第百零八回　強歡笑蘅蕪慶生辰　死纏綿瀟湘聞鬼哭 Forcing Smiles, Baochai Marks a Birthday; In Dying Grief, a Ghost Is Heard Weeping at Bamboo Lodge

卻說賈政先前曾將房產并大觀園奏請入官，內廷不收，又無人居住，只好封鎖。Now it was said that Jia Zheng had earlier petitioned to surrender the family estates and Prospect Garden to the state, but the court declined to accept them; since no one lived there, they could only be sealed up.因園子接連尤氏惜春住宅，太覺曠闊無人，遂將包勇罰看荒園。As the Garden adjoined the residences of Madam You and Xichun, and its broad empty grounds seemed far too deserted, Bao Yong was punished by being assigned to guard the abandoned Garden.此時賈政理家，又奉了賈母之命將人口漸次減少，諸凡省儉，尚且不能支持。At this time Jia Zheng took charge of the household and, acting on Grandmother Jia’s orders, gradually reduced the number of servants and economized in every way, yet still could barely keep things going.幸喜鳳姐為賈母疼惜，王夫人等雖則不大喜歡，若說治家辦事尚能出力，所以將內事仍交鳳姐辦理。Fortunately, Grandmother Jia was fond of Xifeng; and although Lady Wang and the others did not much like her, they had to admit that she was capable and energetic in managing household affairs, so the domestic administration was again entrusted to her.但近來因被抄以後，諸事運用不來，也是每形拮据。But since the confiscation she had found it difficult to manage anything properly, and signs of straitened means appeared at every turn.那些房頭上下人等原是寬裕慣的，如今較之往日，十去其七，怎能周到，不免怨言不絕。Everyone in the various branches of the household, high and low alike, had long been accustomed to plenty; now, with their provisions reduced by seven-tenths from former days, how could every need be met? Complaints naturally continued without end.鳳姐也不敢推遲，扶病承歡賈母。Xifeng dared not decline the responsibility and, despite her illness, did her best to keep Grandmother Jia happy.過了些時，賈赦賈珍各到當差地方，恃有用度，暫且自安，寫書回家，都言安逸，家中不必挂念。After some time, Jia She and Jia Zhen each reached the place of his assigned service; as they had money for their expenses, they settled down there for the time being and wrote home saying that they were quite comfortable and the family need not worry about them.于是賈母放心，邢夫人尤氏也略略寬怀。Grandmother Jia was therefore reassured, while Lady Xing and Madam You also felt somewhat relieved.

却说贾政先前曾将房产并大观园奏请入官，内廷不收，又无人居住，只好封锁。因园子接连尤氏惜春住宅，太觉旷阔无人，遂将包勇罚看荒园。此时贾政理家，又奉了贾母之命将人口渐次减少，诸凡省俭，尚且不能支持。幸喜凤姐为贾母疼惜，王夫人等虽则不大喜欢，若说治家办事尚能出力，所以将内事仍交凤姐办理。但近来因被抄以后，诸事运用不来，也是每形拮据。那些房头上下人等原是宽裕惯的，如今较之往日，十去其七，怎能周到，不免怨言不绝。凤姐也不敢推迟，扶病承欢贾母。过了些时，贾赦贾珍各到当差地方，恃有用度，暂且自安，写书回家，都言安逸，家中不必挂念。于是贾母放心，邢夫人尤氏也略略宽怀。

