第十六回　　賈元春才選鳳藻宮　秦鯨卿夭逝黃泉路 Jia Yuanchun Is Selected for the Phoenix Palace; Qin Zhong Dies Untimely on the Yellow Springs Road

話說寶玉見收拾了外書房，約定與秦鐘讀夜書。The story goes that after Baoyu saw the outer study set in order, he arranged with Qin Zhong to read together at night there.偏那秦鐘秉賦最弱，因在郊外受了些風霜，又與智能兒偷期綣繾，未免失于調養，回來時便咳嗽傷風，懶進飲食，大有不胜之狀，遂不敢出門，只在家中養息。But Qin Zhong, being of the frailest constitution, had caught some chill from wind and frost while out in the countryside, and moreover had stolen trysts with little Zhineng, so that he had neglected his health, and upon returning home he began to cough and take cold, ate little, and showed every sign of being unable to hold up, so that he no longer dared go out, but stayed at home to rest and recuperate.寶玉便掃了興頭，只得付于無可奈何，且自靜候大愈時再約。Baoyu's enthusiasm was thus dampened, and he could do nothing but resign himself, waiting quietly until Qin Zhong should be fully recovered before making another engagement.

话说宝玉见收拾了外书房，约定与秦钟读夜书。偏那秦钟秉赋最弱，因在郊外受了些风霜，又与智能儿偷期绻缱，未免失于调养，回来时便咳嗽伤风，懒进饮食，大有不胜之状，遂不敢出门，只在家中养息。宝玉便扫了兴头，只得付于无可奈何，且自静候大愈时再约。

那鳳姐兒已是得了雲光的回信，俱已妥協。By now Sister Feng had already received Yunguang's reply, and everything had been settled.老尼達知張家，果然那守備忍氣吞聲的受了前聘之物。The old nun informed the Zhang family, and indeed the garrison commander swallowed his anger and accepted back the betrothal gifts he had earlier presented.誰知那張家父母如此愛勢貪財，卻養了一個知義多情的女兒，聞得父母退了前夫，他便一條麻繩悄悄的自縊了。Who would have thought that the Zhang parents, so enamored of power and greedy for wealth, had raised a daughter of principle and deep feeling — hearing that her parents had broken off her engagement to her former betrothed, she quietly hanged herself with a rope of hemp.那守備之子聞得金哥自縊，他也是個极多情的，遂也投河而死，不負妻義。When the garrison commander's son heard that Jin'ge had hanged herself, being himself a man of deep feeling, he too threw himself into the river and died, refusing to betray the loyalty owed a wife.張李兩家沒趣，真是人財兩空。Both the Zhang and Li families were left disgraced — truly a case of losing both the person and the money.這里鳳姐卻坐享了三千兩，王夫人等連一點消息也不知道。Meanwhile Sister Feng sat back and pocketed three thousand taels, while Lady Wang and the others knew not the least whisper of it.自此鳳姐膽識愈壯，以後有了這樣的事，便恣意的作為起來。From this time on Sister Feng's daring grew ever bolder, and afterward, whenever such matters arose, she went about them with reckless abandon.也不消多記。There is no need to dwell on this further.

那凤姐儿已是得了云光的回信，俱已妥协。老尼达知张家，果然那守备忍气吞声的受了前聘之物。谁知那张家父母如此爱势贪财，却养了一个知义多情的女儿，闻得父母退了前夫，他便一条麻绳悄悄的自缢了。那守备之子闻得金哥自缢，他也是个极多情的，遂也投河而死，不负妻义。张李两家没趣，真是人财两空。这里凤姐却坐享了三千两，王夫人等连一点消息也不知道。自此凤姐胆识愈壮，以后有了这样的事，便恣意的作为起来。也不消多记。

一日正是賈政的生辰，宁榮二處人丁都齊集慶賀，鬧熱非常。One day was Jia Zheng's birthday, and the members of both the Ning and Rong households gathered to celebrate, making a most lively and boisterous occasion.忽有門吏忙忙進來，至席前報說：“有六宮都太監夏老爺來降旨。”唬的賈赦賈政等一干人不知是何消息，忙止了戲文，撤去酒席，擺了香案，啟中門跪接。Suddenly a gate officer hurried in and, reaching the head of the feast, reported: "Lord Xia, Chief Eunuch of the Six Palaces, has come to proclaim an imperial edict!" This so alarmed Jia She, Jia Zheng, and the rest that, not knowing what news this might be, they hastily stopped the opera, cleared away the wine and dishes, set up an incense table, and opened the central gate to kneel and receive him.早見六宮都太監夏守忠乘馬而至，前後左右又有許多內監跟從。Presently they saw Xia Shouzhong, Chief Eunuch of the Six Palaces, arrive on horseback, with many eunuch attendants following before and behind, to left and right.那夏守忠也并不曾負詔捧敕，至檐前下馬，滿面笑容，走至廳上，南面而立，口內說：“特旨：立刻宣賈政入朝，在臨敬殿陛見。”說畢，也不及吃茶，便乘馬去了。This Xia Shouzhong, however, carried no formal decree or written edict; he dismounted before the eaves, and, his face full of smiles, walked up into the hall, stood facing south, and said only: "By special decree: Jia Zheng is to be summoned into court at once, for an audience at the Hall of Approaching Reverence." Having said this, without even staying for tea, he mounted his horse and rode off.賈赦等不知是何兆頭。Jia She and the others had no idea what sort of omen this was.只得急忙更衣入朝。There was nothing to do but hurriedly change clothes and hasten into court.

一日正是贾政的生辰，宁荣二处人丁都齐集庆贺，闹热非常。忽有门吏忙忙进来，至席前报说：“有六宫都太监夏老爷来降旨。”唬的贾赦贾政等一干人不知是何消息，忙止了戏文，撤去酒席，摆了香案，启中门跪接。早见六宫都太监夏守忠乘马而至，前后左右又有许多内监跟从。那夏守忠也并不曾负诏捧敕，至檐前下马，满面笑容，走至厅上，南面而立，口内说：“特旨：立刻宣贾政入朝，在临敬殿陛见。”说毕，也不及吃茶，便乘马去了。贾赦等不知是何兆头。只得急忙更衣入朝。

賈母等合家人等心中皆惶惶不定，不住的使人飛馬來往報信。Lady Jia and the whole household were left in a state of anxious suspense, sending people galloping back and forth without pause to bring word.有兩個時辰工夫，忽見賴大等三四個管家喘吁吁跑進儀門報喜，又說“奉老爺命，速請老太太帶領太太等進朝謝恩”等語。After some four hours had passed, suddenly Lai Da and three or four other stewards came panting through the ceremonial gate to report good news, saying also, "By the master's order, please ask the Old Ancestress at once to lead the ladies into court to give thanks for the favor," and the like.那時賈母正心神不定，在大堂廊下佇立，那邢夫人、王夫人、尤氏、李紈、鳳姐、迎春姊妹以及薛姨媽等皆在一處，聽如此信至，賈母便喚進賴大來細問端的。At that moment Lady Jia, her heart and spirit unsettled, was standing in the corridor of the great hall, and Lady Xing, Lady Wang, You-shi, Li Wan, Sister Feng, Yingchun and her sisters, as well as Aunt Xue, were all gathered there together; hearing such news arrive, Lady Jia called Lai Da in to question him closely as to the particulars.賴大稟道：“小的們只在臨敬門外伺候，里頭的信息一概不能得知。Lai Da reported: "We servants were only waiting outside the Linjing Gate, and could learn nothing at all of what passed within.後來還是夏太監出來道喜，說咱們家大小姐晉封為鳳藻宮尚書，加封賢德妃。Afterward it was Eunuch Xia who came out to offer congratulations, saying that our family's Eldest Young Lady has been promoted and made Secretary of the Palace of Phoenix Splendor, with the further title of Worthy and Virtuous Consort conferred upon her.後來老爺出來亦如此吩咐小的。Afterward the master himself came out and gave us the same instructions.如今老爺又往東宮去了，速請老太太領著太太們去謝恩。”賈母等聽了方心神安定，不免又都洋洋喜氣盈腮。Now the master has gone on to the Eastern Palace, and asks that the Old Ancestress hasten to lead the ladies in to give thanks for this favor." Hearing this, Lady Jia and the rest at last felt their hearts settle, and could not help but beam with radiant joy.于是都按品大妝起來。Thereupon they all dressed themselves in formal attire according to their rank.賈母帶領邢夫人、王夫人、尤氏，一共四乘大轎入朝。Lady Jia, leading Lady Xing, Lady Wang, and You-shi, set out for court in four large sedan chairs in all.賈赦、賈珍亦換了朝服，帶領賈蓉、賈薔奉侍賈母大轎前往。Jia She and Jia Zhen likewise changed into court robes, and, leading Jia Rong and Jia Qiang, escorted Lady Jia's sedan chair on its way.于是宁榮兩處上下里外，莫不欣然踊躍，個個面上皆有得意之狀，言笑鼎沸不絕。And so, throughout the Ning and Rong mansions, high and low, within and without, there was none who was not overjoyed and elated, every face wearing a look of triumphant satisfaction, and talk and laughter bubbling up without cease.

