第百十三回　忏宿冤鳳姐托村嫗　釋舊憾情婢感痴郎 Atoning for Old Wrongs, Xifeng Entrusts Qiaojie to Granny Liu; Letting Go Old Regret, a Loyal Maid Moves a Lovesick Youth

話說趙姨娘在寺內得了暴病，見人少了，更加混說起來，唬得眾人都恨，就有兩個女人攙著。Now, it is said that Concubine Zhao was seized by a sudden illness at the temple; when fewer people were about, she began raving all the more wildly, terrifying everyone so badly that they shrank from her, though two women supported her between them.趙姨娘雙膝跪在地下，說一回，哭一回，有時爬在地下叫饒，說：“打殺我了！Concubine Zhao fell to her knees on the ground, now speaking, now weeping; at times she crawled on the floor begging for mercy and cried, “They are beating me to death!紅胡子的老爺，我再不敢了。”有一時雙手合著，也是叫疼。Red-bearded lord, I shall never dare do it again.” At other times she clasped her hands together, still crying out in pain.眼睛突出，嘴里鮮血直流，頭髮披散，人人害怕，不敢近前。Her eyes bulged, fresh blood streamed from her mouth, and her hair hung loose; everyone was frightened and dared not approach.那時又將天晚，趙姨娘的聲音只管喑啞起來了，居然鬼嚎一般。By then evening was falling, and Concubine Zhao’s voice grew steadily hoarser, until it sounded exactly like the howling of a ghost.無人敢在他跟前，只得叫了幾個有膽量的男人進來坐著，趙姨娘一時死去，隔了些時又回過來，整整的鬧了一夜。No one dared remain near her, so they had to summon several courageous men to sit inside; Concubine Zhao would die away for a time, then revive after a while, and thus kept up the disturbance throughout the entire night.到了第二天，也不言語，只裝鬼臉，自己拿手撕開衣服，露出胸膛，好象有人剝他的樣子。On the following day she no longer spoke, but only made grotesque faces; with her own hands she tore open her clothes and bared her breast, as though someone were stripping her.可怜趙姨娘雖說不出來，其痛苦之狀實在難堪。Poor Concubine Zhao could not speak, but the agony in her appearance was truly unbearable to behold.正在危急，大夫來了，也不敢診，只囑咐“辦理後事罷”，說了起身就走。At the height of the crisis a physician arrived, but even he dared not examine her; he merely advised them to “prepare for the funeral,” then rose and left.那送大夫的家人再三央告說：“請老爺看看脈，小的好回稟家主。”那大夫用手一摸，已無脈息。The servant escorting the physician pleaded repeatedly, “Please, sir, feel her pulse, so that I may report to my master.” The physician touched it with his hand and found no pulse or breath.賈環聽了，然後大哭起來。Only when Jia Huan heard this did he burst into loud weeping.眾人只顧賈環，誰料理趙姨娘。Everyone was occupied with Jia Huan, and no one attended to Concubine Zhao.只有周姨娘心里苦楚，想到：“做偏房側室的下場頭不過如此！Only Concubine Zhou felt bitter sorrow, thinking, “This is all that ever comes of being a concubine or secondary wife!況他還有兒子的，我將來死起來還不知怎樣呢！”于是反哭的悲切。And she at least had a son—when my own time comes, who knows what will become of me!” At this she wept with even greater anguish.且說那人赶回家去回稟了。Meanwhile, the messenger hurried home to make his report.賈政即派家人去照例料理，陪著環兒住了三天，一同回來。Jia Zheng immediately sent servants to make the customary arrangements; they stayed with Huan for three days and then returned together.

话说赵姨娘在寺内得了暴病，见人少了，更加混说起来，唬得众人都恨，就有两个女人搀著。赵姨娘双膝跪在地下，说一回，哭一回，有时爬在地下叫饶，说：“打杀我了！红胡子的老爷，我再不敢了。”有一时双手合著，也是叫疼。眼睛突出，嘴里鲜血直流，头发披散，人人害怕，不敢近前。那时又将天晚，赵姨娘的声音只管喑哑起来了，居然鬼嚎一般。无人敢在他跟前，只得叫了几个有胆量的男人进来坐著，赵姨娘一时死去，隔了些时又回过来，整整的闹了一夜。到了第二天，也不言语，只装鬼脸，自己拿手撕开衣服，露出胸膛，好象有人剥他的样子。可怜赵姨娘虽说不出来，其痛苦之状实在难堪。正在危急，大夫来了，也不敢诊，只嘱咐“办理后事罢”，说了起身就走。那送大夫的家人再三央告说：“请老爷看看脉，小的好回禀家主。”那大夫用手一摸，已无脉息。贾环听了，然后大哭起来。众人只顾贾环，谁料理赵姨娘。只有周姨娘心里苦楚，想到：“做偏房侧室的下场头不过如此！况他还有儿子的，我将来死起来还不知怎样呢！”于是反哭的悲切。且说那人赶回家去回禀了。贾政即派家人去照例料理，陪著环儿住了三天，一同回来。

那人去了，這里一人傳十，十人傳百，都知道趙姨娘使了毒心害人被陰司里拷打死了。After the messenger had gone, the news passed from one person to ten and from ten to a hundred, until everyone knew that Concubine Zhao, having maliciously harmed others, had been tortured to death in the courts of the underworld.又說是“璉二奶奶只怕也好不了，怎麼說璉二奶奶告的呢。”這些話傳到平兒耳內，甚是著急，看著鳳姐的樣子實在是不能好的了，看著賈璉近日并不似先前的恩愛，本來事也多，竟象不與他相干的。They also said, “Second Mistress Lian may not fare much better either; why else would they say it was she who lodged the accusation?” When these words reached Ping’er, she became deeply anxious: Fengjie truly looked beyond recovery, while Jia Lian had lately shown none of his former affection; though he did have many affairs to attend to, he behaved as if her illness had nothing to do with him.平兒在鳳姐跟前只管勸慰，又想著邢王二夫人回家幾日，只打發人來問問，并不親身來看。Ping’er did nothing but comfort Fengjie at her bedside; she also reflected that Madams Xing and Wang had been home for several days, yet merely sent servants to inquire and never came to see her in person.鳳姐心里更加悲苦。This made Fengjie even more heartsick.賈璉回來也沒有一句貼心的話。When Jia Lian returned, he too had not a single tender word for her.鳳姐此時只求速死，心里一想，邪魔悉至。By now Fengjie wished only for a speedy death, and no sooner did the thought enter her mind than every evil spirit came upon her.只見尤二姐從房後走來，漸近床前說：“姐姐，許久的不見了。She saw Second Sister You come from behind the room and approach the bed, saying, “Elder Sister, it has been so long since we met.做妹妹的想念的很，要見不能，如今好容易進來見見姐姐。Your younger sister has missed you terribly; I longed to see you but could not, and only now have I managed, with great difficulty, to come in and visit you.姐姐的心机也用盡了，咱們的二爺糊涂，也不領姐姐的情，反倒怨姐姐作事過于苛刻，把他的前程去了，叫他如今見不得人。Elder Sister, you have exhausted all your clever schemes, yet our Second Master is too muddle-headed to appreciate your devotion; instead, he blames you for acting too harshly and ruining his prospects, so that now he cannot show his face before anyone.我替姐姐氣不平。”鳳姐恍惚說道：“我如今也後悔我的心忒窄了，妹妹不念舊惡，還來瞧我。”平兒在旁聽見，說道：“奶奶說什麼？”鳳姐一時蘇醒，想起尤二姐已死，必是他來索命。I cannot bear the injustice of it on your behalf.” In a daze Fengjie said, “I too regret now that my heart was far too narrow; it is kind of you, Younger Sister, to forget old wrongs and still come to see me.” Hearing this from beside her, Ping’er asked, “What are you saying, madam?” Fengjie suddenly came to herself and, remembering that Second Sister You was dead, felt certain she had come to claim her life.被平兒叫醒，心里害怕，又不肯說出，只得勉強說道：“我神魂不定，想是說夢話。Awakened by Ping’er, she was frightened but refused to reveal it, and could only force herself to say, “My mind and spirit are unsettled; I suppose I was talking in my sleep.給我捶捶。”平兒上去捶著，見個小丫頭子進來，說是“劉姥姥來了，婆子們帶著來請奶奶的安。”平兒急忙下來說：“在那里呢？”小丫頭子說：“他不敢就進來，還聽奶奶的示下。”平兒聽了點頭，想鳳姐病里必是懶待見人，便說道：“奶奶現在養神呢，暫且叫他等著。Massage me a little.” Ping’er went to massage her, when a young maid came in and announced, “Granny Liu has come; the old women have brought her to pay her respects to madam.” Ping’er hurried down and asked, “Where is she?” The young maid replied, “She does not dare come straight in and is waiting for madam’s instructions.” Ping’er nodded, thinking that in her illness Fengjie would surely have no wish to see anyone, and said, “Madam is resting now; have her wait for the moment.你問他來有什麼事么？”小丫頭子說道：“他們問過了，沒有事。Did you ask whether she had come on some business?” The young maid said, “They asked her, and she has no business.說知道老太太去世了，因沒有報才來遲了。”小丫頭子說著，鳳姐聽見，便叫“平兒，你來，人家好心來瞧，不要冷淡人家。She says she heard that the Old Lady had passed away, and came late only because no one had sent her word.” As the maid spoke, Fengjie overheard and called, “Ping’er, come here; she has kindly come to see us, so do not treat her coldly.你去請了劉姥姥進來，我和他說說話兒。”平兒只得出來請劉姥姥這里坐。Go and invite Granny Liu in; I should like to talk with her.” Ping’er had no choice but to go out and invite Granny Liu to sit with them.

