第百零五回　錦衣軍查抄寧國府　驄馬使彈劾平安州 Imperial Guards Search and Seize the Ning Mansion; A Censor Impeaches the Governor of Ping'an

話說賈政正在那里設宴請酒，忽見賴大急忙走上榮禧堂來回賈政道：“有錦衣府堂官趙老爺帶領好幾位司官說來拜望。Now it happened that Jia Zheng was hosting a banquet, when suddenly he saw Lai Da hurry up to Rongxi Hall to report to Jia Zheng, saying: "There is a director of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Lord Zhao, leading several officials, who say they have come to pay a visit.奴才要取職名來回，趙老爺說：‘我們至好，不用的。’一面就下車來走進來了。Your servant went to fetch his card to announce him, but Lord Zhao said, 'We are the closest of friends, there's no need for that,' and thereupon got down from his carriage and came walking in.請老爺同爺們快接去。”賈政聽了，心想：“趙老爺并無來往，怎麼也來？Please, sir, come quickly with the young masters to receive him." Hearing this, Jia Zheng thought to himself: "Lord Zhao and I have no dealings with each other at all — why would he come?現在有客，留他不便，不留又不好。”正自思想，賈璉說：“叔叔快去罷，再想一回，人都進來了。”正說著，只見二門上家人又報進來說：“趙老爺已進二門了。”賈政等搶步接去，只見趙堂官滿臉笑容，并不說什麼，一徑走上廳來。There are guests here now — it's inconvenient to detain him, yet not detaining him would be improper too." Just as he was pondering this, Jia Lian said, "Uncle, go quickly — if you deliberate any longer, he'll already be inside." Even as he spoke, a servant from the second gate came in to report, "Lord Zhao has already entered the second gate." Jia Zheng and the others hurried forward to receive him, only to see the Director Zhao, his face full of smiles, saying nothing at all, walking straight on up into the hall.後面跟著五六位司官，也有認得的，也有不認得的，但是總不答話。Following behind him were five or six officials, some of whom were acquaintances and some not, but none of them said a word in reply.賈政等心里不得主意，只得跟了上來讓坐。Jia Zheng and the others, at a loss what to make of it, could only follow along and offer him a seat.眾親友也有認得趙堂官的，見他仰著臉不大理人，只拉著賈政的手，笑著說了幾句寒溫的話。Among the assembled relatives and friends there were some who knew Director Zhao; they saw that he held his face up and paid little heed to anyone, merely taking Jia Zheng's hand and speaking a few polite words of greeting with a smile.眾人看見來頭不好，也有躲進里間屋里的，也有垂手侍立的。Seeing that things did not bode well, some of those present slipped away into the inner rooms, while others stood by with hands lowered, waiting attentively.賈政正要帶笑敘話，只見家人慌張報道：“西平王爺到了。”賈政慌忙去接，已見王爺進來。Just as Jia Zheng was about to exchange a few pleasant words, a servant rushed in in a panic to report: "Prince Xiping has arrived!" Jia Zheng hastened out to receive him, and already saw the prince coming in.趙堂官搶上去請了安，便說：“王爺已到，隨來各位老爺就該帶領府役把守前後門。”眾官應了出去。Director Zhao hastened forward to pay his respects, and said, "Now that His Highness has arrived, the gentlemen who came with him should lead the mansion's servants to guard the front and back gates." The officials assented and went out.賈政等知事不好，連忙跪接。Jia Zheng and the others, sensing that things were amiss, hastily knelt to receive him.西平郡王用兩手扶起，笑嘻嘻的說道：“無事不敢輕造，有奉旨交辦事件，要赦老接旨。Prince Xiping raised him up with both hands, and said with a smile, "I would not dare to intrude without cause — I have come bearing an imperial decree to be carried out, and Lord She must receive the edict.如今滿堂中筵席未散，想有親友在此未便，且請眾位府上親友各散，獨留本宅的人聽候。”趙堂官回說：“王爺雖是恩典，但東邊的事，這位王爺辦事認真，想是早已封門。”眾人知是兩府干系，恨不能脫身。Since the whole hall's banquet has not yet broken up, I imagine it would be awkward with relatives and friends present — please have all the relatives and friends from your household disperse, and keep only the members of this house to await orders." Director Zhao replied, "Though His Highness shows favor, as for the matter of the eastern mansion, this other prince handling it is thorough in his work, and I imagine the gates there have long since been sealed." Everyone realized this concerned both mansions, and longed desperately to get away.只見王爺笑道：“眾位只管就請，叫人來給我送出去，告訴錦衣府的官員說，這都是親友，不必盤查，快快放出。”那些親友聽見，就一溜煙如飛的出去了。Then the prince said with a smile, "All of you may go ahead and take your leave — have someone see you out for me, and tell the officials of the Embroidered Uniform Guard that these are all relatives and friends, no need to question them, let them out quickly." Hearing this, the relatives and friends fled out like a puff of smoke, as if flying.獨有賈赦賈政一干人唬得面如土色，滿身發顫。Only Jia She, Jia Zheng, and the rest of their group were frightened until their faces turned the color of earth, trembling all over.不多一回，只見進來無數番役，各門把守。Before long, countless guards came pouring in, taking up posts at every gate.本宅上下人等，一步不能亂走。Everyone in the household, high and low, was unable to move a single step out of place.趙堂官便轉過一付臉來回王爺道：“請爺宣旨意，就好動手。”這些番役卻撩衣勒臂，專等旨意。Director Zhao then turned his face and said to the prince, "Please, Your Highness, proclaim the edict, so that we may proceed." The guards, meanwhile, hitched up their robes and rolled up their sleeves, waiting solely for the decree.西平王慢慢的說道：“小王奉旨帶領錦衣府趙全來查看賈赦家產。”賈赦等聽見，俱俯伏在地。Prince Xiping said slowly, "This lowly prince, obeying the imperial decree, has brought Zhao Quan of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to inspect Jia She's household property." Hearing this, Jia She and the others all prostrated themselves on the ground.王爺便站在上頭說：“有旨意：‘賈赦交通外官，依勢凌弱，辜負朕恩，有忝祖德，著革去世職。The prince then stood at the head of the hall and said, "The decree reads: 'Jia She has colluded with outside officials, relying on his power to oppress the weak, betraying Our favor and disgracing his ancestors' virtue; let his hereditary rank be stripped from him.欽此。’”趙堂官一疊聲叫：“拿下賈赦，其餘皆看守。”維時賈赦，賈政，賈璉，賈珍，賈蓉，賈薔，賈芝，賈蘭俱在，惟寶玉假說有病，在賈母那邊打鬧，賈環本來不大見人的，所以就將現在幾人看住。Respect this.'" Director Zhao cried out repeatedly, "Seize Jia She! Keep the rest under guard!" At that time Jia She, Jia Zheng, Jia Lian, Jia Zhen, Jia Rong, Jia Qiang, Jia Zhi, and Jia Lan were all present; only Baoyu, having pleaded illness, was carrying on at Grandmother Jia's quarters, and Jia Huan, who did not much show his face in company anyway — so they simply kept guard over the several men now present.趙堂官即叫他的家人：“傳齊司員，帶同番役，分頭按房抄查登帳。”這一言不打緊，唬得賈政上下人等面面相看，喜得番役家人摩拳擦掌，就要往各處動手。Director Zhao immediately called to his own attendants: "Summon all the officials together, and take the guards with you, and go room by room, house by house, to search and register everything." This one remark was no small matter — it frightened Jia Zheng and everyone under him into staring blankly at one another, while it delighted the guards and attendants, who rubbed their fists and palms, eager to lay hands on everything everywhere.西平王道：“聞得赦老與政老同房各爨的，理應遵旨查看賈赦的家資，其餘且按房封鎖，我們复旨去再候定奪。”趙堂官站起來說：“回王爺：賈赦賈政并未分家，聞得他侄兒賈璉現在承總管家，不能不盡行查抄。”西平王聽了，也不言語。Prince Xiping said, "I have heard that Lord She and Lord Zheng keep separate kitchens though under one roof; by rights we should, in obedience to the decree, inspect only Jia She's household property, and simply seal off the rest room by room, while we go to report back and await further decision." Director Zhao stood up and said, "Reporting to Your Highness: Jia She and Jia Zheng have never divided the family estate, and I have heard that his nephew Jia Lian is presently in charge of managing the household as a whole, so a complete search cannot be avoided." Hearing this, Prince Xiping said nothing more.趙堂官便說：“賈璉賈赦兩處須得奴才帶領去查抄才好。”西平王便說：“不必忙，先傳信後宅，且請內眷回避，再查不遲。”一言未了，老趙家奴番役已經拉著本宅家人領路，分頭查抄去了。Director Zhao then said, "The two quarters of Jia Lian and Jia She really must have your servant lead the search himself." Prince Xiping then said, "There's no need to hurry — first send word to the inner apartments, and have the womenfolk withdraw first; it will not be too late to search afterward." Before he had even finished speaking, old Zhao's household underlings and guards had already seized members of the household to guide them, and gone off in separate directions to conduct the search.王爺喝命：“不許羅皂！The prince shouted an order: "No dragging people about roughly!待本爵自行查看。”說著，便慢慢的站起來要走，又吩咐說：“跟我的人一個不許動，都給我站在這里候著，回來一齊瞧著登數。”正說著，只見錦衣司官跪稟說：“在內查出御用衣裙并多少禁用之物，不敢擅動，回來請示王爺。”一回兒又有一起人來攔住王爺，就回說：“東跨所抄出兩箱房地契又一箱借票，卻都是違例取利的。”老趙便說：“好個重利盤剝！Let this noble go and inspect matters himself." So saying, he slowly rose to go, and further instructed: "Not one of the men who came with me is to move — all of you stand here and wait, and when I return we shall check the count together." Even as he spoke, an official of the Embroidered Uniform Guard knelt to report: "Inside we have found imperial robes and skirts along with a number of prohibited items; we dare not touch them on our own, and await Your Highness's instructions on our return." A moment later another group came to stop the prince, reporting: "In the eastern side chambers we have searched out two chests of land deeds and property titles, and another chest of promissory notes, all of them charging interest in violation of the law." Old Zhao then said, "What splendid usury and extortion!很該全抄！It thoroughly deserves to be entirely confiscated!請王爺就此坐下，叫奴才去全抄來再候定奪罷。”說著，只見王府長史來稟說：“守門軍傳進來說，主上特命北靜王到這里宣旨，請爺接去。”趙堂官聽了，心里喜歡說：“我好晦氣，碰著這個酸王。Please, Your Highness, be seated here, and let your servant go and confiscate everything completely, and then await your decision." Even as he spoke, the steward of the princely household came to report: "The gate guards have sent word in that His Majesty has specially commanded Prince Beijing to come here to proclaim a decree — please, Your Highness, go and receive him." Hearing this, Director Zhao thought with delight to himself: "What rotten luck I've had, running into this pedantic prince.如今那位來了，我就好施威。”一面想著，也迎出來。Now that this other one has come, I'll be able to throw my weight around properly." So thinking, he too went out to greet him.

