第三十一回　撕扇子作千金一笑　因麒麟伏白首雙星 A Torn Fan Buys a Precious Smile; A Golden Unicorn Foreshadows a Pair United

話說襲人見了自己吐的鮮血在地，也就冷了半截，想著往日常聽人說：“少年吐血，年月不保，縱然命長，終是廢人了。”想起此言，不覺將素日想著後來爭榮夸耀之心盡皆灰了，眼中不覺滴下淚來。It is told that when Xiren saw the fresh blood she had coughed up on the floor, her heart went half cold. She remembered often hearing people say, “When the young cough blood, their days are numbered; and even if they live long, they will end as invalids.” At the thought of these words, all her old hopes of someday winning honor and distinction turned to ashes, and tears began to fall from her eyes.寶玉見他哭了，也不覺心酸起來，因問道：“你心里覺的怎麼樣？”襲人勉強笑道：“好好的，覺怎麼呢！”寶玉的意思即刻便要叫人燙黃酒，要山羊血黎洞丸來。Seeing her cry, Baoyu’s heart ached too, and he asked, “How do you feel?” Xiren forced a smile. “Perfectly well—how else should I feel?” Baoyu wanted at once to have some yellow wine heated and fetch goat’s blood and Lidong pills.襲人拉了他的手，笑道：“你這一鬧不打緊，鬧起多少人來，倒抱怨我輕狂。Xiren took his hand and said with a smile, “It will be no small matter if you make a commotion—you will bring ever so many people here, and they will blame me for making a fuss.分明人不知道，倒鬧的人知道了，你也不好，我也不好。No one knows about it now; if you raise an alarm, everyone will know, and that will be no good for either you or me.正經明兒你打發小子問問王太醫去，弄點子藥吃吃就好了。The proper thing is to send a boy tomorrow to ask Imperial Physician Wang and get a little medicine for me.人不知鬼不覺的可不好？”寶玉聽了有理，也只得罷了，向案上斟了茶來，給襲人漱了口。Would it not be better to keep the whole thing quiet?” Baoyu saw the sense of this and had to let the matter rest; he poured her some tea from the table for her to rinse her mouth.襲人知道寶玉心內是不安穩的，待要不叫他伏侍，他又必不依，二則定要驚動別人，不如由他去罷：因此只在榻上由寶玉去伏侍。Xiren knew that Baoyu was still uneasy; yet if she tried to stop him waiting on her, he would certainly refuse, and besides, it would surely alert the others. Better to let him do as he pleased. So she lay on the couch and allowed Baoyu to tend her.一交五更，寶玉也顧不的梳洗，忙穿衣出來，將王濟仁叫來，親自确問。As soon as the fifth watch began, Baoyu, without even stopping to wash or comb his hair, hurriedly dressed and went out, summoned Wang Jiren, and questioned him in person.王濟仁問原故，不過是傷損，便說了個丸藥的名字，怎麼服，怎麼敷。After Wang Jiren had asked how it happened and learned that it was no more than an injury, he gave the name of a medicinal pill and explained how it was to be taken and how the wound was to be treated.寶玉記了，回園依方調治。Baoyu committed this to memory, returned to the Garden, and treated her as directed.不在話下。There is no need to dwell on this.

话说袭人见了自己吐的鲜血在地，也就冷了半截，想著往日常听人说：“少年吐血，年月不保，纵然命长，终是废人了。”想起此言，不觉将素日想著后来争荣夸耀之心尽皆灰了，眼中不觉滴下泪来。宝玉见他哭了，也不觉心酸起来，因问道：“你心里觉的怎么样？”袭人勉强笑道：“好好的，觉怎么呢！”宝玉的意思即刻便要叫人烫黄酒，要山羊血黎洞丸来。袭人拉了他的手，笑道：“你这一闹不打紧，闹起多少人来，倒抱怨我轻狂。分明人不知道，倒闹的人知道了，你也不好，我也不好。正经明儿你打发小子问问王太医去，弄点子药吃吃就好了。人不知鬼不觉的可不好？”宝玉听了有理，也只得罢了，向案上斟了茶来，给袭人漱了口。袭人知道宝玉心内是不安稳的，待要不叫他伏侍，他又必不依，二则定要惊动别人，不如由他去罢：因此只在榻上由宝玉去伏侍。一交五更，宝玉也顾不的梳洗，忙穿衣出来，将王济仁叫来，亲自确问。王济仁问原故，不过是伤损，便说了个丸药的名字，怎么服，怎么敷。宝玉记了，回园依方调治。不在话下。

這日正是端陽佳節，蒲艾簪門，虎符系臂。That day was the Dragon Boat Festival: calamus and mugwort adorned the doors, and tiger charms were tied around people’s arms.午間，王夫人治了酒席，請薛家母女等賞午。At noon, Lady Wang gave a feast and invited the Xue mother and daughter and the others to enjoy the noonday festivities.寶玉見寶釵淡淡的，也不和他說話，自知是昨兒的原故。Baoyu saw that Baochai was cool toward him and would not speak to him, and knew it was because of what had happened the day before.王夫人見寶玉沒精打彩，也只當是金釧兒昨日之事，他沒好意思的，越發不理他。Lady Wang saw Baoyu looking listless and assumed that, after yesterday’s affair with Jinchuan, he was too ashamed to face her; she therefore ignored him all the more.林黛玉見寶玉懶懶的，只當是他因為得罪了寶釵的原故，心中不自在，形容也就懶懶的。Lin Daiyu saw Baoyu looking dispirited and supposed that he felt uncomfortable because he had offended Baochai; her own manner consequently became dispirited too.鳳姐昨日晚間王夫人就告訴了他寶玉金釧的事，知道王夫人不自在，自己如何敢說笑，也就隨著王夫人的氣色行事，更覺淡淡的。Lady Wang had told Xifeng the previous evening about the affair between Baoyu and Jinchuan. Knowing that Lady Wang was upset, Xifeng did not dare laugh or joke, but took her cue from Lady Wang’s expression and became more subdued than ever.賈迎春姊妹見眾人無意思，也都無意思了。When Jia Yingchun and the other girls saw that no one was in spirits, they too lost all inclination for merriment.因此，大家坐了一坐就散了。Thus, after sitting together for a little while, they all dispersed.

这日正是端阳佳节，蒲艾簪门，虎符系臂。午间，王夫人治了酒席，请薛家母女等赏午。宝玉见宝钗淡淡的，也不和他说话，自知是昨儿的原故。王夫人见宝玉没精打彩，也只当是金钏儿昨日之事，他没好意思的，越发不理他。林黛玉见宝玉懒懒的，只当是他因为得罪了宝钗的原故，心中不自在，形容也就懒懒的。凤姐昨日晚间王夫人就告诉了他宝玉金钏的事，知道王夫人不自在，自己如何敢说笑，也就随著王夫人的气色行事，更觉淡淡的。贾迎春姊妹见众人无意思，也都无意思了。因此，大家坐了一坐就散了。

林黛玉天性喜散不喜聚。By nature, Lin Daiyu preferred parting to gathering.他想的也有個道理，他說，”人有聚就有散，聚時歡喜，到散時豈不冷清？There was reason in the way she thought: “Whenever people come together, they must eventually part. They rejoice while gathered, but when the time comes to separate, is it not desolate?既清冷則傷感，所以不如倒是不聚的好。And desolation gives rise to sorrow, so it would really be better never to gather at all.比如那花開時令人愛慕，謝時則增惆悵，所以倒是不開的好。”故此人以為喜之時，他反以為悲。When flowers bloom, for example, they inspire love and admiration; when they fall, they only deepen melancholy, so it would be better if they never bloomed.” Thus, when others saw cause for joy, she instead saw cause for sorrow.那寶玉的情性只願常聚，生怕一時散了添悲，那花只願常開，生怕一時謝了沒趣；Baoyu’s nature, on the other hand, desired only that people should always remain together, for he dreaded the sorrow of their parting; and he wished that flowers might bloom forever, for he dreaded the dreariness of their fading.只到筵散花謝，雖有萬种悲傷，也就無可如何了。Only when the feast had ended and the flowers had fallen would he resign himself to the inevitable, however great his grief.因此，今日之筵，大家無興散了，林黛玉倒不覺得，倒是寶玉心中悶悶不樂，回至自己房中長吁短歎。Thus, when today’s company broke up for want of good cheer, Lin Daiyu was not troubled, but Baoyu grew gloomy and unhappy, and returned to his room heaving sigh after sigh.偏生晴雯上來換衣服，不防又把扇子失了手跌在地下，將股子跌折。As ill luck would have it, Qingwen came forward to change his clothes and, carelessly letting a fan slip from her hand, dropped it on the floor and broke its ribs.寶玉因歎道：“蠢才，蠢才！Baoyu sighed. “Foolish girl, foolish girl!將來怎麼樣？What will ever become of you?明日你自己當家立事，難道也是這麼顧前不顧後的？”晴雯冷笑道：“二爺近來氣大的很，行動就給臉子瞧。When you have a household and affairs of your own to manage one day, will you still act so thoughtlessly?” Qingwen sneered. “Second Master has had a fine temper lately—at the slightest thing you pull a long face at us.前兒連襲人都打了，今兒又來尋我們的不是。The other day you even kicked Xiren, and today you are finding fault with us again.要踢要打憑爺去。If you want to kick or beat me, do as you please.就是跌了扇子，也是平常的事。Dropping a fan is an ordinary enough accident.先時連那麼樣的玻璃缸，瑪瑙碗不知弄坏了多少，也沒見個大氣兒，這會子一把扇子就這麼著了。In the old days, no one knows how many things like glass jars and agate bowls were broken, yet you never even breathed a word; now you make such a fuss over one fan.何苦來！Why trouble yourself so?要嫌我們就打發我們，再挑好的使。If you are tired of us, send us away and choose better servants.好離好散的，倒不好？”寶玉聽了這些話，氣的渾身亂戰，因說道：“你不用忙，將來有散的日子！”Would it not be better for us to part on good terms?” These words made Baoyu shake all over with rage, and he said, “There is no need for such haste—the day of parting will come!”

