第百十一回　鴛鴦女殉主登太虛　狗彘奴欺天招伙盜 Yuanyang Follows Her Mistress in Death; A Swinish Servant Defies Heaven and Invites Thieves

話說鳳姐聽了小丫頭的話，又氣又急又傷心，不覺吐了一口血，便昏暈過去，坐在地下。Now, when Fengjie heard what the little maid had said, she was at once angry, anxious, and heartbroken; before she knew it, she coughed up a mouthful of blood, fainted, and sank to the floor.平兒急來靠著，忙叫了人來攙扶著，慢慢的送到自己房中，將鳳姐輕輕的安放在炕上，立刻叫小紅斟上一杯開水送到鳳姐唇邊。Ping’er hurried over to support her and called for help; together they slowly carried her to her own room, gently settled her on the kang, and at once had Xiaohong pour a cup of hot water and hold it to Fengjie’s lips.鳳姐呷了一口，昏迷仍睡。Fengjie took a sip, but remained unconscious and lay sleeping.秋桐過來略瞧了一瞧，卻便走開，平兒也不叫他。Qiutong came over and took a cursory look, then walked away; Ping’er did not call her back.只見丰兒在旁站著，平兒叫他快快的去回明白了二奶奶吐血發暈不能照應的話，告訴了邢王二夫人。Seeing Feng’er standing nearby, Ping’er told her to go at once and explain clearly to Ladies Xing and Wang that Second Mistress Lian had coughed up blood and fainted and was unable to attend to affairs.邢夫人打諒鳳姐推病藏躲，因這時女親在內不少，也不好說別的，心里卻不全信，只說：“叫他歇著去罷。”眾人也并無言語。Lady Xing supposed that Fengjie was feigning illness to hide away; but as there were many female relatives present, she could hardly say anything more, though inwardly she did not entirely believe it, and merely said, “Tell her to go and rest.” No one else said anything either.只說這晚人客來往不絕，幸得幾個內親照應。That evening, guests continued to come and go without cease; fortunately, several close female relatives were there to see to things.家下人等見鳳姐不在，也有偷閒歇力的，亂亂吵吵，已鬧的七顛八倒，不成事体了。When the household servants saw that Fengjie was absent, some took the opportunity to slack off and rest; amid all the noise and confusion, everything was soon in complete disorder and nothing was being properly managed.到二更多天遠客去後，便預備辭靈。After the distant guests had departed, well past the second watch, preparations were made for the farewell rites before the coffin.孝幕內的女眷大家都哭了一陣。The women within the mourning enclosure all wept together for a while.只見鴛鴦已哭的昏暈過去了，大家扶住捶鬧了一陣才醒過來，便說“老太太疼我一場我跟了去”的話。Yuanyang had wept herself unconscious; everyone supported her and rubbed and shook her for some time before she revived, whereupon she said, “The Old Lady loved me all these years—I shall follow her.”眾人都打諒人到悲哭俱有這些言語，也不理會。They all supposed that people overcome by grief commonly said such things, and paid no attention.到了辭靈之時，上上下下也有百十余人，只鴛鴦不在。When the time came for the farewell rites, there were over a hundred people, high and low, but Yuanyang alone was absent.眾人忙亂之時，誰去撿點。In all the bustle, who had leisure to take a roll call?到了琥珀等一干的人哭奠之時，卻不見鴛鴦，想來是他哭乏了，暫在別處歇著，也不言語。When Hupo and the other maids came forward to weep and make their offerings, Yuanyang was nowhere to be seen; they assumed that she had exhausted herself with crying and gone elsewhere to rest awhile, and said nothing.辭靈以後，外頭賈政叫了賈璉問明送殯的事，便商量著派人看家。After the farewell rites, Jia Zheng summoned Jia Lian outside and questioned him closely about the funeral procession, then discussed assigning people to remain and guard the house.賈璉回說：“上人里頭派了芸兒在家照應，不必送殯，下人里頭派了林之孝的一家子照應拆棚等事。Jia Lian replied, “Among the masters, Yun’er has been assigned to remain at home and take charge instead of joining the procession; among the servants, Lin Zhixiao and his family have been assigned to oversee the dismantling of the awnings and such matters.但不知里頭派誰看家？”賈政道：“聽見你母親說是你媳婦病了不能去，就叫他在家的。But I do not know who has been assigned to watch the inner apartments.” Jia Zheng said, “I heard your mother say that your wife is ill and cannot go, so she is to stay at home.你珍大嫂子又說你媳婦病得利害，還叫四丫頭陪著，帶領了幾個丫頭婆子照看上屋里才好。”賈璉聽了，心想：“珍大嫂子與四丫頭兩個不合，所以攛掇著不叫他去，若是上頭就是他照應，也是不中用的。Your sister-in-law, Cousin Zhen’s wife, also said that your wife was seriously ill and that Fourth Sister should remain with her, leading several maids and old women to look after the principal rooms.” Hearing this, Jia Lian thought, “Cousin Zhen’s wife and Fourth Sister do not get along, so she has urged them not to let Fourth Sister go; but even if she is left in charge, she will be of no use.我們那一個又病著，也難照應。”想了一回，回賈政道：“老爺且歇歇兒，等進去商量定了再回。”賈政點了點頭，賈璉便進去了。And my own wife is ill, so she can hardly manage either.” After considering for a while, he said to Jia Zheng, “Please rest a little, sir. I shall go inside, discuss it until the matter is settled, and then report back.” Jia Zheng nodded, and Jia Lian went in.

话说凤姐听了小丫头的话，又气又急又伤心，不觉吐了一口血，便昏晕过去，坐在地下。平儿急来靠著，忙叫了人来搀扶著，慢慢的送到自己房中，将凤姐轻轻的安放在炕上，立刻叫小红斟上一杯开水送到凤姐唇边。凤姐呷了一口，昏迷仍睡。秋桐过来略瞧了一瞧，却便走开，平儿也不叫他。只见丰儿在旁站著，平儿叫他快快的去回明白了二奶奶吐血发晕不能照应的话，告诉了邢王二夫人。邢夫人打谅凤姐推病藏躲，因这时女亲在内不少，也不好说别的，心里却不全信，只说：“叫他歇著去罢。”众人也并无言语。只说这晚人客来往不绝，幸得几个内亲照应。家下人等见凤姐不在，也有偷闲歇力的，乱乱吵吵，已闹的七颠八倒，不成事体了。到二更多天远客去后，便预备辞灵。孝幕内的女眷大家都哭了一阵。只见鸳鸯已哭的昏晕过去了，大家扶住捶闹了一阵才醒过来，便说“老太太疼我一场我跟了去”的话。众人都打谅人到悲哭俱有这些言语，也不理会。到了辞灵之时，上上下下也有百十余人，只鸳鸯不在。众人忙乱之时，谁去捡点。到了琥珀等一干的人哭奠之时，却不见鸳鸯，想来是他哭乏了，暂在别处歇著，也不言语。辞灵以后，外头贾政叫了贾琏问明送殡的事，便商量著派人看家。贾琏回说：“上人里头派了芸儿在家照应，不必送殡，下人里头派了林之孝的一家子照应拆棚等事。但不知里头派谁看家？”贾政道：“听见你母亲说是你媳妇病了不能去，就叫他在家的。你珍大嫂子又说你媳妇病得利害，还叫四丫头陪著，带领了几个丫头婆子照看上屋里才好。”贾琏听了，心想：“珍大嫂子与四丫头两个不合，所以撺掇著不叫他去，若是上头就是他照应，也是不中用的。我们那一个又病著，也难照应。”想了一回，回贾政道：“老爷且歇歇儿，等进去商量定了再回。”贾政点了点头，贾琏便进去了。

