第六十五回　賈二舍偷娶尤二姨　尤三姐思嫁柳二郎 Jia Lian Secretly Weds Second Sister You; Third Sister You Longs to Marry Liu Xianglian

話說賈璉賈珍賈蓉等三人商議，事事妥貼，至初二日，先將尤老和三姐送入新房。To resume the story: Jia Lian, Jia Zhen, and Jia Rong, the three of them, discussed matters until everything was properly settled, and on the second day of the month they first had You the elder and Third Sister sent into the new bridal chamber.尤老一看，雖不似賈蓉口內之言，也十分齊備，母女二人已稱了心。When You the elder looked around, though it was not quite as splendid as Jia Rong's words had made it out to be, it was nonetheless very complete and well-appointed, and mother and daughter were both satisfied at heart.鮑二夫婦見了如一盆火，赶著尤老一口一聲喚老娘，又或是老太太，赶著三姐喚三姨，或是姨娘。When Bao Er and his wife saw them, they were as warm as a basin of fire, hastening to call You the elder "old mother" with every other word, or else "old madam," and hastening to call Third Sister "Third Aunt," or else "my lady."至次日五更天，一乘素轎，將二姐抬來。At the fifth watch of the following day, Second Sister was carried over in a plain sedan-chair.各色香燭紙馬，并舖蓋以及酒飯，早已備得十分妥當。Incense and candles and paper horses of every kind, along with bedding and food and wine, had all long since been prepared most properly.一時，賈璉素服坐了小轎而來，拜過天地，焚了紙馬。Presently Jia Lian, dressed in plain clothes, arrived seated in a small sedan-chair, made obeisance to Heaven and Earth, and burned the paper horses.那尤老見二姐身上頭上煥然一新不是在家模樣，十分得意。When You the elder saw that Second Sister, from head to foot, was decked out in a dazzling new manner quite unlike her look at home, she was extremely pleased.攙入洞房。She was helped into the bridal chamber.是夜賈璉同他顛鸞倒鳳，百般恩愛，不消細說。That night Jia Lian and she disported themselves in every manner of loving intimacy — there is no need to relate it in detail.

话说贾琏贾珍贾蓉等三人商议，事事妥贴，至初二日，先将尤老和三姐送入新房。尤老一看，虽不似贾蓉口内之言，也十分齐备，母女二人已称了心。鲍二夫妇见了如一盆火，赶著尤老一口一声唤老娘，又或是老太太，赶著三姐唤三姨，或是姨娘。至次日五更天，一乘素轿，将二姐抬来。各色香烛纸马，并铺盖以及酒饭，早已备得十分妥当。一时，贾琏素服坐了小轿而来，拜过天地，焚了纸马。那尤老见二姐身上头上焕然一新不是在家模样，十分得意。搀入洞房。是夜贾琏同他颠鸾倒凤，百般恩爱，不消细说。

那賈璉越看越愛，越瞧越喜，不知怎生奉承這二姐，乃命鮑二等人不許提三說二的，直以奶奶稱之，自己也稱奶奶，竟將鳳姐一筆勾倒。The more Jia Lian looked at her the more he loved her, the more he gazed at her the more delighted he was, and not knowing how enough to indulge this Second Sister, he ordered Bao Er and the others not to speak of "Second" this or "Third" that, but to address her simply as "Madam," and he himself likewise called her "Madam," thereby striking Xifeng entirely from his mind.有時回家中，只說在東府有事羈絆，鳳姐輩因知他和賈珍相得，自然是或有事商議，也不疑心。Whenever he went back home, he merely said he was detained by business at the Eastern Mansion, and Xifeng and the others, knowing he was on close terms with Jia Zhen, naturally assumed there was some matter they were discussing together, and so had no suspicions.再家下人雖多，都不管這些事。Moreover, although there were many servants in the household, none of them concerned themselves with such matters.便有那游手好閒專打聽小事的人，也都去奉承賈璉，乘机討些便宜，誰肯去露風。As for those idle people with nothing better to do than pry into petty affairs, they too all went to curry favor with Jia Lian, seizing the chance to gain some small advantage — who among them would be willing to let the secret out?于是賈璉深感賈珍不盡。Because of this Jia Lian felt boundless gratitude toward Jia Zhen.賈璉一月出五兩銀子做天天的供給。Jia Lian paid out five taels of silver a month for the daily provisions.若不來時，他母女三人一處吃飯，若賈璉來了，他夫妻二人一處吃，他母女便回房自吃。On days when he did not come, the mother and her two daughters ate together in one place; when Jia Lian came, he and his wife ate together as a couple, while the mother withdrew to her own room to eat by herself.賈璉又將自己積年所有的梯己，一并搬了與二姐收著，又將鳳姐素日之為人行事，枕邊衾內盡情告訴了他，只等一死，便接他進去。Jia Lian also took all the private savings he had accumulated over the years and moved them all over for Second Sister to keep, and furthermore told her in full detail, there in bed and under the covers, all about Xifeng's usual character and conduct, saying that he was only waiting for her to die, and then he would bring Second Sister into the household.二姐聽了，自是願意。Hearing this, Second Sister was naturally willing.當下十來個人，倒也過起日子來，十分丰足。So for the time being the ten-odd people in the household went on living their days, and quite abundantly at that.

那贾琏越看越爱，越瞧越喜，不知怎生奉承这二姐，乃命鲍二等人不许提三说二的，直以奶奶称之，自己也称奶奶，竟将凤姐一笔勾倒。有时回家中，只说在东府有事羁绊，凤姐辈因知他和贾珍相得，自然是或有事商议，也不疑心。再家下人虽多，都不管这些事。便有那游手好闲专打听小事的人，也都去奉承贾琏，乘机讨些便宜，谁肯去露风。于是贾琏深感贾珍不尽。贾琏一月出五两银子做天天的供给。若不来时，他母女三人一处吃饭，若贾琏来了，他夫妻二人一处吃，他母女便回房自吃。贾琏又将自己积年所有的梯己，一并搬了与二姐收著，又将凤姐素日之为人行事，枕边衾内尽情告诉了他，只等一死，便接他进去。二姐听了，自是愿意。当下十来个人，倒也过起日子来，十分丰足。

眼見已是兩個月光景。Before one knew it, some two months had already gone by.這日賈珍在鐵檻寺作完佛事，晚間回家時，因與他姨妹久別，竟要去探望探望。On this day Jia Zhen, having finished performing Buddhist rites at Tie Kan Monastery, on returning home in the evening, since it had been long since he had seen his sister-in-law, decided he would go and pay a visit.先命小廝去打聽賈璉在與不在，小廝回來說不在。He first sent a page boy ahead to find out whether Jia Lian was there or not, and the boy came back saying he was not.賈珍歡喜，將左右一概先遣回去，只留兩個心腹小童牽馬。Jia Zhen was delighted, and sent all his attendants ahead back first, keeping only two trusted young pages to lead the horses.一時，到了新房，已是掌燈時分，悄悄入去。Presently he arrived at the new house; it was already the hour for lighting lamps, and he slipped in quietly.兩個小廝將馬拴在圈內，自往下房去聽候。The two page boys tied the horses up in the stable and went off to the servants' quarters to wait and listen for orders.賈珍進來，屋內才點燈，先看過了尤氏母女，然後二姐出見，賈珍仍喚二姨。Jia Zhen went inside; the lamps in the room had only just been lit. He first paid his respects to You madam and her daughters, and then Second Sister came out to greet him; Jia Zhen still addressed her as "Second Aunt."大家吃茶，說了一回閒話。Everyone had tea and chatted idly for a while.賈珍因笑說：“我作的這保山如何？Jia Zhen said with a laugh, "How was this matchmaker I made for you?若錯過了，打著燈籠還沒處尋，過日你姐姐還備了禮來瞧你們呢。”說話之間，尤二姐已命人預備下酒饌，關起門來，都是一家人，原無避諱。If you had missed this chance, you could have searched with a lantern and still found nowhere else like it. In a day or two your elder sister will also prepare gifts and come to see you both." As he spoke, You Second Sister had already ordered people to prepare wine and dishes; the doors were shut, and since they were all one family, there was originally no need for any avoidance.那鮑二來請安，賈珍便說：“你還是個有良心的小子，所以叫你來伏侍。When Bao Er came in to pay his respects, Jia Zhen said, "You are still a lad with some conscience, and that is why I've had you brought here to serve.日後自有大用你之處，不可在外頭吃酒生事。In the future there will naturally be important uses for you — don't go drinking outside and causing trouble.我自然賞你。I will naturally reward you.倘或這里短了什麼，你璉二爺事多，那里人雜，你只管去回我。If anything here should ever be lacking, since Master Lian is busy with many matters and there are all sorts of people about there, you need only come and report it to me.我們弟兄不比別人。”鮑二答應道：“是，小的知道。We brothers are not like other people." Bao Er answered, "Yes, your servant understands.若小的不盡心，除非不要這腦袋了。”賈珍點頭說：“要你知道。”當下四人一處吃酒。If your servant does not serve with all his heart, then he need not keep this head of his." Jia Zhen nodded and said, "As long as you understand." Thereupon the four of them sat drinking together.尤二姐知局，便邀他母親說：“我怪怕的，媽同我到那邊走走來。”尤老也會意，便真個同他出來只剩小丫頭們。You Second Sister, understanding the situation, invited her mother, saying, "I feel rather uneasy — Mother, come walk over there with me." You the elder also took the hint, and indeed went out with her, leaving only the little maids behind.賈珍便和三姐挨肩擦臉，百般輕薄起來。Jia Zhen then pressed shoulder to shoulder and cheek to cheek with Third Sister, growing frivolous in every possible way.小丫頭子們看不過，也都躲了出去，憑他兩個自在取樂，不知作些什麼勾當。The little maids, unable to bear watching, all slipped away themselves, leaving the two of them free to amuse themselves as they pleased, no one knowing just what they got up to.