林黛玉天性喜散不喜聚。他想的也有个道理，他说，”人有聚就有散，聚时欢喜，到散时岂不冷清？既清冷则伤感，所以不如倒是不聚的好。比如那花开时令人爱慕，谢时则增惆怅，所以倒是不开的好。”故此人以为喜之时，他反以为悲。那宝玉的情性只愿常聚，生怕一时散了添悲，那花只愿常开，生怕一时谢了没趣；只到筵散花谢，虽有万种悲伤，也就无可如何了。因此，今日之筵，大家无兴散了，林黛玉倒不觉得，倒是宝玉心中闷闷不乐，回至自己房中长吁短叹。偏生晴雯上来换衣服，不防又把扇子失了手跌在地下，将股子跌折。宝玉因叹道：“蠢才，蠢才！将来怎么样？明日你自己当家立事，难道也是这么顾前不顾后的？”晴雯冷笑道：“二爷近来气大的很，行动就给脸子瞧。前儿连袭人都打了，今儿又来寻我们的不是。要踢要打凭爷去。就是跌了扇子，也是平常的事。先时连那么样的玻璃缸，玛瑙碗不知弄坏了多少，也没见个大气儿，这会子一把扇子就这么著了。何苦来！要嫌我们就打发我们，再挑好的使。好离好散的，倒不好？”宝玉听了这些话，气的浑身乱战，因说道：“你不用忙，将来有散的日子！”

襲人在那邊早已聽見，忙赶過來向寶玉道：“好好的，又怎麼了？Xiren had already heard them from the other side and hurried over to ask Baoyu, “What has happened now, when everything was perfectly well?可是我說的‘一時我不到，就有事故兒’。”晴雯聽了冷笑道：“姐姐既會說，就該早來，也省了爺生氣。Just as I always say: ‘The moment I am away, some trouble starts.’” Qingwen sneered. “Since you know so well what to say, Elder Sister, you should have come sooner and spared Master his anger.自古以來，就是你一個人伏侍爺的，我們原沒伏侍過。From ancient times to this day, you alone have ever waited on Master; none of us has ever served him at all.因為你伏侍的好，昨日才挨窩心腳，我們不會伏侍的，到明兒還不知是個什麼罪呢！”襲人聽了這話，又是惱，又是愧，待要說幾句話，又見寶玉已經氣的黃了臉，少不得自己忍了性子，推晴雯道：“好妹妹，你出去逛逛，原是我們的不是。”晴雯聽他說”我們”兩個字，自然是他和寶玉了，不覺又添了酸意，冷笑幾聲，道：“我倒不知道你們是誰，別教我替你們害臊了！Because you serve him so well, yesterday you got a kick square in the chest. As for those of us who do not know how to serve him, who knows what punishment awaits us tomorrow!” Xiren was both angry and ashamed at this. She was about to answer, but seeing that Baoyu’s face had already turned yellow with rage, she had no choice but to master her temper and push Qingwen toward the door, saying, “Dear sister, go out and amuse yourself. It is our fault.” Hearing the word “our,” Qingwen naturally took it to mean Xiren and Baoyu; this added jealousy to her resentment, and after several cold laughs she said, “I should like to know who this ‘we’ may be—do not make me blush for you!便是你們鬼鬼祟祟幹的那事兒，也瞞不過我去，那里就稱起‘我們’來了。Even that secret business you two carry on cannot be hidden from me; what gives you the right to start calling yourselves ‘we’?明公正道，連個姑娘還沒掙上去呢，也不過和我似的，那里就稱上‘我們’了！”襲人羞的臉紫脹起來，想一想，原來是自己把話說錯了。By every open and proper rule, you have not even won the position of concubine yet; you are no more than I am, so what entitles you to this ‘we’?” Xiren’s face swelled purple with shame, and on reflection she realized that she had indeed chosen the wrong word.寶玉一面說：“你們氣不忿，我明兒偏抬舉他。”襲人忙拉了寶玉的手道：“他一個糊涂人，你和他分證什麼？Baoyu said, “Since all of you resent her, tomorrow I shall make a special point of raising her position.” Xiren hurriedly took his hand. “She is a muddleheaded girl; why argue the rights and wrongs of it with her?況且你素日又是有擔待的，比這大的過去了多少，今兒是怎麼了？”晴雯冷笑道：“我原是糊涂人，那里配和我說話呢！”襲人聽說道：“姑娘倒是和我拌嘴呢，是和二爺拌嘴呢？Besides, you have always been so forbearing. You have let far greater offenses pass—what has come over you today?” Qingwen sneered. “Of course I am a muddleheaded girl. How could I be worthy of being spoken to?” Xiren replied, “Are you quarreling with me, miss, or with Second Master?要是心里惱我，你只和我說，不犯著當著二爺吵，要是惱二爺，不該這們吵的萬人知道。If you are angry with me, say so to me; there is no need to make a scene before Second Master. If you are angry with Second Master, you should not shout until the whole world knows.我才也不過為了事，進來勸開了，大家保重。I came in just now only because of the quarrel, to make peace and keep everyone from harm.姑娘倒尋上我的晦氣。But instead, miss, you turn on me.又不象是惱我，又不象是惱二爺，夾槍帶棒，終久是個什麼主意？You do not seem angry with me, nor do you seem angry with Second Master; every word carries a hidden thrust, so what exactly do you mean?我就不多說，讓你說去。”說著便往外走。I shall say no more; you may go on talking.” With that, she started for the door.寶玉向晴雯道：“你也不用生氣，我也猜著你的心事了。Baoyu said to Qingwen, “There is no need for you to be angry either. I believe I understand what is in your mind.我回太太去，你也大了，打發你出去好不好？”晴雯聽了這話，不覺又傷心起來，含淚說道：“為什麼我出去？I shall report to Her Ladyship that you are grown now and ask her to send you away. How would that be?” At this, Qingwen could not help becoming heartsick, and said through her tears, “Why should I leave?要嫌我，變著法兒打發我出去，也不能夠。”寶玉道：“我何曾經過這個吵鬧？If you dislike me, you may devise some way of sending me away, but you will not succeed.” Baoyu said, “When have I ever endured such quarreling?一定是你要出去了。You must be determined to leave.不如回太太，打發你去吧。”說著，站起來就要走。I had better report it to Her Ladyship and have you sent away.” As he spoke, he stood up to go.襲人忙回身攔住，笑道：“往那里去？”寶玉道：“回太太去。”襲人笑道：“好沒意思！Xiren hurried back and barred his way, saying with a smile, “Where are you going?” “To report to Her Ladyship,” said Baoyu. Xiren laughed. “What foolishness!真個的去回，你也不怕臊了？If you really go and report this, will you not be ashamed?便是他認真的要去，也等把這氣下去了，等無事中說話兒回了太太也不遲。Even if she is in earnest about leaving, you can wait until her anger has subsided and mention it casually to Her Ladyship when nothing else is happening.這會子急急的當作一件正經事去回，豈不叫太太犯疑？”寶玉道：“太太必不犯疑，我只明說是他鬧著要去的。”晴雯哭道：“我多早晚鬧著要去了？If you rush off now and report it as a serious matter, will you not make Her Ladyship suspicious?” Baoyu said, “She will not be suspicious. I shall tell her plainly that Qingwen made a scene because she wanted to leave.” Qingwen cried, “When did I ever make a scene about leaving?饒生了氣，還拿話壓派我。Even though you are angry, you should not use words to pin the blame on me.只管去回，我一頭碰死了也不出這門兒。”寶玉道：“這也奇了。Go and report me if you like; I would sooner dash my head against a wall and die than leave this gate.” Baoyu said, “That is strange indeed.你又不去，你又鬧些什麼？If you do not want to go, then what are you making such a scene about?我經不起這吵，不如去了倒乾淨。”說著一定要去回。I cannot bear this quarreling; it would be cleaner if you left.” With that, he insisted on going to report her.襲人見攔不住，只得跪下了。Seeing that she could not stop him, Xiren had no choice but to kneel.碧痕，秋紋，麝月等眾丫鬟見吵鬧，都鴉雀無聞的在外頭聽消息，這會子聽見襲人跪下央求，便一齊進來都跪下了。Bihen, Qiuwen, Sheyue, and the other maids had heard the quarrel and were waiting outside in utter silence for news. Now, hearing Xiren kneel and plead with him, they all came in together and knelt as well.寶玉忙把襲人扶起來，歎了一聲，在床上坐下，叫眾人起去，向襲人道：“叫我怎麼樣才好！Baoyu hurriedly helped Xiren up, gave a sigh, sat down on the bed, and told the others to rise. Then he said to Xiren, “What am I supposed to do?這個心使碎了也沒人知道。”說著不覺滴下淚來。Even if my heart were ground to pieces, no one would understand.” As he spoke, tears began to fall.襲人見寶玉流下淚來，自己也就哭了。When Xiren saw Baoyu weeping, she began to cry as well.

