第十五回　　王鳳姐弄權鐵檻寺　秦鯨卿得趣饅頭庵 Xifeng Abuses Her Power at Iron Threshold Temple; Qin Zhong Finds Pleasure at Steamed-Bread Convent

話說寶玉舉目見北靜王水溶頭上戴著洁白簪纓銀翅王帽，穿著江牙海水五爪坐龍白蟒袍，繫著碧玉紅鞓帶，面如美玉，目似明星，真好秀麗人物。The story goes that Baoyu, raising his eyes, saw that Prince Beijing, Shui Rong, wore on his head a pure white tasseled silver-winged princely cap, and was dressed in a white python robe embroidered with a five-clawed dragon seated amid rivers, cliffs, and seas, girdled with a red leather belt set with jasper; his face was like fine jade, his eyes like bright stars — truly a handsome and elegant figure.寶玉忙搶上來參見，水溶連忙從轎內伸出手來挽住。Baoyu hastened forward to pay his respects, and Shui Rong quickly reached out his hand from within the sedan chair to take hold of him.見寶玉戴著束髮銀冠，勒著雙龍出海抹額，穿著白蟒箭袖，圍著攢珠銀帶，面若春花，目如點漆。He saw that Baoyu wore a silver coronet binding up his hair, with a headband embroidered with two dragons emerging from the sea, was dressed in a white python robe with archer's sleeves, girdled with a silver belt studded with pearls; his face was like a spring blossom, his eyes like dots of lacquer.水溶笑道：“名不虛傳，果然如‘寶’似‘玉’。”因問：“銜的那寶貝在那里？”寶玉見問，連忙從衣內取了遞與過去。Shui Rong said with a smile, 'The name is no idle boast — he truly is like treasure, like jade.' He then asked, 'Where is that precious object you were born holding in your mouth?' Hearing this, Baoyu quickly took it out from inside his robe and handed it over.水溶細細的看了，又念了那上頭的字，因問：“果靈驗否？”賈政忙道：“雖如此說，只是未曾試過。”水溶一面极口稱奇道异，一面理好彩絛，親自與寶玉帶上，又攜手問寶玉幾歲，讀何書。Shui Rong examined it closely, and read aloud the characters inscribed upon it, then asked, 'Is it truly efficacious?' Jia Zheng hastened to say, 'So it is said, but it has never actually been put to the test.' Shui Rong, exclaiming over and over at its marvel and strangeness, straightened the colored cord and fastened it back on Baoyu with his own hands, then, taking his hand, asked how old he was and what books he was reading.寶玉一一的答應。Baoyu answered each question in turn.

话说宝玉举目见北静王水溶头上戴著洁白簪缨银翅王帽，穿著江牙海水五爪坐龙白蟒袍，系著碧玉红鞓带，面如美玉，目似明星，真好秀丽人物。宝玉忙抢上来参见，水溶连忙从轿内伸出手来挽住。见宝玉戴著束发银冠，勒著双龙出海抹额，穿著白蟒箭袖，围著攒珠银带，面若春花，目如点漆。水溶笑道：“名不虚传，果然如‘宝’似‘玉’。”因问：“衔的那宝贝在那里？”宝玉见问，连忙从衣内取了递与过去。水溶细细的看了，又念了那上头的字，因问：“果灵验否？”贾政忙道：“虽如此说，只是未曾试过。”水溶一面极口称奇道异，一面理好彩绦，亲自与宝玉带上，又携手问宝玉几岁，读何书。宝玉一一的答应。

水溶見他語言清楚，談吐有致，一面又向賈政笑道：“令郎真乃龍駒鳳雛，非小王在世翁前唐突，將來‘雛鳳清於老鳳聲’，未可量也。”賈政忙陪笑道：“犬子豈敢謬承金獎。Seeing that his speech was clear and his manner of conversation full of charm, Shui Rong turned to Jia Zheng and said with a smile, 'Your son is truly a dragon's colt, a young phoenix — and it is not presumption on my part to say before you, venerable sir, that in time to come "the young phoenix's cry may yet surpass the old phoenix's," there is no telling how far he may go.' Jia Zheng hastily replied with a smiling bow, 'How would my worthless son dare to accept such extravagant praise.賴蕃郡餘禎，果如是言，亦蔭生輩之幸矣。”水溶又道：“只是一件，令郎如是資質，想老太夫人，夫人輩自然鐘愛极矣，但吾輩後生，甚不宜鐘溺，鐘溺則未免荒失學業。But if, relying on the blessings of Your Highness's fief, it should indeed prove as you say, it would be good fortune indeed for one of our humble line.' Shui Rong went on, 'There is just one thing — with talents such as your son possesses, I imagine the old lady, his grandmother, and the ladies of the house must dote on him to the utmost. But we of the younger generation ought not to be overly indulged, for indulgence cannot but lead to neglect of one's studies.昔小王曾蹈此轍，想令郎亦未必不如是也。In days past I myself fell into this very rut, and I suspect your son may well be no different.若令郎在家難以用功，不妨常到寒第。If your son finds it difficult to apply himself at home, he might as well come often to my humble residence.小王雖不才，卻多蒙海上眾名士凡至都者，未有不另垂青目。Though I myself am of no great talent, I have had the good fortune that whatever eminent scholars from throughout the realm come to the capital, none has failed to favor me with special regard.是以寒第高人頗聚。For this reason, men of learning tend to gather at my humble residence in some number.令郎常去談會談會，則學問可以日進矣。”賈政忙躬身答應。If your son were to go there often to converse and exchange views with them, his learning could advance day by day.' Jia Zheng hastily bowed and assented.

水溶见他语言清楚，谈吐有致，一面又向贾政笑道：“令郎真乃龙驹凤雏，非小王在世翁前唐突，将来‘雏凤清于老凤声’，未可量也。”贾政忙陪笑道：“犬子岂敢谬承金奖。赖蕃郡余祯，果如是言，亦荫生辈之幸矣。”水溶又道：“只是一件，令郎如是资质，想老太夫人，夫人辈自然钟爱极矣，但吾辈后生，甚不宜钟溺，钟溺则未免荒失学业。昔小王曾蹈此辙，想令郎亦未必不如是也。若令郎在家难以用功，不妨常到寒第。小王虽不才，却多蒙海上众名士凡至都者，未有不另垂青目。是以寒第高人颇聚。令郎常去谈会谈会，则学问可以日进矣。”贾政忙躬身答应。