誰知此時鴛鴦哭了一場，想到“自己跟著老太太一輩子，身子也沒有著落。At this time, after Yuanyang had wept for a while, she thought, “I followed the Old Lady all my life, and now I have nowhere to belong.如今大老爺雖不在家，大太太的這樣行為我也瞧不上。Though the Elder Master is away from home, I cannot abide the Elder Mistress’s conduct either.老爺是不管事的人，以後便亂世為王起來了，我們這些人不是要叫他們掇弄了么。The Master is a man who takes no heed of household affairs; henceforth everyone will set himself up as king amid the chaos, and will not people like us be left for them to dispose of as they please?誰收在屋子里，誰配小子，我是受不得這樣折磨的，倒不如死了乾淨。One of them will take me into his chamber, another will marry me off to some servant boy—I cannot endure such torment. I would be better off dead and done with it.但是一時怎麼樣的個死法呢？”一面想，一面走回老太太的套間屋內。But how am I to die, here and now?” Thinking as she walked, she returned to the inner suite of the Old Lady’s rooms.剛跨進門，只見燈光慘淡，隱隱有個女人拿著汗巾子好似要上吊的樣子。She had just crossed the threshold when, in the dim and mournful lamplight, she vaguely saw a woman holding a handkerchief as though about to hang herself.鴛鴦也不驚怕，心里想道：“這一個是誰？Yuanyang was not frightened, but thought, “Who can this be?和我的心事一樣，倒比我走在頭里了。”便問道：“你是誰？Her purpose is the same as mine, yet she has got ahead of me.” She asked, “Who are you?咱們兩個人是一樣的心，要死一塊兒死。”那個人也不答言。We are of one mind; if we are to die, let us die together.” The woman made no reply.鴛鴦走到跟前一看，并不是這屋子的丫頭，仔細一看，覺得冷氣侵人時就不見了。Yuanyang went up to look and saw that she was not one of the maids from these rooms; but when she peered more closely, she felt an icy chill strike her, and the figure vanished.鴛鴦呆了一呆，退出在炕沿上坐下，細細一想道：“哦，是了，這是東府里的小蓉大奶奶啊！Yuanyang stood dazed for a moment, then withdrew and sat on the edge of the kang. After thinking carefully, she said to herself, “Ah, yes—that was Young Mistress Rong from the eastern mansion!他早死了的了，怎麼到這里來？She died long ago; why has she come here?必是來叫我來了。She must have come to summon me.他怎麼又上吊呢？”想了一想道：“是了，必是教給我死的法兒。”鴛鴦這麼一想，邪侵入骨，便站起來，一面哭，一面開了妝匣，取出那年絞的一綹頭髮，揣在怀里，就在身上解下一條汗巾，按著秦氏方才比的地方拴上。But why was she hanging herself again?” After a moment’s thought she said, “Of course—she must be showing me how to die.” Once this idea took hold of Yuanyang, the uncanny influence sank into her very bones. She rose, weeping as she opened her dressing case, took out the lock of hair she had cut off years before, and tucked it into her bosom; then she untied a handkerchief from her person and fastened it at the spot Qin-shi had just indicated.自己又哭了一回，聽見外頭人客散去，恐有人進來，急忙關上屋門，然後端了一個腳凳自己站上，把汗巾拴上扣兒套在咽喉，便把腳凳蹬開。She wept by herself a while longer; then, hearing the guests dispersing outside and fearing that someone might enter, she quickly shut the door, brought over a footstool and stood upon it, tied a noose in the handkerchief and slipped it around her throat, then kicked the stool away.可怜咽喉氣絕，香魂出竅，正無投奔，只見秦氏隱隱在前，鴛鴦的魂魄疾忙赶上說道：“蓉大奶奶，你等等我。”那個人道：“我并不是什麼蓉大奶奶，乃警幻之妹可卿是也。”鴛鴦道：“你明明是蓉大奶奶，怎麼說不是呢？”那人道：“這也有個緣故，待我告訴你，你自然明白了。Alas, her breath was cut off at the throat and her fragrant soul left her body, with nowhere to turn. Then she dimly saw Qin-shi ahead of her, and Yuanyang’s spirit hurried after her, crying, “Young Mistress Rong, wait for me!” The figure said, “I am no Young Mistress Rong. I am Keqing, the younger sister of Jinghuan.” Yuanyang said, “You are plainly Young Mistress Rong—why do you say you are not?” The figure replied, “There is a reason for that. Let me tell you, and you will understand.我在警幻宮中原是個鐘情的首坐，管的是風情月債，降臨塵世，自當為第一情人，引這些痴情怨女早早歸入情司，所以該當懸粱自盡的。In Jinghuan’s palace I originally held the chief seat among those devoted to feeling, with charge over the debts of love and passion. When I descended into the mortal world, it was fitting that I should become its foremost lover and lead these infatuated men and resentful women early into the Office of Love; therefore I was destined to hang myself from a beam.因我看破凡情，超出情海，歸入情天，所以太虛幻境痴情一司竟自無人掌管。But because I saw through mortal passion, crossed beyond the sea of desire, and returned to the heaven of feeling, the Department of Infatuation in the Land of Illusion was left without anyone to govern it.今警幻仙子已經將你補入，替我掌管此司，所以命我來引你前去的。”鴛鴦的魂道：“我是個最無情的，怎麼算我是個有情的人呢？”那人道：“你還不知道呢。Now the fairy Jinghuan has appointed you in my place to govern that department, and so she ordered me to come and lead you there.” Yuanyang’s spirit said, “I am the least passionate of people; how can I be counted as one endowed with feeling?” The figure replied, “You do not yet understand.世人都把那淫欲之事當作‘情’字，所以作出傷風敗化的事來，還自謂風月多情，無關緊要。People in the world mistake carnal desire for ‘feeling’; thus they commit deeds that corrupt morals and ruin decency, yet call themselves passionate devotees of love and claim that it is of no consequence.不知‘情’之一字，喜怒哀樂未發之時便是個性，喜怒哀樂已發便是情了。They do not know that before joy, anger, sorrow, and delight are stirred, ‘feeling’ is our nature; once joy, anger, sorrow, and delight have been stirred, they become the passions.至于你我這個情，正是未發之情，就如那花的含苞一樣，欲待發泄出來，這情就不為真情了。”鴛鴦的魂聽了點頭會意，便跟了秦氏可卿而去。As for the feeling that you and I possess, it is precisely feeling before it is stirred, like a flower still in bud; once it seeks to discharge itself, it is no longer true feeling.” Yuanyang’s spirit heard this, nodded in understanding, and followed Qin Keqing away.

谁知此时鸳鸯哭了一场，想到“自己跟著老太太一辈子，身子也没有著落。如今大老爷虽不在家，大太太的这样行为我也瞧不上。老爷是不管事的人，以后便乱世为王起来了，我们这些人不是要叫他们掇弄了么。谁收在屋子里，谁配小子，我是受不得这样折磨的，倒不如死了干净。但是一时怎么样的个死法呢？”一面想，一面走回老太太的套间屋内。刚跨进门，只见灯光惨淡，隐隐有个女人拿著汗巾子好似要上吊的样子。鸳鸯也不惊怕，心里想道：“这一个是谁？和我的心事一样，倒比我走在头里了。”便问道：“你是谁？咱们两个人是一样的心，要死一块儿死。”那个人也不答言。鸳鸯走到跟前一看，并不是这屋子的丫头，仔细一看，觉得冷气侵人时就不见了。鸳鸯呆了一呆，退出在炕沿上坐下，细细一想道：“哦，是了，这是东府里的小蓉大奶奶啊！他早死了的了，怎么到这里来？必是来叫我来了。他怎么又上吊呢？”想了一想道：“是了，必是教给我死的法儿。”鸳鸯这么一想，邪侵入骨，便站起来，一面哭，一面开了妆匣，取出那年绞的一绺头发，揣在怀里，就在身上解下一条汗巾，按著秦氏方才比的地方拴上。自己又哭了一回，听见外头人客散去，恐有人进来，急忙关上屋门，然后端了一个脚凳自己站上，把汗巾拴上扣儿套在咽喉，便把脚凳蹬开。可怜咽喉气绝，香魂出窍，正无投奔，只见秦氏隐隐在前，鸳鸯的魂魄疾忙赶上说道：“蓉大奶奶，你等等我。”那个人道：“我并不是什么蓉大奶奶，乃警幻之妹可卿是也。”鸳鸯道：“你明明是蓉大奶奶，怎么说不是呢？”那人道：“这也有个缘故，待我告诉你，你自然明白了。我在警幻宫中原是个钟情的首坐，管的是风情月债，降临尘世，自当为第一情人，引这些痴情怨女早早归入情司，所以该当悬粱自尽的。因我看破凡情，超出情海，归入情天，所以太虚幻境痴情一司竟自无人掌管。今警幻仙子已经将你补入，替我掌管此司，所以命我来引你前去的。”鸳鸯的魂道：“我是个最无情的，怎么算我是个有情的人呢？”那人道：“你还不知道呢。世人都把那淫欲之事当作‘情’字，所以作出伤风败化的事来，还自谓风月多情，无关紧要。不知‘情’之一字，喜怒哀乐未发之时便是个性，喜怒哀乐已发便是情了。至于你我这个情，正是未发之情，就如那花的含苞一样，欲待发泄出来，这情就不为真情了。”鸳鸯的魂听了点头会意，便跟了秦氏可卿而去。

