第四十三回　閒取樂偶攢金慶壽　不了情暫撮土爲香 For Idle Fun Gold Is Pooled for a Birthday; With Unending Love a Handful of Earth Serves as Incense

話說王夫人因見賈母那日在大觀園不過著了些風寒，不是什麼大病，請醫生吃了兩劑藥也就好了，便放了心，因命鳳姐來吩咐他預備給賈政帶送東西。The story goes that Wang furen, seeing that Jia Mu had only caught a slight chill that day in the Grand View Garden and that it was nothing serious—she had recovered after a doctor was called and two doses of medicine taken—set her mind at ease, and so summoned Xifeng to instruct her to prepare things to be sent along to Jia Zheng.正商議著，只見賈母打發人來請，王夫人忙引著鳳姐兒過來。Just as they were discussing this, someone came sent by Jia Mu to invite them over, and Wang furen hastily brought Xifeng along with her.王夫人又請問“這會子可又覺大安些？”賈母道：“今日可大好了。Wang furen asked again, "Are you feeling much better now?" Jia Mu said, "I'm quite well today.方才你們送來野雞崽子湯，我嘗了一嘗，倒有味兒，又吃了兩塊肉，心里很受用。”王夫人笑道：“這是鳳丫頭孝敬老太太的。That pheasant-chick soup you sent just now, I tasted it and found it quite good, and I ate two pieces of meat besides—it agreed with me very well." Wang furen said with a smile, "That was Xifeng's filial offering to you, Old Ancestress.算他的孝心虔，不枉了素日老太太疼他。”賈母點頭笑道：“難為他想著。Credit her for such devoted filial feeling—it hasn't been for nothing that you've always doted on her." Jia Mu nodded and said with a smile, "It's good of her to think of it.若是還有生的，再炸上兩塊，咸浸浸的，吃粥有味兒。If there's still some raw meat left, fry up two more pieces, salted through—good with rice porridge.那湯雖好，就只不對稀飯。”鳳姐聽了，連忙答應，命人去廚房傳話。That soup, good as it is, just doesn't go with congee." Xifeng, hearing this, quickly assented and sent someone to pass the word to the kitchen.

话说王夫人因见贾母那日在大观园不过著了些风寒，不是什么大病，请医生吃了两剂药也就好了，便放了心，因命凤姐来吩咐他预备给贾政带送东西。正商议著，只见贾母打发人来请，王夫人忙引著凤姐儿过来。王夫人又请问“这会子可又觉大安些？”贾母道：“今日可大好了。方才你们送来野鸡崽子汤，我尝了一尝，倒有味儿，又吃了两块肉，心里很受用。”王夫人笑道：“这是凤丫头孝敬老太太的。算他的孝心虔，不枉了素日老太太疼他。”贾母点头笑道：“难为他想著。若是还有生的，再炸上两块，咸浸浸的，吃粥有味儿。那汤虽好，就只不对稀饭。”凤姐听了，连忙答应，命人去厨房传话。

這里賈母又向王夫人笑道：“我打發人請你來，不為別的。Here Jia Mu turned to Wang furen and said with a smile, "I sent for you for no other reason.初二是鳳丫頭的生日，上兩年我原早想替他做生日，偏到跟前有大事，就混過去了。The second of the month is Xifeng's birthday. These past two years I had meant early on to celebrate it for her, but each time something important came up just as the day arrived, and it got let slide.今年人又齊全，料著又沒事，咱們大家好生樂一日。”王夫人笑道：“我也想著呢。This year everyone is here together, and I don't expect anything to interfere, so let's all have a good day's fun." Wang furen said with a smile, "I've been thinking of it too.既是老太太高興，何不就商議定了？”賈母笑道：“我想往年不拘誰作生日，都是各自送各自的禮，這個也俗了，也覺生分的似的。Since you're in the mood, Old Ancestress, why not settle it right now?" Jia Mu said with a smile, "I've been thinking—in past years, whoever's birthday it was, everyone just sent their own separate gifts, and that's grown rather commonplace, and it feels somewhat distant too.今兒我出個新法子，又不生分，又可取笑。”王夫人忙道：“老太太怎麼想著好，就是怎麼樣行。”賈母笑道：“我想著，咱們也學那小家子大家湊分子，多少盡著這錢去辦，你道好頑不好頑？”王夫人笑道：“這個很好，但不知怎麼湊法？”賈母聽說，益發高興起來，忙遣人去請薛姨媽邢夫人等，又叫請姑娘們并寶玉，那府里珍兒媳婦并賴大家的等有頭臉管事的媳婦也都叫了來。Today I'll come up with a new way, one that's not distant and can also be good fun." Wang furen said quickly, "Whatever you think best, Old Ancestress, that's how we'll do it." Jia Mu said with a smile, "I'm thinking we should follow the way ordinary small families do it, everyone pooling contributions, and spend however much that money amounts to on the affair—don't you think that would be fun?" Wang furen said with a smile, "That's very good, but how exactly is the pooling to be done?" Hearing this, Jia Mu grew even more delighted, and hastily sent people to invite Aunt Xue, Xing furen, and the others, and also sent for the young ladies and Baoyu, and from the other mansion, Zhen's wife and Lai Da's wife and the other prominent, well-regarded managing wives were all summoned as well.

这里贾母又向王夫人笑道：“我打发人请你来，不为别的。初二是凤丫头的生日，上两年我原早想替他做生日，偏到跟前有大事，就混过去了。今年人又齐全，料著又没事，咱们大家好生乐一日。”王夫人笑道：“我也想著呢。既是老太太高兴，何不就商议定了？”贾母笑道：“我想往年不拘谁作生日，都是各自送各自的礼，这个也俗了，也觉生分的似的。今儿我出个新法子，又不生分，又可取笑。”王夫人忙道：“老太太怎么想著好，就是怎么样行。”贾母笑道：“我想著，咱们也学那小家子大家凑分子，多少尽著这钱去办，你道好顽不好顽？”王夫人笑道：“这个很好，但不知怎么凑法？”贾母听说，益发高兴起来，忙遣人去请薛姨妈邢夫人等，又叫请姑娘们并宝玉，那府里珍儿媳妇并赖大家的等有头脸管事的媳妇也都叫了来。

眾丫頭婆子見賈母十分高興也都高興，忙忙的各自分頭去請的請，傳的傳，沒頓飯的工夫，老的，少的，上的，下的，烏壓壓擠了一屋子。Seeing Jia Mu in such high spirits, all the maids and matrons grew delighted too, and hurried off in different directions, some to invite people, some to pass word along, and in less time than it takes to eat a meal, old and young, high and low, had crowded the room in a dark, dense mass.只薛姨媽和賈母對坐，邢夫人王夫人只坐在房門前兩張椅子上，寶釵姊妹等五六個人坐在炕上，寶玉坐在賈母怀前，地下滿滿的站了一地。Only Aunt Xue sat facing Jia Mu; Xing furen and Wang furen sat on two chairs in front of the room's door; Baochai and her sisters and five or six others sat on the kang; Baoyu sat in front of Jia Mu, within her embrace; and the floor was packed full with people standing.賈母忙命拿幾個小杌子來，給賴大母親等幾個高年有体面的媽媽坐了。Jia Mu quickly ordered a few small stools brought, for Lai Da's mother and a few other elderly, respected matrons to sit on.賈府風俗，年高伏侍過父母的家人，比年輕的主子還有体面，所以尤氏鳳姐兒等只管地下站著，那賴大的母親等三四個老媽媽告個罪，都坐在小杌子上了。It was the custom of the Jia household that elderly servants who had waited on the elder generation held more standing than the younger masters and mistresses themselves, so You-shi, Xifeng, and the others simply stood on the floor, while Lai Da's mother and three or four other old matrons, after begging pardon, all sat down on the small stools.