水溶又將腕上一串念珠卸了下來，遞與寶玉道：“今日初會，倉促竟無敬賀之物，此是前日圣上親賜鶺鴒香念珠一串，權為賀敬之禮。”寶玉連忙接了，回身奉與賈政。Shui Rong then took off a string of prayer beads from his own wrist and handed it to Baoyu, saying, 'On this our first meeting, in the haste of the moment I have nothing prepared to offer as a token of respect and congratulation. This string of wagtail-fragrance prayer beads was bestowed on me personally by His Majesty only the other day — let it serve as my gift of congratulation.' Baoyu quickly accepted it, then turned and presented it to Jia Zheng.賈政與寶玉一齊謝過。Jia Zheng and Baoyu together offered their thanks.於是賈赦、賈珍等一齊上來請回輿，水溶道：“逝者已登仙界，非碌碌你我塵寰中之人也。Thereupon Jia She, Jia Zhen, and the others all came forward together to request that he return to his palanquin. Shui Rong said, 'The departed has already ascended to the realm of the immortals, and is no longer one of us common mortals of the dusty world.小王雖上叨天恩，虛邀郡襲，豈可越仙輀而進也？”賈赦等見執意不從，只得告辭謝恩回來，命手下掩樂停音，滔滔然將殯過完，方讓水溶回輿去了。Though I, undeserving, have received the favor of Heaven above and idly inherited a princely title, how could I presume to go ahead of the immortal hearse?' Jia She and the others, seeing him firmly refuse, had no choice but to take their leave with thanks and come back, ordering their attendants to still the music and silence the instruments, and let the procession pass through in full, majestic and unbroken, before at last letting Shui Rong return to his palanquin.不在話下。But no more of that for now.

水溶又将腕上一串念珠卸了下来，递与宝玉道：“今日初会，仓促竟无敬贺之物，此是前日圣上亲赐鹡鸰香念珠一串，权为贺敬之礼。”宝玉连忙接了，回身奉与贾政。贾政与宝玉一齐谢过。于是贾赦、贾珍等一齐上来请回舆，水溶道：“逝者已登仙界，非碌碌你我尘寰中之人也。小王虽上叨天恩，虚邀郡袭，岂可越仙輀而进也？”贾赦等见执意不从，只得告辞谢恩回来，命手下掩乐停音，滔滔然将殡过完，方让水溶回舆去了。不在话下。

且說宁府送殯，一路熱鬧非常。Now to speak of the Ning mansion's funeral procession — the whole way it was extraordinarily lively and bustling.剛至城門前，又有賈赦、賈政、賈珍等諸同僚屬下各家祭棚接祭，一一的謝過，然後出城，竟奔鐵檻寺大路行來。Just as they reached the city gate, the colleagues and subordinates of Jia She, Jia Zheng, Jia Zhen, and the others had set up sacrificial sheds from their various households to receive the procession with offerings; thanks were given to each in turn, and then they left the city and headed straight down the main road toward Iron Threshold Temple.彼時賈珍帶賈蓉來到諸長輩前，讓坐轎上馬，因而賈赦一輩的各自上了車轎，賈珍一輩的也將要上馬。At that time Jia Zhen brought Jia Rong before the elders to invite them to take their sedan chairs or mount their horses; and so those of Jia She's generation each got into their carriages or chairs, while those of Jia Zhen's generation were about to mount their horses.鳳姐兒因記挂著寶玉，怕他在郊外縱性逞強，不服家人的話，賈政管不著這些小事，惟恐有個失閃，難見賈母，因此便命小廝來喚他。Xifeng, being worried about Baoyu — fearing that out in the countryside he might indulge his willful, showy temper and refuse to heed the servants' words, while Jia Zheng could hardly be bothered with such small matters, and dreading lest some mishap occur that would make it hard to face the Lady Dowager — therefore sent a page boy to summon him.寶玉只得來到他車前。Baoyu had no choice but to come to the front of her carriage.鳳姐笑道：“好兄弟，你是個尊貴人，女孩兒一樣的人品，別學他們猴在馬上。Xifeng said with a smile, 'Good brother, you are a person of noble standing, with looks as fine as a girl's — don't go copying the others, monkeying about on horseback.下來，咱們姐兒兩個坐車，豈不好？”寶玉聽說，忙下了馬，爬入鳳姐車上，二人說笑前來。Come down, and let the two of us — sister and brother — ride together in the carriage; wouldn't that be nice?' Hearing this, Baoyu promptly got off his horse, climbed up into Xifeng's carriage, and the two of them rode along ahead, talking and laughing.不一時，只見從那邊兩騎馬壓地飛來，離鳳姐車不遠，一齊躥下來，扶車回說：“這里有下處，奶奶請歇更衣。”鳳姐急命請邢夫人王夫人的示下，那人回來說：“太太們說不用歇了，叫奶奶自便罷。”鳳姐聽了，便命歇了再走。Before long, two riders came flying low over the ground from that side, and, not far from Xifeng's carriage, both leapt down together, came up to steady the carriage, and reported, 'There is a resting place here, madam — please stop and change your clothes.' Xifeng hastily sent to ask for the decision of Lady Xing and Lady Wang; the messenger came back and reported, 'The ladies say there is no need to stop — they say madam should do as she thinks best.' Hearing this, Xifeng gave orders to stop and rest before going on.眾小廝聽了，一帶轅馬，岔出人群，往北飛走。The page boys, on hearing this, took hold of the shaft horses, veered out of the crowd, and sped off to the north.寶玉在車內急命請秦相公。Inside the carriage, Baoyu hastily gave orders to invite Master Qin.那時秦鐘正騎馬隨著他父親的轎，忽見寶玉的小廝跑來，請他去打尖。At that moment Qin Zhong was riding on horseback following his father's sedan chair, when suddenly he saw one of Baoyu's page boys come running to invite him to stop for a rest.秦鐘看時，只見鳳姐兒的車往北而去，後面拉著寶玉的馬，搭著鞍籠，便知寶玉同鳳姐坐車，自己也便帶馬赶上去，同入一庄門內。When Qin Zhong looked, he saw Xifeng's carriage heading north, with Baoyu's horse being led behind it, saddle and all, and so he knew that Baoyu was riding in the carriage together with Xifeng; he too then led his horse forward to catch up, and together they entered the gate of a farmstead.早有家人將眾庄漢攆盡。The household servants had already driven all the farmhands away.那庄農人家無多房舍，婆娘們無處回避，只得由他們去了。That farming household had few rooms to spare, and the womenfolk had nowhere to withdraw to, so they simply had to let things be.那些村姑庄婦見了鳳姐、寶玉、秦鐘的人品衣服，禮數款段，豈有不愛看的？When those village girls and farm women saw the fine looks and clothing, the manners and bearing, of Xifeng, Baoyu, and Qin Zhong, how could they help but love to look at them?