這里琥珀辭了靈，聽邢王二夫人分派看家的人，想著去問鴛鴦明日怎樣坐車的，在賈母的外間屋里找了一遍不見，便找到套間里頭。Meanwhile, after Hupo had taken leave of the spirit, she heard Ladies Xing and Wang assigning those who were to remain and guard the house. Thinking that she should ask Yuanyang how they were to ride in the carriages the next day, she searched all through the outer room of Grandmother Jia’s quarters without finding her, and then went into the inner suite.剛到門口，見門兒掩著，從門縫里望里看時，只見燈光半明不滅的，影影綽綽，心里害怕，又不聽見屋里有什麼動靜，便走回來說道：“這蹄子跑到那里去了？”劈頭見了珍珠，說：“你見鴛鴦姐姐來著沒有？”珍珠道：“我也找他，太太們等他說話呢。Reaching the doorway, she found the door pulled to. Peering through the crack, she saw the lamp burning fitfully, neither bright nor extinguished, and everything within dim and indistinct. She grew frightened; hearing no movement inside, she turned back, saying, “Where has that wretch run off to?” She immediately came upon Zhenzhu and asked, “Have you seen Sister Yuanyang?” Zhenzhu replied, “I am looking for her too. The ladies are waiting to speak with her.必在套間里睡著了罷。”琥珀道：“我瞧了，屋里沒有。She must have fallen asleep in the inner suite.” Hupo said, “I looked, and there was no one there.那燈也沒人夾蜡花兒，漆黑怪怕的，我沒進去。No one has even trimmed the lampwick; it is pitch-dark and frightening, so I did not go in.如今咱們一塊兒進去瞧，看有沒有。”琥珀等進去正夾蜡花，珍珠說：“誰把腳凳撂在這里，幾乎絆我一跤。”說著往上一瞧，唬的噯喲一聲，身子往後一仰，咕咚的栽在琥珀身上。Come, let us go in together and see whether she is there.” As Hupo and the others went in and began trimming the wick, Zhenzhu said, “Who left this footstool here? I nearly tripped over it.” As she spoke, she looked up; with a terrified cry of “Ai-yo!” she reeled backward and fell with a thud against Hupo.琥珀也看見了，便大嚷起來，只是兩只腳挪不動。Hupo saw it too and began screaming, though her feet were rooted to the spot.

这里琥珀辞了灵，听邢王二夫人分派看家的人，想著去问鸳鸯明日怎样坐车的，在贾母的外间屋里找了一遍不见，便找到套间里头。刚到门口，见门儿掩著，从门缝里望里看时，只见灯光半明不灭的，影影绰绰，心里害怕，又不听见屋里有什么动静，便走回来说道：“这蹄子跑到那里去了？”劈头见了珍珠，说：“你见鸳鸯姐姐来著没有？”珍珠道：“我也找他，太太们等他说话呢。必在套间里睡著了罢。”琥珀道：“我瞧了，屋里没有。那灯也没人夹蜡花儿，漆黑怪怕的，我没进去。如今咱们一块儿进去瞧，看有没有。”琥珀等进去正夹蜡花，珍珠说：“谁把脚凳撂在这里，几乎绊我一跤。”说著往上一瞧，唬的嗳哟一声，身子往后一仰，咕咚的栽在琥珀身上。琥珀也看见了，便大嚷起来，只是两只脚挪不动。

外頭的人也都聽見了，跑進來一瞧，大家嚷著報與邢王二夫人知道。The people outside heard them and ran in to look; everyone cried out that Ladies Xing and Wang must be informed.王夫人寶釵等聽了，都哭著去瞧。Lady Wang, Baochai, and the others heard the news and went weeping to see.邢夫人道：“我不料鴛鴦倒有這樣志氣，快叫人去告訴老爺。”只有寶玉聽見此信，便唬的雙眼直豎。Lady Xing said, “I never expected Yuanyang to possess such resolution. Send someone quickly to tell the Master.” Baoyu alone, on hearing the news, was so terrified that his eyes stared rigidly.襲人等慌忙扶著，說道：“你要哭就哭，別憋著氣。”寶玉死命的才哭出來了，心想“鴛鴦這樣一個人偏又這樣死法，”又想“實在天地間的靈氣獨鐘在這些女子身上了。Xiren and the others hastened to support him, saying, “If you need to cry, then cry; do not hold your breath.” Only with desperate effort did Baoyu manage to burst into tears. He thought, “That someone like Yuanyang should die in such a way!” Then he thought, “Truly, all the spiritual essence between Heaven and Earth is concentrated in these girls.他算得了死所，我們究竟是一件濁物，還是老太太的兒孫，誰能赶得上他。”复又喜歡起來。She has found a worthy end. We, after all, are but foul things; though we are the Old Lady’s sons and grandsons, which of us can equal her?” At this he became joyful again.那時寶釵聽見寶玉大哭，也出來了，及到跟前，見他又笑。Baochai, hearing Baoyu weep loudly, came out; but by the time she reached him, she found him smiling.襲人等忙說：“不好了，又要瘋了。”寶釵道：“不妨事，他有他的意思。”寶玉聽了，更喜歡寶釵的話，“倒是他還知道我的心，別人那里知道。”正在胡思亂想，賈政等進來，著實的嗟歎著，說道：“好孩子，不枉老太太疼他一場！”即命賈璉出去吩咐人連夜買棺盛殮，“明日便跟著老太太的殯送出，也停在老太太棺後，全了他的心志。”賈璉答應出去。Xiren and the others hurriedly said, “This is bad—he is going mad again.” Baochai said, “It is all right; he has his own meaning.” Hearing this, Baoyu was even more delighted by Baochai’s words: “She at least understands my heart—how could anyone else know?” As he indulged in these wild fancies, Jia Zheng and the others entered, sighing deeply. Jia Zheng said, “What a good child! The Old Lady’s affection for her was not bestowed in vain!” He immediately ordered Jia Lian to go out and have a coffin bought that very night for her encoffinment. “Tomorrow let it accompany the Old Lady’s funeral procession and be placed behind the Old Lady’s coffin. Thus her wish will be fulfilled.” Jia Lian assented and went out.這里命人將鴛鴦放下，停放里間屋內。Orders were then given for Yuanyang to be taken down and laid in the inner room.平兒也知道了，過來同襲人鶯兒等一干人都哭的哀哀欲絕。Ping’er also heard the news and came over; she, Xiren, Ying’er, and the others all wept as though their hearts would break.內中紫鵑也想起自己終身一無著落，“恨不跟了林姑娘去，又全了主仆的恩義，又得了死所。Among them, Zijuan reflected that she herself had no prospect for the rest of her life: “If only I had followed Miss Lin, I would have fulfilled the bond between mistress and servant and also found a worthy end.如今空懸在寶玉屋內，雖說寶玉仍是柔情蜜意，究竟算不得什麼？”于是更哭得哀切。Now I am left suspended without purpose in Baoyu’s room. Though Baoyu still treats me with tender affection, what does it truly amount to?” At this she wept more bitterly than ever.

外头的人也都听见了，跑进来一瞧，大家嚷著报与邢王二夫人知道。王夫人宝钗等听了，都哭著去瞧。邢夫人道：“我不料鸳鸯倒有这样志气，快叫人去告诉老爷。”只有宝玉听见此信，便唬的双眼直竖。袭人等慌忙扶著，说道：“你要哭就哭，别憋著气。”宝玉死命的才哭出来了，心想“鸳鸯这样一个人偏又这样死法，”又想“实在天地间的灵气独钟在这些女子身上了。他算得了死所，我们究竟是一件浊物，还是老太太的儿孙，谁能赶得上他。”复又喜欢起来。那时宝钗听见宝玉大哭，也出来了，及到跟前，见他又笑。袭人等忙说：“不好了，又要疯了。”宝钗道：“不妨事，他有他的意思。”宝玉听了，更喜欢宝钗的话，“倒是他还知道我的心，别人那里知道。”正在胡思乱想，贾政等进来，著实的嗟叹著，说道：“好孩子，不枉老太太疼他一场！”即命贾琏出去吩咐人连夜买棺盛殓，“明日便跟著老太太的殡送出，也停在老太太棺后，全了他的心志。”贾琏答应出去。这里命人将鸳鸯放下，停放里间屋内。平儿也知道了，过来同袭人莺儿等一干人都哭的哀哀欲绝。内中紫鹃也想起自己终身一无著落，“恨不跟了林姑娘去，又全了主仆的恩义，又得了死所。如今空悬在宝玉屋内，虽说宝玉仍是柔情蜜意，究竟算不得什么？”于是更哭得哀切。

