."Whatlavishextravagance!Whatexcessivewaste!"shesoliloquised.
Butofasuddenwasagainseenaeunuchwho,onhisknees,invitedhertogetintoaboatandtheChiaconsort
descendedfromthechairandsteppedintothecraft,whentheexpanseofalimpidstreammethergaze,whose
grandeurresembledthatofthedragoninitslistlesscourse.Thestonebannisters,oneachside,wereonemassof
airtightlanterns,ofeverycolour,madeofcrystalorglass,whichthrewoutalightlikethelustreofsilverorthe
brightnessofsnow.
Thewillow,almondandthewholelotoftrees,ontheupperside,were,itistrue,withoutblossomandleaves
butpongeeanddamasksilks,paperandlustringhadbeenemployed,togetherwithricepaper,tomakeflowers
of,whichhadbeenaffixedonthebranches.Uponeachtreeweresuspendedthousandsoflanternsandwhatis
more,thelotusandaquaticplants,theducksandwaterfowlinthepondhadall,inlikemanner,beendevisedout
ofconchesandclams,plumesandfeathers.Thevariouslanterns,aboveandbelow,viedinrefulgence.Inreal
truth,itwasacrystalregion,aworldofpearlsandpreciousstones.Onboardtheboatwerealsoeverykindof
lanternsrepresentingsuchdesignsasareusedonflowerpots,pearlladenportieres,embroideredcurtains,oars
ofcinnamonwood,andpaddlesofmagnolia,whichneednotofcoursebeminutelydescribed.
Theyenteredalandingwithastonecurbandonthislandingwaserectedaflatlanternuponwhichwereplainly
visiblethefourcharactersthe"Persicarybeachandflowerladenbank."But,reader,youhaveheardhowthat
thesefourcharacters"thepersicarybeachandtheflowerladenbank,"themotto"aphoenixcomeswith

dignifiedair,"andtherestoweoneandalltheirorigintotheunexpectedtesttowhichChiaChengsubmitted,on
apreviousoccasion,Paoy'sliteraryabilitiesbuthowdiditcomeaboutthattheywereactuallyadopted?
YoumustrememberthattheChiafamilyhadbeen,generationaftergeneration,giventothestudyofletters,so
thatitwasonlynaturalthatthereshouldbeamongthemoneortworenownedwritersofversesforhowcould
theyeverresemblethefamiliesofsuchupstarts,whoonlyemploypuerileexpressionsasamakeshifttoget
throughwhattheyhavetodo?Butthewhyandthewhereforemustbesoughtinthepast.Theconsort,belonging
totheChiamansion,had,beforesheenteredthepalace,been,fromherinfancy,alsobroughtupbydowager
ladyChiaandwhenPaoywassubsequentlyaddedtothefamily,shewastheeldestsisterandPaoythe
youngestchild.TheChiaconsort,bearinginmindhowthatshehad,whenhermotherwasvergingonoldage,at
lengthobtainedthisyoungerbrother,sheforthisreasondoateduponhimwithsingleloveandastheywere
besidescompanionsintheirattendanceuponoldladyChia,theywereinseparableforevenamoment.Before
Paoyhadenteredschool,andwhenthreeorfouryearsofage,hehadalreadyreceivedoralinstructionfrom
theimperialspouseChiafromthecontentsofseveralbooksandhadcommittedtomemoryseveralthousandsof
characters,forthoughtheywereonlysisterandbrother,theywerelikemotherandchild.Andaftershehad
enteredthePalace,shewaswonttimeandagaintohaveletterstakenouttoherfatherandhercousins,urgently
recommendingthemtobecarefulwithhisbringingup,thatiftheywerenotstrict,hecouldnotpossiblybecome
goodforanything,andthatiftheywereimmoderatelysevere,therewasthedangerofsomethingunpropitious
befallinghim,withtheresult,moreover,thathisgrandmotherwouldbestrickenwithsorrowandthissolicitude
onhisaccountwasneverforaninstantlostsightofbyher.
HenceitwasthatChiaChenghaving,afewdaysback,heardhisteacherextolhimforhisextremeabilities,he
forthwithputhimtothetestontheoccasionoftheirramblethroughthegarden.Andthough(hiscompositions)
werenotintheboldstyleofawriterofnote,yettheywereproductionsoftheirownfamily,andwould,
moreover,beinstrumental,whentheChiaconsorthadhernoticeattractedbythem,andcometoknowthatthey
weredevisedbyherbelovedbrother,inalsonotrenderingnugatorytheanxiousinterestwhichshehadever
entertainedonhisbehalf,andhe,therefore,purposelyadoptedwhathadbeensuggestedbyPaoywhilefor
thoseplaces,forwhichonthatdaynodeviceshadbeencompleted,agoodnumberwereagainsubsequently
composedtomakeupwhatwaswanted.
AftertheChiaconsorthad,forweshallnowreturntoher,perusedthefourcharacters,shegaveasmile."The
twowords'flowerladenbank,'"shesaid,"arereallyfelicitous,sowhatusewastherefor'persicarybeach?'"
Whentheeunuchinwaitingheardthisobservation,hepromptlyjumpedoffthecraftontothebank,andata
flyingpacehurriedtocommunicateittoChiaCheng,andChiaChenginstantlyeffectedthenecessaryalteration.
Bythistimethecrafthadreachedtheinnerbank,andleavingtheboat,andmountingintohersedanchair,shein
duecoursecontemplatedthemagnificentJadelikePalacetheHallofcinnamonwood,loftyandsublimeand
themarbleportalswiththefourcharactersinboldstyle:the"Preciousconfinesofheavenlyspirits,"whichthe
Chiaconsortgavedirectionsshouldbechangedforthefourwordsdenoting:"additionalHall(fortheimperial
consort)onavisittoherparents."Andforthwithmakingherentranceintothetravellinglodgehergazewas
attractedbytorchesburninginthecourtencompassingtheheavens,fragmentsofincensestrewnontheground,
fireliketreesandgemlikeflowers,goldlikewindowsandjadelikebannisters.Butitwouldbedifficulttogive
afullaccountofthecurtains,whichrolledup(asfineasa)shrimp'smoustacheofthecarpetsofotherskins
spreadonthefloorofthetripodsexhalingthefragrantaromaofthebrainofthemuskdeerofthescreensina
rowresemblingfansmadeofpheasanttails.Indeed,thegoldlikedoorsandthewindowslikejadewere
suggestiveoftheabodeofspiritswhilethehallsmadeofcinnamonwoodandthepalaceofmagnoliatimber,of
theveryhomesoftheimperialsecondaryconsorts.
"Whyisit,"theChiaconsortinquired,"thatthereisnotabletinthis
Hall?"
Theeunuchinwaitingfellonhisknees."ThisisthemainHall,"hereverentlyreplied,"andtheofficials,outside
thepalace,didnotpresumetotakeuponthemselvestosuggestanymotto."

TheChiaconsortshookherheadandsaidnotawordwhereupontheeunuch,whoactedasmasterof
ceremonies,requestedHerMajestytoascendthethroneandreceivehomage.Thebandstationedonthetwo
flightsofstepsstruckupatune,whiletwoeunuchsusheredChiaShe,ChiaChengandtheothermembersonto
themoonlikestage,wheretheyarrangedthemselvesinorderandascendedintothehall,butwhentheladiesin
waitingtransmittedhercommandsthatthehomagecouldbedispensedwith,theyatonceretracedtheir
footsteps.
(Themasteroftheceremonies),inlikemannerledforwardthedowagerladyoftheJungKuomansion,aswell
asthefemalerelatives,fromthestepsontheeastside,ontothemoonlikestagewheretheywereplaced
accordingtotheirranks.Butthemaidsofhonouragaincommandedthattheyshoulddispensewiththe
ceremony,sotheylikewisepromptlywithdrew.
Afterteahadbeenthricepresented,theChiaconsortdescendedtheThrone,andthemusicceased.Sheretired
intoasideroomtochangehercostume,andtheprivatechairswerethengotreadyforhervisittoherparents.
Issuingfromthegarden,shecameintothemainquartersbelongingtodowagerladyChia,whereshewasbent
uponobservingthedomesticconventionalities,whenhervenerableladyship,andtheothermembersofthe
family,prostratedthemselvesinabodybeforeher,andmadeherdesist.Tearsdroppeddownfromtheeyesof
theChiaconsortas(sheandherrelatives)mutuallycameforward,andgreetedeachother,andaswithonehand
shegraspedoldladyChia,andwiththeothersheheldmadameWang,thethreehadplentyintheirheartswhich
theywerefaintospeakaboutbut,unableaseachoneofthemwastogiveutterancetotheirfeelings,alltheydid
wastosobandtoweep,astheykeptfacetofacetoeachotherwhilemadameHsing,widowLiWan,WangHsi
feng,andthethreesisters:YingCh'un,T'anCh'un,andHsiCh'un,stoodasideinabodysheddingtearsand
sayingnotaword.
Afteralongtime,theChiaconsortrestrainedheranguish,andforcingasmile,shesettoworktoreassureold
ladyChiaandmadameWang."Havingindaysgoneby,"sheurged,"beensenttothatplacewherenohuman
beingcanbeseen,IhavetodayafterextremedifficultyreturnedhomeandnowthatyouladiesandIhavebeen
reunited,insteadofchattingorlaughingwecontrariwisegivewaytoincessanttears!Butshortly,Ishallbegone,
andwhoknowswhenweshallbeableagaintoevenseeeachother!"
Whenshecametothissentence,theycouldnothelpburstingintoanothertitofcryingandMadameHsing
hastenedtocomeforward,andtoconsoledowagerladyChiaandtherest.ButwhentheChiaconsortresumed
herseat,andonebyonecameagain,inturn,toexchangesalutations,theycouldnotoncemorehelpweeping
andsobbingforatime.
Nextinorder,werethemanagersandservantsoftheeasternandwesternmansionstoperformtheirobeisancein
theouterpavilionandafterthemarriedwomenandwaitingmaidshadconcludedtheirhomage,theChia
consortheavedasigh."Howmanyrelatives,"sheobserved,"thereareallofwhom,alas!Imaynotsee."
"Thereareherenow,"madameWangrejoinedwithduerespect,"kindredwithoutsidefamilynames,suchas
Mrs.Hseh,neWang,Paoch'ai,andTaiywaitingforyourcommandsbutastheyaredistantrelatives,and
withoutofficialstatus,theydonotventuretoarrogatetothemselvestherightofenteringintoyourpresence."
ButtheChiaconsortissueddirectionsthattheyshouldbeinvitedtocomethattheyshouldseeeachotherandin
ashortwhile,Mrs.Hsehandtheotherrelativeswalkedin,butastheywereonthepointofperformingtherites,
prescribedbythestate,shebadethemrelinquishtheobservancesothattheycameforward,andeach,inturn,
alludedtowhathadtranspiredduringthelongseparation.
PaoCh'inalsoandafewotherwaitingmaids,whomtheChiaconsorthadoriginallytakenalongwithherinto
thepalace,knockedtheirheadsbeforedowagerladyChia,butherladyshiplostnotimeinraisingthemup,and
inbiddingthemgointoaseparatesuiteofroomstobeentertainedandasfortheretainers,eunuchsaswellas
maidsofhonour,ladiesinwaitingandeveryattendant,therewereneedlesstosay,thoseinthetwoplaces,the
NingmansionandChiaShe'sresidence,towaituponthemthereonlyremainedthreeorfouryoungeunuchsto
answerthesummons.

Themotheranddaughterandhercousinsconversedforsometimeonwhathadhappenedduringtheprotracted
separation,aswellasondomesticaffairsandtheirprivatefeelings,whenChiaChenglikewiseadvancedasfar
astheothersideoftheportiere,andinquiredafterherhealth,andtheChiaconsortfrominsideperformedthe
homageandotherconventionalities(duetoherparent).
"Thefamiliesoffarmers,"shefurtherwentontosaytoherfather,"feedonsaltedcabbage,andclotheincotton
materialbuttheyreadilyenjoythehappinessoftherelationshipsestablishedbyheaven!We,however,relatives
thoughwenowbeofoneboneandflesh,are,withallouraffluenceandhonours,livingapartfromeachother,
andderivingnohappinesswhatsoever!"
ChiaCheng,onhispartendeavoured,torestrainhistears."Ibelonged,"herejoined,"toarusticandpoor
familyandamongthatwholenumberofpigeonsandpheasants,howcouldIhaveimaginedthatIwouldhave
obtainedtheblessingofahiddenphoenix!Oflateallforthesakeofyourhonourableself,HisMajesty,above,
confersuponushisheavenlybenefitswhilewe,below,showforththevirtueofourancestors!Anditismainly
becausethevitalprincipleofthehills,streams,sun,andmoon,andtheremotevirtueofourancestorshavebeen
implantedinyoualonethatthisgoodfortunehasattainedmeChengandmywife!Moreover,thepresent
emperor,bearinginmindthegreatbountyshewnbyheavenandearthinpromotingaceaselesssuccession,has
vouchsafedamoregenerousactofgracethanhaseverbeendisplayedfromolddaystothepresent.And
althoughwemaybesmearourliverandbraininthemire,howcouldweshowourgratitude,eventososlighta
degreeasonetenthousandthpart.ButallIcandois,inthedaytime,topractisediligence,vigilanceatnight,and
loyaltyinmyofficialduties.MyhumblewishisthatHisMajesty,mymaster,maylivetenthousandyearsand
seethousandsofautumns,soastopromotethewelfareofallmankindintheworld!Andyou,worthyimperial
consort,must,onnoaccount,bemindfulofmeChengandmywife,decrepidasweareinyears.WhatIwould
solicitmorethananythingisthatyoushouldbemorecarefulofyourself,andthatyoushouldbediligentand
reverentialinyourservicetoHisMajesty,withtheintentthatyoumaynotproveungratefulofhisaffectionate
regardandbountifulgrace."
TheChiaconsort,ontheotherhand,enjoined"thatmuchasitwasexpedienttodisplayzeal,inthemanagement
ofstatematters,itbehovedhim,whenhehadanyleisure,totakegoodcareofhimself,andthatheshouldnot,
whateverhedid,givewaytosolicitudeonherbehalf."AndChiaChengthenwentontosay"thatthevarious
inscriptionsintheparkoverthepavilions,terraces,hallsandresidenceshadbeenallcomposedbyPaoy,and,
thatintheeventoftherebeingoneortwothatcouldclaimherattention,hewouldbehappyifitwouldplease
hertoatoncefavourhimwithitsname."WhereupontheimperialconsortYan,whensheheardthatPaoy
couldcomposeverses,forthwithexclaimedwithasmile:"Hehasinverytruthmadeprogress!"
AfterChiaChenghadretiredoutofthehall,theChiaconsortmadeitapointtoask:"HowisitthatIdonotsee
Paoy?"anddowagerladyChiaexplained:"Anoutsidemalerelativeasheis,andwithoutofficialrank,hedoes
notventuretoappearbeforeyouofhisownaccord."
"Bringhimin!"theimperialconsortdirectedwhereuponayoungeunuchusheredPaoyin.Afterhehadfirst
compliedwiththestateceremonies,shebadehimdrawneartoher,andtakinghishand,shehelditinherlap,
and,asshewentontocaresshisheadandneck,shesmiledandsaid:"He'sgrownconsiderablytallerthanhe
wasbefore"butshehadbarelyconcludedthisremark,whenhertearsrandownasprofuseasrain.Mrs.Yu,
ladyFeng,andtherestpressedforward."Thebanquetisquiteready,"theyannounced,"andyourhighnessis
requestedtofavourtheplacewithyourpresence."
TheimperialconsortYuanstoodupandaskingPaoytoleadtheway,shefollowedinhissteps,alongwiththe
wholeparty,andbetookherselfonfootasfarastheentranceofthegardengate,whencesheatonceespied,in
thelustreshedbythelanterns,everykindofdecorations.Enteringthegarden,theyfirstpassedthespotswith
thedevice"aphoenixcomeswithdignifiedair,""thered(flowersare)fragrantandthegreen(bananaleaves
like)jade!""thesignontheapricottreeisvisible,""thefragrancepureoftheligulariaandiris,"andother
placesandascendingthetowerstheywalkedupthehalls,fordedthestreamsandwoundroundthehills
contemplatingastheyturnedtheirgazefromsidetoside,eachplacearrangedinadifferentstyle,andeachkind
ofarticlelaidoutinuniquedesigns.TheChiaconsortexpressedheradmirationinmostprofuseeulogiums,and

thenwentontoadvisethem:"thatitwasnotexpedienttoindulgeinfutureinsuchexcessiveextravaganceand
thatallthesearrangementswereoverandabovewhatshouldhavebeendone."
Presentlytheyreachedthemainpavilion,whereshecommandedthattheycoulddispensewiththeritesandtake
theirseats.Asumptuousbanquetwaslaidout,atwhichdowagerladyChiaandtheotherladiesoccupiedthe
lowerseatsandentertainedeachother,whileMrs.Yu,widowLiWan,ladyFengandtherestpresentedthesoup
andhandedthecups.TheImperialconsortYuansubsequentlydirectedthatthepencilsandinkslabsshouldbe
brought,andwithherownhandssheopenedthesilkenpaper.Shechosetheplacessheliked,andconferred
uponthemanameanddevisingageneraldesignationforthegarden,shecalledittheTaKuangarden(Broad
vista),whileforthetabletofthemainpavilionthedeviceshecomposedranasfollows:"Bemindfulofthegrace
andremembertheequity(ofHisMajesty)"withthisinscriptionontheantitheticalscrolls:
MercyexcessiveHeavenandearthdisplay,
Anditmenyoungandoldhailgratefully
Fromoldtillnowtheypourtheirbountiesgreat
ThoserichgiftswhichCathayandallstatespermeate.
Changingalsothetext:"Aphoenixcomeswithdignifiedairforthe
HsiaoHsiangLodge."
"Thered(flowersare)fragrantandthegreen(bananaleaveslike)jade,"shealteredinto"Happyredandjoyful
green"bestowingupontheplacetheappellationoftheIHungcourt(joyfulred).Thespotwhere"thefragrance
pureoftheligulariaandiris,"wasinscribed,shecalled"theligulariaandthe'Wu'weedcourt"andwherewas
"thesignintheapricottreeisvisible,"shedesignated"thecottageinthehillswheredolichosisbleached."The
maintowershecalledtheBroadVistaTower.Theloftytowerfacingtheeast,shedesignated"thevariegatedand
floweryHall"bestowingonthelineofbuildings,facingthewest,theappellationof"theHallofOccult
Fragrance"andbesidesthesefiguredsuchfurthernamesas:"theHallofpepperywind,""theArbouroflotus
fragrance,""theIsletofpurplecaltrop,""theBankofgoldenlotus,"andthelike.Therewerealsotabletswith
fourcharacterssuchas:"thepeachblossomandthevernalrain""theautumnalwindprunestheEloecocca,"
"theartemisialeavesandthenightsnow,"andothersimilarnameswhichcouldnotallbeplacedonrecord.She
furthermoredirectedthatsuchtabletsaswerealreadyputup,shouldnotbedismounted,andsheforthwithtook
theleadandcomposedanheptameterstanza,theburdenofwhichwas:
Hillsitenclasps,embracesstreams,withskillitislaidout:
Whattaskthegroundstoraise!theworkstostartandbringabout!
Ofsceneryinheavenandamongstmenstorehasbeenmade
ThenameBroadVistao'erthefragrantparkshouldbeengraved.
Whenshehadfinishedwriting,sheobservedsmilingly,assheaddressedherselftoalltheyoungladies:"Ihave
allalonglackedthequalityofsharpnessandneverbesidesbeengoodatversesasyou,sisters,andallofyou
haveeverbeenawarebut,onanightlikethisI'vebeenfaintodomybest,withtheobjectofescapingcensure,
andofnotreflectinginjusticeonthissceneryandnothingmore.ButsomeotherdaywhenI'vegottime,beit
eversolittle,IshalldeemitmydutytomakeupwhatremainsbyinditingarecordoftheBroadVistaGarden,as
wellasasongonmyvisittomyparentsandothersuchliteraryproductionsinmemoryoftheeventsofthisday.
Yousistersandothersmust,eachofyou,inlikemannercomposeastanzaonthemottooneachtablet,
expressingyoursentiments,asyouplease,withoutbeingrestrainedbyanyregardformymeagreability.
KnowingasIdobesidesthatPaoyis,indeed,abletowriteverses,Ifeelthemoredelighted!Butamonghis
compositions,thoseIlikethebestarethoseinthetwoplaces,'theHsiaoHsiangLodge,'and'thecourtofHeng
andWu'andnextthoseof'theJoyfulredcourt,'and'thecottageinthehills,wherethedolichosisbleached.'As
forgrandsiteslikethesefour,thereshouldbefoundsomeoutofthewayexpressionstoinsertintheversesso
thattheyshouldbefelicitous.Theantitheticallinescomposedbyyou,(Paoy),onaformeroccasionare
excellent,itistruebutyoushouldnowfurtherinditeforeachplace,apentameterstanza,sothatbyallowingme
totestyouinmypresence,youmaynotshowyourselfungratefulforthetroubleIhavetakeninteachingyou
fromyouryouthup."

Paoyhadnohelpbuttoassent,anddescendingfromthehall,hewentoffallalonetogivehimselfupto
reflection.
OfthethreeYingCh'un,T'anCh'un,andHsiCh'un,T'anCh'unmustbeconsideredtohavealsobeenabovethe
standardofhersisters,butshe,inherownestimation,imaginedit,infact,difficulttocompetewithHsehPao
ch'aiandLinTaiy.Withnoalternativehoweverthanthatofdoingherbest,shefollowedtheexampleofallthe
restwiththesolepurposeofwardingoffcriticism.AndLiWantoosucceeded,aftermuchexertion,inputting
togetherastanza.
TheconsortoftheChiafamilyperusedindueordertheverseswrittenbytheyoungladies,thetextofwhichis
givenbelow.
ThelineswrittenbyYingCh'unonthetabletof"Boundlessspiritsandblissfulheart"were:
Aparklaidoutwithscenerysurpassingfineandrare!
Submissivetothywill,onboundlessblissbashfulIwrite!
Whocouldbelievethatyonderscenesinthisworldfoundashare!
Willnotthyheartbecharmedonthyvisitbythesight?
ThesearetheversesbyT'anCh'unonthetabletof"Allnatureviesinsplendour":
Ofaspectloftyandsublimeisraisedaparkoffame!
Honouredwiththybequest,myshallowlorefillsmewithshame.
Nowordscoulde'eramplyexhaustthebeauteousskill,
Forlo!inverytruthgloryandsplendourallthingsfill!
ThusrunsHsiCh'un'sstanzaonthetabletofthe"Conceptionofliterarycompositions":
Thehillocksandthestreamscrosswisebeyondathousandliextend!
Thetowersandterraces'midstthefivecolouredcloudsloftyascend!
Intheresplendentradianceofbothsunandmoontheparkitlies!
Theskillthesescenestoraisetheskille'enessaystoconceive
outvies!
ThelinescomposedbyLiWanonthetablet"graceandelegance,"consistedof:
Thecomelystreamsandhillocksclear,indoublefolds,embrace
E'enFairyland,forsooth,transcendtheydoineleganceandgrace!
The"FragrantPlant"thethemeisoftheballadfan,greenmade.
LikedroopingplumbloomflapthelapelredandtheHsianggown.
Fromprosperoustimesmusthavebeenhandeddownthosepearlsand
jade.
Whatbliss!thefairyonthejasperterracewillcomedown!
Whentoourprayerssheyields,thisgloriousparktocontemplate,
Nomortalmuste'erbeallowedthesegroundstopenetrate.
TheodebyHsehPaoch'aionthetabletof"ConcentratedSplendourand
Accumulatedauspiciousness"was:
RaisedonthewestoftheImperialcity,lo!theparkstoredwith
fragrantsmell,
ShroudedbyPhoebe'sradiantraysandcloudsofgoodomen,inwondrous
glorylies!
Thewillowstallwithjoyexultthattheparrotstheirnestshave
shiftedfromthedell.

Thebamboogroves,whenlaid,forthephoenixwithdignitytocome,
weremeanttorise.
TheveryevebeforetheEmpress'stroll,eleganttextswerereadyand
affixed.
Ifevensheherparentscomestosee,howfilialpietysuprememust
be!
WhenIbeholdherbeauteouscharmsandtalentssupernatural,withawe
transfixed,
Oneword,touttermorehowcanItrotheverpresume,whenshame
overpowersme.
ThedistichbyLinTaiyonthetabletof"Spiritualstreamoutsidetheworld,"ranthus:
Th'imperialvisitdothenhancejoyanddelight.
Thisfairylandfrommortalsceneswhatdiff'rentsight!
Thecomelygraceitborrowsofbothhillandstream
Andtothelandscapeitdothaddacharmsupreme.
ThefumesofChinKuwineeverythingpermeate
TheflowerstheinmateoftheJadeHallfascinate.
Theimperialfavourtoreceivehowblessedourlot!
Foroftthepalacecarriagewillpassthroughthisspot.
TheChiaconsorthavingconcludedtheperusaloftheverses,andextolledthemforatime:"Afterall,"shewent
ontosaywithasmile,"thosecomposedbymytwocousins,HsehPaoch'aiandLinTaiy,differin
excellencefromthoseofalltherestandneitherI,stupidasIam,normysisterscanattaintheirstandard."
LinTaoyhad,inpointoffact,madeuphermindtodisplay,onthisevening,herextraordinaryabilitiestotheir
bestadvantage,andtoputdowneveryoneelse,butcontrarytoherexpectationstheChiaconsorthadexpressed
herdesirethatnomorethanasinglestanzashouldbewrittenoneachtablet,sothatunable,afterall,todisregard
herdirectionsbywritinganythinginexcess,shehadnohelpbuttocomposeapentameterstanza,inanoffhand
way,merelywiththeintentofcomplyingwithherwishes.
Paoyhadbythistimenotcompletedhistask.HehadjustfinishedtwostanzasontheHsiaoHsiangLodgeand
theHengWugarden,andwasjustthenengagedincomposingaverseonthe"HappyredCourt."Inhisdraft
figuredaline:"The(leaves)ofjadelikegreeninspringareyetrolledup,"whichPaoch'aistealthilyobserved
assheturnedhereyesfromsidetosideandavailingherselfoftheveryfirstmoment,whennoneofthe
companycouldnoticeher,shegavehimanudge."Asherhighness,"sheremarked,"doesn'trelishthefour
characters,representingthered(flowersare)fragrant,andthegreen(bananaleaves)likejade,shechanged
them,justawhileback,for'thejoyfulredandgladsomegreen'andifyoudeliberatelynowagainemploythese
twowords'jadelikegreen,'won'titlookasifyouwerebentuponbeingatvariancewithher?Besides,very
manyaretheoldbooks,inwhichthebananaleavesformthetheme,soyouhadbetterthinkofanotherlineand
substituteitandhavedonewithit!"
WhenPaoyheardthesuggestionmadebyPaoch'ai,hespeedilyreplied,ashewipedofftheperspiration:"I
can'tatalljustatpresentcalltomindanypassagefromthecontentsofsomeoldbook."
"Justsimplytake,"proposedPaoch'aismilingly,"thecharacterjadeinjadelikegreenandchangeitintothe
characterwax,that'sall."
"Does'greenwax,'"Paoyinquired,"comeoutfromanywhere?"
Paoch'aigentlysmackedherlipsandnoddedherheadasshelaughed."Ifear,"shesaid,"thatif,onanoccasion
liketonight,youshownomorebrainsthanthis,byandbywhenyouhavetogiveanyanswersinthegolden
hall,tothequestions(oftheexaminer),youwill,really,forget(theveryfirstfournames)ofChao,Oh'ien,Sun

andLi(outofthehundred)!What,haveyousomuchasforgottenthefirstlineofthepoembyHanY,ofthe
T'angdynasty,ontheBananaleaf:
"Coldisthecandleandwithoutaflame,thegreenwaxdry?"
Onhearingthesewords,Paoy'smindsuddenlybecameenlightened."WhatafoolIam!"headdedwitha
simper"Icouldn'tforthemomentevenrememberthelines,readymadethoughtheywereandstaringatmein
myveryeyes!Sister,youreallycanbestyledmyteacher,littlethoughyoumayhavetaughtme,andI'll
henceforwardaddressyoubynoothernamethan'teacher,'andnotcallyou'sister'anymore!"
"Don'tyouyethurrytogoon,"Paoch'aiagainobservedinagentletoneofvoicesneeringly,"butkeepon
callingmeeldersisterandyoungersister?Who'syoursister?thatoneoverthereinayellowcoatisyoursister!"
Butapprehending,asshebandiedthesejokes,lestshemightbewastinghistime,shefeltconstrainedto
promptlymoveawaywhereuponPaoycontinuedtheodehehadbeenworkingat,andbroughtittoaclose,
writinginallthreestanzas.
Taiyhadnothadsofaranopportunityofmakingadisplayofherability,andwasfeelingatheartinavery
dejectedmoodbutwhensheperceivedthatPaoywashavingintensetroubleinconceivingwhathehadto
write,andshefound,uponwalkinguptothesideofthetable,thathehadonlyonestanzashort,thaton"thesign
ontheapricottreeisvisible,"sheconsequentlybadehimcopyoutcleanthefirstthreeodes,whilesheherself
composedastanza,whichshenoteddownonaslipofpaper,rumpledupintoaball,andthrewjustinfrontof
Paoy.
AssoonasPaoyopeneditandglancedatit,herealisedthatitwasahundredtimesbetterthanhisownthree
stanzas,andtranscribingitwithoutlossoftime,inaboldwriting,hehandeduphiscompositions.
Onperusal,theChiaConsortreadwhatfollows.ByPaoy,on:"Aphoenixcomeswithdignifiedair:"
Thebamboosjustnowdonthatjadelikegrace,
Whichworthymakesthemthepheasanttoface
Eachculmsotenderasiftodroopfain,
Eachonesoverdant,inaspectsocool,
Thecurbprotects,fromthestepswardsthepool.
Theperviousscreensthetripodsmellrestrain.
Theshadowwillbestrewn,minddonotshake
And(Hsieh)fromhernowlongfinedream(awake)!
On"thepurefragranceoftheLigulariaandIrisFlorentina:"
HengsandWusthestillparkpermeate
Thelosandpistheirsweetperfumeenhance
Andsupplecharmsthethirdspringflowersornate
Softlyiswaftedonestreakoffragrance!
Alightmistdothbecloudthetortuousway!
Withmoisttheclothesbedews,thatverdurecold!
Thepondwhoeversinuouscouldhold?
Dreamslongandsubtle,dreamthehouseholdHsieh.
On"thehappyredandjoyfulgreen:"
Stillnesspervadesthedeeppaviliononalengthyday.
Thegreenandred,togethermatched,transcendentgracedisplay.
Unfurleddostillremaininspringthegreenandwaxlikeleaves.
Nosleepyetseekstheredcladmaid,thoughnight'shoursbe

farspent,
Buto'ertherailslo,shereclines,danglingherruddysleeves
Againstthestonesheleansshroudedbytaintlessscent,
Andstandsthequarterfacingwhencedothblowtheeasternwind!
Herlordandmastermustlookuptoherwithfeelingskind.
On"thesignontheapricottreeisvisible:"
Theapricottreesigntodrinkwayfarersdothinvite
Afarmlocatedonahill,lo!yonderstrikesthesight!
Andwatercaltrops,goldenlotus,geese,aswellasflows,
Andmulberryandelmtreeswhichaffordresttoswallows.
Thatwideextentofspringleekswithverdurecoverstheground
Ando'ertenlithepaddyblossomfragrancedothabound.
Indaysofplentythere'salackofdearthandofdistress,
Andwhatneedthenistheretoploughandweavewithsuchbriskness?
WhentheChiaconsorthaddonewiththeperusal,excessivejoyfilledherheart."Hehasindeedmadeprogress!"
sheexclaimed,andwentontopointattheverseson"thesignontheapricottree,"asbeingthecrowningpiece
ofthefourstanzas.Induecourse,shewithherownhandschangedthemotto"acottageinthehillswhere
dolichosisbleached"into"thepaddyscentedvillage"andbiddingalsoT'anCh'untotaketheseveraltensof
stanzaswrittenthen,andtotranscribethemseparatelyonornamentedsilkpaper,shecommandedaeunuchto
sendthemtotheouterquarters.AndwhenChiaChengandtheothermenperusedthem,oneandallsungtheir
incessantpraise,whileChiaCheng,onhispart,sentinsomecomplimentarymessage,withregardtoherreturn
homeonavisit.
YuanCh'unwentfurtherandgaveordersthatlusciouswines,ahamandothersuchpresentsshouldbeconferred
uponPaoy,aswellasuponChiaLan.ThisChiaLanwasasyetatthistimeaperfectyouthwithoutany
knowledgeofthingsingeneral,sothatallthathecoulddowastofollowtheexampleofhismother,andimitate
hisuncleinperformingtheconventionalrites.
AttheverymomentthatChiaSefeltunable,alongwithacompanyofactresses,tobeartheordealofwaitingon
thegroundfloorofthetwostoriedbuilding,hecaughtsightofaeunuchcomerunningataflyingpace."The
compositionofversesisover,"hesaid,"soquickgivemetheprogramme"whereuponChiaSehastenedto
presenttheprogrammeaswellasarollofthenamesofthetwelvegirls.Andnotalongintervalelapsedbefore
fourplayswerechosenNo.1beingtheImperialBanquetNo.2Begging(theweavergoddess)forskillin
needleworkNo.3ThespiritualmatchandNo.4thePartingspirit.ChiaSespeedilylentahandinthegetting
up,andthepreparationsfortheperformance,andeachofthegirlssangwithavoicesufficienttosplitthestones
anddancedinthemannerofheavenlyspiritsandthoughtheirexteriorwasthatofthecharactersinwhichthey
weredressedupfortheplay,theiractingneverthelessrepresented,inaperfectmanner,bothsorrowaswellas
joy.Assoonastheperformancewasbroughttoaclose,aeunuchwalkedinholdingagoldensalvercontaining
cakes,sweets,andthelike,andinquiredwhowasLingKuanandChiaSereadilyconcludingthatthesearticles
werepresentsbestoweduponLingKuan,madehastetotakethemover,ashebadeLingKuanprostrateherself.
"Thehonourableconsort,"theeunuchfurtheradded,"directsthatLingKuan,whoisthebestactressofthelot,
shouldsingtwomoresongsanytwowilldo,shedoesnotmindwhattheyare."
ChiaSeatonceexpressedhisobedience,andfeltconstrainedtourgeLingKuantosingthetwoballadsentitled:
"Thewalkthroughthegarden"and"Frightenedoutofadream."ButLingKuanassertedthatthesetwoballads
hadnotoriginallybeenintendedforherownroleandbeingfirminherrefusaltoaccedeandinsistingupon
renderingthetwosongs"TheMutualPromise"and"TheMutualAbuse,"ChiaSefoundithardtobringher
round,andhadnohelpbuttoletherhaveherownway.TheChiaconsortwassoextremelyenchantedwithher
thatshegavedirectionsthatsheshouldnotbetreatedharshly,andthatthisgirlshouldreceiveacarefultraining,
whilebesidesthefixednumberofpresents,shegavehertworollsofpalacesilk,twopurses,goldandsilver
ingots,andpresentsinthewayofeatables.

Subsequently,whenthebanquethadbeencleared,andsheoncemoreprosecutedhervisitthroughthoseplaces
towhichshehadnotbeen,shequiteaccidentallyespiedtheBuddhistTempleencircledbyhills,andpromptly
rinsingherhands,shewalkedinandburntincenseandworshippedBuddha.Shealsocomposedthedevicefora
tablet,"ahumaneboatonthe(world's)bittersea,"andwentlikewisesofarastoshowspecialactsofadditional
gracetoacompanyofasceticnunsandTaoistpriestesses.
Aeunuchcameinashortwhileandreverentlyfellonhisknees."Thepresentsareallinreadiness,"hereported,
"andmayitpleaseyoutoinspectthemandtodistributethem,incompliancewithcustom"andpresentedtoher
alist,whichtheChiaconsortperusedfromtheverytopthroughoutwithoutraisinganyobjection,andreadily
commandingthatactionshouldbetakenaccordingtothelist,aeunuchdescendedandissuedthegiftsoneafter
another.ThepresentsfordowagerladyChiaconsisted,itmaybeadded,oftwosceptres,oneofgold,theother
ofjade,with"mayyourwishesbefulfilled"inscribedonthemastaffmadeoflignaloesastringofchaplet
beadsofChiananfragrantwoodfourrollsofimperialsatinswithwords"Affluenceandhonours"and
PerennialSpring(woveninthem)fourrollsofimperialsilkwithPerennialHappinessandLongevitytwoshoes
ofpurplegoldbullion,representingapen,aningotand"asyoulike"andtensilveringotswiththedevice
"FelicitousBlessings."WhilethetwosharesformadameHsingandmadameWangwereonlyshortofhersby
thesceptresandstaffs,fourthingsinall.ChiaShe,ChiaChengandtheothershadeachapportionedtohima
worknewlywrittenbytheEmperor,twoboxesofsuperiorink,andgoldandsilvercups,twopairsofeachtheir
othergiftsbeingidenticalwiththoseabove.Paoch'ai,Taiy,allthesistersandtherestwereassignedeacha
copyofanewbook,afineslabandtwopairofgoldandsilverornamentsofanovelkindandoriginalshape
Paoylikewisereceivingthesamepresents.ChiaLan'sgiftsconsistedoftwonecklets,oneofgold,theotherof
silver,andoftwopairofgoldingots.Mrs.Yu,widowLiWan,ladyFengandtheothershadeachofthem,four
ingotsofgoldandsilverand,inthewayofkeepsakes,fourpiecesofsilk.Therewere,inaddition,presents
consistingoftwentyfourpiecesofsilkandathousandstringsofgoodcashtobeallottedtothenurses,and
waitingmaids,intheapartmentsofdowagerladyChia,madameWangandoftherespectivesisterswhileChia
Chen,ChiaLien,ChiaHuan,ChiaJungandtheresthad,everyone,forpresents,apieceofsilk,andapairof
goldandsilveringots.
Asregardstheothergifts,therewereahundredrollsofvariouscolouredsilks,athousandouncesofpuresilver,
andseveralbottlesofimperialwine,intendedtobebestoweduponallthemenservantsofthemansions,onthe
EastandtheWest,aswellasuponthosewhohadbeeninthegardenoverseeingworks,arrangingthe
decorations,andinwaitingtoanswercalls,anduponthosewholookedafterthetheatresandmanagedthe
lanterns.Therebeing,besides,fivehundredstringsofpurecashforthecooks,waiters,jugglersandhundredsof
actorsandeverykindofdomestic.
Thewholepartyhadfinishedgivingexpressiontotheirthanksforherbounty,whenthemanagersandeunuchs
respectfullyannounced:"Itisalreadyaquartertothree,andmayitpleaseyourMajestytoturnbackyour
imperialchariot"whereupon,muchagainstherwill,theChiaconsort'seyesbrimmedover,andsheoncemore
gaveventtotears.Forcingherselfhoweveragaintoputonasmile,sheclaspedoldladyChia'sandmadame
Wang'shands,andcouldnotbringherselftoletthemgowhilesherepeatedlyimpressedupontheirminds:that
therewasnoneedtogivewaytoanysolicitude,andthattheyshouldtakegoodcareoftheirhealthsthatthe
graceofthepresentemperorwassovast,thatonceamonthhewouldgrantpermissionforthemtoenterthe
palaceandpayheravisit."Itiseasyenoughforustoseeeachother,"(shesaid,)"andwhyshouldweindulgein
anyexcessofgrief?Butwhenhismajestyinhisheavenlygenerosityallowsmeanothertimetoreturnhome,
youshouldn'tgoinforsuchpompandextravagance."
DowagerladyChiaandtheotherinmateshadalreadycriedtosuchanextentthatsobschokedtheirthroatsand
theycouldwithdifficultygiveutterancetospeech.ButthoughtheChiaconsortcouldnotreconcileherselfto
theseparation,theusagesinvogueintheimperialhouseholdcouldnotbedisregardedorinfringed,sothatshe
hadnoalternativebuttostifletheanguishofherheart,tomountherchariot,andtakeherdeparture.
Thewholefamilyexperiencedmeanwhileahardtaskbeforetheysucceededinconsolingtheoldladyand
madameWangandinsupportingthemawayoutofthegarden.Butaswhatfollowsisnotascertained,thenext
chapterwilldiscloseit.

