Chapter 119

Chapter 119

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Chapter 119: Baoyu Comes First in the Provincial Examination and Parts from the Dusty World; The Jia Family Receives Imperial Grace and Perpetuates Its Line

Ying'er had just decided to leave because she could make no sense of what Baoyu was saying, when he called after her: "Silly girl, I'll tell you. Since your young lady is destined for good fortune, you will naturally share it by attending on her. Your Sister Xiren is not to be relied on. Just serve your mistress faithfully from now on. Then if anything good comes of it in the future, your years of suffering with her will not have been in vain." Ying'er thought the first part sounded like sense but the rest rather odd. "I understand," she said. "My young lady is waiting for me. If you want any fruit, Second Master, just send a little maid to fetch me." Baoyu nodded, and Ying'er left. Shortly afterward Baochai and Xiren returned and went to their respective rooms. But no more of this.

A few days later, the examination was due. Everyone else simply hoped that the uncle and nephew would write good essays and pass with honours. Only Baochai, though she recognized that Baoyu's work was good, noticed that, whether he meant it or not, there was a certain detachment about him. Knowing that the time for him to enter the examination hall had come, she had two worries. First, this was the uncle and nephew's first attempt and, if the crowd of people and horses proved too dense, something might go wrong. Second, Baoyu had never gone out since the Buddhist priest left. Although she was glad to see him applying himself so diligently, the speed and thoroughness of her reform struck her as a little too good to be true; she feared some new mishap. So on the day before the examination she sent Xiren with some young mais together with Suyun to pack everything properly for the uncle and nephew, then she checked it all herself and carefully put it ready for them. She also called on Li Wan to inform Lady Wang, and selected several of the family's older, more experienced stewards, simply saying that the crowd of horses and people might jostle them.

The next day, Baoyu and Jia Lan came in clothes neither new nor old to see Lady Wang. Lady Wang instructed them: "You two, father and son, are both going to the examination for the first time. But you have lived all these years and never been apart from me for a single day. Even when you were not before my eyes, you were surrounded by maids and serving women—when have you ever spent a night alone? Today each of you goes in, solitary and forlorn, with no one to turn to. You must take good care of yourselves. Finish your essays early and come out, find your servants and come back quickly, so that your mother and wives may be at ease." As she spoke, Lady Wang could not help growing sorrowful. Jia Lan assented to each thing she said. But Baoyu remained silent throughout. When Lady Wang had finished, he came forward, knelt before Lady Wang, his eyes brimming with tears, and kowtowed three times. "Mother," he said, "you have raised me all my life, and I have nothing to repay you with. Only when I enter this examination hall will I devote all my heart to writing my essay, and if I can pass the provincial examination and come out as a juren, then you will be happy, and my whole life's duty will be fulfilled, and all my past faults will be covered over." Lady Wang, hearing this, was moved to even greater grief. "It is good that you have this heart," she said, "but it is a pity that your Grandmother cannot see your face!" As she spoke, she pulled him to his feet. But Baoyu knelt and would not rise. "Whether Grandmother sees me or not, she will know, and she will be pleased. If she knows and is pleased, then not seeing is the same as seeing. It is only the physical form that is separated—the spirit and breath are not separated." Li Wan, seeing Lady Wang and Baoyu like this, feared on one hand that Baoyu's illness might be stirred up, and on the other felt the scene was not altogether auspicious. She hurried over and said, "Madam, this is a great joyful occasion—why be so sorrowful? Besides, Brother Bao has lately shown very good sense, has been dutiful and filial, and is willing to apply himself. If he simply takes his nephew in, writes his essay properly, and comes back early, and has it shown to our family's old friends and teachers, then when you both send in your good news, the matter will be complete." At the same time she told someone to help Baoyu to his feet. But Baoyu turned around and bowed to Li Wan. "Sister-in-law, set your mind at ease. The two of us, uncle and nephew, will certainly pass. In the future, Brother Lan will have great prospects. The elder sister-in-law will wear the phoenix crown and the embroidered cape of a high-ranking lady." Li Wan said with a smile, "I only hope your words come true, and then it will not have been in vain—" But here she stopped herself, fearing she might again stir up Lady Wang's grief. Baoyu said with a laugh, "So long as there is a good son to carry on the family line, even if Elder Brother cannot be seen, his life's work will be complete." Li Wan, seeing that it was getting late, did not wish to keep talking with him and merely nodded. At this point Baochai had already heard everything and was stupefied. These words, not only Baoyu's but also Lady Wang's and Li Wan's, were every one an ill omen. Yet she did not dare take them seriously and could only hold back her tears in silence. Baoyu came up to her and bowed deeply. The others, seeing his strange behavior, could not make out what he was about and did not dare laugh at him. They saw only Baochai's tears streaming down. The others were even more astonished. Then they heard Baoyu say, "Sister, I am going now. Take good care of yourself and follow Madam, and wait for my good news." Baochai said, "It is time. You need not say these fussing words." Baoyu said, "You are urging me on, but I too know it is time to go." He turned and saw that everyone was there, only missing Xichun and Zijuan. "Say a word for me to Sister Four and Sister Zijuan. In any case, we will meet again and that will be the end of it." The others felt that his words seemed partly reasonable and partly mad. They all said he had never left the house before, and it was all Madam's talk that had brought this on. Better to hurry him off quickly and have done with it. "People are waiting for you outside," they said. "If you carry on any longer, you will miss the hour." Baoyu threw his head back and laughed loudly. "Going, going! No more nonsense—it is finished, done with!" The others also laughed. "Go quickly!" Only Lady Wang and Baochai, mother and daughter, seemed as if they were parting forever. They did not know where the tears came from, streaming down, and they nearly broke out sobbing. But Baoyu was laughing and carrying on as if the heavens and earth were his playground, showing every sign of madness, and so he went out the door. Truly:

