Read, apply, check
Trace names and relationships with the chapter evidence and keep the guide’s spoiler boundary visible.
Choose the task that fits what you are trying to understand. Each resource includes an explanation, practical examples and references. For an exercise sheet, try the questions before opening the solutions.
Baoyu and Daiyu are cousins through Jia Zheng and Jia Min; Baoyu and Baochai are cousins through Lady Wang and Aunt Xue. Keep those routes separate. This selective family tree, chapter-evidence tables and four reading checks explain the opening relationships while leaving later marriages and outcomes out.
Rongguo and Ningguo belong to connected Jia branches founded by brothers. Baoyu’s selected line is Rongguo; Jia Jing, Jia Zhen and Jia Rong belong to Ningguo. Follow the named host and location in each scene, while keeping family descent, shared residence and generation addresses separate. This original chart, name comparison and reading card cover introductions in chapters 2–5, with that spoiler boundary visible.