by Cao Xueqin
Those relatives and friends outside who had fawned on the Jias when they were powerful had steered clear of them since hearing of their disgrace. Now that Jia Zheng had inherited the title and apparently still enjoyed the Emperor’s favour, they hurried over to offer congratulations. To their surprise, Jia Zheng felt genuine embarrassment at inheriting his brother’s title, despite his gratitude to the Emperor. The next day he went to court to offer thanks, and asked permission to make over to the state the houses and Garden which had been returned to him. When an edict declared this petition unwarranted, he went home in relief and continued to work steadily at his post.
But the family was now impoverished, its income falling short of its expenditure, and Jia Zheng was unable to take advantage of his social connections. The servants knew that though he was a worthy man, while Xifeng was too ill to run the household Jia Lian was piling up debts from day to day which forced him to mortgage houses and sell land. The wealthier of the stewards were afraid Jia Lian might appeal to them for help, and therefore made a pretence of poverty or kept out of his way. Some even asked for leave and did not return, for each was looking around for a new master.
The sole exception was Bao Yong, who had only recently come to the Rong Mansion just as disaster struck it. This honest fellow was filled with indignation by the way the rest cheated their masters; but being a newcomer his words carried no weight, so in anger he just went to sleep after supper each day. The other servants resented his lack of compliance, and slandered him to Jia Zheng as a drunken trouble-maker and a slacker.
“Let him be,” said Jia Zheng. “He was recommended by the Zhen family; we can hardly send him away. We may be in difficulties, but feeding one extra mouth won’t make any difference.”
As he would not dismiss Bao Yong, the servants complained about him to Jia Lian; but the latter no longer dared act high handedly and took no action either.
One day, feeling disgruntled, Bao Yong had a few drinks then strolled out to the road outside the Rong Mansion, where he saw two fellows talking.
“See there!” said one. “That fine mansion was raided the other day. I wonder what’s become of its owners.”
“How could a family like theirs be ruined?” the other said. “I heard that one of their daughters was an Imperial Consort, and even though she’s dead they should be well entrenched. I’ve seen them hobnobbing with princes and nobles too, so they must have plenty of backing. Why, even the present prefect, the last War Minister, is related to them. Couldn’t these people have protected them?”
“You live here but don’t know the first thing about it! The others weren’t so bad, but that Prefect Jia was the limit! I’ve often seen him calling on both mansions, and after the censors impeached them the Emperor ordered him to investigate before any decision was made. What do you think he did? Because he’d been helped by both mansions, for fear of being accused of shielding them he gave them a vicious kick— that’s why they were raided. Friendship doesn’t mean a thing nowadays.”
Bao Yong beside them overheard this idle gossip. “Are there such people in the world with no sense of gratitude?” he thought. “I wonder what relation he is to our master. If I meet the scoundrel I’ll knock him off—and to hell with the consequences!”
He was letting his drunken fancy run wild when he heard runners shouting, “Clear the way!” Although some distance off, he stood still and heard one fellow whisper, “It’s Prefect Jia coming.”
Bao Yong was furious. Emboldened by drink he yelled, “Heartless slave! How could you forget our Jia family’s goodness to you?”
Jia Yucun peered out from his chair at the sound of the name Jia, but seeing a drunkard he ignored him and went on.
Bao Yong, being drunk and reckless, swaggered back to the house to question his fellow servants, who confirmed that Jia Yucun owed his promotion to the Jia family.
“Instead of remembering their kindness, he kicked them down,” Bao Yong fumed. “When I cursed him just now he dared not answer back.”
The servants in the Rong Mansion had always disliked Bao Yong, but their masters would not take any action against him. Now that he had made this row outside, they seized the chance when Jia Zheng was free to report that Bao Yong had been drunk and disorderly. This news angered Jia Zheng, who was afraid of fresh trouble. He summoned Bao Yong and reprimanded him; but not liking to punish him ordered him to keep watch in the Garden and not to leave the place. Bao Yong was a loyal, straightforward fellow who safeguarded his master’s interests. Jia Zheng had berated him on the basis of hearsay, but not venturing to justify himself he packed up his things and moved into the Garden to keep watch there and water the plants.