CHAPTERXIX.
Inthevehemenceofherfeelings,Hua(HsiJen)onaquietevening
admonishesPaoy.
While(thespell)ofaffectioncontinuesunbroken,Paoy,onastill
day,perceivesthefragranceemittedfromTaiy'sperson.
TheChiaconsort,wemustnowgoontoexplain,returnedtothePalace,andthenextday,onherappearancein
thepresenceofHisMajesty,shethankedhimforhisbountyandgavehimfurthermoreanaccountofher
experiencesonhervisithome.HisMajesty'sdragoncountenancewasmuchelated,andhealsoissuedfromthe
privystorecolouredsatins,goldandsilverandsuchlikearticlestobepresentedtoChiaChengandtheother
officialsinthevarioushouseholdsofherrelatives.Butdispensingwithminutedetailsaboutthem,wewillnow
reverttothetwomansionsofJungandNing.
Withtheextremestrainonmindandbodyforsuccessivedays,thestrengthofoneandallwas,inpointoffact,
wornoutandtheirrespectiveenergiesexhausted.Anditwasbesidesaftertheyhadbeenputtingbythevarious
decorationsandarticlesofusefortwoorthreedays,thatthey,atlength,gotthroughthework.
LadyFengwastheonewhohadmosttodo,andwhoseresponsibilitiesweregreatest.Theotherscouldpossibly
stealafewleisuremomentsandretiretorest,whileshewasthesolepersonwhocouldnotslipaway.Inthe
secondplace,naturallyanxiousasshewastoexcelandbothtofallinpeople'sestimation,sheputupwiththe
strainjustasifshewerelikeoneofthosewhohadnothingtoattendto.Buttheonewhohadtheleasttodoand
hadthemostleisurewasPaoy.
Asluckwouldhaveitonthisday,atanearlyhour,HsiJen'smothercameagaininpersonandtolddowagerlady
ChiathatshewouldtakeHsiJenhometodrinkacupofteabrewedinthenewyearandthatshewouldreturnin
theevening.ForthisreasonPaoywasonlyinthecompanyofallthewaitingmaids,throwingdice,playingat
chessandamusinghimself.Butwhilehewasintheroomplayingwiththemwithatotalabsenceofzest,he
unawaresperceivedafewwaitingmaidsarrive,whoinformedhimthattheirseniormasterMr.Chen,ofthe
EasternMansion,hadcometoinvitehimtogoandseeatheatricalperformance,andthefireworks,whichwere
tobeletoff.
Uponhearingthesewords,Paoyspeedilyaskedthemtochangehisclothesbutjustashewasreadytostart,
presentsofcream,steamedwithsugar,arrivedagainwhenleastexpectedfromtheChiaConsort,andPaoy
recollectingwithwhatrelishHsiJenhadpartakenofthisdishonthelastoccasionforthwithbidthemkeepitfor
herwhilehewenthimselfandtolddowagerladyChiathathewasgoingovertoseetheplay.
TheplayssungoveratChiaChen'sconsisted,whowouldhavethoughtit,of"TingL'angrecogniseshisfather,"
and"HuangPoyingdeploysthespiritsforbattle,"andinadditiontothese,"SungHsingchecausesgreat
commotionintheheavenlypalace""GhiangT'aikungkillsthegeneralanddeifieshim,"andothersuchlike.
Soonappearedthespiritsanddevilsinaconfusedcrowdonthestage,andsuddenlyalsobecamevisiblethe
wholebandofspritesandgoblins,amongwhichweresomewavingstreamers,astheywentpastinaprocession,
invokingBuddhaandburningincense.Thesoundofthegongsanddrumsandofshoutsandcrieswereaudible
atadistancebeyondthelaneandinthewholestreet,oneandallextolledtheperformanceasexceptionally
grand,andthatthelikecouldneverhavebeenhadinthehouseofanyotherfamily.
Paoy,noticingthatthecommotionandbustlehadreachedastagesounbearabletohistaste,speedilybetook
himself,aftermerelysittingforalittlewhile,tootherplacesinsearchofrelaxationandfun.Firstofall,he
enteredtheinnerrooms,andafterspendingsometimeinchattingandlaughingwithMrs.Yu,thewaitingmaids,
andsecondarywives,heeventuallytookhisdepartureoutofthesecondgateandasMrs.Yuandher
companionswerestillundertheimpressionthathewasgoingoutagaintoseetheplay,theylethimspeedonhis
way,withoutsomuchaskeepinganeyeoverhim.

ChiaChen,ChiaLien,HsehP'anandtheotherswerebentuponguessingenigmas,enforcingthepenaltiesand
enjoyingthemselvesinahundredandoneways,sothatevenallowingthattheyhadforamomentnoticedthat
hewasnotoccupyinghisseat,theymustmerelyhaveimaginedthathehadgoneinsideandnot,infact,worried
theirmindsabouthim.Andasforthepages,whohadcomealongwithPaoy,thosewhowerealittleadvanced
inyears,knowingverywellthatPaoywould,onanoccasionlikethepresent,besurenottobegoingbefore
dusk,stealthilythereforetookadvantageofhisabsence,those,whocould,togambleformoney,andotherstogo
tothehousesofrelativesandfriendstodrinkofthenewyeartea,sothatwhatwithgamblinganddrinkingthe
wholebevysurreptitiouslydispersed,waitingforduskbeforetheycamebackwhilethose,whowereyounger,
hadallcreptintothegreenroomstowatchtheexcitementwiththeresultthatPaoyperceivingnotoneof
themaboutbethoughthimselfofasmallreadingroom,whichexistedinpreviousdaysonthisside,inwhichwas
suspendedapictureofabeautysoartisticallyexecutedastolooklifelike."Onsuchabustlingdayasthis,"he
reasoned,"it'sprettycertain,Ifancy,thattherewillbenooneinthereandthatbeautifulpersonmustsurelytoo
feellonely,sothatit'sonlyrightthatIshouldgoandconsoleherabit."Withthesethoughts,hehastilybetook
himselftowardsthesidehouseyonder,andassoonashecameuptothewindow,heheardthesoundofgroans
intheroom.Paoywasreallyquitestartled."What!"(hethought),"canthatbeautifulgirl,possibly,havecome
tolife!"andscrewinguphiscourage,helickedaholeinthepaperofthewindowandpeepedin.Itwasnotshe,
however,whohadcometolife,butMingYenholdingdownagirlandlikewiseindulginginwhattheMonitory
DreamFairyhadtaughthim.
"Dreadful!"exclaimedPaoy,aloud,unabletorepresshimself,and,stampingoneofhisfeet,hewalkedinto
thedoortotheterrorofbothofthem,whopartingcompany,shiveredwithfear,likeclothesthatarebeing
shaken.MingYenperceivingthatitwasPaoypromptlyfellonhiskneesandpiteouslyimploredforpardon.
"What!inbroaddaylight!whatdoyoumeanbyit?WereyourmasterMr.Chentohearofit,wouldyoudieor
live?"askedPaoy,ashesimultaneouslycastaglanceattheservantgirl,whoalthoughnotabeautywas
anyhowsospickandspan,andpossessedbesidesafewcharmssufficienttotouchtheheart.Fromshame,her
facewasredandherearspurple,whilesheloweredherheadandutterednotasyllable.
Paoystampedhisfoot."What!"heshouted,"don'tyouyetbundleyourselfaway!"
Thissimpleremarksuggestedtheideatothegirl'smindwhoranoff,asifshehadwingstoflywithbutasPao
ywentalsosofarastogoinpursuitofher,callingout:"Don'tbeafraid,I'mnotonetotellanyone,"MingYen
wassoexasperatedthathecried,ashewentafterthem,"Myworthyancestor,thisisdistinctlytellingpeople
aboutit."
"Howoldisthatservantgirl?"Paoyhavingasked"She's,Iexpect,nomorethansixteenorseventeen,"Ming
Yenrejoined.
"Well,ifyouhaven'tgonesofarastoevenascertainherage,"Paoyobserved,"you'resuretoknowstillless
aboutotherthingsanditmakesitplainenoughthatheracquaintancewithyouisallvainandfutile!Whata
pity!whatapity!"
Hethenwentontoenquirewhathernamewasand"WereI,"continuedMingYensmiling,"totellyouabout
hernameitwouldinvolvealongyarnit'sindeedanovelandstrangestory!Sherelatesthatwhilehermother
wasnursingher,shedreamtadreamandobtainedinthisdreampossessionofapieceofbrocadedsilk,onwhich
weredesigns,invariegatedcolours,representingopulenceandhonour,andacontinuouslineofthecharacter
WanandthatthisreasonaccountsforthenameofWanErh,whichwasgivenher."
"Thisisreallystrange!"Paoyexclaimedwithagrin,afterlendinganeartowhathehadtosay"andsheis
bound,Ithink,byandbytohaveagooddealofgoodfortune!"
Thesewordsuttered,heplungedindeepthoughtforawhile,andMingYenhavingfeltconstrainedtoinquire:
"Whyaren'tyou,Mr.Secundus,watchingatheatricalperformanceofthisexcellentkind?""Ihadbeenlooking
onforeversolong,"Paoyreplied,"untilIgotquitewearyandhadjustcomeoutforastroll,whenIhappened
tomeetyoutwo.Butwhat'stobedonenow?"

MingYengaveafaintsmile."Asthere'snooneheretoknowanythingaboutit,"headded,"I'llstealthilytake
you,Mr.Secundus,forawalkoutsidethecitywallsandwe'llcomebackshortly,beforethey'vegotwindofit."
"Thatwon'tdo,"Paoydemurred,"wemustbecareful,orelsesomebeggarmightkidnapusawaybesides,
weretheytocometohearofit,there'llbeagainadreadfulrowandisn'titbetterthatweshouldgotosome
nearerplace,fromwhichwecould,afterall,returnatonce?"
"Asforsomenearerplace,"MingYenobserved"towhosehousecanwego?It'sreallynoeasymatter!"
"Myideais,"Paoysuggestedwithasmirk,"thatweshouldsimplygo,andfindsisterHua,andseewhatshe's
uptoathome."
"Yes!Yes!"MingYenrepliedlaughingly"thefactisIhadforgottenallaboutherhomebutshoulditreachtheir
ears,"hecontinued,"they'llsaythatitwasIwholedyou,Mr.Secundus,astray,andthey'llbeatme!"
"I'mhereforyou!"PaoyhavingassuredhimMingYenatthesewordsledthehorsesround,andthetwoof
themspeedilymadetheirexitbythebackgate.LuckilyHsiJen'shousewasnotfaroff.Itwasnofurtherthan
halfali'sdistance,sothatinatwinkletheyhadalreadyreachedthefrontofthedoor,andMingYenwasthefirst
towalkinandtocallforHsiJen'seldestbrotherHuaTzufang.
HsiJen'smotherhad,onthisoccasion,unitedinherhomeHsiJen,severalofhersister'sdaughters,aswellasa
fewofhernieces,andtheywereengagedinpartakingoffruitsandtea,whentheyheardsomeoneoutsidecall
out,"BrotherHua."HuaTzufanglostnotimeinrushingoutanduponlookingandfindingthatitwasthetwo
ofthem,themasterandhisservant,hewassotakenbysurprisethathisfearscouldnotbesetatrest.Promptly,
heclaspedPaoyinhisarmsanddismountedhim,andcomingintothecourt,heshoutedoutatthetopofhis
voice:"Mr.Paohascome."Theotherpersonsheardtheannouncementofhisarrival,withequanimity,butwhen
itreachedHsiJen'sears,shetrulyfeltatsuchalosstofathomtheobjectofhisvisitthatissuinghastilyoutof
theroom,shecametomeetPaoy,andasshelaidholdofhim:"Whydidyoucome?"sheasked.
"Ifeltawfullydull,"Paoyrejoinedwithasmile,"andcametoseewhatyouwereupto."
HsiJenatthesewordsbanished,atlast,allanxietyfromhermind."You'reagainuptoyourlarks,"sheobserved,
"butwhat'stheaimofyourvisit?Whoelsehascomealongwithhim?"sheatthesametimewentontoquestion
MingYen.
"Alltheothersknownothingaboutit!"explainedMingYenexultingly"onlywetwodo,that'sall."
WhenHsiJenheardthisremark,shegavewayafreshtosolicitousfears:"Thisisdreadful!"sheadded"for
wereyoutocomeacrossanyonefromthehouse,ortomeetmasterorwere,inthestreets,peopletopress
againstyou,orhorsestocollidewithyou,astomake(hishorse)shy,andheweretofall,wouldthattoobea
joke?Thegallofbothofyouislargerthanapeckmeasurebutit'sallyou,MingYen,whohasincitedhim,and
whenIgoback,I'llsurelytellthenursestobeatyou."
MingYenpoutedhismouth."Mr.Secundus,"hepleaded,"abusedmeandbeatme,ashebademebringhim
here,andnowheshovestheblameonmyshoulders!'Don'tletusgo,'Isuggested'butifyoudoinsist,wellthen
letusgoandhavedone.'"
HuaTzufangpromptlyinterceded."Letthingsalone,"hesaid"nowthatthey'realreadyhere,there'snoneed
whateverofmuchado.Theonlythingisthatourmeanhousewithitsthatchedroofisbothsocrammedandso
filthythathowcouldyou,sir,sitinit!"
HsiJen'smotheralsocameoutatanearlyperiodtoreceivehim,andHsiJenpulledPaoyin.Onceinsidethe
room,Paoyperceivedthreeorfivegirls,who,assoonastheycaughtsightofhimapproaching,alllowered
theirheads,andfeltsobashfulthattheirfacesweresuffusedwithblushes.ButasbothHuaTzufangandhis

motherwereafraidthatPaoywouldcatchcold,theypressedhimtotakeaseatonthestovebed,andhastened
toserveafreshsupplyofrefreshments,andtoatoncebringhimacupofgoodtea.
"Youneedn'tbeflurryingallfornothing,"HsiJensmilinglyinterposed"I,naturally,shouldknowandthere's
nouseofevenlayingoutanyfruits,asIdaren'trecklesslygivehimanythingtoeat."
Sayingthis,shesimultaneouslytookherowncushionandlaiditonastool,andafterPaoytookaseatonit,
sheplacedthefootstoveshehadbeenusing,underhisfeetandproducing,fromasatchet,twopeachblossom
scentedsmallcakes,sheopenedherownhandstoveandthrewthemintothefirewhichdone,shecoveredit
wellagainandplaceditinPaoy'slap.Andeventually,shefilledherownteacupwithteaandpresenteditto
Paoy,while,duringthistime,hermotherandsisterhadbeenfussingabout,layingoutinfinearrayatableful
ofeverykindofeatables.
HsiJennoticedthattherewereabsolutelynothingsthathecouldeat,butshefelturgedtosaywithasmile:
"Sinceyou'vecome,itisn'trightthatyoushouldgoemptyawayandyoumust,whetherthethingsbegoodor
bad,tastealittle,sothatitmaylooklikeavisittomyhouse!"
Asshesaidthis,sheforthwithtookseveralseedsofthefircone,andcrackingoffthethinskin,sheplacedthem
inahandkerchiefandpresentedthemtoPaoy.ButPaoy,espyingthatHsiJen'stwoeyeswereslightlyred,
andthatthepowderwasshinyandmoist,quietlythereforeinquiredofHsiJen,"Whydoyoucryfornorhyme
orreason?"
"WhyshouldIcry?"HsiJenlaughed"somethingjustgotintomyeyesandIrubbedthem."Bythesemeansshe
readilymanagedtoevadedetectionbutseeingthatPaoyworeadeepredarcherysleevedpelisse,ornamented
withgolddragons,andlinedwithfurfromfoxes'ribsandagreysablefursurtoutwithafringeroundtheborder.
"What!haveyou,"sheasked,"putonagainyournewclothesfor?speciallytocomehere?anddidn'tthey
inquireofyouwhereyouweregoing?"
"Ihadchanged,"Paoyexplainedwithagrin,"asMr.Chenhadinvitedmetogooverandlookattheplay."
"Well,sitawhileandthengoback"HsiJencontinuedasshenoddedherhead"forthisisn'ttheplaceforyou
tocometo!"
"You'dbetterbegoinghomenow,"Paoysuggestedsmirkingly"where
I'veagainkeptsomethinggoodforyou."
"Gently,"smiledHsiJen,"forwereyoutoletthemhear,whatfigurewouldwecut?"Andwiththese,words,she
putoutherhandandunclaspingfromPaoy'sneckthejadeofSpiritualPerception,shefacedhercousinsand
remarkedexultingly."Here!seeforyourselveslookatthisandlearn!WhenIrepeatedlytalkedaboutit,youall
thoughtitextraordinary,andwereanxioustohaveaglanceatittoday,youmaygazeonitwithallyourmight,
forwhateverpreciousthingyoumaybyandbycometoseewillreallyneverexcelsuchanobjectasthis!"
Whenshehadfinishedspeaking,shehandeditovertothem,andaftertheyhadpasseditroundforinspection,
sheagainfasteneditproperlyonPaoy'sneck,andalsobadeherbrothergoandhireasmallcarriage,orengage
asmallchair,andescortPaoybackhome.
"IfIseehimback,"HuaTzufangremarked,"therewouldbenoharm,wereheeventoridehishorse!"
"Itisn'tbecauseofharm,"HsiJenreplied"butbecausehemaycomeacrosssomeonefromthehouse."
HuaTzufangpromptlywentandbespokeasmallchairandwhenitcametothedoor,thewholepartycouldnot
verywelldetainhim,andtheyofcoursehadtoseePaoyoutofthehousewhileHsiJen,ontheotherhand,
snatchedafewfruitsandgavethemtoMingYenandassheatthesametimepressedinhishandseveralcashto
buycrackerswithtoletoff,sheenjoinedhimnottotellanyoneashehimselfwouldlikewiseincurblame.

Assheutteredthesewords,shestraightwayescortedPaoyasfarasoutsidethedoor,fromwhencehavingseen
himmountintothesedanchair,shedroppedthecurtainwhereuponMingYenandherbrother,thetwoofthem,
ledthehorsesandfollowedbehindinhiswake.UponreachingthestreetwheretheNingmansionwassituated,
MingYentoldthechairtohalt,andsaidtoHuaTzufang,"It'sadvisablethatIshouldagaingo,withMr.
Secundus,intotheEasternmansion,toshowourselvesbeforewecansafelybetakeourselveshomeforifwe
don't,peoplewillsuspect!"
HuaTzufang,uponhearingthattherewasgoodreasoninwhathesaid,promptlyclaspedPaoyoutofthe
chairandputhimonthehorse,whereuponafterPaoysmilinglyremarked:"ExcusemeforthetroubleI've
surelyputyouto,"theyforthwithenteredagainbythebackgatebutputtingasidealldetails,wewillnow
confineourselvestoPaoy.
Afterhehadwalkedoutofthedoor,theseveralwaitingmaidsinhisapartmentsplayedandlaughedwith
greaterzestandwithlessrestraint.Sometherewerewhoplayedatchess,otherswhothrewthediceorhada
gameofcardsandtheycoveredthewholefloorwiththeshellsofmelonseedstheywerecracking,whendame
Li,hisnurse,happenedtocomein,proppingherselfonastaff,topayherrespectsandtoseePaoy,and
perceivingthatPaoywasnotathomeandthattheservantgirlswereonlybentuponromping,shefelt
intenselydisgusted."SinceI'veleftthisplace,"shethereforeexclaimedwithasigh,"anddon'toftencomehere,
you'vebecomemoreandmoreunmannerlywhiletheothernursedoesstilllessthaneverventuretoexpostulate
withyouPaoyislikeacandlestickeightyfeethigh,sheddinglightonothers,andthrowingnoneupon
himself!Allheknowsistolookdownuponpeopleasbeingfilthyandyetthisishisroomandheallowsyouto
putittopsyturvey,andtobecomemoreandmoreunmindfulofdecorum!"
TheseservantgirlswerewellawarethatPaoywasnotparticularintheserespects,andthatinthenextplace
nurseLi,havingpleadedoldage,resignedherplaceandgonehome,hadnowadaysnocontroloverthem,sothat
theysimplygavetheirmindstorompingandjoking,andpaidnoheedwhatevertoher.NurseLihoweverstill
keptonaskingaboutPaoy,"Howmuchricehenowateatonemeal?andatwhattimehewenttosleep?"to
whichquestions,theservantgirlsrepliedquiteatrandomsometherebeingtoowhoobserved:"Whatadreadful
despicableoldthingsheis!"
"Inthiscoveredbowl,"shecontinuedtoinquire,"iscream,andwhynotgiveittometoeat?"andhaving
concludedthesewords,shetookitupandthereandthenbeganeatingit.
"Bequick,andleaveitalone!"aservantgirlexpostulated,"that,hesaid,waskeptinordertobegiventoHsi
Jenandonhisreturn,whenheagaingetsintoahuff,you,oldlady,must,onyourownmotion,confessto
havingeatenit,andnotinvolveusinanywayastohavetobearhisresentment."
NurseLi,atthesewords,feltbothangryandashamed."Ican'tbelieve,"sheforthwithremarked,"thathehas
becomesobadatheart!NottospeakofthemilkI'vehad,Ihave,infacteveryrighttoevensomethingmore
expensivethanthisforisitlikelythatheholdsHsiJendearerthanmyself?Itcan'tforsoothbethathedoesn't
bearinmindhowthatI'vebroughthimuptobeabigman,andhowthathehaseatenmybloodtransformedinto
milkandgrownuptothisage!andwillbebecauseI'mnowhavingabowlofmilkofhisbeangryonthatscore!
Ishall,yes,eatit,andwe'llseewhathe'lldo!Idon'tknowwhatyoupeoplethinkofHsiJen,butshewasa
lowbredgirl,whomI'vewithmyownhandsraisedup!andwhatfineobjectindeedwasshe!"
Asshespoke,sheflewintoatemper,andtakingthecreamshedrankthewholeofit.
"Theydon'tknowhowtospeakproperly!"anotherservantgirlinterposedsarcastically,"andit'snowonderthat
you,oldlady,shouldgetangry!Paoystillsendsyou,venerabledame,presentsasaproofofhisgratitude,and
isitpossiblethathewillfeeldispleasedforsuchathinglikethis?"
"Yougirlsshouldn'talsopretendtobeartfulflattererstocajoleme!"nurseLiadded"doyouimaginethatI'm
notawareofthedismissal,theotherday,ofHsiHseh,onaccountofacupoftea?andasit'sclearenoughthat
I'veincurredblame,I'llcomebyandbyandreceiveit!"

Havingsaidthis,shewentoffinadudgeon,butnotalongintervalelapsedbeforePaoyreturned,andgave
orderstogoandfetchHsiJenandperceivingChingLingrecliningonthebedperfectlystill:"Ipresumeshe's
ill,"Paoyfeltconstrainedtoinquire,"orifsheisn'till,shemusthavelostatcards."
"Notso!"observedChiuWen"shehadbeenawinner,butdameLicameinquitecasuallyandmuddledherso
thatshelostandangryatthissherushedofftosleep."
"Don'tplaceyourselves,"Paoysmiled,"onthesamefootingasnurse
Li,andifyouweretoletheralone,everythingwillbeallright."
ThesewordswerestillonhislipswhenHsiJenarrived.Afterthemutualsalutations,HsiJenwentontoaskof
Paoy:"Wheredidyouhaveyourrepast?andwhattimedidyoucomeback?"andtopresentlikewise,on
behalfofhermotherandsister,hercomplimentstoallthegirls,whowerehercompanions.Inashortwhile,she
changedhercostumeanddivestedherselfofherfineries,andPaoybadethemfetchthecream.
"NurseLihaseatenit,"theservantgirlsrejoined,andasPaoywasonthepointofmakingsomeremarkHsi
Jenhastenedtointerfere,laughingthewhile"Isitreallythisthatyouhadkeptforme?manythanksforthe
troubletheotherday,whenIhadsome,Ifounditverytoothsome,butafterIhadpartakenofit,Igotapainin
thestomach,andwassomuchupset,thatitwasonlyafterIhadbroughtitallupthatIfeltallright.Soit'sas
wellthatshehashadit,for,haditbeenkepthere,itwouldhavebeenwastedallfornouse!WhatIfancyaredry
chestnutsandwhileyoucleanafewforme,I'llgoandlaythebed!"
Paoyuponhearingthesewordscreditedthemastrue,sothathediscardedallthoughtofthecreamandfetched
thechestnuts,whichhe,withhisownhands,selectedandpealed.Perceivingatthesametimethatnoneofthe
partywerepresentintheroom,heputonasmileandinquiredofHsiJen:"Whowerethosepersonsdressedin
redtoday?"
"They'remytwocousinsonmymother'sside,"HsiJenexplained,andhearingthis,Paoysangtheirpraiseas
heheavedacoupleofsighs.
"Whatareyousighingfor?"HsiJenremarked."Iknowthesecretreasonsofyourheartit'sIfancybecauseshe
isn'tfittowearred!"
"Itisn'tthat,"Paoyprotestedsmilingly,"itisn'tthatifsuchapersonasthatisn'tgoodenoughtobedressedin
red,whowouldforsoothpresumetowearit?It'sbecauseIfindhersoreallylovely!andifwecould,afterall,
managetogetherintoourfamily,howniceitwouldbethen!"
HsiJengaveasardonicsmile."Thatit'smyownfatetobeaslavedoesn'tmatter,butisitlikelythatthedestiny
ofevenmyveryrelativescouldbetobecomeoneandallofthembondservants?Butyoushouldcertainlyset
yourchoiceuponsomereallybeautifulgirl,forshewouldinthatcasebegoodenoughtoenteryourhouse."
"Hereyouareagainwithyourtouchiness!"Paoyeagerlyexclaimedsmiling,"ifIsaidthatsheshouldcometo
ourhouse,doesitnecessarilyimplythatsheshouldbeaservant?andwouldn'titdowereItomentionthatshe
shouldcomeasarelative!"
"Thattoocouldn'texalthertobeafitmatchforyou!"rejoinedHsiJenbutPaoybeinglothtocontinuethe
conversation,simplybusiedhimselfwithcleaningthechestnuts.
"Howisityouutternotaword?"HsiJenlaughed"Iexpectit'sbecauseIjustoffendedyoubymyinconsiderate
talk!Butifbyandbyyouhaveyourpurposefixedonit,justspendafewouncesofsilvertopurchasethem
with,andbringtheminandhavedone!"
"Howwouldyouhaveonemakeanyreply?"Paoysmilinglyrejoined"allIdidwastoextolhercharmsfor
she'sreallyfittohavebeenborninadeephallandspaciouscourtasthisanditisn'tforsuchfoulthingsas
myselfandotherstocontrariwisespendourdaysinthisplace!"

"Thoughdeprivedofthisgoodfortune,"HsiJenexplained,"she'sneverthelessalsopettedandindulgedandthe
jewelofmymaternaluncleandmyaunt!She'snowseventeenyearsofage,andeverythinginthewayof
trousseauhasbeengotready,andshe'stogetmarriednextyear."
Uponhearingthetwowords"getmarried,"hecouldnotrepresshimselffromagainejaculating:"Haihai!"but
whilehewasinanunhappyframeofmind,heoncemoreheardHsiJenremarkassheheavedasigh:"Ever
sinceI'vecomehere,wecousinshaven'talltheseyearsbeenabletogettolivetogether,andnowthatI'mabout
toreturnhome,they,ontheotherhand,willallbegone!"
Paoy,realisingthattherelurkedinthisremarksomemeaningorother,wassuddenlysotakenabackthat
droppingthechestnuts,heinquired:"Howisitthatyounowwanttogoback?"
"Iwaspresenttoday,"HsiJenexplained,"whenmotherandbrotherheldconsultationtogether,andtheybade
mebepatientforanotheryear,andthatnextyearthey'llcomeupandredeemmeoutofservice!"
Paoy,atthesewords,feltthemoredistressed."Whydotheywanttoredeemyou?"heconsequentlyasked.
"Thisisastrangequestion!"HsiJenretorted,"forIcan'treallybetreatedasifIweretheissueborninthis
homesteadofyours!Allthemembersofmyfamilyareelsewhere,andthere'sonlymyselfinthisplace,sothat
howcouldIendmydayshere?"
"IfIdon'tletyougo,itwillverilybedifficultforyoutogetaway!"Paoyreplied.
"Therehasneverbeensuchaprincipleofaction!"urgedHsiJen"evenintheimperialpalaceitself,there'sa
fixedrule,bywhichpossiblyeverycertainnumberofyearsaselection(ofthosewhohavetogotakesplace),
andeverycertainnumberofyearsanewbatchentersandthere'snosuchpracticeasthatofkeepingpeoplefor
evernottospeakofyourownhome."
Paoyrealised,afterreflection,thatshe,inpointoffact,wasright,andhewentontoobserve:"Shouldtheold
ladynotgiveyouyourrelease,itwillbeimpossibleforyoutogetoff."
"Whyshouldn'tshereleaseme?"HsiJenquestioned."AmIreallysoveryextraordinaryapersonastohave
perchancemadesuchanimpressionuponhervenerableladyshipandmyladythattheywillbepositiveinnot
lettingmego?Theymay,inalllikelihood,givemyfamilysomemoreouncesofsilvertokeepmeherethat
possiblymaycomeabout.But,intruth,I'malsoapersonofthemostordinaryrun,andtherearemanymore
superiortome,yeaverymany!Eversincemyyouthup,I'vebeeninheroldladyship'sservicefirstbywaiting
uponMissShihforseveralyears,andrecentlybybeinginattendanceuponyouforanothertermofyearsand
nowthatourpeoplewillcometoredeemme,Ishould,asamatterofright,betoldtogo.Myideaisthateven
theveryredemptionmoneywon'tbeaccepted,andthattheywilldisplaysuchgraceastoletmegoatonce.And,
asforbeingtoldthatIcan'tbeallowedtogoasI'msodiligentinmyservicetoyou,that'sathingthatcanonno
accountcomeabout!Myfaithfulattendanceisanobligationofmyduties,andisnoexceptionalservice!and
whenI'mgoneyou'llagainhavesomeotherfaithfulattendant,anditisn'tlikelythatwhenI'mnomorehere,
you'llfinditimpracticabletoobtainone!"
AfterPaoyhadlistenedtothesevariousarguments,whichprovedthereasonablenessofhergoingandthe
unreasonablenessofanydetention,hefelthisheartmorethaneverapreytodistress."Inspiteofallyousay,"he
thereforecontinued,"thesoledesireofmyheartistodetainyouandIhavenodoubtbutthattheoldladywill
speaktoyourmotheraboutitandifsheweretogiveyourmotheramplemoney,she'll,ofcourse,notfeelasif
shecouldverywellwithanydecencytakeyouhome!"
"Mymotherwon'tnaturallyhavetheaudacitytobeheadstrong!"HsiJenventured,"nottospeakbesidesofthe
nicethings,whichmaybetoldherandthelotsofmoneyshemay,inaddition,begivenbutweresheevennot
tobepaidanycompliments,andnotsomuchasasinglecashgivenher,shewon't,ifyousetyourmindupon
keepingmehere,presumenottocomplywithyourwishes,wereitalsoagainstmyinclination.Onething
howeverourfamilywouldneverrelyuponprestige,andtrustuponhonorabilitytodoanythingsodomineering

asthis!forthisisn'tlikeanythingelse,which,becauseyoutakeafancytoit,ahundredpercentprofitcanbe
added,anditobtainedforyou!Thisactioncanbewelltakenifthesellerdoesn'tsufferloss!Butinthepresent
instance,weretheytokeepmebackfornorhymeorreason,itwouldalsobeofnobenefittoyourselfonthe
contrary,theywouldbeinstrumentalinkeepingusbloodrelativesfarapartathingthelikeofwhich,Ifeel
positivethatdowagerladyChiaandmyladywillneverdo!"
Afterlendinganeartothisargument,Paoycogitatedwithinhimselfforawhile."Fromwhatyousay,"hethen
observed,"whenyousayyou'llgo,itmeansthatyou'llgoforcertain!"
"Yes,thatI'llgoforcertain,"HsiJenrejoined.
"Whowouldhaveanticipated,"Paoy,afterthesewords,musedinhisownheart,"thatapersonlikeherwould
haveshownsuchlittlesenseofgratitude,andsuchalackofrespect!HadI,"hethenremarkedaloudwithasigh,
"beenaware,atanearlydate,thatyourwholewishwouldhavebeentogo,Iwouldn't,inthatcase,havebrought
youover!Butwhenyou'reaway,Ishallremainalone,asolitaryspirit!"
Ashespoke,helostcontroloverhistemper,and,gettingintobed,hewenttosleep.
ThefactisthatwhenHsiJenhadbeenathome,andsheheardhermotherandbrotherexpresstheirintentionof
redeemingherback,shethereandthenobservedthatweresheevenatthepointofdeath,shewouldnotreturn
home."Wheninpastdays,"shehadargued,"youhadnoricetoeat,thereremainedmyself,whowasstillworth
severaltaelsandhadn'tIurgedyoutosellme,wouldn'tIhaveseenbothfatherandmotherdieofstarvation
undermyveryeyes?andyou'venowhadthegoodfortuneofsellingmeintothisplace,whereI'mfedand
clothedjustlikeamistress,andwhereI'mnotbeatenbyday,norabusedbynight!Besides,thoughnowfatherbe
nomore,youtwohaveanyhowbyputtingthingsstraightagain,soadjustedthefamilyestatethatithasresumed
itsprimitivecondition.Andwereyou,infact,stillinstraitenedcircumstances,andyoucouldbyredeemingme
back,makeagainsomemoremoney,thatwouldbewellandgoodbutthetruthisthatthere'snosuchneed,and
whatwouldbetheuseforyoutoredeemmeatsuchatimeasthis?Youshouldtemporarilytreatmeasdeadand
gone,andshouldn'tagainrecallanyideaofredeemingme!"
Havinginconsequenceindulgedinaloudfitofcrying,hermotherandbrotherresolved,whentheyperceived
herinthisdeterminedframeofmind,thatforafacttherewasnoneedforhertocomeoutofservice.Whatis
moretheyhadsoldherundercontractuntildeath,inthedistinctreliancethattheChiafamily,charitableand
generousafamilyasitwas,would,possibly,afternomorethanafewentreaties,makethemapresentofher
personaswellasthepurchasemoney.Inthesecondplace,neverhadtheyintheChiamansionillusedanyof
thosebelowtherebeingalwaysplentyofgraceandlittleofimperiousness.Besides,theservantgirls,whoacted
aspersonalattendantsintheapartmentsoftheoldaswellasoftheyoung,weretreatedsofarunlikethewhole
bodyofdomesticsinthehouseholdthatthedaughtersevenofanordinaryandpennilessparentagecouldnot
havebeensolookedupto.Andtheseconsiderationsinducedboththemotheraswellashersontoatoncedispel
theintentionandnottoredeemher,andwhenPaoyhadsubsequentlypaidthemanunexpectedvisit,andthe
twoofthem(PaoyandHsiJen)wereseentobealsoonsuchterms,themotherandhersonobtainedaclearer
insightintotheirrelations,andstillonemoreburden(whichhadpressedontheirmind)felltotheground,andas
besidesthiswasacontingency,whichtheyhadneverreckonedupon,theybothcomposedtheirhearts,anddid
notagainentertainanyideaofransomingher.
ItmustbenoticedmoreoverthatHsiJenhadeversinceheryouthnotbeenblindtothefactthatPaoyhadan
extraordinarytemperament,thathewasselfwilledandperverse,fareveninexcessofallyounglads,andthathe
had,inaddition,agoodmanypeculiaritiesandmanyunspeakabledefects.Andasoflatehehadplacedsuch
relianceinthefondloveofhisgrandmotherthathisfatherandmotherevencouldnotexerciseanyextreme
controloverhim,hehadbecomesomuchthemoreremiss,dissolute,selfishandunconcerned,nottakingthe
leastpleasureinwhatwasproper,thatshefeltconvinced,wheneversheentertainedtheideaoftenderinghim
advice,thathewouldnotlistentoher.Onthisday,byastrangecoincidence,cameaboutthediscussion
respectingherransom,andshedesignedlymadeuse,inthefirstinstance,ofdeceptionwithaviewtoascertain
hisfeelings,tosuppresshistemper,andtobeablesubsequentlytoextendtohimsomewordsofadmonition
andwhensheperceivedthatPaoyhadnowsilentlygonetosleep,sheknewthathisfeelingscouldnotbrook

theideaofherreturnandthathistemperhadalreadysubsided.Shehadneverhad,asfarasshewasconcerned,
anydesireofeatingchestnuts,butasshefearedlest,onaccountofthecream,sometroublemightarise,which
mightagainleadtothesameresultsaswhenHsiHsehdrankthetea,sheconsequentlymadeuseofthe
pretencethatshefanciedchestnuts,inordertoputoffPaoyfromalluding(tothecream)andtobringthe
matterspeedilytoanend.Buttellingforthwiththeyoungwaitingmaidstotakethechestnutsawayandeat
them,sheherselfcameandpushedPaoybutatthesightofPaoywiththetracesoftearsonhisface,sheat
onceputonasmilingexpressionandsaid:"What'sthereinthistowoundyourheart?Ifyoupositivelydowish
tokeepme,Ishall,ofcourse,notgoaway!"
Paoynoticedthatthesewordscontainedsomehiddenpurpose,andreadilyobserved:"Dogoonandtellme
whatelseIcandotosucceedinkeepingyouhere,forofmyownselfIfinditindeeddifficulttosayhow!"
"Ofourfriendlinessallalong,"HsiJensmilinglyrejoined,"there'snaturallynoneedtospeakbut,ifyouhave
thisdaymadeupyourmindtoretainmehere,itisn'tthroughthisfriendshipthatyou'llsucceedindoingso.But
I'llgoonandmentionthreedistinctconditions,and,ifyoureallydoaccedetomywishes,you'llthenhave
shownanearnestdesiretokeepmehere,andIwon'tgo,wereevenaswordtobelaidonmyneck!"
"Dotellmewhattheseconditionsare,"Paoypressedherwithalacrity,ashesmiled,"andI'llassenttooneand
all.Mydearsister,myowndearsister,nottospeakoftwoorthree,buteventwoorthreehundredofthemI'm
quitereadytoaccept.AllIentreatyouisthatyouandallofyoushouldcombinetowatchovermeandtakecare
ofme,untilsomedaywhenIshallbetransformedintoflyingashesbutflyingashesare,afterall,not
opportune,astheyhaveformandsubstanceandtheylikewisepossesssense,butuntilI'vebeenmetamorphosed
intoastreakofsubtlesmoke.Andwhenthewindshallhavewithonepuffdispelledme,allofyouthenwillbe
unabletoattendtome,justasmuchasImyselfwon'tbeabletoheedyou.Youwill,whenthattimecomes,let
megowhereIplease,asI'llletyouspeedwhereyouchoosetogo!"
ThesewordssoharassedHsiJenthatshehastenedtoputherhandoverhismouth."Speakdecently,"shesaid"I
wasonaccountofthisjustabouttoadmonishyou,andnowhereyouareutteringallthisstillmoreloathsome
trash."
"Iwon'tutterthesewordsagain,"Paoyeagerlyadded.
"Thisisthefirstfaultthatyoumustchange,"HsiJenreplied.
"I'llamend,"Paoyobserved,"andifIsayanythingofthekindagainyoucanwringmymouthbutwhatelseis
there?"
"Thesecondthingisthis,"HsiJenexplained"whetheryoureallyliketostudyorwhetheryouonlypretendto
likestudyisimmaterialbutyoushould,whenyouareinthepresenceofmaster,orinthepresenceofanyone
else,notdonothingelsethanfindfaultwithpeopleandmakefunofthem,butbehavejustasifyouwere
genuinelyfondofstudy,sothatyoushouldn'tbesidesprovokeyourfathersomuchtoanger,andthatheshould
beforeothershavealsoachanceofsayingsomething!'Inmyfamily,'hereflectswithinhimself,'generationafter
generationhasbeenfondofbooks,buteversinceI'vehadyou,youhaven'taccomplishedmyexpectations,and
notonlyisitthatyoudon'tcareaboutreadingbooks,'andthishasalreadyfilledhisheartwithangerand
vexation,'butbothbeforemyfaceandbehindmyback,youutterallthatstuffandnonsense,andgivethose
persons,whohave,throughtheirknowledgeofletters,attainedhighoffices,thenicknameofthe"thesalaried
worms."Youalsoupholdthatthere'snoworkexclusive(ofthebookwhereappears)"fathomspotlessvirtue"
andthatallotherbooksconsistoffoolishcompilations,whichowetheirorigintoformerauthors,who,unable
themselvestoexpoundthewritingsofConfucius,readilystruckanewlineandinventedoriginalnotions.'Now
withwordslikethese,howcanonewonderifmasterlosesallpatience,andifhedoesfromtimetotimegive
youathrashing!andwhatdoyoumakeotherpeoplethinkofyou?"
"Iwon'tsaythesethingsagain,"Paoylaughinglyprotested,"thesearetherecklessandsillyabsurditiesofa
timewhenIwasyoungandhadnoideaoftheheightoftheheavensandthethicknessoftheearthbutI'llnow
nomorerepeatthem.Whatelseistherebesides?"

