第十一回　　慶壽辰寧府排家宴　見熙鳳賈瑞起淫心 The Ning Mansion Holds a Birthday Feast; Jia Rui Conceives a Lustful Passion for Xifeng

話說是日賈敬的壽辰，賈珍先將上等可吃的東西，稀奇些的果品，裝了十六大捧盒，著賈蓉帶領家下人等與賈敬送去，向賈蓉說道：“你留神看太爺喜歡不喜歡，你就行了禮來。Now it happened that this day was Jia Jing's birthday. Jia Zhen first had the finest edible delicacies and some rare fruits packed into sixteen large gift boxes, and had Jia Rong lead the household servants to deliver them to Jia Jing, saying to Jia Rong: "Watch carefully whether the old master is pleased or not, then pay your respects and come back."你說：‘我父親遵太爺的話未敢來，在家里率領合家都朝上行了禮了。’”賈蓉聽罷，即率領家人去了。"Tell him: 'My father, obeying the old master's instructions, did not dare come, but at home he led the whole family to bow in your direction.'" Having heard this, Jia Rong at once led the servants away.

话说是日贾敬的寿辰，贾珍先将上等可吃的东西，稀奇些的果品，装了十六大捧盒，著贾蓉带领家下人等与贾敬送去，向贾蓉说道：“你留神看太爷喜欢不喜欢，你就行了礼来。你说：‘我父亲遵太爷的话未敢来，在家里率领合家都朝上行了礼了。’”贾蓉听罢，即率领家人去了。

這里漸漸的就有人來了。Here, people gradually began to arrive.先是賈璉，賈薔到來，先看了各處的座位，并問：“有什麼頑意兒沒有？”家人答道：“我們爺原算計請太爺今日來家來，所以未敢預備頑意兒。First Jia Lian and Jia Qiang arrived; they first looked over the seating arrangements everywhere, and asked, "Is there any entertainment?" The servants replied, "Our master had originally planned to invite the old master here today, so we did not dare prepare any entertainment.前日聽見太爺又不來了，現叫奴才們找了一班小戲兒并一檔子打十番的，都在園子里戲臺上預備著呢。”The day before yesterday we heard that the old master would not be coming after all, so he had us servants find a troupe of young actors and a band of shifan musicians, and they are all ready now on the stage in the garden."

这里渐渐的就有人来了。先是贾琏，贾蔷到来，先看了各处的座位，并问：“有什么顽意儿没有？”家人答道：“我们爷原算计请太爷今日来家来，所以未敢预备顽意儿。前日听见太爷又不来了，现叫奴才们找了一班小戏儿并一档子打十番的，都在园子里戏台上预备著呢。”

次後邢夫人，王夫人，鳳姐兒，寶玉都來了，賈珍并尤氏接了進去。After that, Lady Xing, Lady Wang, Xifeng, and Baoyu all arrived, and Jia Zhen and You-shi received them and ushered them in.尤氏的母親已先在這里呢。You-shi's mother was already there beforehand.大家見過了，彼此讓了坐。Everyone paid their respects to one another, and each yielded the seats to the others.賈珍尤氏二人親自遞了茶，因說道：“老太太原是老祖宗，我父親又是侄兒，這樣日子，原不敢請他老人家，但是這個時候，天氣正涼爽，滿園的菊花又盛開，請老祖宗過來散散悶，看著眾兒孫熱鬧熱鬧，是這個意思。Jia Zhen and You-shi personally served the tea, saying, "The Old Ancestress is, after all, the family matriarch, and my father is but her nephew — on an occasion like this we truly did not dare invite her ladyship. But since the weather is just now cool and the chrysanthemums fill the whole garden in full bloom, we thought to invite the Old Ancestress over to dispel some boredom and watch the grandchildren enjoy themselves — that was our intent.誰知老祖宗又不肯賞臉。”鳳姐兒未等王夫人開口，先說道：“老太太昨日還說要來著呢，因為晚上看著寶兄弟他們吃桃兒，老人家又嘴饞，吃了有大半個，五更天的時候就一連起來了兩次，今日早晨略覺身子倦些。"Who would have thought the Old Ancestress would not do us the honor after all." Before Lady Wang could open her mouth, Xifeng spoke first: "Grandmother still said yesterday that she meant to come. But last night, watching Brother Bao and the others eat peaches, the old lady's own mouth got greedy too, and she ate the better part of one, so around the fifth watch she had to get up twice in a row, and this morning she felt a bit tired.因叫我回大爺，今日斷不能來了，說有好吃的要幾樣，還要很爛的。”賈珍聽了笑道：“我說老祖宗是愛熱鬧的，今日不來，必定有個原故，若是這麼著就是了。”"So she had me report to Uncle that she absolutely could not come today, and said she'd like a few tasty dishes, and they should be very soft and well-cooked." Hearing this, Jia Zhen laughed and said, "I said to myself, the Old Ancestress loves lively occasions — if she isn't coming today there must be some reason. So that's how it is."

次后邢夫人，王夫人，凤姐儿，宝玉都来了，贾珍并尤氏接了进去。尤氏的母亲已先在这里呢。大家见过了，彼此让了坐。贾珍尤氏二人亲自递了茶，因说道：“老太太原是老祖宗，我父亲又是侄儿，这样日子，原不敢请他老人家，但是这个时候，天气正凉爽，满园的菊花又盛开，请老祖宗过来散散闷，看著众儿孙热闹热闹，是这个意思。谁知老祖宗又不肯赏脸。”凤姐儿未等王夫人开口，先说道：“老太太昨日还说要来著呢，因为晚上看著宝兄弟他们吃桃儿，老人家又嘴馋，吃了有大半个，五更天的时候就一连起来了两次，今日早晨略觉身子倦些。因叫我回大爷，今日断不能来了，说有好吃的要几样，还要很烂的。”贾珍听了笑道：“我说老祖宗是爱热闹的，今日不来，必定有个原故，若是这么著就是了。”

