第百十九回　中鄉魁寶玉卻塵緣　沐皇恩賈家延世澤 Passing the Examination, Baoyu Renounces the World; Bathed in Imperial Grace, the Jia House Endures

話說鶯兒見寶玉說話摸不著頭腦，正自要走，只聽寶玉又說道：“傻丫頭，我告訴你罷。The story goes that when Yingr saw that Baoyu's words made no sense to her, she was about to leave, but just then heard Baoyu say again, "Silly girl, let me tell you.你姑娘既是有造化的，你跟著他自然也是有造化的了。Since your young mistress is one destined for good fortune, naturally you too, in following her, are one destined for good fortune.你襲人姐姐是靠不住的。That Xiren, elder sister of yours, cannot be relied upon.只要往後你盡心伏侍他就是了。All you need do from now on is serve her with your whole heart.日後或有好處，也不枉你跟著他熬了一場。”鶯兒聽了前頭象話，後頭說的又有些不象了，便道：“我知道了。If in days to come there is any good to be had, it will not have been for nothing that you followed her through all this hardship." Yingr, hearing this, found the first part reasonable enough, but the latter part sounded rather odd, so she said, "I understand.姑娘還等我呢。My young mistress is still waiting for me.二爺要吃果子時，打發小丫頭叫我就是了。”寶玉點頭，鶯兒纔去了。When the Second Master wants fruit to eat, just send one of the little maids to call me, that will do." Baoyu nodded, and only then did Yingr leave.一時寶釵襲人回來，各自房中去了。Presently Baochai and Xiren came back, and each went to her own room.不題。No more of that for now.

话说莺儿见宝玉说话摸不著头脑，正自要走，只听宝玉又说道：“傻丫头，我告诉你罢。你姑娘既是有造化的，你跟著他自然也是有造化的了。你袭人姐姐是靠不住的。只要往后你尽心伏侍他就是了。日后或有好处，也不枉你跟著他熬了一场。”莺儿听了前头象话，后头说的又有些不象了，便道：“我知道了。姑娘还等我呢。二爷要吃果子时，打发小丫头叫我就是了。”宝玉点头，莺儿才去了。一时宝钗袭人回来，各自房中去了。不题。

且說過了幾天便是場期，別人只知盼望他爺兒兩個作了好文章便可以高中的了，只有寶釵見寶玉的功課雖好，只是那有意無意之間，卻別有一种冷靜的光景。Now to speak of it: after a few days it was time for the examination. Others knew only to hope that uncle and nephew would write fine essays and place high in the rankings; only Baochai, seeing that although Baoyu's studies were good, noticed that in his manner, whether intentional or not, there was a peculiar air of cold detachment about him.知他要進場了，頭一件，叔侄兩個都是初次赴考，恐人馬擁擠有什麼失閃，第二件，寶玉自和尚去後總不出門，雖然見他用功喜歡，只是改的太速太好了，反倒有些信不及，只怕又有什麼變故。Knowing he was about to enter the examination hall, there were two things she worried about: first, since uncle and nephew were both taking the examination for the first time, she feared that amid the crowds of people and horses something untoward might happen; second, ever since the monk had left, Baoyu had never gone out of doors, and although she was glad to see him applying himself to study, his progress had been so swift and so excellent that she found it hard to trust, fearing there might yet be some further mischief afoot.所以進場的頭一天，一面派了襲人帶了小丫頭們同著素雲等給他爺兒兩個收拾妥當，自己又都過了目，好好的擱起預備著，一面過來同李紈回了王夫人，揀家里的老成管事的多派了幾個，只說怕人馬擁擠碰了。So on the day before they were to enter the examination hall, on the one hand she had Xiren, together with the little maids and Suyun and the others, get everything ready properly for uncle and nephew, and she herself went over it all again, storing it away neatly in readiness; and on the other hand she went over and, together with Li Wan, reported to Lady Wang, and had several of the more seasoned and reliable stewards from among the household staff assigned in numbers, saying only that they feared the crowds of people and horses might cause some mishap.

且说过了几天便是场期，别人只知盼望他爷儿两个作了好文章便可以高中的了，只有宝钗见宝玉的功课虽好，只是那有意无意之间，却别有一种冷静的光景。知他要进场了，头一件，叔侄两个都是初次赴考，恐人马拥挤有什么失闪，第二件，宝玉自和尚去后总不出门，虽然见他用功喜欢，只是改的太速太好了，反倒有些信不及，只怕又有什么变故。所以进场的头一天，一面派了袭人带了小丫头们同著素云等给他爷儿两个收拾妥当，自己又都过了目，好好的搁起预备著，一面过来同李纨回了王夫人，拣家里的老成管事的多派了几个，只说怕人马拥挤碰了。

次日寶玉賈蘭換了半新不舊的衣服，欣然過來見了王夫人。The next day Baoyu and Jia Lan changed into clothes that were neither entirely new nor old, and went cheerfully to see Lady Wang.王夫人囑咐道：“你們爺兒兩個都是初次下場，但是你們活了這麼大，并不曾離開我一天。Lady Wang admonished them, saying, "The two of you, uncle and nephew, are both taking this examination for the first time, but in all the years you have lived, you have never once been away from me for even a single day.就是不在我眼前，也是丫鬟媳婦們圍著，何曾自己孤身睡過一夜。Even when you were not before my eyes, you were still surrounded by maids and married women attendants — when have you ever slept a single night all alone?今日各自進去，孤孤凄凄，舉目無親，須要自己保重。Today each of you goes in by yourself, forlorn and desolate, with not a single relation in sight, and you must take good care of yourselves.早些作完了文章出來，找著家人早些回來，也叫你母親媳婦們放心。”王夫人說著不免傷心起來。Finish your essays as early as you can and come out, find the family servants, and come home early, so as to set your mother's and your wives' minds at ease." As Lady Wang spoke, she could not help growing sorrowful.賈蘭聽一句答應一句。Jia Lan answered promptly to every word she said.只見寶玉一聲不哼，待王夫人說完了，走過來給王夫人跪下，滿眼流淚，磕了三個頭，說道：“母親生我一世，我也無可答報，只有這一入場用心作了文章，好好的中個舉人出來。But Baoyu said not a sound; only after Lady Wang had finished speaking did he come forward and kneel before her, tears filling his eyes, and kowtowed three times, saying, "Mother has given birth to me and raised me all my life, and I have nothing with which to repay her, except that this once I enter the examination hall, apply myself with all my heart to writing good essays, and come out having passed as a successful candidate.那時太太喜歡喜歡，便是兒子一輩的事也完了，一輩子的不好也都遮過去了。”王夫人聽了，更覺傷心起來，便道：“你有這個心自然是好的，可惜你老太太不能見你的面了！”一面說，一面拉他起來。At that time you, madam, may rejoice, and then this son's affairs for a whole lifetime will be settled, and all his shortcomings for a whole lifetime will be covered over as well." Hearing this, Lady Wang felt all the more sorrowful, and said, "It is good indeed that you have such feelings in your heart, but it is a pity your old grandmother can no longer see your face!" So saying, she pulled him up to rise.那寶玉只管跪著不肯起來，便說道：“老太太見與不見，總是知道的，喜歡的，既能知道了，喜歡了，便不見也和見了的一樣。But Baoyu only knelt there and would not rise, saying, "Whether Grandmother sees it or not, she will know of it all the same, and will be glad of it; since she can know of it and be glad of it, then even not seeing it is the same as seeing it.只不過隔了形質，并非隔了神氣啊。”李紈見王夫人和他如此，一則怕勾起寶玉的病來，二則也覺得光景不大吉祥，連忙過來說道：“太太，這是大喜的事，為什麼這樣傷心？It is only that form and substance are separated; it is not that spirit is separated." Seeing Lady Wang and him going on like this, Li Wan, fearing on the one hand that it might stir up Baoyu's old illness, and feeling on the other that the scene did not bode well, hurried over and said, "Madam, this is a joyous occasion — why be so sorrowful?況且寶兄弟近來很知好歹，很孝順，又肯用功，只要帶了侄兒進去好好的作文章，早早的回來，寫出來請咱們的世交老先生們看了，等著爺兒兩個都報了喜就完了。”一面叫人攙起寶玉來。Besides, Bao brother has of late shown very good sense, been very filial, and been willing to apply himself to study; all that remains is for him to take his nephew in with him, write good essays properly, and come home early, so we can have them written out for our old family friends to see, and then just wait for the two of them, uncle and nephew, to bring word of their success." And she had someone help Baoyu to his feet.寶玉卻轉過身來給李紈作了個揖，說：“嫂子放心。Baoyu, however, turned around and made a bow to Li Wan, saying, "Sister-in-law, set your mind at ease.我們爺兒兩個都是必中的。The two of us, uncle and nephew, are certain to pass.日後蘭哥還有大出息，大嫂子還要帶鳳冠穿霞帔呢。”李紈笑道：“但願應了叔叔的話，也不枉——”說到這里，恐怕又惹起王夫人的傷心來，連忙咽住了。In days to come Lan-ge will yet achieve great things, and you, elder sister-in-law, will yet wear the phoenix coronet and cape of office." Li Wan said with a smile, "If only your words come true, then it will not have been for nothing —" but reaching this point, fearing she might again stir up Lady Wang's sorrow, she hastily swallowed the rest.寶玉笑道：“只要有了個好兒子能夠接續祖基，就是大哥哥不能見，也算他的後事完了。”李紈見天氣不早了，也不肯盡著和他說話，只好點點頭兒。Baoyu said with a smile, "So long as there is a good son to carry on the family foundation, then even if elder brother himself cannot live to see it, his life's affairs may still be considered complete." Seeing that the hour was growing late, Li Wan was unwilling to go on talking with him further, and could only nod her head.此時寶釵聽得早已呆了，這些話不但寶玉，便是王夫人李紈所說，句句都是不祥之兆，卻又不敢認真，只得忍淚無言。By this time Baochai, listening, had already gone quite numb with shock — these words, not only Baoyu's but also those spoken by Lady Wang and Li Wan, seemed every one of them an ill omen, and yet she dared not take them too seriously, and could only choke back her tears and say nothing.寶玉走到跟前，深深的作了一個揖。Baoyu walked up in front of her and made a deep, deep bow.眾人見他行事古怪，也摸不著是怎麼樣，又不敢笑他。The others, seeing his behavior was so strange, could not make out what it meant, and yet dared not laugh at him.只見寶釵的眼淚直流下來。Just then they saw tears streaming straight down Baochai's face.眾人更是納罕。The others were all the more mystified.又聽寶玉說道：“姐姐，我要走了，你好生跟著太太聽我的喜信兒罷。”寶釵道：“是時候了，你不必說這些嘮叨話了。”寶玉道：“你倒催的我緊，我自己也知道該走了。”回頭見眾人都在這里，只沒惜春紫鵑，便說道：“四妹妹和紫鵑姐姐跟前替我說一句罷，橫豎是再見就完了。”眾人見他的話又象有理，又象瘋話。Then they heard Baoyu say, "Sister, I must be going now — take good care to stay by Madam's side and listen for my good news." Baochai said, "It is time — you needn't go on with this rambling talk." Baoyu said, "You are certainly pressing me hard; I myself know it is time to go." He turned and saw everyone gathered there, only Xichun and Zijuan were missing, and said, "Say a word for me to Fourth Sister and Sister Zijuan — in any case, it all comes down to meeting again, that's all." To the others his words seemed at once to make sense and to sound like the ravings of a madman.大家只說他從沒出過門，都是太太的一套話招出來的，不如早早催他去了就完了事了，便說道：“外面有人等你呢，你再鬧就誤了時辰了。”寶玉仰面大笑道：“走了，走了！Everyone said only that he had never been away from home before, and that it was all this talk of Lady Wang's that had brought it on, and that it would be better to hurry him off at once and be done with it, so they said, "There are people waiting for you outside — if you carry on like this you'll miss the appointed hour." Baoyu threw back his head and laughed loudly, saying, "I'm off, I'm off!不用胡鬧了，完了事了！”眾人也都笑道：“快走罷。”獨有王夫人和寶釵娘兒兩個倒象生離死別的一般，那眼淚也不知從那里來的，直流下來，幾乎失聲哭出。No more nonsense — it's all settled now!" Everyone else laughed too and said, "Hurry along then." Only Lady Wang and Baochai, mother and — as it were — daughter, seemed as if parting for life and death; their tears, from who knows where, simply streamed down, and they very nearly broke into open weeping.但見寶玉嘻天哈地，大有瘋傻之狀，遂從此出門走了。But Baoyu, laughing and carrying on in the highest spirits, looking every bit as if he had gone half mad and foolish, thereupon went out the door from that time on.正是：Truly it is:

次日宝玉贾兰换了半新不旧的衣服，欣然过来见了王夫人。王夫人嘱咐道：“你们爷儿两个都是初次下场，但是你们活了这么大，并不曾离开我一天。就是不在我眼前，也是丫鬟媳妇们围著，何曾自己孤身睡过一夜。今日各自进去，孤孤凄凄，举目无亲，须要自己保重。早些作完了文章出来，找著家人早些回来，也叫你母亲媳妇们放心。”王夫人说著不免伤心起来。贾兰听一句答应一句。只见宝玉一声不哼，待王夫人说完了，走过来给王夫人跪下，满眼流泪，磕了三个头，说道：“母亲生我一世，我也无可答报，只有这一入场用心作了文章，好好的中个举人出来。那时太太喜欢喜欢，便是儿子一辈的事也完了，一辈子的不好也都遮过去了。”王夫人听了，更觉伤心起来，便道：“你有这个心自然是好的，可惜你老太太不能见你的面了！”一面说，一面拉他起来。那宝玉只管跪著不肯起来，便说道：“老太太见与不见，总是知道的，喜欢的，既能知道了，喜欢了，便不见也和见了的一样。只不过隔了形质，并非隔了神气啊。”李纨见王夫人和他如此，一则怕勾起宝玉的病来，二则也觉得光景不大吉祥，连忙过来说道：“太太，这是大喜的事，为什么这样伤心？况且宝兄弟近来很知好歹，很孝顺，又肯用功，只要带了侄儿进去好好的作文章，早早的回来，写出来请咱们的世交老先生们看了，等著爷儿两个都报了喜就完了。”一面叫人搀起宝玉来。宝玉却转过身来给李纨作了个揖，说：“嫂子放心。我们爷儿两个都是必中的。日后兰哥还有大出息，大嫂子还要带凤冠穿霞帔呢。”李纨笑道：“但愿应了叔叔的话，也不枉——”说到这里，恐怕又惹起王夫人的伤心来，连忙咽住了。宝玉笑道：“只要有了个好儿子能够接续祖基，就是大哥哥不能见，也算他的后事完了。”李纨见天气不早了，也不肯尽著和他说话，只好点点头儿。此时宝钗听得早已呆了，这些话不但宝玉，便是王夫人李纨所说，句句都是不祥之兆，却又不敢认真，只得忍泪无言。宝玉走到跟前，深深的作了一个揖。众人见他行事古怪，也摸不著是怎么样，又不敢笑他。只见宝钗的眼泪直流下来。众人更是纳罕。又听宝玉说道：“姐姐，我要走了，你好生跟著太太听我的喜信儿罢。”宝钗道：“是时候了，你不必说这些唠叨话了。”宝玉道：“你倒催的我紧，我自己也知道该走了。”回头见众人都在这里，只没惜春紫鹃，便说道：“四妹妹和紫鹃姐姐跟前替我说一句罢，横竖是再见就完了。”众人见他的话又象有理，又象疯话。大家只说他从没出过门，都是太太的一套话招出来的，不如早早催他去了就完了事了，便说道：“外面有人等你呢，你再闹就误了时辰了。”宝玉仰面大笑道：“走了，走了！不用胡闹了，完了事了！”众人也都笑道：“快走罢。”独有王夫人和宝钗娘儿两个倒象生离死别的一般，那眼泪也不知从那里来的，直流下来，几乎失声哭出。但见宝玉嘻天哈地，大有疯傻之状，遂从此出门走了。正是：

走求名利無雙地，打出樊籠第一關。He goes to seek that peerless place of fame and gain, having broken through the very first gate of the cage.

走求名利无双地，打出樊笼第一关。

不言寶玉賈蘭出門赴考。Say no more now of Baoyu and Jia Lan going out the door to the examination.且說賈環見他們考去，自己又氣又恨，便自大為王說：“我可要給母親報仇了。Now to speak of Jia Huan: seeing them off to the examination, he himself was filled with both anger and resentment, and, giving himself airs, said, "Now I really must avenge my mother.家里一個男人沒有，上頭大太太依了我，還怕誰！”想定了主意，跑到邢夫人那邊請了安，說了些奉承的話。There isn't a single man left in this household — with Elder Lady in the back siding with me, whom else is there to fear!" Having made up his mind, he ran over to Lady Xing's quarters, paid his respects, and spoke a good many flattering words.那邢夫人自然喜歡，便說道：“你這纔是明理的孩子呢。Lady Xing was naturally delighted, and said, "Now here at last is a sensible child.象那巧姐兒的事，原該我做主的，你璉二哥糊涂，放著親奶奶，倒托別人去！”賈環道：“人家那頭兒也說了，只認得這一門子。As for that matter of Qiao-jie, it really ought to have been mine to decide; that muddle-headed Lian second brother of yours, with his own true grandmother right there, went and entrusted it to someone else instead!" Jia Huan said, "The other side too has said that they recognize only this one branch of the family.現在定了，還要備一分大禮來送太太呢。It has already been settled, and they still mean to prepare a fine gift of ceremony to send to you, madam.如今太太有了這樣的藩王孫女婿兒，還怕大老爺沒大官做么！Now that you, madam, have such a feudal prince's grandson-in-law, need you still fear that His Lordship will not get a great office!不是我說自己的太太，他們有了元妃姐姐，便欺壓的人難受。I don't mean to speak ill of my own aunt, but ever since they had that Yuanfei elder sister of theirs, they have bullied people until it was unbearable.將來巧姐兒別也是這樣沒良心，等我去問問他。”邢夫人道：“你也該告訴他，他纔知道你的好處。If in future Qiao-jie turns out just as heartless, I'll go and ask her about it myself." Lady Xing said, "You ought to tell him too, so he'll know what good you've done him.只怕他父親在家也找不出這麼門子好親事來！I doubt even her own father, were he at home, could find such a fine match as this!但只平兒那個糊涂東西，他倒說這件事不好，說是你太太也不願意。It's only that muddle-headed creature Ping'er who says this matter is no good, and says that your aunt over there isn't willing either.想來恐怕我們得了意。I suppose she's afraid we'll get the credit.若遲了你二哥回來，又聽人家的話，就辦不成了。”賈環道：“那邊都定了，只等太太出了八字。If we wait until your Second Brother comes back, and again listen to what other people say, then nothing will come of it at all." Jia Huan said, "Everything on that side is already settled; they are only waiting for you, madam, to give out the birth date and hour.王府的規矩，三天就要來娶的。It is the custom in a prince's household that the bride must be fetched within three days.但是一件，只怕太太不願意，那邊說是不該娶犯官的孫女，只好悄悄的抬了去，等大老爺免了罪做了官，再大家熱鬧起來。”邢夫人道：“這有什麼不願意，也是禮上應該的。”賈環道：“既這麼著，這帖子太太出了就是了。”邢夫人道：“這孩子又糊涂了，里頭都是女人，你叫芸哥兒寫了一個就是了。”賈環聽說，喜歡的了不得，連忙答應了出來，赶著和賈芸說了，邀著王仁到那外藩公館立文書兌銀子去了。There is just one thing — I'm afraid you, madam, may not be willing: the other side says it would not do to marry the granddaughter of a criminal official openly, so she can only be carried off quietly, and once His Lordship is pardoned and given office again, then everyone can make a proper, lively celebration of it." Lady Xing said, "What is there to be unwilling about in that? It's only proper by the rites anyway." Jia Huan said, "Since that's how it is, all you need do, madam, is issue the betrothal card." Lady Xing said, "Now this child is being muddle-headed again — it's all women inside here; just have Yun-ge write one out, that will do." Hearing this, Jia Huan was overjoyed beyond measure, hastily agreed, and hurried off to tell Jia Yun, and together with Wang Ren went off to the outer feudal prince's residence to draw up the documents and settle the silver.

不言宝玉贾兰出门赴考。且说贾环见他们考去，自己又气又恨，便自大为王说：“我可要给母亲报仇了。家里一个男人没有，上头大太太依了我，还怕谁！”想定了主意，跑到邢夫人那边请了安，说了些奉承的话。那邢夫人自然喜欢，便说道：“你这才是明理的孩子呢。象那巧姐儿的事，原该我做主的，你琏二哥糊涂，放著亲奶奶，倒托别人去！”贾环道：“人家那头儿也说了，只认得这一门子。现在定了，还要备一分大礼来送太太呢。如今太太有了这样的藩王孙女婿儿，还怕大老爷没大官做么！不是我说自己的太太，他们有了元妃姐姐，便欺压的人难受。将来巧姐儿别也是这样没良心，等我去问问他。”邢夫人道：“你也该告诉他，他才知道你的好处。只怕他父亲在家也找不出这么门子好亲事来！但只平儿那个糊涂东西，他倒说这件事不好，说是你太太也不愿意。想来恐怕我们得了意。若迟了你二哥回来，又听人家的话，就办不成了。”贾环道：“那边都定了，只等太太出了八字。王府的规矩，三天就要来娶的。但是一件，只怕太太不愿意，那边说是不该娶犯官的孙女，只好悄悄的抬了去，等大老爷免了罪做了官，再大家热闹起来。”邢夫人道：“这有什么不愿意，也是礼上应该的。”贾环道：“既这么著，这帖子太太出了就是了。”邢夫人道：“这孩子又糊涂了，里头都是女人，你叫芸哥儿写了一个就是了。”贾环听说，喜欢的了不得，连忙答应了出来，赶著和贾芸说了，邀著王仁到那外藩公馆立文书兑银子去了。

那知剛纔所說的話，早被跟邢夫人的丫頭聽見。Little did they know that what had just been said had already been overheard by a maid who served Lady Xing.那丫頭是求了平兒纔挑上的，便抽空兒赶到平兒那里，一五一十的都告訴了。That maid had gotten her position only after pleading with Ping'er, so she seized a spare moment to hurry over to Ping'er's quarters and told her everything, from beginning to end.平兒早知此事不好，已和巧姐細細的說明。Ping'er had already known this matter boded ill, and had already explained it in detail to Qiao-jie.巧姐哭了一夜，必要等他父親回來作主，大太太的話不能遵。Qiao-jie had wept the whole night through, insisting that they must wait for her father to come home and decide, and that Lady Xing's word could not be obeyed.今兒又聽見這話，便大哭起來，要和太太講去。Now hearing this news again, she burst into loud weeping, and wanted to go and speak to Lady Wang about it.平兒急忙攔住道：“姑娘且慢著。Ping'er hastily stopped her, saying, "Miss, wait a moment.大太太是你的親祖母，他說二爺不在家，大太太做得主的，況且還有舅舅做保山。Lady Xing is your own paternal grandmother; she says that with Second Master away from home, she, Lady Xing, has the right to decide, and besides there is your uncle acting as the guarantor for the match.他們都是一氣，姑娘一個人那里說得過呢。They are all of one mind together — how could you, all alone, argue against them?我到底是下人，說不上話去。I myself am, after all, only a servant, and am in no position to speak up.如今只可想法兒，斷不可冒失的。”邢夫人那邊的丫頭道：“你們快快的想主意，不然可就要抬走了。”說著，各自去了。For now we can only think of some way out — we must on no account act rashly." The maid from Lady Xing's side said, "You had all better think of something quickly, or else she'll be carried off before long!" So saying, each of them went their own way.平兒回過頭來見巧姐哭作一團，連忙扶著道：“姑娘，哭是不中用的，如今是二爺夠不著，聽見他們的話頭——”這句話還沒說完，只見邢夫人那邊打發人來告訴：“姑娘大喜的事來了。Ping'er turned around and saw Qiao-jie weeping in a heap, and hastened to support her, saying, "Miss, weeping is of no use. Now that Second Master is out of reach, and hearing the way they are talking—" but before she could finish this sentence, someone came with word from Lady Xing's side, saying, "A joyous event has come for the young lady.叫平兒將姑娘所有應用的東西料理出來。Have Ping'er get together everything the young lady will need.若是賠送呢，原說明了等二爺回來再辦。”平兒只得答應了。As for the dowry, it was already said plainly that it would wait until Second Master comes home to arrange." Ping'er had no choice but to agree.

