第九回
第九回 恋风流情友入家塾 起嫌疑顽童闹学堂
话说秦业父子专候贾家的人来送上学择日之信。原来宝玉急于要和秦钟相遇，却顾不得别的，遂择了后日一定上学。“后日一早请秦相公到我这里，会齐了，一同前去。”——打发了人送了信。
至是日一早，宝玉起来时，袭人早已把书笔文物包好，收拾的停停妥妥，坐在床沿上发闷。见宝玉醒来，只得服侍他梳洗。宝玉见他闷闷的，因笑问道：“好姐姐，你怎么又不自在了？难道怪我上学去丢的你们冷清了不成？”袭人笑道：“这是那里话。读书是极好的事，不然就潦倒一辈子，终久怎么样呢。但只一件：只是念书的时节想着书，不念的时节想着家些。别和他们一处顽闹，碰见老爷不是顽的。虽说是奋志要强，那工课宁可少些，一则贪多嚼不烂，二则身子也要保重。这就是我的意思，你可要体谅。”袭人说一句，宝玉应一句。袭人又道：“大毛衣服[1]我也包好了，交出给小子们去了。学里冷，好歹想着添换，比不得家里有人照顾。脚炉手炉的炭也交出去了，你可着他们添。那一起懒贼，你不说，他们乐得不动，白冻坏了你。”宝玉道：“你放心，出外头我自己都会调停的。你们也别闷死在这屋里，长和林妹妹一处去顽笑着才好。”说着，俱已穿戴齐备，袭人催他去见贾母、贾政、王夫人等。宝玉又去嘱咐了晴雯麝月等几句，方出来见贾母。贾母也未免有几句嘱咐的话。然后去见王夫人，又出来书房中见贾政。
偏生这日贾政回家早些，正在书房中与相公清客们闲谈。忽见宝玉进来请安，回说上学里去，贾政冷笑道：“你如果再提‘上学’两个字，连我也羞死了。依我的话，你竟顽你的去是正理。仔细站脏了我这地，靠脏了我的门！”众清客相公们都早起身笑道：“老世翁何必又如此。今日世兄一去，三二年就可显身成名的了，断不似往年仍作小儿之态了。天也将饭时，世兄竟快请罢。”说着便有两个年老的携了宝玉出去。
贾政因问：“跟宝玉的是谁？”只听外面答应了两声，早进来三四个大汉，打千儿请安。贾政看时，认得是宝玉的奶母之子，名唤李贵。因向他道：“你们成日家跟他上学，他到底念了些什么书！倒念了些流言混语在肚子里，学了些精致的淘气。等我闲一闲，先揭了你的皮，再和那不长进的算帐！”吓的李贵忙双膝跪下，摘了帽子，碰头[2]有声，连连答应“是”，又回说：“哥儿已念到第三本《诗经》，什么‘呦呦鹿鸣，荷叶浮萍’[3]，小的不敢撒谎。”说的满座哄然大笑起来。贾政也撑不住笑了。因说道：“那怕再念三十本《诗经》，也都是掩耳偷铃，哄人而已。你去请学里太爷的安，就说我说了：什么《诗经》古文[4]，一概不用虚应故事[5]，只是先把《四书》一气讲明背熟，是最要紧的。”李贵忙答应“是”，见贾政无话，方退出去。
此时宝玉独站在院外屏声静候，待他们出来，便忙忙的走了。李贵等一面掸衣服，一面说道：“哥儿听见了不曾？可先要揭我们的皮呢！人家的奴才跟主子赚些好体面，我们这等奴才白陪着挨打受骂的。从此后也可怜见些才好。”宝玉笑道：“好哥哥，你别委曲，我明儿请你。”李贵道：“小祖宗，谁敢望你请，只求听一句半句话就有了。”说着，又至贾母这边，秦钟早来候着了，贾母正和他说话儿呢。于是二人见过，辞了贾母。宝玉忽想起未辞黛玉，因又忙至黛玉房中来作辞。彼时黛玉才在窗下对镜理妆，听宝玉说上学去，因笑道：“好，这一去，可定是要‘蟾宫折桂’[6]去了。我不能送你了。”宝玉道：“好妹妹，等我下了学再吃饭。和胭脂膏子也等我来再制。”劳叨了半日，方撤身去了。黛玉忙又叫住问道：“你怎么不去辞辞你宝姐姐呢？”宝玉笑而不答，一径同秦钟上学去了。
原来这贾家之义学，离此也不甚远，不过一里之遥，原系始祖所立，恐族中子弟有贫穷不能请师者，即入此中肄业。凡族中有官爵之人，皆供给银两，按俸之多寡帮助，为学中之费。特共举年高有德之人为塾掌[7]，专为训课子弟。如今宝秦二人来了，一一的都互相拜见过，读起书来。自此以后，他二人同来同往，同坐同起，愈加亲密。又兼贾母爱惜，也时常的留下秦钟，住上三天五日，与自己的重孙一般疼爱。因见秦钟不甚宽裕，更又助他些衣履等物。不上一月之工，秦钟在荣府便熟了。宝玉终是不安本分之人，竟一味的随心所欲，因此又发了癖性，又特向秦钟悄说道：“咱们俩个人一样的年纪，况又是同窗，以后不必论叔侄，只论弟兄朋友就是了。”先是秦钟不肯，当不得宝玉不依，只叫他“兄弟”，或叫他的表字“鲸卿”，秦钟也只得混着乱叫起来。
原来这学中虽都是本族人丁与些亲戚的子弟，俗语说的好：“一龙生九种，九种各别。”[8]未免人多了，就有龙蛇混杂，下流人物在内。自宝、秦二人来了，都生的花朵儿一般的模样，又见秦钟腼腆温柔，未语面先红，怯怯羞羞，有女儿之风；宝玉又是天生成惯能作小服低，赔身下气，情性体贴，话语绵缠，因此二人更加亲厚，也怨不得那起同窗人起了疑，背地里你言我语，诟谇谣诼[9]，布满书房内外。
原来薛蟠自来王夫人处住后，便知有一家学，学中广有青年子弟，不免偶动了龙阳之兴[10]，因此也假来上学读书，不过是三日打鱼，两日晒网，白送些束脩[11]礼物与贾代儒，却不曾有一些儿进益，只图结交些契弟[12]。谁想这学内就有好几个小学生，图了薛蟠的银钱吃穿，被他哄上手的，也不消多记。更又有两个多情的小学生，亦不知是那一房的亲眷，亦未考真名姓，只因生得妩媚风流，满学中都送了他两个外号，一号“香怜”，一号“玉爱”。虽都有窃慕之意，将不利于孺子之心[13]，只是都惧薛蟠的威势，不敢来沾惹。如今宝、秦二人一来，见了他两个，也不免绻缱羡慕，亦因知系薛蟠相知，故未敢轻举妄动。香、玉二人心中，也一般的留情与宝、秦。因此四人心中虽有情意，只未发迹。每日一入学中，四处各坐，却八目勾留，或设言托意，或咏桑寓柳[14]，遥以心照，却外面自为避人眼目。不意偏又有几个滑贼看出形景来，都背后挤眉弄眼，或咳嗽扬声，这也非止一日。
可巧这日代儒有事，早已回家去了，只留下一句七言对联，命学生对了，明日再来上书；将学中之事，又命贾瑞暂且管理。妙在薛蟠如今不大来学中应卯[15]了，因此秦钟趁此和香怜挤眉弄眼，递暗号儿，二人假装出小恭，走至后院说梯己话[16]。秦钟先问他：“家里的大人可管你交朋友不管？”一语未了，只听背后咳嗽了一声。二人唬的忙回头看时，原来是窗友名金荣者。香怜有些性急，羞怒相激，问他道：“你咳嗽什么？难道不许我两个说话不成？”金荣笑道：“许你们说话，难道不许我咳嗽不成？我只问你们：有话不明说，许你们这样鬼鬼祟祟的干什么故事？我可也拿住了，还赖什么！先得让我抽个头[17]儿，咱们一声儿不言语，不然大家就奋起来[18]。”秦、香二人急的飞红的脸，便问道：“你拿住什么了？”金荣笑道：“我现拿住了是真的。”说着，又拍着手笑嚷道：“贴的好烧饼！你们都不买一个吃去？”秦钟香怜二人又气又急，忙进去向贾瑞前告金荣，说金荣无故欺负他两个。
原来这贾瑞最是个图便宜没行止的人，每在学中以公报私，勒索子弟们请他；后又附助着薛蟠图些银钱酒肉，一任薛蟠横行霸道，他不但不去管约，反助纣为虐[19]讨好儿。偏那薛蟠本是浮萍心性，今日爱东，明日爱西，近来又有了新朋友，把香、玉二人又丢开一边。就连金荣亦是当日的好朋友，自有了香、玉二人，便弃了金荣〔一〕。近日连香、玉亦已见弃。故贾瑞也无了提携帮衬之人，不说薛蟠得新弃旧，只怨香、玉二人不在薛蟠前提携帮补他，因此贾瑞金荣等一干人，也正在醋妒他两个。今见秦、香二人来告金荣，贾瑞心中便更不自在起来，虽不好呵叱秦钟，却拿着香怜作法[21]，反说他多事，着实抢白了几句。香怜反讨了没趣，连秦钟也讪讪的各归坐位去了。金荣越发得了意，摇头咂嘴的，口内还说许多闲话，玉爱偏又听了不忿[22]，两个人隔座咕咕唧唧的角起口来。金荣只一口咬定说：“方才明明的撞见他两个在后院子里亲嘴摸屁股，一对一肏，撅草根儿抽长短，谁长谁先干。”金荣只顾得意乱说，却不防还有别人。谁知早又触怒了一个。你道这个是谁？
