第七回　　　送宮花周瑞嘆英蓮　談肄業秦鐘結寶玉 Zhou Rui Delivers Palace Flowers and Sighs over Yinglian; Qin Zhong Meets Baoyu Discussing Studies

題曰：The chapter opens with a verse:

题曰：

十二花容色最新，不知誰是惜花人。Twelve blossoms, freshest in hue and form— who is it that cherishes flowers?

十二花容色最新，不知谁是惜花人。

相逢若問名何氏，家往江南本姓秦。If we should meet and you ask my name— my home is in the south, my surname Qin.

相逢若问名何氏，家往江南本姓秦。

話說周瑞家的送了劉姥姥去後，便上來回王夫人話。Now, after Zhou Rui's wife had seen Grannie Liu off, she went up to report to Lady Wang.誰知王夫人不在上房，問丫鬟們時，方知往薛姨媽那邊閒話去了。As it turned out, Lady Wang was not in her rooms; only upon asking the maids did she learn that she had gone over to chat with Aunt Xue.周瑞家的聽說，便轉出東角門至東院，往梨香院來。On hearing this, Zhou Rui's wife turned out through the east corner gate to the eastern courtyard and made her way to Pear Fragrance Court.剛至院門前，只見王夫人的丫鬟名金釧兒者，和一個才留了頭的小女孩兒站在台階坡上頑。Just as she reached the courtyard gate, she saw Lady Wang's maid Jinchuan'er and a little girl whose hair had only just been allowed to grow out, playing together on the steps.見周瑞家的來了，便知有話回，因向內努嘴兒。Seeing Zhou Rui's wife arrive, Jinchuan'er knew at once she had come with something to report, and jerked her chin toward the room within.

话说周瑞家的送了刘姥姥去后，便上来回王夫人话。谁知王夫人不在上房，问丫鬟们时，方知往薛姨妈那边闲话去了。周瑞家的听说，便转出东角门至东院，往梨香院来。刚至院门前，只见王夫人的丫鬟名金钏儿者，和一个才留了头的小女孩儿站在台阶坡上顽。见周瑞家的来了，便知有话回，因向内努嘴儿。

周瑞家的輕輕掀帘進去，只見王夫人和薛姨媽長篇大套的說些家務人情等語。Zhou Rui's wife lifted the curtain gently and went in, to find Lady Wang and Aunt Xue deep in a long, rambling talk about household matters and social affairs.周瑞家的不敢驚動，遂進裡間來。Not daring to disturb them, Zhou Rui's wife went on into the inner room.只見薛寶釵穿著家常衣服，頭上只散挽著䰖兒，坐在炕裡邊，伏在小炕桌上同丫鬟鶯兒正描花樣子呢。There she found Xue Baochai dressed in everyday clothes, her hair simply gathered up in a loose coil, sitting at the inner side of the kang, bent over a small kang-table with her maid Yingr, tracing flower patterns.見他進來，寶釵才放下筆，轉過身來，滿面堆笑讓：「周姐姐坐。」周瑞家的也忙陪笑問：「姑娘好？」一面炕沿上坐了，因說：「這有兩三天也沒見姑娘到那邊逛逛去，只怕是你寶兄弟沖撞了你不成？」寶釵笑道：「那裡的話。Seeing her come in, Baochai set down her brush, turned around, and said with a broad smile, "Sister Zhou, sit down." Zhou Rui's wife hastened to smile back and ask, "How are you, miss?" and seated herself on the edge of the kang, saying, "I haven't seen you go over that way to visit these past two or three days—surely Master Bao hasn't offended you somehow?" Baochai laughed, "What are you talking about.只因我那种病又發了，所以這兩天沒出屋子。」周瑞家的道：「正是呢，姑娘到底有什麼病根兒，也該趁早兒請個大夫來，好生開個方子，認真吃幾劑，一勢兒除了根才是。It's only that that old illness of mine flared up again, so I haven't been out of my room these past few days." Zhou Rui's wife said, "That's just it—whatever the root of your trouble is, miss, you really ought to send for a doctor early on, have him write out a proper prescription, take a few doses in earnest, and be rid of the root of it once and for all.小小的年紀倒作下個病根兒，也不是頑的。」寶釵聽了便笑道：「再不要提吃藥。To have such a chronic ailment at so young an age is no small matter." Hearing this, Baochai laughed, "Don't even speak of taking medicine.為這病請大夫吃藥，也不知白花了多少銀子錢呢。For this illness we've called in doctors and taken medicines, and there's no telling how much silver has been wasted for nothing.憑你什麼名醫仙藥，從不見一點兒效。No matter how famous the doctor or how wondrous the medicine, never once did it show the slightest effect.後來還虧了一個禿頭和尚，說專治無名之症，因請他看了。Later on, luckily, there was a bald-headed monk who said he specialized in curing nameless ailments, so we had him come and examine me.他說我這是從胎裡帶來的一股熱毒，幸而先天壯，還不相干，若吃尋常藥，是不中用的。He said this was a strain of hot poison I'd carried since the womb, and that fortunately my constitution was strong enough that it wasn't serious, but that ordinary medicines would be of no use at all.他就說了一個海上方，又給了一包藥末子作引子，异香异氣的。He then gave me a strange, far-fetched prescription, and also gave a packet of medicinal powder to serve as a catalyst, with a peculiar, unusual scent to it.不知是那裡弄了來的。There's no telling where he got hold of it.他說發了時吃一丸就好。He said that when the illness flares up, taking one pill would cure it.倒也奇怪，吃他的藥倒效驗些。」Strange to say, taking his medicine has actually proved rather effective."

周瑞家的轻轻掀帘进去，只见王夫人和薛姨妈长篇大套的说些家务人情等语。周瑞家的不敢惊动，遂进里间来。只见薛宝钗穿著家常衣服，头上只散挽著䰖儿，坐在炕里边，伏在小炕桌上同丫鬟莺儿正描花样子呢。见他进来，宝钗才放下笔，转过身来，满面堆笑让：「周姐姐坐。」周瑞家的也忙陪笑问：「姑娘好？」一面炕沿上坐了，因说：「这有两三天也没见姑娘到那边逛逛去，只怕是你宝兄弟冲撞了你不成？」宝钗笑道：「那里的话。只因我那种病又发了，所以这两天没出屋子。」周瑞家的道：「正是呢，姑娘到底有什么病根儿，也该趁早儿请个大夫来，好生开个方子，认真吃几剂，一势儿除了根才是。小小的年纪倒作下个病根儿，也不是顽的。」宝钗听了便笑道：「再不要提吃药。为这病请大夫吃药，也不知白花了多少银子钱呢。凭你什么名医仙药，从不见一点儿效。后来还亏了一个秃头和尚，说专治无名之症，因请他看了。他说我这是从胎里带来的一股热毒，幸而先天壮，还不相干，若吃寻常药，是不中用的。他就说了一个海上方，又给了一包药末子作引子，异香异气的。不知是那里弄了来的。他说发了时吃一丸就好。倒也奇怪，吃他的药倒效验些。」

周瑞家的因問：「不知是個什麼海上方兒？Zhou Rui's wife then asked, "I wonder, what sort of far-fetched prescription is it?姑娘說了，我們也記著，說與人知道，倘遇見這樣病，也是行好的事。」寶釵見問，乃笑道：「不用這方兒還好，若用了這方兒，真真把人瑣碎死。If you tell me, miss, I'll remember it and pass it on to others, so that if they meet with such an illness, it would be a good deed as well." Hearing her ask, Baochai laughed, "Better not to need this prescription at all—if you do use it, it will truly worry a person to death with its fussiness.東西藥料一概都有限，只難得『可巧』二字：要春天開的白牡丹花蕊十二兩，夏天開的白荷花蕊十二兩，秋天的白芙蓉蕊十二兩，冬天的白梅花蕊十二兩。The ingredients themselves are all limited enough, it's just the words 'by coincidence' that are hard to satisfy: you need twelve ounces of white peony stamens that bloom in spring, twelve ounces of white lotus stamens that bloom in summer, twelve ounces of white cottonrose stamens in autumn, and twelve ounces of white plum-blossom stamens in winter.將這四樣花蕊，于次年春分這日晒乾，和在藥末子一處，一齊研好。These four kinds of flower stamens are to be dried in the sun on the day of the following year's Spring Equinox, mixed together with the medicinal powder, and ground fine together.又要雨水這日的雨水十二錢──」周瑞家的忙道：「噯喲！You also need twelve mace of rainwater fallen on the day of the Rain Water solar term—" Zhou Rui's wife broke in hastily, "Oh my!這麼說來，這就得三年的工夫。At that rate, this would take a full three years to prepare.倘或雨水這日竟不下雨，這卻怎處呢？」寶釵笑道：「所以說那裡有這樣可巧的雨，便沒雨也只好再等罷了。And if it should happen that no rain falls at all on the day of Rain Water, whatever is to be done then?" Baochai laughed, "That's exactly why I say—where would you find rain so conveniently timed? If there's no rain, you simply have to wait for the next year.白露這日的露水十二錢，霜降這日的霜十二錢，小雪這日的雪十二錢。Then twelve mace of dew from the day of White Dew, twelve mace of frost from the day of Frost's Descent, and twelve mace of snow from the day of Slight Snow.把這四樣水調勻，和了藥，再加十二錢蜂蜜，十二錢白糖，丸了龍眼大的丸子，盛在舊磁壇內，埋在花根底下。Mix these four kinds of water evenly together, blend them into the medicine, then add twelve mace of honey and twelve mace of white sugar, roll it into pills the size of longans, store them in an old porcelain jar, and bury it beneath the roots of a flower.若發了病時，拿出來吃一丸，用十二分黃柏煎湯送下。」When the illness flares up, take the jar out, swallow one pill, and wash it down with a decoction made from twelve fen of amur cork-tree bark."

周瑞家的因问：「不知是个什么海上方儿？姑娘说了，我们也记著，说与人知道，倘遇见这样病，也是行好的事。」宝钗见问，乃笑道：「不用这方儿还好，若用了这方儿，真真把人琐碎死。东西药料一概都有限，只难得『可巧』二字：要春天开的白牡丹花蕊十二两，夏天开的白荷花蕊十二两，秋天的白芙蓉蕊十二两，冬天的白梅花蕊十二两。将这四样花蕊，于次年春分这日晒干，和在药末子一处，一齐研好。又要雨水这日的雨水十二钱──」周瑞家的忙道：「嗳哟！这么说来，这就得三年的工夫。倘或雨水这日竟不下雨，这却怎处呢？」宝钗笑道：「所以说那里有这样可巧的雨，便没雨也只好再等罢了。白露这日的露水十二钱，霜降这日的霜十二钱，小雪这日的雪十二钱。把这四样水调匀，和了药，再加十二钱蜂蜜，十二钱白糖，丸了龙眼大的丸子，盛在旧磁坛内，埋在花根底下。若发了病时，拿出来吃一丸，用十二分黄柏煎汤送下。」

周瑞家的聽了笑道：「阿彌陀佛，真坑死人的事兒！Hearing this, Zhou Rui's wife laughed, "Amitabha! What a truly maddening business!等十年未必都這樣巧的呢。」寶釵道：「竟好，自他說了去後，一二年間可巧都得了，好容易配成一料。You could wait ten years and things might never fall into place so conveniently." Baochai said, "As it happens, it went well—after he told me of it, within a year or two everything by coincidence was obtained, and with great difficulty we managed to make up one full batch.如今從南帶至北，現在就埋在梨花樹底下呢。」周瑞家的又問道：「這藥可有名子沒有呢？」寶釵道：「有。Now I've brought it all the way from the south to the north with me, and it's buried right now beneath the pear tree." Zhou Rui's wife asked further, "Does this medicine have a name?" Baochai said, "It does.這也是那癩頭和尚說下的，叫作『冷香丸』。」周瑞家的聽了點頭兒，因又說：「這病發了時到底覺怎麼著？」寶釵道：「也不覺甚怎麼著，只不過喘嗽些，吃一丸下去也就好些了。」That too was given by the scabby-headed monk—it's called 'Cold Fragrance Pill.'" Zhou Rui's wife nodded on hearing this, and asked further, "When the illness flares up, what does it actually feel like?" Baochai said, "It's nothing very particular, just a bit of wheezing and coughing—once I take a pill it gets better."

周瑞家的听了笑道：「阿弥陀佛，真坑死人的事儿！等十年未必都这样巧的呢。」宝钗道：「竟好，自他说了去后，一二年间可巧都得了，好容易配成一料。如今从南带至北，现在就埋在梨花树底下呢。」周瑞家的又问道：「这药可有名子没有呢？」宝钗道：「有。这也是那癞头和尚说下的，叫作『冷香丸』。」周瑞家的听了点头儿，因又说：「这病发了时到底觉怎么著？」宝钗道：「也不觉甚怎么著，只不过喘嗽些，吃一丸下去也就好些了。」

周瑞家的還欲說話時，忽聽王夫人問：「誰在房裡呢？」周瑞家的忙出去答應了，趁便回了劉姥姥之事。Just as Zhou Rui's wife was about to say more, she suddenly heard Lady Wang ask, "Who's in the room?" Zhou Rui's wife hurried out to answer, and took the chance to report on the matter of Grannie Liu.略待半刻，見王夫人無語，方欲退出，薛姨媽忽又笑道：「你且站住。She waited a short while, and seeing Lady Wang had nothing further to say, was about to withdraw, when Aunt Xue suddenly said with a smile, "Wait a moment.我有一宗東西，你帶了去罷。」說著便叫香菱。I have something for you to take along." So saying, she called for Xiangling.只聽帘櫳響處，方才和金釧頑的那個小丫頭進來了，問：「奶奶叫我作什麼？」薛姨媽道：「把匣子裡的花兒拿來。」香菱答應了，向那邊捧了個小錦匣來。At the sound of the curtain rustling, the very same little maid who had been playing with Jinchuan came in and asked, "What did you call me for, madam?" Aunt Xue said, "Bring the flowers in the box." Xiangling assented and went over to fetch a small brocade box.薛姨媽道：「這是宮裡頭的新鮮樣法，拿紗堆的花兒十二支。Aunt Xue said, "These are the newest style from the palace, twelve sprigs of flowers made of piled gauze.昨兒我想起來，白放著可惜了兒的，何不給他們姊妹們戴去。Yesterday it occurred to me it would be a shame to let them just sit here unused—why not give them to the girls to wear.昨兒要送去，偏又忘了。I meant to send them over yesterday, but of all things I forgot.你今兒來的巧，就帶了去罷。You've come at just the right time today, so take them along.你家的三位姑娘，每人一對，剩下的六枝，送林姑娘兩枝，那四枝給了鳳哥罷。」王夫人道：「留著給寶丫頭戴罷，又想著他們作什麼。」薛姨媽道：「姨娘不知道，寶丫頭古怪著呢，他從來不愛這些花兒粉兒的。」The three young ladies of your house get one pair each, and of the six sprigs remaining, give two to Miss Lin, and let Sister Feng have the other four." Lady Wang said, "Keep them for Baochai to wear instead—why bother thinking of the others?" Aunt Xue said, "You don't know, sister—Baochai is odd that way, she's never cared for such flowers and powders."

周瑞家的还欲说话时，忽听王夫人问：「谁在房里呢？」周瑞家的忙出去答应了，趁便回了刘姥姥之事。略待半刻，见王夫人无语，方欲退出，薛姨妈忽又笑道：「你且站住。我有一宗东西，你带了去罢。」说著便叫香菱。只听帘栊响处，方才和金钏顽的那个小丫头进来了，问：「奶奶叫我作什么？」薛姨妈道：「把匣子里的花儿拿来。」香菱答应了，向那边捧了个小锦匣来。薛姨妈道：「这是宫里头的新鲜样法，拿纱堆的花儿十二支。昨儿我想起来，白放著可惜了儿的，何不给他们姊妹们戴去。昨儿要送去，偏又忘了。你今儿来的巧，就带了去罢。你家的三位姑娘，每人一对，剩下的六枝，送林姑娘两枝，那四枝给了凤哥罢。」王夫人道：「留著给宝丫头戴罢，又想著他们作什么。」薛姨妈道：「姨娘不知道，宝丫头古怪著呢，他从来不爱这些花儿粉儿的。」

說著，周瑞家的拿了匣子，走出房門，見金釧仍在那裡晒日陽兒。So saying, Zhou Rui's wife took the box and walked out of the room, to find Jinchuan still there sunning herself.周瑞家的因問他道：「那香菱小丫頭子，可就是常說臨上京時買的，為他打人命官司的那個小丫頭子么？」金釧道：「可不就是他。」正說著，只見香菱笑嘻嘻的走來。Zhou Rui's wife asked her, "That little maid Xiangling—is she the very one they always talk about, the one bought just before coming up to the capital, over whom a lawsuit for manslaughter was fought?" Jinchuan said, "Who else would she be." Just as they spoke, Xiangling came walking up with a smile.周瑞家的便拉了他的手，細細的看了一會，因向金釧兒笑道：「倒好個模樣兒，竟有些象咱們東府裡蓉大奶奶的品格兒。」金釧兒笑道：「我也是這們說呢。」周瑞家的又問香菱：「你幾歲投身到這裡？」又問：「你父母今在何處？Zhou Rui's wife took her hand and looked her over carefully for a while, then said to Jinchuan with a smile, "What a fine-looking girl—she really does have something of the bearing of Young Mistress Rong over at the eastern mansion." Jinchuan laughed, "That's just what I've been saying too." Zhou Rui's wife then asked Xiangling, "At what age did you come to serve here?" and asked further, "Where are your parents now?今年十幾歲了？How old are you this year?本處是那裡人？」香菱聽問，都搖頭說：「不記得了。」周瑞家的和金釧兒聽了，倒反為歎息傷感一回。And where is your native home?" To all of this Xiangling only shook her head and said, "I don't remember." Hearing this, Zhou Rui's wife and Jinchuan'er were both moved instead to a spell of sighing and sorrow.

