Section 5 of the Dream of the Red Chamber. Book 2. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Dream of the Red Chamber. Book 2 by Zhao Xuqin, translated by Henry Bancroft Jolie. Chapter 27. Part 1. In the D2A pavilion, Bao Zhai diverts herself with a multi-colored butterflies. Over the mount where the flowers had been entered, Dai Yu bewails their withered blue. Lin Dai Yu, we must explain in taking up the thread of our narrative, was disconsolidately bathed in tears when their year was certainly attracted by the creak of the court gate and arise by the appearance of Bao Zhai beyond the threshold. Bao Yu, Zhiyun and a whole posse of inmates then walked out. She felt inclined to go up to Bao Yu and ask him a question. But, dreading that if she made any inquiries in the presence of such a company, Bao Yu would be put to the blush and placed in an outward position. She slipped aside and allowed Bao Zhai to prosecute her way. And it was only Bao Yu and the rest of the body had entered and closed the gate behind them that she allowed issued from her retreat. Then, fixing her gaze steadfastly on the gateway, she dropped a few tears. But inwardly conscious of their utter futility, she retraced her footsteps and wandered her way back into her apartment. And with heavy heart and despondent spirits, she divested herself of the remainder of her abilitments. Zhiyun and Xu Yan were well aware from the experience they had ripped in past days that Lin Dai Yu was in the absence of anything to occupy her mind, prone to sit and mop and that if she did not frown her eyebrows, she anyway heaved deep sighs. But they were quite at a loss to define why she was, with no rhyme or reason ever so ready to indulge to herself in inexhaustible gushes of tears. At first, they were such as still endeavored to afford her solace or who, suspecting last, she brood over the memory of her father and mother, felt homesick or grieved through some offense given her, tried by every persuasion to console and cheer her. But as contrary to all expectations, she subsequently persisted time and again in this dull mood. Through each succeeding month and year, people got accustomed to her eccentricities and did not extend to her the least sympathy.  They one and all turned in and went to sleep. Lin Dai Yu leaned against the railing of the bed, clasping her knees with both hands, her eyes suffused with tears. She looked, in very truth, like a carved wooden image or one fashioned of mud. There she sat straight up to the second watch, even later when she eventually fell asleep. The whole night nothing remarkable transpired. Tomorrow was the 26th day of the fourth month. In day on this day at 1 p.m., commenced the season of sprouting seeds. And according to an old custom, on the day on which this feast of sprouting seeds fell, everyone had to lay all kinds of offering and sacrificial vines on the altar of the god of flowers. Soon after the expiry of this season of sprouting seeds follows summertime. And all plants, in general than wither and the gods of flowers, resigns his throne. It is compulsory to feast him at some entertainment previous to his departure. In the ladies' apartments, this custom was observed with still more rigor. And for this reason, the various inmates of the part of broad visitor had, without a single exception, got up at an early hour. The young people either twisted flowers and willow twigs, in such a way as to represent chairs and horses, or make tufted banners with damask, brogated gauze and silk, and bound them with variegated threads. These articles of decorations were alike attached on every tree and plant, and throughout the whole expanse of the park, embroidered caches waved to and fro, and ornamented branches and knotted their heads about. In addition to this, the members of the family were glad in such finery that they put the peach tree to shame. May the ailment yield the power, to swallow envious and their hope to blush. We could not therefore exhaustively describe them within our limited space of time. Bao Chai, Ying Chun, Tan Chun, Xi Chun, Li Wan, Lady Feng and other girls, as well as Da Jue, Xiang Ling, and the waiting mates, where one and all, we will now notice, in the garden enjoying themselves. The only person who could not be seen was Lin Da Yu. How is it, consequently inquired, Ying Chun, that I don't see cousin Lin?   With these words, she speedily left her companions and repaired straightway into the Xiao Xiang lodge. While she was going on her errand, she met Wen Kun and the rest of the girls, traveling all on their way to seek the party. Drawing near, they inquired after her health. After exchanging a few commonplace remarks, Bao Chai turned around and pointing said, You will find them all in there. You are better go and join them. As for me, I am going to fetch Miss Lin. But I will be back soon. Saying this, she followed the winding path and came to the Xiao Xiang lodge. Upon suddenly raising her eyes, she saw Bao Yu walked in. Bao Chai immediately halted and lowering her head, she gave way to meditation for a time. Bao Yu and Lin Da Yu, she reflected, have grown up together from their very infancy. But cousins, though they be, there are many instances in which they cannot evade suspicion. For they joked without heeding propriety, and at one time they are friends, and at another, at daggers drawn.  So were I to follow him in at this juncture, why Bao Yu would, in the first place, not feel at ease, and in the second, Da Yu would give way to jealousy, better therefore for me to turn back. At the close of this train of thoughts, she retraced her steps, but just as she was starting to join her other cousins, she unexpectedly decried. Ahead of her, a pair of jade-colored butterflies of the size of a circular fan. Now they soar high, now they make a swoop down in their flight against the breeze, much to her amusement. Bao Chai felt a wish to catch them for Mia Fan's sake. So, producing a fan from inside her sleeve, she descended on to the turf of the ground to flap them with it. The two butterflies suddenly were seen to rise, suddenly to drop, sometimes to come, and others to go, just as they were on the point of flying across the stream to the other side. The enticement proved too much for Bao Chai, and she pursued them on tiptoes straight up to the Di Tui pavilion, nesting on the bank of the point. While frequent perspiration dripped drop by drop, and her sweet breath panted gently, but Bao Chai abandoned the idea of catching them and was about to beat a retreat when all at once she overheard in the pavilion the chatter of people engaged in conversation. This pavilion had, it must be added, a verandah and six sack ballastrates running all round. It was erected over the water in the center of a point and had on the four sides window frames of carved woodwork stuck with paper. So, when Bao Chai caught from without the pavilion the sigh of voices, she at once stood still and lend an attentive ear to what was being said. Look at this handkerchief she overheard. If it's really the one you've lost, well, then keep it. But if it isn't, you must return it to Mr. Yuan. To be sure, it is my own. Another party observed. Bring it along and give it to me. What reward will you give me? She further heard. Is it likely that I've searched all for nothing? I've long ago promised to recompense you and, of course, I won't play you false. Someone again rejoined. I found it and brought it round. Also, vegetarian. And you naturally will recompensate me. But won't you give anything to the person who picked it up? Don't talk nonsense, the other party added. He belongs to a family of gentlemen. And anything of ours he may pick up is his bounden duty to restore to us. What reward could you have me give him? If you don't reward him, she heard someone continue. What will I be able to tell him? Besides, he enjoined me time after time that if there was to be no recompense, I was not to give it to you. A short pause ensued. Never mind, then came out again to her. Take these things of mine and present it to him and have done. But do you mean to let the cat out of the bag with anyone else? You should take some oath. If I tell anyone, she likewise overheard.  Ayah was the reply she heard. Our minds are merely bent upon talking, but someone might come and quietly listen from outside. Wouldn't it be as well to push all the relations open? Anyone seeing us in here will then imagine that we are simply chatting about nonsense. Besides, should they approach, we shall be able to observe them and at one stop our conversation. Our child listened to these words from outside with a heart full of astonishment. How can one wonder, she argued mentally, if all those lewd and dishonest people who have lived from olden times to the present have devised such thorough artifices. But will they now to open and see me here? Won't they feel ashamed? Moreover, the voice in which those remarks were uttered resembles very much that of Honora attached to Baoyu's rooms, who has all along shown a sharp eye and a drilled mind. She is an artful and perverse thing of the first class, and as I have not overheard her peccadillos and a person in despair with bells as sure as a dog in distress jumps over the wall. Not only will trouble arise, but I too shall derive no benefit. It would be better at present therefore for me to lose no time in retiring. But as I fear I may not be in time to get out of the way. The only alternative for me is to make use of some art like that of the cicada, which can diverse itself of its exuberance. She had scarcely brought her reflections to a close before a sound of gajie reached her ears. Baochai purposely hastened to treat with heavy step. Being her, I see where you are hiding. She cried out lovingly, and as she shouted, she pretended to be running ahead in pursuit of her. As soon as Xiaohong and Jueyue pushed the windows open from inside the pavilion, they heard Baochai screaming while rushing forward, and both fell into a state of trepidation from the fright they sustained. Baochai turned around and faced them. Where have you been hiding Miss Lin? She smiled. We have seen anything of Miss Lin. Retarded Jueyue. I was just now proceeded Baochai on this side of the pool, and discerned Miss Lin squatting down over there and playing with the water. I managed to have gently given her a start, but scarcely had I walked up to her when she saw me, and with a detour towards the east, she at once vanished from sight. So, may she be concealing herself in there. As she spoke, she designedly zapped in and searched about for her. Disover, she betook herself away, adding, she's certain to have got again into that cave in the hill, and come across a snake which must have bitten her and put a lamb to her. So saying, she distanced them, feeling again very much amused. I have managed, she thought, to ward off this piece of business, but I wonder what those two think about it. Xiaohong, who would have anticipated, readily credited as gospel the remarks she heard Baochai make, but allowing just time enough to Baochai to got to a