王夫人道：“前日聽見你大妹妹說，蓉哥兒媳婦兒身上有些不大好，到底是怎麼樣？”尤氏道：“他這個病得的也奇。Lady Wang said, "The other day I heard your elder sister-in-law say that Rong-ge'er's wife wasn't feeling quite well — how is it really?" You-shi said, "This illness of hers came on strangely.上月中秋還跟著老太太，太太們頑了半夜，回家來好好的。Last month at the Mid-Autumn Festival she was still out with the Old Ancestress and the ladies, enjoying herself half the night, and came home perfectly fine.到了二十後，一日比一日覺懶，也懶待吃東西，這將近有半個多月了。But after the twentieth, she grew more listless day by day, and lost her appetite too — this has now gone on for over half a month.經期又有兩個月沒來。”邢夫人接著說道：“別是喜罷？”正說著，外頭人回道：“大老爺，二老爺并一家子的爺們都來了，在廳上呢。”賈珍連忙出去了。And her monthly courses haven't come for two months now." Lady Xing put in, "Could it not be a happy event?" Just as she said this, someone from outside reported, "Elder Master and Second Master, along with the gentlemen of the whole family, have all arrived and are in the hall." Jia Zhen hurriedly went out.這里尤氏方說道：“從前大夫也有說是喜的。At this, You-shi went on to say, "Earlier, some doctors did say it was a happy event.昨日馮紫英荐了他從學過的一個先生，醫道很好，瞧了說不是喜，竟是很大的一個症候。But yesterday Feng Ziying recommended a doctor he had once studied under, whose medical skill is very good, and after examining her he said it was not a happy event at all, but rather a very serious condition.昨日開了方子，吃了一劑藥，今日頭眩的略好些，別的仍不見怎麼樣大見效。”鳳姐兒道：“我說他不是十分支持不住，今日這樣的日子，再也不肯不扎掙著上來。”尤氏道：“你是初三日在這里見他的，他強扎掙了半天，也是因你們娘兒兩個好的上頭，他才戀戀的舍不得去。”鳳姐兒聽了，眼圈兒紅了半天，半日方說道：“真是‘天有不測風雲，人有旦夕禍福’。"Yesterday he wrote a prescription, and after taking one dose her dizziness is a little better today, but nothing else shows much improvement." Xifeng said, "I did think she wasn't so completely unable to manage — on a day like today, she'd never be willing not to force herself up and appear." You-shi said, "You saw her here on the third — she forced herself to hold up for a long while, and it was only because the two of you, aunt and niece, are so close that she was reluctant to tear herself away." Hearing this, Xifeng's eyes reddened for a good while, and after a long pause she said, "Truly, 'the sky has unpredictable storms, and a person has fortune and misfortune overnight.'這個年紀，倘或就因這個病上怎麼樣了，人還活著有甚么趣兒！”正說話間，賈蓉進來，給邢夫人，王夫人，鳳姐兒前都請了安，方回尤氏道：“方才我去給太爺送吃食去，并回說我父親在家中伺候老爺們，款待一家子的爺們，遵太爺的話未敢來。"At her age, if something should happen to her because of this illness, what pleasure would there be left in living!" Just as she said this, Jia Rong came in, paid his respects before Lady Xing, Lady Wang, and Xifeng, and then reported to You-shi: "Just now I went to deliver food to the old master, and reported that my father is at home attending on the masters, entertaining the gentlemen of the whole family, and in obedience to the old master's instructions did not dare come.太爺聽了甚喜歡，說：‘這才是’。"The old master was very pleased to hear it, and said, 'That is as it should be.'叫告訴父親母親好生伺候太爺太太們，叫我好生伺候叔叔嬸子們并哥哥們。"He told me to tell father and mother to look after the masters and mistresses well, and told me to look after my uncles, aunts, and elder brothers well.還說那《陰騭文》，叫急急的刻出來，印一萬張散人。He also said that the Tract of the Silent Way of Recompense should be carved and printed at once, ten thousand copies, to be given out to people.我將此話都回了我父親了。I have reported all of this to my father.我這會子得快出去打發太爺們并合家爺們吃飯。”鳳姐兒說：“蓉哥兒，你且站住。"I must now hurry back out to see that the old masters and the gentlemen of the whole family are served their meal." Xifeng said, "Rong-ge'er, wait a moment.你媳婦今日到底是怎麼著？”賈蓉皺皺眉說道：“不好么！How is your wife doing today, really?" Jia Rong knitted his brow and said, "Not good!嬸子回來瞧瞧去就知道了。”于是賈蓉出去了。Aunt, when you go back you'll see for yourself and know." With that Jia Rong went out.

王夫人道：“前日听见你大妹妹说，蓉哥儿媳妇儿身上有些不大好，到底是怎么样？”尤氏道：“他这个病得的也奇。上月中秋还跟著老太太，太太们顽了半夜，回家来好好的。到了二十后，一日比一日觉懒，也懒待吃东西，这将近有半个多月了。经期又有两个月没来。”邢夫人接著说道：“别是喜罢？”正说著，外头人回道：“大老爷，二老爷并一家子的爷们都来了，在厅上呢。”贾珍连忙出去了。这里尤氏方说道：“从前大夫也有说是喜的。昨日冯紫英荐了他从学过的一个先生，医道很好，瞧了说不是喜，竟是很大的一个症候。昨日开了方子，吃了一剂药，今日头眩的略好些，别的仍不见怎么样大见效。”凤姐儿道：“我说他不是十分支持不住，今日这样的日子，再也不肯不扎挣著上来。”尤氏道：“你是初三日在这里见他的，他强扎挣了半天，也是因你们娘儿两个好的上头，他才恋恋的舍不得去。”凤姐儿听了，眼圈儿红了半天，半日方说道：“真是‘天有不测风云，人有旦夕祸福’。这个年纪，倘或就因这个病上怎么样了，人还活著有甚么趣儿！”正说话间，贾蓉进来，给邢夫人，王夫人，凤姐儿前都请了安，方回尤氏道：“方才我去给太爷送吃食去，并回说我父亲在家中伺候老爷们，款待一家子的爷们，遵太爷的话未敢来。太爷听了甚喜欢，说：‘这才是’。叫告诉父亲母亲好生伺候太爷太太们，叫我好生伺候叔叔婶子们并哥哥们。还说那《阴骘文》，叫急急的刻出来，印一万张散人。我将此话都回了我父亲了。我这会子得快出去打发太爷们并合家爷们吃饭。”凤姐儿说：“蓉哥儿，你且站住。你媳妇今日到底是怎么著？”贾蓉皱皱眉说道：“不好么！婶子回来瞧瞧去就知道了。”于是贾蓉出去了。

這里尤氏向邢夫人，王夫人道：“太太們在這里吃飯阿，還是在園子里吃去好？At this You-shi said to Lady Xing and Lady Wang, "Shall the ladies eat here, or would it be better to go eat in the garden?小戲兒現預備在園子里呢。”王夫人向邢夫人道：“我們索性吃了飯再過去罷，也省好些事。”邢夫人道：“很好。”于是尤氏就吩咐媳婦婆子們：“快送飯來。”門外一齊答應了一聲，都各人端各人的去了。"The young players are already made ready in the garden." Lady Wang said to Lady Xing, "Let's just eat here first and then go over — it saves a good deal of trouble." Lady Xing said, "Very well." So You-shi instructed the wives and matrons, "Bring the meal quickly." Outside the door they all answered together, and each went off to fetch her own share.不多一時，擺上了飯。In no great while, the meal was laid out.尤氏讓邢夫人，王夫人并他母親都上了坐，他與鳳姐兒，寶玉側席坐了。You-shi seated Lady Xing, Lady Wang, and her own mother in the seats of honor, while she herself sat with Xifeng and Baoyu at the side table.邢夫人，王夫人道：“我們來原為給大老爺拜壽，這不竟是我們來過生日來了么？”鳳姐兒說道：“大老爺原是好養靜的，已經修煉成了，也算得是神仙了。Lady Xing and Lady Wang said, "We came originally to wish Elder Master a happy birthday — but isn't this turning into us having our own birthday feast instead?" Xifeng said, "Elder Master has always loved cultivating quiet self-refinement, and by now he has succeeded in his practice — he may well be counted an immortal.太太們這麼一說，這就叫作‘心到神知’了。”一句話說的滿屋里的人都笑起來了。"When you ladies say such things, it's just what's called 'the heart's intent, the spirits know.'" This one remark set everyone in the room laughing.

