第百零四回　醉金剛小鰍生大浪　痴公子餘痛觸前情 A Small Fish Stirs Great Waves; A Lovesick Youth's Lingering Pain Recalls Old Passion

話說賈雨村剛欲過渡，見有人飛奔而來，跑到跟前，口稱：“老爺，方才進的那廟火起了！”雨村回首看時，只見烈炎燒天，飛灰蔽目。The story goes that just as Jia Yucun was about to cross the ferry, he saw someone running toward him at full speed; the man ran up to him and cried, "My lord, the temple you just visited is on fire!" When Yucun turned to look, he saw fierce flames blazing to the sky and flying ash blotting out his sight.雨村心想，“這也奇怪，我才出來，走不多遠，這火從何而來？Yucun thought to himself, "How strange — I have only just come out and have not gone far; where could this fire have come from?莫非士隱遭劫于此？”欲待回去，又恐誤了過河，若不回去，心下又不安。Could it be that Shiyin has met with disaster here?" He wanted to go back, but feared it would delay his crossing the river; yet if he did not go back, his mind would not be at ease.想了一想，便問道：“你方才見這老道士出來了沒有？”那人道：“小的原隨老爺出來，因腹內疼痛，略走了一走。After thinking it over, he asked, "Did you see that old Taoist priest come out just now?" The man said, "I originally came out following you, my lord, but because of a pain in my belly I walked off a little way.回頭看見一片火光，原來就是那廟中火起，特赶來稟知老爺。When I turned back I saw a sheet of firelight — it turned out to be the temple on fire — so I hurried here to report it to you, my lord.并沒有見有人出來。”雨村雖則心里狐疑，究竟是名利關心的人，那肯回去看視，便叫那人：“你在這里等火滅了進去瞧那老道在與不在，即來回稟。”那人只得答應了伺候。I did not see anyone come out at all." Although Yucun felt suspicious at heart, he was after all a man concerned with fame and profit, and how could he be willing to go back and look? So he told the man, "You wait here until the fire is out, go in and see whether the old Taoist is there or not, and come report to me at once." The man had no choice but to agree and stay in attendance.

话说贾雨村刚欲过渡，见有人飞奔而来，跑到跟前，口称：“老爷，方才进的那庙火起了！”雨村回首看时，只见烈炎烧天，飞灰蔽目。雨村心想，“这也奇怪，我才出来，走不多远，这火从何而来？莫非士隐遭劫于此？”欲待回去，又恐误了过河，若不回去，心下又不安。想了一想，便问道：“你方才见这老道士出来了没有？”那人道：“小的原随老爷出来，因腹内疼痛，略走了一走。回头看见一片火光，原来就是那庙中火起，特赶来禀知老爷。并没有见有人出来。”雨村虽则心里狐疑，究竟是名利关心的人，那肯回去看视，便叫那人：“你在这里等火灭了进去瞧那老道在与不在，即来回禀。”那人只得答应了伺候。

雨村過河，仍自去查看，查了幾處，遇公館便自歇下。Yucun crossed the river and went on with his own inspections; he inspected several places, and whenever he came upon an official lodging he would rest there.明日又行一程，進了都門，眾衙役接著，前呼後擁的走著。The next day he traveled on another stage, and entered the capital gate; the various yamen runners came to meet him, and he proceeded with attendants shouting ahead and crowding behind.雨村坐在轎內，聽見轎前開路的人吵嚷。Yucun, sitting inside his sedan chair, heard the men clearing the way in front making a commotion.雨村問是何事。Yucun asked what was going on.那開路的拉了一個人過來跪在轎前稟道：“那人酒醉不知回避，反沖突過來。The men clearing the way dragged a man over and made him kneel before the sedan chair, reporting, "This man was drunk and did not know enough to give way, but instead came bumping straight into us.小的吆喝他，他倒恃酒撒賴，躺在街心，說小的打了他了。”雨村便道：“我是管理這里地方的。When I shouted at him, he instead relied on his drunkenness to act shamelessly, lying down in the middle of the street, and claiming that I had beaten him." Yucun then said, "I am the one who governs this locality.你們都是我的子民，知道本府經過，喝了酒不知退避，還敢撒賴！”那人道：“我喝酒是自己的錢，醉了躺的是皇上的地，便是大人老爺也管不得。”雨村怒道：“這人目無法紀，問他叫什麼名字。”那人回道：“我叫醉金剛倪二。”雨村聽了生氣，叫人：“打這金剛，瞧他是金剛不是！”手下把倪二按倒，著實的打了幾鞭。You are all my subjects; knowing that this magistrate was passing by, you drank wine and did not know enough to give way, and you even dare to act shamelessly!" The man said, "The wine I drank was bought with my own money, and the ground I lie drunk on belongs to the Emperor — even a great lord like yourself has no authority over it." Yucun said angrily, "This fellow has no regard for law or order — ask him what his name is." The man replied, "I am called the Drunken Vajra, Ni Er." Hearing this, Yucun grew angry and called out, "Beat this 'Vajra' and see whether he is really a vajra or not!" His attendants pushed Ni Er down and gave him a good number of lashes.倪二負痛，酒醒求饒。Ni Er, in pain, sobered up from his drink and begged for mercy.雨村在轎內笑道：“原來是這麼個金剛么。Yucun laughed inside his sedan chair and said, "So this is what kind of a 'vajra' he is.我且不打你，叫人帶進衙門慢慢的問你。”眾衙役答應，拴了倪二，拉著便走。I will not beat you further for now; I will have you taken to the yamen to be questioned at leisure." The runners assented, bound Ni Er, and dragged him off.倪二哀求，也不中用。Ni Er pleaded piteously, but it was of no use.雨村進內复旨回曹，那里把這件事放在心上。Yucun went into the palace to report back on his mission and return to his office, and gave no thought at all to this matter.

雨村过河，仍自去查看，查了几处，遇公馆便自歇下。明日又行一程，进了都门，众衙役接著，前呼后拥的走著。雨村坐在轿内，听见轿前开路的人吵嚷。雨村问是何事。那开路的拉了一个人过来跪在轿前禀道：“那人酒醉不知回避，反冲突过来。小的吆喝他，他倒恃酒撒赖，躺在街心，说小的打了他了。”雨村便道：“我是管理这里地方的。你们都是我的子民，知道本府经过，喝了酒不知退避，还敢撒赖！”那人道：“我喝酒是自己的钱，醉了躺的是皇上的地，便是大人老爷也管不得。”雨村怒道：“这人目无法纪，问他叫什么名字。”那人回道：“我叫醉金刚倪二。”雨村听了生气，叫人：“打这金刚，瞧他是金刚不是！”手下把倪二按倒，著实的打了几鞭。倪二负痛，酒醒求饶。雨村在轿内笑道：“原来是这么个金刚么。我且不打你，叫人带进衙门慢慢的问你。”众衙役答应，拴了倪二，拉著便走。倪二哀求，也不中用。雨村进内复旨回曹，那里把这件事放在心上。

那街上看熱鬧的三三兩兩傳說：“倪二仗著有些力氣，恃酒訛人，今兒碰在賈大人手里，只怕不輕饒的。”這話已傳到他妻女耳邊。The onlookers on the street, in twos and threes, passed word around: "Ni Er, relying on his strength, used his drunkenness to extort people, and today he has run into Lord Jia's hands — I fear he won't be let off lightly." These words had already reached the ears of his wife and daughter.那夜果等倪二不見回家，他女兒便到各處賭場尋覓，那賭博的都是這麼說，他女兒急得哭了。That night, sure enough, they waited but Ni Er did not come home; his daughter went to look for him at the various gambling dens, and the gamblers all told the same story, so his daughter grew so anxious she wept.眾人都道：“你不用著急。Everyone said, "You need not be anxious.那賈大人是榮府的一家。That Lord Jia is of the same family as the Rong mansion.榮府里的一個什麼二爺和你父親相好，你同你母親去找他說個情，就放出來了。”倪二的女兒聽了，想了一想，”果然我父親常說間壁賈二爺和他好，為什麼不找他去。”赶著回來，即和母親說了。There is a certain 'Second Master' in the Rong mansion who is on good terms with your father; go with your mother to find him and ask him to put in a good word, and he will be released." When Ni Er's daughter heard this, she thought it over: "Indeed, my father has often said that Second Master Jia next door is on good terms with him — why not go to him?" She hurried home and at once told her mother.娘兒兩個去找賈芸。Mother and daughter went to find Jia Yun.