话说贾政正在那里设宴请酒，忽见赖大急忙走上荣禧堂来回贾政道：“有锦衣府堂官赵老爷带领好几位司官说来拜望。奴才要取职名来回，赵老爷说：‘我们至好，不用的。’一面就下车来走进来了。请老爷同爷们快接去。”贾政听了，心想：“赵老爷并无来往，怎么也来？现在有客，留他不便，不留又不好。”正自思想，贾琏说：“叔叔快去罢，再想一回，人都进来了。”正说著，只见二门上家人又报进来说：“赵老爷已进二门了。”贾政等抢步接去，只见赵堂官满脸笑容，并不说什么，一径走上厅来。后面跟著五六位司官，也有认得的，也有不认得的，但是总不答话。贾政等心里不得主意，只得跟了上来让坐。众亲友也有认得赵堂官的，见他仰著脸不大理人，只拉著贾政的手，笑著说了几句寒温的话。众人看见来头不好，也有躲进里间屋里的，也有垂手侍立的。贾政正要带笑叙话，只见家人慌张报道：“西平王爷到了。”贾政慌忙去接，已见王爷进来。赵堂官抢上去请了安，便说：“王爷已到，随来各位老爷就该带领府役把守前后门。”众官应了出去。贾政等知事不好，连忙跪接。西平郡王用两手扶起，笑嘻嘻的说道：“无事不敢轻造，有奉旨交办事件，要赦老接旨。如今满堂中筵席未散，想有亲友在此未便，且请众位府上亲友各散，独留本宅的人听候。”赵堂官回说：“王爷虽是恩典，但东边的事，这位王爷办事认真，想是早已封门。”众人知是两府干系，恨不能脱身。只见王爷笑道：“众位只管就请，叫人来给我送出去，告诉锦衣府的官员说，这都是亲友，不必盘查，快快放出。”那些亲友听见，就一溜烟如飞的出去了。独有贾赦贾政一干人唬得面如土色，满身发颤。不多一回，只见进来无数番役，各门把守。本宅上下人等，一步不能乱走。赵堂官便转过一付脸来回王爷道：“请爷宣旨意，就好动手。”这些番役却撩衣勒臂，专等旨意。西平王慢慢的说道：“小王奉旨带领锦衣府赵全来查看贾赦家产。”贾赦等听见，俱俯伏在地。王爷便站在上头说：“有旨意：‘贾赦交通外官，依势凌弱，辜负朕恩，有忝祖德，著革去世职。钦此。’”赵堂官一叠声叫：“拿下贾赦，其余皆看守。”维时贾赦，贾政，贾琏，贾珍，贾蓉，贾蔷，贾芝，贾兰俱在，惟宝玉假说有病，在贾母那边打闹，贾环本来不大见人的，所以就将现在几人看住。赵堂官即叫他的家人：“传齐司员，带同番役，分头按房抄查登帐。”这一言不打紧，唬得贾政上下人等面面相看，喜得番役家人摩拳擦掌，就要往各处动手。西平王道：“闻得赦老与政老同房各爨的，理应遵旨查看贾赦的家资，其余且按房封锁，我们复旨去再候定夺。”赵堂官站起来说：“回王爷：贾赦贾政并未分家，闻得他侄儿贾琏现在承总管家，不能不尽行查抄。”西平王听了，也不言语。赵堂官便说：“贾琏贾赦两处须得奴才带领去查抄才好。”西平王便说：“不必忙，先传信后宅，且请内眷回避，再查不迟。”一言未了，老赵家奴番役已经拉著本宅家人领路，分头查抄去了。王爷喝命：“不许罗皂！待本爵自行查看。”说著，便慢慢的站起来要走，又吩咐说：“跟我的人一个不许动，都给我站在这里候著，回来一齐瞧著登数。”正说著，只见锦衣司官跪禀说：“在内查出御用衣裙并多少禁用之物，不敢擅动，回来请示王爷。”一回儿又有一起人来拦住王爷，就回说：“东跨所抄出两箱房地契又一箱借票，却都是违例取利的。”老赵便说：“好个重利盘剥！很该全抄！请王爷就此坐下，叫奴才去全抄来再候定夺罢。”说著，只见王府长史来禀说：“守门军传进来说，主上特命北静王到这里宣旨，请爷接去。”赵堂官听了，心里喜欢说：“我好晦气，碰著这个酸王。如今那位来了，我就好施威。”一面想著，也迎出来。