那人去了，这里一人传十，十人传百，都知道赵姨娘使了毒心害人被阴司里拷打死了。又说是“琏二奶奶只怕也好不了，怎么说琏二奶奶告的呢。”这些话传到平儿耳内，甚是著急，看著凤姐的样子实在是不能好的了，看著贾琏近日并不似先前的恩爱，本来事也多，竟象不与他相干的。平儿在凤姐跟前只管劝慰，又想著邢王二夫人回家几日，只打发人来问问，并不亲身来看。凤姐心里更加悲苦。贾琏回来也没有一句贴心的话。凤姐此时只求速死，心里一想，邪魔悉至。只见尤二姐从房后走来，渐近床前说：“姐姐，许久的不见了。做妹妹的想念的很，要见不能，如今好容易进来见见姐姐。姐姐的心机也用尽了，咱们的二爷糊涂，也不领姐姐的情，反倒怨姐姐作事过于苛刻，把他的前程去了，叫他如今见不得人。我替姐姐气不平。”凤姐恍惚说道：“我如今也后悔我的心忒窄了，妹妹不念旧恶，还来瞧我。”平儿在旁听见，说道：“奶奶说什么？”凤姐一时苏醒，想起尤二姐已死，必是他来索命。被平儿叫醒，心里害怕，又不肯说出，只得勉强说道：“我神魂不定，想是说梦话。给我捶捶。”平儿上去捶著，见个小丫头子进来，说是“刘姥姥来了，婆子们带著来请奶奶的安。”平儿急忙下来说：“在那里呢？”小丫头子说：“他不敢就进来，还听奶奶的示下。”平儿听了点头，想凤姐病里必是懒待见人，便说道：“奶奶现在养神呢，暂且叫他等著。你问他来有什么事么？”小丫头子说道：“他们问过了，没有事。说知道老太太去世了，因没有报才来迟了。”小丫头子说著，凤姐听见，便叫“平儿，你来，人家好心来瞧，不要冷淡人家。你去请了刘姥姥进来，我和他说说话儿。”平儿只得出来请刘姥姥这里坐。

鳳姐剛要合眼，又見一個男人一個女人走向炕前，就象要上炕似的。Fengjie was just about to close her eyes when she saw a man and a woman approaching the kang, as though they meant to climb onto it.鳳姐著忙，便叫平兒說：“那里來了一個男人跑到這里來了！”連叫兩聲，只見豐兒小紅趕來說：“奶奶要什麼？”鳳姐睜眼一瞧，不見有人，心里明白，不肯說出來，便問丰兒道：“平兒這東西那里去了？”丰兒道：“不是奶奶叫去請劉姥姥去了么。”鳳姐定了一會神，也不言語。Alarmed, Fengjie called to Ping’er, “Where did that man come from, running in here?” She called twice, and Feng’er and Xiaohong hurried in and asked, “What does madam want?” Fengjie opened her eyes and looked, but there was no one there; she understood what had happened but would not say so, and instead asked Feng’er, “Where has that wretch Ping’er gone?” Feng’er replied, “Didn’t madam send her to invite Granny Liu?” Fengjie composed herself for a while and said nothing.

凤姐刚要合眼，又见一个男人一个女人走向炕前，就象要上炕似的。凤姐著忙，便叫平儿说：“那里来了一个男人跑到这里来了！”连叫两声，只见丰儿小红赶来说：“奶奶要什么？”凤姐睁眼一瞧，不见有人，心里明白，不肯说出来，便问丰儿道：“平儿这东西那里去了？”丰儿道：“不是奶奶叫去请刘姥姥去了么。”凤姐定了一会神，也不言语。

只見平兒同劉姥姥帶了一個小女孩兒進來，說：“我們姑奶奶在那里？”平兒引到炕邊，劉姥姥便說：“請姑奶奶安。”鳳姐睜眼一看，不覺一陣傷心，說：“姥姥你好？Presently Ping’er came in with Granny Liu and a little girl, while Granny Liu asked, “Where is our honored lady?” Ping’er led her to the kang, and Granny Liu said, “My respects to you, honored lady.” Fengjie opened her eyes and looked; overcome with sorrow, she said, “Granny, are you well?怎麼這時候才來？Why have you come only now?你瞧你外孫女兒也長的這麼大了。”劉姥姥看著鳳姐骨瘦如柴，神情恍惚，心里也就悲慘起來，說：“我的奶奶，怎麼這幾個月不見，就病到這個分兒。Look, your granddaughter has grown so big too.” Seeing Fengjie reduced to skin and bone and looking dazed, Granny Liu also grew sorrowful and said, “My dear lady, how is it that in the few months since I saw you, you have fallen so gravely ill?我糊涂的要死，怎麼不早來請姑奶奶的安！”便叫青兒給姑奶奶請安。I am a muddle-headed old fool—why did I not come sooner to pay my respects!” She then told Qing’er to pay her respects to the honored lady.青兒只是笑，鳳姐看了倒也十分喜歡，便叫小紅招呼著。Qing’er merely smiled; Fengjie found her very pleasing and told Xiaohong to look after her.劉姥姥道：“我們屯鄉里的人不會病的，若一病了就要求神許願，從不知道吃藥的。Granny Liu said, “We country folk do not know how to be ill; if we do fall sick, we pray to the gods and make vows, and know nothing of taking medicine.我想姑奶奶的病不要撞著什麼了罷？”平兒聽著那話不在理，便在背地里扯他。I wonder whether my lady’s illness might have come from encountering something uncanny?” Hearing how unreasonable this sounded, Ping’er tugged at her from behind.劉姥姥會意，便不言語。Granny Liu understood the hint and said no more.那里知道這句話倒合了鳳姐的意，扎掙著說：“姥姥你是有年紀的人，說的不錯。Little did she know that these words were precisely to Fengjie’s liking; struggling to sit up, Fengjie said, “Granny, you are a woman of years, and what you say is right.你見過的趙姨娘也死了，你知道么？”劉姥姥詫异道：“阿彌陀佛！Concubine Zhao, whom you met, is dead too—did you know?” Granny Liu exclaimed in astonishment, “Amitabha!好端端一個人怎麼就死了？How could a perfectly healthy person suddenly die?我記得他也有一個小哥兒，這便怎麼樣呢？”平兒道：“這怕什麼，他還有老爺太太呢。”劉姥姥道：“姑娘，你那里知道，不好死了是親生的，隔了肚皮子是不中用的。”這句話又招起鳳姐的愁腸，嗚嗚咽咽的哭起來了。I remember she had a young son too—what will become of him now?” Ping’er said, “What is there to fear? He still has the master and mistress.” Granny Liu said, “Miss, you do not understand: however bad one’s own mother may be, she is still one’s own; those whose bellies did not bear you are of no use.” These words again stirred Fengjie’s grief, and she began to sob.眾人都來勸解。Everyone came forward to console her.

