第百十五回　惑偏私惜春矢素志　證同類寶玉失相知 Firm in Her Vow, Xichun Resolves to Take the Veil; Baoyu Loses a Kindred Soul

話說寶玉為自己失言被寶釵問住，想要掩飾過去，只見秋紋進來說：“外頭老爺叫二爺呢。”寶玉巴不得一聲，便走了。It is told that Baoyu, having let slip an ill-judged remark and been cornered by Baochai’s question, was casting about for a way to cover it up when Qiuwen came in and said, “Master is calling for Second Master outside.” Baoyu could not have wished for a better summons and left at once.去到賈政那里，賈政道：“我叫你來不為別的，現在你穿著孝，不便到學里去，你在家里，必要將你念過的文章溫習溫習。When he reached Jia Zheng’s quarters, Jia Zheng said, “I have called you here for no other reason than this: since you are now in mourning, it would be improper for you to attend school, so while you are at home you must review the essays you have studied.我這幾天倒也閒著，隔兩三日要做幾篇文章我瞧瞧，看你這些時進益了沒有。”寶玉只得答應著。I happen to have some leisure these days, so every two or three days you are to write several essays for me to examine, and I shall see whether you have made any progress lately.” Baoyu had no choice but to assent.賈政又道：“你環兄弟蘭侄兒我也叫他們溫習去了。Jia Zheng continued, “I have also told your brother Huan and your nephew Lan to go and review their lessons.倘若你作的文章不好，反倒不及他們，那可就不成事了。”寶玉不敢言語，答應了個“是”，站著不動。If your essays are poor, and you prove inferior even to them, that simply will not do.” Baoyu dared not speak; he answered “Yes, sir,” and remained standing where he was.賈政道：“去罷。”寶玉退了出來，正撞見賴大諸人拿著些冊子進來。“You may go,” said Jia Zheng. Baoyu withdrew and, on his way out, ran into Lai Da and several others coming in with registers in their hands.

寶玉一溜煙回到自己房中，寶釵問了知道叫他作文章，倒也喜歡，惟有寶玉不願意，也不敢怠慢。Baoyu flew back to his own room like a wisp of smoke. When Baochai asked what he had been summoned for and learned that he had been ordered to write essays, she was rather pleased; Baoyu alone was unwilling, though he dared not neglect the task.正要坐下靜靜心，見有兩個姑子進來，寶玉看是地藏庵的，來和寶釵說：“請二奶奶安。”寶釵待理不理的說：“你們好？”因叫人來：“倒茶給師父們喝。”寶玉原要和那姑子說話，見寶釵似乎厭惡這些，也不好兜搭。Just as he was about to sit down and compose his mind, two nuns entered. Baoyu saw that they were from Dizang Convent. They came up to Baochai and said, “Our respects to Second Young Mistress.” Barely acknowledging them, Baochai said, “Are you well?” Then she called to a servant, “Bring the reverend sisters some tea.” Baoyu had originally meant to speak with the nuns, but seeing that Baochai seemed to dislike such people, he did not care to engage them.那姑子知道寶釵是個冷人，也不久坐，辭了要去。The nuns knew Baochai to be a cool and reserved person, so they did not linger, but took their leave.寶釵道：“再坐坐去罷。”那姑子道：“我們因在鐵檻寺做了功德，好些時沒來請太太奶奶們的安，今日來了，見過了奶奶太太們，還要看四姑娘呢。”寶釵點頭，由他去了。“Stay a little longer,” said Baochai. One nun replied, “We have been conducting rites at Iron Threshold Temple, and for quite some time have not come to pay our respects to the ladies of the household. Now that we are here today, after seeing the mistresses and young mistresses, we must also visit Fourth Miss.” Baochai nodded and let them go.

那姑子便到惜春那里，見了彩屏，說：“姑娘在那里呢？”彩屏道：“不用提了。The nuns went on to Xichun’s quarters, where they saw Caiping and asked, “Where is Miss?” Caiping said, “Do not even mention it.姑娘這幾天飯都沒吃，只是歪著。”那姑子道：“為什麼？”彩屏道：“說也話長。For the past few days Miss has eaten nothing and has only lain listlessly in bed.” “Why is that?” asked the nun. “It is a long story,” said Caiping.你見了姑娘只怕他便和你說了。”惜春早已聽見，急忙坐起來說：“你們兩個人好啊？“Once you see Miss, she will probably tell you herself.” Xichun had already heard them and hurriedly sat up, saying, “So the two of you are well, are you?見我們家事差了，便不來了。”那姑子道：“阿彌陀佛！Now that our family’s fortunes have declined, you no longer come to see us.” “Amitabha!” cried the nun.有也是施主，沒也是施主，別說我們是本家庵里的，受過老太太多少恩惠呢。“Whether a patron has wealth or not, she is still our patron. Besides, ours is your family convent; think how many favors we received from the Old Lady!如今老太太的事，太太奶奶們都見了，只沒有見姑娘，心里惦記，今兒是特特的來瞧姑娘來的。”惜春便問起水月庵的姑子來，那姑子道：“他們庵里鬧了些事，如今門上也不肯常放進來了。”便問惜春道：“前兒聽見說櫳翠庵的妙師父怎麼跟了人去了？”惜春道：“那里的話！Since the Old Lady’s passing, we have seen all the mistresses and young mistresses, but not you, Miss, and we have been concerned. Today we came especially to see you.” Xichun asked about the nuns of Water Moon Convent. “There has been some trouble at their convent,” the nun replied, “and the gatekeepers here are no longer willing to let them in as often as before.” She then asked Xichun, “The other day we heard that Reverend Miaoyu of Green Bower Hermitage had gone off with someone. What happened?” “What nonsense!” said Xichun.說這個話的人隄防著割舌頭。“Whoever says such a thing had better beware of having their tongue cut out.人家遭了強盜搶去，怎麼還說這樣的坏話。”那姑子道：“妙師父的為人怪僻，只怕是假惺惺罷。She was carried away by bandits—how can people still tell such vile tales about her?” The nun said, “Reverend Miaoyu was an eccentric sort; perhaps all her piety was mere pretense.在姑娘面前我們也不好說的。We should not really say such things before you, Miss.那里象我們這些粗夯人，只知道諷經念佛，給人家忏悔，也為著自己修個善果。”惜春道：“怎麼樣就是善果呢？”那姑子道：“除了咱們家這樣善德人家兒不怕，若是別人家，那些誥命夫人小姐也保不住一輩子的榮華。She was nothing like rough, simple folk such as us, who know only to chant sutras and invoke the Buddha, to perform penances for others and cultivate a blessed reward for ourselves.” “And what counts as a blessed reward?” asked Xichun. The nun replied, “There is no cause for fear in a virtuous household like yours, but in other families even titled ladies and young misses cannot be assured of glory and splendor all their lives.到了苦難來了，可就救不得了。When calamity comes, there may be no saving them.只有個觀世音菩薩大慈大悲，遇見人家有苦難的就慈心發動，設法兒救濟。Only Guanshiyin Bodhisattva, in her great mercy and compassion, is moved to pity whenever people suffer calamity and finds some means to deliver them.為什麼如今都說大慈大悲救苦救難的觀世音菩薩呢。Why else does everyone call her Guanshiyin Bodhisattva, the greatly merciful and compassionate savior from suffering and distress?我們修了行的人，雖說比夫人小姐們苦多著呢，只是沒有險難的了。Those of us who have entered the religious life may suffer far more than ladies and young misses, but at least we are free from danger and disaster.雖不能成佛作祖，修修來世或者轉個男身，自己也就好了。Even if we cannot become buddhas or patriarchs, by cultivating merit we may perhaps be reborn as men in our next lives, and then all will be well with us.不象如今脫生了個女人胎子，什麼委屈煩難都說不出來。It will not be like being born into a woman’s body in this life, with grievances and troubles too many even to speak of.姑娘你還不知道呢，要是人家姑娘們出了門子，這一輩子跟著人是更沒法兒的。You do not yet understand, Miss: once a young woman marries out, she must follow another for the rest of her life, and there is even less she can do for herself.若說修行，也只要修得真。As for taking religious vows, one need only practice sincerely.那妙師父自為才情比我們強，他就嫌我們這些人俗，豈知俗的才能得善緣呢。Reverend Miaoyu thought herself more gifted than us and despised us for being vulgar, not realizing that only the vulgar are likely to attain a blessed destiny.他如今到底是遭了大劫了。”惜春被那姑子一番話說得合在机上，也顧不得丫頭們在這里，便將尤氏待他怎樣，前兒看家的事說了一遍。In the end, she has suffered a great calamity.” The nun’s words went straight to Xichun’s heart; heedless of the maids’ presence, she recounted how Youshi had treated her and what had happened when she had recently been left in charge of the house.并將頭髮指給他瞧道：“你打諒我是什麼沒主意戀火坑的人么？Pointing to her hair, she said, “Do you suppose I am some irresolute creature, attached to this fiery pit?早有這樣的心，只是想不出道兒來。”那姑子聽了，假作驚慌道：“姑娘再別說這個話！I formed this intention long ago; I simply could not find a way to carry it out.” The nun, hearing this, feigned alarm and said, “You must never say such a thing again, Miss!珍大奶奶聽見還要罵殺我們，攆出庵去呢！If Mistress Zhen hears of it, she will curse us to death and drive us from the convent!姑娘這樣人品，這樣人家，將來配個好姑爺，享一輩子的榮華富貴。”惜春不等說完，便紅了臉說：“珍大奶奶攆得你，我就攆不得么？”那姑子知是真心，便索性激他一激，說道：“姑娘別怪我們說錯了話，太太奶奶們那里就依得姑娘的性子呢？A person of your quality, born into such a family, will someday be matched with a fine husband and enjoy glory and riches all her life.” Before she could finish, Xichun flushed and said, “If Mistress Zhen can drive you out, do you think I cannot?” Realizing that Xichun was in earnest, the nun decided to provoke her further and said, “Do not blame us for speaking amiss, Miss, but how could the mistresses and young mistresses possibly let you have your own way?那時鬧出沒意思來倒不好。It would be unfortunate if you made a scene then and brought humiliation upon yourself.我們倒是為姑娘的話。”惜春道：“這也瞧罷咧。”彩屏等聽這話頭不好，便使個眼色兒給姑子叫他去。We speak only for your sake.” “We shall see about that,” said Xichun. Caiping and the others, disliking the turn the conversation had taken, signaled with their eyes for the nun to leave.那姑子會意，本來心里也害怕，不敢挑逗，便告辭出去。The nun understood. She herself had grown frightened and dared provoke Xichun no further, so she took her leave.惜春也不留他，便冷笑道：“打諒天下就是你們一個地藏庵么！”那姑子也不敢答言去了。Xichun made no attempt to keep her, but merely sneered, “Do you imagine Dizang Convent is the only convent in the world?” The nun dared not answer and went away.

