Summary

The chapter begins with a description of Mr. Wu’s visit to what he believes to be a reputable “flower house” (i.e. brothel), and to the young woman there whom he sees regularly, the child-like Jasmine. During his visit, Jasmine tells him she “has happiness” in her (i.e. that she’s pregnant), and tells him the child is his. While he is considering what to do about her and the child, he is interrupted by a messenger, who tells him to hurry home: Ch’iuming has hung herself.

When he arrives home, Mr. Wu finds the household in turmoil around the apparently dead Ch’iuming, and that Madame Wu has sent for Brother Andre. When he arrives, he gives Ch’iuming an injection that brings her around and forces her into labor. When the baby girl is born, Ch’iuming is too...