贾母等合家人等心中皆惶惶不定，不住的使人飞马来往报信。有两个时辰工夫，忽见赖大等三四个管家喘吁吁跑进仪门报喜，又说“奉老爷命，速请老太太带领太太等进朝谢恩”等语。那时贾母正心神不定，在大堂廊下伫立，那邢夫人、王夫人、尤氏、李纨、凤姐、迎春姊妹以及薛姨妈等皆在一处，听如此信至，贾母便唤进赖大来细问端的。赖大禀道：“小的们只在临敬门外伺候，里头的信息一概不能得知。后来还是夏太监出来道喜，说咱们家大小姐晋封为凤藻宫尚书，加封贤德妃。后来老爷出来亦如此吩咐小的。如今老爷又往东宫去了，速请老太太领著太太们去谢恩。”贾母等听了方心神安定，不免又都洋洋喜气盈腮。于是都按品大妆起来。贾母带领邢夫人、王夫人、尤氏，一共四乘大轿入朝。贾赦、贾珍亦换了朝服，带领贾蓉、贾蔷奉侍贾母大轿前往。于是宁荣两处上下里外，莫不欣然踊跃，个个面上皆有得意之状，言笑鼎沸不绝。

誰知近日水月庵的智能私逃進城，找至秦鐘家下看視秦鐘，不意被秦業知覺，將智能逐出，將秦鐘打了一頓，自己氣的老病發作，三五日光景嗚呼死了。Who would have thought that in these very days Zhineng of the Water Moon Convent had secretly fled into the city and gone to Qin Zhong's home to visit him, only to be discovered by Qin Ye, who drove Zhineng away and gave Qin Zhong a beating; Qin Ye himself, in his rage, brought on a flare of his old illness, and within three to five days he breathed his last.秦鐘本自怯弱，又帶病未愈，受了笞杖，今見老父氣死，此時悔痛無及，更又添了許多症候。Qin Zhong, already frail and timid by nature, and still not recovered from illness, had besides suffered a caning; now, seeing his old father dead of rage, his regret and grief came too late to undo anything, and this only added many further ailments to his condition.因此寶玉心中悵然如有所失。Because of this, Baoyu's heart felt a melancholy emptiness, as though he had lost something.雖聞得元春晉封之事，亦未解得愁悶。Though he heard of Yuanchun's promotion, it did nothing to dispel his gloom.賈母等如何謝恩，如何回家，親朋如何來慶賀，宁榮兩處近日如何熱鬧，眾人如何得意，獨他一個皆視有如無，毫不曾介意。However Lady Jia and the others gave thanks, however they returned home, however friends and relatives came to offer congratulations, however lively things had become these days at the Ning and Rong mansions, however pleased with themselves everyone was — he alone regarded it all as though it were nothing, paying not the slightest attention.因此眾人嘲他越發呆了。And so everyone mocked him as growing ever more foolish.且喜賈璉與黛玉回來，先遣人來報信，明日就可到家，寶玉聽了，方略有些喜意。Fortunately, word came that Jia Lian and Daiyu were on their way back, having sent someone ahead to bring the news that they would arrive home the next day; hearing this, Baoyu at last felt a touch of joy.細問原由，方知賈雨村亦進京陛見，皆由王子騰累上保本，此來後補京缺，與賈璉是同宗弟兄，又與黛玉有師從之誼，故同路作伴而來。Asking closely into the particulars, he learned that Jia Yucun had also come to the capital for an imperial audience, all owing to Wang Ziteng's repeated memorials recommending him; he had come this time to await a vacancy in a capital post, and being of the same clan as Jia Lian, a fellow kinsman, and also bound to Daiyu by the tie of former tutor, they had traveled the same road together as companions.林如海已葬入祖墳了，諸事停妥，賈璉方進京的。Lin Ruhai had already been buried in the ancestral graveyard, and with all matters duly settled, Jia Lian then set out for the capital.本該出月到家，因聞得元春喜信，遂晝夜兼程而進，一路俱各平安。They should properly have arrived home by the end of the next month, but on hearing the joyful news of Yuanchun's promotion, they had pressed on day and night, and the whole journey had passed safely.寶玉只問得黛玉“平安”二字，餘者也就不在意了。Baoyu asked only the two words "Is she well?" about Daiyu, and cared nothing for the rest.

谁知近日水月庵的智能私逃进城，找至秦钟家下看视秦钟，不意被秦业知觉，将智能逐出，将秦钟打了一顿，自己气的老病发作，三五日光景呜呼死了。秦钟本自怯弱，又带病未愈，受了笞杖，今见老父气死，此时悔痛无及，更又添了许多症候。因此宝玉心中怅然如有所失。虽闻得元春晋封之事，亦未解得愁闷。贾母等如何谢恩，如何回家，亲朋如何来庆贺，宁荣两处近日如何热闹，众人如何得意，独他一个皆视有如无，毫不曾介意。因此众人嘲他越发呆了。且喜贾琏与黛玉回来，先遣人来报信，明日就可到家，宝玉听了，方略有些喜意。细问原由，方知贾雨村亦进京陛见，皆由王子腾累上保本，此来后补京缺，与贾琏是同宗弟兄，又与黛玉有师从之谊，故同路作伴而来。林如海已葬入祖坟了，诸事停妥，贾琏方进京的。本该出月到家，因闻得元春喜信，遂昼夜兼程而进，一路俱各平安。宝玉只问得黛玉“平安”二字，余者也就不在意了。

好容易盼至明日午錯，果報：“璉二爺和林姑娘進府了。”見面時彼此悲喜交接，未免又大哭一陣，後又致喜慶之詞。With difficulty he waited out the time until just past noon the next day, when at last word came: "Second Master Lian and Miss Lin have entered the mansion!" When they met, grief and joy mingled between them, and they could not help bursting into loud weeping for a time, after which they turned to words of celebration.寶玉心中品度黛玉，越發出落的超逸了。As Baoyu studied Daiyu in his heart, he found she had grown ever more refined and outstanding.黛玉又帶了許多書籍來，忙著打掃臥室，安插器具，又將些紙筆等物分送寶釵、迎春、寶玉等人。Daiyu had also brought back with her a great many books, and busied herself with sweeping out her bedroom and arranging her furnishings, and besides sent some paper and brushes and the like as gifts to Baochai, Yingchun, Baoyu, and the others.寶玉又將北靜王所贈鶺鴒香串珍重取出來，轉贈黛玉。Baoyu also carefully took out the string of egret-fragrance beads that the Prince of Beijing had given him, and passed it on as a gift to Daiyu.黛玉說：“什麼臭男人拿過的！Daiyu said, "What, something some smelly man has handled?我不要他。”遂擲而不取。I don't want it!" And she flung it aside, refusing to take it.寶玉只得收回，暫且無話。Baoyu had no choice but to take it back, and for the time being nothing more was said.

好容易盼至明日午错，果报：“琏二爷和林姑娘进府了。”见面时彼此悲喜交接，未免又大哭一阵，后又致喜庆之词。宝玉心中品度黛玉，越发出落的超逸了。黛玉又带了许多书籍来，忙著打扫卧室，安插器具，又将些纸笔等物分送宝钗、迎春、宝玉等人。宝玉又将北静王所赠鹡鸰香串珍重取出来，转赠黛玉。黛玉说：“什么臭男人拿过的！我不要他。”遂掷而不取。宝玉只得收回，暂且无话。