那街上看热闹的三三两两传说：“倪二仗著有些力气，恃酒讹人，今儿碰在贾大人手里，只怕不轻饶的。”这话已传到他妻女耳边。那夜果等倪二不见回家，他女儿便到各处赌场寻觅，那赌博的都是这么说，他女儿急得哭了。众人都道：“你不用著急。那贾大人是荣府的一家。荣府里的一个什么二爷和你父亲相好，你同你母亲去找他说个情，就放出来了。”倪二的女儿听了，想了一想，”果然我父亲常说间壁贾二爷和他好，为什么不找他去。”赶著回来，即和母亲说了。娘儿两个去找贾芸。

那日賈芸恰在家，見他母女兩個過來，便讓坐。That day Jia Yun happened to be at home; seeing the mother and daughter come over, he invited them to sit.賈芸的母親便倒茶。Jia Yun's mother then poured tea.倪家母女即將倪二被賈大人拿去的話說了一遍，”求二爺說情放出來”。The mother and daughter of the Ni family related once more how Ni Er had been taken away by Lord Jia, saying, "We beg Second Master to put in a good word so he can be released."賈芸一口應承，說：“這算不得什麼，我到西府里說一聲就放了。Jia Yun agreed on the spot, saying, "This is nothing at all — I'll just say a word at the West mansion and he'll be released.那賈大人全仗我家的西府里才得做了這麼大官，只要打發個人去一說就完了。”倪家母女歡喜，回來便到府里告訴了倪二，叫他不用忙，已經求了賈二爺，他滿口應承，討個情便放出來的。That Lord Jia owes his whole position — becoming such a high official — entirely to our family's West mansion; all it takes is sending someone over to say a word and it's settled." The mother and daughter of the Ni family were delighted, and went back to the yamen to tell Ni Er not to worry, that they had already asked Second Master Jia, who had readily agreed, and that once a good word was put in he would be released.倪二聽了也喜歡。Ni Er, hearing this, was pleased as well.

那日贾芸恰在家，见他母女两个过来，便让坐。贾芸的母亲便倒茶。倪家母女即将倪二被贾大人拿去的话说了一遍，”求二爷说情放出来”。贾芸一口应承，说：“这算不得什么，我到西府里说一声就放了。那贾大人全仗我家的西府里才得做了这么大官，只要打发个人去一说就完了。”倪家母女欢喜，回来便到府里告诉了倪二，叫他不用忙，已经求了贾二爷，他满口应承，讨个情便放出来的。倪二听了也喜欢。

不料賈芸自從那日給鳳姐送禮不收，不好意思進來，也不常到榮府。Unexpectedly, ever since the day Jia Yun had sent Xifeng a gift which she refused to accept, he had felt too embarrassed to come in, and no longer often visited the Rong mansion.那榮府的門上原看著主子的行事，叫誰走動才有些体面，一時來了他便進去通報，若主子不大理了，不論本家親戚，他一概不回，支了去就完事。The gatekeepers of the Rong mansion took their cue from how the masters behaved — only when told to let someone in and out would there be any face given; if such a person came, they would go in at once to announce him. But if the masters no longer paid much attention to someone, then whether he was a relative of the family or not, the gatekeeper would simply refuse to report him at all, and would send him away, and that would be the end of it.那日賈芸到府上說“給璉二爺請安”。That day Jia Yun came to the mansion and said, "I've come to pay my respects to Second Master Lian."門上的說：“二爺不在家，等回來我們替回罷。”賈芸欲要說“請二奶奶的安”，生恐門上厭煩，只得回家。The gatekeeper said, "Second Master is not at home; when he returns we will report it for you." Jia Yun wanted to say, "I've come to pay my respects to Second Mistress," too, but fearing the gatekeeper would grow impatient, he had no choice but to go home.又被倪家母女催逼著說：“二爺常說府上是不論那個衙門，說一聲誰敢不依。He was then pressed hard again by the mother and daughter of the Ni family, who said, "Second Master has often said that no matter which yamen it is, one word from the mansion and who would dare disobey.如今還是府里的一家，又不為什麼大事，這個情還討不來，白是我們二爺了。”賈芸臉上下不來，嘴里還說硬話：“昨兒我們家里有事，沒打發人說去，少不得今兒說了就放。Now, being still of the same family as the mansion, and this not even being some big matter — if even this favor cannot be obtained, then our 'Second Master' is one in name only." Jia Yun could not save face, and still spoke stubborn words: "Yesterday there was something going on at our house, so I didn't send anyone to speak about it; today I'll certainly speak and he'll be released.什麼大不了的事！”倪家母女只得聽信。What a trifling matter this is!" The mother and daughter of the Ni family had no choice but to believe him.

不料贾芸自从那日给凤姐送礼不收，不好意思进来，也不常到荣府。那荣府的门上原看著主子的行事，叫谁走动才有些体面，一时来了他便进去通报，若主子不大理了，不论本家亲戚，他一概不回，支了去就完事。那日贾芸到府上说“给琏二爷请安”。门上的说：“二爷不在家，等回来我们替回罢。”贾芸欲要说“请二奶奶的安”，生恐门上厌烦，只得回家。又被倪家母女催逼著说：“二爷常说府上是不论那个衙门，说一声谁敢不依。如今还是府里的一家，又不为什么大事，这个情还讨不来，白是我们二爷了。”贾芸脸上下不来，嘴里还说硬话：“昨儿我们家里有事，没打发人说去，少不得今儿说了就放。什么大不了的事！”倪家母女只得听信。

豈知賈芸近日大門竟不得進去，繞到後頭要進園內找寶玉，不料園門鎖著，只得垂頭喪氣的回來。Little did they know that these days Jia Yun could not even get through the front gate; he went around to the back, meaning to enter the garden to find Baoyu, but unexpectedly the garden gate was locked, and he had no choice but to return crestfallen.想起“那年倪二借銀與我，買了香料送給他，才派我种樹。He recalled, "That year Ni Er lent me silver, with which I bought incense-wood and gave it as a gift, and only then was I assigned to plant trees.如今我沒有錢去打點，就把我拒絕。Now that I have no money to grease palms with, they simply turn me away.他也不是什麼好的，拿著太爺留下的公中銀錢在外放加一錢，我們窮本家要借一兩也不能。He is no good sort either — taking the common family silver left by the old master and lending it out at interest outside, while we poor kinsmen of the family cannot even borrow a single tael.他打諒保得住一輩子不窮的了，那知外頭的聲名很不好。He reckons he can stay well-off for a lifetime, but little does he know how bad his reputation is outside.我不說罷了，若說起來，人命官司不知有多少呢。”一面想著，來到家中，只見倪家母女都等著。I'll say no more of it — but if I did start talking, who knows how many cases of manslaughter there'd be to tell." Musing this way, he arrived home, and found the mother and daughter of the Ni family both waiting there.賈芸無言可支，便說道：“西府里已經打發人說了，只言賈大人不依。Jia Yun, having no words to support himself, said, "The West mansion has already sent someone to speak of it, but it's said that Lord Jia would not agree.你還求我們家的奴才周瑞的親戚冷子興去才中用。”倪家母女聽了說：“二爺這樣体面爺們還不中用，若是奴才，是更不中用了。”賈芸不好意思，心里發急道：“你不知道，如今的奴才比主子強多著呢。”倪家母女聽來無法，只得冷笑幾聲說：“這倒難為二爺白跑了這幾天，等我們那一個出來再道乏罷。”說畢出來，另托人將倪二弄了出來，只打了幾板，也沒有什麼罪。You had better ask Leng Zixing, a relative of Zhou Rui, a servant of our family, to go instead — that would work." Hearing this, the mother and daughter of the Ni family said, "If a person of such standing as you, Second Master, is no use, then a servant would be even more useless." Jia Yun, embarrassed, said anxiously, "You don't understand — nowadays servants are far more capable than their masters." The mother and daughter of the Ni family, finding no way forward, could only give a few cold laughs and say, "Well, it's been hard on Second Master, running about for nothing these past few days — let's wait until our man comes out, and then we'll trouble you no further." So saying, they left, and instead entrusted someone else to get Ni Er out; he was only given a few strokes of the board, and there was no real charge against him.

