Chapter 93

Chapter 93

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Chapter 93: A Zhen Family Servant Seeks Shelter at the Jia Mansion; The Water-Moon Convent Exposes a Case of Scandal

Now, after Feng Ziying had left, Jia Zheng summoned a gatekeeper and said, "The Earl of Lin'an has invited me for drinks today. Do you know what the occasion is?" The man replied, "This servant inquired. There's no particular celebration. It seems Prince Nan'an's household has acquired a troupe of young opera players, said to be a famous company. The Earl is delighted and has arranged two days of performances for his friends to enjoy and have a good time. Gifts are probably not expected." As he spoke, Jia She came over and asked, "Will you go tomorrow, Second Master?" Jia Zheng replied, "Since he's been so cordial, how could I not go?" Just then, another gatekeeper came in to report, "A clerk from the yamen has come asking you to report to the office tomorrow. There are official duties that require you to go early." Jia Zheng said, "Very well." At that moment, two household stewards in charge of collecting land rents from the estates came forward, paid their respects, bowed, and stood to one side. Jia Zheng asked, "You're from郝家庄 (Haojia Village)?" They answered in the affirmative. Jia Zheng did not inquire further; he and Jia She exchanged a few words and then parted. The servants escorted Jia She home with lanterns.

Here Jia Lian called the rent collectors and said, "Tell me your business." The man said, "The rent for the tenth month, this servant had already sent ahead and it was supposed to arrive tomorrow. Who would have thought that outside the capital, the authorities seized the carts and threw everything off them without a word. This servant told them it was the Jia family's rent cart, not a merchant's vehicle. They paid no heed at all. This servant told the carters to keep moving, but several yamen runners beat them soundly and dragged away two carts by force. So this servant came first to report and asks you to send someone to the yamen to get them back. Moreover, these lawless runners need to be dealt with. You may not know, sir, but it's even worse for the merchants' carts—the traders' goods are all thrown aside and the carts driven off. If the drivers say a single word, they're beaten until their heads are broken and bleeding." Jia Lian, on hearing this, cursed, "How outrageous!" He immediately wrote a note and told a servant, "Take this to the yamen that seized the carts and demand the carts and everything on them. If a single item is missing, we will not let it go. Quick, fetch Zhou Rui." Zhou Rui was not at home. He then called for Wang'er, but Wang'er had gone out at noon and had not yet returned. Jia Lian said, "Those blasted good-for-nothings, not a single one at home! They eat their pay all year and never do a thing." He ordered the young pages, "Go find them for me, quickly." With that, he returned to his own quarters to sleep. But no more of this.

Now, the Earl of Lin'an sent someone the next day to renew his invitation. Jia Zheng told Jia She, "I have business at the yamen, and Jia Lian must stay home to deal with the cart matter, so he cannot go either. Perhaps it would be better if you, Elder Brother, take Baoyu along for the day." Jia She nodded and said, "That will do." Jia Zheng sent someone to summon Baoyu, saying, "Today you'll go with your uncle to the Earl of Lin'an's to hear the opera." Baoyu was overjoyed. He changed his clothes and went out with his three pages—Beiming, Sa Hong, and Chu Yao—where he met Jia She, paid his respects, and got into the carriage. They arrived at the Earl of Lin'an's mansion. The gatekeeper announced them and soon came back saying, "His Lordship invites you in." Jia She entered the compound with Baoyu, and they found it filled with noisy guests. Jia She and Baoyu greeted the Earl of Lin'an and exchanged courtesies with the other guests. Everyone sat and chatted for a while. Then a troupe leader approached with a playbill and an ivory tablet, bowed deeply, and said, "May I ask the honorable gentlemen to select some pieces?" He began with the most distinguished guest and worked his way down. When he reached Jia She, the Earl chose one piece. The man then turned and, catching sight of Baoyu, did not go elsewhere but hurried forward with a bow and said, "May I ask the Second Master to favor us with two pieces?" Baoyu looked at him: his face was powdered white, his lips rouged red, fresh as a lotus rising from the water, graceful as a jade tree in the breeze. It was none other than Jiang Yuhai. He had heard some days ago that this man had brought young opera players to the capital, but he had not come to visit. Now that they met, Baoyu could not very well stand up, so he merely smiled and said, "When did you arrive?" Jiang Yuhai pointed to himself and laughed, "Doesn't the Second Master know?" Since there were others present, Baoyu could not speak freely and chose a piece at random. After Jiang Yuhai left, several people whispered, "Who is that person?" Some said, "He used to play female roles. Now he no longer plays them—he's older and manages the troupe in the household. He used to play young male roles too. He's saved quite a bit of money and already owns two or three shops, but he won't give up his original profession and still leads the troupe." Some said, "He must be married by now." Others said, "No, he hasn't even become engaged. He's set on one principle: marriage is a matter for a lifetime, not something to be trifled with. Whether high or low in station, he must find someone whose talents match his own. That's why he still hasn't taken a wife." Baoyu thought to himself, "I wonder which family's daughter will marry him. A girl who marries such a talented man will not have lived in vain." Then the performance began—there were Kunqu, Gaoqiang, Yiqiang, and Bangzi tunes—all very lively and entertaining.