袭人在那边早已听见，忙赶过来向宝玉道：“好好的，又怎么了？可是我说的‘一时我不到，就有事故儿’。”晴雯听了冷笑道：“姐姐既会说，就该早来，也省了爷生气。自古以来，就是你一个人伏侍爷的，我们原没伏侍过。因为你伏侍的好，昨日才挨窝心脚，我们不会伏侍的，到明儿还不知是个什么罪呢！”袭人听了这话，又是恼，又是愧，待要说几句话，又见宝玉已经气的黄了脸，少不得自己忍了性子，推晴雯道：“好妹妹，你出去逛逛，原是我们的不是。”晴雯听他说”我们”两个字，自然是他和宝玉了，不觉又添了酸意，冷笑几声，道：“我倒不知道你们是谁，别教我替你们害臊了！便是你们鬼鬼祟祟干的那事儿，也瞒不过我去，那里就称起‘我们’来了。明公正道，连个姑娘还没挣上去呢，也不过和我似的，那里就称上‘我们’了！”袭人羞的脸紫胀起来，想一想，原来是自己把话说错了。宝玉一面说：“你们气不忿，我明儿偏抬举他。”袭人忙拉了宝玉的手道：“他一个糊涂人，你和他分证什么？况且你素日又是有担待的，比这大的过去了多少，今儿是怎么了？”晴雯冷笑道：“我原是糊涂人，那里配和我说话呢！”袭人听说道：“姑娘倒是和我拌嘴呢，是和二爷拌嘴呢？要是心里恼我，你只和我说，不犯著当著二爷吵，要是恼二爷，不该这们吵的万人知道。我才也不过为了事，进来劝开了，大家保重。姑娘倒寻上我的晦气。又不象是恼我，又不象是恼二爷，夹枪带棒，终久是个什么主意？我就不多说，让你说去。”说著便往外走。宝玉向晴雯道：“你也不用生气，我也猜著你的心事了。我回太太去，你也大了，打发你出去好不好？”晴雯听了这话，不觉又伤心起来，含泪说道：“为什么我出去？要嫌我，变著法儿打发我出去，也不能够。”宝玉道：“我何曾经过这个吵闹？一定是你要出去了。不如回太太，打发你去吧。”说著，站起来就要走。袭人忙回身拦住，笑道：“往那里去？”宝玉道：“回太太去。”袭人笑道：“好没意思！真个的去回，你也不怕臊了？便是他认真的要去，也等把这气下去了，等无事中说话儿回了太太也不迟。这会子急急的当作一件正经事去回，岂不叫太太犯疑？”宝玉道：“太太必不犯疑，我只明说是他闹著要去的。”晴雯哭道：“我多早晚闹著要去了？饶生了气，还拿话压派我。只管去回，我一头碰死了也不出这门儿。”宝玉道：“这也奇了。你又不去，你又闹些什么？我经不起这吵，不如去了倒干净。”说著一定要去回。袭人见拦不住，只得跪下了。碧痕，秋纹，麝月等众丫鬟见吵闹，都鸦雀无闻的在外头听消息，这会子听见袭人跪下央求，便一齐进来都跪下了。宝玉忙把袭人扶起来，叹了一声，在床上坐下，叫众人起去，向袭人道：“叫我怎么样才好！这个心使碎了也没人知道。”说著不觉滴下泪来。袭人见宝玉流下泪来，自己也就哭了。

晴雯在旁哭著，方欲說話，只見林黛玉進來，便出去了。Qingwen stood nearby in tears and was just about to speak when Lin Daiyu came in, so she went out.林黛玉笑道：“大節下怎麼好好的哭起來？Lin Daiyu laughed. “Why are you all crying like this during a great festival?難道是為爭粽子吃爭惱了不成？”寶玉和襲人嗤的一笑。Can you have quarreled over who was to eat the rice dumplings?” Baoyu and Xiren both burst out laughing.黛玉道：“二哥哥不告訴我，我問你就知道了。”一面說，一面拍著襲人的肩，笑道：“好嫂子，你告訴我。Daiyu said, “If Second Brother will not tell me, I shall ask you and soon find out.” As she spoke, she patted Xiren on the shoulder and said with a smile, “Dear sister-in-law, tell me.必定是你兩個拌了嘴了。You two must have had a quarrel.告訴妹妹，替你們和勸和勸。”襲人推他道：“林姑娘你鬧什麼？Tell your little sister, and I shall make peace between you.” Xiren pushed her away. “Miss Lin, what mischief are you making?我們一個丫頭，姑娘只是混說。”黛玉笑道：“你說你是丫頭，我只拿你當嫂子待。”寶玉道：“你何苦來替他招罵名兒。I am only a maid; you should not talk such nonsense, miss.” Daiyu laughed. “You may call yourself a maid, but I treat you as my sister-in-law.” Baoyu said, “Why invite people to call her names?饒這麼著，還有人說閒話，還擱的住你來說他。”襲人笑道：“林姑娘，你不知道我的心事，除非一口氣不來死了倒也罷了。”林黛玉笑道：“你死了，別人不知怎麼樣，我先就哭死了。”寶玉笑道：“你死了，我作和尚去。”襲人笑道：“你老實些罷，何苦還說這些話。”林黛玉將兩個指頭一伸，抿嘴笑道：“作了兩個和尚了。Even as things are, some people gossip about her; how can she bear your saying such things too?” Xiren laughed. “Miss Lin, you do not know what is in my heart. Unless my last breath comes and I die, there will be no end to it.” Lin Daiyu laughed. “If you died, I do not know what anyone else would do, but I should be the first to cry myself to death.” Baoyu laughed. “If you die, I shall become a monk.” Xiren laughed. “Do be sensible. Why must you still say such things?” Lin Daiyu held up two fingers, pursed her lips, and laughed. “That makes two times you have become a monk.我從今以後都記著你作和尚的遭數兒。”寶玉聽得，知道是他點前兒的話，自己一笑也就罷了。From now on, I shall keep count of every time you vow to become a monk.” Baoyu understood that she was alluding to what he had said the other day, and merely smiled and let it pass.

晴雯在旁哭著，方欲说话，只见林黛玉进来，便出去了。林黛玉笑道：“大节下怎么好好的哭起来？难道是为争粽子吃争恼了不成？”宝玉和袭人嗤的一笑。黛玉道：“二哥哥不告诉我，我问你就知道了。”一面说，一面拍著袭人的肩，笑道：“好嫂子，你告诉我。必定是你两个拌了嘴了。告诉妹妹，替你们和劝和劝。”袭人推他道：“林姑娘你闹什么？我们一个丫头，姑娘只是混说。”黛玉笑道：“你说你是丫头，我只拿你当嫂子待。”宝玉道：“你何苦来替他招骂名儿。饶这么著，还有人说闲话，还搁的住你来说他。”袭人笑道：“林姑娘，你不知道我的心事，除非一口气不来死了倒也罢了。”林黛玉笑道：“你死了，别人不知怎么样，我先就哭死了。”宝玉笑道：“你死了，我作和尚去。”袭人笑道：“你老实些罢，何苦还说这些话。”林黛玉将两个指头一伸，抿嘴笑道：“作了两个和尚了。我从今以后都记著你作和尚的遭数儿。”宝玉听得，知道是他点前儿的话，自己一笑也就罢了。