那知刚才所说的话，早被跟邢夫人的丫头听见。那丫头是求了平儿才挑上的，便抽空儿赶到平儿那里，一五一十的都告诉了。平儿早知此事不好，已和巧姐细细的说明。巧姐哭了一夜，必要等他父亲回来作主，大太太的话不能遵。今儿又听见这话，便大哭起来，要和太太讲去。平儿急忙拦住道：“姑娘且慢著。大太太是你的亲祖母，他说二爷不在家，大太太做得主的，况且还有舅舅做保山。他们都是一气，姑娘一个人那里说得过呢。我到底是下人，说不上话去。如今只可想法儿，断不可冒失的。”邢夫人那边的丫头道：“你们快快的想主意，不然可就要抬走了。”说著，各自去了。平儿回过头来见巧姐哭作一团，连忙扶著道：“姑娘，哭是不中用的，如今是二爷够不著，听见他们的话头——”这句话还没说完，只见邢夫人那边打发人来告诉：“姑娘大喜的事来了。叫平儿将姑娘所有应用的东西料理出来。若是赔送呢，原说明了等二爷回来再办。”平儿只得答应了。

回來又見王夫人過來，巧姐兒一把抱住，哭得倒在怀里。When she went back in, she saw Lady Wang had come over as well, and Qiao-jie threw herself into her arms, weeping.王夫人也哭道：“妞兒不用著急，我為你吃了大太太好些話，看來是扭不過來的。Lady Wang wept too, saying, "Child, there's no need to be so anxious. I've taken a great deal of scolding from your Elder Lady on your account, but it seems there's no turning her around.我們只好應著緩下去，即刻差個家人赶到你父親那里去告訴。”平兒道：“太太還不知道么？We can only go along with it for now to buy time, and send a servant at once to your father's place to let him know." Ping'er said, "Doesn't Madam know yet?早起三爺在大太太跟前說了，什麼外藩規矩三日就要過去的。Early this morning Third Master spoke to Elder Lady, saying something about how the feudal household's custom requires the bride to be fetched within three days.如今大太太已叫芸哥兒寫了名字年庚去了，還等得二爺么？”王夫人聽說是“三爺”，便氣得說不出話來，呆了半天，一疊聲叫人找賈環。Now Elder Lady has already had Yun-ge write out the name and birth date and sent it off — how could they still wait for Second Master?" On hearing the words "Third Master," Lady Wang was so angry she could not speak; she sat stunned for a long while, and then called out again and again for someone to go find Jia Huan.找了半日，人回：“今早同薔哥兒王舅爺出去了。”王夫人問：“芸哥呢？”眾人回說不知道。They searched for a long while, and word came back: "This morning he went out with Qiang-ge and Uncle Wang." Lady Wang asked, "And where is Yun-ge?" Everyone answered that they did not know.巧姐屋內人人瞪眼，一無方法。Inside Qiao-jie's room, everyone stared blankly, with not a single idea to be had.王夫人也難和邢夫人爭論，只有大家抱頭大哭。Lady Wang, too, found it hard to argue the matter out with Lady Xing, and all they could do was hold each other and weep aloud.

回来又见王夫人过来，巧姐儿一把抱住，哭得倒在怀里。王夫人也哭道：“妞儿不用著急，我为你吃了大太太好些话，看来是扭不过来的。我们只好应著缓下去，即刻差个家人赶到你父亲那里去告诉。”平儿道：“太太还不知道么？早起三爷在大太太跟前说了，什么外藩规矩三日就要过去的。如今大太太已叫芸哥儿写了名字年庚去了，还等得二爷么？”王夫人听说是“三爷”，便气得说不出话来，呆了半天，一叠声叫人找贾环。找了半日，人回：“今早同蔷哥儿王舅爷出去了。”王夫人问：“芸哥呢？”众人回说不知道。巧姐屋内人人瞪眼，一无方法。王夫人也难和邢夫人争论，只有大家抱头大哭。

有個婆子進來，回說：“後門上的人說，那個劉姥姥又來了。”王夫人道：“咱們家遭著這樣事，那有工夫接待人。Then an old serving woman came in and reported, "The man at the back gate says that old Granny Liu has come again." Lady Wang said, "With our family in the middle of such a crisis, who has time to entertain visitors?不拘怎麼回了他去罷。”平兒道：“太太該叫他進來，他是姐兒的乾媽，也得告訴告訴他。”王夫人不言語，那婆子便帶了劉姥姥進來。Just send her away with whatever excuse you can." Ping'er said, "Madam ought to have her come in — she is Miss Qiao-jie's godmother after all, and this should be told to her too." Lady Wang said nothing, so the old woman brought Granny Liu in.各人見了問好。Everyone greeted her and exchanged pleasantries.劉姥姥見眾人的眼圈兒都是紅的，也摸不著頭腦，遲了一會子，便問道：“怎麼了？Granny Liu, seeing that everyone's eyes were red-rimmed, could make no sense of it, and after a while asked, "What's the matter?太太姑娘們必是想二姑奶奶了。”巧姐兒聽見提起他母親，越發大哭起來。Madam and the young ladies must be missing Second Young Mistress." When Qiao-jie heard her mother mentioned, she burst into even more violent weeping.平兒道：“姥姥別說閒話，你既是姑娘的乾媽，也該知道的。”便一五一十的告訴了。Ping'er said, "Granny, don't make idle talk. Since you are the young lady's godmother, you ought to know of this too," and thereupon told her everything from beginning to end.把個劉姥姥也唬怔了，等了半天，忽然笑道：“你這樣一個伶俐姑娘，沒聽見過鼓兒詞么，這上頭的方法多著呢。This gave even Granny Liu quite a fright; after a good while, she suddenly laughed and said, "Such a clever young lady as you, have you never heard the drum-song ballads? There are plenty of ways to handle a thing like this.這有什麼難的。”平兒赶忙問道：“姥姥你有什麼法兒快說罷。”劉姥姥道：“這有什麼難的呢，一個人也不叫他們知道，扔崩一走，就完了事了。”平兒道：“這可是混說了。What is so hard about it?" Ping'er hurried to ask, "Granny, if you have some plan, tell it quickly." Granny Liu said, "There's nothing hard about it at all — just don't let any of them know, slip away quietly, and the whole matter is settled." Ping'er said, "Now that really is talking nonsense.我們這樣人家的人，走到那里去！”劉姥姥道：“只怕你們不走，你們要走，就到我屯里去。People of our sort of household — where could we go!" Granny Liu said, "I'm only afraid you won't leave; if you're willing to go, then come to my village.我就把姑娘藏起來，即刻叫我女婿弄了人，叫姑娘親筆寫個字兒，赶到姑老爺那里，少不得他就來了。I'll hide the young lady away at once, and have my son-in-law get some people together right away, and have the young lady write a letter in her own hand and rush it to her father, and he's bound to come.可不好么？”平兒道：“大太太知道呢？”劉姥姥道：“我來他們知道么？”平兒道：“大太太住在後頭，他待人刻薄，有什麼信沒有送給他的。Wouldn't that be good?" Ping'er said, "What if Lady Xing finds out?" Granny Liu said, "How would they know I've come?" Ping'er said, "Lady Xing lives in the back quarters, and she treats people so harshly that word of everything reaches her.你若前門走來就知道了，如今是後門來的，不妨事。”劉姥姥道：“咱們說定了幾時，我叫女婿打了車來接了去。”平兒道：“這還等得幾時呢，你坐著罷。”急忙進去，將劉姥姥的話避了旁人告訴了。If you had come in by the front gate they would know of it, but since you came by the back gate this time, it doesn't matter." Granny Liu said, "Let's settle on a time, then, and I'll have my son-in-law bring a cart to fetch her away." Ping'er said, "There's no waiting for some other time — just sit tight a moment," and hurried inside, and, keeping it from everyone else, told Lady Wang what Granny Liu had said.王夫人想了半天不妥當。Lady Wang thought it over for a long while and found it troubling.平兒道：“只有這樣。Ping'er said, "There's really no other way.為的是太太纔敢說明，太太就裝不知道，回來倒問大太太。The reason Madam can speak plainly about it is that Madam can pretend not to know, and later on can even turn around and ask Elder Lady about it herself.我們那里就有人去，想二爺回來也快。”王夫人不言語，歎了一口氣。By the time anyone from our side goes looking, I expect Second Master will be back soon too." Lady Wang said nothing, only heaved a sigh.巧姐兒聽見，便和王夫人道：“只求太太救我，橫豎父親回來只有感激的。”平兒道：“不用說了，太太回去罷。Hearing this, Qiao-jie said to Lady Wang, "I only beg you, madam, to save me; whatever happens, when Father comes back he will only be grateful." Ping'er said, "No need to say more — Madam, please go back now.回來只要太太派人看屋子。”王夫人道：“掩密些。When you return, just have someone assigned to watch over the room." Lady Wang said, "Keep it well hidden.你們兩個人的衣服舖蓋是要的。”平兒道：“要快走了纔中用呢，若是他們定了，回來就有了饑荒了。”一句話提醒了王夫人，便道：“是了，你們快辦去罷，有我呢。”于是王夫人回去，倒過去找邢夫人說閒話兒，把邢夫人先絆住了。The two of you will need a change of clothes and bedding." Ping'er said, "We must hurry and leave for it to be of any use — if they get things settled, there'll be a reckoning to pay later." This one remark brought Lady Wang to her senses, and she said, "Quite right — you two hurry and see to it, leave the rest to me." Thereupon Lady Wang went back, and instead went over to Lady Xing's quarters to make idle conversation, so as to keep Lady Xing occupied there first.平兒這里便遣人料理去了，囑咐道：“倒別避人，有人進來看見，就說是大太太吩咐的，要一輛車子送劉姥姥去。”這里又買囑了看後門的人雇了車來。Here Ping'er sent someone to see to the arrangements, instructing them, "Don't avoid people's notice — if anyone comes in and sees, just say Elder Lady gave the order, that a cart is wanted to take Granny Liu home." And with this she also bribed the man watching the back gate to hire a cart.平兒便將巧姐裝做青兒模樣，急急的去了。Ping'er then dressed Qiao-jie up to look like Qing'er, and hurried her away in great haste.後來平兒只當送人，眼錯不見，也跨上車去了。Afterward, Ping'er, pretending only to be seeing someone off, slipped away when no one was looking and climbed into the cart as well.原來近日賈府後門雖開，只有一兩個人看著，餘外雖有幾個家下人，因房大人少，空落落的，誰能照應。It so happened that these days, although the back gate of the Jia household was kept open, only one or two people were watching it; and among the rest, although there were still a few servants of the household about, since the house was large and the people few, everything felt empty and desolate, and no one was really keeping watch over anything.且邢夫人又是個不怜下人的，眾人明知此事不好，又都感念平兒的好處，所以通同一氣放走了巧姐。Moreover, Lady Xing was one who never showed the servants any pity, and everyone, well aware that this matter boded no good, and moreover feeling grateful for all the good Ping'er had done them, all conspired together as one and let Qiao-jie slip away.邢夫人還自和王夫人說話，那里理會。Lady Xing was still over there chatting with Lady Wang, with no idea at all of what was going on.只有王夫人甚不放心，說了一回話，悄悄的走到寶釵那里坐下，心里還是惦記著。Only Lady Wang was extremely uneasy; after talking for a while, she quietly slipped away to sit with Baochai, her heart still turning the matter over.寶釵見王夫人神色恍惚，便問：“太太的心里有什麼事？”王夫人將這事背地里和寶釵說了。Baochai, seeing that Lady Wang looked distracted and out of sorts, asked her, "Is something troubling you, madam?" Lady Wang then told Baochai the whole matter in private.寶釵道：“險得很！Baochai said, "That was a close call indeed!如今得快快兒的叫芸哥兒止住那里纔妥當。”王夫人道：“我找不著環兒呢。”寶釵道：“太太總要裝作不知，等我想個人去叫大太太知道纔好。”王夫人點頭，一任寶釵想人。Now we must quickly have someone stop Yun-ge over there, that alone will settle things properly." Lady Wang said, "I can't find Huan-er anywhere." Baochai said, "Madam, you must act as though you know nothing at all; let me think of someone to send to let Elder Lady know, that will do." Lady Wang nodded, and left it entirely to Baochai to think of someone.暫且不言。No more of this for the moment.

