第三十三回　手足耽耽小動唇舌　不肖種種大承笞撻 A Brother's Malice Sparks a War of Words; A Wayward Son Is Severely Flogged

卻說王夫人喚他母親上來，拿幾件簪環當面賞與，又吩咐請幾眾僧人念經超度。Now, Lady Wang summoned Jinchuan's mother, presented her with several hairpins and bracelets in person, and also gave orders for several monks to be engaged to chant sutras for the deliverance of her soul.他母親磕頭謝了出去。Her mother kowtowed in thanks and withdrew.原來寶玉會過雨村回來聽見了，便知金釧兒含羞賭氣自盡，心中早又五內摧傷，進來被王夫人數落教訓，也無可回說。It happened that Baoyu, having returned from meeting Yucun, had overheard all this and learned that Jinchuan, overcome with shame and resentment, had taken her own life; his heart was already torn with grief, and when he came in and was scolded and reprimanded by Lady Wang, he had nothing to say in reply.見寶釵進來，方得便出來，茫然不知何往，背著手，低頭一面感歎，一面慢慢的走著，信步來至廳上。Seeing Baochai come in, he seized the chance to slip out, wandering aimlessly with no idea where to go, hands clasped behind his back, head bowed, sighing as he walked slowly along, until his aimless steps brought him to the hall.剛轉過屏門，不想對面來了一人正往里走，可巧兒撞了個滿怀。Just as he turned past the screen door, someone happened to be coming the other way, walking inward, and by ill chance he ran full into him.只聽那人喝了一聲“站住！”寶玉唬了一跳，抬頭一看，不是別人，卻是他父親，不覺的倒抽了一口氣，只得垂手一旁站了。He heard the man bark, "Stop right there!" Baoyu started in fright, and raising his head to look, saw it was none other than his father; involuntarily he caught his breath, and could only stand aside with his hands at his sides.賈政道：“好端端的，你垂頭喪氣嗐些什麼？Jia Zheng said, "What's this, moping about looking so downcast for no reason at all?方才雨村來了要見你，叫你那半天你才出來，既出來了，全無一點慷慨揮灑談吐，仍是葳葳蕤蕤。Just now when Yucun came wanting to see you, it took half the day of calling before you came out, and once you did come out, you showed not the slightest trace of open, spirited conversation — you were as listless and droopy as ever.我看你臉上一團思欲愁悶氣色，這會子又咳聲歎氣。I see your face is clouded all over with brooding and gloom, and now here you are sighing and groaning again.你那些還不足，還不自在？Isn't all that you have enough for you? Aren't you comfortable enough?無故這樣，卻是為何？”寶玉素日雖是口角伶俐，只是此時一心總為金釧兒感傷，恨不得此時也身亡命殞，跟了金釧兒去。To be like this for no reason at all — what is it about?" Although Baoyu was normally quick and glib of tongue, at this moment his whole heart was given over to grief for Jinchuan, and he wished he might die then and there and follow her.如今見了他父親說這些話，究竟不曾聽見，只是怔呵呵的站著。So now, though his father stood before him saying all this, he had not really heard a word of it, and simply stood there in a daze.

却说王夫人唤他母亲上来，拿几件簪环当面赏与，又吩咐请几众僧人念经超度。他母亲磕头谢了出去。原来宝玉会过雨村回来听见了，便知金钏儿含羞赌气自尽，心中早又五内摧伤，进来被王夫人数落教训，也无可回说。见宝钗进来，方得便出来，茫然不知何往，背著手，低头一面感叹，一面慢慢的走著，信步来至厅上。刚转过屏门，不想对面来了一人正往里走，可巧儿撞了个满怀。只听那人喝了一声“站住！”宝玉唬了一跳，抬头一看，不是别人，却是他父亲，不觉的倒抽了一口气，只得垂手一旁站了。贾政道：“好端端的，你垂头丧气嗐些什么？方才雨村来了要见你，叫你那半天你才出来，既出来了，全无一点慷慨挥洒谈吐，仍是葳葳蕤蕤。我看你脸上一团思欲愁闷气色，这会子又咳声叹气。你那些还不足，还不自在？无故这样，却是为何？”宝玉素日虽是口角伶俐，只是此时一心总为金钏儿感伤，恨不得此时也身亡命殒，跟了金钏儿去。如今见了他父亲说这些话，究竟不曾听见，只是怔呵呵的站著。

賈政見他惶悚，應對不似往日，原本無氣的，這一來倒生了三分氣。Seeing him so flustered and answering so unlike his usual self, Jia Zheng, who had not really been angry to begin with, now grew a good three parts angry because of it.方欲說話，忽有回事人來回：“忠順親王府里有人來，要見老爺。”賈政聽了，心下疑惑，暗暗思忖道：“素日并不和忠順府來往，為什麼今日打發人來？”一面想一面令“快請”，急走出來看時，卻是忠順府長史官，忙接進廳上坐了獻茶。Just as he was about to speak, a servant came to report: "Someone has come from the Prince of Zhongshun's mansion, wanting to see Your Lordship." Hearing this, Jia Zheng was puzzled, and thought to himself privately, "We have never had any dealings with the Zhongshun mansion in the past — why would they send someone today?" Even as he wondered, he gave the order, "Show him in at once," and hurried out to look, and found it was the mansion's chief steward; he quickly ushered him into the hall, had him sit, and offered him tea.未及敘談，那長史官先就說道：“下官此來，并非擅造潭府，皆因奉王命而來，有一件事相求。Before they had exchanged any pleasantries, the steward spoke first: "In coming here, I have not presumed to intrude upon your noble mansion on my own account — I come entirely under the prince's orders, on a matter I must ask your help with.看王爺面上，敢煩老大人作主，不但王爺知情，且連下官輩亦感謝不盡。”賈政聽了這話，抓不住頭腦，忙陪笑起身問道：“大人既奉王命而來，不知有何見諭，望大人宣明，學生好遵諭承辦。”那長史官便冷笑道：“也不必承辦，只用大人一句話就完了。For the sake of His Highness, might I trouble you, my lord, to decide the matter? Not only would His Highness be grateful to know of it, but we underlings too would be endlessly thankful." Hearing this, Jia Zheng could make neither head nor tail of it, and rose hastily with a smile, asking, "Since you come, sir, under the prince's command, pray what instruction do you bring? I beg you to state it plainly, so that I, your student, may act upon it accordingly." The steward gave a cold smile and said, "There's no need for you to act on anything — a single word from you, my lord, will settle it.我們府里有一個做小旦的琪官，一向好好在府里，如今竟三五日不見回去，各處去找，又摸不著他的道路，因此各處訪察。In our mansion there is an actor who plays young female roles, called Qiguan, who has always been perfectly settled with us; but now for three or five days he has not returned, and though we have searched everywhere, we cannot find any trace of his whereabouts, and so we have been making inquiries in every quarter.這一城內，十停人倒有八停人都說，他近日和銜玉的那位令郎相與甚厚。Within this city, eight out of every ten people say that recently he has been on very close terms with your honored son, the one born with the jade in his mouth.下官輩等聽了，尊府不比別家，可以擅入索取，因此啟明王爺。When we underlings heard this, we knew your noble house is not like other households, into which one might presume to enter and demand things, and so we reported the matter to His Highness.王爺亦云：‘若是別的戲子呢，一百個也罷了，只是這琪官隨机應答，謹慎老誠，甚合我老人家的心，竟斷斷少不得此人。’故此求老大人轉諭令郎，請將琪官放回，一則可慰王爺諄諄奉懇，二則下官輩也可免操勞求覓之苦。”說畢，忙打一躬。His Highness too said, 'Were it any other actor, even a hundred of them would not matter; but this Qiguan is quick-witted in his responses and careful and steady in his conduct, and he suits my old heart very well indeed — I truly cannot do without him.' For this reason I beg you, my lord, to pass word to your son, and ask that Qiguan be sent back: first, to answer His Highness's earnest entreaty, and second, so that we underlings may be spared the toil of searching further." Having said this, he bowed low at once.

