第二十六回　蜂腰橋設言傳密語　瀟湘館春困發幽情 At Wasp-Waist Bridge Secret Words Are Passed; In Bamboo Lodge Spring Languor Stirs Feeling

話說寶玉養過了三十三天之後，不但身体強壯，亦且連臉上瘡痕平服，仍回大觀園內去。It is told that after Baoyu had spent thirty-three days convalescing, not only was his body strong again, but even the scars on his face had healed smooth; and so he returned to the Grand View Garden.這也不在話下。But that need not detain our story.且說近日寶玉病的時節，賈芸帶著家下小廝坐更看守，晝夜在這里，那紅玉同眾丫鬟也在這里守著寶玉，彼此相見多日，都漸漸混熟了。Now, while Baoyu had lately been ill, Jia Yun had brought the household pages with him to stand night watch, remaining there day and night; Hongyu, together with the other maids, had also stayed there to attend Baoyu, and after seeing one another for so many days, they had gradually become acquainted.那紅玉見賈芸手里拿的手帕子，倒象是自己從前掉的，待要問他，又不好問的。When Hongyu saw the handkerchief in Jia Yun’s hand, it looked very much like the one she had lost before; she wanted to ask him about it, yet could not very well do so.不料那和尚道士來過，用不著一切男人，賈芸仍种樹去了。Unexpectedly, after the monk and the Taoist had come, there was no further need for any of the men, and Jia Yun went back to planting trees.這件事待要放下，心內又放不下，待要問去，又怕人猜疑，正是猶豫不決神魂不定之際，忽聽窗外問道：“姐姐在屋里沒有？”紅玉聞聽，在窗眼內望外一看，原來是本院的個小丫頭名叫佳蕙的，因答說：“在家里，你進來罷。”佳蕙聽了跑進來，就坐在床上，笑道：“我好造化！She tried to put the matter aside, but could not put it out of her mind; she wanted to go and ask, but feared arousing suspicion. Just as she was wavering, her spirit in turmoil, she suddenly heard someone outside the window ask, “Is Sister in the room?” Hongyu peered out through the window and saw that it was a young maid from their own court named Jiahui, so she answered, “I’m here; come in.” Jiahui ran in at once, sat down on the bed, and said with a laugh, “What luck I’ve had!才剛在院子里洗東西，寶玉叫往林姑娘那里送茶葉，花大姐姐交給我送去。Just now I was washing things in the courtyard when Baoyu wanted tea sent to Miss Lin, and Sister Hua gave it to me to deliver.可巧老太太那里給林姑娘送錢來，正分給他們的丫頭們呢。As it happened, the Old Lady had just sent some money to Miss Lin, and they were dividing it among her maids.見我去了，林姑娘就抓了兩把給我，也不知多少。When Miss Lin saw me there, she grabbed two handfuls and gave them to me; I don’t even know how much it is.你替我收著。”便把手帕子打開，把錢倒了出來，紅玉替他一五一十的數了收起。Keep it for me.” She opened her handkerchief and poured out the money, and Hongyu counted every coin and put it away for her.

话说宝玉养过了三十三天之后，不但身体强壮，亦且连脸上疮痕平服，仍回大观园内去。这也不在话下。且说近日宝玉病的时节，贾芸带著家下小厮坐更看守，昼夜在这里，那红玉同众丫鬟也在这里守著宝玉，彼此相见多日，都渐渐混熟了。那红玉见贾芸手里拿的手帕子，倒象是自己从前掉的，待要问他，又不好问的。不料那和尚道士来过，用不著一切男人，贾芸仍种树去了。这件事待要放下，心内又放不下，待要问去，又怕人猜疑，正是犹豫不决神魂不定之际，忽听窗外问道：“姐姐在屋里没有？”红玉闻听，在窗眼内望外一看，原来是本院的个小丫头名叫佳蕙的，因答说：“在家里，你进来罢。”佳蕙听了跑进来，就坐在床上，笑道：“我好造化！才刚在院子里洗东西，宝玉叫往林姑娘那里送茶叶，花大姐姐交给我送去。可巧老太太那里给林姑娘送钱来，正分给他们的丫头们呢。见我去了，林姑娘就抓了两把给我，也不知多少。你替我收著。”便把手帕子打开，把钱倒了出来，红玉替他一五一十的数了收起。

佳蕙道：“你這一程子心里到底覺怎麼樣？Jiahui said, “How have you really been feeling lately?依我說，你竟家去住兩日，請一個大夫來瞧瞧，吃兩劑藥就好了。”紅玉道：“那里的話，好好的，家去作什麼！”佳蕙道：“我想起來了，林姑娘生的弱，時常他吃藥，你就和他要些來吃，也是一樣。”紅玉道：“胡說！If you ask me, you ought to go home for a couple of days, have a doctor look at you, and take two doses of medicine; then you’ll be well.” Hongyu said, “What nonsense! I’m perfectly well—why should I go home?” Jiahui said, “I know! Miss Lin is frail and often takes medicine; you could ask her for some and take that—it would do just as well.” Hongyu said, “Nonsense!藥也是混吃的。”佳蕙道：“你這也不是個長法兒，又懶吃懶喝的，終久怎麼樣？”紅玉道：“怕什麼，還不如早些兒死了倒乾淨！”佳蕙道：“好好的，怎麼說這些話？”紅玉道：“你那里知道我心里的事！”Medicine isn’t something you can take at random.” Jiahui said, “But you can’t go on like this, too listless to eat or drink. What will become of you in the end?” Hongyu said, “What is there to fear? Better to die sooner and have done with it!” Jiahui said, “Everything is fine—why talk like that?” Hongyu said, “What do you know of what is in my heart!”

佳蕙道：“你这一程子心里到底觉怎么样？依我说，你竟家去住两日，请一个大夫来瞧瞧，吃两剂药就好了。”红玉道：“那里的话，好好的，家去作什么！”佳蕙道：“我想起来了，林姑娘生的弱，时常他吃药，你就和他要些来吃，也是一样。”红玉道：“胡说！药也是混吃的。”佳蕙道：“你这也不是个长法儿，又懒吃懒喝的，终久怎么样？”红玉道：“怕什么，还不如早些儿死了倒干净！”佳蕙道：“好好的，怎么说这些话？”红玉道：“你那里知道我心里的事！”

佳蕙點頭想了一會，道：“可也怨不得，這個地方難站。Jiahui nodded and thought for a while, then said, “Well, one can hardly blame you; it is difficult to make one’s way in this place.就象昨兒老太太因寶玉病了這些日子，說跟著伏侍的這些人都辛苦了，如今身上好了，各處還完了願，叫把跟著的人都按著等兒賞他們。Take yesterday: because Baoyu had been ill for so many days, the Old Lady said that everyone who attended him had worked hard; now that he was well and the vows made for him had been fulfilled at all the various shrines, she ordered that all his attendants be rewarded according to rank.我們算年紀小，上不去，我也不抱怨，象你怎麼也不算在里頭？We are young and cannot expect to be counted among the first, so I do not complain for myself; but how could even you be left out?我心里就不服。That I cannot accept.襲人那怕他得十分兒，也不惱他，原該的。Even if Xiren received ten shares, no one could resent her; she deserves it.說良心話，誰還敢比他呢？To speak honestly, who would dare compare herself with her?別說他素日殷勤小心，便是不殷勤小心，也拼不得。Quite apart from how attentive and careful she always is, even if she were not, no one could contend with her.可氣晴雯，綺霰他們這幾個，都算在上等里去，仗著老子娘的臉面，眾人倒捧著他去。What is infuriating is that Qingwen, Qixia, and those others were all placed in the highest class; relying on their parents’ standing, they have everyone fawning over them.你說可氣不可氣？”紅玉道：“也不犯著氣他們。Isn’t that infuriating?” Hongyu said, “There is no need to be angry with them.俗語說的好，‘千里搭長棚，沒有個不散的筵席’，誰守誰一輩子呢？As the proverb rightly says, ‘Though a thousand-mile awning be raised, no feast lasts forever.’ Who can remain with anyone for a lifetime?不過三年五載，各人幹各人的去了。In another three or five years, each of us will go her own way.那時誰還管誰呢？”這兩句話不覺感動了佳蕙的心腸，由不得眼睛紅了，又不好意思好端端的哭，只得勉強笑道：“你這話說的卻是。And then who will care about whom?” These words touched Jiahui’s heart before she knew it, and her eyes reddened; but, ashamed to burst into tears for no apparent reason, she forced a smile and said, “What you say is true.昨兒寶玉還說，明兒怎麼樣收拾房子，怎麼樣做衣裳，倒象有幾百年的熬煎。”Only yesterday Baoyu was talking about how the rooms should be arranged tomorrow and how the clothes should be made, as though there were hundreds of years of drudgery ahead of us.”

