第二十五回　魘魔法姊弟逢五鬼　紅樓夢通靈遇雙真 Sorcery Brings Five Devils upon Brother and Sister; The Spirit Jade Meets Two True Immortals

話說紅玉心神恍惚，情思纏綿，忽朦朧睡去，遇見賈芸要拉他，卻回身一跑，被門檻絆了一跤，唬醒過來，方知是夢。It is told that Hongyu, distracted in mind and entangled in tender thoughts, drifted into a hazy sleep and dreamed that Jia Yun reached out to pull her toward him; but she turned and ran, tripped over the threshold, and woke with a fright, only then realizing it had been a dream.因此翻來复去，一夜無眠。After that she tossed and turned, unable to sleep all night.至次日天明，方才起來，就有幾個丫頭子來會他去打掃房子地面，提洗臉水。At daybreak the next morning, just as she was getting up, several young maids came to fetch her to sweep the rooms and floors and carry in water for washing.這紅玉也不梳洗，向鏡中胡亂挽了一挽頭髮，洗了洗手，腰內束了一條汗巾子，便來打掃房屋。Without stopping to wash or dress properly, Hongyu twisted up her hair any which way before the mirror, washed her hands, tied a kerchief around her waist, and went to clean the rooms.誰知寶玉昨兒見了紅玉，也就留了心。As it happened, Baoyu had noticed Hongyu the day before and had kept her in mind.若要直點名喚他來使用，一則怕襲人等寒心，二則又不知紅玉是何等行為，若好還罷了，若不好起來，那時倒不好退送的。Yet if he called her by name and took her directly into his service, he feared, first, that Xiren and the others would feel slighted, and second, that he did not know what sort of character Hongyu possessed: if she proved good, all would be well, but if she proved otherwise, it would then be awkward to send her away.因此心下悶悶的，早起來也不梳洗，只坐著出神。Thus he felt gloomy at heart, and when he rose early he did not wash or dress either, but merely sat there lost in thought.一時下了窗子，隔著紗屜子，向外看的真切，只見好幾個丫頭在那里掃地，都擦胭抹粉，簪花插柳的，獨不見昨兒那一個。Presently the window was opened, and through its gauze screen he could see outside clearly: several maids were sweeping the ground there, all rouged and powdered, with flowers and willow sprays in their hair, but the girl from yesterday was nowhere to be seen.寶玉便靸了鞋晃出了房門，只裝著看花兒，這里瞧瞧，那里望望，一抬頭，只見西南角上游廊底下欄杆上似有一個人倚在那里，卻恨面前有一株海棠花遮著，看不真切。Baoyu slipped his feet into his shoes and sauntered out, pretending to admire the flowers, looking here and glancing there, until, raising his head, he saw what seemed to be someone leaning against the railing beneath the covered walk in the southwest corner; annoyingly, a flowering crabapple stood in front and prevented him from seeing clearly.只得又轉了一步，仔細一看，可不是昨兒那個丫頭在那里出神。He had to shift another step, and when he looked closely, there indeed was the maid from yesterday, lost in thought.待要迎上去，又不好去的。He wanted to go up to her, yet felt it would not be proper.正想著，忽見碧痕來催他洗臉，只得進去了。While he was still wondering what to do, Bihen suddenly came to urge him to wash his face, so he had no choice but to go inside.不在話下。No more need be said of this.

话说红玉心神恍惚，情思缠绵，忽朦胧睡去，遇见贾芸要拉他，却回身一跑，被门槛绊了一跤，唬醒过来，方知是梦。因此翻来复去，一夜无眠。至次日天明，方才起来，就有几个丫头子来会他去打扫房子地面，提洗脸水。这红玉也不梳洗，向镜中胡乱挽了一挽头发，洗了洗手，腰内束了一条汗巾子，便来打扫房屋。谁知宝玉昨儿见了红玉，也就留了心。若要直点名唤他来使用，一则怕袭人等寒心，二则又不知红玉是何等行为，若好还罢了，若不好起来，那时倒不好退送的。因此心下闷闷的，早起来也不梳洗，只坐著出神。一时下了窗子，隔著纱屉子，向外看的真切，只见好几个丫头在那里扫地，都擦胭抹粉，簪花插柳的，独不见昨儿那一个。宝玉便靸了鞋晃出了房门，只装著看花儿，这里瞧瞧，那里望望，一抬头，只见西南角上游廊底下栏杆上似有一个人倚在那里，却恨面前有一株海棠花遮著，看不真切。只得又转了一步，仔细一看，可不是昨儿那个丫头在那里出神。待要迎上去，又不好去的。正想著，忽见碧痕来催他洗脸，只得进去了。不在话下。

卻說紅玉正自出神，忽見襲人招手叫他，只得走上前來。Now Hongyu was absorbed in thought when she suddenly saw Xiren beckoning to her, and had no choice but to go over.襲人笑道：“我們這里的噴壺還沒有收拾了來呢，你到林姑娘那里去，把他們的借來使使。”紅玉答應了，便走出來往瀟湘館去。Xiren said with a smile, “Our sprinkling can still has not been put in order. Go to Miss Lin’s place and borrow theirs for us to use.” Hongyu assented and set off for Xiaoxiang Lodge.正走上翠煙橋，抬頭一望，只見山坡上高處都是攔著幃幙，方想起今兒有匠役在里頭种樹。Just as she reached Cuiyan Bridge and looked up, she saw that the higher ground on the hillside had all been screened off with curtains, and then remembered that workmen were planting trees inside that day.因轉身一望，只見那邊遠遠一簇人在那里掘土，賈芸正坐在那山子石上。Turning to look, she saw in the distance a cluster of men digging earth, with Jia Yun seated upon a rockery stone.紅玉待要過去，又不敢過去，只得悶悶的向瀟湘館取了噴壺回來，無精打彩自向房內倒著。Hongyu wanted to go over but dared not, so she could only fetch the sprinkling can from Xiaoxiang Lodge in low spirits; on returning, she listlessly went into the room and lay down.眾人只說他一時身上不爽快，都不理論。The others merely supposed that she was feeling unwell and paid no attention.

却说红玉正自出神，忽见袭人招手叫他，只得走上前来。袭人笑道：“我们这里的喷壶还没有收拾了来呢，你到林姑娘那里去，把他们的借来使使。”红玉答应了，便走出来往潇湘馆去。正走上翠烟桥，抬头一望，只见山坡上高处都是拦著帏幙，方想起今儿有匠役在里头种树。因转身一望，只见那边远远一簇人在那里掘土，贾芸正坐在那山子石上。红玉待要过去，又不敢过去，只得闷闷的向潇湘馆取了喷壶回来，无精打彩自向房内倒著。众人只说他一时身上不爽快，都不理论。

展眼過了一日，原來次日就是王子騰夫人的壽誕，那里原打發人來請賈母王夫人的，王夫人見賈母不自在，也便不去了。In the blink of an eye another day had passed; the following day, as it happened, was the birthday of Wang Ziteng’s wife, and her household had already sent people to invite Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang, but when Lady Wang saw that Grandmother Jia was indisposed, she decided not to go either.倒是薛姨媽同鳳姐兒并賈家幾個姊妹，寶釵，寶玉一齊都去了，至晚方回。Instead, Aunt Xue, Xifeng, several of the Jia sisters, Baochai, and Baoyu all went together and did not return until evening.可巧王夫人見賈環下了學，便命他來抄個《金剛咒》唪誦唪誦。It happened that Lady Wang saw Jia Huan come home from school and ordered him to copy out the Diamond Spell so that it might be chanted.那賈環正在王夫人炕上坐著，命人點燈，拿腔作勢的抄寫。Jia Huan sat on Lady Wang’s kang, had a lamp lit, and copied away with a great show of importance.一時又叫彩雲倒杯茶來，一時又叫玉釧兒來剪剪蜡花，一時又說金釧兒擋了燈影。One moment he called for Caiyun to pour him tea, the next for Yuchuan to trim the candlewick, and then he complained that Jinchuan was blocking the lamplight.眾丫鬟們素日厭惡他，都不答理。The maids had always disliked him and none paid him any heed.只有彩霞還和他合的來，倒了一鐘茶來遞與他。Only Caixia got along tolerably well with him; she poured a cup of tea and handed it to him.因見王夫人和人說話兒，他便悄悄的向賈環說道：“你安些分罷，何苦討這個厭那個厭的。”賈環道：“我也知道了，你別哄我。Seeing that Lady Wang was talking to someone, she quietly said to Jia Huan, “Behave yourself a little. Why go out of your way to make everyone dislike you?” Jia Huan replied, “I know all about it; don’t try to fool me.如今你和寶玉好，把我不答理，我也看出來了。”彩霞咬著嘴唇，向賈環頭上戳了一指頭，說道：“沒良心的！Now that you are friendly with Baoyu, you pay no attention to me—I can see that plainly enough.” Caixia bit her lip, poked him on the head with one finger, and said, “You ungrateful wretch!狗咬呂洞賓，不識好人心。”The dog bites Lü Dongbin—it cannot recognize a kindly heart.”