眼见已是两个月光景。这日贾珍在铁槛寺作完佛事，晚间回家时，因与他姨妹久别，竟要去探望探望。先命小厮去打听贾琏在与不在，小厮回来说不在。贾珍欢喜，将左右一概先遣回去，只留两个心腹小童牵马。一时，到了新房，已是掌灯时分，悄悄入去。两个小厮将马拴在圈内，自往下房去听候。贾珍进来，屋内才点灯，先看过了尤氏母女，然后二姐出见，贾珍仍唤二姨。大家吃茶，说了一回闲话。贾珍因笑说：“我作的这保山如何？若错过了，打著灯笼还没处寻，过日你姐姐还备了礼来瞧你们呢。”说话之间，尤二姐已命人预备下酒馔，关起门来，都是一家人，原无避讳。那鲍二来请安，贾珍便说：“你还是个有良心的小子，所以叫你来伏侍。日后自有大用你之处，不可在外头吃酒生事。我自然赏你。倘或这里短了什么，你琏二爷事多，那里人杂，你只管去回我。我们弟兄不比别人。”鲍二答应道：“是，小的知道。若小的不尽心，除非不要这脑袋了。”贾珍点头说：“要你知道。”当下四人一处吃酒。尤二姐知局，便邀他母亲说：“我怪怕的，妈同我到那边走走来。”尤老也会意，便真个同他出来只剩小丫头们。贾珍便和三姐挨肩擦脸，百般轻薄起来。小丫头子们看不过，也都躲了出去，凭他两个自在取乐，不知作些什么勾当。

跟的兩個小廝都在廚下和鮑二飲酒，鮑二女人上灶。The two page boys who had come with him were both in the kitchen drinking with Bao Er, while Bao Er's wife tended the stove.忽見兩個丫頭也走了來嘲笑，要吃酒。Suddenly two maids came sauntering in too, teasing and joking, wanting to drink.鮑二因說：“姐兒們不在上頭伏侍，也偷來了。Bao Er said, "You girls aren't up there waiting on them, and instead you've slipped away here to steal a drink.一時叫起來沒人，又是事。”他女人罵道：“胡涂渾嗆了的忘八！If you're called for all of a sudden and no one's there, that'll be trouble too." His wife cursed, "You muddled, drunk-addled old tortoise!你撞喪那黃湯罷。Go choke to death on your yellow soup, why don't you.撞喪碎了，夾著你那膫子挺你的尸去。Choke on it and die, and they can carry your corpse off, tucking your pizzle under your arm as they go.叫不叫，與你屄相干！Whether they're called or not, what business is it of your cunt?一應有我承當，風雨橫豎灑不著你頭上來。”這鮑二原因妻子發跡的，近日越發虧他。Whatever happens, I'll take it upon myself — no rain or wind will ever fall on your head over it." This Bao Er had originally risen in the world through his wife, and of late he depended on her more than ever.自己除賺錢吃酒之外，一概不管，賈璉等也不肯責備他，故他視妻如母，百依百隨，且吃夠了便去睡覺。He himself, aside from earning money and drinking wine, concerned himself with nothing else, and since Jia Lian and the others were not inclined to reproach him either, he treated his wife as if she were his own mother, obeying her in everything, and once he had drunk his fill he simply went off to sleep.這里鮑二家的陪著這些丫鬟小廝吃酒，討他們的好，准備在賈珍前上好。Here, Bao Er's wife kept the maids and page boys company drinking, currying favor with them, preparing to speak well of herself before Jia Zhen.

跟的两个小厮都在厨下和鲍二饮酒，鲍二女人上灶。忽见两个丫头也走了来嘲笑，要吃酒。鲍二因说：“姐儿们不在上头伏侍，也偷来了。一时叫起来没人，又是事。”他女人骂道：“胡涂浑呛了的忘八！你撞丧那黄汤罢。撞丧碎了，夹著你那膫子挺你的尸去。叫不叫，与你屄相干！一应有我承当，风雨横竖洒不著你头上来。”这鲍二原因妻子发迹的，近日越发亏他。自己除赚钱吃酒之外，一概不管，贾琏等也不肯责备他，故他视妻如母，百依百随，且吃够了便去睡觉。这里鲍二家的陪著这些丫鬟小厮吃酒，讨他们的好，准备在贾珍前上好。

