Dream of the Red Chamber

page views:1 Publication date:2023-06-11 13:13:14

In the first chapter,
Jia Yucun awakens from his delusion and guides
Zhen Shiyin through the events of Furong City
. It is said that the Taoist Kongkong, after handing over his copy of *The Story of the Stone* to Cao Xueqin for editing and transmission in the Daohongxuan Pavilion, heard that it was indeed a masterpiece, its fame spreading far and wide.
Kongkong was overjoyed, believing he had not failed in his task of copying this extraordinary text, and that his contribution to the world was truly invaluable. However, after some time, he suddenly heard that four new books had appeared: *The Later Dream of the Red Chamber*, *The Dream of the Red Chamber Again*, *The Sequel to the Dream of the Red Chamber*, and *The Dream of the Red Chamber Revisited*. Kongkong was greatly alarmed and hurriedly ordered a reading. While still in the style of *The Story of the Stone*, they were riddled with errors and absurdities. Only Qin Xuewu's *The Sequel to the Dream of the Red Chamber* was somewhat acceptable, but it confused humans and ghosts, and its logic was flawed; it was ultimately not the original *Story of the Stone*. Moreover, the four versions differed, each holding its own interpretation. Could it be that there were omissions in my copy? He then went back to Qinggeng Peak and carefully examined the unused stone used for mending the sky once more. He found that the writing on it was still as before, exactly the same as the two previous copies.
The Taoist Kongkong said, "The strange text I copied was nothing more than this. How could you add this nonsense? What's the reason for this?" He stroked the stone repeatedly, pondering deeply. Unconsciously, he turned the stone over and suddenly saw a passage of writing underneath, which he had not copied before. The Taoist priest, overjoyed, laughed heartily, "Wonderful! Wonderful! So there are these wondrous writings hidden beneath!"
He lowered his head and examined them closely. According to the clear inscriptions beneath the stone, it said: "When Jia Yucun awoke from a nap in his thatched hut at the Juemi Ferry of Jiliujin, he saw Zhen Shiyin still meditating on his prayer mat. He immediately stood up, bowed deeply, and said, 'Since receiving your grace, I have tasted all the joys and sorrows of the mortal world and weathered the storms of officialdom. Now, like Lu Sheng waking from his dream, I only beg you to accept me as your disciple. I will be eternally grateful.' Zhen Shiyin smiled and helped him up, saying, 'Old sir, why such formality between old friends? Didn't I just say that in a moment, the mortal world can be transformed?' Jia Yucun said, 'Since the day the thatched hut burned down, I have failed to awaken. I am so foolish and unyielding, which has led to my current state. Now...'" "Thinking back to the past is truly unbearable. I am deeply grateful to the venerable immortal for not abandoning my foolishness and for his two guidances. How could I, your disciple, not sever all worldly ties from this day forward and be free from all attachments?" Zhen Shiyin said, "The sea of suffering is boundless, but turning back is the shore. Do you remember what I said before: 'Know that truth is falsehood, and falsehood is truth.' We are close friends, so there is no need to be bound by formalities. You must never address me in that way again." Jia Yucun said, "My past wealth and success were all thanks to my master's help; my current understanding of the fleeting nature of life is also thanks to my master's guidance. My master is to me what is called bringing the dead back to life. This is etched in my heart and will never be forgotten. If we continue to address each other without distinction, then the difference in rank will be blurred, and how can I find peace in my heart?" Zhen Shiyin said, "Those who are bound by worldly conventions cannot be deified. However, Brother Jia is still a person of wealth and success, and cannot be a wanderer beyond the mundane world. I will take my leave now." With that, he stood up to leave. Jia Yucun hurriedly replied, "Brother Zhen, why do you say that? I will obey your command. Now I regard wealth and status as fleeting clouds. Recalling the gathering at the thatched pavilion, it truly was a case of 'one mistake cannot be repeated.' I am now willing to follow Brother Zhen to the ends of the earth, to wander beyond the mundane world, and to escape this mortal realm as soon as possible. It would be a great fortune if I did not remain an outsider." Zhen Shiyin nodded and said, "That makes sense. However, it is not convenient to stay here for long. Today, Brother Jia and I will first travel to the Great Wilderness Mountain. We still need to speak with the Great Master of Vastness and the Immortal of Boundless Distance. Let us travel together as soon as possible." So, each of them took some bundles, left the thatched hut, departed from the Juemi Ferry at Jiliujin, and headed towards the Wuji Cliff of the Great Wilderness Mountain.
The two strolled along, and along the way, Jia Yucun asked, "Brother Zhen, you mentioned earlier that you were going to escort your daughter. Have you seen her? Please tell me the details." Zhen Shiyin replied, "My daughter Yinglian was lost when she was five. When you first took office, Brother Jia, you determined that she should be given the surname Xue and renamed Xiangling. However, she had difficulty completing her childbirth, so you escorted her there. Now she has been sent to the Land of Illusion."
Jia Yucun said, "I've heard of the Land of Illusion before, and there's talk of magical herbs that can communicate with the divine. It's quite perplexing. May I ask what it is?" Zhen Shiyin said, "The Land of Illusion is also known as the Blessed Land of True Suchness, also called the Heaven of Separation from Regret, and also the City of Hibiscus." Jia Yucun asked, "Where is this place now?" Zhen Shiyin said, "This place is neither in heaven nor on earth.
As Bai Juyi wrote in his 'Song of Everlasting Regret': '..." Suddenly, I heard of a fairy mountain on the sea, a mountain in the misty void. Exquisite pavilions rise amidst five-colored clouds, where graceful fairies dwell. This is the place, also known as Hibiscus City. Su Shi wrote a poem: "In Hibiscus City, flowers bloom in the darkness, who is its master? Only the stone and the movement." This is also the place. Here, there is a Crimson Pearl Fairy Herb, originally growing on the banks of the Spirit River beside the Three Lives Stone. Due to the lack of timely rain and dew, it gradually withered. Once, a Divine Attendant named Shenying watered it daily with sweet dew. It received the essence of the sun and moon, and the spirit of the mountains and rivers, thus being able to transform into a human. Grateful for the Divine Attendant's kindness, it wished to repay the favor with all its tears. Now, its fate has ended, and it has returned to the void. This person is Lin Daiyu, and was Jia's student back then!"
Yu Cun said, "After her father, Lin Ruhai, died, Lin Daiyu lived at her maternal grandmother's house..." He hasn't returned from his residence at the Jia family mansion, and is only sixteen or seventeen years old now. Isn't Jia Baoyu his cousin? Shi Yin said, "Jia Baoyu is Shenying Attendant. The attendant's previous incarnation was a piece of unused stone left over from Nuwa's patching of the sky, which lived for many years at the foot of Qinggeng Peak. Because he was refined by Nuwa, he could communicate with spirits and transformed into Shenying Attendant. Because of his love affair with the Crimson Pearl Flower, he was reincarnated with a jade in his mouth and named Baoyu. Baoyu's previous incarnation, Shenying Attendant's later incarnation, was Shi Manqing, the Lord of Hibiscus City, the so-called 'Shi and Ding.' That 'Dong' is Ding Du, and Ding Du's later incarnation is Liu Xianglian. Therefore, Jia Baoyu and Liu Xianglian are both in the Great Wilderness Mountain. Therefore, I must go there today to meet the Vast and Boundless Master and the Mysterious Immortal, so that they may guide me." They returned to Hibiscus City, hoping to rekindle their connection with the Land of Illusion. Besides, there were already twelve beauties in the Land of Illusion.”
Jia Yucun asked, “What are the twelve beauties?” Zhen Shiyin replied, “In the Land of Illusion, the ‘Twelve Beauties of Jinling’ have a main register, a secondary register, and a supplementary register. The twelve beauties in the main register are Xue Baochai, Lin Daiyu, Shi Xiangyun, Jia Yingchun, Jia Tanchun, Jia Xichun, Xing Xiuyan, Li Wan, Li Wen, Li Qi, Wang Xifeng, and Xue Baoqin. Now, the main and supplementary registers in the Land of Illusion are mixed together, and there are already twelve beauties: Qin Keqing, Lin Daiyu, Jia Yingchun, Wang Xifeng, Zhen Xiangling, Miaoyu, You Erjie, You Sanjie, Yuanyang, Qingwen, Jin Chuan, and Ruizhu.”
Jia Yucun asked, “So, Baoyu and Daiyu are already married?”
Zhen Shiyin shook his head and said, "They both had this feeling but could not achieve it. This is what is meant by repaying with tears. One died with resentment, and the other became a monk out of repentance. When they loved each other and were close relatives, they often lived together since childhood. This was a match made in heaven, which is self-evident.
Who knew that they could not have it? It is a case of imperfection in life, a lingering chaos. Have you not heard, 'Those who are destined will meet even if they are a thousand miles apart, while those who are not destined will not meet even if they are face to face'? Baoyu and Daiyu only had a romantic connection but no marriage, all because fate played tricks on them, and thus their fate was sealed." Jia Yucun said, "Since they loved each other and often lived together, it is inevitable that they would have romantic feelings." Zhen Shiyin said, "No, although Jia Baoyu is called a lecher, he is only lecherous in his thoughts. If he were truly immoral, how could he have entered the Land of Illusion as the Lord of Hibiscus City? Moreover, the person he is most intimate with is none other than his maid Qingwen, and..." " If it's just a hollow reputation without any real affection, then what about Lin Daiyu?"