这里尤氏向邢夫人，王夫人道：“太太们在这里吃饭阿，还是在园子里吃去好？小戏儿现预备在园子里呢。”王夫人向邢夫人道：“我们索性吃了饭再过去罢，也省好些事。”邢夫人道：“很好。”于是尤氏就吩咐媳妇婆子们：“快送饭来。”门外一齐答应了一声，都各人端各人的去了。不多一时，摆上了饭。尤氏让邢夫人，王夫人并他母亲都上了坐，他与凤姐儿，宝玉侧席坐了。邢夫人，王夫人道：“我们来原为给大老爷拜寿，这不竟是我们来过生日来了么？”凤姐儿说道：“大老爷原是好养静的，已经修炼成了，也算得是神仙了。太太们这么一说，这就叫作‘心到神知’了。”一句话说的满屋里的人都笑起来了。

於是，尤氏的母親并邢夫人，王夫人，鳳姐兒都吃畢飯，漱了口，淨了手，才說要往園子里去，賈蓉進來向尤氏說道：“老爺們并眾位叔叔哥哥兄弟們也都吃了飯了。So then, once You-shi's mother, Lady Xing, Lady Wang, and Xifeng had all finished eating, rinsed their mouths, and washed their hands, they were just saying they would go to the garden when Jia Rong came in and said to You-shi, "The masters and all the uncles, elder and younger brothers, have also finished their meal.大老爺說家里有事，二老爺是不愛聽戲又怕人鬧的慌，都才去了。Elder Master said he had matters at home to attend to, and Second Master doesn't care for opera and is afraid of the noisy bustle — both of them have just left.別的一家子爺們都被璉二叔并薔兄弟讓過去聽戲去了。The other gentlemen of the family have all been invited by Uncle Lian and Brother Qiang to go and watch the opera.方才南安郡王，東平郡王，西宁郡王，北靜郡王四家王爺，并鎮國公牛府等六家，忠靖侯史府等八家，都差人持了名帖送壽禮來，俱回了我父親，先收在帳房里了，禮單都上上檔子了。Just now the four princely houses of Nan'an, Dongping, Xining, and Beijing, along with six houses such as the Niu residence of the Duke Who Guards the Realm, and eight houses such as the Shi residence of the Marquis of Loyal Tranquility, all sent men bearing their calling cards to deliver birthday gifts. I have reported all of this to my father, and the gifts have for now been received into the accounting office, with the gift lists all entered into the ledger.老爺的領謝的名帖都交給各來人了，各來人也都照舊例賞了，眾來人都讓吃了飯才去了。Master's cards of thanks have all been handed to each of the messengers, and each messenger has been given the customary reward as well; all the messengers were invited to eat before they left.母親該請二位太太，老娘，嬸子都過園子里坐著去罷。”尤氏道：“也是才吃完了飯，就要過去了。”"Mother, you should invite the two ladies, Grandmother, and Aunt to go sit in the garden now." You-shi said, "We've only just finished eating, and we're about to go over."

于是，尤氏的母亲并邢夫人，王夫人，凤姐儿都吃毕饭，漱了口，净了手，才说要往园子里去，贾蓉进来向尤氏说道：“老爷们并众位叔叔哥哥兄弟们也都吃了饭了。大老爷说家里有事，二老爷是不爱听戏又怕人闹的慌，都才去了。别的一家子爷们都被琏二叔并蔷兄弟让过去听戏去了。方才南安郡王，东平郡王，西宁郡王，北静郡王四家王爷，并镇国公牛府等六家，忠靖侯史府等八家，都差人持了名帖送寿礼来，俱回了我父亲，先收在帐房里了，礼单都上上档子了。老爷的领谢的名帖都交给各来人了，各来人也都照旧例赏了，众来人都让吃了饭才去了。母亲该请二位太太，老娘，婶子都过园子里坐著去罢。”尤氏道：“也是才吃完了饭，就要过去了。”

鳳姐兒說：“我回太太，我先瞧瞧蓉哥兒媳婦，我再過去。”王夫人道：“很是，我們都要去瞧瞧他，倒怕他嫌鬧的慌，說我們問他好罷。”尤氏道：“好妹妹，媳婦聽你的話，你去開導開導他，我也放心。Xifeng said, "Let me report to Aunt Wang — I'll go see Rong-ge'er's wife first, and join you after." Lady Wang said, "Quite right. We all ought to go see her, but we're afraid she'd find the bustle wearisome — just tell her we asked after her." You-shi said, "Good sister, my daughter-in-law listens to you — go and give her some comforting words, and my mind will be at ease too.你就快些過園子里來。”寶玉也要跟了鳳姐兒去瞧秦氏去，王夫人道：“你看看就過去罷，那是侄兒媳婦。”于是尤氏請了邢夫人，王夫人并他母親都過會芳園去了。"Then come over to the garden quickly." Baoyu also wanted to follow Xifeng to see Qin-shi. Lady Wang said, "Have a look and then go on over — she is your nephew's wife." So You-shi invited Lady Xing, Lady Wang, and her own mother all over to the Hui Fang Garden.

凤姐儿说：“我回太太，我先瞧瞧蓉哥儿媳妇，我再过去。”王夫人道：“很是，我们都要去瞧瞧他，倒怕他嫌闹的慌，说我们问他好罢。”尤氏道：“好妹妹，媳妇听你的话，你去开导开导他，我也放心。你就快些过园子里来。”宝玉也要跟了凤姐儿去瞧秦氏去，王夫人道：“你看看就过去罢，那是侄儿媳妇。”于是尤氏请了邢夫人，王夫人并他母亲都过会芳园去了。

鳳姐兒，寶玉方和賈蓉到秦氏這邊來了。Only then did Xifeng and Baoyu, together with Jia Rong, come over to Qin-shi's side.進了房門，悄悄的走到里間房門口，秦氏見了，就要站起來，鳳姐兒說：“快別起來，看起猛了頭暈。”于是鳳姐兒就緊走了兩步，拉住秦氏的手，說道：“我的奶奶！They entered the door and walked quietly to the entrance of the inner room. When Qin-shi saw them she was about to rise, but Xifeng said, "Don't get up — mind you don't get dizzy rising too quickly." Then Xifeng hurried forward a couple of steps, took hold of Qin-shi's hand, and said, "My dear!怎麼幾日不見，就瘦的這麼著了！”于是就坐在秦氏坐的褥子上。"How is it that in just a few days you've grown so thin!" And with that she sat down right on the cushion where Qin-shi had been sitting.寶玉也問了好，坐在對面椅子上。Baoyu too greeted her, and sat down in the chair opposite.賈蓉叫：“快倒茶來，嬸子和二叔在上房還未喝茶呢。”Jia Rong called out, "Pour tea quickly — Aunt and Second Uncle haven't had tea yet since the main room."

凤姐儿，宝玉方和贾蓉到秦氏这边来了。进了房门，悄悄的走到里间房门口，秦氏见了，就要站起来，凤姐儿说：“快别起来，看起猛了头晕。”于是凤姐儿就紧走了两步，拉住秦氏的手，说道：“我的奶奶！怎么几日不见，就瘦的这么著了！”于是就坐在秦氏坐的褥子上。宝玉也问了好，坐在对面椅子上。贾蓉叫：“快倒茶来，婶子和二叔在上房还未喝茶呢。”

秦氏拉著鳳姐兒的手，強笑道：“這都是我沒福。Qin-shi held Xifeng's hand and, forcing a smile, said, "This is all because I lack good fortune.這樣人家，公公婆婆當自己的女孩兒似的待。In a family such as this, my father- and mother-in-law treat me as though I were their own daughter.嬸娘的侄兒雖說年輕，卻也是他敬我，我敬他，從來沒有紅過臉兒。As for Aunt's nephew, though he is young, still he respects me and I respect him — we have never once had words or reddened faces between us.就是一家子的長輩同輩之中，除了嬸子倒不用說了，別人也從無不疼我的，也無不和我好的。And among the elders and those of my own generation in the whole family — aside from you, Aunt, which goes without saying — there is no one who has not doted on me, no one who has not been good to me.這如今得了這個病，把我那要強的心一分也沒了。But now that I've fallen ill with this sickness, that proud, striving heart of mine has been worn away entirely.公婆跟前未得孝順一天，就是嬸娘這樣疼我，我就有十分孝順的心，如今也不能夠了。I have not managed even a single day of true filial devotion before my parents-in-law, and even though Aunt dotes on me so and I have a heart wholly devoted to repaying it, now I am no longer able to.我自想著，未必熬的過年去呢。”I think to myself, I may well not last through to the end of the year."