佳蕙点头想了一会，道：“可也怨不得，这个地方难站。就象昨儿老太太因宝玉病了这些日子，说跟著伏侍的这些人都辛苦了，如今身上好了，各处还完了愿，叫把跟著的人都按著等儿赏他们。我们算年纪小，上不去，我也不抱怨，象你怎么也不算在里头？我心里就不服。袭人那怕他得十分儿，也不恼他，原该的。说良心话，谁还敢比他呢？别说他素日殷勤小心，便是不殷勤小心，也拼不得。可气晴雯，绮霰他们这几个，都算在上等里去，仗著老子娘的脸面，众人倒捧著他去。你说可气不可气？”红玉道：“也不犯著气他们。俗语说的好，‘千里搭长棚，没有个不散的筵席’，谁守谁一辈子呢？不过三年五载，各人干各人的去了。那时谁还管谁呢？”这两句话不觉感动了佳蕙的心肠，由不得眼睛红了，又不好意思好端端的哭，只得勉强笑道：“你这话说的却是。昨儿宝玉还说，明儿怎么样收拾房子，怎么样做衣裳，倒象有几百年的熬煎。”

紅玉聽了冷笑了兩聲，方要說話，只見一個未留頭的小丫頭子走進來，手里拿著些花樣子并兩張紙，說道：“這是兩個樣子，叫你描出來呢。”說著向紅玉擲下，回身就跑了。Hongyu gave two cold laughs and was about to speak when an untonsured little maid came in, carrying some embroidery patterns and two sheets of paper, and said, “Here are two patterns; you are to trace them.” With that she tossed them down before Hongyu, turned, and ran away.紅玉向外問道：“倒是誰的？Hongyu called after her, “Whose are they, anyway?也等不得說完就跑，誰蒸下饅頭等著你，怕冷了不成！”那小丫頭在窗外只說得一聲：“是綺大姐姐的。”抬起腳來咕咚咕咚又跑了。You run off without even waiting to finish speaking—as though someone had steamed buns waiting for you and you feared they might grow cold!” From outside the window the little maid merely called, “They belong to Sister Qi,” then went pounding off again.紅玉便賭氣把那樣子擲在一邊，向抽屜內找筆，找了半天都是禿了的，因說道：“前兒一枝新筆，放在那里了？In a fit of pique, Hongyu tossed the patterns aside and searched the drawer for a brush; after searching for some time, she found that they were all worn blunt, so she said, “Where did I put that new brush the other day?怎麼一時想不起來。”一面說著，一面出神，想了一會方笑道：“是了，前兒晚上鶯兒拿了去了。”便向佳惠道：“你替我取了來。”佳惠道：“花大姐姐還等著我替他抬箱子呢，你自己取去罷。”紅玉道：“他等著你，你還坐著閒打牙兒？How can I suddenly have forgotten?” As she spoke, she fell into a reverie; after thinking for a while, she smiled and said, “Of course—Ying’er took it the other evening.” Then she said to Jiahui, “Fetch it for me.” Jiahui said, “Sister Hua is waiting for me to help her lift a trunk. Go and fetch it yourself.” Hongyu said, “If she is waiting for you, why are you still sitting here idly chattering?我不叫你取去，他也不等著你了。If I had not asked you to fetch it, she would not be waiting for you at all.坏透了的小蹄子！”說著，自己便出房來，出了怡紅院，一徑往寶釵院內來。You thoroughly wicked little hoof!” So saying, she left the room herself, went out of Happy Red Court, and headed straight for Baochai’s quarters.剛至沁芳亭畔，只見寶玉的奶娘李嬤嬤從那邊走來。Just as she reached the side of Qinfang Pavilion, she saw Baoyu’s old nurse, Nanny Li, coming from the opposite direction.紅玉立住笑問道：“李奶奶，你老人家那去了？Hongyu stopped and asked with a smile, “Nanny Li, where have you been?怎打這里來？”李嬤嬤站住將手一拍道：“你說說，好好的又看上了那個种樹的什麼雲哥兒雨哥兒的，這會子逼著我叫了他來。How is it that you are coming this way?” Nanny Li stopped, clapped her hand, and said, “Just imagine! For no reason at all he has taken a fancy to that tree planter—some Brother Yun or Brother Yu—and now he is pressing me to summon him here.明兒叫上房里聽見，可又是不好。”紅玉笑道：“你老人家當真的就依了他去叫了？”李嬤嬤道：“可怎麼樣呢？”紅玉笑道：“那一個要是知道好歹，就回不進來才是。”李嬤嬤道：“他又不痴，為什麼不進來？”紅玉道：“既是進來，你老人家該同他一齊來，回來叫他一個人亂碰，可是不好呢。”李嬤嬤道：“我有那樣工夫和他走？If they hear of it in the senior apartments tomorrow, there will be trouble again.” Hongyu said with a smile, “And did you truly humor him and go summon the man?” Nanny Li said, “What else could I do?” Hongyu said, “If the fellow has any sense of propriety, he ought to decline to come in.” Nanny Li said, “He is no fool; why should he not come?” Hongyu said, “If he is coming, you ought to have brought him in yourself. It would hardly do to let him wander about alone when he arrives.” Nanny Li said, “Do you think I have the leisure to walk with him?不過告訴了他，回來打發個小丫頭子或是老婆子，帶進他來就完了。”說著，拄著拐杖一徑去了。I merely told him; when he comes, we can send a little maid or an old serving woman to bring him in, and that will be the end of it.” With that, she went straight on, leaning on her staff.紅玉聽說，便站著出神，且不去取筆。When Hongyu heard this, she stood there lost in thought and made no move to fetch the brush.

红玉听了冷笑了两声，方要说话，只见一个未留头的小丫头子走进来，手里拿著些花样子并两张纸，说道：“这是两个样子，叫你描出来呢。”说著向红玉掷下，回身就跑了。红玉向外问道：“倒是谁的？也等不得说完就跑，谁蒸下馒头等著你，怕冷了不成！”那小丫头在窗外只说得一声：“是绮大姐姐的。”抬起脚来咕咚咕咚又跑了。红玉便赌气把那样子掷在一边，向抽屉内找笔，找了半天都是秃了的，因说道：“前儿一枝新笔，放在那里了？怎么一时想不起来。”一面说著，一面出神，想了一会方笑道：“是了，前儿晚上莺儿拿了去了。”便向佳惠道：“你替我取了来。”佳惠道：“花大姐姐还等著我替他抬箱子呢，你自己取去罢。”红玉道：“他等著你，你还坐著闲打牙儿？我不叫你取去，他也不等著你了。坏透了的小蹄子！”说著，自己便出房来，出了怡红院，一径往宝钗院内来。刚至沁芳亭畔，只见宝玉的奶娘李嬷嬷从那边走来。红玉立住笑问道：“李奶奶，你老人家那去了？怎打这里来？”李嬷嬷站住将手一拍道：“你说说，好好的又看上了那个种树的什么云哥儿雨哥儿的，这会子逼著我叫了他来。明儿叫上房里听见，可又是不好。”红玉笑道：“你老人家当真的就依了他去叫了？”李嬷嬷道：“可怎么样呢？”红玉笑道：“那一个要是知道好歹，就回不进来才是。”李嬷嬷道：“他又不痴，为什么不进来？”红玉道：“既是进来，你老人家该同他一齐来，回来叫他一个人乱碰，可是不好呢。”李嬷嬷道：“我有那样工夫和他走？不过告诉了他，回来打发个小丫头子或是老婆子，带进他来就完了。”说著，拄著拐杖一径去了。红玉听说，便站著出神，且不去取笔。

一時，只見一個小丫頭子跑來，見紅玉站在那里，便問道：“林姐姐，你在這里作什麼呢？”紅玉抬頭見是小丫頭子墜兒。Presently a little maid came running up. Seeing Hongyu standing there, she asked, “Sister Lin, what are you doing here?” Hongyu looked up and saw that it was the young maid Zhui’er.紅玉道：“那去？”墜兒道：“叫我帶進芸二爺來。”說著一徑跑了。Hongyu asked, “Where are you going?” Zhui’er said, “They told me to bring Second Master Yun in.” With that she ran straight on.這里紅玉剛走至蜂腰橋門前，只見那邊墜兒引著賈芸來了。Just as Hongyu reached the entrance by Wasp-Waist Bridge, she saw Zhui’er approaching from the other side with Jia Yun.那賈芸一面走，一面拿眼把紅玉一溜，那紅玉只裝著和墜兒說話，也把眼去一溜賈芸：四目恰相對時，紅玉不覺臉紅了，一扭身往蘅蕪苑去了。As Jia Yun walked, he swept Hongyu with a sidelong glance; Hongyu pretended to be talking to Zhui’er, but also stole a glance at Jia Yun. Just as their four eyes met, Hongyu involuntarily blushed, turned sharply away, and went toward All-Fragrance Court.不在話下。But that need not detain our story.