Jia Yucun said, "When I was young, I read about the ladies welcoming the Lady of Hibiscus City, and about Wang Jiongzi Gao and the fairy Zhou Yaoying visiting Hibiscus City. I thought it was just literary allegory, but it turns out it really exists. In the future, I'll rely on Brother Zhen to take me there for a visit, so that my life won't be in vain." Zhen Shiyin laughed and said, "In that illusory realm, there is a Fairy Disenchantment who manages everything. Her sister is named Jianmei, who is the woman from Hibiscus City named Fangqing.
Jia Baoyu is a nobleman, and Lin Daiyu is a student of a noble family. Brother Jia's visit there is unparalleled.
They will naturally want to show hospitality and will definitely stay for ten days. But we should wait until Baoyu returns before we go. Right now, it's more important to get to the Great Wilderness Mountain." Jia Yucun nodded repeatedly in agreement. So the two headed towards the Wuji Cliff of the Great Wilderness Mountain, leaving that topic aside for now.
After Lin Daiyu died that day, her soul left the Xiaoxiang Pavilion in the Grand View Garden, drifting aimlessly. Suddenly, she heard what sounded like drums and music coming from the direction she was facing. Opening her eyes, she saw embroidered banners and green canopies fluttering in the wind, and several young girls stepped forward, saying, "Welcome, Consort Xiaoxiang!" Daiyu suddenly realized she was sitting in a sedan chair. Looking down, she saw that her elaborate headdress and embroidered clothes were not her usual attire, and she was filled with surprise and uncertainty. After a while, she entered a hanging flower gate and saw corridors, tiered railings, and winding pavilions on both sides. When she got out of the sedan chair, many fairies helped her into the main room to sit down, and a dozen or so fairies came up to greet her and kowtow. Daiyu stood up and looked around. Among them were two people who looked very familiar, but she couldn't remember who they were. So she asked, "What are your names?" The two replied, "I am Qingwen, and I am Jinchuan. How come you have forgotten us, Miss? Don't you recognize us?" They said in unison, "Greetings, Miss."
"They were about to kneel down again when Daiyu quickly pulled them up, saying, 'I was wondering why you looked so familiar! It's Sister Qingwen and Sister Jinchuan! How come you're all together? You've been here for quite a while!' Qingwen replied, 'Jinchuan arrived earlier. The first one here is Madam Rong from the East Mansion, then Ruizhu, Second Miss You, Third Miss You, and Consort Yuan. They all live here. Madam Rong and Ruizhu live together, Second Miss You and Third Miss You live together, and Consort Yuan lives together. We two are here to serve you, Miss. This place is called Jiangzhu Palace. You were originally the Consort of Xiaoxiang, the mistress of Jiangzhu Palace.' Daiyu said, 'Now I'm even more confused. This is...'" "Isn't this the underworld?" Qingwen said, "I didn't know anything when I first arrived, but I understood after a while. This place is called the Land of Illusion, and there's a Fairy Disenchantment who manages things here. She said we're all people listed in this register, so we all eventually come here. It's a fairyland, after all. You'll have to go to the Fairy Disenchantment tomorrow, and you can ask her for more details. We can't explain it very clearly right now." Daiyu nodded and said, "According to what you've said, there are so many people here. Tomorrow I'll naturally go to visit them and pay my respects. But I'm really tired now that I've just arrived, and it's getting late, so I'd better lie down and rest.
" So Qingwen and Jinchuan helped Daiyu to bed, and then they also went to their own quarters.
The next morning, after getting up and washing, Daiyu asked Qingwen to lead her to the Fairy Disenchantment. Qingwen, along with Jin Chuan and the other fairies, followed Daiyu on foot, turning east and then north. Before long, they arrived at the gate of the Fairy Disenchantment. Upon entering the palace gate, they saw the Fairy Disenchantment leading a group of fairies, including the Fairy of Dreams, the Bodhisattva of Love, the Golden Maiden of Sorrow, and the Bodhi of Salvation, to greet them. Daiyu quickly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "This disciple, a foolish mortal, weak and vulnerable, lost my life due to a moment of infatuation. I humbly beg the Fairy Disenchantment to guide me on my path; I would be eternally grateful." The Fairy Disenchantment quickly took her hand and smiled, "My dear sister, there's no need for such modesty. We were originally sisters. Because of your karmic connection, you were banished to the mortal realm to settle this debt. Today, your destiny is fulfilled, and you have returned. Please sit down, and I will slowly explain everything to you."
They then entered the main room and sat down, with the guests to the east and the host to the west. The fairies served tea. After tea, Daiyu bowed and asked, "I am deeply grateful to the Fairy Maiden for her generous offer of instruction, which has enlightened me and cleared my mind." The Fairy Maiden smiled and said, "It's a long story. This place is called the Land of Separation from Sorrow, the Sea of Sorrow, the Mountain of Spring Release, and the Cave of Fragrance Sending Away. It is also known as the Realm of Illusion and the City of Hibiscus. Jia Baoyu's previous incarnation was a stubborn stone left over from Nuwa's mending of the sky. After many years, he attained enlightenment and became a human, serving as the Divine Stone Attendant in the Crimson Cloud Palace. At that time, you, my virtuous sister, were a fairy herb by the Three Lives Stone on the banks of the Spirit River, named the Crimson Pearl Grass. Due to the lack of timely rain and dew, it gradually withered. The Divine Stone Attendant watered it daily with sweet dew, thus restoring its lushness and vitality." This Crimson Pearl Flower, later imbued with the essence of the sun and moon and the spirit of mountains and rivers, was able to transform into a human. Desiring to repay the kindness of the sweet dew, she repaid it with a lifetime of tears. Therefore, your tender relationship with Baoyu in life and your lingering affection in death are nothing more than repaying love with love.” Daiyu then asked, “Since Baoyu and I were repaying love with love, how could he have been unfaithful?”
The Fairy Disenchantment smiled and said, “What is done without being done is Heaven; what is brought about without being brought about is fate. Let me show you something.” She then instructed a young girl to fetch the main and supplementary registers of the “Twelve Beauties of Jinling” from the “Department of Ill-fated Women” cabinet. The girl returned shortly with a stack of registers, smiling, and placed them on the small table in the center.
Daiyu opened the main register of the “Twelve Beauties of Jinling” and saw on the first page two withered trees with a jade belt hanging from them, below which was a pile of snow, and within the snow was a golden hairpin. The following five-character quatrain reads: "How lamentable is the virtue of stopping the loom, who pities the talent of composing poems on willow catkins?
A jade belt hangs in the forest, a golden hairpin is buried in the snow."
Lin Daiyu read it twice and already understood. She smiled and asked the Fairy Disenchantment, "If you carefully examine this poem, is it merely a hidden reference to our names, or is there something else going on?" The Fairy Disenchantment replied, "Just carefully examine the words 'sigh' and 'pity,' and you'll understand." Daiyu said, "So the difference lies in these two words. For example, if I were to say I have a tragic fate, then it is indeed lamentable and pitiful. But as for Sister Bao, she is now happily married, with a harmonious husband and wife. What is there to lament or pity about?" The Fairy Disenchantment said, "People's tragic fates vary, and cannot be generalized." She then turned to another page in the book and pointed it out to her, saying, "This is your sister Yuanchun, and this is your sister Yingchun. One is a Noble Consort, and the other is a Lady of the Imperial Decree. How can they be considered tragically fated? It's only because their wealth and glory are short-lived that they are considered tragically fated. Now, your sister Yuanchun is living in the Crimson Cloud Palace in the east. The other sisters each have their own tragic fates; they cannot be the same. Look at the next page, and you will naturally understand."
Upon hearing this, Daiyu read through the three booklets one by one. Some she understood immediately, some she grasped through further study, and some she didn't quite understand. She closed the booklets and smiled, saying, "It's difficult to fully grasp their mysteries in a short time. But given Baochai's tragic fate, I cannot remain without doubt." Jinghuan smiled and said, "The secrets of heaven cannot be revealed. Since you are doubting your Baochai, I have a magic mirror. You can take it. When it's quiet at midnight, don't look at the front, just look at the back, and you will know the truth." She then said to the maids, "Bring the 'Mirror of Love and Lust'." The maids responded and went to retrieve a mirror, handing it to Daiyu. Daiyu took it, lifted the cover, and saw that the mirror reflected both the front and back. She then handed it to Qingwen to put away.
Fairy Disenchantment said, "Before Baoyu and my virtuous sister were reincarnated, Baoyu was in the Song Dynasty as Shi Manqing, playing in the mortal world, his surname never leaving stone. After death, he returned to this place as the Lord of Hibiscus City. Later, because my virtuous sister was banished to the mortal world, the stone was reincarnated as Baoyu to fulfill their karmic bond. In the future, the Lord of Hibiscus City will return, and my virtuous sister will eventually meet him again." Daiyu stood up and said, "This disciple has not yet visited the Imperial Concubine at the Crimson Cloud Palace. I will come again tomorrow to learn from her." Fairy Disenchantment said, "Thank you for your advance, my virtuous sister. Please forgive me for not being able to return your greeting today." Then, the two of them saw each other off at the door.