一時黛玉去後，就有人說“薛大爺請”，寶玉只得去了。Some time after Daiyu had gone, someone came to say, “Master Xue requests your company,” so Baoyu had no choice but to go.原來是吃酒，不能推辭，只得盡席而散。It turned out to be a drinking party. Unable to decline, he stayed until the banquet ended.晚間回來，已帶了幾分酒，踉蹌來至自己院內，只見院中早把乘涼枕榻設下，榻上有個人睡著。When he returned that evening, he was somewhat tipsy. Staggering into his own courtyard, he saw that the couch and pillows for taking the cool air had already been set out, and someone was asleep on the couch.寶玉只當是襲人，一面在榻沿上坐下，一面推他，問道：“疼的好些了？”只見那人翻身起來說：“何苦來，又招我！”寶玉一看，原來不是襲人，卻是晴雯。Taking her for Xiren, Baoyu sat down on the edge of the couch, nudged her, and asked, “Does it hurt less now?” The sleeper rolled over and sat up. “Why must you come and provoke me again?” Baoyu looked and saw that it was not Xiren but Qingwen.寶玉將他一拉，拉在身旁坐下，笑道：“你的性子越發慣嬌了。Baoyu took her by the hand, pulled her up to sit beside him, and said with a smile, “You are growing more spoiled and willful every day.早起就是跌了扇子，我不過說了那兩句，你就說上那些話。This morning you merely dropped a fan, and I said no more than a couple of words, yet you answered with all that abuse.說我也罷了，襲人好意來勸，你又括上他，你自己想想，該不該？”晴雯道：“怪熱的，拉拉扯扯作什麼！Never mind what you said to me; but when Xiren kindly came to make peace, you dragged her into it too. Think for yourself—was that right?” Qingwen said, “It is stiflingly hot. What are you pulling me about for?叫人來看見象什麼！What would it look like if someone came and saw us?我這身子也不配坐在這里。”寶玉笑道：“你既知道不配，為什麼睡著呢？”晴雯沒的話，嗤的又笑了，說：“你不來便使得，你來了就不配了。A person like me is not fit even to sit here.” Baoyu laughed. “If you know you are unfit, why were you sleeping here?” Qingwen had no answer and burst out laughing again. “It was all right so long as you were not here; it became improper as soon as you came.起來，讓我洗澡去。Get up and let me go take my bath.襲人麝月都洗了澡。Xiren and Sheyue have already bathed.我叫了他們來。”寶玉笑道：“我才又吃了好些酒，還得洗一洗。I shall call them to attend you.” Baoyu laughed. “I have just drunk a good deal more wine, so I need a wash too.你既沒有洗，拿了水來咱們兩個洗。”晴雯搖手笑道：“罷，罷，我不敢惹爺。Since you have not bathed yet, bring the water and we shall bathe together.” Qingwen waved her hand and laughed. “No, no—I dare not meddle with you, Master.還記得碧痕打發你洗澡，足有兩三個時辰，也不知道作什麼呢。I still remember when Bihen attended you in the bath. It took a full two or three hours, and no one knows what the two of you were doing.我們也不好進去的。None of us could very well go in.後來洗完了，進去瞧瞧，地下的水淹著床腿，連席子上都汪著水，也不知是怎麼洗了，笑了幾天。When you had finally finished and we went in to look, the water on the floor covered the legs of the bed and even stood in pools on the mat. No one could imagine how you had managed to bathe, and we laughed about it for days.我也沒那工夫收拾，也不用同我洗去。I have no time to clean up such a mess, so you need not ask me to bathe with you.今兒也涼快，那會子洗了，可以不用再洗。It is cool today, and since you bathed earlier, you need not bathe again.我倒舀一盆水來，你洗洗臉通通頭。I shall draw a basin of water so that you can wash your face and comb out your hair.才剛鴛鴦送了好些果子來，都湃在那水晶缸里呢，叫他們打發你吃。”寶玉笑道：“既這麼著，你也不許洗去，只洗洗手來拿果子來吃罷。”晴雯笑道：“我慌張的很，連扇子還跌折了，那里還配打發吃果子。Yuanyang brought over a good many fruits just now; they are all chilling in the crystal jar. I shall have the others serve you some.” Baoyu laughed. “Very well, but then you must not go and bathe either. Just wash your hands and bring the fruit for us to eat.” Qingwen laughed. “I am so flustered that I have even broken a fan—how could I be fit to serve fruit?倘或再打破了盤子，還更了不得呢。”寶玉笑道：“你愛打就打，這些東西原不過是借人所用，你愛這樣，我愛那樣，各自性情不同。If I happened to break another plate, it would be more dreadful still.” Baoyu laughed. “Break whatever you like. Such things exist only for people’s use. You may like one thing and I another; everyone has a different nature.比如那扇子原是扇的，你要撕著玩也可以使得，只是不可生氣時拿他出氣。A fan, for instance, is meant for fanning, but if you want to tear it up for amusement, you may do so—only you must not use it to vent your anger.就如杯盤，原是盛東西的，你喜聽那一聲響，就故意的碎了也可以使得，只是別在生氣時拿他出氣。Cups and plates are meant to hold things, but if you delight in the sound they make, you may deliberately smash them—only do not use them to vent your anger.這就是愛物了。”晴雯聽了，笑道：“既這麼說，你就拿了扇子來我撕。That is what it means to value things.” Qingwen laughed when she heard this. “If that is so, give me a fan to tear.我最喜歡撕的。”寶玉聽了，便笑著遞與他。I like tearing things best.” Baoyu laughed and handed her one.晴雯果然接過來，嗤的一聲，撕了兩半，接著嗤嗤又聽幾聲。Qingwen took it and, with a ripping sound, tore it in two; then several more ripping sounds followed.寶玉在旁笑著說：“響的好，再撕響些！”正說著，只見麝月走過來，笑道：“少作些孽罷。”寶玉赶上來，一把將他手里的扇子也奪了遞與晴雯。Baoyu stood beside her laughing. “What a fine sound! Tear it louder!” As he spoke, Sheyue came over and said with a laugh, “Do commit a little less wickedness.” Baoyu ran up, snatched the fan from her hand, and gave it to Qingwen too.晴雯接了，也撕了幾半子，二人都大笑。Qingwen took it and tore it into several pieces, while the two of them laughed heartily.麝月道：“這是怎麼說，拿我的東西開心兒？”寶玉笑道：“打開扇子匣子你揀去，什麼好東西！”麝月道：“既這麼說，就把匣子搬了出來，讓他盡力的撕，豈不好？”寶玉笑道：“你就搬去。”麝月道：“我可不造這孽。Sheyue said, “What is the meaning of this, amusing yourselves with my things?” Baoyu laughed. “Open the fan box and choose another. They are nothing precious!” Sheyue said, “If that is how it is, why not bring out the whole box and let her tear to her heart’s content?” Baoyu laughed. “Go and fetch it, then.” Sheyue said, “I shall not commit such wickedness.他也沒折了手，叫他自己搬去。”晴雯笑著，倚在床上說道：“我也乏了，明兒再撕罷。”寶玉笑道：“古人云，‘千金難買一笑’，幾把扇子能值幾何！”一面說著，一面叫襲人。Her arms are not broken; let her fetch it herself.” Qingwen laughed and leaned against the bed. “I am tired too. I shall tear some more tomorrow.” Baoyu laughed. “The ancients said, ‘A thousand pieces of gold can scarcely buy one smile.’ What can a few fans be worth?” As he spoke, he called for Xiren.襲人才換了衣服走出來，小丫頭佳蕙過來拾去破扇，大家乘涼，不消細說。Xiren, who had only just changed her clothes, came out, while the little maid Jiahui came to pick up the pieces of the torn fans. They all sat in the cool air, and there is no need to relate the details.至次日午間，王夫人，薛寶釵，林黛玉眾姊妹正在賈母房內坐著，就有人回：“史大姑娘來了。”一時果見史湘雲帶領眾多丫鬟媳婦走進院來。At noon the next day, while Lady Wang, Xue Baochai, Lin Daiyu, and the other girls were sitting in Grandmother Jia’s room, someone came in to report, “The eldest Miss Shi has arrived.” Presently, Shi Xiangyun did indeed appear, leading a large company of maids and married servants into the courtyard.寶釵，黛玉等忙迎至階下相見。Baochai, Daiyu, and the others hurried down to the foot of the steps to welcome her.青年姊妹間經月不見，一旦相逢，其親密自不必細說。When young girls who had not seen one another for a month suddenly met again, their intimacy may readily be imagined.一時進入房中，請安問好，都見過了。They presently entered the room, where greetings and inquiries were exchanged and she paid her respects to everyone.賈母因說：“天熱，把外頭的衣服脫脫罷。”史湘雲忙起身寬衣。Grandmother Jia said, “It is hot; take off your outer clothes.” Shi Xiangyun hurriedly stood up and loosened her garments.王夫人因笑道：“也沒見穿上這些作什麼？”史湘雲笑道：“都是二嬸嬸叫穿的，谁愿意穿這些。”寶釵一旁笑道：“姨娘不知道，他穿衣裳還更愛穿別人的衣裳。