众丫头婆子见贾母十分高兴也都高兴，忙忙的各自分头去请的请，传的传，没顿饭的工夫，老的，少的，上的，下的，乌压压挤了一屋子。只薛姨妈和贾母对坐，邢夫人王夫人只坐在房门前两张椅子上，宝钗姊妹等五六个人坐在炕上，宝玉坐在贾母怀前，地下满满的站了一地。贾母忙命拿几个小杌子来，给赖大母亲等几个高年有体面的妈妈坐了。贾府风俗，年高伏侍过父母的家人，比年轻的主子还有体面，所以尤氏凤姐儿等只管地下站著，那赖大的母亲等三四个老妈妈告个罪，都坐在小杌子上了。

賈母笑著把方才一席話說與眾人聽了。Jia Mu, smiling, repeated to everyone what she had just been saying.眾人誰不湊這趣兒？Who among them would not join in such fun?再也有和鳳姐兒好的，有情願這樣的，有畏懼鳳姐兒的，巴不得來奉承的：況且都是拿的出來的，所以一聞此言，都欣然應諾。Besides, there were those on good terms with Xifeng, those who were simply willing, those who feared Xifeng and were only too eager to curry favor with her—and besides, it was money everyone could well afford—so as soon as they heard this, all cheerfully agreed.賈母先道：“我出二十兩。”薛姨媽笑道：“我隨著老太太，也是二十兩了。”邢夫人王夫人道：“我們不敢和老太太并肩，自然矮一等，每人十六兩罷了。”尤氏李紈也笑道：“我們自然又矮一等，每人十二兩罷。”賈母忙和李紈道：“你寡婦失業的，那里還拉你出這個錢，我替你出了罷。”鳳姐忙笑道：“老太太別高興，且算一算帳再攬事。Jia Mu spoke first: "I'll put in twenty taels." Aunt Xue said with a smile, "I'll follow the Old Ancestress's lead—twenty taels as well." Xing furen and Wang furen said, "We wouldn't dare rank ourselves alongside the Old Ancestress—naturally a step lower, sixteen taels each will do." You-shi and Li Wan said with a smile as well, "We're naturally a step lower still—twelve taels each." Jia Mu said quickly to Li Wan, "You're a widow without income of your own—how could I let you be dragged into contributing this money? I'll put it in for you." Xifeng said quickly with a smile, "Don't be too pleased with yourself yet, Old Ancestress—let's do the sums before taking this on.老太太身上已有兩分呢，這會子又替大嫂子出十二兩，說著高興，一會子回想又心疼了。You, Old Ancestress, already have two shares on your account, and now you'd put in another twelve taels for Eldest Sister-in-law besides—you say it gladly now, but in a little while, thinking it over again, you'll feel the pinch.過後兒又說‘都是為鳳丫頭花了錢’，使個巧法子，哄著我拿出三四分子來暗里補上，我還做夢呢。”說的眾人都笑了。And afterward you'll say, 'It's all been spent on account of that Xifeng,' and think up some clever scheme to trick me into secretly making up three or four shares to cover it, and I'd never even know what hit me in my sleep." Everyone laughed at this.賈母笑道：“依你怎麼樣呢？”鳳姐笑道：“生日沒到，我這會子已經折受的不受用了。Jia Mu said with a smile, "What would you have, then?" Xifeng said with a smile, "My birthday hasn't even come yet, and already I'm so mortified by all this I can hardly bear it.我一個錢饒不出，驚動這些人實在不安，不如大嫂子這一分我替他出了罷了。I can't spare even a single coin extra out of my own pocket, and to trouble so many people over this truly leaves me uneasy—better that I put in Eldest Sister-in-law's share myself.我到了那一日多吃些東西，就享了福了。”邢夫人等聽了，都說“很是”。On the day itself I'll just eat a bit more, and that'll be enough good fortune for me." Xing furen and the others, hearing this, all said, "Quite right."賈母方允了。Only then did Jia Mu agree.鳳姐兒又笑道：“我還有一句話呢。Xifeng said with a smile again, "I have one more thing to say.我想老祖宗自己二十兩，又有林妹妹寶兄弟的兩分子。I think the Old Ancestress herself gives twenty taels, and on top of that has the two shares for Cousin Lin and Cousin Bao.姨媽自己二十兩，又有寶妹妹的一分子，這倒也公道。Aunt Xue herself gives twenty taels, and has the one share for Cousin Bao as well—that's fair enough.只是二位太太每位十六兩，自己又少，又不替人出，這有些不公道。But the two Ladies each give only sixteen taels, less than the others, and neither puts in a share for anyone else—that's rather unfair.老祖宗吃了虧了！”賈母聽了，忙笑道：“倒是我的鳳姐兒向著我，這說的很是。The Old Ancestress is coming out the loser!" Jia Mu, hearing this, said quickly with a smile, "So it's my Xifeng who takes my side after all—that's very well put.要不是你，我叫他們又哄了去了。”鳳姐笑道：“老祖宗只把他姐兒兩個交給兩位太太，一位占一個，派多派少，每位替出一分就是了。”賈母忙說：“這很公道，就是這樣。”賴大的母親忙站起來笑說道：“這可反了！If not for you, I'd have let them trick me out of it again." Xifeng said with a smile, "The Old Ancestress need only hand the two young ladies over to the two Ladies, one apiece—however much is assigned, each of the two Ladies just puts in one extra share." Jia Mu said quickly, "That's very fair—so it shall be." Lai Da's mother stood up hastily and said with a laugh, "Now this is turned upside down!我替二位太太生氣。I'm angry on behalf of the two Ladies.在那邊是兒子媳婦，在這邊是內侄女兒，倒不向著婆婆姑娘，倒向著別人。Over there she's a daughter-in-law, over here a niece by marriage, and yet she takes neither her mother-in-law's side nor her aunt's—she takes someone else's side instead.這兒媳婦成了陌路人，內侄女兒竟成了個外侄女兒了。”說的賈母與眾人都大笑起來了。The daughter-in-law has become a stranger, and the niece by marriage has turned into an outsider's niece indeed!" This set Jia Mu and everyone else laughing heartily.賴大之母因又問道：“少奶奶們十二兩，我們自然也該矮一等了。”賈母聽說，道：“這使不得。Lai Da's mother then asked further, "The young mistresses give twelve taels—we should naturally rank a step lower still." Jia Mu, hearing this, said, "That won't do.你們雖該矮一等，我知道你們這幾個都是財主，分位雖低，錢卻比他們多。Though your rank is a step lower, I know full well that you lot are all women of means—your standing may be low, but you have more money than they do.你們和他們一例才使得。”眾媽媽聽了，連忙答應。You should give the same as they do." The matrons, hearing this, quickly assented.賈母又道：“姑娘們不過應個景兒，每人照一個月的月例就是了。”又回頭叫鴛鴦來，“你們也湊幾個人，商議湊了來。”鴛鴦答應著，去不多時帶了平兒，襲人，彩霞等還有幾個小丫鬟來，也有二兩的，也有一兩的。Jia Mu also said, "The young maids need only give a token amount—one month's regular allowance each will do." Then, turning her head, she called for Yuanyang: "You gather a few people too, talk it over and pool your shares." Yuanyang assented, and before long went off and brought back Pinger, Xiren, Caixia, and a few other young maids, some giving two taels, some one.賈母因問平兒：“你難道不替你主子作生日，還入在這里頭？”平兒笑道：“我那個私自另外有了，這是官中的，也該出一分。”賈母笑道：“這才是好孩子。”鳳姐又笑道：“上下都全了。Jia Mu then asked Pinger, "Aren't you supposed to be putting in something separately for your mistress's birthday—why join in on this too?" Pinger said with a smile, "That private gift of mine is separate; this is the common fund, and I ought to put in a share for it too." Jia Mu said with a smile, "Now that's a good girl." Xifeng said with a smile again, "Everyone, high and low, is accounted for now.還有二位姨奶奶，他出不出，也問一聲兒。There are still the two concubine-aunts—we should ask them too, whether they'll contribute or not.盡到他們是理，不然，他們只當小看了他們了。”賈母聽了，忙說：“可是呢，怎麼倒忘了他們！Extending the invitation to them is only proper; otherwise they'll think they've been looked down upon." Jia Mu, hearing this, said quickly, "Indeed—how could I have forgotten them!只怕他們不得閒兒，叫一個丫頭問問去。”說著，早有丫頭去了，半日回來說道：“每位也出二兩。”賈母喜道：“拿筆硯來算明，共計多少。”尤氏因悄罵鳳姐道：“我把你這沒足厭的小蹄子！I'm only afraid they may not be free—send a maid to go ask." No sooner said than a maid had gone, and after a good while came back to report, "Each of them will give two taels too." Jia Mu said happily, "Bring the brush and inkstone and work out the total, how much it all comes to." You-shi then scolded Xifeng under her breath, "You insatiable little wretch!這麼些婆婆嬸子來湊銀子給你過生日，你還不足，又拉上兩個苦瓠子作什麼？”鳳姐也悄笑道：“你少胡說，一會子離了這里，我才和你算帳。So many aunts and elders are pooling money to give you a birthday, and still you're not satisfied—why drag in those two poor bitter gourds as well?" Xifeng said back under her breath with a smile, "Don't talk nonsense—once we're away from here I'll settle accounts with you.他們兩個為什麼苦呢？Why should those two be called poor and bitter?有了錢也是白填送別人，不如拘來咱們樂。”If they had money it would only go to fill someone else's pocket for nothing—better to draw them in and let us all have the fun of it."