且说宁府送殡，一路热闹非常。刚至城门前，又有贾赦、贾政、贾珍等诸同僚属下各家祭棚接祭，一一的谢过，然后出城，竟奔铁槛寺大路行来。彼时贾珍带贾蓉来到诸长辈前，让坐轿上马，因而贾赦一辈的各自上了车轿，贾珍一辈的也将要上马。凤姐儿因记挂著宝玉，怕他在郊外纵性逞强，不服家人的话，贾政管不著这些小事，惟恐有个失闪，难见贾母，因此便命小厮来唤他。宝玉只得来到他车前。凤姐笑道：“好兄弟，你是个尊贵人，女孩儿一样的人品，别学他们猴在马上。下来，咱们姐儿两个坐车，岂不好？”宝玉听说，忙下了马，爬入凤姐车上，二人说笑前来。不一时，只见从那边两骑马压地飞来，离凤姐车不远，一齐蹿下来，扶车回说：“这里有下处，奶奶请歇更衣。”凤姐急命请邢夫人王夫人的示下，那人回来说：“太太们说不用歇了，叫奶奶自便罢。”凤姐听了，便命歇了再走。众小厮听了，一带辕马，岔出人群，往北飞走。宝玉在车内急命请秦相公。那时秦钟正骑马随著他父亲的轿，忽见宝玉的小厮跑来，请他去打尖。秦钟看时，只见凤姐儿的车往北而去，后面拉著宝玉的马，搭著鞍笼，便知宝玉同凤姐坐车，自己也便带马赶上去，同入一庄门内。早有家人将众庄汉撵尽。那庄农人家无多房舍，婆娘们无处回避，只得由他们去了。那些村姑庄妇见了凤姐、宝玉、秦钟的人品衣服，礼数款段，岂有不爱看的？

一時鳳姐進入茅堂，因命寶玉等先出去頑頑。Presently Xifeng went into the thatched hall, and told Baoyu and the others to go outside first and amuse themselves.寶玉等會意，因同秦鐘出來，帶著小廝們各處游頑。Baoyu understood her meaning, and so came outside together with Qin Zhong, taking the page boys along to roam and play about everywhere.凡庄農動用之物，皆不曾見過。All the implements used by the farming folk were things he had never seen before.寶玉一見了鍬、橛、鋤、犁等物，皆以為奇，不知何項所使，其名為何。The moment Baoyu saw such things as spades, stakes, hoes, and plows, he found them all marvelous, having no idea what each was used for or what it was called.小廝在旁一一的告訴了名色，說明原委。The page boys standing by told him the name of each one in turn, and explained its purpose and use.寶玉聽了，因點頭歎道：“怪道古人詩上說，‘誰知盤中餐，粒粒皆辛苦’，正為此也。”一面說，一面又至一間房前，只見炕上有個紡車，寶玉又問小廝們：“這又是什麼？”小廝們又告訴他原委。Hearing this, Baoyu nodded and sighed, 'No wonder the poem of the ancients says, "Who knows that of the food upon the plate, every single grain is won through toil" — it is precisely for this reason.' So saying, he came to the front of a room, and saw upon the kang a spinning wheel; Baoyu again asked the page boys, 'And what is this?' The page boys again explained its purpose to him.寶玉聽說，便上來擰轉作耍，自為有趣。Hearing this, Baoyu came up and turned it around for fun, finding it quite amusing to himself.只見一個約有十七八歲的村庄丫頭跑了來亂嚷：“別動坏了！”眾小廝忙斷喝攔阻。Just then a village girl of about seventeen or eighteen came running up, shouting in alarm, 'Don't move it, you'll break it!' The page boys hurriedly shouted her down and held her back.寶玉忙丟開手，陪笑說道：“我因為沒見過這個，所以試他一試。”那丫頭道：“你們那里會弄這個，站開了，我紡與你瞧。”秦鐘暗拉寶玉笑道：“此卿大有意趣。”寶玉一把推開，笑道：“該死的！Baoyu quickly let go of it, and said with an apologetic smile, 'It's only that I've never seen one of these before, so I was trying it out.' The girl said, 'How would you people know how to work this? Stand aside, and I'll spin it for you to see.' Qin Zhong secretly pulled at Baoyu and said with a smile, 'This lass is quite full of charm.' Baoyu pushed him away with a laugh and said, 'You wretch!再胡說，我就打了。”說著，只見那丫頭紡起線來。If you talk nonsense again, I'll hit you.' So saying, he watched as the girl began to spin thread.寶玉正要說話時，只聽那邊老婆子叫道：“二丫頭，快過來！”那丫頭聽見，丟下紡車，一徑去了。Just as Baoyu was about to say something, he heard an old woman calling from over there, 'Er-ya-tou, come here quickly!' Hearing this, the girl dropped the spinning wheel and went straight off.

一时凤姐进入茅堂，因命宝玉等先出去顽顽。宝玉等会意，因同秦钟出来，带著小厮们各处游顽。凡庄农动用之物，皆不曾见过。宝玉一见了锹、橛、锄、犁等物，皆以为奇，不知何项所使，其名为何。小厮在旁一一的告诉了名色，说明原委。宝玉听了，因点头叹道：“怪道古人诗上说，‘谁知盘中餐，粒粒皆辛苦’，正为此也。”一面说，一面又至一间房前，只见炕上有个纺车，宝玉又问小厮们：“这又是什么？”小厮们又告诉他原委。宝玉听说，便上来拧转作耍，自为有趣。只见一个约有十七八岁的村庄丫头跑了来乱嚷：“别动坏了！”众小厮忙断喝拦阻。宝玉忙丢开手，陪笑说道：“我因为没见过这个，所以试他一试。”那丫头道：“你们那里会弄这个，站开了，我纺与你瞧。”秦钟暗拉宝玉笑道：“此卿大有意趣。”宝玉一把推开，笑道：“该死的！再胡说，我就打了。”说著，只见那丫头纺起线来。宝玉正要说话时，只听那边老婆子叫道：“二丫头，快过来！”那丫头听见，丢下纺车，一径去了。

寶玉悵然無趣。Baoyu was left disappointed and out of sorts.只見鳳姐兒打發人來叫他兩個進去。Just then Xifeng sent someone to call the two of them to come in.鳳姐洗了手，換衣服抖灰，問他們換不換。Xifeng had washed her hands and changed her clothes, shaking off the dust, and asked whether they wanted to change too.寶玉不換，只得罷了。Baoyu did not wish to change, so the matter was let drop.家下僕婦們將帶著行路的茶壺茶杯，十錦屜盒，各樣小食端來，鳳姐等吃過茶，待他們收拾完畢，便起身上車。The household serving women brought out the traveling teapots and cups, the many-tiered nested boxes, and various small refreshments they had carried along; after Xifeng and the others had drunk their tea, and once the things had been packed away, they rose and got into their carriages.外面旺兒預備下賞封，賞了本村主人。Outside, Wang'er had prepared reward envelopes ready, and gave them as reward to the master of the farmstead.庄婦等來叩賞。The farm women came to kowtow their thanks for the reward.鳳姐并不在意，寶玉卻留心看時，內中并無二丫頭。Xifeng paid it no particular mind, but Baoyu looked carefully, and among them there was no Er-ya-tou.一時上了車，出來走不多遠，只見迎頭二丫頭怀里抱著他小兄弟，同著幾個小女孩子說笑而來。Presently they got into the carriages, and had not gone far when, coming toward them, they saw Er-ya-tou, holding her little brother in her arms, walking along talking and laughing together with a few small girls.寶玉恨不得下車跟了他去，料是眾人不依的，少不得以目相送，爭奈車輕馬快，一時展眼無蹤。Baoyu could hardly bear not to get down from the carriage and follow after her, but reckoning that the others would not allow it, he could do nothing but see her off with his eyes; yet the carriage was light and the horses swift, and in the blink of an eye she was gone from sight.