四人正吃的高興，忽聽扣門之聲，鮑二家的忙出來開門，看見是賈璉下馬，問有事無事。The four of them were drinking merrily when suddenly they heard a knocking at the gate; Bao Er's wife hurried out to open it, and saw it was Jia Lian dismounting from his horse, who asked whether anything was going on.鮑二女人便悄悄告他說：“大爺在這里西院里呢。”賈璉聽了便回至臥房。Bao Er's wife then told him quietly, "The Master is over there in the west wing." Hearing this, Jia Lian went straight back to the bedroom.只見尤二姐和他母親都在房中，見他來了，二人面上便有些訕訕的。There he found Second Sister and her mother both in the room; seeing him arrive, the two of them showed a somewhat sheepish look on their faces.賈璉反推不知，只命：“快拿酒來，咱們吃兩杯好睡覺。Jia Lian instead pretended to notice nothing, and merely ordered, "Bring the wine quickly, let's have a couple of cups and then get to sleep.我今日很乏了。”尤二姐忙上來陪笑接衣奉茶，問長問短。I'm very tired today." Second Sister hurriedly came forward smiling to help him off with his coat and offer him tea, asking after this and that with concern.賈璉喜的心痒難受。Jia Lian was so pleased his heart itched unbearably.一時鮑二家的端上酒來，二人對飲。Presently Bao Er's wife brought up the wine, and the two of them drank facing each other.他丈母不吃，自回房中睡去了。Her mother did not drink, and went back to her own room to sleep.兩個小丫頭分了一個過來伏侍。One of the two little maids was assigned over to wait on them.賈璉的心腹小童隆兒拴馬去，見已有了一匹馬，細瞧一瞧，知是賈珍的，心下會意，也來廚下。Jia Lian's trusted page boy Long'er, going to tie up the horse, saw there was already one horse there; looking closely, he realized it was Jia Zhen's, and understood at once, so he too came to the kitchen.只見喜兒壽兒兩個正在那里坐著吃酒，見他來了，也都會意，故笑道：“你這會子來的巧。There he found Xi'er and Shou'er sitting there drinking; seeing him come in, they too understood at once, and said with a laugh, "You've come at just the right time.我們因赶不上爺的馬，恐怕犯夜，往這里來借宿一宵的。”隆兒便笑道：“有的是炕，只管睡。We, unable to keep up with the master's horse and afraid of breaking the night curfew, came here to borrow a night's lodging." Long'er said with a laugh, "There are plenty of heated beds — just go ahead and sleep.我是二爺使我送月銀的，交給了奶奶，我也不回去了。”喜兒便說：“我們吃多了，你來吃一鐘。”隆兒才坐下，端起杯來，忽聽馬棚內鬧將起來。I was sent by the Second Master to deliver the monthly silver; I've handed it to Madam, and I won't be going back either." Xi'er then said, "We've drunk quite a lot — come, have a cup." Long'er had just sat down and raised the cup to his lips when suddenly he heard an uproar break out in the stable.原來二馬同槽，不能相容，互相蹶踢起來。It turned out that with two horses sharing one manger, they could not tolerate each other, and had started kicking at one another.隆兒等慌的忙放下酒杯，出來喝馬，好容易喝住，另拴好了，方進來。Long'er and the others, flustered, hastily set down their cups and went out to quiet the horses; with much difficulty they managed to calm them and tie them up properly elsewhere before coming back in.鮑二家的笑說：“你三人就在這里罷，茶也現成了，我可去了。”說著，帶門出去。Bao Er's wife said with a laugh, "You three just stay here then — the tea is ready too — I'll be off now." So saying, she went out, pulling the door shut behind her.這里喜兒喝了幾杯，已是楞子眼了。Here Xi'er, having drunk several more cups, was already glassy-eyed and stupefied.隆兒壽兒關了門，回頭見喜兒直挺挺的仰臥炕上，二人便推他說：“好兄弟，起來好生睡，只顧你一個人，我們就苦了。”那喜兒便說道：“咱們今兒可要公公道道的貼一爐子燒餅，要有一個充正經的人，我痛把你媽一肏。”隆兒壽兒見他醉了，也不必多說，只得吹了燈，將就睡下。Long'er and Shou'er shut the door, and turning around saw Xi'er lying stiffly flat on his back on the heated bed; the two of them pushed at him saying, "Good brother, get up and sleep properly — if you sprawl there taking up all the room by yourself, we'll be the ones to suffer." Xi'er then said, "Today we really ought to divide things up fair and square, share and share alike — if there's one among us who wants to play the upright one, I'll go give his mother a good rutting." Seeing he was drunk, Long'er and Shou'er did not bother arguing further, and simply blew out the lamp and made do, lying down to sleep.尤二姐聽見馬鬧，心下便不自安，只管用言語混亂賈璉。You Second Sister, hearing the horses causing an uproar, felt uneasy at heart, and kept trying to distract Jia Lian with chatter.那賈璉吃了幾杯，春興發作，便命收了酒果，掩門寬衣。Jia Lian, having drunk several cups, felt his amorous spirits stirring, and ordered the wine and fruit cleared away, then shut the door and loosened his clothes.尤二姐只穿著大紅小襖，散挽烏雲，滿臉春色，比白日更增了顏色。You Second Sister was wearing only a small crimson jacket, her raven hair loosely coiled, her whole face flushed with the glow of spring — even more radiant than by day.賈璉摟他笑道：“人人都說我們那夜叉婆齊整，如今我看來，給你拾鞋也不要。”尤二姐道：“我雖標致，卻無品行。Jia Lian embraced her and said with a laugh, "Everyone says that she-devil of mine is a fine-looking woman, but now that I see you, she isn't fit even to fetch your shoes." You Second Sister said, "I may be pretty, but I have no virtue to speak of.看來到底是不標致的好。”賈璉忙問道：“這話如何說？It seems that in the end it is better not to be pretty." Jia Lian hastily asked, "What do you mean by that?我卻不解。”尤二姐滴淚說道：“你們拿我作愚人待，什麼事我不知。I don't understand." You Second Sister said, shedding tears, "You all treat me as a fool, but there is nothing I do not know.我如今和你作了兩個月夫妻，日子雖淺，我也知你不是愚人。Now that I have been your wife these two months — though the time has been short, I too know you are no fool.我生是你的人，死是你的鬼，如今既作了夫妻，我終身靠你，豈敢瞞藏一字。In life I am your person, in death I shall be your ghost; now that we have become husband and wife, I shall rely on you for the rest of my life, and how would I dare hide even a single word from you.我算是有靠，將來我妹子卻如何結果？I may count myself as having someone to rely on, but what will become of my younger sister in the end?据我看來，這個形景恐非長策，要作長久之計方可。”賈璉聽了，笑道：“你且放心，我不是拈酸吃醋之輩。As I see it, this state of affairs is probably no long-term solution — we must work out a lasting arrangement before it will do." Hearing this, Jia Lian said with a laugh, "Just set your mind at ease — I am not the jealous, petty sort.前事我已盡知，你也不必驚慌。I already know all about what happened before, so there's no need for you to be alarmed.你因妹夫倒是作兄的，自然不好意思，不如我去破了這例。”說著走了，便至西院中來，只見窗內燈燭輝煌，二人正吃酒取樂。Since it's your sister's brother-in-law who is involved, you naturally feel awkward about it — better let me go and break through this taboo myself." So saying, he went off, and came straight to the west wing, where he saw the lamps and candles blazing brightly within the window, the two of them just then drinking and amusing themselves.賈璉便推門進去，笑說：“大爺在這里，兄弟來請安。”賈珍羞的無話，只得起身讓坐。Jia Lian pushed open the door and went in, saying with a laugh, "So the Elder Master is here — your brother has come to pay his respects." Jia Zhen was so embarrassed he had nothing to say, and could only rise and offer him a seat.賈璉忙笑道：“何必又作如此景象，咱們弟兄從前是如何樣來！Jia Lian hastily said with a laugh, "Why put on such an act as this — how were we brothers with each other before!大哥為我操心，我今日粉身碎骨，感激不盡。Elder Brother has troubled yourself on my account, and today, though I were ground to powder and my bones shattered, I could never thank you enough.大哥若多心，我意何安。If Elder Brother harbors any suspicion of me over this, how could I ever be at ease?從此以後，還求大哥如昔方好，不然，兄弟能可絕後，再不敢到此處來了。”說著，便要跪下。From now on I only ask that Elder Brother be as you were before — otherwise, may your brother's line be cut off, and I would never dare come to this place again." So saying, he made as if to kneel down.慌的賈珍連忙攙起，只說：“兄弟怎麼說，我無不領命。”賈璉忙命人：“看酒來，我和大哥吃兩杯。”又拉尤三姐說：“你過來，陪小叔子一杯。”賈珍笑著說：“老二，到底是你，哥哥必要吃乾這鐘。”說著，一揚脖。Alarmed, Jia Zhen hastily pulled him up, saying only, "Whatever you say, Brother, I will do exactly as you wish." Jia Lian hastily called out, "Bring wine — Elder Brother and I will have a couple of cups." Then he pulled at You Third Sister, saying, "Come over here and drink a cup with your little brother-in-law." Jia Zhen said with a laugh, "Second Brother, it really has to be you — your elder brother must drain this cup dry." So saying, he tipped back his head and drank it down in one go.尤三姐站在炕上，指賈璉笑道：“你不用和我花馬吊嘴的，清水下雜面，你吃我看見。You Third Sister, standing on the heated bed, pointed at Jia Lian and said with a laugh, "There's no need for you to sweet-talk and flatter me — it's clear water poured over the noodles, plain for anyone to see; I've watched you eat and I see through it.見提著影戲人子上場，好歹別戳破這層紙兒。When you watch a shadow-puppet show, whatever else happens, don't go poking a hole through the paper screen.你別油蒙了心，打諒我們不知道你府上的事。Don't let grease cloud over your heart and think we know nothing of what goes on in your household.這會子花了幾個臭錢，你們哥兒倆拿著我們姐兒兩個權當粉頭來取樂兒，你們就打錯了算盤了。Now that you've spent a few stinking coins, the two of you brothers think you can take the two of us sisters as your private playthings for amusement — you've badly miscalculated if you think that.我也知道你那老婆太難纏，如今把我姐姐拐了來做二房，偷的鑼兒敲不得。I also know full well that wife of yours is far too much to handle — now you've gone and abducted my sister to make her your second wife, but a stolen gong cannot be sounded aloud.我也要會會那鳳奶奶去，看他是幾個腦袋幾只手。I mean to go and meet that Madam Xifeng myself and see just how many heads and how many hands she has.若大家好取和便罷，倘若有一點叫人過不去，我有本事先把你兩個的牛黃狗寶掏了出來，再和那潑婦拼了這命，也不算是尤三姑奶奶！If everyone can get along peaceably, well and good; but if there is ever the slightest thing that wrongs us, I have it in me to first dig the ox-bezoar and dog-treasure right out of the two of you, and then go fight that shrew to the death — otherwise I'd be no true daughter of the You family, no Third Miss You!喝酒怕什麼，咱們就喝！”說著，自己綽起壺來斟了一杯，自己先喝了半杯，摟過賈璉的脖子來就灌，說：“我和你哥哥已經吃過了，咱們來親香親香。”唬的賈璉酒都醒了。What's there to be afraid of in drinking — let's just drink!" So saying, she herself picked up the pot and poured out a cup, drank half of it herself first, then pulled Jia Lian's neck toward her and poured the rest down his throat, saying, "Your brother and I have already had our share — now let's you and I get intimate too." This so alarmed Jia Lian that the wine went clean out of him.賈珍也不承望尤三姐這等無恥老辣。Jia Zhen too had never expected You Third Sister to be so shameless and hard-boiled.弟兄兩個本是風月場中耍慣的，不想今日反被這閨女一席話說住。The two brothers, who were themselves old hands well versed in the ways of wind and moon, never imagined that today they would instead be silenced by this girl's tirade.尤三姐一疊聲又叫：“將姐姐請來，要樂咱們四個一處同樂。You Third Sister called out again and again, "Go invite your elder sister over — if we're going to enjoy ourselves, let the four of us enjoy ourselves together.俗語說‘便宜不過當家’，他們是弟兄，咱們是姊妹，又不是外人，只管上來。”尤二姐反不好意思起來。As the saying goes, 'there's no bargain like keeping it in the family' — they are brothers, we are sisters, and we're not outsiders to each other, so just come on over." You Second Sister, on the contrary, grew embarrassed.賈珍得便就要一溜，尤三姐那里肯放。Jia Zhen, seizing the chance, wanted to slip away, but You Third Sister would by no means let him go.賈珍此時方後悔，不承望他是這种為人，與賈璉反不好輕薄起來。Jia Zhen by this time was already regretting it, never having expected her to be a person of this sort, and toward Jia Lian too he found himself unable to act frivolous any longer.

