第五十三回　寧國府除夕祭宗祠　榮國府元宵開夜宴 The Ning Mansion Worships Ancestors on New Year's Eve; The Rong Mansion Holds a Lantern Feast

話說寶玉見晴雯將雀裘補完，已使的力盡神危，忙命小丫頭子來替他捶著，彼此捶打了一會歇下。The story goes that when Baoyu saw Qingwen finish mending the peacock-down cloak, she was already spent in strength and faint in spirit; he hastily called a young maid to come and take his place in massaging her, and after they had taken turns at it for a while, she stopped to rest.沒一頓飯的工夫，天已大亮，且不出門，只叫快傳大夫。Before the time it takes to eat a meal had passed, the sky was already bright; he did not go out, but only called for a doctor to be summoned quickly.一時王太醫來了，診了脈，疑惑說道：“昨日已好了些，今日如何反虛微浮縮起來，敢是吃多了飲食？Presently Doctor Wang arrived, took her pulse, and said with a puzzled look: "Yesterday she was already somewhat better — why has her pulse today turned faint, floating, and constricted instead? Could it be that she has eaten too much?"不然就是勞了神思。"Otherwise, it must be that she has overtaxed her mind."外感卻倒清了，這汗後失于調養，非同小可。”一面說，一面出去開了藥方進來。"The external ailment has indeed cleared up, but this failure to recuperate properly after sweating is no small matter." So saying, he went out to write a prescription and brought it back in.寶玉看時，已將疏散驅邪諸藥減去了，倒添了茯苓，地黃，當歸等益神養血之劑。When Baoyu looked at it, he saw that all the dispersing and evil-expelling medicines had been removed, and instead poria, rehmannia, angelica, and other spirit-nourishing, blood-enriching agents had been added.寶玉忙命人煎去，一面歎說：“這怎麼處！Baoyu hastily had someone go and decoct it, sighing as he said: "What is to be done!"倘或有個好歹，都是我的罪孽。”晴雯睡在枕上嗐道：“好太爺！"If anything should happen to her, it will all be my sin." Qingwen, lying on her pillow, sighed and said: "My good sir!"你幹你的去罷，那里就得癆病了。”寶玉無奈，只得去了。"Go and attend to your own business — how could I possibly have caught consumption already?" Baoyu had no choice but to go.至下半天，說身上不好就回來了。By the afternoon, he said he was not feeling well and came back.晴雯此症雖重，幸虧他素習是個使力不使心的，再素習飲食清淡，饑飽無傷。Although Qingwen's illness was serious, fortunately she was by nature someone who exerted her body rather than her mind, and moreover she habitually ate plain food, so neither hunger nor overeating had ever harmed her.這賈宅中的風俗秘法，無論上下，只一略有些傷風咳嗽，總以淨餓為主，次則服藥調養。It was the secret household custom of the Jia mansion that, high or low, whenever anyone caught even a slight cold or cough, fasting was always the primary remedy, with taking medicine to recuperate as the secondary one.故于前日一病時，淨餓了兩三日，又謹慎服藥調治，如今勞碌了些，又加倍培養了幾日，便漸漸的好了。So when she fell ill the other day, she fasted completely for two or three days and carefully took medicine to treat it; now, having overexerted herself somewhat, she nourished herself doubly for a few more days, and so gradually recovered.近日園中姊妹皆各在房中吃飯，炊爨飲食亦便，寶玉自能變法要湯要羹調停，不必細說。These days the young ladies in the Garden all took their meals in their own rooms, so cooking and dining were also convenient; Baoyu was able to find ways of his own to request soups and broths and see to her care — there is no need to go into detail.

话说宝玉见晴雯将雀裘补完，已使的力尽神危，忙命小丫头子来替他捶著，彼此捶打了一会歇下。没一顿饭的工夫，天已大亮，且不出门，只叫快传大夫。一时王太医来了，诊了脉，疑惑说道：“昨日已好了些，今日如何反虚微浮缩起来，敢是吃多了饮食？不然就是劳了神思。外感却倒清了，这汗后失于调养，非同小可。”一面说，一面出去开了药方进来。宝玉看时，已将疏散驱邪诸药减去了，倒添了茯苓，地黄，当归等益神养血之剂。宝玉忙命人煎去，一面叹说：“这怎么处！倘或有个好歹，都是我的罪孽。”晴雯睡在枕上嗐道：“好太爷！你干你的去罢，那里就得痨病了。”宝玉无奈，只得去了。至下半天，说身上不好就回来了。晴雯此症虽重，幸亏他素习是个使力不使心的，再素习饮食清淡，饥饱无伤。这贾宅中的风俗秘法，无论上下，只一略有些伤风咳嗽，总以净饿为主，次则服药调养。故于前日一病时，净饿了两三日，又谨慎服药调治，如今劳碌了些，又加倍培养了几日，便渐渐的好了。近日园中姊妹皆各在房中吃饭，炊爨饮食亦便，宝玉自能变法要汤要羹调停，不必细说。

襲人送母殯後，業已回來，麝月便將平兒所說宋媽墜兒一事，并晴雯攆逐出去等話，一一也曾回過寶玉。After Xiren returned from seeing her mother's burial through, Sheyue had already reported to Baoyu, one by one, the matter Pinger had spoken of concerning Mama Song and Zhuier, as well as the business of Qingwen's being driven out, and so on.襲人也沒別說，只說太性急了些。Xiren said nothing else about it, only remarking that it had been done a bit too hastily.只因李紈亦因時氣感冒，邢夫人又正害火眼，迎春岫煙皆過去朝夕侍藥，李嬸之弟又接了李嬸和李紋李綺家去住幾日，寶玉又見襲人常常思母含悲，晴雯猶未大愈：因此詩社之日，皆未有人作興，便空了幾社。It so happened that Li Wan had also caught a seasonal cold, and Lady Xing was just then suffering from an eye inflammation, so Yingchun and Xiuyan both went over morning and night to attend to their medicine; Aunt Li's brother had also come to take Aunt Li and Li Wen and Li Qi home to stay for a few days; and Baoyu, seeing that Xiren was often grieving in thought of her mother, and that Qingwen had not yet fully recovered — for these reasons no one had felt like keeping up the poetry club on its appointed days, and several of its meetings were simply left empty.

袭人送母殡后，业已回来，麝月便将平儿所说宋妈坠儿一事，并晴雯撵逐出去等话，一一也曾回过宝玉。袭人也没别说，只说太性急了些。只因李纨亦因时气感冒，邢夫人又正害火眼，迎春岫烟皆过去朝夕侍药，李婶之弟又接了李婶和李纹李绮家去住几日，宝玉又见袭人常常思母含悲，晴雯犹未大愈：因此诗社之日，皆未有人作兴，便空了几社。

當下已是腊月，離年日近，王夫人與鳳姐治辦年事。By now it was already the twelfth month, with the year's end drawing near, and Lady Wang and Xifeng were busy preparing for the New Year.王子騰升了九省都檢點，賈雨村補授了大司馬，協理軍机參贊朝政，不題。Wang Ziteng had been promoted to Chief Inspector of the Nine Provinces, and Jia Yucun had been appointed to fill the post of Minister of War, assisting with military affairs and consulting on court policy — but no more of that for now.

当下已是腊月，离年日近，王夫人与凤姐治办年事。王子腾升了九省都检点，贾雨村补授了大司马，协理军机参赞朝政，不题。

且說賈珍那邊，開了宗祠，著人打掃，收拾供器，請神主，又打掃上房，以備懸供遺真影像。Now to speak of Jia Zhen's side: he had the ancestral hall opened, had people sweep it clean, put the sacrificial vessels in order, and brought out the ancestral tablets; he also had the main hall cleaned in preparation for hanging up the ancestral portraits for the offerings.此時榮寧二府內外上下，皆是忙忙碌碌。At this time, throughout both the Rongguo and Ningguo mansions, inside and out, high and low, everyone was busy and bustling.這日寧府中尤氏正起來同賈蓉之妻打點送賈母這邊針線禮物，正值丫頭捧了一茶盤押歲錁子進來，回說：“興兒回奶奶，前兒那一包碎金子共是一百五十三兩六錢七分，里頭成色不等，共總傾了二百二十個錁子。”說著遞上去。That day in the Ning mansion, Madam You had just risen and was, together with Jia Rong's wife, preparing the needlework gifts to be sent to Grandmother Jia's side, when just at that moment a maid came in carrying a tea tray with New Year's gift-ingots on it, and reported: "Xing'er reports to my lady: the packet of loose gold from the other day came to one hundred fifty-three taels, six mace, seven candareens in all; since the purity varied, it was all melted down into two hundred twenty ingots." So saying, she handed them up.尤氏看了看，只見也有梅花式的，也有海棠式的，也有筆錠如意的，也有八寶聯春的。Madam You looked them over and saw that there were some in plum-blossom shapes, some in begonia shapes, some in "writing-brush-and-ingot-as-you-wish" shapes, and some in "eight treasures linked in spring" shapes.尤氏命：“收起這個來，叫他把銀錁子快快交了進來。”丫鬟答應去了。Madam You ordered: "Put these away, and tell him to hand in the silver ingots quickly." The maid assented and went off.

且说贾珍那边，开了宗祠，著人打扫，收拾供器，请神主，又打扫上房，以备悬供遗真影像。此时荣宁二府内外上下，皆是忙忙碌碌。这日宁府中尤氏正起来同贾蓉之妻打点送贾母这边针线礼物，正值丫头捧了一茶盘押岁锞子进来，回说：“兴儿回奶奶，前儿那一包碎金子共是一百五十三两六钱七分，里头成色不等，共总倾了二百二十个锞子。”说著递上去。尤氏看了看，只见也有梅花式的，也有海棠式的，也有笔锭如意的，也有八宝联春的。尤氏命：“收起这个来，叫他把银锞子快快交了进来。”丫鬟答应去了。

一時賈珍進來吃飯，賈蓉之妻回避了。Presently Jia Zhen came in to eat, and Jia Rong's wife withdrew to avoid him.賈珍因問尤氏：“咱們春祭的恩賞可領了不曾？”尤氏道：“今兒我打發蓉兒關去了。”賈珍道：“咱們家雖不等這幾兩銀子使，多少是皇上天恩。Jia Zhen then asked Madam You: "Have we collected the imperial bounty for the spring sacrifice yet or not?" Madam You said: "I sent Rong'er off today to draw it." Jia Zhen said: "Though our family has no need to wait on these few taels of silver for our use, it is nonetheless a mark of the Emperor's heavenly grace."早關了來，給那邊老太太見過，置了祖宗的供，上領皇上的恩，下則是托祖宗的福。"Draw it early and bring it, show it to the Old Ancestress on that side, and use it to prepare the offerings for our forebears — above, it receives the Emperor's grace, and below, it relies on the blessing of our ancestors."咱們那怕用一萬銀子供祖宗，到底不如這個又体面，又是沾恩錫福的。"Even if we were to spend ten thousand taels of silver on offerings for our ancestors, it still could not compare with this, which is both more dignified and a matter of receiving grace and conferred blessing."除咱們這樣一二家之外，那些世襲窮官兒家，若不仗著這銀子，拿什麼上供過年？"Apart from the one or two families like ours, those poor hereditary official households — if they did not rely on this silver, what would they use to make offerings and get through the New Year?"真正皇恩浩大，想的周到。”尤氏道：“正是這話。”"Truly the Emperor's grace is vast, and his consideration thorough." Madam You said: "That is exactly so."