"Itisn'trightthatyoushouldsneeratthebonzesandvilifytheTaoistpriests,normixcosmeticsorprepare
rouge,"HsiJencontinued"butthere'sstillanotherthingmoreimportant,youshouldn'tagainindulgethebad
habitsoflickingthecosmetic,appliedbypeopleontheirlips,norbefondof(girlsdressed)inred!"
"I'llchangeinallthis,"Paoyaddedbywayofrejoinder"I'llchangeinallthisandifthere'sanythingmorebe
quickandtellme."
"There'snothingmore,"HsiJenobserved"butyoumustineverythingexercisealittlemorediligence,andnot
indulgeyourcapricesandallowyourwishestorunriot,andyou'llbeallright.Andshouldyoucomplytoall
thesethingsinrealearnest,youcouldn'tcarrymeout,eveninachairwitheightbearers."
"Well,ifyoudostayinherelongenough,"Paoyremarkedwithasmile,"there'snofearastoyournothaving
aneightbearerchairtositin!"
HsiJengaveasardonicgrin."Idon'tcaremuchaboutit,"shereplied"andwereIeventohavesuchgood
fortune,Icouldn'tenjoysucharight.ButallowingIcouldsitinone,therewouldbenopleasureinit!"
Whilethesetwowerechatting,theysawCh'iuWenwalkin."It'sthethirdwatchofthenight,"sheobserved,
"andyoushouldgotosleep.JustafewmomentsbackyourgrandmotherladyChiaandourladysentanurseto
askaboutyou,andIrepliedthatyouwereasleep."
Paoybadeherfetchawatch,anduponlookingatthetime,hefoundindeedthatthehandwaspointingatten
whereuponrinsinghismouthagainandlooseninghisclothes,heretiredtorest,wherewewillleavehimwithout
anyfurthercomment.
Thenextday,HsiJengotupassoonasitwasdawn,feelingherbodyheavy,herheadsore,hereyesswollen,
andherlimbsburninglikefire.Shemanagedhoweveratfirsttokeepup,aneffortthoughitwas,butas
subsequentlyshewasunabletoendurethestrain,andallshefeltdisposedtodowastorecline,shethereforelay
downinherclothesonthestovecouch.PaoyhastenedtotelldowagerladyChia,andthedoctorwassentfor,
who,uponfeelingherpulseanddiagnosinghercomplaint,declaredthattherewasnothingelsethematterwith
herthanachill,whichshehadsuddenlycontracted,thataftershehadtakenadoseortwoofmedicine,itwould
bedispelled,andthatshewouldbequitewell.Afterhehadwrittentheprescriptionandtakenhisdeparture,
someonewasdespatchedtofetchthemedicines,whichwhenbroughtwereproperlydecocted.Assoonasshe
hadswallowedadose,Paoybadehercoverherselfwithherbedclothessoastobringonperspirationwhile
hehimselfcameintoTaiy'sroomtolookherup.Taiywasatthistimequitealone,recliningonherbed
havingamiddaysiesta,andthewaitingmaidshavingallgoneouttoattendtowhatevertheypleased,thewhole
roomwasplungedinstillnessandsilence.Paoyraisedtheembroideredsoftthreadportiereandwalkedinand
uponespyingTaiyintheroomfastasleep,hehurriedlyapproachedherandpushingher:"Dearcousin,"he
said,"you'vejusthadyourmeal,andareyouasleepalready?"andhekeptoncalling"Taiy"tillhewokeher
outofhersleep.
PerceivingthatitwasPaoy,"Youhadbettergoforastroll,"Taiyurged,"forthedaybeforeyesterdayIwas
disturbedthewholenight,anduptothisdayIhaven'thadrestenoughtogetoverthefatigue.Mywholebody
feelslanguidandsore."
"Thislanguorandsoreness,"Paoyrejoined,"areofnoconsequencebutifyougoonsleepingyou'llbefeeling
veryillsoI'lltryanddistractyou,andwhenwe'vedispelledthislassitude,you'llbeallright."
Taiyclosedhereyes."Idon'tfeelanylassitude,"sheexplained,"allIwantisalittlerestandyouhadbetter
goelsewhereandcomebackafterrompingaboutforawhile."
"WherecanIgo?"Paoyaskedashepushedher."I'mquitesickandtiredofseeingtheothers."
Atthesewords,TaiyburstoutlaughingwithasoundofCh'ih."Well!sinceyouwishtoremainhere,"she
added,"gooverthereandsitdownquietly,andlet'shaveachat."

"I'llalsorecline,"Paoysuggested.
"Well,then,recline!"Taiyassented.
"There'snopillow,"observedPaoy,"soletuslieonthesamepillow."
"Whatnonsense!"Taiyurged,"aren'tthosepillowsoutside?getoneandlieonit."
Paoywalkedintotheouterapartment,andhavinglookedabouthim,hereturnedandremarkedwithasmile:"I
don'twantthose,theymaybe,foraughtIknow,somedirtyoldhag's."
Taiyatthisremarkopenedhereyeswide,andassheraisedherselfup:"You'rereally,"sheexclaimed
laughingly,"theevilstarofmyexistence!here,pleasereclineonthispillow!"andassheutteredthesewords,
shepushedherownpillowtowardsPaoy,and,gettingupshewentandfetchedanotherofherown,upon
whichshelayherheadinsuchawaythatbothofthemthenreclinedoppositetoeachother.ButTaiy,upon
turninguphereyesandlooking,espiedonPaoy'scheekontheleftsideofhisface,aspotofbloodaboutthe
sizeofabutton,andspeedilybendingherbody,shedrewneartohim,andrubbingitwithherhand,she
scrutiniseditclosely."Whosenail,"shewentontoinquire,"hasscratchedthisopen?"
Paoywithhisbodystillrecliningwithdrewfromherreach,andashedidso,heansweredwithasmile:"Itisn't
ascratchitmust,Ipresume,besimplyadrop,whichbespatteredmycheekwhenIwasjustnowmixingand
clarifyingthecosmeticpasteforthem."
Sayingthis,hetriedtogetathishandkerchieftowipeitoffbutTaiyusedherownandrubbeditcleanfor
him,whilesheobserved:"Doyoustillgiveyourmindtosuchthings?attendtothemyoumaybutmustyou
carryaboutyouaplacard(tomakeitpublic)?Thoughunclemayn'tseeit,wereotherstonoticeit,theywould
treatitasastrangeoccurrenceandanovelbitofnews,andgoandtellhimtocurryfavour,andwhenithas
reacheduncle'sear,weshallallagainnotcomeoutclean,andprovokehimtoanger."
Paoydidnotintheleastheedwhatshesaid,beingintentuponsmellingasubtlescentwhich,inpointoffact,
emanatedfromTaiy'ssleeve,andwheninhaledinebriatedthesoulandparalysedthebones.Withasnatch,
PaoylaidholdofTaiy'ssleevemeaningtoseewhatobjectwasconcealedinitbutTaiysmilingly
expostulated:"Atsuchatimeasthis,"shesaid,"whokeepsscentsaboutone?"
"Well,inthatcase,"Paoyrejoinedwithasmirkingface,"wheredoesthisscentcomefrom?"
"Imyselfdon'tknow,"Taiyreplied"Ipresumeitmustbe,there'snosaying,somescentinthepresswhichhas
impregnatedtheclothes."
"Itdoesn'tfollow,"Paoyadded,asheshookhishead"thefumesofthissmellareverypeculiar,anddon't
resembletheperfumeofscentbottles,scentballs,orscentedsatchets!"
"IsitlikelythatIhave,likeothers,Buddhisticdisciples,"Taiyaskedlaughingironically,"orworthiestogive
menovelkindsofscents?Butsupposingthereisaboutmesomepeculiarscent,Ihaven't,atallevents,anyolder
oryoungerbrotherstogettheflowers,buds,dew,andsnow,andconcoctanyformeallIhavearethose
commonscents,that'sall."
"WheneverIutteranysingleremark,"Paoyurgedwithagrin,"youatoncebringupalltheseinsinuationsbut
unlessIdealwithyouseverely,you'llneverknowwhatstuffI'mmadeofbutfromhenceforthI'llnomoreshow
youanygrace!"
Ashespoke,heturnedhimselfover,andraisinghimself,hepuffedacoupleofbreathsintobothhishands,and
hastilystretchingthemout,hetickledTaiypromiscuouslyunderherarmpits,andalongbothsides.Taiyhad
neverbeenabletostandtickling,sothatwhenPaoyputouthistwohandsandtickledherviolently,she

forthwithgiggledtosuchanextentthatshecouldscarcelygaspforbreath."Ifyoustillgoonteasingme,"she
shouted,"I'llgetangrywithyou!"
Paoythenkepthishandsoff,andashelaughed,"Tellme,"heasked,"willyouagaincomeoutwithallthose
wordsornot?"
"Idaren'tdoitagain,"Taiysmiledandadjustedherhairaddingwithanotherlaugh:"Imayhavepeculiar
scents,buthaveyouany'warm'scents?"
Paoyatthisquestion,couldnotforatimeunfolditsmeaning:"What'warm'scent?"hethereforeasked.
Taiynoddedherheadandsmiledderidingly."Howstupid!whatafool!"shesighed"youhavejade,and
anotherpersonhasgoldtomatchwithyou,andifsomeonehas'cold'scent,haven'tyouany'warm'scentasa
setoff?"
Paoyatthisstagealoneunderstoodtheimportofherremark.
"Ashortwhilebackyoucravedformercy,"Paoyobservedsmilingly,"andhereyouarenowgoingontalking
worsethanever"andashespokeheagainputouthishands.
"Dearcousin,"Taiyspeedilyimploredwithasmirk,"Iwon'tventuretodoitagain."
"Asforlettingyouoff,"Paoyremarkedlaughing,"I'llreadilyletyouoff,butdoallowmetotakeyoursleeve
andsmellit!"andwhileutteringthesewords,hehastilypulledthesleeve,andpressingitagainsthisface,kept
onsmellingitincessantly,whereuponTaiydrewherhandawayandurged:"Youmustbegoingnow!"
"Thoughyoumaywishmetogo,Ican't,"Paoysmiled,"soletusnowliedownwithallproprietyandhavea
chat,"layinghimselfdownagain,ashespoke,whileTaiylikewisereclined,andcoveredherfacewithher
handkerchief.Paoyinaramblingwaygaveventtoalotofnonsense,whichTaiydidnotheed,andPaoy
wentontoinquire:"Howoldshewaswhenshecametothecapital?whatsightsandantiquitiesshesawonthe
journey?whatrelicsandcuriositiestherewereatYangChou?whatwerethelocalcustomsandthehabitsofthe
people?"
TaiymadenoreplyandPaoyfearinglestsheshouldgotosleep,andgetill,readilysettoworktobeguile
hertokeepawake."Aiyah!"heexclaimed,"atYangChou,whereyourofficialresidenceis,hasoccurreda
remarkableaffairhaveyouheardaboutit?"
Taiyperceivingthathespokeinearnest,thathiswordswerecorrectandhisfaceserious,imaginedthatwhat
hereferredtowasatruestory,andshethereforeinquiredwhatitwas?
Paoyuponhearingheraskthisquestion,forthwithsuppressedalaugh,and,withaglibtongue,hebeganto
spinayarn."AtYangChou,"hesaid,"there'sahillcalledtheTaihillandonthishillstandsacavecalledthe
LinTzu."
"Thismustallbelies,"Taiyansweredsneeringly,"asI'veneverbeforeheardofsuchahill."
"Undertheheavensmanyarethehillsandrivers,"Paoyrejoined,"andhowcouldyouknowthemall?Wait
untilI'vedonespeaking,whenyouwillbefreetoexpressyouropinion!"
"Goonthen,"Taiysuggested,whereuponPaoyprosecutedhisraillery."InthisLinTzucave,"hesaid,
"therewasonceuponatimeawholeswarmofratelves.Insomeyearorotherandontheseventhdayofthe
twelfthmoon,anoldratascendedthethronetodiscussmatters.'Tomorrow,'heargued,'istheeighthofthe
twelfthmoon,andmenintheworldwillallbecookingthecongeeoftheeighthofthetwelfthmoon.Wehave
nowinourcaveashortsupplyoffruitsofallkinds,anditwouldbewellthatweshouldseizethisopportunityto
stealafewandbringthemover.'Drawingamandatoryarrow,hehandedittoasmallrat,fullofaptitude,togo
forwardonatourofinspection.Theyoungratonhisreturnreportedthathehadalreadyconcludedhissearch

andinquiriesineveryplaceandcorner,andthatinthetempleatthebottomofthehillalonewasthelargest
stockoffruitsandrice.'Howmanykindsofricearethere?'theoldratascertained,'andhowmanyspeciesof
fruits?''Riceandbeans,'theyoungratrejoined,'howmanybarnsfullthereare,Ican'trememberbutintheway
offruitstherearefivekinds:1st,reddates2nd,chestnuts3rd,groundnuts4th,watercaltrops,and5th,scented
taros.'Atthisreporttheoldratwassomuchelatedthathepromptlydetailedratstogoforthandashedrewthe
mandatoryarrow,andinquiredwhowouldgoandstealtherice,aratreadilyreceivedtheorderandwentoffto
robtherice.Drawinganothermandatoryarrow,heaskedwhowouldgoandabstractthebeans,whenoncemore
arattookoverthearrowandstartedtostealthebeansandonebyonesubsequentlyreceivedeachanarrowand
startedonhiserrand.Thereonlyremainedthescentedtaros,sothatpickingagainamandatoryarrow,he
ascertainedwhowouldgoandcarryawaythetaros:whereuponaverypunyandverydelicateratwasheardto
assent.'Iwouldlike,'hesaid,'togoandstealthescentedtaros.'Theoldratandalltheswarmofrats,upon
noticinghisstate,fearedthathewouldnotbesufficientlyexpert,andapprehendingatthesametimethathewas
tooweaklyandtoodevoidofenergy,theyoneandallwouldnotallowhimtoproceed.'ThoughIbeyoungin
yearsandthoughmyframebedelicate,'theweeratexpostulated,'mydevicesareunlimited,mytalkisgliband
mydesignsdeepandfarseeingandIfeelconvincedthat,onthiserrand,Ishallbemoreingeniousinpilfering
thananyofthem.''Howcouldyoubemoreingeniousthanthey?'thewholecompanyofratsasked.'Iwon't,'
explainedtheyoungrat,'followtheirexample,andgostraighttoworkandsteal,butbysimplyshakingmy
body,andtransformingmyself,Ishallmetamorphosemyselfintoataro,androllmyselfamongtheheapof
taros,sothatpeoplewillnotbeabletodetectme,andtohearmewhereuponIshallstealthily,bymeansofthe
magicartofdividingmybodyintomany,begintheremoval,andlittlebylittletransferthewholelotaway,and
willnotthisbefarmoreingeniousthananydirectpilferingorforcibleabstraction?'Afterthewholeswarmof
ratshadlistenedtowhathehadtosay,they,withonevoice,exclaimed:'Excellentitisindeed,butwhatisthis
artofmetamorphosiswewonder?Goforthyoumay,butfirsttransformyourselfandletusseeyou.'Atthese
wordstheyoungratlaughed.'Thisisn'tahardtask!'heobserved,'waittillItransformmyself.'
"Havingdonespeaking,heshookhisbodyandshoutedout'transform,'whenhewasconvertedintoayounggirl,
mostbeauteousandwithamostlovelyface.
"'You'vetransformedyourselfintothewrongthing,'alltheratspromptlyaddedderidingly'yousaidthatyou
weretobecomeafruit,andhowisitthatyou'veturnedintoayounglady?'
"Theyoungratinitsoriginalformrejoinedwithasneeringsmile:'Youalllack,Imaintain,experienceofthe
worldwhatyousimplyareawareofisthatthisfruitisthescentedtaro,buthavenoideathattheyoung
daughterofMr.Lin,ofthesalttax,is,inrealtruth,agenuinescentedtaro.'"
Taiyhavinglistenedtothisstory,turnedherselfroundandraisingherself,sheobservedlaughing,whileshe
pushedPaoy:"I'lltakethatmouthofyoursandpullittopieces!NowIseethatyou'vebeenimposingupon
me."
Withthesewordsonherlips,shereadilygavehimapinch,andPaoyhastenedtopleadformercy."Mydear
cousin,"hesaid,"sparemeIwon'tpresumetodoitagainandit'swhenIcametoperceivethisperfumeof
yours,thatIsuddenlybethoughtmyselfofthisoldstory."
"Youfreelyindulgeinabusingpeople,"Taiyaddedwithasmile,"andthengoontosaythatit'sanoldstory."
ButhardlyhadsheconcludedthisremarkbeforetheycaughtsightofPaoch'aiwalkin."Whohasbeentelling
oldstories?"sheaskedwithabeamingface"doletmealsohearthem."
Taiypressedheratonceintoaseat."Justseeforyourselfwhoelsebesidesishere!"shesmiled"hegoesin
forprofuseabusesandthenmaintainsthatit'sanoldstory!"
"IsitindeedcousinPaoy?"Paoch'airemarked."Well,onecan'tfeelsurprisedathisdoingitformanyhave
everbeenthestoriesstoredupinhisbrain.Theonlypityisthatwhenheshouldmakeuseofoldstories,he
invariablyforgetsthem!Today,hecaneasilyenoughrecallthemtomind,butinthestanzaoftheothernighton
thebananaleaves,whenheshouldhaverememberedthem,hecouldn'tafterallrecollectwhatreallystaredhim

intheface!andwhileeveryoneelseseemedsocool,hewasinsuchaflurrythatheactuallyperspired!Andyet,
atthismoment,hehappensonceagaintohaveamemory!"
Atthesewords,Taiylaughed."Omitofu!"sheexclaimed."Youareindeedmyverygoodcousin!Butyou've
also(toPaoy)comeacrossyourmatch.Andthismakesitclearthatrequitalandretributionneverfailorerr."
Shehadjustreachedthispartofhersentence,wheninPaoy'sroomswasheardacontinuoussoundof
wranglingbutaswhattranspiredisnotyetknown,theensuingchapterwillexplain.

CHAPTERXX.
WangHsifengwithearnestwordsupbraidsMrs.Chao'sjealousnotions.
LinTaiyusesspeciouslanguagetomakesportofShihHsiangyn's
queruloustoneofvoice.
Buttocontinue.PaoywasinTaiy'sapartmentsrelatingabouttheratelves,whenPaoch'aientered
unannounced,andbegantogibePaoy,withtrenchantirony:howthatonthefifteenthofthefirstmoon,hehad
shownignoranceoftheallusiontothegreenwaxandthethreeofthemthenindulgedinthatroominmutual
poignantsatire,forthesakeoffun.PaoyhadbeengivingwaytosolicitudelestTaiyshould,bybeingbent
uponnappingsoonafterhermeal,beshortlygettinganindigestion,orlestsleepshould,atnight,becompletely
dispelled,asneitherofthesethingswereconducivetothepreservationofgoodhealth,whenluckilyPaoch'ai
walkedin,andtheychattedandlaughedtogetherandwhenLinTaiyatlengthlostallinclinationtodose,he
himselfthenfeltcomposedinhismind.Butsuddenlytheyheardclamouringbegininhisroom,andafterthey
hadalllentanearandlistened,LinTaiywasthefirsttosmileandmakearemark."It'syournursehavinga
rowwithHsiJen!"shesaid."HsiJentreatsherwellenough,butthatnurseofyourswouldalsoliketokeepher
wellunderherthumbshe'sindeedanolddotard"andPaoywasanxioustogooveratonce,butPaoch'ailaid
holdofhimandkepthimback,suggesting:"It'saswellthatyoushouldn'twranglewithyournurse,forshe's
quitestupidfromoldageandit'sbutfair,onthecontrary,thatyoushouldbearwithheralittle."
"Iknowallaboutthat!"Paoyrejoined.Buthavingconcludedthisremark,hewalkedintohisroom,wherehe
discoverednurseLi,leaningonherstaff,standinginthecentreofthefloor,abusingHsiJen,saying:"Youyoung
wench!howutterlyunmindfulyouareofyourorigin!It'sIwho'veraisedyouup,andyet,whenIcamejustnow,
youputonhighairsandmightyside,andremainedrecliningonthestovecouch!Yousawmewellenough,but
youpaidnottheleastheedtome!YourwholeheartissetuponactinglikeawilyenchantresstobefoolPaoy
andyousoimposeuponPaoythathedoesn'tnoticeme,butmerelylendsaneartowhatyoupeoplehaveto
say!You'renomorethanalowgirlboughtforafewtaelsandbroughtinhereandwilliteverdothatyou
shouldbeuptoyourmischievoustricksinthisroom?Butwhetheryoulikeitornot,I'lldragyououtfromthis,
andgiveyoutosomemeanfellow,andwe'llseewhetheryouwillstillbehavelikeaveryimp,andcajolepeople
ornot?"
HsiJenwas,atfirst,underthesimpleimpressionthatthenursewaswrathfornootherreasonthanbecauseshe
remainedlyingdown,andshefeltconstrainedtoexplainthat"shewasunwell,thatshehadjustsucceededin
perspiring,andthathavinghadherheadcovered,shehadn'treallyperceivedtheoldlady"butwhenshecame
subsequentlytohearhermentionthatsheimposeduponPaoy,andalsogosofarastoaddthatshewouldbe
giventosomemeanfellow,sheunavoidablyexperiencedbothasenseofshameandinjury,andfoundit
impossibletorestrainherselffrombeginningtocry.
Paoyhad,itistrue,caughtallthathadbeensaid,butunablewithanyproprietytotakenoticeofit,hethought
ithisdutytoexplainmattersforher."She'sill,"heobserved,"andistakingmedicinesandifyoudon'tbelieve

it,"hewenton,"wellthenasktherestoftheservantgirls."
NurseLiatthesewordsflewintoamoreviolentdudgeon."Yoursoledelightistoscreenthatlotofslyfoxes!"
sheremarked,"anddoyoupayanynoticetome?No,noneatall!andwhomwouldyoulikemetogoandask
who'sitthatdoesn'tbackyou?andwhohasn'tbeendismountedfromherhorsebyHsiJen?Iknowallaboutit
butI'llgowithyouandexplainallthesematterstoouroldmistressandmyladyforI'venursedyoutillI've
broughtyoutothisage,andnowthatyoudon'tfeedonmilk,youthrustmeononeside,andavailyourselfofthe
servantgirls,inyourwishtobrowbeatme."
Assheutteredthisremark,shetoogavewaytotears,butbythistime,TaiyandPaoch'aihadalsocomeover,
andtheysettoworktoreassureher."You,oldlady,"theyurged,"shouldbearwiththemalittle,andeverything
willberight!"AndwhennurseLisawthesetwoarrive,shehastenedtolaybarehergrievancestothemand
takingupthequestionofthedismissalindaysgoneby,ofHsiHseh,forhavingdrunksometea,ofthecream
eatenonthepreviousday,andothersimilarmatters,shespunalong,interminableyarn.
ByastrangecoincidenceladyFengwasatthismomentintheupperrooms,whereshehadbeenmakingupthe
accountoflossesandwinnings,anduponhearingatthebackacontinuoussoundofshoutingandbustling,she
readilyconcludedthatnurseLi'soldcomplaintwasbreakingforth,andthatshewasfindingfaultwithPaoy's
servants.Butshehad,asluckwouldhaveit,lostmoneyingamblingonthisoccasion,sothatshewasreadyto
visitherresentmentuponothers.Withhurriedstep,sheforthwithcameover,andlayingholdofnurseLi,
"Nurse,"shesaidsmiling,"don'tloseyourtemper,onagreatfestivallikethis,andafterourvenerableladyhas
justgonethroughadayinexcellentspirits!You'reanolddame,andshould,whenothersgetuparow,stilldo
whatisrightandkeeptheminproperorderandaren'tyou,insteadofthat,awarewhatgoodmannersimply,that
youwillstartvociferatinginthisplace,andmakeourdowagerladyfullofdispleasure?Tellmewho'snotgood,
andI'llbeatherforyoubutbequickandcomealongwithmeovertomyquarters,whereapheasantwhichthey
haveroastedisscaldinghot,andletusgoandhaveaglassofwine!"Andasshespoke,shedraggedheralong
andwentonherway."FengErh,"shealsocalled,"holdthestaffforyouroldladyLi,andthehandkerchiefto
wipehertearswith!"WhilenurseLiwalkedalongwithladyFeng,herfeetscarcelytouchedtheground,asshe
keptonsaying:"Idon'treallyattachanyvaluetothisdecrepidexistenceofmine!andIhadratherdisregard
goodmanners,havearowandloseface,asit'sbetter,itseemstome,thantoputupwiththetemperofthat
wench!"
BehindfollowedPaoch'aiandTaiy,andatthesightofthewayinwhichladyFengdealtwithher,theyboth
clappedtheirhands,andexclaimed,laughing,"Whatpieceofluckthatthisgustofwindhascome,anddragged
awaythisoldmatron!"whilePaoynoddedhisheadtoandfroandsoliloquisedwithasigh:"Onecanneither
knowwhenceoriginatesthisscoreforshewillchoosetheweakonetomaltreatnorcanoneseewhatgirlhas
givenheroffencethatshehascometobeputinherblackbooks!"
Scarcelyhadheendedthisremark,beforeCh'ingWen,whostoodby,putinherword."Who'sgonemadagain?"
sheinterposed,"andwhatgoodwouldcomebyhurtingherfeelings?Butdidevenanyonehappentohurther,
shewouldhavepluckenoughtobearthebrunt,andwouldn'tactsoimproperlyastoinvolveothers!"
HsiJenwept,andasshe,didso,shedrewPaoytowardsher:"Allthroughmyhavingaggrievedanoldnurse,"
sheurged,"you'venowagaingivenumbrage,entirelyonmyaccount,tothiscrowdofpeopleandisn'tthisstill
enoughformetobearbutmustyoualsogoanddraginthirdparties?"
WhenPaoyrealisedthattothissicknessofhers,hadalsobeensuperaddedalltheseannoyances,hepromptly
stifledhisresentment,suppressedhisvoiceandconsoledhersofarastoinducehertoliedownagainto
perspire.Andwhenhefurthernoticedhowscaldinglikesoupandburninglikefireshewas,hehimselfwatched
byher,andrecliningbyherside,hetriedtocheerher,saying:"Allyoumustdoistotakegoodcareofyour
ailmentanddon'tgiveyourmindtothosetriflingmatters,andgetangry."
"WereI,"HsiJensmiledsardonically,"tolosemytemperoversuchconcerns,wouldIbeabletostandone
momentlongerinthisroom?Theonlythingisthatifshegoeson,dayafterday,doingnothingelsethan
clamourinthismanner,howcansheletpeoplegetalong?Butyourashlygoandhurtpeople'sfeelingsforour

sakesbutthey'llbearitinmind,andwhentheyfindanopportunity,they'llcomeoutwithwhat'seasyenoughto
say,butwhat'snotpleasanttohear,andhowwillweallfeelthen?"
Whilehermouthgaveutterancetothesewords,shecouldnotstophertearsfromrunningbutfearful,onthe
otherhand,lestPaoyshouldbeannoyed,shefeltcompelledtoagainstraineverynervetorepressthem.Butin
ashortwhile,theoldmatronsemployedforallsortsofduties,broughtinsomemixtureoftwodrugsand,as
Paoynoticedthatshewasjustonthepointofperspiring,hedidnotallowhertogetup,butreadilytakingitup
toher,sheimmediatelyswallowedit,withherheadstillonherpillowwhereuponhegavespeedydirectionsto
theyoungservantmaidstolayherstovecouchinorder.
"Whetheryoumeantohaveanythingtoeatornot,"HsiJenadvised,"youshouldafterallsitforatimewithour
oldmistressandourlady,andhavearompwiththeyoungladiesafterwhichyoucancomebackagainwhileI,
byquietlykeepinglyingdown,willalsofeelthebetter."
WhenPaoyheardthissuggestion,hehadnohelpbuttoaccede,and,aftershehaddivestedherselfofherhair
pinsandearrings,andhesawherliedown,hebetookhimselfintothedrawingrooms,wherehehadhisrepast
witholdladyChia.Butthemealover,herladyshipfeltstilldisposedtoplayatcardswiththenurses,whohad
lookedafterthehouseholdformanyyearsandPaoy,bethinkinghimselfofHsiJen,hastenedtoreturntohis
apartmentswhereseeingthatHsiJenwasdrowsilyfallingasleep,hehimselfwouldhavewishedtogotobed,
butthehourwasyetearly.AndasaboutthistimeCh'ingWen,IHsia,Ch'inWen,PiHenhadall,intheirdesire
ofgettingsomeexcitement,startedinsearchofYanYang,HuPoandtheircompanions,tohavearompwith
them,andheespiedSheYehaloneintheouterroom,havingagameofdominoesbylamplight,Paoy
inquiredfullofsmiles:"Howisityoudon'tgowiththem?"
"I'venomoney,"SheYehreplied.
"Underthebed,"continuedPaoy,"isheapedupallthatmoney,andisn'titenoughyetforyoutolosefrom?"
"Hadweallgonetoplay,"SheYehadded,"towhomwouldthechargeofthisapartmenthavebeenhanded
over?Thatotheroneissickagain,andthewholeroomisabove,onemassoflamps,andbelow,fulloffireand
allthoseoldmatrons,ancientastheheavens,should,afteralltheirexertionsinwaitinguponyoufrommorning
tonight,bealsoallowedsomerestwhiletheyoungservantgirls,ontheotherhand,havelikewisebeenonduty
thewholedaylong,andshouldn'ttheyevenatthishourbelefttogoandhavesomedistraction?andthat'swhyI
aminhereonwatch."
WhenPaoyheardthesewords,whichdemonstrateddistinctlythatshewasanotherHsiJen,heconsequently
putonasmileandremarked:"I'llsitinhere,soyouhadbettersetyourmindateaseandgo!"
"Sinceyouremaininhere,there'slessneedformetogo,"resumedShe
Yeh,"forwetwocanchatandplayandlaughandwon'tthatbenice?"
"Whatcanwetwodo?itwillbeawfullydull!butnevermind,"Paoyrejoined"thismorningyousaidthat
yourheaditched,andnowthatyouhavenothingtodo,Imayaswellcombitforyou."
"Yes!doso!"readilyassentedSheYeh,uponcatchingwhathesuggestedandwhilestillspeaking,shebrought
overthedressingcasecontainingasetofsmalldrawersandlookingglass,andtakingoffherornaments,she
dishevelledherhairwhereuponPaoypickedupthefinecombandpasseditrepeatedlythroughherhairbut
hehadonlycombeditthreeorfivetimes,whenheperceivedCh'ingWenhurriedlywalkintofetchsome
money.Assoonasshecaughtsightofthemboth:"Youhaven'tasyetdrunkfromthemarriagecup,"shesaid
withasmilefullofirony,"andhaveyoualreadyputupyourhair?"
"Nowthatyou'vecome,letmealsocombyoursforyou,"Paoycontinued.
"I'mnotblessedwithsuchexcessivegoodfortune!"Ch'ingWenretorted,andassheutteredthesewords,she
tookthemoney,andforthwithdashingtheportiereafterher,shequittedtheroom.

PaoystoodatthebackofSheYeh,andSheYehsatoppositetheglass,sothatthetwoofthemfacedeach
otherinit,andPaoyreadilyobservedashegazedintheglass,"Inthewholenumberofroomsshe'stheonly
onewhohasaglibtongue!"
SheYehatthesewordshastilywavedherhandtowardstheinsideoftheglass,andPaoyunderstoodthehint
andsuddenlyasoundof"hu"washeardfromtheportiere,andCh'ingWenraninonceagain.
"HowhaveIgotaglibtongue?"sheinquired"itwouldbewellforustoexplainourselves."
"Goafteryourbusiness,andhavedone,"SheYehinterposedlaughingly"what'stheuseofyourcomingand
askingquestionsofpeople?"
"Willyoualsoscreenhim?"Ch'ingWensmiledsignificantly"Iknowallaboutyoursecretdoings,butwait
untilI'vegotbackmycapital,andwe'llthentalkmattersover!"
Withthisremarkstillonherlips,shestraightwayquittedtheroom,andduringthiswhile,Paoyhaving
finishedcombingherhair,askedSheYehtoquietlywaituponhim,whilehewenttosleep,ashewouldnot
liketodisturbHsiJen.
Ofthewholenightthereisnothingtorecord.Butthenextday,whenhegotupatearlydawn,HsiJenhad
alreadyperspired,duringthenight,sothatshefeltconsiderablylighterandbetterbutlimitingherdiettoalittle
ricesoup,sheremainedquietandnursedherself,andPaoywassorelievedinmindthathecame,afterhis
meal,overonthissidetohisauntHseh'sonasaunter.Theseasonwasthecourseofthefirstmoon,andthe
schoolwasshutupforthenewyearholidayswhileintheinnerchambersthegirlshadputbytheirneedlework,
andwereallhavingatimeofleisure,andhenceitwasthatwhenChiaHuantoocameoverinsearchof
distraction,hediscoveredPaoch'ai,HsiangLing,YingErh,thethreeofthem,intheactofrecreating
themselvesbyplayingatchess.ChiaHuan,atthesightofthem,alsowishedtojoinintheirgamesandPao
ch'ai,whohadalwayslookeduponhimwith,infact,thesameeyeasshedidPaoy,andwithnodifferent
sentimentofanykind,pressedhimtocomeup,uponhearingthathewasonthisoccasiondesiroustoplayand,
whenhehadseatedhimselftogetherwiththem,theybegantogamble,stakingeachtimeapileoftencash.The
firsttime,hewasthewinner,andhefeltsupremelyelatedatheart,butasithappenedthathesubsequentlylost
inseveralconsecutivegameshesoonbecameapreytoconsiderabledistress.Butinduecoursecamethegame
inwhichitwashisturntocastthedice,and,ifinthrowing,hegotsevenspots,hestoodtowin,buthewas
likewiseboundtobeawinnerwerehetoturnupsixandwhenYingErhhadturnedupthreespotsandlost,he
consequentlytookupthedice,anddashingthemwithspite,oneofthemsettledatfiveand,astheotherreeled
wildlyabout,YingErhclappedherhands,andkeptonshouting,"onespot"whileChiaHuanatoncegazed
withfixedeyeandcriedatrandom:"It'ssix,it'sseven,it'seight!"Butthedice,asithappened,turnedupatone
spot,andChiaHuanwassoexasperatedthatputtingouthishand,hespeedilymadeasnatchatthedice,and
eventuallywasabouttolayholdofthemoney,arguingthatitwassixspot.ButYingErhexpostulated,"Itwas
distinctlyanace,"shesaid.AndasPaoch'ainoticedhowdistressedChiaHuanwas,sheforthwithcastaglance
atYingErhandobserved:"Theolderyouget,thelessmannersyouhave!Isitlikelythatgentlemenwillcheat
you?anddon'tyouyetputdownthemoney?"
YingErhfeltherwholeheartmuchaggrieved,butassheheardPaoch'aimaketheseremarks,shedidnot
presumetoutterasound,andasshewasunderthenecessityoflayingdownthecash,shemutteredtoherself:
"Thisonecallshimselfagentleman,andyetcheatsusofthesefewcash,forwhichImyselfevenhavenoeye!
TheotherdaywhenIplayedwithMr.Paoy,helosteversomany,andyethedidnotdistresshimself!and
whatremainedofthecashwerebesidessnatchedawaybyafewservantgirls,butallhedidwastosmile,that's
all!"
Paoch'aididnotallowhertimetocompletewhatshehadtosay,butthereandthencalledhertoaccountand
madeherdesistwhereuponChiaHuanexclaimed:"HowcanIcomparewithPaoyyouallfearhim,andkeep
ongoodtermswithhim,whileyoualllookdownuponmefornotbeingthechildofmylady."Andasheuttered
thesewords,heatoncegavewaytotears.