展眼过了一日，原来次日就是王子腾夫人的寿诞，那里原打发人来请贾母王夫人的，王夫人见贾母不自在，也便不去了。倒是薛姨妈同凤姐儿并贾家几个姊妹，宝钗，宝玉一齐都去了，至晚方回。可巧王夫人见贾环下了学，便命他来抄个《金刚咒》唪诵唪诵。那贾环正在王夫人炕上坐著，命人点灯，拿腔作势的抄写。一时又叫彩云倒杯茶来，一时又叫玉钏儿来剪剪蜡花，一时又说金钏儿挡了灯影。众丫鬟们素日厌恶他，都不答理。只有彩霞还和他合的来，倒了一钟茶来递与他。因见王夫人和人说话儿，他便悄悄的向贾环说道：“你安些分罢，何苦讨这个厌那个厌的。”贾环道：“我也知道了，你别哄我。如今你和宝玉好，把我不答理，我也看出来了。”彩霞咬著嘴唇，向贾环头上戳了一指头，说道：“没良心的！狗咬吕洞宾，不识好人心。”

兩人正說著，只見鳳姐來了，拜見過王夫人。While the two were still speaking, Xifeng arrived and paid her respects to Lady Wang.王夫人便一長一短的問他，今兒是那幾位堂客，戲文好歹，酒席如何等語。Lady Wang questioned her at length about which ladies had attended that day, whether the plays were good or bad, how the banquet had been, and so forth.說了不多幾句話，寶玉也來了，進門見了王夫人，不過規規矩矩說了幾句，便命人除去抹額，脫了袍服，拉了靴子，便一頭滾在王夫人怀里。They had exchanged only a few words when Baoyu arrived as well; after entering and greeting Lady Wang, he said a few proper, respectful sentences, then had someone remove his brow-band and robe and pull off his boots, and tumbled headlong into Lady Wang’s arms.王夫人便用手滿身滿臉摩挲撫弄他，寶玉也搬著王夫人的脖子說長道短的。Lady Wang stroked and fondled him all over, face and body, while Baoyu clasped her around the neck and chattered about one thing and another.王夫人道：“我的兒，你又吃多了酒，臉上滾熱。Lady Wang said, “My child, you have drunk too much wine again; your face is burning hot.你還只是揉搓，一會鬧上酒來。And still you keep rubbing and wriggling about—you will soon work yourself into a drunken fit.還不在那里靜靜的倒一會子呢。”說著，便叫人拿個枕頭來。Why do you not lie quietly over there for a while?” As she spoke, she ordered someone to bring a pillow.寶玉聽說便下來，在王夫人身後倒下，又叫彩霞來替他拍著。At this Baoyu got down, lay behind Lady Wang, and called Caixia over to pat him soothingly.寶玉便和彩霞說笑，只見彩霞淡淡的，不大答理，兩眼睛只向賈環處看。Baoyu joked and chatted with Caixia, but she responded coolly and scarcely paid him any attention, keeping her eyes fixed on Jia Huan.寶玉便拉他的手笑道：“好姐姐，你也理我理兒呢。”一面說，一面拉他的手，彩霞奪手不肯，便說：“再鬧，我就嚷了。”Baoyu took her hand and said with a smile, “Dear sister, do pay me a little attention.” As he spoke he kept hold of her hand; Caixia tried to pull free and refused him, saying, “If you keep making trouble, I shall shout.”

两人正说著，只见凤姐来了，拜见过王夫人。王夫人便一长一短的问他，今儿是那几位堂客，戏文好歹，酒席如何等语。说了不多几句话，宝玉也来了，进门见了王夫人，不过规规矩矩说了几句，便命人除去抹额，脱了袍服，拉了靴子，便一头滚在王夫人怀里。王夫人便用手满身满脸摩挲抚弄他，宝玉也搬著王夫人的脖子说长道短的。王夫人道：“我的儿，你又吃多了酒，脸上滚热。你还只是揉搓，一会闹上酒来。还不在那里静静的倒一会子呢。”说著，便叫人拿个枕头来。宝玉听说便下来，在王夫人身后倒下，又叫彩霞来替他拍著。宝玉便和彩霞说笑，只见彩霞淡淡的，不大答理，两眼睛只向贾环处看。宝玉便拉他的手笑道：“好姐姐，你也理我理儿呢。”一面说，一面拉他的手，彩霞夺手不肯，便说：“再闹，我就嚷了。”

二人正鬧著，原來賈環聽的見，素日原恨寶玉，如今又見他和彩霞鬧，心中越發按不下這口毒氣。While the two were teasing each other, Jia Huan could hear them; he had always hated Baoyu, and now, seeing him sport with Caixia, he found the venomous resentment in his heart still harder to contain.雖不敢明言，卻每每暗中算計，只是不得下手，今見相離甚近，便要用熱油燙瞎他的眼睛。Though he dared not say anything openly, he was forever secretly plotting against Baoyu, only without finding an opportunity to act; now that Baoyu was so close, he decided to blind him with hot oil.因而故意裝作失手，把那一盞油汪汪的蜡燈向寶玉臉上只一推。He therefore pretended to lose his grip and thrust the oil-filled candle-lamp straight toward Baoyu’s face.只聽寶玉”噯喲”了一聲，滿屋里眾人都唬了一跳。They heard Baoyu cry, “Ow!” and everyone in the room jumped in fright.連忙將地下的戳燈挪過來，又將里外間屋的燈拿了三四盞看時，只見寶玉滿臉滿頭都是油。They hurriedly moved the floor lamp closer and brought three or four lamps from the inner and outer rooms; when they looked, they saw Baoyu’s face and hair covered in oil.王夫人又急又氣，一面命人來替寶玉擦洗，一面又罵賈環。Lady Wang was both alarmed and angry, ordering people to clean Baoyu while at the same time scolding Jia Huan.鳳姐三步兩步的上炕去替寶玉收拾著，一面笑道：“老三還是這麼慌腳雞似的，我說你上不得高台盤。In two or three quick strides Xifeng mounted the kang to tend to Baoyu, saying with a laugh, “Third Brother is still as flustered as a headless chicken. I have always said you are unfit for respectable company.趙姨娘時常也該教導教導他。”一句話提醒了王夫人，那王夫人不罵賈環，便叫過趙姨娘來罵道：“養出這樣黑心不知道理下流种子來，也不管管！Concubine Zhao ought to teach him some manners from time to time.” This remark reminded Lady Wang, who ceased scolding Jia Huan and summoned Concubine Zhao instead, berating her: “You have bred such a black-hearted, senseless, lowborn creature, and still you do nothing to control him!幾番幾次我都不理論，你們得了意了，越發上來了！”Time and again I have let matters pass without making an issue of them; now you have grown complacent and become more outrageous than ever!”

二人正闹著，原来贾环听的见，素日原恨宝玉，如今又见他和彩霞闹，心中越发按不下这口毒气。虽不敢明言，却每每暗中算计，只是不得下手，今见相离甚近，便要用热油烫瞎他的眼睛。因而故意装作失手，把那一盏油汪汪的蜡灯向宝玉脸上只一推。只听宝玉”嗳哟”了一声，满屋里众人都唬了一跳。连忙将地下的戳灯挪过来，又将里外间屋的灯拿了三四盏看时，只见宝玉满脸满头都是油。王夫人又急又气，一面命人来替宝玉擦洗，一面又骂贾环。凤姐三步两步的上炕去替宝玉收拾著，一面笑道：“老三还是这么慌脚鸡似的，我说你上不得高台盘。赵姨娘时常也该教导教导他。”一句话提醒了王夫人，那王夫人不骂贾环，便叫过赵姨娘来骂道：“养出这样黑心不知道理下流种子来，也不管管！几番几次我都不理论，你们得了意了，越发上来了！”

那趙姨娘素日雖然常怀嫉妒之心，不忿鳳姐寶玉兩個，也不敢露出來，如今賈環又生了事，受這場惡氣，不但吞聲承受，而且還要走去替寶玉收拾。Although Concubine Zhao had always harbored jealousy and resented both Xifeng and Baoyu, she had never dared show it; now that Jia Huan had caused trouble again, she had to swallow this vicious scolding in silence and even go over to help tend Baoyu.只見寶玉左邊臉上燙了一溜燎泡出來，幸而眼睛竟沒動。A row of burn blisters had risen along the left side of Baoyu’s face, though fortunately his eye was entirely unharmed.王夫人看了，又是心疼，又怕明日賈母問怎麼回答，急的又把趙姨娘數落一頓。The sight made Lady Wang heartsick, and she also worried how she could answer Grandmother Jia’s questions the next day; in her distress she gave Concubine Zhao another scolding.然後又安慰了寶玉一回，又命取敗毒消腫藥來敷上。Afterward she comforted Baoyu for a time and ordered that medicine to purge the poison and reduce the swelling be brought and applied.寶玉道：“有些疼，還不妨事。Baoyu said, “It hurts a little, but it is nothing serious.明兒老太太問，就說是我自己燙的罷了。”鳳姐笑道：“便說是自己燙的，也要罵人為什麼不小心看著，叫你燙了！If the Old Lady asks tomorrow, just say that I burned myself.” Xifeng laughed and said, “Even if you say you burned yourself, she will still scold people for failing to watch you carefully and letting you be burned!橫豎有一場氣生的，到明兒憑你怎麼說去罷。”王夫人命人好生送了寶玉回房去後，襲人等見了，都慌的了不得。There is bound to be a fit of anger one way or another; tomorrow you may explain it however you please.” After Lady Wang had Baoyu carefully escorted back to his room, Xiren and the others were thrown into a terrible panic at the sight of him.

那赵姨娘素日虽然常怀嫉妒之心，不忿凤姐宝玉两个，也不敢露出来，如今贾环又生了事，受这场恶气，不但吞声承受，而且还要走去替宝玉收拾。只见宝玉左边脸上烫了一溜燎泡出来，幸而眼睛竟没动。王夫人看了，又是心疼，又怕明日贾母问怎么回答，急的又把赵姨娘数落一顿。然后又安慰了宝玉一回，又命取败毒消肿药来敷上。宝玉道：“有些疼，还不妨事。明儿老太太问，就说是我自己烫的罢了。”凤姐笑道：“便说是自己烫的，也要骂人为什么不小心看著，叫你烫了！横竖有一场气生的，到明儿凭你怎么说去罢。”王夫人命人好生送了宝玉回房去后，袭人等见了，都慌的了不得。