He went forth seeking fame and fortune to a place without equal,

And broke through the cage's first barrier.

Baoyu and Jia Lan had already left to sit for the examinations. Now Jia Huan, seeing them go, was filled with resentment and self-pity, and began to lord it over the household, saying, "Now I can avenge my mother! There's no man in the house, and if the Elder Lady agrees with me, who else is there to fear?" Having made up his plan, he went to pay his respects to Lady Xing and said a number of flattering things. Lady Xing was naturally pleased and said, "Now you are a sensible child. As for matters concerning Qiaojie, I should have been the one to decide. Your Second Brother Lian is a fool—he has his own grandmother right here, yet he went and entrusted the matter to outsiders!" Jia Huan said, "The other party has made it clear: they recognize only this family connection. It's already settled, and they're even preparing a grand gift to present to you, my lady. With a son-in-law who's a grandson of a foreign prince, how could the Elder Master not secure a high official post! Not to speak ill of my own mother, but ever since they had Elder Sister Yuanchun made an imperial consort, they've made life unbearable for others. I only hope Qiaojie won't turn out so ungrateful—I'll go have a word with her." Lady Xing said, "You ought to let her speak of your goodness, then she'll know your worth. I doubt even her father could find such a good match if he were at home! But that muddle-headed creature Ping'er—she's the one who said this match isn't good, claiming your mother didn't want it either. She was probably afraid we'd have our way. If we delay and your Second Brother comes back, and he listens to others, it'll be too late to arrange." Jia Huan said, "The other side has already finalized everything; they're only waiting for your birth-date characters. By the rules of the princely household, they'll come to fetch her in three days. There is one thing, though—they're afraid you won't consent. They said it's improper to take the granddaughter of an official who's been convicted. They'll have to carry her off quietly, and once the Elder Master's sentence is lifted and he holds office again, then there can be a proper celebration." Lady Xing said, "What's there not to consent to? It's only proper by custom." Jia Huan said, "Since that's the case, you need only provide the formal card with her birth details." Lady Xing said, "You're being foolish again. There are only women inside the house—just have Brother Yun write one up." Jia Huan was overjoyed when he heard this. He agreed eagerly and hurried out to speak with Jia Yun, then invited Wang Ren to go to the foreign prince's residence to sign the documents and collect the silver.

Now, all that had just been said had been overheard by one of Lady Xing's maids. This maid had been selected only through Ping'er's intercession, so she found an opportunity to rush to Ping'er and told her everything in full. Ping'er had long known this matter boded ill and had already explained it carefully to Qiaojie. Qiaojie had wept all night, insisting that she must wait for her father to return and decide—she could not obey the Elder Lady's orders. Now hearing this new talk, she burst into loud weeping and wanted to go speak with her mother-in-law. Ping'er quickly stopped her, saying, "Miss, please wait. The Elder Lady is your own grandmother. She says that since Master Second is away, she has the authority to decide, and besides, your uncle is acting as go-between. They are all of one mind—how could you, a single girl, argue against them all? After all, I'm a servant and have no standing to speak. We must think of a plan now; we absolutely cannot act rashly." The maid from Lady Xing's side said, "You must think of a plan quickly, or they'll carry her off!" With that, each went her own way.

Ping'er turned back to find Qiaojie sobbing uncontrollably. She supported her at once and said, "Miss, weeping is no use. The thing is, Master Second is beyond reach, and judging by what they're saying—" Before she could finish, someone arrived from Lady Xing's side to announce, "The great happy news has come for the young miss! Tell Ping'er to prepare everything the miss will need. As for the dowry, they've said clearly that it can wait until Master Second returns." Ping'er had no choice but to agree.

