第百零九回　候芳魂五兒承錯愛　還孽債迎女返真元 Wu'er Receives Misplaced Love; Repaying Her Karmic Debt, Yingchun Returns to the Truth

話說寶釵叫襲人問出原故，恐寶玉悲傷成疾，便將黛玉臨死的話與襲人假作閒談，說是：“人生在世，有意有情，到了死後各自干各自的去了，并不是生前那樣個人死後還是這樣。It is told that Baochai had Xiren find out what had happened. Fearing that Baoyu might grieve himself ill, she casually brought up Daiyu’s dying words to Xiren, saying, “While people live in this world, they have thoughts and feelings; but after death, each goes their own way—it is not as though a person remains after death just as they were in life.活人雖有痴心，死的竟不知道。Though the living may cling to their foolish devotion, the dead know nothing of it.況且林姑娘既說仙去，他看凡人是個不堪的濁物，那里還肯混在世上。Besides, since Miss Lin said she was departing for the immortal realm, she must regard mortals as foul, unworthy creatures; why would she still consent to linger among them?只是人自己疑心，所以招些邪魔外祟來纏扰了。”寶釵雖是與襲人說話，原說給寶玉聽的。It is only people’s own suspicions that draw evil spirits and uncanny influences to trouble them.” Though Baochai was speaking to Xiren, she had really meant Baoyu to hear.襲人會意，也說是“沒有的事。Xiren understood her meaning and said, “There is no such thing.若說林姑娘的魂靈兒還在園里，我們也算好的，怎麼不曾夢見了一次。”寶玉在外聞聽得，細細的想道：“果然也奇。If Miss Lin’s spirit were still in the Garden, and considering how well we treated her, how is it that she has never once appeared in our dreams?” Hearing this from the outer room, Baoyu pondered carefully: “It really is strange.我知道林妹妹死了，那一日不想幾遍，怎麼從沒夢過。I know that Cousin Lin is dead, and not a day passes when I do not think of her several times; yet why have I never dreamed of her?想是他到天上去了，瞧我這凡夫俗子不能交通神明，所以夢都沒有一個兒。She must have gone up to heaven, and, seeing that a common mortal like me cannot commune with divine beings, has not granted me even a single dream.我就在外間睡著，或者我從園里回來，他知道我的實心，肯與我夢里一見。If I sleep here in the outer room, perhaps when I return from the Garden she will recognize my sincere heart and consent to meet me in a dream.我必要問他實在那里去了，我也時常祭奠。I must ask her where she has truly gone, so that I may make offerings to her often.若是果然不理我這濁物，竟無一夢，我便不想他了。”主意已定，便說：“我今夜就在外間睡了，你們也不用管我。”寶釵也不強他，只說：“你不要胡思亂想。But if she really despises this foul creature and will not grant me a single dream, then I shall think of her no more.” His mind made up, he said, “I shall sleep in the outer room tonight. None of you need trouble over me.” Baochai did not insist, but merely said, “Do not indulge in wild fancies.你不瞧瞧，太太因你園里去了急得話都說不出來。You saw yourself how anxious Mother became when you went into the Garden—she could hardly speak.若是知道還不保養身子，倘或老太太知道了，又說我們不用心。”寶玉道：“白這麼說罷咧，我坐一會子就進來。If she learns that you still will not take care of yourself, and if the Old Lady should hear of it too, she will say again that we have been neglectful.” Baoyu said, “There is no use saying all that. I shall sit here awhile and then come in.你也乏了，先睡罷。”寶釵知他必進來的，假意說道：“我睡了，叫襲姑娘伺候你罷。”寶玉聽了，正合机宜。You are tired too; go to sleep first.” Knowing that he was sure to come in, Baochai pretended indifference and said, “I am going to sleep. Let Miss Xiren attend to you.” This suited Baoyu perfectly.候寶釵睡了，他便叫襲人麝月另舖設下一副被褥，常叫人進來瞧二奶奶睡著了沒有。Once Baochai had gone to bed, he had Xiren and Sheyue lay out another set of bedding, repeatedly sending someone in to see whether Second Mistress was asleep.寶釵故意裝睡，也是一夜不宁。Baochai deliberately pretended to sleep, though she too passed a restless night.那寶玉知是寶釵睡著，便與襲人道：“你們各自睡罷，我又不傷感。When Baoyu believed that Baochai was asleep, he said to Xiren, “You may all go to bed. I am not grieving.你若不信，你就伏侍我睡了再進去，只要不驚動我就是了。”襲人果然伏侍他睡下，便預備下了茶水，關好了門，進里間去照應一回，各自假寐，寶玉若有動靜，再為出來。If you do not believe me, stay and attend me until I am asleep, then go inside; only take care not to wake me.” Xiren duly helped him settle down, set tea and water ready, secured the door, and went into the inner room to look after things for a while. They all lay down feigning sleep, prepared to come out again if Baoyu stirred.寶玉見襲人等進來，便將坐更的兩個婆子支到外頭，他輕輕的坐起來，暗暗的祝了幾句，便睡下了，欲與神交。When Baoyu saw that Xiren and the others had gone inside, he sent the two old women keeping night watch outdoors, quietly sat up, murmured a few prayers, and then lay down, hoping to commune with the spirit.起初再睡不著，以後把心一靜，便睡去了。At first he could not fall asleep, but later, after stilling his mind, he drifted off.豈知一夜安眠，直到天亮。Little did he know that he would sleep soundly all night, until daybreak.寶玉醒來，拭眼坐起來想了一回，并無有夢，便歎口氣道：“正是‘悠悠生死別經年，魂魄不曾來入夢’。”寶釵卻一夜反沒有睡著，聽寶玉在外邊念這兩句，便接口道：“這句又說莽撞了，如若林妹妹在時，又該生氣了。”寶玉聽了，反不好意思，只得起來搭訕著往里間走來，說：“我原要進來的，不覺得一個盹兒就打著了。”寶釵道：“你進來不進來與我什麼相干。”襲人等本沒有睡，眼見他們兩個說話，即忙倒上茶來。Baoyu awoke, rubbed his eyes, sat up, and reflected for a while. Finding that he had had no dream at all, he sighed and said, “Truly, ‘Long years have passed since life and death divided us; never once has her spirit entered my dreams.’” Baochai, however, had not slept all night. Hearing Baoyu recite those lines outside, she immediately replied, “You have spoken rashly again. If Cousin Lin were still here, she would be angry with you.” Baoyu felt embarrassed when he heard this. He could only rise and make conversation as he went into the inner room, saying, “I meant to come in, but before I knew it I nodded off.” Baochai said, “What does it matter to me whether you come in or not?” Xiren and the others had not really been asleep, and, seeing the two of them talking, hurriedly poured tea.已見老太太那邊打發小丫頭來，問：“寶二爺昨睡得安頓么？Just then a young maid sent by the Old Lady arrived and asked, “Did Second Master Bao sleep peacefully last night?若安頓時，早早的同二奶奶梳洗了就過去。”襲人便說：“你去回老太太，說寶玉昨夜很安頓，回來就過來。”小丫頭去了。If he did, he and Second Mistress are to wash and dress early and come over.” Xiren said, “Go and tell the Old Lady that Baoyu slept very well last night and will come over shortly.” The young maid left.

话说宝钗叫袭人问出原故，恐宝玉悲伤成疾，便将黛玉临死的话与袭人假作闲谈，说是：“人生在世，有意有情，到了死后各自干各自的去了，并不是生前那样个人死后还是这样。活人虽有痴心，死的竟不知道。况且林姑娘既说仙去，他看凡人是个不堪的浊物，那里还肯混在世上。只是人自己疑心，所以招些邪魔外祟来缠扰了。”宝钗虽是与袭人说话，原说给宝玉听的。袭人会意，也说是“没有的事。若说林姑娘的魂灵儿还在园里，我们也算好的，怎么不曾梦见了一次。”宝玉在外闻听得，细细的想道：“果然也奇。我知道林妹妹死了，那一日不想几遍，怎么从没梦过。想是他到天上去了，瞧我这凡夫俗子不能交通神明，所以梦都没有一个儿。我就在外间睡著，或者我从园里回来，他知道我的实心，肯与我梦里一见。我必要问他实在那里去了，我也时常祭奠。若是果然不理我这浊物，竟无一梦，我便不想他了。”主意已定，便说：“我今夜就在外间睡了，你们也不用管我。”宝钗也不强他，只说：“你不要胡思乱想。你不瞧瞧，太太因你园里去了急得话都说不出来。若是知道还不保养身子，倘或老太太知道了，又说我们不用心。”宝玉道：“白这么说罢咧，我坐一会子就进来。你也乏了，先睡罢。”宝钗知他必进来的，假意说道：“我睡了，叫袭姑娘伺候你罢。”宝玉听了，正合机宜。候宝钗睡了，他便叫袭人麝月另铺设下一副被褥，常叫人进来瞧二奶奶睡著了没有。宝钗故意装睡，也是一夜不宁。那宝玉知是宝钗睡著，便与袭人道：“你们各自睡罢，我又不伤感。你若不信，你就伏侍我睡了再进去，只要不惊动我就是了。”袭人果然伏侍他睡下，便预备下了茶水，关好了门，进里间去照应一回，各自假寐，宝玉若有动静，再为出来。宝玉见袭人等进来，便将坐更的两个婆子支到外头，他轻轻的坐起来，暗暗的祝了几句，便睡下了，欲与神交。起初再睡不著，以后把心一静，便睡去了。岂知一夜安眠，直到天亮。宝玉醒来，拭眼坐起来想了一回，并无有梦，便叹口气道：“正是‘悠悠生死别经年，魂魄不曾来入梦’。”宝钗却一夜反没有睡著，听宝玉在外边念这两句，便接口道：“这句又说莽撞了，如若林妹妹在时，又该生气了。”宝玉听了，反不好意思，只得起来搭讪著往里间走来，说：“我原要进来的，不觉得一个盹儿就打著了。”宝钗道：“你进来不进来与我什么相干。”袭人等本没有睡，眼见他们两个说话，即忙倒上茶来。已见老太太那边打发小丫头来，问：“宝二爷昨睡得安顿么？若安顿时，早早的同二奶奶梳洗了就过去。”袭人便说：“你去回老太太，说宝玉昨夜很安顿，回来就过来。”小丫头去了。