贾母笑著把方才一席话说与众人听了。众人谁不凑这趣儿？再也有和凤姐儿好的，有情愿这样的，有畏惧凤姐儿的，巴不得来奉承的：况且都是拿的出来的，所以一闻此言，都欣然应诺。贾母先道：“我出二十两。”薛姨妈笑道：“我随著老太太，也是二十两了。”邢夫人王夫人道：“我们不敢和老太太并肩，自然矮一等，每人十六两罢了。”尤氏李纨也笑道：“我们自然又矮一等，每人十二两罢。”贾母忙和李纨道：“你寡妇失业的，那里还拉你出这个钱，我替你出了罢。”凤姐忙笑道：“老太太别高兴，且算一算帐再揽事。老太太身上已有两分呢，这会子又替大嫂子出十二两，说著高兴，一会子回想又心疼了。过后儿又说‘都是为凤丫头花了钱’，使个巧法子，哄著我拿出三四分子来暗里补上，我还做梦呢。”说的众人都笑了。贾母笑道：“依你怎么样呢？”凤姐笑道：“生日没到，我这会子已经折受的不受用了。我一个钱饶不出，惊动这些人实在不安，不如大嫂子这一分我替他出了罢了。我到了那一日多吃些东西，就享了福了。”邢夫人等听了，都说“很是”。贾母方允了。凤姐儿又笑道：“我还有一句话呢。我想老祖宗自己二十两，又有林妹妹宝兄弟的两分子。姨妈自己二十两，又有宝妹妹的一分子，这倒也公道。只是二位太太每位十六两，自己又少，又不替人出，这有些不公道。老祖宗吃了亏了！”贾母听了，忙笑道：“倒是我的凤姐儿向著我，这说的很是。要不是你，我叫他们又哄了去了。”凤姐笑道：“老祖宗只把他姐儿两个交给两位太太，一位占一个，派多派少，每位替出一分就是了。”贾母忙说：“这很公道，就是这样。”赖大的母亲忙站起来笑说道：“这可反了！我替二位太太生气。在那边是儿子媳妇，在这边是内侄女儿，倒不向著婆婆姑娘，倒向著别人。这儿媳妇成了陌路人，内侄女儿竟成了个外侄女儿了。”说的贾母与众人都大笑起来了。赖大之母因又问道：“少奶奶们十二两，我们自然也该矮一等了。”贾母听说，道：“这使不得。你们虽该矮一等，我知道你们这几个都是财主，分位虽低，钱却比他们多。你们和他们一例才使得。”众妈妈听了，连忙答应。贾母又道：“姑娘们不过应个景儿，每人照一个月的月例就是了。”又回头叫鸳鸯来，“你们也凑几个人，商议凑了来。”鸳鸯答应著，去不多时带了平儿，袭人，彩霞等还有几个小丫鬟来，也有二两的，也有一两的。贾母因问平儿：“你难道不替你主子作生日，还入在这里头？”平儿笑道：“我那个私自另外有了，这是官中的，也该出一分。”贾母笑道：“这才是好孩子。”凤姐又笑道：“上下都全了。还有二位姨奶奶，他出不出，也问一声儿。尽到他们是理，不然，他们只当小看了他们了。”贾母听了，忙说：“可是呢，怎么倒忘了他们！只怕他们不得闲儿，叫一个丫头问问去。”说著，早有丫头去了，半日回来说道：“每位也出二两。”贾母喜道：“拿笔砚来算明，共计多少。”尤氏因悄骂凤姐道：“我把你这没足厌的小蹄子！这么些婆婆婶子来凑银子给你过生日，你还不足，又拉上两个苦瓠子作什么？”凤姐也悄笑道：“你少胡说，一会子离了这里，我才和你算帐。他们两个为什么苦呢？有了钱也是白填送别人，不如拘来咱们乐。”

說著，早已合算了，共湊了一百五十兩有餘。By the time this was said, the total had already been worked out—altogether they had pooled more than one hundred and fifty taels.賈母道：“一日戲酒用不了。”尤氏道：“既不請客，酒席又不多，兩三日的用度都夠了。Jia Mu said, "That's more than enough for a single day's theatricals and feasting." You-shi said, "Since we're not inviting outside guests, and the banquet won't be large, it's enough to cover two or three days' expenses.頭等，戲不用錢，省在這上頭。”賈母道：“鳳丫頭說那一班好，就傳那一班。”鳳姐兒道：“咱們家的班子都聽熟了，倒是花幾個錢叫一班來聽聽罷。”賈母道：“這件事我交給珍哥媳婦了。Best of all, the opera troupe won't cost anything—that saves on this item." Jia Mu said, "Whichever troupe Xifeng says is good, send for that one." Xifeng said, "We've heard our own household troupe until we're tired of it—better to spend a little money and call in an outside troupe to listen to for a change." Jia Mu said, "I'll leave this matter to Zhen's wife.越性叫鳳丫頭別操一點心，受用一日才算。”尤氏答應著。Better still, don't let Xifeng trouble herself with a single thing—only if she gets to simply enjoy the day does it count." You-shi assented.又說了一回話，都知賈母乏了，才漸漸的都散出來。They talked a while longer, and once everyone sensed that Jia Mu was tired, they gradually took their leave.

说著，早已合算了，共凑了一百五十两有余。贾母道：“一日戏酒用不了。”尤氏道：“既不请客，酒席又不多，两三日的用度都够了。头等，戏不用钱，省在这上头。”贾母道：“凤丫头说那一班好，就传那一班。”凤姐儿道：“咱们家的班子都听熟了，倒是花几个钱叫一班来听听罢。”贾母道：“这件事我交给珍哥媳妇了。越性叫凤丫头别操一点心，受用一日才算。”尤氏答应著。又说了一回话，都知贾母乏了，才渐渐的都散出来。

尤氏等送邢夫人王夫人二人散去，便往鳳姐房里來商議怎麼辦生日的話。You-shi and the others saw Xing furen and Wang furen off, and then went to Xifeng's rooms to discuss how the birthday should be arranged.鳳姐兒道：“你不用問我，你只看老太太的眼色行事就完了。”尤氏笑道：“你這阿物兒，也忒行了大運了。Xifeng said, "There's no need to ask me—just watch the Old Ancestress's cues and act accordingly, that's all there is to it." You-shi said with a smile, "You lucky creature, your fortune really has turned too well.我當有什麼事叫我們去，原來單為這個。I wondered what matter it was they'd called us over for, and it turns out to be just this.出了錢不算，還要我來操心，你怎麼謝我？”鳳姐笑道：“你別扯臊，我又沒叫你來，謝你什麼！Not only must we put up the money, but I'm to take on the trouble of it as well—how will you thank me?" Xifeng said with a smile, "Don't be shameless—I never asked you to come, so what have I to thank you for!你怕操心？Are you afraid of the trouble?你這會子就回老太太去，再派一個就是了。”尤氏笑道：“你瞧他興的這樣兒！Go tell the Old Ancestress right now, and have her assign someone else instead." You-shi said with a smile, "Just look how pleased with herself she is!我勸你收著些兒好。I advise you to hold back a little, it would be better.太滿了就潑出來了。”二人又說了一回方散。Fill it too full and it spills over." The two of them talked a while longer before parting.

