第百十二回　活冤孽妙尼遭大劫　死讎仇趙妾赴冥曹 A Living Curse Brings Disaster upon Miaoyu; A Deadly Grudge Sends Concubine Zhao to the Underworld

話說鳳姐命捆起上夜眾女人送營審問，女人跪地哀求。It is told that Fengjie ordered all the women who had been on night watch to be bound and sent to the military authorities for questioning; the women knelt on the ground and begged for mercy.林之孝同賈芸道：“你們求也無益。Lin Zhixiao and Jia Yun said, “It is no use begging us.老爺派我們看家，沒有事是造化，如今有了事，上下都擔不是，誰救得你。The master put us in charge of guarding the house; had nothing happened, we might have counted ourselves fortunate, but now that it has, high and low alike must bear the blame—who can save you?若說是周瑞的乾兒子，連太太起，里里外外的都不乾淨。”鳳姐喘吁吁的說道：“這都是命里所招，和他們說什麼，帶了他們去就是了。And if the culprit really is Zhou Rui’s godson, then even the mistress, and everyone inside and outside the household, will be implicated.” Gasping for breath, Fengjie said, “All this was ordained by fate. What is the use of talking to them? Just take them away.這丟的東西你告訴營里去說，實在是老太太的東西，問老爺們才知道。As for the missing property, tell the authorities that it truly belonged to the Old Lady; they will have to ask the masters for the particulars.等我們報了去，請了老爺們回來，自然開了失單送來。Once we have sent word and asked the masters to return, they will naturally draw up and send over an inventory of the losses.文官衙門里我們也是這樣報。”賈芸林之孝答應出去。We shall make the same report to the civil authorities.” Jia Yun and Lin Zhixiao acknowledged her instructions and went out.

话说凤姐命捆起上夜众女人送营审问，女人跪地哀求。林之孝同贾芸道：“你们求也无益。老爷派我们看家，没有事是造化，如今有了事，上下都担不是，谁救得你。若说是周瑞的干儿子，连太太起，里里外外的都不干净。”凤姐喘吁吁的说道：“这都是命里所招，和他们说什么，带了他们去就是了。这丢的东西你告诉营里去说，实在是老太太的东西，问老爷们才知道。等我们报了去，请了老爷们回来，自然开了失单送来。文官衙门里我们也是这样报。”贾芸林之孝答应出去。

惜春一句話也沒有，只是哭道：“這些事我從來沒有聽見過，為什麼偏偏碰在咱們兩個人身上！Xichun had not said a word, but now she wept: “I have never even heard of such things before—why must they happen when the two of us are in charge?明兒老爺太太回來叫我怎麼見人！How can I face anyone when Master and Madam return tomorrow?說把家里交給咱們，如今鬧到這個分兒，還想活著么！”鳳姐道：“咱們願意嗎！They said they were entrusting the household to us, and now matters have come to this—how can we even think of going on living?” Fengjie said, “Do you think we wanted this?現在有上夜的人在那里。”惜春道：“你還能說，況且你又病著。The women who kept watch are still here.” Xichun said, “You can still offer explanations, especially since you are ill.我是沒有說的。I have nothing at all to say for myself.這都是我大嫂子害了我的，他攛掇著太太派我看家的。It is all my eldest sister-in-law’s doing; she urged Madam to put me in charge of the house.如今我的臉擱在那里呢！”說著，又痛哭起來。Where can I hide my face now?” With that, she burst into bitter sobs again.鳳姐道：“姑娘，你快別這麼想，若說沒臉，大家一樣的。Fengjie said, “My dear, do stop thinking that way. If it is a matter of losing face, we are all in the same position.你若這麼糊涂想頭，我更擱不住了。”If you give way to such foolish thoughts, I shall be even less able to endure it.”

惜春一句话也没有，只是哭道：“这些事我从来没有听见过，为什么偏偏碰在咱们两个人身上！明儿老爷太太回来叫我怎么见人！说把家里交给咱们，如今闹到这个分儿，还想活著么！”凤姐道：“咱们愿意吗！现在有上夜的人在那里。”惜春道：“你还能说，况且你又病著。我是没有说的。这都是我大嫂子害了我的，他撺掇著太太派我看家的。如今我的脸搁在那里呢！”说著，又痛哭起来。凤姐道：“姑娘，你快别这么想，若说没脸，大家一样的。你若这么糊涂想头，我更搁不住了。”

二人正說著，只聽見外頭院子里有人大嚷的說道：“我說那三姑六婆是再要不得的，我們甄府里從來是一概不許上門的，不想這府里倒不講究這個呢。While the two were speaking, they suddenly heard someone shouting in the outer courtyard: “I have always said that meddlesome nuns and matchmakers are the last people one should admit. At our Zhen household they are never allowed through the gate, but apparently this household is not so particular.昨兒老太太的殯才出去，那個什麼庵里的尼姑死要到咱們這里來，我吆喝著不准他們進來，腰門上的老婆子倒罵我，死央及叫放那姑子進去。The Old Lady’s funeral procession had only just left yesterday when some nun from some convent or other insisted on coming here. I shouted that she was not to be let in, but the old woman at the side gate cursed me and begged and pleaded until they admitted the nun.那腰門子一會兒開著，一會兒關著，不知做什麼，我不放心沒敢睡，聽到四更這里就嚷起來。That side gate kept opening and closing—I do not know what they were up to. I was uneasy and dared not sleep, and in the fourth watch the uproar began here.我來叫門倒不開了，我聽見聲兒緊了，打開了門，見西邊院子里有人站著，我便赶走打死了。I came to call at the gate, but it would not open. When the commotion grew more urgent, I forced it open, saw someone standing in the western courtyard, and chased after him and beat him to death.我今兒才知道，這是四姑奶奶的屋子。Only today did I learn that these are Fourth Miss’s rooms.那個姑子就在里頭，今兒天沒亮溜出去了，可不是那姑子引進來的賊么。”平兒等聽著，都說：“這是誰這麼沒規矩？That nun was inside, and before dawn today she slipped away. Surely it was she who let the thieves in.” Hearing this, Ping’er and the others all said, “Who is that, behaving so outrageously?姑娘奶奶都在這里，敢在外頭混嚷嗎。”鳳姐道：“你聽見說‘他甄府里’，別就是甄家荐來的那個厭物罷。”惜春聽得明白，更加心里過不的。With Miss and Mistress both here, how dare anyone bellow such nonsense outside?” Fengjie said, “You heard him say ‘our Zhen household’; it must be that detestable fellow recommended by the Zhens.” Xichun understood every word, and felt more mortified than ever.鳳姐接著問惜春道：“那個人混說什麼姑子，你們那里弄了個姑子住下了？”惜春便將妙玉來瞧他留著下棋守夜的話說了。Fengjie then asked Xichun, “What did that fellow mean by all his nonsense about a nun? Did you have a nun staying with you?” Xichun explained that Miaoyu had come to visit her, and that she had kept her there to play chess and spend the night.鳳姐道：“是他么，他怎麼肯這樣，是再沒有的話。Fengjie said, “Could it have been she? She would never do such a thing; the very idea is impossible.但是叫這討人嫌的東西嚷出來，老爺知道了也不好。”惜春愈想愈怕，站起來要走。But now that this hateful creature has shouted it abroad, it will be awkward if Master hears.” The more Xichun thought about it, the more frightened she became, and she rose to leave.鳳姐雖說坐不住，又怕惜春害怕弄出事來，只得叫他先別走。“且看著人把偷剩下的東西收起來，再派了人看著才好走呢。”平兒道：“咱們不敢收，等衙門里來了踏看了才好收呢。Though Fengjie herself could scarcely remain seated, she feared that Xichun, in her distress, might do something rash, and had no choice but to ask her not to leave yet. “We had better first watch them gather up whatever the thieves left behind and post guards over it before we go.” Ping’er said, “We dare not gather anything up. We must wait until the officials have come to inspect the scene.咱們只好看著。All we can do is keep watch over it.但只不知老爺那里有人去了沒有？”鳳姐道：“你叫老婆子問去。”一回進來說：“林之孝是走不開，家下人要伺候查驗的，再有的是說不清楚的，已經芸二爺去了。”鳳姐點頭，同惜春坐著發愁。But I wonder whether anyone has gone to Master yet?” Fengjie said, “Send an old woman to ask.” After a while she returned and reported, “Lin Zhixiao cannot get away, since the servants are needed for the inspection, and there are some matters he cannot explain clearly. Second Master Yun has already gone.” Fengjie nodded and sat there with Xichun, sunk in anxiety.

