第百十四回　王熙鳳歷幻返金陵　甄應嘉蒙恩還玉闕 Wang Xifeng's Spirit Returns to Jinling; Zhen Yingjia Is Pardoned and Restored to Office

卻說寶玉寶釵聽說鳳姐病的危急，赶忙起來。But to return to our story: when Baoyu and Baochai heard that Xifeng was critically ill, they hurriedly got up.丫頭秉燭伺候。The maids attended them with candles.正要出院，只見王夫人那邊打發人來說：“璉二奶奶不好了，還沒有咽氣，二爺二奶奶且慢些過去罷。Just as they were about to leave the courtyard, someone sent by Lady Wang arrived to say, “Second Mistress Lian has taken a turn for the worse. She has not yet breathed her last, so Second Master and Second Mistress had better wait a little before coming over.璉二奶奶的病有些古怪，從三更天起到四更時候，璉二奶奶沒有住嘴說些胡話，要船要轎的，說到金陵歸入冊子去。There is something rather strange about her illness: from the third watch until the fourth, Second Mistress Lian has talked nonsense without a pause, calling for a boat and a sedan chair and saying that she must return to Jinling and enter the register.眾人不懂，他只是哭哭喊喊的。No one understands her; she just keeps weeping and crying out.璉二爺沒有法兒，只得去糊了船轎，還沒拿來，璉二奶奶喘著氣等呢。Second Master Lian had no choice but to have paper boats and sedan chairs made for her, and though they have not yet been brought, she is waiting for them, gasping for breath.叫我們過來說，等璉二奶奶去了再過去罷。”寶玉道：“這也奇，他到金陵做什麼？”襲人輕輕的和寶玉說道：“你不是那年做夢，我還記得說有多少冊子，不是璉二奶奶也到那里去么？”寶玉聽了點頭道：“是呀，可惜我都不記得那上頭的話了。He sent us to tell you to wait until Second Mistress Lian has gone before coming over.” Baoyu said, “How strange! What does she want to go to Jinling for?” Xiren quietly said to him, “Do you not remember that dream you had years ago? I still recall your saying there were a great many registers. Could Second Mistress Lian be going there too?” Baoyu nodded. “Yes, indeed. What a pity I no longer remember what was written in them.這麼說起來，人都有個定數的了。By that reckoning, everyone’s fate must be predetermined.但不知林妹妹又到那里去了？But where, I wonder, has Cousin Lin gone?我如今被你一說，我有些懂得了。Now that you mention it, I think I understand a little.若再做這個夢時，我得細細的瞧一瞧，便有未卜先知的分兒了。”襲人道：“你這樣的人可是不可和你說話的，偶然提了一句，你便認起真來了嗎？If I ever have that dream again, I must examine everything closely; then I shall have the power to know the future.” Xiren said, “There really is no talking to someone like you. I happen to mention one thing, and you immediately take it in earnest!就算你能先知了，你有什麼法兒！”寶玉道：“只怕不能先知，若是能了，我也犯不著為你們瞎操心了。”Even if you could know the future, what could you do about it?” Baoyu said, “The trouble is that I cannot know it. If I could, I should have no need to worry myself blindly over all of you.”

却说宝玉宝钗听说凤姐病的危急，赶忙起来。丫头秉烛伺候。正要出院，只见王夫人那边打发人来说：“琏二奶奶不好了，还没有咽气，二爷二奶奶且慢些过去罢。琏二奶奶的病有些古怪，从三更天起到四更时候，琏二奶奶没有住嘴说些胡话，要船要轿的，说到金陵归入册子去。众人不懂，他只是哭哭喊喊的。琏二爷没有法儿，只得去糊了船轿，还没拿来，琏二奶奶喘著气等呢。叫我们过来说，等琏二奶奶去了再过去罢。”宝玉道：“这也奇，他到金陵做什么？”袭人轻轻的和宝玉说道：“你不是那年做梦，我还记得说有多少册子，不是琏二奶奶也到那里去么？”宝玉听了点头道：“是呀，可惜我都不记得那上头的话了。这么说起来，人都有个定数的了。但不知林妹妹又到那里去了？我如今被你一说，我有些懂得了。若再做这个梦时，我得细细的瞧一瞧，便有未卜先知的分儿了。”袭人道：“你这样的人可是不可和你说话的，偶然提了一句，你便认起真来了吗？就算你能先知了，你有什么法儿！”宝玉道：“只怕不能先知，若是能了，我也犯不著为你们瞎操心了。”