说著，周瑞家的拿了匣子，走出房门，见金钏仍在那里晒日阳儿。周瑞家的因问他道：「那香菱小丫头子，可就是常说临上京时买的，为他打人命官司的那个小丫头子么？」金钏道：「可不就是他。」正说著，只见香菱笑嘻嘻的走来。周瑞家的便拉了他的手，细细的看了一会，因向金钏儿笑道：「倒好个模样儿，竟有些象咱们东府里蓉大奶奶的品格儿。」金钏儿笑道：「我也是这们说呢。」周瑞家的又问香菱：「你几岁投身到这里？」又问：「你父母今在何处？今年十几岁了？本处是那里人？」香菱听问，都摇头说：「不记得了。」周瑞家的和金钏儿听了，倒反为叹息伤感一回。

一時間周瑞家的攜花至王夫人正房後頭來。Presently Zhou Rui's wife, carrying the flowers, made her way to the rear of Lady Wang's main apartments.原來近日賈母說孫女兒們太多了，一處擠著倒不方便，只留寶玉黛玉二人這邊解悶，卻將迎、探、惜三人移到王夫人這邊房後三間小抱廈內居住，令李紈陪伴照管。It happened that the Lady Dowager had remarked recently that there were too many granddaughters crowded together in one place, which was inconvenient, and so had kept only Baoyu and Daiyu here with her for company, while moving Yingchun, Tanchun, and Xichun to live in the three small lean-to rooms behind Lady Wang's apartments, with Li Wan assigned to accompany and look after them.如今周瑞家的故順路先往這裡來，只見幾個小丫頭子都在抱廈內聽呼喚呢。Now Zhou Rui's wife, on her way, came to this place first, and found several young maids in the lean-to rooms waiting to be called upon.迎春的丫鬟司棋與探春的丫鬟待書二人正掀帘子出來，手裡都捧著茶鐘，周瑞家的便知他們姊妹在一處坐著呢，遂進入內房，只見迎春探春二人正在窗下圍棋。Yingchun's maid Siqi and Tanchun's maid Daishu were just then lifting the curtain to come out, each holding a teacup in hand, and Zhou Rui's wife knew at once that the sisters were sitting together, so she went on into the inner room, where she found Yingchun and Tanchun playing a game of Go beneath the window.周瑞家的將花送上，說明緣故。Zhou Rui's wife presented the flowers and explained the reason for bringing them.二人忙住了棋，都欠身道謝，命丫鬟們收了。The two of them at once paused their game, both rose slightly to give thanks, and told their maids to put the flowers away.

一时间周瑞家的携花至王夫人正房后头来。原来近日贾母说孙女儿们太多了，一处挤著倒不方便，只留宝玉黛玉二人这边解闷，却将迎、探、惜三人移到王夫人这边房后三间小抱厦内居住，令李纨陪伴照管。如今周瑞家的故顺路先往这里来，只见几个小丫头子都在抱厦内听呼唤呢。迎春的丫鬟司棋与探春的丫鬟待书二人正掀帘子出来，手里都捧著茶钟，周瑞家的便知他们姊妹在一处坐著呢，遂进入内房，只见迎春探春二人正在窗下围棋。周瑞家的将花送上，说明缘故。二人忙住了棋，都欠身道谢，命丫鬟们收了。

周瑞家的答應了，因說：「四姑娘不在房裡，只怕在老太太那邊呢。」丫鬟們道：「那屋裡不是四姑娘？」周瑞家的聽了，便往這邊屋裡來。Zhou Rui's wife assented, then said, "The Fourth Miss isn't in her room—I daresay she's over with the Lady Dowager." The maids said, "Isn't that the Fourth Miss in that room over there?" On hearing this, Zhou Rui's wife went over to that room.只見惜春正同水月庵的小姑子智能兒一處頑耍呢，見周瑞家的進來，惜春便問他何事。There she found Xichun playing together with Zhineng'er, the little nun from Water Moon Convent; seeing Zhou Rui's wife come in, Xichun asked what brought her.周瑞家的便將花匣打開，說明原故。Zhou Rui's wife opened the flower box and explained the reason.惜春笑道：「我這裡正和智能兒說，我明兒也剃了頭同他作姑子去呢，可巧又送了花兒來，若剃了頭，可把這花兒戴在那裡呢？」說著，大家取笑一回，惜春命丫鬟入畫來收了。Xichun laughed, "I was just telling Zhineng'er here that tomorrow I'll shave my head too and go off to become a nun with her—and now, of all things, flowers arrive. If I shave my head, wherever would I wear these flowers?" So saying, everyone had a good laugh over it, and Xichun told her maid Ruhua to put the flowers away.

周瑞家的答应了，因说：「四姑娘不在房里，只怕在老太太那边呢。」丫鬟们道：「那屋里不是四姑娘？」周瑞家的听了，便往这边屋里来。只见惜春正同水月庵的小姑子智能儿一处顽耍呢，见周瑞家的进来，惜春便问他何事。周瑞家的便将花匣打开，说明原故。惜春笑道：「我这里正和智能儿说，我明儿也剃了头同他作姑子去呢，可巧又送了花儿来，若剃了头，可把这花儿戴在那里呢？」说著，大家取笑一回，惜春命丫鬟入画来收了。

周瑞家的因問智能兒：「你是什麼時候來的？Zhou Rui's wife then asked Zhineng'er, "When did you come?你師父那禿歪剌往那裡去了？」智能兒道：「我們一早就來了。Where has that bald wretch of a mistress of yours gone off to?" Zhineng'er said, "We came early this morning.我師父見了太太，就往于老爺府內去了，叫我在這裡等他呢。」周瑞家的又道：「十五的月例香供銀子可曾得了沒有？」智能兒搖頭兒說：「我不知道。」惜春聽了，便問周瑞家的：「如今各廟月例銀子是誰管著？」周瑞家的道：「是信管著。」惜春聽了笑道：「這就是了。My mistress, after seeing the Mistress, went off to Master Yu's household, and told me to wait for her here." Zhou Rui's wife asked further, "Has the monthly incense-offering money for the fifteenth been received yet?" Zhineng'er shook her head and said, "I don't know." Hearing this, Xichun asked Zhou Rui's wife, "Who is it now that handles the monthly allowances for the various temples?" Zhou Rui's wife said, "It's Xin's wife who handles it." Xichun laughed on hearing this, "That explains it, then.他師父一來，信家的就赶上來，和他師父咕唧了半日，想是就為這事了。」The moment her mistress arrived, Xin's wife hurried over and murmured with her mistress for the longest while—I suppose that was just what it was about."

周瑞家的因问智能儿：「你是什么时候来的？你师父那秃歪剌往那里去了？」智能儿道：「我们一早就来了。我师父见了太太，就往于老爷府内去了，叫我在这里等他呢。」周瑞家的又道：「十五的月例香供银子可曾得了没有？」智能儿摇头儿说：「我不知道。」惜春听了，便问周瑞家的：「如今各庙月例银子是谁管著？」周瑞家的道：「是信管著。」惜春听了笑道：「这就是了。他师父一来，信家的就赶上来，和他师父咕唧了半日，想是就为这事了。」

那周瑞家的又和智能兒勞叨了一會，便往鳳姐兒處來。Zhou Rui's wife chatted on with Zhineng'er a while longer, then made her way to Sister Feng's place.穿夾道從李紈後窗下過，隔著玻璃窗戶，見李紈在炕上歪著睡覺呢，遂越過西花牆，出西角門進入鳳姐院中。Passing through the narrow lane beneath Li Wan's back window, she saw through the glass pane that Li Wan was lying curled up asleep on the kang, so she went on past the west flower wall, out through the west corner gate, and into Sister Feng's courtyard.走至堂屋，只見小丫頭丰兒坐在鳳姐房中門檻上，見周瑞家的來了，連忙擺手兒叫他往東屋裡去。Reaching the main hall, she saw the little maid Fengr sitting on the threshold of Sister Feng's room; seeing Zhou Rui's wife arrive, Fengr quickly waved her hand, signaling her to go to the east room instead.周瑞家的會意，忙躡手躡足往東邊房裡來，只見奶子正拍著大姐兒睡覺呢。Zhou Rui's wife understood at once and hurried on tiptoe to the east room, where she found the wet-nurse patting little Daije to sleep.周瑞家的悄問奶子道：「姐兒睡中覺呢？Zhou Rui's wife asked the wet-nurse in a low voice, "Is the young lady taking her midday nap?也該清醒了。」奶子搖頭兒。She really ought to be waking up by now." The wet-nurse only shook her head.正說著，只聽那邊一陣笑聲，卻有賈璉的聲音。Just as they spoke, a burst of laughter sounded from over that way, and among it could be heard Jia Lian's voice.接著房門響處，平兒拿著大銅盆出來，叫丰兒舀水進去。Then, at the sound of the room's door, Pinger came out carrying a large brass basin, and called for Fengr to ladle in some water and bring it back inside.平兒便到這邊來，一見了周瑞家的便問：「你老人家又跑了來作什麼？」周瑞家的忙起身，拿匣子與他，說送花兒一事。Pinger then came over this way, and the moment she saw Zhou Rui's wife she asked, "What has brought you running over here again, madam?" Zhou Rui's wife rose hastily, handed her the box, and explained the matter of delivering the flowers.平兒聽了，便打開匣子，拿了四枝，轉身去了。On hearing this, Pinger opened the box, took out four sprigs, and turned and went off.半刻工夫，手裡拿出兩枝來，先叫彩明吩咐道：「送到那邊府裡給小蓉大奶奶戴去。」次後方命周瑞家的回去道謝。In a short while she came back out with two sprigs in hand, and first told Caiming, "Take these over to the other mansion for young Mistress Rong to wear," and only afterward instructed Zhou Rui's wife to go back and convey their thanks.