贾政见他惶悚，应对不似往日，原本无气的，这一来倒生了三分气。方欲说话，忽有回事人来回：“忠顺亲王府里有人来，要见老爷。”贾政听了，心下疑惑，暗暗思忖道：“素日并不和忠顺府来往，为什么今日打发人来？”一面想一面令“快请”，急走出来看时，却是忠顺府长史官，忙接进厅上坐了献茶。未及叙谈，那长史官先就说道：“下官此来，并非擅造潭府，皆因奉王命而来，有一件事相求。看王爷面上，敢烦老大人作主，不但王爷知情，且连下官辈亦感谢不尽。”贾政听了这话，抓不住头脑，忙陪笑起身问道：“大人既奉王命而来，不知有何见谕，望大人宣明，学生好遵谕承办。”那长史官便冷笑道：“也不必承办，只用大人一句话就完了。我们府里有一个做小旦的琪官，一向好好在府里，如今竟三五日不见回去，各处去找，又摸不著他的道路，因此各处访察。这一城内，十停人倒有八停人都说，他近日和衔玉的那位令郎相与甚厚。下官辈等听了，尊府不比别家，可以擅入索取，因此启明王爷。王爷亦云：‘若是别的戏子呢，一百个也罢了，只是这琪官随机应答，谨慎老诚，甚合我老人家的心，竟断断少不得此人。’故此求老大人转谕令郎，请将琪官放回，一则可慰王爷谆谆奉恳，二则下官辈也可免操劳求觅之苦。”说毕，忙打一躬。

賈政聽了這話，又驚又氣，即命喚寶玉來。Hearing this, Jia Zheng was both startled and angry, and at once ordered that Baoyu be summoned.寶玉也不知是何原故，忙赶來時，賈政便問：“該死的奴才！Baoyu, not knowing what the matter was, hurried over, whereupon Jia Zheng demanded, "You wretch who deserves to die!你在家不讀書也罷了，怎麼又做出這些無法無天的事來！That you neglect your studies at home is bad enough — but how could you go and do such lawless, heaven-defying things!那琪官現是忠順王爺駕前承奉的人，你是何等草芥，無故引逗他出來，如今禍及于我。”寶玉聽了唬了一跳，忙回道：“實在不知此事。That Qiguan is at present a man in personal attendance before the Prince of Zhongshun himself — what sort of worthless nobody are you, that you should entice him away for no reason, and now bring disaster down upon me!" Hearing this, Baoyu was startled, and hastened to reply, "I truly know nothing of this matter.究竟連‘琪官’兩個字不知為何物，豈更又加‘引逗’二字！”說著便哭了。I don't even know what the two words 'Qiguan' refer to — how much less could there be any question of 'enticing' him!" And with this he began to weep.賈政未及開言，只見那長史官冷笑道：“公子也不必掩飾。Before Jia Zheng could speak, the steward gave a cold smile and said, "There is no need for young master to conceal anything.或隱藏在家，或知其下落，早說了出來，我們也少受些辛苦，豈不念公子之德？”寶玉連說不知，“恐是訛傳，也未見得。”那長史官冷笑道：“現有据證，何必還賴？Whether he is hidden away in your house, or you know where he has gone, speak up now, and we shall be spared some trouble — would that not be to remember your kindness, young master?" Baoyu repeatedly said he did not know, adding, "Perhaps it's a false rumor — it may not even be true." The steward gave a cold smile and said, "We have evidence in hand right now — why still deny it?必定當著老大人說了出來，公子豈不吃虧？If I must say it plainly in front of your honored father, would that not put young master at a disadvantage?既云不知此人，那紅汗巾子怎麼到了公子腰里？”寶玉聽了這話，不覺轟去魂魄，目瞪口呆，心下自思：“這話他如何得知！You say you don't know this person — then how did that red sash come to be at young master's waist?" Hearing this, Baoyu felt as though his very soul had been blasted away; he stared dumbstruck, speechless, and thought to himself, "How could he possibly know this!他既連這樣机密事都知道了，大約別的瞞他不過，不如打發他去了，免的再說出別的事來。”因說道：“大人既知他的底細，如何連他置買房舍這樣大事倒不曉得了？Since he already knows even such a secret matter as this, most likely there is nothing else I can hide from him either — better to send him on his way, so as to avoid his bringing up still other matters." So he said, "Since you, sir, already know all about him, how is it you don't know of so important a matter as his buying property and a house?聽得說他如今在東郊離城二十里有個什麼紫檀堡，他在那里置了幾畝田地幾間房舍。I have heard it said that he now has, some twenty li east of the city, a place called something like Zitan Bao, where he has bought several mu of land and a few rooms of house.想是在那里也未可知。”那長史官聽了，笑道：“這樣說，一定是在那里。It's quite possible he may be there — one can't be sure." Hearing this, the steward smiled and said, "If that's so, he must certainly be there.我且去找一回，若有了便罷，若沒有，還要來請教。”說著，便忙忙的走了。I shall go look for him there at once; if I find him, well and good, and if not, I shall have to come back and trouble you again for advice." So saying, he hurried off at once.

