第百零七回　散餘資賈母明大義　复世職政老沐天恩 Distributing Savings, the Dowager Shows Her Nobility; Jia Zheng's Rank Restored by Imperial Grace

話說賈政進內，見了樞密院各位大人，又見了各位王爺。The story tells that Jia Zheng went inside, saw the various lords of the Privy Council, and also saw the various princes.北靜王道：“今日我們傳你來，有遵旨問你的事。”賈政即忙跪下。The Prince of Beijing said, 'Today we have summoned you because there is a matter we must question you about, in obedience to the imperial edict.' Jia Zheng hastily knelt down.眾大人便問道：“你哥哥交通外官，恃強凌弱，縱兒聚賭，強占良民妻女不遂逼死的事，你都知道么？”賈政回道：“犯官自從主恩欽點學政，任滿後查看賑恤，于上年冬底回家，又蒙堂派工程，後又往江西監道，題參回都，仍在工部行走，日夜不敢怠惰。The assembled lords then asked, 'Your elder brother colluded with outside officials, bullied the weak by relying on his power, indulged his son in gambling, and forcibly seized the wife and daughter of a commoner, driving them to death when they would not submit — do you know of all this?' Jia Zheng replied, 'Since I, your guilty servant, received the sovereign's grace and was imperially appointed Education Commissioner, after my term expired I inspected relief and aid, and returned home at the end of last winter. I was then also assigned by the Court to oversee construction works, and afterward went to Jiangxi as Circuit Intendant; I was impeached and recalled to the capital, and am still serving at the Board of Works, not daring to be idle day or night.'一應家務并未留心伺察，實在糊涂，不能管教子侄，這就是辜負圣恩。As for all household affairs, I truly did not pay careful attention or investigate — I was indeed muddled, unable to discipline my nephews and sons, and this is how I have failed to live up to the sovereign's grace.亦求主上重重治罪。”北靜王据說轉奏，不多時傳出旨來。I also beg that His Majesty punish me severely.' The Prince of Beijing, on hearing this, memorialized it to the throne accordingly, and before long the imperial edict was conveyed out.北靜王便述道：“主上因御史參奏賈赦交通外官，恃強凌弱。The Prince of Beijing then related it: 'His Majesty, because a censor impeached Jia She for colluding with outside officials and bullying the weak by relying on his power —'据該御史指出平安州互相往來，賈赦包攬詞訟。According to that censor's report, Jia She had dealings back and forth with Pingan Prefecture and had taken it upon himself to handle lawsuits there.嚴鞫賈赦，据供平安州原系姻親來往，并未干涉官事。Jia She was strictly interrogated, and according to his own testimony, his dealings with Pingan Prefecture were originally those of marriage relations, and he had not meddled in official matters.該御史亦不能指實。That censor, too, was unable to point to any concrete proof.惟有倚勢強索石呆子古扇一款是實的，然系玩物，究非強索良民之物可比。Only the charge of relying on his power to forcibly extort Shi Daizi's antique fans was true; but these were mere playthings, and in the end this cannot be compared to forcibly seizing property from a law-abiding commoner.雖石呆子自盡，亦系瘋傻所致，與逼勒致死者有間。Although Shi Daizi took his own life, this too was caused by his own madness and foolishness, and differs from a case of forcing someone to death.今從寬將賈赦發往台站效力贖罪。Now, out of leniency, Jia She is to be sent to a frontier post to serve and atone for his crime.所參賈珍強占良民妻女為妾不從逼死一款，提取都察院原案，看得尤二姐實系張華指腹為婚未娶之妻，因伊貧苦自願退婚，尤二姐之母願結賈珍之弟為妾，并非強占。As for the charge impeaching Jia Zhen for forcibly taking a commoner's wife and daughter as concubines and, when they refused, driving them to their deaths — upon retrieving the original case file from the Censorate, it was found that You Erjie was in fact the betrothed wife of Zhang Hua, promised to him in the womb, whom he had never married; because Zhang Hua was poor, he willingly broke off the engagement, and You Erjie's mother was willing to have her married as a concubine to Jia Zhen's younger brother — this was not a forcible seizure.再尤三姐自刎掩埋并未報官一款，查尤三姐原系賈珍妻妹，本意為伊擇配，因被逼索定禮，眾人揚言穢亂，以致羞忿自盡，并非賈珍逼勒致死。As for the further charge that You Sanjie cut her own throat and was buried without the matter being reported to the authorities — upon investigation, You Sanjie was originally Jia Zhen's wife's younger sister, and the original intent had been to choose a match for her; because betrothal gifts were pressed and demanded, and various people spread rumors of scandal, she was driven by shame and indignation to take her own life, and this was not a case of Jia Zhen forcing her to death.但身系世襲職員，罔知法紀，私埋人命，本應重治，念伊究屬功臣後裔，不忍加罪，亦從寬革去世職，派往海疆效力贖罪，賈蓉年幼無干省釋。However, as one holding a hereditary office, he showed no regard for law or discipline, and privately buried a corpse; by rights he ought to be severely punished, but considering that he is after all the descendant of a meritorious official, the throne cannot bear to add to his crime, and so out of leniency his hereditary post is likewise stripped from him, and he is sent to serve at the coastal frontier to atone for his crime; Jia Rong, being young and uninvolved, is released and exempted.賈政實系在外任多年，居官尚屬勤慎，免治伊治家不正之罪。”賈政聽了，感激涕零，叩首不及，又叩求王爺代奏下忱。As for Jia Zheng, he has truly served in outside posts for many years, and in office has been diligent and careful; he is excused from the charge of mismanaging his household.' Hearing this, Jia Zheng was moved to tears of gratitude, kowtowing again and again, and further begged the Prince to memorialize his humble sentiments on his behalf.北靜王道：“你該叩謝天恩，更有何奏？”賈政道：“犯官仰蒙圣恩不加大罪，又蒙將家產給還，實在捫心惶愧，願將祖宗遺受重祿積餘置產一并交官。”北靜王道：“主上仁慈待下，明慎用刑，賞罰無差。The Prince of Beijing said, 'You should kowtow in thanks for Heaven's grace — what more is there to memorialize?' Jia Zheng said, 'I, your guilty servant, have looked up and received the sovereign's grace in not being charged with a grave crime, and have further been granted the return of my family property; searching my heart, I am truly fearful and ashamed, and I wish to hand over to the government, along with the rest, the property accumulated from the ample stipends bequeathed by my ancestors.' The Prince of Beijing said, 'His Majesty is benevolent toward his subjects, and wise and careful in applying punishment, so that rewards and penalties are never in error.'如今既蒙莫大深恩，給還財產，你又何必多此一奏。”眾官也說不必。Now that you have already received this boundless and profound grace, and your property has been restored to you, why should you trouble to memorialize further on this?' The assembled officials likewise said there was no need.賈政便謝了恩，叩謝了王爺出來。Jia Zheng then gave thanks for the grace, kowtowed in thanks to the princes, and came out.恐賈母不放心，急忙赶回。Fearing that the Lady Dowager would be anxious, he hurried straight back.

话说贾政进内，见了枢密院各位大人，又见了各位王爷。北静王道：“今日我们传你来，有遵旨问你的事。”贾政即忙跪下。众大人便问道：“你哥哥交通外官，恃强凌弱，纵儿聚赌，强占良民妻女不遂逼死的事，你都知道么？”贾政回道：“犯官自从主恩钦点学政，任满后查看赈恤，于上年冬底回家，又蒙堂派工程，后又往江西监道，题参回都，仍在工部行走，日夜不敢怠惰。一应家务并未留心伺察，实在糊涂，不能管教子侄，这就是辜负圣恩。亦求主上重重治罪。”北静王据说转奏，不多时传出旨来。北静王便述道：“主上因御史参奏贾赦交通外官，恃强凌弱。据该御史指出平安州互相往来，贾赦包揽词讼。严鞫贾赦，据供平安州原系姻亲来往，并未干涉官事。该御史亦不能指实。惟有倚势强索石呆子古扇一款是实的，然系玩物，究非强索良民之物可比。虽石呆子自尽，亦系疯傻所致，与逼勒致死者有间。今从宽将贾赦发往台站效力赎罪。所参贾珍强占良民妻女为妾不从逼死一款，提取都察院原案，看得尤二姐实系张华指腹为婚未娶之妻，因伊贫苦自愿退婚，尤二姐之母愿结贾珍之弟为妾，并非强占。再尤三姐自刎掩埋并未报官一款，查尤三姐原系贾珍妻妹，本意为伊择配，因被逼索定礼，众人扬言秽乱，以致羞忿自尽，并非贾珍逼勒致死。但身系世袭职员，罔知法纪，私埋人命，本应重治，念伊究属功臣后裔，不忍加罪，亦从宽革去世职，派往海疆效力赎罪，贾蓉年幼无干省释。贾政实系在外任多年，居官尚属勤慎，免治伊治家不正之罪。”贾政听了，感激涕零，叩首不及，又叩求王爷代奏下忱。北静王道：“你该叩谢天恩，更有何奏？”贾政道：“犯官仰蒙圣恩不加大罪，又蒙将家产给还，实在扪心惶愧，愿将祖宗遗受重禄积余置产一并交官。”北静王道：“主上仁慈待下，明慎用刑，赏罚无差。如今既蒙莫大深恩，给还财产，你又何必多此一奏。”众官也说不必。贾政便谢了恩，叩谢了王爷出来。恐贾母不放心，急忙赶回。