且說賈璉自回家參見過眾人，回至房中。Now to speak of Jia Lian: after returning home and paying his respects to everyone, he went back to his own rooms.正值鳳姐近日多事之時，無片刻閒暇之工，見賈璉遠路歸來，少不得撥冗接待，房內無外人，便笑道：“國舅老爺大喜！It happened that Sister Feng, being much occupied with affairs these days, had not a moment's leisure, but seeing Jia Lian back from his long journey, she could not but set matters aside to attend to him; with no outsiders in the room, she said with a smile, "Congratulations, Imperial Brother-in-law!國舅老爺一路風塵辛苦。Imperial Brother-in-law, what toil and hardship on the road!小的聽見昨日的頭起報馬來報，說今日大駕歸府，略預備了一杯水酒撣塵，不知賜光謬領否？”賈璉笑道：“豈敢豈敢，多承多承。”一面平兒與眾丫鬟參拜畢，獻茶。Hearing yesterday's first report from the courier that Your Lordship's great carriage would return home today, I made a little preparation of a cup of plain wine to sweep away the dust of travel — I wonder if you would deign to accept it?" Jia Lian said with a smile, "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare — much obliged, much obliged." Meanwhile Ping'er and the other maids finished paying their respects and served tea.賈璉遂問別後家中的諸事，又謝鳳姐的操持勞碌。Jia Lian then asked about all the household affairs since he had been away, and thanked Sister Feng for her toil and management.鳳姐道：“我那里照管得這些事！Sister Feng said, "How could I possibly manage all these affairs!見識又淺，口角又笨，心腸又直率，人家給個棒槌，我就認作‘針’。My understanding is shallow, my tongue is clumsy, and my heart is all too straightforward — if someone hands me a club, I take it for a needle.臉又軟，擱不住人給兩句好話，心里就慈悲了。And my face is too soft — I can't hold out against a couple of kind words from someone, and my heart goes soft with pity.況且又沒經歷過大事，膽子又小，太太略有些不自在，就嚇的我連覺也睡不著了。Besides, I've never been through any great affairs, and my courage is small — if Madam is even the least bit displeased, it frightens me so I can't even sleep.我苦辭了幾回，太太又不容辭，倒反說我圖受用，不肯習學了。I begged off again and again, but Madam wouldn't allow it, and instead said I was only trying to enjoy myself and unwilling to learn.殊不知我是捻著一把汗兒呢。Little did she know I've been in a cold sweat the whole time.一句也不敢多說，一步也不敢多走。I dare not say one word too many, dare not take one step too many.你是知道的，咱們家所有的這些管家奶奶們，那一位是好纏的？You know yourself what all these housekeeping wives of our family are like — which one of them is easy to deal with?錯一點兒他們就笑話打趣，偏一點兒他們就指桑說槐的報怨。‘坐山觀虎斗’，‘借劍殺人’，‘引風吹火’，‘站干岸兒’，‘推倒油瓶不扶’，都是全挂子的武藝。Make the slightest error and they laugh and mock you; favor one side ever so slightly and they complain with veiled digs. 'Sitting on the mountain watching the tigers fight,' 'borrowing a sword to kill a man,' 'fanning the flames while staying dry on the bank,' 'standing on the safe shore,' 'knocking over the oil jug and not bothering to right it' — every one of them is a master of the whole bag of tricks.況且我年紀輕，頭等不壓眾，怨不得不放我在眼里。Besides, I'm young, and being first in rank doesn't win me respect from the crowd, so it's no wonder they don't think much of me.更可笑那府里忽然蓉兒媳婦死了，珍大哥又再三再四的在太太跟前跪著討情，只要請我幫他幾日，我是再四推辭，太太斷不依，只得從命。And what's more laughable — over at that mansion, when Rong's wife suddenly died, Brother Zhen came again and again to kneel before Madam pleading, wanting only to borrow me to help out for a few days; I declined over and over, but Madam absolutely would not hear of it, so I had no choice but to obey.依舊被我鬧了個馬仰人翻，更不成個体統，至今珍大哥哥還抱怨後悔呢。And sure enough I made a thorough mess of it, turning everything upside down, quite unbecoming — to this day Brother Zhen still complains and regrets it.你這一來了，明兒你見了他，好歹描補描補，就說我年紀小，原沒見過世面，誰叫大爺錯委他的。”正說著，只聽外間有人說話，鳳姐便問：“是誰？”平兒進來回道：“姨太太打發了香菱妹子來問我一句話，我已經說了，打發他回去了。”賈璉笑道：“正是呢，方才我見姨媽去，不防和一個年輕的小媳婦子撞了個對面，生的好齊整模樣。Now that you're back, when you see him tomorrow, do put in a good word for me one way or another, and say that I'm young and have never seen the world, and it's not my fault that our elder brother entrusted the wrong person with it." Just as she was speaking, they heard someone talking in the outer room, and Sister Feng asked, "Who is it?" Ping'er came in and answered, "Aunt Xue sent little sister Xiangling to ask me something; I've already answered and sent her back." Jia Lian said with a smile, "That reminds me — just now when I went to see Aunt Xue, I happened to run smack into a young married woman, and she was quite strikingly pretty.我疑惑咱家并無此人，說話時因問姨媽，誰知就是上京來買的那小丫頭，名叫香菱的，竟與薛大傻子作了房里人，開了臉，越發出挑的標致了。I was puzzled, since I didn't think we had anyone like that in the family, and when I asked Aunt Xue about it, it turned out to be none other than that little maid bought and brought up to the capital, called Xiangling, who has now become a concubine of that Xue oaf, and with her hair done up like a married woman's, she's grown even more strikingly lovely.那薛大傻子真玷辱了他。”鳳姐道：“噯！That Xue oaf really doesn't deserve her." Sister Feng said, "Oh, come now!往蘇杭走了一趟回來，也該見些世面了，還是這麼眼饞肚飽的。After a trip to Suzhou and Hangzhou and back, he really ought to have seen something of the world by now, yet he's still so covetous, with his eyes bigger than his stomach.你要愛他，不值什麼，我去拿平兒換了他來如何？If you're so fond of her, it's no great matter — shall I go trade Ping'er for her?那薛老大也是‘吃著碗里看著鍋里’的，這一年來的光景，他為要香菱不能到手，和姨媽打了多少饑荒。That eldest Xue is also the type who 'eats what's in the bowl while eyeing what's in the pot' — over this past year, because he couldn't get his hands on Xiangling, he's caused Aunt Xue no end of trouble.也因姨媽看著香菱模樣兒好還是末則，其為人行事，卻又比別的女孩子不同，溫柔安靜，差不多的主子姑娘也跟他不上呢，故此擺酒請客的費事，明堂正道的與他作了妾。It was also because Aunt Xue considered Xiangling's looks a secondary matter — her conduct and manner are quite unlike other girls, gentle and quiet, so that even most young mistresses can hardly match her — that she went to the trouble of setting out wine and inviting guests, and openly and properly made her his concubine.過了沒半月，也看的馬棚風一般了，我倒心里可惜了的。”一語未了，二門上小廝傳報：“老爺在大書房等二爺呢。”賈璉聽了，忙忙整衣出去。But before even half a month had passed, he's come to look on her like an old horse-stable wind, and I for one feel it's a pity for her." Before she had even finished speaking, a houseboy at the second gate came to report: "The master is waiting for Second Master in the main study." Hearing this, Jia Lian hurriedly straightened his clothes and went out.

且说贾琏自回家参见过众人，回至房中。正值凤姐近日多事之时，无片刻闲暇之工，见贾琏远路归来，少不得拨冗接待，房内无外人，便笑道：“国舅老爷大喜！国舅老爷一路风尘辛苦。小的听见昨日的头起报马来报，说今日大驾归府，略预备了一杯水酒掸尘，不知赐光谬领否？”贾琏笑道：“岂敢岂敢，多承多承。”一面平儿与众丫鬟参拜毕，献茶。贾琏遂问别后家中的诸事，又谢凤姐的操持劳碌。凤姐道：“我那里照管得这些事！见识又浅，口角又笨，心肠又直率，人家给个棒槌，我就认作‘针’。脸又软，搁不住人给两句好话，心里就慈悲了。况且又没经历过大事，胆子又小，太太略有些不自在，就吓的我连觉也睡不著了。我苦辞了几回，太太又不容辞，倒反说我图受用，不肯习学了。殊不知我是捻著一把汗儿呢。一句也不敢多说，一步也不敢多走。你是知道的，咱们家所有的这些管家奶奶们，那一位是好缠的？错一点儿他们就笑话打趣，偏一点儿他们就指桑说槐的报怨。‘坐山观虎斗’，‘借剑杀人’，‘引风吹火’，‘站干岸儿’，‘推倒油瓶不扶’，都是全挂子的武艺。况且我年纪轻，头等不压众，怨不得不放我在眼里。更可笑那府里忽然蓉儿媳妇死了，珍大哥又再三再四的在太太跟前跪著讨情，只要请我帮他几日，我是再四推辞，太太断不依，只得从命。依旧被我闹了个马仰人翻，更不成个体统，至今珍大哥哥还抱怨后悔呢。你这一来了，明儿你见了他，好歹描补描补，就说我年纪小，原没见过世面，谁叫大爷错委他的。”正说著，只听外间有人说话，凤姐便问：“是谁？”平儿进来回道：“姨太太打发了香菱妹子来问我一句话，我已经说了，打发他回去了。”贾琏笑道：“正是呢，方才我见姨妈去，不防和一个年轻的小媳妇子撞了个对面，生的好齐整模样。我疑惑咱家并无此人，说话时因问姨妈，谁知就是上京来买的那小丫头，名叫香菱的，竟与薛大傻子作了房里人，开了脸，越发出挑的标致了。那薛大傻子真玷辱了他。”凤姐道：“嗳！往苏杭走了一趟回来，也该见些世面了，还是这么眼馋肚饱的。你要爱他，不值什么，我去拿平儿换了他来如何？那薛老大也是‘吃著碗里看著锅里’的，这一年来的光景，他为要香菱不能到手，和姨妈打了多少饥荒。也因姨妈看著香菱模样儿好还是末则，其为人行事，却又比别的女孩子不同，温柔安静，差不多的主子姑娘也跟他不上呢，故此摆酒请客的费事，明堂正道的与他作了妾。过了没半月，也看的马棚风一般了，我倒心里可惜了的。”一语未了，二门上小厮传报：“老爷在大书房等二爷呢。”贾琏听了，忙忙整衣出去。

這里鳳姐乃問平兒：“方才姨媽有什麼事，巴巴打發了香菱來？”平兒笑道：“那里來的香菱，是我借他暫撒個謊。Here Sister Feng then asked Ping'er, "What business did Aunt Xue have just now, that she went out of her way to send Xiangling over?" Ping'er said with a smile, "What Xiangling coming from anywhere — I only borrowed her name to tell a little lie.奶奶說說，旺兒嫂子越發連個承算也沒了。”說著，又走至鳳姐身邊，悄悄的說道：“奶奶的那利錢銀子，遲不送來，早不送來，這會子二爺在家，他且送這個來了。You should really say something, madam — Wang'er's wife has less and less sense of proportion." So saying, she went over close to Sister Feng and said quietly, "That interest money of yours, madam — she wouldn't bring it at any other time, but had to bring it just now, with Second Master home.幸虧我在堂屋里撞見，不然時走了來回奶奶，二爺倘或問奶奶是什麼利錢，奶奶自然不肯瞞二爺的，少不得照實告訴二爺。Luckily I happened to run into her in the front hall, or if she'd come straight in and reported to you, and Second Master had happened to ask what interest money this was, you naturally wouldn't want to hide it from him, and would have had no choice but to tell him the truth.我們二爺那脾氣，油鍋里的錢還要找出來花呢，聽見奶奶有了這個梯己，他還不放心的花了呢。You know our Second Master's temper — he'd fish coins out of a boiling oil pot to spend them; if he heard madam had this bit of private savings, he wouldn't rest easy until he'd spent it.所以我赶著接了過來，叫我說了他兩句，誰知奶奶偏聽見了問，我就撒謊說香菱來了。”鳳姐聽了笑道：“我說呢，姨媽知道你二爺來了，忽喇巴的反打發個房里人來了？So I hurried to intercept her and gave her a talking-to, but then madam happened to overhear and ask about it, so I made up the story that Xiangling had come." Hearing this, Sister Feng said with a laugh, "I did wonder — how would Aunt Xue, knowing your Second Master was back, suddenly out of nowhere send one of her own maids over?原來你這蹄子肏鬼。”So it was you, you little wretch, up to your tricks."