宝玉怅然无趣。只见凤姐儿打发人来叫他两个进去。凤姐洗了手，换衣服抖灰，问他们换不换。宝玉不换，只得罢了。家下仆妇们将带著行路的茶壶茶杯，十锦屉盒，各样小食端来，凤姐等吃过茶，待他们收拾完毕，便起身上车。外面旺儿预备下赏封，赏了本村主人。庄妇等来叩赏。凤姐并不在意，宝玉却留心看时，内中并无二丫头。一时上了车，出来走不多远，只见迎头二丫头怀里抱著他小兄弟，同著几个小女孩子说笑而来。宝玉恨不得下车跟了他去，料是众人不依的，少不得以目相送，争奈车轻马快，一时展眼无踪。

走不多時，仍又跟上大殯了。Before long, they had once again caught up with the great funeral procession.早有前面法鼓金鐃，幢幡寶蓋：鐵檻寺接靈眾僧齊至。Already up ahead, amid Buddhist drums and cymbals, banners and jeweled canopies, the assembled monks of Iron Threshold Temple had all arrived to receive the coffin.少時到入寺中，另演佛事，重設香壇。After a while they arrived and entered the temple, where further Buddhist rites were performed and the incense altar was set up anew.安靈于內殿偏室之中，寶珠安于里寢室相伴。The spirit tablet was set to rest in a side chamber of the inner hall, and Baozhu was lodged in the inner bedroom to keep it company.外面賈珍款待一應親友，也有扰飯的，也有不吃飯而辭的，一應謝過乏，從公侯伯子男一起一起的散去，至未末時分方才散盡了。Outside, Jia Zhen entertained all the relatives and friends; some stayed to share the meal, others declined the meal and took their leave; all were thanked for their trouble, and, group by group, the dukes, marquises, earls, viscounts, and barons dispersed, until by the end of the hour of Wei (early afternoon) all had finally gone.里面的堂客皆是鳳姐張羅接待，先從顯官誥命散起，也到晌午大錯時方散盡了。Inside, the reception of the lady guests was entirely managed by Xifeng; beginning with the wives bearing titles of the eminent officials, they too did not finish dispersing until well past midday.只有幾個親戚是至近的，等做過三日安靈道場方去。Only a few relatives who were very close kin stayed on, to leave only after the three days of Buddhist services for laying the spirit to rest had been completed.那時邢，王二夫人知鳳姐必不能來家，也便就要進城。At that time, Lady Xing and Lady Wang, knowing that Xifeng surely could not come home yet, were themselves about to go back into the city.王夫人要帶寶玉去，寶玉乍到郊外，那里肯回去，只要跟鳳姐住著。Lady Wang wished to take Baoyu with her, but Baoyu, having just newly arrived in the countryside, was in no mood to go back, and insisted on staying on with Xifeng.王夫人無法，只得交與鳳姐便回來了。Lady Wang, having no way to persuade him, had no choice but to entrust him to Xifeng's care and go back herself.原來這鐵檻寺原是宁榮二公當日修造，現今還是有香火地畝布施，以備京中老了人口，在此便宜寄放。It so happened that this Iron Threshold Temple had originally been built by the two dukes of Ning and Rong in their day, and even now it still had incense-fund land donated to it, kept ready so that when someone in the capital passed away, the coffin could be conveniently laid to rest here.其中陰陽兩宅俱已預備妥貼，好為送靈人口寄居。Within its grounds, lodgings for both the living and the dead had already been thoroughly prepared, to accommodate those who came to escort the coffin and needed a place to stay.不想如今後輩人口繁盛，其中貧富不一，或性情參商：有那家業艱難安分的，便住在這里了，有那尚排場有錢勢的，只說這里不方便，一定另外或村庄或尼庵尋個下處，為事畢宴退之所。Little expecting that nowadays the descendants had grown so numerous, differing among themselves in wealth and poverty, and some at odds in temperament: those whose family fortunes were straitened and who were content with modest ways simply stayed here, while those who still cared for display and had money and influence would say this place was inconvenient, and would be sure to seek out some other lodging elsewhere, whether in a village or a nunnery, as a place to withdraw to and hold their gatherings once affairs were done.即今秦氏之喪，族中諸人皆權在鐵檻寺下榻，獨有鳳姐嫌不方便，因而早遣人來和饅頭庵的姑子淨虛說了，騰出兩間房子來作下處。Now, on the occasion of Madam Qin's funeral, all the members of the clan had for the time being taken lodging at Iron Threshold Temple; only Xifeng found it inconvenient, and so had earlier sent someone ahead to speak with the nun Jingxu of Mantou Nunnery, to have two rooms cleared out for her to lodge in.原來這饅頭庵就是水月庵，因他廟里做的饅頭好，就起了這個渾號，離鐵檻寺不遠。It so happened that this Mantou Nunnery was in fact the Water Moon Nunnery; because the steamed buns made in its kitchen were so good, it had picked up this nickname, and it was not far from Iron Threshold Temple.當下和尚工課已完，奠過茶飯，賈珍便命賈蓉請鳳姐歇息。Just then the monks had finished their devotions, and the offerings of tea and food had been made, so Jia Zhen told Jia Rong to invite Xifeng to go and rest.鳳姐見還有幾個妯娌陪著女親，自己便辭了眾人，帶了寶玉，秦鐘往水月庵來。Seeing that there were still a few sisters-in-law there to keep the women relatives company, Xifeng herself took leave of the company, and, bringing Baoyu and Qin Zhong along, went off to Water Moon Nunnery.原來秦業年邁多病，不能在此，只命秦鐘等待安靈罷了。It so happened that Qin Ye, being old and often ill, could not remain here, and had only instructed Qin Zhong to wait until the spirit tablet was laid to rest.那秦鐘便只跟著鳳姐，寶玉，一時到了水月庵，淨虛帶領智善，智能兩個徒弟出來迎接，大家見過。And so Qin Zhong simply stayed with Xifeng and Baoyu; before long they arrived at Water Moon Nunnery, where Jingxu, leading her two disciples Zhishan and Zhineng, came out to receive them, and everyone exchanged greetings.鳳姐等來至淨室更衣淨手畢，因見智能兒越發長高了，模樣兒越發出息了，因說道：“你們師徒怎麼這些日子也不往我們那里去？”淨虛道：“可是這幾天都沒工夫，因胡老爺府里產了公子，太太送了十兩銀子來這里，叫請幾位師父念三日《血盆經》，忙的沒個空兒，就沒來請奶奶的安。”不言老尼陪著鳳姐。Xifeng and the others went to a clean room to change their clothes and wash their hands; when this was done, noticing that Zhineng had grown taller still and her looks had become even more striking, she said, 'How is it that you and your teacher haven't come to see us these past days?' Jingxu said, 'It's just that these past few days we've had no free time at all — the lady of Lord Hu's household gave birth to a son, and the lady sent ten taels of silver here asking us to invite several of our sisters to recite the Blood Bowl Sutra for three days; we've been so busy we haven't had a moment to spare, and so haven't come to pay our respects to madam.' Of the old nun's attending upon Xifeng, no more need be said for now.且說秦鐘，寶玉二人正在殿上頑耍，因見智能過來，寶玉笑道：“能兒來了。”秦鐘道：“理那東西作什麼？”寶玉笑道：“你別弄鬼，那一日在老太太屋里，一個人沒有，你摟著他作什麼？Now to tell of Qin Zhong and Baoyu, who were amusing themselves in the main hall, when, seeing Zhineng come over, Baoyu said with a smile, 'Neng-er has come.' Qin Zhong said, 'What do you want with bothering over that thing?' Baoyu said with a smile, 'Don't play tricks with me — that day in the old lady's rooms, when there was no one else about, what were you doing holding her in your arms?這會子還哄我。”秦鐘笑道：“這可是沒有的話。”寶玉笑道：“有沒有也不管你，你只叫住他倒碗茶來我吃，就丟開手。”秦鐘笑道：“這又奇了，你叫他倒去，還怕他不倒？And now you still try to fool me.' Qin Zhong said with a smile, 'That's simply not true.' Baoyu said with a smile, 'Whether it's true or not is none of my concern — just call her to stop and pour me a bowl of tea, and I'll let the matter drop.' Qin Zhong said with a smile, 'Now this is strange indeed — if you call her to pour it, are you afraid she won't?何必要我說呢。”寶玉道：“我叫他倒的是無情意的，不及你叫他倒的是有情意的。”秦鐘只得說道：“能兒，倒碗茶來給我。”那智能兒自幼在榮府走動，無人不識，因常與寶玉秦鐘頑笑。Why must you have me ask?' Baoyu said, 'If I call her to pour it, there's no feeling in it; it's not as good as if you were the one to call her, for then there'd be feeling in it.' Qin Zhong had no choice but to say, 'Neng-er, pour me a bowl of tea.' Now this Zhineng had been coming and going in the Rong mansion since childhood, and there was no one who did not know her, for she often played and joked with Baoyu and Qin Zhong.他如今大了，漸知風月，便看上了秦鐘人物風流，那秦鐘也极愛他妍媚，二人雖未上手，卻已情投意合了。Now that she was older, she had gradually come to know something of romance, and had taken a fancy to Qin Zhong's dashing looks; and Qin Zhong for his part was greatly taken with her charm and prettiness. Though the two of them had not yet gone further, their feelings were already in perfect accord.今智能見了秦鐘，心眼俱開，走去倒了茶來。Now, seeing Qin Zhong, Zhineng's heart and eyes both lit up, and she went off and poured the tea.秦鐘笑道：“給我。”寶玉叫：“給我！”智能兒抿嘴笑道：“一碗茶也爭，我難道手里有蜜！”寶玉先搶得了，吃著，方要問話，只見智善來叫智能去擺茶碟子，一時來請他兩個去吃茶果點心。Qin Zhong said with a smile, 'Give it to me.' Baoyu called out, 'Give it to me!' Zhineng, pressing her lips together in a smile, said, 'Even over a bowl of tea you must quarrel — do I have honey in my hands, or what!' Baoyu snatched it first and was drinking it, and was just about to ask something further, when Zhishan came to call Zhineng to go set out the tea saucers, and presently came to invite the two of them to go and have tea, fruit, and pastries.他兩個那里吃這些東西，坐一坐仍出來頑耍。The two of them had little interest in eating such things; they sat for a while and then came back out again to amuse themselves.