那周瑞家的又和智能儿劳叨了一会，便往凤姐儿处来。穿夹道从李纨后窗下过，隔著玻璃窗户，见李纨在炕上歪著睡觉呢，遂越过西花墙，出西角门进入凤姐院中。走至堂屋，只见小丫头丰儿坐在凤姐房中门槛上，见周瑞家的来了，连忙摆手儿叫他往东屋里去。周瑞家的会意，忙蹑手蹑足往东边房里来，只见奶子正拍著大姐儿睡觉呢。周瑞家的悄问奶子道：「姐儿睡中觉呢？也该清醒了。」奶子摇头儿。正说著，只听那边一阵笑声，却有贾琏的声音。接著房门响处，平儿拿著大铜盆出来，叫丰儿舀水进去。平儿便到这边来，一见了周瑞家的便问：「你老人家又跑了来作什么？」周瑞家的忙起身，拿匣子与他，说送花儿一事。平儿听了，便打开匣子，拿了四枝，转身去了。半刻工夫，手里拿出两枝来，先叫彩明吩咐道：「送到那边府里给小蓉大奶奶戴去。」次后方命周瑞家的回去道谢。

周瑞家的這才往賈母這邊來。Only then did Zhou Rui's wife make her way over to the Lady Dowager's quarters.穿過了穿堂，抬頭忽見他女兒打扮著才從他婆家來。Passing through the connecting hall, she looked up and suddenly saw her own daughter, all dressed up, just arrived from her husband's family.周瑞家的忙問：「你這會跑來作什麼？」他女兒笑道：「媽一向身上好？Zhou Rui's wife hastily asked, "What's brought you running here at this hour?" Her daughter laughed, "Mother, have you been keeping well lately?我在家裡等了這半日，媽竟不出去，什麼事情這樣忙的不回家？I waited at home for the longest while, and you never once came out—whatever could keep you so busy that you wouldn't come home?我等煩了，自己先到了老太太跟前請了安了，這會子請太太的安去。I grew tired of waiting, so I went ahead on my own to pay my respects before the Lady Dowager, and now I'm off to pay my respects to the Mistress.媽還有什麼不了的差事，手裡是什麼東西？」周瑞家的笑道：「噯！Do you still have some unfinished errand, Mother, and what's that in your hand?" Zhou Rui's wife laughed, "Ah!今兒偏偏的來了個劉姥姥，我自己多事，為他跑了半日，這會子又被姨太太看見了，送這幾枝花兒與姑娘奶奶們。Of all days, a Grannie Liu had to turn up today, and I made extra work for myself, running about half the day on her account, and now on top of it Aunt Xue caught sight of me and had me deliver these sprigs of flowers to the young ladies and mistresses.這會子還沒送清楚呢。I still haven't finished delivering them all.你這會子跑了來，一定有什麼事。」他女兒笑道：「你老人家倒會猜。You, coming running here at this hour, must have some matter on your mind." Her daughter laughed, "You're quite the guesser, Mother.實對你老人家說，你女婿前兒因多吃了兩杯酒，和人分爭，不知怎的被人放了一把邪火，說他來歷不明，告到衙門裡，要遞解還鄉。To tell you the truth, your son-in-law, a couple of days ago, after having a few too many cups of wine, got into a quarrel with someone, and somehow or other someone set a wicked fire under him, claiming his background was unclear, and lodged a complaint at the yamen, wanting to have him deported back to his native place.所以我來和你老人家商議商議，這個情分，求那一個可了事呢？」周瑞家的聽了道：「我就知道呢。So I've come to talk it over with you, Mother—whose good graces should we beg to settle this affair?" On hearing this, Zhou Rui's wife said, "I just knew it.這有什麼大不了的事！What a fuss over nothing—this is no great matter at all!你且家去等我，我給林姑娘送了花兒去就回家去。You go on home and wait for me—once I've delivered the flowers to Miss Lin I'll come straight home.此時太太二奶奶都不得閒兒，你回去等我。Just now neither the Mistress nor the Second Mistress has any free time, so go back and wait for me.這有什麼，忙的如此。」女兒聽說，便回去了，又說：「媽，好歹快來。」周瑞家的道：「是了。What is there to make such a fuss about?" Hearing this, her daughter went back home, saying as she left, "Mother, do come quickly, whatever happens." Zhou Rui's wife said, "All right.小人兒家沒經過什麼事，就急得你這樣了。」說著，便到黛玉房中去了。You young people haven't been through anything yet, and already you're worked up like this." So saying, she went on to Daiyu's room.

周瑞家的这才往贾母这边来。穿过了穿堂，抬头忽见他女儿打扮著才从他婆家来。周瑞家的忙问：「你这会跑来作什么？」他女儿笑道：「妈一向身上好？我在家里等了这半日，妈竟不出去，什么事情这样忙的不回家？我等烦了，自己先到了老太太跟前请了安了，这会子请太太的安去。妈还有什么不了的差事，手里是什么东西？」周瑞家的笑道：「嗳！今儿偏偏的来了个刘姥姥，我自己多事，为他跑了半日，这会子又被姨太太看见了，送这几枝花儿与姑娘奶奶们。这会子还没送清楚呢。你这会子跑了来，一定有什么事。」他女儿笑道：「你老人家倒会猜。实对你老人家说，你女婿前儿因多吃了两杯酒，和人分争，不知怎的被人放了一把邪火，说他来历不明，告到衙门里，要递解还乡。所以我来和你老人家商议商议，这个情分，求那一个可了事呢？」周瑞家的听了道：「我就知道呢。这有什么大不了的事！你且家去等我，我给林姑娘送了花儿去就回家去。此时太太二奶奶都不得闲儿，你回去等我。这有什么，忙的如此。」女儿听说，便回去了，又说：「妈，好歹快来。」周瑞家的道：「是了。小人儿家没经过什么事，就急得你这样了。」说著，便到黛玉房中去了。

誰知此時黛玉不在自己房中，卻在寶玉房中大家解九連環頑呢。As it happened, Daiyu was not in her own room just then, but was in Baoyu's room, where everyone was playing at solving the nine-linked rings.周瑞家的進來笑道：「林姑娘，姨太太著我送花兒與姑娘帶來了。」寶玉聽說，便先問：「什麼花兒？Zhou Rui's wife came in and said with a smile, "Miss Lin, Aunt Xue had me bring some flowers over for you." Hearing this, Baoyu spoke up first and asked, "What flowers?拿來給我。」一面早伸手接過來了。Give them here to me." And even as he spoke he had already reached out and taken them.開匣看時，原來是宮制堆紗新巧的假花兒。Opening the box to look, they turned out to be ingeniously made artificial flowers of piled gauze, of palace manufacture.黛玉只就寶玉手中看了一看，便問道：「還是單送我一人的，還是別的姑娘們都有呢？」周瑞家的道：「各位都有了，這兩枝是姑娘的了。」黛玉冷笑道：「我就知道，別人不挑剩下的也不給我。」周瑞家的聽了，一聲兒不言語。Daiyu merely glanced at them in Baoyu's hand, then asked, "Are these sent for me alone, or do all the other young ladies have some too?" Zhou Rui's wife said, "Everyone has some—these two sprigs are yours, miss." Daiyu gave a cold laugh, "I knew as much—no one would give me any without first picking over the leftovers." Hearing this, Zhou Rui's wife said not a word in reply.寶玉便問道：「周姐姐，你作什麼到那邊去了。」周瑞家的因說：「太太在那裡，因回話去了，姨太太就順便叫我帶來了。」寶玉道：「寶姐姐在家作什麼呢？Baoyu then asked, "Sister Zhou, what took you over that way?" Zhou Rui's wife explained, "The Mistress was there, so I went to report to her, and Aunt Xue happened to have me bring these along as well." Baoyu said, "What is Sister Bao doing at home?怎麼這幾日也不過這邊來？」周瑞家的道：「身上不大好呢。」寶玉聽了，便和丫頭說：「誰去瞧瞧？Why hasn't she come over this way these past few days?" Zhou Rui's wife said, "She hasn't been feeling very well." On hearing this, Baoyu said to the maids, "Who will go and see how she is?只說我與林姑娘打發了來請姨太太姐姐安，問姐姐是什麼病，現吃什麼藥。Just say that Miss Lin and I have sent to pay our respects to Aunt Xue and Sister Bao, and to ask what illness troubles her and what medicine she is presently taking.論理我該親自來的，就說才從學裡來，也著了些涼，异日再親自來看罷。」說著，茜雪便答應去了。By rights I ought to come in person, but say that I've only just come from school and have caught a bit of a chill myself, and that I'll come to see her in person another day." So saying, Qianxue assented and went off.周瑞家的自去，無話。Zhou Rui's wife went off on her own business, and nothing more need be said of that.原來這周瑞的女婿，便是雨村的好友冷子興，近因賣古董和人打官司，故教女人來討情分。It turned out that this son-in-law of Zhou Rui's was none other than Leng Zixing, a good friend of Yucun's, who had recently gotten into a lawsuit with someone over selling antiques, and so had sent his wife to come begging for some favor.周瑞家的仗著主子的勢利，把這些事也不放在心上，晚間只求求鳳姐兒便完了。Zhou Rui's wife, relying on her masters' influence, did not take the matter much to heart, thinking that a word to Sister Feng that evening would settle it easily enough.至掌燈時分，鳳姐已卸了妝，來見王夫人回話：「今兒甄家送了來的東西，我已收了。By the time the lamps were lit, Xifeng, having already removed her makeup, came to see Lady Wang to report: "The gifts the Zhen family sent over today, I've already accepted them.咱們送他的，趁著他家有年下進鮮的船回去，一并都交給他們帶了去罷？」王夫人點頭。As for what we're sending them in return, shall we take the chance that their boat bringing fresh provisions for the new year is going back, and have them carry it all along together?" Lady Wang nodded.鳳姐又道：「臨安伯老太太生日的禮已經打點了，派誰送去呢？」王夫人道：「你瞧誰閒著，就叫他們去四個女人就是了，又來當什麼正經事問我。」鳳姐又笑道：「今日珍大嫂子來，請我明日過去逛逛，明日倒沒有什麼事情。」王夫人道：「有事沒事都害不著什麼。Xifeng went on, "The birthday gifts for the old lady, Countess of Lin'an, are already prepared—whom shall we send to deliver them?" Lady Wang said, "Just see who's free and send four of the women, that's all—must you bring such a trifling matter to me as though it were something serious?" Xifeng then said with a smile, "Sister-in-law Zhen came by today and invited me over tomorrow for a visit—as it happens I've nothing pressing tomorrow." Lady Wang said, "Whether you're busy or not does no harm either way.每常他來請，有我們，你自然不便意，他既不請我們，單請你，可知是他誠心叫你散淡散淡，別辜負了他的心，便有事也該過去才是。」鳳姐答應了。Ordinarily when she invites us, with us along you naturally can't feel quite at ease—now that she hasn't invited us, but you alone, it's clear she sincerely means for you to relax and enjoy yourself a while. Don't disappoint her good intentions—even if you did have something on, you ought to go all the same." Xifeng assented.當下李紈、迎、探等姐妹們亦來定省畢，各自歸房無話。Presently Li Wan, Yingchun, Tanchun, and the other sisters also came to pay their evening respects, after which each returned to her own room, and nothing more happened that night.

