第二十八回　蔣玉菡情贈茜香羅　薛寶釵羞籠紅麝串 Jiang Yuhan Gives a Crimson Sash as a Love-Token; Xue Baochai Shyly Wears a Musk-Scented Bracelet

話說林黛玉只因昨夜晴雯不開門一事，錯疑在寶玉身上。It is told that Lin Daiyu, because Qingwen had not opened the gate for her the night before, mistakenly blamed Baoyu.至次日又可巧遇見餞花之期，正是一腔無明正未發泄，又勾起傷春愁思，因把些殘花落瓣去掩埋，由不得感花傷己，哭了幾聲，便隨口念了幾句。The next day happened to be the time for bidding farewell to the flowers; her pent-up, unreasoning anger had found no outlet, and now her sorrow at spring’s passing was stirred anew. So she buried some fallen blossoms and scattered petals, and, unable to keep from mourning the flowers and grieving for herself, she wept awhile and then improvised a few lines.不想寶玉在山坡上聽見，先不過點頭感歎，次後聽到“儂今葬花人笑痴，他年葬儂知是誰”，“一朝春盡紅顏老，花落人亡兩不知”等句，不覺慟倒山坡之上，怀裡兜的落花撒了一地。Little did she know that Baoyu was listening on the hillside. At first he merely nodded and sighed, but when he heard such lines as, “They laugh at me today for foolishly burying flowers—but when I die, who will bury me?” and “Once spring is ended and beauty grows old, flowers fall and maidens die, each unknown to the other,” he collapsed upon the slope in anguish, scattering all the fallen blossoms gathered in the fold of his robe.試想林黛玉的花顏月貌，將來亦到無可尋覓之時，宁不心碎腸斷！Just think: the flower-like face and moon-like beauty of Lin Daiyu must one day vanish beyond all finding—how could his heart not break!既黛玉終歸無可尋覓之時，推之于他人，如寶釵，香菱，襲人等，亦可到無可尋覓之時矣。And if Daiyu must ultimately vanish beyond all finding, then, by the same reasoning, others such as Baochai, Xiangling, and Xiren must likewise one day vanish beyond all finding.寶釵等終歸無可尋覓之時，則自己又安在哉？And when Baochai and the others had all vanished beyond finding, where would he himself be?且自身尚不知何在何往，則斯處，斯園，斯花，斯柳，又不知當屬誰姓矣！——因此一而二，二而三，反复推求了去，真不知此時此際欲為何等蠢物，杳無所知，逃大造，出塵网，使可解釋這段悲傷。If he did not even know where he himself would be or whither he would go, then who could say to whom this place, this garden, these flowers, and these willows would belong?—Thus, proceeding from one thought to two, from two to three, and pursuing the matter over and over, he truly did not know what insensible thing he would have to become at such a time, utterly beyond awareness, escaping the workings of Creation and breaking free of the dusty world’s net, before this sorrow could be dispelled.正是：花影不離身左右，鳥聲只在耳東西。Indeed: Flower shadows never leave one’s side; birdcalls sound all around one’s ears.

话说林黛玉只因昨夜晴雯不开门一事，错疑在宝玉身上。至次日又可巧遇见饯花之期，正是一腔无明正未发泄，又勾起伤春愁思，因把些残花落瓣去掩埋，由不得感花伤己，哭了几声，便随口念了几句。不想宝玉在山坡上听见，先不过点头感叹，次后听到“侬今葬花人笑痴，他年葬侬知是谁”，“一朝春尽红颜老，花落人亡两不知”等句，不觉恸倒山坡之上，怀里兜的落花撒了一地。试想林黛玉的花颜月貌，将来亦到无可寻觅之时，宁不心碎肠断！既黛玉终归无可寻觅之时，推之于他人，如宝钗，香菱，袭人等，亦可到无可寻觅之时矣。宝钗等终归无可寻觅之时，则自己又安在哉？且自身尚不知何在何往，则斯处，斯园，斯花，斯柳，又不知当属谁姓矣！——因此一而二，二而三，反复推求了去，真不知此时此际欲为何等蠢物，杳无所知，逃大造，出尘网，使可解释这段悲伤。正是：花影不离身左右，鸟声只在耳东西。

那林黛玉正自傷感，忽聽山坡上也有悲聲，心下想道：“人人都笑我有些痴病，難道還有一個痴子不成？”想著，抬頭一看，見是寶玉。While Lin Daiyu was grieving thus, she suddenly heard weeping on the hillside and thought, “Everyone laughs at me for being rather foolishly obsessed. Can there be another fool like me?” Thinking this, she looked up and saw Baoyu.林黛玉看見，便道：“啐！At the sight of him, Lin Daiyu said, “Pah!我道是誰，原來是這個狠心短命的……”剛說到“短命”二字，又把口掩住，長歎了一聲，自己抽身便走了。I wondered who it was; so it is this heartless, short-lived…” She had only reached the words “short-lived” when she covered her mouth, heaved a long sigh, and turned away.

那林黛玉正自伤感，忽听山坡上也有悲声，心下想道：“人人都笑我有些痴病，难道还有一个痴子不成？”想著，抬头一看，见是宝玉。林黛玉看见，便道：“啐！我道是谁，原来是这个狠心短命的……”刚说到“短命”二字，又把口掩住，长叹了一声，自己抽身便走了。

這裡寶玉悲慟了一回，忽然抬頭不見了黛玉，便知黛玉看見他躲開了，自己也覺無味，抖抖土起來，下山尋歸舊路，往怡紅院來。Baoyu grieved there for a while; then, looking up and finding Daiyu gone, he realized that she had seen him and avoided him. Feeling rather foolish himself, he rose, dusted off the earth, descended the hill, and followed the old path back toward Happy Red Court.可巧看見林黛玉在前頭走，連忙赶上去，說道：“你且站住。As chance would have it, he saw Lin Daiyu walking ahead and hurried to catch up, saying, “Wait a moment.我知你不理我，我只說一句話，從今後撂開手。”林黛玉回頭看見是寶玉，待要不理他，聽他說”只說一句話，從此撂開手”，這話裡有文章，少不得站住說道：“有一句話，請說來。”寶玉笑道：“兩句話，說了你聽不聽？”黛玉聽說，回頭就走。I know you will not speak to me. Let me say just one thing, and from this day on I shall leave you alone.” Lin Daiyu looked back and saw that it was Baoyu. She meant to ignore him, but when she heard him say, “Let me say just one thing, and then I shall leave you alone,” she sensed hidden meaning in his words and had no choice but to stop and say, “If you have something to say, please say it.” Baoyu smiled. “It is two things. Will you listen if I tell you?” On hearing this, Daiyu turned and walked away.寶玉在身後面歎道：“既有今日，何必當初！”林黛玉聽見這話，由不得站住，回頭道：“當初怎麼樣？Behind her Baoyu sighed, “If it was to come to this, why were things as they were at first?” Hearing this, Lin Daiyu could not help stopping. She turned and asked, “How were things at first?今日怎麼樣？”寶玉歎道：“當初姑娘來了，那不是我陪著頑笑？And how are they now?” Baoyu sighed. “When you first came, was I not always there to play and laugh with you?憑我心愛的，姑娘要，就拿去，我愛吃的，聽見姑娘也愛吃，連忙乾乾淨淨收著等姑娘吃。Whatever I treasured, if you wanted it, I gave it to you; and whenever I heard that you liked some food I liked, I would hurry to put it carefully aside and keep it for you.一桌子吃飯，一床上睡覺。We ate at the same table and slept in the same bed.丫頭們想不到的，我怕姑娘生氣，我替丫頭們想到了。Whatever the maids failed to think of, I thought of for them, for fear you might be upset.我心裡想著：姊妹們從小兒長大，親也罷，熱也罷，和氣到了兒，才見得比人好。I thought to myself: we sisters and brothers have grown up together since childhood; whether we are close or affectionate, so long as we are perfectly harmonious, that alone shows us better than others.如今誰承望姑娘人大心大，不把我放在眼睛裡，倒把外四路的什麼寶姐姐鳳姐姐的放在心坎兒上，倒把我三日不理四日不見的。But who would have expected that, as you grew older, your ideas would grow grander too? You no longer keep me in your eye, but take outsiders like Sister Bao and Sister Feng to heart, while ignoring me for three days at a time and refusing to see me for four.我又沒個親兄弟親姊妹。——雖然有兩個，你難道不知道是和我隔母的？I have no true brother or sister of my own.—Though I have two, surely you know that we have different mothers?我也和你似的獨出，只怕同我的心一樣。I am an only child just as you are, and I thought your heart must surely be the same as mine.誰知我是白操了這個心，弄的有冤無處訴！”說著不覺滴下眼淚來。Who knew that all my concern was wasted, leaving me wronged with nowhere to plead my case!” As he spoke, tears began to fall.

这里宝玉悲恸了一回，忽然抬头不见了黛玉，便知黛玉看见他躲开了，自己也觉无味，抖抖土起来，下山寻归旧路，往怡红院来。可巧看见林黛玉在前头走，连忙赶上去，说道：“你且站住。我知你不理我，我只说一句话，从今后撂开手。”林黛玉回头看见是宝玉，待要不理他，听他说”只说一句话，从此撂开手”，这话里有文章，少不得站住说道：“有一句话，请说来。”宝玉笑道：“两句话，说了你听不听？”黛玉听说，回头就走。宝玉在身后面叹道：“既有今日，何必当初！”林黛玉听见这话，由不得站住，回头道：“当初怎么样？今日怎么样？”宝玉叹道：“当初姑娘来了，那不是我陪著顽笑？凭我心爱的，姑娘要，就拿去，我爱吃的，听见姑娘也爱吃，连忙干干净净收著等姑娘吃。一桌子吃饭，一床上睡觉。丫头们想不到的，我怕姑娘生气，我替丫头们想到了。我心里想著：姊妹们从小儿长大，亲也罢，热也罢，和气到了儿，才见得比人好。如今谁承望姑娘人大心大，不把我放在眼睛里，倒把外四路的什么宝姐姐凤姐姐的放在心坎儿上，倒把我三日不理四日不见的。我又没个亲兄弟亲姊妹。——虽然有两个，你难道不知道是和我隔母的？我也和你似的独出，只怕同我的心一样。谁知我是白操了这个心，弄的有冤无处诉！”说著不觉滴下眼泪来。

黛玉耳內聽了這話，眼內見了這形景，心內不覺灰了大半，也不覺滴下淚來，低頭不語。Hearing these words and seeing him in such a state, Daiyu felt more than half the resentment in her heart turn to ashes. Tears came to her eyes as well, and she lowered her head without speaking.寶玉見他這般形景，遂又說道：“我也知道我如今不好了，但只憑著怎麼不好，萬不敢在妹妹跟前有錯處。Seeing her thus, Baoyu went on, “I know that I am not as good as I once was, but however bad I may be, I would never dare wrong you in any way.便有一二分錯處，你倒是或教導我，戒我下次，或罵我兩句，打我兩下，我都不灰心。Even if I were one or two parts at fault, you could instruct me, warn me against doing it again, scold me a few times, or strike me twice, and I would not lose heart.誰知你總不理我，叫我摸不著頭腦，少魂失魄，不知怎麼樣才好。But instead you always ignore me, leaving me unable to make head or tail of it, distracted and beside myself, not knowing what I should do.就便死了，也是個屈死鬼，任憑高僧高道忏悔也不能超生，還得你申明了緣故，我才得托生呢！”Even if I died, I would be a ghost dead of injustice, whom no eminent monk or holy Daoist could deliver however many rites of repentance they performed; only when you had explained the cause of it all would I be able to take birth again!”