一时，只见一个小丫头子跑来，见红玉站在那里，便问道：“林姐姐，你在这里作什么呢？”红玉抬头见是小丫头子坠儿。红玉道：“那去？”坠儿道：“叫我带进芸二爷来。”说著一径跑了。这里红玉刚走至蜂腰桥门前，只见那边坠儿引著贾芸来了。那贾芸一面走，一面拿眼把红玉一溜，那红玉只装著和坠儿说话，也把眼去一溜贾芸：四目恰相对时，红玉不觉脸红了，一扭身往蘅芜苑去了。不在话下。

這里賈芸隨著墜兒，逶迤來至怡紅院中。Jia Yun, meanwhile, followed Zhui’er along the winding way to Happy Red Court.墜兒先進去回明了，然後方領賈芸進去。Zhui’er went in first to announce him, and only then led Jia Yun inside.賈芸看時，只見院內略略有幾點山石，种著芭蕉，那邊有兩只仙鶴在松樹下剔翎。Looking about, Jia Yun saw a few artfully scattered rocks in the courtyard, with plantains growing among them; beyond, two cranes were preening beneath a pine tree.一溜回廊上吊著各色籠子，各色仙禽异鳥。Along the whole length of the covered walk hung cages of every sort, containing all manner of rare and marvelous birds.上面小小五間抱廈，一色雕鏤新鮮花樣隔扇，上面懸著一個匾額，四個大字，題道是”怡紅快綠”。Above stood a small five-bay porch chamber, its latticed partitions uniformly carved in fresh, novel designs; over it hung a tablet inscribed with four large characters: ‘Joyful Red and Delightful Green.’賈芸想道：“怪道叫‘怡紅院’，原來匾上是恁樣四個字。”正想著，只聽里面隔著紗窗子笑說道：“快進來罷。Jia Yun thought, “No wonder it is called ‘Happy Red Court’; so those are the four words written on the tablet.” While he was still thinking, he heard someone behind a gauze window say with a laugh, “Do come in.我怎麼就忘了你兩三個月！”賈芸聽得是寶玉的聲音，連忙進入房內。How could I have forgotten you for two or three months!” Jia Yun recognized Baoyu’s voice and hurried into the room.抬頭一看，只見金碧輝煌，文章閃灼，卻看不見寶玉在那里。He raised his head and saw a dazzling splendor of gold and green, with ornate designs glittering everywhere, but could not see where Baoyu was.一回頭，只見左邊立著一架大穿衣鏡，從鏡後轉出兩個一般大的十五六歲的丫頭來說：“請二爺里頭屋里坐。”賈芸連正眼也不敢看，連忙答應了。Turning his head, he saw a large dressing mirror standing to the left; from behind it emerged two maids of the same age, fifteen or sixteen, who said, “Please sit in the inner room, Second Master.” Jia Yun did not even dare look directly at them and hastily assented.又進一道碧紗廚，只見小小一張填漆床上，懸著大紅銷金撒花帳子。Passing through another green gauze partition, he saw a small lacquer-inlaid bed hung with bright-red curtains patterned with scattered flowers in gold.寶玉穿著家常衣服，靸著鞋，倚在床上拿著本書，看見他進來，將書擲下，早堆著笑立起身來。Baoyu, dressed in informal clothes and with his shoes slipped loosely on, was reclining on the bed with a book in his hand; when he saw Jia Yun enter, he tossed down the book and rose at once, his face wreathed in smiles.賈芸忙上前請了安。Jia Yun hurried forward and paid his respects.寶玉讓坐，便在下面一張椅子上坐了。Baoyu invited him to sit, and he seated himself on a chair below.寶玉笑道：“只從那個月見了你，我叫你往書房里來，誰知接接連連許多事情，就把你忘了。”賈芸笑道：“總是我沒福，偏偏又遇著叔叔身上欠安。Baoyu said with a smile, “Ever since I saw you that month and asked you to come to my study, one thing after another has happened, and somehow I forgot all about you.” Jia Yun said with a smile, “It was simply my ill fortune that Uncle happened to fall unwell.叔叔如今可大安了？”寶玉道：“大好了。Are you now quite recovered, Uncle?” Baoyu said, “Completely.我倒聽見說你辛苦了好幾天。”賈芸道：“辛苦也是該當的。I heard, though, that you had several hard days of it.” Jia Yun said, “Any hardship was only my duty.叔叔大安了，也是我們一家子的造化。”That Uncle has recovered is a blessing to our whole family.”

这里贾芸随著坠儿，逶迤来至怡红院中。坠儿先进去回明了，然后方领贾芸进去。贾芸看时，只见院内略略有几点山石，种著芭蕉，那边有两只仙鹤在松树下剔翎。一溜回廊上吊著各色笼子，各色仙禽异鸟。上面小小五间抱厦，一色雕镂新鲜花样隔扇，上面悬著一个匾额，四个大字，题道是”怡红快绿”。贾芸想道：“怪道叫‘怡红院’，原来匾上是恁样四个字。”正想著，只听里面隔著纱窗子笑说道：“快进来罢。我怎么就忘了你两三个月！”贾芸听得是宝玉的声音，连忙进入房内。抬头一看，只见金碧辉煌，文章闪灼，却看不见宝玉在那里。一回头，只见左边立著一架大穿衣镜，从镜后转出两个一般大的十五六岁的丫头来说：“请二爷里头屋里坐。”贾芸连正眼也不敢看，连忙答应了。又进一道碧纱厨，只见小小一张填漆床上，悬著大红销金撒花帐子。宝玉穿著家常衣服，靸著鞋，倚在床上拿著本书，看见他进来，将书掷下，早堆著笑立起身来。贾芸忙上前请了安。宝玉让坐，便在下面一张椅子上坐了。宝玉笑道：“只从那个月见了你，我叫你往书房里来，谁知接接连连许多事情，就把你忘了。”贾芸笑道：“总是我没福，偏偏又遇著叔叔身上欠安。叔叔如今可大安了？”宝玉道：“大好了。我倒听见说你辛苦了好几天。”贾芸道：“辛苦也是该当的。叔叔大安了，也是我们一家子的造化。”

說著，只見有個丫鬟端了茶來與他。As he spoke, a maid came in and brought him tea.那賈芸口里和寶玉說著話，眼睛卻溜瞅那丫鬟：細挑身材，容長臉面，穿著銀紅襖兒，青緞背心，白綾細折裙。——不是別個，卻是襲人。While Jia Yun spoke with Baoyu, his eyes stole glances at the maid: she was tall and slender, with a long oval face, and wore a silvery-red jacket, a dark-blue satin vest, and a finely pleated white-silk skirt—it was none other than Xiren.那賈芸自從寶玉病了幾天，他在里頭混了兩日，他卻把那有名人口認記了一半。During the days of Baoyu’s illness, Jia Yun had spent two days mixing with the people inside and had come to recognize half of the better-known servants.他也知道襲人在寶玉房中比別個不同，今見他端了茶來，寶玉又在旁邊坐著，便忙站起來笑道：“姐姐怎麼替我倒起茶來。He also knew that Xiren held a place in Baoyu’s rooms unlike anyone else’s. Now, seeing that she had brought the tea while Baoyu sat nearby, he hurriedly stood and said with a smile, “Sister, how can you pour tea for me?我來到叔叔這里，又不是客，讓我自己倒罷。”寶玉道：“你只管坐著罷。When I come to Uncle’s rooms, I am no guest; let me pour it myself.” Baoyu said, “Just sit down.丫頭們跟前也是這樣。”賈芸笑道：“雖如此說，叔叔房里姐姐們，我怎麼敢放肆呢。”一面說，一面坐下吃茶。There is no need for ceremony with the maids.” Jia Yun said with a smile, “Even so, how could I presume before the sisters in Uncle’s rooms?” As he spoke, he sat down and drank his tea.

说著，只见有个丫鬟端了茶来与他。那贾芸口里和宝玉说著话，眼睛却溜瞅那丫鬟：细挑身材，容长脸面，穿著银红袄儿，青缎背心，白绫细折裙。——不是别个，却是袭人。那贾芸自从宝玉病了几天，他在里头混了两日，他却把那有名人口认记了一半。他也知道袭人在宝玉房中比别个不同，今见他端了茶来，宝玉又在旁边坐著，便忙站起来笑道：“姐姐怎么替我倒起茶来。我来到叔叔这里，又不是客，让我自己倒罢。”宝玉道：“你只管坐著罢。丫头们跟前也是这样。”贾芸笑道：“虽如此说，叔叔房里姐姐们，我怎么敢放肆呢。”一面说，一面坐下吃茶。

那寶玉便和他說些沒要緊的散話。Baoyu then chatted with him about various trifles.又說道誰家的戲子好，誰家的花園好，又告訴他誰家的丫頭標致，誰家的酒席丰盛，又是誰家有奇貨，又是誰家有异物。He spoke of whose actors were best and whose garden finest; he told him whose maid was pretty, whose banquet lavish, who possessed some rare treasure, and who owned some curious marvel.那賈芸口里只得順著他說，說了一會，見寶玉有些懶懶的了，便起身告辭。Jia Yun could only humor him in all he said. After they had talked for a while, he saw that Baoyu was growing somewhat listless, so he rose and took his leave.寶玉也不甚留，只說：“你明兒閒了，只管來。”仍命小丫頭子墜兒送他出去。Baoyu did not press him very hard to stay, but merely said, “Whenever you are free tomorrow, come again.” He then ordered the little maid Zhui’er to see him out.