谁知此时黛玉不在自己房中，却在宝玉房中大家解九连环顽呢。周瑞家的进来笑道：「林姑娘，姨太太著我送花儿与姑娘带来了。」宝玉听说，便先问：「什么花儿？拿来给我。」一面早伸手接过来了。开匣看时，原来是宫制堆纱新巧的假花儿。黛玉只就宝玉手中看了一看，便问道：「还是单送我一人的，还是别的姑娘们都有呢？」周瑞家的道：「各位都有了，这两枝是姑娘的了。」黛玉冷笑道：「我就知道，别人不挑剩下的也不给我。」周瑞家的听了，一声儿不言语。宝玉便问道：「周姐姐，你作什么到那边去了。」周瑞家的因说：「太太在那里，因回话去了，姨太太就顺便叫我带来了。」宝玉道：「宝姐姐在家作什么呢？怎么这几日也不过这边来？」周瑞家的道：「身上不大好呢。」宝玉听了，便和丫头说：「谁去瞧瞧？只说我与林姑娘打发了来请姨太太姐姐安，问姐姐是什么病，现吃什么药。论理我该亲自来的，就说才从学里来，也著了些凉，异日再亲自来看罢。」说著，茜雪便答应去了。周瑞家的自去，无话。原来这周瑞的女婿，便是雨村的好友冷子兴，近因卖古董和人打官司，故教女人来讨情分。周瑞家的仗著主子的势利，把这些事也不放在心上，晚间只求求凤姐儿便完了。至掌灯时分，凤姐已卸了妆，来见王夫人回话：「今儿甄家送了来的东西，我已收了。咱们送他的，趁著他家有年下进鲜的船回去，一并都交给他们带了去罢？」王夫人点头。凤姐又道：「临安伯老太太生日的礼已经打点了，派谁送去呢？」王夫人道：「你瞧谁闲著，就叫他们去四个女人就是了，又来当什么正经事问我。」凤姐又笑道：「今日珍大嫂子来，请我明日过去逛逛，明日倒没有什么事情。」王夫人道：「有事没事都害不著什么。每常他来请，有我们，你自然不便意，他既不请我们，单请你，可知是他诚心叫你散淡散淡，别辜负了他的心，便有事也该过去才是。」凤姐答应了。当下李纨、迎、探等姐妹们亦来定省毕，各自归房无话。

次日鳳姐梳洗了，先回王夫人畢，方來辭賈母。The next day, after Xifeng had washed and dressed, she first reported to Lady Wang, and only then came to take leave of the Lady Dowager.寶玉聽了，也要跟了逛去。Hearing of this, Baoyu wanted to go along for the outing too.鳳姐只得答應，立等著換了衣服，姐兒兩個坐了車，一時進入宁府。Xifeng had no choice but to agree; she waited while he changed his clothes, and the two of them, brother and sister, got into a carriage and soon entered the Ning mansion.早有賈珍之妻尤氏與賈蓉之妻秦氏婆媳兩個，引了多少姬妾丫鬟媳婦等接出儀門。Already Madam You, wife of Jia Zhen, and Madam Qin, wife of Jia Rong—mother-in-law and daughter-in-law—leading a great many concubines, maids, and married women-servants, had come out through the ceremonial gate to receive them.那尤氏一見了鳳姐，必先笑嘲一陣，一手攜了寶玉同入上房來歸坐。The moment Madam You caught sight of Xifeng, she was sure to tease and banter with her for a while first, and then, taking Baoyu by the hand, led them both into the main apartments to be seated.秦氏獻茶畢，鳳姐因說：「你們請我來作什麼？After Madam Qin had served tea, Xifeng said, "What have you asked me over for?有什麼好東西孝敬我，就快獻上來，我還有事呢。」尤氏秦氏未及答話，地下幾個姬妾先就笑說：「二奶奶今兒不來就罷，既來了就依不得二奶奶了。」正說著，只見賈蓉進來請安。If you've got something good to offer me, bring it out quickly—I've other business to attend to." Before Madam You or Madam Qin could answer, several of the concubines standing below spoke up first with a laugh, "If Second Mistress hadn't come today, well and good, but now that she has come, she won't get her own way in this." Just as they were speaking, Jia Rong came in to pay his respects.寶玉因問：「大哥哥今日不在家么？」尤氏道：「出城與老爺請安去了。Baoyu then asked, "Isn't Elder Brother at home today?" Madam You said, "He's gone out of the city to pay his respects to his father.可是你怪悶的，坐在這裡作什麼？You must be dreadfully bored—whatever are you doing sitting here?何不也去逛逛？」Why not go out and look around a bit too?"

次日凤姐梳洗了，先回王夫人毕，方来辞贾母。宝玉听了，也要跟了逛去。凤姐只得答应，立等著换了衣服，姐儿两个坐了车，一时进入宁府。早有贾珍之妻尤氏与贾蓉之妻秦氏婆媳两个，引了多少姬妾丫鬟媳妇等接出仪门。那尤氏一见了凤姐，必先笑嘲一阵，一手携了宝玉同入上房来归坐。秦氏献茶毕，凤姐因说：「你们请我来作什么？有什么好东西孝敬我，就快献上来，我还有事呢。」尤氏秦氏未及答话，地下几个姬妾先就笑说：「二奶奶今儿不来就罢，既来了就依不得二奶奶了。」正说著，只见贾蓉进来请安。宝玉因问：「大哥哥今日不在家么？」尤氏道：「出城与老爷请安去了。可是你怪闷的，坐在这里作什么？何不也去逛逛？」

秦氏笑道：「今兒巧，上回寶叔立刻要見的我那兄弟，他今兒也在這裡，想在書房裡呢，寶叔何不去瞧一瞧？」寶玉聽了，即便下炕要走。Madam Qin said with a smile, "How fortunate today—that brother of mine whom Uncle Bao was so eager to meet last time, he happens to be here today too, probably in the study. Why doesn't Uncle Bao go and take a look?" Hearing this, Baoyu at once got down off the kang, ready to go.尤氏鳳姐都忙說：「好生著，忙什麼？」一面便吩咐好生小心跟著，別委曲著他，倒比不得跟了老太太過來就罷了。Madam You and Xifeng both said hastily, "Take it easy now, what's the hurry?" and at the same time gave instructions that the attendants take good care to follow him closely and not let him be slighted in any way—it wasn't the same as when he came along with the Lady Dowager and things could simply be let be.鳳姐說道：「既這麼著，何不請進這秦小爺來，我也瞧一瞧。Xifeng said, "Since that's so, why not have this young Master Qin come in? Let me have a look at him too."難道我見不得他不成？」尤氏笑道：「罷，罷！"Surely I'm not so unfit to be seen that he can't look at me?" You-shi said with a smile, "All right, all right!"可以不必見他，比不得咱們家的孩子們，胡打海摔的慣了。"There's no need for you to see him — he's not like the children of our own family, who are used to rough-and-tumble play."人家的孩子都是斯斯文文的慣了，乍見了你這破落戶，還被人笑話死了呢。」鳳姐笑道：「普天下的人，我不笑話就罷了，竟叫這小孩子笑話我不成？」賈蓉笑道：「不是這話，他生的靦腆，沒見過大陣仗兒，嬸子見了，沒的生氣。」鳳姐道：「憑他什麼樣兒的，我也要見一見！"That family's child is used to being refined and gentle in every way; if he were suddenly to see you, such a rowdy sort, he'd be laughed to death by others." Xifeng said with a smile, "Of all the people under heaven, it's only fitting if I don't laugh at them — must this child now go and laugh at me instead?" Jia Rong said with a smile, "That's not it at all — he was simply born shy and bashful, and has never seen such a grand household; if you meet him, Auntie, please don't take it as anything to be angry about." Xifeng said, "Whatever he's like, I still want to see him!"別放你娘的屁了。"Stop talking such rubbish."再不帶我看看，給你一頓好嘴巴。」賈蓉笑嘻嘻的說：「我不敢扭著，就帶他來。」"If you don't bring him for me to see this very moment, I'll give you a good slap across the mouth." Jia Rong said, grinning, "I wouldn't dare refuse — I'll bring him in right away."