"Mydearcousin,"Paoch'aihastenedtoadvisehim,"leaveoffatoncelanguageofthiskind,forpeoplewill
laughatyou"andthenwentontoscoldYingErh,whenPaoyjusthappenedtocomein.Perceivinghimin
thisplight,"Whatisthematter?"heaskedbutChiaHuanhadnotthecouragetosayanything.
Paoch'aiwaswellawareofthecustom,whichprevailedintheirfamily,thatyoungerbrotherslivedinrespectof
theelderbrothers,butshewasnothowevercognisantofthefactthatPaoywouldnotthatanyoneshould
entertainanyfearofhim.Hisideabeingthatelderaswellasyoungerbrothershad,allalike,fatherandmother
toadmonishthem,andthattherewasnoneedforanyofthatofficiousness,which,insteadofdoinggoodgave,
onthecontrary,risetoestrangement."Besides,"(hereasoned,)"I'mtheoffspringoftheprimarywife,whilehe's
thesonofthesecondarywife,and,ifbytreatinghimaslenientlyasIhavedone,therearestillthosetotalk
aboutme,behindmyback,howcouldIexerciseanycontroloverhim?"Butbesidesthese,therewereotherstill
morefoolishnotions,whichhefosteredinhismindbutwhatfoolishnotionstheywerecanyou,reader,guess?
Asaresultofhisgrowingup,fromhisearlyyouth,amongacrowdofgirls,ofwhom,inthewayofsister,there
wasYanCh'un,ofcousins,fromhispaternaluncle'sside,therewereYingCh'un,andHsiCh'un,andof
relativesalsotherewereShihHsiangyn,LinTaiy,HsehPaoch'aiandtherest,he,induecourse,resolved
inhismindthatthedivineandunsulliedvirtueofHeavenandearthwasonlyimplantedinwomankind,andthat
menwerenomorethanfeculentdregsandfouldirt.Andforthisreasonitwasthatmenwerewithout
discrimination,consideredbyhimassomanyfilthyobjects,whichmightormightnotexistwhilethe
relationshipsoffather,paternaluncles,andbrothers,hedidnothoweverpresumetodisregard,asthesewere
amongtheinjunctionsbequeathedbytheholyman,andhefeltboundtolistentoafewoftheirprecepts.Butto
theabovecausesmustbeassignedthefactthat,amonghisbrothers,hedidnomorethanaccomplishthegeneral
purportoftheprincipleofhumanaffectionsbearinginmindnothoughtwhateverthathehimselfwasahuman
beingofthemalesex,andthatitwashisdutytobeanexampletohisyoungerbrothers.AndthisiswhyChia
Huanandtheothersentertainednorespectforhim,thoughintheirvenerationfordowagerladyChia,they
yieldedtohimtoacertaindegree.
Paoch'aiharbouredfearslest,onthisoccasion,Paoyshouldcallhimtobook,andputhimoutofface,andshe
thereandthenlostnotimeintakingChiaHuan'spartwithaviewtoscreeninghim.
"Inthisfelicitousfirstmoonwhatareyoublubberingfor?"Paoyinquired,"ifthisplaceisn'tnice,whythengo
somewhereelsetoplay.Butfromreadingbooks,dayafterday,you'vestudiedsomuchthatyou'vebecomequite
adunce.Ifthisthing,forinstance,isn'tgood,thatmust,ofcourse,begood,sothendiscardthisandtakeupthat,
butisitlikelythatbystickingtothisthingandcryingforawhilethatitwillbecomegood?Youcameoriginally
withtheideaofreapingsomefun,andyou'veinsteadprovokedyourselftodispleasure,andisn'titbetterthen
thatyoushouldbeoffatonce."
ChiaHuanuponhearingthesewordscouldnotbutcomebacktohisquartersandMrs.Chaonoticingtheframe
ofmindinwhichhewasfeltconstrainedtoinquire:"Whereisitthatyou'vebeenlookeddownuponbybeing
madetofillupahole,andbeingtroddenunderfoot?"
"IwasplayingwithcousinPaoch'ai,"ChiaHuanreadilyreplied,"whenYingErhinsultedme,anddeprivedme
ofmymoney,andbrotherPaoydrovemeaway."
"Ts'ui!"exclaimedMrs.Chao,"whobadeyou(presumesohigh)astogetupintothatloftytray?Youlowand
barefacedthing!Whatplaceistherethatyoucan'tgotoandplayandwhotoldyoutorunoverthereandbring
uponyourselfallthisshame?"
Asshespoke,ladyFengwas,byastrangecoincidence,passingoutsideunderthewindowsothateveryword
reachedherear,andshespeedilyaskedfromoutsidethewindow:"Whatareyouuptointhishappyfirstmoon?
Thesebrothersare,really,butmerechildren,andwillyoujustforaslightmistake,goonpreachingtohim!
what'stheuseofcomingoutwithallyou'vesaid?Lethimgowhereverhepleasesfortherearestillourlady
andMr.ChiaChengtokeephiminorder.Butyougoandsputterhimwithyourgiganticmouthhe'satpresenta
master,andiftherebeanythingwrongabouthim,thereare,afterall,thosetoratehimandwhatbusinessisthat
ofyours?BrotherHuan,comeoutwithyou,andfollowmeandletusgoandenjoyourselves."

ChiaHuanhadeverbeeningreaterfearandtremblingofladyFeng,thanofmadameWang,sothatwhenher
summonsreachedhisear,hehurriedlywentout,whileMrs.Chao,ontheotherhand,didnotventuretobreathe
asingleword.
"Youtoo,"resumedladyFeng,addressingChiaHuan"areathingdevoidofallnaturalspirit!I'veoftentoldyou
thatifyouwanttoeat,drink,play,orlaugh,youwerequitefreetogoandplaywithwhateverfemalecousin,
malecousin,orsisterinlawyouchoosetodisportyourselfwithbutyouwon'tlistentomywords.Onthe
contrary,youletallthesepersonsteachyoutobedepravedinyourheart,perverseinyourmind,tobesly,artful,
anddomineeringandyou've,besides,norespectforyourownself,butwillgowiththatlowbredlot!andyour
perversepurposeistobegrudgepeople'spreferences!Butwhatyou'velostaresimplyafewcash,anddoyou
behaveinthismanner?Howmuchdidyoulose?"sheproceededtoaskChiaHuanandChiaHuan,upon
hearingthisquestion,feltconstrainedtoobey,bysayingsomethinginthewayofareply."I'velost,"he
explained,"somehundredortwohundredcash."
"Youhave,"rejoinedladyFeng,"thegoodfortuneofbeingagentleman,anddoyoumakesuchafussforthe
lossofahundredortwohundredcash!"andturningherheadround,"FengErh,"sheadded,"goandfetcha
thousandcashandasthegirlsareallplayingattheback,takehimalongtogoandplay.Andifagainbyandby,
you'resomeananddeceitful,Ishall,firstofall,beatyou,andthentellsomeonetoreportitatschool,andwon't
yourskinbeflayedforyou?Allbecauseofthiswantofrespectofyours,youreldercousinissoangrywithyou
thathisteethitchandwereitnotthatIpreventhim,hewouldhityouwithhisfootinthestomachandkickall
yourintestinesout!Getaway,"shethencriedwhereuponChiaHuanobedientlyfollowedFengErh,andtaking
themoneyhewentallbyhimselftoplaywithYingCh'unandtherestwhereweshallleavehimwithout
anotherword.
ButtoreturntoPaoy.HewasjustamusinghimselfandlaughingwithPaoch'ai,whenatanunexpected
moment,heheardsomeoneannouncethatMissShihhadcome.Atthesewords,Paoyrose,andwasatonce
goingoffwhen"Wait,"shoutedPaoch'aiwithasmile,"andwe'llgoovertogetherandseeher."
Sayingthis,shedescendedfromthestovecouch,andcame,incompanywithPaoy,todowagerladyChia'son
thisside,wheretheysawShihHsiangynlaughingaloud,andtalkingimmoderatelyanduponcatchingsightof
themboth,shepromptlyinquiredaftertheirhealths,andexchangedsalutations.
LinTaiyjusthappenedtobestandingby,andhavingsetthequestiontoPaoy"Wheredoyoucomefrom?"
"IcomefromcousinPaoch'ai'srooms,"Paoyreadilyreplied.
Taiygaveasardonicsmile."WhatImaintainisthis,"sherejoined,"thatluckyenoughforyou,youwere
detainedoverthereotherwise,youwouldlongagohave,atonce,comeflyinginhere!"
"AmIonlyfreetoplaywithyou?"Paoyinquired,"andtodispelyourennui!Isimplywentovertoherplace
forarun,andthatquitecasually,andwillyouinsinuateallthesethings?"
"Yourwordsarequitedevoidofsense,"Taiyadded"whetheryougoornotwhat'sthattome?neitherdidI
tellyoutogivemeanydistractionyou'requiteatlibertyfromthistimeforthnottopayanynoticetome!"
Sayingthis,sheflewintoahighdudgeonandrushedbackintoherroombutPaoypromptlyfollowedinher
footsteps:"Hereyouareagaininahuff,"heurged,"andallfornoreason!HadIevenpassedanyremarkthatI
shouldn't,youshouldanyhowhavestillsatinthere,andchattedandlaughedwiththeothersforawhileinstead
ofthat,youcomeagaintositandmopeallalone!"
"Areyoumykeeper?"Taiyexpostulated.
"Icouldn't,ofcourse,"Paoysmiled,"presumetoexerciseanyinfluenceoveryoubuttheonlythingisthat
youaredoingyourownhealthharm!"

"IfIdoruinmyhealth,"Taiyrejoined,"andIdie,it'smyownlookout!what'sthattodowithyou?"
"What'sthegood,"protestedPaoy,"oftalkinginthishappyfirstmoonofdyingandofliving?"
"Iwillsaydie,"insistedTaiy,"dienow,atthisverymoment!butyou'reafraidofdeathandyoumaylivea
longlifeofahundredyears,butwhatgoodwillthatbe!"
"Ifallwedoistogoonnagginginthisway,"Paoyremarkedsmiling,"willIanymorebeafraidtodie?onthe
contrary,itwouldbebettertodie,andbefree!"
"Quiteso!"continuedTaiywithalacrity,"ifwegoonnagginginthisway,itwouldbebetterformetodie,and
thatyoushouldbefreeofme!"
"Ispeakofmyownselfdying,"Paoyadded,"sodon'tmisunderstandmywordsandaccusepeoplewrongly."
Whilehewasasyetspeaking,Paoch'aienteredtheroom:"CousinShihiswaitingforyou"shesaidandwith
thesewords,shehastilypushedPaoyon,andtheywalkedaway.
Taiy,meanwhile,becamemoreandmoreapreytoresentmentanddisconsolateasshefelt,sheshedtearsin
frontofthewindow.Butnottimeenoughhadtranspiredtoallowtwocupsofteatobedrunk,beforePaoy
camebackagain.Atthesightofhim,Taiysobbedstillmoreferventlyandincessantly,andPaoyrealising
thestateshewasin,andknowingwellenoughhowarduousataskitwouldbetobringherround,begantojoin
togetherahundred,yeaathousandkindsofsoftphrasesandtenderwordstoconsoleher.Butatanunforeseen
moment,andbeforehecouldhimselfopenhismouth,heheardTaiyanticipatehim.
"Whathaveyoucomebackagainfor?"sheasked."Letmedieorlive,asIplease,andhavedone!You'vereally
gotatpresentsomeonetoplaywithyou,onewho,comparedwithme,isabletoreadandabletocompose,able
towrite,tospeak,aswellastojoke,onetoowhoforfearlestyoushouldhaveruffledyourtemperdraggedyou
away:andwhatdoyoureturnherefornow?"
Paoy,afterlisteningtoallshehadtosay,hastenedtocomeuptoher."Isitlikely,"heobservedinalowtone
ofvoice,"thatanintelligentpersonlikeyouisn'tsomuchasawarethatnearrelativescan'tbeseparatedbya
distantrelative,andaremotefriendsetasideanoldfriend!I'mstupid,there'snogainsaying,butIdoanyhow
understandwhatthesetwosentimentsimply.YouandIare,inthefirstplace,cousinsonmyfather'ssister'sside
whilesisterPaoch'aiandIaretwocousinsonmother'ssides,sothat,accordingtothedegreesofrelationship,
she'smoredistantthanyourself.Inthesecondplace,youcameherefirst,andwetwohaveourmealsatone
tableandsleepinonebed,havingeversinceouryouthgrownuptogetherwhileshehasonlyrecentlycome,
andhowcouldIeverdistanceyouonheraccount?"
"Ts'ui!"Taiyexclaimed."WillIforsoothevermakeyoudistanceher!whoandwhatkindofpersonhaveI
becometodosuchathing?What(Isaid)waspromptedbymyownmotives."
"Itoo,"Paoyurged,"madethoseremarkspromptedbymyownheart'smotives,anddoyoumeantosaythat
yourheartcanonlyreadthefeelingsofyourownheart,andhasnoideawhatsoeverofmyown?"
Taiyatthesewords,loweredherheadandsaidnotaword.Butafteralonginterval,"Youonlyknow,"she
continued,"howtofeelbitteragainstpeoplefortheiractionincensuringyou:butyoudon't,afterall,knowthat
youyourselfprovokepeopletosuchadegree,thatit'shardforthemtoputupwithit!Takeforinstancethe
weatheroftodayasanexample.It'sdistinctlyverycold,today,andyet,howisitthatyouaresocontraryasto
goanddivestyourselfofthepelissewiththebluishbreastfuroverlappingthecloth?"
"WhysayIdidn'twearit?"Paoysmilinglyobserved."Idid,butseeingyougetangryIfeltsuddenlyinsucha
terribleblaze,thatIatoncetookitoff!"

Taiyheavedasigh."You'llbyandbycatchacold,"sheremarked,"andthenyou'llagainhavetostarve,and
vociferateforsomethingtoeat!"
Whilethesetwowerehavingthiscolloquy,Hsiangynwasseentowalkin!"Youtwo,Aicousinandcousin
Lin,"sheventuredjokingly,"aretogetherplayingeveryday,andthoughI'vemanagedtocomeaftereverso
muchtrouble,youpaynoheedtomeatall!"
"It'sinvariablytherule,"Taiyretortedsmilingly,"thatthosewhohaveadefectintheirspeechwillinsistupon
talkingshecan'tevencomeoutcorrectlywith'Erh'(secundus)cousin,andkeepsoncallinghim'Ai'cousin,'Ai'
cousin!Andbyandbywhenyouplay'WeiCh'i'you'resurealsotoshoutoutyao,ai,(insteadoferh),san(one,
two,three)."
Paoylaughed."Ifyouimitateher,"heinterposed,"andgetintothathabit,you'llalsobegintobiteyourtongue
whenyoutalk."
"Shewon'tmakeeventheslightestallowanceforanyone,"Hsiangynrejoined"hersoleideabeingtopickout
others'faults.Youmayreadilybesuperiortoanymortalbeing,butyoushouldn't,afterall,offendagainstwhat's
rightandmakefunofeverypersonyoucomeacross!ButI'llpointoutsomeone,andifyouventuretojeerher,
I'llatoncesubmittoyou."
"Whoisit?"Taiyvehementlyinquired.
"Ifyoudohavethecourage,"Hsiangynanswered,"topickoutcousin
Paoch'ai'sfaults,youthenmaywellbeheldtobefirstrate!"
Taiyafterhearingthesewords,gaveasarcasticsmile."Iwaswondering,"sheobserved,"whoitwas.Isit
indeedshe?HowcouldIeverpresumetopickouthers?"
Paoyallowedhernotimetofinish,buthastenedtosaysomethingtointerrupttheconversation.
"Icouldn't,ofcourse,duringthewholeofthismylifetime,"Hsiangynlaughed,"attainyourstandard!butmy
earnestwishisthatbyandbyshouldbefoundforyou,cousinLin,ahusband,whobiteshistonguewhenhe
speaks,sothatyoushouldeveryminuteandsecondlistento'aiyaos!'Omitofu,won'tthenyourrewardbe
manifesttomyeyes!"
Asshemadethisremark,theyallburstoutlaughingheartily,and
Hsiangynspeedilyturnedherselfroundandranaway.
Butreader,doyouwanttoknowthesequel?Well,thenlistentotheexplanationgiveninthenextchapter.

CHAPTERXXI.
TheeminentHsiJen,withwinsomeways,railsatPaoy,withaview
toexhortation.
ThebeauteousP'ingErh,withsoftwords,screensChiaLien.
Buttoresumeourstory.WhenShihHsiangynranoutoftheroom,shewasallinaflutterlestLinTaiy
shouldcatchherupbutPaoy,whocameafterher,readilyshoutedout,"You'lltripandfall.Howevercould
shecomeuptoyou?"

LinTaiywentinpursuitofherasfarastheentrance,whenshewasimpededfrommakingfurtherprogressby
Paoy,whostretchedhisarmsoutagainstthepostsofthedoor.
"WereItospareYnErh,Icouldn'tlive!"LinTaiyexclaimed,asshetuggedathisarms.ButHsiangyn,
perceivingthatPaoyobstructedthedoor,andsurmisingthatTaiycouldnotcomeout,speedilystoodstill.
"Mydearcousin,"shesmilinglypleaded,"doletmeoffthistime!"
ButitjusthappenedthatPaoch'ai,whowascomingalong,wasatthebackofHsiangyn,andwithafacealso
beamingwithsmiles:"Iadviseyouboth,"shesaid,"toleaveoffoutofrespectforcousinPaoy,andhave
done."
"Idon'tagreetothat,"Taiyrejoined"areyoupeople,pray,allofonemindtodonothingbutmakefunof
me?"
"Whoventurestomakefunofyou?"Paoyobservedadvisingly"andhadn'tyoumadesportofher,wouldshe
havepresumedtohavesaidanythingaboutyou?"
Whilethisquartetwerefindingitanarduoustasktounderstandoneanother,aservantcametoinvitethemto
havetheirrepast,andtheyeventuallycrossedovertothefrontside,andasitwasalreadytimeforthelampsto
belit,madameWang,widowLiWan,ladyFeng,YingCh'un,T'anCh'un,HsiCh'unandtheothercousins,
adjournedinabodytodowagerladyChia'sapartmentsonthisside,wherethewholecompanyspentawhileina
chatonirrelevanttopics,afterwhichtheyeachreturnedtotheirroomsandretiredtobed.Hsiangyn,asofold,
betookherselftoTaiy'squarterstorest,andPaoyescortedthembothintotheirapartment,anditwasafter
thehourhadalreadypastthesecondwatch,andHsiJenhadcomeandpressedhimseveraltimes,thatheat
lengthreturnedtohisownbedroomandwenttosleep.Thenextmorning,assoonasitwasdaylight,hethrew
hisclothesoverhim,putonhislowshoesandcameoverintoTaiy'sroom,wherehehoweversawnothingof
thetwogirlsTzuChanandTs'uiLu,astherewasnooneelsehereintherebesideshistwocousins,still
recliningunderthecoverlets.Taiywascloselywrappedinaquiltofalmondredsilk,andlyingquietly,with
closedeyesfastasleepwhileShihHsiangyn,withherhandfulofshinyhairdragglingalongtheedgeofthe
pillow,wascoveredonlyuptothechest,andoutsidethecoverletrestedhercurvedsnowwhitearm,withthe
goldbracelets,whichshehadon.
Atthesightofher,Paoyheavedasigh."Evenwhenasleep,"hesoliloquised,"shecan'tbequiet!butbyand
by,whenthewindwillhaveblownonher,she'llagainshoutthathershoulderissore!"Withthesewords,he
gentlycoveredher,butLinTaiyhadalreadyawokeoutofhersleep,andbecomingawarethattherewassome
oneabout,shepromptlyconcludedthatitmust,foracertainty,bePaoy,andturningherselfaccordingly
round,anddiscoveringataglancethatthetruthwasnotbeyondherconjectures,sheobserved:"Whathaveyou
runovertodoatthisearlyhour?"towhichquestionPaoyreplied:"Doyoucallthisearly?butgetupandsee
foryourself!"
"Firstquittheroom,"Taiysuggested,"andletusgetup!"
Paoythereuponmadehisexitintotheantechamber,andTaiyjumpedoutofbed,andawokeHsiangyn.
Whenbothofthemhadputontheirclothes,Paoyreenteredandtookaseatbythesideofthetoilettable
whencehebeheldTzuchanandHsehYenwalkinandwaituponthem,astheydressedtheirhairand
performedtheirablutions.Hsiangynhaddonewashingherface,andTs'iLatoncetooktheremainingwater
andwasabouttothrowitaway,whenPaoyinterposed,saying:"Wait,I'llavailmyselfofthisopportunityto
washtooandfinishwithit,andthussavemyselfthetroubleofhavingagaintogoover!"Speakingthewhile,he
hastilycameforward,andbendinghiswaist,hewashedhisfacetwicewithtwohandfulsofwater,andwhen
TzuChanwentovertogivehimthescentedsoap,Paoyadded:"Inthisbasin,there'sagooddealofit,and
there'snoneedofrubbinganymore!"Hethenwashedhisfacewithtwomorehandfuls,andforthwithaskedfor
atowel,andTs'iLexclaimed:"What!haveyoustillgotthisfailing?whenwillyouturnanewleaf?"ButPao
ypaidnotsomuchasanyheedtoher,andthereandthencalledforsomesalt,withwhichherubbedhisteeth,
andrinsedhismouth.Whenhehaddone,heperceivedthatHsiangynhadalreadyfinishedcombingherhair,
andspeedilycominguptoher,heputonasmile,andsaid:"Mydearcousin,combmyhairforme!"

"Thiscan'tbedone!"Hsiangynobjected.
"Mydearcousin,"Paoycontinuedsmirkingly,"howisitthatyoucombeditformeinformertimes?"
"I'veforgottennowhowtocombit!"Hsiangynreplied.
"I'mnot,afterall,goingoutofdoors,"Paoyobserved,"norwillIwearahatorfrontlet,sothatallthatneedbe
doneistoplaitafewqueues,that'sall!"Sayingthis,hewentontoappealtoherinathousandandoneendearing
terms,sothatHsiangynhadnoalternative,buttodrawhisheadnearertoherandtocombonequeueafter
another,andaswhenhestayedathomeheworenohat,norhad,infact,anytuftedhorns,shemerelytookthe
shortsurroundinghairfromallfoursides,andtwistingitintosmalltufts,shecollectedittogetheroverthehair
onthecrownofthehead,andplaitedalargequeue,bindingitfastwithredribbonwhilefromtherootofthe
hairtotheendofthequeue,werefourpearlsinarow,belowwhich,inthewayofatip,wassuspendedagolden
pendant.
"Ofthesepearlsthereareonlythree,"Hsiangynremarkedasshewentonplaiting"thisisn'tonelikethemI
rememberthesewereallofonekind,andhowisitthatthere'soneshort?"
"I'velostone,"Paoyrejoined.
"Itmusthavedropped,"Hsiangynadded,"whenyouwentoutofdoors,andbeenpickedupbysomeonewhen
youwereoffyourguardandhe'snow,insteadofyou,thericherforit."
"Onecanneithertellwhetherithasbeenreallylost,"Taiy,whostoodby,interposed,smilingthewhile
sarcastically"norcouldonesaywhetherithasn'tbeengivenawaytosomeonetobemountedinsometrinketor
otherandworn!"
Paoymadenoreplybutsettowork,seeingthatthetwosidesofthedressingtablewereallfulloftoiletboxes
andothersucharticles,takingupthosethatcameunderhishandandexaminingthem.Graspingunawaresabox
ofcosmetic,whichwaswithinhisreach,hewouldhavelikedtohavebroughtittohislips,buthefearedagain
lestHsiangynshouldchidehim.Whilehewashesitatingwhethertodosoornot,Hsiangyn,frombehind,
stretchedforthherarmandgavehimasmack,whichsentthecosmeticflyingfromhishand,asshecriedout:
"Yougoodfornothing!whenwillyoumendthoseweaknessesofyours!"Buthardlyhadshehadtimeto
completethisremark,whenshecaughtsightofHsiJenwalkin,whouponperceivingthisstateofthings,
becameawarethathewasalreadycombedandwashed,andshefeltconstrainedtogobackandattendtoher
owncoiffureandablutions.Butsuddenly,shesawPaoch'aicomeinandinquire:"Where'scousinPaoy
gone?"
"Doyoumeantosay,"HsiJeninsinuatedwithasardonicsmile,"thatyourcousinPaoyhasleisuretostayat
home?"
WhenPaoch'aiheardthesewords,sheinwardlycomprehendedhermeaning,andwhenshefurtherheardHsi
Jenremarkwithasigh:"Cousinsmaywellbeonintimateterms,buttheyshouldalsoobservesomesortof
proprietyandtheyshouldn'tnightanddayromptogetherandnomatterhowpeoplemaytenderadviceit'sall
likesomuchwindblowingpasttheears."Paoch'aibegan,attheseremarks,tocogitatewithinhermind:"MayI
not,possibly,havebeenmistakeninmyestimationofthisgirlfortolistentoherwords,shewouldreallyseem
tohaveacertainamountofsavoirfaire!"
Paoch'aithereupontookaseatonthestovecouch,andquietly,inthecourseoftheirconversationononething
andanother,shemanagedtoascertainherage,hernativevillageandothersuchparticulars,andthensettingher
minddiligentlytoput,onthesly,herconversationandmentalcapacitytothetest,shediscoveredhowdeeply
worthyshewastoberespectedandloved.ButinawhilePaoyarrived,andPaoch'aiatoncequittedthe
apartment.

"Howisit,"Paoyatonceinquired,"thatcousinPaoch'aiwaschattingalongwithyousolustily,andthatas
soonasshesawmeenter,shepromptlyranaway?"
HsiJendidnotmakeanyreplytohisfirstquestion,anditwasonlywhenhehadrepeateditthatHsiJen
remarked:"Doyouaskme?HowcanIknowwhatgoesonbetweenyoutwo?"
WhenPaoyheardthesewords,andhenoticedthatthelookonherfacewassounlikethatofformerdays,he
lostnotimeinputtingonasmileandasking:"Whyisitthatyoutooareangryinrealearnest?"
"HowcouldIpresumetogetangry!"HsiJenrejoinedsmilingindifferently"butyoumustn't,fromthisday
forth,putyourfootintothisroom!andasyouhaveanyhowpeopletowaitonyou,youshouldn'tcomeagainto
makeuseofmyservices,forImeantogoandattendtoouroldmistress,asindaysofold."
Withthisremarkstillonherlips,shelayherselfdownonthestovecouchandclosedhereyes.WhenPaoy
perceivedthestateofmindshewasin,hefeltdeeplysurprisedandcouldnotrefrainfromcomingforwardand
tryingtocheerherup.ButHsiJenkepthereyesclosedandpaidnoheedtohim,sothatPaoywasquiteata
losshowtoact.ButespyingSheYehentertheroom,hesaidwithalacrity:"What'supwithyoursister?"
"DoIknow?"answeredSheYeh,"examineyourownselfandyou'llreadilyknow!"
AfterthesewordshadbeenheardbyPaoy,hegazedvacantlyforsometime,feelingthewhileveryunhappy
butraisinghimselfimpetuously:"Well!"heexclaimed,"ifyoudon'tnoticeme,allright,Itoowillgotosleep,"
andashespokehegotup,and,descendingfromthecouch,hebetookhimselftohisownbedandwenttosleep.
HsiJennoticingthathehadnotbudgedforeversolong,andthathefaintlysnored,presumedthathemusthave
fallenfastasleep,soshespeedilyrosetoherfeet,and,takingawrapper,cameoverandcoveredhim.Buta
soundof"hu"reachedherear,asPaoypromptlythrewitoffandonceagainclosedhiseyesandfeignedsleep.
HsiJendistinctlygraspedhisideaand,forthwithnoddingherhead,shesmiledcoldly."Youreallyneedn'tlose
yourtemper!butfromthistimeforth,I'llbecomemute,andnotsayonewordtoyouandwhatifIdo?"
Paoycouldnotrestrainhimselffromrising."WhathaveIbeenuptoagain,"heasked,"thatyou'reoncemore
atmewithyouradvice?Asfarasyouradvicegoes,it'sallwellandgoodbutjustnowwithoutonewordof
counsel,youpaidnoheedtomewhenIcamein,but,flyingintoahuff,youwenttosleep.NorcouldImakeout
whatitwasallabout,andnowhereyouareagainmaintainingthatI'mangry.ButwhendidIhearyou,pray,
givemeawordofadviceofanykind?"
"Doesn'tyourmindyetseeforitself?"HsiJenreplied"anddoyoustillexpectmetotellyou?"
Whiletheyweredisputing,dowagerladyChiasentaservanttocallhimtohisrepast,andhethereuponcrossed
overtothefrontbutafterhehadhurriedlyswallowedafewbowlsofrice,hereturnedtohisownapartment,
wherehediscoveredHsiJenrecliningontheouterstovecouch,whileSheYehwasplayingwiththedominoes
byherside.PaoyhadbeeneverawareoftheintimacywhichexistedbetweenSheYehandHsiJen,sothat
payingnottheslightestnoticetoevenSheYeh,heraisedthesoftportiereandstraightwaywalkedallaloneinto
theinnerapartment.SheYehfeltconstrainedtofollowhimin,butPaoyatoncepushedherout,saying:"I
don'tventuretodisturbyoutwo"sothatSheYehhadnoalternativebuttoleavetheroomwithasmiling
countenance,andtobidtwoyoungwaitingmaidsgoin.Paoytookholdofabookandreadforaconsiderable
timeinarecliningpositionbutuponraisinghisheadtoaskforsometea,hecaughtsightofacoupleofwaiting
maids,standingbelowtheoneofwhom,slightlyolderthantheother,wasexceedinglywinsome.
"What'syourname?"Paoyeagerlyinquired.
"I'mcalledHuiHsiang,(orchidfragrance),"thatwaitingmaidrejoinedsimperingly.
"Whogaveyouthisname?"Paoywentontoask.

"IwentoriginallyunderthenameofYnHsiang(GumSandarac),"added
HuiHsiang,"butMissHuaitwaswhochangedit."
"YoushouldreallybecalledHuiCh'i,(latentfragrance),thatwouldbeproperandwhysuchstuffasHui
Hsiang,(orchidfragrance)?"
"Howmanysistershaveyougot?"hefurtherwentontoaskofher.
"Four,"repliedHuiHsiang.
"Whichofthemareyou?"Paoyasked.
"Thefourth,"answeredHuiHsiang.
"ByandbyyoumustbecalledSsuErh,(fourthchild),"Paoysuggested,"forthere'snoneedforanysuch
nonsenseasHuiHsiang(orchidfragrance)orLanCh'i(epidendrumperfume.)Whichsinglegirldeservestobe
comparedtoalltheseflowers,withoutprofaningprettynamesandfinesurnames!"
Asheutteredthesewords,hebadehergivehimsometea,whichhedrankwhileHsiJenandSheYeh,who
wereintheouterapartment,hadbeenlisteningforalongtimeandlaughingwithcompressedlips.
Paoydidnot,onthisday,somuchasputhisfootoutsidethedoorofhisroom,butsatallalonesadand
dejected,simplytakinguphisbooks,inordertodispelhismelancholyfit,ordivertinghimselfwithhiswriting
materialswhilehedidnotevenavailhimselfoftheservicesofanyofthefamilyservants,butsimplybadeSsu
Erhanswerhiscalls.
ThisSsuErhwas,whowouldhavethoughtit,agirlgiftedwithmatchlessartfulness,andperceivingthatPaoy
hadrequisitionedherservices,shespeedilybegantodeviseextremewaysandmeanstoinveiglehim.When
eveningcame,anddinnerwasover,Paoy'seyeswerescorchinghotandhisearsburningfromtheeffectsof
twocupsofwinethathehadtaken.Haditbeeninpastdays,hewouldhavenowhadHsiJenandher
companionswithhim,andwithalltheirgoodcheerandlaughter,hewouldhavebeenenjoyinghimself.But
herewashe,onthisoccasion,dullandforlorn,asolitarybeing,gazingatthelampwithanabsolutelackof
pleasure.Byandbyhefeltacertainwishtogoafterthem,butdreadingthatiftheycarriedtheirpoint,they
would,inthefuture,comeandtenderadvicestillmoreimmoderate,andthat,werehetoputontheairsofa
superiortointimidatethem,hewouldappeartobetoodeeplydevoidofallfeeling,hetherefore,needlesstosay,
thwartedthewishofhisheart,andtreatedthemjustasiftheyweredead.Andasanywayhewasconstrained
alsotolive,alonethoughhewas,hereadilylookeduponthem,forthetimebeingasdeparted,anddidnotworry
hismindintheleastontheiraccount.Onthecontrary,hewasabletofeelhappyandcontentedwithhisown
society.HenceitwasthatbiddingSsuErhtrimthecandlesandbrewthetea,hehimselfperusedforatimethe
"NanHuaChing,"anduponreachingtheprecept:"Onthieves,"givenonsomeadditionalpages,theburdenof
whichwas:"Thereforebyexterminatingintuitivewisdom,andbydiscardingknowledge,highwayrobberswill
ceasetoexist,andbytakingoffthejadeandbyputtingawaythepearls,pilfererswillnotspringtoexistenceby
burningtheslipsandbybreakinguptheseals,bysmashingthemeasures,andsnappingthescales,theresultwill
bethatthepeoplewillnotwranglebyabrogating,totheutmostdegree,wiserulesundertheheavens,the
peoplewill,atlength,beabletotakepartindeliberation.Byputtingtoconfusionthemusicalscale,and
destroyingfifesandlutes,bydeafeningtheearsoftheblindKuang,then,atlast,willthehumanraceinthe
worldconstrainhissenseofhearing.Byextinguishingliterarycompositions,bydispersingthefivecoloursand
bystickingtheeyesofLiChu,then,atlength,mankindunderthewholesky,willrestraintheperceptionofhis
eyes.Bydestroyingandeliminatingthehooksandlines,bydiscardingthecompassesandsquares,andby
amputatingKungChui'sfingers,thehumanracewillultimatelysucceedinconstraininghisingenuity,"his
highspirits,onperusalofthispassage,weresoexultantthattakingadvantageoftheexuberancecausedbythe
wine,hepickeduphispen,forhecouldnotrepresshimself,andcontinuedthetextinthiswise:"Byburningthe
flower,(HuaHsiJen)anddispersingthemusk,(SheYeh),theconsequencewillbethattheinmatesofthe
innerchamberswill,eventually,keepadvicetothemselves.ByobliteratingPaoch'ai'ssupernaturalbeauty,by
reducingtoashesTaiy'sspiritualperception,andbydestroyingandextinguishingmyaffectionatepreferences,

thebeautifulintheinnerchambersaswellastheplainwillthen,atlength,beputonthesamefooting.Andas
theywillkeepadvicetothemselves,therewillbenofearofanydisagreement.Byobliteratinghersupernatural
beauty,Ishallthenhavenoincentiveforanyviolentaffectionbydissolvingherspiritualperception,Iwillhave
nofeelingswithwhichtofosterthememoryofhertalents.Thehairpin,jade,flowerandmusk(Paoch'ai,Tai
y,HsiJenandSheYeh)doeachandallspreadouttheirsnaresanddigmines,andthussucceedininveigling
andentrappingeveryoneintheworld."
Attheconclusionofthisannex,heflungthepenaway,andlayhimselfdowntosleep.Hisheadhadbarely
reachedthepillowbeforeheatoncefellfastasleep,remainingthewholenightlongperfectlyunconsciousof
everythingstraightuptothebreakofday,whenuponwakingandturninghimselfround,he,ataglance,caught
sightofnooneelsethanHsiJen,sleepinginherclothesoverthecoverlet.
Paoyhadalreadybanishedfromhismindeverythoughtofwhathadtranspiredthepreviousday,sothat
forthwithgivingHsiJenapush:"Getup!"hesaid,"andbecarefulwhereyousleep,asyoumaycatchcold."
ThefactisthatHsiJenwasawarethathewas,withoutregardtodayornight,everuptomischiefwithhis
femalecousinsbutpresumingthatifsheearnestlycalledhimtoaccount,hewouldnotmendhisways,shehad,
forthisreason,hadrecoursetotenderlanguagetoexhorthim,inthehopethat,inashortwhile,hewouldcome
roundagaintohisbetterself.ButagainstallherexpectationsPaoyhad,afterthelapseofawholedayand
night,notchangedtheleastinhismanner,andasshereallywasinherheartquiteatalosswhattodo,shefailed
tofindthroughoutthewholenightanypropersleep.Butwhenonthisday,sheunexpectedlyperceivedPaoy
inthismood,sheflatteredherselfthathehadmadeuphismindtoeffectachange,andreadilythoughtitbest
nottonoticehim.Paoy,seeingthatshemadenoreply,forthwithstretchedouthishandandundidherjacket
buthehadjustunclaspedthebutton,whenhisarmwaspushedawaybyHsiJen,whoagainmadeitfastherself.
Paoywassomuchathiswit'sendsthathehadnoalternativebuttotakeherhandandsmilinglyask:"What's
thematterwithyou,afterall,thatI'vehadtoaskyousomethingtimeaftertime?"
HsiJenopenedhereyeswide."There'snothingreallythematterwithme!"sheobserved"butasyou'reawake,
yousurelyhadbetterbegoingoverintotheoppositeroomtocombyourhairandwashforifyoudillydally
anylonger,youwon'tbeintime."
"WhereshallIgooverto?"Paoyinquired.
HsiJengaveasarcasticgrin."Doyouaskme?"sherejoined"doIknow?you'reatperfectlibertytogoover
whereveryoulikefromthisdayforthyouandImustpartcompanysoastoavoidfightinglikecocksor
brawlinglikegeese,totheamusementofthirdparties.Indeed,whenyougetsurfeitedonthatside,youcome
overtothis,wherethereare,afterall,suchgirlsasFoursandFives(SsuErhandWuErh)todanceattendance
uponyou.Butsuchkindofthingsasourselvesuselesslydefilefinenamesandfinesurnames."
"Doyoustillrememberthistoday!"Paoyaskedwithasmirk.
"HundredyearshenceIshallstillbearitinmind,"HsiJenprotested"I'mnotlikeyou,whotreatmywordsasso
muchwindblowingbythesideofyourears,thatwhatI'vesaidatnight,you'veforgottenearlyinthemorning."
Paoyperceivingwhataseductivethoughangryairpervadedherfacefounditdifficulttorepresshisfeelings,
andspeedilytakingup,fromthesideofthepillow,ahairpinmadeofjade,hedasheditdownbreakingitinto
twoexclaiming:"IfIagaindon'tlistentoyourwords,mayIfarelikethishairpin."
HsiJenimmediatelypickedupthehairpin,assheremarked:"What'supwithyouatthisearlyhourofthe
morning?Whetheryoulistenornotisofnoconsequenceandisitworthwhilethatyoushouldbehaveasyou
do?"
"Howcanyouknow,"Paoyanswered,"theanguishinmyheart!"