林黛玉見寶玉出了一天門，就覺悶悶的，沒個可說話的人。Lin Daiyu had felt gloomy all day while Baoyu was away, having no one with whom she could talk.至晚正打發人來問了兩三遍回來不曾，這遍方才回來，又偏生燙了。By evening she had already sent two or three times to ask whether he had returned; now at last he had come back, only to have suffered a burn as well.林黛玉便赶著來瞧，只見寶玉正拿鏡子照呢，左邊臉上滿滿的敷了一臉的藥。Lin Daiyu hurried over to see him and found Baoyu looking in a mirror, the whole left side of his face thickly covered with medicine.林黛玉只當燙的十分利害，忙上來問怎麼燙了，要瞧瞧。Thinking the burn was very severe, Lin Daiyu rushed forward to ask how it had happened and wanted to inspect it.寶玉見他來了，忙把臉遮著，搖手叫他出去，不肯叫他看。——知道他的癖性喜洁，見不得這些東西。When Baoyu saw her come, he quickly covered his face, waved her away, and refused to let her look—for he knew her fastidious love of cleanliness and that she could not bear the sight of such things.林黛玉自己也知道自己也有這件癖性，知道寶玉的心內怕他嫌髒，因笑道：“我瞧瞧燙了那里了，有什麼遮著藏著的。”一面說一面就湊上來，強搬著脖子瞧了一瞧，問他疼的怎麼樣。Lin Daiyu herself knew she had this foible, and understood that Baoyu feared she would find it filthy, so she smiled and said, “Let me see where you were burned. Why hide it so?” As she spoke, she leaned close, forcibly turned his neck to take a look, and asked how badly it hurt.寶玉道：“也不很疼，養一兩日就好了。”林黛玉坐了一回，悶悶的回房去了。Baoyu said, “It does not hurt very much; a day or two of rest will set it right.” Lin Daiyu sat for a while, then returned gloomily to her room.一宿無話。Nothing occurred during the night.次日，寶玉見了賈母，雖然自己承認是自己燙的，不與別人相干，免不得那賈母又把跟從的人罵一頓。The next day, when Baoyu saw Grandmother Jia, he insisted that he had burned himself and that no one else was to blame; nevertheless, Grandmother Jia could not refrain from scolding his attendants.過了一日，就有寶玉寄名的乾娘馬道婆進榮國府來請安。The day after that, Daoist Matron Ma, Baoyu’s godmother in name, came to Rongguo House to pay her respects.見了寶玉，唬一大跳，問起原由，說是燙的，便點頭歎息一回，向寶玉臉上用指頭畫了一畫，口內嘟嘟囔囔的又持誦了一回，說道：“管保就好了，這不過是一時飛災。”又向賈母道：“祖宗老菩薩那里知道，那經典佛法上說的利害，大凡那王公卿相人家的子弟，只一生長下來，暗里便有許多促狹鬼跟著他，得空便擰他一下，或掐他一下，或吃飯時打下他的飯碗來，或走著推他一跤，所以往往的那些大家子孫多有長不大的。”賈母聽如此說，便赶著問：“這有什麼佛法解釋沒有呢？”馬道婆道：“這個容易，只是替他多作些因果善事也就罷了。When she saw Baoyu, she started violently and asked what had happened; on being told that he had been burned, she nodded and sighed for a while, traced something over his face with her finger, and muttered an incantation before saying, “I guarantee it will soon heal; this was merely a sudden, passing calamity.” Then she said to Grandmother Jia, “Venerable ancestress and living bodhisattva, little do you know how grave the scriptures say these things are. Whenever a son is born into the household of a prince, duke, minister, or great lord, a host of mischievous ghosts secretly begins following him; whenever they find an opening, they twist or pinch him, knock the bowl from his hand while he eats, or trip him as he walks. That is why so many children of great families fail to grow to adulthood.” Hearing this, Grandmother Jia hastened to ask, “Is there no Buddhist means of averting it?” Daoist Matron Ma replied, “That is easy enough: one need only perform more meritorious and charitable works on his behalf.再那經上還說，西方有位大光明普照菩薩，專管照耀陰暗邪祟，若有善男子善女子虔心供奉者，可以永佑兒孫康宁安靜，再無驚恐邪祟撞客之災。”賈母道：“倒不知怎麼個供奉這位菩薩？”馬道婆道：“也不值些什麼，不過除香燭供養之外，一天多添幾斤香油，點上個大海燈。Moreover, the sutras say that in the Western Paradise there is a Bodhisattva of Great Radiance and Universal Illumination, whose particular charge is to shine upon darkness and evil spirits. If a good man or woman worships this bodhisattva with a devout heart, their children and grandchildren may forever be kept healthy and at peace, free from fright, evil spirits, and demonic possession.” Grandmother Jia asked, “But how is this bodhisattva to be worshipped?” Daoist Matron Ma replied, “It costs very little. Besides offerings of incense and candles, one merely adds several catties of lamp oil each day and keeps a great sea-lamp burning.這海燈，便是菩薩現身法像，晝夜不敢息的。”賈母道：“一天一夜也得多少油？This sea-lamp is the visible manifestation of the bodhisattva and must never be allowed to go out, day or night.” Grandmother Jia asked, “How much oil would it consume in one day and night?明白告訴我，我也好作這件功德的。”馬道婆聽如此說，便笑道：“這也不拘，隨施主菩薩們隨心願舍罷了。Tell me plainly, so that I too may perform this meritorious deed.” Hearing this, Daoist Matron Ma smiled and said, “There is no fixed amount; patrons and living bodhisattvas may give whatever their hearts desire.象我們廟里，就有好幾處的王妃誥命供奉的：南安郡王府里的太妃，他許的多，願心大，一天是四十八斤油，一斤燈草，那海燈也只比缸略小些，錦田侯的誥命次一等，一天不過二十四斤油，再還有幾家也有五斤的，三斤的，一斤的，都不拘數。At our temple, several princesses and titled ladies maintain such offerings. The Dowager Princess of Nan’an Commandery has made the greatest vow and gives forty-eight catties of oil and one catty of lampwick each day; her sea-lamp is only a little smaller than a great vat. The titled lady of the Marquis of Jintian ranks next and gives only twenty-four catties of oil a day. Several other households give five catties, three catties, or one catty—the amount does not matter.那小家子窮人家舍不起這些，就是四兩半斤，也少不得替他點。”賈母聽了，點頭思忖。For poor families that cannot afford so much, we still light one for them even if they give only four ounces or half a catty.” Grandmother Jia listened, nodding thoughtfully.馬道婆又道：“還有一件，若是為父母尊親長上的，多舍些不妨，若是象老祖宗如今為寶玉，若舍多了倒不好，還怕哥兒禁不起，倒折了福。Daoist Matron Ma continued, “There is one more consideration. When the offering is made for parents or other honored elders, there is no harm in giving more; but since the venerable ancestress is making it for Baoyu, too large an offering would be inadvisable. I fear the young master might not be able to bear such merit and might instead have his blessings diminished.也不當家花花的，要舍，大則七斤，小則五斤，也就是了。”賈母說：“既是這樣說，你便一日五斤合准了，每月打躉來關了去。”馬道婆念了一聲”阿彌陀佛慈悲大菩薩”。There is no need to squander the household’s money. If you wish to give, seven catties at most or five at least will suffice.” Grandmother Jia said, “Since that is so, settle it at five catties a day, and collect the whole month’s supply in one lot.” Daoist Matron Ma intoned, “Amitabha, merciful great bodhisattva.”賈母又命人來吩咐：“以後大凡寶玉出門的日子，拿幾串錢交給他的小子們帶著，遇見僧道窮苦人好舍。”Grandmother Jia then had orders given that whenever Baoyu went out, several strings of cash were to be given to his pages to carry, so that they might bestow alms whenever they encountered poor monks, Daoists, or beggars.

林黛玉见宝玉出了一天门，就觉闷闷的，没个可说话的人。至晚正打发人来问了两三遍回来不曾，这遍方才回来，又偏生烫了。林黛玉便赶著来瞧，只见宝玉正拿镜子照呢，左边脸上满满的敷了一脸的药。林黛玉只当烫的十分利害，忙上来问怎么烫了，要瞧瞧。宝玉见他来了，忙把脸遮著，摇手叫他出去，不肯叫他看。——知道他的癖性喜洁，见不得这些东西。林黛玉自己也知道自己也有这件癖性，知道宝玉的心内怕他嫌脏，因笑道：“我瞧瞧烫了那里了，有什么遮著藏著的。”一面说一面就凑上来，强搬著脖子瞧了一瞧，问他疼的怎么样。宝玉道：“也不很疼，养一两日就好了。”林黛玉坐了一回，闷闷的回房去了。一宿无话。次日，宝玉见了贾母，虽然自己承认是自己烫的，不与别人相干，免不得那贾母又把跟从的人骂一顿。过了一日，就有宝玉寄名的干娘马道婆进荣国府来请安。见了宝玉，唬一大跳，问起原由，说是烫的，便点头叹息一回，向宝玉脸上用指头画了一画，口内嘟嘟囔囔的又持诵了一回，说道：“管保就好了，这不过是一时飞灾。”又向贾母道：“祖宗老菩萨那里知道，那经典佛法上说的利害，大凡那王公卿相人家的子弟，只一生长下来，暗里便有许多促狭鬼跟著他，得空便拧他一下，或掐他一下，或吃饭时打下他的饭碗来，或走著推他一跤，所以往往的那些大家子孙多有长不大的。”贾母听如此说，便赶著问：“这有什么佛法解释没有呢？”马道婆道：“这个容易，只是替他多作些因果善事也就罢了。再那经上还说，西方有位大光明普照菩萨，专管照耀阴暗邪祟，若有善男子善女子虔心供奉者，可以永佑儿孙康宁安静，再无惊恐邪祟撞客之灾。”贾母道：“倒不知怎么个供奉这位菩萨？”马道婆道：“也不值些什么，不过除香烛供养之外，一天多添几斤香油，点上个大海灯。这海灯，便是菩萨现身法像，昼夜不敢息的。”贾母道：“一天一夜也得多少油？明白告诉我，我也好作这件功德的。”马道婆听如此说，便笑道：“这也不拘，随施主菩萨们随心愿舍罢了。象我们庙里，就有好几处的王妃诰命供奉的：南安郡王府里的太妃，他许的多，愿心大，一天是四十八斤油，一斤灯草，那海灯也只比缸略小些，锦田侯的诰命次一等，一天不过二十四斤油，再还有几家也有五斤的，三斤的，一斤的，都不拘数。那小家子穷人家舍不起这些，就是四两半斤，也少不得替他点。”贾母听了，点头思忖。马道婆又道：“还有一件，若是为父母尊亲长上的，多舍些不妨，若是象老祖宗如今为宝玉，若舍多了倒不好，还怕哥儿禁不起，倒折了福。也不当家花花的，要舍，大则七斤，小则五斤，也就是了。”贾母说：“既是这样说，你便一日五斤合准了，每月打趸来关了去。”马道婆念了一声”阿弥陀佛慈悲大菩萨”。贾母又命人来吩咐：“以后大凡宝玉出门的日子，拿几串钱交给他的小子们带著，遇见僧道穷苦人好舍。”

說畢，那馬道婆又坐了一回，便又往各院各房問安，閒逛了一回。This settled, Daoist Matron Ma sat a while longer, then went around paying her respects in the various courtyards and rooms and idling about for a time.一時來至趙姨娘房內，二人見過，趙姨娘命小丫頭倒了茶來與他吃。Presently she came to Concubine Zhao’s room; after they had exchanged greetings, Concubine Zhao ordered a young maid to pour her some tea.馬道婆因見炕上堆著些零碎綢緞灣角，趙姨娘正粘鞋呢。Daoist Matron Ma noticed a heap of scraps and curved offcuts of silk and satin on the kang, from which Concubine Zhao was pasting together shoes.馬道婆道：“可是我正沒了鞋面子了。Daoist Matron Ma said, “As it happens, I have just run out of material for shoe uppers.趙奶奶你有零碎緞子，不拘什麼顏色的，弄一雙鞋面給我。”趙姨娘聽說，便歎口氣說道：“你瞧瞧那里頭，還有那一塊是成樣的？Madam Zhao, since you have scraps of satin, could you make me a pair of uppers, no matter what the color?” Concubine Zhao sighed and said, “Look through them yourself—is there a single decent piece in the lot?成了樣的東西，也不能到我手里來！Anything fit to be used would never find its way into my hands!有的沒的都在這里，你不嫌，就挑兩塊子去。”馬道婆見說，果真便挑了兩塊袖將起來。What little there is, good or bad, is all here; if you do not mind, choose two pieces and take them.” At this, Daoist Matron Ma really did choose two pieces and tuck them into her sleeve.

