第十四回　　林如海捐館揚州城　賈寶玉路謁北靜王 Lin Ruhai Dies in Yangzhou; Jia Baoyu Meets the Prince of Beijing on the Road

話說宁國府中都總管來升聞得裏面委請了鳳姐，因傳齊同事人等說道：「如今請了西府裏璉二奶奶管理內事，倘或他來支取東西，或是說話，我們須要比往日小心些。The story goes that Lai Sheng, the chief steward of the Ning mansion, hearing that inside they had engaged Xifeng to take charge, gathered his fellow workers together and said, "Now that they have invited Second Mistress Lian from the Western Mansion to manage our household affairs, if she should come to draw supplies, or has something to say, we must be more careful than usual.每日大家早來晚散，宁可辛苦這一個月，過後再歇著，不要把老臉丟了。Every day we should all come early and leave late; better to endure this one month's hardship and rest afterward, than to lose our old faces over it.那是個有名的烈貨，臉酸心硬，一時惱了，不認人的。」眾人都道：「有理。」又有一個笑道：「論理，我們裏面也須得他來整治整治，都忒不像了。」正說著，只見來旺媳婦拿了對牌來領取呈文京榜紙札，票上批著數目。She's a famous hot pepper — sour-faced and hard-hearted — and once she's angry she doesn't care who you are." Everyone said, "That's right." Then someone said with a laugh, "To be honest, our household here really does need someone to whip it into shape — things have gotten much too slipshod." Even as they spoke, Lai Wang's wife arrived carrying the tally to collect paper and forms for documents and public notices, the requisition slip marked with the quantities.眾人連忙讓坐倒茶，一面命人按數取紙來抱著，同來旺媳婦一路來至儀門口，方交與來旺媳婦自己抱進去了。The others hastily offered her a seat and poured tea, while at the same time having someone gather up the paper according to the amounts listed and carry it; together with Lai Wang's wife they walked as far as the ceremonial gate, where it was finally handed over for her to carry in herself.

话说宁国府中都总管来升闻得里面委请了凤姐，因传齐同事人等说道：「如今请了西府里琏二奶奶管理内事，倘或他来支取东西，或是说话，我们须要比往日小心些。每日大家早来晚散，宁可辛苦这一个月，过后再歇著，不要把老脸丢了。那是个有名的烈货，脸酸心硬，一时恼了，不认人的。」众人都道：「有理。」又有一个笑道：「论理，我们里面也须得他来整治整治，都忒不像了。」正说著，只见来旺媳妇拿了对牌来领取呈文京榜纸札，票上批著数目。众人连忙让坐倒茶，一面命人按数取纸来抱著，同来旺媳妇一路来至仪门口，方交与来旺媳妇自己抱进去了。

鳳姐即命彩明釘造簿冊。Xifeng at once ordered Caiming to have registers and account books drawn up.即時傳來升媳婦，兼要家口花名冊來查看，又限于明日一早傳齊家人媳婦進來聽差等語。She immediately summoned Lai Sheng's wife, and also asked for the household roster of servants' names to look over, and further stipulated that by early the next morning all the male servants' wives were to be assembled to await orders.大概點了一點數目單冊，問了來升媳婦幾句話，便坐車回家。She glanced over the tallies of quantities in a general way, asked Lai Sheng's wife a few questions, and then got into her carriage and went home.一宿無話。Nothing happened that night.至次日，卯正二刻便過來了。The next day she arrived at exactly the second quarter after the hour of Mao.那宁國府中婆娘媳婦聞得到齊，只見鳳姐正與來升媳婦分派，眾人不敢擅入，只在窗外聽覷。When the women and wives of the Ning mansion heard that everyone had assembled, they found Xifeng already assigning duties together with Lai Sheng's wife, and no one dared to enter uninvited, but only listened from outside the window.只聽鳳姐與來升媳婦道：「既托了我，我就說不得要討你們嫌了。They heard Xifeng say to Lai Sheng's wife, "Since you have entrusted this to me, I'm bound to make myself disliked by all of you.我可比不得你們奶奶好性兒，由著你們去。I can't be compared to your mistress, who is so good-natured and lets you all do as you please.再不要說你們『這府裏原是這樣』的話，如今可要依著我行，錯我半點兒，管不得誰是有臉的，誰是沒臉的，一例現清白處理。」說著，便吩咐彩明念花名冊，按名一個一個的喚進來看視。And don't you dare say to me, 'That's how things have always been done in this household' — from now on you are to follow my ways. If you cross me by even a hair's breadth, I won't care who has standing and who doesn't; I'll deal with everyone the same, plainly and clearly." So saying, she ordered Caiming to read out the roster of names, calling each one in by name to be looked over.

凤姐即命彩明钉造簿册。即时传来升媳妇，兼要家口花名册来查看，又限于明日一早传齐家人媳妇进来听差等语。大概点了一点数目单册，问了来升媳妇几句话，便坐车回家。一宿无话。至次日，卯正二刻便过来了。那宁国府中婆娘媳妇闻得到齐，只见凤姐正与来升媳妇分派，众人不敢擅入，只在窗外听觑。只听凤姐与来升媳妇道：「既托了我，我就说不得要讨你们嫌了。我可比不得你们奶奶好性儿，由著你们去。再不要说你们『这府里原是这样』的话，如今可要依著我行，错我半点儿，管不得谁是有脸的，谁是没脸的，一例现清白处理。」说著，便吩咐彩明念花名册，按名一个一个的唤进来看视。

一時看完，便又吩咐道：「這二十個分作兩班，一班十個，每日在裏頭單管人客來往倒茶，別的事不用他們管。When the reading was finished, she gave further orders: "These twenty are to be divided into two shifts, ten to a shift, each day to be inside solely in charge of serving tea to visitors coming and going; they need not concern themselves with anything else.這二十個也分作兩班，每日單管本家親戚茶飯，別的事也不用他們管。These twenty are likewise divided into two shifts, each day solely in charge of tea and meals for the family's own relatives; they too need not concern themselves with anything else.這四十個人也分作兩班，單在靈前上香添油，挂幔守靈，供飯供茶，隨起舉哀，別的事也不與他們相干。These forty are also divided into two shifts, solely responsible before the spirit tablet for burning incense and adding oil, hanging the mourning curtains and keeping watch over the coffin, offering rice and tea, and joining in the wailing whenever it begins; nothing else concerns them.這四個人單在內茶房收管杯碟茶器，若少一件，便叫他四個描賠。These four are solely in charge of the inner tea room, keeping the cups, saucers, and tea vessels in order; if so much as one piece is missing, the four of them will have to make it good.這四個人單管酒飯器皿，少一件，也是他四個描賠。These four are solely in charge of the wine and food vessels; if a single piece is missing, these four likewise must make it good.這八個單管監收祭禮。These eight are solely in charge of receiving and recording the sacrificial offerings.這八個單管各處燈油，蜡燭，紙札，我總支了來，交與你八個，然後按我的定數再往各處去分派。These eight are solely in charge of the lamp oil, candles, and paper goods for every quarter — I will draw the total supply myself and hand it over to the eight of you, and only then, according to my fixed allotments, will it be distributed further to each place.這三十個每日輪流各處上夜，照管門戶，監察火燭，打掃地方。These thirty are to take turns keeping night watch in every quarter each day, minding the gates, watching for fire hazards, and sweeping the grounds.這下剩的按著房屋分開，某人守某處，某處所有桌椅古董起，至于痰盒撣帚，一草一苗，或丟或坏，就和守這處的人算帳描賠。The rest are to be divided according to the rooms, each person guarding a particular place; everything in that place, from tables, chairs, and antiques down to spittoons and feather dusters, every single blade of grass — if anything is lost or damaged, I will settle accounts with and demand restitution from whoever guards that place.來升家的每日攬總查看，或有偷懶的，賭錢吃酒的，打架拌嘴的，立刻來回我，你有徇情，經我查出，三四輩子的老臉就顧不成了。Lai Sheng's wife will oversee and inspect everything each day; if there is anyone slacking off, gambling, drinking, fighting, or quarreling, report it to me at once — if you show favoritism and I find it out on my own, your old face, built up over three or four generations, won't be worth keeping.如今都有定規，以後那一行亂了，只和那一行說話。Now that everything has its fixed rules, from now on whichever department falls into disorder, I will deal only with that department's head.素日跟我的人，隨身自有鐘表，不論大小事，我是皆有一定的時辰。Those who normally attend me carry watches on their persons; whatever the matter, great or small, I keep to a fixed schedule for everything.橫豎你們上房裏也有時辰鐘。In any case you all have clocks in your own quarters as well.卯正二刻我來點卯，巳正吃早飯，凡有領牌回事的，只在午初刻。At the second quarter of the hour of Mao I will come to take roll; at the first quarter of Si we eat breakfast; whoever needs to draw a tally or report on business may do so only at the first quarter of Wu.戌初燒過黃昏紙，我親到各處查一遍，回來上夜的交明鑰匙。At the beginning of the hour of Xu, once the evening paper offerings have been burned, I will personally go around and inspect every place once, and on my return the night-watch staff will hand over the keys clearly.第二日仍是卯正二刻過來。The next day it will again be the second quarter of the hour of Mao when I come.說不得咱們大家辛苦這幾日罷，事完了，你們家大爺自然賞你們。」There's no help for it — we'll all just have to endure the hardship these few days; once the affair is over, your young master will naturally reward you."

