Chapters 15 & 16 Summary

Shui Rong, the prince of Bei-jing, is impressed with Bao-yu. Shui Rong invites Bao-yu to visit him in his palace for intellectual conversations, and gives the boy a rosary as a meeting gift. The funeral procession then leaves the prince and moves on toward the burial grounds. Xi-feng invites Bao-yu to ride in her carriage so he will stay out of trouble. Xi-feng's carriage makes a brief stop at a farmer's home, where Bao-yu is attracted to one of the farmer's daughters.

The procession finally arrives at the Temple of the Iron Threshold, where Qin-shi will be buried. The actual burial ceremonies are to last several days, so the mourners set themselves up in either the guest rooms at the temple or in pre-arranged lodging in a nearby town. While staying at the temple, Bao-yu picks at Qin Zhong concerning his affection for...