寶釵起來梳洗了，鶯兒襲人等跟著先到賈母那里行了禮，便到王夫人那邊起至鳳姐都讓過了，仍到賈母處，見他母親也過來了。Baochai rose and dressed, then went first to pay her respects to Grandmother Jia, followed by Ying’er, Xiren, and the others. From there she went to Lady Wang’s quarters and made the rounds as far as Fengjie, before returning to Grandmother Jia’s, where she found that her mother had also arrived.大家問起：“寶玉晚上好么？”寶釵便說：“回去就睡了，沒有什麼。”眾人放心，又說些閒話。Everyone asked, “Was Baoyu well last night?” Baochai replied, “He went to sleep as soon as we returned. Nothing was wrong.” Everyone was reassured, and they chatted for a while.只見小丫頭進來說：“二姑奶奶要回去了。Presently a young maid came in and said, “Second Young Mistress is about to return home.聽見說孫姑爺那邊人來到大太太那里說了些話，大太太叫人到四姑娘那邊說不必留了，讓他去罷。I heard that people from Young Master Sun’s household came to tell the Elder Mistress something. The Elder Mistress then sent word to Fourth Miss’s quarters that there was no need to keep her and that she should be allowed to go.如今二姑奶奶在大太太那邊哭呢，大約就過來辭老太太。”賈母眾人聽了，心中好不自在，都說：“二姑娘這樣一個人，為什麼命里遭著這樣的人，一輩子不能出頭。Second Young Mistress is now weeping in the Elder Mistress’s rooms. She will probably come shortly to take leave of the Old Lady.” Hearing this, Grandmother Jia and the others felt deeply distressed. They all said, “Why should a person like Second Miss be fated to meet such a man, never to hold her head up all her life?這便怎麼好！”說著，迎春進來，淚痕滿面，因為是寶釵的好日子，只得含著淚，辭了眾人要回去。What is to be done?” As they spoke, Yingchun entered, her face covered in tear stains. Since it was Baochai’s happy occasion, she could only hold back her tears as she took leave of everyone and prepared to return.賈母知道他的苦處，也不便強留，只說道：“你回去也罷了。Grandmother Jia knew her suffering and could not very well force her to stay, so she merely said, “You had better go back, then.但是不要悲傷，碰著了這樣人，也是沒法兒的。But do not grieve. Once one has met a man like that, there is nothing to be done.過幾天我再打發人接你去。”迎春道：“老太太始終疼我，如今也疼不來了。In a few days I shall send someone to fetch you again.” Yingchun said, “The Old Lady has always loved me, but now even your love can no longer help me.可怜我只是沒有再來的時候了。”說著，眼淚直流。I fear that, poor creature that I am, there will be no next time for me to return.” As she spoke, tears streamed down her face.眾人都勸道：“這有什麼不能回來的？Everyone consoled her, saying, “Why should you be unable to come back?比不得你三妹妹，隔得遠，要見面就難了。”賈母等想起探春，不覺也大家落淚，只為是寶釵的生日，即轉悲為喜說：“這也不難，只要海疆平靜，那邊親家調進京來，就見的著了。”大家說：“可不是這麼著呢。”說著，迎春只得含悲而別。It is not as with your Third Sister, who is so far away that even seeing her is difficult.” At the thought of Tanchun, Grandmother Jia and the others all began to weep; but because it was Baochai’s birthday, they quickly turned sorrow into cheer and said, “Even that need not be difficult. Once the coastal regions are peaceful and her husband’s family is transferred to the capital, we shall see her again.” Everyone agreed, “That is exactly so.” Yingchun could only take her leave, suppressing her grief.眾人送了出來，仍回賈母那里。Everyone escorted her out, then returned to Grandmother Jia’s rooms.從早至暮，又鬧了一天。From morning until evening, they made merry for another whole day.

眾人見賈母勞乏，各自散了。Seeing that Grandmother Jia was tired, everyone dispersed.獨有薛姨媽辭了賈母，到寶釵那里，說道：“你哥哥是今年過了，直要等到皇恩大赦的時候減了等才好贖罪。Aunt Xue alone took leave of Grandmother Jia and went to Baochai’s rooms, where she said, “Your elder brother will remain where he is this year. We shall have to wait until an imperial amnesty reduces his sentence before we can hope to redeem his offense.這幾年叫我孤苦伶仃怎麼處！How am I to endure these next few years, lonely and helpless as I am?我想要與你二哥哥完婚，你想想好不好？”寶釵道：“媽媽是為著大哥哥娶了親唬怕的了，所以把二哥哥的事猶豫起來。I am thinking of arranging your second brother’s marriage. What do you think?” Baochai said, “Mother, you were frightened by what happened after Elder Brother married, so you have become hesitant about Second Brother’s marriage too.据我說很該就辦。In my opinion, it ought certainly to be arranged at once.邢姑娘是媽媽知道的，如今在這里也很苦，娶了去雖說我家窮，究竟比他傍人門戶好多著呢。”薛姨媽道：“你得便的時候就去告訴老太太，說我家沒人，就要揀日子了。”寶釵道：“媽媽只管同二哥哥商量，挑個好日子，過來和老太太，大太太說了，娶過去就完了一宗事。You know Miss Xing. She is having a hard time here now; though our family is poor, she would still be far better off marrying into it than living in dependence on others.” Aunt Xue said, “When you have a chance, tell the Old Lady that there is no one left to manage affairs in our family and that we want to choose a date at once.” Baochai said, “Just discuss it with Second Brother and choose an auspicious day. Then come and tell the Old Lady and the Elder Mistress, marry her, and one matter will be settled.這里大太太也巴不得娶了去才好。”薛姨媽道：“今日聽見史姑娘也就回去了，老太太心里要留你妹妹在這里住幾天，所以他住下了。The Elder Mistress here is longing for her to be married off too.” Aunt Xue said, “I heard today that Miss Shi is also about to go home. The Old Lady wishes to keep your cousin here for a few days, so she has stayed.我想他也是不定多早晚就走的人了，你們姊妹們也多敘幾天話兒。”寶釵道：“正是呢。”于是薛姨媽又坐了一坐，出來辭了眾人回去了。I expect that she too may leave at any time, so you sisters should spend a few more days talking together.” Baochai said, “Indeed.” Aunt Xue sat a little longer, then came out, took leave of everyone, and went home.

卻說寶玉晚間歸房，因想昨夜黛玉竟不入夢，“或者他已經成仙，所以不肯來見我這种濁人也是有的，不然就是我的性兒太急了，也未可知。”便想了個主意，向寶釵說道：“我昨夜偶然在外間睡著，似乎比在屋里睡的安穩些，今日起來心里也覺清靜些。Now, when Baoyu returned to his room that evening, he reflected that Daiyu had not entered his dream the night before. “Perhaps she has already become an immortal and is therefore unwilling to see a foul creature like me. Or perhaps I was simply too impatient; that too is possible.” He then formed a plan and said to Baochai, “Last night I happened to fall asleep in the outer room, and I seemed to sleep more peacefully there than inside. When I rose today, my mind also felt calmer.我的意思還要在外間睡兩夜，只怕你們又來攔我。”寶釵聽了，明知早晨他嘴里念詩是為著黛玉的事了。I would like to sleep in the outer room for another two nights, but I fear you will try to stop me again.” Hearing this, Baochai understood perfectly well that the verses he had recited that morning concerned Daiyu.想來他那個呆性是不能勸的，倒好叫他睡兩夜，索性自己死了心也罷了，況兼昨夜聽他睡的倒也安靜，便道：“好沒來由，你只管睡去，我們攔你作什麼！She thought that his foolish nature could not be reasoned with, and it might be best to let him sleep there for two nights until he gave up hope of his own accord. Besides, he had slept quite peacefully the night before. So she said, “What a groundless worry! Go and sleep there if you wish—why should we stop you?但只不要胡思亂想，招出些邪魔外祟來。”寶玉笑道：“誰想什麼！”襲人道：“依我勸二爺竟還是屋里睡罷，外邊一時照應不到，著了風倒不好。”寶玉未及答言，寶釵卻向襲人使了個眼色。Only do not indulge in wild fancies and summon evil spirits and uncanny influences.” Baoyu laughed. “Who is imagining anything?” Xiren said, “If Second Master will take my advice, you had better sleep inside. If no one can attend you promptly outside, it would be bad if you caught a chill.” Before Baoyu could reply, Baochai gave Xiren a meaningful glance.襲人會意，便道：“也罷，叫個人跟著你罷，夜里好倒茶倒水的。”寶玉便笑道：“這麼說，你就跟了我來。”襲人聽了倒沒意思起來，登時飛紅了臉，一聲也不言語。Xiren understood and said, “Very well, then; let someone stay with you, to pour tea or water during the night.” Baoyu laughed and said, “In that case, you come with me.” Xiren was quite disconcerted to hear this; her face instantly flushed crimson, and she said not a word.寶釵素知襲人穩重，便說道：“他是跟慣了我的，還叫他跟著我罷。Baochai had always known Xiren to be steady, so she said, “She is accustomed to attending me; let her remain with me.叫麝月五兒照料著也罷了。Sheyue and Wu’er can look after you.況且今日他跟著我鬧了一天也乏了，該叫他歇歇了。”寶玉只得笑著出來。Besides, she has followed me about through a busy day and is tired. She ought to be allowed to rest.” Baoyu could only smile and go outside.寶釵因命麝月五兒給寶玉仍在外間舖設了，又囑咐兩個人醒睡些，要茶要水都留點神兒。Baochai then ordered Sheyue and Wu’er to lay out Baoyu’s bedding in the outer room as before, and warned them to sleep lightly and remain alert in case he wanted tea or water.

