第十三回　　秦可卿死封龍禁尉　王熙鳳協理寧國府 Qin Keqing Dies and a Rank Is Bought; Wang Xifeng Takes Charge of the Ning Mansion

話說鳳姐兒自賈璉送黛玉往揚州去後，心中實在無趣，每到晚間，不過和平兒說笑一回，就胡亂睡了。The story goes that after Jia Lian escorted Daiyu to Yangzhou, Xifeng found herself truly at loose ends; every evening she would only chat and laugh a while with Ping'er before turning in for a rough night's sleep.

话说凤姐儿自贾琏送黛玉往扬州去后，心中实在无趣，每到晚间，不过和平儿说笑一回，就胡乱睡了。

這日夜間，正和平兒燈下擁爐倦繡，早命濃薰繡被，二人睡下，屈指算行程該到何處，不知不覺已交三鼓。That night, she was sitting with Ping'er by the lamp, huddled over the brazier, growing weary of her embroidery; she had already ordered the embroidered quilts thickly perfumed with incense, and the two of them lay down, counting on their fingers where the travelers' journey should have reached by now — before they knew it, the third watch had come.平兒已睡熟了。Ping'er had already fallen fast asleep.鳳姐方覺星眼微朦，恍惚只見秦氏從外走來，含笑說道：“嬸子好睡！Xifeng's bright eyes had just begun to grow drowsy when, as if in a dream, she saw Qin-shi walk in from outside, smiling as she said, "Aunt, sleeping soundly!我今日回去，你也不送我一程。I am going back today, and yet you do not even see me off partway.因娘兒們素日相好，我舍不得嬸子，故來別你一別。Since the two of us have always been close, I could not bear to leave without you, Aunt, so I have come to bid you farewell.還有一件心願未了，非告訴嬸子，別人未必中用。”There is also one wish still unfulfilled in my heart; if I do not tell you, Aunt, no one else would be of any use."

这日夜间，正和平儿灯下拥炉倦绣，早命浓薰绣被，二人睡下，屈指算行程该到何处，不知不觉已交三鼓。平儿已睡熟了。凤姐方觉星眼微朦，恍惚只见秦氏从外走来，含笑说道：“婶子好睡！我今日回去，你也不送我一程。因娘儿们素日相好，我舍不得婶子，故来别你一别。还有一件心愿未了，非告诉婶子，别人未必中用。”

鳳姐聽了，恍惚問道：“有何心願？Hearing this, Xifeng asked in her half-dreaming state, "What wish is it?你只管托我就是了。”秦氏道：“嬸嬸，你是個脂粉隊里的英雄，連那些束帶頂冠的男子也不能過你，你如何連兩句俗語也不曉得？Just entrust it to me." Qin-shi said, "Aunt, you are a heroine among the powder-and-rouge crowd, one whom even those men who bind their sashes and cap their heads cannot surpass — how is it that you do not even know a couple of common sayings?常言‘月滿則虧，水滿則溢’，又道是‘登高必跌重’。As the saying goes, 'When the moon is full it wanes, when water is full it overflows,' and again, 'The higher the climb, the harder the fall.'如今我們家赫赫揚揚，已將百載，一日倘或樂极悲生，若應了那句‘樹倒猢猻散’的俗語，豈不虛稱了一世的詩書舊族了！”鳳姐聽了此話，心胸大快，十分敬畏，忙問道：“這話慮的极是，但有何法可以永保無虞？”秦氏冷笑道：“嬸子好痴也。Now our family has flourished in splendor for nearly a hundred years — if one day joy should turn to sorrow at its height, and it should come to pass as the saying goes, 'When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter,' would that not make an empty name of a family renowned through generations for poetry and letters!" Hearing this, Xifeng felt her heart open wide, filled with reverent alarm, and hastily asked, "This concern is most well considered, but what method is there to ensure lasting security?" Qin-shi said with a cold smile, "Aunt, how foolish you are.否极泰來，榮辱自古周而复始，豈人力能可保常的。Ill fortune reaches its extreme and then good fortune comes; glory and disgrace have cycled round since ancient times — how could human strength ever keep things constant forever?但如今能于榮時籌畫下將來衰時的世業，亦可謂常保永全了。But if now, in a time of glory, one could plan ahead for the family's estate in a future time of decline, that might indeed be called preserving it whole and lasting forever.即如今日諸事都妥，只有兩件未妥，若把此事如此一行，則後日可保永全了。”Even now, though everything else is well arranged, there are still two matters not yet settled; if these were handled in the way I have in mind, then in days to come the family could be kept secure and whole."

凤姐听了，恍惚问道：“有何心愿？你只管托我就是了。”秦氏道：“婶婶，你是个脂粉队里的英雄，连那些束带顶冠的男子也不能过你，你如何连两句俗语也不晓得？常言‘月满则亏，水满则溢’，又道是‘登高必跌重’。如今我们家赫赫扬扬，已将百载，一日倘或乐极悲生，若应了那句‘树倒猢狲散’的俗语，岂不虚称了一世的诗书旧族了！”凤姐听了此话，心胸大快，十分敬畏，忙问道：“这话虑的极是，但有何法可以永保无虞？”秦氏冷笑道：“婶子好痴也。否极泰来，荣辱自古周而复始，岂人力能可保常的。但如今能于荣时筹画下将来衰时的世业，亦可谓常保永全了。即如今日诸事都妥，只有两件未妥，若把此事如此一行，则后日可保永全了。”

鳳姐便問何事。Xifeng then asked what these matters were.秦氏道：“目今祖塋雖四時祭祀，只是無一定的錢糧，第二，家塾雖立，無一定的供給。Qin-shi said, "At present, though the ancestral graves receive sacrifices in all four seasons, there are no fixed funds set aside for them; second, though the family school has been established, it has no fixed provisions.依我想來，如今盛時固不缺祭祀供給，但將來敗落之時，此二項有何出處？As I see it, in these prosperous times there is of course no lack for sacrifices and provisions, but when the family declines in the future, where will the funds for these two things come from?莫若依我定見，趁今日富貴，將祖塋附近多置田庄房舍地畝，以備祭祀供給之費皆出自此處，將家塾亦設于此。It would be better, in my fixed opinion, to take advantage of our present wealth and rank to acquire more farmland, manor houses, and fields near the ancestral graves, so that the expenses for sacrifices and provisions may all come from that source, and to set up the family school there as well.合同族中長幼，大家定了則例，日後按房掌管這一年的地畝，錢糧，祭祀，供給之事。Then, together with the elders and juniors of the whole clan, fixed rules should be established, so that afterward each branch of the family, in turn, would manage that year's land, funds, sacrifices, and provisions.如此周流，又無爭競，亦不有典賣諸弊。Handled this way in rotation, there would be no rivalry, nor any of the abuses of pawning or selling off property.便是有了罪，凡物可入官，這祭祀產業連官也不入的。Even if the family should incur some offense and all its property be confiscated by the government, this sacrificial estate would not be subject to confiscation.便敗落下來，子孫回家讀書務農，也有個退步，祭祀又可永繼。Even if the family should fall into decline, the descendants returning home to study or farm would still have somewhere to fall back on, and the ancestral sacrifices could continue on forever.若目今以為榮華不絕，不思後日，終非長策。If, at present, one assumes that glory and splendor will never end, and gives no thought to the days to come, that is in the end no plan for the long term.眼見不日又有一件非常喜事，真是烈火烹油，鮮花著錦之盛。Before long, as you will see, there will be an extraordinary joyous event as well — truly a case of oil poured on blazing fire, or brocade adorned with fresh flowers, such is its splendor.要知道，也不過是瞬間的繁華，一時的歡樂，萬不可忘了那‘盛筵必散’的俗語。But you must understand, it is no more than a moment's flourishing, a season's joy — you must on no account forget the saying, 'Even the grandest feast must come to an end.'此時若不早為後慮，臨期只恐後悔無益了。”鳳姐忙問：“有何喜事？”秦氏道：“天机不可泄漏。If at this time you do not plan ahead for what is to come, then when the moment arrives, I fear regret will be of no use." Xifeng hastily asked, "What joyous event is it?" Qin-shi said, "The workings of Heaven's secrets may not be revealed.只是我與嬸子好了一場，臨別贈你兩句話，須要記著。”因念道：It is only that you and I, Aunt, have been close all this while, so as we part I will give you two lines to remember." And thereupon she recited:

凤姐便问何事。秦氏道：“目今祖茔虽四时祭祀，只是无一定的钱粮，第二，家塾虽立，无一定的供给。依我想来，如今盛时固不缺祭祀供给，但将来败落之时，此二项有何出处？莫若依我定见，趁今日富贵，将祖茔附近多置田庄房舍地亩，以备祭祀供给之费皆出自此处，将家塾亦设于此。合同族中长幼，大家定了则例，日后按房掌管这一年的地亩，钱粮，祭祀，供给之事。如此周流，又无争竞，亦不有典卖诸弊。便是有了罪，凡物可入官，这祭祀产业连官也不入的。便败落下来，子孙回家读书务农，也有个退步，祭祀又可永继。若目今以为荣华不绝，不思后日，终非长策。眼见不日又有一件非常喜事，真是烈火烹油，鲜花著锦之盛。要知道，也不过是瞬间的繁华，一时的欢乐，万不可忘了那‘盛筵必散’的俗语。此时若不早为后虑，临期只恐后悔无益了。”凤姐忙问：“有何喜事？”秦氏道：“天机不可泄漏。只是我与婶子好了一场，临别赠你两句话，须要记著。”因念道：

三春過後諸芳盡，各自須尋各自門。"When the three springs have passed, all the flowers will fade; each must then seek out her own path."

三春过后诸芳尽，各自须寻各自门。

鳳姐還欲問時，只聽二門上傳事雲板連叩四下，將鳳姐驚醒。Just as Xifeng was about to ask further, she heard the cloud-shaped signal board at the second gate struck four times in succession, startling her awake.人回：“東府蓉大奶奶沒了。”鳳姐聞聽，嚇了一身冷汗，出了一回神，只得忙忙的穿衣，往王夫人處來。Someone reported, "The young mistress Rong, from the Eastern Mansion, has passed away." On hearing this, Xifeng broke out in a cold sweat all over; after sitting stunned for a while, she had no choice but to dress hurriedly and go to Lady Wang's quarters.

凤姐还欲问时，只听二门上传事云板连叩四下，将凤姐惊醒。人回：“东府蓉大奶奶没了。”凤姐闻听，吓了一身冷汗，出了一回神，只得忙忙的穿衣，往王夫人处来。

彼時合家皆知，無不納罕，都有些疑心。By that time the whole household knew of it, and there was not one who was not astonished; everyone harbored some suspicion.那長一輩的想他素日孝順，平一輩的想他素日和睦親密，下一輩的想他素日慈愛，以及家中仆從老小想他素日怜貧惜賤，慈老愛幼之恩，莫不悲嚎痛哭者。Those of the elder generation, remembering how filial and dutiful she had always been; those of her own generation, remembering how harmonious and close she had always been; those of the younger generation, remembering how loving and kind she had always been; and the servants of the household, old and young, remembering her habitual kindness to the poor and humble, her tenderness toward the old and love toward the young — there was not one among them who did not wail and weep in grief.

彼时合家皆知，无不纳罕，都有些疑心。那长一辈的想他素日孝顺，平一辈的想他素日和睦亲密，下一辈的想他素日慈爱，以及家中仆从老小想他素日怜贫惜贱，慈老爱幼之恩，莫不悲嚎痛哭者。

