第四十回　　史太君兩宴大觀園　金鴛鴦三宣牙牌令 The Lady Dowager Feasts Twice in Grand View Garden; Yuanyang Thrice Calls the Domino Game

話說寶玉聽了，忙進來看時，只見琥珀站在屏風跟前說：「快去吧，立等你說話呢。」寶玉來至上房，只見賈母正和王夫人眾姊妹商議給史湘雲還席。The story goes that when Baoyu heard this, he hurried in to see what was happening, and found Hupo standing before the screen, saying, "Go quickly — they're waiting on you to speak." Baoyu went to the main house, where he found Grandmother Jia discussing with Madam Wang and all the young ladies about giving a return banquet for Xiangyun.寶玉因說道：「我有個主意。Baoyu then said, "I have an idea.既沒有外客，吃的東西也別定了樣數，誰素日愛吃的揀樣兒做幾樣。Since there are no outside guests, we needn't fix a set number of dishes either — just pick a few things that each person is fond of eating normally and have those made.也不要按桌席，每人跟前擺一張高，各人愛吃的東西一兩樣，再一個什錦攢心盒子，自斟壺，豈不別致。」賈母聽了，說「很是」，忙命傳與廚房：「明日就揀我們愛吃的東西作了，按著人數，再裝了盒子來。Nor should we follow the usual table settings — just place a small high table in front of each person, with one or two dishes each likes, plus an assorted compartment box, and a wine kettle for pouring one's own — wouldn't that be original?" When Grandmother Jia heard this, she said, "Quite right," and hastily ordered word sent to the kitchen: "Tomorrow just pick out what we all like to eat and prepare it, and according to the number of people, pack it into boxes and bring it.早飯也擺在園里吃。」商議之間早又掌燈，一夕無話。Breakfast too should be set out and eaten in the garden." While they were still discussing this, the lamps were already lit, and nothing more happened that evening.

次日清早起來，可喜這日天氣清朗。The next day they rose early, and happily the weather that day was clear and bright.李紈清晨先起，看著老婆子丫頭們掃那些落葉，并擦抹桌椅，預備茶酒器皿。Li Wan got up first thing in the morning and supervised the old women and maids as they swept up the fallen leaves, wiped down the tables and chairs, and prepared the tea and wine vessels.祇見丰兒帶了劉姥姥板兒進來，說「大奶奶倒忙的緊。」李紈笑道：「我說你昨兒去不成，只忙著要去。」劉姥姥笑道：「老太太留下我，叫我也熱鬧一天去。」丰兒拿了幾把大小鑰匙，說道：「我們奶奶說了，外頭的高兒恐不夠使，不如開了樓，把那收著的拿下來使一天罷。Just then Feng'er brought in Grandma Liu and Ban'er, saying, "My lady is certainly busy today." Li Wan laughed, "I said you wouldn't manage to leave yesterday, and here you were in such a hurry to go." Grandma Liu laughed, "The Old Ancestress kept me back, and told me to stay for a lively day too." Feng'er, holding a bunch of keys large and small, said, "Our mistress said the small tables outside probably won't be enough, so it would be better to open up the loft and bring down the ones stored there to use for the day.奶奶原該親自來的，因和太太說話呢，請大奶奶開了，帶著人搬罷。」李氏便令素雲接了鑰匙，又令婆子出去把二門上的小廝叫幾個來。"My mistress ought really to have come herself, but she is talking with Madam just now, so she asks that you, my lady, open it up and have some people carry them down." Li Wan then told Suyun to take the keys, and also sent an old woman out to call in a few of the houseboys from the second gate.李氏站在大觀樓下往上看，令人上去開了綴錦閣，一張一張往下抬。Li Wan stood below the Daguan Loft looking up, and had someone go up to open Zhuijinge, carrying the tables down one by one.小廝老婆子丫頭一齊動手，抬了二十多張下來。The houseboys, old women, and maids all lent a hand together, and carried down more than twenty of them.李紈道：「好生著，別慌慌張張鬼赶來似的，仔細碰了牙子。」又回頭向劉姥姥笑道：「姥姥，你也上去瞧瞧。」劉姥姥聽說，巴不得一聲兒，便拉了板兒登梯上去。Li Wan said, "Careful now, don't rush about as if devils were chasing you — mind you don't knock the edges." Then she turned and said to Grandma Liu with a smile, "Granny, why don't you go up and have a look too?" Grandma Liu, only too glad to hear it, took Ban'er by the hand and climbed up the ladder.進里面，只見烏壓壓的堆著些圍屏，桌椅，大小花燈之類，雖不大認得，只見五彩炫耀，各有奇妙。Going inside, she saw a dark mass of things piled up — folding screens, tables and chairs, lanterns large and small, and the like. Though she could not tell what most of them were, she saw that they gleamed with brilliant colors, each one marvelous in its own way.念了幾聲佛，便下來了。She murmured a few invocations to Buddha, and then came back down.然後鎖上門，一齊才下來。After that the doors were locked, and everyone came down together.李紈道：「恐怕老太太高興，越性把舡上划子，篙槳，遮陽幔子都搬了下來預備著。」眾人答應，复又開了，色色的搬了下來。Li Wan said, "In case the Old Ancestress feels like it, we might as well bring down the boat oars, poles, and sun-awnings too, and have them ready." Everyone agreed, and opened the loft again, bringing down every kind of item.令小廝傳駕娘們到舡塢里撐出兩隻船來。She had the houseboys pass word to the boatwomen to pole two boats out of the boat-dock.正亂著安排，只見賈母已帶了一群人進來了。Just as everyone was busy arranging things, Grandmother Jia arrived, leading a whole party of people in.李紈忙迎上去，笑道：「老太太高興，倒進來了。Li Wan hurried forward to greet her, saying with a smile, "The Old Ancestress is in such good spirits she's come in already.我只當還沒梳頭呢，才擷了菊花要送去。」一面說，一面碧月早捧過一個大荷葉式的翡翠盤子來，里面盛著各色的折枝菊花。I thought you hadn't even done your hair yet, and had just picked some chrysanthemums to send over." Even as she spoke, Biyue was already carrying over a jade tray shaped like a large lotus leaf, holding sprays of chrysanthemums of every color.賈母便揀了一朵大紅的簪于鬢上。Grandmother Jia picked out a deep red one and pinned it in her hair at the temple.因回頭看見了劉姥姥，忙笑道：「過來帶花兒。」一語未完，鳳姐便拉過劉姥姥，笑道：「讓我打扮你。」說著，將一盤子花橫三豎四的插了一頭。Turning her head, she caught sight of Grandma Liu and said with a laugh, "Come here and wear some flowers too." Before she had even finished speaking, Xifeng pulled Grandma Liu over, laughing, "Let me dress you up." So saying, she stuck a whole trayful of flowers into her hair every which way.賈母和眾人笑的了不得。Grandmother Jia and everyone else laughed until they could hardly stop.劉姥姥笑道：「我這頭也不知修了什麼福，今兒這樣体面起來。」眾人笑道：「你還不拔下來摔到他臉上呢，把你打扮的成了個老妖精了。」劉姥姥笑道：「我雖老了，年輕時也風流，愛個花兒粉兒的，今兒老風流才好。」Grandma Liu laughed, "I wonder what good fortune this head of mine has earned, to be so grandly turned out today." Everyone laughed, "Why don't you pull them off and throw them in her face — she's dressed you up into a regular old spirit-demon!" Grandma Liu laughed, "Old as I am, I was quite the coquette in my young days too, fond of flowers and powder — so it's only fitting I play the old coquette today.

說笑之間，已來至沁芳亭子上。Talking and laughing, they had already reached Qinfang Pavilion.丫鬟們抱了一個大錦褥子來，舖在欄杆榻板上。The maids brought over a large brocade cushion and spread it on the balustrade bench.賈母倚柱坐下，命劉姥姥也坐在旁邊，因問他：「這園子好不好？」劉姥姥念佛說道：「我們鄉下人到了年下，都上城來買畫兒貼。Grandmother Jia sat down leaning against a pillar, and told Grandma Liu to sit beside her, then asked her, "Is this garden nice or not?" Grandma Liu murmured a Buddhist invocation and said, "Us country folk, when the year's end comes, all go into town to buy pictures to paste up.時常閒了，大家都說，怎麼得也到畫兒上去逛逛。Often when we're idle, everyone says, if only we could go for a stroll inside one of those pictures.想著那個畫兒也不過是假的，那里有這個真地方呢。We always thought those pictures were just make-believe, and that there couldn't possibly be a real place like that.誰知我今兒進這園一瞧，竟比那畫兒還強十倍。Who would have thought that today, once I stepped into this garden and took a look, it turns out to be ten times better than any picture.怎麼得有人也照著這個園子畫一張，我帶了家去，給他們見見，死了也得好處。」賈母聽說，便指著惜春笑道：「你瞧我這個小孫女兒，他就會畫。If only someone would paint a picture of this very garden, so I could take it home and let them all see it — then even dying would be worth it." When Grandmother Jia heard this, she pointed at Xichun and said with a smile, "Look at this little granddaughter of mine — she knows how to paint.等明兒叫他畫一張如何？」劉姥姥聽了，喜的忙跑過來，拉著惜春說道：「我的姑娘。Suppose we have her paint one for you tomorrow?" When Grandma Liu heard this, she was so delighted she hurried over and, taking hold of Xichun, said, "My dear young lady.你這麼大年紀兒，又這麼個好模樣，還有這個能幹，別是神仙托生的罷。」At such a young age, with such good looks, and such talent besides — you couldn't be some immortal reborn into this world, could you?"

