第百零二回　寧國府骨肉病災襟　大觀園符水驅妖孽 The Ning Household Is Struck by Sickness and Woe; In Grand View Garden Charms and Water Drive Out Demons

話說王夫人打發人來喚寶釵，寶釵連忙過來，請了安。The story goes that Lady Wang sent someone to summon Baochai; Baochai hurried over and paid her respects.王夫人道：“你三妹妹如今要出嫁了，只得你們作嫂子的大家開導開導他，也是你們姊妹之情。Lady Wang said, "Your third sister is about to be married off now, so it falls to you sisters-in-law to comfort and counsel her together — that's only right, given the affection between you as sisters.況且他也是個明白孩子，我看你們兩個也很合的來。Besides, she's a sensible child, and I can see the two of you get along very well.只是我聽見說寶玉聽見他三妹妹出門子，哭的了不的，你也該勸勸他。It's just that I've heard Baoyu cried terribly when he heard his third sister was leaving to be married — you ought to comfort him too.如今我的身子是十病九痛的，你二嫂子也是三日好兩日不好。These days my health is nothing but one ailment after another, and your second sister-in-law is likewise well for three days and ill for two.你還心地明白些，諸事也別說只管吞著不肯得罪人，將來這一番家事，都是你的擔子。”寶釵答應著。You're the more clear-headed one — in everything, don't just swallow your words for fear of offending people. In time all this household business will fall on your shoulders." Baochai assented.王夫人又說道：“還有一件事，你二嫂子昨兒帶了柳家媳婦的丫頭來，說補在你們屋里。”寶釵道：“今日平兒才帶過來，說是太太和二奶奶的主意。”王夫人道：“是呦，你二嫂子和我說，我想也沒要緊，不便駁他的回。Lady Wang went on, "There's another matter. Yesterday your second sister-in-law brought over Mrs. Liu's daughter, saying she was to fill a vacancy in your rooms." Baochai said, "It was only today that Pinger brought her over, saying it was Madam's and Second Sister-in-law's idea." Lady Wang said, "Yes, that's right. Your second sister-in-law spoke to me about it, and I thought it wasn't anything important, so it wasn't convenient to refuse her.只是一件，我見那孩子眉眼兒上頭也不是個很安頓的。There's just one thing — looking at that girl's face, I don't think she's a very settled sort.起先為寶玉房里的丫頭狐狸似的，我攆了幾個，那時候你也知道，不然你怎麼搬回家去了呢。Earlier, because the maids in Baoyu's rooms were behaving like foxes, I sent several of them away — you knew about that at the time, or else why would you have moved back home?如今有你，自然不比先前了。Now that you're there, of course it's not like before.我告訴你，不過留點神兒就是了。I'm only telling you so that you'll keep an eye out, that's all.你們屋里就是襲人那孩子還可以使得。”寶釵答應了，又說了幾句話，便過來了。In your rooms, it's only that girl Xiren who can really be relied on." Baochai assented, exchanged a few more words, and then withdrew.飯後到了探春那邊，自有一番殷勤勸慰之言，不必細說。After the meal, she went over to Tanchun's quarters, where she naturally had a good deal of earnest, comforting talk with her — there's no need to relate it in detail.

话说王夫人打发人来唤宝钗，宝钗连忙过来，请了安。王夫人道：“你三妹妹如今要出嫁了，只得你们作嫂子的大家开导开导他，也是你们姊妹之情。况且他也是个明白孩子，我看你们两个也很合的来。只是我听见说宝玉听见他三妹妹出门子，哭的了不的，你也该劝劝他。如今我的身子是十病九痛的，你二嫂子也是三日好两日不好。你还心地明白些，诸事也别说只管吞著不肯得罪人，将来这一番家事，都是你的担子。”宝钗答应著。王夫人又说道：“还有一件事，你二嫂子昨儿带了柳家媳妇的丫头来，说补在你们屋里。”宝钗道：“今日平儿才带过来，说是太太和二奶奶的主意。”王夫人道：“是呦，你二嫂子和我说，我想也没要紧，不便驳他的回。只是一件，我见那孩子眉眼儿上头也不是个很安顿的。起先为宝玉房里的丫头狐狸似的，我撵了几个，那时候你也知道，不然你怎么搬回家去了呢。如今有你，自然不比先前了。我告诉你，不过留点神儿就是了。你们屋里就是袭人那孩子还可以使得。”宝钗答应了，又说了几句话，便过来了。饭后到了探春那边，自有一番殷勤劝慰之言，不必细说。

次日，探春將要起身，又來辭寶玉。The next day, as Tanchun was about to set out, she came once more to take leave of Baoyu.寶玉自然難割難分。Baoyu, naturally, found it hard to bear the parting.探春便將綱常大体的話，說的寶玉始而低頭不語，後來轉悲作喜，似有醒悟之意。Tanchun then spoke to him of the great principles of human relations and duty, until Baoyu, who at first hung his head and said nothing, gradually turned from sorrow to something like cheer, as though he had come to some understanding.于是探春放心，辭別眾人，竟上轎登程，水舟車陸而去。Tanchun, her mind now at ease, took leave of everyone and got into her sedan chair to set out, traveling on by boat and by cart, by water and by land.

次日，探春将要起身，又来辞宝玉。宝玉自然难割难分。探春便将纲常大体的话，说的宝玉始而低头不语，后来转悲作喜，似有醒悟之意。于是探春放心，辞别众人，竟上轿登程，水舟车陆而去。