一日，史湘雲出嫁回門，來賈母這邊請安。One day, Shi Xiangyun returned on the customary bridal visit after her marriage and came to pay her respects to Grandmother Jia.賈母提起他女婿甚好，史湘雲也將那里過日平安的話說了，請老太太放心。Grandmother Jia remarked on how good Xiangyun’s husband was, and Shi Xiangyun likewise told her that she was living peacefully there and begged the Old Lady to set her mind at ease.又提起黛玉去世，不免大家淚落。When Daiyu’s death was mentioned, however, everyone inevitably shed tears.賈母又想起迎春苦楚，越覺悲傷起來。Grandmother Jia then thought of Yingchun’s sufferings and grew sadder still.史湘雲勸解一回，又到各家請安問好畢，仍到賈母房中安歇，言及”薛家這樣人家被薛大哥鬧的家破人亡。Shi Xiangyun consoled her for a while, then went around paying her respects and inquiring after everyone; when she had finished, she returned to Grandmother Jia’s room to rest and said, “For a family like the Xues to have been brought to ruin and death by Cousin Xue’s mischief!今年雖是緩決人犯，明年不知可能減等？”賈母道：“你還不知道呢，昨兒蟠兒媳婦死的不明白，幾乎又鬧出一場大事來。Although his execution has been deferred this year, is there any hope that his sentence may be reduced next year?” Grandmother Jia said, “You have not heard: only yesterday, Pan’s wife died under suspicious circumstances and very nearly caused another great scandal.還幸虧老佛爺有眼，叫他帶來的丫頭自己供出來了，那夏奶奶才沒的鬧了，自家攔住相驗。Fortunately, Heaven has eyes: the maid she brought with her confessed of her own accord, so Madam Xia had no grounds to make trouble and herself prevented the authorities from examining the body.你姨媽這里才將皮裹肉的打發出去了。Only then was your aunt able to send the poor skin-and-bones creature away for burial.你說說，真真是六親同運！Tell me, is it not truly the same ill fortune overtaking all our kin!薛家是這樣了，姨太太守著薛蝌過日，為這孩子有良心他說哥哥在監里尚未結局，不肯娶親。The Xue family has come to this; your aunt now lives with Xue Ke, and because the boy has a conscience, he says that while his elder brother remains in prison with the case still unsettled, he will not marry.你邢妹妹在大太太那邊也就很苦。Your Cousin Xing is also having a very hard time with the Elder Lady.琴姑娘為他公公死了尚未滿服，梅家尚未娶去。Miss Baoqin’s mourning period for her father-in-law has not yet expired, so the Mei family has not yet taken her in marriage.二太太的娘家舅太爺一死，鳳丫頭的哥哥也不成人，那二舅太爺也是個小氣的，又是官項不清，也是打饑荒。Since the death of the Second Lady’s maternal uncle, Xifeng’s brother has proved utterly worthless; her second uncle is miserly too, and as his official accounts are unclear, he is also in financial difficulties.甄家自從抄家以後別無信息。”湘雲道：“三姐姐去了曾有書字回家么？”賈母道：“自從嫁了去，二老爺回來說，你三姐姐在海疆甚好。Nothing has been heard of the Zhen family since their property was confiscated.” Xiangyun asked, “Has Third Sister sent any letters home since she left?” Grandmother Jia replied, “After she married and went away, Second Master came back and said that your Third Sister was doing very well on the maritime frontier.只是沒有書信，我也日夜惦記，為著我們家連連的出些不好事，所以我也顧不來。But no letters have come, and I worry about her day and night; only our own family has suffered one misfortune after another, so I have had no attention to spare.如今四丫頭也沒有給他提親。And now no marriage has yet been proposed for Fourth Girl either.環兒呢，誰有功夫提起他來。As for Huan, who has the time even to think of him?如今我們家的日子比你從前在這里的時侯更苦些。Life in our household is harder now than when you used to live here.只可怜你寶姐姐，自過了門，沒過一天安逸日子。And your poor Sister Bao—since she married into the family, she has not known a single day of peace.你二哥哥還是這樣瘋瘋顛顛，這怎麼處呢！”湘雲道：“我從小兒在這里長大的，這里那些人的脾氣我都知道的。Your Second Cousin is still as deranged as ever; what is to be done with him?” Xiangyun said, “I grew up here from childhood, so I know the temper of everyone in this house.這一回來了，竟都改了樣子了。Yet on this visit I find them all completely changed.我打量我隔了好些時沒來，他們生疏我。At first I thought that, because I had not come for so long, they had grown distant from me.我細想起來，竟不是的，就是見了我，瞧他們的意思原要象先前一樣的熱鬧，不知道怎麼，說說就傷心起來了。But when I considered it carefully, I saw that was not so: whenever they meet me, they plainly mean to be as merry as before, yet somehow, after a few words, they grow sad.我所以坐坐就到老太太這里來了。”賈母道：“如今這樣日子在我也罷了，你們年輕輕兒的人還了得！That is why I sit with them only briefly before coming back to you, Old Lady.” Grandmother Jia said, “At my age I can put up with days like these, but how can you young people endure them!我正要想個法兒叫他們還熱鬧一天才好，只是打不起這個精神來。”湘雲道：“我想起來了，寶姐姐不是後兒的生日嗎，我多住一天，給他拜過壽，大家熱鬧一天。I have been trying to devise some way of making them merry again for just one day, but I cannot summon the energy.” Xiangyun said, “I have thought of something: is not Sister Bao’s birthday the day after tomorrow? I shall stay an extra day, offer her my birthday congratulations, and let everyone enjoy a day of merriment.不知老太太怎麼樣？”賈母道：“我真正氣糊涂了。What does the Old Lady think?” Grandmother Jia said, “I am truly so muddled with vexation!你不提我竟忘了，後日可不是他的生日！If you had not mentioned it, I should have forgotten entirely—is not the day after tomorrow indeed her birthday?我明日拿出錢來，給他辦個生日。Tomorrow I shall take out some money and arrange a birthday celebration for her.他沒有定親的時侯倒做過好幾次，如今他過了門，倒沒有做。Before she was betrothed, we celebrated it several times; yet since she married into the family, we have not celebrated it once.寶玉這孩子頭里很伶俐很淘氣，如今為著家里的事不好，把這孩子越發弄的話都沒有了。Baoyu used to be such a clever, mischievous boy; now the family’s troubles have affected him so deeply that he has become more silent than ever.倒是珠兒媳婦還好，他有的時侯是這麼著，沒的時侯他也是這麼著，帶著蘭兒靜靜兒的過日子，倒難為他。”湘雲道：“別人還不離，獨有璉二嫂子連模樣兒都改了，說話也不伶俐了。Zhu’s widow, by contrast, bears herself admirably: whether she has plenty or nothing, she remains the same, living quietly with Lan, and that is no easy thing.” Xiangyun said, “The others have not changed so greatly, but Second Sister-in-law Lian even looks different, and her speech has lost all its former liveliness.明日等我來引導他們，看他們怎麼樣。Tomorrow I shall try to draw them out and see how they respond.但是他們嘴里不說，心里要抱怨我，說我有了——”湘雲說到那里，卻把臉飛紅了。But though they may say nothing aloud, inwardly they will complain of me, saying that now I have—” At this point Xiangyun’s face suddenly flushed crimson.賈母會意，道：“這怕什麼。Grandmother Jia understood and said, “What is there to fear?原來姊妹們都是在一處樂慣了的，說說笑笑，再別要留這些心。You sisters were all accustomed to enjoying yourselves together, talking and laughing; you must not harbor such reservations.大凡一個人，有也罷沒也罷，總要受得富貴耐得貧賤才好。Generally speaking, whether one has wealth or not, one ought to be able both to bear prosperity and to endure poverty.你寶姐姐生來是個大方的人，頭里他家這樣好，他也一點兒不驕傲，後來他家坏了事，他也是舒舒坦坦的。Your Sister Bao was born a broad-minded person: when her family was flourishing, she was not the least bit proud; later, when misfortune befell them, she remained perfectly composed.如今在我家里，寶玉待他好，他也是那樣安頓，一時待他不好，不見他有什麼煩惱。Now that she is in our family, when Baoyu treats her well she takes it calmly, and when for a time he treats her poorly, I never see her grow distressed.我看這孩子倒是個有福氣的。To my mind, the girl is blessed with good fortune.你林姐姐那是個最小性兒又多心的，所以到底不長命。Your Sister Lin was extremely sensitive and suspicious, and that is why she did not live long.鳳丫頭也見過些事，很不該略見些風波就改了樣子，他若這樣沒見識，也就是小器了。Xifeng has seen something of the world, and she ought not to have changed so much at the first hint of adversity; if she truly has so little understanding, then she is narrow-minded indeed.後兒寶丫頭的生日，我替另拿出銀子來，熱熱鬧鬧給他做個生日，也叫他歡喜這一天。”湘雲答應道：“老太太說得很是。For Bao’s birthday the day after tomorrow, I shall provide money separately and give her a fine, lively celebration, so that she may at least be happy for one day.” Xiangyun replied, “The Old Lady is quite right.索性把那些姐妹們都請來了，大家敘一敘。”賈母道：“自然要請的。”一時高興道：“叫鴛鴦拿出一百銀子來交給外頭，叫他明日起預備兩天的酒飯。”鴛鴦領命，叫婆子交了出去。We may as well invite all the sisters and let everyone have a good talk together.” Grandmother Jia said, “Naturally we must invite them.” Growing cheerful, she said, “Have Yuanyang take out a hundred taels of silver and give it to the people outside, so that from tomorrow they can prepare food and wine for two days.” Yuanyang accepted the order and had an old serving-woman deliver the money.一宿無話。Nothing more occurred that night.次日傳話出去，打發人去接迎春，又請了薛姨媽寶琴，叫帶了香菱來。The next day, word was sent out and someone was dispatched to fetch Yingchun; Aunt Xue and Baoqin were invited as well and asked to bring Xiangling.又請李嬸娘。Aunt Li was also invited.不多半日，李紋李綺都來了。Before half the day had passed, Li Wen and Li Qi had both arrived.寶釵本沒有知道，聽見老太太的丫頭來請，說：“薛姨太太來了，請二奶奶過去呢。”寶釵心里喜歡，便是隨身衣服過去，要見他母親。Baochai had known nothing of this; when the Old Lady’s maid came to summon her, saying, “Your Aunt Xue has arrived and asks Second Young Mistress to come over,” Baochai was delighted and went at once in the clothes she had on, eager to see her mother.只見他妹子寶琴并香菱都在這里，又見李嬸娘等人也都來了。There she found her younger cousin Baoqin and Xiangling, as well as Aunt Li and the others.心想：“那些人必是知道我們家的事情完了，所以來問侯的。”便去問了李嬸娘好，見了賈母，然後與他母親說了幾句話，便與李家姐妹們問好。She thought, “They must have heard that our family’s troubles are over and have come to inquire after us.” She therefore went to greet Aunt Li, paid her respects to Grandmother Jia, exchanged a few words with her mother, and then greeted the Li sisters.湘雲在旁說道：“太太們請都坐下，讓我們姐妹們給姐姐拜壽。”寶釵聽了倒呆了一呆，回來一想：“可不是明日是我的生日嗎！”便說：“妹妹們過來瞧老太太是該的，若說為我的生日，是斷斷不敢的。”正推讓著，寶玉也來請薛姨媽李嬸娘的安。From the side, Xiangyun said, “Ladies, please all be seated, and let us sisters offer Sister Bao our birthday congratulations.” Baochai was taken aback, then reflected, “Why, is not tomorrow my birthday?” She said, “It is only proper that the younger sisters should come to see the Old Lady, but if you say you have come for my birthday, I could never presume to accept it.” As she was still declining the honor, Baoyu also arrived to pay his respects to Aunt Xue and Aunt Li.聽見寶釵自己推讓，他心里本早打算過寶釵生日，因家中鬧得七顛八倒，也不敢在賈母處提起，今見湘雲等眾人要拜壽，便喜歡道：“明日才是生日，我正要告訴老太太來。”湘雲笑道：“扯臊，老太太還等你告訴。Hearing Baochai demur, he—who had long wished to celebrate her birthday but, with the household in utter turmoil, had not dared mention it to Grandmother Jia—was delighted to see Xiangyun and the others preparing to congratulate her and said, “Her birthday is not until tomorrow; I was just coming to tell the Old Lady.” Xiangyun laughed and said, “Shameless nonsense! As though the Old Lady were waiting for you to tell her!你打量這些人為什麼來？Why do you suppose all these people have come?是老太太請的！”寶釵聽了，心下未信。The Old Lady invited them!” Baochai heard this but was not yet convinced.只聽賈母合他母親道：“可怜寶丫頭做了一年新媳婦，家里接二連三的有事，總沒有給他做過生日。Then she heard Grandmother Jia say to her mother, “Poor Bao has been a new bride for a whole year, and with one thing after another happening in the family, we have never once celebrated her birthday.今日我給他做個生日，請姨太太，太太們來大家說說話兒。”薛姨媽道：“老太太這些時心里才安，他小人兒家還沒有孝敬老太太，倒要老太太操心。”湘雲道：“老太太最疼的孫子是二哥哥，難道二嫂子就不疼了么！Today I am giving her a birthday celebration and have invited you and the other ladies here so that we may all talk together.” Aunt Xue said, “Only recently has the Old Lady’s mind found some peace; the young couple have not yet had a chance to show their devotion to you, yet instead you must go to all this trouble for her.” Xiangyun said, “The grandson the Old Lady loves best is Second Cousin; can she possibly not love his wife as well?況且寶姐姐也配老太太給他做生日。”寶釵低頭不語。Besides, Sister Bao is fully worthy of having the Old Lady celebrate her birthday.” Baochai lowered her head without speaking.寶玉心里想道：“我只說史妹妹出了閣是換了一個人了，我所以不敢親近他，他也不來理我。Baoyu thought, “I had supposed that after Sister Shi married she had become a different person, and so I dared not approach her, while she paid no attention to me either.如今聽他的話，原是和先前一樣的。But listening to her now, I see that she is just as she was before.為什麼我們那個過了門更覺得靦腆了，話都說不出來了呢？”正想著，小丫頭進來說：“二姑奶奶回來了。”隨後李紈鳳姐都進來，大家廝見一番。Why, then, has the one who married into our family grown more bashful still, unable even to speak?” While he was thinking this, a young maid came in and announced, “Second Married Young Lady has returned.” Soon afterward, Li Wan and Xifeng entered, and everyone exchanged greetings.迎春提起他父親出門，說：“本要赶來見見，只是他攔著不許來，說是咱們家正是晦氣時侯，不要沾染在身上。Yingchun mentioned her father’s departure and said, “I had meant to hurry over to see him, but my husband stopped me and would not let me come, saying that our family was passing through a time of ill fortune and he did not want it rubbing off on him.我扭不過，沒有來，直哭了兩三天。”鳳姐道：“今兒為什麼肯放你回來？”迎春道：“他又說咱們家二老爺又襲了職，還可以走走，不妨事的，所以才放我來。”說著，又哭起來。I could not prevail against him, so I did not come, and I wept for two or three days.” Xifeng asked, “Then why was he willing to let you return today?” Yingchun replied, “He said that Second Master of our family has now inherited the title and that it is all right to visit again, with no harm in it; only then did he let me come.” At this she began to weep again.賈母道：“我原為氣得慌，今日接你們來給孫子媳婦過生日，說說笑笑解個悶兒。Grandmother Jia said, “I was already sick with vexation; today I brought you all here to celebrate my grandson’s wife’s birthday, so that we might talk and laugh and dispel our gloom.你們又提起這些煩事來，又招起我的煩惱來了。”迎春等都不敢作聲了。But now you bring up all these troubles again and stir up my sorrows once more.” Yingchun and the others dared say no more.鳳姐雖勉強說了幾句有興的話，終不似先前爽利，招人發笑。Although Xifeng forced herself to make a few amusing remarks, she was no longer as quick and lively as before and failed to raise a laugh.賈母心里要寶釵喜歡，故意的嘔鳳姐兒說話。Grandmother Jia wanted Baochai to be happy, so she deliberately teased Xifeng into talking.鳳姐也知賈母之意，便竭力張羅，說道：“今兒老太太喜歡些了。Xifeng understood Grandmother Jia’s intention and exerted herself to enliven the gathering, saying, “The Old Lady is in better spirits today.你看這些人好幾時沒有聚在一處，今兒齊全。”說著回過頭去，看見婆婆尤氏不在這里，又縮住了口。Just look how long it has been since all these people gathered together; today everyone is here.” As she spoke, she turned her head and, seeing that her mother-in-law and Madam You were absent, abruptly fell silent.賈母為著“齊全”兩字，也想邢夫人等，叫人請去。The words “everyone is here” also reminded Grandmother Jia of Lady Xing and the others, so she sent someone to invite them.邢夫人，尤氏惜春等聽見老太太叫，不敢不來，心內也十分不願意，想著家業零敗，偏又高興給寶釵做生日，到底老太太偏心，便來了也是無精打采的。When Lady Xing, Madam You, Xichun, and the others heard that the Old Lady had summoned them, they dared not stay away, though inwardly they were most unwilling to come; they thought that, with the family fortunes in ruins, she perversely chose to celebrate Baochai’s birthday, showing how partial the Old Lady was, and so even when they arrived they were listless.賈母問起岫煙來，邢夫人假說病著不來。Grandmother Jia asked after Xiuyan, and Lady Xing falsely claimed that she was ill and could not come.賈母會意，知薛姨媽在這里有些不便，也不提了。Grandmother Jia understood: knowing that Xiuyan might feel awkward with Aunt Xue present, she did not pursue the matter.