Lady Wang laughed. “Why ever did you put on all those clothes?” Shi Xiangyun replied with a smile, “Second Aunt made me wear them. Who would willingly put on all this?” Baochai laughed from one side. “Aunt, you do not know her: when it comes to clothes, she likes wearing other people’s even better.可記得舊年三四月里，他在這里住著，把寶兄弟的袍子穿上，靴子也穿上，額子也勒上，猛一瞧倒象是寶兄弟，就是多兩個墜子。Do you remember, in the third or fourth month of last year, when she was staying here? She put on Brother Bao’s robe and boots and tied on his forehead-band. At a sudden glance she looked exactly like Brother Bao, except that she had two extra pendants.他站在那椅子後邊，哄的老太太只是叫‘寶玉，你過來，仔細那上頭挂的燈穗子招下灰來，迷了眼。’他只是笑，也不過去。She stood behind that chair and fooled the Old Lady, who kept calling, ‘Baoyu, come here! Mind that the tassel of the lamp hanging above you does not shake dust into your eyes.’ Xiangyun only laughed and would not come over.後來大家撐不住笑了，老太太才笑了，說‘倒扮上男人好看了’。”林黛玉道：“這算什麼。At last no one could hold back their laughter, and only then did the Old Lady laugh and say, ‘She looks quite handsome dressed as a boy.’” Lin Daiyu said, “That was nothing.惟有前年正月里接了他來，住了沒兩日就下起雪來，老太太和舅母那日想是才拜了影回來，老太太的一個新新的大紅猩猩氈斗篷放在那里，誰知眼錯不見他就披了，又大又長，他就拿了個汗巾子攔腰系上，和丫頭們在後院子扑雪人兒去，一跤栽到溝跟前，弄了一身泥水。”說著，大家想著前情，都笑了。The best was the year before last, when she came in the first month. She had been here no more than two days when it began to snow. The Old Lady and Aunt had apparently just returned from paying homage before the ancestral portraits, and a brand-new cloak of the Old Lady’s, made of bright red orangutan felt, had been left lying there. The moment no one was looking, Xiangyun put it on. It was much too large and long, so she tied a handkerchief around her waist and went with the maids to make a snowman in the back courtyard. She tumbled headlong beside the ditch and covered herself in mud and slush.” As she spoke, they all recalled the incident and laughed.寶釵笑向那周奶媽道：“周媽，你們姑娘還是那麼淘氣不淘氣了？”周奶娘也笑了。Baochai smiled at Nanny Zhou. “Nanny Zhou, is your young lady still as mischievous as ever?” Nanny Zhou laughed too.迎春笑道：“淘氣也罷了，我就嫌他愛說話。Yingchun said with a smile, “I would not mind her mischief; what bothers me is how much she talks.也沒見睡在那里還是咭咭呱呱，笑一陣，說一陣，也不知那里來的那些話。”王夫人道：“只怕如今好了。1. Yet even lying there asleep, she still chatters away—laughing awhile, talking awhile; goodness knows where she finds so much to say.” Lady Wang said, “Perhaps she is better now.前日有人家來相看，眼見有婆婆家了，還是那們著。”賈母因問：“今兒還是住著，還是家去呢？”周奶娘笑道：“老太太沒有看見衣服都帶了來，可不住兩天？”史湘雲問道：“寶玉哥哥不在家么？”寶釵笑道：“他再不想著別人，只想寶兄弟，兩個人好憨的。2. The other day a family came to look her over, and she plainly has a prospective husband’s family now, yet she still behaves like that.” Grandmother Jia asked, “Will you be staying today, or going home?” Nanny Zhou laughed. “Surely Your Ladyship saw that she brought all her clothes—would she not stay a couple of days?” Shi Xiangyun asked, “Is Cousin Baoyu not at home?” Baochai laughed. “She thinks of no one else, only Cousin Bao. What a pair of innocents they are!這可見還沒改了淘氣。”賈母道：“如今你們大了，別提小名兒了。”剛只說著，只見寶玉來了，笑道：“云妹妹來了。3. That shows she has not grown out of her mischief yet.” Grandmother Jia said, “You are grown up now; you should stop using childhood names.” They were just speaking when Baoyu came in and said with a smile, “Sister Yun, you have come!怎麼前兒打發人接你去，怎麼不來？”王夫人道：“這里老太太才說這一個，他又來提名道姓的了。”林黛玉道：“你哥哥得了好東西，等著你呢。”史湘雲道：“什麼好東西？”寶玉笑道：“你信他呢！4. Why did you not come the other day, when I sent someone to fetch you?” Lady Wang said, “Her Ladyship was only just speaking of that, and here he is using names again.” Lin Daiyu said, “Your brother has something fine waiting for you.” Shi Xiangyun asked, “What fine thing?” Baoyu laughed. “Do you believe her?幾日不見，越發高了。”湘雲笑道：“襲人姐姐好？”寶玉道：“多謝你記挂。”湘雲道：“我給他帶了好東西來了。”說著，拿出手帕子來，挽著一個疙瘩。5. I have not seen you for a few days, and you have grown taller still.” Xiangyun smiled. “Is Sister Xiren well?” Baoyu said, “Thank you for remembering her.” Xiangyun said, “I have brought her something nice.” As she spoke, she took out a handkerchief tied into a bundle.寶玉道：“什麼好的？6. Baoyu asked, “What is it that is so nice?你倒不如把前兒送來的那种絳紋石的戒指兒帶兩個給他。”湘雲笑道：“這是什麼？”說著便打開。7. You would have done better to bring her two of those crimson-veined stone rings you sent the other day.” Xiangyun laughed. “What do you think these are?” And with that, she opened the bundle.眾人看時，果然就是上次送來的那絳紋戒指，一包四個。8. When everyone looked, they saw that they were indeed rings of the same crimson-veined stone she had sent before, four wrapped together.林黛玉笑道：“你們瞧瞧他這主意。9. Lin Daiyu laughed. “Just look at the way she goes about things!前兒一般的打發人給我們送了來，你就把他的帶來豈不省事？10. The other day you sent the same rings to us by a servant; would it not have saved trouble simply to include theirs then?今兒巴巴的自己帶了來，我當又是什麼新奇東西，原來還是他。11. Today you have gone out of your way to bring them yourself. I thought they must be some new curiosity, but they turn out to be the same things.真真你是糊涂人。”史湘雲笑道：“你才糊涂呢！12. You truly are a muddlehead.” Shi Xiangyun laughed. “You are the muddlehead!我把這理說出來，大家評一評誰糊涂。13. Let me explain my reasoning, and everyone can judge which of us is muddled.給你們送東西，就是使來的不用說話，拿進來一看，自然就知是送姑娘們的了，若帶他們的東西，這得我先告訴來人，這是那一個丫頭的，那是那一個丫頭的，那使來的人明白還好，再糊涂些，丫頭的名字他也不記得，混鬧胡說的，反連你們的東西都攪糊涂了。14. When I sent things to you, the messenger had no need to say anything: once they were carried in and seen, it was naturally clear that they were gifts for the young ladies. But if I had included things for the maids, I should first have had to tell the messenger which belonged to which maid. It might have been all right if the messenger understood; but if he were at all muddleheaded, he might not even remember the maids’ names, and with all his confused nonsense he would end by mixing up your things as well.若是打發個女人素日知道的還罷了，偏生前兒又打發小子來，可怎麼說丫頭們的名字呢？15. If I had sent a woman who knew the household well, that might have done; but as it happened, the other day I sent a young man. How could I tell him the maids’ names?橫豎我來給他們帶來，豈不清白。”說著，把四個戒指放下，說道：“襲人姐姐一個，鴛鴦姐姐一個，金釧兒姐姐一個，平兒姐姐一個：這倒是四個人的，難道小子們也記得這們清白？”眾人聽了都笑道：“果然明白。”寶玉笑道：“還是這麼會說話，不讓人。”林黛玉聽了，冷笑道：“他不會說話，他的金麒麟會說話。”一面說著，便起身走了。16. Since I was coming anyway, I brought the rings for them myself; is that not perfectly clear?” She set down the four rings and said, “One for Sister Xiren, one for Sister Yuanyang, one for Sister Jinchuan, and one for Sister Ping’er. They belong to four different people—could the young men possibly have remembered everything so clearly?” Everyone laughed. “That is sound reasoning indeed.” Baoyu said with a smile, “You are as quick-tongued as ever and never yield to anyone.” On hearing this, Lin Daiyu sneered, “She may not know how to talk, but her golden qilin does.” With that, she rose and left.幸而諸人都不曾聽見，只有薛寶釵抿嘴一笑。17. Fortunately, no one else heard her; only Xue Baochai pursed her lips in a smile.寶玉聽見了，倒自己後悔又說錯了話，忽見寶釵一笑，由不得也笑了。18. Baoyu had heard, however, and regretted having said the wrong thing yet again. Then, seeing Baochai smile, he could not help smiling too.寶釵見寶玉笑了，忙起身走開，找了林黛玉去說話。19. When Baochai saw Baoyu smile, she hurriedly rose and went away to find Lin Daiyu and talk with her.

