Quick Read of the West Chamber

Author: Wang Shifu (Yuan) / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: In Chapter 6, the private rendezvous mentions Junrui. After playing the lute that night, several days passed. Junrui longed for the lady’s arrival every day, but not only was the lady absent, even Hongniang was nowhere to be seen. His heart grew increasingly restless; he lost his appetite for tea and food. Coupled with the cool night air from the previous evening, he caught a slight cold and fell ill. He felt dizzy and weak all over, unable to move. Lying alone on his bed, he sighed deeply, repeatedly murmuring, “This illness is killing me.” The lute boy saw his condition and grew very worried. He said, “Sir, how are you?” Junrui replied weakly, “I’m sick! I won’t live much longer, and I won’t even get to see the lady!” The lute boy said, “Sir, don’t overthink it—you’ll surely live a long and healthy life.” Junrui said, “How could that be! I’m being killed by the lady.” The lute boy said, “Sir, don’t say such nonsense. Our mistress is kind and compassionate—she wouldn’t harm you. Perhaps she’s also sick now.” Junrui thought for a moment and agreed, “The lady is missing me so much that she’s fallen ill. You must take care of yourself and think less of me. Just half of what you think of me will be enough for me!” Seeing Junrui’s delirious state, the lute boy decided to inform Cui’s household of his illness. He went to the gatehouse and asked Cui’s servants to report the news to the lady Yingying.
As for the lady, since that night of listening to the lute, she had been lying in bed for a long time, unable to sleep. She was deeply Junrui but cursed her own mother for her madness and blindness, forcibly separating the two lovers. Just now, she heard from a water-fetching maid that Junrui was seriously ill. Faced with her mother’s strict control, she couldn’t move an inch. What could she do? Hongniang had gone forward but hadn’t returned yet. Once she did, they might be able to devise a plan.
Hongniang returned at this moment. Seeing her, the lady hurriedly said, “Hongniang, you’re back! Did you hear that Junrui is sick?” Hongniang replied, “I did. How did you know?” The lady said, “A maid from the kitchen just told me.” Hongniang said, “So everyone in the house knows. But the old mistress hasn’t sent anyone to check on him.” The lady cried, “Hongniang, what can we do?” Hongniang said, “Sir, would you like me to go to the Western Pavilion study to see how he’s doing?” The lady thought, “I was about to ask you to go. You’re volunteering for this task—how wonderful!” She said, “It’s proper for you to go check on him.” Hongniang said, “I’m afraid the old mistress will blame me if she finds out.” The lady said, “Go, Hongniang. Mother won’t find out.” Hongniang asked, “Then what do you want me to say to Junrui?” The lady thought, “I have so much to say, but you can’t carry it all.” She said, “Just tell him: ‘May our bond last forever, unwavering in our shared affection!’” Hongniang was deeply moved and said, “I’ll go. I’ll also tell him that his illness is serious, and so is mine. These past few days, my lady hasn’t had the heart to do needlework, hasn’t bothered to apply makeup, and her brows have been furrowed all day. I hope you two will understand each other’s hearts and recover soon.”
Hongniang hesitated and walked toward the Western Pavilion, pondering the whole way. Before she knew it, she had reached the study. She approached the window, opened her mouth slightly, and licked a hole in the paper window to peek inside. When she didn’t see anything, she was startled upon closer inspection. She saw Junrui lying in bed, his face ashen, wrapped in clothes, looking desolate. “Junrui! You’re not going to suffocate, but you’ll surely die of lovesickness!” Hongniang thought. Seeing his state, she decided to joke and took off her golden hairpin. She lightly tapped the door knocker in rhythm, the sound clear and melodious.
Junrui was half-asleep when he heard the jingling sound outside the door. His heart trembled slightly. Could the lady have come? But then he thought, there were too many people around during the day—she wouldn’t come to avoid suspicion. He hurriedly asked, “Who’s knocking at the door?” Hongniang said, “It’s the five plagues of parting.” Junrui said, “It’s Hongniang.” Hongniang asked, “How do you know it’s me?” Junrui replied, “Every night, I long for you to come.”
Since she had come secretly, Hongniang urged, “Hurry and open the door!” Junrui said, “Coming, coming!” He quickly got out of bed, kicked off his shoes, and opened the door. Hongniang slipped inside and closed the door behind her. Junrui said, “Hongniang, you’re killing me! I greet you here!” Hongniang returned his greeting as she said, “Sir, you don’t deserve it. I’m returning the favor. Sir, are you thinking of me or the lady?” Junrui said, “I’m thinking of both of you!” Hongniang scoffed, “What business is it of mine?” Junrui said, “Hongniang, I want you to tell me quickly. After listening to your advice last night and playing the lute under the moon, how did the lady react after hearing it?”
P117-120