上下男女人等不知傳進賈政是何吉凶，都在外頭打聽，一見賈政回家，都略略的放心，也不敢問。The men and women of the household, high and low, not knowing whether Jia Zheng's summons boded good or ill, were all outside inquiring after news; the moment they saw Jia Zheng return home, they were all somewhat set at ease, yet none dared to ask.只見賈政忙忙的走到賈母跟前，將蒙圣恩寬免的事，細細告訴了一遍。They saw Jia Zheng hurry to the Lady Dowager's side and tell her in full detail how he had received the sovereign's gracious pardon.賈母雖則放心，只是兩個世職革去，賈赦又往台站效力，賈珍又往海疆，不免又悲傷起來。Although the Lady Dowager was set at ease, still, with the two hereditary posts stripped away, Jia She sent to serve at a frontier post, and Jia Zhen sent to the coastal frontier, she could not help growing sorrowful again.邢夫人尤氏聽見那話，更哭起來。When Lady Xing and Mrs. You heard these words, they wept all the more.賈政便道：“老太太放心。Jia Zheng then said, 'Old Ancestress, set your mind at ease.'大哥雖則台站效力，也是為國家辦事，不致受苦，只要辦得妥當，就可复職。'Although Elder Brother is to serve at a frontier post, he is still working for the state, and will not be made to suffer; so long as he handles things properly, he can be restored to office.'珍兒正是年輕，很該出力。'Zhen'er is still young, and it is only right that he exert himself.'若不是這樣，便是祖父的餘德，亦不能久享。”說了些寬慰的話。'If it were not so, then even the surplus virtue bequeathed by our ancestors could not be long enjoyed.' He spoke a number of consoling words like this.賈母素來本不大喜歡賈赦，那邊東府賈珍究竟隔了一層。The Lady Dowager had never much cared for Jia She to begin with, and as for Jia Zhen of the Ning mansion on the other side, he was after all a degree more distant.只有邢夫人尤氏痛哭不已。Only Lady Xing and Mrs. You wept bitterly without stopping.邢夫人想著“家產一空，丈夫年老遠出，膝下雖有璉兒，又是素來順他二叔的，如今是都靠著二叔，他兩口子更是順著那邊去了。Lady Xing was thinking, 'Now that our family property is entirely emptied out and my husband, old in years, is sent far away — although I have Lian'er, he has always deferred to his Second Uncle, and now everything depends on his Second Uncle; he and his wife will lean even more toward that side.'獨我一人孤苦伶仃，怎麼好。”那尤氏本來獨掌宁府的家計，除了賈珍也算是惟他為尊，又與賈珍夫婦相和，”如今犯事遠出，家財抄盡，依往榮府，雖則老太太疼愛，終是依人門下。'I alone will be left solitary and forlorn — whatever shall I do?' As for Mrs. You, she had originally managed the household affairs of the Ning mansion by herself, and apart from Jia Zhen she was regarded as foremost in authority there, and she also got along well with Jia Zhen and his wife; now that he had committed a crime and been sent far away, and the family's wealth had been confiscated entirely, she would have to rely on the Rong mansion — though the Lady Dowager was fond of her, in the end she would be living under another's roof.又帶了偕鸞佩鳳，蓉兒夫婦又是不能興家立業的人。”又想著“二妹妹三妹妹俱是璉二叔鬧的，如今他們倒安然無事，依舊夫婦完聚。'And having brought Xieluan and Peifeng along with her besides, while Rong'er and his wife are not the sort of people who can raise up a household and build a livelihood.' She also thought, 'Second Sister and Third Sister were both entangled by Second Uncle Lian's doings, yet now they are safe and sound, still reunited as husband and wife as before.'只留我們幾人，怎生度日！”想到這里，痛哭起來。'Only we few are left behind — however shall we get through our days!' Thinking of this, she broke into bitter weeping.賈母不忍，便問賈政道：“你大哥和珍兒現已定案，可能回家？The Lady Dowager, unable to bear it, asked Jia Zheng, 'Now that your elder brother's and Zhen'er's cases have been settled, might they be able to come home?'蓉兒既沒他的事，也該放出來了。”賈政道：“若在定例，大哥是不能回家的。'And since Rong'er is not implicated, he ought to be released too.' Jia Zheng said, 'By the strict letter of the regulations, Elder Brother would not be permitted to come home.'我已托人徇個私情，叫我們大老爺同侄兒回家好置辦行裝，衙門內業已應了。'I have already asked someone to grant a personal favor, so that our Elder Master and my nephew may come home to prepare their travel outfits; the yamen has already agreed to it.'想來蓉兒同著他爺爺父親一起出來。'I expect Rong'er will come out together with his grandfather and father.'只請老太太放心，兒子辦去。”賈母又道：“我這幾年老的不成人了，總沒有問過家事。'I only ask that Old Ancestress set her mind at ease; your son will go and see to it.' The Lady Dowager then said, 'These past years I have grown so old I am scarcely fit for anything, and I have never once asked about household affairs.'如今東府是全抄去了，房屋入官不消說的。'Now the Ning mansion has been confiscated entirely, and needless to say the houses have reverted to the government.'你大哥那邊璉兒那里也都抄去了。'Your elder brother's side, and Lian'er's quarters too, have all been confiscated as well.'咱們西府銀庫，東省地土，你知道到底還剩了多少？'As for our Rongguo mansion's silver treasury and the land holdings in the eastern provinces, do you know just how much remains?'他兩個起身，也得給他們幾千銀子才好。”賈政正是沒法，聽見賈母一問，心想著：“若是說明，又恐老太太著急，若不說明，不用說將來，現在怎樣辦法？”定了主意，便回道：“若老太太不問，兒子也不敢說。'When the two of them set out, we ought to give them a few thousand taels of silver as well.' Jia Zheng was truly at a loss; hearing the Lady Dowager's question, he thought to himself, 'If I explain plainly, I fear it will only alarm Old Ancestress; but if I don't explain, then not to mention the future, how am I even to manage things right now?' Having made up his mind, he replied, 'If Old Ancestress had not asked, your son would not have dared to speak of it.'如今老太太既問到這里，現在璉兒也在這里，昨日兒子已查了，舊庫的銀子早已虛空，不但用盡，外頭還有虧空。'Now that Old Ancestress has asked this far, and since Lian'er is here as well — your son checked yesterday, and the old treasury's silver is long since emptied out; not only has it all been spent, but there is a deficit owed outside besides.'現今大哥這件事若不花銀托人，雖說主上寬恩，只怕他們爺兒兩個也不大好。'As things stand now, if we do not spend silver to engage someone's help in Elder Brother's affair, then even though His Majesty has shown gracious leniency, I fear things will not go well for father and son.'就是這項銀子尚無打算。'And as for this very sum of silver, there is as yet no plan for it at all.'東省的地畝早已寅年吃了卯年的租兒了，一時也算不轉來，只好盡所有的蒙圣恩沒有動的衣服首飾折變了給大哥珍兒作盤費罷了。'The land in the eastern provinces has long since had its rents for the coming year spent in advance, and for the moment there is no way to make it come round; we can only take whatever clothing and jewelry was left untouched by the sovereign's grace and convert it all into cash to serve as travel funds for Elder Brother and Zhen'er.'過日的事只可再打算。”賈母聽了，又急得眼淚直淌，說道：“怎麼著，咱們家到了這樣田地了么！'As for how we are to get through our daily life afterward, that can only be planned for later.' Hearing this, the Lady Dowager grew so distressed that tears streamed straight down, and she said, 'What — has our family truly come to such a state as this!'我雖沒有經過，我想起我家向日比這里還強十倍，也是擺了幾年虛架子，沒有出這樣事已經塌下來了，不消一二年就完了。'Although I myself never lived through such a thing, I recall that my own natal family, which in former days was ten times more prosperous than this household, likewise kept up an empty show for a few years, and even without any such incident occurring, it had already begun to collapse, and within a year or two it was entirely finished.'据你說起來，咱們竟一兩年就不能支了。”賈政道：“若是這兩個世俸不動，外頭還有些挪移。'From what you are telling me, it seems our own family will not be able to hold up even for a year or two.' Jia Zheng said, 'If these two hereditary stipends had not been withdrawn, there would still have been some room to raise funds from outside.'如今無可指稱，誰肯接濟。”說著，也淚流滿面，“想起親戚來，用過我們的如今都窮了，沒有用過我們的又不肯照應了。'But now, with nothing to point to as security, who would be willing to lend assistance?' As he spoke, his own face too was streaming with tears. 'And when I think of our relatives — those who once benefited from us are now themselves poor, while those who never benefited from us are unwilling to look after us.'昨日兒子也沒有細查，只看家下的人丁冊子，別說上頭的錢一無所出，那底下的人也養不起許多。”'Yesterday your son did not examine things in detail, but merely looked over the household register of servants — not to mention that there is no income coming in from above, but even the people below could scarcely all be supported.'