一日，史湘云出嫁回门，来贾母这边请安。贾母提起他女婿甚好，史湘云也将那里过日平安的话说了，请老太太放心。又提起黛玉去世，不免大家泪落。贾母又想起迎春苦楚，越觉悲伤起来。史湘云劝解一回，又到各家请安问好毕，仍到贾母房中安歇，言及”薛家这样人家被薛大哥闹的家破人亡。今年虽是缓决人犯，明年不知可能减等？”贾母道：“你还不知道呢，昨儿蟠儿媳妇死的不明白，几乎又闹出一场大事来。还幸亏老佛爷有眼，叫他带来的丫头自己供出来了，那夏奶奶才没的闹了，自家拦住相验。你姨妈这里才将皮裹肉的打发出去了。你说说，真真是六亲同运！薛家是这样了，姨太太守著薛蝌过日，为这孩子有良心他说哥哥在监里尚未结局，不肯娶亲。你邢妹妹在大太太那边也就很苦。琴姑娘为他公公死了尚未满服，梅家尚未娶去。二太太的娘家舅太爷一死，凤丫头的哥哥也不成人，那二舅太爷也是个小气的，又是官项不清，也是打饥荒。甄家自从抄家以后别无信息。”湘云道：“三姐姐去了曾有书字回家么？”贾母道：“自从嫁了去，二老爷回来说，你三姐姐在海疆甚好。只是没有书信，我也日夜惦记，为著我们家连连的出些不好事，所以我也顾不来。如今四丫头也没有给他提亲。环儿呢，谁有功夫提起他来。如今我们家的日子比你从前在这里的时侯更苦些。只可怜你宝姐姐，自过了门，没过一天安逸日子。你二哥哥还是这样疯疯颠颠，这怎么处呢！”湘云道：“我从小儿在这里长大的，这里那些人的脾气我都知道的。这一回来了，竟都改了样子了。我打量我隔了好些时没来，他们生疏我。我细想起来，竟不是的，就是见了我，瞧他们的意思原要象先前一样的热闹，不知道怎么，说说就伤心起来了。我所以坐坐就到老太太这里来了。”贾母道：“如今这样日子在我也罢了，你们年轻轻儿的人还了得！我正要想个法儿叫他们还热闹一天才好，只是打不起这个精神来。”湘云道：“我想起来了，宝姐姐不是后儿的生日吗，我多住一天，给他拜过寿，大家热闹一天。不知老太太怎么样？”贾母道：“我真正气糊涂了。你不提我竟忘了，后日可不是他的生日！我明日拿出钱来，给他办个生日。他没有定亲的时侯倒做过好几次，如今他过了门，倒没有做。宝玉这孩子头里很伶俐很淘气，如今为著家里的事不好，把这孩子越发弄的话都没有了。倒是珠儿媳妇还好，他有的时侯是这么著，没的时侯他也是这么著，带著兰儿静静儿的过日子，倒难为他。”湘云道：“别人还不离，独有琏二嫂子连模样儿都改了，说话也不伶俐了。明日等我来引导他们，看他们怎么样。但是他们嘴里不说，心里要抱怨我，说我有了——”湘云说到那里，却把脸飞红了。贾母会意，道：“这怕什么。原来姊妹们都是在一处乐惯了的，说说笑笑，再别要留这些心。大凡一个人，有也罢没也罢，总要受得富贵耐得贫贱才好。你宝姐姐生来是个大方的人，头里他家这样好，他也一点儿不骄傲，后来他家坏了事，他也是舒舒坦坦的。如今在我家里，宝玉待他好，他也是那样安顿，一时待他不好，不见他有什么烦恼。我看这孩子倒是个有福气的。你林姐姐那是个最小性儿又多心的，所以到底不长命。凤丫头也见过些事，很不该略见些风波就改了样子，他若这样没见识，也就是小器了。后儿宝丫头的生日，我替另拿出银子来，热热闹闹给他做个生日，也叫他欢喜这一天。”湘云答应道：“老太太说得很是。索性把那些姐妹们都请来了，大家叙一叙。”贾母道：“自然要请的。”一时高兴道：“叫鸳鸯拿出一百银子来交给外头，叫他明日起预备两天的酒饭。”鸳鸯领命，叫婆子交了出去。一宿无话。次日传话出去，打发人去接迎春，又请了薛姨妈宝琴，叫带了香菱来。又请李婶娘。不多半日，李纹李绮都来了。宝钗本没有知道，听见老太太的丫头来请，说：“薛姨太太来了，请二奶奶过去呢。”宝钗心里喜欢，便是随身衣服过去，要见他母亲。只见他妹子宝琴并香菱都在这里，又见李婶娘等人也都来了。心想：“那些人必是知道我们家的事情完了，所以来问侯的。”便去问了李婶娘好，见了贾母，然后与他母亲说了几句话，便与李家姐妹们问好。湘云在旁说道：“太太们请都坐下，让我们姐妹们给姐姐拜寿。”宝钗听了倒呆了一呆，回来一想：“可不是明日是我的生日吗！”便说：“妹妹们过来瞧老太太是该的，若说为我的生日，是断断不敢的。”正推让著，宝玉也来请薛姨妈李婶娘的安。听见宝钗自己推让，他心里本早打算过宝钗生日，因家中闹得七颠八倒，也不敢在贾母处提起，今见湘云等众人要拜寿，便喜欢道：“明日才是生日，我正要告诉老太太来。”湘云笑道：“扯臊，老太太还等你告诉。你打量这些人为什么来？是老太太请的！”宝钗听了，心下未信。只听贾母合他母亲道：“可怜宝丫头做了一年新媳妇，家里接二连三的有事，总没有给他做过生日。今日我给他做个生日，请姨太太，太太们来大家说说话儿。”薛姨妈道：“老太太这些时心里才安，他小人儿家还没有孝敬老太太，倒要老太太操心。”湘云道：“老太太最疼的孙子是二哥哥，难道二嫂子就不疼了么！况且宝姐姐也配老太太给他做生日。”宝钗低头不语。宝玉心里想道：“我只说史妹妹出了阁是换了一个人了，我所以不敢亲近他，他也不来理我。如今听他的话，原是和先前一样的。为什么我们那个过了门更觉得腼腆了，话都说不出来了呢？”正想著，小丫头进来说：“二姑奶奶回来了。”随后李纨凤姐都进来，大家厮见一番。迎春提起他父亲出门，说：“本要赶来见见，只是他拦著不许来，说是咱们家正是晦气时侯，不要沾染在身上。我扭不过，没有来，直哭了两三天。”凤姐道：“今儿为什么肯放你回来？”迎春道：“他又说咱们家二老爷又袭了职，还可以走走，不妨事的，所以才放我来。”说著，又哭起来。贾母道：“我原为气得慌，今日接你们来给孙子媳妇过生日，说说笑笑解个闷儿。你们又提起这些烦事来，又招起我的烦恼来了。”迎春等都不敢作声了。凤姐虽勉强说了几句有兴的话，终不似先前爽利，招人发笑。贾母心里要宝钗喜欢，故意的呕凤姐儿说话。凤姐也知贾母之意，便竭力张罗，说道：“今儿老太太喜欢些了。你看这些人好几时没有聚在一处，今儿齐全。”说著回过头去，看见婆婆尤氏不在这里，又缩住了口。贾母为著“齐全”两字，也想邢夫人等，叫人请去。邢夫人，尤氏惜春等听见老太太叫，不敢不来，心内也十分不愿意，想著家业零败，偏又高兴给宝钗做生日，到底老太太偏心，便来了也是无精打采的。贾母问起岫烟来，邢夫人假说病著不来。贾母会意，知薛姨妈在这里有些不便，也不提了。