尤氏等送邢夫人王夫人二人散去，便往凤姐房里来商议怎么办生日的话。凤姐儿道：“你不用问我，你只看老太太的眼色行事就完了。”尤氏笑道：“你这阿物儿，也忒行了大运了。我当有什么事叫我们去，原来单为这个。出了钱不算，还要我来操心，你怎么谢我？”凤姐笑道：“你别扯臊，我又没叫你来，谢你什么！你怕操心？你这会子就回老太太去，再派一个就是了。”尤氏笑道：“你瞧他兴的这样儿！我劝你收著些儿好。太满了就泼出来了。”二人又说了一回方散。

次日將銀子送到宁國府來，尤氏方才起來梳洗，因問是誰送過來的，丫鬟們回說：“是林大娘。”尤氏便命叫了他來。The next day the silver was delivered over to the Ningguo mansion, just as You-shi was getting up to wash and dress. She asked who had brought it, and the maids answered, "It was Lin the elder woman." You-shi then had her called in.丫鬟走至下房，叫了林之孝家的過來。A maid went to the servants' quarters and called Lin Zhixiao's wife over.尤氏命他腳踏上坐了，一面忙著梳洗，一面問他：“這一包銀子共多少？”林之孝家的回說：“這是我們底下人的銀子，湊了先送過來。You-shi had her sit on the footstool, and while busy with her washing and dressing, asked her, "How much altogether is in this packet of silver?" Lin Zhixiao's wife replied, "This is the silver from us servants below—we pooled it and sent it over first.老太太和太太們的還沒有呢。”正說著，丫鬟們回說：“那府里太太和姨太太打發人送分子來了。”尤氏笑罵道：“小蹄子們，專會記得這些沒要緊的話。The Old Ancestress's and the Ladies' shares aren't in yet." Just as she was speaking, the maids reported, "The Lady and the Aunt from the other mansion have sent someone over with their shares." You-shi scolded with a laugh, "You little wretches, always so quick to remember these trifling things to repeat.昨兒不過老太太一時高興，故意的要學那小家子湊分子，你們就記得，到了你們嘴里當正經的說。Yesterday it was simply that the Old Ancestress was in a good mood for the moment and wanted, just for fun, to copy the way small families pool their contributions—and you all remember it, and once it's out of your mouths you make it sound like some serious matter.還不快接了進來好生待茶，再打發他們去。”丫鬟應著，忙接了進來，一共兩封，連寶釵黛玉的都有了。Hurry up and bring it in properly, serve them tea, and then send them off." The maid assented and quickly brought it in—two packets in all, including the shares for Baochai and Daiyu as well.尤氏問還少誰的，林之孝家的道：“還少老太太，太太，姑娘們的和底下姑娘們的。”尤氏道：“還有你們大奶奶的呢？”林之孝家的道：“奶奶過去，這銀子都從二奶奶手里發，一共都有了。”You-shi asked whose shares were still missing. Lin Zhixiao's wife said, "Still missing are the Old Ancestress's, the Ladies', the young ladies', and the young maids' below." You-shi said, "And what about your Eldest Mistress's?" Lin Zhixiao's wife said, "When our Mistress goes over there, this silver is all issued from the Second Mistress's hands—it will all be there together."

次日将银子送到宁国府来，尤氏方才起来梳洗，因问是谁送过来的，丫鬟们回说：“是林大娘。”尤氏便命叫了他来。丫鬟走至下房，叫了林之孝家的过来。尤氏命他脚踏上坐了，一面忙著梳洗，一面问他：“这一包银子共多少？”林之孝家的回说：“这是我们底下人的银子，凑了先送过来。老太太和太太们的还没有呢。”正说著，丫鬟们回说：“那府里太太和姨太太打发人送分子来了。”尤氏笑骂道：“小蹄子们，专会记得这些没要紧的话。昨儿不过老太太一时高兴，故意的要学那小家子凑分子，你们就记得，到了你们嘴里当正经的说。还不快接了进来好生待茶，再打发他们去。”丫鬟应著，忙接了进来，一共两封，连宝钗黛玉的都有了。尤氏问还少谁的，林之孝家的道：“还少老太太，太太，姑娘们的和底下姑娘们的。”尤氏道：“还有你们大奶奶的呢？”林之孝家的道：“奶奶过去，这银子都从二奶奶手里发，一共都有了。”

說著，尤氏已梳洗了，命人伺候車輛，一時來至榮府，先來見鳳姐。By the time this was said, You-shi had finished washing and dressing, and ordered the carriage made ready; before long she arrived at the Rongguo mansion, and went first to see Xifeng.只見鳳姐已將銀子封好，正要送去。She found that Xifeng had already sealed up the silver and was just about to send it off.尤氏問：“都齊了？”鳳姐兒笑道：“都有了，快拿了去罷，丟了我不管。”尤氏笑道：“我有些信不及，倒要當面點一點。”說著果然按數一點，只沒有李紈的一分。You-shi asked, "Is it all complete?" Xifeng said with a smile, "It's all here—hurry and take it away, if it gets lost that's not my affair." You-shi said with a smile, "I don't quite trust that—let me count it in front of you." So saying, she indeed counted it out by the amounts, and found only Li Wan's share missing.尤氏笑道：“我說你肏鬼呢，怎麼你大嫂子的沒有？”鳳姐兒笑道：“那麼些還不夠使？You-shi said with a smile, "I knew you were up to some trick—how is it Eldest Sister-in-law's isn't here?" Xifeng said with a smile, "Isn't that much already enough to use?短一分兒也罷了，等不夠了我再給你。”尤氏道：“昨兒你在人跟前作人，今兒又來和我賴，這個斷不依你。Being one share short is no great matter—when it's not enough I'll give it to you then." You-shi said, "Yesterday you played the generous one in front of everybody, and today you come and try to cheat me out of it—this I absolutely won't allow.我只和老太太要去。”鳳姐兒笑道：“我看你利害。I'll just go and ask the Old Ancestress for it." Xifeng said with a smile, "I see how sharp you are.明兒有了事，我也丁是丁卯是卯的，你也別抱怨。”尤氏笑道：“你一般的也怕。Tomorrow when something comes up, I'll be just as exact about every last detail too, so don't you complain then." You-shi said with a smile, "So you're afraid of that too, after all.不看你素日孝敬我，我才是不依你呢。”說著，把平兒的一分拿了出來，說道：“平兒，來！If it weren't that you're usually so respectful to me, I really wouldn't let this go." So saying, she took out Pinger's share and said, "Pinger, come here!把你的收起去，等不夠了，我替你添上。”平兒會意，因說道：“奶奶先使著，若剩下了再賞我一樣。”尤氏笑道：“只許你那主子作弊，就不許我作情兒。”平兒只得收了。Take your share back—when it runs short, I'll make it up for you." Pinger understood at once and said, "Let the Mistress use it first, and if anything's left over, give me a share of it then." You-shi said with a smile, "So only your mistress is allowed to cheat, and I'm not allowed to do a kindness?" Pinger had no choice but to take it back.尤氏又道：“我看著你主子這麼細致，弄這些錢那里使去！You-shi said further, "Seeing how closefisted your mistress is, wherever does she mean to spend all this money she gathers!使不了，明兒帶了棺材里使去。”一面說著，一面又往賈母處來。If she can't spend it all, she'll have to take it with her into her coffin and spend it there someday." So saying, she went on to Jia Mu's quarters.先請了安，大概說了兩句話，便走到鴛鴦房中和鴛鴦商議，只聽鴛鴦的主意行事，何以討賈母的喜歡。She first paid her respects, exchanged a few words in passing, and then went to Yuanyang's room to consult with Yuanyang, resolving to act entirely on Yuanyang's advice as to how best to please Jia Mu.二人計議妥當。The two of them worked out their plan together.尤氏臨走時，也把鴛鴦二兩銀子還他，說：“這還使不了呢。”說著，一徑出來，又至王夫人跟前說了一回話。As You-shi was leaving, she also returned two taels of silver to Yuanyang, saying, "This is more than can be spent as it is." So saying, she went straight out, and then went before Wang furen and talked with her a while.因王夫人進了佛堂，把彩雲一分也還了他。Since Wang furen had gone into the Buddha hall, she returned Caiyun's share to her as well.見鳳姐不在跟前，一時把周，趙二人的也還了。Seeing that Xifeng was not about, she took the opportunity to return the shares of the two, Zhou and Zhao, as well.他兩個還不敢收。The two of them did not dare accept.尤氏道：“你們可怜見的，那里有這些閒錢？You-shi said, "You poor things, where would you have such spare money?鳳丫頭便知道了，有我應著呢。”二人聽說，千恩萬謝的方收了。Even if Xifeng finds out, I'll answer for it." Hearing this, the two of them, with a thousand thanks, finally accepted.於是尤氏一徑出來，坐車回家。Then You-shi went straight out and rode home in her carriage.不在話下。No more need be said of this for now.