上下男女人等不知传进贾政是何吉凶，都在外头打听，一见贾政回家，都略略的放心，也不敢问。只见贾政忙忙的走到贾母跟前，将蒙圣恩宽免的事，细细告诉了一遍。贾母虽则放心，只是两个世职革去，贾赦又往台站效力，贾珍又往海疆，不免又悲伤起来。邢夫人尤氏听见那话，更哭起来。贾政便道：“老太太放心。大哥虽则台站效力，也是为国家办事，不致受苦，只要办得妥当，就可复职。珍儿正是年轻，很该出力。若不是这样，便是祖父的余德，亦不能久享。”说了些宽慰的话。贾母素来本不大喜欢贾赦，那边东府贾珍究竟隔了一层。只有邢夫人尤氏痛哭不已。邢夫人想著“家产一空，丈夫年老远出，膝下虽有琏儿，又是素来顺他二叔的，如今是都靠著二叔，他两口子更是顺著那边去了。独我一人孤苦伶仃，怎么好。”那尤氏本来独掌宁府的家计，除了贾珍也算是惟他为尊，又与贾珍夫妇相和，”如今犯事远出，家财抄尽，依往荣府，虽则老太太疼爱，终是依人门下。又带了偕鸾佩凤，蓉儿夫妇又是不能兴家立业的人。”又想著“二妹妹三妹妹俱是琏二叔闹的，如今他们倒安然无事，依旧夫妇完聚。只留我们几人，怎生度日！”想到这里，痛哭起来。贾母不忍，便问贾政道：“你大哥和珍儿现已定案，可能回家？蓉儿既没他的事，也该放出来了。”贾政道：“若在定例，大哥是不能回家的。我已托人徇个私情，叫我们大老爷同侄儿回家好置办行装，衙门内业已应了。想来蓉儿同著他爷爷父亲一起出来。只请老太太放心，儿子办去。”贾母又道：“我这几年老的不成人了，总没有问过家事。如今东府是全抄去了，房屋入官不消说的。你大哥那边琏儿那里也都抄去了。咱们西府银库，东省地土，你知道到底还剩了多少？他两个起身，也得给他们几千银子才好。”贾政正是没法，听见贾母一问，心想著：“若是说明，又恐老太太著急，若不说明，不用说将来，现在怎样办法？”定了主意，便回道：“若老太太不问，儿子也不敢说。如今老太太既问到这里，现在琏儿也在这里，昨日儿子已查了，旧库的银子早已虚空，不但用尽，外头还有亏空。现今大哥这件事若不花银托人，虽说主上宽恩，只怕他们爷儿两个也不大好。就是这项银子尚无打算。东省的地亩早已寅年吃了卯年的租儿了，一时也算不转来，只好尽所有的蒙圣恩没有动的衣服首饰折变了给大哥珍儿作盘费罢了。过日的事只可再打算。”贾母听了，又急得眼泪直淌，说道：“怎么著，咱们家到了这样田地了么！我虽没有经过，我想起我家向日比这里还强十倍，也是摆了几年虚架子，没有出这样事已经塌下来了，不消一二年就完了。据你说起来，咱们竟一两年就不能支了。”贾政道：“若是这两个世俸不动，外头还有些挪移。如今无可指称，谁肯接济。”说著，也泪流满面，“想起亲戚来，用过我们的如今都穷了，没有用过我们的又不肯照应了。昨日儿子也没有细查，只看家下的人丁册子，别说上头的钱一无所出，那底下的人也养不起许多。”

賈母正在憂慮，只見賈赦，賈珍，賈蓉一齊進來給賈母請安。Just as the Lady Dowager was sunk in worry, Jia She, Jia Zhen, and Jia Rong all came in together to pay their respects to her.賈母看這般光景，一只手拉著賈赦，一只手拉著賈珍，便大哭起來。Seeing them in such a state, the Lady Dowager took Jia She's hand in one of hers and Jia Zhen's hand in the other, and broke into loud weeping.他兩人臉上羞慚，又見賈母哭泣，都跪在地下哭著說道：“兒孫們不長進，將祖上功勳丟了，又累老太太傷心，兒孫們是死無葬身之地的了！”滿屋中人看這光景，又一齊大哭起來。The two of them, their faces full of shame, and seeing the Lady Dowager weeping besides, both knelt on the ground and said through their tears, 'We sons and grandsons, being worthless, have thrown away the merit and achievements of our ancestors, and have further caused Old Ancestress such grief — we, your sons and grandsons, shall die without even a place to be buried!' Everyone in the room, seeing this scene, likewise broke into loud weeping together.賈政只得勸解：“倒先要打算他兩個的使用，大約在家只可住得一兩日，遲則人家就不依了。”老太太含悲忍淚的說道：“你兩個且各自同你們媳婦們說說話兒去罷。”又吩咐賈政道：“這件事是不能久待的，想來外面挪移恐不中用，那時誤了欽限怎麼好。Jia Zheng had no choice but to console them: 'What we must first plan for is money for the two of you to use — you can probably stay home only a day or two at most; if it drags on longer, the authorities will not permit it.' The Old Ancestress, holding back her grief and choking back tears, said, 'The two of you go along now and each have a word with your wives.' She then instructed Jia Zheng, 'This matter cannot wait long. I think that trying to raise funds from outside will probably not work, and if that happens and the imperial deadline is missed, what then?'只好我替你們打算罷了。'I shall simply have to make the arrangements for you myself.'就是家中如此亂糟糟的，也不是常法兒。”一面說著，便叫鴛鴦吩咐去了。'Besides, the household being in such utter chaos is no way to go on either.' So saying, she called Yuanyang and gave her instructions.

