Pao-ch'in recited:
Th' embroidered sleeve enwraps the golden sable in its folds.
The snow transcends the mirror by the window in lustre.
Pao-yü suggested:
The fragrant pepper clings unto the wall.
The side wind still in whistling gusts doth blow.
Tai-yü added:
A quiet dream becomes a cheerless thing.
Where is the fife with plum bloom painted on?
Pao-ch'ai continued:
In whose household is there a flute made of green jade?
The fish fears lest the earth from its axis might drop.
"I'll go and see that the wine is warm for you people," Li Wan smiled.
But when Pao-ch'ai told Pao-ch'in to connect some lines, she caught sight of Hsiang-yün rise to her feet and put in: