第四十七回　獃霸王調情遭苦打　冷郎君懼禍走他鄉 A Foolish Bully Is Beaten for Flirting; A Cold Young Man Flees Trouble Abroad

話說王夫人聽見邢夫人來了，連忙迎了出去。Now, when Lady Wang heard that Lady Xing had arrived, she hurried out to greet her.邢夫人猶不知賈母已知鴛鴦之事，正還要來打聽信息，進了院門，早有幾個婆子悄悄的回了他，他方知道。Lady Xing did not yet know that the Lady Dowager had already learned of the matter with Yuanyang; she had come precisely to gather news of it, but no sooner had she entered the courtyard gate than several old women quietly informed her, and only then did she find out.待要回去，里面已知，又見王夫人接了出來，少不得進來，先與賈母請安，賈母一聲兒不言語，自己也覺得愧悔。She thought of turning back, but by then those inside already knew she had come, and seeing Lady Wang come out to receive her, she had no choice but to go in. She first paid her respects to the Lady Dowager, who said not a word in reply, and she herself began to feel ashamed and regretful.鳳姐兒早指一事回避了。Xifeng had already made an excuse of some errand and slipped away.鴛鴦也自回房去生氣。Yuanyang too went back to her room to nurse her anger.薛姨媽王夫人等恐礙著邢夫人的臉面，也都漸漸的退了。Aunt Xue, Lady Wang, and the others, fearing to embarrass Lady Xing further, also withdrew one by one.邢夫人且不敢出去。Lady Xing, for her part, dared not leave.

话说王夫人听见邢夫人来了，连忙迎了出去。邢夫人犹不知贾母已知鸳鸯之事，正还要来打听信息，进了院门，早有几个婆子悄悄的回了他，他方知道。待要回去，里面已知，又见王夫人接了出来，少不得进来，先与贾母请安，贾母一声儿不言语，自己也觉得愧悔。凤姐儿早指一事回避了。鸳鸯也自回房去生气。薛姨妈王夫人等恐碍著邢夫人的脸面，也都渐渐的退了。邢夫人且不敢出去。

賈母見無人，方說道：“我聽見你替你老爺說媒來了。Seeing that no one else remained, the Lady Dowager said, 'I hear you've come to act as matchmaker for your husband.'你倒也三從四德，只是這賢慧也太過了！'You certainly practice the Three Obediences and Four Virtues well enough—but this wifely virtue of yours is really carried too far!'你們如今也是孫子兒子滿眼了，你還怕他，勸兩句都使不得，還由著你老爺性兒鬧。”邢夫人滿面通紅，回道：“我勸過幾次不依。'Here you are with grandsons and sons all around you, and still you're afraid of him—can't even manage to say a few words to dissuade him, and just let your husband have his way in this mess.' Lady Xing, her face flushing crimson, replied, 'I did try to dissuade him several times, but he wouldn't listen.'老太太還有什麼不知道呢，我也是不得已兒。”賈母道：“他逼著你殺人，你也殺去？'Is there anything the Old Ancestress doesn't already know? I had no choice in the matter.' The Lady Dowager said, 'If he forced you to kill someone, would you go and kill them too?'如今你也想想，你兄弟媳婦本來老實，又生得多病多痛，上上下下那不是他操心？'Now just think about it yourself—your brother's wife is honest and easygoing by nature, and on top of that she's sickly and full of ailments, yet isn't it she who has to see to everything, high and low?'你一個媳婦雖然幫著，也是天天丟下笆兒弄掃帚。'And you, her one daughter-in-law, though you help out, are forever dropping one task to pick up another, running from one chore to the next.'凡百事情，我如今都自己減了。'As for me, I have by now cut back on every kind of business myself.'他們兩個就有一些不到的去處，有鴛鴦，那孩子還心細些，我的事情他還想著一點子，該要去的，他就要來了，該添什麼，他就度空兒告訴他們添了。'Wherever those two fall a little short, there's Yuanyang—that girl is careful and attentive; she still keeps my affairs in mind. Whatever needs fetching, she goes and fetches it; whatever needs adding, she finds a spare moment to tell them to add it.'鴛鴦再不這樣，他娘兒兩個，里頭外頭，大的小的，那里不忽略一件半件，我如今反倒自己操心去不成？'If Yuanyang weren't like this, between the two of them—mother and daughter—inside and out, big matters and small, is there anywhere they wouldn't neglect a thing or two? Am I now to go worrying over everything myself instead?'還是天天盤算和你們要東西去？'Or am I to spend my days scheming how to get things out of you all?'我這屋里有的沒的，剩了他一個，年紀也大些，我凡百的脾氣性格兒他還知道些。'In this room of mine, whatever there is or isn't, she's the only one left—she's older now too, and she still knows something of all my moods and temperament.'二則他還投主子們的緣法，也并不指著我和這位太太要衣裳去，又和那位奶奶要銀子去。'Second, she's also in good favor with the young masters and mistresses, and she never relies on me to go asking this lady for clothes, or that mistress for silver.'所以這幾年一應事情，他說什麼，從你小嬸和你媳婦起，以至家下大大小小，沒有不信的。'So these past years, in all matters, whatever she says, from your aunt and your wife on down to everyone in the household, high and low, there's no one who doesn't trust her.'所以不單我得靠，連你小嬸媳婦也都省心。'So it's not only I who can rely on her—even your aunt and your wife are spared worry because of her.'我有了這麼個人，便是媳婦和孫子媳婦有想不到的，我也不得缺了，也沒氣可生了。'With a person like her at hand, even if my daughters-in-law and granddaughters-in-law overlook something, I still lack for nothing, and I have no cause to be angry.'這會子他去了，你們弄個什麼人來我使？'Now, if she's gone, what sort of person will you all find to serve me?'你們就弄他那麼一個真珠的人來，不會說話也無用。'Even if you brought me some Zhenzhu-like beauty, if she can't talk sense, she'd be no use at all.'我正要打發人和你老爺說去，他要什麼人，我這里有錢，叫他只管一萬八千的買，就只這個丫頭不能。'I was just about to send someone to tell your husband: whatever girl he wants, I have the money—tell him to go right ahead and spend ten or eighty thousand buying one. Only this particular girl, he cannot have.'留下他伏侍我幾年，就比他日夜伏侍我盡了孝的一般。'Let her stay and wait on me a few more years—that will be as good as if she served me day and night out of filial devotion.'你來的也巧，你就去說，更妥當了。”'You've come at just the right time—go and tell him yourself; it will settle things all the better.'

贾母见无人，方说道：“我听见你替你老爷说媒来了。你倒也三从四德，只是这贤慧也太过了！你们如今也是孙子儿子满眼了，你还怕他，劝两句都使不得，还由著你老爷性儿闹。”邢夫人满面通红，回道：“我劝过几次不依。老太太还有什么不知道呢，我也是不得已儿。”贾母道：“他逼著你杀人，你也杀去？如今你也想想，你兄弟媳妇本来老实，又生得多病多痛，上上下下那不是他操心？你一个媳妇虽然帮著，也是天天丢下笆儿弄扫帚。凡百事情，我如今都自己减了。他们两个就有一些不到的去处，有鸳鸯，那孩子还心细些，我的事情他还想著一点子，该要去的，他就要来了，该添什么，他就度空儿告诉他们添了。鸳鸯再不这样，他娘儿两个，里头外头，大的小的，那里不忽略一件半件，我如今反倒自己操心去不成？还是天天盘算和你们要东西去？我这屋里有的没的，剩了他一个，年纪也大些，我凡百的脾气性格儿他还知道些。二则他还投主子们的缘法，也并不指著我和这位太太要衣裳去，又和那位奶奶要银子去。所以这几年一应事情，他说什么，从你小婶和你媳妇起，以至家下大大小小，没有不信的。所以不单我得靠，连你小婶媳妇也都省心。我有了这么个人，便是媳妇和孙子媳妇有想不到的，我也不得缺了，也没气可生了。这会子他去了，你们弄个什么人来我使？你们就弄他那么一个真珠的人来，不会说话也无用。我正要打发人和你老爷说去，他要什么人，我这里有钱，叫他只管一万八千的买，就只这个丫头不能。留下他伏侍我几年，就比他日夜伏侍我尽了孝的一般。你来的也巧，你就去说，更妥当了。”

說畢，命人來：“請了姨太太你姑娘們來說個話兒，才高興，怎麼又都散了！”丫頭們忙答應著去了。Having said this, she called for someone: 'Go invite Aunt Xue and the young ladies to come talk with me—we were just having a fine time, why has everyone scattered again!' The maids hurriedly assented and went off.眾人忙赶的又來。Everyone hurried back at once.只有薛姨媽向丫鬟道：“我才來了，又作什麼去？Only Aunt Xue said to the maid, 'I only just got here—why should I go again?'你就說我睡了覺了。”那丫頭道：“好親親的姨太太，姨祖宗！'Just tell her I've gone to sleep.' The maid said, 'My dear, darling Aunt Xue, my Ancestress-Aunt!'我們老太太生氣呢，你老人家不去，沒個開交了，只當疼我們罷。'Our Old Ancestress is upset, and if you don't go, there will be no end to it—please, just take pity on us and go.'你老人家嫌乏，我背了你老人家去。”薛姨媽道：“小鬼頭兒，你怕些什麼？'If you're too tired, ma'am, I'll carry you there on my back.' Aunt Xue said, 'You little imp, what are you so afraid of?'不過罵幾句完了。”說著，只得和這小丫頭子走來。'At most she'll scold me a few times and be done with it.' So saying, she had no choice but to go along with the little maid.賈母忙讓坐，又笑道：“咱們鬬牌罷。The Lady Dowager quickly bade her sit, then said with a smile, 'Let's play cards.'姨太太的牌也生，咱們一處坐著，別叫鳳姐兒混了我們去。”薛姨媽笑道：“正是呢，老太太替我看著些兒。'Aunt Xue is a bit rusty at the game—let's sit together, so Xifeng doesn't manage to cheat us.' Aunt Xue laughed and said, 'Just so—Old Ancestress, please watch out for me a bit.'就是咱們娘兒四個鬬呢，還是再添個呢？”王夫人笑道：“可不只四個。”鳳姐兒道：“再添一個人熱鬧些。”賈母道：“叫鴛鴦來，叫他在這下手里坐著。'Shall it just be the four of us playing, or shall we add another?' Lady Wang said with a smile, 'Just the four of us will do.' Xifeng said, 'Adding one more would make it livelier.' The Lady Dowager said, 'Call Yuanyang to come sit here on my right.'姨太太眼花了，咱們兩個的牌都叫他瞧著些兒。”鳳姐兒歎了一聲，向探春道：“你們識書識字的，倒不學算命！”探春道：“這又奇了。'Aunt Xue's eyes are getting weak—let her keep an eye on both our hands.' Xifeng sighed and said to Tanchun, 'Here you are, someone who reads books and knows characters, and yet you never learned fortune-telling!' Tanchun said, 'Now that's strange indeed.'這會子你倒不打點精神贏老太太幾個錢，又想算命。”鳳姐兒道：“我正要算算命今兒該輸多少呢，我還想贏呢！'Here you are, and instead of gathering your wits to win a few coins off the Old Ancestress, you're thinking about fortune-telling instead.' Xifeng said, 'I was just wanting to calculate how much I'm fated to lose today—and here I was still hoping to win!'你瞧瞧，場子沒上，左右都埋伏下了。”說的賈母薛姨媽都笑起來。'Just look—the game hasn't even started, and already there are ambushes laid on every side.' This set the Lady Dowager and Aunt Xue both laughing.

说毕，命人来：“请了姨太太你姑娘们来说个话儿，才高兴，怎么又都散了！”丫头们忙答应著去了。众人忙赶的又来。只有薛姨妈向丫鬟道：“我才来了，又作什么去？你就说我睡了觉了。”那丫头道：“好亲亲的姨太太，姨祖宗！我们老太太生气呢，你老人家不去，没个开交了，只当疼我们罢。你老人家嫌乏，我背了你老人家去。”薛姨妈道：“小鬼头儿，你怕些什么？不过骂几句完了。”说著，只得和这小丫头子走来。贾母忙让坐，又笑道：“咱们鬬牌罢。姨太太的牌也生，咱们一处坐著，别叫凤姐儿混了我们去。”薛姨妈笑道：“正是呢，老太太替我看著些儿。就是咱们娘儿四个鬬呢，还是再添个呢？”王夫人笑道：“可不只四个。”凤姐儿道：“再添一个人热闹些。”贾母道：“叫鸳鸯来，叫他在这下手里坐著。姨太太眼花了，咱们两个的牌都叫他瞧著些儿。”凤姐儿叹了一声，向探春道：“你们识书识字的，倒不学算命！”探春道：“这又奇了。这会子你倒不打点精神赢老太太几个钱，又想算命。”凤姐儿道：“我正要算算命今儿该输多少呢，我还想赢呢！你瞧瞧，场子没上，左右都埋伏下了。”说的贾母薛姨妈都笑起来。

一時鴛鴦來了，便坐在賈母下手，鴛鴦之下便是鳳姐兒。Presently Yuanyang arrived and sat down on the Lady Dowager's right; below Yuanyang sat Xifeng.舖下紅氈，洗牌告幺，五人起牌。A red felt cloth was spread out, the tiles were shuffled and the deal called, and the five of them took up their hands.鬬了一回，鴛鴦見賈母的牌已十嚴，只等一張二餅，便遞了暗號與鳳姐兒。After they had played a while, Yuanyang saw that the Lady Dowager's hand was already set for a ready win, needing only a Two of Circles, and she gave a secret signal to Xifeng.鳳姐兒正該發牌，便故意躊躇了半晌，笑道：“我這一張牌定在姨媽手里扣著呢。It was just Xifeng's turn to discard, and she deliberately hesitated a long while, then said with a smile, 'This tile of mine must surely be held back in Aunt Xue's hand.'我若不發這一張，再頂不下來的。”薛姨媽道：“我手里并沒有你的牌。”鳳姐兒道：“我回來是要查的。”薛姨媽道：“你只管查。'If I don't play this one, I'll never get past it.' Aunt Xue said, 'I certainly don't have your tile.' Xifeng said, 'I'll be checking later, mind you.' Aunt Xue said, 'Go right ahead and check.'你且發下來，我瞧瞧是張什麼。”鳳姐兒便送在薛姨媽跟前。'Just play it down first, and let me see what it is.' So Xifeng laid it down in front of Aunt Xue.薛姨媽一看是個二餅，便笑道：“我倒不稀罕他，只怕老太太滿了。”鳳姐兒聽了，忙笑道：“我發錯了。”賈母笑的已擲下牌來，說：“你敢拿回去！Aunt Xue looked and saw it was a Two of Circles, and said with a smile, 'I don't care for it myself—I'm afraid it completes the Old Ancestress's hand.' Hearing this, Xifeng said quickly with a smile, 'I played the wrong one.' The Lady Dowager, already laughing, threw down her tiles and said, 'Just you dare take it back!'誰叫你錯的不成？”鳳姐兒道：“可是我要算一算命呢。'Who told you to make a mistake, hmm?' Xifeng said, 'See, this is exactly why I need to have my fortune told.'這是自己發的，也怨埋伏！”賈母笑道：“可是呢，你自己該打著你那嘴，問著你自己才是。”又向薛姨媽笑道：“我不是小器愛贏錢，原是個彩頭兒。”薛姨媽笑道：“可不是這樣，那里有那樣糊涂人說老太太愛錢呢？”鳳姐兒正數著錢，聽了這話，忙又把錢穿上了，向眾人笑道：“夠了我的了。'I discarded it myself, and now I'm blaming an ambush!' The Lady Dowager laughed and said, 'Indeed—you ought to slap your own mouth and ask yourself about it.' Then she said to Aunt Xue with a smile, 'It's not that I'm stingy and love to win money—it's simply a matter of good luck at the start.' Aunt Xue laughed and said, 'Exactly so—what fool would ever say the Old Ancestress loves money?' Xifeng, who had just been counting out her money, heard this and quickly strung the coins back together, saying to everyone with a laugh, 'That's quite enough for me.'竟不為贏錢，單為贏彩頭兒。'It's not about winning money at all—it's purely about winning the lucky start.'我到底小器，輸了就數錢，快收起來罷。”賈母規矩是鴛鴦代洗牌，因和薛姨媽說笑，不見鴛鴦動手，賈母道：“你怎麼惱了，連牌也不替我洗。”鴛鴦拿起牌來，笑道：“二奶奶不給錢。”賈母道：“他不給錢，那是他交運了。”便命小丫頭子：“把他那一吊錢都拿過來。”小丫頭子真就拿了，擱在賈母旁邊。'I really am stingy after all—the moment I lose, I count out the money. Quick, put it away.' It was the Lady Dowager's custom for Yuanyang to shuffle the tiles for her; being caught up in talk and laughter with Aunt Xue, she didn't notice that Yuanyang hadn't moved to do it, and said, 'What's the matter, are you sulking, that you won't even shuffle the tiles for me?' Yuanyang picked up the tiles and said with a smile, 'Second Mistress Lian won't hand over her money.' The Lady Dowager said, 'If she won't pay up, then it's she who's in luck.' And she ordered a little maid, 'Go bring that whole string of her money over here.' The little maid really did fetch it and set it down beside the Lady Dowager.鳳姐兒笑道：“賞我罷，我照數兒給就是了。”薛姨媽笑道：“果然是鳳丫頭小器，不過是頑兒罷了。”鳳姐聽說，便站起來，拉著薛姨媽，回頭指著賈母素日放錢的一個小木匣子笑道：“姨媽瞧瞧，那個里頭不知頑了我多少去了。Xifeng said with a smile, 'Do have mercy on me—I'll pay the full amount, that's all.' Aunt Xue laughed and said, 'Xifeng really is stingy—it's only a game, after all.' Hearing this, Xifeng stood up, took hold of Aunt Xue, and turning to point at a little wooden box where the Lady Dowager usually kept her money, said with a laugh, 'Aunt Xue, just look—there's no telling how much of my money has gone into that box already.'這一吊錢頑不了半個時辰，那里頭的錢就招手兒叫他了。'This string of cash won't last even half an hour at play before the money inside that box starts beckoning it to come join it.'只等把這一吊也叫進去了，牌也不用鬬了，老祖宗的氣也平了，又有正經事差我辦去了。”話說未完，引的賈母眾人笑個不住。'Just wait till this string too has been called inside—then there'll be no more need to play cards, the Old Ancestress's temper will have calmed down, and there'll be some proper business to send me off to do instead.' Before she had even finished speaking, she had the Lady Dowager and everyone else laughing without end.偏有平兒怕錢不夠，又送了一吊來。As it happened, Ping'er, worried the money might not be enough, brought in yet another string.鳳姐兒道：“不用放在我跟前，也放在老太太的那一處罷。Xifeng said, 'No need to set it in front of me—just put it over with the Old Ancestress's pile too.'一齊叫進去倒省事，不用做兩次，叫箱子里的錢費事。”賈母笑的手里的牌撒了一桌子，推著鴛鴦，叫：“快撕他的嘴！”'Calling it all inside at once will save trouble—no need to do it twice and put the money in the box to extra work.' The Lady Dowager laughed so hard the tiles in her hand scattered all over the table, and she pushed at Yuanyang, crying, 'Quick, tear at her mouth!'

一时鸳鸯来了，便坐在贾母下手，鸳鸯之下便是凤姐儿。铺下红毡，洗牌告幺，五人起牌。鬬了一回，鸳鸯见贾母的牌已十严，只等一张二饼，便递了暗号与凤姐儿。凤姐儿正该发牌，便故意踌躇了半晌，笑道：“我这一张牌定在姨妈手里扣著呢。我若不发这一张，再顶不下来的。”薛姨妈道：“我手里并没有你的牌。”凤姐儿道：“我回来是要查的。”薛姨妈道：“你只管查。你且发下来，我瞧瞧是张什么。”凤姐儿便送在薛姨妈跟前。薛姨妈一看是个二饼，便笑道：“我倒不稀罕他，只怕老太太满了。”凤姐儿听了，忙笑道：“我发错了。”贾母笑的已掷下牌来，说：“你敢拿回去！谁叫你错的不成？”凤姐儿道：“可是我要算一算命呢。这是自己发的，也怨埋伏！”贾母笑道：“可是呢，你自己该打著你那嘴，问著你自己才是。”又向薛姨妈笑道：“我不是小器爱赢钱，原是个彩头儿。”薛姨妈笑道：“可不是这样，那里有那样糊涂人说老太太爱钱呢？”凤姐儿正数著钱，听了这话，忙又把钱穿上了，向众人笑道：“够了我的了。竟不为赢钱，单为赢彩头儿。我到底小器，输了就数钱，快收起来罢。”贾母规矩是鸳鸯代洗牌，因和薛姨妈说笑，不见鸳鸯动手，贾母道：“你怎么恼了，连牌也不替我洗。”鸳鸯拿起牌来，笑道：“二奶奶不给钱。”贾母道：“他不给钱，那是他交运了。”便命小丫头子：“把他那一吊钱都拿过来。”小丫头子真就拿了，搁在贾母旁边。凤姐儿笑道：“赏我罢，我照数儿给就是了。”薛姨妈笑道：“果然是凤丫头小器，不过是顽儿罢了。”凤姐听说，便站起来，拉著薛姨妈，回头指著贾母素日放钱的一个小木匣子笑道：“姨妈瞧瞧，那个里头不知顽了我多少去了。这一吊钱顽不了半个时辰，那里头的钱就招手儿叫他了。只等把这一吊也叫进去了，牌也不用鬬了，老祖宗的气也平了，又有正经事差我办去了。”话说未完，引的贾母众人笑个不住。偏有平儿怕钱不够，又送了一吊来。凤姐儿道：“不用放在我跟前，也放在老太太的那一处罢。一齐叫进去倒省事，不用做两次，叫箱子里的钱费事。”贾母笑的手里的牌撒了一桌子，推著鸳鸯，叫：“快撕他的嘴！”

平兒依言放下錢，也笑了一回，方回來。Ping'er, following these instructions, set down the money, laughed along with the rest for a while, and then went back.至院門前遇見賈璉，問他”太太在那里呢？At the courtyard gate she met Jia Lian, who asked her, 'Where is my wife?'老爺叫我請過去呢。”平兒忙笑道：“在老太太跟前呢，站了這半日還沒動呢。'Father told me to go fetch her.' Ping'er said quickly with a smile, 'She's with the Old Ancestress—she's been standing there this whole while and hasn't budged yet.'趁早兒丟開手罷。'Better let it go while you still can.'老太太生了半日氣，這會子虧二奶奶湊了半日趣兒，才略好了些。”賈璉道：“我過去只說討老太太的示下，十四往賴大家去不去，好預備轎子的。'The Old Ancestress was upset for the longest while, and only just now, thanks to Second Mistress spending half the day amusing her, has she calmed down a little.' Jia Lian said, 'I'll just go over and say I've come to ask the Old Ancestress's instructions—whether she'll be going to the Lai family's on the fourteenth, so the sedan chairs can be got ready.'又請了太太，又湊了趣兒，豈不好？”平兒笑道：“依我說，你竟不去罷。'That way I'll have both fetched my wife and helped smooth things over—won't that be for the best?' Ping'er said with a smile, 'If you ask me, you'd best not go at all.'合家子連太太寶玉都有了不是，這會子你又填限去了。”賈璉道：“已經完了，難道還找補不成？'The whole household, even the Mistress and Baoyu, have already gotten into trouble over this—now you'd go and put your own head in the trap too.' Jia Lian said, 'It's already over and done with—surely they won't go dredging it up again?'況且與我又無干。'Besides, it has nothing to do with me at all.'二則老爺親自吩咐我請太太的，這會子我打發了人去，倘或知道了，正沒好氣呢，指著這個拿我出氣罷。”說著就走。'And besides, Father himself ordered me to go fetch my wife—if I send someone else instead and he finds out, with his temper already so foul, he'll surely take it out on me over just this.' So saying, he went on.平兒見他說得有理，也便跟了過來。Ping'er, seeing there was sense in what he said, followed along after him.

平儿依言放下钱，也笑了一回，方回来。至院门前遇见贾琏，问他”太太在那里呢？老爷叫我请过去呢。”平儿忙笑道：“在老太太跟前呢，站了这半日还没动呢。趁早儿丢开手罢。老太太生了半日气，这会子亏二奶奶凑了半日趣儿，才略好了些。”贾琏道：“我过去只说讨老太太的示下，十四往赖大家去不去，好预备轿子的。又请了太太，又凑了趣儿，岂不好？”平儿笑道：“依我说，你竟不去罢。合家子连太太宝玉都有了不是，这会子你又填限去了。”贾琏道：“已经完了，难道还找补不成？况且与我又无干。二则老爷亲自吩咐我请太太的，这会子我打发了人去，倘或知道了，正没好气呢，指著这个拿我出气罢。”说著就走。平儿见他说得有理，也便跟了过来。

賈璉到了堂屋里，便把腳步放輕了，往里間探頭，只見邢夫人站在那里。When Jia Lian reached the main hall, he softened his footsteps and craned his head to peer into the inner room, where he saw Lady Xing standing there.鳳姐兒眼尖，先瞧見了，使眼色兒不命他進來，又使眼色與邢夫人。Xifeng's eyes were sharp, and she spotted him first; she signaled with her eyes for him not to come in, and then signaled with her eyes to Lady Xing as well.邢夫人不便就走，只得倒了一碗茶來，放在賈母跟前。Lady Xing could not very well leave just then, so she had no choice but to pour a bowl of tea and set it before the Lady Dowager.賈母一回身，賈璉不防，便沒躲伶俐。The Lady Dowager turned around, and Jia Lian, caught off guard, failed to duck out of sight quickly enough.賈母便問：“外頭是誰？The Lady Dowager asked, 'Who's that outside?'倒象個小子一伸頭。”鳳姐兒忙起身說：“我也恍惚看見一個人影兒，讓我瞧瞧去。”一面說，一面起身出來。'It looked just like some young fellow poking his head in.' Xifeng rose quickly and said, 'I too caught a vague glimpse of some figure—let me go and have a look.' So saying, she rose and went out.賈璉忙進去，陪笑道：“打聽老太太十四可出門？Jia Lian hurried in and said with an ingratiating smile, 'I've come to ask whether the Old Ancestress will be going out on the fourteenth.'好預備轎子。”賈母道：“既這麼樣，怎麼不進來？'So the sedan chairs can be readied.' The Lady Dowager said, 'If that's all it was, why didn't you just come in?'又作鬼作神的。”賈璉陪笑道：“見老太太頑牌，不敢驚動，不過叫媳婦出來問問。”賈母道：“就忙到這一時，等他家去，你問多少問不得？'Instead of skulking about like some ghost or spirit.' Jia Lian said with an ingratiating smile, 'Seeing the Old Ancestress at cards, I didn't dare disturb you, and only meant to call my wife out to ask.' The Lady Dowager said, 'Were you in such a hurry that it couldn't wait until she went home? You could have asked her anything then, couldn't you?'那一遭兒你這麼小心來著！'Since when have you ever been so careful and considerate!'又不知是來作耳報神的，也不知是來作探子的，鬼鬼祟祟的，倒唬我一跳。'There's no telling whether you came to play the tattling spirit or to play the spy, sneaking about so furtively that you gave me a fright.'什麼好下流种子！'What a fine, low-bred creature you are!'你媳婦和我頑牌呢，還有半日的空兒，你家去再和那趙二家的商量治你媳婦去罷。”說著眾人都笑了。'Your wife is playing cards with me, and she'll be occupied a good while yet—go on home and go plot with that Zhao Er's wife about how to deal with your own wife instead.' At this everyone burst out laughing.鴛鴦笑道：“鮑二家的，老祖宗又拉上趙二家的。”賈母也笑道：“可是，我那里記得什麼抱著背著的，提起這些事來，不由我不生氣！Yuanyang said with a laugh, 'It was Bao Er's wife, Old Ancestress—now you've dragged in Zhao Er's wife too.' The Lady Dowager laughed as well and said, 'True enough—how should I remember who's carried in front and who's carried on the back? But bring up matters like these, and I can't help getting angry!'我進了這門子作重孫子媳婦起，到如今我也有了重孫子媳婦了，連頭帶尾五十四年，憑著大驚大險千奇百怪的事，也經了些，從沒經過這些事。'From the day I entered this family's gate as a great-grandson's bride, down to this very day when I myself have great-grandsons' brides of my own—fifty-four years all told, head to tail—I have been through my share of great frights and perils and every strange and outlandish affair, yet never before have I been through goings-on like these.'還不離了我這里呢！”'And still you won't get out of my sight!'

贾琏到了堂屋里，便把脚步放轻了，往里间探头，只见邢夫人站在那里。凤姐儿眼尖，先瞧见了，使眼色儿不命他进来，又使眼色与邢夫人。邢夫人不便就走，只得倒了一碗茶来，放在贾母跟前。贾母一回身，贾琏不防，便没躲伶俐。贾母便问：“外头是谁？倒象个小子一伸头。”凤姐儿忙起身说：“我也恍惚看见一个人影儿，让我瞧瞧去。”一面说，一面起身出来。贾琏忙进去，陪笑道：“打听老太太十四可出门？好预备轿子。”贾母道：“既这么样，怎么不进来？又作鬼作神的。”贾琏陪笑道：“见老太太顽牌，不敢惊动，不过叫媳妇出来问问。”贾母道：“就忙到这一时，等他家去，你问多少问不得？那一遭儿你这么小心来著！又不知是来作耳报神的，也不知是来作探子的，鬼鬼祟祟的，倒唬我一跳。什么好下流种子！你媳妇和我顽牌呢，还有半日的空儿，你家去再和那赵二家的商量治你媳妇去罢。”说著众人都笑了。鸳鸯笑道：“鲍二家的，老祖宗又拉上赵二家的。”贾母也笑道：“可是，我那里记得什么抱著背著的，提起这些事来，不由我不生气！我进了这门子作重孙子媳妇起，到如今我也有了重孙子媳妇了，连头带尾五十四年，凭著大惊大险千奇百怪的事，也经了些，从没经过这些事。还不离了我这里呢！”

賈璉一聲兒不敢說，忙退了出來。Jia Lian did not dare say a single word, and hastily withdrew.平兒站在窗外悄悄的笑道：“我說著你不聽，到底碰在网里了。”正說著，只見邢夫人也出來，賈璉道：“都是老爺鬧的，如今都搬在我和太太身上。”邢夫人道：“我把你沒孝心雷打的下流种子！Ping'er, standing outside the window, said quietly with a laugh, 'I told you so and you wouldn't listen—now you've gone and walked right into the net.' Just as she spoke, Lady Xing also came out, and Jia Lian said, 'It's all Father's doing, and now it's all been shifted onto my wife and me.' Lady Xing said, 'You unfilial, thunder-struck, low-bred creature!'人家還替老子死呢，白說了幾句，你就抱怨了。'Other sons would even die in their father's place, and here your father's merely said a few words, and already you're complaining.'你還不好好的呢，這幾日生氣，仔細他捶你。”賈璉道：“太太快過去罷，叫我來請了好半日了。”說著，送他母親出來過那邊去。'You'd better watch yourself—he's been in a temper these past few days, so mind he doesn't beat you.' Jia Lian said, 'Mother, please go over quickly—he sent me to fetch you a good while ago already.' So saying, he saw his mother out and escorted her over to the other side.

贾琏一声儿不敢说，忙退了出来。平儿站在窗外悄悄的笑道：“我说著你不听，到底碰在网里了。”正说著，只见邢夫人也出来，贾琏道：“都是老爷闹的，如今都搬在我和太太身上。”邢夫人道：“我把你没孝心雷打的下流种子！人家还替老子死呢，白说了几句，你就抱怨了。你还不好好的呢，这几日生气，仔细他捶你。”贾琏道：“太太快过去罢，叫我来请了好半日了。”说著，送他母亲出来过那边去。

邢夫人將方才的話只略說了幾句，賈赦無法，又含愧，自此便告病，且不敢見賈母，只打發邢夫人及賈璉每日過去請安。Lady Xing repeated only a few words of what had just passed, and Jia She, at a loss and full of shame, from then on pleaded illness and dared not go see the Lady Dowager, sending only Lady Xing and Jia Lian each day to pay their respects for him.只得又各處遣人購求尋覓，終久費了八百兩銀子買了一個十七歲的女孩子來，名喚嫣紅，收在屋內。He had no choice but to send people everywhere to search and inquire, and in the end spent eight hundred taels of silver to buy a seventeen-year-old girl named Yanhong, whom he took into his rooms.不在話下。But no more of that for now.

邢夫人将方才的话只略说了几句，贾赦无法，又含愧，自此便告病，且不敢见贾母，只打发邢夫人及贾琏每日过去请安。只得又各处遣人购求寻觅，终久费了八百两银子买了一个十七岁的女孩子来，名唤嫣红，收在屋内。不在话下。

這里鬬了半日牌，吃晚飯才罷。Here they went on playing cards for half the day, not stopping until it was time for the evening meal.此一二日間無話。For a day or two after this, there is nothing further to tell.

这里鬬了半日牌，吃晚饭才罢。此一二日间无话。

展眼到了十四日，黑早，賴大的媳婦又進來請。In the blink of an eye the fourteenth arrived, and early in the dark of dawn, Lai Da's wife came in again to extend the invitation.賈母高興，便帶了王夫人薛姨媽及寶玉姊妹等，到賴大花園中坐了半日。The Lady Dowager, in good spirits, brought along Lady Wang, Aunt Xue, Baoyu, and the young ladies, and spent half the day sitting in the Lai family's garden.那花園雖不及大觀園，卻也十分齊整寬闊，泉石林木，樓閣亭軒，也有好幾處驚人駭目的。That garden, though it could not compare to the Grand View Garden, was nonetheless quite neat and spacious, with springs and rocks, groves and trees, towers and pavilions—there were several spots striking enough to catch the eye.外面廳上，薛蟠，賈珍，賈璉，賈蓉并幾個近族的，很遠的也沒來，賈赦也沒來。In the outer hall were Xue Pan, Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, Jia Rong, and a few close relations of the clan; those more distantly related did not come, nor did Jia She.賴大家內也請了幾個現任的官長并幾個世家子弟作陪。The Lai family had also invited a few currently serving officials and several sons of established families to keep them company.因其中有柳湘蓮，薛蟠自上次會過一次，已念念不忘。Among them was Liu Xianglian, and Xue Pan, having met him once before, had thought of him constantly ever since.又打聽他最喜串戲，且串的都是生旦風月戲文，不免錯會了意，誤認他作了風月子弟，正要與他相交，恨沒有個引進，這日可巧遇見，竟覺無可不可。He had also heard that Liu Xianglian was especially fond of performing in operas, and that the roles he took were always those of young lovers in romantic plays; Xue Pan could not help misjudging the matter, mistaking him for a young man of loose and dissolute habits himself. He had long wanted to make his acquaintance and only regretted having no one to introduce them; now, meeting him by such happy chance on this very day, he felt there was nothing he would not agree to.且賈珍等也慕他的名，酒蓋住了臉，就求他串了兩出戲。Jia Zhen and the others, too, admired his reputation, and with wine flushing their faces, they begged him to perform two scenes.下來，移席和他一處坐著，問長問短，說此說彼。Afterward they moved their seats to sit together with him, plying him with questions of every sort and chatting of this and that.

展眼到了十四日，黑早，赖大的媳妇又进来请。贾母高兴，便带了王夫人薛姨妈及宝玉姊妹等，到赖大花园中坐了半日。那花园虽不及大观园，却也十分齐整宽阔，泉石林木，楼阁亭轩，也有好几处惊人骇目的。外面厅上，薛蟠，贾珍，贾琏，贾蓉并几个近族的，很远的也没来，贾赦也没来。赖大家内也请了几个现任的官长并几个世家子弟作陪。因其中有柳湘莲，薛蟠自上次会过一次，已念念不忘。又打听他最喜串戏，且串的都是生旦风月戏文，不免错会了意，误认他作了风月子弟，正要与他相交，恨没有个引进，这日可巧遇见，竟觉无可不可。且贾珍等也慕他的名，酒盖住了脸，就求他串了两出戏。下来，移席和他一处坐著，问长问短，说此说彼。

那柳湘蓮原是世家子弟，讀書不成，父母早喪，素性爽俠，不拘細事，酷好耍槍舞劍，賭博吃酒，以至眠花臥柳，吹笛彈箏，無所不為。This Liu Xianglian was in fact the son of an established family; having failed at his studies, and with both parents dead early, he was by nature open and chivalrous, unconcerned with petty matters, passionately fond of practicing with spear and sword, of gambling and drinking, and given, besides, to dallying among flowers and willows, to playing the flute and plucking the zither—there was nothing he would not do.因他年紀又輕，生得又美，不知他身分的人，卻誤認作优伶一類。Because he was still young in years and handsome in appearance besides, those who did not know his true standing often mistook him for one of the actor class.那賴大之子賴尚榮與他素習交好，故他今日請來坐陪。Lai Da's son, Lai Shangrong, had long been on good terms with him, and it was for this reason that he had invited him today to join and keep the guests company.不想酒後別人猶可，獨薛蟠又犯了舊病。Little did anyone expect that, after the wine, the others were well enough, but Xue Pan alone fell once more into his old failing.他心中早已不快，得便意欲走開完事，無奈賴尚榮死也不放。Liu Xianglian was already displeased at heart and, seizing the chance, wished to slip away and be done with it, but Lai Shangrong would not let him go for anything.賴尚榮又說：“方才寶二爺又囑咐我，才一進門雖見了，只是人多不好說話，叫我囑咐你散的時候別走，他還有話說呢。Lai Shangrong went on to say, 'Just now Master Bao charged me specially—though he saw you the moment you arrived, there were too many people about for him to speak freely, so he told me to make sure you don't leave when the party breaks up, as he has something more to say to you.'你既一定要去，等我叫出他來，你兩個見了再走，與我無干。”說著，便命小廝們到里頭找一個老婆子，悄悄告訴“請出寶二爺來。”那小廝去了沒一盞茶時，果見寶玉出來了。'If you're absolutely set on leaving, then wait while I call him out—let the two of you see each other first, and then go; that will have nothing to do with me.' So saying, he ordered the page boys to go find some old woman inside and quietly tell her, 'Please ask Master Bao to come out.' Before the page boy had been gone even the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Baoyu indeed appeared.賴尚榮向寶玉笑道：“好叔叔，把他交給你，我張羅人去了。”說著，一徑去了。Lai Shangrong said to Baoyu with a smile, 'Dear uncle, I'll leave him in your hands—I must go see to the other guests.' So saying, he went straight off.

那柳湘莲原是世家子弟，读书不成，父母早丧，素性爽侠，不拘细事，酷好耍枪舞剑，赌博吃酒，以至眠花卧柳，吹笛弹筝，无所不为。因他年纪又轻，生得又美，不知他身分的人，却误认作优伶一类。那赖大之子赖尚荣与他素习交好，故他今日请来坐陪。不想酒后别人犹可，独薛蟠又犯了旧病。他心中早已不快，得便意欲走开完事，无奈赖尚荣死也不放。赖尚荣又说：“方才宝二爷又嘱咐我，才一进门虽见了，只是人多不好说话，叫我嘱咐你散的时候别走，他还有话说呢。你既一定要去，等我叫出他来，你两个见了再走，与我无干。”说著，便命小厮们到里头找一个老婆子，悄悄告诉“请出宝二爷来。”那小厮去了没一盏茶时，果见宝玉出来了。赖尚荣向宝玉笑道：“好叔叔，把他交给你，我张罗人去了。”说著，一径去了。

寶玉便拉了柳湘蓮到廳側小書房中坐下，問他這幾日可到秦鐘的墳上去了。Baoyu then drew Liu Xianglian to a small study beside the hall and sat down with him, asking whether he had been to visit Qin Zhong's grave these past few days.湘蓮道：“怎麼不去？Xianglian said, 'How could I not go?'前日我們幾個人放鷹去，離他墳上還有二里。'The other day several of us went out flying our hawks, and we came within two li of his grave.'我想今年夏天的雨水勤，恐怕他的墳站不住。'I thought to myself that with this summer's rains coming so often, I feared his grave might not hold up.'我背著眾人，走去瞧了一瞧，果然又動了一點子。'So, slipping away from the others, I went to have a look, and sure enough it had shifted a little more.'回家來就便弄了幾百錢，第三日一早出去，雇了兩個人收拾好了。”寶玉道：“怪道呢，上月我們大觀園的池子里頭結了蓮蓬，我摘了十個，叫茗煙出去到墳上供他去，回來我也問他可被雨沖坏了沒有。'When I got home I gathered together a few hundred cash, and on the third day, early in the morning, I went out and hired two men to put it back in proper order.' Baoyu said, 'No wonder—last month, when lotus pods formed in the pond of our Grand View Garden, I picked ten of them and had Ming Yan take them out to offer at the grave, and when he came back I asked him whether it had been damaged by the rains.'他說不但不沖，且比上回又新了些。'He told me it was not only undamaged, but looked even fresher than before.'我想著，不過是這幾個朋友新筑了。'I supposed it was simply that a few of his friends had newly repaired it.'我只恨我天天圈在家里，一點兒做不得主，行動就有人知道，不是這個攔就是那個勸的，能說不能行。'I can only regret that I'm penned up at home day after day, unable to decide anything for myself—the moment I make a move, someone finds out, and if it's not one person stopping me it's another advising against it; I can talk about doing things, but I can never actually do them.'雖然有錢，又不由我使。”湘蓮道：“這個事也用不著你操心，外頭有我，你只心里有了就是。'Even though I have money, I'm not free to spend it as I please.' Xianglian said, 'There's no need for you to trouble yourself over this—I'm here to see to things outside; you need only keep it in your heart.'眼前十月初一，我已經打點下上墳的花消。'As it happens, with the first of the tenth month coming up soon, I have already set aside the money needed for the grave visit.'你知道我一貧如洗，家里是沒的積聚，縱有幾個錢來，隨手就光的，不如趁空兒留下這一分，省得到了跟前扎煞手。”寶玉道：“我也正為這個要打發茗煙找你，你又不大在家，知道你天天萍蹤浪跡，沒個一定的去處。”湘蓮道：“這也不用找我。You know I'm as poor as if I'd been washed clean — there's nothing put by at home, and even if I do come by a little money now and then, it slips through my fingers as soon as I have it, so I'd better set this bit aside while I have the chance, rather than have my hands empty when the need comes." Baoyu said, "That's exactly why I wanted to send Mingyan to find you — but you're hardly ever home, and I know you wander about every day like duckweed on the water, with no fixed place to be found." Xianglian said, "There's no need to go looking for me over this.這個事不過各盡其道。This sort of matter is simply a case of each doing as he sees fit.眼前我還要出門去走走，外頭逛個三年五載再回來。”寶玉聽了，忙問道：“這是為何？”柳湘蓮冷笑道：“你不知道我的心事，等到跟前你自然知道。For the time being I still mean to go off traveling, and knock about outside for three or five years before I come back." Hearing this, Baoyu asked hastily, "Why is that?" Liu Xianglian gave a cold smile and said, "You don't know what's on my mind — once the time comes, you'll naturally find out.我如今要別過了。”寶玉道：“好容易會著，晚上同散豈不好？”湘蓮道：“你那令姨表兄還是那樣，再坐著未免有事，不如我回避了倒好。”寶玉想了一想，道：“既是這樣，倒是回避他為是。I must take my leave now." Baoyu said, "We've only just managed to meet — wouldn't it be better if we went our separate ways this evening together?" Xianglian said, "That cousin of your aunt's is still the same as ever; if I sit here any longer there's bound to be trouble, so it's better that I withdraw." Baoyu thought it over and said, "Since that's how it is, avoiding him is indeed the wiser course.只是你要果真遠行，必須先告訴我一聲，千萬別悄悄的去了。”說著便滴下淚來。Only, if you truly are going away on a long journey, you must tell me beforehand — whatever you do, don't slip off quietly." So saying, he let his tears fall.柳湘蓮道：“自然要辭的。Liu Xianglian said, "Of course I'll take my leave properly.你只別和別人說就是。”說著便站起來要走，又道：“你們進去，不必送我。”一面說，一面出了書房。You need only not mention this to anyone else." With that he stood up to go, and added, "You all go on back in — there's no need to see me off." So saying, he walked out of the study.剛至大門前，早遇見薛蟠在那里亂嚷亂叫說：“誰放了小柳兒走了！”柳湘蓮聽了，火星亂迸，恨不得一拳打死，复思酒後揮拳，又礙著賴尚榮的臉面，只得忍了又忍。He had just reached the front gate when he ran straight into Xue Pan, who was making a great commotion, shouting, "Who let little Liu go off!" When Liu Xianglian heard this, sparks flew in his eyes, and he could have gladly beaten the man dead with one blow; but on second thought, to raise his fist after drinking, and mindful too of Lai Shangrong's face to consider, he had no choice but to swallow it down, again and again.薛蟠忽見他走出來，如得了珍寶，忙趔趄著上來一把拉住，笑道：“我的兄弟，你往那里去了？”湘蓮道：“走走就來。”薛蟠笑道：“好兄弟，你一去都沒興了，好歹坐一坐，你就疼我了。Xue Pan, suddenly seeing him come out, was as delighted as if he'd found a treasure; he lurched forward unsteadily and seized his hand, saying with a laugh, "My good brother, where did you go off to?" Xianglian said, "Just for a stroll — I'm back now." Xue Pan said with a laugh, "Good brother, once you left, all the fun went out of it — you really ought to sit a while, if only for my sake.憑你有什麼要緊的事，交給哥，你只別忙，有你這個哥，你要做官發財都容易。”湘蓮見他如此不堪，心中又恨又愧，早生一計，便拉他到避人之處，笑道：“你真心和我好，假心和我好呢？”薛蟠聽這話，喜的心痒難撓，乜斜著眼忙笑道：“好兄弟，你怎麼問起我這話來？Whatever pressing business you have, just leave it to your elder brother here, and don't be in such a hurry — with a brother like me, whether you want to become an official or make a fortune, either one would come easy." Seeing him behave so shamelessly, Xianglian felt both anger and contempt in his heart, and at once a scheme came to him; he drew Xue Pan aside to a spot away from prying eyes and said with a smile, "Do you mean to be good to me in earnest, or only in pretense?" Hearing this, Xue Pan's heart itched with delight past bearing, and squinting his eyes he said hastily with a laugh, "Good brother, how can you ask me such a thing?我要是假心，立刻死在眼前！”湘蓮道：“既如此，這里不便。If I'm not sincere, may I drop dead on the spot!" Xianglian said, "If that's so, this place isn't convenient.等坐一坐，我先走，你隨後出來，跟到我下處，咱們替另喝一夜酒。Sit a while longer — I'll go on ahead, and you follow along after and come to where I'm staying; the two of us will have a separate drink together tonight.我那里還有兩個絕好的孩子，從沒出門。I have a place there with two absolutely lovely boys, who've never once been out.你可連一個跟的人也不用帶，到了那里，伏侍的人都是現成的。”薛蟠聽如此說，喜得酒醒了一半，說：“果然如此？”湘蓮道：“如何！You needn't even bring a single attendant along — once we get there, all the people to wait on you will already be on hand." Hearing him say this, Xue Pan was so delighted that half his drunkenness cleared at once, and he said, "Is that really so?" Xianglian said, "How could it not be!人拿真心待你，你倒不信了！”薛蟠忙笑道：“我又不是呆子，怎麼有個不信的呢！Here I am dealing with you in perfect sincerity, and you still don't believe me!" Xue Pan said hastily with a laugh, "Am I a fool, that I wouldn't believe you?既如此，我又不認得，你先去了，我在那里找你？”湘蓮道：“我這下處在北門外頭，你可舍得家，城外住一夜去？”薛蟠笑道：“有了你，我還要家作什麼！”湘蓮道：“既如此，我在北門外頭橋上等你。But since that's how it is — I don't know the place, and if you go ahead first, where am I to find you?" Xianglian said, "This place of mine is outside the north gate — could you bear to leave home and spend a night outside the city?" Xue Pan said with a laugh, "With you there, what would I need a home for!" Xianglian said, "Very well then, I'll wait for you on the bridge outside the north gate.咱們席上且吃酒去。Let's go back to the table and drink for now.你看我走了之後你再走，他們就不留心了。”薛蟠聽了，連忙答應。You watch — once I've gone, you leave a little after, and they won't take any notice." Hearing this, Xue Pan agreed at once.于是二人复又入席，飲了一回。So the two of them returned to their places at the table and drank a while longer.那薛蟠難熬，只拿眼看湘蓮，心內越想越樂，左一壺右一壺，并不用人讓，自己便吃了又吃，不覺酒已八九分了。Xue Pan, unable to bear the wait, kept his eyes fixed on Xianglian, growing more delighted the more he thought about it; pot after pot, left and right, with no one needing to urge him, he drank cup after cup on his own, until before he knew it he was eight or nine parts drunk.

宝玉便拉了柳湘莲到厅侧小书房中坐下，问他这几日可到秦钟的坟上去了。湘莲道：“怎么不去？前日我们几个人放鹰去，离他坟上还有二里。我想今年夏天的雨水勤，恐怕他的坟站不住。我背著众人，走去瞧了一瞧，果然又动了一点子。回家来就便弄了几百钱，第三日一早出去，雇了两个人收拾好了。”宝玉道：“怪道呢，上月我们大观园的池子里头结了莲蓬，我摘了十个，叫茗烟出去到坟上供他去，回来我也问他可被雨冲坏了没有。他说不但不冲，且比上回又新了些。我想著，不过是这几个朋友新筑了。我只恨我天天圈在家里，一点儿做不得主，行动就有人知道，不是这个拦就是那个劝的，能说不能行。虽然有钱，又不由我使。”湘莲道：“这个事也用不著你操心，外头有我，你只心里有了就是。眼前十月初一，我已经打点下上坟的花消。你知道我一贫如洗，家里是没的积聚，纵有几个钱来，随手就光的，不如趁空儿留下这一分，省得到了跟前扎煞手。”宝玉道：“我也正为这个要打发茗烟找你，你又不大在家，知道你天天萍踪浪迹，没个一定的去处。”湘莲道：“这也不用找我。这个事不过各尽其道。眼前我还要出门去走走，外头逛个三年五载再回来。”宝玉听了，忙问道：“这是为何？”柳湘莲冷笑道：“你不知道我的心事，等到跟前你自然知道。我如今要别过了。”宝玉道：“好容易会著，晚上同散岂不好？”湘莲道：“你那令姨表兄还是那样，再坐著未免有事，不如我回避了倒好。”宝玉想了一想，道：“既是这样，倒是回避他为是。只是你要果真远行，必须先告诉我一声，千万别悄悄的去了。”说著便滴下泪来。柳湘莲道：“自然要辞的。你只别和别人说就是。”说著便站起来要走，又道：“你们进去，不必送我。”一面说，一面出了书房。刚至大门前，早遇见薛蟠在那里乱嚷乱叫说：“谁放了小柳儿走了！”柳湘莲听了，火星乱迸，恨不得一拳打死，复思酒后挥拳，又碍著赖尚荣的脸面，只得忍了又忍。薛蟠忽见他走出来，如得了珍宝，忙趔趄著上来一把拉住，笑道：“我的兄弟，你往那里去了？”湘莲道：“走走就来。”薛蟠笑道：“好兄弟，你一去都没兴了，好歹坐一坐，你就疼我了。凭你有什么要紧的事，交给哥，你只别忙，有你这个哥，你要做官发财都容易。”湘莲见他如此不堪，心中又恨又愧，早生一计，便拉他到避人之处，笑道：“你真心和我好，假心和我好呢？”薛蟠听这话，喜的心痒难挠，乜斜著眼忙笑道：“好兄弟，你怎么问起我这话来？我要是假心，立刻死在眼前！”湘莲道：“既如此，这里不便。等坐一坐，我先走，你随后出来，跟到我下处，咱们替另喝一夜酒。我那里还有两个绝好的孩子，从没出门。你可连一个跟的人也不用带，到了那里，伏侍的人都是现成的。”薛蟠听如此说，喜得酒醒了一半，说：“果然如此？”湘莲道：“如何！人拿真心待你，你倒不信了！”薛蟠忙笑道：“我又不是呆子，怎么有个不信的呢！既如此，我又不认得，你先去了，我在那里找你？”湘莲道：“我这下处在北门外头，你可舍得家，城外住一夜去？”薛蟠笑道：“有了你，我还要家作什么！”湘莲道：“既如此，我在北门外头桥上等你。咱们席上且吃酒去。你看我走了之后你再走，他们就不留心了。”薛蟠听了，连忙答应。于是二人复又入席，饮了一回。那薛蟠难熬，只拿眼看湘莲，心内越想越乐，左一壶右一壶，并不用人让，自己便吃了又吃，不觉酒已八九分了。

湘蓮便起身出來瞅人不防去了，至門外，命小廝杏奴：“先家去罷，我到城外就來。”說畢，已跨馬直出北門，橋上等候薛蟠。Xianglian then rose and slipped out while no one was watching; once outside the gate, he told the page boy Xingnu, "Go on home first — I'll be back as soon as I've been outside the city." So saying, he was already on his horse and out through the north gate, waiting for Xue Pan on the bridge.沒頓飯時工夫，只見薛蟠騎著一匹大馬，遠遠的赶了來，張著嘴，瞪著眼，頭似撥浪鼓一般不住往左右亂瞧，及至從湘蓮馬前過去，只顧望遠處瞧，不曾留心近處，反踩過去了。Before the time it takes to eat a meal had passed, he saw Xue Pan come galloping up from a distance on a big horse, mouth agape, eyes staring, his head turning this way and that without stopping like a rattle-drum; and when he passed in front of Xianglian's horse, he was so intent on peering into the distance that he took no notice of what was close at hand, and rode right past him.湘蓮又是笑，又是恨，便也撒馬隨後赶來。Xianglian was half amused and half angry, and so he too whipped up his horse and galloped after him.薛蟠往前看時，漸漸人煙稀少，便又圈馬回來再找，不想一回頭見了湘蓮，如獲奇珍，忙笑道：“我說你是個再不失信的。”湘蓮笑道：“快往前走，仔細人看見跟了來，就不便了。”說著，先就撒馬前去，薛蟠也緊緊的跟來。As Xue Pan looked ahead, the houses and people gradually grew sparse, so he wheeled his horse around to search again, and turning his head unexpectedly caught sight of Xianglian, as delighted as if he'd found a rare treasure, and said with a laugh, "I knew you were a man who'd never break his word." Xianglian said with a laugh, "Hurry up and ride on ahead — mind that someone doesn't see us and follow, or it won't be convenient." So saying, he whipped his horse on ahead first, and Xue Pan followed close behind.

湘莲便起身出来瞅人不防去了，至门外，命小厮杏奴：“先家去罢，我到城外就来。”说毕，已跨马直出北门，桥上等候薛蟠。没顿饭时工夫，只见薛蟠骑著一匹大马，远远的赶了来，张著嘴，瞪著眼，头似拨浪鼓一般不住往左右乱瞧，及至从湘莲马前过去，只顾望远处瞧，不曾留心近处，反踩过去了。湘莲又是笑，又是恨，便也撒马随后赶来。薛蟠往前看时，渐渐人烟稀少，便又圈马回来再找，不想一回头见了湘莲，如获奇珍，忙笑道：“我说你是个再不失信的。”湘莲笑道：“快往前走，仔细人看见跟了来，就不便了。”说著，先就撒马前去，薛蟠也紧紧的跟来。

湘蓮見前面人跡已稀，且有一帶葦塘，便下馬，將馬拴在樹上，向薛蟠笑道：“你下來，咱們先設個誓，日後要變了心，告訴人去的，便應了誓。”薛蟠笑道：“這話有理。”連忙下了馬，也拴在樹上，便跪下說道：“我要日久變心，告訴人去的，天誅地滅！”一語未了，只聽“噹”的一聲，頸後好似鐵錘砸下來，只覺得一陣黑，滿眼金星亂迸，身不由己，便倒下來，湘蓮走上來瞧瞧，知道他是個笨家，不慣捱打，只使了三分氣力，向他臉上拍了幾下，登時便開了果子舖。Seeing that ahead the traces of people had grown scarce, and that there was a stretch of reed marsh, Xianglian dismounted, tied his horse to a tree, and said to Xue Pan with a smile, "Come down — let's first swear an oath: if in future you should change your heart and go telling others of this, then the oath will fall upon you." Xue Pan said with a laugh, "That's a reasonable thing to say." He hurriedly dismounted, tied his horse to a tree as well, and knelt down, saying, "If I ever in time to come change my heart and go telling others, may Heaven strike me down and Earth destroy me!" The words were scarcely out of his mouth when there came a sound of "clang," and it felt as though an iron hammer had smashed down on the back of his neck; a wave of blackness came over him, gold stars burst wildly before his eyes, and unable to help himself, he fell down. Xianglian walked up and looked him over, and knowing him for a soft, pampered creature unused to taking a beating, used only three-tenths of his strength, slapping him a few times across the face until at once it looked like a stall of split fruit.薛蟠先還要掙挫起來，又被湘蓮用腳尖點了兩點，仍舊跌倒，口內說道：“原是兩家情願，你不依，只好說，為什麼哄出我來打我？”一面說，一面亂罵。Xue Pan tried at first to struggle up, but Xianglian gave him two jabs with the tip of his boot, and he fell back down again, saying as he did so, "This was a matter both parties agreed to willingly — if you didn't want it, you had only to say so; why lure me out here to beat me?" So saying, he cursed on and on without stopping.湘蓮道：“我把你瞎了眼的，你認認柳大爺是誰！Xianglian said, "I'll blind those eyes of yours — take a good look and see just who Master Liu is!你不說哀求，你還傷我！Instead of begging for mercy, you dare to insult me further!我打死你也無益，只給你個利害罷。”說著，便取了馬鞭過來，從背至脛，打了三四十下。Beating you to death would do me no good — I'll just give you a taste of what I can do." So saying, he took up his riding whip and, from his back down to his shins, gave him thirty or forty lashes.薛蟠酒已醒了大半，覺得疼痛難禁，不禁有“噯喲”之聲。Xue Pan was more than half sobered up by now, and finding the pain unbearable, could not help letting out cries of "Ouch!"湘蓮冷笑道：“也只如此！Xianglian said with a cold smile, "Is that all!我只當你是不怕打的。”一面說，一面又把薛蟠的左腿拉起來，朝葦中泞泥處拉了幾步，滾的滿身泥水，又問道：“你可認得我了？”薛蟠不應，只伏著哼哼。And here I thought you weren't afraid of a beating." So saying, he pulled up Xue Pan's left leg and dragged him several paces toward a muddy spot in the reeds, rolling him until he was covered in mud and water from head to foot, then asked, "Do you know who I am now?" Xue Pan made no answer, only lay there groaning.湘蓮又擲下鞭子，用拳頭向他身上擂了幾下。Xianglian then flung down the whip and pounded him a few times with his fists.薛蟠便亂滾亂叫，說：“肋條折了。Xue Pan rolled and thrashed about, crying out, "My ribs are broken!我知道你是正經人，因為我錯聽了旁人的話了。”湘蓮道：“不用拉別人，你只說現在的。”薛蟠道：“現在沒什麼說的。I know you're an honest, decent man — it's only that I mistakenly listened to what others said." Xianglian said, "Never mind dragging others into it — just tell me how it stands now." Xue Pan said, "There's nothing more to say right now.不過你是個正經人，我錯了。”湘蓮道：“還要說軟些才饒你。”薛蟠哼哼著道：“好兄弟。”湘蓮便又一拳。It's only that you're an honest, decent man, and I was wrong." Xianglian said, "You'll have to speak more humbly still before I'll let you off." Xue Pan groaned and said, "Good brother." Xianglian gave him another punch.薛蟠“噯喲”了一聲道：“好哥哥。”湘蓮又連兩拳。Xue Pan cried "Ouch!" and said, "Good elder brother." Xianglian gave him two more punches in a row.薛蟠忙“噯喲”叫道：“好爺爺，饒了我這沒眼睛的瞎子罷！Xue Pan hastily cried out "Ouch!" and said, "Good grandfather, spare this blind fool who couldn't tell a good man from a bad!從今以後我敬你怕你了。”湘蓮道：“你把那水喝兩口。”薛蟠一面聽了，一面皺眉道：“那水髒得很，怎麼喝得下去！”湘蓮舉拳就打。From now on I'll honor you and fear you." Xianglian said, "Drink a couple of mouthfuls of that water there." Xue Pan, hearing this, frowned and said, "That water is filthy beyond anything — how could anyone swallow it!" Xianglian raised his fist as if to strike.薛蟠忙道：“我喝，喝。”說著說著，只得俯頭向葦根下喝了一口，猶未咽下去，只聽“哇”的一聲，把方才吃的東西都吐了出來。Xue Pan said hastily, "I'll drink, I'll drink." So saying, he had no choice but to bow his head down by the reed roots and take a mouthful, but before he could even swallow it, there came a sound of "waah," and he brought up everything he had eaten that day.湘蓮道：“好髒東西，你快吃盡了饒你。”薛蟠聽了叩頭不迭道：“好歹積陰功饒我罷！Xianglian said, "Filthy stuff — hurry up and finish it all and I'll let you off." Hearing this, Xue Pan kowtowed without stopping, saying, "Please, for pity's sake, store up some hidden merit and spare me!這至死不能吃的。”湘蓮道：“這樣氣息，倒熏坏了我。”說著丟下薛蟠，便牽馬認鐙去了。This is something I truly cannot swallow, not if it costs me my life." Xianglian said, "With a stench like that, you'd only choke me." So saying, he left Xue Pan lying there and went to catch his horse and find the stirrup.這里薛蟠見他已去，心內方放下心來，後悔自己不該誤認了人。Seeing that he had gone, Xue Pan at last set his mind at ease, and regretted bitterly that he had so misjudged the man.待要掙挫起來，無奈遍身疼痛難禁。He tried to struggle up, but the pain all over his body was more than he could bear.

湘莲见前面人迹已稀，且有一带苇塘，便下马，将马拴在树上，向薛蟠笑道：“你下来，咱们先设个誓，日后要变了心，告诉人去的，便应了誓。”薛蟠笑道：“这话有理。”连忙下了马，也拴在树上，便跪下说道：“我要日久变心，告诉人去的，天诛地灭！”一语未了，只听“当”的一声，颈后好似铁锤砸下来，只觉得一阵黑，满眼金星乱迸，身不由己，便倒下来，湘莲走上来瞧瞧，知道他是个笨家，不惯挨打，只使了三分气力，向他脸上拍了几下，登时便开了果子铺。薛蟠先还要挣挫起来，又被湘莲用脚尖点了两点，仍旧跌倒，口内说道：“原是两家情愿，你不依，只好说，为什么哄出我来打我？”一面说，一面乱骂。湘莲道：“我把你瞎了眼的，你认认柳大爷是谁！你不说哀求，你还伤我！我打死你也无益，只给你个利害罢。”说著，便取了马鞭过来，从背至胫，打了三四十下。薛蟠酒已醒了大半，觉得疼痛难禁，不禁有“嗳哟”之声。湘莲冷笑道：“也只如此！我只当你是不怕打的。”一面说，一面又把薛蟠的左腿拉起来，朝苇中泞泥处拉了几步，滚的满身泥水，又问道：“你可认得我了？”薛蟠不应，只伏著哼哼。湘莲又掷下鞭子，用拳头向他身上擂了几下。薛蟠便乱滚乱叫，说：“肋条折了。我知道你是正经人，因为我错听了旁人的话了。”湘莲道：“不用拉别人，你只说现在的。”薛蟠道：“现在没什么说的。不过你是个正经人，我错了。”湘莲道：“还要说软些才饶你。”薛蟠哼哼著道：“好兄弟。”湘莲便又一拳。薛蟠“嗳哟”了一声道：“好哥哥。”湘莲又连两拳。薛蟠忙“嗳哟”叫道：“好爷爷，饶了我这没眼睛的瞎子罢！从今以后我敬你怕你了。”湘莲道：“你把那水喝两口。”薛蟠一面听了，一面皱眉道：“那水脏得很，怎么喝得下去！”湘莲举拳就打。薛蟠忙道：“我喝，喝。”说著说著，只得俯头向苇根下喝了一口，犹未咽下去，只听“哇”的一声，把方才吃的东西都吐了出来。湘莲道：“好脏东西，你快吃尽了饶你。”薛蟠听了叩头不迭道：“好歹积阴功饶我罢！这至死不能吃的。”湘莲道：“这样气息，倒熏坏了我。”说著丢下薛蟠，便牵马认镫去了。这里薛蟠见他已去，心内方放下心来，后悔自己不该误认了人。待要挣挫起来，无奈遍身疼痛难禁。