兩個正說著，寶釵走來問道：“你們說什麼？”寶玉恐他盤詰，只說：“我們談論鳳姐姐。”寶釵道：“人要死了，你們還只管議論人。As the two were speaking, Baochai came over and asked, “What are you talking about?” Afraid she would question him closely, Baoyu merely said, “We were talking about Cousin Xifeng.” Baochai said, “The poor woman is dying, and still you go on discussing her.舊年你還說我咒人，那個簽不是應了么？”寶玉又想了一想，拍手道：“是的，是的。Last year you accused me of cursing people, but has that fortune not come true?” Baoyu thought a moment, then clapped his hands. “Yes, yes!這麼說起來，你倒能先知了。By that reckoning, you really can foretell the future.我索性問問你，你知道我將來怎麼樣？”寶釵笑道：“這是又胡鬧起來了。Then let me ask you outright: do you know what is to become of me?” Baochai laughed. “Now you are talking nonsense again.我是就他求的簽上的話混解的，你就認了真了。I merely gave a fanciful interpretation of the words on the fortune she drew, and you have taken it seriously.你就和邢妹妹一樣的了，你失了玉，他去求妙玉扶乩，批出來的眾人不解，他還背地里和我說妙玉怎麼前知，怎麼參禪悟道。You are just like Cousin Xing. When you lost your jade, she asked Miaoyu to consult the planchette. No one could understand the message it wrote, yet afterward she privately told me how Miaoyu could foresee the future and how deeply she had penetrated Chan and attained enlightenment.如今他遭此大難，他如何自己都不知道，這可是算得前知嗎？Now that this great calamity has befallen her, Miaoyu herself had no foreknowledge of it. Can that be called seeing the future?就是我偶然說著了二奶奶的事情，其實知道他是怎麼樣了，只怕我連我自己也不知道呢。Even if what I happened to say about Second Mistress has come true, how could I really have known what would happen to her? I fear I do not even know what will happen to me.這樣下落可不是虛誕的事，是信得的么！”寶玉道：“別提他了。Such talk of people’s ultimate fates is sheer fantasy; how can it be believed?” Baoyu said, “Let us not speak of her.你只說邢妹妹罷，自從我們這里連連的有事，把他這件事竟忘記了。Just tell me about Cousin Xing. So many things have happened here one after another that I had quite forgotten about her marriage.你們家這麼一件大事怎麼就草草的完了，也沒請親喚友的。”寶釵道：“你這話又是迂了。How could your family dispose of such an important affair so perfunctorily, without even inviting relatives and friends?” Baochai said, “There you go being pedantic again.我們家的親戚只有咱們這里和王家最近。Of all our relatives, only your family and the Wangs are close to us.王家沒了什麼正經人了。There is no responsible person left in the Wang family.咱們家遭了老太太的大事，所以也沒請，就是璉二哥張羅了張羅。Your family was occupied with the Old Lady’s funeral, so we did not invite you either; Second Cousin Lian merely helped make a few arrangements.別的親戚雖也有一兩門子，你沒過去，如何知道。We do have one or two other branches of relatives, and since you did not attend, how could you know who was there?算起來我們這二嫂子的命和我差不多，好好的許了我二哥哥，我媽媽原想体体面面的給二哥哥娶這房親事的。When all is said, our second sister-in-law’s lot is much like mine. She was properly betrothed to my second brother, and Mother had originally intended to arrange a grand and respectable wedding for him.一則為我哥哥在監里，二哥哥也不肯大辦，二則為咱家的事，三則為我二嫂子在大太太那邊忒苦，又加著抄了家，大太太是苛刻一點的，他也實在難受：所以我和媽媽說了，便將將就就的娶了過去。But first, my elder brother was in prison and my second brother himself would not hear of an elaborate wedding; second, there was the trouble in your family; and third, our second sister-in-law’s life with the Elder Mistress was unbearably hard. After the confiscation of the household, the Elder Mistress grew even harsher, and she truly could endure it no longer. So I spoke to Mother, and we made do with a modest wedding and brought her into the family.我看二嫂子如今倒是安心樂意的孝敬我媽媽，比親媳婦還強十倍呢。From what I see, our second sister-in-law is now quite content and willingly serves my mother with ten times the devotion of a daughter-in-law born to the family.待二哥哥也是极盡婦道的，和香菱又甚好，二哥哥不在家，他兩個和和氣氣的過日子。She fulfills every wifely duty toward my second brother, and she gets along very well with Xiangling. When he is away, the two of them live together in perfect harmony.雖說是窮些，我媽媽近來倒安逸好些。Though they are somewhat poor, Mother has lately been living rather more peacefully.就是想起我哥哥來不免悲傷。Only when she thinks of my elder brother can she not help grieving.況且常打發人家里來要使用，多虧二哥哥在外頭帳頭兒上討來應付他的。Besides, he is constantly sending home for spending money, and fortunately my second brother manages to collect funds from accounts outside to meet his demands.我聽見說城里有幾處房子已經典去，還剩了一所在那里，打算著搬去住。”寶玉道：“為什麼要搬？I hear that several of our houses in the city have already been mortgaged. Only one remains, and they are planning to move there.” Baoyu said, “Why should they move?住在這里你來去也便宜些，若搬遠了，你去就要一天了。”寶釵道：“雖說是親戚，倒底各自的穩便些。Living here makes it more convenient for you to visit them. If they move far away, a visit will take you a whole day.” Baochai said, “Relatives though we are, it is more secure for each family to live independently.那里有個一輩子住在親戚家的呢。”Who ever heard of anyone spending a lifetime in a relative’s house?”

两个正说著，宝钗走来问道：“你们说什么？”宝玉恐他盘诘，只说：“我们谈论凤姐姐。”宝钗道：“人要死了，你们还只管议论人。旧年你还说我咒人，那个签不是应了么？”宝玉又想了一想，拍手道：“是的，是的。这么说起来，你倒能先知了。我索性问问你，你知道我将来怎么样？”宝钗笑道：“这是又胡闹起来了。我是就他求的签上的话混解的，你就认了真了。你就和邢妹妹一样的了，你失了玉，他去求妙玉扶乩，批出来的众人不解，他还背地里和我说妙玉怎么前知，怎么参禅悟道。如今他遭此大难，他如何自己都不知道，这可是算得前知吗？就是我偶然说著了二奶奶的事情，其实知道他是怎么样了，只怕我连我自己也不知道呢。这样下落可不是虚诞的事，是信得的么！”宝玉道：“别提他了。你只说邢妹妹罢，自从我们这里连连的有事，把他这件事竟忘记了。你们家这么一件大事怎么就草草的完了，也没请亲唤友的。”宝钗道：“你这话又是迂了。我们家的亲戚只有咱们这里和王家最近。王家没了什么正经人了。咱们家遭了老太太的大事，所以也没请，就是琏二哥张罗了张罗。别的亲戚虽也有一两门子，你没过去，如何知道。算起来我们这二嫂子的命和我差不多，好好的许了我二哥哥，我妈妈原想体体面面的给二哥哥娶这房亲事的。一则为我哥哥在监里，二哥哥也不肯大办，二则为咱家的事，三则为我二嫂子在大太太那边忒苦，又加著抄了家，大太太是苛刻一点的，他也实在难受：所以我和妈妈说了，便将将就就的娶了过去。我看二嫂子如今倒是安心乐意的孝敬我妈妈，比亲媳妇还强十倍呢。待二哥哥也是极尽妇道的，和香菱又甚好，二哥哥不在家，他两个和和气气的过日子。虽说是穷些，我妈妈近来倒安逸好些。就是想起我哥哥来不免悲伤。况且常打发人家里来要使用，多亏二哥哥在外头帐头儿上讨来应付他的。我听见说城里有几处房子已经典去，还剩了一所在那里，打算著搬去住。”宝玉道：“为什么要搬？住在这里你来去也便宜些，若搬远了，你去就要一天了。”宝钗道：“虽说是亲戚，倒底各自的稳便些。那里有个一辈子住在亲戚家的呢。”