有个婆子进来，回说：“后门上的人说，那个刘姥姥又来了。”王夫人道：“咱们家遭著这样事，那有工夫接待人。不拘怎么回了他去罢。”平儿道：“太太该叫他进来，他是姐儿的干妈，也得告诉告诉他。”王夫人不言语，那婆子便带了刘姥姥进来。各人见了问好。刘姥姥见众人的眼圈儿都是红的，也摸不著头脑，迟了一会子，便问道：“怎么了？太太姑娘们必是想二姑奶奶了。”巧姐儿听见提起他母亲，越发大哭起来。平儿道：“姥姥别说闲话，你既是姑娘的干妈，也该知道的。”便一五一十的告诉了。把个刘姥姥也唬怔了，等了半天，忽然笑道：“你这样一个伶俐姑娘，没听见过鼓儿词么，这上头的方法多著呢。这有什么难的。”平儿赶忙问道：“姥姥你有什么法儿快说罢。”刘姥姥道：“这有什么难的呢，一个人也不叫他们知道，扔崩一走，就完了事了。”平儿道：“这可是混说了。我们这样人家的人，走到那里去！”刘姥姥道：“只怕你们不走，你们要走，就到我屯里去。我就把姑娘藏起来，即刻叫我女婿弄了人，叫姑娘亲笔写个字儿，赶到姑老爷那里，少不得他就来了。可不好么？”平儿道：“大太太知道呢？”刘姥姥道：“我来他们知道么？”平儿道：“大太太住在后头，他待人刻薄，有什么信没有送给他的。你若前门走来就知道了，如今是后门来的，不妨事。”刘姥姥道：“咱们说定了几时，我叫女婿打了车来接了去。”平儿道：“这还等得几时呢，你坐著罢。”急忙进去，将刘姥姥的话避了旁人告诉了。王夫人想了半天不妥当。平儿道：“只有这样。为的是太太才敢说明，太太就装不知道，回来倒问大太太。我们那里就有人去，想二爷回来也快。”王夫人不言语，叹了一口气。巧姐儿听见，便和王夫人道：“只求太太救我，横竖父亲回来只有感激的。”平儿道：“不用说了，太太回去罢。回来只要太太派人看屋子。”王夫人道：“掩密些。你们两个人的衣服铺盖是要的。”平儿道：“要快走了才中用呢，若是他们定了，回来就有了饥荒了。”一句话提醒了王夫人，便道：“是了，你们快办去罢，有我呢。”于是王夫人回去，倒过去找邢夫人说闲话儿，把邢夫人先绊住了。平儿这里便遣人料理去了，嘱咐道：“倒别避人，有人进来看见，就说是大太太吩咐的，要一辆车子送刘姥姥去。”这里又买嘱了看后门的人雇了车来。平儿便将巧姐装做青儿模样，急急的去了。后来平儿只当送人，眼错不见，也跨上车去了。原来近日贾府后门虽开，只有一两个人看著，余外虽有几个家下人，因房大人少，空落落的，谁能照应。且邢夫人又是个不怜下人的，众人明知此事不好，又都感念平儿的好处，所以通同一气放走了巧姐。邢夫人还自和王夫人说话，那里理会。只有王夫人甚不放心，说了一回话，悄悄的走到宝钗那里坐下，心里还是惦记著。宝钗见王夫人神色恍惚，便问：“太太的心里有什么事？”王夫人将这事背地里和宝钗说了。宝钗道：“险得很！如今得快快儿的叫芸哥儿止住那里才妥当。”王夫人道：“我找不著环儿呢。”宝钗道：“太太总要装作不知，等我想个人去叫大太太知道才好。”王夫人点头，一任宝钗想人。暂且不言。

且說外藩原是要買幾個使喚的女人，据媒人一面之辭，所以派人相看。Now to speak of the outer feudal prince: he had originally only wanted to buy a few women servants for his household, and, going solely on the matchmaker's word, had sent people to look them over.相看的人回去稟明了藩王。Those who had gone to look them over went back and reported to the prince.藩王問起人家，眾人不敢隱瞞，只得實說。The prince asked about the family, and no one dared conceal the truth, and so they had to tell him honestly.那外藩聽了，知是世代勳戚，便說：“了不得！On hearing this, the outer feudal lord, realizing it was a family of hereditary merit and rank across generations, said, "This is outrageous!這是有干例禁的，幾乎誤了大事！This runs against the very statutes and prohibitions — it very nearly ruined a great affair!況我朝覲已過，便要擇日起程，倘有人來再說，快快打發出去。”這日恰好賈芸王仁等遞送年庚，只見府門里頭的人便說：“奉王爺的命，再敢拿賈府的人來冒充民女者，要拿住究治的。Besides, my audience with the throne is already past, and I am soon to choose a day and set out on my journey; if anyone comes again to raise this matter, send them away at once." That very day, as it happened, Jia Yun, Wang Ren, and the others came to deliver the birth date and hour, when the men at the prince's gate said, "By order of His Highness the prince: should anyone again dare bring a woman of the Jia household to pass her off as a commoner's daughter, they will be seized and dealt with.如今太平時候，誰敢這樣大膽！”這一嚷，唬得王仁等抱頭鼠竄的出來，埋怨那說事的人，大家掃興而散。In these times of peace, who would dare be so bold!" This one shout so frightened Wang Ren and the rest that they fled with their heads down like rats, cursing at the go-between who had arranged the whole affair, and the whole party dispersed in gloom.

且说外藩原是要买几个使唤的女人，据媒人一面之辞，所以派人相看。相看的人回去禀明了藩王。藩王问起人家，众人不敢隐瞒，只得实说。那外藩听了，知是世代勋戚，便说：“了不得！这是有干例禁的，几乎误了大事！况我朝觐已过，便要择日起程，倘有人来再说，快快打发出去。”这日恰好贾芸王仁等递送年庚，只见府门里头的人便说：“奉王爷的命，再敢拿贾府的人来冒充民女者，要拿住究治的。如今太平时候，谁敢这样大胆！”这一嚷，唬得王仁等抱头鼠窜的出来，埋怨那说事的人，大家扫兴而散。

賈環在家候信，又聞王夫人傳喚，急得煩燥起來。Jia Huan, waiting at home for news, and then hearing that Lady Wang had summoned him, grew agitated and restless.見賈芸一人回來，赶著問道：“定了么？”賈芸慌忙跺足道：“了不得，了不得！Seeing Jia Yun come back alone, he hurried to ask, "Is it settled?" Jia Yun, flustered, stamped his foot and said, "It's terrible, it's terrible!不知誰露了風了！”還把吃虧的話說了一遍。I don't know who let it slip!" and then repeated the whole account of how they had been humiliated.賈環氣得發怔說：“我早起在大太太跟前說的這樣好，如今怎麼樣處呢？Jia Huan, dazed with anger, said, "This morning I spoke so well of it in front of Elder Lady — what am I to do now?這都是你們眾人坑了我了！”正沒主意，聽見里頭亂嚷，叫著賈環等的名字說：“大太太二太太叫呢。”兩個人只得蹭進去。This is all because you people ruined it for me!" While he stood there at his wits' end, he heard an uproar inside, calling out the names of Jia Huan and the others, saying, "Elder Lady and Second Lady are calling for you." The two of them had no choice but to shuffle in.只見王夫人怒容滿面說：“你們幹的好事！There they saw Lady Wang, her face full of fury, saying, "A fine thing you two have done!如今逼死了巧姐和平兒了，快快的給我找還尸首來完事！”兩個人跪下。Now you have driven Qiao-jie and Ping'er to their deaths — hurry and bring back their bodies to settle this matter!" The two of them knelt down.賈環不敢言語，賈芸低頭說道：“孫子不敢幹什麼，為的是邢舅太爺和王舅爺說給巧妹妹作媒，我們纔回太太們的。Jia Huan dared not say a word; Jia Yun, lowering his head, said, "Your grandson dared do nothing at all — it was only because Uncle Xing and Uncle Wang proposed the match for Cousin Qiao, that we then reported it to you ladies.大太太願意，纔叫孫子寫帖兒去的。It was Elder Lady who was willing, and only then did she have your grandson write out the betrothal card."人家還不要呢。The other side doesn't even want her yet!怎麼我們逼死了妹妹呢！”王夫人道：“環兒在大太太那里說的，三日內便要抬了走。"How could we be the ones driving our own girl to her death!" Wang furen said, "Huan'er said over at Elder Madam's that within three days they mean to carry her off in a sedan chair.說親作媒有這樣的么！Is this how one arranges a marriage and plays matchmaker!我也不問你們，快把巧姐兒還了我們，等老爺回來再說。”邢夫人如今也是一句話兒說不出了，只有落淚。I won't even question you all now — just hand Qiaojie back to us at once, and we'll settle accounts when the Master returns." Xing furen, for her part, could not get out a single word now, and could only let her tears fall.王夫人便罵賈環說：“趙姨娘這樣混帳的東西，留的种子也是這混帳的！”說著，叫丫頭扶了回到自己房中。Wang furen then scolded Jia Huan, saying, "Concubine Zhao was such a wretched creature, and the seed she left behind is just as wretched!" So saying, she called a maid to help her back to her own room.

贾环在家候信，又闻王夫人传唤，急得烦燥起来。见贾芸一人回来，赶著问道：“定了么？”贾芸慌忙跺足道：“了不得，了不得！不知谁露了风了！”还把吃亏的话说了一遍。贾环气得发怔说：“我早起在大太太跟前说的这样好，如今怎么样处呢？这都是你们众人坑了我了！”正没主意，听见里头乱嚷，叫著贾环等的名字说：“大太太二太太叫呢。”两个人只得蹭进去。只见王夫人怒容满面说：“你们干的好事！如今逼死了巧姐和平儿了，快快的给我找还尸首来完事！”两个人跪下。贾环不敢言语，贾芸低头说道：“孙子不敢干什么，为的是邢舅太爷和王舅爷说给巧妹妹作媒，我们才回太太们的。大太太愿意，才叫孙子写帖儿去的。人家还不要呢。怎么我们逼死了妹妹呢！”王夫人道：“环儿在大太太那里说的，三日内便要抬了走。说亲作媒有这样的么！我也不问你们，快把巧姐儿还了我们，等老爷回来再说。”邢夫人如今也是一句话儿说不出了，只有落泪。王夫人便骂贾环说：“赵姨娘这样混帐的东西，留的种子也是这混帐的！”说著，叫丫头扶了回到自己房中。

那賈環賈芸邢夫人三個人互相埋怨，說道：“如今且不用埋怨，想來死是不死的，必是平兒帶了他到那什麼親戚家躲著去了。”邢夫人叫了前後的門人來罵著，問巧姐兒和平兒知道那里去了。Jia Huan, Jia Yun, and Xing furen, the three of them, fell to blaming one another, saying, "There's no use laying blame now — surely she isn't dead; it must be that Ping'er has taken her off to hide at some relative's house." Xing furen summoned the gatekeepers from front and back and scolded them, demanding to know where Qiaojie and Ping'er had gone.豈知下人一口同音說是：“大太太不必問我們，問當家的爺們就知道了。Who would have thought the servants all answered with one voice, "Elder Madam need not ask us — ask the masters who run the household and you'll know.在大太太也不用鬧，等我們太太問起來我們有話說。There's no need for Elder Madam to make a fuss either; when our Madam asks about it, we'll have plenty to say.要打大家打，要發大家都發。If we're to be beaten, beat us all together; if we're to be turned out, turn us all out together.自從璉二爺出了門，外頭鬧的還了得！Ever since Second Master Lian left the house, things outside have been in such an uproar it's past bearing!我們的月錢月米是不給了，賭錢喝酒鬧小旦，還接了外頭的媳婦兒到宅里來。Our monthly allowances of money and rice haven't been given to us, while they gamble, drink, carouse with actresses, and even bring outside women into the household.這不是爺嗎。”說得賈芸等頓口無言。Isn't that just what a 'master' does?" This left Jia Yun and the others speechless.王夫人那邊又打發人來催說：“叫爺們快找來。”那賈環等急得恨無地縫可鑽，又不敢盤問巧姐那邊的人。From Wang furen's side someone again came to press them, saying, "Tell the young masters to find her quickly." Jia Huan and the others were so frantic they wished there were a crack in the ground to crawl into, yet dared not question Qiaojie's own people.明知眾人深恨，是必藏起來了。They knew full well that everyone bore them deep resentment, and that she must certainly have been hidden away.但是這句話怎敢在王夫人面前說。But how could they dare say such a thing in front of Wang furen?只得各處親戚家打聽，毫無蹤跡。They had no choice but to make inquiries at every relative's house, but there was not a trace to be found anywhere.里頭一個邢夫人，外頭環兒等，這幾天鬧的晝夜不宁。Inside the house Xing furen, and outside Huan'er and the rest, spent these past few days in such turmoil that there was no peace by day or night.