原来这一个名唤贾蔷，亦系宁府中之正派玄孙，父母早亡，从小儿跟着贾珍过活，如今长了十六岁，比贾蓉生的还风流俊俏。他弟兄二人最相亲厚，常相共处。宁府人多口杂，那些不得志的奴仆们，专能造言诽谤主人，因此不知又有什么小人诟谇谣诼之词。贾珍想亦风闻得些口声不大好，自己也要避些嫌疑，如今竟分与房舍，命贾蔷搬出宁府，自去立门户过活去了。
这贾蔷外相既美，内性又聪明，虽然应名来上学，亦不过虚掩眼目而已。仍是斗鸡走狗，赏花玩柳。总恃上有贾珍溺爱，下有贾蓉匡助[23]，因此族人谁敢来触逆于他。他既和贾蓉最好，今见有人欺负秦钟，如何肯依？如今自己要挺身出来报不平，心中却忖度一番，想道：“金荣贾瑞一干人，都是薛大叔的相知，向日我又与薛大叔相好，倘或我一出头，他们告诉了老薛，我们岂不伤和气？待要不管，如此谣言，说的大家没趣。如今何不用计制伏，又止息口声，又伤不了脸面。”想毕，也装作出小恭，走至外面，悄悄的把跟宝玉的书童名唤茗烟者唤到身边，如此这般，调拨他几句。
这茗烟乃是宝玉第一个得用的，且又年轻不谙世事，如今听贾蔷说金荣如此欺负秦钟，连他爷宝玉都干连在内，不给他个利害，下次越发狂纵难制了。这茗烟无故就要欺压人的，如今得了这个信，又有贾蔷助着，便一头进来找金荣，也不叫金相公了，只说“姓金的，你是什么东西！”贾蔷遂跺一跺靴子，故意整整衣服，看看日影儿说：“是时候了。”遂先向贾瑞说有事要早走一步。贾瑞不敢强他，只得随他去了。这里茗烟先一把揪住金荣，问道：“我们肏屁股不肏屁股，管你相干，横竖没肏你爹去罢了！你是好小子，出来动一动你茗大爷！”唬的满屋中子弟都怔怔的痴望。贾瑞忙吆喝：“茗烟不得撒野！”金荣气黄了脸，说：“反了！奴才小子都敢如此，我只和你主子说。”便夺手要去抓打宝玉秦钟。尚未去时，从脑后飕的一声，早见一方砚瓦飞来，并不知系何人打来的，幸未打着，却又打在旁人的座上，这座上乃是贾兰贾菌。
这贾菌亦系荣国府近派的重孙，其母亦少寡，独守着贾菌。这贾菌与贾兰最好，所以二人同桌而坐。谁知贾菌年纪虽小，志气最大，极是淘气不怕人的。他在座上冷眼看见金荣的朋友暗助金荣，飞砚来打茗烟，偏没打着茗烟，便落在他桌上，正打在面前，将一个磁砚水壶打了个粉碎，溅了一书黑水。贾菌如何依得，便骂：“好囚攮的们，这不都动了手了么！”骂着，也便抓起砚砖来要打回去。贾兰是个省事的，忙按住砚，极口劝道：“好兄弟，不与咱们相干。”贾菌如何忍得住，便两手抱起书匣子来，照那边抡了去。终是身小力薄，却抡不到那里，刚到宝玉秦钟桌案上就落了下来。只听哗啷啷一声，砸在桌上，书本纸片等至于笔砚之物撒了一桌，又把宝玉的一碗茶也砸得碗碎茶流。贾菌便跳出来，要揪打那一个飞砚的。
金荣此时随手抓了一根毛竹大板在手，地狭人多，那里经得舞动长板。茗烟早吃了一下，乱嚷：“你们还不来动手！”宝玉还有三个小厮：一名锄药，一名扫红，一名墨雨。这三个岂有不淘气的，一齐乱嚷：“小妇养的！动了兵器了！”墨雨遂掇[24]起一根门闩，扫红锄药手中都是马鞭子，蜂拥而上。贾瑞急的拦一回这个，劝一回那个，谁听他的话，肆行大闹。众顽童也有趁势帮着打太平拳[25]助乐的，也有胆小藏在一边的，也有直立在桌上拍着手儿乱笑，喝着声儿叫打的。登时间鼎沸起来。
外边李贵等几个大仆人听见里边作起反来，忙都进来一齐喝住。问是何原故，众声不一，这一个如此说，那一个又如彼说。李贵且喝骂了茗烟四个一顿，撵了出去。秦钟的头早撞在金荣的板上，打起一层油皮，宝玉正拿褂襟子替他揉呢，见喝住了众人，便命：“李贵，收书！拉马来，我去回太爷去！我们被人欺负了，不敢说别的，守礼来告诉瑞大爷，瑞大爷反倒派我们的不是，听着人家骂我们，还调唆他们打我们。茗烟见人欺负我，他岂有不为我的；他们反打伙儿打了茗烟，连秦钟的头也打破了。还在这里念什么书！茗烟他也是为有人欺侮我的。不如散了罢。”李贵劝道：“哥儿不要性急。太爷既有事回家去了，这会子为这点子事去聒噪他老人家，倒显的咱们没理。依我的主意，那里的事那里了结好，何必去惊动他老人家。这都是瑞大爷的不是，太爷不在这里，你老人家就是这学里的头脑了，众人看着你行事。众人有了不是，该打的打，该罚的罚，如何等闹到这步田地还不管？”贾瑞道：“我吆喝着都不听。”李贵〔二〕笑道：“不怕你老人家恼我，素日你老人家到底有些不正经，所以这些兄弟才不听。就闹到太爷跟前去，连你老人家也是脱不过的。还不快作主意撕罗[27]开了罢。”宝玉道：“撕罗什么？我必是回去的！”秦钟哭道：“有金荣，我是不在这里念书的。”宝玉道：“这是为什么？难道有人家来的，咱们倒来不得？我必回明白众人，撵了金荣去。”又问李贵：“金荣是那一房的亲戚？”李贵想了一想道：“也不用问了。若问起那一房的亲戚，更伤了兄弟们的和气。”
茗烟在窗外道：“他是东胡同子里璜大奶奶的侄儿。那是什么硬正仗腰子的[28]，也来唬我们。璜大奶奶是他姑娘。你那姑妈只会打旋磨子[29]，给我们琏二奶奶跪着借当头[30]。我眼里就看不起他那样的主子奶奶！”李贵忙断喝不止，说：“偏你这小狗肏的知道，有这些蛆嚼[31]！”宝玉冷笑道：“我只当是谁的亲戚，原来是璜嫂子的侄儿，我就去问问他来！”说着便要走。叫茗烟进来包书。茗烟包着书，又得意道：“爷也不用自己去见，等我到他家，就说老太太有说的话问他呢，雇上一辆车拉进去，当着老太太问他，岂不省事。”李贵忙喝道：“你要死！仔细回去我好不好先捶了你，然后再回老爷太太，就说宝玉全是你调唆的。我这里好容易劝哄好了一半了，你又来生个新法子。你闹了学堂，不说变法儿压息了才是，倒要往大里闹！”茗烟方不敢作声儿了。
此时贾瑞也怕闹大了，自己也不干净，只得委曲着来央告秦钟，又央告宝玉。先是他二人不肯。后来宝玉说：“不回去也罢了，只叫金荣赔不是便罢。”金荣先是不肯，后来禁不得贾瑞也来逼他去赔不是，李贵等只得好劝金荣说：“原是你起的端，你不这样，怎得了局？”金荣强不得，只得与秦钟作了揖。宝玉还不依，偏定要磕头。贾瑞只要暂息此事，又悄悄的劝金荣说：“俗语说的好：‘杀人不过头点地。’你既惹出事来，少不得下点气儿，磕个头就完事了。”金荣无奈，只得进前来与秦钟〔三〕磕头。且听下回分解。
[1] 大毛衣服——大毛：相对“小毛”而言，通常指白狐皮，也泛指其它狐、貂、猞猁等贵重皮毛中长毛可御严寒的直毛皮筩子。用这种皮筩子做的皮袄，叫作大毛衣服。
[2] 碰头——指磕响头。
[3] “呦呦鹿鸣”二句——《诗经·小雅·鹿鸣》：“呦呦鹿鸣，食野之苹。”“荷叶浮萍”是李贵学舌闹出的笑话。
[4] 古文——通常指先秦两汉以及唐宋八大家的散文。
[5] 虚应故事——照旧例行事，敷衍应付。故事：犹言成例、老例。
[6] 蟾宫折桂——晋代文士郤诜（xìshēn戏身）因长于答对策问当上了官，他认为自己“举贤良对策，为天下第一，犹桂林之一枝，昆山之片玉。”见《晋书·郤诜传》。后遂以“折桂”比喻科举及第。又因传说蟾宫（月宫）中有桂树，所以又把折桂与蟾宫联系起来。
