Chapter 19

In this chapter, Baoyu is invited by his cousin Jia Zhen to see an opera performance. After watching a bit the show, Baoyu escape the vigilance of his followers and find Mingyan, one of his page having an affair with a young woman. Then they decide to pay a visit to Xiren (who was away visiting her family for the New Year). After their return, Xiren trick Baoyu into letting him believe that her family will buy her back and not be his maid anymore. Sad, Baoyu accept Xiren's 3 conditions to stay with him. The next day, Baoyu decide to pay Daiyu a visit. They talk and tease each other until Baochai join them.