一时看完，便又吩咐道：「这二十个分作两班，一班十个，每日在里头单管人客来往倒茶，别的事不用他们管。这二十个也分作两班，每日单管本家亲戚茶饭，别的事也不用他们管。这四十个人也分作两班，单在灵前上香添油，挂幔守灵，供饭供茶，随起举哀，别的事也不与他们相干。这四个人单在内茶房收管杯碟茶器，若少一件，便叫他四个描赔。这四个人单管酒饭器皿，少一件，也是他四个描赔。这八个单管监收祭礼。这八个单管各处灯油，蜡烛，纸札，我总支了来，交与你八个，然后按我的定数再往各处去分派。这三十个每日轮流各处上夜，照管门户，监察火烛，打扫地方。这下剩的按著房屋分开，某人守某处，某处所有桌椅古董起，至于痰盒掸帚，一草一苗，或丢或坏，就和守这处的人算帐描赔。来升家的每日揽总查看，或有偷懒的，赌钱吃酒的，打架拌嘴的，立刻来回我，你有徇情，经我查出，三四辈子的老脸就顾不成了。如今都有定规，以后那一行乱了，只和那一行说话。素日跟我的人，随身自有钟表，不论大小事，我是皆有一定的时辰。横竖你们上房里也有时辰钟。卯正二刻我来点卯，巳正吃早饭，凡有领牌回事的，只在午初刻。戌初烧过黄昏纸，我亲到各处查一遍，回来上夜的交明钥匙。第二日仍是卯正二刻过来。说不得咱们大家辛苦这几日罢，事完了，你们家大爷自然赏你们。」

說罷，又吩咐按數發與茶葉，油燭，雞毛撣子，笤帚等物。Having said this, she further ordered tea leaves, oil, candles, feather dusters, brooms, and the like to be distributed according to the fixed quantities.一面又搬取家伙：桌圍，椅搭，坐褥，氈席，痰盒，腳踏之類。At the same time she had furnishings brought out as well: table skirts, chair covers, cushions, felt mats, spittoons, footstools, and the like.一面交發，一面提筆登記，某人管某處，某人領某物，開得十分清楚。As she handed each item out, she took up her brush and recorded it, noting who was in charge of which place and who had received which article, setting it all down with the utmost clarity.眾人領了去，也都有了投奔，不似先時只揀便宜的做，剩下的苦差沒個招攬。Once each person had received her assignment, everyone had somewhere to turn, and it was no longer as before, when people only picked out the easy tasks for themselves, leaving the hard, thankless jobs for no one to claim.各房中也不能趁亂失迷東西。Nor could anyone in the various rooms take advantage of the confusion to lose or misplace things.便是人來客往，也都安靜了，不比先前一個正擺茶，又去端飯，正陪舉哀，又顧接客。Even when guests came and went, everything remained orderly, unlike before, when someone serving tea at one moment would have to dash off to fetch a meal the next, or, in the midst of joining the mourning wails, would suddenly have to turn to receive a guest.如這些無頭緒，荒亂，推托，偷閒，竊取等弊，次日一概都蠲了。All such faults as confusion, disorder, shirking of duty, idling, and pilfering were, from the very next day, entirely swept away.

说罢，又吩咐按数发与茶叶，油烛，鸡毛掸子，笤帚等物。一面又搬取家伙：桌围，椅搭，坐褥，毡席，痰盒，脚踏之类。一面交发，一面提笔登记，某人管某处，某人领某物，开得十分清楚。众人领了去，也都有了投奔，不似先时只拣便宜的做，剩下的苦差没个招揽。各房中也不能趁乱失迷东西。便是人来客往，也都安静了，不比先前一个正摆茶，又去端饭，正陪举哀，又顾接客。如这些无头绪，荒乱，推托，偷闲，窃取等弊，次日一概都蠲了。

鳳姐兒見自己威重令行，心中十分得意。Seeing how her authority carried weight and her orders were obeyed, Xifeng felt exceedingly pleased with herself.因見尤氏犯病，賈珍又過于悲哀，不大進飲食，自己每日從那府中煎了各樣細粥，精致小菜，命人送來勸食。Noting that You-shi had fallen ill and that Jia Zhen, in his excessive grief, was eating very little, she herself each day had various fine congees and delicate side dishes prepared over at the other mansion and sent over to urge them to eat.賈珍也另外吩咐每日送上等菜到抱廈內，單與鳳姐。Jia Zhen for his part also gave separate orders that the finest dishes be sent each day to the lean-to building, for Xifeng alone.那鳳姐不畏勤勞，天天于卯正二刻就過來點卯理事，獨在抱廈內起坐，不與眾妯娌合群，便有堂客來往，也不迎會。Xifeng, sparing herself no trouble, came over every day at the second quarter of the hour of Mao to take roll and manage affairs, sitting and working alone in the lean-to, not mixing with the other sisters-in-law; and even when lady guests came and went, she did not go out to receive or meet them.