秦氏拉著凤姐儿的手，强笑道：“这都是我没福。这样人家，公公婆婆当自己的女孩儿似的待。婶娘的侄儿虽说年轻，却也是他敬我，我敬他，从来没有红过脸儿。就是一家子的长辈同辈之中，除了婶子倒不用说了，别人也从无不疼我的，也无不和我好的。这如今得了这个病，把我那要强的心一分也没了。公婆跟前未得孝顺一天，就是婶娘这样疼我，我就有十分孝顺的心，如今也不能够了。我自想著，未必熬的过年去呢。”

寶玉正眼瞅著那《海棠春睡圖》并那秦太虛寫的”嫩寒鎖夢因春冷，芳氣籠人是酒香”的對聯，不覺想起在這里睡晌覺夢到”太虛幻境”的事來。Baoyu was just then gazing at the painting "Crab-apple Blossoms Asleep in Spring" and the couplet written by Qin Taixu — "The tender chill that locks the dream comes from spring's cold; the fragrance that envelops one is the scent of wine" — and could not help recalling the time he had napped here and dreamed of the "Land of Illusion."正自出神，聽得秦氏說了這些話，如萬箭攢心，那眼淚不知不覺就流下來了。Just as he was lost in thought, he heard Qin-shi say these words, and it was as though ten thousand arrows had pierced his heart at once; before he knew it, tears were streaming down his face.鳳姐兒心中雖十分難過，但恐怕病人見了眾人這個樣兒反添心酸，倒不是來開導勸解的意思了。Though Xifeng was very sorrowful at heart, she feared that if the sick woman saw everyone looking like this it would only add to her own grief, which was quite against the purpose of coming to comfort and console her.見寶玉這個樣子，因說道：“寶兄弟，你忒婆婆媽媽的了。Seeing Baoyu in this state, she said, "Brother Bao, you are being far too sentimental.他病人不過是這麼說，那里就到得這個田地了？She's a sick person, she's only talking this way — how could it possibly come to such a state?況且能多大年紀的人，略病一病兒就這麼想那麼想的，這不是自己倒給自己添病了么？”賈蓉道：“他這病也不用別的，只是吃得些飲食就不怕了。”鳳姐兒道：“寶兄弟，太太叫你快過去呢。Besides, how old is she after all — the moment she falls a bit ill she starts thinking this way and that; isn't that just adding to her own illness herself?" Jia Rong said, "For her illness there's really no need for anything else — if she could just manage to eat a little, there'd be nothing to fear." Xifeng said, "Brother Bao, Aunt Wang says you're to come over quickly.你別在這里只管這麼著，倒招的媳婦也心里不好。Don't just keep on like this here — you'll only bring on bad feelings in your cousin's wife too.太太那里又惦著你。”因向賈蓉說道：“你先同你寶叔叔過去罷，我還略坐一坐兒。”賈蓉聽說，即同寶玉過會芳園來了。"And Aunt Wang is worrying about you over there besides." Then she said to Jia Rong, "You go on over with your Uncle Bao first — I'll sit a little while longer." Hearing this, Jia Rong went with Baoyu over to Hui Fang Garden.

宝玉正眼瞅著那《海棠春睡图》并那秦太虚写的”嫩寒锁梦因春冷，芳气笼人是酒香”的对联，不觉想起在这里睡晌觉梦到”太虚幻境”的事来。正自出神，听得秦氏说了这些话，如万箭攒心，那眼泪不知不觉就流下来了。凤姐儿心中虽十分难过，但恐怕病人见了众人这个样儿反添心酸，倒不是来开导劝解的意思了。见宝玉这个样子，因说道：“宝兄弟，你忒婆婆妈妈的了。他病人不过是这么说，那里就到得这个田地了？况且能多大年纪的人，略病一病儿就这么想那么想的，这不是自己倒给自己添病了么？”贾蓉道：“他这病也不用别的，只是吃得些饮食就不怕了。”凤姐儿道：“宝兄弟，太太叫你快过去呢。你别在这里只管这么著，倒招的媳妇也心里不好。太太那里又惦著你。”因向贾蓉说道：“你先同你宝叔叔过去罢，我还略坐一坐儿。”贾蓉听说，即同宝玉过会芳园来了。

這里鳳姐兒又勸解了秦氏一番，又低低的說了許多衷腸話兒，尤氏打發人請了兩三遍，鳳姐兒才向秦氏說道：“你好生養著罷，我再來看你。Here Xifeng went on comforting Qin-shi a while longer, and spoke many low, heartfelt words with her; You-shi sent people two or three times to invite her over before Xifeng finally said to Qin-shi, "Rest and recuperate well — I'll come see you again.合該你這病要好，所以前日就有人荐了這個好大夫來，再也是不怕的了。”秦氏笑道：“任憑神仙也罷，治得病治不得命。"It must be fated that your illness is to get better, since just the other day someone recommended this fine doctor — there's really nothing to fear now." Qin-shi smiled and said, "Even if it were an immortal himself, he could cure the illness but not alter one's fate.嬸子，我知道我這病不過是挨日子。”鳳姐兒說道：“你只管這麼想著，病那里能好呢？Aunt, I know that with this illness of mine I am merely counting out my remaining days." Xifeng said, "If you keep thinking this way, how can the illness ever get better?總要想開了才是。You really must learn to let your mind be at ease.況且聽得大夫說，若是不治，怕的是春天不好呢。Besides, I heard the doctor say that if it's left untreated, it's to be feared that spring will not go well.如今才九月半，還有四五個月的工夫，什麼病治不好呢？It's only mid-September now — there are still four or five months to go. What illness could not be cured in that time?咱們若是不能吃人參的人家，這也難說了，你公公婆婆聽見治得好你，別說一日二錢人參，就是二斤也能夠吃的起。If we were a family that couldn't afford ginseng, then it would indeed be hard to say — but once your father- and mother-in-law hear that it can cure you, never mind two qian of ginseng a day, they could well afford even two catties.好生養著罷，我過園子里去了。”秦氏又道：“嬸子，恕我不能跟過去了。"Just rest and take good care of yourself — I'm going on to the garden now." Qin-shi said again, "Aunt, forgive me for not being able to go along with you.閒了時候還求嬸子常過來瞧瞧我，咱們娘兒們坐坐，多說幾遭話兒。”鳳姐兒聽了，不覺得又眼圈兒一紅，遂說道：“我得了閒兒必常來看你。”于是鳳姐兒帶領跟來的婆子丫頭并宁府的媳婦婆子們，從里頭繞進園子的便門來。Whenever you have a free moment, I beg you to come and see me often — the two of us can sit together and talk a good deal more." Hearing this, Xifeng's eyes reddened once again before she knew it, and she said, "Whenever I have free time I will surely come see you often." Then Xifeng, together with the matrons and maids who had come with her and the wives and matrons of the Ning mansion, went around from inside through the side gate into the garden.但只見：And this is what met the eye:

这里凤姐儿又劝解了秦氏一番，又低低的说了许多衷肠话儿，尤氏打发人请了两三遍，凤姐儿才向秦氏说道：“你好生养著罢，我再来看你。合该你这病要好，所以前日就有人荐了这个好大夫来，再也是不怕的了。”秦氏笑道：“任凭神仙也罢，治得病治不得命。婶子，我知道我这病不过是挨日子。”凤姐儿说道：“你只管这么想著，病那里能好呢？总要想开了才是。况且听得大夫说，若是不治，怕的是春天不好呢。如今才九月半，还有四五个月的工夫，什么病治不好呢？咱们若是不能吃人参的人家，这也难说了，你公公婆婆听见治得好你，别说一日二钱人参，就是二斤也能够吃的起。好生养著罢，我过园子里去了。”秦氏又道：“婶子，恕我不能跟过去了。闲了时候还求婶子常过来瞧瞧我，咱们娘儿们坐坐，多说几遭话儿。”凤姐儿听了，不觉得又眼圈儿一红，遂说道：“我得了闲儿必常来看你。”于是凤姐儿带领跟来的婆子丫头并宁府的媳妇婆子们，从里头绕进园子的便门来。但只见：

黃花滿地，白柳橫坡。Yellow blossoms covering the ground, pale willows stretched across the slope.小橋通若耶之溪，曲徑接天臺之路。A small bridge led to a stream like the Ruoye, a winding path joined a road like that to Tiantai.石中清流激湍，篱落飄香，樹頭紅葉翩翻，疏林如畫。Among the rocks clear water rushed and eddied; along the fences fragrance drifted; red leaves fluttered atop the trees; the sparse groves looked like a painting.西風乍緊，初罷鶯啼，暖日當暄，又添蛩語。The west wind had just turned brisk, the orioles' song had just ceased; the warm sun still gave its heat, and now the crickets' chirping joined in.遙望東南，建幾處依山之榭，縱觀西北，結三間臨水之軒。Gazing far to the southeast, one saw several pavilions built against the hillside; looking all across to the northwest, three chambers stood overlooking the water.笙簧盈耳，別有幽情。The sound of pipes and reed-organs filled the ears, lending a rare and secluded charm.羅綺穿林，倍添韻致。Figures in silk gauze moved through the trees, doubling the scene's grace and allure.

黄花满地，白柳横坡。小桥通若耶之溪，曲径接天台之路。石中清流激湍，篱落飘香，树头红叶翩翻，疏林如画。西风乍紧，初罢莺啼，暖日当暄，又添蛩语。遥望东南，建几处依山之榭，纵观西北，结三间临水之轩。笙簧盈耳，别有幽情。罗绮穿林，倍添韵致。

鳳姐兒正自看園中的景致，一步步行來贊賞。Xifeng was just admiring the scenery of the garden, walking along step by step in appreciation.猛然從假山石後走過一個人來，向前對鳳姐兒說道：“請嫂子安。”鳳姐兒猛然見了，將身子望後一退，說道：“這是瑞大爺不是？”賈瑞說道：“嫂子連我也不認得了？Suddenly a man came walking out from behind the artificial rockery, stepped forward, and said to Xifeng, "My respects to you, Sister-in-law." Startled at the sight of him, Xifeng drew her body back a step and said, "Isn't this Brother Rui?" Jia Rui said, "Sister-in-law, can you not even recognize me now?不是我是誰！”鳳姐兒道：“不是不認得，猛然一見，不想到是大爺到這里來。”賈瑞道：“也是合該我與嫂子有緣。If not me, then who!" Xifeng said, "It's not that I didn't recognize you — it's just that, seeing you so suddenly, I never expected it would be you, Brother, coming here." Jia Rui said, "It must simply be that fate has brought Sister-in-law and me together.我方才偷出了席，在這個清淨地方略散一散，不想就遇見嫂子也從這里來。I slipped away from the banquet just now to stroll a little in this quiet place, never expecting to run into Sister-in-law also coming this way.這不是有緣么？”一面說著，一面拿眼睛不住的覷著鳳姐兒。Isn't this fate?" As he spoke, he kept staring fixedly at Xifeng with his eyes.

凤姐儿正自看园中的景致，一步步行来赞赏。猛然从假山石后走过一个人来，向前对凤姐儿说道：“请嫂子安。”凤姐儿猛然见了，将身子望后一退，说道：“这是瑞大爷不是？”贾瑞说道：“嫂子连我也不认得了？不是我是谁！”凤姐儿道：“不是不认得，猛然一见，不想到是大爷到这里来。”贾瑞道：“也是合该我与嫂子有缘。我方才偷出了席，在这个清净地方略散一散，不想就遇见嫂子也从这里来。这不是有缘么？”一面说著，一面拿眼睛不住的觑著凤姐儿。

鳳姐兒是個聰明人，見他這個光景，如何不猜透八九分呢，因向賈瑞假意含笑道：“怨不得你哥哥時常提你，說你很好。Xifeng was a sharp-witted person, and seeing him in this state, how could she fail to guess eight or nine parts of his meaning? So she said to Jia Rui with a feigned, faint smile, "No wonder your elder brother often mentions you, saying how fine you are.今日見了，聽你說這幾句話兒，就知道你是個聰明和氣的人了。Now that I've met you today and heard you say these few words, I can tell you're a clever and amiable person.這會子我要到太太們那里去，不得和你說話兒，等閒了咱們再說話兒罷。”賈瑞道：“我要到嫂子家里去請安，又恐怕嫂子年輕，不肯輕易見人。”鳳姐兒假意笑道：“一家子骨肉，說什麼年輕不年輕的話。”賈瑞聽了這話，再不想到今日得這個奇遇，那神情光景亦發不堪難看了。"Just now I must go to where the ladies are, and can't stay to talk with you — let's talk again some other time when there's leisure." Jia Rui said, "I've been meaning to come to Sister-in-law's place to pay my respects, but I was afraid that, being young, Sister-in-law might not readily receive visitors." Xifeng said with a feigned smile, "We're all one family, flesh and blood — what's this talk of young or not young?" Hearing this, Jia Rui, never having expected to meet with such an extraordinary encounter today, took on an expression and bearing that grew all the more unseemly and unsightly.鳳姐兒說道：“你快入席去罷，仔細他們拿住罰你酒。”賈瑞聽了，身上已木了半邊，慢慢的一面走著，一面回過頭來看。Xifeng said, "Go back to your seat at the banquet quickly — mind that they don't catch you and make you drink a penalty cup." Hearing this, Jia Rui, half his body already numb, walked off slowly, turning his head back to look as he went.鳳姐兒故意的把腳步放遲了些兒，見他去遠了，心里暗忖道：“這才是知人知面不知心呢，那里有這樣禽獸的人呢。Xifeng deliberately slowed her steps a little, and once she saw he had gone some distance off, she thought to herself, "This is truly a case of knowing a person's face but not his heart — where else is there such a beast of a man?他如果如此，幾時叫他死在我的手里，他才知道我的手段！”于是鳳姐兒方移步前來。If he really means to carry on like this, one day I'll see him dead by my own hand — then he'll know what I'm capable of!" With that Xifeng moved on ahead.將轉過了一重山坡，見兩三個婆子慌慌張張的走來，見了鳳姐兒，笑說道：“我們奶奶見二奶奶只是不來，急的了不得，叫奴才們又來請奶奶來了。”鳳姐兒說道：“你們奶奶就是這麼急腳鬼似的。”鳳姐兒慢慢的走著，問：“戲唱了幾出了？”那婆子回道：“有八九出了。”說話之間，已來到了天香樓的後門，見寶玉和一群丫頭們在那里玩呢。Just as she rounded a slope, she saw two or three matrons hurrying along in a fluster; seeing Xifeng, they said with a smile, "Our mistress is so anxious that Second Mistress hasn't come, she's so worked up she sent us servants to come invite you again." Xifeng said, "Your mistress is just like some hasty little imp." Xifeng walked on slowly, asking, "How many scenes of the opera have been sung?" The matron replied, "Eight or nine scenes already." As they spoke, they had already reached the back gate of Tianxiang Tower, where Baoyu could be seen playing with a group of maids.鳳姐兒說道：“寶兄弟，別忒淘氣了。”有一個丫頭說道：“太太們都在樓上坐著呢，請奶奶就從這邊上去罷。”Xifeng said, "Brother Bao, don't be so mischievous." One of the maids said, "The ladies are all sitting upstairs — please, Mistress, go on up this way."