那宝玉便和他说些没要紧的散话。又说道谁家的戏子好，谁家的花园好，又告诉他谁家的丫头标致，谁家的酒席丰盛，又是谁家有奇货，又是谁家有异物。那贾芸口里只得顺著他说，说了一会，见宝玉有些懒懒的了，便起身告辞。宝玉也不甚留，只说：“你明儿闲了，只管来。”仍命小丫头子坠儿送他出去。

出了怡紅院，賈芸見四顧無人，便把腳慢慢停著些走，口里一長一短和墜兒說話，先問他“幾歲了？After they had left Happy Red Court, Jia Yun looked around and, seeing no one about, gradually slowed his steps. Chatting fitfully with Zhui’er, he first asked her, “How old are you?名字叫什麼？What is your name?你父母在那一行上？What work do your parents do?在寶叔房內幾年了？How many years have you served in Uncle Bao’s rooms?一個月多少錢？How much do you receive each month?共總寶叔房內有幾個女孩子？”那墜兒見問，便一樁樁的都告訴他了。How many girls are there altogether in Uncle Bao’s rooms?” Zhui’er answered each of his questions in turn.賈芸又道：“才剛那個與你說話的，他可是叫小紅？”墜兒笑道：“他倒叫小紅。Jia Yun then asked, “That girl who was talking to you just now—is she called Xiaohong?” Zhui’er said with a laugh, “She is indeed called Xiaohong.你問他作什麼？”賈芸道：“方才他問你什麼手帕子，我倒揀了一塊。”墜兒聽了笑道：“他問了我好幾遍，可有看見他的帕子。Why do you ask about her?” Jia Yun said, “Just now she asked you about some handkerchief; as it happens, I found one.” Zhui’er laughed and said, “She has asked me several times whether I have seen her handkerchief.我有那麼大工夫管這些事！As though I had all that time to bother about such things!今兒他又問我，他說我替他找著了，他還謝我呢。Today she asked me again, and said that if I found it for her, she would thank me.才在蘅蕪苑門口說的，二爺也聽見了，不是我撒謊。She said it just now at the gate of All-Fragrance Court. You heard her yourself, Second Master; I am not lying.好二爺，你既揀了，給我罷。Dear Second Master, since you found it, give it to me.我看他拿什麼謝我。”原來上月賈芸進來种樹之時，便揀了一塊羅帕，便知是所在園內的人失落的，但不知是那一個人的，故不敢造次。I want to see how she will thank me.” It so happened that when Jia Yun had entered the garden to plant trees the month before, he had found a gauze handkerchief and knew it must have been lost by someone in the garden; but as he did not know whose it was, he had not dared act rashly.今聽見紅玉問墜兒，便知是紅玉的，心內不胜喜幸。Now that he had heard Hongyu asking Zhui’er about it, he knew it belonged to Hongyu and was overjoyed.又見墜兒追索，心中早得了主意，便向袖內將自己的一塊取了出來，向墜兒笑道：“我給是給你，你若得了他的謝禮，不許瞞著我。”墜兒滿口里答應了，接了手帕子，送出賈芸，回來找紅玉，不在話下。When Zhui’er pressed him for it, he had already formed a plan. From his sleeve he took out a handkerchief of his own and said to her with a smile, “I will give it to you, but if she rewards you, you are not to conceal it from me.” Zhui’er readily promised, took the handkerchief, escorted Jia Yun out, and returned to look for Hongyu—but that need not detain our story.

出了怡红院，贾芸见四顾无人，便把脚慢慢停著些走，口里一长一短和坠儿说话，先问他“几岁了？名字叫什么？你父母在那一行上？在宝叔房内几年了？一个月多少钱？共总宝叔房内有几个女孩子？”那坠儿见问，便一桩桩的都告诉他了。贾芸又道：“才刚那个与你说话的，他可是叫小红？”坠儿笑道：“他倒叫小红。你问他作什么？”贾芸道：“方才他问你什么手帕子，我倒拣了一块。”坠儿听了笑道：“他问了我好几遍，可有看见他的帕子。我有那么大工夫管这些事！今儿他又问我，他说我替他找著了，他还谢我呢。才在蘅芜苑门口说的，二爷也听见了，不是我撒谎。好二爷，你既拣了，给我罢。我看他拿什么谢我。”原来上月贾芸进来种树之时，便拣了一块罗帕，便知是所在园内的人失落的，但不知是那一个人的，故不敢造次。今听见红玉问坠儿，便知是红玉的，心内不胜喜幸。又见坠儿追索，心中早得了主意，便向袖内将自己的一块取了出来，向坠儿笑道：“我给是给你，你若得了他的谢礼，不许瞒著我。”坠儿满口里答应了，接了手帕子，送出贾芸，回来找红玉，不在话下。

如今且說寶玉打發了賈芸去後，意思懶懶的歪在床上，似有朦朧之態。Now, after Baoyu had sent Jia Yun away, he reclined listlessly on the bed, seeming half asleep.襲人便走上來，坐在床沿上推他，說道：“怎麼又要睡覺？Xiren came over, sat on the edge of the bed, and nudged him, saying, “Why are you going to sleep again?悶的很，你出去逛逛不是？”寶玉見說，便拉他的手笑道：“我要去，只是舍不得你。”襲人笑道：“快起來罷！”一面說，一面拉了寶玉起來。It is stifling in here. Why not go outside for a stroll?” At this Baoyu took her hand and said with a smile, “I would go, only I cannot bear to leave you.” Xiren laughed and said, “Do get up!” And as she spoke, she pulled Baoyu to his feet.寶玉道：“可往那去呢？Baoyu said, “But where should I go?怪膩膩煩煩的。”襲人道：“你出去了就好了。Everything is so tiresome and dreary.” Xiren said, “You will feel better once you are outside.只管這麼葳蕤，越發心里煩膩。”If you keep languishing about like this, you will only grow more vexed and weary at heart.”

如今且说宝玉打发了贾芸去后，意思懒懒的歪在床上，似有朦胧之态。袭人便走上来，坐在床沿上推他，说道：“怎么又要睡觉？闷的很，你出去逛逛不是？”宝玉见说，便拉他的手笑道：“我要去，只是舍不得你。”袭人笑道：“快起来罢！”一面说，一面拉了宝玉起来。宝玉道：“可往那去呢？怪腻腻烦烦的。”袭人道：“你出去了就好了。只管这么葳蕤，越发心里烦腻。”

寶玉無精打采的，只得依他。Baoyu, dispirited and apathetic, had no choice but to do as she said.晃出了房門，在回廊上調弄了一回雀兒，出至院外，順著沁芳溪看了一回金魚。He sauntered out of the room, teased the caged birds for a while in the covered walk, then went beyond the courtyard and followed Qinfang Stream, watching the goldfish for a time.只見那邊山坡上兩只小鹿箭也似的跑來，寶玉不解其意。Suddenly he saw two young deer come racing down the hill opposite like arrows, and could not make out the reason.正自納悶，只見賈蘭在後面拿著一張小弓追了下來，一見寶玉在前面，便站住了，笑道：“二叔叔在家里呢，我只當出門去了。”寶玉道：“你又淘氣了。While he was still wondering, Jia Lan came chasing after them with a small bow in his hand. On seeing Baoyu ahead, he stopped and said with a smile, “So Second Uncle is at home! I thought you had gone out.” Baoyu said, “You have been up to mischief again.好好的射他作什麼？”賈蘭笑道：“這會子不念書，閒著作什麼？Why shoot at them when they have done nothing?” Jia Lan said with a smile, “I am not studying just now; what else should I do with my leisure?所以演習演習騎射。”寶玉道：“把牙栽了，那時才不演呢。”So I am practicing riding and archery.” Baoyu said, “You will not stop practicing until you fall and knock your teeth out.”

宝玉无精打采的，只得依他。晃出了房门，在回廊上调弄了一回雀儿，出至院外，顺著沁芳溪看了一回金鱼。只见那边山坡上两只小鹿箭也似的跑来，宝玉不解其意。正自纳闷，只见贾兰在后面拿著一张小弓追了下来，一见宝玉在前面，便站住了，笑道：“二叔叔在家里呢，我只当出门去了。”宝玉道：“你又淘气了。好好的射他作什么？”贾兰笑道：“这会子不念书，闲著作什么？所以演习演习骑射。”宝玉道：“把牙栽了，那时才不演呢。”

說著，順著腳一徑來至一個院門前，只見鳳尾森森，龍吟細細。So saying, he followed wherever his feet led him and came straight to the gate of a courtyard, where phoenix-tail bamboos grew in dense ranks and murmured softly like dragons.舉目望門上一看，只見匾上寫著“瀟湘館”三字。Looking up at the gate, he saw the three characters ‘Xiaoxiang Lodge’ written on the tablet.寶玉信步走入，只見湘帘垂地，悄無人聲。Baoyu wandered in at will and saw the Xiang curtains hanging to the floor; not a human voice could be heard.走至窗前，覺得一縷幽香從碧紗窗中暗暗透出。When he reached the window, he caught a faint, secluded fragrance stealing out through the green gauze.寶玉便將臉貼在紗窗上，往里看時，耳內忽聽得細細的長歎了一聲道：“‘每日家情思睡昏昏。’”寶玉聽了，不覺心內痒將起來，再看時，只見黛玉在床上伸懶腰。Baoyu pressed his face to the gauze window and peered inside. Suddenly he heard a soft, lingering sigh, followed by the words, “‘Day after day, my lovesick thoughts leave me drowsy.’” At this, an itch of desire stirred involuntarily in Baoyu’s heart; looking again, he saw Daiyu stretching languidly on the bed.寶玉在窗外笑道：“為甚么‘每日家情思睡昏昏’？”一面說，一面掀帘子進來了。From outside the window Baoyu said with a laugh, “And why are you ‘day after day left drowsy by lovesick thoughts’?” Even as he spoke, he lifted the curtain and came in.