一時擺下果酒。Presently fruit and wine were set out.賈母說：“也不送到外頭，今日只許咱們娘兒們樂一樂。”寶玉雖然娶過親的人，因賈母疼愛，仍在里頭打混，但不與湘雲寶琴等同席，便在賈母身旁設著一個坐兒，他代寶釵輪流敬酒。Grandmother Jia said, “Do not send any outside; today only we womenfolk are to enjoy ourselves.” Though Baoyu was a married man, Grandmother Jia doted on him and still allowed him to mingle in the inner apartments; he did not, however, sit at the same table as Xiangyun, Baoqin, and the others, but had a separate seat placed beside Grandmother Jia, from which he offered wine to the guests in Baochai’s stead.賈母道：“如今且坐下大家喝酒，到挨晚兒再到各處行禮去。Grandmother Jia said, “For now, sit down and let us all drink; toward evening you may go around and perform the formal salutations.若如今行起來了，大家又鬧規矩，把我的興頭打回去就沒趣了。”寶釵便依言坐下。If you begin them now, everyone will become constrained by etiquette again, dampening my spirits and spoiling the fun.” Baochai accordingly sat down.賈母又叫人來道：“咱們今兒索性灑脫些，各留一兩個人伺侯。Grandmother Jia then summoned a servant and said, “Today we may as well be more free and easy; let each of us keep only one or two attendants.我叫鴛鴦帶了彩雲，鶯兒，襲人，平兒等在後間去，也喝一鐘酒。”鴛鴦等說：“我們還沒有給二奶奶磕頭，怎麼就好喝酒去呢。”賈母道：“我說了，你們只管去，用的著你們再來。”鴛鴦等去了。I will have Yuanyang take Caiyun, Ying’er, Xiren, Ping’er, and the others into the back room, so that they too may drink a cup of wine.” Yuanyang and the others said, “We have not yet kowtowed to Second Young Mistress; how could we go off drinking already?” Grandmother Jia said, “I have spoken, so just go; come back if you are needed.” Yuanyang and the others withdrew.這里賈母才讓薛姨媽等喝酒，見他們都不是往常的樣子，賈母著急道：“你們到底是怎麼著？Only then did Grandmother Jia urge Aunt Xue and the others to drink; seeing that none of them behaved as they once had, she grew anxious and said, “What in the world is the matter with you all?大家高興些才好。”湘雲道：“我們又吃又喝，還要怎樣！”鳳姐道：“他們小的時侯兒都高興，如今都礙著臉不敢混說，所以老太太瞧著冷淨了。”Everyone ought to be more cheerful.” Xiangyun said, “We are eating and drinking—what more do you want?” Xifeng said, “When they were young they were all merry; now they are too conscious of appearances to chatter freely, and that is why the Old Lady finds it so quiet.”

一时摆下果酒。贾母说：“也不送到外头，今日只许咱们娘儿们乐一乐。”宝玉虽然娶过亲的人，因贾母疼爱，仍在里头打混，但不与湘云宝琴等同席，便在贾母身旁设著一个坐儿，他代宝钗轮流敬酒。贾母道：“如今且坐下大家喝酒，到挨晚儿再到各处行礼去。若如今行起来了，大家又闹规矩，把我的兴头打回去就没趣了。”宝钗便依言坐下。贾母又叫人来道：“咱们今儿索性洒脱些，各留一两个人伺侯。我叫鸳鸯带了彩云，莺儿，袭人，平儿等在后间去，也喝一钟酒。”鸳鸯等说：“我们还没有给二奶奶磕头，怎么就好喝酒去呢。”贾母道：“我说了，你们只管去，用的著你们再来。”鸳鸯等去了。这里贾母才让薛姨妈等喝酒，见他们都不是往常的样子，贾母著急道：“你们到底是怎么著？大家高兴些才好。”湘云道：“我们又吃又喝，还要怎样！”凤姐道：“他们小的时侯儿都高兴，如今都碍著脸不敢混说，所以老太太瞧著冷净了。”