只见平儿同刘姥姥带了一个小女孩儿进来，说：“我们姑奶奶在那里？”平儿引到炕边，刘姥姥便说：“请姑奶奶安。”凤姐睁眼一看，不觉一阵伤心，说：“姥姥你好？怎么这时候才来？你瞧你外孙女儿也长的这么大了。”刘姥姥看著凤姐骨瘦如柴，神情恍惚，心里也就悲惨起来，说：“我的奶奶，怎么这几个月不见，就病到这个分儿。我糊涂的要死，怎么不早来请姑奶奶的安！”便叫青儿给姑奶奶请安。青儿只是笑，凤姐看了倒也十分喜欢，便叫小红招呼著。刘姥姥道：“我们屯乡里的人不会病的，若一病了就要求神许愿，从不知道吃药的。我想姑奶奶的病不要撞著什么了罢？”平儿听著那话不在理，便在背地里扯他。刘姥姥会意，便不言语。那里知道这句话倒合了凤姐的意，扎挣著说：“姥姥你是有年纪的人，说的不错。你见过的赵姨娘也死了，你知道么？”刘姥姥诧异道：“阿弥陀佛！好端端一个人怎么就死了？我记得他也有一个小哥儿，这便怎么样呢？”平儿道：“这怕什么，他还有老爷太太呢。”刘姥姥道：“姑娘，你那里知道，不好死了是亲生的，隔了肚皮子是不中用的。”这句话又招起凤姐的愁肠，呜呜咽咽的哭起来了。众人都来劝解。

巧姐兒聽見他母親悲哭，便走到炕前用手拉著鳳姐的手，也哭起來。Hearing her mother weeping bitterly, Qiaojie went to the kang, took Fengjie’s hand, and began to cry as well.鳳姐一面哭著道：“你見過了姥姥了沒有？”巧姐兒道：“沒有。”鳳姐道：“你的名字還是他起的呢，就和乾娘一樣，你給他請個安。”巧姐兒便走到跟前，劉姥姥忙著拉著道：“阿彌陀佛，不要折殺我了！Still weeping, Fengjie asked her, “Have you met Granny yet?” Qiaojie replied, “No.” Fengjie said, “It was she who gave you your name, so she is almost like a godmother; pay your respects to her.” Qiaojie went forward, but Granny Liu hastily caught hold of her and said, “Amitabha, you must not overwhelm this old woman with such an honor!巧姑娘，我一年多不來，你還認得我么？”巧姐兒道：“怎麼不認得。Miss Qiao, I have not been here for more than a year—do you still remember me?” Qiaojie replied, “How could I not?那年在園里見的時候我還小，前年你來，我還合你要隔年的蟈蟈兒，你也沒有給我，必是忘了。”劉姥姥道：“好姑娘，我是老糊涂了。When I saw you in the Garden that year I was still little; when you came the year before last, I asked you for a katydid kept over from the previous year, but you never gave me one—you must have forgotten.” Granny Liu said, “Dear girl, I am a muddle-headed old woman.若說蟈蟈兒，我們屯里多得很，只是不到我們那里去，若去了，要一車也容易。”鳳姐道：“不然你帶了他去罷。”劉姥姥笑道：“姑娘這樣千金貴体，綾羅裹大了的，吃的是好東西，到了我們那里，我拿什麼哄他頑，拿什麼給他吃呢？As for katydids, our village is full of them; only you never come to visit us—if you did, it would be easy to give you a whole cartload.” Fengjie said, “Why not take her back with you, then?” Granny Liu laughed and said, “A precious young lady like this, raised wrapped in silks and satins and fed on the finest things—if she came to our home, what could I find to amuse her, and what could I give her to eat?這倒不是坑殺我了么。”說著，自己還笑，他說：“那麼著，我給姑娘做個媒罷。Would that not be the death of me?” Still laughing, she added, “In that case, let me arrange a marriage for the young lady.我們那里雖說是屯鄉里，也有大財主人家，幾千頃地，幾百牲口，銀子錢亦不少，只是不象這里有金的，有玉的。Though ours is only a country village, we do have wealthy households there, with thousands of qing of land, hundreds of head of livestock, and plenty of silver and cash—only they have no one born with gold or jade as you do here.姑奶奶是瞧不起這种人家，我們庄家人瞧著這樣大財主，也算是天上的人了。”鳳姐道：“你說去，我願意就給。”劉姥姥道：“這是頑話兒罷咧。My lady may look down on such families, but to us country people, great landowners like them are as exalted as beings in heaven.” Fengjie said, “Go and propose it; if I approve, she shall have him.” Granny Liu replied, “You must be joking.放著姑奶奶這樣，大官大府的人家只怕還不肯給，那里肯給庄家人。With a family like yours, belonging to great officials and a noble house, even another such family might not be considered good enough; how could you give her to country folk?就是姑奶奶肯了，上頭太太們也不給。”巧姐因他這話不好聽，便走了去和青兒說話。Even if my lady consented, the elder mistresses above you would never allow it.” Finding these words unpleasant, Qiaojie went away to talk with Qing’er.兩個女孩兒倒說得上，漸漸的就熟起來了。The two girls found plenty to say to each other and gradually became friendly.

巧姐儿听见他母亲悲哭，便走到炕前用手拉著凤姐的手，也哭起来。凤姐一面哭著道：“你见过了姥姥了没有？”巧姐儿道：“没有。”凤姐道：“你的名字还是他起的呢，就和干娘一样，你给他请个安。”巧姐儿便走到跟前，刘姥姥忙著拉著道：“阿弥陀佛，不要折杀我了！巧姑娘，我一年多不来，你还认得我么？”巧姐儿道：“怎么不认得。那年在园里见的时候我还小，前年你来，我还合你要隔年的蝈蝈儿，你也没有给我，必是忘了。”刘姥姥道：“好姑娘，我是老糊涂了。若说蝈蝈儿，我们屯里多得很，只是不到我们那里去，若去了，要一车也容易。”凤姐道：“不然你带了他去罢。”刘姥姥笑道：“姑娘这样千金贵体，绫罗裹大了的，吃的是好东西，到了我们那里，我拿什么哄他顽，拿什么给他吃呢？这倒不是坑杀我了么。”说著，自己还笑，他说：“那么著，我给姑娘做个媒罢。我们那里虽说是屯乡里，也有大财主人家，几千顷地，几百牲口，银子钱亦不少，只是不象这里有金的，有玉的。姑奶奶是瞧不起这种人家，我们庄家人瞧著这样大财主，也算是天上的人了。”凤姐道：“你说去，我愿意就给。”刘姥姥道：“这是顽话儿罢咧。放著姑奶奶这样，大官大府的人家只怕还不肯给，那里肯给庄家人。就是姑奶奶肯了，上头太太们也不给。”巧姐因他这话不好听，便走了去和青儿说话。两个女孩儿倒说得上，渐渐的就熟起来了。