说著，尤氏已梳洗了，命人伺候车辆，一时来至荣府，先来见凤姐。只见凤姐已将银子封好，正要送去。尤氏问：“都齐了？”凤姐儿笑道：“都有了，快拿了去罢，丢了我不管。”尤氏笑道：“我有些信不及，倒要当面点一点。”说著果然按数一点，只没有李纨的一分。尤氏笑道：“我说你肏鬼呢，怎么你大嫂子的没有？”凤姐儿笑道：“那么些还不够使？短一分儿也罢了，等不够了我再给你。”尤氏道：“昨儿你在人跟前作人，今儿又来和我赖，这个断不依你。我只和老太太要去。”凤姐儿笑道：“我看你利害。明儿有了事，我也丁是丁卯是卯的，你也别抱怨。”尤氏笑道：“你一般的也怕。不看你素日孝敬我，我才是不依你呢。”说著，把平儿的一分拿了出来，说道：“平儿，来！把你的收起去，等不够了，我替你添上。”平儿会意，因说道：“奶奶先使著，若剩下了再赏我一样。”尤氏笑道：“只许你那主子作弊，就不许我作情儿。”平儿只得收了。尤氏又道：“我看著你主子这么细致，弄这些钱那里使去！使不了，明儿带了棺材里使去。”一面说著，一面又往贾母处来。先请了安，大概说了两句话，便走到鸳鸯房中和鸳鸯商议，只听鸳鸯的主意行事，何以讨贾母的喜欢。二人计议妥当。尤氏临走时，也把鸳鸯二两银子还他，说：“这还使不了呢。”说著，一径出来，又至王夫人跟前说了一回话。因王夫人进了佛堂，把彩云一分也还了他。见凤姐不在跟前，一时把周，赵二人的也还了。他两个还不敢收。尤氏道：“你们可怜见的，那里有这些闲钱？凤丫头便知道了，有我应著呢。”二人听说，千恩万谢的方收了。于是尤氏一径出来，坐车回家。不在话下。

展眼已是九月初二日，園中人都打聽得尤氏辦得十分熱鬧，不但有戲，連耍百戲并說書的男女先兒全有，都打點取樂頑耍。In the blink of an eye it was already the second day of the ninth month, and everyone in the Garden had heard that You-shi had arranged things most lavishly—there would not only be opera, but also acrobats and jugglers and male and female storytellers as well, everything laid on for amusement and fun.李紈又向眾姊妹道：“今兒是正經社日，可別忘了。Li Wan said to the sisters again, "Today is our proper poetry-club day—don't forget it.寶玉也不來，想必他只圖熱鬧，把清雅就丟開了。”說著，便命丫鬟去瞧作什麼，快請了來。Baoyu hasn't come either—he must be so bent on the bustle and excitement that he's cast aside our refined pursuits." So saying, she had a maid go see what he was doing and hurry him over.丫鬟去了半日，回說：“花大姐姐說，今兒一早就出門去了。”眾人聽了，都詫异說：“再沒有出門之理。The maid was gone a good while, and came back to report, "Elder Sister Hua says he went out early this morning." Everyone, hearing this, was astonished and said, "There's simply no reason he should have gone out.這丫頭糊涂，不知說話。”因又命翠墨去。This maid is confused, she doesn't know how to give a proper answer." So they sent Cuimo to go instead.一時翠墨回來說：“可不真出了門了。Presently Cuimo came back and said, "It's really true, he has gone out.說有個朋友死了，出去探喪去了。”探春道：“斷然沒有的事。They say a friend of his died, and he went out to pay a mourning call." Tanchun said, "That's absolutely out of the question.憑他什麼，再沒今日出門之理。Whatever it may be, there's simply no reason for him to have gone out today.你叫襲人來，我問他。”剛說著，只見襲人走來。Go call Xiren, I'll ask her myself." Just as she said this, Xiren came walking in.李紈等都說道：“今兒憑他有什麼事，也不該出門。Li Wan and the others all said, "Whatever business he might have today, he still shouldn't have gone out.頭一件，你二奶奶的生日，老太太都這等高興，兩府上下眾人來湊熱鬧，他倒走了，第二件，又是頭一社的正日子，他也不告假，就私自去了！”襲人歎道：“昨兒晚上就說了，今兒一早起有要緊的事到北靜王府里去，就赶回來的。For one thing, it's the Second Mistress's birthday, the Old Ancestress is so delighted about it, and everyone high and low from both mansions has come to join in the fun—yet he's gone off. For another, it's the very day of our first poetry meeting, and he didn't even ask leave, just slipped away on his own!" Xiren sighed and said, "He told me last night already, that first thing this morning he had urgent business at the Prince of Beijing's mansion, and would hurry back.勸他不要去，他必不依。I urged him not to go, but he simply wouldn't listen.今兒一早起來，又要素衣裳穿，想必是北靜王府里的要緊姬妾沒了，也未可知。”李紈等道：“若果如此，也該去走走，只是也該回來了。”說著，大家又商議：“咱們只管作詩，等他回來罰他。”剛說著，只見賈母已打發人來請，便都往前頭來了。This morning when he got up, he also wanted to wear plain, unadorned clothes—it may well be, for all I know, that some important concubine of the Prince of Beijing's has died." Li Wan and the others said, "If that's really so, then he ought to go pay his respects, but he really should have been back by now." So saying, they discussed further among themselves: "Let's just go ahead and compose our poems, and when he comes back we'll punish him." Just as they were saying this, word came that Jia Mu had already sent someone to invite them, so they all went up to the front.襲人回明寶玉的事，賈母不樂，便命人去接。Xiren reported the matter of Baoyu clearly, and Jia Mu, displeased, ordered someone sent to fetch him.

展眼已是九月初二日，园中人都打听得尤氏办得十分热闹，不但有戏，连耍百戏并说书的男女先儿全有，都打点取乐顽耍。李纨又向众姊妹道：“今儿是正经社日，可别忘了。宝玉也不来，想必他只图热闹，把清雅就丢开了。”说著，便命丫鬟去瞧作什么，快请了来。丫鬟去了半日，回说：“花大姐姐说，今儿一早就出门去了。”众人听了，都诧异说：“再没有出门之理。这丫头糊涂，不知说话。”因又命翠墨去。一时翠墨回来说：“可不真出了门了。说有个朋友死了，出去探丧去了。”探春道：“断然没有的事。凭他什么，再没今日出门之理。你叫袭人来，我问他。”刚说著，只见袭人走来。李纨等都说道：“今儿凭他有什么事，也不该出门。头一件，你二奶奶的生日，老太太都这等高兴，两府上下众人来凑热闹，他倒走了，第二件，又是头一社的正日子，他也不告假，就私自去了！”袭人叹道：“昨儿晚上就说了，今儿一早起有要紧的事到北静王府里去，就赶回来的。劝他不要去，他必不依。今儿一早起来，又要素衣裳穿，想必是北静王府里的要紧姬妾没了，也未可知。”李纨等道：“若果如此，也该去走走，只是也该回来了。”说著，大家又商议：“咱们只管作诗，等他回来罚他。”刚说著，只见贾母已打发人来请，便都往前头来了。袭人回明宝玉的事，贾母不乐，便命人去接。

原來寶玉心里有件私事，於頭一日就吩咐茗煙：“明日一早要出門，備下兩匹馬在後門口等著，不要別一個跟著。It turned out that Baoyu had some private matter on his mind, and the day before had instructed Mingyan: "Tomorrow morning early I'll be going out—have two horses ready waiting at the back gate, and don't let anyone else come along.說給李貴，我往北府里去了。Tell Li Gui that I've gone to the Prince of Beijing's mansion.倘或要有人找我，叫他攔住不用找，只說北府里留下了，橫豎就來的。”茗煙也摸不著頭腦，只得依言說了。If by chance anyone comes looking for me, have him head them off, no need to search—just say I've been kept at the Prince's mansion, and that I'll be back sooner or later in any case." Mingyan, unable to make head or tail of it, could only pass the word along as told.今兒一早，果然備了兩匹馬在園後門等著。This morning, sure enough, two horses were made ready waiting at the back gate of the Garden.天亮了，只見寶玉遍体純素，從角門出來，一語不發跨上馬，一彎腰，順著街就顛下去了。At daybreak, Baoyu, dressed entirely in plain white from head to foot, came out through the side gate, and without a word mounted his horse, bent low over it, and went trotting off down the street.茗煙也只得跨馬加鞭赶上，在後面忙問：“往那里去？”寶玉道：“這條路是往那里去的？”茗煙道：“這是出北門的大道。Mingyan had no choice but to mount and whip his horse to catch up, and asked hurriedly from behind, "Where are we going?" Baoyu said, "Where does this road lead to?" Mingyan said, "This is the main road out through the north gate.出去了冷清清沒有可頑的。”寶玉聽說，點頭道：“正要冷清清的地方好。”說著，越性加了鞭，那馬早已轉了兩個彎子，出了城門。Once outside it's desolate and lonely, with nothing at all to amuse yourself with." Baoyu, hearing this, nodded and said, "It's exactly a desolate, lonely place I want." So saying, he whipped his horse on all the more, and it had already turned two bends and passed out through the city gate.茗煙越發不得主意，只得緊緊跟著。Mingyan, more at a loss than ever what to make of it, could only follow closely behind.