二人正说著，只听见外头院子里有人大嚷的说道：“我说那三姑六婆是再要不得的，我们甄府里从来是一概不许上门的，不想这府里倒不讲究这个呢。昨儿老太太的殡才出去，那个什么庵里的尼姑死要到咱们这里来，我吆喝著不准他们进来，腰门上的老婆子倒骂我，死央及叫放那姑子进去。那腰门子一会儿开著，一会儿关著，不知做什么，我不放心没敢睡，听到四更这里就嚷起来。我来叫门倒不开了，我听见声儿紧了，打开了门，见西边院子里有人站著，我便赶走打死了。我今儿才知道，这是四姑奶奶的屋子。那个姑子就在里头，今儿天没亮溜出去了，可不是那姑子引进来的贼么。”平儿等听著，都说：“这是谁这么没规矩？姑娘奶奶都在这里，敢在外头混嚷吗。”凤姐道：“你听见说‘他甄府里’，别就是甄家荐来的那个厌物罢。”惜春听得明白，更加心里过不的。凤姐接著问惜春道：“那个人混说什么姑子，你们那里弄了个姑子住下了？”惜春便将妙玉来瞧他留著下棋守夜的话说了。凤姐道：“是他么，他怎么肯这样，是再没有的话。但是叫这讨人嫌的东西嚷出来，老爷知道了也不好。”惜春愈想愈怕，站起来要走。凤姐虽说坐不住，又怕惜春害怕弄出事来，只得叫他先别走。“且看著人把偷剩下的东西收起来，再派了人看著才好走呢。”平儿道：“咱们不敢收，等衙门里来了踏看了才好收呢。咱们只好看著。但只不知老爷那里有人去了没有？”凤姐道：“你叫老婆子问去。”一回进来说：“林之孝是走不开，家下人要伺候查验的，再有的是说不清楚的，已经芸二爷去了。”凤姐点头，同惜春坐著发愁。

且說那伙賊原是何三等邀的，偷搶了好些金銀財寶接運出去，見人追赶，知道都是那些不中用的人，要往西邊屋內偷去，在窗外看見里面燈光底下兩個美人：一個姑娘，一個姑子。Now the band of thieves had been recruited by He San and his companions. After stealing a great quantity of gold, silver, and valuables, they had passed the loot outside. When they saw people pursuing them, they knew these were all ineffectual fellows and meant to rob the rooms on the west as well; but through the window, in the lamplight, they saw two beauties inside—a young lady and a nun.那些賊那顧性命，頓起不良，就要踹進來，因見包勇來赶，才獲贓而逃。The thieves, caring nothing for life or death, were instantly seized by wicked desire and were about to kick their way in; only when they saw Bao Yong coming after them did they flee with their spoils.只不見了何三。It was only then that they noticed He San was missing.大家且躲入窩家。For the present, they all hid at a receiver’s den.到第二天打聽動靜，知是何三被他們打死，已經報了文武衙門。The next day they made inquiries and learned that He San had been beaten to death and that reports had already been lodged with both the civil and military authorities.這里是躲不住的，便商量趁早規入海洋大盜一處，去若遲了，通緝文書一行，關津上就過不去了。They could no longer hide there, so they agreed to lose no time in joining a band of sea pirates; if they delayed until warrants went out, they would never get past the checkpoints and ferries.

且说那伙贼原是何三等邀的，偷抢了好些金银财宝接运出去，见人追赶，知道都是那些不中用的人，要往西边屋内偷去，在窗外看见里面灯光底下两个美人：一个姑娘，一个姑子。那些贼那顾性命，顿起不良，就要踹进来，因见包勇来赶，才获赃而逃。只不见了何三。大家且躲入窝家。到第二天打听动静，知是何三被他们打死，已经报了文武衙门。这里是躲不住的，便商量趁早规入海洋大盗一处，去若迟了，通缉文书一行，关津上就过不去了。

內中一個人膽子极大，便說：“咱們走是走，我就只舍不得那個姑子，長的實在好看。One of them, an exceptionally bold man, said, “We shall leave, of course, but I simply cannot bear to give up that nun—she really was beautiful.不知是那個庵里的雛兒呢？”一個人道：“啊呀，我想起來了，必就是賈府園里的什麼櫳翠庵里的姑子。I wonder which convent that little novice belongs to?” Another man said, “Ah! I remember now. She must be the nun from some place called Longcui Convent in the Jia family’s garden.不是前年外頭說他和他們家什麼寶二爺有原故，後來不知怎麼又害起相思病來了，請大夫吃藥的就是他。”那一個人聽了，說：“咱們今日躲一天，叫咱們大哥借錢置辦些買賣行頭，明兒亮鐘時候陸續出關。Was there not talk outside the year before last that she had some involvement with their Second Master Bao? Then later, for some reason, she fell lovesick and had to call in doctors and take medicine—that must be her.” On hearing this, the first man said, “We shall hide for today and have our chief borrow money to buy the clothes and equipment we need for a trading journey. Tomorrow, when the morning bell sounds, we shall pass through the barrier one by one.你們在關外二十里坡等我。”眾賊議定，分贓俵散。Wait for me at Twenty-Li Slope beyond the checkpoint.” The thieves settled their plans, divided the loot, and dispersed.不題。No more of them for now.

内中一个人胆子极大，便说：“咱们走是走，我就只舍不得那个姑子，长的实在好看。不知是那个庵里的雏儿呢？”一个人道：“啊呀，我想起来了，必就是贾府园里的什么栊翠庵里的姑子。不是前年外头说他和他们家什么宝二爷有原故，后来不知怎么又害起相思病来了，请大夫吃药的就是他。”那一个人听了，说：“咱们今日躲一天，叫咱们大哥借钱置办些买卖行头，明儿亮钟时候陆续出关。你们在关外二十里坡等我。”众贼议定，分赃俵散。不题。

且說賈政等送殯，到了寺內安厝畢，親友散去。Meanwhile, Jia Zheng and the others had accompanied the funeral procession to the temple. Once the coffin had been provisionally installed, the relatives and friends departed.賈政在外廂房伴靈，邢王二夫人等在內，一宿無非哭泣。Jia Zheng kept vigil beside the coffin in an outer side room, while Madams Xing and Wang and the others stayed within; the whole night passed in unremitting tears.到了第二日，重新上祭。The next day they made fresh offerings.正擺飯時，只見賈芸進來，在老太太靈前磕了個頭，忙忙的跑到賈政跟前跪下請了安，喘吁吁的將昨夜被盜，將老太太上房的東西都偷去，包勇赶賊打死了一個，已經呈報文武衙門的話說了一遍。Just as the sacrificial meal was being laid out, Jia Yun came in, kowtowed before the Old Lady’s spirit tablet, then hurried to Jia Zheng, knelt, and paid his respects. Gasping for breath, he recounted how thieves had broken in the previous night and stolen everything from the Old Lady’s principal apartments, how Bao Yong had pursued them and beaten one to death, and how reports had already been made to the civil and military authorities.賈政聽了發怔。Jia Zheng listened in stunned silence.邢王二夫人等在里頭也聽見了，都唬得魂不附体，并無一言，只有啼哭。Madams Xing and Wang and the others heard the news from within as well. They were so terrified that their souls nearly left their bodies, and could say nothing, but only weep.賈政過了一會子問失單怎樣開的，賈芸回道：“家里的人都不知道，還沒有開單。”賈政道：“還好，咱們動過家的，若開出好的來反擔罪名。After a while Jia Zheng asked how the inventory of losses had been drawn up. Jia Yun replied, “No one at home knows what was there, so no inventory has yet been made.” Jia Zheng said, “That is just as well. Our property has been confiscated before; if we list anything too valuable, we may instead lay ourselves open to charges.快叫璉兒。”Send for Lian at once.”