After noon, the tables were spread and the wine was served. After watching a while longer, Jia She rose to leave. The Duke of Lin'an came over to detain him. "It's still early," he said. "I've heard that Jiang Yuhhan has a play called *Taking the Flower Champion*, and they're their troupe's finest piece." Baoyu, on hearing this, was most anxious that Jia She should not leave. So Jia She sat on a little longer. True enough, Jiang Yuhhan played the role of Qin Xiaoguan, portraying the tender solicitude with which he served the Flower Champion when she was drunk, expressing this sentiment of cherishing and adoring beauty with the utmost passion and fidelity. After that, they drank and sang together, in lingering and tender intimacy. By now Baoyu was no longer watching the Flower Champion; his two eyes were fixed exclusively on Qin Xiaoguan. What was more, Jiang Yuhhan's voice was loud and clear, and he followed the melody and beat precisely—Baoyu's very soul was carried away into the singing. Only when this play had finished and the players withdrawn did Baoyu realize that Jiang Yuhhan was truly a man of deep passion, no ordinary actor. And he thought of what the *Record of Music* says: "When emotion stirs within, it takes shape in sound. When sound is patterned, it is called music." Thus knowing sound, knowing music, knowing harmony—there is much to be studied in all of this. The origin of sound must not be overlooked. In poetry and lyrics, one can convey emotion, but cannot penetrate to the bone. From now on, he wanted to study and study musical rhythm. Baoyu was lost in thought when suddenly he saw Jia She rise to leave. The host could not detain him. Baoyu had no choice but to follow him back home. When they arrived, Jia She returned to his own quarters, while Baoyu went to see Jia Zheng.

Jia Zheng had just returned from the yamen and was asking Jia Lian about the matter of seizing the cart. Jia Lian said, "Today the gate attendant took a note, but the magistrate was not at home. His gatekeeper said: This was something the official did not know about. No warrant was issued for seizing the cart; it was all those scoundrels acting wanton outside, squeezing people for bribes. Since it belongs to Your Lordship's household, I will have men sent immediately to pursue the matter. I guarantee that tomorrow both the cart and the goods will be returned together. If there is the slightest delay, I will report it again to the official for severe punishment. The official is not at home at present, so I beg Your Lordship here to be generous and let it be better if the official need not know." Jia Zheng said, "If there was no official warrant, then what sort of people were making trouble out there?" Jia Lian said, "Your Lordship does not know—it's like this everywhere outside. I expect it will certainly be sent tomorrow." When Jia Lian had finished speaking and withdrawn, Baoyu came forward to pay his respects. Jia Zheng asked him a few questions, then told him to go to the old lady's quarters.

Because the previous night the servants had been called and had not come, Jia Lian came out to summon them; most of those men were now assembled and waiting. Jia Lian cursed them and told the chief steward Lai Sheng: "Bring me the roster of names from each department. Go and check it. Write out a notice and let those men know: if any of them have gone out without requesting leave, fail to appear when called, and neglect their duties, they are to be beaten and expelled at once!" Lai Sheng hastily answered several "Yes, sirs" and went out to give the order. The servants each took care to be attentive.