certain distance, she instantly drew chair to her. Dreadful, she observed, Miss Lin was squatting in here and must for certainty have overheard what we said before she left. Obed chair listened to her words, she kept her own counsel for a long time. What's to be done? Xiaohong consequently exclaimed. Even supposing she did overhear what we said we joined the chair by way of answer, why should she meddle in what does not concern her? Everyone should mind her own business. Had it been Miss Bao, it would not have mattered, remarked Xiaohong. But Miss Lin delights in telling mean things of people and is besides so badly minded. Should she have heard and anything but chance comes to light, what will we do? During the calligraphy, they noticed Wen Guan, Xiang Lin, Xi Chi, Qi Shu, and the other girls enter the pavilion. So they were compelled to drop the conversation and to play and laugh with them. They then aspired Lady Feng standing on the top of the hill log, waving her hand, begging to Xiaohong. Apparently, therefore leaving the company, she ran up to Lady Feng and with a smile heaped upon smile. My lady, she inquired, would I say that you want? Lady Feng scrutinized her for a time, observing how spruced and pretty she was in looks and how genuine in her speech, she felt prompted to give her a smile. My own waiting mate, she said, hasn't followed me in here today and as I've just this moment befought myself of something and would like to send someone on an errand. I wonder whether you'll fit to undertake the charge and deliver a message faithfully. Don't hesitate in entrusting me with any message you may have to send, replied Xiaohong with a laugh. I readily go and deliver it. Should I not do so faithfully and blunder in fulfilling your business, my lady, you may visit me with any punishment, your leadership may please and I have nothing to say. What young lady's serpent are you? smiled Lady Feng. Tell me, so that when she comes back after I've sent you out and looks for you, I may be able to tell her about you. I'm attached to our master's secundus, Mr. Bao's rooms. answered Xiaohong. Ayah, ejaculated Lady Feng as soon as she heard these words. Are you really in Bao's rooms? How strange. Yet it comes to the same thing. Well, if he asks for you, I'll tell him where you are. Go now to our house and tell your sister Ping that she'll find on the table in the outer apartment and understand with the plate from the Lu Kiln, a bundle of silver that it contains the 120 tales for the embroiderers' wedges and that when Zhang Chai's wife comes, the money should be handed to her to take away. After having been weighed in her presence and been given to her to tally. Another thing too I want. In the inner apartment and at the head of the bed, you'll find a small purse. Bring it along to me. Xiaohong listened to her orders and then started to carry them out. On her return in a short while, she discovered that Lady Feng was not on the hill-log but perceiving Xiqi egress from the cave and stand still to tie her petticoat. She walked up to her. Sister, do you know where our Lady Secunder is gone to? She asked. I didn't notice, but joined Xiqi. At this reply, Xiaohong turned around and cast a glance on all four quarters. Seeing Tan Zhen and Bai Chai standing by the bank of the pond on the opposite side and looking at the fish, Xiaohong advanced up to them. Young ladies, she said, straining a smile. Do you per chance have any idea where our Lady Secunder is gone to now? Go into your senior lady's court and look for her. Tan Zhen answered. Hearing this, Xiaohong was proceeding immediately towards the Daoxiang village. When she caught sight just ahead of her of Qinwen, Qixia, Bihen, Qiuwen, Xie Yu, Xishu, Yuhua, Ying'er and some other girls coming towards her inner group. The moment Qinwen saw Xiaohong, she caught out to her.  She exclaimed. You don't water the flowers nor feed the birds or prepare the tea stove. What could get about outside? Yesterday replied Xiaohong, Mr. Secunder told me that there was no need for me to water the flowers today. That was enough if they were watered every other day. As for the birds, they were still in the arms of Morpheus, sister, when I give them their food. And what about the tea stove, in the post Bihen? Today retorted Xiaohong is not my turn on duty. So don't ask me whether there'll be any tea or not. Did you listen to that mouth of hers? cried Qixia. But don't you girls speak to her? Let her stroll about and have done. You better all go and ask whether I've been getting about or not. continued Xiaohong. Our lady Secunder has just bitten me, go and deliver a message and fetch something. Saying this, she raised the purse and let them see it. And they finding they could hit upon nothing more to taunt her with, trudged along onwards. Qingwen smiled a sarcastic smile. How funny she cried. Though she climbs up a high branch and doesn't condescend to look at any one of us. All she told her must have been just somewhere or two. Who knows. But is it likely that our lady has the least notion of her name or surname that she rides such a high horse? And behaves in this manner? What credit is it in having been sent on a traveling errand like this? Will we, by and by, pray hear anything more about you? If you've got any gumption, you'd better scatter it all out of this garden this very day. For mine, it's only if you manage to hold your love at any length of time that you can be fought something off. As she derided her, she continued on her way. During this while, Xiaowong listened to her. But as she did not find an suitable moment to retaliate, she felt constrained to suppress her resentment and go in search of Lady Feng. End of section 5. Section 6 of the Dream of the Red Chamber. Book 2. This is a liberal box recording. All liberal box recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit liberalbox.org The Dream of the Red Chamber Book 2 by Zhao Shuqin Translated by Henry Bencraft Jolie Chapter 27, Part 2 On her arrival at Widow Lee's Quarters, she in point of fact discovered Lady Feng seated inside with her having a chat. Xiaowong approached her and made her report. Sister Ping says, she observed, that as soon as your leadership left the house, she pushed the money by and that when Zhang Zhai's wife went in a little time to fetch it, she had to wait in the presence. Afterward, she gave it to her to take away. With these words, she produced the purse and presented it to her. Sister Ping made me come and tell your leadership. She added, continuing, that Wang Er came just now to crave your orders. As to who are the parties from whom he has to go and collect interest on money due, and Sister Ping explained to him what your wishes were and sent him off. How could she tell him where I wanted him to go? Lady Feng laughed. Sister Ping says, Xiaowong proceeded, that our lady present her compliments to your leadership with Li, here, to Lady Feng, that our Master Secundus has in fact not come home and that Obed, a delay of a day or two will take place in the collection of the money. Your leadership should, she begs, set your mind at ease to Li Wen, that when Lady Quinter is somewhat better, our lady will let Lady Quinter know and come along with her to see your leadership. To Lady Feng, that Lady Quinter sent a servant the day before yesterday to come over and say that our lady, your worthy maternal aunt, had dispatched a letter to inquire after your leadership's health, that she also wished to ask you, my lady, her worthy niece in here, for a couple of long life great efficacy full of every word, pills, and that if you have any, they should when our lady bids a servant come over, be simply given her to bring to our lady here and that anyone found tomorrow for that side could then deliver them on her way to her leadership your aunt, your under, to take along with her. Aye yo yo exclaimed Widow Li before the close of the message it's impossible for me to make out what you are driving at what a heap of ladieships and misters. It's not to be wondered at that you can't make them out, in the post why her remarks refer to four or five distinct families while speaking she again faced Xiaohong my dear girl, she smiled what a trouble you've been pushed to but you speak decently and unlike the others who keep on bus bus bus like mosquitoes you are not aware sister-in-law that I actually dread uttering a word to any of the girls outside the few servant girls that matrons in my own immediate service for they invariably spin out what could be condensed in a single phrase into a long interminable yarn and they munch and chew their words and sticking to a peculiar draw they groan and moan so much so that they exasperate me till I fly into a regular rage yet how are they to know that our painter too was once like them but when I ask her must you forsooth imitate the humming of a mosquito in order to be accounted a handsome girl and spoke to her on several occasions she at length improved considerably what a good thing it would be laughed Li Gongchai if they could all be as smart as you are this girl is first rate rejoined Lady Feng she just now delivered two messages they didn't her admit amount too much yet to listen to her she spoke to the point tomorrow she continued addressing herself to Xiaowong smilingly come and wait on me and acknowledge you as my daughter and the moment you come under my control you will readily improve at this news Xiaowong spurred out laughing aloud what are you laughing for Lady Feng in quiet you must say to yourself that I am young in years and that how much older can I be than yourself to become your mother but are you under the influence of a spring dream go and ask all those people older than yourself they would be only too ready to call me mother but snapping my fingers at them I today exalt you I wasn't laughing about that Xiaowong answered with a smiling face I was amused by the mystic relationship made about our generations why my mother claims to be your daughter my lady and are you now going to recognize me too as your daughter who's your mother Lady Feng exclaimed don't you actually know her put in Li Gong Chai with a smile she's Lin Ji Xiao's child this disclosure greatly surprised Lady Feng what? she consequently cried is she really his daughter while Lin Ji Xiao's and his wife she resumed smilingly couldn't of them utter a sound even they were correct with an O I've always maintained that they are well suited couple as the one is as deaf as a post and the other as dumb as a mute but who would ever have expected them to have such a clever girl but how much are you in your teens I am 17 replied Xiaowong what is your name she went on to ask my name was once Hong Yu Xiaowong rejoined but as it was a duplicate of that of Master Secundus Mr. Bao Yu I'm now simply called Xiaowong upon hearing this explanation Lady Feng raised her eyebrows into a frown and turning her head around it's most disgusting should be marked those bearing the name Yu would seem to be very cheap for your name is Yu my Yu sister-in-law she then observed I never let you know anything