HUNG LOU MENG, BOOK I

or, THE DREAM OF THE RED CHAMBER, A CHINESE NOVEL IN TWO BOOKS

by CAO XUEQIN, ~1750

Translated by H. BENCRAFT JOLY, 1891

As she spoke, she betook herself into Tai-yü's apartments. Contrary to her expectation Tai-yü was not at this time in her own room, but in Pao-yü's; where they were amusing themselves in trying to solve the “nine strung rings” puzzle. On entering Mrs. Chou put on a smile.