第六回　　　賈寶玉初試雨雲情　劉姥姥一進榮國府 Jia Baoyu Tastes the Clouds and Rain; Granny Liu Pays Her First Visit to the Rong Mansion

題曰：The verse reads:

题曰：

朝叩富兒門，富兒猶未足。At dawn the poor man knocks at the rich man's gate; the rich man still feels he lacks enough.

朝叩富儿门，富儿犹未足。

雖無千金酬，嗟彼勝骨肉。Though no reward of a thousand in gold is given, alas — it surpasses the aid of one's own flesh and blood.

虽无千金酬，嗟彼胜骨肉。

卻說秦氏因聽見寶玉從夢中喚他的乳名，心中自是納悶，又不好細問。Now, Qin-shi, having heard Baoyu call out her childhood name from within his dream, was naturally puzzled at heart, yet found it awkward to ask him closely about it.彼時寶玉迷迷惑惑，若有所失。At that moment Baoyu was dazed and bewildered, as though he had lost something.眾人忙端上桂圓湯來，呷了兩口，遂起身整衣。The attendants hurriedly brought in longan broth; he sipped a couple of mouthfuls, then rose and straightened his clothes.襲人伸手與他系褲帶時，不覺伸手至大腿處，只覺冰涼一片沾濕，唬的忙退出手來，問是怎麼了。When Xiren reached out to tie his trouser sash for him, her hand happened to brush against his thigh, and she felt a patch of cold dampness there; startled, she quickly withdrew her hand and asked what had happened.寶玉紅漲了臉，把他的手一捻。Baoyu's face flushed crimson, and he gave her hand a squeeze.襲人本是個聰明女子，年紀本又比寶玉大兩歲，近來也漸通人事，今見寶玉如此光景，心中便覺察一半了，不覺也羞的紅漲了臉面，不敢再問。Xiren was by nature a clever girl, and being two years older than Baoyu, had of late come to understand something of such matters; seeing Baoyu look like this now, she guessed half of it in her heart, and could not help blushing crimson with shame herself, not daring to ask further.仍舊理好衣裳，遂至賈母處來，胡亂吃畢了晚飯，過這邊來。She straightened his clothes as before, and then they went to Grandmother Jia's quarters; having gotten through supper in a hurried, distracted way, they came back over to this side.

却说秦氏因听见宝玉从梦中唤他的乳名，心中自是纳闷，又不好细问。彼时宝玉迷迷惑惑，若有所失。众人忙端上桂圆汤来，呷了两口，遂起身整衣。袭人伸手与他系裤带时，不觉伸手至大腿处，只觉冰凉一片沾湿，唬的忙退出手来，问是怎么了。宝玉红涨了脸，把他的手一捻。袭人本是个聪明女子，年纪本又比宝玉大两岁，近来也渐通人事，今见宝玉如此光景，心中便觉察一半了，不觉也羞的红涨了脸面，不敢再问。仍旧理好衣裳，遂至贾母处来，胡乱吃毕了晚饭，过这边来。

襲人忙趁眾奶娘丫鬟不在旁時，另取出一件中衣來與寶玉換上。Xiren, seizing a moment when the wet-nurses and maids were not nearby, quickly took out another undergarment for Baoyu to change into.寶玉含羞央告道：「好姐姐，千萬別告訴人。」襲人亦含羞笑問道：「你夢見什麼故事了？Baoyu, blushing with shame, begged her, 'Dear sister, whatever you do, don't tell anyone.' Xiren, blushing too, asked with a smile, 'What sort of dream did you have?是那裏流出來的那些髒東西？」寶玉道：「一言難盡。」說著便把夢中之事細說與襲人聽了。Where did that dirty stuff come from?' Baoyu said, 'It's hard to explain in a word.' So saying, he told Xiren the whole story of the dream in detail.然後說至警幻所授雲雨之情，羞的襲人掩面伏身而笑。When he came to the part about the 'clouds and rain' that Jinghuan had taught him, Xiren, overcome with embarrassment, covered her face and bent over with laughter.寶玉亦素喜襲人柔媚嬌俏，遂強襲人同領警幻所訓雲雨之事。Baoyu, who had always been fond of Xiren's soft, charming prettiness, thereupon urged her to join him in the very act that Jinghuan had instructed him in.襲人素知賈母已將自己與了寶玉的，今便如此，亦不為越禮，遂和寶玉偷試一番，幸得無人撞見。Xiren had long known that Grandmother Jia had already given her to Baoyu, so for this to happen now was no breach of propriety; she therefore secretly tried it with Baoyu, and fortunately no one happened upon them.自此寶玉視襲人更比別個不同，襲人待寶玉更為盡心。From this time on, Baoyu regarded Xiren as different from all the others, and Xiren served Baoyu with even greater devotion.暫且別無話說。For the moment there is nothing more to tell of this.

袭人忙趁众奶娘丫鬟不在旁时，另取出一件中衣来与宝玉换上。宝玉含羞央告道：「好姐姐，千万别告诉人。」袭人亦含羞笑问道：「你梦见什么故事了？是那里流出来的那些脏东西？」宝玉道：「一言难尽。」说著便把梦中之事细说与袭人听了。然后说至警幻所授云雨之情，羞的袭人掩面伏身而笑。宝玉亦素喜袭人柔媚娇俏，遂强袭人同领警幻所训云雨之事。袭人素知贾母已将自己与了宝玉的，今便如此，亦不为越礼，遂和宝玉偷试一番，幸得无人撞见。自此宝玉视袭人更比别个不同，袭人待宝玉更为尽心。暂且别无话说。

按榮府中一宅人合算起來，人口雖不多，從上至下也有三四百丁，雖事不多，一天也有一二十件，竟如亂麻一般，并無個頭緒可作綱領。Now, reckoning up the whole household of the Rong Mansion together, though the number of people was not large, from top to bottom there were still three or four hundred souls; and though there was not a great deal going on, each day still brought some ten or twenty matters, all tangled together like a snarl of hemp, with no thread to serve as a guiding line.正尋思從那一件事自那一個人寫起方妙，恰好忽從千里之外，芥荳之微，小小一個人家，因與榮府略有些瓜葛，這日正往榮府中來，因此便就此一家說來，倒還是頭緒。Just as I was pondering which matter, which person, would be best to begin the account with, it happened that, from a thousand li away, a tiny household as insignificant as a mustard seed or a bean, which had some slight connection with the Rong Mansion, was on this very day making its way there; so let the tale begin with this one family — that will after all give us a thread to follow.你道這一家姓甚名誰，又與榮府有甚瓜葛？You ask what this family's surname and given names were, and what connection they had with the Rong Mansion?諸公若嫌瑣碎粗鄙呢，則快擲下此書，另覓好書去醒目；If you gentlemen find it too trivial and coarse, then quickly cast this book aside and go find some better book to refresh your eyes;若謂聊可破悶時，待蠢物逐細言來。but if you think it might serve to while away a dull hour, then let this foolish thing tell it to you in full detail.方才所說的這小小之家，乃本地人氏，姓王，祖上曾作過小小的一個京官，昔年與鳳姐之祖王夫人之父認識。This small household just mentioned were natives of this place, surnamed Wang; an ancestor of theirs had once held a minor post as a court official in the capital, and in years past had been acquainted with the father of Wang furen — who was also Fengjie's grandfather.因貪王家的勢利，便連了宗認作侄兒。Coveting the Wang family's power and influence, he had joined the clan register with them and had himself acknowledged as a nephew.那時只有王夫人之大兄鳳姐之父與王夫人隨在京中的，知有此一門連宗之族，餘者皆不認識。At that time only Wang furen's elder brother — Fengjie's father — and Wang furen herself, who were then living in the capital, knew of this branch of the clan joined by name; the rest did not know them at all.目今其祖已故，只有一個兒子，名喚王成，因家業蕭條，仍搬出城外原鄉中住去了。By now that ancestor had passed away, leaving only one son, named Wang Cheng, who, as the family fortunes had declined, had moved back out of the city to live in his original native village.王成新近亦因病故，只有其子，小名狗兒。Wang Cheng himself had also recently died of illness, leaving only his son, whose childhood name was Gou'er.狗兒亦生一子，小名板兒，嫡妻劉氏，又生一女，名喚青兒。Gou'er in turn had a son, whose childhood name was Ban'er; his wife, Liu-shi, had also borne a daughter, named Qing'er.一家四口，仍以務農為業。The family of four still made their living by farming.因狗兒白日間又作些生計，劉氏又操井臼等事，青板姊妹兩個無人看管，狗兒遂將岳母劉姥姥接來一處過活。Since Gou'er was out during the day earning a living at odd work, and Liu-shi was busy with household chores like drawing water and pounding grain, there was no one to look after the two little ones, Qing'er and Ban'er; so Gou'er brought his mother-in-law, Granny Liu, to live together with them.這劉姥姥乃是個積年的老寡婦，膝下又無兒女，只靠兩畝薄田度日。This Granny Liu was a widow of many years' standing, with no children of her own, who had been getting by on two mou of poor land.今者女婿接來養活，豈不願意，遂一心一計，幫趁著女兒女婿過活起來。Now that her son-in-law had brought her to live with them and support her, how could she not be willing? So she threw herself wholeheartedly into helping her daughter and son-in-law manage their household.因這年秋盡冬初，天氣冷將上來，家中冬事未辦，狗兒未免心中煩慮，吃了幾杯悶酒，在家閒尋氣惱，劉氏也不敢頂撞。That year, as autumn was ending and winter beginning, and the weather was turning cold while the household's winter preparations were still unmade, Gou'er could not help feeling vexed and anxious; having drunk a few cups of wine to drown his gloom, he sat at home venting his temper over nothing, and Liu-shi dared not talk back.因此劉姥姥看不過，乃勸道：「姑爺，你別嗔著我多嘴。Seeing this, Granny Liu could not bear to watch and spoke up to counsel him: 'Son-in-law, don't be angry with me for speaking out of turn.咱們村庄人，那一個不是老老誠誠的，守多大碗兒吃多大的飯。We village folk — which of us isn't honest and plain, keeping to eating only as big a bowl as we can afford?你皆因年小的時候，托著你那老家之福，吃喝慣了，如今所以把持不住。It's only because, when you were young, you relied on your family's good fortune and grew used to eating and drinking freely, that now you can't hold yourself in check.有了錢就顧頭不顧尾，沒了錢就瞎生氣，成個什麼男子漢大丈夫呢！When you have money you spend it without a thought for tomorrow, and when it's gone you fly into a temper over nothing — what kind of a real man is that!如今咱們雖離城住著，終是天子腳下。Now, though we live away from the city, we're still at the very feet of the Son of Heaven.這長安城中，遍地都是錢，只可惜沒人會去拿去罷了。Here in the city of Chang'an, money is scattered everywhere on the ground — it's only a pity there's no one who knows how to go and pick it up.在家跳蹋會子也不中用。」狗兒聽說，便急道：「你老只會炕頭兒上混說，難道叫我打劫偷去不成？」劉姥姥道：「誰叫你偷去呢。Stamping about the house in a fit won't do any good.' Hearing this, Gou'er said impatiently, 'You can only talk nonsense sitting there on the kang — are you telling me to go out and rob and steal?' Granny Liu said, 'Who's telling you to go steal?也到底想法兒大家裁度，不然那銀子錢自己跑到咱家來不成？」狗兒冷笑道：「有法兒還等到這會子呢。We still have to think of some way among us to work things out — otherwise is the silver just going to run to our house on its own?' Gou'er said with a cold laugh, 'If there were a way, would I still be waiting till now?我又沒有收稅的親戚，作官的朋友，有什麼法子可想的？I have no relatives who collect taxes, no friends who hold office — what way could there possibly be to think of?便有，也只怕他們未必來理我們呢！」And even if I had, I'm afraid they wouldn't be likely to pay us any mind anyway!'

按荣府中一宅人合算起来，人口虽不多，从上至下也有三四百丁，虽事不多，一天也有一二十件，竟如乱麻一般，并无个头绪可作纲领。正寻思从那一件事自那一个人写起方妙，恰好忽从千里之外，芥荳之微，小小一个人家，因与荣府略有些瓜葛，这日正往荣府中来，因此便就此一家说来，倒还是头绪。你道这一家姓甚名谁，又与荣府有甚瓜葛？诸公若嫌琐碎粗鄙呢，则快掷下此书，另觅好书去醒目；若谓聊可破闷时，待蠢物逐细言来。方才所说的这小小之家，乃本地人氏，姓王，祖上曾作过小小的一个京官，昔年与凤姐之祖王夫人之父认识。因贪王家的势利，便连了宗认作侄儿。那时只有王夫人之大兄凤姐之父与王夫人随在京中的，知有此一门连宗之族，余者皆不认识。目今其祖已故，只有一个儿子，名唤王成，因家业萧条，仍搬出城外原乡中住去了。王成新近亦因病故，只有其子，小名狗儿。狗儿亦生一子，小名板儿，嫡妻刘氏，又生一女，名唤青儿。一家四口，仍以务农为业。因狗儿白日间又作些生计，刘氏又操井臼等事，青板姊妹两个无人看管，狗儿遂将岳母刘姥姥接来一处过活。这刘姥姥乃是个积年的老寡妇，膝下又无儿女，只靠两亩薄田度日。今者女婿接来养活，岂不愿意，遂一心一计，帮趁著女儿女婿过活起来。因这年秋尽冬初，天气冷将上来，家中冬事未办，狗儿未免心中烦虑，吃了几杯闷酒，在家闲寻气恼，刘氏也不敢顶撞。因此刘姥姥看不过，乃劝道：「姑爷，你别嗔著我多嘴。咱们村庄人，那一个不是老老诚诚的，守多大碗儿吃多大的饭。你皆因年小的时候，托著你那老家之福，吃喝惯了，如今所以把持不住。有了钱就顾头不顾尾，没了钱就瞎生气，成个什么男子汉大丈夫呢！如今咱们虽离城住著，终是天子脚下。这长安城中，遍地都是钱，只可惜没人会去拿去罢了。在家跳蹋会子也不中用。」狗儿听说，便急道：「你老只会炕头儿上混说，难道叫我打劫偷去不成？」刘姥姥道：「谁叫你偷去呢。也到底想法儿大家裁度，不然那银子钱自己跑到咱家来不成？」狗儿冷笑道：「有法儿还等到这会子呢。我又没有收税的亲戚，作官的朋友，有什么法子可想的？便有，也只怕他们未必来理我们呢！」

劉姥姥道：「這倒不然。Granny Liu said, 'That's not necessarily so.謀事在人，成事在天。The planning of a thing lies with man, but the accomplishing of it lies with Heaven.咱們謀到了，看菩薩的保佑，有些机會，也未可知。If we do our part in planning, and rely on the Bodhisattva's protection, there may well be some opportunity that comes of it — who's to say?我倒替你們想出一個机會來。As it happens, I've thought of an opportunity for you.當日你們原是和金陵王家連過宗的，二十年前，他們看承你們還好，如今自然是你們拉硬屎，不肯去親近他，故疏遠起來。Back in the day, your family joined clan registers with the Wangs of Jinling; twenty years ago they treated you well enough, but now, of course, it's you being too proud and stiff-necked to go and keep up the connection, and that's why you've grown distant from them.想當初我和女兒還去過一遭。I remember that once, long ago, your wife and I even went to visit them.他們家的二小姐著實響快，會待人，倒不拿大。Their Second Young Lady was truly open and warm-hearted, good at treating people well, and not one to put on airs.如今現是榮國府賈二老爺的夫人。She is now, as it happens, the wife of Second Master Jia of the Rongguo Mansion.聽得說，如今上了年紀，越發怜貧恤老，最愛齋僧敬道，舍米舍錢的。I've heard that now, in her advancing years, she's grown all the more compassionate toward the poor and the old, and she especially loves to feed monks and honor priests, giving out rice and money in charity.如今王府雖升了邊任，只怕這二姑太太還認得咱們。Now, although the Wang family has been promoted to a post on the frontier, I'd wager that this Second Old Madam would still remember us.你何不去走動走動，或者他念舊，有些好處，也未可知。Why don't you go and pay a call on her? Perhaps she'll remember old times, and some benefit might come of it — who knows?要是他發一點好心，拔一根寒毛比咱們的腰還粗呢。」劉氏一旁接口道：「你老雖說的是，但只你我這樣個嘴臉，怎樣好到他門上去的。If she should feel even a little kindness toward us, why, a single hair plucked from her would be thicker than our whole waist!' Liu-shi put in from the side, 'What you say is right enough, Mother, but with faces like ours, how could we possibly go calling at her gate?先不先，他們那些門上的人也未必肯去通信。Before anything else, those gatekeepers of theirs likely wouldn't even be willing to pass word in for us.沒的去打嘴現世。」There's no point going just to be slapped down and made a fool of in public.'

刘姥姥道：「这倒不然。谋事在人，成事在天。咱们谋到了，看菩萨的保佑，有些机会，也未可知。我倒替你们想出一个机会来。当日你们原是和金陵王家连过宗的，二十年前，他们看承你们还好，如今自然是你们拉硬屎，不肯去亲近他，故疏远起来。想当初我和女儿还去过一遭。他们家的二小姐著实响快，会待人，倒不拿大。如今现是荣国府贾二老爷的夫人。听得说，如今上了年纪，越发怜贫恤老，最爱斋僧敬道，舍米舍钱的。如今王府虽升了边任，只怕这二姑太太还认得咱们。你何不去走动走动，或者他念旧，有些好处，也未可知。要是他发一点好心，拔一根寒毛比咱们的腰还粗呢。」刘氏一旁接口道：「你老虽说的是，但只你我这样个嘴脸，怎样好到他门上去的。先不先，他们那些门上的人也未必肯去通信。没的去打嘴现世。」

誰知狗兒利名心最重，聽如此一說，心下便有些活動起來。Little did they know that Gou'er, being someone whose heart was set most strongly on profit and reputation, felt something stir within him upon hearing this.又聽他妻子這話，便笑接道：「姥姥既如此說，況且當年你又見過這姑太太一次，何不你老人家明日就走一趟，先試試風頭再說。」劉姥姥道：「噯喲喲！And hearing his wife's remark as well, he took it up with a laugh: 'Since Granny puts it that way, and since you yourself once met this Old Madam years ago, why don't you go over there tomorrow yourself, just to test the wind first, and see?' Granny Liu said, 'Oh, my!可是說的，『侯門深似海』，我是個什麼東西，他家人又不認得我，我去了也是白去的。」狗兒笑道：「不妨，我教你老人家一個法子：你竟帶了外孫子板兒，先去找陪房周瑞，若見了他，就有些意思了。As the saying goes, "a noble household's gate is as deep as the sea" — what am I, after all? Their people wouldn't even know me, and I'd only be going for nothing.' Gou'er said with a smile, 'Never mind, I'll teach you a way, Granny: just take your grandson Ban'er along, and go first to find Zhou Rui, one of their dowry-servants; if you can get to see him, there'll already be some hope in it.這周瑞先時曾和我父親交過一件事，我們极好的。」劉姥姥道：「我也知道他的。This Zhou Rui once did some business with my father, and we're on very good terms.' Granny Liu said, 'I know of him too.只是許多時不走動，知道他如今是怎樣。It's just that it's been so long since we've kept in touch, who knows how things stand with him now.這也說不得了，你又是個男人，又這樣個嘴臉，自然去不得，我們姑娘年輕媳婦子，也難賣頭賣腳的，倒還是舍著我這付老臉去碰一碰。Well, there's nothing else for it. You're a man, and with a face like yours you certainly can't go; and our girl here is a young wife, so it's hard for her to go showing herself about either — it had better be me who puts this old face of mine on the line and goes to try my luck.果然有些好處，大家都有益，便是沒銀子來，我也到那公府侯門見一見世面，也不枉我一生。」說畢，大家笑了一回。If it should really turn out well, everyone benefits; and even if I come back without a single tael of silver, at least I'll have seen a bit of the world at a ducal mansion and a marquis's gate, and my life won't have been spent for nothing.' When she had finished speaking, they all had a good laugh together.當晚計議已定。That evening the plan was settled.

谁知狗儿利名心最重，听如此一说，心下便有些活动起来。又听他妻子这话，便笑接道：「姥姥既如此说，况且当年你又见过这姑太太一次，何不你老人家明日就走一趟，先试试风头再说。」刘姥姥道：「嗳哟哟！可是说的，『侯门深似海』，我是个什么东西，他家人又不认得我，我去了也是白去的。」狗儿笑道：「不妨，我教你老人家一个法子：你竟带了外孙子板儿，先去找陪房周瑞，若见了他，就有些意思了。这周瑞先时曾和我父亲交过一件事，我们极好的。」刘姥姥道：「我也知道他的。只是许多时不走动，知道他如今是怎样。这也说不得了，你又是个男人，又这样个嘴脸，自然去不得，我们姑娘年轻媳妇子，也难卖头卖脚的，倒还是舍著我这付老脸去碰一碰。果然有些好处，大家都有益，便是没银子来，我也到那公府侯门见一见世面，也不枉我一生。」说毕，大家笑了一回。当晚计议已定。

次日天未明，劉姥姥便起來梳洗了，又將板兒教訓了幾句。The next day, before it was light, Granny Liu rose and washed and combed her hair, and then gave Ban'er a few words of instruction.那板兒才五六歲的孩子，一無所知，聽見劉姥姥帶他進城逛去，便喜的無不應承。Ban'er, a child of only five or six who knew nothing of anything, was simply delighted to hear that Granny Liu was taking him into the city for an outing, and agreed to everything at once.於是劉姥姥帶他進城，找至宁榮街。So Granny Liu took him into the city, making her way to Ningrong Street.來至榮府大門石獅子前，只見簇簇轎馬，劉姥姥便不敢過去，且撣了撣衣服，又教了板兒幾句話，然後蹭到角門前。When she came before the stone lions at the great gate of the Rong Mansion, she saw clusters of sedan chairs and horses, and dared not go straight up; she brushed off her clothes, gave Ban'er a few more words of instruction, and then edged her way over to the side gate.只見幾個挺胸疊肚指手畫腳的人，坐在大板凳上，說東談西呢。There she saw several men, chests puffed out and bellies thrust forward, gesturing this way and that as they sat on a long wooden bench, chatting idly of this and that.劉姥姥只得蹭上來問：「太爺們納福。」眾人打量了他一會，便問」那裏來的？」劉姥姥陪笑道：「我找太太的陪房周大爺的，煩那位太爺替我請他老出來。」那些人聽了，都不瞅睬，半日方說道：「你遠遠的在那牆角下等著，一會子他們家有人就出來的。」內中有一老年人說道：「不要誤他的事，何苦耍他。」因向劉姥姥道：「那周大爺已往南邊去了。Granny Liu had no choice but to sidle up and ask, 'Good fortune to you, honored sirs.' The men looked her over for a while, then asked, 'Where are you from?' Granny Liu said with an ingratiating smile, 'I'm looking for Steward Zhou, one of Madam's dowry-servants; might one of you honored sirs be so kind as to ask him to step out for me?' Hearing this, the men paid her no attention at all, and only after a good while did one of them say, 'Go wait far off there at the corner of the wall; someone from their household will be out presently.' Among them was an older man who said, 'Don't hold up his business — why bother teasing her?' and then said to Granny Liu, 'That Steward Zhou has already gone off to the south.他在後一帶住著，他娘子卻在家。He lives over in the row of houses behind here, but his wife is at home.你要找時，從這邊繞到後街上後門上去問就是了。」If you want to find her, just go around this way to the back street and ask at the back gate.'

次日天未明，刘姥姥便起来梳洗了，又将板儿教训了几句。那板儿才五六岁的孩子，一无所知，听见刘姥姥带他进城逛去，便喜的无不应承。于是刘姥姥带他进城，找至宁荣街。来至荣府大门石狮子前，只见簇簇轿马，刘姥姥便不敢过去，且掸了掸衣服，又教了板儿几句话，然后蹭到角门前。只见几个挺胸叠肚指手画脚的人，坐在大板凳上，说东谈西呢。刘姥姥只得蹭上来问：「太爷们纳福。」众人打量了他一会，便问」那里来的？」刘姥姥陪笑道：「我找太太的陪房周大爷的，烦那位太爷替我请他老出来。」那些人听了，都不瞅睬，半日方说道：「你远远的在那墙角下等著，一会子他们家有人就出来的。」内中有一老年人说道：「不要误他的事，何苦耍他。」因向刘姥姥道：「那周大爷已往南边去了。他在后一带住著，他娘子却在家。你要找时，从这边绕到后街上后门上去问就是了。」

劉姥姥聽了謝過，遂攜了板兒，繞到後門上。Granny Liu thanked him and, taking Ban'er by the hand, made her way around to the back gate.只見門前歇著些生意擔子，也有賣吃的，也有賣頑耍物件的，鬧吵吵三二十個小孩子在那裏廝鬧。There she found some peddlers' carrying-poles resting before the gate, some selling food, some selling playthings, and twenty or thirty children romping about noisily together.劉姥姥便拉住一個道：「我問哥兒一聲，有個周大娘可在家么？」孩子們道：「那個周大娘？Granny Liu caught hold of one of them and said, 'Let me ask you, little brother — is there an Auntie Zhou at home?' The children said, 'Which Auntie Zhou?我們這裏周大娘有三個呢，還有兩個周奶奶，不知是那一行當的？」劉姥姥道：「是太太的陪房周瑞。」孩子道：「這個容易，你跟我來。」說著，跳躥躥的引著劉姥姥進了後門，至一院牆邊，指與劉姥姥道：「這就是他家。」又叫道：「周大娘，有個老奶奶來找你呢，我帶了來了。」We've got three Auntie Zhous here, and two Granny Zhous besides — which line of work is she in?' Granny Liu said, 'She's Steward Zhou Rui's wife, the one who's Madam's dowry-servant.' The child said, 'That's easy — come with me.' So saying, he skipped and bounded ahead, leading Granny Liu in through the back gate to the wall of a courtyard, and pointed it out to her, saying, 'This is her house.' Then he called out, 'Auntie Zhou! There's an old granny come looking for you — I've brought her here!'

刘姥姥听了谢过，遂携了板儿，绕到后门上。只见门前歇著些生意担子，也有卖吃的，也有卖顽耍物件的，闹吵吵三二十个小孩子在那里厮闹。刘姥姥便拉住一个道：「我问哥儿一声，有个周大娘可在家么？」孩子们道：「那个周大娘？我们这里周大娘有三个呢，还有两个周奶奶，不知是那一行当的？」刘姥姥道：「是太太的陪房周瑞。」孩子道：「这个容易，你跟我来。」说著，跳蹿蹿的引著刘姥姥进了后门，至一院墙边，指与刘姥姥道：「这就是他家。」又叫道：「周大娘，有个老奶奶来找你呢，我带了来了。」

周瑞家的在內聽說，忙迎了出來，問：「是那位？」劉姥姥忙迎上來問道：「好呀，周嫂子！」周瑞家的認了半日，方笑道：「劉姥姥，你好呀！Zhou Rui's wife, hearing this from inside, hurried out to meet them, asking, 'Who is it?' Granny Liu quickly came forward and said, 'Well, if it isn't Sister Zhou!' Zhou Rui's wife studied her for a good while before finally saying with a smile, 'Granny Liu! How are you!你說說，能幾年，我就忘了。Just imagine — it's only been a few years, and here I'd almost forgotten you.請家裏來坐罷。」劉姥姥一壁裏走著，一壁笑說道：「你老是貴人多忘事，那裏還記得我們呢。」說著，來至房中。Please, come inside and sit down.' As they walked, Granny Liu said with a laugh, 'You're such a fine lady now, of course important people forget things easily — how could you still remember the likes of us?' So talking, they came into the room.周瑞家的命雇的小丫頭倒上茶來吃著。Zhou Rui's wife told the little hired maidservant to pour tea for them to drink.周瑞家的又問板兒道：「你都長這們大了！」又問些別後閒話。Zhou Rui's wife then said to Ban'er, 'My, how big you've grown!' and went on asking after various bits of news from the years since they'd last met.又問劉姥姥：「今日還是路過，還是特來的？」劉姥姥便說：「原是特來瞧瞧嫂子你，二則也請請姑太太的安。She also asked Granny Liu, 'Are you just passing through today, or did you come especially?' Granny Liu said, 'I came especially, in the first place to see how you're doing, Sister, and in the second place to pay my respects to the Old Madam.若可以領我見一見更好，若不能，便借重嫂子轉致意罷了。」If it's possible for you to take me to see her, so much the better; if not, then I'll simply trouble you, Sister, to pass along my regards on my behalf.'

周瑞家的在内听说，忙迎了出来，问：「是那位？」刘姥姥忙迎上来问道：「好呀，周嫂子！」周瑞家的认了半日，方笑道：「刘姥姥，你好呀！你说说，能几年，我就忘了。请家里来坐罢。」刘姥姥一壁里走著，一壁笑说道：「你老是贵人多忘事，那里还记得我们呢。」说著，来至房中。周瑞家的命雇的小丫头倒上茶来吃著。周瑞家的又问板儿道：「你都长这们大了！」又问些别后闲话。又问刘姥姥：「今日还是路过，还是特来的？」刘姥姥便说：「原是特来瞧瞧嫂子你，二则也请请姑太太的安。若可以领我见一见更好，若不能，便借重嫂子转致意罢了。」

周瑞家的聽了，便已猜著幾分來意。Hearing this, Zhou Rui's wife had already guessed a good part of her purpose in coming.只因昔年他丈夫周瑞爭買田地一事，其中多得狗兒之力，今見劉姥姥如此而來，心中難卻其意，二則也要顯弄自己的体面。It so happened that, in a certain land dispute years before, her husband Zhou Rui had gotten a great deal of help from Gou'er; so now, seeing Granny Liu come to her like this, she found it hard in her heart to refuse the request — and besides, she also wanted to show off a bit of her own standing.聽如此說，便笑說道：「姥姥你放心。Hearing what Granny Liu said, she replied with a smile, 'Set your mind at ease, Granny.大遠的誠心誠意來了，豈有個不教你見個真佛去的呢。Coming all this way with such sincere intentions — how could I not let you go and see the "living Buddha" herself?論理，人來客至回話，卻不與我相干。By rights, announcing visitors and passing on messages isn't really my business.我們這裏都是各占一樣兒：我們男的只管春秋兩季地租子，閒時只帶著小爺們出門子就完了，我只管跟太太奶奶們出門的事。Here in our household everyone has their own particular charge: my husband only handles the spring and autumn land rents, and in his free time just goes along whenever he's needed to accompany the young masters out — that's all; and as for me, I only take care of matters when Madam and the mistresses go out.皆因你原是太太的親戚，又拿我當個人，投奔了我來，我就破個例，給你通個信去。But since you are, after all, a relative of Madam's, and since you've thought enough of me to come and rely on me, I'll make an exception this once and go pass word in for you.但只一件，姥姥有所不知，我們這裏又不比五年前了。But there's just one thing you may not know, Granny — things here aren't what they were five years ago.如今太太竟不大管事，都是璉二奶奶管家了。Nowadays Madam scarcely handles matters at all herself; it's Mistress Lian, the Second Young Mistress, who runs the household now.你道這璉二奶奶是誰？And do you know who this Second Mistress Lian is?就是太太的內侄女，當日大舅老爺的女兒，小名鳳哥的。」劉姥姥聽了，罕問道：「原來是他！Why, she's Madam's own niece — the daughter of the elder Mr. Wang, Madam's brother — the one whose childhood name was Feng-ge.' Hearing this, Granny Liu asked in surprise, 'So it's her!怪道呢，我當日就說他不錯呢。No wonder — I always said back then that she was an exceptional one.這等說來，我今兒還得見他了。」周瑞家的道：「這自然的。In that case, I'll have to see her today after all.' Zhou Rui's wife said, 'Naturally.如今太太事多心煩，有客來了，略可推得去的就推過去了，都是鳳姑娘周旋迎待。Nowadays Madam has so much to attend to and is so troubled in her mind that whenever guests come, if there's any way to pass them off, she does, and it's Miss Feng who handles all the receiving and entertaining.今兒宁可不會太太，倒要見他一面，才不枉這裏來一遭。」劉姥姥道：「阿彌陀佛！Today you'd do better not to see Madam at all, but to see her instead — only then will this trip of yours not be wasted.' Granny Liu said, 'Amitabha!全仗嫂子方便了。」周瑞家的道：「說那裏話。I'll be relying entirely on your kindness, Sister.' Zhou Rui's wife said, 'What are you talking about.俗語說的：『與人方便，自己方便。』不過用我說一句話罷了，害著我什麼。」說著，便叫小丫頭到倒廳上悄悄的打聽打聽，老太太屋裏擺了飯了沒有。As the saying goes, "Give others convenience, and you give yourself convenience too." It's only a matter of my saying a word or two — how could that trouble me any?' So saying, she sent the little maid to the reception hall to quietly find out whether the meal had been served yet in the Old Ancestress's rooms.小丫頭去了。The little maid went off.這裏二人又說些閒話。Meanwhile the two of them went on chatting of this and that.

周瑞家的听了，便已猜著几分来意。只因昔年他丈夫周瑞争买田地一事，其中多得狗儿之力，今见刘姥姥如此而来，心中难却其意，二则也要显弄自己的体面。听如此说，便笑说道：「姥姥你放心。大远的诚心诚意来了，岂有个不教你见个真佛去的呢。论理，人来客至回话，却不与我相干。我们这里都是各占一样儿：我们男的只管春秋两季地租子，闲时只带著小爷们出门子就完了，我只管跟太太奶奶们出门的事。皆因你原是太太的亲戚，又拿我当个人，投奔了我来，我就破个例，给你通个信去。但只一件，姥姥有所不知，我们这里又不比五年前了。如今太太竟不大管事，都是琏二奶奶管家了。你道这琏二奶奶是谁？就是太太的内侄女，当日大舅老爷的女儿，小名凤哥的。」刘姥姥听了，罕问道：「原来是他！怪道呢，我当日就说他不错呢。这等说来，我今儿还得见他了。」周瑞家的道：「这自然的。如今太太事多心烦，有客来了，略可推得去的就推过去了，都是凤姑娘周旋迎待。今儿宁可不会太太，倒要见他一面，才不枉这里来一遭。」刘姥姥道：「阿弥陀佛！全仗嫂子方便了。」周瑞家的道：「说那里话。俗语说的：『与人方便，自己方便。』不过用我说一句话罢了，害著我什么。」说著，便叫小丫头到倒厅上悄悄的打听打听，老太太屋里摆了饭了没有。小丫头去了。这里二人又说些闲话。

劉姥姥因說：「這鳳姑娘今年大還不過二十歲罷了，就這等有本事，當這樣的家，可是難得的。」周瑞家的聽了道：「我的姥姥，告訴不得你呢。Granny Liu remarked, 'This Miss Feng can't be more than twenty years old this year, and yet to have such ability, running a household like this one — that's really something rare.' Zhou Rui's wife, hearing this, said, 'My dear Granny, there's no telling you the half of it.這位鳳姑娘年紀雖小，行事卻比世人都大呢。Young as this Miss Feng is, the way she handles things puts grown people to shame.如今出挑的美人一樣的模樣兒，少說些有一萬個心眼子。These days she's grown into looks like a great beauty, and she has, at the very least, ten thousand wits about her.再要賭口齒，十個會說話的男人也說他不過。And if it came to a contest of words, even ten glib-tongued men together couldn't out-talk her.回头你見了就信了。You'll believe it yourself once you've seen her.就只一件，待下人未免太嚴些個。」說著，只見小丫頭回來說：「老太太屋裏已擺完了飯了，二奶奶在太太屋裏呢。」周瑞家的聽了，連忙起身，催著劉姥姥說：「快走，快走。There's just one thing — she's a bit too strict with the servants under her.' Just as she was speaking, the little maid came back and reported, 'They've already finished serving the meal in the Old Ancestress's rooms, and the Second Mistress is over in Madam's rooms.' Hearing this, Zhou Rui's wife rose at once and hurried Granny Liu along, saying, 'Come on, quick, quick!這一下來他吃飯是個空子，咱們先赶著去。Now that she's come down to eat, this is our chance — let's hurry over there first.若遲一步，回事的人也多了，難說話。If we're a step too late, there'll be more people waiting to report business to her, and it'll be hard to get a word in.再歇了中覺，越發沒了時候了。」說著一齊下了炕，打掃打掃衣服，又教了板兒幾句話，隨著周瑞家的，逶迤往賈璉的住處來。And if she goes down for her midday rest after that, there'll be even less chance.' So saying, they both got down off the kang together, brushed off their clothes, and after giving Ban'er a few more words of instruction, followed Zhou Rui's wife, winding their way toward Jia Lian's residence.先到了倒廳，周瑞家的將劉姥姥安插在那裏略等一等。They came first to the reception hall, where Zhou Rui's wife settled Granny Liu to wait there for a little while.自己先過了影壁，進了院門，知鳳姐未下來，先找著鳳姐的一個心腹通房大丫頭名喚平兒的。She herself went on ahead past the spirit screen and in through the courtyard gate; learning that Xifeng had not yet come down, she first went to find one of Xifeng's trusted senior maids, a bedchamber attendant named Ping'er.周瑞家的先將劉姥姥起初來歷說明，又說：「今日大遠的特來請安。Zhou Rui's wife first explained who Granny Liu was and how she had come, and then said, 'She's come especially, all this way, to pay her respects today.當日太太是常會的，今日不可不見，所以我帶了他進來了。In the old days Madam used to see her often; today it wouldn't do not to receive her, so I've brought her in.等奶奶下來，我細細回明，奶奶想也不責備我莽撞的。」平兒聽了，便作了主意：「叫他們進來，先在這裏坐著就是了。」周瑞家的聽了，方出去引他兩個進入院來。When the mistress comes down, I'll explain everything to her in detail — I don't think she'll blame me for being too bold about it.' Ping'er, hearing this, made the decision herself: 'Have them come in and sit here for now.' Hearing this, Zhou Rui's wife then went out to bring the two of them into the courtyard.上了正房臺磯，小丫頭打起猩紅氈帘，才入堂屋，只聞一陣香扑了臉來，竟不辨是何氣味，身子如在雲端裏一般。As they stepped up onto the stone platform before the main hall, a little maid lifted the scarlet felt door-curtain for them; and no sooner had they entered the hall than a wave of fragrance struck their faces, so that they could not even tell what scent it was, and their bodies felt as though they were floating among the clouds.滿屋中之物都耀眼爭光的，使人頭懸目眩。Everything that filled the room gleamed and glittered, dazzling to the eye, until one's head swam and one's vision blurred.劉姥姥此時惟點頭咂嘴念佛而已。At this moment, all Grandma Liu could do was nod her head, click her tongue, and murmur invocations to Buddha.於是來至東邊這間屋內，乃是賈璉的女兒大姐兒睡覺之所。So they came to the room on the east side, which was where Jia Lian's daughter, Da-jie'r, slept.平兒站在炕沿邊，打量了劉姥姥兩眼，只得問個好讓坐。Ping'er was standing by the edge of the kang; she looked Grandma Liu over a couple of times, then had no choice but to greet her and offer her a seat.劉姥姥見平兒遍身綾羅，插金帶銀，花容玉貌的，便當是鳳姐兒了。Seeing that Ping'er was dressed all over in silk and damask, decked out in gold and silver ornaments, with a face like a flower and skin like jade, Grandma Liu took her for Xifeng.才要稱姑奶奶，忽見周瑞家的稱他是平姑娘，又見平兒赶著周瑞家的稱周大娘，方知不過是個有些体面的丫頭了。She was just about to address her as "Madam," when she suddenly heard Zhou Rui's wife call her "Miss Ping," and then saw Ping'er in turn address Zhou Rui's wife as "Aunt Zhou" — only then did she realize this was merely a maid of some standing.於是讓劉姥姥和板兒上了炕，平兒和周瑞家的對面坐在炕沿上，小丫頭子斟了茶來吃茶。So Grandma Liu and Ban'er were invited up onto the kang, while Ping'er and Zhou Rui's wife sat facing them on the edge of the kang, and a little maidservant poured tea for them to drink.

刘姥姥因说：「这凤姑娘今年大还不过二十岁罢了，就这等有本事，当这样的家，可是难得的。」周瑞家的听了道：「我的姥姥，告诉不得你呢。这位凤姑娘年纪虽小，行事却比世人都大呢。如今出挑的美人一样的模样儿，少说些有一万个心眼子。再要赌口齿，十个会说话的男人也说他不过。回头你见了就信了。就只一件，待下人未免太严些个。」说著，只见小丫头回来说：「老太太屋里已摆完了饭了，二奶奶在太太屋里呢。」周瑞家的听了，连忙起身，催著刘姥姥说：「快走，快走。这一下来他吃饭是个空子，咱们先赶著去。若迟一步，回事的人也多了，难说话。再歇了中觉，越发没了时候了。」说著一齐下了炕，打扫打扫衣服，又教了板儿几句话，随著周瑞家的，逶迤往贾琏的住处来。先到了倒厅，周瑞家的将刘姥姥安插在那里略等一等。自己先过了影壁，进了院门，知凤姐未下来，先找著凤姐的一个心腹通房大丫头名唤平儿的。周瑞家的先将刘姥姥起初来历说明，又说：「今日大远的特来请安。当日太太是常会的，今日不可不见，所以我带了他进来了。等奶奶下来，我细细回明，奶奶想也不责备我莽撞的。」平儿听了，便作了主意：「叫他们进来，先在这里坐著就是了。」周瑞家的听了，方出去引他两个进入院来。上了正房台矶，小丫头打起猩红毡帘，才入堂屋，只闻一阵香扑了脸来，竟不辨是何气味，身子如在云端里一般。满屋中之物都耀眼争光的，使人头悬目眩。刘姥姥此时惟点头咂嘴念佛而已。于是来至东边这间屋内，乃是贾琏的女儿大姐儿睡觉之所。平儿站在炕沿边，打量了刘姥姥两眼，只得问个好让坐。刘姥姥见平儿遍身绫罗，插金带银，花容玉貌的，便当是凤姐儿了。才要称姑奶奶，忽见周瑞家的称他是平姑娘，又见平儿赶著周瑞家的称周大娘，方知不过是个有些体面的丫头了。于是让刘姥姥和板儿上了炕，平儿和周瑞家的对面坐在炕沿上，小丫头子斟了茶来吃茶。

劉姥姥只聽見咯當咯當的響聲，大有似乎打籮柜篩面的一般，不免東瞧西望的。Grandma Liu heard nothing but a clattering, ka-dang ka-dang sound, very much like the sound of a flour sieve being shaken in its cabinet, and could not help looking east and west to see what it was.忽見堂屋中柱子上挂著一個匣子，底下又墜著一個秤砣般一物，卻不住的亂幌。Suddenly she saw, hanging on a pillar in the main hall, a small box, from the bottom of which dangled something shaped like a steelyard weight, swinging wildly without stopping.劉姥姥心中想著：「這是什麼愛物兒？Grandma Liu thought to herself: "What sort of curious little thing is this?有甚用呢？」正呆時，只聽得當的一聲，又若金鐘銅磬一般，不防倒唬的一展眼。What could it be used for?" Just as she was staring blankly, she suddenly heard a "dang" sound, like a bronze bell or copper chime, and it startled her so much that she gave a start, her eyes flying wide open.接著又是一連八九下。Then followed, one after another, eight or nine more strikes.方欲問時，只見小丫頭子們齊亂跑，說：「奶奶下來了。」周瑞家的與平兒忙起身，命劉姥姥「只管等著，是時候我們來請你。」說著，都迎出去了。Just as she was about to ask about it, she saw the little maids all go running about in confusion, saying, "Madam is coming down!" Zhou Rui's wife and Ping'er hastily rose to their feet and told Grandma Liu, "Just wait here — when the time comes we'll come and fetch you." So saying, they both went out to receive her.

刘姥姥只听见咯当咯当的响声，大有似乎打箩柜筛面的一般，不免东瞧西望的。忽见堂屋中柱子上挂著一个匣子，底下又坠著一个秤砣般一物，却不住的乱幌。刘姥姥心中想著：「这是什么爱物儿？有甚用呢？」正呆时，只听得当的一声，又若金钟铜磬一般，不防倒唬的一展眼。接著又是一连八九下。方欲问时，只见小丫头子们齐乱跑，说：「奶奶下来了。」周瑞家的与平儿忙起身，命刘姥姥「只管等著，是时候我们来请你。」说著，都迎出去了。

劉姥姥屏聲側耳默候。Grandma Liu held her breath, cocked her ear, and waited in silence.只聽遠遠有人笑聲，約有一二十婦人，衣裙窸窣，漸入堂屋，往那邊屋內去了。She heard, far off, the sound of laughter — it seemed there were some ten or twenty women, their skirts rustling, gradually entering the main hall and going on into the room on the other side.又見兩三個婦人，都捧著大漆捧盒，進這邊來等候。Then she saw two or three women, each carrying a large lacquered food box in her hands, come into this side to wait.聽得那邊說了聲」擺飯」，漸漸的人才散出，只有伺候端菜的幾個人。She heard someone on the other side call out, "Set out the meal!" and gradually the people dispersed, leaving only a few in attendance to carry in the dishes.半日鴉雀不聞之後，忽見二人抬了一張炕桌來，放在這邊炕上，桌上碗盤森列，仍是滿滿的魚肉在內，不過略動了幾樣。After a good while, during which not even the cry of a crow or sparrow was heard, she suddenly saw two people carry in a kang-table and set it down on this side's kang; on the table the bowls and plates stood arrayed in rows, still full of fish and meat, only a few dishes having been touched at all.板兒一見了，便吵著要肉吃，劉姥姥一巴掌打了他去。As soon as Ban'er saw it, he began clamoring for meat to eat, and Grandma Liu gave him a slap to drive him off.忽見周瑞家的笑嘻嘻走過來，招手兒叫他。Just then she saw Zhou Rui's wife come over smiling broadly, beckoning to her with her hand.劉姥姥會意，於是帶了板兒下炕，至堂屋中，周瑞家的又和他唧咕了一會，方過這邊屋裏來。Grandma Liu understood at once, and so, taking Ban'er with her, got down off the kang and went into the main hall, where Zhou Rui's wife murmured with her in low tones for a while before they finally came over into this side room.

刘姥姥屏声侧耳默候。只听远远有人笑声，约有一二十妇人，衣裙窸窣，渐入堂屋，往那边屋内去了。又见两三个妇人，都捧著大漆捧盒，进这边来等候。听得那边说了声」摆饭」，渐渐的人才散出，只有伺候端菜的几个人。半日鸦雀不闻之后，忽见二人抬了一张炕桌来，放在这边炕上，桌上碗盘森列，仍是满满的鱼肉在内，不过略动了几样。板儿一见了，便吵著要肉吃，刘姥姥一巴掌打了他去。忽见周瑞家的笑嘻嘻走过来，招手儿叫他。刘姥姥会意，于是带了板儿下炕，至堂屋中，周瑞家的又和他唧咕了一会，方过这边屋里来。

只見門外鏨銅鉤上懸著大紅撒花軟帘，南窗下是炕，炕上大紅氈條，靠東邊板壁立著一個鎖子錦靠背與一個引枕，舖著金心綠閃緞大坐褥，旁邊有雕漆痰盒。There she saw a soft portiere of bright red, sprinkled with flowers, hanging from a chased-copper hook outside the door; beneath the south window was a kang, spread with a bright red felt rug; against the east partition-wall stood a backrest covered in chain-pattern brocade and a bolster, and spread out was a large cushion of shimmering green satin with a gold center, beside which stood a carved lacquer spittoon.那鳳姐兒家常帶著秋板貂鼠昭君套，圍著攢珠勒子，穿著桃紅撒花襖，石青刻絲灰鼠披風，大紅洋縐銀鼠皮裙，粉光脂艷，端端正正坐在那裏，手內拿著小銅火箸兒撥手爐內的灰。There sat Xifeng, dressed in her everyday clothes: wearing an autumn-pelt sable "Zhaojun wrap," a headband strung with clustered pearls, a peach-pink jacket sprinkled with flowers, a slate-blue cut-silk cape lined with gray squirrel, and a skirt of bright red crepe lined with ermine, her powdered face and rouged cheeks radiant, sitting there perfectly composed and upright, holding in her hand a small bronze fire-chopstick with which she stirred the ashes in her hand-warmer.平兒站在炕沿邊，捧著小小的一個填漆茶盤，盤內一個小蓋鐘。Ping'er stood by the edge of the kang, holding a small inlaid-lacquer tea tray, on which sat a small covered teacup.鳳姐也不接茶，也不抬頭，只管撥手爐內的灰，慢慢的問道：「怎麼還不請進來？」一面說，一面抬身要茶時，只見周瑞家的已帶了兩個人在地下站著呢。Xifeng neither took the tea nor raised her head, but went on stirring the ashes in her hand-warmer, asking slowly, "Why haven't they been asked in yet?" Even as she spoke, and as she straightened up to take her tea, she saw that Zhou Rui's wife had already brought the two of them in, and they were standing on the floor below.這才忙欲起身，猶未起身時，滿面春風的問好，又嗔著周瑞家的怎麼不早說。Only then did she hastily move to rise, and before she had even fully risen, her whole face bloomed with spring-like warmth as she greeted them, and she scolded Zhou Rui's wife for not having told her sooner.劉姥姥在地下已是拜了數拜，問姑奶奶安。By this time Grandma Liu, standing on the floor, had already bowed several times, inquiring after Madam's health.鳳姐忙說：「周姐姐，快攙起來，別拜罷，請坐。Xifeng said hastily, "Sister Zhou, quickly help her up, don't let her bow — please, sit down.我年輕，不大認得，可也不知是什麼輩數，不敢稱呼。」周瑞家的忙回道：「這就是我才回的那姥姥了。」鳳姐點頭。I'm young and don't recognize people well, and besides I don't know what generation she belongs to, so I don't dare address her." Zhou Rui's wife promptly answered, "This is the very Granny I just told you about." Xifeng nodded.劉姥姥已在炕沿上坐了。Grandma Liu had already seated herself on the edge of the kang.板兒便躲在背後，百般的哄他出來作揖，他死也不肯。Ban'er hid behind her back, and no matter how she coaxed him in every way to come out and make his bow, he absolutely refused.

只见门外錾铜钩上悬著大红撒花软帘，南窗下是炕，炕上大红毡条，靠东边板壁立著一个锁子锦靠背与一个引枕，铺著金心绿闪缎大坐褥，旁边有雕漆痰盒。那凤姐儿家常带著秋板貂鼠昭君套，围著攒珠勒子，穿著桃红撒花袄，石青刻丝灰鼠披风，大红洋绉银鼠皮裙，粉光脂艳，端端正正坐在那里，手内拿著小铜火箸儿拨手炉内的灰。平儿站在炕沿边，捧著小小的一个填漆茶盘，盘内一个小盖钟。凤姐也不接茶，也不抬头，只管拨手炉内的灰，慢慢的问道：「怎么还不请进来？」一面说，一面抬身要茶时，只见周瑞家的已带了两个人在地下站著呢。这才忙欲起身，犹未起身时，满面春风的问好，又嗔著周瑞家的怎么不早说。刘姥姥在地下已是拜了数拜，问姑奶奶安。凤姐忙说：「周姐姐，快搀起来，别拜罢，请坐。我年轻，不大认得，可也不知是什么辈数，不敢称呼。」周瑞家的忙回道：「这就是我才回的那姥姥了。」凤姐点头。刘姥姥已在炕沿上坐了。板儿便躲在背后，百般的哄他出来作揖，他死也不肯。

鳳姐兒笑道：「親戚們不大走動，都疏遠了。Xifeng said with a smile, "Relatives who don't visit much drift apart from one another.知道的呢，說你們棄厭我們，不肯常來，不知道的那起小人，還只當我們眼裏沒人似的。」劉姥姥忙念佛道：「我們家道艱難，走不起，來了這裏，沒的給姑奶奶打嘴，就是管家爺們看著也不象。」鳳姐兒笑道：「這話沒的叫人惡心。Those who know the truth would say you all despised us and were unwilling to visit often; but those small-minded people who don't know the truth might well think we look down on everyone." Grandma Liu hastily invoked the Buddha and said, "Our family's circumstances are hard, we couldn't afford to travel about visiting; and coming here, I wouldn't want to embarrass Madam by my talk, nor would it look fitting even to the stewards and menfolk who manage things here." Xifeng said with a smile, "That kind of talk only makes people sick.不過借賴著祖父虛名，作了窮官兒，誰家有什麼，不過是個舊日的空架子。We merely coast along on our grandfather's empty reputation, playing at being poor officials — whatever family you look at, it's nothing but an empty shell left over from the old days.俗語說，『朝廷還有三門子窮親戚』呢，何況你我。」說著，又問周瑞家的回了太太了沒有。As the saying goes, 'Even the Imperial Court has three sets of poor relations' — how much more so you and I." So saying, she then asked Zhou Rui's wife whether she had reported to Her Ladyship yet.周瑞家的道：「如今等奶奶的示下。」鳳姐道：「你去瞧瞧，要是有人有事就罷，得閒兒呢就回，看怎麼說。」周瑞家的答應著去了。Zhou Rui's wife said, "I'm waiting now for Madam's instructions." Xifeng said, "Go and see — if she's with someone or occupied, never mind; but if she's free, report it and see what she says." Zhou Rui's wife assented and went off.

凤姐儿笑道：「亲戚们不大走动，都疏远了。知道的呢，说你们弃厌我们，不肯常来，不知道的那起小人，还只当我们眼里没人似的。」刘姥姥忙念佛道：「我们家道艰难，走不起，来了这里，没的给姑奶奶打嘴，就是管家爷们看著也不象。」凤姐儿笑道：「这话没的叫人恶心。不过借赖著祖父虚名，作了穷官儿，谁家有什么，不过是个旧日的空架子。俗语说，『朝廷还有三门子穷亲戚』呢，何况你我。」说著，又问周瑞家的回了太太了没有。周瑞家的道：「如今等奶奶的示下。」凤姐道：「你去瞧瞧，要是有人有事就罢，得闲儿呢就回，看怎么说。」周瑞家的答应著去了。

這裏鳳姐叫人抓些果子與板兒吃，剛問些閒話時，就有家下許多媳婦管事的來回話。Here Xifeng told someone to fetch some fruit for Ban'er to eat, and just as she was asking a few idle questions, a number of the household's married women who managed affairs came in to report.平兒回了，鳳姐道：「我這裏陪客呢，晚上再來回。Ping'er reported this, and Xifeng said, "I'm entertaining a guest here — come back and report in the evening.若有很要緊的，你就帶進來現辦。」平兒出去了，一會進來說：「我都問了，沒什麼緊事，我就叫他們散了。」鳳姐點頭。If there's anything very urgent, bring it in and I'll deal with it right now." Ping'er went out, and after a while came back in and said, "I've asked them all — there's nothing urgent, so I told them to disperse." Xifeng nodded.只見周瑞家的回來，向鳳姐道：「太太說了，今日不得閒，二奶奶陪著便是一樣。Just then Zhou Rui's wife came back and said to Xifeng, "Her Ladyship says she has no time free today, and that it's just the same if Second Madam receives them in her place.多謝費心想著。Many thanks for their thoughtfulness in remembering us.白來逛逛呢便罷，若有甚說的，只管告訴二奶奶，都是一樣。」劉姥姥道：「也沒甚說的，不過是來瞧瞧姑太太，姑奶奶，也是親戚們的情分。」周瑞家的道：「沒甚說的便罷，若有話，只管回二奶奶，是和太太一樣的。」一面說，一面遞眼色與劉姥姥。If they've simply come to visit, that's fine as it is; but if there's anything they wish to say, they need only tell Second Madam — it's all the same.'" Grandma Liu said, "There's nothing in particular to say, I only came to see Madam and the young lady, out of the feeling proper between relatives." Zhou Rui's wife said, "If there's nothing to say, well and good; but if there is something, just tell Second Madam — it's exactly the same as telling Her Ladyship." As she spoke, she gave Grandma Liu a meaningful glance.劉姥姥會意，未語先飛紅的臉，欲待不說，今日又所為何來？Grandma Liu understood her meaning; before she had even spoken, her face flushed red. She wanted to say nothing, and yet — what had she come here for today, if not this?只得忍恥說道：「論理今兒初次見姑奶奶，卻不該說，只是大遠的奔了你老這裏來，也少不的說了。」剛說到這裏，只聽二門上小廝們回說：「東府裏的小大爺進來了。」鳳姐忙止劉姥姥：「不必說了。」一面便問：「你蓉大爺在那裏呢？」只聽一路靴子腳響，進來了一個十七八歲的少年，面目清秀，身材俊俏，輕裘寶帶，美服華冠。She had no choice but to swallow her shame and say, "By rights, meeting Madam for the first time today, I really oughtn't to speak of it, but having come all this long way to see you, ma'am, I can't help but say it after all." She had only just gotten this far when she heard the houseboys at the inner gate report, "The young master from the East Mansion has come in." Xifeng hastily stopped Grandma Liu, saying, "There's no need to say more." At the same time she asked, "Where is your Cousin Rong?" Just then she heard a string of bootsteps, and in came a youth of seventeen or eighteen, fine-featured and handsome, with a graceful figure, wearing a light fur robe with a jeweled belt, splendidly dressed and finely capped.劉姥姥此時坐不是，立不是，藏沒處藏。At this moment Grandma Liu did not know whether to sit or stand, and there was nowhere at all for her to hide.鳳姐笑道：「你只管坐著，這是我侄兒。」劉姥姥方扭扭捏捏在炕沿上坐了。Xifeng said with a smile, "Just stay seated — this is only my nephew." Only then did Grandma Liu, with much awkward fidgeting, settle back down on the edge of the kang.

这里凤姐叫人抓些果子与板儿吃，刚问些闲话时，就有家下许多媳妇管事的来回话。平儿回了，凤姐道：「我这里陪客呢，晚上再来回。若有很要紧的，你就带进来现办。」平儿出去了，一会进来说：「我都问了，没什么紧事，我就叫他们散了。」凤姐点头。只见周瑞家的回来，向凤姐道：「太太说了，今日不得闲，二奶奶陪著便是一样。多谢费心想著。白来逛逛呢便罢，若有甚说的，只管告诉二奶奶，都是一样。」刘姥姥道：「也没甚说的，不过是来瞧瞧姑太太，姑奶奶，也是亲戚们的情分。」周瑞家的道：「没甚说的便罢，若有话，只管回二奶奶，是和太太一样的。」一面说，一面递眼色与刘姥姥。刘姥姥会意，未语先飞红的脸，欲待不说，今日又所为何来？只得忍耻说道：「论理今儿初次见姑奶奶，却不该说，只是大远的奔了你老这里来，也少不的说了。」刚说到这里，只听二门上小厮们回说：「东府里的小大爷进来了。」凤姐忙止刘姥姥：「不必说了。」一面便问：「你蓉大爷在那里呢？」只听一路靴子脚响，进来了一个十七八岁的少年，面目清秀，身材俊俏，轻裘宝带，美服华冠。刘姥姥此时坐不是，立不是，藏没处藏。凤姐笑道：「你只管坐著，这是我侄儿。」刘姥姥方扭扭捏捏在炕沿上坐了。

賈蓉笑道：「我父親打發我來求嬸子，說上回老舅太太給嬸子的那架玻璃炕屏，明日請一個要緊的客，借了略擺一擺就送過來。」鳳姐道：「說遲了一日，昨兒已經給了人了。」賈蓉聽著，嘻嘻的笑著，在炕沿上半跪道：「嬸子若不借，又說我不會說話了，又挨一頓好打呢。Jia Rong said with a smile, "My father sent me to ask a favor of you, Aunt — he says that glass kang-screen which our old maternal aunt gave you last time — tomorrow he's inviting an important guest, and he'd like to borrow it just to display for a while, and will send it back right after." Xifeng said, "You've spoken a day too late — I already gave it to someone else yesterday." Hearing this, Jia Rong laughed and giggled, and half-kneeling on the edge of the kang said, "Aunt, if you don't lend it to me, they'll say again that I can't talk properly, and I'll get a good beating on top of it.嬸子只當可怜侄兒罷。」鳳姐笑道：「也沒見你們，王家的東西都是好的不成？Do take pity on your poor nephew, Aunt." Xifeng said with a smile, "I've never seen the like of you people — is it that everything belonging to the Wang family is bound to be good?你們那裏放著那些好東西，只是看不見，偏我的就是好的。」賈蓉笑道：「那裏有這個好呢！You have all sorts of fine things sitting right there in your own house, yet somehow you can't see them — but mine, mine just has to be the good one." Jia Rong said with a smile, "Where would we have anything as fine as this!只求開恩罷。」鳳姐道：「若碰一點兒，你可仔細你的皮！」因命平兒拿了樓房的鑰匙，傳幾個妥當人抬去。I only beg you to show mercy." Xifeng said, "If it gets so much as a scratch, you'd better watch your hide!" And with that she told Ping'er to fetch the key to the upstairs room, and to summon a few reliable people to carry it over.賈蓉喜的眉開眼笑，說：「我親自帶了人拿去，別由他們亂碰。」說著便起身出去了。Jia Rong was so pleased his brows lifted and his eyes creased with a smile, and he said, "I'll take people and fetch it myself — I won't let them go bumping it about carelessly." So saying, he rose and went out.

贾蓉笑道：「我父亲打发我来求婶子，说上回老舅太太给婶子的那架玻璃炕屏，明日请一个要紧的客，借了略摆一摆就送过来。」凤姐道：「说迟了一日，昨儿已经给了人了。」贾蓉听著，嘻嘻的笑著，在炕沿上半跪道：「婶子若不借，又说我不会说话了，又挨一顿好打呢。婶子只当可怜侄儿罢。」凤姐笑道：「也没见你们，王家的东西都是好的不成？你们那里放著那些好东西，只是看不见，偏我的就是好的。」贾蓉笑道：「那里有这个好呢！只求开恩罢。」凤姐道：「若碰一点儿，你可仔细你的皮！」因命平儿拿了楼房的钥匙，传几个妥当人抬去。贾蓉喜的眉开眼笑，说：「我亲自带了人拿去，别由他们乱碰。」说著便起身出去了。

這裏鳳姐忽又想起一事來，便向窗外叫：「蓉哥回來。」外面幾個人接聲說：「蓉大爺快回來。」賈蓉忙复身轉來，垂手侍立，聽何指示。Just then Xifeng suddenly thought of something else, and called out toward the window, "Rong, come back!" Several people outside took up the call, "Master Rong, come back quickly!" Jia Rong hastily turned back, stood with hands at his sides, and waited attentively for instructions.那鳳姐只管慢慢的吃茶，出了半日的神，又笑道：「罷了，你且去罷。But Xifeng only went on slowly sipping her tea, lost in thought for a good while, and then said with a smile, "Never mind, you may go for now.晚飯後你來再說罷。Come back after supper and we'll talk about it then.這會子有人，我也沒精神了。」賈蓉應了一聲，方慢慢的退去。Right now there are people here, and besides I haven't the energy for it." Jia Rong gave an assenting reply, and only then slowly withdrew.

这里凤姐忽又想起一事来，便向窗外叫：「蓉哥回来。」外面几个人接声说：「蓉大爷快回来。」贾蓉忙复身转来，垂手侍立，听何指示。那凤姐只管慢慢的吃茶，出了半日的神，又笑道：「罢了，你且去罢。晚饭后你来再说罢。这会子有人，我也没精神了。」贾蓉应了一声，方慢慢的退去。

這裏劉姥姥心神方定，才又說道：「今日我帶了你侄兒來，也不為別的，只因他老子娘在家裏，連吃的都沒有。Now that Grandma Liu's mind had settled down a bit, she spoke up again, saying, "My bringing your nephew here today is for no other reason than that his father and mother at home don't even have enough to eat.如今天又冷了，越想沒個派頭兒，只得帶了你侄兒奔了你老來。」說著又推板兒道：「你那爹在家怎麼教你來？Now that the weather's turned cold too, the more I thought about it the less I could see any way out, so I had no choice but to bring your nephew and come rushing to you, ma'am." As she spoke she gave Ban'er a push, saying, "What did your father teach you to say before we came?打發咱們作煞事來？What in the world did he send us here to do?只顧吃果子咧。」鳳姐早已明白了，聽他不會說話，因笑止道：「不必說了，我知道了。」因問周瑞家的：「這姥姥不知可用了早飯沒有？」劉姥姥忙說道：「一早就往這裏赶咧，那裏還有吃飯的工夫咧。」鳳姐聽說，忙命快傳飯來。And here you are just stuffing yourself with fruit!" Xifeng had already grasped the situation long before, and hearing that the old woman didn't know how to put it into words, stopped her with a smile, saying, "There's no need to say any more — I understand." She then asked Zhou Rui's wife, "I wonder whether this Granny has had breakfast yet?" Grandma Liu said hastily, "We set out for here first thing this morning — where would we have found the time to eat?" On hearing this, Xifeng promptly ordered that a meal be brought at once.一時周瑞家的傳了一桌客飯來，擺在東邊屋內，過來帶了劉姥姥和板兒過去吃飯。In a little while Zhou Rui's wife had a table of guest-fare brought and set out in the east room, then came over and took Grandma Liu and Ban'er across to eat.鳳姐說道：「周姐姐，好生讓著些兒，我不能陪了。」於是過東邊房裏來。Xifeng said, "Sister Zhou, do see that they're properly attended to — I won't be able to join them myself." With that they went over to the room on the east side.又叫過周瑞家的去，問他才回了太太，說了些什麼？Then she called Zhou Rui's wife over to ask her what she had just reported to Her Ladyship, and what had been said.周瑞家的道：「太太說，他們家原不是一家子，不過因出一姓，當年又與太老爺在一處作官，偶然連了宗的。Zhou Rui's wife said, "Her Ladyship says that their family wasn't originally part of ours at all — it's only because they share the same surname, and because years ago they happened to serve as officials alongside the old Master, that the two families chanced to link up as kin.這幾年來也不大走動。In recent years there hasn't been much visiting between the families.當時他們來一遭，卻也沒空了他們。Back when they used to come by now and then, we never sent them away empty-handed.今兒既來了瞧瞧我們，是他的好意思，也不可簡慢了他。Now that they've come today to see us, it shows their good feeling, and they mustn't be treated carelessly.便是有什麼說的，叫奶奶裁度著就是了。」鳳姐聽了說道：「我說呢，既是一家子，我如何連影兒也不知道。」If there's something they wish to ask for, just let Madam use her own judgment about it.'" On hearing this, Xifeng said, "I was wondering — if they were really part of the family, how is it I'd never even heard the slightest trace of them?"