四人正吃的高兴，忽听扣门之声，鲍二家的忙出来开门，看见是贾琏下马，问有事无事。鲍二女人便悄悄告他说：“大爷在这里西院里呢。”贾琏听了便回至卧房。只见尤二姐和他母亲都在房中，见他来了，二人面上便有些讪讪的。贾琏反推不知，只命：“快拿酒来，咱们吃两杯好睡觉。我今日很乏了。”尤二姐忙上来陪笑接衣奉茶，问长问短。贾琏喜的心痒难受。一时鲍二家的端上酒来，二人对饮。他丈母不吃，自回房中睡去了。两个小丫头分了一个过来伏侍。贾琏的心腹小童隆儿拴马去，见已有了一匹马，细瞧一瞧，知是贾珍的，心下会意，也来厨下。只见喜儿寿儿两个正在那里坐著吃酒，见他来了，也都会意，故笑道：“你这会子来的巧。我们因赶不上爷的马，恐怕犯夜，往这里来借宿一宵的。”隆儿便笑道：“有的是炕，只管睡。我是二爷使我送月银的，交给了奶奶，我也不回去了。”喜儿便说：“我们吃多了，你来吃一钟。”隆儿才坐下，端起杯来，忽听马棚内闹将起来。原来二马同槽，不能相容，互相蹶踢起来。隆儿等慌的忙放下酒杯，出来喝马，好容易喝住，另拴好了，方进来。鲍二家的笑说：“你三人就在这里罢，茶也现成了，我可去了。”说著，带门出去。这里喜儿喝了几杯，已是楞子眼了。隆儿寿儿关了门，回头见喜儿直挺挺的仰卧炕上，二人便推他说：“好兄弟，起来好生睡，只顾你一个人，我们就苦了。”那喜儿便说道：“咱们今儿可要公公道道的贴一炉子烧饼，要有一个充正经的人，我痛把你妈一肏。”隆儿寿儿见他醉了，也不必多说，只得吹了灯，将就睡下。尤二姐听见马闹，心下便不自安，只管用言语混乱贾琏。那贾琏吃了几杯，春兴发作，便命收了酒果，掩门宽衣。尤二姐只穿著大红小袄，散挽乌云，满脸春色，比白日更增了颜色。贾琏搂他笑道：“人人都说我们那夜叉婆齐整，如今我看来，给你拾鞋也不要。”尤二姐道：“我虽标致，却无品行。看来到底是不标致的好。”贾琏忙问道：“这话如何说？我却不解。”尤二姐滴泪说道：“你们拿我作愚人待，什么事我不知。我如今和你作了两个月夫妻，日子虽浅，我也知你不是愚人。我生是你的人，死是你的鬼，如今既作了夫妻，我终身靠你，岂敢瞒藏一字。我算是有靠，将来我妹子却如何结果？据我看来，这个形景恐非长策，要作长久之计方可。”贾琏听了，笑道：“你且放心，我不是拈酸吃醋之辈。前事我已尽知，你也不必惊慌。你因妹夫倒是作兄的，自然不好意思，不如我去破了这例。”说著走了，便至西院中来，只见窗内灯烛辉煌，二人正吃酒取乐。贾琏便推门进去，笑说：“大爷在这里，兄弟来请安。”贾珍羞的无话，只得起身让坐。贾琏忙笑道：“何必又作如此景象，咱们弟兄从前是如何样来！大哥为我操心，我今日粉身碎骨，感激不尽。大哥若多心，我意何安。从此以后，还求大哥如昔方好，不然，兄弟能可绝后，再不敢到此处来了。”说著，便要跪下。慌的贾珍连忙搀起，只说：“兄弟怎么说，我无不领命。”贾琏忙命人：“看酒来，我和大哥吃两杯。”又拉尤三姐说：“你过来，陪小叔子一杯。”贾珍笑著说：“老二，到底是你，哥哥必要吃干这钟。”说著，一扬脖。尤三姐站在炕上，指贾琏笑道：“你不用和我花马吊嘴的，清水下杂面，你吃我看见。见提著影戏人子上场，好歹别戳破这层纸儿。你别油蒙了心，打谅我们不知道你府上的事。这会子花了几个臭钱，你们哥儿俩拿著我们姐儿两个权当粉头来取乐儿，你们就打错了算盘了。我也知道你那老婆太难缠，如今把我姐姐拐了来做二房，偷的锣儿敲不得。我也要会会那凤奶奶去，看他是几个脑袋几只手。若大家好取和便罢，倘若有一点叫人过不去，我有本事先把你两个的牛黄狗宝掏了出来，再和那泼妇拼了这命，也不算是尤三姑奶奶！喝酒怕什么，咱们就喝！”说著，自己绰起壶来斟了一杯，自己先喝了半杯，搂过贾琏的脖子来就灌，说：“我和你哥哥已经吃过了，咱们来亲香亲香。”唬的贾琏酒都醒了。贾珍也不承望尤三姐这等无耻老辣。弟兄两个本是风月场中耍惯的，不想今日反被这闺女一席话说住。尤三姐一叠声又叫：“将姐姐请来，要乐咱们四个一处同乐。俗语说‘便宜不过当家’，他们是弟兄，咱们是姊妹，又不是外人，只管上来。”尤二姐反不好意思起来。贾珍得便就要一溜，尤三姐那里肯放。贾珍此时方后悔，不承望他是这种为人，与贾琏反不好轻薄起来。