She returned to find Lady Wang had come as well. Qiaojie threw herself into her arms, weeping and collapsing against her. Lady Wang also wept and said, "Don't be distressed, my child. I've already endured much harsh talk from the Elder Lady on your behalf, but it seems I cannot turn her around. We can only agree to delay, and send a servant at once to inform your father." Pingère said, "Does Your Ladyship not know? This morning Third Master spoke before the Elder Lady, saying that by the foreign prince's rules, she must go in three days. The Elder Lady has already had Brother Yun write out her name and birth-date characters—how can we wait for Master Second?" When Lady Wang heard "Third Master," she was so furious she could not speak. She stood stunned for a long while, then kept calling out for someone to find Jia Huan. After a long search, a servant reported, "He went out this morning with Brother Qiang and the Wang uncle." Lady Wang asked, "What about Brother Yun?" The servants replied they did not know. Everyone in Qiaojie's room stared at one another in helpless dismay. Lady Wang found it impossible to argue with Lady Xing; all they could do was embrace one another and weep.

An old woman servant came in and reported, "The people at the back gate say that Granny Liu has come again." Lady Wang said, "With all the trouble our family is in, how can we find time to receive visitors? Just send her away somehow." P'ing-erh said, "Your Ladyship ought to let her in. She's the young miss's godmother; we should tell her what has happened." Lady Wang said nothing, and the old woman brought Granny Liu in. After they had greeted each other, Granny Liu noticed that everyone's eyes were red and, quite bewildered, waited a while before asking, "What's the matter? Surely the ladies and young misses are missing Second Young Lady?" When Chiaochai heard her mother mentioned, she wept even more loudly. P'ing-erh said, "Don't chatter, Granny. Since you're her godmother, you ought to know." And she told her the whole story. Granny Liu was so alarmed that she stood transfixed for some time, then suddenly laughed. "A clever girl like you—haven't you ever heard a drum ballad? There are plenty of tricks described in those. This is nothing difficult." P'ing-erh asked eagerly, "What's your plan, Granny? Do tell me quickly." Granny Liu said, "What's so difficult about it? Don't let anyone know, and off you go in a flash—that's all there is to it." P'ing-erh said, "You're talking nonsense. People from a family like ours—where could we go?" Granny Liu said, "I'm afraid you won't go. If you will, come to my village. I'll hide the young miss and have my son-in-law get people to go there right away. The young miss can write a letter in her own hand and have it taken to the master, and he's bound to come. Wouldn't that be wonderful?" P'ing-erh said, "What about the Elder Mistress?" Granny Liu said, "Did they know I was coming?" P'ing-erh said, "The Elder Mistress lives at the back; she's harsh to her servants, and any message might reach her. If you'd come by the front gate she'd have known, but since you came by the back gate, it doesn't matter." Granny Liu said, "Then let's settle on a time, and I'll have my son-in-law send a carriage to fetch her." P'ing-erh said, "We can't wait for any appointed time. Sit here." She hurried inside and, avoiding others, told Granny Liu's plan to Lady Wang. Lady Wang thought it over for a long time and felt it wasn't right. P'ing-erh said, "It's the only way. I wouldn't have dared mention it otherwise, but since Your Ladyship is here, you can pretend you don't know and go back and ask the Elder Mistress about it. We have people there who can go, and the Second Master should be back soon too." Lady Wang said nothing, but sighed. Chiaochai, overhearing this, said to Lady Wang, "I beg Your Ladyship to save me. When Father comes back, he'll only be grateful." P'ing-erh said, "No need to say more. Your Ladyship should go back now. Just send someone to watch the house." Lady Wang said, "Be careful. You'll need clothes and bedding for the two of you." P'ing-erh said, "That will only be useful once we've left quickly. If they've already arranged it, there'll be trouble when we return." This reminded Lady Wang, who said, "That's right. You'd better go quickly—leave everything to me." So Lady Wang went back and sought out Lady Hsing to chat with her, keeping her occupied first. P'ing-erh then sent people to make arrangements, instructing them, "Don't avoid people. If anyone comes and sees you, say the Elder Mistress ordered a carriage to take Granny Liu home." She also bribed the back gatekeepers to hire a carriage. Then P'ing-erh dressed Chiaochih up like Ch'ing-erh and hurried away. Afterwards P'ing-erh, pretending she was just seeing someone off, also climbed into the carriage while no one was looking. As it happened, although the back gate of the Chia mansion had recently been open, only one or two people were watching it. There were a few other servants besides, but the house was large and the staff small, so it was deserted and no one could keep track of things. Moreover, Lady Hsing was not kind to her subordinates, and everyone knew this affair was wrong but was grateful to P'ing-erh, so they all connived together to let Chiaochih escape. Lady Hsing was still chatting with Lady Wang and paid no attention. Only Lady Wang was very uneasy. After chatting for a while, she quietly went to sit with Pao-chai, her mind still preoccupied. Pao-chai, seeing that Lady Wang was distracted, asked, "What's troubling Your Ladyship?" Lady Wang told her secretly what had happened. Pao-chai said, "That's very dangerous! You must quickly send Yün Ko-erh there to stop it—that's the only safe thing to do." Lady Wang said, "I can't find Huan-erh anywhere." Pao-chai said, "Your Ladyship must still pretend to know nothing. Let me think of someone to let the Elder Mistress know." Lady Wang nodded and left it to P'ing-erh to find someone. But let us leave this for the moment.