说毕，那马道婆又坐了一回，便又往各院各房问安，闲逛了一回。一时来至赵姨娘房内，二人见过，赵姨娘命小丫头倒了茶来与他吃。马道婆因见炕上堆著些零碎绸缎湾角，赵姨娘正粘鞋呢。马道婆道：“可是我正没了鞋面子了。赵奶奶你有零碎缎子，不拘什么颜色的，弄一双鞋面给我。”赵姨娘听说，便叹口气说道：“你瞧瞧那里头，还有那一块是成样的？成了样的东西，也不能到我手里来！有的没的都在这里，你不嫌，就挑两块子去。”马道婆见说，果真便挑了两块袖将起来。

趙姨娘問道：“前日我送了五百錢去，在藥王跟前上供，你可收了沒有？”馬道婆道：“早已替你上了供了。”趙姨娘歎口氣道：“阿彌陀佛！Concubine Zhao asked, “The other day I sent five hundred cash as an offering before the Medicine King. Did you receive it?” Daoist Matron Ma replied, “I made the offering for you long ago.” Concubine Zhao sighed, “Amitabha!我手里但凡從容些，也時常的上個供，只是心有余力量不足。”馬道婆道：“你只管放心，將來熬的環哥兒大了，得個一官半職，那時你要作多大的功德不能？”趙姨娘聽說，鼻子里笑了一聲，說道：“罷，罷，再別說起。If I ever had a little money to spare, I too would make offerings regularly; but though the will is there, the means are lacking.” Daoist Matron Ma said, “Do not worry. In time, when Brother Huan is grown and obtains some official post, however great a work of merit you wish to perform, will you not be able to afford it?” Concubine Zhao gave a snort of laughter and said, “Enough, enough—say no more.如今就是個樣兒，我們娘兒們跟的上這屋里那一個兒！Even as things stand now, whom in this household can my son and I hope to equal?也不是有了寶玉，竟是得了活龍。With Baoyu here, one would think they had acquired a living dragon.他還是小孩子家，長的得人意兒，大人偏疼他些也還罷了，我只不伏這個主兒。”一面說，一面伸出兩個指頭兒來。He is still a child, and since he is lovable, it would be understandable if the elders doted on him a little; it is this mistress here whom I cannot abide.” As she spoke, she held up two fingers.馬道婆會意，便問道：“可是璉二奶奶？”趙姨娘唬的忙搖手兒，走到門前，掀帘子向外看看無人，方進來向馬道婆悄悄說道：“了不得，了不得！Daoist Matron Ma understood and asked, “You mean Second Mistress Lian?” Terrified, Concubine Zhao hurriedly waved her hand, went to the door, lifted the curtain, and looked outside to make sure no one was there; only then did she return and whisper to Daoist Matron Ma, “It is dreadful—truly dreadful!提起這個主兒，這一分家私要不都叫他搬送到娘家去，我也不是個人。”If that mistress does not end by carrying every bit of this family property off to her own parents’ house, then I am no human being.”

赵姨娘问道：“前日我送了五百钱去，在药王跟前上供，你可收了没有？”马道婆道：“早已替你上了供了。”赵姨娘叹口气道：“阿弥陀佛！我手里但凡从容些，也时常的上个供，只是心有余力量不足。”马道婆道：“你只管放心，将来熬的环哥儿大了，得个一官半职，那时你要作多大的功德不能？”赵姨娘听说，鼻子里笑了一声，说道：“罢，罢，再别说起。如今就是个样儿，我们娘儿们跟的上这屋里那一个儿！也不是有了宝玉，竟是得了活龙。他还是小孩子家，长的得人意儿，大人偏疼他些也还罢了，我只不伏这个主儿。”一面说，一面伸出两个指头儿来。马道婆会意，便问道：“可是琏二奶奶？”赵姨娘唬的忙摇手儿，走到门前，掀帘子向外看看无人，方进来向马道婆悄悄说道：“了不得，了不得！提起这个主儿，这一分家私要不都叫他搬送到娘家去，我也不是个人。”

馬道婆見他如此說，便探他口氣說道：“我還用你說，難道都看不出來。Seeing her speak so, Daoist Matron Ma probed her feelings, saying, “You need not tell me that—do you think no one can see it?也虧你們心里也不理論，只憑他去。It is remarkable that all of you can bear it without protest and simply let her have her way.倒也妙。”趙姨娘道：“我的娘，不憑他去，難道誰還敢把他怎麼樣呢？”馬道婆聽說，鼻子里一笑，半晌說道：“不是我說句造孽的話，你們沒有本事！——也難怪別人。Truly remarkable.” Concubine Zhao said, “Good mother, if we did not let her have her way, who would dare do anything to her?” Daoist Matron Ma gave a snort of laughter and, after a long pause, said, “Forgive me for saying something sinful, but you people have no ability—and can hardly blame anyone else.明不敢怎樣，暗里也就算計了，還等到這如今！”趙姨娘聞聽這話里有道理，心內暗暗的歡喜，便說道：“怎麼暗里算計？Even if you dared do nothing openly, you could have plotted secretly; why wait until now?” Hearing the sense in these words, Concubine Zhao was secretly delighted and said, “How might one plot secretly?我倒有這個意思，只是沒這樣的能干人。I have had such thoughts myself, but I know no one capable of carrying them out.你若教給我這法子，我大大的謝你。”馬道婆聽說這話打攏了一處，便又故意說道：“阿彌陀佛！If you teach me a method, I shall reward you handsomely.” Seeing that their words had at last converged, Daoist Matron Ma deliberately exclaimed, “Amitabha!你快休問我，我那里知道這些事。You must stop asking me—I know nothing of such matters.罪過，罪過。”趙姨娘道：“你又來了。Sinful, sinful!” Concubine Zhao said, “There you go again.你是最肯濟困扶危的人，難道就眼睜睜的看人家來擺布死了我們娘兒兩個不成？You are always the first to aid those in distress and rescue those in danger; can you really stand by and watch others torment my son and me to death?難道還怕我不謝你？”馬道婆聽說如此，便笑道：“若說我不忍叫你娘兒們受人委曲還猶可，若說謝我的這兩個字，可是你錯打算盤了。Or are you afraid I shall fail to reward you?” Hearing this, Daoist Matron Ma smiled and said, “If you say that I cannot bear to see you and your son wronged, that may be true; but if you speak of rewarding me, you have quite miscalculated.就便是我希圖你謝，靠你有些什麼東西能打動我？”趙姨娘聽這話口氣松動了，便說道：“你這麼個明白人，怎麼糊涂起來了。Even if I coveted your reward, what do you possess that could tempt me?” Hearing her tone soften, Concubine Zhao said, “How can such a shrewd person as you suddenly become foolish?你若果然法子靈驗，把他兩個絕了，明日這家私不怕不是我環兒的。If your method truly works and does away with those two, surely all this family property will one day belong to my Huan.那時你要什麼不得？”馬道婆聽了，低了頭，半晌說道：“那時候事情妥了，又無憑据，你還理我呢！”趙姨娘道：“這又何難。Then what could you ask for that I could not give?” Daoist Matron Ma lowered her head and, after a long silence, said, “Once the matter is settled, there will be no written proof, and you may no longer pay me any heed!” Concubine Zhao replied, “That is easily remedied.如今我雖手里沒什麼，也零碎攢了幾兩梯己，還有幾件衣服簪子，你先拿些去。Though I have little at hand now, I have privately saved a few taels in dribs and drabs, as well as several garments and hairpins; you may take some of them first.下剩的，我寫個欠銀子文契給你，你要什麼保人也有，那時我照數給你。”馬道婆道：“果然這樣？”趙姨娘道：“這如何還撒得謊。”說著便叫過一個心腹婆子來，耳根底下嘁嘁喳喳說了幾句話。For the remainder I shall write you a bond acknowledging the debt. You may name whatever guarantor you like, and when the time comes I shall pay you in full.” Daoist Matron Ma asked, “Do you truly mean it?” Concubine Zhao replied, “How could I lie about this?” She then called over a trusted old servant and whispered several words in her ear.那婆子出去了，一時回來，果然寫了個五百兩欠契來。The old woman went out and presently returned with a bond for five hundred taels, just as promised.趙姨娘便印了個手模，走到櫥柜里將梯己拿了出來，與馬道婆看看，道：“這個你先拿了去做香燭供奉使費，可好不好？”馬道婆看看白花花的一堆銀子，又有欠契，并不顧青紅皂白，滿口里應著，伸手先去抓了銀子掖起來，然後收了欠契。Concubine Zhao put her handprint on it, went to the cupboard, took out her private savings, showed them to Daoist Matron Ma, and said, “Take this first to pay for incense, candles, offerings, and expenses; will that do?” Daoist Matron Ma looked at the gleaming heap of silver and the bond, and without caring whether the business was right or wrong eagerly agreed; she reached out, grabbed the silver, and tucked it away before taking the bond.又向褲腰里掏了半晌，掏出十個紙鉸的青面白髮的鬼來，并兩個紙人，遞與趙姨娘，又悄悄的教他道：“把他兩個的年庚八字寫在這兩個紙人身上，一并五個鬼都掖在他們各人的床上就完了。Then, after rummaging at her waistband for some time, she pulled out ten blue-faced, white-haired ghosts cut from paper, together with two paper figures, and handed them to Concubine Zhao, secretly instructing her, “Write the dates and hours of those two people’s births on these paper figures, then hide five ghosts together with each figure in the bed of the person concerned, and it will be done.我只在家里作法，自有效驗。I need only perform the rites at home, and they will surely take effect.千萬小心，不要害怕！”正才說著，只見王夫人的丫鬟進來找道：“奶奶可在這里，太太等你呢。”二人方散了，不在話下。Be exceedingly careful, and do not be afraid!” Just as she finished speaking, one of Lady Wang’s maids came in searching for Concubine Zhao and said, “Madam, are you here? Her Ladyship is waiting for you.” The two then separated, and nothing more need be said of this.