寶玉輕輕的告訴賈母道：“話是沒有什麼說的，再說就說到不好的上頭來了。Baoyu whispered to Grandmother Jia, “There is really nothing for them to talk about; if they go on, the conversation will only turn to unhappy matters.不如老太太出個主意，叫他們行個令兒罷。”賈母側著耳朵聽了，笑道：“若是行令，又得叫鴛鴦去。”寶玉聽了，不待再說，就出席到後間去找鴛鴦，說：“老太太要行令，叫姐姐去呢。”鴛鴦道：“小爺，讓我們舒舒服服的喝一杯罷，何苦來又來攪什麼。”寶玉道：“當真老太太說，得叫你去呢，與我什麼相干。”鴛鴦沒法，說道：“你們只管喝，我去了就來。”便到賈母那邊。Why does the Old Lady not think of something and have them play a drinking game?” Grandmother Jia inclined her ear to listen, then laughed and said, “If we play a drinking game, we shall have to call Yuanyang back.” Without waiting for more, Baoyu left the table and went into the back room to find Yuanyang, saying, “The Old Lady wants to play a drinking game and asks you to go in.” Yuanyang said, “Young Master, do let us drink one cup in peace and comfort! Why must you come and disturb us again?” Baoyu said, “The Old Lady truly said that you must go; what has it to do with me?” Helpless, Yuanyang said, “You all keep drinking; I shall be back as soon as I have gone.” She then went to Grandmother Jia.老太太道：“你來了，不是要行令嗎。”鴛鴦道：“聽見寶二爺說老太太叫，我敢不來嗎。The Old Lady said, “Now that you are here, were we not going to play a drinking game?” Yuanyang said, “When I heard Second Master Bao say that the Old Lady had summoned me, how could I dare not come?不知老太太要行什麼令兒？”賈母道：“那文的怪悶的慌，武的又不好，你倒是想個新鮮頑意兒才好。”鴛鴦想了想道：“如今姨太太有了年紀，不肯費心，倒不如拿出令盤骰子來，大家擲個曲牌名兒賭輸贏酒罷。”賈母道：“這也使得。”便命人取骰盆放在桌上。What sort of game does the Old Lady wish to play?” Grandmother Jia said, “The literary ones are dreadfully dull, and the boisterous ones are unsuitable; you must think of some fresh amusement.” Yuanyang thought for a moment and said, “Aunt Xue is advanced in years now and will not wish to tax her mind, so why not bring out the gaming tray and dice? We can throw for names of tunes and wager cups of wine on the result.” Grandmother Jia said, “That will do.” She ordered a dice bowl brought and placed on the table.鴛鴦說：“如今用四個骰子擲去，擲不出名兒來的罰一杯，擲出名兒來，每人喝酒的杯數兒擲出來再定。”眾人聽了道：“這是容易的，我們都隨著。”鴛鴦便打點兒。Yuanyang said, “We shall throw four dice. Anyone who fails to throw a named combination must drink one cup; if a named combination appears, we shall throw again to decide how many cups each person drinks.” Everyone said, “That is easy; we shall all follow your rules.” Yuanyang then arranged the game.眾人叫鴛鴦喝了一杯，就在他身上數起，恰是薛姨媽先擲。Everyone made Yuanyang drink a cup, then began counting from her place; as it happened, Aunt Xue was first to throw.薛姨媽便擲了一下，卻是四個么。Aunt Xue cast the dice and obtained four aces.鴛鴦道：“這是有名的，叫做‘商山四皓’。Yuanyang said, “That combination has a name: ‘The Four Graybeards of Mount Shang.’有年紀的喝一杯。”于是賈母，李嬸娘，邢王二夫人都該喝。All the older people must drink a cup.” Thus Grandmother Jia, Aunt Li, Lady Xing, and Lady Wang were all required to drink.賈母舉酒要喝，鴛鴦道：“這是姨太太擲的，還該姨太太說個曲牌名兒，下家兒接一句《千家詩》。Grandmother Jia raised her wine to drink, but Yuanyang said, “Since Aunt Xue made the throw, she must also name a tune, and the next player must answer with a line from The Thousand-Family Anthology.說不出的罰一杯。”薛姨媽道：“你又來算計我了，我那里說得上來。”賈母道：“不說到底寂寞，還是說一句的好。Anyone who cannot answer must drink a cup.” Aunt Xue said, “You are plotting against me again! How could I possibly come up with one?” Grandmother Jia said, “Without words the game would be dull; it is better to say something.下家兒就是我了，若說不出來，我陪姨太太喝一鐘就是了。”薛姨媽便道：“我說個‘臨老入花叢’。”賈母點點頭兒道：“將謂偷閒學少年。”說完，骰盆過到李紋，便擲了兩個四兩個二。I am the next player; if I cannot answer, I shall drink a cup with you.” Aunt Xue then said, “I will name ‘Entering the Flowers in Old Age.’” Grandmother Jia nodded and replied, “Who would have thought he stole leisure to imitate the young?” When she had finished, the dice bowl passed to Li Wen, who threw two fours and two twos.鴛鴦說：“也有名了，這叫作‘劉阮入天台’。”李紋便接著說了個”二士入桃源。”下手兒便是李紈，說道：“尋得桃源好避秦。”大家又喝了一口。Yuanyang said, “That too has a name: ‘Liu and Ruan Enter Mount Tiantai.’” Li Wen followed with the tune title “Two Scholars Enter Peach-Blossom Spring.” The next player was Li Wan, who said, “They found Peach-Blossom Spring a fine refuge from Qin.” Everyone took another sip.骰盆又過到賈母跟前，便擲了兩個二兩個三。The dice bowl next came before Grandmother Jia, who threw two twos and two threes.賈母道：“這要喝酒了？”鴛鴦道：“有名兒的，這是‘江燕引雛’。Grandmother Jia asked, “Must I drink for this?” Yuanyang replied, “It has a name: ‘River Swallows Leading Their Young.’眾人都該喝一杯。”鳳姐道：“雛是雛，倒飛了好些了。”眾人瞅了他一眼，鳳姐便不言語。Everyone must drink one cup.” Xifeng said, “Young they may be, but quite a few have flown away.” Everyone glanced sharply at her, and Xifeng fell silent.賈母道：“我說什麼呢，‘公領孫’罷。”下手是李綺，便說道：“閒看兒童捉柳花。”眾人都說好。Grandmother Jia said, “What shall I call mine? Let it be ‘A Duke Leading His Grandchildren.’” The next player was Li Qi, who recited, “Idly watching children chase willow catkins.” Everyone praised the line.寶玉巴不得要說，只是令盆輪不到，正想著，恰好到了跟前，便擲了一個二兩個三一個么，便說道：“這是什麼？”鴛鴦笑道：“這是個‘臭’，先喝一杯再擲罷。”寶玉只得喝了又擲，這一擲擲了兩個三兩個四，鴛鴦道：“有了，這叫做‘張敞畫眉’。”寶玉明白打趣他，寶釵的臉也飛紅了。Baoyu was longing for his chance to speak, but the dice bowl had not yet reached him; just as he was thinking this, it came before him, and he threw one two, two threes, and one ace, then asked, “What is this?” Yuanyang laughed and said, “It is a ‘stinker’; drink one cup first and throw again.” Baoyu had no choice but to drink and cast again; this time he threw two threes and two fours, and Yuanyang said, “Now you have one: it is called ‘Zhang Chang Painting His Wife’s Brows.’” Baoyu understood that she was teasing him, and Baochai’s face also flushed crimson.鳳姐不大懂得，還說：“二兄弟快說了，再找下家兒是誰。”寶玉明知難說，自認“罰了罷，我也沒下家。”過了令盆輪到李紈，便擲了一下兒。Xifeng did not quite understand and said, “Second Cousin, hurry and give your answer, then find out who comes after you.” Knowing that it would be awkward to answer, Baoyu admitted defeat: “Fine me instead; I have no next player anyway.” The dice bowl passed on to Li Wan, who cast the dice.鴛鴦道：“大奶奶擲的是‘十二金釵’。”寶玉聽了，赶到李紈身旁看時，只見紅綠對開，便說：“這一個好看得很。”忽然想起十二釵的夢來，便呆呆的退到自己座上，心里想，”這十二釵說是金陵的，怎麼家里這些人如今七大八小的就剩了這幾個。”复又看看湘雲寶釵，雖說都在，只是不見了黛玉，一時按捺不住，眼淚便要下來。Yuanyang said, “Eldest Young Mistress has thrown ‘The Twelve Beauties of Jinling.’” Hearing this, Baoyu hurried over to Li Wan’s side and looked; seeing the red and green dice evenly paired, he said, “This one is very pretty.” Suddenly he remembered his dream of the Twelve Beauties and returned dazedly to his seat, thinking, “Those Twelve Beauties were said to belong to Jinling; how is it that, after all the losses in our family, only these few remain?” He looked again at Xiangyun and Baochai: though they were both there, Daiyu alone was missing, and he could no longer restrain himself as tears welled in his eyes.恐人看見，便說身上躁的很，脫脫衣服去，挂了籌出席去了。Afraid that others might see, he said that he felt terribly hot and was going to take off some clothes; he hung up his tally, left the table, and went out.這史湘雲看見寶玉這般光景，打量寶玉擲不出好的，被別人擲了去，心里不喜歡，便去了，又嫌那個令兒沒趣，便有些煩。When Shi Xiangyun saw Baoyu in this state, she supposed that he was unhappy because he had failed to throw a good combination while someone else had done so, and had therefore gone away; already finding the game dull, she became somewhat irritated.只見李紈道：“我不說了，席間的人也不齊，不如罰我一杯。”賈母道：“這個令兒也不熱鬧，不如蠲了罷。Then Li Wan said, “I shall not give an answer; the company at the table is incomplete anyway, so I may as well drink a cup as a forfeit.” Grandmother Jia said, “This game is not very lively either; we may as well call it off.讓鴛鴦擲一下，看擲出個什麼來。”小丫頭便把令盆放在鴛鴦跟前。Let Yuanyang throw once and see what she gets.” A young maid placed the dice bowl before Yuanyang.鴛鴦依命便擲了兩個二一個五，那一個骰子在盆中只管轉，鴛鴦叫道：“不要五！”那骰子單單轉出一個五來。Obeying the order, Yuanyang threw two twos and one five; the remaining die kept spinning in the bowl, and Yuanyang cried, “Not a five!” Yet the die perversely came to rest on five.鴛鴦道：“了不得！Yuanyang exclaimed, “This is dreadful!我輸了。”賈母道：“這是不算什麼的嗎？”鴛鴦道：“名兒倒有，只是我說不上曲牌名來。”賈母道：“你說名兒，我給你謅。”鴛鴦道：“這是浪掃浮萍。”賈母道：“這也不難，我替你說個‘秋魚入菱窠’。”鴛鴦下手的就是湘雲，便道：“白萍吟盡楚江秋。”眾人都道：“這句很确。”賈母道：“這令完了。I have lost.” Grandmother Jia asked, “Does that combination have no name?” Yuanyang replied, “It does have a name, but I cannot think of a tune title to go with it.” Grandmother Jia said, “Tell me the name and I shall invent one for you.” Yuanyang said, “It is ‘Waves Sweeping Duckweed.’” Grandmother Jia said, “That is not difficult; I shall give you ‘Autumn Fish Entering a Water-Chestnut Bed.’” Xiangyun, who sat next after Yuanyang, then recited, “The white duckweed song ends with autumn on the Chu River.” Everyone said, “That line fits perfectly.” Grandmother Jia said, “That ends the game.咱們喝兩杯吃飯罷。”回頭一看，見寶玉還沒進來，便問道：“寶玉那里去了，還不來？”鴛鴦道：“換衣服去了。”賈母道：“誰跟了去的？”那鶯兒便上來回道：“我看見二爺出去，我叫襲人姐姐跟了去了。”賈母王夫人才放心。Let us drink a couple of cups and then eat.” Turning her head, she saw that Baoyu had still not returned and asked, “Where has Baoyu gone? Why has he not come back?” Yuanyang said, “He went to change his clothes.” Grandmother Jia asked, “Who went with him?” Ying’er came forward and replied, “When I saw Second Master go out, I asked Sister Xiren to follow him.” Only then were Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang reassured.