只見北靜王已到大廳，就向外站著，說：“有旨意，錦衣府趙全聽宣。”說：“奉旨意：‘著錦衣官惟提賈赦質審，餘交西平王遵旨查辦。He saw that Prince Beijing had already arrived at the great hall, and, standing facing outward, said, "There is an edict — let Zhao Quan of the Embroidered Uniform Guard hear it proclaimed." He said: "By decree: 'Let the officer of the Embroidered Uniform Guard take only Jia She into custody for questioning; the rest is to be handed to Prince Xiping to handle in accordance with the decree.欽此。’”西平王領了，好不喜歡，便與北靜王坐下，著趙堂官提取賈赦回衙。Respect this.'" Prince Xiping received the decree with no small delight, then sat down together with Prince Beijing, and had Director Zhao take Jia She back to the yamen.里頭那些查抄的人聽得北靜王到，俱一齊出來，及聞趙堂官走了，大家沒趣，只得侍立聽候。Hearing that Prince Beijing had arrived, all those inside conducting the search came out together, and when they heard that Director Zhao had left, everyone felt deflated, and could only stand waiting in attendance.北靜王便挑選兩個誠實司官并十來個老年番役，餘者一概逐出。Prince Beijing then picked out two honest officials along with a dozen or so older guards, and had all the rest driven out.西平王便說：“我正與老趙生氣。Prince Xiping then said, "I was just now growing angry at old Zhao.幸得王爺到來降旨，不然這里很吃大虧。”北靜王說：“我在朝內聽見王爺奉旨查抄賈宅，我甚放心，諒這里不致荼毒。Fortunately Your Highness came to deliver the decree, or else things here would have suffered greatly." Prince Beijing said, "When I heard at court that Your Highness had been ordered to search the Jia household, I felt quite at ease, thinking that things here would not come to real harm.不料老趙這麼混帳。I did not expect old Zhao to behave so outrageously.但不知現在政老及寶玉在那里，里面不知鬧到怎麼樣了。”眾人回稟：“賈政等在下房看守著，里面已抄得亂騰騰的了。”西平王便吩咐司員：“快將賈政帶來問話。”眾人命帶了上來。But I wonder where Lord Zheng and Baoyu are now, and to what state things inside have been thrown into chaos." Those present reported back, "Jia Zheng and the others are being kept under guard in the outer rooms; inside, the search has already thrown everything into an uproar." Prince Xiping then instructed the officials, "Quickly bring Jia Zheng here for questioning." The men were ordered to bring him up.賈政跪了請安，不免含淚乞恩。Jia Zheng knelt and paid his respects, and could not help but beg for mercy with tears in his eyes.北靜王便起身拉著，說：“政老放心。”便將旨意說了。Prince Beijing rose and helped him up, saying, "Lord Zheng, set your mind at ease," and thereupon related the contents of the decree.賈政感激涕零，望北又謝了恩，仍上來聽候。Jia Zheng, overwhelmed with gratitude and weeping, bowed toward the north again in thanks for the imperial favor, and then rose to wait in attendance as before.王爺道：“政老，方才老趙在這里的時候，番役呈稟有禁用之物并重利欠票，我們也難掩過。The prince said, "Lord Zheng, just now while old Zhao was here, the guards reported finding prohibited items and usurious loan notes — this is something we too find hard to conceal or overlook.這禁用之物原辦進貴妃用的，我們聲明，也無礙。As for the prohibited items, since they were originally procured for the Honored Consort's use, we shall state this clearly, and it will cause no trouble.獨是借券想個什麼法兒才好。It is only the loan notes for which we must think of some way to handle things properly.如今政老且帶司員實在將赦老家產呈出，也就了事，切不可再有隱匿，自干罪戾。”賈政答應道：“犯官再不敢。For now, Lord Zheng, take the officials and truthfully hand over all of Lord She's household property, and the matter will be settled — on no account conceal anything further and bring guilt upon yourself." Jia Zheng answered, "This guilty official would not dare do so again.但犯官祖父遺產并未分過，惟各人所住的房屋有的東西便為己有。”兩王便說：“這也無妨，惟將赦老那一邊所有的交出就是了。”又吩咐司員等依命行去，不許胡混亂動。But the estate left by this guilty official's grandfather was never divided; only what belongs to each person's own residence may be counted as his own property." The two princes then said, "That is no obstacle either — simply hand over everything on Lord She's side, and that will do." They further instructed the officials to carry out their orders accordingly, and not to act recklessly or in confusion.司員領命去了。The officials received their orders and went off.

只见北静王已到大厅，就向外站著，说：“有旨意，锦衣府赵全听宣。”说：“奉旨意：‘著锦衣官惟提贾赦质审，余交西平王遵旨查办。钦此。’”西平王领了，好不喜欢，便与北静王坐下，著赵堂官提取贾赦回衙。里头那些查抄的人听得北静王到，俱一齐出来，及闻赵堂官走了，大家没趣，只得侍立听候。北静王便挑选两个诚实司官并十来个老年番役，余者一概逐出。西平王便说：“我正与老赵生气。幸得王爷到来降旨，不然这里很吃大亏。”北静王说：“我在朝内听见王爷奉旨查抄贾宅，我甚放心，谅这里不致荼毒。不料老赵这么混帐。但不知现在政老及宝玉在那里，里面不知闹到怎么样了。”众人回禀：“贾政等在下房看守著，里面已抄得乱腾腾的了。”西平王便吩咐司员：“快将贾政带来问话。”众人命带了上来。贾政跪了请安，不免含泪乞恩。北静王便起身拉著，说：“政老放心。”便将旨意说了。贾政感激涕零，望北又谢了恩，仍上来听候。王爷道：“政老，方才老赵在这里的时候，番役呈禀有禁用之物并重利欠票，我们也难掩过。这禁用之物原办进贵妃用的，我们声明，也无碍。独是借券想个什么法儿才好。如今政老且带司员实在将赦老家产呈出，也就了事，切不可再有隐匿，自干罪戾。”贾政答应道：“犯官再不敢。但犯官祖父遗产并未分过，惟各人所住的房屋有的东西便为己有。”两王便说：“这也无妨，惟将赦老那一边所有的交出就是了。”又吩咐司员等依命行去，不许胡混乱动。司员领命去了。