Now the foreign prince had originally wanted to buy some women servants, having relied solely on the go-between's account, so he sent someone to inspect them. When the inspector returned and reported to the prince, the prince asked about the family, and the men dared not conceal the truth but told him everything. When the foreign prince heard this, knowing they were from an old hereditary noble family, he exclaimed, "This is terrible! This violates the law—you've nearly caused a great disaster! Besides, my audience with the Emperor is over, and I must choose a day to start my journey. If anyone comes again to propose this, send them away at once." That very day, Jia Yun, Wang Jen, and the others happened to be presenting the young lady's birth data, when someone inside the mansion gate shouted, "By the Prince's orders: anyone who dares to pass off a girl of the Chia family as a commoner will be arrested and punished. In these times of peace, who would be so bold?" At this shout, Wang Jen and the others fled in panic, reproaching the man who had arranged the matter, and everyone dispersed in dismay.

At home, Jia Huan waited for news, and when he heard that Lady Wang had sent for him, he grew frantic and agitated. Seeing Jia Yun return alone, he hurried up to ask, "Has it been settled?"

Jia Yun stamped his foot in agitation. "Terrible, terrible! Someone must have leaked the news!" He then recounted everything that had gone wrong.

Jia Huan, furious and stunned, said, "I spoke so well of this to the Elder Lady this morning! What am I to do now? You people have all ruined me!"

Just as they were at a loss, there came a clamor from inside, calling out Jia Huan's and Jia Yun's names: "The Elder Lady and the Second Lady want you."

The two of them had no choice but to shuffle inside. They saw Lady Wang, her face full of wrath.

"You and your fine work! You've driven Qiao Jie and Ping'er to their deaths. Quickly find and return their corpses so we can settle this matter!"

The two men knelt down. Jia Huan dared not utter a word. Jia Yun bowed his head and said, "Your grandson dared do nothing on his own. It was because Uncle Xing and Uncle Wang said they wished to arrange a match for Qiao Jie, and that is why we reported it to you ladies. The Elder Lady was willing, and that is why she told your grandson to write the betrothal card. But the other family didn't even want her. How could we have driven our sister to her death?"

Lady Wang said, "Huan'er told the Elder Lady that they would carry her away within three days. Is this how one arranges a marriage match? I won't question you further. Return Qiao Jie to us at once, and we shall settle the matter when Lord Jia returns."

Now even Lady Xing could not say a single word; she could only weep.

Lady Wang then cursed Jia Huan: "That wretched Zhao—what she begot is just as wretched!"

With that, she ordered the maids to help her back to her own quarters.

Jia Huan, Jia Yun, and Lady Xing reproached one another. "There's no point blaming each other now," they said. "She's probably not dead. It must be that Ping'er took her to hide at some relative's house."

Lady Xing called in the gatekeepers from the front and back of the compound and berated them, demanding to know where Qiao Jie and Ping'er had gone. But the servants all spoke with one voice: "The Elder Lady need not ask us. Ask the masters who manage affairs. And there's no need to make such a scene here. When our lady asks, we shall have something to say. If you want to beat us, beat us all. If you want to dismiss us, dismiss us all. Since Master Lian left, the chaos outside has been beyond belief! Our monthly allowances of money and rice haven't been paid. They gamble, drink, patronize boy actresses, and even bring outside women into the compound. Aren't these the masters?"

This left Jia Yun and the others speechless.

Meanwhile, Lady Wang's side sent people to press them: "Tell the young masters to find her quickly."

Jia Huan and the others were so anxious they wished the earth would swallow them. Yet they dared not question anyone from Qiao Jie's household. They knew full well that everyone deeply resented them and must have hidden her away. But how could they dare say such a thing before Lady Wang?