賈母少歇一回，自然領著劉姥姥都見識見識。After Grandmother Jia had rested a while, she naturally led Grandma Liu around to see the sights properly.先到了瀟湘館。First they came to Xiaoxiang Guan.一進門，只見兩邊翠竹夾路，土地下蒼苔布滿，中間羊腸一條石子漫的路。As soon as they entered the gate, they saw kingfisher-green bamboo lining the path on both sides, the ground covered all over with mossy green, and in the middle a narrow, winding path paved with pebbles.劉姥姥讓出路來與賈母眾人走，自己卻趕走土地。Grandma Liu stepped aside to let Grandmother Jia and the others walk the path, while she herself kept to the bare ground.琥珀拉著他說道：「姥姥，你上來走，仔細蒼苔滑了。」劉姥姥道：「不相干的，我們走熟了的，姑娘們只管走罷。Hupo took hold of her and said, "Granny, come up and walk here — mind the moss doesn't make you slip." Grandma Liu said, "It doesn't matter, we're used to walking on it. You young ladies just go ahead.可惜你們的那繡鞋，別沾髒了。」他只顧上頭和人說話，不防底下果踩滑了，咕咚一跤跌倒。It would be a shame for your embroidered shoes to get dirtied." But while she was busy talking to the others, unwatchful of her footing, she did indeed slip, and down she went with a thud.眾人拍手都哈哈的笑起來。Everyone clapped their hands and burst out laughing.賈母笑罵道：「小蹄子們，還不攙起來，只站著笑。」說話時，劉姥姥已爬了起來，自己也笑了，說道：「才說嘴就打了嘴。」賈母問他：「可扭了腰了不曾？Grandmother Jia scolded them, laughing, "You little wretches, why don't you help her up instead of just standing there laughing?" Even as she spoke, Grandma Liu had already scrambled to her feet, laughing herself, and said, "No sooner had I boasted than I got my comeuppance." Grandmother Jia asked her, "Did you wrench your back or not?叫丫頭們捶一捶。」劉姥姥道：「那里說的我這麼嬌嫩了。Have the maids give it a rub." Grandma Liu said, "Now where do I come off being so delicate.那一天不跌兩下子，都要捶起來，還了得呢。」紫鵑早打起湘帘，賈母等進來坐下。There isn't a day I don't take a tumble or two — if I had to be rubbed every time, that would never do." By then Zijuan had already lifted the bamboo portiere, and Grandmother Jia and the rest went in and sat down.林黛玉親自用小茶盤捧了一蓋碗茶來奉與賈母。Daiyu herself carried in a covered bowl of tea on a small tea tray and offered it to Grandmother Jia.王夫人道：「我們不吃茶，姑娘不用倒了。」林黛玉聽說，便命丫頭把自己窗下常坐的一張椅子挪到下首，請王夫人坐了。Madam Wang said, "We won't be having tea, there's no need to pour for us, my dear." On hearing this, Daiyu told a maid to move the chair she usually sat in by the window over to the lower seat, and invited Madam Wang to sit there.劉姥姥因見窗下案上設著筆硯，又見書架上磊著滿滿的書，劉姥姥道：「這必定是那位哥兒的書房了。」賈母笑指黛玉道：「這是我這外孫女兒的屋子。」劉姥姥留神打量了黛玉一番，方笑道：「這那象個小姐的繡房，竟比那上等的書房還好。」賈母因問：「寶玉怎麼不見？」眾丫頭們答說：「在池子里舡上呢。」賈母道：「誰又預備下舡了？」李紈忙回說：「才開樓拿，我恐怕老太太高興，就預備下了。」賈母聽了方欲說話時，有人回說：「姨太太來了。」賈母等剛站起來，只見薛姨媽早進來了，一面歸坐，笑道：「今兒老太太高興，這早晚就來了。」賈母笑道：「我才說來遲了的要罰他，不想姨太太就來遲了。」Grandma Liu, noticing the brush and inkstone set out on the desk by the window, and the shelves piled full of books, said, "This must surely be some young master's study." Grandmother Jia pointed at Daiyu with a smile and said, "This is my granddaughter's room." Grandma Liu looked Daiyu over carefully, then said with a smile, "This hardly looks like a young lady's boudoir at all — it's better than the finest study." Grandmother Jia then asked, "Why don't I see Baoyu?" The maids all answered, "He's out on the boat on the pond." Grandmother Jia said, "Who had a boat made ready?" Li Wan hastened to reply, "We had just opened the loft to fetch things, and thinking the Old Ancestress might feel like it, I had one prepared." Just as Grandmother Jia was about to say something more, someone came in to report, "Aunt Xue has arrived." Grandmother Jia and the others had just risen to their feet when Aunt Xue came in, and as she took her seat, said with a smile, "The Old Ancestress is in such good spirits she came out this early." Grandmother Jia said with a laugh, "I was just saying whoever came late should be punished, and little did I think it would be you, my dear sister, who came latest."

說笑一會，賈母因見窗上紗的顏色舊了，便和王夫人說道：「這個紗新糊上好看，過了後來就不翠了。After talking and laughing a while, Grandmother Jia noticed that the color of the gauze on the windows had faded, and said to Madam Wang, "This gauze looks lovely when it's freshly mounted, but after a while it loses its kingfisher-green freshness.這個院子里頭又沒有個桃杏樹，這竹子已是綠的，再拿這綠紗糊上反不配。Besides, there isn't a peach or apricot tree in this courtyard — the bamboo here is already green, so mounting green gauze on the windows on top of that would clash rather than match.我記得咱們先有四五樣顏色糊窗的紗呢，明兒給他把這窗上的換了。」鳳姐兒忙道：「昨兒我開庫房，看見大板箱里還有好些匹銀紅蟬翼紗，也有各樣折枝花樣的，也有流雲卍福花樣的，也有百蝶穿花花樣的，顏色又鮮，紗又輕軟，我竟沒見過這樣的。I remember we used to have gauze for windows in four or five colors — tomorrow have these windows changed for her." Xifeng said quickly, "Yesterday when I opened the storeroom, I saw in one of the big chests quite a few bolts of silver-red cicada-wing gauze, some with sprays of flowers woven in, some with a drifting-cloud-and-swastika-good-fortune pattern, some with a hundred butterflies among flowers — the colors were vivid and the gauze was light and soft. I've never seen anything quite like it.拿了兩匹出來，作兩床綿紗被，想來一定是好的。」賈母聽了笑道：「呸，人人都說你沒有不經過不見過，連這個紗還不認得呢，明兒還說嘴。」薛姨媽等都笑說：「憑他怎麼經過見過，如何敢比老太太呢？I took out two bolts to make into two padded gauze quilts — I should think they'll turn out very nicely." When Grandmother Jia heard this she laughed, "Pah! Everyone says there's nothing you haven't been through or seen, and yet you don't even recognize this gauze — and still you go on boasting!" Aunt Xue and the others all laughed and said, "However much she's been through and seen, how could she dare compare herself to you, Old Ancestress?老太太何不教導了他，我們也聽聽。」鳳姐兒也笑說：「好祖宗，教給我罷。」賈母笑向薛姨媽眾人道：「那個紗，比你們的年紀還大呢。Why don't you enlighten her, Old Ancestress, and let us listen in too?" Xifeng also said with a laugh, "Dear ancestress, do teach me." Grandmother Jia said to Aunt Xue and the others with a smile, "That gauze is older than the lot of you put together.怪不得他認作蟬翼紗，原也有些象，不知道的，都認作蟬翼紗。No wonder she took it for cicada-wing gauze — it does look somewhat like it, and anyone who doesn't know better would take it for cicada-wing gauze too.正經名字叫作『軟煙羅』。」鳳姐兒道：「這個名兒也好聽。Its proper name is 'Soft Mist Gauze.'" Xifeng said, "That's a lovely name too.只是我這麼大了，紗羅也見過幾百樣，從沒聽見過這個名色。」賈母笑道：「你能夠活了多大，見過幾樣沒處放的東西，就說嘴來了。And yet, as old as I am now, I've seen hundreds of kinds of gauze and silk, and never once heard of this name." Grandmother Jia laughed, "How many years have you lived, and how many rare things have you seen, that you go on boasting like this?那個軟煙羅只有四樣顏色：一樣雨過天晴，一樣秋香色，一樣松綠的，一樣就是銀紅的，若是做了帳子，糊了窗屜，遠遠的看著，就似煙霧一樣，所以叫作『軟煙羅』。That Soft Mist Gauze comes in only four colors: one is 'clear-sky-after-rain,' one is autumn-fragrance color, one is pine green, and one is silver-red. If it's made into bed-curtains or mounted on window frames, seen from a distance it looks just like mist — that's why it's called 'Soft Mist Gauze.'那銀紅的又叫作『霞影紗』。The silver-red kind is also called 'Sunset-Glow Gauze.'如今上用的府紗也沒有這樣軟厚輕密的了。」薛姨媽笑道：「別說鳳丫頭沒見，連我也沒聽見過。」鳳姐兒一面說，早命人取了一匹來了。Nowadays even the gauze supplied for palace use isn't as soft, substantial, light, and finely woven as this." Aunt Xue laughed, "It's not just that Xifeng hasn't seen it — even I have never heard of it before." Even as Xifeng spoke, she had already sent someone to fetch a bolt.賈母說：「可不是這個！Grandmother Jia said, "Why, this is exactly it!先時原不過是糊窗屜，後來我們拿這個作被作帳子，試試也竟好。At first it was only used for mounting on window frames, but later we tried using it for quilts and bed-curtains too, and it turned out very well.明兒就找出幾匹來，拿銀紅的替他糊窗子。」鳳姐答應著。Tomorrow find a few more bolts, and use the silver-red one to re-mount her windows." Xifeng assented.眾人都看了，稱贊不已。Everyone examined it and praised it without end.劉姥姥也覷著眼看個不了，念佛說道：「我們想他作衣裳也不能，拿著糊窗子，豈不可惜？」賈母道：「倒是做衣裳不好看。」鳳姐忙把自己身上穿的一件大紅綿紗襖子襟兒拉了出來，向賈母薛姨媽道：「看我的這襖兒。」賈母薛姨媽都說：「這也是上好的了，這是如今的上用內造的，竟比不上這個。」鳳姐兒道：「這個薄片子，還說是上用內造呢，竟連官用的也比不上了。」賈母道：「再找一找，只怕還有青的。Grandma Liu too could not stop staring at it, and murmuring a Buddhist invocation, said, "We'd never dream of making clothes out of something like this — to use it just for mounting windows, isn't that a shame?" Grandmother Jia said, "As it happens, it doesn't look good made into clothes." Xifeng promptly pulled out the lapel of the deep-red padded gauze jacket she was wearing and said to Grandmother Jia and Aunt Xue, "Look at this jacket of mine." Both Grandmother Jia and Aunt Xue said, "That's fine material too, made for palace use nowadays, and yet it still can't compare to this." Xifeng said, "And this thin scrap of mine is supposed to be made for palace use — it can't even compare to what's made for official use." Grandmother Jia said, "Look again — there may still be some in blue.若有時都拿出來，送這劉親家兩匹，做一個帳子我挂，下剩的添上里子，做些夾背心子給丫頭們穿，白收著霉坏了。」鳳姐忙答應了，仍令人送去。If there is, bring it all out — give our kinswoman Grandma Liu two bolts, make a bed-curtain for me to hang, and with what's left over, line it and make some lined vests for the maids to wear. It's a waste just sitting there to rot and mildew." Xifeng promptly agreed, and had it sent over.賈母起身笑道：「這屋里窄，再往別處逛去。」劉姥姥念佛道：「人人都說大家子住大房。Grandmother Jia rose and said with a smile, "This room is a bit cramped — let's go look around elsewhere." Grandma Liu murmured a Buddhist invocation and said, "Everyone says that grand families live in grand houses.昨兒見了老太太正房，配上大箱大柜大桌子大床，果然威武。Yesterday I saw the Old Ancestress's main room, fitted out with big chests, big cabinets, big tables, and a big bed — truly imposing.那柜子比我們那一間房子還大還高。That cabinet was bigger and taller than a whole room of ours.怪道後院子里有個梯子。No wonder there's a ladder out in the back courtyard.我想并不上房晒東西，預備個梯子作什麼？I thought to myself, since it's not for climbing onto the roof to dry things, what would a ladder be needed for?後來我想起來，定是為開頂柜收放東西，非離了那梯子，怎麼得上去呢。Then it came to me — it must be for opening the top cabinets to store and take out things. Without that ladder, how else could anyone get up there?如今又見了這小屋子，更比大的越發齊整了。And now, seeing this smaller room, it's even neater and more elegant than the big one.滿屋里的東西都只好看，都不知叫什麼，我越看越舍不得離了這里。」鳳姐道：「還有好的呢，我都帶你去瞧瞧。」說著一徑離了瀟湘館。Everything in the whole room is just lovely to look at, and I don't even know what half of it is called — the more I look, the less I want to leave." Xifeng said, "There's more good stuff yet, I'll take you around to see it all." So saying, they went straight out of Xiaoxiang Guan.