閒言少敘，卻說寶玉因近日林黛玉回去，剩得自己孤悽，也不和人頑耍，每到晚間便索然睡了。Enough of such digressions — to return to the story, Baoyu, since Lin Daiyu's recent departure, had been left feeling lonely and forlorn; he no longer played about with others, and every evening he simply went to bed in low spirits.如今從夢中聽見說秦氏死了，連忙翻身爬起來，只覺心中似戳了一刀的不忍，哇的一聲，直奔出一口血來。Now, hearing in his dream that Qin-shi had died, he hastily flipped over and scrambled up; he felt as though his heart had been stabbed with a knife, unbearable pain, and with a cry he spat out a mouthful of blood.襲人等慌慌忙忙上來攙扶，問是怎麼樣，又要回賈母來請大夫。Xiren and the others rushed up in a flurry to support him, asking what was wrong, and were about to report to the Lady Dowager to send for a doctor.寶玉笑道：“不用忙，不相干，這是急火攻心，血不歸經。”說著便爬起來，要衣服換了，來見賈母，即時要過去。Baoyu said with a smile, "No need to fuss, it's nothing serious — this is just sudden distress attacking the heart, making the blood leave its proper channels." So saying, he got up, called for clothes to change into, went to see the Lady Dowager, and at once wanted to go over there.襲人見他如此，心中雖放不下，又不敢攔，只是由他罷了。Seeing him like this, Xiren, though uneasy at heart, dared not stop him, and could only let him have his way.賈母見他要去，因說：“才咽氣的人，那里不乾淨，二則夜里風大，等明早再去不遲。”寶玉那里肯依。Seeing that he wanted to go, the Lady Dowager said, "Someone who has just died — there's bound to be uncleanliness about the place, and besides, the night wind is strong; it won't be too late to go first thing tomorrow morning." But Baoyu would not hear of waiting.賈母命人備車，多派跟隨人役，擁護前來。So the Lady Dowager ordered a carriage prepared and sent along many attendants to escort and accompany him there.一直到了宁國府前，只見府門洞開，兩邊燈籠照如白晝，亂烘烘人來人往，里面哭聲搖山振岳。When they arrived before the Ning Mansion, they saw its gates flung wide open, lanterns on both sides lighting the scene as bright as day, people coming and going in a great bustle, and from within came sounds of weeping loud enough to shake the very hills and mountains.寶玉下了車，忙忙奔至停靈之室，痛哭一番。Baoyu got down from the carriage and hurried straight to the room where the coffin lay, weeping bitterly for a while.然後見過尤氏。After that he went to pay his respects to You-shi.誰知尤氏正犯了胃疼舊疾，睡在床上。It turned out that You-shi's old stomach ailment had just flared up, and she was lying in bed.然後又出來見賈珍。Then he went out again to see Jia Zhen.彼時賈代儒，代修，賈敕，賈效，賈敦，賈赦，賈政，賈琮，賈，賈珩，賈珖，賈琛，賈瓊，賈璘，賈薔，賈菖，賈菱，賈芸，賈芹，賈蓁，賈萍，賈藻，賈蘅，賈芬，賈芳，賈蘭，賈菌，賈芝等都來了。By then Jia Daiju, Jia Daixiu, Jia Chi, Jia Xiao, Jia Dun, Jia She, Jia Zheng, Jia Cong, Jia [illegible], Jia Heng, Jia Guang, Jia Chen, Jia Qiong, Jia Lin, Jia Qiang, Jia Chang, Jia Ling, Jia Yun, Jia Qin, Jia Zhen (the younger), Jia Ping, Jia Zao, Jia Heng, Jia Fen, Jia Fang, Jia Lan, Jia Jun, Jia Zhi, and the rest had all arrived.賈珍哭的淚人一般，正和賈代儒等說道：“合家大小，遠近親友，誰不知我這媳婦比兒子還強十倍。Jia Zhen was weeping like a person made of tears, and was just then saying to Jia Daiju and the others, "Among the whole family, high and low, and friends and relations far and near, who does not know that this daughter-in-law of mine was ten times better than a son to me.如今伸腿去了，可見這長房內絕滅無人了。”說著又哭起來。Now that she has stretched out her legs and gone, it shows that the senior branch of the family is left utterly without anyone." So saying, he began to weep again.眾人忙勸：“人已辭世，哭也無益，且商議如何料理要緊。”賈珍拍手道：“如何料理，不過盡我所有罷了！”正說著，只見秦業，秦鐘并尤氏的幾個眷屬尤氏姊妹也都來了。The others hastened to console him, "Since she has already passed from this world, weeping will do no good; the important thing now is to discuss how to arrange matters." Jia Zhen clapped his hands and said, "However it's arranged, I shall simply spend everything I have!" Just as he was speaking, Qin Ye, Qin Zhong, and several of You-shi's relatives, including You-shi's sisters, all arrived as well.賈珍便命賈瓊，賈琛，賈璘，賈薔四個人去陪客，一面吩咐去請欽天監陰陽司來擇日，擇准停靈七七四十九日，三日後開喪送訃聞。Jia Zhen then ordered Jia Qiong, Jia Chen, Jia Lin, and Jia Qiang, the four of them, to go entertain the guests, and at the same time instructed that the Bureau of Astronomy's Office of Yin-Yang be asked to select an auspicious date, fixing the coffin to lie in state for the full forty-nine days, and that three days later the mourning be formally opened and the death notices sent out.這四十九日，單請一百單八眾禪僧在大廳上拜大悲忏，超度前亡後化諸魂，以免亡者之罪，另設一壇于天香樓上，是九十九位全真道士，打四十九日解冤洗業醮。For these forty-nine days, one hundred and eight Buddhist monks alone were invited to perform the Great Compassion Repentance in the main hall, to deliver from suffering all souls who had died before and would die after, so as to absolve the deceased of her sins; and a separate altar was set up in the Tianxiang Pavilion, where ninety-nine Complete Perfection Daoist priests performed a forty-nine-day rite to dissolve grievances and cleanse karma.然後停靈于會芳園中，靈前另外五十眾高僧，五十眾高道，對壇按七作好事。The coffin was then set to lie in state in the Hui Fang Garden, and before it, in addition, fifty eminent monks and fifty eminent Daoist priests, at facing altars, performed meritorious rites on each seventh day.那賈敬聞得長孫媳死了，因自為早晚就要飛升，如何肯又回家染了紅塵，將前功盡棄呢，因此并不在意，只憑賈珍料理。As for Jia Jing, on hearing that his eldest grandson's wife had died, since he believed himself soon to ascend to immortality, how could he be willing to return home and be sullied again by the dust of the mortal world, throwing away all his accumulated merit? And so he paid it no mind at all, leaving everything to Jia Zhen to manage.

闲言少叙，却说宝玉因近日林黛玉回去，剩得自己孤凄，也不和人顽耍，每到晚间便索然睡了。如今从梦中听见说秦氏死了，连忙翻身爬起来，只觉心中似戳了一刀的不忍，哇的一声，直奔出一口血来。袭人等慌慌忙忙上来搀扶，问是怎么样，又要回贾母来请大夫。宝玉笑道：“不用忙，不相干，这是急火攻心，血不归经。”说著便爬起来，要衣服换了，来见贾母，即时要过去。袭人见他如此，心中虽放不下，又不敢拦，只是由他罢了。贾母见他要去，因说：“才咽气的人，那里不干净，二则夜里风大，等明早再去不迟。”宝玉那里肯依。贾母命人备车，多派跟随人役，拥护前来。一直到了宁国府前，只见府门洞开，两边灯笼照如白昼，乱烘烘人来人往，里面哭声摇山振岳。宝玉下了车，忙忙奔至停灵之室，痛哭一番。然后见过尤氏。谁知尤氏正犯了胃疼旧疾，睡在床上。然后又出来见贾珍。彼时贾代儒，代修，贾敕，贾效，贾敦，贾赦，贾政，贾琮，贾，贾珩，贾珖，贾琛，贾琼，贾璘，贾蔷，贾菖，贾菱，贾芸，贾芹，贾蓁，贾萍，贾藻，贾蘅，贾芬，贾芳，贾兰，贾菌，贾芝等都来了。贾珍哭的泪人一般，正和贾代儒等说道：“合家大小，远近亲友，谁不知我这媳妇比儿子还强十倍。如今伸腿去了，可见这长房内绝灭无人了。”说著又哭起来。众人忙劝：“人已辞世，哭也无益，且商议如何料理要紧。”贾珍拍手道：“如何料理，不过尽我所有罢了！”正说著，只见秦业，秦钟并尤氏的几个眷属尤氏姊妹也都来了。贾珍便命贾琼，贾琛，贾璘，贾蔷四个人去陪客，一面吩咐去请钦天监阴阳司来择日，择准停灵七七四十九日，三日后开丧送讣闻。这四十九日，单请一百单八众禅僧在大厅上拜大悲忏，超度前亡后化诸魂，以免亡者之罪，另设一坛于天香楼上，是九十九位全真道士，打四十九日解冤洗业醮。然后停灵于会芳园中，灵前另外五十众高僧，五十众高道，对坛按七作好事。那贾敬闻得长孙媳死了，因自为早晚就要飞升，如何肯又回家染了红尘，将前功尽弃呢，因此并不在意，只凭贾珍料理。