這里平兒恐劉姥姥話多，攪煩了鳳姐，便拉了劉姥姥說：“你提起太太來，你還沒有過去呢。Ping’er, fearing that Granny Liu’s chatter would tire and vex Fengjie, took her by the arm and said, “Now that you mention the mistresses, you have not yet gone to see them.我出去叫人帶了你去見見，也不枉來這一趟。”劉姥姥便要走。I shall go out and have someone take you to pay your respects, so that your journey here will not have been wasted.” Granny Liu made ready to leave.鳳姐道：“忙什麼，你坐下，我問你近來的日子還過的么？”劉姥姥千恩萬謝的說道：“我們若不仗著姑奶奶”，說著，指著青兒說：“他的老子娘都要餓死了。Fengjie said, “Why hurry? Sit down; let me ask whether you have been managing well of late.” With endless thanks, Granny Liu said, “If we had not had my lady’s help”—and, pointing to Qing’er, continued—“her father and mother would both have starved to death.如今雖說是庄家人苦，家里也掙了好幾畝地，又打了一眼井，种些菜蔬瓜果，一年賣的錢也不少，盡夠他們嚼吃的了。Though life is hard for country folk nowadays, the family has managed to acquire several mu of land and dig a well; they grow vegetables, melons, and fruit, and the money they earn from selling them each year is quite enough to feed them.這兩年姑奶奶還時常給些衣服布匹，在我們村里算過得的了。These past two years my lady has also often sent us clothes and cloth, so we are reckoned comfortably off in our village.阿彌陀佛，前日他老子進城，聽見姑奶奶這里動了家，我就幾乎唬殺了。Amitabha! The other day her father came into the city and heard that my lady’s household had been raided; I was nearly frightened to death.虧得又有人說不是這里，我才放心。Luckily, someone else said it was not this house, and only then did I set my mind at ease.後來又聽見說這里老爺升了，我又喜歡，就要來道喜，為的是滿地的庄家來不得。Later I heard that the master here had been promoted, and I was delighted and meant to come offer my congratulations, but there was farm work everywhere and I could not get away.昨日又聽說老太太沒有了，我在地里打豆子，聽見了這話，唬得連豆子都拿不起來了，就在地里狠狠的哭了一大場。Then yesterday I heard that the Old Lady was gone; I was threshing beans in the field when the news came, and it frightened me so badly that I could not even lift the beans, but sat there in the field and wept my heart out.我和女婿說，我也顧不得你們了，不管真話謊話，我是要進城瞧瞧去的。I told my son-in-law, ‘I cannot concern myself with any of you now; whether the news is true or false, I must go into the city and see for myself.’我女兒女婿也不是沒良心的，聽見了也哭了一回子，今兒天沒亮就赶著我進城來了。My daughter and son-in-law are not heartless either; when they heard, they too wept for a while, and before dawn today they hurried me off toward the city.我也不認得一個人，沒有地方打聽，一徑來到後門，見是門神都糊了，我這一唬又不小。I did not know a soul and had nowhere to make inquiries, so I came straight to the back gate; when I saw even the door-god pictures pasted over, it gave me another terrible fright.進了門找周嫂子，再找不著，撞見一個小姑娘，說周嫂子他得了不是了，攆了。Once inside, I looked for Sister Zhou but could not find her; then I met a young girl who said Sister Zhou had done something wrong and been driven out.我又等了好半天，遇見了熟人，才得進來。I waited another long while, and only when I met someone I knew did I manage to get in.不打諒姑奶奶也是那麼病。”說著，又掉下淚來。I never imagined that my lady would be so ill too.” As she spoke, tears fell again.平兒等著急，也不等他說完拉著就走，說：“你老人家說了半天，口干了，咱們喝碗茶去罷。”拉著劉姥姥到下房坐著，青兒在巧姐兒那邊。Ping’er, who had been growing impatient, did not wait for her to finish but pulled her away, saying, “You have talked for so long that your mouth must be dry; let us go have a bowl of tea.” She took Granny Liu to sit in the servants’ quarters, while Qing’er remained with Qiaojie.劉姥姥道：“茶倒不要。Granny Liu said, “I do not need tea.好姑娘，叫人帶了我去請太太的安，哭哭老太太去罷。”平兒道：“你不用忙，今兒也赶不出城的了。Dear girl, have someone take me to pay my respects to the mistress and weep for the Old Lady.” Ping’er said, “There is no hurry; you will not manage to leave the city today in any case.方才我是怕你說話不防頭招的我們奶奶哭，所以催你出來的。Just now I urged you out because I was afraid some careless word of yours might make our mistress cry.別思量。”劉姥姥道：“阿彌陀佛，姑娘是你多心，我知道。Do not take it to heart.” Granny Liu said, “Amitabha, miss, you are worrying too much; I understand.倒是奶奶的病怎麼好呢？”平兒道：“你瞧去妨礙不妨礙？”劉姥姥道：“說是罪過，我瞧著不好。”正說著，又聽鳳姐叫呢。But how is the mistress ever to recover from this illness?” Ping’er asked, “From what you saw, do you think it is serious?” Granny Liu said, “May Heaven forgive me for saying so, but she does not look well to me.” As they spoke, they heard Fengjie calling again.平兒及到床前，鳳姐又不言語了。By the time Ping’er reached the bed, Fengjie had once more fallen silent.平兒正問丰兒，賈璉進來，向炕上一瞧，也不言語，走到里間氣哼哼的坐下。Ping’er was questioning Feng’er when Jia Lian entered, glanced toward the kang without a word, then went into the inner room and sat down in a huff.只有秋桐跟了進去，倒了茶，殷勤一回，不知嘁嘁喳喳的說些什麼。Only Qiutong followed him inside, poured him tea, and fussed attentively over him for a while, whispering no one knew what.回來賈璉叫平兒來問道：“奶奶不吃藥么？”平兒道：“不吃藥。Presently Jia Lian called Ping’er in and asked, “Is your mistress not taking her medicine?” Ping’er replied, “She is not.怎麼樣呢？”賈璉道：“我知道么！What of it?” Jia Lian said, “How should I know!你拿柜子上的鑰匙來罷。”平兒見賈璉有氣，又不敢問，只得出來鳳姐耳邊說了一聲。Bring me the keys from atop the cabinet.” Seeing that Jia Lian was angry, Ping’er dared not question him; she went out and whispered a word in Fengjie’s ear.鳳姐不言語，平兒便將一個匣子擱在賈璉那里就走。Fengjie said nothing, so Ping’er set a small casket down beside Jia Lian and turned to leave.賈璉道：“有鬼叫你嗎！Jia Lian said, “Has a ghost called you away?你擱著叫誰拿呢？”平兒忍氣打開，取了鑰匙開了柜子，便問道：“拿什麼？”賈璉道：“咱們有什麼嗎？”平兒氣得哭道：“有話明白說，人死了也願意！”賈璉道：“還要說么！If you leave it there, who is supposed to take out the keys?” Suppressing her anger, Ping’er opened the casket, took out the keys, unlocked the cabinet, and asked, “What do you want?” Jia Lian replied, “Do we have anything left?” Ping’er was so angry that she wept. “If you have something to say, say it plainly—even if it kills me, I shall accept it!” Jia Lian said, “Must I spell it out?頭里的事是你們鬧的。The earlier trouble was all of your making.如今老太太的還短了四五千銀子，老爺叫我拿公中的地帳弄銀子，你說有么？Now there is still a shortage of four or five thousand taels for the Old Lady’s funeral; the master has told me to raise money on the estate deeds held in the common treasury—do you think there are any left?外頭拉的帳不開發使得么？Can we simply leave the debts outside unpaid?誰叫我應這個名兒！Who asked me to bear this title and responsibility?只好把老太太給我的東西折變去罷了。I can only sell off the things the Old Lady gave me.你不依么？”平兒聽了，一句不言語，將柜里東西搬出。Do you object?” Hearing this, Ping’er said not a word and began taking the things from the cabinet.只見小紅過來說：“平姐姐快走，奶奶不好呢。”平兒也顧不得賈璉，急忙過來，見鳳姐用手空抓，平兒用手攥著哭叫。Just then Xiaohong came over and said, “Sister Ping, come quickly—the mistress is failing!” Forgetting Jia Lian, Ping’er rushed over and found Fengjie clutching at empty air; she seized her hand, weeping and calling to her.賈璉也過來一瞧，把腳一跺道：“若是這樣，是要我的命了。”說著，掉下淚來。Jia Lian also came to look; stamping his foot, he said, “If this is how it is, she means to take my life too.” As he spoke, tears fell from his eyes.丰兒進來說：“外頭找二爺呢。”賈璉只得出去。Feng’er came in and said, “Someone outside is asking for Second Master.” Jia Lian had no choice but to go out.

这里平儿恐刘姥姥话多，搅烦了凤姐，便拉了刘姥姥说：“你提起太太来，你还没有过去呢。我出去叫人带了你去见见，也不枉来这一趟。”刘姥姥便要走。凤姐道：“忙什么，你坐下，我问你近来的日子还过的么？”刘姥姥千恩万谢的说道：“我们若不仗著姑奶奶”，说著，指著青儿说：“他的老子娘都要饿死了。如今虽说是庄家人苦，家里也挣了好几亩地，又打了一眼井，种些菜蔬瓜果，一年卖的钱也不少，尽够他们嚼吃的了。这两年姑奶奶还时常给些衣服布匹，在我们村里算过得的了。阿弥陀佛，前日他老子进城，听见姑奶奶这里动了家，我就几乎唬杀了。亏得又有人说不是这里，我才放心。后来又听见说这里老爷升了，我又喜欢，就要来道喜，为的是满地的庄家来不得。昨日又听说老太太没有了，我在地里打豆子，听见了这话，唬得连豆子都拿不起来了，就在地里狠狠的哭了一大场。我和女婿说，我也顾不得你们了，不管真话谎话，我是要进城瞧瞧去的。我女儿女婿也不是没良心的，听见了也哭了一回子，今儿天没亮就赶著我进城来了。我也不认得一个人，没有地方打听，一径来到后门，见是门神都糊了，我这一唬又不小。进了门找周嫂子，再找不著，撞见一个小姑娘，说周嫂子他得了不是了，撵了。我又等了好半天，遇见了熟人，才得进来。不打谅姑奶奶也是那么病。”说著，又掉下泪来。平儿等著急，也不等他说完拉著就走，说：“你老人家说了半天，口干了，咱们喝碗茶去罢。”拉著刘姥姥到下房坐著，青儿在巧姐儿那边。刘姥姥道：“茶倒不要。好姑娘，叫人带了我去请太太的安，哭哭老太太去罢。”平儿道：“你不用忙，今儿也赶不出城的了。方才我是怕你说话不防头招的我们奶奶哭，所以催你出来的。别思量。”刘姥姥道：“阿弥陀佛，姑娘是你多心，我知道。倒是奶奶的病怎么好呢？”平儿道：“你瞧去妨碍不妨碍？”刘姥姥道：“说是罪过，我瞧著不好。”正说著，又听凤姐叫呢。平儿及到床前，凤姐又不言语了。平儿正问丰儿，贾琏进来，向炕上一瞧，也不言语，走到里间气哼哼的坐下。只有秋桐跟了进去，倒了茶，殷勤一回，不知嘁嘁喳喳的说些什么。回来贾琏叫平儿来问道：“奶奶不吃药么？”平儿道：“不吃药。怎么样呢？”贾琏道：“我知道么！你拿柜子上的钥匙来罢。”平儿见贾琏有气，又不敢问，只得出来凤姐耳边说了一声。凤姐不言语，平儿便将一个匣子搁在贾琏那里就走。贾琏道：“有鬼叫你吗！你搁著叫谁拿呢？”平儿忍气打开，取了钥匙开了柜子，便问道：“拿什么？”贾琏道：“咱们有什么吗？”平儿气得哭道：“有话明白说，人死了也愿意！”贾琏道：“还要说么！头里的事是你们闹的。如今老太太的还短了四五千银子，老爷叫我拿公中的地帐弄银子，你说有么？外头拉的帐不开发使得么？谁叫我应这个名儿！只好把老太太给我的东西折变去罢了。你不依么？”平儿听了，一句不言语，将柜里东西搬出。只见小红过来说：“平姐姐快走，奶奶不好呢。”平儿也顾不得贾琏，急忙过来，见凤姐用手空抓，平儿用手攥著哭叫。贾琏也过来一瞧，把脚一跺道：“若是这样，是要我的命了。”说著，掉下泪来。丰儿进来说：“外头找二爷呢。”贾琏只得出去。