They could only make inquiries at every relative's house, but found not a trace. Inside, Lady Xing; outside, Huan'er and the others—for several days the commotion raged without a moment's peace, day and night.

As the date for the examination results approached, Lady Wang waited anxiously for Baoyu and Jia Lan to return. By noon, there was still no sign of them. Lady Wang, Li Wan, and Baochai grew alarmed and sent people to the examination quarters to make inquiries. One group went and returned with no news—and those sent out did not come back. They dispatched another group, and again there was no word. The three of them felt as though they were being fried in hot oil. At last, toward evening, someone came in—it was Jia Lan.

Everyone was overjoyed and asked, "Where is Second Uncle?"

Jia Lan, too distraught even to pay his respects, burst into tears. "Second Uncle has disappeared!"

When Lady Wang heard these words, she froze. For a long time she could not speak, then fell rigidly onto her bed. Fortunately Caiyun and the others were behind her and held her up; they revived her with desperate effort, and she came to weeping. Baochai stood staring blankly with wide eyes. Xiren and the others were already weeping as though they had been dissolved in tears. They could only weep and curse Jia Lan: "You foolish thing—you were with Second Uncle all along. How could he have disappeared?"

Jia Lan said, "Second Uncle and I were at the quarters together—we ate together and slept together. Once inside the examination grounds, we were not far apart; we were together at every moment. This morning, Second Uncle finished his papers early and waited for me. We went together to hand in our papers and came out together. At the Dragon Gate entrance there was a crush of people, and when I turned around, he was gone. Our family's people who had come to meet us asked me about it. Li Gui said he had seen him—he was only a few steps away—but how could he vanish in the crush? They've sent Li Gui and the others out in different directions to search, and I've taken people to search every cell in the grounds. There's no trace of him. That's why I've only just returned."

Lady Wang was so overcome with grief she could not utter a single word. Baochai already knew in her heart eight or nine parts of the truth. Xiren wept without restraint. Jia Qiang and the others, without waiting to be told, also set out in different directions. The people of the Rong Mansion were pitiful indeed—each of them more dead than alive, and the welcoming feast they had prepared was all for nothing. Jia Lan, having forgotten his own fatigue, insisted on going out to search again himself. But Lady Wang stopped him: "My child, your uncle is already lost—can we afford to lose you too? Good child—go and rest."

How could Jia Lan be persuaded to leave? Madam You and the others tried their utmost to dissuade him, but to no avail. Among all present, only Xichun had understood in her heart, though she could not bring herself to speak of it. She asked Baochai, "Did Second Brother take the jade with him?"

Baochai replied, "It's something he carries on his person—of course he took it."

Having heard this, Xichun said no more. Xiren recalled the incident when the monk had tried to seize the jade—she too suspected the monk was behind this calamity. Her heart was nearly broken; tears streamed down her cheeks as she sobbed without cease. She remembered how Baoyu had treated her in former days—sometimes she had teased him, and he would grow angry, yet there had been something in him that drew one's heart back to him. His tenderness and consideration were beyond words. And when she teased him too fiercely, he would swear that he would become a monk. Who would have known that today those words would come true!

By now the hour was already the fourth watch of the night, and still there was no word of him. Li Wan, fearing that Lady Wang might destroy herself with grief, urged her with all her might to return to her chambers. Everyone followed to attend her, except Lady Xing, who went back herself. Jia Huan hid and dared not show himself. Lady Wang dismissed Jia Lan and passed the sleepless night. The next morning, though servants returned one after another, they all reported that there was nowhere they had not searched—there was simply no trace of him.

Then Aunt Xue, Xue Ke, Shi Xiangyun, Baoqin, Aunt Li, and others came one after another to pay their respects and inquire for news.

Day after day passed in this manner. Lady Wang wept until she could take no food, hovering on the brink of death. Then suddenly a servant reported: "A man has arrived from the coast. He says he comes from the Commander's office, and that your Third Young Lady will arrive in the capital tomorrow."

When Lady Wang heard that Tanchun was returning, though it could not dispel her grief over Baoyu, her heart was somewhat eased. The next day, sure enough, Tanchun arrived. The others went out a long way to meet her. They saw that Tanchun had grown even more handsome than before, her garments bright and elegant. When she saw Lady Wang—gaunt and haggard—and the others with swollen eyes and flushed cheeks, she too burst into loud weeping. After weeping for a while, she performed the formal courtesies. Seeing Xichun dressed as a Daoist nun, she felt deeply distressed. Then she learned of Baoyu's bewilderment and disappearance, and of all the other troubles in the house, and everyone wept again. It was fortunate that Tanchun was eloquent and had a keen understanding; she spoke gently and at length to console them, and Lady Wang and the others felt somewhat better. The next day, Third Master-in-Law also arrived. Learning of these events, Tanchun stayed on to offer comfort. The maids and older servants who had accompanied Tanchun gathered with the other young ladies, and each recounted what had happened since their parting. From that day forward, everyone in the household, high and low, waited day and night for news of Baoyu.