岂知贾芸近日大门竟不得进去，绕到后头要进园内找宝玉，不料园门锁著，只得垂头丧气的回来。想起“那年倪二借银与我，买了香料送给他，才派我种树。如今我没有钱去打点，就把我拒绝。他也不是什么好的，拿著太爷留下的公中银钱在外放加一钱，我们穷本家要借一两也不能。他打谅保得住一辈子不穷的了，那知外头的声名很不好。我不说罢了，若说起来，人命官司不知有多少呢。”一面想著，来到家中，只见倪家母女都等著。贾芸无言可支，便说道：“西府里已经打发人说了，只言贾大人不依。你还求我们家的奴才周瑞的亲戚冷子兴去才中用。”倪家母女听了说：“二爷这样体面爷们还不中用，若是奴才，是更不中用了。”贾芸不好意思，心里发急道：“你不知道，如今的奴才比主子强多著呢。”倪家母女听来无法，只得冷笑几声说：“这倒难为二爷白跑了这几天，等我们那一个出来再道乏罢。”说毕出来，另托人将倪二弄了出来，只打了几板，也没有什么罪。

倪二回家，他妻女將賈家不肯說情的話說了一遍。When Ni Er came home, his wife and daughter told him once more how the Jia family had refused to intercede.倪二正喝著酒，便生氣要找賈芸，說：“這小雜种，沒良心的東西！Ni Er, who was drinking at the time, grew angry and wanted to go find Jia Yun, saying, "That little bastard, that ungrateful thing!頭里他沒有飯吃要到府內鑽謀事辦，虧我倪二爺幫了他。Back when he had no rice to eat and wanted to wangle a position inside the mansion, it was thanks to me, your Uncle Ni Er, that he got help.如今我有了事他不管。Now that I have trouble, he pays no attention.好罷咧，若是我倪二鬧出來，連兩府里都不乾淨！”他妻女忙勸道：“噯，你又喝了黃湯便是這樣有天沒日頭的，前兒可不是醉了鬧的亂子，捱了打還沒好呢，你又鬧了。”倪二道：“捱了打便怕他不成，只怕拿不著由頭！Fine then — if I, Ni Er, make a fuss and stir things up, even both mansions won't come out clean!" His wife and daughter hastily tried to dissuade him: "Ah, once you've had your fill of liquor again you go on like there's no heaven or sun above — wasn't it just the other day that you got into trouble from being drunk, and you haven't even recovered from the beating yet, and now you're at it again." Ni Er said, "Do you think I'm afraid of another beating? I only fear I won't have a pretext to seize on!我在監里的時候，倒認得了好幾個有義氣的朋友，聽見他們說起來，不獨是城內姓賈的多，外省姓賈的也不少。I was in prison, I actually got to know several friends of true loyalty, and from what I heard them say, it's not only within the city that there are many people named Jia — there are quite a few in the provinces too.前兒監里收下了好幾個賈家的家人。Just the other day the prison took in several servants of a Jia family.我倒說，這里的賈家小一輩子并奴才們雖不好，他們老一輩的還好，怎麼犯了事。I said, though the younger generation of this Jia family here, along with their servants, are no good, their older generation is still decent — how could they have committed some offense?我打聽打聽，說是和這里賈家是一家，都住在外省，審明白了解進來問罪的，我才放心。I asked around, and was told they belong to the same clan as the Jia family here, though they all live in the provinces, and once the case is fully examined they will be sent in to be sentenced — only then will my mind be at ease.若說賈二這小子他忘恩負義，我便和幾個朋友說他家怎樣倚勢欺人，怎樣盤剝小民，怎樣強娶有男婦女，叫他們吵嚷出來，有了風聲到了都老爺耳朵里，這一鬧起來，叫你們才認得倪二金剛呢！”他女人道：“你喝了酒睡去罷！As for that little wretch Second Master Jia being so ungrateful and disloyal — I'll just tell a few of my friends how his family relies on its power to bully people, how they squeeze the common folk, how they force marriages on women who already have husbands, and get them to raise a clamor about it, so that once word of it reaches the ears of the high officials and it all breaks open, then you'll finally know what Vajra Ni Er is made of!" His wife said, "Go drink yourself to sleep!他又強占誰家的女人來了，沒有的事你不用混說了。”倪二道：“你們在家里那里知道外頭的事。Whose woman has he forced himself upon now? There's no such thing — don't go around talking nonsense." Ni Er said, "How would you, staying at home, know anything about what goes on outside?前年我在賭場里碰見了小張，說他女人被賈家占了，他還和我商量。The year before last I ran into Xiao Zhang at the gambling den, who told me his woman had been seized by the Jia family, and he even discussed it with me.我倒勸他才了事的。It was only because I talked him out of it that the matter was settled.但不知這小張如今那里去了，這兩年沒見。But I don't know where this Xiao Zhang has gone now — I haven't seen him these past two years.若碰著了他，我倪二出個主意叫賈老二死，給我好好的孝敬孝敬我倪二太爺才罷了。If I run into him, I, Ni Er, will come up with a plan to bring about the death of that Jia fellow, and see that he shows proper filial devotion to me, your revered Uncle Ni Er, before I'm done with it.你倒不理我了！”說著，倒身躺下，嘴里還是咕咕嘟嘟的說了一回，便睡去了。And here you are, paying me no mind!" So saying, he flopped himself down, and went on muttering and grumbling under his breath for a while before falling asleep.他妻女只當是醉話，也不理他。His wife and daughter took it merely for drunken talk and paid him no heed.明日早起，倪二又往賭場中去了。The next morning, rising early, Ni Er went off to the gambling den again.不題。No more of this for now.

倪二回家，他妻女将贾家不肯说情的话说了一遍。倪二正喝著酒，便生气要找贾芸，说：“这小杂种，没良心的东西！头里他没有饭吃要到府内钻谋事办，亏我倪二爷帮了他。如今我有了事他不管。好罢咧，若是我倪二闹出来，连两府里都不干净！”他妻女忙劝道：“嗳，你又喝了黄汤便是这样有天没日头的，前儿可不是醉了闹的乱子，挨了打还没好呢，你又闹了。”倪二道：“挨了打便怕他不成，只怕拿不著由头！我在监里的时候，倒认得了好几个有义气的朋友，听见他们说起来，不独是城内姓贾的多，外省姓贾的也不少。前儿监里收下了好几个贾家的家人。我倒说，这里的贾家小一辈子并奴才们虽不好，他们老一辈的还好，怎么犯了事。我打听打听，说是和这里贾家是一家，都住在外省，审明白了解进来问罪的，我才放心。若说贾二这小子他忘恩负义，我便和几个朋友说他家怎样倚势欺人，怎样盘剥小民，怎样强娶有男妇女，叫他们吵嚷出来，有了风声到了都老爷耳朵里，这一闹起来，叫你们才认得倪二金刚呢！”他女人道：“你喝了酒睡去罢！他又强占谁家的女人来了，没有的事你不用混说了。”倪二道：“你们在家里那里知道外头的事。前年我在赌场里碰见了小张，说他女人被贾家占了，他还和我商量。我倒劝他才了事的。但不知这小张如今那里去了，这两年没见。若碰著了他，我倪二出个主意叫贾老二死，给我好好的孝敬孝敬我倪二太爷才罢了。你倒不理我了！”说著，倒身躺下，嘴里还是咕咕嘟嘟的说了一回，便睡去了。他妻女只当是醉话，也不理他。明日早起，倪二又往赌场中去了。不题。