王夫人即傳了鴛鴦的嫂子進來，叫他看著入殮。Lady Wang at once summoned Yuanyang’s sister-in-law and told her to attend to the encoffinment.逐與邢夫人商量了，在老太太項內賞了他嫂子一百兩銀子，還說等閒了將鴛鴦所有的東西俱賞他們。After discussing it with Lady Xing, she awarded the sister-in-law a hundred taels of silver from the funds for the Old Lady’s funeral, and said that when things were less busy, all Yuanyang’s belongings would also be given to the family.他嫂子磕了頭出去，反喜歡說：“真真的我們姑娘是個有志氣的，有造化的，又得了好名聲，又得了好發送。”旁邊一個婆子說道：“罷呀嫂子，這會子你把一個活姑娘賣了一百銀子便這麼喜歡了，那時候兒給了大老爺，你還不知得多少銀錢呢，你該更得意了。”一句話戳了他嫂子的心，便紅了臉走開了。Her sister-in-law kowtowed and went out, saying with actual delight, “Our girl truly had spirit and good fortune: she has won a fine name and will receive a fine funeral too.” An old woman beside her said, “Enough, sister-in-law! Now that you have sold a living girl for a hundred taels, you are delighted; if she had been given to the Elder Master, who knows how much silver you might have got? You would have been more pleased still.” The words struck the sister-in-law to the heart; she flushed and walked away.剛走到二門上，見林之孝帶了人抬進棺材來了，他只得也跟進去幫著盛殮，假意哭嚎了幾聲。Just as she reached the inner gate, she saw Lin Zhixiao leading men in with the coffin; she had no choice but to follow them back and help with the encoffinment, letting out a few pretended wails.賈政因他為賈母而死，要了香來上了三炷，作了一個揖，說：“他是殉葬的人，不可作丫頭論。Because Yuanyang had died for Grandmother Jia, Jia Zheng called for incense, lit three sticks, and bowed before her, saying, “She died in devotion to her mistress and must not be regarded as a mere maid.你們小一輩都該行個禮。”寶玉聽了，喜不自胜，走上來恭恭敬敬磕了幾個頭。All of you of the younger generation should pay your respects.” Baoyu was overjoyed to hear this; he stepped forward and reverently kowtowed several times.賈璉想他素日的好處，也要上來行禮，被邢夫人說道：“有了一個爺們便罷了，不要折受他不得超生。”賈璉就不便過來了。Jia Lian, remembering all her kindness in the past, also meant to come forward and pay his respects, but Lady Xing said, “One gentleman is enough; do not burden her with honors beyond her station and keep her from rebirth.” Jia Lian therefore could not well come forward.寶釵聽了，心中好不自在，便說道：“我原不該給他行禮，但只老太太去世，咱們都有未了之事，不敢胡為，他肯替咱們盡孝，咱們也該托托他好好的替咱們伏侍老太太西去，也少盡一點子心哪。”說著扶了鶯兒走到靈前，一面奠酒，那眼淚早扑簌簌流下來了，奠畢拜了幾拜，狠狠的哭了他一場。Baochai felt deeply uneasy on hearing this and said, “By rights, I should not bow to her; but since the Old Lady passed away, all of us have duties left undone, though we dare not act rashly. Since she has been willing to fulfill our filial duty in our stead, we ought at least to entrust her to serve the Old Lady well on her journey westward, and thus show a little of our devotion.” Supporting herself on Ying’er, she approached the bier and poured a libation; tears were already streaming down her face. When the offering was complete, she bowed several times and wept for Yuanyang with all her heart.眾人也有說寶玉的兩口子都是傻子，也有說他兩個心腸兒好的，也有說他知禮的。Some said that Baoyu and his wife were both fools; others said that they were both tenderhearted; still others said that they understood proper ritual.賈政反倒合了意。Jia Zheng, for his part, was pleased.一面商量定了看家的仍是鳳姐惜春，餘者都遣去伴靈。It was then settled that Fengjie and Xichun would remain to guard the house, while all the others were sent to accompany the coffin.一夜誰敢安眠，一到五更，聽見外面齊人。Who dared sleep that night? By the fifth watch, they could hear the people assembling outside.到了辰初發引，賈政居長，衰麻哭泣，极盡孝子之禮。At the beginning of the chen hour, the funeral procession set out. As the senior mourner, Jia Zheng wore sackcloth and hemp and wept, observing every rite required of a filial son.靈柩出了門，便有各家的路祭，一路上的風光不必細述。Once the coffin had passed through the gate, memorial offerings awaited it from each family along the road; the splendor of the procession need not be described in detail.走了半日，來至鐵檻寺安靈，所有孝男等俱應在廟伴宿，不題。After traveling half the day, they reached Tiekan Temple and installed the coffin there. All the mourning sons and other male mourners were required to spend the night at the temple, but of this no more need be said.

王夫人即传了鸳鸯的嫂子进来，叫他看著入殓。逐与邢夫人商量了，在老太太项内赏了他嫂子一百两银子，还说等闲了将鸳鸯所有的东西俱赏他们。他嫂子磕了头出去，反喜欢说：“真真的我们姑娘是个有志气的，有造化的，又得了好名声，又得了好发送。”旁边一个婆子说道：“罢呀嫂子，这会子你把一个活姑娘卖了一百银子便这么喜欢了，那时候儿给了大老爷，你还不知得多少银钱呢，你该更得意了。”一句话戳了他嫂子的心，便红了脸走开了。刚走到二门上，见林之孝带了人抬进棺材来了，他只得也跟进去帮著盛殓，假意哭嚎了几声。贾政因他为贾母而死，要了香来上了三炷，作了一个揖，说：“他是殉葬的人，不可作丫头论。你们小一辈都该行个礼。”宝玉听了，喜不自胜，走上来恭恭敬敬磕了几个头。贾琏想他素日的好处，也要上来行礼，被邢夫人说道：“有了一个爷们便罢了，不要折受他不得超生。”贾琏就不便过来了。宝钗听了，心中好不自在，便说道：“我原不该给他行礼，但只老太太去世，咱们都有未了之事，不敢胡为，他肯替咱们尽孝，咱们也该托托他好好的替咱们伏侍老太太西去，也少尽一点子心哪。”说著扶了莺儿走到灵前，一面奠酒，那眼泪早扑簌簌流下来了，奠毕拜了几拜，狠狠的哭了他一场。众人也有说宝玉的两口子都是傻子，也有说他两个心肠儿好的，也有说他知礼的。贾政反倒合了意。一面商量定了看家的仍是凤姐惜春，余者都遣去伴灵。一夜谁敢安眠，一到五更，听见外面齐人。到了辰初发引，贾政居长，衰麻哭泣，极尽孝子之礼。灵柩出了门，便有各家的路祭，一路上的风光不必细述。走了半日，来至铁槛寺安灵，所有孝男等俱应在庙伴宿，不题。