[7] 塾掌——塾：私塾。旧时民间办的学校。《礼·学记》：“古之教者，家有塾，党有庠，术（街道）有序，国有学。”私塾的主管者，叫“塾掌”。
[8] 一龙生九种，九种各别——俗传龙生九子不成龙，各有所好。九子说法不一。明代杨慎《升庵外集》以为是：屃、螭吻、蒲牢、狴犴、饕餮、、睚眦、狻猊、椒图。这里以喻贾府族大人多，好坏不一，各种各样的人都有。
[9] 诟谇（ɡòu suì够碎）谣诼（zhuó浊）——诟谇：辱骂斥责。谣诼：造谣诽谤。《离骚》：“众女嫉余之蛾眉兮，谣诼谓余以善淫。”
[10] 龙阳之兴——即喜好男色。战国时有个叫龙阳君的人，以男色事魏王而得宠。见《战国策·魏策》。后世因以“龙阳”代指“男色”。
[11] 束脩（xiū休）——脩：干肉。十条干肉扎成一束，叫束脩。古代见面礼之最薄者。《论语·述而》：“自行束脩以上，吾未尝无诲焉。”原指孔子的学生向他送的见面礼，后世遂用作学费的代称。
[12] 契弟——气味相投的兄弟。这里含有男色的意思。
[13] 将不利于孺子之心——语出《尚书·金縢》。周武王死时，其子成王年幼，成王之叔周公旦摄政，管叔、蔡叔、霍叔等诸叔散布流言说：“公将不利于孺子。”意思是说，周公要篡夺成王的王位。这里是说有人想在这两个孩子身上打主意。孺子：小孩子；小后生。
[14] 咏桑寓柳——借咏赞桑树来赞美柳树，喻表面称赞某一事物，实际寓托着对另一事物的真实感情。
[15] 应卯——古代军营、官府点名都在卯时（上午五时至七时），故称点名为“点卯”。应卯：到班应名；也常引申为按例到场，应付差事。
[16] 梯己话——私下里的知心话。“梯己”亦作“体己”，意即私人的、贴心的。私蓄亦可称作“梯己”。
[17] 抽头——原指设局聚赌抽取头钱以获利，这里是占便宜的意思。
[18] 奋起来——声张开来的意思。
[19] 助纣为虐——亦作“助桀为虐”。比喻帮助恶人作坏事。桀、纣：夏、商两朝的末代君主，史称暴君。
〔一〕 “便弃了金荣”，底本、卞藏本作“见弃于金”，俄藏本作“渐弃了金荣”。从蒙府、戚序本改。
[21] 作法（zā fá扎筏）——方言，又作“扎筏子”、“扎罚子”等。意为找岔头、找借口，拿某人“作法”，意即拿某人当作出气或立威的对象，以儆其馀。
[22] 不忿——不高兴，不服气。
[23] 匡助——帮助，辅助。
[24] 掇（duō多）——拾取。
[25] 打太平拳——别人打架，在旁趁机捅几下冷拳，因不易为人发觉，所以叫“打太平拳”。
〔二〕 “李贵”，原系“李瑞”点改，各本均作“李贵”，从。
[27] 撕罗——调停，解决。
[28] 硬正仗腰子的——犹言硬的后台。仗腰子的：也作“仗腰眼子的”，指可作依仗的靠山。
[29] 打旋（xué学）磨子——围着人打转转，向人献殷勤的意思。
[30] 借当头——旧时用实物作抵押去当铺借钱叫当或典当，用作抵押典质的东西叫当头。借别人的东西去当铺典当，叫作“借当头”。
[31] 蛆嚼——即嚼蛆。骂人胡说八道的意思。
〔三〕 “秦钟”，底本作“宝玉”，卞藏本作“宝玉秦钟”。从戚序本改。
CHAPTER 9 Jia Zheng gives good advice to his wayward son. Li Gui receives a reprimand. Jia Rui and Li Gui rebuke the obstinate youths! Mingyan causes trouble in the schoolroom.
But to return to our story, Mr. Qin, the father, and Qin Zhong, his son, only waited until the receipt, by the hands of a servant, of a letter from the Jia family about the date on which they were to go to school. Indeed, Baoyu was only too impatient that he and Qin Zhong should come together, and, without loss of time, he fixed upon two days later as the day upon which they were definitely to begin their studies, and he despatched a servant with a letter to this effect.
On the day appointed, as soon as it was daylight, Baoyu turned out of bed. Xiren had already by that time got books, brushes, and all writing necessaries in perfect readiness, and was sitting on the edge of the bed in a moping mood; but as soon as she saw Baoyu approach, she was constrained to wait upon him in his toilette and ablutions.
Baoyu, noticing how despondent she was, made it a point to address her. “My dear sister,” he said, “how is it you aren’t again yourself? Is it likely that you bear me a grudge for being about to go to school, because when I leave you, you’ll all feel dull?”
Xiren smiled. “What an idea!” she replied. “Study is a most excellent thing, and without it a whole lifetime is a mere waste, and what good comes in the long run? There’s only one thing, which is simply that when engaged in reading your books, you should set your mind on your books; and that you should think of home when not engaged in reading. Whatever you do, don’t romp together with them, for were you to meet our master, your father, it will be no joke. Although it’s asserted that a scholar must strain every nerve to excel, yet it’s preferable that the tasks should be somewhat fewer, as, in the first place, when one eats too much, one cannot digest it; and, in the second place, good health must also be carefully attended to. This is my view on the subject, and you should at all times consider it in practice.”