Daiyu led the fairies to the Crimson Cloud Palace. After walking a few steps, she saw a group of beautiful women approaching and hurriedly asked, "Who are these people?" Jin Chuan looked carefully and said, "This is our Little Rong's eldest mistress from the East Mansion, along with Ruizhu, the Second Miss You, and the Third Miss You." As she spoke, Qin Keqing and the others arrived in front of them. Keqing smiled and said, "I heard you were coming, Miss, so I quickly brought Ruizhu and met with Aunt You Er and Aunt You San to pay our respects. Where are you going now, Miss?" Daiyu took Qin's hand and smiled, "Greetings, Madam!" Then she said to the You sisters, "Greetings, Second Sister! Greetings, Third Sister! We haven't seen each other for years. We just visited Fairy Disenchantment, and now we're going to visit Consort Yuan. When we get back, we'll visit Madam, Second Sister, and Third Sister to chat." Qin said, "How about that?" "Let's accompany you to the Crimson Cloud Palace, and after we've met Consort Yuan, we'll go to your residence to pay our respects, shall we?" Daiyu said, "Very well, but I haven't even arrived yet, why are you troubling me so much?" You Sanjie said, "What are you saying? What's the difference in order? We'll see each other every day!" Daiyu said, "If that's the case, I'll obey." She then told Qingwen to carefully return the "Mirror of Love and Lust" and put it away. "I'm going to the Crimson Cloud Palace with the Rong family, and we'll have dinner at our place when we get back. You go back first and tell them to prepare." Qingwen agreed and left.
Here, Daiyu, Qin Keqing, and the You sisters led the fairies to the Crimson Cloud Palace to pay their respects to Consort Yuan, and then returned to the Crimson Pearl Palace together. Everyone sat down, and Ruizhu came over to kowtow to Daiyu. Daiyu quickly helped her up, and because Ruizhu had died for her mistress, and Qin Keqing had now taken her as her adopted daughter, she was truly comforted. Qin Keqing asked, "Is the old lady still in good health? How are the two masters and their wives?" Daiyu replied, "The old lady, my uncle, and my aunt are all in good health." Keqing then asked, "How did the eldest master of our East Mansion ascend to heaven after taking the elixir of immortality? How are my father-in-law and mother-in-law doing now?"
Daiyu said, "My elder brother and sister-in-law are both well." Keqing asked, "Your nephew Rong has remarried. I heard it's a girl from the Hu family. Is she doing well?" Daiyu replied, "This new Mrs. Hu, while not as beautiful or virtuous as the original Mrs. Hu, is still quite good." You Erjie asked, "How is Mrs. Lian?"
Daiyu said, "Sister Feng is too clever, and you, Second Sister, are too kind. That's why you've suffered at her hands." You Erjie said, "Since I came here, I've known I'm a member of the 'Department of Ill-fated Women,' my fate is sealed. The Fairy Disenchantment also told me that those listed here are destined to come here; it's all preordained by fate, and it will happen naturally." "That makes sense. Therefore, I don't hold it against him anymore." Keqing then asked, "Are the young ladies all well?" Daiyu replied, "They are all well. Second Sister is married to the Sun family, and I heard that her husband has a strange temper, so Second Sister is very unhappy now. Third Sister is betrothed to the son of Commander Zhou, but they haven't married yet. Fourth Sister is still single." Keqing said, "The other day when Consort Yuan came, when I went to pay my respects, she told me that Miss Daiyu would be coming soon." Daiyu said, "Consort Yuan just said the same thing, saying that they are repairing her housing now, but she will be coming soon.
Poor Second Sister, honest and timid all her life, she still has such a tragic fate." Everyone nodded and sighed upon hearing this. Jin Chuan came up and said, "Please instruct me, Miss, to set out the meal.
" Daiyu nodded, and so everyone sat down to eat. After the meal, everyone sat for a while before dispersing.
After seeing everyone off, Daiyu returned to her room and asked Qingwen, "Where is that mirror?" Qingwen replied, "It's on the bookshelf inside. If you want it, I'll go get it.
" Daiyu said, "Let it stay there. I won't ask. It's getting late, you should all go to sleep." Qingwen waited for everyone to leave. Daiyu sat alone in her room. When it was quiet, she took out the "Mirror of Love and Lust" and looked at it. She wondered what story was hidden in the mirror. To be continued...
Chapter Two:
Lin Daiyu Gazing at the Mirror of Love and Lust at Night,
the Golden Mandarin Ducks' Souls Return to
the Heaven of Sorrow. It is said that Lin Daiyu sat alone in her room. When it was quiet, she took out the "Mirror of Love and Lust" and held it up to the lamp. She saw faint outlines of pavilions and palaces inside, resembling the Grand View Garden. Upon closer inspection, it looked just like her own Xiaoxiang Pavilion. She saw Baoyu wailing and stamping his feet, beating his chest. She could almost hear him crying, "Lin Daiyu, Lin Daiyu, it's all my fault! Don't blame me, it was our parents' decision, not my fault." Daiyu clearly heard him, and a pang of sorrow gripped her heart. Tears welled in her eyes, and she quickly wiped them away with her handkerchief. Looking again, she saw the Grand View Garden was gone, replaced by a scene reminiscent of the Land of Illusion. Suddenly, she saw Baoyu approaching from afar, growing closer and more real until he stood before her, exclaiming, "Sister, so you're here! I've missed you so much!" Daiyu was startled, quickly putting down the mirror and looking around. She saw the doors were securely closed, and only heard a faint rustling of the curtains outside. Daiyu stood there stunned for a long while. When she picked up the mirror again, she saw Baoyu still before her, dressed as a monk, smiling at her and saying, "Sister, I've really become a monk." Before he finished speaking, a bald-headed monk and a lame Taoist priest came forward, helped Baoyu up, and walked away, gradually disappearing from sight. Daiyu was mesmerized. Just as she was about to put the mirror down, she faintly heard what sounded like weeping. Looking more closely, she saw what appeared to be the Rongguo Mansion. Three people were weeping together; one looked like Lady Wang, one like Baochai, and the other like Xiren. Daiyu felt a pang of sadness herself. Suddenly, she saw dark clouds gather around the mirror, shrouding it completely in black. Daiyu then carefully put the precious mirror in a case and put it away. She sat there blankly under the lamp, pondering the scenes she had heard. Though she understood some of it, she could only nod and sigh, unable to fully comprehend it. Afraid of waking everyone, she quietly went to bed. The next
morning, the Fairy Disenchantment returned the visit. Then, the Imperial Concubine sent several fairies to inquire after her, bringing many gifts. Around noon, she took Qingwen to Qin Keqing, You Erjie, and You Sanjie, where they each stayed for a while. Qin Keqing stayed for dinner before returning home.
One afternoon, Daiyu strolled in the courtyard, looking at the Crimson Pearl Fairy Herb in the white stone flower railing.
The herb was lush and green, with slightly reddish tips on the leaves, and a delicate fragrance permeated her being. Daiyu knew it was her former self. Indeed: A slender shadow reflects in the spring water; your beard pities me, and I pity you.
Daiyu grieved silently for a while, then watched the fairies water the plants again before going inside.
Several days later, Yingchun indeed arrived early. After everyone met, Consort Yuan instructed Yingchun to stay in the Chixia Palace.
Some time later, one afternoon Daiyu was sitting idly at home when Qingwen came and said, "The weather is so nice today, why don't you go out for a stroll, Miss?" Daiyu nodded and said, "Since we have nothing else to do, why don't we go see Madam Rong and have some fun there? Jinchuan, stay home and watch the house; you come with me." Qingwen agreed, and along with two fairies, followed Daiyu out to Qin Keqing's place.
As they walked, they saw a woman approaching from afar. Qingwen, with her sharp eyes, pointed and said, "Isn't that Sister Yuanyang?" Upon reaching her, it was indeed Yuanyang. Daiyu hurriedly said, "Sister Yuanyang, how come you're here too?" Yuanyang replied, "So Miss Lin is here too. Why are Qingwen and everyone else together? Miss Lin, have you seen the Old Madam?" Upon hearing the words "Old Madam," Daiyu was startled and quickly said, "Why are you asking about the Old Madam? Has she passed away?" Yuanyang said, "Yes, the Old Madam has passed away. I thought that I had served the Old Madam my whole life, but there was no future for me. I was also afraid of falling into someone's trap. Before the Old Madam's funeral, I steeled myself and, in a daze, it felt like someone was whipping me and I hanged myself, like it was the young mistress of the East Mansion. Afterwards, I became confused and don't know how I ended up here." Upon hearing of Grandmother Jia's passing, Daiyu couldn't help but weep bitterly. Qingwen hurriedly said, "Miss, are you confused again? The old lady has passed away, and everyone is finally reunited. Which path are you crying about, Miss?" Daiyu wiped away her tears and said, "I've forgotten my feelings too. It's just that I'm used to crying."
Just then, Qin Keqing came running over and said, "Sister Yuanyang, you're so fast! I've been running around all night, and you've already gotten there before me." Daiyu laughed and said, "Look how tired you are. Since you have this task, why didn't you tell us?" Qin Keqing said, "Jinghuan urged me to hurry up. I didn't even have time to change my clothes. How could I have time to tell you?" Daiyu said, "Madam and Sister Yuanyang are both tired. Come and rest here first." So, everyone went into the Crimson Pearl Palace and sat down. The fairies brought tea. After tea, Yuanyang said, "If the old lady isn't here, where did she go?" Qin Keqing said, "I think the old lady is elderly, and may not be like us. Perhaps she has passed away and gone to the underworld." Yuanyang then said anxiously, "In that case, I've come here empty-handed again! Young mistress, you brought me here today, but you won't let me see the old lady! I won't stand for it!" Daiyu said, "Sister Yuanyang, don't worry. After we see the Fairy Disenchantment and find out the old lady's whereabouts, we can decide what to do."
