第四回　　　薄命女偏逢薄命郎　葫蘆僧亂判葫蘆案 An Ill-Fated Girl Meets an Ill-Fated Man; A Bottle-Gourd Monk Bungles the Bottle-Gourd Case

題曰：The chapter opens with a verse that reads:

题曰：

捐軀報國恩，未報軀猶在。To give one's body to repay the sovereign's grace—yet the debt unpaid, the body still remains.

捐躯报国恩，未报躯犹在。

眼底物多情，君恩或可待。All that meets the eye is full of feeling—the lord's favor may yet be hoped for.

卻說黛玉同姊妹們至王夫人處，見王夫人與兄嫂處的來使計議家務，又說姨母家遭人命官司等語。Now, Daiyu went together with her cousins to Lady Wang's quarters, where she found Lady Wang discussing household affairs with a messenger sent from her elder brother's household, who also spoke of how her aunt's family had become entangled in a manslaughter case.因見王夫人事情冗雜，姊妹們遂出來，至寡嫂李氏房中來了。Seeing that Lady Wang was occupied with pressing matters, the sisters withdrew and went to the rooms of her widowed sister-in-law, Li.

却说黛玉同姊妹们至王夫人处，见王夫人与兄嫂处的来使计议家务，又说姨母家遭人命官司等语。因见王夫人事情冗杂，姊妹们遂出来，至寡嫂李氏房中来了。

原來這李氏即賈珠之妻。Now this Li-shi was the wife of Jia Zhu.珠雖夭亡，幸存一子，取名賈蘭，今方五歲，已入學攻書。Though Zhu had died young, fortunately a son survived him, named Jia Lan, who was now just five years old and already attending school to study.這李氏亦系金陵名宦之女，父名李守中，曾為國子監祭酒，族中男女無有不誦詩讀書者。This Li-shi was likewise the daughter of a distinguished official family of Jinling; her father, Li Shouzhong, had once served as Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, and in his clan there was not a man or woman who did not chant poetry and read books.至李守中繼承以來，便說「女子無才便有德」，故生了李氏時，便不十分令其讀書，只不過將些《女四書》、《列女傳》、《賢媛集》等三四种書，使他認得幾個字，記得前朝這幾個賢女便罷了，卻只以紡績井臼為要，因取名為李紈，字宮裁。But from the time Li Shouzhong took over as head of the family, he held that "in a woman, lack of talent is itself a virtue," and so when Li-shi was born, he did not have her study very much—only some three or four books such as the Nü Sishu, the Lienü Zhuan, and the Xianyuan Ji, just enough that she might recognize a few characters and remember the names of a handful of virtuous women of former dynasties; what mattered most, he held, was spinning and weaving and drawing water at the well and pounding grain at the mortar. And so he named her Li Wan, styled Gongcai.因此這李紈雖青春喪偶，居家處膏粱錦繡之中，竟如槁木死灰一般，一概無見無聞，唯知侍親養子，外則陪侍小姑等針黹誦讀而已。For this reason, though Li Wan had lost her husband in the flower of her youth, and lived amid rich fare and fine silks, she was like withered wood or cold ashes, seeing and hearing nothing of the world beyond; all she knew was to serve her elders and raise her son, and, besides that, to keep company with her young sisters-in-law at needlework and reading.今黛玉雖客寄於斯，日有這般姐妹相伴，除老父外，餘者也都無庸慮及了。Now, although Daiyu was but a guest lodging here, she had such sisters to keep her company day after day, so that apart from her aged father, there was nothing else she needed to trouble her thoughts over.

原来这李氏即贾珠之妻。珠虽夭亡，幸存一子，取名贾兰，今方五岁，已入学攻书。这李氏亦系金陵名宦之女，父名李守中，曾为国子监祭酒，族中男女无有不诵诗读书者。至李守中继承以来，便说「女子无才便有德」，故生了李氏时，便不十分令其读书，只不过将些《女四书》、《列女传》、《贤媛集》等三四种书，使他认得几个字，记得前朝这几个贤女便罢了，却只以纺绩井臼为要，因取名为李纨，字宫裁。因此这李纨虽青春丧偶，居家处膏粱锦绣之中，竟如槁木死灰一般，一概无见无闻，唯知侍亲养子，外则陪侍小姑等针黹诵读而已。今黛玉虽客寄于斯，日有这般姐妹相伴，除老父外，余者也都无庸虑及了。

如今且說雨村，因補授了應天府，一下馬就有一件人命官司詳至案下，乃是兩家爭買一婢，各不相讓，以至毆傷人命。Now to speak of Yucun: having been appointed to fill the post of Prefect of Yingtian, no sooner had he arrived and dismounted than a homicide case was reported up to his court for judgment—it concerned two families contending over the purchase of a maidservant, neither willing to yield to the other, until the dispute came to blows and a life was lost.彼時雨村即傳原告之人來審。At that time Yucun at once summoned the plaintiff for questioning.那原告道：「被毆死者乃小人之主人。The plaintiff said: "The man beaten to death was my master.因那日買了一個丫頭，不想是拐子拐來賣的。That day he had bought a servant girl, never suspecting that she had been kidnapped and was being sold by an abductor.這拐子先已得了我家的銀子，我家小爺原說第三日方是好日子，再接入門。This abductor had already received payment from our household; our young master had said the third day thereafter would be an auspicious date, and only then would he bring her into the house.這拐子便又悄悄的賣與薛家，被我們知道了，去找拿賣主，奪取丫頭。But the abductor then secretly sold her again to the Xue family. When we found out, we went to seize the seller and take back the girl.無奈薛家原系金陵一霸，倚財仗勢，眾豪奴將我小主人竟打死了。But it turned out the Xue family were bullies of long standing in Jinling, who relied on their wealth and power, and their crowd of overbearing servants actually beat my young master to death.凶身主僕已皆逃走，無影無蹤，只剩了幾個局外之人。The murderer, master and servants alike, have all fled without a trace, leaving behind only a few bystanders uninvolved in the matter.小人告了一年的狀，竟無人作主。I have been bringing this complaint for a full year now, and yet no one has taken up my case.望大老爺拘拿凶犯，剪惡除凶，以救孤寡，死者感戴天恩不盡！」I beg Your Honor to arrest the murderer, to cut down evil and root out the wicked, and to succor the orphaned and widowed—the dead man himself would be endlessly grateful for such heaven-sent grace!"

如今且说雨村，因补授了应天府，一下马就有一件人命官司详至案下，乃是两家争买一婢，各不相让，以至殴伤人命。彼时雨村即传原告之人来审。那原告道：「被殴死者乃小人之主人。因那日买了一个丫头，不想是拐子拐来卖的。这拐子先已得了我家的银子，我家小爷原说第三日方是好日子，再接入门。这拐子便又悄悄的卖与薛家，被我们知道了，去找拿卖主，夺取丫头。无奈薛家原系金陵一霸，倚财仗势，众豪奴将我小主人竟打死了。凶身主仆已皆逃走，无影无踪，只剩了几个局外之人。小人告了一年的状，竟无人作主。望大老爷拘拿凶犯，剪恶除凶，以救孤寡，死者感戴天恩不尽！」