那姑子便到惜春那里，见了彩屏，说：“姑娘在那里呢？”彩屏道：“不用提了。姑娘这几天饭都没吃，只是歪著。”那姑子道：“为什么？”彩屏道：“说也话长。你见了姑娘只怕他便和你说了。”惜春早已听见，急忙坐起来说：“你们两个人好啊？见我们家事差了，便不来了。”那姑子道：“阿弥陀佛！有也是施主，没也是施主，别说我们是本家庵里的，受过老太太多少恩惠呢。如今老太太的事，太太奶奶们都见了，只没有见姑娘，心里惦记，今儿是特特的来瞧姑娘来的。”惜春便问起水月庵的姑子来，那姑子道：“他们庵里闹了些事，如今门上也不肯常放进来了。”便问惜春道：“前儿听见说栊翠庵的妙师父怎么跟了人去了？”惜春道：“那里的话！说这个话的人隄防著割舌头。人家遭了强盗抢去，怎么还说这样的坏话。”那姑子道：“妙师父的为人怪僻，只怕是假惺惺罢。在姑娘面前我们也不好说的。那里象我们这些粗夯人，只知道讽经念佛，给人家忏悔，也为著自己修个善果。”惜春道：“怎么样就是善果呢？”那姑子道：“除了咱们家这样善德人家儿不怕，若是别人家，那些诰命夫人小姐也保不住一辈子的荣华。到了苦难来了，可就救不得了。只有个观世音菩萨大慈大悲，遇见人家有苦难的就慈心发动，设法儿救济。为什么如今都说大慈大悲救苦救难的观世音菩萨呢。我们修了行的人，虽说比夫人小姐们苦多著呢，只是没有险难的了。虽不能成佛作祖，修修来世或者转个男身，自己也就好了。不象如今脱生了个女人胎子，什么委屈烦难都说不出来。姑娘你还不知道呢，要是人家姑娘们出了门子，这一辈子跟著人是更没法儿的。若说修行，也只要修得真。那妙师父自为才情比我们强，他就嫌我们这些人俗，岂知俗的才能得善缘呢。他如今到底是遭了大劫了。”惜春被那姑子一番话说得合在机上，也顾不得丫头们在这里，便将尤氏待他怎样，前儿看家的事说了一遍。并将头发指给他瞧道：“你打谅我是什么没主意恋火坑的人么？早有这样的心，只是想不出道儿来。”那姑子听了，假作惊慌道：“姑娘再别说这个话！珍大奶奶听见还要骂杀我们，撵出庵去呢！姑娘这样人品，这样人家，将来配个好姑爷，享一辈子的荣华富贵。”惜春不等说完，便红了脸说：“珍大奶奶撵得你，我就撵不得么？”那姑子知是真心，便索性激他一激，说道：“姑娘别怪我们说错了话，太太奶奶们那里就依得姑娘的性子呢？那时闹出没意思来倒不好。我们倒是为姑娘的话。”惜春道：“这也瞧罢咧。”彩屏等听这话头不好，便使个眼色儿给姑子叫他去。那姑子会意，本来心里也害怕，不敢挑逗，便告辞出去。惜春也不留他，便冷笑道：“打谅天下就是你们一个地藏庵么！”那姑子也不敢答言去了。

彩屏見事不妥，恐擔不是，悄悄的去告訴了尤氏說：“四姑娘絞頭髮的念頭還沒有息呢。Seeing that matters were going badly and fearing that she might be blamed, Caiping secretly went to Youshi and reported, “Fourth Miss has still not abandoned the idea of cutting off her hair.他這幾天不是病，竟是怨命。She has not really been ill these past few days; she is railing against her fate.奶奶隄防些，別鬧出事來，那會子歸罪我們身上。”尤氏道：“他那里是為要出家，他為的是大爺不在家，安心和我過不去，也只好由他罷了。”彩屏等沒法，也只好常常勸解。You must be on your guard, Mistress, lest something happen and the blame later fall upon us.” Youshi said, “She does not truly want to become a nun. She is deliberately setting herself against me because the master is away. We can only let her be.” Caiping and the others could do nothing but continue trying to reason with her.豈知惜春一天一天的不吃飯，只想絞頭髮。Little did they know that with each passing day Xichun ate less and thought only of cutting off her hair.彩屏等吃不住，只得到各處告訴。Caiping and the others could bear the responsibility no longer and had to report the matter throughout the household.邢王二夫人等也都勸了好幾次，怎奈惜春執迷不解。Ladies Xing and Wang and the rest remonstrated with her several times, but Xichun stubbornly refused to see reason.