黛玉耳内听了这话，眼内见了这形景，心内不觉灰了大半，也不觉滴下泪来，低头不语。宝玉见他这般形景，遂又说道：“我也知道我如今不好了，但只凭著怎么不好，万不敢在妹妹跟前有错处。便有一二分错处，你倒是或教导我，戒我下次，或骂我两句，打我两下，我都不灰心。谁知你总不理我，叫我摸不著头脑，少魂失魄，不知怎么样才好。就便死了，也是个屈死鬼，任凭高僧高道忏悔也不能超生，还得你申明了缘故，我才得托生呢！”

黛玉聽了這個話，不覺將昨晚的事都忘在九霄云外了，便說道：“你既這麼說，昨兒為什麼我去了，你不叫丫頭開門？”寶玉詫异道：“這話從那裡說起？At these words, Daiyu unwittingly forgot all about the previous night and said, “If that is so, why did you not tell the maids to open the gate when I came yesterday?” Baoyu exclaimed in astonishment, “Where could you have got such an idea?我要是這麼樣，立刻就死了！”林黛玉啐道：“大清早起死呀活的，也不忌諱。If I did such a thing, may I die this instant!” Lin Daiyu spat, “Talking of dying first thing in the morning—have you no sense of what is inauspicious?你說有呢就有，沒有就沒有，起什麼誓呢。”寶玉道：“實在沒有見你去。Just say whether it happened or not. Why swear an oath?” Baoyu said, “I truly never saw you come.就是寶姐姐坐了一坐，就出來了。”林黛玉想了一想，笑道：“是了。Sister Bao merely sat for a little while and then left.” Lin Daiyu thought a moment and smiled. “I see.想必是你的丫頭們懶待動，喪聲歪氣的也是有的。”寶玉道：“想必是這個原故。Your maids were probably too lazy to stir; they can certainly be surly and ill-tempered.” Baoyu said, “That must have been the reason.等我回去問了是誰，教訓教訓他們就好了。”黛玉道：“你的那些姑娘們也該教訓教訓，只是我論理不該說。When I go back, I shall find out who it was and give them a lesson.” Daiyu said, “Those young ladies of yours do need a lesson, though properly speaking it is not for me to say so.今兒得罪了我的事小，倘或明兒寶姑娘來，什麼貝姑娘來，也得罪了，事情豈不大了。”說著抿著嘴笑。It is a small matter if they offend me today; but if Sister Bao—or some Sister Bei—comes tomorrow and they offend her too, would that not be serious?” She spoke with a smile pursed upon her lips.寶玉聽了，又是咬牙，又是笑。Hearing this, Baoyu both ground his teeth and laughed.

黛玉听了这个话，不觉将昨晚的事都忘在九霄云外了，便说道：“你既这么说，昨儿为什么我去了，你不叫丫头开门？”宝玉诧异道：“这话从那里说起？我要是这么样，立刻就死了！”林黛玉啐道：“大清早起死呀活的，也不忌讳。你说有呢就有，没有就没有，起什么誓呢。”宝玉道：“实在没有见你去。就是宝姐姐坐了一坐，就出来了。”林黛玉想了一想，笑道：“是了。想必是你的丫头们懒待动，丧声歪气的也是有的。”宝玉道：“想必是这个原故。等我回去问了是谁，教训教训他们就好了。”黛玉道：“你的那些姑娘们也该教训教训，只是我论理不该说。今儿得罪了我的事小，倘或明儿宝姑娘来，什么贝姑娘来，也得罪了，事情岂不大了。”说著抿著嘴笑。宝玉听了，又是咬牙，又是笑。

二人正說話，只見丫頭來請吃飯，遂都往前頭來了。As they were speaking, a maid came to summon them to the meal, and they both went to the front apartments.王夫人見了林黛玉，因問道：“大姑娘，你吃那鮑太醫的藥可好些？”林黛玉道：“也不過這麼著。When Lady Wang saw Lin Daiyu, she asked, “My dear girl, are you any better after taking Imperial Physician Bao’s medicine?” Lin Daiyu replied, “I am much the same.老太太還叫我吃王大夫的藥呢。”寶玉道：“太太不知道，林妹妹是內症，先天生的弱，所以禁不住一點風寒，不過吃兩劑煎藥就好了，散了風寒，還是吃丸藥的好。”王夫人道：“前兒大夫說了個丸藥的名字，我也忘了。”寶玉道：“我知道那些丸藥，不過叫他吃什麼人參養榮丸。”王夫人道：“不是。”寶玉又道：“八珍益母丸？Grandmother still wants me to take Dr. Wang’s medicine.” Baoyu said, “Madam does not know: Cousin Lin’s is an internal ailment. She was born weak, so she cannot bear the least wind or chill. Two doses of decoction will dispel the chill, but afterward pills would be better.” Lady Wang said, “The other day the doctor named a kind of pill, but I have forgotten it.” Baoyu said, “I know those pills. He merely wants her to take some Ginseng Vitality-Nourishing Pills.” Lady Wang said, “No, that was not it.” Baoyu tried again, “Eight-Treasure Mother-Benefiting Pills?左歸？Left-Restoring Pills?右歸？Right-Restoring Pills?再不，就是麥味地黃丸。”王夫人道：“都不是。Or else it must be Ophiopogon and Schisandra Rehmannia Pills.” Lady Wang said, “None of those.我只記得有個‘金剛’兩個字的。”寶玉扎手笑道：“從來沒聽見有個什麼‘金剛丸’。I only remember that the name contained the two words ‘Vajra.’” Baoyu flung up his hands and laughed. “I have never heard of any ‘Vajra Pills.’若有了‘金剛丸’，自然有‘菩薩散’了！”說的滿屋裡人都笑了。If there are ‘Vajra Pills,’ naturally there must also be ‘Bodhisattva Powder’!” At this the whole room burst into laughter.寶釵抿嘴笑道：“想是天王補心丹。”王夫人笑道：“是這個名兒。Baochai smiled behind pursed lips. “Perhaps it was Heavenly King Heart-Restoring Elixir.” Lady Wang laughed. “That was the name.如今我也糊涂了。”寶玉道：“太太倒不糊涂，都是叫‘金剛’‘菩薩’支使糊涂了。”王夫人道：“扯你娘的臊！Nowadays my mind is quite muddled.” Baoyu said, “Madam is not muddled; it was all those ‘Vajras’ and ‘Bodhisattvas’ that muddled you.” Lady Wang said, “Shame on you, teasing your own mother!又欠你老子捶你了。”寶玉笑道：“我老子再不為這個捶我的。”You are asking for another beating from your father.” Baoyu laughed. “My father would never beat me for that.”

二人正说话，只见丫头来请吃饭，遂都往前头来了。王夫人见了林黛玉，因问道：“大姑娘，你吃那鲍太医的药可好些？”林黛玉道：“也不过这么著。老太太还叫我吃王大夫的药呢。”宝玉道：“太太不知道，林妹妹是内症，先天生的弱，所以禁不住一点风寒，不过吃两剂煎药就好了，散了风寒，还是吃丸药的好。”王夫人道：“前儿大夫说了个丸药的名字，我也忘了。”宝玉道：“我知道那些丸药，不过叫他吃什么人参养荣丸。”王夫人道：“不是。”宝玉又道：“八珍益母丸？左归？右归？再不，就是麦味地黄丸。”王夫人道：“都不是。我只记得有个‘金刚’两个字的。”宝玉扎手笑道：“从来没听见有个什么‘金刚丸’。若有了‘金刚丸’，自然有‘菩萨散’了！”说的满屋里人都笑了。宝钗抿嘴笑道：“想是天王补心丹。”王夫人笑道：“是这个名儿。如今我也糊涂了。”宝玉道：“太太倒不糊涂，都是叫‘金刚’‘菩萨’支使糊涂了。”王夫人道：“扯你娘的臊！又欠你老子捶你了。”宝玉笑道：“我老子再不为这个捶我的。”

王夫人又道：“既有這個名兒，明兒就叫人買些來吃。”寶玉笑道：“這些都不中用的。Lady Wang went on, “Since that is its name, have someone buy some tomorrow for her to take.” Baoyu laughed. “Those things are all useless.太太給我三百六十兩銀子，我替妹妹配一料丸藥，包管一料不完就好了。”王夫人道：“放屁！Give me three hundred and sixty taels of silver, Madam, and I shall have a course of pills compounded for Cousin Lin. I guarantee she will be well before she finishes the first batch.” Lady Wang said, “Nonsense!什麼藥就這麼貴？”寶玉笑道：“當真的呢，我這個方子比別的不同。What medicine could cost so much?” Baoyu laughed. “I mean it. My prescription is unlike any other.那個藥名兒也古怪，一時也說不清。Even the names of its ingredients are peculiar; I could not explain them all at once.只講那頭胎紫河車，人形帶葉參，三百六十兩不足。Take only a placenta from a first pregnancy and a man-shaped ginseng root complete with leaves—three hundred and sixty taels would not be enough.龜大何首烏，千年松根茯苓膽，諸如此類的藥都不算為奇，只在群藥裡算。A tortoise-sized fleeceflower root and the resinous heart of a thousand-year-old pine-root poria, and medicines of that sort, are not even counted as rare; they merely form part of the accompanying ingredients.那為君的藥，說起來唬人一跳。It is the sovereign ingredient that would give you a fright if I named it.前兒薛大哥哥求了我一二年，我才給了他這方子。Cousin Xue begged me for the prescription for a year or two before I gave it to him.他拿了方子去又尋了二三年，花了有上千的銀子，才配成了。After he got it, he searched for the ingredients for another two or three years and spent over a thousand taels before he finally compounded it.太太不信，只問寶姐姐。”寶釵聽說，笑著搖手兒說：“我不知道，也沒聽見。If Madam does not believe me, just ask Sister Bao.” Hearing this, Baochai smiled, waved her hand, and said, “I know nothing about it and have never heard of it.你別叫姨娘問我。”王夫人笑道：“到底是寶丫頭，好孩子，不撒謊。”寶玉站在當地，聽見如此說，一回身把手一拍，說道：“我說的倒是真話呢，倒說我撒謊。”口裡說著，忽一回身，只見林黛玉坐在寶釵身後抿著嘴笑，用手指頭在臉上畫著羞他。Do not have Auntie question me.” Lady Wang laughed. “That is Baochai for you—a good child who does not tell lies.” Baoyu stood there, and at these words he turned, clapped his hands, and said, “I am the one telling the truth, yet you say I am lying.” Still speaking, he suddenly turned again and saw Lin Daiyu sitting behind Baochai, smiling with pursed lips and drawing a finger down her cheek to shame him.

王夫人又道：“既有这个名儿，明儿就叫人买些来吃。”宝玉笑道：“这些都不中用的。太太给我三百六十两银子，我替妹妹配一料丸药，包管一料不完就好了。”王夫人道：“放屁！什么药就这么贵？”宝玉笑道：“当真的呢，我这个方子比别的不同。那个药名儿也古怪，一时也说不清。只讲那头胎紫河车，人形带叶参，三百六十两不足。龟大何首乌，千年松根茯苓胆，诸如此类的药都不算为奇，只在群药里算。那为君的药，说起来唬人一跳。前儿薛大哥哥求了我一二年，我才给了他这方子。他拿了方子去又寻了二三年，花了有上千的银子，才配成了。太太不信，只问宝姐姐。”宝钗听说，笑著摇手儿说：“我不知道，也没听见。你别叫姨娘问我。”王夫人笑道：“到底是宝丫头，好孩子，不撒谎。”宝玉站在当地，听见如此说，一回身把手一拍，说道：“我说的倒是真话呢，倒说我撒谎。”口里说著，忽一回身，只见林黛玉坐在宝钗身后抿著嘴笑，用手指头在脸上画著羞他。