凤姐儿见自己威重令行，心中十分得意。因见尤氏犯病，贾珍又过于悲哀，不大进饮食，自己每日从那府中煎了各样细粥，精致小菜，命人送来劝食。贾珍也另外吩咐每日送上等菜到抱厦内，单与凤姐。那凤姐不畏勤劳，天天于卯正二刻就过来点卯理事，独在抱厦内起坐，不与众妯娌合群，便有堂客来往，也不迎会。

這日乃五七正五日上，那應佛僧正開方破獄，傳燈照亡，參閻君，拘都鬼，筵請地藏王，開金橋，引幢幡，那道士們正伏章申表，朝三清，叩玉帝，禪僧們行香，放焰口，拜水忏，又有十三眾尼僧，搭繡衣，靸紅鞋，在靈前默誦接引諸咒，十分熱鬧。This day happened to be the fifth day of the third seven-day period of mourning, and the officiating Buddhist monks were performing the rites of Opening the Paths and Breaking the Hells, Passing On the Lamp to Illuminate the Dead, presenting the soul before King Yama, and taking custody of the ghosts under the capital's jurisdiction, inviting Dizang Wang to the feast, raising the Golden Bridge, and leading the way with banners and pennants; the Daoist priests, meanwhile, were prostrate submitting petitions and memorials, paying homage to the Three Pure Ones and kowtowing to the Jade Emperor; the Chan monks were carrying incense in procession, releasing the burning-mouth spirits, and performing the Water Penance rites; and there were besides thirteen Buddhist nuns, in embroidered vestments and red slippers, silently chanting the sutras of deliverance before the spirit tablet — altogether a most bustling scene.那鳳姐必知今日人客不少，在家中歇宿一夜，至寅正，平兒便請起來梳洗。Knowing full well that there would be no small number of guests that day, Xifeng spent the night at home, and at the first quarter of the hour of Yin, Ping'er came to ask her to rise and wash and dress.及收拾完備，更衣盥手，吃了兩口奶子糖粳米粥，漱口已畢，已是卯正二刻了。By the time she had finished dressing, changed her clothes, washed her hands, eaten a couple of spoonfuls of milk-and-sugar rice congee, and rinsed her mouth, it was already the second quarter of the hour of Mao.來旺媳婦率領諸人伺候已久。Lai Wang's wife, leading the rest of the staff, had already been waiting in attendance for some while.鳳姐出至廳前，上了車，前面打了一對明角燈，大書「榮國府」三個大字，款款來至宁府。Xifeng came out to the hall in front, got into her carriage, and with a pair of bright horn lanterns lit ahead of her, on which were written in large characters the three words "Rong Guo Fu," she proceeded at an easy pace to the Ning mansion.大門上門燈朗挂，兩邊一色戳燈，照如白晝，白汪汪穿孝仆從兩邊侍立。At the main gate the gate lanterns hung bright and clear, and on both sides rows of standing lanterns lit the way as brightly as day, with servants dressed all in white mourning lined up in attendance on either side.請車至正門上，小廝等退去，眾媳婦上來揭起車帘。Her carriage was brought up to the main gate; the young pages withdrew, and the various serving-women came forward to lift the carriage curtain.鳳姐下了車，一手扶著丰兒，兩個媳婦執著手把燈罩，簇擁著鳳姐進來。Xifeng got down from the carriage, resting one hand on Feng'er, while two serving-women held lantern shades in their hands, and, thus attended in a cluster, she came in.宁府諸媳婦迎來請安接待。The serving-women of the Ning mansion came forward to greet her and pay their respects.鳳姐緩緩走入會芳園中登仙閣靈前，一見了棺材，那眼淚恰似斷線之珠，滾將下來。Xifeng walked slowly into the Ascending Immortals Pavilion within the Garden of Concentrated Fragrance, where the spirit tablet stood, and the moment she caught sight of the coffin, tears rolled down like a string of beads with the thread cut.院中許多小廝垂手伺候燒紙。In the courtyard a number of young pages stood with hands at their sides, waiting to burn paper offerings.鳳姐吩咐得一聲：「供茶燒紙。」只聽一棒鑼鳴，諸樂齊奏，早有人端過一張大圈椅來，放在靈前，鳳姐坐了，放聲大哭。Xifeng gave the single order, "Offer tea and burn the paper." No sooner had the words left her mouth than a gong sounded once and all the musicians struck up together; already someone had brought forward a large round-backed armchair and set it before the spirit tablet. Xifeng sat down and wept aloud without restraint.于是裏外男女上下，見鳳姐出聲，都忙忙接聲嚎哭。At this, everyone within and without, men and women, high and low, hearing Xifeng's voice raised in grief, hastened to join in with wails of their own.

这日乃五七正五日上，那应佛僧正开方破狱，传灯照亡，参阎君，拘都鬼，筵请地藏王，开金桥，引幢幡，那道士们正伏章申表，朝三清，叩玉帝，禅僧们行香，放焰口，拜水忏，又有十三众尼僧，搭绣衣，靸红鞋，在灵前默诵接引诸咒，十分热闹。那凤姐必知今日人客不少，在家中歇宿一夜，至寅正，平儿便请起来梳洗。及收拾完备，更衣盥手，吃了两口奶子糖粳米粥，漱口已毕，已是卯正二刻了。来旺媳妇率领诸人伺候已久。凤姐出至厅前，上了车，前面打了一对明角灯，大书「荣国府」三个大字，款款来至宁府。大门上门灯朗挂，两边一色戳灯，照如白昼，白汪汪穿孝仆从两边侍立。请车至正门上，小厮等退去，众媳妇上来揭起车帘。凤姐下了车，一手扶著丰儿，两个媳妇执著手把灯罩，簇拥著凤姐进来。宁府诸媳妇迎来请安接待。凤姐缓缓走入会芳园中登仙阁灵前，一见了棺材，那眼泪恰似断线之珠，滚将下来。院中许多小厮垂手伺候烧纸。凤姐吩咐得一声：「供茶烧纸。」只听一棒锣鸣，诸乐齐奏，早有人端过一张大圈椅来，放在灵前，凤姐坐了，放声大哭。于是里外男女上下，见凤姐出声，都忙忙接声嚎哭。

一時賈珍尤氏遣人來勸，鳳姐方才止住。After a while Jia Zhen and You-shi sent someone to comfort her, and only then did Xifeng stop.來旺媳婦獻茶漱口畢，鳳姐方起身，別過族中諸人，自入抱廈內來。Once Lai Wang's wife had brought tea for her to rinse her mouth, Xifeng rose, took leave of the various clan members present, and went by herself into the lean-to.按名查點，各項人數都已到齊，只有迎送親客上的一人未到。She checked the roll by name, and found that everyone in every category had already assembled, except for one person assigned to greeting and seeing off relatives and guests, who had not yet arrived.即命傳到，那人已張惶愧懼。She at once ordered him summoned, and the man came in already flustered with shame and fear.鳳姐冷笑道：「我說是誰誤了，原來是你！Xifeng said with a cold laugh, "I wondered who it was that was late — so it's you!你原比他們有体面，所以才不聽我的話。」那人道：「小的天天都來的早，只有今兒，醒了覺得早些，因又睡迷了，來遲了一步，求奶奶饒過這次。」正說著，只見榮國府中的王興媳婦來了，在前探頭。You have always thought yourself a cut above the rest, which is why you don't listen to what I say." The man said, "I come early every day, it's only today — I woke up thinking it was still early, and dozed off again, so I'm a step late. I beg Mistress to forgive me this once." Even as he spoke, Wang Xing's wife from the Rong mansion was seen poking her head in at the front.