说笑一会，贾母因见窗上纱的颜色旧了，便和王夫人说道：「这个纱新糊上好看，过了后来就不翠了。这个院子里头又没有个桃杏树，这竹子已是绿的，再拿这绿纱糊上反不配。我记得咱们先有四五样颜色糊窗的纱呢，明儿给他把这窗上的换了。」凤姐儿忙道：「昨儿我开库房，看见大板箱里还有好些匹银红蝉翼纱，也有各样折枝花样的，也有流云卍福花样的，也有百蝶穿花花样的，颜色又鲜，纱又轻软，我竟没见过这样的。拿了两匹出来，作两床绵纱被，想来一定是好的。」贾母听了笑道：「呸，人人都说你没有不经过不见过，连这个纱还不认得呢，明儿还说嘴。」薛姨妈等都笑说：「凭他怎么经过见过，如何敢比老太太呢？老太太何不教导了他，我们也听听。」凤姐儿也笑说：「好祖宗，教给我罢。」贾母笑向薛姨妈众人道：「那个纱，比你们的年纪还大呢。怪不得他认作蝉翼纱，原也有些象，不知道的，都认作蝉翼纱。正经名字叫作『软烟罗』。」凤姐儿道：「这个名儿也好听。只是我这么大了，纱罗也见过几百样，从没听见过这个名色。」贾母笑道：「你能够活了多大，见过几样没处放的东西，就说嘴来了。那个软烟罗只有四样颜色：一样雨过天晴，一样秋香色，一样松绿的，一样就是银红的，若是做了帐子，糊了窗屉，远远的看著，就似烟雾一样，所以叫作『软烟罗』。那银红的又叫作『霞影纱』。如今上用的府纱也没有这样软厚轻密的了。」薛姨妈笑道：「别说凤丫头没见，连我也没听见过。」凤姐儿一面说，早命人取了一匹来了。贾母说：「可不是这个！先时原不过是糊窗屉，后来我们拿这个作被作帐子，试试也竟好。明儿就找出几匹来，拿银红的替他糊窗子。」凤姐答应著。众人都看了，称赞不已。刘姥姥也觑著眼看个不了，念佛说道：「我们想他作衣裳也不能，拿著糊窗子，岂不可惜？」贾母道：「倒是做衣裳不好看。」凤姐忙把自己身上穿的一件大红绵纱袄子襟儿拉了出来，向贾母薛姨妈道：「看我的这袄儿。」贾母薛姨妈都说：「这也是上好的了，这是如今的上用内造的，竟比不上这个。」凤姐儿道：「这个薄片子，还说是上用内造呢，竟连官用的也比不上了。」贾母道：「再找一找，只怕还有青的。若有时都拿出来，送这刘亲家两匹，做一个帐子我挂，下剩的添上里子，做些夹背心子给丫头们穿，白收著霉坏了。」凤姐忙答应了，仍令人送去。贾母起身笑道：「这屋里窄，再往别处逛去。」刘姥姥念佛道：「人人都说大家子住大房。昨儿见了老太太正房，配上大箱大柜大桌子大床，果然威武。那柜子比我们那一间房子还大还高。怪道后院子里有个梯子。我想并不上房晒东西，预备个梯子作什么？后来我想起来，定是为开顶柜收放东西，非离了那梯子，怎么得上去呢。如今又见了这小屋子，更比大的越发齐整了。满屋里的东西都只好看，都不知叫什么，我越看越舍不得离了这里。」凤姐道：「还有好的呢，我都带你去瞧瞧。」说著一径离了潇湘馆。

遠遠望見池中一群人在那里撐舡。From a distance they saw a group of people out on the pond poling a boat.賈母道：「他們既預備下船，咱們就坐。」一面說著，便向紫菱洲蓼漵一帶走來。Grandmother Jia said, "Since they've had a boat made ready, let's go for a ride." So saying, she walked on toward the area of Zilingzhou and Liaoxu.未至池前，只見幾個婆子手里都捧著一色捏絲戧金五彩大盒子走來。Before they reached the pond, they saw several old women coming with matching large boxes in their hands, worked in gold-inlaid filigree and painted in five colors.鳳姐忙問王夫人早飯在那里擺。Xifeng hastened to ask Madam Wang where breakfast should be set out.王夫人道：「問老太太在那里，就在那里罷了。」賈母聽說，便回頭說：「你三妹妹那里就好。Madam Wang said, "Ask the Old Ancestress where she'd like it, and set it there." When Grandmother Jia heard this, she turned and said, "Your third sister's place will do nicely.你就帶了人擺去，我們從這里坐了舡去。」鳳姐聽說，便回身同了探春，李紈，鴛鴦，琥珀帶著端飯的人等，抄著近路到了秋爽齋，就在曉翠堂上調開桌案。You take the servants and go set it up there — we'll go by boat from here." On hearing this, Xifeng turned back and, together with Tanchun, Li Wan, Yuanyang, and Hupo, and bringing along those carrying the food, took a shortcut to Qiushuang Zhai, and had the tables arranged in Xiaocui Tang.鴛鴦笑道：「天天咱們說外頭老爺們吃酒吃飯都有一個篾片相公，拿他取笑兒。Yuanyang said with a smile, "Every day we hear how the gentlemen outside, when they drink and dine, always have some hanger-on to make fun of.咱們今兒也得了一個女篾片了。」李紈是個厚道人，聽了不解。Well, today we've gotten ourselves a female one." Li Wan, being an honest, kindhearted sort, did not understand what she meant.鳳姐兒卻知是說的是劉姥姥了，也笑說道：「咱們今兒就拿他取個笑兒。」二人便如此這般的商議。Xifeng, however, knew at once she meant Grandma Liu, and said with a laugh, "Then let's have some fun with her today." The two of them then put their heads together and worked out a plan.李紈笑勸道：「你們一點好事也不做，又不是個小孩兒，還這麼淘氣，仔細老太太說。」鴛鴦笑道：「很不與你相干，有我呢。」正說著，只見賈母等來了，各自隨便坐下。Li Wan advised them with a laugh, "You two never do anything decent — you're not children anymore, and yet you carry on so mischievously. Mind the Old Ancestress doesn't scold you." Yuanyang laughed, "This is none of your business at all — leave it to me." Just as she spoke, Grandmother Jia and the rest arrived, and everyone took their seats informally.先著丫鬟端過兩盤茶來，大家吃畢。First the maids brought in two trays of tea, and everyone finished drinking.鳳姐手里拿著西洋布手巾，裹著一把烏木三鑲銀箸，敁敪人位，按席擺下。Xifeng, holding a Western cloth napkin wrapped around a bundle of ebony chopsticks tipped with silver in three places, weighed out the places for each person and set them down according to the seating.賈母因說：「把那一張小楠木桌子抬過來，讓劉親家近我這邊坐著。」眾人聽說，忙抬了過來。Grandmother Jia then said, "Carry that small nanmu table over here, and let our kinswoman Grandma Liu sit close by my side." On hearing this, everyone hurried to carry it over.鳳姐一面遞眼色與鴛鴦，鴛鴦便拉了劉姥姥出去，悄悄的囑咐了劉姥姥一席話，又說：「這是我們家的規矩，若錯了我們就笑話呢。」調停已畢，然後歸坐。Xifeng meanwhile shot a glance at Yuanyang, who then drew Grandma Liu aside and quietly instructed her at length, adding, "This is the custom in our household — if you get it wrong, we'll all have a good laugh at you." Once everything was arranged, they returned to their seats.薛姨媽是吃過飯來的，不吃，只坐在一邊吃茶。Aunt Xue had already eaten before coming, so she did not join the meal, but simply sat to one side drinking tea.賈母帶著寶玉，湘雲，黛玉，寶釵一桌。Grandmother Jia sat at one table with Baoyu, Xiangyun, Daiyu, and Baochai.王夫人帶著迎春姊妹三個人一桌，劉姥姥傍著賈母一桌。Madam Wang sat at another table with Yingchun and her two sisters, while Grandma Liu sat at Grandmother Jia's table, close beside her.賈母素日吃飯，皆有小丫鬟在旁邊，拿著漱盂麈尾巾帕之物。Ordinarily, whenever Grandmother Jia dined, there were always young maids standing by holding the rinsing bowl, the fly-whisk, napkins, and the like.如今鴛鴦是不當這差的了，今日鴛鴦偏接過麈尾來拂著。Yuanyang was no longer assigned this duty nowadays, but today she chose to take up the fly-whisk herself and wave it.丫鬟們知道他要撮弄劉姥姥，便躲開讓他。The maids, knowing she meant to play a trick on Grandma Liu, stepped aside and let her have her way.鴛鴦一面侍立，一面悄向劉姥姥說道：「別忘了。」劉姥姥道：「姑娘放心。」那劉姥姥入了坐，拿起箸來，沉甸甸的不伏手。As Yuanyang stood in attendance, she murmured to Grandma Liu, "Don't forget now." Grandma Liu said, "Don't you worry, young lady." Grandma Liu took her seat, picked up her chopsticks, and found them heavy and awkward in her hand.原是鳳姐和鴛鴦商議定了，單拿一雙老年四楞象牙鑲金的筷子與劉姥姥。It turned out that Xifeng and Yuanyang had agreed beforehand to give Grandma Liu, specially, an old pair of four-edged ivory chopsticks inlaid with gold.劉姥姥見了，說道：「這叉爬子比俺那里鐵掀還沉，那里強的過他。」說的眾人都笑起來。When Grandma Liu saw them, she said, "These forkers are heavier than the iron shovel back home — how could I ever manage them?" This set everyone laughing.