说著，顺著脚一径来至一个院门前，只见凤尾森森，龙吟细细。举目望门上一看，只见匾上写著“潇湘馆”三字。宝玉信步走入，只见湘帘垂地，悄无人声。走至窗前，觉得一缕幽香从碧纱窗中暗暗透出。宝玉便将脸贴在纱窗上，往里看时，耳内忽听得细细的长叹了一声道：“‘每日家情思睡昏昏。’”宝玉听了，不觉心内痒将起来，再看时，只见黛玉在床上伸懒腰。宝玉在窗外笑道：“为甚么‘每日家情思睡昏昏’？”一面说，一面掀帘子进来了。

林黛玉自覺忘情，不覺紅了臉，拿袖子遮了臉，翻身向里裝睡著了。Lin Daiyu realized that she had let her feelings carry her away and blushed; covering her face with her sleeve, she turned toward the wall and pretended to be asleep.寶玉才走上來要搬他的身子，只見黛玉的奶娘并兩個婆子卻跟了進來說：“妹妹睡覺呢，等醒了再請來。”剛說著，黛玉便翻身坐了起來，笑道：“誰睡覺呢。”那兩三個婆子見黛玉起來，便笑道：“我們只當姑娘睡著了。”說著，便叫紫鵑說：“姑娘醒了，進來伺侯。”一面說，一面都去了。Baoyu had just come forward to turn her over when Daiyu’s nurse and two old serving women followed him in and said, “Your little sister is sleeping; please come back when she wakes.” They had scarcely spoken when Daiyu turned over and sat up, saying with a smile, “Who is sleeping?” Seeing her rise, the two or three old women laughed and said, “We thought you had fallen asleep, Miss.” Then they called to Zijuan, “The young lady is awake; come and wait on her.” With that they all went away.

林黛玉自觉忘情，不觉红了脸，拿袖子遮了脸，翻身向里装睡著了。宝玉才走上来要搬他的身子，只见黛玉的奶娘并两个婆子却跟了进来说：“妹妹睡觉呢，等醒了再请来。”刚说著，黛玉便翻身坐了起来，笑道：“谁睡觉呢。”那两三个婆子见黛玉起来，便笑道：“我们只当姑娘睡著了。”说著，便叫紫鹃说：“姑娘醒了，进来伺侯。”一面说，一面都去了。

黛玉坐在床上，一面抬手整理鬢發，一面笑向寶玉道：“人家睡覺，你進來作什麼？”寶玉見他星眼微餳，香腮帶赤，不覺神魂早蕩，一歪身坐在椅子上，笑道：“你才說什麼？”黛玉道：“我沒說什麼。”寶玉笑道：“給你個榧子吃！Daiyu sat on the bed, raising a hand to smooth her temples as she said to Baoyu with a smile, “Why come in when someone is sleeping?” Seeing her starry eyes still heavy with sleep and her fragrant cheeks flushed, Baoyu’s soul was already entranced. Dropping sideways into a chair, he said with a smile, “What were you saying just now?” Daiyu said, “I said nothing.” Baoyu laughed and said, “You deserve a rap on the knuckles!我都聽見了。”I heard every word.”

黛玉坐在床上，一面抬手整理鬓发，一面笑向宝玉道：“人家睡觉，你进来作什么？”宝玉见他星眼微饧，香腮带赤，不觉神魂早荡，一歪身坐在椅子上，笑道：“你才说什么？”黛玉道：“我没说什么。”宝玉笑道：“给你个榧子吃！我都听见了。”

二人正說話，只見紫鵑進來。As the two of them were talking, Zijuan came in.寶玉笑道：“紫鵑，把你們的好茶倒碗我吃。”紫鵑道：“那里是好的呢？Baoyu said with a smile, “Zijuan, pour me a bowl of your best tea.” Zijuan said, “What best tea do we have?要好的，只是等襲人來。”黛玉道：“別理他，你先給我舀水去罷。”紫鵑笑道：“他是客，自然先倒了茶來再舀水去。”說著倒茶去了。If you want the best, you must wait until Xiren comes.” Daiyu said, “Pay no attention to him; go and draw me some water first.” Zijuan said with a smile, “He is a guest, so naturally I must pour his tea before I go for your water.” With that, she went to pour the tea.寶玉笑道：“好丫頭，‘若共你多情小姐同鴛帳，怎舍得疊被舖床？’”林黛玉登時撂下臉來，說道：“二哥哥，你說什麼？”寶玉笑道：“我何嘗說什麼。”黛玉便哭道：“如今新興的，外頭聽了村話來，也說給我聽，看了混帳書，也來拿我取笑兒。Baoyu said with a smile, “Good girl, ‘If I could share the lovebird curtains with your amorous mistress, how could I bear to fold quilts and make the bed?’” Lin Daiyu’s face immediately darkened, and she said, “Second Brother, what did you say?” Baoyu laughed and said, “When did I say anything?” Daiyu began to weep. “This is something new! You hear vulgar talk outside and repeat it to me; you read filthy books and then make me the butt of your jokes.我成了爺們解悶的。”一面哭著，一面下床來往外就走。So I have become a plaything for young gentlemen to amuse themselves with.” Weeping as she spoke, she got down from the bed and started toward the door.寶玉不知要怎樣，心下慌了，忙赶上來，”好妹妹，我一時該死，你別告訴去。Baoyu had no idea what she meant to do and panicked; hurrying after her, he said, “Dear sister, damn me for that moment’s folly—only do not tell anyone.我再要敢，嘴上就長個疔，爛了舌頭。”正說著，只見襲人走來說道：“快回去穿衣服，老爺叫你呢。”寶玉聽了，不覺打了個雷的一般，也顧不得別的，疾忙回來穿衣服。If I ever dare do it again, may a boil grow on my mouth and my tongue rot away.” As he spoke, Xiren came over and said, “Hurry back and put on your proper clothes—the Master is asking for you.” Hearing this struck Baoyu like a thunderclap; forgetting everything else, he hurried back to change.出園來，只見焙茗在二門前等著，寶玉便問道：“你可知道叫我是為什麼？”焙茗道：“爺快出來罷，橫豎是見去的，到那里就知道了。”一面說，一面催著寶玉。When he came out of the garden, he found Beiming waiting at the second gate, and asked him, “Do you know why I have been summoned?” Beiming said, “Please hurry out, Master. You have to go and see him in any case; you will know when you get there.” As he spoke, he urged Baoyu onward.

二人正说话，只见紫鹃进来。宝玉笑道：“紫鹃，把你们的好茶倒碗我吃。”紫鹃道：“那里是好的呢？要好的，只是等袭人来。”黛玉道：“别理他，你先给我舀水去罢。”紫鹃笑道：“他是客，自然先倒了茶来再舀水去。”说著倒茶去了。宝玉笑道：“好丫头，‘若共你多情小姐同鸳帐，怎舍得叠被铺床？’”林黛玉登时撂下脸来，说道：“二哥哥，你说什么？”宝玉笑道：“我何尝说什么。”黛玉便哭道：“如今新兴的，外头听了村话来，也说给我听，看了混帐书，也来拿我取笑儿。我成了爷们解闷的。”一面哭著，一面下床来往外就走。宝玉不知要怎样，心下慌了，忙赶上来，”好妹妹，我一时该死，你别告诉去。我再要敢，嘴上就长个疔，烂了舌头。”正说著，只见袭人走来说道：“快回去穿衣服，老爷叫你呢。”宝玉听了，不觉打了个雷的一般，也顾不得别的，疾忙回来穿衣服。出园来，只见焙茗在二门前等著，宝玉便问道：“你可知道叫我是为什么？”焙茗道：“爷快出来罢，横竖是见去的，到那里就知道了。”一面说，一面催著宝玉。