"Doyoualsoknowwhatanguishmeans?"HsiJenobservedlaughing"ifyoudo,thenyoucanjudgewhatthe
stateofmyheartis!Butbequickandgetup,andwashyourfaceandbeoff!"
Asshespoke,theybothgotoutofbedandperformedtheirtoilettebutafterPaoyhadgonetothedrawing
rooms,andatamomentleastexpectedbyanyone,Taiywalkedintohisapartment.NoticingthatPaoywas
notin,shewasfumblingwiththebooksonthetableandexaminingthem,when,asluckwouldhaveit,she
turneduptheChuangTzuofthepreviousday.UponperusingthepassagetaggedonbyPaoy,shecouldnot
helpfeelingbothincensedandamused.Norcouldsherestrainherselffromtakingupthepenandappendinga
stanzatothiseffect:
Whoisthatman,whoofhispen,withoutgoodrhyme,madeuse,
AtoilsometasktodointotheChuangtzutexttosteal,
Whofortheknowledgehedothlacknosenseofshamedothfeel,
Butlanguagevileandfoulemploysthirdpartiestoabuse?
Attheconclusionofwhatshehadtowrite,shetoocameintothedrawingroombutafterpayingherrespectsto
dowagerladyChia,shewalkedovertomadameWang'squarters.
Contrarytoeverybody'sexpectations,ladyFeng'sdaughter,TaChiehErh,hadfallenill,andagreatfusswas
justgoingonasthedoctorhadbeensentfortodiagnoseherailment.
"Mycongratulationstoyou,ladies,"thedoctorexplained"thisyoungladyhasfever,asshehassmallpox
indeedit'snoothercomplaint!"
AssoonasmadameWangandladyFengheardthetidings,theylostnotimeinsendingroundtoascertain
whethershewasgettingonallrightornot,andthedoctorreplied:"Thesymptomsare,itistrue,serious,but
favourablebutthoughafterallimportingnodanger,it'snecessarytogetreadythesilkwormsandpigs'tails."
WhenladyFengreceivedthisreport,she,thereandthen,hastenedtomakethenecessarypreparations,and
whileshehadtheroomssweptandoblationsofferedtothegoddessofsmallpox,she,atthesametime,
transmittedorderstoherhouseholdtoavoidviandsfriedorroastedinfat,orothersuchheatingthingsandalso
badeP'ingErhgetreadythebeddingandclothesforChiaLieninaseparateroom,andtakingpiecesofdeepred
cottonmaterial,shedistributedthemtothenurses,waitingmaidsandalltheservants,whowereinclose
attendance,tocutoutclothesforthemselves.Andhavinghadlikewisesomeapartmentsoutsidesweptclean,she
detainedtwodoctorstoalternatelydeliberateonthetreatment,feelthepulseandadministerthemedicinesand
fortwelvedays,theywerenotatlibertytoreturntotheirhomeswhileChiaLienhadnohelpbuttomovehis
quarterstemporarilyintotheouterlibrary,andladyFengandP'ingErhremainedbothindailyattendanceupon
madameWanginherdevotionstothegoddess.
ChiaLien,nowthathewasseparatedfromladyFeng,soonfeltdisposedtolookroundforaflame.Hehadonly
sleptaloneforacoupleofnights,butthesenightshadbeensointenselyintolerablethathehadnooptionthanto
choose,forthetimebeing,fromamongtheyoungpages,thosewhowereofhandsomeappearance,andbring
themovertorelievehismonotony.IntheJungKuomansion,therewas,ithappened,acook,amostuseless,
goodfornothingdrunkard,whosenamewasToKuan,inwhompeoplerecognisedaninfirmandauseless
husbandsothattheyalldubbedhimwiththenameofToHunCh'ung,thestupidwormTo.Asthewifegivento
himinmarriagebyhisfatherandmotherwasthisyearjusttwenty,andpossessedfurtherseveraltraitsofbeauty,
andwasalsonaturallyofaflightyandfrivolousdisposition,shehadanextremepenchantforviolentflirtations.
ButToHunch'ung,ontheotherhand,didnotconcernhimself(withherdeportment),andaslongashehad
wine,meatandmoneyhepaidnoheedwhatevertoanything.Andforthisreasonitwasthatallthemeninthe
twomansionsofNingandJunghadbeensuccessfulintheirattentionsandasthiswomanwasexceptionally
fascinatingandincomparablygiddy,shewasgenerallyknownbyallbythenameToKuNing(MissTo).
ChiaLien,nowthathehadhisquartersoutside,chafedunderthepangsofirksomeennui,yethetoo,indays
goneby,hadsethiseyesuponthiswoman,andhadforlong,wateredinthemouthwithadmirationbutas,
inside,hefearedhiswinsomewife,andoutside,hedreadedhisbelovedlads,hehadnotmadeanyadvances.But

thisToKuNianghadlikewisealikingforChiaLien,andwasfullofresentmentattheabsenceofafavourable
opportunitybutshehadrecentlycometohearthatChiaLienhadshiftedhisquartersintotheouterlibrary,and
herwontwas,evenintheabsenceofanylegitimatepurpose,togooverthreeandfourtimestoenticehimon
butthoughChiaLienwas,ineveryrespect,likearatsmittenwithhunger,hecouldnotdispensewithholding
consultationwiththeyoungfriendswhoenjoyedhisconfidenceandashestruckabargainwiththemforalarge
amountofmoneyandsilks,howcouldtheyevernothavecometoterms(withhimtospeakonhisbehalf)?
Besides,theywerealloldfriendsofthiswoman,sothat,assoonastheyconveyedtheproposal,shewillingly
acceptedit.WhennightcameToHunCh'ungwaslyingonthecouchinastateofdrunkenness,andatthe
secondwatch,wheneveryonewasquiet,ChiaLienatonceslippedin,andtheyhadtheirassignation.Assoon
ashegazeduponherface,helostcontroloverhissenses,andwithoutevenonewordofordinarygreetingor
commonplaceremark,theyforthwith,ferventlyindulgedinamostendearingttette.
Thiswomanpossessed,whocouldhavethoughtit,astrangenaturalcharmfor,assoonasanyoneofherlovers
camewithinanyclosedistanceofher,hespeedilycouldnotbutnoticethatherverytendonsandbones
mollified,paralysedlikefromfeeling,sothathiswasthesensationofbaskinginasoftboweroflove.Whatis
more,herdemonstrativewaysandfreeandeasytalkputeventhoseofaborncoquettetoshame,withtheresult
thatwhileChiaLien,atthistime,longedtobecomeheartandsoulonewithher,thewomandesignedlyindulged
inimmodestinnuendoes.
"Yourdaughterisathome,"sheinsinuatedinherrecumbentposition,"illwiththesmallpox,andprayersare
beingofferedtothegoddessandyourdutytooshouldbetoabstainfromloveaffairsforacoupleofdays,but
onthecontrary,byflirtingwithme,you'vecontaminatedyourself!but,you'dbetterbeoffatoncefromme
here!"
"You'remygoddess!"gaspinglyprotestedChiaLien,ashegavewaytodemonstrativeness"whatdoIcare
aboutanyothergoddess!"
Thewomanbegantobestillmoreindelicateinhermanner,sothatChiaLiencouldnotrefrainhimselffrom
makingafullexhibitionofhiswarmsentiments.Whentheirttettehadcometoaclose,theybothwenton
againtovowbythemountainsandswearbytheseas,andthoughtheyfounditdifficulttopartcompanyand
hardtotearthemselvesaway,they,induecourse,became,afterthisoccasion,mutualswornfriends.Butbya
certaindaythevirusinTaChieh'ssystemhadbecomeexhausted,andthespotssubsided,andattheexpiryof
twelvedaysthegoddesswasremoved,andthewholehouseholdofferedsacrificestoheaven,worshippedthe
ancestors,paidtheirvows,burntincense,exchangedcongratulations,anddistributedpresents.Andthese
formalitiesobserved,ChiaLienoncemoremovedbackintohisownbedroomandwasreunitedwithladyFeng.
Theproverbisindeedtruewhichsays:"Thatanewmarriageisnotequaltoalongseparation,"forthereensued
betweenthemdemonstrationsoflovingaffectionstillmorenumerousthanheretofore,towhichweneednot,of
course,referwithanyminuteness.
Thenextday,atanearlyhour,afterladyFenghadgoneintotheupperrooms,P'ingErhsettoworktoputin
ordertheclothesandbedding,whichhadbeenbroughtfromoutside,when,contrarytoherexpectation,atress
ofhairfelloutfrominsidethepillowcase,asshewasintentuponshakingit.P'ingErhunderstooditsimport,
andtakingatoncethehair,sheconcealeditinhersleeve,andthereandthencameoverintotheroomonthis
side,wheresheproducedthehair,andsmirkinglyaskedChiaLien,"What'sthis?"
ChiaLien,atthesightofit,lostnotimeinmakingasnatchwiththeideaofdeprivingherofitandwhenP'ing
Erhspeedilyendeavouredtorunaway,shewasclutchedbyChiaLien,whoputherdownonthestovecouch,
andcameuptotakeitfromherhand.
"Youheartlessfellow!"P'ingErhlaughinglyexclaimed,"Iconcealthis,witheverygoodpurpose,fromher
knowledge,andcometoaskyouaboutit,andyou,onthecontrary,flyintoarage!Butwaittillshecomesback,
andI'lltellher,andwe'llseewhatwillhappen."
Atthesewords,ChiaLienhastilyforcedasmile."Deargirl!"heentreated,"giveittome,andIwon'tventure
againtoflyintoapassion."

Buthardlywasthisremarkfinished,whentheyheardthevoiceoflady
Fengpenetrateintotheroom.AssoonasitreachedtheearofChia
Lien,hewasatalosswhetheritwasbettertolethergoortosnatch
itaway,andkeptonshouting,"Mydeargirl!don'tletherknow."
P'ingErhatoncerosetoherfeetbutladyFenghadalreadyenteredtheroomandshewentontobidP'ingErh
bequickandopenaboxandfindapatternformadameWang.P'ingErhexpressedherobediencewithalacrity
butwhileinsearchofit,ladyFengcaughtsightofChiaLienandsuddenlyrememberingsomething,she
hastenedtoaskP'ingErhaboutit.
"Theotherday,"sheobserved,"somethingsweretakenout,andhaveyoubroughtthemallinornot?"
"Ihave!"P'ingErhassented.
"Isthereanythingshortornot?"ladyFenginquired.
"I'vecarefullylookedatthem,"P'ingErhadded,"andhaven'tfoundevenonesinglethingshort."
"Isthereanythinginexcess?"ladyFengwentontoascertain.
P'ingErhlaughed."It'senough,"sherejoined,"thatthere'snothingshortandhowcouldtherereallyturnoutto
beanythingoverandabove?"
"Thatthishalfmonth,"ladyFengcontinuedstillsmiling,"thingshavegoneonimmaculatelyitwouldbehardto
vouchforsomeintimatefriendtheremayhavebeen,whopossiblyhasleftsomethingbehind,intheshapeofa
ring,handkerchieforothersuchobject,there'snosayingforcertain!"
Whilethesewordswerebeingspoken,ChiaLien'sfaceturnedperfectlysallow,and,ashestoodbehindlady
Feng,hewasintentupongazingatP'ingErh,makingsignstoher(thathewasgoing)tocutherthroatasa
chickeniskilled,(threateninghernottoutterasound)andentreatinghertoscreenhimbutP'ingErhpretended
nottonoticehim,andconsequentlyobservedsmiling:"Howisitthatmyideasshouldcoincidewiththoseof
yours,myladyandasIsuspectedthattheremayhavebeensomethingofthekind,Icarefullysearchedallover,
butIdidn'tfindevensomuchastheslightestthingwrongandifyoudon'tbelieveme,mylady,youcansearch
foryourownself."
"Youfool!"ladyFenglaughed,"hadheanythingsofthesort,wouldhebelikelytoletyouandIdiscover
them!"
Withthesewordsstillonherlips,shetookthepatternsandwentherwaywhereuponP'ingErhpointedather
nose,andshookherheadtoandfro."Inthismatter,"shesmiled,"howmuchyoushouldbegratefultome!"A
remarkwhichsodelightedChiaLienthathiseyebrowsdistended,andhiseyessmiled,andrunningover,he
claspedherinhisembrace,andcalledherpromiscuously:"Mydarling,mypet,myowntreasure!"
"This,"observedP'ingErh,withthetressinherhand,"willbemysourceofpower,duringallmylifetime!if
youtreatmekindly,thenwellandgood!butifyoubehaveunkindly,thenwe'llatonceproducethisthing!"
"Doputitaway,please,"ChiaLienentreatedsmirkingly,"anddon't,onananyaccount,letherknowaboutit!"
andasheutteredthesewords,henoticedthatshewasoffherguard,and,withasnatch,readilygrabbedit
addinglaughingly:"Inyourhands,itwouldbeasourceofwoe,sothatit'sbetterthatIshouldburnit,andhave
donewithit!"Sayingthishesimultaneouslyshoveditdownthesidesofhisboot,whileP'ingErhshoutedasshe
setherteethclose:"Youwickedman!youcrosstheriverandthendemolishthebridge!butdoyouimaginethat
I'llbyandbyagaintellliesonyourbehalf!"
ChiaLienperceivinghowheartstirringherseductivecharmswere,forthwithclaspedherinhisarms,and
beggedhertobehisbutP'ingErhsnatchedherhandsoutofhisgraspandranawayoutoftheroomwhichso

exasperatedChiaLienthatashebenthisbody,heexclaimed,fullofindignation:"Whatadreadfulniggardly
youngwench!sheactuallysetshermindtostiruppeople'saffectionswithherwantonblandishments,andthen,
afterall,sherunsaway!"
"IfIbewanton,it'smyownlookout"P'ingErhanswered,fromoutsidethewindow,withagrin,"andwhotold
youtoarouseyouraffections?Doyouforsoothmeantoimplythatmywishistobecomeyourtool?Anddidshe
cometoknowaboutitwouldsheagaineverforgiveme?"
"Youneedn'tdreadher!"ChiaLienurged"waittillmymonkeyisup,andI'lltakethisjealouswoman,andbeat
hertoatomsandshe'llthenknowwhatstuffI'mmadeof.Shewatchesmejustasshewouldwatchathief!and
she'sonlytohobnobwithmen,andI'mnottosayawordtoanygirl!andifIdosayaughttoagirl,orget
anywherenearone,shemustatoncegivewaytosuspicion.Butwithnoregardtoyoungerbrothersornephews,
toyoungandold,sheprattlesandgiggleswiththem,anddoesn'tentertainanyfearthatImaybejealousbut
henceforwardItoowon'tallowhertoseteyesuponanyman."
"Ifshebejealous,there'severyreason,"P'ingErhanswered,"butforyoutobejealousonheraccountisn'tright.
Herconductisreallystraightforward,andherdeportmentupright,butyourconductisactuatedbyanevilheart,
somuchsothatevenIdon'tfeelmyheartatease,nottosayanythingofher."
"Youtwo,"continuedChiaLien,"haveamouthfullofmaliciousbreath!Everythingthecoupleofyoudois
invariablyproper,whilewhateverIdoisallfromanevilheart!ButsometimeorotherIshallbringyoubothto
yourendwithmyownhands!"
Thissentencewasscarcelyatanend,whenladyFengwalkedintothecourt."Ifyou'rebentuponchatting,"she
urgentlyinquired,uponseeingP'ingErhoutsidethewindow,"whydon'tyougointotheroom?andwhatdoyou
mean,instead,byrunningout,andspeakingwiththewindowbetween?"
ChiaLienfrominsidetookupthestringoftheconversation."Youshouldaskher,"hesaid."Itwouldverily
seemasiftherewereatigerintheroomtoeatherup."
"There'snotasinglepersonintheroom,"P'ingErhrejoined,"andwhatshallIstayanddowithhim?"
"It'sjusttheproperthingthatthereshouldbenooneelse!Isn'tit?"ladyFengremarkedgrinningsarcastically.
"Dothesewordsalludetome?"P'ingErhhastilyasked,assoonasshehadheardwhatshesaid.
LadyFengforthwithlaughed."Iftheydon'talludetoyou,"shecontinued,"towhomdothey?"
"Don'tpressmetocomeoutwithsomenicethings!"P'ingErhinsinuated,and,asshespoke,shedidnoteven
raisetheportiere(forladyFengtoenter),butstraightwaybetookherselftotheoppositeside.
LadyFengliftedtheportierewithherownhands,andwalkedintotheroom."ThatgirlP'ingErh,"she
exclaimed,"hasgonemad,andifthishusseydoesinrealearnestwishtotryandgettheupperhandofme,it
wouldbewellforyoutomindyourskin."
ChiaLienlistenedtoher,ashekeptrecliningonthecouch."Ineverintheleastknew,"heventured,clappinghis
handsandlaughing,"thatP'ingErhwassodreadfulandImust,afterall,fromhenceforthlookuptoherwith
respect!"
"It'sallthroughyourhumouringher,"ladyFengrejoined"soI'llsimplysettlescoreswithyouandfinishwith
it."
"Ts'ui!"ejaculatedChiaLienatthesewords,"becauseyoutwocan'tagree,mustyouagainmakeascapegoatof
me!Wellthen,I'llgetoutofthewayofbothofyou!"
"I'llseewhereyou'llgoandhide,"ladyFengobserved.

"I'vegotsomewheretogo!"ChiaLienaddedandwiththesewords,hewasabouttogo,whenladyFengurged:
"Don'tbeoff!Ihavesomethingtotellyou."
Whatitis,isnotyetknown,but,reader,listentotheaccountgiveninthenextchapter.

CHAPTERXXII.
Uponhearingthetextofthestanza,PaoycomprehendstheBuddhistic
spells.
Whiletheenigmasforthelanternsarebeingdevised,ChiaChengis
grievedbyaprognostic.
ChiaLien,forwemustnowprosecuteourstory,uponhearingladyFengobservethatshehadsomethingto
consultaboutwithhim,feltconstrainedtohaltandtoinquirewhatitwasabout.
"Onthe21st,"ladyFengexplained,"iscousinHseh'sbirthday,andwhatdoyou,afterall,purposedoing?"
"DoIknowwhattodo?"exclaimedChiaLien"youhavemade,timeandagain,arrangementsforeversomany
birthdaysofgrownuppeople,anddoyou,really,findyourselfonthisoccasionwithoutanyresources?"
"Birthdaysofgrownuppeoplearesubjecttoprescribedrules,"ladyFengexpostulated"butherpresent
birthdayisneitheroneofanadultnorthatofaninfant,andthat'swhyIwouldliketodeliberatewithyou!"
ChiaLienuponhearingthisremark,loweredhisheadandgavehimselftoprotractedreflection."You'reindeed
growndull!"hecried"whyyou'veaprecedentreadyathandtosuityourcase!CousinLin'sbirthdayaffordsa
precedent,andwhatyoudidinformeryearsforcousinLin,youcaninthisinstancelikewisedoforcousin
Hseh,anditwillbeallright."
AtthesewordsladyFenggaveasarcasticsmile."Doyou,pray,meantoinsinuate,"sheadded,"thatI'mnot
awareofeventhis!Itoohadpreviouslycome,aftersomethought,tothisconclusionbutoldladyChia
explained,inmyhearingyesterday,thathavingmadeinquiriesaboutalltheiragesandtheirbirthdays,shelearnt
thatcousinHsehwouldthisyearbefifteen,andthatthoughthiswasnotthebirthday,whichmadeherofage,
shecouldanyhowwellberegardedasbeingonthedawnoftheyear,inwhichshewouldgatherupherhair,so
thatourdowagerladyenjoinedthatheranniversaryshould,asamatterofcourse,becelebrated,unlikethatof
cousinLin."
"Well,inthatcase,"ChiaLiensuggested,"youhadbettermakeafewadditionstowhatwasdoneforcousin
Lin!"
"That'swhatItooamthinkingof,"ladyFengreplied,"andthat'swhyI'maskingyourviewsforwereI,onmy
ownhook,toaddanythingyouwouldagainfeelhurtformynothaveexplainedthingstoyou."
"Thatwilldo,thatwilldo!"ChiaLienrejoinedlaughing,"noneoftheseshamattentionsforme!Solongasyou
don'tpryintomydoingsitwillbeenoughandwillIgosofarastobearyouagrudge?"
Withthesewordsstillinhismouth,heforthwithwentoff.ButleavinghimaloneweshallnowreturntoShih
Hsiangyn.Afterastayofacoupleofdays,herintentionwastogoback,butdowagerladyChiasaid:"Wait
untilafteryouhaveseenthetheatricalperformance,whenyoucanreturnhome."

Atthisproposal,ShihHsiangynfeltconstrainedtoremain,butshe,atthesametime,despatchedaservantto
herhometofetchtwopiecesofneedlework,whichshehadinformerdaysworkedwithherownhands,fora
birthdaypresentforPaoch'ai.
ContrarytoallexpectationsoldladyChiahad,sincethearrivalofPaoch'ai,takenquiteafancytoher,forher
sedatenessandgoodnature,andasthishappenedtobethefirstbirthdaywhichshewasabouttocelebrate(inthe
family)sheherselfreadilycontributedtwentytaelswhich,aftersendingforladyFeng,shehandedovertoher,
tomakearrangementsforabanquetandperformance.
"Avenerableseniorlikeyourself,"ladyFengthereuponsmiledandventured,withaviewtoenhancinghergood
cheer,"isatlibertytocelebratethebirthdayofachildinanywayagreeabletoyou,withoutanyonepresuming
toraiseanyobjectionbutwhat'stheuseagainofgivingabanquet?Butsinceitbeyourgoodpleasureandyour
purposetohaveitcelebratedwithclat,youcould,needlesstosay,yourownselfhavespentseveraltaelsfrom
theprivatefundsinthatoldtreasuryofyours!Butyounowproducethosetwentytaels,spoiledbydampand
mould,toplaythehostesswith,withtheviewindeedofcompellingustosupplywhat'swanted!Buthadn'tyou
reallybeenabletocontributeanymore,noonewouldhaveawordtosaybutthegoldandsilver,roundaswell
asflat,havewiththeirheavyweightpresseddownthebottomofthebox!andyoursoleobjectistoharassus
andtoextortfromus.Butraiseyoureyesandlookaboutyouwhoisn'tyourvenerableladyship'ssonand
daughter?andisitlikely,pray,thatinthefuturetherewillonlybecousinPaoytocarryyou,ouroldlady,on
hishead,uptheWuT'aiShan?Youmaykeepallthesethingsforhimalone!butthoughwemayn'tatpresent,
deservethatanythingshouldbespentuponus,youshouldn'tgosofarastoplaceusinanyperplexities(by
compellingustosubscribe).Andisthisnowenoughforwines,andenoughforthetheatricals?"
Asshebandiedthesewords,everyoneinthewholeroomburstoutlaughing,andevendowagerladyChiabroke
outinlaughterwhilesheobserved:"Doyoulistentothatmouth?Imyselfamlookeduponashavingthegiftof
thegab,butwhyisitthatIcan'ttalkinsuchawiseastoputdownthismonkey?Yourmotherinlawherself
doesn'tdaretobesooverbearinginherspeechandhereyouarejabber,jabberwithme!"
"Mymotherinlaw,"explainedladyFeng,"isalsoasfondofPaoyasyouare,somuchsothatIhaven't
anywhereIcouldgoandgiveventtomygrievancesandinsteadof(showingmesomeregard)yousaythatI'm
overbearinginmyspeech!"
Withthesewords,sheagainenticeddowagerladyChiatolaughforawhile.Theoldladycontinuedinthe
highestofspirits,and,wheneveningcame,andtheyallappearedinherpresencetopaytheirobeisance,her
ladyshipmadeitapoint,whilethewholecompanyofladiesandyoungladieswereengagedinchatting,to
ascertainofPaoch'aiwhatplayshelikedtohear,andwhatthingsshefanciedtoeat.
Paoch'aiwaswellawarethatdowagerladyChia,wellupinyearsthoughshewas,delightedinsensational
performances,andwaspartialtosweetandtenderviands,sothatshereadilydeferred,ineveryrespect,tothose
things,whichweretothetasteofherladyship,andenumeratedawholenumberofthem,whichmadetheold
ladybecomethemoreexuberant.Andthenextday,shewasthefirsttosendoverclothes,nicknacksandsuch
presents,whilemadameWangandladyFeng,Taiyandtheothergirls,aswellasthewholenumberofinmates
hadallpresentsforher,regulatedbytheirdegreeofrelationship,towhichweneednotalludeindetail.
Whenthe21starrived,astageofanordinarykind,smallbutyethandy,wasimprovisedindowagerladyChia's
innercourt,andatroupeofyoungactors,whohadnewlymadetheirdbut,wasretainedforthenonce,among
whomwereboththosewhocouldsingtunes,slowaswellasfast.Inthedrawingroomsoftheoldladywere
thenlaidoutseveraltablesforafamilybanquetandentertainment,atwhichtherewasnotasingleoutsideguest
andwiththeexceptionofMrs.Hseh,ShihHsiangyn,andPaoch'ai,whowerevisitors,therestwereall
inmatesofherhousehold.
Onthisday,Paoyfailed,atanyearlyhour,toseeanythingofLinTaiy,andcomingatoncetoherroomsin
searchofher,hediscoveredherrecliningonthestovecouch."Getup,"Paoypressedherwithasmile,"and
comeandhavebreakfast,fortheplayswillcommenceshortlybutwhicheverplaysyouwouldliketolistento,
dotellmesothatImaybeabletochoosethem."

Taiysmiledsarcastically."Inthatcase,"sherejoined,"youhadbetterspeciallyengageatroupeandselect
thoseIlikesungformybenefitforonthisoccasionyoucan'tbesoimpertinentastomakeuseoftheirexpense
toaskmewhatIlike!"
"What'sthereimpossibleaboutthis?"Paoyansweredsmiling"well,tomorrowI'llreadilydoasyouwish,
andaskthemtootomakeuseofwhatisyoursandmine."
Ashepassedthisremark,hepulledherup,andtakingherhandinhisown,theywalkedoutoftheroomand
cameandhadbreakfast.Whenthetimearrivedtomakeaselectionoftheplays,dowagerladyChiaofherown
motionfirstaskedPaoch'aitomarkoffthoseshelikedandthoughforatimePaoch'aideclined,yieldingthe
choicetoothers,shehadnoalternativebuttodecide,fixinguponaplaycalled,"theRecordoftheWestern
Tour,"aplayofwhichtheoldladywasherselfveryfond.Nextinorder,shebadeladyFengchoose,andlady
Feng,had,afterall,inspiteofmadameWangrankingbeforeherinprecedence,toconsideroldladyChia's
request,andnottopresumetoshowobstinacybyanydisobedience.Butassheknewwellenoughthather
ladyshiphadapenchantforwhatwasexciting,andthatshewasstillmorepartialtojests,jokes,epigrams,and
buffoonery,shethereforehastenedtoprecede(madameWang)andtochooseaplay,whichwasinfactnoother
than"LiuErhpawnshisclothes."
DowagerladyChiawas,ofcourse,stillmoreelated.AndafterthisshespeedilywentontoaskTaiytochoose.
TaiylikewiseconcedinglyyieldedherturninfavourofmadameWangandtheotherseniors,tomaketheir
selectionsbeforeher,buttheoldladyexpostulated."Today,"shesaid,"isprimarilyanoccasion,onwhichI've
broughtallofyouhereforyourspecialrecreationandwehadbetterlookafterourownselvesandnotheed
them!ForhaveI,doyouimagine,gonetothetroubleofhavingaperformanceandlayingafeastfortheir
specialbenefit?they'realreadyreapingbenefitenoughbybeinginhere,listeningtotheplaysandpartakingof
thebanquet,whentheyhavenorighttoeitherandaretheytobepressedfurthertomakeachoiceofplays?"
Atthesewords,thewholecompanyhadaheartylaughafterwhich,Taiy,atlength,markedoffaplaynextin
orderfollowingPaoy,ShihHsiangyn,Yingch'un,T'anCh'un,HsiCh'un,widowLiWan,andtherest,each
andallofwhommadeachoiceofplays,whichweresunginthecostumesnecessaryforeach.Whenthetime
cametotaketheirplacesatthebanquet,dowagerladyChiabadePaoch'aimakeanotherselection,andPao
ch'aicastherchoiceupontheplay:"LuChihshen,inafitofdrunkennessstirsupadisturbanceuptheWuT'ai
mountain"whereuponPaoyinterposed,withtheremark:"Allyoufancyistochooseplaysofthiskind"to
whichPaoch'airejoined,"You'velistenedtoplaysalltheseyearstonoavail!Howcouldyouknowthebeauties
ofthisplay?thestageeffectisgrand,butwhatisstillbetteraretheaptandelegantpassagesinit."
"I'vealwayshadadreadofsuchsensationalplaysasthese!"Paoyretorted.
"Ifyoucallthisplaysensational,"Paoch'aismilinglyexpostulated,"wellthenyoumayfitlybelookeduponas
beingnoconnoisseurofplays.ButcomeoverandI'lltellyou.Thisplayconstitutesoneofasetofbooks,
entitledthe'PeiTienPengCh'un,'which,asfarasharmony,musicalrestsandcloses,andtunego,is,itgoes
withoutsaying,perfectbutthere'samongtheelegantcompositionsaballadentitled:'theParasiticPlant,'written
inamostexcellentstylebuthowcouldyouknowanythingaboutit?"
Paoy,uponhearingherspeakofsuchpointsofbeauty,hastilydrewneartoher."Mydearcousin,"he
entreated,"reciteitandletmehearit!"WhereuponPaoch'aiwentonasfollows:
MymanlytearsIwillnotwipeaway,
Butfromthisplace,thescholar'shome,I'llstray.
ThebonzeformercyIshallthankunderthelotusaltarshavemy
pate
WithYantobetheluckIlacksooninatwinkleweshallseparate,
AndneedyandforlornI'llcomeandgo,withnonetocareaboutmy
fate.
ThithershallIasuppliantbeforafogwrapperandrainhatmy
warrantIshallroll,

Andlistlesswithstrawshoesandbrokenbowl,wherevertoconvertmy
fatemaybe,I'llstroll.
AssoonasPaoyhadlistenedtoherrecital,hewassofullofenthusiasm,that,clappinghiskneeswithhis
hands,andshakinghishead,hegaveventtoincessantpraiseafterwhichhewentontoextolPaoch'ai,saying:
"There'snobookthatyoudon'tknow."
"Bequiet,andlistentotheplay,"LinTaiyurged"theyhaven'tyetsungaboutthemountaingate,andyou
alreadypretendtobemad!"
Atthesewords,Hsiangynalsolaughed.But,induecourse,thewholepartywatchedtheperformanceuntil
evening,whentheybrokeup.DowagerladyChiawassoverymuchtakenwiththeyoungactor,whoplayedthe
roleofalady,aswellaswiththeonewhoactedthebuffoon,thatshegaveordersthattheyshouldbebroughtin
and,asshelookedatthemclosely,shefeltsomuchthemoreinterestinthem,thatshewentontoinquirewhat
theirageswere.Andwhenthewouldbelady(replied)thathewasjusteleven,whilethewouldbebuffoon
(explained)thathewasjustnine,thewholecompanygaveventforatimetoexpressionsofsympathywiththeir
lotwhiledowagerladyChiabadeservantsbringafreshsupplyofmeatsandfruitsforbothofthem,andalso
gavethem,besidestheirwages,twotiaosasapresent.
"Thislad,"ladyFengobservedsmiling,"iswhendressedup(asagirl),alivinglikenessofacertainpersondid
younoticeitjustnow?"
Paoch'aiwasalsoawareofthefact,butshesimplynoddedherheadassentinglyanddidnotsaywhoitwas.
Paoylikewiseexpressedhisassentbyshakinghishead,buthetoodidnotpresumetospeakout.ShihHsiang
yn,however,readilytookuptheconversation."Heresembles,"sheinterposed,"cousinLin'sface!"Whenthis
remarkreachedPaoy'sear,hehastenedtocastanangryscowlatHsiangyn,andtomakeherasignwhile
thewholeparty,uponhearingwhathadbeensaid,indulgedincarefulandminutescrutinyof(thelad)andas
theyallbegantolaugh:"Theresemblanceisindeedstriking!"theyexclaimed.
Afterawhile,theypartedandwheneveningcameHsiangyndirected
Ts'uiLtopackupherclothes.
"What'sthehurry?"Ts'uiLasked."Therewillbeampletimetopackup,onthedayonwhichwego!"
"We'llgotomorrow,"Hsiangynrejoined"forwhat'stheuseofremaininghereanylongertolookat
people'smouthsandfaces?"
Paoy,atthesewords,lostnotimeinpressingforward.
"Mydearcousin,"heurged"you'rewronginbearingmeagrudge!MycousinLinisagirlsoverytouchy,that
thougheveryoneelsedistinctlyknew(oftheresemblance),theywouldn'tspeakoutandallbecausetheywere
afraidthatshewouldgetangrybutunexpectedlyoutyoucamewithit,atamomentwhenoffyourguardand
howevercouldn'tshebutfeelhurt?andit'sbecauseIwasindreadthatyouwouldgiveoffencetopeoplethatI
thenwinkedatyouandnowhereyouareangrywithmebutisn'tthatbeingungratefultome?Haditbeenany
oneelse,wouldIhavecaredwhethershehadgivenoffencetoevententhatwouldhavebeennoneofmy
business!"
Hsiangynwavedherhand:"Don't,"sheadded,"comeandtellmetheseflowerywordsandthisspecioustalk,
forIreallycan'tcomeuptoyourcousinLin.Ifotherspokefunather,theyalldosowithimpunity,whileifIsay
anything,Iatonceincurblame.ThefactisIshouldn'thavespokenofher,undeservingasIamandasshe'sthe
daughterofamaster,whileI'maslave,amereservantgirl,I'veheapedinsultuponher!"
"Andyet,"pleadedPaoy,fullofperplexity,"Ihaddoneitforyoursakeandthroughthis,I'vecomeinfor
reproach.ButifitwerewithanevilheartIdidso,mayIatoncebecomeashes,andbetrampleduponbyten
thousandsofpeople!"

"Inthisfelicitousfirstmonth,"Hsiangynremonstrated,"youshouldn'ttalksomuchrecklessnonsense!All
theseworthlessdespicableoaths,disjointedwords,andcorruptlanguage,goandtellforthebenefitofthose
meansortofpeople,whoineverythingtakepleasureinirritatingothers,andwhokeepyouundertheirthumb!
Butminddon'tdrivemetospitcontemptuouslyatyou."
Asshegaveutterancetothesewords,shebetookherselfintheinnerroomofdowagerladyChia'ssuiteof
apartments,whereshelaydowninhighdudgeon,and,asPaoywassoheavyatheart,hecouldnothelp
comingagaininsearchofTaiybutstrangetosay,assoonasheputhisfootinsidethedoorway,hewas
speedilyhustledoutofitbyTaiy,whoshutthedoorinhisface.
Paoywasoncemoreunabletofathomhermotives,andashestoodoutsidethewindow,hekeptoncallingout:
"Mydearcousin,"inalowtoneofvoicebutTaiypaidnottheslightestnoticetohimsothatPaoybecame
somelancholythathedroopedhishead,andwasplungedinsilence.AndthoughHsiJenhad,atanearlyhour,
cometoknowthecircumstances,shecouldnotverywellatthisjuncturetenderanyadvice.
PaoyremainedstandinginsuchavacantmoodthatTaiyimaginedthathehadgonebackbutwhenshe
cametoopenthedoorshecaughtsightofPaoystillwaitinginthereandasTaiydidnotfeeljustifiedto
againclosethedoor,Paoyconsequentlyfollowedherin.
"Everythinghas,"heobserved,"awhyandawhereforewhich,whenspokenout,don'tevengivepeoplepain
butyouwillrushintoarage,andallwithoutanyrhyme!buttowhatreallydoesitoweitsrise?"
"It'swellenough,afterall,foryoutoaskme,"Taiyrejoinedwithanindifferentsmile,"butImyselfdon't
knowwhy!ButamIheretoaffordyoupeopleamusementthatyouwillcomparemetoanactress,andmakethe
wholelothavealaughatme?"
"Ineverdidlikenyoutoanything,"Paoyprotested,"neitherdidIeverlaughatyou!andwhythenwillyouget
angrywithme?"
"Wasitnecessarythatyoushouldhavedonesomuchasmadethecomparison,"Taiyurged,"andwasthere
anyneedofevenanylaughterfromyou?why,thoughyoumayn'thavelikenedmetoanything,orhadalaughat
myexpense,youwere,yeamoredreadfulthanthosewhodidcompareme(toasinginggirl)andridiculedme!"
Paoycouldnotfindanythingwithwhichtorefutetheargumenthehadjustheard,andTaiywentontosay.
"Thisoffencecan,anyhow,becondonedbut,whatismore,whydidyoualsowinkatYnErh?Whatwasthis
ideawhichyouhadresolvedinyourmind?wasn'titperhapsthatifsheplayedwithme,shewouldbe
demeaningherself,andmakingherselfcheap?She'sthedaughterofadukeoramarquis,andweforsooththe
meanprogenyofapoorplebeianfamilysothat,hadshedivertedherselfwithme,wouldn'tshehaveexposed
herselftobeingdepreciated,hadI,perchance,saidanythinginretaliation?Thiswasyourideawasn'tit?But
thoughyourpurposewas,tobesure,honestenough,thatgirlwouldn't,however,receiveanyfavoursfromyou,
butgotangrywithyoujustasmuchasIdidandthoughshemademealsoatooltodoyouagoodturn,she,on
thecontrary,assertsthatI'mmeanbynatureandtakepleasureinirritatingpeopleineverything!andyouagain
wereafraidlestsheshouldhavehurtmyfeelings,but,hadIhadarowwithher,whatwouldthathavebeento
you?andhadshegivenmeanyoffence,whatconcernwouldthattoohavebeenofyours?"
WhenPaoyheardthesewords,heatoncebecamealivetothefactthatshetoohadlentaneartotheprivate
conversationhehadhadashortwhilebackwithHsiangyn:"Allbecauseofmy,fears,"hecarefullymused
withinhimself,"lestthesetwoshouldhaveamisunderstanding,Iwasinducedtocomebetweenthem,andactas
amediatorbutImyselfhave,contrarytomyhopes,incurredblameandabuseonbothsides!Thisjustaccords
withwhatIreadtheotherdayintheNanHuaChing.'Theingenioustoil,thewisearefullofcarethegoodfor
nothingseekfornothing,theyfeedonvegetables,androamwheretheylisttheywanderpurposelesslikeaboat
notmadefast!''Themountaintrees,'thetextgoesontosay,'leadtotheirowndevastationthespring(conduces)
toitsownplunderandsoon."Andthemorehethereforeindulgedinreflection,themoredepressedhefelt.
"Nowthereareonlythesefewgirls,"heproceededtoponderminutely,"andyet,I'munabletotreattheminsuch

awayastopromoteperfectharmonyandwhatwillIforsoothdobyandby(whentherewillbemoretodeal
with)!"
Whenhehadreachedthispointinhiscogitations,(hedecided)thatitwasreallyofnoavailtoagreewithher,so
thatturninground,hewasmakinghiswayallaloneintohisapartmentsbutLinTaiy,uponnoticingthathe
hadleftherside,readilyconcludedthatreflectionhadmarredhisspiritsandthathehadsothoroughlylosthis
temperastobegoingwithoutevengivingventtoasingleword,andshecouldnotrestrainherselffromfeeling
inwardlymoreandmoreirritated."Afteryou'vegonethistime,"shehastilyexclaimed,"don'tcomeagain,even
forawholelifetimeandIwon'thaveyoueithersomuchasspeaktome!"
Paoypaidnoheedtoher,butcamebacktohisrooms,andlayinghimselfdownonhisbed,hekepton
mutteringinastateofchagrinandthoughHsiJenknewfullwellthereasonsofhisdejection,shefoundit
difficulttosummonupcouragetosayanythingtohimatthemoment,andshehadnoalternativebuttotryand
distracthimbymeansofirrelevantmatters."Thetheatricalswhichyou'veseentoday,"sheconsequently
observedsmiling,"willagainleadtoperformancesforseveraldays,andMissPaoch'aiwill,I'msure,givea
returnfeast."
"Whethershegivesareturnfeastornot,"Paoyrejoinedwithanapatheticsmirk,"isnoconcernofmine!"
WhenHsiJenperceivedthetone,sounlikethatofotherdays,withwhichthesewordswerepronounced:
"What'sthisthatyou'resaying?"shethereforeremarkedasshegaveanothersmile."Inthispleasantand
propitiousfirstmoon,whenalltheladiesandyoungladiesareinhighglee,howisitthatyou'reagaininamood
ofthissort?"
"Whethertheladiesandmycousinsbeinhighspiritsornot,"Paoyrepliedforcingagrin,"isalsoperfectly
immaterialtome."
"Theyareall,"HsiJenadded,smilingly,"pleasantandagreeable,andwereyoualsoalittlepleasantand
agreeable,wouldn'titconducetotheenjoymentofthewholecompany?"
"Whataboutthewholecompany,andtheyandI?"Paoyurged."Theyallhavetheirmutualfriendshipswhile
I,poorfellow,allforlorn,havenonetocarearapforme."
Hisremarkshadreachedthisclause,wheninadvertentlythetearstrickleddownandHsiJenrealisingthestate
ofmindhewasin,didnotventuretosayanythingfurther.ButassoonasPaoyhadreflectedminutelyoverthe
senseandimportofthissentence,hecouldnotrefrainfromburstingforthintoaloudfitofcrying,and,turning
himselfround,hestoodup,and,drawingnearthetable,hetookupthepencil,andeagerlycomposedthese
enigmaticallines:
Ifthouwertmetotest,andIweretheetotest,
Ourheartswerewetotest,andourmindstotest,
Whennaughtmorethereremainsforustotest
Thatwillyeaverywellbecalledatest,
Andwhenthere'snaughttoput,wecouldsay,tothetest,
Wewillaplacesetuponwhichourfeettorest.
Afterhehadfinishedwriting,heagaingavewaytofearsthatthoughhehimselfcouldunfoldtheirmeaning,
others,whocametoperusetheselines,wouldnotbeabletofathomthem,andhealsowentonconsequentlyto
inditeanotherstanza,inimitationofthe"ParasiticPlant,"whichheinscribedatthecloseoftheenigmaand
whenhehadreaditoverasecondtime,hefelthisheartsofreeofallconcernthatforthwithhegotintohisbed,
andwenttosleep.
But,whowouldhavethoughtit,Taiy,uponseeingPaoytakehisdepartureinsuchanabruptmanner,
designedlymadeuseoftheexcusethatshewasbentuponfindingHsiJen,tocomeroundandseewhathewas
upto.