且說雨村回到家中，歇息了一夜，將道上遇見甄士隱的事告訴了他夫人一遍。Now to tell of Yucun: he returned home, rested for a night, and told his wife once more about meeting Zhen Shiyin on the road.他夫人便埋怨他：“為什麼不回去瞧一瞧，倘或燒死了，可不是咱們沒良心！”說著，掉下淚來。His wife then reproached him: "Why didn't you go back to have a look? If he had been burned to death, wouldn't that make us utterly heartless!" So saying, she shed tears.雨村道：“他是方外的人了，不肯和咱們在一處的。”正說著，外頭傳進話來，稟說：“前日老爺吩咐瞧火燒廟去的回來了回話。”雨村踱了出來。Yucun said, "He has become a man beyond this world now, and would not be willing to stay together with us." Just as he was speaking, word was brought in from outside reporting, "The man Your Lordship ordered the other day to go look at the burned temple has come back to report." Yucun strolled out.那衙役打千請了安，回說：“小的奉老爺的命回去，也不等火滅，便冒火進去瞧那個道士，豈知他坐的地方多燒了。The runner bent his knee in salute and reported, "Obeying your order, my lord, I went back, and without even waiting for the fire to die down, I braved the flames and went in to look for that Taoist — but as it turned out, the spot where he sat had burned badly.小的想著那道士必定燒死了。I thought to myself that the Taoist must certainly have burned to death.那燒的牆屋往後塌去，道士的影兒都沒有，只有一個蒲團，一個瓢兒還是好好的。The burned walls and building had collapsed backward, and there was not even a trace of the Taoist to be seen — only a rush cushion and a gourd ladle, which were still perfectly intact.小的各處找尋他的尸首，連骨頭都沒有一點兒。I searched everywhere for his corpse, but there wasn't so much as a single bone to be found.小的恐老爺不信，想要拿這蒲團瓢兒回來做個證見，小的這麼一拿，豈知都成了灰了。”雨村聽畢，心下明白，知士隱仙去，便把那衙役打發了出去。Fearing that Your Lordship would not believe me, I thought to bring back this cushion and ladle as evidence — but the moment I picked them up, they turned to ash!" When Yucun heard this out, he understood in his heart that Shiyin had ascended to immortality, and dismissed the runner.回到房中，并沒提起士隱火化之言，恐他婦女不知，反生悲感，只說并無形跡，必是他先走了。Returning to his room, he did not mention anything about Shiyin being consumed by fire, fearing that if his wife learned of it, it would instead give rise to sorrow; he only said that no trace of him had been found, and that he must have left earlier.

且说雨村回到家中，歇息了一夜，将道上遇见甄士隐的事告诉了他夫人一遍。他夫人便埋怨他：“为什么不回去瞧一瞧，倘或烧死了，可不是咱们没良心！”说著，掉下泪来。雨村道：“他是方外的人了，不肯和咱们在一处的。”正说著，外头传进话来，禀说：“前日老爷吩咐瞧火烧庙去的回来了回话。”雨村踱了出来。那衙役打千请了安，回说：“小的奉老爷的命回去，也不等火灭，便冒火进去瞧那个道士，岂知他坐的地方多烧了。小的想著那道士必定烧死了。那烧的墙屋往后塌去，道士的影儿都没有，只有一个蒲团，一个瓢儿还是好好的。小的各处找寻他的尸首，连骨头都没有一点儿。小的恐老爷不信，想要拿这蒲团瓢儿回来做个证见，小的这么一拿，岂知都成了灰了。”雨村听毕，心下明白，知士隐仙去，便把那衙役打发了出去。回到房中，并没提起士隐火化之言，恐他妇女不知，反生悲感，只说并无形迹，必是他先走了。

雨村出來，獨坐書房，正要細想士隱的話，忽有家人傳報說：“內廷傳旨，交看事件。”雨村疾忙上轎進內，只聽見人說：“今日賈存周江西糧道被參回來，在朝內謝罪。”雨村忙到了內閣，見了各大人，將海疆辦理不善的旨意看了，出來即忙找著賈政，先說了些為他抱屈的話，後又道喜，問：“一路可好？”賈政也將違別以後的話細細的說了一遍。Yucun came out and sat alone in his study, just about to ponder carefully over Shiyin's words, when suddenly a household servant came to report, "A decree has been sent from the inner palace, ordering the matter to be reviewed." Yucun hastily got into his sedan chair and went in, only to hear people saying, "Today Jia Cunzhou, the Jiangxi Grain Intendant, has been impeached and has returned; he is at court offering his apologies." Yucun hurried to the Grand Secretariat, met with the various high officials, and read the edict concerning the poor handling of the coastal frontier affairs; coming out, he lost no time in seeking out Jia Zheng, first saying some words of sympathy on his behalf, and then offering congratulations, asking, "Was the journey well throughout?" Jia Zheng likewise related in detail everything that had happened since their parting.雨村道：“謝罪的本上了去沒有？”賈政道：“已上去了，等膳後下來看旨意罷。”正說著，只聽里頭傳出旨來叫賈政，賈政即忙進去。Yucun said, "Has the memorial of apology been submitted yet?" Jia Zheng said, "It has already been submitted; let us wait until after the meal to see the decree." Just as they were speaking, word came out from within summoning Jia Zheng, and Jia Zheng hurried in at once.各大人有與賈政關切的，都在里頭等著。Those high officials who were on close terms with Jia Zheng all waited inside.等了好一回方見賈政出來，看見他帶著滿頭的汗。After waiting a good while, Jia Zheng was finally seen coming out, his whole head covered in sweat.眾人迎上去接著，問：“有什麼旨意。”賈政吐舌道：“嚇死人，嚇死人！Everyone stepped forward to meet him, asking, "What was the decree?" Jia Zheng stuck out his tongue and said, "It frightened me to death, frightened me to death!倒蒙各位大人關切，幸喜沒有什麼事。”眾人道：“旨意問了些什麼？”賈政道：“旨意問的是云南私帶神槍一案。I am truly grateful for all your lordships' concern — fortunately, it turned out to be nothing serious." Everyone said, "What did the decree inquire about?" Jia Zheng said, "The decree inquired about the case of illegally carrying firearms in Yunnan.本上奏明是原任太師賈化的家人。The memorial reported that the offender was a servant of the former Grand Tutor, Jia Hua.主上一直記著我們先祖的名字，便問起來。His Majesty has all along remembered the name of our ancestor, and so he asked about it.我忙著磕頭奏明先祖的名字是代化，主上便笑了，還降旨意說：‘前放兵部，後降府尹的，不是也叫賈化么？’”那時雨村也在傍邊，倒嚇了一跳，便問賈政道：“老先生怎麼奏的？”賈政道：“我便慢慢奏道：’原任太師賈化是云南人；I hastened to kowtow and report that our ancestor's name was Daihua, whereupon His Majesty smiled, and further issued a decree saying, 'The one who was formerly posted to the Ministry of War and afterward demoted to Prefect — isn't his name also Jia Hua?'" At that moment Yucun, standing to one side, gave a start, and asked Jia Zheng, "How did you reply, sir?" Jia Zheng said, "I then slowly reported, 'The former Grand Tutor Jia Hua was a man of Yunnan;現任府尹賈某是浙江人。”主上又問：‘蘇州刺史奏的賈范，是你一家子么？’我又磕頭奏道：‘是。’主上便變色道：‘縱使家奴強占良民妻女，還成事么？’我一句不敢奏。the present Prefect, a certain Jia, is a man of Zhejiang." His Majesty then asked, 'Is the Jia Fan reported by the Prefect of Suzhou a member of your clan?' I again kowtowed and reported, 'He is.' His Majesty's countenance then changed, and he said, 'Even if it is a family servant who forcibly seized the wife or daughter of a commoner, can such a thing be tolerated?' I did not dare say a single word in reply.主上又問道：‘賈范是你什麼人？’我忙奏道：‘是遠族。’主上哼了一聲，降旨叫了出來。His Majesty then asked further, 'What relation is Jia Fan to you?' I hastened to report, 'A distant kinsman.' His Majesty gave a snort, and issued a decree dismissing me from the audience.可不是詫事！”眾人道：“本來也巧。Isn't that a shocking business!" Everyone said, "It is indeed quite a coincidence.怎麼一連有這兩件事？”賈政道：“事倒不奇，倒是都姓賈的不好。How is it that these two matters happened one right after the other?" Jia Zheng said, "The matters themselves are not so strange — it's just unfortunate that they all bear the surname Jia.算來我們寒族人多，年代久了，各族都有。Reckoning it up, our humble clan has many members, and after so many generations, branches of every sort exist.現在雖沒有事，究竟主上記著一個“賈”字就不好。”眾人說：“真是真，假是假，怕什麼？”賈政道：“我心里巴不得不做官，只是不敢告老，現在我們家里兩個世襲，這也無可奈何的。” 雨村道：“如今老先生仍是工部，想來京官是沒有事的。”賈政道：“京官雖然沒事，我究竟做過兩次外任，也就說不齊了。”眾人道：“二老爺的人品行事，我們都佩服的。Although there is no trouble now, still, it is not good that His Majesty keeps the single character 'Jia' in mind." Everyone said, "What is true is true, and what is false is false — what is there to fear?" Jia Zheng said, "In my heart I long for nothing more than to be free of office, only I dare not ask to retire; and now our family has two hereditary titles, so there is nothing to be done about it either." Yucun said, "Now that you, sir, remain in the Board of Works, I imagine a metropolitan official has nothing to worry about." Jia Zheng said, "Metropolitan officials may indeed have nothing to worry about, but I have after all held two provincial posts, so it is hard to say for certain." Everyone said, "As for your character and conduct, Second Master, we all admire it.就是令兄大老爺，也是個好人。Even your elder brother, the senior master, is a good man too.只要在令侄輩上嚴緊些就是了。”賈政道：“我因在家的日子少，舍侄的事情不大查考，我心里也不甚放心。It's only that you should be a bit stricter with the younger generation, your nephews." Jia Zheng said, "Because I spend so few days at home, I have not looked closely into the doings of my nephews, and in my heart I am not entirely at ease about it either.諸位今日提起，都是至相好，或者聽見東宅的侄兒家有什麼不奉規矩的事么？”眾人道：“沒聽見別的，只是幾位侍郎心里不大和睦，內監里頭也有些。Since all of you gentlemen bring it up today, being my closest friends, perhaps you have heard of some improper doings on the part of my nephew's household at the East mansion?" Everyone said, "We have heard nothing else, only that a few Vice Ministers are not on the best of terms among themselves, and there is also some of it among the eunuchs of the inner court.想來不怕什麼，只要囑咐那邊令侄，諸事留神就是了。”眾人說畢，舉手而散。I imagine there's nothing to fear — you need only caution your nephew over there to be careful in all matters." Having said this, everyone raised their hands in parting and dispersed.