轉過大廳，寶玉心里還自狐疑，只聽牆角邊一陣呵呵大笑，回頭只見薛蟠拍著手笑了出來，笑道：“要不說姨夫叫你，你那里出來的這麼快。”焙茗也笑道：“爺別怪我。”忙跪下了。After they had passed the great hall, Baoyu was still full of misgivings when he heard a burst of loud laughter from the corner of the wall. Turning, he saw Xue Pan emerge, clapping his hands and laughing. “If I had not said your father wanted you, how could I have got you out so quickly?” Beiming also laughed and said, “Please do not blame me, Master,” and hurriedly knelt down.寶玉怔了半天，方解過來了，是薛蟠哄他出來。Baoyu stood stunned for some time before he understood that Xue Pan had tricked him into coming out.薛蟠連忙打恭作揖陪不是，又求”不要難為了小子，都是我逼他去的。”寶玉也無法了，只好笑問道：“你哄我也罷了，怎麼說我父親呢？Xue Pan hastened to bow and salute, apologizing profusely, and pleaded, “Do not make things hard for the boy; I forced him to do it.” There was nothing Baoyu could do, so he merely smiled and asked, “It is one thing to trick me, but why invoke my father?我告訴姨娘去，評評這個理，可使得么？”薛蟠忙道：“好兄弟，我原為求你快些出來，就忘了忌諱這句話。I shall tell Aunt and ask her to judge whether such behavior is proper!” Xue Pan hurriedly said, “Dear brother, I only wanted you to come out quickly, and forgot that those words were taboo.”改日你也哄我，說我的父親就完了。”寶玉道：“噯，噯，越發該死了。”又向焙茗道：“反叛肏的，還跪著作什麼！”焙茗連忙叩頭起來。Another day you’ll be tricking me too, saying my father is done for.” Baoyu said, “Yes, yes—I deserve death all the more.” Then he turned to Beiming: “You rebellious little bastard, what are you still kneeling there for?” Beiming hurriedly kowtowed and rose.薛蟠道：“要不是我也不敢驚動，只因明兒五月初三日是我的生日，誰知古董行的程日興，他不知那里尋了來的這麼粗這麼長粉脆的鮮藕，這麼大的大西瓜，這麼長一尾新鮮的鱘魚，這麼大的一個暹羅國進貢的靈柏香熏的暹豬。Xue Pan said, “If it were anything else, I wouldn’t have dared disturb you; but tomorrow, the third day of the fifth month, is my birthday, and Cheng Rixing, the antique dealer, somehow managed to find the thickest, longest, crispest fresh lotus roots, enormous watermelons, a great long fresh sturgeon, and a huge Siamese pig, presented as tribute and smoked over fragrant sacred cypress.你說，他這四樣禮可難得不難得？Tell me, are those four gifts rare or not?那魚，豬不過貴而難得，這藕和瓜虧他怎麼种出來的。The fish and the pig are merely costly and hard to come by; but as for the lotus roots and melons, how he ever managed to grow them is beyond me.我連忙孝敬了母親，赶著給你們老太太，姨父，姨母送了些去。I promptly offered some to my mother, then hastened to send portions to your Old Lady, your uncle, and your aunt.如今留了些，我要自己吃，恐怕折福，左思右想，除我之外，惟有你還配吃，所以特請你來。I have kept some back, but I fear that eating them myself would diminish my blessings; after much thought, I decided that, apart from me, you alone are worthy of eating them, so I specially invited you here.可巧唱曲兒的小么兒又才來了，我同你樂一天何如？”一面說，一面來至他書房里。As luck would have it, the young singers have just arrived too. How about you and I make merry all day?” As he spoke, he led Baoyu into his study.只見詹光，程日興，胡斯來，單聘仁等并唱曲兒的都在這里，見他進來，請安的，問好的，都彼此見過了。There they found Zhan Guang, Cheng Rixing, Hu Silai, Shan Pinren, and the singers. When Baoyu entered, some paid their respects and others exchanged greetings, until everyone had been introduced.吃了茶，薛蟠即命人擺酒來。After they had taken tea, Xue Pan at once ordered the wine to be served.說猶未了，眾小廝七手八腳擺了半天，方才停當歸坐。Before he had finished speaking, the pages bustled about in a flurry for quite some time; only when everything was ready did they settle into their seats.寶玉果見瓜藕新异，因笑道：“我的壽禮還未送來，倒先扰了。”薛蟠道：“可是呢，明兒你送我什麼？”寶玉道：“我可有什麼可送的？Baoyu found the melons and lotus roots novel indeed, and said with a smile, “My birthday gift has not even arrived, yet here I am imposing on you already.” Xue Pan said, “Quite so! What will you give me tomorrow?” Baoyu replied, “What could I possibly have to give?若論銀錢吃的穿的東西，究竟還不是我的，惟有我寫一張字，畫一張畫，才算是我的。”As for money, food, or clothing, none of it is really mine; only if I write a piece of calligraphy or paint a picture can it truly count as coming from me.”

转过大厅，宝玉心里还自狐疑，只听墙角边一阵呵呵大笑，回头只见薛蟠拍著手笑了出来，笑道：“要不说姨夫叫你，你那里出来的这么快。”焙茗也笑道：“爷别怪我。”忙跪下了。宝玉怔了半天，方解过来了，是薛蟠哄他出来。薛蟠连忙打恭作揖陪不是，又求”不要难为了小子，都是我逼他去的。”宝玉也无法了，只好笑问道：“你哄我也罢了，怎么说我父亲呢？我告诉姨娘去，评评这个理，可使得么？”薛蟠忙道：“好兄弟，我原为求你快些出来，就忘了忌讳这句话。改日你也哄我，说我的父亲就完了。”宝玉道：“嗳，嗳，越发该死了。”又向焙茗道：“反叛肏的，还跪著作什么！”焙茗连忙叩头起来。薛蟠道：“要不是我也不敢惊动，只因明儿五月初三日是我的生日，谁知古董行的程日兴，他不知那里寻了来的这么粗这么长粉脆的鲜藕，这么大的大西瓜，这么长一尾新鲜的鲟鱼，这么大的一个暹罗国进贡的灵柏香熏的暹猪。你说，他这四样礼可难得不难得？那鱼，猪不过贵而难得，这藕和瓜亏他怎么种出来的。我连忙孝敬了母亲，赶著给你们老太太，姨父，姨母送了些去。如今留了些，我要自己吃，恐怕折福，左思右想，除我之外，惟有你还配吃，所以特请你来。可巧唱曲儿的小么儿又才来了，我同你乐一天何如？”一面说，一面来至他书房里。只见詹光，程日兴，胡斯来，单聘仁等并唱曲儿的都在这里，见他进来，请安的，问好的，都彼此见过了。吃了茶，薛蟠即命人摆酒来。说犹未了，众小厮七手八脚摆了半天，方才停当归坐。宝玉果见瓜藕新异，因笑道：“我的寿礼还未送来，倒先扰了。”薛蟠道：“可是呢，明儿你送我什么？”宝玉道：“我可有什么可送的？若论银钱吃的穿的东西，究竟还不是我的，惟有我写一张字，画一张画，才算是我的。”

薛蟠笑道：“你提畫兒，我才想起來。Xue Pan laughed. “Now that you mention paintings, I’ve just remembered something.昨兒我看人家一張春宮，畫的著實好。Yesterday I saw an erotic painting at someone’s house, and it was truly excellent.上面還有許多的字，也沒細看，只看落的款，是‘庚黃’畫的。There was a great deal of writing on it too, though I did not look closely. I only saw the signature: it was painted by ‘Geng Huang.’真真的好的了不得！”寶玉聽說，心下猜疑道：“古今字畫也都見過些，那里有個‘庚黃’？”想了半天，不覺笑將起來，命人取過筆來，在手心里寫了兩個字，又問薛蟠道：“你看真了是‘庚黃’？”薛蟠道：“怎麼看不真！”寶玉將手一撒，與他看道：“別是這兩字罷？It was really superb beyond words!” Hearing this, Baoyu wondered, “I have seen a fair number of paintings and works of calligraphy, ancient and modern, but where was there ever an artist called ‘Geng Huang’?” After pondering for a long while, he suddenly burst out laughing. He had someone bring him a brush, wrote two characters on his palm, and asked Xue Pan, “Are you certain you saw ‘Geng Huang’?” Xue Pan replied, “How could I have seen it wrong?” Baoyu opened his hand and showed him. “Could it perhaps have been these two characters?其實與‘庚黃’相去不遠。”眾人都看時，原來是“唐寅”兩個字，都笑道：“想必是這兩字，大爺一時眼花了也未可知”。They are not really so far removed from ‘Geng Huang.’” When everyone looked, they saw that the two characters were “Tang Yin,” and all laughed. “It must have been these two. Perhaps Your Lordship’s eyes were blurred for a moment.”薛蟠只覺沒意思，笑道：“誰知他‘糖銀’‘果銀’的。”正說著，小廝來回“馮大爺來了”。Xue Pan felt rather foolish and laughed. “Who knows whether it was ‘Tang Yin,’ ‘sugar silver,’ or ‘fruit silver’!” Just then a page came in to announce, “Master Feng has arrived.”寶玉便知是神武將軍馮唐之子馮紫英來了。Baoyu knew that this was Feng Ziying, son of General Feng Tang of the Divine Might Command.薛蟠等一齊都叫“快請”。Xue Pan and the others all cried together, “Show him in at once!”說猶未了，只見馮紫英一路說笑，已進來了。Before they had finished speaking, Feng Ziying came in, laughing and talking all the way.眾人忙起席讓坐。Everyone hurriedly rose from the table and offered him a seat.馮紫英笑道：“好呀！Feng Ziying laughed. “Well, well!也不出門了，在家里高樂罷。”寶玉薛蟠都笑道：“一向少會，老世伯身上康健？”紫英答道：“家父倒也托庇康健。So you no longer go out, but stay home making merry!” Baoyu and Xue Pan both laughed. “We have seen little of you lately. Is your honored father in good health?” Ziying replied, “Thanks to your good offices, my father is quite well.近來家母偶著了些風寒，不好了兩天。”薛蟠見他面上有些青傷，便笑道：“這臉上又和誰揮拳的？My mother, however, recently caught a slight chill and was unwell for two days.” Seeing bruises on his face, Xue Pan laughed and asked, “Who have you been trading punches with this time?挂了幌子了。”馮紫英笑道：“從那一遭把仇都尉的兒子打傷了，我就記了再不慪氣，如何又揮拳？You’ve hung out a signboard on your face.” Feng Ziying laughed. “Ever since I injured Commandant Qiu’s son that time, I resolved never again to lose my temper. How could I have been fighting?這個臉上，是前日打圍，在鐵网山教兔鶻捎一翅膀。”寶玉道：“幾時的話？”紫英道：“三月二十八日去的，前兒也就回來了。”寶玉道：“怪道前兒初三四兒，我在沈世兄家赴席不見你呢。As for my face, the other day while we were hunting at Tiewang Mountain, a hunting falcon clipped me with its wing.” Baoyu asked, “When was this?” Ziying replied, “We left on the twenty-eighth of the third month and returned only the day before yesterday.” Baoyu said, “No wonder I did not see you at the banquet at Brother Shen’s house on the third or fourth the other day.我要問，不知怎麼就忘了。I meant to ask about you, but somehow it slipped my mind.單你去了，還是老世伯也去了？”紫英道：“可不是家父去，我沒法兒，去罷了。Did you go alone, or did your honored father go as well?” Ziying replied, “Of course my father went. I had no choice but to go along.難道我閒瘋了，咱們幾個人吃酒聽唱的不樂，尋那個苦惱去？Do you think I had gone mad from idleness? Why give up drinking and listening to songs with you fellows to go looking for hardship?這一次，大不幸之中又大幸。”Yet this time, amid great misfortune, there was also great good fortune.”