To know what happened later, read the next chapter.
Chapter 108
Baochai’s Birthday Is Celebrated with Forced Mirth
Baoyu, Longing for the Dead, Hears Ghosts Weeping in Bamboo Lodge
When Jia Zheng’s petition to make over to the state his mansion and Grand View Garden was rejected by the court, as there was no one staying in the Garden he had the place locked up. Later, as it adjoined the quarters of Madam You and Xichun and its vast grounds were deserted, to punish Bao Yong he sent him there to keep watch.
Jia Zheng was regulating the household now in accordance with his mother’s instructions, gradually cutting down the staff and economizing in all possible ways; but still he could not manage. Luckily for him, Xifeng was the old lady’s favourite—although no love was lost between her and Lady Wang and the rest—and as she was an able manager the household affairs were once more entrusted to her. Since the raid, however, for lack of funds she had no scope to manoeuvre and because the mistresses and maids of the different apartments were used to luxury, with their income less than a third of what it had been she found it impossible to satisfy them. Inevitably there were endless complaints. But Xifeng, in spite of her illness, dared not relinquish her task and did her best to please the Lady Dowager.
After Jia She and Jia Zhen reached their destinations, having money they settled down there for the time being, writing home that they were comfortably off and the family need not worry. This relieved the old lady’s mind, and Lady Xing and Madam You took comfort too.
One day, Shi Xiangyun arrived on her first visit after her marriage. The old lady, to whom she paid her respects, complimented her on her husband; and Xiangyun told her that her whole family was well and she need have no anxiety on that score. Then, speaking of Daiyu’s death, they both shed tears; and the thought of Yingchun’s hard lot made the old lady even sadder. After trying to console her, Xiangyun paid a round of calls on the others, returning to rest in the old lady’s room. And now they spoke of the Xue family and how it had been ruined by Xue Fan; for though this year he had been granted a reprieve, there was no knowing whether his sentence would be commuted next year or not.
“You haven’t heard the latest,” said the old lady. “The other day Pan’s wife died in mysterious circumstances, nearly causing another scandal. Thanks to the mercy of Buddha, the maid she had brought with her made a clean breast of the business, so that old Mrs. Xia couldn’t raise a row and stopped them from holding an inquest. The trouble your aunt had getting rid of the Xias! So you see the truth of the saying ‘All kinsmen share the same fate.’ The Xues are in a bad way. Now the only one she has staying with her is Ke. He’s a good-hearted lad who says he won’t marry while Pan is still in jail, his case not settled; that’s why your Cousin Xiuyan is staying with the Elder Mistress and having a thin time. Baoqin hasn’t married yet either, because Academician Mei’s son is still in mourning for him. The Second Mistress’ elder brother has died, Xifeng’s elder brother is a nincompoop, and that niggardly Second Uncle of theirs has embezzled public funds; so they’re in hot water as well. As for the Zhen family, we’ve had no news of them since their house was raided.”
“Has Cousin Tanchun written home since she left?” asked Xiangyun. “After her marriage your uncle came back with the news that sh
e was happily settled at the coast. We’ve had no letter from her, though, and I miss her the whole time; but what with all the troubles our family’s had, there’s nothing I can do. Now Xichun’s marriage still has to be fixed. As for Huan, who has time for him? We’re harder up now than we used to be when you stayed here. Poor Baochai hasn’t passed a single day in comfort since she came to our family. And your Cousin Bao’s still so crazy—what can we do?”
“I grew up here so I know all my cousins well,” Xiangyun replied. “They’ve all changed since last I was here. I thought at first they were holding aloof because I’d stayed away so long; but on thinking it over I realize it isn’t that. When we met, I could see they meant to be as free-and-easy as in the old days; but, somehow, once we got talking they grew depressed. That’s why after sitting with them for a bit I came back here to you, madam.”
“The way we’re living now is all right with me, but how can those young people stand it? I’ve been wondering how to give them a day’s fun; but I haven’t the energy for it.”