雨村出来，独坐书房，正要细想士隐的话，忽有家人传报说：“内廷传旨，交看事件。”雨村疾忙上轿进内，只听见人说：“今日贾存周江西粮道被参回来，在朝内谢罪。”雨村忙到了内阁，见了各大人，将海疆办理不善的旨意看了，出来即忙找著贾政，先说了些为他抱屈的话，后又道喜，问：“一路可好？”贾政也将违别以后的话细细的说了一遍。雨村道：“谢罪的本上了去没有？”贾政道：“已上去了，等膳后下来看旨意罢。”正说著，只听里头传出旨来叫贾政，贾政即忙进去。各大人有与贾政关切的，都在里头等著。等了好一回方见贾政出来，看见他带著满头的汗。众人迎上去接著，问：“有什么旨意。”贾政吐舌道：“吓死人，吓死人！倒蒙各位大人关切，幸喜没有什么事。”众人道：“旨意问了些什么？”贾政道：“旨意问的是云南私带神枪一案。本上奏明是原任太师贾化的家人。主上一直记著我们先祖的名字，便问起来。我忙著磕头奏明先祖的名字是代化，主上便笑了，还降旨意说：‘前放兵部，后降府尹的，不是也叫贾化么？’”那时雨村也在傍边，倒吓了一跳，便问贾政道：“老先生怎么奏的？”贾政道：“我便慢慢奏道：’原任太师贾化是云南人；现任府尹贾某是浙江人。”主上又问：‘苏州刺史奏的贾范，是你一家子么？’我又磕头奏道：‘是。’主上便变色道：‘纵使家奴强占良民妻女，还成事么？’我一句不敢奏。主上又问道：‘贾范是你什么人？’我忙奏道：‘是远族。’主上哼了一声，降旨叫了出来。可不是诧事！”众人道：“本来也巧。怎么一连有这两件事？”贾政道：“事倒不奇，倒是都姓贾的不好。算来我们寒族人多，年代久了，各族都有。现在虽没有事，究竟主上记著一个“贾”字就不好。”众人说：“真是真，假是假，怕什么？”贾政道：“我心里巴不得不做官，只是不敢告老，现在我们家里两个世袭，这也无可奈何的。” 雨村道：“如今老先生仍是工部，想来京官是没有事的。”贾政道：“京官虽然没事，我究竟做过两次外任，也就说不齐了。”众人道：“二老爷的人品行事，我们都佩服的。就是令兄大老爷，也是个好人。只要在令侄辈上严紧些就是了。”贾政道：“我因在家的日子少，舍侄的事情不大查考，我心里也不甚放心。诸位今日提起，都是至相好，或者听见东宅的侄儿家有什么不奉规矩的事么？”众人道：“没听见别的，只是几位侍郎心里不大和睦，内监里头也有些。想来不怕什么，只要嘱咐那边令侄，诸事留神就是了。”众人说毕，举手而散。

賈政然後回家。Jia Zheng then returned home.眾子侄等都迎接上來。The various sons and nephews all came forward to welcome him.賈政迎著請賈母的安，然後眾子侄俱請了賈政的安，一同進府。Jia Zheng went straight to pay his respects to Grandmother Jia, and then all the sons and nephews in turn paid their respects to Jia Zheng, and together they entered the mansion.王夫人等已到了榮禧堂迎接。Lady Wang and the others had already come to the Hall of Glorious Blessing to welcome him.賈政先到了賈母那里拜見了，陳述些違別的話。Jia Zheng first went to Grandmother Jia's quarters to pay his respects, and related something of what had happened since their long parting.賈母問探春消息，賈政將許配探春的事都稟明了，還說：“兒子起身急促，難過重陽，雖沒有親見，聽見那邊親家的人來說的极好。Grandmother Jia asked for news of Tanchun, and Jia Zheng reported in full the matter of Tanchun's betrothal, adding, "Since your son set out in such haste, he was unable to spend the Double Ninth Festival with her, and though I did not see her with my own eyes, I heard from the people who came from the in-laws' side over there that things are extremely well.親家老爺太太都說請老爺太太的安。The father-in-law and mother-in-law both send their respects to you, Father and Mother.還說今冬明春，大約還可調進京來。They also said that this winter or next spring, it may still be possible for a transfer back into the capital.這便好了。That would indeed be good.如今聞得海疆有事，只怕那時還不能調。”賈母始則因賈政降調回來，知探春遠在他鄉，一無親故，心下傷感；But now I hear there is trouble on the coastal frontier, and I fear that by then a transfer still may not be possible." Grandmother Jia, at first, on account of Jia Zheng's having been demoted and recalled, and knowing that Tanchun was far away in a strange land with no kin or old acquaintance there, felt sorrowful at heart;後聽賈政將官事說明，探春安好，也便轉悲為喜，便笑著叫賈政出去。but afterward, on hearing Jia Zheng explain the official matter clearly, and that Tanchun was safe and well, her sorrow turned to joy, and she smilingly told Jia Zheng to go out and rest.然後弟兄相見，眾子侄拜見，定了明日清晨拜祠堂。After that, the brothers greeted one another, and the various sons and nephews paid their respects, and it was settled that the next morning at dawn they would pay their respects at the ancestral hall.