且說家中林之孝帶領拆了棚，將門窗上好，打掃淨了院子，派了巡更的人到晚打更上夜。Meanwhile, back at the mansion, Lin Zhixiao supervised the dismantling of the awnings, had the doors and windows securely fastened and the courtyards swept clean, and assigned watchmen to beat the watches and keep guard at night.只是榮府規例，一二更，三門掩上，男人便進不去了，里頭只有女人們查夜。Under the rules of the Rong mansion, however, the third gate was barred during the first or second watch, after which no man could enter; only the women inside made the night rounds.鳳姐雖隔了一夜漸漸的神氣清爽了些，只是那里動得。Though Fengjie had gradually recovered some clarity and strength after a night’s rest, she was still in no condition to move.只有平兒同著惜春各處走了一走，咐吩了上夜的人，也便各自歸房。Only Ping’er and Xichun made a round of the various places and instructed those on night duty, after which each returned to her own room.卻說周瑞的乾兒子何三，去年賈珍管事之時，因他和鮑二打架，被賈珍打了一頓，攆在外頭，終日在賭場過日。Now, He San, Zhou Rui’s godson, had quarreled with Bao Er the previous year while Jia Zhen was managing affairs; Jia Zhen had given him a beating and driven him out, and ever since he had spent his days in gambling dens.近知賈母死了，必有些事情領辦，豈知探了幾天的信，一些也沒有想頭，便噯聲歎氣的回到賭場中，悶悶的坐下。Recently, learning of Grandmother Jia’s death, he had assumed that there would be errands and purchases from which he might profit. But after several days of making inquiries, he found no opportunity at all, and returned to the gambling den sighing, where he sat down in dejection.那些人便說道：“老三，你怎麼樣？The others asked, “Well, Old Three, how goes it?不下來撈本了么？”何三道：“倒想要撈一撈呢，就只沒有錢么。”那些人道：“你到你們周大太爺那里去了幾日，府里的錢你也不知弄了多少來，又來和我們裝窮兒了。”何三道：“你們還說呢，他們的金銀不知有幾百萬，只藏著不用。Aren’t you going to join us and win back your losses?” He San said, “I would like to win some back, but I have no money.” They said, “You have spent several days at your Grand Master Zhou’s place; who knows how much money you have got out of the mansion? And now you come here pretending poverty.” He San said, “You may well talk! They have no one knows how many millions in gold and silver, but simply hoard it and never spend it.明兒留著不是火燒了就是賊偷了，他們才死心呢。”那些人道：“你又撒謊，他家抄了家，還有多少金銀？”何三道：“你們還不知道呢，抄去的是撂不了的。One day it will either burn in a fire or be stolen by thieves; only then will they be satisfied.” The others said, “You are lying again. Their property was confiscated—how much gold and silver can they still have?” He San said, “You do not understand. What was confiscated was only what they could not conceal.如今老太太死還留了好些金銀，他們一個也不使，都在老太太屋里擱著，等送了殯回來才分呢。”內中有一個人聽在心里，擲了幾骰，便說：“我輸了幾個錢，也不翻本兒了，睡去了。”說著，便走出來拉了何三道：“老三，我和你說句話。”何三跟他出來。Now that the Old Lady is dead, she has left a great deal of gold and silver; they have not spent a bit of it, but keep it all in her rooms until they return from the funeral and divide it.” One of the men took this to heart. After throwing the dice a few more times, he said, “I have lost a little money, but I will not try to win it back. I am off to sleep.” He then went out, pulled He San after him, and said, “Old Three, I have something to tell you.” He San followed him outside.那人道：“你這樣一個伶俐人，這樣窮，為你不服這口氣。”何三道：“我命里窮，可有什麼法兒呢。”那人道：“你才說榮府的銀子這麼多，為什麼不去拿些使喚使喚？”何三道：“我的哥哥，他家的金銀雖多，你我去白要一二錢他們給咱們嗎！”那人笑道：“他不給咱們，咱們就不會拿嗎！”何三聽了這話里有話，便問道：“依你說怎麼樣拿呢？”那人道：“我說你沒有本事，若是我，早拿了來了。”何三道：“你有什麼本事？”那人便輕輕的說道：“你若要發財，你就引個頭兒。The man said, “For such a clever fellow, you are very poor, and I cannot bear to see you swallow that humiliation.” He San replied, “I was born to be poor—what can I do?” The man said, “You just said there was so much silver in the Rong mansion. Why not go and take some for our use?” He San said, “My dear brother, however much gold and silver they have, if you and I went and asked for even one or two mace, would they give it to us?” The man laughed. “If they will not give it to us, can we not take it?” He San sensed a hidden meaning and asked, “How do you propose to take it?” The man said, “I say you have no ability. If I were you, I would have taken it long ago.” He San asked, “And what ability do you have?” The man lowered his voice and said, “If you want to grow rich, you need only show us the way.我有好些朋友都是通天的本事，不要說他們送殯去了，家里剩下幾個女人，就讓有多少男人也不怕。I have a good many friends with extraordinary skills. Never mind that the family has gone to the funeral and left only a few women at home—we would not be afraid even if there were any number of men.只怕你沒這麼大膽子罷咧。”何三道：“什麼敢不敢！I only fear that you have not the courage.” He San said, “What do you mean, courage?你打諒我怕那個乾老子么，我是瞧著乾媽的情兒上頭才認他作乾老子罷咧，他又算了人了！Do you think I am afraid of that godfather of mine? I acknowledged him only for my godmother’s sake—what does he amount to?你剛才的話，就只怕弄不來倒招了饑荒。As for what you just proposed, I only fear that if we fail, we shall bring trouble on ourselves.他們那個衙門不熟？What yamen do they not have connections in?別說拿不來，倘或拿了來也要鬧出來的。”那人道：“這麼說你的運氣來了。Even if we did manage to take the money, they would raise a hue and cry.” The man said, “If that is all, then your fortune has come.我的朋友還有海邊上的呢，現今都在這里看個風頭，等個門路。Some of my friends are even men from the coast, and they are all here now watching for an opportunity and waiting for an opening.若到了手，你我在這里也無益，不如大家下海去受用不好么？Once the money is in hand, there will be no point in our remaining here. Why not all put out to sea and enjoy ourselves?你若撂不下你乾媽，咱們索性把你乾媽也帶了去，大家伙兒樂一樂好不好？”何三道：“老大，你別是醉了罷，這些話混說的什麼。”說著，拉了那人走到一個僻靜地方，兩個人商量了一回，各人分頭而去。If you cannot bear to leave your godmother, we can simply take her along too, and all have some fun together. How would that be?” He San said, “Boss, you must be drunk. What nonsense are you talking?” So saying, he pulled the man to a secluded place. The two conferred for a while, then went their separate ways.暫且不題。Of this, no more for the moment.

且说家中林之孝带领拆了棚，将门窗上好，打扫净了院子，派了巡更的人到晚打更上夜。只是荣府规例，一二更，三门掩上，男人便进不去了，里头只有女人们查夜。凤姐虽隔了一夜渐渐的神气清爽了些，只是那里动得。只有平儿同著惜春各处走了一走，咐吩了上夜的人，也便各自归房。却说周瑞的干儿子何三，去年贾珍管事之时，因他和鲍二打架，被贾珍打了一顿，撵在外头，终日在赌场过日。近知贾母死了，必有些事情领办，岂知探了几天的信，一些也没有想头，便嗳声叹气的回到赌场中，闷闷的坐下。那些人便说道：“老三，你怎么样？不下来捞本了么？”何三道：“倒想要捞一捞呢，就只没有钱么。”那些人道：“你到你们周大太爷那里去了几日，府里的钱你也不知弄了多少来，又来和我们装穷儿了。”何三道：“你们还说呢，他们的金银不知有几百万，只藏著不用。明儿留著不是火烧了就是贼偷了，他们才死心呢。”那些人道：“你又撒谎，他家抄了家，还有多少金银？”何三道：“你们还不知道呢，抄去的是撂不了的。如今老太太死还留了好些金银，他们一个也不使，都在老太太屋里搁著，等送了殡回来才分呢。”内中有一个人听在心里，掷了几骰，便说：“我输了几个钱，也不翻本儿了，睡去了。”说著，便走出来拉了何三道：“老三，我和你说句话。”何三跟他出来。那人道：“你这样一个伶俐人，这样穷，为你不服这口气。”何三道：“我命里穷，可有什么法儿呢。”那人道：“你才说荣府的银子这么多，为什么不去拿些使唤使唤？”何三道：“我的哥哥，他家的金银虽多，你我去白要一二钱他们给咱们吗！”那人笑道：“他不给咱们，咱们就不会拿吗！”何三听了这话里有话，便问道：“依你说怎么样拿呢？”那人道：“我说你没有本事，若是我，早拿了来了。”何三道：“你有什么本事？”那人便轻轻的说道：“你若要发财，你就引个头儿。我有好些朋友都是通天的本事，不要说他们送殡去了，家里剩下几个女人，就让有多少男人也不怕。只怕你没这么大胆子罢咧。”何三道：“什么敢不敢！你打谅我怕那个干老子么，我是瞧著干妈的情儿上头才认他作干老子罢咧，他又算了人了！你刚才的话，就只怕弄不来倒招了饥荒。他们那个衙门不熟？别说拿不来，倘或拿了来也要闹出来的。”那人道：“这么说你的运气来了。我的朋友还有海边上的呢，现今都在这里看个风头，等个门路。若到了手，你我在这里也无益，不如大家下海去受用不好么？你若撂不下你干妈，咱们索性把你干妈也带了去，大家伙儿乐一乐好不好？”何三道：“老大，你别是醉了罢，这些话混说的什么。”说著，拉了那人走到一个僻静地方，两个人商量了一回，各人分头而去。暂且不题。

且說包勇自被賈政吆喝派去看園，賈母的事出來也忙了，不曾派他差使，他也不理會，總是自做自吃，悶來睡一覺，醒時便在園里耍刀弄棍，倒也無拘無束。Now, ever since Jia Zheng had angrily assigned Bao Yong to guard the garden, Bao Yong had become busy when Grandmother Jia’s affairs arose, though no particular duty had been assigned to him. He took no notice of it, but cooked and ate for himself as usual; when bored, he slept, and when awake, practiced with swords and staves in the garden, quite free and untrammeled.那日賈母一早出殯，他雖知道，因沒有派他差事，他任意閒游。On the morning Grandmother Jia’s funeral procession departed, he knew of it, but since no duty had been assigned to him, he roamed about as he pleased.只見一個女尼帶了一個道婆來到園內腰門那里扣門，包勇走來說道：“女師父那里去？”道婆道：“今日聽得老太太的事完了，不見四姑娘送殯，想必是在家看家。Presently he saw a Buddhist nun accompanied by a Daoist old woman come to the side gate of the garden and knock. Bao Yong approached and asked, “Where are you going, Reverend Mother?” The Daoist woman said, “We heard that the Old Lady’s funeral was completed today, yet Fourth Miss did not join the procession, so she must have remained to guard the house.想他寂寞，我們師父來瞧他一瞧。”包勇道：“主子都不在家，園門是我看的，請你們回去罷。Thinking she might be lonely, our Reverend Mother has come to visit her.” Bao Yong said, “The masters are all away, and I am guarding the garden gate. Please go back.要來呢，等主子們回來了再來。”婆子道：“你是那里來的個黑炭頭，也要管起我們的走動來了。”包勇道：“我嫌你們這些人，我不叫你們來，你們有什麼法兒！”婆子生了氣，嚷道：“這都是反了天的事了！If you wish to come, wait until the masters return.” The old woman said, “Where did a lump of charcoal like you come from, to start meddling with our comings and goings?” Bao Yong said, “I cannot stand people like you. I will not let you in—what can you do about it?” The old woman grew angry and shouted, “Everything has turned upside down!連老太太在日還不能攔我們的來往走動呢，你是那里的這麼個橫強盜，這樣沒法沒天的。Even while the Old Lady lived, she never hindered us from coming and going. Where did such an overbearing bandit as you come from, defying all law and heaven?我偏要打這里走！”說著，便把手在門環上狠狠的打了幾下。I am determined to go through here!” With that, she struck the door ring hard several times.妙玉已氣的不言語，正要回身便走，不料里頭看二門的婆子聽見有人拌嘴似的，開門一看，見是妙玉，已經回身走去，明知必是包勇得罪了走了。Miaoyu was already too angry to speak and was about to turn and leave. But an old woman guarding the inner gate heard what sounded like a quarrel and opened the door to look. Seeing that it was Miaoyu, who had already turned away, she knew at once that Bao Yong must have offended her.近日婆子們都知道上頭太太們四姑娘都親近得很，恐他日後說出門上不放他進來，那時如何擔得住，赶忙走來說：“不知師父來，我們開門遲了。Recently all the old women had learned that the ladies and Fourth Miss were especially close to Miaoyu; they feared that if she later reported that the gatekeepers had refused her entry, they could never bear the consequences. They hurried after her, saying, “We did not know you had come, Reverend Mother, and were slow in opening the gate.我們四姑娘在家里還正想師父呢，快請回來。Our Fourth Miss is at home and was just thinking of you. Please come back quickly.看園子的小子是個新來的，他不知咱們的事，回來回了太太，打他一頓攆出去就完了。”妙玉雖是聽見，總不理他。The fellow guarding the garden is new and does not know how matters stand with us. When the ladies return, we shall report him, have him beaten, and drive him out, and that will be the end of it.” Though Miaoyu heard them, she paid no attention.那經得看腰門的婆子赶上再四央求，後來才說出怕自己擔不是，幾乎急的跪下，妙玉無奈，只得隨了那婆子過來。But the old woman from the side gate caught up and pleaded repeatedly. At last she explained that she feared being held to blame and was nearly desperate enough to kneel. Miaoyu, having no choice, followed her back.包勇見這般光景，自然不好攔他，氣得瞪眼歎氣而回。Seeing how matters stood, Bao Yong naturally could not stop her; he returned glaring and sighing with anger.