兩個答應著出來，看見寶玉端然坐在床上，閉目合掌，居然象個和尚一般，兩個也不敢言語，只管瞅著他笑。The two assented and went out. They saw Baoyu sitting solemnly upright on the bed, eyes closed and palms joined, looking for all the world like a monk. They dared not speak and merely watched him, smiling.寶釵又命襲人出來照應。Baochai again told Xiren to go out and see to him.襲人看見這般卻也好笑，便輕輕的叫道：“該睡了，怎麼又打起坐來了！”寶玉睜開眼看見襲人，便道：“你們只管睡罷，我坐一坐就睡。”襲人道：“因為你昨日那個光景，鬧的二奶奶一夜沒睡。Xiren could not help finding the sight amusing. She called softly, “It is time to sleep—why have you started meditating now?” Baoyu opened his eyes and, seeing Xiren, said, “You may all go to sleep. I shall sit awhile and then lie down.” Xiren said, “Because of the state you were in yesterday, Second Mistress was troubled into losing an entire night’s sleep.你再這麼著，成何事体。”寶玉料著自己不睡都不肯睡，便收拾睡下。If you carry on like this again, what will become of us?” Guessing that none of them would sleep until he did, Baoyu prepared for bed and lay down.襲人又囑咐了麝月等幾句，才進去關門睡了。Xiren gave Sheyue and the others a few more instructions before going inside, closing the door, and retiring.這里麝月五兒兩個人也收拾了被褥，伺候寶玉睡著，各自歇下。Sheyue and Wu’er then arranged their own bedding, waited until Baoyu had fallen asleep, and lay down separately.

那知寶玉要睡越睡不著，見他兩個人在那里打舖，忽然想起那年襲人不在家時晴雯麝月兩個人伏侍，夜間麝月出去，晴雯要唬他，因為沒穿衣服著了涼，後來還是從這個病上死的。But the more Baoyu tried to sleep, the more wakeful he became. Seeing the two girls making up their beds, he suddenly remembered the year when Xiren was away from home and Qingwen and Sheyue had attended him. That night Sheyue had gone out, and Qingwen, meaning to frighten her, had caught cold because she wore too little; in the end it was from that illness that she died.想到這里，一心移在晴雯身上去了。At this thought, his whole heart turned to Qingwen.忽又想起鳳姐說五兒給晴雯脫了個影兒，因又將想晴雯的心腸移在五兒身上。Then he suddenly recalled Fengjie saying that Wu’er was the very image of Qingwen, and so transferred to Wu’er all the feelings with which he had been thinking of Qingwen.自己假裝睡著，偷偷的看那五兒，越瞧越象晴雯，不覺呆性复發。He pretended to be asleep and secretly watched Wu’er. The more he looked, the more she resembled Qingwen, and before he knew it his foolish obsession had returned.聽了聽，里間已無聲息，知是睡了。He listened and heard no sound from the inner room, so he knew that those inside were asleep.卻見麝月也睡著了，便故意叫了麝月兩聲，卻不答應。Seeing that Sheyue too had fallen asleep, he deliberately called her twice, but she did not answer.五兒聽見寶玉喚人，便問道：“二爺要什麼？”寶玉道：“我要漱漱口。”五兒見麝月已睡，只得起來重新剪了蜡花，倒了一鐘茶來，一手托著漱盂。Hearing Baoyu call someone, Wu’er asked, “What does Second Master want?” Baoyu said, “I want to rinse my mouth.” Seeing that Sheyue was asleep, Wu’er had no choice but to rise, trim the candlewick afresh, pour a cup of tea, and bring it over while holding the rinsing bowl in her other hand.卻因赶忙起來的，身上只穿著一件桃紅綾子小襖兒，松松的挽著一個纂兒。Because she had risen in haste, she wore only a peach-red satin jacket, and her hair was loosely gathered into a bun.寶玉看時，居然晴雯复生。When Baoyu looked at her, it was as though Qingwen had truly come back to life.忽又想起晴雯說的“早知擔個虛名，也就打個正經主意了”，不覺呆呆的呆看，也不接茶。He suddenly recalled Qingwen’s words, “Had I known I was to bear the empty name, I might as well have acted on it in earnest.” He stared at Wu’er in a daze and forgot even to take the tea.

那五兒自從芳官去後，也無心進來了。Ever since Fangguan’s departure, Wu’er herself had lost all desire to enter the household.後來聽見鳳姐叫他進來伏侍寶玉，竟比寶玉盼他進來的心還急。Later, when she heard that Fengjie wanted her to come in and attend Baoyu, her eagerness to do so was even greater than Baoyu’s longing for her arrival.不想進來以後，見寶釵襲人一般尊貴穩重，看著心里實在敬慕，又見寶玉瘋瘋傻傻，不似先前風致，又聽見王夫人為女孩子們和寶玉頑笑都攆了：所以把這件事擱在心上，倒無一毫的兒女私情了。But after she came, she found Baochai and Xiren dignified and composed, and sincerely revered and admired them. She also saw that Baoyu was wild and foolish, no longer possessing his former charm, and heard that Lady Wang had expelled the girls for joking and playing with him. She therefore put the matter out of her mind and no longer harbored the least romantic feeling.怎奈這位呆爺今晚把他當作晴雯，只管愛惜起來。Unfortunately, that foolish young master mistook her for Qingwen tonight and began lavishing affection upon her.那五兒早已羞得兩頰紅潮，又不敢大聲說話，只得輕輕的說道：“二爺漱口啊。”寶玉笑著接了茶在手中，也不知道漱了沒有，便笑嘻嘻的問道：“你和晴雯姐姐好不是啊？”五兒聽了摸不著頭腦，便道：“都是姐妹，也沒有什麼不好的。”寶玉又悄悄的問道：“晴雯病重了我看他去，不是你也去了么？”五兒微微笑著點頭兒。Wu’er’s cheeks had long since flushed crimson with embarrassment, but she dared not speak loudly. She could only say softly, “Second Master, rinse your mouth.” Baoyu smiled and took the tea, though he scarcely knew whether he had rinsed or not, then asked with a broad grin, “You and Sister Qingwen were very good friends, weren’t you?” Wu’er could make neither head nor tail of this and replied, “We were all sisters; there was nothing unfriendly between us.” Baoyu then whispered, “When Qingwen was gravely ill and I went to see her, did you not go too?” Wu’er smiled faintly and nodded.寶玉道：“你聽見他說什麼了沒有？”五兒搖著頭兒道：“沒有。”寶玉已經忘神，便把五兒的手一拉。Baoyu said, “Did you hear what she said?” Wu’er shook her head. “No.” Baoyu had by now lost all sense of himself and seized Wu’er by the hand.五兒急得紅了臉，心里亂跳，便悄悄說道：“二爺有什麼話只管說，別拉拉扯扯的。”寶玉才放了手，說道：“他和我說來著，‘早知擔了個虛名，也就打正經主意了。’你怎麼沒聽見么？”五兒聽了這話明明是輕薄自己的意思，又不敢怎麼樣，便說道：“那是他自己沒臉，這也是我們女孩兒家說得的嗎。”寶玉著急道：“你怎麼也是這麼個道學先生！Wu’er’s face reddened with alarm and her heart pounded wildly. She whispered, “If Second Master has something to say, just say it; do not pull and paw at me.” Only then did Baoyu release her hand and say, “She said to me, ‘Had I known I was to bear the empty name, I might as well have acted on it in earnest.’ How could you not have heard?” Wu’er took this plainly as an attempt to make advances to her. Not daring to protest outright, she said, “That was shameless of her. Are such words fit for girls like us to say?” Baoyu cried anxiously, “How can you be another such moralizing pedant!我看你長的和他一模一樣，我才肯和你說這個話，你怎麼倒拿這些話來糟踏他！”此時五兒心中也不知寶玉是怎麼個意思，便說道：“夜深了，二爺也睡罷，別緊著坐著，看涼著。I only told you because you look exactly like her; yet you use such words to insult her!” Wu’er could not tell what Baoyu meant, so she said, “It is late. Second Master should sleep; do not sit up any longer, or you may catch cold.剛才奶奶和襲人姐姐怎麼囑咐了？”寶玉道：“我不涼。”說到這里，忽然想起五兒沒穿著大衣服，就怕他也象晴雯著了涼，便說道：“你為什麼不穿上衣服就過來！”五兒道：“爺叫的緊，那里有盡著穿衣裳的空兒。What did Mistress and Sister Xiren tell you just now?” Baoyu said, “I am not cold.” Then he suddenly remembered that Wu’er had come without her outer clothes and feared that she too might catch cold like Qingwen. He said, “Why did you come over without putting on your clothes?” Wu’er replied, “You called so urgently—how was I to find time to dress fully?要知道說這半天話兒時，我也穿上了。”寶玉聽了，連忙把自己蓋的一件月白綾子綿襖兒揭起來遞給五兒，叫他披上。Had I known we were going to talk this long, I would have put them on.” Hearing this, Baoyu hurriedly lifted the moon-white satin padded jacket covering him, handed it to Wu’er, and told her to drape it over herself.五兒只不肯接，說：“二爺蓋著罷，我不涼。Wu’er refused to take it, saying, “Keep yourself covered, Second Master. I am not cold.我涼我有我的衣裳。”說著，回到自己舖邊，拉了一件長襖披上。If I am cold, I have clothes of my own.” So saying, she returned to her bedding and drew on a long jacket.又聽了聽，麝月睡的正濃，才慢慢過來說：“二爺今晚不是要養神呢嗎？”寶玉笑道：“實告訴你罷，什麼是養神，我倒是要遇仙的意思。”五兒聽了，越發動了疑心，便問道：“遇什麼仙？”寶玉道：“你要知道，這話長著呢。She listened again and, hearing Sheyue sleeping soundly, slowly came back and said, “Was Second Master not going to rest and restore his spirits tonight?” Baoyu laughed. “To tell you the truth, I was not trying to restore my spirits at all; I meant to meet an immortal.” Wu’er grew even more suspicious and asked, “What immortal?” Baoyu replied, “If you wish to know, it is a long story.你挨著我來坐下，我告訴你。”五兒紅了臉笑道：“你在那里躺著，我怎麼坐呢。”寶玉道：“這個何妨。Come sit beside me, and I shall tell you.” Wu’er blushed and laughed. “You are lying there—how am I to sit beside you?” Baoyu said, “What does that matter?那一年冷天，也是你麝月姐姐和你晴雯姐姐頑，我怕凍著他，還把他攬在被里渥著呢。One cold night years ago, your Sister Sheyue and Sister Qingwen were playing about. I feared Qingwen might freeze, so I even pulled her under my quilt and warmed her there.這有什麼的！What was wrong with that?大凡一個人總不要酸文假醋才好。”五兒聽了，句句都是寶玉調戲之意。Above all, people should not affect prudery and false propriety.” Every word sounded to Wu’er like an attempt at seduction.那知這位呆爺卻是實心實意的話兒。Little did she know that the foolish young master was speaking with perfect sincerity.五兒此時走開不好，站著不好，坐下不好，倒沒了主意了，因微微的笑著道：“你別混說了，看人家聽見這是什麼意思。Wu’er could neither walk away, remain standing, nor sit down, and was at a complete loss. Smiling faintly, she said, “Stop talking nonsense. What would people think if they heard you?怨不得人家說你專在女孩兒身上用工夫，你自己放著二奶奶和襲人姐姐都是仙人兒似的，只愛和別人胡纏。No wonder people say you devote all your efforts to girls. You have Second Mistress and Sister Xiren right here, both like immortals, yet you insist on pestering other people.明兒再說這些話，我回了二奶奶，看你什麼臉見人。”正說著，只聽外面咕咚一聲，把兩個人嚇了一跳。If you say such things again tomorrow, I shall report you to Second Mistress, and then let us see how you can face anyone.” While she was speaking, there came a sudden thud outside, startling them both.里間寶釵咳嗽了一聲。From the inner room came a cough from Baochai.寶玉聽見，連忙呶嘴兒。Hearing it, Baoyu hastily pursed his lips to signal silence.五兒也就忙忙的息了燈悄悄的躺下了。Wu’er hurriedly extinguished the lamp and quietly lay down.原來寶釵襲人因昨夜不曾睡，又兼日間勞乏了一天，所以睡去，都不曾聽見他們說話。In fact, Baochai and Xiren had lost sleep the previous night and had been tired out by the day’s exertions, so they had fallen asleep without hearing any of the conversation.此時院中一響，早已驚醒，聽了聽，也無動靜。The noise in the courtyard now startled them awake, but when they listened, they heard no further sound.寶玉此時躺在床上，心里疑惑：“莫非林妹妹來了，聽見我和五兒說話故意嚇我們的？”翻來覆去，胡思亂想，五更以後，才朦朧睡去。Lying in bed, Baoyu wondered, “Can Cousin Lin have come and deliberately frightened us because she heard me talking with Wu’er?” Tossing and turning amid wild fancies, he did not fall into a fitful sleep until after the fifth watch.