Qin Keqing said, "I haven't had a chance to see Aunt Lian just now. I wonder how she is doing?" Yuanyang said, "Aunt Lian is quite ill right now." "Oh, who knew he was involved in the house raid too! They ransacked his house, leaving him penniless and criticized because of the old lady's affair. He's already gone mad several times; who knows what his fate will be like sooner or later!" Qin said, "In that case, I'm afraid he's one of us. Alright, alright, his arrival will only make things more lively." Daiyu laughed, "Lively? What's so lively about that? Just two talkative babblers, quite annoying indeed." Qin laughed again, "Miss, what you're saying makes me miss him! I even went to the Grand View Garden to warn him the other day, but he still hasn't come to his senses." As they were talking, dinner was served.
After the meal, Qin and Yuanyang went to pay their respects to the Fairy Disenchantment and discussed some heavenly secrets.
The Fairy Disenchantment told him that the "Department of Passion" was originally in charge of Qin Keqing. Because he was her first lover, he led these lovesick women to the Department of Love early on, so they should have hanged themselves. They were meant to see through mortal love, transcend the sea of love, and return to the heaven of love. Therefore, the "Department of Passion" was left unattended. "Now I specially appoint you to fill the position. You may immediately go to the 'Department of Passion' and take up your post. Do not disobey."
Yuanyang accepted the Fairy Disenchantment's order and went to the Crimson Cloud Palace. The gatekeeper eunuch, after ascertaining her origins, reported this to the Emperor. Soon after, the Imperial Concubine summoned her. Yuanyang first performed a grand salute and stood by. The Imperial Concubine inquired about matters concerning her family since their separation, and Yuanyang knelt and explained everything clearly. Consort Yuan said, “The Second Miss already told me about these matters the other day. Although it is due to the family's fate, it is ultimately because of Feng’er’s arrogance and recklessness, and the Old Madam and Madam have been deceived by her. The other day, Fairy Disenchantment brought up the cause and effect between Baoyu and Lin Daiyu, which made me very uncomfortable. Hearing you say this today, Feng’er is really unacceptable. Have you asked Fairy Disenchantment where the Old Madam is now?” Yuanyang said, “This servant asked Fairy Disenchantment, and she said that our Land of Illusion is below the Upper Realm and above the Lower Realm. It is originally a ethereal place, and only those who are famous here can go there. The Old Madam is a person who has died of old age. She must first go to the Underworld, meet King Yama, have her good and evil deeds checked, and then be sent to the Upper Realm to meet with her deceased ancestors. How could she come here?” Consort Yuan said, “The Old Madam is a First-Rank Lady. She is cautious and benevolent throughout her life.” "Being kind is not a bad thing, and even if you go to the Underworld, there's nothing to fear. It's just that those mountains of knives and trees of swords, demons and monsters, are things the old lady has probably never seen before, and she'll inevitably suffer some fright. Besides, there's no one to serve her, what should we do?" Yuanyang said, "This servant came for the old lady. This servant wishes to ask Fairy Disenchantment to guide me to the Underworld to visit the old lady's whereabouts and see her. Only then will I feel at ease. Otherwise, how can this servant stay here with peace of mind?" Yuanfei pondered for a long time, then nodded and said, "You are truly a rare girl, very good. No wonder the old lady dotes on you; you are much better than Feng'er. Fairy Disenchantment said the other day that Feng'er will be coming soon. When she arrives tomorrow, I will have a plan.
You should rest for a few days. Go and sit in the second young lady's room and chat." Having said this, Yuanfei got up and went inside.
The fairies led Yuanyang to Yingchun's room. Upon seeing Yingchun, they recounted for a long time the events of their separation. Yingchun wanted Yuanyang to stay with her, but Yuanyang said, "The Fairy Disenchantment told me to go to some 'Department of Passion,' where Xiao Rong's eldest mistress lives. She's just dumped her responsibilities on me. I don't know anything about it, and I don't care about her anyway. I'll just stay with her." Yingchun said, "Okay, I'll take you there. Let her teach you everything." So, she and Yuanyang went to the "Department of Passion." These departments of "Passion" and "Ill-fated" were all side halls, each with a plaque. Upon reaching the entrance of the "Department of Passion," they saw a plaque that read, "Awakening Passion from Foolishness," and a couplet on either side that read: "Joy and sorrow are all illusions; greed and longing are all due to foolishness."
Entering the side hall and turning to the back, they found a small courtyard with three main rooms, where Qin Keqing came out to greet them. Yingchun sat for a while longer before returning to Chixia Palace. Yuanyang then stayed in the "House of Passion" with Qin Keqing and Ruizhu'er.
Lin Daiyu, having nothing to do each day, would either come over to sit idly in the "House of Passion," chat with the You sisters, or play chess and compose poetry with Yingchun. She felt even more carefree and at ease than during her days in the Xiaoxiang Pavilion of the Grand View Garden. But let's leave that aside for now.
After Wang Xifeng's death, her spirit was wandering aimlessly when she suddenly felt two people supporting her on either side, making her walk as fast as she could. At mealtime, she suddenly felt her vision brighten, and she entered a pale red wall, where countless pavilions and palaces appeared before her. Just as she was feeling happy, she suddenly heard the two people supporting her cursing her, "You little hussy, I thought you were a long-awaited person, but look what happened!" Fengjie was startled and looked closely. She realized that the two people supporting her were none other than the You sisters, You Erjie and You Sanjie. Fengjie said, "Oh dear, who do we have here? It's just you two! Why are you cursing me like that?" You Erjie said, "So what if I curse you? Is this your Rongguo Mansion again? You're the mistress of the house, and no one dares to mess with you! I'm going to get my revenge today!" You Sanjie said, "Sister, how can you win an argument with him? Let me teach him a lesson." With that, she drew her Mandarin Duck Swords with a "whoosh." Fengjie was terrified and ran away immediately. You Sanjie chased after her, shouting, "Feng girl, where are you going?"
Just then, she saw two beauties coming towards her. Fengjie saw them and shouted, "Help! You family's third daughter is going to kill someone!" It turned out that these two were Mandarin Duck and Qin Keqing, who were on their way to Jiangzhu Palace to see Daiyu. The two suddenly realized that the one running ahead was Fengjie. Qin Keqing rushed forward and hugged Fengjie tightly. Yuanyang quickly stepped forward to stop You Sanjie, saying, "Third Miss, please don't do it! If Her Majesty finds out, it will be difficult to punish her!" You Sanjie sheathed her sword and laughed, "I was just scaring Fengjie, I didn't mean to kill her!"
Qin Keqing took Fengjie's hand and said, "Second Aunt, why are you here too?" Fengjie said, "I didn't want to come, but did I have no choice? What kind of place is this? It's so respectable, why are you all here?" Qin Keqing said, "This place is called the Land of Illusion, also known as Hibiscus City. There is a Fairy Disenchantment who manages things here. The main hall facing north in the middle is the Fairy Disenchantment's residence, and the red wall on the east side is where Consort Yuan lives." "Mother's Crimson Cloud Palace, the pink wall to the west is Miss Lin's Crimson Pearl Palace, and the main hall of Hibiscus City is in the middle facing south. The side halls facing south on the east and west are the offices of 'Resentful Powder,' 'Sorrowful Fragrance,' 'Morning Clouds,' 'Evening Rain,' 'Ill-fated,' and 'Infatuated Love,' which are our residences."
Yuanyang said, "Second Mistress's hair is loose and her trousers are frayed from running around. Let's go to Second Miss's room in Crimson Cloud Palace to rest and freshen up. We can also pay our respects to Consort Yuan first. After we've seen the Consort, we can go elsewhere." Fengjie said, "This is all because of You's Third Sister. You should be careful. Where is your Second Sister? How come she just disappeared without a trace?" Third Sister You didn't answer, but smiled with her lips pursed.
The four of them went to Crimson Cloud Palace and entered Yingchun's room. Fengjie asked, "Why isn't Second Miss home?" Fairies quickly brought tea and replied, "Miss went to Miss Lin's room and hasn't returned yet!" Yuanyang said, "Since Second Miss isn't home, and Second Mistress must be tired, why don't you sit here for a while, have some tea, and rest?
" She then ordered the fairies to fetch water and her dressing case. Fengjie washed her face, redid her makeup, and tidied her clothes. Yuanyang then went first to the palace to inform the Imperial Concubine. About the time it would take to eat a meal, she came out and said, "Her Majesty isn't feeling well and doesn't want to see anyone. But when she heard that Second Mistress was coming, she seemed a little reproachful and personally wrote an imperial edict, sealed it, and told me to give it to Second Mistress to read herself!" Fengjie was shocked and said, "What kind of logic is this? I can't read, isn't this making things difficult for me?" Yuanyang said, "How about this, let's all go to Jiangzhu Palace now, see Miss Lin and Second Miss, and have them read it to Second Mistress, okay?" Fengjie said, "Alright, that's a good idea, we have to go there anyway!"
