第六十回　　茉莉粉替去薔薇硝　玫瑰露引來茯苓霜 Jasmine Powder Replaces Rose Nitre; Rose Dew Leads to Poria Cream

話說襲人因問平兒，何事這樣忙亂。To resume the story: Xiren asked Pinger what was making her so busy and flustered.平兒笑道：「都是世人想不到的，說來也好笑，等幾日告訴你，如今沒頭緒呢，且也不得閒兒。」一語未了，只見李紈的丫鬟來了，說：「平姐姐可在這裡，奶奶等你，你怎麼不去了？」平兒忙轉身出來，口內笑說：「來了，來了。」襲人等笑道：「他奶奶病了，他又成了香餑餑了，都搶不到手。」平兒去了不提。Pinger laughed and said, 'It's all something no one would ever expect — it's funny enough to tell, but let me tell you in a few days; right now I can't make head or tail of it, and besides I haven't a moment to spare.' Before she had finished speaking, one of Li Wan's maids came in and said, 'So Sister Ping is here! Our mistress has been waiting for you — why haven't you gone?' Pinger hastily turned and went out, saying with a laugh, 'Coming, coming!' Xiren and the others laughed and said, 'Now that her mistress is ill, she's become the fragrant pastry everyone's fighting over and can't get a hold of.' Pinger left, and we will say no more of that for now.

话说袭人因问平儿，何事这样忙乱。平儿笑道：「都是世人想不到的，说来也好笑，等几日告诉你，如今没头绪呢，且也不得闲儿。」一语未了，只见李纨的丫鬟来了，说：「平姐姐可在这里，奶奶等你，你怎么不去了？」平儿忙转身出来，口内笑说：「来了，来了。」袭人等笑道：「他奶奶病了，他又成了香饽饽了，都抢不到手。」平儿去了不提。

寶玉便叫春燕：「你跟了你媽去，到寶姑娘房裡給鶯兒幾句好話聽聽，也不可白得罪了他。」春燕答應了，和他媽出去。Baoyu then called to Chunyan: 'Go with your mother, and when you get to Miss Bao's room, say a few kind words to Yinger — you mustn't offend her for nothing.' Chunyan agreed, and went out with her mother.寶玉又隔窗說道：「不可當著寶姑娘說，仔細反叫鶯兒受教導。」Baoyu called again through the window: 'Don't say it in front of Miss Bao, or you'll only get Yinger scolded.'

宝玉便叫春燕：「你跟了你妈去，到宝姑娘房里给莺儿几句好话听听，也不可白得罪了他。」春燕答应了，和他妈出去。宝玉又隔窗说道：「不可当著宝姑娘说，仔细反叫莺儿受教导。」

娘兒兩個應了出來，一壁走著，一面說閒話兒。Mother and daughter assented and went out, chatting idly as they walked.春燕因向他娘道：「我素日勸你老人家再不信，何苦鬧出沒趣來才罷。」他娘笑道：「小蹄子，你走罷，俗語道：『不經一事，不長一智。』我如今知道了。Chunyan said to her mother, 'I've always advised you, madam, and you'd never believe me — why must you make trouble for yourself before you'll stop.' Her mother laughed and said, 'You little wretch, go on then. As the saying goes, "Without going through a thing, one gains no wisdom." Now I know better.'你又該來支問著我。」春燕笑道：「媽，你若安分守己，在這屋裡長久了，自有許多的好處。'And now you're going to lecture me about it too.' Chunyan said with a smile, 'Mother, if you'll just behave yourself and stay in this household long enough, there will be plenty of advantages in it for you.'我且告訴你句話：寶玉常說，將來這屋裡的人，無論家裡外頭的，一應我們這些人，他都要回太太全放出去，與本人父母自便呢。Let me tell you something: Baoyu often says that in the future, all of us in this house, whether born into service here or brought in from outside, he means to ask the Mistress to let us all go free, to return to our own parents and do as we please.你只說這一件可好不好？」他娘聽說，喜的忙問：「這話果真？」春燕道：「誰可扯這謊作什麼？」婆子聽了，便念佛不絕。Just tell me, wouldn't that be a good thing?' Her mother, hearing this, was overjoyed and hastily asked, 'Is this really true?' Chunyan said, 'Who would make up such a lie, and for what?' The old woman, hearing this, kept murmuring prayers to Buddha without end.

娘儿两个应了出来，一壁走著，一面说闲话儿。春燕因向他娘道：「我素日劝你老人家再不信，何苦闹出没趣来才罢。」他娘笑道：「小蹄子，你走罢，俗语道：『不经一事，不长一智。』我如今知道了。你又该来支问著我。」春燕笑道：「妈，你若安分守己，在这屋里长久了，自有许多的好处。我且告诉你句话：宝玉常说，将来这屋里的人，无论家里外头的，一应我们这些人，他都要回太太全放出去，与本人父母自便呢。你只说这一件可好不好？」他娘听说，喜的忙问：「这话果真？」春燕道：「谁可扯这谎作什么？」婆子听了，便念佛不绝。

當下來至蘅蕪苑，正值寶釵，黛玉，薛姨媽等吃飯。Just then they arrived at Hengwu Yuan, and found Baochai, Daiyu, Aunt Xue and the others just having their meal.鶯兒自去泡茶，春燕便和他媽一徑到鶯兒前，陪笑說：「方才言語冒撞了，姑娘莫嗔莫怪，特來陪罪」等語。Yinger had gone off to brew tea, so Chunyan and her mother went straight up to her and said with an apologetic smile, 'What was said just now was rash and out of place — please don't be angry, Miss, we've come specially to apologize,' and words to that effect.鶯兒忙笑讓坐，又倒茶。Yinger hastily smiled and asked them to sit, and poured them tea.他娘兒兩個說有事，便作辭回來。Mother and daughter said they had things to attend to, and took their leave to go back.忽見蕊官趕出叫：「媽媽姐姐，略站一站。」一面走上來，遞了一個紙包給他們，說是薔薇硝，帶與芳官去擦臉。Suddenly they saw Ruiguan hurry out after them, calling, 'Auntie, sister, wait a moment!' She came up and handed them a paper packet, saying it was rose-scented borax powder, and asked them to take it to Fangguan for her face.春燕笑道：「你們也太小氣了，還怕那裡沒這個與他，巴巴的你又弄一包給他去。」蕊官道：「他是他的，我送的是我的。Chunyan laughed and said, 'You're all being too petty about this — as if there's nowhere else she could get this, yet here you are troubling yourself to send her another packet.' Ruiguan said, 'What she has is hers; what I'm sending is mine.'好姐姐，千萬帶回去罷。」春燕只得接了。'Dear sister, please, you must take it back to her.' Chunyan had no choice but to accept it.娘兒兩個回來，正值賈環賈琮二人來問候寶玉，也才進去。Mother and daughter came back, and just then Jia Huan and Jia Cong had come to pay their respects to Baoyu, and had just gone in.春燕便向他娘說：「只我進去罷，你老不用去。」他娘聽了，自此便百依百隨的，不敢倔強了。Chunyan said to her mother, 'Let me go in alone — you needn't come.' Her mother, hearing this, from then on obeyed her in everything and no longer dared to be stubborn.

当下来至蘅芜苑，正值宝钗，黛玉，薛姨妈等吃饭。莺儿自去泡茶，春燕便和他妈一径到莺儿前，陪笑说：「方才言语冒撞了，姑娘莫嗔莫怪，特来陪罪」等语。莺儿忙笑让坐，又倒茶。他娘儿两个说有事，便作辞回来。忽见蕊官赶出叫：「妈妈姐姐，略站一站。」一面走上来，递了一个纸包给他们，说是蔷薇硝，带与芳官去擦脸。春燕笑道：「你们也太小气了，还怕那里没这个与他，巴巴的你又弄一包给他去。」蕊官道：「他是他的，我送的是我的。好姐姐，千万带回去罢。」春燕只得接了。娘儿两个回来，正值贾环贾琮二人来问候宝玉，也才进去。春燕便向他娘说：「只我进去罢，你老不用去。」他娘听了，自此便百依百随的，不敢倔强了。

春燕進來，寶玉知道回復，便先點頭。Chunyan came in, and Baoyu, knowing she had come to report back, nodded first.春燕知意，便不再說一語，略站了一站，便轉身出來，使眼色與芳官。Chunyan understood his meaning and said nothing more; she stood there a moment, then turned and went out, giving Fangguan a meaningful look.芳官出來，春燕方悄悄的說與他蕊官之事，並與了他硝。Fangguan came out, and only then did Chunyan quietly tell her about the matter with Ruiguan, and gave her the powder.寶玉並無與琮環可談之語，因笑問芳官手裡是什麼。Baoyu, having nothing much to say to Cong and Huan, asked Fangguan with a smile what she was holding in her hand.芳官便忙遞與寶玉瞧，又說是擦春癬的薔薇硝。Fangguan hastily handed it to Baoyu to look at, and said it was rose-scented borax powder for spring rash.寶玉笑道：「虧他想得到。」賈環聽了，便伸著頭瞧了一瞧，又聞得一股清香，便彎著腰向靴桶內掏出一張紙來托著，笑說：「好哥哥，給我一半兒。」寶玉只得要與他。Baoyu laughed and said, 'Fancy her thinking of that.' Hearing this, Jia Huan craned his neck to have a look, and catching a whiff of its clean fragrance, bent down and pulled a sheet of paper out of his boot-top to hold it in, saying with a smile, 'Dear brother, give me half.' Baoyu had no choice but to agree to give him some.芳官心中因是蕊官之贈，不肯與別人，連忙攔住，笑說道：「別動這個，我另拿些來。」寶玉會意，忙笑包上，說道：「快取來。」Fangguan, because this was a gift from Ruiguan, was unwilling to give it to anyone else, and hastily stopped him, saying with a smile, 'Don't touch this one, I'll go get some more.' Baoyu caught her meaning, and hurriedly wrapped it back up with a smile, saying, 'Go get it quickly then.'

春燕进来，宝玉知道回复，便先点头。春燕知意，便不再说一语，略站了一站，便转身出来，使眼色与芳官。芳官出来，春燕方悄悄的说与他蕊官之事，并与了他硝。宝玉并无与琮环可谈之语，因笑问芳官手里是什么。芳官便忙递与宝玉瞧，又说是擦春癣的蔷薇硝。宝玉笑道：「亏他想得到。」贾环听了，便伸著头瞧了一瞧，又闻得一股清香，便弯著腰向靴桶内掏出一张纸来托著，笑说：「好哥哥，给我一半儿。」宝玉只得要与他。芳官心中因是蕊官之赠，不肯与别人，连忙拦住，笑说道：「别动这个，我另拿些来。」宝玉会意，忙笑包上，说道：「快取来。」

芳官接了這個，自去收好，便從奩中去尋自己常使的。Fangguan took the packet back and went to put it away safely, then went to her toilet case to look for the kind she used regularly.啟奩看時，盒內已空，心中疑惑，早間還剩了些，如何沒了？When she opened the case and looked, the box inside was already empty. Puzzled, she thought: there had still been some left this morning — how could it be gone?因問人時，都說不知。When she asked around, everyone said they didn't know.麝月便說：「這會子且忙著問這個，不過是這屋裡人一時短了。Sheyue said, 'Why bother asking about this right now — it's just that someone in this room ran short of it for the moment.'你不管拿些什麼給他們，他們那裡看得出來？Whatever you give them, how would they ever tell the difference?快打發他們去了，咱們好吃飯。」芳官聽了，便將些茉莉粉包了一包拿來。'Hurry and send them off so we can eat.' Fangguan, hearing this, wrapped up a packet of jasmine powder and brought it out.賈環見了就伸手來接。When Jia Huan saw it he reached out at once to take it.芳官便忙向炕上一擲。Fangguan hastily flung it onto the kang instead.賈環只得向炕上拾了，揣在懷內，方作辭而去。Jia Huan had no choice but to pick it up off the kang, tuck it inside his robe, and then take his leave.

芳官接了这个，自去收好，便从奁中去寻自己常使的。启奁看时，盒内已空，心中疑惑，早间还剩了些，如何没了？因问人时，都说不知。麝月便说：「这会子且忙著问这个，不过是这屋里人一时短了。你不管拿些什么给他们，他们那里看得出来？快打发他们去了，咱们好吃饭。」芳官听了，便将些茉莉粉包了一包拿来。贾环见了就伸手来接。芳官便忙向炕上一掷。贾环只得向炕上拾了，揣在怀内，方作辞而去。

原來賈政不在家，且王夫人等又不在家，賈環連日也便裝病逃學。It so happened that Jia Zheng was away from home, and Lady Wang and the others were also away, so these past few days Jia Huan had been feigning illness to skip his lessons.如今得了硝，興興頭頭來找彩雲。Now that he had gotten the powder, he went off in high spirits to find Caiyun.正值彩雲和趙姨娘閒談，賈環嘻嘻向彩雲道：「我也得了一包好的，送你擦臉。Just then Caiyun was chatting idly with Concubine Zhao. Jia Huan said to Caiyun with a grin, 'I got a good packet of it too — here, for your face.'你常說，薔薇硝擦癬，比外頭的銀硝強。'You've often said that rose borax is better for rashes than the silver-borax you can buy outside.'你且看看，可是這個？」彩雲打開一看，嗤的一聲笑了，說道：「你和誰要來的？」賈環便將方才之事說了。'Just have a look — is this it?' Caiyun opened it and looked, then burst out laughing and said, 'Who did you get this from?' Jia Huan then told her what had just happened.彩雲笑道：「這是他們在哄你這鄉老呢。Caiyun laughed and said, 'They're playing a trick on you, you country bumpkin.'這不是硝，這是茉莉粉。」賈環看了一看，果然比先前的帶些紅色，聞聞也是噴香，因笑道：「這也是好的，硝粉一樣，留著擦罷，自是比外頭買的高便好。」彩雲只得收了。'This isn't borax powder at all, it's jasmine powder.' Jia Huan took another look, and indeed it did have a slight reddish tinge compared with the earlier one, and it smelled just as fragrant, so he said with a laugh, 'Well, it's good stuff all the same — powder or borax, it's all one, keep it and use it. In any case it's bound to be better than what you buy outside.' Caiyun had no choice but to accept it and put it away.趙姨娘便說：「有好的給你！Concubine Zhao then said, 'Good stuff, indeed, given to you!'誰叫你要去了，怎怨他們耍你！'Who told you to go asking for it — how can you blame them for making a fool of you!'依我，拿了去照臉摔給他去，趁著這回子撞尸的撞尸去了，挺床的便挺床，吵一出子，大家別心淨，也算是報仇。'If it were up to me, I'd take it and fling it right in her face — while everyone who's off gallivanting is off gallivanting, and whoever's lying flat in bed is lying flat in bed, kick up a row, let nobody have a moment's peace, and that would count as getting even.'莫不是兩個月之後，還找出這個碴兒來問你不成？'Surely it's not the case that two months from now someone will dig up this matter again and question you over it?'便問你，你也有話說。'Even if they did ask you, you'd have an answer ready.'寶玉是哥哥，不敢沖撞他罷了。'Baoyu is your elder brother, so you daren't offend him, fine.'難道他屋裡的貓兒狗兒，也不敢去問問不成！」賈環聽說，便低了頭。'But surely you're not afraid even to question the cats and dogs of his household!' Hearing this, Jia Huan lowered his head.彩雲忙說：「這又何苦生事，不管怎樣，忍耐些罷了。」趙姨娘道：「你快休管，橫豎與你無干。Caiyun said hastily, 'Why stir up trouble over this — whatever happens, it's best just to bear with it.' Concubine Zhao said, 'You keep out of this — it's none of your business either way.'乘著抓住了理，罵給那些浪淫婦們一頓也是好的。」又指賈環道：「呸！'Now that we've got right on our side, it would do some good to give those shameless wenches a good scolding.' Then, pointing at Jia Huan, she said, 'Bah!'你這下流沒剛性的，也只好受這些毛崽子的氣！'You spineless, low creature, all you're fit for is to swallow insults from these little upstarts!'平白我說你一句兒，或無心中錯拿了一件東西給你，你倒會扭頭暴筋瞪著眼蹬摔娘。'If I say so much as a word to you for no reason, or by mistake hand you the wrong thing, you turn your head, veins bulging, glare with your eyes, and stamp and rage at your own mother.'這會子被那起屄崽子耍弄也罷了。'But now, being made a fool of by that pack of little bitches, you just let it go.'你明兒還想這些家裡人怕你呢。'And you still expect these people in the household to be afraid of you someday.'你沒有屄本事，我也替你羞。」賈環聽了，不免又愧又急，又不敢去，只摔手說道：「你這麼會說，你又不敢去，指使了我去鬧。'You haven't got the guts for it, and I'm ashamed on your behalf.' Jia Huan, hearing this, could not help feeling both ashamed and anxious, yet he dared not go, and only flung his hand and said, 'You're so good at talking, yet you don't dare go yourself — you just order me to go and make trouble.'倘或往學裡告去捱了打，你敢自不疼呢？'If they were to report it to the school and I got a beating for it, would you not feel the pain yourself?'遭遭兒調唆了我鬧去，鬧出了事來，我捱了打罵，你一般也低了頭。'Every single time you goad me into making trouble, and when trouble comes and I get beaten and cursed for it, you just as well hang your head too.'這會子又調唆我和毛丫頭們去鬧。'And now here you are again, goading me into a quarrel with these little maids.'你不怕三姐姐，你敢去，我就伏你。」只這一句話，便戳了他娘的肺，便喊說：「我腸子爬出來的，我再怕不成！'If you're not afraid of Third Sister, and you dare to go yourself, then I'll submit to you.' This one remark struck straight at his mother's heart, and she cried out, 'You crawled out of my own bowels — am I to be afraid of you now!'這屋裡越發有的說了。」一面說，一面拿了那包子，便飛也似往園中去。'There's more and more to be said about this household.' So saying, she snatched up the packet and flew off toward the Garden as if on wings.彩雲死勸不住，只得躲入別房。Caiyun tried desperately to stop her but could not, and had no choice but to retreat into another room.賈環便也躲出儀門，自去頑耍。Jia Huan too slipped away out through the ceremonial gate to go off and amuse himself.