寶玉還要講出不搬去的理，王夫人打發人來說：“璉二奶奶咽了氣了。Baoyu was about to advance further reasons why they should not move when someone sent by Lady Wang came to say, “Second Mistress Lian has breathed her last.所有的人多過去了，請二爺二奶奶就過去。”寶玉聽了，也掌不住跺腳要哭。Everyone else has gone over; Second Master and Second Mistress are asked to come at once.” At this Baoyu could no longer contain himself: he stamped his feet and was about to burst into tears.寶釵雖也悲戚，恐寶玉傷心，便說：“有在這里哭的，不如到那邊哭去。”于是兩人一直到鳳姐那里。Though Baochai too was grief-stricken, she feared Baoyu would be overcome and said, “Rather than weep here, we had better go and weep there.” The two then went straight to Xifeng’s quarters.只見好些人圍著哭呢。There they found a great many people gathered around, weeping.寶釵走到跟前，見鳳姐已經停床，便大放悲聲。Baochai went forward and, seeing that Xifeng had already been laid out upon the mortuary bed, broke into loud lamentation.寶玉也拉著賈璉的手大哭起來。Baoyu too seized Jia Lian’s hand and began to sob.賈璉也重新哭泣。Jia Lian burst into tears afresh.平兒等因見無人勸解，只得含悲上來勸止了。Seeing that there was no one else to restrain them, Ping’er and the others had to master their own grief and come forward to console them.眾人都悲哀不止。But everyone continued to grieve without cease.賈璉此時手足無措，叫人傳了賴大來，叫他辦理喪事。Jia Lian was now utterly at a loss. He had Lai Da summoned and ordered him to arrange the funeral.自己回明了賈政去，然後行事。He himself went to report everything to Jia Zheng before proceeding further.但是手頭不濟，諸事拮据，又想起鳳姐素日來的好處，更加悲哭不已，又見巧姐哭的死去活來，越發傷心。But he had little ready money, and every expense caused difficulty. When he remembered how good Xifeng had always been, he wept still more bitterly; and the sight of Qiaojie crying herself nearly to death increased his anguish.哭到天明，即刻打發人去請他大舅子王仁過來。He wept until daybreak, then immediately sent someone to summon her elder brother, Wang Ren.那王仁自從王子騰死後，王子胜又是無能的人，任他胡為，已鬧的六親不和。Since Wang Ziteng’s death, Wang Ren had been left free to behave as he pleased by the incompetent Wang Zisheng, and had already quarreled with all his relatives.今知妹子死了，只得赶著過來哭了一場。Now, learning that his sister was dead, he had no choice but to hurry over and weep for a time.見這里諸事將就，心下便不舒服，說：“我妹妹在你家辛辛苦苦當了好幾年家，也沒有什麼錯處，你們家該認真的發送發送才是。Seeing that everything there was being managed on a makeshift basis, he grew displeased and said, “My sister worked herself to the bone managing your household for years and committed no serious fault. Your family ought to give her a proper funeral.怎麼這時候諸事還沒有齊備！”賈璉本與王仁不睦，見他說些混帳話，知他不懂的什麼，也不大理他。How can it be that at such a time nothing is yet fully prepared?” Jia Lian had never been on good terms with Wang Ren. Hearing him talk such nonsense and knowing that he understood nothing, Jia Lian paid him little attention.王仁便叫了他外甥女兒巧姐過來說：“你娘在時，本來辦事不周到，只知道一味的奉承老太太，把我們的人都不大看在眼里。Wang Ren then called over his niece Qiaojie and said, “When your mother was alive, she never handled matters fairly. She knew only how to curry favor with the Old Lady and looked down upon everyone in our family.外甥女兒，你也大了，看見我曾經沾染過你們沒有！Niece, you are old enough now: have you ever seen me take advantage of your family?如今你娘死了，諸事要聽著舅舅的話。Now that your mother is dead, you must listen to your uncle in everything.你母親娘家的親戚就是我和你二舅舅了。On your mother’s side, your only close relatives are your second uncle and me.你父親的為人我也早知道的了，只有重別人，那年什麼尤姨娘死了，我雖不在京，聽見人說花了好些銀子。I have long known what sort of man your father is: he values outsiders above his own kin. That year when some Concubine You died, I was not in the capital, but I heard that he spent a great deal of silver on her funeral.如今你娘死了，你父親倒是這樣的將就辦去嗎！And now that your mother is dead, can your father really mean to bury her in this makeshift fashion?你也不快些勸勸你父親。”巧姐道：“我父親巴不得要好看，只是如今比不得從前了。You ought to hurry and reason with him.” Qiaojie said, “Father would like nothing better than to make the funeral splendid, but things are not as they once were.現在手里沒錢，所以諸事省些是有的。”王仁道：“你的東西還少么！”巧姐兒道：“舊年抄去，何嘗還了呢。”王仁道：“你也這樣說。There is no money at hand now, so naturally everything must be done more economically.” Wang Ren said, “Surely you have no shortage of valuables!” Qiaojie replied, “They were confiscated last year; when were they ever returned?” Wang Ren said, “So you say the same thing.我聽見老太太又給了好些東西，你該拿出來。”巧姐又不好說父親用去，只推不知道。I heard that the Old Lady gave you a great many more things. You ought to bring them out.” Qiaojie could hardly say that her father had used them, so she merely claimed not to know.王仁便道：“哦，我知道了，不過是你要留著做嫁妝罷咧。”巧姐聽了，不敢回言，只氣得哽噎難鳴的哭起來了。Wang Ren said, “Oh, I understand. You simply want to keep them for your dowry.” Qiaojie dared not answer back; choking with anger and unable to speak, she began to cry.平兒生氣說道：“舅老爺有話，等我們二爺進來再說，姑娘這麼點年紀，他懂的什麼。”王仁道：“你們是巴不得二奶奶死了，你們就好為王了。Ping’er said angrily, “If Your Lordship has something to say, wait until our Second Master comes in. What can a young girl like her understand?” Wang Ren said, “All of you could hardly wait for Second Mistress to die, so that you might rule the roost yourselves.我并不要什麼，好看些也是你們的臉面。”說著，賭氣坐著。I am not asking for anything. A finer funeral would add to your own dignity as well.” With that, he sat there in a sulk.巧姐滿怀的不舒服，心想：“我父親并不是沒情，我媽媽在時舅舅不知拿了多少東西去，如今說得這樣乾淨。”于是便不大瞧得起他舅舅了。Qiaojie felt deeply aggrieved and thought, “It is not that Father has no affection. When Mother was alive, who knows how many things Uncle took from her? Yet now he speaks as though his hands were perfectly clean.” From then on, she thought little of her uncle.豈知王仁心里想來，他妹妹不知攢積了多少，雖說抄了家，那屋里的銀子還怕少嗎。”必是怕我來纏他們，所以也幫著這麼說，這小東西兒也是不中用的。”從此王仁也嫌了巧姐兒了。Little did she know that Wang Ren was thinking, “Who knows how much my sister hoarded? Though the household was confiscated, surely there cannot have been so little silver in her own rooms. They must be afraid that I shall come pestering them, so even this little wretch backs up their story. She is no good either.” From that time on, Wang Ren also took a dislike to Qiaojie.