那贾环贾芸邢夫人三个人互相埋怨，说道：“如今且不用埋怨，想来死是不死的，必是平儿带了他到那什么亲戚家躲著去了。”邢夫人叫了前后的门人来骂著，问巧姐儿和平儿知道那里去了。岂知下人一口同音说是：“大太太不必问我们，问当家的爷们就知道了。在大太太也不用闹，等我们太太问起来我们有话说。要打大家打，要发大家都发。自从琏二爷出了门，外头闹的还了得！我们的月钱月米是不给了，赌钱喝酒闹小旦，还接了外头的媳妇儿到宅里来。这不是爷吗。”说得贾芸等顿口无言。王夫人那边又打发人来催说：“叫爷们快找来。”那贾环等急得恨无地缝可钻，又不敢盘问巧姐那边的人。明知众人深恨，是必藏起来了。但是这句话怎敢在王夫人面前说。只得各处亲戚家打听，毫无踪迹。里头一个邢夫人，外头环儿等，这几天闹的昼夜不宁。

看看到了出場日期，王夫人只盼著寶玉、賈蘭回來。Presently the day for leaving the examination compound arrived, and Wang furen could only long for Baoyu and Jia Lan to come home.等到晌午，不見回來，王夫人李紈寶釵著忙，打發人去到下處打聽。By noon they still had not returned, and Wang furen, Li Wan, and Baochai grew anxious, sending someone to the lodging house to inquire.去了一起，又無消息，連去的人也不來了。One group went, but no news came back, and even the messengers themselves did not return.回來又打發一起人去，又不見回來。So another group was sent, and again there was no sign of their coming back.三個人心里如熱油熬煎，等到傍晚有人進來，見是賈蘭。The hearts of the three of them felt as though they were being fried in hot oil; when evening came at last, someone entered — it was Jia Lan.眾人喜歡問道：“寶二叔呢？”賈蘭也不及請安，便哭道：“二叔丟了。”王夫人聽了這話便怔了，半天也不言語，便直挺挺的躺倒床上。Everyone, overjoyed, asked, "Where is Second Uncle Bao?" Jia Lan, without even pausing to pay his respects, cried out, "Second Uncle is lost!" On hearing this Wang furen was struck dumb; for a long while she said nothing, then fell stiffly back onto the bed.虧得彩雲等在後面扶著，下死的叫醒轉來哭著。Fortunately Caiyun and the others were there behind her to catch her, and by calling desperately they roused her back to her senses, weeping.見寶釵也是白瞪兩眼。They saw that Baochai too was staring blankly, her eyes wide and unseeing.襲人等已哭得淚人一般，只有哭著罵賈蘭道：“糊涂東西，你同二叔在一處，怎麼他就丟了？”賈蘭道：“我和二叔在下處，是一處吃一處睡。Xiren and the others had already wept themselves into tear-drenched figures, and could only sob and scold Jia Lan, "You muddleheaded thing — you were together with your Second Uncle, how could he go and get lost?" Jia Lan said, "Second Uncle and I were at the lodging house together, eating and sleeping in the same place.進了場，相離也不遠，刻刻在一處的。Once we entered the compound we weren't far apart either, and were together every single moment.今兒一早，二叔的卷子早完了，還等我呢。This morning Second Uncle finished his paper early, and waited for me.我們兩個人一起去交了卷子，一同出來，在龍門口一擠，回頭就不見了。The two of us went together to hand in our papers and came out together, but there was a crush of people at the Dragon Gate, and when I turned around he was already gone.我們家接場的人都問我，李貴還說看見的，相離不過數步，怎麼一擠就不見了。All the family people who had come to meet us at the exam questioned me about it; Li Gui even said he had seen him, no more than a few steps away — how could he vanish in a single crush of the crowd?現叫李貴等分頭的找去，我也帶了人各處號里都找遍了，沒有，我所以這時候纔回來。”王夫人是哭的一句話也說不出來，寶釵心里已知八九，襲人痛哭不已。I've now sent Li Gui and the others out in different directions to search, and I too took men and searched every examination cell through and through, but found nothing — that's why I've only just come back now." Wang furen was weeping so hard she could not utter a word; Baochai's heart already guessed eight or nine parts of the truth, and Xiren wept on without end.賈薔等不等吩咐，也是分頭而去。Jia Qiang and the others, without waiting to be told, likewise scattered off in different directions.可怜榮府的人個個死多活少，空備了接場的酒飯。It was pitiful — every last person in the Rong mansion looked more dead than alive, and the wine and food prepared to welcome the candidates home sat there uneaten.賈蘭也忘卻了辛苦，還要自己找去。Jia Lan too forgot his own weariness and wanted to go out searching himself.倒是王夫人攔住道：“我的兒，你叔叔丟了，還禁得再丟了你么。But Wang furen held him back, saying, "My child, your uncle is already lost — can we bear to lose you as well?好孩子，你歇歇去罷。”賈蘭那里肯走。Good child, go and rest now." But Jia Lan was unwilling to go.尤氏等苦勸不止。You-shi and the others pleaded with him urgently, without stopping.眾人中只有惜春心里卻明白了，只不好說出來，便問寶釵道：“二哥哥帶了玉去了沒有？”寶釵道：“這是隨身的東西，怎麼不帶！”惜春聽了便不言語。Among everyone there, only Xichun understood in her heart what had happened, but found it hard to say so aloud; she merely asked Baochai, "Did Second Brother take the jade with him?" Baochai said, "That's a thing he keeps on his person always — of course he took it!" Hearing this, Xichun said no more.襲人想起那日搶玉的事來，也是料著那和尚作怪，柔腸幾斷，珠淚交流，嗚嗚咽咽哭個不住。Xiren, recalling the incident that day when the jade was snatched away, likewise suspected that the monk was up to some mischief; her tender heart nearly broke, tears streamed down like scattered pearls, and she sobbed on and on without stopping.追想當年寶玉相待的情分，有時慪他，他便惱了，也有一种令人回心的好處，那溫存体貼是不用說了。Recalling the affection Baoyu had always shown her over the years — how sometimes when she teased him he would grow cross, yet even then there was something about him that won people's hearts back, to say nothing of his gentleness and consideration —若慪急了他，便賭誓說做和尚。if he were ever teased too far, he would swear an oath that he would go and become a monk.那知道今日卻應了這句話！Who would have thought that today those very words had come true!看看那天已覺是四更天氣，并沒有個信兒。Looking up, they realized the night had already reached the fourth watch, and still there was no word.李紈又怕王夫人苦坏了，极力的勸著回房。Li Wan, fearing that Wang furen would collapse from grief, did all she could to persuade her back to her room.眾人都跟著伺候，只有邢夫人回去。Everyone followed along to attend to her; only Xing furen went back to her own quarters.賈環躲著不敢出來。Jia Huan hid himself away and dared not come out.王夫人叫賈蘭去了，一夜無眠。Wang furen sent Jia Lan off to rest, while she herself did not sleep the whole night through.次日天明，雖有家人回來，都說沒有一處不尋到，實在沒有影兒。When day broke the next morning, although some of the servants came back, they all reported that they had left no place unsearched, yet there was truly not a trace to be found.于是薛姨媽、薛蝌、史湘雲、寶琴、李嬸等，連二連三的過來請安問信。And so Aunt Xue, Xue Ke, Shi Xiangyun, Baoqin, Aunt Li, and the rest came one after another to pay their respects and ask for news.

看看到了出场日期，王夫人只盼著宝玉、贾兰回来。等到晌午，不见回来，王夫人李纨宝钗著忙，打发人去到下处打听。去了一起，又无消息，连去的人也不来了。回来又打发一起人去，又不见回来。三个人心里如热油熬煎，等到傍晚有人进来，见是贾兰。众人喜欢问道：“宝二叔呢？”贾兰也不及请安，便哭道：“二叔丢了。”王夫人听了这话便怔了，半天也不言语，便直挺挺的躺倒床上。亏得彩云等在后面扶著，下死的叫醒转来哭著。见宝钗也是白瞪两眼。袭人等已哭得泪人一般，只有哭著骂贾兰道：“糊涂东西，你同二叔在一处，怎么他就丢了？”贾兰道：“我和二叔在下处，是一处吃一处睡。进了场，相离也不远，刻刻在一处的。今儿一早，二叔的卷子早完了，还等我呢。我们两个人一起去交了卷子，一同出来，在龙门口一挤，回头就不见了。我们家接场的人都问我，李贵还说看见的，相离不过数步，怎么一挤就不见了。现叫李贵等分头的找去，我也带了人各处号里都找遍了，没有，我所以这时候才回来。”王夫人是哭的一句话也说不出来，宝钗心里已知八九，袭人痛哭不已。贾蔷等不等吩咐，也是分头而去。可怜荣府的人个个死多活少，空备了接场的酒饭。贾兰也忘却了辛苦，还要自己找去。倒是王夫人拦住道：“我的儿，你叔叔丢了，还禁得再丢了你么。好孩子，你歇歇去罢。”贾兰那里肯走。尤氏等苦劝不止。众人中只有惜春心里却明白了，只不好说出来，便问宝钗道：“二哥哥带了玉去了没有？”宝钗道：“这是随身的东西，怎么不带！”惜春听了便不言语。袭人想起那日抢玉的事来，也是料著那和尚作怪，柔肠几断，珠泪交流，呜呜咽咽哭个不住。追想当年宝玉相待的情分，有时怄他，他便恼了，也有一种令人回心的好处，那温存体贴是不用说了。若怄急了他，便赌誓说做和尚。那知道今日却应了这句话！看看那天已觉是四更天气，并没有个信儿。李纨又怕王夫人苦坏了，极力的劝著回房。众人都跟著伺候，只有邢夫人回去。贾环躲著不敢出来。王夫人叫贾兰去了，一夜无眠。次日天明，虽有家人回来，都说没有一处不寻到，实在没有影儿。于是薛姨妈、薛蝌、史湘云、宝琴、李婶等，连二连三的过来请安问信。

如此一連數日，王夫人哭得飲食不進，命在垂危。This went on for several days running, until Wang furen had wept so much she could take neither food nor drink, and her life hung by a thread.忽有家人回道：“海疆來了一人，口稱統制大人那里來的，說我們家的三姑奶奶明日到京了。”王夫人聽說探春回京，雖不能解寶玉之愁，那個心略放了些。Suddenly a servant came to report, "A man has arrived from the coastal frontier, saying he comes from the Commander-in-Chief's residence, and that our Third Young Lady will reach the capital tomorrow." When Wang furen heard that Tanchun was returning, though it could not dispel her grief over Baoyu, her heart eased somewhat.到了明日，果然探春回來。When the next day came, Tanchun did indeed return.眾人遠遠接著，見探春出跳得比先前更好了，服采鮮明。Everyone went out to meet her from a distance, and saw that Tanchun looked even more radiant and lovely than before, her clothing bright and fine.見了王夫人形容枯槁，眾人眼腫腮紅，便也大哭起來，哭了一會，然後行禮。When she saw how haggard Wang furen looked, and everyone with swollen eyes and reddened cheeks, she too broke into loud weeping; after crying for a while she then performed the proper greetings.看見惜春道姑打扮，心里很不舒服。Seeing Xichun dressed as a Daoist nun, she felt very uneasy at heart.又聽見寶玉心迷走失，家中多少不順的事，大家又哭起來。And on hearing further of how Baoyu had lost his senses and disappeared, and of all the many misfortunes that had befallen the household, everyone burst into tears once again.還虧得探春能言，見解亦高，把話來慢慢兒的勸解了好些時，王夫人等略覺好些。Fortunately Tanchun was eloquent, and her understanding was sound as well; she spoke on slowly, offering comfort and counsel for a good while, and Wang furen and the others felt somewhat better.再明兒，三姑爺也來了。The next day, the third son-in-law arrived as well.知有這樣的事，探春住下勸解。Learning of all that had happened, Tanchun stayed on to offer comfort and counsel.跟探春的丫頭老婆也與眾姐妹們相聚，各訴別後的事。The maids and older women who had come with Tanchun also gathered together with the young ladies, each telling of what had happened since they parted.從此上上下下的人，竟是無晝無夜專等寶玉的信。From then on, everyone in the household, high and low, did nothing but wait day and night for word of Baoyu.