邢王二夫人正要告訴賈政，只聽外頭傳進來說：“甄家的太太帶了他們家的寶玉來了。”眾人急忙接出，便在王夫人處坐下。Just as Ladies Xing and Wang were preparing to tell Jia Zheng, word came in from outside: “The lady of the Zhen family has arrived with their Baoyu.” Everyone hurried out to receive them, and they sat down in Lady Wang’s apartments.眾人行禮，敘些溫寒，不必細述。They exchanged salutations and conventional inquiries after one another’s health, which need not be related in detail.只言王夫人提起甄寶玉與自己的寶玉無二，要請甄寶玉一見。Suffice it to say that Lady Wang remarked that Zhen Baoyu was exactly like her own Baoyu and asked to see him.傳話出去，回來說道：“甄少爺在外書房同老爺說話，說的投了机了，打發人來請我們二爺三爺，還叫蘭哥兒，在外頭吃飯。A message was sent out, and the servant returned to report, “Young Master Zhen is speaking with Master in the outer study, and they have found one another most congenial. Master has sent for our Second and Third Young Masters, as well as young Master Lan, to dine outside.吃了飯進來。”說畢，里頭也便擺飯。They will come in after the meal.” When this had been said, the meal was also laid inside.不題。No more of this for now.

且說賈政見甄寶玉相貌果與寶玉一樣，試探他的文才，竟應對如流，甚是心敬，故叫寶玉等三人出來警勵他們。Now Jia Zheng, seeing that Zhen Baoyu’s appearance was indeed identical to Baoyu’s, tested his literary ability and found him able to answer fluently. He admired him greatly and therefore summoned Baoyu and the other two, to spur them to greater effort by his example.再者倒底叫寶玉來比一比。Besides, he ultimately wished to bring Baoyu out and compare the two.寶玉聽命，穿了素服，帶了兄弟侄兒出來，見了甄寶玉，竟是舊相識一般。Obeying the summons, Baoyu put on his plain mourning clothes and brought his brother and nephew out with him. When he saw Zhen Baoyu, it was as though they had long known each other.那甄寶玉也象那里見過的，兩人行了禮，然後賈環賈蘭相見。Zhen Baoyu too felt as if he had seen him somewhere before. The two exchanged bows, after which Jia Huan and Jia Lan were introduced.本來賈政席地而坐，要讓甄寶玉在椅子上坐。Jia Zheng had originally been seated on the floor and had invited Zhen Baoyu to sit in a chair.甄寶玉因是晚輩，不敢上坐，就在地下舖了褥子坐下。But as a junior, Zhen Baoyu dared not take the higher seat, so a cushion was spread for him on the floor and he sat there.如今寶玉等出來，又不能同賈政一處坐著，為甄寶玉又是晚一輩，又不好叫寶玉等站著。Now that Baoyu and the others had come out, they could not sit together with Jia Zheng; yet Zhen Baoyu was a generation junior to him, so it would not do to leave Baoyu and the others standing either.賈政知是不便，站著又說了幾句話，叫人擺飯，說：“我失陪，叫小兒輩陪著，大家說說話兒，好叫他們領領大教。”甄寶玉遜謝道：“老伯大人請便。Seeing the awkwardness, Jia Zheng rose and, after a few more words, ordered the meal to be served. He said, “You must excuse me. I shall have the younger generation keep you company and converse with you, so that they may profit by your distinguished instruction.” Zhen Baoyu modestly protested, “Please do as you please, honored uncle.侄兒正欲領世兄們的教呢。”賈政回复了幾句，便自往內書房去。It is I who was just hoping to benefit from the instruction of my elder cousins.” Jia Zheng answered with a few civilities and then went off alone to the inner study.那甄寶玉反要送出來，賈政攔住。Zhen Baoyu tried to escort him out, but Jia Zheng stopped him.寶玉等先搶了一步出了書房門檻，站立著看賈政進去，然後進來讓甄寶玉坐下。Baoyu and the others had already hurried a step ahead across the threshold of the study. Standing there, they watched Jia Zheng go inside, then returned and invited Zhen Baoyu to sit.彼此套敘了一回，諸如久慕竭想的話，也不必細述。They exchanged polite formulas for a time—speaking of long-standing admiration and eager hopes of meeting—which need not be related in detail.