宝玉还要讲出不搬去的理，王夫人打发人来说：“琏二奶奶咽了气了。所有的人多过去了，请二爷二奶奶就过去。”宝玉听了，也掌不住跺脚要哭。宝钗虽也悲戚，恐宝玉伤心，便说：“有在这里哭的，不如到那边哭去。”于是两人一直到凤姐那里。只见好些人围著哭呢。宝钗走到跟前，见凤姐已经停床，便大放悲声。宝玉也拉著贾琏的手大哭起来。贾琏也重新哭泣。平儿等因见无人劝解，只得含悲上来劝止了。众人都悲哀不止。贾琏此时手足无措，叫人传了赖大来，叫他办理丧事。自己回明了贾政去，然后行事。但是手头不济，诸事拮据，又想起凤姐素日来的好处，更加悲哭不已，又见巧姐哭的死去活来，越发伤心。哭到天明，即刻打发人去请他大舅子王仁过来。那王仁自从王子腾死后，王子胜又是无能的人，任他胡为，已闹的六亲不和。今知妹子死了，只得赶著过来哭了一场。见这里诸事将就，心下便不舒服，说：“我妹妹在你家辛辛苦苦当了好几年家，也没有什么错处，你们家该认真的发送发送才是。怎么这时候诸事还没有齐备！”贾琏本与王仁不睦，见他说些混帐话，知他不懂的什么，也不大理他。王仁便叫了他外甥女儿巧姐过来说：“你娘在时，本来办事不周到，只知道一味的奉承老太太，把我们的人都不大看在眼里。外甥女儿，你也大了，看见我曾经沾染过你们没有！如今你娘死了，诸事要听著舅舅的话。你母亲娘家的亲戚就是我和你二舅舅了。你父亲的为人我也早知道的了，只有重别人，那年什么尤姨娘死了，我虽不在京，听见人说花了好些银子。如今你娘死了，你父亲倒是这样的将就办去吗！你也不快些劝劝你父亲。”巧姐道：“我父亲巴不得要好看，只是如今比不得从前了。现在手里没钱，所以诸事省些是有的。”王仁道：“你的东西还少么！”巧姐儿道：“旧年抄去，何尝还了呢。”王仁道：“你也这样说。我听见老太太又给了好些东西，你该拿出来。”巧姐又不好说父亲用去，只推不知道。王仁便道：“哦，我知道了，不过是你要留著做嫁妆罢咧。”巧姐听了，不敢回言，只气得哽噎难鸣的哭起来了。平儿生气说道：“舅老爷有话，等我们二爷进来再说，姑娘这么点年纪，他懂的什么。”王仁道：“你们是巴不得二奶奶死了，你们就好为王了。我并不要什么，好看些也是你们的脸面。”说著，赌气坐著。巧姐满怀的不舒服，心想：“我父亲并不是没情，我妈妈在时舅舅不知拿了多少东西去，如今说得这样干净。”于是便不大瞧得起他舅舅了。岂知王仁心里想来，他妹妹不知攒积了多少，虽说抄了家，那屋里的银子还怕少吗。”必是怕我来缠他们，所以也帮著这么说，这小东西儿也是不中用的。”从此王仁也嫌了巧姐儿了。

賈璉并不知道，只忙著弄銀錢使用。Jia Lian knew nothing of this; he was occupied solely with raising money for expenses.外頭的大事叫賴大辦了，里頭也要用好些錢，一時實在不能張羅。He had entrusted the principal arrangements outside to Lai Da, but a great deal of money was also needed within the house, and for the moment he truly could not procure it.平兒知他著急，便叫賈璉道：“二爺也別過于傷了自己的身子。”賈璉道：“什麼身子，現在日用的錢都沒有，這件事怎麼辦！Knowing how anxious he was, Ping’er said to Jia Lian, “Second Master, you must not injure your health through excessive grief.” Jia Lian replied, “What health? We have not even enough money for daily expenses. How are we to manage this affair?偏有個糊涂行子又在這里蠻纏，你想有什麼法兒！”平兒道：“二爺也不用著急，若說沒錢使喚，我還有些東西舊年幸虧沒有抄去，在里頭。And that muddleheaded scoundrel has chosen this moment to badger us. What do you think I can do?” Ping’er said, “There is no need to be anxious. If it is money you lack, I still have some valuables stored inside that fortunately escaped confiscation last year.二爺要就拿去當著使喚罷。”賈璉聽了，心想難得這樣，便笑道：“這樣更好，省得我各處張羅。If you need them, take them and pawn them for your expenses.” Jia Lian was touched by this rare offer and said with a smile, “That would be excellent and save me from scrambling everywhere for funds.等我銀子弄到手了還你。”平兒道：“我的也是奶奶給的，什麼還不還，只要這件事辦的好看些就是了。”賈璉心里倒著實感激他，便將平兒的東西拿了去當錢使用，諸凡事情便與平兒商量。I shall repay you when I have raised the silver.” Ping’er said, “What I have was given to me by Mistress. There is no question of repayment; I only want her funeral to be conducted with proper dignity.” Jia Lian was truly grateful to her. He took Ping’er’s valuables and pawned them for cash, and thereafter consulted her on every matter.秋桐看著心里就有些不甘，每每口角里頭便說：“平兒沒有了奶奶，他要上去了。Qiutong watched all this with some resentment, and repeatedly remarked, “Now that Mistress is gone, Ping’er means to rise into her place.我是老爺的人，他怎麼就越過我去了呢。”平兒也看出來了，只不理他。I belong to the Master himself; how can she be promoted over my head?” Ping’er saw what she was thinking but simply ignored her.倒是賈璉一時明白，越發把秋桐嫌了，一時有些煩惱便拿著秋桐出氣。Jia Lian, however, soon understood. He disliked Qiutong more than ever, and whenever something vexed him, he vented his anger on her.邢夫人知道，反說賈璉不好。When Lady Xing heard of it, she blamed Jia Lian instead.賈璉忍氣。Jia Lian had to swallow his anger.不題。But no more of this.