一时贾珍尤氏遣人来劝，凤姐方才止住。来旺媳妇献茶漱口毕，凤姐方起身，别过族中诸人，自入抱厦内来。按名查点，各项人数都已到齐，只有迎送亲客上的一人未到。即命传到，那人已张惶愧惧。凤姐冷笑道：「我说是谁误了，原来是你！你原比他们有体面，所以才不听我的话。」那人道：「小的天天都来的早，只有今儿，醒了觉得早些，因又睡迷了，来迟了一步，求奶奶饶过这次。」正说著，只见荣国府中的王兴媳妇来了，在前探头。

鳳姐且不發放這人，卻先問：「王興媳婦作什麼？」王興媳婦巴不得先問他完了事，連忙進去說：「領牌取線，打車轎网絡。」說著，將個帖兒遞上去。Xifeng, without disposing of this man's case yet, asked first, "What does Wang Xing's wife want?" Wang Xing's wife, only too glad to have her own business settled first, hurried in and said, "To draw a tally and take thread, for making netting for carriages and sedan chairs." So saying, she handed up a slip.鳳姐命彩明念道：「大轎兩頂，小轎四頂，車四輛，共用大小絡子若干根，用珠兒線若干斤。」鳳姐聽了，數目相合，便命彩明登記，取榮國府對牌擲下。Xifeng had Caiming read it aloud: "Two large sedan chairs, four small sedan chairs, four carriages, requiring so many nets large and small in all, and so many catties of pearl-strung thread." Xifeng listened, found the figures tallied, and had Caiming record it, then tossed down the Rong mansion tally.王興家的去了。Wang Xing's wife left.

凤姐且不发放这人，却先问：「王兴媳妇作什么？」王兴媳妇巴不得先问他完了事，连忙进去说：「领牌取线，打车轿网络。」说著，将个帖儿递上去。凤姐命彩明念道：「大轿两顶，小轿四顶，车四辆，共用大小络子若干根，用珠儿线若干斤。」凤姐听了，数目相合，便命彩明登记，取荣国府对牌掷下。王兴家的去了。

鳳姐方欲說話時，見榮國府的四個執事人進來，都是要支取東西領牌來的。Just as Xifeng was about to speak further, four attendants from the Rong mansion came in, all wanting to draw supplies and obtain tallies.鳳姐命彩明要了帖念過，聽了一共四件，指兩件說道：「這兩件開銷錯了，再算清了來取。」說著擲下帖子來。Xifeng had Caiming take their slip and read it aloud; there were four items in all in listen; she pointed to two of them and said, "These two are entered wrong — recalculate them properly and then come draw them." So saying, she tossed the slip down.那二人掃興而去。The two of them went off crestfallen.

凤姐方欲说话时，见荣国府的四个执事人进来，都是要支取东西领牌来的。凤姐命彩明要了帖念过，听了一共四件，指两件说道：「这两件开销错了，再算清了来取。」说著掷下帖子来。那二人扫兴而去。

鳳姐因見張材家的在旁，因問：「你有什麼事？」張材家的忙取帖兒回說：「就是方才車轎圍作成，領取裁縫工銀若干兩。」鳳姐聽了，便收了帖子，命彩明登記。Xifeng, noticing Zhang Cai's wife standing to one side, asked her, "What business do you have?" Zhang Cai's wife hastily took out her slip and reported, "It's for the carriage and sedan-chair netting just finished — to draw payment in silver for the tailors' work." Xifeng heard this, took the slip, and had Caiming record it.待王興家的交過牌，得了買辦的回押相符，然後方與張材家的去領。She waited until Wang Xing's wife had turned in her tally and the steward's countersignature confirmed the amounts matched, and only then let Zhang Cai's wife go to draw hers.一面又命念那一個，是為寶玉外書房完竣，支買紙料糊裱。At the same time she had the next one read out — this was for Baoyu's outer study, now completed, to draw funds for purchasing paper and materials for mounting and papering.鳳姐聽了，即命收帖兒登記，待張材家的繳清，又發與這人去了。Xifeng, hearing this, at once had the slip taken and recorded, and once Zhang Cai's wife had cleared her account, she let this person go as well.

凤姐因见张材家的在旁，因问：「你有什么事？」张材家的忙取帖儿回说：「就是方才车轿围作成，领取裁缝工银若干两。」凤姐听了，便收了帖子，命彩明登记。待王兴家的交过牌，得了买办的回押相符，然后方与张材家的去领。一面又命念那一个，是为宝玉外书房完竣，支买纸料糊裱。凤姐听了，即命收帖儿登记，待张材家的缴清，又发与这人去了。

鳳姐便說道：「明兒他也睡迷了，後兒我也睡迷了，將來都沒了人了。Xifeng then said, "If tomorrow someone else dozes off, and the day after another one dozes off, before long there won't be anyone left to manage at all.本來要饒你，只是我頭一次寬了，下次人就難管，不如現開發的好。」登時放下臉來，喝命：「帶出去，打二十板子！」一面又擲下宁國府對牌：「出去說與來升，革他一月銀米！」眾人聽說，又見鳳姐眉立，知是惱了，不敢怠慢，拖人的出去拖人，執牌傳諭的忙去傳諭。I ought properly to let you off, but if I go easy the first time, it will be all the harder to keep people in line afterward — better to settle it plainly right now." Her expression at once turned stern, and she called out, "Take him out and give him twenty strokes of the board!" And with that she also tossed down the Ning mansion tally: "Go tell Lai Sheng to dock him a month's wages and rice allowance!" Hearing this, and seeing Xifeng's brows raised in anger, everyone knew she was truly displeased, and none dared be slow about it — those assigned to drag the man out dragged him out, and those holding the tally to relay the order hurried off to relay it.那人身不由己，已拖出去挨了二十大板，還要進來叩謝。The man, unable to help himself, was dragged out and given the full twenty strokes, and then came back in to kowtow his thanks.鳳姐道：「明日再有誤的，打四十，後日的六十，有要挨打的，只管誤！」說著，吩咐：「散了罷。」窗外眾人聽說，方各自執事去了。Xifeng said, "Tomorrow if anyone else is late, it's forty strokes; the day after, sixty. If anyone is just itching for a beating, by all means keep being late!" With that she said, "You may all disperse now." Hearing this, the crowd outside the window went off each to their own duties.彼時宁府榮府兩處執事領牌交牌的，人來人往不絕，那抱愧被打之人含羞去了，這才知道鳳姐利害。By then, at both the Ning and Rong mansions, people were coming and going without cease to draw and turn in tallies, and the man who had been beaten went off in shame — only now did people truly understand how formidable Xifeng was.眾人不敢偷閒，自此兢兢業業，執事保全。After that, no one dared to slack off, and from this time on everyone attended diligently and conscientiously to their duties, so that everything was kept in perfect order.不在話下。But no more of this for now.

凤姐便说道：「明儿他也睡迷了，后儿我也睡迷了，将来都没了人了。本来要饶你，只是我头一次宽了，下次人就难管，不如现开发的好。」登时放下脸来，喝命：「带出去，打二十板子！」一面又掷下宁国府对牌：「出去说与来升，革他一月银米！」众人听说，又见凤姐眉立，知是恼了，不敢怠慢，拖人的出去拖人，执牌传谕的忙去传谕。那人身不由己，已拖出去挨了二十大板，还要进来叩谢。凤姐道：「明日再有误的，打四十，后日的六十，有要挨打的，只管误！」说著，吩咐：「散了罢。」窗外众人听说，方各自执事去了。彼时宁府荣府两处执事领牌交牌的，人来人往不绝，那抱愧被打之人含羞去了，这才知道凤姐利害。众人不敢偷闲，自此兢兢业业，执事保全。不在话下。

如今且說寶玉因見今日人眾，恐秦鐘受了委曲，因默與他商議，要同他往鳳姐處來坐。Now to speak of Baoyu: seeing how crowded it was that day, he feared Qin Zhong might feel slighted, and so quietly proposed to him that they go together and sit for a while at Xifeng's place.秦鐘道：「他的事多，況且不喜人去，咱們去了，他豈不煩膩。」寶玉道：「他怎好膩我們，不相干，只管跟我來。」說著，便拉了秦鐘，直至抱廈。Qin Zhong said, "She has so much to do, and besides she doesn't like people dropping in on her — if we go, won't it just annoy her?" Baoyu said, "How could she be annoyed with us? It doesn't matter — just come along with me." So saying, he pulled Qin Zhong along straight to the lean-to.鳳姐才吃飯，見他們來了，便笑道：「好長腿子，快上來罷。」寶玉道：「我們偏了。」鳳姐道：「在這邊外頭吃的，還是那邊吃的？」寶玉道：「這邊同那些渾人吃什麼！Xifeng had just begun eating when she saw them come in, and said with a laugh, "What long legs you two have — come on up, quick." Baoyu said, "We've already eaten, thank you." Xifeng said, "Did you eat over here outside, or over there?" Baoyu said, "What would we eat over here with all these rough people!原是那邊，我們兩個同老太太吃了來的。」一面歸坐。We ate over there, with Old Ancestress, and came from there." So saying, they took their seats.