只見一個媳婦端了一個盒子站在當地，一個丫鬟上來揭去盒蓋，里面盛著兩碗菜。Just then a young married servant came carrying a box and stood in the middle of the room, and a maid stepped up and lifted off the lid, revealing two bowls of food inside.李紈端了一碗放在賈母桌上。Li Wan took one bowl and set it on Grandmother Jia's table.鳳姐兒偏揀了一碗鴿子蛋放在劉姥姥桌上。Xifeng, for her part, picked out the bowl of pigeon eggs and set it on Grandma Liu's table.賈母這邊說聲「請」，劉姥姥便站起身來，高聲說道：「老劉，老劉，食量大似牛，吃一個老母豬不抬頭。」自己卻鼓著腮不語。As soon as Grandmother Jia said, "Please, go ahead," Grandma Liu rose to her feet and called out loudly, "Old Liu, Old Liu, an appetite as big as an ox — eats a whole old sow without lifting her head!" Then she puffed out her cheeks and said nothing more.眾人先是發怔，後來一聽，上上下下都哈哈的大笑起來。Everyone was startled for a moment, but once they took in what she'd said, high and low alike burst into roars of laughter.史湘雲撐不住，一口飯都噴了出來，林黛玉笑岔了氣，伏著桌子噯喲，寶玉早滾到賈母怀里，賈母笑的摟著寶玉叫「心肝」，王夫人笑的用手指著鳳姐兒，只說不出話來，薛姨媽也撐不住，口里茶噴了探春一裙子，探春手里的飯碗都合在迎春身上，惜春離了坐位，拉著他奶母叫揉一揉腸子。Xiangyun could not hold back, and sprayed out a mouthful of rice; Daiyu laughed so hard she choked, and doubled over the table gasping "Oh, oh"; Baoyu had already rolled right into Grandmother Jia's lap, and Grandmother Jia laughed so hard she hugged him and cried "My precious!"; Madam Wang laughed and pointed her finger at Xifeng, unable to get a single word out; Aunt Xue too could not contain herself, and spat out a mouthful of tea all over Tanchun's skirt; the rice bowl in Tanchun's hand tipped right over onto Yingchun; and Xichun left her seat and pulled at her wet-nurse, begging her to rub her aching stomach.地下的無一個不彎腰屈背，也有躲出去蹲著笑去的，也有忍著笑上來替他姊妹換衣裳的，獨有鳳姐鴛鴦二人撐著，還只管讓劉姥姥。There was not a single servant standing about who wasn't doubled over with laughter — some slipped out to squat outside and laugh, others held back their laughter long enough to come help change their young mistresses' soiled clothes. Only Xifeng and Yuanyang managed to keep straight faces, and went right on urging Grandma Liu to eat.劉姥姥拿起箸來，只覺不聽使，又說道：「這里的雞兒也俊，下的這蛋也小巧，怪俊的。Grandma Liu picked up her chopsticks again, finding them still unwieldy in her grip, and said, "The hens here must be handsome too, laying such dainty little eggs — mighty pretty they are.我且肏攮一個。」眾人方住了笑，聽見這話又笑起來。Let me just shove one down." Just as everyone had begun to stop laughing, hearing this set them off again.賈母笑的眼淚出來，琥珀在後捶著。Grandmother Jia laughed until tears came, and Hupo stood behind her thumping her back.賈母笑道：「這定是鳳丫頭促狹鬼兒鬧的，快別信他的話了。」那劉姥姥正夸雞蛋小巧，要肏攮一個，鳳姐兒笑道：「一兩銀子一個呢，你快嘗嘗罷，那冷了就不好吃了。」劉姥姥便伸箸子要夾，那里夾的起來，滿碗里鬧了一陣好的，好容易撮起一個來，才伸著脖子要吃，偏又滑下來滾在地下，忙放下箸子要親自去撿，早有地下的人撿了出去了。Grandmother Jia laughed, "This is surely that mischievous little devil Xifeng's doing — don't believe a word she says." Just as Grandma Liu was praising the eggs for being so dainty and about to pop one into her mouth, Xifeng said with a laugh, "Each one costs a whole tael of silver — you'd better hurry and taste it, they're no good once they go cold." Grandma Liu stretched out her chopsticks to pick one up, but could not manage it at all, fussing about in the bowl for quite a while; at last she managed to pinch one up, and just as she stretched out her neck to eat it, it slipped and rolled onto the floor. She hastily set down her chopsticks to pick it up herself, but a servant on the floor had already whisked it away.劉姥姥歎道：「一兩銀子，也沒聽見響聲兒就沒了。」眾人已沒心吃飯，都看著他笑。Grandma Liu sighed, "A whole tael of silver, gone without even a sound." By now no one else had any heart left for eating, and they all just watched her and laughed.賈母又說：「這會子又把那個筷子拿了出來，又不請客擺大筵席。Grandmother Jia said again, "And now they've brought out those chopsticks — this isn't even a formal banquet for guests.都是鳳丫頭支使的，還不換了呢。」地下的人原不曾預備這牙箸，本是鳳姐和鴛鴦拿了來的，聽如此說，忙收了過去，也照樣換上一雙烏木鑲銀的。It's all that Xifeng putting people up to it — hurry and change them." The servants had never actually prepared these ivory chopsticks in the first place — Xifeng and Yuanyang had brought them themselves — and on hearing this, quickly took them away and replaced them, just as before, with a pair of ebony chopsticks tipped with silver.劉姥姥道：「去了金的，又是銀的，到底不及俺們那個伏手。」鳳姐兒道：「菜里若有毒，這銀子下去了就試的出來。」劉姥姥道：「這個菜里若有毒，俺們那菜都成了砒霜了。Grandma Liu said, "Gold ones taken away, and now silver ones — still not as easy to handle as our own back home." Xifeng said, "If there were poison in the food, the silver would show it as soon as it touched." Grandma Liu said, "If there were poison in food like this, then the food we eat would all have turned to arsenic long ago.那怕毒死了也要吃盡了。」賈母見他如此有趣，吃的又香甜，把自己的也端過來與他吃。Even if it poisoned me to death, I'd still eat it all up." Grandmother Jia, finding her so amusing, and seeing how heartily and with such relish she ate, had her own dish brought over for Grandma Liu to eat as well.又命一個老嬤嬤來，將各樣的菜給板兒夾在碗上。She also had an old nanny come and pick out a bit of every dish to put into Ban'er's bowl.

只见一个媳妇端了一个盒子站在当地，一个丫鬟上来揭去盒盖，里面盛著两碗菜。李纨端了一碗放在贾母桌上。凤姐儿偏拣了一碗鸽子蛋放在刘姥姥桌上。贾母这边说声「请」，刘姥姥便站起身来，高声说道：「老刘，老刘，食量大似牛，吃一个老母猪不抬头。」自己却鼓著腮不语。众人先是发怔，后来一听，上上下下都哈哈的大笑起来。史湘云撑不住，一口饭都喷了出来，林黛玉笑岔了气，伏著桌子嗳哟，宝玉早滚到贾母怀里，贾母笑的搂著宝玉叫「心肝」，王夫人笑的用手指著凤姐儿，只说不出话来，薛姨妈也撑不住，口里茶喷了探春一裙子，探春手里的饭碗都合在迎春身上，惜春离了坐位，拉著他奶母叫揉一揉肠子。地下的无一个不弯腰屈背，也有躲出去蹲著笑去的，也有忍著笑上来替他姊妹换衣裳的，独有凤姐鸳鸯二人撑著，还只管让刘姥姥。刘姥姥拿起箸来，只觉不听使，又说道：「这里的鸡儿也俊，下的这蛋也小巧，怪俊的。我且肏攮一个。」众人方住了笑，听见这话又笑起来。贾母笑的眼泪出来，琥珀在后捶著。贾母笑道：「这定是凤丫头促狭鬼儿闹的，快别信他的话了。」那刘姥姥正夸鸡蛋小巧，要肏攮一个，凤姐儿笑道：「一两银子一个呢，你快尝尝罢，那冷了就不好吃了。」刘姥姥便伸箸子要夹，那里夹的起来，满碗里闹了一阵好的，好容易撮起一个来，才伸著脖子要吃，偏又滑下来滚在地下，忙放下箸子要亲自去捡，早有地下的人捡了出去了。刘姥姥叹道：「一两银子，也没听见响声儿就没了。」众人已没心吃饭，都看著他笑。贾母又说：「这会子又把那个筷子拿了出来，又不请客摆大筵席。都是凤丫头支使的，还不换了呢。」地下的人原不曾预备这牙箸，本是凤姐和鸳鸯拿了来的，听如此说，忙收了过去，也照样换上一双乌木镶银的。刘姥姥道：「去了金的，又是银的，到底不及俺们那个伏手。」凤姐儿道：「菜里若有毒，这银子下去了就试的出来。」刘姥姥道：「这个菜里若有毒，俺们那菜都成了砒霜了。那怕毒死了也要吃尽了。」贾母见他如此有趣，吃的又香甜，把自己的也端过来与他吃。又命一个老嬷嬷来，将各样的菜给板儿夹在碗上。