走不多时，仍又跟上大殡了。早有前面法鼓金铙，幢幡宝盖：铁槛寺接灵众僧齐至。少时到入寺中，另演佛事，重设香坛。安灵于内殿偏室之中，宝珠安于里寝室相伴。外面贾珍款待一应亲友，也有扰饭的，也有不吃饭而辞的，一应谢过乏，从公侯伯子男一起一起的散去，至未末时分方才散尽了。里面的堂客皆是凤姐张罗接待，先从显官诰命散起，也到晌午大错时方散尽了。只有几个亲戚是至近的，等做过三日安灵道场方去。那时邢，王二夫人知凤姐必不能来家，也便就要进城。王夫人要带宝玉去，宝玉乍到郊外，那里肯回去，只要跟凤姐住著。王夫人无法，只得交与凤姐便回来了。原来这铁槛寺原是宁荣二公当日修造，现今还是有香火地亩布施，以备京中老了人口，在此便宜寄放。其中阴阳两宅俱已预备妥贴，好为送灵人口寄居。不想如今后辈人口繁盛，其中贫富不一，或性情参商：有那家业艰难安分的，便住在这里了，有那尚排场有钱势的，只说这里不方便，一定另外或村庄或尼庵寻个下处，为事毕宴退之所。即今秦氏之丧，族中诸人皆权在铁槛寺下榻，独有凤姐嫌不方便，因而早遣人来和馒头庵的姑子净虚说了，腾出两间房子来作下处。原来这馒头庵就是水月庵，因他庙里做的馒头好，就起了这个浑号，离铁槛寺不远。当下和尚工课已完，奠过茶饭，贾珍便命贾蓉请凤姐歇息。凤姐见还有几个妯娌陪著女亲，自己便辞了众人，带了宝玉，秦钟往水月庵来。原来秦业年迈多病，不能在此，只命秦钟等待安灵罢了。那秦钟便只跟著凤姐，宝玉，一时到了水月庵，净虚带领智善，智能两个徒弟出来迎接，大家见过。凤姐等来至净室更衣净手毕，因见智能儿越发长高了，模样儿越发出息了，因说道：“你们师徒怎么这些日子也不往我们那里去？”净虚道：“可是这几天都没工夫，因胡老爷府里产了公子，太太送了十两银子来这里，叫请几位师父念三日《血盆经》，忙的没个空儿，就没来请奶奶的安。”不言老尼陪著凤姐。且说秦钟，宝玉二人正在殿上顽耍，因见智能过来，宝玉笑道：“能儿来了。”秦钟道：“理那东西作什么？”宝玉笑道：“你别弄鬼，那一日在老太太屋里，一个人没有，你搂著他作什么？这会子还哄我。”秦钟笑道：“这可是没有的话。”宝玉笑道：“有没有也不管你，你只叫住他倒碗茶来我吃，就丢开手。”秦钟笑道：“这又奇了，你叫他倒去，还怕他不倒？何必要我说呢。”宝玉道：“我叫他倒的是无情意的，不及你叫他倒的是有情意的。”秦钟只得说道：“能儿，倒碗茶来给我。”那智能儿自幼在荣府走动，无人不识，因常与宝玉秦钟顽笑。他如今大了，渐知风月，便看上了秦钟人物风流，那秦钟也极爱他妍媚，二人虽未上手，却已情投意合了。今智能见了秦钟，心眼俱开，走去倒了茶来。秦钟笑道：“给我。”宝玉叫：“给我！”智能儿抿嘴笑道：“一碗茶也争，我难道手里有蜜！”宝玉先抢得了，吃著，方要问话，只见智善来叫智能去摆茶碟子，一时来请他两个去吃茶果点心。他两个那里吃这些东西，坐一坐仍出来顽耍。