“I have an idea!” cried Xiangyun. “It’s Baochai’s birthday, isn’t it, the day after tomorrow? I can stay an extra day to congratulate her, and we’ll all have a day’s fun. What do you think, madam?”
“Anger must have addled my wits. If you hadn’t reminded me, I’d have forgotten. Of course, the day after tomorrow is her birthday. I’ll get out some money to celebrate it tomorrow. We had several parties for her in the past, but not since she married into the family. Baoyu used to be such a clever, mischievous boy, but our family misfortunes have left him speechless. Zhu’s wife is still a good daughter-in-law, quietly bringing Lan up and behaving the same whether things go well or badly —it’s hard on her.”
“The one who’s changed most is Cousin Xifeng,” put in Xiangyun. “She’s lost her good looks and her old gift of the gab. Wait till I tease them tomorrow and see how they react. But I’m afraid, though they won’t say so, they’ll secretly resent the fact that now I have... “She broke off at this point blushing.
“Don’t worry,” said the old lady seeing her embarrassment. “You and your cousins used to have a good time chaffing each other. You mustn’t have such scruples. People should make the best of what they’ve got, able to enjoy rank and riches or to put up with poverty. Your Cousin Baochai has always been broadminded. When her family was well-off she wasn’t the least bit conceited; later, when they got into trouble, she kept cheerful. Now that she’s one of our family, when Baoyu treats her well she takes it calmly, and if he’s bad to her it doesn’t provoke her. I think that’s her good fortune. Your Cousin Daiyu, on the other hand, was narrow-minded and hyper-sensitive; that’s why she didn’t live long. Xifeng, being more experienced, shouldn’t let upsets influence her behaviour. If she’s so foolish, that’s rather petty too. Well, as the day after tomorrow is Baochai’s birthday, I’ll get out some silver for a lively celebration, to give her a happy day.”
“You’re quite right, madam. And while you’re about it, why not invite all her girl cousins too? Then we can have a good chat.”
“I certainly will.” More cheerful now, the old lady told Yuanyang to get out a hundred taels and order the servants to prepare two days’ feasts, starting from the next day.
Yuanyang sent one of the matrons off with the money, after which the night passed uneventfully.
The next day, servants were sent to fetch Yingchun home. Aunt Xue and Baoqin were invited too, and asked to bring Xiangling. Aunt Li was also invited, and Li Wen and Li Qi with her.
Baochai was still in the dark when one of the old lady’s maids arrived with the message, “Aunt Xue has come, and you’re asked to go over, madam.”
Without stopping to change her clothes, she went over happily to see her mother. She found assembled there her cousin Baoqin and Xiangling, as well as Aunt Li and others. Ascribing their visit to the news that the Jia family was no longer in trouble, she paid her respects to Aunt Li and to the old lady, said a few words to her mother, then greeted the Li sisters.
“Please take seats, ladies,” urged Xiangyun, “while we girls wish Cousin Baochai a long life.”
Baochai stood amazed, then thought, “Yes, of course tomorrow is my birthday.”
“It’s right and proper for you girls to come and see the old lady,” she protested. “I can’t have you saying that it’s on my account.”
Baoyu, come to greet Aunt Xue and Aunt Li, arrived in time to hear her modest rejoinder. He had been wanting to celebrate his wife’s birthday, but had not ventured to suggest it to his grandmother because the household was at sixes and sevens. Now that Xiangyun and the rest were about to congratulate Baochai, he was delighted.
“It’s tomorrow, her birthday,” he said. “I was meaning to remind the old lady.”
“For shame!” retorted Xiangyun playfully. “The old lady doesn’t need any reminding. Do you suppose these visitors would have come if she hadn’t invited them?”
Baochai could hardly believe this, but now she heard the old lady tell her mother, “Poor Baochai has been married for a year, but with one thing after another cropping up here we’ve not celebrated her birthday. I’m giving this party for her today, and have asked you ladies over for a good chat.”