那五儿自从芳官去后，也无心进来了。后来听见凤姐叫他进来伏侍宝玉，竟比宝玉盼他进来的心还急。不想进来以后，见宝钗袭人一般尊贵稳重，看著心里实在敬慕，又见宝玉疯疯傻傻，不似先前风致，又听见王夫人为女孩子们和宝玉顽笑都撵了：所以把这件事搁在心上，倒无一毫的儿女私情了。怎奈这位呆爷今晚把他当作晴雯，只管爱惜起来。那五儿早已羞得两颊红潮，又不敢大声说话，只得轻轻的说道：“二爷漱口啊。”宝玉笑著接了茶在手中，也不知道漱了没有，便笑嘻嘻的问道：“你和晴雯姐姐好不是啊？”五儿听了摸不著头脑，便道：“都是姐妹，也没有什么不好的。”宝玉又悄悄的问道：“晴雯病重了我看他去，不是你也去了么？”五儿微微笑著点头儿。宝玉道：“你听见他说什么了没有？”五儿摇著头儿道：“没有。”宝玉已经忘神，便把五儿的手一拉。五儿急得红了脸，心里乱跳，便悄悄说道：“二爷有什么话只管说，别拉拉扯扯的。”宝玉才放了手，说道：“他和我说来著，‘早知担了个虚名，也就打正经主意了。’你怎么没听见么？”五儿听了这话明明是轻薄自己的意思，又不敢怎么样，便说道：“那是他自己没脸，这也是我们女孩儿家说得的吗。”宝玉著急道：“你怎么也是这么个道学先生！我看你长的和他一模一样，我才肯和你说这个话，你怎么倒拿这些话来糟踏他！”此时五儿心中也不知宝玉是怎么个意思，便说道：“夜深了，二爷也睡罢，别紧著坐著，看凉著。刚才奶奶和袭人姐姐怎么嘱咐了？”宝玉道：“我不凉。”说到这里，忽然想起五儿没穿著大衣服，就怕他也象晴雯著了凉，便说道：“你为什么不穿上衣服就过来！”五儿道：“爷叫的紧，那里有尽著穿衣裳的空儿。要知道说这半天话儿时，我也穿上了。”宝玉听了，连忙把自己盖的一件月白绫子绵袄儿揭起来递给五儿，叫他披上。五儿只不肯接，说：“二爷盖著罢，我不凉。我凉我有我的衣裳。”说著，回到自己铺边，拉了一件长袄披上。又听了听，麝月睡的正浓，才慢慢过来说：“二爷今晚不是要养神呢吗？”宝玉笑道：“实告诉你罢，什么是养神，我倒是要遇仙的意思。”五儿听了，越发动了疑心，便问道：“遇什么仙？”宝玉道：“你要知道，这话长著呢。你挨著我来坐下，我告诉你。”五儿红了脸笑道：“你在那里躺著，我怎么坐呢。”宝玉道：“这个何妨。那一年冷天，也是你麝月姐姐和你晴雯姐姐顽，我怕冻著他，还把他揽在被里渥著呢。这有什么的！大凡一个人总不要酸文假醋才好。”五儿听了，句句都是宝玉调戏之意。那知这位呆爷却是实心实意的话儿。五儿此时走开不好，站著不好，坐下不好，倒没了主意了，因微微的笑著道：“你别混说了，看人家听见这是什么意思。怨不得人家说你专在女孩儿身上用工夫，你自己放著二奶奶和袭人姐姐都是仙人儿似的，只爱和别人胡缠。明儿再说这些话，我回了二奶奶，看你什么脸见人。”正说著，只听外面咕咚一声，把两个人吓了一跳。里间宝钗咳嗽了一声。宝玉听见，连忙呶嘴儿。五儿也就忙忙的息了灯悄悄的躺下了。原来宝钗袭人因昨夜不曾睡，又兼日间劳乏了一天，所以睡去，都不曾听见他们说话。此时院中一响，早已惊醒，听了听，也无动静。宝玉此时躺在床上，心里疑惑：“莫非林妹妹来了，听见我和五儿说话故意吓我们的？”翻来覆去，胡思乱想，五更以后，才朦胧睡去。