about it but I mentioned to her mother that Lai Da's wife has at present her hands quite full and that she hasn't either any notion as to who is who in this mention you had better I said carefully select a couple of girls for my service she assented unreservedly but she put it off and never chose any on the contrary she sent this girl to some other place but is it likely that she wouldn't have been well off with me here you are again full of suspicion Li Wen left she came in here long before you ever breathed forward to her so how could you bear a grudge against her mother well in that case at the Lady Feng I will speak to Bao Yu tomorrow and induce him to find another one and to allow this girl to come along with me I wonder I refer whether she herself is willing or not whether willing or not interposed Xiaohong smiling such as we couldn't really presume to raise our voices and objects we should fear it our privilege to serve such a one as your leadership and learn a little how to discriminate when people raise or drop their eyebrows and eyes with pleasure or displeasure and reap as well some experience in such matters as go out or come in whether high or low, great and small but during her reply she perceived Madam Wang's waiting maid come and invite Lady Feng to go over Lady Feng paid good-bye once to the Gong Chai and took her departure Xiaohong then returned into the Yi Hong court where we will leave her and devote our attention for the present to Lin Da Yu as she had had but little sleep in the night she got up the next day at a late hour when she heard that all her cousins were collected in the park giving her farewell entertainment for the god of flowers she hastened for fear people should laugh at her for being lazy to comb her hair, perform her ablutions and go out and join them as soon as she reached the interior of the court she caught sight of Mao Yu entering the door who speedily greeted her with a smile my dear cousin he said did you lodge a complaint against me yesterday I've been on pins and needles the whole night long Da Yu forthwith turned her head away push the room in order she shouted to Ji Zhen and lower one of the gauze window frames and when you've seen the swallows come back drop the curtain keep it down then by placing the lion on it and after you have burned the incense mind you cover the censor so saying she stepped outside Bao Yu perceiving her manner concluded again that it must be on account of the incident of the previous noon but how could he have had any idea about what had happened in the evening he kept on still bowing and cut saying but Lin Da Yu did not even so much as look at him straight in the face but egressing along out of the door of the court she proceeded there and then in search of the other girls Bao Yu fell into a despondent mood and gave way to conjectures judging he reflected from this behavior of hers it would seem as if it could not be for what transpired yesterday yesterday too I came back late this evening and what's more I didn't see her so that there was no occasion on which I could have given her offense as he indulged in these reflections he involuntarily followed in her footsteps to try and catch her up when he described Bao Chai and Tan Chen on the opposite side watching the phoenix of the stalks as soon as they saw Da Yu approach the trio stood together they chatted but noticing Bao Yu also come up Tan Chen smiled right about she said are you alright? it's just three days that I haven't seen anything of you are you sister quite well? Bao Yu rejoined a smile on his lips the other day I asked news of you of our senior sister-in-law right about Tan Chen remarked come over here I want to tell you something the moment Bao Yu heard this he quickly went with her distancing Bao Chai and Da Yu the two of them came under a prominent tree as father sent for you these last few days Tan Chen then asked he hasn't Bao Yu answered lovingly by way of reply yesterday proceeded Tan Chen I heard vaguely something or other about father sending for you to go out I presume Bao Yu smiled that someone must have heard wrong for he never sent for me I again managed to save during the last few months at Tan Chen with another smile fully ten doubts so take them and bring me when at any time you stroll out of doors either some fine writings or some ingenious knick-knack much as I have roomed inside and outside the city walls answered Bao Yu and seen grand establishments in large temples I've never come across anything novel or pretty one simply sees articles made of gold, jade, copper and porcelain as well as such curios for which we could find no place here besides this there are satins, idibles and wearing apparel who cares for such bubbles exclaimed Tan Chen how could they come up to what you purchased the last time the basket made of willow twigs that sand box scooped out of a root of real bamboo that portable stove fashions of glutinous clay these things were all so very nice I was as fond of them as I don't know what but would have thought it they fell in love with them and bundle them all off just as if they were precious things is it things of this kind that you really want? why? these are worth nothing were you to take a hundred cash and give them to the servant boys they could I'm sure bring two cup those of them what do the servants boys know Tan Chen replied those you chose for me were plain yet not commonplace neither were they of course made so were you to procure me as many as you can get of them I'll work you a pair of slippers like those I gave you last time and span tries as much trouble over them as I did over that pair you have now what do you say to this bargain your reference to this smile about you reminds me of an old incident one day I had them on and by a strange coincidence I met father who's fancy they did not take and he inquired who had worked them but how could I muster up courage to allude to the three words my sister tells you so I answered that my maternal aunt had given them to me on the recent occasion of my birthday when father heard that they had been given to me by my aunt he could not very well say anything but after a while while uselessly waste he observed human labor and throw away silk to make things of this sort on my return I told Jiren about it never mind said Jiren but Mrs. Zhao got angry her own brother she murmured indignity wears slip-shot shoes and socks in holes and there's no one to look after him and does she go and wear all these things down Jiren this immediately lowered her face now tell me aren't these words utter rot she shouted what am I dead I have to make shoes and is it likely that father hasn't his own share of things clothes are clothes and shoes and socks are shoes and socks and how is it that any grudges arise in the room of a mere servant girl and old matron for whose benefit does she come out with all these things I simply work a pair or part of a pair when I am at leisure with time on my hands and I can give them to any brother, elder or younger I fancy and who has the right to interfere with me it's just another bit of blind anger after listening to her Baoyu nodded his head and smiled yet he said you don't know what her motives may be it's supernatural that she should also cherish some expectations this apology incensed Tan Chun more than ever and twisting her head around even you have grown doubt she cried she does of course indulge in expectations but they are actuated by some underhand and poutry notion she may go on giving way to these ideas but I for my part will only care for Mr. Jia Chun and Madam Wang I won't care a rep for anyone else in fact I will be nice with such of my sisters and brothers as are nice to me and won't even draw any distinction between those born of primary wives and those of secondary ones probably speaking I shouldn't say these things about her but she's never minded to a degree and unlike what she should be there's besides another ridiculous thing this took place the last time I gave you the money to get me those travels well two days after that she saw me and she began again to represent that she had no money and that she was hard up nevertheless I did not worry my brain was going on but as it happened the seven girls subsequently quitted the room and she at once started finding fault with me why she asked do I give you my savings to spend and don't after all let Wang'er have them at and join them when I heard these reposures I felt both inclined to love and also disposed to lose my temper but I there and then scattered out of her quarters and went over to our maiden wall as she was recounting this incident well she over her bow tie sarcastically observed from the opposite direction have you done spinning your yarns if you have come along it's quite evident that you are brother and sister for here you leave everyone else and go and discuss your own private matters couldn't we to listen to a single sentence of what you have to say while she tormented them and Bao Yu eventually drew near her with smiling faces Bao Yu however fell to see Lin Dai Yu and he concluded that she had dodged out of the way and gone elsewhere it would be better he muttered after some thought that I should let two days elapse and give her temper time to evaporate before I go to her but as he drooped his head his eyes was attracted by a heap of touched minots and a granite blossom and various kinds of fallen flowers which covered the ground thick as tapestry and he heaved a sign it's because he pondered she's angry that she did not remove these flowers but I will take them over to the place and by and by ask her about them as he argued to himself he heard our tie with them go out I'll join you in a moment Bao Yu replied and waiting till his two cousins had gone some distance he bundled the flower into his coat and ascending the hill he crossed the stream penetrated into the arbor passed through the avenues with flowers and went this way straight for the spot where he had on a previous occasion entered the peach blossoms with the assistance of Lin Dai Yu but scarcely had leveraged the mound containing the flowers he had as yet rounded the brow of the hill then he caught emanating from the offside the sound of someone sobbing who while giving way to invective were in a most heart-rending way I wonder so little Christ Bao Yu whose servant girl this is who has been so aggrieved as to run over here to have a good crime while speculating within himself he halted he then heard mingled with wells flowers withered and decayed and flowers to flee they fly all over the skies their bloom wanes their smell dies but who will stay with them to sympathize while vagrant gossamer soft doth on fluttering springs powers bind its coils and drooping cackens lightly strike and cling on the embroidered screens a maiden in the inner rooms I saw deployed the clothes of spring such ceaseless sorrow fills my breast that solace nowhere can I find past the embroidered screen I issue forth taking with me a hole and on the faded flowers to treat I need smushed as I come and go the willow fibers and elm seeds