薛蟠笑道：“你提画儿，我才想起来。昨儿我看人家一张春宫，画的著实好。上面还有许多的字，也没细看，只看落的款，是‘庚黄’画的。真真的好的了不得！”宝玉听说，心下猜疑道：“古今字画也都见过些，那里有个‘庚黄’？”想了半天，不觉笑将起来，命人取过笔来，在手心里写了两个字，又问薛蟠道：“你看真了是‘庚黄’？”薛蟠道：“怎么看不真！”宝玉将手一撒，与他看道：“别是这两字罢？其实与‘庚黄’相去不远。”众人都看时，原来是“唐寅”两个字，都笑道：“想必是这两字，大爷一时眼花了也未可知”。薛蟠只觉没意思，笑道：“谁知他‘糖银’‘果银’的。”正说著，小厮来回“冯大爷来了”。宝玉便知是神武将军冯唐之子冯紫英来了。薛蟠等一齐都叫“快请”。说犹未了，只见冯紫英一路说笑，已进来了。众人忙起席让坐。冯紫英笑道：“好呀！也不出门了，在家里高乐罢。”宝玉薛蟠都笑道：“一向少会，老世伯身上康健？”紫英答道：“家父倒也托庇康健。近来家母偶著了些风寒，不好了两天。”薛蟠见他面上有些青伤，便笑道：“这脸上又和谁挥拳的？挂了幌子了。”冯紫英笑道：“从那一遭把仇都尉的儿子打伤了，我就记了再不怄气，如何又挥拳？这个脸上，是前日打围，在铁网山教兔鹘捎一翅膀。”宝玉道：“几时的话？”紫英道：“三月二十八日去的，前儿也就回来了。”宝玉道：“怪道前儿初三四儿，我在沈世兄家赴席不见你呢。我要问，不知怎么就忘了。单你去了，还是老世伯也去了？”紫英道：“可不是家父去，我没法儿，去罢了。难道我闲疯了，咱们几个人吃酒听唱的不乐，寻那个苦恼去？这一次，大不幸之中又大幸。”

薛蟠眾人見他吃完了茶，都說道：“且入席，有話慢慢的說。”馮紫英聽說，便立起身來說道：論理，我該陪飲幾杯才是，只是今兒有一件大大要緊的事，回去還要見家父面回，實不敢領。When Xue Pan and the others saw that he had finished his tea, they all said, “Come, take your place at the table, and tell us everything at leisure.” At this Feng Ziying rose and said, “By rights I ought to stay and drink several cups with you, but today I have a matter of the utmost importance and must return to report it to my father in person. I truly dare not accept your hospitality.薛蟠寶玉眾人那里肯依，死拉著不放。But Xue Pan, Baoyu, and the others would not hear of it and clung to him, refusing to let him go.馮紫英笑道：“這又奇了。Feng Ziying laughed. “Now this is strange.你我這些年，那回兒有這個道理的？In all the years we have known one another, when have I ever behaved so?果然不能遵命。I truly cannot oblige you today.若必定叫我領，拿大杯來，我領兩杯就是了。”眾人聽說，只得罷了，薛蟠執壺，寶玉把盞，斟了兩大海。If you insist that I drink, bring me a large cup, and I shall take two.” Hearing this, they had no choice but to yield. Xue Pan held the winepot, Baoyu offered the cup, and they poured him two enormous bumpers.那馮紫英站著，一氣而盡。Feng Ziying remained standing and drained them each in a single breath.寶玉道：“你到底把這個‘不幸之幸’說完了再走。”馮紫英笑道：“今兒說的也不盡興。Baoyu said, “At least finish telling us about this ‘good fortune amid misfortune’ before you leave.” Feng Ziying laughed. “There would not be time to tell it properly today.我為這個，還要特治一東，請你們去細談一談，二則還有所懇之處。”說著執手就走。Indeed, it is for this very reason that I mean to host a special banquet and invite you all to discuss it fully; besides, I have a favor to ask of you.” With that, he clasped their hands in farewell and made to leave.薛蟠道：“越發說的人熱剌剌的丟不下。Xue Pan said, “You have made us all the more eager, and now we cannot let the matter drop.多早晚才請我們，告訴了。At least tell us when you mean to invite us.也免的人猶疑。”馮紫英道：“多則十日，少則八天。”一面說，一面出門上馬去了。Then you will spare us all this suspense.” Feng Ziying replied, “Ten days at most, eight at the least.” So saying, he went out, mounted his horse, and rode away.眾人回來，依席又飲了一回方散。The others returned to the table and drank for another while before dispersing.

薛蟠众人见他吃完了茶，都说道：“且入席，有话慢慢的说。”冯紫英听说，便立起身来说道：论理，我该陪饮几杯才是，只是今儿有一件大大要紧的事，回去还要见家父面回，实不敢领。薛蟠宝玉众人那里肯依，死拉著不放。冯紫英笑道：“这又奇了。你我这些年，那回儿有这个道理的？果然不能遵命。若必定叫我领，拿大杯来，我领两杯就是了。”众人听说，只得罢了，薛蟠执壶，宝玉把盏，斟了两大海。那冯紫英站著，一气而尽。宝玉道：“你到底把这个‘不幸之幸’说完了再走。”冯紫英笑道：“今儿说的也不尽兴。我为这个，还要特治一东，请你们去细谈一谈，二则还有所恳之处。”说著执手就走。薛蟠道：“越发说的人热剌剌的丢不下。多早晚才请我们，告诉了。也免的人犹疑。”冯紫英道：“多则十日，少则八天。”一面说，一面出门上马去了。众人回来，依席又饮了一回方散。

寶玉回至園中，襲人正記挂著他去見賈政，不知是禍是福，只見寶玉醉醺醺的回來，問其原故，寶玉一一向他說了。When Baoyu returned to the Garden, Xiren was anxiously wondering what good or ill had come of his meeting with Jia Zheng. Seeing him return quite tipsy, she asked what had happened, and Baoyu related everything to her in detail.襲人道：“人家牽腸挂肚的等著，你且高樂去，也到底打發人來給個信兒。”寶玉道：“我何嘗不要送信兒，只因馮世兄來了，就混忘了。”正說，只見寶釵走進來笑道：“偏了我們新鮮東西了。”寶玉笑道：“姐姐家的東西，自然先偏了我們了。”寶釵搖頭笑道：“昨兒哥哥倒特特的請我吃，我不吃，叫他留著請人送人罷。Xiren said, “Here I was waiting in torment, while you went off to enjoy yourself! You might at least have sent someone back with word.” Baoyu replied, “I did mean to send word, but Brother Feng arrived, and amid all the bustle I completely forgot.” As they spoke, Baochai came in and said with a smile, “So you were favored with those delicacies before the rest of us.” Baoyu laughed. “Naturally, things from your family would favor us first.” Baochai shook her head and smiled. “Yesterday my brother specially invited me to eat them, but I refused and told him to save them for entertaining guests or giving away.我知道我的命小福薄，不配吃那個。”說著，丫鬟倒了茶來，吃茶說閒話兒，不在話下。I know my destiny is petty and my blessings meager; I am not worthy of eating such things.” As she spoke, a maid poured tea, and they drank and chatted idly, but that need not detain us.