这里凤姐乃问平儿：“方才姨妈有什么事，巴巴打发了香菱来？”平儿笑道：“那里来的香菱，是我借他暂撒个谎。奶奶说说，旺儿嫂子越发连个承算也没了。”说著，又走至凤姐身边，悄悄的说道：“奶奶的那利钱银子，迟不送来，早不送来，这会子二爷在家，他且送这个来了。幸亏我在堂屋里撞见，不然时走了来回奶奶，二爷倘或问奶奶是什么利钱，奶奶自然不肯瞒二爷的，少不得照实告诉二爷。我们二爷那脾气，油锅里的钱还要找出来花呢，听见奶奶有了这个梯己，他还不放心的花了呢。所以我赶著接了过来，叫我说了他两句，谁知奶奶偏听见了问，我就撒谎说香菱来了。”凤姐听了笑道：“我说呢，姨妈知道你二爷来了，忽喇巴的反打发个房里人来了？原来你这蹄子肏鬼。”

說話時賈璉已進來，鳳姐便命擺上酒饌來，夫妻對坐。Even as they spoke, Jia Lian had already come in, and Sister Feng ordered the wine and food set out, and husband and wife sat down facing each other.鳳姐雖善飲，卻不敢任興，只陪侍著賈璉。Though Sister Feng could hold her wine well, she did not dare drink her fill, but only kept Jia Lian company.一時賈璉的乳母趙嬤嬤走來，賈璉鳳姐忙讓吃酒，令其上炕去。Presently Jia Lian's wet-nurse, Nurse Zhao, came in, and Jia Lian and Sister Feng hastily invited her to join them in drinking, telling her to come up onto the kang.趙嬤嬤執意不肯。Nurse Zhao firmly declined.平兒等早于炕沿下設下一杌，又有一小腳踏，趙嬤嬤在腳踏上坐了。Ping'er and the others had already set a small stool at the edge of the kang, with a little footstool besides, and Nurse Zhao sat herself down on the footstool.賈璉向桌上揀兩盤肴饌與他放在杌上自吃。Jia Lian picked out two dishes of food from the table and set them on the stool for her to eat by herself.鳳姐又道：“媽媽很嚼不動那個，倒沒的矼了他的牙。”因向平兒道：“早起我說那一碗火腿炖肘子很爛，正好給媽媽吃，你怎麼不拿了去赶著叫他們熱來？”又道：“媽媽，你嘗一嘗你兒子帶來的惠泉酒。”趙嬤嬤道：“我喝呢，奶奶也喝一盅，怕什麼？Sister Feng said further, "Nanny can hardly chew that — it would only wear down her teeth for nothing." Then, turning to Ping'er, she said, "This morning I said that bowl of stewed ham hock was very tender, just right for Nanny to eat — why didn't you take it and have them heat it up quickly?" Then she added, "Nanny, do try some of the Huiquan wine your son brought." Nurse Zhao said, "I'll drink some, all right — but Madam should have a cup too, what's there to fear?只不要過多了就是了。Just don't overdo it, that's all.我這會子跑了來，倒也不為飲酒，倒有一件正經事，奶奶好歹記在心里，疼顧我些罷。Now that I've come running over here, it's really not for the wine at all — there's a proper matter I have, and I hope, madam, you'll keep it in mind and show me some consideration.我們這爺，只是嘴里說的好，到了跟前就忘了我們。That master of ours only ever speaks fine words, but the moment it comes down to it, he forgets all about us.幸虧我從小兒奶了你這麼大。Fortunately I nursed you at my own breast from the time you were this small.我也老了，有的是那兩個兒子，你就另眼照看他們些，別人也不敢呲牙兒的。I'm getting old now, and all I have are those two sons of mine — if you would just look after them with a bit of special favor, no one else would dare so much as bare a tooth about it.我還再四的求了你幾遍，你答應的倒好，到如今還是燥屎。I've begged you again and again, and you always answered so nicely, but to this day it's still all dry and empty talk.這如今又從天上跑出這一件大喜事來，那里用不著人？And now, out of the blue, this great joyous event has dropped down from the heavens — surely there'll be places where people are needed?所以倒是來和奶奶來說是正經，靠著我們爺，只怕我還餓死了呢。”So I really thought it best to come and speak to you about it directly, madam — relying on that master of ours, I'm afraid I'd starve to death."

说话时贾琏已进来，凤姐便命摆上酒馔来，夫妻对坐。凤姐虽善饮，却不敢任兴，只陪侍著贾琏。一时贾琏的乳母赵嬷嬷走来，贾琏凤姐忙让吃酒，令其上炕去。赵嬷嬷执意不肯。平儿等早于炕沿下设下一杌，又有一小脚踏，赵嬷嬷在脚踏上坐了。贾琏向桌上拣两盘肴馔与他放在杌上自吃。凤姐又道：“妈妈很嚼不动那个，倒没的矼了他的牙。”因向平儿道：“早起我说那一碗火腿炖肘子很烂，正好给妈妈吃，你怎么不拿了去赶著叫他们热来？”又道：“妈妈，你尝一尝你儿子带来的惠泉酒。”赵嬷嬷道：“我喝呢，奶奶也喝一盅，怕什么？只不要过多了就是了。我这会子跑了来，倒也不为饮酒，倒有一件正经事，奶奶好歹记在心里，疼顾我些罢。我们这爷，只是嘴里说的好，到了跟前就忘了我们。幸亏我从小儿奶了你这么大。我也老了，有的是那两个儿子，你就另眼照看他们些，别人也不敢呲牙儿的。我还再四的求了你几遍，你答应的倒好，到如今还是燥屎。这如今又从天上跑出这一件大喜事来，那里用不著人？所以倒是来和奶奶来说是正经，靠著我们爷，只怕我还饿死了呢。”

鳳姐笑道：“媽媽你放心，兩個奶哥哥都交給我。Sister Feng said with a smile, "Nanny, set your heart at ease — both of my foster-brothers I'll take under my own charge.你從小兒奶的兒子，你還有什麼不知他那脾氣的？The son you nursed from infancy yourself — is there anything about his temper you don't know?拿著皮肉倒往那不相干的外人身上貼。Sticking his own flesh and blood onto outsiders who have nothing to do with him instead.可是現放著奶哥哥，那一個不比人強？When there are foster-brothers of his own right here, which of them isn't better than some outsider?你疼顧照看他們，誰敢說個‘不’字兒？If you look after and favor them, who would dare say a word of 'no'?沒的白便宜了外人。-我這話也說錯了，我們看著是‘外人’，你卻看著‘內人’一樣呢。”說的滿屋里人都笑了。There's no sense letting outsiders profit for nothing. — But there I've misspoken; what we consider 'outsiders,' he considers 'insiders' just the same." This made the whole room burst out laughing.趙嬤嬤也笑個不住，又念佛道：“可是屋子里跑出青天來了。Nurse Zhao too laughed without stopping, and murmured a prayer to Buddha, saying, "Well, if it isn't a clear blue sky springing right up out of this room!若說‘內人’‘外人’這些混帳原故，我們爺是沒有，不過是臉軟心慈，擱不住人求兩句罷了。”鳳姐笑道：“可不是呢，有‘內人’的他才慈軟呢，他在咱們娘兒們跟前才是剛硬呢！”趙嬤嬤笑道：“奶奶說的太盡情了，我也樂了，再吃一杯好酒。As for this nonsense about 'insiders' and 'outsiders,' our master doesn't really have any such thing in him — it's only that he's soft-faced and tender-hearted, and can't hold out against a bit of pleading." Sister Feng said with a smile, "Isn't that just it — it's only for his 'insider' that he goes soft and tender; before us women of the family he's hard as iron indeed!" Nurse Zhao said with a laugh, "Madam, you've put it a bit too plainly for comfort, but it tickles me all the same — let me have another cup of this good wine.從此我們奶奶作了主，我就沒的愁了。”From now on, with you in charge, madam, I'll have nothing more to worry about."

凤姐笑道：“妈妈你放心，两个奶哥哥都交给我。你从小儿奶的儿子，你还有什么不知他那脾气的？拿著皮肉倒往那不相干的外人身上贴。可是现放著奶哥哥，那一个不比人强？你疼顾照看他们，谁敢说个‘不’字儿？没的白便宜了外人。-我这话也说错了，我们看著是‘外人’，你却看著‘内人’一样呢。”说的满屋里人都笑了。赵嬷嬷也笑个不住，又念佛道：“可是屋子里跑出青天来了。若说‘内人’‘外人’这些混帐原故，我们爷是没有，不过是脸软心慈，搁不住人求两句罢了。”凤姐笑道：“可不是呢，有‘内人’的他才慈软呢，他在咱们娘儿们跟前才是刚硬呢！”赵嬷嬷笑道：“奶奶说的太尽情了，我也乐了，再吃一杯好酒。从此我们奶奶作了主，我就没的愁了。”