马道婆见他如此说，便探他口气说道：“我还用你说，难道都看不出来。也亏你们心里也不理论，只凭他去。倒也妙。”赵姨娘道：“我的娘，不凭他去，难道谁还敢把他怎么样呢？”马道婆听说，鼻子里一笑，半晌说道：“不是我说句造孽的话，你们没有本事！——也难怪别人。明不敢怎样，暗里也就算计了，还等到这如今！”赵姨娘闻听这话里有道理，心内暗暗的欢喜，便说道：“怎么暗里算计？我倒有这个意思，只是没这样的能干人。你若教给我这法子，我大大的谢你。”马道婆听说这话打拢了一处，便又故意说道：“阿弥陀佛！你快休问我，我那里知道这些事。罪过，罪过。”赵姨娘道：“你又来了。你是最肯济困扶危的人，难道就眼睁睁的看人家来摆布死了我们娘儿两个不成？难道还怕我不谢你？”马道婆听说如此，便笑道：“若说我不忍叫你娘儿们受人委曲还犹可，若说谢我的这两个字，可是你错打算盘了。就便是我希图你谢，靠你有些什么东西能打动我？”赵姨娘听这话口气松动了，便说道：“你这么个明白人，怎么糊涂起来了。你若果然法子灵验，把他两个绝了，明日这家私不怕不是我环儿的。那时你要什么不得？”马道婆听了，低了头，半晌说道：“那时候事情妥了，又无凭据，你还理我呢！”赵姨娘道：“这又何难。如今我虽手里没什么，也零碎攒了几两梯己，还有几件衣服簪子，你先拿些去。下剩的，我写个欠银子文契给你，你要什么保人也有，那时我照数给你。”马道婆道：“果然这样？”赵姨娘道：“这如何还撒得谎。”说著便叫过一个心腹婆子来，耳根底下嘁嘁喳喳说了几句话。那婆子出去了，一时回来，果然写了个五百两欠契来。赵姨娘便印了个手模，走到橱柜里将梯己拿了出来，与马道婆看看，道：“这个你先拿了去做香烛供奉使费，可好不好？”马道婆看看白花花的一堆银子，又有欠契，并不顾青红皂白，满口里应著，伸手先去抓了银子掖起来，然后收了欠契。又向裤腰里掏了半晌，掏出十个纸铰的青面白发的鬼来，并两个纸人，递与赵姨娘，又悄悄的教他道：“把他两个的年庚八字写在这两个纸人身上，一并五个鬼都掖在他们各人的床上就完了。我只在家里作法，自有效验。千万小心，不要害怕！”正才说著，只见王夫人的丫鬟进来找道：“奶奶可在这里，太太等你呢。”二人方散了，不在话下。

卻說林黛玉因見寶玉近日燙了臉，總不出門，倒時常在一處說說話兒。Now, because Baoyu had lately burned his face and seldom went out, Lin Daiyu often spent time with him in conversation.這日飯後看了兩篇書，自覺無趣，便同紫鵑雪雁做了一回針線，更覺煩悶。One day after dinner she read a couple of chapters, but found them dull; she then did needlework for a while with Zijuan and Xueyan, only to feel more vexed than before.便倚著房門出了一回神，信步出來，看階下新迸出的稚筍，不覺出了院門。She leaned against the doorway and stared abstractedly for a time, then wandered outside; as she looked at the tender bamboo shoots newly breaking through below the steps, she unconsciously passed out through the courtyard gate.一望園中，四顧無人，惟見花光柳影，鳥語溪聲。Looking across the garden, she saw no one anywhere—only gleaming flowers and willow shadows, with birdsong and the murmur of the stream.林黛玉信步便往怡紅院中來，只見幾個丫頭舀水，都在回廊上圍著看畫眉洗澡呢。Lin Daiyu strolled toward Happy Red Court and saw several maids who had come to draw water gathered in the covered gallery, watching a thrush bathe.聽見房內有笑聲，林黛玉便入房中看時，原來是李宮裁，鳳姐，寶釵都在這里呢，一見他進來都笑道：“這不又來了一個。”林黛玉笑道：“今兒齊全，誰下帖子請來的？”鳳姐道：“前兒我打發了丫頭送了兩瓶茶葉去，你往那去了？”林黛玉笑道：“哦，可是倒忘了，多謝多謝。”鳳姐兒又道：“你嘗了可還好不好？”沒有說完，寶玉便說道：“論理可倒罷了，只是我說不大甚好，也不知別人嘗著怎麼樣。”寶釵道：“味倒輕，只是顏色不大好些。”鳳姐道：“那是暹羅進貢來的。Hearing laughter inside, Lin Daiyu entered and found Li Gongcai, Xifeng, and Baochai all there; as soon as they saw her, they laughed and said, “Here comes another one.” Lin Daiyu smiled and said, “Everyone is here today—who sent out the invitations?” Xifeng said, “The other day I sent a maid with two jars of tea for you. Where had you gone?” Lin Daiyu laughed and said, “Oh, yes—I quite forgot. Many thanks.” Xifeng asked, “Have you tried it? Was it any good?” Before she had finished, Baoyu said, “Properly speaking, it is passable, but I did not think it especially good; I do not know how others found it.” Baochai said, “The flavor is rather weak, and the color is not very good either.” Xifeng said, “It was tribute from Siam.我嘗著也沒什麼趣兒，還不如我每日吃的呢。”林黛玉道：“我吃著好，不知你們的脾胃是怎樣？”寶玉道：“你果然愛吃，把我這個也拿了去吃罷。”鳳姐笑道：“你要愛吃，我那里還有呢。”林黛玉道：“果真的，我就打發丫頭取去了。”鳳姐道：“不用取去，我打發人送來就是了。I found nothing remarkable in it either; it is not as good as the tea I drink every day.” Lin Daiyu said, “I liked it; I cannot imagine what is wrong with your palates.” Baoyu said, “If you truly like it, take mine as well.” Xifeng laughed and said, “If you like it, I still have some at my place.” Lin Daiyu said, “If you mean it, I shall send a maid to fetch it.” Xifeng replied, “There is no need; I shall have someone deliver it.我明兒還有一件事求你，一同打發人送來。”I also have a favor to ask of you tomorrow, and can send word about it at the same time.”

却说林黛玉因见宝玉近日烫了脸，总不出门，倒时常在一处说说话儿。这日饭后看了两篇书，自觉无趣，便同紫鹃雪雁做了一回针线，更觉烦闷。便倚著房门出了一回神，信步出来，看阶下新迸出的稚笋，不觉出了院门。一望园中，四顾无人，惟见花光柳影，鸟语溪声。林黛玉信步便往怡红院中来，只见几个丫头舀水，都在回廊上围著看画眉洗澡呢。听见房内有笑声，林黛玉便入房中看时，原来是李宫裁，凤姐，宝钗都在这里呢，一见他进来都笑道：“这不又来了一个。”林黛玉笑道：“今儿齐全，谁下帖子请来的？”凤姐道：“前儿我打发了丫头送了两瓶茶叶去，你往那去了？”林黛玉笑道：“哦，可是倒忘了，多谢多谢。”凤姐儿又道：“你尝了可还好不好？”没有说完，宝玉便说道：“论理可倒罢了，只是我说不大甚好，也不知别人尝著怎么样。”宝钗道：“味倒轻，只是颜色不大好些。”凤姐道：“那是暹罗进贡来的。我尝著也没什么趣儿，还不如我每日吃的呢。”林黛玉道：“我吃著好，不知你们的脾胃是怎样？”宝玉道：“你果然爱吃，把我这个也拿了去吃罢。”凤姐笑道：“你要爱吃，我那里还有呢。”林黛玉道：“果真的，我就打发丫头取去了。”凤姐道：“不用取去，我打发人送来就是了。我明儿还有一件事求你，一同打发人送来。”

林黛玉聽了笑道：“你們聽聽，這是吃了他們家一點子茶葉，就來使喚人了。”鳳姐笑道：“倒求你，你倒說這些閒話，吃茶吃水的。Hearing this, Lin Daiyu laughed and said, “Listen to her! The moment one drinks a little of their tea, she starts ordering one about.” Xifeng laughed and replied, “I am asking you a favor, yet you chatter on about tea and water.你既吃了我們家的茶，怎麼還不給我們家作媳婦？”眾人聽了一齊都笑起來。Since you have drunk our family’s tea, why have you still not become our family’s daughter-in-law?” Everyone burst out laughing.林黛玉紅了臉，一聲兒不言語，便回過頭去了。Lin Daiyu blushed and, without saying a word, turned her head away.李宮裁笑向寶釵道：“真真我們二嬸子的詼諧是好的。”林黛玉道：“什麼詼諧，不過是貧嘴賤舌討人厭惡罷了。”說著便啐了一口。Li Gongcai smiled at Baochai and said, “Our Second Sister-in-law truly has a fine wit.” Lin Daiyu said, “What wit? She merely has a glib, vulgar tongue that makes people detest her.” With that, she spat disdainfully.鳳姐笑道：“你別作夢！Fengjie laughed. “Don’t dream such nonsense!你給我們家作了媳婦，少什麼？”指寶玉道：“你瞧瞧，人物兒，門第配不上，根基配不上，家私配不上？If you married into our family, what could you possibly lack?” Pointing at Baoyu, she went on, “Just look at him: are his looks unworthy of you, or his family, his upbringing, or his fortune?那一點還玷辱了誰呢？”In what respect would the match disgrace anyone?”