且说贾政等送殡，到了寺内安厝毕，亲友散去。贾政在外厢房伴灵，邢王二夫人等在内，一宿无非哭泣。到了第二日，重新上祭。正摆饭时，只见贾芸进来，在老太太灵前磕了个头，忙忙的跑到贾政跟前跪下请了安，喘吁吁的将昨夜被盗，将老太太上房的东西都偷去，包勇赶贼打死了一个，已经呈报文武衙门的话说了一遍。贾政听了发怔。邢王二夫人等在里头也听见了，都唬得魂不附体，并无一言，只有啼哭。贾政过了一会子问失单怎样开的，贾芸回道：“家里的人都不知道，还没有开单。”贾政道：“还好，咱们动过家的，若开出好的来反担罪名。快叫琏儿。”

賈璉領了寶玉等去別處上祭未回，賈政叫人赶了回來。Jia Lian had taken Baoyu and the others elsewhere to make offerings and had not yet returned, so Jia Zheng sent men to hurry him back.賈璉聽了，急得直跳，一見芸兒，也不顧賈政在那里，便把賈芸狠狠的罵了一頓說：“不配抬舉的東西，我將這樣重任托你，押著人上夜巡更，你是死人么！When Jia Lian heard the news, he jumped about in desperation. The moment he saw Yun, he ignored Jia Zheng’s presence and roundly abused him: “You worthless creature, unfit for any favor! I entrusted you with so grave a responsibility and put you in charge of the men patrolling on night watch—were you dead?虧你還有臉來告訴！”說著，往賈芸臉上啐了幾口。And you still have the face to come and tell me!” With that, he spat several times in Jia Yun’s face.賈芸垂手站著，不敢回一言。Jia Yun stood with his hands at his sides and dared not answer a word.賈政道：“你罵他也無益了。”賈璉然後跪下說：“這便怎麼樣？”賈政道：“也沒法兒，只有報官緝賊。Jia Zheng said, “It is no use berating him now.” Only then did Jia Lian kneel and ask, “What are we to do?” Jia Zheng said, “Nothing can be done except to report it to the authorities and have the thieves pursued.但只有一件：老太太遺下的東西咱們都沒動，你說要銀子，我想老太太死得幾天，誰忍得動他那一項銀子。There is only one difficulty: we had not touched anything the Old Lady left behind. You spoke of needing silver, but I thought that, with the Old Lady dead only a few days, who could bear to touch that particular fund?原打諒完了事算了帳還人家，再有的在這里和南邊置墳產的，再有東西也沒見數兒。I had originally intended to settle the accounts after the funeral and repay what we owed; part of the remainder was to be used here and in the south to buy land for the family graves, while the rest of her possessions had never even been counted.如今說文武衙門要失單，若將幾件好的東西開上恐有礙，若說金銀若干，衣飾若干，又沒有實在數目，謊開使不得。Now the civil and military authorities demand an inventory of losses. If we list several valuable objects, it may cause trouble; but if we merely state so much gold and silver and so many clothes and ornaments, we have no exact quantities, and we cannot submit a false inventory.倒可笑你如今竟換了一個人了，為什麼這樣料理不開！It is almost laughable—you seem to have become a different man. Why are you now so incapable of handling matters?你跪在這里是怎麼樣呢！”賈璉也不敢答言，只得站起來就走。And what are you doing, kneeling there?” Jia Lian dared not reply; he merely rose and started to leave.賈政又叫道：“你那里去？”賈璉又跪下道：“赶回去料理清楚再來回。”賈政哼的一聲，賈璉把頭低下。Jia Zheng called after him, “Where are you going?” Jia Lian knelt again and said, “I shall hurry home, straighten everything out, and return to report.” Jia Zheng gave a snort, and Jia Lian bowed his head.賈政道：“你進去回了你母親，叫了老太太的一兩個丫頭去，叫他們細細的想了開單子。”賈璉心里明知老太太的東西都是鴛鴦經管，他死了問誰？Jia Zheng said, “Go inside and report to your mother. Take one or two of the Old Lady’s maids with you and have them think carefully and draw up the inventory.” Jia Lian knew perfectly well that all the Old Lady’s possessions had been managed by Yuanyang; now that she was dead, whom could they ask?就問珍珠，他們那里記得清楚。Even if they questioned Zhenzhu, how could any of them remember clearly?只不敢駁回，連連的答應了，起來走到里頭。But he dared not object, and repeatedly assented before rising and going inside.邢王夫人又埋怨了一頓，叫賈璉快回去，問他們這些看家的說“明兒怎麼見我們！”賈璉也只得答應了出來，一面命人套車預備琥珀等進城，自己騎上騾子，跟了幾個小廝，如飛的回去。Madams Xing and Wang reproached him at length as well and told him to hurry home and ask those who had been left in charge, saying, “How will they face us tomorrow?” Jia Lian could only agree and withdraw. He ordered a carriage harnessed to take Hupo and the others into the city, mounted his own mule, and, followed by several pages, sped home as though flying.賈芸也不敢再回賈政，斜簽著身子慢慢的溜出來，騎上了馬來赶賈璉。Jia Yun, too, dared not return to Jia Zheng. Holding himself obliquely and keeping out of sight, he slowly slipped away, mounted his horse, and hurried after Jia Lian.一路無話。Nothing happened along the way.

贾琏领了宝玉等去别处上祭未回，贾政叫人赶了回来。贾琏听了，急得直跳，一见芸儿，也不顾贾政在那里，便把贾芸狠狠的骂了一顿说：“不配抬举的东西，我将这样重任托你，押著人上夜巡更，你是死人么！亏你还有脸来告诉！”说著，往贾芸脸上啐了几口。贾芸垂手站著，不敢回一言。贾政道：“你骂他也无益了。”贾琏然后跪下说：“这便怎么样？”贾政道：“也没法儿，只有报官缉贼。但只有一件：老太太遗下的东西咱们都没动，你说要银子，我想老太太死得几天，谁忍得动他那一项银子。原打谅完了事算了帐还人家，再有的在这里和南边置坟产的，再有东西也没见数儿。如今说文武衙门要失单，若将几件好的东西开上恐有碍，若说金银若干，衣饰若干，又没有实在数目，谎开使不得。倒可笑你如今竟换了一个人了，为什么这样料理不开！你跪在这里是怎么样呢！”贾琏也不敢答言，只得站起来就走。贾政又叫道：“你那里去？”贾琏又跪下道：“赶回去料理清楚再来回。”贾政哼的一声，贾琏把头低下。贾政道：“你进去回了你母亲，叫了老太太的一两个丫头去，叫他们细细的想了开单子。”贾琏心里明知老太太的东西都是鸳鸯经管，他死了问谁？就问珍珠，他们那里记得清楚。只不敢驳回，连连的答应了，起来走到里头。邢王夫人又埋怨了一顿，叫贾琏快回去，问他们这些看家的说“明儿怎么见我们！”贾琏也只得答应了出来，一面命人套车预备琥珀等进城，自己骑上骡子，跟了几个小厮，如飞的回去。贾芸也不敢再回贾政，斜签著身子慢慢的溜出来，骑上了马来赶贾琏。一路无话。

到回了家中，林之孝請了安，一直跟了進來。When they reached home, Lin Zhixiao paid his respects and followed them straight inside.賈璉到了老太太上屋，見了鳳姐惜春在那里，心里又恨又說不出來，便問林之孝道：“衙門里瞧了沒有？”林之孝自知有罪，便跪下回道：“文武衙門都瞧了，來蹤去跡也看了，尸也驗了。”賈璉吃驚道：“又驗什麼尸？”林之孝又將包勇打死的伙賊似周瑞的乾兒子的話回了賈璉。Jia Lian entered the Old Lady’s principal apartments and saw Fengjie and Xichun there. Though filled with anger, he could find nothing to say, and asked Lin Zhixiao, “Have the authorities inspected the place?” Knowing himself at fault, Lin Zhixiao knelt and replied, “Both the civil and military authorities have inspected it. They examined the thieves’ tracks coming and going and also inspected the corpse.” Startled, Jia Lian asked, “What corpse?” Lin Zhixiao then told him that Bao Yong had beaten one of the thieves to death and that the dead man resembled Zhou Rui’s godson.賈璉道：“叫芸兒。”賈芸進來也跪著聽話。Jia Lian said, “Call Yun.” Jia Yun came in and knelt to receive his orders.賈璉道：“你見老爺時怎麼沒有回周瑞的乾兒子做了賊被包勇打死的話？”賈芸說道：“上夜的人說象他的，恐怕不真，所以沒有回。”賈璉道：“好糊涂東西！Jia Lian said, “When you saw Master, why did you not report that Zhou Rui’s godson had turned thief and been beaten to death by Bao Yong?” Jia Yun replied, “The night watchmen only said he looked like him, and I feared it might not be true, so I did not report it.” Jia Lian said, “What a hopeless fool!你若告訴了我，就帶了周瑞來一認可不就知道了。”林之孝回道：“如今衙門里把尸首放在市口兒招認去了。”賈璉道：“這又是個糊涂東西，誰家的人做了賊，被人打死，要償命么！”林之孝回道：“這不用人家認，奴才就認得是他。”賈璉聽了想道：“是啊，我記得珍大爺那一年要打的可不是周瑞家的么。”林之孝回說：“他和鮑二打架來著，還見過的呢。”賈璉聽了更生氣，便要打上夜的人。If you had told me, we could have brought Zhou Rui to identify him and known at once.” Lin Zhixiao replied, “The authorities have now displayed the corpse at the marketplace for identification.” Jia Lian said, “That is another piece of stupidity. If a man became a thief and was beaten to death, would his family demand a life in payment?” Lin Zhixiao replied, “There is no need for his family to identify him; I recognize him myself.” Jia Lian thought, “Yes, I remember now—was it not someone from Zhou Rui’s family whom Cousin Zhen wanted beaten that year?” Lin Zhixiao said, “He had a fight with Bao Er; I saw him then.” Jia Lian grew angrier still and wanted to have the night watchmen beaten.林之孝哀告道：“請二爺息怒，那些上夜的人，派了他們，還敢偷懶？Lin Zhixiao pleaded, “Please calm your anger, Second Master. Once those night watchmen had been assigned their duty, how would they dare shirk it?只是爺府上的規矩，三門里一個男人不敢進去的，就是奴才們，里頭不叫，也不敢進去。It is only that, by the rules of your honorable house, no man dares pass the third gate; even we servants dare not enter unless summoned from within.奴才在外同芸哥兒刻刻查點，見三門關的嚴嚴的，外頭的門一重沒有開。I remained outside with Brother Yun, checking the guards at every moment. We saw that the third gate was tightly shut, and not one of the outer gates had been opened.那賊是從後夾道子來的。”賈璉道：“里頭上夜的女人呢。”林之孝將分更上夜奉奶奶的命捆著等爺審問的話回了。The thieves came through the rear passage.” Jia Lian said, “What of the women on watch inside?” Lin Zhixiao reported that they had watched in shifts and, by Mistress’s orders, were now bound and awaiting Second Master’s questioning.賈璉又問“包勇呢？”林之孝說：“又往園里去了。”賈璉便說：“去叫來。”小廝們便將包勇帶來。Jia Lian asked again, “Where is Bao Yong?” Lin Zhixiao said, “He has gone back to the garden.” Jia Lian said, “Send for him.” The pages brought Bao Yong in.說：“還虧你在這里，若沒有你，只怕所有房屋里的東西都搶了去了呢。”包勇也不言語。Jia Lian said, “It was fortunate you were here. Without you, I fear they would have carried off everything in every room.” Bao Yong said nothing.惜春恐他說出那話，心下著急。Xichun was anxious lest he repeat his accusation.鳳姐也不敢言語。Fengjie, too, dared not speak.只見外頭說：“琥珀姐姐等回來了。”大家見了，不免又哭一場。Just then someone outside announced, “Sister Hupo and the others have returned.” At the sight of one another, they could not help weeping all over again.