贾政听了这话，又惊又气，即命唤宝玉来。宝玉也不知是何原故，忙赶来时，贾政便问：“该死的奴才！你在家不读书也罢了，怎么又做出这些无法无天的事来！那琪官现是忠顺王爷驾前承奉的人，你是何等草芥，无故引逗他出来，如今祸及于我。”宝玉听了唬了一跳，忙回道：“实在不知此事。究竟连‘琪官’两个字不知为何物，岂更又加‘引逗’二字！”说著便哭了。贾政未及开言，只见那长史官冷笑道：“公子也不必掩饰。或隐藏在家，或知其下落，早说了出来，我们也少受些辛苦，岂不念公子之德？”宝玉连说不知，“恐是讹传，也未见得。”那长史官冷笑道：“现有据证，何必还赖？必定当著老大人说了出来，公子岂不吃亏？既云不知此人，那红汗巾子怎么到了公子腰里？”宝玉听了这话，不觉轰去魂魄，目瞪口呆，心下自思：“这话他如何得知！他既连这样机密事都知道了，大约别的瞒他不过，不如打发他去了，免的再说出别的事来。”因说道：“大人既知他的底细，如何连他置买房舍这样大事倒不晓得了？听得说他如今在东郊离城二十里有个什么紫檀堡，他在那里置了几亩田地几间房舍。想是在那里也未可知。”那长史官听了，笑道：“这样说，一定是在那里。我且去找一回，若有了便罢，若没有，还要来请教。”说著，便忙忙的走了。

賈政此時氣的目瞪口歪，一面送那長史官，一面回頭命寶玉“不許動！By now Jia Zheng was so angry his eyes stared and his mouth twisted; even as he saw the steward off, he turned back and ordered Baoyu, "Don't you dare move!回來有話問你！”一直送那官員去了。I'll have words to ask you when I get back!" And he went on to see the official all the way out.才回身，忽見賈環帶著幾個小廝一陣亂跑。He had scarcely turned around when he suddenly saw Jia Huan running wildly about with a few page boys.賈政喝令小廝“快打，快打！”賈環見了他父親，唬的骨軟筋酥，忙低頭站住。Jia Zheng shouted an order to the servants, "Beat them, beat them at once!" When Jia Huan saw his father, he was so frightened his bones went soft and his sinews weak, and he hastily bowed his head and stood still.賈政便問：“你跑什麼？Jia Zheng demanded, "What are you running for?帶著你的那些人都不管你，不知往那里逛去，由你野馬一般！”喝令叫跟上學的人來。Those people assigned to look after you pay you no mind at all — who knows where they've wandered off to — letting you run wild like an unbroken colt!" And he shouted an order to summon those in charge of accompanying him to school.賈環見他父親盛怒，便乘机說道：“方才原不曾跑，只因從那井邊一過，那井里淹死了一個丫頭，我看見人頭這樣大，身子這樣粗，泡的實在可怕，所以才赶著跑了過來。”賈政聽了驚疑，問道：“好端端的，誰去跳井？Seeing his father in such a rage, Jia Huan seized the chance to say, "Actually I wasn't running just now — it's only that as I passed by that well over there, I saw that a maid had drowned in it; her head was so swollen and her body so bloated, soaked till it was truly frightful to look at, and that's why I ran hurrying over here." Hearing this, Jia Zheng was alarmed and puzzled, and asked, "What's this — for no reason at all, who has gone and jumped into a well?我家從無這樣事情，自祖宗以來，皆是寬柔以待下人。——大約我近年于家務疏懶，自然執事人操克奪之權，致使生出這暴殄輕生的禍患。Nothing of this kind has ever happened in our family — ever since our ancestors' time, servants have always been treated with leniency and kindness. It must be that in recent years I have grown lax in household affairs, so that those in charge have naturally seized excessive power on their own authority, and this has brought about such a calamity of reckless waste of life.若外人知道，祖宗顏面何在！”喝令快叫賈璉、賴大、來興。If outsiders come to hear of it, where will our ancestors' good name be!" And he shouted an order to summon Jia Lian, Lai Da, and Laixing at once.小廝們答應了一聲，方欲叫去，賈環忙上前拉住賈政的袍襟，貼膝跪下道：“父親不用生氣。The servants answered and were just about to go call them, when Jia Huan hastily stepped forward, caught hold of the hem of Jia Zheng's robe, and knelt down close against his knee, saying, "Father, there's no need to be angry.此事除太太房里的人，別人一點也不知道。Apart from the people in Mother's own quarters, no one else knows anything at all about this matter.我聽見我母親說……”說到這里，便回頭四顧一看。I heard my mother say..." — and at this point he turned his head and glanced all around.賈政知意，將眼一看眾小廝，小廝們明白，都往兩邊後面退去。Jia Zheng understood his meaning, and cast a glance at the servants; they took the hint at once and all withdrew to either side.賈環便悄悄說道：“我母親告訴我說，寶玉哥哥前日在太太屋里，拉著太太的丫頭金釧兒強奸不遂，打了一頓。Then Jia Huan said quietly, "My mother told me that the other day, in Mother's rooms, Brother Baoyu grabbed hold of Mother's maid Jinchuan and tried to force himself on her, and failing that, gave her a beating.那金釧兒便賭氣投井死了。”話未說完，把個賈政氣的面如金紙，大喝”快拿寶玉來！”一面說一面便往里邊書房里去，喝令“今日再有人勸我，我把這冠帶家私一應交與他與寶玉過去！And Jinchuan, out of shame and resentment, threw herself into the well and died." Before he had even finished speaking, Jia Zheng's face had turned the color of gold paper with rage; he roared, "Fetch Baoyu here at once!" and even as he spoke he strode toward the inner study, shouting the order, "If anyone tries to plead with me for him today, I'll hand over this official cap and sash and every bit of this household's property to him, and let him go live with Baoyu!我免不得做個罪人，把這幾根煩惱鬢毛剃去，尋個乾淨去處自了，也免得上辱先人下生逆子之罪。”眾門客僕從見賈政這個形景，便知又是為寶玉了，一個個都是啖指咬舌，連忙退出。I cannot avoid being counted a sinner then — I'll shave off these few troublesome hairs at my temples and find some clean, quiet place to end my own life, if only to escape the guilt of shaming my forebears above and raising a rebellious son below." When the hangers-on and servants saw Jia Zheng in this state, they knew at once it was on Baoyu's account again, and one and all bit their fingers and tongues in dismay, hastily withdrawing.那賈政喘吁吁直挺挺坐在椅子上，滿面淚痕，一疊聲“拿寶玉！Jia Zheng, panting for breath, sat bolt upright in his chair, his face streaked with tears, calling out over and over, "Fetch Baoyu!拿大棍！Fetch the heavy cane!拿索子捆上！Fetch a rope and tie him up!把各門都關上！Shut every gate!有人傳信往里頭去，立刻打死！”眾小廝們只得齊聲答應，有幾個來找寶玉。If anyone carries word inside, I'll beat him to death on the spot!" The servants had no choice but to answer in chorus, and several of them went off to find Baoyu.