宝玉轻轻的告诉贾母道：“话是没有什么说的，再说就说到不好的上头来了。不如老太太出个主意，叫他们行个令儿罢。”贾母侧著耳朵听了，笑道：“若是行令，又得叫鸳鸯去。”宝玉听了，不待再说，就出席到后间去找鸳鸯，说：“老太太要行令，叫姐姐去呢。”鸳鸯道：“小爷，让我们舒舒服服的喝一杯罢，何苦来又来搅什么。”宝玉道：“当真老太太说，得叫你去呢，与我什么相干。”鸳鸯没法，说道：“你们只管喝，我去了就来。”便到贾母那边。老太太道：“你来了，不是要行令吗。”鸳鸯道：“听见宝二爷说老太太叫，我敢不来吗。不知老太太要行什么令儿？”贾母道：“那文的怪闷的慌，武的又不好，你倒是想个新鲜顽意儿才好。”鸳鸯想了想道：“如今姨太太有了年纪，不肯费心，倒不如拿出令盘骰子来，大家掷个曲牌名儿赌输赢酒罢。”贾母道：“这也使得。”便命人取骰盆放在桌上。鸳鸯说：“如今用四个骰子掷去，掷不出名儿来的罚一杯，掷出名儿来，每人喝酒的杯数儿掷出来再定。”众人听了道：“这是容易的，我们都随著。”鸳鸯便打点儿。众人叫鸳鸯喝了一杯，就在他身上数起，恰是薛姨妈先掷。薛姨妈便掷了一下，却是四个么。鸳鸯道：“这是有名的，叫做‘商山四皓’。有年纪的喝一杯。”于是贾母，李婶娘，邢王二夫人都该喝。贾母举酒要喝，鸳鸯道：“这是姨太太掷的，还该姨太太说个曲牌名儿，下家儿接一句《千家诗》。说不出的罚一杯。”薛姨妈道：“你又来算计我了，我那里说得上来。”贾母道：“不说到底寂寞，还是说一句的好。下家儿就是我了，若说不出来，我陪姨太太喝一钟就是了。”薛姨妈便道：“我说个‘临老入花丛’。”贾母点点头儿道：“将谓偷闲学少年。”说完，骰盆过到李纹，便掷了两个四两个二。鸳鸯说：“也有名了，这叫作‘刘阮入天台’。”李纹便接著说了个”二士入桃源。”下手儿便是李纨，说道：“寻得桃源好避秦。”大家又喝了一口。骰盆又过到贾母跟前，便掷了两个二两个三。贾母道：“这要喝酒了？”鸳鸯道：“有名儿的，这是‘江燕引雏’。众人都该喝一杯。”凤姐道：“雏是雏，倒飞了好些了。”众人瞅了他一眼，凤姐便不言语。贾母道：“我说什么呢，‘公领孙’罢。”下手是李绮，便说道：“闲看儿童捉柳花。”众人都说好。宝玉巴不得要说，只是令盆轮不到，正想著，恰好到了跟前，便掷了一个二两个三一个么，便说道：“这是什么？”鸳鸯笑道：“这是个‘臭’，先喝一杯再掷罢。”宝玉只得喝了又掷，这一掷掷了两个三两个四，鸳鸯道：“有了，这叫做‘张敞画眉’。”宝玉明白打趣他，宝钗的脸也飞红了。凤姐不大懂得，还说：“二兄弟快说了，再找下家儿是谁。”宝玉明知难说，自认“罚了罢，我也没下家。”过了令盆轮到李纨，便掷了一下儿。鸳鸯道：“大奶奶掷的是‘十二金钗’。”宝玉听了，赶到李纨身旁看时，只见红绿对开，便说：“这一个好看得很。”忽然想起十二钗的梦来，便呆呆的退到自己座上，心里想，”这十二钗说是金陵的，怎么家里这些人如今七大八小的就剩了这几个。”复又看看湘云宝钗，虽说都在，只是不见了黛玉，一时按捺不住，眼泪便要下来。恐人看见，便说身上躁的很，脱脱衣服去，挂了筹出席去了。这史湘云看见宝玉这般光景，打量宝玉掷不出好的，被别人掷了去，心里不喜欢，便去了，又嫌那个令儿没趣，便有些烦。只见李纨道：“我不说了，席间的人也不齐，不如罚我一杯。”贾母道：“这个令儿也不热闹，不如蠲了罢。让鸳鸯掷一下，看掷出个什么来。”小丫头便把令盆放在鸳鸯跟前。鸳鸯依命便掷了两个二一个五，那一个骰子在盆中只管转，鸳鸯叫道：“不要五！”那骰子单单转出一个五来。鸳鸯道：“了不得！我输了。”贾母道：“这是不算什么的吗？”鸳鸯道：“名儿倒有，只是我说不上曲牌名来。”贾母道：“你说名儿，我给你诌。”鸳鸯道：“这是浪扫浮萍。”贾母道：“这也不难，我替你说个‘秋鱼入菱窠’。”鸳鸯下手的就是湘云，便道：“白萍吟尽楚江秋。”众人都道：“这句很确。”贾母道：“这令完了。咱们喝两杯吃饭罢。”回头一看，见宝玉还没进来，便问道：“宝玉那里去了，还不来？”鸳鸯道：“换衣服去了。”贾母道：“谁跟了去的？”那莺儿便上来回道：“我看见二爷出去，我叫袭人姐姐跟了去了。”贾母王夫人才放心。

等了一回，王夫人叫人去找來。After waiting a while, Lady Wang sent someone to find him.小丫頭子到了新房，只見五兒在那里插蜡。The young maid reached the bridal chamber and found Wu’er there trimming the candlewick.小丫頭便問：“寶二爺那里去了？”五兒道：“在老太太那邊喝酒呢。”小丫頭道：“我在老太太那里，太太叫我來找的。The young maid asked, “Where has Second Master Bao gone?” Wu’er replied, “He is drinking over at the Old Lady’s.” The maid said, “I have just come from the Old Lady’s; the Lady sent me here to find him.豈有在那里倒叫我來找的理。”五兒道：“這就不知道了，你到別處找去罷。”小丫頭沒法，只得回來，遇見秋紋，便道：“你見二爺那里去了？”秋紋道：“我也找他。“What sense is there in his being there and instead telling me to come and look for him?” Wu’er said, “I really don’t know. Go and look somewhere else.” The little maid had no choice but to turn back. Meeting Qiuwen, she asked, “Have you seen where Second Master has gone?” Qiuwen replied, “I’m looking for him too.太太們等他吃飯，這會子那里去了呢？The ladies are waiting for him before they dine—where can he have gone at this hour?你快去回老太太去，不必說不在家，只說喝了酒不大受用不吃飯了，略躺一躺再來，請老太太們吃飯罷。”小丫頭依言回去告訴珍珠，珍珠依言回了賈母。Hurry and report to the Old Lady. Don’t say he isn’t at home; just say that the wine has disagreed with him, so he will not dine, and that he is going to lie down for a while before coming over. Ask the Old Lady and the others to go ahead with their meal.” The little maid went back as instructed and told Zhenzhu, who duly reported this to Grandmother Jia.賈母道：“他本來吃不多，不吃也罷了。Grandmother Jia said, “He never eats much anyway, so it does not matter if he misses the meal.叫他歇歇罷。Let him rest.告訴他今兒不必過來，有他媳婦在這里。”珍珠便向小丫頭道：“你聽見了？”小丫頭答應著，不便說明，只得在別處轉了一轉，說告訴了。Tell him he need not come over today, since his wife is here.” Zhenzhu then said to the little maid, “You heard that?” The little maid assented. Not daring to explain the truth, she merely wandered about elsewhere for a while and then said that she had delivered the message.眾人也不理會，便吃畢飯，大家散坐說話。No one paid the matter any heed. They finished their meal, then sat about chatting.不題。But no more of this.