一時吃畢，賈母等都往探春臥室中去說閒話。After a while the meal was finished, and Grandmother Jia and the others all went to Tanchun's bedroom to sit and chat.這里收拾過殘桌，又放了一桌。Here the used tables were cleared away, and another table was set out.劉姥姥看著李紈與鳳姐兒對坐著吃飯，歎道：「別的罷了，我只愛你們家這行事。Grandma Liu, watching Li Wan and Xifeng sit down to eat facing each other, sighed, "Never mind anything else — what I truly admire is the way things are done in your household.怪道說『禮出大家』。No wonder they say 'proper manners come from great families.'"鳳姐兒忙笑道：「你別多心，才剛不過大家取笑兒。」一言未了，鴛鴦也進來笑道：「姥姥別惱，我給你老人家賠個不是。」劉姥姥笑道：「姑娘說那里話，咱們哄著老太太開個心兒，可有什麼惱的！Xifeng hastened to say with a smile, "Don't take it to heart — just now we were only having some fun with you." Before she had even finished speaking, Yuanyang too came in and said with a smile, "Don't be angry, Granny — let me apologize to you." Grandma Liu laughed, "What are you talking about, young lady? We were only trying to give the Old Ancestress a good laugh — what would I have to be angry about!你先囑咐我，我就明白了，不過大家取個笑兒。You told me beforehand what to do, so I understood perfectly well it was all just for a laugh.我要心里惱，也就不說了。」鴛鴦便罵人「為什麼不倒茶給姥姥吃。」劉姥姥忙道：「剛才那個嫂子倒了茶來，我吃過了。If I'd been upset about it in my heart, I wouldn't even have said those things." Yuanyang then scolded the servants, "Why hasn't anyone poured tea for Granny to drink?" Grandma Liu said quickly, "That young woman already poured me some tea just now, and I've had it.姑娘也該用飯了。」鳳姐兒便拉鴛鴦：「你坐下和我們吃了罷，省的回來又鬧。」鴛鴦便坐下了。You should have your meal now too, young lady." Xifeng then pulled Yuanyang down, saying, "Sit down and eat with us, so we don't have any more fuss later." Yuanyang then sat down.婆子們添上碗箸來，三人吃畢。The old women brought over more bowls and chopsticks, and the three of them finished their meal.劉姥姥笑道：「我看你們這些人都只吃這一點兒就完了，虧你們也不餓。Grandmother Liu laughed and said, "I see all of you eat only this little bit and are done—it's a wonder you're not hungry.怪只道風兒都吹的倒。」鴛鴦便問：「今兒剩的菜不少，都那去了？」婆子們道：「都還沒散呢，在這里等著一齊散與他們吃。」鴛鴦道：「他們吃不了這些，挑兩碗給二奶奶屋裡平丫頭送去。」鳳姐兒道：「他早吃了飯了，不用給他。」鴛鴦道：「他不吃了，喂你們的貓。」婆子聽了，忙揀了兩樣拿盒子送去。"No wonder a puff of wind could blow you all over." Yuanyang then asked, "There's quite a lot of food left over today—where has it all gone?" The old women said, "It hasn't been given out yet, we're waiting here to hand it all out to them together." Yuanyang said, "They can't eat all this—pick out two bowls and send them to Ping'er in Second Mistress's rooms." Xifeng said, "She's already eaten, no need to give her any." Yuanyang said, "If she won't eat it, then feed it to your cats." Hearing this, the old woman hastily picked out a couple of dishes and put them in a box to send over.鴛鴦道：「素雲那去了？」李紈道：「他們都在這里一處吃，又找他作什麼。」鴛鴦道：「這就罷了。」鳳姐兒道：「襲人不在這里，你倒是叫人送兩樣給他去。」鴛鴦聽說，便命人也送兩樣去後，鴛鴦又問婆子們：「回來吃酒的攢盒可裝上了？」婆子道：「想必還得一會子。」鴛鴦道：「催著些兒。」婆子應喏了。Yuanyang said, "Where's Suyun gone?" Li Wan said, "They're all eating together here, why go looking for her?" Yuanyang said, "Then never mind." Xifeng said, "Xiren isn't here—you should have someone send a couple of dishes to her." When Yuanyang heard this, she had someone send two dishes as well, then asked the old women again, "Are the tiered boxes for the wine-drinking later filled yet?" The old women said, "It'll probably take a little while longer." Yuanyang said, "Hurry them along a bit." The old women assented.

鳳姐兒等來至探春房中，只見他娘兒們正說笑。Xifeng and the others came to Tanchun's rooms, and found the women there laughing and talking together.探春素喜闊朗，這三間屋子并不曾隔斷。Tanchun had always liked spaciousness and light, so these three rooms had not been partitioned off from one another.當地放著一張花梨大理石大案，案上磊著各种名人法帖，并數十方寶硯，各色筆筒，筆海內插的筆如樹林一般。In the middle of the room stood a large rosewood table inlaid with marble, on which were piled various calligraphy models by famous hands, along with several dozen precious inkstones and brush-holders of every kind; the brushes stuck in the brush-pots stood as thick as a forest.那一邊設著斗大的一個汝窯花囊，插著滿滿的一囊水晶球兒的白菊。On the other side stood a Ru-ware flower vase as big as a peck-measure, filled to the brim with white chrysanthemums round as crystal balls.西牆上當中挂著一大幅米襄陽《煙雨圖》，左右挂著一副對聯，乃是顏魯公墨跡，其詞云：In the middle of the west wall hung a large painting, Mist and Rain, by Mi Xiangyang, flanked on either side by a couplet in the brush-hand of Yan Lugong, the words of which read:

煙霞閒骨格，泉石野生涯。"A frame at ease amid mist and cloud; a life run wild among springs and rocks."

案上設著大鼎。On the table stood a large bronze tripod.左邊紫檀架上放著一個大觀窯的大盤，盤內盛著數十個嬌黃玲瓏大佛手。On a red sandalwood stand to the left sat a large Daguan-ware platter, holding several dozen delicate, golden-yellow Buddha's-hand citrons.右邊洋漆架上懸著一個白玉比目磬，旁邊挂著小錘。On a lacquered stand to the right hung a white jade chime carved in the shape of paired flatfish, with a small mallet hanging beside it.那板兒略熟了些，便要摘那錘子要擊，丫鬟們忙攔住他。Ban'er, having grown a little more at ease, wanted to take down the mallet and strike it, and the maids hurriedly stopped him.他又要佛手吃，探春揀了一個與他說：「頑罷，吃不得的。」東邊便設著臥榻，拔步床上懸著蔥綠雙繡花卉草虫的紗帳。Then he wanted to eat a Buddha's-hand citron, so Tanchun picked one out and gave it to him, saying, "Play with it—it's not for eating." On the east side stood a couch, and over the step-in bed hung a gauze curtain of scallion green, embroidered on both sides with flowers, plants, and insects.板兒又跑過來看，說：「這是蟈蟈，這是螞蚱。」劉姥姥忙打了他一巴掌，罵道：「下作黃子，沒乾沒淨的亂鬧。Ban'er ran over again to look, saying, "This is a katydid, this is a grasshopper." Grandmother Liu quickly gave him a slap and scolded him, "You wretched little thing, carrying on so filthy and unclean.倒叫你進來瞧瞧，就上臉了。」打的板兒哭起來，眾人忙勸解方罷。"We let you come in for a look, and you go and get above yourself." The slap made Ban'er start crying, and only after everyone hurried to smooth things over did it stop.賈母因隔著紗窗往後院內看了一回，說道：「後廊檐下的梧桐也好了，就只細些。」正說話，忽一陣風過，隱隱聽得鼓樂之聲。Grandmother Jia, gazing for a while through the gauze window into the back courtyard, said, "The parasol tree under the back veranda eaves has grown nicely too, only it's still a bit slender." Just as she was speaking, a gust of wind passed by, and faintly, the sound of drums and music could be heard.賈母問」是誰家娶親呢？Grandmother Jia asked, "Whose family is holding a wedding?這里臨街倒近。」王夫人等笑回道：「街上的那里聽的見，這是咱們的那十幾個女孩子們演習吹打呢。」賈母便笑道：「既是他們演，何不叫他們進來演習。"We're quite close to the street here." Lady Wang and the others answered with a laugh, "How could it carry from the street? It's our own dozen or so girls practicing their playing." Grandmother Jia then said with a laugh, "Since they're practicing, why not have them come in and practice here.他們也逛一逛，咱們可又樂了。」鳳姐聽說，忙命人出去叫來，又一面吩咐擺下條桌，舖上紅氈子。"Let them have a stroll about too, and we'll get to enjoy it as well." Hearing this, Xifeng promptly sent someone out to call them in, and at the same time gave orders to set up a long table and spread red felt over it.賈母道：「就舖排在藕香榭的水亭子上，借著水音更好聽。Grandmother Jia said, "Just set it up on the water pavilion of Ouxiang Xie—with the water's echo it will sound even better.回來咱們就在綴錦閣底下吃酒，又寬闊，又聽的近。」眾人都說那里好。"Later we'll drink below Zhuijin Ge—it's spacious there, and close enough to hear well." Everyone agreed that would be good.賈母向薛姨媽笑道：「咱們走罷。Grandmother Jia said to Aunt Xue with a smile, "Let's be on our way.他們姊妹們都不大喜歡人來坐著，怕髒了屋子。"These girls don't much like people sitting about in their rooms—they're afraid it'll dirty the place.咱們別沒眼色，正經坐一回子船喝酒去。」說著大家起身便走。"Let's not be so tactless—let's go properly, take a boat ride and have some wine." So saying, everyone rose and set off.探春笑道：「這是那里的話，求著老太太姨太太來坐坐還不能呢。」賈母笑道：「我的這三丫頭卻好，只有兩個玉兒可惡。Tanchun said with a smile, "What kind of talk is that? We'd be begging for the chance to have Old Ancestress and Aunt come sit with us." Grandmother Jia said with a laugh, "This third girl of mine is fine—it's only those two 'jade' ones who are detestable.回來吃醉了，咱們偏往他們屋里鬧去。」"When we come back and are a bit drunk, let's go make a ruckus in their rooms on purpose."