且說賈寶玉見了甄寶玉，想到夢中之景，并且素知甄寶玉為人必是和他同心，以為得了知己。Now Jia Baoyu, upon seeing Zhen Baoyu, recalled the scene in his dream; moreover, he had always understood Zhen Baoyu to be a man after his own heart, and believed he had found a true kindred spirit.因初次見面，不便造次。But since this was their first meeting, he could not behave too freely.且又賈環賈蘭在坐，只有极力夸贊說：“久仰芳名，無由親炙。Moreover, Jia Huan and Jia Lan were present, so he could only lavish praise on him, saying, “I have long admired your fragrant name, elder cousin, but never had the opportunity to receive your instruction in person.今日見面，真是謫仙一流的人物。”那甄寶玉素來也知賈寶玉的為人，今日一見，果然不差，”只是可與我共學，不可與你适道，他既和我同名同貌，也是三生石上的舊精魂了。Now that I see you today, you are truly one of the banished immortals.” Zhen Baoyu had long known Jia Baoyu’s character, and now that he saw him, found the reports entirely accurate. He thought, “He may study alongside me, but one cannot discuss the Way with him. Since he shares my name and appearance, he too must be an old spirit from the Stone of Three Incarnations.既我略知了些道理，怎麼不和他講講。Since I have come to understand something of true principles, why should I not explain them to him?但是初見，尚不知他的心與我同不同，只好緩緩的來。”便道：“世兄的才名，弟所素知的，在世兄是數萬人的里頭選出來最清最雅的，在弟是庸庸碌碌一等愚人，忝附同名，殊覺玷辱了這兩個字。”賈寶玉聽了，心想：“這個人果然同我的心一樣的。Yet this is our first meeting, and I do not know whether his heart is truly like mine, so I had better proceed gradually.” He said, “I have long known of your literary reputation, elder cousin. You are the purest and most refined of tens of thousands, while I am merely a commonplace fool. To have presumed to bear the same name seems a grievous dishonor to those two characters.” Jia Baoyu, hearing this, thought, “This man’s heart is indeed the same as mine.但是你我都是男人，不比那女孩兒們清洁，怎麼他拿我當作女孩兒看待起來？”便道：“世兄謬贊，實不敢當。But we are both men and cannot compare in purity with girls; why has he begun treating me as though I were a girl?” He replied, “Your praise is excessive, elder cousin, and I truly dare not accept it.弟是至濁至愚，只不過一塊頑石耳，何敢比世兄品望高清，實稱此兩字。”甄寶玉道：“弟少時不知分量，自謂尚可琢磨。I am the most impure and foolish of men, no more than an unyielding stone. How could I compare with your lofty character and reputation, which truly merit the name Baoyu?” Zhen Baoyu said, “When I was young and knew no better, I fancied that I might still be polished into something useful.豈知家遭消索，數年來更比瓦礫猶殘，雖不敢說歷盡甘苦，然世道人情略略的領悟了好些。Little did I know that my family would decline and that, over these past several years, I would become more broken and worthless than tile or rubble. Though I dare not claim to have tasted every sweetness and bitterness, I have nevertheless come to understand something of the ways of the world and the feelings of men.世兄是錦衣玉食，無不遂心的，必是文章經濟高出人上，所以老伯鐘愛，將為席上之珍。You, elder cousin, are clothed in brocade and fed on jade, and all your wishes are fulfilled. Your attainments in letters and statecraft must far surpass those of others, and therefore your honored father cherishes you and intends you to become a treasure fit for the highest seat.弟所以才說尊名方稱。”賈寶玉聽這話頭又近了碌蠹的舊套，想話回答。That is why I said that your honored name alone is well bestowed.” Hearing his talk lapse once more into the old formulas of career-grubbing pedants, Jia Baoyu considered how to answer.賈環見未與他說話，心中早不自在。Jia Huan, having received no opportunity to speak with the guest, had long since grown uncomfortable.倒是賈蘭聽了這話甚覺合意，便說道：“世叔所言固是太謙，若論到文章經濟，實在從歷練中出來的，方為真才實學。Jia Lan, however, found these words very much to his taste and said, “What you say, honored uncle, is certainly too modest. As for letters and statecraft, only what emerges from worldly experience can truly be called solid learning and genuine ability.在小侄年幼，雖不知文章為何物，然將讀過的細味起來，那膏粱文繡比著令聞廣譽，真是不啻百倍的了。”甄寶玉未及答言，賈寶玉聽了蘭兒的話心里越發不合，想道：“這孩子從幾時也學了這一派酸論。”便說道：“弟聞得世兄也詆盡流俗，性情中另有一番見解。Though I am young and do not know what literature really is, when I carefully savor what I have read, I find that rich food and embroidered robes are truly not one hundredth as valuable as a good name and widespread renown.” Before Zhen Baoyu could answer, Jia Baoyu, increasingly repelled by Lan’s words, thought, “When did this child learn to spout this school of sour doctrine?” He said, “I have heard, elder cousin, that you too despise all vulgar conventions and possess uncommon insights born of your own nature.今日弟幸會芝范，想欲領教一番超凡入圣的道理，從此可以淨洗俗腸，重開眼界，不意視弟為蠢物，所以將世路的話來酬應。”甄寶玉聽說，心里曉得”他知我少年的性情，所以疑我為假。Fortunate enough today to behold your noble presence, I had hoped to receive some transcendent and sagely teaching, so that I might cleanse my vulgar heart and have my eyes newly opened. I did not expect you to regard me as a dolt and therefore entertain me with talk of worldly advancement.” Hearing this, Zhen Baoyu understood: “He knows what my disposition was in youth and therefore suspects me of insincerity.我索性把話說明，或者與我作個知心朋友也是好的。”便說道：“世兄高論，固是真切。I may as well explain myself plainly; perhaps he may yet become an intimate friend.” He said, “Your lofty observations, elder cousin, are indeed sincere and penetrating.但弟少時也曾深惡那些舊套陳言，只是一年長似一年，家君致仕在家，懶于酬應，委弟接待。But in my youth I too deeply detested those stale formulas and worn-out sayings. As I grew older, however, my honored father retired from office and, being disinclined to social obligations, entrusted me with receiving visitors.後來見過那些大人先生盡都是顯親揚名的人，便是著書立說，無非言忠言孝，自有一番立德立言的事業，方不枉生在圣明之時，也不致負了父親師長養育教誨之恩，所以把少時那一派迂想痴情漸漸的淘汰了些。Later I met many eminent gentlemen, all of whom brought honor to their parents and fame to their names. Even when they wrote books and advanced doctrines, they spoke invariably of loyalty and filial piety. Only by accomplishing something in moral conduct and teaching can one avoid having lived in vain under an enlightened reign and avoid betraying the grace of one’s father and teachers in nurturing and instructing one. Thus I have gradually cast off some of the foolish notions and infatuated sentiments of my youth.如今尚欲訪師覓友，教導愚蒙，幸會世兄，定當有以教我。I still wish to seek teachers and friends who can instruct my ignorance. Now that I have fortunately met you, elder cousin, you will surely have something to teach me.适才所言，并非虛意。”賈寶玉愈聽愈不耐煩，又不好冷淡，只得將言語支吾。What I said just now was no empty courtesy.” The more Jia Baoyu heard, the more impatient he became; yet he could not treat the guest coldly and could only answer evasively.幸喜里頭傳出話來說：“若是外頭爺們吃了飯，請甄少爺里頭去坐呢。”寶玉聽了，趁勢便邀甄寶玉進去。Fortunately, a message came from inside: “If the gentlemen outside have finished their meal, please invite Young Master Zhen to come sit inside.” Glad of the opportunity, Baoyu immediately invited Zhen Baoyu in.

且说贾宝玉见了甄宝玉，想到梦中之景，并且素知甄宝玉为人必是和他同心，以为得了知己。因初次见面，不便造次。且又贾环贾兰在坐，只有极力夸赞说：“久仰芳名，无由亲炙。今日见面，真是谪仙一流的人物。”那甄宝玉素来也知贾宝玉的为人，今日一见，果然不差，”只是可与我共学，不可与你适道，他既和我同名同貌，也是三生石上的旧精魂了。既我略知了些道理，怎么不和他讲讲。但是初见，尚不知他的心与我同不同，只好缓缓的来。”便道：“世兄的才名，弟所素知的，在世兄是数万人的里头选出来最清最雅的，在弟是庸庸碌碌一等愚人，忝附同名，殊觉玷辱了这两个字。”贾宝玉听了，心想：“这个人果然同我的心一样的。但是你我都是男人，不比那女孩儿们清洁，怎么他拿我当作女孩儿看待起来？”便道：“世兄谬赞，实不敢当。弟是至浊至愚，只不过一块顽石耳，何敢比世兄品望高清，实称此两字。”甄宝玉道：“弟少时不知分量，自谓尚可琢磨。岂知家遭消索，数年来更比瓦砾犹残，虽不敢说历尽甘苦，然世道人情略略的领悟了好些。世兄是锦衣玉食，无不遂心的，必是文章经济高出人上，所以老伯钟爱，将为席上之珍。弟所以才说尊名方称。”贾宝玉听这话头又近了碌蠹的旧套，想话回答。贾环见未与他说话，心中早不自在。倒是贾兰听了这话甚觉合意，便说道：“世叔所言固是太谦，若论到文章经济，实在从历练中出来的，方为真才实学。在小侄年幼，虽不知文章为何物，然将读过的细味起来，那膏粱文绣比著令闻广誉，真是不啻百倍的了。”甄宝玉未及答言，贾宝玉听了兰儿的话心里越发不合，想道：“这孩子从几时也学了这一派酸论。”便说道：“弟闻得世兄也诋尽流俗，性情中另有一番见解。今日弟幸会芝范，想欲领教一番超凡入圣的道理，从此可以净洗俗肠，重开眼界，不意视弟为蠢物，所以将世路的话来酬应。”甄宝玉听说，心里晓得”他知我少年的性情，所以疑我为假。我索性把话说明，或者与我作个知心朋友也是好的。”便说道：“世兄高论，固是真切。但弟少时也曾深恶那些旧套陈言，只是一年长似一年，家君致仕在家，懒于酬应，委弟接待。后来见过那些大人先生尽都是显亲扬名的人，便是著书立说，无非言忠言孝，自有一番立德立言的事业，方不枉生在圣明之时，也不致负了父亲师长养育教诲之恩，所以把少时那一派迂想痴情渐渐的淘汰了些。如今尚欲访师觅友，教导愚蒙，幸会世兄，定当有以教我。适才所言，并非虚意。”贾宝玉愈听愈不耐烦，又不好冷淡，只得将言语支吾。幸喜里头传出话来说：“若是外头爷们吃了饭，请甄少爷里头去坐呢。”宝玉听了，趁势便邀甄宝玉进去。