Before long, a man suddenly appeared wearing a felt cap on his head, dressed in a suit of blue cloth, with a pair of sandals on his feet. He came to the gate and bowed to everyone present. The men looked him up and down and asked where he had come from. The man said, "I have come from the Zhen family in the south. I also have a letter from my master, which I beg your masters to present to the honorable master." When the men heard he was from the Zhen household, they stood up and offered him a seat. "You must be tired. Sit for a while, and we will report it for you." A gate attendant went in to report to Jia Zheng and presented the letter. Jia Zheng broke the seal and read:

"Our families have long been united by ties of friendship, and our sentiments of mutual regard have always been sincere. From afar I gaze upon your honored presence and cannot suppress my longing for you. Through my own meager talents I have incurred punishment, and I thought myself beyond redemption even if I died ten thousand deaths. Fortunately I have been granted clemency and am awaiting punishment on the frontier. To this day my household has fallen into decline and my servants have scattered. Among them there is a bondservant named Bao Yong, whom I have employed before. Though he possesses no remarkable skills, he is an honest and trustworthy man. If he could be put to use running errands, he would have the means to fill his stomach. The love one feels even for the crows on one's own roof—my gratitude for such kindness would know no bounds. I write this exclusively to convey my request; the rest I shall relate another time. Here I cease."

After reading it, Jia Zheng smiled and said, "Since we have so many people here, the Zhen family has recommended someone, and it would be hard to refuse." He instructed the gatekeeper, "Have him come to see me. Keep him here for now, and we'll find a suitable position for him according to his abilities."

The gatekeeper went out and brought the man in. Seeing Jia Zheng, he kowtowed three times, then rose and said, "My master sends his respects to the Master." He then saluted with another bow and said, "Bao Yong sends his respects to the Master."

Jia Zheng asked after the health of Master Zhen, then looked him up and down. He saw that Bao Yong stood about five feet tall, with broad shoulders and a stout back, thick eyebrows and bulging eyes, a prominent forehead and a long beard. His complexion was coarse and dark, and he stood with his hands hanging at his sides.

Jia Zheng asked, "Have you always been with the Zhen family, or have you been there only a few years?"

Bao Yong replied, "This servant has always been with the Zhen family."

Jia Zheng asked, "Then why have you come out now?"

Bao Yong said, "This servant was originally unwilling to leave. But our master insisted again and again that I come out, saying that I would not be willing to go elsewhere, but that here in the Master's household I should treat it as my own home. That is why this servant has come."

Jia Zheng said, "Your master should not have gotten into this kind of trouble, ending up in such a state."

Bao Yong said, "This servant did not dare to say it, but our master was simply too good-hearted. He treated everyone with absolute sincerity, and that brought disaster upon him."

Jia Zheng said, "Sincerity is the best quality."

Bao Yong said, "Because he was too sincere, nobody liked him. There are those who find him tiresome."

Jia Zheng smiled slightly and said, "If that is so, Heaven will surely not let him down."

Bao Yong was about to say more when Jia Zheng asked again, "I have heard that your family also has a young master called Baoyu, is that right?"

Bao Yong said, "Yes."

Jia Zheng asked, "Does he still strive to improve himself and get ahead?"

Bao Yong said, "If the Master asks about our young master, it is quite a remarkable story. Our young master's temperament is exactly like our master's—he is likewise straightforward and honest. From childhood he spent all his time romping with the girls. The master and mistress beat him severely several times, but he simply would not change. That year when the mistress came to the capital, the young master fell gravely ill. He was already dead for half a day, and the master nearly died of grief. The funeral preparations had all been made. Fortunately, he recovered. He said that he had walked to a memorial archway, where a young lady led him to a temple. There he saw many cabinets containing many registers. Then he went into a room and saw countless women, who he said had transformed into all sorts of ghosts and demons, some even turning into skeletons. Terrified, he began to weep and cry out. The master knew he had come back to his senses and immediately tended to him, and he gradually recovered. The master still let him spend time with the girls, but he had changed his ways entirely—he no longer wanted any of the amusements he had enjoyed before, and devoted himself solely to his studies. Even when someone tried to lead him astray, he was not tempted at all. Now he is gradually able to help the master manage the household affairs."