have each fragrance of their own what care I each blossom may fall pear flowers away be blown yet peach and pear will when next year returns burst out again in bloom but can it ever be told who will next year dwell in the inner room what time the third moon comes the centenesses have been already built and on the beams the swallows purge excessive spiritless and stale next year when the flowers bud they may is true have aimful to feed on but they know not that when I'm gone beams will be vacant and nest fall in a whole year which does consist of 360 days winds sharp as salt and frost light unto spears each other vigorous press long can last their beauty bright their fresh charm how long stays certain they droop and fly and wither they have flown this has to guess flowers while in bloom easy to attract but when they wither hard they are to find now by the footsteps I bury the flowers but sorrow will slay me along I stand and as I clutch the whole silent tears trickle down and drip on the bare twigs leaving behind them the traces of blood the ghost sucker have sung his song the shades lower off even tight so with the lotus hole I return home and shut the double doors upon the wall the green lamp shed its rays just as I go to sleep the cover is yet cold against the window patterns to bleak rain how strange why can I ever be that I feel so wounded at heart partly because sprain I regret partly because with sprain I'm vexed regret for sprain because a sudden comes vexed for its sudden goes for without warning low it comes and without asking it doth flee yesterday night outside the hall sorrowful songs burst from my mouth for I found out that flowers decay and that birds also pass away the soul of flowers and the spirit of birds are both hard to restrain birds to themselves were left in silence plunge and the flowers alone they blush oh would that on my sides a pair of wings could grow that to the end of heaven I may fly in the wake of flowers yea to the very end of heaven where I could find a fragrant grave for better is it not that an embroidered bag should hold my well shaped bones and that a heap of stainless earth should hold my winsome charms and shroud for spotless wants my frame to come and spotless again it will go far better than that I like filthy mire should sink into some drain ye flowers are now faded and gone and low I come to bury you but as for me what they I shall see death is not as yet divine as flowers to inter but humankind would love me as a fool who knows who will in years to come commit me to my grave mark and you will find the clothes of spring and the gradual decay of flowers resemble faithfully the time of death of maidens ripe in years in a twinkle spring time draws to a close and maidens wax in age flowers fade and maidens die and of either not any more is known after listening to these effusions bow you unconsciously threw himself down in a wandering frame of mind but reader do you feel any interest in him if you do the subsequent chapter contains further details about him and of section 6 section 7 of the 3 of the red chamber book 2 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information on the volunteer please visit LibriVox.org the dream of the red chamber book 2 translated by Henry Bencroft Jolie chapter 28 part 1 Jiang Yuhan lovingly presents a rubia-centered silk set shea bao chai blushingly covers her mask-performed string of red beads Lin Daiyu the story goes 12 after Qin Wenz refusal the previous night to open the door under the impression that the blade lay with bao yu the following day which by another remarkable coincidence happened to correspond with the season when the god of flowers had to be feasted the total ignorance of the true circumstances and the resentment as yet unspent aroused again in her despondent thoughts suggested by the decline of springtime she consequently gathered a quantity of faded flowers and fallen petals and went and interred them unable to check the emotion caused by the decay of the flowers she spontaneously recited after giving way to several loud lamentations those verses which bao yu should little thought overheard from his position on the mount at first he did no more than nod his head and he signs full of feeling but when subsequently his ear caught here I am feigned these flowers to enter but humankind will laugh me as a fool who knows, who will in years to come commit me to my grave in a tranquil springtime draws to an end and maidens wax in age flowers fade and maidens die and of either not anymore is known he unconsciously was so overpowered with grief that he threw himself on the mount restoring the whole ground with the fallen flowers he carried in his coat close to his chest when they use flower-like charms and moonlight beauty he reflected by and by likewise reached a time when they will vanish beyond any hope of recovery won't my heart be lacerated and my feelings be mangled and extending since Tai Yu must at length someday revert to a state when it will be difficult to find her this reasoning to other persons like Bao Chai, Xiang Ling, Zhiyuan and the other girls they too are equally liable to attain a state beyond the reach of human search but when Bao Chai and all the rest have ultimately reached that stage when no trace will be visible of them where shall I myself be then? and when my own human form will have vanished and gone whether I know not yet the person I wonder will this place, this garden and these plants revert from one to a second and from a second to a third he thus pursued his reflections backwards and forwards until he really did not know how he could best at this time and as such a juncture dispel his fits of anguish his state is adequately described by the shadow of a flower cannot air from the flower itself to the left or the right the song of birds can only penetrate into the ear from the east or the west Linda Yu was herself afraid to emotion and agitation when unaware sorrowful accents also struck her ear from the direction of the mount everyone she cogitated laughs at me for laboring under foolish mania but is there likely another fool besides myself she then raised her head and casting a glance about her she discovered that it was Bao Yu Chui eagerly cried Dai Yu I was wondering who it was but is it truly this ruthless hearted and short-lived fellow but the moment the two words short-lived dropped from her mouth she sealed her lips and even a deep sigh she turned herself round and hurriedly walked off Bao Yu meanwhile remained for a time afraid to melancholy but perceiving that Dai Yu had retired he at once realized that she must have caught sight of him and got out of his way and as his own company afforded him no pleasure he shoved the dust off his clothes rose to his feet and descending the hill he started for the Yihong court by the path by which he had come but he aspired Dai Yu walking in the bonds of him and with rapid stride he overtook her stopped a little he cried I know you don't care a rep for me but I would just make one single remark and from this day forward will part company Dai Yu looked around observing that it was Bao Yu she was about to ignore him hearing him however mention that he had only one thing to say please tell me what it is she both with rejoined Bao Yu smiled at her if I pass two remarks will you listen to me yes or no he asked at these words Dai Yu twisted herself around and beat a retreat Bao Yu however followed behind since this is what we have come to now designed what was the use of what existed between us in days gone by as soon as Dai Yu heard his exclamation she stopped shot impulsively turning her face towards him what about days gone by she remarked and what about now I ejaculated Bao Yu when you got here in days gone by wasn't I your playmate in all your roms and in all your fun my heart may have been set upon anything but if you wanted it you could take it away at once I may have been fond of any eatable but if I came to learn that you too fancied it I there and then put away what could be put away in a clean place to wait miss for your return we had our meals at one table we slept in one and the same bed whatever the certain girls could not remember I reminded them of for fearless your temper miss should get ruffled I flattered myself that cousins who have grown up together from their infancy as you and I have would have continued through intimacy or friendship either would have done in peace and harmony until the end so as to make it palpable that we are above the rest but contrary to all my expectations now that you miss have developed in body as well as in mind we don't take the least heat of me you lay hold instead of some cousin Bao or cousin Feng or other from here there and everywhere and give them a place in your mind while on the contrary you disregard me for three days at a stretch and decline to see anything of me for four I have besides no brother or sister of the same mother as myself is true there are a couple of them but these are you not for sure aware about another mother you and I are only children so I ventured to hope that you would have reciprocated my feelings but who'd have thought it I've simply thrown away this heart of mine and here I am with plenty of walls to bear but with nowhere to go and utter them while expressing these sentiments tears unexpectedly trickled from his eyes when Lin Da Yu caught with her ears his protestations and noticed with her eyes his state of mind she unconsciously experienced an inward pang and much against her real tears to brispringled her cheeks so drooping her head she kept silent her manner did not escape Bao Yu's notice I myself am aware he speedily resumed that I'm worth nothing now but however imperfect I may be I could on no account presumed to become guilty of coming with Yu cousin where I to ever commit the slightest fault your task should be either to tender me advice and want me not to do it again or to blow me up a little or give me a few wags and all this reproof I wouldn't take amiss but no one would have ever anticipated that you wouldn't border your head in the least about me and that you would be the genes of driving me to my woods ends and so much out of my mind and off my head as to be quite at a loss how to act for the best in fact where death to come upon me I would be a spirit driven to my grave by grievances however much exalted bonuses and eminent powers priests might do penance they wouldn't succeed in releasing my soul from suffering or for you to clearly explain the facts so that I might at last be able to come to life after landing him a patient here that Yu suddenly banished from her memory or recollection of the occurrences of the previous night well in that case she said why did you not let a servant girl open the door when I came over this question took Bao Yu by surprise what prompts you to say this he exclaimed if I have done anything of the kind may I die at once Che cried Dai Yu it's not right that you should recklessly approach the subject of living or dying at this early month if you say Ye is Ye and Ne is Ne what use is there