贾琏并不知道，只忙著弄银钱使用。外头的大事叫赖大办了，里头也要用好些钱，一时实在不能张罗。平儿知他著急，便叫贾琏道：“二爷也别过于伤了自己的身子。”贾琏道：“什么身子，现在日用的钱都没有，这件事怎么办！偏有个糊涂行子又在这里蛮缠，你想有什么法儿！”平儿道：“二爷也不用著急，若说没钱使唤，我还有些东西旧年幸亏没有抄去，在里头。二爷要就拿去当著使唤罢。”贾琏听了，心想难得这样，便笑道：“这样更好，省得我各处张罗。等我银子弄到手了还你。”平儿道：“我的也是奶奶给的，什么还不还，只要这件事办的好看些就是了。”贾琏心里倒著实感激他，便将平儿的东西拿了去当钱使用，诸凡事情便与平儿商量。秋桐看著心里就有些不甘，每每口角里头便说：“平儿没有了奶奶，他要上去了。我是老爷的人，他怎么就越过我去了呢。”平儿也看出来了，只不理他。倒是贾琏一时明白，越发把秋桐嫌了，一时有些烦恼便拿著秋桐出气。邢夫人知道，反说贾琏不好。贾琏忍气。不题。

再說鳳姐停了十餘天，送了殯。To continue: Xifeng’s coffin remained in the house for more than ten days before the funeral procession set out.賈政守著老太太的孝，總在外書房。Jia Zheng, still observing mourning for the Old Lady, spent all his time in the outer study.那時清客相公漸漸的都辭去了，只有個程日興還在那里，時常陪著說說話兒。By then the gentlemen who frequented the house had gradually taken their leave. Only Cheng Rixing remained, often keeping him company and chatting with him.提起“家運不好，一連人口死了好些，大老爺和珍大爺又在外頭，家計一天難似一天。One day the conversation turned to how “the family’s fortunes have declined: so many members of the household have died one after another, while the Elder Master and Cousin Zhen are both away, and the family finances grow more difficult by the day.外頭東庄地畝也不知道怎麼樣，總不得了呀！”程日興道：“我在這里好些年，也知道府上的人那一個不是肥己的。We do not even know how the fields on the eastern estate are faring. Things simply cannot go on like this!” Cheng Rixing said, “I have been here for many years, and I know that there is hardly one of your household servants who has not enriched himself.一年一年都往他家里拿，那自然府上是一年不夠一年了。Year after year they carry your property off to their own homes; naturally the household has less and less with every passing year.又添了大老爺珍大爺那邊兩處的費用，外頭又有些債務，前兒又破了好些財，要想衙門里緝賊追贓是難事。On top of that, there are now the expenses of maintaining both the Elder Master and Master Zhen away from home, as well as outstanding debts; and recently a great deal of property was stolen. It will be difficult to have the authorities capture the thieves and recover the loot.老世翁若要安頓家事，除非傳那些管事的來，派一個心腹的人各處去清查清查，該去的去，該留的留，有了虧空著在經手的身上賠補，這就有了數兒了。If Your Excellency wishes to put the family affairs in order, the only course is to summon the stewards and send a trusted man to inspect every department. Those who should be dismissed must go, and those worth retaining must stay; any deficits should be made good by those responsible for handling the funds. Then at least you will have a clear account.那一座大的園子人家是不敢買的。No one would dare buy such a large garden.這里頭的出息也不少，又不派人管了。Yet it could yield a considerable income, and now no one has even been appointed to manage it.那年老世翁不在家，這些人就弄神弄鬼兒的，鬧的一個人不敢到園里。That year, while Your Excellency was away, those people played all manner of ghostly tricks until no one dared enter the garden.這都是家人的弊。That was all the servants’ doing.此時把下人查一查，好的使著，不好的便攆了，這才是道理。”賈政點頭道：“先生你所不知，不必說下人，便是自己的侄兒也靠不住。The proper course now is to examine the servants, retain the good ones, and drive out the bad.” Jia Zheng nodded. “There is something you do not know, sir. Never mind the servants—even my own nephews cannot be trusted.若要我查起來，那能一一親見親知。If I were to investigate, how could I personally see and know every detail?況我又在服中，不能照管這些了。Besides, I am in mourning and cannot attend to such matters.我素來又兼不大理家，有的沒的，我還摸不著呢。”程日興道：“老世翁最是仁德的人，若在別家的，這樣的家計，就窮起來，十年五載還不怕，便向這些管家的要也就夠了。I have never been much given to household management, and cannot even find my way through what property we may or may not possess.” Cheng Rixing said, “Your Excellency is the most benevolent of men. In another family, even if an estate like this fell into poverty, there would be no cause for fear for five or ten years; merely recovering money from the stewards would provide enough.我聽見世翁的家人還有做知縣的呢。”賈政道：“一個人若要使起家人們的錢來，便了不得了，只好自己儉省些。I have heard that one of your family servants has even become a county magistrate.” Jia Zheng said, “Once a man begins making use of his servants’ money, the consequences are dreadful. It is better simply to economize oneself.但是冊子上的產業，若是實有還好，生怕有名無實了。”程日興道：“老世翁所見极是。Still, if the properties listed in the registers actually exist, all will be well; what I fear is that they exist in name alone.” Cheng Rixing said, “Your Excellency sees the matter most clearly.晚生為什麼說要查查呢！”賈政道：“先生必有所聞。”程日興道：“我雖知道些那些管事的神通，晚生也不敢言語的。”賈政聽了，便知話里有因，便歎道：“我自祖父以來都是仁厚的，從沒有刻薄過下人。That is precisely why I proposed an investigation.” Jia Zheng said, “You must have heard something, sir.” Cheng Rixing replied, “Though I know something of the extraordinary devices employed by those stewards, I would not dare speak of them.” Hearing this, Jia Zheng knew there was a reason behind his words, and sighed. “Since my grandfather’s time, our family has always been humane and generous and has never treated its servants harshly.我看如今這些人一日不似一日了。But I find that people nowadays grow worse by the day.在我手里行出主子樣兒來，又叫人笑話。”If I were to put on the airs of a master now, I should only make myself a laughingstock.”