這尤三姐鬆鬆挽著頭髮，大紅襖子半掩半開，露著蔥綠抹胸，一痕雪脯。This You Third Sister had her hair loosely coiled up, her crimson jacket half-open, half-closed, revealing a scallion-green bodice and a stretch of snow-white bosom beneath.底下綠褲紅鞋，一對金蓮或翹或并，沒半刻斯文。Below she wore green trousers and red shoes, her pair of tiny golden lotus feet now lifted, now pressed together, not proper or demure for even half a moment.兩個墜子卻似打秋千一般，燈光之下，越顯得柳眉籠翠霧，檀口點丹砂。Her two earrings swung to and fro as if on a swing, and in the lamplight her willow eyebrows seemed veiled in kingfisher mist, her cherry lips dotted with cinnabar red.本是一雙秋水眼，再吃了酒，又添了餳澀淫浪，不獨將他二姊壓倒，据珍璉評去，所見過的上下貴賤若干女子，皆未有此綽約風流者。She had to begin with a pair of autumn-water eyes, and now, having drunk wine besides, they had taken on an added languid, wanton allure — not only did she outshine her elder sister, but by Jia Zhen's and Jia Lian's own reckoning, among however many women of high and low, noble and base station they had seen in their lives, none had ever possessed such a lithe and seductive charm as this.二人已酥麻如醉，不禁去招他一招，他那淫態風情，反將二人禁住。The two of them were already limp and giddy as if drunk, and could not help but make one or two overtures toward her, but her wanton airs and coquettish charm instead held the two of them utterly in check.那尤三姐放出手眼來略試了一試，他弟兄兩個竟全然無一點別識別見，連口中一句響亮話都沒了，不過是酒色二字而已。When You Third Sister brought out her true skill and gave it just the slightest试, her two brothers-in-law found themselves entirely without a single distinct thought or opinion of their own left, unable even to get out one clear, ringing word — nothing left in them but the two words "wine" and "lust."自己高談闊論，任意揮霍撒落一陣，拿他弟兄二人嘲笑取樂，竟真是他嫖了男人，并非男人淫了他。She herself held forth grandly at will, venting and carrying on however she pleased for a spell, teasing and mocking the two brothers for her own amusement — it was truly a case of her toying with the men, and not the men debauching her.一時他的酒足興盡，也不容他弟兄多坐，攆了出去，自己關門睡去了。After a while, once she had had her fill of wine and her spirits were spent, she would not let her two brothers-in-law sit any longer, but drove them out, then shut the door herself and went to sleep.自此後，或略有丫鬟婆娘不到之處，便將賈璉、賈珍、賈蓉三個潑聲厲言痛罵，說他爺兒三個誆騙了他寡婦孤女。From this time on, whenever the maids or serving women were even slightly remiss in anything, she would let loose at Jia Lian, Jia Zhen, and Jia Rong the three of them with shrill, biting curses, saying that this father-and-sons trio had swindled a widow and her orphaned daughters.賈珍回去之後，以後亦不敢輕易再來，有時尤三姐自己高了興悄命小廝來請，方敢去一會，到了這里，也只好隨他的便。After that visit, Jia Zhen no longer dared come lightly again; only when You Third Sister herself was in high spirits and secretly sent a page boy to invite him would he then dare go over for a visit, and once there, he could only go along however she pleased.誰知這尤三姐天生脾氣不堪，仗著自己風流標致，偏要打扮的出色，另式作出許多萬人不及的淫情浪態來，哄的男子們垂涎落魄，欲近不能，欲遠不舍，迷離顛倒，他以為樂。Who could have known that this You Third Sister was by nature possessed of an unbearable temperament, and relying on her own good looks and allure, insisted on dressing herself up in the most striking fashion, contriving all manner of seductive, wanton airs unmatched by ten thousand others, so as to tantalize the men until they drooled and lost themselves, unable to draw near yet unwilling to leave, utterly bewildered and beside themselves — this she took as her pleasure.他母姊二人也十分相勸，他反說：“姐姐糊涂。Her mother and sister both urged her earnestly to stop, but she instead retorted, "Sister, you're being foolish.咱們金玉一般的人，白叫這兩個現世寶沾污了去，也算無能。We who are as fine as gold and jade have let ourselves be sullied for nothing by these two worthless wretches — that alone counts as incompetence on our part.而且他家有一個极利害的女人，如今瞞著他不知，咱們方安。Moreover, there is in that household an extremely formidable woman; for now, as long as she is kept in the dark and knows nothing, we can be at ease.倘或一日他知道了，豈有干休之理，勢必有一場大鬧，不知誰生誰死。But should the day come when she finds out, how could she possibly let the matter rest — there is bound to be a great uproar, and there's no telling who would live and who would die in it.趁如今我不拿他們取樂作踐准折，到那時白落個臭名，後悔不及。”因此一說，他母女見不聽勸，也只得罷了。While I still can, I intend to take my pleasure of them and use them up in return for what's owed us; otherwise, when that day comes we'll be left with nothing but a foul reputation, and it will be too late for regret." Once she had spoken thus, her mother and sister, seeing she would not listen to persuasion, could only let the matter drop.那尤三姐天天挑揀穿吃，打了銀的，又要金的，有了珠子，又要寶石，吃的肥鵝，又宰肥鴨。That You Third Sister, day after day, was picky about what she wore and ate — having had silver ornaments made, she then wanted gold ones too; having gotten pearls, she then wanted gemstones; having eaten fat goose, she then had a fat duck slaughtered as well.或不趁心，連桌一推，衣裳不如意，不論綾緞新整，便用剪刀剪碎，撕一條，罵一句，究竟賈珍等何曾隨意了一日，反花了許多昧心錢。If something did not suit her fancy, she would shove the whole table aside; if a garment did not please her, no matter whether it was fine new damask or silk, she would take scissors and cut it to shreds, tearing one strip after another while cursing with every cut — and in the end, when had Jia Zhen and the others ever had a single day go as they pleased, but instead had spent a great deal of ill-gotten money for nothing.賈璉來了，只在二姐房內，心中也悔上來。When Jia Lian came, he stayed only in Second Sister's room, and in his heart, too, regret was beginning to creep in.無奈二姐倒是個多情人，以為賈璉是終身之主了，凡事倒還知疼著痒。Fortunately, Second Sister was after all a woman of deep feeling, who regarded Jia Lian as the master of her whole life, and in every matter showed real care and tenderness toward him.若論起溫柔和順，凡事必商必議，不敢恃才自專，實較鳳姐高十倍，若論標致，言談行事，也胜五分。As for gentleness and mild compliance, consulting and deferring on every matter, never presuming on her own cleverness to act willfully, she truly surpassed Xifeng tenfold; and as for beauty, and her manner of speech and conduct, she also excelled her by a good five parts.雖然如今改過，但已經失了腳，有了一個”淫”字，憑他有甚好處也不算了。Yet although she had now mended her ways, she had already made a false step, and having once borne the label of "wanton," whatever good qualities she might have no longer counted for anything.偏這賈璉又說：“誰人無錯，知過必改就好。”故不提已往之淫，只取現今之善，便如膠授漆，似水如魚，一心一計，誓同生死，那里還有鳳平二人在意了？Yet Jia Lian, for his part, said: "Who is without fault? So long as one knows one's errors and mends them, that's enough." So he never spoke of her past indiscretions, but took only her present goodness into account, and the two of them became like glue and lacquer, like fish and water, of one heart and one mind, vowing to live and die together — how then could he spare a thought for Xifeng or Ping'er anymore?二姐在枕邊衾內，也常勸賈璉說：“你和珍大哥商議商議，揀個熟的人，把三丫頭聘了罷。In the intimacy of their bed, Er-jie too often urged Jia Lian, saying: "You and Cousin Zhen should talk it over and pick out someone suitable to betroth Third Sister to.留著他不是常法子，終久要生出事來，怎麼處？”賈璉道：“前日我曾回過大哥的，他只是舍不得。Keeping her here indefinitely is no lasting solution — sooner or later it will lead to trouble. What's to be done?" Jia Lian said, "The other day I did raise it with Cousin Zhen, but he simply can't bear to part with her.我說‘是塊肥羊肉，只是燙的慌，玫瑰花兒可愛，刺大扎手。I said, 'She's a piece of fat mutton, only it's scalding hot; a rose is lovely, but its thorns prick the hand.咱們未必降的住，正經揀個人聘了罷。’他只意意思思，就丟開手了。We may well not be able to master her — better to pick someone proper and marry her off.' He only made a show of agreeing, and then let the matter drop.你叫我有何法。”二姐道：“你放心。What am I to do about it?" Er-jie said, "Don't worry.咱們明日先勸三丫頭，他肯了，叫他自己鬧去。Tomorrow let's first talk Third Sister round; once she agrees, let her go make the fuss herself.鬧的無法，少不得聘他。”賈璉聽了說：“這話极是。”至次日，二姐另備了酒，賈璉也不出門，至午間特請他小妹過來，與他母親上坐。Once she's made enough of a fuss that there's no help for it, he'll have no choice but to marry her off." When Jia Lian heard this he said, "That's exactly right." The next day Er-jie prepared wine specially, and Jia Lian did not go out; at midday she invited her younger sister over on purpose, seating her together with their mother in the place of honor.尤三姐便知其意，酒過三巡，不用姐姐開口，先便滴淚泣道：“姐姐今日請我，自有一番大禮要說。You Sanjie already guessed the purpose, and after the wine had gone round three times, without waiting for her sister to open her mouth, she was the first to shed tears and say: "Sister, in inviting me today you must have some solemn speech to make.但妹子不是那愚人，也不用絮絮叨叨提那從前丑事，我已盡知，說也無益。But your little sister is no fool, so there's no need to go on and on about those shameful things of the past — I already know it all, and there's no use speaking of it.既如今姐姐也得了好處安身，媽也有了安身之處，我也要自尋歸結去，方是正理。Now that you, sister, have found a good situation to settle into, and Mother too has somewhere to settle, it's only right that I should seek out my own resolution as well.但終身大事，一生至一死，非同兒戲。But the great matter of a lifetime, from life to death, is no game to be trifled with.我如今改過守分，只要我揀一個素日可心如意的人方跟他去。Now that I have mended my ways and keep to what is proper, I will only go to a man of my own choosing, one who has long suited my heart.若憑你們揀擇，雖是富比石崇，才過子建，貌比潘安的，我心里進不去，也白過了一世。”賈璉笑道：“這也容易。If I leave the choice to all of you, then even were he as rich as Shi Chong, as talented as Cao Zijian, as handsome as Pan An, if my heart could not accept him, I would have passed my whole life for nothing." Jia Lian said with a smile, "That's easy enough.憑你說是誰就是誰，一應彩禮都有我們置辦，母親也不用操心。”尤三姐泣道：“姐姐知道，不用我說。”賈璉笑問二姐是誰，二姐一時也想不起來。Whoever you name shall be the one; all the betrothal gifts will be arranged by us, and Mother need not trouble herself over it." You Sanjie said, weeping, "Sister already knows — there's no need for me to say." Jia Lian asked Er-jie with a smile who it was, but Er-jie for the moment could not think of it either.大家想來，賈璉便道：“定是此人無移了！”便拍手笑道：“我知道了。As everyone puzzled over it, Jia Lian suddenly said, "It must be none other than this person!" and clapped his hands, laughing, "I've got it.這人原不差，果然好眼力。”二姐笑問是誰，賈璉笑道：“別人他如何進得去，一定是寶玉。”二姐與尤老聽了，亦以為然。This person is certainly no poor choice — she really has a good eye." Er-jie asked with a smile who it was, and Jia Lian said, laughing, "How could anyone else get into her heart? It must be Baoyu." Hearing this, Er-jie and Old Mrs. You both thought it must be so.尤三姐便啐了一口，道：“我們有姊妹十個，也嫁你弟兄十個不成。You Sanjie spat and said, "Even if we sisters numbered ten, must we all marry into your family's ten brothers?難道除了你家，天下就沒了好男子了不成！”眾人聽了都詫异：“除去他，還有那一個？”尤三姐笑道：“別只在眼前想，姐姐只在五年前想就是了。”Is it that, apart from your household, there isn't a single good man left in the whole world!" Everyone was astonished to hear this: "Besides him, who else could it be?" You Sanjie said with a smile, "Don't just think of someone right before your eyes — sister, just think back five years."