"He'sgonetosleeplongago!"HsiJenreplied.
Atthesewords,TaiyfeltinclinedtobetakeherselfbackatoncebutHsiJensmiledandsaid:"Pleasestop,
miss.Here'saslipofpaper,andseewhatthereisonit!"andspeedilytakingwhatPaoyhadwrittenashort
whileback,shehandeditovertoTaiytoexamine.Taiy,onperusal,discoveredthatPaoyhadcomposedit,
atthespurofthemoment,whenundertheinfluenceofresentmentandshecouldnothelpthinkingitbotha
matterofridiculeaswellasofregretbutshehastilyexplainedtoHsiJen:"Thisiswrittenforfun,andthere's
nothingofanyconsequenceinit!"andhavingconcludedthisremark,shereadilytookitalongwithhertoher
room,wheresheconneditoverincompanywithHsiangynhandingitalsothenextdaytoPaoch'aitoperuse.
TheburdenofwhatPaoch'aireadwas:
Inwhatwasnoconcernofmine,Ishouldtotheehavepaidnoheed,
ForwhileIhumourthis,thatonetopleaseIdon'tsucceed!
Actasthywishmaybe!go,comewhene'erthoulist'tisnaughtto
me.
Sorroworjoy,withoutlimitorbound,toindulgethouartfree!
Whatisthishazynotionaboutrelativesdistantorclose?
ForwhatpurposehaveIforallthesedaysrackedmyheartwithwoes?
EvenatthistimewhenIlookbackandthink,mymindnopleasure
knows.
Afterhavingfinisheditsperusal,shewentontoglanceattheBuddhisticstanza,andsmiling:"Thisbeing,"she
soliloquised"hasawakenedtoasenseofperceptionandallthroughmyfault,forit'sthatballadofmine
yesterdaywhichhasincitedthis!Butthesubtledevicesinalltheserationalisticbookshaveamosteasy
tendencytounsettlethenaturaldisposition,andiftomorrowhedoesactuallygetup,andtalkalotofinsane
trash,won'thishavingfosteredthisideaoweitsorigintothatballadofmineandshan'tIhavebecomethe
primeofallguiltypeople?"
Sayingthis,shepromptlytorethepaper,and,deliveringthepiecestotheservantgirls,shebadethemgoatonce
andburnthem.
"Youshouldn'thavetornit!"Taiyremonstratedlaughingly."ButwaitandI'llaskhimaboutit!socomealong
allofyou,andIvouchI'llmakehimabandonthatidioticframeofmindandthatdepravedlanguage."
Thethreeofthemcrossedover,inpointoffact,intoPaoy'sroom,andTaiywasthefirsttosmileand
observe."Paoy,mayIaskyousomething?Whatismostvaluableisapreciousthingandwhatismostfirmis
jade,butwhatvaluedoyoupossessandwhatfirmnessisinnateinyou?"
ButasPaoycouldnot,sayanythingbywayofreply,twoofthemremarkedsneeringly:"Withallthisdoltish
bluntnessofhiswillheafterallabsorbhimselfinabstraction?"WhileHsiangynalsoclappedherhandsand
laughed,"CousinPaohasbeendiscomfited."
"Thelatterpartofthatapothegmofyours,"Taiycontinued,"says:
"Wewouldthenfindsomeplaceonwhichourfeettorest.
"Whichiscertainlygoodbutinmyview,itsexcellenceisnotasyetcomplete!andIshouldstilltagontwo
linesatitsclose"assheproceededtorecite:
"Ifwedonotsetupsomeplaceonwhichourfeettorest,
Forpeaceandfreedomthenitwillbebest."
"Thereshould,inverytruth,bethisadjuncttomakeitthoroughlyexplicit!"Paoch'aiadded."Indaysofyore,
thesixthfounderoftheSouthernsect,HuiNeng,came,whenhewentfirstinsearchofhispatron,intheShao
Choudistrictanduponhearingthatthefifthfounder,HungJen,wasatHuangMei,hereadilyenteredhis

serviceinthecapacityofBuddhistcookandwhenthefifthfounder,promptedbyawishtoselectaBuddhistic
successor,badehisneophytesandallthebonzestoeachcomposeanenigmaticalstanza,theonewhooccupied
theupperseat,ShenHsiu,recited:
"AP'uT'itreethebodyis,theheartsolikeastandofmirror
bright,
Onwhichmustneeds,byconstantcarefulrubbing,notbeleftdustto
alight!
"AndHuiNeng,whowasatthistimeinthecookhousepoundingrice,overheardthisenigma.'Excellent,itis
excellent,'heventured,'butasfarascompletenessgoesitisn'tcomplete'andhavingbethoughthimselfofan
apothegm:'TheP'uT'i,(anexpressionforBuddhaorintelligence),'heproceeded,'isreallynotreeandthe
resplendentmirror,(Buddhistictermforheart),islikewisenostandandas,infact,theydonotconstituteany
tangibleobjects,howcouldtheybecontaminatedbyparticlesofdust?'Whereuponthefifthfounderatoncetook
hisrobeandclapdishandhandedthemtohim.Well,thetextnowofthisenigmapresentstoothisidenticalidea,
forthesimplefactisthatthoselinesfullofsubtletiesofashortwhilebackarenot,asyet,perfectedorbrought
toanissue,anddoyouforsoothreadilygiveupthetaskinthismanner?"
"Hehasn'tbeenabletomakeanyreply,"Taiyrejoinedsneeringly,"andmustthereforebeheldtobe
discomfitedbutwereheeventomakesuitableanswernow,therewouldbenothingoutofthecommonaboutit!
Anyhow,fromthistimeforthyoumustn'ttalkaboutBuddhisticspells,forwhatevenwetwoknowandareable
todo,youdon'tasyetknowandcan'tdoanddoyougoandconcernyourselfwithabstraction?"
Paoyhad,inhisownmind,beenundertheimpressionthathehadattainedperception,butwhenhewas
unawaresandallofasuddensubjectedtothisquestionbyTaiy,hesoonfounditbeyondhispowertogiveany
readyanswer.AndwhenPaoch'aifurthermorecameoutwithareligiousdisquisition,bywayofillustration,and
thisonsubjects,inallofwhichhehadhithertonotseenthemdisplayanyability,hecommunedwithinhimself:
"Ifwiththeirknowledge,whichisindeedinadvanceofthatofmine,theyhaven't,asyet,attainedperception,
whatneedisthereformenowtobringuponmyselflabourandvexation?"
"Whohas,pray,"hehastilyinquiredsmilingly,afterarrivingattheendofhisreflections,"indulgedin
Buddhisticmysteries?whatIdidamountstonothingmorethannonsensicaltrash,written,atthespurofthe
moment,andnothingelse."
Atthecloseofthisremarkallfourcametobeagainonthesametermsasofoldbutsuddenlyaservant
announcedthattheEmpress(YanCh'un)haddespatchedamessengertobringoveralanternconundrumwith
thedirectionsthattheyshouldallgoandguessit,andthataftertheyhadfounditout,theyshouldeachalso
deviseoneandsenditin.Atthesewords,thefourofthemlefttheroomwithhastystep,andadjournedinto
dowagerladyChia'sdrawingroom,wheretheydiscoveredayoungeunuch,holdingafourcornered,flattopped
lantern,ofwhitegauze,whichhadbeenspeciallyfabricatedforlanternriddles.Onthefrontside,therewas
alreadyaconundrum,andthewholecompanywerevyingwitheachotherinlookingatitandmakingwild
guesseswhentheyoungeunuchwentontotransmithisorders,saying:"Youngladies,youshouldnotspeakout
whenyouareguessingbuteachoneofyoushouldsecretlywritedownthesolutionsformetowrapthemup,
andtakethemallintogethertoawaitherMajesty'spersonalinspectionastowhethertheybecorrectornot."
Uponlisteningtothesewords,Paoch'aidrewnear,andperceivedataglance,thatitconsistedofastanzaof
fourlines,withsevencharactersineachbutthoughtherewasnonoveltyorremarkablefeatureaboutit,shefelt
constrainedtooutwardlygiveutterancetowordsofpraise."It'shardtoguess!"shesimplyadded,whileshe
pretendedtobeplungedinthought,forthefactisthatassoonasshehadcasthereyeuponit,shehadatonce
solvedit.Paoy,Taiy,Hsiangyn,andT'anch'un,hadallfouralsohitupontheanswer,andeachhad
secretlyputitinwritingandChiaHuan,ChiaLanandtheotherswereatthesametimesentfor,andeveryone
ofthemsettoworktoexerttheenergiesofhismind,and,whentheyarrivedataguess,theynoteditdownon
paperafterwhicheveryindividualmemberofthefamilymadeachoiceofsomeobject,andcomposedariddle,
whichwastranscribedinalargeroundhand,andaffixedonthelantern.Thisdone,theeunuchtookhis
departure,andwheneveningdrewnear,hecameoutanddeliveredthecommandsoftheimperialconsort."The

conundrum,"hesaid,"writtenbyHerHighness,theotherday,hasbeensolvedbyeveryone,withtheexception
ofMissSecundaandmasterTertius,whomadeawrongguess.Thosecomposedbyyou,youngladies,have
likewiseallbeenguessedbutHerMajestydoesnotknowwhetherhersolutionsarerightornot."While
speaking,heagainproducedtheriddles,whichhadbeenwrittenbythem,amongwhichwerethosewhichhad
beensolved,aswellasthosewhichhadnotbeensolvedandtheeunuch,inlikemanner,tookthepresents,
conferredbytheimperialconsort,andhandedthemovertothosewhohadguessedright.Toeachpersonwas
assignedabamboovase,inscribedwithverses,whichhadbeenmanufacturedforpalaceuse,aswellasarticles
ofbambooforteawiththeexceptionofYingch'unandChiaHuan,whoweretheonlytwopersonswhodidnot
receiveany.ButasYingch'unlookeduponthewholethingasajokeandatrifle,shedidnottroublehermind
onthatscore,butChiaHuanatoncefeltverydisconsolate.
"ThisonedevisedbyMr.Tertius,"theeunuchwasfurtherheardtosay,"isnotproperlydoneandasHer
Majestyherselfhasbeenunabletoguessitshecommandedmetobringitback,andaskMr.Tertiuswhatitis
about."
Afterthepartyhadlistenedtothesewords,theyallpressedforwardtoseewhathadbeenwritten.Theburdenof
itwasthis:
Theelderbrotherhashornsonlyeight
Thesecondbrotherhashornsonlytwo
Theelderbrotheronthebeddothsit
Insidetheroomthesecondlikestosquat.
Afterperusaloftheselines,theybrokeout,withonevoice,intoaloudfitoflaughterandChiaHuanhadto
explaintotheeunuchthattheonewasapillow,andtheothertheheadofananimal.Havingcommittedthe
explanationtomemoryandacceptedacupoftea,theeunuchtookhisdepartureandoldladyChia,noticingin
whatbuoyantspiritsYanCh'unwas,feltherselfsomuchthemoreelated,thatissuingforthwithdirectionsto
devise,witheverydespatch,asmallbutingeniouslanternoffinetextureintheshapeofascreen,andputitin
theHall,shebadeeachofhergrandchildrensecretlycomposeaconundrum,copyitoutclean,andaffixitonthe
frameofthelanternandshehadsubsequentlyscentedteaandfinefruits,aswellaseverykindofnicknacks,got
ready,asprizesforthosewhoguessedright.
AndwhenChiaChengcamefromcourtandfoundtheoldladyinsuchhighgleehealsocameoverinthe
evening,astheseasonwasfurthermoreholidaytime,toavailhimselfofhergoodcheertoreapsomeenjoyment.
Intheupperpartoftheroomseatedthemselves,atonetabledowagerladyChia,ChiaCheng,andPaoy
madameWang,Paoch'ai,Taiy,Hsiangynsatroundanothertable,andYingch'un,Tanch'unandHsiCh'un
thethreeofthem,occupiedaseparatetable,andboththesetableswerelaidinthelowerpart,whilebelow,all
overthefloor,stoodmatronsandwaitingmaidsforLiKungts'aiandHsifengwerebothseatedintheinner
sectionoftheHall,atanothertable.
ChiaChenfailedtoseeChiaLan,andhethereforeinquired:"HowisitIdon'tseebrotherLan,"whereuponthe
femaleservants,standingbelow,hastilyenteredtheinnerroomandmadeinquiriesofwidowLi."Hesays,"Mrs.
Listoodupandrejoinedwithasmile,"thatasyourmasterdidn'tgojustthentoaskhimround,hehasnowish
tocome!"andwhenamatrondeliveredthereplytoChiaChengthewholecompanyexclaimedmuchamused:
"Howobstinateandperversehisnaturaldispositionis!"ButChiaChenglostnotimeinsendingChiaHuan,
togetherwithtwomatrons,tofetchChiaLanand,onhisarrival,dowagerladyChiabadehimsitbyherside,
and,takingahandfuloffruits,shegavethemtohimtoeatafterwhichthepartychatted,laughed,andenjoyed
themselves.
Ordinarily,therewasnoonebutPaoytosaymuchortalkatanylength,butonthisday,withChiaCheng
present,hisremarkswerelimitedtoassents.Andastotherest,Hsiangynhad,thoughayounggirl,andof
delicatephysique,neverthelesseverbeenveryfondoftalkinganddiscussingbut,onthisinstance,ChiaCheng
wasatthefeast,sothatshealsoheldhertongueandrestrainedherwords.AsforTaiyshewasnaturally
peevishandlistless,andnotverymuchinclinedtoindulgeinconversationwhilePaoch'ai,whohadneverbeen
recklessinherwordsorfrivolousinherdeportment,likewisebehavedonthepresentoccasioninherusual

dignifiedmanner.Henceitwasthatthisbanquet,althoughafamilyparty,givenforthesakeofrelaxation,
assumedcontrariwiseanappearanceofrestraint,andasoldladyChiawasherselftoowellawarethatitwasto
beascribedtothepresenceofChiaChengalone,shetherefore,afterthewinehadgoneroundthreetimes,
forthwithhurriedoffChiaChengtoretiretorest.
NolesscognisantwasChiaChenghimselfthattheoldlady'smotivesinpackinghimoffweretoafforda
favourableopportunitytotheyoungladiesandyoungmentoenjoythemselves,andthatiswhy,forcingasmile,
heobserved:"Havingtodayheardthatyourvenerableladyshiphadgotupinherealargeassortmentof
excellentriddles,ontheoccasionofthespringfestivaloflanterns,Itooconsequentlypreparedprizes,aswellas
abanquet,andcamewiththeexpresspurposeofjoiningthecompanyandwhydon'tyouinsomewayconfera
fractionofthefondlove,whichyoucherishforyourgrandsonsandgranddaughters,uponmealso,yourson?"
"Whenyou'rehere,"oldladyChiarepliedsmilingly,"theywon'tventuretochatorlaughandunlessyougo,
you'llreallyfillmewithintensedejection!Butifyoufeelinclinedtoguessconundrums,well,I'lltellyouone
foryoutosolvebutifyoudon'tguessright,mind,you'llbemulcted!"
"OfcourseI'llsubmittothepenalty,"ChiaChengrejoinedeagerly,ashelaughed,"butifIdoguessright,Imust
inlikemannerreceiveareward!"
"Thisgoeswithoutsaying!"dowagerladyChiaaddedwhereuponshewentontorecite:
Themonkey'sbodygentlyrestsonthetreetop!
"Thisrefers,"shesaid,"tothenameofafruit."
ChiaChengwasalreadyawarethatitwasalichee,buthedesignedlymadeafewguessesatrandom,andwas
finedseveralthingsbuthesubsequentlygave,atlength,therightanswer,andalsoobtainedapresentfromher
ladyship.
InduecoursehetoosetforththisconundrumforoldladyChiatoguess:
Correctitsbodyisinappearance,
Bothfirmandsolidisitinsubstance
Towords,itistrue,itcannotgivevent,
Butspokento,italwaysdoesassent.
Whenhehaddonerecitingit,hecommunicatedtheanswerinanundertonetoPaoyandPaoyfathoming
whathisintentionwas,gentlytootoldhisgrandmotherChia,andherladyshipfinding,aftersomereflection,
thattherewasreallynomistakeaboutit,readilyremarkedthatitwasaninkslab.
"Afterall,"ChiaChengsmiled"Yourvenerableladyshipitiswhocanhittherightanswerwithoneguess!"and
turninghisheadround,"Bequick,"hecried,"andbringtheprizesandpresentthem!"whereuponthemarried
womenandwaitingmaidsbelowassentedwithonevoice,andtheysimultaneouslyhandedupthelargetrays
andsmallboxes.
OldladyChiapassedthethings,onebyone,underinspectionandfindingthattheyconsistedofvariouskinds
ofarticles,novelandingenious,ofuseandofornament,invogueduringthelanternfestival,herheartwasso
deeplyelatedthatwithalacritysheshouted,"Pouraglassofwineforyourmaster!"
Paoytookholdofthedecanter,whileYingCh'unpresentedthecupofwine.
"Lookonthatscreen!"continueddowagerladyChia,"allthoseriddleshavebeenwrittenbytheyoungladiesso
goandguessthemformybenefit!"
ChiaChengsignifiedhisobedience,andrisingandwalkinguptothefrontofthescreen,henoticedthefirst
riddle,whichwasonecomposedbytheImperialconsortYan,inthisstrain:

Thepluckofdevilstorepressininfluenceitabounds,
Likeboundsilkisitsframe,andlikethunderitsbreathresounds.
Butonereportrattles,andmenarelo!infearanddread
Transformedtoashes'tiswhattimetoseeyouturnthehead.
"Isthisacracker?"ChiaChenginquired.
"Itis,"Paoyassented.
ChiaChengthenwentontoperusethatofYingCh'un's,whichreferredtoanarticleofuse:
Exhaustlessistheprincipleofheavenlycalculationsandofhuman
skill
Skillmayexist,butwithoutproperpracticetheresulttofindhard
yet
willbe!
Whencecomethallthismixedconfusiononadaysostill?
SimplyitisbecausethefiguresYinandYangdonotagree.
"It'sanabacus,"ChiaChengobserved.
"Quiteso!"repliedYingCh'unsmilingafterwhichtheyalsoconnedtheonebelow,byT'anch'un,whichran
thusandhadsomethingtodowithanobject:
Thisisthetimewhen'neaththestairsthepagestheirheadsraise!
Thetermof"purebrightness"isthemeetesttimethisthingtomake!
Thevagrantsilkitsnaps,andslack,withouttensionitstrays!
TheEastwinddon'tbegrudgebecauseitsfarewellitdidtake!
"Itwouldseem,"ChiaChengsuggested,"asifthatmustbeakite!"
"Itis,"answeredT'anC'h'unwhereuponChiaChengreadtheonebelow,whichwaswrittenbyTaiytothis
effectandboreuponsomething:
Aftertheaudience,histwosleeveswhobringswithfumesreplete?
Bothbytheluteandinthequilt,itlackslucktoabide!
Thedawnitmarksreportsfromcockandmanrenderseffete!
Atmidnight,maidsnotroublehaveanewonetoprovide!
Thehead,itglowsduringtheday,aswellasinthenight!
Itsheart,itburnsfromdaytodayand'gainfromyeartoyear!
Timeswiftlyfliesandmeteitisthatweshouldholditdear!
Changesmightcome,butitdefieswind,rain,daysdarkorbright!
"Isn'tthisascentedsticktoshowthewatch?"ChiaChenginquired.
"Yes!"assentedPaoy,speakingonTaiy'sbehalfandChiaChengthereuponprosecutedtheperusalofa
conundrum,whichranasfollows,andreferredtoanobject
WiththeSouth,itsitsfacetoface,
AndtheNorth,thewhile,itdothface
Ifthefigurebesad,italsoissad,
Ifthefigurebeglad,itlikewiseisglad!
"Splendid!splendid!"exclaimedChiaCheng,"myguessisthatit'salookingglass.It'sexcellentlydone!"

Paoysmiled."Itisalookingglass!"herejoined.
"Thisis,however,anonymouswhoseworkisit?"ChiaChengwentontoask,anddowagerladyChia
interposed:"This,Ifancy,musthavebeencomposedbyPaoy,"andChiaChengthensaidnotaword,but
continuedreadingthefollowingconundrum,whichwasthatdevisedbyPaoch'ai,onsomearticleorother:
Eyesthoughithaseyeballsithasnone,andempty'tisinside!
Thelotusflowersoutofthewaterpeep,andtheywithgladnessmeet,
Butwhendryandraleavesbegintodrop,theythenpartanddivide,
Forafondpairtheyare,but,united,wintertheycannotgreet.
WhenChiaChengfinishedscanningit,hegavewaytoreflection."Thisobject,"hepondered,"mustsurelybe
limitedinuse!Butforpersonsoftenderyearstoindulgeinallthiskindoflanguage,wouldseemtobestillless
propitiousfortheycannot,inmyviews,beanyofthemthesortofpeopletoenjoyhappinessandlongevity!"
Whenhisreflectionsreachedthispoint,hefeltthemoredejected,andplainlybetrayedasadappearance,andall
hedidwastodroophisheadandtoplungeinabrownstudy.
ButuponperceivingtheframeofmindinwhichChiaChengwas,dowagerladyChiaarrivedattheconclusion
thathemustbefatiguedandfearing,ontheotherhand,thatifshedetainedhim,thewholepartyofyoungladies
wouldlackthespirittoenjoythemselves,shethereandthenfacedChiaChengandsuggested:"There'snoneed
reallyforyoutoremainhereanylonger,andyouhadbetterretiretorestandletussitawhilelongerafter
which,wetoowillbreakup!"
AssoonasChiaChengcaughtthishint,hespeedilyassentedseveralconsecutiveyes'sandwhenhehadfurther
donehisbesttoinduceoldladyChiatohaveacupofwine,heeventuallywithdrewoutoftheHall.Onhis
returntohisbedroom,hecoulddonothingelsethangivewaytocogitation,and,asheturnedthisandturned
thatoverinhismind,hegotstillmoresadandpained.
"Amuseyourselvesnow!"readilyexclaimeddowagerladyChia,duringthiswhile,afterseeingChiaChengoff
butthisremarkwasbarelyfinished,whenshecaughtsightofPaoyrunuptothelanternscreen,andgivevent,
ashegesticulatedwithhishandsandkickedhisfeetabout,toanycriticismsthatfirstcametohislips."Inthis,"
heremarked,"thislineisn'thappyandthatone,hasn'tbeensuitablysolved!"whilehebehavedjustlikea
monkey,whosefettershadbeenletloose.
"Werethewholepartyafterall,"hastilyventuredTaiy,"tositdown,aswedidashortwhilebackandchatand
laughwouldn'tthatbemoreinaccordancewithgoodmanners?"
LadyFengthereuponegressedfromtheroomintheinnerendandinterposedherremarks."Suchabeingasyou
are,"shesaid,"shouldn'tsurelybeallowedbyMr.ChiaCheng,aninchorastepfromhisside,andthenyou'll
beallright.Butjustthenitslippedmymemory,forwhydidn'tI,whenyourfatherwaspresent,instigatehimto
bidyoucomposearhythmicalenigmaandyouwould,Ihavenodoubt,havebeenuptothismomentinastate
ofperspiration!"
Atthesewords,Paoylostallpatience,andlayingholdofladyFeng,hehustledheraboutforafewmoments.
ButoldladyChiawentonforsometimetobandywordswithLiKungts'ai,withthewholecompanyofyoung
ladiesandtherest,sothatshe,infact,feltconsiderablytiredandwornoutandwhensheheardthatthefourth
watchhadalreadydrawnnigh,sheconsequentlyissueddirectionsthattheeatablesshouldbeclearedawayand
giventothecrowdofservants,andsuggested,asshereadilyrosetoherfeet,"Letusgoandrest!forthenext
dayisalsoafeast,andwemustgetupatanearlyhourandtomorroweveningwecanenjoyourselvesagain!"
whereuponthewholecompanydispersed.
Butnow,reader,listentothesequelgiveninthechapterwhichfollows.

CHAPTERXXIII.
PaoyandTaiymakeuseofsomebeautifulpassagesfromtheRecord
oftheWesternSidebuildingtobandyjokes.
TheexcellentballadssunginthePeonyPaviliontouchthetender
heartofTaiy.
SoonafterthedayonwhichChiaYuanch'unhonouredthegardenofBroadVistawithavisit,andherreturnto
thePalace,soourstorygoes,sheforthwithdesiredthatT'anch'unshouldmakeacarefulcopy,inconsecutive
order,oftheverses,whichhadbeencomposedandreadoutonthatoccasion,inorderthatsheherselfshould
assignthemtheirrank,andadjudgethegoodandbad.Andshealsodirectedthataninscriptionshouldbe
engravedonastone,intheBroadVistapark,toserveinfutureyearsasarecordofthepleasantandfelicitous
eventandChiaCheng,therefore,gaveorderstoservantstogofarandwide,andselectskilfulartificersand
renownedworkmen,topolishthestoneandengravethecharactersinthegardenofBroadVistawhileChia
ChenputhimselfattheheadofChiaJung,ChiaP'ingandotherstosuperintendthework.AndasChiaSehad,
ontheotherhand,thecontrolofWenKuanandtherestofthesinginggirls,twelveinall,aswellasoftheir
costumesandotherproperties,hehadnoleisuretoattendtoanythingelse,andconsequentlyonceagainsentfor
ChiaCh'angandChiaLingtocomeandactasoverseers.
Onacertainday,theworksweretakeninhandforrubbingthestonessmoothwithwax,forcarvingthe
inscription,andtracingitwithvermilion,butwithoutenteringintodetailsonthesematterstoominutely,wewill
returntothetwoplaces,theYuHuangtempleandtheTaMomonastery.Thecompanyoftwelveyoungbonzes
andtwelveyoungTaoistpriestshadnowmovedoutoftheGardenofBroadVista,andChiaChengwas
meditatingupondistributingthemtovarioustemplestoliveapart,whenunexpectedlyChiaCh'in'smother,ne
Chou,whoresidedinthebackstreet,andhadbeenatthetimecontemplatingtopayavisittoChiaChengon
thissidesoastoobtainsomecharge,beiteitherlargeorsmall,forhersontolookafter,thathetooshouldbe
putinthewayofturningupsomemoneytomeethisexpenseswith,came,asluckwouldhaveit,tohearthat
someworkwasinhandinthismansion,andlostnotimeindrivingoverinacurricleandmakingherappealto
ladyFeng.AndasladyFengrememberedthatshehadallalongnotpresumedonherpositiontoputonairs,she
willinglyaccededtoherrequest,andaftercallingtomemorysomesuitableremarks,sheatoncewenttomake
herreporttomadameWang:"TheseyoungbonzesandTaoistpriests,"shesaid,"canbynomeansbesentover
tootherplacesforweretheImperialconsorttocomeoutatanunexpectedmoment,theywouldthenbe
requiredtoperformservicesandintheeventoftheirbeingscattered,therewill,whenthetimecomesto
requisitiontheirhelp,againbedifficultiesinthewayandmyideaisthatitwouldbebettertosendthemallto
thefamilytemple,theIronFenceTempleandeverymonthalltherewillbetodowillbetodeputesomeoneto
takeoverafewtaelsforthemtobuyfirewoodandricewith,that'sall,andwhenthere'sevenasoundoftheir
beingrequireduttered,someonecanatoncegoandtellthemjustoneword'come,'andtheywillcomewithout
theleasttrouble!"
MadameWanggaveapatienteartothisproposal,and,induecourse,consultedwithChiaCheng.
"You'vereally,"smiledChiaChengatthesewords,"remindedmehowIshouldact!Yes,letthisbedone!"And
thereandthenhesentforChiaLien.
ChiaLienwas,atthetime,havinghismealwithladyFeng,butassoonasheheardthathewaswanted,heput
byhisriceandwasjustwalkingoff,whenladyFengclutchedhimandpulledhimback."Waitawhile,"she
observedwithasmirk,"andlistentowhatI'vegottotellyou!ifit'saboutanythingelse,I'venothingtodowith
itbutifitbeabouttheyoungbonzesandyoungTaoists,youmust,inthisparticularmatter,pleasecomplywith
thissuggestionofmine,"afterwhich,shewentoninthiswayandthatwaytoputhimuptoawholelotofhints.
"Iknownothingaboutit,"ChiaLienrejoinedsmilingly,"andasyouhavetheknackyouyourselfhadbettergo
andtellhim!"

ButassoonasladyFengheardthisremark,shestiffenedherheadandthrewdownthechopsticksand,withan
expressiononhercheeks,whichlookedlikeasmileandyetnotasmile,sheglancedangrilyatChiaLien."Are
youspeakinginearnest,"sheinquired,"orareyouonlyjesting?"
"YnErh,thesonofourfifthsisterinlawofthewesternporch,hascomeandappealedtometwoorthree
times,askingforsomethingtolookafter,"ChiaLienlaughed,"andIassentedandbadehimwaitandnow,after
agreatdealoftrouble,thisjobhasturnedupandthereyouareonceagainsnatchingitaway!"
"Composeyourmind,"ladyFengobservedgrinning,"fortheImperialConsorthashintedthatdirectionsshould
begivenfortheplanting,inthenortheastcornerofthepark,ofafurtherplentifulsupplyofpineandcedar
trees,andthatordersshouldalsobeissuedfortheaddition,roundthebaseofthetower,ofalargenumberof
flowersandplantsandsuchlikeandwhenthisjobturnsup,IcansafelytellyouthatYunErhwillbecalledto
assumecontroloftheseworks."
"Wellifthatbereallyso,"ChiaLienrejoined,"itwillafteralldo!Butthere'sonlyonethingallIwasuptolast
nightwassimplytohavesomefunwithyou,butyouobstinatelyandperverselywouldn't."
LadyFeng,uponhearingthesewords,burstoutlaughingwithasoundofCh'ih,andspurtingdisdainfullyat
ChiaLien,sheloweredherheadandwentonatoncewithhermealduringwhichtimeChiaLienspeedily
walkedawaylaughingthewhile,andbetookhimselftothefront,wherehesawChiaCheng.Itwas,indeed,
abouttheyoungbonzes,andChiaLienreadilycarriedoutladyFeng'ssuggestion."Asfromallappearances,"he
continued,"Ch'inErhhas,actually,sovastlyimproved,thisjobshould,afterall,beentrustedtohiscareand
managementandprovidedthatinobservancewiththeinsidecustomCh'inErhwereeachdaytoldtoreceivethe
advances,thingswillgoonallright."AndasChiaChenghadneverhadmuchattentiontogivetosuchmatters
ofdetail,he,assoonasheheardwhatChiaLienhadtosay,immediatelysignifiedhisapprovalandassent.And
ChiaLien,onhisreturntohisquarters,communicatedtheissuetoladyFengwhereuponladyFengatoncesent
someonetogoandnotifydameChou.
ChiaCh'incame,induecourse,topayavisittoChiaLienandhiswife,andwasincessantinhisexpressionsof
gratitudeandladyFengbestoweduponhimafurtherfavourbygivinghim,asafirstinstalment,anadvanceof
thefundsnecessaryforthreemonths'outlay,forwhichshebadehimwriteareceiptwhileChiaLienfilledupa
chequeandsigneditandacounterorderwassimultaneouslyissued,andhecameoutintothetreasurywhere
thesumspecifiedforthreemonths'supplies,amountingtothreehundredtaels,waspaidoutinpureingots.
ChiaCh'intookthefirstpieceofsilverthatcameunderhishand,andgaveittothemeninchargeofthescales,
withwhichhetoldthemtohaveacupoftea,andbidding,shortlyafter,aboyservanttakethemoneytohis
home,heheldconsultationwithhismotherafterwhich,hehiredadonkeyforhimselftorideon,andalso
bespokeseveralcarriages,andcametothebackgateoftheJungKuomansionwherehavingcalledoutthe
twentyyoungpriests,theygotintothecarriages,andspedstraightwaybeyondthecitywalls,totheTempleof
theIronFence,wherenothingofanynotetranspiredatthetime.
ButwewillnownoticeChiaYanch'un,withintheprecinctsofthePalace.Whenshehadarrangedtheverses
composedintheparkofBroadVistaintheirorderofmerit,shesuddenlyrecollectedthatthesightsinthegarden
weresure,eversincehervisitthroughthem,tobediligentlyandrespectfullykeptlockedupbyherfatherand
motherandthatbynotallowinganyonetogoinwasnotaninjusticedonetothisgarden?"Besides,"(she
pondered),"inthathousehold,thereareatpresentseveralyoungladies,capableofcomposingodes,andableto
writepoetry,andwhyshouldnotpermissionbeextendedtothemtogoandtaketheirquartersinitinordertoo
thatthosewinsomepersonsmightnotbedeprivedofgoodcheer,andthattheflowersandwillowsmaynotlack
anyonetoadmirethem!"
ButrememberinglikewisethatPaoyhadfromhisinfancygrownupamongthatcrowdoffemalecousins,and
wassuchacontrasttotherestofhismalecousinsthatwerehenotallowedtomoveintoit,hewould,shealso
apprehended,bemadetofeelforlornanddreadinglesthisgrandmotherandhismothershouldbedispleasedat
heart,shethoughtitimperativethathetooshouldbepermittedtotakeuphisquartersinside,sothatthings
shouldbeputonasatisfactoryfootinganddirectingtheeunuchHsiaChungtogototheJungmansionand

deliverhercommands,sheexpressedthewishthatPaoch'aiandtheothergirlsshouldliveinthegardenand
thatitshouldnotbekeptclosed,andurgedthatPaoyshouldalsoshiftintoit,athisownpleasure,forthe
prosecutionofhisstudies.AndChiaChengandmadameWang,uponreceivinghercommands,hastened,after
thedepartureofHsiaChung,toexplainthemtodowagerladyChia,andtodespatchservantsintothegardento
tidyeveryplace,todust,tosweep,andtolayouttheportieresandbedcurtains.Thetidingswereheardbythe
restevenwithperfectequanimity,butPaoywasimmoderatelydelightedandhewasengagedindeliberation
withdowagerladyChiaastothisnecessaryandtothatrequirement,whensuddenlytheydescriedawaiting
maidarrive,whoannounced:"MasterwishestoseePaoy."
Paoygazedvacantlyforawhile.Hisspiritssimultaneouslyweresweptawayhiscountenancechanged
colourandclingingtooldladyChia,hereadilywriggledherabout,justasonewouldtwistthesugar(tomake
sweetmeatswith),andcouldnot,fortheverydeathofhim,summonupcouragetogosothatherladyshiphad
noalternativebuttotryandreassurehim."Mypreciousdarling"sheurged,"justyougo,andI'llstandbyyou!
Hewon'tventuretobeharduponyouandbesides,you'vedevisedtheseexcellentliterarycompositionsandI
presumeasHerMajestyhasdesiredthatyoushouldmoveintothegarden,hisobjectistogiveyouafewwords
ofadvicesimplybecausehefearsthatyoumightbeuptopranksinthosegrounds.Buttoallhetellsyou,
whateveryoudo,mindyouacquiesceanditwillbeallright!"
Andasshetriedtocomposehim,sheatthesametimecalledtwooldnursesandenjoinedthemtotakePaoy
overwithduecare,"Anddon'tlethisfather,"sheadded,"frightenhim!"
Theoldnursesexpressedtheirobedience,andPaoyfeltconstrainedtowalkaheadandwithonestepscarcely
progressingthreeinches,heleisurelycameovertothisside.StrangecoincidenceChiaChengwasinmadame
Wang'sapartmentsconsultingwithheruponsomematterorother,andChinCh'uanerh,Ts'aiYun,Ts'aiFeng,
Ts'aiLuan,HsiuFengandthewholenumberofwaitingmaidswereallstandingoutsideundertheverandah.As
soonastheycaughtsightofPaoy,theypuckereduptheirmouthsandlaughedathimwhileChinCh'uan
graspedPaoywithonehand,andremarkedinalowtoneofvoice:"Ontheselipsofminehasjustbeenrubbed
cosmetic,soakedwithperfume,andareyounowinclinedtolickitornot?"whereuponTs'aiYnpushedoff
ChinCh'uanwithoneshove,assheinterposedlaughingly,"Aperson'sheartisatthismomentinlowspiritsand
doyoustillgooncrackingjokesathim?Butavailyourselfofthisopportunitywhenmasterisingoodcheerto
makehasteandgetin!"
Paoyhadnohelpbuttosidleagainstthedoorandwalkin.ChiaChengandmadameWangwere,infact,both
intheinnerrooms,anddameChouraisedtheportire.PaoysteppedingingerlyandperceivedChiaCheng
andmadameWangsittingoppositetoeachother,onthestovecouch,engagedinconversationwhilebelowona
rowofchairssatYingCh'un,T'anCh'un,HsiCh'unandChiaHuanbutthoughallfourofthemwereseatedin
thereonlyT'anCh'un,HsiCh'unandChiaHuanrosetotheirfeet,assoonastheysawhimmakehisappearance
intheroomandwhenChiaChengraisedhiseyesandnoticedPaoystandinginfrontofhim,withagaitfull
ofeaseandwiththosewinsomelooksofhis,socaptivating,heonceagainrealisedwhatameanbeingChia
Huanwas,andhowcoarsehisdeportment.ButsuddenlyhealsobethoughthimselfofChiaChu,andashe
reflectedtoothatmadameWanghadonlythissonofherownfleshandblood,uponwhomsheeverdoatedas
uponagem,andthathisownbeardhadalreadybeguntogethoary,theconsequencewasthatheunwittingly
stifled,wellnighentirely,thefeelingofhatredanddislike,which,duringthefewrecentyearshehadordinarily
fosteredtowardsPaoy.Andafteralongpause,"HerMajesty,"heobserved,"badeyoudayafterdayramble
aboutoutsidetodisportyourself,withtheresultthatyougraduallybecameremissandlazybutnowherdesire
isthatweshouldkeepyouunderstrictcontrol,andthatinprosecutingyourstudiesinthecompanyofyour
cousinsinthegarden,youshouldcarefullyexertyourbrainstolearnsothatifyoudon'tagainattendtoyour
duties,andmindyourregulartasks,youhadbetterbeonyourguard!"Paoyassentedseveralconsecutive
yes'swhereuponmadameWangdrewhimbyhersideandmadehimsitdown,andwhilehisthreecousins
resumedtheseatstheypreviouslyoccupied:"Haveyoufinishedallthepillsyouhadbeentakingashortwhile
back?"madameWanginquired,assherubbedPaoy'sneck.
"There'sstillonepillremaining,"Paoyexplainedbywayofreply.