原来贾政不在家，且王夫人等又不在家，贾环连日也便装病逃学。如今得了硝，兴兴头头来找彩云。正值彩云和赵姨娘闲谈，贾环嘻嘻向彩云道：「我也得了一包好的，送你擦脸。你常说，蔷薇硝擦癣，比外头的银硝强。你且看看，可是这个？」彩云打开一看，嗤的一声笑了，说道：「你和谁要来的？」贾环便将方才之事说了。彩云笑道：「这是他们在哄你这乡老呢。这不是硝，这是茉莉粉。」贾环看了一看，果然比先前的带些红色，闻闻也是喷香，因笑道：「这也是好的，硝粉一样，留著擦罢，自是比外头买的高便好。」彩云只得收了。赵姨娘便说：「有好的给你！谁叫你要去了，怎怨他们耍你！依我，拿了去照脸摔给他去，趁著这回子撞尸的撞尸去了，挺床的便挺床，吵一出子，大家别心净，也算是报仇。莫不是两个月之后，还找出这个碴儿来问你不成？便问你，你也有话说。宝玉是哥哥，不敢冲撞他罢了。难道他屋里的猫儿狗儿，也不敢去问问不成！」贾环听说，便低了头。彩云忙说：「这又何苦生事，不管怎样，忍耐些罢了。」赵姨娘道：「你快休管，横竖与你无干。乘著抓住了理，骂给那些浪淫妇们一顿也是好的。」又指贾环道：「呸！你这下流没刚性的，也只好受这些毛崽子的气！平白我说你一句儿，或无心中错拿了一件东西给你，你倒会扭头暴筋瞪著眼蹬摔娘。这会子被那起屄崽子耍弄也罢了。你明儿还想这些家里人怕你呢。你没有屄本事，我也替你羞。」贾环听了，不免又愧又急，又不敢去，只摔手说道：「你这么会说，你又不敢去，指使了我去闹。倘或往学里告去挨了打，你敢自不疼呢？遭遭儿调唆了我闹去，闹出了事来，我挨了打骂，你一般也低了头。这会子又调唆我和毛丫头们去闹。你不怕三姐姐，你敢去，我就伏你。」只这一句话，便戳了他娘的肺，便喊说：「我肠子爬出来的，我再怕不成！这屋里越发有的说了。」一面说，一面拿了那包子，便飞也似往园中去。彩云死劝不住，只得躲入别房。贾环便也躲出仪门，自去顽耍。

趙姨娘直進園子，正是一頭火，頂頭正遇見藕官的乾娘夏婆子走來。Concubine Zhao went straight into the Garden, seething with rage, and ran headlong into Old Woman Xia, Ouguan's foster-mother, coming the other way.見趙姨娘氣恨恨的走來，因問：「姨奶奶那去？」趙姨娘又說：「你瞧瞧，這屋裡連三日兩日進來的唱戲的小粉頭們，都三般兩樣掂人分兩放小菜碟兒了。Seeing Concubine Zhao coming along in a furious temper, she asked, 'Where are you off to, Auntie?' Concubine Zhao said, 'Just look at this — even these little painted-face opera girls, who've only been here a couple of days, have taken to weighing people out and serving up small dishes according to their own whims.'若是別一個，我還不惱，若叫這些小娼婦捉弄了，還成個什麼！」夏婆子聽了，正中己懷，忙問因何。'If it were anyone else, I wouldn't even be angry, but to be made a fool of by these little trollops — what does that make me!' Old Woman Xia, hearing this, found it exactly to her own liking, and hastily asked what had happened.趙姨娘悉將芳官以粉作硝輕侮賈環之事說了。Concubine Zhao told her the whole business of Fangguan passing off powder as borax to slight Jia Huan.夏婆子道：「我的奶奶，你今日才知道，這算什麼事。Old Woman Xia said, 'My dear madam, is this the first you've heard of it today? This is nothing at all.'連昨日這個地方他們私自燒紙錢，寶玉還攔到頭裡。'Why, just yesterday, right in this very spot, they were secretly burning paper money, and Baoyu even stepped in to shield them beforehand.'人家還沒拿進個什麼兒來，就說使不得，不乾不淨的忌諱。'Before anyone else could even bring something in, they'd already say it wouldn't do, calling it unclean and taboo.'這燒紙倒不忌諱？'And yet burning paper money — that's not taboo?'你老想一想，這屋裡除了太太，誰還大似你？'Just think about it, Madam — in this household, apart from the Mistress herself, who outranks you?'你老自己撐不起來，但凡撐起來的，誰還不怕你老人家？'It's only that you yourself don't assert it — if you ever did stand up for yourself properly, who wouldn't be afraid of you, Madam?'如今我想，乘著這幾個小粉頭兒恰不是正頭貨，得罪了他們也有限的，快把這兩件事抓著理扎個筏子，我在旁作證据，你老把威風抖一抖，以後也好爭別的理。'Now, as I see it, since these few little painted-face girls aren't proper, legitimate people to begin with, there's little harm in offending them — quickly take hold of these two matters as your grounds and make an issue of it. I'll stand by as your witness, and you, Madam, can show your authority a little; that way it'll be easier to press your case on other matters later too.'便是奶奶姑娘們，也不好為那起小粉頭子說你老的。」趙姨娘聽了這話，益發有理，便說：「燒紙的事不知道，你卻細細的告訴我。」夏婆子便將前事一一的說了，又說：「你只管說去。'Even the mistresses and young ladies won't be able to speak up for you, Madam, on behalf of that lot of little painted-face girls.' Concubine Zhao, hearing this, felt it made all the more sense, and said, 'I knew nothing about the paper-burning business — tell me about it in full detail.' Old Woman Xia then related the earlier matter point by point, and added, 'Just go ahead and speak your mind.'倘或鬧起，還有我們幫著你呢。」趙姨娘聽了越發得了意，仗著膽子便一徑到了怡紅院中。'If it comes to a real row, you'll still have us backing you up.' Concubine Zhao, hearing this, grew all the more pleased with herself, and, emboldened, went straight to Yihong Yuan.

赵姨娘直进园子，正是一头火，顶头正遇见藕官的干娘夏婆子走来。见赵姨娘气恨恨的走来，因问：「姨奶奶那去？」赵姨娘又说：「你瞧瞧，这屋里连三日两日进来的唱戏的小粉头们，都三般两样掂人分两放小菜碟儿了。若是别一个，我还不恼，若叫这些小娼妇捉弄了，还成个什么！」夏婆子听了，正中己怀，忙问因何。赵姨娘悉将芳官以粉作硝轻侮贾环之事说了。夏婆子道：「我的奶奶，你今日才知道，这算什么事。连昨日这个地方他们私自烧纸钱，宝玉还拦到头里。人家还没拿进个什么儿来，就说使不得，不干不净的忌讳。这烧纸倒不忌讳？你老想一想，这屋里除了太太，谁还大似你？你老自己撑不起来，但凡撑起来的，谁还不怕你老人家？如今我想，乘著这几个小粉头儿恰不是正头货，得罪了他们也有限的，快把这两件事抓著理扎个筏子，我在旁作证据，你老把威风抖一抖，以后也好争别的理。便是奶奶姑娘们，也不好为那起小粉头子说你老的。」赵姨娘听了这话，益发有理，便说：「烧纸的事不知道，你却细细的告诉我。」夏婆子便将前事一一的说了，又说：「你只管说去。倘或闹起，还有我们帮著你呢。」赵姨娘听了越发得了意，仗著胆子便一径到了怡红院中。

可巧寶玉聽見黛玉在那裡，便往那裡去了。As it happened, Baoyu, hearing that Daiyu was over there, had gone off to her place.芳官正與襲人等吃飯，見趙姨娘來了，便都起身笑讓：「姨奶奶吃飯，有什麼事這麼忙？」趙姨娘也不答話，走上來便將粉照著芳官臉上撒來，指著芳官罵道：「小淫婦！Fangguan was just having a meal with Xiren and the others; seeing Concubine Zhao arrive, they all rose with a smile and invited her, 'Won't you have some food, Auntie? What's the matter that has you in such a hurry?' Concubine Zhao made no reply at all, but strode up and flung the powder straight into Fangguan's face, pointing at her and cursing, 'You little slut!'你是我銀子錢買來學戲的，不過娼婦粉頭之流！'You were bought with money to learn opera — nothing but a common painted trollop!'我家裡下三等奴才也比你高貴些的，你都會看人下菜碟兒。'Even the lowest servants in my own household rank higher than you, and yet you dare to serve dishes according to whose face you favor!'寶玉要給東西，你攔在頭裡，莫不是要了你的了？'When Baoyu wanted to give something away, you stepped in ahead to stop it — was it your own to give or withhold?'拿這個哄他，你只當他不認得呢！'Fobbing him off with this stuff — do you take him for someone who can't tell the difference!'好不好，他們是手足，都是一樣的主子，那裡有你小看他的！」芳官那裡禁得住這話，一行哭，一行說：「沒了硝我才把這個給他的。'Good or bad, they're brothers, both masters of equal standing — how dare you look down on him!' Fangguan could not bear such words, and crying as she spoke, said, 'It was only because the borax powder was gone that I gave him this instead.'若說沒了，又恐他不信，難道這不是好的？'If I'd said there was none left, I was afraid he wouldn't believe me. Besides, isn't this good stuff too?'我便學戲，也沒往外頭去唱。'Even though I trained in opera, I've never gone out to perform for the public.'我一個女孩兒家，知道什麼是粉頭面頭的！'I'm just a girl — what would I know about being a "painted trollop" or whatever you call it!'姨奶奶犯不著來罵我，我又不是姨奶奶家買的。『梅香拜把子——都是奴幾』呢！」襲人忙拉他說：「休胡說！」趙姨娘氣的便上來打了兩個耳刮子。'There's no call for you to come and curse at me, Auntie — I wasn't bought by your household to begin with. As the saying goes, "when maidservants swear sisterhood, they're all just maids together"!' Xiren hastily pulled at her, saying, 'Don't talk nonsense!' Concubine Zhao, in a fury, stepped up and slapped her twice across the face.襲人等忙上來拉勸，說：「姨奶奶別和他小孩子一般見識，等我們說他。」芳官捱了兩下打，那裡肯依，便拾頭打滾，潑哭潑鬧起來。Xiren and the others rushed up to pull them apart and mediate, saying, 'Auntie, don't stoop to the level of a child like her — let us deal with her.' Fangguan, having taken two blows, was in no mood to submit, and threw herself to the ground, rolling and thrashing, weeping and raging wildly.口內便說：「你打得起我麼？All the while crying out, 'Can you really afford to hit me?'你照照那模樣兒再動手！'Go look at yourself in a mirror before you raise your hand again!'我叫你打了去，我還活著！」便撞在懷裡叫他打。'If I let you beat me to death, I still won't stay alive for it!' and she flung herself right into her arms, daring her to strike.眾人一面勸，一面拉他。Everyone tried to reason with her while pulling her back.晴雯悄拉襲人說：「別管他們，讓他們鬧去，看怎麼開交！Qingwen quietly pulled Xiren aside and said, 'Leave them be, let them fight it out and see how it ends!'如今亂為王了，什麼你也來打，我也來打，都這樣起來還了得呢！」'These days it's whoever's most unruly who rules — anyone at all can come and hit someone, if it goes on like this, where will it end!'