先前眾姊妹們都住在大觀園中，後來賈妃薨後，也不修葺。Formerly all the sisters had lived in the Grand View Garden; later, after Imperial Consort Jia's death, it was no longer kept in repair.到了寶玉娶親，林黛玉一死，史湘雲回去，寶琴在家住著，園中人少，況兼天氣寒冷，李紈姊妹，探春，惜春等俱挪回舊所。By the time Baoyu married, with Lin Daiyu dead, Shi Xiangyun gone back home, and Baoqin living at her own house, there were fewer people in the garden; and since the weather had also turned cold, Li Wan and her sisters-in-law, Tanchun, Xichun, and the rest all moved back to their former quarters.到了花朝月夕，依舊相約頑耍。Yet on fine flower-mornings and moonlit evenings, they would still arrange to meet there and amuse themselves as before.如今探春一去，寶玉病後不出屋門，益發沒有高興的人了。Now that Tanchun had gone, and Baoyu, since his illness, never left his room, there was all the less anyone in good spirits.所以園中寂寞，只有幾家看園的人住著，那日尤氏過來送探春起身，因天晚省得套車，便從前年在園里開通宁府的那個便門里走過去了。So the garden stood deserted, with only a few families of gardeners living there. That day, when Madam You came over to see Tanchun off, since it was getting late and she wanted to save the trouble of having a cart harnessed, she went by that side gate which, two years before, had been opened through the garden to connect with the Ning mansion.覺得凄涼滿目，台榭依然，女牆一帶都种作園地一般，心中悵然如有所失，因到家中，便有些身上發熱，扎掙一兩天，竟躺倒了。Everything she saw looked desolate; the terraces and pavilions were still there, but the whole stretch along the low parapet wall had been planted over like a vegetable garden. Her heart grew heavy, as if she had lost something, and by the time she reached home she was already running something of a fever. She struggled on for a day or two, but in the end took to her bed.日間的發燒猶可，夜里身熱异常，便譫語綿綿。The fever during the day was bearable enough, but at night her body burned unusually hot, and she fell into a continuous stream of delirious talk.賈珍連忙請了大夫看視。Jia Zhen hastily sent for a doctor to examine her.說感冒起的，如今纏經，入了足陽明胃經，所以譫語不清，如有所見，有了大穢即可身安。The doctor said it had started as a cold, which had now settled into the meridians and entered the Foot Yangming Stomach Channel — that was why she talked deliriously and unclearly, as if seeing things; once she had a good bowel movement she would recover.尤氏服了兩劑，并不稍減，更加發起狂來。Madam You took two doses of the medicine, but showed not the slightest improvement — if anything she grew more frenzied still.

先前众姊妹们都住在大观园中，后来贾妃薨后，也不修葺。到了宝玉娶亲，林黛玉一死，史湘云回去，宝琴在家住著，园中人少，况兼天气寒冷，李纨姊妹，探春，惜春等俱挪回旧所。到了花朝月夕，依旧相约顽耍。如今探春一去，宝玉病后不出屋门，益发没有高兴的人了。所以园中寂寞，只有几家看园的人住著，那日尤氏过来送探春起身，因天晚省得套车，便从前年在园里开通宁府的那个便门里走过去了。觉得凄凉满目，台榭依然，女墙一带都种作园地一般，心中怅然如有所失，因到家中，便有些身上发热，扎挣一两天，竟躺倒了。日间的发烧犹可，夜里身热异常，便谵语绵绵。贾珍连忙请了大夫看视。说感冒起的，如今缠经，入了足阳明胃经，所以谵语不清，如有所见，有了大秽即可身安。尤氏服了两剂，并不稍减，更加发起狂来。