這里鳳姐愈加不好，丰兒等不免哭起來。Fengjie now grew still worse, and Feng’er and the others could not help weeping.巧姐聽見赶來。Hearing them, Qiaojie hurried in.劉姥姥也急忙走到炕前，嘴里念佛，搗了些鬼，果然鳳姐好些。Granny Liu too rushed to the kang, chanting the Buddha’s name and performing a few rustic rites; sure enough, Fengjie improved somewhat.一時王夫人聽了丫頭的信，也過來了，先見鳳姐安靜些，心下略放心，見了劉姥姥，便說：“劉姥姥你好？Before long, Madam Wang, having heard a maid’s report, came over as well; seeing first that Fengjie was calmer, she felt slightly reassured, and on noticing Granny Liu said, “Granny Liu, are you well?什麼時候來的？”劉姥姥便說：“請太太安。”不及細說，只言鳳姐的病。When did you arrive?” Granny Liu replied, “My respects to you, madam.” There was no time for a full account, and they spoke only of Fengjie’s illness.講究了半天，彩雲進來說：“老爺請太太呢。”王夫人叮嚀了平兒幾句話，便過去了。After they had discussed it for some time, Caiyun came in and said, “The master asks for you, madam.” Madam Wang gave Ping’er several instructions and then went away.鳳姐鬧了一回，此時又覺清楚些，見劉姥姥在這里，心里信他求神禱告，便把丰兒等支開，叫劉姥姥坐在頭邊，告訴他心神不宁如見鬼怪的樣。After her spell Fengjie was now somewhat clearer-headed; seeing Granny Liu there and believing in her prayers and invocations, she sent Feng’er and the others away, had Granny Liu sit by her pillow, and told her how disturbed her mind was and how she seemed to see ghosts and specters.劉姥姥便說我們屯里什麼菩薩靈，什麼廟有感應。Granny Liu then told her which bodhisattva in their village was efficacious and which temple granted prayers.鳳姐道：“求你替我禱告，要用供獻的銀錢我有。”便在手腕上褪下一支金鐲子來交給他。Fengjie said, “Please pray for me; I have money for whatever offerings are needed.” She slipped a gold bracelet from her wrist and handed it to Granny Liu.劉姥姥道：“姑奶奶，不用那個。Granny Liu said, “My lady, there is no need for that.我們村庄人家許了願，好了，花上幾百錢就是了，那用這些。When we village folk make a vow, once the prayer is granted, a few hundred cash is enough for the offering; there is no need for so much.就是我替姑奶奶求去，也是許願。If I go to pray for my lady, it will likewise be by making a vow.等姑奶奶好了，要花什麼自己去花罷。”鳳姐明知劉姥姥一片好心，不好勉強，只得留下，說：“姥姥，我的命交給你了。When my lady is well, you may spend whatever is needed yourself.” Fengjie knew that Granny Liu meant only kindness and could not press her, so she kept the bracelet and said, “Granny, I place my life in your hands.我的巧姐兒也是千災百病的，也交給你了。”劉姥姥順口答應，便說：“這麼著，我看天氣尚早，還赶得出城去，我就去了。My Qiaojie too has suffered every calamity and illness; I entrust her to you as well.” Granny Liu readily agreed, then said, “In that case, the day is still young enough for me to get out of the city, so I shall leave now.明兒姑奶奶好了，再請還願去。”鳳姐因被眾冤魂纏繞害怕，巴不得他就去，便說：“你若肯替我用心，我能安穩睡一覺，我就感激你了。Tomorrow, when my lady is better, you may go and redeem the vow.” Terrified by the many vengeful spirits that beset her, Fengjie longed for Granny Liu to go at once and said, “If you will truly exert yourself for me, and I can sleep peacefully for even one night, I shall be grateful to you.你外孫女兒叫他在這里住下罷。”劉姥姥道：“庄家孩子沒有見過世面，沒的在這里打嘴。Let your granddaughter stay here.” Granny Liu said, “A country child who has never seen the world might only make herself ridiculous here.我帶他去的好。”鳳姐道：“這就是多心了。It would be better for me to take her along.” Fengjie replied, “You are worrying needlessly.既是咱們一家，這怕什麼。Since we are all one family, what is there to fear?雖說我們窮了，這一個人吃飯也不礙什麼。”劉姥姥見鳳姐真情，落得叫青兒住幾天，又省了家里的嚼吃。Though we have grown poor, feeding one more person will make no difference.” Seeing that Fengjie spoke sincerely, Granny Liu was glad to let Qing’er stay a few days, which would also save the food she would have eaten at home.只怕青兒不肯，不如叫他來問問，若是他肯，就留下。She only feared Qing’er might be unwilling, so it would be best to call her over and ask; if she agreed, she could remain.于是和青兒說了幾句。She therefore spoke a few words with Qing’er.青兒因與巧姐兒頑得熟了，巧姐又不願他去，青兒又願意在這里。Qing’er had grown friendly with Qiaojie through playing together; Qiaojie did not want her to leave, and Qing’er herself wished to stay.劉姥姥便吩咐了幾句，辭了平兒，忙忙的赶出城去。Granny Liu gave her a few instructions, took leave of Ping’er, and hurried out of the city.不題。But no more of this.

这里凤姐愈加不好，丰儿等不免哭起来。巧姐听见赶来。刘姥姥也急忙走到炕前，嘴里念佛，捣了些鬼，果然凤姐好些。一时王夫人听了丫头的信，也过来了，先见凤姐安静些，心下略放心，见了刘姥姥，便说：“刘姥姥你好？什么时候来的？”刘姥姥便说：“请太太安。”不及细说，只言凤姐的病。讲究了半天，彩云进来说：“老爷请太太呢。”王夫人叮咛了平儿几句话，便过去了。凤姐闹了一回，此时又觉清楚些，见刘姥姥在这里，心里信他求神祷告，便把丰儿等支开，叫刘姥姥坐在头边，告诉他心神不宁如见鬼怪的样。刘姥姥便说我们屯里什么菩萨灵，什么庙有感应。凤姐道：“求你替我祷告，要用供献的银钱我有。”便在手腕上褪下一支金镯子来交给他。刘姥姥道：“姑奶奶，不用那个。我们村庄人家许了愿，好了，花上几百钱就是了，那用这些。就是我替姑奶奶求去，也是许愿。等姑奶奶好了，要花什么自己去花罢。”凤姐明知刘姥姥一片好心，不好勉强，只得留下，说：“姥姥，我的命交给你了。我的巧姐儿也是千灾百病的，也交给你了。”刘姥姥顺口答应，便说：“这么著，我看天气尚早，还赶得出城去，我就去了。明儿姑奶奶好了，再请还愿去。”凤姐因被众冤魂缠绕害怕，巴不得他就去，便说：“你若肯替我用心，我能安稳睡一觉，我就感激你了。你外孙女儿叫他在这里住下罢。”刘姥姥道：“庄家孩子没有见过世面，没的在这里打嘴。我带他去的好。”凤姐道：“这就是多心了。既是咱们一家，这怕什么。虽说我们穷了，这一个人吃饭也不碍什么。”刘姥姥见凤姐真情，落得叫青儿住几天，又省了家里的嚼吃。只怕青儿不肯，不如叫他来问问，若是他肯，就留下。于是和青儿说了几句。青儿因与巧姐儿顽得熟了，巧姐又不愿他去，青儿又愿意在这里。刘姥姥便吩咐了几句，辞了平儿，忙忙的赶出城去。不题。