且说包勇自被贾政吆喝派去看园，贾母的事出来也忙了，不曾派他差使，他也不理会，总是自做自吃，闷来睡一觉，醒时便在园里耍刀弄棍，倒也无拘无束。那日贾母一早出殡，他虽知道，因没有派他差事，他任意闲游。只见一个女尼带了一个道婆来到园内腰门那里扣门，包勇走来说道：“女师父那里去？”道婆道：“今日听得老太太的事完了，不见四姑娘送殡，想必是在家看家。想他寂寞，我们师父来瞧他一瞧。”包勇道：“主子都不在家，园门是我看的，请你们回去罢。要来呢，等主子们回来了再来。”婆子道：“你是那里来的个黑炭头，也要管起我们的走动来了。”包勇道：“我嫌你们这些人，我不叫你们来，你们有什么法儿！”婆子生了气，嚷道：“这都是反了天的事了！连老太太在日还不能拦我们的来往走动呢，你是那里的这么个横强盗，这样没法没天的。我偏要打这里走！”说著，便把手在门环上狠狠的打了几下。妙玉已气的不言语，正要回身便走，不料里头看二门的婆子听见有人拌嘴似的，开门一看，见是妙玉，已经回身走去，明知必是包勇得罪了走了。近日婆子们都知道上头太太们四姑娘都亲近得很，恐他日后说出门上不放他进来，那时如何担得住，赶忙走来说：“不知师父来，我们开门迟了。我们四姑娘在家里还正想师父呢，快请回来。看园子的小子是个新来的，他不知咱们的事，回来回了太太，打他一顿撵出去就完了。”妙玉虽是听见，总不理他。那经得看腰门的婆子赶上再四央求，后来才说出怕自己担不是，几乎急的跪下，妙玉无奈，只得随了那婆子过来。包勇见这般光景，自然不好拦他，气得瞪眼叹气而回。

這里妙玉帶了道婆走到惜春那里，道了惱，敘了些閒話。Miaoyu and the Daoist woman then went to Xichun’s quarters, where Miaoyu apologized for the disturbance and chatted with her for a while.說起“在家看家，只好熬個幾夜。In the course of their talk, Xichun said, “Guarding the house means little more than enduring a few nights.但是二奶奶病著，一個人又悶又是害怕，能有一個人在這里我就放心。But Second Mistress Lian is ill, and alone I am both lonely and frightened; if someone could stay here with me, I would feel at ease.如今里頭一個男人也沒有，今兒你既光降，肯伴我一宵，咱們下棋說話兒，可使得么？”妙玉本自不肯，見惜春可怜，又提起下棋，一時高興應了，打發道婆回去取了他的茶具衣褥，命侍兒送了過來，大家坐談一夜。There is not a single man in the inner apartments now. Since you have honored me with a visit today, would you stay with me for the night, so that we might play chess and talk?” Miaoyu had not intended to agree, but seeing how forlorn Xichun was, and hearing chess mentioned, she grew enthusiastic and consented. She sent the Daoist woman back to fetch her tea service, clothes, and bedding, and had an attendant bring them over; they all sat talking through the night.惜春欣幸异常，便命彩屏去開上年蠲的雨水，預備好茶。Xichun was extraordinarily delighted and told Caiping to open a jar of rainwater collected the previous year and prepare fine tea.那妙玉自有茶具。Miaoyu had brought her own tea utensils.那道婆去了不多一時，又來了個侍者，帶了妙玉日用之物。Not long after the Daoist woman left, another attendant arrived with Miaoyu’s daily necessities.惜春親自烹茶。Xichun brewed the tea herself.兩人言語投机，說了半天，那時已是初更時候，彩屏放下棋枰，兩人對弈。The two found each other congenial and talked for a long while. By then it was the beginning of the first watch; Caiping set out the chessboard, and they began to play.惜春連輸兩盤，妙玉又讓了四個子兒，惜春方贏了半子。Xichun lost two games in succession. Miaoyu then gave her a four-stone handicap, and only then did Xichun win by half a point.這時已到四更，天空地闊，萬籟無聲。By then it was already the fourth watch; beneath the vast sky, over the broad earth, not a sound could be heard.妙玉道：“我到五更須得打坐一回，我自有人伏侍，你自去歇息。”惜春猶是不舍，見妙玉要自己養神，不便扭他。Miaoyu said, “At the fifth watch I must meditate for a while. I have my own attendant to serve me, so you should go and rest.” Xichun was still reluctant to leave, but seeing that Miaoyu wished to compose her spirit, she could not well press her.正要歇去，猛聽得東邊上屋內上夜的人一片聲喊起，惜春那里的老婆子們也接著聲嚷道：“了不得了！Just as they were about to retire, they suddenly heard the night watch in the rooms on the east side raise a great clamor, and the old women at Xichun’s quarters took up the cry: “Disaster!有了人了！”唬得惜春彩屏等心膽俱裂，聽見外頭上夜的男人便聲喊起來。There are men here!” Xichun, Caiping, and the others were scared out of their wits, and then they heard the men keeping watch outside begin shouting too.妙玉道：“不好了，必是這里有了賊了。”正說著，這里不敢開門，便掩了燈光。Miaoyu said, “This is bad—there must be thieves here.” As she spoke, they dared not open the door and quickly screened the lamplight.在窗戶眼內往外一瞧，只是幾個男人站在院內，唬得不敢作聲，回身擺著手輕輕的爬下來說：“了不得，外頭有幾個大漢站著。”說猶未了，又聽得房上響聲不絕，便有外頭上夜的人進來吆喝拿賊。Peering through a chink in the window, they saw several men standing in the courtyard. Too frightened to make a sound, they turned, waved their hands, and clambered softly down, saying, “This is terrible—there are several burly men outside.” Before they had finished, an unceasing clatter sounded on the roof, and the men on night watch came in shouting to catch the thieves.一個人說道：“上屋里的東西都丟了，并不見人。One man said, “Everything in the main rooms has been stolen, but there is no one in sight.東邊有人去了，咱們到西邊去。”惜春的老婆子聽見有自己的人，便在外間屋里說道：“這里有好些人上了房了。”上夜的都道：“你瞧，這可不是嗎。”大家一齊嚷起來。Someone went east; let us go west.” Hearing that their own people were outside, Xichun’s old women called from the outer room, “A good many men have climbed onto the roof here.” The watchmen said, “Look—there they are, aren’t they?” and everyone began shouting at once.只聽房上飛下好些瓦來，眾人都不敢上前。A shower of roof tiles came flying down, and no one dared advance.正在沒法，只聽園門腰門一聲大響，打進門來，見一個梢長大漢，手執木棍。While they stood helpless, the garden’s side gate suddenly burst open with a tremendous crash, and in strode a tall, lean fellow carrying a wooden staff.眾人唬得藏躲不及，聽得那人喊說道：“不要跑了他們一個！Everyone was scrambling to hide when they heard him shout, “Don’t let a single one of them escape!你們都跟我來。”這些家人聽了這話，越發唬得骨軟筋酥，連跑也跑不動了。All of you, follow me!” At these words the servants were more terrified than ever, their bones turned to water and their sinews numb, so that they could not even run.只見這人站在當地只管亂喊，家人中有一個眼尖些的看出來了，你道是誰，正是甄家荐來的包勇。The man stood there shouting wildly, until one sharp-eyed servant recognized him—and who do you suppose it was but Baoyong, whom the Zhen family had recommended?這些家人不覺膽壯起來，便顫巍巍的說道：“有一個走了，有的在房上呢。”包勇便向地下一扑，聳身上房追赶那賊。The servants at once found a little courage and said, trembling, “One has escaped, and the others are on the roof.” Baoyong dropped into a crouch, sprang onto the roof, and pursued the thieves.這些賊人明知賈家無人，先在院內偷看惜春房內，見有個絕色女尼，便頓起淫心，又欺上屋俱是女人，且又畏懼，正要踹進門去，因聽外面有人進來追赶，所以賊眾上房。The thieves knew that the Jia household had no able men about. They had first spied from the courtyard into Xichun’s room, and, seeing a nun of surpassing beauty, were seized with lust; moreover, believing the main rooms occupied only by frightened women, they were about to kick in the door when they heard men coming in pursuit outside, and so the whole band climbed onto the roof.見人不多，還想抵擋，猛見一人上房赶來，那些賊見是一人，越發不理論了，便用短兵抵住。Seeing that their pursuers were few, they still thought to resist; when one man suddenly came racing across the roof, they saw that he was alone, paid him even less heed, and met him with their short weapons.那經得包勇用力一棍打去，將賊打下房來。But they were no match for Baoyong: with one mighty stroke of his staff, he knocked a thief off the roof.那些賊飛奔而逃，從園牆過去，包勇也在房上追捕。The other thieves fled at full speed over the garden wall, with Baoyong pursuing them along the rooftops.豈知園內早藏下了幾個在那里接贓，已經接過好些，見賊伙跑回，大家舉械保護，見追的只有一人，明欺寡不敵眾，反倒迎上來。Little did he know that several accomplices were already concealed in the garden to receive the loot, and had taken charge of a good deal of it. When the thieves came running back, they all raised their weapons to protect them; seeing only one man in pursuit and plainly reckoning that one could not withstand many, they turned and advanced upon him.包勇一見，生氣道：“這些毛賊！At the sight Baoyong cried angrily, “You petty thieves!敢來和我鬪鬪！”那伙賊便說：“我們有一個伙計被他們打倒了，不知死活，咱們索性搶了他出來。”這里包勇聞聲即打，那伙賊便掄起器械，四五個人圍住包勇亂打起來。You dare try conclusions with me!” One of the band said, “They have struck down one of our mates, and we do not know whether he is alive or dead. Let us make a clean sweep of it and rescue him.” At this Baoyong struck out as soon as he heard them, while four or five of the thieves swung their weapons and surrounded him, raining blows upon him.外頭上夜的人也都仗著膽子，只顧赶了來。The men keeping watch outside also plucked up their courage and came rushing after them.眾賊見鬪他不過，只得跑了。Finding themselves no match for him, the thieves had no choice but to flee.包勇還要赶時，被一個箱子一絆，立定看時，心想東西未丟，眾賊遠逃，也不追赶。Baoyong was about to give chase when he tripped over a trunk. Steadying himself and looking around, he thought that the goods had not been carried off and the thieves were already far away, so he did not pursue them.便叫眾人將燈照著，地下只有幾個空箱，叫人收拾，他便欲跑回上房。He called for the others to bring lights; there were only several empty trunks on the ground, which he told them to gather up, and then he meant to hurry back to the main rooms.因路徑不熟，走到鳳姐那邊，見里面燈燭輝煌，便問：“這里有賊沒有？”里頭的平兒戰兢兢的說道：“這里也沒開門，只聽上屋叫喊說有賊呢。Unfamiliar with the paths, however, he wandered over toward Xifeng’s quarters. Seeing the place brilliantly lit with lamps and candles, he asked, “Have there been thieves here?” From inside, Ping’er replied in a trembling voice, “We have not opened the door here; we only heard people in the main rooms shouting that there were thieves.你到那里去罷。”包勇正摸不著路頭，遙見上夜的人過來，才跟著一齊尋到上屋。You had better go over there.” Baoyong could not find his way, but presently saw the night watch approaching in the distance and followed them to the main rooms.見是門開戶啟，那些上夜的在那里啼哭。There they found the doors standing wide open and the women of the night watch weeping.