贾母正在忧虑，只见贾赦，贾珍，贾蓉一齐进来给贾母请安。贾母看这般光景，一只手拉著贾赦，一只手拉著贾珍，便大哭起来。他两人脸上羞惭，又见贾母哭泣，都跪在地下哭著说道：“儿孙们不长进，将祖上功勋丢了，又累老太太伤心，儿孙们是死无葬身之地的了！”满屋中人看这光景，又一齐大哭起来。贾政只得劝解：“倒先要打算他两个的使用，大约在家只可住得一两日，迟则人家就不依了。”老太太含悲忍泪的说道：“你两个且各自同你们媳妇们说说话儿去罢。”又吩咐贾政道：“这件事是不能久待的，想来外面挪移恐不中用，那时误了钦限怎么好。只好我替你们打算罢了。就是家中如此乱糟糟的，也不是常法儿。”一面说著，便叫鸳鸯吩咐去了。

這里賈赦等出來，又與賈政哭泣了一會，都不免將從前任性過後惱悔如今分離的話說了一會，各自同媳婦那邊悲傷去了。Meanwhile Jia She and the others went out, and wept together with Jia Zheng a while longer; none of them could help speaking for a time of how they regretted their past self-willed conduct, now that this parting had come, and each then went off to grieve separately with his own wife.賈赦年老，倒也拋的下，獨有賈珍與尤氏怎忍分離！Jia She, being advanced in years, was actually able to let go of things more easily; only Jia Zhen and Mrs. You — how could they bear to part!賈璉賈蓉兩個也只有拉著父親啼哭。Jia Lian and Jia Rong, the two of them, could likewise do nothing but cling to their fathers and weep.雖說是比軍流減等，究竟生離死別，這也是事到如此，只得大家硬著心腸過去。Although this sentence was a degree lighter than penal exile, it was in the end a parting like life and death itself; but since matters had already come to this pass, everyone could only steel their hearts and get through it.卻說賈母叫邢王二夫人同了鴛鴦等，開箱倒籠，將做媳婦到如今積攢的東西都拿出來，又叫賈赦，賈政，賈珍等，一一的分派說：“這里現有的銀子，交賈赦三千兩，你拿二千兩去做你的盤費使用，留一千給大太太另用。Now to tell of the Lady Dowager: she had Lady Xing and Lady Wang, together with Yuanyang and the others, open chests and empty trunks, taking out everything she had accumulated from the time she became a bride down to the present, and then called Jia She, Jia Zheng, Jia Zhen, and the others, and distributed it item by item, saying, 'Of the silver on hand here, three thousand taels go to Jia She — take two thousand taels for your own travel expenses, and leave one thousand for Lady Xing to use separately.'這三千給珍兒，你只許拿一千去，留下二千交你媳婦過日子。'This three thousand goes to Zhen'er — you are only permitted to take one thousand with you, and must leave two thousand with your wife to live on.'仍舊各自度日，房子是在一處，飯食各自吃罷。'You will each continue to manage your own living as before; the house you share is one and the same, but you shall each take your meals separately.'四丫頭將來的親事還是我的事。'The matter of Fourth Girl's future marriage is still my concern to see to.'只可怜鳳丫頭操心了一輩子，如今弄得精光，也給他三千兩，叫他自己收著，不許叫璉兒用。'It is only poor Feng girl who has worried herself over the household her whole life, and now finds herself left with absolutely nothing — give her three thousand taels as well, and tell her to keep it for herself; Lian'er is not to be allowed to use it.'如今他還病得神昏氣喪，叫平兒來拿去。'Since she is still so ill now, her spirit dazed and her breath failing, have Ping'er come and take it for her.'這是你祖父留下來的衣服，還有我少年穿的衣服首飾，如今我用不著。'These are clothes left behind by your grandfather, and also clothes and jewelry I wore in my younger days; I have no use for them now.'男的呢，叫大老爺，珍兒，璉兒，蓉兒拿去分了，女的呢，叫大太太，珍兒媳婦，鳳丫頭拿了分去。'As for the men's things, let Elder Master, Zhen'er, Lian'er, and Rong'er take them and divide them up; as for the women's things, let Lady Xing, Zhen'er's wife, and Feng girl take them and divide them up.'這五百兩銀子交給璉兒，明年將林丫頭的棺材送回南去。”分派定了，又叫賈政道：“你說現在還該著人的使用，這是少不得的。'This five hundred taels of silver is to be given to Lian'er, to send Lin girl's coffin back south next year.' Once the distribution was settled, she further said to Jia Zheng, 'You said there is still money owed to others for their expenses at present — this cannot be avoided.'你叫拿這金子變賣償還。'Have someone take this gold and sell it to pay off the debt.'這是他們鬧掉了我的，你也是我的兒子，我并不偏向。'This is what they cost me through their troubles; but you too are my son, and I am not showing any favoritism.'寶玉已經成了家，我剩下這些金銀等物，大約還值幾千兩銀子，這是都給寶玉的了。'Baoyu has already started a family of his own — as for the gold, silver, and other things I have left, they are probably still worth several thousand taels of silver, and all of this goes to Baoyu.'珠兒媳婦向來孝順我，蘭兒也好，我也分給他們些。'Zhu'er's widow has always been filial to me, and Lan'er is a good child too — I shall give them a share as well.'這便是我的事情完了。”賈政見母親如此明斷分晰，俱跪下哭著說：“老太太這麼大年紀，兒孫們沒點孝順，承受老祖宗這樣恩典，叫兒孫們更無地自容了！”賈母道：“別瞎說，若不鬧出這個亂兒，我還收著呢。'That, then, concludes my own affairs.' Seeing his mother make such clear and well-reasoned decisions, Jia Zheng and the others all knelt down and said through their tears, 'Old Ancestress is so advanced in years, and we sons and grandsons have shown so little filial devotion, yet we receive such bounty from our Old Ancestress — it only leaves us sons and grandsons with nowhere to hide our shame!' The Lady Dowager said, 'Don't talk nonsense. If this disaster had not broken out, I would still be keeping it all put away.'只是現在家人過多，只有二老爺是當差的，留幾個人就夠了。'It is only that there are too many servants in the household now; only Second Master is still holding office, so it will be enough to keep a few of them.'你就吩咐管事的，將人叫齊了，他分派妥當。'You go and instruct the stewards to gather all the servants together, and let them make proper arrangements.'各家有人便就罷了。'It will do so long as each family keeps enough people.'譬如一抄盡了，怎麼樣呢？'Suppose, for instance, everything were confiscated entirely — what then?'我們里頭的，也要叫人分派，該配人的配人，賞去的賞去。'As for our own people inside, arrangements must be made for them too — those who should be married off should be married off, and those who should be given their freedom should be given their freedom.'如今雖說咱們這房子不入官，你到底把這園子交了才好。'Now, although it is said that this house of ours is not to revert to the government, you had best hand over the Garden all the same.'那些田地原交璉兒清理，該賣的賣，該留的留，斷不要支架子做空頭。'As for that land, it was originally left to Lian'er to settle — sell what should be sold, keep what should be kept, and on no account keep up appearances for the sake of an empty show.'我索性說了罷，江南甄家還有幾兩銀子，二太太那里收著，該叫人就送去罷。'I might as well just say it plainly — the Zhen family in Jiangnan still has a certain amount of silver, which Second Lady is keeping for them; someone should be sent to deliver it to them.'倘或再有點事出來，可不是他們躲過了風暴又遇了雨了么。”賈政本是不知當家立計的人，一聽賈母的話，一一領命，心想：“老太太實在真真是理家的人，都是我們這些不長進的鬧坏了。”賈政見賈母勞乏，求著老太太歇歇養神。'Should some further trouble arise, would it not mean that after escaping the storm they had run straight into the rain?' Jia Zheng had never really known how to manage a household or plan its affairs, and hearing the Lady Dowager's words, he accepted every instruction one by one, thinking to himself, 'Old Ancestress is truly, truly one who knows how to run a household — it is all we worthless ones who have ruined things.' Seeing that the Lady Dowager was worn out, Jia Zheng begged her to rest and recover her spirits.賈母又道：“我所剩的東西也有限，等我死了做結果我的使用。The Lady Dowager further said, 'What remains to me is limited as well — let it be kept for my funeral expenses when I die.'餘的都給我伏侍的丫頭。”賈政等聽到這里，更加傷感。'The rest is all to go to the maids who have served me.' Hearing this, Jia Zheng and the others grew even more sorrowful.大家跪下：“請老太太寬怀，只願兒子們託老太太的福，過了些時都邀了恩眷。They all knelt down: 'We beg Old Ancestress to ease her mind. We only hope that, relying on Old Ancestress's blessing, in time we sons will all receive the favor of imperial grace once more.'那時兢兢業業的治起家來，以贖前愆，奉養老太太到一百歲的時候。”賈母道：“但願這樣才好，我死了也好見祖宗。'At that time we shall manage the household with the utmost diligence and care, to atone for our former faults, and shall care for Old Ancestress until she reaches a hundred years of age.' The Lady Dowager said, 'I only hope it may truly be so — then when I die I shall be able to face our ancestors.'你們別打諒我是享得富貴受不得貧窮的人哪，不過這幾年看看你們轟轟烈烈，我落得都不管，說說笑笑養身子罷了，那知道家運一敗直到這樣！'Don't any of you suppose that I am someone who can only enjoy wealth and rank and cannot bear poverty. It is only that these past years, seeing you all living in such splendor, I found it easiest to let things be, and simply talked and laughed and looked after my health — who would have thought that once the family's fortunes declined, they would fall to such a state as this!'若說外頭好看里頭空虛，是我早知道的了。'As for the outside looking impressive while the inside was hollow, that I knew long ago.'只是‘居移氣，養移体’，一時下不得台來。'It is only that, as the saying goes, "position alters one's manner, and nurture alters one's body" — I simply could not bring myself to climb down from that stage all at once.'如今借此正好收斂，守住這個門頭，不然叫人笑話你。'Now, taking this occasion, it is just as well to draw things in and hold on to what remains of this household — otherwise people will only laugh at you.'你還不知，只打諒我知道窮了便著急的要死，我心里是想著祖宗莫大的功勳，無一日不指望你們比祖宗還強，能夠守住也就罷了。'You still do not understand me — you merely suppose that once I learned we had grown poor I would be anxious to the point of death. In my heart I have been thinking of our ancestors' boundless merit, and there has not been a single day I did not hope that you would surpass our ancestors; if you could merely hold on to what they left, that alone would have satisfied me.'誰知他們爺兒兩個做些什麼勾當！”'Who could have known what sort of doings those two, father and son, would get up to!'