贾政然后回家。众子侄等都迎接上来。贾政迎著请贾母的安，然后众子侄俱请了贾政的安，一同进府。王夫人等已到了荣禧堂迎接。贾政先到了贾母那里拜见了，陈述些违别的话。贾母问探春消息，贾政将许配探春的事都禀明了，还说：“儿子起身急促，难过重阳，虽没有亲见，听见那边亲家的人来说的极好。亲家老爷太太都说请老爷太太的安。还说今冬明春，大约还可调进京来。这便好了。如今闻得海疆有事，只怕那时还不能调。”贾母始则因贾政降调回来，知探春远在他乡，一无亲故，心下伤感；后听贾政将官事说明，探春安好，也便转悲为喜，便笑著叫贾政出去。然后弟兄相见，众子侄拜见，定了明日清晨拜祠堂。

賈政回到自己屋內，王夫人等見過，寶玉，賈璉替另拜見。Jia Zheng returned to his own quarters, where he was greeted by Lady Wang and the others, and Baoyu and Jia Lian paid their respects in turn.賈政見了寶玉果然比起身之時臉面丰滿，倒覺安靜，獨不知他心里糊涂，所以心甚喜歡，不以降調為念，心想幸虧老太太辦理的好。When Jia Zheng saw Baoyu, he found that his face was indeed fuller than at the time he had set out, and that he seemed calm besides; only he did not know that Baoyu's mind was confused within, and so he was greatly pleased, giving no thought to his demotion, thinking to himself how fortunate it was that the Old Ancestress had managed things so well.又見寶釵沉厚更胜老時，蘭兒文雅俊秀，便喜形于色。He also saw that Baochai was even more deep and steady than before, and that Lan'er was refined and handsome, and so his delight showed openly on his face.獨見環兒仍是先前，究不甚鐘愛。Only when he saw Huan'er still just as he had been before did he, after all, not feel much fondness for him.歇息了半天，忽然想起：“為何今日短了一人？”王夫人知是想著黛玉，前因家書未報：今日又剛到家，正是喜歡，不必直告，只說是病著。After resting for a while, he suddenly recalled, "Why is there one person missing today?" Lady Wang knew he was thinking of Daiyu; since the news had not been reported earlier in family letters, and today, just having arrived home, he was in the midst of his joy, she felt there was no need to tell him outright, and only said that she was ill.豈知寶玉的心里已如刀攪，因父親到家只得把持心性伺候。Little did anyone know that inside, Baoyu's heart was already as if being churned by a knife; but because his father had just arrived home, he had no choice but to master his feelings and wait upon him.王夫人設筵接風，子孫敬酒。Lady Wang set out a feast to welcome him home, and the sons and grandsons offered him wine.風姐雖是侄媳，現辦家事，也隨了寶釵等敬酒。Xifeng, though only a nephew's wife, was currently managing the household affairs, and she too, along with Baochai and the others, offered him wine.賈政便叫遞了一巡酒，“都歇息去吧。”命眾家人不必伺候，待明早拜過宗祠，然後進見。Jia Zheng had a round of wine passed, then said, "All of you go and rest." He ordered that the household members need not wait upon him further, and that only after paying respects at the ancestral hall the next morning should they come in to see him.分派已定，賈政與王夫人說些別後的話，餘者王夫人都不敢言。With the arrangements settled, Jia Zheng spoke with Lady Wang of matters since their parting; of the rest, Lady Wang did not dare speak.倒是賈政先提起王子騰的事來，王夫人也不敢悲戚。It was instead Jia Zheng who first brought up the matter of Wang Ziteng, and Lady Wang did not dare show her grief.賈政又說蟠兒的事，王夫人只說他是自作自受；Jia Zheng then spoke also of Pan'er's affair, and Lady Wang only said that he had brought it upon himself;趁便也將黛玉已死的話告訴。and taking the opportunity, she also told him the news that Daiyu had already died.賈政反嚇了一驚，不覺掉下淚來連聲歎息。Jia Zheng, on the contrary, was startled, and could not help shedding tears and sighing again and again.王夫人也掌不住，也哭了。Lady Wang, too, could not restrain herself, and wept as well.傍邊彩雲等即忙拉衣，王夫人止住，重又說些喜歡的話，便安寢了。Caiyun and the others standing by hastily tugged at her sleeve; Lady Wang checked herself, spoke once more of some cheerful matters, and then they retired to rest.

贾政回到自己屋内，王夫人等见过，宝玉，贾琏替另拜见。贾政见了宝玉果然比起身之时脸面丰满，倒觉安静，独不知他心里糊涂，所以心甚喜欢，不以降调为念，心想幸亏老太太办理的好。又见宝钗沉厚更胜老时，兰儿文雅俊秀，便喜形于色。独见环儿仍是先前，究不甚钟爱。歇息了半天，忽然想起：“为何今日短了一人？”王夫人知是想著黛玉，前因家书未报：今日又刚到家，正是喜欢，不必直告，只说是病著。岂知宝玉的心里已如刀搅，因父亲到家只得把持心性伺候。王夫人设筵接风，子孙敬酒。风姐虽是侄媳，现办家事，也随了宝钗等敬酒。贾政便叫递了一巡酒，“都歇息去吧。”命众家人不必伺候，待明早拜过宗祠，然后进见。分派已定，贾政与王夫人说些别后的话，余者王夫人都不敢言。倒是贾政先提起王子腾的事来，王夫人也不敢悲戚。贾政又说蟠儿的事，王夫人只说他是自作自受；趁便也将黛玉已死的话告诉。贾政反吓了一惊，不觉掉下泪来连声叹息。王夫人也掌不住，也哭了。傍边彩云等即忙拉衣，王夫人止住，重又说些喜欢的话，便安寝了。

次日一早，至宗祠行禮，眾子侄都隨往。The next morning, early, he went to the ancestral hall to perform the rites, and all the nephews and sons followed along.賈政便在祠旁廂房坐下，叫了賈珍，賈璉過來，問起家中事務。Jia Zheng then sat down in the side room beside the hall, and called Jia Zhen and Jia Lian over to ask about household affairs.賈珍揀可說的說了。Jia Zhen picked out what could be told and told it.賈政又道：“我初回家，也不便來細細查問，只是聽見外頭說起你家里更不比從前，諸事要謹慎才好。Jia Zheng further said, "Since I've only just returned home, it isn't convenient for me to look into things in detail, but I've heard people outside saying that things in your household are no longer what they used to be — you must be careful in everything.你年紀也不小了，孩子們該管教管教，別叫他們在外頭得罪人。You are no longer young in years, and the children ought to be disciplined and taught, so that they don't go about offending people outside.璉兒也該聽著。Lian'er ought to listen to this too.不是才回家就說你們，因我有所聞所以才說的。It isn't that I've only just come home and am already scolding you — it's because I have heard certain things that I say this.你們更該小心些。”賈珍等臉漲通紅的，也只答應個“是”字，不敢說什麼。You all ought to be more careful." Jia Zhen and the others, their faces flushed crimson, only answered with a "Yes," not daring to say anything more.賈政也就罷了。Jia Zheng then let the matter rest.回歸西府，眾家人磕頭畢，仍复進內，眾女仆行禮，不必多贅。Returning to the western mansion, after the assembled servants had finished kowtowing, he went back inside again, and the maidservants performed their courtesies — there is no need to dwell on this further.