这里妙玉带了道婆走到惜春那里，道了恼，叙了些闲话。说起“在家看家，只好熬个几夜。但是二奶奶病著，一个人又闷又是害怕，能有一个人在这里我就放心。如今里头一个男人也没有，今儿你既光降，肯伴我一宵，咱们下棋说话儿，可使得么？”妙玉本自不肯，见惜春可怜，又提起下棋，一时高兴应了，打发道婆回去取了他的茶具衣褥，命侍儿送了过来，大家坐谈一夜。惜春欣幸异常，便命彩屏去开上年蠲的雨水，预备好茶。那妙玉自有茶具。那道婆去了不多一时，又来了个侍者，带了妙玉日用之物。惜春亲自烹茶。两人言语投机，说了半天，那时已是初更时候，彩屏放下棋枰，两人对弈。惜春连输两盘，妙玉又让了四个子儿，惜春方赢了半子。这时已到四更，天空地阔，万籁无声。妙玉道：“我到五更须得打坐一回，我自有人伏侍，你自去歇息。”惜春犹是不舍，见妙玉要自己养神，不便扭他。正要歇去，猛听得东边上屋内上夜的人一片声喊起，惜春那里的老婆子们也接著声嚷道：“了不得了！有了人了！”唬得惜春彩屏等心胆俱裂，听见外头上夜的男人便声喊起来。妙玉道：“不好了，必是这里有了贼了。”正说著，这里不敢开门，便掩了灯光。在窗户眼内往外一瞧，只是几个男人站在院内，唬得不敢作声，回身摆著手轻轻的爬下来说：“了不得，外头有几个大汉站著。”说犹未了，又听得房上响声不绝，便有外头上夜的人进来吆喝拿贼。一个人说道：“上屋里的东西都丢了，并不见人。东边有人去了，咱们到西边去。”惜春的老婆子听见有自己的人，便在外间屋里说道：“这里有好些人上了房了。”上夜的都道：“你瞧，这可不是吗。”大家一齐嚷起来。只听房上飞下好些瓦来，众人都不敢上前。正在没法，只听园门腰门一声大响，打进门来，见一个梢长大汉，手执木棍。众人唬得藏躲不及，听得那人喊说道：“不要跑了他们一个！你们都跟我来。”这些家人听了这话，越发唬得骨软筋酥，连跑也跑不动了。只见这人站在当地只管乱喊，家人中有一个眼尖些的看出来了，你道是谁，正是甄家荐来的包勇。这些家人不觉胆壮起来，便颤巍巍的说道：“有一个走了，有的在房上呢。”包勇便向地下一扑，耸身上房追赶那贼。这些贼人明知贾家无人，先在院内偷看惜春房内，见有个绝色女尼，便顿起淫心，又欺上屋俱是女人，且又畏惧，正要踹进门去，因听外面有人进来追赶，所以贼众上房。见人不多，还想抵挡，猛见一人上房赶来，那些贼见是一人，越发不理论了，便用短兵抵住。那经得包勇用力一棍打去，将贼打下房来。那些贼飞奔而逃，从园墙过去，包勇也在房上追捕。岂知园内早藏下了几个在那里接赃，已经接过好些，见贼伙跑回，大家举械保护，见追的只有一人，明欺寡不敌众，反倒迎上来。包勇一见，生气道：“这些毛贼！敢来和我鬪鬪！”那伙贼便说：“我们有一个伙计被他们打倒了，不知死活，咱们索性抢了他出来。”这里包勇闻声即打，那伙贼便抡起器械，四五个人围住包勇乱打起来。外头上夜的人也都仗著胆子，只顾赶了来。众贼见鬪他不过，只得跑了。包勇还要赶时，被一个箱子一绊，立定看时，心想东西未丢，众贼远逃，也不追赶。便叫众人将灯照著，地下只有几个空箱，叫人收拾，他便欲跑回上房。因路径不熟，走到凤姐那边，见里面灯烛辉煌，便问：“这里有贼没有？”里头的平儿战兢兢的说道：“这里也没开门，只听上屋叫喊说有贼呢。你到那里去罢。”包勇正摸不著路头，遥见上夜的人过来，才跟著一齐寻到上屋。见是门开户启，那些上夜的在那里啼哭。