That night, past the fifth watch, several servants came inside the second gate to report good news. A number of young maids came running in helter-skelter, not even stopping to inform the senior maids, and burst into the room crying, "Great joy, Your Ladyships!" Lady Wang reckoned that Baoyu had been found. Delighted, she rose to her feet and said, "Where was he found? Bring him in quickly." The servant said, "He placed seventh in the provincial examinations." Lady Wang said, "Where is Baoyu?" The servant said nothing. Lady Wang sat down again. Tanchun asked, "Who placed seventh?" The servant replied, "It's the Second Master Bao." Even as they spoke, someone outside shouted, "Young Master Lan has passed too!" The servant hurried out to receive the report and came back to announce that Jia Lan had placed one hundred and thirty. Li Wan was inwardly delighted, but since Lady Wang had no news of Baoyu, she dared not show her pleasure. That Jia Lan had passed also gladdened Lady Wang's heart, but she thought, "If only Baoyu would come back—how overjoyed we all would be!" Only Baochai's heart was filled with grief, yet she could not bring herself to weep. The others offered congratulations, saying, "Since Baoyu has the destiny to succeed in the examinations, he certainly won't be lost. Besides, how could a provincial graduate ever go missing?" Lady Wang and the others thought this reasonable and managed faint smiles. The company seized the opportunity to persuade Lady Wang and the others to eat and drink a little more. Outside the third gate they heard Mingyan shouting at the top of his voice, "Our Second Master's a provincial graduate—he can't be lost!" The others asked, "How do you know?" Mingyan said, "'One success makes you famous throughout the world.' Wherever the Second Master goes now, people will know him. Who would dare not send him home!" Those inside all said, "Though this lad has no manners, he's not wrong about that." Xichun said, "A grown man like that couldn't simply vanish. I'm afraid he may have seen through the ways of the world and entered holy orders—that would make him very hard to find." These words set Lady Wang and the others weeping bitterly again. Li Wan said, "Since ancient times, many who became Buddhas or immortals did in fact cast off rank and riches." Lady Wang wept, "If he has forsaken his parents, that is unfilial conduct. How could he become a Buddha or a patriarch?" Tanchun said, "Generally speaking, a man must not be too extraordinary. Second Brother was born with a piece of jade in his mouth, and everyone said it was a good omen. But looking at it this way, it was all the fault of that piece of jade. If he doesn't turn up in another few days, it won't just be making Mother angry—there'll be a reason for it. I'll have to think of it as if this brother of mine had never been born. If he really has some destined end and attains enlightenment, that will be due to Mother's merit accumulated over several lifetimes." Baochai said nothing when she heard this. Xiren could not endure it; her heart ached, her head swam, and she collapsed. Lady Wang took pity on her and ordered someone to help her back to her room. Jia Huan, seeing that his elder brother and nephew had both passed, was deeply ashamed over the matter of Qiaojie and could only blame Qiang and Yun. Knowing that Tanchun's return meant this affair would not be let go, yet not daring to hide, these past few days he had felt as if he were sitting on thorns.

The next day Jia Lan had to go first of all to express his gratitude. He learned that Zhen Baoyu had also passed, and they established their order as fellow graduates. When Jia Baoyu's loss of his senses and disappearance were mentioned, Zhen Baoyu sighed and offered words of comfort. The chief examiner memorialized the throne on the examination papers of the successful candidates. The Emperor read them one by one and observed that the selected essays were all sound and lucid. Noticing that the seventh-place candidate, Jia Baoyu, was a native of Jinling, and that the one hundred and thirtyth-place candidate was also a Jia of Jinling, the Emperor issued an inquiry: were these two members of the Jia family related to Consort Jia? The minister in charge received the command and summoned Jia Baoyu and Jia Lan for questioning. Jia Lan reported that Baoyu had lost his senses after leaving the examination grounds, and presented the family's genealogy for three generations. The minister relayed this to the throne on his behalf. The Emperor, being most sagacious and benevolent, recalled the meritorious service of the Jia family and ordered the minister to investigate and report. The minister submitted a detailed memorial. The Emperor was deeply moved and ordered the relevant office to examine and report on the charges against Jia She. The Emperor then read a memorial on the pacification of pirates along the coast and the subsequent restoration of order, reporting that the seas were calm and the rivers clear, and the people lived in contentment. The Emperor was greatly pleased and ordered the Nine Ministers to assess the merits of those involved and recommend rewards, and proclaimed a general amnesty throughout the empire. After the court session, Jia Lan and the other officials paid their respects to their examiner and heard the news of the amnesty. They returned to report to Lady Wang and the others. The whole household showed a glimmer of joy, simply hoping for Baoyu's return. Aunt Xue was even more delighted and began planning to make amends for her family's offenses.