一时贾珍进来吃饭，贾蓉之妻回避了。贾珍因问尤氏：“咱们春祭的恩赏可领了不曾？”尤氏道：“今儿我打发蓉儿关去了。”贾珍道：“咱们家虽不等这几两银子使，多少是皇上天恩。早关了来，给那边老太太见过，置了祖宗的供，上领皇上的恩，下则是托祖宗的福。咱们那怕用一万银子供祖宗，到底不如这个又体面，又是沾恩锡福的。除咱们这样一二家之外，那些世袭穷官儿家，若不仗著这银子，拿什么上供过年？真正皇恩浩大，想的周到。”尤氏道：“正是这话。”

二人正說著，只見人回：“哥兒來了”。The two of them were just talking when someone came in to report: "The young master has arrived."賈珍便命叫他進來。Jia Zhen then had him called in.只見賈蓉捧了一個小黃布口袋進來。Presently Jia Rong came in carrying a small yellow cloth pouch.賈珍道：“怎麼去了這一日。”賈蓉陪笑回說：“今兒不在禮部關領，又分在光祿寺庫上，因又到了光祿寺才領了下來。Jia Zhen said: "How is it you were gone the whole day?" Jia Rong replied with an ingratiating smile: "Today it wasn't being drawn at the Board of Rites, but was assigned instead to the treasury of the Court of Imperial Entertainments, so I had to go on to the Court of Imperial Entertainments before I could draw it."光祿寺的官兒們都說問父親好，多日不見，都著實想念。”賈珍笑道：“他們那里是想我。"The officials at the Court of Imperial Entertainments all sent their regards to you, Father, saying that not having seen you in so many days, they truly miss you." Jia Zhen said with a laugh: "It's hardly me they miss."這又到了年下了，不是想我的東西，就是想我的戲酒了。”一面說，一面瞧那黃布口袋，上有印就是“皇恩永錫”四個大字，那一邊又有禮部祠祭司的印記，又寫著一行小字，道是“寧國公賈演榮國公賈源恩賜永遠春祭賞共二分，淨折銀若干兩，某年月日龍禁尉候補侍衛賈蓉當堂領訖，值年寺丞某人”，下面一個朱筆花押。"With the year-end come round again, if it's not my things they're missing, then it's my theatricals and wine." So saying, he examined the yellow cloth pouch; stamped on it were the four large characters "Imperial Grace Eternally Bestowed," and on the other side was the seal of the Sacrificial Rites Office of the Board of Rites, along with a line of small characters reading: "Duke Jia Yan of Ningguo and Duke Jia Yuan of Rongguo, granted in perpetuity two shares of the spring sacrificial bounty, converted net into so many taels of silver; on such-and-such a year, month, and day, received in person at the office by Jia Rong, Probationary Guard of the Dragon-Forbidden Corps; year-in-office Court Secretary so-and-so" — below which was a vermilion-ink signature flourish.

二人正说著，只见人回：“哥儿来了”。贾珍便命叫他进来。只见贾蓉捧了一个小黄布口袋进来。贾珍道：“怎么去了这一日。”贾蓉陪笑回说：“今儿不在礼部关领，又分在光禄寺库上，因又到了光禄寺才领了下来。光禄寺的官儿们都说问父亲好，多日不见，都著实想念。”贾珍笑道：“他们那里是想我。这又到了年下了，不是想我的东西，就是想我的戏酒了。”一面说，一面瞧那黄布口袋，上有印就是“皇恩永锡”四个大字，那一边又有礼部祠祭司的印记，又写著一行小字，道是“宁国公贾演荣国公贾源恩赐永远春祭赏共二分，净折银若干两，某年月日龙禁尉候补侍卫贾蓉当堂领讫，值年寺丞某人”，下面一个朱笔花押。

賈珍吃過飯，盥漱畢，換了靴帽，命賈蓉捧著銀子跟了來，回過賈母王夫人，又至這邊回過賈赦邢夫人，方回家去，取出銀子，命將口袋向宗祠大爐內焚了。After Jia Zhen had eaten and washed and rinsed his mouth, he changed his boots and cap, and had Jia Rong carry the silver and follow him; he reported to Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang, and then went over to this side to report to Jia She and Lady Xing, and only then went back home, took out the silver, and had the pouch burned in the great censer of the ancestral hall.又命賈蓉道：“你去問問你璉二嬸子，正月里請吃年酒的日子擬了沒有。He also instructed Jia Rong, saying: "Go and ask your Second Aunt Lian whether the dates for the New Year's feast invitations in the first month have been drawn up yet."若擬定了，叫書房里明白開了單子來，咱們再請時，就不能重犯了。"If they have been decided, have the study write out a clear list, so that when we send out our own invitations, we won't repeat any dates by mistake."舊年不留心重了幾家，不說咱們不留神，倒象兩宅商議定了送虛情怕費事一樣。”賈蓉忙答應了過去。"Last year, through carelessness, several families were given duplicate dates; instead of people saying we weren't careful, it looked as though the two households had deliberately agreed to send perfunctory invitations to avoid the trouble." Jia Rong hastily assented and went off.一時，拿了請人吃年酒的日期單子來了。Presently, he brought back the list of dates for the New Year's feast invitations.賈珍看了，命交與賴升去看了，請人別重這上頭日子。Jia Zhen looked it over and had it handed to Lai Sheng to check, so that in inviting people the dates would not be duplicated.因在廳上看著小廝們抬圍屏，擦抹案金銀供器。He then stayed in the hall watching the houseboys carry in the folding screens and wipe down the gold and silver sacrificial vessels on the altar table.只見小廝手里拿著個稟帖并一篇帳目，回說：“黑山村的烏庄頭來了。”Presently a houseboy came in holding a petition and a page of accounts, and reported: "Bailiff Wu of Heishan Village has arrived."

贾珍吃过饭，盥漱毕，换了靴帽，命贾蓉捧著银子跟了来，回过贾母王夫人，又至这边回过贾赦邢夫人，方回家去，取出银子，命将口袋向宗祠大炉内焚了。又命贾蓉道：“你去问问你琏二婶子，正月里请吃年酒的日子拟了没有。若拟定了，叫书房里明白开了单子来，咱们再请时，就不能重犯了。旧年不留心重了几家，不说咱们不留神，倒象两宅商议定了送虚情怕费事一样。”贾蓉忙答应了过去。一时，拿了请人吃年酒的日期单子来了。贾珍看了，命交与赖升去看了，请人别重这上头日子。因在厅上看著小厮们抬围屏，擦抹案金银供器。只见小厮手里拿著个禀帖并一篇帐目，回说：“黑山村的乌庄头来了。”

賈珍道：“這個老砍頭的今兒才來。”說著，賈蓉接過稟帖和帳目，忙展開捧著，賈珍倒背著兩手，向賈蓉手內只看紅稟帖上寫著：“門下庄頭烏進孝叩請爺，奶奶萬福金安，并公子小姐金安。Jia Zhen said: "That old blockhead — only coming today." So saying, Jia Rong took the petition and accounts, hastily unfolded them and held them up; Jia Zhen, hands clasped behind his back, looked over at what was in Jia Rong's hands, and on the red petition it was written: "Your bondservant bailiff Wu Jinxiao humbly wishes the master and mistress ten thousand blessings and golden peace, and wishes the young masters and young ladies golden peace as well."新春大喜大福，榮貴平安，加官進祿，萬事如意。”賈珍笑道：“庄家人有些意思。”賈蓉也忙笑說：“別看文法，只取個吉利罷了。”一面忙展開單子看時，只見上面寫著：“大鹿三十只，獐子五十只，瓟子五十只，暹豬二十個，湯豬二十個，龍豬二十個，野豬二十個，家腊豬二十個，野羊二十個，青羊二十個，家湯羊二十個，家風羊二十個，鱘鰉魚二個，各色雜魚二百斤，活雞，鴨，鵝各二百只，風雞，鴨，鵝二百只，野雞，兔子各二百對，熊掌二十對，鹿筋二十斤，海參五十斤，鹿舌五十條，牛舌五十條，蟶乾二十斤，榛，松，桃，杏穰各二口袋，大對蝦五十對，乾蝦二百斤，銀霜炭上等選用一千斤，中等二千斤，柴炭三萬斤，御田胭脂米二石，碧糯五十斛，白糯五十斛，粉粳五十斛，雜色粱谷各五十斛，下用常米一千石，各色乾菜一車，外賣粱谷，牲口各項之銀共折銀二千五百兩。"May the new spring bring great joy and great fortune, glory and honor, peace and safety, promotion in rank and increase in emolument, and may ten thousand affairs go as you wish." Jia Zhen laughed and said: "These country folk have a certain flavor to them." Jia Rong too said with a laugh: "Never mind the style of the writing — it's only meant to be auspicious." So saying, he hastily unfolded the list and looked at it; on it was written: "Thirty large deer, fifty roe deer, fifty river deer, twenty Siamese hogs, twenty scalded hogs, twenty 'dragon' hogs, twenty wild boars, twenty home-cured hogs, twenty wild goats, twenty blue goats, twenty home-scalded goats, twenty home-cured air-dried goats, two sturgeon, two hundred catties of assorted fish, two hundred each of live chickens, ducks, and geese, two hundred air-dried chickens, ducks, and geese, two hundred pairs each of pheasants and hares, twenty pairs of bear paws, twenty catties of deer tendon, fifty catties of sea cucumber, fifty deer tongues, fifty ox tongues, twenty catties of dried razor clams, two sacks each of hazelnuts, pine nuts, walnut meats, and apricot kernels, fifty pairs of large prawns, two hundred catties of dried shrimp, one thousand catties of top-grade 'silver-frost' charcoal for use, two thousand catties of medium grade, thirty thousand catties of firewood charcoal, two piculs of imperial rouge rice, fifty hu of green glutinous rice, fifty hu of white glutinous rice, fifty hu of pink-husked rice, fifty hu each of assorted sorghum and grains, one thousand piculs of ordinary rice for household use, one cartload of assorted dried vegetables; and besides these, the silver converted from the sale of sorghum, grain, and livestock of various kinds comes to two thousand five hundred taels in all."外門下孝敬哥兒姐兒頑意：活鹿兩對，活白兔四對，黑兔四對，活錦雞兩對，西洋鴨兩對。”"In addition, your bondservant offers as playthings for the young masters and young ladies: two pairs of live deer, four pairs of live white rabbits, four pairs of black rabbits, two pairs of live golden pheasants, and two pairs of Western ducks."

贾珍道：“这个老砍头的今儿才来。”说著，贾蓉接过禀帖和帐目，忙展开捧著，贾珍倒背著两手，向贾蓉手内只看红禀帖上写著：“门下庄头乌进孝叩请爷，奶奶万福金安，并公子小姐金安。新春大喜大福，荣贵平安，加官进禄，万事如意。”贾珍笑道：“庄家人有些意思。”贾蓉也忙笑说：“别看文法，只取个吉利罢了。”一面忙展开单子看时，只见上面写著：“大鹿三十只，獐子五十只，瓟子五十只，暹猪二十个，汤猪二十个，龙猪二十个，野猪二十个，家腊猪二十个，野羊二十个，青羊二十个，家汤羊二十个，家风羊二十个，鲟鳇鱼二个，各色杂鱼二百斤，活鸡，鸭，鹅各二百只，风鸡，鸭，鹅二百只，野鸡，兔子各二百对，熊掌二十对，鹿筋二十斤，海参五十斤，鹿舌五十条，牛舌五十条，蛏干二十斤，榛，松，桃，杏穰各二口袋，大对虾五十对，干虾二百斤，银霜炭上等选用一千斤，中等二千斤，柴炭三万斤，御田胭脂米二石，碧糯五十斛，白糯五十斛，粉粳五十斛，杂色粱谷各五十斛，下用常米一千石，各色干菜一车，外卖粱谷，牲口各项之银共折银二千五百两。外门下孝敬哥儿姐儿顽意：活鹿两对，活白兔四对，黑兔四对，活锦鸡两对，西洋鸭两对。”

賈珍便命帶進他來。Jia Zhen then ordered that he be brought in.一時，只見烏進孝進來，只在院內磕頭請安。Presently, Wu Jinxiao came in and simply kowtowed and paid his respects there in the courtyard.賈珍命人拉他起來，笑說：“你還硬朗。”烏進孝笑回：“托爺的福，還能走得動。”賈珍道：“你兒子也大了，該叫他走走也罷了。”烏進孝笑道：“不瞞爺說，小的們走慣了，不來也悶的慌。Jia Zhen had someone pull him to his feet and said with a smile: "You're still hale and hearty." Wu Jinxiao replied with a smile: "Thanks to the master's blessing, I can still get about." Jia Zhen said: "Your son is grown now too — you might as well let him make the trip instead." Wu Jinxiao said with a smile: "I won't hide it from you, Master — we old fellows are used to the traveling, and if we don't come we get restless and out of sorts."他們可不是都願意來見見天子腳下世面？"And besides, aren't they all eager to come and see something of the world here at the Emperor's feet?"他們到底年輕，怕路上有閃失，再過幾年就可放心了。”賈珍道：“你走了幾日？”烏進孝道：“回爺的話，今年雪大，外頭都是四五尺深的雪，前日忽然一暖一化，路上竟難走的很，耽擱了幾日。"But they are still young, after all, and I worry something might go wrong on the road; in another few years I can set my mind at ease." Jia Zhen asked: "How many days did it take you on the road?" Wu Jinxiao said: "To answer the master, this year the snow was heavy — outside it was four or five feet deep everywhere — and the other day it suddenly turned warm and began to thaw, so the roads became very hard to travel, and I was delayed several days."雖走了一個月零兩日，因日子有限了，怕爺心焦，可不赶著來了。”賈珍道：“我說呢，怎麼今兒才來。"Although it took a full month and two days, since the time was running short, I was afraid the master would grow anxious, and so I hurried to get here." Jia Zhen said: "That explains it — I was wondering why you only arrived today."我才看那單子上，今年你這老貨又來打擂臺來了。”烏進孝忙進前了兩步，回道：“回爺說，今年年成實在不好。"I just looked at that list, and it seems this year you old rascal have come to pick a fight with me again." Wu Jinxiao hastily stepped forward two paces and replied: "To answer the master, this year's harvest has truly been bad."從三月下雨起，接接連連直到八月，竟沒有一連晴過五日。"From the rains starting in the third month, one after another straight through to the eighth month, there was not a single stretch of five clear days running."九月里一場碗大的雹子，方近一千三百里地，連人帶房并牲口糧食，打傷了上千上萬的，所以才這樣。"Then in the ninth month came a hailstorm with stones as big as bowls, over an area of nearly thirteen hundred li, injuring and destroying people, houses, livestock, and grain by the thousands and tens of thousands — that is why it has come to this."小的并不敢說謊。”賈珍皺眉道：“我算定了你至少也有五千兩銀子來，這夠作什麼的！"Your servant would not dare to lie." Jia Zhen frowned and said: "I had reckoned you would bring at least five thousand taels of silver — what good is this amount!"如今你們一共只剩了八九個庄子，今年倒有兩處報了旱澇，你們又打擂臺，真真是又教別過年了。”烏進孝道：“爺的這地方還算好呢！"As it is, you have only eight or nine estates left in all, and this year two of them have reported flood and drought, and now you come to pick a fight with me on top of it — truly you mean to keep us from having a New Year at all!" Wu Jinxiao said: "Your estate here, Master, still counts as one of the better ones!"我兄弟離我那里只一百多里，誰知竟大差了。"My younger brother's place is only just over a hundred li from mine, and who would have thought the difference would be so great."他現管著那府里八處庄地，比爺這邊多著幾倍，今年也只這些東西，不過多二三千兩銀子，也是有饑荒打呢。”賈珍道：“正是呢，我這邊都可，已沒有什麼外項大事，不過是一年的費用費些。"He presently manages the eight estates for that other mansion, several times more than your side here, Master, and this year it's the same sort of goods, only two or three thousand taels more in silver — they too are running short." Jia Zhen said: "That's just it — on my side here things are manageable enough; there's no great extra expense to speak of, only that the year's running costs are somewhat heavy."我受些委屈就省些。"If I put up with a little hardship myself, I can economize somewhat."再者年例送人請人，我把臉皮厚些，可省些也就完了。"And besides, for the customary yearly gifts and invitations, if I just thicken my skin a bit, I can cut back on those and be done with it."比不得那府里，這幾年添了許多花錢的事，一定不可免是要花的，卻又不添些銀子產業。"It can't compare with that other mansion — these past few years they've taken on a great many money-spending affairs that simply cannot be avoided, and yet they haven't added any silver or property to make up for it."這一二年倒賠了許多，不和你們要，找誰去！”烏進孝笑道：“那府里如今雖添了事，有去有來，娘娘和萬歲爺豈不賞的！”賈珍聽了，笑向賈蓉等道：“你們聽，他這話可笑不可笑？”賈蓉等忙笑道：“你們山坳海沿子上的人，那里知道這道理。"These past year or two they've actually lost a great deal on it — if I don't come to you people for it, who else am I to turn to!" Wu Jinxiao said with a smile: "Though that other mansion has taken on more affairs these days, there's giving as well as receiving — surely Her Grace and His Majesty must reward them for it!" Hearing this, Jia Zhen laughed and said to Jia Rong and the others: "Listen to that — isn't what he says laughable?" Jia Rong and the others hastily said with a laugh: "How would people like you, tucked away in mountain hollows and by the seaside, understand such matters."娘娘難道把皇上的庫給了我們不成！"Do you suppose Her Grace could simply hand over the Emperor's treasury to us!"他心里縱有這心，他也不能作主。"Even if in her heart she wished to, it is not hers to decide."豈有不賞之理？"How could there fail to be a reward?"按時到節不過是些彩緞古董頑意兒。"At the proper season and festival, it amounts to no more than some silks, satins, antiques, and trinkets."縱賞銀子，不過一百兩金子，才值了一千兩銀子，夠一年的什麼？"Even if silver were given as a reward, it would be no more than a hundred taels of gold, which comes to only about a thousand taels of silver — what is that toward a whole year's expenses?"這二年那一年不多賠出幾千銀子來！"In these past two years, was there ever a single year that didn't see several thousand taels more paid out in loss!"頭一年省親連蓋花園子，你算算那一注共花了多少，就知道了。"The very first year, with the Imperial Consort's home visit and the building of the garden all together — just reckon up how much that one item alone cost, and you'll see."再兩年再一回省親，只怕就精窮了。”賈珍笑道：“所以他們庄家老實人，外明不知里暗的事。"If there's another home visit in a couple more years, I'm afraid they'll be reduced to utter poverty." Jia Zhen said with a laugh: "That's exactly why these honest country folk understand only what's visible on the surface, and know nothing of the hidden troubles underneath."黃柏木作磬槌子，——外頭体面里頭苦。”賈蓉又笑向賈珍道：“果真那府里窮了。"It's like a mallet carved from yellow cypress for striking a chime-stone — dignified on the outside, bitter within." Jia Rong then said to Jia Zhen with a laugh: "That other mansion really has become poor."前兒我聽見鳳姑娘和鴛鴦悄悄商議，要偷出老太太的東西去當銀子呢。”賈珍笑道：“那又是你鳳姑娘的鬼，那里就窮到如此。"The other day I overheard Sister Feng and Yuanyang quietly discussing taking some of the Old Ancestress's things out on the sly to pawn for silver." Jia Zhen said with a laugh: "That's just another of your Sister Feng's tricks again — things haven't come to such poverty as all that."他必定是見去路太多了，實在賠的狠了，不知又要省那一項的錢，先設此法使人知道，說窮到如此了。"She must have seen how many outgoings there are and that the losses have truly grown severe, and not knowing which item's expenses to cut back on next, she's set up this scheme beforehand so that people will hear of it and say things have become as poor as all that."我心里卻有一個算盤，還不至如此田地。”說著，命人帶了烏進孝出去，好生待他，不在話下。"But I have my own reckoning in mind — it hasn't come to that state yet." So saying, he had someone take Wu Jinxiao out and see that he was well looked after — but no more of that for now.

贾珍便命带进他来。一时，只见乌进孝进来，只在院内磕头请安。贾珍命人拉他起来，笑说：“你还硬朗。”乌进孝笑回：“托爷的福，还能走得动。”贾珍道：“你儿子也大了，该叫他走走也罢了。”乌进孝笑道：“不瞒爷说，小的们走惯了，不来也闷的慌。他们可不是都愿意来见见天子脚下世面？他们到底年轻，怕路上有闪失，再过几年就可放心了。”贾珍道：“你走了几日？”乌进孝道：“回爷的话，今年雪大，外头都是四五尺深的雪，前日忽然一暖一化，路上竟难走的很，耽搁了几日。虽走了一个月零两日，因日子有限了，怕爷心焦，可不赶著来了。”贾珍道：“我说呢，怎么今儿才来。我才看那单子上，今年你这老货又来打擂台来了。”乌进孝忙进前了两步，回道：“回爷说，今年年成实在不好。从三月下雨起，接接连连直到八月，竟没有一连晴过五日。九月里一场碗大的雹子，方近一千三百里地，连人带房并牲口粮食，打伤了上千上万的，所以才这样。小的并不敢说谎。”贾珍皱眉道：“我算定了你至少也有五千两银子来，这够作什么的！如今你们一共只剩了八九个庄子，今年倒有两处报了旱涝，你们又打擂台，真真是又教别过年了。”乌进孝道：“爷的这地方还算好呢！我兄弟离我那里只一百多里，谁知竟大差了。他现管著那府里八处庄地，比爷这边多著几倍，今年也只这些东西，不过多二三千两银子，也是有饥荒打呢。”贾珍道：“正是呢，我这边都可，已没有什么外项大事，不过是一年的费用费些。我受些委屈就省些。再者年例送人请人，我把脸皮厚些，可省些也就完了。比不得那府里，这几年添了许多花钱的事，一定不可免是要花的，却又不添些银子产业。这一二年倒赔了许多，不和你们要，找谁去！”乌进孝笑道：“那府里如今虽添了事，有去有来，娘娘和万岁爷岂不赏的！”贾珍听了，笑向贾蓉等道：“你们听，他这话可笑不可笑？”贾蓉等忙笑道：“你们山坳海沿子上的人，那里知道这道理。娘娘难道把皇上的库给了我们不成！他心里纵有这心，他也不能作主。岂有不赏之理？按时到节不过是些彩缎古董顽意儿。纵赏银子，不过一百两金子，才值了一千两银子，够一年的什么？这二年那一年不多赔出几千银子来！头一年省亲连盖花园子，你算算那一注共花了多少，就知道了。再两年再一回省亲，只怕就精穷了。”贾珍笑道：“所以他们庄家老实人，外明不知里暗的事。黄柏木作磬槌子，——外头体面里头苦。”贾蓉又笑向贾珍道：“果真那府里穷了。前儿我听见凤姑娘和鸳鸯悄悄商议，要偷出老太太的东西去当银子呢。”贾珍笑道：“那又是你凤姑娘的鬼，那里就穷到如此。他必定是见去路太多了，实在赔的狠了，不知又要省那一项的钱，先设此法使人知道，说穷到如此了。我心里却有一个算盘，还不至如此田地。”说著，命人带了乌进孝出去，好生待他，不在话下。

這里賈珍吩咐將方才各物，留出供祖的來，將各樣取了些，命賈蓉送過榮府里。Here Jia Zhen instructed that, from among all the goods just brought, a portion be set aside for the ancestral offerings, and that some of each item be taken out and sent by Jia Rong over to the Rongguo mansion.然後自己留了家中所用的，餘者派出等例來，一分一分的堆在月臺下，命人將族中的子侄喚來與他們。Then he kept back for his own household's use what was needed, and had the remainder divided out by rank and allotment, piled up share by share below the terrace, and had someone call in the sons and nephews of the clan to give it out to them.接著榮國府也送了許多供祖之物及賈珍之物。Following this, the Rongguo mansion in turn sent over a great many articles for the ancestral offerings, as well as gifts for Jia Zhen himself.賈珍看著收拾完備供器，靸著鞋，披著猞猁猻大裘，命人在廳柱下石磯上太陽中舖了一個大狼皮褥子，負暄閒看各子弟們來領取年物。Jia Zhen, watching until the sacrificial vessels were all properly arranged, shuffled along in his slippers, a great lynx-fur cloak thrown over his shoulders, and had someone spread a large wolf-skin cushion on the stone step beneath the hall pillars, out in the sun; there he basked in the warmth, idly watching the various young men of the clan come to collect their New Year's goods.因見賈芹亦來領物，賈珍叫他過來，說道：“你作什麼也來了？Seeing that Jia Qin had also come to collect goods, Jia Zhen called him over and said: "What are you doing coming here too?"誰叫你來的？”賈芹垂手回說：“聽見大爺這里叫我們領東西，我沒等人去就來了。”賈珍道：“我這東西，原是給你那些閒著無事的無進益的小叔叔兄弟們的。"Who told you to come?" Jia Qin, hands lowered respectfully, replied: "I heard that you were calling us to come collect things here, Uncle, so I came without waiting to be sent for." Jia Zhen said: "These goods of mine are meant, to begin with, for those idle young uncles and cousins of yours who have nothing to do and no income of their own."那二年你閒著，我也給過你的。"In those years when you were idle too, I gave you a share as well."你如今在那府里管事，家廟里管和尚道士們，一月又有你的分例外，這些和尚的分例銀子都從你手里過，你還來取這個，太也貪了！"Now that you're managing affairs over at that mansion, in charge of the monks and Taoist priests at the family temple, you already draw your own monthly allowance besides, and all the silver for the monks' allowances passes through your hands as well — and yet you still come to take this too? That is far too greedy!"你自己瞧瞧，你穿的象個手里使錢辦事的？"Just look at yourself — do you dress like someone who handles money and runs affairs?"先前說你沒進益，如今又怎麼了？"Before, people said you had no income — how is it now, then?"比先倒不象了。”賈芹道：“我家里原人口多，費用大。”賈珍冷笑道：“你還支吾我。"You look worse off than before, if anything." Jia Qin said: "It's just that there are many mouths in my household, and the expenses are heavy." Jia Zhen said with a cold laugh: "And you still try to fob me off with excuses."你在家廟里幹的事，打諒我不知道呢。"As for what you've been up to at the family temple, don't imagine I don't know."你到了那里自然是爺了，沒人敢違拗你。"Once you get there, you're the master of course, and no one dares cross you."你手里又有了錢，離著我們又遠，你就為王稱霸起來，夜夜招聚匪類賭錢，養老婆小子。"With money in your hands, and being far away from us besides, you've taken to lording it over the place — night after night gathering disreputable types to gamble, and keeping women and catamites on the side."這會子花的這個形象，你還敢領東西來？"Squandering money to the state you're in now, and you still dare come to collect goods?"領不成東西，領一頓馱水棍去才罷。"Instead of goods, what you'll get is a beating with a carrying-pole, and only then will it be settled."等過了年，我必和你璉二叔說，換回你來。”賈芹紅了臉，不敢答應。"Once the New Year is over, I will certainly speak to your Second Uncle Lian about it and have you recalled." Jia Qin's face flushed red, and he did not dare answer.人回：“北府水王爺送了字聯，荷包來了。”賈珍聽說，忙命賈蓉出去款待，“只說我不在家。”賈蓉去了，這里賈珍看著領完東西，回房與尤氏吃畢晚飯，一宿無話。Someone came in to report: "Prince Shui of the Northern Mansion has sent scroll-couplets and purses." On hearing this, Jia Zhen hastily ordered Jia Rong to go out and receive them, saying, "Just tell them I am not at home." Jia Rong went off; here Jia Zhen watched until the distribution of goods was finished, then returned to his room, ate supper with Madam You, and nothing more happened that night.至次日，更比往日忙，都不必細說。By the next day, things were even busier than usual — there is no need to describe it in detail.

这里贾珍吩咐将方才各物，留出供祖的来，将各样取了些，命贾蓉送过荣府里。然后自己留了家中所用的，余者派出等例来，一分一分的堆在月台下，命人将族中的子侄唤来与他们。接著荣国府也送了许多供祖之物及贾珍之物。贾珍看著收拾完备供器，靸著鞋，披著猞猁狲大裘，命人在厅柱下石矶上太阳中铺了一个大狼皮褥子，负暄闲看各子弟们来领取年物。因见贾芹亦来领物，贾珍叫他过来，说道：“你作什么也来了？谁叫你来的？”贾芹垂手回说：“听见大爷这里叫我们领东西，我没等人去就来了。”贾珍道：“我这东西，原是给你那些闲著无事的无进益的小叔叔兄弟们的。那二年你闲著，我也给过你的。你如今在那府里管事，家庙里管和尚道士们，一月又有你的分例外，这些和尚的分例银子都从你手里过，你还来取这个，太也贪了！你自己瞧瞧，你穿的象个手里使钱办事的？先前说你没进益，如今又怎么了？比先倒不象了。”贾芹道：“我家里原人口多，费用大。”贾珍冷笑道：“你还支吾我。你在家庙里干的事，打谅我不知道呢。你到了那里自然是爷了，没人敢违拗你。你手里又有了钱，离著我们又远，你就为王称霸起来，夜夜招聚匪类赌钱，养老婆小子。这会子花的这个形象，你还敢领东西来？领不成东西，领一顿驮水棍去才罢。等过了年，我必和你琏二叔说，换回你来。”贾芹红了脸，不敢答应。人回：“北府水王爷送了字联，荷包来了。”贾珍听说，忙命贾蓉出去款待，“只说我不在家。”贾蓉去了，这里贾珍看著领完东西，回房与尤氏吃毕晚饭，一宿无话。至次日，更比往日忙，都不必细说。

已到了腊月二十九日了，各色齊備，兩府中都換了門神，聯對，挂牌，新油了桃符，煥然一新。It was already the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth month, and everything of every kind was in readiness; in both mansions the door gods and couplets had been changed, name-plaques hung, the peachwood charms freshly painted, and all was resplendent and new.寧國府從大門，儀門，大廳，暖閣，內廳，內三門，內儀門并內塞門，直到正堂，一路正門大開，兩邊階下一色朱紅大高照，點的兩條金龍一般。In the Ningguo mansion, from the main gate, the ceremonial gate, the great hall, the warm pavilion, the inner hall, the inner triple gate, the inner ceremonial gate, and the inner screen gate, all the way to the main hall, the central doors stood open the whole way along, and on either side beneath the steps stood rows of tall vermilion lanterns, lit so that they looked like two dragons of gold.次日，由賈母有誥封者，皆按品級著朝服，先坐八人大轎，帶領著眾人進宮朝賀，行禮領宴畢回來，便到寧國府暖閣下轎。The next day, starting with Grandmother Jia, all those who held imperial titles of rank put on their court robes according to their rank, and, riding first in an eight-bearer great palanquin, led everyone into the palace to pay homage; when the ceremonies and the bestowed banquet were finished, they returned, and went to alight from their palanquins at the warm pavilion of the Ningguo mansion.諸子弟有未隨入朝者，皆在寧府門前排班伺侯，然後引入宗祠。Those of the younger generation who had not accompanied them into the palace all stood in ranks before the gate of the Ning mansion waiting in attendance, and were afterward led into the ancestral hall.且說寶琴是初次，一面細細留神打諒這宗祠，原來寧府西邊另一個院子，黑油柵欄內五間大門，上懸一塊匾，寫著是“賈氏宗祠”四個字，旁書“衍圣公孔繼宗書”。Now, since this was Baoqin's first time, she looked closely and carefully to take in this ancestral hall: it turned out to be a separate courtyard on the west side of the Ning mansion, with a five-bayed great gate set within a black-lacquered railing; above it hung a plaque bearing the four characters "Ancestral Hall of the Jia Clan," with a side inscription reading "Written by Kong Jizong, Duke for the Perpetuation of the Sage."兩旁有一副長聯，寫道是：On either side hung a long pair of matching scrolls, which read:

已到了腊月二十九日了，各色齐备，两府中都换了门神，联对，挂牌，新油了桃符，焕然一新。宁国府从大门，仪门，大厅，暖阁，内厅，内三门，内仪门并内塞门，直到正堂，一路正门大开，两边阶下一色朱红大高照，点的两条金龙一般。次日，由贾母有诰封者，皆按品级著朝服，先坐八人大轿，带领著众人进宫朝贺，行礼领宴毕回来，便到宁国府暖阁下轿。诸子弟有未随入朝者，皆在宁府门前排班伺侯，然后引入宗祠。且说宝琴是初次，一面细细留神打谅这宗祠，原来宁府西边另一个院子，黑油栅栏内五间大门，上悬一块匾，写著是“贾氏宗祠”四个字，旁书“衍圣公孔继宗书”。两旁有一副长联，写道是：

肝腦涂地，兆姓賴保育之恩，Liver and brains spilled upon the ground — the myriad surnames depend upon the grace of their nurturing protection;

肝脑涂地，兆姓赖保育之恩，

功名貫天，百代仰蒸嘗之盛。Merit and fame piercing the heavens — a hundred generations look up to the splendor of their sacrificial offerings.

