Daiyu Buries the Flowers

Daiyu (Dàiyù) is an orphan living in the house of rich relatives because there is nowhere else for her to be. She is clever, often ill, quick to feel a slight, and there is nothing in that whole great household that is hers to decide.

Baoyu (Bǎoyù) is the family's petted young heir. The two cousins grew up in the same courtyards and love each other, though neither has said so and neither is certain of the other.

Last night she walked to his gate. A maid inside, not recognising her voice, refused to open it — and while she stood in the dark she heard laughter behind the wall, and then watched another girl being shown out.