一时黛玉去后，就有人说“薛大爷请”，宝玉只得去了。原来是吃酒，不能推辞，只得尽席而散。晚间回来，已带了几分酒，踉跄来至自己院内，只见院中早把乘凉枕榻设下，榻上有个人睡著。宝玉只当是袭人，一面在榻沿上坐下，一面推他，问道：“疼的好些了？”只见那人翻身起来说：“何苦来，又招我！”宝玉一看，原来不是袭人，却是晴雯。宝玉将他一拉，拉在身旁坐下，笑道：“你的性子越发惯娇了。早起就是跌了扇子，我不过说了那两句，你就说上那些话。说我也罢了，袭人好意来劝，你又括上他，你自己想想，该不该？”晴雯道：“怪热的，拉拉扯扯作什么！叫人来看见象什么！我这身子也不配坐在这里。”宝玉笑道：“你既知道不配，为什么睡著呢？”晴雯没的话，嗤的又笑了，说：“你不来便使得，你来了就不配了。起来，让我洗澡去。袭人麝月都洗了澡。我叫了他们来。”宝玉笑道：“我才又吃了好些酒，还得洗一洗。你既没有洗，拿了水来咱们两个洗。”晴雯摇手笑道：“罢，罢，我不敢惹爷。还记得碧痕打发你洗澡，足有两三个时辰，也不知道作什么呢。我们也不好进去的。后来洗完了，进去瞧瞧，地下的水淹著床腿，连席子上都汪著水，也不知是怎么洗了，笑了几天。我也没那工夫收拾，也不用同我洗去。今儿也凉快，那会子洗了，可以不用再洗。我倒舀一盆水来，你洗洗脸通通头。才刚鸳鸯送了好些果子来，都湃在那水晶缸里呢，叫他们打发你吃。”宝玉笑道：“既这么著，你也不许洗去，只洗洗手来拿果子来吃罢。”晴雯笑道：“我慌张的很，连扇子还跌折了，那里还配打发吃果子。倘或再打破了盘子，还更了不得呢。”宝玉笑道：“你爱打就打，这些东西原不过是借人所用，你爱这样，我爱那样，各自性情不同。比如那扇子原是扇的，你要撕著玩也可以使得，只是不可生气时拿他出气。就如杯盘，原是盛东西的，你喜听那一声响，就故意的碎了也可以使得，只是别在生气时拿他出气。这就是爱物了。”晴雯听了，笑道：“既这么说，你就拿了扇子来我撕。我最喜欢撕的。”宝玉听了，便笑著递与他。晴雯果然接过来，嗤的一声，撕了两半，接著嗤嗤又听几声。宝玉在旁笑著说：“响的好，再撕响些！”正说著，只见麝月走过来，笑道：“少作些孽罢。”宝玉赶上来，一把将他手里的扇子也夺了递与晴雯。晴雯接了，也撕了几半子，二人都大笑。麝月道：“这是怎么说，拿我的东西开心儿？”宝玉笑道：“打开扇子匣子你拣去，什么好东西！”麝月道：“既这么说，就把匣子搬了出来，让他尽力的撕，岂不好？”宝玉笑道：“你就搬去。”麝月道：“我可不造这孽。他也没折了手，叫他自己搬去。”晴雯笑著，倚在床上说道：“我也乏了，明儿再撕罢。”宝玉笑道：“古人云，‘千金难买一笑’，几把扇子能值几何！”一面说著，一面叫袭人。袭人才换了衣服走出来，小丫头佳蕙过来拾去破扇，大家乘凉，不消细说。至次日午间，王夫人，薛宝钗，林黛玉众姊妹正在贾母房内坐著，就有人回：“史大姑娘来了。”一时果见史湘云带领众多丫鬟媳妇走进院来。宝钗，黛玉等忙迎至阶下相见。青年姊妹间经月不见，一旦相逢，其亲密自不必细说。一时进入房中，请安问好，都见过了。贾母因说：“天热，把外头的衣服脱脱罢。”史湘云忙起身宽衣。王夫人因笑道：“也没见穿上这些作什么？”史湘云笑道：“都是二婶婶叫穿的，谁愿意穿这些。”宝钗一旁笑道：“姨娘不知道，他穿衣裳还更爱穿别人的衣裳。可记得旧年三四月里，他在这里住著，把宝兄弟的袍子穿上，靴子也穿上，额子也勒上，猛一瞧倒象是宝兄弟，就是多两个坠子。他站在那椅子后边，哄的老太太只是叫‘宝玉，你过来，仔细那上头挂的灯穗子招下灰来，迷了眼。’他只是笑，也不过去。后来大家撑不住笑了，老太太才笑了，说‘倒扮上男人好看了’。”林黛玉道：“这算什么。惟有前年正月里接了他来，住了没两日就下起雪来，老太太和舅母那日想是才拜了影回来，老太太的一个新新的大红猩猩毡斗篷放在那里，谁知眼错不见他就披了，又大又长，他就拿了个汗巾子拦腰系上，和丫头们在后院子扑雪人儿去，一跤栽到沟跟前，弄了一身泥水。”说著，大家想著前情，都笑了。宝钗笑向那周奶妈道：“周妈，你们姑娘还是那么淘气不淘气了？”周奶娘也笑了。迎春笑道：“淘气也罢了，我就嫌他爱说话。也没见睡在那里还是咭咭呱呱，笑一阵，说一阵，也不知那里来的那些话。”王夫人道：“只怕如今好了。前日有人家来相看，眼见有婆婆家了，还是那们著。”贾母因问：“今儿还是住著，还是家去呢？”周奶娘笑道：“老太太没有看见衣服都带了来，可不住两天？”史湘云问道：“宝玉哥哥不在家么？”宝钗笑道：“他再不想著别人，只想宝兄弟，两个人好憨的。这可见还没改了淘气。”贾母道：“如今你们大了，别提小名儿了。”刚只说著，只见宝玉来了，笑道：“云妹妹来了。怎么前儿打发人接你去，怎么不来？”王夫人道：“这里老太太才说这一个，他又来提名道姓的了。”林黛玉道：“你哥哥得了好东西，等著你呢。”史湘云道：“什么好东西？”宝玉笑道：“你信他呢！几日不见，越发高了。”湘云笑道：“袭人姐姐好？”宝玉道：“多谢你记挂。”湘云道：“我给他带了好东西来了。”说著，拿出手帕子来，挽著一个疙瘩。宝玉道：“什么好的？你倒不如把前儿送来的那种绛纹石的戒指儿带两个给他。”湘云笑道：“这是什么？”说著便打开。众人看时，果然就是上次送来的那绛纹戒指，一包四个。林黛玉笑道：“你们瞧瞧他这主意。前儿一般的打发人给我们送了来，你就把他的带来岂不省事？今儿巴巴的自己带了来，我当又是什么新奇东西，原来还是他。真真你是糊涂人。”史湘云笑道：“你才糊涂呢！我把这理说出来，大家评一评谁糊涂。给你们送东西，就是使来的不用说话，拿进来一看，自然就知是送姑娘们的了，若带他们的东西，这得我先告诉来人，这是那一个丫头的，那是那一个丫头的，那使来的人明白还好，再糊涂些，丫头的名字他也不记得，混闹胡说的，反连你们的东西都搅糊涂了。若是打发个女人素日知道的还罢了，偏生前儿又打发小子来，可怎么说丫头们的名字呢？横竖我来给他们带来，岂不清白。”说著，把四个戒指放下，说道：“袭人姐姐一个，鸳鸯姐姐一个，金钏儿姐姐一个，平儿姐姐一个：这倒是四个人的，难道小子们也记得这们清白？”众人听了都笑道：“果然明白。”宝玉笑道：“还是这么会说话，不让人。”林黛玉听了，冷笑道：“他不会说话，他的金麒麟会说话。”一面说著，便起身走了。幸而诸人都不曾听见，只有薛宝钗抿嘴一笑。宝玉听见了，倒自己后悔又说错了话，忽见宝钗一笑，由不得也笑了。宝钗见宝玉笑了，忙起身走开，找了林黛玉去说话。