Jia Zheng was silent for a moment, then said, "Go and rest for now. When we have a use for you here, we will assign you a position."

Bao Yong assented and withdrew, following the household servants out to rest. But let us leave this aside.

One day, Jia Zheng rose early and was about to go to his office when he saw the gatekeepers whispering to one another. They seemed to want Jia Zheng to know something, but did not dare to report it directly, and merely muttered among themselves.

Jia Zheng called them over and asked, "What is the matter, all this sneaking about?"

The gatekeepers replied, "We servants do not dare to say."

Jia Zheng said, "What is there that you dare not say?"

The gatekeepers said, "When we servants got up this morning and opened the gate, we saw a piece of white paper pasted on the door, covered with many indecent words."

Jia Zheng said, "How can such a thing have happened? What does it say?"

The gatekeepers said, "It is filthy language from the Water Moon Nunnery."

Jia Zheng said, "Bring it to me to see."

The gatekeepers said, "This servant tried to tear it down, but it was stuck fast and would not come off. I had to copy it down while washing it off. Just now Li De tore one off and showed it to me—that is the one pasted on the gate. We servants did not dare to conceal it." With this, he presented the paper.

Jia Zheng took it and read:

"Xi Bei Cao Jin, still so young,

In Water Moon Nunnery, he manages the nuns.

One man with so many women,

He brothels and gambles to his heart's content.

A worthless young master comes to handle affairs,

And the Rongguo House makes the news."

When Jia Zheng read this, he was so enraged that his head swam. He immediately ordered the gatekeepers not to let the matter be known, and quietly had people search along the walls of the alleyway near both the Ning and Rong mansions. Then he sent for Jia Lian.

Jia Lian hurried over at once. Jia Zheng asked urgently, "Those nuns and Daoist nuns who reside in the Water Moon Nunnery—have you ever looked into how they are managed?"

Jia Lian said, "No. It has always been Qin'er who takes care of things there."

Jia Zheng said, "Do you know whether Qin'er manages them well or not?"

Jia Lian said, "Since the Master puts it that way, Qin'er must have done something improper."

Jia Zheng sighed and said, "Look at what is written on this paper."

Jia Lian looked at it and said, "Can such a thing really have happened?"

Just as they were speaking, Jia Rong arrived, carrying a letter marked "Confidential for the Second Master." When he opened it, it was also an anonymous placard, with the same words as those posted on the gate.

Jia Zheng said, "Quickly tell Lai Da to take three or four carts to the Water Moon Nunnery and bring back all the nuns and Daoist nuns. Tell no one—say only that they are being summoned from within." Lai Da received the order and set off.

Meanwhile, the young nuns and Daoist priestesses at the Water Moon Nunnery, who had originally been under the old abbess's care, were taught to chant sutras and perform religious services during the day. After the Imperial Consort no longer required their services, they grew lazy and slack in their practice. As the young women grew older, they became more aware of the world. Moreover, Jia Qin was a man of romantic inclinations. He had assumed that Fangguan and the others had become nuns merely on a child's whim, and so he set about trying to get close to them. But Fangguan was sincere in her commitment and would not yield to him, so he turned his attentions to the young nuns and Daoist priestesses. Among the novice nuns there was one named Qinxiang, and among the priestesses one named Hexian, both of whom were exceedingly alluring. Jia Qin began carrying on with these two. In their spare time they would practice stringed instruments and sing songs.

It was now mid-tenth month. Jia Qin had received the monthly allowance of silver for the people at the nunnery and hit upon a scheme. He told the others: "I was unable to go into the city to collect your monthly stipends, so I had to stay here. It's dreadfully cold. What if I bring some fruit wine and we all have a merry evening together?" The young women were delighted. They set up tables and even invited the nuns from the nunnery itself, but Fangguan did not come. After Jia Jia Qin had drunk a few cups, he suggested they play drinking games. Qinxiang and the others said, "We don't know any of those games. Why not just play mora instead? Whoever loses drinks a cup — wouldn't that be more fun?" The nuns of the nunnery said, "It's barely past noon. It wouldn't be proper to be drinking and carrying on like this. Let's have a few cups for now, and those who wish to leave may leave. Anyone who wants to keep Company Brother Qin company can come back and drink their fill this evening — I won't stop them."