可巧宝玉听见黛玉在那里，便往那里去了。芳官正与袭人等吃饭，见赵姨娘来了，便都起身笑让：「姨奶奶吃饭，有什么事这么忙？」赵姨娘也不答话，走上来便将粉照著芳官脸上撒来，指著芳官骂道：「小淫妇！你是我银子钱买来学戏的，不过娼妇粉头之流！我家里下三等奴才也比你高贵些的，你都会看人下菜碟儿。宝玉要给东西，你拦在头里，莫不是要了你的了？拿这个哄他，你只当他不认得呢！好不好，他们是手足，都是一样的主子，那里有你小看他的！」芳官那里禁得住这话，一行哭，一行说：「没了硝我才把这个给他的。若说没了，又恐他不信，难道这不是好的？我便学戏，也没往外头去唱。我一个女孩儿家，知道什么是粉头面头的！姨奶奶犯不著来骂我，我又不是姨奶奶家买的。『梅香拜把子——都是奴几』呢！」袭人忙拉他说：「休胡说！」赵姨娘气的便上来打了两个耳刮子。袭人等忙上来拉劝，说：「姨奶奶别和他小孩子一般见识，等我们说他。」芳官挨了两下打，那里肯依，便拾头打滚，泼哭泼闹起来。口内便说：「你打得起我么？你照照那模样儿再动手！我叫你打了去，我还活著！」便撞在怀里叫他打。众人一面劝，一面拉他。晴雯悄拉袭人说：「别管他们，让他们闹去，看怎么开交！如今乱为王了，什么你也来打，我也来打，都这样起来还了得呢！」

外面跟著趙姨娘來的一干的人聽見如此，心中各各稱愿，都念佛說：「也有今日！」又有一干懷怨的老婆子見打了芳官，也都稱愿。Outside, the group of people who had come along with Concubine Zhao, hearing all this, each secretly rejoiced in their hearts, murmuring prayers to Buddha and saying, 'So this day has come at last!' And there was also a group of old women who bore old grudges, who, seeing Fangguan struck, were likewise well pleased.

外面跟著赵姨娘来的一干的人听见如此，心中各各称愿，都念佛说：「也有今日！」又有一干怀怨的老婆子见打了芳官，也都称愿。

當下藕官蕊官等正在一處作耍，湘雲的大花面葵官，寶琴的豆官，兩個聞了此信，慌忙找著他兩個說：「芳官被人欺侮，咱們也沒趣，須得大家破著大鬧一場，方爭過氣來。」四人終是小孩子心性，只顧他們情分上的義憤，便不顧別的，一齊跑入怡紅院中。Just then Ouguan and Ruiguan were off playing together somewhere, when Xiangyun's painted-face girl Kuiguan and Baoqin's Douguan heard the news, and hurried to find the two of them, saying, 'Fangguan is being bullied — this reflects on us too, we've got to risk everything and make a big scene together, that's the only way to get even.' All four, being at heart still children, thought only of the righteous indignation owed by their bond of friendship, and heedless of anything else, ran together into Yihong Yuan.豆官先便一頭，幾乎不曾將趙姨娘撞了一跌。Douguan went first and butted her head forward, nearly knocking Concubine Zhao clean off her feet.那三個也便擁上來，放聲大哭，手撕頭撞，把個趙姨娘裹住。The other three crowded in after her, wailing at the top of their voices, tearing with their hands and butting with their heads, until they had Concubine Zhao completely surrounded.晴雯等一面笑，一面假意去拉。Qingwen and the others laughed even as they made a show of pulling them apart.急的襲人拉起這個，又跑了那個，口內只說：「你們要死！Xiren, in a panic, pulled up one only to have another run off, all the while saying, 'Do you all want to die!'有委曲只好說，這沒理的事如何使得！」趙姨娘反沒了主意，只好亂罵。'If you have grievances, speak them out properly — this kind of senseless brawling won't do at all!' Concubine Zhao, for her part, had quite lost her composure, and could only curse wildly at random.蕊官藕官兩個一邊一個，抱住左右手，葵官豆官前後頭頂住。Ruiguan and Ouguan took hold, one on each side, gripping her left and right arms, while Kuiguan and Douguan butted their heads against her from front and back.四人只說：「你只打死我們四個就罷！」芳官直挺挺躺在地下，哭得死過去。The four of them kept saying only, 'Just beat the four of us to death and be done with it!' Fangguan lay stiff and straight on the ground, having cried herself into a dead faint.

当下藕官蕊官等正在一处作耍，湘云的大花面葵官，宝琴的豆官，两个闻了此信，慌忙找著他两个说：「芳官被人欺侮，咱们也没趣，须得大家破著大闹一场，方争过气来。」四人终是小孩子心性，只顾他们情分上的义愤，便不顾别的，一齐跑入怡红院中。豆官先便一头，几乎不曾将赵姨娘撞了一跌。那三个也便拥上来，放声大哭，手撕头撞，把个赵姨娘裹住。晴雯等一面笑，一面假意去拉。急的袭人拉起这个，又跑了那个，口内只说：「你们要死！有委曲只好说，这没理的事如何使得！」赵姨娘反没了主意，只好乱骂。蕊官藕官两个一边一个，抱住左右手，葵官豆官前后头顶住。四人只说：「你只打死我们四个就罢！」芳官直挺挺躺在地下，哭得死过去。

正沒開交，誰知晴雯早遣春燕回了探春。Just as things were at their most unresolved, unbeknownst to the others, Qingwen had already sent Chunyan off to report to Tanchun.當下尤氏，李紈，探春三人帶著平兒與眾媳婦走來，將四個喝住。Presently You-shi, Li Wan and Tanchun, the three of them, came along with Pinger and a group of married women, and shouted the four girls to a halt.問起原故，趙姨娘便氣的瞪著眼粗了筋，一五一十說個不清。When asked what the cause was, Concubine Zhao, in her fury, glared with bulging eyes, the veins standing out, and gave a garbled account from start to finish.尤李兩個不答言，只喝禁他四人。You-shi and Li Wan said nothing in reply, but only ordered the four girls to stop.探春便歎氣說：「這是什麼大事，姨娘也太肯動氣了！Tanchun sighed and said, 'What sort of great matter is this, that Auntie should be so quick to lose her temper over it!'我正有一句話要請姨娘商議，怪道丫頭說不知在那裡，原來在這裡生氣呢，快同我來。」尤氏李氏都笑說：「姨娘請到廳上來，咱們商量。」'I actually have something I need to discuss with you, Auntie — no wonder the maids said they didn't know where you were, so this is where you've been fuming. Come with me at once.' You-shi and Li Wan both said with a smile, 'Please come to the hall, Auntie, and let's talk it over there.'

正没开交，谁知晴雯早遣春燕回了探春。当下尤氏，李纨，探春三人带著平儿与众媳妇走来，将四个喝住。问起原故，赵姨娘便气的瞪著眼粗了筋，一五一十说个不清。尤李两个不答言，只喝禁他四人。探春便叹气说：「这是什么大事，姨娘也太肯动气了！我正有一句话要请姨娘商议，怪道丫头说不知在那里，原来在这里生气呢，快同我来。」尤氏李氏都笑说：「姨娘请到厅上来，咱们商量。」

趙姨娘無法，只得同他三人出來，口內猶說長說短。Concubine Zhao, having no other choice, went out with the three of them, still muttering on and on as she went.探春便說：「那些小丫頭子們原是些頑意兒，喜歡呢，和他們說說笑笑，不喜歡便可以不理他。Tanchun then said, 'Those little maids are, after all, just playthings for our amusement — if you're pleased with them, chat and laugh with them; if not, you can simply take no notice of them.'便他不好了，也如同貓兒狗兒抓咬了一下子，可恕就恕，不恕時也只該叫了管家媳婦們去說給他去責罰，何苦自己不尊重，大吆小喝失了体統。'Even if one of them misbehaves, it's no different from a cat or dog giving you a scratch or a nip — if it can be forgiven, forgive it; if not, you need only have the housekeeping women called to report it and see her punished. Why must you demean yourself, shouting and carrying on and losing all sense of propriety?'你瞧周姨娘，怎不见人欺他，他也不尋人去。'Just look at Concubine Zhou — why is it no one ever bullies her, and she never goes looking for trouble with anyone either?'我勸姨娘且回房去煞煞性兒，別聽那些混帳人的調唆，沒的惹人笑話，自己呆白給人作粗活。'I urge you, Auntie, to go back to your room now and calm yourself down. Don't listen to the scheming of those disreputable people — there's no sense in making yourself a laughingstock and playing the fool doing someone else's dirty work for nothing.'心裡有二十分的氣，也忍耐這幾天，等太太回來自然料理。」一席話說得趙姨娘閉口無言，只得回房去了。'Even if you're bursting with anger, bear with it these few days, and once the Mistress returns she'll naturally see to it properly.' This speech left Concubine Zhao with nothing to say, and she had no choice but to go back to her room.