且說賈母那邊女眷也擺家宴，王夫人正在那邊說：“寶玉不到外頭，恐他老子生氣。”鳳姐帶病哼哼唧唧的說：“我看寶玉也不是怕人，他見前頭陪客的人也不少了，所以在這里照應也是有的。Meanwhile, over at Grandmother Jia's, the womenfolk were also holding a family banquet. Lady Wang was just then saying, "Baoyu isn't going out front — I'm afraid his father will be angry." Xifeng, ill and moaning faintly, said, "As I see it, it isn't that Baoyu is afraid to face people; he saw that there were already plenty of people out front attending to the guests, so it's quite possible he's here looking after things on this side instead.倘或老爺想起里頭少個人在那里照應，太太便把寶兄弟獻出去，可不是好？”賈母笑道：“鳳丫頭病到這地位，這張嘴還是那麼尖巧。”正說到高興，只聽見邢夫人那邊的人一直聲的嚷進來說：“老太太，太太，不……Supposing the Master should think of it and realize there's no one inside looking after things, then, Madam, you could offer up Brother Bao — wouldn't that be fine?" Grandmother Jia said with a laugh, "Sick as Xifeng is, that tongue of hers is still as sharp and clever as ever." Just as they were talking merrily, they suddenly heard someone from Lady Xing's side shouting as they rushed in without pause: "Old Ancestress, Madam, it's no—不好了！It's terrible!多多少少的穿靴帶帽的強……Any number of men in boots and caps, ban—強盜來了，翻箱倒籠的來拿東西。”賈母等聽著發呆。Bandits have come, turning over chests and boxes to seize things!" Grandmother Jia and the others listened, stunned.又見平兒披頭散發拉著巧姐哭啼啼的來說：“不好了，我正與姐兒吃飯，只見來旺被人拴著進來說：‘姑娘快快傳進去，請太太們回避，外面王爺就進來查抄家產。’我聽了著忙，正要進房拿要緊東西，被一伙人渾推渾赶出來的。Then they saw Ping'er, hair disheveled, dragging Qiaojie along and weeping as she said: "It's terrible — I was just eating with the young miss when I saw Laiwang brought in bound, saying, 'Miss, hurry and pass word inside — ask the ladies to withdraw, the prince is about to come in outside to search and confiscate the property.' Hearing this I panicked, and was just about to go into the room to fetch important things, when a crowd of men shoved and drove me right out.咱們這里該穿該帶的快快收拾。”王邢二夫人等聽得，俱魂飛天外，不知怎樣才好。Whatever we need to wear or carry from here, we'd better gather it up quickly." Hearing this, Lady Wang, Lady Xing, and the others were all frightened out of their wits, not knowing what to do.獨見鳳姐先前圓睜兩眼聽著，後來便一仰身栽到地下死了。Only Xifeng was seen, eyes wide open, listening at first, and then she fell backward to the ground, as if dead.賈母沒有聽完，便嚇得涕淚交流，連話也說不出來。Grandmother Jia had not even heard it all before she was so frightened that tears streamed down her face, and she could not even get a word out.那時一屋子人拉那個，扯那個，正鬧得翻天覆地，又聽見一疊聲嚷說：“叫里面女眷們回避，王爺進來了！”At that moment the whole room was full of people pulling at one another and tugging this way and that, in an uproar fit to turn heaven and earth upside down, when they heard shouting again, one cry after another: "Tell the womenfolk inside to withdraw — the prince is coming in!"

且说贾母那边女眷也摆家宴，王夫人正在那边说：“宝玉不到外头，恐他老子生气。”凤姐带病哼哼唧唧的说：“我看宝玉也不是怕人，他见前头陪客的人也不少了，所以在这里照应也是有的。倘或老爷想起里头少个人在那里照应，太太便把宝兄弟献出去，可不是好？”贾母笑道：“凤丫头病到这地位，这张嘴还是那么尖巧。”正说到高兴，只听见邢夫人那边的人一直声的嚷进来说：“老太太，太太，不……不好了！多多少少的穿靴带帽的强……强盗来了，翻箱倒笼的来拿东西。”贾母等听著发呆。又见平儿披头散发拉著巧姐哭啼啼的来说：“不好了，我正与姐儿吃饭，只见来旺被人拴著进来说：‘姑娘快快传进去，请太太们回避，外面王爷就进来查抄家产。’我听了著忙，正要进房拿要紧东西，被一伙人浑推浑赶出来的。咱们这里该穿该带的快快收拾。”王邢二夫人等听得，俱魂飞天外，不知怎样才好。独见凤姐先前圆睁两眼听著，后来便一仰身栽到地下死了。贾母没有听完，便吓得涕泪交流，连话也说不出来。那时一屋子人拉那个，扯那个，正闹得翻天覆地，又听见一叠声嚷说：“叫里面女眷们回避，王爷进来了！”

可怜寶釵寶玉等正在沒法，只見地下這些丫頭婆子亂抬亂扯的時候，賈璉喘吁吁的跑進來說：“好了，好了，幸虧王爺救了我們了！”眾人正要問他，賈璉見鳳姐死在地下，哭著亂叫，又怕老太太嚇坏了，急得死去活來。Poor Baochai and Baoyu were at a complete loss, and just as the maids and old women on the floor were carrying things about and pulling in all directions in chaos, Jia Lian came running in, gasping for breath, and said, "It's all right, it's all right — thank heaven the prince has saved us!" Everyone was about to question him when Jia Lian saw Xifeng lying dead on the ground, and cried out wildly in tears; then, fearing Grandmother Jia might be frightened into a fit, he was so distressed he seemed half dead himself.還虧平兒將鳳姐叫醒，令人扶著，老太太也回過氣來，哭得氣短神昏，躺在炕上。Fortunately Ping'er managed to rouse Xifeng awake, and had people support her; Grandmother Jia, too, caught her breath again, but wept until she was short of breath and dazed in spirit, and lay down on the kang.李紈再三寬慰。Li Wan comforted her again and again.然後賈璉定神將兩王恩典說明，惟恐賈母邢夫人知道賈赦被拿，又要唬死，暫且不敢明說，只得出來照料自己屋內。Only then did Jia Lian steady his mind and explain the favor shown by the two princes; but fearing that if Grandmother Jia and Lady Xing learned that Jia She had been taken away they might be frightened to death, he did not dare speak of it openly for the time being, and could only go out to see to his own quarters.