秦氏笑道：「今儿巧，上回宝叔立刻要见的我那兄弟，他今儿也在这里，想在书房里呢，宝叔何不去瞧一瞧？」宝玉听了，即便下炕要走。尤氏凤姐都忙说：「好生著，忙什么？」一面便吩咐好生小心跟著，别委曲著他，倒比不得跟了老太太过来就罢了。凤姐说道：「既这么著，何不请进这秦小爷来，我也瞧一瞧。难道我见不得他不成？」尤氏笑道：「罢，罢！可以不必见他，比不得咱们家的孩子们，胡打海摔的惯了。人家的孩子都是斯斯文文的惯了，乍见了你这破落户，还被人笑话死了呢。」凤姐笑道：「普天下的人，我不笑话就罢了，竟叫这小孩子笑话我不成？」贾蓉笑道：「不是这话，他生的腼腆，没见过大阵仗儿，婶子见了，没的生气。」凤姐道：「凭他什么样儿的，我也要见一见！别放你娘的屁了。再不带我看看，给你一顿好嘴巴。」贾蓉笑嘻嘻的说：「我不敢扭著，就带他来。」

說著，果然出去帶進一個小後生來，較寶玉略瘦些，眉清目秀，粉面朱唇，身材俊俏，舉止風流，似在寶玉之上，只是怯怯羞羞，有女兒之態，靦腆含糊，慢向鳳姐作揖問好。So saying, he went out and indeed brought in a young lad, somewhat thinner than Baoyu, with clear brows and bright eyes, a powdered face and red lips, a graceful figure and elegant bearing — seeming even finer than Baoyu — only he was timid and bashful, with something of a girl's manner about him, and shyly, hesitantly, slowly bowed to greet Xifeng.鳳姐喜的先推寶玉，笑道：「比下去了！」便探身一把攜了這孩子的手，就命他身傍坐了，慢慢的問他：幾歲了，讀什麼書，弟兄幾個，學名喚什麼。Xifeng, delighted, first gave Baoyu a nudge and said with a laugh, "You've been outdone!" Then she leaned forward, took the boy's hand in hers, had him sit down beside her, and slowly asked him: how old he was, what books he read, how many brothers he had, and what his school name was.秦鐘一一答應了。Qin Zhong answered each question in turn.早有鳳姐的丫鬟媳婦們見鳳姐初會秦鐘，并未備得表禮來，遂忙過那邊去告訴平兒。Xifeng's maids and married women servants, seeing that this was her first meeting with Qin Zhong and that no gift of greeting had been prepared, hurried off to tell Pinger.平兒知道鳳姐與秦氏厚密，雖是小後生家，亦不可太儉，遂自作主意，拿了一匹尺頭，兩個「狀元及第」的小金錁子，交付與來人送過去。Pinger, knowing how close Xifeng and Qin-shi were, felt that even though he was only a young lad, the gift ought not be too meager, and so on her own authority took out a bolt of fine cloth and two small gold ingots cast with the design "First on the Honor Roll," and gave them to the messenger to carry over.鳳姐猶笑說太簡薄等語。Xifeng still remarked with a smile that it was much too simple and meager, and so on.秦氏等謝畢。Qin-shi and the others finished offering their thanks.一時吃過飯，尤氏，鳳姐，秦氏等抹骨牌，不在話下。After a while, once the meal was over, You-shi, Xifeng, Qin-shi and the others played at dominoes — but that need not be told in detail.

说著，果然出去带进一个小后生来，较宝玉略瘦些，眉清目秀，粉面朱唇，身材俊俏，举止风流，似在宝玉之上，只是怯怯羞羞，有女儿之态，腼腆含糊，慢向凤姐作揖问好。凤姐喜的先推宝玉，笑道：「比下去了！」便探身一把携了这孩子的手，就命他身傍坐了，慢慢的问他：几岁了，读什么书，弟兄几个，学名唤什么。秦钟一一答应了。早有凤姐的丫鬟媳妇们见凤姐初会秦钟，并未备得表礼来，遂忙过那边去告诉平儿。平儿知道凤姐与秦氏厚密，虽是小后生家，亦不可太俭，遂自作主意，拿了一匹尺头，两个「状元及第」的小金锞子，交付与来人送过去。凤姐犹笑说太简薄等语。秦氏等谢毕。一时吃过饭，尤氏，凤姐，秦氏等抹骨牌，不在话下。

那寶玉自見了秦鐘的人品出眾，心中似有所失，痴了半日，自己心中又起了呆意，乃自思道：「天下竟有這等人物！As for Baoyu, ever since he had seen how outstanding Qin Zhong's looks and bearing were, he had felt as though something were missing in his heart, and sat dazed for a long while; a foolish notion rose up within him, and he thought to himself, "So there really is such a person in this world!"如今看來，我竟成了泥豬癩狗了。"Now it seems that I have turned out to be nothing but a mud pig or a mangy dog."可恨我為什麼生在這侯門公府之家，若也生在寒門薄宦之家，早得與他交結，也不枉生了一世。"How infuriating that I should have been born into this house of marquises and dukes — had I been born instead into some poor and humble official's family, I could long ago have become his friend, and this life would not have been lived in vain."我雖如此比他尊貴，可知錦繡紗羅，也不過裹了我這根死木頭，美酒羊羔，也不過填了我這糞窟泥溝。『富貴』二字，不料遭我荼毒了！」秦鐘自見了寶玉形容出眾，舉止不凡，更兼金冠繡服，驕婢侈童，秦鐘心中亦自思道：「果然這寶玉怨不得人溺愛他。"Though I outrank him in this way, I see now that brocade and silk gauze do no more than wrap this dead log of a body, and fine wine and roast lamb do no more than fill this pit of dung and ditch of mud. The very words 'wealth and rank' — who would have thought I should so foul them!" As for Qin Zhong, ever since he had seen how outstanding Baoyu's appearance was, how extraordinary his bearing, and moreover his golden coronet and embroidered robes, his haughty maids and lavishly dressed pages, Qin Zhong too thought to himself, "No wonder people dote so on this Baoyu."可恨我偏生于清寒之家，不能與他耳鬢交接，可知『貧窶』二字限人，亦世間之大不快事。」二人一樣的胡思亂想。"How infuriating that I of all people was born into a poor and humble family, unable to grow close and familiar with him — I see now that the words 'poverty and want' truly hem a man in; this too is one of the great sorrows of this world." The two of them were lost in just the same sort of idle, wandering thoughts.忽然寶玉問他讀什麼書。Suddenly Baoyu asked him what books he was reading.秦鐘見問，因而答以實話。Finding himself asked, Qin Zhong answered truthfully.二人你言我語，十來句後，越覺親密起來。The two of them talked back and forth, and after some ten exchanges or so, felt themselves growing ever closer.

那宝玉自见了秦钟的人品出众，心中似有所失，痴了半日，自己心中又起了呆意，乃自思道：「天下竟有这等人物！如今看来，我竟成了泥猪癞狗了。可恨我为什么生在这侯门公府之家，若也生在寒门薄宦之家，早得与他交结，也不枉生了一世。我虽如此比他尊贵，可知锦绣纱罗，也不过裹了我这根死木头，美酒羊羔，也不过填了我这粪窟泥沟。『富贵』二字，不料遭我荼毒了！」秦钟自见了宝玉形容出众，举止不凡，更兼金冠绣服，骄婢侈童，秦钟心中亦自思道：「果然这宝玉怨不得人溺爱他。可恨我偏生于清寒之家，不能与他耳鬓交接，可知『贫窭』二字限人，亦世间之大不快事。」二人一样的胡思乱想。忽然宝玉问他读什么书。秦钟见问，因而答以实话。二人你言我语，十来句后，越觉亲密起来。

一時擺上茶果，寶玉便說：「我兩個又不吃酒，把果子擺在裡間小炕上，我們那裡坐去，省得鬧你們。」于是二人進裡間來吃茶。Presently tea and fruit were set out, and Baoyu said, "Since neither of us drinks wine, let's have the fruit set out on the little kang in the inner room — we'll go sit there, and spare you the bother." So the two of them went into the inner room to take their tea.秦氏一面張羅與鳳姐擺酒果，一面忙進來囑寶玉道：「寶叔，你侄兒倘或言語不防頭，你千萬看著我，不要理他。Qin-shi, while busy arranging wine and fruit for Xifeng, also hurried in to caution Baoyu, "Uncle Bao, if your nephew here should speak carelessly, without thinking, please, for my sake, overlook it and don't mind him."他雖靦腆，卻性子左強，不大隨和此是有的。」寶玉笑道：「你去罷，我知道了。」秦氏又囑了他兄弟一回，方去陪鳳姐。"Though he's shy, he does have a stubborn streak, and isn't always the easiest to get along with — that much is true." Baoyu said with a smile, "Off you go, I understand." Qin-shi cautioned her brother once more before going off to keep Xifeng company.