那甄寶玉依命前行，賈寶玉等陪著來見王夫人。Zhen Baoyu obeyed and went ahead, while Jia Baoyu and the others accompanied him to see Lady Wang.賈寶玉見是甄太太上坐，便先請過了安，賈環賈蘭也見了。Seeing Madam Zhen seated in the place of honor, Jia Baoyu first paid his respects to her; Jia Huan and Jia Lan did likewise.甄寶玉也請了王夫人的安。Zhen Baoyu also paid his respects to Lady Wang.兩母兩子互相廝認。The two mothers and two sons acknowledged one another as kin.雖是賈寶玉是娶過親的，那甄夫人年紀已老，又是老親，因見賈寶玉的相貌身材與他兒子一般，不禁親熱起來。Though Jia Baoyu was already married, Madam Zhen was elderly and an old family connection; seeing that Jia Baoyu’s face and figure were identical to her son’s, she could not help becoming affectionate toward him.王夫人更不用說，拉著甄寶玉問長問短，覺得比自己家的寶玉老成些。Still more so was Lady Wang: she took Zhen Baoyu by the hand and questioned him at length, finding him somewhat more mature and steady than her own Baoyu.回看賈蘭，也是清秀超群的，雖不能象兩個寶玉的形像，也還隨得上。Turning to Jia Lan, she saw that he too was delicate-featured and outstanding; though he could not rival the two Baoyus in appearance, he was not far behind.只有賈環粗夯，未免有偏愛之色。Only Jia Huan was coarse and clumsy, so she could not help revealing her partiality.眾人一見兩個寶玉在這里，都來瞧看，說道：“真真奇事，名字同了也罷，怎麼相貌身材都是一樣的。When the household heard that the two Baoyus were together, everyone came to look at them, saying, “It is truly marvelous! Having the same name would be remarkable enough, but how can their faces and figures be identical too?虧得是我們寶玉穿孝，若是一樣的衣服穿著，一時也認不出來。”內中紫鵑一時痴意發作，便想起黛玉來，心里說道：“可惜林姑娘死了，若不死時，就將那甄寶玉配了他，只怕也是願意的。”正想著，只聽得甄夫人道：“前日聽得我們老爺回來說，我們寶玉年紀也大了，求這里老爺留心一門親事。”王夫人正愛甄寶玉，順口便說道：“我也想要與令郎作伐。Fortunately our Baoyu is wearing mourning clothes. If the two were dressed alike, we would not be able to tell them apart at a glance.” Among them, Zijuan was suddenly seized by one of her wistful fancies and thought of Daiyu. She said to herself, “What a pity Miss Lin is dead! Had she lived, she might have been matched with this Zhen Baoyu, and perhaps she would have been willing.” As she mused, she heard Madam Zhen say, “The other day, when our master returned, he said that our Baoyu is now grown and asked the master here to keep an eye out for a suitable marriage.” Lady Wang had taken a great liking to Zhen Baoyu and readily replied, “I too should like to act as matchmaker for your son.我家有四個姑娘，那三個都不用說，死的死，嫁的嫁了，還有我們珍大侄兒的妹子，只是年紀過小幾歲，恐怕難配。There were four girls in our family, but of the other three there is no more to be said: some have died and some have married. There remains the younger sister of our nephew Zhen, but she is several years too young, so I fear they would not make a suitable match.倒是我們大媳婦的兩個堂妹子生得人才齊整，二姑娘呢，已經許了人家，三姑娘正好與令郎為配。Our eldest daughter-in-law, however, has two younger female cousins, both handsome and accomplished. The second has already been promised in marriage, but the third would make an excellent match for your son.過一天我給令郎作媒，但是他家的家計如今差些。”甄夫人道：“太太這話又客套了。One of these days I shall make the proposal on his behalf, though her family’s circumstances are now somewhat reduced.” Madam Zhen said, “You are being too ceremonious, my lady.如今我們家還有什麼，只怕人家嫌我們窮罷了。”王夫人道：“現今府上复又出了差，將來不但复舊，必是比先前更要鼎盛起來。”甄夫人笑著道：“但願依著太太的話更好。What do we possess nowadays? I fear only that they may despise us for our poverty.” Lady Wang replied, “Your household has now received another official appointment. In time, not only will its former prosperity be restored, but it will surely flourish more splendidly than before.” Madam Zhen smiled and said, “Nothing could be better than for your words to come true.這麼著就求太太作個保山。”甄寶玉聽他們說起親事，便告辭出來。In that case, we shall ask you to be our guarantor and matchmaker.” Hearing them begin to discuss his marriage, Zhen Baoyu excused himself and withdrew.賈寶玉等只得陪著來到書房，見賈政已在那里，复又立談幾句。Jia Baoyu and the others had no choice but to accompany him back to the study, where they found Jia Zheng already present, and they again conversed standing for a few moments.聽見甄家的人來回甄寶玉道：“太太要走了，請爺回去罷。”于是甄寶玉告辭出來。Then a servant of the Zhen family came and reported to Zhen Baoyu, “Madam is about to leave; please come back now, young master.” Zhen Baoyu accordingly took his leave.賈政命寶玉環蘭相送。Jia Zheng ordered Baoyu, Huan, and Lan to see him out.不題。No more of this.