赵姨娘无法，只得同他三人出来，口内犹说长说短。探春便说：「那些小丫头子们原是些顽意儿，喜欢呢，和他们说说笑笑，不喜欢便可以不理他。便他不好了，也如同猫儿狗儿抓咬了一下子，可恕就恕，不恕时也只该叫了管家媳妇们去说给他去责罚，何苦自己不尊重，大吆小喝失了体统。你瞧周姨娘，怎不见人欺他，他也不寻人去。我劝姨娘且回房去煞煞性儿，别听那些混帐人的调唆，没的惹人笑话，自己呆白给人作粗活。心里有二十分的气，也忍耐这几天，等太太回来自然料理。」一席话说得赵姨娘闭口无言，只得回房去了。

這裡探春氣的和尤氏李紈說：「這麼大年紀，行出來的事總不叫人敬伏。Here Tanchun, still angry, said to You-shi and Li Wan, 'At her age, and yet whatever she does never earns anyone's respect.'這是什麼意思，值得吵一吵，並不留体統，耳朵又軟，心裡又沒有計算。'What was the point of it all, that it was worth kicking up such a fuss over — with no regard for propriety at all, and her ears so easily talked into things, with no sense in her head to reckon anything out.'這又是那起沒臉面的奴才們的調停，作弄出個呆人替他們出氣。」越想越氣，因命人查是誰調唆的。'This again is the doing of that shameless lot of servants stirring things up, making a fool of her to vent their spite through her.' The more she thought about it the angrier she grew, and so she ordered someone to find out who had put the idea into her head.媳婦們只得答應著，出來相視而笑，都說是「大海裡那裡尋針去？」只得將趙姨娘的人並園中喚來盤詰，都說不知道。The married women had no choice but to assent, and once outside exchanged glances and laughed, all saying, 'How is one to find a needle in the ocean?' Still, they had no choice but to summon Concubine Zhao's own people along with those in the Garden and question them, and all of them said they knew nothing.眾人沒法，只得回探春：「一時難查，慢慢訪查，凡有口舌不妥的，一總來回了責罰。」With no way to proceed, they had no choice but to report back to Tanchun: 'It's hard to get to the bottom of it right away — we'll make inquiries gradually, and whoever is found to have spoken out of turn will be reported all together and punished.'

这里探春气的和尤氏李纨说：「这么大年纪，行出来的事总不叫人敬伏。这是什么意思，值得吵一吵，并不留体统，耳朵又软，心里又没有计算。这又是那起没脸面的奴才们的调停，作弄出个呆人替他们出气。」越想越气，因命人查是谁调唆的。媳妇们只得答应著，出来相视而笑，都说是「大海里那里寻针去？」只得将赵姨娘的人并园中唤来盘诘，都说不知道。众人没法，只得回探春：「一时难查，慢慢访查，凡有口舌不妥的，一总来回了责罚。」

探春氣漸漸平服方罷。Only then, as Tanchun's anger gradually subsided, did the matter come to rest.可巧艾官便悄悄的回探春說：「都是夏媽和我們素日不對，每每的造言生事。As it happened, Ai-guan quietly reported to Tanchun, saying: "It's all because Mother Xia has never gotten along with us — she's always making up stories and stirring up trouble."前兒賴藕官燒錢，幸虧是寶玉叫他燒的，寶玉自己應了，他才沒話說。The other day she accused Ou-guan of burning paper money, but luckily it was Baoyu who had told her to burn it, and once Baoyu admitted it himself, she had nothing more to say.今兒我與姑娘送手帕去，看見他和姨奶奶在一處說了半天，嘁嘁喳喳的，見了我才走開了。」探春聽了，雖知情弊，亦料定他們皆是一黨，本皆淘氣異常，便只答應，也不肯据此為實。"Today, when I went to deliver a handkerchief for you, Miss, I saw her whispering together with the concubine for a long while, and only when she saw me did she walk off." When Tanchun heard this, although she understood there was something underhanded going on, she also guessed that these girls were all in league with one another and were, by nature, mischievous beyond the ordinary, so she merely acknowledged it without taking it as established fact.

探春气渐渐平服方罢。可巧艾官便悄悄的回探春说：「都是夏妈和我们素日不对，每每的造言生事。前儿赖藕官烧钱，幸亏是宝玉叫他烧的，宝玉自己应了，他才没话说。今儿我与姑娘送手帕去，看见他和姨奶奶在一处说了半天，嘁嘁喳喳的，见了我才走开了。」探春听了，虽知情弊，亦料定他们皆是一党，本皆淘气异常，便只答应，也不肯据此为实。

誰知夏婆子的外孫女兒蟬姐兒便是探春處當役的，時常與房中丫鬟們買東西呼喚人，眾女孩兒都和他好。As it happened, Old Woman Xia's granddaughter Chan-jie'er was a servant on duty in Tanchun's quarters, often running errands and buying things for the maids there, and all the girls were on good terms with her.這日飯後，探春正上廳理事，翠墨在家看屋子，因命蟬姐兒出去叫小麼兒買糕去。That day after the meal, Tanchun had gone to the hall to attend to business, while Cuimo stayed behind to look after the rooms; she told Chan-jie'er to go out and send one of the young pages to buy some cakes.蟬兒便說：「我才掃了個大園子，腰腿生疼的，你叫個別的人去罷。」翠墨笑說：「我又叫誰去？Chan-er said, "I just finished sweeping the whole garden and my back and legs are aching all over — get someone else to go." Cuimo laughed and said, "And who else am I supposed to send?"你趁早兒去，我告訴你一句好話，你到後門順路告訴你老娘防著些兒。」說著，便將艾官告訴他老娘話告訴了他。"You'd better go now — I'll tell you something for your own good: on your way, stop by the back gate and tell your grandmother to be careful." So saying, she told her what Ai-guan had said about her grandmother.蟬姐聽了，忙接了錢道：「這個小蹄子也要捉弄人，等我告訴去。」說著，便起身出來。When Chan-jie'er heard this, she hastily took the money and said, "That little wretch, trying to make trouble for people too — I'll go tell her." So saying, she got up and went out.至後門邊，只見廚房內此刻手閒之時，都坐在階砌上說閒話呢，他老娘亦在內。When she reached the back gate, she saw that the kitchen staff, having a free moment, were all sitting on the steps chatting idly, and her grandmother was among them.蟬兒便命一個婆子出去買糕。Chan-er told one of the old women to go out and buy the cakes.他且一行罵，一行說，將方才之話告訴與夏婆子。Then, grumbling all the while, she told Old Woman Xia what had just been said.夏婆子聽了，又氣又怕，便欲去找艾官問他，又欲往探春前去訴冤。On hearing this, Old Woman Xia was both angry and frightened; she wanted to go find Ai-guan and confront her, and also wanted to go before Tanchun to plead her grievance.蟬兒忙攔住說：「你老人家去怎麼說呢？Chan-er quickly stopped her, saying, "What would you even say if you went, Granny?"這話怎得知道的，可又叨登不好了。"How would you explain how you found out about this? It would only stir things up worse."說給你老防著就是了，那裡忙到這一時兒。」"I told you just so you'd be on your guard — there's no need to rush into it this very moment."

谁知夏婆子的外孙女儿蝉姐儿便是探春处当役的，时常与房中丫鬟们买东西呼唤人，众女孩儿都和他好。这日饭后，探春正上厅理事，翠墨在家看屋子，因命蝉姐儿出去叫小么儿买糕去。蝉儿便说：「我才扫了个大园子，腰腿生疼的，你叫个别的人去罢。」翠墨笑说：「我又叫谁去？你趁早儿去，我告诉你一句好话，你到后门顺路告诉你老娘防著些儿。」说著，便将艾官告诉他老娘话告诉了他。蝉姐听了，忙接了钱道：「这个小蹄子也要捉弄人，等我告诉去。」说著，便起身出来。至后门边，只见厨房内此刻手闲之时，都坐在阶砌上说闲话呢，他老娘亦在内。蝉儿便命一个婆子出去买糕。他且一行骂，一行说，将方才之话告诉与夏婆子。夏婆子听了，又气又怕，便欲去找艾官问他，又欲往探春前去诉冤。蝉儿忙拦住说：「你老人家去怎么说呢？这话怎得知道的，可又叨登不好了。说给你老防著就是了，那里忙到这一时儿。」