到回了家中，林之孝请了安，一直跟了进来。贾琏到了老太太上屋，见了凤姐惜春在那里，心里又恨又说不出来，便问林之孝道：“衙门里瞧了没有？”林之孝自知有罪，便跪下回道：“文武衙门都瞧了，来踪去迹也看了，尸也验了。”贾琏吃惊道：“又验什么尸？”林之孝又将包勇打死的伙贼似周瑞的干儿子的话回了贾琏。贾琏道：“叫芸儿。”贾芸进来也跪著听话。贾琏道：“你见老爷时怎么没有回周瑞的干儿子做了贼被包勇打死的话？”贾芸说道：“上夜的人说象他的，恐怕不真，所以没有回。”贾琏道：“好糊涂东西！你若告诉了我，就带了周瑞来一认可不就知道了。”林之孝回道：“如今衙门里把尸首放在市口儿招认去了。”贾琏道：“这又是个糊涂东西，谁家的人做了贼，被人打死，要偿命么！”林之孝回道：“这不用人家认，奴才就认得是他。”贾琏听了想道：“是啊，我记得珍大爷那一年要打的可不是周瑞家的么。”林之孝回说：“他和鲍二打架来著，还见过的呢。”贾琏听了更生气，便要打上夜的人。林之孝哀告道：“请二爷息怒，那些上夜的人，派了他们，还敢偷懒？只是爷府上的规矩，三门里一个男人不敢进去的，就是奴才们，里头不叫，也不敢进去。奴才在外同芸哥儿刻刻查点，见三门关的严严的，外头的门一重没有开。那贼是从后夹道子来的。”贾琏道：“里头上夜的女人呢。”林之孝将分更上夜奉奶奶的命捆著等爷审问的话回了。贾琏又问“包勇呢？”林之孝说：“又往园里去了。”贾琏便说：“去叫来。”小厮们便将包勇带来。说：“还亏你在这里，若没有你，只怕所有房屋里的东西都抢了去了呢。”包勇也不言语。惜春恐他说出那话，心下著急。凤姐也不敢言语。只见外头说：“琥珀姐姐等回来了。”大家见了，不免又哭一场。

賈璉叫人檢點偷剩下的東西，只有些衣服尺頭錢箱未動，餘者都沒有了。Jia Lian ordered them to take stock of what the thieves had left. Only some clothes, bolts of cloth, and cash chests remained untouched; everything else was gone.賈璉心里更加著急，想著“外頭的棚杠銀，廚房的錢都沒有付給，明兒拿什麼還呢！”便呆想了一會。Jia Lian grew still more anxious, thinking, “The money for the funeral sheds and bearers has not been paid, nor has the kitchen bill. What shall I use to settle them tomorrow?” For a while he stood lost in thought.只見琥珀等進去，哭了一會，見箱柜開著，所有的東西怎能記憶，便胡亂想猜，虛擬了一張失單，命人即送到文武衙門。Hupo and the others went inside and wept for a time. Seeing the chests and cupboards standing open, they could hardly remember everything that had been there, so they guessed haphazardly and fabricated an inventory of losses, which they immediately sent to the civil and military authorities.賈璉复又派人上夜。Jia Lian then assigned fresh men to the night watch.鳳姐惜春各自回房。Fengjie and Xichun each returned to her own rooms.賈璉不敢在家安歇，也不及埋怨鳳姐，竟自騎馬赶出城外。Jia Lian dared not rest at home and had no time even to reproach Fengjie; he mounted his horse and rode straight back out of the city.這里鳳姐又恐惜春短見，又打發了丰兒過去安慰。Fengjie, still afraid that Xichun might take her own life, sent Feng’er over to comfort her.

贾琏叫人检点偷剩下的东西，只有些衣服尺头钱箱未动，余者都没有了。贾琏心里更加著急，想著“外头的棚杠银，厨房的钱都没有付给，明儿拿什么还呢！”便呆想了一会。只见琥珀等进去，哭了一会，见箱柜开著，所有的东西怎能记忆，便胡乱想猜，虚拟了一张失单，命人即送到文武衙门。贾琏复又派人上夜。凤姐惜春各自回房。贾琏不敢在家安歇，也不及埋怨凤姐，竟自骑马赶出城外。这里凤姐又恐惜春短见，又打发了丰儿过去安慰。

天已二更。It was already the second watch.不言這里賊去關門，眾人更加小心，誰敢睡覺。We shall say no more of how the gates were barred against the thieves and how everyone redoubled their vigilance, with no one daring to sleep.且說伙賊一心想著妙玉，知是孤庵女眾，不難欺負。Now the thief had set his heart on Miaoyu. Knowing that the convent was inhabited only by defenseless women, he thought them easy to prey upon.到了三更夜靜，便拿了短兵器，帶了些悶香，跳上高牆。In the stillness of the third watch, he took a short weapon and some stupefying incense and scaled the high wall.遠遠瞧見櫳翠庵內燈光猶亮，便潛身溜下，藏在房頭僻處。From afar he saw that a light was still burning in Longcui Convent, so he slipped stealthily down and hid in a secluded corner beneath the eaves.

天已二更。不言这里贼去关门，众人更加小心，谁敢睡觉。且说伙贼一心想著妙玉，知是孤庵女众，不难欺负。到了三更夜静，便拿了短兵器，带了些闷香，跳上高墙。远远瞧见栊翠庵内灯光犹亮，便潜身溜下，藏在房头僻处。

等到四更，見里頭只有一盞海燈，妙玉一人在蒲團上打坐。By the fourth watch, only a single sanctuary lamp remained lit within, and Miaoyu sat alone meditating on a rush mat.歇了一會，便噯聲歎氣的說道：“我自元墓到京，原想傳個名的，為這里請來，不能又栖他處。After a while she sighed and said, “When I came from Yuanmu to the capital, I originally hoped to make a name for myself. Having been invited here, I could not very well take refuge elsewhere.昨兒好心去瞧四姑娘，反受了這蠢人的氣，夜里又受了大驚。Yesterday I went with the best intentions to visit Fourth Miss, only to be insulted by that boor, and then badly frightened during the night.今日回來，那蒲團再坐不穩，只覺肉跳心驚。”因素常一個打坐的，今日又不肯叫人相伴。Since returning today, I have been unable to sit steadily on this mat; my flesh keeps twitching and my heart pounds with fear.” As she was accustomed to meditating alone, she had again refused to let anyone accompany her that day.豈知到了五更，寒顫起來。How could she know that by the fifth watch she would begin to shiver?正要叫人，只聽見窗外一響，想起昨晚的事，更加害怕，不免叫人。She was about to call someone when she heard a noise outside the window. Remembering the previous night, she grew even more frightened and could not help calling out.豈知那些婆子都不答應。But none of the old women answered.自己坐著，覺得一股香氣透入鹵門，便手足麻木，不能動彈，口里也說不出話來，心中更自著急。As she sat there, she felt a stream of fragrance penetrate the crown of her head. Her hands and feet went numb and she could not move; nor could she utter a word, which made her still more frantic within.只見一個人拿著明晃晃的刀進來。Then she saw a man enter holding a glittering knife.此時妙玉心中卻是明白，只不能動，想是要殺自己，索性橫了心，倒也不怕。Miaoyu’s mind remained perfectly clear, though she could not move. Thinking he meant to kill her, she steeled herself and ceased to be afraid.那知那個人把刀插在背後，騰出手來將妙玉輕輕的抱起，輕薄了一會子，便拖起背在身上。But instead the man thrust the knife behind his back, freed his hands, gently lifted Miaoyu in his arms, took liberties with her for a while, then hoisted her up and carried her on his back.此時妙玉心中只是如醉如痴。By then Miaoyu’s mind was lost in a drunken, delirious haze.可怜一個极洁极淨的女兒，被這強盜的悶香熏住，由著他掇弄了去了。Pitiful indeed that a maiden of such utter purity should be stupefied by a brigand’s incense and carried away to be handled as he pleased.