賈珍見父親不管，亦發恣意奢華。Seeing that his father took no notice, Jia Zhen indulged himself all the more in extravagance.看板時，幾副杉木板皆不中用。When it came to choosing the coffin boards, several sets of fir-wood boards all proved unsuitable.可巧薛蟠來吊問，因見賈珍尋好板，便說道：“我們木店里有一副板，叫作什麼檣木，出在潢海鐵网山上，作了棺材，萬年不坏。As it happened, Xue Pan came to pay a condolence visit, and seeing Jia Zhen searching for good boards, said, "We have a set of boards at our timber shop, called something like 'mast wood,' which comes from Iron Net Mountain in the Sea of Huang; made into a coffin, it will never decay in ten thousand years.這還是當年先父帶來，原系義忠親王老千歲要的，因他坏了事，就不曾拿去。This was actually brought back in years past by my late father — it was originally ordered by the old Prince of Yizhong, but since he ran into trouble, it was never taken away.現在還封在店內，也沒有人出价敢買。It is still sealed up in the shop even now, and no one has dared to offer a price for it.你若要，就抬來使罷。”賈珍聽說，喜之不盡，即命人抬來。If you want it, just have it carried over and use it." Hearing this, Jia Zhen was overjoyed beyond measure and at once sent men to carry it over.大家看時，只見幫底皆厚八寸，紋若檳榔，味若檀麝，以手扣之，玎璫如金玉。When everyone looked at it, they saw that the sides and bottom were all a full eight inches thick, the grain like betel-nut wood, the scent like sandalwood and musk; tapped with the hand, it rang out like gold or jade.大家都奇异稱贊。Everyone marveled at it and praised it as extraordinary.賈珍笑問：“价值幾何？”薛蟠笑道：“拿一千兩銀子來，只怕也沒處買去。Jia Zhen asked with a smile, "What is it worth?" Xue Pan said with a smile, "Even if you brought a thousand taels of silver, I'm afraid there'd be nowhere else to buy such a thing.什麼价不价，賞他們幾兩工錢就是了。”賈珍聽說，忙謝不盡，即命解鋸糊漆。Never mind about price — just reward the workmen a few taels for their labor and that will do." Hearing this, Jia Zhen thanked him profusely and at once ordered it sawed open and lacquered.賈政因勸道：“此物恐非常人可享者，殮以上等杉木也就是了。”此時賈珍恨不能代秦氏之死，這話如何肯聽。Jia Zheng cautioned him, saying, "I fear this is not something an ordinary person may rightly make use of; the finest fir wood would surely suffice for the encoffining." But at this time Jia Zhen, wishing he himself could have died in Qin-shi's place, was in no mood to heed such words.因忽又聽得秦氏之丫鬟名喚瑞珠者，見秦氏死了，他也触柱而亡。Then suddenly it was also heard that Qin-shi's maid, named Ruizhu, upon seeing that her mistress had died, had dashed herself against a pillar and died as well.此事可罕，合族人也都稱歎。This was a rare thing indeed, and the whole clan sighed in admiration over it.賈珍遂以孫女之禮斂殯，一并停靈于會芳園中之登仙閣。Jia Zhen therefore had her encoffined and laid out with the rites due a granddaughter, setting her coffin likewise to lie in the Ascending Immortals Pavilion within Hui Fang Garden.小丫鬟名寶珠者，因見秦氏身無所出，乃甘心願為義女，誓任摔喪駕靈之任。A young maid named Baozhu, seeing that Qin-shi had left no children of her own, willingly offered to become her adopted daughter, vowing to take on the duties of breaking the mourning bowl and escorting the coffin.賈珍喜之不盡，即時傳下，從此皆呼寶珠為小姐。Jia Zhen was overjoyed beyond measure, and at once gave orders that from then on everyone should address Baozhu as "young lady."那寶珠按未嫁女之喪，在靈前哀哀欲絕。Baozhu, observing the mourning rites due an unmarried daughter, grieved before the coffin as though she would die of sorrow.于是，合族人丁并家下諸人，都各遵舊制行事，自不得紊亂。Thereupon the whole clan and all the members of the household each acted according to the old established forms, so that naturally nothing fell into disorder.

贾珍见父亲不管，亦发恣意奢华。看板时，几副杉木板皆不中用。可巧薛蟠来吊问，因见贾珍寻好板，便说道：“我们木店里有一副板，叫作什么樯木，出在潢海铁网山上，作了棺材，万年不坏。这还是当年先父带来，原系义忠亲王老千岁要的，因他坏了事，就不曾拿去。现在还封在店内，也没有人出价敢买。你若要，就抬来使罢。”贾珍听说，喜之不尽，即命人抬来。大家看时，只见帮底皆厚八寸，纹若槟榔，味若檀麝，以手扣之，玎珰如金玉。大家都奇异称赞。贾珍笑问：“价值几何？”薛蟠笑道：“拿一千两银子来，只怕也没处买去。什么价不价，赏他们几两工钱就是了。”贾珍听说，忙谢不尽，即命解锯糊漆。贾政因劝道：“此物恐非常人可享者，殓以上等杉木也就是了。”此时贾珍恨不能代秦氏之死，这话如何肯听。因忽又听得秦氏之丫鬟名唤瑞珠者，见秦氏死了，他也触柱而亡。此事可罕，合族人也都称叹。贾珍遂以孙女之礼敛殡，一并停灵于会芳园中之登仙阁。小丫鬟名宝珠者，因见秦氏身无所出，乃甘心愿为义女，誓任摔丧驾灵之任。贾珍喜之不尽，即时传下，从此皆呼宝珠为小姐。那宝珠按未嫁女之丧，在灵前哀哀欲绝。于是，合族人丁并家下诸人，都各遵旧制行事，自不得紊乱。

賈珍因想著賈蓉不過是個黌門監，靈幡經榜上寫時不好看，便是執事也不多，因此心下甚不自在。Jia Zhen, reflecting that Jia Rong was after all only a licentiate of the Imperial Academy, felt that this would look poorly when written on the funeral banners and scripture notices, and that the honor guard, too, would not amount to much; because of this he felt very ill at ease.可巧這日正是首七第四日，早有大明宮掌宮內相戴權，先備了祭禮遣人來，次後坐了大轎，打傘鳴鑼，親來上祭。As it happened, that day was the fourth day of the first seven-day period, and already Dai Quan, the Palace Eunuch Director of the Da Ming Palace, had first sent someone ahead with sacrificial offerings prepared, and afterward came in person, riding in a large sedan chair with an umbrella held over him and gongs sounding, to offer sacrifice himself.賈珍忙接著，讓至逗蜂軒獻茶。Jia Zhen hastened to receive him and showed him to the Dou Feng Studio to serve him tea.賈珍心中打算定了主意，因而趁便就說要與賈蓉捐個前程的話。Jia Zhen, having already made up his mind about a certain matter, took the opportunity to bring up the subject of purchasing an official career for Jia Rong.戴權會意，因笑道：“想是為喪禮上風光些。”賈珍忙笑道：“老內相所見不差。”戴權道：“事倒湊巧，正有個美缺，如今三百員龍禁尉短了兩員，昨兒襄陽侯的兄弟老三來求我，現拿了一千五百兩銀子，送到我家里。Dai Quan caught his meaning at once and said with a smile, "I suppose it's so the funeral rites will look more impressive." Jia Zhen said quickly with a smile, "Your Excellency has judged it exactly right." Dai Quan said, "As it happens, the timing is fortunate — there is just now a fine vacancy. Among the three hundred posts of Dragon Guard Commandant, two are presently short. Yesterday the third younger brother of the Marquis of Xiangyang came to ask a favor of me, and has already brought fifteen hundred taels of silver to my house.你知道，咱們都是老相與，不拘怎麼樣，看著他爺爺的分上，胡亂應了。As you know, we are all old friends, so regardless of the particulars, out of regard for his grandfather I simply agreed, more or less.還剩了一個缺，誰知永興節度使馮胖子來求，要與他孩子捐，我就沒工夫應他。There is still one vacancy left; but as it happens Fat Feng, the Military Commissioner of Yongxing, has come asking to purchase it for his son, and I haven't had time to give him an answer yet.既是咱們的孩子要捐，快寫個履歷來。”賈珍聽說，忙吩咐：“快命書房里人恭敬寫了大爺的履歷來。”小廝不敢怠慢，去了一刻，便拿了一張紅紙來與賈珍。Since it is our own boy who wants to purchase a post, quickly have his curriculum vitae written out." Hearing this, Jia Zhen hurriedly gave orders: "Quickly have someone in the study respectfully write out the young master's curriculum vitae." The page boy dared not be slow about it, and after a short while brought a sheet of red paper to Jia Zhen.賈珍看了，忙送與戴權。Jia Zhen looked it over, then hastily handed it to Dai Quan.看時，上面寫道：On it was written:

贾珍因想著贾蓉不过是个黉门监，灵幡经榜上写时不好看，便是执事也不多，因此心下甚不自在。可巧这日正是首七第四日，早有大明宫掌宫内相戴权，先备了祭礼遣人来，次后坐了大轿，打伞鸣锣，亲来上祭。贾珍忙接著，让至逗蜂轩献茶。贾珍心中打算定了主意，因而趁便就说要与贾蓉捐个前程的话。戴权会意，因笑道：“想是为丧礼上风光些。”贾珍忙笑道：“老内相所见不差。”戴权道：“事倒凑巧，正有个美缺，如今三百员龙禁尉短了两员，昨儿襄阳侯的兄弟老三来求我，现拿了一千五百两银子，送到我家里。你知道，咱们都是老相与，不拘怎么样，看著他爷爷的分上，胡乱应了。还剩了一个缺，谁知永兴节度使冯胖子来求，要与他孩子捐，我就没工夫应他。既是咱们的孩子要捐，快写个履历来。”贾珍听说，忙吩咐：“快命书房里人恭敬写了大爷的履历来。”小厮不敢怠慢，去了一刻，便拿了一张红纸来与贾珍。贾珍看了，忙送与戴权。看时，上面写道：

江南江宁府江宁縣監生賈蓉，年二十歲。Jia Rong, Imperial Academy student of Jiangning County, Jiangning Prefecture, Jiangnan, aged twenty.

江南江宁府江宁县监生贾蓉，年二十岁。

曾祖，原任京營節度使世襲一等神威將軍賈代化，Great-grandfather: Jia Daihua, formerly Military Commissioner of the Capital Garrison, hereditary First Class General of Divine Might.

曾祖，原任京营节度使世袭一等神威将军贾代化，

祖，乙卯科進士賈敬，Grandfather: Jia Jing, a metropolitan graduate (jinshi) of the yimao examination year.

祖，乙卯科进士贾敬，

父，世襲三品爵威烈將軍賈珍。Father: Jia Zhen, hereditary rank of the third degree, General of Awesome Valor.

父，世袭三品爵威烈将军贾珍。

戴權看了，回手便遞與一個貼身的小廝收了，說道：“回來送與戶部堂官老趙，說我拜上他，起一張五品龍禁尉的票，再給個執照，就把這履歷填上，明兒我來兌銀子送去。”小廝答應了，戴權也就告辭了。Dai Quan looked it over, then turned and handed it to one of his personal attendant boys to keep, saying, "When you get back, give this to Old Zhao, the department head at the Ministry of Revenue, and tell him I present my compliments and ask him to draw up a certificate for a fifth-rank Dragon Guard Commandant, along with a license, filling in this curriculum vitae; tomorrow I will come and settle the silver and send it over." The boy assented, and Dai Quan then took his leave.賈珍十分款留不住，只得送出府門。Jia Zhen tried most earnestly to detain him but could not, and had no choice but to see him out to the mansion gate.臨上轎，賈珍因問：“銀子還是我到部兌，還是一并送入老內相府中？”戴權道：“若到部里，你又吃虧了。Just as he was about to get into his sedan chair, Jia Zhen asked, "Shall I take the silver to the Ministry myself to settle it, or send it all together to Your Excellency's residence?" Dai Quan said, "If you go to the Ministry, you'll only lose out again.不如平准一千二百兩銀子，送到我家就完了。”賈珍感謝不盡，只說：“待服滿後，親帶小犬到府叩謝。”于是作別。Better to reckon it at an even twelve hundred taels of silver and send it to my house, and the matter will be settled." Jia Zhen thanked him profusely, saying only, "Once the mourning period is over, I will personally bring my worthless son to your residence to pay my respects and give thanks." And with that they took their leave of each other.

戴权看了，回手便递与一个贴身的小厮收了，说道：“回来送与户部堂官老赵，说我拜上他，起一张五品龙禁尉的票，再给个执照，就把这履历填上，明儿我来兑银子送去。”小厮答应了，戴权也就告辞了。贾珍十分款留不住，只得送出府门。临上轿，贾珍因问：“银子还是我到部兑，还是一并送入老内相府中？”戴权道：“若到部里，你又吃亏了。不如平准一千二百两银子，送到我家就完了。”贾珍感谢不尽，只说：“待服满后，亲带小犬到府叩谢。”于是作别。

接著，便又聽喝道之聲，原來是忠靖侯史鼎的夫人來了。Following this, the sound of outriders clearing the way was heard once more — it turned out to be the arrival of the wife of Shi Ding, Marquis of Zhongjing.王夫人，邢夫人，鳳姐等剛迎入上房，又見錦鄉侯，川宁侯，壽山伯三家祭禮擺在靈前。No sooner had Lady Wang, Lady Xing, Xifeng, and the others welcomed her into the main hall, than sacrificial offerings from three more houses — the Marquis of Jinxiang, the Marquis of Chuanning, and the Earl of Shoushan — were seen laid out before the coffin.少時，三人下轎，賈政等忙接上大廳。Presently, the three of them alighted from their sedan chairs, and Jia Zheng and the others hurried to receive them into the main hall.如此親朋你來我去，也不能胜數。In this way relatives and friends came and went, in numbers too many to count.只這四十九日，宁國府街上一條白漫漫人來人往，花簇簇官去官來。Throughout these forty-nine days, the street before the Ning Mansion was a solid stretch of white with mourners coming and going, and a bright cluster of officials arriving and departing.