功名贯天，百代仰蒸尝之盛。

亦衍圣公所書。This too was written by the Duke for the Perpetuation of the Sage.進入院中，白石甬路，兩邊皆是蒼松翠柏。Entering the courtyard, there was a paved path of white stone, with dark green pines and cypresses standing on either side.月臺上設著青綠古銅鼎彝等器。On the terrace were set out ancient bronze tripods and ritual vessels, patinated blue-green.抱廈前上面懸一九龍金匾，寫道是：“星輝輔弼”。Before the projecting front hall hung a gold plaque with nine dragons, which read: "Star-Radiance, Aiding and Assisting."乃先皇御筆。This was in the brushwork of a former emperor himself.兩邊一副對聯，寫道是：On either side hung a pair of matching scrolls, which read:

亦衍圣公所书。进入院中，白石甬路，两边皆是苍松翠柏。月台上设著青绿古铜鼎彝等器。抱厦前上面悬一九龙金匾，写道是：“星辉辅弼”。乃先皇御笔。两边一副对联，写道是：

勳業有光昭日月，功名無間及兒孫。Meritorious deeds shine bright as sun and moon; fame and rank, without interruption, extend to sons and grandsons.

勋业有光昭日月，功名无间及儿孙。

亦是御筆。This too was in the imperial brush.五間正殿前懸一鬧龍填青匾，寫道是：“慎終追遠”。Before the five-bayed main hall hung a plaque of coiling dragons inlaid in blue, which read: "Honoring the End, Pursuing the Distant Past."旁邊一副對聯，寫道是：Beside it hung a pair of matching scrolls, which read:

亦是御笔。五间正殿前悬一闹龙填青匾，写道是：“慎终追远”。旁边一副对联，写道是：

已後兒孫承福德，至今黎庶念榮寧。Hereafter may sons and grandsons inherit their blessed virtue; to this day the common people remember the houses of Rong and Ning.

已后儿孙承福德，至今黎庶念荣宁。

俱是御筆。All of these were in the imperial brush.里邊香燭輝煌，錦幛繡幕，雖列著神主，卻看不真切。Within, incense and candles blazed bright, with brocade screens and embroidered curtains; although the ancestral tablets were arrayed there, they could not be seen clearly.只見賈府人分昭穆排班立定：賈敬主祭，賈赦陪祭，賈珍獻爵，賈璉賈琮獻帛，寶玉捧香，賈菖賈菱展拜毯，守焚池。The members of the Jia family were seen arranged in ranks according to the order of generations, standing in place: Jia Jing conducted the main sacrifice, Jia She assisted in the sacrifice, Jia Zhen presented the wine cups, Jia Lian and Jia Cong presented the silk offerings, Baoyu held the incense, and Jia Chang and Jia Ling spread out the kneeling mats and tended the burning pit.青衣樂奏，三獻爵，拜興畢，焚帛奠酒，禮畢，樂止，退出。Musicians in blue robes played, the wine cups were offered three times, and when the bowing and rising were finished, the silk was burned and wine poured in libation; when the rites were complete, the music stopped, and all withdrew.眾人圍隨著賈母至正堂上，影前錦幔高挂，彩屏張護，香燭輝煌。The whole company then accompanied Grandmother Jia to the main hall, where before the ancestral portraits brocade curtains hung high, painted screens stood guard around them, and incense and candles blazed bright.上面正居中懸著寧榮二祖遺像，皆是披蟒腰玉；In the very center above hung the portraits of the two founding ancestors of Ning and Rong, both clad in python robes with jade-studded belts;兩邊還有幾軸列祖遺影。On both sides there were also several scrolls of portraits of the ancestors.賈荇賈芷等從內儀門挨次列站，直到正堂廊下。Jia Xing, Jia Zhi, and the others stood in a line from the inner ceremonial gate all the way to the veranda of the main hall.檻外方是賈敬賈赦，檻內是各女眷。Outside the threshold stood Jia Jing and Jia She; inside the threshold were the various womenfolk.眾家人小廝皆在儀門之外。All the household servants and pages stood outside the ceremonial gate.每一道菜至，傳至儀門，賈荇賈芷等便接了，按次傳至階上賈敬手中。As each dish arrived and was passed to the ceremonial gate, Jia Xing, Jia Zhi, and the others would receive it and pass it in turn up the steps into Jia Jing's hands.賈蓉系長房長孫，獨他隨女眷在檻內。Jia Rong, being the eldest grandson of the senior branch, was the only one who stood with the womenfolk inside the threshold.每賈敬捧菜至，傳于賈蓉，賈蓉便傳于他妻子，又傳于鳳姐尤氏諸人，直傳至供桌前，方傳于王夫人。Whenever Jia Jing brought a dish forward, he passed it to Jia Rong, who passed it to his wife, and she in turn passed it to Xifeng, You-shi, and the others, until it reached the offering table, where it was finally passed to Lady Wang.王夫人傳于賈母，賈母方捧放在桌上。Lady Wang passed it to the Lady Dowager, who then set it on the table with her own hands.邢夫人在供桌之西，東向立，同賈母供放。Lady Xing stood to the west of the offering table, facing east, setting out offerings together with the Lady Dowager.直至將菜飯湯點酒茶傳完，賈蓉方退出下階，歸入賈芹階位之首。Only after all the dishes, rice, soup, sweets, wine, and tea had been passed through did Jia Rong withdraw down the steps and take his place at the head of Jia Qin's rank.凡從文旁之名者，賈敬為首，下則從玉者，賈珍為首，再下從草頭者，賈蓉為首，左昭右穆，男東女西，俟賈母拈香下拜，眾人方一齊跪下，將五間大廳，三間抱廈，內外廊檐，階上階下兩丹墀內，花團錦簇，塞的無一隙空地。Among all whose names bore the "文" radical, Jia Jing led; next, among those whose names bore the "玉" radical, Jia Zhen led; and below them, among those whose names bore the grass radical, Jia Rong led — arranged in the zhao-mu order of ancestral precedence, men to the east and women to the west; only when the Lady Dowager had taken up incense and bowed did everyone kneel down together, filling the five-bay great hall, the three-bay side chambers, the inner and outer eaves of the corridors, and the raised courtyards above and below the steps — a mass of brocade and blossoms packed so dense there was not a single gap of empty ground.鴉雀無聞，只聽鏗鏘叮當，金鈴玉珮微微搖曳之聲，并起跪靴履颯沓之響。Not a crow or sparrow could be heard — only the clinking and tinkling of gold bells and jade pendants swaying faintly, together with the rustling patter of boots and shoes as people rose and knelt.一時禮畢，賈敬賈赦等便忙退出，至榮府專候與賈母行禮。Presently the rites concluded, and Jia Jing, Jia She, and the others hastened out, going to the Rong mansion to wait especially to pay their respects to the Lady Dowager.

俱是御笔。里边香烛辉煌，锦幛绣幕，虽列著神主，却看不真切。只见贾府人分昭穆排班立定：贾敬主祭，贾赦陪祭，贾珍献爵，贾琏贾琮献帛，宝玉捧香，贾菖贾菱展拜毯，守焚池。青衣乐奏，三献爵，拜兴毕，焚帛奠酒，礼毕，乐止，退出。众人围随著贾母至正堂上，影前锦幔高挂，彩屏张护，香烛辉煌。上面正居中悬著宁荣二祖遗像，皆是披蟒腰玉；两边还有几轴列祖遗影。贾荇贾芷等从内仪门挨次列站，直到正堂廊下。槛外方是贾敬贾赦，槛内是各女眷。众家人小厮皆在仪门之外。每一道菜至，传至仪门，贾荇贾芷等便接了，按次传至阶上贾敬手中。贾蓉系长房长孙，独他随女眷在槛内。每贾敬捧菜至，传于贾蓉，贾蓉便传于他妻子，又传于凤姐尤氏诸人，直传至供桌前，方传于王夫人。王夫人传于贾母，贾母方捧放在桌上。邢夫人在供桌之西，东向立，同贾母供放。直至将菜饭汤点酒茶传完，贾蓉方退出下阶，归入贾芹阶位之首。凡从文旁之名者，贾敬为首，下则从玉者，贾珍为首，再下从草头者，贾蓉为首，左昭右穆，男东女西，俟贾母拈香下拜，众人方一齐跪下，将五间大厅，三间抱厦，内外廊檐，阶上阶下两丹墀内，花团锦簇，塞的无一隙空地。鸦雀无闻，只听铿锵叮当，金铃玉珮微微摇曳之声，并起跪靴履飒沓之响。一时礼毕，贾敬贾赦等便忙退出，至荣府专候与贾母行礼。

尤氏上房早已襲地舖滿紅氈，當地放著象鼻三足鰍沿鎏金琺琅大火盆，正面炕上舖新猩紅氈，設著大紅彩繡雲龍捧壽的靠背引枕，外另有黑狐皮的袱子搭在上面，大白狐皮坐褥，請賈母上去坐了。You-shi's main room had already been laid, floor to floor, with red felt carpet; in the center stood a large gilt-enamel brazier with three elephant-trunk legs and a rounded, loach-back rim; on the kang facing forward, new bright-red felt had been spread, with a backrest and bolster of scarlet embroidered with clouds and dragons holding up the character for longevity set out, and over these a black fox-fur wrap was further draped, with a cushion of large white fox fur besides, and the Lady Dowager was invited to sit there.兩邊又舖皮褥，讓賈母一輩的兩三個妯娌坐了。On both sides fur cushions were also spread, seating two or three sisters-in-law of the Lady Dowager's own generation.這邊橫頭排插之後小炕上，也舖了皮褥，讓邢夫人等坐了。On the small kang behind the screen at the end on this side, fur cushions were likewise spread, seating Lady Xing and the others.地下兩面相對十二張雕漆椅上，都是一色灰鼠椅搭小褥，每一張椅下一個大銅腳爐，讓寶琴等姊妹坐了。On the floor, on twelve carved-lacquer chairs arranged facing each other on both sides, small cushions of uniform gray-squirrel fur had been laid, and beneath each chair was a large brass foot-warmer — these seated Baoqin and the other young ladies.尤氏用茶盤親捧茶與賈母，蓉妻捧與眾老祖母，然後尤氏又捧與邢夫人等，蓉妻又捧與眾姊妹。You-shi, with a tea tray, personally served tea to the Lady Dowager, while Jia Rong's wife served the other elder grandmothers; then You-shi went on to serve Lady Xing and the others, and Jia Rong's wife served the young ladies.鳳姐李紈等只在地下伺侯。Xifeng, Li Wan, and the others merely waited in attendance on the floor.茶畢，邢夫人等便先起身來侍賈母。When the tea was finished, Lady Xing and the others rose first to attend upon the Lady Dowager.賈母吃茶，與老妯娌閒話了兩三句，便命看轎。The Lady Dowager drank her tea, exchanged a few idle words with her old sisters-in-law, and then ordered the sedan chair made ready.鳳姐兒忙上去挽起來。Xifeng hurried forward to help her up.尤氏笑回說：“已經預備下老太太的晚飯。You-shi said with a smile, "The Old Ancestress's supper has already been prepared.每年都不肯賞些体面用過晚飯過去，果然我們就不及鳳丫頭不成？”鳳姐兒攙著賈母笑道：“老祖宗快走，咱們家去吃飯，別理他。”賈母笑道：“你這里供著祖宗，忙的什麼似的，那里擱得住我鬧。Every year you refuse to grant us the honor of eating supper here before going on — can it really be that we don't measure up to that girl Feng?" Xifeng, supporting the Lady Dowager, said with a laugh, "Old Ancestress, let's go quickly — we'll go home and eat, never mind her." The Lady Dowager said with a smile, "Here you are with the ancestors' offerings to see to, busy as can be — how could you possibly put up with my carrying on here.況且每年我不吃，你們也要送去的。Besides, every year even when I don't eat here, you still have the food sent over to me.不如還送了去，我吃不了留著明兒再吃，豈不多吃些。”說的眾人都笑了。Better to just send it over — if I can't finish it, I'll keep it and eat it again tomorrow, and won't that mean I get to eat all the more?" This made everyone laugh.又吩咐他：“好生派妥當人夜里看香火，不是大意得的。”尤氏答應了。She also instructed her, "Be sure to assign reliable people to tend the incense fires through the night — this is nothing to be careless about." You-shi assented.一面走出來至暖閣前上了轎。So saying, she walked out and boarded her sedan chair in front of the warm pavilion.尤氏等閃過屏風，小廝們才領轎夫，請了轎出大門。Only after You-shi and the others had stepped aside behind the screen did the pages lead the chair-bearers in and carry the sedan chair out through the main gate.尤氏亦隨邢夫人等同至榮府。You-shi likewise followed Lady Xing and the others to the Rong mansion.