鳳姐也略坐片時，便回至淨室歇息，老尼相送。Xifeng too sat for only a short while, then went back to the clean room to rest, with the old nun seeing her there.此時眾婆娘媳婦見無事，都陸續散了，自去歇息，跟前不過幾個心腹常侍小婢，老尼便趁机說道：“我正有一事，要到府里求太太，先請奶奶一個示下。”鳳姐因問何事。By this time, the various matrons and wives, seeing there was nothing more to attend to, had all gradually dispersed to rest on their own, leaving before her only a few trusted maids who always waited on her; the old nun then seized the chance to say, 'I have a certain matter, and meant to go to the mansion to beg a favor of the lady, but let me first ask madam's opinion on it.' Xifeng accordingly asked what the matter was.老尼道：“阿彌陀佛！The old nun said, 'Amitabha Buddha!只因當日我先在長安縣內善才庵內出家的時節，那時有個施主姓張，是大財主。It is only that, back in the days when I first became a nun at Shancai Nunnery in Chang'an county, there was at that time a patron surnamed Zhang, a very wealthy man.他有個女兒小名金哥，那年都往我廟里來進香，不想遇見了長安府府太爺的小舅子李衙內。He had a daughter whose pet name was Jin'ge; that year they all came to our temple to burn incense, and there, unexpectedly, she encountered young master Li, the brother-in-law of the magistrate of Chang'an prefecture.那李衙內一心看上，要娶金哥，打發人來求親，不想金哥已受了原任長安守備的公子的聘定。This young master Li set his whole heart on her and wished to marry Jin'ge, and sent people to propose the match; but as it happened, Jin'ge had already been betrothed to the son of the former garrison commander of Chang'an.張家若退親，又怕守備不依，因此說已有了人家。The Zhang family, fearing that if they broke off that engagement the commander's family would not consent, told them that she was already promised to someone.誰知李公子執意不依，定要娶他女兒，張家正無計策，兩處為難。Who would have thought that young master Li insisted absolutely on having his way, determined to marry their daughter; the Zhang family, at their wits' end, found themselves caught in difficulty between the two sides.不想守備家聽了此言，也不管青紅皂白，便來作踐辱罵，說一個女兒許幾家，偏不許退定禮，就打官司告狀起來。Then, unexpectedly, when the commander's family heard of this, without inquiring into right or wrong, they came and heaped abuse and humiliation on the Zhangs, saying that a single daughter had been promised to several families, and absolutely refused to return the betrothal gifts, and even brought a lawsuit against them.那張家急了，只得著人上京來尋門路，賭氣偏要退定禮。The Zhang family, growing desperate, had no choice but to send someone up to the capital to seek out connections, determined out of sheer stubbornness to get the betrothal gifts returned.我想如今長安節度雲老爺與府上最契，可以求太太與老爺說聲，打發一封書去，求雲老爺和那守備說一聲，不怕那守備不依。I thought to myself that Commissioner Yun, the military governor of Chang'an at present, is on the closest terms with your household, and that one might beg the lady to have a word with the master, and send off a letter asking Commissioner Yun to have a word with that commander — and then there would be no fear of the commander's not agreeing.若是肯行，張家連傾家孝順也都情願。”If this could be done, the Zhang family would be willing even to empty their whole estate in gratitude.'

凤姐也略坐片时，便回至净室歇息，老尼相送。此时众婆娘媳妇见无事，都陆续散了，自去歇息，跟前不过几个心腹常侍小婢，老尼便趁机说道：“我正有一事，要到府里求太太，先请奶奶一个示下。”凤姐因问何事。老尼道：“阿弥陀佛！只因当日我先在长安县内善才庵内出家的时节，那时有个施主姓张，是大财主。他有个女儿小名金哥，那年都往我庙里来进香，不想遇见了长安府府太爷的小舅子李衙内。那李衙内一心看上，要娶金哥，打发人来求亲，不想金哥已受了原任长安守备的公子的聘定。张家若退亲，又怕守备不依，因此说已有了人家。谁知李公子执意不依，定要娶他女儿，张家正无计策，两处为难。不想守备家听了此言，也不管青红皂白，便来作践辱骂，说一个女儿许几家，偏不许退定礼，就打官司告状起来。那张家急了，只得著人上京来寻门路，赌气偏要退定礼。我想如今长安节度云老爷与府上最契，可以求太太与老爷说声，打发一封书去，求云老爷和那守备说一声，不怕那守备不依。若是肯行，张家连倾家孝顺也都情愿。”

鳳姐聽了笑道：“這事倒不大，只是太太再不管這樣的事。”老尼道：“太太不管，奶奶也可以主張了。”鳳姐聽說笑道：“我也不等銀子使，也不做這樣的事。”淨虛聽了，打去妄想，半晌歎道：“雖如此說，張家已知我來求府里，如今不管這事，張家不知道沒工夫管這事，不希罕他的謝禮，倒象府里連這點子手段也沒有的一般。”Hearing this, Xifeng said with a smile, 'This is no great matter, only the lady never troubles herself with such affairs.' The old nun said, 'If the lady won't attend to it, madam too could certainly decide the matter herself.' Hearing this, Xifeng said with a smile, 'I'm not so short of silver to spend that I need to take on a matter like this.' Hearing this, Jingxu, giving up her hopeful scheming, sighed after a long while and said, 'Even granting what you say, the Zhang family already knows I have come to beg a favor of the mansion; if now nothing is done about it, the Zhang family will have no way of knowing it was simply that there was no time to attend to it, nor that their gift of thanks was not coveted — it will rather seem as though the mansion did not even have this little bit of ability.'