且說寶玉自那日見了甄寶玉之父，知道甄寶玉來京，朝夕盼望。Now ever since Baoyu had met Zhen Baoyu’s father and learned that Zhen Baoyu had come to the capital, he had longed morning and evening to see him.今兒見面原想得一知己，豈知談了半天，竟有些冰炭不投。When at last they met that day, he had expected to find a kindred spirit; yet after half a day’s conversation, they proved as irreconcilable as ice and burning coals.悶悶的回到自己房中，也不言，也不笑，只管發怔。He returned gloomily to his room, neither speaking nor smiling, but merely staring vacantly.寶釵便問：“那甄寶玉果然象你么？”寶玉道：“相貌倒還是一樣的。Baochai asked, “Does that Zhen Baoyu really look like you?” “Our appearances are indeed alike,” Baoyu replied.只是言談間看起來并不知道什麼，不過也是個祿蠹。”寶釵道：“你又編派人家了。“But judging by his conversation, he understands nothing at all. He is merely another career-grubbing pedant.” Baochai said, “There you go maligning someone again.怎麼就見得也是個祿蠹呢？”寶玉道：“他說了半天，并沒個明心見性之談，不過說些什麼文章經濟，又說什麼為忠為孝，這樣人可不是個祿蠹么！How can you tell that he too is a career-grubbing pedant?” Baoyu answered, “He talked for half the day without saying a word about illuminating the mind and beholding one’s true nature. All he spoke of was letters and statecraft, loyalty and filial piety. If such a man is not a career-grubbing pedant, what is he?只可惜他也生了這樣一個相貌。It is only a pity that he was born with such an appearance.我想來，有了他，我竟要連我這個相貌都不要了。”寶釵見他又發呆話，便說道：“你真真說出句話來叫人發笑，這相貌怎麼能不要呢。Now that he has it too, I feel I no longer want even this face of mine.” Seeing him talk nonsense again, Baochai said, “What you say is truly laughable. How can you cast off your own appearance?況且人家這話是正理，做了一個男人原該要立身揚名的，誰象你一味的柔情私意。Besides, what he said was perfectly sound. A man ought to establish himself and win a name; who but you would devote himself entirely to tender feelings and private affections?不說自己沒有剛烈，倒說人家是祿蠹。”寶玉本聽了甄寶玉的話甚不耐煩，又被寶釵搶白了一場，心中更加不樂，悶悶昏昏，不覺將舊病又勾起來了，并不言語，只是傻笑。Instead of admitting your own lack of manly resolution, you call him a career-grubbing pedant.” Baoyu had already been greatly vexed by Zhen Baoyu’s words; now that Baochai had rebuked him as well, he became unhappier still. Sunk in a gloomy stupor, he unconsciously brought on a recurrence of his former illness. He said nothing and merely grinned foolishly.寶釵不知，只道是“我的話錯了，他所以冷笑”，也不理他。Baochai did not understand, but thought, “My words must have been wrong, and that is why he is sneering,” and paid him no further attention.豈知那日便有些發呆，襲人等慪他也不言語。Little did she know that he had become somewhat deranged that very day; even when Xiren and the others teased and provoked him, he said nothing.過了一夜，次日起來只是發呆，竟有前番病的樣子。After a night had passed, he rose the next morning only to stare blankly, showing all the signs of his former illness.

一日，王夫人因為惜春定要絞髮出家，尤氏不能攔阻，看著惜春的樣子是若不依他必要自盡的，雖然晝夜著人看著，終非常事，便告訴了賈政。One day, because Xichun remained determined to cut off her hair and become a nun, and Youshi was unable to restrain her, Lady Wang saw from Xichun’s manner that unless they yielded she would surely kill herself. Though servants watched her day and night, this was no lasting solution, so Lady Wang told Jia Zheng.賈政歎氣跺腳，只說：“東府里不知干了什麼，鬧到如此地位。”叫了賈蓉來說了一頓，叫他去和他母親說，認真勸解勸解。”若是必要這樣，就不是我們家的姑娘了。”豈知尤氏不勸還好，一勸了更要尋死，說：“做了女孩兒終不能在家一輩子的，若象二姐姐一樣，老爺太太們倒要煩心，況且死了。Jia Zheng sighed and stamped his foot, saying only, “Who knows what they have done in the Eastern Mansion to bring matters to such a pass!” He summoned Jia Rong, gave him a severe lecture, and told him to speak to his mother and have her earnestly reason with Xichun. “If she insists upon this, she is no longer a daughter of our family.” Yet Youshi would have done better not to remonstrate: the more she did, the more determined Xichun became to die, saying, “A girl cannot remain at home all her life. If I should fare like Second Sister, the master and mistresses would have still more cause for grief—and she is dead besides.如今譬如我死了似的，放我出了家，乾乾淨淨的一輩子，就是疼我了。Now simply regard me as dead: let me enter religion and pass my whole life in spotless purity, and that will be true kindness to me.況且我又不出門，就是櫳翠庵，原是咱們家的基趾，我就在那里修行。Besides, I shall not even leave the estate. Green Bower Hermitage stands on land belonging to our family, and I shall practice there.我有什麼，你們也照應得著。Whatever happens to me, you will still be able to look after me.現在妙玉的當家的在那里。The nun who was in charge of Miaoyu’s convent is there now.你們依我呢，我就算得了命了；If you do as I ask, I shall count my life as saved;若不依我呢，我也沒法，只有死就完了。if you will not, there is nothing I can do but die and have done with it.我如若遂了自己的心願，那時哥哥回來我和他說，并不是你們逼著我的。If I am allowed to fulfill my own wish, then when Elder Brother returns, I shall tell him myself that you did not force me into it.若說我死了，未免哥哥回來倒說你們不容我。”尤氏本與惜春不合，聽他的話也似乎有理，只得去回王夫人。But if I die, when Elder Brother returns he may well say that you would not suffer me to remain.” Youshi had never been on good terms with Xichun, but what she said seemed reasonable enough, so she had no choice but to report it to Lady Wang.

王夫人已到寶釵那里，見寶玉神魂失所，心下著忙，便說襲人道：“你們忒不留神，二爺犯了病也不來回我。”襲人道：“二爺的病原來是常有的，一時好，一時不好。Lady Wang had already gone to Baochai’s quarters. Seeing Baoyu distraught and beside himself, she grew anxious and said to Xiren, “You have all been far too careless. Second Master fell ill, yet none of you came to tell me.” Xiren replied, “Second Master has always had these spells: well one moment and unwell the next.天天到太太那里仍舊請安去，原是好好兒的，今兒才發糊涂些。He has still gone every day to pay his respects to Your Ladyship and has seemed perfectly well; it was only today that he became somewhat delirious.二奶奶正要來回太太，恐防太太說我們大驚小怪。”寶玉聽見王夫人說他們，心里一時明白，恐他們受委屈，便說道：“太太放心，我沒什麼病，只是心里覺著有些悶悶的。”王夫人道：“你是有這病根子，早說了好請大夫瞧瞧，吃兩劑藥好了不好！Second Mistress was just about to report it to Your Ladyship, but feared you might accuse us of making a great fuss over nothing.” Hearing Lady Wang rebuke them, Baoyu regained his senses for a moment and, fearing they would be unfairly blamed, said, “Please do not worry, Mother. There is nothing much wrong with me; I merely feel rather oppressed at heart.” Lady Wang said, “You have always been prone to this ailment. If you had spoken sooner, we could have summoned a doctor, and two doses of medicine might have put you right!若再鬧到頭里丟了玉的時候似的，就費事了。”寶玉道：“太太不放心便叫個人來瞧瞧，我就吃藥。”王夫人便叫丫頭傳話出來請大夫。If it turns into another affair like the time you lost the jade, we shall have no end of trouble.” Baoyu said, “If Mother is worried, have someone come and examine me, and I shall take the medicine.” Lady Wang accordingly sent a maid out with orders to summon a doctor.這一個心思都在寶玉身上，便將惜春的事忘了。With all her thoughts fixed on Baoyu, she forgot about Xichun’s affair.遲了一回，大夫看了，服藥。After a while the doctor came, examined him, and prescribed medicine, which Baoyu took.王夫人回去。Lady Wang then returned to her own quarters.