賈珍著急，便叫賈蓉來打聽外頭有好醫生再請幾位來瞧瞧。Jia Zhen, growing anxious, told Jia Rong to inquire outside whether there were any good doctors, so as to invite a few more to come and examine her.賈蓉回道：“前兒這位太醫是最興時的了。Jia Rong replied, "That imperial physician the other day is the most fashionable one there is right now.只怕我母親的病不是藥治得好的。”賈珍道：“胡說，不吃藥難道由他去罷。”賈蓉道：“不是說不治。I'm only afraid my mother's illness isn't the kind that medicine can cure." Jia Zhen said, "Nonsense — if we don't give her medicine, are we simply to let her be?" Jia Rong said, "I don't mean not to treat her.為的是前日母親從西府去，回來是穿著園子里走來家的，一到了家就身上發燒，別是撞客著了罷？It's just that, the other day, my mother went to the West Mansion, and coming back she walked home through the garden — as soon as she got home she came down with a fever. Could it be that she ran into something inauspicious there?外頭有個毛半仙，是南方人，卦起的很靈，不如請他來占卦占卦。There's a Mao Banxian outside, a southerner, whose divinations are very accurate — better to invite him to cast a divination.看有信兒呢，就依著他，要是不中用，再請別的好大夫來。”賈珍聽了，即刻叫人請來。If it proves reliable, we'll go along with it; if it's no use, we can send for another good doctor afterward." When Jia Zhen heard this, he had someone go fetch the man at once.坐在書房內喝了茶，便說：“府上叫我，不知占什麼事？”賈蓉道：“家母有病，請教一卦。”毛半仙道：“既如此，取淨水洗手，設下香案。Seated in the study drinking tea, he said, "Your household has summoned me — I wonder what matter I am to divine?" Jia Rong said, "My mother is ill; I'd like to ask for a divination." Mao Banxian said, "In that case, bring clean water to wash my hands, and set up an incense table.讓我起出一課來看就是了。”一時下人安排定了。Let me cast a reading and see." In a moment the servants had everything arranged.他便怀里掏出卦筒來，走到上頭恭恭敬敬的作了一個揖，手內搖著卦筒，口里念道：“伏以太极兩儀，絪縕交感。He then drew a divining tube from inside his robe, stepped up and made a most respectful bow, and, shaking the tube in his hand, intoned: "It is held that from the Supreme Ultimate come the Two Modes, blending and interacting in mutual response.圖書出而變化不窮，神圣作而誠求必應。From the sacred diagrams and writings spring transformations without end; when the sages act, sincere entreaty is bound to be answered.茲有信官賈某，為因母病，虔請伏羲，文王，周公，孔子四大圣人，鑒臨在上，誠感則靈，有凶報凶，有吉報吉。Now here is the petitioner Jia so-and-so, who, on account of his mother's illness, reverently invites the four great sages Fuxi, King Wen, the Duke of Zhou, and Confucius to look down and bear witness on high. Where sincerity moves them, the response will be true — if there is misfortune, report misfortune; if there is fortune, report fortune.先請內象三爻。”說著，將筒內的錢倒在盤內，說“有靈的頭一爻就是交。”拿起來又搖了一搖，倒出來說是單。First I ask for the three lower lines of the inner trigram." So saying, he poured the coins from the tube onto the tray, saying, "If it is efficacious, the first line will be a 'crossed' line." He picked them up, shook them again, and poured them out, pronouncing it a "single" line.第三爻又是交。The third line again was "crossed."檢起錢來，嘴里說是：“內爻已示，更請外象三爻，完成一卦。”起出來是單拆單。He gathered up the coins, saying, "The inner lines have now been shown; I ask further for the three lines of the outer trigram, to complete the hexagram." What came up was single, broken, single.那毛半仙收了卦筒和銅錢，便坐下問道：“請坐，請坐。Mao Banxian put away the tube and the coins, then sat down and said, "Please, sit, sit.讓我來細細的看看。Let me look this over carefully.這個卦乃是‘未濟’之卦。This hexagram is 'Wei Ji' — 'Before Completion.'世爻是第三爻，午火兄弟劫財，晦氣是一定該有的。The ruling line is the third line, Fire of the Horse, a 'sibling' line that plunders wealth — bad luck is certainly to be expected.如今尊駕為母問病，用神是初爻，真是父母爻動出官鬼來。Now, sir, as you are asking about your mother's illness, the 'working spirit' is the first line — indeed, the Parent line has moved and given rise to an Official-Ghost.五爻上又有一層官鬼，我看令堂太夫人的病是不輕的。And on the fifth line there is another layer of Official-Ghost — I'd say your honored mother's illness is no light matter.還好，還好，如今子亥之水休囚，寅木動而生火。Still, still, it's all right — the Water of Zi and Hai is now in decline, and the Wood of Yin is stirring and generating Fire.世爻上動出一個子孫來，倒是克鬼的。On the ruling line a 'Child-and-Grandchild' line has been activated, which happens to overcome the Ghost.況且日月生身，再隔兩日子水官鬼落空，交到戌日就好了。Moreover, the day and month both generate the self-line; in another two days the Water Official-Ghost of Zi will fall into the Void, and once it turns to the day of Xu, she will recover.但是父母爻上變鬼，恐怕令尊大人也有些關礙。But the Parent line has changed into a Ghost — I'm afraid your honored father may also be in some danger.就是本身世爻比劫過重，到了水旺土衰的日子也不好。”說完了，便撅著胡子坐著。And as for yourself, the ruling line has too heavy a burden of Sibling-and-Robber lines — when the day comes that Water is strong and Earth is weak, it won't go well for you either." Having finished, he sat there stroking his beard, chin thrust out.賈蓉起先聽他搗鬼，心里忍不住要笑，聽他講的卦理明白，又說生怕父親也不好，便說道：“卦是极高明的，但不知我母親到底是什麼病？”毛半仙道：“据這卦上世爻午火變水相克，必是寒火凝結。At first Jia Rong, listening to him carrying on, could hardly keep from laughing, but when he heard him explain the hexagram's principles so clearly, and then say he feared his father too might fare badly, he said, "The divination is extremely masterly, but I wonder just what illness my mother actually has?" Mao Banxian said, "According to this hexagram, the ruling line's Fire of Wu has changed into Water, which overcomes it — it must be a case of cold and fire congealed together.若要斷得清楚，揲蓍也不大明白，除非用大六壬才斷得准。”賈蓉道：“先生都高明的么？”毛半仙道：“知道些。”賈蓉便要請教，報了一個時辰。To determine it clearly, though, casting yarrow stalks won't make it very plain — only the Da Liuren method can give a precise judgment." Jia Rong said, "Are you skilled in that as well, sir?" Mao Banxian said, "I know something of it." Jia Rong then asked him to proceed, and told him the hour.毛先生便畫了盤子，將神將排定。”算去是戌上白虎，這課叫做‘魄化課’。Mr. Mao then drew out the diagram-board and set the spirit-generals in their places." Working it out, it came to White Tiger at Xu — this reading was called the "Po-Soul Dissolving" reading.大凡白虎乃是凶將，乘旺象氣受制，便不能為害。Now the White Tiger is generally an inauspicious general; when it rides on a thriving aspect but its energy is kept in check, it cannot do harm.如今乘著死神死煞及時令囚死，則為餓虎，定是傷人。But now, riding on the Death Spirit and Death Star, with the season itself in decline and death, it becomes a starving tiger, and is bound to injure someone.就如魄神受驚消散，故名‘魄化’。It is just as if the po-soul had been startled and scattered — hence the name 'Po Dissolving.'這課象說是人身喪鬼，憂患相仍，病多喪死，訟有憂驚。This reading's image speaks of a death-ghost attached to a person's body, troubles following one upon another, much illness leading to death, and lawsuits bringing worry and fright.按象有日暮虎臨，必定是傍晚得病的。According to the image, the tiger arrives at dusk — she must certainly have fallen ill toward evening.象內說，凡占此課，必定舊宅有伏虎作怪，或有形響。The image states that whenever this reading is cast, there is certain to be a crouching tiger spirit haunting the old residence, causing either apparitions or sounds.如今尊駕為大人而占，正合著虎在陽憂男，在陰憂女。Now, sir, as you are divining on behalf of an elder, this matches exactly with: the Tiger in Yang brings worry for the men, in Yin brings worry for the women.此課十分凶險呢。”賈蓉沒有聽完，唬得面上失色道：“先生說得很是。This reading is extremely perilous indeed." Before he had even finished, Jia Rong, terrified, turned pale and said, "What you say, sir, is quite right.但與那卦又不大相合，到底有妨礙么？”毛半仙道：“你不用慌，待我慢慢的再看。”低著頭又咕噥了一會子，便說“好了，有救星了！But it doesn't quite agree with the earlier divination — is there really any danger?" Mao Banxian said, "There's no need to panic; let me look again, slowly." He lowered his head and muttered to himself for a while, then said, "Good, there's a saving star!算出巳上有貴神救解，謂之‘魄化魂歸’。Working it out, on the Si position there is a Noble Spirit that comes to the rescue — this is called 'the po-soul dissolves but the hun-soul returns.'先憂後喜，是不妨事的。There is worry first, joy after — there's nothing to fear.只要小心些就是了。”You need only be a little careful, that's all."