說著，眾人都笑了，一齊出來。So saying, everyone laughed, and they all went out together.走不多遠，已到了荇葉渚。They had not walked far before they reached Xingye Zhu.那姑蘇選來的幾個駕娘早把兩隻棠木舫撐來，眾人扶了賈母，王夫人，薛姨媽，劉姥姥，鴛鴦，玉釧兒上了這一隻，落後李紈也跟上去。The boatwomen brought in from Suzhou had already poled up two crabapple-wood pleasure boats, and everyone helped Grandmother Jia, Lady Wang, Aunt Xue, Grandmother Liu, Yuanyang, and Yuchuan'er aboard one of them, with Li Wan following on afterward.鳳姐兒也上去，立在舡頭上，也要撐舡。Xifeng went aboard too, standing at the bow, wanting to pole the boat herself.賈母在艙內道：「這不是頑的，雖不是河里，也有好深的。Grandmother Jia said from inside the cabin, "This is no game—though it isn't a river, it's plenty deep.你快不給我進來。」鳳姐兒笑道：「怕什麼！"Get in here at once, I won't have it." Xifeng laughed, "What's there to be afraid of!老祖宗只管放心。」說著便一篙點開。"Old Ancestress, just set your mind at ease." So saying, she pushed off with a pole.到了池當中，舡小人多，鳳姐只覺亂晃，忙把篙子遞與駕娘，方蹲下了。When they reached the middle of the pond, the boat being small and crowded, Xifeng felt it rocking wildly, and hastily handed the pole to a boatwoman before crouching down.然後迎春姊妹等并寶玉上了那隻，隨後跟來。After that, Yingchun and her sisters, along with Baoyu, boarded the other boat and followed along behind.其餘老嬤嬤散眾丫鬟俱沿河隨行。The rest of the old nurses and the various maids all walked along the bank following them.寶玉道：「這些破荷葉可恨，怎麼還不叫人來拔去。」寶釵笑道：「今年這幾日，何曾饒了這園子閒了，天天逛，那里還有叫人來收拾的工夫。」林黛玉道：「我最不喜歡李義山的詩，只喜他這一句：『留得殘荷聽雨聲』。Baoyu said, "These broken lotus leaves are hateful—why hasn't anyone been told to pull them out yet?" Baochai said with a smile, "These past few days this garden hasn't had a moment's peace—people strolling through every day—where would there be time to have anyone tend to it?" Lin Daiyu said, "I don't care much for Li Yishan's poetry, I only like this one line of his: 'Leave the withered lotus so as to hear the sound of rain.'偏你們又不留著殘荷了。」寶玉道：「果然好句，以後咱們就別叫人拔去了。」說著已到了花漵的蘿港之下，覺得陰森透骨，兩灘上衰草殘菱，更助秋情。"And yet here you are, unwilling to leave the withered lotus." Baoyu said, "It really is a fine line—from now on let's not have anyone pull it out." By now they had reached the vine-covered inlet below Huaxu, and it felt bleak to the bone; the withered grasses and broken water-caltrop on the two banks only deepened the mood of autumn.

賈母因見岸上的清廈曠朗，便問：「這是你薛姑娘的屋子不是？」眾人道：「是。」賈母忙命攏岸，順著雲步石梯上去，一同進了蘅蕪苑，只覺异香撲鼻。Seeing the clear, spacious hall on the bank, Grandmother Jia asked, "Isn't this Miss Xue's place?" Everyone said, "Yes." Grandmother Jia at once ordered the boat brought to shore, and going up along the cloud-step stone stairs, they all entered Hengwu Yuan together, where a strange fragrance struck their noses at once.那些奇草仙藤愈冷逾蒼翠，都結了實，似珊瑚豆子一般，累垂可愛。Those rare herbs and immortal vines grew ever more lush and green in the cold, and had all borne fruit, like little coral beads, hanging in clusters, lovely to see.及進了房屋，雪洞一般，一色玩器全無，案上只有一個土定瓶中供著數枝菊花，并兩部書，茶奩茶杯而已。When they entered the rooms, it was like a snow cave—there was not a single ornament of any kind to be seen; on the table there was only an earthenware Ding-ware vase holding a few sprigs of chrysanthemum, along with two sets of books and a tea case with cups, and nothing more.床上只吊著青紗帳幔，衾褥也十分朴素。Over the bed hung only a curtain of blue-green gauze, and the quilts and bedding were likewise very plain.賈母歎道：「這孩子太老實了。Grandmother Jia sighed, "This child is too plain and proper for her own good.你沒有陳設，何妨和你姨娘要些。"If you have no furnishings, why not ask your aunt for some?我也不理論，也沒想到，你們的東西自然在家里沒帶了來。」說著，命鴛鴦去取些古董來，又嗔著鳳姐兒：「不送些玩器來與你妹妹，這樣小器。」王夫人鳳姐兒等都笑回說：「他自己不要的。"I never gave it a thought, never considered that your things would of course have been left at home and not brought along." So saying, she told Yuanyang to go fetch some antiques, and then scolded Xifeng: "Not sending some ornaments over to your cousin—how stingy of you." Lady Wang, Xifeng, and the others all answered with a laugh, "She herself didn't want them.我們原送了來，他都退回去了。」薛姨媽也笑說：「他在家里也不大弄這些東西的。」賈母搖頭說：「使不得。"We did send some over, but she sent them all back." Aunt Xue also said with a smile, "Even at home she doesn't care much for fussing with such things." Grandmother Jia shook her head and said, "That won't do.雖然他省事，倘或來一個親戚，看著不象，二則年輕的姑娘們，房里這樣素淨，也忌諱。"Even though it saves trouble for her, if a relative should come and see it, it wouldn't look right; and besides, for young unmarried girls, having rooms this bare and plain is inauspicious too.我們這老婆子，越發該住馬圈去了。"An old woman like me ought to be living in a stable, by that logic.你們聽那些書上戲上說的小姐們的繡房，精致的還了得呢。"Listen to how the embroidered chambers of young ladies are described in books and plays—how exquisitely they're furnished, beyond anything.他們姊妹們雖不敢比那些小姐們，也不要很離了格兒。"These girls of ours may not presume to compare themselves to those young ladies, but they shouldn't stray too far from the proper style either.有現成的東西，為什麼不擺？"When there are things ready at hand, why not display them?若很愛素淨，少幾樣倒使得。"If she's so fond of plainness, having a few less pieces would be fine.我最會收拾屋子的，如今老了，沒有這些閒心了。"I used to be the best at arranging rooms, but now that I'm old, I no longer have the leisure of mind for it.他們姊妹們也還學著收拾的好，只怕俗氣，有好東西也擺坏了。"These girls have also learned to arrange things fairly well, only I'm afraid they might be tasteless and end up spoiling good things by how they display them.我看他們還不俗。"But as I see it, they're not tasteless at all.如今讓我替你收拾，包管又大方又素淨。"Now let me arrange it for you—I guarantee it will be both elegant and plain.我的梯己兩件，收到如今，沒給寶玉看見過，若經了他的眼，也沒了。」說著叫過鴛鴦來，親吩咐道：「你把那石頭盆景兒和那架紗桌屏，還有個墨煙凍石鼎，這三樣擺在這案上就夠了。"I have a couple of private pieces of my own that I've kept put away all this time, never shown even to Baoyu—if they'd ever caught his eye, they'd be gone by now." So saying, she called Yuanyang over and personally instructed her: "Take that rockery bonsai and that little gauze table-screen, and also the ink-black frozen-stone tripod—these three pieces will be enough to set out on this table.再把那水墨字畫白綾帳子拿來，把這帳子也換了。」鴛鴦答應著，笑道：「這些東西都擱在東樓上的不知那個箱子里，還得慢慢找去，明兒再拿去也罷了。」賈母道：「明日後日都使得，只別忘了。」說著，坐了一回方出來，一徑來至綴錦閣下。"And also bring that white silk bed-curtain painted with ink-wash calligraphy and pictures, and change out this curtain for it." Yuanyang assented, saying with a smile, "All these things are put away somewhere up in the east tower, I'm not sure in which chest—I'll have to look for them slowly, it would do just as well to bring them tomorrow." Grandmother Jia said, "Tomorrow or the day after will both do, just don't forget." So saying, she sat a while longer before coming out, and went straight on to Zhuijin Ge.文官等上來請過安，因問「演習何曲」。Wenguan and the others came up to pay their respects, and asked what pieces they should practice.賈母道：「只揀你們生的演習幾套罷。」文官等下來，往藕香榭去不提。Grandmother Jia said, "Just pick a few sets that suit your own strengths and practice those." Wenguan and the others withdrew and went off to Ouxiang Xie, and no more need be said of that.

這里鳳姐兒已帶著人擺設整齊，上面左右兩張榻，榻上都舖著錦裀蓉簟，每一榻前有兩張雕漆幾，也有海棠式的，也有梅花式的，也有荷葉式的，也有葵花式的，也有方的，也有圓的，其式不一。Meanwhile Xifeng had already had everything set out in proper order: at the head of the room stood two couches, left and right, each spread with brocade cushions and lotus-pattern mats; in front of each couch stood two carved lacquer stands, some shaped like begonia blossoms, some like plum blossoms, some like lotus leaves, some like sunflowers, some square, some round—no two alike in shape.一個上面放著爐瓶，一分攢盒，一個上面空設著，預備放人所喜食物。On one of each pair sat an incense burner and vase set together with a tiered box of sweets, while the other was left empty, set aside to hold whatever food each person fancied.上面二榻四幾，是賈母薛姨媽，下面一椅兩幾，是王夫人的，餘者都是一椅一幾。The two couches with their four stands at the head of the room were for Grandmother Jia and Aunt Xue; below, one chair with two stands was for Lady Wang; all the rest had one chair with one stand each.東邊是劉姥姥，劉姥姥之下便是王夫人。On the east side sat Grandmother Liu, and below Grandmother Liu was Lady Wang.西邊便是史湘雲，第二便是寶釵，第三便是黛玉，第四迎春，探春，惜春挨次下去，寶玉在末。On the west side sat Shi Xiangyun; next was Baochai; third was Daiyu; fourth, fifth, and sixth in order were Yingchun, Tanchun, and Xichun; and last of all was Baoyu.李紈鳳姐二人之幾設于三層檻內，二層紗廚之外。The stands for Li Wan and Xifeng were set within the third railing, just outside the second gauze cabinet.攢盒式樣，亦隨幾之式樣。The shape of each tiered box matched the shape of its own stand.每人一把烏銀洋鏨自斟壺，一個十錦琺琅杯。Each person had a black-silver, foreign-chased self-pouring wine pot, and a many-patterned enamel cup.