賈母向湘雲道：“吃了茶歇一歇，瞧瞧你的嫂子們去。20. Grandmother Jia said to Xiangyun, “Have some tea and rest awhile, then go and see your sisters-in-law.園里也涼快，同你姐姐們去逛逛。”湘雲答應了，將三個戒指兒包上，歇了一歇，便起身要瞧鳳姐等人去。21. It is cool in the Garden too; go and stroll there with your cousins.” Xiangyun assented, wrapped up the other three rings, and, after resting awhile, rose to visit Xifeng and the others.眾奶娘丫頭跟著，到了鳳姐那里，說笑了一回，出來便往大觀園來，見過了李宮裁，少坐片時，便往怡紅院來找襲人。22. Followed by her nannies and maids, she went to Xifeng’s quarters, where they talked and laughed for a while. On leaving, she headed toward the Grand View Garden, paid her respects to Li Gongcai, sat with her briefly, and then went to Happy Red Court to find Xiren.因回頭說道：“你們不必跟著，只管瞧你們的朋友親戚去，留下翠縷伏侍就是了。”眾人聽了，自去尋姑覓嫂，早剩下湘雲翠縷兩個人。23. Turning to her attendants, she said, “You need not follow me. Go and visit your own friends and relations; Cuilü alone can stay to wait on me.” At this, they all went off to seek out their aunts and sisters-in-law, and soon only Xiangyun and Cuilü remained.翠縷道：“這荷花怎麼還不開？”史湘雲道：“時侯沒到。”翠縷道：“這也和咱們家池子里的一樣，也是樓子花？”湘雲道：“他們這個還不如咱們的。”翠縷道：“他們那邊有棵石榴，接連四五枝，真是樓子上起樓子，這也難為他長。”史湘雲道：“花草也是同人一樣，氣脈充足，長的就好。”翠縷把臉一扭，說道：“我不信這話。24. Cuilü asked, “Why have these lotuses still not bloomed?” Shi Xiangyun said, “Their season has not come.” Cuilü asked, “Are they the same as those in the pond at our house—double-decked flowers?” Xiangyun replied, “These are not as fine as ours.” Cuilü said, “Over there they have a pomegranate tree with four or five branches all joined together—truly tier upon tier. It is a wonder it can grow that way.” Shi Xiangyun said, “Flowers and plants are like people: when their vital force is abundant, they grow well.” Cuilü turned her face aside. “I do not believe that.若說同人一樣，我怎麼不見頭上又長出一個頭來的人？”湘雲聽了由不得一笑，說道：“我說你不用說話，你偏好說。25. If they are like people, why have I never seen a person with another head growing out of the first?” Xiangyun could not help laughing. “I tell you not to speak, yet you insist on talking.這叫人怎麼好答言？26. How is anyone supposed to answer that?天地間都賦陰陽二氣所生，或正或邪，或奇或怪，千變萬化，都是陰陽順逆。27. Everything between Heaven and Earth is born endowed with the two forces of yin and yang; whether orthodox or perverse, rare or strange, all its myriad transformations arise from the harmonious or contrary workings of yin and yang.多少一生出來，人罕見的就奇，究竟理還是一樣。”翠縷道：“這麼說起來，從古至今，開天辟地，都是陰陽了？”湘雲笑道：“糊涂東西，越說越放屁。28. Many things seem wondrous merely because, once born, they are seldom seen; but the underlying principle is still the same.” Cuilü asked, “By that account, from ancient times to the present, ever since Heaven and Earth were first divided, everything has been all sorts of yin and yang?” Xiangyun laughed. “You silly creature—the more you talk, the more nonsense you spout!什麼‘都是些陰陽’，難道還有個陰陽不成！‘陰’‘陽’兩個字還只是一字，陽盡了就成陰，陰盡了就成陽，不是陰盡了又有個陽生出來，陽盡了又有個陰生出來。”翠縷道：“這糊涂死了我！29. What do you mean, ‘all sorts of yin and yang’? Do you imagine there is some separate thing called a yin-yang? Though written with two characters, ‘yin’ and ‘yang’ are but one thing: when yang reaches its end, it becomes yin; when yin reaches its end, it becomes yang. It is not that, when yin is exhausted, another yang springs into being, or that, when yang is exhausted, another yin appears.” Cuilü said, “I am utterly muddled!什麼是個陰陽，沒影沒形的。30. What is this yin and yang? It has neither shadow nor shape.我只問姑娘，這陰陽是怎麼個樣兒？”湘雲道：“陰陽可有什麼樣兒，不過是個氣，器物賦了成形。31. I only ask you, miss: what does yin and yang look like?” Xiangyun replied, “How could yin and yang have any appearance? They are merely a vital force; only when material things receive that force do they take form.比如天是陽，地就是陰，水是陰，火就是陽，日是陽，月就是陰。”翠縷聽了，笑道：“是了，是了，我今兒可明白了。32. For example, Heaven is yang and Earth is yin; water is yin and fire is yang; the sun is yang and the moon is yin.” Cuilü listened and laughed. “Yes, yes, now I understand.怪道人都管著日頭叫‘太陽’呢，算命的管著月亮叫什麼‘太陰星’，就是這個理了。”湘雲笑道：“阿彌陀佛！33. No wonder everyone calls the sun taiyang, ‘Great Yang,’ while fortune-tellers call the moon the Taiyin Star, ‘Great Yin.’ So that is the principle.” Xiangyun laughed. “Amitabha!剛剛的明白了。”翠縷道：“這些大東西有陰陽也罷了，難道那些蚊子，虼蚤，蠓虫兒，花兒，草兒，瓦片兒，磚頭兒也有陰陽不成？”湘雲道：“怎麼有沒陰陽的呢？34. At last you understand.” Cuilü said, “Very well for these great things to have yin and yang, but do mosquitoes, fleas, gnats, flowers, grasses, tiles, and bricks have yin and yang too?” Xiangyun replied, “How could anything be without yin and yang?比如那一個樹葉兒還分陰陽呢，那邊向上朝陽的便是陽，這邊背陰覆下的便是陰。”翠縷聽了，點頭笑道：“原來這樣，我可明白了。35. Even a leaf has its yin and yang: the upper side, turned toward the sun, is yang; the underside, turned away in shade, is yin.” Cuilü nodded and laughed. “So that is how it is. Now I understand.只是咱們這手里的扇子，怎麼是陽，怎麼是陰呢？”湘雲道：“這邊正面就是陽，那邊反面就為陰。”翠縷又點頭笑了，還要拿幾件東西問，因想不起個什麼來，猛低頭就看見湘雲宮絛上繫的金麒麟，便提起來問道：“姑娘，這個難道也有陰陽？”湘雲道：“走獸飛禽，雄為陽，雌為陰，牝為陰，牡為陽。36. But what of the fan in our hand—which part is yang and which is yin?” Xiangyun replied, “The front is yang, and the back is yin.” Cuilü nodded and laughed again. She wanted to ask about several more things, but could not think of any. Suddenly lowering her head, she saw the golden qilin fastened to Xiangyun’s palace cord. Lifting it, she asked, “Miss, can this have yin and yang too?” Xiangyun replied, “Among beasts and birds, the male is yang and the female yin; the dam is yin and the sire yang.怎麼沒有呢！”翠縷道：“這是公的，到底是母的呢？”湘雲道：“這連我也不知道。”翠縷道：“這也罷了，怎麼東西都有陰陽，咱們人倒沒有陰陽呢？”湘雲照臉啐了一口道“下流東西，好生走罷！37. How could it not?” Cuilü asked, “Then is this one male or female?” Xiangyun said, “Even I do not know that.” Cuilü said, “Never mind that. But if everything has yin and yang, how is it that we human beings do not?” Xiangyun spat in her face. “You vulgar creature! Mind where you are going!越問越問出好的來了！”翠縷笑道：“這有什麼不告訴我的呢？38. The more you ask, the more improper your questions become!” Cuilü laughed. “Why should you not tell me?我也知道了，不用難我。”湘雲笑道：“你知道什麼？”翠縷道：“姑娘是陽，我就是陰。”說著，湘雲拿手帕子握著嘴，呵呵的笑起來。39. I know now; you need not try to stump me.” Xiangyun laughed. “What do you know?” Cuilü said, “You, miss, are yang, and I am yin.” At this, Xiangyun covered her mouth with her handkerchief and burst into laughter.翠縷道：“說是了，就笑的這樣了。”湘雲道：“很是，很是。”翠縷道：“人規矩主子為陽，奴才為陰。40. Cuilü said, “I got it right, and that is why you are laughing so!” Xiangyun replied, “Quite right, quite right.” Cuilü said, “Among people, by convention the master is yang and the servant yin.我連這個大道理也不懂得？”湘雲笑道：“你很懂得。”一面說，一面走，剛到薔薇架下，湘雲道：“你瞧那是誰掉的首飾，金晃晃在那里。”翠縷聽了，忙赶上拾在手里攥著，笑道：“可分出陰陽來了。”說著，先拿史湘雲的麒麟瞧。41. Do you think I do not understand even that great principle?” Xiangyun laughed. “You understand it very well.” They spoke as they walked, and just as they reached the rose trellis, Xiangyun said, “Look—someone has dropped an ornament. It is gleaming gold over there.” Cuilü hurried forward, picked it up, and clutched it in her hand. “Now we can tell which is yin and which yang.” As she spoke, she first examined Shi Xiangyun’s qilin.湘雲要他揀的瞧，翠縷只管不放手，笑道：“是件寶貝，姑娘瞧不得。42. Xiangyun wanted to see the one she had picked up, but Cuilü kept her hand closed and laughed. “It is a treasure; you must not look at it, miss.這是從那里來的？43. Where could it have come from?好奇怪！44. How strange!我從來在這里沒見有人有這個。”湘雲笑道：“拿來我看。”翠縷將手一撒，笑道：“請看。”湘雲舉目一驗，卻是文彩輝煌的一個金麒麟，比自己佩的又大又有文彩。45. I have never seen anyone here with one like it.” Xiangyun laughed. “Give it to me to see.” Cuilü opened her hand and said with a smile, “Pray look.” Xiangyun raised her eyes and examined it. It was a splendidly wrought golden qilin, larger and more ornate than the one she herself wore.湘雲伸手擎在掌上，只是默默不語，正自出神，忽見寶玉從那邊來了，笑問道：“你兩個在這日頭底下作什麼呢？46. Xiangyun reached out and held it in her palm, remaining silent and lost in thought. Suddenly she saw Baoyu coming from the other direction. He asked with a smile, “What are you two doing out here in the sun?怎麼不找襲人去？”湘雲連忙將那麒麟藏起道：“正要去呢。47. Why have you not gone to find Xiren?” Xiangyun quickly hid the qilin and said, “We were just going there.咱們一處走。”說著，大家進入怡紅院來。48. Let us walk together.” So saying, they all entered Happy Red Court.襲人正在階下倚檻追風，忽見湘雲來了，連忙迎下來，攜手笑說一向久別情況。49. Xiren was leaning against the balustrade below the steps, enjoying the breeze. When she suddenly saw Xiangyun, she hurried down to welcome her, took her hand, and smilingly exchanged news with her after their long separation.一時進來歸坐，寶玉因笑道：“你該早來，我得了一件好東西，專等你呢。”說著，一面在身上摸掏，掏了半天，呵呀了一聲，便問襲人“那個東西你收起來了么？”襲人道：“什麼東西？”寶玉道：“前兒得的麒麟。”襲人道：“你天天帶在身上的，怎麼問我？”寶玉聽了，將手一拍說道：“這可丟了，往那里找去！”就要起身自己尋去。50. Presently they went inside and took their seats. Baoyu said with a smile, “You should have come sooner. I found something very fine and have been keeping it especially for you.” As he spoke, he felt about his clothes and searched for some time. Then, with a startled cry, he asked Xiren, “Did you put that thing away?” Xiren asked, “What thing?” Baoyu said, “The qilin I got the other day.” Xiren replied, “You carry it on you every day; why ask me?” Baoyu clapped his hands. “Then it is lost! Where am I to look for it?” And he rose to go and search for it himself.湘雲聽了，方知是他遺落的，便笑問道：“你幾時又有了麒麟了？”寶玉道：“前兒好容易得的呢，不知多早晚丟了，我也糊涂了。”湘雲笑道：“幸而是頑的東西，還是這麼慌張。”說著，將手一撒，“你瞧瞧，是這個不是？”寶玉一見由不得歡喜非常，因說道……51. Only then did Xiangyun realize that he had dropped it. She asked with a smile, “When did you acquire a qilin?” Baoyu said, “I only managed to get it with great difficulty the other day. I have no idea when I lost it—I am muddleheaded too.” Xiangyun laughed. “Luckily it is only a trinket, yet see how frantic you are.” With that, she opened her hand. “Look—is this the one?” At the sight of it, Baoyu was beside himself with delight, and said...不知是如何，且聽下回分解。52. What he said remains to be told; listen to the next chapter for the explanation.