贾珍著急，便叫贾蓉来打听外头有好医生再请几位来瞧瞧。贾蓉回道：“前儿这位太医是最兴时的了。只怕我母亲的病不是药治得好的。”贾珍道：“胡说，不吃药难道由他去罢。”贾蓉道：“不是说不治。为的是前日母亲从西府去，回来是穿著园子里走来家的，一到了家就身上发烧，别是撞客著了罢？外头有个毛半仙，是南方人，卦起的很灵，不如请他来占卦占卦。看有信儿呢，就依著他，要是不中用，再请别的好大夫来。”贾珍听了，即刻叫人请来。坐在书房内喝了茶，便说：“府上叫我，不知占什么事？”贾蓉道：“家母有病，请教一卦。”毛半仙道：“既如此，取净水洗手，设下香案。让我起出一课来看就是了。”一时下人安排定了。他便怀里掏出卦筒来，走到上头恭恭敬敬的作了一个揖，手内摇著卦筒，口里念道：“伏以太极两仪，𬘡缊交感。图书出而变化不穷，神圣作而诚求必应。兹有信官贾某，为因母病，虔请伏羲，文王，周公，孔子四大圣人，鉴临在上，诚感则灵，有凶报凶，有吉报吉。先请内象三爻。”说著，将筒内的钱倒在盘内，说“有灵的头一爻就是交。”拿起来又摇了一摇，倒出来说是单。第三爻又是交。检起钱来，嘴里说是：“内爻已示，更请外象三爻，完成一卦。”起出来是单拆单。那毛半仙收了卦筒和铜钱，便坐下问道：“请坐，请坐。让我来细细的看看。这个卦乃是‘未济’之卦。世爻是第三爻，午火兄弟劫财，晦气是一定该有的。如今尊驾为母问病，用神是初爻，真是父母爻动出官鬼来。五爻上又有一层官鬼，我看令堂太夫人的病是不轻的。还好，还好，如今子亥之水休囚，寅木动而生火。世爻上动出一个子孙来，倒是克鬼的。况且日月生身，再隔两日子水官鬼落空，交到戌日就好了。但是父母爻上变鬼，恐怕令尊大人也有些关碍。就是本身世爻比劫过重，到了水旺土衰的日子也不好。”说完了，便撅著胡子坐著。贾蓉起先听他捣鬼，心里忍不住要笑，听他讲的卦理明白，又说生怕父亲也不好，便说道：“卦是极高明的，但不知我母亲到底是什么病？”毛半仙道：“据这卦上世爻午火变水相克，必是寒火凝结。若要断得清楚，揲蓍也不大明白，除非用大六壬才断得准。”贾蓉道：“先生都高明的么？”毛半仙道：“知道些。”贾蓉便要请教，报了一个时辰。毛先生便画了盘子，将神将排定。”算去是戌上白虎，这课叫做‘魄化课’。大凡白虎乃是凶将，乘旺象气受制，便不能为害。如今乘著死神死煞及时令囚死，则为饿虎，定是伤人。就如魄神受惊消散，故名‘魄化’。这课象说是人身丧鬼，忧患相仍，病多丧死，讼有忧惊。按象有日暮虎临，必定是傍晚得病的。象内说，凡占此课，必定旧宅有伏虎作怪，或有形响。如今尊驾为大人而占，正合著虎在阳忧男，在阴忧女。此课十分凶险呢。”贾蓉没有听完，唬得面上失色道：“先生说得很是。但与那卦又不大相合，到底有妨碍么？”毛半仙道：“你不用慌，待我慢慢的再看。”低著头又咕哝了一会子，便说“好了，有救星了！算出巳上有贵神救解，谓之‘魄化魂归’。先忧后喜，是不妨事的。只要小心些就是了。”

賈蓉奉上卦金，送了出去，回稟賈珍，說是：“母親的病是在舊宅傍晚得的，為撞著什麼伏尸白虎。”賈珍道：“你說你母親前日從園里走回來的，可不是那里撞著的。Jia Rong presented the divination fee and saw him out, then went back to report to Jia Zhen, saying, "Mother's illness was contracted at dusk in the old residence, from running into some crouching-corpse White Tiger spirit." Jia Zhen said, "You said your mother walked home through the garden the other day — surely that's where she ran into it.你還記得你二嬸娘到園里去，回來就病了。Do you remember how your second aunt went into the garden and fell ill as soon as she came back?他雖沒有見什麼，後來那些丫頭老婆們都說是山子上一個毛烘烘的東西，眼睛有燈籠大，還會說話，把他二奶奶赶了回來，唬出一場病來。”賈蓉道：“怎麼不記得。Though she herself didn't see anything, the maids and married women afterward all said it was some shaggy furry creature on the rockery, with eyes as big as lanterns, that could even talk, and it chased Second Aunt back home and frightened her into an illness." Jia Rong said, "How could I not remember?我還聽見寶叔家的茗煙說，晴雯是做了園里芙蓉花的神了，林姑娘死了半空里有音樂，必定他也是管什麼花兒了。I also heard Mingyan, from Uncle Bao's household, say that Qingwen has become the spirit of the hibiscus flowers in the garden, and that when Miss Lin died there was music in midair — she too must be in charge of some flower or other.想這許多妖怪在園里，還了得！Just think — with so many spirits and monsters in the garden, it's simply unbearable!頭里人多陽氣重，常來常往不打緊。Before, with so many people about, the yang energy was strong, and coming and going often didn't matter.如今冷落的時候，母親打那里走，還不知踹了什麼花兒呢，不然就是撞著那一個。But now, in this deserted time, when mother walked through there, who knows what flower she trod on, or which spirit she ran into.那卦也還算是准的。”賈珍道：“到底說有妨礙沒有呢？”賈蓉道：“据他說，到了戌日就好了。That divination does seem to be accurate after all." Jia Zhen said, "But in the end, did he say there was any real danger or not?" Jia Rong said, "According to him, she'll recover by the day of Xu.只願早兩天好，或除兩天才好。”賈珍道：“這又是什麼意思？”賈蓉道：“那先生若是這樣准，生怕老爺也有些不自在。”正說著，里頭喊說“奶奶要坐起到那邊園里去，丫頭們都按捺不住。”賈珍等進去安慰定了。I only hope she recovers two days early, or else that it takes two extra days." Jia Zhen said, "Now what do you mean by that?" Jia Rong said, "If that master is as accurate as all that, I'm afraid Father too may not be quite well." Just as they were speaking, someone inside called out, "The mistress wants to sit up and go over to the garden — the maids can't hold her back at all!" Jia Zhen and the others went in and managed to calm her down.只聞尤氏嘴里亂說：“穿紅的來叫我，穿綠的來赶我。”地下這些人又怕又好笑。They heard only Madam You raving, "The one in red is calling me! The one in green is chasing me!" The people standing about were both frightened and amused.賈珍便命人買些紙錢送到園里燒化，果然那夜出了汗，便安靜些。Jia Zhen then had someone buy paper money and take it to the garden to burn, and sure enough, that night she broke into a sweat and grew somewhat calmer.到了戌日，也就漸漸的好起來。By the day of Xu, she had indeed gradually begun to recover.由是一人傳十，十人傳百，都說大觀園中有了妖怪。From this, one person told ten, and ten told a hundred, until everyone was saying there were spirits in the Grand View Garden.唬得那些看園的人也不修花補樹，灌溉果蔬。The gardeners were so frightened that they stopped pruning the flowers, tending the trees, or watering the fruit and vegetables.起先晚上不敢行走，以致鳥獸逼人，甚至日里也是約伴持械而行。At first they dared not walk about at night, so that birds and beasts grew bold enough to press close to people; eventually even in daytime they would only go about in groups, armed with weapons.過了些時，果然賈珍患病。After some time, Jia Zhen did indeed fall ill.竟不請醫調治，輕則到園化紙許願，重則詳星拜斗。He did not even send for a doctor to treat him — for a mild case he would go to the garden to burn paper offerings and make vows, and for a serious case he would consult the stars and worship the Dipper.賈珍方好，賈蓉等相繼而病。No sooner had Jia Zhen recovered than Jia Rong and the others fell ill one after another.如此接連數月，鬧得兩府俱怕。This went on continuously for several months, until both mansions were thrown into fear.從此風聲鶴唳，草木皆妖。From then on, every sound of wind and cry of crane, every blade of grass and every tree, seemed a demon.園中出息，一概全蠲，各房月例重新添起，反弄得榮府中更加拮据。All income from the garden was entirely canceled, and the monthly allowances for the various households had to be reinstated, which left the Rong mansion even more hard-pressed for money.那些看園的沒有了想頭，個個要離此處，每每造言生事，便將花妖樹怪編派起來，各要搬出，將園門封固，再無人敢到園中。The gardeners, having lost all hope of profit, each wanted to leave the place, and constantly made up stories and stirred up trouble, spreading tales of flower-spirits and tree-demons, all wanting to move out; the garden gates were sealed shut, and no one dared enter the garden any longer.以致崇樓高閣，瓊館瑤台，皆為禽獸所栖。As a result, the lofty towers and high pavilions, the splendid halls and jade terraces, all became roosts for birds and beasts.