如此一连数日，王夫人哭得饮食不进，命在垂危。忽有家人回道：“海疆来了一人，口称统制大人那里来的，说我们家的三姑奶奶明日到京了。”王夫人听说探春回京，虽不能解宝玉之愁，那个心略放了些。到了明日，果然探春回来。众人远远接著，见探春出跳得比先前更好了，服采鲜明。见了王夫人形容枯槁，众人眼肿腮红，便也大哭起来，哭了一会，然后行礼。看见惜春道姑打扮，心里很不舒服。又听见宝玉心迷走失，家中多少不顺的事，大家又哭起来。还亏得探春能言，见解亦高，把话来慢慢儿的劝解了好些时，王夫人等略觉好些。再明儿，三姑爷也来了。知有这样的事，探春住下劝解。跟探春的丫头老婆也与众姐妹们相聚，各诉别后的事。从此上上下下的人，竟是无昼无夜专等宝玉的信。

那一夜五更多天，外頭幾個家人進來到二門口報喜。That night, past the fifth watch, several servants from outside came in to the second gate to report joyful news.幾個小丫頭亂跑進來，也不及告訴大丫頭了，進了屋子便說：“太太奶奶們大喜。”王夫人打諒寶玉找著了，便喜歡的站起身來說：“在那里找著的，快叫他進來。”那人道：“中了第七名舉人。”王夫人道：“寶玉呢？”家人不言語，王夫人仍舊坐下。A few little maids came running in pell-mell, not even pausing to tell the senior maids first, and burst into the room saying, "Great joy for the mistresses and young ladies!" Wang furen, assuming Baoyu had been found, rose to her feet in delight and said, "Where was he found? Quick, bring him in." The man said, "He has passed as the seventh-ranked provincial graduate." Wang furen said, "But what of Baoyu?" The servant said nothing, and Wang furen sat back down again.探春便問：“第七名中的是誰？”家人回說“是寶二爺。”正說著，外頭又嚷道：“蘭哥兒中了。”那家人赶忙出去接了報單回稟，見賈蘭中了一百三十名。Tanchun then asked, "Who is it that passed seventh?" The servant answered, "It is Second Master Bao." Just as he spoke, another shout came from outside: "Young Master Lan has passed too!" The servant hurried out to receive the notice and came back to report that Jia Lan had passed in the hundred-and-thirtieth place.李紈心下喜歡，因王夫人不見了寶玉，不敢喜形于色。Li Wan was joyful at heart, but since Wang furen's Baoyu was still missing, she did not dare let her happiness show on her face.王夫人見賈蘭中了，心下也是喜歡，只想：“若是寶玉一回來，咱們這些人不知怎樣樂呢！”獨有寶釵心下悲苦，又不好掉淚。Wang furen too was glad at heart that Jia Lan had passed, and could only think, "If only Baoyu would come home, how happy all of us would be!" Baochai alone felt bitter grief within, yet could not properly let her tears fall.眾人道喜，說是“寶玉既有中的命，自然再不會丟的。Everyone offered congratulations, saying, "Since Baoyu was fated to pass the examination, he surely won't remain lost.況天下那有迷失了的舉人。”王夫人等想來不錯，略有笑容。Besides, where in the whole world has there ever been a provincial graduate who stayed lost?" Wang furen and the others thought this reasonable, and a faint smile came to their faces.眾人便趁勢勸王夫人等多進了些飲食。Everyone then took the chance to urge Wang furen and the rest to eat and drink a little more.只見三門外頭焙茗亂嚷說：“我們二爺中了舉人，是丟不了的了。”眾人問道：“怎見得呢？”焙茗道：“‘一舉成名天下聞’，如今二爺走到那里，那里就知道的。Just then Beiming was heard shouting excitedly outside the third gate, "Our Second Master has passed the examination — there's no way he can stay lost!" Everyone asked, "How can you be so sure?" Beiming said, "'One triumph and his name is known throughout the empire' — now wherever Second Master goes, the people there will know of him at once.誰敢不送來！”里頭的眾人都說：“這小子雖是沒規矩，這句話是不錯的。”惜春道：“這樣大人了，那里有走失的。Who would dare not send him back!" Everyone inside said, "This boy has no manners, but what he says isn't wrong." Xichun said, "A grown man like that — how could he simply get lost?只怕他勘破世情，入了空門，這就難找著他了。”這句話又招得王夫人等又大哭起來。I'm only afraid he has seen through the ways of this world and entered the gate of emptiness — in that case he will be hard indeed to find." These words set Wang furen and the others weeping loudly all over again.李紈道：“古來成佛作祖成神仙的，果然把爵位富貴都拋了也多得很。”王夫人哭道：“他若拋了父母，這就是不孝，怎能成佛作祖。”探春道：“大凡一個人不可有奇處。Li Wan said, "Since ancient times, many who became Buddhas, patriarchs, or immortals did indeed cast aside rank and riches altogether." Wang furen said through her tears, "If he abandons his parents, that is unfilial — how could he then become a Buddha or a patriarch?" Tanchun said, "In general, a person ought not to possess anything too extraordinary about him.二哥哥生來帶塊玉來，都道是好事，這麼說起來，都是有了這塊玉的不好。Second Brother was born clutching a piece of jade, and everyone called it a wondrous thing — but talking it over now, it seems all the trouble has come precisely because of that jade.若是再有幾天不見，我不是叫太太生氣，就有些原故了，只好譬如沒有生這位哥哥罷了。If a few more days pass and he still isn't found — I don't say this to upset you, Mother, but there must be some reason behind it — we can only think of it as if this brother had never been born at all.果然有來頭成了正果，也是太太幾輩子的修積。”寶釵聽了不言語，襲人那里忍得住，心里一疼，頭上一暈便栽倒了。If indeed he has some higher origin and has attained enlightenment, that too would be the fruit of Mother's own virtue accumulated over many lifetimes." Hearing this, Baochai said nothing, while Xiren could not bear it at all — a stab of pain struck her heart, her head swam, and she collapsed to the ground.王夫人見了可怜，命人扶他回去。Seeing this, Wang furen felt pity for her and ordered someone to help her back to her room.賈環見哥哥侄兒中了，又為巧姐的事大不好意思，只報怨薔芸兩個，知道探春回來，此事不肯干休，又不敢躲開，這幾天竟是如在荊棘之中。Jia Huan, seeing his brother and nephew both pass the examination, and feeling deeply ashamed besides over the matter of Qiaojie, could only lay the blame on Jia Qiang and Jia Yun; knowing that now that Tanchun was back this matter would not simply be dropped, yet not daring to keep hiding either, he spent these days as though walking through thorns.

那一夜五更多天，外头几个家人进来到二门口报喜。几个小丫头乱跑进来，也不及告诉大丫头了，进了屋子便说：“太太奶奶们大喜。”王夫人打谅宝玉找著了，便喜欢的站起身来说：“在那里找著的，快叫他进来。”那人道：“中了第七名举人。”王夫人道：“宝玉呢？”家人不言语，王夫人仍旧坐下。探春便问：“第七名中的是谁？”家人回说“是宝二爷。”正说著，外头又嚷道：“兰哥儿中了。”那家人赶忙出去接了报单回禀，见贾兰中了一百三十名。李纨心下喜欢，因王夫人不见了宝玉，不敢喜形于色。王夫人见贾兰中了，心下也是喜欢，只想：“若是宝玉一回来，咱们这些人不知怎样乐呢！”独有宝钗心下悲苦，又不好掉泪。众人道喜，说是“宝玉既有中的命，自然再不会丢的。况天下那有迷失了的举人。”王夫人等想来不错，略有笑容。众人便趁势劝王夫人等多进了些饮食。只见三门外头焙茗乱嚷说：“我们二爷中了举人，是丢不了的了。”众人问道：“怎见得呢？”焙茗道：“‘一举成名天下闻’，如今二爷走到那里，那里就知道的。谁敢不送来！”里头的众人都说：“这小子虽是没规矩，这句话是不错的。”惜春道：“这样大人了，那里有走失的。只怕他勘破世情，入了空门，这就难找著他了。”这句话又招得王夫人等又大哭起来。李纨道：“古来成佛作祖成神仙的，果然把爵位富贵都抛了也多得很。”王夫人哭道：“他若抛了父母，这就是不孝，怎能成佛作祖。”探春道：“大凡一个人不可有奇处。二哥哥生来带块玉来，都道是好事，这么说起来，都是有了这块玉的不好。若是再有几天不见，我不是叫太太生气，就有些原故了，只好譬如没有生这位哥哥罢了。果然有来头成了正果，也是太太几辈子的修积。”宝钗听了不言语，袭人那里忍得住，心里一疼，头上一晕便栽倒了。王夫人见了可怜，命人扶他回去。贾环见哥哥侄儿中了，又为巧姐的事大不好意思，只报怨蔷芸两个，知道探春回来，此事不肯干休，又不敢躲开，这几天竟是如在荆棘之中。

明日賈蘭只得先去謝恩，知道甄寶玉也中了，大家序了同年。The next day Jia Lan had no choice but to go first to give thanks for the imperial favor, where he learned that Zhen Baoyu had passed as well, and the two of them ranked themselves as fellow graduates of the same year.提起賈寶玉心迷走失，甄寶玉歎息勸慰。When the subject of Jia Baoyu's having lost his senses and disappeared came up, Zhen Baoyu sighed and offered words of comfort.知貢舉的將考中的卷子奏聞，皇上一一的披閱，看取中的文章俱是平正通達的。The official in charge of the examinations submitted the successful papers for the emperor's review, and His Majesty read through them one by one, finding that the essays chosen were all balanced, upright, and lucid.見第七名賈寶玉是金陵籍貫，第一百三十名又是金陵賈蘭，皇上傳旨詢問，兩個姓賈的是金陵人氏，是否賈妃一族。Noting that the seventh-ranked candidate, Jia Baoyu, was registered as being from Jinling, and that the hundred-and-thirtieth, Jia Lan, was likewise from Jinling, the emperor issued an edict asking whether these two men surnamed Jia, both natives of Jinling, belonged to the clan of Imperial Consort Jia.大臣領命出來，傳賈寶玉賈蘭問話，賈蘭將寶玉場後迷失的話并將三代陳明，大臣代為轉奏。The ministers, receiving the order, went out and summoned Jia Baoyu and Jia Lan for questioning; Jia Lan explained how Baoyu had gone missing after leaving the examination compound, and also set forth the family's history for three generations, which the ministers then relayed to the throne on his behalf.皇上最是圣明仁德，想起賈氏功勳，命大臣查复，大臣便細細的奏明。The emperor, being most wise and benevolent, recalled the meritorious service of the Jia family and ordered his ministers to investigate and report back, whereupon the ministers memorialized him in full detail.皇上甚是憫恤，命有司將賈赦犯罪情由查案呈奏。The emperor was deeply moved to compassion, and ordered the proper authorities to investigate the circumstances of Jia She's offense and present a report.皇上又看到海疆靖寇班師善後事宜一本，奏的是海宴河清、萬民樂業的事。The emperor also came upon a memorial concerning the pacification of the coastal frontier and the aftermath of the troops' return, which reported that the seas were calm and the rivers clear, and that the myriad people were living and working in peace.皇上圣心大悅，命九卿敘功議賞，并大赦天下。His Majesty was greatly pleased at heart, and ordered the nine ministers to tally up merits and deliberate on rewards, and further proclaimed a general amnesty for the empire.賈蘭等朝臣散後拜了座師，并聽見朝內有大赦的信，便回了王夫人等。After the court dispersed, Jia Lan and the others went to pay respects to their examination patrons, and having also heard the news of the general amnesty at court, went back to report it to Wang furen and the others.合家略有喜色，只盼寶玉回來。The whole household showed a touch of joy, and could only hope now for Baoyu's return.薛姨媽更加喜歡，便要打算贖罪。Aunt Xue was all the more delighted, and at once began planning to have the family's guilt atoned for.

