by Bangqing Han
After Gold Flower had gone, he asked Green Phoenix in a whisper, “Have you spoken to your mother?”
“Not yet. If I do it now and it turns out badly, things can be awkward. I’ll wait till after the festival and see. Don’t bother yourself with things here; I’ll speak for myself. Luo will pay my ransom; you just get the clothes and jewelry and furniture ready for me.”1
Vigor gave his promise and left. She did not see him off. Instead, she put down the water pipe and called out at the door curtain, “You can come over now.” And so Gold Phoenix brought Prosperity Luo over, holding him by the hand. Pearl Phoenix walked behind them, and Little Treasure came in last with the teacup and Luo’s jacket. Gold Flower was the only one who went downstairs to keep Second Sister company.
When the clock on the wall struck ten, Prosperity told Green Phoenix he had business to attend to the next morning and wanted to go home for an early night.
“You can go to bed early here as well,” she replied. “I have something to say to you; don’t go home.”
Naturally, he obeyed. Promotion was told to go home with the sedan-chair bearers. Green Phoenix called for Mama Zhao to come in and tidy up and then sent Prosperity to bed. Mama Zhao, Gold Phoenix, Pearl Phoenix, and Little Treasure left one by one. Green Phoenix figured there would not be any more party calls, so she, too, went to bed. She consulted with Prosperity in low whispers under the quilt for a long while, but there’s no need for us to go into the details.
Knowing that his master had to attend a wedding in a certain official’s family and that the wedding banquet was to be held at the Garden of Plenty, Promotion came back with his sedan chair early the next morning. By the time Prosperity got ready and went by sedan chair to the Garden of Plenty, the place, sumptuously decorated with lanterns and draperies, was already filled with guests dressed for the occasion.
When the feast was over, Prosperity did not leave by sedan chair but arranged to take a leisurely walk with the brothers Cloud and Jade Tao and Amity and Modesty Zhu. They happened to run into Benevolence Hong, and, after a brief greeting, everybody stood talking. It suddenly occurred to Amity Zhu that Whistler Tang had said something about Benevolence taking his younger brother, Modesty, to tea at Twin Jade’s. Afraid that Modesty was too young to know how to control or protect himself, he wanted to see how he had got on, so he said to Benevolence, “We haven’t seen your lady love for quite a few days, shall we go and look in on her together?”
Benevolence guessed his intentions and gladly led the way.
“We won’t come along,” Cloud Tao said. “There’re so many of us, it’s bound to be awkward.”
“It’s all right, I’ll make it an occasion,” replied Amity.
With Benevolence Hong leading the way, the six men headed for Twin Pearl’s in Sunshine Alley. Twin Pearl was puzzled by this group visit. After greeting them and inviting them to sit down, she called for Twin Jade to come over.
The minute Amity Zhu saw Twin Jade, he said to Modesty, “Though you’ve called her a couple of times, you’ve yet to give a party at her place. Since all our friends are here today, I’ll throw a party on your behalf and treat them all to dinner.”
Modesty Zhu had no idea how he should respond, and the embarrassment made him flush completely red in the face. Prosperity Luo, on the other hand, was delighted, saying repeatedly, “Excellent, excellent.” He told the servant girl, Clever Baby, “Hurry up, go place the order!”
Modesty became agitated. He stood up to stop it. “Let’s have the dinner party in a restaurant. We can send call chits from there.”
Prosperity shouted, “We don’t want to go to a restaurant. It’s nice here.” Brooking no protests, he told Clever Baby to order dinner. “Set the table right away.”
Cloud Tao said to Amity Zhu, “You’re all right as elder brothers go, but it’s a pity Modesty is not as good at having fun as you are. If our Jade were your brother, then you’d really have some great times together.”
Jade Tao was a bit embarrassed to hear himself mentioned. But Amity Zhu said in all seriousness, “Since we live in the foreign settlements, it’s just as well to let them have some fun. If you’re used to it from a young age, it’s no great shakes. On the other hand, someone shut in the schoolroom all the time may seem well behaved, but once they’re let out, they just throw themselves at it, and then they’re in trouble.”
Benevolence Hong chipped in. “What you say is true, but it depends on the person, too. With Modesty, you don’t have to worry. But somebody who has a taste for the fun really mustn’t be indulged.”