可怜宝钗宝玉等正在没法，只见地下这些丫头婆子乱抬乱扯的时候，贾琏喘吁吁的跑进来说：“好了，好了，幸亏王爷救了我们了！”众人正要问他，贾琏见凤姐死在地下，哭著乱叫，又怕老太太吓坏了，急得死去活来。还亏平儿将凤姐叫醒，令人扶著，老太太也回过气来，哭得气短神昏，躺在炕上。李纨再三宽慰。然后贾琏定神将两王恩典说明，惟恐贾母邢夫人知道贾赦被拿，又要唬死，暂且不敢明说，只得出来照料自己屋内。

一進屋門，只見箱開柜破，物件搶得半空。As soon as he entered the door of his room, he saw chests thrown open and cabinets broken, with belongings seized until half of everything was gone.此時急得兩眼直豎，淌淚發呆。At this he grew so distressed that his eyes stared fixedly, and he stood dazed with tears streaming down.聽見外頭叫，只得出來。Hearing himself called from outside, he had no choice but to go out.見賈政同司員登記物件，一人報說：“赤金首飾共一百二十三件，珠寶俱全。He saw Jia Zheng together with the officials registering the belongings, and one man was reporting: "Pure gold ornaments, one hundred twenty-three pieces in all, complete with pearls and jewels.珍珠十三挂，淡金盤二件，金碗二對，金搶碗二個，金匙四十把，銀大碗八十個，銀盤二十個，三鑲金象牙筋二把，鍍金執壺四把，鍍金折盂三對，茶托二件，銀碟七十六件，銀酒杯三十六個。Thirteen strings of pearls, two pale-gold plates, two pairs of gold bowls, two gold-rimmed bowls, forty gold spoons, eighty large silver bowls, twenty silver plates, two pairs of ivory chopsticks with triple gold fittings, four gilded ewers, three pairs of gilded folding basins, two tea saucers, seventy-six silver dishes, thirty-six silver wine cups.黑狐皮十八張，青狐六張，貂皮三十六張，黃狐三十張，猞猁猻皮十二張，麻葉皮三張，洋灰皮六十張，灰狐腿皮四十張，醬色羊皮二十張，猢狸皮二張，黃狐腿二把，小白狐皮二十塊，洋呢三十度，畢嘰二十三度，姑絨十二度，香鼠筒子十件，豆鼠皮四方，天鵝絨一卷，梅鹿皮一方，雲狐筒子二件，貉崽皮一卷，鴨皮七把，灰鼠一百六十張，獾子皮八張，虎皮六張，海豹三張，海龍十六張，灰色羊四十把，黑色羊皮六十三張，元狐帽沿十副，倭刀帽沿十二副，貂帽沿二副，小狐皮十六張，江貉皮二張，獺子皮二張，貓皮三十五張，倭股十二度，綢緞一百三十卷，紗綾一百八一卷，羽線縐三十二卷，氆氌三十卷，妝蟒緞八卷，葛布三捆，各色布三捆，各色皮衣一百三十二件，棉夾單紗絹衣三百四十件。Eighteen black fox pelts, six blue fox pelts, thirty-six sable pelts, thirty yellow fox pelts, twelve lynx pelts, three hemp-leaf pelts, sixty foreign lambskin pelts, forty gray fox leg-fur pelts, twenty sauce-colored sheepskins, two raccoon-dog pelts, two pairs of yellow fox leg-fur, twenty pieces of small white fox fur, thirty bolts of foreign wool serge, twenty-three bolts of worsted, twelve bolts of fine wool, ten sable-neck tube linings, four squares of vole fur, one roll of swan's-down velvet, one square of plum-deer skin, two cloud-fox tube linings, one roll of raccoon-cub fur, seven duck-fur pieces, one hundred sixty squirrel-fur pelts, eight badger pelts, six tiger pelts, three seal pelts, sixteen sea-otter pelts, forty gray sheepskins, sixty-three black sheepskins, ten trims of black fox hat-brim fur, twelve trims of ermine hat-brim fur, two trims of sable hat-brim fur, sixteen small fox pelts, two river raccoon-dog pelts, two otter pelts, thirty-five cat pelts, twelve bolts of foreign damask, one hundred thirty rolls of silk and satin, one hundred eighty-one rolls of gauze and damask, thirty-two rolls of feather-thread crepe, thirty rolls of Tibetan wool cloth, eight rolls of dragon-patterned brocade, three bundles of ramie cloth, three bundles of cloth of various colors, one hundred thirty-two fur garments of various kinds, and three hundred forty padded, lined, single-layer, gauze, and silk garments.玉玩三十二件，帶頭九副，銅錫等物五百餘件，鐘表十八件，朝珠九挂，各色妝蟒三十四件，上用蟒緞迎手靠背三分，宮妝衣裙八套，脂玉圈帶一條，黃緞十二卷。Thirty-two jade curios, nine sets of belt buckles, over five hundred articles of bronze, pewter and the like, eighteen clocks and watches, nine strings of court beads, thirty-four dragon-patterned garments of various colors, three sets of imperial-use dragon-brocade armrests and backrests, eight sets of palace-style robes and skirts, one mutton-fat jade ring belt, and twelve rolls of yellow satin.潮銀五千二百兩，赤金五十兩，錢七千吊。”一切動用家伙攢釘登記，以及榮國賜第，俱一一開列，其房地契紙，家人文書，亦俱封裹。"Damp-cast silver, five thousand two hundred taels; pure gold, fifty taels; cash, seven thousand strings." All the household goods and effects, down to the smallest fittings, were tallied and registered, and the mansion itself, granted by the Rong Guo title, was likewise listed item by item; the deeds to houses and land, along with the household's papers and documents, were all sealed up as well.賈璉在旁邊竊聽，只不聽見報他的東西，心里正在疑惑。Jia Lian, listening in secretly off to the side, noticed that nothing of his own was being reported, and grew suspicious in his heart.只聞兩家王爺問賈政道：“所抄家資內有借券，實系盤剝，究是誰行的？Just then he heard the two princes ask Jia Zheng: "Among the confiscated household property there are loan notes, which are truly usurious in nature — who exactly was responsible for this?政老据實才好。”賈政聽了，跪在地下碰頭說：“實在犯官不理家務，這些事全不知道。Lord Zheng, it would be best if you speak the truth." Hearing this, Jia Zheng knelt on the ground, knocking his head, and said, "In truth, this guilty official has never managed household affairs, and knows nothing at all of these matters.問犯官侄兒賈璉才知。”賈璉連忙走上跪下，稟說：“這一箱文書既在奴才屋內抄出來的，敢說不知道么。You would have to ask this guilty official's nephew Jia Lian to find out." Jia Lian hastily came forward and knelt down, reporting, "Since this chest of papers was found searched out from your servant's own quarters, how could I dare say I know nothing of it?只求王爺開恩，奴才叔叔并不知道的。”兩王道：“你父已經獲罪，只可并案辦理。I only beg Your Highnesses to show mercy — my uncle truly knew nothing of it." The two princes said, "Your father has already been found guilty; this matter can only be handled together with his case.你今認了也是正理。It is only right that you now confess to it.如此叫人將賈璉看守，餘俱散收宅內。Accordingly, have someone keep Jia Lian under guard, and let the rest disperse and be confined within the mansion.政老，你須小心候旨。Lord Zheng, you must be careful and await the decree.我們進內复旨去了，這里有官役看守。”說著，上轎出門。We are going in to report back and await further decision; here the officials and guards will keep watch." So saying, they got into their sedan chairs and went out through the gate.賈政等就在二門跪送。Jia Zheng and the others knelt at the second gate to see them off.北靜王把手一伸，說：“請放心。”覺得臉上大有不忍之色。Prince Beijing reached out his hand and said, "Please set your mind at ease" — and on his face there could be seen a great look of pity.