贾政此时气的目瞪口歪，一面送那长史官，一面回头命宝玉“不许动！回来有话问你！”一直送那官员去了。才回身，忽见贾环带著几个小厮一阵乱跑。贾政喝令小厮“快打，快打！”贾环见了他父亲，唬的骨软筋酥，忙低头站住。贾政便问：“你跑什么？带著你的那些人都不管你，不知往那里逛去，由你野马一般！”喝令叫跟上学的人来。贾环见他父亲盛怒，便乘机说道：“方才原不曾跑，只因从那井边一过，那井里淹死了一个丫头，我看见人头这样大，身子这样粗，泡的实在可怕，所以才赶著跑了过来。”贾政听了惊疑，问道：“好端端的，谁去跳井？我家从无这样事情，自祖宗以来，皆是宽柔以待下人。——大约我近年于家务疏懒，自然执事人操克夺之权，致使生出这暴殄轻生的祸患。若外人知道，祖宗颜面何在！”喝令快叫贾琏、赖大、来兴。小厮们答应了一声，方欲叫去，贾环忙上前拉住贾政的袍襟，贴膝跪下道：“父亲不用生气。此事除太太房里的人，别人一点也不知道。我听见我母亲说……”说到这里，便回头四顾一看。贾政知意，将眼一看众小厮，小厮们明白，都往两边后面退去。贾环便悄悄说道：“我母亲告诉我说，宝玉哥哥前日在太太屋里，拉著太太的丫头金钏儿强奸不遂，打了一顿。那金钏儿便赌气投井死了。”话未说完，把个贾政气的面如金纸，大喝”快拿宝玉来！”一面说一面便往里边书房里去，喝令“今日再有人劝我，我把这冠带家私一应交与他与宝玉过去！我免不得做个罪人，把这几根烦恼鬓毛剃去，寻个干净去处自了，也免得上辱先人下生逆子之罪。”众门客仆从见贾政这个形景，便知又是为宝玉了，一个个都是啖指咬舌，连忙退出。那贾政喘吁吁直挺挺坐在椅子上，满面泪痕，一叠声“拿宝玉！拿大棍！拿索子捆上！把各门都关上！有人传信往里头去，立刻打死！”众小厮们只得齐声答应，有几个来找宝玉。

那寶玉聽見賈政吩咐他“不許動”，早知多凶少吉，那里承望賈環又添了許多的話。Now Baoyu, having heard Jia Zheng order him not to move, already sensed that things looked far more ill than well — how could he have anticipated that Jia Huan would add so much more to the story besides?正在廳上乾轉，怎得個人來往里頭去捎信，偏生沒個人，連焙茗也不知在那里。He was pacing about the hall in helpless anxiety, wondering how he might get someone to carry word inside, but as luck would have it there was not a soul about, and even Beiming was nowhere to be found.正盼望時，只見一個老姆姆出來。Just as he was watching anxiously for someone, an old woman happened to come out.寶玉如得了珍寶，便赶上來拉他，說道：“快進去告訴：老爺要打我呢！Baoyu, as though he had found a treasure, hurried up and caught hold of her, saying, "Quick, go in and tell them — Father is going to beat me!快去，快去！Hurry, hurry!要緊，要緊！”寶玉一則急了，說話不明白，二則老婆子偏生又聾，竟不曾聽見是什麼話，把“要緊”二字只聽作“跳井”二字，便笑道：“跳井讓他跳去，二爺怕什麼？”寶玉見是個聾子，便著急道：“你出去叫我的小廝來罷。”那婆子道：“有什麼不了的事？It's urgent, urgent!" Baoyu, being in such a panic, spoke unclearly, and besides, the old woman happened to be deaf, so that she failed to catch what he was saying at all, mishearing the words "it's urgent" (yaojin) as "jumped in the well" (tiaojing), and said with a laugh, "Well, if she's jumped in the well, just let her jump — what is Second Master afraid of?" Seeing that she was deaf, Baoyu said anxiously, "Go outside and call my page boy for me, then." The old woman said, "What is there that can't be settled?老早的完了。It was all settled long ago.太太又賞了衣服，又賞了銀子，怎麼不了事的！”Her Ladyship has given rewards of clothes and rewards of silver besides — how could the matter not be settled!"