贾蓉奉上卦金，送了出去，回禀贾珍，说是：“母亲的病是在旧宅傍晚得的，为撞著什么伏尸白虎。”贾珍道：“你说你母亲前日从园里走回来的，可不是那里撞著的。你还记得你二婶娘到园里去，回来就病了。他虽没有见什么，后来那些丫头老婆们都说是山子上一个毛烘烘的东西，眼睛有灯笼大，还会说话，把他二奶奶赶了回来，唬出一场病来。”贾蓉道：“怎么不记得。我还听见宝叔家的茗烟说，晴雯是做了园里芙蓉花的神了，林姑娘死了半空里有音乐，必定他也是管什么花儿了。想这许多妖怪在园里，还了得！头里人多阳气重，常来常往不打紧。如今冷落的时候，母亲打那里走，还不知踹了什么花儿呢，不然就是撞著那一个。那卦也还算是准的。”贾珍道：“到底说有妨碍没有呢？”贾蓉道：“据他说，到了戌日就好了。只愿早两天好，或除两天才好。”贾珍道：“这又是什么意思？”贾蓉道：“那先生若是这样准，生怕老爷也有些不自在。”正说著，里头喊说“奶奶要坐起到那边园里去，丫头们都按捺不住。”贾珍等进去安慰定了。只闻尤氏嘴里乱说：“穿红的来叫我，穿绿的来赶我。”地下这些人又怕又好笑。贾珍便命人买些纸钱送到园里烧化，果然那夜出了汗，便安静些。到了戌日，也就渐渐的好起来。由是一人传十，十人传百，都说大观园中有了妖怪。唬得那些看园的人也不修花补树，灌溉果蔬。起先晚上不敢行走，以致鸟兽逼人，甚至日里也是约伴持械而行。过了些时，果然贾珍患病。竟不请医调治，轻则到园化纸许愿，重则详星拜斗。贾珍方好，贾蓉等相继而病。如此接连数月，闹得两府俱怕。从此风声鹤唳，草木皆妖。园中出息，一概全蠲，各房月例重新添起，反弄得荣府中更加拮据。那些看园的没有了想头，个个要离此处，每每造言生事，便将花妖树怪编派起来，各要搬出，将园门封固，再无人敢到园中。以致崇楼高阁，琼馆瑶台，皆为禽兽所栖。

卻說晴雯的表兄吳貴正住在園門口，他媳婦自從晴雯死後，聽見說作了花神，每日晚間便不敢出門。Now, Qingwen's cousin Wu Gui lived right by the garden gate; his wife, ever since Qingwen's death, upon hearing that she had become a flower-spirit, dared not go outdoors in the evenings.這一日吳貴出門買東西，回來晚了。One day Wu Gui went out to buy some things and came back late.那媳婦子本有些感冒著了，日間吃錯了藥，晚上吳貴到家，已死在炕上。His wife had already caught something of a cold, and during the day had taken the wrong medicine; by the time Wu Gui got home that evening, she was already dead on the kang.外面的人因那媳婦子不妥當，便都說妖怪爬過牆吸了精去死的。Since people outside knew the woman had not been quite right, they all said a spirit had climbed over the wall and sucked away her essence, causing her death.于是老太太著急的了不得，替另派了好些人將寶玉的住房圍住，巡邏打更。At this the Old Ancestress grew extremely anxious, and had a good many extra people assigned to surround Baoyu's quarters, patrolling and keeping watch through the night.這些小丫頭們還說，有的看見紅臉的，有的看見很俊的女人的，吵嚷不休。The young maids kept saying that some had seen a red-faced figure, others a very beautiful woman, and they clamored on without end.唬得寶玉天天害怕。This so frightened Baoyu that he lived in fear day after day.虧得寶釵有把持的，聽得丫頭們混說，便唬嚇著要打，所以那些謠言略好些。Fortunately Baochai kept a firm hand on things; whenever she heard the maids talking such nonsense, she threatened to beat them, so the rumors eased off a little.無奈各房的人都是疑人疑鬼的不安靜，也添了人坐更，于是更加了好些食用。But there was no help for it — people in every household were on edge, suspecting ghosts everywhere, and more people were added to sit night watch, so that expenses for their food and keep increased considerably as well.獨有賈赦不大很信，說：“好好園子，那里有什麼鬼怪！”挑了個風清日暖的日子，帶了好幾個家人，手內持著器械，到園踹看動靜。Jia She alone did not put much stock in it, saying, "It's a perfectly fine garden — what ghosts or spirits could there be in it!" He picked a day of clear breeze and warm sun, took along several household servants armed with weapons, and went to the garden to look around and see what was going on.眾人勸他不依。Everyone tried to dissuade him, but he would not listen.到了園中，果然陰氣逼人。Once inside the garden, a chill, oppressive air did indeed press in on them.賈赦還扎掙前走，跟的人都探頭縮腦。Jia She still forced himself to press forward, while those following him crept along, craning their necks and drawing back their heads.內中有個年輕的家人，心內已經害怕，只聽呼的一聲，回過頭來，只見五色燦爛的一件東西跳過去了，唬得噯喲一聲，腿子發軟，便躺倒了。Among them was a young servant who was already frightened at heart; suddenly he heard a whooshing sound, turned his head, and saw something of dazzling five colors leap past — he let out a cry of fright, his legs turned to jelly, and he collapsed on the ground.賈赦回身查問，那小子喘噓噓的回道：“親眼看見一個黃臉紅須綠衣青裳一個妖怪走到樹林子後頭山窟窿里去了。”賈赦聽了，便也有些膽怯，問道：“你們都看見么？”有幾個推順水船兒的回說：“怎麼沒瞧見，因老爺在頭里，不敢驚動罷了。Jia She turned back to question him, and the fellow, gasping for breath, replied, "I saw with my own eyes a demon with a yellow face and red beard, dressed in green and blue, go into a cave in the rocks behind the grove of trees." Hearing this, Jia She himself grew somewhat afraid, and asked, "Did all of you see it too?" A few of the men, going along with the tide, answered, "How could we not have seen it? It's only that with Your Lordship ahead of us, we dared not make a disturbance.奴才們還撐得住。”說得賈赦害怕，也不敢再走，急急的回來，吩咐小子們：“不要提及，只說看遍了，沒有什麼東西。”心里實也相信，要到真人府里請法官驅邪。We servants can still hold up well enough." This talk left Jia She thoroughly frightened; he no longer dared go on, and hurried back, instructing the young men, "Don't mention this to anyone — just say we looked everywhere and there was nothing there." In his heart, though, he truly believed it, and resolved to go to the Zhenren's residence to invite a ritual master to drive out the evil spirits.豈知那些家人無事還要生事，今見賈赦怕了，不但不瞞著，反添些穿鑿，說得人人吐舌。Little did he expect that those servants, who liked to stir up trouble even when there was none, upon seeing Jia She frightened, not only failed to keep it quiet but added embellishments of their own, until they had everyone gasping in astonishment.