等到四更，见里头只有一盏海灯，妙玉一人在蒲团上打坐。歇了一会，便嗳声叹气的说道：“我自元墓到京，原想传个名的，为这里请来，不能又栖他处。昨儿好心去瞧四姑娘，反受了这蠢人的气，夜里又受了大惊。今日回来，那蒲团再坐不稳，只觉肉跳心惊。”因素常一个打坐的，今日又不肯叫人相伴。岂知到了五更，寒颤起来。正要叫人，只听见窗外一响，想起昨晚的事，更加害怕，不免叫人。岂知那些婆子都不答应。自己坐著，觉得一股香气透入卤门，便手足麻木，不能动弹，口里也说不出话来，心中更自著急。只见一个人拿著明晃晃的刀进来。此时妙玉心中却是明白，只不能动，想是要杀自己，索性横了心，倒也不怕。那知那个人把刀插在背后，腾出手来将妙玉轻轻的抱起，轻薄了一会子，便拖起背在身上。此时妙玉心中只是如醉如痴。可怜一个极洁极净的女儿，被这强盗的闷香熏住，由著他掇弄了去了。

卻說這賊背了妙玉來到園後牆邊，搭了軟梯，爬上牆跳出去了。The thief carried Miaoyu to the rear wall of the garden, set up a rope ladder, climbed the wall, and jumped down outside.外邊早有伙計弄了車輛在園外等著，那人將妙玉放倒在車上，反打起官銜燈籠，叫開柵欄，急急行到城門，正是開門之時。His confederates already had a carriage waiting beyond the garden. The man laid Miaoyu in it, brazenly raised a lantern bearing an official title, had the barriers opened, and hurried to the city gate just as it was being unlocked.門官只知是有公干出城的，也不及查詰。The gate officers assumed that they were leaving the city on official business and did not stop to question them.赶出城去，那伙賊加鞭赶到二十里坡和眾強徒打了照面，各自分頭奔南海而去。Once outside the city, the thieves whipped their horses on to Twenty-Li Slope, where they met the rest of the band; then they split up and fled southward toward the sea.不知妙玉被劫或是甘受污辱，還是不屈而死，不知下落，也難妄擬。Whether Miaoyu, after being abducted, submitted to violation or resisted and died cannot be known; her fate remains a mystery, and it would be rash to speculate.

却说这贼背了妙玉来到园后墙边，搭了软梯，爬上墙跳出去了。外边早有伙计弄了车辆在园外等著，那人将妙玉放倒在车上，反打起官衔灯笼，叫开栅栏，急急行到城门，正是开门之时。门官只知是有公干出城的，也不及查诘。赶出城去，那伙贼加鞭赶到二十里坡和众强徒打了照面，各自分头奔南海而去。不知妙玉被劫或是甘受污辱，还是不屈而死，不知下落，也难妄拟。

只言櫳翠庵一個跟妙玉的女尼，他本住在靜室後面，睡到五更，聽見前面有人聲響，只道妙玉打坐不安。Now one of the nuns who attended Miaoyu at Longcui Convent slept in a room behind the meditation chamber. In the fifth watch she heard voices in front but supposed that Miaoyu had grown restless during meditation.後來聽見有男人腳步，門窗響動，欲要起來瞧看，只是身子發軟懶怠開口，又不聽見妙玉言語，只睜著兩眼聽著。Later she heard a man’s footsteps and the movement of doors and windows. She wanted to rise and investigate, but her body felt weak and she was too listless to speak. Hearing no word from Miaoyu, she merely lay with her eyes open and listened.到了天亮，終覺得心里清楚，披衣起來，叫了道婆預備妙玉茶水，他便往前面來看妙玉。At daybreak her mind finally cleared. She put on her clothes, called a lay sister to prepare Miaoyu’s tea and water, and went to the front to see her.豈知妙玉的蹤跡全無，門窗大開。But Miaoyu had vanished without a trace, and the doors and windows stood wide open.心里詫异，昨晚響動甚是疑心，說：“這樣早，他到那里去了？”走出院門一看，有一個軟梯靠牆立著，地下還有一把刀鞘，一條搭膊，便道：“不好了，昨晚是賊燒了悶香了！”急叫人起來查看，庵門仍是緊閉。She was astonished. Recalling the suspicious noises of the previous night, she said, “Where could she have gone so early?” Going out through the courtyard gate, she saw a rope ladder propped against the wall, with a knife sheath and a shoulder sash lying on the ground. “This is terrible!” she cried. “The thieves burned stupefying incense last night!” She hurriedly roused everyone to investigate, but the convent gate was still tightly barred.那些婆子女侍們都說：“昨夜煤氣熏著了，今早都起不起來，這麼早叫我們做什麼。”那女尼道：“師父不知那里去了。”眾人道：“在觀音堂打坐呢。”女尼道：“你們還做夢呢，你來瞧瞧。”眾人不知，也都著忙，開了庵門，滿園里都找到了，“想來或是到四姑娘那里去了。”The old women and maidservants all said, “The coal fumes overcame us last night, and even this morning we can scarcely get up. Why wake us so early?” The nun said, “I do not know where our mistress has gone.” They replied, “She is meditating in the Guanyin Hall.” The nun said, “You are still dreaming—come and look.” None of them knew what had happened, and they all became alarmed. They opened the convent gate and searched throughout the garden, saying, “Perhaps she has gone to Fourth Miss’s rooms.”

只言栊翠庵一个跟妙玉的女尼，他本住在静室后面，睡到五更，听见前面有人声响，只道妙玉打坐不安。后来听见有男人脚步，门窗响动，欲要起来瞧看，只是身子发软懒怠开口，又不听见妙玉言语，只睁著两眼听著。到了天亮，终觉得心里清楚，披衣起来，叫了道婆预备妙玉茶水，他便往前面来看妙玉。岂知妙玉的踪迹全无，门窗大开。心里诧异，昨晚响动甚是疑心，说：“这样早，他到那里去了？”走出院门一看，有一个软梯靠墙立著，地下还有一把刀鞘，一条搭膊，便道：“不好了，昨晚是贼烧了闷香了！”急叫人起来查看，庵门仍是紧闭。那些婆子女侍们都说：“昨夜煤气熏著了，今早都起不起来，这么早叫我们做什么。”那女尼道：“师父不知那里去了。”众人道：“在观音堂打坐呢。”女尼道：“你们还做梦呢，你来瞧瞧。”众人不知，也都著忙，开了庵门，满园里都找到了，“想来或是到四姑娘那里去了。”

眾人來叩腰門，又被包勇罵了一頓。They went and knocked at the side gate, only to receive another scolding from Bao Yong.眾人說道：“我們妙師父昨晚不知去向，所以來找。They said, “Our Mistress Miao disappeared last night, and we have come to look for her.求你老人家叫開腰門，問一問來了沒來就是了。”包勇道：“你們師父引了賊來偷我們，已經偷到手了，他跟了賊受用去了。”眾人道：“阿彌陀佛，說這些話的防著下割舌地獄！”包勇生氣道：“胡說，你們再鬧我就要打了。”眾人陪笑央告道：“求爺叫開門我們瞧瞧，若沒有，再不敢驚動你太爺了。”包勇道：“你不信你去找，若沒有，回來問你們。”包勇說著叫開腰門，眾人找到惜春那里。Please be so kind as to have the side gate opened; we need only ask whether she came here.” Bao Yong said, “Your mistress brought the thieves in to rob us. Now that they have got what they wanted, she has gone off with them to enjoy herself.” They cried, “Amitabha! Anyone who says such things had better beware of the tongue-cutting hell!” Bao Yong angrily said, “Nonsense! If you make any more trouble, I shall beat you.” Smiling placatingly, they pleaded, “Please, sir, open the gate and let us look. If she is not there, we shall not dare trouble your honor again.” Bao Yong said, “If you do not believe me, go and look; if she is not there, I shall hold you answerable when you return.” With that, Bao Yong had the side gate opened, and they went to search Xichun’s quarters.