過了幾天，寶玉更糊涂了，甚至于飯食不進，大家著急起來。Several days later Baoyu grew still more confused, until he could not even take food, and everyone became alarmed.恰又忙著脫孝，家中無人，又叫了賈芸來照應大夫。They happened also to be busy preparing to put off mourning, and there was no one free in the household, so Jia Yun was called in again to attend to the doctor.賈璉家下無人，請了王仁來在外幫著料理。As Jia Lian had no one available in his household, he asked Wang Ren to help manage matters outside.那巧姐兒是日夜哭母，也是病了。Qiaojie, who wept day and night for her mother, had also fallen ill.所以榮府中又鬧得馬仰人翻。Thus the Rong mansion was once more thrown into utter turmoil.

一日又當脫孝來家，王夫人親身又看寶玉，見寶玉人事不醒，急得眾人手足無措。One day, when the family had returned after the ceremony marking the end of mourning, Lady Wang went personally to see Baoyu again. Finding him unconscious, she and the others were so frantic that they did not know what to do.一面哭著，一面告訴賈政說：“大夫回了，不肯下藥，只好預備後事。”賈政歎氣連連，只得親自看視，見其光景果然不好，便又叫賈璉辦去。Weeping, she told Jia Zheng, “The doctor has given him up and refuses to prescribe any more medicine. We can only prepare for the worst.” Jia Zheng sighed again and again, then went himself to look at Baoyu. Seeing that his condition was indeed grave, he told Jia Lian to make the necessary arrangements.賈璉不敢違拗，只得叫人料理。Jia Lian dared not disobey and had no choice but to order the servants to prepare everything.手頭又短，正在為難，只見一個人跑進來說：“二爺，不好了，又有饑荒來了。”賈璉不知何事，這一唬非同小可，瞪著眼說道：“什麼事？”那小廝道：“門上來了一個和尚，手里拿著二爺的這塊丟的玉，說要一萬賞銀。”賈璉照臉啐道：“我打量什麼事，這樣慌張。But he was short of money and at a loss what to do when a man came running in and cried, “Second Master, disaster! More trouble has come!” Jia Lian did not know what had happened, and the fright was no small matter. Staring wide-eyed, he demanded, “What is it?” The page replied, “A monk has come to the gate holding the jade that Second Master Baoyu lost. He demands ten thousand taels as a reward.” Jia Lian spat in his face. “I thought something dreadful had happened, to make you panic like this.前番那假的你不知道么！Have you forgotten the counterfeit one we had before?就是真的，現在人要死了，要這玉做什麼！”小廝道：“奴才也說了，那和尚說給他銀子就好了。”又聽著外頭嚷進來說：“這和尚撒野，各自跑進來了，眾人攔他攔不住。”賈璉道：“那里有這樣怪事，你們還不快打出去呢。”正鬧著，賈政聽見了，也沒了主意了。Even if it is genuine, the boy is dying now—what use would the jade be to him?” The page said, “I told him that too, but the monk says that if we give him the silver, Second Master will recover.” Then voices were heard shouting outside: “This monk is running wild! He has forced his way in, and no one can stop him!” Jia Lian said, “Who ever heard of such an outrage? Why do you not throw him out at once?” In the midst of the uproar Jia Zheng heard what was happening and was himself at a loss.里頭又哭出來說：“寶二爺不好了！”賈政益發著急。Then someone came out from the inner rooms crying, “Second Master Baoyu is failing!” Jia Zheng grew more anxious than ever.只見那和尚嚷道：“要命拿銀子來！”賈政忽然想起，頭里寶玉的病是和尚治好的，這會子和尚來，或者有救星。Just then the monk shouted, “If you want his life, bring me the silver!” Jia Zheng suddenly remembered that a monk had cured Baoyu’s illness before. Since a monk had come again now, perhaps he might prove their deliverer.但是這玉倘或是真，他要起銀子來怎麼樣呢？But if this jade should be genuine, what were they to do when he demanded his silver?想了一想，姑且不管他，果真人好了再說。After thinking it over, he decided to disregard that for the present; if Baoyu truly recovered, they could discuss it afterward.

賈政叫人去請，那和尚已進來了，也不施禮，也不答話，便往里就跑。Jia Zheng sent someone to invite the monk in, but the monk had already entered. Without bowing or answering anyone, he ran straight toward the inner rooms.賈璉拉著道：“里頭都是內眷，你這野東西混跑什麼！”那和尚道：“遲了就不能救了。”賈璉急得一面走一面亂嚷道：“里頭的人不要哭了，和尚進來了。”王夫人等只顧著哭，那里理會。Jia Lian seized him and said, “The inner apartments are full of womenfolk! What are you, you savage creature, doing barging in there?” The monk replied, “If I am late, he cannot be saved.” In his desperation Jia Lian hurried along, shouting wildly as he went, “Those inside, stop crying! The monk is coming in!” Lady Wang and the others were too absorbed in their grief to heed him.賈璉走近來又嚷，王夫人等回過頭來，見一個長大的和尚，唬了一跳，躲避不及。Jia Lian came nearer and shouted again. Lady Wang and the others turned and, seeing a tall, strapping monk, started in alarm, with no time to withdraw.那和尚直走到寶玉炕前，寶釵避過一邊，襲人見王夫人站著，不敢走開。The monk walked straight to Baoyu’s kang. Baochai moved aside, while Xiren, seeing Lady Wang remain there, dared not leave.只見那和尚道：“施主們，我是送玉來的。”說著，把那塊玉擎著道：“快把銀子拿出來，我好救他。”王夫人等驚惶無措，也不擇真假，便說道：“若是救活了人，銀子是有的。”那和尚笑道：“拿來。”王夫人道：“你放心，橫豎折變的出來。”和尚哈哈大笑，手拿著玉在寶玉耳邊叫道：“寶玉，寶玉，你的寶玉回來了。”說了這一句，王夫人等見寶玉把眼一睜。The monk said, “Good patrons, I have come to return the jade.” Holding it aloft, he added, “Quickly bring out the silver, so that I may save him.” Lady Wang and the others were too frightened and bewildered to question whether the jade was genuine. “If you bring him back to life,” they said, “you shall have the silver.” The monk smiled. “Then bring it here.” Lady Wang said, “Do not worry; one way or another, we can raise it by selling or pawning what we have.” The monk roared with laughter, held the jade beside Baoyu’s ear, and called, “Baoyu! Baoyu! Your precious jade has returned!” As soon as he had said this, Lady Wang and the others saw Baoyu open his eyes.襲人說道：“好了。”只見寶玉便問道：“在那里呢？”那和尚把玉遞給他手里。“He is better!” cried Xiren. Baoyu immediately asked, “Where is it?” The monk placed the jade in his hand.寶玉先前緊緊的攥著，後來慢慢的得過手來，放在自己眼前細細的一看說：“噯呀，久違了！”里外眾人都喜歡的念佛，連寶釵也顧不得有和尚了。At first Baoyu clutched it tightly; then, as his hand gradually regained its strength, he held it before his eyes, examined it closely, and said, “Ah, my old friend—it has been so long!” Everyone inside and outside rejoiced and invoked the Buddha’s name; even Baochai forgot that a monk was present.賈璉也走過來一看，果見寶玉回過來了，心里一喜，疾忙躲出去了。Jia Lian too came over and looked. Seeing that Baoyu had indeed revived, he was delighted and hurriedly slipped outside.