却说晴雯的表兄吴贵正住在园门口，他媳妇自从晴雯死后，听见说作了花神，每日晚间便不敢出门。这一日吴贵出门买东西，回来晚了。那媳妇子本有些感冒著了，日间吃错了药，晚上吴贵到家，已死在炕上。外面的人因那媳妇子不妥当，便都说妖怪爬过墙吸了精去死的。于是老太太著急的了不得，替另派了好些人将宝玉的住房围住，巡逻打更。这些小丫头们还说，有的看见红脸的，有的看见很俊的女人的，吵嚷不休。唬得宝玉天天害怕。亏得宝钗有把持的，听得丫头们混说，便唬吓著要打，所以那些谣言略好些。无奈各房的人都是疑人疑鬼的不安静，也添了人坐更，于是更加了好些食用。独有贾赦不大很信，说：“好好园子，那里有什么鬼怪！”挑了个风清日暖的日子，带了好几个家人，手内持著器械，到园踹看动静。众人劝他不依。到了园中，果然阴气逼人。贾赦还扎挣前走，跟的人都探头缩脑。内中有个年轻的家人，心内已经害怕，只听呼的一声，回过头来，只见五色灿烂的一件东西跳过去了，唬得嗳哟一声，腿子发软，便躺倒了。贾赦回身查问，那小子喘嘘嘘的回道：“亲眼看见一个黄脸红须绿衣青裳一个妖怪走到树林子后头山窟窿里去了。”贾赦听了，便也有些胆怯，问道：“你们都看见么？”有几个推顺水船儿的回说：“怎么没瞧见，因老爷在头里，不敢惊动罢了。奴才们还撑得住。”说得贾赦害怕，也不敢再走，急急的回来，吩咐小子们：“不要提及，只说看遍了，没有什么东西。”心里实也相信，要到真人府里请法官驱邪。岂知那些家人无事还要生事，今见贾赦怕了，不但不瞒著，反添些穿凿，说得人人吐舌。

賈赦沒法，只得請道士到園作法事驅邪逐妖。Jia She, having no other recourse, had no choice but to invite Daoist priests to the garden to perform rites and drive out the evil spirits.擇吉日先在省親正殿上舖排起壇場，上供三清圣像，旁設二十八宿并馬，趙，溫，周四大將，下排三十六天將圖像。An auspicious day was chosen; first, in the main hall used for the Imperial Consort's visits, an altar platform was set up, with the sacred images of the Three Pure Ones enshrined above, the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions and the Four Great Marshals Ma, Zhao, Wen, and Zhou arranged to the sides, and below them images of the Thirty-Six Celestial Generals set out in rows.香花燈燭設滿一堂，鐘鼓法器排兩邊，插著五方旗號。Incense, flowers, lamps, and candles filled the whole hall; bells, drums, and ritual instruments were arrayed on both sides; and banners of the Five Directions were planted about.道紀司派定四十九位道眾的執事，淨了一天的壇。The Daoist Registry assigned forty-nine priests to their duties, and they spent a full day purifying the altar.三位法官行香取水畢，然後擂起法鼓，法師們俱戴上七星冠，披上九宮八卦的法衣，踏著登雲履，手執牙笏，便拜表請圣。After the three ritual masters had offered incense and drawn the sacred water, the ritual drums were sounded; the priests all put on their Seven-Star crowns, donned vestments embroidered with the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams, stepped into their cloud-treading boots, and, holding ivory tablets in hand, bowed before the memorial to invite the deities.又念了一天的消災驅邪接福的《洞元經》，以後便出榜召將。They then chanted for a full day from the Dongyuan Scripture for dispelling calamity, driving out evil, and welcoming blessings, after which they posted a proclamation summoning the generals.榜上大書“太乙混元上清三境靈寶符錄演教大法師行文敕令本境諸神到壇聽用。”The proclamation was inscribed in large characters: "The Great Master of the Taiyi Hunyuan Shangqing Sanjing Lingbao Talismans and Registers, expounder of the doctrine, hereby issues this decree commanding all the spirits of this locality to attend the altar for service."