雨村聽了大怒道：「豈有這樣放屁的事！Hearing this, Yucun flew into a rage and said: "How could there be such an outrageous, nonsensical thing!打死人命就白白的走了，再拿不來的！」因發簽差公人立刻將凶犯族中人拿來拷問，令他們實供藏在何處，一面再動海捕文書。To beat a man to death and simply walk away scot-free, never to be caught!" So saying, he issued warrants ordering the runners to seize at once the members of the murderer's clan for interrogation, to force them to confess truthfully where the culprit was hiding, while at the same time issuing a proclamation for his arrest throughout the empire.正要發簽時，只見案邊立的一個門子使眼色兒，不令他發簽之意。Just as he was about to send out the warrants, he noticed a court usher standing beside the bench giving him a meaningful look, signaling that he should not issue them.雨村心下甚為疑怪，只得停了手，即時退堂，至密室，侍從皆退去，只留門子服侍。Yucun, greatly puzzled in his heart, had no choice but to stay his hand; he immediately withdrew from the court to a private chamber, dismissed all his attendants, and kept only the usher to wait upon him.這門子忙上來請安，笑問：「老爺一向加官進祿，八九年來就忘了我了？」雨村道：「卻十分面善得緊，只是一時想不起來。」那門子笑道：「老爺真是貴人多忘事，把出身之地竟忘了，不記當年葫蘆廟裏之事？」雨村聽了，如雷震一驚，方想起往事。This usher hastened forward to pay his respects and asked with a smile: "Has Your Honor, in your rise through office and rank, forgotten me after these eight or nine years?" Yucun said: "Your face is certainly quite familiar to me, but I cannot for the moment recall where I have seen you." The usher said with a smile: "Truly, Your Honor is one of those great men who forgets easily—you have even forgotten the very place of your own humble beginnings. Do you not remember the affair at Gourd Temple all those years ago?" Hearing this, Yucun started as though struck by thunder, and only then did the past come back to him.原來這門子本是葫蘆廟內一個小沙彌，因被火之後，無處安身，欲投別廟去修行，又耐不得清涼景況，因想這件生意倒還輕省熱鬧，遂趁年紀蓄了發，充了門子。It turned out that this usher had originally been a young novice monk at Gourd Temple; after the fire, having nowhere to settle, he had thought of going to another temple to continue his religious practice, but could not bear its cold and cheerless circumstances. Reflecting that this line of work as a court usher was easy and lively by comparison, he had, while still young enough, let his hair grow out and taken the post.雨村那裏料得是他，便忙攜手笑道：「原來是故人。」又讓坐了好談。Yucun, who could never have guessed it was he, hastily took his hand and said with a smile: "So it is an old friend after all." And he invited him to sit down so they might talk properly.這門子不敢坐。The usher did not dare to sit.雨村笑道：「貧賤之交不可忘。Yucun said with a smile: "A friendship formed in poverty and low station must not be forgotten.你我故人也，二則此系私室，既欲長談，豈有不坐之理？」這門子聽說，方告了座，斜簽著坐了。You and I are old friends, and moreover this is a private chamber—if we mean to talk at length, how can there be any reason for you not to sit?" Hearing this, the usher then asked leave to be seated, and sat down perched sideways on the edge of a seat.

雨村听了大怒道：「岂有这样放屁的事！打死人命就白白的走了，再拿不来的！」因发签差公人立刻将凶犯族中人拿来拷问，令他们实供藏在何处，一面再动海捕文书。正要发签时，只见案边立的一个门子使眼色儿，不令他发签之意。雨村心下甚为疑怪，只得停了手，即时退堂，至密室，侍从皆退去，只留门子服侍。这门子忙上来请安，笑问：「老爷一向加官进禄，八九年来就忘了我了？」雨村道：「却十分面善得紧，只是一时想不起来。」那门子笑道：「老爷真是贵人多忘事，把出身之地竟忘了，不记当年葫芦庙里之事？」雨村听了，如雷震一惊，方想起往事。原来这门子本是葫芦庙内一个小沙弥，因被火之后，无处安身，欲投别庙去修行，又耐不得清凉景况，因想这件生意倒还轻省热闹，遂趁年纪蓄了发，充了门子。雨村那里料得是他，便忙携手笑道：「原来是故人。」又让坐了好谈。这门子不敢坐。雨村笑道：「贫贱之交不可忘。你我故人也，二则此系私室，既欲长谈，岂有不坐之理？」这门子听说，方告了座，斜签著坐了。

雨村因問方纔何故有不令發簽之意。Yucun then asked why he had signaled him a moment ago not to issue the warrants.這門子道：「老爺既榮任到這一省，難道就沒抄一張本省『護官符』來不成？」雨村忙問：「何為『護官符』？The usher said: "Now that Your Honor has been so honored as to take up this post in this province, surely you must have had a copy made of this province's 'Protective Charm for Officials'?" Yucun asked hastily: "What is this 'Protective Charm for Officials'?我竟不知。」門子道：「這還了得！I have never even heard of it." The usher said: "This will never do!連這個不知，怎能作得長遠！Not even to know of this—how could you possibly hold your post for long!如今凡作地方官者，皆有一個私單，上面寫的是本省最有權有勢，极富极貴的大鄉紳名姓，各省皆然，倘若不知，一時触犯了這樣的人家，不但官爵，只怕連性命還保不成呢！Nowadays every local official keeps a private list, on which are written the names of the province's most powerful and influential, wealthiest and most eminent great families; it is the same in every province. If one does not know it, and happens for a moment to offend such a household, then not only one's official rank but I fear even one's very life could not be preserved!所以綽號叫作『護官符』。That is why it is nicknamed the 'Protective Charm for Officials.'方纔所說的這薛家，老爺如何惹他！As for this Xue family just mentioned—how could Your Honor afford to offend them!他這件官司並無難斷之處，皆因都礙著情分面上，所以如此。」一面說，一面從順袋中取出一張抄寫的「護官符」來，遞與雨村，看時，上面皆是本地大族名宦之家的諺俗口碑。There is really nothing difficult about deciding this lawsuit of his—it is only that everyone is constrained by considerations of personal favor and face, and that is why matters stand as they do." As he spoke, he drew from his pouch a copy of the "Protective Charm for Officials" and handed it to Yucun. Looking it over, Yucun saw that it consisted of popular sayings and proverbs concerning the great clans and distinguished official families of the locality.其口碑排寫得明白，下面所注的皆是自始祖官爵並房次。These sayings were set out plainly, and beneath each was noted the official rank of the family's founding ancestor and the order of its branches.石頭亦曾抄寫了一張，今据石上所抄云：The Stone too once made a copy of it, and what is transcribed here now follows what was recorded on the Stone:

雨村因问方才何故有不令发签之意。这门子道：「老爷既荣任到这一省，难道就没抄一张本省『护官符』来不成？」雨村忙问：「何为『护官符』？我竟不知。」门子道：「这还了得！连这个不知，怎能作得长远！如今凡作地方官者，皆有一个私单，上面写的是本省最有权有势，极富极贵的大乡绅名姓，各省皆然，倘若不知，一时触犯了这样的人家，不但官爵，只怕连性命还保不成呢！所以绰号叫作『护官符』。方才所说的这薛家，老爷如何惹他！他这件官司并无难断之处，皆因都碍著情分面上，所以如此。」一面说，一面从顺袋中取出一张抄写的「护官符」来，递与雨村，看时，上面皆是本地大族名宦之家的谚俗口碑。其口碑排写得明白，下面所注的皆是自始祖官爵并房次。石头亦曾抄写了一张，今据石上所抄云：

賈不假，白玉為堂金作馬。The Jias are no sham—their halls are white jade, their horses are made of gold.

贾不假，白玉为堂金作马。

阿房宮，三百里，住不下金陵一個史。The Epang Palace, three hundred li around, could not house even one Shi family of Jinling.

阿房宫，三百里，住不下金陵一个史。

東海缺少白玉床，龍王來請金陵王。The Eastern Sea lacks a bed of white jade, so the Dragon King comes to invite the Wang family of Jinling.

东海缺少白玉床，龙王来请金陵王。

豐年好大雪，珍珠如土金如鐵。In a bountiful year, what heavy snow (Xue)—pearls are like dirt, and gold like iron.