如今且说宝玉因见今日人众，恐秦钟受了委曲，因默与他商议，要同他往凤姐处来坐。秦钟道：「他的事多，况且不喜人去，咱们去了，他岂不烦腻。」宝玉道：「他怎好腻我们，不相干，只管跟我来。」说著，便拉了秦钟，直至抱厦。凤姐才吃饭，见他们来了，便笑道：「好长腿子，快上来罢。」宝玉道：「我们偏了。」凤姐道：「在这边外头吃的，还是那边吃的？」宝玉道：「这边同那些浑人吃什么！原是那边，我们两个同老太太吃了来的。」一面归坐。

鳳姐吃畢飯，就有宁國府中的一個媳婦來領牌，為支取香燈事。When Xifeng had finished eating, a serving-woman from the Ning mansion came to draw a tally, for supplies of incense and lamp oil.鳳姐笑道：「我算著你們今兒該來支取，總不見來，想是忘了。Xifeng said with a laugh, "I reckoned you people were due to come draw this today, and when you never showed up I thought you must have forgotten.這會子到底來取，要忘了，自然是你們包出來，都便宜了我。」那媳婦笑道：「何嘗不是忘了，方才想起來，再遲一步，也領不成了。」說罷，領牌而去。Now you finally come to draw it — if you had forgotten, of course it would have been you who had to make up the shortfall, and I'd have come out ahead." The woman said with a laugh, "How could we not have forgotten — I only just now thought of it; one step later and there'd have been no drawing it at all." So saying, she took the tally and left.

凤姐吃毕饭，就有宁国府中的一个媳妇来领牌，为支取香灯事。凤姐笑道：「我算著你们今儿该来支取，总不见来，想是忘了。这会子到底来取，要忘了，自然是你们包出来，都便宜了我。」那媳妇笑道：「何尝不是忘了，方才想起来，再迟一步，也领不成了。」说罢，领牌而去。

一時登記交牌。After a moment it was recorded and the tally handed over.秦鐘因笑道：「你們兩府裏都是這牌，倘或別人私弄一個，支了銀子跑了，怎樣？」鳳姐笑道：「依你說，都沒王法了。」寶玉因道：「怎麼咱們家沒人領牌子做東西？」鳳姐道：「人家來領的時候，你還做夢呢。Qin Zhong said with a laugh, "Both your mansions use the same kind of tally — what if someone got hold of one privately and used it to draw silver and run off, what then?" Xifeng said with a laugh, "By your reasoning, there'd be no law left at all." Baoyu then said, "How is it our household never has anyone coming to draw a tally for things?" Xifeng said, "By the time people come to draw one, you're still dreaming away.我且問你，你們這夜書多早晚才念呢？」寶玉道：「巴不得這如今就念才好，他們只是不快收拾出書房來，這也無法。」鳳姐笑道：「你請我一請，包管就快了。」寶玉道：「你要快也不中用，他們該作到那裏的，自然就有了。」鳳姐笑道：「便是他們作，也得要東西，擱不住我不給對牌是難的。」寶玉聽說，便猴向鳳姐身上立刻要牌，說：「好姐姐，給出牌子來，叫他們要東西去。」鳳姐道：「我乏的身子上生疼，還擱的住揉搓。Let me ask you — when in the world are you going to start your evening lessons?" Baoyu said, "I only wish I could start right this moment, but they just won't get the study fixed up in time, and there's nothing to be done about it." Xifeng said with a laugh, "If you'd just ask me properly, I guarantee it would be done quickly." Baoyu said, "It won't do you any good to want it quick — they'll finish whenever they get around to finishing, that's all." Xifeng said with a laugh, "Even if they're the ones doing the work, they still need supplies — and it would go hard for them if I simply refused to issue the tally." Hearing this, Baoyu at once climbed all over Xifeng demanding the tally then and there, saying, "Dear sister, issue the tally so they can go get the supplies." Xifeng said, "I'm worn out and aching all over, and you still expect me to put up with being pawed at.你放心罷，今兒才領了紙裱糊去了，他們該要的還等叫去呢，可不傻了？」寶玉不信，鳳姐便叫彩明查冊子與寶玉看了。Don't worry yourself — they only just now drew the paper and mounting materials; whatever else they need, they'll still have to wait to be sent for — how foolish would that be?" Baoyu did not believe her, so Xifeng had Caiming check the register and show it to him.

一时登记交牌。秦钟因笑道：「你们两府里都是这牌，倘或别人私弄一个，支了银子跑了，怎样？」凤姐笑道：「依你说，都没王法了。」宝玉因道：「怎么咱们家没人领牌子做东西？」凤姐道：「人家来领的时候，你还做梦呢。我且问你，你们这夜书多早晚才念呢？」宝玉道：「巴不得这如今就念才好，他们只是不快收拾出书房来，这也无法。」凤姐笑道：「你请我一请，包管就快了。」宝玉道：「你要快也不中用，他们该作到那里的，自然就有了。」凤姐笑道：「便是他们作，也得要东西，搁不住我不给对牌是难的。」宝玉听说，便猴向凤姐身上立刻要牌，说：「好姐姐，给出牌子来，叫他们要东西去。」凤姐道：「我乏的身子上生疼，还搁的住揉搓。你放心罢，今儿才领了纸裱糊去了，他们该要的还等叫去呢，可不傻了？」宝玉不信，凤姐便叫彩明查册子与宝玉看了。

正鬧著，人回：「蘇州去的人昭兒來了。」鳳姐急命喚進來。In the midst of this bustle, someone announced, "Zhao'er, the man sent to Suzhou, has come back." Xifeng at once had him summoned in.昭兒打千兒請安。Zhao'er dropped to one knee and paid his respects.鳳姐便問：「回來做什麼的？」昭兒道：「二爺打發回來的。Xifeng asked, "What have you come back for?" Zhao'er said, "Second Master sent me back.林姑老爺是九月初三日巳時沒的。」二爺帶了林姑娘同送林姑老爺靈到蘇州，大約赶年底就回來。Master Lin, Father-in-law Lin, passed away at the hour of Si on the third day of the ninth month." Second Master has taken Miss Lin with him escorting Master Lin's coffin to Suzhou, and reckons he'll be back around the end of the year.二爺打發小的來報個信請安，討老太太示下，還瞧瞧奶奶家裏好，叫把大毛衣服帶幾件去。」鳳姐道：「你見過別人了沒有？」昭兒道：「都見過了。」說畢，連忙退去。Second Master sent me to bring word and pay respects, to ask Old Ancestress's instructions, and also to see how things are with Mistress at home, and to tell me to take a few fur garments along." Xifeng said, "Have you seen the others yet?" Zhao'er said, "I've seen them all." With that, he hastily withdrew.鳳姐向寶玉笑道：「你林妹妹可在咱們家住長了。」寶玉道：「了不得，想來這幾日他不知哭的怎樣呢。」說著，蹙眉長歎。Xifeng said to Baoyu with a laugh, "It looks as though your Cousin Lin will be staying on with us for good now." Baoyu said, "Good heavens — these past days, there's no telling how she must have been crying." So saying, he knitted his brows and heaved a long sigh.