卻說五兒被寶玉鬼混了半夜，又兼寶釵咳嗽，自己怀著鬼胎，生怕寶釵聽見了，也是思前想後，一夜無眠。As for Wu’er, after Baoyu had pestered her for half the night, and after hearing Baochai cough, she had a guilty conscience and was terrified that Baochai might have overheard. Turning the matter over and over in her mind, she remained sleepless all night.次日一早起來，見寶玉尚自昏昏睡著，便輕輕的收拾了屋子。When she rose early the next morning and saw Baoyu still sleeping heavily, she quietly tidied the room.那時麝月已醒，便道：“你怎麼這麼早起來了，你難道一夜沒睡嗎？”五兒聽這話又似麝月知道了的光景，便只是訕笑，也不答言。By then Sheyue was awake and said, “Why are you up so early? Surely you did not stay awake all night?” To Wu’er, these words made it sound as if Sheyue knew what had happened; she merely smiled awkwardly and made no reply.不一時，寶釵襲人也都起來，開了門見寶玉尚睡，卻也納悶：“怎麼外邊兩夜睡得倒這般安穩？”及寶玉醒來，見眾人都起來了，自己連忙爬起，揉著眼睛，細想昨夜又不曾夢見，可是仙凡路隔了。Before long, Baochai and Xiren also rose. Opening the door and seeing Baoyu still asleep, they were puzzled: “How is it that he has slept so soundly out here for two nights?” When Baoyu awoke and found everyone already up, he hastily scrambled out of bed, rubbing his eyes. Thinking carefully, he realized that he had again failed to dream of Daiyu: surely the paths of immortals and mortals were divided.慢慢的下了床，又想昨夜五兒說的寶釵襲人都是天仙一般，這話卻也不錯，便怔怔的瞅著寶釵。He slowly got out of bed, then remembered Wu’er’s remark the night before that Baochai and Xiren were both like heavenly immortals. It was true enough, he thought, and he stood staring blankly at Baochai.寶釵見他發怔，雖知他為黛玉之事，卻也定不得夢不夢，只是瞅的自己倒不好意思，便道：“二爺昨夜可真遇見仙了么？”寶玉聽了，只道昨晚的話寶釵聽見了，笑著勉強說道：“這是那里的話！”那五兒聽了這一句，越發心虛起來，又不好說的，只得且看寶釵的光景。Seeing him in a daze, Baochai knew it concerned Daiyu, though she could not tell whether he had dreamed of her or not. But his staring made her self-conscious, and she said, “Did Second Master truly meet an immortal last night?” Hearing this, Baoyu assumed that Baochai had overheard the previous night’s conversation. He forced a smile and said, “Whatever do you mean?” At this, Wu’er felt guiltier still. Unable to say anything, she could only watch Baochai’s expression.只見寶釵又笑著問五兒道：“你聽見二爺睡夢中和人說話來著么？”寶玉聽了，自己坐不住，搭訕著走開了。Baochai then smiled and asked Wu’er, “Did you hear Second Master talking to anyone in his sleep?” Hearing this, Baoyu could no longer sit still and slipped away on the pretense of doing something.五兒把臉飛紅，只得含糊道：“前半夜倒說了幾句，我也沒聽真。Wu’er’s face flushed crimson, and she could only answer evasively, “He did say a few things during the first half of the night, but I could not hear them clearly.什麼‘擔了虛名’，又什麼‘沒打正經主意’，我也不懂，勸著二爺睡了，後來我也睡了，不知二爺還說來著沒有。”寶釵低頭一想：“這話明是為黛玉了。Something about ‘bearing an empty name,’ and something about ‘not acting on it in earnest.’ I did not understand. I persuaded Second Master to sleep, and later I fell asleep too, so I do not know whether he said anything more.” Baochai lowered her head and thought, “Those words were plainly about Daiyu.但盡著叫他在外頭，恐怕心邪了招出些花妖月姊來。But if we keep letting him sleep outside, I fear his thoughts may wander and summon some flower spirit or moon goddess.況兼他的舊病原在姊妹上情重，只好設法將他的心意挪移過來，然後能免無事。”想到這里，不免面紅耳熱起來，也就訕訕的進房梳洗去了。Besides, the root of his old illness has always been his excessive feeling for girls. We must find some way to divert his affections; only then can trouble be avoided.” At this thought, she could not help flushing hotly, and went awkwardly into her room to wash and dress.

且說賈母兩日高興，略吃多了些，這晚有些不受用，第二天便覺著胸口飽悶。Now Grandmother Jia, having been in high spirits for two days, had eaten a little too much. That evening she felt unwell, and by the next day her chest felt full and oppressed.鴛鴦等要回賈政。Yuanyang and the others wanted to report it to Jia Zheng.賈母不叫言語，說：“我這兩日嘴饞些吃多了點子，我餓一頓就好了。Grandmother Jia forbade them, saying, “I have been greedy these last two days and eaten a little too much. I shall be well after fasting for one meal.你們快別吵嚷。”于是鴛鴦等并沒有告訴人。Do not make a commotion.” Thus Yuanyang and the others told no one.

這日晚間，寶玉回到自己屋里，見寶釵自賈母王夫人處才請了晚安回來。That evening, Baoyu returned to his room and found that Baochai had only just come back after bidding good night to Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang.寶玉想著早起之事，未免赧顏抱慚。Remembering what had happened that morning, Baoyu could not help feeling ashamed and abashed.寶釵看他這樣，也曉得是個沒意思的光景，因想著：“他是個痴情人，要治他的這病，少不得仍以痴情治之。”想了一回，便問寶玉道：“你今夜還在外間睡去罷咧？”寶玉自覺沒趣，便道：“里間外間都是一樣的。”寶釵意欲再說，反覺不好意思。Seeing him so, Baochai understood that he felt awkward. She thought, “He is a man ruled by foolish passion; to cure this illness, I shall have to treat passion with passion.” After pondering awhile, she asked Baoyu, “You will be sleeping in the outer room again tonight, I suppose?” Feeling foolish, Baoyu replied, “The inner room and the outer room are all the same.” Baochai meant to say more, but instead felt embarrassed.襲人道：“罷呀，這倒是什麼道理呢。Xiren said, “Oh, enough—what sense is there in this?我不信睡得那麼安穩！”五兒聽見這話，連忙接口道：“二爺在外間睡，別的倒沒什麼，只是愛說夢話，叫人摸不著頭腦兒，又不敢駁他的回。”襲人便道：“我今日挪到床上睡睡，看說夢話不說？I do not believe he slept so soundly!” Hearing this, Wu’er hurriedly broke in: “There is nothing else wrong with Second Master sleeping outside, except that he likes to talk in his dreams. What he says makes no sense, yet one does not dare contradict him.” Xiren said, “Tonight I shall move my bedding beside his bed and see whether he talks in his sleep or not.你們只管把二爺的舖蓋舖在里間就完了。”寶釵聽了，也不作聲。You need only lay Second Master’s bedding in the inner room, and that will settle it.” Baochai heard this but said nothing.寶玉自己慚愧不來，那里還有強嘴的分兒，便依著搬進里間來。Baoyu was too ashamed to object, much less argue stubbornly, so he submitted and had his bedding moved back into the inner room.一則寶玉負愧，欲安慰寶釵之心，二則寶釵恐寶玉思郁成疾，不如假以詞色，使得稍覺親近，以為移花接木之計。First, Baoyu felt guilty and wished to comfort Baochai; second, Baochai feared that brooding might make Baoyu ill, and thought it better to humor him with kind words and looks, so that he might feel somewhat closer to her—her plan of substituting one flower for another.于是當晚襲人果然挪出去。That very evening, Xiren duly moved out.寶玉因心中愧悔，寶釵欲攏絡寶玉之心，自過門至今日，方才如魚得水，恩愛纏綿，所謂二五之精妙合而凝的了。Thus, with Baoyu remorseful at heart and Baochai seeking to win his affection, for the first time since she had entered the household they were like fish finding water, entwined in tender love—the subtle essences of two and five, as the saying goes, joining and congealing into one.此是後話。But that belongs later in our story.

且說次日寶玉寶釵同起，寶玉梳洗了先過賈母這邊來。The next morning Baoyu and Baochai rose together; after washing and dressing, Baoyu first went over to Grandmother Jia's quarters.這里賈母因疼寶玉，又想寶釵孝順，忽然想起一件東西，便叫鴛鴦開了箱子，取出祖上所遺一個漢玉玦，雖不及寶玉他那塊玉石，挂在身上卻也稀罕。Grandmother Jia, who doted on Baoyu and was also thinking how filial Baochai was, suddenly remembered something and told Yuanyang to open a chest and take out an ancient Han jade ring left by their ancestors; though it could not compare with Baoyu's own piece of jade, it was still a rarity to wear upon one's person.鴛鴦找出來遞與賈母，便說道：“這件東西我好象從沒見的，老太太這些年還記得這樣清楚，說是那一箱什麼匣子里裝著，我按著老太太的話一拿就拿出來了。Yuanyang found it and handed it to Grandmother Jia, saying, “I do not think I have ever seen this before, yet after all these years you remembered so clearly, saying it was kept in a certain casket in that particular chest; I followed your directions and found it at once.老太太怎麼想著拿出來做什麼？”賈母道：“你那里知道，這塊玉還是祖爺爺給我們老太爺，老太爺疼我，臨出嫁的時候叫了我去親手遞給我的。What made you think of taking it out, and what do you mean to do with it?” Grandmother Jia replied, “What would you know of it? My great-grandfather gave this jade to our old master, and because the old master was fond of me, just before I married he called me to him and placed it in my hands himself.還說：‘這玉是漢時所佩的東西，很貴重，你拿著就象見了我的一樣。’我那時還小，拿了來也不當什麼，便撩在箱子里。He also said, ‘This jade was worn in Han times and is very precious; keep it, and it will be as though you were seeing me.’ I was still young then and thought little of it when I received it, so I tossed it into a chest.到了這里，我見咱們家的東西也多，這算得什麼，從沒帶過，一撩便撩了六十多年。After I came here, I saw that our family possessed so many things that this seemed nothing at all; I never wore it, and there it has lain for more than sixty years.今兒見寶玉這樣孝順，他又丟了一塊玉，故此想著拿出來給他，也象是祖上給我的意思。”一時寶玉請了安，賈母便喜歡道：“你過來，我給你一件東西瞧瞧。”寶玉走到床前，賈母便把那塊漢玉遞給寶玉。Today, seeing how filial Baoyu is, and remembering that he has lost a piece of jade, I thought I would take this out and give it to him, just as my ancestor once gave it to me.” Presently Baoyu came to pay his respects, and Grandmother Jia said delightedly, “Come here; I have something to show you.” Baoyu went to her bedside, and she handed him the Han jade.寶玉接來一瞧，那玉有三寸方圓，形似甜瓜，色有紅暈，甚是精致。Baoyu took it and examined it: it was about three inches across, shaped like a sweet melon, delicately fashioned and tinged with red.寶玉口口稱贊。Baoyu praised it again and again.賈母道：“你愛么？Grandmother Jia asked, “Do you like it?這是我祖爺爺給我的，我傳了你罷。”寶玉笑著請了個安謝了，又拿了要送給他母親瞧。My great-grandfather gave it to me, and now I shall pass it on to you.” Smiling, Baoyu made a respectful bow of thanks, then took it away to show his mother.賈母道：“你太太瞧了告訴你老子，又說疼兒子不如疼孫子了。Grandmother Jia said, “If your mother sees it, she will tell your father, and he will say again that I care more for my grandson than for my son.他們從沒見過。”寶玉笑著去了。Neither of them has ever seen it.” Baoyu went off laughing.寶釵等又說了幾句話，也辭了出來。Baochai and the others stayed to exchange a few more words, then took their leave as well.自此賈母兩日不進飲食，胸口仍是結悶，覺得頭暈目眩，咳嗽。From then on, Grandmother Jia went two days without food or drink; her chest still felt oppressed and congested, and she suffered dizziness, blurred vision, and coughing.邢王二夫人鳳姐等請安，見賈母精神尚好，不過叫人告訴賈政，立刻來請了安。Lady Xing, Lady Wang, Xifeng, and the others came to pay their respects and, finding Grandmother Jia still in fairly good spirits, merely had word sent to Jia Zheng, who came at once to inquire after her.賈政出來，即請大夫看脈。On leaving her room, Jia Zheng immediately sent for a physician to take her pulse.不多一時，大夫來診了脈，說是有年紀的人停了些飲食，感冒些風寒，略消導發散些就好了。Before long the physician arrived, examined her pulse, and said that, being advanced in years, she had suffered some indigestion and caught a slight chill; a little medicine to aid digestion and dispel the cold would soon put her right.開了方子，賈政看了，知是尋常藥品，命人煎好進服。He wrote a prescription, and Jia Zheng, seeing that it contained only ordinary medicines, ordered it to be decocted and administered.以後賈政早晚進來請安，一連三日，不見稍減。Thereafter Jia Zheng came morning and evening to inquire after her, but for three days running she showed not the slightest improvement.賈政又命賈璉：“打聽好大夫，快去請來瞧老太太的病。Jia Zheng then ordered Jia Lian, “Find out who the good physicians are, and quickly bring one to treat the old lady.咱們家常請的幾個大夫，我瞧著不怎麼好，所以叫你去。”賈璉想了一想，說道：“記得那年寶兄弟病的時候，倒是請了一個不行醫的來瞧好了的，如今不如找他。”賈政道：“醫道卻是极難的，愈是不興時的大夫倒有本領。The several physicians our family usually employs do not strike me as particularly good, which is why I am sending you.” Jia Lian thought for a moment and said, “I remember when Cousin Baoyu was ill that year, we brought in a man who did not practice medicine professionally, and he cured him; perhaps we should find him now.” Jia Zheng said, “Medicine is an exceedingly difficult art; physicians who are out of fashion sometimes possess real skill.你就打發人去找來罷。”賈璉即忙答應去了，回來說道：“這劉大夫新近出城教書去了，過十來天進城一次。Send someone to find him, then.” Jia Lian hastened to comply, but returned saying, “Physician Liu recently left the city to teach and comes back only once every ten days or so.這時等不得，又請了一位，也就來了。”賈政聽了，只得等著。We cannot wait for him now, so I have invited another physician, who will soon be here.” Hearing this, Jia Zheng could only wait.不題。We shall say no more of this.