这里贾赦等出来，又与贾政哭泣了一会，都不免将从前任性过后恼悔如今分离的话说了一会，各自同媳妇那边悲伤去了。贾赦年老，倒也抛的下，独有贾珍与尤氏怎忍分离！贾琏贾蓉两个也只有拉著父亲啼哭。虽说是比军流减等，究竟生离死别，这也是事到如此，只得大家硬著心肠过去。却说贾母叫邢王二夫人同了鸳鸯等，开箱倒笼，将做媳妇到如今积攒的东西都拿出来，又叫贾赦，贾政，贾珍等，一一的分派说：“这里现有的银子，交贾赦三千两，你拿二千两去做你的盘费使用，留一千给大太太另用。这三千给珍儿，你只许拿一千去，留下二千交你媳妇过日子。仍旧各自度日，房子是在一处，饭食各自吃罢。四丫头将来的亲事还是我的事。只可怜凤丫头操心了一辈子，如今弄得精光，也给他三千两，叫他自己收著，不许叫琏儿用。如今他还病得神昏气丧，叫平儿来拿去。这是你祖父留下来的衣服，还有我少年穿的衣服首饰，如今我用不著。男的呢，叫大老爷，珍儿，琏儿，蓉儿拿去分了，女的呢，叫大太太，珍儿媳妇，凤丫头拿了分去。这五百两银子交给琏儿，明年将林丫头的棺材送回南去。”分派定了，又叫贾政道：“你说现在还该著人的使用，这是少不得的。你叫拿这金子变卖偿还。这是他们闹掉了我的，你也是我的儿子，我并不偏向。宝玉已经成了家，我剩下这些金银等物，大约还值几千两银子，这是都给宝玉的了。珠儿媳妇向来孝顺我，兰儿也好，我也分给他们些。这便是我的事情完了。”贾政见母亲如此明断分晰，俱跪下哭著说：“老太太这么大年纪，儿孙们没点孝顺，承受老祖宗这样恩典，叫儿孙们更无地自容了！”贾母道：“别瞎说，若不闹出这个乱儿，我还收著呢。只是现在家人过多，只有二老爷是当差的，留几个人就够了。你就吩咐管事的，将人叫齐了，他分派妥当。各家有人便就罢了。譬如一抄尽了，怎么样呢？我们里头的，也要叫人分派，该配人的配人，赏去的赏去。如今虽说咱们这房子不入官，你到底把这园子交了才好。那些田地原交琏儿清理，该卖的卖，该留的留，断不要支架子做空头。我索性说了罢，江南甄家还有几两银子，二太太那里收著，该叫人就送去罢。倘或再有点事出来，可不是他们躲过了风暴又遇了雨了么。”贾政本是不知当家立计的人，一听贾母的话，一一领命，心想：“老太太实在真真是理家的人，都是我们这些不长进的闹坏了。”贾政见贾母劳乏，求著老太太歇歇养神。贾母又道：“我所剩的东西也有限，等我死了做结果我的使用。余的都给我伏侍的丫头。”贾政等听到这里，更加伤感。大家跪下：“请老太太宽怀，只愿儿子们托老太太的福，过了些时都邀了恩眷。那时兢兢业业的治起家来，以赎前愆，奉养老太太到一百岁的时候。”贾母道：“但愿这样才好，我死了也好见祖宗。你们别打谅我是享得富贵受不得贫穷的人哪，不过这几年看看你们轰轰烈烈，我落得都不管，说说笑笑养身子罢了，那知道家运一败直到这样！若说外头好看里头空虚，是我早知道的了。只是‘居移气，养移体’，一时下不得台来。如今借此正好收敛，守住这个门头，不然叫人笑话你。你还不知，只打谅我知道穷了便著急的要死，我心里是想著祖宗莫大的功勋，无一日不指望你们比祖宗还强，能够守住也就罢了。谁知他们爷儿两个做些什么勾当！”

賈母正自長篇大論的說，只見丰兒慌慌張張的跑來回王夫人道：“今早我們奶奶聽見外頭的事，哭了一場，如今氣都接不上來。Just as the Lady Dowager was in the midst of this long, impassioned speech, Fenger came running in, flustered and in a panic, to report to Lady Wang: 'This morning, when our mistress heard about what happened outside, she cried for a spell, and now she can hardly even catch her breath.'平兒叫我來回太太。”丰兒沒有說完，賈母聽見，便問：“到底怎麼樣？”王夫人便代回道：“如今說是不大好。”賈母起身道：“噯，這些冤家竟要磨死我了！”說著，叫人扶著，要親自看去。'Ping'er sent me to report to my lady.' Before Fenger had finished speaking, the Lady Dowager, overhearing, asked at once, 'Just what is going on?' Lady Wang answered on her behalf, 'It seems things are not very good right now.' The Lady Dowager rose to her feet and said, 'Ah, these troublesome creatures of mine really mean to wear me to death!' So saying, she had someone support her, meaning to go and see for herself.賈政即忙攔住勸道：“老太太傷了好一回的心，又分派了好些事，這會該歇歇。Jia Zheng hastily stopped her and pleaded, 'Old Ancestress has been grieved at heart for quite a while now, and has besides just finished arranging so many matters — you ought to rest a while now.'便是孫子媳婦有什麼事，該叫媳婦瞧去就是了，何必老太太親身過去呢。'Even if something is the matter with your grandson's wife, the proper thing is to have one of the younger women go and look in on her — why should Old Ancestress trouble to go in person?'倘或再傷感起來，老太太身上要有一點兒不好，叫做兒子的怎麼處呢。”賈母道：“你們各自出去，等一會子再進來。'Should you grow upset all over again, and something happen to Old Ancestress's health, what would your son do then?' The Lady Dowager said, 'All of you go out now, and come back in again after a while.'我還有話說。”賈政不敢多言，只得出來料理兄侄起身的事，又叫賈璉挑人跟去。'I still have more to say.' Jia Zheng did not dare say more, and had no choice but to go out and attend to the matter of his elder brother's and nephew's departure, and also told Jia Lian to select some men to go along with them.這里賈母才叫鴛鴦等派人拿了給鳳姐的東西跟著過來。Only then did the Lady Dowager have Yuanyang and the others send someone to bring along the things meant for Xifeng, and set out herself.

