[T]here suddenly appeared on the scene Precious Virtue. Though only a trifle older than Black Jade, she showed a tact and understanding far beyond he… - Wang Chi-chen

It is said that when the host is worthy, the guests become innumerable. Yu-tsun must consider you a worthy host. You ought to feel flattered."
"Enough," Pao-yu said impatiently. "I do not pretend to be worthy and I don't care to associate with such worthy people as he."
"Still the same Pao-yu," River Mist commented. "I should think you would be interested in the Examinations now that you are older and are ambitious to get a degree. Failing that, you ought to associate with officials, so as to learn something of the official world and acquire some friends to help you in the future. You will get nowhere if you spend your life among us.

"You need not think of [Black Jade] any more, for she died a few days ago while you were unconscious!"
Pao-yu sat up and cried, "Is it true?"
"Of course it is true," Precious Virtue said. "Do you think I would say such a terrible thing of anyone if it were not? [...]"
Pao-yu cried unrestrainedly until he fell back, exhausted and unconscious.

Careful as we may be with our sons,
We cannot be certain they will not turn bandits and thieves.
We would all bring up our daughters to be ladies,
But who can say that they will not end up in courtesans' quarters?