且说次日宝玉宝钗同起，宝玉梳洗了先过贾母这边来。这里贾母因疼宝玉，又想宝钗孝顺，忽然想起一件东西，便叫鸳鸯开了箱子，取出祖上所遗一个汉玉玦，虽不及宝玉他那块玉石，挂在身上却也稀罕。鸳鸯找出来递与贾母，便说道：“这件东西我好象从没见的，老太太这些年还记得这样清楚，说是那一箱什么匣子里装著，我按著老太太的话一拿就拿出来了。老太太怎么想著拿出来做什么？”贾母道：“你那里知道，这块玉还是祖爷爷给我们老太爷，老太爷疼我，临出嫁的时候叫了我去亲手递给我的。还说：‘这玉是汉时所佩的东西，很贵重，你拿著就象见了我的一样。’我那时还小，拿了来也不当什么，便撩在箱子里。到了这里，我见咱们家的东西也多，这算得什么，从没带过，一撩便撩了六十多年。今儿见宝玉这样孝顺，他又丢了一块玉，故此想著拿出来给他，也象是祖上给我的意思。”一时宝玉请了安，贾母便喜欢道：“你过来，我给你一件东西瞧瞧。”宝玉走到床前，贾母便把那块汉玉递给宝玉。宝玉接来一瞧，那玉有三寸方圆，形似甜瓜，色有红晕，甚是精致。宝玉口口称赞。贾母道：“你爱么？这是我祖爷爷给我的，我传了你罢。”宝玉笑著请了个安谢了，又拿了要送给他母亲瞧。贾母道：“你太太瞧了告诉你老子，又说疼儿子不如疼孙子了。他们从没见过。”宝玉笑著去了。宝钗等又说了几句话，也辞了出来。自此贾母两日不进饮食，胸口仍是结闷，觉得头晕目眩，咳嗽。邢王二夫人凤姐等请安，见贾母精神尚好，不过叫人告诉贾政，立刻来请了安。贾政出来，即请大夫看脉。不多一时，大夫来诊了脉，说是有年纪的人停了些饮食，感冒些风寒，略消导发散些就好了。开了方子，贾政看了，知是寻常药品，命人煎好进服。以后贾政早晚进来请安，一连三日，不见稍减。贾政又命贾琏：“打听好大夫，快去请来瞧老太太的病。咱们家常请的几个大夫，我瞧著不怎么好，所以叫你去。”贾琏想了一想，说道：“记得那年宝兄弟病的时候，倒是请了一个不行医的来瞧好了的，如今不如找他。”贾政道：“医道却是极难的，愈是不兴时的大夫倒有本领。你就打发人去找来罢。”贾琏即忙答应去了，回来说道：“这刘大夫新近出城教书去了，过十来天进城一次。这时等不得，又请了一位，也就来了。”贾政听了，只得等著。不题。

且說賈母病時，合宅女眷無日不來請安。Now while Grandmother Jia was ill, not a day passed without all the women of the household coming to inquire after her.一日，眾人都在那里，只見看園內腰門的老婆子進來，回說：“園里的櫳翠庵的妙師父知道老太太病了，特來請安。”眾人道：“他不常過來，今兒特地來，你們快請進來。”鳳姐走到床前回賈母。One day, while everyone was gathered there, an old woman who guarded the side gate into the garden came in and reported, “Reverend Miaoyu of the Green Lattice Nunnery in the garden has heard that the old lady is ill and has come especially to pay her respects.” The others said, “She seldom comes over; since she has made a special visit today, invite her in at once.” Xifeng went to Grandmother Jia's bedside to announce her.岫煙是妙玉的舊相識，先走出去接他。Xiuyan, being an old acquaintance of Miaoyu's, went out first to meet her.只見妙玉頭帶妙常髻，身上穿一件月白素綢襖兒，外罩一件水田青緞鑲邊長背心，拴著秋香色的絲絛，腰下系一條淡墨畫的白綾裙，手執麈尾念珠，跟著一個侍兒，飄飄拽拽的走來。Miaoyu came floating gracefully toward them, her hair dressed in the Miaochang style, wearing an unadorned moon-white silk jacket beneath a long patchwork blue-satin vest with bordered edges, a tawny-green silk cord at her waist, and below it a white damask skirt patterned like a pale ink painting; in her hand she carried a fly whisk and prayer beads, and a young attendant followed behind.岫煙見了問好，說是“在園內住的日子，可以常常來瞧瞧你。Xiuyan greeted her and said, “Since you live in the garden, you might come and see me more often.近來因為園內人少，一個人輕易難出來。Lately, because there are so few people in the garden, it is not easy for me to venture out alone.況且咱們這里的腰門常關著，所以這些日子不得見你。Besides, our side gate here is usually locked, so I have not been able to see you all these days.今兒幸會。”妙玉道：“頭里你們是熱鬧場中，你們雖在外園里住，我也不便常來親近。How fortunate to meet you today.” Miaoyu replied, “In the past yours was a bustling, worldly household; though you lived in the outer garden, it was not convenient for me to visit you often or grow too familiar.如今知道這里的事情也不大好，又聽說是老太太病著，又掂記你，并要瞧瞧寶姑娘。Now I know that affairs here are not going very well, and I have heard that the old lady is ill; I was also thinking of you and wanted to see Miss Bao.我那管你們的關不關，我要來就來，我不來你們要我來也不能啊。”岫煙笑道：“你還是那种脾氣。”一面說著，已到賈母房中。Why should I care whether your gate is locked? If I wish to come, I come; if I do not, you could not make me come even if you wanted me to.” Xiuyan laughed and said, “You still have that same temperament.” As they spoke, they had already reached Grandmother Jia's room.眾人見了都問了好。Everyone greeted her when they saw her.妙玉走到賈母床前問候，說了幾句套話。Miaoyu went to Grandmother Jia's bedside, asked after her health, and exchanged a few conventional courtesies.賈母便道：“你是個女菩薩，你瞧瞧我的病可好得了好不了？”妙玉道：“老太太這樣慈善的人，壽數正有呢。Grandmother Jia said, “You are a living Guanyin; tell me, can my illness be cured or not?” Miaoyu replied, “A benevolent person like you still has many years of life allotted to her.一時感冒，吃幾貼藥想來也就好了。This is only a passing chill; after a few doses of medicine, I expect you will recover.有年紀人只要寬心些。”賈母道：“我倒不為這些，我是极愛尋快樂的。At your age, the main thing is to keep your mind at ease.” Grandmother Jia said, “These things do not trouble me; I am someone who dearly loves seeking pleasure.如今這病也不覺怎樣，只是胸隔悶飽，剛才大夫說是氣惱所致。The illness itself does not feel very serious, except that my chest and diaphragm feel oppressed and full; just now the physician said it was caused by anger and vexation.你是知道的，誰敢給我氣受，這不是那大夫脈理平常么。You know as well as anyone—who would dare provoke me? Does that not show how mediocre his understanding of the pulse is?我和璉兒說了，還是頭一個大夫說感冒傷食的是，明兒仍請他來。”說著，叫鴛鴦吩咐廚房里辦一桌淨素菜來，請他在這里便飯。I have told Lian that the first physician was right in calling it a chill with indigestion; we shall invite him again tomorrow.” Then she told Yuanyang to have the kitchen prepare a table of strictly vegetarian dishes and asked Miaoyu to stay for a simple meal.妙玉道：“我已吃過午飯了，我是不吃東西的。”王夫人道：“不吃也罷，咱們多坐一會說些閒話兒罷。”妙玉道：“我久已不見你們，今兒來瞧瞧。”又說了一回話便要走，回頭見惜春站著，便問道：“四姑娘為什麼這樣瘦？Miaoyu said, “I have already eaten my midday meal; I do not take food at this hour.” Lady Wang said, “Never mind if you do not eat; let us sit awhile longer and chat.” Miaoyu said, “I have not seen you for a long time, so I came to visit today.” After talking a while longer, she rose to leave; turning, she saw Xichun standing there and asked, “Fourth Miss, why have you grown so thin?不要只管愛畫勞了心。”惜春道：“我久不畫了。Do not exhaust your mind by painting all the time.” Xichun replied, “I have not painted for a long while.如今住的房屋不比園里的顯亮，所以沒興畫。”妙玉道：“你如今住在那一所了？”惜春道：“就是你才進來的那個門東邊的屋子。The rooms where I live now are not as bright as those in the garden, so I have no inclination to paint.” Miaoyu asked, “Which apartments are you living in now?” Xichun replied, “The rooms just east of the gate through which you entered.你要來很近。”妙玉道：“我高興的時候來瞧你。”惜春等說著送了出去，回身過來，聽見丫頭們回說大夫在賈母那邊呢。It is very close if you wish to visit.” Miaoyu said, “I shall come and see you when the mood takes me.” Xichun and the others escorted her out, and on returning heard the maids report that a physician was with Grandmother Jia.眾人暫且散去。For the time being, everyone dispersed.