那宝玉听见贾政吩咐他“不许动”，早知多凶少吉，那里承望贾环又添了许多的话。正在厅上干转，怎得个人来往里头去捎信，偏生没个人，连焙茗也不知在那里。正盼望时，只见一个老姆姆出来。宝玉如得了珍宝，便赶上来拉他，说道：“快进去告诉：老爷要打我呢！快去，快去！要紧，要紧！”宝玉一则急了，说话不明白，二则老婆子偏生又聋，竟不曾听见是什么话，把“要紧”二字只听作“跳井”二字，便笑道：“跳井让他跳去，二爷怕什么？”宝玉见是个聋子，便著急道：“你出去叫我的小厮来罢。”那婆子道：“有什么不了的事？老早的完了。太太又赏了衣服，又赏了银子，怎么不了事的！”

寶玉急的跺腳，正沒抓尋處，只見賈政的小廝走來，逼著他出去了。Baoyu stamped his feet in desperation, at his wits' end, when suddenly Jia Zheng's page boys came up and forced him out.賈政一見，眼都紅紫了，也不暇問他在外流蕩优伶、表贈私物，在家荒疏學業、淫辱母婢等語，只喝令“堵起嘴來，著實打死！”小廝們不敢違拗，只得將寶玉按在凳上，舉起大板打了十來下。The moment Jia Zheng saw him, his eyes went red and purple with rage, and without even pausing to charge him with consorting with actors abroad and giving away private gifts, or with neglecting his studies at home and defiling his mother's maid, he simply roared the order, "Stuff up his mouth and beat him to death in earnest!" The servants dared not disobey, and had no choice but to press Baoyu down on a bench and raise the heavy paddle, striking him some ten blows.賈政猶嫌打輕了，一腳踢開掌板的，自己奪過來，咬著牙狠命蓋了三四十下。Jia Zheng still felt the blows too light, and with one kick sent the man wielding the paddle sprawling; snatching it up himself, he clenched his teeth and brought it down with all his might another thirty or forty times.眾門客見打的不祥了，忙上前奪勸。Seeing that the beating had turned ominous, the hangers-on hurried forward to wrest the paddle away and plead for mercy.賈政那里肯聽，說道：“你們問問他幹的勾當可饒不可饒！Jia Zheng would not listen at all, saying, "Just ask yourselves what sort of thing he's done — is it something that can be forgiven or not!素日皆是你們這些人把他釀坏了，到這步田地還來解勸。It's all of you who have spoiled him into this over the years, and now that things have come to such a pass, you still come to plead for him.明日釀到他弒君殺父，你們纔不勸不成！”Wait until the day he's brought to the point of murdering his sovereign or killing his own father — will you still refuse to plead with me then!"

宝玉急的跺脚，正没抓寻处，只见贾政的小厮走来，逼著他出去了。贾政一见，眼都红紫了，也不暇问他在外流荡优伶、表赠私物，在家荒疏学业、淫辱母婢等语，只喝令“堵起嘴来，著实打死！”小厮们不敢违拗，只得将宝玉按在凳上，举起大板打了十来下。贾政犹嫌打轻了，一脚踢开掌板的，自己夺过来，咬著牙狠命盖了三四十下。众门客见打的不祥了，忙上前夺劝。贾政那里肯听，说道：“你们问问他干的勾当可饶不可饶！素日皆是你们这些人把他酿坏了，到这步田地还来解劝。明日酿到他弑君杀父，你们才不劝不成！”