All this made Modesty Zhu so uneasy he could not sit still. Pretending to look at calligraphy and painting scrolls, he walked to a corner of the room and stood facing the wall. Even Twin Jade slipped out of the room.
Twin Pearl said smiling, “The two of them are cut from the same cloth. They never have a word to say, but deep down they’re both clever.”
At this, everybody laughed, and the conversation came to an end. They waited till Golden came in to report that the table was set before they walked across to Twin Jade’s room. The call chits were immediately issued and hot towels produced. They sat down casually, without the routine of giving one another precedence. Although Modesty Zhu was host, he did not ply his guests with wine and food. Instead he sat there mutely, his hands folded together and his head bowed. Twin Jade, sitting beside him, only managed to say, “Please help yourselves.” When everybody lifted his cup to thank him for dinner, Modesty’s bashfulness prevented him from responding. Worth brought the first course, shark’s fin. After everybody had tasted it, Modesty still had not lifted his chopsticks.
“What kind of a host are you? D’you want your guests to invite you to partake?” said an amused Prosperity Luo, lifting his own ivory chopsticks. “Please, please!”
Modesty was so embarrassed that he just looked away.
“The more you speak to him, the more bashful he gets. It’s best to leave him alone for a while,” said Amity Zhu. That gave Modesty Zhu license to sit back. Fortunately, the resident girl, Twin Pearl, was there to entertain on his behalf, so things were not too quiet at the table.
Presently, Green Phoenix, White Fragrance, Belle Tan, and Water Blossom all arrived. Prosperity Luo was the first to be banker. Though there were just six at table, spirits were still high. Modesty Zhu caught an opportunity to look back at Twin Jade from the corner of his eye and saw that she was also sitting bolt upright and in silence; a black summer silk handkerchief was hanging out of her sleeve. Taking advantage of the noisy finger game, he reached out a hand to pull at her handkerchief. She felt the pull and quickly tucked it back inside her sleeve, paying him no attention. That move having failed, he unfastened a fan pendant from his belt. It was a green jade monkey, and he put it furtively in her lap. She quickly drew back her hands. He had thought she was sure to accept the gift and so had let go; the monkey slid onto the floor.
Twin Pearl heard the sound. “Did you drop something?” she asked and then told Clever Baby to look under the table. Alarmed, Modesty tried to pick it up himself. To his surprise, Twin Jade put her foot on the monkey and kept it hidden under the flared bottom of her trouser leg, saying, “It’s nothing.” She then diverted Clever Baby by giving her the wine pot to fill and so managed to cover up the matter.
Now it was Modesty’s turn to challenge the bank. Prosperity Luo extended a fist, waiting. Modesty hastily obliged and lost five rounds in a row. He had just taken the penalty cup when he heard Twin Pearl calling loudly, “Twin Jade, come and substitute for the drinking.” He turned around, and sure enough Twin Jade had left the table; the green jade monkey on the floor had also disappeared. Only then was he reassured. Clever Baby, who had come back with the wine, took two cups for him, and then Twin Jade was told to drink the rest. After drinking his penalty wine, she sat down primly behind him. He peeked at her and saw she had another handkerchief in her sleeve, this time of pale turquoise summer silk, also hanging out. Now he under
stood. He stealthily reached out a hand to pull it. Her attention on the finger game, her face blank, she did not feel it at all, and he succeeded. Overjoyed, he tucked the handkerchief in his gown. He wanted to leave the table to admire the handkerchief in private but for fear of being noticed had to be patient for the moment.
Prosperity Luo’s high spirits were undiminished; he insisted that everybody take turns as banker after him. Later, Jade Tao succumbed to the wine and had to leave early with Water Blossom. They were followed by White Fragrance and Belle Tan. Finally, Green Phoenix removed Prosperity’s wine cups, took him in hand, and forbade any further horseplay. Only then was the party over, and Green Phoenix hustled her patron home with her.