丰年好大雪，珍珠如土金如铁。

雨村猶未看完，忽聽傳點，人報：「王老爺來拜。」雨村聽說，忙具衣冠出去迎接。Yucun had not yet finished reading it when suddenly he heard the summoning gong, and someone reported: "Master Wang has come to pay a call." Hearing this, Yucun hurriedly put on his robe and cap and went out to receive him.有頓飯工夫，方回來細問。Only after the time it takes to eat a meal did he return to question the usher in detail.這門子道：「這四家皆連絡有親，一損皆損，一榮皆榮，扶持遮飾，俱有照應的。The usher said: "These four families are all linked together by marriage—if one suffers loss, all suffer loss; if one prospers, all prosper; they support and shield one another, and each looks out for the others.今告打死人之薛，就係豐年大雪之『雪』也。The Xue family now accused in this homicide case is precisely the 'Xue' (snow) of 'a bountiful year, what heavy snow.'也不單靠這三家，他的世交親友在都在外者，本亦不少。Nor does he rely solely upon these three other families—his hereditary friends and relations, both in the capital and in the provinces, are not few either.老爺如今拿誰去？」雨村聽如此說，便笑問門子道：「如你這樣說來，卻怎麼了結此案？Whom, then, does Your Honor propose to arrest?" Hearing him speak so, Yucun asked the usher with a smile: "If matters stand as you say, then how is this case to be settled?你大約也深知這凶犯躲的方向了？」You probably know quite well, too, in which direction the murderer has gone into hiding?"

雨村犹未看完，忽听传点，人报：「王老爷来拜。」雨村听说，忙具衣冠出去迎接。有顿饭工夫，方回来细问。这门子道：「这四家皆连络有亲，一损皆损，一荣皆荣，扶持遮饰，俱有照应的。今告打死人之薛，就系丰年大雪之『雪』也。也不单靠这三家，他的世交亲友在都在外者，本亦不少。老爷如今拿谁去？」雨村听如此说，便笑问门子道：「如你这样说来，却怎么了结此案？你大约也深知这凶犯躲的方向了？」

門子笑道：「不瞞老爺說，不但這凶犯的方向我知道，一並這拐賣之人我也知道，死鬼買主也深知道。The usher said with a smile: "I will not hide it from Your Honor—not only do I know the murderer's whereabouts, I also know the abductor who sold the girl, and I know full well who the deceased buyer was too.待我細說與老爺聽：這個被打之死鬼，乃是本地一個小鄉紳之子，名喚馮淵，自幼父母早亡，又無兄弟，只他一個人守著些薄產過日子。Let me explain it all in detail to Your Honor: this dead man who was beaten to death was the son of a minor local gentry family, named Feng Yuan. Both his parents had died when he was young, and he had no brothers, so he alone kept watch over a small property and made his way through life.長到十八九歲上，酷愛男風，最厭女子。Grown to eighteen or nineteen, he had developed a passionate fondness for male companionship, and had the greatest aversion to women.這也是前生冤孽，可巧遇見這拐子賣丫頭，他便一眼看上了這丫頭，立意買來作妾，立誓再不交結男子，也不再娶第二個了，所以三日後方過門。This too must have been a debt of retribution from a former life, for as chance would have it, he happened to encounter this abductor selling the girl, and the moment he saw her he fell for her, resolving to buy her as a concubine. He swore he would never again consort with men, nor take a second wife, and that was why the wedding was set for three days later.誰曉這拐子又偷賣與薛家，他意欲卷了兩家的銀子，再逃往他省。Who could have known that the abductor would secretly sell her again to the Xue family, intending to make off with the money from both households and flee to another province?誰知又不曾走脫，兩家拿住，打了個臭死，都不肯收銀，只要領人。But as it happened, he did not manage to get away—both families caught him and beat him within an inch of his life, neither willing to accept a refund of money, both insisting only on taking possession of the girl.那薛家公子豈是讓人的，便喝著手下人一打，將馮公子打了個稀爛，抬回家去三日死了。Now, was that young master of the Xue family the sort to yield to anyone? He simply ordered his men to set upon Feng, and they beat Master Feng to a pulp; he was carried home and died three days later.這薛公子原是早已擇定日子上京去的，頭起身兩日前，就偶然遇見這丫頭，意欲買了就進京的，誰知鬧出這事來。This young Master Xue had already fixed a date long before to set off for the capital; two days before he was to leave, he happened by chance upon this girl and meant simply to buy her and take her along to the capital—who could have known it would end in this affair?既打了馮公子，奪了丫頭，他便沒事人一般，只管帶了家眷走他的路。Having beaten Master Feng and seized the girl, he behaved as though nothing at all had happened, and simply went on his way with his family, unconcerned.他這裏自有兄弟奴僕在此料理，也並非為此些些小事值得他一逃走的。He left his brothers and servants here to handle the matter, for after all such a trifling affair was hardly worth his fleeing over.這且別說，老爺你當被賣之丫頭是誰？」雨村笑道：「我如何得知。」門子冷笑道：「這人算來還是老爺的大恩人呢！But let that be, for the moment—does Your Honor know who this girl who was sold might be?" Yucun said with a smile: "How could I possibly know?" The usher said with a cold smile: "Why, reckoning it up, this person is actually a great benefactor of Your Honor's!他就是葫蘆廟旁住的甄老爺的小姐，名喚英蓮的。」雨村駭然道：「原來就是他！She is none other than the young daughter of Master Zhen, who lived beside Gourd Temple—the one named Yinglian." Yucun said, startled: "So it is her after all!聞得養至五歲被人拐去，卻如今纔來賣呢？」I had heard she was carried off by an abductor when she was raised to the age of five—and only now is she being sold?"

门子笑道：「不瞒老爷说，不但这凶犯的方向我知道，一并这拐卖之人我也知道，死鬼买主也深知道。待我细说与老爷听：这个被打之死鬼，乃是本地一个小乡绅之子，名唤冯渊，自幼父母早亡，又无兄弟，只他一个人守著些薄产过日子。长到十八九岁上，酷爱男风，最厌女子。这也是前生冤孽，可巧遇见这拐子卖丫头，他便一眼看上了这丫头，立意买来作妾，立誓再不交结男子，也不再娶第二个了，所以三日后方过门。谁晓这拐子又偷卖与薛家，他意欲卷了两家的银子，再逃往他省。谁知又不曾走脱，两家拿住，打了个臭死，都不肯收银，只要领人。那薛家公子岂是让人的，便喝著手下人一打，将冯公子打了个稀烂，抬回家去三日死了。这薛公子原是早已择定日子上京去的，头起身两日前，就偶然遇见这丫头，意欲买了就进京的，谁知闹出这事来。既打了冯公子，夺了丫头，他便没事人一般，只管带了家眷走他的路。他这里自有兄弟奴仆在此料理，也并非为此些些小事值得他一逃走的。这且别说，老爷你当被卖之丫头是谁？」雨村笑道：「我如何得知。」门子冷笑道：「这人算来还是老爷的大恩人呢！他就是葫芦庙旁住的甄老爷的小姐，名唤英莲的。」雨村骇然道：「原来就是他！闻得养至五岁被人拐去，却如今才来卖呢？」