原来宝玉心里有件私事，于头一日就吩咐茗烟：“明日一早要出门，备下两匹马在后门口等著，不要别一个跟著。说给李贵，我往北府里去了。倘或要有人找我，叫他拦住不用找，只说北府里留下了，横竖就来的。”茗烟也摸不著头脑，只得依言说了。今儿一早，果然备了两匹马在园后门等著。天亮了，只见宝玉遍体纯素，从角门出来，一语不发跨上马，一弯腰，顺著街就颠下去了。茗烟也只得跨马加鞭赶上，在后面忙问：“往那里去？”宝玉道：“这条路是往那里去的？”茗烟道：“这是出北门的大道。出去了冷清清没有可顽的。”宝玉听说，点头道：“正要冷清清的地方好。”说著，越性加了鞭，那马早已转了两个弯子，出了城门。茗烟越发不得主意，只得紧紧跟著。

一氣跑了七八里路出來，人煙漸漸稀少，寶玉方勒住馬，回頭問茗煙道：“這里可有賣香的？”茗煙道：“香倒有，不知是那一樣？”寶玉想道：“別的香不好，須得檀，芸，降三樣。”茗煙笑道：“這三樣可難得。”寶玉為難。After riding on in one stretch for seven or eight li, the signs of habitation grew gradually sparser, and only then did Baoyu rein in his horse, and turning his head asked Mingyan, "Is there anywhere around here that sells incense?" Mingyan said, "Incense there is, but I don't know which kind you want." Baoyu thought a moment and said, "No other incense will do—it must be sandalwood, yun-incense, and aloeswood, all three." Mingyan said with a laugh, "Those three kinds are hard to come by indeed." Baoyu was at a loss.茗煙見他為難，因問道：“要香作什麼使？Seeing him at a loss, Mingyan asked, "What do you need the incense for?我見二爺時常小荷包有散香，何不找一找。”一句提醒了寶玉，便回手向衣襟上拉出一個荷包來，摸了一摸，竟有兩星沉速，心內歡喜：“只是不恭些。”再想自己親身帶的，倒比買的又好些。I've often seen loose incense in your small pouch, Second Master—why not have a look there?" This one remark reminded Baoyu at once, and reaching back he pulled out a pouch from his lapel, felt inside it, and found there were indeed two small pieces of agarwood. He was delighted at heart, though he thought, "It's only that it seems somewhat lacking in reverence." But then he reflected that incense carried on his own person was, if anything, better than what could be bought.於是又問爐炭。So then he asked about a censer and charcoal.茗煙道：“這可罷了。Mingyan said, "That's out of the question.荒郊野外那里有？In this wild countryside, where would such things be found?用這些何不早說，帶了來豈不便宜。”寶玉道：“糊涂東西，若可帶了來，又不這樣沒命的跑了。”茗煙想了半日，笑道：“我得了個主意，不知二爺心下如何？If you needed these things, why didn't you say so earlier—wouldn't it have been simpler just to bring them along?" Baoyu said, "You muddled creature, if they could have been brought along, would I have gone racing off like mad the way I did?" Mingyan thought for a good while, then said with a smile, "I've thought of an idea—I wonder what Second Master will think of it?我想二爺不止用這個呢，只怕還要用別的。It seems to me Second Master needs more than just this—I'm afraid other things will be wanted too.這也不是事。This won't do as it stands.如今我們往前再走二里地，就是水仙庵了。”寶玉聽了忙問：“水仙庵就在這里？If we go on another two li from here, we'll come to the Shuixian Nunnery." Baoyu, hearing this, asked quickly, "The Shuixian Nunnery is right nearby here?更好了，我們就去。”說著，就加鞭前行，一面回頭向茗煙道：“這水仙庵的姑子長往咱們家去，咱們這一去到那里，和他借香爐使使，他自然是肯的。”茗煙道：“別說他是咱們家的香火，就是平白不認識的廟里，和他借，他也不敢駁回。Even better—let's go there." So saying, he whipped his horse onward, and turning his head back said to Mingyan, "The nun of that Shuixian Nunnery is often coming to our house—once we get there and borrow a censer from her to use, she's sure to agree." Mingyan said, "Not to mention that they're incense-clients of our household—even at some temple we'd never laid eyes on before, if we asked to borrow one, they wouldn't dare refuse either."只是一件，我常見二爺最厭這水仙庵的，如何今兒又這樣喜歡了？”寶玉道：“我素日因恨俗人不知原故，混供神混蓋廟，這都是當日有錢的老公們和那些有錢的愚婦們聽見有個神，就蓋起廟來供著，也不知那神是何人，因聽些野史小說，便信真了。"There's just one thing—I've often noticed that Master Bao usually dislikes this Shuixian (Water Immortal) Nunnery, so how is it you're so fond of it today?" Baoyu said: "I've always resented how common people, not knowing the true reasons, worship gods and build temples indiscriminately—it's all because in the old days rich old eunuchs and those wealthy foolish women, upon hearing there was some deity, would put up a temple to worship it, without even knowing who that god was; simply hearing some unofficial histories or novels, they took it as true.比如這水仙庵里面因供的是洛神，故名水仙庵，殊不知古來并沒有個洛神，那原是曹子建的謊話，誰知這起愚人就塑了像供著。"Take this Shuixian Nunnery, for instance—since it enshrines the Luo River Goddess, it's called Shuixian Nunnery; yet little do they know that there never was any Luo River Goddess in ancient times—that was originally just a fabrication of Cao Zijian's, and who would have thought these foolish people would go and mold an image to worship it.今兒卻合我的心事，故借他一用。”"Today, though, it happens to suit a private purpose of mine, so I'm borrowing it for that."

一气跑了七八里路出来，人烟渐渐稀少，宝玉方勒住马，回头问茗烟道：“这里可有卖香的？”茗烟道：“香倒有，不知是那一样？”宝玉想道：“别的香不好，须得檀，芸，降三样。”茗烟笑道：“这三样可难得。”宝玉为难。茗烟见他为难，因问道：“要香作什么使？我见二爷时常小荷包有散香，何不找一找。”一句提醒了宝玉，便回手向衣襟上拉出一个荷包来，摸了一摸，竟有两星沉速，心内欢喜：“只是不恭些。”再想自己亲身带的，倒比买的又好些。于是又问炉炭。茗烟道：“这可罢了。荒郊野外那里有？用这些何不早说，带了来岂不便宜。”宝玉道：“糊涂东西，若可带了来，又不这样没命的跑了。”茗烟想了半日，笑道：“我得了个主意，不知二爷心下如何？我想二爷不止用这个呢，只怕还要用别的。这也不是事。如今我们往前再走二里地，就是水仙庵了。”宝玉听了忙问：“水仙庵就在这里？更好了，我们就去。”说著，就加鞭前行，一面回头向茗烟道：“这水仙庵的姑子长往咱们家去，咱们这一去到那里，和他借香炉使使，他自然是肯的。”茗烟道：“别说他是咱们家的香火，就是平白不认识的庙里，和他借，他也不敢驳回。只是一件，我常见二爷最厌这水仙庵的，如何今儿又这样喜欢了？”宝玉道：“我素日因恨俗人不知原故，混供神混盖庙，这都是当日有钱的老公们和那些有钱的愚妇们听见有个神，就盖起庙来供著，也不知那神是何人，因听些野史小说，便信真了。比如这水仙庵里面因供的是洛神，故名水仙庵，殊不知古来并没有个洛神，那原是曹子建的谎话，谁知这起愚人就塑了像供著。今儿却合我的心事，故借他一用。”