眾人聽這話不好聽，知道氣急了，忙又退出，只得覓人進去給信。Hearing how ugly these words sounded, everyone realized he was beside himself with rage, and hastily withdrew again, having no choice but to seek someone to carry word inside.王夫人不敢先回賈母，只得忙穿衣出來，也不顧有人沒人，忙忙赶往書房中來，慌的眾門客小廝等避之不及。Lady Wang dared not report to the Lady Dowager first, and had no choice but to hurry into her clothes and come out; heedless of who might be about, she rushed straight to the study, so flustering the hangers-on and page boys there that they could not get out of the way fast enough.王夫人一進房來，賈政更如火上澆油一般，那板子越發下去的又狠又快。The moment Lady Wang entered the room, it was to Jia Zheng like oil poured on fire, and the paddle came down harder and faster than ever.按寶玉的兩個小廝忙松了手走開，寶玉早已動彈不得了。The two page boys holding Baoyu down hastily let go and stepped away, and by now Baoyu could no longer move at all.賈政還欲打時，早被王夫人抱住板子。Just as Jia Zheng was about to strike again, Lady Wang had already thrown her arms around the paddle to stop it.賈政道：“罷了，罷了！Jia Zheng said, "Enough, enough!今日必定要氣死我才罷！”王夫人哭道：“寶玉雖然該打，老爺也要自重。Today you're clearly determined to see me dead of anger before you'll stop!" Lady Wang said, weeping, "Baoyu deserves a beating, it's true, but my lord must also have some care for himself.況且炎天暑日的，老太太身上也不大好，打死寶玉事小，倘或老太太一時不自在了，豈不事大！”賈政冷笑道：“倒休提這話。Besides, in this scorching summer heat, the Old Ancestress herself has not been feeling very well either — beating Baoyu to death would be a small matter, but if the Old Ancestress should suddenly be taken unwell because of it, would that not be a far greater matter!" Jia Zheng gave a cold laugh and said, "Don't even speak of that.我養了這不肖的孽障，已不孝，教訓他一番，又有眾人護持，不如趁今日一發勒死了，以絕將來之患！”說著，便要繩索來勒死。That I have raised this worthless, unfilial wretch is already an offense against my own filial duty; when I try to discipline him a little, everyone protects him — better to strangle him to death once and for all today, and be rid of future trouble!" So saying, he called for a rope to strangle him with.王夫人連忙抱住哭道：“老爺雖然應當管教兒子，也要看夫妻分上。Lady Wang hastily threw her arms around him, weeping, "My lord is right that he ought to discipline his son, but you must also have some regard for the bond between husband and wife.我如今已將五十歲的人，只有這個孽障，必定苦苦的以他為法，我也不敢深勸。I am now a woman close to fifty, and this wretched boy is all I have; if you are absolutely determined to make an example of him, I dare not plead with you too strongly.今日越發要他死，豈不是有意絕我。But that today you should insist all the more on his death — is that not deliberately meant to cut me off as well?既要勒死他，快拿繩子來先勒死我，再勒死他。If you must strangle him to death, then quickly bring the rope and strangle me first, and him after.我們娘兒們不敢含怨，到底在陰司里得個依靠。”說畢，爬在寶玉身上大哭起來。We, mother and son, will not dare harbor any resentment, and at least in the underworld we shall have each other to depend on." Having said this, she flung herself upon Baoyu's body and burst into loud weeping.賈政聽了此話，不覺長歎一聲，向椅上坐了，淚如雨下。Hearing these words, Jia Zheng could not help letting out a long sigh; he sat down in his chair, tears streaming down like rain.王夫人抱著寶玉，只見他面白氣弱，底下穿著一條綠紗小衣皆是血漬，禁不住解下汗巾看，由臀至脛，或青或紫，或整或破，竟無一點好處，不覺失聲大哭起來，“苦命的兒嚇！”因哭出”苦命兒”來，忽又想起賈珠來，便叫著“賈珠”哭道：“若有你活著，便死一百個我也不管了。”此時里面的人聞得王夫人出來，那李宮裁王熙鳳與迎春姊妹早已出來了。Lady Wang held Baoyu in her arms, and saw that his face was pale and his breath faint; the green gauze under-trousers he wore below were entirely stained with blood. Unable to bear it, she undid his sash to look, and from his buttocks down to his shins it was all bruised blue or purple, in places whole and in places broken open, without one spot left unhurt; unable to help herself, she burst into loud, uncontrollable weeping, crying, "Oh, my poor unfortunate son!" And having cried out "poor unfortunate son," she was suddenly reminded of Jia Zhu, and calling out the name "Jia Zhu," she wept, "If only you were still alive, I would not care even if a hundred others died!" By this time, those within, hearing that Lady Wang had come out, had already brought Li Gongcai, Wang Xifeng, and Yingchun and her sisters out as well.王夫人哭著賈珠的名字，別人還可，惟有宮裁禁不住也放聲哭了。When Lady Wang wept, calling Jia Zhu's name, the others could bear it well enough, but Gongcai alone could not hold back, and burst out sobbing aloud as well.賈政聽了，那淚珠更似滾瓜一般滾了下來。Hearing this, Jia Zheng's tears rolled down all the more, like melons tumbling down.正沒開交處，忽聽丫鬟來說：“老太太來了。”一句話未了，只聽窗外顫巍巍的聲氣說道：“先打死我，再打死他，豈不乾淨了！”賈政見他母親來了，又急又痛，連忙迎接出來，只見賈母扶著丫頭，喘吁吁的走來。Just as things were at their most unresolved, a maid was suddenly heard to say, "The Old Ancestress has come!" Before the words were even finished, a quavering voice was heard outside the window saying, "Beat me to death first, and then beat him to death — wouldn't that settle everything cleanly!" When Jia Zheng saw that his mother had come, he was both alarmed and grieved, and hurried out to meet her, to find the Lady Dowager leaning on a maid's arm, coming along breathless and panting.賈政上前躬身陪笑道：“大暑熱天，母親有何生氣親自走來？Jia Zheng stepped forward, bowed low, and said with a forced smile, "In this scorching heat, Mother, whatever could have angered you enough to come all this way yourself?有話只該叫了兒子進去吩咐。”賈母聽說，便止住步喘息一回，厲聲說道：“你原來是和我說話！Whatever you had to say, you need only have called your son in and given your instructions." Hearing this, the Lady Dowager stopped where she was, caught her breath a while, and said sternly, "So it seems you're actually still willing to speak to me!我倒有話吩咐，只是可怜我一生沒養個好兒子，卻教我和誰說去！”賈政聽這話不象，忙跪下含淚說道：“為兒的教訓兒子，也為的是光宗耀祖。I do indeed have something to say — only, pity me, that in all my life I never raised a worthy son, so who am I to say it to!" Hearing how wrong this sounded, Jia Zheng hastily knelt down and said through tears, "As a son, in disciplining my own son, I too am acting for the honor and glory of our ancestors.母親這話，我做兒的如何禁得起？”賈母聽說，便啐了一口，說道：“我說一句話，你就禁不起，你那樣下死手的板子，難道寶玉就禁得起了？How could I, your son, bear to hear you speak so?" Hearing this, the Lady Dowager spat and said, "When I say just one thing, you can't bear it — but when you laid on such murderous blows with that paddle, do you suppose Baoyu could bear it?你說教訓兒子是光宗耀祖，當初你父親怎麼教訓你來！”說著，不覺就滾下淚來。You say disciplining your son is for the honor and glory of our ancestors — well, how did your own father discipline you back then!" And as she spoke, tears could not help rolling down her face.賈政又陪笑道：“母親也不必傷感，皆是作兒的一時性起，從此以後再不打他了。”賈母便冷笑道：“你也不必和我使性子賭氣的。Jia Zheng again forced a smile and said, "Mother need not grieve so — it was only that I, your son, lost my temper for a moment; from now on I'll never beat him again." The Lady Dowager gave a cold laugh and said, "There's no need for you to vent your temper and sulk at me over this.你的兒子，我也不該管你打不打。He is your son, after all, and it's not really my place to interfere whether you beat him or not.我猜著你也厭煩我們娘兒們。I suspect you're sick and tired of us, mother and children as we are.不如我們赶早兒離了你，大家乾淨！”說著便令人去看轎馬，“我和你太太寶玉立刻回南京去！”家下人只得乾答應著。Better that we should leave you as soon as possible, and everyone be rid of everyone else!" So saying, she ordered someone to see to the sedan chairs and horses: "Your wife and Baoyu and I are going straight back to Nanjing this instant!" The household servants had no choice but to answer helplessly, without moving.賈母又叫王夫人道：“你也不必哭了。The Lady Dowager then said to Lady Wang, "You need not cry either.如今寶玉年紀小，你疼他，他將來長大成人，為官作宰的，也未必想著你是他母親了。Now while Baoyu is still young and you dote on him — but once he grows up and becomes an official, a minister, he may very well not even remember that you are his mother.你如今倒不要疼他，只怕將來還少生一口氣呢。”賈政聽說，忙叩頭哭道：“母親如此說，賈政無立足之地。”賈母冷笑道：“你分明使我無立足之地，你反說起你來！You'd do better not to dote on him now — I'm afraid that in the future you'll have that much less cause to be angry with him." Hearing this, Jia Zheng hastily kowtowed and said through tears, "With Mother speaking like this, I, Jia Zheng, have no ground left to stand on." The Lady Dowager gave a cold laugh and said, "It's plainly you who have left me no ground to stand on, and yet here you are talking about yourself!只是我們回去了，你心里乾淨，看有誰來許你打。”一面說，一面只令快打點行李車轎回去。Only, once we've gone back, your mind will be at ease, and we'll see who's left to give you permission to beat him." Even as she spoke, she gave orders to pack the luggage quickly and get the carts and chairs ready to go back.賈政苦苦叩求認罪。Jia Zheng kowtowed again and again, bitterly begging forgiveness and admitting his fault.