門子道：「這一种拐子單管偷拐五六歲的兒女，養在一個僻靜之處，到十一二歲，度其容貌，帶至他鄉轉賣。The usher said: "This particular breed of abductor specializes in stealing children of five or six years old, raising them in some secluded spot, and then, once they reach eleven or twelve and one can judge their looks, taking them off to some other locality to sell them.當日這英蓮，我們天天哄他頑耍，雖隔了七八年，如今十二三歲的光景，其模樣雖然出脫得齊整好些，然大概相貌，自是不改，熟人易認。In those days we used to coax this Yinglian to play with us every day, so although seven or eight years have now passed, and she is a girl of some twelve or thirteen years, and though her looks have filled out and grown finer, her general features are of course unchanged, and someone who knew her well would recognize her easily.況且他眉心中原有米粒大小的一點胭脂痣，從胎裏帶來的，所以我卻認得。Moreover, she has always had, right between her brows, a rouge-red birthmark the size of a grain of rice, which she was born with—and that is how I came to recognize her.偏生這拐子又租了我的房舍居住，那日拐子不在家，我也曾問他。As it happened, this very abductor had rented rooms from me to live in, and one day when he was not at home, I took the chance to question her myself.他是被拐子打怕了的，萬不敢說，只說拐子系他親爹，因無錢償債，故賣他。She had been so beaten and frightened by the abductor that she dared not say anything at all, only insisting that the abductor was her own father, and that having no money to repay a debt, he was selling her.我又哄之再四，他又哭了，只說『我不記得小時之事！』這可無疑了。I coaxed her again and again, and she only wept and said, 'I don't remember anything of when I was small!' And at that there could be no more doubt.那日馮公子相看了，兌了銀子，拐子醉了，他自歎道：『我今日罪孽可滿了！』後又聽見馮公子令三日之後過門，他又轉有憂愁之態。The day Master Feng came to look her over and weigh out the silver, the abductor got drunk, and she sighed to herself, 'Today, surely, my burden of sin is at last fulfilled!' But later, on hearing that Master Feng had ordered that she be brought to his house three days hence, she took on a troubled, anxious look once more.我又不忍其形景，等拐子出去，又命內人去解釋他：『這馮公子必待好日期來接，可知必不以丫鬟相看。Unable to bear the sight of her distress, I waited until the abductor had gone out and had my wife go to explain things to her: 'This Master Feng insists on waiting for an auspicious day to come and fetch you—from this alone you can tell he surely does not regard you merely as a servant girl.況他是個絕風流人品，家裏頗過得，素習又最厭惡堂客，今竟破价買你，後事不言可知。Besides, he is a man of the most refined and elegant character, his household is quite well-off, and by nature he has always disliked having a wife in the house—yet now he has actually broken with his own habits and paid a high price to buy you. What is to come needs no further telling.只耐得三兩日，何必憂悶！』他聽如此說，方纔略解憂悶，自為從此得所。You need only endure two or three more days—why trouble yourself with such sorrow!' Hearing this, she felt her worry somewhat relieved at last, and believed she had finally found a proper place for herself.誰料天下竟有這等不如意事，第二日，他偏又賣與薛家。Who could have guessed that the world holds such perverse ill fortune—the very next day, he went and sold her to the Xue family instead!若賣與第二個人還好，這薛公子的混名人稱『獃霸王』，最是天下第一個弄性尚氣的人，而且使錢如土，遂打了個落花流水，生拖死拽，把個英蓮拖去，如今也不知死活。Had she been sold to anyone else it might have gone well enough, but this Master Xue is nicknamed by everyone the 'Oaf King'—he is the very worst man under heaven for giving in to temper and pride, and moreover he spends money like dirt. So he had them beaten until they scattered like fallen petals on flowing water, and dragged poor Yinglian away by force, alive or dead; to this day no one knows whether she still lives.這馮公子空喜一場，一念未遂，反花了錢，送了命，豈不可歎！」That Master Feng rejoiced for nothing—his one wish went unfulfilled, and instead he spent his money and lost his life besides. Is it not lamentable!"

门子道：「这一种拐子单管偷拐五六岁的儿女，养在一个僻静之处，到十一二岁，度其容貌，带至他乡转卖。当日这英莲，我们天天哄他顽耍，虽隔了七八年，如今十二三岁的光景，其模样虽然出脱得齐整好些，然大概相貌，自是不改，熟人易认。况且他眉心中原有米粒大小的一点胭脂痣，从胎里带来的，所以我却认得。偏生这拐子又租了我的房舍居住，那日拐子不在家，我也曾问他。他是被拐子打怕了的，万不敢说，只说拐子系他亲爹，因无钱偿债，故卖他。我又哄之再四，他又哭了，只说『我不记得小时之事！』这可无疑了。那日冯公子相看了，兑了银子，拐子醉了，他自叹道：『我今日罪孽可满了！』后又听见冯公子令三日之后过门，他又转有忧愁之态。我又不忍其形景，等拐子出去，又命内人去解释他：『这冯公子必待好日期来接，可知必不以丫鬟相看。况他是个绝风流人品，家里颇过得，素习又最厌恶堂客，今竟破价买你，后事不言可知。只耐得三两日，何必忧闷！』他听如此说，方才略解忧闷，自为从此得所。谁料天下竟有这等不如意事，第二日，他偏又卖与薛家。若卖与第二个人还好，这薛公子的混名人称『呆霸王』，最是天下第一个弄性尚气的人，而且使钱如土，遂打了个落花流水，生拖死拽，把个英莲拖去，如今也不知死活。这冯公子空喜一场，一念未遂，反花了钱，送了命，岂不可叹！」

雨村聽了，亦歎道：「這也是他們的孽障遭遇，亦非偶然。Hearing this, Yucun too sighed and said: "This too must be the karmic retribution of their fates, and no mere accident.不然這馮淵如何偏只看准了這英蓮？Otherwise, how could it be that Feng Yuan should have set his heart on this Yinglian of all people?這英蓮受了拐子這幾年折磨，纔得了個頭路，且又是個多情的，若能聚合了，倒是件美事，偏又生出這段事來。After suffering these years of torment at the abductor's hands, Yinglian had only just found a proper way forward, and moreover he was a man of deep feeling—had they been able to come together, it would truly have been a fine match, yet instead this affair had to arise.這薛家縱比馮家富貴，想其為人，自然姬妾眾多，淫佚無度，未必及馮淵定情於一人者。Though the Xue family may be wealthier and more eminent than the Fengs, judging by the sort of man he is, he no doubt keeps many concubines and indulges himself without restraint—he could hardly compare to Feng Yuan, who had fixed his devotion upon one person alone.這正是夢幻情緣，恰遇一對薄命兒女。This is truly a dreamlike, illusory bond of love, in which a pair of star-crossed, ill-fated souls happened to meet.且不要議論他，只目今這官司，如何剖斷纔好？」門子笑道：「老爺當年何其明決，今日何反成了個沒主意的人了！But let us not dwell on that—as for this lawsuit now before us, how ought it best be decided?" The usher said with a smile: "How decisive and clear-sighted Your Honor once was—how is it that today you have become a man without any resolve at all!小的聞得老爺補陞此任，亦係賈府、王府之力，此薛蟠即賈府之親，老爺何不順水行舟，作個整人情，將此案了結，日後也好去見賈府王府。」雨村道：「你說的何嘗不是。I have heard that Your Honor's appointment and promotion to this post came about through the influence of the Jia and Wang households; and this Xue Pan is himself a relation of the Jia family. Why should Your Honor not simply go with the current, do everyone a solid favor, and settle this case, so that hereafter you may face the Jia and Wang households with an easy conscience?" Yucun said: "What you say is certainly not wrong.但事關人命，蒙皇上隆恩，起复委用，實是重生再造，正當殫心竭力圖報之時，豈可因私而廢法？But this matter concerns a human life. Having received the emperor's great favor in being restored to office and entrusted with responsibility, it is truly as though I had been given life anew—this is precisely the moment when I ought to exhaust my utmost effort to repay such grace. How could I let private considerations override the law?是我實不能忍為者。」門子聽了，冷笑道：「老爺說的何嘗不是大道理，但只是如今世上是行不去的。This is something I truly cannot bring myself to do." Hearing this, the usher gave a cold smile and said: "What Your Honor says is certainly sound principle, but it simply will not do in the world as it is today.豈不聞古人有云：『大丈夫相時而動』，又曰『趨吉避凶者為君子』。Have you not heard the saying of the ancients: 'A great man acts according to the times,' and again, 'He who pursues good fortune and avoids calamity is a gentleman'?依老爺這一說，不但不能報效朝廷，亦且自身不保，還要三思為妥。」Going by what Your Honor proposes, not only will you fail to render service to the court, you will not even be able to protect yourself—this truly calls for further careful thought."