"Youhadbetter,"madameWangadded,"fetchtenmorepillstomorrowmorningandeverydayaboutbedtime
tellHsiJentogivethemtoyouandwhenyou'vehadoneyoucangotosleep!"
"Eversinceyou,mother,bademetakethem,"Paoyrejoined,"HsiJenhasdailysentmeone,whenIwas
abouttoturnin."
"Who'sthiscalledHsiJen?"ChiaChenthereuponascertained.
"She'sawaitingmaid!"madameWanganswered.
"Aservantgirl,"ChiaChengremonstrated,"canbecalledbywhatevernameonechoosesanythingisgood
enoughbutwho'sitwhohasstartedthiskindofpretentiousname!"
MadameWangnoticedthatChiaChengwasnotinahappyframeofmind,sothatsheforthwithtriedtoscreen
mattersforPaoy,bysaying:"It'souroldladywhohasoriginatedit!"
"Howcanitpossiblybe,"ChiaChengexclaimed,"thatherladyshipknowsanythingaboutsuchkindof
language?Itmust,foracertainty,bePaoy!"
Paoyperceivingthathecouldnotconcealthetruthfromhim,wasunderthenecessityofstandingupandof
explaining"AsIhaveallalongreadverses,Irememberedthelinewrittenbyanoldpoet:
"Whattimethesmellofflowerswaftsitselfintoman,oneknowsthe
dayiswarm.
"Andasthiswaitingmaid'ssurnamewasHua(flower),Ireadilygaveherthename,onthestrengthofthis
sentiment."
"Whenyougetback,"madameWangspeedilysuggestedaddressingPaoy,"changeitandhavedoneandyou,
sir,needn'tloseyourtemperoversuchatrivialmatter!"
"Itdoesn'treallymatterintheleast,"ChiaChengcontinued"sothatthere'snonecessityofchangingitbutit's
evidentthatPaoydoesn'tapplyhismindtolegitimatepursuits,butmainlydevoteshisenergiestosuch
voluptuousexpressionsandwantonverses!"Andashefinishedthesewords,heabruptlyshoutedout:"You
brutelikechildofretribution!Don'tyouyetgetoutofthis?"
"Getaway,offwithyou!"madameWanginlikemannerhastenedtourge"ourdowagerladyiswaiting,Ifear,
foryoutohaveherrepast!"
Paoyassented,and,withgentlestep,hewithdrewoutoftheroom,laughingatChinCh'uanerh,asheputout
histongueandleadingoffthetwonurses,hewentoffonhiswaylikeastreakofsmoke.Butnosoonerhadhe
reachedthedoorofthecorridorthanheespiedHsiJenstandingleaningagainstthesidewhoperceivingPaoy
comebacksafeandsoundheapedsmileuponsmile,andasked:"Whatdidhewantyoufor?"
"Therewasnothingmuch,"Paoyexplained,"hesimplyfearedthatIwould,whenIgetintothegarden,beup
tomischief,andhegavemeallsortsofadvice"and,aswhileheexplainedmatters,theycameintothepresence
ofladyChia,hegaveheraclearaccount,fromfirsttolast,ofwhathadtranspired.ButwhenhesawthatLin
Taiywasatthemomentintheroom,Paoyspeedilyinquiredofher:"Whichplacedoyouthinkbesttolive
in?"
Taiyhadjustbeencogitatingonthissubject,sothatwhensheunexpectedlyheardPaoy'sinquiry,she
forthwithrejoinedwithasmile:"MyownideaisthattheHsioHsiangKuanisbestforI'mfondofthose
clustersofbamboos,whichhidefromviewthetortuousbalustradeandmaketheplacemoresecludedand
peacefulthananyother!"

Paoyatthesewordsclappedhishandsandsmiled."Thatjustmeetswithmyownviews!"heremarked"Itoo
wouldlikeyoutogoandliveinthereandasIamtostayintheIHungYuan,wetwowillbe,inthefirstplace,
neareachotherandnext,bothinquietandsecludedspots."
Whilethetwoofthemwereconversing,aservantcame,sentoverbyChiaCheng,toreporttodowagerlady
Chiathat:"The22ndofthesecondmoonwasapropitiousdayforPaoyandtheyoungladiestoshifttheir
quartersintothegardenthatduringthesefewdays,servantsshouldbesentintoputthingsintheirproper
placesandtocleanthatHsuehPaoch'aishouldputupintheHengWucourtthatLinTaiywastoliveinthe
HsiaoHsianglodgethatChiaYingch'unshouldmoveintotheChoChintwostoriedbuildingthatT'anCh'un
shouldputupintheCh'iuYenlibrarythatHsiCh'unshouldtakeupherquartersintheLiaoFenghousethat
widowLishouldliveintheTaoHsiangvillage,andthatPaoywastoliveintheIHungcourt.Thatatevery
placetwooldnursesshouldbeaddedandfourservantgirlsthatexclusiveofthenurseandpersonalwaiting
maidofeach,thereshould,inaddition,beservants,whosespecialdutiesshouldbetoputthingsstraightandto
sweeptheplaceandthatonthe22nd,theyshouldall,inabody,moveintothegarden."
Whenthisseasondrewnear,theinteriorofthegrounds,withtheflowerswavinglikeembroideredsashes,and
thewillowsfannedbythefragrantbreeze,wasnomoreasdesolateandsilentasithadbeeninpreviousdays
butwithoutindulginginanyfurtherirrelevantdetails,weshallnowgobacktoPaoy.
Eversinceheshiftedhisquartersintothepark,hisheartwasfullofjoy,andhismindofcontentment,fostering
noneofthoseextraordinaryideas,whosetendencycouldbetogivebirthtolongingsandhankerings.Dayafter
day,hesimplyindulged,inthecompanyofhisfemalecousinsandthewaitingmaids,ineitherreadinghis
books,orwritingcharacters,orinthrummingthelute,playingchess,drawingpicturesandscanningverses,even
indrawingpatternsofarguspheasants,inembroideringphoenixes,contestingwiththeminsearchingforstrange
plants,andgatheringflowers,inhummingpoetrywithgentletone,singingballadswithsoftvoice,dissecting
characters,andinplayingatmora,sothat,beingfreetogoeverywhereandanywhere,hewasofcourse
completelyhappy.Fromhispenemanatefourballadsonthetimesofthefourseasons,which,althoughthey
couldnotbelookeduponasfirstrate,affordanyhowacorrectideaofhissentiments,andatrueaccountofthe
scenery.
Theballadonthespringnightrunsasfollows:
Thesilkencurtains,thinasrussetsilk,atrandomarespreadout.
Thecroakoffrogsfromtheadjoininglanebutfaintlystrikesthe
ear.
Thepillowaslightchillpervades,forrainoutsidethewindowfalls.
Thelandscape,whichnowmeetstheeye,islikethatseenindreamsby
man.
Inplenteousstreamsthecandles'tearsdodrop,butforwhomdothey
weep?
Eachparticleofgrieffeltbytheflowersisduetoangeragainstme.
It'sallbecausethemaidshavebyindulgenceindolentbeenmade.
ThecoverovermeI'llpull,asIamlothtolaughandtalkforlong.
Thisisthedescriptionoftheaspectofnatureonasummernight:
Thebeauteousgirl,wearyofneedlework,quietisplungedinalong
dream.
Theparrotinthegoldencagedothshoutthatitistimetheteato
brew.
Thelustrouswindowswiththemuskymoonlikeopenpalacemirrors
look
Theroomaboundswithfumesofsandalwoodandallkindsofimperial
scents.
Fromthecupsmadeofamberispouredouttheslipperydewfromthe

lotus.
Thebanistersofglass,thecoolzephyrenjoyflappedbythewillow
trees.
Inthestreamspanningkiosk,thecurtainseverywhereallatonetime
dowave.
Inthevermiliontowertheblindsthemaidensroll,fortheyhavemade
thenight'stoilette.
Thelandscapeofanautumnaleveningisthusdepicted:
IntheinterioroftheChiangYnhousearehushedallclamorousdin
andnoise.
Thesheen,whichfromSeleneflows,pervadesthewindowsofcarnation
gauze.
Themosslocked,streakedrocksshelteraffordtothecranes,plunged
insleep.
Thedew,blownonthet'ungtreebythewell,dothwettheroosting
rooks.
Wrappedinaquilt,themaidcomesthegoldphoenixcoverletto
spread.
Thegirl,whoontherailsdidlean,onherreturndropsthe
kingfisherflowers!
Thisquietnighthiseyesinsleephecannotclose,ashedothlong
forwine.
Thesmokeisstifled,andthefirerestirred,whenteaisorderedto
bebrewed.
Thepictureofawinternightisinthisstrain:
Thesleepoftheplumtrees,thedreamofthebamboosthethirdwatch
havealreadyreached.
Undertheembroideredquiltandthekingfishercoverletonecan't
sleepforthecold.
Theshadowoffirtreespervadesthecourt,butcranesareallthat
meettheeye.
Bothfarandwidethepearblossomcoverstheground,butyetthehawk
cannotbeheard.
Thewish,versestowrite,fosteredbythedamselwiththegreen
sleeves,haswaxdcold.
Themaster,withthegoldsablepelisse,cannotenduremuchwine.
Butyethedothrejoicethathisattendantknowsthewaytobrewthe
tea.
Thenewlyfallensnowissweptwhattimeforteathewatermustbe
boiled.
ButputtingasidePaoy,asheleisurelywasoccupiedinscanningsomeverses,wewillnowalludetoallthese
ballads.Therelived,atthattime,aclassofpeople,whosewontwastoservilelycourttheinfluentialand
wealthy,andwho,uponperceivingthattheverseswerecomposedbyayoungladoftheJungKuomansion,of
onlytwelveorthirteenyearsofage,hadcopiesmade,andtakingthemoutsidesangtheirpraisefarandwide.
Therewerebesidesanothersortoflightheadedyoungmen,whoseheartwassosetuponlicentiousand
seductivelines,thattheyeveninscribedthemonfansandscreenwalls,andtimeandagainkeptonhumming
themandextollingthem.Andtotheabovereasonsmustthereforebeascribedthefactthatpersonscamein
searchofstanzasandinquestofmanuscripts,toapplyforsketchesandtobegforpoeticalcompositions,tothe
increasingsatisfactionofPaoy,whodayafterday,whenathome,devotedhistimeandattentiontothese

extraneousmatters.Butwhowouldhaveanticipatedthathecouldeverinhisquietseclusionhavebecomea
preytoaspiritofrestlessness?Ofasudden,onedayhebegantofeeldiscontent,findingfaultwiththisand
turninguphisnoseatthatandgoinginandcomingouthewassimplyfullofennui.Andasallthegirlsinthe
gardenwerejustintheprimeofyouth,andatatimeoflifewhen,artlessandunaffected,theysatandreclined
withoutregardtoretirement,anddisportedthemselvesandjokedwithoutheed,howcouldtheyeverhavecome
toreadthesecretswhichatthistimeoccupiedaplaceintheheartofPaoy?ButsounhappywasPaoywithin
himselfthathesoonfeltlothtostayinthegarden,andtooktogaddingaboutoutsidelikeanevilspiritbuthe
behavedalsothewhileinanidioticmanner.
MingYen,uponseeinghimgooninthisway,feltprompted,withtheideaofaffordinghismindsome
distraction,tothinkofthisandtodevisethatexpedientbuteverythinghadbeenindulgedinwithsurfeitbyPao
y,andtherewasonlythisresource,(thatsuggesteditselftohim,)ofwhichPaoyhadnotasyethadany
experience.Bringinghisreflectionstoaclose,heforthwithcameovertoabookshop,andselectingnovels,both
ofoldandofthepresentage,traditionsintendedforoutsidecirculationonFeiYen,HoTe,WuTset'ien,and
YangKueifei,aswellasbooksoflightliteratureconsistingofstrangelegends,hepurchasedagoodnumberof
themwiththeexpresspurposeofenticingPaoytoreadthem.AssoonasPaoycaughtsightofthem,hefelt
asifhehadobtainedsomegemorjewel."Butyoumustn't,"MingYenwentontoenjoinhim,"taketheminto
thegardenforifanyoneweretocometoknowanythingaboutthem,IshallthensuffermorethanIcanbear
andyoushould,whenyougoalong,hidetheminyourclothes!"
ButwouldPaoyagreetonotintroducingthemintothegarden?Soaftermuchwavering,hepickedoutonly
severalvolumesofthosewhosestylewasmorerefined,andtookthemin,andthrewthemoverthetopofhis
bedforhimtoperusewhennoonewaspresentwhilethosecoarseandveryindecentones,heconcealedina
bundleintheouterlibrary.
Ononeday,whichhappenedtobethemiddledecadeofthethirdmoon,Paoy,afterbreakfast,tookabook,the
"HuiChenChi,"inhishandandwalkedasfarasthebridgeoftheHsinFanglock.Seatinghimselfonablockof
rock,thatlayunderthepeachtreesinthatquarter,heopenedtheHuiChenChiandbegantoreaditcarefully
fromthebeginning.Butjustashecametothepassage:"thefallingred(flowers)haveformedaheap,"hefelta
gustofwindblowthroughthetrees,bringingdownawholebushelofpeachblossomsand,astheyfell,his
wholeperson,theentiresurfaceofthebookaswellasalargeextentofgroundweresimplybestrewnwithpetals
oftheblossoms.Paoywasbentuponshakingthemdownbutashefearedlesttheyshouldbetroddenunder
foot,hefeltconstrainedtocarrythepetalsinhiscoatandwalktothebankofthepondandthrowthemintothe
stream.Thepetalsfloatedonthesurfaceofthewater,and,afterwhirlingandswayinghereandthere,theyat
lengthranoutbytheHsinFanglock.But,onhisreturnunderthetree,hefoundthegroundagainonemassof
petals,andPaoywasjusthesitatingwhattodo,whenheheardsomeonebehindhisbackinquire,"Whatare
youuptohere?"andassoonasPaoyturnedhisheadround,hediscoveredthatitwasLinTaiy,whohad
comeovercarryingonhershoulderahoeforrakingflowers,thatonthishoewassuspendedagauzebag,and
thatinherhandsheheldabroom.
"That'sright,welldone!"Paoyremarkedsmiling"comeandsweeptheseflowers,andthrowthemintothe
wateryonder.I'vejustthrownalotintheremyself!"
"Itisn'tright,"LinTaiyrejoined,"tothrowthemintothewater.Thewater,whichyousee,iscleanenough
here,butassoonasitfindsitswayout,wherearesituatedotherpeople'sgrounds,whatisn'tthereinit?sothat
youwouldbemisusingtheseflowersjustasmuchasifyouleftthemhere!Butinthatcorner,Ihavedugahole
forflowers,andI'llnowsweeptheseandputthemintothisgauzebagandburytheminthereand,incourseof
manydays,theywillalsobecomeconvertedintoearth,andwon'tthisbeacleanway(ofdisposingofthem)?"
Paoy,afterlisteningtothesewords,feltinexpressiblydelighted."Wait!"hesmiled,"untilIputdownmy
book,andI'llhelpyoutoclearthemup!"
"What'sthebook?"Taiyinquired.

Paoyatthisquestionwassotakenabackthathehadnotimetoconcealit."It's,"herepliedhastily,"theChung
YungandtheTaHseh!"
"Areyougoingagaintoplaythefoolwithme?Bequickandgiveittometoseeandthiswillbeeversomuch
betteraway!"
"Cousin,"Paoyreplied,"asfarasyouyourselfareconcernedIdon'tmindyou,butafteryou'veseenit,please
don'ttellanyoneelse.It'sreallywritteninbeautifulstyleandwereyoutooncebeginreadingit,whyevenfor
yourveryriceyouwouldn'thaveathought?"
Ashespoke,hehandedittoherandTaiydepositedalltheflowersontheground,tookoverthebook,and
readitfromtheveryfirstpageandthemoresheperusedit,shegotsomuchthemorefascinatedbyit,thatinno
timeshehadfinishedreadingsixteenwholechapters.Butarousedasshewastoastateofrapturebythediction,
whatremainedevenofthefascinationwasenoughtooverpowerhersensesandthoughshehadfinished
reading,sheneverthelesscontinuedinastateofabstraction,andstillkeptongentlyrecallingthetexttomind,
andhummingittoherself.
"Cousin,tellmeisitniceornot?"Paoygrinned.
"Itisindeedfullofzest!"LinTaiyrepliedexultingly.
"I'mthatverysadandverysicklyperson,"Paoyexplainedlaughing,"whileyouarethatbeautywhocould
subverttheempireandoverthrowthecity."
LinTaiybecame,atthesewords,unconsciouslycrimsonalloverhercheeks,evenuptoherveryearsand
raising,atthesamemoment,hertwoeyebrows,whichseemedtoknitandyetnottoknit,andopeningwide
thoseeyes,whichseemedtostareandyetnottostare,whileherpeachlikecheeksboreanangrylookandon
herthinskinnedfacelurkeddispleasure,shepointedatPaoyandexclaimed:"Youdodeservedeath,forthe
rubbishyoutalk!withoutanyprovocationyoubringuptheselicentiousexpressionsandwantonballadstogive
venttoallthisinsolentrot,inordertoinsultmebutI'llgoandtelluncleandaunt."
Assoonasshepronouncedthetwowords"insultme,"hereyeballsatonceweresuffusedwithpurple,and
turningherselfroundshethereandthenwalkedawaywhichfilledPaoywithsomuchdistressthathejumped
forwardtoimpedeherprogress,ashepleaded:"Mydearcousin,Iearnestlyentreatyoutosparemethistime!
I'veindeedsaidwhatIshouldn'tbutifIhadanyintentiontoinsultyou,I'llthrowmyselftomorrowintothe
pond,andletthescabbyheadedturtleeatmeup,sothatIbecometransformedintoalargetortoise.Andwhen
youshallhavebyandbybecometheconsortofanofficerofthefirstdegree,andyoushallhavefallenillfrom
oldageandreturnedtothewest,I'llcometoyourtombandbearyourstonetabletforeveronmyback!"
Asheutteredthesewords,LinTaiyburstoutlaughingwithasoundof"puch'ih,"andrubbinghereyes,she
sneeringlyremarked:"Itoocancomeoutwiththissametunebutwillyounowstillgoontalkingnonsense?
Pshaw!you're,inverytruth,likeaspearhead,(whichlooks)likesilver,(butisreallysoftas)wax!"
"Goon,goon!"Paoysmiledafterthisremark"andwhatyou'vesaid,
Itoowillgoandtell!"
"Youmaintain,"LinTaiyrejoinedsarcastically,"thatafterglancingatanythingyou'reabletoreciteitanddo
youmeantosaythatIcan'tevendosomuchastakeintenlineswithonegaze?"
Paoysmiledandputhisbookaway,urging:"Let'sdowhat'srightandproper,andatoncetaketheflowersand
burythemanddon'tletusalludetothesethings!"
Forthwiththetwoofthemgatheredthefallenblossomsbutnosoonerhadtheyinterredthemproperlythanthey
espiedHsiJencoming,whowentontoobserve:"Wherehaven'tIlookedforyou?What!haveyoufoundyour
wayasfarasthis!Butourseniormaster,Mr.ChiaShe,overthereisn'twellandtheyoungladieshaveallgone

overtopaytheirrespects,andouroldladyhasaskedthatyoushouldbesentoversogobackatonceand
changeyourclothes!"
WhenPaoyheardwhatshesaid,hehastilypickeduphisbooks,andsayinggoodbyetoTaiy,hecamealong
withHsiJen,backintohisroom,wherewewillleavehimtoeffectthenecessarychangeinhiscostume.But
duringthiswhile,LinTaiywas,afterhavingseenPaoywalkaway,andheardthatallhercousinswere
likewisenotintheirrooms,wendingherwaybackalone,inadullanddejectedmood,towardsherapartment,
whenuponreachingtheoutsidecornerofthewallofthePearFragrancecourt,shecaught,issuingfrominside
thewalls,theharmoniousstrainsofthefifeandthemelodiousmodulationsofvoicessinging.LinTaiyreadily
knewthatitwasthetwelvesinginggirlsrehearsingaplayandthoughshedidnotgivehermindtogoand
listen,yetacoupleoflineswereofasuddenblownintoherears,andwithsuchclearness,thatevenoneword
didnotescape.Theirburdenwasthis:
Thesetrotharebeauteouspurpleandfinecarmineflowers,whichin
thiswayallrounddobloom,
Andalltogetherlieensconcedalongthebrokenwell,andthe
dilapidatedwall!
ButthemomentLinTaiyheardtheselines,shewas,infact,sointenselyaffectedandagitatedthatsheatonce
haltedandlendinganearlistenedattentivelytowhattheywentontosing,whichranthus:
Agloriousdaythisis,andprettyscene,butsadIfeelatheart!
Contentmentandpleasurearetobefoundinwhosefamilycourts?
Afteroverhearingthesetwolines,sheunconsciouslynoddedherhead,andsighed,andmusedinherownmind.
"Really,"shethought,"thereisfinedictioneveninplays!butunfortunatelywhatmeninthisworldsimplyknow
istoseeaplay,andtheydon'tseemtobeabletoenjoythebeautiescontainedinthem."
Attheconclusionofthistrainofthought,sheexperiencedagainastingofregret,(asshefancied)sheshouldnot
havegivenwaytosuchidlethoughtsandmissedattendingtotheballadsbutwhensheoncemorecameto
listen,thesong,bysomecoincidence,wentonthus:
It'sallbecausethylovelinessislikeaflowerandlikethecomely
spring,
Thatyearsrollswiftlybyjustlikearunningstream.
WhenthiscoupletstruckTaiyu'sear,herheartfeltsuddenlyapreytoexcitementandhersoultoemotionand
uponfurtherhearingthewords:
Aloneyousitinthesecludedinnerroomstoselfcompassiongiving
way.
andothersuchlines,shebecamestillmoreasifinebriated,andlikeasifoutofherhead,andunabletostand
onherfeet,shespeedilystoopedherbody,and,takingaseatonablockofstone,sheminutelyponderedoverthe
richbeautyoftheeightcharacters:
It'sallbecausethylovelinessislikeaflowerandlikethecomely
spring,
Thatyearsrollswiftlybyjustlikearunningstream.
Ofasudden,shelikewisebethoughtherselfoftheline:
Waterflowsawayandflowersdecay,forbothnofeelingshave.
whichshehadreadsomedaysbackinapoemofanancientwriter,andalsoofthepassage:

Whenontherunningstreamtheflowersdofall,springthenispast
andgone
andof:
Heaven(differsfrom)thehumanrace,
whichalsoappearedinthatworkandbesidesthese,thelines,whichshehadashortwhilebackreadinthe
HsiHiangChi:
Theflowers,lo,fall,andontheircoursethewatersreddoflow!
Pettymisfortunesoftenthousandkinds(myheartassail!)
bothsimultaneouslyflashedthroughhermemoryand,collatingthemalltogether,shemeditatedonthem
minutely,untilsuddenlyherheartwasstrickenwithpainandhersoulfleetedaway,whilefromhereyestrickled
downdropsoftears.Butwhilenothingcoulddispelherpresentstateofmind,sheunexpectedlyrealisedthat
someonefrombehindgaveheratapand,turningherheadroundtolook,shefoundthatitwasayounggirlbut
whoitwas,thenextchapterwillmakeknown.

CHAPTERXXIV.
ThedrunkenChinKangmakeslightoflucreandshowsapreferencefor
generosity.
Thefoolishgirlmislaysherhandkerchiefandarousesmutualthoughts.

Buttoreturntoournarrative.LinTaiy'ssentimentalreflectionswerethewhilereelingandravellinginan
intricatemaze,whenunexpectedlysomeonefrombehindgaveheratap,saying:"Whatareyouuptoallalone
here?"whichtookLinTaiyusomuchbysurprisethatshegaveastart,andturningherheadroundtolookand
noticingthatitwasHsiangLingandnooneelse"Youstupidgirl!"LinTaiyreplied,"you'vegivenmesucha
fright!Butwheredoyoucomefromatthistime?"
HsiangLinggiggledandsmirked."I'vecome,"sheadded,"insearchofouryounglady,butIcan'tfindher
anywhere.ButyourTzuChuanisalsolookingafteryouandshesaysthatladySecundahassentapresentto
youofsometea.Butyouhadbettergobackhomeandsitdown."
Asshespoke,shetookTaiybythehand,andtheycamealongbacktotheHsiaoHsiangKuanwherelady
Fenghadindeedsenthertwosmallcattiesofanewseasontea,ofsuperiorquality.ButLinTaiysatdown,in
companywithHsiangLing,andbegantoconverseonthemeritsofthistapestryandthefinenessofthat
embroideryandaftertheyhadalsohadagameatchess,andreadafewsentencesoutofabook,HsiangLing
tookherdeparture.Butweneednotspeakofeitherofthem,butreturnnowtoPaoy.Havingbeenfound,and
broughtbackhome,byHsiJen,hediscoveredYuanYangrecliningonthebed,intheactofexaminingHsiJen's
needleworkbutwhensheperceivedPaoyarrive,sheforthwithremarked:"Wherehaveyoubeen?her
venerableladyshipiswaitingforyoutotellyoutogooverandpayyourobeisancetoourSeniormaster,and
don'tyoustillmakehastetogoandchangeyourclothesandbeoff!"
HsiJenatoncewalkedintotheroomtofetchhisclothes,andPaoysatontheedgeofthebed,andpushedhis
shoesoffwithhistoesand,whilewaitingforhisbootstoputthemon,heturnedroundandperceivingthat
YanYang,whowascladinalightredsilkjacketandagreensatinwaistcoat,andgirdledwithawhitecrepe

sash,hadherfaceturnedtheotherway,andherheadloweredgivingherattentiontothecriticismofthe
needlework,whileroundhernecksheworeacollarwithembroidery,Paoyreadilypressedhisfaceagainstthe
napeofherneck,andashesniffedtheperfumeaboutit,hedidnotstayhishandfromstrokingherneck,which
inwhitenessandsmoothnesswasnotbelowthatofHsiJenandasheapproachedher,"Mydeargirl,"hesaid
smilingandwithadrivellingface,"doletmelickthecosmeticoffyourmouth!"clingingtoherperson,ashe
utteredthesewords,liketwistedsweetmeat.
"HsiJen!"criedYanYangatonce,"comeoutandsee!You'vebeenwithhimawholelifetime,anddon'tyou
givehimanyadvicebutlethimstillbehaveinthisfashion!"Whereupon,HsiJenwalkedout,claspingthe
clothes,andturningtoPaoy,sheobserved,"Iadviseyouinthiswayandit'snogood,Iadviseyouinthatway
andyoudon'tmendandwhatdoyoumeantodoafterall?Butifyouagainbehavelikethis,itwillthen,infact,
beimpossibleformetoliveanylongerinthisplace!"
Asshetenderedthesewordsofcounsel,sheurgedhimtoputhisclotheson,and,afterhehadchanged,he
betookhimself,alongwithYuanYang,tothefrontpartofthemansion,andbadegoodbyetodowagerlady
Chiaafterwhichhewentoutside,wheretheattendantsandhorseswereallinreadinessbutwhenhewasabout
tomounthissteed,heperceivedChiaLienbackfromhisvisitandintheactofdismountingandasthetwoof
themstoodfacetoface,andmutuallyexchangedsomeinquiries,theysawsomeonecomeroundfromtheside,
andsay:"Myrespectstoyou,unclePaoy!"
WhenPaoycametolookathim,henoticedthatthispersonhadanoblongface,thathisbodywastalland
lanky,thathisagewasonlyeighteenornineteen,andthathepossessed,inrealtruth,anairofrefinementand
elegancebutthoughhisfeatureswere,afterall,exceedinglyfamiliar,hecouldnotrecalltomindtowhatbranch
ofthefamilyhebelonged,andwhathisnamewas.
"Whatareyoustaringvacantlyfor?"ChiaLieninquiredlaughing.
"Don'tyouevenrecognisehim?He'sYnErh,thesonofourfifthsisterinlaw,wholivesinthebackcourt!"
"Ofcourse!"Paoyassentedcomplacently."HowisitthatIhadforgottenjustnow!"Andhavinggoneonto
askhowhismotherwas,andwhatworkhehadtodoatpresent"I'vecomeinsearchofuncleSecundus,totell
himsomething,"ChiaYnreplied,ashepointedatChiaLien.
"You'vereallyimprovedvastlyfromwhatyouwerebefore,"addedPaoysmiling"youverilylookjustisif
youweremyson!"
"Howverybarefaced!"ChiaLienexclaimedasheburstoutlaughing"here'sapersonfourorfiveyearsyour
seniortobemadeyourson!"
"Howfarareyouinyourteensthisyear?"Paoyinquiredwithasmile.
"Eighteen!"ChiaYnrejoined.
ThisChiaYnwas,inrealdeed,sharpandquickwittedandwhenheheardPaoyremarkthathelookedlike
hisson,hereadilygaveasarcasticsmileandobserved,"Theproverbistruewhichsays,'thegrandfatheris
rockedinthecradlewhilethegrandsonleansonastaff.'Butthougholdenoughinyears,I'mneverthelesslikea
mountain,which,inspiteofitsheight,cannotscreenthesunfromview.Besides,sincemyfather'sdeath,I've
hadnoonetolookafterme,andwereyou,unclePao,nottodisdainyourdoltishnephew,andtoacknowledge
measyourson,itwouldbeyournephew'sgoodfortune!"
"Haveyouheardwhathesaid?"ChiaLieninterposedcynically."Buttoacknowledgehimasasonisnoeasy
questiontosettle!"andwiththesewords,hewalkedinwhereuponPaoysmilinglysaid:"Tomorrowwhen
youhavenothingtodo,justcomeandlookmeupbutdon'tgoandplayanydevilishprankswiththem!I'vejust
nownoleisure,socometomorrow,intothelibrary,whereI'llhaveachatwithyouforawholeday,andtake
youintothegardenforsomefun!"

Withthisremarkstillonhislips,helaidholdofthesaddleandmountedhishorseand,followedbythewhole
bevyofpages,hecrossedovertoChiaShe'sonthissidewherehavingdiscoveredthatChiaShehadnothing
morethematterwithhimthanachillwhichhehadsuddenlycontracted,hecommencedbydeliveringdowager
ladyChia'smessage,andnextpaidhisownobeisance.ChiaShe,atfirst,stoodupandmadesuitableanswerto
hervenerableladyship'sinquiries,andthencallingaservant,"Takethegentleman,"hesaid,"intomylady's
apartmenttositdown."
Paoywithdrewoutoftheroom,andcamebythebacktotheupperapartmentandassoonasmadameHsing
caughtsightofhim,she,beforeeverythingelse,rosetoherfeetandaskedafteroldladyChia'shealthafter
which,Paoymadehisownsalutation,andmadameHsingdrewhimontothestovecouch,wheresheinduced
himtotakeaseat,andeventuallyinquiredaftertheotherinmates,andalsogaveorderstoservethetea.But
scarcelyhadtheyhadtea,beforetheyperceivedChiaTsungcomeintopayhisrespectstoPaoy.
"Wherecouldonefindsuchalivingmonkeyasthis!"madameHsingremarked"isthatnurseofyoursdeadand
gonethatshedoesn'tevenkeepyoucleanandtidy,andthatsheletsyougoaboutwiththoseeyebrowsofyours
soblackandthatmouthsofilthy!youscarcelylooklikethechildofagreatfamilyofscholars."
Whileshespoke,sheperceivedbothChiaHuanandChiaLan,oneofwhomwasayounguncleandtheotherhis
nephew,alsoadvanceandpresenttheircompliments,andmadameHsingbadethetwoofthemsitdownonthe
chairs.ButwhenChiaHuannoticedthatPaoysatonthesamerugwithmadameHsing,andthatherladyship
wasfurthercaressingandpettinghimineverypossiblemanner,hesoonfeltsoveryunhappyatheart,that,after
sittingforashorttime,heforthwithmadeasigntoChiaLanthathewouldliketogoandasChiaLancouldnot
buthumourhim,theybothgotuptogethertotaketheirleave.ButwhenPaoyperceivedthemrise,hetoofelta
wishtogobackalongwiththem,butmadameHsingremarkedsmilingly,"YouhadbettersitawhileasI've
somethingmoretotellyou,"sothatPaoyhadnoalternativebuttostay."Whenyougetback,"madameHsing
added,addressingtheothertwo,"present,eachoneofyou,myregardstoyourrespectivemothers.Theyoung
ladies,yourcousins,areallheremakingsucharowthatmyheadisdazed,sothatIwon'ttodaykeepyouto
haveyourrepasthere."TowhichChiaHuanandChiaLanassentedandquicklywalkedout.
"Ifitbereallythecasethatallmycousinshavecomeover,"Paoyventuredwithasmirk,"howisitthatIdon't
seethem?"
"Aftersittinghereforawhile,"madameHsingexplained,"theyallwentatthebackbutinwhatroomsthey
havegone,Idon'tknow."
"Mysenioraunt,yousaidyouhadsomethingtotellme,Paoyobservedwhat'sit,Iwonder?"
"Whatcantherepossiblybetotellyou?"madameHsinglaughed"itwassimplytomakeyouwaitandhave
yourrepastwiththeyoungladiesandthengobutthere'salsoafineplaythingthatI'llgiveyoutotakebackto
amuseyourselfwith."
Thesetwo,theauntandhernephew,weregoingonwiththeircolloquywhen,muchtotheirsurprise,itwastime
fordinnerandtheyoungladieswereallinvitedtocome.Thetablesandchairswereputintheirplaces,andthe
cupsandplateswerearrangedinproperorderand,afterthemother,herdaughterandthecousinshadfinished
theirmeal,PaoybadegoodbyetoChiaSheandreturnedhomeincompanywithalltheyoungladiesand
whentheyhadsaidgoodnighttodowagerladyChia,madameWangandtheothers,theyeachwentbackinto
theirroomsandretiredtorestwhereweshallleavethemwithoutanyfurthercommentandspeakofChiaYn's
visittothemansion.AssoonashesawChiaLien,heinquiredwhatbusinessitwasthathadturnedup,andChia
Lienconsequentlyexplained:"Theotherdaysomethingdidactuallypresentitself,butasithappenedthatyour
aunthadagainandagainentreatedme,IgaveittoChiaCh'inasshepromisedmethattherewouldbebyandby
inthegardenseveralotherspotswhereflowersandtreeswouldbeplantedandthatwhenthisjobdidoccur,she
would,foracertainty,giveittoyouandfinish!"
ChiaYn,uponhearingthesewords,suggestedafterashortpause"Ifthatbeso,there'snothingformetodo
thantowaitbut,uncle,youtoomustn'tmakeanyallusionbeforehandinthepresenceofaunttomyhaving

cometodaytomakeanyinquiriesfortherewillreallybeampletimetospeaktoherwhenthejobturnsup!"
"WhyshouldIalludetoit?"ChiaLienrejoined."HaveIforsoothgotallthisleisuretotalkofirrelevantmatters!
Buttomorrow,besides,I'vegottogoasfarasHsingYiforaturn,andit'sabsolutelynecessarythatIshould
hurriedlycomebacktheverysamedaysooffwithyounowandgoandwaitandthedayaftertomorrow,after
thewatchhasbeenset,comeandaskfornewsbutmindatanyearlierhour,Ishan'thaveanyleisure!"With
thesewords,hehastilywentatthebacktochangehisclothes.AndfromthetimeChiaYunputhisfootoutof
thedooroftheJungKuomansion,hewas,thewholewayhomeward,plungedindeepthoughtbuthaving
bethoughthimselfofsomeexpedient,hestraightwaywendedhisstepstowardsthehouseofhismaternaluncle,
PuShihjen.ThisPuShihjen,itmustbeexplained,kept,atthepresentdate,ashopforthesaleofspices.He
hadjustreturnedhomefromhisshop,andassoonashenoticedChiaYun,heinquiredofhimwhatbusiness
broughthimthere.
"There'ssomething,"ChiaYunreplied,"inwhichIwouldliketocraveyourassistance,uncleI'minneedof
somebarooscamphorandmusk,soplease,uncle,givemeoncreditfourouncesofeachkind,andonthefestival
oftheeighthmoon,I'llbringyoutheamountinfull."
PuShihjengaveasardonicsmile."Don't,"hesaid,"againalludetoanysuchthingassellingontick!Sometime
backapartnerinourestablishmentgotseveralouncesofgoodsforhisrelativesoncredit,anduptothisdatethe
billhasn'tasyetbeensettledtheresultbeingthatwe'veallhadtomaketheamountgood,sothatwe'veentered
intoanagreementthatweshouldnomoreallowanyonetoobtainontickanythingonbehalfofeitherrelativeor
friend,andthatwhoeveractedcontrarytothisresolutionshouldbe,atonce,finedtwentytaels,withwhichto
standatreat.Besides,thestockofthesearticlesisnowshort,andwereyoualsotocome,withreadymoneyto
thisourmeanshoptobuyany,wewouldn'tevenhaveasmuchtogiveyou.Thebestwaythereforeisforyouto
goelsewhere.Thisisonesideofthequestionforontheother,youcan'thaveanythingaboveboardinview
andwereyoutoobtainwhatyouwantasaloanyouwouldagaingoandplaythegiddydog!Butyou'llsimply
saythatoneveryoccasionyouruncleseesyou,heavailshimselfofittofindfaultwithyou,butayoungfellow
likeyoudoesn'tknowwhat'sgoodandwhatisbadandyoushould,besides,makeupyourmindtoearnafew
cash,wherewithtoclotheandfeedyourself,sothat,whenIseeyou,Itoomayrejoice!"
"Whatyou,uncle,say,"ChiaYunrejoinedsmiling,"isperfectlyrighttheonlythingisthatatthetimeofmy
father'sdeath,IwaslikewisesoyounginyearsthatIcouldn'tunderstandanythingbutlateron,Iheardmy
motherexplainhowthatforeverything,itwasluckythatyou,afterall,myuncles,wentovertoourhouseand
devisedthewaysandmeans,andmanagedthefuneralandisitlikelyyou,uncle,aren'tawareofthesethings?
Besides,haveIforsoothhadasingleacreoflandoracoupleofhouses,thevalueofwhichI'verunthroughas
soonasitcameintomyhands?Aningeniouswifecannotmakeboiledricewithoutrawriceandwhatwould
youhavemedo?It'syourgoodfortunehoweverthatyou'vegottodealwithonesuchasIam,forhaditbeen
anyoneelsebarefacedandshameless,hewouldhavecome,twiceeverythreedays,toworryyou,uncle,by
askingfortwopintsofriceandtwoofbeans,andyouthen,uncle,wouldhavehadnohelpforit."
"Mydearchild,"PuShihjenexclaimed,"hadIanythingthatIcouldcallmyown,youruncleasIam,wouldn'tI
feelboundtodosomethingforyou?I'vedayafterdaymentionedtoyourauntthatthemisfortunewasthatyou
hadnoresources.Butshouldyoueversucceedinmakingupyourmind,youshouldgointothatmighty
householdofyours,andwhenthegentlemenaren'tlooking,forthwithpocketyourprideandhobnobwiththose
managers,orpossiblywiththebutlers,asyoumay,eventhroughthem,beabletogetsomechargeorother!The
otherday,whenIwasoutoftown,IcameacrossthatoldQuartusofthethirdbranchofthefamily,astrideofa
talldonkey,attheheadoffourorfivecarriages,inwhichwereaboutfortytofiftybonzesandTaoistpriestson
theirwaytothefamilyfane,andthatmancan'tlackbrains,forsuchachargetohavefallentohisshare!"
ChiaYn,uponhearingthesewords,indulgedinalongandrevoltingrigmarole,andthengotuptotakehis
leave.
"Whatareyouinsuchahurryfor?"PuShihjenremarked."Haveyourmealandthengo!"