說著早已來至門前。So saying, they had already arrived at the gate.那老姑子見寶玉來了，事出意外，竟象天上掉下個活龍來的一般，忙上來問好，命老道來接馬。When the old nun saw Baoyu had come, so unexpected was it that she seemed as if a living dragon had dropped down from the sky; she hurried up to greet him and ordered an old Daoist to come take the horse.寶玉進去，也不拜洛神之像，卻只管賞鑒。Baoyu went in, and without bowing to the image of the Luo Goddess, simply stood there admiring it.雖是泥塑的，卻真有“翩若驚鴻，婉若游龍”之態，“荷出綠波，日映朝霞”之姿。Though it was only made of clay, it truly had the air of "graceful as a startled swan, lithe as a swimming dragon," and the bearing of "a lotus rising from green waves, the sun reflecting on morning clouds."寶玉不覺滴下淚來。Without realizing it, Baoyu let tears fall.老姑子獻了茶。The old nun served tea.寶玉因和他借香爐。Baoyu then asked to borrow an incense burner from her.那姑子去了半日，連香供紙馬都預備了來。The nun was gone a good while, and came back having prepared even incense offerings and paper horses.寶玉道：“一概不用。”便命茗煙捧著爐出至後院中，揀一塊乾淨地方兒，竟揀不出。Baoyu said, "None of that is needed." He then had Mingyan carry the burner out to the back courtyard to pick a clean spot, but could not find one.茗煙道：“那井臺兒上如何？”寶玉點頭，一齊來至井臺上，將爐放下。Mingyan said, "How about the well-platform there?" Baoyu nodded, and together they went to the well-platform and set down the burner.

说著早已来至门前。那老姑子见宝玉来了，事出意外，竟象天上掉下个活龙来的一般，忙上来问好，命老道来接马。宝玉进去，也不拜洛神之像，却只管赏鉴。虽是泥塑的，却真有“翩若惊鸿，婉若游龙”之态，“荷出绿波，日映朝霞”之姿。宝玉不觉滴下泪来。老姑子献了茶。宝玉因和他借香炉。那姑子去了半日，连香供纸马都预备了来。宝玉道：“一概不用。”便命茗烟捧著炉出至后院中，拣一块干净地方儿，竟拣不出。茗烟道：“那井台儿上如何？”宝玉点头，一齐来至井台上，将炉放下。

茗煙站過一旁。Mingyan stood off to one side.寶玉掏出香來焚上，含淚施了半禮，回身命收了去。Baoyu took out incense and lit it, and with tears in his eyes made a half-bow, then turned and told him to take it away.茗煙答應，且不收，忙爬下磕了幾個頭，口內祝道：“我茗煙跟二爺這幾年，二爺的心事，我沒有不知道的，只有今兒這一祭祀沒有告訴我，我也不敢問。Mingyan assented, but instead of collecting it, hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed several times, praying aloud as he did so: "I, Mingyan, have followed Master Bao these several years, and there is nothing on Master Bao's mind that I do not know of—only today's rite he did not tell me about, and I dared not ask.只是這受祭的陰魂雖不知名姓，想來自然是那人間有一，天上無雙，极聰明极俊雅的一位姐姐妹妹了。"Still, though I do not know the name of the departed spirit receiving this offering, I imagine she must surely be some young lady unmatched on earth and unrivaled in heaven, one of the most clever and elegant of young ladies.二爺心事不能出口，讓我代祝：若芳魂有感，香魂多情，雖然陰陽間隔，既是知己之間，時常來望候二爺，未嘗不可。"Since Master Bao cannot speak what is on his mind, let me pray on his behalf: if her fragrant soul has feeling, if her sweet spirit is affectionate, though the living and the dead are separated, still, since you were bosom friends, there would be no harm in coming often to look in on Master Bao.你在陰間保佑二爺來生也變個女孩兒，和你們一處相伴，再不可又托生這鬚眉濁物了。”說畢，又磕幾個頭，才爬起來。"And in the world of shades, may you protect Master Bao so that in his next life he too may be reborn as a girl, to keep company with you all, and never again be reincarnated as one of these coarse, whiskered males." Having said this, he kowtowed a few more times before finally getting up.

茗烟站过一旁。宝玉掏出香来焚上，含泪施了半礼，回身命收了去。茗烟答应，且不收，忙爬下磕了几个头，口内祝道：“我茗烟跟二爷这几年，二爷的心事，我没有不知道的，只有今儿这一祭祀没有告诉我，我也不敢问。只是这受祭的阴魂虽不知名姓，想来自然是那人间有一，天上无双，极聪明极俊雅的一位姐姐妹妹了。二爷心事不能出口，让我代祝：若芳魂有感，香魂多情，虽然阴阳间隔，既是知己之间，时常来望候二爷，未尝不可。你在阴间保佑二爷来生也变个女孩儿，和你们一处相伴，再不可又托生这须眉浊物了。”说毕，又磕几个头，才爬起来。

寶玉聽他沒說完，便撐不住笑了，因踢他道：“休胡說，看人聽見笑話。”茗煙起來收過香爐，和寶玉走著，因道：“我已經和姑子說了，二爺還沒用飯，叫他隨便收拾了些東西，二爺勉強吃些。Before he had even finished, Baoyu couldn't help bursting out laughing, and kicked at him, saying, "Stop talking nonsense—people will hear and laugh at us." Mingyan got up, took the incense burner, and walking along with Baoyu said, "I've already told the nun that Master Bao hasn't eaten yet, and asked her to fix up something simple, so Master Bao can eat a little, even if reluctantly.我知道今兒咱們里頭大排筵宴，熱鬧非常，二爺為此才躲了出來的。"I know that today there's a grand banquet laid out at home, extremely lively, and that's exactly why Master Bao slipped away to come out here.橫豎在這里清淨一天，也就盡到禮了。"In any case, spending a quiet day out here is enough to have fulfilled the observance.若不吃東西，斷使不得。”寶玉道：“戲酒既不吃，這隨便素的吃些何妨。”茗煙道：“這便才是。"But if you don't eat anything, that simply won't do." Baoyu said, "Since I'm not having the theatrical feast and wine, what harm is there in eating a little plain vegetarian food?" Mingyan said, "That's the spirit.還有一說，咱們來了，還有人不放心。"And there's something else to say: with us having come out here, there are people back home who are worried.若沒有人不放心，便晚了進城何妨？”若有人不放心，二爺須得進城回家去才是。"If no one were worried, what harm would there be in entering the city late?" But since there are people worried, Master Bao really ought to go back into the city and home.第一老太太，太太也放了心，第二禮也盡了，不過如此。"First, the Old Ancestress and Madam will set their minds at ease, and second, the observance will have been fulfilled—that's all there is to it.就是家去了看戲吃酒，也并不是二爺有意，原不過陪著父母盡孝道。"Even if you go home and watch the plays and drink wine, it isn't that Master Bao meant to do so on purpose—it's simply accompanying your parents in fulfilling filial duty.二爺若單為了這個不顧老太太，太太懸心，就是方才那受祭的陰魂也不安生。"If Master Bao, just for this reason, disregards the Old Ancestress's and Madam's anxious hearts, then even that departed spirit who just received the offering will not rest easy either.二爺想我這話如何？”寶玉笑道：“你的意思我猜著了，你想著只你一個跟了我出來，回來你怕擔不是，所以拿這大題目來勸我。"What does Master Bao think of what I've said?" Baoyu said with a laugh, "I've guessed your meaning—you're thinking that you're the only one who came out with me, and you're afraid that when we get back you'll be blamed for it, so you're using this grand argument to persuade me.我才來了，不過為盡個禮，再去吃酒看戲，并沒說一日不進城。"I only just came out here, simply to fulfill an observance; as for going to drink wine and watch plays afterward, I never said I wouldn't enter the city today.這已完了心願，赶著進城，大家放心，豈不兩盡其道。”茗煙道：“這更好了。”說著二人來至禪堂，果然那姑子收拾了一桌素菜，寶玉胡亂吃了些，茗煙也吃了。"Now that my wish here is fulfilled, hurrying back into the city so everyone can set their minds at ease—wouldn't that satisfy both concerns at once?" Mingyan said, "Better still." So saying, the two of them went to the meditation hall, where indeed the nun had laid out a table of vegetarian dishes; Baoyu ate a bit haphazardly, and Mingyan ate too.

