Jia Baoyu's Visit to the Land of Illusion (part 6)

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Baoyu, wanting to continue, realizes the fairy won't reveal the secrets. Reluctantly, he puts down the book and follows the fairy to another place. They see carved beams and painted rafters, beaded curtains and embroidered screens, exotic flowers, and fragrant herbs. It is a beautiful place:
"Light shines on the red doors and golden floors,
Snow reflects on the jade windows and palaces."

The fairy laughs and says, "Come out and greet the guest." Immediately, several fairies appear, their graceful movements and elegant robes enchanting. Seeing Baoyu, they complain to the fairy, "We didn't know it was an esteemed guest. Sister, you said today the soul of the Weeping Pearl would visit. Why did you bring this mortal to pollute our pure realm?" Baoyu, frightened, feels ashamed. The fairy quickly takes his hand and explains, "You don't know the reason. Today, I intended to fetch the Weeping Pearl's soul. Passing through the Ning Mansion, I met the spirits of the two lords, who entrusted me with their grandson Baoyu. They said, 'Our family has been prosperous for a hundred years, but our fortunes are declining. Though we have many descendants, none can carry on our legacy except for our grandson Baoyu. He is clever and talented but rebellious and eccentric. We hope you can guide him away from the path of indulgence and towards virtue.' So, I brought him here, showing him the records of his family's women, hoping he would understand. Now, I will show him the illusions of wine and song, hoping he will awaken."

The fairy takes Baoyu to a room filled with treasures he has never seen. To his surprise, a beautiful fairy is already there, resembling Baochai in beauty and Daiyu in grace. Before he can react, the fairy explains, "In the mortal world, many noble families' romantic affairs are tainted by lecherous men and loose women. Even more hateful are the frivolous young men who justify their actions by claiming 'love without lust' or 'passion without impurity.' These are merely excuses. True lust is love, and true love is lust. The meetings on Mount Wu and the pleasures of clouds and rain are all due to both attraction and affection. I love you because you are the greatest lover in history." Baoyu, terrified, responds, "Fairy, you are mistaken. I am often reprimanded by my parents for neglecting my studies. How dare I be called a lover? Besides, I am still young and don't understand lust." The fairy replies, "Lust has different meanings. Most people are attracted to beauty and enjoy frivolous pleasures, desiring all the beauties in the world for their momentary pleasure. This is superficial lust. You, however, have an innate passion, which I call 'emotional lust.' This term can be understood but not spoken, felt but not explained. You possess this quality, making you a good friend in the boudoir but eccentric and misunderstood in the world. Your ancestors entrusted you to me, so I brought you here, intoxicating you with wine, tea, and songs. I now introduce my sister, named Double Beauty, to you. Tonight, you will be married. This illusionary realm is so beautiful, let alone the mortal world. From now on, you must change your ways and focus on the teachings of Confucius and Mencius." She then teaches Baoyu the secrets of intimacy and pushes him into the room, closing the door.

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