凤姐听了笑道：“这事倒不大，只是太太再不管这样的事。”老尼道：“太太不管，奶奶也可以主张了。”凤姐听说笑道：“我也不等银子使，也不做这样的事。”净虚听了，打去妄想，半晌叹道：“虽如此说，张家已知我来求府里，如今不管这事，张家不知道没工夫管这事，不希罕他的谢礼，倒象府里连这点子手段也没有的一般。”

鳳姐聽了這話，便發了興頭，說道：“你是素日知道我的，從來不信什麼是陰司地獄報應的，憑是什麼事，我說要行就行。Hearing this, Xifeng grew roused in spirit, and said, 'You have known me all along — I have never believed in any such thing as retribution in the underworld or the courts of hell; whatever the matter may be, if I say it shall be done, it shall be done.你叫他拿三千銀子來，我就替他出這口氣。”老尼聽說，喜不自禁，忙說：“有，有！Tell them to bring three thousand taels of silver, and I will settle this grievance for them.' Hearing this, the old nun was so delighted she could not contain herself, and said hastily, 'They have it, they have it!這個不難。”鳳姐又道：“我比不得他們扯篷拉牽的圖銀子。This will be no trouble at all.' Xifeng went on, 'I am not like those who pull strings this way and that just for the sake of money.這三千銀子，不過是給打發說去的小廝作盤纏，使他賺幾個辛苦錢，我一個錢也不要他的。This three thousand taels of silver is merely to give as travel expenses to the boy sent to carry the message, so that he may earn a little something for his trouble — I myself won't take a single coin of it.便是三萬兩，我此刻也拿的出來。”老尼連忙答應，又說道：“既如此，奶奶明日就開恩也罷了。”鳳姐道：“你瞧瞧我忙的，那一處少了我？Even if it were thirty thousand taels, I could produce it this very moment.' The old nun hastily assented, and went on to say, 'Since that is so, then perhaps madam might grant this favor as early as tomorrow.' Xifeng said, 'Just look how busy I am — where is there a place that can spare me?既應了你，自然快快的了結。”老尼道：“這點子事，在別人的跟前就忙的不知怎麼樣，若是奶奶的跟前，再添上些也不夠奶奶一發揮的。But since I have promised you, naturally it shall be settled quickly.' The old nun said, 'A little matter like this would leave anyone else terribly flustered, but before madam, even a good deal more added on would not be enough to tax madam's abilities in the least.只是俗語說的，‘能者多勞’，太太因大小事見奶奶妥貼，越性都推給奶奶了，奶奶也要保重金体才是。”一路話奉承的鳳姐越發受用，也不顧勞乏，更攀談起來。It's only, as the saying goes, "the capable are made to labor more" — the lady, seeing that madam handles matters great and small so well, has gone ahead and left everything to madam's charge; madam really ought to take care of her precious health too.' Being flattered in this way all along, Xifeng found it more and more to her liking, and, heedless of her fatigue, went on chatting further.

凤姐听了这话，便发了兴头，说道：“你是素日知道我的，从来不信什么是阴司地狱报应的，凭是什么事，我说要行就行。你叫他拿三千银子来，我就替他出这口气。”老尼听说，喜不自禁，忙说：“有，有！这个不难。”凤姐又道：“我比不得他们扯篷拉牵的图银子。这三千银子，不过是给打发说去的小厮作盘缠，使他赚几个辛苦钱，我一个钱也不要他的。便是三万两，我此刻也拿的出来。”老尼连忙答应，又说道：“既如此，奶奶明日就开恩也罢了。”凤姐道：“你瞧瞧我忙的，那一处少了我？既应了你，自然快快的了结。”老尼道：“这点子事，在别人的跟前就忙的不知怎么样，若是奶奶的跟前，再添上些也不够奶奶一发挥的。只是俗语说的，‘能者多劳’，太太因大小事见奶奶妥贴，越性都推给奶奶了，奶奶也要保重金体才是。”一路话奉承的凤姐越发受用，也不顾劳乏，更攀谈起来。

誰想秦鐘趁黑無人，來尋智能。Who would have thought that Qin Zhong, taking advantage of the darkness and the absence of anyone about, came looking for Zhineng.剛至後面房中，只見智能獨在房中洗茶碗，秦鐘跑來便摟著親嘴。Just as he reached the room at the back, he saw Zhineng alone in the room washing tea bowls; Qin Zhong ran up and at once embraced her and kissed her.智能急的跺腳說：“這算什麼！Zhineng, flustered, stamped her foot and said, 'What do you think you're doing!再這麼我就叫喚。”秦鐘求道：“好人，我已急死了。If you do that again I'll cry out.' Qin Zhong pleaded, 'Dear one, I am already dying with longing.你今兒再不依，我就死在這里。”智能道：“你想怎樣？If you won't consent today, I'll die right here.' Zhineng said, 'What is it you want?除非等我出了這牢坑，離了這些人，才依你。”秦鐘道：“這也容易，只是遠水救不得近渴。”說著，一口吹了燈，滿屋漆黑，將智能抱到炕上，就雲雨起來。Only once I've gotten out of this prison pit and away from all these people will I consent to you.' Qin Zhong said, 'That's easy enough — but distant water cannot quench a present thirst.' So saying, he blew out the lamp in one breath, and with the whole room pitch black, carried Zhineng onto the kang, and there they came together.那智能百般的掙挫不起，又不好叫的，少不得依他了。Zhineng struggled by every means but could not get free, and being unable to cry out either, had no choice in the end but to yield to him.正在得趣，只見一人進來，將他二人按住，也不則聲。Just as they were in the midst of their pleasure, someone came in and pressed the two of them down, without making a sound.二人不知是誰，唬的不敢動一動。Not knowing who it was, the two of them were so frightened they dared not move a muscle.只聽那人嗤的一聲，掌不住笑了，二人聽聲方知是寶玉。Then they heard the person let out a snort, unable to hold back a laugh, and by the sound of it the two of them realized it was Baoyu.秦鐘連忙起來，抱怨道：“這算什麼？”寶玉笑道：“你倒不依，咱們就叫喊起來。”羞的智能趁黑地跑了。Qin Zhong hastily got up and complained, 'What do you think you're doing?' Baoyu said with a smile, 'If you refuse me, then let's just start shouting and see.' Overcome with shame, Zhineng fled off into the darkness.寶玉拉了秦鐘出來道：“你可還和我強？”秦鐘笑道：“好人，你只別嚷的眾人知道，你要怎樣我都依你。”寶玉笑道：“這會子也不用說，等一會睡下，再細細的算帳。”一時寬衣安歇的時節，鳳姐在里間，秦鐘寶玉在外間，滿地下皆是家下婆子，打舖坐更。Baoyu pulled Qin Zhong outside and said, 'Will you still argue with me now?' Qin Zhong said with a smile, 'Dear fellow, just don't shout it out for everyone to know, and whatever you want I'll agree to.' Baoyu said with a smile, 'There's no need to say it now — wait until we've settled down to sleep, and then we'll go over the accounts in detail.' Presently, at the time of undressing and settling down for the night, Xifeng was in the inner room, while Qin Zhong and Baoyu were in the outer room, with the whole floor covered with household matrons laying out their bedding and keeping watch through the night.鳳姐因怕通靈玉失落，便等寶玉睡下，命人拿來塞在自己枕邊。Xifeng, fearing that the Jade of Spiritual Understanding might get lost, waited until Baoyu had lain down to sleep, then had it brought to her and tucked it beside her own pillow.寶玉不知與秦鐘算何帳目，未見真切，未曾記得，此是疑案，不敢纂創。What sort of accounting Baoyu settled with Qin Zhong is not clearly known, nor has it been recorded; this remains an open question, and I dare not invent anything about it.