賈璉此時沒好意思，只是訕笑吃酒，說“胡說”二字，——“快盛飯來，吃碗子還要往珍大爺那邊去商議事呢。”鳳姐道：“可是別誤了正事。Jia Lian, feeling rather embarrassed at this point, only laughed it off awkwardly and drank his wine, saying "Nonsense, nonsense" — then, "Quick, bring the rice — after this bowl I still have to go over to Brother Zhen's to talk over some business." Sister Feng said, "Do mind you don't neglect the important matter.才剛老爺叫你作什麼？”賈璉道：“就為省親。”鳳姐忙問道：“省親的事竟准了不成？”賈璉笑道：“雖不十分准，也有八分准了。”鳳姐笑道：“可見當今的隆恩。What did the master just call you for?" Jia Lian said, "It's about the Visitation." Sister Feng asked eagerly, "Has the matter of the Imperial Visitation really been approved, then?" Jia Lian said with a smile, "Not entirely certain yet, but it's about eighty percent certain." Sister Feng said with a smile, "What boundless imperial favor this shows!歷來聽書看戲，古時從未有的。”趙嬤嬤又接口道：“可是呢，我也老糊涂了。In all the stories and operas I've ever heard or seen, there was never such a thing in ancient times." Nurse Zhao put in, "Indeed so — I'm getting muddle-headed with age myself.我聽見上上下下吵嚷了這些日子，什麼省親不省親，我也不理論他去，如今又說省親，到底是怎麼個原故？”賈璉道：“如今當今貼体萬人之心，世上至大莫如‘孝’字，想來父母兒女之性，皆是一理，不是貴賤上分別的。I've heard everyone, high and low, buzzing about it for days now, something about a visitation or no visitation, and I never paid it any mind — now it's spoken of again, what is this all about, really?" Jia Lian said, "Now, His Present Majesty, considering closely the hearts of all the myriad people, holds that of all things in the world none is greater than the word 'filial piety' — the natural feelings between parent and child, he considers, are the same in principle for everyone, with no distinction of noble or lowly station.當今自為日夜侍奉太上皇，皇太後，尚不能略盡孝意，因見宮里嬪妃才人等皆是入宮多年，拋離父母音容，豈有不思想之理？His Majesty himself, devoting day and night to attending upon the Retired Emperor and the Empress Dowager, still feels he cannot fully express his filial devotion, and so, seeing that the consorts and ladies-in-waiting within the palace have all been separated from their parents for many years, cut off from the sight and sound of them, how could they fail to long for them?在兒女思想父母，是分所應當。For children to long for their parents is only right and proper.想父母在家，若只管思念女兒，竟不能見，倘因此成疾致病，甚至死亡，皆由朕躬禁錮，不能使其遂天倫之願，亦大傷天和之事。He considered too that if the parents at home do nothing but pine for their daughters without being able to see them, and should this bring on illness, even death, all of it would stem from his own confining them, preventing them from fulfilling the bonds of natural kinship — this too would be a grave offense against the harmony of Heaven.故啟奏太上皇，皇太後，每月逢二六日期，准其椒房眷屬入宮請候看視。He therefore memorialized the Retired Emperor and the Empress Dowager, requesting that on the second and sixth days of each month, the imperial in-laws' households be permitted to enter the palace to pay respects and visit.于是太上皇，皇太後大喜，深贊當今至孝純仁，体天格物。Thereupon the Retired Emperor and the Empress Dowager were greatly delighted, and praised His Present Majesty warmly for his utmost filial piety and pure benevolence, in accord with Heaven and considerate of all things.因此二位老圣人又下旨意，說椒房眷屬入宮，未免有國体儀制，母女尚不能愜怀。Because of this the two Sage Elders further issued a decree, saying that for the imperial in-laws' kin to enter the palace still could not avoid the constraints of state ceremony and protocol, so that even mother and daughter could not fully satisfy their hearts.竟大開方便之恩，特降諭諸椒房貴戚，除二六日入宮之恩外，凡有重宇別院之家，可以駐蹕關防之外，不妨啟請內廷鸞輿入其私第，庶可略盡骨肉私情，天倫中之至性。They therefore opened wide the gate of special favor, issuing a specific edict to all the noble consorts' families that, besides the privilege of entering the palace on the second and sixth days, any household possessing suitable halls and separate residences, adequate for the protection and security of an imperial progress, might petition to have the palace carriage received into their own private residence, so as to allow some small fulfillment of familial affection, the truest sentiment within the bonds of kinship.此旨一下，誰不踊躍感戴？When this decree was issued, who was there that did not leap with joy and gratitude?現今周貴人的父親已在家里動了工了，修蓋省親別院呢。Even now, Honored Consort Zhou's father has already begun construction work at his home, building a separate residence for the Visitation.又有吳貴妃的父親吳天祐家，也往城外踏看地方去了。And Honored Consort Wu's father, Wu Tianyou, has also gone out beyond the city to survey a site.這豈不有八九分了？”Does this not make it eighty or ninety percent certain?"

贾琏此时没好意思，只是讪笑吃酒，说“胡说”二字，——“快盛饭来，吃碗子还要往珍大爷那边去商议事呢。”凤姐道：“可是别误了正事。才刚老爷叫你作什么？”贾琏道：“就为省亲。”凤姐忙问道：“省亲的事竟准了不成？”贾琏笑道：“虽不十分准，也有八分准了。”凤姐笑道：“可见当今的隆恩。历来听书看戏，古时从未有的。”赵嬷嬷又接口道：“可是呢，我也老糊涂了。我听见上上下下吵嚷了这些日子，什么省亲不省亲，我也不理论他去，如今又说省亲，到底是怎么个原故？”贾琏道：“如今当今贴体万人之心，世上至大莫如‘孝’字，想来父母儿女之性，皆是一理，不是贵贱上分别的。当今自为日夜侍奉太上皇，皇太后，尚不能略尽孝意，因见宫里嫔妃才人等皆是入宫多年，抛离父母音容，岂有不思想之理？在儿女思想父母，是分所应当。想父母在家，若只管思念女儿，竟不能见，倘因此成疾致病，甚至死亡，皆由朕躬禁锢，不能使其遂天伦之愿，亦大伤天和之事。故启奏太上皇，皇太后，每月逢二六日期，准其椒房眷属入宫请候看视。于是太上皇，皇太后大喜，深赞当今至孝纯仁，体天格物。因此二位老圣人又下旨意，说椒房眷属入宫，未免有国体仪制，母女尚不能惬怀。竟大开方便之恩，特降谕诸椒房贵戚，除二六日入宫之恩外，凡有重宇别院之家，可以驻跸关防之外，不妨启请内廷鸾舆入其私第，庶可略尽骨肉私情，天伦中之至性。此旨一下，谁不踊跃感戴？现今周贵人的父亲已在家里动了工了，修盖省亲别院呢。又有吴贵妃的父亲吴天祐家，也往城外踏看地方去了。这岂不有八九分了？”

趙嬤嬤道：“阿彌陀佛！Nurse Zhao said, "Amitabha Buddha!原來如此。So that's how it is.這樣說，咱們家也要預備接咱們大小姐了？”賈璉道：“這何用說呢！In that case, our family too must be preparing to receive our Eldest Young Lady?" Jia Lian said, "What need is there even to say so!不然，這會子忙的是什麼？”鳳姐笑道：“若果如此，我可也見個大世面了。If not for that, what do you suppose all this bustle is about right now?" Sister Feng said with a smile, "If it really comes to that, then I too shall get to witness a truly grand occasion."可恨我小幾歲年紀，若早生二三十年，如今這些老人家也不薄我沒見世面了。"It's a shame I'm younger by a few years — if I'd been born twenty or thirty years earlier, these old folks nowadays wouldn't look down on me as someone who's never seen the world.說起當年太祖皇帝仿舜巡的故事，比一部書還熱鬧，我偏沒造化赶上。”趙嬤嬤道：“唉喲喲，那可是千載希逢的！When people speak of the stories from the old Emperor's tours in imitation of Emperor Shun's progresses, it was livelier than a whole book, and I just never had the good fortune to catch it." Granny Zhao said, "Oh my, that was something rarely met with in a thousand years!那時候我才記事兒，咱們賈府正在姑蘇揚州一帶監造海舫，修理海塘，只預備接駕一次，把銀子都花的淌海水似的！At that time I was just old enough to remember things — our Jia household was over in the Suzhou-Yangzhou area supervising the building of sea-going boats and repairing the sea embankments, all just to prepare for one reception of the imperial carriage, and the silver was spent like flowing seawater!"說起來……”鳳姐忙接道：“我們王府也預備過一次。Speaking of which..." Xifeng quickly cut in, "Our Wang household also prepared for one such reception once.那時我爺爺單管各國進貢朝賀的事，凡有的外國人來，都是我們家養活。At that time my grandfather was in sole charge of matters concerning tribute and court audiences from all the foreign states, and whatever foreigners came, it was our family that provided for them.粵、閩、滇、浙所有的洋船貨物都是我們家的。”All the foreign ships and goods from Guangdong, Fujian, Yunnan, and Zhejiang belonged to our family."

赵嬷嬷道：“阿弥陀佛！原来如此。这样说，咱们家也要预备接咱们大小姐了？”贾琏道：“这何用说呢！不然，这会子忙的是什么？”凤姐笑道：“若果如此，我可也见个大世面了。可恨我小几岁年纪，若早生二三十年，如今这些老人家也不薄我没见世面了。说起当年太祖皇帝仿舜巡的故事，比一部书还热闹，我偏没造化赶上。”赵嬷嬷道：“唉哟哟，那可是千载希逢的！那时候我才记事儿，咱们贾府正在姑苏扬州一带监造海舫，修理海塘，只预备接驾一次，把银子都花的淌海水似的！说起来……”凤姐忙接道：“我们王府也预备过一次。那时我爷爷单管各国进贡朝贺的事，凡有的外国人来，都是我们家养活。粤、闽、滇、浙所有的洋船货物都是我们家的。”