再说凤姐停了十余天，送了殡。贾政守著老太太的孝，总在外书房。那时清客相公渐渐的都辞去了，只有个程日兴还在那里，时常陪著说说话儿。提起“家运不好，一连人口死了好些，大老爷和珍大爷又在外头，家计一天难似一天。外头东庄地亩也不知道怎么样，总不得了呀！”程日兴道：“我在这里好些年，也知道府上的人那一个不是肥己的。一年一年都往他家里拿，那自然府上是一年不够一年了。又添了大老爷珍大爷那边两处的费用，外头又有些债务，前儿又破了好些财，要想衙门里缉贼追赃是难事。老世翁若要安顿家事，除非传那些管事的来，派一个心腹的人各处去清查清查，该去的去，该留的留，有了亏空著在经手的身上赔补，这就有了数儿了。那一座大的园子人家是不敢买的。这里头的出息也不少，又不派人管了。那年老世翁不在家，这些人就弄神弄鬼儿的，闹的一个人不敢到园里。这都是家人的弊。此时把下人查一查，好的使著，不好的便撵了，这才是道理。”贾政点头道：“先生你所不知，不必说下人，便是自己的侄儿也靠不住。若要我查起来，那能一一亲见亲知。况我又在服中，不能照管这些了。我素来又兼不大理家，有的没的，我还摸不著呢。”程日兴道：“老世翁最是仁德的人，若在别家的，这样的家计，就穷起来，十年五载还不怕，便向这些管家的要也就够了。我听见世翁的家人还有做知县的呢。”贾政道：“一个人若要使起家人们的钱来，便了不得了，只好自己俭省些。但是册子上的产业，若是实有还好，生怕有名无实了。”程日兴道：“老世翁所见极是。晚生为什么说要查查呢！”贾政道：“先生必有所闻。”程日兴道：“我虽知道些那些管事的神通，晚生也不敢言语的。”贾政听了，便知话里有因，便叹道：“我自祖父以来都是仁厚的，从没有刻薄过下人。我看如今这些人一日不似一日了。在我手里行出主子样儿来，又叫人笑话。”