大家坐定，賈母先笑道：「咱們先吃兩杯，今日也行一令才有意思。」薛姨媽等笑道：「老太太自然有好酒令，我們如何會呢，安心要我們醉了。When everyone was seated, Grandmother Jia spoke first with a smile, "Let's drink a couple of cups first—today it'll be more fun if we play a drinking game as well." Aunt Xue and the others said with a laugh, "Old Ancestress is sure to know some fine drinking game, but how could we know how to play it? You're bent on getting us drunk.我們都多吃兩杯就有了。」賈母笑道：「姨太太今兒也過謙起來，想是厭我老了。」薛姨媽笑道：「不是謙，只怕行不上來倒是笑話了。」王夫人忙笑道：「便說不上來，就便多吃一杯酒，醉了睡覺去，還有誰笑話咱們不成。」薛姨媽點頭笑道：「依令。"We'll just have a couple of extra cups instead, and that'll do." Grandmother Jia said with a laugh, "Aunt is being much too modest today—I suppose you're tired of me in my old age." Aunt Xue said with a laugh, "It's not modesty—I'm only afraid that if I can't manage it, I'll make a fool of myself." Lady Wang quickly said with a laugh, "Even if you can't manage it, you can just drink an extra cup and go off to sleep once you're tipsy—who's going to laugh at us for that?" Aunt Xue nodded and said with a smile, "Very well, I'll follow the rule.老太太到底吃一杯令酒才是。」賈母笑道：「這個自然。」說著便吃了一杯。"But Old Ancestress really ought to drink a cup of forfeit-wine first." Grandmother Jia said with a laugh, "Naturally." So saying, she drank a cup.

鳳姐兒忙走至當地，笑道：「既行令，還叫鴛鴦姐姐來行更好。」眾人都知賈母所行之令必得鴛鴦提著，故聽了這話，都說「很是」。Xifeng hurried to the middle of the room and said with a smile, "Since we're playing a game, it would be even better to have Sister Yuanyang come lead it." Everyone knew that whatever game Grandmother Jia played, Yuanyang always had to prompt her through it, so on hearing this they all said, "Quite right."鳳姐兒便拉了鴛鴦過來。Xifeng then pulled Yuanyang over.王夫人笑道：「既在令內，沒有站著的理。」回頭命小丫頭子：「端一張椅子，放在你二位奶奶的席上。」鴛鴦也半推半就，謝了坐，便坐下，也吃了一鐘酒，笑道：「酒令大如軍令，不論尊卑，惟我是主。Lady Wang said with a smile, "Since she's part of the game now, there's no reason for her to stand." Turning her head, she told a young maid, "Bring a chair and put it at the table of your two mistresses." Yuanyang, half-declining and half-yielding, thanked them for the seat and sat down, drinking a cup of wine as well, then said with a smile, "A drinking order is as strict as a military order—rank and status don't matter, I alone am in charge here.違了我的話，是要受罰的。」王夫人等都笑道：「一定如此，快些說來。」鴛鴦未開口，劉姥姥便下了席，擺手道：「別這樣捉弄人家，我家去了。」眾人都笑道：「這卻使不得。」鴛鴦喝令小丫頭子們：「拉上席去！」小丫頭子們也笑著，果然拉入席中。"Whoever breaks my rule is to be punished." Lady Wang and the others all said with a laugh, "Certainly, certainly—get on with it, quickly." Before Yuanyang could even open her mouth, Grandmother Liu rose from her seat and, waving her hand, said, "Don't go tormenting folks like this, I'm going home." Everyone said with a laugh, "That won't do at all." Yuanyang called out to the young maids, "Pull her back to her seat!" The maids, laughing too, indeed pulled her back into her place.劉姥姥只叫「饒了我罷！」鴛鴦道：「再多言的罰一壺。」劉姥姥方住了聲。Grandmother Liu could only cry, "Spare me, please!" Yuanyang said, "Anyone who talks back again gets a whole pot as punishment." Only then did Grandmother Liu fall silent.鴛鴦道：「如今我說骨牌副兒，從老太太起，順領說下去，至劉姥姥止。Yuanyang said, "Now I'll call out domino hands, starting with Old Ancestress and going on down in order, ending with Grandmother Liu.比如我說一副兒，將這三張牌拆開，先說頭一張，次說第二張，再說第三張，說完了，合成這一副兒的名字。"For instance, when I call out a hand, I'll break the three tiles apart—naming the first tile, then the second, then the third—and once that's done, put them together into the name of the hand.無論詩詞歌賦，成語俗話，比上一句，都要葉韻。"Whether it's a line of poetry, verse, rhapsody, a set phrase, or a common saying, whatever you match it with must rhyme with what came before.錯了的罰一杯。」眾人笑道：「這個令好，就說出來。」鴛鴦道：「有了一副了。"Whoever gets it wrong is punished with a cup." Everyone said with a laugh, "This is a fine game—go on, call it out." Yuanyang said, "Here's the first hand.左邊是張『天』。」賈母道：「頭上有青天。」眾人道：「好。」鴛鴦道：「當中是個『五與六』。」賈母道：「六橋梅花香徹骨。」鴛鴦道：「剩得一張『六與幺』。」賈母道：「一輪紅日出雲霄。」鴛鴦道：「湊成便是個『蓬頭鬼』。」賈母道：「這鬼抱住鍾馗腿。」說完，大家笑說：「极妙。」賈母飲了一杯。"On the left is a 'Heaven' tile." Grandmother Jia said, "Overhead there is the blue sky." Everyone said, "Good." Yuanyang said, "In the middle is 'Five and Six.'" Grandmother Jia said, "At Six Bridges the plum blossoms' scent pierces to the bone." Yuanyang said, "What's left is a 'Six and One.'" Grandmother Jia said, "A single red sun emerges from the clouds." Yuanyang said, "Put together, it makes 'The Disheveled Ghost.'" Grandmother Jia said, "This ghost clings to Zhong Kui's leg." When she had finished, everyone said with a laugh, "Marvelous!" Grandmother Jia drank a cup.鴛鴦又道：「有了一副。Yuanyang said again, "Here's another hand.左邊是個『大長五』。」薛姨媽道：「梅花朵朵風前舞。」鴛鴦道：「右邊還是個『大五長』。」薛姨媽道：「十月梅花岭上香。」鴛鴦道：「當中『二五』是雜七。」薛姨媽道：「織女牛郎會七夕。」鴛鴦道：「湊成『二郎游五岳』。」薛姨媽道：「世人不及神仙樂。」說完，大家稱賞，飲了酒。"On the left is a 'Great Long Five.'" Aunt Xue said, "Plum blossoms, blossom by blossom, dance before the wind." Yuanyang said, "On the right is again a 'Great Five Long.'" Aunt Xue said, "In the tenth month, plum blossoms scent the ridge." Yuanyang said, "In the middle, 'Two and Five' makes a mixed seven." Aunt Xue said, "The Weaving Maid and Oxherd meet on the seventh eve." Yuanyang said, "Put together, it's 'Erlang Roams the Five Peaks.'" Aunt Xue said, "The joys of mortal men can't match those of immortals." When she had finished, everyone praised it, and they drank.鴛鴦又道：「有了一副。Yuanyang said again, "Here's another hand.左邊『長幺』兩點明。」湘雲道：「雙懸日月照乾坤。」鴛鴦道：「右邊『長幺』兩點明。」湘雲道：「閒花落地聽無聲。」鴛鴦道：「中間還得『幺四』來。」湘雲道：「日邊紅杏倚雲栽。」鴛鴦道：「湊成『櫻桃九熟』。」湘雲道：「御園卻被鳥銜出。」說完飲了一杯。"On the left, 'Long and One,' two points bright." Xiangyun said, "Sun and moon both hang suspended, lighting up heaven and earth." Yuanyang said, "On the right, 'Long and One,' two points bright." Xiangyun said, "Idle blossoms fall to the ground without a sound." Yuanyang said, "In the middle we still need a 'One and Four.'" Xiangyun said, "By the sun's edge red apricots are planted, leaning against the clouds." Yuanyang said, "Put together, it's 'Nine Ripe Cherries.'" Xiangyun said, "But they were carried out of the imperial garden by a bird." When she had finished, she drank a cup.鴛鴦道：「有了一副。Yuanyang said, "Here's another hand.左邊是『長三』。」寶釵道：「雙雙燕子語梁間。」鴛鴦道：「右邊是『三長』。」寶釵道：「水荇牽風翠帶長。」鴛鴦道：「當中『三六』九點在。」寶釵道：「三山半落青天外。」鴛鴦道：「湊成『鐵鎖練孤舟』。」寶釵道：「處處風波處處愁。」說完飲畢。"On the left is 'Long Three.'" Baochai said, "Pairs of swallows chatter between the rafters." Yuanyang said, "On the right is 'Three Long.'" Baochai said, "Water-plants drawn by the wind trail long like jade-green sashes." Yuanyang said, "In the middle, 'Three and Six' makes nine points." Baochai said, "The three mountains half sink beyond the blue sky." Yuanyang said, "Put together, it's 'An Iron Chain Binding a Lone Boat.'" Baochai said, "Everywhere there is wind and wave, everywhere there is sorrow." When she had finished, she drank up.鴛鴦又道：「左邊一個『天』。」黛玉道：「良辰美景奈何天。」寶釵聽了，回頭看著他。Yuanyang said again, "On the left, a 'Heaven' tile." Daiyu said, "Fine times and lovely scenes—ah, what a heaven to bear." Baochai, hearing this, turned her head and looked at her.黛玉只顧怕罰，也不理論。Daiyu, intent only on avoiding the penalty, paid it no mind at all.鴛鴦道：「中間『錦屏』顏色俏。」黛玉道：「紗窗也沒有紅娘報。」鴛鴦道：「剩了『二六』八點齊。」黛玉道：「雙瞻玉座引朝儀。」鴛鴦道：「湊成『籃子』好采花。」黛玉道：「仙杖香挑芍藥花。」說完，飲了一口。Yuanyang said, "In the middle, 'Brocade Screen,' its colors so fine." Daiyu said, "At the gauze window, no Hongniang comes to bring word." Yuanyang said, "What's left is 'Two and Six,' eight points even." Daiyu said, "All eyes turn together to the jade throne, ushering in the morning court." Yuanyang said, "Put together it's a 'Basket,' good for gathering flowers." Daiyu said, "The immortal's staff lifts fragrant peony blooms." When she had finished, she took a drink.鴛鴦道：「左邊『四五』成花九。」迎春道：「桃花帶雨濃。」眾人道：「該罰！Yuanyang said, "On the left, 'Four and Five' make a flowered nine." Yingchun said, "Peach blossoms heavy with rain." Everyone said, "She must be punished!錯了韻，而且又不象。」迎春笑著飲了一口。"She missed the rhyme, and besides it doesn't even fit." Yingchun laughed and took a drink.原是鳳姐兒和鴛鴦都要聽劉姥姥的笑話，故意都令說錯，都罰了。Actually, it was because Xifeng and Yuanyang both wanted to hear Grandmother Liu's joke that they deliberately let the others get it wrong on purpose, so that all of them were punished.至王夫人，鴛鴦代說了個，下便該劉姥姥。When it came to Lady Wang's turn, Yuanyang spoke on her behalf, and then it was Grandmother Liu's turn.劉姥姥道：「我們庄家人閒了，也常會幾個人弄這個，但不如說的這麼好聽。Grandmother Liu said, "When we country folk have some idle time, we often get a few people together to play this too, but not with such fine words as these.少不得我也試一試。」眾人都笑道：「容易說的。"Still, I suppose I'll have to give it a try." Everyone said with a laugh, "It's easy to say.你只管說，不相干。」鴛鴦笑道：「左邊『四四』是個人。」劉姥姥聽了，想了半日，說道：「是個庄家人罷。」眾人哄堂笑了。"Just say whatever comes, it doesn't matter." Yuanyang said with a smile, "On the left, 'Four and Four' is a person." Grandmother Liu, hearing this, thought for a long while, then said, "That would be a country person, I suppose." Everyone burst out laughing all together.賈母笑道：「說的好，就是這樣說。」劉姥姥也笑道：「我們庄家人，不過是現成的本色，眾位別笑。」鴛鴦道：「中間『三四』綠配紅。」劉姥姥道：「大火燒了毛毛蟲。」眾人笑道：「這是有的，還說你的本色。」鴛鴦道：「右邊『幺四』真好看。」劉姥姥道：「一個蘿蔔一頭蒜。」眾人又笑了。Grandmother Jia said with a laugh, "Well said—that's exactly how it's done." Grandmother Liu also said with a laugh, "We country folk only have our plain, natural way of talking—don't you all laugh at me." Yuanyang said, "In the middle, 'Three and Four,' green matched with red." Grandmother Liu said, "A great fire burned up the caterpillars." Everyone laughed and said, "That's a real thing, all right—still speaking in your own plain way." Yuanyang said, "On the right, 'One and Four,' truly lovely to look at." Grandmother Liu said, "One radish, one head of garlic." Everyone laughed again.鴛鴦笑道：「湊成便是一枝花。」劉姥姥兩隻手比著，說道：「花兒落了結個大倭瓜。」眾人大笑起來。Yuanyang said with a laugh, "Put together, it makes 'A Spray of Flowers.'" Grandmother Liu, gesturing with both hands, said, "When the flower falls off, it turns into a great big pumpkin." Everyone burst into loud laughter.只聽外面亂嚷——且聽下回分解。Just then, a commotion could be heard from outside—what it was, the next chapter will tell.