明日贾兰只得先去谢恩，知道甄宝玉也中了，大家序了同年。提起贾宝玉心迷走失，甄宝玉叹息劝慰。知贡举的将考中的卷子奏闻，皇上一一的披阅，看取中的文章俱是平正通达的。见第七名贾宝玉是金陵籍贯，第一百三十名又是金陵贾兰，皇上传旨询问，两个姓贾的是金陵人氏，是否贾妃一族。大臣领命出来，传贾宝玉贾兰问话，贾兰将宝玉场后迷失的话并将三代陈明，大臣代为转奏。皇上最是圣明仁德，想起贾氏功勋，命大臣查复，大臣便细细的奏明。皇上甚是悯恤，命有司将贾赦犯罪情由查案呈奏。皇上又看到海疆靖寇班师善后事宜一本，奏的是海宴河清、万民乐业的事。皇上圣心大悦，命九卿叙功议赏，并大赦天下。贾兰等朝臣散后拜了座师，并听见朝内有大赦的信，便回了王夫人等。合家略有喜色，只盼宝玉回来。薛姨妈更加喜欢，便要打算赎罪。

一日，人報甄老爺同三姑爺來道喜，王夫人便命賈蘭出去接待。One day, someone reported that Master Zhen and the third son-in-law had come to offer congratulations, and Wang furen ordered Jia Lan to go out and receive them.不多一回，賈蘭進來笑嘻嘻的回王夫人道：“太太們大喜了。Before long, Jia Lan came in beaming and reported to Wang furen, "Great joy for you ladies!甄老伯在朝內聽見有旨意，說是大老爺的罪名免了，珍大爺不但免了罪，仍襲了宁國三等世職。Uncle Zhen heard at court that an edict has been issued: Elder Master's offense has been pardoned, and Cousin Zhen has not only been pardoned but has also been restored to the third-class hereditary rank of the Ningguo house.榮國世職仍是老爺襲了，俟丁憂服滿，仍升工部郎中。The hereditary rank of the Rongguo house is still to be inherited by Father, and once his mourning period is complete, he will be restored to his post as Vice Director in the Board of Works.所抄家產，全行賞還。All the confiscated family property is to be fully returned as an imperial bestowal.二叔的文章，皇上看了甚喜，問知元妃兄弟，北靜王還奏說人品亦好，皇上傳旨召見，眾大臣奏稱据伊侄賈蘭回稱出場時迷失，現在各處尋訪，皇上降旨著五營各衙門用心尋訪。His Majesty read Second Uncle's essay and was greatly pleased with it; on learning that he was Imperial Consort Yuan's brother, and with the Prince of Beijing further memorializing that his character too was excellent, the emperor issued an edict summoning him for an audience. The assembled ministers reported that, according to his nephew Jia Lan, he had gone missing on leaving the examination hall and was now being searched for everywhere, whereupon the emperor decreed that the offices of the Five Camps should conduct a diligent search for him.這旨意一下，請太太們放心，皇上這樣圣恩，再沒有找不著了。”王夫人等這纔大家稱賀，喜歡起來。Now that this edict has been issued, please set your minds at ease, ladies — with such gracious favor from the emperor, he is sure to be found." Only then did Wang furen and the rest all offer congratulations to one another and begin to feel joyful.只有賈環等心下著急，四處找尋巧姐。Only Jia Huan and the others remained anxious at heart, searching everywhere for Qiaojie.

一日，人报甄老爷同三姑爷来道喜，王夫人便命贾兰出去接待。不多一回，贾兰进来笑嘻嘻的回王夫人道：“太太们大喜了。甄老伯在朝内听见有旨意，说是大老爷的罪名免了，珍大爷不但免了罪，仍袭了宁国三等世职。荣国世职仍是老爷袭了，俟丁忧服满，仍升工部郎中。所抄家产，全行赏还。二叔的文章，皇上看了甚喜，问知元妃兄弟，北静王还奏说人品亦好，皇上传旨召见，众大臣奏称据伊侄贾兰回称出场时迷失，现在各处寻访，皇上降旨著五营各衙门用心寻访。这旨意一下，请太太们放心，皇上这样圣恩，再没有找不著了。”王夫人等这才大家称贺，喜欢起来。只有贾环等心下著急，四处找寻巧姐。

那知巧姐隨了劉姥姥帶著平兒出了城，到了庄上，劉姥姥也不敢輕褻巧姐，便打掃上房讓給巧姐平兒住下。Little did they know that Qiaojie had followed Granny Liu, with Ping'er along, out of the city to the farmstead; Granny Liu, not daring to treat Qiaojie carelessly, swept out the best rooms and gave them over for Qiaojie and Ping'er to stay in.每日供給雖是鄉村風味，倒也洁淨。Though what was provided each day had a rustic country flavor, it was nonetheless clean and tidy.又有青兒陪著，暫且寬心。With Qing'er there to keep her company as well, her mind was set at ease for the time being.那庄上也有幾家富戶，知道劉姥姥家來了賈府姑娘，誰不來瞧，都道是天上神仙。On that farmstead there were also a few wealthy households, and once they learned that a young lady of the Jia family had come to stay at Granny Liu's, who among them did not come to have a look, all saying she was like an immortal descended from heaven.也有送菜果的，也有送野味的，到也熱鬧。Some sent vegetables and fruit, others sent wild game, and things grew quite lively.內中有個极富的人家，姓周，家財巨萬，良田千頃。Among them was an extremely wealthy family surnamed Zhou, with a fortune worth tens of thousands and a thousand qing of fine farmland.只有一子，生得文雅清秀，年紀十四歲，他父母延師讀書，新近科試中了秀才。They had only one son, refined and handsome in bearing, fourteen years of age; his parents had engaged a tutor for his studies, and he had recently passed the examination and become a xiucai.那日他母親看見了巧姐，心里羡慕，自想：“我是庄家人家，那能配得起這樣世家小姐！”呆呆的想著。That day, when his mother caught sight of Qiaojie, she admired her greatly and thought to herself, "We are only a farming family — how could we ever be a match for such a young lady of a great and noble house!" and fell into a daze of musing.劉姥姥知他心事，拉著他說：“你的心事我知道了，我給你們做個媒罷。”周媽媽笑道：“你別哄我，他們什麼人家，肯給我們庄家人么。”劉姥姥道：“說著瞧罷。”于是兩人各自走開。Granny Liu, sensing what was on her mind, took her by the hand and said, "I know what's troubling your heart — let me be the matchmaker for you." Mother Zhou laughed and said, "Don't tease me — what sort of family are they, that they'd ever consent to marry into a farming household like ours?" Granny Liu said, "Just wait and see." With that the two of them went their separate ways.

那知巧姐随了刘姥姥带著平儿出了城，到了庄上，刘姥姥也不敢轻亵巧姐，便打扫上房让给巧姐平儿住下。每日供给虽是乡村风味，倒也洁净。又有青儿陪著，暂且宽心。那庄上也有几家富户，知道刘姥姥家来了贾府姑娘，谁不来瞧，都道是天上神仙。也有送菜果的，也有送野味的，到也热闹。内中有个极富的人家，姓周，家财巨万，良田千顷。只有一子，生得文雅清秀，年纪十四岁，他父母延师读书，新近科试中了秀才。那日他母亲看见了巧姐，心里羡慕，自想：“我是庄家人家，那能配得起这样世家小姐！”呆呆的想著。刘姥姥知他心事，拉著他说：“你的心事我知道了，我给你们做个媒罢。”周妈妈笑道：“你别哄我，他们什么人家，肯给我们庄家人么。”刘姥姥道：“说著瞧罢。”于是两人各自走开。

劉姥姥惦記著賈府，叫板兒進城打聽，那日恰好到宁榮街，只見有好些車轎在那里。Granny Liu, worrying about the Jia household, sent Ban'er into the city to inquire after news; that day he happened to reach Ningrong Street, where he saw a great many carriages and sedan chairs gathered there.板兒便在鄰近打聽，說是：“宁榮兩府复了官，賞還抄的家產，如今府里又要起來了。Ban'er made inquiries of the people nearby, and was told, "The two houses of Ningguo and Rongguo have had their ranks restored, and the confiscated family property has been given back to them by imperial grace — the mansion is about to rise again.只是他們的寶玉中了官，不知走到那里去了。”板兒心里喜歡，便要回去，又見好幾匹馬到來，在門前下馬。Only their Baoyu, after passing the examination, has gone off no one knows where." Ban'er, delighted at heart, was about to head back, when he saw several horses arrive and their riders dismount before the gate.只見門上打千兒請安說：“二爺回來了，大喜！He saw the gatekeeper drop to one knee in salute, saying, "Second Master has come home — what great joy!大老爺身上安了么？”那位爺笑著道：“好了。Is Elder Master's health restored now?" That gentleman answered with a smile, "He's well now.又遇恩旨，就要回來了。”還問：“那些人做什麼的？”門上回說：“是皇上派官在這里下旨意，叫人領家產。”那位爺便喜歡進去。And with the gracious imperial pardon besides, he'll soon be coming home." He then asked, "What are all those people doing here?" The gatekeeper answered, "They're officials sent by His Majesty to proclaim the edict here, and to have someone come and claim the family property." That gentleman then went in, delighted.板兒便知是賈璉了。Ban'er then realized it was Jia Lian.也不用打聽，赶忙回去告訴了他外祖母。There was no need to inquire further; he hurried straight back to tell his grandmother.劉姥姥聽說，喜的眉開眼笑，去和巧姐兒賀喜，將板兒的話說了一遍。When Granny Liu heard this, she was so delighted her brows lifted and her eyes crinkled with joy; she went to congratulate Qiaojie and repeated everything Ban'er had said.平兒笑說道：“可不是，虧得姥姥這樣一辦，不然姑娘也摸不著那好時候。”巧姐更自歡喜。Ping'er said with a smile, "Indeed so — it's thanks to Granny handling things this way, or the young lady would never have lived to see such good times." Qiaojie herself was all the more delighted.正說著，那送賈璉信的人也回來了，說是：“姑老爺感激得很，叫我一到家快把姑娘送回去。Just as they were speaking, the man who had gone to carry word to Jia Lian returned as well, saying, "The young master is most grateful, and told me that as soon as I got here I should quickly bring the young lady back home.又賞了我好幾兩銀子。”劉姥姥聽了得意，便叫人赶了兩輛車，請巧姐平兒上車。He also rewarded me with several taels of silver besides." Granny Liu, hearing this, felt very pleased with herself, and had two carts brought round at once, inviting Qiaojie and Ping'er to get in.巧姐等在劉姥姥家住熟了，反是依依不舍，更有青兒哭著，恨不能留下。Qiaojie, having grown used to staying at Granny Liu's, now found it hard to tear herself away; and Qing'er, weeping, wished with all her heart that she could be kept there.劉姥姥知他不忍相別，便叫青兒跟了進城，一徑直奔榮府而來。Knowing that Grandmother Liu could not bear to part from her, Qiao Jie had Qing'er come along into the city with her, and headed straight for the Rong mansion.