一进屋门，只见箱开柜破，物件抢得半空。此时急得两眼直竖，淌泪发呆。听见外头叫，只得出来。见贾政同司员登记物件，一人报说：“赤金首饰共一百二十三件，珠宝俱全。珍珠十三挂，淡金盘二件，金碗二对，金抢碗二个，金匙四十把，银大碗八十个，银盘二十个，三镶金象牙筋二把，镀金执壶四把，镀金折盂三对，茶托二件，银碟七十六件，银酒杯三十六个。黑狐皮十八张，青狐六张，貂皮三十六张，黄狐三十张，猞猁狲皮十二张，麻叶皮三张，洋灰皮六十张，灰狐腿皮四十张，酱色羊皮二十张，猢狸皮二张，黄狐腿二把，小白狐皮二十块，洋呢三十度，毕叽二十三度，姑绒十二度，香鼠筒子十件，豆鼠皮四方，天鹅绒一卷，梅鹿皮一方，云狐筒子二件，貉崽皮一卷，鸭皮七把，灰鼠一百六十张，獾子皮八张，虎皮六张，海豹三张，海龙十六张，灰色羊四十把，黑色羊皮六十三张，元狐帽沿十副，倭刀帽沿十二副，貂帽沿二副，小狐皮十六张，江貉皮二张，獭子皮二张，猫皮三十五张，倭股十二度，绸缎一百三十卷，纱绫一百八一卷，羽线绉三十二卷，氆氇三十卷，妆蟒缎八卷，葛布三捆，各色布三捆，各色皮衣一百三十二件，棉夹单纱绢衣三百四十件。玉玩三十二件，带头九副，铜锡等物五百余件，钟表十八件，朝珠九挂，各色妆蟒三十四件，上用蟒缎迎手靠背三分，宫妆衣裙八套，脂玉圈带一条，黄缎十二卷。潮银五千二百两，赤金五十两，钱七千吊。”一切动用家伙攒钉登记，以及荣国赐第，俱一一开列，其房地契纸，家人文书，亦俱封裹。贾琏在旁边窃听，只不听见报他的东西，心里正在疑惑。只闻两家王爷问贾政道：“所抄家资内有借券，实系盘剥，究是谁行的？政老据实才好。”贾政听了，跪在地下碰头说：“实在犯官不理家务，这些事全不知道。问犯官侄儿贾琏才知。”贾琏连忙走上跪下，禀说：“这一箱文书既在奴才屋内抄出来的，敢说不知道么。只求王爷开恩，奴才叔叔并不知道的。”两王道：“你父已经获罪，只可并案办理。你今认了也是正理。如此叫人将贾琏看守，余俱散收宅内。政老，你须小心候旨。我们进内复旨去了，这里有官役看守。”说著，上轿出门。贾政等就在二门跪送。北静王把手一伸，说：“请放心。”觉得脸上大有不忍之色。

此時賈政魂魄方定，猶是發怔。At this point Jia Zheng's spirit had only just steadied, and he still stood there in a daze.賈蘭便說：“請爺爺進內瞧老太太，再想法兒打聽東府里的事。”賈政疾忙起身進內。Jia Lan then said, "Grandfather, please go in and see the Old Ancestress, and then let us think of some way to find out what has happened at the East Mansion." Jia Zheng hastily rose and went inside.只見各門上婦女亂糟糟的，不知要怎樣。He saw the women at every gate in complete disorder, not knowing what was to happen.賈政無心查問，一直到賈母房中，只見人人淚痕滿面，王夫人寶玉等圍住賈母，寂靜無言，各各掉淚。Jia Zheng had no heart to ask questions, and went straight to Grandmother Jia's room, where he saw everyone's face streaked with tears; Lady Wang, Baoyu and the others were gathered around Grandmother Jia, silent and speechless, each shedding tears.惟有邢夫人哭作一團。Only Lady Xing was weeping in a heap of tears.因見賈政進來，都說：“好了，好了！”便告訴老太太說：“老爺仍舊好好的進來，請老太太安心罷。”賈母奄奄一息的，微開雙目說：“我的兒，不想還見得著你！”一聲未了，便嚎啕的哭起來。Seeing Jia Zheng come in, they all said, "It's all right, it's all right!" and told the Old Ancestress, "The Master has come in safe and sound just as before — please, Old Ancestress, set your mind at ease." Grandmother Jia, at her last gasp, opened her eyes a slit and said, "My child, I never thought I'd get to see you again!" The words were scarcely out before she broke into loud wailing sobs.于是滿屋里人俱哭個不住。At this everyone in the room wept without stopping.賈政恐哭坏老母，即收淚說：“老太太放心罷。Jia Zheng, fearing his aged mother would harm herself with weeping, at once held back his own tears and said, "Old Ancestress, please set your mind at ease.本來事情原不小，蒙主上天恩，兩位王爺的恩典，萬般軫恤。This matter was, to be sure, no small affair to begin with, but thanks to His Majesty's heavenly grace and the boundless compassion and favor shown by the two princes,就是大老爺暫時拘質，等問明白了，主上還有恩典。even though Elder Master has been temporarily detained for questioning, once the matter is made clear, His Majesty will show further favor.如今家里一些也不動了。”賈母見賈赦不在，又傷心起來，賈政再三安慰方止。As for now, nothing at all in the household is being touched any further." When Grandmother Jia realized Jia She was not present, she grew grief-stricken again, and only after Jia Zheng comforted her again and again did she stop.

此时贾政魂魄方定，犹是发怔。贾兰便说：“请爷爷进内瞧老太太，再想法儿打听东府里的事。”贾政疾忙起身进内。只见各门上妇女乱糟糟的，不知要怎样。贾政无心查问，一直到贾母房中，只见人人泪痕满面，王夫人宝玉等围住贾母，寂静无言，各各掉泪。惟有邢夫人哭作一团。因见贾政进来，都说：“好了，好了！”便告诉老太太说：“老爷仍旧好好的进来，请老太太安心罢。”贾母奄奄一息的，微开双目说：“我的儿，不想还见得著你！”一声未了，便嚎啕的哭起来。于是满屋里人俱哭个不住。贾政恐哭坏老母，即收泪说：“老太太放心罢。本来事情原不小，蒙主上天恩，两位王爷的恩典，万般轸恤。就是大老爷暂时拘质，等问明白了，主上还有恩典。如今家里一些也不动了。”贾母见贾赦不在，又伤心起来，贾政再三安慰方止。