一时摆上茶果，宝玉便说：「我两个又不吃酒，把果子摆在里间小炕上，我们那里坐去，省得闹你们。」于是二人进里间来吃茶。秦氏一面张罗与凤姐摆酒果，一面忙进来嘱宝玉道：「宝叔，你侄儿倘或言语不防头，你千万看著我，不要理他。他虽腼腆，却性子左强，不大随和此是有的。」宝玉笑道：「你去罢，我知道了。」秦氏又嘱了他兄弟一回，方去陪凤姐。

一時鳳姐尤氏又打發人來問寶玉：「要吃什麼，外面有，只管要去。」寶玉只答應著，也無心在飲食上，只問秦鐘近日家務等事。After a while Xifeng and You-shi again sent someone to ask Baoyu, "If there's anything you'd like to eat, it's all out there — just ask for it." Baoyu only answered yes, but his mind was not on food or drink at all; he only asked Qin Zhong about recent household matters and the like.秦鐘因說：「業師于去年病故，家父又年紀老邁，殘疾在身，公務繁冗，因此尚未議及再延師一事，目下不過在家溫習舊課而已。Qin Zhong then said, "My tutor passed away from illness last year, and my father is now old in years and troubled with infirmity, besides being burdened with official duties, so the matter of engaging another tutor has not yet even been discussed; for now I simply review my old lessons at home."再讀書一事，必須有一二知己為伴，時常大家討論，才能進益。」寶玉不待說完，便答道：「正是呢，我們卻有個家塾，合族中有不能延師的，便可入塾讀書，子弟們中亦有親戚在內可以附讀。"Besides, in the matter of study, one really needs a friend or two as companions, to discuss things together often — only then can one truly make progress." Before he had even finished, Baoyu answered, "Just so. We happen to have a family school — any in the whole clan who cannot afford to engage a tutor may enter it to study, and among the young men there are also relatives who attend and study alongside them."我因業師上年回家去了，也現荒廢著呢。"As for me, since my tutor went home last year, I too have been letting my studies lapse of late."家父之意，亦欲暫送我去溫習舊書，待明年業師上來，再各自在家裡讀。"My father's own idea was to send me there for a time to review my old lessons, and wait until next year when my tutor returns, and then each of us would study at home again as before."家祖母因說，一則家學裡之子弟太多，生恐大家淘氣，反不好，二則也因我病了幾天，遂暫且耽擱著。"But my grandmother said that, first, there are already too many young men in the family school, and she feared they might all get up to mischief together, which would do more harm than good; and second, since I had been ill for some days, the matter was for the time being set aside."如此說來，尊翁如今也為此事懸心。"If that's how things stand, then your honored father must at present be troubled in his mind over this very matter as well."今日回去，何不稟明，就往我們敝塾中來，我亦相伴，彼此有益，豈不是好事？」秦鐘笑道：「家父前日在家提起延師一事，也曾提起這裡的義學倒好，原要來和這裡的親翁商議引荐。"When you go home today, why not report this to him, and come join us at our humble school — I could keep you company, and it would do us both good. Wouldn't that be a fine thing?" Qin Zhong said with a smile, "The other day at home my father brought up the matter of engaging a tutor, and happened to mention that the charity school here was rather a good one; he had meant to come and discuss it with our kinsman here, to ask for an introduction."因這裡又事忙，不便為這點小事來聒絮的。"But since things here have been so busy, it seemed awkward to trouble you over so small a matter."寶叔果然度小侄或可磨墨滌硯，何不速速的作成，又彼此不致荒廢，又可以常相談聚，又可以慰父母之心，又可以得朋友之樂，豈不是美事？」寶玉道：「放心，放心。"If you, Uncle Bao, truly think your nephew might be fit to grind your ink and wash your inkstones, then why not settle it quickly? That way neither of us need neglect our studies, we could often meet and talk together, we could set our parents' minds at ease, and we could enjoy the pleasure of friendship besides — wouldn't that be a wonderful thing?" Baoyu said, "Don't worry, don't worry."咱們回來告訴你姐夫姐姐和璉二嫂子。"When we get back, let's tell your brother-in-law and sister, and Second Sister-in-law Lian."你今日回家就稟明令尊，我回去再稟明祖母，再無不速成之理。」二人計議一定。"You go home today and report it to your father, and I'll go back and report it to my grandmother — there's no reason it shouldn't all be settled quickly." The two of them settled the matter between themselves.那天氣已是掌燈時候，出來又看他們頑了一回牌。By then it was already time for the lamps to be lit; the two of them came out and watched the others at their game of cards a while longer.算帳時，卻又是秦氏尤氏二人輸了戲酒的東道，言定後日吃這東道。When the accounts were settled, it turned out that Qin-shi and You-shi had lost, and owed a feast with a play as the stake; it was agreed they would give this feast the day after next.一面就叫送飯。At the same time someone was told to bring in the meal.

一时凤姐尤氏又打发人来问宝玉：「要吃什么，外面有，只管要去。」宝玉只答应著，也无心在饮食上，只问秦钟近日家务等事。秦钟因说：「业师于去年病故，家父又年纪老迈，残疾在身，公务繁冗，因此尚未议及再延师一事，目下不过在家温习旧课而已。再读书一事，必须有一二知己为伴，时常大家讨论，才能进益。」宝玉不待说完，便答道：「正是呢，我们却有个家塾，合族中有不能延师的，便可入塾读书，子弟们中亦有亲戚在内可以附读。我因业师上年回家去了，也现荒废著呢。家父之意，亦欲暂送我去温习旧书，待明年业师上来，再各自在家里读。家祖母因说，一则家学里之子弟太多，生恐大家淘气，反不好，二则也因我病了几天，遂暂且耽搁著。如此说来，尊翁如今也为此事悬心。今日回去，何不禀明，就往我们敝塾中来，我亦相伴，彼此有益，岂不是好事？」秦钟笑道：「家父前日在家提起延师一事，也曾提起这里的义学倒好，原要来和这里的亲翁商议引荐。因这里又事忙，不便为这点小事来聒絮的。宝叔果然度小侄或可磨墨涤砚，何不速速的作成，又彼此不致荒废，又可以常相谈聚，又可以慰父母之心，又可以得朋友之乐，岂不是美事？」宝玉道：「放心，放心。咱们回来告诉你姐夫姐姐和琏二嫂子。你今日回家就禀明令尊，我回去再禀明祖母，再无不速成之理。」二人计议一定。那天气已是掌灯时候，出来又看他们顽了一回牌。算帐时，却又是秦氏尤氏二人输了戏酒的东道，言定后日吃这东道。一面就叫送饭。

吃畢晚飯，因天黑了，尤氏說：「先派兩個小子送了這秦相公家去。」媳婦們傳出去半日，秦鐘告辭起身。When supper was over, since it had grown dark, You-shi said, "Send two of the boys first to see young Master Qin home." The married women passed the word on outside for a good while, and Qin Zhong rose to take his leave.尤氏問：「派了誰送去？」媳婦們回說：「外頭派了焦大，誰知焦大醉了，又罵呢。」尤氏秦氏都說道：「偏又派他作什麼！You-shi asked, "Who was sent to see him off?" The servants replied, "Jiao Da was assigned outside, but as it happens Jiao Da is drunk, and cursing again." You-shi and Qin-shi both said, "Of all people, why send him?"放著這些小子們，那一個派不得？"With all these other boys about, which of them couldn't have been sent instead?"偏要惹他去。」鳳姐道：「我成日家說你太軟弱了，縱的家裡人這樣還了得了。」尤氏歎道：「你難道不知這焦大的？"They had to go and stir him up, of all things." Xifeng said, "I'm forever telling you you're too soft — indulging the people of this house like this, where will it end?" You-shi sighed and said, "Don't you know about this Jiao Da?"連老爺都不理他的，你珍大哥哥也不理他。"Even the Master himself doesn't bother with him, and your elder brother Zhen doesn't take him to task either."只因他從小兒跟著太爺們出過三四回兵，從死人堆裡把太爺背了出來，得了命，自己挨著餓，卻偷了東西來給主子吃，兩日沒得水，得了半碗水給主子喝，他自己喝馬溺。"It's only because, from his youth, he followed the old masters out to war three or four times, and once carried the old master out from a heap of corpses on his own back and saved his life; he himself went hungry while stealing food to feed his master, and once, after going two days without water, when he got half a bowl he gave it to his master to drink while he himself drank horse urine."不過仗著這些功勞情分，有祖宗時都另眼相待，如今誰肯難為他去。"It's simply on the strength of that service and old loyalty that, while the ancestors were alive, he was always given special regard — and now who would be willing to be hard on him?"他自己又老了，又不顧体面，一味吃酒，吃醉了，無人不罵。"He himself is old now besides, and pays no mind to appearances at all — he does nothing but drink, and once drunk, there's no one he doesn't curse."我常說給管事的，不要派他差事，全當一個死的就完了。"I've told the stewards time and again not to give him any duties — just treat him as though he were already dead, and be done with it."今兒又派了他。」鳳姐道：「我何曾不知這焦大。"And today they went and assigned him again." Xifeng said, "When did I ever not know about this Jiao Da?"倒是你們沒主意，有這樣的，何不打發他遠遠的庄子上去就完了。」說著，因問：「我們的車可齊備了？」地下眾人都應道：「伺候齊了。」"It's you all who have no sense about it — with someone like that around, why not simply send him off to some distant farm and be done with it?" So saying, she then asked, "Are our carriages all ready?" The servants standing below all answered, "They're ready and waiting."