Butthisremarkwasscarcelyendedwhentheyheardhiswifesay:"Areyouagainintheclouds?WhenIheard
thattherewasnorice,Iboughthalfacattyofdryricepaste,andbroughtithereforyoutoeatanddoyoupray
nowstillputontheairsofawelltodo,andkeepyournephewtofeelthepangsofhunger?"
"Well,then,buyhalfacattymore,andaddtowhatthereis,that'sall,"PuShihjencontinuedwhereuponher
motherexplainedtoherdaughter,YinChieh,"GoovertoMrs.Wang'sopposite,andaskherifshehasanycash,
tolendustwentyorthirtyofthemandtomorrow,whenthey'rebroughtover,we'llrepayher."
Butwhilethehusbandandwifewerecarryingonthisconversation,ChiaYnhad,atanearlyperiod,repeated
severaltimes:"There'snoneedtogotothistrouble,"andoffhewent,leavingnotraceorshadowbehind.But
withoutpassinganyfurtherremarksonthehusbandandwifeofthePufamily,wewillnowconfineourselvesto
ChiaYn.Havinggoneinhighdudgeonoutofthedoorofhisuncle'shouse,hestartedstraightonhiswayback
homebutwhiledistressedinmind,andpreoccupiedwithhisthoughts,hepacedonwithdroopinghead,he
unexpectedlycameintocollisionwithadrunkenfellow,whogrippedChiaYn,andbegantoabusehim,crying:
"Areyoureyesgoneblind,thatyoucomebangagainstme?"
Thetoneofvoice,whenitreachedChiaYnears,soundedlikethatofsomeonewithwhomhewasintimate
and,oncarefulscrutiny,hefound,infact,thatitwashisnextdoorneighbour,NiErh.ThisNiErhwasa
dissoluteknave,whoseonlyideawastogiveoutmoneyatheavyratesofinterestandtohavehismealsinthe
gamblingdens.Hissoledelightwastodrinkandtofight.
Hewas,atthisverymoment,comingbackhomefromthehouseofacreditor,whomhehaddunned,andwas
alreadyfargonewithdrink,sothatwhen,atanunforeseenmoment,ChiaYnranagainsthim,hemeantthere
andthentostartascufflewithhim.
"OldErh!"ChiaYnshouted,"stayyourhandit'sIwhohavehustledagainstyou."
AssoonasNiErhheardthetoneofhisvoice,heopenedwidehisdrunkeneyesandgavehimalookand
realisingthatitwasChiaYn,hehastenedtoloosenhisgraspandtoremarkwithasmile,ashestaggeredabout,
"Isityouindeed,masterChiaSecundus?wherewereyouofftonow?"
"Icouldn'ttellyou!"ChiaYnrejoined"I'veagainbroughtdispleasureuponme,andallthroughnofaultof
mine."
"Nevermind!"urgedNiErh,"ifyou'reinanytroubleyoujusttellme,andI'llgiveventtoyourspiteforyoufor
inthesethreestreets,andsixlanes,nomatterwhomaygiveoffencetoanyneighboursofmine,ofme,NiErh,
thedrunkenChinKang,I'llwagerthatIcompelthatman'sfamilytodisperse,andhishometobreakup!"
"OldNi,don'tloseyourtemper,"ChiaYnprotested,"butlistenandletmetellyouwhathappened!"After
which,hewentontotellNiErhthewholeaffairwithPuShihjen.AssoonasNiErhheardhim,hegotintoa
frightfulrage"Werehenot,"heshouted,a"relativeofyours,masterSecundus,Iwouldreadilygivehimabitof
mymind!Reallyresentmentwillstiflemybreath!butnevermind!youneedn'thoweverdistressyourself.I've
gothereafewtaelsreadyathand,which,ifyourequire,don'tscrupletotakeandfromsuchgoodneighboursas
youare,Iwon'taskanyinterestuponthismoney."
Withthisremarkstillonhislips,heproducedfromhispouchabundleofsilver.
"NiErhhas,itistrue,everbeenarogue,"ChiaYnreflectedinhisownmind,"butasheisregulatedinhis
dealingsbyadueregardtopersons,heenjoys,toagreatdegree,thereputationofgenerosityandwereItoday
nottoacceptthisfavourofhis,he'll,Ifear,beputtoshameanditwon'tcontrariwisebeniceonmypart!and
isn'titbetterthatIshouldmakeuseofhismoney,andbyandbyIcanrepayhimdouble,andthingswillbeall
right!"
"OldErh,"hethereforeobservedaloudwithasmile,"you'rereallyafinefellow,andasyou'veshownmesuch
eminentconsideration,howcanIpresumenottoacceptyouroffer!Onmyreturnhome,I'llwritethecustomary

I.O.U.,andsendittoyou,andallwillbeinorder."
NiErhgaveabroadgrin."It'sonlyfifteentaelsandthreemace,"heanswered,"andifyouinsistuponwritingan
I.O.U.,Iwon'tthenlendittoyou!"
ChiaYnatthesewords,tookoverthemoney,smilingthewhile."I'llreadily,"heretorted,"complywithyour
wishesandhavedoneforwhat'stheuseofexasperatingyou!"
"Wellthenthatwillbeallright!"NiErhlaughed"butthedayisgettingdarkandIshan'taskyoutohaveacup
ofteaorstandyouadrink,forI'vesomesmallthingsmoretosettle.Asforme,I'mgoingoverthere,butyou,
afterall,shouldpleasewendyourwayhomewardsandIshallalsorequestyoutotakeamessageformetomy
people.Tellthemtoclosethedoorsandturnin,asI'mnotreturninghomeandthatintheeventofanything
occurring,tobidourdaughtercomeovertomorrow,assoonasitisdaylight,toshortleggedWang'shouse,the
horsedealer's,insearchofme!"Andasheutteredthisremarkhewalkedaway,stumblingandhobblingalong.
ButwewillleavehimwithoutfurthernoticeandalludetoChiaYn.
Hehad,atquiteanunexpectedjuncture,metthispieceofluck,sothathisheartwas,ofcourse,delightedtothe
utmostdegree."ThisNiErh,"hemused,"isreallyagoodenoughsortoffellow,butwhatIdreadisthathemay
havebeenopenhandedinhisfitofdrunkenness,andthathemayn't,byandby,askforhismoneytobepaid
twiceoverandwhatwillIdothen?Nevermind,"hesuddenlywentontoponder,"whenthatjobhasbecomean
accomplishedfact,Ishallevenhavethemeanstopayhimbackdoubletheoriginalamount."
Promptedbythisresolution,hecameovertoamoneyshop,andwhenhehadthesilverweighed,andno
discrepancywasdiscoveredintheweight,hewasstillmoreelatedatheartandonhiswayback,hefirstand
foremostdeliveredNiErh'smessagetohiswife,andthenreturnedtohisownhome,wherehefoundhismother
seatedallaloneonastovecouchspinningthread.Assoonasshesawhimenter,sheinquiredwherehehadbeen
thewholedaylong,inreplytowhichChiaYn,fearinglesthisparentshouldbeangry,forthwithmadeno
allusiontowhattranspiredwithPuShihjen,butsimplyexplainedthathehadbeeninthewesternmansion,
waitingforhisuncleSecundus,Lien.Thisover,heaskedhismotherwhethershehadhadhermealornot,and
hisparentsaidbywayofreply:"I'vehadit,butI'vekeptsomethingforyouinthere,"andcallingtotheservant
maid,shebadeherbringitround,andsetitbeforehimtoeat.Butasitwasalreadydark,whenthelampshadto
belit,ChiaYn,afterpartakingofhismeal,gotreadyandturnedin.
Nothingofanynoticetranspiredthewholenightbutthenextday,assoonitwasdawn,hegotup,washedhis
face,andcametothemainstreet,outsidethesouthgate,andpurchasingsomemuskfromaperfumeryshop,he,
withrapidstride,enteredtheJungKuomansionandhaving,asaresultofhisinquiries,foundoutthatChia
Lienhadgoneoutofdoors,ChiaYnreadilybetookhimselftotheback,infrontofthedoorofChiaLien's
court,wherehesawseveralservantlads,withimmensebroomsintheirhands,engagedinthatplacein
sweepingthecourt.ButashesuddenlycaughtsightofChouJui'swifeappearoutsidethedoor,andcalloutto
theyoungboys"Don'tsweepnow,ourladyiscomingout,"ChiaYneagerlywalkeduptoherandinquired,
withafacebeamingwithsmiles:"Where'sauntSecundagoingto?"
Tothisinquiry,ChouJui'swifeexplained:"Ouroldladyhassentforher,andIexpect,itmustbeforhertocut
somepieceofclothorother."Butwhilesheyetspoke,theyperceivedawholebevyofpeople,pressinground
ladyFeng,assheegressedfromtheapartment.
ChiaYnwasperfectlyawarethatladyFengtookpleasureinflattery,anddelightedindisplay,sothathastily
droppinghisarms,hewithallreverence,thrusthimselfforwardandpaidhisrespectstoher.ButladyFengdid
notevensomuchasturntolookathimwithstraighteyesbutcontinued,ashitherto,herwayonwards,simply
confiningherselftoascertainingwhetherhismotherwasallright,andadding:"Howisitthatshedoesn'tcome
toourhouseforastroll?"
"Thethingis,"ChiaYnreplied,"thatshe'snotwell:she,however,oftenthinksfondlyofyou,aunt,andlongs
toseeyoubutasforcominground,she'squiteunabletodoso."

"Youhave,indeed,theknackoftellinglies!"ladyFenglaughedwithirony"forhadn'tIalludedtoher,she
wouldneverhavethoughtofme!"
"Isn'tyournephewafraid,"ChiaYnprotestedsmilingly,"ofbeingblastedbylightningtohavetheaudacityof
tellingliesinthepresenceofanelder!Evensolateasyesterdayevening,shealludedtoyou,aunt!'Though
naturally,'shesaid,'ofaweakconstitution,youhad,however,plentytoattendto!thatit'sthankstoyour
supremelyeminentenergies,aunt,thatyou're,afterall,abletomanageeverythinginsuchaperfectmannerand
thathadyouevermadetheslightestslip,therewouldhavelongagocreptup,goodnessknows,whattroubles!'"
AssoonasladyFengheardthesewords,herwholefacebeamedwithsmiles,andsheunconsciouslyhaltedher
steps,whilesheproceededtoask:"Howisitthat,bothyourmotherandyourself,tattleaboutmebehindmy
back,withoutrhymeorreason?"
"There'sareasonforit,"ChiaYnobserved,"whichissimplythis.I'veanexcellentfriendwithconsiderable
moneyofhisownathome,whorecentlykeptaperfumeryshopbutasheobtained,bypurchase,therankof
deputysubprefect,hewas,theotherday,selectedforapostinYunnan,insomeprefectureorotherunknownto
mewhitherhehasgonetogetherwithhisfamily.Heevenclosedthisshopofhis,andforthwithcollectingall
hiswares,hegaveaway,whathecouldgiveaway,andwhathehadtosellatadiscount,wassoldataloss
whilesuchvaluablearticles,asthese,wereallpresentedtorelativesorfriendsandthat'swhyitisthatIcamein
forsomebarooscamphorandmusk.ButIatthetime,deliberatedwithmymotherthattosellthembelowtheir
pricewouldbeapity,andthatifwewishedtogivethemasapresenttoanyone,therewasnoonegoodenough
tousesuchperfumes.Butrememberinghowyou,aunt,hadallalonginyearsgoneby,eventothisday,tospend
largebundlesofsilver,inpurchasingsucharticles,andhow,nottospeakofthisyearwithanimperialconsortin
thePalace,what'sevenrequiredforthisdragonboatfestival,willalsonecessitatetheadditionofhundredtimes
asmuchasthequantityofpreviousyears,Ithereforepresentthemtoyou,aunt,asatokenofmyesteem!"
Withthesewordsstillonhislips,hesimultaneouslyproducedanornamentedbox,whichhehandedovertoher.
AndasladyFengwas,atthistime,makingpreparationsforpresentsfortheoccasionofthedragonboatfestival,
forwhichperfumeswereobligatory,she,withallpromptitude,directedFengErh:"ReceiveMr.Yn'spresent
andtakeithomeandhanditovertoP'ingErh.Toone,"sheconsequentlyadded,"whoseemstomesofullof
discrimination,itisn'tawonderthatyouruncleisrepeatedlyalluding,andthathespeakshighlyofyouhow
thatyoutalkwithallintelligenceandthatyouhaveexperiencestoredupinyourmind."
ChiaYnuponhearingthispropitiouslanguage,hastilydrewnearonestep,anddesignedlyasked:"Doesreally
uncleoftenrefertome?"
ThemomentladyFengcaughtthisquestion,shewasatonceinclinedtotellhimallaboutthechargetobe
entrustedtohim,butonsecondthought,sheagainfeltapprehensivelestsheshouldbelookedlightlyuponby
him,bysimplyinsinuatingthatshehadpromptlyandneedlesslypromisedhimsomethingtodo,sosoonasshe
gotalittlescentedwareandthisconsiderationurgedhertooncemorerestrainhertongue,sothatshenever
madetheslightestreferenceeventosomuchasonewordabouthishavingbeenchosentolookaftertheworks
ofplantingtheflowersandtrees.Andafterconfiningherselftomakingthefirstfewirrelevantremarkswhich
cametoherlips,shehastilybetookherselfintodowagerladyChia'sapartments.
ChiaYnhimselfdidnotfeelasifhecouldverywelladverttothesubject,withtheresultthathehadno
alternativebuttoretracehisstepshomewards.ButaswhenhehadseenPaoythepreviousday,hehadasked
himtogointotheouterlibraryandwaitforhim,hethereforefinishedhismealandthenonceagainenteredthe
mansionandcameoverintotheIHsiastudy,situatedoutsidetheceremonialgate,overatoldladyChia'spartof
thecompound,wherehediscoveredthetwoladsMingYen,whosenamehadbeenchangedintoPeiMing,and
ChuYoplayingatchess,andjustarguingaboutthecaptureofacastleandbesidesthem,YinCh'uan,SaoHua,
T'iaoYn,PanHo,thesefourorfiveofthem,uptolarks,stealingtheyoungbirdsfromthenestsunderthe
eavesofthehouse.
AssoonasChiaYnenteredthecourt,hestampedhisfootandshouted,"Themonkeysareuptomischief!Here
Iam,I'vecome"andwhenthecompanyofservantboysperceivedhim,theyoneandallpromptlydispersed

whileChiaYnwalkedintothelibrary,andseatinghimselfatonceinachair,heinquired,"Hasyourmaster
Secundus,Mr.Pao,comedown?"
"Hehasn'tbeendownhereatalltoday,"PeiMingreplied,"butifyou,Mr.Secundus,haveanythingtotellhim,
I'llgoandseewhathe'suptoforyou."
SayingthishethereandthenlefttheroomandChiaYnmeanwhilegavehimselftotheinspectionofthe
picturesandnicknacks.Butsomeconsiderabletimeelapsed,andyethedidnotseehimarriveandnoticing
besidesthattheotherladshadallgonetoromp,hewasjustplungedinastateofdespondency,whenheheard
outsidethedooravoicecryout,withwinningtone,andtenderaccents:"Myelderbrother!"
ChiaYnlookedout,andsawthatitwasaservantmaidoffifteenorsixteen,whowasindeedextremely
winsomeandspruce.AssoonhoweverasthemaidcaughtaglimpseofChiaYn,shespeedilyturnedherself
roundandwithdrewoutofsight.But,asluckwouldhaveit,ithappenedthatPeiMingwascomingalong,and
seeingtheservantmaidinfrontofthedoor,heobserved:"Welcome,welcome!Iwasquiteatalosshowtoget
anynewsofPaoy."AndasChiaYndiscernedPeiMing,hehastilytoo,ranoutinpursuitofhim,and
ascertainedwhatwasupwhereuponPeiMingreturnedforanswer:"Iwaitedawholedaylong,andnotasingle
soulcameoverbutthisgirlisattachedtomasterSecundus'(Mr.Pao's)rooms!"and,"Mydeargirl,"he
consequentlywentontosay,"goinandtakeamessage.SaythatMr.Secundus,wholivesundertheportico,has
come!"
Theservantmaid,uponhearingthesewords,knewatoncethathewasayounggentlemanbelongingtothe
familyinwhichsheserved,andshedidnotskulkoutofsight,asshehaddoneinthefirstinstancebutwitha
gazesufficienttokill,shefixedhertwoeyesuponChiaYn,whensheheardChiaYninterpose:"Whatabout
overtheporticoandundertheporticoyoujusttellhimthatYnErhiscome,that'sall."
Afterawhilethisgirlgaveasarcasticsmile."Myideais,"sheventured,"thatyou,masterSecundus,should
really,ifitsopleaseyou,goback,andcomeagaintomorrowandtonight,ifIfindtime,I'lljustputinaword
withhim!"
"What'sthisthatyou'redrivingat?"PeiMingthenshouted.
Andthemaidrejoined:"He'snotevenhadasiestatoday,sothathe'llhavehisdinneratanearlyhour,andwon't
comedownagainintheeveningandisitlikelythatyouwouldhavemasterSecunduswaithereandsuffer
hunger?andisn'titbetterthanheshouldreturnhome?Therightthingisthatheshouldcometomorrowfor
wereevenbyandbysomeonetoturnup,whocouldtakeamessage,thatpersonwouldsimplyacquiescewith
thelips,butwouldhebewillingtodeliverthemessageinforyou?"
ChiaYn,uponfindinghowconciseandyethowwellexpressedthisgirl'sremarkshadbeen,wasbentupon
inquiringwhathernamewasbutasshewasamaidemployedinPaoy'sapartments,hedidnotthereforefeel
justifiedinaskingthequestion,andhehadnoothercoursebuttoadd,"Whatyousayisquiteright,I'llcometo
morrow!"andashespoke,hethereandthenwasmakinghiswayoutside,whenPeiMingremarked:"I'llgoand
pouracupofteaandmasterSecundus,haveyourteaandthengo."
ChiaYnturnedhisheadround,ashekeptonhisway,andsaidbywayofrejoinder:"Iwon'thaveanyteafor
I'vebesidessomethingmoretoattendto!"andwhilewithhislipsheutteredthesewords,he,withhiseyes,
staredattheservantgirl,whowasstillstandinginthere.
ChiaYnwendedhisstepsstraightwayhomeandthenextday,hecametothefrontentrance,where,bya
strangecoincidence,hemetladyFengonherwaytotheoppositesidetopayherrespects.Shehadjustmounted
hercarriage,butperceivingChiaYnarrive,sheeagerlybadeaservantstophim,and,withthewindowbetween
them,shesmiledandobserved:"YnErh,you'reindeedboldinplayingyourprankswithme!Ithoughtit
strangethatyoushouldgivemepresentsbutthefactisyouhadafavourtoaskofmeandyouruncletoldme
evenyesterdaythatyouhadappealedtohim!"

ChiaYnsmiled."Ofmyappealtouncle,youneedn't,aunt,makeanymentionforI'matthismomentfullof
regretathavingmadeit.HadIknown,atanearlyhour,thatthingswouldhavecometothispass,Iwould,from
theveryfirst,havemademyrequesttoyou,auntandbythistimeeverythingwouldhavebeensettledlongago!
Butwhowouldhaveanticipatedthatunclewas,afterall,amanofnoworth!"
"Strangeenough,"ladyFengremarkedsneeringly,"whenyoufoundthatyoudidn'tsucceedinthatquarter,you
cameagainyesterdayinsearchofme!"
"Aunt,youdomyfilialheartaninjustice,"ChiaYnprotested"IneverhadsuchathoughthadIentertained
anysuchidea,wouldn'tI,aunt,havemademyappealtoyouyesterday?Butasyouarenowawareofeverything,
I'llreallyputuncleononeside,andprefermyrequesttoyouforcircumstancescompelmetoentreatyou,aunt,
tobesogoodastoshowmesomelittleconsideration!"
LadyFenglaughedsardonically."Youpeoplewillchoosethelongroadtofollowandputmealsoinadilemma!
Hadyoutoldmejustonewordatanearlyhour,whatcouldn'thavebeenbroughtabout?anaffairofstateindeed
tobedelayeduptothismoment!Inthegarden,therearetobemoretreesplantedandflowerslaiddown,andI
couldn'tthinkofanypersonthatIcouldhaverecommended,andhadyouspokenbeforethis,wouldn'tthewhole
questionhavebeensettledsoonenough?"
"Well,inthatcase,aunt,"venturedChiaYnwithasmile,"youhadbetterdeputemetomorrow,andhave
done!"
"Thisjob,"continuedladyFengafterapause,"isnot,myimpressionis,veryprofitableandifyouweretowait
tillthefirstmoonofnextyear,whenthefireworks,lanterns,andcandleswillhavetobepurveyed,I'lldepute
youassoonasthoseextensivecommissionsturnup."
"Mydearaunt,"pleadedChiaYn,"firstappointmetothisone,andifIdoreallymanagethissatisfactorily,you
canthencommissionmewiththatother!"
"Youknowintruthhowtodrawalongthread,"ladyFengobservedlaughing."Buthadn'titbeenthatyouruncle
hadspokentomeonyouraccount,Iwouldn'thaveconcernedmyselfaboutyou.ButasIshallcrossoverhere
soonaftertherepast,youhadbettercomeatelevena.m.,andfetchthemoney,foryoutoenterintothegarden
thedayaftertomorrow,andhavetheflowersplanted!"
Asshesaidthis,shegaveorderstodrivethe"scented"carriage,andwentonherwaybythequickestcutwhile
ChiaYn,whowasirrepressiblydelighted,betookhimselfintotheIHsiastudy,andinquiredafterPaoy.But,
whowouldhavethoughtit,Paoyhad,atanearlyhour,gonetothemansionofthePrinceofPeiChing,sothat
ChiaYnhadtositinalistlessmoodtillnoonandwhenhefoundoutthatladyFenghadreturned,hespeedily
wroteanacknowledgmentandcametoreceivethewarrant.Onhisarrivaloutsidethecourt,hecommissioneda
servanttoannouncehim,andTs'aiMingthereuponwalkedout,andmerelyaskingforthereceipt,wentin,and,
afterfillingintheamount,theyearandmoon,hehandeditovertoChiaYntogetherwiththewarrant.Chia
Ynreceivedthemfromhim,andastheentryconsistedoftwohundredtaels,hisheartwasfullofexultantjoy
andturninground,hehurriedtothetreasury,whereafterhehadtakenovertheamountinsilver,hereturned
homeandlaidthecasebeforehismother,andneedlesstosay,thatboththeparentandhersonwereinhigh
spirits.Thenextday,atthefifthwatch,ChiaYunfirstcameinsearchofNiErh,towhomherepaidthemoney,
andthentakingfiftytaelsalongwithhim,hespedoutsidethewesterngatetothehouseofFangCh'un,a
gardener,topurchasetrees,wherewewillleavehimwithoutsayinganythingmoreabouthim.
WewillnowresumeourstorywithPaoy.ThedayonwhichheencounteredChiaYn,heaskedhimtocome
inonthemorrowandhaveachatwithhim,butthisinvitationwaspracticallythemereformaltalkofarichand
welltodoyoungman,andwasnotlikelytobesomuchasborneinmindandsoitwasthatitreadilyslipped
fromhismemory.Ontheeveningoftheday,however,onwhichhereturnedhomefromthemansionofthe
PrincePeiChing,hecame,afterpayinghissalutationstodowagerladyChia,madameWang,andtheother
inmates,backintothegardenbutupondivestinghimselfofallhisfineries,hewasjustabouttohavehisbath,
when,asHsiJenhad,attheinvitationofHsehPaoch'ai,crossedovertotieafewknottedbuttons,asCh'in

WenandPiHenhadbothgonetohurrytheservantstobringthewater,asT'anYunhadlikewisebeentaken
home,onaccountofhermother'sillness,andSheYueh,ontheotherhand,wasatpresentailinginherquarters,
whiletheseveralwaitingmaids,whowereintherebesidestoattendtothedirtywork,andanswerthecalls,had,
surmisingthathewouldnotrequisitiontheirservices,oneandallgoneoutinsearchoftheirfriendsandinquest
oftheircompanions,itoccurred,contrarytotheircalculations,thatPaoyremainedthiswholelengthoftime
quitealoneinhisapartmentsandasitsohappenedthatPaoywantedteatodrink,hehadtocalltwoorthree
timesbeforeheatlastsawthreeoldmatronswalkin.Butatthesightofthem,Paoyhastilywavedhishand
andexclaimed:"Nomatter,nomatterIdon'twantyou,"whereuponthematronshadnohelpbuttowithdraw
outoftheroomsandasPaoyperceivedthattherewerenowaitingmaidsathand,hehadtocomedownand
takeacupandgouptotheteapottopourtheteawhenheheardsomeonefrombehindhimobserve:"Master
Secundus,beware,you'llscorchyourhandwaituntilIcometopourit!"Andasshespoke,shewalkedupto
him,andtookthecupfromhisgrasp,totheintensesurprise,infact,ofPaoy,whoinquired:"Wherewereyou
thatyouhavesuddenlycometogivemeastart?"
Thewaitingmaidsmiledasshehandedhimthetea."Iwasinthebackcourt,"shereplied,"andjustcamein
fromthebackdooroftheinnerroomsandisitlikelythatyoudidn't,sir,hearthesoundofmyfootsteps?"
Paoydrankhistea,andashesimultaneouslypassedtheservantgirlunderaminuteinspection,hefoundthat
thoughsheworeseveralarticlesofclothingtheworseforwear,shewas,nevertheless,withthatheadof
beautifulhair,asblackastheplumageofaraven,doneupincurls,herfacesooblong,herfiguresoslimand
elegant,indeed,supremelybeautiful,sweet,andspruce,andPaoyeagerlyinquired:"Areyoualsoagirl
attachedtothisroomofmine?"
"Iam,"rejoinedthatwaitingmaid.
"Butsinceyoubelongtothisroom,howisitIdon'tknowyou?"Paoyadded.
Whenthemaidheardthesewords,sheforcedalaugh."Thereareevenmany,"sheexplained,"thatarestrangers
toyouandisitonlymyself?I'venever,beforethis,servedtea,orhandedwater,orbroughtinanythingnor
haveIattendedtoasingledutyinyourpresence,sohowcouldyouknowme?"
"Butwhydon'tyouattendtoanyofthosedutiesthatwouldbringyoutomynotice?"Paoyquestioned.
"Itoo,"answeredthemaid,"finditasdifficulttoanswersuchaquestion.There'showeveronethingthatImust
reporttoyou,masterSecundus.Yesterday,someMr.YnErhorothercametoseeyoubutasIthoughtyou,sir,
hadnoleisure,IspeedilybadePeiMingtellhimtocomeearlytoday.Butyouunexpectedlywentoveragainto
themansionofthePrinceofPeiChing."
Whenshehadspokenasfarasthis,shecaughtsightofCh'iuWenandPiHenenterthecourt,gigglingand
laughingthetwoofthemcarryingbetweenthemabucketofwaterandwhileraisingtheirskirtswithonehand,
theyhobbledalong,asthewaterspurtedandplashed.Thewaitingmaidhastilycomeouttomeetthemsoasto
relievethemoftheirburden,butCh'iuWenandPiHenwereintheactofstandingfacetofaceandfindingfault
witheachotheronesaying,"You'vewettedmyclothes,"theotheradding,"You'vetrodonmyshoes,"and
upon,allofasudden,espyingsomeonewalkouttoreceivethewater,anddiscovering,whentheycametosee,
thatitwasactuallynooneelsethanHsiaoHung,theywereatoncebothsotakenabackthat,puttingdownthe
bucket,theyhurriedintotheroomandwhentheylookedaboutandsawthattherewasnootherpersoninside
besidesPaoytheywereatoncedispleased.Butastheyweremeanwhilecompelledtogetreadythearticles
necessaryforhisbath,theywaiteduntilPaoywasabouttodivesthimselfofhisclothes,whenthecoupleof
themspeedilypulledthedoortobehindthem,astheywentout,andwalkedasfarastheroomontheopposite
side,insearchofHsiaoHungofwhomtheyinquired:"Whatwereyoudoinginhisroomashortwhileback?"
"WhenwasIeverintheroom?"HsiaoHungreplied"simplybecauseIlostsightofmyhandkerchief,Iwentto
thebacktotryandfindit,whenunexpectedlyMr.Secundus,whowantedtea,calledforyousistersandasthere
wasn'toneevenofyouthere,Iwalkedinandpouredacupforhim,andjustatthatverymomentyousisters
cameback."

"Youbarefaced,lowbredthing!"criedCh'iuWen,turningtowardsherandspurtinginherface."Itwasour
boundendutytotellyoutogoandhurrythemforthewater,butyousimplymaintainedthatyouwerebusyand
madeusgoinstead,inordertoaffordyouanopportunityofperformingthesewilytricks!andisn'tthisraising
yourselfuplibyli?Butdon'tweforsooth,evensomuchascomeuptoyou?andyoujusttakethatlookingglass
andseeforyourself,whetheryoubefittoserveteaandtohandwaterornot?"
"Tomorrow,"continuedPiHea,"I'lltellthemthatwheneverthere'sanythingtodoconnectedwithhiswanting
tea,oraskingforwater,orwithfetchingthingsforhim,notoneofusshouldbudge,andthatshealoneshouldbe
allowedtogo,andhavedone!"
"Ifthisbeyoursuggestion,"remarkedCh'iuWen,"wouldn'titbestillbetterthatweshouldalldisperse,andlet
herreignsupremeinthisroom!"
Butwhilethetwoofthemwereuptothistrouble,onesayingonething,andanother,another,theycaughtsight
oftwooldnurseswalkintodeliveramessagefromladyFengwhoexplained:"Tomorrow,someonewillbring
ingardenerstoplanttrees,andshebidsyoukeepundermorerigorousrestraint,andnotsunyourclothesand
petticoatsanywhereandeverywherenorairthemaboutheedlesslythattheartificialhillwill,allalong,be
entirelyshutinbyscreeningcurtains,andthatyoumustn'therunningaboutatrandom."
"Iwonder,"interposedCh'iuWenwithalacrity,"whoitisthatwillbringtheworkmentomorrow,andsupervise
theworks?"
"SomeoneorothercalledMr.Yn,livingatthebackportico,"theoldwomanobserved.
ButCh'iuWenandPiHenwereneitherofthemacquaintedwithhim,andtheywentonpromiscuouslyasking
furtherquestionsonhisaccount,butHsiaoHungknewdistinctlyinhermindwhoitwas,andwaswellaware
thatitwasthepersonwhomshehadseen,thepreviousday,intheouterlibrary.
ThesurnameofthisHsiaoHunghad,infact,beenoriginallyLin,whileherinfantnamehadbeenHungYbut
asthewordYimproperlycorrespondedwiththenamesofPaoyandTaiy,shewas,induecourse,simply
calledHsiaoHung.Shewasindeedanhereditaryservantofthemansionandherfatherhadlatterlytakenover
thechargeofallmattersconnectedwiththefarmsandfarmhousesineverylocality.ThisHungycame,atthe
ageofsixteen,intothemansion,toenterintoservice,andwasattachedtotheHungYuan,whereinpointoffact
shefoundbothaquietandpleasanthomeandwhencontrarytoallexpectation,theyoungladiesaswellasPao
y,weresubsequentlypermittedtomovetheirquartersintothegardenofBroadVista,itsohappenedthatthis
placewas,moreover,fixeduponbyPaoy.ThisHsiaoHungwas,itistrue,agirlwithoutanyexperience,but
asshecould,toacertaindegree,boastofaprettyface,andas,inherownheart,sherecklesslyfosteredtheidea
ofexaltingherselftoahigherstandard,shewaseverreadytothrustherselfinPaoy'sway,withaviewto
showingherselfoff.ButattachedtoPaoy'spersonalservicewerealotofservants,allofwhomweregliband
specious,sothathowcouldsheeverfindanopportunityofthrustingherselfforward?Butcontrarytoher
anticipations,thereturnedup,eventuallyonthisday,somefaintglimmerofhope,butassheagaincameinfora
spellofspitefulabusefromCh'iuWenandhercompanion,herexpectationsweresoonconsiderablyfrustrated,
andshewasjustplungedinamelancholymood,whensuddenlysheheardtheoldnursebegintheconversation
aboutChiaYn,whichunconsciouslysoaffectedherheartthatshehastilyreturned,quitedisconsolate,intoher
room,andlayherselfdownonherbed,givingherselfquietlytoreflection.Butwhileshewasrackingand
torturingherbrainandatamomentwhenshewasatalosswhatdecisiontograsp,herearunexpectedlycaught,
emanatingfromoutsidethewindow,afaintvoicesay:"HsiaoHung,I'vepickedupyourpockethandkerchiefin
here!"andassoonasHsiaoHungheardthesewords,shewalkedoutwithhurriedstepandfoundthatitwasno
oneelsethanChiaYninpersonandasHsiaoHungunwillinglyfeltherpowderedfacesuffusedwithbrushes:
"Wheredidyoupickitup,Mr.Secundus?"sheasked.
"Comeover,"ChiaYnsmiled,"andI'lltellyou!"Andasheutteredthesewords,hecameupanddrewherto
himbutHsiaoHungtwistedherselfroundandranawaybutwashowevertrippedoverbythestepofthedoor.
Now,reader,doyouwanttoknowthesequel?Ifsothenextchapterwillexplain.

ENDOFBOOKI

ERRATA[asnotedintheoriginalbook].
Prefacerhythmnotrhymes
Chap.IPage7Line30onnotin"""13"11delehe"II"22"18Yts'unnotYts'un"""22"25dele
onethe"""30"14imbuedwithnotby"III"50"33rhythmnotrythm"IV"64"27deleasandread:
andhiswidowedmotheretc."""65"3deleinandread:whiletherestofhis"V"80"23monitorynot
Monotony"""87"21fervournotfavour"VI"92"20bonzesnotbonze"""93"1Read:Aiya,
exclaimedoldGoodyItmayverywellbesaidthatthemarquis'dooretc."""99"4read:laChaoChn
"VII"114"13ChiaJungnotCh'iaJung"""119"10stewardnotsetward"IX"140"10whiffnotwiff"
""141"26rollnotrollster"X"157"16actionnotactions"XIII"196"23inthefearnotinfear"XIV"
199"39rollnotrollster"XV"215"23preparationsnotpreparation"XVI"231"22Butthesewordsnot
Butthatthesewordsetc."""238"33rollnotrollester"XVIII"270"11deletehe"""270"40otternot
other"""280"20rollnotrollster"XIX"290"15supply'the'beforemilk"XX"304"39read:lying
down,andshefeltetc."XXI"321"35thoughhewasnotwere"""324"12supply'with'afterfumbling"
XXIII"331"32read:afancytonotfor"""338"13supply'himself'afterlaying"XXIII"349"38him
nother"""353"39devoteshisenergiestonotupon"""361"1feltnotfell"""371"21lipsnotslips

ERRATA[additionalonescaughtduringProjectGutenbergproofreading.]
Chap.IPage3Line23:mustn'tnotmust'nt
II"29"33:tranquilitynottranquilty
III"44"2:librarynotlitrary
III"50"18:necknotneek
III"50"19:ornamentsnotormaments
V"70"26:consistencynotconsisteney
V"73"13:"daughter,ShouCh'ang"not
"daughter.ShouCh'ang"
V"86"15:haven'tnothave'nt
VI"95"20:You'venotYouv'e
VI"95"34:it'snotits
VI"96"2:comenotcame
VII"114"14:Isn'tnotIs'nt
VIII"121"17:subsequentlynotsubequently
IX"145"1:consternationnotconternation
X"155"37:night'snotnight't
XI"167"28:Isn'tnotIs'nt
XII"179"1:insistencenotinsistance
XII"182"33:affectionatenotaffectunate
XIII"198"37:rollnotrollster
XIV"203"22:Ts'ai'snotT'sai's
XIV"206"1:exclaimednotexclained
XV"218"21:eachnoteaeh
XVI"226"34:pupilnotpurpil
XVII"249"35:intertwinenotinterwine

XVII"252"29:isn'tnotis'nt
XVII"255"15:andnotaud
XVII"260"35:unexpectedlynotunexpectly
XVIII"280"20:rollnotrollster
XX"315"12:three)."notthree."
XXI"329"31:Isn'tnotIs'nt
XXII"341"11:hasn'tnothas'nt
XXII"344"16:enjoynotinjoy
XXII"346"6:meetestnotmetest
XXII"346"20:Isn'tnotIs'nt
XXIII"349"10:difficultiesnotdiffiulties
XXIII"356"1:autumnalnotautummal
XXIII"356"41:manuscriptsnotmanscripts
XXIV"364"38:back,"notback,
XXIV"368"19:neighboursnotneighours
XXIV"377"17:opportunitynotapportunity
[NotesonProjectGutenbergedition.TheoriginalChinesenovelwaswrittenbyCaoXueqin.Anotherauthor
lateraddedhalfagainasmuch.H.BencraftJolytranslatedonlytheworkofthefirstauthor,essentiallytwo
thirdsofthewholetheworkendsabruptlyattheendofvolumeIIasifheintendedtogoon,butthethird
volumewasneverpublished.Theworkwasnotwellproofreadoriginally.Thereareotherbetterandmore
completeEnglishtranslations,butthisistheonlyonewecouldfindthatisinthepublicdomainintheUSA.
Bothlistsoferratahavebeencorrectedinthetext.Theerrornotedintheoriginalerratalistasbeingonpage140
wasactuallyonpage145.Therewerefartoomanypunctuationerratathatwerecorrected,tolistthemallhere.
ThereISsuchawordas'teapoy'itisNOT'teapot'anditmeansathreeleggedtable.'Dullness'wasconsistently
spelled'dulness'andisleftthus.'Decrepit'wasconsistentlyspelled'decrepid'andisleftthus.'Dote,dotes,'etc.
wasconsistentlyspelled'doat,doats,'etc.andisleftthus.'License'isspelledoncethusandonce'licence.'The
word'speciality'appearsonlyonce,andthatistheproperBritishspelling.
Wheneverapropernamenormallycontainedanumlautweattemptedtosupplyitintheinstanceswhereitwas
missingthiswasmostcommonwiththenamePaoy.Therewerealsovariationsofuseofapostrophesin
propernames,andmanywerecorrected.Neitheroftheseislistedintheerrataabove.]

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