兩人正說著，門上的進來回道：“江南甄老爺到來了。”賈政便問道：“甄老爺進京為什麼？”那人道：“奴才也打聽了，說是蒙圣恩起复了。”賈政道：“不用說了，快請罷。”那人出去請了進來。As the two were speaking, a gatekeeper came in to report, “Master Zhen from Jiangnan has arrived.” Jia Zheng asked, “Why has Master Zhen come to the capital?” The man replied, “Your servant has made inquiries. They say that by imperial favor he has been restored to office.” Jia Zheng said, “Enough—go and invite him in at once.” The servant went out and ushered him inside.那甄老爺即是甄寶玉之父，名叫甄應嘉，表字友忠，也是金陵人氏，功勳之後。This Master Zhen was the father of Zhen Baoyu. His personal name was Zhen Yingjia and his courtesy name Youzhong. He too was a native of Jinling and the descendant of a meritorious official.原與賈府有親，素來走動的。His family was related to the Jias, and the two households had always maintained close relations.因前年挂誤革了職，動了家產。Two years earlier, he had been implicated through an official error, dismissed from office, and deprived of part of his property.今遇主上眷念功臣，賜還世職，行取來京陛見。Now the Emperor, mindful of the descendants of meritorious ministers, had restored his hereditary office and summoned him to the capital for an imperial audience.知道賈母新喪，特備祭禮擇日到寄靈的地方拜奠，所以先來拜望。Knowing of Grandmother Jia’s recent death, he had specially prepared funeral offerings and chosen a day to pay homage at the place where her coffin temporarily rested; he had therefore come first to call on Jia Zheng.賈政有服不能遠接，在外書房門口等著。As Jia Zheng was in mourning and could not go far to meet him, he waited at the door of the outer study.那位甄老爺一見，便悲喜交集，因在制中不便行禮，便拉著了手敘了些闊別思念的話，然後分賓主坐下，獻了茶，彼此又將別後事情的話說了。At the sight of him, Master Zhen was overcome by mingled grief and joy. Since Jia Zheng was in mourning, formal salutations were inappropriate, so he took him by the hand and spoke of how much he had missed him during their long separation. They then sat down as host and guest, tea was served, and each recounted what had happened since they had parted.賈政問道：“老親翁幾時陛見的？”甄應嘉道：“前日。”賈政道：“主上隆恩，必有溫諭。”甄應嘉道：“主上的恩典真是比天還高，下了好些旨意。”賈政道：“什麼好旨意？”甄應嘉道：“近來越寇猖獗，海疆一帶小民不安，派了安國公征剿賊寇。Jia Zheng asked, “When did my venerable kinsman have his imperial audience?” Zhen Yingjia replied, “The day before yesterday.” Jia Zheng said, “In his boundless grace, His Majesty must have addressed you with words of kindness.” Zhen Yingjia replied, “His Majesty’s bounty is truly higher than heaven; he issued a number of gracious commands.” Jia Zheng asked, “What gracious commands were these?” Zhen Yingjia said, “Lately the Yue raiders have grown rampant, and the common people along the coast are in distress. The Duke of Anguo has been dispatched to suppress the bandits.主上因我熟悉土疆，命我前往安撫，但是即日就要起身。Because I know the territory and its people well, His Majesty has ordered me to go there and pacify them; I must set out within the next few days.昨日知老太太仙逝，謹備瓣香至靈前拜奠，稍盡微忱。”賈政即忙叩首拜謝，便說：“老親翁即此一行，必是上慰圣心，下安黎庶，誠哉莫大之功，正在此行。Yesterday, learning that the Old Lady had passed into immortality, I respectfully prepared a humble offering of incense to pay homage before her spirit and express my small measure of devotion.” Jia Zheng hastily bowed his head to the ground in thanks and said, “On this mission, my venerable kinsman will surely bring comfort to His Majesty above and peace to the common people below. A greater achievement could scarcely be imagined, and it lies within this very journey.但弟不克親睹奇才，只好遙聆捷報。It is only a pity that I cannot witness your remarkable abilities in person and must await news of your victory from afar.現在鎮海統制是弟舍親，會時務望青照。”甄應嘉道：“老親翁與統制是什麼親戚？”賈政道：“弟那年在江西糧道任時，將小女許配與統制少君，結褵已經三載。The present Commander-in-Chief of Zhenhai is related to me by marriage. When official business brings you together, I hope you will kindly look after him.” Zhen Yingjia asked, “How is the Commander-in-Chief related to you?” Jia Zheng replied, “When I served as Grain Intendant in Jiangxi, I betrothed my daughter to the commander’s son; they have now been married for three years.因海口案內未清，繼以海寇聚奸，所以音信不通。Because the case concerning the seaport had not yet been settled, followed by the pirates banding together in their villainy, no news has been able to pass between us.弟深念小女，俟老親翁安撫事竣後，拜懇便中請為一視。I am deeply concerned for my daughter. When your work of pacification is complete, may I beg you, when convenient, to visit her on my behalf?弟即修數行煩尊紀帶去，便感激不盡了。”甄應嘉道：“兒女之情，人所不免，我正在有奉托老親翁的事。I shall write a few lines and trouble your honored attendant to carry them; I should be infinitely grateful.” Zhen Yingjia said, “No one can escape a parent’s concern for his children. As it happens, I too have a matter to entrust to my venerable kinsman.日蒙圣恩召取來京，因小兒年幼，家下乏人，將賤眷全帶來京。After receiving imperial favor and being summoned to the capital, I brought my entire household with me, since my son is young and there are too few capable people at home.我因欽限迅速，晝夜先行，賤眷在後緩行，到京尚需時日。Because the imperial deadline was urgent, I traveled ahead day and night, while my wife and family followed more slowly and will not reach the capital for some time.弟奉旨出京，不敢久留。I have received an imperial command to leave the capital and dare not remain here long.將來賤眷到京，少不得要到尊府，定叫小犬叩見。When my humble family comes to the capital, they will certainly call at your honored residence, and I shall have my unworthy son pay his respects to you.如可進教，遇有姻事可圖之處，望乞留意為感。”賈政一一答應。If he should prove worthy of your guidance, and you happen upon a promising marriage for him, I should be most grateful if you would keep him in mind.” Jia Zheng agreed to each request.那甄應嘉又說了幾句話，就要起身，說：“明日在城外再見。”賈政見他事忙，諒難再坐，只得送出書房。Zhen Yingjia exchanged a few more words with him, then rose to leave, saying, “We shall meet again tomorrow outside the city.” Seeing that he had business to attend to and could hardly remain any longer, Jia Zheng had no choice but to escort him from the study.

两人正说著，门上的进来回道：“江南甄老爷到来了。”贾政便问道：“甄老爷进京为什么？”那人道：“奴才也打听了，说是蒙圣恩起复了。”贾政道：“不用说了，快请罢。”那人出去请了进来。那甄老爷即是甄宝玉之父，名叫甄应嘉，表字友忠，也是金陵人氏，功勋之后。原与贾府有亲，素来走动的。因前年挂误革了职，动了家产。今遇主上眷念功臣，赐还世职，行取来京陛见。知道贾母新丧，特备祭礼择日到寄灵的地方拜奠，所以先来拜望。贾政有服不能远接，在外书房门口等著。那位甄老爷一见，便悲喜交集，因在制中不便行礼，便拉著了手叙了些阔别思念的话，然后分宾主坐下，献了茶，彼此又将别后事情的话说了。贾政问道：“老亲翁几时陛见的？”甄应嘉道：“前日。”贾政道：“主上隆恩，必有温谕。”甄应嘉道：“主上的恩典真是比天还高，下了好些旨意。”贾政道：“什么好旨意？”甄应嘉道：“近来越寇猖獗，海疆一带小民不安，派了安国公征剿贼寇。主上因我熟悉土疆，命我前往安抚，但是即日就要起身。昨日知老太太仙逝，谨备瓣香至灵前拜奠，稍尽微忱。”贾政即忙叩首拜谢，便说：“老亲翁即此一行，必是上慰圣心，下安黎庶，诚哉莫大之功，正在此行。但弟不克亲睹奇才，只好遥聆捷报。现在镇海统制是弟舍亲，会时务望青照。”甄应嘉道：“老亲翁与统制是什么亲戚？”贾政道：“弟那年在江西粮道任时，将小女许配与统制少君，结褵已经三载。因海口案内未清，继以海寇聚奸，所以音信不通。弟深念小女，俟老亲翁安抚事竣后，拜恳便中请为一视。弟即修数行烦尊纪带去，便感激不尽了。”甄应嘉道：“儿女之情，人所不免，我正在有奉托老亲翁的事。日蒙圣恩召取来京，因小儿年幼，家下乏人，将贱眷全带来京。我因钦限迅速，昼夜先行，贱眷在后缓行，到京尚需时日。弟奉旨出京，不敢久留。将来贱眷到京，少不得要到尊府，定叫小犬叩见。如可进教，遇有姻事可图之处，望乞留意为感。”贾政一一答应。那甄应嘉又说了几句话，就要起身，说：“明日在城外再见。”贾政见他事忙，谅难再坐，只得送出书房。