且说贾母病时，合宅女眷无日不来请安。一日，众人都在那里，只见看园内腰门的老婆子进来，回说：“园里的栊翠庵的妙师父知道老太太病了，特来请安。”众人道：“他不常过来，今儿特地来，你们快请进来。”凤姐走到床前回贾母。岫烟是妙玉的旧相识，先走出去接他。只见妙玉头带妙常髻，身上穿一件月白素绸袄儿，外罩一件水田青缎镶边长背心，拴著秋香色的丝绦，腰下系一条淡墨画的白绫裙，手执麈尾念珠，跟著一个侍儿，飘飘拽拽的走来。岫烟见了问好，说是“在园内住的日子，可以常常来瞧瞧你。近来因为园内人少，一个人轻易难出来。况且咱们这里的腰门常关著，所以这些日子不得见你。今儿幸会。”妙玉道：“头里你们是热闹场中，你们虽在外园里住，我也不便常来亲近。如今知道这里的事情也不大好，又听说是老太太病著，又掂记你，并要瞧瞧宝姑娘。我那管你们的关不关，我要来就来，我不来你们要我来也不能啊。”岫烟笑道：“你还是那种脾气。”一面说著，已到贾母房中。众人见了都问了好。妙玉走到贾母床前问候，说了几句套话。贾母便道：“你是个女菩萨，你瞧瞧我的病可好得了好不了？”妙玉道：“老太太这样慈善的人，寿数正有呢。一时感冒，吃几贴药想来也就好了。有年纪人只要宽心些。”贾母道：“我倒不为这些，我是极爱寻快乐的。如今这病也不觉怎样，只是胸隔闷饱，刚才大夫说是气恼所致。你是知道的，谁敢给我气受，这不是那大夫脉理平常么。我和琏儿说了，还是头一个大夫说感冒伤食的是，明儿仍请他来。”说著，叫鸳鸯吩咐厨房里办一桌净素菜来，请他在这里便饭。妙玉道：“我已吃过午饭了，我是不吃东西的。”王夫人道：“不吃也罢，咱们多坐一会说些闲话儿罢。”妙玉道：“我久已不见你们，今儿来瞧瞧。”又说了一回话便要走，回头见惜春站著，便问道：“四姑娘为什么这样瘦？不要只管爱画劳了心。”惜春道：“我久不画了。如今住的房屋不比园里的显亮，所以没兴画。”妙玉道：“你如今住在那一所了？”惜春道：“就是你才进来的那个门东边的屋子。你要来很近。”妙玉道：“我高兴的时候来瞧你。”惜春等说著送了出去，回身过来，听见丫头们回说大夫在贾母那边呢。众人暂且散去。

那知賈母這病日重一日，延醫調治不效，以後又添腹瀉。But Grandmother Jia's illness grew worse with each passing day; medical consultations and treatment proved fruitless, and later diarrhea set in as well.賈政著急，知病難醫，即命人到衙門告假，日夜同王夫人親視湯藥。Jia Zheng grew anxious and, realizing how difficult the illness was to treat, sent someone to his office to request leave, while he and Lady Wang personally attended to her medicines day and night.一日，見賈母略進些飲食，心里稍寬。One day, seeing Grandmother Jia take a little food, he felt somewhat relieved.只見老婆子在門外探頭，王夫人叫彩雲看去，問問是誰。Just then an old woman poked her head in through the doorway; Lady Wang told Caiyun to go and see who it was.彩雲看了是陪迎春到孫家去的人，便道：“你來做什麼？”婆子道：“我來了半日，這里找不著一個姐姐們，我又不敢冒撞，我心里又急。”彩雲道：“你急什麼？Caiyun saw that it was one of the servants who had accompanied Yingchun to the Sun household and asked, “What have you come for?” The woman replied, “I have been here half the day, but could not find a single one of you young ladies; I dared not barge in, yet I am frantic with worry.” Caiyun asked, “What are you so frantic about?又是姑爺作踐姑娘不成么？”婆子道：“姑娘不好了。Can it be that the young master is abusing our young lady again?” The woman replied, “Our young lady is very ill.前兒鬧了一場，姑娘哭了一夜，昨日痰堵住了。The day before yesterday there was a terrible quarrel, and she cried all night; yesterday phlegm blocked her breathing.他們又不請大夫，今日更利害了。”彩雲道：“老太太病著呢，別大驚小怪的。”王夫人在內已聽見了，恐老太太聽見不受用，忙叫彩雲帶他外頭說去。They would not even call a physician, and today she is worse than ever.” Caiyun said, “The old lady is ill; do not make such a commotion over every little thing.” Lady Wang had already heard from within and, fearing that Grandmother Jia would be distressed if she heard, hurriedly told Caiyun to take the woman outside to speak.豈知賈母病中心靜，偏偏聽見，便道：“迎丫頭要死了么？”王夫人便道：“沒有。But Grandmother Jia's mind was keen despite her illness, and she happened to overhear; she asked, “Is Yingchun dying?” Lady Wang replied, “No.婆子們不知輕重，說是這兩日有些病，恐不能就好，到這里問大夫。”賈母道：“瞧我的大夫就好，快請了去。”王夫人便叫彩雲叫這婆子去回大太太去，那婆子去了。These old women do not know how to speak with discretion; she has merely been ill these past two days, and since they fear she may not recover quickly, they have come here to ask about a physician.” Grandmother Jia said, “The physician treating me will do—send for him at once.” Lady Wang then told Caiyun to have the woman report to Lady Xing, and the woman left.這里賈母便悲傷起來，說是：“我三個孫女兒，一個享盡了福死了，三丫頭遠嫁不得見面，迎丫頭雖苦，或者熬出來，不打量他年輕輕兒的就要死了。Grandmother Jia now grew sorrowful and said, “Of my three granddaughters, one enjoyed every blessing and then died; Tanchun has married far away, and I cannot see her; though Yingchun's life was bitter, I hoped she might somehow endure it, never imagining that she would die so young.留著我這麼大年紀的人活著做什麼！”王夫人鴛鴦等解勸了好半天。What use is there in keeping an old woman of my years alive?” Lady Wang, Yuanyang, and the others spent a long while consoling her.那時寶釵李氏等不在房中，鳳姐近來有病，王夫人恐賈母生悲添病，便叫人叫了他們來陪著，自己回到房中，叫彩雲來埋怨這婆子不懂事，”以後我在老太太那里，你們有事不用來回。”丫頭們依命不言。At that time Baochai, Li Wan, and the others were not in the room, while Xifeng had recently been ill; afraid that Grandmother Jia's grief would worsen her condition, Lady Wang sent for them to keep her company, then returned to her own room, summoned Caiyun, and reproached the old woman for her lack of sense, saying, “Hereafter, when I am with the old lady, you need not come there to report anything.” The maids obeyed and said no more.豈知那婆子剛到邢夫人那里，外頭的人已傳進來說：“二姑奶奶死了。”邢夫人聽了，也便哭了一場。But no sooner had the old woman reached Lady Xing's quarters than someone from outside sent in word: “Second Young Mistress is dead.” Hearing this, Lady Xing too wept for a time.現今他父親不在家中，只得叫賈璉快去瞧看。As Yingchun's father was away from home, they had no choice but to send Jia Lian quickly to see to matters.知賈母病重，眾人都不敢回。Knowing that Grandmother Jia was gravely ill, no one dared report the news to her.可怜一位如花似月之女，結褵年餘，不料被孫家揉搓以致身亡。Alas, this maiden lovely as flower and moon, married for little more than a year, had been tormented by the Sun family until she died.又值賈母病篤，眾人不便離開，竟容孫家草草完結。And because Grandmother Jia was then critically ill and no one could conveniently leave her, they actually allowed the Sun family to conclude the funeral in a perfunctory fashion.