While Xiren gave utterance to a sentence, Baoyu nodded his head in sign of approval of that sentence. Xiren then went on to speak. “I’ve also packed up,” she continued, “your long pelisse, and handed it to the pages to take it over; so mind, when it’s cold in the school-room, please remember to put on this extra clothing, for it’s not like home, where you have people to look after you. The foot-stove and hand-stove, I’ve also sent over; and urge that pack of lazy-bones to attend to their work, for if you say nothing, they will be so engrossed in their frolics, that they’ll be loath to move, and let you, all for nothing, take a chill and ruin your constitution.”
“Compose your mind,” replied Baoyu; “when I go out, I know well enough how to attend to everything my own self. But you people shouldn’t remain in this room, and mope yourselves to death; and it would be well if you would often go over to cousin Lin’s for a romp.”
While saying this, he had completed his toilette, and Xiren pressed him to go and wish good morning to dowager lady Jia, Jia Zheng, Madame Wang, and the other members of the family.
Baoyu, after having gone on to give a few orders to Qingwen and Sheyue, at length left his apartments, and coming over, paid his obeisance to dowager lady Jia. Her venerable Ladyship had likewise, as a matter of course, a few recommendations to make to him, which ended, he next went and greeted Madame Wang; and leaving again her quarters, he came into the library to wish Jia Zheng good morning.
As it happened, Jia Zheng had on this day returned home at an early hour, and was, at this moment, in the library, engaged in a friendly chat with a few gentlemen, who were family companions. Suddenly perceiving Baoyu come in to pay his respects, and report that he was about to go to school, Jia Zheng gave a sardonic smile. “If you do again,” he remarked, “make allusions to the words going to school, you’ll make even me blush to death with shame! My advice to you is that you should after all go your own way and play; that’s the best thing for you; and mind you don’t pollute with dirt this floor by standing here, and soil this door of mine by leaning against it!”
The family companions stood up and smilingly expostulated: “Venerable Sir,” they pleaded, “why need you be so down upon him? Our worthy brother is this day going to school, and may in two or three years be able to display his abilities and establish his reputation. He will, beyond doubt, not behave like a child, as he did in years gone past. But as the time for breakfast is also drawing nigh, you should, worthy brother, go at once.”