趙嬤嬤道：“那是誰不知道的？Granny Zhao said, "Who doesn't know that?如今還有個口號兒呢，說‘東海少了白玉床，龍王來請江南王’，這說的就是奶奶府上了。Even now there's a saying that goes, 'The East Sea ran short of a white jade bed, so the Dragon King came to invite the King of Jiangnan' — and that's speaking of your household, madam.還有如今現在江南的甄家，噯喲喲，好勢派！And then there's the Zhen family in Jiangnan these days — oh my, what grandeur!獨他家接駕四次，若不是我們親眼看見，告訴誰誰也不信的。They alone received the imperial carriage four times; if we hadn't seen it with our own eyes, no matter who told anyone, nobody would believe it.別講銀子成了土泥，憑是世上所有的，沒有不是堆山塞海的，‘罪過可惜’四個字竟顧不得了。”鳳姐道：“常聽見我們太爺們也這樣說，豈有不信的。Never mind that the silver became like dirt — whatever there was in the whole world, none of it but was piled up like mountains and heaped like seas, and the four words 'what a sinful waste' simply couldn't be minded at all." Xifeng said, "I've often heard our own elders say the same thing, so how could I not believe it.只納罕他家怎麼就這麼富貴呢？”趙嬤嬤道：“告訴奶奶一句話，也不過是拿著皇帝家的銀子往皇帝身上使罷了！I only marvel at how their family came to be so wealthy and eminent." Granny Zhao said, "Let me tell you one thing, madam — it was really nothing more than taking the Emperor's own silver and spending it on the Emperor himself!誰家有那些錢買這個虛熱鬧去？”正說的熱鬧，王夫人又打發人來瞧鳳姐吃了飯不曾。What family has that kind of money to go buy that hollow show of splendor?" Just as they were talking away merrily, Lady Wang again sent someone to see whether Xifeng had eaten yet.鳳姐便知有事等他，忙忙的吃了半碗飯，漱口要走，又有二門上小廝們回：“東府里蓉，薔二位哥兒來了。”賈璉才漱了口，平兒捧著盆盥手，見他二人來了，便問：“什麼話？Xifeng knew at once there must be something waiting for her, and hastily ate half a bowl of rice, rinsed her mouth, and was about to go, when the young pages at the second gate reported, "The two young masters Rong and Qiang from the East mansion have arrived." Jia Lian had just rinsed his mouth, and as Pinger held the basin for him to wash his hands, seeing the two of them arrive, he asked, "What is it?快說。”鳳姐且止步稍候，聽他二人回些什麼。Tell me quickly." Xifeng paused and waited a moment to hear what the two of them had to report.賈蓉先回說：“我父親打發我來回叔叔：老爺們已經議定了，從東邊一帶，借著東府里花園起，轉至北邊，一共丈量准了，三里半大，可以蓋造省親別院了。Jia Rong reported first, saying, "My father sent me to tell my uncle: the masters have already settled it — starting from the eastern side, borrowing the ground from the garden of the East mansion, turning round to the north, the whole area has been surveyed and measured out at three and a half li, and it can be used to build the Separate Residence for the Imperial Visit.已經傳人畫圖樣去了，明日就得。Someone has already been sent to draw up the plans, which should be ready by tomorrow.叔叔才回家，未免勞乏，不用過我們那邊去，有話明日一早再請過去面議。”賈璉笑著忙說：“多謝大爺費心体諒，我就不過去了。Uncle has only just come home and must be tired, so there's no need to come over to our side; if there's anything to discuss, please come over early tomorrow morning to talk it over face to face." Jia Lian said with a smile, "My thanks to your father for troubling himself to be so considerate — I won't go over then.正經是這個主意才省事，蓋造也容易，若采置別處地方去，那更費事，且倒不成体統。This really is the right idea, saving trouble, and it will be easy to build too; if we had to seek out some other place, that would be far more trouble, and besides it wouldn't look proper at all.你回去說這樣很好，若老爺們再要改時，全仗大爺諫阻，萬不可另尋地方。Go back and tell him this is very good; if the masters want to change it again, I'm counting entirely on your father to argue against it — on no account should another site be sought.明日一早我給大爺去請安去，再議細話。”賈蓉忙應幾個“是”。Tomorrow morning I'll go pay my respects to your father, and we can discuss the details further." Jia Rong hastily answered "yes" several times.

赵嬷嬷道：“那是谁不知道的？如今还有个口号儿呢，说‘东海少了白玉床，龙王来请江南王’，这说的就是奶奶府上了。还有如今现在江南的甄家，嗳哟哟，好势派！独他家接驾四次，若不是我们亲眼看见，告诉谁谁也不信的。别讲银子成了土泥，凭是世上所有的，没有不是堆山塞海的，‘罪过可惜’四个字竟顾不得了。”凤姐道：“常听见我们太爷们也这样说，岂有不信的。只纳罕他家怎么就这么富贵呢？”赵嬷嬷道：“告诉奶奶一句话，也不过是拿著皇帝家的银子往皇帝身上使罢了！谁家有那些钱买这个虚热闹去？”正说的热闹，王夫人又打发人来瞧凤姐吃了饭不曾。凤姐便知有事等他，忙忙的吃了半碗饭，漱口要走，又有二门上小厮们回：“东府里蓉，蔷二位哥儿来了。”贾琏才漱了口，平儿捧著盆盥手，见他二人来了，便问：“什么话？快说。”凤姐且止步稍候，听他二人回些什么。贾蓉先回说：“我父亲打发我来回叔叔：老爷们已经议定了，从东边一带，借著东府里花园起，转至北边，一共丈量准了，三里半大，可以盖造省亲别院了。已经传人画图样去了，明日就得。叔叔才回家，未免劳乏，不用过我们那边去，有话明日一早再请过去面议。”贾琏笑著忙说：“多谢大爷费心体谅，我就不过去了。正经是这个主意才省事，盖造也容易，若采置别处地方去，那更费事，且倒不成体统。你回去说这样很好，若老爷们再要改时，全仗大爷谏阻，万不可另寻地方。明日一早我给大爷去请安去，再议细话。”贾蓉忙应几个“是”。

賈薔又近前回說：“下姑蘇聘請教習，采買女孩子，置辦樂器行頭等事，大爺派了侄兒，帶領著來管家兩個兒子，還有單聘仁，卜固修兩個清客相公，一同前往，所以命我來見叔叔。”賈璉聽了，將賈薔打諒了打諒，笑道：“你能在這一行么？Jia Qiang then came forward and reported, "As for going down to Suzhou to engage instructors, buy young girls, and arrange for musical instruments and costumes and the like, my father has assigned me, together with the two sons of Steward Lai, and also Shan Pinren and Bu Gu-xiu, two gentlemen-companions, to go there together, and so he told me to come see my uncle." Hearing this, Jia Lian looked Jia Qiang up and down and said with a smile, "Are you up to this line of work?這個事雖不算甚大，里頭大有藏掖的。”賈薔笑道：“只好學習著辦罷了。”This matter, though not counted as very large, has a great deal hidden away inside it." Jia Qiang said with a smile, "I can only learn as I go and manage it as best I can."

贾蔷又近前回说：“下姑苏聘请教习，采买女孩子，置办乐器行头等事，大爷派了侄儿，带领著来管家两个儿子，还有单聘仁，卜固修两个清客相公，一同前往，所以命我来见叔叔。”贾琏听了，将贾蔷打谅了打谅，笑道：“你能在这一行么？这个事虽不算甚大，里头大有藏掖的。”贾蔷笑道：“只好学习著办罢了。”

賈蓉在身旁燈影下悄拉鳳姐的衣襟，鳳姐會意，因笑道：“你也太操心了，難道大爺比咱們還不會用人？Jia Rong, standing beside him in the lamp's shadow, quietly tugged at Xifeng's sleeve; Xifeng caught his meaning and said with a smile, "You worry too much — surely your father isn't even less capable than us at using people?偏你又怕他不在行了。And yet you're the one afraid he's not up to the job.誰都是在行的？Who is anyone 'up to the job' from the start?孩子們已長的這麼大了，‘沒吃過豬肉，也看見過豬跑’。The children have already grown this big — 'never having eaten pork, they've at least seen a pig run.'大爺派他去，原不過是個坐纛旗兒，難道認真的叫他去講价錢會經紀去呢！When your father sends him, it's really no more than to serve as a standard-bearer to hold the flag — surely he's not really being sent to haggle over prices and deal with brokers!依我說就很好。”賈璉道：“自然是這樣。As far as I'm concerned, it's just fine this way." Jia Lian said, "Naturally it's so.并不是我駁回，少不得替他算計算計。”因問：“這一項銀子動那一處的？”賈薔道：“才也議到這里。It's not that I'm objecting — it's just that I can't help figuring things out on his behalf." He then asked, "Which account is this silver to be drawn from?" Jia Qiang said, "That's just what we were discussing.賴爺爺說，不用從京里帶下去，江南甄家還收著我們五萬銀子。Grandfather Lai says there's no need to bring it down from the capital — the Zhen family in Jiangnan is still holding fifty thousand taels of ours.明日寫一封書信會票我們帶去，先支三萬，下剩二萬存著，等置辦花燭彩燈并各色帘櫳帳縵的使費。”賈璉點頭道：“這個主意好。”Tomorrow we'll write a letter and a bill of exchange for us to take along; we'll first draw thirty thousand, and leave the remaining twenty thousand on deposit there, to use later for buying wedding candles, colored lanterns, and all the various curtains and hangings." Jia Lian nodded and said, "That's a good idea."

贾蓉在身旁灯影下悄拉凤姐的衣襟，凤姐会意，因笑道：“你也太操心了，难道大爷比咱们还不会用人？偏你又怕他不在行了。谁都是在行的？孩子们已长的这么大了，‘没吃过猪肉，也看见过猪跑’。大爷派他去，原不过是个坐纛旗儿，难道认真的叫他去讲价钱会经纪去呢！依我说就很好。”贾琏道：“自然是这样。并不是我驳回，少不得替他算计算计。”因问：“这一项银子动那一处的？”贾蔷道：“才也议到这里。赖爷爷说，不用从京里带下去，江南甄家还收著我们五万银子。明日写一封书信会票我们带去，先支三万，下剩二万存著，等置办花烛彩灯并各色帘栊帐缦的使费。”贾琏点头道：“这个主意好。”

鳳姐忙向賈薔道：“既這樣，我有兩個在行妥當人，你就帶他們去辦，這個便宜了你呢。”賈薔忙陪笑說：“正要和嬸嬸討兩個人呢，這可巧了。”因問名字。Xifeng quickly said to Jia Qiang, "In that case, I have two capable and trustworthy men — you can just take them along to handle things, and that'll be a bit of good luck for you." Jia Qiang hastily said with a smiling face, "I was just about to ask my aunt for two men — how convenient this is." And he asked their names.鳳姐便問趙嬤嬤。Xifeng then asked Granny Zhao.彼時趙嬤嬤已聽呆了話，平兒忙笑推他，他才醒悟過來，忙說：“一個叫趙天梁，一個叫趙天棟。”鳳姐道：“可別忘了，我可干我的去了。”說著便出去了。By this time Granny Zhao had been listening to all the talk in a daze; Pinger hastily nudged her with a smile, and only then did she come to herself and hurriedly say, "One is called Zhao Tianliang, the other Zhao Tiandong." Xifeng said, "Now don't forget them — I'm off to attend to my own business." And with that she went out.賈蓉忙送出來，又悄悄的向鳳姐道：“嬸子要什麼東西，吩咐我開個帳給薔兄弟帶了去，叫他按帳置辦了來。”鳳姐笑道：“別放你娘的屁！Jia Rong hastily saw her out, and then quietly said to Xifeng, "Aunt, if you need anything, just tell me and I'll write up a list for Brother Qiang to take along, and have him buy it all according to the list." Xifeng said with a laugh, "Don't talk your mother's nonsense!我的東西還沒處撂呢，希罕你們鬼鬼祟祟的？”說著一徑去了。I haven't even found a place to put the things I already have — why would I be greedy for your sneaky little schemes?" And with that she went straight off.