正說著，忽見芳官走來，扒著院門，笑向廚房中柳家媳婦說道：「柳嫂子，寶二爺說了晚飯的素菜要一樣涼涼的酸酸的東西，只別擱上香油弄膩了。」柳家的笑道：「知道。Just as they were speaking, Fangguan suddenly came along, leaning against the courtyard gate, and called laughingly into the kitchen to Mrs. Liu: "Sister Liu, Master Bao says that for tonight's vegetarian dishes he wants something cool and tangy — just don't put sesame oil on it and make it greasy." Mrs. Liu laughed and said, "I know."今兒怎遣你來了告訴這麼一句要緊話。"How is it that they sent you today to deliver such an important message?"你不嫌髒，進來逛逛兒不是？」芳官才進來，忽有一個婆子手裡托了一碟糕來。"If you don't mind the mess, why not come in and have a look around?" Fangguan had just stepped in when an old woman happened to come by carrying a plate of cakes in her hands.芳官便戲道：「誰買的熱糕？Fangguan said teasingly, "Who bought these hot cakes?"我先嘗一塊兒。」蟬兒一手接了道：「這是人家買的，你們還稀罕這個。」柳家的見了，忙笑道：「芳姑娘，你喜吃這個？"Let me try a piece first." Chan-er caught them with one hand and said, "These were bought for someone else — as if you'd even want these." When Mrs. Liu saw this, she hastily said with a smile, "Miss Fang, do you like eating these?"我這裡有才買下給你姐姐吃的，他不曾吃，還收在那裡，乾乾淨淨沒動呢。」說著，便拿了一碟出來，遞與芳官，又說：「你等我進去替你炖口好茶來。」一面進去，現通開火頓茶。"I have some here that I just bought for your sister to eat — she hasn't touched them yet, they're still put away, clean and untouched." So saying, she brought out a plate and handed it to Fangguan, adding, "Wait while I go in and brew you a nice pot of tea." With that she went in and got the fire going to make tea.芳官便拿了熱糕，問到蟬兒臉上說：「稀罕吃你那糕，這個不是糕不成？Fangguan took the hot cakes and, holding them right up to Chan-er's face, said, "As if I'd want your cakes — isn't this a cake too?"我不過說著頑罷了，你給我磕個頭，我也不吃。」說著，便將手內的糕一塊一塊的掰了，擲著打雀兒頑，口內笑說：「柳嫂子，你別心疼，我回來買二斤給你。」小蟬氣的怔怔的，瞅著冷笑道：「雷公老爺也有眼睛，怎不打這作孽的！"I was only teasing — even if you kowtowed to me, I still wouldn't eat it." So saying, she broke the cake in her hand into pieces one by one and threw them to amuse herself by hitting sparrows, saying with a laugh, "Sister Liu, don't feel bad about it, I'll buy you two catties when I come back." Little Chan was so angry she stood there stunned, then stared and said with a cold laugh, "Even the Thunder God has eyes — why doesn't he strike down this troublemaker!"他還氣我呢。"And she has the nerve to be angry at me."我可拿什麼比你們，又有人進貢，又有人作乾奴才，溜你們好上好兒，幫襯著說句話兒。」眾媳婦都說：「姑娘們，罷呀，天天見了就咕唧。」有幾個伶透的，見了他們對了口，怕又生事，都拿起腳來各自走開了。"How could I ever compare to you lot — you have people making offerings to you, people acting as your adopted flunkeys, currying favor with you and putting in a good word for you." The women all said, "Now, now, girls, that's enough — every day you meet and start bickering." A few of the sharper ones, seeing that they were going at each other, feared it would lead to trouble again, and quietly slipped away one by one.當下蟬兒也不敢十分說他，一面咕嘟著去了。At this, Chan-er did not dare say too much more either, and left muttering under her breath.

正说著，忽见芳官走来，扒著院门，笑向厨房中柳家媳妇说道：「柳嫂子，宝二爷说了晚饭的素菜要一样凉凉的酸酸的东西，只别搁上香油弄腻了。」柳家的笑道：「知道。今儿怎遣你来了告诉这么一句要紧话。你不嫌脏，进来逛逛儿不是？」芳官才进来，忽有一个婆子手里托了一碟糕来。芳官便戏道：「谁买的热糕？我先尝一块儿。」蝉儿一手接了道：「这是人家买的，你们还稀罕这个。」柳家的见了，忙笑道：「芳姑娘，你喜吃这个？我这里有才买下给你姐姐吃的，他不曾吃，还收在那里，干干净净没动呢。」说著，便拿了一碟出来，递与芳官，又说：「你等我进去替你炖口好茶来。」一面进去，现通开火顿茶。芳官便拿了热糕，问到蝉儿脸上说：「稀罕吃你那糕，这个不是糕不成？我不过说著顽罢了，你给我磕个头，我也不吃。」说著，便将手内的糕一块一块的掰了，掷著打雀儿顽，口内笑说：「柳嫂子，你别心疼，我回来买二斤给你。」小蝉气的怔怔的，瞅著冷笑道：「雷公老爷也有眼睛，怎不打这作孽的！他还气我呢。我可拿什么比你们，又有人进贡，又有人作干奴才，溜你们好上好儿，帮衬著说句话儿。」众媳妇都说：「姑娘们，罢呀，天天见了就咕唧。」有几个伶透的，见了他们对了口，怕又生事，都拿起脚来各自走开了。当下蝉儿也不敢十分说他，一面咕嘟著去了。

這裡柳家的見人散了，忙出來和芳官說：「前兒那話兒說了不曾？」芳官道：「說了。Once Mrs. Liu saw that the crowd had dispersed, she hurried out and said to Fangguan, "Did you mention that matter the other day?" Fangguan said, "I did."等一二日再提這事。"Wait a day or two before bringing it up again."偏那趙不死的又和我鬧了一場。"That deathless Aunt Zhao had to go and make a scene with me again, of all things."前兒那玫瑰露姐姐吃了不曾，他到底可好些？」柳家的道：「可不都吃了。"That rose-dew I gave you the other day — did your sister drink it? Is she any better now?" Mrs. Liu said, "Oh, she drank every bit of it."他愛的什麼似的，又不好問你再要的。」芳官道：「不值什麼，等我再要些來給他就是了。」"She loved it so much, but I didn't like to ask you for more." Fangguan said, "It's nothing much — I'll just get some more and bring it to her."

这里柳家的见人散了，忙出来和芳官说：「前儿那话儿说了不曾？」芳官道：「说了。等一二日再提这事。偏那赵不死的又和我闹了一场。前儿那玫瑰露姐姐吃了不曾，他到底可好些？」柳家的道：「可不都吃了。他爱的什么似的，又不好问你再要的。」芳官道：「不值什么，等我再要些来给他就是了。」

原來這柳家的有個女兒，今年才十六歲，雖是廚役之女，卻生的人物與平，襲，紫，鶯皆類。Now, this Mrs. Liu had a daughter who was only sixteen this year; although she was the daughter of a kitchen servant, in looks and manner she was on a par with Ping'er, Xiren, Zijuan, and Yingr.因他排行第五，因叫他是五兒。Since she was the fifth child in the family, she was called Wu'er.因素有弱疾，故沒得差。As she had always been sickly, she had never been assigned any duties.近因柳家的見寶玉房中的丫鬟差輕人多，且又聞得寶玉將來都要放他們，故如今要送他到那裡應名兒。Recently, Mrs. Liu had noticed that the maids in Baoyu's quarters had light duties and there were many of them, and she had also heard that Baoyu meant to free them all eventually, so she wanted to send Wu'er there now, just to get her name on the books.正無頭路，可巧這柳家的是梨香院的差役，他最小意殷勤，伏侍的芳官一干人比別的乾娘還好。She had no way in, when it happened that this Mrs. Liu was a servant assigned to Pear Fragrance Court, and being extremely attentive and considerate, she looked after Fangguan and her group even better than their own adoptive mothers did.芳官等亦待他們極好，如今便和芳官說了，央芳官去與寶玉說。Fangguan and the others also treated them very well in return, so now she spoke to Fangguan about it, begging her to put in a word with Baoyu.寶玉雖是依允，只是近日病著，又見事多，尚未說得。Although Baoyu had agreed to it, he had been ill lately and there had been a great many other matters as well, so it had not yet been arranged.

原来这柳家的有个女儿，今年才十六岁，虽是厨役之女，却生的人物与平，袭，紫，莺皆类。因他排行第五，因叫他是五儿。因素有弱疾，故没得差。近因柳家的见宝玉房中的丫鬟差轻人多，且又闻得宝玉将来都要放他们，故如今要送他到那里应名儿。正无头路，可巧这柳家的是梨香院的差役，他最小意殷勤，伏侍的芳官一干人比别的干娘还好。芳官等亦待他们极好，如今便和芳官说了，央芳官去与宝玉说。宝玉虽是依允，只是近日病著，又见事多，尚未说得。

前言少述，且說當下芳官回至怡紅院中，回復了寶玉。To cut the earlier account short — let us now tell how Fangguan returned to Happy Red Court and reported back to Baoyu.寶玉正在聽見趙姨娘廝吵，心中自是不悅，說又不是，不說又不是，只得等吵完了，打聽著探春勸了他去後方從蘅蕪苑回來，勸了芳官一陣，方大家安妥。Baoyu had just been listening to Aunt Zhao making a scene, and naturally felt displeased about it — to speak up would be wrong, and to say nothing would also be wrong — so he could only wait until the quarrel was over. Once he learned that Tanchun had persuaded her to leave, he came back from Alpinia Park, spent a while consoling Fangguan, and only then did everyone settle down.今見他回來，又說還要些玫瑰露與柳五兒吃去。Now, seeing her return, he also heard her say she wanted some more rose-dew to give to Liu Wu'er.寶玉忙道：「有的，我又不大吃，你都給他去罷。」說著命襲人取了出來，見瓶中亦不多，遂連瓶與了他。Baoyu quickly said, "There's some — I don't really drink it much anyway, just give it all to her." So saying, he had Xiren fetch it out, and seeing there was not much left in the bottle, he gave her the bottle along with it.