林黛玉听了笑道：“你们听听，这是吃了他们家一点子茶叶，就来使唤人了。”凤姐笑道：“倒求你，你倒说这些闲话，吃茶吃水的。你既吃了我们家的茶，怎么还不给我们家作媳妇？”众人听了一齐都笑起来。林黛玉红了脸，一声儿不言语，便回过头去了。李宫裁笑向宝钗道：“真真我们二婶子的诙谐是好的。”林黛玉道：“什么诙谐，不过是贫嘴贱舌讨人厌恶罢了。”说著便啐了一口。凤姐笑道：“你别作梦！你给我们家作了媳妇，少什么？”指宝玉道：“你瞧瞧，人物儿，门第配不上，根基配不上，家私配不上？那一点还玷辱了谁呢？”

林黛玉抬身就走。Lin Daiyu rose and made to leave.寶釵便叫：“顰兒急了，還不回來坐著。Baochai called after her, “Pin’er has taken offense! Come back and sit down.走了倒沒意思。”說著便站起來拉住。It will spoil the fun if you leave.” As she spoke, she stood up and caught hold of her.剛至房門前，只見趙姨娘和周姨娘兩個人進來瞧寶玉。They had just reached the doorway when Concubine Zhao and Concubine Zhou came in to see Baoyu.李宮裁，寶釵寶玉等都讓他兩個坐。Li Gongcai, Baochai, Baoyu, and the others all invited the two women to sit down.獨鳳姐只和林黛玉說笑，正眼也不看他們。Fengjie alone went on laughing and talking with Lin Daiyu, without so much as looking directly at them.寶釵方欲說話時，只見王夫人房內的丫頭來說：“舅太太來了，請奶奶姑娘們出去呢。”李宮裁聽了，連忙叫著鳳姐等走了。Just as Baochai was about to speak, a maid from Lady Wang’s apartments came in and said, “The maternal aunt has arrived and asks the young mistresses and young ladies to come out.” On hearing this, Li Gongcai hurriedly called Fengjie and the others away.趙，周兩個忙辭了寶玉出去。Concubines Zhao and Zhou hastily took their leave of Baoyu and went out.寶玉道：“我也不能出去，你們好歹別叫舅母進來。”又道：“林妹妹，你先略站一站，我說一句話。”鳳姐聽了，回頭向林黛玉笑道：“有人叫你說話呢。”說著便把林黛玉往里一推，和李紈一同去了。Baoyu said, “I cannot go out myself, but whatever you do, don’t let Aunt come in here.” Then he added, “Cousin Lin, stay a moment; I have something to say to you.” Hearing this, Fengjie turned and said to Lin Daiyu with a smile, “Someone wants to speak to you.” With that, she pushed Lin Daiyu back inside and left with Li Wan.

林黛玉抬身就走。宝钗便叫：“颦儿急了，还不回来坐著。走了倒没意思。”说著便站起来拉住。刚至房门前，只见赵姨娘和周姨娘两个人进来瞧宝玉。李宫裁，宝钗宝玉等都让他两个坐。独凤姐只和林黛玉说笑，正眼也不看他们。宝钗方欲说话时，只见王夫人房内的丫头来说：“舅太太来了，请奶奶姑娘们出去呢。”李宫裁听了，连忙叫著凤姐等走了。赵，周两个忙辞了宝玉出去。宝玉道：“我也不能出去，你们好歹别叫舅母进来。”又道：“林妹妹，你先略站一站，我说一句话。”凤姐听了，回头向林黛玉笑道：“有人叫你说话呢。”说著便把林黛玉往里一推，和李纨一同去了。

這里寶玉拉著林黛玉的袖子，只是嘻嘻的笑，心里有話，只是口里說不出來。Baoyu caught Lin Daiyu by the sleeve and merely stood there grinning; something was in his heart, but he could not bring himself to say it.此時林黛玉只是禁不住把臉紅漲了，掙著要走。Lin Daiyu could not keep her face from flushing crimson and struggled to get away.寶玉忽然”噯喲”了一聲，說：“好頭疼！”林黛玉道：“該，阿彌陀佛！”只見寶玉大叫一聲：“我要死！”將身一縱，離地跳有三四尺高，口內亂嚷亂叫，說起胡話來了。Suddenly Baoyu cried, “Aiyo!” and said, “What a terrible headache!” Lin Daiyu replied, “It serves you right—Amitabha!” Then Baoyu gave a great shout: “I’m dying!” He sprang three or four feet off the ground and began yelling wildly and raving incoherently.林黛玉并丫頭們都唬慌了，忙去報知王夫人，賈母等。Lin Daiyu and the maids were terrified and flustered, and hurried to inform Lady Wang, Grandmother Jia, and the others.此時王子騰的夫人也在這里，都一齊來時，寶玉益發拿刀弄杖，尋死覓活的，鬧得天翻地覆。Lady Wang’s sister-in-law, the wife of Wang Ziteng, was also there at the time; when they all arrived together, Baoyu became more frantic still, brandishing knives and sticks and threatening to kill himself, until the whole place was turned upside down.賈母，王夫人見了，唬的抖衣而顫，且“兒”一聲“肉”一聲放聲慟哭。At the sight, Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang trembled so violently that their clothes shook, and wailed aloud, crying “My child!” and “My own flesh!”於是驚動諸人，連賈赦，邢夫人，賈珍，賈政，賈璉，賈蓉，賈芸，賈萍，薛姨媽，薛蟠并周瑞家的一干家中上上下下里里外外眾媳婦丫頭等，都來園內看視。The commotion alarmed everyone: Jia She, Lady Xing, Jia Zhen, Jia Zheng, Jia Lian, Jia Rong, Jia Yun, Jia Ping, Aunt Xue, Xue Pan, Zhou Rui’s wife, and the entire household—high and low, indoors and out, married servants and maids alike—all came into the Garden to see what was happening.登時園內亂麻一般。In an instant the Garden was in utter chaos.正沒個主見，只見鳳姐手持一把明晃晃鋼刀砍進園來，見雞殺雞，見狗殺狗，見人就要殺人。While no one knew what to do, Fengjie suddenly charged into the Garden holding a gleaming steel knife, slashing at every chicken she saw, every dog she saw, and trying to kill every person she met.眾人越發慌了。Everyone grew more panic-stricken than ever.周瑞媳婦忙帶著幾個有力量的膽壯的婆娘上去抱住，奪下刀來，抬回房去。Zhou Rui’s wife hurriedly led several strong and courageous matrons forward; they seized Fengjie, wrested the knife away, and carried her back to her room.平兒，丰兒等哭的淚天淚地。Ping’er, Feng’er, and the others wept as though heaven and earth themselves were drowned in tears.賈政等心中也有些煩難，顧了這里，丟不下那里。Jia Zheng and the others were greatly troubled too: attending to the one, they could not abandon the other.

这里宝玉拉著林黛玉的袖子，只是嘻嘻的笑，心里有话，只是口里说不出来。此时林黛玉只是禁不住把脸红涨了，挣著要走。宝玉忽然”嗳哟”了一声，说：“好头疼！”林黛玉道：“该，阿弥陀佛！”只见宝玉大叫一声：“我要死！”将身一纵，离地跳有三四尺高，口内乱嚷乱叫，说起胡话来了。林黛玉并丫头们都唬慌了，忙去报知王夫人，贾母等。此时王子腾的夫人也在这里，都一齐来时，宝玉益发拿刀弄杖，寻死觅活的，闹得天翻地覆。贾母，王夫人见了，唬的抖衣而颤，且“儿”一声“肉”一声放声恸哭。于是惊动诸人，连贾赦，邢夫人，贾珍，贾政，贾琏，贾蓉，贾芸，贾萍，薛姨妈，薛蟠并周瑞家的一干家中上上下下里里外外众媳妇丫头等，都来园内看视。登时园内乱麻一般。正没个主见，只见凤姐手持一把明晃晃钢刀砍进园来，见鸡杀鸡，见狗杀狗，见人就要杀人。众人越发慌了。周瑞媳妇忙带著几个有力量的胆壮的婆娘上去抱住，夺下刀来，抬回房去。平儿，丰儿等哭的泪天泪地。贾政等心中也有些烦难，顾了这里，丢不下那里。

別人慌張自不必講，獨有薛蟠更比諸人忙到十分去：又恐薛姨媽被人擠倒，又恐薛寶釵被人瞧見，又恐香菱被人臊皮，——知道賈珍等是在女人身上做功夫的，因此忙的不堪。The panic of the others need not be described, but Xue Pan alone was busier than any of them: now fearing that Aunt Xue might be knocked down in the crush, now that someone might catch sight of Xue Baochai, and now that Xiangling might be molested—for he knew that Jia Zhen and his sort made a particular pursuit of women—until he was quite overwhelmed.忽一眼瞥見了林黛玉風流婉轉，已酥倒在那里。Then suddenly he caught sight of Lin Daiyu, so graceful and captivating, and fairly melted where he stood.

别人慌张自不必讲，独有薛蟠更比诸人忙到十分去：又恐薛姨妈被人挤倒，又恐薛宝钗被人瞧见，又恐香菱被人臊皮，——知道贾珍等是在女人身上做功夫的，因此忙的不堪。忽一眼瞥见了林黛玉风流婉转，已酥倒在那里。

當下眾人七言八語，有的說請端公送祟的，有的說請巫婆跳神的，有的又荐玉皇閣的張真人，种种喧騰不一。Everyone now talked at once: some proposed inviting an exorcist to drive out the demons, others a witch to perform a spirit-dance, and still others recommended Perfected Zhang of the Jade Emperor Pavilion; amid the uproar, no two suggestions agreed.也曾百般醫治祈禱，問卜求神，總無效驗。Every kind of treatment and prayer was tried, divinations were made and gods invoked, but all to no effect.堪堪日落。The sun was already close to setting.王子騰夫人告辭去後，次日王子騰也來瞧問。After Wang Ziteng’s wife had taken her leave, Wang Ziteng himself came the next day to inquire after them.接著小史侯家，邢夫人弟兄輩并各親戚眷屬都來瞧看，也有送符水的，也有荐僧道的，總不見效。Then members of the family of the Junior Marquis of Historiography, Lady Xing’s brothers, and their various relatives and dependents all came to visit; some brought talisman-water, others recommended Buddhist or Daoist priests, but nothing had any effect.他叔嫂二人愈發糊涂，不省人事，睡在床上，渾身火炭一般，口內無般不說。The two of them, Fengjie and Baoyu, grew more delirious than ever and lost consciousness; they lay in bed with bodies burning like live coals, uttering every conceivable kind of nonsense.到夜晚間，那些婆娘媳婦丫頭們都不敢上前。By nightfall, none of the matrons, married servants, or maids dared approach them.因此把他二人都抬到王夫人的上房內，夜間派了賈芸帶著小廝們挨次輪班看守。They were therefore both carried into Lady Wang’s principal apartments, and at night Jia Yun was assigned to lead the pageboys in keeping watch by turns.賈母，王夫人，邢夫人薛姨媽等寸地不離，只圍著干哭。Grandmother Jia, Lady Wang, Lady Xing, Aunt Xue, and the others never moved an inch away, but stood around them weeping helplessly.