正闹著，人回：「苏州去的人昭儿来了。」凤姐急命唤进来。昭儿打千儿请安。凤姐便问：「回来做什么的？」昭儿道：「二爷打发回来的。林姑老爷是九月初三日巳时没的。」二爷带了林姑娘同送林姑老爷灵到苏州，大约赶年底就回来。二爷打发小的来报个信请安，讨老太太示下，还瞧瞧奶奶家里好，叫把大毛衣服带几件去。」凤姐道：「你见过别人了没有？」昭儿道：「都见过了。」说毕，连忙退去。凤姐向宝玉笑道：「你林妹妹可在咱们家住长了。」宝玉道：「了不得，想来这几日他不知哭的怎样呢。」说著，蹙眉长叹。

鳳姐見昭兒回來，因當著人未及細問賈璉，心中自是記挂，待要回去，爭奈事情繁雜，一時去了，恐有延遲失誤，惹人笑話。When Xifeng saw Zhao'er had returned, since she had not been able to question him closely about Jia Lian in front of everyone, she remained anxious at heart, and though she wished to go back at once, the affairs at hand were so numerous and pressing that she feared if she left even briefly there might be some delay or oversight that would give people cause to laugh at her.少不得耐到晚上回來，复令昭兒進來，細問一路平安信息。She had no choice but to bear it until evening, and once back she again had Zhao'er called in and questioned him closely for news of the journey and whether all had gone safely.連夜打點大毛衣服，和平兒親自檢點包裹，再細細追想所需何物，一并包藏交付昭兒。Through the night she packed up fur garments, and together with Ping'er personally checked over the bundles, going back over again and again what else might be needed, wrapping and packing it all up to hand over to Zhao'er.又細細吩咐昭兒：「在外好生小心伏侍，不要惹你二爺生氣，時時勸他少吃酒，別勾引他認得混帳老婆，回來打折你的腿」等語。She also carefully instructed Zhao'er once more, "Take good care of him while you're away, and don't provoke Second Master to anger; keep urging him to drink less, and above all don't let him get involved with some disreputable woman — or when you come back I'll break your legs," and so on.赶亂完了，天已四更將盡，總睡下又走了困，不覺天明雞唱，忙梳洗過宁府中來。By the time she had finished hurrying through all this it was nearly the fourth watch, and no sooner had she lain down than sleep eluded her; before she knew it, day had broken and the cocks were crowing, and she hastily washed and dressed and hurried over to the Ning mansion.

凤姐见昭儿回来，因当著人未及细问贾琏，心中自是记挂，待要回去，争奈事情繁杂，一时去了，恐有延迟失误，惹人笑话。少不得耐到晚上回来，复令昭儿进来，细问一路平安信息。连夜打点大毛衣服，和平儿亲自检点包裹，再细细追想所需何物，一并包藏交付昭儿。又细细吩咐昭儿：「在外好生小心伏侍，不要惹你二爷生气，时时劝他少吃酒，别勾引他认得混帐老婆，回来打折你的腿」等语。赶乱完了，天已四更将尽，总睡下又走了困，不觉天明鸡唱，忙梳洗过宁府中来。

那賈珍因見發引日近。Meanwhile Jia Zhen, seeing that the day set for the funeral procession was drawing near,親自坐車，帶了陰陽司吏，往鐵檻寺來踏看寄靈所在。went personally by carriage, taking with him the officials in charge of the calendar of auspicious days, to the Temple of the Iron Threshold to inspect the site where the coffin was to be temporarily lodged.又一一囑咐住持色空，好生預備新鮮陳設，多請名僧，以備接靈使用。He also gave detailed instructions one by one to the abbot Sekong, telling him to prepare fresh furnishings properly and to invite many eminent monks, in readiness to receive the coffin.色空忙看晚齋。Sekong hastened to see to the evening vegetarian meal.賈珍也無心茶飯，因天晚不得進城，就在淨室胡亂歇了一夜。Jia Zhen too had no heart for food or drink, and since it was too late in the day to enter the city, he spent the night as best he could in a quiet cell.次日早，便進城來料理出殯之事，一面又派人先往鐵檻寺，連夜另外修飾停靈之處，并廚茶等項接靈人口坐落。Early the next day he went into the city to attend to the funeral procession, while at the same time sending people on ahead to the Temple of the Iron Threshold to work through the night refurbishing the place where the coffin would rest, as well as arranging kitchens, tea service, and lodging for those who would come to receive the coffin.

那贾珍因见发引日近。亲自坐车，带了阴阳司吏，往铁槛寺来踏看寄灵所在。又一一嘱咐住持色空，好生预备新鲜陈设，多请名僧，以备接灵使用。色空忙看晚斋。贾珍也无心茶饭，因天晚不得进城，就在净室胡乱歇了一夜。次日早，便进城来料理出殡之事，一面又派人先往铁槛寺，连夜另外修饰停灵之处，并厨茶等项接灵人口坐落。

裏面鳳姐見日期有限，也預先逐細分派料理，一面又派榮府中車轎人從跟王夫人送殯，又顧自己送殯去占下處。Within the mansion, Xifeng, seeing how little time remained, likewise made detailed advance arrangements for everything, and at the same time assigned carriages, sedan chairs, and attendants from the Rong mansion to accompany Lady Wang to the funeral, while also seeing to her own arrangements for attending the funeral and securing lodgings there in advance.目今正值繕國公誥命亡故，王邢二夫人又去打祭送殯，西安郡王妃華誕，送壽禮，鎮國公誥命生了長男，預備賀禮，又有胞兄王仁連家眷回南，一面寫家信稟叩父母并帶往之物，又有迎春染病，每日請醫服藥，看醫生啟帖，症源，藥案等事，亦難盡述。Just at this time it happened that the Duke of Shan's mother, holder of an imperial patent, had died, and Lady Xing and Lady Wang both had to go to offer sacrifice and attend the funeral; the Princess of Xi'an was celebrating her birthday, requiring the sending of birthday gifts; the Duke of Zhenguo's wife, holder of an imperial patent, had given birth to a first son, requiring gifts of congratulation to be prepared; and besides this, Xifeng's own elder brother Wang Ren was returning south with his family, requiring letters home to be written paying respects to their parents and listing the articles to be sent along; and on top of that Yingchun had fallen ill, requiring a doctor to be summoned and medicine taken every day, with medical notes, diagnoses, and prescriptions to attend to — all this and more, too much to relate in full.又兼發引在邇，因此忙的鳳姐茶飯也沒工夫吃得，坐臥不能清淨。With the funeral procession drawing near besides, Xifeng was kept so busy she had no time even to eat, and could find no peace whether sitting or lying down.剛到了宁府，榮府的人又跟到宁府，既回到榮府，宁府的人又找到榮府。No sooner had she arrived at the Ning mansion than people from the Rong mansion would follow her there, and no sooner had she returned to the Rong mansion than people from the Ning mansion would come seeking her out there.鳳姐見如此，心中倒十分歡喜，并不偷安推托，恐落人褒貶，因此日夜不暇，籌划得十分的整肅。Seeing things in this state, Xifeng was actually quite pleased at heart, and rather than seeking her own ease or shirking her duties, for fear of drawing others' criticism she allowed herself no rest day or night, and managed everything with the utmost thoroughness and order.于是合族上下無不稱歎者。As a result there was no one in the whole clan, high or low, who did not praise her.