雨村听了，亦叹道：「这也是他们的孽障遭遇，亦非偶然。不然这冯渊如何偏只看准了这英莲？这英莲受了拐子这几年折磨，才得了个头路，且又是个多情的，若能聚合了，倒是件美事，偏又生出这段事来。这薛家纵比冯家富贵，想其为人，自然姬妾众多，淫佚无度，未必及冯渊定情于一人者。这正是梦幻情缘，恰遇一对薄命儿女。且不要议论他，只目今这官司，如何剖断才好？」门子笑道：「老爷当年何其明决，今日何反成了个没主意的人了！小的闻得老爷补升此任，亦系贾府、王府之力，此薛蟠即贾府之亲，老爷何不顺水行舟，作个整人情，将此案了结，日后也好去见贾府王府。」雨村道：「你说的何尝不是。但事关人命，蒙皇上隆恩，起复委用，实是重生再造，正当殚心竭力图报之时，岂可因私而废法？是我实不能忍为者。」门子听了，冷笑道：「老爷说的何尝不是大道理，但只是如今世上是行不去的。岂不闻古人有云：『大丈夫相时而动』，又曰『趋吉避凶者为君子』。依老爷这一说，不但不能报效朝廷，亦且自身不保，还要三思为妥。」

雨村低了半日頭，方說道：「依你怎麼樣？」門子道：「小人已想了一個极好的主意在此：老爺明日坐堂，只管虛張聲勢，動文書發簽拿人。Yucun bowed his head for a long while, and only then said: "What would you have me do, then?" The usher said: "I have already thought of an excellent plan: tomorrow, when Your Honor holds court, simply make a great show of it—issue documents and send out warrants ordering the arrest of the culprits.原凶自然是拿不來的，原告固是定要將薛家族中及奴僕人等拿幾個來拷問。Naturally the real murderer cannot be caught, but the plaintiff will certainly insist that some members of the Xue clan and their servants be seized for interrogation.小的在暗中調停，令他們報個暴病身亡，令族中及地方上共遞一張保呈，老爺只說善能扶鸞請仙，堂上設下乩壇，令軍民人等只管來看。I will quietly arrange matters behind the scenes, so that they report the culprit has died suddenly of a violent illness, and have the clan together with the local authorities submit a joint bond of guarantee. Your Honor need only claim to be skilled at planchette-writing and invoking the immortals, and set up a divination altar in the courtroom, letting soldiers and commoners alike come freely to watch.老爺就說：『乩仙批了，死者馮淵與薛蟠原因夙孽相逢，今狹路既遇，原應了結。Your Honor will then declare: 'The immortal has written through the planchette that the deceased Feng Yuan and Xue Pan met originally through a karmic debt from a former life; now that on this narrow road they have encountered one another, the matter was fated to be resolved.薛蟠今已得了無名之病，被馮魂追索已死。Xue Pan has now contracted an illness with no known cause, pursued and claimed by Feng Yuan's vengeful spirit, and has already died.其禍皆因拐子某人而起，拐之人原系某鄉某姓人氏，按法處治，餘不略及』等語。The whole disaster arose from a certain abductor, so-and-so, a native of such-and-such village, of such-and-such surname, who is to be dealt with according to law; the rest need not be gone into further'—words to that effect.小人暗中囑託拐子，令其實招。I myself will secretly instruct the abductor to make a full and honest confession.眾人見乩仙批語與拐子相符，餘者自然也都不虛了。When everyone sees that the immortal's planchette verdict tallies with the abductor's own confession, all the rest will naturally seem beyond doubt as well.薛家有的是錢，老爺斷一千也可，五百也可，與馮家作燒埋之費。The Xue family has money to spare—Your Honor may order a thousand taels, or five hundred, whichever you please, to be paid to the Feng family as funeral expenses.那馮家也無甚要緊的人，不過為的是錢，見有了這個銀子，想來也就無話了。As for the Feng family, they have no one of any real importance left either; all they are after is money, and once they see this silver in hand, I think they will have nothing further to say.老爺細想此計如何？」雨村笑道：「不妥，不妥。Will Your Honor please consider carefully whether this plan will serve?" Yucun said with a smile: "It won't do, it won't do.等我再斟酌斟酌，或可壓服口聲。」二人計議，天色已晚，別無話說。Let me weigh it over a little more—perhaps it may yet serve to silence the talk." The two of them went on discussing the matter until the sky grew dark, and there is nothing further to relate of that night.

雨村低了半日头，方说道：「依你怎么样？」门子道：「小人已想了一个极好的主意在此：老爷明日坐堂，只管虚张声势，动文书发签拿人。原凶自然是拿不来的，原告固是定要将薛家族中及奴仆人等拿几个来拷问。小的在暗中调停，令他们报个暴病身亡，令族中及地方上共递一张保呈，老爷只说善能扶鸾请仙，堂上设下乩坛，令军民人等只管来看。老爷就说：『乩仙批了，死者冯渊与薛蟠原因夙孽相逢，今狭路既遇，原应了结。薛蟠今已得了无名之病，被冯魂追索已死。其祸皆因拐子某人而起，拐之人原系某乡某姓人氏，按法处治，余不略及』等语。小人暗中嘱托拐子，令其实招。众人见乩仙批语与拐子相符，余者自然也都不虚了。薛家有的是钱，老爷断一千也可，五百也可，与冯家作烧埋之费。那冯家也无甚要紧的人，不过为的是钱，见有了这个银子，想来也就无话了。老爷细想此计如何？」雨村笑道：「不妥，不妥。等我再斟酌斟酌，或可压服口声。」二人计议，天色已晚，别无话说。

至次日坐堂，勾取一應有名人犯，雨村詳加審問，果見馮家人口稀疏，不過賴此欲多得些燒埋之費，薛家仗勢倚情，偏不相讓，故致顛倒未決。The next day, when he held court, he summoned all the named suspects, and Yucun questioned them at length. He found indeed that the Feng family had very few members left, and were relying on the case chiefly in hopes of extracting more money for funeral expenses, while the Xue family, relying on their power and connections, obstinately refused to give way—hence the case had become confused and unresolved.雨村便徇情枉法，胡亂判斷了此案。Yucun therefore bent the law for the sake of personal favor, and settled the case in a slipshod, arbitrary fashion.馮家得了許多燒埋銀子，也就無甚話說了。The Feng family, having received a great deal of silver for funeral expenses, had nothing further to say.雨村斷了此案，急忙作書信二封，與賈政並京營節度使王子騰，不過說「令甥之事已完，不必過慮」等語。Once Yucun had settled the case, he hastily wrote two letters, one to Jia Zheng and one to Wang Ziteng, Commandant of the Capital Garrison, saying merely that the matter concerning their nephew was now concluded and there was no need for further worry, and the like.此事皆由葫蘆廟內之沙彌新門子所出，雨村又恐他對人說出當日貧賤時的事來，因此心中大不樂業，後來到底尋了個不是，遠遠的充發了他纔罷。Since this whole affair had come from the newly appointed usher, formerly the novice monk of Gourd Temple, Yucun feared that he might tell others of the days of his own poverty and low estate, and for this reason felt thoroughly ill at ease; in the end he found some pretext to have him charged with an offense and banished far away, and only then did the matter rest.