眾人俱不敢走散，獨邢夫人回至自己那邊，見門總封鎖，丫頭婆子亦鎖在幾間屋內。No one dared to wander off and scatter; only Lady Xing went back to her own quarters, where she found the gates all sealed shut, and the maids and old women likewise locked inside several rooms.邢夫人無處可走，放聲大哭起來，只得往鳳姐那邊去。With nowhere to go, Lady Xing burst into loud weeping, and had no choice but to go over to Xifeng's quarters.見二門旁舍亦上封條，惟有屋門開著，里頭嗚咽不絕。She found that the side rooms by the second gate were likewise sealed with strips of paper, only the door of one room was open, from which came the sound of unceasing weeping.邢夫人進去，見鳳姐面如紙灰，合眼躺著，平兒在旁暗哭。Lady Xing went in and saw Xifeng, her face the color of ashen paper, lying with her eyes closed, while Ping'er wept silently at her side.邢夫人打諒鳳姐死了，又哭起來。Lady Xing, taking Xifeng for dead, began to weep once more.平兒迎上來說：“太太不要哭。Ping'er came forward to meet her, saying, "Madam, please don't cry.奶奶抬回來覺著象是死的了，幸得歇息一回蘇過來，哭了幾聲，如今痰息氣定，略安一安神。When the mistress was carried back she seemed to be as good as dead, but fortunately after resting a while she came round, cried out a few times, and now her phlegm has settled and her breathing has steadied — she's resting a little to calm her spirit.太太也請定定神罷。Madam, please also try to steady your own spirit.但不知老太太怎樣了？”邢夫人也不答言，仍走到賈母那邊。But I wonder how the Old Ancestress is faring?" Lady Xing did not answer, and went on back over to Grandmother Jia's side.見眼前俱是賈政的人，自己夫子被拘，媳婦病危，女兒受苦，現在身無所歸，那里禁得住。Seeing that everyone before her eyes now belonged to Jia Zheng's side, while her own husband had been arrested, her daughter-in-law lay critically ill, her daughter was suffering, and she herself now had nowhere to call her own — how could she bear it?眾人勸慰，李紈等令人收拾房屋請邢夫人暫住，王夫人撥人服侍。Everyone tried to console her; Li Wan and the others had rooms tidied up and asked Lady Xing to stay there for the time being, and Lady Wang assigned people to wait on her.

众人俱不敢走散，独邢夫人回至自己那边，见门总封锁，丫头婆子亦锁在几间屋内。邢夫人无处可走，放声大哭起来，只得往凤姐那边去。见二门旁舍亦上封条，惟有屋门开著，里头呜咽不绝。邢夫人进去，见凤姐面如纸灰，合眼躺著，平儿在旁暗哭。邢夫人打谅凤姐死了，又哭起来。平儿迎上来说：“太太不要哭。奶奶抬回来觉著象是死的了，幸得歇息一回苏过来，哭了几声，如今痰息气定，略安一安神。太太也请定定神罢。但不知老太太怎样了？”邢夫人也不答言，仍走到贾母那边。见眼前俱是贾政的人，自己夫子被拘，媳妇病危，女儿受苦，现在身无所归，那里禁得住。众人劝慰，李纨等令人收拾房屋请邢夫人暂住，王夫人拨人服侍。

賈政在外，心驚肉跳，拈須搓手的等候旨意。Jia Zheng, out in the front, his heart pounding and flesh twitching with fright, stroked his beard and rubbed his hands as he waited for the decree.聽見外面看守軍人亂嚷道：“你到底是那一邊的？He heard the guarding soldiers outside shouting in confusion: "Just which side do you belong to, after all?既碰在我們這里，就記在這里冊上。Since you've turned up here on our watch, you'll be entered in our register here.拴著他，交給里頭錦衣府的爺們！”賈政出外看時，見是焦大，便說：“怎麼跑到這里來？”焦大見問，便號天蹈地的哭道：“我天天勸，這些不長進的爺們，倒拿我當作冤家！Tie him up, and hand him over to the gentlemen of the Embroidered Uniform Guard inside!" When Jia Zheng went out to look, he saw it was Jiao Da, and said, "How did you come to be here?" Hearing himself questioned, Jiao Da wailed, crying out to heaven and stamping the earth: "Every single day I've given my advice, and these no-good young masters instead treat me like their mortal enemy!連爺還不知道焦大跟著太爺受的苦！Even you, sir, don't know the hardships Jiao Da endured following the old Master!今朝弄到這個田地！And now today it's come to this pass!珍大爺蓉哥兒都叫什麼王爺拿了去了，里頭女主兒們都被什麼府里衙役搶得披頭散發擉在一處空房里，那些不成材料的狗男女卻象豬狗似的攔起來了。Master Zhen and young master Rong have both been taken away by some prince or other, and inside, the young mistresses have all had their hair torn loose by yamen underlings from some office or other and been shoved into an empty room, while those good-for-nothing wretches, male and female alike, have been penned up like pigs and dogs.所有的都抄出來擱著，木器釘得破爛，磁器打得粉碎。Everything has been searched out and set aside, the wooden furniture smashed to splinters, the porcelain shattered to bits.他們還要把我拴起來。And now they want to tie me up too.我活了八九十歲，只有跟著太爺捆人的，那里倒叫人捆起來！I've lived eighty or ninety years, and have only ever been the one tying others up alongside the old Master — how could I ever end up being tied up myself!我便說我是西府里，就跑出來。So I told them I was from the West Mansion, and ran out here.那些人不依，押到這里，不想這里也是那麼著。Those men wouldn't have it, and marched me over here, never expecting things here to be just the same.我如今也不要命了，和那些人拚了罷！”說著撞頭。I don't care about my life anymore now — I'll just fight it out with them to the death!" So saying, he began banging his head against things.眾役見他年老，又是兩王吩咐，不敢發狠，便說：“你老人家安靜些，這是奉旨的事。The guards, seeing he was an old man, and that this was moreover a matter ordered by the two princes, dared not treat him harshly, and said, "Old fellow, calm yourself a little — this is business carried out under imperial decree.你且這里歇歇，聽個信兒再說。”賈政聽明，雖不理他，但是心里刀絞似的，便道：“完了，完了！Just rest here for now, and wait for word before saying anything more." Jia Zheng, having heard all this clearly, though he paid Jiao Da no further attention, felt as though a knife were twisting in his heart, and said, "It's over, it's all over!不料我們一敗涂地如此！”正在著急聽候內信，只見薛蝌氣噓噓的跑進來說：“好容易進來了！I never expected we would come to such utter ruin!" Just as he was anxiously waiting for word from within, he saw Xue Ke come running in, panting for breath, saying, "It was no easy thing getting in here!姨父在那里。”賈政道：“來得好，但是外頭怎麼放進來的？”薛蝌道：“我再三央說，又許他們錢，所以我才能夠出入的。”賈政便將抄去之事告訴了他，便煩去打聽打聽，”就有好親，在火頭上也不便送信，是你就好通信了。”薛蝌道：“這里的事我倒想不到，那邊東府的事我已聽見說，完了。”賈政道：“究竟犯什麼事？”薛蝌道：“今朝為我哥哥打聽決罪的事，在衙內聞得，有兩位御史風聞得珍大爺引誘世家子弟賭博，這款還輕，還有一大款是強占良民妻女為妾，因其女不從，凌逼致死。Uncle, where are you?" Jia Zheng said, "You've come at a good time — but how did they let you in from outside?" Xue Ke said, "I pleaded again and again, and promised them money besides, and that's how I've been able to get in and out." Jia Zheng then told him about the confiscation, and asked him to trouble himself to make some inquiries — "even good relatives, in the heat of the moment, find it awkward to send word; you're the one who can pass on news properly." Xue Ke said, "This matter here I would never have imagined — but as for the affair over at the East Mansion, I've already heard about it; it's finished." Jia Zheng said, "What exactly is the offense?" Xue Ke said, "Today, while inquiring after the matter of my brother's sentencing, I heard at the yamen that two censors have gotten wind that Master Zhen led sons of noble families astray into gambling — but that charge is still a light one; there is a much graver charge, that he forcibly took the wife and daughter of a commoner family as concubines, and because the daughter would not submit, hounded and abused her to death.那御史恐怕不准，還將咱們家的鮑二拿去，又還拉出一個姓張的來。That censor, fearing the charge might not be upheld, has even taken away our own household's Bao Er, and has furthermore dragged out a man surnamed Zhang.只怕連都察院都有不是，為的是姓張的曾告過的。”賈政尚未聽完，便跺腳道：“了不得！I'm afraid even the Censorate itself may be found at fault, on account of that man named Zhang having lodged a complaint before." Jia Zheng had not even finished hearing this before he stamped his foot and cried, "This is terrible!"罷了，罷了！”歎了一口氣，扑簌簌的掉下淚來。"It's over, it's over!" He sighed, and tears streamed down in a rush.