里面凤姐见日期有限，也预先逐细分派料理，一面又派荣府中车轿人从跟王夫人送殡，又顾自己送殡去占下处。目今正值缮国公诰命亡故，王邢二夫人又去打祭送殡，西安郡王妃华诞，送寿礼，镇国公诰命生了长男，预备贺礼，又有胞兄王仁连家眷回南，一面写家信禀叩父母并带往之物，又有迎春染病，每日请医服药，看医生启帖，症源，药案等事，亦难尽述。又兼发引在迩，因此忙的凤姐茶饭也没工夫吃得，坐卧不能清净。刚到了宁府，荣府的人又跟到宁府，既回到荣府，宁府的人又找到荣府。凤姐见如此，心中倒十分欢喜，并不偷安推托，恐落人褒贬，因此日夜不暇，筹划得十分的整肃。于是合族上下无不称叹者。

這日伴宿之夕，裏面兩班小戲并耍百戲的與親朋堂客伴宿，尤氏猶臥于內室，一應張羅款待，獨是鳳姐一人周全承應。On the night of the vigil before burial, two troupes of child actors and performers of the hundred entertainments kept company through the night with the assembled relatives and lady guests, while You-shi still lay ill in her inner chamber, and all the arrangements for hospitality fell to Xifeng alone to see to and manage.合族中雖有許多妯娌，但或有羞口的，或有羞腳的，或有不慣見人的，或有懼貴怯官的，种种之類，俱不及鳳姐舉止舒徐，言語慷慨，珍貴寬大，因此也不把眾人放在眼裏，揮霍指示，任其所為，目若無人。Although there were many sisters-in-law throughout the clan, some were too shy of speech, some too shy to move about, some unused to appearing before others, some too timid before rank and office — of every such sort there were plenty — but none of them could match Xifeng's easy, unhurried bearing, her forthright and generous manner of speech, and her air of dignity and breadth; and so she paid the others little mind, giving orders and directions freely and having things done exactly as she saw fit, as though there were no one else present at all.一夜中燈明火彩，客送官迎，那百般熱鬧，自不用說的。Through the whole night the lamps and lanterns blazed bright, guests were seen off and officials welcomed, and the bustling splendor of it all need hardly be described.至天明，吉時已到，一般六十四名青衣請靈，前面銘旌上大書：By dawn the auspicious hour had arrived, and sixty-four men in blue livery came to raise the spirit tablet in procession; on the memorial banner at the front were written in large characters:

这日伴宿之夕，里面两班小戏并耍百戏的与亲朋堂客伴宿，尤氏犹卧于内室，一应张罗款待，独是凤姐一人周全承应。合族中虽有许多妯娌，但或有羞口的，或有羞脚的，或有不惯见人的，或有惧贵怯官的，种种之类，俱不及凤姐举止舒徐，言语慷慨，珍贵宽大，因此也不把众人放在眼里，挥霍指示，任其所为，目若无人。一夜中灯明火彩，客送官迎，那百般热闹，自不用说的。至天明，吉时已到，一般六十四名青衣请灵，前面铭旌上大书：

一應執事陳設，皆系現赶著新做出來的，一色光艷奪目。All the ritual furnishings and displays in use were newly made for the occasion, rushed to completion, and every one of them dazzling and brilliant in color.寶珠自行未嫁女之禮外，摔喪駕靈，十分哀苦。Baozhu, having on her own accepted the mourning obligations of an unmarried daughter, threw herself about in grief as she accompanied the coffin, in the deepest anguish.

一应执事陈设，皆系现赶著新做出来的，一色光艳夺目。宝珠自行未嫁女之礼外，摔丧驾灵，十分哀苦。

那時官客送殯的，有鎮國公牛清之孫現襲一等伯牛繼宗，理國公柳彪之孫現襲一等子柳芳，齊國公陳翼之孫世襲三品威鎮將軍陳瑞文，治國公馬魁之孫世襲三品威遠將軍馬尚，修國公侯曉明之孫世襲一等子侯孝康，繕國公誥命亡故，故其孫石光珠守孝不曾來得。Among the officials who came to see off the funeral procession that day were: Niu Jizong, grandson of Niu Qing, Duke of Zhenguo, now hereditary Earl of the First Rank; Liu Fang, grandson of Liu Biao, Duke of Liguo, now hereditary Viscount of the First Rank; Chen Ruiwen, grandson of Chen Yi, Duke of Qiguo, hereditary Awe-Suppressing General of the Third Rank; Ma Shang, grandson of Ma Kui, Duke of Zhiguo, hereditary Awe-Distant General of the Third Rank; Hou Xiaokang, grandson of Hou Xiaoming, Duke of Xiuguo, hereditary Viscount of the First Rank; as for the Duke of Shanguo, since his mother, holder of the imperial patent, had just died, his grandson Shi Guangzhu, being in mourning, was unable to come.這六家與宁榮二家，當日所稱「八公」的便是。These six houses, together with the Ning and Rong houses, were what in their day were called the "Eight Dukes."餘者更有南安郡王之孫，西宁郡王之孫，忠靖侯史鼎，平原侯之孫世襲二等男蔣子宁，定城侯之孫世襲二等男兼京營游擊謝鯨，襄陽侯之孫世襲二等男戚建輝，景田侯之孫五城兵馬司裘良。Besides these there were also the grandson of the Prince of Nan'an, the grandson of the Prince of Xining, Shi Ding, Marquis of Zhongjing; Jiang Zining, grandson of the Marquis of Pingyuan, hereditary Baron of the Second Rank; Xie Jing, grandson of the Marquis of Dingcheng, hereditary Baron of the Second Rank and concurrently Deputy Commander of the Capital Camp; Qi Jianhui, grandson of the Marquis of Xiangyang, hereditary Baron of the Second Rank; and Qiu Liang, of the Marquis of Jingtian's line, Commander of the Five Boroughs Military Patrol.餘者錦鄉伯公子韓奇，神武將軍公子馮紫英，陳也俊，衛若蘭等諸王孫公子，不可枚數。As for the rest — Han Qi, son of the Earl of Jinxiang; Feng Ziying, son of the Shenwu General; Chen Yejun; Wei Ruolan; and other sons and grandsons of noble houses — they were too numerous to list.堂客算來亦有十來頂大轎，三四十小轎，連家下大小轎車輛，不下百餘十乘。As for the lady guests, reckoning it up, there were some ten-odd large sedan-chairs and thirty or forty small ones, and counting the household's large and small chairs and carriages besides, no fewer than a hundred and some conveyances in all.連前面各色執事，陳設，百耍，浩浩蕩蕩，一帶擺三四里遠。Together with the various attendants, ceremonial displays, and entertainments in front, the procession stretched on magnificently, extending three or four li in a line.