When these words had been spoken, two among them, who were advanced in years, readily took Baoyu by the hand, and led him out of the library.
“Who are in attendance upon Baoyu?” Jia Zheng having inquired, he heard a suitable reply, “We, Sir!” given from outside; and three or four sturdy fellows entered at an early period and fell on one knee, and bowed and paid their obeisance.
When Jia Zheng came to scrutinise who they were, and he recognised Li Gui, the son of Baoyu’s nurse, he addressed himself to him. “You people,” he said, “remain waiting upon him the whole day long at school, but what books has he after all read? Books indeed! why, he has read and filled his brains with a lot of trashy words and nonsensical phrases, and learnt some ingenious way of waywardness. Wait till I have a little leisure, and I’ll set to work, first and foremost, and flay your skin off, and then settle accounts with that good-for-nothing!”
This threat so terrified Li Gui that he hastily fell on both his knees, pulled off his hat, knocked his head on the ground, and gave vent to repeated assenting utterances: “Oh, quite so, Sir! Our elder brother Mr. Bao has,” he continued, “already read up to the third book of the Book of Odes , up to where there’s something or other like: ‘You, you, the deer bleat; the lotus leaves and duckweed.’ Your servant wouldn’t presume to tell a lie!”
As he said this, the whole company burst out into a boisterous fit of laughter, and Jia Zheng himself could not also contain his countenance and had to laugh. “Were he even,” he observed, “to read thirty books of the Book of Odes , it would be as much an imposition upon people and no more, as (when the thief) who, in order to steal the bell, stops up his own ears! You go and present my compliments to the gentleman in the schoolroom, and tell him, from my part, that the whole lot of Odes and old writings are of no use, as they are subjects for empty show; and that he should, above all things, take the Four Books, and explain them to him, from first to last, and make him know them all thoroughly by heart—that this is the most important thing!”
Li Gui signified his obedience with all promptitude, and perceiving that Jia Zheng had nothing more to say, he retired out of the room.
During this while, Baoyu had been standing all alone outside in the court, waiting quietly with suppressed voice, and when they came out he at once walked away in their company.
Li Gui and his companions observed as they shook their clothes, “Did you, worthy brother, hear what he said that he would first of all flay our skins off! People’s servants acquire some respectability from the master whom they serve, but we poor fellows fruitlessly wait upon you, and are beaten and blown up in the bargain. It would be well if we were, from henceforward, to be treated with a certain amount of regard.”
Baoyu smiled, “Dear Brother,” he added, “don’t feel aggrieved; I’ll invite you to come round tomorrow!”
“My young ancestor,” replied Li Gui, “who presumes to look forward to an invitation? all I entreat you is to listen to one or two words I have to say, that’s all.”
As they talked they came over once more to dowager lady Jia’s on this side.
Qin Zhong had already arrived, and the old lady was first having a chat with him. Forthwith the two of them exchanged salutations, and took leave of her ladyship; but Baoyu, suddenly remembering that he had not said good-bye to Daiyu, promptly betook himself again to Daiyu’s quarters to do so.
Daiyu was, at this time, below the window, facing the mirror, and adjusting her toilette. Upon hearing Baoyu mention that he was on his way to school, she smiled and remarked, “That’s right! you’re now going to school and you’ll be sure to reach the lunar palace and pluck the olea fragrans; but I can’t go along with you.”
“My dear cousin,” rejoined Baoyu, “wait for me to come out from school, before you have your evening meal; wait also until I come to prepare the cosmetic of rouge.”
After a protracted chat, he at length tore himself away and took his departure.
“How is it,” interposed Daiyu, as she once again called out to him and stopped him, “that you don’t go and bid farewell to your cousin Baochai?”
Baoyu smiled, and saying not a word by way of reply he straightway walked to school, accompanied by Qin Zhong.
This public school, which it must be noticed was also not far from his quarters, had been originally instituted by the founder of the establishment, with the idea that should there be among the young fellows of his clan any who had not the means to engage a tutor, they should readily be able to enter this class for the prosecution of their studies; that all those of the family who held official position should all give (the institution) pecuniary assistance, with a view to meet the expenses necessary for allowances to the students; and that they were to select men advanced in years and possessed of virtue to act as tutors of the family school.
The two of them, Qin Zhong and Baoyu, had now entered the class, and after they and the whole number of their schoolmates had made each other’s acquaintance, their studies were commenced. Ever since this time, these two were wont to come together, go together, get up together, and sit together, till they became more intimate and close. Besides, dowager lady Jia got very fond of Qin Zhong, and would again and again keep him to stay with them for three and five days at a time, treating him as if he were one of her own great-grandsons. Perceiving that in Qin Zhong’s home there was not much in the way of sufficiency, she also helped him in clothes and other necessaries; and scarcely had one or two months elapsed before Qin Zhong got on friendly terms with everyone in the Rong mansion.
Baoyu was, however, a human being who could not practise contentment and observe propriety; and as his sole delight was to have every caprice gratified, he naturally developed a craving disposition. “We two, you and I, are,” he was also wont secretly to tell Qin Zhong, “of the same age, and fellow-scholars besides, so that there’s no need in the future to pay any regard to our relationship of uncle and nephew; and we should treat each other as brothers or friends, that’s all.”
Qin Zhong at first (explained that) he could not be so presumptuous; but as Baoyu would not listen to any such thing, but went on to address him as brother and to call him by his style Qingqing, he had likewise himself no help, but to begin calling him, at random, anything and anyhow.
There were, it is true, a large number of pupils in this school, but these consisted of the sons and younger brothers of that same clan, and of several sons and nephews of family connections. The proverb appositely describes that there are nine species of dragons, and that each species differs; and it goes of course without saying that in a large number of human beings there were dragons and snakes, confusedly admixed, and that creatures of a low standing were included.
Ever since the arrival of the two young fellows, Qin Zhong and Baoyu, both of whom were in appearance as handsome as budding flowers, and they, on the one hand, saw how modest and genial Qin Zhong was, how he blushed before he uttered a word, how he was timid and demure like a girl, and on the other hand, how that Baoyu was naturally proficient in abasing and demeaning himself, how he was so affable and good-natured, considerate in his temperament and so full of conversation, and how that these two were, in consequence, on such terms of intimate friendship, it was, in fact, no matter of surprise that the whole company of fellow-students began to foster envious thoughts, that they, behind their backs, passed on their account, this one disparaging remark and that one another, and that they insinuated slanderous lies against them, which extended inside as well as outside the school-room.