众人来叩腰门，又被包勇骂了一顿。众人说道：“我们妙师父昨晚不知去向，所以来找。求你老人家叫开腰门，问一问来了没来就是了。”包勇道：“你们师父引了贼来偷我们，已经偷到手了，他跟了贼受用去了。”众人道：“阿弥陀佛，说这些话的防著下割舌地狱！”包勇生气道：“胡说，你们再闹我就要打了。”众人陪笑央告道：“求爷叫开门我们瞧瞧，若没有，再不敢惊动你太爷了。”包勇道：“你不信你去找，若没有，回来问你们。”包勇说著叫开腰门，众人找到惜春那里。

惜春正是愁悶，惦著“妙玉清早去後不知聽見我們姓包的話了沒有，只怕又得罪了他，以後總不肯來。Xichun was sitting in melancholy, thinking, “After Miaoyu left early this morning, I wonder whether she heard what that fellow of ours, Bao, said. I fear he has offended her again and that she will never come here anymore.我的知己是沒有了。Now I have lost the only friend who truly understood me.況我現在實難見人。Besides, as things stand, I can hardly show my face before anyone.父母早死，嫂子嫌我，頭里有老太太，到底還疼我些，如今也死了，留下我孤苦伶仃，如何了局！”想到：“迎春姐姐磨折死了，史姐姐守著病人，三姐姐遠去，這都是命里所招，不能自由。My parents died long ago, and my sister-in-law dislikes me. While the Old Lady was alive, at least she showed me some affection; but now she too is dead, leaving me all alone and wretched—how is it all to end?” She thought, “Second Sister Yingchun was tormented to death; Cousin Shi must tend a sick husband; Third Sister has gone far away. All this was ordained by fate, and none of them was free to choose.獨有妙玉如閒雲野鶴，無拘無束。Miaoyu alone is like an idle cloud or a wild crane, unfettered and free.我能學他，就造化不小了。If I could follow her example, I should count myself greatly blessed.但我是世家之女，怎能遂意。But I am the daughter of a noble house—how could I ever have my wish?這回看家已大擔不是，還有何顏在這里。I am already chiefly to blame for what happened while I was guarding the house; how can I have the face to remain here?又恐太太們不知我的心事，將來的後事如何呢？”想到其間，便要把自己的青絲絞去，要想出家。And I fear the ladies do not understand what is in my heart—what will become of me hereafter?” As her thoughts reached this point, she took scissors to her black tresses, intending to shave her head and enter religion.彩屏等聽見，急忙來勸，豈知已將一半頭髮絞去。When Caiping and the others heard, they hurried in to dissuade her, only to find that she had already cut away half her hair.彩屏愈加著忙，說道：“一事不了又出一事，這可怎麼好呢！”Caiping grew more frantic still and cried, “Before one trouble is settled, another arises! What are we to do?”

惜春正是愁闷，惦著“妙玉清早去后不知听见我们姓包的话了没有，只怕又得罪了他，以后总不肯来。我的知己是没有了。况我现在实难见人。父母早死，嫂子嫌我，头里有老太太，到底还疼我些，如今也死了，留下我孤苦伶仃，如何了局！”想到：“迎春姐姐磨折死了，史姐姐守著病人，三姐姐远去，这都是命里所招，不能自由。独有妙玉如闲云野鹤，无拘无束。我能学他，就造化不小了。但我是世家之女，怎能遂意。这回看家已大担不是，还有何颜在这里。又恐太太们不知我的心事，将来的后事如何呢？”想到其间，便要把自己的青丝绞去，要想出家。彩屏等听见，急忙来劝，岂知已将一半头发绞去。彩屏愈加著忙，说道：“一事不了又出一事，这可怎么好呢！”

正在吵鬧，只見妙玉的道婆來找妙玉。Amid the commotion, some of Miaoyu’s Daoist attendants came looking for her.彩屏問起來由，先唬了一跳，說是昨日一早去了沒來。When Caiping asked why, she was startled to hear that Miaoyu had gone out early the previous morning and had not returned.里面惜春聽見，急忙問道：“那里去了？”道婆們將昨夜聽見的響動，被煤氣熏著，今早不見有妙玉，庵內軟梯刀鞘的話說了一遍。Hearing this from within, Xichun hurriedly asked, “Where did she go?” The women related everything: the noises they had heard the night before, how they had been overcome by coal fumes, how Miaoyu was missing that morning, and how a rope ladder and a knife sheath had been found in the convent.惜春驚疑不定，想起昨日包勇的話來，必是那些強盜看見了他，昨晚搶去了也未可知。Xichun was torn between shock and doubt. Recalling what Baoyong had said the day before, she thought that the bandits must have seen Miaoyu and might well have carried her off last night.但是他素來孤洁的很，豈肯惜命？”怎麼你們都沒聽見么？”眾人道：“怎麼不聽見！“But she has always been fiercely pure and chaste—surely she would not cling to life at the cost of her honor? How is it that none of you heard anything?” They replied, “How could we not have heard!只是我們這些人都是睜著眼連一句話也說不出，必是那賊子燒了悶香。But all of us lay there with our eyes open, unable to utter a single word. The thieves must have burned some stupefying incense.妙姑一人想也被賊悶住，不能言語，況且賊人必多，拿刀弄杖威逼著，他還敢聲喊么？”正說著，包勇又在腰門那里嚷，說：“里頭快把這些混帳的婆子赶了出來罷，快關腰門！”彩屏聽見恐擔不是，只得叫婆子出去，叫人關了腰門。We suppose Miaoyu too was drugged and unable to speak; besides, there must have been many thieves, threatening her with knives and clubs—how would she have dared cry out?” As they spoke, Baoyong began shouting again by the inner gate: “Hurry and drive those wretched old women out! Shut the inner gate at once!” Afraid of being held responsible, Caiping had no choice but to send the women out and order the gate shut.惜春于是更加苦楚，無奈彩屏等再三以禮相勸，仍舊將一半青絲籠起。Xichun’s anguish deepened; but after Caiping and the others repeatedly reasoned with her, she reluctantly gathered up the half of her black hair that remained.大家商議不必聲張，就是妙玉被搶也當作不知，且等老爺太太回來再說。They agreed not to spread the news: even if Miaoyu had been abducted, they would pretend to know nothing and wait until the masters and ladies returned.惜春心里的死定下一個出家的念頭，暫且不提。From that moment, Xichun’s heart was firmly set on entering religion; but we shall leave that aside for now.

正在吵闹，只见妙玉的道婆来找妙玉。彩屏问起来由，先唬了一跳，说是昨日一早去了没来。里面惜春听见，急忙问道：“那里去了？”道婆们将昨夜听见的响动，被煤气熏著，今早不见有妙玉，庵内软梯刀鞘的话说了一遍。惜春惊疑不定，想起昨日包勇的话来，必是那些强盗看见了他，昨晚抢去了也未可知。但是他素来孤洁的很，岂肯惜命？”怎么你们都没听见么？”众人道：“怎么不听见！只是我们这些人都是睁著眼连一句话也说不出，必是那贼子烧了闷香。妙姑一人想也被贼闷住，不能言语，况且贼人必多，拿刀弄杖威逼著，他还敢声喊么？”正说著，包勇又在腰门那里嚷，说：“里头快把这些混帐的婆子赶了出来罢，快关腰门！”彩屏听见恐担不是，只得叫婆子出去，叫人关了腰门。惜春于是更加苦楚，无奈彩屏等再三以礼相劝，仍旧将一半青丝笼起。大家商议不必声张，就是妙玉被抢也当作不知，且等老爷太太回来再说。惜春心里的死定下一个出家的念头，暂且不提。

且說賈璉回到鐵檻寺，將到家中查點了上夜的人，開了失單報去的話回了。Meanwhile, Jia Lian returned to the Iron Threshold Temple and reported that, on reaching home, he had checked the men who had been on night watch, drawn up a list of the stolen articles, and filed a report with the authorities.賈政道：“怎樣開的？”賈璉便將琥珀所記得的數目單子呈出，并說：“這上頭元妃賜的東西已經注明。Jia Zheng asked, “How did you draw up the list?” Jia Lian presented the inventory Hu Po had reconstructed from memory and said, “The gifts bestowed by Consort Yuan have been specially marked.還有那人家不大有的東西不便開上，等侄兒脫了孝出去託人細細的緝訪，少不得弄出來的。”賈政聽了合意，就點頭不言。There are also some rare objects not commonly found in other households that it would be unwise to list. Once I am out of mourning, I shall ask someone to investigate them discreetly; sooner or later we are bound to recover them.” Satisfied, Jia Zheng nodded without speaking.賈璉進內見了邢王二夫人，商量著“勸老爺早些回家才好呢，不然都是亂麻似的。”邢夫人道：“可不是，我們在這里也是驚心吊膽。”賈璉道：“這是我們不敢說的，還是太太的主意二老爺是依的。”邢夫人便與王夫人商議妥了。Jia Lian went inside to see Lady Xing and Lady Wang, and discussed the matter with them. “We had better persuade the master to return home soon; otherwise everything will remain in utter confusion.” Lady Xing said, “Quite so. Even here we are living in constant alarm.” Jia Lian replied, “That is something we do not dare say. But if it is your idea, Second Master is sure to agree.” Lady Xing then consulted Lady Wang, and they settled the matter.