贾政在外，心惊肉跳，拈须搓手的等候旨意。听见外面看守军人乱嚷道：“你到底是那一边的？既碰在我们这里，就记在这里册上。拴著他，交给里头锦衣府的爷们！”贾政出外看时，见是焦大，便说：“怎么跑到这里来？”焦大见问，便号天蹈地的哭道：“我天天劝，这些不长进的爷们，倒拿我当作冤家！连爷还不知道焦大跟著太爷受的苦！今朝弄到这个田地！珍大爷蓉哥儿都叫什么王爷拿了去了，里头女主儿们都被什么府里衙役抢得披头散发擉在一处空房里，那些不成材料的狗男女却象猪狗似的拦起来了。所有的都抄出来搁著，木器钉得破烂，磁器打得粉碎。他们还要把我拴起来。我活了八九十岁，只有跟著太爷捆人的，那里倒叫人捆起来！我便说我是西府里，就跑出来。那些人不依，押到这里，不想这里也是那么著。我如今也不要命了，和那些人拼了罢！”说著撞头。众役见他年老，又是两王吩咐，不敢发狠，便说：“你老人家安静些，这是奉旨的事。你且这里歇歇，听个信儿再说。”贾政听明，虽不理他，但是心里刀绞似的，便道：“完了，完了！不料我们一败涂地如此！”正在著急听候内信，只见薛蝌气嘘嘘的跑进来说：“好容易进来了！姨父在那里。”贾政道：“来得好，但是外头怎么放进来的？”薛蝌道：“我再三央说，又许他们钱，所以我才能够出入的。”贾政便将抄去之事告诉了他，便烦去打听打听，”就有好亲，在火头上也不便送信，是你就好通信了。”薛蝌道：“这里的事我倒想不到，那边东府的事我已听见说，完了。”贾政道：“究竟犯什么事？”薛蝌道：“今朝为我哥哥打听决罪的事，在衙内闻得，有两位御史风闻得珍大爷引诱世家子弟赌博，这款还轻，还有一大款是强占良民妻女为妾，因其女不从，凌逼致死。那御史恐怕不准，还将咱们家的鲍二拿去，又还拉出一个姓张的来。只怕连都察院都有不是，为的是姓张的曾告过的。”贾政尚未听完，便跺脚道：“了不得！罢了，罢了！”叹了一口气，扑簌簌的掉下泪来。

薛蝌寬慰了幾句，即便又出來打聽去了。Xue Ke offered a few words of comfort, then went out again to inquire about the news.隔了半日，仍舊進來說：“事情不好。After a good while, he came back in again and said, "Things don't look good.我在刑科打聽，倒沒有聽見兩王复旨的信，但聽得說李御史今早參奏平安州奉承京官，迎合上司，虐害百姓，好幾大款。”賈政慌道：“那管他人的事，到底打聽我們的怎麼樣？”薛蝌道：“說是平安州就有我們，那參的京官就是赦老爺。I inquired at the Board of Punishments, and I haven't heard any word of the two princes reporting back on the imperial decree, but I did hear that Censor Li this morning submitted a memorial impeaching Ping'an Zhou on several serious charges — currying favor with officials from the capital, pandering to superiors, and abusing the common people." Jia Zheng said in alarm, "Never mind other people's business — what did you find out about our own affairs?" Xue Ke said, "It's said that we ourselves are implicated in the Ping'an Zhou affair, and the capital official named in the impeachment is none other than Lord She.說的是包攬詞訟，所以火上澆油。The charge against him is monopolizing lawsuits for profit, which only added fuel to the fire.就是同朝這些官府，俱藏躲不迭，誰肯送信。Even the officials who serve at the same court are all hiding away as fast as they can — who would be willing to send us word?就即如才散的這些親友，有的竟回家去了，也有遠遠兒的歇下打聽的。Take even the relatives and friends who just left — some went straight home, and some have stopped some distance away to wait and listen for news.可恨那些貴本家便在路上說，‘祖宗擲下的功業，弄出事來了，不知道飛到那個頭上，大家也好施威。’”賈政沒有聽完，复又頓足道：“都是我們大爺忒糊涂，東府也忒不成事体。What's infuriating is that those noble kinsmen of ours were saying right there on the road, 'The estate the ancestors built up has come to grief — we don't yet know whose head it will land on, but at least then everyone can vent their spite.'" Jia Zheng could not bear to hear the rest, and stamped his foot again, saying, "It's all because our eldest brother is far too muddleheaded, and the Eastern Mansion has behaved far too disgracefully.如今老太太與璉兒媳婦是死是活還不知道呢。And now we don't even know whether the Old Lady and Lian's wife are alive or dead.你再打聽去，我到老太太那邊瞧瞧。Go and find out more news; I'll go over to see the Old Lady.若有信，能夠早一步才好。”正說著，聽見里頭亂嚷出來說：“老太太不好了！”急得賈政即忙進去。If there's any word, it would be best to have it as soon as possible." Just as he was speaking, they heard a commotion of shouting from within: "The Old Lady has taken a turn for the worse!" In a panic, Jia Zheng hurried inside at once.未知生死如何，下回分解。Whether she lived or died is not yet known; that will be told in the next chapter.

薛蝌宽慰了几句，即便又出来打听去了。隔了半日，仍旧进来说：“事情不好。我在刑科打听，倒没有听见两王复旨的信，但听得说李御史今早参奏平安州奉承京官，迎合上司，虐害百姓，好几大款。”贾政慌道：“那管他人的事，到底打听我们的怎么样？”薛蝌道：“说是平安州就有我们，那参的京官就是赦老爷。说的是包揽词讼，所以火上浇油。就是同朝这些官府，俱藏躲不迭，谁肯送信。就即如才散的这些亲友，有的竟回家去了，也有远远儿的歇下打听的。可恨那些贵本家便在路上说，‘祖宗掷下的功业，弄出事来了，不知道飞到那个头上，大家也好施威。’”贾政没有听完，复又顿足道：“都是我们大爷忒糊涂，东府也忒不成事体。如今老太太与琏儿媳妇是死是活还不知道呢。你再打听去，我到老太太那边瞧瞧。若有信，能够早一步才好。”正说著，听见里头乱嚷出来说：“老太太不好了！”急得贾政即忙进去。未知生死如何，下回分解。