So, everyone left Chixia Palace and headed west, slowly arriving at the gate of Jiangzhu Palace. There, Jin Chuan and Qingwen greeted them with smiles, saying, "Greetings, Second Mistress! Just now, Second Aunt You from the You family said that Second Mistress had arrived, and we've been waiting here for quite a while." Fengjie laughed, "So you two little hussies are here too! How lively!" Then, everyone entered the palace gate, where Yingchun, Second Sister You, and Lin Daiyu all came out to greet them, exchanging pleasantries. Just as everyone was about to sit down, Yuanyang came over and stood at the head of the table, saying, "Her Majesty has issued a decree for Second Mistress Lian. Please, both of you young ladies, read it aloud." Yingchun said, "He just arrived here. What decree does Her Majesty have for him?" Yuanyang said, "Second Mistress Lian just arrived at Chixia Palace, and Her Majesty issued this decree. Because Second Mistress cannot read, she brought it here for you young ladies to read to him." Yingchun said, "In that case, let's bring the decree over, and I'll read it to him." Lin Daiyu said, "That won't do. Her Majesty has issued a decree. An incense table should be set up, and Sister Feng should kowtow and kneel to listen to the reading!" Upon hearing this, Qingwen quickly moved the incense table and placed the decree on it. Sister Feng kowtowed and knelt there properly. Only then did Yingchun open the imperial decree and read aloud: "It is said that proper conduct in the inner chambers relies on virtuous women; the four virtues and three obediences are hoped to be trusted by the inner chambers." Your Lady Wang Xifeng, though of noble character, possessed a mind tainted by filth and vice. Her glib tongue could bring ruin to the nation, and her clever words corrupted morality. Though she was virtuous and chaste, she was spared from immoral conduct; however, blinded by greed, she became utterly shameless. She spoke falsely of wealth and beauty, causing only sorrowful women to be buried in their sorrows; she manipulated schemes, leading a foolish man to become a monk. Considering her past transgressions, her crimes were immeasurable. However, considering your innate intelligence and eloquent speech; your playful antics, like those of Lao Lai Zi, and your nurturing of children, like those of Zi Yu, demonstrate that your merits can atone for your faults, and your punishment can be lenient. Respectfully, our grandmother, the Dowager Lady, has not returned, her journey to heaven uncertain; her soul drifts in the winds of the celestial garden, her spirit cold in the moonlight of the Jade Terrace. The path to the netherworld is fraught with demons and monsters; the ten courts are filled with swords and knives. With her white hair, she cannot escape the terrors of the underworld; in the vast Yellow Springs, who will be her companion? I hereby order Xifeng to draft a corrective measure, fulfilling your initial affection for her master. You are to accompany her, fulfilling her long-held wish to die for her lord. Rise early and retire late, arrive at Fengdu as soon as possible, and once the task is accomplished, swiftly return to the Illusionary Realm
. Alas! I alone will disregard her flaws and record her virtues, to observe her future conduct. Xifeng, strive to reform your ways and atone for your past transgressions. Go forth and obey, do not fail your command.
Everyone who heard this was utterly astonished. Yuanyang said, "I've had this thought for a long time. Just now, when I saw Her Majesty's handwritten decree, I guessed it was for this matter. Now my wish has been fulfilled." Fengjie was still kneeling on the ground, lost in thought. Daiyu smiled and pulled her up, saying, "You've finished reading, get up. Your mission has come to fruition. Her Majesty has sent you to the underworld to find the Old Madam! Congratulations, congratulations!" Fengjie said, "I don't believe in that. I didn't understand a single word of what was just read. Can you explain it to me?"
Yingchun then read and explained each sentence, and everyone smiled, their lips pursed.
Fengjie clapped her hands and said, "The matter of confiscating the property was originally caused by the eldest master and Brother Zhen. I only lent out some small loans, making a little extra interest each month. Does that count as 'not properly maintained'? How come all these grievances are pinned on me? That year, on the eldest master's birthday in the East Mansion, I bumped into that scoundrel Rui in the garden. People heard that I looked very embarrassed, and they probably labeled me as 'not properly maintained' because of this!" Yingchun laughed and said, "Second sister-in-law, didn't you understand? Her Majesty originally wrote 'survived,' not that you actually did it!" Fengjie said, "There's no need to bring up 'survived'! Before I came, Brother Bao was at home, happily arguing with his sister Bao. The other day, when he went to his great-uncle's house, he hurriedly sent Beiming back on horseback to tell him: 'If Second Mistress were to come...'" "Hurry up and come; if you don't go, don't stand in the wind." These are all things Sister Yuanyang witnessed herself. Now the imperial decree says something about monks begging for alms, isn't that like taking a winter melon into an eggplant field? Isn't Lin Daiyu here right now? How could I know what's going on between her and Brother Bao? Because the old lady said Bao is steady and Lin is sickly, I just went along with the old lady's wishes and said something about a ready-made marriage. The final decision still rests with the old lady, the master, and the mistress; how could it be left to me?"
Qin Keqing said, "Second Aunt, there's no need to be anxious. It's no wonder the Imperial Concubine is angry; it's just that Second Aunt is usually too shrewd and capable. As the saying goes, 'The greatest merit is also the greatest fault.' There's no need to mention it anymore. It's more important to discuss with Sister Yuanyang how to get up tomorrow." As she spoke, Jin Chuan came up and said the meal was ready, asking where it should be set out. Daiyu said, "Let's set it out here."
To find out what they talked about after the meal, please read the next chapter.
Chapter 3
Zhen Xiangling pays homage to the matriarch
of the Imperial Household Department and rescues a servant woman in a foreign land
. It is said that after Fengjie, Yuanyang and the others had eaten in the Crimson Pearl Palace, the fairies brought over their rinsing bowls to rinse their mouths, sat down to drink tea, and chatted for a while. Yuanyang said, "I think that even with the eunuchs accompanying us, the two young women, Second Mistress and I, are nothing. But what if we run into evil people or ghosts on the way?" Fengjie said, "What you say is true. Just now, the way Third Sister You looked almost scared me to death!" Then she said, "In that case, why don't we have Third Sister You escort us to the underworld? That way, I won't be the only one to see her back."
Third Sister You laughed and said, "I'm not afraid of any evil people or ghosts. If it's just Yuanyang alone, I'm willing to escort her. If Fengjie also wants me to escort her, you can kowtow three times to me in front of everyone and acknowledge her as mine." "Goddaughter, I'll send you off." Fengjie laughed, "How shameless! You're just a girl, and you already want to be someone's mother?" Qin Keqing said, "Second Aunt hasn't met Fairy Disenchantment yet. Sister Yuanyang just took over the 'Department of Passion,' and now she has to go on a business trip, so I'll have to take over as well. I also need to tell Fairy Disenchantment. You've asked Aunt You to escort her, also to tell Fairy Disenchantment. Second Aunt, Sister Yuanyang, and I will go and meet Fairy Disenchantment. Besides, Second Aunt needs to rest for a few days, so she can stroll around here, chat with everyone, and then decide whether to leave." Everyone said, "Very well." So, they dispersed, and that's another story.
Now, Xiangling's soul, after her death, was wandering around when she suddenly heard someone calling her. She looked closely and saw a Taoist priest, dressed in a crane-feather cloak and turban, standing before her with an air of otherworldly grace.
Xiangling asked, "May I ask, Immortal Master, where do you come from, and what is this place?" The Taoist priest replied, "I am your biological father, surnamed Zhen, given name Fei, courtesy name Shiyin. I live near the Gourd Temple in Renqing Lane, Changmen Gate, Suzhou. Your mother, surnamed Feng, gave birth to only one daughter, Yinglian.
When you were five years old, during the Lantern Festival, your family member Huo Qi took you to the street to see the lanterns, but you were lost. Later, the Gourd Temple caught fire, burning down our property. Your mother and I went to live with your maternal grandparents. I then renounced worldly life and have been a monk for fifteen years. Now I know that you have given birth to a son in the Xue family, and your karmic debt is settled. I have come to send you to the Land of Illusion to settle your case." Upon hearing this, Xiangling... She knelt down, grabbed Shi Yin's sleeve, and cried out, "I'm twenty years old now, and all I know is being sold into slavery. I don't remember my parents or my hometown. Only today have I recognized my father, but I don't know where my mother is now. Father, can you take me to see her?" Shi Yin sighed, "My child, your mother is now at your maternal grandfather's house, but you are no longer a living person. The world of the living and the dead is separated, how can you see her? You don't need to be sad. Come with me to the Land of Illusion, where you can meet your sisters and find some comfort in your loneliness." Xiang Ling asked, "Who are those sisters?" Shi Yin said, "You'll know when you get there." He then helped Xiang Ling walk slowly.
After turning a bend in the mountain, they saw a woman with disheveled hair, bloodstains everywhere, weeping as she approached. Shi Yin then pointed to her and said, "Isn't this one of your sisters?
" Xiang Ling, upon hearing this, looked closely and hurriedly asked, "Aren't you Master Miao from Longcui Nunnery?" The woman also looked up and said, "Aren't you Miss Xiang Ling?" It turned out that since the day Miao Yu was kidnapped by bandits, the bandits had all been fighting over her, each refusing to give way. One of the bandits, in a fit of rage, killed Miao Yu with a single blow. Her spirit had gathered in one place, but because she had lost her way, she had nowhere to go and had been wandering aimlessly for days. At this moment, while she was weeping, she suddenly saw Xiang Ling and felt as if she had seen a relative. They recounted their suffering to each other in detail. Zhen Shi Yin stepped forward and, with a flick of his sleeve, revealed that Miao Yu was completely free of blood and still had her beautiful face. Miao Yu then thanked Shi Yin for saving her, and together they came to the Land of Illusion.
After walking a short distance, a bright light appeared ahead, truly a world of crystal. Passing through a pale red wall, they saw towering buildings and verdant pavilions. Upon reaching them, they saw a fairy maiden who bowed to Shi Yin, saying, "Old sir, you've worked hard, settling another matter of karma.