Even as they spoke, an old Taoist woman came hurrying in. "Quick, break up! Master Lai from the mansion is here!" The nuns scrambled to clear away the things and told Jia Qin to hide. Jia Qin, who had had a good bit to drink, said, "I came to deliver the monthly stipends. What is there to be afraid of?" Before he had finished speaking, Lai Da strode in. He saw the scene before him and was furious inside. But since Jia Zhen had given orders that the matter was not to be made public, he forced a smile and said, "So Company Brother Qin is here too." Jia Qin quickly stood up. "Elder Brother Lai, what brings you here?" Lai Da said, "It's all the better that you're here. Quickly tell the novices and priestesses to pack up and get into the carriages — the palace has sent for them." Jia Qin and the others did not understand the reason and wanted to ask for details. Lai Da said, "It's getting late. We must hurry into the city." The young women had no choice but to get into the carriages together. Lai Da rode a large mule and drove them into the city into the city.

But to return to Jia Zheng. When he learned of this matter, he was so enraged that he could not even go to his office. He sat alone in his study, sighing with indignation. Jia Lian did not dare leave his side. Suddenly a gatekeeper came in to report: "Tonight it is Old Master Zhang's turn to take his shift at the yamen, but Old Master Zhang is ill and has sent a request asking you to take his place." Jia Zheng had been waiting for Lai Da's return so that he could deal with Jia Qin, and now he was also called upon to take a shift. He was perplexed and said nothing. Jia Lian stepped forward and said, "Lai Da left after the meal. The Water Moon Nunnery is some twenty li from the city, so even riding hard he would not arrive until the second watch. Tonight is your turn to cover a shift as well, so please go ahead. When Lai Da returns, have him escort them in without making any noise, and wait until you return tomorrow to settle the matter. If Jia Qin comes, say nothing to him either — let us see what he has to say when he faces you tomorrow." Jia Zheng saw the sense in this and had no choice but to go to his shift.

Jia Lian, finding a free moment, was about to return to his own quarters. As he walked along, he inwardly grumbled at Xifeng's scheme. He wanted to complain, but since she was ill, he had to swallow his resentment and walked slowly.

Meanwhile, among the servants, one tale told to ten had already reached the inner apartments. Pinger was the first to learn of it and at once told Xifeng. Because of that bad night before, Xifeng had been listless and lacking in spirit, and her mind had been on the Iron Threshold Temple affair. When she heard that an anonymous placard had been posted outside, she was startled and asked at once what it said. Pinger answered offhandedly and, without thinking, misspoke: "Nothing serious—it's about the Steamed Bun Nunnery business." Xifeng, already feeling guilty, heard mention of the Steamed Bun Nunnery and was so frightened she went rigid, unable to utter a word. Rage surged upward to her head, her vision swam, she had a fit of coughing, and with a retch she spat up a mouthful of blood. Pinger was alarmed and said, "The Water Moon Nunnery business is only about some nuns and Taoist novices—why should it agitate you so, madam?" When Xifeng heard it was the Water Moon Nunnery, she finally collected herself and said, "Pah! You muddled creature—is it the Water Moon Nunnery or the Steamed Bun Nunnery?" Pinger laughed and said, "I misheard it as the Steamed Bun Nunnery earlier, then realized it wasn't the Steamed Bun Nunnery but the Water Moon Nunnery. I just now slipped and said Steamed Bun Nunnery by mistake." Xifeng said, "I knew it was the Water Moon Nunnery—what concern do I have with the Steamed Bun Nunnery? It was the Water Moon Nunnery that I put Qiner in charge of. He's probably been skimming the monthly allowances." Pinger said, "From what I heard, it doesn't sound like the allowance business—there are some dirty remarks as well." Xifeng said, "That's even less my affair. Where's your master gone?" Pinger said, "He heard the Master was angry and didn't dare leave. When I heard things were going badly, I told these people not to make a commotion. I don't know whether the ladies have heard or not. But I heard it said the Master told Lai Da to take those girls away. Let someone go ahead and find out. You're ill now, madam—in my view, you'd best not bother yourself with their idle business for the time being."