至次日坐堂，勾取一应有名人犯，雨村详加审问，果见冯家人口稀疏，不过赖此欲多得些烧埋之费，薛家仗势倚情，偏不相让，故致颠倒未决。雨村便徇情枉法，胡乱判断了此案。冯家得了许多烧埋银子，也就无甚话说了。雨村断了此案，急忙作书信二封，与贾政并京营节度使王子腾，不过说「令甥之事已完，不必过虑」等语。此事皆由葫芦庙内之沙弥新门子所出，雨村又恐他对人说出当日贫贱时的事来，因此心中大不乐业，后来到底寻了个不是，远远的充发了他才罢。

當下言不著雨村。For the present, we shall say no more of Yucun.且說那買了英蓮打死馮淵的薛公子，亦係金陵人氏，本是書香繼世之家。Let us now speak instead of the young Master Xue who had bought Yinglian and beaten Feng Yuan to death; he too was a native of Jinling, and his family had originally been one of scholarly tradition passed down through generations.只是如今這薛公子幼年喪父，寡母又怜他是個獨根孤种，未免溺愛縱容，遂至老大無成，且家中有百萬之富，現領著內帑錢糧，采辦雜料。It was only that this young Master Xue had lost his father in early childhood, and his widowed mother, pitying him as her sole surviving son, had inevitably doted on him and indulged him without restraint, so that even grown to manhood he had accomplished nothing at all. Moreover, his family possessed wealth in the millions, and currently held a commission to purchase sundry supplies with funds drawn from the privy treasury.這薛公子學名薛蟠，表字文起，五歲上就性情奢侈，言語傲慢。This young Master Xue's formal name was Xue Pan, and his courtesy name was Wenqi; from the age of five his temperament had already been extravagant, and his speech arrogant.雖也上過學，不過略識幾字，終日惟有斗雞走馬，游山玩水而已。Though he had gone to school after a fashion, he had learned to recognize no more than a few characters, and spent his whole days at nothing but cockfighting, horse racing, and roaming among hills and streams for pleasure.雖是皇商，一應經濟世事，全然不知，不過賴祖父之舊情分，戶部挂虛名，支領錢糧，其餘事体，自有伙計老家人等措辦。Although he was a purveyor to the imperial household, he understood nothing whatsoever of practical business affairs; he merely relied on the old ties of favor established by his grandfather to hold a nominal post at the Board of Revenue, from which he drew funds, while all other matters were handled by his shop assistants and old family retainers.寡母王氏乃現任京營節度使王子騰之妹，與榮國府賈政的夫人王氏，是一母所生的姊妹，今年方四十上下年紀，只有薛蟠一子。His widowed mother, née Wang, was the younger sister of Wang Ziteng, the present Commandant of the Capital Garrison, and the sister, born of the same mother, of Lady Wang, wife of Jia Zheng of the Rongguo mansion. She was now about forty years of age, and Xue Pan was her only son.還有一女，比薛蟠小兩歲，乳名寶釵，生得肌骨瑩潤，舉止嫻雅。She had, besides, a daughter two years younger than Xue Pan, whose childhood name was Baochai, a girl of glowing, delicate features and graceful, cultivated bearing.當日有他父親在日，酷愛此女，令其讀書識字，較之乃兄竟高過十倍。In the days when her father was still alive, he had doted greatly on this daughter, and had her study books and learn to read and write, so that she far surpassed her brother—by ten times over, indeed.自父親死後，見哥哥不能依貼母怀，他便不以書字為事，只留心針黹家計等事，好為母親分憂解勞。After her father's death, seeing that her brother could not be relied upon to comfort their mother's heart, she gave up concerning herself with books and writing, and instead turned her attention to needlework and household management, so as to share her mother's cares and ease her burdens.近因今上崇詩尚禮，徵采才能，降不世出之隆恩，除聘選妃嬪外，凡仕宦名家之女，皆親名達部，以備選為公主郡主入學陪侍，充為才人贊善之職。Recently, because the present emperor honored poetry and esteemed ritual propriety, and sought out talent from every quarter, bestowing favor rare in any age, it was decreed that besides the selection of consorts and concubines, the daughters of all official and distinguished families should have their names personally submitted to the relevant Board, so that they might be considered as attendants and companions in study for princesses and imperial kinswomen, or appointed to posts as ladies of talent and virtue in attendance.二則自薛蟠父親死後，各省中所有的買賣承局，總管，伙計人等，見薛蟠年輕不諳世事，便趁時拐騙起來，京都中幾處生意，漸亦消耗。Moreover, ever since Xue Pan's father had died, all the agents, managers, and shop assistants handling the family's business dealings in the various provinces, seeing Xue Pan young and unversed in worldly affairs, had begun taking advantage of him to cheat and defraud at every opportunity, so that several of the family's business concerns in the capital had likewise been gradually dwindling away.薛蟠素聞得都中乃第一繁華之地，正思一游，便趁此机會，一為送妹待選，二為望親，三因親自入部銷算舊帳，再計新支，其實則為游覽上國風光之意。Xue Pan had long heard that the capital was the most prosperous and dazzling place under heaven, and had been thinking of a visit there; and so, taking this opportunity, he set off—first, to escort his sister there to await selection; second, to pay respects to his relatives; and third, to go in person to the Board to settle the old accounts and reckon new expenditures—though in truth his real intention was simply to go sightseeing amid the splendors of the imperial capital.因此早已打點下行裝細軟，以及饋送親友各色土物人情等類，正擇日一定起身，不想偏遇見了拐子重賣英蓮。For this reason he had already long since packed his baggage and valuables, together with various local gifts and presents for relatives and friends, and had just settled on a date for departure, never expecting that he would happen, of all things, to encounter the abductor reselling Yinglian.薛蟠見英蓮生得不俗，立意買他，又遇馮家來奪人，因恃強喝令手下豪奴將馮淵打死。Xue Pan saw that Yinglian was uncommonly good-looking and made up his mind to buy her, and when the Feng family came to contest the sale, he relied on his own strength and ordered his bullying servants to beat Feng Yuan to death.他便將家中事務一一的囑託了族中人並幾個老家人，他便帶了母妹竟自起身長行去了。He then entrusted all his household affairs, one by one, to clansmen and a few old family retainers, and set off on the long journey with his mother and sister.人命官司一事，他竟視為兒戲，自為花上幾個臭錢，沒有不了的。As for the matter of the manslaughter lawsuit, he regarded it as mere child's play, thinking that a bit of stinking money would settle it without fail.

当下言不著雨村。且说那买了英莲打死冯渊的薛公子，亦系金陵人氏，本是书香继世之家。只是如今这薛公子幼年丧父，寡母又怜他是个独根孤种，未免溺爱纵容，遂至老大无成，且家中有百万之富，现领著内帑钱粮，采办杂料。这薛公子学名薛蟠，表字文起，五岁上就性情奢侈，言语傲慢。虽也上过学，不过略识几字，终日惟有斗鸡走马，游山玩水而已。虽是皇商，一应经济世事，全然不知，不过赖祖父之旧情分，户部挂虚名，支领钱粮，其余事体，自有伙计老家人等措办。寡母王氏乃现任京营节度使王子腾之妹，与荣国府贾政的夫人王氏，是一母所生的姊妹，今年方四十上下年纪，只有薛蟠一子。还有一女，比薛蟠小两岁，乳名宝钗，生得肌骨莹润，举止娴雅。当日有他父亲在日，酷爱此女，令其读书识字，较之乃兄竟高过十倍。自父亲死后，见哥哥不能依贴母怀，他便不以书字为事，只留心针黹家计等事，好为母亲分忧解劳。近因今上崇诗尚礼，征采才能，降不世出之隆恩，除聘选妃嫔外，凡仕宦名家之女，皆亲名达部，以备选为公主郡主入学陪侍，充为才人赞善之职。二则自薛蟠父亲死后，各省中所有的买卖承局，总管，伙计人等，见薛蟠年轻不谙世事，便趁时拐骗起来，京都中几处生意，渐亦消耗。薛蟠素闻得都中乃第一繁华之地，正思一游，便趁此机会，一为送妹待选，二为望亲，三因亲自入部销算旧帐，再计新支，其实则为游览上国风光之意。因此早已打点下行装细软，以及馈送亲友各色土物人情等类，正择日一定起身，不想偏遇见了拐子重卖英莲。薛蟠见英莲生得不俗，立意买他，又遇冯家来夺人，因恃强喝令手下豪奴将冯渊打死。他便将家中事务一一的嘱托了族中人并几个老家人，他便带了母妹竟自起身长行去了。人命官司一事，他竟视为儿戏，自为花上几个臭钱，没有不了的。