Indeed, after Xue Pan had come over to take up his quarters in Madame Wang’s suite of apartments, he shortly came to hear of the existence of a family school, and that this school was mainly attended by young fellows of tender years, and inordinate ideas were suddenly aroused in him. While he therefore fictitiously gave out that he went to school, [he was as irregular in his attendance as the fisherman] who catches fish for three days, and suns his nets for the next two; simply presenting his school-fee gift to Jia Dairu and making not the least progress in his studies; his sole dream being to knit a number of familiar friendships. Who would have thought it, there were in this school young pupils, who, in their greed to obtain money, clothes, and eatables from Xue Pan, allowed themselves to be cajoled by him, and played tricks upon; but on this topic, it is likewise superfluous to dilate at any length.
There were also two lovable young scholars, relatives of what branch of the family is not known, and whose real surnames and names have also not been ascertained, who, by reason of their good and winsome looks, were, by the pupils in the whole class, given two nicknames, to one that of “Xianglian,” Fragrant Love, and to the other “Yuai,” Precious Affection. But although everyone entertained feelings of secret admiration for them, and had the wish to take liberties with the young fellows, they lived, nevertheless, one and all, in such terror of Xue Pan’s imperious influence, that they had not the courage to come forward and interfere with them.
As soon as Qin Zhong and Baoyu had, at this time, come to school, and they had made the acquaintance of these two fellow-pupils, they too could not help becoming attached to them and admiring them, but as they also came to know that they were great friends of Xue Pan, they did not, in consequence, venture to treat them lightly, or to be unseemly in their behaviour towards them. Xianglian and Yuai both kept to themselves the same feelings, which they fostered for Qin Zhong and Baoyu, and to this reason is to be assigned the fact that though these four persons nurtured fond thoughts in their hearts there was however no visible sign of them. Day after day, each one of them would, during school hours, sit in four distinct places: but their eight eyes were secretly linked together; and, while indulging either in innuendoes or in double entendres, their hearts, in spite of the distance between them, reflected the whole number of their thoughts.
But though their outward attempts were devoted to evade the detection of other people’s eyes, it happened again that, while least expected, several sly lads discovered the real state of affairs, with the result that the whole school stealthily frowned their eyebrows at them, winked their eyes at them, or coughed at them, or raised their voices at them; and these proceedings were, in fact, not restricted to one single day.
As luck would have it, on this day Dairui was, on account of business, compelled to go home; and having left them as a task no more than a heptameter line for an antithetical couplet, explaining that they should find a sentence to rhyme, and that the following day when he came back, he would set them their lessons, he went on to hand the affairs connected with the class to his elder grandson, Jia Rui, whom he asked to take charge.
Wonderful to say Xue Pan had of late not frequented school very often, not even so much as to answer the roll, so that Qin Zhong availed himself of his absence to ogle and smirk with Xianglian; and these two pretending that they had to go out, came into the back court for a chat.
“Does your worthy father at home mind your having any friends?” Qin Zhong was the first to ask. But this sentence was scarcely ended, when they heard a sound of coughing coming from behind. Both were taken much aback, and, speedily turning their heads round to see, they found that it was a fellow-scholar of theirs, called Jin Rong.
Xianglian was naturally of somewhat hasty temperament, so that with shame and anger mutually impelling each other, he inquired of him, “What’s there to cough at? Is it likely you wouldn’t have us speak to each other?”
“I don’t mind your speaking,” Jin Rong observed laughing; “but would you perchance not have me cough? I’ll tell you what, however; if you have anything to say, why not utter it in intelligible language? Were you allowed to go on in this mysterious manner, what strange doings would you be up to? But I have sure enough found you out, so what’s the need of still prevaricating? But if you will, first of all, let me partake of a share in your little game, you and I can hold our tongue and utter not a word. If not, why the whole school will begin to turn the matter over.”
At these words, Qin Zhong and Xianglian were so exasperated that their blood rushed up to their faces. “What have you found out?” they hastily asked.
“What I have now detected,” replied Jin Rong smiling, “is the plain truth!” and saying this he went on to clap his hands and to call out with a loud voice as he laughed: “They have moulded some nice well-baked cakes, won’t you fellows come and buy one to eat!” (These two have been up to larks, won’t you come and have some fun!)
Both Qin Zhong and Xianglian felt resentful as well as fuming with rage, and with hurried step they went in, in search of Jia Rui, to whom they reported Jin Rong, explaining that Jin Rong had insulted them both, without any rhyme or reason.
The fact is that this Jia Rui was, in an extraordinary degree, a man with an eye to the main chance, and devoid of any sense of propriety. His wont was at school to take advantage of public matters to serve his private interest, and to bring pressure upon his pupils with the intent that they should regale him. While subsequently he also lent his countenance to Xue Pan, scheming to get some money or eatables out of him, he left him entirely free to indulge in disorderly behavior; and not only did he not go out of his way to hold him in check, but, on the contrary, he encouraged him, infamous though he was already, to become a bully, so as to curry favor with him.
But this Xue Pan was, by nature, gifted with a fickle disposition; today, he would incline to the east, and tomorrow to the west, so that having recently obtained new friends, he put Xianglian and Yuai aside. Jin Rong too was at one time an intimate friend of his, but ever since he had acquired the friendship of the two lads, Xianglian and Yuai, he forthwith deposed Jin Rong. Of late, he had already come to look down upon even Xianglian and Yuai, with the result that Jia Rui as well was deprived of those who could lend him support, or stand by him; but he bore Xue Pan no grudge, for wearying with old friends, as soon as he found new ones, but felt angry that Xianglian and Yuai had not put in a word on his behalf with Xue Pan. Jia Rui, Jin Rong and, in fact, the whole crowd of them were, for this reason, just harboring a jealous grudge against these two, so that when he saw Qin Zhong and Xianglian come on this occasion and lodge a complaint against Jin Rong, Jia Rui readily felt displeasure creep into his heart; and, although he did not venture to call Qin Zhong to account, he nevertheless made an example of Xianglian. And instead (of taking his part), he called him a busybody and denounced him in much abusive language, with the result that Xianglian did not, contrariwise, profit in any way, but brought displeasure upon himself. Even Qin Zhong grumbled against the treatment, as each of them resumed their places.
Jin Rong became still more haughty, and wagging his head and smacking his lips, he gave vent to many more abusive epithets; but as it happened that they also reached Yuai’s ears, the two of them, though seated apart, began an altercation in a loud tone of voice.
Jin Rong, with obstinate pertinacity, clung to his version. “Just a short while back,” he said, “I actually came upon them, as they were indulging in demonstrations of intimate friendship in the back court. These two had resolved to be one in close friendship, and were eloquent in their protestations, mindful only in persistently talking their trash, but they were not aware of the presence of another person.”
