The Complete Annotations by Shi Yan Zhai on The Story of the Stone (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: Cao Xueqin
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-05-01
Features: "Qixu Version" is a manuscript copy formed based on the last handwritten draft left by Cao Xueqin before his death. This book is the first in history to use the "Qixu Version" as the base text and early "Shitouji" manuscripts as reference for collation, including all the annotations by Lipianzhai. It is an eighty-chapter version of "Shitouji," a new edition of "Dream of the Red Chamber," and a book for studying "Dream of the Red Chamber." The Qixu Version has been recognized by some insightful scholars. Mr. Lu Xun, in his "History of Chinese Fiction," quoted passages from "Dream of the Red Chamber" that were entirely from the "Qixu Version." Mr. Zhou Ruchang said, "The Qixu Version is exquisite and very clear." The "Shitouji" left by Cao Xueqin for future generations consists of only eighty chapters, accompanied by Lipianzhai annotations. Although this book appears incomplete, it has already revealed the main plot and ending of the later chapters in the first eighty chapters, forming a complete story. "Shitouji" differs from other works in that the author left behind only some clues, hidden words, and annotations for the later story, allowing readers to think and complete it themselves. Due to this characteristic of "Shitouji," two phenomena have emerged: one is the phenomenon of continuation: The last forty chapters of the currently circulated 120-chapter "Dream of the Red Chamber" were added by later scholars. It was once mistakenly believed that they were written by Gao E, but in fact, Gao E was merely a reviser, not a continuation author. To this day, the author of the continuation remains unknown, as it is an anonymous work. Besides this version, other continuations have also appeared later. The second is the phenomenon of exploration: Since the existing continuations, especially those by Gao E, are widely circulated but do not align with Cao Xueqin's original intent, researchers have actively explored the structure, plot, and ending of the eighty chapters of "Shitouji" beyond. This has gradually given rise to a field of study called "deep exploration of lost texts." In this regard, scholars such as Yu Pingbo, Zhou Ruchang, Liang Guizhi, and Wang Guohua have made significant efforts. How should we view this phenomenon? Continuations are unnecessary. Since the author has already cut off parts beyond the eighty chapters, others adding to them is a futile effort, especially as it contradicts the author's original intent. However, exploration should be encouraged—since there are gaps, they should be explored. The eighty-chapter version of "Shitouji" embodies both sides: On the one hand, it appears as half a work, but in reality, it is already a complete novel. On the other hand, it hides a piece of real history. How to uncover this hidden history is the task of "seeking"; how to complete the story beyond the eighty chapters requires "exploring."
Tearing a Fan for a Thousand Dollars' Laughter, the Golden Jade Hairpin Hints at Two Stars in Old Age 【Before the Story】
Tearing a fan is to provide a laugh for someone who is playful and unaware of the situation—this is called "feeling without feeling." The golden jade marriage is already set. Another golden hairpin is added as a complementary technique. Why is Xue Baochai so easily swayed? Thus, she is called "feeling for feeling."
The story goes that Xiren sees her own blood on the ground, and she becomes cold. She remembers what people often say: "If a young person spits blood, their life is uncertain. Even if they live long, they will be disabled." Thinking of this, she completely loses her desire to compete for honor and glory in the future, and tears fall from her eyes. Baoyu sees her crying and feels heartbroken. He asks, "How do you feel?" Xiren forces a smile and says, "I'm fine, why do you ask?" Baoyu immediately wants to call someone for warm wine and goat blood pills. Xiren pulls his hand and laughs, "This isn't a small matter—inviting so many people. It would be better if I were seen as frivolous. If people don't know, but now they do, it's bad for both you and me. It's better to send a boy tomorrow to ask Wang the doctor for some medicine. It's better to keep it quiet." Baoyu thinks it makes sense and gives up. He pours tea for Xiren to rinse her mouth. Xiren knows Baoyu is restless but doesn't want to refuse his service, nor does she want to disturb others. So, she lets him take care of her on the bed.
By the time the fifth watch arrives, Baoyu doesn't even bother to wash up, quickly puts on clothes, and goes out to call Wang Jiren to ask for advice. Wang Jiren asks about the cause and prescribes a pill, telling him how to take it and apply it. Baoyu memorizes it and follows the prescription in the garden.
This day is the Dragon Boat Festival, and the door is decorated with mugwort and tiger talisman. In the afternoon, Lady Wang prepares a banquet to invite the mother and daughter of the Xue family to enjoy the noon. Baoyu sees Baochai looking indifferent and doesn't speak to her, realizing it's because of yesterday's incident. Lady Wang notices Baoyu is listless and assumes it's because of the incident with Goldengreen yesterday, so she ignores him even more. Daiyu sees Baoyu slouching and thinks it's because he offended Baochai, so she also appears indifferent. Fengjie, who was told about Baoyu and Goldengreen by Lady Wang the previous evening, knows Lady Wang is upset and doesn't dare to joke, so she follows her mood and becomes even more subdued. The sisters of Jia Yingchun also feel downcast and join in the gloom. Thus, everyone sits for a while and then disperses.
Lin Daiyu is naturally fond of solitude rather than gatherings, and she has her own reasons. She says, "When people gather, they must eventually separate. Joy at gathering turns to coldness at separation. Coldness brings sadness, so it's better not to gather. Just as flowers are loved when blooming but bring sorrow when wilting, it's better not to bloom at all." Therefore, when others are joyful, she feels sad. Baoyu, however, only wants to stay together and fears separation will bring sorrow. Like flowers, he hopes they never wilt, fearing the boredom of their fading. When the banquet ends and the flowers wilt, though filled with sadness, there is nothing to be done. Thus, when everyone leaves the banquet without enthusiasm, Daiyu doesn't mind, but Baoyu feels melancholic and sighs as he returns to his room.
Unluckily, Qingwen comes to change her clothes and accidentally knocks over the fan.