这里刘姥姥心神方定，才又说道：「今日我带了你侄儿来，也不为别的，只因他老子娘在家里，连吃的都没有。如今天又冷了，越想没个派头儿，只得带了你侄儿奔了你老来。」说著又推板儿道：「你那爹在家怎么教你来？打发咱们作煞事来？只顾吃果子咧。」凤姐早已明白了，听他不会说话，因笑止道：「不必说了，我知道了。」因问周瑞家的：「这姥姥不知可用了早饭没有？」刘姥姥忙说道：「一早就往这里赶咧，那里还有吃饭的工夫咧。」凤姐听说，忙命快传饭来。一时周瑞家的传了一桌客饭来，摆在东边屋内，过来带了刘姥姥和板儿过去吃饭。凤姐说道：「周姐姐，好生让著些儿，我不能陪了。」于是过东边房里来。又叫过周瑞家的去，问他才回了太太，说了些什么？周瑞家的道：「太太说，他们家原不是一家子，不过因出一姓，当年又与太老爷在一处作官，偶然连了宗的。这几年来也不大走动。当时他们来一遭，却也没空了他们。今儿既来了瞧瞧我们，是他的好意思，也不可简慢了他。便是有什么说的，叫奶奶裁度著就是了。」凤姐听了说道：「我说呢，既是一家子，我如何连影儿也不知道。」

說話時，劉姥姥已吃畢了飯，拉了板兒過來，抹舌咂嘴的道謝。While they were speaking, Grandma Liu had already finished her meal, and, bringing Ban'er over with her, wiped her mouth and smacked her lips as she offered her thanks.鳳姐笑道：「且請坐下，聽我告訴你老人家。Xifeng said with a smile, "Please sit down for a moment and listen to what I have to tell you, Granny.方才的意思，我已知道了。I already understand the purpose of your visit just now.若論親戚之間，原該不等上門來就該有照應才是。Properly speaking, between relatives, we ought to have looked after you without waiting for you to come knocking at our door.但如今家內雜事太煩，太太漸上了年紀，一時想不到也是有的。But nowadays there are so many troublesome matters within the household, and Her Ladyship is getting on in years, so it's only natural that things sometimes slip her mind.況是我近來接著管些事，都不知道這些親戚們。Besides, I've only recently taken over the management of some affairs, and I knew nothing at all about these relatives of ours.二則外頭看著雖是烈烈轟轟的，殊不知大有大的艱難去處，說與人也未必信罷。And secondly, though from the outside things may look grand and flourishing, little do people know that a large household has its own large difficulties — if I told people, they probably wouldn't even believe it.今兒你既老遠的來了，又是頭一次見我張口，怎好叫你空回去呢。Now that you've come such a long way today, and this is the very first time you've opened your mouth to ask me for anything, how could I possibly let you go back empty-handed?可巧昨兒太太給我的丫頭們做衣裳的二十兩銀子，我還沒動呢，你若不嫌少，就暫且先拿了去罷。」As it happens, there are twenty taels of silver that Her Ladyship gave me yesterday for making clothes for my maids, which I haven't touched yet — if you don't think it too little, just take it along with you for now."

说话时，刘姥姥已吃毕了饭，拉了板儿过来，抹舌咂嘴的道谢。凤姐笑道：「且请坐下，听我告诉你老人家。方才的意思，我已知道了。若论亲戚之间，原该不等上门来就该有照应才是。但如今家内杂事太烦，太太渐上了年纪，一时想不到也是有的。况是我近来接著管些事，都不知道这些亲戚们。二则外头看著虽是烈烈轰轰的，殊不知大有大的艰难去处，说与人也未必信罢。今儿你既老远的来了，又是头一次见我张口，怎好叫你空回去呢。可巧昨儿太太给我的丫头们做衣裳的二十两银子，我还没动呢，你若不嫌少，就暂且先拿了去罢。」

那劉姥姥先聽見告艱難，只當是沒有，心裏便突突的，後來聽見給他二十兩，喜的又渾身發痒起來，說道：「噯，我也是知道艱難的。When Grandma Liu first heard talk of difficulties, she assumed this meant there would be nothing given, and her heart began thumping with anxiety; but afterward, hearing that she would be given twenty taels, she grew so delighted that her whole body seemed to itch with joy, and she said, "Ah, I too know what hardship is.但俗語說的：『瘦死的駱駝比馬大』，憑他怎樣，你老拔根寒毛比我們的腰還粗呢！」周瑞家的見他說的粗鄙，只管使眼色止他。But as the saying goes, 'A starved camel is still bigger than a horse' — no matter how things stand, one hair plucked from your body, ma'am, would still be thicker than our whole waist!" Zhou Rui's wife, seeing how coarse her talk was, kept making signs with her eyes to stop her.鳳姐看見，笑而不睬，只命平兒把昨兒那包銀子拿來，再拿一吊錢來，都送到劉姥姥的跟前。Xifeng saw this, but only smiled and paid it no mind; she simply told Ping'er to fetch the packet of silver from yesterday, and to bring a string of cash besides, and to bring both over and place them before Grandma Liu.鳳姐乃道：「這是二十兩銀子，暫且給這孩子做件冬衣罷。Xifeng then said, "This is twenty taels of silver — for now, use it to make the boy a winter coat.若不拿著，就真是怪我了。If you don't take it, then you really will be holding it against me.這錢雇車坐罷。And this money is for hiring a cart to ride home in.改日無事，只管來逛逛，方是親戚們的意思。Another day, when you're free, do come by for a visit — that's what being relatives is really about.天也晚了，也不虛留你們了，到家裏該問好的問個好兒罷。」一面說，一面就站了起來。It's getting late now, so I won't keep you here needlessly any longer — once you're home, give my regards to whoever ought to be greeted." As she spoke, she rose to her feet.

那刘姥姥先听见告艰难，只当是没有，心里便突突的，后来听见给他二十两，喜的又浑身发痒起来，说道：「嗳，我也是知道艰难的。但俗语说的：『瘦死的骆驼比马大』，凭他怎样，你老拔根寒毛比我们的腰还粗呢！」周瑞家的见他说的粗鄙，只管使眼色止他。凤姐看见，笑而不睬，只命平儿把昨儿那包银子拿来，再拿一吊钱来，都送到刘姥姥的跟前。凤姐乃道：「这是二十两银子，暂且给这孩子做件冬衣罢。若不拿著，就真是怪我了。这钱雇车坐罢。改日无事，只管来逛逛，方是亲戚们的意思。天也晚了，也不虚留你们了，到家里该问好的问个好儿罢。」一面说，一面就站了起来。

劉姥姥只管千恩萬謝的，拿了銀子錢，隨了周瑞家的來至外面。Grandma Liu did nothing but offer her thanks a thousand times over, and taking the silver and the cash, followed Zhou Rui's wife out to the front.周瑞家的道：「我的娘啊！Zhou Rui's wife said, "Goodness, my dear woman!你見了他怎麼倒不會說了？When you were face to face with her, how did you suddenly lose the knack of speaking properly?開口就是『你侄兒』。The moment you opened your mouth it was all 'your nephew' this and 'your nephew' that.我說句不怕你惱的話，便是親侄兒，也要說和軟些。Let me say something, and don't be offended — even with one's own nephew by blood, one ought to speak more gently and softly.蓉大爺才是他的正經侄兒呢，他怎麼又跑出這麼一個侄兒來了。」劉姥姥笑道：「我的嫂子，我見了他，心眼兒裏愛還愛不過來，那裏還說的上話來呢。」二人說著，又到周瑞家坐了片時。Master Rong is her real, proper nephew — where did this other 'nephew' of hers suddenly spring from?" Grandma Liu said with a laugh, "My dear sister, the moment I saw her, my heart was so full of fondness for her I could hardly contain it — how could I still manage to speak properly?" Talking like this, the two of them went on to Zhou Rui's own quarters and sat there for a little while.劉姥姥便要留下一塊銀子與周瑞家孩子們買果子吃，周瑞家的如何放在眼裏，執意不肯。Grandma Liu wanted to leave behind a piece of silver for Zhou Rui's children to buy fruit with, but how could Zhou Rui's wife think anything of such a small sum — she firmly refused to accept it.劉姥姥感謝不盡，仍從後門去了。Grandma Liu thanked her over and over without end, and then left, as before, by the back gate.正是：Truly it was:

刘姥姥只管千恩万谢的，拿了银子钱，随了周瑞家的来至外面。周瑞家的道：「我的娘啊！你见了他怎么倒不会说了？开口就是『你侄儿』。我说句不怕你恼的话，便是亲侄儿，也要说和软些。蓉大爷才是他的正经侄儿呢，他怎么又跑出这么一个侄儿来了。」刘姥姥笑道：「我的嫂子，我见了他，心眼儿里爱还爱不过来，那里还说的上话来呢。」二人说著，又到周瑞家坐了片时。刘姥姥便要留下一块银子与周瑞家孩子们买果子吃，周瑞家的如何放在眼里，执意不肯。刘姥姥感谢不尽，仍从后门去了。正是：

得意濃時易接濟，受恩深處胜親朋。When fortune smiles, it is easy to lend a helping hand; where kindness runs deep, it surpasses even one's own kin.

得意浓时易接济，受恩深处胜亲朋。