且说贾琏回到铁槛寺，将到家中查点了上夜的人，开了失单报去的话回了。贾政道：“怎样开的？”贾琏便将琥珀所记得的数目单子呈出，并说：“这上头元妃赐的东西已经注明。还有那人家不大有的东西不便开上，等侄儿脱了孝出去托人细细的缉访，少不得弄出来的。”贾政听了合意，就点头不言。贾琏进内见了邢王二夫人，商量著“劝老爷早些回家才好呢，不然都是乱麻似的。”邢夫人道：“可不是，我们在这里也是惊心吊胆。”贾琏道：“这是我们不敢说的，还是太太的主意二老爷是依的。”邢夫人便与王夫人商议妥了。

過了一夜，賈政也不放心，打發寶玉進來說：“請太太們今日回家，過兩三日再來。After another night, Jia Zheng too grew uneasy and sent Baoyu inside with this message: “Please ask the ladies to return home today; they may come back in two or three days.家人們已經派定了，里頭請太太們派人罷。”邢夫人派了鸚哥等一干人伴靈，將周瑞家的等人派了總管，其餘上下人等都回去。The male servants have already been assigned; please ask the ladies to assign the women inside.” Lady Xing appointed Yingge and several others to remain with the coffin, put Zhou Rui’s wife and the others in charge, and ordered all the remaining servants, high and low, to return home.一時忙亂套車備馬。For a time all was bustle and confusion as carriages were harnessed and horses saddled.賈政等在賈母靈前辭別，眾人又哭了一場。Jia Zheng and the others took leave before Grandmother Jia’s bier, and everyone wept once more.

过了一夜，贾政也不放心，打发宝玉进来说：“请太太们今日回家，过两三日再来。家人们已经派定了，里头请太太们派人罢。”邢夫人派了鹦哥等一干人伴灵，将周瑞家的等人派了总管，其余上下人等都回去。一时忙乱套车备马。贾政等在贾母灵前辞别，众人又哭了一场。

都起來正要走時，只見趙姨娘還爬在地下不起。They had risen and were about to depart when they saw that Concubine Zhao was still sprawled on the ground and would not get up.周姨娘打諒他還哭，便去拉他。Concubine Zhou supposed that she was still weeping and went to pull her up.豈知趙姨娘滿嘴白沫，眼睛直豎，把舌頭吐出，反把家人唬了一大跳。But Concubine Zhao’s mouth was covered in white froth, her eyes stared rigidly upward, and her tongue protruded, giving the servants a tremendous fright.賈環過來亂嚷。Jia Huan came over, shouting wildly.趙姨娘醒來說道：“我是不回去的，跟著老太太回南去。”眾人道：“老太太那用你來！”趙姨娘道：“我跟了一輩子老太太，大老爺還不依，弄神弄鬼的來算計我。——我想仗著馬道婆要出出我的氣，銀子白花了好些，也沒有弄死了一個。When Concubine Zhao regained consciousness, she said, “I am not going back. I shall follow the Old Lady south.” The others said, “What would the Old Lady need you for?” Concubine Zhao replied, “I served the Old Lady all my life, yet the Elder Master still will not let me be, and is resorting to spirits and sorcery to plot against me. I counted on Mother Ma to vent my anger for me; I squandered a good deal of silver, yet did not manage to kill a single one of them.如今我回去了，又不知誰來算計我。”眾人聽見，早知是鴛鴦附在他身上。If I go back now, who knows who will scheme against me next?” Hearing this, everyone at once assumed that Yuanyang’s spirit had possessed her.邢王二夫人都不言語瞅著。Lady Xing and Lady Wang merely watched in silence.只有彩雲等代他央告道：“鴛鴦姐姐，你死是自己願意的，與趙姨娘什麼相干，放了他罷。”見邢夫人在這里，也不敢說別的。Only Caiyun and the others pleaded for her: “Sister Yuanyang, you chose to die of your own accord. What has that to do with Concubine Zhao? Please let her go.” With Lady Xing present, they dared say no more.趙姨娘道：“我不是鴛鴦，他早到仙界去了。Concubine Zhao said, “I am not Yuanyang; she has long since ascended to the realm of the immortals.我是閻王差人拿我去的，要問我為什麼和馬婆子用魘魔法的案件。”說著便叫“好璉二奶奶，你在這里老爺面前少頂一句兒罷，我有一千日的不好還有一天的好呢。I have been seized by the King of Hell’s officers, who are taking me away to answer charges concerning the black magic I worked with Mother Ma.” Then she cried, “Dear Second Mistress Lian, please say one word less against me before the master. Though I may have treated you badly for a thousand days, surely there was one day when I treated you well.好二奶奶，親二奶奶，并不是我要害你，我一時糊涂，聽了那個老娼婦的話。”Dear Second Mistress—my own dear Second Mistress—it was not I who meant to harm you. I lost my senses for a moment and listened to that old whore.”

都起来正要走时，只见赵姨娘还爬在地下不起。周姨娘打谅他还哭，便去拉他。岂知赵姨娘满嘴白沫，眼睛直竖，把舌头吐出，反把家人唬了一大跳。贾环过来乱嚷。赵姨娘醒来说道：“我是不回去的，跟著老太太回南去。”众人道：“老太太那用你来！”赵姨娘道：“我跟了一辈子老太太，大老爷还不依，弄神弄鬼的来算计我。——我想仗著马道婆要出出我的气，银子白花了好些，也没有弄死了一个。如今我回去了，又不知谁来算计我。”众人听见，早知是鸳鸯附在他身上。邢王二夫人都不言语瞅著。只有彩云等代他央告道：“鸳鸯姐姐，你死是自己愿意的，与赵姨娘什么相干，放了他罢。”见邢夫人在这里，也不敢说别的。赵姨娘道：“我不是鸳鸯，他早到仙界去了。我是阎王差人拿我去的，要问我为什么和马婆子用魇魔法的案件。”说著便叫“好琏二奶奶，你在这里老爷面前少顶一句儿罢，我有一千日的不好还有一天的好呢。好二奶奶，亲二奶奶，并不是我要害你，我一时糊涂，听了那个老娼妇的话。”

正鬧著，賈政打發人進來叫環兒。In the midst of this uproar, Jia Zheng sent someone inside to summon Huan.婆子們去回說：“趙姨娘中了邪了，三爺看著呢。”賈政道：“沒有的事，我們先走了。”于是爺們等先回。The old women went back and reported, “Concubine Zhao has been possessed, and Third Young Master is watching over her.” Jia Zheng said, “Nonsense. We shall go on ahead.” So the gentlemen returned first.這里趙姨娘還是混說，一時救不過來。Concubine Zhao continued to rave, and for the moment could not be revived.邢夫人恐他又說出什麼來，便說：“多派幾個人在這里瞧著他，咱們先走，到了城里打發大夫出來瞧罷。”王夫人本嫌他，也打撒手兒。Fearing that she might blurt out something more, Lady Xing said, “Leave several more people here to watch her. We shall go ahead, and once we reach the city we can send a doctor out to examine her.” Lady Wang had always disliked her and was equally willing to wash her hands of the matter.寶釵本是仁厚的人，雖想著他害寶玉的事，心里究竟過不去，背地里託了周姨娘在這里照應。Baochai, however, was compassionate by nature. Though she remembered Concubine Zhao’s attempt to harm Baoyu, her conscience would not let her abandon the woman, so she privately asked Concubine Zhou to stay and look after her.周姨娘也是個好人，便應承了。Concubine Zhou was kindhearted too and readily agreed.李紈說道：“我也在這里罷。”王夫人道：“可以不必。”于是大家都要起身。Li Wan said, “Perhaps I should stay as well.” Lady Wang replied, “That will not be necessary.” Everyone then prepared to leave.賈環急忙道：“我也在這里嗎？”王夫人啐道：“糊涂東西！Jia Huan hurriedly asked, “Am I to stay here too?” Lady Wang spat, “You witless creature!你姨媽的死活都不知，你還要走嗎！”賈環就不敢言語了。You do not even know whether your mother will live or die, and you still want to leave?” Jia Huan dared say no more.寶玉道：“好兄弟，你是走不得的。Baoyu said, “Dear brother, you cannot leave.我進了城打發人來瞧你。”說畢，都上車回家。Once I reach the city, I shall send someone to see how you are.” With that, they all boarded their carriages and returned home.寺里只有趙姨娘，賈環，鸚鵡，等人。Only Concubine Zhao, Jia Huan, Yingwu, and the others remained at the temple.