当下众人七言八语，有的说请端公送祟的，有的说请巫婆跳神的，有的又荐玉皇阁的张真人，种种喧腾不一。也曾百般医治祈祷，问卜求神，总无效验。堪堪日落。王子腾夫人告辞去后，次日王子腾也来瞧问。接著小史侯家，邢夫人弟兄辈并各亲戚眷属都来瞧看，也有送符水的，也有荐僧道的，总不见效。他叔嫂二人愈发糊涂，不省人事，睡在床上，浑身火炭一般，口内无般不说。到夜晚间，那些婆娘媳妇丫头们都不敢上前。因此把他二人都抬到王夫人的上房内，夜间派了贾芸带著小厮们挨次轮班看守。贾母，王夫人，邢夫人薛姨妈等寸地不离，只围著干哭。

此時賈赦，賈政又恐哭坏了賈母，日夜熬油費火，鬧的人口不安，也都沒了主意。Jia She and Jia Zheng, afraid that grief would ruin Grandmother Jia’s health, kept lamps burning day and night; the household was in continual turmoil, and they too were wholly at a loss.賈赦還各處去尋僧覓道。Jia She continued searching everywhere for Buddhist and Daoist adepts.賈政見不靈效，著實懊惱，因阻賈赦道：“兒女之數，皆由天命，非人力可強者。Seeing that none of it had any effect, Jia Zheng became deeply distressed and tried to stop Jia She, saying, “The fate of our children is ordained by Heaven and cannot be forced by human effort.他二人之病出于不意，百般醫治不效，想天意該如此，也只好由他們去罷。”賈赦也不理此話，仍是百般忙亂，那里見些效驗。Their illnesses came without warning, and every treatment has failed; Heaven’s will must be that it should happen so, and we can only leave them to it.” Jia She ignored him and continued rushing about trying everything, but not the slightest result was seen.看看三日光陰，那鳳姐和寶玉躺在床上，亦發連氣都將沒了。By the time nearly three days had passed, Fengjie and Baoyu lay on their beds with scarcely any breath remaining.合家人口無不驚慌，都說沒了指望，忙著將他二人的後世的衣履都治備下了。Everyone in the family was panic-stricken and declared that there was no longer any hope; they hurriedly prepared the clothes and shoes in which the two were to be buried.賈母，王夫人，賈璉，平兒，襲人這幾個人更比諸人哭的忘餐廢寢，覓死尋活。Grandmother Jia, Lady Wang, Jia Lian, Ping’er, and Xiren wept even more desperately than the others, forgetting food and sleep and threatening to take their own lives.趙姨娘，賈環等自是稱願。Concubine Zhao, Jia Huan, and the others were naturally well pleased.到了第四日早晨，賈母等正圍著寶玉哭時，只見寶玉睜開眼說道：“從今以後，我可不在你家了！On the morning of the fourth day, as Grandmother Jia and the others stood weeping around Baoyu, he suddenly opened his eyes and said, “From now on, I shall no longer remain in your house!快收拾了，打發我走罷。”賈母聽了這話，如同摘心去肝一般。Hurry and make ready, and send me away.” These words tore at Grandmother Jia as though her heart and liver were being ripped out.趙姨娘在旁勸道：“老太太也不必過于悲痛。Concubine Zhao, standing nearby, tried to console her: “You need not grieve so excessively, Old Lady.哥兒已是不中用了，不如把哥兒的衣服穿好，讓他早些回去，也免些苦，只管舍不得他，這口氣不斷，他在那世里也受罪不安生。”這些話沒說完，被賈母照臉啐了一口唾沫，罵道：“爛了舌頭的混帳老婆，誰叫你來多嘴多舌的！The young master is already beyond saving. You had better dress him properly and let him go back sooner, so that he may suffer less. If you cling to him and refuse to let him go, this last breath will not leave him, and in the other world he too will suffer and find no peace.” Before she could finish, Grandmother Jia spat full in her face and cursed, “You muddle-headed hag with the rotten tongue! Who asked you to come here wagging it?你怎麼知道他在那世里受罪不安生？How do you know he is suffering and finding no peace in the other world?怎麼見得不中用了？What makes you think he is beyond saving?你願他死了，有什麼好處？What good would his death do you?你別做夢！Don’t dream of it!他死了，我只和你們要命。If he dies, I shall demand your lives in return.素日都不是你們調唆著逼他寫字念書，把膽子唬破了，見了他老子不象個避貓鼠兒？Was it not always you people who egged his father on to force him to write and study, frightening him out of his wits until, whenever he saw his father, he looked like a mouse hiding from a cat?都不是你們這起淫婦調唆的！Was it not all at the instigation of you wanton hussies?這會子逼死了，你們遂了心，我饒那一個！”一面罵，一面哭。Now that you have hounded him to death, you think you will have your way—but I shall spare not one of you!” She cursed and wept at the same time.賈政在旁聽見這些話，心里越發難過，便喝退趙姨娘，自己上來委婉解勸。Hearing this from where he stood, Jia Zheng felt more distressed than ever; he ordered Concubine Zhao away, then stepped forward himself and gently tried to console Grandmother Jia.一時又有人來回說：“兩口棺槨都做齊了，請老爺出去看。”賈母聽了，如火上澆油一般，便罵：“是誰做了棺槨？”一疊聲只叫把做棺材的拉來打死。Presently someone else came to report, “Both coffins are finished; would Master please come out and inspect them?” Hearing this was like pouring oil on Grandmother Jia’s fire, and she cried, “Who had the coffins made?” Again and again she ordered that the coffin-makers be dragged in and beaten to death.正鬧的天翻地覆，沒個開交，只聞得隱隱的木魚聲響，念了一句：“南無解冤孽菩薩。While the uproar was at its height and showed no sign of ending, the faint sound of a wooden prayer-block was heard, followed by the chant: “Homage to the Bodhisattva Who Releases Karmic Enmities.有那人口不利，家宅顛傾，或逢凶險，或中邪祟者，我們善能醫治。”賈母，王夫人聽見這些話，那里還耐得住，便命人去快請進來。If misfortune afflicts your household, your home is thrown into disorder, you encounter danger, or evil spirits possess you, we are skilled at effecting a cure.” When Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang heard these words, they could restrain themselves no longer and ordered someone to invite the speakers in at once.賈政雖不自在，奈賈母之言如何違拗，想如此深宅，何得聽的這樣真切，心中亦希罕，命人請了進來。Though Jia Zheng felt uncomfortable about it, he could hardly oppose Grandmother Jia; moreover, he wondered how the words could have been heard so distinctly within so deep and secluded a mansion, and, finding it strange, ordered that the speakers be admitted.眾人舉目看時，原來是一個癩頭和尚與一個跛足道人。When everyone looked up, they saw that the newcomers were a scabby-headed monk and a lame Daoist.見那和尚是怎的模樣：And what was the monk’s appearance?

此时贾赦，贾政又恐哭坏了贾母，日夜熬油费火，闹的人口不安，也都没了主意。贾赦还各处去寻僧觅道。贾政见不灵效，著实懊恼，因阻贾赦道：“儿女之数，皆由天命，非人力可强者。他二人之病出于不意，百般医治不效，想天意该如此，也只好由他们去罢。”贾赦也不理此话，仍是百般忙乱，那里见些效验。看看三日光阴，那凤姐和宝玉躺在床上，亦发连气都将没了。合家人口无不惊慌，都说没了指望，忙著将他二人的后世的衣履都治备下了。贾母，王夫人，贾琏，平儿，袭人这几个人更比诸人哭的忘餐废寝，觅死寻活。赵姨娘，贾环等自是称愿。到了第四日早晨，贾母等正围著宝玉哭时，只见宝玉睁开眼说道：“从今以后，我可不在你家了！快收拾了，打发我走罢。”贾母听了这话，如同摘心去肝一般。赵姨娘在旁劝道：“老太太也不必过于悲痛。哥儿已是不中用了，不如把哥儿的衣服穿好，让他早些回去，也免些苦，只管舍不得他，这口气不断，他在那世里也受罪不安生。”这些话没说完，被贾母照脸啐了一口唾沫，骂道：“烂了舌头的混帐老婆，谁叫你来多嘴多舌的！你怎么知道他在那世里受罪不安生？怎么见得不中用了？你愿他死了，有什么好处？你别做梦！他死了，我只和你们要命。素日都不是你们调唆著逼他写字念书，把胆子唬破了，见了他老子不象个避猫鼠儿？都不是你们这起淫妇调唆的！这会子逼死了，你们遂了心，我饶那一个！”一面骂，一面哭。贾政在旁听见这些话，心里越发难过，便喝退赵姨娘，自己上来委婉解劝。一时又有人来回说：“两口棺椁都做齐了，请老爷出去看。”贾母听了，如火上浇油一般，便骂：“是谁做了棺椁？”一叠声只叫把做棺材的拉来打死。正闹的天翻地覆，没个开交，只闻得隐隐的木鱼声响，念了一句：“南无解冤孽菩萨。有那人口不利，家宅颠倾，或逢凶险，或中邪祟者，我们善能医治。”贾母，王夫人听见这些话，那里还耐得住，便命人去快请进来。贾政虽不自在，奈贾母之言如何违拗，想如此深宅，何得听的这样真切，心中亦希罕，命人请了进来。众人举目看时，原来是一个癞头和尚与一个跛足道人。见那和尚是怎的模样：

鼻如懸膽兩眉長，目似明星蓄寶光，His nose like a hanging gallbladder, his two brows long; his eyes like bright stars, treasuring a precious light.