贾母正自长篇大论的说，只见丰儿慌慌张张的跑来回王夫人道：“今早我们奶奶听见外头的事，哭了一场，如今气都接不上来。平儿叫我来回太太。”丰儿没有说完，贾母听见，便问：“到底怎么样？”王夫人便代回道：“如今说是不大好。”贾母起身道：“嗳，这些冤家竟要磨死我了！”说著，叫人扶著，要亲自看去。贾政即忙拦住劝道：“老太太伤了好一回的心，又分派了好些事，这会该歇歇。便是孙子媳妇有什么事，该叫媳妇瞧去就是了，何必老太太亲身过去呢。倘或再伤感起来，老太太身上要有一点儿不好，叫做儿子的怎么处呢。”贾母道：“你们各自出去，等一会子再进来。我还有话说。”贾政不敢多言，只得出来料理兄侄起身的事，又叫贾琏挑人跟去。这里贾母才叫鸳鸯等派人拿了给凤姐的东西跟著过来。

鳳姐正在氣厥。Xifeng was at that moment in a fainting fit from anger and distress.平兒哭得眼紅，聽見賈母帶著王夫人，寶玉，寶釵過來，疾忙出來迎接。Ping'er, her eyes red from weeping, on hearing that the Lady Dowager was coming with Lady Wang, Baoyu, and Baochai, hurried out to receive them.賈母便問：“這會子怎麼樣了？”平兒恐驚了賈母，便說：“這會子好些。The Lady Dowager asked at once, 'How is she just now?' Ping'er, afraid of alarming the Lady Dowager, said, 'She is somewhat better just now.'老太太既來了，請進去瞧瞧。”他先跑進去輕輕的揭開帳子。'Since Old Ancestress has come, please go in and take a look.' She ran in ahead of the others and gently lifted the bed-curtain.鳳姐開眼瞧著，只見賈母進來，滿心慚愧。Xifeng opened her eyes and looked, and seeing the Lady Dowager come in, was filled with shame.先前原打算賈母等惱他，不疼的了，是死活由他的，不料賈母親自來瞧，心里一寬，覺那擁塞的氣略松動些，便要扎掙坐起。She had originally supposed that the Lady Dowager and the others were angry with her and no longer cared for her, and that whether she lived or died was no longer anyone's concern; she had not expected the Lady Dowager to come and look in on her in person. Her heart eased at once, and she felt the oppressive tightness in her chest loosen slightly, so that she tried to struggle up and sit up.賈母叫平兒按著，“不要動，你好些么？”鳳姐含淚道：“我從小兒過來，老太太，太太怎麼樣疼我。The Lady Dowager had Ping'er hold her down. 'Don't move — are you feeling any better?' Xifeng said, holding back tears, 'Ever since I was young, how Old Ancestress and my lady have loved and cherished me.'那知我福氣薄，叫神鬼支使的失魂落魄，不但不能夠在老太太跟前盡點孝心，公婆前討個好，還是這樣把我當人，叫我幫著料理家務，被我鬧的七顛八倒，我還有什麼臉兒見老太太，太太呢！'Who could have known that my fortune was so thin that I let gods and demons drive me about until I lost my very soul — not only was I unable to show even a little filial devotion before Old Ancestress, or win any favor before my parents-in-law, but you still treated me as someone worth trusting, and had me help manage the household affairs, and I only turned everything into utter chaos. What face do I have left to see Old Ancestress and my lady!'今日老太太，太太親自過來，我更當不起了，恐怕該活三天的又折上了兩天去了。”說著，悲咽。'That Old Ancestress and my lady should come here in person today — I can bear it even less. I fear that whatever days I had left to live, three of them have now been cut down by another two.' So saying, she choked with grief.賈母道：“那些事原是外頭鬧起來的，與你什麼相干。The Lady Dowager said, 'Those matters arose from the outside to begin with — what do they have to do with you?'就是你的東西被人拿去，這也算不了什麼呀。'And as for your own things being taken away by others, that too amounts to nothing at all.'我帶了好些東西給你，你瞧瞧。”說著，叫人拿上來給他瞧瞧。'I have brought quite a few things for you — take a look.' So saying, she had someone bring them forward for Xifeng to see.鳳姐本是貪得無厭的人，如今被抄盡淨，本是愁苦，又恐人埋怨，正是幾不欲生的時候，今兒賈母仍舊疼他，王夫人也沒嗔怪，過來安慰他，又想賈璉無事，心下安放好些，便在枕上與賈母磕頭，說道：“請老太太放心。Xifeng had always been someone insatiably greedy for gain, and now that everything had been confiscated and swept clean, she was already sunk in misery, and fearing besides that others would blame her, this was truly a moment when she scarcely wished to go on living; but today, finding that the Lady Dowager still loved her as before, and that Lady Wang bore her no grudge either but had come to comfort her, and further thinking that Jia Lian was unharmed, her heart settled a good deal, and lying on her pillow she kowtowed to the Lady Dowager and said, 'I beg Old Ancestress to set her mind at ease.'若是我的病托著老太太的福好了些，我情願自己當個粗使丫頭，盡心竭力的伏侍老太太，太太罷。”賈母聽他說得傷心，不免掉下淚來。'If my illness, relying on Old Ancestress's blessing, should get somewhat better, I am willing to serve as a common maidservant myself, and wait upon Old Ancestress and my lady with all my heart and strength.' Hearing her speak so sorrowfully, the Lady Dowager could not help but shed tears.寶玉是從來沒有經過這大風浪的，心下只知安樂，不知憂患的人，如今碰來碰去都是哭泣的事，所以他竟比傻子尤甚，見人哭他就哭。Baoyu was someone who had never before lived through such great storms, a person whose heart knew only ease and comfort and knew nothing of hardship and grief; now that everywhere he turned he ran into nothing but occasions for weeping, he behaved even more foolishly than a simpleton — whenever he saw someone cry, he cried too.鳳姐看見眾人憂悶，反倒勉強說幾句寬慰賈母的話，求著“請老太太，太太回去，我略好些過來磕頭。”說著，將頭仰起。Xifeng, seeing everyone so troubled and downcast, instead forced herself to say a few words to console the Lady Dowager, begging her, 'Please, Old Ancestress and my lady, go back now; once I am a little better I will come and kowtow to you myself.' So saying, she tilted her head back.賈母叫平兒“好生服侍，短什麼到我那里要去。”說著，帶了王夫人將要回到自己房中。The Lady Dowager told Ping'er, 'Take good care of her, and if anything is lacking, come to my place and ask for it.' So saying, she took Lady Wang with her and was about to return to her own room.只聽見兩三處哭聲。only to hear the sound of weeping coming from two or three places at once.賈母實在不忍聞見，便叫王夫人散去，叫寶玉“去見你大爺大哥，送一送就回來。”自己躺在榻上下淚。Jia Mu truly could not bear to see or hear any more, so she told Lady Wang to dismiss the others and said to Baoyu, “Go and see your uncle and elder cousin off, then come straight back.” She herself lay upon the couch, shedding tears.幸喜鴛鴦等能用百樣言語勸解，賈母暫且安歇。Fortunately, Yuanyang and the others managed to console her in every conceivable way, and Jia Mu rested for the time being.不言賈赦等分離悲痛。We shall say nothing of the grief Jia She and the others suffered at their parting.那些跟去的人誰是願意的？Which of those ordered to accompany them went willingly?不免心中抱怨，叫苦連天。They could not help nursing resentment and crying endlessly of their hardships.正是生離果胜死別，看者比受者更加傷心。Indeed, parting in life proved more bitter than separation by death; those who watched suffered even more than those who endured it.好好的一個榮國府，鬧到人嚎鬼哭。The once-prosperous Rongguo Mansion had been reduced to a scene of human wailing and ghostly lamentation.賈政最循規矩，在倫常上也講究的，執手分別後，自己先騎馬赶至城外舉酒送行，又叮嚀了好些國家軫恤勳臣，力圖報稱的話。Jia Zheng was a great stickler for propriety and especially attentive to the duties of kinship; after taking their hands in farewell, he rode ahead to the outskirts of the city, offered wine to see them on their way, and repeatedly urged them to remember that the state showed compassion toward meritorious ministers and to strive to repay its grace.賈政等揮淚分頭而別。Then Jia Zheng and the others went their separate ways, waving farewell through their tears.

