Description

Lin Daiyu, 'oversensitive and emotional', is orphaned and alone. She seeks refuge with her maternal grandmother's family, the ancient and noble Jia household, and so begins her life as a dependent.

On her first meeting with Jia Baoyu, the two hit it off and soon become close companions. The following spring, Aunt Xue moves into the Jia compound with her daughter, Baochai, whose golden lock seems fated to be united with Baoyu's magical jade. But it is Daiyu whom Baoyu holds especially dear.

One day, Daiyu, worried that Baoyu has been ordered by his father, Jia Zheng, to focus on his studies, pays him a visit. Qingwen, irritated that Baochai has been lingering, is in no mood to see anyone and gives Daiyu the cold shoulder. Overhearing Baoyu and Baochai chatting and laughing inside, Daiyu assumes that Baoyu is deliberately ignoring her and leaves, heartbroken.

In the garden, Daiyu is moved to sorrow by the sight of fallen petals. As she buries the flowers, Baoyu arrives and listens to her reciting a poem for the occasion. He lays bare his heart and confesses his love, and Daiyu, her misunderstanding cleared, departs, blushing with embarrassment.

The clever maid Zijuan, wishing to test Baoyu's feelings for Daiyu, tricks him into believing that Daiyu is about to return to Suzhou. Baoyu is stunned and falls into a panic, alarming the entire household. After Zijuan explains the ruse, the situation is defused. To calm Baoyu, Grandmother Jia employs a scheme suggested by Wang Xifeng, and Baoyu's marriage to Baochai is decided.

When Daiyu learns of Baoyu's impending marriage to Baochai, her heart breaks. In her chamber, she burns her poems and handkerchiefs, bringing her brief life to a close. Meanwhile, in Yihong Courtyard, the wedding night celebrations are in full swing.

Upon discovering that the bride is not Daiyu, Baoyu flies into a rage and rushes off in search of his beloved. When he learns of her death, he faints from grief.

Baoyu weeps at Daiyu's spirit tablet and dreams of her ascending to heaven. The star-crossed lovers are reluctant to part. When Baoyu awakes, he is disgusted by the darkness of the aristocratic life and leaves home, never to return, abandoning his magical jade.