凤姐儿忙走至当地，笑道：「既行令，还叫鸳鸯姐姐来行更好。」众人都知贾母所行之令必得鸳鸯提著，故听了这话，都说「很是」。凤姐儿便拉了鸳鸯过来。王夫人笑道：「既在令内，没有站著的理。」回头命小丫头子：「端一张椅子，放在你二位奶奶的席上。」鸳鸯也半推半就，谢了坐，便坐下，也吃了一钟酒，笑道：「酒令大如军令，不论尊卑，惟我是主。违了我的话，是要受罚的。」王夫人等都笑道：「一定如此，快些说来。」鸳鸯未开口，刘姥姥便下了席，摆手道：「别这样捉弄人家，我家去了。」众人都笑道：「这却使不得。」鸳鸯喝令小丫头子们：「拉上席去！」小丫头子们也笑著，果然拉入席中。刘姥姥只叫「饶了我罢！」鸳鸯道：「再多言的罚一壶。」刘姥姥方住了声。鸳鸯道：「如今我说骨牌副儿，从老太太起，顺领说下去，至刘姥姥止。比如我说一副儿，将这三张牌拆开，先说头一张，次说第二张，再说第三张，说完了，合成这一副儿的名字。无论诗词歌赋，成语俗话，比上一句，都要叶韵。错了的罚一杯。」众人笑道：「这个令好，就说出来。」鸳鸯道：「有了一副了。左边是张『天』。」贾母道：「头上有青天。」众人道：「好。」鸳鸯道：「当中是个『五与六』。」贾母道：「六桥梅花香彻骨。」鸳鸯道：「剩得一张『六与幺』。」贾母道：「一轮红日出云霄。」鸳鸯道：「凑成便是个『蓬头鬼』。」贾母道：「这鬼抱住钟馗腿。」说完，大家笑说：「极妙。」贾母饮了一杯。鸳鸯又道：「有了一副。左边是个『大长五』。」薛姨妈道：「梅花朵朵风前舞。」鸳鸯道：「右边还是个『大五长』。」薛姨妈道：「十月梅花岭上香。」鸳鸯道：「当中『二五』是杂七。」薛姨妈道：「织女牛郎会七夕。」鸳鸯道：「凑成『二郎游五岳』。」薛姨妈道：「世人不及神仙乐。」说完，大家称赏，饮了酒。鸳鸯又道：「有了一副。左边『长幺』两点明。」湘云道：「双悬日月照干坤。」鸳鸯道：「右边『长幺』两点明。」湘云道：「闲花落地听无声。」鸳鸯道：「中间还得『幺四』来。」湘云道：「日边红杏倚云栽。」鸳鸯道：「凑成『樱桃九熟』。」湘云道：「御园却被鸟衔出。」说完饮了一杯。鸳鸯道：「有了一副。左边是『长三』。」宝钗道：「双双燕子语梁间。」鸳鸯道：「右边是『三长』。」宝钗道：「水荇牵风翠带长。」鸳鸯道：「当中『三六』九点在。」宝钗道：「三山半落青天外。」鸳鸯道：「凑成『铁锁练孤舟』。」宝钗道：「处处风波处处愁。」说完饮毕。鸳鸯又道：「左边一个『天』。」黛玉道：「良辰美景奈何天。」宝钗听了，回头看著他。黛玉只顾怕罚，也不理论。鸳鸯道：「中间『锦屏』颜色俏。」黛玉道：「纱窗也没有红娘报。」鸳鸯道：「剩了『二六』八点齐。」黛玉道：「双瞻玉座引朝仪。」鸳鸯道：「凑成『篮子』好采花。」黛玉道：「仙杖香挑芍药花。」说完，饮了一口。鸳鸯道：「左边『四五』成花九。」迎春道：「桃花带雨浓。」众人道：「该罚！错了韵，而且又不象。」迎春笑著饮了一口。原是凤姐儿和鸳鸯都要听刘姥姥的笑话，故意都令说错，都罚了。至王夫人，鸳鸯代说了个，下便该刘姥姥。刘姥姥道：「我们庄家人闲了，也常会几个人弄这个，但不如说的这么好听。少不得我也试一试。」众人都笑道：「容易说的。你只管说，不相干。」鸳鸯笑道：「左边『四四』是个人。」刘姥姥听了，想了半日，说道：「是个庄家人罢。」众人哄堂笑了。贾母笑道：「说的好，就是这样说。」刘姥姥也笑道：「我们庄家人，不过是现成的本色，众位别笑。」鸳鸯道：「中间『三四』绿配红。」刘姥姥道：「大火烧了毛毛虫。」众人笑道：「这是有的，还说你的本色。」鸳鸯道：「右边『幺四』真好看。」刘姥姥道：「一个萝卜一头蒜。」众人又笑了。鸳鸯笑道：「凑成便是一枝花。」刘姥姥两只手比著，说道：「花儿落了结个大倭瓜。」众人大笑起来。只听外面乱嚷——且听下回分解。

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What it’s about

The Lady Dowager leads Granny Liu on an elaborate tour of Grand Prospect Garden and hosts meals for her. Xifeng and Yuanyang collaborate in making the visitor a comic performer, dressing her with flowers, giving her unwieldy ivory chopsticks and prompting an outlandish declaration that makes the table erupt in laughter. Granny Liu knowingly plays along because amusement is a currency she can offer. The scene is exuberant, yet its inventory of delicacies, furnishings and servants measures the gulf between her agricultural poverty and Jia abundance.

The party moves by boat and visits several young women's rooms, whose decoration the Lady Dowager evaluates according to her own taste and ideals of refinement. During a drinking game Yuanyang calls out domino combinations and each player must answer with matching lines from poetry, drama or common sayings. Granny Liu's earthy responses delight the company beside the girls' learned allusions. She eventually becomes drunk and mistakenly falls asleep in Baoyu's elegant chamber, carrying the disorderly bodily world of food, fatigue and village life into the garden's most cultivated space.

When it was written 背景

This celebrated garden banquet invites laughter while keeping the economics of laughter visible. Granny Liu accepts temporary humiliation strategically, and her hosts' generosity coexists with their use of her as entertainment. The domino drinking game demonstrates how cultural knowledge ranges across canonical verse, popular drama and proverb; successful play requires memory and improvisation, not a single kind of literacy. The tour also preserves a detailed image of the garden near its height, making rooms into portraits of their residents and of elite material culture. Because later decline shadows the episode, lavish food and exquisite objects appear both sensually immediate and precariously excessive.

Words in this chapter 生词

姥lǎo姥lǎo — grandma (maternal)
鴛yuān鴛yuān — mandarin duck
鴦yāng鴦yāng — used in 鴛鴦 (yuān yāng)
賈gǔ賈gǔ — merchant · to buy
劉liú劉liú — (classical) a type of battle-ax · to kill · to slaughter
薛xuē薛xuē — wormwood like grass (classical)
紈wán紈wán — (literary) fine white silk; delicate silk fabric
姐jiěHSK 1姐jiě — older sister (HSK 1)
鳳fèng鳳fèng — phoenix
舡gāng舡gāng — boat · ship
釵chāi釵chāi — hairpin
幺yāo幺yāo — youngest · most junior · tiny · one (unambiguous spoken form when spelling out numbers, esp. on telephone or in military) · one or ace on dice or dominoes · variant of 吆 (yāo), to shout

第四十回 史太君兩宴大觀園 金鴛鴦三宣牙牌令 The Lady Dowager Feasts Twice in Grand View Garden; Yuanyang Thrice Calls the Domino Game

What it’s about

When it was written 背景

Words in this chapter 生词

第四十回　　史太君兩宴大觀園　金鴛鴦三宣牙牌令 The Lady Dowager Feasts Twice in Grand View Garden; Yuanyang Thrice Calls the Domino Game