尤氏上房早已袭地铺满红毡，当地放著象鼻三足鳅沿鎏金珐琅大火盆，正面炕上铺新猩红毡，设著大红彩绣云龙捧寿的靠背引枕，外另有黑狐皮的袱子搭在上面，大白狐皮坐褥，请贾母上去坐了。两边又铺皮褥，让贾母一辈的两三个妯娌坐了。这边横头排插之后小炕上，也铺了皮褥，让邢夫人等坐了。地下两面相对十二张雕漆椅上，都是一色灰鼠椅搭小褥，每一张椅下一个大铜脚炉，让宝琴等姊妹坐了。尤氏用茶盘亲捧茶与贾母，蓉妻捧与众老祖母，然后尤氏又捧与邢夫人等，蓉妻又捧与众姊妹。凤姐李纨等只在地下伺侯。茶毕，邢夫人等便先起身来侍贾母。贾母吃茶，与老妯娌闲话了两三句，便命看轿。凤姐儿忙上去挽起来。尤氏笑回说：“已经预备下老太太的晚饭。每年都不肯赏些体面用过晚饭过去，果然我们就不及凤丫头不成？”凤姐儿搀著贾母笑道：“老祖宗快走，咱们家去吃饭，别理他。”贾母笑道：“你这里供著祖宗，忙的什么似的，那里搁得住我闹。况且每年我不吃，你们也要送去的。不如还送了去，我吃不了留著明儿再吃，岂不多吃些。”说的众人都笑了。又吩咐他：“好生派妥当人夜里看香火，不是大意得的。”尤氏答应了。一面走出来至暖阁前上了轿。尤氏等闪过屏风，小厮们才领轿夫，请了轿出大门。尤氏亦随邢夫人等同至荣府。

這里轎出大門，這一條街上，東一邊合面設列著寧國公的儀仗執事樂器，西一邊合面設列著榮國公的儀仗執事樂器，來往行人皆屏退不從此過。As the sedan chair came out through the gate here, along this street the ceremonial regalia, attendants' implements, and musical instruments of the Duke of Ningguo were set out facing each other on the east side, while those of the Duke of Rongguo were set out facing each other on the west side; passersby coming and going were all cleared away and did not pass through this way.一時來至榮府，也是大門正廳直開到底。Presently they arrived at the Rong mansion, where likewise the main gate and the front hall stood open in a straight line all the way through.如今便不在暖閣下轎了，過了大廳，便轉彎向西，至賈母這邊正廳上下轎。This time, however, she did not alight from the sedan chair at the warm pavilion; instead, after passing the great hall, the chair turned west, and she alighted at the front hall on the Lady Dowager's side.眾人圍隨同至賈母正室之中，亦是錦裀繡屏，煥然一新。Everyone gathered around and accompanied her into the Lady Dowager's main chamber, which was likewise spread with brocade cushions and embroidered screens, all freshly resplendent.當地火盆內焚著松柏香，百合草。In the brazier set in the middle of the room, pine-and-cypress incense and lily-grass were burning.賈母歸了坐，老嬤嬤來回：“老太太們來行禮。”賈母忙又起身要迎，只見兩三個老妯娌已進來了。The Lady Dowager took her seat, and an old matron came in to report, "The elder ladies have come to pay their respects." The Lady Dowager hastily rose again to greet them, and just then two or three of her old sisters-in-law had already come in.大家挽手，笑了一回，讓了一回。Everyone clasped hands together, laughed for a while, and exchanged courtesies for a while.吃茶去後，賈母只送至內儀門便回來，歸正坐。After they had gone off to drink tea, the Lady Dowager saw them only as far as the inner ceremonial gate before turning back and returning to her seat.賈敬賈赦等領諸子弟進來。Jia Jing, Jia She, and the others led in the various sons and nephews.賈母笑道：“一年价難為你們，不行禮罷。”一面說著，一面男一起，女一起，一起一起俱行過了禮。The Lady Dowager said with a smile, "You've all had a hard year of it — let's dispense with the bows." Even as she spoke, however, the men in one group and the women in another, group by group, all performed the ceremony anyway.左右兩旁設下交椅，然後又按長幼挨次歸坐受禮。Folding chairs were set out on either side, and then, in order of age and seniority, everyone took their seats in turn to receive the ceremony.兩府男婦小廝丫鬟亦按差役上中下行禮畢，散押歲錢，荷包，金銀錁，擺上合歡宴來。The men, women, pages, and maids of the two mansions likewise performed the ceremony according to the ranks of their duties, upper, middle, and lower; New Year's money, purses, and gold and silver ingots were then distributed, and the feast of reunion was laid out.男東女西歸坐，獻屠蘇酒，合歡湯，吉祥果，如意糕畢，賈母起身進內間更衣，眾人方各散出。The men returned to their seats on the east, the women on the west, and after the tusu wine, the reunion soup, the fruits of good fortune, and the cakes of good wishes had been offered, the Lady Dowager rose and went into the inner room to change her clothes, whereupon everyone finally dispersed.那晚各處佛堂灶王前焚香上供，王夫人正房院內設著天地紙馬香供，大觀園正門上也挑著大明角燈，兩溜高照，各處皆有路燈。That night, incense was burned and offerings made before the Buddha halls and the Kitchen God shrines everywhere; in the courtyard of Lady Wang's main apartments, paper effigies and incense offerings to Heaven and Earth were set out; over the main gate of the Grand View Garden great horn lanterns were also hung, with two rows of tall beacon-lanterns, and every path everywhere was lit with lamps.上下人等，皆打扮的花團錦簇，一夜人聲嘈雜，語笑喧闐，爆竹起火，絡繹不絕。Everyone, high and low, was dressed in a riot of splendid color; all night long voices buzzed noisily, laughter and chatter rang out, and firecrackers and fireworks went off one after another without pause.至次日五鼓，賈母等又按品大妝，擺全副執事進宮朝賀，兼祝元春千秋。At the fifth watch the next day, the Lady Dowager and the others again dressed in full formal attire according to their rank, and with a complete retinue of attendants set out for the palace to offer New Year's congratulations and also to wish Yuanchun long life.領宴回來，又至寧府祭過列祖，方回來受禮畢，便換衣歇息。After receiving the palace banquet and returning, they went once more to the Ning mansion to offer sacrifices to the ancestors, and only after coming back and finishing the receiving of ceremonial greetings did they change their clothes and rest.所有賀節來的親友一概不會，只和薛姨媽李嬸二人說話取便，或者同寶玉，寶琴，釵，玉等姊妹赶圍棋抹牌作戲。All the relatives and friends who came to offer New Year's greetings were, without exception, not received; she only chatted at her ease with Aunt Xue and Aunt Li, or else played chess and cards for amusement with Baoyu, Baoqin, Baochai, Daiyu, and the other young ladies.王夫人與鳳姐是天天忙著請人吃年酒，那邊廳上院內皆是戲酒，親友絡繹不絕，一連忙了七八日才完了。Lady Wang and Xifeng were busy every day inviting people to New Year's feasts; over in the hall and courtyard there was theater and wine going on continually, with relatives and friends coming one after another without end, and it took a solid seven or eight days of bustle before it was all finished.早又元宵將近，寧榮二府皆張燈結彩。Before long the Lantern Festival was drawing near, and both the Ning and Rong mansions hung lanterns and festooned decorations.十一日是賈赦請賈母等，次日賈珍又請，賈母皆去隨便領了半日。On the eleventh, Jia She hosted a feast for the Lady Dowager and the others; the next day Jia Zhen hosted one as well, and the Lady Dowager went each time, casually spending half a day at each.王夫人和鳳姐兒連日被人請去吃年酒，不能胜記。Lady Wang and Xifeng, day after day, were invited out to New Year's feasts too numerous to keep count of.至十五日之夕，賈母便在大花廳上命擺幾席酒，定一班小戲，滿挂各色佳燈，帶領榮寧二府各子姪孫男孫媳等家宴。On the evening of the fifteenth, the Lady Dowager had several tables of wine set out in the Grand Flower Hall, engaged a troupe of young actors, hung fine lanterns of every color throughout, and led the sons, nephews, grandsons, and grandsons' wives of both the Rong and Ning mansions in a family banquet.賈敬素不茹酒，也不去請他，于後十七日祖祀已完，他便仍出城去修養。Jia Jing had never taken wine, so no one went to invite him; once the ancestral rites were concluded on the seventeenth, he went back out of the city as before to continue his cultivation.便這幾日在家內，亦是淨室默處，一概無聽無聞，不在話下。Even during these few days when he stayed in the household, he remained in silent seclusion in a pure chamber, hearing and heeding nothing at all — but that need not be dwelt upon here.賈赦略領了賈母之賜，也便告辭而去。Jia She, having briefly accepted the Lady Dowager's hospitality, likewise took his leave and departed.賈母知他在此彼此不便，也就隨他去了。The Lady Dowager, knowing that his presence here would be awkward for everyone, let him go as he wished.賈赦自到家中與眾門客賞燈吃酒，自然是笙歌聒耳，錦繡盈眸，其取便快樂另與這邊不同的。Jia She, once home, enjoyed the lanterns and wine with his retainers; naturally there was music and song filling the ears and brocade and splendor filling the eyes — his particular brand of pleasure being altogether different from that on this side.