接著，便又听喝道之声，原来是忠靖侯史鼎的夫人来了。王夫人，邢夫人，凤姐等刚迎入上房，又见锦乡侯，川宁侯，寿山伯三家祭礼摆在灵前。少时，三人下轿，贾政等忙接上大厅。如此亲朋你来我去，也不能胜数。只这四十九日，宁国府街上一条白漫漫人来人往，花簇簇官去官来。

賈珍命賈蓉次日換了吉服，領憑回來。Jia Zhen ordered Jia Rong to change into festive robes the next day and go to collect his certificate and bring it back.靈前供用執事等物俱按五品職例。The offerings and honor-guard items set before the coffin were all arranged according to the regulations for a fifth-rank official.靈牌疏上皆寫”天朝誥授賈門秦氏恭人之靈位”。The spirit tablet and the memorial documents were all inscribed: "Spirit Tablet of Lady Qin, née of the Jia Family, Respectfully Bestowed the Title of Madame by Imperial Decree of the Celestial Dynasty."會芳園臨街大門洞開，旋在兩邊起了鼓樂廳，兩班青衣按時奏樂，一對對執事擺的刀斬斧齊。The main gate of Hui Fang Garden facing the street stood wide open, and drum-and-music pavilions were quickly erected on both sides; two troupes of musicians in blue robes played music at the appointed hours, while pair after pair of honor guards stood arrayed with knives and axes in neat rows.更有兩面朱紅銷金大字牌對豎在門外，上面大書：“防護內廷紫禁道御前侍衛龍禁尉”。There were, in addition, two vermilion boards inlaid with large gold characters set up facing each other outside the gate, on which was written in bold characters: "Guardian of the Inner Palace, Purple Forbidden Way, Imperial Bodyguard, Dragon Guard Commandant."對面高起著宣壇，僧道對壇榜文，榜上大書：“世襲宁國公冢孫婦，防護內廷御前侍衛龍禁尉賈門秦氏恭人之喪。Opposite it a high proclamation altar was raised, with the monks and Daoists facing each other across their altars; on the placard was written in large characters: "The Funeral of Madame Qin of the Jia Family, Eldest Grandson's Wife of the Hereditary Duke of Ningguo, Guardian of the Inner Palace, Imperial Bodyguard, Dragon Guard Commandant.四大部州至中之地，奉天承運太平之國，總理虛無寂靜教門僧錄司正堂萬虛，總理元始三一教門道錄司正堂葉生等，敬謹修齋，朝天叩佛”，以及”恭請諸伽藍，揭諦，功曹等神，圣恩普錫，神威遠鎮，四十九日消災洗業平安水陸道場”等語，亦不消煩記。In the central land of the Four Great Continents, in a peaceful nation receiving Heaven's mandate and continuing its fortune, Wan Xu, Chief Presiding Officer of the Buddhist Registry overseeing the teaching of Emptiness and Stillness, and Ye Sheng, Chief Presiding Officer of the Daoist Registry overseeing the Sect of the Primordial Origin and Three Unities, and others, reverently perform the rites of purification, bowing to Heaven and worshipping the Buddha" — together with such phrases as "Respectfully inviting all the guardian spirits of monasteries, the Revealers of Truth, the Officers of Merit and other deities, that in their sacred grace bestowed universally and their divine might exerted far and wide, this forty-nine-day Land-and-Water Rite for dispelling calamity, cleansing karma, and ensuring peace may be accomplished" — these need not be recorded in tedious detail.

贾珍命贾蓉次日换了吉服，领凭回来。灵前供用执事等物俱按五品职例。灵牌疏上皆写”天朝诰授贾门秦氏恭人之灵位”。会芳园临街大门洞开，旋在两边起了鼓乐厅，两班青衣按时奏乐，一对对执事摆的刀斩斧齐。更有两面朱红销金大字牌对竖在门外，上面大书：“防护内廷紫禁道御前侍卫龙禁尉”。对面高起著宣坛，僧道对坛榜文，榜上大书：“世袭宁国公冢孙妇，防护内廷御前侍卫龙禁尉贾门秦氏恭人之丧。四大部州至中之地，奉天承运太平之国，总理虚无寂静教门僧录司正堂万虚，总理元始三一教门道录司正堂叶生等，敬谨修斋，朝天叩佛”，以及”恭请诸伽蓝，揭谛，功曹等神，圣恩普锡，神威远镇，四十九日消灾洗业平安水陆道场”等语，亦不消烦记。

只是賈珍雖然此時心意滿足，但里面尤氏又犯了舊疾，不能料理事務，惟恐各誥命來往，虧了禮數，怕人笑話，因此心中不自在。It was only that, although Jia Zhen felt satisfied at heart for the time being, within the household You-shi's old illness had flared up again and she was unable to manage affairs; he feared that with titled ladies coming and going, some breach of etiquette might occur and people would laugh at them, and so he felt uneasy at heart.當下正憂慮時，因寶玉在側問道：“事事都算安貼了，大哥哥還愁什麼？”賈珍見問，便將里面無人的話說了出來。Just as he was worrying over this, Baoyu, who was at his side, asked, "Everything seems to be well arranged — what is elder brother still worried about?" Seeing himself asked, Jia Zhen explained the matter of there being no one to manage things within.寶玉聽說笑道：“這有何難，我荐一個人與你權理這一個月的事，管必妥當。”賈珍忙問：“是誰？”寶玉見座間還有許多親友，不便明言，走至賈珍耳邊說了兩句。On hearing this, Baoyu said with a smile, "What difficulty is there in that? I'll recommend someone to manage things for you for this one month, and I guarantee it will be handled properly." Jia Zhen asked quickly, "Who is it?" Seeing that there were still many relatives and friends present, Baoyu found it inconvenient to say outright, and instead went up to Jia Zhen and whispered a few words in his ear.賈珍聽了喜不自禁，連忙起身笑道：“果然安貼，如今就去。”說著拉了寶玉，辭了眾人，便往上房里來。Hearing this, Jia Zhen could not contain his delight, and rose at once, saying with a smile, "That would indeed settle things well — let's go right now." So saying, he took Baoyu by the hand, took his leave of the others, and went off to the main apartments.

只是贾珍虽然此时心意满足，但里面尤氏又犯了旧疾，不能料理事务，惟恐各诰命来往，亏了礼数，怕人笑话，因此心中不自在。当下正忧虑时，因宝玉在侧问道：“事事都算安贴了，大哥哥还愁什么？”贾珍见问，便将里面无人的话说了出来。宝玉听说笑道：“这有何难，我荐一个人与你权理这一个月的事，管必妥当。”贾珍忙问：“是谁？”宝玉见座间还有许多亲友，不便明言，走至贾珍耳边说了两句。贾珍听了喜不自禁，连忙起身笑道：“果然安贴，如今就去。”说著拉了宝玉，辞了众人，便往上房里来。