鳳姐因在裡間屋裡看著人放桌子，聽如此說，便走來笑道：“寶兄弟不是撒謊，這倒是有的。Xifeng, who had been in the inner room supervising the setting of the tables, heard this and came out laughing. “Brother Bao is not lying; this really did happen.上日薛大哥親自和我來尋珍珠，我問他作什麼，他說配藥。The other day Cousin Xue came to me in person looking for pearls. I asked what he wanted them for, and he said they were for compounding medicine.他還抱怨說，不配也罷了，如今那裡知道這麼費事。He complained that he wished he had never begun, for he had had no idea how much trouble it would be.我問他什麼藥，他說是寶兄弟的方子，說了多少藥，我也沒工夫聽。I asked what medicine it was. He said it was Brother Bao’s prescription and listed ever so many ingredients, but I had no time to listen.他說不然我也買幾顆珍珠了，只是定要頭上帶過的，所以來和我尋。He said he could simply have bought a few pearls, except that they had to have been worn on the head, and that was why he had come to ask me.他說：‘妹妹就沒散的，花兒上也得，掐下來，過後兒我揀好的再給妹妹穿了來。’我沒法兒，把兩枝珠花兒現拆了給他。He said, ‘If Cousin has no loose ones, pearls from her ornaments will do. Pull them off, and afterward I will pick out some fine ones and restring them for her.’ I could do nothing but dismantle two pearl ornaments on the spot and give him the pearls.還要了一塊三尺上用大紅紗去，乳缽乳了隔面子呢。”鳳姐說一句，那寶玉念一句佛，說：“太陽在屋子裡呢！”鳳姐說完了，寶玉又道：“太太想，這不過是將就呢。He also asked for three feet of imperial scarlet gauze, which he ground in a mortar to sift the powder.” With every sentence Xifeng spoke, Baoyu invoked the Buddha and cried, “The sun is shining inside this room!” When she had finished, Baoyu added, “Just think, Madam—this was only making do.正經按那方子，這珍珠寶石定要在古墳裡的，有那古時富貴人家裝裹的頭面，拿了來才好。To follow the prescription properly, the pearls and precious stones must come from an ancient tomb, taken from the headdress and ornaments in which some rich and noble person of old was buried.如今那裡為這個去刨墳掘墓，所以只是活人帶過的，也可以使得。”王夫人道：“阿彌陀佛，不當家花花的！But who would rob graves and dig up tombs for such a purpose nowadays? So jewels worn by living people can serve instead.” Lady Wang said, “Amitabha! What wicked extravagance!就是墳裡有這個，人家死了幾百年，這會子翻尸盜骨的，作了藥也不靈！”Even if such things were in a tomb, after the person had been dead for centuries, medicine made by disturbing the corpse and stealing the bones could have no efficacy!”

凤姐因在里间屋里看著人放桌子，听如此说，便走来笑道：“宝兄弟不是撒谎，这倒是有的。上日薛大哥亲自和我来寻珍珠，我问他作什么，他说配药。他还抱怨说，不配也罢了，如今那里知道这么费事。我问他什么药，他说是宝兄弟的方子，说了多少药，我也没工夫听。他说不然我也买几颗珍珠了，只是定要头上带过的，所以来和我寻。他说：‘妹妹就没散的，花儿上也得，掐下来，过后儿我拣好的再给妹妹穿了来。’我没法儿，把两枝珠花儿现拆了给他。还要了一块三尺上用大红纱去，乳钵乳了隔面子呢。”凤姐说一句，那宝玉念一句佛，说：“太阳在屋子里呢！”凤姐说完了，宝玉又道：“太太想，这不过是将就呢。正经按那方子，这珍珠宝石定要在古坟里的，有那古时富贵人家装裹的头面，拿了来才好。如今那里为这个去刨坟掘墓，所以只是活人带过的，也可以使得。”王夫人道：“阿弥陀佛，不当家花花的！就是坟里有这个，人家死了几百年，这会子翻尸盗骨的，作了药也不灵！”

寶玉向林黛玉說道：“你聽見了沒有，難道二姐姐也跟著我撒謊不成？”臉望著黛玉說話，卻拿眼睛瞟著寶釵。Baoyu said to Lin Daiyu, “Did you hear that? Surely Second Sister would not join me in lying?” Though his face was turned toward Daiyu as he spoke, his eyes darted toward Baochai.黛玉便拉王夫人道：“舅母聽聽，寶姐姐不替他圓謊，他支吾著我。”王夫人也道：“寶玉很會欺負你妹妹。”寶玉笑道：“太太不知道這原故。Daiyu took Lady Wang by the arm and said, “Listen, Auntie! Sister Bao would not help him round out his lie, so he is using me as an excuse.” Lady Wang also said, “Baoyu, you are very good at bullying your cousin.” Baoyu laughed. “Madam does not understand.寶姐姐先在家裡住著，那薛大哥哥的事，他也不知道，何況如今在裡頭住著呢，自然是越發不知道了。Sister Bao used to live at home, yet even then she knew nothing about Cousin Xue’s affairs; now that she lives here in the inner apartments, naturally she knows even less.林妹妹才在背後羞我，打諒我撒謊呢。”正說著，只見賈母房裡的丫頭找寶玉林黛玉去吃飯。Cousin Lin was making faces at me behind her back just now, thinking I was lying.” As he spoke, a maid from Grandmother Jia’s apartments arrived to fetch Baoyu and Lin Daiyu to eat.林黛玉也不叫寶玉，便起身拉了那丫頭就走。Without calling to Baoyu, Lin Daiyu rose, took the maid by the hand, and started away.那丫頭說等著寶玉一塊兒走。The maid said they should wait and go together with Baoyu.林黛玉道：“他不吃飯了，咱們走。Lin Daiyu said, “He is not eating. Let us go.我先走了。”說著便出去了。I am going ahead.” With that she went out.寶玉道：“我今兒還跟著太太吃罷。”王夫人道：“罷，罷，我今兒吃齋，你正經吃你的去罷。”寶玉道：“我也跟著吃齋。”說著便叫那丫頭”去罷”，自己先跑到桌子上坐了。Baoyu said, “I think I shall stay and eat with Madam today.” Lady Wang replied, “No, no. I am keeping a vegetarian fast today; go and eat your proper meal.” Baoyu said, “I shall keep the fast with you.” Then he told the maid to “go on” and ran ahead to take his seat at the table.王夫人向寶釵等笑道：“你們只管吃你們的，由他去罷。”寶釵因笑道：“你正經去罷。Lady Wang smiled at Baochai and the others. “Just go on eating and leave him be.” Baochai laughed. “You really ought to go.吃不吃，陪著林姑娘走一趟，他心裡打緊的不自在呢。”寶玉道：“理他呢，過一會子就好了。”Whether you eat or not, at least accompany Miss Lin back. She must be feeling terribly upset.” Baoyu said, “Never mind her; she will be all right in a little while.”

宝玉向林黛玉说道：“你听见了没有，难道二姐姐也跟著我撒谎不成？”脸望著黛玉说话，却拿眼睛瞟著宝钗。黛玉便拉王夫人道：“舅母听听，宝姐姐不替他圆谎，他支吾著我。”王夫人也道：“宝玉很会欺负你妹妹。”宝玉笑道：“太太不知道这原故。宝姐姐先在家里住著，那薛大哥哥的事，他也不知道，何况如今在里头住著呢，自然是越发不知道了。林妹妹才在背后羞我，打谅我撒谎呢。”正说著，只见贾母房里的丫头找宝玉林黛玉去吃饭。林黛玉也不叫宝玉，便起身拉了那丫头就走。那丫头说等著宝玉一块儿走。林黛玉道：“他不吃饭了，咱们走。我先走了。”说著便出去了。宝玉道：“我今儿还跟著太太吃罢。”王夫人道：“罢，罢，我今儿吃斋，你正经吃你的去罢。”宝玉道：“我也跟著吃斋。”说著便叫那丫头”去罢”，自己先跑到桌子上坐了。王夫人向宝钗等笑道：“你们只管吃你们的，由他去罢。”宝钗因笑道：“你正经去罢。吃不吃，陪著林姑娘走一趟，他心里打紧的不自在呢。”宝玉道：“理他呢，过一会子就好了。”

一時吃過飯，寶玉一則怕賈母記挂，二則也記挂著林黛玉，忙忙的要茶漱口。After the meal, Baoyu was anxious both lest Grandmother Jia worry about him and because he himself was worried about Lin Daiyu, so he hurriedly called for tea to rinse his mouth.探春惜春都笑道：“二哥哥，你成日家忙些什麼？Tanchun and Xichun both laughed. “Second Brother, what keeps you so busy all day long?吃飯吃茶也是這麼忙碌碌的。”寶釵笑道：“你叫他快吃了瞧林妹妹去罷，叫他在這裡胡羼些什麼。”寶玉吃了茶，便出來，一直往西院來。Even when you eat and drink tea, you are in such a frantic hurry.” Baochai laughed. “Let him finish quickly and go see Cousin Lin. What use is it for him to hang about here making a nuisance of himself?” Baoyu drank his tea, went out, and headed straight for the west courtyard.可巧走到鳳姐兒院門前，只見鳳姐蹬著門檻子拿耳挖子剔牙，看著十來個小廝們挪花盆呢。As chance would have it, when he reached the gate of Xifeng’s courtyard, he saw her astride the threshold, picking her teeth with an earpick while watching a dozen or so pageboys move flowerpots.見寶玉來了，笑道：“你來的好。Seeing Baoyu, she smiled. “You have come at just the right time.進來，進來，替我寫幾個字兒。”寶玉只得跟了進來。Come in, come in, and write a few words for me.” Baoyu had no choice but to follow her inside.到了屋裡，鳳姐命人取過筆硯紙來，向寶玉道：“大紅妝緞四十匹，蟒緞四十匹，上用紗各色一百匹，金項圈四個。”寶玉道：“這算什麼？Once in the room, Xifeng ordered writing brush, inkstone, and paper to be brought, then dictated to Baoyu: “Forty bolts of scarlet figured satin, forty bolts of python-patterned satin, one hundred bolts of imperial gauze in assorted colors, and four gold neck rings.” Baoyu asked, “What sort of list is this?又不是帳，又不是禮物，怎麼個寫法？”鳳姐兒道：“你只管寫上，橫豎我自己明白就罷了。”寶玉聽說只得寫了。It is neither an account nor a gift list—how am I supposed to write it?” Xifeng said, “Just write it down. So long as I understand it myself, that is all that matters.” Baoyu had no choice but to do so.鳳姐一面收起，一面笑道：“還有句話告訴你，不知你依不依？As Xifeng put the paper away, she smiled and said, “There is one more thing I want to ask you, though I do not know whether you will agree.你屋裡有個丫頭叫紅玉，我要叫了來使喚，明兒我再替你挑幾個，可使得？”寶玉道：“我屋裡的人也多的很，姐姐喜歡誰，只管叫了來，何必問我。”鳳姐笑道：“既這麼著，我就叫人帶他去了。”寶玉道：“只管帶去。”說著便要走。You have a maid called Hongyu in your apartments. I want to bring her here to serve me, and tomorrow I shall choose several others for you in exchange. Will that do?” Baoyu said, “I have more than enough people in my apartments. If there is anyone you like, Sister, just take her. Why ask me?” Xifeng laughed. “In that case, I shall have someone bring her over.” Baoyu said, “Go ahead.” With that, he made to leave.鳳姐兒道：“你回來，我還有一句話呢。”寶玉道：“老太太叫我呢，有話等我回來罷。”說著便來至賈母這邊，只見都已吃完飯了。Xifeng said, “Come back; I have one more thing to say.” Baoyu replied, “Grandmother is calling me. Whatever it is can wait until I return.” With that he went to Grandmother Jia’s apartments and found that everyone had already finished eating.賈母因問他：“跟著你娘吃了什麼好的？”寶玉笑道：“也沒什麼好的，我倒多吃了一碗飯。”因問：“林妹妹在那裡？”賈母道：“裡頭屋裡呢。”Grandmother Jia asked him, “What delicacies did you have with your mother?” Baoyu laughed. “Nothing especially good, though I did eat an extra bowl of rice.” Then he asked, “Where is Cousin Lin?” Grandmother Jia said, “In the inner room.”