凤姐忙向贾蔷道：“既这样，我有两个在行妥当人，你就带他们去办，这个便宜了你呢。”贾蔷忙陪笑说：“正要和婶婶讨两个人呢，这可巧了。”因问名字。凤姐便问赵嬷嬷。彼时赵嬷嬷已听呆了话，平儿忙笑推他，他才醒悟过来，忙说：“一个叫赵天梁，一个叫赵天栋。”凤姐道：“可别忘了，我可干我的去了。”说著便出去了。贾蓉忙送出来，又悄悄的向凤姐道：“婶子要什么东西，吩咐我开个帐给蔷兄弟带了去，叫他按帐置办了来。”凤姐笑道：“别放你娘的屁！我的东西还没处撂呢，希罕你们鬼鬼祟祟的？”说著一径去了。

這里賈薔也悄問賈璉：“要什麼東西？Here Jia Qiang also quietly asked Jia Lian, "Do you need anything?順便織來孝敬。”賈璉笑道：“你別興頭。I'll have something woven along the way as a token of respect." Jia Lian said with a smile, "Don't you get carried away.才學著辦事，倒先學會了這把戲。You've only just begun to learn how to handle affairs, and already you've learned this trick first.我短了什麼，少不得寫信來告訴你，且不要論到這里。”說畢，打發他二人去了。If I'm short of anything, I'll be sure to write and let you know — let's not go into it here." With that, he sent the two of them off.接著回事的人來，不止三四次，賈璉害乏，便傳與二門上，一應不許傳報，俱等明日料理。After that, people came to report on business no fewer than three or four times in a row; Jia Lian, worn out, sent word to the men at the second gate that nothing was to be announced — everything was to wait until the next day to be dealt with.鳳姐至三更時分方下來安歇，一宿無話。Xifeng did not come down to rest until the third watch, and nothing more happened that night.

这里贾蔷也悄问贾琏：“要什么东西？顺便织来孝敬。”贾琏笑道：“你别兴头。才学著办事，倒先学会了这把戏。我短了什么，少不得写信来告诉你，且不要论到这里。”说毕，打发他二人去了。接著回事的人来，不止三四次，贾琏害乏，便传与二门上，一应不许传报，俱等明日料理。凤姐至三更时分方下来安歇，一宿无话。

次早賈璉起來，見過賈赦賈政，便往宁府中來，合同老管事的人等，并幾位世交門下清客相公，審察兩府地方，繕畫省親殿宇，一面察度辦理人丁。The next morning Jia Lian rose, paid his respects to Jia She and Jia Zheng, and then went over to the Ning mansion, where together with the senior stewards and several gentlemen-companions attached to the family from generations of friendship, he inspected the grounds of both mansions, had the halls for the imperial visit drawn up on plans, and at the same time looked into arranging the workers.自此後，各行匠役齊集，金銀銅錫以及土木磚瓦之物，搬運移送不歇。From this time on, craftsmen of every trade gathered together, and gold, silver, copper, tin, along with earth, timber, brick, and tile, were carried and moved in without pause.先令匠人拆宁府會芳園牆垣樓閣，直接入榮府東大院中。First he had the workmen tear down the walls, towers, and pavilions of the Hui Fang Garden in the Ning mansion, opening straight through into the great east courtyard of the Rong mansion.榮府東邊所有下人一帶群房盡已拆去。All the rows of servants' quarters on the east side of the Rong mansion had already been torn down entirely.當日宁榮二宅，雖有一小巷界斷不通，然這小巷亦系私地，并非官道，故可以連屬。In the old days, although the Ning and Rong residences were separated by a small lane that cut them off, this lane was likewise private land, not a public road, and so the two could be joined together.會芳園本是從北拐角牆下引來一股活水，今亦無煩再引。The Hui Fang Garden originally had a stream of living water led in from beneath the wall at the north corner, and now there was no need to trouble to lead it in again.其山石樹木雖不敷用，賈赦住的乃是榮府舊園，其中竹樹山石以及亭榭欄杆等物，皆可挪就前來。As for rockery and trees, though there was not enough to go around, the garden Jia She lived in was the old garden of the Rong mansion, and the bamboo, trees, rocks, pavilions, and railings in it could all be moved over to be put to use here.如此兩處又甚近，湊來一處，省得許多財力，縱亦不敷，所添亦有限。Since the two places were so close together, combining them into one saved a great deal of money and labor, and even if it still wasn't enough, what needed to be added was limited.全虧一個老明公號山子野者，一一籌畫起造。The whole undertaking depended entirely on an old master craftsman known as Shanzi Ye, who planned and directed the construction down to every detail.

次早贾琏起来，见过贾赦贾政，便往宁府中来，合同老管事的人等，并几位世交门下清客相公，审察两府地方，缮画省亲殿宇，一面察度办理人丁。自此后，各行匠役齐集，金银铜锡以及土木砖瓦之物，搬运移送不歇。先令匠人拆宁府会芳园墙垣楼阁，直接入荣府东大院中。荣府东边所有下人一带群房尽已拆去。当日宁荣二宅，虽有一小巷界断不通，然这小巷亦系私地，并非官道，故可以连属。会芳园本是从北拐角墙下引来一股活水，今亦无烦再引。其山石树木虽不敷用，贾赦住的乃是荣府旧园，其中竹树山石以及亭榭栏杆等物，皆可挪就前来。如此两处又甚近，凑来一处，省得许多财力，纵亦不敷，所添亦有限。全亏一个老明公号山子野者，一一筹画起造。

賈政不慣于俗務，只憑賈赦，賈珍，賈璉，賴大，來升，林之孝，吳新登，詹光，程日興等幾人安插擺布。Jia Zheng was not accustomed to worldly practical matters, and simply relied on Jia She, Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, Lai Da, Lai Sheng, Lin Zhixiao, Wu Xindeng, Zhan Guang, Cheng Rixing, and a few others to arrange and manage everything.凡堆山鑿池，起樓豎閣，种竹栽花，一應點景等事，又有山子野制度。As for all matters of piling up rockery, digging pools, raising towers and pavilions, planting bamboo and flowers, and every arrangement for scenic effect, these too were under the direction of Shanzi Ye.下朝閒暇，不過各處看望看望，最要緊處和賈赦等商議商議便罷了。In his leisure after court, Jia Zheng did no more than look in here and there at the various places, and where it mattered most, discuss things with Jia She and the others — that was all.賈赦只在家高臥，有芥豆之事，賈珍等或自去回明，或寫略節，或有話說，便傳呼賈璉，賴大等領命。Jia She simply lay at home taking his ease; whenever there was some minor matter, Jia Zhen and the others would either go report it in person, or write out a brief note, or if there was something to say, would simply send word summoning Jia Lian, Lai Da, and the others to receive instructions.賈蓉單管打造金銀器皿。Jia Rong was in sole charge of having the gold and silver vessels made.賈薔已起身往姑蘇去了。Jia Qiang had already set off for Suzhou.賈珍，賴大等又點人丁，開冊籍，監工等事，一筆不能寫到，不過是喧闐熱鬧非常而已。Jia Zhen, Lai Da, and the others were also enrolling workers, opening account books, and supervising the work, matters too numerous to set down one by one — it was simply an extraordinary bustle and clamor.暫且無話。For the time being, nothing more need be said of this.

贾政不惯于俗务，只凭贾赦，贾珍，贾琏，赖大，来升，林之孝，吴新登，詹光，程日兴等几人安插摆布。凡堆山凿池，起楼竖阁，种竹栽花，一应点景等事，又有山子野制度。下朝闲暇，不过各处看望看望，最要紧处和贾赦等商议商议便罢了。贾赦只在家高卧，有芥豆之事，贾珍等或自去回明，或写略节，或有话说，便传呼贾琏，赖大等领命。贾蓉单管打造金银器皿。贾蔷已起身往姑苏去了。贾珍，赖大等又点人丁，开册籍，监工等事，一笔不能写到，不过是喧阗热闹非常而已。暂且无话。

且說寶玉近因家中有這等大事，賈政不來問他的書，心中是件暢事，無奈秦鐘之病日重一日，也著實懸心，不能樂業。Now to speak of Baoyu — since the household had this great undertaking under way, Jia Zheng had not come to examine him on his studies, which in his heart was a most pleasant relief; yet Qin Zhong's illness grew graver day by day, and he was genuinely anxious about it, unable to settle to any pleasant occupation.這日一早起來才梳洗完畢，意欲回了賈母去望候秦鐘，忽見茗煙在二門照壁前探頭縮腦，寶玉忙出來問他：“作什麼？”茗煙道：“秦相公不中用了！”寶玉聽說，嚇了一跳，忙問道：“我昨兒才瞧了他來，還明明白白，怎麼就不中用了？”茗煙道：“我也不知道，才剛是他家的老頭子來特告訴我的。”寶玉聽了，忙轉身回明賈母。This day, having just finished washing and combing his hair first thing in the morning, he meant to tell Grandmother Jia and go inquire after Qin Zhong, when he suddenly saw Ming Yan poking his head out and drawing it back again in front of the screen wall at the second gate; Baoyu hurried out to ask him, "What is it?" Ming Yan said, "Master Qin is beyond help!" Hearing this, Baoyu gave a start and hastily asked, "I only went to see him yesterday, and he was still perfectly clear-headed — how can he suddenly be beyond help?" Ming Yan said, "I don't know either — it was just now his family's old servant came especially to tell me." Hearing this, Baoyu hurried back to report it to Grandmother Jia.賈母吩咐：“好生派妥當人跟去，到那里盡一盡同窗之情就回來，不許多耽擱了。”寶玉聽了，忙忙的更衣出來，車猶未備，急的滿廳亂轉。Grandmother Jia instructed, "Be sure to send someone reliable along with him; let him go there and do his full duty as a schoolmate, then come straight back — he mustn't linger there too long." Hearing this, Baoyu hastily changed his clothes and came out, but the carriage was not yet ready, and he paced about the whole hall in an agony of impatience.一時催促的車到，忙上了車，李貴，茗煙等跟隨。Presently the carriage was hurried up; he hastily got in, with Li Gui, Ming Yan, and the others following along.來至秦鐘門首，悄無一人，遂蜂擁至內室，唬的秦鐘的兩個遠房嬸母并幾個弟兄都藏之不迭。When they reached Qin Zhong's gate, there was not a soul to be seen, and so they swarmed straight into the inner room, startling Qin Zhong's two distant aunts by marriage and several brothers into hiding themselves away as fast as they could.