可巧這日非正經日期，親友來的少，里面不過幾位近親堂客，邢夫人，王夫人，鳳姐并合族中的內眷陪坐。As it happened, that day was not one of the formal ritual days, so few relatives and friends had come; within, there were only a few close female relatives, with Lady Xing, Lady Wang, Xifeng, and the womenfolk of the whole clan sitting in attendance.聞人報：“大爺進來了。”唬的眾婆娘忽的一聲，往後藏之不迭，獨鳳姐款款站了起來。When it was announced, "The eldest master is coming in," the assembled womenfolk were so startled that with a rustle they all scrambled to hide themselves out of sight as fast as they could — only Xifeng rose to her feet unhurriedly.賈珍此時也有些病症在身，二則過于悲痛了，因拄個拐踱了進來。Jia Zhen, being at this time somewhat afflicted with illness himself, and besides being overcome with grief, came shuffling in leaning on a cane.邢夫人等因說道：“你身上不好，又連日事多，該歇歇才是，又進來做什麼？”賈珍一面扶拐，扎掙著要蹲身跪下請安道乏。Lady Xing and the others said, "You are not well, and besides you've had so much to attend to these past days — you ought to rest, so why come in here again?" Jia Zhen, leaning on his cane, struggled to lower himself and kneel to pay his respects and apologize for his neglect.邢夫人等忙叫寶玉攙住，命人挪椅子來與他坐。Lady Xing and the others hastily told Baoyu to support him, and ordered a chair brought for him to sit on.賈珍斷不肯坐，因勉強陪笑道：“侄兒進來有一件事要求二位嬸子并大妹妹。”邢夫人等忙問：“什麼事？”賈珍忙笑道：“嬸子自然知道，如今孫子媳婦沒了，侄兒媳婦偏又病倒，我看里頭著實不成個体統。Jia Zhen absolutely refused to sit, and forced a smile, saying, "I have come in because there is one thing your nephew wishes to ask of you two aunts and of elder cousin." Lady Xing and the others asked quickly, "What is it?" Jia Zhen said with a smile, "Aunt, you naturally know already — now that my son's wife has died, and my own wife has, of all times, fallen ill, I can see that things within are truly in disorder.怎麼屈尊大妹妹一個月，在這里料理料理，我就放心了。”邢夫人笑道：“原來為這個。If only elder cousin would condescend to trouble herself for one month, managing things here, then my mind would be at ease." Lady Xing said with a smile, "So that's what it's about.你大妹妹現在你二嬸子家，只和你二嬸子說就是了。”王夫人忙道：“他一個小孩子家，何曾經過這樣事，倘或料理不清，反叫人笑話，倒是再煩別人好。”賈珍笑道：“嬸子的意思侄兒猜著了，是怕大妹妹勞苦了。Your elder cousin is presently at your second aunt's household, so you need only speak to your second aunt about it." Lady Wang said quickly, "She's just a young thing — when has she ever gone through such matters? If she should fail to manage things properly, it would only invite ridicule; it would be better to trouble someone else instead." Jia Zhen said with a smile, "I've guessed Aunt's meaning — you're afraid it would exhaust elder cousin with hardship.若說料理不開，我包管必料理的開，便是錯一點兒，別人看著還是不錯的。As for saying she couldn't manage it, I guarantee she certainly could manage it; and even if there were some small mistake here or there, others would still see it as being done right.從小兒大妹妹頑笑著就有殺伐決斷，如今出了閣，又在那府里辦事，越發歷練老成了。Ever since she was small, elder cousin has had a decisive, take-charge manner even in her play, and now that she has married out and manages affairs in that household besides, she has become all the more seasoned and capable.我想了這幾日，除了大妹妹再無人了。I've thought it over these past several days, and there is no one but elder cousin for this.嬸子不看侄兒，侄兒媳婦的分上，只看死了的分上罷！”說著滾下淚來。If not for my sake or my wife's sake, Aunt, then at least for the sake of the one who has died!" So saying, tears rolled down his face.

可巧这日非正经日期，亲友来的少，里面不过几位近亲堂客，邢夫人，王夫人，凤姐并合族中的内眷陪坐。闻人报：“大爷进来了。”唬的众婆娘忽的一声，往后藏之不迭，独凤姐款款站了起来。贾珍此时也有些病症在身，二则过于悲痛了，因拄个拐踱了进来。邢夫人等因说道：“你身上不好，又连日事多，该歇歇才是，又进来做什么？”贾珍一面扶拐，扎挣著要蹲身跪下请安道乏。邢夫人等忙叫宝玉搀住，命人挪椅子来与他坐。贾珍断不肯坐，因勉强陪笑道：“侄儿进来有一件事要求二位婶子并大妹妹。”邢夫人等忙问：“什么事？”贾珍忙笑道：“婶子自然知道，如今孙子媳妇没了，侄儿媳妇偏又病倒，我看里头著实不成个体统。怎么屈尊大妹妹一个月，在这里料理料理，我就放心了。”邢夫人笑道：“原来为这个。你大妹妹现在你二婶子家，只和你二婶子说就是了。”王夫人忙道：“他一个小孩子家，何曾经过这样事，倘或料理不清，反叫人笑话，倒是再烦别人好。”贾珍笑道：“婶子的意思侄儿猜著了，是怕大妹妹劳苦了。若说料理不开，我包管必料理的开，便是错一点儿，别人看著还是不错的。从小儿大妹妹顽笑著就有杀伐决断，如今出了阁，又在那府里办事，越发历练老成了。我想了这几日，除了大妹妹再无人了。婶子不看侄儿，侄儿媳妇的分上，只看死了的分上罢！”说著滚下泪来。

王夫人心中怕的是鳳姐兒未經過喪事，怕他料理不清，惹人恥笑。What Lady Wang feared in her heart was that Xifeng had never before managed a funeral, and that she might handle things poorly and bring on ridicule.今見賈珍苦苦的說到這步田地，心中已活了幾分，卻又眼看著鳳姐出神。But now, seeing Jia Zhen plead so earnestly to this extent, her resolve had already softened somewhat, and she looked over at Xifeng, lost in thought.那鳳姐素日最喜攬事辦，好賣弄才干，雖然當家妥當，也因未辦過婚喪大事，恐人還不伏，巴不得遇見這事。Now Xifeng had always loved taking on tasks to handle and showing off her abilities; although she managed the household affairs competently, she had never yet handled a major wedding or funeral, and feared people might not be entirely won over — so she was only too eager for such an opportunity to come her way.今見賈珍如此一來，他心中早已歡喜。Now, seeing Jia Zhen come to ask in this way, she was already delighted at heart.先見王夫人不允，後見賈珍說的情真，王夫人有活動之意，便向王夫人道：“大哥哥說的這麼懇切，太太就依了罷。”王夫人悄悄的道：“你可能么？”鳳姐道：“有什麼不能的。Seeing at first that Lady Wang would not consent, but then hearing how sincere and heartfelt Jia Zhen's plea was, and sensing that Lady Wang was beginning to waver, Xifeng turned to Lady Wang and said, "Elder cousin has spoken so earnestly—Madam, you might as well agree." Lady Wang said quietly, "Do you think you're really up to it?" Xifeng said, "What is there I couldn't manage?外面的大事已經大哥哥料理清了，不過是里頭照管照管，便是我有不知道的，問問太太就是了。”王夫人見說的有理，便不作聲。The major matters on the outside have already been settled by elder cousin—all that's left is to look after things on the inside. And if there's anything I don't know how to handle, I can simply ask you, Madam." Lady Wang, hearing that this made sense, said nothing more.賈珍見鳳姐允了，又陪笑道：“也管不得許多了，橫豎要求大妹妹辛苦辛苦。Seeing that Xifeng had agreed, Jia Zhen said with a smile, "There's no room left to be particular about anything—one way or another I must trouble young sister-in-law to take on the hard work.我這里先與妹妹行禮，等事完了，我再到那府里去謝。”說著就作揖下去，鳳姐兒還禮不迭。Let me first make my bow to you here, sister-in-law, and once things are finished I'll go over to your household to give proper thanks." So saying, he made a deep bow, and Xifeng returned the courtesy in a flurry, unable to keep pace.

