As Jia Baoyu, Xue Baoqin, Xing Youyan, and Ping'er shared the same birthday, a lively drinking party was held in their honor in the peony garden pavilion. During a drinking game, it was Xiangyun's turn to compose a verse. Holding a duck head, she playfully teased the maidservants: "This ya tou (duck head) is not that ya tou (maidservant)—for this ya tou has used no hair oil…" The room erupted in laughter. Some maids protested good-naturedly, "You've made fun of us, so you must drink another cup! Let's pour her a full one…"
The merry games and laughter continued until someone noticed Xiangyun was missing. As they looked around, a maid hurried in, laughing. "Young ladies, come quickly! Lady Xiangyun is asleep on the stone bench over there."
The group tiptoed over and found Xiangyun in a deep slumber. Fallen petals were scattered over her body, hair, and face. Her fan lay on the ground beside her, and bees buzzed gently in the air around. For a pillow, she had used her handkerchief wrapped around a bundle of peony blossoms. Amidst amused whispers, the maids gently woke her and helped her inside—she was still mumbling drowsily as they led her away.