But his language had, contrary to all expectations, given, from the very first, umbrage to another person, and who do you, (gentle reader,) imagine this person to have been?
This person was, in fact, one whose name was Jia Se; a grandson likewise of a main branch of the Ning mansion. His parents had died at an early period, and he had, ever since his youth, lived with Jia Zhen. He had at this time grown to be sixteen years of age, and was, as compared with Jia Rong, still more handsome and good looking. These two cousins were united by ties of the closest intimacy, and were always together, whether they went out or stayed at home.
The inmates of the Ning mansion were many in number, and their opinions of a mixed kind; and that whole bevy of servants, devoid as they were of all sense of right, solely excelled in the practice of inventing stories to backbite their masters; and this is how some mean person or other again, who it was is not known, insinuated slanderous and opprobrious reports (against Jia Se). Jia Zhen had, presumably, also come to hear some unfavorable criticisms (on his account), and having, of course, to save himself from odium and suspicion, he had, at this juncture, after all, to apportion him separate quarters, and to bid Jia Se move outside the Ning mansion, where he went and established a home of his own to live in.
This Jia Se was handsome as far as external appearances went, and intelligent withal in his inward natural gifts, but, though he nominally came to school, it was simply however as a mere blind; for he treated, as he had ever done, as legitimate occupations, such things as cock fighting, dog-racing, and visiting places of easy virtue. And as, above, he had Jia Zhen to spoil him by over-indulgence; and below, there was Jia Rong to stand by him, who of the clan could consequently presume to run counter to him?
Seeing that he was on the closest terms of friendship with Jia Rong, how could he reconcile himself to the harsh treatment which he now saw Qin Zhong receive from some persons? Being now bent upon pushing himself forward to revenge the injustice, he was, for the time, giving himself up to communing with his own heart. “Jin Rong, Jia Rui, and the rest are,” he pondered, “friends of uncle Xue, but I too am on friendly terms with him, and he with me, and if I do come forward and they tell old Xue, won’t we impair the harmony which exists between us? and if I don’t concern myself, such idle tales make, when spoken, everyone feel uncomfortable; and why shouldn’t I now devise some means to hold them in check, so as to stop their mouths, and prevent any loss of face!”
Having concluded this train of thought, he also pretended that he had to go out, and, walking as far as the back, he, with low voice, called to his side Mingyan, the page attending upon Baoyu in his studies, and in one way and another, he made use of several remarks to egg him on.
This Mingyan was the smartest of Baoyu’s attendants, but he was also young in years and lacked experience, so that he lent a patient ear to what Jia Se had to say about the way Chin Rong had insulted Qin Zhong. “Even your own master, Baoyu,” (Jia Se added), “is involved, and if you don’t let him know a bit of your mind, he will next time be still more arrogant.”
This Mingyan was always ready, even with no valid excuse, to be insolent and overbearing to people, so that after hearing the news and being furthermore instigated by Jia Se, he speedily rushed into the schoolroom and cried out “Jin Rong;” nor did he address him as Mr. Jin, but merely shouted “What kind of fellow is this called Jin?”
Jia Se presently shuffled his feet, while he designedly adjusted his dress and looked at the rays of the sun. “It’s time,” he observed and walking forthwith, first up to Jia Rui, he explained to him that he had something to attend to and would like to get away a little early; and as Jia Rui did not venture to stop him, he had no alternative but to let him have his way and go.
During this while, Mingyan had entered the room and promptly seizing Jin Rong in a grip: “What we do, whether proper or improper,” he said, “doesn’t concern you! It’s enough anyway that we don’t defile your father! A fine brat you are indeed, to come out and meddle with your Mr. Ming!”
These words plunged the scholars of the whole class in such consternation that they all wistfully and absently looked at him.
“Mingyan,” hastily shouted out Jia Rui, “you’re not to kick up a rumpus.”
Jin Rong was so full of anger that his face was quite yellow. “What a subversion of propriety! a slave and a menial to venture to behave in this manner! I’ll just simply speak to your master,” he exclaimed as he readily pushed his hands off and was about to go and lay hold of Baoyu to beat him.
Qin Zhong was on the point of turning round to leave the room, when with a sound of whiff which reached him from behind, he at once caught sight of a square inkslab come flying that way. Who had thrown it he could not say, but it struck the desk where Jia Lan and Jia Jun were seated.
These two, Jia Lan and Jia Jun, were also the great-grandsons of a close branch of the Rong mansion. This Jia Jun had been left fatherless at an early age, and his mother doated upon him in an unusual manner, and it was because at school he was on most friendly terms with Jia Lan, that these two sat together at the same desk. Who would have believed that Jia Jun would, in spite of being young in years, have had an extremely strong mind, and that he would be mostly up to mischief without the least fear of anyone? He watched with listless eye from his seat Jun Rong’s friends stealthily assist Jun Rong, as they flung an ink-slab to strike Mingyan, but when, as luck would have it, it hit the wrong mark, and fell just in front of him, smashing to atoms the porcelain inkslab and water bottle, and smudging his whole book with ink, Jia Jun was, of course, much incensed, and hastily gave way to abuse. “You consummate pugnacious criminal rowdies! why, doesn’t this amount to all of you taking a share in the fight!” And as he uttered this abuse, he too forthwith seized an inkslab, which he was bent upon flinging.
Jia Lan was one who always tried to avoid trouble, so that he lost no time in pressing down the inkslab, while with all the words his mouth could express, he tried to pacify him, adding “My dear brother, it’s no business of yours and mine.”
Jia Jun could not repress his resentment; and perceiving that the inkslab was held down, he at once laid hold of a box containing books, which he flung in this direction; but being, after all, short of stature, and weak of strength, he was unable to send it anywhere near the mark; so that it dropped instead when it got as far as the desk belonging to Baoyu and Qin Zhong, while a dreadful crash became audible as it fell smash on the table. The books, papers, brushes, inkslabs, and other writing materials were all scattered over the whole table; and Baoyu’s cup besides containing tea was itself broken to pieces and the tea spilt.
Jia Jun forthwith jumped forward with the intent of assailing the person who had flung the inkslab at the very moment that Jin Rong took hold of a long bamboo pole which was near by; but as the space was limited, and the pupils many, how could he very well brandish a long stick? Mingyan at an early period received a whack, and he shouted wildly, “Don’t you fellows yet come to start a fight.”