to utter such oaths I didn't really see you come over protested Bao Yu this is Bao Tai it was who came and sat for a while and then left after some reflection Lin Dai Yu smiled yes she observed your servant girls must I fancy have been too lazy to budge grumpy and in a cross grain mood this is probable enough this is I feel sure the reason answered Bao Yu so when I go back I'll find out who it was and put things right those skills of yours continue Dai Yu should be given a lesson but probably speaking it isn't for me to mention anything about it the present insult to me is a mere trifle but where tomorrow some miss Bao that is precious or some miss Fei that is dual or other to come and where she to be subjected to insult won't it be a grave matter while she taunted him she pressed her lips and laughed sarcastically Bao Yu hurt her remarks and felt both disposed to nash his teeth with rage and to treat them as a joke but in a midst of their colloquy they perceived a waiting-maid approach and invites them to have their meal presently the whole body of inmates crossed over to the front miss in quite a manner more at the sight of Dai Yu have you taken any of Dr. Bao's medicines do you feel any better I simply feel so so replied Lin Dai Yu but grandmother Jia recommended me to go on taking Dr. Wang's medicines mother Bao Yu interposed you have no idea that cousin Lin's is an internal derangement it's because she was born with a delicate physique that she can't stand the slightest cold all she need to do is to take a couple of doses of some decoction to dispel the chill yet it's preferable that she should have medicine in pills the other day said Madam Wang the doctor mentioned a name of some pills but I have forgotten what it is I know something about pills put in Bao Yu immediately told her to take some pills called Jinsen as a restorative of the system that isn't it Madam Wang demurred the egg pressures wholesome to mother's pills Bao Yu proceeded or the left Angelica or right Angelica if these also aren't the ones they must be the egg flavor Raminia glutinosa pills none of these rejoined Madam Wang for I remember well that there were the two words one that is guardians in Buddhist temples I've never before observed Bao Yu clapping his hands heard of the existence of Jin Gan pills but in the event of there being any Jin Gan pills there must for a certainty be such a thing as Bodhisattva that is Buddha, powder at this joke everyone in the whole room burst out laughing Bao Chai compressed her lips and gave a smile it must I'm inclined to think she suggested that a lot of heaven strengthen the heart pills yes that's the name Madam Wang laughed why? now I too have become muddled headed you're not muddled headed mother said Bao Yu it's the mention of Jin Gan and Buddhas which confused you stuff and nonsense ejaculated Madam Wang what you want again is your father to whip you my father Bao Yu laughed wouldn't whip me for a thing like this well just being their name presumed Madam Wang you had better tell someone tomorrow to buy you a field all these drugs expostulated Bao Yu are of no earthly use where you mother I will concoct a supply of pills for my cousin which I can certify will make her feel quiet herself again before she has finished a single supply what trash cried Madam Wang what kind of medicine is there so costly it's a positive fact smiled Bao Yu this prescription of mine is unlike all others besides the very names of those drugs are quaint and couldn't be illuminated in a moment suffice it to mention the placenta of the first child 360 Jinsen roots shaped like human beings and studded with leaves four fat tortoises full grown polygonum modiforum the core of the Pachyma cocos found on the roots of a fir tree of a thousand years old another suspicious of medicines they are not I admit all of the way things but they are the most excellent amount that all crowd of medicines and where I to begin to give you a list of them why? they take you all quite a back the year before last I at length let Xie Peng have this recipe after he had made ever so many and treaties during one or two years when I ever he got the prescription he had to search for another two or three years and to spend over and above a thousand tales before he succeeded in having it prepared if you don't believe me mother you are liberty to ask a son Bao Chai about it as the mention of her name Bao Chai laughingly waved her hand I know nothing about it she observed nor have I heard anything about it so don't tell your mother to ask me any questions really said Madam Wang she was smiling Bao Chai is a good girl she does not tell lies Bao Wu standing in the center of the room upon hearing these words he turned around sharply and clapped his hands what I stated just now he explained what's the truth yet you maintained that it was all lies as he defended himself he casually looked around and caught sight of Lin Da Yu at the back of Bao Chai laughing with tight-set lips and applying her fingers to her face to put him to shame but Lady Feng who had been in the inner rooms overseeing the servants laying the table came out at once as soon as she overheard the conversation Bao Bao tells no lies she is smilingly chimed in this is really a fact some time ago Cousin Xie Pan came over in person and asked me for pearls and when I inquired of him what he wanted them for he explained that they were intended to compound some medicine with adding in an agreed way that it would have been better hadn't he taken it in hand for he never had any idea that it would involve such a lot of trouble when I questioned him what the medicine was he returned for answer that it was a prescription of Bao Bao's and he mentioned ever so many ingredients which I don't even remember under other circumstances he went on to say I would have purchased a few pearls but what I absolutely wanted are such pearls as have been worn on the head and that's why I come to ask you cousin or some if cousin you've got no broken ornaments at hand in a shape of flowers why? those that you have on your head will do as well and by and by I have a few good ones and gave them to you to wear I had no other course there than to snap a couple of twigs from some flowers I have made of pearls and to let him take them away one also requires a piece of deep red gauze 3 feet in length of the best quality and the pearls must be situated to bother in a mortar after each sentence expressed by Lady Feng Bao Yu muttered an invocation to Buddha the thing is as clear as sunlight now he remarked the moment Lady Feng had done speaking Bao Yu put in his word mother he added you should know that this is a mere makeshift for really according to the letter of the prescription these pearls and precious stones should probably speaking consist of such as had been obtained from some old grave and been worn as head ornaments by some wealthy and honorable person of bygone days but how could one go now on this account and take up graves and open tombs and it is that such as are simply in use among living persons can equally well be substituted I be told for exclaimed madam Wang after listening to him throughout that will never do and what an arduous job to uselessly settle one's self-worth for even though there be interred in some grave's people who've been dead for several hundreds of years it wouldn't be a perpetuous thing where the corpse turned topsy-turvy now and the bones abstracted just for the sake of preparing some medicine or other Bao Yu thereupon addressed himself to Da Yu have you heard what was said or not he asked and is there prey for likelihood that Cousin Secunder would also follow in my lead and tell lies while saying this his eyes were or bet his face was turned towards Lin Da Yu fixed upon Bao Chai Lin Da Yu pulled madam Wang who just listened to him and she observed all because Cousin Bao Chai would not accommodate him by lying he appeals to me Bao Yu has a great knack madam Wang said of feeling contemptuously with you is Cousin mother Bao Yu smilingly protested you are not aware how the case stands when Cousin Bao Chai lived at home she knew nothing whatever about my elder cousin Xue Pan's affairs and how much less now that she has taken up her quarters inside the garden she of course knows less than ever yet Cousin Lin just now stealthily treated my statements as lies and put me to the blush these words were still on his lips when they perceived a waiting maid from Dao Jue Lady Jia's apartment come in quest of Bao Yu and Lin Da Yu to go and have their meal Lin Da Yu I remember did not even call Bao Yu but forthwith right into her feet she went along with the waiting maid by the hand let's wait for master Cousin Mr. Bao to go along with us demure the girl he doesn't want anything to eat Lin Da Yu replied he won't come with us so I will go ahead Cousin actually promptly left the room I will have my repost with my mother today Bao Yu said not at all madam Wang remarked not at all so it's only right and proper that you should go and have your own I will also fast with you then Bao Yu retorted as he spoke he called out to the servant to go back and rushing up to the table he took a seat madam Wang faced Bao Chai and her companions you girls she observed had better have your meal and let him have his own way it's only right that you should go Bao Chai smiled whether you have anything to eat or not you should go over for a while to keep company to Cousin Lin as she will be quite distressed and out of spirits who cares about her Bao Yu rejoined she'll get all right again after a time shortly they finished their repost but Bao Yu apprehended in the first place that his grandmother Jia would be solicitous on his account and longed in a second to be with Lin Da Yu so he hurriedly asked for some tea to rinse his mouth with Cousin Xikun thus Tan Chen and Xi Chun interposed with an ironic laugh what's the use of the very scary you are in the old day long even when you are having your meals or your tea you are in this sort of fuzzy healther scalter making him hurry up and have his tea Bao Chai chimed in smiling so that he may go and look up his Cousin Lin he'll be up to all kinds of mischief if you keep him here Bao Yu drank his tea then hastily leaving the apartment he proceeded straight way towards the eastern court as luck would have it the moment he got near Lady Feng's court he described Lady Feng standing at the gateway while standing on the step and picking her teeth with an ear cleaner she super intended about 10 young servant boys removing the flower pots from place to place as soon as she caught sight of Bao Yu approaching she put on a smiling face you come quite opportunely she said, walk in, walk in and write a few characters for me Bao Yu had no option but to follow her in when they reached the interior of her rooms, Lady Feng gave orders to a servant to fetch a pen ink slap and paper 40 rows of deep red ornamented satin she began addressing herself to Bao Yu 40 rows of satin with dragons 100 rows of courses of every colour of the finest quality 4 gold necklaces what's this? Bao Yu