Chapters 17 & 18 Summary

The garden and separate residence for Yuan-chun is finished. Jia Zheng and his literary friends decide to give places and things temporary names as they walk through the garden the first time. This will allow Yuan-chun to give final approval during her visit. Grandmother Jia has sent Bao-yu this day to the new garden to play. Although he tries to get away from his father, Bao-yu is ordered by Jia Zheng to walk the garden with the men and help provide names. Jia Zheng's literary friends are sympathetic toward the boy and try not to be too hard on him. Although his father does his best to belittle Bao-yu through the entire task of naming, many of Bao-yu's names and poems are chosen as the best by the entire party.

After this naming party is finished, Bao-yu is approached by his pages who...