宝玉回至园中，袭人正记挂著他去见贾政，不知是祸是福，只见宝玉醉醺醺的回来，问其原故，宝玉一一向他说了。袭人道：“人家牵肠挂肚的等著，你且高乐去，也到底打发人来给个信儿。”宝玉道：“我何尝不要送信儿，只因冯世兄来了，就混忘了。”正说，只见宝钗走进来笑道：“偏了我们新鲜东西了。”宝玉笑道：“姐姐家的东西，自然先偏了我们了。”宝钗摇头笑道：“昨儿哥哥倒特特的请我吃，我不吃，叫他留著请人送人罢。我知道我的命小福薄，不配吃那个。”说著，丫鬟倒了茶来，吃茶说闲话儿，不在话下。

卻說那林黛玉聽見賈政叫了寶玉去了，一日不回來，心中也替他憂慮。Now Daiyu had heard that Jia Zheng had summoned Baoyu and that he had not returned all day, so she too had been anxious on his behalf.至晚飯後，聞聽寶玉來了，心里要找他問問是怎麼樣了。After the evening meal, she heard that Baoyu had returned and wanted to seek him out and ask what had happened.一步步行來，見寶釵進寶玉的院內去了，自己也便隨後走了來。She came walking slowly along and, seeing Baochai enter Baoyu’s courtyard, followed after her.剛到了沁芳橋，只見各色水禽都在池中浴水，也認不出名色來，但見一個個文彩炫耀，好看异常，因而站住看了一會。Just as she reached Qinfang Bridge, she saw all manner of waterfowl bathing in the pond. Though she could not tell their names or kinds, each displayed such dazzling plumage and looked so extraordinarily lovely that she stopped to watch them for a while.再往怡紅院來，只見院門關著，黛玉便以手扣門。She then went on toward Happy Red Court, only to find the courtyard gate shut, so Daiyu knocked upon it.

却说那林黛玉听见贾政叫了宝玉去了，一日不回来，心中也替他忧虑。至晚饭后，闻听宝玉来了，心里要找他问问是怎么样了。一步步行来，见宝钗进宝玉的院内去了，自己也便随后走了来。刚到了沁芳桥，只见各色水禽都在池中浴水，也认不出名色来，但见一个个文彩炫耀，好看异常，因而站住看了一会。再往怡红院来，只见院门关著，黛玉便以手扣门。

誰知晴雯和碧痕正拌了嘴，沒好氣，忽見寶釵來了，那晴雯正把氣移在寶釵身上，正在院內抱怨說：“有事沒事跑了來坐著，叫我們三更半夜的不得睡覺！”忽聽又有人叫門，晴雯越發動了氣，也并不問是誰，便說道：“都睡下了，明兒再來罷！”林黛玉素知丫頭們的情性，他們彼此頑耍慣了，恐怕院內的丫頭沒聽真是他的聲音，只當是別的丫頭們來了，所以不開門，因而又高聲說道：“是我，還不開么？”晴雯偏生還沒聽出來，便使性子說道：“憑你是誰，二爺吩咐的，一概不許放人進來呢！”林黛玉聽了，不覺氣怔在門外，待要高聲問他，逗起氣來，自己又回思一番：“雖說是舅母家如同自己家一樣，到底是客邊。As it happened, Qingwen and Bihen had just quarreled and were both in a foul temper. When Baochai arrived, Qingwen vented her anger on her and was still grumbling in the courtyard, “She comes running over to sit here whether she has business or not, keeping us from sleeping until the middle of the night!” Then she heard someone else calling at the gate. Her anger rose still further, and without even asking who it was, she called, “We have all gone to bed. Come back tomorrow!” Daiyu knew the maids’ temperaments well. They were accustomed to teasing and romping with one another, and she feared that the maids within had not recognized her voice and had taken her for one of the other servant girls, and so had not opened the gate. She therefore called more loudly, “It is I. Will you not open the gate?” But Qingwen still failed to recognize her and answered petulantly, “Whoever you are, Second Master has ordered that no one at all be admitted!” Hearing this, Daiyu stood outside the gate, stunned with anger. She was about to raise her voice and demand an explanation, but that might provoke a quarrel, and then she reflected, “Though this is my aunt’s house and is said to be the same as my own, I am, after all, only a guest here.如今父母雙亡，無依無靠，現在他家依栖。Now both my parents are dead, and I have no one to depend upon; I am living here under their protection.如今認真淘氣，也覺沒趣。”一面想，一面又滾下淚珠來。If I were truly to make a scene now, I would only make myself ridiculous.” As she thought, tears began rolling down her cheeks.正是回去不是，站著不是。She could neither bring herself to go back nor bear to remain standing there.正沒主意，只聽里面一陣笑語之聲，細聽一聽，竟是寶玉‘寶釵二人。While she stood there at a loss, she heard a burst of laughter and conversation from within. Listening closely, she found that it was none other than Baoyu and Baochai.林黛玉心中益發動了氣，左思右想，忽然想起了早起的事來：“必竟是寶玉惱我要告他的原故。Daiyu grew angrier still. After turning it over and over in her mind, she suddenly remembered what had happened that morning. “Baoyu must be angry because he thinks I meant to tell on him.但只我何嘗告你了，你也打聽打聽，就惱我到這步田地。But I never did tell on you! You might at least have asked around before becoming so angry with me that you treat me like this.你今兒不叫我進來，難道明兒就不見面了！”越想越傷感起來，也不顧蒼苔露冷，花徑風寒，獨立牆角邊花陰之下，悲悲戚戚嗚咽起來。You refuse to let me in today, but can you avoid seeing me tomorrow?” The more she thought, the more heartbroken she became. Heedless of the cold dew on the green moss and the chill wind along the flower path, she stood alone beneath the blossoms by a corner of the wall and began to sob most piteously.原來這林黛玉秉絕代姿容，具希世俊美，不期這一哭，那附近柳枝花朵上的宿鳥栖鴉一聞此聲，俱忒楞楞飛起遠避，不忍再聽。Now Daiyu possessed beauty unmatched in her generation and a loveliness rarely seen in the world. When she began to weep, the roosting birds and resting crows among the nearby willow branches and blossoms, hearing the sound, all started up with a flutter and flew far away, unable to bear listening any longer.真是：Indeed:

谁知晴雯和碧痕正拌了嘴，没好气，忽见宝钗来了，那晴雯正把气移在宝钗身上，正在院内抱怨说：“有事没事跑了来坐著，叫我们三更半夜的不得睡觉！”忽听又有人叫门，晴雯越发动了气，也并不问是谁，便说道：“都睡下了，明儿再来罢！”林黛玉素知丫头们的情性，他们彼此顽耍惯了，恐怕院内的丫头没听真是他的声音，只当是别的丫头们来了，所以不开门，因而又高声说道：“是我，还不开么？”晴雯偏生还没听出来，便使性子说道：“凭你是谁，二爷吩咐的，一概不许放人进来呢！”林黛玉听了，不觉气怔在门外，待要高声问他，逗起气来，自己又回思一番：“虽说是舅母家如同自己家一样，到底是客边。如今父母双亡，无依无靠，现在他家依栖。如今认真淘气，也觉没趣。”一面想，一面又滚下泪珠来。正是回去不是，站著不是。正没主意，只听里面一阵笑语之声，细听一听，竟是宝玉‘宝钗二人。林黛玉心中益发动了气，左思右想，忽然想起了早起的事来：“必竟是宝玉恼我要告他的原故。但只我何尝告你了，你也打听打听，就恼我到这步田地。你今儿不叫我进来，难道明儿就不见面了！”越想越伤感起来，也不顾苍苔露冷，花径风寒，独立墙角边花阴之下，悲悲戚戚呜咽起来。原来这林黛玉秉绝代姿容，具希世俊美，不期这一哭，那附近柳枝花朵上的宿鸟栖鸦一闻此声，俱忒楞楞飞起远避，不忍再听。真是：

花魂默默無情緒，鳥夢痴痴何處驚。Flower spirits brood in silence, sunk in melancholy; from what strange place are foolish birds startled out of dreams?

花魂默默无情绪，鸟梦痴痴何处惊。

因有一首詩道：A poem says:

因有一首诗道：

顰兒才貌世應希，獨抱幽芳出繡閨，Rare in this world are Piner’s beauty and art; alone she bears her hidden fragrance from her embroidered chamber,

颦儿才貌世应希，独抱幽芳出绣闺，

嗚咽一聲猶未了，落花滿地鳥驚飛。Before her first sob has faded away, flowers cover the ground and startled birds take flight.

呜咽一声犹未了，落花满地鸟惊飞。

那林黛玉正自啼哭，忽聽“吱嘍”一聲，院門開處，不知是那一個出來。As Daiyu wept, she suddenly heard the gate creak open, but did not know who was coming out.要知端的，且聽下回分解。To learn what happened, listen to the next chapter.

那林黛玉正自啼哭，忽听“吱喽”一声，院门开处，不知是那一个出来。要知端的，且听下回分解。