凤姐正在气厥。平儿哭得眼红，听见贾母带著王夫人，宝玉，宝钗过来，疾忙出来迎接。贾母便问：“这会子怎么样了？”平儿恐惊了贾母，便说：“这会子好些。老太太既来了，请进去瞧瞧。”他先跑进去轻轻的揭开帐子。凤姐开眼瞧著，只见贾母进来，满心惭愧。先前原打算贾母等恼他，不疼的了，是死活由他的，不料贾母亲自来瞧，心里一宽，觉那拥塞的气略松动些，便要扎挣坐起。贾母叫平儿按著，“不要动，你好些么？”凤姐含泪道：“我从小儿过来，老太太，太太怎么样疼我。那知我福气薄，叫神鬼支使的失魂落魄，不但不能够在老太太跟前尽点孝心，公婆前讨个好，还是这样把我当人，叫我帮著料理家务，被我闹的七颠八倒，我还有什么脸儿见老太太，太太呢！今日老太太，太太亲自过来，我更当不起了，恐怕该活三天的又折上了两天去了。”说著，悲咽。贾母道：“那些事原是外头闹起来的，与你什么相干。就是你的东西被人拿去，这也算不了什么呀。我带了好些东西给你，你瞧瞧。”说著，叫人拿上来给他瞧瞧。凤姐本是贪得无厌的人，如今被抄尽净，本是愁苦，又恐人埋怨，正是几不欲生的时候，今儿贾母仍旧疼他，王夫人也没嗔怪，过来安慰他，又想贾琏无事，心下安放好些，便在枕上与贾母磕头，说道：“请老太太放心。若是我的病托著老太太的福好了些，我情愿自己当个粗使丫头，尽心竭力的伏侍老太太，太太罢。”贾母听他说得伤心，不免掉下泪来。宝玉是从来没有经过这大风浪的，心下只知安乐，不知忧患的人，如今碰来碰去都是哭泣的事，所以他竟比傻子尤甚，见人哭他就哭。凤姐看见众人忧闷，反倒勉强说几句宽慰贾母的话，求著“请老太太，太太回去，我略好些过来磕头。”说著，将头仰起。贾母叫平儿“好生服侍，短什么到我那里要去。”说著，带了王夫人将要回到自己房中。只听见两三处哭声。贾母实在不忍闻见，便叫王夫人散去，叫宝玉“去见你大爷大哥，送一送就回来。”自己躺在榻上下泪。幸喜鸳鸯等能用百样言语劝解，贾母暂且安歇。不言贾赦等分离悲痛。那些跟去的人谁是愿意的？不免心中抱怨，叫苦连天。正是生离果胜死别，看者比受者更加伤心。好好的一个荣国府，闹到人嚎鬼哭。贾政最循规矩，在伦常上也讲究的，执手分别后，自己先骑马赶至城外举酒送行，又叮咛了好些国家轸恤勋臣，力图报称的话。贾政等挥泪分头而别。

賈政帶了寶玉回家，未及進門，只見門上有好些人在那里亂嚷說：“今日旨意，將榮國公世職著賈政承襲。”那些人在那里要喜錢，門上人和他們分爭，說是“本來的世職我們本家襲了，有什麼喜報。”那些人說道：“那世職的榮耀比任什麼還難得，你們大老爺鬧掉了，想要這個再不能的了。Jia Zheng returned home with Baoyu, but before they could enter the gate, they saw a crowd there clamoring, “By today’s imperial decree, Jia Zheng is to inherit the hereditary rank of Duke of Rongguo.” The men demanded reward money for bringing the glad tidings, while the gatekeepers argued with them, saying, “The hereditary rank has merely passed to another member of our own family—what glad tidings are there to reward?” The men replied, “The honor of that hereditary rank is harder to obtain than any official appointment. Your elder master lost it through his misconduct, and you could never have hoped to regain it.如今的圣人在位，赦過宥罪，還賞給二老爺襲了，這是千載難逢的，怎麼不給喜錢。”正鬧著，賈政回家，門上回了，雖則喜歡，究是哥哥犯事所致，反覺感极涕零，赶著進內告訴賈母。Now that the present sage sovereign sits upon the throne, he has pardoned offenses and remitted guilt, and has even granted the second master the succession. Such a thing comes but once in a thousand years—how can you refuse us reward money?” While the uproar continued, Jia Zheng arrived home. When the gatekeepers reported the news, he was pleased, yet since the honor had come through his elder brother’s disgrace, he felt instead so overwhelmed by imperial grace that tears streamed down his face, and he hurried inside to tell Jia Mu.王夫人正恐賈母傷心，過來安慰，聽得世職复還，自是歡喜。Lady Wang, fearing that Jia Mu would be overcome with grief, had come to comfort her; when she heard that the hereditary rank had been restored, she was naturally delighted.又見賈政進來，賈母拉了說些勤黽報恩的話。When Jia Zheng came in, Jia Mu took his hand and spoke to him of serving diligently and repaying the imperial favor.獨有邢夫人尤氏心下悲苦，只不好露出來。Only Lady Xing and You-shi felt especially bitter at heart, though they could not very well show it.且說外面這些趨炎奉勢的親戚朋友，先前賈宅有事都遠避不來，今兒賈政襲職，知圣眷尚好，大家都來賀喜。Meanwhile, those relatives and friends outside who fawned upon power and influence had all kept well away when the Jia household was in trouble; but now that Jia Zheng had inherited the rank and they knew that imperial favor had not deserted the family, they all came to offer congratulations.那知賈政純厚性成，因他襲哥哥的職，心內反生煩惱，只知感激天恩。Little did they know that Jia Zheng was honest and generous by nature: because he had inherited his elder brother’s rank, he felt troubled rather than elated, and thought only of his gratitude for the emperor’s grace.于第二日進內謝恩，到底將賞還府第園子備折奏請入官。On the following day he entered the palace to give thanks, but he nevertheless submitted a memorial offering to return the mansion and garden that had been bestowed upon the family, and requesting that they be taken into state possession.內廷降旨不必，賈政才得放心。The court issued an edict declining the offer, and only then did Jia Zheng set his mind at ease.回家以後，循分供職，但是家計蕭條，入不敷出。After returning home, he performed his official duties conscientiously, but the family finances were in a sorry state, with expenses exceeding income.賈政又不能在外應酬。Nor was Jia Zheng capable of cultivating useful connections outside the household.

贾政带了宝玉回家，未及进门，只见门上有好些人在那里乱嚷说：“今日旨意，将荣国公世职著贾政承袭。”那些人在那里要喜钱，门上人和他们分争，说是“本来的世职我们本家袭了，有什么喜报。”那些人说道：“那世职的荣耀比任什么还难得，你们大老爷闹掉了，想要这个再不能的了。如今的圣人在位，赦过宥罪，还赏给二老爷袭了，这是千载难逢的，怎么不给喜钱。”正闹著，贾政回家，门上回了，虽则喜欢，究是哥哥犯事所致，反觉感极涕零，赶著进内告诉贾母。王夫人正恐贾母伤心，过来安慰，听得世职复还，自是欢喜。又见贾政进来，贾母拉了说些勤黾报恩的话。独有邢夫人尤氏心下悲苦，只不好露出来。且说外面这些趋炎奉势的亲戚朋友，先前贾宅有事都远避不来，今儿贾政袭职，知圣眷尚好，大家都来贺喜。那知贾政纯厚性成，因他袭哥哥的职，心内反生烦恼，只知感激天恩。于第二日进内谢恩，到底将赏还府第园子备折奏请入官。内廷降旨不必，贾政才得放心。回家以后，循分供职，但是家计萧条，入不敷出。贾政又不能在外应酬。