这尤三姐松松挽著头发，大红袄子半掩半开，露著葱绿抹胸，一痕雪脯。底下绿裤红鞋，一对金莲或翘或并，没半刻斯文。两个坠子却似打秋千一般，灯光之下，越显得柳眉笼翠雾，檀口点丹砂。本是一双秋水眼，再吃了酒，又添了饧涩淫浪，不独将他二姊压倒，据珍琏评去，所见过的上下贵贱若干女子，皆未有此绰约风流者。二人已酥麻如醉，不禁去招他一招，他那淫态风情，反将二人禁住。那尤三姐放出手眼来略试了一试，他弟兄两个竟全然无一点别识别见，连口中一句响亮话都没了，不过是酒色二字而已。自己高谈阔论，任意挥霍撒落一阵，拿他弟兄二人嘲笑取乐，竟真是他嫖了男人，并非男人淫了他。一时他的酒足兴尽，也不容他弟兄多坐，撵了出去，自己关门睡去了。自此后，或略有丫鬟婆娘不到之处，便将贾琏、贾珍、贾蓉三个泼声厉言痛骂，说他爷儿三个诓骗了他寡妇孤女。贾珍回去之后，以后亦不敢轻易再来，有时尤三姐自己高了兴悄命小厮来请，方敢去一会，到了这里，也只好随他的便。谁知这尤三姐天生脾气不堪，仗著自己风流标致，偏要打扮的出色，另式作出许多万人不及的淫情浪态来，哄的男子们垂涎落魄，欲近不能，欲远不舍，迷离颠倒，他以为乐。他母姊二人也十分相劝，他反说：“姐姐糊涂。咱们金玉一般的人，白叫这两个现世宝沾污了去，也算无能。而且他家有一个极利害的女人，如今瞒著他不知，咱们方安。倘或一日他知道了，岂有干休之理，势必有一场大闹，不知谁生谁死。趁如今我不拿他们取乐作践准折，到那时白落个臭名，后悔不及。”因此一说，他母女见不听劝，也只得罢了。那尤三姐天天挑拣穿吃，打了银的，又要金的，有了珠子，又要宝石，吃的肥鹅，又宰肥鸭。或不趁心，连桌一推，衣裳不如意，不论绫缎新整，便用剪刀剪碎，撕一条，骂一句，究竟贾珍等何曾随意了一日，反花了许多昧心钱。贾琏来了，只在二姐房内，心中也悔上来。无奈二姐倒是个多情人，以为贾琏是终身之主了，凡事倒还知疼著痒。若论起温柔和顺，凡事必商必议，不敢恃才自专，实较凤姐高十倍，若论标致，言谈行事，也胜五分。虽然如今改过，但已经失了脚，有了一个”淫”字，凭他有甚好处也不算了。偏这贾琏又说：“谁人无错，知过必改就好。”故不提已往之淫，只取现今之善，便如胶授漆，似水如鱼，一心一计，誓同生死，那里还有凤平二人在意了？二姐在枕边衾内，也常劝贾琏说：“你和珍大哥商议商议，拣个熟的人，把三丫头聘了罢。留著他不是常法子，终久要生出事来，怎么处？”贾琏道：“前日我曾回过大哥的，他只是舍不得。我说‘是块肥羊肉，只是烫的慌，玫瑰花儿可爱，刺大扎手。咱们未必降的住，正经拣个人聘了罢。’他只意意思思，就丢开手了。你叫我有何法。”二姐道：“你放心。咱们明日先劝三丫头，他肯了，叫他自己闹去。闹的无法，少不得聘他。”贾琏听了说：“这话极是。”至次日，二姐另备了酒，贾琏也不出门，至午间特请他小妹过来，与他母亲上坐。尤三姐便知其意，酒过三巡，不用姐姐开口，先便滴泪泣道：“姐姐今日请我，自有一番大礼要说。但妹子不是那愚人，也不用絮絮叨叨提那从前丑事，我已尽知，说也无益。既如今姐姐也得了好处安身，妈也有了安身之处，我也要自寻归结去，方是正理。但终身大事，一生至一死，非同儿戏。我如今改过守分，只要我拣一个素日可心如意的人方跟他去。若凭你们拣择，虽是富比石崇，才过子建，貌比潘安的，我心里进不去，也白过了一世。”贾琏笑道：“这也容易。凭你说是谁就是谁，一应彩礼都有我们置办，母亲也不用操心。”尤三姐泣道：“姐姐知道，不用我说。”贾琏笑问二姐是谁，二姐一时也想不起来。大家想来，贾琏便道：“定是此人无移了！”便拍手笑道：“我知道了。这人原不差，果然好眼力。”二姐笑问是谁，贾琏笑道：“别人他如何进得去，一定是宝玉。”二姐与尤老听了，亦以为然。尤三姐便啐了一口，道：“我们有姊妹十个，也嫁你弟兄十个不成。难道除了你家，天下就没了好男子了不成！”众人听了都诧异：“除去他，还有那一个？”尤三姐笑道：“别只在眼前想，姐姐只在五年前想就是了。”