在路不記其日。On the road the days went uncounted.那日已將入都時，卻又聞得母舅王子騰升了九省統制，奉旨出都查邊。On the day they were about to enter the capital, he heard that his maternal uncle Wang Ziteng had been promoted to Commander-in-Chief over nine provinces and had received an imperial order to leave the capital to inspect the frontier.薛蟠心中暗喜道：「我正愁進京去有個嫡親的母舅管轄著，不能任意揮霍揮霍，偏如今又升出去了，可知天從人願。」因和母親商議道：「咱們京中雖有幾處房舍，只是這十來年沒人進京居住，那看守的人未免偷著租賃與人，須得先著幾個人去打掃收拾纔好。」他母親道：「何必如此招搖！Xue Pan secretly rejoiced, saying, "I was just worrying that once I got to the capital I'd have my own uncle to keep me in check, so I couldn't spend and squander as I pleased—yet now, as it happens, he's being posted away. Truly Heaven follows a man's wishes." So he discussed it with his mother, saying, "Though we have several houses in the capital, no one has lived in them for these ten-odd years, and the caretakers must surely have secretly rented them out to others; we ought to send some people ahead to sweep and put them in order first." His mother said, "Why make such a fuss about it!咱們這一進京，原該先拜望親友，或是在你舅舅家，或是你姨爹家。Now that we're coming to the capital, we really ought first to pay our respects to relatives and friends, either at your uncle's house or your aunt's husband's house.他兩家的房舍极是便宜的，咱們先能著住下，再慢慢的著人去收拾，豈不消停些。」薛蟠道：「如今舅舅正陞了外省去，家裏自然忙亂起身，咱們這工夫一窩一拖的奔了去，豈不沒眼色。」他母親道：「你舅舅家雖陞了去，還有你姨爹家。Both their houses are extremely convenient—let's settle in at one of them first, and slowly send people to put our own place in order; wouldn't that be more leisurely?" Xue Pan said, "Now that Uncle has just been promoted to a post outside the capital, his household is naturally in a bustle of preparation to leave; if we descend on them in a whole crowd at a time like this, wouldn't that show a lack of tact?" His mother said, "Even though your uncle's household is about to leave, there's still your aunt's husband's family.況這幾年來，你舅舅姨娘兩處，每每帶信捎書，接咱們來。Besides, these past few years both your uncle and your aunt have repeatedly sent letters inviting us to come.如今既來了，你舅舅雖忙著起身，你賈家姨娘未必不苦留我們。Now that we have actually come, even though your uncle is busy preparing to leave, your Jia aunt would surely not fail to press us warmly to stay.咱們且忙忙收拾房屋，豈不使人見怪？If we rush about putting our own house in order instead, wouldn't people think it strange?你的意思我卻知道，守著舅舅姨爹住著，未免拘緊了你，不如你各自住著，好任意施為。I know very well what's on your mind—you feel that staying under your uncle's or aunt's roof would cramp your style, and you'd rather live on your own so you can do as you please.你既如此，你自去挑所宅子去住，我和你姨娘，姊妹們別了這幾年，卻要廝守幾日，我帶了你妹子投你姨娘家去，你道好不好？」薛蟠見母親如此說，情知扭不過的，只得吩咐人夫一路奔榮國府來。Since that's how you feel, go and pick out a house to live in yourself; as for me, your sister and I, separated from your aunt and cousins these several years, want to spend some days together, so I'll take your sister and go stay at your aunt's house—what do you think of that?" Seeing his mother speak this way, Xue Pan knew there was no arguing her out of it, and had no choice but to order the servants and horses to head straight for the Rongguo mansion.

在路不记其日。那日已将入都时，却又闻得母舅王子腾升了九省统制，奉旨出都查边。薛蟠心中暗喜道：「我正愁进京去有个嫡亲的母舅管辖著，不能任意挥霍挥霍，偏如今又升出去了，可知天从人愿。」因和母亲商议道：「咱们京中虽有几处房舍，只是这十来年没人进京居住，那看守的人未免偷著租赁与人，须得先著几个人去打扫收拾才好。」他母亲道：「何必如此招摇！咱们这一进京，原该先拜望亲友，或是在你舅舅家，或是你姨爹家。他两家的房舍极是便宜的，咱们先能著住下，再慢慢的著人去收拾，岂不消停些。」薛蟠道：「如今舅舅正升了外省去，家里自然忙乱起身，咱们这工夫一窝一拖的奔了去，岂不没眼色。」他母亲道：「你舅舅家虽升了去，还有你姨爹家。况这几年来，你舅舅姨娘两处，每每带信捎书，接咱们来。如今既来了，你舅舅虽忙著起身，你贾家姨娘未必不苦留我们。咱们且忙忙收拾房屋，岂不使人见怪？你的意思我却知道，守著舅舅姨爹住著，未免拘紧了你，不如你各自住著，好任意施为。你既如此，你自去挑所宅子去住，我和你姨娘，姊妹们别了这几年，却要厮守几日，我带了你妹子投你姨娘家去，你道好不好？」薛蟠见母亲如此说，情知扭不过的，只得吩咐人夫一路奔荣国府来。

那時王夫人已知薛蟠官司一事，虧賈雨村維持了結，纔放了心。By that time Lady Wang had already learned of the lawsuit over Xue Pan, and only after Jia Yucun had managed to settle it did her mind finally rest easy.又見哥哥陞了邊缺，正愁又少了娘家的親戚來往，略加寂寞。Then, on learning that her brother had been promoted to a frontier post, she began to worry that she would have even fewer relatives from her natal family coming and going, and felt somewhat lonely.過了幾日，忽家人傳報：「姨太太帶了哥兒姐兒，合家進京，正在門外下車。」喜的王夫人忙帶了女媳人等，接出大廳，將薛姨媽等接了進去。A few days later, a servant suddenly came in to report: "Auntie Xue has brought the young master and young lady, and the whole family is arriving in the capital—they are just now getting down from their carriage at the gate." Overjoyed, Lady Wang hurriedly brought the women and daughters-in-law out to the main hall to receive them, and ushered Aunt Xue and the others inside.姊妹們暮年相會，自不必說悲喜交集，泣笑敘闊一番。When sisters meet again in their later years, it goes without saying that grief and joy mingled, and there was weeping and laughter as they recounted all that had happened since parting.忙又引了拜見賈母，將人情土物各种酬獻了。They hurried on to present her to the Lady Dowager, offering up all manner of gifts and local products as tokens of goodwill.合家俱廝見過，忙又治席接風。When the whole family had finished greeting one another, they hastily arranged a feast to welcome the travelers.

