Chapters 3 & 4 Summary

Yu-cun learns there is a possibility of getting his job as mandarin back and asks Lin Ru-hai for his support in becoming re-employed. Lin Ru-hai agrees and sends Yu-cun to the capitol with his daughter Dai-yu. Dai-yu is going to live with her mother's family, the Jias. Yu-cun makes a favorable impression on the Jias and he is re-instated. Meanwhile, Dai-yu is greeted lovingly by her grandmother, Jia Dai-Shan, and is introduced to her cousins. The family takes notice of Dai-yu's weakened state. The girl tells them she has always been sickly. Once a monk wanted to take her and keep her as a nun. The monk told Dai-yu's parents this action was the only way Dai-yu would ever get any better. The parents had ignored the monk's warning and kept Dai-yu at home.

Wang Xi-feng makes a loud entrance. As the group...