次日一早，至宗祠行礼，众子侄都随往。贾政便在祠旁厢房坐下，叫了贾珍，贾琏过来，问起家中事务。贾珍拣可说的说了。贾政又道：“我初回家，也不便来细细查问，只是听见外头说起你家里更不比从前，诸事要谨慎才好。你年纪也不小了，孩子们该管教管教，别叫他们在外头得罪人。琏儿也该听著。不是才回家就说你们，因我有所闻所以才说的。你们更该小心些。”贾珍等脸涨通红的，也只答应个“是”字，不敢说什么。贾政也就罢了。回归西府，众家人磕头毕，仍复进内，众女仆行礼，不必多赘。

只說寶玉因昨日賈政問起黛玉，王夫人答以有病，他便暗里傷心，直待賈政命他回去，一路上，已滴了好些眼淚。To speak only of Baoyu: because Jia Zheng had asked about Daiyu the day before, and Wang Furen had answered that she was ill, he had secretly grieved over it, and had held back until Jia Zheng ordered him to go back, whereupon, all along the way, he had already shed a good many tears.回到房中，見寶釵和襲人等說話，他便獨坐外間納悶。When he returned to his room, he saw Baochai talking with Xiren and the others, so he sat alone in the outer room, brooding.寶釵叫襲人送過茶去，知他必是怕老爺查問功課，所以如此，只得過來安慰。Baochai had Xiren bring tea out to him, knowing he must be worried about Jia Zheng questioning him on his studies, and so was behaving this way, and she could only come over to comfort him.寶玉便借此走去向寶釵說：“你今晚先睡，我要定定神。Baoyu then used this as a pretext to go over and say to Baochai, "You go to sleep early tonight — I need to settle my mind.這時更不如從前了三言倒忘兩語，老爺瞧著不好。These days I'm even worse than before — I say three words and forget two, and if Father notices, it won't look good.你先睡，叫襲人陪我略坐坐。”寶釵不便強他，點頭應允。You go to sleep first, and let Xiren sit with me a while." Baochai did not wish to press him, and nodded her assent.

只说宝玉因昨日贾政问起黛玉，王夫人答以有病，他便暗里伤心，直待贾政命他回去，一路上，已滴了好些眼泪。回到房中，见宝钗和袭人等说话，他便独坐外间纳闷。宝钗叫袭人送过茶去，知他必是怕老爷查问功课，所以如此，只得过来安慰。宝玉便借此走去向宝钗说：“你今晚先睡，我要定定神。这时更不如从前了三言倒忘两语，老爷瞧著不好。你先睡，叫袭人陪我略坐坐。”宝钗不便强他，点头应允。

寶玉出來便輕輕和襲人說，央他：“把紫鵑叫來，有話問他。Baoyu came out and quietly said to Xiren, entreating her, "Call Zijuan over — I have something to ask her.但紫鵑見了我，臉上總是有氣，組須得你去解勸開了再來才好。”襲人道：“你說要定神，我倒喜歡，怎麼又定到這上頭去了？But whenever Zijuan sees me, her face is always full of resentment, so you'll need to go and smooth things over and persuade her before she'll come." Xiren said, "When you said you needed to settle your mind, I was actually glad — how has it settled on this matter instead?有話你明兒問不得？”寶玉道：“我就是今晚得閒，明日倘或老爺叫幹什麼，便沒空了。Can't whatever it is wait until tomorrow to ask?" Baoyu said, "It's only tonight that I have any free time — tomorrow, if Father should call me to do something, I won't have the chance.好姐姐，你快去叫他來。”襲人道：“他不是二奶奶叫是不來的。”寶玉道：“所以你得去說明了才好。”襲人道：“叫我說什麼？”寶玉道：“你還不知道我的心和他的心么？Dear sister, go quickly and call her." Xiren said, "She won't come unless Second Mistress calls her." Baoyu said, "That's exactly why you need to go and explain it clearly to her first." Xiren said, "What am I supposed to say?" Baoyu said, "Don't you still not understand what's in my heart and what's in hers?都為的是林姑娘。It's all for the sake of Miss Lin.你說我并不是負心，我如今叫你們弄成了一個負心的人了！”說著這話，他瞧瞧里間屋子，用手指著說：“他是我本不願意的，都是老太太他們捉弄的。You may say I'm not one to be ungrateful, but now you've all turned me into an ungrateful man!" As he said this, he looked toward the inner room, and pointed with his hand, saying, "That one in there — I never wished for it myself, it was all schemed up by Grandmother and the rest of them.好端端把個林姑娘弄死了。For no reason at all, they brought about Miss Lin's death.就是他死，也該叫我見見，說個明白，他死了也不抱怨我嘎。Even if she had to die, they should at least have let me see her, to have things made clear between us — then even in death she would bear me no grudge.你到底聽見三姑娘他們說過的，臨死恨怨我。You yourself have heard the Third Miss and the others say that as she was dying she was full of resentment and hatred toward me.那紫鵑為他們姑娘，也是恨的我了不得。And that Zijuan, for her young mistress's sake, hates me to no end as well.你想我是無情的人么？Do you think I am a man without feeling?晴雯到底是個丫頭，也沒有什麼大好處，他死了，我實告訴你罷，我還做個祭文祭他呢。Qingwen, after all, was only a maid, and had no great merits to speak of, and yet when she died — I'll tell you the truth — I even wrote a eulogy to mourn her.這是林姑娘親眼見的。This was something Miss Lin saw with her own eyes.如今林姑娘死了，難道倒不及晴雯么？Now that Miss Lin herself has died, could it be that she deserves less than Qingwen?我連祭都不能祭一祭，況且林姑娘死了還有靈圣的，他想起來不是更抱怨我么？”襲人道：“你要祭就祭去，誰攔著你呢。”寶玉道：“我自從好了起來，就想要做一篇祭文，不知道如今怎麼一點靈机都沒有了。Yet I cannot even offer her a single eulogy — and what's more, since Miss Lin died her spirit surely lives on; if she were to think of this, would she not resent me all the more?" Xiren said, "If you want to hold a mourning rite, go and hold one — who's stopping you?" Baoyu said, "Ever since I recovered, I've wanted to compose a eulogy for her, but I don't know why, these days I haven't a spark of inspiration left.要祭別人呢，胡亂還使得，祭他是斷斷粗糙不得一點的。If it were for mourning someone else, something dashed off carelessly would do well enough, but to mourn her, it absolutely cannot be the least bit careless or rough.所以叫紫鵑來問他姑娘的心，他打那里看出來的。That's why I want Zijuan called over, to ask her about her young mistress's heart and mind, and how she came to see into it.我沒病的頭里還想得出來，病後都記不得了。Before I fell ill I could still recall things, but after my illness I can't remember any of it.你倒說林姑娘已經好了，怎麼忽然死的？You did tell me Miss Lin had already recovered — how then did she suddenly die?他好的時候我不去，他怎麼說來著？When she was well, I did not go to see her — what did she say about that?我病的時候，他不來，他又怎麼說來著？When I was ill, she did not come to see me — what did she say about that, in turn?所有他的東西，我誆過來，你二奶奶總不叫動，不知什麼意思。”襲人道：“二奶奶惟恐你傷心罷了，還有什麼呢。”寶玉道：“我不信。All of her things — I had you get them for me on some pretext, and yet your Second Mistress never lets anyone touch them — I don't know what she means by it." Xiren said, "Second Mistress is only afraid it will grieve you — what else could it be?" Baoyu said, "I don't believe that.林姑娘既是念我為什麼臨死把詩稿燒了，不留給我做個紀念？If Miss Lin truly cherished me, why did she burn her poem manuscripts as she was dying, instead of leaving them for me as a keepsake?又聽見說天上有音樂響，必是他成了神，或是登了仙去。And then I heard it said that there was music sounding in the heavens — surely that means she has become a divinity, or has ascended among the immortals.我雖見過了棺材，到底不知道棺材里有他沒有。”襲人道：“你這話越發糊涂了，怎麼一個人沒死就擱在棺材里當死了的呢！”寶玉道：“不是嘎！Although I have seen the coffin, I still don't know for certain whether she was really inside it." Xiren said, "Now this is getting more and more muddled — how could a person be put into a coffin and treated as dead without actually having died!" Baoyu said, "That's not what I mean!大凡成仙的人，或是肉身去的，或是脫胎去的。Generally speaking, among those who become immortals, some go in the flesh, and some go by shedding the mortal body.好姐姐，你到底叫了紫鵑來。”襲人道：“如今等我細細的說明了你的心，他要肯來還好，要不肯來，還得費多少話；Dear sister, in any case, go and call Zijuan for me." Xiren said, "Now, let me first explain your feelings to her in careful detail — if she's willing to come, all the better; if she's not willing, it will still take a great deal of talking to bring her round;就是來了，見你也不肯細說。and even if she does come, on seeing you she still won't be willing to speak of it in detail.据我的主意：明日等二奶奶上去了，我慢慢的問他，或是倒可仔細。To my mind, it would be better to wait until tomorrow, once Second Mistress has gone up to pay her respects, and then I'll question her slowly myself — that way things might actually come out more clearly.遇著閒空兒，我再慢慢的告訴你。Whenever I find a free moment, I'll tell you little by little."寶玉道：“你說得也是，你不知道我心里的著急。”Baoyu said, "What you say makes sense, but you don't know how anxious I feel inside."