賈母病勢日增，只想這些好女兒。As Grandmother Jia's condition worsened daily, her thoughts dwelt only on these beloved girls.一時想起湘雲，便打發人去瞧他。Presently she remembered Xiangyun and sent someone to see her.回來的人悄悄的找鴛鴦，因鴛鴦在老太太身旁，王夫人等都在那里，不便上去，到了後頭找了琥珀，告訴他道：“老太太想史姑娘，叫我們去打聽。On returning, the messenger quietly sought out Yuanyang; but as Yuanyang was at the old lady's side, with Lady Wang and the others all present, she could not approach, so she went to the rear quarters and found Hupo, telling her, “The old lady was thinking of Miss Shi and sent us to inquire after her.那里知道史姑娘哭得了不得，說是姑爺得了暴病，大夫都瞧了，說這病只怕不能好，若變了個癆病，還可捱過四五年。Who would have thought that Miss Shi was weeping inconsolably? She says her husband has been stricken with a sudden illness; all the physicians have seen him and say they fear he cannot recover, though if it develops into consumption he may linger for another four or five years.所以史姑娘心里著急。That is why Miss Shi is so worried.又知道老太太病，只是不能過來請安，還叫我不要在老太太面前提起。She also knows that the old lady is ill, but cannot come to pay her respects; she especially told me not to mention this before the old lady.倘或老太太問起來，務必托你們變個法兒回老太太才好。”琥珀聽了，咳了一聲，就也不言語了，半日說道：“你去罷。”琥珀也不便回，心里打算告訴鴛鴦，叫他撒謊去，所以來到賈母床前，只見賈母神色大變，地下站著一屋子的人，嘁嘁的說“瞧著是不好了”，也不敢言語了。If the old lady asks, you must by all means find some way of giving her a different answer.” Hupo sighed but said nothing; after a long while she said, “You may go.” Hupo herself could not report it and planned to tell Yuanyang and have her invent a story, but when she reached Grandmother Jia's bedside, she saw that the old lady's expression had changed drastically; the room was full of people standing about, whispering, “It looks very bad,” and she dared say nothing.這里賈政悄悄的叫賈璉到身旁，向耳邊說了幾句話。Meanwhile Jia Zheng quietly called Jia Lian to his side and whispered a few words in his ear.賈璉輕輕的答應出去了，便傳齊了現在家的一干家人說：“老太太的事待好出來了，你們快快分頭派人辦去。Jia Lian softly acknowledged his instructions and went out; he assembled all the household servants then at home and said, “The old lady's end may come at any moment; quickly divide the duties and send people to make the arrangements.頭一件先請出板來瞧瞧，好挂里子。First of all, bring out the coffin boards and inspect them, so that the lining can be fitted.快到各處將各人的衣服量了尺寸，都開明了，便叫裁縫去做孝衣。Hurry to every household, take everyone's measurements, and write them all down clearly; then have the tailors make the mourning clothes.那棚杠執事都去講定。Go and settle the arrangements for the awnings, bearers, and funeral equipment.廚房里還該多派幾個人。”賴大等回道：“二爺，這些事不用爺費心，我們早打算好了。Several more hands should also be assigned to the kitchen.” Lai Da and the others replied, “Second Master, you need not trouble yourself over these matters; we made plans for them long ago.只是這項銀子在那里打算？”賈璉道：“這种銀子不用打算了，老太太自己早留下了。The only question is where the money for all this is to come from.” Jia Lian replied, “There is no need to raise this money; the old lady set it aside herself long ago.剛才老爺的主意只要辦的好，我想外面也要好看。”賴大等答應，派人分頭辦去。Just now the master's instruction was only that everything should be done properly; for my part, I think it must also make a fine outward show.” Lai Da and the others assented and sent people off to handle the various tasks.

賈璉复回到自己房中，便問平兒：“你奶奶今兒怎麼樣？”平兒把嘴往里一努說：“你瞧去。”賈璉進內，見鳳姐正要穿衣，一時動不得，暫且靠在炕桌兒上。Jia Lian returned to his own quarters and asked Ping'er, “How is your mistress today?” Ping'er jerked her chin toward the inner room and said, “Go and see.” Jia Lian went in and found Xifeng trying to dress; unable to move for the moment, she was leaning against the low table on the kang.賈璉道：“你只怕養不住了。Jia Lian said, “I fear you cannot go on nursing yourself like this.老太太的事今兒明兒就要出來了，你還脫得過么。The old lady's end will come today or tomorrow; how can you possibly avoid your duties?快叫人將屋里收拾收拾就該扎掙上去了。Quickly have the room put in order, then you must pull yourself together and go over there.若有了事，你我還能回來么。”鳳姐道：“咱們這里還有什麼收拾的，不過就是這點子東西，還怕什麼！Once it happens, will either of us be able to come back here?” Xifeng replied, “What is there in our rooms to put in order? We have only these few things—what is there to fear?你先去罷，看老爺叫你。You go ahead; perhaps the master is calling for you.我換件衣裳就來。”I shall come as soon as I have changed my clothes.”

賈璉先回到賈母房里，向賈政悄悄的回道：“諸事已交派明白了。”賈政點頭。Jia Lian returned first to Grandmother Jia's room and quietly reported to Jia Zheng, “All the duties have been clearly assigned.” Jia Zheng nodded.外面又報太醫進來了，賈璉接入，又診了一回，出來悄悄的告訴賈璉：“老太太的脈氣不好，防著些。”賈璉會意，與王夫人等說知。From outside came another announcement that an imperial physician had arrived; Jia Lian showed him in, and after examining the pulse once more, the physician came out and quietly told Jia Lian, “The old lady's pulse is very unfavorable; be prepared.” Jia Lian understood and informed Lady Wang and the others.王夫人即忙使眼色叫鴛鴦過來，叫他把老太太的裝裹衣服預備出來。Lady Wang at once signaled to Yuanyang to come over and told her to lay out the old lady's burial clothes in readiness.鴛鴦自去料理。Yuanyang went to make the arrangements.賈母睜眼要茶喝，邢夫人便進了一杯參湯。Grandmother Jia opened her eyes and asked for tea, but Lady Xing brought her a cup of ginseng broth.賈母剛用嘴接著喝，便道：“不要這個，倒一鐘茶來我喝。”眾人不敢違拗，即忙送上來，一口喝了，還要，又喝一口，便說：“我要坐起來。”賈政等道：“老太太要什麼只管說，可以不必坐起來才好。”賈母道：“我喝了口水，心里好些，略靠著和你們說說話。”珍珠等用手輕輕的扶起，看見賈母這回精神好些。Just as Grandmother Jia touched it to her lips, she said, “I do not want this; pour me a cup of tea.” No one dared disobey, and tea was quickly brought; she drank it in one swallow, asked for more, took another swallow, and said, “I want to sit up.” Jia Zheng and the others said, “Whatever you want, just tell us; it would be better not to sit up.” Grandmother Jia replied, “That drink of water has made me feel somewhat better; prop me up a little so that I may talk with you.” Zhenzhu and the others gently helped her up and saw that her spirits now seemed somewhat improved.未知生死，下回分解。Whether she lives or dies will be revealed in the next chapter.

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What it’s about

Liu Wuer finally enters Baoyu's service while he is trying to reach a different lost woman. Unable to dream of Daiyu, Baoyu sleeps in the outer room again in the hope that her spirit will visit him. The arrangement then reminds him of a night when Qingwen and Sheyue attended him, and he recalls Xifeng saying that Wuer resembles Qingwen. He transfers that memory onto Wuer, stares at her as if Qingwen had returned and mistakes his own sincere reminiscence for permission to speak and touch familiarly. Wuer hears flirtation rather than mourning, refuses his advances and warns that she will tell Baochai. His attention thus passes from the Daiyu he deliberately hopes to meet to the Qingwen he remembers and finally to a living woman who insists on her own meaning.

News arrives that Yingchun has died after continued abuse in Sun Shaozu's household. The Lady Dowager grieves another granddaughter but can no longer summon the power to rescue or even properly gather the dispersed family. Shi Xiangyun's husband is also gravely ill, extending uncertainty into another marriage once treated as a settled future. The chapter joins mistaken return to irreversible departure: Qingwen cannot come back through Wuer, and Yingchun's return to her “true origin” is the consoling metaphysical name given to a death produced by marital violence.

When it was written 背景

候芳魂 means waiting for a fragrant soul, while 錯愛 makes the error ethical: affection can harm when it values resemblance over identity. Wuer's earlier false accusation over rose essence already showed how others' narratives could overwrite her actions; here Baoyu's loving narrative risks doing the same. Yingchun's “karmic debt” recalls the registers in the Realm of Great Void, where the women's fates appeared predestined. Readers should hold that cosmology beside the novel's concrete account of causation. Sun's violence, Jia She's bargain and the family's failure to intervene remain responsible even if death is described as returning to an original essence. Learners can compare 候, waiting for return, with 還, returning a debt: both promise closure that the survivors do not actually possess.

Words in this chapter 生词

賈gǔ賈gǔ — merchant · to buy
釵chāi釵chāi — hairpin
璉liǎn璉liǎn — sacrificial vessel used for grain offerings · also pr. (lián)
雯wén雯wén — multicolored clouds
麝shè麝shè — musk deer (Moschus moschiferus) · also called 香獐子
襲xí襲xí — (bound form) to raid; to attack · (bound form) to continue the pattern; to perpetuate · (literary) classifier for suits of clothing or sets of bedding
玉yùHSK 4玉yù — jade (HSK 4)
鴛yuān鴛yuān — mandarin duck
鴦yāng鴦yāng — used in 鴛鴦 (yuān yāng)
么má么má — exclamatory final particle
瞧qiáoHSK 5瞧qiáo — to look at · to see · to see (a doctor) · to visit (HSK 5)
邢Xíng邢Xíng — surname Xing · place name

第百零九回 候芳魂五兒承錯愛 還孽債迎女返真元 Wu'er Receives Misplaced Love; Repaying Her Karmic Debt, Yingchun Returns to the Truth

What it’s about

When it was written 背景

Words in this chapter 生词

第百零九回　候芳魂五兒承錯愛　還孽債迎女返真元 Wu'er Receives Misplaced Love; Repaying Her Karmic Debt, Yingchun Returns to the Truth