“You shouldn’t have put yourself out, madam,” said Aunt Xue. “You’ve been having such an anxious time, and the child hasn’t been dutiful enough.
“The old lady’s favourite grandchild is Cousin Bao,” quipped Xiangyun. “So why shouldn’t his wife be a favourite too? Besides, Baochai deserves a birthday party.”
Baochai lowered her head and said nothing.
Baoyu told himself, “I thought marriage was bound to turn Cousin Shi into a different person, so I was afraid to approach her and she ignored me too; but it seems from the way she talks that she hasn’t changed. In that case, why has Baochai grown so bashful since we married? She can hardly get a word out.”
As he was wondering about this, a young maid came in to report Yingchun’s return. Then Li Wan and Xifeng arrived too, and greetings were exchanged.
Yingchun mentioned that at the time of her father’s departure she had wanted to see him off, but her husband had forbidden her. “He said that our family was having a run of bad luck and I mustn’t be tainted by it,” she explained. “I couldn’t talk him round so I didn’t come, just cried for days on end.”
“Then why did he let you come today?” asked Xifeng.
“He says it’s all right to keep up the connection now that our Second Master has inherited the title.” She wept again.
“I was feeling very depressed,” complained the old lady. “That’s why I invited you all here today to celebrate my granddaughter-in-law’s birthday. I thought some fun and laughter would cheer us up, but here you are provoking me by bringing up those tiresome things again.”
Then Yingchun and the others dropped the subject.
Though Xifeng forced herself to crack a joke or two, she was less witty and amusing than before; but the old lady egged her on, in the hope of diverting Baochai. And Xifeng, understanding this, did her best.
She said, “Today the old lady’s feeling more cheerful. And look at all these people who haven’t foregathered for so long, here today all together.” There she broke off for, glancing round, she realized that her mother-in-law and Madam You were absent.
The two words “all together” reminded the old lady of them too, and she sent to invite them. Lady Xing, Madam You and Xichun had perforce to come, although much against their wishes, reflecting that if the Lady Dowager was in the mood to celebrate Baochai’s birthday—with the family half ruined—it showed her favouritism. Hence they arrived looking listless and apathetic. When asked about Xiuyan, Lady Xing made the excuse that she was unwell and the old lady said no more, knowing that Aunt Xue’s presence made it embarrassing for Xiuyan to come.
Soon sweetmeats and wine were served. “We won’t send any to the gentlemen outside,” said the Lady Dowager. “Today’s party is
just for us womenfolk.”
Baoyu, though a married man now, still had the freedom of the inner quarters because he was his grandmother’s favourite. Being unable to sit with Xiangyun and Baoqin, he took a seat by the old lady and started toasting the guests one by one on Baochai’s behalf.
“Sit down now and let’s all drink,” proposed the old lady. “You can go round and pay your respects to them later. If you do that now, everyone will be formal and that would spoil my fun.”
Baochai complied and sat down.
“Today we may as well let ourselves go,” continued the old lady. “We’ll just keep one or two maids to wait on us, and I’ll tell Yuanyang to take Caiyun, Yinger, Xiren and Pinger to the back to drink by themselves.”
The maids protested, “We haven’t yet kowtowed to Madam Bao. How can we go off to drink?”
“Just do as I say,” she answered. “We’ll call you when we need you.”
After Yuanyang had gone off with the other maids, the old lady urged Aunt Xue and the others to drink. But none of them behaved as they had in the old days.
“What’s wrong with you?” she demanded frantically. “I want everyone to have fun!”
“We’re eating and drinking—what more should we do?” asked Xiangyun.
“They used to be young and gay,” explained Xifeng. “Now they’re standing too much on their dignity to talk wildly; that’s why you find them rather quiet, madam.”
Baoyu whispered, “There’s nothing we can talk about, madam, because any talk’s bound to lead to something depressing. Why don’t you get them to play a drinking game?”
The old lady had inclined her head to listen. Now she remarked with a smile, “If we’re to play drinking games we must call Yuanyang back.”
Needing no further instructions, Baoyu went to the back to give her this message.