贾母向湘云道：“吃了茶歇一歇，瞧瞧你的嫂子们去。园里也凉快，同你姐姐们去逛逛。”湘云答应了，将三个戒指儿包上，歇了一歇，便起身要瞧凤姐等人去。众奶娘丫头跟著，到了凤姐那里，说笑了一回，出来便往大观园来，见过了李宫裁，少坐片时，便往怡红院来找袭人。因回头说道：“你们不必跟著，只管瞧你们的朋友亲戚去，留下翠缕伏侍就是了。”众人听了，自去寻姑觅嫂，早剩下湘云翠缕两个人。翠缕道：“这荷花怎么还不开？”史湘云道：“时侯没到。”翠缕道：“这也和咱们家池子里的一样，也是楼子花？”湘云道：“他们这个还不如咱们的。”翠缕道：“他们那边有棵石榴，接连四五枝，真是楼子上起楼子，这也难为他长。”史湘云道：“花草也是同人一样，气脉充足，长的就好。”翠缕把脸一扭，说道：“我不信这话。若说同人一样，我怎么不见头上又长出一个头来的人？”湘云听了由不得一笑，说道：“我说你不用说话，你偏好说。这叫人怎么好答言？天地间都赋阴阳二气所生，或正或邪，或奇或怪，千变万化，都是阴阳顺逆。多少一生出来，人罕见的就奇，究竟理还是一样。”翠缕道：“这么说起来，从古至今，开天辟地，都是阴阳了？”湘云笑道：“糊涂东西，越说越放屁。什么‘都是些阴阳’，难道还有个阴阳不成！‘阴’‘阳’两个字还只是一字，阳尽了就成阴，阴尽了就成阳，不是阴尽了又有个阳生出来，阳尽了又有个阴生出来。”翠缕道：“这糊涂死了我！什么是个阴阳，没影没形的。我只问姑娘，这阴阳是怎么个样儿？”湘云道：“阴阳可有什么样儿，不过是个气，器物赋了成形。比如天是阳，地就是阴，水是阴，火就是阳，日是阳，月就是阴。”翠缕听了，笑道：“是了，是了，我今儿可明白了。怪道人都管著日头叫‘太阳’呢，算命的管著月亮叫什么‘太阴星’，就是这个理了。”湘云笑道：“阿弥陀佛！刚刚的明白了。”翠缕道：“这些大东西有阴阳也罢了，难道那些蚊子，虼蚤，蠓虫儿，花儿，草儿，瓦片儿，砖头儿也有阴阳不成？”湘云道：“怎么有没阴阳的呢？比如那一个树叶儿还分阴阳呢，那边向上朝阳的便是阳，这边背阴覆下的便是阴。”翠缕听了，点头笑道：“原来这样，我可明白了。只是咱们这手里的扇子，怎么是阳，怎么是阴呢？”湘云道：“这边正面就是阳，那边反面就为阴。”翠缕又点头笑了，还要拿几件东西问，因想不起个什么来，猛低头就看见湘云宫绦上系的金麒麟，便提起来问道：“姑娘，这个难道也有阴阳？”湘云道：“走兽飞禽，雄为阳，雌为阴，牝为阴，牡为阳。怎么没有呢！”翠缕道：“这是公的，到底是母的呢？”湘云道：“这连我也不知道。”翠缕道：“这也罢了，怎么东西都有阴阳，咱们人倒没有阴阳呢？”湘云照脸啐了一口道“下流东西，好生走罢！越问越问出好的来了！”翠缕笑道：“这有什么不告诉我的呢？我也知道了，不用难我。”湘云笑道：“你知道什么？”翠缕道：“姑娘是阳，我就是阴。”说著，湘云拿手帕子握著嘴，呵呵的笑起来。翠缕道：“说是了，就笑的这样了。”湘云道：“很是，很是。”翠缕道：“人规矩主子为阳，奴才为阴。我连这个大道理也不懂得？”湘云笑道：“你很懂得。”一面说，一面走，刚到蔷薇架下，湘云道：“你瞧那是谁掉的首饰，金晃晃在那里。”翠缕听了，忙赶上拾在手里攥著，笑道：“可分出阴阳来了。”说著，先拿史湘云的麒麟瞧。湘云要他拣的瞧，翠缕只管不放手，笑道：“是件宝贝，姑娘瞧不得。这是从那里来的？好奇怪！我从来在这里没见有人有这个。”湘云笑道：“拿来我看。”翠缕将手一撒，笑道：“请看。”湘云举目一验，却是文彩辉煌的一个金麒麟，比自己佩的又大又有文彩。湘云伸手擎在掌上，只是默默不语，正自出神，忽见宝玉从那边来了，笑问道：“你两个在这日头底下作什么呢？怎么不找袭人去？”湘云连忙将那麒麟藏起道：“正要去呢。咱们一处走。”说著，大家进入怡红院来。袭人正在阶下倚槛追风，忽见湘云来了，连忙迎下来，携手笑说一向久别情况。一时进来归坐，宝玉因笑道：“你该早来，我得了一件好东西，专等你呢。”说著，一面在身上摸掏，掏了半天，呵呀了一声，便问袭人“那个东西你收起来了么？”袭人道：“什么东西？”宝玉道：“前儿得的麒麟。”袭人道：“你天天带在身上的，怎么问我？”宝玉听了，将手一拍说道：“这可丢了，往那里找去！”就要起身自己寻去。湘云听了，方知是他遗落的，便笑问道：“你几时又有了麒麟了？”宝玉道：“前儿好容易得的呢，不知多早晚丢了，我也糊涂了。”湘云笑道：“幸而是顽的东西，还是这么慌张。”说著，将手一撒，“你瞧瞧，是这个不是？”宝玉一见由不得欢喜非常，因说道……不知是如何，且听下回分解。

注释53. Notes