正說著，忽見賈璉的心腹小廝興兒走來請賈璉說：“老爺那邊緊等著叫爺呢。Just as they were speaking, Jia Lian's trusted young servant Xing'er suddenly came to fetch him, saying: "The Master over there is waiting urgently and has sent for you, sir.小的答應往舅老爺那邊去了，小的連忙來請。”賈璉又忙問：“昨日家里沒人問？”興兒道：“小的回奶奶說，爺在家廟里同珍大爺商議作百日的事，只怕不能來家。”賈璉忙命拉馬，隆兒跟隨去了，留下興兒答應人來事務。I told him you'd gone to see Uncle, and hurried straight here to fetch you." Jia Lian hastily asked, "Did no one ask after me at home yesterday?" Xing'er said, "I told madam that you, sir, were at the family temple discussing the hundred-day observances with Master Zhen, and probably couldn't come home." Jia Lian at once ordered his horse brought round, and Long'er went along with him, leaving Xing'er behind to attend to whatever came up.尤二姐拿了兩碟菜，命拿大杯斟了酒，就命興兒在炕沿下蹲著吃，一長一短向他說話兒。You Erjie took out two dishes of food, had a large cup filled with wine, and had Xing'er squat by the edge of the kang to eat, chatting with him on and on.問他家里奶奶多大年紀，怎個利害的樣子，老太太多大年紀，太太多大年紀，姑娘幾個，各樣家常等語。She asked him how old his mistress at home was, just how formidable she was, how old the Old Lady was, how old Madam was, how many young ladies there were, and all sorts of other everyday matters.興兒笑嘻嘻的在炕沿下一頭吃，一頭將榮府之事備細告訴他母女。Xing'er, grinning away at the foot of the kang, ate with one breath and with the other told the mother and daughters in detail all about the affairs of the Rong mansion.又說：“我是二門上該班的人。He also said: "I'm one of the men on duty at the second gate.我們共是兩班，一班四個，共是八個。There are two shifts of us in all, four men to a shift, eight altogether.這八個人有幾個是奶奶的心腹，有幾個是爺的心腹。Of these eight, some are the mistress's trusted men, and some are the master's trusted men.奶奶的心腹我們不敢惹，爺的心腹奶奶的就敢惹。We don't dare cross the mistress's trusted men, but the mistress dares to cross the master's trusted men.提起我們奶奶來，心里歹毒，口里尖快。Speak of our mistress, and I'll tell you — she's vicious at heart and sharp of tongue.我們二爺也算是個好的，那里見得他。Our Second Master is reckoned a decent sort himself, but he's nowhere near a match for her.倒是跟前的平姑娘為人很好，雖然和奶奶一氣，他倒背著奶奶常作些個好事。It's Miss Ping who waits on her that's truly good-natured — though outwardly of one mind with the mistress, behind her back she often does good turns for people.小的們凡有了不是，奶奶是容不過的，只求求他去就完了。Whenever we servants do something wrong, the mistress won't let it pass, so we just go and beg Miss Ping, and the matter is settled.如今合家大小除了老太太，太太兩個人，沒有不恨他的，只不過面子情兒怕他。Nowadays, in the whole household, high and low, apart from the Old Lady and Madam, there isn't a soul who doesn't hate her — it's only for the sake of appearances that people fear her.皆因他一時看的人都不及他，只一味哄著老太太，太太兩個人喜歡。It's all because she reckons no one else measures up to her, and does nothing but flatter the Old Lady and Madam into being pleased with her.他說一是一，說二是二，沒人敢攔他。Whatever she says goes — say one, it's one, say two, it's two — and no one dares stand in her way.又恨不得把銀子錢省下來堆成山，好叫老太太，太太說他會過日子，殊不知苦了下人，他討好兒。She would love nothing better than to scrimp and save silver into a mountain, so that the Old Lady and Madam would say she knows how to run a household — never mind that it's the servants below who suffer while she wins the credit.估著有好事，他就不等別人去說，他先抓尖兒，或有了不好事或他自己錯了，他便一縮頭推到別人身上來，他還在旁邊撥火兒。If she reckons there's some credit to be had, she won't wait for others to speak up — she grabs it for herself first; but if something goes wrong, or the fault is her own, she draws in her head and shoves the blame onto someone else, while still fanning the flames from the side.如今連他正經婆婆大太太都嫌了他，說他‘雀兒揀著旺處飛，黑母雞一窩兒，自家的事不管，倒替人家去瞎張羅’。Nowadays even her own proper mother-in-law, Madam Xing, has come to dislike her, saying: 'The sparrow flies to wherever things are flourishing; a black hen and her whole brood in one nest — she pays no mind to her own household's affairs, but goes meddling blindly in other people's.'若不是老太太在頭里，早叫過他去了。”尤二姐笑道：“你背著他這等說他，將來你又不知怎麼說我呢。If the Old Lady weren't standing in front of her, she'd have been sent packing long ago." You Erjie said with a smile, "Talking about her like this behind her back — who knows what you'll say about me one day.我又差他一層兒，越發有的說了。”興兒忙跪下說道：“奶奶要這樣說，小的不怕雷打！I'm a rung below her even, so there'll be all the more to say." Xing'er hastily knelt down and said, "If madam is going to talk like that, then may I be struck by lightning if I lie!但凡小的們有造化起來，先娶奶奶時若得了奶奶這樣的人，小的們也少挨些打罵，也少提心吊膽的。If only we servants had had the good fortune — if, when the master first married, he'd gotten someone like you, madam, we'd have taken fewer beatings and scoldings, and had less cause to live in constant fear.如今跟爺的這幾個人，誰不背前背後稱揚奶奶圣德怜下。Now, among the men who serve the master, is there a single one who doesn't praise madam's sagely virtue and kindness to those beneath her, whether to her face or behind her back?我們商量著叫二爺要出來，情願來答應奶奶呢。”尤二姐笑道：“猴兒肏的，還不起來呢。We've even talked among ourselves of asking the Second Master to bring us out, that we'd gladly come and serve you, madam." You Erjie said with a laugh, "You little monkey, get up now.說句頑話，就唬的那樣起來。I made one joking remark and you got that frightened.你們作什麼來，我還要找了你奶奶去呢。”興兒連忙搖手說：“奶奶千萬不要去。What would you all come here for anyway — I might just go pay your mistress a visit myself." Xing'er hastily waved his hands and said, "Madam, whatever you do, don't go.我告訴奶奶，一輩子別見他才好。Let me tell you, madam — it would be best never to set eyes on her your whole life.嘴甜心苦，兩面三刀，上頭一臉笑，腳下使絆子，明是一盆火，暗是一把刀：都占全了。Sweet-mouthed and bitter-hearted, two-faced and double-dealing — all smiles on the surface while tripping you up underfoot; a basin of fire in the open and a knife in the dark: she has it all.只怕三姨的這張嘴還說他不過。I'm afraid even Third Aunt's sharp tongue would be no match for her.好，奶奶這樣斯文良善人，那里是他的對手！”尤氏笑道：“我只以禮待他，他敢怎麼樣！”興兒道：“不是小的吃了酒放肆胡說，奶奶便有禮讓，他看見奶奶比他標致，又比他得人心，他怎肯干休善罷？Really, madam, someone as gentle and good as you — how could you ever be her match!" You-shi said with a smile, "I'll simply treat her with proper courtesy — what could she dare to do!" Xing'er said, "It's not that I've had too much wine and am talking wildly — even if madam shows her every courtesy, once she sees that you, madam, are more beautiful than she is, and better loved by people besides, how could she ever let it rest and leave well enough alone?人家是醋罐子，他是醋缸醋瓮。Other women are jealous as a jar of vinegar; she's jealous as a whole vat, a whole cask of it.凡丫頭們二爺多看一眼，他有本事當著爺打個爛羊頭。If Second Master so much as glances twice at any maid, she has it in her to smash a sheep's head to pulp right in front of him.雖然平姑娘在屋里，大約一年二年之間兩個有一次到一處，他還要口里掂十個過子呢，氣的平姑娘性子發了，哭鬧一陣，說：‘又不是我自己尋來的，你又浪著勸我，我原不依，你反說我反了，這會子又這樣。’他一般的也罷了，倒央告平姑娘。”尤二姐笑道：“可是扯謊？Even though Miss Ping is right there in the room, and the two of them come together maybe once in a year or two, she still has to reckon up ten grievances over it aloud — until Miss Ping's temper flares up from the anger of it, and she cries and carries on, saying: 'It wasn't as if I sought it out myself — you were the one who kept coaxing me into it; I wasn't willing at first, and when I gave in you turned around and said I'd rebelled, and now here you go again.' Even then, that one lets it go and instead pleads with Miss Ping." You Erjie said with a laugh, "Are you spinning tales?這樣一個夜叉，怎麼反怕屋里的人呢？”興兒道：“這就是俗語說的‘天下逃不過一個理字去’了。A yaksha like that — how could she instead be afraid of someone in her own room?" Xing'er said, "This is just what the saying means: 'Under Heaven none escapes the word reason.'這平兒是他自幼的丫頭，陪了過來一共四個，嫁人的嫁人，死的死了，只剩了這個心腹。This Ping'er was her maid from childhood; four came over with her as dowry-maids in all — some have married out, some have died, and only this trusted one is left.他原為收了屋里，一則顯他賢良名兒，二則又叫拴爺的心，好不外頭走邪的。Her real reason for taking her into the master's room was, first, to show off her own name for virtue and goodness, and second, to tie down the master's heart so he wouldn't go astray outside.又還有一段因果：我們家的規矩，凡爺們大了，未娶親之先都先放兩個人伏侍的。And there's another cause behind it too: it's the rule in our household that whenever the young masters come of age, before they marry, two maids are always assigned to attend them first.二爺原有兩個，誰知他來了沒半年，都尋出不是來，都打發出去了。Second Master originally had two such maids, but who'd have thought that within half a year of her arrival she'd found fault with both and had them sent away.別人雖不好說，自己臉上過不去，所以強逼著平姑娘作了房里人。No one else could well say anything, but it didn't sit right with her own reputation, so she forced Miss Ping into becoming one of the master's women.那平姑娘又是個正經人，從不把這一件事放在心上，也不會挑妻窩夫的，倒一味忠心赤膽伏侍他，才容下了。”尤二姐笑道：“原來如此。That Miss Ping, for her part, is a truly decent person, who has never taken the matter to heart and would never set husband against wife — instead she serves her with utter loyal devotion, and that's the only reason she's been tolerated." You Erjie said with a smile, "So that's how it is.但我聽見你們家還有一位寡婦奶奶和幾位姑娘。But I've heard that in your household there's also a widowed mistress and several young ladies.他這樣利害，這些人如何依得？”興兒拍手笑道：“原來奶奶不知道。With her being so formidable, how do these people manage to put up with it?" Xing'er clapped his hands and laughed, "So madam doesn't know.我們家這位寡婦奶奶，他的渾名叫作‘大菩薩’，第一個善德人。That widowed mistress in our household — her nickname is 'the Great Bodhisattva,' the very foremost in goodness and virtue.我們家的規矩又大，寡婦奶奶們不管事，只宜清淨守節。Besides, the rules of our household are strict — widowed mistresses take no part in managing affairs, and are only to live quietly and keep to their widow's vows.妙在姑娘又多，只把姑娘們交給他，看書寫字，學針線，學道理，這是他的責任。Conveniently there are also many young ladies, so they're simply put in her charge — reading, writing, learning needlework, learning proper conduct — that's her whole responsibility.除此問事不知，說事不管。Beyond that, she professes to know nothing when asked, and has no say when matters are discussed.只因這一向他病了，事多，這大奶奶暫管幾日。It's only because she's been ill of late, and there's been so much to attend to, that this Eldest Mistress has been managing things for a few days.究竟也無可管，不過是按例而行，不象他多事逞才。But really there's little enough to manage — she just follows precedent, quite unlike the other one, who loves to meddle and show off her cleverness.我們大姑娘不用說，但凡不好也沒這段大福了。As for our Eldest Young Lady, there's no need even to say — if she weren't so excellent, she'd never have had such great good fortune.二姑娘的渾名是‘二木頭’，戳一針也不知噯喲一聲。The Second Young Lady's nickname is 'Second Blockhead' — stick her with a needle and she wouldn't even say ouch.三姑娘的渾名是‘玫瑰花’。”尤氏姊妹忙笑問何意。The Third Young Lady's nickname is 'the Rose.'" The You sisters hastily asked with a smile what that meant.興兒笑道：“玫瑰花又紅又香，無人不愛的，只是刺戳手。Xing'er said with a smile, "The rose is red and fragrant, and there's no one who doesn't love it — only its thorns prick the hand.也是一位神道，可惜不是太太養的，‘老鴰窩里出鳳凰’。She's quite a formidable one herself — pity she wasn't born of Madam; it's a case of 'a phoenix hatched in an old crow's nest.'四姑娘小，他正經是珍大爺親妹子，因自幼無母，老太太命太太抱過來養這麼大，也是一位不管事的。The Fourth Young Lady is little — she's actually Master Zhen's own younger sister, and since she lost her mother in early childhood, the Old Lady had Madam take her in and raise her to this age; she too takes no part in managing things.奶奶不知道，我們家的姑娘不算，另外有兩個姑娘，真是天上少有，地下無雙。There's something madam doesn't know — not counting the young ladies of our own household, there are two other young ladies who are truly rare in Heaven and unmatched on earth.一個是咱們姑太太的女兒，姓林，小名兒叫什麼黛玉，面龐身段和三姨不差什麼，一肚子文章，只是一身多病，這樣的天，還穿夾的，出來風兒一吹就倒了。One is the daughter of our own Aunt, surnamed Lin, with the given name Daiyu or something like that; her face and figure are hardly different from Third Aunt's, and she's got a bellyful of literary talent, only she's sickly through and through — even in weather like this she still wears lined clothes, and if she steps outside and a breeze catches her, she looks fit to topple over.我們這起沒王法的嘴都悄悄的叫他‘多病西施’。We shameless, lawless-mouthed lot secretly call her 'the Ailing Xi Shi.'還有一位姨太太的女兒，姓薛，叫什麼寶釵，竟是雪堆出來的。Then there's the daughter of one of the aunts by marriage, surnamed Xue, called something like Baochai — she looks for all the world as though she'd been piled up out of snow.每常出門或上車，或一時院子里瞥見一眼，我們鬼使神差，見了他兩個，不敢出氣兒。”尤二姐笑道：“你們大家規矩，雖然你們小孩子進的去，然遇見小姐們，原該遠遠藏開。”興兒搖手道：“不是，不是。Whenever they go out, or get into a carriage, or I happen to catch a glimpse of them in the courtyard, it's as if some spirit takes hold of me — whenever I see the two of them, I dare not even breathe." You Erjie said with a smile, "By the rules of a great household like yours, even though you young servants may pass in and about, still, when you run into the young ladies, you ought properly to withdraw far out of the way." Xing'er waved his hand and said, "No, no, that's not it.那正經大禮，自然遠遠的藏開，自不必說。As for the proper formal courtesies, of course we withdraw far out of sight — that goes without saying.就藏開了，自己不敢出氣，是生怕這氣大了，吹倒了姓林的，氣暖了，吹化了姓薛的。”說的滿屋里都笑起來了。But even once we've withdrawn, we still don't dare breathe hard, for fear the breath might be too strong and blow over the young lady named Lin, or too warm and melt the young lady named Xue." This set the whole room laughing.不知端詳，且聽下回分解。Not knowing the particulars, the reader must wait to hear them unfold in the chapter that follows.