这里轿出大门，这一条街上，东一边合面设列著宁国公的仪仗执事乐器，西一边合面设列著荣国公的仪仗执事乐器，来往行人皆屏退不从此过。一时来至荣府，也是大门正厅直开到底。如今便不在暖阁下轿了，过了大厅，便转弯向西，至贾母这边正厅上下轿。众人围随同至贾母正室之中，亦是锦裀绣屏，焕然一新。当地火盆内焚著松柏香，百合草。贾母归了坐，老嬷嬷来回：“老太太们来行礼。”贾母忙又起身要迎，只见两三个老妯娌已进来了。大家挽手，笑了一回，让了一回。吃茶去后，贾母只送至内仪门便回来，归正坐。贾敬贾赦等领诸子弟进来。贾母笑道：“一年价难为你们，不行礼罢。”一面说著，一面男一起，女一起，一起一起俱行过了礼。左右两旁设下交椅，然后又按长幼挨次归坐受礼。两府男妇小厮丫鬟亦按差役上中下行礼毕，散押岁钱，荷包，金银锞，摆上合欢宴来。男东女西归坐，献屠苏酒，合欢汤，吉祥果，如意糕毕，贾母起身进内间更衣，众人方各散出。那晚各处佛堂灶王前焚香上供，王夫人正房院内设著天地纸马香供，大观园正门上也挑著大明角灯，两溜高照，各处皆有路灯。上下人等，皆打扮的花团锦簇，一夜人声嘈杂，语笑喧阗，爆竹起火，络绎不绝。至次日五鼓，贾母等又按品大妆，摆全副执事进宫朝贺，兼祝元春千秋。领宴回来，又至宁府祭过列祖，方回来受礼毕，便换衣歇息。所有贺节来的亲友一概不会，只和薛姨妈李婶二人说话取便，或者同宝玉，宝琴，钗，玉等姊妹赶围棋抹牌作戏。王夫人与凤姐是天天忙著请人吃年酒，那边厅上院内皆是戏酒，亲友络绎不绝，一连忙了七八日才完了。早又元宵将近，宁荣二府皆张灯结彩。十一日是贾赦请贾母等，次日贾珍又请，贾母皆去随便领了半日。王夫人和凤姐儿连日被人请去吃年酒，不能胜记。至十五日之夕，贾母便在大花厅上命摆几席酒，定一班小戏，满挂各色佳灯，带领荣宁二府各子姪孙男孙媳等家宴。贾敬素不茹酒，也不去请他，于后十七日祖祀已完，他便仍出城去修养。便这几日在家内，亦是净室默处，一概无听无闻，不在话下。贾赦略领了贾母之赐，也便告辞而去。贾母知他在此彼此不便，也就随他去了。贾赦自到家中与众门客赏灯吃酒，自然是笙歌聒耳，锦绣盈眸，其取便快乐另与这边不同的。

這邊賈母花廳之上共擺了十來席。Here, in the Lady Dowager's Flower Hall, some ten-odd tables were set out in all.每一席旁邊設一，上設爐瓶三事，焚著御賜百合宮香。Beside each table stood a small stand, on which was set a three-piece incense arrangement of censer and vase, burning imperially bestowed lily palace incense.又有八寸來長四五寸寬二三寸高的點著山石布滿青苔的小盆景，俱是新鮮花卉。There were also miniature potted landscapes, about eight inches long, four or five inches wide, and two or three inches high, set with rockery covered in moss, all planted with fresh flowers.又有小洋漆茶盤，內放著舊窯茶杯并十錦小茶吊，里面泡著上等名茶。There were also small foreign-lacquer tea trays, holding antique-kiln teacups and small many-colored tea kettles, in which top-grade famous teas were steeping.一色皆是紫檀透雕，嵌著大紅紗透繡花卉并草字詩詞的瓔珞。All alike were made of openwork-carved red sandalwood, inlaid with pendant panels of bright red gauze openwork-embroidered with flowers and cursive-script poems.原來繡這瓔珞的也是個姑蘇女子，名喚慧娘。It turned out that the woman who had embroidered these pendant panels was also a girl from Suzhou, named Huiniang.因他亦是書香宦門之家，他原精于書畫，不過偶然繡一兩件針線作耍，并非市賣之物。As she too came from a family of scholarly, official lineage, she was originally skilled in painting and calligraphy, and would only occasionally embroider a piece or two for amusement — these were never items made for sale.凡這屏上所繡之花卉，皆仿的是唐、宋、元、明各名家的折枝花卉，故其格式配色皆從雅，本來非一味濃艷匠工可比。All the flowers embroidered on these panels were modeled after the flowering-branch paintings of famous masters of the Tang, Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, so their composition and coloring were all refined and elegant, quite beyond comparison with work relying merely on heavy, gaudy color and craftsman's skill.每一枝花側皆用古人題此花之舊句，或詩詞歌賦不一，皆用黑絨繡出草字來，且字跡勾踢，轉折，輕重，連斷皆與筆草無异，亦不比市繡字跡板強可恨。Beside every spray of flowers was embroidered, in black floss, an old line composed by some ancient poet in praise of that flower — whether drawn from poem, lyric, song, or rhapsody varied piece to piece — rendered in cursive script; and the strokes, with their hooks and flicks, turns, weight, and continuities and breaks, were utterly indistinguishable from brushwork in running-cursive script, quite unlike the stiff, lifeless lettering of ordinary market embroidery, which is so exasperating.他不仗此技獲利，所以天下雖知，得者甚少，凡世宦富貴之家，無此物者甚多，當今便稱為“慧繡”。She never relied on this skill to earn a living, and so although word of it spread throughout the realm, very few people ever obtained a piece; among families of official rank and wealth, there were in fact many who possessed none of her work at all — at the time it was known simply as "Hui embroidery."竟有世俗射利者，近日仿其針跡，愚人獲利。There were even worldly profit-seekers who, in recent times, imitated her stitching in order to deceive people and turn a profit.偏這慧娘命夭，十八歲便死了，如今竟不能再得一件的了。As fate would have it, Huiniang's life was cut short, and she died at eighteen, so that now it was no longer possible to obtain even a single new piece of her work.凡所有之家，縱有一兩件，皆珍藏不用。Among all the families who owned any, even those with only one or two pieces treasured them away and never put them to use.有那一干翰林文魔先生們，因深惜“慧繡”之佳，便說這“繡”字不能盡其妙，這樣筆跡說一“繡”字，反似乎唐突了，便大家商議了，將“繡”字便隱去，換了一個“紋”字，所以如今都稱為“慧紋”。There was a group of Hanlin scholars and literary connoisseurs who, prizing the excellence of "Hui embroidery" so deeply, felt that the word "embroidery" failed to do it justice — that to call such brushwork "embroidery" seemed almost an affront to it. So they conferred together and did away with the word "embroidery," replacing it with the word "pattern," and that is why it is now universally called "Hui-pattern."若有一件真“慧紋”之物，价則無限。If ever a genuine piece of "Hui-pattern" work came up, its price would be beyond reckoning.賈府之榮，也只有兩三件，上年將那兩件已進了上，目下只剩這一副瓔珞，一共十六扇，賈母愛如珍寶，不入在請客各色陳設之內，只留在自己這邊，高興擺酒時賞玩。Even in all the glory of the Jia household there were only two or three pieces; last year two of them had already been presented to the throne, and now only this one set of pendant panels remained, sixteen leaves in all. The Lady Dowager cherished it as a treasure and never included it among the assorted furnishings displayed for guests, keeping it only on her own side, to be brought out and admired when she felt like setting out wine.又有各色舊窯小瓶中都點綴著“歲寒三友”“玉堂富貴”等鮮花草。There were also small antique-kiln vases of every kind, each adorned with fresh flowers and plants arranged as "The Three Friends of Winter," "Jade Hall of Wealth and Rank," and other such motifs.

这边贾母花厅之上共摆了十来席。每一席旁边设一，上设炉瓶三事，焚著御赐百合宫香。又有八寸来长四五寸宽二三寸高的点著山石布满青苔的小盆景，俱是新鲜花卉。又有小洋漆茶盘，内放著旧窑茶杯并十锦小茶吊，里面泡著上等名茶。一色皆是紫檀透雕，嵌著大红纱透绣花卉并草字诗词的璎珞。原来绣这璎珞的也是个姑苏女子，名唤慧娘。因他亦是书香宦门之家，他原精于书画，不过偶然绣一两件针线作耍，并非市卖之物。凡这屏上所绣之花卉，皆仿的是唐、宋、元、明各名家的折枝花卉，故其格式配色皆从雅，本来非一味浓艳匠工可比。每一枝花侧皆用古人题此花之旧句，或诗词歌赋不一，皆用黑绒绣出草字来，且字迹勾踢，转折，轻重，连断皆与笔草无异，亦不比市绣字迹板强可恨。他不仗此技获利，所以天下虽知，得者甚少，凡世宦富贵之家，无此物者甚多，当今便称为“慧绣”。竟有世俗射利者，近日仿其针迹，愚人获利。偏这慧娘命夭，十八岁便死了，如今竟不能再得一件的了。凡所有之家，纵有一两件，皆珍藏不用。有那一干翰林文魔先生们，因深惜“慧绣”之佳，便说这“绣”字不能尽其妙，这样笔迹说一“绣”字，反似乎唐突了，便大家商议了，将“绣”字便隐去，换了一个“纹”字，所以如今都称为“慧纹”。若有一件真“慧纹”之物，价则无限。贾府之荣，也只有两三件，上年将那两件已进了上，目下只剩这一副璎珞，一共十六扇，贾母爱如珍宝，不入在请客各色陈设之内，只留在自己这边，高兴摆酒时赏玩。又有各色旧窑小瓶中都点缀著“岁寒三友”“玉堂富贵”等鲜花草。