王夫人心中怕的是凤姐儿未经过丧事，怕他料理不清，惹人耻笑。今见贾珍苦苦的说到这步田地，心中已活了几分，却又眼看著凤姐出神。那凤姐素日最喜揽事办，好卖弄才干，虽然当家妥当，也因未办过婚丧大事，恐人还不伏，巴不得遇见这事。今见贾珍如此一来，他心中早已欢喜。先见王夫人不允，后见贾珍说的情真，王夫人有活动之意，便向王夫人道：“大哥哥说的这么恳切，太太就依了罢。”王夫人悄悄的道：“你可能么？”凤姐道：“有什么不能的。外面的大事已经大哥哥料理清了，不过是里头照管照管，便是我有不知道的，问问太太就是了。”王夫人见说的有理，便不作声。贾珍见凤姐允了，又陪笑道：“也管不得许多了，横竖要求大妹妹辛苦辛苦。我这里先与妹妹行礼，等事完了，我再到那府里去谢。”说著就作揖下去，凤姐儿还礼不迭。

賈珍便忙向袖中取了宁國府對牌出來，命寶玉送與鳳姐，又說：“妹妹愛怎樣就怎樣，要什麼只管拿這個取去，也不必問我。Jia Zhen then hastily drew the Ning mansion's tally of authority from his sleeve and had Baoyu hand it to Xifeng, saying, "Sister-in-law, do whatever you think best. Whatever is needed, simply use this to draw it—there's no need to ask me about it.只求別存心替我省錢，只要好看為上，二則也要同那府里一樣待人才好，不要存心怕人抱怨。Only, don't set your mind on saving money for my sake—the main thing is that it should look handsome. Second, you must treat people just as they are treated over at your own household—don't let yourself be held back by fear of people's complaints.只這兩件外，我再沒不放心的了。”鳳姐不敢就接牌，只看著王夫人。Apart from these two things, there's nothing else I need worry about." Xifeng did not dare take the tally right away, but only looked toward Lady Wang.王夫人道：“你哥哥既這麼說，你就照看照看罷了。Lady Wang said, "Since your elder cousin has put it this way, you may as well look after things for a while.只是別自作主意，有了事，打發人問你哥哥，嫂子要緊。”寶玉早向賈珍手里接過對牌來，強遞與鳳姐了。Only don't act on your own judgment—if anything comes up, send someone to ask your elder cousin; that's what matters most, sister-in-law." Baoyu had already taken the tally from Jia Zhen's hand and pressed it upon Xifeng.又問：“妹妹住在這里，還是天天來呢？He also asked, "Will sister-in-law be staying here, or coming every day?若是天天來，越發辛苦了。If you come every day, it will be all the more tiring for you.不如我這里赶著收拾出一個院落來，妹妹住過這幾日倒安穩。”鳳姐笑道：“不用。It would be better if I had a courtyard cleared out here right away, so that sister-in-law could stay these few days in comfort and ease." Xifeng said with a smile, "No need.那邊也離不得我，倒是天天來的好。”賈珍聽說，只得罷了。They can't do without me over there either—it's better that I come every day." Hearing this, Jia Zhen had no choice but to let the matter drop.然後又說了一回閒話，方才出去。After that they exchanged a bit more idle talk, and only then did he go out.

贾珍便忙向袖中取了宁国府对牌出来，命宝玉送与凤姐，又说：“妹妹爱怎样就怎样，要什么只管拿这个取去，也不必问我。只求别存心替我省钱，只要好看为上，二则也要同那府里一样待人才好，不要存心怕人抱怨。只这两件外，我再没不放心的了。”凤姐不敢就接牌，只看著王夫人。王夫人道：“你哥哥既这么说，你就照看照看罢了。只是别自作主意，有了事，打发人问你哥哥，嫂子要紧。”宝玉早向贾珍手里接过对牌来，强递与凤姐了。又问：“妹妹住在这里，还是天天来呢？若是天天来，越发辛苦了。不如我这里赶著收拾出一个院落来，妹妹住过这几日倒安稳。”凤姐笑道：“不用。那边也离不得我，倒是天天来的好。”贾珍听说，只得罢了。然后又说了一回闲话，方才出去。

一時女眷散後，王夫人因問鳳姐：“你今兒怎麼樣？”鳳姐兒道：“太太只管請回去，我須得先理出一個頭緒來，才回去得呢。”王夫人聽說，便先同邢夫人等回去，不在話下。After a while, once the women guests had dispersed, Lady Wang asked Xifeng, "What will you do today?" Xifeng said, "Madam, please go on back—I still need to work out the outline of things first before I can go back myself." Hearing this, Lady Wang went back together with Lady Xing and the others first; no need to speak further of that.

一时女眷散后，王夫人因问凤姐：“你今儿怎么样？”凤姐儿道：“太太只管请回去，我须得先理出一个头绪来，才回去得呢。”王夫人听说，便先同邢夫人等回去，不在话下。

這里鳳姐兒來至三間一所抱廈內坐了，因想：頭一件是人口混雜，遺失東西，第二件，事無專執，臨期推委，第三件，需用過費，濫支冒領，第四件，任無大小，苦樂不均，第五件，家人豪縱，有臉者不服鈐束，無臉者不能上進。Here Xifeng came into the three-room lean-to chamber and sat down, and fell to thinking: first, the servants were too mixed and unruly, so things got lost; second, no one had fixed responsibility for tasks, so when the time came people shirked and passed the blame; third, expenses were excessive, with reckless drawing and false claiming of funds; fourth, duties were assigned without regard to importance, so hardship and ease fell unevenly; fifth, the household servants were arrogant and unchecked—those with standing would not submit to discipline, and those without standing had no way to rise.此五件實是宁國府中風俗，不知鳳姐如何處治，且聽下回分解。These five matters were indeed the settled ways of the Ning mansion. As for how Xifeng would go about setting them right, that is not yet known—listen to the next chapter's explanation.正是：Truly it is:

这里凤姐儿来至三间一所抱厦内坐了，因想：头一件是人口混杂，遗失东西，第二件，事无专执，临期推委，第三件，需用过费，滥支冒领，第四件，任无大小，苦乐不均，第五件，家人豪纵，有脸者不服钤束，无脸者不能上进。此五件实是宁国府中风俗，不知凤姐如何处治，且听下回分解。正是：

金紫萬千誰治國，裙釵一二可齊家。Of the purple-and-gold thousands, who governs the state? Yet a skirt or two among women may set a household in order.

金紫万千谁治国，裙钗一二可齐家。