那时官客送殡的，有镇国公牛清之孙现袭一等伯牛继宗，理国公柳彪之孙现袭一等子柳芳，齐国公陈翼之孙世袭三品威镇将军陈瑞文，治国公马魁之孙世袭三品威远将军马尚，修国公侯晓明之孙世袭一等子侯孝康，缮国公诰命亡故，故其孙石光珠守孝不曾来得。这六家与宁荣二家，当日所称「八公」的便是。余者更有南安郡王之孙，西宁郡王之孙，忠靖侯史鼎，平原侯之孙世袭二等男蒋子宁，定城侯之孙世袭二等男兼京营游击谢鲸，襄阳侯之孙世袭二等男戚建辉，景田侯之孙五城兵马司裘良。余者锦乡伯公子韩奇，神武将军公子冯紫英，陈也俊，卫若兰等诸王孙公子，不可枚数。堂客算来亦有十来顶大轿，三四十小轿，连家下大小轿车辆，不下百余十乘。连前面各色执事，陈设，百耍，浩浩荡荡，一带摆三四里远。

走不多時，路旁彩棚高搭。They had not gone far when colorful canopies were seen erected high beside the road.設席張筵，和音奏樂，俱是各家路祭：第一座是東平王府祭棚，第二座是南安郡王祭棚，第三座是西宁郡王，第四座是北靜郡王的。Banquets were laid out and feasts spread, with harmonious music playing — these were all roadside memorial offerings set up by various households: the first canopy was that of the Prince of Dongping's mansion, the second was the memorial canopy of the Prince of Nan'an, the third was that of the Prince of Xining, and the fourth was that of the Prince of Beijing.原來這四王，當日惟北靜王功高，及今子孫猶襲王爵。It turned out that of these four princes, in former days only the Prince of Beijing had achieved the highest merit, and even now his descendants still inherited the princely title.現今北靜王水溶年未弱冠，生得形容秀美，情性謙和。The present Prince of Beijing, Shui Rong, was not yet twenty, of handsome and refined appearance, and modest and gentle in temperament.近聞宁國公冢孫婦告殂，因想當日彼此祖父相與之情，同難同榮，未以异姓相視，因此不以王位自居，上日也曾探喪上祭，如今又設路奠，命麾下各官在此伺候。Having recently heard that the eldest grandson's wife of the Duke of Ningguo had passed away, he recalled the friendship shared between their grandfathers in days past — sharing both hardship and glory, never regarding each other as of different surnames — and so, without putting on the airs of his princely rank, he had already gone in person some days before to offer condolences and pay his respects at the mourning, and now had again set up a roadside offering, ordering the officials under his command to attend here in waiting.自己五更入朝，公事一畢，便換了素服，坐大轎鳴鑼張傘而來，至棚前落轎。He himself had entered court at the fifth watch, and as soon as official business was concluded, he changed into plain mourning clothes and came in a large sedan-chair, gongs sounding and canopy raised, alighting from the chair before the canopy.手下各官兩旁擁侍，軍民人眾不得往還。The officials under him attended in close escort on either side, and soldiers and commoners alike were forbidden to pass to and fro.

走不多时，路旁彩棚高搭。设席张筵，和音奏乐，俱是各家路祭：第一座是东平王府祭棚，第二座是南安郡王祭棚，第三座是西宁郡王，第四座是北静郡王的。原来这四王，当日惟北静王功高，及今子孙犹袭王爵。现今北静王水溶年未弱冠，生得形容秀美，情性谦和。近闻宁国公冢孙妇告殂，因想当日彼此祖父相与之情，同难同荣，未以异姓相视，因此不以王位自居，上日也曾探丧上祭，如今又设路奠，命麾下各官在此伺候。自己五更入朝，公事一毕，便换了素服，坐大轿鸣锣张伞而来，至棚前落轿。手下各官两旁拥侍，军民人众不得往还。

一時只見宁府大殯浩浩蕩蕩，壓地銀山一般從北而至。Presently the great funeral procession of the Ning mansion could be seen approaching magnificently from the north, like a silver mountain pressing down upon the earth.早有宁府開路傳事人看見，連忙回去報與賈珍。Already the road-clearing messengers of the Ning household had caught sight of this, and hastened back to report to Jia Zhen.賈珍急命前面駐扎，同賈赦賈政三人連忙迎來，以國禮相見。Jia Zhen at once ordered the procession ahead to halt, and together with Jia She and Jia Zheng, the three of them hastened forward to greet him, meeting with the formal etiquette due a prince of the realm.水溶在轎內欠身含笑答禮，仍以世交稱呼接待，并不妄自尊大。Shui Rong, within his sedan-chair, half rose with a smile and returned their courtesies, still addressing them in the manner of old family friends, and did not in the least presume upon his own rank.賈珍道：「犬婦之喪，累蒙郡駕下臨，蔭生輩何以克當。」水溶笑道：「世交之誼，何出此言。」遂回頭命長府官主祭代奠。Jia Zhen said, 'For the mourning of my unworthy daughter-in-law, to trouble Your Highness's carriage to come in person — how could we of the hereditary line presume to deserve such honor?' Shui Rong said with a smile, 'Between families of such old friendship, why speak so?' He then turned and ordered the chief officer of his mansion to conduct the sacrifice and make the offering in his stead.賈赦等一旁還禮畢，复身又來謝恩。After Jia She and the others had finished returning his courtesies from the side, they turned back again to express their thanks for his favor.

一时只见宁府大殡浩浩荡荡，压地银山一般从北而至。早有宁府开路传事人看见，连忙回去报与贾珍。贾珍急命前面驻扎，同贾赦贾政三人连忙迎来，以国礼相见。水溶在轿内欠身含笑答礼，仍以世交称呼接待，并不妄自尊大。贾珍道：「犬妇之丧，累蒙郡驾下临，荫生辈何以克当。」水溶笑道：「世交之谊，何出此言。」遂回头命长府官主祭代奠。贾赦等一旁还礼毕，复身又来谢恩。

水溶十分謙遜，因問賈政道：「那一位是銜寶而誕者？Shui Rong was most modest and courteous, and thereupon asked Jia Zheng, 'Which one is the one who was born holding jade in his mouth?'幾次要見一見，都為雜冗所阻，想今日是來的，何不請來一會。」賈政聽說，忙回去，急命寶玉脫去孝服，領他前來。'Several times I have wished to meet him, but each time was prevented by pressing affairs. I imagine he has come along today — why not invite him over for a meeting?' On hearing this, Jia Zheng hurried back and at once ordered Baoyu to take off his mourning garments and bring him forward.那寶玉素日就曾聽得父兄親友人等說閒話時，贊水溶是個賢王，且生得才貌雙全，風流瀟灑，每不以官俗國体所縛。Now Baoyu had, in ordinary times, heard his father and elder brothers, relatives, and friends remark in idle talk that Shui Rong was a worthy prince, gifted with both talent and good looks, romantic and unrestrained in spirit, one who was never bound by official conventions or the formalities of rank.每思相會，只是父親拘束嚴密，無由得會，今見反來叫他，自是歡喜。He had always longed to meet him, but his father kept him under such strict restraint that there had been no way to do so; now, seeing that he was instead being summoned, he was naturally delighted.一面走，一面早瞥見那水溶坐在轎內，好個儀表人材。As he walked along, he caught sight from afar of Shui Rong seated within his sedan-chair — what a fine bearing and figure he had!不知近看時又是怎樣，且聽下回分解。Just what he would look like on closer view is not yet known; the next chapter will tell.

水溶十分谦逊，因问贾政道：「那一位是衔宝而诞者？几次要见一见，都为杂冗所阻，想今日是来的，何不请来一会。」贾政听说，忙回去，急命宝玉脱去孝服，领他前来。那宝玉素日就曾听得父兄亲友人等说闲话时，赞水溶是个贤王，且生得才貌双全，风流潇洒，每不以官俗国体所缚。每思相会，只是父亲拘束严密，无由得会，今见反来叫他，自是欢喜。一面走，一面早瞥见那水溶坐在轿内，好个仪表人材。不知近看时又是怎样，且听下回分解。