Joy and Sorrow Summary

Lily's first son leaves the upstairs chamber to begin his education. The chamber is crowded with women, some in ill favor with Madame Lu. Lily is pregnant again and secretly hopes for a girl. Snow Flower is also pregnant.

During a celebration at her natal home, Lily suggests to Snow Flower that if they both have daughters, their girls could become old sames. But their new daughters have nothing that matches. Snow Flower's daughter, Spring Moon, is more beautiful than Lily's daughter, Jade; their feet do not match, and they were not born in the same month, but the mothers decide the girls will be old sames regardless. They do not realize they are breaking a taboo.

Snow Flower gives birth to another son. Emperor Daoguang dies and China goes into mourning. China's transition of power brings problems with...