一時賈芸林之孝都進來了，見是失盜。Before long Jia Yun and Lin Zhixiao arrived and saw that a burglary had taken place.大家著急進內查點，老太太的房門大開，將燈一照，鎖頭擰折，進內一瞧，箱柜已開，便罵那些上夜女人道：“你們都是死人么！They anxiously went inside to make an inventory. The old lady’s door stood wide open; by lamplight they saw that the lock had been wrenched apart. Inside, the trunks and cupboards had all been opened, and they cursed the women on night watch: “Were you all dead?賊人進來你們不知道的么！”那些上夜的人啼哭著說道：“我們幾個人輪更上夜，是管二三更的，我們都沒有住腳前後走的。Didn’t you know when the thieves came in?” Weeping, the watchwomen replied, “We take turns keeping watch. We were responsible for the second and third watches, and never stopped walking back and forth.他們是四更五更，我們的下班兒。They had the fourth and fifth watches, after our shift ended.只聽見他們喊起來，并不見一個人，赶著照看，不知什麼時候把東西早已丟了。We only heard them begin shouting; we never saw anyone. We hurried to investigate, but do not know when the things had already been stolen.求爺們問管四五更的。”林之孝道：“你們個個要死，回來再說。We beg you gentlemen to question those in charge of the fourth and fifth watches.” Lin Zhixiao said, “Every one of you deserves death; we shall deal with you later.咱們先到各處看去。”上夜的男人領著走到尤氏那邊，門兒關緊，有幾個接音說：“唬死我們了。”林之孝問道：“這里沒有丟東西？”里頭的人方開了門道：“這里沒丟東西。”林之孝帶著人走到惜春院內，只聽得里面說道：“了不得了！Let us inspect the other places first.” Led by the male watchmen, they went to Youshi’s quarters, where the door was tightly shut and several voices from inside called, “We have been frightened to death!” Lin Zhixiao asked, “Has anything been stolen here?” Only then did the people inside open the door and answer, “Nothing has been stolen here.” Lin Zhixiao led the men on to Xichun’s courtyard, where they heard voices inside crying, “This is terrible!唬死了姑娘了，醒醒兒罷。”林之孝便叫人開門，問是怎樣了。The young lady has been frightened to death—please wake up!” Lin Zhixiao ordered them to open the door and asked what had happened.里頭婆子開門說：“賊在這里打仗，把姑娘都唬坏了，虧得妙師父和彩屏才將姑娘救醒。An old woman inside opened the door and said, “The thieves were fighting here and frightened the young lady into a faint. Fortunately, Mistress Miaoyu and Caiping have only just brought her round.東西是沒失。”林之孝道：“賊人怎麼打仗？”上夜的男人說：“幸虧包大爺上了房把賊打跑了去了，還聽見打倒一個人呢。”包勇道：“在園門那里呢。”賈芸等走到那邊，果見一人躺在地下死了。Nothing has been lost.” Lin Zhixiao asked, “How were the thieves fighting?” A male watchman said, “Luckily Master Bao climbed onto the roof and drove them off. We even heard that one man had been struck down.” Baoyong said, “He is by the garden gate.” Jia Yun and the others went over and indeed found a man lying dead on the ground.細細一瞧，好象周瑞的乾兒子。On looking closely, they thought he resembled Zhou Rui’s godson.眾人見了詫异，派一個人看守著，又派兩個人照看前後門，俱仍舊關鎖著。Everyone was astonished. They stationed one man to guard the corpse and two more to watch the front and rear gates, both of which were still shut and locked.

一时贾芸林之孝都进来了，见是失盗。大家著急进内查点，老太太的房门大开，将灯一照，锁头拧折，进内一瞧，箱柜已开，便骂那些上夜女人道：“你们都是死人么！贼人进来你们不知道的么！”那些上夜的人啼哭著说道：“我们几个人轮更上夜，是管二三更的，我们都没有住脚前后走的。他们是四更五更，我们的下班儿。只听见他们喊起来，并不见一个人，赶著照看，不知什么时候把东西早已丢了。求爷们问管四五更的。”林之孝道：“你们个个要死，回来再说。咱们先到各处看去。”上夜的男人领著走到尤氏那边，门儿关紧，有几个接音说：“唬死我们了。”林之孝问道：“这里没有丢东西？”里头的人方开了门道：“这里没丢东西。”林之孝带著人走到惜春院内，只听得里面说道：“了不得了！唬死了姑娘了，醒醒儿罢。”林之孝便叫人开门，问是怎样了。里头婆子开门说：“贼在这里打仗，把姑娘都唬坏了，亏得妙师父和彩屏才将姑娘救醒。东西是没失。”林之孝道：“贼人怎么打仗？”上夜的男人说：“幸亏包大爷上了房把贼打跑了去了，还听见打倒一个人呢。”包勇道：“在园门那里呢。”贾芸等走到那边，果见一人躺在地下死了。细细一瞧，好象周瑞的干儿子。众人见了诧异，派一个人看守著，又派两个人照看前后门，俱仍旧关锁著。

林之孝便叫人開了門，報了營官，立刻到來查勘。Lin Zhixiao then had the gate opened and reported the matter to the garrison officer, who came at once to investigate.踏察賊跡是從後夾道上屋的，到了西院房上，見那瓦破碎不堪，一直過了後園去了。Following the thieves’ tracks, they found that the thieves had climbed onto the main building from the rear passage, crossed the roofs of the western courtyard—where the tiles were smashed to pieces—and gone straight on into the rear garden.眾上夜的齊聲說道：“這不是賊，是強盜。”營官著急道：“并非明火執杖，怎算是盜。”上夜的道：“我們赶賊，他在房上擲瓦，我們不能近前，幸虧我們家的姓包的上房打退。The night watchmen all said in unison, “These were not mere thieves but armed robbers.” The garrison officer replied impatiently, “They carried neither torches nor cudgels openly; how can they count as robbers?” The watchmen said, “When we pursued them, they hurled roof tiles at us, so we could not get near. Luckily, our man surnamed Bao climbed onto the roof and beat them back.赶到園里，還有好幾個賊竟與姓包的打仗，打不過姓包的才都跑了。”營官道：“可又來，若是強盜，倒打不過你們的人么。When he chased them into the garden, several more thieves actually fought with him; only when they proved no match for Bao did they all run away.” The garrison officer said, “There you are, then. If they had been armed robbers, could they have failed to overcome one of your men?不用說了，你們快查清了東西，遞了失單，我們報就是了。”Say no more. Quickly make a clear inventory of what is missing and submit a list of the losses; then we shall report the case.”

林之孝便叫人开了门，报了营官，立刻到来查勘。踏察贼迹是从后夹道上屋的，到了西院房上，见那瓦破碎不堪，一直过了后园去了。众上夜的齐声说道：“这不是贼，是强盗。”营官著急道：“并非明火执杖，怎算是盗。”上夜的道：“我们赶贼，他在房上掷瓦，我们不能近前，幸亏我们家的姓包的上房打退。赶到园里，还有好几个贼竟与姓包的打仗，打不过姓包的才都跑了。”营官道：“可又来，若是强盗，倒打不过你们的人么。不用说了，你们快查清了东西，递了失单，我们报就是了。”

賈芸等又到上屋，已見鳳姐扶病過來，惜春也來。Jia Yun and the others returned to the main rooms, where Xifeng, though ill, had already come supported by others, and Xichun had come too.賈芸請了鳳姐的安，問了惜春的好。Jia Yun paid his respects to Xifeng and asked after Xichun.大家查看失物，因鴛鴦已死，琥珀等又送靈去了，那些東西都是老太太的，并沒見數，只用封鎖，如今打從那里查去。Everyone tried to determine what was missing, but Yuanyang was dead, and Hupo and the others had gone with the funeral cortege. All the things belonged to the old lady, and no inventory of them had ever been made; they had merely been sealed and locked away, so where could they even begin now?眾人都說：“箱柜東西不少，如今一空，偷的時候不小，那些上夜的人管什麼的！Everyone said, “There were a great many things in those trunks and cupboards, and now they are empty. The theft cannot have been the work of a moment—what were those watchwomen doing?況且打死的賊是周瑞的乾兒子，必是他們通同一氣的。”鳳姐聽了，氣的眼睛直瞪瞪的便說：“把那些上夜的女人都拴起來，交給營里審問。”眾人叫苦連天，跪地哀求。Besides, the dead thief is Zhou Rui’s godson; they must all have been in league together.” Hearing this, Xifeng stared in fury and said, “Tie up all the watchwomen and hand them over to the garrison for questioning.” They raised a deafening lament, fell to their knees, and begged for mercy.不知怎生發放，并失去的物有無著落，下回分解。How they were ultimately dealt with, and whether the stolen property was ever recovered, will be told in the next chapter.

贾芸等又到上屋，已见凤姐扶病过来，惜春也来。贾芸请了凤姐的安，问了惜春的好。大家查看失物，因鸳鸯已死，琥珀等又送灵去了，那些东西都是老太太的，并没见数，只用封锁，如今打从那里查去。众人都说：“箱柜东西不少，如今一空，偷的时候不小，那些上夜的人管什么的！况且打死的贼是周瑞的干儿子，必是他们通同一气的。”凤姐听了，气的眼睛直瞪瞪的便说：“把那些上夜的女人都拴起来，交给营里审问。”众人叫苦连天，跪地哀求。不知怎生发放，并失去的物有无著落，下回分解。