且说宝玉近因家中有这等大事，贾政不来问他的书，心中是件畅事，无奈秦钟之病日重一日，也著实悬心，不能乐业。这日一早起来才梳洗完毕，意欲回了贾母去望候秦钟，忽见茗烟在二门照壁前探头缩脑，宝玉忙出来问他：“作什么？”茗烟道：“秦相公不中用了！”宝玉听说，吓了一跳，忙问道：“我昨儿才瞧了他来，还明明白白，怎么就不中用了？”茗烟道：“我也不知道，才刚是他家的老头子来特告诉我的。”宝玉听了，忙转身回明贾母。贾母吩咐：“好生派妥当人跟去，到那里尽一尽同窗之情就回来，不许多耽搁了。”宝玉听了，忙忙的更衣出来，车犹未备，急的满厅乱转。一时催促的车到，忙上了车，李贵，茗烟等跟随。来至秦钟门首，悄无一人，遂蜂拥至内室，唬的秦钟的两个远房婶母并几个弟兄都藏之不迭。

此時秦鐘已發過兩三次昏了，移床易簀多時矣。By this time Qin Zhong had already fainted away two or three times, and had long since been moved from his bed onto a pallet on the floor.寶玉一見，便不禁失聲。The moment Baoyu saw him, he could not help crying out.李貴忙勸道：“不可不可，秦相公是弱症，未免炕上挺扛的骨頭不受用，所以暫且挪下來松散些。Li Gui hastily urged him, "You mustn't, you mustn't — Master Qin's is a weakening illness, and lying stretched out stiff on the brick bed becomes unbearable for the bones, so he was moved down for the time being to be a little more at ease.哥兒如此，豈不反添了他的病？”寶玉聽了，方忍住近前，見秦鐘面如白蜡，合目呼吸于枕上。For you to carry on like this, young master, would it not only add to his illness?" Hearing this, Baoyu forced himself to hold back and drew near, and saw that Qin Zhong's face was like white wax, his eyes closed, his breath coming on the pillow.寶玉忙叫道：“鯨兄！Baoyu hastily called out, "Brother Qin Zhong!寶玉來了。”連叫兩三聲，秦鐘不睬。Baoyu is here." He called two or three times running, but Qin Zhong paid no heed.寶玉又道：“寶玉來了。”Baoyu said again, "Baoyu is here."

此时秦钟已发过两三次昏了，移床易箦多时矣。宝玉一见，便不禁失声。李贵忙劝道：“不可不可，秦相公是弱症，未免炕上挺扛的骨头不受用，所以暂且挪下来松散些。哥儿如此，岂不反添了他的病？”宝玉听了，方忍住近前，见秦钟面如白蜡，合目呼吸于枕上。宝玉忙叫道：“鲸兄！宝玉来了。”连叫两三声，秦钟不睬。宝玉又道：“宝玉来了。”

那秦鐘早已魂魄離身，只剩得一口悠悠餘氣在胸，正見許多鬼判持牌提索來捉他。But by then Qin Zhong's soul had already left his body, with only a single faint thread of breath lingering in his chest, and he was just then seeing a host of ghostly judges holding tallies and ropes come to seize him.那秦鐘魂魄那里肯就去，又記念著家中無人掌管家務，又記挂著父親還有留積下的三四千兩銀子，又記挂著智能尚無下落，因此百般求告鬼判。Qin Zhong's soul was in no way willing to go just yet — he was still thinking anxiously of how there was no one at home to manage the household affairs, and still worrying over the three or four thousand taels of silver his father had left accumulated, and still concerned over Zhineng, whose whereabouts were still unsettled, and so he pleaded with the ghostly judges in every way he could.無奈這些鬼判都不肯徇私，反叱吒秦鐘道：“虧你還是讀過書的人，豈不知俗語說的：‘閻王叫你三更死，誰敢留人到五更。’我們陰間上下都是鐵面無私的，不比你們陽間瞻情顧意，有許多的關礙處。”正鬧著，那秦鐘魂魄忽聽見“寶玉來了”四字，便忙又央求道：“列位神差，略發慈悲，讓我回去，和這一個好朋友說一句話就來的。”眾鬼道：“又是什麼好朋友？”秦鐘道：“不瞞列位，就是榮國公的孫子，小名寶玉。”都判官聽了，先就唬慌起來，忙喝罵鬼使道：“我說你們放了他回去走走罷，你們斷不依我的話，如今只等他請出個運旺時盛的人來才罷。”眾鬼見都判如此，也都忙了手腳，一面又抱怨道：“你老人家先是那等雷霆電雹，原來見不得‘寶玉’二字。But it was no use — these ghostly judges would not show him any favor, and instead scolded Qin Zhong harshly, saying, "And to think you're supposed to be a man of reading — don't you know the common saying: 'If the King of Hell calls you to die at the third watch, who dares keep you till the fifth?' We of the nether world, high and low, are all impartial and incorruptible, quite unlike you people of the world of the living, forever weighing feelings and favors, with all sorts of things standing in the way." Just as the commotion was going on, Qin Zhong's soul suddenly heard the four words "Baoyu is here," and hastily pleaded again, "Gentlemen spirit-officers, show a little mercy and let me go back — let me just say one word to this good friend of mine and I'll come right back." The assembled ghosts said, "What good friend is this now?" Qin Zhong said, "I won't hide it from you, gentlemen — it's the grandson of the Duke of Rongguo, his childhood name is Baoyu." On hearing this, the Chief Judge was at once thrown into alarm, and hastily shouted and cursed at the ghost-runners, "I told you to release him and let him go take a walk back — you absolutely refused to listen to me, and now we have to wait until he brings out someone of flourishing fortune and prosperous fate before this can be settled." Seeing the Chief Judge like this, the assembled ghosts too all hastily bestirred themselves, while grumbling all the while, "Here you were, old sir, all thunder and lightning and hail a moment ago, and it turns out you simply can't bear to hear the two words 'Baoyu.'依我們愚見，他是陽，我們是陰，怕他們也無益于我們。”都判道：“放屁！To our foolish way of thinking, he belongs to the living and we to the dead, so surely fearing them can do us no good." The Chief Judge said, "Nonsense!俗語說的好，‘天下官管天下事’，自古人鬼之道卻是一般，陰陽并無二理。As the saying goes so well, 'Under Heaven, the officers of Heaven govern the affairs of Heaven' — from ancient times the ways of the living and the dead have been one and the same, and there are not two separate principles for the shades and the living.別管他陰也罷，陽也罷，還是把他放回沒有錯了的。”眾鬼聽說，只得將秦魂放回，哼了一聲，微開雙目，見寶玉在側，乃勉強歎道：“怎麼不肯早來？Never mind whether he belongs to the dead or the living — it's still best to let him go back, and no mistake about it." Hearing this, the assembled ghosts had no choice but to release Qin Zhong's soul to return; he gave a groan, opened his eyes a slit, and seeing Baoyu at his side, sighed with an effort, "Why didn't you come sooner?再遲一步也不能見了。”寶玉忙攜手垂淚道：“有什麼話留下兩句。”秦鐘道：“并無別話。One moment later and you wouldn't have been able to see me at all." Baoyu hastily took his hand, and with tears falling said, "If you have anything to say, leave a word or two behind." Qin Zhong said, "There's nothing else.以前你我見識自為高過世人，我今日才知自誤了。In the past you and I thought our own views set us above the common run of people; only today have I come to realize I led myself astray.以後還該立志功名，以榮耀顯達為是。”說畢，便長歎一聲，蕭然長逝了。From now on you really ought to set your mind on achievement and renown, and take honor and distinction as the right course." With that, he heaved a long sigh, and quietly, silently, breathed his last.

那秦钟早已魂魄离身，只剩得一口悠悠余气在胸，正见许多鬼判持牌提索来捉他。那秦钟魂魄那里肯就去，又记念著家中无人掌管家务，又记挂著父亲还有留积下的三四千两银子，又记挂著智能尚无下落，因此百般求告鬼判。无奈这些鬼判都不肯徇私，反叱咤秦钟道：“亏你还是读过书的人，岂不知俗语说的：‘阎王叫你三更死，谁敢留人到五更。’我们阴间上下都是铁面无私的，不比你们阳间瞻情顾意，有许多的关碍处。”正闹著，那秦钟魂魄忽听见“宝玉来了”四字，便忙又央求道：“列位神差，略发慈悲，让我回去，和这一个好朋友说一句话就来的。”众鬼道：“又是什么好朋友？”秦钟道：“不瞒列位，就是荣国公的孙子，小名宝玉。”都判官听了，先就唬慌起来，忙喝骂鬼使道：“我说你们放了他回去走走罢，你们断不依我的话，如今只等他请出个运旺时盛的人来才罢。”众鬼见都判如此，也都忙了手脚，一面又抱怨道：“你老人家先是那等雷霆电雹，原来见不得‘宝玉’二字。依我们愚见，他是阳，我们是阴，怕他们也无益于我们。”都判道：“放屁！俗语说的好，‘天下官管天下事’，自古人鬼之道却是一般，阴阳并无二理。别管他阴也罢，阳也罢，还是把他放回没有错了的。”众鬼听说，只得将秦魂放回，哼了一声，微开双目，见宝玉在侧，乃勉强叹道：“怎么不肯早来？再迟一步也不能见了。”宝玉忙携手垂泪道：“有什么话留下两句。”秦钟道：“并无别话。以前你我见识自为高过世人，我今日才知自误了。以后还该立志功名，以荣耀显达为是。”说毕，便长叹一声，萧然长逝了。