那时王夫人已知薛蟠官司一事，亏贾雨村维持了结，才放了心。又见哥哥升了边缺，正愁又少了娘家的亲戚来往，略加寂寞。过了几日，忽家人传报：「姨太太带了哥儿姐儿，合家进京，正在门外下车。」喜的王夫人忙带了女媳人等，接出大厅，将薛姨妈等接了进去。姊妹们暮年相会，自不必说悲喜交集，泣笑叙阔一番。忙又引了拜见贾母，将人情土物各种酬献了。合家俱厮见过，忙又治席接风。

薛蟠已拜見過賈政，賈璉又引著拜見了賈赦、賈珍等。Xue Pan had already paid his respects to Jia Zheng, and Jia Lian then took him to pay his respects to Jia She, Jia Zhen, and the others.賈政便使人上來對王夫人說：「姨太太已有了春秋，外甥年輕不知世路，在外住著恐有人生事。Jia Zheng then sent someone to tell Lady Wang, "Auntie is getting on in years, and her nephew is young and does not know the ways of the world; if they live outside on their own, I fear someone might cause trouble.咱們東北角上梨香院一所十來間房，白空閒著，打掃了，請姨太太和姐兒哥兒住了甚好。」王夫人未及留，賈母也就遣人來說「請姨太太就在這裏住下，大家親密些」等語。We have that row of some ten-odd rooms at Pear Fragrance Court in the northeast corner, standing idle for nothing—let it be swept out, and we should invite Auntie and the young master and young lady to live there." Before Lady Wang could even urge them to stay, the Lady Dowager likewise sent someone to say, "Please have Auntie settle right here with us, so that we may all be closer to one another," and other such words.薛姨媽正要同居一處，方可拘緊些兒子，若另住在外，又恐他縱性惹禍，遂忙道謝應允。Aunt Xue had in fact been hoping to live under the same roof, precisely so she could keep her son somewhat in check; if he lived apart outside, she feared he would give free rein to his ways and bring trouble on himself, so she promptly expressed her thanks and agreed.又私與王夫人說明：「一應日費供給一概免卻，方是處常之法。」王夫人知他家不難於此，遂亦從其願。She also privately explained to Lady Wang, "All our daily expenses and provisions should be entirely dispensed with on our side—that is the proper way to manage things over the long term." Lady Wang, knowing that expense was no burden to the Xue family, went along with her wishes.從此後薛家母子就在梨香院住了。From then on, the Xue mother and son took up residence at Pear Fragrance Court.

薛蟠已拜见过贾政，贾琏又引著拜见了贾赦、贾珍等。贾政便使人上来对王夫人说：「姨太太已有了春秋，外甥年轻不知世路，在外住著恐有人生事。咱们东北角上梨香院一所十来间房，白空闲著，打扫了，请姨太太和姐儿哥儿住了甚好。」王夫人未及留，贾母也就遣人来说「请姨太太就在这里住下，大家亲密些」等语。薛姨妈正要同居一处，方可拘紧些儿子，若另住在外，又恐他纵性惹祸，遂忙道谢应允。又私与王夫人说明：「一应日费供给一概免却，方是处常之法。」王夫人知他家不难于此，遂亦从其愿。从此后薛家母子就在梨香院住了。

原來這梨香院即當日榮公暮年養靜之所，小小巧巧，約有十餘間房屋，前廳後舍俱全。It turned out that this Pear Fragrance Court was the very place where the old Duke of Rong had retired in his later years to cultivate tranquility—small and exquisite, with about ten-odd rooms, complete with front hall and rear chambers.另有一門通街，薛蟠家人就走此門出入。There was also a separate gate opening onto the street, through which Xue Pan's servants went in and out.西南有一角門，通一夾道，出夾道便是王夫人正房的東邊了。To the southwest was a side gate leading to a covered passage, and once through the passage one came out at the eastern side of Lady Wang's main apartments.每日或飯後，或晚間，薛姨媽便過來，或與賈母閒談，或與王夫人相敘。Every day, either after meals or in the evening, Aunt Xue would come over, sometimes chatting idly with the Lady Dowager, sometimes conversing with Lady Wang.寶釵日與黛玉迎春姊妹等一處，或看書下棋，或作針黹，倒也十分樂業。Baochai spent her days together with Daiyu, Yingchun, and the other cousins, whether reading, playing chess, or doing needlework, and found it altogether a most pleasant and contented life.只是薛蟠起初之心，原不欲在賈宅居住者，但恐姨父管約拘禁，料必不自在的，無奈母親執意在此，且宅中又十分殷勤苦留，只得暫且住下，一面使人打掃出自己的房屋，再移居過去的。It was only that Xue Pan, at first, had never really wanted to live in the Jia household, fearing that his uncle-in-law would keep him under strict watch and that he would surely feel ill at ease; but since his mother was set on staying there, and moreover the household pressed them so warmly and insistently to remain, he had no choice but to settle in for the time being, meanwhile sending people to sweep out his own house so that he could move over there later.誰知自從在此住了不上一月的光景，賈宅族中凡有的子侄，俱已認熟了一半，凡是那些紈絝氣習者，莫不喜與他來往，今日會酒，明日觀花，甚至聚賭嫖娼，漸漸無所不至，引誘的薛蟠比當日更坏了十倍。Who would have guessed that, living here for less than a month, he had already come to know by sight half of all the nephews and grandsons of the Jia clan, and that all those given to spoiled, dissolute habits were only too glad to consort with him—today a wine party, tomorrow flower-viewing, and it gradually went so far as gambling and whoring together, until there was nothing they did not get up to, luring Xue Pan into becoming ten times worse than he had been before.雖然賈政訓子有方，治家有法，一則族大人多，照管不到這些，二則現任族長乃是賈珍，彼乃宁府長孫，又現襲職，凡族中事，自有他掌管，三則公私冗雜，且素性瀟灑，不以俗務為要，每公暇之時，不過看書著棋而已，餘事多不介意。Although Jia Zheng was disciplined in instructing his sons and methodical in managing the household, first, the clan was large and its members numerous, so he could not attend to every such matter; second, the current head of the clan was Jia Zhen, who, as the eldest grandson of the Ning mansion and now holding the hereditary office, naturally had charge of all clan affairs; and third, Jia Zheng himself was burdened with a jumble of public and private business, and being by nature easygoing and unworldly, did not consider mundane matters important—in his leisure hours from official duties he did nothing more than read books and play chess, and paid little heed to other things.況且這梨香院相隔兩層房舍，又有街門另開，任意可以出入，所以這些子弟們竟可以放意暢怀的，因此遂將移居之念漸漸打滅了。Moreover, Pear Fragrance Court was separated by two intervening rows of buildings and had its own street gate opening independently, so that one could come and go there entirely as one pleased; and so these young men of the clan were able to indulge themselves to their hearts' content there, and thus Xue Pan's intention of moving out gradually faded away.

原来这梨香院即当日荣公暮年养静之所，小小巧巧，约有十余间房屋，前厅后舍俱全。另有一门通街，薛蟠家人就走此门出入。西南有一角门，通一夹道，出夹道便是王夫人正房的东边了。每日或饭后，或晚间，薛姨妈便过来，或与贾母闲谈，或与王夫人相叙。宝钗日与黛玉迎春姊妹等一处，或看书下棋，或作针黹，倒也十分乐业。只是薛蟠起初之心，原不欲在贾宅居住者，但恐姨父管约拘禁，料必不自在的，无奈母亲执意在此，且宅中又十分殷勤苦留，只得暂且住下，一面使人打扫出自己的房屋，再移居过去的。谁知自从在此住了不上一月的光景，贾宅族中凡有的子侄，俱已认熟了一半，凡是那些纨绔气习者，莫不喜与他来往，今日会酒，明日观花，甚至聚赌嫖娼，渐渐无所不至，引诱的薛蟠比当日更坏了十倍。虽然贾政训子有方，治家有法，一则族大人多，照管不到这些，二则现任族长乃是贾珍，彼乃宁府长孙，又现袭职，凡族中事，自有他掌管，三则公私冗杂，且素性潇洒，不以俗务为要，每公暇之时，不过看书著棋而已，余事多不介意。况且这梨香院相隔两层房舍，又有街门另开，任意可以出入，所以这些子弟们竟可以放意畅怀的，因此遂将移居之念渐渐打灭了。

日後如何，下回分解。What was to happen afterward will be told in the next chapter.

日后如何，下回分解。