前言少述，且说当下芳官回至怡红院中，回复了宝玉。宝玉正在听见赵姨娘厮吵，心中自是不悦，说又不是，不说又不是，只得等吵完了，打听著探春劝了他去后方从蘅芜苑回来，劝了芳官一阵，方大家安妥。今见他回来，又说还要些玫瑰露与柳五儿吃去。宝玉忙道：「有的，我又不大吃，你都给他去罢。」说著命袭人取了出来，见瓶中亦不多，遂连瓶与了他。

芳官便自攜了瓶與他去。Fangguan then took the bottle herself and went off to give it to her.正值柳家的帶進他女兒來散悶，在那邊犄角子上一帶地方兒逛了一回，便回到廚房內，正吃茶歇腳兒。It happened just then that Mrs. Liu had brought her daughter in to take her mind off things; after strolling around the area near the corner for a while, they had come back to the kitchen and were sitting having tea and resting.芳官拿了一個五寸來高的小玻璃瓶來，迎亮照看，裡面小半瓶胭脂一般的汁子，還道是寶玉吃的西洋葡萄酒。Fangguan brought a small glass bottle about five inches tall; holding it up to the light to look, they saw it was less than half full of a liquid the color of rouge, and at first thought it was the Western grape wine that Baoyu drank.母女兩個忙說：「快拿旋子燙滾水，你且坐下。」芳官笑道：「就剩了這些，連瓶子都給你們罷。」五兒聽了，方知是玫瑰露，忙接了，謝了又謝。Mother and daughter hastily said, "Quickly get the kettle and heat some boiling water — do sit down first." Fangguan said with a smile, "This is all that's left — I'll just give you the bottle and all." Only then did Wu'er realize it was rose-dew; she quickly took it, thanking her again and again.芳官又問他「好些？」五兒道：「今兒精神些，進來逛逛。Fangguan then asked her, "Are you feeling better?" Wu'er said, "I have more energy today, so I came in for a little stroll."這後邊一帶，也沒什麼意思，不過見些大石頭大樹和房子後牆，正經好景致也沒看見。」芳官道：「你為什麼不往前去？」柳家的道：「我沒叫他往前去。"There's nothing much of interest back here, though — just some big rocks, big trees, and the back walls of the houses; I haven't seen any real scenery worth looking at." Fangguan said, "Why didn't you go further in, toward the front?" Mrs. Liu said, "I didn't let her go any further in."姑娘們也不認得他，倘有不對眼的人看見了，又是一番口舌。"The young ladies don't even know her by sight, and if someone who doesn't take a liking to her should happen to see her, it would only mean more gossip and trouble."明兒托你攜帶他有了房頭，怕沒有人帶著他逛呢，只怕逛膩了的日子還有呢。」芳官聽了，笑道：「怕什麼，有我呢。」柳家的忙道：「噯喲喲，我的姑娘，我們的頭皮兒薄，比不得你們。」說著，又倒了茶來。"Tomorrow, once you help her get placed somewhere, there'll be no shortage of people to take her around — I daresay there'll come a day when she's tired of strolling about." Fangguan laughed on hearing this and said, "What's there to be afraid of — I'm here." Mrs. Liu said hastily, "Oh dear, my dear girl, our skin is thin — we can't compare to you all." So saying, she poured out more tea.芳官那裡吃這茶，只漱了一口就走了。Fangguan had no mind to drink the tea; she only rinsed her mouth with a sip and left.柳家的說道：「我這裡占著手，五丫頭送送。」Mrs. Liu said, "My hands are full here — Fifth Girl, see her out."

芳官便自携了瓶与他去。正值柳家的带进他女儿来散闷，在那边犄角子上一带地方儿逛了一回，便回到厨房内，正吃茶歇脚儿。芳官拿了一个五寸来高的小玻璃瓶来，迎亮照看，里面小半瓶胭脂一般的汁子，还道是宝玉吃的西洋葡萄酒。母女两个忙说：「快拿旋子烫滚水，你且坐下。」芳官笑道：「就剩了这些，连瓶子都给你们罢。」五儿听了，方知是玫瑰露，忙接了，谢了又谢。芳官又问他「好些？」五儿道：「今儿精神些，进来逛逛。这后边一带，也没什么意思，不过见些大石头大树和房子后墙，正经好景致也没看见。」芳官道：「你为什么不往前去？」柳家的道：「我没叫他往前去。姑娘们也不认得他，倘有不对眼的人看见了，又是一番口舌。明儿托你携带他有了房头，怕没有人带著他逛呢，只怕逛腻了的日子还有呢。」芳官听了，笑道：「怕什么，有我呢。」柳家的忙道：「嗳哟哟，我的姑娘，我们的头皮儿薄，比不得你们。」说著，又倒了茶来。芳官那里吃这茶，只漱了一口就走了。柳家的说道：「我这里占著手，五丫头送送。」

五兒便送出來，因見無人，又拉著芳官說道：「我的話倒底說了沒有？」芳官笑道：「難道哄你不成？So Wu'er saw her out, and seeing there was no one around, caught hold of Fangguan and said, "Did you ever mention what I asked, in the end?" Fangguan said with a laugh, "As if I'd deceive you?"我聽見屋裡正經還少兩個人的窩兒，並沒補上。"I heard that there are actually still two open spots in our quarters that haven't been filled."一個是紅玉的，璉二奶奶要去還沒給人來，一個是墜兒的，也還沒補。"One is Hongyu's spot — Mistress Lian wanted her and hasn't sent anyone to replace her yet; the other is Zhui'er's, which also hasn't been filled."如今要你一個也不算過分。"So now, wanting you for one of them shouldn't be asking too much."皆因平兒每每的和襲人說，凡有動人動錢的事，得挨的且挨一日更好。"It's only that Ping'er has repeatedly told Xiren that whenever there's a matter involving personnel changes or money, it's better to put it off a day if it can possibly be put off."如今三姑娘正要拿人扎筏子呢，連他屋裡的事都駁了兩三件，如今正要尋我們屋裡的事沒尋著，何苦來往網裡碰去。"Right now the Third Miss is looking for someone to make an example of — she's even overruled two or three matters in her own quarters — and she's just been looking for something to find fault with in ours without success; why should we go and run straight into the net?"倘或說些話駁了，那時老了，倒難回轉。"If she should say something and turn it down, then the matter would be settled for good, and it would be hard to reverse afterward."不如等冷一冷，老太太，太太心閒了，憑是天大的事先和老的一說，沒有不成的。」五兒道：「雖如此說，我卻性急等不得了。"Better to let things cool down a bit — once the Old Ancestress and the Mistress have some free time, no matter how huge the matter, if we speak to the elders about it first, there's nothing that won't work out." Wu'er said, "That may be so, but I'm too impatient to wait."趁如今挑上來了，一則給我媽爭口氣，也不枉養我一場，二則添上月錢，家裡又從容些，三則我的心開一開，只怕這病就好了。——便是請大夫吃藥，也省了家裡的錢。」芳官道：「我都知道了，你只放心。」二人別過，芳官自去不提。"While there's a chance to be chosen now — first, it would win my mother some face and repay her for raising me; second, it would add to our monthly allowance and make things easier at home; and third, it would lift my spirits, and I daresay this illness of mine would get better. Even hiring a doctor and taking medicine would save the family money." Fangguan said, "I understand it all — just set your mind at ease." The two then parted ways, and we need not follow Fangguan further for now.

五儿便送出来，因见无人，又拉著芳官说道：「我的话倒底说了没有？」芳官笑道：「难道哄你不成？我听见屋里正经还少两个人的窝儿，并没补上。一个是红玉的，琏二奶奶要去还没给人来，一个是坠儿的，也还没补。如今要你一个也不算过分。皆因平儿每每的和袭人说，凡有动人动钱的事，得挨的且挨一日更好。如今三姑娘正要拿人扎筏子呢，连他屋里的事都驳了两三件，如今正要寻我们屋里的事没寻著，何苦来往网里碰去。倘或说些话驳了，那时老了，倒难回转。不如等冷一冷，老太太，太太心闲了，凭是天大的事先和老的一说，没有不成的。」五儿道：「虽如此说，我却性急等不得了。趁如今挑上来了，一则给我妈争口气，也不枉养我一场，二则添上月钱，家里又从容些，三则我的心开一开，只怕这病就好了。——便是请大夫吃药，也省了家里的钱。」芳官道：「我都知道了，你只放心。」二人别过，芳官自去不提。

單表五兒回來，與他娘深謝芳官之情。Let us speak only of Wu'er, who went back and thanked her mother warmly for Fangguan's kindness.他娘因說：「再不承望得了這些東西，雖然是個珍貴物兒，卻是吃多了也最動熱。Her mother said, "I never expected we'd come by something like this — though it's a precious thing, drinking too much of it does tend to bring on heat in the body."竟把這個倒些送個人去，也是個大情。」五兒問：「送誰？」他娘道：「送你舅舅的兒子，昨日熱病，也想這些東西吃。"Let's pour some out and send it to someone — it would be a great kindness." Wu'er asked, "Send it to whom?" Her mother said, "To your uncle's son — he came down with a fever yesterday and was wanting something like this to drink."如今我倒半盞與他去。」五兒聽了，半日沒言語，隨他媽倒了半盞子去，將剩的連瓶便放在家伙廚內。"I'll pour out half a cup for him now." Wu'er said nothing for a long while after hearing this; she let her mother pour out half a cup to take over, and put what remained, bottle and all, away in the cupboard.五兒冷笑道：「依我說，竟不給他也罷了。Wu'er said with a cold laugh, "If you ask me, we'd better not give him any at all."倘或有人盤問起來，倒又是一場事了。」他娘道：「那裡怕起這些來，還了得了。"If someone should come asking questions about it, it would only cause trouble all over again." Her mother said, "Since when do we need to be afraid of such things — really now."我們辛辛苦苦的，裡頭賺些東西，也是應當的。"We work hard, slaving away, and it's only right that we should get a little something out of it now and then."難道是賊偷的不成？」說著，一徑去了。"It's not as if we stole it like thieves, is it?" So saying, she went off straightaway.直至外邊他哥哥家中，他侄子正躺著，一見了這個，他哥嫂侄男無不歡喜。She went all the way out to her brother's house, where her nephew was lying ill in bed; the moment they saw what she had brought, her brother, his wife, and the nephew were all delighted, every one of them.現從井上取了涼水，和吃了一碗，心中一暢，頭目清涼。They fetched cool water fresh from the well right then, mixed it in, and he drank a bowl; at once he felt refreshed inside, his head and eyes clear and cool.剩的半盞，用紙覆著，放在桌上。The remaining half-cup was covered with paper and set on the table.