众人听这话不好听，知道气急了，忙又退出，只得觅人进去给信。王夫人不敢先回贾母，只得忙穿衣出来，也不顾有人没人，忙忙赶往书房中来，慌的众门客小厮等避之不及。王夫人一进房来，贾政更如火上浇油一般，那板子越发下去的又狠又快。按宝玉的两个小厮忙松了手走开，宝玉早已动弹不得了。贾政还欲打时，早被王夫人抱住板子。贾政道：“罢了，罢了！今日必定要气死我才罢！”王夫人哭道：“宝玉虽然该打，老爷也要自重。况且炎天暑日的，老太太身上也不大好，打死宝玉事小，倘或老太太一时不自在了，岂不事大！”贾政冷笑道：“倒休提这话。我养了这不肖的孽障，已不孝，教训他一番，又有众人护持，不如趁今日一发勒死了，以绝将来之患！”说著，便要绳索来勒死。王夫人连忙抱住哭道：“老爷虽然应当管教儿子，也要看夫妻分上。我如今已将五十岁的人，只有这个孽障，必定苦苦的以他为法，我也不敢深劝。今日越发要他死，岂不是有意绝我。既要勒死他，快拿绳子来先勒死我，再勒死他。我们娘儿们不敢含怨，到底在阴司里得个依靠。”说毕，爬在宝玉身上大哭起来。贾政听了此话，不觉长叹一声，向椅上坐了，泪如雨下。王夫人抱著宝玉，只见他面白气弱，底下穿著一条绿纱小衣皆是血渍，禁不住解下汗巾看，由臀至胫，或青或紫，或整或破，竟无一点好处，不觉失声大哭起来，“苦命的儿吓！”因哭出”苦命儿”来，忽又想起贾珠来，便叫著“贾珠”哭道：“若有你活著，便死一百个我也不管了。”此时里面的人闻得王夫人出来，那李宫裁王熙凤与迎春姊妹早已出来了。王夫人哭著贾珠的名字，别人还可，惟有宫裁禁不住也放声哭了。贾政听了，那泪珠更似滚瓜一般滚了下来。正没开交处，忽听丫鬟来说：“老太太来了。”一句话未了，只听窗外颤巍巍的声气说道：“先打死我，再打死他，岂不干净了！”贾政见他母亲来了，又急又痛，连忙迎接出来，只见贾母扶著丫头，喘吁吁的走来。贾政上前躬身陪笑道：“大暑热天，母亲有何生气亲自走来？有话只该叫了儿子进去吩咐。”贾母听说，便止住步喘息一回，厉声说道：“你原来是和我说话！我倒有话吩咐，只是可怜我一生没养个好儿子，却教我和谁说去！”贾政听这话不象，忙跪下含泪说道：“为儿的教训儿子，也为的是光宗耀祖。母亲这话，我做儿的如何禁得起？”贾母听说，便啐了一口，说道：“我说一句话，你就禁不起，你那样下死手的板子，难道宝玉就禁得起了？你说教训儿子是光宗耀祖，当初你父亲怎么教训你来！”说著，不觉就滚下泪来。贾政又陪笑道：“母亲也不必伤感，皆是作儿的一时性起，从此以后再不打他了。”贾母便冷笑道：“你也不必和我使性子赌气的。你的儿子，我也不该管你打不打。我猜著你也厌烦我们娘儿们。不如我们赶早儿离了你，大家干净！”说著便令人去看轿马，“我和你太太宝玉立刻回南京去！”家下人只得干答应著。贾母又叫王夫人道：“你也不必哭了。如今宝玉年纪小，你疼他，他将来长大成人，为官作宰的，也未必想著你是他母亲了。你如今倒不要疼他，只怕将来还少生一口气呢。”贾政听说，忙叩头哭道：“母亲如此说，贾政无立足之地。”贾母冷笑道：“你分明使我无立足之地，你反说起你来！只是我们回去了，你心里干净，看有谁来许你打。”一面说，一面只令快打点行李车轿回去。贾政苦苦叩求认罪。

賈母一面說話，一面又記挂寶玉，忙進來看時，只見今日這頓打不比往日，又是心疼，又是生氣，也抱著哭個不了。Even as she spoke, the Lady Dowager was still worrying about Baoyu, and hurrying in to look at him, she saw that this beating today was unlike any of the past; both grieved and angry at once, she too took him in her arms and wept without end.王夫人與鳳姐等解勸了一會，方漸漸的止住。Lady Wang and Xifeng and the others spent some while comforting and pleading with her before she gradually grew calm.早有丫鬟媳婦等上來，要攙寶玉，鳳姐便罵道：“糊涂東西，也不睜開眼瞧瞧！Some maids and married women had already come forward, meaning to help Baoyu up and support him, when Xifeng scolded them, "You muddleheaded things, can't you even open your eyes and look properly!打的這麼個樣兒，還要攙著走！Beaten to such a state, and you still want to help him walk!還不快進去把那藤屜子春凳抬出來呢。”眾人聽說連忙進去，果然抬出春凳來，將寶玉抬放凳上，隨著賈母王夫人等進去，送至賈母房中。Go in at once and carry out that rattan-woven couch bench, why don't you!" Hearing this, everyone hurried inside, and indeed carried out the couch bench, laid Baoyu upon it, and carried him in, following the Lady Dowager and Lady Wang and the rest, all the way to the Lady Dowager's own rooms.