一时吃过饭，宝玉一则怕贾母记挂，二则也记挂著林黛玉，忙忙的要茶漱口。探春惜春都笑道：“二哥哥，你成日家忙些什么？吃饭吃茶也是这么忙碌碌的。”宝钗笑道：“你叫他快吃了瞧林妹妹去罢，叫他在这里胡羼些什么。”宝玉吃了茶，便出来，一直往西院来。可巧走到凤姐儿院门前，只见凤姐蹬著门槛子拿耳挖子剔牙，看著十来个小厮们挪花盆呢。见宝玉来了，笑道：“你来的好。进来，进来，替我写几个字儿。”宝玉只得跟了进来。到了屋里，凤姐命人取过笔砚纸来，向宝玉道：“大红妆缎四十匹，蟒缎四十匹，上用纱各色一百匹，金项圈四个。”宝玉道：“这算什么？又不是帐，又不是礼物，怎么个写法？”凤姐儿道：“你只管写上，横竖我自己明白就罢了。”宝玉听说只得写了。凤姐一面收起，一面笑道：“还有句话告诉你，不知你依不依？你屋里有个丫头叫红玉，我要叫了来使唤，明儿我再替你挑几个，可使得？”宝玉道：“我屋里的人也多的很，姐姐喜欢谁，只管叫了来，何必问我。”凤姐笑道：“既这么著，我就叫人带他去了。”宝玉道：“只管带去。”说著便要走。凤姐儿道：“你回来，我还有一句话呢。”宝玉道：“老太太叫我呢，有话等我回来罢。”说著便来至贾母这边，只见都已吃完饭了。贾母因问他：“跟著你娘吃了什么好的？”宝玉笑道：“也没什么好的，我倒多吃了一碗饭。”因问：“林妹妹在那里？”贾母道：“里头屋里呢。”

寶玉進來，只見地下一個丫頭吹熨斗，炕上兩個丫頭打粉線，黛玉彎著腰拿著剪子裁什麼呢。Baoyu went in and saw one maid blowing on an iron on the floor, two maids snapping chalked thread on the kang, and Daiyu bent over, cutting something with scissors.寶玉走進來笑道：“哦，這是作什麼呢？Baoyu entered with a smile. “Oh, what are you doing?才吃了飯，這麼空著頭，一會子又頭疼了。”黛玉并不理，只管裁他的。You have only just eaten, and here you are with your head uncovered. You will have another headache in a moment.” Daiyu ignored him and went on cutting.有一個丫頭說道：“那塊綢子角兒還不好呢，再熨他一熨。”黛玉便把剪子一撂，說道：“理他呢，過一會子就好了。”寶玉聽了，只是納悶。One of the maids said, “That corner of the silk is still not right; iron it once more.” Daiyu tossed down the scissors and said, “Never mind it; it will be all right in a little while.” Hearing this, Baoyu could only wonder at her meaning.只見寶釵探春等也來了，和賈母說了一回話。Presently Baochai, Tanchun, and the others also arrived and talked for a while with Grandmother Jia.寶釵也進來問：“林妹妹作什麼呢？”因見林黛玉裁剪，因笑道：“妹妹越發能幹了，連裁剪都會了。”黛玉笑道：“這也不過是撒謊哄人罷了。”寶釵笑道：“我告訴你個笑話兒，才剛為那個藥，我說了個不知道，寶兄弟心裡不受用了。”林黛玉道：“理他呢，過會子就好了。”寶玉向寶釵道：“老太太要抹骨牌，正沒人呢，你抹骨牌去罷。”寶釵聽說，便笑道：“我是為抹骨牌才來了？”說著便走了。Baochai came in as well and asked, “What are you doing, Cousin Lin?” Seeing Lin Daiyu cutting cloth, she laughed. “You are becoming more capable by the day—you can even cut garments now.” Daiyu laughed. “This is merely lying to fool people.” Baochai said with a smile, “Let me tell you something amusing. Just now, when I said I knew nothing about that medicine, Brother Bao was quite put out.” Lin Daiyu replied, “Never mind him; he will be all right in a little while.” Baoyu said to Baochai, “Grandmother wants to play dominoes and has no one to join her. Go and play with her.” Baochai smiled. “Do you think I came here just to play dominoes?” With that she left.林黛玉道：“你倒是去罷，這裡有老虎，看吃了你！”說著又裁。Lin Daiyu said, “You had better go too. There is a tiger here—it might eat you!” Then she resumed cutting.寶玉見他不理，只得還陪笑說道：“你也出去逛逛再裁不遲。”林黛玉總不理。Seeing that she ignored him, Baoyu could only continue coaxing her with a smile. “Go out for a stroll; there will still be time to cut this afterward.” Lin Daiyu paid him no attention at all.寶玉便問丫頭們：“這是誰叫裁的？”林黛玉見問丫頭們，便說道：“憑他誰叫我裁，也不管二爺的事！”寶玉方欲說話，只見有人進來回說“外頭有人請”。Baoyu then asked the maids, “Who told her to cut this?” When Lin Daiyu heard him question them, she said, “Whoever told me to cut it, it is none of Second Master’s business!” Baoyu was about to reply when someone came in to report that “a visitor outside is asking for you.”寶玉聽了，忙撤身出來。On hearing this, Baoyu hastily slipped away.黛玉向外頭說道：“阿彌陀佛！Daiyu called after him, “Amitabha!赶你回來，我死了也罷了。”By the time you come back, I may as well be dead.”

宝玉进来，只见地下一个丫头吹熨斗，炕上两个丫头打粉线，黛玉弯著腰拿著剪子裁什么呢。宝玉走进来笑道：“哦，这是作什么呢？才吃了饭，这么空著头，一会子又头疼了。”黛玉并不理，只管裁他的。有一个丫头说道：“那块绸子角儿还不好呢，再熨他一熨。”黛玉便把剪子一撂，说道：“理他呢，过一会子就好了。”宝玉听了，只是纳闷。只见宝钗探春等也来了，和贾母说了一回话。宝钗也进来问：“林妹妹作什么呢？”因见林黛玉裁剪，因笑道：“妹妹越发能干了，连裁剪都会了。”黛玉笑道：“这也不过是撒谎哄人罢了。”宝钗笑道：“我告诉你个笑话儿，才刚为那个药，我说了个不知道，宝兄弟心里不受用了。”林黛玉道：“理他呢，过会子就好了。”宝玉向宝钗道：“老太太要抹骨牌，正没人呢，你抹骨牌去罢。”宝钗听说，便笑道：“我是为抹骨牌才来了？”说著便走了。林黛玉道：“你倒是去罢，这里有老虎，看吃了你！”说著又裁。宝玉见他不理，只得还陪笑说道：“你也出去逛逛再裁不迟。”林黛玉总不理。宝玉便问丫头们：“这是谁叫裁的？”林黛玉见问丫头们，便说道：“凭他谁叫我裁，也不管二爷的事！”宝玉方欲说话，只见有人进来回说“外头有人请”。宝玉听了，忙撤身出来。黛玉向外头说道：“阿弥陀佛！赶你回来，我死了也罢了。”

寶玉出來，到外面，只見焙茗說道：“馮大爺家請。”寶玉聽了，知道是昨日的話，便說：“要衣裳去。”自己便往書房裡來。Baoyu went outside and found Beiming there, who said, “Master Feng’s household has sent an invitation.” Baoyu knew this referred to what had been arranged the day before and said, “Go fetch my clothes.” He himself went toward the study.焙茗一直到了二門前等人，只見一個老婆子出來了，焙茗上去說道：“寶二爺在書房裡等出門的衣裳，你老人家進去帶個信兒。”那婆子說：“放你娘的屁！Beiming went straight to the inner gate to find someone. An old woman came out, and he approached her, saying, “Second Master Bao is waiting in the study for his going-out clothes. Please go in and carry the message.” The woman said, “What damned nonsense!倒好，寶二爺如今在園裡住著，跟他的人都在園裡，你又跑了這裡來帶信兒來了！”焙茗聽了，笑道：“罵的是，我也糊涂了。”說著一徑往東邊二門前來。A fine thing! Second Master Bao lives in the Garden now, and all his attendants are there. Why have you come here to send in a message?” Beiming laughed when he heard this. “You are right to scold me; I was muddleheaded.” With that he went straight to the eastern inner gate.可巧門上小廝在甬路底下踢球，焙茗將原故說了。As chance would have it, the gate pages were kicking a ball at the end of the paved passage, and Beiming explained the matter to them.小廝跑了進去，半日抱了一個包袱出來，遞與焙茗。One of the pages ran inside and, after a long while, came out carrying a bundle, which he handed to Beiming.回到書房裡，寶玉換了，命人備馬，只帶著焙茗，鋤藥，雙瑞，雙壽四個小廝去了。Back in the study, Baoyu changed his clothes and ordered horses prepared. Taking only the four pageboys Beiming, Chuyao, Shuangrui, and Shuangshou, he set off.一徑到了馮紫英家門口，有人報與了馮紫英，出來迎接進去。They went straight to the gate of Feng Ziying’s house. Someone reported their arrival to Feng Ziying, who came out to welcome them in.只見薛蟠早已在那裡久候，還有許多唱曲兒的小廝并唱小旦的蔣玉菡，錦香院的妓女雲兒。Xue Pan had already been waiting there for some time. There were also several boy singers, Jiang Yuhan, who performed young female roles, and Yun’er, a courtesan from Brocade Fragrance House.大家都見過了，然後吃茶。After everyone had exchanged greetings, they drank tea.寶玉擎茶笑道：“前兒所言幸與不幸之事，我晝懸夜想，今日一聞呼喚即至。”馮紫英笑道：“你們令表兄弟倒都心實。Raising his teacup, Baoyu smiled and said, “Ever since you spoke the other day of some fortunate or unfortunate affair, I have thought of it day and night; today, the moment I heard your summons, I came.” Feng Ziying laughed. “You two cousins are certainly honest souls.前日不過是我的設辭，誠心請你們一飲，恐又推托，故說下這句話。What I said the other day was only a pretext. I sincerely wished to invite you both for a drink, but feared you would make excuses, so I said that to ensure you came.今日一邀即至，誰知都信真了。”說畢大家一笑，然後擺上酒來，依次坐定。Today you came as soon as I invited you—who would have thought you had both taken it seriously?” When he finished, everyone laughed; then the wine was brought in, and they sat down in order.馮紫英先命唱曲兒的小廝過來讓酒，然後命雲兒也來敬。Feng Ziying first called over the singing boys to offer wine, and then told Yun’er to come and propose a toast as well.

宝玉出来，到外面，只见焙茗说道：“冯大爷家请。”宝玉听了，知道是昨日的话，便说：“要衣裳去。”自己便往书房里来。焙茗一直到了二门前等人，只见一个老婆子出来了，焙茗上去说道：“宝二爷在书房里等出门的衣裳，你老人家进去带个信儿。”那婆子说：“放你娘的屁！倒好，宝二爷如今在园里住著，跟他的人都在园里，你又跑了这里来带信儿来了！”焙茗听了，笑道：“骂的是，我也糊涂了。”说著一径往东边二门前来。可巧门上小厮在甬路底下踢球，焙茗将原故说了。小厮跑了进去，半日抱了一个包袱出来，递与焙茗。回到书房里，宝玉换了，命人备马，只带著焙茗，锄药，双瑞，双寿四个小厮去了。一径到了冯紫英家门口，有人报与了冯紫英，出来迎接进去。只见薛蟠早已在那里久候，还有许多唱曲儿的小厮并唱小旦的蒋玉菡，锦香院的妓女云儿。大家都见过了，然后吃茶。宝玉擎茶笑道：“前儿所言幸与不幸之事，我昼悬夜想，今日一闻呼唤即至。”冯紫英笑道：“你们令表兄弟倒都心实。前日不过是我的设辞，诚心请你们一饮，恐又推托，故说下这句话。今日一邀即至，谁知都信真了。”说毕大家一笑，然后摆上酒来，依次坐定。冯紫英先命唱曲儿的小厮过来让酒，然后命云儿也来敬。

那薛蟠三杯下肚，不覺忘了情，拉著雲兒的手笑道：“你把那梯己新樣兒的曲子唱個我聽，我吃一壇如何？”雲兒聽說，只得拿起琵琶來，唱道：After Xue Pan had downed three cups, he forgot all restraint. Taking Yun’er by the hand, he laughed and said, “Sing me one of your new private songs, and I will drink a whole jar—how about it?” Yun’er had no choice but to pick up her pipa and sing:

那薛蟠三杯下肚，不觉忘了情，拉著云儿的手笑道：“你把那梯己新样儿的曲子唱个我听，我吃一坛如何？”云儿听说，只得拿起琵琶来，唱道：

兩個冤家，都難丟下，想著你來又記挂著他。Two ill-fated lovers, neither can be cast aside; when I think of you, I begin to pine for him.兩個人形容俊俏，都難描畫。Both are so handsome in face and form, neither can be captured in a picture.想昨宵幽期私訂在荼縻架，一個偷情，一個尋拿，拿住了三曹對案，我也無回話。Thinking of last night’s secret tryst, privately arranged beneath the rose-trellis: one stole out for love, another came searching and caught us, and with all three parties confronted, I had not a word to say for myself.