" Shi Yin also bowed and smiled, saying, "Though karma is settled, the matter is not yet over." He then said to Miao Yu and Xiang Ling, "This is Fairy Jinghuan." The two maidens then bowed to her. Fairy Jinghuan smiled and said, "My two virtuous sisters, why are you so late?" She then led them to sit in the front hall, where the fairies served tea. After the tea, Zhen Shi Yin rose to take his leave. Fairy Disenchantment said, "Old sir, you must be tired from your journey. Please rest a little and have a meal before you continue your journey." Shi Yin replied, "My friend Jia Yucun is still lying in bed waiting for me at the thatched hut at the Juemi Ferry in Jiliujin. Therefore, I cannot delay even for a moment." Xiang Ling stepped forward and grabbed his clothes, saying, "Father, we have just met. How can you bear to leave your daughter?" Shi Yin said, "You can stay here and live a carefree life. You will see many of your sisters soon. There is no need to be sad. Now that I have come here, I will surely come back again in the future. The time for our meeting is not far off. I have something to attend to, so I cannot stay long." Fairy Disenchantment and Miao Yu saw him off again. Xiang Ling watched with tears in her eyes as Zhen Shi Yin left. After taking a few steps, he disappeared in an instant.
The Fairy Disenchantment said, "Your father has already attained immortality and will return soon. You and your virtuous sister Miaoyu should go and visit them; they don't know you're coming yet." She then instructed the fairies to lead them, first to pay respects to the Imperial Concubine Yuan, then to Yingchun, and then to the "Department of Passion" to see Fengjie, Yuanyang, Qin Keqing, Ruizhu, and others. It turned out that Fengjie and Qin Keqing got along very well, so they stayed together. Miaoyu and Xiangling then visited the You sisters, and then went to the Crimson Pearl Palace to see Daiyu, Qingwen, Jinchuan, and others. Daiyu invited the two to stay for a meal, and everyone was happy.
As they were reminiscing about what had happened since their last meeting, the fairies came back and said, "Ladies and young ladies, please come over." It turned out that Fengjie and Yuanyang were planning to go to the underworld, so they had invited everyone to Daiyu's place to discuss it. When everyone met, Fengjie said, "Master Miao loves quiet and usually doesn't hang out with us, but she's all here today.
Miss Ling is here too. I think living isn't as fun as dying. If I had known there were such advantages, why didn't I die sooner?"
Daiyu laughed, "There is such fun in being a ghost, haven't you seen Luo Liangfeng's 'Ghostly Amusements' paintings?" Yingchun said, "Second sister-in-law and Lin sister, what you're saying isn't true. Although we're dead now, we're like immortals, how can we still be considered ghosts?" Ling said, "What Second Miss said is true, but there's another saying, 'Better to be a talented ghost than a mischievous immortal.'" Miaoyu said, "Ling is just describing herself." Daiyu laughed, "Ling, it's been two years since I last saw you. I imagine your poetic talent has grown even more.
Listen, she openly calls herself a talented ghost. There was a saying among the ladies of the Tang Dynasty, 'If you can't be a hero in life, then be a ghost in death.' A talented ghost is not as good as a ghost." Qin Shi laughed, "Ling is still a talented ghost, but our Third Aunt You is the real ghost." Everyone laughed. Fengjie said, "There are limited talented ghosts here, but there are plenty of mischievous immortals."
As she spoke, two tables were already set out, and Daiyu invited everyone to take their seats. So, at the head of the table sat Fengjie, Miaoyu, Xiangling, Yuanyang, and Daiyu, with Qingwen sitting sideways; at the second table sat Yingchun, Second Sister You, Third Sister You, Qin Keqing, and Ruizhu, with Jin Chuan sitting sideways.
Everyone chatted and laughed, deciding to set off early the next morning for a long journey to the underworld. Everyone said, "We have to get up early tomorrow, so let's skip the wine and eat early." After the meal, Miaoyu went to stay with the Fairy Disenchantment. Xiangling, who loved discussing poetry, insisted on talking with Daiyu. Daiyu, who also longed for companionship, left Xiangling at the Crimson Pearl Palace and said to Zhu Fengjie, "Sister You San is coming with us tomorrow. Second Sister, you'll be alone. Why don't you move in with me and stay with Madam Xiaorong?" Second Sister You replied, "Sister, you're so thoughtful! I forgot that you and Sister Yuanyang are both gone. It's not like there won't be two people there. I'll stay with Madam Xiaorong tomorrow, and move in with you when you and Third Sister return." Then everyone said goodbye and went their separate ways.
The next morning, everyone gathered under the stone archway of the Land of Illusion for a farewell feast. Once everyone was present, Fengjie was seated at the head of the table, with You Sanjie and Yuanyang on either side.
Qin Keqing held the wine pot, Yingchun offered the cups, and Daiyu, You Erjie, and the others each personally served three cups of wine. After drinking, Fengjie and the others each returned a toast before taking their seats in order. Yingchun, Daiyu, and the others said, "Sister Feng, please take care on your journey. Once you find the Old Madam, send someone to let us know so we can be at ease. Sister You San and Sister Yuanyang, please also take good care of yourselves on the journey. When you see the Old Madam, please give her our greetings." The three agreed, "You can rest assured." Qin Shi said, "It's getting late, Second Aunt, please get in the carriage." Fengjie stood up, about to take her leave, when Fairy Disenchantment and Miaoyu came over smiling, saying, "We're late! Quickly bring some wine; we'll use it to offer our thanks.
" Qingwen hurriedly brought the wine, and gave each of them three cups. They thanked each other, and parted with tears in their eyes. Fengjie and Sister You San rode in one carriage, while Yuanyang rode in the next. The two eunuchs from Chixia Palace drove the carriage away as fast as they could. Everyone else went home, but we'll leave that aside for now.
After the day Grandmother Jia passed away, her spirit left the Rongguo Mansion, looking around in confusion and unable to find her way. Just as she was feeling anxious and fearful, she suddenly heard someone shout from behind, "Is that the old lady walking ahead?" When Grandmother Jia turned around, she recognized Jiao Da from the East Mansion. Grandmother Jia asked, "What brings you here?" Jiao Da replied, "I've lived to such an old age, and living under the care of young masters is quite unseemly. Now that you've passed away, I thought it best to come with you to see the old masters. It's better than being a pig that no one wants. So last night I drank a lot of wine, stumbled a few times, and rushed here." Grandmother Jia said, "You old fool, you've lived enough. It's good that you've come. I've been looking forward to seeing someone I know. Go and get me a sedan chair; I can't walk." Jiao Da replied, "There's a boundary marker not far ahead, the place where the living and the dead meet. I'm afraid the sedan chair for you is being prepared there." Grandmother Jia looked up and indeed saw a memorial archway, where people and carriages were gathered. Jiao Da shouted, "Who among you is preparing the sedan chair for the Old Madam of the Rongguo Mansion?" A group of people answered in unison, "We are all of you, who are you, sir?" Jiao Da said, "You worthless bastards, bring it over here! The Old Madam has arrived, what do you care who I am?" The crowd quickly carried the sedan chair over and helped Grandmother Jia into it. Jiao Da then asked, "Where are the trunk and carrying chest?
" Another group answered, "Here they are." Jiao Da said, "Carry them carefully, follow the Old Madam's sedan chair, so we can give them to people along the way. Where is my horse?" A servant boy brought over a donkey and said, "Master Jiao, this donkey was prepared for you by Master Lin and Master Lai." Jiao Da said, "I know, these are the two brothers, they pitied me for having no children. Kid, put me on." "The servant helped Jiao Da onto the donkey, and they followed Grandmother Jia's sedan chair slowly.
A constant stream of people came and went. Some were escorted by banners and canopies, some on horseback or in sedan chairs, some walking leisurely, and some in shackles and chains; others were joyful or sorrowful. Grandmother Jia, seeing this from her sedan chair, could only clasp her hands in prayer. After traveling for a while, they suddenly saw a group of prisoners approaching. Some wore cowhides, horsehides, pigskins, and sheepskins, while others wore donkey skins, mule skins, cat skins, and dog skins. Several guards followed behind, carrying yellow cloth bundles and whistles, swaying and bobbing as they came.
Suddenly, a woman among the prisoners shouted, 'Isn't that Master Jiao riding that donkey? Save me!' Jiao Da asked, 'Who are you?' The woman replied, 'I am Bao Er's woman, don't you remember me, sir?' Jiao Da said, 'So it's you, you scoundrel?'" Let's keep quiet, or we'll startle the old lady if we look too closely.
Hearing this, the woman cried out even louder, "Is that the old lady in the sedan chair? Good old lady, please save me!" Hearing this, Grandmother Jia quickly stopped the sedan chair. The woman was already kneeling before her, weeping, "Grandmother, have pity on me! The King of Hell said I seduced my master in my previous life, committing adultery. Now I'm being punished by being transformed into a mare, only allowed to suffer, never to dismount. Grandmother, have pity on me! I promise I'll never be so wanton again!" Jiao Da, who had already jumped off the donkey, came over and shouted, "Get out of here! What kind of thing is this? Always putting on makeup, I despise that wanton look. Now you realize the consequences, it's all your own fault. What can the old lady do?" Grandmother Jia said, "Jiao Da, I've been thinking, even though you're an old man of eighty or ninety, it's still inconvenient for you to serve me.
This Bao Er's wife, though ordinary, is still an old servant of our family." "Go and talk to those guards, see if they'll let us redeem her?" Jiao Da agreed with a "Yes," and hurriedly stepped forward, bowing to the guards, saying, "Brothers, please stand still. I have something to discuss with you all. Just now, this woman was an old servant of our household. Our old lady has no one else on the road, so she asked her to go with us to serve her.