誰知賈珍等席上忽不見了他兩個，各處尋找不見。Little did anyone know that Jia Zhen and the others at the table had suddenly noticed the two of them missing, and had searched everywhere without finding them.有人說：“恍惚出北門去了。”薛蟠的小廝們素日是懼他的，他吩咐不許跟去，誰還敢找去？Someone said, "It looked as though they went out the north gate." Xue Pan's page boys, being used to fearing him in ordinary times, had been told by him not to follow — so who among them would have dared go looking?後來還是賈珍不放心，命賈蓉帶著小廝們尋蹤問跡的直找出北門，下橋二里多路，忽見葦坑邊薛蟠的馬拴在那里。In the end it was Jia Zhen, uneasy at heart, who ordered Jia Rong to take the page boys and follow the trail, asking after him all the way, until they went straight out the north gate and, more than two li past the bridge, suddenly saw Xue Pan's horse tied there by a reed-filled hollow.眾人都道：“可好了！Everyone said, "Good, this is promising!有馬必有人。”一齊來至馬前，只聽葦中有人呻吟。Where there's a horse, there must be a man." All together they came up to the horse, and just then heard someone groaning within the reeds.大家忙走來一看，只見薛蟠衣衫零碎，面目腫破，沒頭沒臉，遍身內外，滾的似個泥豬一般。Hurrying over to look, they all saw Xue Pan with his clothes in tatters, his face swollen and bruised beyond recognition, covered from head to foot, inside and out, rolled about until he looked just like a mud-caked pig.賈蓉心內已猜著九分了，忙下馬令人攙了出來，笑道：“薛大叔天天調情，今兒調到葦子坑里來了。Jia Rong, already guessing nine-tenths of what had happened, hastily got down from his horse and had men help Xue Pan up, saying with a laugh, "Uncle Xue goes courting every single day, and today his courting has led him straight into a reed hollow.必定是龍王爺也愛上你風流，要你招駙馬去，你就碰到龍犄角上了。”薛蟠羞的恨沒地縫兒鑽不進去，那里爬的上馬去？It must be that the Dragon King himself has taken a fancy to your gallant charms and wants you for a son-in-law, and you went and knocked right into his horns." Xue Pan was so mortified he wished there were a crack in the ground he could crawl into — how was he to climb up onto a horse in that state?賈蓉只得命人赶到關廂里雇了一乘小轎子，薛蟠坐了，一齊進城。Jia Rong had no choice but to send someone hurrying to the toll-gate quarter to hire a small sedan chair; Xue Pan got in, and together they entered the city.賈蓉還要抬往賴家去赴席，薛蟠百般央告，又命他不要告訴人，賈蓉方依允了，讓他各自回家。Jia Rong still meant to carry him along to the feast at the Lai family's, but Xue Pan pleaded with him in every way and also told him not to tell anyone, so Jia Rong at last agreed, and let him go home on his own.賈蓉仍往賴家回复賈珍，并說方才形景。Jia Rong then went back to the Lai family's to report to Jia Zhen, and told him too of the sight he had just seen.賈珍也知為湘蓮所打，也笑道：“他須得吃個虧才好。”至晚散了，便來問候。Jia Zhen already knew that it was Xianglian who had given him the beating, and said with a laugh, "He deserved to suffer for it, and it's just as well." When the gathering broke up that evening, he went to inquire after Xue Pan.薛蟠自在臥房將養，推病不見。Xue Pan stayed shut up in his room recuperating, and pretended illness so as to see no one.

谁知贾珍等席上忽不见了他两个，各处寻找不见。有人说：“恍惚出北门去了。”薛蟠的小厮们素日是惧他的，他吩咐不许跟去，谁还敢找去？后来还是贾珍不放心，命贾蓉带著小厮们寻踪问迹的直找出北门，下桥二里多路，忽见苇坑边薛蟠的马拴在那里。众人都道：“可好了！有马必有人。”一齐来至马前，只听苇中有人呻吟。大家忙走来一看，只见薛蟠衣衫零碎，面目肿破，没头没脸，遍身内外，滚的似个泥猪一般。贾蓉心内已猜著九分了，忙下马令人搀了出来，笑道：“薛大叔天天调情，今儿调到苇子坑里来了。必定是龙王爷也爱上你风流，要你招驸马去，你就碰到龙犄角上了。”薛蟠羞的恨没地缝儿钻不进去，那里爬的上马去？贾蓉只得命人赶到关厢里雇了一乘小轿子，薛蟠坐了，一齐进城。贾蓉还要抬往赖家去赴席，薛蟠百般央告，又命他不要告诉人，贾蓉方依允了，让他各自回家。贾蓉仍往赖家回复贾珍，并说方才形景。贾珍也知为湘莲所打，也笑道：“他须得吃个亏才好。”至晚散了，便来问候。薛蟠自在卧房将养，推病不见。

賈母等回來各自歸家時，薛姨媽與寶釵見香菱哭得眼睛腫了。When Grandmother Jia and the others returned home and each went back to their own quarters, Aunt Xue and Baochai saw that Xiangling's eyes were swollen from crying.問其原故，忙赶來瞧薛蟠時，臉上身上雖有傷痕，并未傷筋動骨。When they asked the reason and hurried over to look in on Xue Pan, they found that although there were marks of injury on his face and body, no bones or sinews had actually been hurt.薛姨媽又是心疼，又是發恨，罵一回薛蟠，又罵一回柳湘蓮，意欲告訴王夫人，遣人尋拿柳湘蓮。Aunt Xue was both heartsick and furious, scolding Xue Pan roundly one moment and Liu Xianglian roundly the next, and meant to tell Lady Wang of it and send people to hunt down and seize Liu Xianglian.寶釵忙勸道：“這不是什麼大事，不過他們一處吃酒，酒後反臉常情。Baochai hastened to counsel her, saying, "This isn't such a serious matter — they were only drinking together in one place, and it's a common enough thing for words to turn ugly after drink.誰醉了，多挨幾下子打，也是有的。That whoever was drunk should take a few extra blows is nothing out of the ordinary either.況且咱們家無法無天，也是人所共知的。Besides, that our household knows neither law nor restraint is a thing everyone is well aware of.媽不過是心疼的緣故。You're only upset, Mother, because your heart aches for him.要出氣也容易，等三五天哥哥養好了出的去時，那邊珍大爺璉二爺這干人也未必白丟開了，自然備個東道，叫了那個人來，當著眾人替哥哥賠不是認罪就是了。If you want to vent your anger, that's easy enough too — once my brother is well again in three or five days and goes out, those people over there, Uncle Zhen and Cousin Lian and the rest, are hardly likely to let the matter simply drop; naturally they'll arrange a little gathering, invite that fellow, and have him apologize and admit his fault before everyone, on my brother's behalf, and that will be that.如今媽先當件大事告訴眾人，倒顯得媽偏心溺愛，縱容他生事招人，今兒偶然吃了一次虧，媽就這樣興師動眾，倚著親戚之勢欺壓常人。”薛姨媽聽了道：“我的兒，到底是你想的到，我一時氣糊涂了。”寶釵笑道：“這才好呢。But if you go now and make it out to everyone as some great affair, it will only make it look as though you dote on him out of favoritism and let him make trouble for people, and that just because he happened to come off worse this once, you're raising a whole army over it, leaning on our position as relatives to bully ordinary folk." Hearing this, Aunt Xue said, "My child, you really are the one who thinks these things through — for a moment my anger clouded my judgment." Baochai said with a smile, "That's just as it should be.他又不怕媽，又不聽人勸，一天縱似一天，吃過兩三個虧，他倒罷了。”薛蟠睡在炕上痛罵柳湘蓮，又命小廝們去拆他的房子，打死他，和他打官司。He neither fears you, Mother, nor listens to anyone's advice, and grows a little more unrestrained with each passing day — it would do him no harm at all to suffer two or three more such lessons." Xue Pan, lying on the kang, cursed Liu Xianglian bitterly, and even ordered the page boys to go tear down his house, beat him to death, and take him to court over it.薛姨媽禁住小廝們，只說柳湘蓮一時酒後放肆，如今酒醒，後悔不及，懼罪逃走了。Aunt Xue restrained the page boys, and told everyone only that Liu Xianglian had grown reckless for a moment under the influence of drink, and that now, sobered up, he was filled with regret beyond remedy, and had fled in fear of the consequences.薛蟠聽見如此說了，要知端的，且聽下回分解。What Xue Pan said on hearing this, and how the matter turned out — that, the reader must wait for the next chapter to learn.

贾母等回来各自归家时，薛姨妈与宝钗见香菱哭得眼睛肿了。问其原故，忙赶来瞧薛蟠时，脸上身上虽有伤痕，并未伤筋动骨。薛姨妈又是心疼，又是发恨，骂一回薛蟠，又骂一回柳湘莲，意欲告诉王夫人，遣人寻拿柳湘莲。宝钗忙劝道：“这不是什么大事，不过他们一处吃酒，酒后反脸常情。谁醉了，多挨几下子打，也是有的。况且咱们家无法无天，也是人所共知的。妈不过是心疼的缘故。要出气也容易，等三五天哥哥养好了出的去时，那边珍大爷琏二爷这干人也未必白丢开了，自然备个东道，叫了那个人来，当著众人替哥哥赔不是认罪就是了。如今妈先当件大事告诉众人，倒显得妈偏心溺爱，纵容他生事招人，今儿偶然吃了一次亏，妈就这样兴师动众，倚著亲戚之势欺压常人。”薛姨妈听了道：“我的儿，到底是你想的到，我一时气糊涂了。”宝钗笑道：“这才好呢。他又不怕妈，又不听人劝，一天纵似一天，吃过两三个亏，他倒罢了。”薛蟠睡在炕上痛骂柳湘莲，又命小厮们去拆他的房子，打死他，和他打官司。薛姨妈禁住小厮们，只说柳湘莲一时酒后放肆，如今酒醒，后悔不及，惧罪逃走了。薛蟠听见如此说了，要知端的，且听下回分解。