且說櫳翠庵原是賈府的地址，因蓋省親園子，將那庵圈在里頭，向來食用香火并不動賈府的錢糧。Now, the Longcui Convent had originally stood on land belonging to the Jia household; when the garden for the Imperial Visit was built, the convent was enclosed within it, though its daily provisions and incense offerings had never been paid for out of the Jia household’s funds.今日妙玉被劫，那女尼呈報到官，一則候官府緝盜的下落，二則是妙玉基業不便離散，依舊住下。Now that Miaoyu had been abducted, the nun reported the matter to the authorities: first, to await the outcome of the official pursuit of the bandits; and second, because Miaoyu’s establishment could not conveniently be broken up, she remained there as before.不過回明了賈府。She merely informed the Jia household of the matter.那時賈府的人雖都知道，只為賈政新喪，且又心事不宁，也不敢將這些沒要緊的事回稟。Although everyone in the Jia household knew of it, Jia Zheng had only recently died, and they were all troubled and uneasy; no one dared report such an unimportant matter.只有惜春知道此事，日夜不安。Xichun alone was deeply disturbed by the news, day and night.漸漸傳到寶玉耳邊，說妙玉被賊劫去，又有的說妙玉凡心動了跟人而走。Gradually the story reached Baoyu: some said that Miaoyu had been carried off by bandits, while others said that worldly desires had stirred in her and she had run away with a man.寶玉聽得十分納悶，想來必是被強徒搶去，這個人必不肯受，一定不屈而死。Baoyu was greatly perplexed when he heard this; he reasoned that she must have been seized by ruffians, that she would never submit to them, and that she must surely have died rather than yield.但是一無下落，心下甚不放心，每日長噓短歎。But as there was no news of her at all, he remained deeply anxious and sighed continually, day after day.還說：“這樣一個人自稱為‘檻外人’，怎麼遭此結局！”又想到：“當日園中何等熱鬧，自從二姐姐出閣以來，死的死，嫁的嫁，我想他一塵不染是保得住的了，豈知風波頓起，比林妹妹死的更奇！”由是一而二，二而三，追思起來，想到《庄子》上的話，虛無縹緲，人生在世，難免風流雲散，不禁的大哭起來。He even said, “How could one who called herself an ‘Outsider Beyond the Threshold’ have come to such an end?” Then he thought, “How lively the Garden once was! Since Second Sister married, some have died and some have wed and gone away. I thought that she, at least, being unsullied by a speck of dust, would remain safe; who could have known that such a storm would suddenly arise—stranger even than the death of Sister Lin!” From one thought he passed to a second and then a third, recalling all that had gone before; and as the words of the Zhuangzi came to mind—the emptiness and elusiveness of all things, and how those who live in this world must inevitably scatter like wind and clouds—he could not keep from bursting into loud sobs.襲人等又道是他的瘋病發作，百般的溫柔解勸。Xiren and the others supposed that his madness had returned and tried in every gentle way to comfort and persuade him.寶釵初時不知何故，也用話箴規。At first Baochai did not know the reason and also admonished him with words of counsel.怎奈寶玉抑郁不解，又覺精神恍惚。But Baoyu remained sunk in gloom, unable to free himself, and seemed dazed and distracted besides.寶釵想不出道理，再三打聽，方知妙玉被劫不知去向，也是傷感，只為寶玉愁煩，便用正言解釋。Unable to account for it, Baochai made repeated inquiries and at last learned that Miaoyu had been abducted and no one knew where she was; she too was grieved, but because Baoyu was so distressed, she spoke seriously to reason with him.因提起“蘭兒自送殯回來，雖不上學，聞得日夜攻苦。She brought up how “Lan’er, since returning from the funeral procession, has not gone back to school, yet I hear he studies laboriously day and night.他是老太太的重孫，老太太素來望你成人，老爺為你日夜焦心，你為閒情痴意糟蹋自己，我們守著你如何是個結果！”說得寶玉無言可答，過了一回才說道：“我那管人家的閒事，只可歎咱們家的運氣衰頹。”寶釵道：“可又來，老爺太太原為是要你成人，接續祖宗遺緒。He is the Old Lady’s great-grandson; the Old Lady always hoped that you would grow into a worthy man, and the Master worried over you day and night. Yet you ruin yourself over idle passions and foolish attachments—what is to become of us who have devoted ourselves to you?” Her words left Baoyu without an answer; after a while he said, “Why should I meddle in other people’s affairs? I am only lamenting the decline of our family’s fortunes.” Baochai said, “There you are, then. The Master and Madam have always wanted you to make something of yourself and carry on the legacy of your ancestors.你只是執迷不悟，如何是好。”寶玉聽來，話不投机，便靠在桌上睡去。Yet you persist in your delusion and refuse to see reason—what is to be done with you?” Finding her words uncongenial, Baoyu leaned against the table and went to sleep.寶釵也不理他，叫麝月等伺候著，自己卻去睡了。Baochai paid him no further attention; she told Sheyue and the others to wait on him and went off to bed herself.

且说栊翠庵原是贾府的地址，因盖省亲园子，将那庵圈在里头，向来食用香火并不动贾府的钱粮。今日妙玉被劫，那女尼呈报到官，一则候官府缉盗的下落，二则是妙玉基业不便离散，依旧住下。不过回明了贾府。那时贾府的人虽都知道，只为贾政新丧，且又心事不宁，也不敢将这些没要紧的事回禀。只有惜春知道此事，日夜不安。渐渐传到宝玉耳边，说妙玉被贼劫去，又有的说妙玉凡心动了跟人而走。宝玉听得十分纳闷，想来必是被强徒抢去，这个人必不肯受，一定不屈而死。但是一无下落，心下甚不放心，每日长嘘短叹。还说：“这样一个人自称为‘槛外人’，怎么遭此结局！”又想到：“当日园中何等热闹，自从二姐姐出阁以来，死的死，嫁的嫁，我想他一尘不染是保得住的了，岂知风波顿起，比林妹妹死的更奇！”由是一而二，二而三，追思起来，想到《庄子》上的话，虚无缥缈，人生在世，难免风流云散，不禁的大哭起来。袭人等又道是他的疯病发作，百般的温柔解劝。宝钗初时不知何故，也用话箴规。怎奈宝玉抑郁不解，又觉精神恍惚。宝钗想不出道理，再三打听，方知妙玉被劫不知去向，也是伤感，只为宝玉愁烦，便用正言解释。因提起“兰儿自送殡回来，虽不上学，闻得日夜攻苦。他是老太太的重孙，老太太素来望你成人，老爷为你日夜焦心，你为闲情痴意糟蹋自己，我们守著你如何是个结果！”说得宝玉无言可答，过了一回才说道：“我那管人家的闲事，只可叹咱们家的运气衰颓。”宝钗道：“可又来，老爷太太原为是要你成人，接续祖宗遗绪。你只是执迷不悟，如何是好。”宝玉听来，话不投机，便靠在桌上睡去。宝钗也不理他，叫麝月等伺候著，自己却去睡了。

寶玉見屋里人少，想起：“紫鵑到了這里，我從沒合他說句知心的話兒，冷冷清清撂著他，我心里甚不過意。Seeing that few people remained in the room, Baoyu thought, “Since Zijuan came here, I have never once spoken heart-to-heart with her; I have left her all alone and neglected, and it weighs heavily on my conscience.他呢，又比不得麝月秋紋，我可以安放得的。Besides, she is not like Sheyue or Qiuwen, whom I know how to make comfortable here.想起從前我病的時候，他在我這里伴了好些時，如今他的那一面小鏡子還在我這里，他的情義卻也不薄了。I remember that when I was ill, she stayed here with me for many days; even now I still have that little mirror of hers, and she has certainly shown me no small devotion.如今不知為什麼，見我就是冷冷的。Yet now, for some reason, she is always cold whenever she sees me.若說為我們這一個呢，他是和林妹妹最好的，我看他待紫鵑也不錯。If it is because of this marriage of ours, she was Sister Lin’s closest companion, yet I see that Baochai treats Zijuan quite well too.我有不在家的日子，紫鵑原與他有說有講的，到我來了，紫鵑便走開了。When I am away, Zijuan talks freely with her, but the moment I arrive, Zijuan goes away.想來自然是為林妹妹死了我便成了家的原故。It must naturally be because Sister Lin died and I then married.噯，紫鵑，紫鵑，你這樣一個聰明女孩兒，難道連我這點子苦處都看不出來么！”因又一想：“今晚他們睡的睡，做活的做活，不如趁著這個空兒我找他去，看他有什麼話。Ah, Zijuan, Zijuan! You are such an intelligent girl—can you truly not see even this little part of my suffering?” Then another thought came to him: “Tonight some of them are asleep and the others are busy sewing; I may as well take this chance to find her and see what she has to say.倘或我還有得罪之處，便陪個不是也使得。”想定主意，輕輕的走出了房門，來找紫鵑。If I have offended her in any way, I can apologize to her.” Having made up his mind, he slipped quietly out of the room and went in search of Zijuan.