刘姥姥惦记著贾府，叫板儿进城打听，那日恰好到宁荣街，只见有好些车轿在那里。板儿便在邻近打听，说是：“宁荣两府复了官，赏还抄的家产，如今府里又要起来了。只是他们的宝玉中了官，不知走到那里去了。”板儿心里喜欢，便要回去，又见好几匹马到来，在门前下马。只见门上打千儿请安说：“二爷回来了，大喜！大老爷身上安了么？”那位爷笑著道：“好了。又遇恩旨，就要回来了。”还问：“那些人做什么的？”门上回说：“是皇上派官在这里下旨意，叫人领家产。”那位爷便喜欢进去。板儿便知是贾琏了。也不用打听，赶忙回去告诉了他外祖母。刘姥姥听说，喜的眉开眼笑，去和巧姐儿贺喜，将板儿的话说了一遍。平儿笑说道：“可不是，亏得姥姥这样一办，不然姑娘也摸不著那好时候。”巧姐更自欢喜。正说著，那送贾琏信的人也回来了，说是：“姑老爷感激得很，叫我一到家快把姑娘送回去。又赏了我好几两银子。”刘姥姥听了得意，便叫人赶了两辆车，请巧姐平儿上车。巧姐等在刘姥姥家住熟了，反是依依不舍，更有青儿哭著，恨不能留下。刘姥姥知他不忍相别，便叫青儿跟了进城，一径直奔荣府而来。

且說賈璉先前知道賈赦病重，赶到配所，父子相見，痛哭了一場，漸漸的好起來。Now to speak of Jia Lian: having earlier learned that Jia She was gravely ill, he had hurried to the place of exile, where father and son, seeing each other again, wept bitterly for a time, after which Jia She gradually began to recover.賈璉接著家書，知道家中的事，稟明賈赦回來，走到中途，聽得大赦，又赶了兩天，今日到家，恰遇頒賞恩旨。When Jia Lian received the letter from home and learned of the family's affairs, he reported it to Jia She and set off back. Midway on the road he heard news of the great amnesty, and hurried on for two more days; he arrived home this very day, just in time to meet the imperial edict bestowing rewards.里面邢夫人等正愁無人接旨，雖有賈蘭，終是年輕，人報璉二爺回來，大家相見，悲喜交集，此時也不及敘話，即到前廳叩見了欽命大人。Inside, Lady Xing and the others were anxious that there was no one to receive the edict — though Jia Lan was there, he was still young after all — when word came that Second Master Lian had returned. Everyone met him, grief and joy mingled together, but there was no time now for talk; they went at once to the front hall to kowtow before the imperially commissioned official.問了他父親好，說明日到內府領賞，宁國府第發交居住。He asked after his father's health, and was told that he was to go to the palace treasury the next day to receive the reward, and that the Ningguo mansion residence had been ordered turned over for his family to live in.眾人起身辭別，賈璉送出門去。The others rose and took their leave, and Jia Lian saw them out the gate.見有幾輛屯車，家人們不許停歇，正在吵鬧。There he saw several cart-loads of household goods, and the servants would not let them stop, and were in the midst of a quarrel.賈璉早知道是巧姐來的車，便罵家人道：“你們這班糊涂忘八崽子，我不在家，就欺心害主，將巧姐兒都逼走了。Jia Lian already knew these were the carts bringing Qiao Jie home, and he scolded the servants, saying, "You bunch of muddleheaded, ungrateful wretches! The moment I was away from home, you turned traitor against your masters and drove Qiao Jie away.如今人家送來，還要攔阻，必是你們和我有什麼仇么！”眾家人原怕賈璉回來不依，想來少時纔破，豈知賈璉說得更明，心下不懂，只得站著回道：“二爺出門，奴才們有病的，有告假的，都是三爺、薔大爺、芸大爺作主，不與奴才們相干。”賈璉道：“什麼混帳東西！Now that people have brought her back, you still try to block them — is it that you bear some grudge against me!" The servants had all feared that Jia Lian would be displeased on his return, thinking the matter would come clear before long; little did they expect Jia Lian to speak so plainly. Not understanding what he meant, they could only stand and answer, "When Second Master went away, the servants who were sick, and those who asked for leave — it was all decided by Third Master, Master Qiang, and Master Yun; it had nothing to do with us servants." Jia Lian said, "What nonsense!我完了事再和你們說，快把車赶進來！”When I've finished my business I'll settle accounts with you — now hurry and bring the carts in!"

且说贾琏先前知道贾赦病重，赶到配所，父子相见，痛哭了一场，渐渐的好起来。贾琏接著家书，知道家中的事，禀明贾赦回来，走到中途，听得大赦，又赶了两天，今日到家，恰遇颁赏恩旨。里面邢夫人等正愁无人接旨，虽有贾兰，终是年轻，人报琏二爷回来，大家相见，悲喜交集，此时也不及叙话，即到前厅叩见了钦命大人。问了他父亲好，说明日到内府领赏，宁国府第发交居住。众人起身辞别，贾琏送出门去。见有几辆屯车，家人们不许停歇，正在吵闹。贾琏早知道是巧姐来的车，便骂家人道：“你们这班糊涂忘八崽子，我不在家，就欺心害主，将巧姐儿都逼走了。如今人家送来，还要拦阻，必是你们和我有什么仇么！”众家人原怕贾琏回来不依，想来少时才破，岂知贾琏说得更明，心下不懂，只得站著回道：“二爷出门，奴才们有病的，有告假的，都是三爷、蔷大爷、芸大爷作主，不与奴才们相干。”贾琏道：“什么混帐东西！我完了事再和你们说，快把车赶进来！”

賈璉進去見邢夫人，也不言語，轉身到了王夫人那里，跪下磕了個頭，回道：“姐兒回來了，全虧太太。Jia Lian went in and saw Lady Xing, but said nothing to her; he turned and went to Lady Wang's quarters, knelt down, kowtowed, and said, "Jie'er has come home — it is entirely thanks to you, Aunt.環兄弟太太也不用說他了。As for Brother Huan, there's no need for you to say anything more about him.只是芸兒這東西，他上回看家就鬧亂兒，如今我去了幾個月，便鬧到這樣。It's only that fellow Yun — the last time he looked after the house he stirred up trouble, and now that I've been away just a few months, he has made a mess of things to this extent.回太太的話，這种人攆了他不往來也使得。”王夫人道：“你大舅子為什麼也是這樣？”賈璉道：“太太不用說，我自有道理。”正說著，彩雲等回道：“巧姐兒進來了。”見了王夫人，雖然別不多時，想起這樣逃難的景況，不免落下淚來。To tell you truly, Aunt, a person like that — it would do well enough to drive him out and have no more dealings with him." Lady Wang said, "Why was your wife's elder brother behaving the same way?" Jia Lian said, "There's no need to speak of it, Aunt — I have my own way of dealing with it." Just as they were speaking, Cai Yun and the others came in to report, "Miss Qiao Jie has come in." When she saw Lady Wang, though they had been parted only a short while, thinking back on the plight of her flight brought her to tears.巧姐兒也便大哭。Qiao Jie too began to weep loudly.賈璉謝了劉姥姥。Jia Lian thanked Grandmother Liu.王夫人便拉他坐下，說起那日的話來。Lady Wang drew her to sit down, and began telling of what had happened that day.賈璉見平兒，外面不好說別的，心里感激，眼中流淚。When Jia Lian saw Ping'er, he could not say much in front of others, but in his heart he was moved with gratitude, and tears came to his eyes.自此賈璉心里愈敬平兒，打算等賈赦等回來要扶平兒為正。From this time on Jia Lian's heart held Ping'er in ever greater esteem, and he resolved that once Jia She and the others returned, he would raise Ping'er to the position of principal wife.此是後話，暫且不題。But that is a matter for later, and need not be told now.

贾琏进去见邢夫人，也不言语，转身到了王夫人那里，跪下磕了个头，回道：“姐儿回来了，全亏太太。环兄弟太太也不用说他了。只是芸儿这东西，他上回看家就闹乱儿，如今我去了几个月，便闹到这样。回太太的话，这种人撵了他不往来也使得。”王夫人道：“你大舅子为什么也是这样？”贾琏道：“太太不用说，我自有道理。”正说著，彩云等回道：“巧姐儿进来了。”见了王夫人，虽然别不多时，想起这样逃难的景况，不免落下泪来。巧姐儿也便大哭。贾琏谢了刘姥姥。王夫人便拉他坐下，说起那日的话来。贾琏见平儿，外面不好说别的，心里感激，眼中流泪。自此贾琏心里愈敬平儿，打算等贾赦等回来要扶平儿为正。此是后话，暂且不题。

邢夫人正恐賈璉不見了巧姐，必有一番的周折，又聽見賈璉在王夫人那里，心下更是著急，便叫丫頭去打聽。Lady Xing, fearing that when Jia Lian found Qiao Jie missing there would surely be a great deal of trouble, and now hearing that Jia Lian was over at Lady Wang's, grew all the more uneasy at heart, and sent a maid to go and find out what was happening.回來說是巧姐兒同著劉姥姥在那里說話，邢夫人纔如夢初覺，知他們的鬼，還抱怨著王夫人“調唆我母子不和，到底是那個送信給平兒的？”正問著，只見巧姐同著劉姥姥帶了平兒，王夫人在後頭跟著進來，先把頭里的話都說在賈芸王仁身上，說：“大太太原是聽見人說，為的是好事，那里知道外頭的鬼。”邢夫人聽了，自覺羞慚。The maid came back and reported that Qiao Jie was there with Grandmother Liu, talking together. Only then did Lady Xing come to herself as if waking from a dream, realizing what mischief had been afoot, and yet she still complained of Lady Wang, "stirring up discord between mother and son — who was it, after all, that sent word to Ping'er?" Just as she was asking this, she saw Qiao Jie come in together with Grandmother Liu and Ping'er, with Lady Wang following behind. Lady Wang first laid all the earlier blame on Jia Yun and Wang Ren, saying, "Elder Sister-in-law only heard what people told her, and meant it for the best — how was she to know of the mischief going on behind her back?" Hearing this, Lady Xing felt ashamed of herself.想起王夫人主意不差，心里也服。She reflected that Lady Wang's judgment had not been mistaken, and in her heart she too felt admiration.于是邢王夫人彼此心下相安。From then on, Lady Xing and Lady Wang were at ease with one another.

邢夫人正恐贾琏不见了巧姐，必有一番的周折，又听见贾琏在王夫人那里，心下更是著急，便叫丫头去打听。回来说是巧姐儿同著刘姥姥在那里说话，邢夫人才如梦初觉，知他们的鬼，还抱怨著王夫人“调唆我母子不和，到底是那个送信给平儿的？”正问著，只见巧姐同著刘姥姥带了平儿，王夫人在后头跟著进来，先把头里的话都说在贾芸王仁身上，说：“大太太原是听见人说，为的是好事，那里知道外头的鬼。”邢夫人听了，自觉羞惭。想起王夫人主意不差，心里也服。于是邢王夫人彼此心下相安。

平兒回了王夫人，帶了巧姐到寶釵那里來請安，各自提各自的苦處。Ping'er, having taken leave of Lady Wang, brought Qiao Jie to Baochai's rooms to pay their respects, and each spoke of her own hardships.又說到“皇上隆恩，咱們家該興旺起來了。They went on to say, "With the emperor's great favor, our family ought now to rise and flourish again.想來寶二爺必回來的。”正說到這話，只見秋紋急忙來說：“襲人不好了！”不知何事，且聽下回分解。I daresay Master Bao is sure to come home." Just as they were speaking of this, Qiuwen came hurrying in and said, "Xiren has taken a turn for the worse!" What this was about is not yet known; listen to the explanation in the next chapter.

平儿回了王夫人，带了巧姐到宝钗那里来请安，各自提各自的苦处。又说到“皇上隆恩，咱们家该兴旺起来了。想来宝二爷必回来的。”正说到这话，只见秋纹急忙来说：“袭人不好了！”不知何事，且听下回分解。