正闹著，贾政打发人进来叫环儿。婆子们去回说：“赵姨娘中了邪了，三爷看著呢。”贾政道：“没有的事，我们先走了。”于是爷们等先回。这里赵姨娘还是混说，一时救不过来。邢夫人恐他又说出什么来，便说：“多派几个人在这里瞧著他，咱们先走，到了城里打发大夫出来瞧罢。”王夫人本嫌他，也打撒手儿。宝钗本是仁厚的人，虽想著他害宝玉的事，心里究竟过不去，背地里托了周姨娘在这里照应。周姨娘也是个好人，便应承了。李纨说道：“我也在这里罢。”王夫人道：“可以不必。”于是大家都要起身。贾环急忙道：“我也在这里吗？”王夫人啐道：“糊涂东西！你姨妈的死活都不知，你还要走吗！”贾环就不敢言语了。宝玉道：“好兄弟，你是走不得的。我进了城打发人来瞧你。”说毕，都上车回家。寺里只有赵姨娘，贾环，鹦鹉，等人。

賈政邢夫人等先後到家，到了上房哭了一場。Jia Zheng, Lady Xing, and the rest arrived home one after another and went to the main apartments, where they had another fit of weeping.林之孝帶了家下眾人請了安，跪著。Lin Zhixiao led all the household servants in to pay their respects, and they knelt before Jia Zheng.賈政喝道：“去罷！Jia Zheng barked, “Go away!明日問你！”鳳姐那日發暈了幾次，竟不能出接，只有惜春見了，覺得滿面慚愧。I shall question you tomorrow!” That day Fengjie had fainted several times and was wholly unable to come out to receive them. Xichun alone appeared before them, her face full of shame.邢夫人也不理他，王夫人仍是照常，李紈，寶釵拉著手說了幾句話。Lady Xing ignored her; Lady Wang treated her as usual; and Li Wan and Baochai took her by the hand and spoke a few words to her.獨有尤氏說道：“姑娘，你操心了，倒照應了好幾天！”惜春一言不答，只漲紫了臉。Only Madam You said, “You have had a great deal of trouble, young lady, looking after everything for so many days!” Xichun made no reply; her face merely turned deep purple.寶釵將尤氏一拉，使了個眼色，尤氏等各自歸房去了。Baochai tugged at Madam You and gave her a warning look; Madam You and the others then withdrew to their own rooms.賈政略略地看了看，歎了口氣，并不言語，到書房席地坐下，叫了賈璉，賈蓉，賈芸吩咐了幾句話。Jia Zheng made a brief inspection, sighed, and said nothing. He went to the study, sat down on a mat on the floor, and summoned Jia Lian, Jia Rong, and Jia Yun to give them a few instructions.寶玉要在書房來陪賈政，賈政道：“不必。”蘭兒仍跟著他母親，一宿無話。Baoyu wanted to remain in the study and keep Jia Zheng company, but Jia Zheng said, “There is no need.” Lan continued to stay with his mother, and the night passed without incident.

贾政邢夫人等先后到家，到了上房哭了一场。林之孝带了家下众人请了安，跪著。贾政喝道：“去罢！明日问你！”凤姐那日发晕了几次，竟不能出接，只有惜春见了，觉得满面惭愧。邢夫人也不理他，王夫人仍是照常，李纨，宝钗拉著手说了几句话。独有尤氏说道：“姑娘，你操心了，倒照应了好几天！”惜春一言不答，只涨紫了脸。宝钗将尤氏一拉，使了个眼色，尤氏等各自归房去了。贾政略略地看了看，叹了口气，并不言语，到书房席地坐下，叫了贾琏，贾蓉，贾芸吩咐了几句话。宝玉要在书房来陪贾政，贾政道：“不必。”兰儿仍跟著他母亲，一宿无话。

次日，林之孝一早進書房跪著，賈政將前後被盜的事問了一遍，并將周瑞供了出來，又說：“衙門拿住了鮑二，身邊搜出了失單上的東西，現在夾訊，要在他身上要這一伙賊呢。”賈政聽了，大怒道：“家奴負恩，引賊偷竊家主，真是反了！”立刻叫人到城外將周瑞捆了，送到衙門審問。Early the next morning, Lin Zhixiao entered the study and knelt down. Jia Zheng questioned him thoroughly about both robberies. Lin Zhixiao named Zhou Rui as an accomplice and added, “The authorities have arrested Bao Er and found on him articles listed among the stolen goods. They are now putting him to torture, hoping to force him to identify the whole gang.” Jia Zheng flew into a rage. “A household slave repays his master’s kindness by bringing thieves in to rob him—this is outright rebellion!” He immediately ordered men to go outside the city, bind Zhou Rui, and deliver him to the yamen for interrogation.林之孝只管跪著，不敢起來。Lin Zhixiao remained kneeling, not daring to rise.賈政道：“你還跪著幹什麼！”林之孝到：“奴才該死，求老爺開恩。”正說著，賴大等一干辦事家人上來請安，呈上喪事帳薄。Jia Zheng said, “Why are you still kneeling?” Lin Zhixiao replied, “This slave deserves death. I beg the master for mercy.” Just then Lai Da and the other stewards came forward to pay their respects and presented the account books for the funeral.賈政道：“交給璉二爺算明了來回。”吆喝著林之孝起來出去了。Jia Zheng said, “Hand them to Second Master Lian. Have him settle the accounts and report back.” He then shouted at Lin Zhixiao to get up and leave.

次日，林之孝一早进书房跪著，贾政将前后被盗的事问了一遍，并将周瑞供了出来，又说：“衙门拿住了鲍二，身边搜出了失单上的东西，现在夹讯，要在他身上要这一伙贼呢。”贾政听了，大怒道：“家奴负恩，引贼偷窃家主，真是反了！”立刻叫人到城外将周瑞捆了，送到衙门审问。林之孝只管跪著，不敢起来。贾政道：“你还跪著干什么！”林之孝到：“奴才该死，求老爷开恩。”正说著，赖大等一干办事家人上来请安，呈上丧事帐薄。贾政道：“交给琏二爷算明了来回。”吆喝著林之孝起来出去了。

賈璉一腿跪著，在賈政身邊說了一句話。Jia Lian went down on one knee beside Jia Zheng and said something in a low voice.賈政把眼一瞪道：“胡說！Jia Zheng glared at him. “Nonsense!老太太的事，銀兩被賊偷去，難道就該罰奴才拿出來么？”賈璉紅了臉，不敢言語，站起來也不敢動。This concerns the Old Lady, and the silver was stolen by thieves. Does that mean the servants should be fined and made to replace it?” Jia Lian flushed and dared not speak; he rose but did not dare move away.賈政道：“你媳婦怎麼樣了？”賈璉又跪下說：“看來是不中用了。”賈政歎了口氣道：“我不料家運衰敗，一至如此！Jia Zheng asked, “How is your wife?” Jia Lian knelt again and replied, “It seems she will not recover.” Jia Zheng sighed. “I never imagined our family fortunes would decline to such a pass!況且環哥他媽尚在廟中病著，也不知是什麼症候。And Huan’s mother is still ill at the temple; no one even knows what ails her.你們知道不知道？”賈璉也不敢言語。Do any of you know?” Jia Lian dared not answer.賈政道：“傳出話去，讓人帶了大夫瞧瞧去。”賈璉急忙答應著出來，叫人帶了大夫到鐵檻寺去瞧趙姨娘。Jia Zheng said, “Send word out that someone is to take a doctor to examine her.” Jia Lian hastily assented and went out to order someone to escort a doctor to the Iron Threshold Temple to see Concubine Zhao.未知死活，下回分解。Whether she lived or died will be revealed in the next chapter.

贾琏一腿跪著，在贾政身边说了一句话。贾政把眼一瞪道：“胡说！老太太的事，银两被贼偷去，难道就该罚奴才拿出来么？”贾琏红了脸，不敢言语，站起来也不敢动。贾政道：“你媳妇怎么样了？”贾琏又跪下说：“看来是不中用了。”贾政叹了口气道：“我不料家运衰败，一至如此！况且环哥他妈尚在庙中病著，也不知是什么症候。你们知道不知道？”贾琏也不敢言语。贾政道：“传出话去，让人带了大夫瞧瞧去。”贾琏急忙答应著出来，叫人带了大夫到铁槛寺去瞧赵姨娘。未知死活，下回分解。