Just then they saw Jia Lian come in. Xifeng was about to question him, but seeing the anger on Jia Lian's face, she pretended for the moment not to know. Jia Lian had not finished his meal when Wang'er came and said, "They're asking for you outside, sir—Lai Da has returned." Jia Lian said, "Has Qiner come?" Wang'er said, "He's here too." Jia Lian then said, "Go tell Lai Da that the Master has gone to his office. Have the girls temporarily kept in the garden and, tomorrow when the Master returns, send them into the palace. Just have Qiner wait for me in the inner study." Wang'er left.

Jia Qin entered the study, where he found the servants whispering and pointing among themselves, though he could not make out what they were saying. Judging by their manner, this did not look like an imperial summons for someone from the palace. He thought of asking, but could no one to give him a straight answer. Just as he was standing there perplexed, Jia Lian came out.

Jia Qin stepped forward to pay his respects, then stood with his hands at his sides. "I don't know why His Majesty's palace should have sent for those children at such short notice," he said. "It gave me quite a rush. Luckily I hadn't left yet after delivering the monthly allowances today, so I came along with Lai Da. I suppose you know all about this, Uncle."

"What would I know about it?" said Jia Lian. "You're the one with all the answers."

Jia Qin was completely at a loss and did not dare press further.

"You've done a fine thing," Jia Lian continued. "You've driven the old master into a fury."

"I haven't done anything, Uncle. The monthly allowance for the convent is paid every month without fail, and the children's prayers are never neglected."

Seeing that Jia Qin really had no idea, and knowing him as someone he had often joked and played with, Jia Lian sighed. "You shameless creature—go and look for yourself!" He pulled a placard from inside his boot and threw it to him.

Jia Qin picked it up and read it. His face turned the color of earth. "Who did this? I haven't offended anyone—why would someone try to ruin me like this? I only make one trip a month when I deliver the money, and none of these things happened. If the old master comes back and questions me about this, I'm a dead man. And if my mother finds out, she'll beat me to death." Seeing that no one else was nearby, he dropped to his knees. "Good Uncle, save me!" He kowtowed repeatedly, tears streaming down his face.

Jia Lian thought to himself: "The old master detests this sort of thing more than anything. If it's confirmed that these things really happened, his rage will be terrible. And if it gets out, the scandal would only encourage the person who posted that placard. We have plenty of troubles ahead as it would be better to settle this while the old master is at his office. If I talk it over with Lai Da and manage to hush it up, the whole thing can be made to go away. There's no proof at the moment."

Having made up his mind, he said, "Don't try to hide anything from me. Do you think I don't know about your sneaky little schemes? If you want this to blow over, then even if the old master himself questions you, you must deny everything. Now get up, you disgrace!" He sent for Lai Da.

Lai Da arrived shortly afterward, and Jia Lian took him aside to discuss the matter. "Young Master Qin here has really gone too far," Lai Da said. "When I arrived at the convent today, they were all drinking wine. What's written on that placard must certainly be true."

"Jia Qin, you hear that?" said Jia Lian. "You don't think Lai Da is lying about you, do you?"

Jia Qin's face flushed crimson. He did not dare utter a single word.

Jia Lian took Lai Da by the arm and pleaded with him. "Cover for him. Just say that young Master Qin found the placard here at home. Take him away and say you haven't seen me. Tomorrow, when you speak to the old master, tell him there's no need to question those girls. Simply send for a matchmaker and have them all sold off. If His Majesty ever wants them again, we can always buy new ones."

Lai Da reflected that making a fuss would serve no purpose and would only damage his reputation, so he agreed.

"Go with Old Lai, Jia Qin," said Jia Lian. "Do as he tells you. Just follow his lead." Jia Qin kowtowed once more and followed Lai Da out.

When they reached a secluded spot, Jia Qin kowtowed to Lai Da again.

"Young master," said Lai Da, "you've really overstepped. Someone has stirred up this mess against you—I wonder who you've offended. Think carefully: who has a grudge against you?"

Jia Qin thought for a moment, and suddenly a certain person came to mind. Who it was will be revealed in the next chapter.