凤姐儿是个聪明人，见他这个光景，如何不猜透八九分呢，因向贾瑞假意含笑道：“怨不得你哥哥时常提你，说你很好。今日见了，听你说这几句话儿，就知道你是个聪明和气的人了。这会子我要到太太们那里去，不得和你说话儿，等闲了咱们再说话儿罢。”贾瑞道：“我要到嫂子家里去请安，又恐怕嫂子年轻，不肯轻易见人。”凤姐儿假意笑道：“一家子骨肉，说什么年轻不年轻的话。”贾瑞听了这话，再不想到今日得这个奇遇，那神情光景亦发不堪难看了。凤姐儿说道：“你快入席去罢，仔细他们拿住罚你酒。”贾瑞听了，身上已木了半边，慢慢的一面走著，一面回过头来看。凤姐儿故意的把脚步放迟了些儿，见他去远了，心里暗忖道：“这才是知人知面不知心呢，那里有这样禽兽的人呢。他如果如此，几时叫他死在我的手里，他才知道我的手段！”于是凤姐儿方移步前来。将转过了一重山坡，见两三个婆子慌慌张张的走来，见了凤姐儿，笑说道：“我们奶奶见二奶奶只是不来，急的了不得，叫奴才们又来请奶奶来了。”凤姐儿说道：“你们奶奶就是这么急脚鬼似的。”凤姐儿慢慢的走著，问：“戏唱了几出了？”那婆子回道：“有八九出了。”说话之间，已来到了天香楼的后门，见宝玉和一群丫头们在那里玩呢。凤姐儿说道：“宝兄弟，别忒淘气了。”有一个丫头说道：“太太们都在楼上坐著呢，请奶奶就从这边上去罢。”

鳳姐兒聽了，款步提衣上了樓，見尤氏已在樓梯口等著呢。Hearing this, Xifeng lifted her skirts and went up the stairs with unhurried steps, and found You-shi already waiting for her at the top of the staircase.尤氏笑說道：“你們娘兒兩個忒好了，見了面總舍不得來了。You-shi said with a smile, "The two of you, aunt and niece, are too close by far — once you meet, you can never bear to part.你明日搬來和他住著罷。Why don't you just move over tomorrow and live with her.你坐下，我先敬你一鐘。”于是鳳姐兒在邢王二夫人前告了坐，又在尤氏的母親前周旋了一遍，仍同尤氏坐在一桌上吃酒聽戲。Sit down, and let me offer you a cup first." So Xifeng excused herself for a seat before Lady Xing and Lady Wang, exchanged courtesies once with You-shi's mother, and then sat down at the same table as You-shi to drink wine and watch the opera.尤氏叫拿戲單來，讓鳳姐兒點戲，鳳姐兒說道：“親家太太和太太們在這里，我如何敢點。”邢夫人王夫人說道：“我們和親家太太都點了好幾出了，你點兩出好的我們聽。”鳳姐兒立起身來答應了一聲，方接過戲單，從頭一看，點了一出《還魂》，一出《彈詞》，遞過戲單去說：“現在唱的這《雙官誥》，唱完了，再唱這兩出，也就是時候了。”王夫人道：“可不是呢，也該趁早叫你哥哥嫂子歇歇，他們又心里不靜。”尤氏說道：“太太們又不常過來，娘兒們多坐一會子去，才有趣兒，天還早呢。”鳳姐兒立起身來望樓下一看，說：“爺們都往那里去了？”旁邊一個婆子道：“爺們才到凝曦軒，帶了打十番的那里吃酒去了。”鳳姐兒說道：“在這里不便宜，背地里又不知幹什麼去了！”尤氏笑道：“那里都象你這麼正經人呢。”于是說說笑笑，點的戲都唱完了，方才撤下酒席，擺上飯來。You-shi called for the opera program to be brought, and asked Xifeng to choose the plays. Xifeng said, "With my honored in-law and the ladies here, how would I dare to choose." Lady Xing and Lady Wang said, "The two of us and your honored in-law have already chosen several scenes — you choose two good ones for us to hear." Xifeng rose and gave an assenting word, then took the program, looked it over from the start, and chose one scene of "The Return of the Soul" and one of "The Ballad Singer," handing the program back and saying, "They're now singing 'The Double Official Decree' — once that's finished, let these two scenes be sung, and it will be about time to stop." Lady Wang said, "Quite so — we ought to let your brother and sister-in-law rest a bit early too, since their minds are not at ease as it is." You-shi said, "The ladies don't come over often — it's only enjoyable if we sit together a good while longer, aunt and nieces; it's still early yet." Xifeng rose and looked down from the upper floor, saying, "Where have all the gentlemen gone?" A matron nearby said, "The gentlemen have just gone to Ningxi Pavilion, taking the shifan musicians along to drink there." Xifeng said, "It's no good having them off there — who knows what mischief they're up to behind everyone's back!" You-shi said with a smile, "Not everywhere is full of such proper, upright people as you." And so, amid talk and laughter, the chosen operas were all sung through, and only then was the wine feast cleared away and the rice meal set out.吃畢，大家才出園子來，到上房坐下，吃了茶，方才叫預備車，向尤氏的母親告了辭。When they had finished eating, everyone at last came out of the garden, sat down in the main room, drank tea, and only then had the carriages made ready, taking their leave of You-shi's mother.尤氏率同眾姬妾并家下婆子媳婦們方送出來，賈珍率領眾子侄都在車旁侍立，等候著呢，見了邢夫人，王夫人道：“二位嬸子明日還過來逛逛。”王夫人道：“罷了，我們今日整坐了一日，也乏了，明日歇歇罷。”于是都上車去了。You-shi, together with the concubines and the household matrons and wives, came out to see them off; Jia Zhen, leading the sons and nephews, stood waiting beside the carriages, and on seeing Lady Xing and Lady Wang said, "You two aunts, please come again tomorrow to enjoy yourselves." Lady Wang said, "Never mind — we've sat here the whole day today and are quite tired; let's rest tomorrow instead." And so they all boarded their carriages.賈瑞猶不時拿眼睛覷著鳳姐兒。Jia Rui was still stealing glances at Xifeng with his eyes from time to time.賈珍等進去後，李貴才拉過馬來，寶玉騎上，隨了王夫人去了。After Jia Zhen and the others went back inside, Li Gui then led the horse over, Baoyu mounted, and followed Lady Wang away.這里賈珍同一家子的弟兄子侄吃過了晚飯，方大家散了。Here, Jia Zhen and the younger brothers and nephews of the family finished their evening meal, and only then did everyone disperse.