Amity Zhu and Cloud Tao went to lie down on the divan to smoke and chat, while Benevolence Hong went over to Twin Pearl’s room. Left alone, Modesty Zhu sneaked out into the parlor and took out the handkerchief. As he shook it out, he seemed to sense a warm fragrance, but when he sniffed at it, the fragrance was gone. He looked at the handkerchief: it was brand-new, made of pale turquoise summer silk and embroidered with a tea-green blanket stitch border. Perhaps it was Twin Jade who embroidered it? After a moment’s foolish thoughts, he folded it up and hid it in a silk purse. Just as he was about to turn around, he saw Twin Jade standing behind the screen door peeping out, smiling. Bashful as ever, he was going to avoid her, but she nodded and beckoned him. Overjoyed, he came up to her in a hurry.
Now she looked displeased and grumbled, “Don’t you know how to get here by now? Why did you come with so many people?”
He apologized in a low voice, “Then I’ll come by myself in a couple of days.”
“Are you so busy that you have to wait a couple of days?”
“Sorry,” he apologized again. “I’ll come tomorrow. Definitely tomorrow.”
She said no more, and he went back into the room.
When Amity Zhu and Cloud Tao each had had a couple of smokes, it was already time to light the lamps. They called Benevolence Hong over and arranged to leave together along with Modesty Zhu. Twin Pearl and Twin Jade saw them to the stairs, bidding them good-bye. After that, Twin Pearl returned to her room, and Twin Jade followed her. Twin Pearl was perplexed. They sat facing each other on the divan. Twin Jade smiled bashfully and then took out the green jade monkey to show Elder Sister. Twin Pearl saw that it was green all over except for its head, which was pure white, and the peach of immortality hugged to its chest, which was red. Then there were two black spots cleverly carved as the eyes. Her guess was that, though not a rare treasure, it would not have come cheap.
“Did Fifth Young Master give it to you?” she asked. Twin Jade did not answer, just nodded. “That’s a token for you. Put it away and keep it safe,” she said smiling.
Twin Jade’s face suddenly crumpled, as if she were about to cry. “Elder Sister,” she pleaded, “Don’t let Mr. Hong know.”
“Why?”
“Mr. Hong will tell their family.”
“Why would he want to do that?”
Twin Jade had trouble getting her words out.
Twin Pearl pointed two fingers at her and laughed, “You’re a real amateur. Why, you’ve just started seeing Fifth Young Master, and by taking Mr. Hong into your confidence, you can ask him to help. If Fifth Young Master doesn’t come, you can have Mr. Hong go and invite him. Wouldn’t that be good for you? Why would you want to keep him in the dark?”
“Then will you please mention it to Mr. Hong, Elder Sister?”
Twin Pearl pondered. “I don’t mind doing that, but you must tell me everything Fifth Young Master said. Then I’ll speak for you.”
“Fifth Young Master didn’t say anything, just that he’ll come tomorrow.”
Twin Pearl pondered this silently.
Twin Jade took the green jade monkey and went merrily downstairs to Orchid Zhou’s room to show her. She saw Orchid Zhou lying on the divan with her eyes closed, deep in an opium doze, while Twin Jewel was lolling on the divan, toasting opium. Not daring to disturb her, Twin Jade was about to withdraw when Orchid Zhou opened her eyes and called out to stop her, asking, “What is it?”
In Twin Jewel’s presence, Twin Jade was vague and evasive, unwilling to produce her treasure. Orchid Zhou thought she wanted to complain about Twin Jewel again, so she sent Twin Jewel away on some pretext.
After Twin Jewel had gone, Twin Jade drew near and leaned against Orchid Zhou’s thigh; she handed over the green jade monkey. Orchid Zhou held it in her palm and marveled at it.
Brimming with happiness, Twin Jade was just going to tell her about Modesty Zhu when she suddenly heard the sound of Twin Jewel’s footsteps on the stairs. She hastily put away her monkey, took her leave from Orchid Zhou, and tiptoed upstairs after her.
Seeing Twin Jewel go straight into Twin Pearl’s room, she stood quietly behind the door curtain to eavesdrop. She heard Twin Jewel complain tearfully: “I’ve run into an enemy from my last incarnation! We’ve only just had a scene, and now she’s bad-mouthing me again. It’s certain death for me.”
“It’s not about you,” Twin Pearl said.
“Of course it is! Otherwise why was I told to go away?”
Hearing this, Twin Jade felt as if there were a charcoal fire burning in her breast. She flung aside the curtain and walked proudly in, sat down in a high-back chair by the wall, and said arrogantly, “So you won’t let me have a word with Mother, is that it? I’ll do as you say then. From now on, I’ll never go to Mother’s room or say a word to her. Does that satisfy you?”