賈璉寶玉早已伺候在那里代送，因賈政未叫，不敢擅入。Jia Lian and Baoyu had long been waiting there to see the guest out; but since Jia Zheng had not summoned them, they dared not enter on their own.甄應嘉出來，兩人上去請安。When Zhen Yingjia came out, the two went forward to pay their respects.應嘉一見寶玉，呆了一呆，心想：“這個怎麼甚象我家寶玉？At the sight of Baoyu, Yingjia stared in astonishment and thought, “How can this boy look so very much like our Baoyu?只是渾身縞素。”因問：“至親久闊，爺們都不認得了。”賈政忙指賈璉道：“這是家兄名赦之子璉二侄兒。”又指著寶玉道：“這是第二小犬，名叫寶玉。”應嘉拍手道奇：“我在家聽見說老親翁有個銜玉生的愛子，名叫寶玉。Only he is dressed entirely in white mourning.” He then said, “It has been so long since I last saw my close relations that I no longer recognize the young gentlemen.” Jia Zheng hastily pointed to Jia Lian and said, “This is Lian, the second son of my elder brother, Jia She.” Then, pointing to Baoyu, he said, “This is my second unworthy son, named Baoyu.” Yingjia clapped his hands in amazement. “At home I heard that you, my venerable kinsman, had a beloved son born with jade in his mouth, named Baoyu.因與小兒同名，心中甚為罕异。Since he bears the same name as my own son, I thought it most extraordinary.後來想著這個也是常有的事，不在意了。Later I reflected that such things often happen and paid it no further heed.豈知今日一見，不但面貌相同，且舉止一般，這更奇了。”問起年紀，比這里的哥兒略小一歲。But who would have thought that, on seeing him today, I should find not only his features identical, but his every gesture as well? That is stranger still.” When he asked Baoyu’s age, he found that his own boy was a year younger.賈政便因提起承屬包勇，問及令郎哥兒與小兒同名的話述了一遍。Jia Zheng then mentioned how he had entrusted a matter to Bao Yong, and repeated what Bao Yong had told him about Yingjia’s son bearing the same name as his own.應嘉因屬意寶玉，也不暇問及那包勇的得妥，只連連的稱道：“真真罕异！”因又拉了寶玉的手，极致殷勤。Yingjia’s attention was so taken up with Baoyu that he had no leisure to ask whether Bao Yong’s business had been satisfactorily settled; he merely exclaimed again and again, “Truly extraordinary!” Then he took Baoyu by the hand and treated him with the utmost cordiality.又恐安國公起身甚速，急須預備長行，勉強分手徐行。But fearing that Duke Anguo might depart at very short notice, and that he must hasten to prepare for the long journey, he reluctantly took his leave and walked slowly away.賈璉寶玉送出，一路又問了寶玉好些的話。Jia Lian and Baoyu escorted him out, and all along the way he asked Baoyu a great many more questions.及至登車去後，賈璉寶玉回來見了賈政，便將應嘉問的話回了一遍。After he had entered his carriage and departed, Jia Lian and Baoyu returned to Jia Zheng and reported all the questions Yingjia had asked.

贾琏宝玉早已伺候在那里代送，因贾政未叫，不敢擅入。甄应嘉出来，两人上去请安。应嘉一见宝玉，呆了一呆，心想：“这个怎么甚象我家宝玉？只是浑身缟素。”因问：“至亲久阔，爷们都不认得了。”贾政忙指贾琏道：“这是家兄名赦之子琏二侄儿。”又指著宝玉道：“这是第二小犬，名叫宝玉。”应嘉拍手道奇：“我在家听见说老亲翁有个衔玉生的爱子，名叫宝玉。因与小儿同名，心中甚为罕异。后来想著这个也是常有的事，不在意了。岂知今日一见，不但面貌相同，且举止一般，这更奇了。”问起年纪，比这里的哥儿略小一岁。贾政便因提起承属包勇，问及令郎哥儿与小儿同名的话述了一遍。应嘉因属意宝玉，也不暇问及那包勇的得妥，只连连的称道：“真真罕异！”因又拉了宝玉的手，极致殷勤。又恐安国公起身甚速，急须预备长行，勉强分手徐行。贾琏宝玉送出，一路又问了宝玉好些的话。及至登车去后，贾琏宝玉回来见了贾政，便将应嘉问的话回了一遍。

賈政命他二人散去。Jia Zheng dismissed them both.賈璉又去張羅算明鳳姐喪事的帳目。Jia Lian went off again to see to matters and settle the accounts for Xifeng’s funeral.寶玉回到自己房中，告訴了寶釵，說是：“常提的甄寶玉，我想一見不能，今日倒先見了他父親了。Baoyu returned to his own rooms and told Baochai, “I have so often spoken of Zhen Baoyu, yet never managed to meet him; today, however, I met his father first.我還聽得說寶玉也不日要到京了，要來拜望我老爺呢。I also heard that Baoyu will be coming to the capital within the next few days and intends to pay his respects to my father.又人人說和我一模一樣的，我只不信。Everyone says that he and I are exactly alike, but I simply do not believe it.若是他後兒到了咱們這里來，你們都去瞧去，看他果然和我象不象。”寶釵聽了道：“噯，你說話怎麼越發不留神了，什麼男人同你一樣都說出來了，還叫我們瞧去嗎！”寶玉聽了，知是失言，臉上一紅，連忙的還要解說。If he comes here the day after tomorrow, you must all go and have a look, and see whether he really resembles me or not.” Baochai replied, “Oh, you grow more careless in your speech every day! How can you talk of some man being just like you, and even ask us to go and look at him?” Baoyu realized that he had spoken improperly; his face reddened, and he hurriedly tried to explain himself.不知何話，下回分解。What he said will be revealed in the next chapter.

贾政命他二人散去。贾琏又去张罗算明凤姐丧事的帐目。宝玉回到自己房中，告诉了宝钗，说是：“常提的甄宝玉，我想一见不能，今日倒先见了他父亲了。我还听得说宝玉也不日要到京了，要来拜望我老爷呢。又人人说和我一模一样的，我只不信。若是他后儿到了咱们这里来，你们都去瞧去，看他果然和我象不象。”宝钗听了道：“嗳，你说话怎么越发不留神了，什么男人同你一样都说出来了，还叫我们瞧去吗！”宝玉听了，知是失言，脸上一红，连忙的还要解说。不知何话，下回分解。