贾赦没法，只得请道士到园作法事驱邪逐妖。择吉日先在省亲正殿上铺排起坛场，上供三清圣像，旁设二十八宿并马，赵，温，周四大将，下排三十六天将图像。香花灯烛设满一堂，钟鼓法器排两边，插著五方旗号。道纪司派定四十九位道众的执事，净了一天的坛。三位法官行香取水毕，然后擂起法鼓，法师们俱戴上七星冠，披上九宫八卦的法衣，踏著登云履，手执牙笏，便拜表请圣。又念了一天的消灾驱邪接福的《洞元经》，以后便出榜召将。榜上大书“太乙混元上清三境灵宝符录演教大法师行文敕令本境诸神到坛听用。”

那日兩府上下爺們仗著法師擒妖，都到園中觀看，都說：“好大法令！That day, everyone from both mansions, high and low, relying on the ritual masters to capture the spirits, came to the garden to watch, all saying, "What a mighty decree!呼神遣將的鬧起來，不管有多少妖怪也唬跑了。”大家都擠到壇前。Once they start summoning spirits and dispatching generals, no matter how many demons there are, they'll be frightened off for sure." Everyone crowded up in front of the altar.只見小道士們將旗幡舉起，按定五方站住，伺候法師號令。They saw the young Daoist acolytes raise the banners and streamers, take their places according to the Five Directions, and stand ready awaiting the ritual masters' commands.三位法師，一位手提寶劍拿著法水，一位捧著七星皂旗，一位舉著桃木打妖鞭，立在壇前。The three ritual masters stood before the altar — one holding a precious sword and a vessel of holy water, one carrying a black Seven-Star banner, and one raising a peachwood whip for beating demons.只聽法器一停，上頭令牌三下，口中念念有詞，那五方旗便團團散布。As soon as the ritual instruments fell silent, the command tablet was struck three times above, and as the master murmured incantations under his breath, the banners of the Five Directions scattered out in a circle.法師下壇，叫本家領著到各處樓閣殿亭房廊屋舍山崖水畔灑了法水，將劍指畫了一回，回來連擊牌令，將七星旗祭起，眾道士將旗幡一聚，接下打怪鞭望空打了三下。The ritual master then came down from the altar and had the family lead him to sprinkle holy water at every tower, pavilion, hall, kiosk, room, corridor, house, rocky cliff, and waterside, tracing sword-signs in the air as he went. Returning, he struck the command tablet again and again, raised the Seven-Star banner in invocation, and as the Daoists gathered the banners and streamers together, he took up the demon-beating whip and struck the empty air three times.本家眾人都道拿住妖怪，爭著要看，及到跟前，并不見有什麼形響。Everyone in the household said the demon had been caught, and they all vied to get a look, but when they drew near, there was nothing at all to be seen or heard.只見法師叫眾道士拿取瓶罐，將妖收下，加上封條。They saw only the Daoist master order the assembled priests to fetch a jar, gather the demon into it, and paste a seal-strip over the top.法師朱筆書符收禁，令人帶回在本觀塔下鎮住，一面撤壇謝將。The master wrote out a talisman in cinnabar ink to confine and suppress it, and had someone carry it back to be pressed down beneath the pagoda of his own temple, while at the same time dismantling the altar and offering thanks to the spirit-generals.

那日两府上下爷们仗著法师擒妖，都到园中观看，都说：“好大法令！呼神遣将的闹起来，不管有多少妖怪也唬跑了。”大家都挤到坛前。只见小道士们将旗幡举起，按定五方站住，伺候法师号令。三位法师，一位手提宝剑拿著法水，一位捧著七星皂旗，一位举著桃木打妖鞭，立在坛前。只听法器一停，上头令牌三下，口中念念有词，那五方旗便团团散布。法师下坛，叫本家领著到各处楼阁殿亭房廊屋舍山崖水畔洒了法水，将剑指画了一回，回来连击牌令，将七星旗祭起，众道士将旗幡一聚，接下打怪鞭望空打了三下。本家众人都道拿住妖怪，争著要看，及到跟前，并不见有什么形响。只见法师叫众道士拿取瓶罐，将妖收下，加上封条。法师朱笔书符收禁，令人带回在本观塔下镇住，一面撤坛谢将。

賈赦恭敬叩謝了法師。Jia She respectfully kowtowed his thanks to the master.賈蓉等小弟兄背地都笑個不住，說：“這樣的大排場，我打量拿著妖怪給我們瞧瞧到底是些什麼東西，那里知道是這樣收羅，究竟妖怪拿去了沒有？”賈珍聽見罵道：“糊涂東西，妖怪原是聚則成形，散則成氣，如今多少神將在這里，還敢現形嗎！Jia Rong and the other young kinsmen kept laughing about it behind everyone's back, saying, "With such a grand display, I expected them to actually bring the demon out and let us see what sort of thing it really was — who would have guessed it would be gathered up like that? Was the demon really caught in the end or not?" When Jia Zhen heard this he scolded them: "You muddleheads! A demon, by its nature, takes form when its vapors gather and dissolves when they scatter. With so many spirit-generals present here, would it still dare show itself?無非把這妖氣收了，便不作祟，就是法力了。”眾人將信將疑，且等不見響動再說。All that's needed is to gather in this demonic vapor so that it stops making mischief — that in itself is the power of the rite." The others half believed and half doubted, and decided to wait and see whether anything more happened before saying anything further.那些下人只知妖怪被擒，疑心去了，便不大驚小怪，往後果然沒人提起了。The servants knew only that the demon had been captured, and once their misgivings were laid to rest they no longer made such a fuss over it; and indeed, afterward no one ever brought it up again.賈珍等病愈复原，都道法師神力。When Jia Zhen and the others recovered from their illness, everyone said it was due to the master's divine power.獨有一個小子笑說道：“頭里那些響動我也不知道，就是跟著大老爺進園這一日，明明是個大公野雞飛過去了，拴兒嚇離了眼，說得活象。Only one young servant said with a laugh: "As for those noises before, I couldn't say — but on the day I followed the Elder Master into the garden, it was plainly just a big cock pheasant flying past. Shuan'er was so startled his eyes nearly popped out, and he described it as if it were something alive.我們都替他圓了個謊，大老爺就認真起來。We all backed up his story for him, and the Elder Master took it seriously.倒瞧了個很熱鬧的壇場。”眾人雖然聽見，那里肯信，究無人住。And so we got to watch a very lively business at the altar." Though the others heard this, they were unwilling to believe it, and in the end no one went to live in the garden.