Brothers, please be lenient and let me redeem her."
A man wearing a hat askew stepped forward and shouted, "What are you talking about! Have you eaten lamp wick ash? You speak so lightly. This was personally chosen by the Prince. Who would dare to be lenient?" Jiao Da laughed, "Third Brother, don't be angry. We are officials; we wouldn't dare to do anything dishonest. How can we eat and wear clothes if we do that? I won't wrong you." As he spoke, he took out a string of silver ingots from the carrying box and laughed, "Ten five hundred taels each, for you brothers to have some tea." The man replied, “Who hasn’t seen this little thing? Please keep it, sir. We may not have any wealth, but we have our lives.”
Bao Er’s wife, upon hearing this, immediately knelt down and kowtowed, crying, “Good sirs, please have mercy! We are such good sons and daughters, I will kowtow to you!” The escort, squinting at her, shouted, “Third brother, fifth brother, look at our eyes! We’ve really been fooling ourselves! Last night, we were so picky, we let this wonderful woman slip by!” He then smiled at Bao Er’s wife and asked, “How old are you?” Bao Er’s wife replied, “I don’t remember my age, I only heard people say she’s a year older than our second mistress.” The escort, upon hearing this, burst into laughter, “How would I know how old your second mistress is? This strangely pretty face is nothing but ‘gold on the outside, rotten on the inside.’
We’ll do you a favor, sir, you can take her away.” "Saying this, he took the silver ingot from Jiao Da's hand. They chatted and laughed as they escorted the remaining prisoners away.
Bao Er's wife came over and kowtowed to Grandmother Jia. Jiao Da said, 'Little brat, don't you have any shame? The way you were just now, I was so embarrassed for you.' Bao Er's wife said, 'You old lady, didn't you hear me just now? If you had seen how handsome I was last night, I would have been in deep trouble.' Grandmother Jia said, 'No need to say anything more, let's get going.' Bao Er's wife said, 'Master Jiao, at least get me a sedan chair.' Jiao Da angrily said, 'You ungrateful thing! Were you carried here in a sedan chair just now? You'd better get on your way! Where am I supposed to find a sedan chair in this desolate wilderness?' Bao Er's wife said, 'Don't be angry, old lady. After this hill, that's Shili Pu in Fengdu City. There are plenty of sedan chairs there!'"
There's a nunnery on the street; let the old lady have a bowl of tea and rest. Look at my clothes, let me ask the old lady for some clothes to change into.” Jiao Da laughed, “Little one, enough with the fuss, let's go.”
So they walked a few more miles, rounded the hillside, and sure enough, they saw a gathering of people.
South of the main road was a small temple with the words “Guanyin Nunnery” written on it. Bao Er's wife quickly stopped the sedan chair, helped Jia Mu out, and entered the temple gate. An old nun greeted them, saying, “Old benefactor, please come in and sit down. Ah! This one looks familiar! Aren't you Bao Er's wife, who used to stay here?” Bao Er's wife laughed, “Old aunt, you have a good memory! This is our old lady, the first-rank wife of the Duke.
” The old nun said, “So it's the old lady, my apologies.” "So, she helped Grandmother Jia to sit down in the meditation hall. The young nun brought tea and handed it to Grandmother Jia, then knelt down to pay her respects. Grandmother Jia reached out and pulled the young nun up to look at her closely, then said to Bao Er's wife, 'Doesn't this young nun look like Zhineng from the Mantou Nunnery?' Before Bao Er's wife could answer, the old nun said, 'This is a newly accepted disciple. He said he came to find relatives. Later, he found a gentleman surnamed Qin. I saw that the two of them were very affectionate, and I thought I should have him return to secular life.' Grandmother Jia, upon hearing this, didn't care who the man surnamed Qin was, but smiled and said, 'That's right, young people shouldn't easily become nuns.'
While the two were talking, Bao Er's wife had already taken the opportunity to dress up and come to serve her.
Grandmother Jia laughed and said, 'You little rascal, when will you get my clothes out and wear them?' " The old nun chuckled, "This sister-in-law is the old lady's housekeeper. I dare not say anything, but last time she was with me..." Bao Er's wife, hearing this, grew anxious and glared at him, saying, "Go on, bring some of your good snacks for the old lady. We need to hurry into the city after she eats." The old nun understood and smiled, quickly instructing Zhi Neng'er to fetch twelve dishes of tea, snacks, and fruits, placing them on the table. She also brought a large plate of rock sugar buns and a large plate of vegetarian shumai. Grandmother Jia ate some casually.
Just then, Jiao Da came in and called out, "Bao's wife, your sedan chair has been hired. Please ask the old lady to leave. I inquired outside; it's very noisy outside the city, unsuitable for staying. There's a large, quiet mansion west of the City God's yamen, close to the yamen. Tomorrow morning, we need to go to the yamen for a hearing; if we're late, we might not make it into the city." "
Bao Er's wife replied and helped Jia Mu out. The old nun watched as she got into the sedan chair before returning.
The three of them, master and servant, walked slowly and soon saw a city with towering battlements. Jiao Da then instructed the sedan chair bearers, 'Carry it slowly and carefully. I'm going to check on the mansion ahead.' After saying this, he spurred the donkey and sped away. Jia Mu entered Fengdu City. Looking around from inside the sedan chair, she saw six streets and three markets, bustling with activity, and brothels and pleasure houses as if they were in the real world. Just then, she heard Jiao Da call out, 'Bring it here.' The sedan chair bearers followed Jiao Da and carried the sedan chair into a mansion. After getting out of the sedan chair, Bao Er's wife helped Jia Mu into the main room, where she saw that the furnishings were very elegant. Jia Mu felt tired and lay down on the pillow to rest.
Jiao Da said to Bao Er's wife, 'I have already told the host that the food, wine, tea, and candles are all included. I will give him ten taels of silver tomorrow.'" "When the old lady wakes up, you will serve her washing and eating, and look after her luggage. I need to inquire at the gate of the main hall about the rules for tomorrow's court hearing, so I can prepare accordingly." After saying this, she left.
Here, Grandmother Jia, who had dozed off for a while, got up and said to Bao Er's wife, "Come here, let me take a good look at you. Since you are a member of our family, why don't I see you often?"
It is unknown whether Grandmother Jia noticed anything about Bao Er's wife. Let's find out in the next chapter.
Chapter 4:
Lady Jia Meets Her Mother on the Road to the Yellow Springs
, Lin Ruhai Searches for His Daughter in Fengdu City
. It is said that Grandmother Jia said to Bao Er's wife, "Come here, let me take a good look at you. Since you are a member of our family, why don't I see you often?" Bao Er's wife said, "My husband and I were originally from Master Zhen's side. Master Lian said my husband was good, so we came to serve him. We only work outside, so how can we easily see the old lady?"
Grandmother Jia laughed, "No wonder you look unfamiliar! Were you the one who called Lian Er's wife 'the wife of the King of Hell' that year in her room?" Bao Er's wife blushed and said, "That servant deserves to die! Grandmother, you're bringing up other people's past again." Just then, a servant brought up water for washing her face. Bao Er's wife quickly took it and offered it to Grandmother Jia. After washing her face, a meal was served: eight small dishes, eight large bowls, and two hot pots. Grandmother Jia didn't drink any wine, only eating one bowl of rice. Bao Er's wife brought tea, and then she went to eat.
Jiao Da came back and said, "I just went to the yamen and inquired. I met a young clerk who said that the rule here is that regardless of one's official rank in the mortal world, everyone must kneel and listen to their name being called in court. If one has committed no crime, it's fine, but if one has, they will be put in torture immediately. I promised him ten silver ingots, and he promised to decide what to do tomorrow.
I thought I'd give him the silver first, so it would be easier to talk things over later." Hearing this, Grandmother Jia, though she had never committed any great evil, still felt uneasy and said, "There's plenty of silver, just go ahead and do it. What are you going to do tomorrow?" Jiao Da said, "What am I afraid of? When I followed you on your military campaigns, I've experienced all kinds of hardships. I'm not afraid of being in court, let alone facing the King of Hell, even if it meant going up a mountain of knives or down into a vat of boiling oil." Grandmother Jia laughed at this. Jiao Da then took the ten silver ingots and left. Here, Grandmother Jia chatted with Bao Er's wife for a while before they each went to their respective quarters.
At dawn the next day, Jiao Da gathered the sedan chair bearers and helped Grandmother Jia finish washing and dressing before she boarded the large sedan chair and left the mansion. Bao Er's wife rode in a smaller sedan chair, with Jiao Da following on his donkey.
