Chapters 7 & 8 Summary

Bao-chai and Zhou Rai's wife discuss Bao-chai's illness and the difficult prescription a monk prescribed for this illness. Aunt Xue gives Zhou Rai's wife a box of artificial flowers to distribute to the girls of the house. Dai-yu is upset she is brought the flowers last and is forced to take the leftovers instead of getting to choose as the others did. Bao-yu asks Mrs. Zhou about Bao-chai's health and sends his regards to the ill girl.

Xi-feng is invited to the Ning Mansion, and Bao-yu begs to go with her. While there, he meets Qin Shi's brother Qin Zhong. The two are immediately attracted to each other and quickly become close friends. The two boys compare stories and learn they are both without a tutor. They compile a plan to encourage their families to let them attend a private school together. As...