宝玉听他没说完，便撑不住笑了，因踢他道：“休胡说，看人听见笑话。”茗烟起来收过香炉，和宝玉走著，因道：“我已经和姑子说了，二爷还没用饭，叫他随便收拾了些东西，二爷勉强吃些。我知道今儿咱们里头大排筵宴，热闹非常，二爷为此才躲了出来的。横竖在这里清净一天，也就尽到礼了。若不吃东西，断使不得。”宝玉道：“戏酒既不吃，这随便素的吃些何妨。”茗烟道：“这便才是。还有一说，咱们来了，还有人不放心。若没有人不放心，便晚了进城何妨？”若有人不放心，二爷须得进城回家去才是。第一老太太，太太也放了心，第二礼也尽了，不过如此。就是家去了看戏吃酒，也并不是二爷有意，原不过陪著父母尽孝道。二爷若单为了这个不顾老太太，太太悬心，就是方才那受祭的阴魂也不安生。二爷想我这话如何？”宝玉笑道：“你的意思我猜著了，你想著只你一个跟了我出来，回来你怕担不是，所以拿这大题目来劝我。我才来了，不过为尽个礼，再去吃酒看戏，并没说一日不进城。这已完了心愿，赶著进城，大家放心，岂不两尽其道。”茗烟道：“这更好了。”说著二人来至禅堂，果然那姑子收拾了一桌素菜，宝玉胡乱吃了些，茗烟也吃了。

二人便上馬仍回舊路。The two then mounted their horses and went back the way they had come.茗煙在後面只囑咐：“二爺好生騎著，這馬總沒大騎的，手里提緊著。”一面說著，早已進了城，仍從後門進去，忙忙來至怡紅院中。Mingyan, riding behind, kept cautioning him: "Master Bao, ride carefully—this horse hasn't been ridden much—keep a tight hold with your hands." Even as he spoke, they had already entered the city, and going in again by the back gate, hurried straight to Happy Red Court.襲人等都不在房里，只有幾個老婆子看屋子，見他來了，都喜的眉開眼笑，說：“阿彌陀佛，可來了！Xiren and the others were not in the room; only a few old women were minding the place. Seeing him come, they were all so pleased their eyebrows danced and faces beamed, saying, "Amitabha, so you've come at last!把花姑娘急瘋了！"You've worried Miss Hua half out of her mind!上頭正坐席呢，二爺快去罷。”寶玉聽說忙將素服脫了，自去尋了華服換上，問在什麼地方坐席，老婆子回說在新蓋的大花廳上。"Up front they're at the banquet right now—Master Bao, hurry and go." Hearing this, Baoyu quickly took off his plain clothes, went and found some fine clothes to change into, and asked where the banquet was being held; the old woman answered that it was in the newly built Grand Flower Hall.

二人便上马仍回旧路。茗烟在后面只嘱咐：“二爷好生骑著，这马总没大骑的，手里提紧著。”一面说著，早已进了城，仍从后门进去，忙忙来至怡红院中。袭人等都不在房里，只有几个老婆子看屋子，见他来了，都喜的眉开眼笑，说：“阿弥陀佛，可来了！把花姑娘急疯了！上头正坐席呢，二爷快去罢。”宝玉听说忙将素服脱了，自去寻了华服换上，问在什么地方坐席，老婆子回说在新盖的大花厅上。

寶玉聽說，一徑往花廳來，耳內早已隱隱聞得歌管之聲。On hearing this, Baoyu went straight to the Flower Hall, and his ears already caught faintly the sound of singing and pipes.剛至穿堂那邊，只見玉釧兒獨坐在廊檐下垂淚，一見他來，便收淚說道：“鳳凰來了，快進去罷。Just as he reached the passage hall, he saw Yuchuan'er sitting alone under the eaves of the veranda, weeping; as soon as she saw him come, she wiped away her tears and said, "The phoenix has come—hurry and go in.再一會子不來，都反了。”寶玉陪笑道：“你猜我往那里去了？”玉釧兒不答，只管擦淚。"If you hadn't come for a while longer, there'd have been a rebellion." Baoyu said with an ingratiating smile, "Guess where I went?" Yuchuan'er did not answer, and just kept wiping her tears.寶玉忙進廳里，見了賈母王夫人等，眾人真如得了鳳凰一般。Baoyu hurried into the hall, and when he appeared before the Lady Dowager, Lady Wang, and the others, everyone reacted truly as if they had gained a phoenix.寶玉忙赶著與鳳姐兒行禮。Baoyu hastened at once to pay his respects to Xifeng.賈母王夫人都說他不知道好歹，“怎麼也不說聲就私自跑了，這還了得！The Lady Dowager and Lady Wang both said he did not know what was good for him: "How could you run off privately without a word to anyone—this is intolerable!明兒再這樣，等老爺回家來，必告訴他打你。”說著又罵跟的小廝們都偏聽他的話，說那里去就去，也不回一聲兒。"If you do this again, once your father comes home, we'll be sure to tell him to beat you." So saying, she also scolded the page boys who had gone with him for listening only to him, going wherever he said to go without reporting back a word.一面又問他到底那去了，可吃了什麼，可唬著了。At the same time she asked him where exactly he had gone, whether he had eaten anything, and whether he had been frightened.寶玉只回說：“北靜王的一個愛妾昨日沒了，給他道惱去。Baoyu only answered, saying, "A beloved concubine of the Prince of Beijing died yesterday, and I went to offer him my condolences.他哭的那樣，不好撇下就回來，所以多等了一會子。”賈母道：“以後再私自出門，不先告訴我們，一定叫你老子打你。”寶玉答應著。"He was crying so hard that it wouldn't have been right to just leave and come back, so I stayed a while longer." The Lady Dowager said, "If you go out privately again without telling us first, I will certainly have your father beat you." Baoyu assented.因又要打跟的小子們，眾人又忙說情，又勸道：“老太太也不必過慮了，他已經回來，大家該放心樂一回了。”賈母先不放心，自然發狠，如今見他來了，喜且有餘，那里還恨，也就不提了，還怕他不受用，或者別處沒吃飽，路上著了驚怕，反百般的哄他。Since she then wanted to have the page boys beaten as well, everyone hastened to plead for them, and also urged her, saying, "The Old Ancestress needn't worry so much any more—he's already back, and everyone should set their hearts at ease and enjoy themselves for a while." The Lady Dowager, having been worried earlier, had naturally worked herself into a fury, but now that she saw he had come back, her joy was more than enough to outweigh it, and there was no more room for anger, so she let the matter drop; she was even afraid he might not be comfortable, or that he might not have eaten his fill elsewhere, or that he had been frightened on the road, and instead coaxed and humored him in every way.襲人早過來伏侍。Xiren had already come over to attend on him.大家仍舊看戲。Everyone went on watching the plays as before.當日演的是《荊釵記》。That day the play being performed was "The Thorn Hairpin."賈母薛姨媽等都看的心酸落淚，也有歎的，也有罵的。The Lady Dowager, Aunt Xue, and the others watched until their hearts ached and tears fell; some sighed, and some scolded.要知端的，下回分解。To know the details, read the explanation in the next chapter.

宝玉听说，一径往花厅来，耳内早已隐隐闻得歌管之声。刚至穿堂那边，只见玉钏儿独坐在廊檐下垂泪，一见他来，便收泪说道：“凤凰来了，快进去罢。再一会子不来，都反了。”宝玉陪笑道：“你猜我往那里去了？”玉钏儿不答，只管擦泪。宝玉忙进厅里，见了贾母王夫人等，众人真如得了凤凰一般。宝玉忙赶著与凤姐儿行礼。贾母王夫人都说他不知道好歹，“怎么也不说声就私自跑了，这还了得！明儿再这样，等老爷回家来，必告诉他打你。”说著又骂跟的小厮们都偏听他的话，说那里去就去，也不回一声儿。一面又问他到底那去了，可吃了什么，可唬著了。宝玉只回说：“北静王的一个爱妾昨日没了，给他道恼去。他哭的那样，不好撇下就回来，所以多等了一会子。”贾母道：“以后再私自出门，不先告诉我们，一定叫你老子打你。”宝玉答应著。因又要打跟的小子们，众人又忙说情，又劝道：“老太太也不必过虑了，他已经回来，大家该放心乐一回了。”贾母先不放心，自然发狠，如今见他来了，喜且有余，那里还恨，也就不提了，还怕他不受用，或者别处没吃饱，路上著了惊怕，反百般的哄他。袭人早过来伏侍。大家仍旧看戏。当日演的是《荆钗记》。贾母薛姨妈等都看的心酸落泪，也有叹的，也有骂的。要知端的，下回分解。