两个冤家，都难丢下，想著你来又记挂著他。两个人形容俊俏，都难描画。想昨宵幽期私订在荼縻架，一个偷情，一个寻拿，拿住了三曹对案，我也无回话。

唱畢笑道：“你喝一壇子罷了。”薛蟠聽說，笑道：“不值一壇，再唱好的來。”When he had finished singing, he laughed and said, “Just drink a whole jar.” Hearing this, Xue Pan laughed. “That wasn’t worth a whole jar. Sing us something better.”

唱毕笑道：“你喝一坛子罢了。”薛蟠听说，笑道：“不值一坛，再唱好的来。”

寶玉笑道：“聽我說來：如此濫飲，易醉而無味。Baoyu laughed. “Now listen to me: drinking indiscriminately like this only gets one drunk, without any pleasure.我先喝一大海，發一新令，有不遵者，連罰十大海，逐出席外與人斟酒。”馮紫英蔣玉菡等都道：“有理，有理。”寶玉拿起海來一氣飲乾，說道：“如今要說悲、愁、喜、樂四字，卻要說出女兒來，還要注明這四字原故。I shall first drain one great cup and institute a new drinking game. Whoever disobeys its rules must drink ten great cups in succession, be expelled from the table, and pour wine for the others.” Feng Ziying, Jiang Yuhan, and the rest all said, “Excellent, excellent.” Baoyu picked up the great cup and drained it at one draught, then said, “We must now speak on the four words sorrow, care, joy, and delight, each time bringing in a girl and explaining the reason for the emotion.說完了，飲門杯。When that is done, one drinks the prescribed cup.酒面要唱一個新鮮時樣曲子，酒底要席上生風一樣東西，或古詩，舊對，《四書》《五經》成語。”薛蟠未等說完，先站起來攔道：“我不來，別算我。For the opening round, one must sing a novel, fashionable song; for the closing round, one must name something present at the feast, using a line from an old poem, an ancient couplet, or a set phrase from the Four Books or Five Classics.” Before he had finished, Xue Pan sprang up and protested, “I’m not playing—leave me out.這竟是捉弄我呢！”雲兒也站起來，推他坐下，笑道：“怕什麼？You are plainly making sport of me!” Yun’er also rose, pushed him back into his seat, and laughed. “What are you afraid of?這還虧你天天吃酒呢，難道你連我也不如！And you call yourself a man who drinks every day! Surely you cannot be worse at this than I am!我回來還說呢。I shall have to take my turn later too.說是了，罷，不是了，不過罰上幾杯，那裡就醉死了。If you get it right, well and good; if not, you will merely be fined a few cups—hardly enough to drink you to death.你如今一亂令，倒喝十大海，下去斟酒不成？”眾人都拍手道妙。But if you disrupt the game now, won’t you have to drink ten great cups and go below the table to pour the wine?” Everyone clapped and cried that she had spoken splendidly.薛蟠聽說無法，只得坐了。Xue Pan saw there was no way out and had to sit down.聽寶玉說道：“女兒悲，青春已大守空閨。They listened as Baoyu began: “A girl is sorrowful: her youth is passing as she guards an empty chamber.女兒愁，悔教夫婿覓封侯。A girl is careworn: she regrets urging her husband to seek rank and fame.女兒喜，對鏡晨妝顏色美。A girl is joyful: at her morning mirror, she finds her made-up face lovely.女兒樂，秋千架上春衫薄。”A girl delights: upon the swing, her springtime gown is thin.”

宝玉笑道：“听我说来：如此滥饮，易醉而无味。我先喝一大海，发一新令，有不遵者，连罚十大海，逐出席外与人斟酒。”冯紫英蒋玉菡等都道：“有理，有理。”宝玉拿起海来一气饮干，说道：“如今要说悲、愁、喜、乐四字，却要说出女儿来，还要注明这四字原故。说完了，饮门杯。酒面要唱一个新鲜时样曲子，酒底要席上生风一样东西，或古诗，旧对，《四书》《五经》成语。”薛蟠未等说完，先站起来拦道：“我不来，别算我。这竟是捉弄我呢！”云儿也站起来，推他坐下，笑道：“怕什么？这还亏你天天吃酒呢，难道你连我也不如！我回来还说呢。说是了，罢，不是了，不过罚上几杯，那里就醉死了。你如今一乱令，倒喝十大海，下去斟酒不成？”众人都拍手道妙。薛蟠听说无法，只得坐了。听宝玉说道：“女儿悲，青春已大守空闺。女儿愁，悔教夫婿觅封侯。女儿喜，对镜晨妆颜色美。女儿乐，秋千架上春衫薄。”

眾人聽了，都道：“說得有理。”薛蟠獨揚著臉搖頭說：“不好，該罰！”眾人問：“如何該罰？”薛蟠道：“他說的我通不懂，怎麼不該罰？”雲兒便擰他一把，笑道：“你悄悄的想你的罷。When they heard this, everyone said, “Well spoken.” Xue Pan alone tilted up his face, shook his head, and said, “No good—he should be fined!” The others asked, “Why should he be fined?” Xue Pan said, “I did not understand a word of it, so why shouldn’t he be fined?” Yun’er gave him a pinch and laughed. “Keep quiet and think about your own turn.回來說不出，又該罰了。”于是拿琵琶聽寶玉唱道：If you cannot come out with anything later, you will be fined again.” She then took up the pipa while they listened to Baoyu sing:

众人听了，都道：“说得有理。”薛蟠独扬著脸摇头说：“不好，该罚！”众人问：“如何该罚？”薛蟠道：“他说的我通不懂，怎么不该罚？”云儿便拧他一把，笑道：“你悄悄的想你的罢。回来说不出，又该罚了。”于是拿琵琶听宝玉唱道：

滴不盡相思血淚拋紅豆，開不完春柳春花滿畫樓。Endlessly I shed lovesick tears of blood, like falling red beans; endlessly spring willows and spring flowers bloom about the painted chamber.睡不穩紗窗風雨黃昏後，忘不了新愁與舊愁。Restless I lie behind the gauze window after wind and rain at dusk; impossible to forget are my new sorrows and my old.咽不下玉粒金蓴噎滿喉，照不見菱花鏡裡形容瘦。I cannot swallow the pearly rice and golden delicacies that choke my throat; in the water-chestnut mirror I scarcely recognize my wasted face.展不開的眉頭，捱不明的更漏。My brows will not unfold; the night watches will not end.呀，恰便似遮不住的青山隱隱，流不斷的綠水悠悠。Ah! It is just like the faint green hills that no veil can hide, the long green waters that never cease to flow.

滴不尽相思血泪抛红豆，开不完春柳春花满画楼。睡不稳纱窗风雨黄昏后，忘不了新愁与旧愁。咽不下玉粒金莼噎满喉，照不见菱花镜里形容瘦。展不开的眉头，挨不明的更漏。呀，恰便似遮不住的青山隐隐，流不断的绿水悠悠。

唱完，大家齊聲喝彩，獨薛蟠說無板。When he had finished, everyone cheered in unison; Xue Pan alone declared that it had no proper rhythm.寶玉飲了門杯，便拈起一片梨來，說道：“雨打梨花深閉門。”完了令。Baoyu drank the prescribed cup, then picked up a slice of pear and said, “Rain beats upon the pear blossoms; the door is deeply closed.” Thus he completed his turn.

唱完，大家齐声喝彩，独薛蟠说无板。宝玉饮了门杯，便拈起一片梨来，说道：“雨打梨花深闭门。”完了令。

下該馮紫英，說道：“女兒悲，兒夫染病在垂危。Feng Ziying came next and said, “A girl is sorrowful: her husband lies sick and near to death.女兒愁，大風吹倒梳妝樓。A girl is careworn: a mighty wind has blown down her dressing tower.女兒喜，頭胎養了雙生子。A girl is joyful: at her first delivery she has borne twin sons.女兒樂，私向花園掏蟋蟀。”說畢，端起酒來，唱道：A girl delights: secretly in the garden she digs for crickets.” Having spoken, he raised his wine and sang:

下该冯紫英，说道：“女儿悲，儿夫染病在垂危。女儿愁，大风吹倒梳妆楼。女儿喜，头胎养了双生子。女儿乐，私向花园掏蟋蟀。”说毕，端起酒来，唱道：

你是個可人，你是個多情，你是個刁鑽古怪鬼靈精，你是個神仙也不靈。You are enchanting, you are full of feeling; you are a sly, capricious little imp, clever as a sprite; even if you were an immortal, your magic would fail.我說的話兒你全不信，只叫你去背地裡細打聽，才知道我疼你不疼！You believe not a word I say; only go and make careful inquiries in secret—then you will know whether I cherish you or not!

你是个可人，你是个多情，你是个刁钻古怪鬼灵精，你是个神仙也不灵。我说的话儿你全不信，只叫你去背地里细打听，才知道我疼你不疼！

唱完，飲了門杯，說道：“雞聲茅店月。”令完，下該雲兒。When he had finished singing, he drank the prescribed cup and said, “A cock crows, the moon hangs over the thatched inn.” His turn was complete, and Yun’er came next.

唱完，饮了门杯，说道：“鸡声茅店月。”令完，下该云儿。

雲兒便說道：“女兒悲，將來終身指靠誰？”薛蟠歎道：“我的兒，有你薛大爺在，你怕什麼！”眾人都道：“別混他，別混他！”雲兒又道：“女兒愁，媽媽打罵何時休！”薛蟠道：“前兒我見了你媽，還吩咐他不叫他打你呢。”眾人都道：“再多言者罰酒十杯。”薛蟠連忙自己打了一個嘴巴子，說道：“沒耳性，再不許說了。”雲兒又道：“女兒喜，情郎不舍還家裡。Yun’er said, “A girl is sorrowful: on whom can she depend for the rest of her life?” Xue Pan sighed. “My child, with your Uncle Xue here, what have you to fear?” Everyone cried, “Do not interrupt her! Do not interrupt her!” Yun’er continued, “A girl is careworn: when will Mother’s blows and scolding end?” Xue Pan said, “I saw your mother the other day and told her not to beat you anymore.” Everyone said, “The next person who speaks out of turn must drink ten cups.” Xue Pan hurriedly slapped his own mouth and said, “No discipline at all! I’m not to speak again.” Yun’er continued, “A girl is joyful: her lover cannot bear to return home.女兒樂，住了簫管弄弦索。”說完，便唱道：A girl delights: the flutes and pipes fall silent, and the strings begin to play.” When she had finished, she sang:

云儿便说道：“女儿悲，将来终身指靠谁？”薛蟠叹道：“我的儿，有你薛大爷在，你怕什么！”众人都道：“别混他，别混他！”云儿又道：“女儿愁，妈妈打骂何时休！”薛蟠道：“前儿我见了你妈，还吩咐他不叫他打你呢。”众人都道：“再多言者罚酒十杯。”薛蟠连忙自己打了一个嘴巴子，说道：“没耳性，再不许说了。”云儿又道：“女儿喜，情郎不舍还家里。女儿乐，住了箫管弄弦索。”说完，便唱道：

荳蔻開花三月三，一個虫兒往裡鑽。The cardamom blooms on the third day of the third month; a little insect tries to burrow inside.鑽了半日不得進去，爬到花兒上打秋千。It burrows for ages but cannot get in, so it climbs upon the flower and plays on the swing.肉兒小心肝，我不開了你怎麼鑽？My darling little heart, if I do not open, how will you burrow in?