那和尚也不言語，赶來拉著賈璉就跑。Without a word, the monk rushed after Jia Lian, seized him, and ran off with him.賈璉只得跟著到了前頭，赶著告訴賈政。Jia Lian had no choice but to follow him to the front apartments, hastening as he went to tell Jia Zheng what had happened.賈政聽了喜歡，即找和尚施禮叩謝。Jia Zheng was overjoyed to hear the news and immediately sought out the monk, bowing and kowtowing in thanks.和尚還了禮坐下。The monk returned his salute and sat down.賈璉心下狐疑：“必是要了銀子才走。”賈政細看那和尚，又非前次見的，便問：“寶剎何方？Jia Lian thought suspiciously, “He is surely waiting to get the silver before he leaves.” Jia Zheng examined the monk closely and saw that he was not the one they had met before, so he asked, “Where is your honored monastery?法師大號？By what religious name are you known, Master?這玉是那里得的？Where did you obtain this jade?怎麼小兒一見便會活過來呢？”那和尚微微笑道：“我也不知道，只要拿一萬銀子來就完了。”賈政見這和尚粗魯，也不敢得罪，便說：“有。”和尚道：“有便快拿來罷，我要走了。”賈政道：“略請少坐，待我進內瞧瞧。”和尚道：“你去快出來才好。”And how is it that my son revived as soon as he saw it?” The monk smiled faintly. “I know nothing about that. Just bring me ten thousand taels of silver, and that will settle it.” Seeing how uncouth the monk was, Jia Zheng nevertheless dared not offend him. “We have it,” he said. The monk replied, “If you have it, bring it quickly. I must be going.” Jia Zheng said, “Please sit a little longer while I go inside to see him.” The monk said, “Go, then, but be quick to return.”

賈政果然進去，也不及告訴便走到寶玉炕前。Jia Zheng did go inside, and without pausing to announce himself, walked straight to Baoyu’s kang.寶玉見是父親來，欲要爬起，因身子虛弱起不來。When Baoyu saw his father, he tried to rise, but was too weak to get up.王夫人按著說道：“不要動。”寶玉笑著拿這玉給賈政瞧道：“寶玉來了。”賈政略略一看，知道此事有些根源，也不細看，便和王夫人道：“寶玉好過來了。Lady Wang pressed him down, saying, “Do not move.” Smiling, Baoyu held up the jade for Jia Zheng to see and said, “The precious jade has returned.” Jia Zheng glanced at it and, realizing there was some deeper cause behind the matter, did not examine it closely. He said to Lady Wang, “Baoyu is recovering.這賞銀怎麼樣？”王夫人道：“盡著我所有的折變了給他就是了。”寶玉道：“只怕這和尚不是要銀子的罷。”賈政點頭道：“我也看來古怪，但是他口口聲聲的要銀子。”王夫人道：“老爺出去先款留著他再說。”賈政出來，寶玉便嚷餓了，喝了一碗粥，還說要飯。What are we to do about the reward?” Lady Wang replied, “Let everything I own be sold or pawned, and give him the money.” Baoyu said, “I rather think this monk may not really want the silver.” Jia Zheng nodded. “He seems strange to me too, but he keeps insisting upon it.” Lady Wang said, “Go out first, sir, and persuade him to stay; we can decide afterward.” Jia Zheng went out. Baoyu then cried that he was hungry, drank a bowl of congee, and still asked for rice.婆子們果然取了飯來，王夫人還不敢給他吃。The old serving-women duly brought him some, but Lady Wang still dared not let him eat.寶玉說：“不妨的，我已經好了。”便爬著吃了一碗，漸漸的神氣果然好過來了，便要坐起來。Baoyu said, “It will do no harm. I am well now.” Propping himself up, he ate a bowlful. His spirits gradually and visibly improved, and he asked to sit upright.麝月上去輕輕的扶起，因心里喜歡，忘了情說道：“真是寶貝，才看見了一會兒就好了。Sheyue stepped forward and gently helped him up. In her joy she forgot herself and said, “It truly is a precious treasure—you had only to see it for a moment, and you were well again.虧的當初沒有砸破。”寶玉聽了這話，神色一變，把玉一撂，身子往後一仰。What a blessing it was not smashed to pieces in the first place.” At these words Baoyu’s expression changed. He flung the jade aside and fell backward.未知死活，下回分解。Whether he lived or died remains unknown; the next chapter will reveal the outcome.

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What it’s about

Xichun treats Miaoyu's abduction and the family's collapse as final evidence for the religious vocation she has long announced. Visiting nuns encourage her, while Lady Wang and others resist the disgrace of an aristocratic daughter taking vows. Their opposition sounds protective but also assumes that family reputation outweighs Xichun's settled fear of marriage and household entanglement. She refuses compromise and declares that she will shave her head, turning the withdrawal predicted in her childhood riddle into an explicit decision.

Baoyu then meets Zhen Baoyu, the young man whose name and appearance mirror his own. He expects recognition from a kindred spirit, but the Zhen youth speaks fluently for study, office and conventional family duty. Outward sameness produces inner estrangement, and Jia Baoyu's hope of finding himself confirmed in another collapses. Soon his health fails again. The lame monk reappears with the lost jade, restores him and demands an enormous payment, making the household confront the token's value as both life and commodity.

When it was written 背景

證同類 means testing or verifying one of the same kind. Since the opening chapters, Zhen and Jia—“true” and “false”—have made resemblance a philosophical problem, not a promise of identical character. Meeting the double proves difference: one Baoyu has accepted the career program the other experiences as betrayal. Xichun's choice supplies another response to the same program of kinship and office. Her renunciation may be self-protective and spiritually serious, yet the opportunistic nuns around the family keep institutional religion from appearing automatically pure. The returned 通靈玉 joins both plots. It confirms Baoyu's supernatural category while fastening him again to the family that reads bodily survival as a reason to preserve his worldly role.

Words in this chapter 生词

甄zhēn甄zhēn — to distinguish · to evaluate
賈gǔ賈gǔ — merchant · to buy
璉liǎn璉liǎn — sacrificial vessel used for grain offerings · also pr. (lián)
釵chāi釵chāi — hairpin
玉yùHSK 4玉yù — jade (HSK 4)
蠹dù蠹dù — insect that eats into books, clothing etc · moth-eaten · worm-eaten
么má么má — exclamatory final particle
攆niǎn攆niǎn — to expel · to oust · (dialect) to chase after · to try to catch up with
并bìngHSK 3并bìng — and · furthermore · also · together with · (not) at all · simultaneously · to combine · to join · to merge (HSK 3)
政zhèng政zhèng — political · politics · government
庵ān庵ān — hut · small temple · nunnery
瞧qiáoHSK 5瞧qiáo — to look at · to see · to see (a doctor) · to visit (HSK 5)

第百十五回 惑偏私惜春矢素志 證同類寶玉失相知 Firm in Her Vow, Xichun Resolves to Take the Veil; Baoyu Loses a Kindred Soul

What it’s about

When it was written 背景

Words in this chapter 生词

第百十五回　惑偏私惜春矢素志　證同類寶玉失相知 Firm in Her Vow, Xichun Resolves to Take the Veil; Baoyu Loses a Kindred Soul