Tired of their quarrels, Twin Pearl frowned and told them off. “What’s the big deal?” She sent Twin Jewel away and quelled Twin Jade’s anger. Since this was how her elder sister felt, Twin Jade had to let the matter rest.
After dinner, everyone was busy answering party calls. At some time after ten, Twin Pearl came back first, with a heavily drunk Benevolence Hong on her heels. She told Golden to make a cup of strong tea to quench his thirst and, as they were chatting, mentioned Modesty Zhu and Twin Jade.
Twin Pearl first laughed to herself and then said, “The virgin courtesans nowadays have more tricks up their sleeves than their seniors. You were there at the table, but you didn’t notice anything, did you?”
Benevolence asked what she meant, so she told him in detail about Modesty’s giving Twin Jade the green jade fan pendant.
He replied, “It seems Twin Jade is ready to do grown-up work. Let him come and light the big candles then.”
“Good. You be the matchmaker,” she said.
“I’ll leave that to you and help you on the side.”
She agreed, and they worked out a plan, after which they settled down for the night. The next day, they both got up around noon. After they had washed their faces and broken their fast, Golden submitted an invitation. Prosperity saw it was from Lotuson Wang, asking him to Constance’s for consultations. He told the messenger to say he had got the note and made ready to go right away. Twin Pearl bade him, “Come back later.”
“Later, Modesty will be here. It’ll be awkward if I come.” Twin Pearl knew he was right.
After leaving Twin Pearl’s, Benevolence Hong walked out of Sunshine Alley, cut to East Co-prosperity Alley through Co-security Alley, and then went up to Constance’s room. Constance had not yet had her hair done but was toasting opium for Lotuson Wang. Lotuson came up to greet him and sent the maid to place the order for a snack. When Benevolence had taken his seat, Lotuson handed him a shopping list and asked him to help. He saw that it was for a complete set of green jade jewelry, with a special note saying everything must be pure green.
“With green jade, it’s best if you and I shop together,” said Benevolence. “If you’re willing to make do, a hundred-odd dollars will get you a set. But if you want a good set that’s pure green, I’m afraid it will come to a thousand or so.”
“I told you it’d be over a thousand,” Constance put in. “It’s easy to work out: just a pair of bracelets easily costs several hun
dred.”
“Is it for you?” Benevolence asked.
She broke out laughing. “You must be joking, Mr. Hong. Do I deserve anything like this? I don’t even have a complete set in gold yet, what do I want green jade for?”
He guessed it was for Little Rouge.
She went to do her hair at the parlor window, while Lotuson lay smoking on the divan. Benevolence moved over to the divan’s humbler side and asked, “You’ve spent quite a bit at Little Rouge’s this year. Is it necessary to buy her a green jade jewelry set?” Lotuson wrinkled up his forehead but said nothing. “It seems to me you can just say no.”
Lotuson sighed. “Get her a couple of things first. We’ll see about the rest.”
Benevolence gathered it was no use advising him, so he held his tongue.
In a moment, the maid brought the four small dishes ordered from the Garden of Plenty and four cold plates prepared at home and then warmed a pot of wine. Lotuson asked Benevolence to sit opposite him for a simple meal.
::
1. [The total honesty between Green Phoenix and Vigor Qian is a clear indication of the strength of their relationship. In contrast, though Prosperity Luo knows about the existence of another client, he is never allowed to know who the man is. E.H.]
CHAPTER 33 :: Little Rouge is unhappy with the jade jewelry, and Lotuson Wang goes on a drunken rampage
After drinking for a while with Lotuson Wang, Benevolence Hong went to relieve himself. On his way back, Constance beckoned to him in the parlor, so he walked over.
She whispered, “Mr. Hong, when you go and buy the jewelry, would you please just do as she says and get the whole set? Mr. Wang’s fear of this Little Rouge really knows no limits. You haven’t seen his shoulders and arms; they’re badly cut all over because Little Rouge pinched him with her sharp fingernails. If you don’t get her the full jewelry set, I don’t know how she’ll torture him, so please just get it for her. It doesn’t matter if Mr. Wang has to spend a bit more.”