宝玉见屋里人少，想起：“紫鹃到了这里，我从没合他说句知心的话儿，冷冷清清撂著他，我心里甚不过意。他呢，又比不得麝月秋纹，我可以安放得的。想起从前我病的时候，他在我这里伴了好些时，如今他的那一面小镜子还在我这里，他的情义却也不薄了。如今不知为什么，见我就是冷冷的。若说为我们这一个呢，他是和林妹妹最好的，我看他待紫鹃也不错。我有不在家的日子，紫鹃原与他有说有讲的，到我来了，紫鹃便走开了。想来自然是为林妹妹死了我便成了家的原故。嗳，紫鹃，紫鹃，你这样一个聪明女孩儿，难道连我这点子苦处都看不出来么！”因又一想：“今晚他们睡的睡，做活的做活，不如趁著这个空儿我找他去，看他有什么话。倘或我还有得罪之处，便陪个不是也使得。”想定主意，轻轻的走出了房门，来找紫鹃。

那紫鵑的下房也就在西廂里間。Zijuan’s servants’ room was in the inner part of the west wing.寶玉悄悄的走到窗下，只見里面尚有燈光，便用舌頭舔破窗紙往里一瞧，見紫鵑獨自挑燈，又不是做什麼，呆呆的坐著。Baoyu crept quietly beneath her window and saw that a lamp was still burning inside; he licked a hole through the window paper and peered in, and saw Zijuan sitting alone beside the lamp, doing nothing at all, but staring blankly before her.寶玉便輕輕的叫道：“紫鵑姐姐還沒有睡么？”紫鵑聽了唬了一跳，怔怔的半日才說：“是誰？”寶玉道：“是我。”紫鵑聽著，似乎是寶玉的聲音，便問：“是寶二爺么？”寶玉在外輕輕的答應了一聲。Baoyu called softly, “Sister Zijuan, are you still awake?” Zijuan started violently and sat stunned for a long while before asking, “Who is it?” Baoyu said, “It is I.” Thinking that the voice sounded like Baoyu’s, Zijuan asked, “Is that Second Master Bao?” From outside, Baoyu softly answered that it was.紫鵑問道：“你來做什麼？”寶玉道：“我有一句心里的話要和你說說，你開了門，我到你屋里坐坐。”紫鵑停了一會兒說道：“二爺有什麼話，天晚了，請回罷，明日再說罷。”寶玉聽了，寒了半截。Zijuan asked, “What have you come for?” Baoyu said, “There is something in my heart that I want to tell you. Open the door and let me sit with you in your room.” After a pause Zijuan said, “Whatever you have to say, Second Master, it is late now. Please go back, and we can speak tomorrow.” Baoyu’s heart turned half cold at these words.自己還要進去，恐紫鵑未必開門，欲要回去，這一肚子的隱情，越發被紫鵑這一句話勾起。He still wanted to go in, but feared that Zijuan would not open the door; he wanted to return, yet this one remark of hers had stirred all the hidden feelings in his breast more strongly than ever.無奈，說道：“我也沒有多余的話，只問你一句。”紫鵑道：“既是一句，就請說。”寶玉半日反不言語。Helplessly he said, “I have nothing more to say; I only want to ask you one question.” Zijuan said, “If it is only one question, please ask it.” But for a long time Baoyu said nothing.紫鵑在屋里不見寶玉言語，知他素有痴病，恐怕一時實在搶白了他，勾起他的舊病倒也不好了，因站起來細聽了一聽，又問道：“是走了，還是傻站著呢？When Zijuan heard no reply from outside, she remembered that Baoyu had always suffered from fits of foolish obsession; fearing that she had truly rebuffed him too harshly and might bring on his old illness again, she rose and listened closely, then asked, “Have you gone, or are you still standing there like a fool?有什麼又不說，盡著在這里慪人。Why do you refuse to speak when you have something to say, and stay there merely to torment me?已經慪死了一個，難道還要慪死一個么！You have already tormented one person to death—must you torment another to death as well?這是何苦來呢！”說著，也從寶玉舔破之處往外一張，見寶玉在那里呆聽。Why bring such misery on us?” As she spoke, she looked out through the hole Baoyu had licked in the paper and saw him standing there listening in a daze.紫鵑不便再說，回身剪了剪燭花。Zijuan could say no more; she turned back and trimmed the candlewick.忽聽寶玉歎了一聲道：“紫鵑姐姐，你從來不是這樣鐵心石腸，怎麼近來連一句好好兒的話都不和我說了？Suddenly she heard Baoyu sigh and say, “Sister Zijuan, you were never so hard-hearted before; why is it that lately you will not say even one kind word to me?我固然是個濁物，不配你們理我，但只我有什麼不是，只望姐姐說明了，那怕姐姐一輩子不理我，我死了倒作個明白鬼呀！”紫鵑聽了，冷笑道：“二爺就是這個話呀，還有什麼？I know I am a foul creature, unworthy of your notice; but if I have done anything wrong, I only beg you to tell me plainly. Even if you never speak to me again as long as I live, at least I shall die knowing why!” Zijuan gave a cold laugh. “So that is all Second Master has to say? What else is there?若就是這個話呢，我們姑娘在時我也跟著聽俗了！If that is all, I heard such talk so often while our young mistress was alive that it became commonplace to me!若是我們有什麼不好處呢，我是太太派來的，二爺倒是回太太去，左右我們丫頭們更算不得什麼了。”說到這里，那聲兒便哽咽起來，說著又醒鼻涕，寶玉在外知他傷心哭了，便急的跺腳道：“這是怎麼說，我的事情你在這里幾個月還有什麼不知道的。If we have done anything wrong, Madam assigned me here, so Second Master should report me to Madam; after all, we servant girls no longer count for anything.” By the time she reached this point, her voice had begun to choke, and as she spoke she blew her nose; realizing from outside that she was crying in grief, Baoyu stamped his foot anxiously and said, “How can you say such a thing? After living here for months, is there anything about my affairs that you still do not know?就便別人不肯替我告訴你，難道你還不叫我說，叫我憋死了不成！”說著，也嗚咽起來了。Even if no one else will explain them to you for me, will you not even let me speak? Must I stifle myself to death?” As he spoke, he too began to sob.

那紫鹃的下房也就在西厢里间。宝玉悄悄的走到窗下，只见里面尚有灯光，便用舌头舔破窗纸往里一瞧，见紫鹃独自挑灯，又不是做什么，呆呆的坐著。宝玉便轻轻的叫道：“紫鹃姐姐还没有睡么？”紫鹃听了唬了一跳，怔怔的半日才说：“是谁？”宝玉道：“是我。”紫鹃听著，似乎是宝玉的声音，便问：“是宝二爷么？”宝玉在外轻轻的答应了一声。紫鹃问道：“你来做什么？”宝玉道：“我有一句心里的话要和你说说，你开了门，我到你屋里坐坐。”紫鹃停了一会儿说道：“二爷有什么话，天晚了，请回罢，明日再说罢。”宝玉听了，寒了半截。自己还要进去，恐紫鹃未必开门，欲要回去，这一肚子的隐情，越发被紫鹃这一句话勾起。无奈，说道：“我也没有多余的话，只问你一句。”紫鹃道：“既是一句，就请说。”宝玉半日反不言语。紫鹃在屋里不见宝玉言语，知他素有痴病，恐怕一时实在抢白了他，勾起他的旧病倒也不好了，因站起来细听了一听，又问道：“是走了，还是傻站著呢？有什么又不说，尽著在这里怄人。已经怄死了一个，难道还要怄死一个么！这是何苦来呢！”说著，也从宝玉舔破之处往外一张，见宝玉在那里呆听。紫鹃不便再说，回身剪了剪烛花。忽听宝玉叹了一声道：“紫鹃姐姐，你从来不是这样铁心石肠，怎么近来连一句好好儿的话都不和我说了？我固然是个浊物，不配你们理我，但只我有什么不是，只望姐姐说明了，那怕姐姐一辈子不理我，我死了倒作个明白鬼呀！”紫鹃听了，冷笑道：“二爷就是这个话呀，还有什么？若就是这个话呢，我们姑娘在时我也跟著听俗了！若是我们有什么不好处呢，我是太太派来的，二爷倒是回太太去，左右我们丫头们更算不得什么了。”说到这里，那声儿便哽咽起来，说著又醒鼻涕，宝玉在外知他伤心哭了，便急的跺脚道：“这是怎么说，我的事情你在这里几个月还有什么不知道的。就便别人不肯替我告诉你，难道你还不叫我说，叫我憋死了不成！”说著，也呜咽起来了。

