Jia Baoyu was severely beaten by his father, Jia Zheng, after Jin Chuan'er committed suicide by jumping into a well and the prince's estate came to demand back the actresses.

Lying in bed, he discussed the concept of loyal ministers and able generals with Xiren.

He argued that loyal ministers often offered remonstrance even if it meant death, but did so for the sake of their own reputation, disregarding the sovereign's true well-being. Similarly, able generals might fight fiercely to the death, but often for their personal fame, neglecting the welfare of the country. He concluded that, in his opinion, neither of them were truly good people.