One day, someone reported that Master Zhen and the Third Son-in-law had come to offer congratulations. Lady Wang ordered Jia Lan to go out and receive them. In a little while Jia Lan came back in, smiling gleefully, and reported to Lady Wang, "Great joy, Your Ladyships! My uncle Zhen heard at court that an edict has been issued: the charges against the Elder Master have been dismissed, and not only have the charges against Master Zhen been dismissed, but he has also inherited the hereditary title of the Duke of Ningguo, third grade. The hereditary title of the Duke of Rongguo is still held by the Master, and after the mourning period is completed, he will be promoted to Director of the Ministry of Works. All the confiscated family property is to be fully restored. The Emperor was greatly pleased by Second Uncle's essay and, learning that he is the brother of the deceased Imperial Consort, and that the Prince of Bejing also memorialized that his character is commendable, issued a summons to appear at court. The ministers reported that, according to his nephew Jia Lan, he lost his senses after leaving the examination grounds and is now being searched for everywhere. The Emperor issued an edict commanding the commanders of the Five Camps and all offices to search for him diligently. Now that this edict has been issued, please rest assured, Your Ladyships—with such imperial grace, there is no way he won't be found." Only then did Lady Wang and the others all offer congratulations and rejoice. Jia Huan and the others, however, were inwardly anxious and searched everywhere for Qiaojie.

Little did anyone know that Qiaojie, along with Granny Liu and Ping'er, had left the city and arrived at the village. Granny Liu did not dare treat Qiaojie with any disrespect, so she had the main rooms cleaned and let Qiaojie and Ping'er take up quarters there. Though the daily provisions were of rustic fare, they were clean and wholesome. With Qing'er keeping them company, they managed to set their minds at ease for the time being. The village had several wealthy households who, upon learning that a young lady from the Jia family had come to Granny Liu's home, all came to have a look, declaring her a celestial being descended from heaven. Some sent vegetables and fruit, others sent wild game—altogether quite a lively scene. Among them was an exceedingly wealthy family surnamed Zhou, with vast riches and a thousand acres of fertile land. They had only one son, a refined and handsome lad of fourteen, whom his parents had placed under a tutor; he had recently passed the county examination and become a licentiate. That very day, his mother caught sight of Qiaojie and secretly admired her, thinking to myself: "We are mere country folk—how could we possibly be worthy of such a young lady from a great family!" She sat lost in this reverie. Granny Liu guessed what was on her mind and took her aside, saying, "I know what you're thinking. Let me act as a go-between for you." Mother Zhou laughed and said, "Don't try to fool me. People like them would never agree to marry a country family like ours." Granny Liu said, "Let's wait and see." And so the two women went their separate ways.

Granny Liu, still worried about the Jia family, sent Ban'er into the city to find out what had happened. As it chanced, that day he arrived at Ning-Rong Street and saw many carriages and sedans parked there. Ban'er asked the neighbors and was told: "The Ning and Rong mansions have had their official ranks restored and their confiscated property returned. The households are rising again. What's more, their Baoyu has won an official degree, though no one knows where he's gone." Ban'er was delighted and was about to head back when several horses arrived and their riders dismounted at the gate. He saw the gatekeeper bowing and saying, "Welcome back, Second Master! What joy! Is the First Master in good health now?" That gentleman smiled and said, "He's recovered. And we've received a new act of imperial grace—he'll be coming back soon." He then asked, "What are all those people doing here?" The gatekeeper replied, "Officials sent by His Majesty to issue an edict, instructing the family to claim their property." The gentleman went in happily at that. Ban'er now knew it was Jia Lian. There was no need to inquire further; he hurried back and told his grandmother. When Granny Liu heard the news, her face beaming with joy, she went to congratulate Qiaojie, repeating everything Ban'er had told her. Ping'er said with a smile, "Indeed! It's all thanks to Grandmother's resourcefulness. Otherwise, miss, you might have missed this good turn of fortune." Qiaojie was even more overjoyed. Just then, the messenger who had carried the letter to Jia Lian also returned, saying: "The master is most grateful. He told me to hurry back and bring the young lady home at once. He also rewarded me with several taels of silver." Granny Liu was highly pleased at this and had two carts prepared, inviting Qiaojie and Ping'er to board. Having grown accustomed to life at Granny Liu's, Qiaojie was now reluctant to leave. Qing'er even wept, wishing she could stay behind. Knowing how painful the parting was, Granny Liu told Qing'er to accompany them into the city, and they made straight for the Rong Mansion.