等了一回，王夫人叫人去找来。小丫头子到了新房，只见五儿在那里插蜡。小丫头便问：“宝二爷那里去了？”五儿道：“在老太太那边喝酒呢。”小丫头道：“我在老太太那里，太太叫我来找的。岂有在那里倒叫我来找的理。”五儿道：“这就不知道了，你到别处找去罢。”小丫头没法，只得回来，遇见秋纹，便道：“你见二爷那里去了？”秋纹道：“我也找他。太太们等他吃饭，这会子那里去了呢？你快去回老太太去，不必说不在家，只说喝了酒不大受用不吃饭了，略躺一躺再来，请老太太们吃饭罢。”小丫头依言回去告诉珍珠，珍珠依言回了贾母。贾母道：“他本来吃不多，不吃也罢了。叫他歇歇罢。告诉他今儿不必过来，有他媳妇在这里。”珍珠便向小丫头道：“你听见了？”小丫头答应著，不便说明，只得在别处转了一转，说告诉了。众人也不理会，便吃毕饭，大家散坐说话。不题。

且說寶玉一時傷心，走了出來，正無主意，只見襲人赶來，問是怎麼了。Now Baoyu, overcome with grief, had walked out and was at a loss what to do when Xiren came hurrying after him and asked what was wrong.寶玉道：“不怎麼，只是心里煩得慌。“Nothing,” said Baoyu. “I just feel unbearably troubled at heart.何不趁他們喝酒咱們兩個到珍大奶奶那里逛逛去。”襲人道：“珍大奶奶在這里，去找誰？”寶玉道：“不找誰，瞧瞧他現在這里住的房屋怎麼樣。”襲人只得跟著，一面走，一面說。Why don’t the two of us take advantage of their drinking and go over to Cousin Zhen’s wife’s place for a stroll?” Xiren said, “Madam You is here, so whom would we be going to see?” “No one,” said Baoyu. “I only want to see what the rooms where she lives now are like.” Xiren had no choice but to follow him, talking as they went.走到尤氏那邊，又一個小門兒半開半掩，寶玉也不進去。When they reached Madam You’s side of the compound, they found another small gate standing half open, but Baoyu did not go in.只見看園門的兩個婆子坐在門檻上說話兒。He saw two old women who guarded the garden gate sitting on the threshold and chatting.寶玉問道：“這小門開著么？”婆子道：“天天是不開的。Baoyu asked, “Is this little gate kept open?” One of the women replied, “It is normally shut every day.今兒有人出來說，今日預備老太太要用園里的果子，故開著門等著。”寶玉便慢慢的走到那邊，果見腰門半開，寶玉便走了進去。But someone came out today and said that fruit from the garden might be needed for the Old Lady, so it was opened in readiness.” Baoyu slowly made his way over and, sure enough, found the side gate half open; he walked through it.襲人忙拉住道：“不用去，園里不乾淨，常沒有人去，不要撞見什麼。”寶玉仗著酒氣，說：“我不怕那些。”襲人苦苦的拉住不容他去。Xiren hurriedly caught hold of him. “There is no need to go in. The garden is unwholesome, and hardly anyone ever enters it. You might run into something.” Emboldened by the wine, Baoyu said, “I’m not afraid of such things.” Xiren clung to him desperately, refusing to let him go.婆子們上來說道：“如今這園子安靜的了。The old women came forward and said, “The garden is peaceful enough nowadays.自從那日道士拿了妖去，我們摘花兒，打果子一個人常走的。Ever since the Daoist captured that evil spirit, we have often gone about alone picking flowers and gathering fruit.二爺要去，咱們都跟著，有這些人怕什麼。”寶玉喜歡，襲人也不便相強，只得跟著。If Second Master wishes to go in, we can all follow him. With so many people, what is there to fear?” Baoyu was delighted. Xiren could no longer insist on stopping him and had to go along.

且说宝玉一时伤心，走了出来，正无主意，只见袭人赶来，问是怎么了。宝玉道：“不怎么，只是心里烦得慌。何不趁他们喝酒咱们两个到珍大奶奶那里逛逛去。”袭人道：“珍大奶奶在这里，去找谁？”宝玉道：“不找谁，瞧瞧他现在这里住的房屋怎么样。”袭人只得跟著，一面走，一面说。走到尤氏那边，又一个小门儿半开半掩，宝玉也不进去。只见看园门的两个婆子坐在门槛上说话儿。宝玉问道：“这小门开著么？”婆子道：“天天是不开的。今儿有人出来说，今日预备老太太要用园里的果子，故开著门等著。”宝玉便慢慢的走到那边，果见腰门半开，宝玉便走了进去。袭人忙拉住道：“不用去，园里不干净，常没有人去，不要撞见什么。”宝玉仗著酒气，说：“我不怕那些。”袭人苦苦的拉住不容他去。婆子们上来说道：“如今这园子安静的了。自从那日道士拿了妖去，我们摘花儿，打果子一个人常走的。二爷要去，咱们都跟著，有这些人怕什么。”宝玉喜欢，袭人也不便相强，只得跟著。

寶玉進得園來，只見滿目凄涼，那些花木枯萎，更有幾處亭館，彩色久經剝落，遠遠望見一叢修竹，倒還茂盛。Once inside the garden, Baoyu saw desolation everywhere. The flowers and trees had withered, and the paint on several of the pavilions and halls had long since peeled away. In the distance, however, a grove of tall bamboo still flourished.寶玉一想，說：“我自病時出園住在後邊，一連幾個月不准我到這里，瞬息荒涼。Baoyu reflected and said, “Ever since I fell ill, I have lived behind the garden, and for several months they have forbidden me to come here. How desolate it has grown in so short a time!你看獨有那幾杆翠竹菁蔥，這不是瀟湘館么！”襲人道：“你幾個月沒來，連方向都忘了。Look—the only things still lush and green are those few bamboo stalks. Isn’t that the Xiaoxiang Lodge?” Xiren said, “You haven’t been here for several months, and you have even forgotten your directions.咱們只管說話，不覺將怡紅院走過了。”回過頭來用手指著道：“這才是瀟湘館呢。”寶玉順著襲人的手一瞧，道：“可不是過了嗎！We were so busy talking that we passed the House of Green Delights without noticing.” Turning, she pointed with her hand and said, “That is the Xiaoxiang Lodge.” Baoyu looked where she pointed and said, “Why, we have passed it indeed!咱們回去瞧瞧。”襲人道：“天晚了，老太太必是等著吃飯，該回去了。”寶玉不言，找著舊路，竟往前走。Let us go back and have a look.” Xiren said, “It is getting late. The Old Lady must be waiting for us before she dines; we ought to go back.” Baoyu said nothing, but found the old path and walked straight on.

宝玉进得园来，只见满目凄凉，那些花木枯萎，更有几处亭馆，彩色久经剥落，远远望见一丛修竹，倒还茂盛。宝玉一想，说：“我自病时出园住在后边，一连几个月不准我到这里，瞬息荒凉。你看独有那几杆翠竹菁葱，这不是潇湘馆么！”袭人道：“你几个月没来，连方向都忘了。咱们只管说话，不觉将怡红院走过了。”回过头来用手指著道：“这才是潇湘馆呢。”宝玉顺著袭人的手一瞧，道：“可不是过了吗！咱们回去瞧瞧。”袭人道：“天晚了，老太太必是等著吃饭，该回去了。”宝玉不言，找著旧路，竟往前走。