shouted it is neither a beer nor is it a list of presents and in what style shall I write it? Lady Feng remonstrated with him just you go on writing she said for in fact as long as I can make out what he means is all that is needed Bao Yu at this response felt constrained to proceed with the writing this over Lady Feng put the paper by I should did so, I've still something more to tell you she smilingly pursued but I wonder whether you will proceed to it or not there is in your rooms a servant maid Xiao Hong by name whom I would like to bring over into my surface and I will select several girls tomorrow to wait on you will this do? the servants in my quarters answered Bao Yu muster a large crowd so that cousin you are at perfect liberty to send for any one of them who might take your fancy what's the need therefore of asking me about it if that be so continued Lady Feng laughingly I will tell someone at once to go and bring her over yes she can go and fetch her acquiesced Bao Yu while replying he made an attempt to take his leave come back shouted Lady Feng I've got something more to tell you a venerable senior has sent for me Bao Yu rejoined if you have anything to tell me you must wait till my return after this explanation he came over to his grandmother Jiaz on this side where he found that they had already got through their meal have you had anything nice to eat with your mother old lady Jiaz asked there was really nothing nice Bao Yu smiled yet I managed to have a bow of rice more than usual whereas cousin Lin he then inquired she is in the inner rooms answered his grandmother Bao Yu stepped in he caught sight of a waiting mate standing below blowing into an iron and two seven girls seated on the stove coach making a chalk line Dai Yu with stooping head was cutting out something or other with a pair of scissors she held in her hand Bao Yu advanced further in oh was this that you are up to he smiled you have just had your rice and do you bob your head down in this way why? in a short while you will be having a headache again Dai Yu however did not hit him in the least but busy herself cutting out what she had to do the corner of that piece of satin is not yet to write a seven girl put in you had better iron it again Dai Yu threw down the scissors why worry yourself about it she said it will get quite right after a time but while Bao Yu was listening to what was being said and was inwardly feeling in low spirits he became aware that Bao Chai Tan Jun and the other girls had also arrived after a short chat with Dao Zhe Lady Jia Bao Chai likewise entered the apartment to find out what her cousin Lin was up to the moment she aspired Lin Dai Yu engaged in cutting out something you have she cried attained more skill than ever there you can even cut out clothes this too allowed Dai Yu sarcastically is a mere falsehood to hood wing people with nothing more I'll tell you a joke replied Bao Chai smiling when I just now said that I did not know anything about that medicine cousin Bao Yu felt displeased who cares shouted Lin Dai Yu he'll get alright shortly our worthy grandmother wishes to play at Domino's Bao Yu there upon in the post directing his remarks to Bao Chai and there's no one there at the presence to have a game with her so you better go and play with her have I come over now to play Domino's promptly smiled Bao Chai when she heard his suggestion with this remark she nevertheless at once quitted the room it would be well for you to go urged Lin Dai Yu for there is a tiger in here and look out he might eat you up as she spoke she went on with her cutting Bao Yu perceived how both she was to give him any of her attention and he had no alternative but to force a smile and to observe we should also go for a stroll it would be time enough by and by to continue your cutting but Bao Yu would pay whatever to him Bao Yu addressed himself therefore to the Serpent Girls who has taught her how to cut out these things he asked what does it matter who taught me how to cut Dai Yu vehemently exclaimed when she realized that he was speaking to the maids it's no business of yours Mr. Secundus Bao Yu was then about to say something in his defense when he saw a Serpent come in and reported that there was someone outside who wished to see him at this announcement Bao Yu betook himself with a legality out of the room I be told for observed Dai Yu turning outwards it wouldn't matter to you if you found me dead on your return on his arrival outside Bao Yu discovered Bei Ming you are invited he said to go to Mr. Feng's house upon hearing this message Bao Yu knew well enough that it was about the project mutated the previous day and accordingly he told him to go and ask for his clothes while he himself went at his steps into the library Bei Ming came forthwith to the second gate and waited for someone to appear seeing an old woman walked out Bei Ming went up to her our Master Secundus Mr. Bao he told her is in the study waiting for his outdoor clothes so you go in with the dame and deliver the message it would be better to reply to the old woman if you did not echo your mother's absurdities our Master Secundus Mr. Bao now lives in the garden and all the servants who attend on him stay in the garden and do you again come and bring the message here? at these words Bei Ming smiled you are quite right you rejoined in reproving me for I've become quite idiotic so saying he repaired with quick step to the second gate on the east side where by a lucky hit the young servant boys on Tiu Chi were kicking marbles on the raised row Bei Ming explained to them the object of his coming the young boy there upon ran in after a long interval he at length made his appearance holding and folded in his arms a bundle of clothes which he handed to Bei Ming who then returned to the library Bao Yu effected a change in his costume and giving directions to settle his horse he only took along with him the four servant boys Bei Ming, Chu Yao Xiang Rui after a shower and started on his way he reached Feng Jiyin's doorway by a short cut a servant announced his arrival and Feng Ziyin came out and ushered him in here he discovered Xue Peng who had already been waiting a long time and several singing boys besides as well as Jiang Yuhan who played female roles and Yue'er then in the Jin Xiang court the whole company exchanged salutations they next had tea what you said the other day smiled Bao Yu raising his cup about good fortune coming out of evil fortune has prayed so much upon my mind both by day and night that the moment I received your summons I hurried to come immediately my worthy cousins rejoined Feng Ziyin smiling you are all far too credulous it's a mere hoax that I made use of the other day for so much did I fear that you would be sure to refuse if I openly asked you to a drinking bout that I thought it fits to say what I did but your attendance today so soon after my invitation mixed it clear it although one would have thought it that you have all taken it as pure gospel truth this admission evoked laughter from the whole company the wines were afterwards placed on the table and they took the seeds consistent with their grades Feng Ziyin first and foremost called the singing boys and offered them a drink next he told Yue'er to also approach and have a cup of wine by the time however that xue pen had had his 30 cup he of a certain lost control over his feelings and clasping Yue'er's hand in his do same me he smiled that novel ballad of your own composition and I would drink a whole jar full ah Yue'er disappeared compelled Yue'er to take up the guitar she then sang lovers have I too to set aside either I cannot bear where my heart longs for the to come it also yearns for him both I inform handsom and fear the beauty to describe it would be hard just think nasolite when at a silent hour we met in secret by the trailers frame laden with roses white one to his feelings stealthily was giving vent when low the other caught us in the act and laying hands on us there we three stood like litigants before the bar and I had rarely no word in answer for myself to give at the close of her song she laughed well now she cried down with that whole jar why it isn't worth a java smirking at these words favor us with some other good sound listen to what I have to suggest by Yue in the post a smile on his lips if you go on drinking in this reckless manner we will easily get drunk and there will be no fun in it I will take the lead and swallow a large cup full and put in force a new penalty and any one of you who doesn't comply with it will be mocked in 10 large couples in quick succession speedily rising from the banquet he poured the wine for the company phone to the yin and the rest meanwhile exclaimed with one voice quite right, quite right while you then lifted a large cup and drank it with one drought we will now propose the dilate on the four characters said wounded, glad and joyful but while discussing about young ladies we will have to illustrate the four states as well at the end of this recitation we will have to drink the door cup over the wine to sing an original and seasonable ballad while over the hill tabs to make allusion to some object on the table and devise something with some old poetic lines or asian strokes from the four books or the five classics or with some set phrases xiaepeng gave him no time to finish he was the first to stand up and prevent him from proceeding I won't join you so don't count me this is in fact done in order to play tricks upon me here however also rose to her feet and shoved him down into his seat what are you in such a funk for she laughed you're fortunate enough to be able to drink wine daily and can't you forsooth even come up to me yet I mean to recite by and by my own share if you say what's right well and good you'll simply have to swallow several cups of wine as a four feet and is it likely you'll die from drunkenness are you going now to disregard this rule and to drink instead ten large cups besides going down to pour the wine what and all clapped in applause well said they shouted after this xiaepeng had no way out of it and fell compelled to resume his seat end of section 7 section 8 of the dream of the red chamber book 2 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org the dream of the red chamber book 2 by Jiao Xuqing translated by Henry Bankraff's Jolie chapter 28 part 2 they then heard Bao Yu recite a girl is sad when a springtime of life is far advanced and she still occupies awakened in a room a girl feels wounded in her heart when she regrets having allowed her better half to go abroad and win a milestone a girl is glad when looking in the mirror at the time of her morning toilet she finds her color fair a girl is joyful when time she sits on the frame of a gallows swing clad in a thin spring gown having listened to him capitol one and all cried out in a chorus xiaepeng along raised his face shook his head and remarked it isn't good he must be fined why should he be fined demerred the party because retorted xiaepeng what he says is entirely unintelligible to me so how can he