Before long, they arrived at the City God's gate. There, a young clerk, handsome and refined, was smiling and gesturing, instructing that the sedan chair be carried into a small courtyard west of the side gate. He walked to the sedan chair, bowed respectfully, and said, "This junior greets Grandmother." Grandmother Jia, seeing his elegant appearance and clever speech, knew he was the one with the power of ten silver ingots, and quickly bowed, smiling, "Sir, you are always so kind; we rely on you for everything." The clerk replied, "Grandmother, please rest assured, this junior will do his utmost." Grandmother Jia asked, "What is your honorable surname, sir?" The clerk replied, "This junior's surname is Feng, given name Yuan, from Changzhou in Jiangnan. My father was also an official..." "It was only because I was buying a concubine that a man surnamed Xue from Jinling, nicknamed 'Foolish Tyrant,' fought with me over the purchase, and he, relying on his wealth and power, beat me to death. I came here and filed a complaint. The King of Hell investigated and found that the man surnamed Xue had a long-standing grudge against me, and since he hadn't yet reached the end of his lifespan, the case was difficult to close. Fortunately, the City God was also from the south, surnamed Lin. He pitied me for being wronged and, being a scholar, appointed me to the position of Chief Administrator of the Sixth Division of the government office, and I've been doing so for several years now." —Grandmother Jia Then he asked, "Which prefecture in the south are you from, sir?" Feng Yuan replied, "Suzhou Prefecture. I used to work in the Yangzhou Salt Transport Office..." Just as he finished speaking, a servant came out from the ceremonial gate and called out, "Where is Feng Jingcheng?" Feng Yuan quickly responded and ran to him with a smile, "Second Master Pan, what is it you need to say?" The servant said, "Sir is not feeling well today. He asked you to take the list of names from the court hearing to the study for review. Perhaps the young master will come out and check it, but it's not certain." Upon hearing this, Feng Yuan hurriedly took out the list, opened it while looking at it, and then went to the sedan chair to ask, "Is the old master's name Jia Daishan? Is the old lady's maiden name Shi? Is she eighty-three years old this year?" Before the old lady could answer, the servant shouted, "Come quickly! Sir is sitting in the study waiting! Why didn't you come earlier? Now you're nagging and asking this and that." Feng Yuan quickly closed the list and followed the servant inside.
Here, Grandmother Jia said to Bao Er's wife, "Did you hear that? It's a shame he didn't know we were related to Xue Pan. Turns out he's the young master who was beaten to death by Xue Pan for buying Xiangling." Jiao Da said, "That's irrelevant. Those clerks only know how to recognize silver with their black eyes; they don't care about relatives of their enemies." Grandmother Jia continued, "He just said this gentleman's surname is Lin, and he used to be the Salt Commissioner of Yangzhou. Isn't our Mr. Lin the Salt Commissioner of Yangzhou? It's a pity we didn't ask his name."
Just then, Feng Yuan came running up, panting, and said with a grin, "Congratulations, Grandmother! I just took the register to the master, and after he looked at it, he pondered for a while before instructing someone to invite the young master over. The young master came out and looked..." Looking at the booklet, he told his master that he wanted to see it in person. Although I don't know the details, the manner of the visit makes it seem like I'm related to the old lady. Now that the master has gone into the inner quarters, he must have gone to tell the madam, so I came first to deliver a message. If we are indeed related, please ask the old lady not to mention the money I was given for my expenses to the master, and I will return it immediately.” Grandmother Jia laughed and said, “What's the harm? What yamen doesn't have a little money? But I used to have a son-in-law surnamed Lin, who had no children, only a daughter, who died last year. Where did this young master come from?” Bao Er's wife then interjected, “The young master has been here for many years, doesn't the young mistress want to raise a son?” This made Feng Yuan laugh as well.
Just then, a shout came from the hall: "Everyone step back, the young master is coming out." Grandmother Jia, watching closely from inside the sedan chair, saw two or three servants escorting a young gentleman who was handsome and refined, about twenty years old. Grandmother Jia was greatly surprised and cried out, "Isn't that my Zhu'er?" Upon seeing Grandmother Jia, the young master ran to the sedan chair, knelt down, and embraced her legs, weeping bitterly. Everyone was puzzled and puzzled when a loud "clang" was heard from the hall, followed by three powerful shouts. The main gate and the ceremonial gate swung open simultaneously, and eight servants emerged, lifting Grandmother Jia's sedan chair. The young master, holding onto the poles, turned and entered through the ceremonial gate. A flag bearer knelt and announced, "Please, Old Madam, come to the main hall." Three more powerful shouts followed, and the eight servants carried the sedan chair straight up to the main hall, through the inner chambers, into the second hall, before alighting from the chair. There, an official in brocade robes stood respectfully beside the sedan chair.
When Grandmother Jia alighted from the sedan chair and looked closely, she indeed recognized Lin Ruhai, and burst into tears.
Lin Ruhai, also overcome with grief, quickly greeted her. Several servants stepped forward to help Grandmother Jia. Just as they reached the gate, they saw two maids supporting Madam Jia, who was also weeping. Grandmother Jia recognized her as her daughter, Jia Min, and the mother and daughter embraced and wept bitterly. Lin Ruhai comforted her, saying, "Grandmother, today is a day of joy for mother and daughter to reunite. Why be like this? Please come to the main room." So everyone stopped crying, and mother and daughter entered the gate hand in hand.
The maids lifted the curtain and led them into the main room, where the furnishings were exquisitely elegant; though it was the underworld, it was no different from the human world.
Lin Ruhai and his wife invited Grandmother Jia to sit on the kang (heated brick bed), and bowed again. Grandmother Jia returned the bow, and Jia Zhu also came to pay his respects. Lin Ruhai and his wife then sat on chairs on either side, while Jia Zhu sat on a stool below. The maids brought over a tea boat. Grandmother Jia sipped her tea and asked, "After your husband passed away in Yangzhou, did he become the City God here? How did Zhu'er come to be here?" Lin Ruhai replied, "After I passed away that year, I met the King of Hell. The King of Hell investigated my appointment as Salt Transport Commissioner and found that I had never taken money from merchants. Moreover, I was upright and selfless throughout my life, with excellent virtue. Therefore, the King of Hell greatly respected me and reported this to the Supreme Deity, and I was appointed the City God of Fengdu, assisting the King of Hell. My nephew was also kept here by the King of Hell because the King of Hell admired his literary talent." The official in charge of the documents later had a son-in-law take up his post and recognized some relatives. Who knew his aunt was there? The son-in-law had no children, so he begged the King of Hell to take his eldest nephew in to manage the household affairs. That year, Brother Jing from the East Mansion came here and insisted on taking him to see the old masters. The son-in-law pleaded with him repeatedly before he finally kept him for me.”
Grandmother Jia was delighted to hear this, saying, “It’s truly a stroke of luck, and also due to your virtue, sir.” Lady Jia then inquired about the well-being of Jia She, Jia Zheng, and the two ladies, Xing and Wang. Grandmother Jia then recounted the story of Jia She’s crime and the confiscation of his property, causing Lin Ruhai and his wife to sigh deeply. Grandmother Jia then said to Jia Zhu, "Your son Lan is fortunate to have been raised and cared for by your wife. He's fifteen or sixteen now, writes good poems and essays, and loves to read. He'll have a bright future." Hearing this, Jia Zhu felt a pang of sorrow and quickly stood up to reply, "This is all thanks to your upbringing, Grandmother."
Madam Jia said, "My little girl Daiyu is seventeen or eighteen this year. It's been hard on you, Grandmother, taking her in to raise her. I wonder if she's become any stronger or weaker than when she was little?" Grandmother Jia, upon hearing this, was stunned for a long while, and then said: "What? Haven't you seen Daiyu'er? She's been dead for over a year. Where has this child gone?" Upon hearing this, Madam Jia's face paled with fright. After a long while, she cried out, "What? My Daiyu'er has been dead for over a year. Why haven't we seen her here? It must be that Master is away on official business, and the people in the yamen have been negligent and haven't investigated properly. They've sent her to some hell, or perhaps they've sent her there to be reborn. This is terrible!
My child, you've suffered so much!" As she spoke, she burst into tears, and Grandmother Jia couldn't help but cry as well.
Lin Ruhai, also heartbroken and in tears, said to Jia Zhu, "Go and summon Secretary Feng. Tell him to check the register of those who attended court last year to see if Lin Daiyu's name is there. Also, check the registers of those entering and leaving the Prince's mansion, Judge Cui's office, and the mansions of the nine princes, including Qin Guang, Chu Jiang, and Zhuan Lun. That will tell you your sister's whereabouts. Tell him to report back immediately once he has found out." Jia Zhu agreed with a "Yes" and hurried off.
Lin Ruhai then comforted the mother and daughter, saying, "Don't cry, just relax. Even if you're reborn into another family, it'll be easy.
The old lady is getting on in years; don't let her grieve so much."
Lady Jia, stopping her tears, asked, "I think Daiyu... children often suffer misfortunes. I wonder what terrible illness she contracted that caused her to die?" Grandmother Jia wanted to reveal the truth about Daiyu's illness, but fearing Lady Jia's anger, and feeling awkward herself, she vaguely replied, "This child was born timid, yet very clever and cunning. Since coming home, she coughed constantly. I prescribed her ginseng nourishing pills and stewed bird's nest soup for her every day, taking meticulous care of her..." It seemed to work, but he eventually vomited blood and died. At this point, she cried again, "My son, I truly regret it now." Madam Jia, not understanding her meaning, said, "Old Madam, there's no need to regret it. It was his own bad luck; you've spoiled him for nothing."
Just then, a housekeeper came in and said, "Breakfast is ready. Where should it be placed?" Lin Ruhai said, "Old Madam has just arrived and is still tired, so just place it here. Go tell your husband to prepare a good feast tonight, perhaps a small opera, or a octagonal drum performance—anything is fine—to serve Old Madam." Grandmother Jia quickly shook her head and said, "No need for such things. I'll listen to the opera after you've found the girl's whereabouts."
Just then, Jia Zhu came in and reported, "Secretary Feng has already gone to investigate as ordered."
Then, the maids served the food. Grandmother Jia sat at the head of the table, Lin Ruhai and his wife sat beside her, and Jia Zhu accompanied them. Before long, after the meal, the serving maids brought a rinsing bowl for her to rinse her mouth, then cleared away the dishes and brought tea. Lady Jia then asked, "Where is Siqi?"

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