荳蔻开花三月三，一个虫儿往里钻。钻了半日不得进去，爬到花儿上打秋千。肉儿小心肝，我不开了你怎么钻？

唱畢，飲了門杯，說道：“桃之夭夭。”令完了，下該薛蟠。After singing, she drank the prescribed cup and said, “How luxuriantly blooms the peach.” Her turn was complete, and Xue Pan came next.

唱毕，饮了门杯，说道：“桃之夭夭。”令完了，下该薛蟠。

薛蟠道：“我可要說了：女兒悲——”說了半日，不見說底下的。Xue Pan said, “Now I shall begin: A girl is sorrowful—” But though he struggled for a long while, nothing further came.馮紫英笑道：“悲什麼？Feng Ziying laughed. “What is she sorrowful about?快說來。”薛蟠登時急的眼睛鈴鐺一般，瞪了半日，才說道：“女兒悲——”又咳嗽了兩聲，說道：“女兒悲，嫁了個男人是烏龜。”眾人聽了都大笑起來。Out with it, quickly.” Xue Pan instantly grew so anxious that his eyes bulged like brass bells. After staring for a long while, he finally said, “A girl is sorrowful—” He coughed twice more, then said, “A girl is sorrowful: the man she married is a cuckold.” Everyone burst out laughing.薛蟠道：“笑什麼，難道我說的不是？Xue Pan said, “What are you laughing at? Isn’t what I said true?一個女兒嫁了漢子，要當忘八，他怎麼不傷心呢？”眾人笑的彎腰說道：“你說的很是，快說底下的。”薛蟠瞪了一瞪眼，又說道：“女兒愁——”說了這句，又不言語了。If a girl marries a man who turns out to be a cuckold, how could she not be brokenhearted?” Doubled over with laughter, the others said, “Quite right, quite right—hurry on with the rest.” Xue Pan glared, then began again: “A girl is careworn—” Having said this, he once more fell silent.眾人道：“怎麼愁？”薛蟠道：“繡房攛出個大馬猴。”眾人呵呵笑道：“該罰，該罰！Everyone asked, “What is she careworn about?” Xue Pan replied, “A great ape comes leaping out of her embroidered chamber.” Everyone roared with laughter. “He must be fined! He must be fined!這句更不通，先還可恕。”說著便要篩酒。That line makes even less sense; the first one might still have been forgiven.” As they spoke, they made ready to pour his penalty wine.寶玉笑道：“押韻就好。”薛蟠道：“令官都准了，你們鬧什麼？”眾人聽說，方才罷了。Baoyu laughed. “It rhymes, and that is enough.” Xue Pan said, “The master of the game has approved it, so what are you making a fuss about?” At this the others finally desisted.雲兒笑道：“下兩句越發難說了，我替你說罷。”薛蟠道：“胡說！Yun’er laughed. “The next two lines will be harder still; let me say them for you.” Xue Pan said, “Nonsense!當真我就沒好的了！Do you really think I have nothing good left?聽我說罷：女兒喜，洞房花燭朝慵起。”眾人聽了，都詫异道：“這句何其太韻？”薛蟠又道：“女兒樂，一根����[1]往裡戳。”眾人聽了，都扭著臉說道：“該死，該死！Just listen: A girl is joyful: after the wedding-night candles, she rises late in the morning.” Everyone heard this with amazement. “How remarkably elegant that line is!” Xue Pan continued, “A girl delights: a great hairy thing thrusts inside.” Everyone turned away in disgust and cried, “Shame on you! Shame on you!快唱了罷。”薛蟠便唱道：“一個蚊子哼哼哼。”眾人都怔了，說：“這是個什麼曲兒？”薛蟠還唱道：“兩個蒼蠅嗡嗡嗡。”眾人都道：“罷，罷，罷！”薛蟠道：“愛聽不聽！Hurry up and sing.” So Xue Pan sang, “One mosquito goes hum, hum, hum.” Everyone stared blankly. “What sort of song is that?” Xue Pan continued singing, “Two flies go buzz, buzz, buzz.” Everyone cried, “Enough, enough, enough!” Xue Pan said, “Listen or don’t, as you please!這是新鮮曲兒，叫作哼哼韻。This is a brand-new song called ‘The Humming Rhyme.’你們要懶待聽，連酒底都免了，我就不唱。”眾人都道：“免了罷，免了罷，倒別耽誤了別人家。”于是蔣玉菡說道：“女兒悲，丈夫一去不回歸。If you cannot be bothered to listen, excuse me even from the closing round and I will stop singing.” Everyone said, “Excuse him, excuse him—only do not let him hold up the others.” Jiang Yuhan then said, “A girl is sorrowful: her husband goes away and never returns.女兒愁，無錢去打桂花油。A girl is careworn: she has no money to buy osmanthus hair oil.女兒喜，燈花并頭結雙蕊。A girl is joyful: the lamp wick blossoms with twin flowers joined at the head.女兒樂，夫唱婦隨真和合。”說畢，唱道：A girl delights: husband leads and wife follows, a truly harmonious union.” Having spoken, he sang:

薛蟠道：“我可要说了：女儿悲——”说了半日，不见说底下的。冯紫英笑道：“悲什么？快说来。”薛蟠登时急的眼睛铃铛一般，瞪了半日，才说道：“女儿悲——”又咳嗽了两声，说道：“女儿悲，嫁了个男人是乌龟。”众人听了都大笑起来。薛蟠道：“笑什么，难道我说的不是？一个女儿嫁了汉子，要当忘八，他怎么不伤心呢？”众人笑的弯腰说道：“你说的很是，快说底下的。”薛蟠瞪了一瞪眼，又说道：“女儿愁——”说了这句，又不言语了。众人道：“怎么愁？”薛蟠道：“绣房撺出个大马猴。”众人呵呵笑道：“该罚，该罚！这句更不通，先还可恕。”说著便要筛酒。宝玉笑道：“押韵就好。”薛蟠道：“令官都准了，你们闹什么？”众人听说，方才罢了。云儿笑道：“下两句越发难说了，我替你说罢。”薛蟠道：“胡说！当真我就没好的了！听我说罢：女儿喜，洞房花烛朝慵起。”众人听了，都诧异道：“这句何其太韵？”薛蟠又道：“女儿乐，一根𣬠𣬶[1]往里戳。”众人听了，都扭著脸说道：“该死，该死！快唱了罢。”薛蟠便唱道：“一个蚊子哼哼哼。”众人都怔了，说：“这是个什么曲儿？”薛蟠还唱道：“两个苍蝇嗡嗡嗡。”众人都道：“罢，罢，罢！”薛蟠道：“爱听不听！这是新鲜曲儿，叫作哼哼韵。你们要懒待听，连酒底都免了，我就不唱。”众人都道：“免了罢，免了罢，倒别耽误了别人家。”于是蒋玉菡说道：“女儿悲，丈夫一去不回归。女儿愁，无钱去打桂花油。女儿喜，灯花并头结双蕊。女儿乐，夫唱妇随真和合。”说毕，唱道：

可喜你天生成百媚嬌，恰便似活神仙離碧霄。How delightful that Heaven made you so charming in a hundred ways, just like a living immortal descended from the azure sky.度青春，年正小；You pass your springtime in the first bloom of youth;配鸞鳳，真也著。Mated like phoenix and mate, truly well paired.呀！Ah!看天河正高，聽譙樓鼓敲，剔銀燈同入鴛幃悄。See the River of Heaven riding high; hear the watchtower drum resound; trim the silver lamp, and quietly enter together beneath the mandarin-duck curtains.

可喜你天生成百媚娇，恰便似活神仙离碧霄。度青春，年正小；配鸾凤，真也著。呀！看天河正高，听谯楼鼓敲，剔银灯同入鸳帏悄。

唱畢，飲了門杯，笑道：“這詩詞上我倒有限。When he had finished singing, he drank the prescribed cup and laughed. “My knowledge of poetry is rather limited.幸而昨日見了一副對子，可巧只記得這句，幸而席上還有這件東西。”說畢，便乾了酒，拿起一朵木樨來，念道：“花氣襲人知晝暖。”Fortunately, yesterday I saw a couplet and happen to remember this one line; more fortunately still, the object it mentions is here at the feast.” With that he drained his wine, picked up a spray of osmanthus, and recited, “The fragrance of flowers assails one, telling that the day is warm.”

唱毕，饮了门杯，笑道：“这诗词上我倒有限。幸而昨日见了一副对子，可巧只记得这句，幸而席上还有这件东西。”说毕，便干了酒，拿起一朵木樨来，念道：“花气袭人知昼暖。”

眾人倒都依了，完令。The others all accepted it, and his turn was complete.薛蟠又跳了起來，喧嚷道：“了不得，了不得！Xue Pan sprang up again, shouting, “This is outrageous! Outrageous!該罰，該罰！He must be fined! He must be fined!這席上又沒有寶貝，你怎麼念起寶貝來？”蔣玉菡怔了，說道：“何曾有寶貝？”薛蟠道：“你還賴呢！There is no Baobei at this table, so why did you start reciting about Baobei?” Jiang Yuhan stared in bewilderment and said, “When did I mention Baobei?” Xue Pan said, “Still you deny it!你再念來。”蔣玉菡只得又念了一遍。Recite it again.” Jiang Yuhan had no choice but to repeat the line.薛蟠道：“襲人可不是寶貝是什麼！Xue Pan said, “If Xiren isn’t Baobei’s, then what is she?你們不信，只問他。”說畢，指著寶玉。If you don’t believe me, just ask him.” With that he pointed at Baoyu.寶玉沒好意思起來，說：“薛大哥，你該罰多少？”薛蟠道：“該罰，該罰！”說著拿起酒來，一飲而盡。Baoyu felt terribly embarrassed and said, “Brother Xue, how much ought you to be fined?” Xue Pan said, “I should be fined, I should indeed!” Then he picked up a cup and drained it.馮紫英與蔣玉菡等不知原故，雲兒便告訴了出來。Feng Ziying, Jiang Yuhan, and the others did not understand the reason, so Yun’er explained it to them.蔣玉菡忙起身陪罪。Jiang Yuhan hurriedly rose to apologize.眾人都道：“不知者不作罪。”Everyone said, “Ignorance is no offense.”