贾赦恭敬叩谢了法师。贾蓉等小弟兄背地都笑个不住，说：“这样的大排场，我打量拿著妖怪给我们瞧瞧到底是些什么东西，那里知道是这样收罗，究竟妖怪拿去了没有？”贾珍听见骂道：“糊涂东西，妖怪原是聚则成形，散则成气，如今多少神将在这里，还敢现形吗！无非把这妖气收了，便不作祟，就是法力了。”众人将信将疑，且等不见响动再说。那些下人只知妖怪被擒，疑心去了，便不大惊小怪，往后果然没人提起了。贾珍等病愈复原，都道法师神力。独有一个小子笑说道：“头里那些响动我也不知道，就是跟著大老爷进园这一日，明明是个大公野鸡飞过去了，拴儿吓离了眼，说得活象。我们都替他圆了个谎，大老爷就认真起来。倒瞧了个很热闹的坛场。”众人虽然听见，那里肯信，究无人住。

一日，賈赦無事，正想要叫幾個家下人搬住園中，看守房屋，惟恐夜晚藏匿奸人。One day, having nothing else on hand, Jia She was just thinking of having a few household servants move into the garden to watch over the buildings, fearing that at night wicked men might hide themselves there.方欲傳出話去，只見賈璉進來，請了安，回說今日到他大舅家去聽見一個荒信，“說是二叔被節度使參進來，為的是失察屬員，重征糧米，請旨革職的事。”賈赦聽了吃驚道：“只怕是謠言罷。Just as he was about to send the order out, Jia Lian came in, paid his respects, and reported that he had gone to his uncle's house that day and heard an alarming rumor: "It's said that Second Uncle has been impeached by the Military Governor, on the charge of failing to supervise his subordinates and over-collecting grain taxes, and that a memorial has been submitted requesting his dismissal." Jia She was startled to hear it and said: "I'm afraid that must be nothing but a rumor.前兒你二叔帶書子來說，探春于某日到了任所，擇了某日吉時送了你妹子到了海疆，路上風恬浪靜，合家不必挂念。Just the other day your Second Uncle sent a letter saying that Tanchun reached her post on such-and-such a day, and that on such-and-such an auspicious day your sister was sent off to the coastal frontier, that the journey was calm with quiet winds and gentle waves, and that the whole family need not worry.還說節度認親，倒設席賀喜，那里有做了親戚倒提參起來的。He also said that the Military Governor acknowledged the kinship and even held a banquet to celebrate it — how could it be that, having become relatives, he would turn around and impeach him?且不必言語，快到吏部打聽明白就來回我。”Say nothing of this for now — go quickly to the Board of Civil Office and find out the truth, then come back and report to me."

一日，贾赦无事，正想要叫几个家下人搬住园中，看守房屋，惟恐夜晚藏匿奸人。方欲传出话去，只见贾琏进来，请了安，回说今日到他大舅家去听见一个荒信，“说是二叔被节度使参进来，为的是失察属员，重征粮米，请旨革职的事。”贾赦听了吃惊道：“只怕是谣言罢。前儿你二叔带书子来说，探春于某日到了任所，择了某日吉时送了你妹子到了海疆，路上风恬浪静，合家不必挂念。还说节度认亲，倒设席贺喜，那里有做了亲戚倒提参起来的。且不必言语，快到吏部打听明白就来回我。”

賈璉即刻出去，不到半日回來便說：“才到吏部打聽，果然二叔被參。Jia Lian went out at once, and before half a day had passed he came back and said: "I just went to inquire at the Board of Civil Office — Second Uncle really has been impeached.題本上去，虧得皇上的恩典，沒有交部，便下旨意，說是失察屬員，重征糧米，苛虐百姓，本應革職，姑念初膺外任，不諳吏治，被屬員蒙蔽，著降三級，加恩仍以工部員外上行走，并令即日回京。The memorial went up, but thanks to His Majesty's gracious favor it was not even referred to the Board for deliberation; an edict came down directly, saying that though he had failed to supervise his subordinates, had over-collected grain taxes, and had been harsh on the common people, and by rights should be dismissed from office, yet in consideration of the fact that this was his first posting away from the capital, that he was unfamiliar with the ways of administration, and had been deceived by his subordinates, he was to be granted the favor of demotion by three ranks, allowed to remain in a supernumerary post at the Board of Works, and ordered to return to the capital at once.這信是准的。This news is certain.正在吏部說話的時候，來了一個江西引見知縣，說起我們二叔，是很感激的，但說是個好上司，只是用人不當，那些家人在外招搖撞騙，欺凌屬員，已經把好名聲都弄坏了。Just as I was talking there at the Board of Civil Office, a magistrate from Jiangxi arrived for an introductory audience, and when our Second Uncle came up in conversation, he spoke of him with great gratitude, saying he was a fine superior — only that he had misjudged his men, for those household servants of his had been swindling and putting on airs outside, bullying his underlings, and had already ruined his good name.節度大人早已知道，也說我們二叔是個好人。The Military Governor had long since learned of this, and he too said that our Second Uncle was a good man.不知怎麼樣這回又參了。I don't know how it came about that he was impeached again this time.想是忒鬧得不好，恐將來弄出大禍，所以借了一件失察的事情參的，倒是避重就輕的意思也未可知。”賈赦未聽說完，便叫賈璉：“先去告訴你嬸子知道，且不必告訴老太太就是了。”賈璉去回王夫人。I suppose matters had gotten so badly out of hand that, fearing it might lead to real disaster later on, they used this business of negligent supervision as a pretext to impeach him — perhaps meaning to treat a serious matter lightly, though there's no telling for certain." Before Jia Lian had even finished speaking, Jia She told him: "Go first and let your aunt know of it — there's no need to tell the Old Lady just yet." Jia Lian went off to report to Lady Wang.未知有何話說，下回分解。What was said is not yet known; that will be told in the next chapter.

贾琏即刻出去，不到半日回来便说：“才到吏部打听，果然二叔被参。题本上去，亏得皇上的恩典，没有交部，便下旨意，说是失察属员，重征粮米，苛虐百姓，本应革职，姑念初膺外任，不谙吏治，被属员蒙蔽，著降三级，加恩仍以工部员外上行走，并令即日回京。这信是准的。正在吏部说话的时候，来了一个江西引见知县，说起我们二叔，是很感激的，但说是个好上司，只是用人不当，那些家人在外招摇撞骗，欺凌属员，已经把好名声都弄坏了。节度大人早已知道，也说我们二叔是个好人。不知怎么样这回又参了。想是忒闹得不好，恐将来弄出大祸，所以借了一件失察的事情参的，倒是避重就轻的意思也未可知。”贾赦未听说完，便叫贾琏：“先去告诉你婶子知道，且不必告诉老太太就是了。”贾琏去回王夫人。未知有何话说，下回分解。