凤姐儿听了，款步提衣上了楼，见尤氏已在楼梯口等著呢。尤氏笑说道：“你们娘儿两个忒好了，见了面总舍不得来了。你明日搬来和他住著罢。你坐下，我先敬你一钟。”于是凤姐儿在邢王二夫人前告了坐，又在尤氏的母亲前周旋了一遍，仍同尤氏坐在一桌上吃酒听戏。尤氏叫拿戏单来，让凤姐儿点戏，凤姐儿说道：“亲家太太和太太们在这里，我如何敢点。”邢夫人王夫人说道：“我们和亲家太太都点了好几出了，你点两出好的我们听。”凤姐儿立起身来答应了一声，方接过戏单，从头一看，点了一出《还魂》，一出《弹词》，递过戏单去说：“现在唱的这《双官诰》，唱完了，再唱这两出，也就是时候了。”王夫人道：“可不是呢，也该趁早叫你哥哥嫂子歇歇，他们又心里不静。”尤氏说道：“太太们又不常过来，娘儿们多坐一会子去，才有趣儿，天还早呢。”凤姐儿立起身来望楼下一看，说：“爷们都往那里去了？”旁边一个婆子道：“爷们才到凝曦轩，带了打十番的那里吃酒去了。”凤姐儿说道：“在这里不便宜，背地里又不知干什么去了！”尤氏笑道：“那里都象你这么正经人呢。”于是说说笑笑，点的戏都唱完了，方才撤下酒席，摆上饭来。吃毕，大家才出园子来，到上房坐下，吃了茶，方才叫预备车，向尤氏的母亲告了辞。尤氏率同众姬妾并家下婆子媳妇们方送出来，贾珍率领众子侄都在车旁侍立，等候著呢，见了邢夫人，王夫人道：“二位婶子明日还过来逛逛。”王夫人道：“罢了，我们今日整坐了一日，也乏了，明日歇歇罢。”于是都上车去了。贾瑞犹不时拿眼睛觑著凤姐儿。贾珍等进去后，李贵才拉过马来，宝玉骑上，随了王夫人去了。这里贾珍同一家子的弟兄子侄吃过了晚饭，方大家散了。

次日，仍是眾族人等鬧了一日，不必細說。The next day, the clan members again made merry the whole day through — no need to relate this in detail.此後鳳姐兒不時親自來看秦氏。After this, Xifeng came in person from time to time to see Qin-shi.秦氏也有幾日好些，也有幾日仍是那樣。Qin-shi too had some days when she felt somewhat better, and some days when she remained just the same.賈珍，尤氏，賈蓉好不焦心。Jia Zhen, You-shi, and Jia Rong were consumed with anxiety.

次日，仍是众族人等闹了一日，不必细说。此后凤姐儿不时亲自来看秦氏。秦氏也有几日好些，也有几日仍是那样。贾珍，尤氏，贾蓉好不焦心。

且說賈瑞到榮府來了幾次，偏都遇見鳳姐兒往宁府那邊去了。Now, Jia Rui came to the Rong mansion several times, but each time, as luck would have it, Xifeng happened to be over at the Ning mansion.這年正是十一月三十日冬至。This year, the Winter Solstice fell precisely on the thirtieth day of the eleventh month.到交節的那幾日，賈母，王夫人，鳳姐兒日日差人去看秦氏，回來的人都說：“這幾日也沒見添病，也不見甚好。”王夫人向賈母說：“這個症候，遇著這樣大節不添病，就有好大的指望了。”賈母說：“可是呢，好個孩子，要是有些原故，可不叫人疼死。”說著，一陣心酸，叫鳳姐兒說道：“你們娘兒兩個也好了一場，明日大初一，過了明日，你後日再去看一看他去。During the days around the turn of the solstice, Grandmother Jia, Lady Wang, and Xifeng each day sent someone to look in on Qin-shi, and those who came back all reported, "These past few days her illness hasn't seemed to worsen, but it hasn't seemed much better either." Lady Wang said to Grandmother Jia, "With a condition like this, if it doesn't worsen even at so major a solstice, that gives real hope." Grandmother Jia said, "Indeed — such a fine child; if something should happen to her, it would break one's heart with grief." So saying, a wave of sorrow came over her, and she said to Xifeng, "You two, aunt and niece, have gotten on so well all this while — tomorrow is the first of the month, so after tomorrow, go the day after to see her once more.你細細的瞧瞧他那光景，倘或好些兒，你回來告訴我，我也喜歡喜歡。Look closely and carefully at how she is doing, and if she seems any better, come back and tell me, so that I too may be glad.那孩子素日愛吃的，你也常叫人做些給他送過去。”鳳姐兒一一的答應了。"That child's favorite foods — have someone make some regularly and send them over to her." Xifeng agreed to every point.

且说贾瑞到荣府来了几次，偏都遇见凤姐儿往宁府那边去了。这年正是十一月三十日冬至。到交节的那几日，贾母，王夫人，凤姐儿日日差人去看秦氏，回来的人都说：“这几日也没见添病，也不见甚好。”王夫人向贾母说：“这个症候，遇著这样大节不添病，就有好大的指望了。”贾母说：“可是呢，好个孩子，要是有些原故，可不叫人疼死。”说著，一阵心酸，叫凤姐儿说道：“你们娘儿两个也好了一场，明日大初一，过了明日，你后日再去看一看他去。你细细的瞧瞧他那光景，倘或好些儿，你回来告诉我，我也喜欢喜欢。那孩子素日爱吃的，你也常叫人做些给他送过去。”凤姐儿一一的答应了。

到了初二日，吃了早飯，來到宁府，看見秦氏的光景，雖未甚添病，但是那臉上身上的肉全瘦干了。On the second day, after breakfast, Xifeng went to the Ning mansion, and seeing Qin-shi's condition, though her illness had not worsened much, the flesh on her face and body had all wasted away to nothing.于是和秦氏坐了半日，說了些閒話兒，又將這病無妨的話開導了一遍。So she sat with Qin-shi for a good while, chatting of idle matters, and once again spoke words of comfort, assuring her the illness was nothing serious.秦氏說道：“好不好，春天就知道了。Qin-shi said, "Whether I get better or not, we'll know by spring.如今現過了冬至，又沒怎麼樣，或者好的了也未可知。Now that the Winter Solstice has passed and nothing much has happened, perhaps I really will recover — who can say.嬸子回老太太，太太放心罷。Aunt, please tell Grandmother and Aunt Wang to set their minds at ease.昨日老太太賞的那棗泥餡的山藥糕，我倒吃了兩塊，倒象克化的動似的。”鳳姐兒說道：“明日再給你送來。"Yesterday, of that yam cake with jujube-paste filling that Grandmother gave me, I actually ate two pieces, and it seemed as though I could digest it well enough." Xifeng said, "I'll have more sent to you tomorrow.我到你婆婆那里瞧瞧，就要赶著回去回老太太的話去。”秦氏道：“嬸子替我請老太太，太太安罷。”I'll go over to see your mother-in-law, and then I must hurry back to report to Grandmother." Qin-shi said, "Aunt, please pay my respects to Grandmother and Aunt Wang for me."