宝玉出来便轻轻和袭人说，央他：“把紫鹃叫来，有话问他。但紫鹃见了我，脸上总是有气，组须得你去解劝开了再来才好。”袭人道：“你说要定神，我倒喜欢，怎么又定到这上头去了？有话你明儿问不得？”宝玉道：“我就是今晚得闲，明日倘或老爷叫干什么，便没空了。好姐姐，你快去叫他来。”袭人道：“他不是二奶奶叫是不来的。”宝玉道：“所以你得去说明了才好。”袭人道：“叫我说什么？”宝玉道：“你还不知道我的心和他的心么？都为的是林姑娘。你说我并不是负心，我如今叫你们弄成了一个负心的人了！”说著这话，他瞧瞧里间屋子，用手指著说：“他是我本不愿意的，都是老太太他们捉弄的。好端端把个林姑娘弄死了。就是他死，也该叫我见见，说个明白，他死了也不抱怨我嘎。你到底听见三姑娘他们说过的，临死恨怨我。那紫鹃为他们姑娘，也是恨的我了不得。你想我是无情的人么？晴雯到底是个丫头，也没有什么大好处，他死了，我实告诉你罢，我还做个祭文祭他呢。这是林姑娘亲眼见的。如今林姑娘死了，难道倒不及晴雯么？我连祭都不能祭一祭，况且林姑娘死了还有灵圣的，他想起来不是更抱怨我么？”袭人道：“你要祭就祭去，谁拦著你呢。”宝玉道：“我自从好了起来，就想要做一篇祭文，不知道如今怎么一点灵机都没有了。要祭别人呢，胡乱还使得，祭他是断断粗糙不得一点的。所以叫紫鹃来问他姑娘的心，他打那里看出来的。我没病的头里还想得出来，病后都记不得了。你倒说林姑娘已经好了，怎么忽然死的？他好的时候我不去，他怎么说来著？我病的时候，他不来，他又怎么说来著？所有他的东西，我诓过来，你二奶奶总不叫动，不知什么意思。”袭人道：“二奶奶惟恐你伤心罢了，还有什么呢。”宝玉道：“我不信。林姑娘既是念我为什么临死把诗稿烧了，不留给我做个纪念？又听见说天上有音乐响，必是他成了神，或是登了仙去。我虽见过了棺材，到底不知道棺材里有他没有。”袭人道：“你这话越发糊涂了，怎么一个人没死就搁在棺材里当死了的呢！”宝玉道：“不是嘎！大凡成仙的人，或是肉身去的，或是脱胎去的。好姐姐，你到底叫了紫鹃来。”袭人道：“如今等我细细的说明了你的心，他要肯来还好，要不肯来，还得费多少话；就是来了，见你也不肯细说。据我的主意：明日等二奶奶上去了，我慢慢的问他，或是倒可仔细。遇著闲空儿，我再慢慢的告诉你。宝玉道：“你说得也是，你不知道我心里的著急。”

正說著，麝月出來說：“二奶奶說，天已四更了，請二爺進去睡罷，襲人姐姐必是說高了興了，忘了時候。”襲人聽了，道：“可不是該睡了，有話明兒再說罷。”寶玉無奈，只得進去，又向襲人耳語道：“明兒好歹別忘了。”襲人笑道：“知道了。”麝月抹著臉笑道：“你們兩個又鬧鬼兒了。Just as they were talking, Sheyue came out and said, "Second Mistress says it's already the fourth watch, and asks Second Master to go in and sleep — Sister Xiren must be so pleased chatting away that she's forgotten the time." On hearing this, Xiren said, "So it is, it really is time to sleep — whatever else there is to say can wait till tomorrow." Baoyu had no choice but to go in, but he whispered to Xiren, "Whatever you do, don't forget tomorrow." Xiren said with a smile, "I know, I know." Sheyue, rubbing her face and smiling, said, "You two are up to your tricks again.為什麼不和二奶奶說明了，就到襲人那邊睡去？Why not just explain things plainly to Second Mistress, and go sleep over on Xiren's side?由著你們說一夜，我們也不管。”寶玉擺手道：“不用言語。”襲人恨道：“小蹄子兒，你又嚼舌根，看我明兒撕你的嘴！”回頭對寶玉道：“這不是你鬧的？Talk all night for all we care, we won't interfere." Baoyu waved his hand and said, "No need to say such things." Xiren said crossly, "You little imp, running your mouth again — just wait, tomorrow I'll tear that mouth of yours!" Then, turning to Baoyu, she said, "Isn't this all your doing?說了四更天的話。”一面說，一面送寶玉進屋，各人散去。Talking on till the fourth watch." So saying, she saw Baoyu into his room, and then everyone went their separate ways.

正说著，麝月出来说：“二奶奶说，天已四更了，请二爷进去睡罢，袭人姐姐必是说高了兴了，忘了时候。”袭人听了，道：“可不是该睡了，有话明儿再说罢。”宝玉无奈，只得进去，又向袭人耳语道：“明儿好歹别忘了。”袭人笑道：“知道了。”麝月抹著脸笑道：“你们两个又闹鬼儿了。为什么不和二奶奶说明了，就到袭人那边睡去？由著你们说一夜，我们也不管。”宝玉摆手道：“不用言语。”袭人恨道：“小蹄子儿，你又嚼舌根，看我明儿撕你的嘴！”回头对宝玉道：“这不是你闹的？说了四更天的话。”一面说，一面送宝玉进屋，各人散去。

那夜寶玉無眠，到了次日，還想這事。That night Baoyu could not sleep, and by the next day he was still thinking over the matter.只聽得外頭傳進話來，說：“眾親朋因老爺回家，都要送戲接風。Just then word was passed in from outside, saying, "All the various relatives and friends, on account of the Master's return home, all wish to host a theatrical performance to welcome him back.老爺再三推辭，說不必唱戲，竟在家里備了水酒，倒請親朋過來大家談談。The Master declined again and again, saying there was no need for a theatrical performance, and instead simply had wine prepared at home, inviting the relatives and friends over so everyone could talk together.于是定了後兒擺席請人，所以進來告訴。”不知所請何人，下回分解。So it has been fixed for the day after tomorrow to lay out a banquet and invite the guests, and so I've come in to report it." Who exactly is to be invited is not yet known; that will be told in the chapter to follow.

那夜宝玉无眠，到了次日，还想这事。只听得外头传进话来，说：“众亲朋因老爷回家，都要送戏接风。老爷再三推辞，说不必唱戏，竟在家里备了水酒，倒请亲朋过来大家谈谈。于是定了后儿摆席请人，所以进来告诉。”不知所请何人，下回分解。