上面兩席是李嬸薛姨媽二位。At the two uppermost tables sat Aunt Li and Aunt Xue.賈母于東邊設一透雕夔龍護屏矮足短榻，靠背引枕皮褥俱全。For the Lady Dowager, on the east side, a low short couch was set with an openwork-carved kui-dragon screen behind it, complete with backrest, bolster, and fur cushion.榻之上一頭又設一個极輕巧洋漆描金小，上放著茶吊，茶碗，漱盂，洋巾之類，又有一個眼鏡匣子。At one end of the couch, an extremely delicate foreign-lacquer, gilt-painted small stand was also placed, on which were set a tea kettle, teacup, rinsing bowl, foreign towels, and the like, along with a spectacles case.賈母歪在榻上，與眾人說笑一回，又自取眼鏡向戲臺上照一回，又向薛姨媽李嬸笑說：“恕我老了，骨頭疼，放肆，容我歪著相陪罷。”因又命琥珀坐在榻上，拿著美人拳捶腿。The Lady Dowager reclined on the couch, chatting and laughing with everyone for a while, then took up her spectacles herself and looked toward the stage through them for a while, and said to Aunt Xue and Aunt Li with a smile, "Forgive me, I'm old now and my bones ache — pardon my rudeness, but let me keep you company lying here instead." She then also had Hupo sit on the couch and pound her legs with the "beauty's fist."榻下并不擺席面，只有一張高，卻設著瓔珞花瓶香爐等物。Beneath the couch no table setting was placed at all; there was only a tall stand, on which were set the pendant panels, flower vases, incense censers, and the like.外另設一精致小高桌，設著酒杯匙箸，將自己這一席設于榻旁，命寶琴，湘雲，黛玉，寶玉四人坐著。Beyond that, another exquisite small high table was set with wine cups, spoons, and chopsticks; she had her own table placed beside the couch and had Baoqin, Xiangyun, Daiyu, and Baoyu, the four of them, sit at it.每一饌一果來，先捧與賈母看了，喜則留在小桌上嚐一嚐，仍撤了放在他四人席上，只算他四人是跟著賈母坐。Whenever a dish or a piece of fruit was brought, it was first presented for the Lady Dowager to look at; if she liked it, she would keep it on the small table to taste a little, and then it would be removed and placed on the table of the four young people — so that in effect the four of them were counted as sitting together with the Lady Dowager.故下面方是邢夫人王夫人之位，再下便是尤氏，李紈，鳳姐，賈蓉之妻。Below them, then, came the seats of Lady Xing and Lady Wang, and below that, You-shi, Li Wan, Xifeng, and Jia Rong's wife.西邊一路便是寶釵，李紋，李綺，岫煙，迎春姊妹等。Along the row on the west side sat Baochai, Li Wen, Li Qi, Xiuyan, Yingchun, and the other sisters.兩邊大梁上，挂著一對聯三聚五玻璃芙蓉彩穗燈。From the great beams on both sides hung a matching pair of "linked-three, clustered-five" glass lotus lanterns trimmed with colored tassels.每一席前豎一柄漆幹倒垂荷葉，葉上有燭信插著彩燭。In front of every table stood a lacquer-stemmed lamp shaped like an inverted lotus leaf, with a candle-socket on the leaf holding a colored candle.這荷葉乃是鏨琺琅的，活信可以扭轉，如今皆將荷葉扭轉向外，將燈影逼住全向外照，看戲分外真切。This lotus leaf was made of chased enamel, with a movable socket that could be turned; now all the leaves had been turned outward so as to direct the light entirely outward, making it especially clear for watching the play.窗格門戶一齊摘下，全挂彩穗各种宮燈。The window lattices and doors had all been taken down together, and in their place were hung all manner of palace lanterns trimmed with colored tassels.廊檐內外及兩邊游廊罩棚，將各色羊角，玻璃，戳紗，料絲，或繡，或畫，或堆，或摳，或絹，或紙諸燈挂滿。The eaves of the corridor, inside and out, and the covered walkways on both sides, were hung full of lanterns of every kind — horn-glass, glass, gauze, spun-glass thread — some embroidered, some painted, some built up in relief, some cut in openwork, some of silk, some of paper.廊上幾席，便是賈珍，賈璉，賈環，賈琮，賈蓉，賈芹，賈芸，賈菱，賈菖等。At the several tables on the corridor sat Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, Jia Huan, Jia Cong, Jia Rong, Jia Qin, Jia Yun, Jia Ling, and Jia Chang.

上面两席是李婶薛姨妈二位。贾母于东边设一透雕夔龙护屏矮足短榻，靠背引枕皮褥俱全。榻之上一头又设一个极轻巧洋漆描金小，上放著茶吊，茶碗，漱盂，洋巾之类，又有一个眼镜匣子。贾母歪在榻上，与众人说笑一回，又自取眼镜向戏台上照一回，又向薛姨妈李婶笑说：“恕我老了，骨头疼，放肆，容我歪著相陪罢。”因又命琥珀坐在榻上，拿著美人拳捶腿。榻下并不摆席面，只有一张高，却设著璎珞花瓶香炉等物。外另设一精致小高桌，设著酒杯匙箸，将自己这一席设于榻旁，命宝琴，湘云，黛玉，宝玉四人坐著。每一馔一果来，先捧与贾母看了，喜则留在小桌上尝一尝，仍撤了放在他四人席上，只算他四人是跟著贾母坐。故下面方是邢夫人王夫人之位，再下便是尤氏，李纨，凤姐，贾蓉之妻。西边一路便是宝钗，李纹，李绮，岫烟，迎春姊妹等。两边大梁上，挂著一对联三聚五玻璃芙蓉彩穗灯。每一席前竖一柄漆干倒垂荷叶，叶上有烛信插著彩烛。这荷叶乃是錾珐琅的，活信可以扭转，如今皆将荷叶扭转向外，将灯影逼住全向外照，看戏分外真切。窗格门户一齐摘下，全挂彩穗各种宫灯。廊檐内外及两边游廊罩棚，将各色羊角，玻璃，戳纱，料丝，或绣，或画，或堆，或抠，或绢，或纸诸灯挂满。廊上几席，便是贾珍，贾琏，贾环，贾琮，贾蓉，贾芹，贾芸，贾菱，贾菖等。

賈母也曾差人去請眾族中男女，奈他們或有年邁懶于熱鬧的，或有家內沒有人不便來的，或有疾病淹纏，欲來竟不能來的，或有一等妒富愧貧不來的，甚至于有一等憎畏鳳姐之為人而賭氣不來的，或有羞口羞腳，不慣見人，不敢來的：因此族眾雖多，女客來者只不過賈菌之母婁氏帶了賈菌來了，男子只有賈芹，賈芸，賈菖，賈菱四個現是在鳳姐麾下辦事的來了。The Lady Dowager had also sent people to invite the men and women of the wider clan, but as it happened, some were too old and weary to care for the bustle; some had no one left at home and found it inconvenient to come; some were laid low with lingering illness and, wishing to come, simply could not; some, out of envy of the wealthy and shame at their own poverty, chose not to come; there were even some who, resenting and fearing Xifeng's manner, stayed away out of sheer spite; and some, being too shy and awkward and unused to appearing before others, dared not come. And so, though the clan was large, among the women only Mrs. Lou, Jia Jun's mother, came, bringing Jia Jun with her, while among the men only Jia Qin, Jia Yun, Jia Chang, and Jia Ling came — the four who were currently working under Xifeng's direction.當下人雖不全，在家庭間小宴中，數來也算是熱鬧的了。Though not everyone was present, for a small family banquet it could still be counted, all told, as a lively affair.當又有林之孝之妻帶了六個媳婦，抬了三張炕桌，每一張上搭著一條紅氈，氈上放著選淨一般大新出局的銅錢，用大紅彩繩串著，每二人搭一張。Just then, Lin Zhixiao's wife also arrived, bringing six other married women with her, carrying in three kang-tables; over each table was draped a length of red felt, and on the felt lay freshly minted copper coins, all of uniform size and carefully selected, strung together with bright red colored cord — every two women carrying one table between them.共三張。Three tables in all.林之孝家的指示將那兩張擺至薛姨媽李嬸的席下，將一張送至賈母榻下來。Lin Zhixiao's wife directed that two of the tables be set beneath the tables of Aunt Xue and Aunt Li, and that one be brought to beneath the Lady Dowager's couch.賈母便說：“放在當地罷。”這媳婦們都素知規矩的，放下桌子，一并將錢都打開，將彩繩抽去，散堆在桌上。The Lady Dowager said, "Just set it down in the middle of the floor." These women, all well versed in the proper procedure, set down the table, undid all the strings of coins together, pulled out the colored cords, and heaped the coins loose upon the table.正唱《西樓·樓會》這出將終，于叔夜因賭氣去了，那文豹便發科諢道：“你賭氣去了，恰好今日正月十五，榮國府中老祖宗家宴，待我騎了這馬，赶進去討些果子吃是要緊的。”說畢，引的賈母等都笑了。Just as the scene "Tower Meeting" from The West Tower was drawing to its close, and Yu Shuye had stormed off in a fit of pique, the actor playing Wenbao broke into comic patter: "You've stormed off in a huff — how convenient, since today happens to be the fifteenth of the first month, and the Old Ancestress of the Rong mansion is holding a family banquet. Let me ride this horse and hurry in there — getting some fruit to eat is the important thing!" No sooner had he said this than it set the Lady Dowager and everyone else laughing.薛姨媽等都說：“好個鬼頭孩子，可怜見的。”鳳姐便說：“這孩子才九歲了。”賈母笑說：“難為他說的巧。”便說了一個“賞”字。Aunt Xue and the others all said, "What a clever, mischievous little thing — quite endearing." Xifeng said, "This child is only nine years old." The Lady Dowager said with a smile, "It's remarkable how cleverly he put it," and gave the single word: "Reward him."早有三個媳婦已經手下預備下簸籮，聽見一個“賞”字，走上去向桌上的散錢堆內，每人便撮了一簸籮，走出來向戲台說：“老祖宗、姨太太、親家太太賞文豹買果子吃的！”說著，向臺上便一撒，只聽豁啷啷滿臺的錢響。Three women had already had winnowing baskets ready at hand, and the moment they heard the word "Reward," they stepped forward to the heap of loose coins on the table, each scooping up a basketful, then walked out and called toward the stage, "The Old Ancestress, the Honored Aunt, and the Honored Mother-in-law reward Wenbao to buy fruit to eat!" So saying, they flung the coins onto the stage all at once, and all that could be heard was a great clattering jingle of coins across the whole stage.賈珍、賈璉已命小廝們抬了大簸籮的錢來，暗暗的預備在那里。Jia Zhen and Jia Lian had already ordered the pages to carry in large winnowing baskets of coins, quietly held ready there in reserve.聽見賈母一賞，要知端的，下回分解。Hearing the Lady Dowager give her reward — to know what happened next, turn to the following chapter for the explanation.

贾母也曾差人去请众族中男女，奈他们或有年迈懒于热闹的，或有家内没有人不便来的，或有疾病淹缠，欲来竟不能来的，或有一等妒富愧贫不来的，甚至于有一等憎畏凤姐之为人而赌气不来的，或有羞口羞脚，不惯见人，不敢来的：因此族众虽多，女客来者只不过贾菌之母娄氏带了贾菌来了，男子只有贾芹，贾芸，贾菖，贾菱四个现是在凤姐麾下办事的来了。当下人虽不全，在家庭间小宴中，数来也算是热闹的了。当又有林之孝之妻带了六个媳妇，抬了三张炕桌，每一张上搭著一条红毡，毡上放著选净一般大新出局的铜钱，用大红彩绳串著，每二人搭一张。共三张。林之孝家的指示将那两张摆至薛姨妈李婶的席下，将一张送至贾母榻下来。贾母便说：“放在当地罢。”这媳妇们都素知规矩的，放下桌子，一并将钱都打开，将彩绳抽去，散堆在桌上。正唱《西楼·楼会》这出将终，于叔夜因赌气去了，那文豹便发科诨道：“你赌气去了，恰好今日正月十五，荣国府中老祖宗家宴，待我骑了这马，赶进去讨些果子吃是要紧的。”说毕，引的贾母等都笑了。薛姨妈等都说：“好个鬼头孩子，可怜见的。”凤姐便说：“这孩子才九岁了。”贾母笑说：“难为他说的巧。”便说了一个“赏”字。早有三个媳妇已经手下预备下簸箩，听见一个“赏”字，走上去向桌上的散钱堆内，每人便撮了一簸箩，走出来向戏台说：“老祖宗、姨太太、亲家太太赏文豹买果子吃的！”说著，向台上便一撒，只听豁啷啷满台的钱响。贾珍、贾琏已命小厮们抬了大簸箩的钱来，暗暗的预备在那里。听见贾母一赏，要知端的，下回分解。