吃毕晚饭，因天黑了，尤氏说：「先派两个小子送了这秦相公家去。」媳妇们传出去半日，秦钟告辞起身。尤氏问：「派了谁送去？」媳妇们回说：「外头派了焦大，谁知焦大醉了，又骂呢。」尤氏秦氏都说道：「偏又派他作什么！放著这些小子们，那一个派不得？偏要惹他去。」凤姐道：「我成日家说你太软弱了，纵的家里人这样还了得了。」尤氏叹道：「你难道不知这焦大的？连老爷都不理他的，你珍大哥哥也不理他。只因他从小儿跟著太爷们出过三四回兵，从死人堆里把太爷背了出来，得了命，自己挨著饿，却偷了东西来给主子吃，两日没得水，得了半碗水给主子喝，他自己喝马溺。不过仗著这些功劳情分，有祖宗时都另眼相待，如今谁肯难为他去。他自己又老了，又不顾体面，一味吃酒，吃醉了，无人不骂。我常说给管事的，不要派他差事，全当一个死的就完了。今儿又派了他。」凤姐道：「我何曾不知这焦大。倒是你们没主意，有这样的，何不打发他远远的庄子上去就完了。」说著，因问：「我们的车可齐备了？」地下众人都应道：「伺候齐了。」

鳳姐起身告辭，和寶玉攜手同行。Xifeng rose to take her leave, and walked out hand in hand with Baoyu.尤氏等送至大廳，只見燈燭輝煌，眾小廝都在丹墀侍立。You-shi and the others saw them off as far as the main hall, where the lamps and candles blazed bright, and all the young houseboys stood waiting in attendance on the red steps.那焦大又恃賈珍不在家，即在家亦不好怎樣他，更可以任意灑落灑落。That Jiao Da, relying on the fact that Jia Zhen was not at home — and even were he home, could scarcely do much to him anyway — felt all the freer to let himself go as he pleased.因趁著酒興，先罵大總管賴二，說他「不公道，欺軟怕硬。So, riding his drunken high spirits, he first cursed out the chief steward Lai Er, saying he was "unfair, bullying the weak and fearing the strong."有了好差事就派別人，象這等黑更半夜送人的事，就派我。"Whenever there's a good job going, it's given to someone else — but a task like this, seeing a guest home in the dead of night, that gets given to me."沒良心的王八羔子！"You heartless son of a turtle!"瞎充管家！"Playing steward without knowing the first thing about it!"你也不想想，焦大太爺蹺蹺腳，比你的頭還高呢。"Have you never once stopped to think — when old lord Jiao Da here so much as taps his foot, it's higher than your head!"二十年頭裡的焦大太爺眼裡有誰？"Twenty years back, who was there that old lord Jiao Da even so much as looked at?"別說你們這一起雜种王八羔子們！」正罵的興頭上，賈蓉送鳳姐的車出去，眾人喝他不聽，賈蓉忍不得，便罵了他兩句，使人捆起來，「等明日酒醒了，問他還尋死不尋死了！」那焦大那裡把賈蓉放在眼裡，反大叫起來，赶著賈蓉叫：「蓉哥兒，你別在焦大跟前使主子性兒。"Not to mention the likes of you, you pack of mongrel sons of turtles!" Just as he was cursing at the very height of his fury, Jia Rong came out to see Xifeng's carriage off; the others shouted at him to stop but he wouldn't listen, and Jia Rong, unable to bear it any longer, cursed him a couple of times and had men tie him up, saying, "Wait till tomorrow, once he's sober, and we'll ask him whether he's tired of living or not!" But that Jiao Da paid no heed at all to Jia Rong — instead he shouted all the louder, chasing after him and calling out, "Young Master Rong, don't you go putting on master's airs in front of old Jiao Da."別說你這樣兒的，就是你爹，你爺爺，也不敢和焦大挺腰子！"Not to mention someone like you — even your father, even your grandfather, wouldn't dare stand up straight and talk back to old Jiao Da!"不是焦大一個人，你們就做官兒享榮華受富貴？"If it weren't for me, Jiao Da, alone, would the likes of you be holding office and enjoying glory and riches today?"你祖宗九死一生掙下這家業，到如今了，不報我的恩，反和我充起主子來了。"Your ancestor won this family's fortune after escaping death nine times over, and now, instead of repaying my kindness, you turn around and play the master over me."不和我說別的還可，若再說別的，咱們紅刀子進去白刀子出來！」鳳姐在車上說與賈蓉道：「以後還不早打發了這個沒王法的東西！"If you say nothing more to me, that's fine — but say one more word, and we'll settle it with knives, in red and out white!" Xifeng, from within her carriage, said to Jia Rong, "Why haven't you gotten rid of this lawless creature long before now!"留在這裡豈不是禍害？"Keeping him around here — isn't that just asking for trouble?"倘或親友知道了，豈不笑話咱們這樣的人家，連個王法規矩都沒有。」賈蓉答應「是。」"If relatives and friends ever got wind of it, wouldn't they laugh at a household like ours for not even having any law or order?" Jia Rong answered, "Yes, indeed."

凤姐起身告辞，和宝玉携手同行。尤氏等送至大厅，只见灯烛辉煌，众小厮都在丹墀侍立。那焦大又恃贾珍不在家，即在家亦不好怎样他，更可以任意洒落洒落。因趁著酒兴，先骂大总管赖二，说他「不公道，欺软怕硬。有了好差事就派别人，象这等黑更半夜送人的事，就派我。没良心的王八羔子！瞎充管家！你也不想想，焦大太爷跷跷脚，比你的头还高呢。二十年头里的焦大太爷眼里有谁？别说你们这一起杂种王八羔子们！」正骂的兴头上，贾蓉送凤姐的车出去，众人喝他不听，贾蓉忍不得，便骂了他两句，使人捆起来，「等明日酒醒了，问他还寻死不寻死了！」那焦大那里把贾蓉放在眼里，反大叫起来，赶著贾蓉叫：「蓉哥儿，你别在焦大跟前使主子性儿。别说你这样儿的，就是你爹，你爷爷，也不敢和焦大挺腰子！不是焦大一个人，你们就做官儿享荣华受富贵？你祖宗九死一生挣下这家业，到如今了，不报我的恩，反和我充起主子来了。不和我说别的还可，若再说别的，咱们红刀子进去白刀子出来！」凤姐在车上说与贾蓉道：「以后还不早打发了这个没王法的东西！留在这里岂不是祸害？倘或亲友知道了，岂不笑话咱们这样的人家，连个王法规矩都没有。」贾蓉答应「是。」

眾小廝見他太撒野了，只得上來幾個，揪翻捆倒，拖往馬圈裡去。The houseboys, seeing him carrying on far too wildly, had no choice but to have several of them step forward, wrestle him down, tie him up, and drag him off to the stables.焦大越發連賈珍都說出來，亂嚷亂叫說：「我要往祠堂裡哭太爺去。Jiao Da only grew wilder still, dragging even Jia Zhen's name into it now, shouting and yelling in confusion, "I'm going to the ancestral hall to weep before the old master!"那裡承望到如今生下這些畜牲來！"Who could ever have imagined it would come to this — breeding such a pack of beasts!"每日家偷狗戲雞，爬灰的爬灰，養小叔子的養小叔子，我什麼不知道？"Every single day it's stealing about like dogs and cocks in heat — those who carry on with their daughters-in-law carry on, those who keep their little brothers-in-law keep them — what is there I don't know about?"咱們『胳膊折了往袖子裡藏』！」眾小廝聽他說出這些沒天日的話來，唬的魂飛魄散，也不顧別的了，便把他捆起來，用土和馬糞滿滿的填了他一嘴。"We're all just 'hiding the broken arm inside the sleeve'!" When the houseboys heard him blurt out such lawless, shameless words, they were so terrified their souls nearly flew from their bodies, and giving no thought to anything else, they bound him up tight and stuffed his mouth full of dirt and horse dung.

众小厮见他太撒野了，只得上来几个，揪翻捆倒，拖往马圈里去。焦大越发连贾珍都说出来，乱嚷乱叫说：「我要往祠堂里哭太爷去。那里承望到如今生下这些畜牲来！每日家偷狗戏鸡，爬灰的爬灰，养小叔子的养小叔子，我什么不知道？咱们『胳膊折了往袖子里藏』！」众小厮听他说出这些没天日的话来，唬的魂飞魄散，也不顾别的了，便把他捆起来，用土和马粪满满的填了他一嘴。

鳳姐和賈蓉等也遙遙的聞得，便都裝作沒聽見。Xifeng and Jia Rong and the others, though they too caught the sound of it from a distance, all pretended to have heard nothing.寶玉在車上見這般醉鬧，倒也有趣，因問鳳姐道：「姐姐，你聽他說『爬灰的爬灰』，什麼是『爬灰』？」鳳姐聽了，連忙立眉嗔目斷喝道：「少胡說！Baoyu, watching this drunken commotion from the carriage, actually found it rather amusing, and asked Xifeng, "Sister, did you hear him say 'those who carry on with their daughters-in-law carry on' — what does 'carry on' mean?" Hearing this, Xifeng at once knit her brows, glared angrily, and cut him off sharply, "Don't talk such nonsense!"那是醉漢嘴裡混唚，你是什麼樣的人，不說沒聽見，還倒細問！"That's just drunken gibberish out of a drunkard's mouth — what sort of person are you, that instead of saying you heard nothing, you go and ask about it in detail!"等我回去回了太太，仔細捶你不捶你！」唬的寶玉忙央告道：「好姐姐，我再不敢了。」鳳姐道：「這才是呢。"Just wait till I get home and report this to Madame — see if you don't get a sound beating!" Frightened, Baoyu hastily pleaded, "Dear sister, I'll never do it again." Xifeng said, "That's more like it."等到了家，咱們回了老太太，打發你同秦家侄兒學裡念書去要緊。」說著，卻自回往榮府而來。"Once we're home, the important thing is for us to report to the Old Ancestress, and have you sent off to study at the school together with your nephew Qin." So saying, she went on her way back to the Rong mansion.正是：Truly it was:

凤姐和贾蓉等也遥遥的闻得，便都装作没听见。宝玉在车上见这般醉闹，倒也有趣，因问凤姐道：「姐姐，你听他说『爬灰的爬灰』，什么是『爬灰』？」凤姐听了，连忙立眉嗔目断喝道：「少胡说！那是醉汉嘴里混唚，你是什么样的人，不说没听见，还倒细问！等我回去回了太太，仔细捶你不捶你！」唬的宝玉忙央告道：「好姐姐，我再不敢了。」凤姐道：「这才是呢。等到了家，咱们回了老太太，打发你同秦家侄儿学里念书去要紧。」说著，却自回往荣府而来。正是：

不因俊俏難為友，正為風流始讀書。Not for his handsome looks alone did they become friends; it was for kindred romantic spirit that study first began.

不因俊俏难为友，正为风流始读书。

注释Notes