鼻如悬胆两眉长，目似明星蓄宝光，

破衲芒鞋無住跡，腌臢更有滿頭瘡。In tattered robe and straw sandals, he wandered without a home; filthy he was, with sores all over his head.

破衲芒鞋无住迹，腌臜更有满头疮。

那道人又是怎生模樣：And what was the Daoist’s appearance?

那道人又是怎生模样：

一足高來一足低，渾身帶水又拖泥。One leg was high and the other low; his whole body was drenched and caked with mud.

一足高来一足低，浑身带水又拖泥。

相逢若問家何處，卻在蓬萊弱水西。If, on meeting him, you asked where his home might be, it lay west of Penglai, beyond the Weak Water.

相逢若问家何处，却在蓬莱弱水西。

賈政問道：“你道友二人在那廟里焚修。”那僧笑道：“長官不須多話。Jia Zheng asked, “In what temple do you two holy men pursue your devotions?” The monk laughed. “There is no need for so many words, sir.因聞得府上人口不利，故特來醫治。”賈政道：“倒有兩個人中邪，不知你們有何符水？”那道人笑道：“你家現有希世奇珍，如何還問我們有符水？”賈政聽這話有意思，心中便動了，因說道：“小兒落草時雖帶了一塊寶玉下來，上面說能除邪祟，誰知竟不靈驗。”那僧道：“長官你那里知道那物的妙用。We heard that misfortune had befallen members of your household, and so have come expressly to cure them.” Jia Zheng said, “Two people have indeed been possessed by evil. What talisman-water do you have?” The Daoist laughed. “Your family already possesses a rare treasure unequalled in the world; why ask us for talisman-water?” Jia Zheng sensed significance in these words and his heart stirred. He said, “When my son was born, he did indeed come into the world with a piece of precious jade, on which it is written that it can drive away evil spirits; yet it has proved wholly ineffective.” The monk replied, “How could you understand the wondrous powers of that object, sir?只因他如今被聲色貨利所迷，故不靈驗了。It has lost its efficacy only because he has now been bewildered by sounds and sights, wealth and gain.你今且取他出來，待我們持頌持頌，只怕就好了。”Bring it out now and let us chant over it; then, I daresay, they will recover.”

贾政问道：“你道友二人在那庙里焚修。”那僧笑道：“长官不须多话。因闻得府上人口不利，故特来医治。”贾政道：“倒有两个人中邪，不知你们有何符水？”那道人笑道：“你家现有希世奇珍，如何还问我们有符水？”贾政听这话有意思，心中便动了，因说道：“小儿落草时虽带了一块宝玉下来，上面说能除邪祟，谁知竟不灵验。”那僧道：“长官你那里知道那物的妙用。只因他如今被声色货利所迷，故不灵验了。你今且取他出来，待我们持颂持颂，只怕就好了。”

賈政聽說，便向寶玉項上取下那玉來遞與他二人。Hearing this, Jia Zheng removed the jade from Baoyu’s neck and handed it to the two men.那和尚接了過來，擎在掌上，長歎一聲道：青埂峰一別，展眼已過十三載矣！The monk took it, raised it in his palm, and sighed deeply: “Since we parted at Greensickness Peak, thirteen years have passed in the blink of an eye!人世光陰，如此迅速，塵緣滿日，若似彈指！Time in the mortal world speeds by like this; when worldly ties have run their course, it all seems but a snap of the fingers!可羡你當時的那段好處：How enviable was your former state:

贾政听说，便向宝玉项上取下那玉来递与他二人。那和尚接了过来，擎在掌上，长叹一声道：青埂峰一别，展眼已过十三载矣！人世光阴，如此迅速，尘缘满日，若似弹指！可羡你当时的那段好处：

天不拘兮地不羈，心頭無喜亦無悲，By Heaven unbound, by Earth unfettered, your heart knew neither joy nor grief;

天不拘兮地不羁，心头无喜亦无悲，

卻因鍛煉通靈後，便向人間覓是非。But once refined into the Jade of Spiritual Understanding, you went into the mortal world in search of right and wrong.

却因锻炼通灵后，便向人间觅是非。

可歎你今日這番經歷：How lamentable are your experiences today:

可叹你今日这番经历：

粉漬脂痕污寶光，綺櫳晝夜困鴛鴦。Powder-stains and traces of rouge have sullied your precious light; behind brocaded casements, the lovebirds are confined day and night.

粉渍脂痕污宝光，绮栊昼夜困鸳鸯。

沉酣一夢終須醒，冤孽償清好散場！This deep, drunken dream must end in waking; when karmic debts are paid, the play may close!”

沉酣一梦终须醒，冤孽偿清好散场！

念畢，又摩弄一回，說了些瘋話，遞與賈政道：“此物已靈，不可褻瀆，懸于臥室上檻，將他二人安在一室之內，除親身妻母外，不可使陰人沖犯。When he had finished reciting, he fondled the jade for a while longer, uttered some wild words, and handed it back to Jia Zheng, saying, “This object has recovered its power and must not be treated irreverently. Hang it from the upper lintel of a bedchamber and place the two patients together in that room. Apart from their own wives and mothers, no female person must be allowed to intrude upon them.三十三日之後，包管身安病退，复舊如初。”說著回頭便走了。After thirty-three days, I guarantee that they will be well and free of illness, restored completely to their former selves.” With that, he turned and walked away.賈政赶著還說話，讓二人坐了吃茶，要送謝禮，他二人早已出去了。Jia Zheng hurried after them, still trying to speak, inviting them to sit down for tea and offering them gifts of thanks, but the two had already gone out.賈母等還只管著人去赶，那里有個蹤影。Grandmother Jia and the others kept sending people after them, but not a trace could be found.少不得依言將他二人就安放在王夫人臥室之內，將玉懸在門上。They had no choice but to follow the instructions: the two patients were placed in Lady Wang’s bedchamber, and the jade was hung above the door.王夫人親身守著，不許別個人進來。Lady Wang kept watch in person and allowed no one else to enter.至晚間他二人竟漸漸醒來，說腹中饑餓。By evening, the two gradually came to and said they were hungry.賈母，王夫人如得了珍寶一般，旋熬了米湯與他二人吃了，精神漸長，邪祟稍退，一家子才把心放下來。Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang felt as though they had recovered a priceless treasure; they immediately prepared rice-water for the two to drink. Their strength gradually returned and the evil influence began to recede, and only then did the whole family set their minds at ease.李宮裁并賈府三艷，薛寶釵，林黛玉，平兒，襲人等在外間聽信息。Li Gongcai, the three young ladies of the Jia family, Xue Baochai, Lin Daiyu, Ping’er, Xiren, and the others waited in the outer room for news.聞得吃了米湯，省了人事，別人未開口，林黛玉先就念了一聲“阿彌陀佛”。When they heard that the patients had drunk rice-water and regained consciousness, before anyone else could speak, Lin Daiyu murmured, “Amitabha.”薛寶釵便回頭看了他半日，嗤的一聲笑。Xue Baochai turned and looked at her for a long moment, then gave a little snort of laughter.眾人都不會意，賈惜春道：“寶姐姐，好好的笑什麼？”寶釵笑道：“我笑如來佛比人還忙：又要講經說法，又要普渡眾生，這如今寶玉，鳳姐姐病了，又燒香還願，賜福消災，今才好些，又管林姑娘的姻緣了。No one understood her, and Jia Xichun asked, “Cousin Bao, what are you laughing at for no reason?” Baochai replied with a smile, “I am laughing because the Buddha is even busier than mortals: he must preach the sutras and expound the Dharma, and he must deliver all living beings; and now that Baoyu and Cousin Feng have fallen ill, he must accept incense and vows, bestow blessings, and avert calamities. They have only just begun to recover, and already he has taken charge of Miss Lin’s marriage.你說忙的可笑不可笑。”林黛玉不覺的紅了臉，啐了一口道：“你們這起人不是好人，不知怎麼死！Would you not say that such busyness is laughable?” Lin Daiyu involuntarily blushed, spat, and said, “None of you are decent people—I wonder what sort of deaths you will die!再不跟著好人學，只跟著鳳姐貧嘴爛舌的學。”一面說，一面摔帘子出去了。Instead of learning from good people, you insist on learning Cousin Feng’s glib and rotten-tongued ways.” Still speaking, she flung aside the curtain and went out.不知端詳，且聽下回分解。How the matter ultimately turned out will be explained in the next chapter.

念毕，又摩弄一回，说了些疯话，递与贾政道：“此物已灵，不可亵渎，悬于卧室上槛，将他二人安在一室之内，除亲身妻母外，不可使阴人冲犯。三十三日之后，包管身安病退，复旧如初。”说著回头便走了。贾政赶著还说话，让二人坐了吃茶，要送谢礼，他二人早已出去了。贾母等还只管著人去赶，那里有个踪影。少不得依言将他二人就安放在王夫人卧室之内，将玉悬在门上。王夫人亲身守著，不许别个人进来。至晚间他二人竟渐渐醒来，说腹中饥饿。贾母，王夫人如得了珍宝一般，旋熬了米汤与他二人吃了，精神渐长，邪祟稍退，一家子才把心放下来。李宫裁并贾府三艳，薛宝钗，林黛玉，平儿，袭人等在外间听信息。闻得吃了米汤，省了人事，别人未开口，林黛玉先就念了一声“阿弥陀佛”。薛宝钗便回头看了他半日，嗤的一声笑。众人都不会意，贾惜春道：“宝姐姐，好好的笑什么？”宝钗笑道：“我笑如来佛比人还忙：又要讲经说法，又要普渡众生，这如今宝玉，凤姐姐病了，又烧香还愿，赐福消灾，今才好些，又管林姑娘的姻缘了。你说忙的可笑不可笑。”林黛玉不觉的红了脸，啐了一口道：“你们这起人不是好人，不知怎么死！再不跟著好人学，只跟著凤姐贫嘴烂舌的学。”一面说，一面摔帘子出去了。不知端详，且听下回分解。