贾母一面说话，一面又记挂宝玉，忙进来看时，只见今日这顿打不比往日，又是心疼，又是生气，也抱著哭个不了。王夫人与凤姐等解劝了一会，方渐渐的止住。早有丫鬟媳妇等上来，要搀宝玉，凤姐便骂道：“糊涂东西，也不睁开眼瞧瞧！打的这么个样儿，还要搀著走！还不快进去把那藤屉子春凳抬出来呢。”众人听说连忙进去，果然抬出春凳来，将宝玉抬放凳上，随著贾母王夫人等进去，送至贾母房中。

彼時賈政見賈母氣未全消，不敢自便，也跟了進去。At that time, seeing that the Lady Dowager's anger had not yet fully subsided, Jia Zheng dared not go off on his own, and followed along inside as well.看看寶玉，果然打重了。Looking closely at Baoyu, indeed the beating had been severe.再看看王夫人，“兒”一聲，“肉”一聲，“你替珠兒早死了，留著珠兒，免你父親生氣，我也不白操這半世的心了。And looking again at Lady Wang, crying "my child" one moment and "my own flesh" the next: "If only you had died in Zhu'er's place long ago, and Zhu'er had been left to us instead, your father would have been spared this anger, and I would not have spent half a lifetime worrying for nothing.這會子你倘或有個好歹，丟下我，叫我靠那一個！”數落一場，又哭“不爭氣的兒”。If something should happen to you now, and you left me behind, whom would I have left to depend on!" After a spell of such reproaching, she wept again over her "worthless, good-for-nothing son."賈政聽了，也就灰心，自悔不該下毒手打到如此地步。Hearing this, Jia Zheng too grew disheartened, and regretted that he should not have struck so ruthlessly, to such an extreme.先勸賈母，賈母含淚說道：“你不出去，還在這里做什麼！He first tried to comfort the Lady Dowager, but she said through her tears, "If you won't go, what are you still doing here!難道於心不足，還要眼看著他死了纔去不成！”賈政聽說，方退了出來。Is your heart still not satisfied — must you stay and watch him die with your own eyes before you'll leave!" Hearing this, Jia Zheng withdrew at last.

彼时贾政见贾母气未全消，不敢自便，也跟了进去。看看宝玉，果然打重了。再看看王夫人，“儿”一声，“肉”一声，“你替珠儿早死了，留著珠儿，免你父亲生气，我也不白操这半世的心了。这会子你倘或有个好歹，丢下我，叫我靠那一个！”数落一场，又哭“不争气的儿”。贾政听了，也就灰心，自悔不该下毒手打到如此地步。先劝贾母，贾母含泪说道：“你不出去，还在这里做什么！难道于心不足，还要眼看著他死了才去不成！”贾政听说，方退了出来。

此時薛姨媽同寶釵、香菱、襲人、史湘雲也都在這里。By this time, Aunt Xue, along with Baochai, Xiangling, Xiren, and Shi Xiangyun, were all there as well.襲人滿心委屈，只不好十分使出來，見眾人圍著，灌水的灌水，打扇的打扇，自己插不下手去，便越性走出來到二門前，令小廝們找了焙茗來細問：“方才好端端的，為什麼打起來？Xiren's heart was full of injustice on Baoyu's behalf, but it would not do for her to show it too openly; seeing everyone crowded around, some giving him water and some fanning him, with no room left for her to lend a hand, she went further and walked out to the second gate, and had the page boys fetch Beiming, whom she questioned closely: "Everything was fine just now — why did the beating start?你也不早來透個信兒！”焙茗急的說：“偏生我沒在跟前，打到半中間我才聽見了。Why didn't you come and give word of it earlier!" Beiming said anxiously, "As luck would have it, I wasn't nearby; it wasn't until the beating was half over that I even heard of it.忙打聽原故，卻是為琪官金釧姐姐的事。”襲人道：“老爺怎麼得知道的？”焙茗道：“那琪官的事，多半是薛大爺素日吃醋，沒法兒出氣，不知在外頭唆挑了誰來，在老爺跟前下的火。I hurried to find out the reason, and it turns out it was over the matter of Qiguan and Sister Jinchuan." Xiren said, "How did the master come to learn of it?" Beiming said, "As for the Qiguan business, it's most likely that Master Xue, who has long been jealous, with no way to vent his spite, put someone up to it out there somewhere, and had them stir up trouble in front of the master.那金釧兒的事是三爺說的，我也是聽見老爺的人說的。”襲人聽了這兩件事都對景，心中也就信了八九分。As for the Jinchuan matter, it was Third Master who told of it — I heard this too from one of the master's own people." Xiren, hearing that both these matters fit the circumstances so well, found herself believing them eight or nine parts in her heart.然後回來，只見眾人都替寶玉療治。After that she went back in, to find everyone attending to Baoyu's treatment.調停完備，賈母令“好生抬到他房內去”。Once the arrangements were complete, Grandmother Jia ordered that he be "carried carefully to his own room."眾人答應，七手八腳，忙把寶玉送入怡紅院內自己床上臥好。The assembled crowd assented, and with much scurrying about, hastened to carry Baoyu into Yihong Court and lay him properly on his own bed.又亂了半日，眾人漸漸散去，襲人方進前來經心服侍，問他端的。After another spell of confusion, the crowd gradually dispersed, and only then did Xiren come forward to attend him with full care, asking him just how it had happened.且聽下回分解。Read on to the next chapter to learn more.

此时薛姨妈同宝钗、香菱、袭人、史湘云也都在这里。袭人满心委屈，只不好十分使出来，见众人围著，灌水的灌水，打扇的打扇，自己插不下手去，便越性走出来到二门前，令小厮们找了焙茗来细问：“方才好端端的，为什么打起来？你也不早来透个信儿！”焙茗急的说：“偏生我没在跟前，打到半中间我才听见了。忙打听原故，却是为琪官金钏姐姐的事。”袭人道：“老爷怎么得知道的？”焙茗道：“那琪官的事，多半是薛大爷素日吃醋，没法儿出气，不知在外头唆挑了谁来，在老爷跟前下的火。那金钏儿的事是三爷说的，我也是听见老爷的人说的。”袭人听了这两件事都对景，心中也就信了八九分。然后回来，只见众人都替宝玉疗治。调停完备，贾母令“好生抬到他房内去”。众人答应，七手八脚，忙把宝玉送入怡红院内自己床上卧好。又乱了半日，众人渐渐散去，袭人方进前来经心服侍，问他端的。且听下回分解。