到了初二日，吃了早饭，来到宁府，看见秦氏的光景，虽未甚添病，但是那脸上身上的肉全瘦干了。于是和秦氏坐了半日，说了些闲话儿，又将这病无妨的话开导了一遍。秦氏说道：“好不好，春天就知道了。如今现过了冬至，又没怎么样，或者好的了也未可知。婶子回老太太，太太放心罢。昨日老太太赏的那枣泥馅的山药糕，我倒吃了两块，倒象克化的动似的。”凤姐儿说道：“明日再给你送来。我到你婆婆那里瞧瞧，就要赶著回去回老太太的话去。”秦氏道：“婶子替我请老太太，太太安罢。”

鳳姐兒答應著就出來了，到了尤氏上房坐下。Xifeng agreed and came out, going to sit in You-shi's main room.尤氏道：“你冷眼瞧媳婦是怎麼樣？”鳳姐兒低了半日頭，說道：“這實在沒法兒了。You-shi said, "Looking at her with a detached eye, how do you find our daughter-in-law?" Xifeng lowered her head for a long while, then said, "There is truly no help for it now.你也該將一應的後事用的東西給他料理料理，沖一沖也好。”尤氏道：“我也叫人暗暗的預備了。You ought to have all the things needed for her final arrangements prepared for her — it might even help as an omen to ward off the ill." You-shi said, "I have already had people quietly making preparations.就是那件東西不得好木頭，暫且慢慢的辦罷。”于是鳳姐兒吃了茶，說了一會子話兒，說道：“我要快回去回老太太的話去呢。”尤氏道：“你可緩緩的說，別嚇著老太太。”鳳姐兒道：“我知道。”于是鳳姐兒就回來了。It's only that the coffin timber isn't good enough yet; that will have to be handled slowly, for the time being." Then Xifeng drank her tea, talked a while longer, and said, "I must hurry back to report to Grandmother." You-shi said, "Do tell it gently — don't frighten Grandmother." Xifeng said, "I know." And with that Xifeng returned.到了家中，見了賈母，說：“蓉哥兒媳婦請老太太安，給老太太磕頭，說他好些了，求老祖宗放心罷。Once home, she went in to see the Lady Dowager and said, "Rong-ge'er's wife sends her respects to the Old Ancestress, and kowtows to her, saying she is somewhat better, and begs the Old Ancestress to set her mind at ease.他再略好些，還要給老祖宗磕頭請安來呢。”賈母道：“你看他是怎麼樣？”鳳姐兒說：“暫且無妨，精神還好呢。”賈母聽了，沉吟了半日，因向鳳姐兒說：“你換換衣服歇歇去罷。”"Once she is a bit better still, she means to come and kowtow and pay her respects to the Old Ancestress in person." The Lady Dowager asked, "What do you make of how she seems?" Xifeng said, "For the time being there's no cause for worry, her spirits are still good." Having heard this, the Lady Dowager pondered a long while in silence, then said to Xifeng, "Go and change your clothes and rest a while."

凤姐儿答应著就出来了，到了尤氏上房坐下。尤氏道：“你冷眼瞧媳妇是怎么样？”凤姐儿低了半日头，说道：“这实在没法儿了。你也该将一应的后事用的东西给他料理料理，冲一冲也好。”尤氏道：“我也叫人暗暗的预备了。就是那件东西不得好木头，暂且慢慢的办罢。”于是凤姐儿吃了茶，说了一会子话儿，说道：“我要快回去回老太太的话去呢。”尤氏道：“你可缓缓的说，别吓著老太太。”凤姐儿道：“我知道。”于是凤姐儿就回来了。到了家中，见了贾母，说：“蓉哥儿媳妇请老太太安，给老太太磕头，说他好些了，求老祖宗放心罢。他再略好些，还要给老祖宗磕头请安来呢。”贾母道：“你看他是怎么样？”凤姐儿说：“暂且无妨，精神还好呢。”贾母听了，沉吟了半日，因向凤姐儿说：“你换换衣服歇歇去罢。”

鳳姐兒答應著出來，見過了王夫人，到了家中，平兒將烘的家常的衣服給鳳姐兒換了。Xifeng assented and went out, paid her respects to Lady Wang, and once home, Ping'er brought out everyday clothes that had been warmed by the fire and helped Xifeng change into them.鳳姐兒方坐下，問道：“家里沒有什麼事么？”平兒方端了茶來，遞了過去，說道：“沒有什麼事。Only then did Xifeng sit down, and she asked, "Has anything happened at home?" Ping'er then brought in the tea, handed it to her, and said, "Nothing much has happened.就是那三百銀子的利銀，旺兒媳婦送進來，我收了。"Only that the three hundred taels of interest silver — Wang'er's wife brought it in, and I accepted it.再有瑞大爺使人來打聽奶奶在家沒有，他要來請安說話。”鳳姐兒聽了，哼了一聲，說道：“這畜生合該作死，看他來了怎麼樣！”平兒因問道：“這瑞大爺是因什麼只管來？”鳳姐兒遂將九月里宁府園子里遇見他的光景，他說的話，都告訴了平兒。"And also, Master Rui sent someone to find out whether the mistress was at home; he wants to come and pay his respects and have a talk." Hearing this, Xifeng gave a snort and said, "That beast is just asking to die — just watch what happens when he comes!" Ping'er then asked, "Why does this Master Rui keep coming around?" Xifeng then told Ping'er all about the scene in the Ningguo mansion garden back in the ninth month, when she had run into him, and everything he had said.平兒說道：“癩蛤蟆想天鵝肉吃，沒人倫的混帳東西，起這個念頭，叫他不得好死！”鳳姐兒道：“等他來了，我自有道理。”不知賈瑞來時作何光景，且聽下回分解。Ping'er said, "A toad hankering after a swan's flesh — a shameless wretch with no sense of human decency, to get such an idea into his head! May he come to a bad end!" Xifeng said, "When he comes, I'll know how to deal with him." What manner of scene unfolded when Jia Rui came will be told in the next chapter.

凤姐儿答应著出来，见过了王夫人，到了家中，平儿将烘的家常的衣服给凤姐儿换了。凤姐儿方坐下，问道：“家里没有什么事么？”平儿方端了茶来，递了过去，说道：“没有什么事。就是那三百银子的利银，旺儿媳妇送进来，我收了。再有瑞大爷使人来打听奶奶在家没有，他要来请安说话。”凤姐儿听了，哼了一声，说道：“这畜生合该作死，看他来了怎么样！”平儿因问道：“这瑞大爷是因什么只管来？”凤姐儿遂将九月里宁府园子里遇见他的光景，他说的话，都告诉了平儿。平儿说道：“癞蛤蟆想天鹅肉吃，没人伦的混帐东西，起这个念头，叫他不得好死！”凤姐儿道：“等他来了，我自有道理。”不知贾瑞来时作何光景，且听下回分解。