谁想秦钟趁黑无人，来寻智能。刚至后面房中，只见智能独在房中洗茶碗，秦钟跑来便搂著亲嘴。智能急的跺脚说：“这算什么！再这么我就叫唤。”秦钟求道：“好人，我已急死了。你今儿再不依，我就死在这里。”智能道：“你想怎样？除非等我出了这牢坑，离了这些人，才依你。”秦钟道：“这也容易，只是远水救不得近渴。”说著，一口吹了灯，满屋漆黑，将智能抱到炕上，就云雨起来。那智能百般的挣挫不起，又不好叫的，少不得依他了。正在得趣，只见一人进来，将他二人按住，也不则声。二人不知是谁，唬的不敢动一动。只听那人嗤的一声，掌不住笑了，二人听声方知是宝玉。秦钟连忙起来，抱怨道：“这算什么？”宝玉笑道：“你倒不依，咱们就叫喊起来。”羞的智能趁黑地跑了。宝玉拉了秦钟出来道：“你可还和我强？”秦钟笑道：“好人，你只别嚷的众人知道，你要怎样我都依你。”宝玉笑道：“这会子也不用说，等一会睡下，再细细的算帐。”一时宽衣安歇的时节，凤姐在里间，秦钟宝玉在外间，满地下皆是家下婆子，打铺坐更。凤姐因怕通灵玉失落，便等宝玉睡下，命人拿来塞在自己枕边。宝玉不知与秦钟算何帐目，未见真切，未曾记得，此是疑案，不敢纂创。

一宿無話。Nothing further happened that night.至次日一早，便有賈母王夫人打發了人來看寶玉，又命多穿兩件衣服，無事宁可回去。Early the next morning, the Lady Dowager and Lady Wang sent someone to look in on Baoyu, and also instructed him to put on a couple more garments, saying that if there was nothing pressing he had best come home.寶玉那里肯回去，又有秦鐘戀著智能，調唆寶玉求鳳姐再住一天。Baoyu was in no mood to go back, and moreover Qin Zhong, being enamored of Zhineng, egged Baoyu on to beg Xifeng to let them stay one more day.鳳姐想了一想：凡喪儀大事雖妥，還有一半點小事未曾安插，可以指此再住一日，豈不又在賈珍跟前送了滿情，二則又可以完淨虛那事，三則順了寶玉的心，賈母聽見，豈不歡喜？Xifeng thought it over: although the great business of the funeral rites was all in order, there were still a few small matters not yet arranged, which she could use as a pretext to stay one more day — would this not, moreover, earn her full credit in Jia Zhen's eyes? Besides, it would let her finish that business of Jingxu's, and further, it would please Baoyu's heart — and if the Lady Dowager heard of it, would she not be glad?因有此三益，便向寶玉道：“我的事都完了，你要在這里逛，少不得越性辛苦一日罷了，明兒可是定要走的了。”寶玉聽說，千姐姐萬姐姐的央求：“只住一日，明兒必回去的。”于是又住了一夜。Seeing these three advantages in it, she said to Baoyu, 'My own business here is all finished; if you want to go on roaming about here, then I suppose I'll just have to put up with the trouble for one more day — but tomorrow we really must go.' Hearing this, Baoyu, calling her 'dear sister' a thousand times over, begged and pleaded, 'Just one more day, and tomorrow I'll certainly go back.' And so they stayed on for another night.

一宿无话。至次日一早，便有贾母王夫人打发了人来看宝玉，又命多穿两件衣服，无事宁可回去。宝玉那里肯回去，又有秦钟恋著智能，调唆宝玉求凤姐再住一天。凤姐想了一想：凡丧仪大事虽妥，还有一半点小事未曾安插，可以指此再住一日，岂不又在贾珍跟前送了满情，二则又可以完净虚那事，三则顺了宝玉的心，贾母听见，岂不欢喜？因有此三益，便向宝玉道：“我的事都完了，你要在这里逛，少不得越性辛苦一日罢了，明儿可是定要走的了。”宝玉听说，千姐姐万姐姐的央求：“只住一日，明儿必回去的。”于是又住了一夜。

鳳姐便命悄悄將昨日老尼之事，說與來旺兒。Xifeng then had someone quietly tell Laiwang'er about yesterday's matter with the old nun.來旺兒心中俱已明白，急忙進城找著主文的相公，假託賈璉所囑，修書一封，連夜往長安縣來，不過百里路程，兩日工夫俱已妥協。Laiwang'er understood at once, and hurried into the city to find the secretary who handled the correspondence; falsely claiming it was by Jia Lian's instruction, he had a letter drafted, and rode through the night to Chang'an county — a distance of no more than a hundred li — and within two days' time everything was settled.那節度使名喚雲光，久見賈府之情，這點小事，豈有不允之理，給了回書，旺兒回來。That military commissioner, named Yun Guang, had long felt indebted to the Jia family's kindness, so how could he refuse so small a matter? He sent back a reply letter, and Wang'er returned.且不在話下。But that is not our concern for now.

凤姐便命悄悄将昨日老尼之事，说与来旺儿。来旺儿心中俱已明白，急忙进城找著主文的相公，假托贾琏所嘱，修书一封，连夜往长安县来，不过百里路程，两日工夫俱已妥协。那节度使名唤云光，久见贾府之情，这点小事，岂有不允之理，给了回书，旺儿回来。且不在话下。

卻說鳳姐等又過一日，次日方別了老尼，著他三日後往府里去討信。To return to the story: Xifeng and the others let another day pass, and it was only the next day that they took leave of the old nun, telling her to come to the mansion three days later to ask for news.那秦鐘與智能百般不忍分離，背地里多少幽期密約，俱不用細述，只得含恨而別。As for Qin Zhong and Zhineng, unwilling in every way to part from each other, the many secret trysts and hidden vows exchanged between them behind others' backs need not be told in detail — in the end they could only part with hearts full of regret.鳳姐又到鐵檻寺中照望一番。Xifeng also went once more to Tiejian Temple to look in on how things stood.寶珠執意不肯回家，賈珍只得派婦女相伴。Baozhu stubbornly refused to go home, so Jia Zhen had no choice but to send women servants to keep her company.後回再見。What happens next will be seen in the following chapter.

却说凤姐等又过一日，次日方别了老尼，著他三日后往府里去讨信。那秦钟与智能百般不忍分离，背地里多少幽期密约，俱不用细述，只得含恨而别。凤姐又到铁槛寺中照望一番。宝珠执意不肯回家，贾珍只得派妇女相伴。后回再见。