单表五儿回来，与他娘深谢芳官之情。他娘因说：「再不承望得了这些东西，虽然是个珍贵物儿，却是吃多了也最动热。竟把这个倒些送个人去，也是个大情。」五儿问：「送谁？」他娘道：「送你舅舅的儿子，昨日热病，也想这些东西吃。如今我倒半盏与他去。」五儿听了，半日没言语，随他妈倒了半盏子去，将剩的连瓶便放在家伙厨内。五儿冷笑道：「依我说，竟不给他也罢了。倘或有人盘问起来，倒又是一场事了。」他娘道：「那里怕起这些来，还了得了。我们辛辛苦苦的，里头赚些东西，也是应当的。难道是贼偷的不成？」说著，一径去了。直至外边他哥哥家中，他侄子正躺著，一见了这个，他哥嫂侄男无不欢喜。现从井上取了凉水，和吃了一碗，心中一畅，头目清凉。剩的半盏，用纸覆著，放在桌上。

可巧又有家中幾個小廝同他侄兒素日相好的，走來問侯他的病。As it happened, a few young houseboys who were usually on good terms with her nephew came by to ask after his illness.內中有一小伙名喚錢槐者，乃系趙姨娘之內侄。Among them was a young fellow named Qian Huai, who was a nephew of Aunt Zhao's on her side of the family.他父母現在庫上管帳，他本身又派跟賈環上學。His parents currently kept accounts at the storehouse, and he himself had been assigned to accompany Jia Huan to his lessons.因他有些錢勢，尚未娶親，素日看上了柳家的五兒標致，和父母說了，欲娶他為妻。Since he had some money and standing and was not yet married, he had long had his eye on Wu'er of the Liu family for her good looks, and had spoken to his parents about wanting to take her as his wife.也曾央中保媒人再四求告。He had also had a go-between plead the case again and again.柳家父母卻也情愿，爭奈五兒執意不從，雖未明言，卻行止中已帶出，父母未敢應允。Wu'er's parents were quite willing on their side, but Wu'er herself was firmly opposed; although she had never said so outright, it showed plainly enough in her manner, so her parents had not dared to give their consent.近日又想往園內去，越發將此事丟開，只等三五年後放出來，自向外邊擇婿了。Recently, now that she was hoping to go into the Garden, she had set the matter aside all the more, meaning to wait until she was released in three or five years' time and choose a husband for herself from outside.錢家見他如此，也就罷了。Seeing this, the Qian family had let the matter drop for the time being.怎奈錢槐不得五兒，心中又氣又愧，發恨定要弄取成配，方了此愿。But Qian Huai, unable to have Wu'er, felt both angry and humiliated in his heart, and swore he would find some way to make the match happen, so as to fulfill his wish.今也同人來瞧望柳侄，不期柳家的在內。Today he too had come along with the others to visit the Liu nephew, not expecting to find Mrs. Liu there.

可巧又有家中几个小厮同他侄儿素日相好的，走来问侯他的病。内中有一小伙名唤钱槐者，乃系赵姨娘之内侄。他父母现在库上管帐，他本身又派跟贾环上学。因他有些钱势，尚未娶亲，素日看上了柳家的五儿标致，和父母说了，欲娶他为妻。也曾央中保媒人再四求告。柳家父母却也情愿，争奈五儿执意不从，虽未明言，却行止中已带出，父母未敢应允。近日又想往园内去，越发将此事丢开，只等三五年后放出来，自向外边择婿了。钱家见他如此，也就罢了。怎奈钱槐不得五儿，心中又气又愧，发恨定要弄取成配，方了此愿。今也同人来瞧望柳侄，不期柳家的在内。

柳家的忽見一群人來了，內中有錢槐，便推說不得閒，起身便走了。When Mrs. Liu suddenly saw a group of people arrive, Qian Huai among them, she made an excuse that she had no time to spare, got up, and left at once.他哥嫂忙說：「姑媽怎麼不吃茶就走？Her brother and sister-in-law said hastily, "Auntie, why are you leaving without even having tea?"倒難為姑媽記掛。」柳家的因笑道：「只怕裡面傳飯，再閒了出來瞧侄子罷。」他嫂子因向抽屜內取了一個紙包出來，拿在手內送了柳家的出來，至牆角邊遞與柳家的，又笑道：「這是你哥哥昨兒在門上該班兒，誰知這五日一班，竟偏冷淡，一個外財沒發。"We're so grateful you thought to come." Mrs. Liu said with a smile, "I'm afraid they'll be sending for meals inside — I'll come see my nephew again when I have more free time." Her sister-in-law then took a paper packet out of a drawer, carried it in her hand as she saw Mrs. Liu out, and handed it to her at the corner of the wall, saying with a smile, "This is from your brother's turn on duty at the gate yesterday — who would have thought, of all the five-day shifts, this one turned out so dull, without a single windfall."只有昨兒有粵東的官兒來拜，送了上頭兩小簍子茯苓霜。"It was only yesterday that an official from Guangdong came to pay a call and presented two small baskets of poria frost to the higher-ups."餘外給了門上人一簍作門禮，你哥哥分了這些。"Besides that, he gave the gatekeepers one basket as a gate-gift, and your brother got this share of it."這地方千年松柏最多，所以單取了這茯苓的精液和了藥，不知怎麼弄出這怪俊的白霜兒來。"That region has more thousand-year-old pines and cedars than anywhere else, so they take just the essence of the poria that grows there and mix it with other ingredients — I don't know quite how they manage to produce this remarkably fine white frost."說第一用人乳和著，每日早起吃一鐘，最補人的，第二用牛奶子，萬不得，滾白水也好。"They say the best way is to mix it with human milk and take one cup first thing every morning — it's the most nourishing; next best is to mix it with cow's milk; and if you absolutely can't get either, plain boiling water will do as well."我們想著，正宜外甥女兒吃。"We thought it would be just the thing for our niece to take."原是上半日打發小丫頭子送了家去的，他說鎖著門，連外甥女兒也進去了。"We had actually sent a little maid to deliver it to your house earlier this morning, but she said the door was locked, and that even our niece had gone in with it."本來我要瞧瞧他去，給他帶了去的，又想主子們不在家，各處嚴緊，我又沒甚麼差使，有要沒緊跑些什麼。"I meant to go see her myself and take it along, but then I thought that with the masters away from home, security is tight everywhere, and since I have no real business there, there'd be no point in running over for nothing important."況且這兩日風聲，聞得裡頭家反宅亂的，倘或沾帶了倒值多的。"Besides, from what I hear these past couple of days, there's talk that things inside are all in an uproar — if I got mixed up in it, it would hardly be worth the trouble."姑娘來的正好，親自帶去罷。」"You've come at just the right time, Auntie — take it along yourself."

柳家的忽见一群人来了，内中有钱槐，便推说不得闲，起身便走了。他哥嫂忙说：「姑妈怎么不吃茶就走？倒难为姑妈记挂。」柳家的因笑道：「只怕里面传饭，再闲了出来瞧侄子罢。」他嫂子因向抽屉内取了一个纸包出来，拿在手内送了柳家的出来，至墙角边递与柳家的，又笑道：「这是你哥哥昨儿在门上该班儿，谁知这五日一班，竟偏冷淡，一个外财没发。只有昨儿有粤东的官儿来拜，送了上头两小篓子茯苓霜。余外给了门上人一篓作门礼，你哥哥分了这些。这地方千年松柏最多，所以单取了这茯苓的精液和了药，不知怎么弄出这怪俊的白霜儿来。说第一用人乳和著，每日早起吃一钟，最补人的，第二用牛奶子，万不得，滚白水也好。我们想著，正宜外甥女儿吃。原是上半日打发小丫头子送了家去的，他说锁著门，连外甥女儿也进去了。本来我要瞧瞧他去，给他带了去的，又想主子们不在家，各处严紧，我又没甚么差使，有要没紧跑些什么。况且这两日风声，闻得里头家反宅乱的，倘或沾带了倒值多的。姑娘来的正好，亲自带去罢。」

柳氏道了生受，作別回來。Mrs. Liu thanked her for the trouble and took her leave to head back.剛到了角門前，只見一個小麼兒笑道：「你老人家那裡去了？Just as she reached the corner gate, a young page boy said with a laugh, "Where have you been, Granny?"裡頭三次兩趟叫人傳呢，我們三四個人都找你老去了，還沒來。"They've sent people two or three times already calling for you inside — three or four of us went looking for you and still couldn't find you."你老人家卻從那裡來了？"Where on earth have you been coming from, Granny?"這條路又不是家去的路，我倒疑心起來。」那柳家的笑罵道：「好猴兒崽子，……」要知端的，且聽下回分解。"This road doesn't even lead toward your house — it makes me suspicious." Mrs. Liu cursed him with a laugh, "You cheeky little monkey…" If you want to know what happened next, listen to the explanation in the following chapter.

柳氏道了生受，作别回来。刚到了角门前，只见一个小么儿笑道：「你老人家那里去了？里头三次两趟叫人传呢，我们三四个人都找你老去了，还没来。你老人家却从那里来了？这条路又不是家去的路，我倒疑心起来。」那柳家的笑骂道：「好猴儿崽子，……」要知端的，且听下回分解。