家人們見賈政忠厚，鳳姐抱病不能理家，賈璉的虧缺一日重似一日，難免典房賣地。The servants saw that Jia Zheng was mild and honest, that Xifeng was too ill to manage the household, and that Jia Lian’s deficit grew heavier by the day, until mortgaging houses and selling land became unavoidable.府內家人幾個有錢的，怕賈璉纏扰，都裝窮躲事，甚至告假不來，各自另尋門路。The few servants in the mansion who had money feared that Jia Lian would pester them, so they pretended to be poor and kept out of trouble; some even took leave and stopped coming, each seeking another way to make a living.獨有一個包勇，雖是新投到此，恰遇榮府坏事，他倒有些真心辦事，見那些人欺瞞主子，便時常不忿。Only one man, Bao Yong, though newly taken into service and unfortunate enough to arrive just when calamity befell the Rong Mansion, was genuinely devoted to his duties; whenever he saw the others deceiving their masters, he often grew indignant.奈他是個新來乍到的人，一句話也插不上，他便生氣，每天吃了就睡。But as a complete newcomer, he could not get a word in, so in his anger he spent each day eating and then sleeping.眾人嫌他不肯隨和，便在賈政前說他終日貪杯生事，并不當差。The others disliked his refusal to fall in with them and told Jia Zheng that he drank all day, caused trouble, and never attended to his duties.賈政道：“隨他去罷。Jia Zheng said, “Let him be.原是甄府荐來，不好意思，橫豎家內添這一人吃飯，雖說是窮，也不在他一人身上。”并不叫來驅逐。He was recommended by the Zhen household, so it would be awkward to dismiss him. In any case, feeding one more man makes little difference to this household; poor though we are, our poverty does not rest upon him alone.” Thus he did not summon Bao Yong to drive him away.眾人又在賈璉跟前說他怎樣不好，賈璉此時也不敢自作威福，只得由他。The servants then told Jia Lian how objectionable Bao Yong was, but at this time Jia Lian no longer dared lord it over others and had no choice but to leave him alone.忽一日，包勇奈不過，吃了幾杯酒，在榮府街上閒逛，見有兩個人說話。One day Bao Yong could endure it no longer. After drinking several cups of wine, he wandered idly along the street outside the Rong Mansion and saw two men talking.那人說道：“你瞧，這麼個大府，前兒抄了家，不知如今怎麼樣了。”那人道：“他家怎麼能敗，聽見說里頭有位娘娘是他家的姑娘，雖是死了，到底有根基的。One said, “Look at this great mansion. Its property was confiscated the other day; I wonder how it is faring now.” The other replied, “How could that family be ruined? I hear that one of the imperial consorts in the palace was a daughter of theirs. Though she is dead, the family still has deep roots.況且我常見他們來往的都是王公侯伯，那里沒有照應。Besides, I have often seen princes, dukes, marquises, and earls coming and going from their houses. Surely some among them will look after the family.便是現在的府尹前任的兵部是他們的一家，難道有這些人還護庇不來么？”那人道：“你白住在這里！Why, even the present prefect, who formerly served in the Ministry of War, has close ties with them. With all these people, how could they fail to receive protection?” The first man said, “You have lived here to no purpose!別人猶可，獨是那個賈大人更了不得！The others may be one thing, but that Lord Jia is another matter altogether!我常見他在兩府來往，前兒御史雖參了，主子還叫府尹查明實跡再辦。I often saw him going back and forth between the two mansions. Although the censor impeached them the other day, His Majesty still ordered the prefect to investigate the actual evidence before proceeding.你道他怎麼樣？And what do you suppose he did?他本沾過兩府的好處，怕人說他回護一家，他便狠狠的踢了一腳，所以兩府里才到底抄了。He himself had benefited from both mansions, but fearing that people would accuse him of shielding a family to which he was indebted, he gave them a savage kick; that was why both mansions were ultimately searched and their property confiscated.你道如今的世情還了得嗎！”兩人無心說閒話，豈知旁邊有人跟著聽的明白。Can you imagine what the world has come to nowadays!” The two men were merely gossiping without a thought, never suspecting that someone nearby was following them and hearing every word clearly.包勇心下暗想：“天下有這樣負恩的人！Bao Yong thought to himself, “So there are such ungrateful men in the world!但不知是我老爺的什麼人。But I wonder what connection he has with my master.我若見了他，便打他一個死，鬧出事來我承當去。”那包勇正在酒後胡思亂想，忽聽那邊喝道而來。If ever I meet him, I shall beat him to death; and if trouble follows, I shall answer for it myself.” While Bao Yong, muddled with wine, was indulging these wild thoughts, he suddenly heard outriders approaching with shouted commands to clear the way.包勇遠遠站著。Bao Yong stood at a distance.只見那兩人輕輕的說道：“這來的就是那個賈大人了。”包勇聽了，心里怀恨，趁了酒興，便大聲的道：“沒良心的男女！The two men said softly, “Here comes that very Lord Jia.” Hearing this, Bao Yong’s heart filled with hatred, and emboldened by the wine, he shouted, “Heartless wretch!怎麼忘了我們賈家的恩了。”雨村在轎內，聽得一個“賈”字，便留神觀看，見是一個醉漢，便不理會過去了。How could you forget all that our Jia family did for you?” From inside his sedan chair, Yucun heard the word “Jia” and looked carefully; seeing only a drunken fellow, he ignored him and went on.那包勇醉著不知好歹，便得意洋洋回到府中，問起同伴，知是方才見的那位大人是這府里提拔起來的。”他不念舊恩，反來踢弄咱們家里，見了他罵他幾句，他竟不敢答言。”那榮府的人本嫌包勇，只是主人不計較他，如今他又在外闖禍，不得不回，趁賈政無事，便將包勇喝酒鬧事的話回了。Too drunk to know better, Bao Yong returned to the mansion in high spirits and, after asking his companions, learned that the official he had just seen had owed his advancement to this household. “He forgets old favors and turns around to trample on our family. When I saw him, I cursed him a few times, and he did not even dare answer me.” The servants of the Rong Mansion had long disliked Bao Yong, though their master had never held his conduct against him. Now that he had caused trouble outside as well, they could not refrain from reporting him; finding Jia Zheng at leisure, they told him how Bao Yong had become drunk and made a disturbance.賈政此時正怕風波，聽得家人回稟，便一時生氣，叫進包勇罵了幾句，便派去看園，不許他在外行走。Jia Zheng was particularly anxious at this time to avoid further trouble. When he heard the servants’ report, he lost his temper, summoned Bao Yong, scolded him, and sent him to guard the garden, forbidding him to go about outside.那包勇本是直爽的脾氣，投了主子他便赤心護主，豈知賈政反倒責罵他。Bao Yong was straightforward by nature, and once he had entered a master’s service he defended him with wholehearted loyalty; little had he expected Jia Zheng to scold him instead.他也不敢再辨，只得收拾行李往園中看守澆灌去了。He dared not argue further and could only pack his belongings and go to the garden, where he took charge of guarding and watering it.未知後事如何，下回分解。How matters developed thereafter will be explained in the next chapter.

家人们见贾政忠厚，凤姐抱病不能理家，贾琏的亏缺一日重似一日，难免典房卖地。府内家人几个有钱的，怕贾琏缠扰，都装穷躲事，甚至告假不来，各自另寻门路。独有一个包勇，虽是新投到此，恰遇荣府坏事，他倒有些真心办事，见那些人欺瞒主子，便时常不忿。奈他是个新来乍到的人，一句话也插不上，他便生气，每天吃了就睡。众人嫌他不肯随和，便在贾政前说他终日贪杯生事，并不当差。贾政道：“随他去罢。原是甄府荐来，不好意思，横竖家内添这一人吃饭，虽说是穷，也不在他一人身上。”并不叫来驱逐。众人又在贾琏跟前说他怎样不好，贾琏此时也不敢自作威福，只得由他。忽一日，包勇奈不过，吃了几杯酒，在荣府街上闲逛，见有两个人说话。那人说道：“你瞧，这么个大府，前儿抄了家，不知如今怎么样了。”那人道：“他家怎么能败，听见说里头有位娘娘是他家的姑娘，虽是死了，到底有根基的。况且我常见他们来往的都是王公侯伯，那里没有照应。便是现在的府尹前任的兵部是他们的一家，难道有这些人还护庇不来么？”那人道：“你白住在这里！别人犹可，独是那个贾大人更了不得！我常见他在两府来往，前儿御史虽参了，主子还叫府尹查明实迹再办。你道他怎么样？他本沾过两府的好处，怕人说他回护一家，他便狠狠的踢了一脚，所以两府里才到底抄了。你道如今的世情还了得吗！”两人无心说闲话，岂知旁边有人跟著听的明白。包勇心下暗想：“天下有这样负恩的人！但不知是我老爷的什么人。我若见了他，便打他一个死，闹出事来我承当去。”那包勇正在酒后胡思乱想，忽听那边喝道而来。包勇远远站著。只见那两人轻轻的说道：“这来的就是那个贾大人了。”包勇听了，心里怀恨，趁了酒兴，便大声的道：“没良心的男女！怎么忘了我们贾家的恩了。”雨村在轿内，听得一个“贾”字，便留神观看，见是一个醉汉，便不理会过去了。那包勇醉著不知好歹，便得意洋洋回到府中，问起同伴，知是方才见的那位大人是这府里提拔起来的。”他不念旧恩，反来踢弄咱们家里，见了他骂他几句，他竟不敢答言。”那荣府的人本嫌包勇，只是主人不计较他，如今他又在外闯祸，不得不回，趁贾政无事，便将包勇喝酒闹事的话回了。贾政此时正怕风波，听得家人回禀，便一时生气，叫进包勇骂了几句，便派去看园，不许他在外行走。那包勇本是直爽的脾气，投了主子他便赤心护主，岂知贾政反倒责骂他。他也不敢再辨，只得收拾行李往园中看守浇灌去了。未知后事如何，下回分解。