众人倒都依了，完令。薛蟠又跳了起来，喧嚷道：“了不得，了不得！该罚，该罚！这席上又没有宝贝，你怎么念起宝贝来？”蒋玉菡怔了，说道：“何曾有宝贝？”薛蟠道：“你还赖呢！你再念来。”蒋玉菡只得又念了一遍。薛蟠道：“袭人可不是宝贝是什么！你们不信，只问他。”说毕，指著宝玉。宝玉没好意思起来，说：“薛大哥，你该罚多少？”薛蟠道：“该罚，该罚！”说著拿起酒来，一饮而尽。冯紫英与蒋玉菡等不知原故，云儿便告诉了出来。蒋玉菡忙起身陪罪。众人都道：“不知者不作罪。”

少刻，寶玉出席解手，蔣玉菡便隨了出來。A little later, Baoyu left the table to relieve himself, and Jiang Yuhan followed him out.二人站在廊檐下，蔣玉菡又陪不是。Standing beneath the corridor eaves, Jiang Yuhan apologized again.寶玉見他嫵媚溫柔，心中十分留戀，便緊緊的搭著他的手，叫他：“閒了往我們那裡去。Baoyu found him so charming and gentle that he was most reluctant to part with him. Holding his hand tightly, he said, “Come and visit us whenever you are free.還有一句話借問，也是你們貴班中，有一個叫琪官的，他在那裡？There is also something I should like to ask. In your distinguished troupe there is a performer called Qiguan—where might he be?如今名馳天下，我獨無緣一見。”蔣玉菡笑道：“就是我的小名兒。”寶玉聽說，不覺欣然跌足笑道：“有幸，有幸！His fame now fills the realm, yet I alone have never had the good fortune to see him.” Jiang Yuhan laughed. “That is my own childhood name.” Hearing this, Baoyu stamped his foot in delighted surprise and laughed. “What good fortune! What good fortune!果然名不虛傳。Your fame is indeed well deserved.今兒初會，便怎麼樣呢？”想了一想，向袖中取出扇子，將一個玉玦扇墜解下來，遞與琪官，道：“微物不堪，略表今日之誼。”琪官接了，笑道：“無功受祿，何以克當！Since this is our first meeting, what might I give you?” After thinking a moment, he drew his fan from his sleeve, detached its jade-ring pendant, and handed it to Qiguan. “This trifling object is unworthy of you, but let it serve as a small token of the friendship begun today.” Qiguan accepted it and laughed. “How could I deserve a reward I have done nothing to earn?也罷，我這裡得了一件奇物，今日早起方繫上，還是簇新的，聊可表我一點親熱之意。”說畢撩衣，將繫小衣兒一條大紅汗巾子解了下來，遞與寶玉，道：“這汗巾子是茜香國女國王所貢之物，夏天繫著，肌膚生香，不生汗漬。Very well, then. I have here a curious treasure which I put on for the first time only this morning, so it is still perfectly new. It may serve as a token of my affection for you.” With that he lifted his robe, untied the scarlet sash securing his undergarments, and handed it to Baoyu. “This sash was presented as tribute by the queen of the women’s kingdom of Qianxiang. When worn in summer, it makes the skin fragrant and leaves no sweat stains.昨日北靜王給我的，今日才上身。Prince Beijing gave it to me yesterday, and today is the first time I have worn it.若是別人，我斷不肯相贈。Were you anyone else, I would never consent to give it away.二爺請把自己繫的解下來，給我系著。”寶玉聽說，喜不自禁，連忙接了，將自己一條松花汗巾解了下來，遞與琪官。Second Master, please untie the one you are wearing and let me put it on.” Overjoyed at these words, Baoyu quickly accepted the sash, removed his own pine-pollen-green one, and handed it to Qiguan.二人方束好，只見一聲大叫：“我可拿住了！”只見薛蟠跳了出來，拉著二人道：“放著酒不吃，兩個人逃席出來幹什麼？They had just finished tying on the sashes when a loud voice cried, “I’ve caught you now!” Xue Pan leapt out, seized them both, and said, “Leaving the wine untouched, what are you two doing sneaking away from the feast?快拿出來我瞧瞧。”二人都道：“沒有什麼。”薛蟠那裡肯依，還是馮紫英出來才解開了。Take it out quickly and let me see.” Both said, “There is nothing.” But Xue Pan would not be put off, and only when Feng Ziying came out could they get free of him.于是复又歸坐飲酒，至晚方散。They then returned to their seats and resumed drinking, not dispersing until evening.

少刻，宝玉出席解手，蒋玉菡便随了出来。二人站在廊檐下，蒋玉菡又陪不是。宝玉见他妩媚温柔，心中十分留恋，便紧紧的搭著他的手，叫他：“闲了往我们那里去。还有一句话借问，也是你们贵班中，有一个叫琪官的，他在那里？如今名驰天下，我独无缘一见。”蒋玉菡笑道：“就是我的小名儿。”宝玉听说，不觉欣然跌足笑道：“有幸，有幸！果然名不虚传。今儿初会，便怎么样呢？”想了一想，向袖中取出扇子，将一个玉玦扇坠解下来，递与琪官，道：“微物不堪，略表今日之谊。”琪官接了，笑道：“无功受禄，何以克当！也罢，我这里得了一件奇物，今日早起方系上，还是簇新的，聊可表我一点亲热之意。”说毕撩衣，将系小衣儿一条大红汗巾子解了下来，递与宝玉，道：“这汗巾子是茜香国女国王所贡之物，夏天系著，肌肤生香，不生汗渍。昨日北静王给我的，今日才上身。若是别人，我断不肯相赠。二爷请把自己系的解下来，给我系著。”宝玉听说，喜不自禁，连忙接了，将自己一条松花汗巾解了下来，递与琪官。二人方束好，只见一声大叫：“我可拿住了！”只见薛蟠跳了出来，拉著二人道：“放著酒不吃，两个人逃席出来干什么？快拿出来我瞧瞧。”二人都道：“没有什么。”薛蟠那里肯依，还是冯紫英出来才解开了。于是复又归坐饮酒，至晚方散。

寶玉回至園中，寬衣吃茶。Baoyu returned to the Garden, changed his clothes, and drank some tea.襲人見扇子上的墜兒沒了，便問他：“往那裡去了？”寶玉道：“馬上丟了。”睡覺時只見腰裡一條血點似的大紅汗巾子，襲人便猜了八九分，因說道：“你有了好的繫褲子，把我那條還我罷。”寶玉聽說，方想起那條汗巾子原是襲人的，不該給人才是，心裡後悔，口裡說不出來，只得笑道：“我賠你一條罷。”襲人聽了，點頭歎道：“我就知道又幹這些事！Seeing that the pendant was gone from his fan, Xiren asked, “Where has it gone?” Baoyu said, “I lost it while riding.” At bedtime she noticed the blood-bright scarlet sash around his waist and guessed most of what had happened. She therefore said, “Now that you have a better sash for fastening your trousers, give mine back to me.” Only then did Baoyu remember that the sash he had given away had originally belonged to Xiren, and that he ought not to have given it to someone else. He regretted it inwardly but could not say so, and merely laughed. “I’ll make it up to you with another.” Hearing this, Xiren nodded and sighed. “I knew you had been up to this sort of thing again!也不該拿著我的東西給那起混帳人去。And you had no right to give my things to that disreputable lot.也難為你，心裡沒個算計兒。”再要說幾句，又恐慪上他的酒來，少不得也睡了，一宿無話。Really, there is no accounting for you—you never think anything through.” She was about to say more, but feared provoking the wine in him, so she too went to sleep, and nothing further happened that night.至次日天明，方才醒了，只見寶玉笑道：“夜裡失了盜也不曉得，你瞧瞧褲子上。”襲人低頭一看，只見昨日寶玉繫的那條汗巾子繫在自己腰裡呢，便知是寶玉夜間換了，忙一頓把解下來，說道：“我不希罕這行子，趁早兒拿了去！”寶玉見他如此，只得委婉解勸了一回。It was not until daybreak the next morning that she awoke. Baoyu laughed and said, “You never even noticed the thief in the night. Look at your trousers.” Xiren looked down and saw that the sash Baoyu had worn the day before was now tied around her own waist. She knew he must have exchanged them during the night and hurriedly tore it off. “I have no use for such a thing—take it away at once!” Seeing her react like this, Baoyu had no choice but to coax and reason with her gently for some time.襲人無法，只得繫在腰裡。Xiren could do nothing else and had to tie it around her waist.過後寶玉出去，終久解下來擲在個空箱子裡，自己又換了一條繫著。Later, after Baoyu had gone out, she finally untied it, tossed it into an empty chest, and put on another sash of her own.

宝玉回至园中，宽衣吃茶。袭人见扇子上的坠儿没了，便问他：“往那里去了？”宝玉道：“马上丢了。”睡觉时只见腰里一条血点似的大红汗巾子，袭人便猜了八九分，因说道：“你有了好的系裤子，把我那条还我罢。”宝玉听说，方想起那条汗巾子原是袭人的，不该给人才是，心里后悔，口里说不出来，只得笑道：“我赔你一条罢。”袭人听了，点头叹道：“我就知道又干这些事！也不该拿著我的东西给那起混帐人去。也难为你，心里没个算计儿。”再要说几句，又恐怄上他的酒来，少不得也睡了，一宿无话。至次日天明，方才醒了，只见宝玉笑道：“夜里失了盗也不晓得，你瞧瞧裤子上。”袭人低头一看，只见昨日宝玉系的那条汗巾子系在自己腰里呢，便知是宝玉夜间换了，忙一顿把解下来，说道：“我不希罕这行子，趁早儿拿了去！”宝玉见他如此，只得委婉解劝了一回。袭人无法，只得系在腰里。过后宝玉出去，终久解下来掷在个空箱子里，自己又换了一条系著。

寶玉并未理論，因問起昨日可有什麼事情。Baoyu did not pursue the matter but asked whether anything had happened the day before.襲人便回說：“二奶奶打發人叫了紅玉去了。Xiren replied, “Second Mistress sent someone to summon Hongyu.他原要等你來的，我想什麼要緊，我就作了主，打發他去了。”寶玉道：“很是。She originally meant to wait until you returned, but I thought it could not be anything very important, so I took it upon myself to send her over.” Baoyu said, “Quite right.我已知道了，不必等我罷了。”襲人又道：“昨兒貴妃打發夏太監出來，送了一百二十兩銀子，叫在清虛觀初一到初三打三天平安醮，唱戲獻供，叫珍大爺領著眾位爺們跪香拜佛呢。I already know about it; there was no need to wait for me.” Xiren continued, “Yesterday the Imperial Consort sent Eunuch Xia out with one hundred and twenty taels of silver, ordering three days of rites for peace and protection at Qingxu Temple, from the first through the third. There are to be theatrical performances and offerings, and Master Zhen is to lead all the gentlemen in kneeling before the incense and worshipping the Buddha.還有端午兒的節禮也賞了。”說著命小丫頭子來，將昨日所賜之物取了出來，只見上等宮扇兩柄，紅麝香珠二串，鳳尾羅二端，芙蓉簟一領。She also bestowed presents for the Dragon Boat Festival.” As she spoke, she told a young maid to bring in the articles bestowed the previous day. There were two superior palace fans, two strings of red musk beads, two bolts of phoenix-tail gauze, and one hibiscus-patterned summer mat.寶玉見了，喜不自勝，問”別人的也都是這個？”襲人道：“老太太的多著一個香如意，一個瑪瑙枕。Baoyu was delighted beyond measure at the sight and asked, “Did everyone else receive the same things?” Xiren said, “The Old Lady received, in addition, a fragrant ruyi sceptre and an agate pillow.太太，老爺，姨太太的只多著一個如意。The Mistress, the Master, and Aunt Xue each received only one extra ruyi sceptre.你的同寶姑娘的一樣。Yours are the same as Miss Bao’s.林姑娘同二姑娘，三姑娘，四姑娘只單有扇子同數珠兒，別人都沒了。Miss Lin and the Second, Third, and Fourth Young Ladies received only fans and prayer beads; no one else received anything.大奶奶，二奶奶他兩個是每人兩匹紗，兩匹羅，兩個香袋，兩個錠子藥。”寶玉聽了，笑道：“這是怎麼個原故？The Elder Mistress and Second Mistress each received two lengths of gauze, two lengths of silk, two scented sachets, and two ingots of medicine.” Hearing this, Baoyu laughed. “What is the reason for that?怎麼林姑娘的倒不同我的一樣，倒是寶姐姐的同我一樣！Why are Miss Lin’s gifts different from mine, while Cousin Bao’s are the same?別是傳錯了罷？”襲人道：“昨兒拿出來，都是一份一份的寫著簽子，怎麼就錯了！Could they have been handed out wrongly?” Xiren said, “When they were brought out yesterday, every separate share had a label written on it. How could there be a mistake?你的是在老太太屋裡的，我去拿了來了。Yours were in the Old Lady’s rooms, and I went there to fetch them.老太太說了，明兒叫你一個五更天進去謝恩呢。”寶玉道：“自然要走一趟。”說著便叫紫綃來：“拿了這個到林姑娘那裡去，就說是昨兒我得的，愛什麼留下什麼。”紫綃答應了，拿了去，不一時回來說：“林姑娘說了，昨兒也得了，二爺留著罷。”The Old Lady said that tomorrow you must go in at the fifth watch to give thanks for the imperial favor.” Baoyu said, “Naturally I must make the visit.” He then called Zixiao. “Take these to Miss Lin and tell her they are what I received yesterday, and that she may keep whatever she likes.” Zixiao assented and carried them away, but soon returned and said, “Miss Lin says she received gifts yesterday too, and that Second Master should keep his own.”