正说著，忽见贾琏的心腹小厮兴儿走来请贾琏说：“老爷那边紧等著叫爷呢。小的答应往舅老爷那边去了，小的连忙来请。”贾琏又忙问：“昨日家里没人问？”兴儿道：“小的回奶奶说，爷在家庙里同珍大爷商议作百日的事，只怕不能来家。”贾琏忙命拉马，隆儿跟随去了，留下兴儿答应人来事务。尤二姐拿了两碟菜，命拿大杯斟了酒，就命兴儿在炕沿下蹲著吃，一长一短向他说话儿。问他家里奶奶多大年纪，怎个利害的样子，老太太多大年纪，太太多大年纪，姑娘几个，各样家常等语。兴儿笑嘻嘻的在炕沿下一头吃，一头将荣府之事备细告诉他母女。又说：“我是二门上该班的人。我们共是两班，一班四个，共是八个。这八个人有几个是奶奶的心腹，有几个是爷的心腹。奶奶的心腹我们不敢惹，爷的心腹奶奶的就敢惹。提起我们奶奶来，心里歹毒，口里尖快。我们二爷也算是个好的，那里见得他。倒是跟前的平姑娘为人很好，虽然和奶奶一气，他倒背著奶奶常作些个好事。小的们凡有了不是，奶奶是容不过的，只求求他去就完了。如今合家大小除了老太太，太太两个人，没有不恨他的，只不过面子情儿怕他。皆因他一时看的人都不及他，只一味哄著老太太，太太两个人喜欢。他说一是一，说二是二，没人敢拦他。又恨不得把银子钱省下来堆成山，好叫老太太，太太说他会过日子，殊不知苦了下人，他讨好儿。估著有好事，他就不等别人去说，他先抓尖儿，或有了不好事或他自己错了，他便一缩头推到别人身上来，他还在旁边拨火儿。如今连他正经婆婆大太太都嫌了他，说他‘雀儿拣著旺处飞，黑母鸡一窝儿，自家的事不管，倒替人家去瞎张罗’。若不是老太太在头里，早叫过他去了。”尤二姐笑道：“你背著他这等说他，将来你又不知怎么说我呢。我又差他一层儿，越发有的说了。”兴儿忙跪下说道：“奶奶要这样说，小的不怕雷打！但凡小的们有造化起来，先娶奶奶时若得了奶奶这样的人，小的们也少挨些打骂，也少提心吊胆的。如今跟爷的这几个人，谁不背前背后称扬奶奶圣德怜下。我们商量著叫二爷要出来，情愿来答应奶奶呢。”尤二姐笑道：“猴儿肏的，还不起来呢。说句顽话，就唬的那样起来。你们作什么来，我还要找了你奶奶去呢。”兴儿连忙摇手说：“奶奶千万不要去。我告诉奶奶，一辈子别见他才好。嘴甜心苦，两面三刀，上头一脸笑，脚下使绊子，明是一盆火，暗是一把刀：都占全了。只怕三姨的这张嘴还说他不过。好，奶奶这样斯文良善人，那里是他的对手！”尤氏笑道：“我只以礼待他，他敢怎么样！”兴儿道：“不是小的吃了酒放肆胡说，奶奶便有礼让，他看见奶奶比他标致，又比他得人心，他怎肯干休善罢？人家是醋罐子，他是醋缸醋瓮。凡丫头们二爷多看一眼，他有本事当著爷打个烂羊头。虽然平姑娘在屋里，大约一年二年之间两个有一次到一处，他还要口里掂十个过子呢，气的平姑娘性子发了，哭闹一阵，说：‘又不是我自己寻来的，你又浪著劝我，我原不依，你反说我反了，这会子又这样。’他一般的也罢了，倒央告平姑娘。”尤二姐笑道：“可是扯谎？这样一个夜叉，怎么反怕屋里的人呢？”兴儿道：“这就是俗语说的‘天下逃不过一个理字去’了。这平儿是他自幼的丫头，陪了过来一共四个，嫁人的嫁人，死的死了，只剩了这个心腹。他原为收了屋里，一则显他贤良名儿，二则又叫拴爷的心，好不外头走邪的。又还有一段因果：我们家的规矩，凡爷们大了，未娶亲之先都先放两个人伏侍的。二爷原有两个，谁知他来了没半年，都寻出不是来，都打发出去了。别人虽不好说，自己脸上过不去，所以强逼著平姑娘作了房里人。那平姑娘又是个正经人，从不把这一件事放在心上，也不会挑妻窝夫的，倒一味忠心赤胆伏侍他，才容下了。”尤二姐笑道：“原来如此。但我听见你们家还有一位寡妇奶奶和几位姑娘。他这样利害，这些人如何依得？”兴儿拍手笑道：“原来奶奶不知道。我们家这位寡妇奶奶，他的浑名叫作‘大菩萨’，第一个善德人。我们家的规矩又大，寡妇奶奶们不管事，只宜清净守节。妙在姑娘又多，只把姑娘们交给他，看书写字，学针线，学道理，这是他的责任。除此问事不知，说事不管。只因这一向他病了，事多，这大奶奶暂管几日。究竟也无可管，不过是按例而行，不象他多事逞才。我们大姑娘不用说，但凡不好也没这段大福了。二姑娘的浑名是‘二木头’，戳一针也不知嗳哟一声。三姑娘的浑名是‘玫瑰花’。”尤氏姊妹忙笑问何意。兴儿笑道：“玫瑰花又红又香，无人不爱的，只是刺戳手。也是一位神道，可惜不是太太养的，‘老鸹窝里出凤凰’。四姑娘小，他正经是珍大爷亲妹子，因自幼无母，老太太命太太抱过来养这么大，也是一位不管事的。奶奶不知道，我们家的姑娘不算，另外有两个姑娘，真是天上少有，地下无双。一个是咱们姑太太的女儿，姓林，小名儿叫什么黛玉，面庞身段和三姨不差什么，一肚子文章，只是一身多病，这样的天，还穿夹的，出来风儿一吹就倒了。我们这起没王法的嘴都悄悄的叫他‘多病西施’。还有一位姨太太的女儿，姓薛，叫什么宝钗，竟是雪堆出来的。每常出门或上车，或一时院子里瞥见一眼，我们鬼使神差，见了他两个，不敢出气儿。”尤二姐笑道：“你们大家规矩，虽然你们小孩子进的去，然遇见小姐们，原该远远藏开。”兴儿摇手道：“不是，不是。那正经大礼，自然远远的藏开，自不必说。就藏开了，自己不敢出气，是生怕这气大了，吹倒了姓林的，气暖了，吹化了姓薛的。”说的满屋里都笑起来了。不知端详，且听下回分解。

注释Notes.