not be fined gave him a pinch just you quietly think of yours she left for if by and by you are not ready you also have to bear a fine in due course Bao Yu took up the guitar it was hard to sing when mutual thoughts arise tears bloodstained endless drop like lentos song broadcast in spring in ceaseless bloom nourish willows and flowers around the painter tower inside the gauze lactus peaceful sleep flies when after dark come wind and rain both newborn sorrows and longstanding griefs cannot from memory ever die e and j fine rise and go like drains they make hard to go down they choke the throat the last has not the heart to desist gazing in the glass at her one face nothing can from that knitted brow of hers those friends dispel for hard she finds it patient to abide till the Capsitra will have run its course alas how fitly like the faint outline of a green hill which not can scream or like a green tamed stream whichever ceaseless throath onward far and wide when it sound true to an end his companions with one voice cried out excellent Shepeng was the only one to find fault there is no meter in them he said while you quaffed the opening cup then ceasing a pair he added while the rain strikes the pair blossom I firmly closed the door and thus accomplished the requirements of the rule Feng Jiyin's turn came next Amei is glad he commenced when at her first confinement she gives birth to twins sons Amei is joyful when on a slide she to the garden creeps crickets to catch Amei is sad when her husband some sickness gets and lies in a bad state Ameiden is wounded at heart when the fierce wind blows down the tower where she makes her toilet concluding this recitation he raised the cup and sang Daoat what one could aptly call Amei but Daoat endowed with somewhat too much heart how queer Daoat cross grained and impish shrill a spirit too Daoat could not be more shrill if all I say Daoat does not think is true in secret just a minute search pursue for then Daoat know if I love thee or not he sang over he drank the opening cup and then observed the cock crawls when the moon rays shine upon the thatched inn after his observance of the roof followed year's turn a girl is sad year began when she tries to divine on hope she will depend towards the end of life my dear child lovingly exclaim your worthy Mr. Cher still lives and why do you give way to fears don't confuse her remonstrate every one of the party don't mutter her a maiden is wounded at heart you have proceeded when her mother beats and scouts her and never for an instant Daoat desist it was only the other day in the post Cherpeng that I saw your mother and that I told her that I would not have her beat you if you still go on babbling put in a company with one consent you will be fined 10 cups Cherpeng promptly administered himself a slap on the mouth how you let the faculty of hearing exclaimed you are not to say a word more a girl is glad year then resumed when her lover cannot prove to leave her and return home a maiden is joyful when hushing the pan pipe and double pipe a strained instrument she thrumps at the end of her effusion she at once began to sing this is the third day of the third moon the nutmats bloom a maggot, low roughs hard to pierce into a flower but though it sees less balls it cannot penetrate so, crouching on the butt its wing line rocks itself my precious pet my own dear little darling if I don't choose to open how can you steal in finishing her song she drank the opening cup after which she added to delicate peach blossom and thus complied with the exigencies of the rule next came Cherpeng is it for me to speak now Cherpeng asked a maiden is sad but a long time elapsed after these words were uttered and yet nothing further was heard said for what Feng Ziyin lovingly asked go out and tell us at once Cherpeng was much perplexed his eyes rolled about like a bell a girl is sad he hastily repeated but here again he coughed twice before he proceeded a girl is sad he said when she marries a spouse who is a libertin the sentence so tickled the fancy of the company that they burst out into a loud fit of laughter what amuses you so shouted Cherpeng is it likely that what I say is not correct if a girl marries a man who chooses to forget all words how can she not feel sore at heart but so heartily did they all laugh their bodies were bent in two what you say is quite right they eagerly replied so proceed at once with the rest Cherpeng their bond stared with vacant gaze a girl is grieved he added but after these few words he once more could find nothing to say what did she grieve about they asked when a huge monkey finds his way into the inner room Cherpeng retorted this reply said everyone laughing he must be mocked they cried he must be mocked the first one could anyhow be overlooked but this line is more unintelligible as they said this they were about to pour the wine when Baoyu smilingly interfered the rhyme is alright he observed the master of the rules Cherpeng remarked approves it in every way what are you people fussing about hearing this the company eventually let the matter drop the two line step follow are still more difficult such as the year with a smile so you had better let me recite for you fitness sticks exclaimed Cherpeng do you really fancy that I have no good one just you listen to what I shall say a girl is glad when in the brighter room she lies with flowery candles burning and she is low thrice at morn this sentiment filled one and all with amazement how supremely excellent this line is they ejaculated a girl is joyful Cherpeng resumed during the consummation of wet lock upon catching this remark the party turned their heads away and shouted dreadful but quick sing your song and have done forthwith Cherpeng said a mosquito buzzes hum hum hum everyone was taken by surprise what kind of song is this they inquired but Cherpeng went on singing two flies buzz wong wong wong enough shouted his companions that will do do you want to hear it or not Cherpeng this is a new kind of song called hum hum air but if you people are not disposed to listen then be off also from saying what I have to say over the hilltaps and I won't then sing we'll let you off answered one and all so don't be hindering others a maiden is said Cherpeng at once began his first return a maiden is disconsolate when she has no money to go and buy some olec reform oil a maiden is glad when the wig of the lantern forms two heads like twin flowers on one's tail a maiden is joyful when two contricled peas prevails between her and her mate his recital over he went on to sing one of the with those seductive charms of fine heaven born in truth there are like a living fairy from the asher skies the spring of life we now enjoy we are yet young in years our union is indeed a happy match but lo the Milky Way doth at its zenith soar hark to the drums which beat around in the watchtowers so raise the silver lamp and let us soft under the nuptial curtain steel finishing the song he drank the opening cup I know he smiled few poetic quotations bearing on this sort of thing by a stroke of good fortune however I yesterday coined a pair of antithetical scrolls of these I can only remember just one line but lucky enough for me the object it refers to figures as well on this festive board this said he forthwith drained the wine and picking up a bud of a diminutive variety of olea franghan he recited when the perfume of flowers wafts that is jiren itself into a man he knows the day is warm the company unanimously considered that the rule had been adhered to but Xue Peng once again jumped up it's awful awful he bowed out boisterously he should be fined he should be made to pay a forfeit there's no precious article was ever on this table how is it then that you introduce precious things there was nothing about precious things Zhang Yuhan vehemently explains are you still prefabricating Xue Peng cried well repeated again Zhang Yuhan had no other course but to recite the line a second time now is not jiren a precious thing Xue Peng asked if she isn't what is she and if you don't believe me you ask him about it pointing at the conclusion of this remark at Bao Yu Bao Yu felt very uncomfortable he said you should be fined heavily I should be Xue Peng shouted and saying this he took up the wine and poured it down his throat with one cup Feng Ziyin Zhang Yuhan and the companions thereupon asked him to explain the allusion you already told them and Zhang Yuhan hastily got up and pleaded guilty ignorant the party said with one consent does not amount to guilt but presently Bao Yu quitted the banquet to go and satisfy a natural want and Zhang Yuhan followed him out the two young fellows halted under the eaves of the render and Zhang Yuhan then recommends to make ample apologies Bao Yu however was so attracted by his handsome and genial appearance that he took quite a violent fancy to him and squeezing his hand in a firm grip if you have nothing to do he urged to let us go over to our place I've got something more to ask you is this there's in your worthy company someone called Ji Guan with a reputation extending at present throughout the world but unfortunately I alone have not had the good luck of seeing him even once this is really rejoined Zhang Yuhan with a smile my own infant name this disclosure at once made Bao Yu quite exuberant and stamping his feet is mild how lucky I'm in luckiest way he exclaimed in very truth your reputation is no idle report but today is our first meeting and what shall I do after some thought he produced a fan from his sleeve and on loosening one of the jade pendants he handed it to Ji Guan this is a mere tribal reset it does not deserve your acceptance yet it will be a small souvenir of our acquaintance today Ji Guan received it with a smile I do not deserve such a present how am I worthy of such an honor but never mind I've also got about me here a strange thing which I put on this morning it is brand new yet and will I hope suffice to prove to you a little of the feeling of esteem which I entertain for you with these protestations he raised his garment and untie a deep red sash with which his nether clothes were fastened he presented it to Bao Yu this sash I remarked is an article brought as tribute of the Qingxiang Kingdom if you attach this around you in summer the person will emit a fragrant perfume and it will not perspire it was given to me yesterday by the Prince of Beijing and it is only today that I put it on to anyone else I would certainly not be willing to present it but Mr. Sikondus please do unfasten the one you have on and give it to me to bind around me I am also extremely delighted Bao Yu with precipitated haste he accepted his gift and undoing the dark brown sash he surrendered it to Ji Guan but both had just had time to adjust their respective sashes when they heard a loud voice say oh I've caught you and they perceived Xue Peng come out by lips and bounds clutching the two young fellows what do you exclaimed leave your wine for and withdraw from the banquet be quick and produce those things and let me see them there's