宝玉并未理论，因问起昨日可有什么事情。袭人便回说：“二奶奶打发人叫了红玉去了。他原要等你来的，我想什么要紧，我就作了主，打发他去了。”宝玉道：“很是。我已知道了，不必等我罢了。”袭人又道：“昨儿贵妃打发夏太监出来，送了一百二十两银子，叫在清虚观初一到初三打三天平安醮，唱戏献供，叫珍大爷领著众位爷们跪香拜佛呢。还有端午儿的节礼也赏了。”说著命小丫头子来，将昨日所赐之物取了出来，只见上等宫扇两柄，红麝香珠二串，凤尾罗二端，芙蓉簟一领。宝玉见了，喜不自胜，问”别人的也都是这个？”袭人道：“老太太的多著一个香如意，一个玛瑙枕。太太，老爷，姨太太的只多著一个如意。你的同宝姑娘的一样。林姑娘同二姑娘，三姑娘，四姑娘只单有扇子同数珠儿，别人都没了。大奶奶，二奶奶他两个是每人两匹纱，两匹罗，两个香袋，两个锭子药。”宝玉听了，笑道：“这是怎么个原故？怎么林姑娘的倒不同我的一样，倒是宝姐姐的同我一样！别是传错了罢？”袭人道：“昨儿拿出来，都是一份一份的写著签子，怎么就错了！你的是在老太太屋里的，我去拿了来了。老太太说了，明儿叫你一个五更天进去谢恩呢。”宝玉道：“自然要走一趟。”说著便叫紫绡来：“拿了这个到林姑娘那里去，就说是昨儿我得的，爱什么留下什么。”紫绡答应了，拿了去，不一时回来说：“林姑娘说了，昨儿也得了，二爷留著罢。”

寶玉聽說，便命人收了。Hearing this, Baoyu ordered the servants to put the gifts away.剛洗了臉出來，要往賈母那裡請安去，只見林黛玉頂頭來了。He had just washed his face and come out, intending to pay his respects to Grandmother Jia, when Lin Daiyu approached him head-on.寶玉赶上去笑道：“我的東西叫你揀，你怎麼不揀？”林黛玉昨日所惱寶玉的心事早又丟開，又顧今日的事了，因說道：“我沒這麼大福禁受，比不得寶姑娘，什麼金什麼玉的，我們不過是草木之人！”寶玉聽他提出”金玉”二字來，不覺心動疑猜，便說道：“除了別人說什麼金什麼玉，我心裡要有這個想頭，天誅地滅，萬世不得人身！”林黛玉聽他這話，便知他心裡動了疑，忙又笑道：“好沒意思，白白的說什麼誓？Baoyu caught up with her and laughed. “I asked you to choose from my things; why did you choose nothing?” Lin Daiyu had already put aside the grievance she had felt against Baoyu the previous day and was now occupied with today’s affair. She replied, “I am not blessed enough to endure such good fortune. I cannot compare with Miss Bao, with all that talk of gold and jade; we are merely people of grass and wood!” Hearing her mention “gold and jade,” Baoyu’s heart stirred and he began to suspect her meaning. He said, “Whatever others may say about gold and jade, if I myself harbor any such thought, may Heaven strike me down and Earth destroy me, and may I never regain human form through ten thousand lifetimes!” From these words Lin Daiyu knew that suspicion had arisen in his mind, so she hurriedly laughed. “How absurd—why swear such an oath for no reason?管你什麼金什麼玉的呢！”寶玉道：“我心裡的事也難對你說，日後自然明白。What do I care about your gold or your jade?” Baoyu said, “It is hard for me to tell you what is in my heart; someday you will naturally understand.除了老太太，老爺，太太這三個人，第四個就是妹妹了。Apart from the Old Lady, the Master, and the Mistress, you, little cousin, are the fourth person in my heart.要有第五個人，我也說個誓。”林黛玉道：“你也不用說誓，我很知道你心裡有‘妹妹’，但只是見了‘姐姐’，就把‘妹妹’忘了。”寶玉道：“那是你多心，我再不的。”林黛玉道：“昨兒寶丫頭不替你圓謊，為什麼問著我呢？If there is a fifth, I will swear an oath to that as well.” Lin Daiyu said, “You need not swear. I know very well that ‘little cousin’ is in your heart; but whenever you see ‘elder cousin,’ you forget all about ‘little cousin.’” Baoyu said, “That is only your suspicious nature. I never do.” Lin Daiyu said, “Yesterday, when Baochai refused to cover for you, why did you turn around and question me?那要是我，你又不知怎麼樣了。”正說著，只見寶釵從那邊來了，二人便走開了。Had it been I who refused, who knows what you would have done?” As they spoke, they saw Baochai coming from the other direction, and the two moved apart.寶釵分明看見，只裝看不見，低著頭過去了，到了王夫人那裡，坐了一回，然後到了賈母這邊，只見寶玉在這裡呢。Baochai had seen them perfectly clearly but pretended not to, passing with her head lowered. She went first to Lady Wang’s rooms and sat there a while, then came over to Grandmother Jia’s, where she found Baoyu.薛寶釵因往日母親對王夫人等曾提過”金鎖是個和尚給的，等日後有玉的方可結為婚姻”等語，所以總遠著寶玉。Because Xue Baochai’s mother had previously told Lady Wang and the others that “the golden locket was given by a monk, who said that in time she might marry only someone who possessed jade,” Baochai generally kept her distance from Baoyu.昨兒見元春所賜的東西，獨他與寶玉一樣，心裡越發沒意思起來。When she saw the previous day that, of all the gifts bestowed by Yuanchun, hers alone were the same as Baoyu’s, she felt more uncomfortable still.幸虧寶玉被一個林黛玉纏綿住了，心心念念只記挂著林黛玉，并不理論這事。Fortunately, Baoyu was wholly entangled with Lin Daiyu; his heart and thoughts were fixed entirely upon her, and he paid no attention to the matter.此刻忽見寶玉笑問道：“寶姐姐，我瞧瞧你的紅麝串子？”可巧寶釵左腕上籠著一串，見寶玉問他，少不得褪了下來。Now Baoyu suddenly smiled and asked, “Cousin Bao, may I see your string of red musk beads?” As it happened, Baochai was wearing one on her left wrist. Since Baoyu had asked, she had no choice but to slip it off.寶釵生的肌膚丰澤，容易褪不下來。Baochai’s skin was plump and smooth, so the bracelet would not slip off easily.寶玉在旁看著雪白一段酥臂，不覺動了羡慕之心，暗暗想道：“這個膀子要長在林妹妹身上，或者還得摸一摸，偏生長在他身上。”正是恨沒福得摸，忽然想起「金玉」一事來，再看看寶釵形容，只見臉若銀盆，眼似水杏，唇不點而紅，眉不畫而翠，比林黛玉另具一種嫵媚風流，不覺就呆了，寶釵褪了串子來遞與他也忘了接。From beside her, Baoyu gazed at the snowy length of her soft, bare arm and could not help feeling envious. He thought to himself, “If only that arm belonged to Cousin Lin, I might at least have had the chance to touch it; but of all people, it had to be hers.” Just as he was lamenting his lack of fortune in not being able to touch it, he suddenly remembered the matter of “gold and jade.” Looking again at Baochai, he saw a face like a silver moon, eyes like limpid apricots, lips red without rouge, and brows dark without paint. She possessed a beguiling charm and grace quite different from Lin Daiyu’s. He stared, spellbound, and when Baochai slipped off the bracelet and held it out to him, he even forgot to take it.寶釵見他怔了，自己倒不好意思的，丟下串子，回身才要走，只見林黛玉蹬著門檻子，嘴裡咬著手帕子笑呢。Seeing him in a daze, Baochai herself grew embarrassed. She dropped the bracelet and had just turned to leave when she saw Lin Daiyu leaning against the threshold, biting her handkerchief and laughing.寶釵道：“你又禁不得風吹，怎麼又站在那風口裡？”林黛玉笑道：“何曾不是在屋裡的。Baochai said, “You cannot bear the wind, so why are you standing there in the draft again?” Lin Daiyu laughed. “Why, I was inside all along.只因聽見天上一聲叫喚，出來瞧了瞧，原來是個獃雁。”薛寶釵道：“獃雁在那裡呢？I only came out because I heard a cry in the sky and wanted to see what it was. It turned out to be a silly goose.” Xue Baochai said, “And where is this silly goose?我也瞧一瞧。”林黛玉道：“我才出來，他就‘忒兒’一聲飛了。”口裡說著，將手裡的帕子一甩，向寶玉臉上甩來。Let me have a look at it too.” Lin Daiyu said, “The moment I came out, it went ‘whir-r-r!’ and flew away.” As she spoke, she flicked the handkerchief in her hand straight at Baoyu’s face.寶玉不防，正打在眼上，“噯喲”了一聲。Caught unawares, Baoyu was struck squarely in the eye and cried, “Ow!”要知端的，且聽下回分解。To learn exactly what followed, listen to the explanation in the next chapter.

宝玉听说，便命人收了。刚洗了脸出来，要往贾母那里请安去，只见林黛玉顶头来了。宝玉赶上去笑道：“我的东西叫你拣，你怎么不拣？”林黛玉昨日所恼宝玉的心事早又丢开，又顾今日的事了，因说道：“我没这么大福禁受，比不得宝姑娘，什么金什么玉的，我们不过是草木之人！”宝玉听他提出”金玉”二字来，不觉心动疑猜，便说道：“除了别人说什么金什么玉，我心里要有这个想头，天诛地灭，万世不得人身！”林黛玉听他这话，便知他心里动了疑，忙又笑道：“好没意思，白白的说什么誓？管你什么金什么玉的呢！”宝玉道：“我心里的事也难对你说，日后自然明白。除了老太太，老爷，太太这三个人，第四个就是妹妹了。要有第五个人，我也说个誓。”林黛玉道：“你也不用说誓，我很知道你心里有‘妹妹’，但只是见了‘姐姐’，就把‘妹妹’忘了。”宝玉道：“那是你多心，我再不的。”林黛玉道：“昨儿宝丫头不替你圆谎，为什么问著我呢？那要是我，你又不知怎么样了。”正说著，只见宝钗从那边来了，二人便走开了。宝钗分明看见，只装看不见，低著头过去了，到了王夫人那里，坐了一回，然后到了贾母这边，只见宝玉在这里呢。薛宝钗因往日母亲对王夫人等曾提过”金锁是个和尚给的，等日后有玉的方可结为婚姻”等语，所以总远著宝玉。昨儿见元春所赐的东西，独他与宝玉一样，心里越发没意思起来。幸亏宝玉被一个林黛玉缠绵住了，心心念念只记挂著林黛玉，并不理论这事。此刻忽见宝玉笑问道：“宝姐姐，我瞧瞧你的红麝串子？”可巧宝钗左腕上笼著一串，见宝玉问他，少不得褪了下来。宝钗生的肌肤丰泽，容易褪不下来。宝玉在旁看著雪白一段酥臂，不觉动了羡慕之心，暗暗想道：“这个膀子要长在林妹妹身上，或者还得摸一摸，偏生长在他身上。”正是恨没福得摸，忽然想起「金玉」一事来，再看看宝钗形容，只见脸若银盆，眼似水杏，唇不点而红，眉不画而翠，比林黛玉另具一种妩媚风流，不觉就呆了，宝钗褪了串子来递与他也忘了接。宝钗见他怔了，自己倒不好意思的，丢下串子，回身才要走，只见林黛玉蹬著门槛子，嘴里咬著手帕子笑呢。宝钗道：“你又禁不得风吹，怎么又站在那风口里？”林黛玉笑道：“何曾不是在屋里的。只因听见天上一声叫唤，出来瞧了瞧，原来是个呆雁。”薛宝钗道：“呆雁在那里呢？我也瞧一瞧。”林黛玉道：“我才出来，他就‘忒儿’一声飞了。”口里说著，将手里的帕子一甩，向宝玉脸上甩来。宝玉不防，正打在眼上，“嗳哟”了一声。要知端的，且听下回分解。