Now Jia Lian, having earlier learned of Jia She's grave illness, had rushed to the place of exile. When father and son met, they wept bitterly together. Gradually Jia She began to recover. Jia Lian received a letter from home telling him all that had happened there, and he informed Jia She that he would be returning. On the way back he heard of a general amnesty and pressed on for two more days, arriving home today just as the edict of imperial grace was being issued. Inside, Lady Xing and the others were worried that there was no one to receive the decree. Although Jia Lan was there, he was still too young. When it was announced that Master Lian had returned, everyone gathered to see him, their joy mingling with sorrow. There was no time for lengthy talk—they went at once to the front hall to pay their respects to the imperial commissioner, inquired after Jia She's health, and were told that the following day they would go to the inner treasury to collect the rewards, while the Ning Mansion would be handed over for them to inhabit. The officials took their leave, and Jia Lian saw them to the gate. There he saw several carts from the countryside, which the servants were trying to stop and were making a scene about. Jia Lian knew at once that these were Qiaojie's carts. He cursed the servants, saying: "You pack of muddle-headed bastards! While I was away, you turned on your mistress and drove her away. Now that she's being brought back, you still try to block her—do you bear some grudge against me?" The servants had been afraid that Jia Lian would not let the matter rest upon his return, thinking he might discover the truth later, but Jia Lian spoke even more plainly than they feared. At a loss for words, they could only stand there and reply: "While you were away, sir, some of us were ill and others had taken leave. It was all Master Lan, Master Qiang, and Master Yun who gave the orders—we had nothing to do with it." Jia Lian said: "What damned nonsense! I'll deal with you when this is settled. Drive those carts in at once!"

Jia Lian went in to see Lady Xing but said nothing. He then turned around and went to Lady Wang's quarters, where he knelt and kowtowed, reporting: "Your niece is back, thanks entirely to you, madam. As for Cousin Huan, there's no need to say anything more about him either. But that scoundrel Jia Yun—the last time he was left in charge of the house he made trouble, and now that I've been gone only a few months, he's let things come to this. If I may speak my mind, madam, the best thing would be to drive him out and have no more dealings with him." Lady Wang said: "Why has your eldest brother-in-law been the same way?" Jia Lian said: "Say no more about that, madam. I have my own reasons." Just then Caiyun and the others came to report: "Miss Qiaojie has arrived." When she saw Lady Wang, though they had been parted only a short while, the memory of their flight from disaster brought tears to her eyes. Qiaojie burst into weeping. Jia Lian thanked Granny Liu. Lady Wang drew her to sit beside her and began speaking of what had happened that day. When Jia Lian saw Ping'er, he could not say anything of a personal nature in the outside quarters, but his heart was full of gratitude and tears filled his eyes. From that day on, Jia Lian held Ping'er in even higher esteem, and he resolved that when Jia She and the others returned, he would raise Ping'er to the position of principal wife. But this is a story for later and need not be pursued here.

Lady Xing was afraid that Jia Lian had taken Qiaojie away and that there would be a whole string of complications. When she heard that Jia Lian was at Lady Wang's place, she grew even more anxious and sent a maid to find out what was going on. The maid returned and reported that Qiaojie was talking with Granny Liu there. Only then did Lady Xing wake up as if from a dream and realize their trick. She still grumbled at Lady Wang: "You've sowed discord between mother and son—who was it that sent the word to Ping'er, after all?" Just then, she saw Qiaojie come in with Granny Liu, followed by Ping'er, with Lady Wang trailing behind them. They first laid the blame all on Jia Yun and Wang Ren, saying: "The elder lady originally heard people say it was a good thing—how could she have known about the trick being played from outside?" When Lady Xing heard this, she felt ashamed and embarrassed. She reflected that Lady Wang's idea hadn't been bad after all, and in her heart she was convinced. From then on, Lady Xing and Lady Wang were at peace with each other in their hearts.

Ping'er reported back to Lady Wang, then brought Qiaojie to pay her respects to Baochai. Each spoke of her own bitter experiences. They also said: "His Majesty has shown great grace—our family should flourish again. I imagine that Second Master Bao will surely come back." Just as they were saying this, Qiuwen came rushing in and cried out: "Xiren is in trouble!" What happened will be told in the next chapter.