nothing to see rejoined the two young fellows with one voice Xue Peng however would by no means fall in with their views and it was only Feng Ziyin who made his appearance on the scene who succeeded in dissociating him so resuming their seats they drank until dark when the company broke up Bao Yu on his return into the garden loosened his clothes and had tea but Zhe Ren noticed that the pendant had disappeared from his fan and she inquired of him what had become of it I must have lost it this very moment Bao Yu replied at bedtime however describing a deep red sash with specks of blood attached around his waist Zhe Ren guessed more or less the truth of what must have transpired as you have such a nice sash to fasten your trousers with Zhe Ren consequently said you better return that one of mine this reminder made the fact dawn upon Bao Yu that the sash has originally been the property of Zhe Ren and that he should by right not have parted with it but however much he felt his conscience smitten by remorse he failed to see how he could very well disclose the truth to her he could therefore only put on a smiling expression and end I'll give you another one instead Zhe Ren was prompted by his rejoinder to nod her head and sigh I felt sure she observed that you'd go again and do these things yet you shouldn't take my belongings and bestow them on that low breath sort of people can it be that no consideration finds a place in your heart she then felt disposed to tender him a few more words of ammunition but dreading on the other hand lest she should by irritating him bring the films of the wine to his head she thought it best to also retire to bed nothing worth noticing occurred during that night the next day when she woke up at the break of day she heard Bao Yu call out laughingly robbers have been here in the night are you not aware of it just you look at my trousers Zhe Ren lowered her head and looked she saw at a glance that the sash which Bao Yu had won the previous day was bound around her own waist and she at once realized that Bao Yu must have affected the change during the night but promptly unbinding it I don't care for such things she cried quick take it away at the sight of her manner Bao Yu has to coax her with gentle terms this so disarmed Zhe Ren that she fell under the necessity of putting on the sash but subsequently when Bao Yu stepped out of the apartment she elounced wooden off-end throwing it away in an empty box she found one of hers and fastened it around her waist Bao Yu however did not in the least notice what she did but inquired whether anything had happened the day before Lady Sekunde Zhe Ren explained dispatched someone and fetched Zhe Hong away her wish was to have waited for the return but as I thought that it was of no consequence I took upon myself to decide and sent her off that's all right, we joined Bao Yu I knew all about it there was no need for her to wait yesterday resumed Zhe Ren the imperial consul deputed the Eunuch Xia to bring 120 ounces of silver and to convey her commands that from the first to the third that should be offered in the Qingxu temple Thanksgiving services to last for three days and that theoretical performances should be given and oblations presented and to tell our senior master Mr. Jia Zhen to take all the gentlemen and go and burn incense and worship Buddha besides this she also sent presents for the Dragon Festival continuing she made a young servant maid produce the presents which had been received the previous day then he saw two palace fans of the best quality two strains of musk-scented beads two rows of silk as fine as the phoenix tail and a superior maid worked with hibiscus as a sight of these things Bao Yu was filled with immeasurable pleasure and he asked whether the articles brought to all the others were similar to his the only things in excess of yours that our venerable mistress has Zhe Ren explained consists of a scented jade scepter and a pillow made of agate those of your worthy father and mother our master and mistress and of your aunt exceed yours by a scented scepter of jade yours are the same as Miss Bao's Miss Lin's are like those of Mrs. Sekunde Tersha and Quater who received nothing beyond a fan and several pearls and none of all the other things as for our senior lady Mrs. Jia Zhu and Mrs. Sekunde these two got each two rows of gold two rows of silk two center bags and two sticks of medicine after listening to her enumeration what's the reason of this he smiled how is it that Miss Lin's are not the same as mine but that Miss Bao's instead are like my own may not the message have been wrongly delivered when they were brought out of the palace yesterday Zhe Ren rejoined they were already divided in respective shares and slips were also placed on them so that how could any mistake have been made yours were among those for our dowager's ladies' apartments when I went and fetched them her venerable leadership said that I should tell you to go there tomorrow at the fifth watch to return thanks of course it's my duty to go over Bao you cried at these words but fought with calling Ji Shao take this to your Miss Lin he told her and say that I got them yesterday and that she is at liberty to keep out of them any that take her fancy Ji Shao expressed her obedience and took the things away after a short time she returned Miss Lin says she explained that she also got some yesterday and that you Master Sekunde should keep yours hearing this reply Bao Yu quickly directed the servant to put them away but when he had washed his face and stepped out of doors bent upon going to his grandmother's on the other side in order to pay his obeisance he caught sight of Lin Da Yu coming along towards him from the opposite direction Bao Yu hurriedly walked up to her I told you he smiled to select those you liked from my face how is it you didn't choose any Bao Yu had long before banished from a recollection the incident of the previous day which had made her angry with Bao Yu and was only exercised about the occurrence of this present occasion I'm not gifted with such extreme good fortune she consequently answered as to be able to accept them I can't compete with Miss Bao in connection with whom something or other about gold is mentioned we are simply beings connected with the vegetable kingdom the allusion to the two words gold and jade aroused of a sudden much emotion in the heart of Bao Yu if beyond what people say about gold or jade he protested the idea of any such things ever crosses my mind may the heavens annihilate me and may the earth extinguish me and may I for 10,000 generations never assume human form these protestations convinced Lin Da Yu that suspicion had been aroused in him with all promptitude she smiled and observed there all to no use why are such oaths when there is no rhyme or reason who cares about any gold or any jade of yours it would be difficult for me to tell you to your face all the secrets of my heart Bao Yu resumed by and by you will surely come to know all about them after the three my old grandmother my father and my mother Yu, my cousin, hold the fourth place and if there is to be a fifth I'm ready to swear another oath you needn't swear anymore Lin Da Yu replied I'm well aware that I, your younger cousin have a place in your heart but the thing is that at the sight of your elder cousin don't forget all about your younger cousin this comes again from over suspicion ejaculated Bao for I'm not at all disposed that way well resumed Lin Da Yu why do you yesterday appeal to me when that host Bao Chai would not have you by telling a story had it been I who had been guilty of any such thing I don't know what you wouldn't have done again but during that heather death despite Bao Chai approach from the opposite direction so readily they beat a retreat Bao Chai had distinctly caught sight of them but pretending she had not seen them she trudged on her way with lowered head and repaired into Madam Wang's apartment after a short stay she came to this side to pay dowry's lady jar a visit with her she also found Bao Yu Bao Chai ever made it a point to hold Bao Yu aloof as her mother had in days gone by mention to Madam Wang and her other relatives that the gold locket had been the gift of a bond that she had to wait until such time as some suitor with Jade turn up before she could be given in marriage and other similar confidences but on discovery the previous day that Yuan Jun's presence to her alone resembled those of Bao Yu began to feel all the more embarrassed luckily our river Bao Yu was so entangled in Lin Da Yu's meshes and so absorbed in heart and mind with fond thoughts of his Lin Da Yu that he did not pay the least attention to these circumstance but she unawares now her Bao Yu remark with a smile cousin Bao let me see that string of scented beads of yours by a strange coincidence for the string of beads around her left wrist so she had no alternative when Bao Yu asked her for it then to take it off Bao Chai however was naturally inclined to unborn point and it proved therefore no easy matter for her to get the beads off and while Bao Yu stood by watching her snow white arm feelings of admiration were quickly stirred up in his heart where this arm attached to Miss Lin's person he secretly pointed I might possibly have been able to caress it but it is as it happens part and parcel of her body how I really do to plot this lack of good fortune certainly he thought himself of this secret of gold and jade and he again scanned Bao Chai's appearance as the sight of her countenance resembling a silver bowl her eyes limpid like water and ailment like in shape her lips crimson though not ruched her eyebrows jack black though not penciled also of that fascination and grace which presented such a contrast to Lin Dai Yu's style of beauty he could not refrain from falling into such a stupid reverie that though Bao Chai had got the string of beads off her wrist and was handing them to him he forgot all about them and made no effort to take them Bao Chai realized that he was plunged in abstraction and conscious of the awkward position in which she was placed she put down the string of beads and turning around was on the point of taking herself away when she perceived Lin Dai Yu standing on a doorstep laughing significantly while biting a handkerchief she held in her mouth you can't resist Bao Chai said a single puff of wind and why do you stand there and expose yourself to the very teeth of it wasn't I inside the room rejoined Lin Dai Yu with a cynical smile but I came out to have a look as I heard a streak in the heavens it turned out in fact to be a stupid white goose a stupid white goose to repeat the Bao Chai where is it? let me also see it as soon as I got out answered Lin Dai Yu it flew away with a dirt sort of a noise while replying she threw the handkerchief she was holding straight into Bao Yu's face Bao Yu was quite taken by surprise he was hit on the eye he exclaimed but reader do you want to hear the sequel in case listen to the circumstances which will be disclosed in the next chapter end of section 8