你道寶玉雖離了大觀園將及一載，豈遂忘了路徑？Could Baoyu truly have forgotten the paths merely because he had been away from Prospect Garden for nearly a year?只因襲人恐他見了瀟湘館，想起黛玉又要傷心，所以用言混過。It was only that Xiren feared the sight of the Xiaoxiang Lodge would remind him of Daiyu and plunge him into grief again, so she tried to confuse him with her words.豈知寶玉只望里走，天又晚，恐招了邪氣，故寶玉問他，只說已走過了，欲寶玉不去。But Baoyu kept pressing farther in, and as it was growing late, Xiren feared they might fall prey to some evil influence. Thus, when Baoyu asked her, she merely said they had already passed it, hoping to keep him from going there.不料寶玉的心惟在瀟湘館內。She had not reckoned that Baoyu’s heart was fixed solely upon the Xiaoxiang Lodge.襲人見他往前急走，只得赶上，見寶玉站著，似有所見，如有所聞，便道：“你聽什麼？”寶玉道：“瀟湘館倒有人住著么？”襲人道：“大約沒有人罷。”寶玉道：“我明明聽見有人在內啼哭，怎麼沒有人！”襲人道：“你是疑心。Seeing him hurry forward, Xiren had no choice but to catch up. She found Baoyu standing still as though he had seen or heard something, and asked, “What are you listening to?” Baoyu said, “Can someone be living in the Xiaoxiang Lodge?” “Probably not,” said Xiren. Baoyu said, “I distinctly heard someone weeping inside. How can there be no one there?” Xiren replied, “You are imagining things.素常你到這里，常聽見林姑娘傷心，所以如今還是那樣。”寶玉不信，還要聽去。Whenever you came here before, you often heard Miss Lin grieving; that is why it still seems the same to you now.” Baoyu did not believe her and wanted to listen further.婆子們赶上說道：“二爺快回去罷。The old women hurried up and said, “Second Master, please go back quickly.天已晚了，別處我們還敢走走，只是這里路又隱僻，又聽得人說這里林姑娘死後常聽見有哭聲，所以人都不敢走的。”寶玉襲人聽說，都吃了一驚。It is already late. We would still dare to walk about elsewhere, but the paths here are secluded, and people say that since Miss Lin died, the sound of weeping has often been heard here. That is why no one dares come this way.” Baoyu and Xiren were both startled to hear this.寶玉道：“可不是。”說著，便滴下淚來，說：“林妹妹，林妹妹，好好兒的是我害了你了！“So it is true,” said Baoyu. Tears fell from his eyes, and he cried, “Sister Lin! Sister Lin! You were perfectly well, and it was I who brought about your death!你別怨我，只是父母作主，并不是我負心。”愈說愈痛，便大哭起來。Do not blame me. It was my parents who decided everything; I did not betray you.” The more he spoke, the more anguished he became, until he burst into loud sobs.襲人正在沒法，只見秋紋帶著些人赶來對襲人道：“你好大膽，怎麼領了二爺到這里來！Xiren was at her wits’ end when Qiuwen appeared, hurrying toward them with several others. She said to Xiren, “How could you be so reckless as to bring Second Master here!老太太，太太他們打發人各處都找到了，剛才腰門上有人說是你同二爺到這里來了，唬得老太太，太太們了不得，罵著我，叫我帶人赶來，還不快回去么！”寶玉猶自痛哭。The Old Lady, Her Ladyship, and all the others have sent people searching everywhere. Just now someone at the side gate said that you and Second Master had come in here. The Old Lady and the ladies were frightened out of their wits and scolded me, ordering me to bring people after you. Why don’t you hurry back!” Baoyu was still weeping bitterly.襲人也不顧他哭，兩個人拉著就走，一面替他拭眼淚，告訴他老太太著急。Paying no heed to his tears, Xiren and Qiuwen took hold of him and led him away, wiping his eyes as they went and telling him how anxious the Old Lady was.寶玉沒法，只得回來。Baoyu had no choice but to return.

你道宝玉虽离了大观园将及一载，岂遂忘了路径？只因袭人恐他见了潇湘馆，想起黛玉又要伤心，所以用言混过。岂知宝玉只望里走，天又晚，恐招了邪气，故宝玉问他，只说已走过了，欲宝玉不去。不料宝玉的心惟在潇湘馆内。袭人见他往前急走，只得赶上，见宝玉站著，似有所见，如有所闻，便道：“你听什么？”宝玉道：“潇湘馆倒有人住著么？”袭人道：“大约没有人罢。”宝玉道：“我明明听见有人在内啼哭，怎么没有人！”袭人道：“你是疑心。素常你到这里，常听见林姑娘伤心，所以如今还是那样。”宝玉不信，还要听去。婆子们赶上说道：“二爷快回去罢。天已晚了，别处我们还敢走走，只是这里路又隐僻，又听得人说这里林姑娘死后常听见有哭声，所以人都不敢走的。”宝玉袭人听说，都吃了一惊。宝玉道：“可不是。”说著，便滴下泪来，说：“林妹妹，林妹妹，好好儿的是我害了你了！你别怨我，只是父母作主，并不是我负心。”愈说愈痛，便大哭起来。袭人正在没法，只见秋纹带著些人赶来对袭人道：“你好大胆，怎么领了二爷到这里来！老太太，太太他们打发人各处都找到了，刚才腰门上有人说是你同二爷到这里来了，唬得老太太，太太们了不得，骂著我，叫我带人赶来，还不快回去么！”宝玉犹自痛哭。袭人也不顾他哭，两个人拉著就走，一面替他拭眼泪，告诉他老太太著急。宝玉没法，只得回来。

襲人知老太太不放心，將寶玉仍送到賈母那邊。Knowing that the Old Lady would remain uneasy, Xiren escorted Baoyu back to Grandmother Jia’s quarters.眾人都等著未散。Everyone was still waiting there and had not dispersed.賈母便說：“襲人，我素常知你明白，才把寶玉交給你，怎麼今兒帶他園里去！Grandmother Jia said, “Xiren, I have always known you to be sensible, and that is why I entrusted Baoyu to you. How could you take him into the garden today?他的病才好，倘或撞著什麼，又鬧起來，這便怎麼處？”襲人也不敢分辯，只得低頭不語。He has only just recovered from his illness. If he had encountered something and suffered another fit, what would we have done?” Xiren dared not defend herself and merely bowed her head in silence.寶釵看寶玉顏色不好，心里著實的吃驚。Baochai was deeply alarmed when she saw how unwell Baoyu looked.倒還是寶玉恐襲人受委屈，說道：“青天白日怕什麼。But Baoyu, fearing Xiren would be unfairly blamed, said, “What was there to fear in broad daylight?我因為好些時沒到園里逛逛，今兒趁著酒興走走。I had not strolled in the garden for a long time, so today, in the exhilaration of the wine, I went for a walk.那里就撞著什麼了呢！”鳳姐在園里吃過大虧的，聽到那里寒毛倒豎，說：“寶兄弟膽子忒大了。”湘雲道：“不是膽大，倒是心實。How could I possibly have run into anything there?” Fengjie, who had suffered badly in the garden herself, felt her hair stand on end at the mention of it and said, “Brother Baoyu is far too bold.” Xiangyun said, “It is not boldness so much as a guileless heart.不知是會芙蓉神去了，還是尋什麼仙去了。”寶玉聽著，也不答言。Who knows whether he went to meet the Hibiscus Goddess or to seek some other immortal?” Baoyu heard her but made no reply.獨有王夫人急的一言不發。Lady Wang alone was too anxious to utter a word.賈母問道：“你到園里可曾唬著么？Grandmother Jia asked, “Were you frightened while you were in the garden?這回不用說了，以後要逛，到底多帶幾個人才好。Let us say no more of it this time. If you wish to stroll there in future, you really must take several more people with you.不然大家早散了。Otherwise everyone would have gone home long ago.回去好好的睡一夜，明日一早過來，我還要找補，叫你們再樂一天呢。Go back and sleep soundly tonight, then come over early tomorrow morning. I mean to make up for today and let you all enjoy yourselves for another day.不要為他又鬧出什麼原故來。”眾人聽說，辭了賈母出來。We must not let this affair of his give rise to any further trouble.” At this, everyone took leave of Grandmother Jia and departed.薛姨媽便到王夫人那里住下。Aunt Xue went to stay in Lady Wang’s quarters.史湘雲仍在賈母房中。Shi Xiangyun remained in Grandmother Jia’s apartments.迎春便往惜春那里去了。Yingchun went over to Xichun’s place.餘者各自回去。The rest returned to their own quarters.不題。But no more of this.獨有寶玉回到房中，噯聲歎氣。Baoyu alone sighed and groaned after returning to his room.寶釵明知其故，也不理他，只是怕他憂悶，勾出舊病來，便進里間叫襲人來細問他寶玉到園怎麼的光景。Baochai knew perfectly well what lay behind it, but paid him no outward attention. Still, fearing that brooding might bring on his old illness again, she went into the inner room, summoned Xiren, and questioned her closely about all that had happened to Baoyu in the garden.未知襲人怎生回說，下回分解。How Xiren answered will be revealed in the next chapter.

袭人知老太太不放心，将宝玉仍送到贾母那边。众人都等著未散。贾母便说：“袭人，我素常知你明白，才把宝玉交给你，怎么今儿带他园里去！他的病才好，倘或撞著什么，又闹起来，这便怎么处？”袭人也不敢分辩，只得低头不语。宝钗看宝玉颜色不好，心里著实的吃惊。倒还是宝玉恐袭人受委屈，说道：“青天白日怕什么。我因为好些时没到园里逛逛，今儿趁著酒兴走走。那里就撞著什么了呢！”凤姐在园里吃过大亏的，听到那里寒毛倒竖，说：“宝兄弟胆子忒大了。”湘云道：“不是胆大，倒是心实。不知是会芙蓉神去了，还是寻什么仙去了。”宝玉听著，也不答言。独有王夫人急的一言不发。贾母问道：“你到园里可曾唬著么？这回不用说了，以后要逛，到底多带几个人才好。不然大家早散了。回去好好的睡一夜，明日一早过来，我还要找补，叫你们再乐一天呢。不要为他又闹出什么原故来。”众人听说，辞了贾母出来。薛姨妈便到王夫人那里住下。史湘云仍在贾母房中。迎春便往惜春那里去了。余者各自回去。不题。独有宝玉回到房中，嗳声叹气。宝钗明知其故，也不理他，只是怕他忧闷，勾出旧病来，便进里间叫袭人来细问他宝玉到园怎么的光景。未知袭人怎生回说，下回分解。