Baoyu had, besides, along with him several pages, one of whom was called Saohong, another Chuyao, another Moyu. These three were naturally up to every mischief, so that with one voice, bawling boister ously, “You children of doubtful mothers, have you taken up arms?” Moyu promptly took up the bar of a door; while Sao Hung and Chuyao both laid hold of horsewhips, and they all rushed forward like a hive of bees.
Jia Rui was driven to a state of exasperation; now he kept this one in check, and the next moment he reasoned with another, but who would listen to his words? They followed the bent of their inclinations and stirred up a serious disturbance.
Of the whole company of wayward young fellows, some there were who gave sly blows for fun’s sake; others there were who were not gifted with much pluck and hid themselves on one side; there were those too who stood on the tables, clapping their hands and laughing immoderately, shouting out: “Go at it.”
The row was, at this stage, like water bubbling over in a cauldron, when several elderly servants, like Li Gui and others, who stood outside, heard the uproar commence inside, and one and all came in with all haste and united in their efforts to pacify them. Upon asking “What’s the matter?” the whole bevy of voices shouted out different versions; this one giving this account, while another again another story. But Li Gui temporized by rebuking Mingyan and others, four in all, and packing them off.
Qin Zhong’s head had, at an early period, come into contact with Jin Rong’s pole and had had the skin grazed off. Baoyu was in the act of rubbing it for him, with the overlap of his coat, but realizing that the whole lot of them had been hushed up, he forthwith bade Li Gui collect his books.
“Bring my horse round,” he cried; “I’m going to tell Mr. Jia Dairu that we have been insulted. I won’t venture to tell him anything else, but (tell him I will) that having come with all propriety and made our report to Mr. Jia Rui, Mr. Jia Rui instead (of helping us) threw the fault upon our shoulders. That while he heard people abuse us, he went so far as to instigate them to beat us; that Mingyan seeing others insult us, did naturally take our part; but that they, instead (of desisting,) combined together and struck Mingyan and even broke open Qin Zhong’s head. And that how is it possible for us to continue our studies in here?”
“My dear sir,” replied Li Gui coaxingly, “don’t be so impatient! As Mr. Jia Dairu has had something to attend to and gone home, were you now, for a trifle like this, to go and disturb that aged gentleman, it will make us, indeed, appear as if we had no sense of propriety: my idea is that wherever a thing takes place, there should it be settled; and what’s the need of going and troubling an old man like him. This is all you, Mr. Jia Rui, who is to blame; for in the absence of Mr. Jia Dairu, you, sir, are the head in this school, and everyone looks to you to take action. Had all the pupils been at fault, those who deserved a beating should have been beaten, and those who merited punishment should have been punished! and why did you wait until things came to such a pass, and didn’t even exercise any check?”
“I blew them up,” pleaded Jia Rui, “but not one of them would listen.”
“I’ll speak out, whether you, worthy sir, resent what I’m going to say or not,” ventured Li Gui. “It’s you, sir, who all along have after all had considerable blame attached to your name; that’s why all these young men wouldn’t hear you! Now if this affair is bruited, until it reaches Mr. Jia Dairu’s ears, why even you, sir, will not be able to escape condemnation; and why don’t you at once make up your mind to disentangle the ravelled mess and dispel all trouble and have done with it!”
“Disentangle what?” inquired Baoyu; “I shall certainly go and make my report.”
“If Jin Rong stays here,” interposed Qin Zhong sobbing, “I mean to go back home.”
“Why that?” asked Baoyu. “Is it likely that others can safely come and that you and I can’t? I feel it my bounden duty to tell everyone everything at home so as to expel Jin Rong. This Jin Rong,” he went on to inquire as he turned towards Li Gui, “is the relative or friend of what branch of the family?”
Li Gui gave way to reflection and then said by way of reply: “There’s no need whatever for you to raise this question; for were you to go and report the matter to the branch of the family to which he belongs, the harmony which should exist between cousins will be still more impaired.”
“He’s the nephew of Mrs. Huang, of the Eastern mansion,” interposed Mingyan from outside the window. “What a determined and self-confident fellow he must be to even come and bully us; Mrs. Huang is his paternal aunt! That mother of yours is only good for tossing about like a millstone, for kneeling before our lady Lian, and begging for something to pawn. I’ve no eye for such a specimen of mistress.”
“What!” speedily shouted Li Gui, “does this son of a dog happen to know of the existence of all these gnawing maggots?” (these disparaging facts).
Baoyu gave a sardonic smile. “I was wondering whose relative he was,” he remarked; “is he really sister-in-law Huang’s nephew? well, I’ll go at once and speak to her.”
As he uttered these words, his purpose was to start there and then, and he called Mingyan in, to come and pack up his books. Mingyan walked in and put the books away. “Master,” he went on to suggest, in an exultant manner, “there’s no need for you to go yourself to see her; I’ll go to her house and tell her that our old lady has something to ask of her. I can hire a carriage to bring her over, and then, in the presence of her venerable ladyship, she can be spoken to; and won’t this way save a lot of trouble?”
“Do you want to die?” speedily shouted Li Gui; “mind, when you go back, whether right or wrong, I’ll first give you a good bumping, and then go and report you to our master and mistress, and just tell them that it’s you, and only you, who instigated Mr. Baoyu! I’ve succeeded, after ever so much trouble, in coaxing them, and mending matters to a certain extent, and now you come again to continue a new plan. It’s you who stirred up this row in the school-room; and not to speak of your finding, as would have been the proper course, some way of suppressing it, there you are instead still jumping into the fire.”
Mingyan, at this juncture, could not muster the courage to utter a sound. By this time Jia Rui had also apprehended that if the row came to be beyond clearing up, he himself would likewise not be clear of blame, so that circumstances compelled him to pocket his grievances and to come and entreat Qin Zhong as well as to make apologies to Baoyu. These two young fellows would not at first listen to his advances, but Baoyu at length explained that he would not go and report the occurrence, provided only Jin Rong admitted his being in the wrong. Jin Rong refused, at the outset, to agree to this, but he ultimately could find no way out of it, as Jia Rui himself urged him to make some temporizing apology.
Li Gui and the others felt compelled to tender Jin Rong some good advice: “It’s you,” they said, “who have given rise to the disturbance, and if you don’t act in this manner, how will the matter ever be brought to an end?” so that Jin Rong found it difficult to persist in his obstinacy, and was constrained to make a bow to Qin Zhong.
Baoyu was, however, not yet satisfied, but would insist upon his knocking his head on the ground, and Jia Rui, whose sole aim was to temporarily smother the affair, quietly again urged Jin Rong, adding that the proverb has it: “That if you keep down the anger of a minute, you will for a whole lifetime feel no remorse.”
Whether Jin Rong complied or not to his advice is not known, but the following chapter will explain.