寶玉正在這里傷心，忽聽背後一個人接言道：“你叫誰替你說呢？As Baoyu stood grieving there, he suddenly heard someone behind him take up his words: “Whom do you want to speak for you?誰是誰的什麼？And what is anyone to anyone else?自己得罪了人自己央及呀，人家賞臉不賞在人家，何苦來拿我們這些沒要緊的墊喘兒呢。”這一句話把里外兩個人都嚇了一跳。If you have offended someone, plead with her yourself; whether she chooses to grant you the favor is her affair. Why take your frustration out on insignificant people like us?” These words startled both the person inside and the one outside.你道是誰，原來卻是麝月。And who do you suppose it was? It was none other than Sheyue.寶玉自覺臉上沒趣。Baoyu felt thoroughly embarrassed.只見麝月又說道：“到底是怎麼著？Then Sheyue said, “What is all this about, anyway?一個陪不是，一個人又不理。One of you apologizes, and the other refuses to pay any attention.你倒是快快的央及呀。Do hurry up and plead with her!噯，我們紫鵑姐姐也就太狠心了，外頭這麼怪冷的，人家央及了這半天，總連個活動氣兒也沒有。”又向寶玉道：“剛才二奶奶說了，多早晚了，打量你在那里呢，你卻一個人站在這房檐底下做什麼！”紫鵑里面接著說道：“這可是什麼意思呢？Ai, our Sister Zijuan is altogether too hard-hearted: it is bitterly cold outside, and after someone has pleaded with her all this time, she has not made the slightest response.” Then she said to Baoyu, “Second Mistress was just asking how late it was and assuming you were still over there. What are you doing standing all alone beneath these eaves?” From inside, Zijuan called back, “What can this mean?早就請二爺進去，有話明日說罷。I asked Second Master long ago to go back in and leave whatever he has to say until tomorrow.這是何苦來！”寶玉還要說話，因見麝月在那里，不好再說別的，只得一面同麝月走回，一面說道：“罷了，罷了！Why put himself through this?” Baoyu still wanted to speak, but with Sheyue there he could say nothing further; he had no choice but to walk back with her, saying as they went, “Enough, enough!我今生今世也難剖白這個心了！In this life of mine I shall never be able to lay bare what is in my heart!惟有老天知道罷了！”說到這里，那眼淚也不知從何處來的，滔滔不斷了。Only Heaven knows!” At this, tears sprang from he knew not where and streamed down without cease.麝月道：“二爺，依我勸你死了心罷，白陪眼淚也可惜了兒的。”寶玉也不答言，遂進了屋子。Sheyue said, “Second Master, take my advice and give up all hope; it is a pity to shed tears for nothing.” Baoyu made no answer and went into the room.只見寶釵睡了，寶玉也知寶釵裝睡。Baochai appeared to be asleep, though Baoyu knew she was only pretending.卻是襲人說了一句道：“有什麼話明日說不得，巴巴兒的跑那里去鬧，鬧出——”說到這里也就不肯說，遲了一遲才接著道：“身上不覺怎麼樣？”寶玉也不言語，只搖搖頭兒，襲人一面才打發睡下。Xiren, however, said, “Whatever you had to say, could it not wait until tomorrow? Why go rushing over there to make a scene? If it leads to—” At this point she refused to continue; after a pause she added, “You do not feel unwell, do you?” Baoyu said nothing and merely shook his head, and Xiren then saw him settled into bed.一夜無眠，自不必說。That he lay awake all night goes without saying.

宝玉正在这里伤心，忽听背后一个人接言道：“你叫谁替你说呢？谁是谁的什么？自己得罪了人自己央及呀，人家赏脸不赏在人家，何苦来拿我们这些没要紧的垫喘儿呢。”这一句话把里外两个人都吓了一跳。你道是谁，原来却是麝月。宝玉自觉脸上没趣。只见麝月又说道：“到底是怎么著？一个陪不是，一个人又不理。你倒是快快的央及呀。嗳，我们紫鹃姐姐也就太狠心了，外头这么怪冷的，人家央及了这半天，总连个活动气儿也没有。”又向宝玉道：“刚才二奶奶说了，多早晚了，打量你在那里呢，你却一个人站在这房檐底下做什么！”紫鹃里面接著说道：“这可是什么意思呢？早就请二爷进去，有话明日说罢。这是何苦来！”宝玉还要说话，因见麝月在那里，不好再说别的，只得一面同麝月走回，一面说道：“罢了，罢了！我今生今世也难剖白这个心了！惟有老天知道罢了！”说到这里，那眼泪也不知从何处来的，滔滔不断了。麝月道：“二爷，依我劝你死了心罢，白陪眼泪也可惜了儿的。”宝玉也不答言，遂进了屋子。只见宝钗睡了，宝玉也知宝钗装睡。却是袭人说了一句道：“有什么话明日说不得，巴巴儿的跑那里去闹，闹出——”说到这里也就不肯说，迟了一迟才接著道：“身上不觉怎么样？”宝玉也不言语，只摇摇头儿，袭人一面才打发睡下。一夜无眠，自不必说。

這里紫鵑被寶玉一招，越發心里難受，直直的哭了一夜。Meanwhile, Zijuan, further distressed by Baoyu’s appeal, wept steadily through the entire night.思前想後，“寶玉的事，明知他病中不能明白，所以眾人弄鬼弄神的辦成了。Turning everything over in her mind, she thought, “As for Baoyu’s marriage, everyone knew that in his illness he could not understand what was happening, and so they resorted to all manner of deception to bring it about.後來寶玉明白了，舊病复發，常時哭想，并非忘情負義之徒。Later, when Baoyu learned the truth, his old illness returned; he has often wept and yearned for her, so he is certainly no heartless, faithless man.今日這种柔情，一發叫人難受，只可怜我們林姑娘真真是無福消受他。The tender feeling he showed today only makes it harder to bear; how pitiful that our Miss Lin was truly not blessed enough to receive his love.如此看來，人生緣分都有一定，在那未到頭時，大家都是痴心妄想。Seen in this light, all the bonds and affinities of human life are predetermined; before their appointed end arrives, everyone indulges in foolish hopes and deluded desires.乃至無可如何，那糊涂的也就不理會了，那情深義重的也不過臨風對月，灑淚悲啼。But when nothing more can be done, the unfeeling simply put it from their minds, while those of deep feeling and steadfast devotion can do no more than face the wind and moon, shedding tears and crying in sorrow.可怜那死的倒未必知道，這活的真真是苦惱傷心，無休無了。Pitifully enough, the dead may know nothing of it, while the living truly suffer anguish and heartbreak without end.算來竟不如草木石頭，無知無覺，倒也心中乾淨！”想到此處，倒把一片酸熱之心一時冰冷了。When all is said, it would be better to be grass, wood, or stone—without knowledge or feeling, and therefore with a clean and untroubled heart!” At this thought, the fervent ache within her suddenly turned cold as ice.才要收拾睡時，只聽東院里吵嚷起來。Just as she was preparing to go to bed, she heard a commotion break out in the eastern courtyard.未知何事，下回分解。What had happened remains unknown; the next chapter will tell.

这里紫鹃被宝玉一招，越发心里难受，直直的哭了一夜。思前想后，“宝玉的事，明知他病中不能明白，所以众人弄鬼弄神的办成了。后来宝玉明白了，旧病复发，常时哭想，并非忘情负义之徒。今日这种柔情，一发叫人难受，只可怜我们林姑娘真真是无福消受他。如此看来，人生缘分都有一定，在那未到头时，大家都是痴心妄想。乃至无可如何，那糊涂的也就不理会了，那情深义重的也不过临风对月，洒泪悲啼。可怜那死的倒未必知道，这活的真真是苦恼伤心，无休无了。算来竟不如草木石头，无知无觉，倒也心中干净！”想到此处，倒把一片酸热之心一时冰冷了。才要收拾睡时，只听东院里吵嚷起来。未知何事，下回分解。