第六十八回　苦尤娘賺入大觀園　酸鳳姐大鬧寧國府 Poor Second Sister You Is Lured into Grand View Garden; Jealous Xifeng Makes a Scene at the Ning Mansion

話說賈璉起身去後，偏值平安節度巡邊在外，約一個月方回。The story goes that after Jia Lian set off, it happened that Military Commissioner Ping'an was away inspecting the border, and would not return for about a month.賈璉未得确信，只得住在下處等候。Jia Lian, unable to get a definite answer, had no choice but to stay at his lodgings and wait.及至回來相見，將事辦妥，回程已是將兩個月的限了。By the time the commissioner returned and they met, and the matter was settled, the return journey had already taken nearly the full two months allotted.

话说贾琏起身去后，偏值平安节度巡边在外，约一个月方回。贾琏未得确信，只得住在下处等候。及至回来相见，将事办妥，回程已是将两个月的限了。

誰知鳳姐心下早已算定，只待賈璉前腳走了，回來便傳各色匠役，收拾東廂房三間，照依自己正室一樣裝飾陳設。Little did he know that Xifeng had already worked everything out in her mind: the moment Jia Lian had left, she summoned various craftsmen and workers, and had the three rooms of the east wing done up and furnished exactly like her own principal chambers.至十四日便回明賈母王夫人，說十五日一早要到姑子廟進香去。On the fourteenth she reported to Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang that early on the fifteenth she would go to the nuns' temple to burn incense.只帶了平兒，丰兒，周瑞媳婦，旺兒媳婦四人，未曾上車，便將原故告訴了眾人。She took only Ping'er, Fenger, Zhou Rui's wife, and Wang'er's wife — four in all — and before getting into the carriage, told them the real reason.又吩咐眾男人，素衣素蓋，一徑前來。She also ordered the menservants to wear plain mourning clothes and cover the carriage plainly, and go straight there.

谁知凤姐心下早已算定，只待贾琏前脚走了，回来便传各色匠役，收拾东厢房三间，照依自己正室一样装饰陈设。至十四日便回明贾母王夫人，说十五日一早要到姑子庙进香去。只带了平儿，丰儿，周瑞媳妇，旺儿媳妇四人，未曾上车，便将原故告诉了众人。又吩咐众男人，素衣素盖，一径前来。

興兒引路，一直到了二姐門前扣門。Xing'er led the way, going straight to You Erjie's gate and knocking.鮑二家的開了。Bao Er's wife opened the door.興兒笑說：“快回二奶奶去，大奶奶來了。”鮑二家的聽了這句，頂梁骨走了真魂，忙飛進報與尤二姐。Xing'er said with a laugh, 'Go quickly and tell Second Mistress that the First Mistress has come.' At these words the very soul seemed to leave Bao Er's wife's body, and she hurried in to report to You Erjie.尤二姐雖也一驚，但已來了，只得以禮相見，于是忙整衣迎了出來。You Erjie, though also startled, since Xifeng had already arrived, had no choice but to receive her properly, and hastily straightened her clothes and came out to greet her.至門前，鳳姐方下車進來。Just as she reached the gate, Xifeng was getting down from the carriage to come in.尤二姐一看，只見頭上皆是素白銀器，身上月白緞襖，青緞披風，白綾素裙。You Erjie looked and saw that Xifeng's hair was adorned entirely with plain silver ornaments, and she wore a moon-white satin jacket, a dark blue satin cape, and a plain white silk skirt.眉彎柳葉，高吊兩梢，目橫丹鳳，神凝三角。Her eyebrows curved like willow leaves, arched high at the tips; her eyes were long like a phoenix's, slanting, their gaze concentrated and sharp.俏麗若三春之桃，清洁若九秋之菊。She was as fresh and lovely as a peach blossom in the third month of spring, as pure and cool as a chrysanthemum in the ninth month of autumn.周瑞旺兒二女人攙入院來。Zhou Rui's wife and Wang'er's wife, the two women, supported her by the arms as she entered the courtyard.尤二姐陪笑忙迎上來萬福，張口便叫：“姐姐下降，不曾遠接，望恕倉促之罪。”說著便福了下來。You Erjie, smiling, hurried forward to greet her with a curtsy, and at once said, 'Sister, you have honored me with a visit, and I did not come out to meet you at a distance — please forgive my poor hospitality on such short notice.' So saying, she curtsied low.鳳姐忙陪笑還禮不迭。Xifeng hastily returned the courtesy with smiles, again and again.二人攜手同入室中。The two women went hand in hand into the room.

兴儿引路，一直到了二姐门前扣门。鲍二家的开了。兴儿笑说：“快回二奶奶去，大奶奶来了。”鲍二家的听了这句，顶梁骨走了真魂，忙飞进报与尤二姐。尤二姐虽也一惊，但已来了，只得以礼相见，于是忙整衣迎了出来。至门前，凤姐方下车进来。尤二姐一看，只见头上皆是素白银器，身上月白缎袄，青缎披风，白绫素裙。眉弯柳叶，高吊两梢，目横丹凤，神凝三角。俏丽若三春之桃，清洁若九秋之菊。周瑞旺儿二女人搀入院来。尤二姐陪笑忙迎上来万福，张口便叫：“姐姐下降，不曾远接，望恕仓促之罪。”说著便福了下来。凤姐忙陪笑还礼不迭。二人携手同入室中。

鳳姐上座，尤二姐命丫鬟拿褥子來便行禮，說：“奴家年輕，一從到了這里之事，皆系家母和家姐商議主張。Xifeng took the seat of honor, and You Erjie had a maid bring a cushion so she could kowtow, saying, 'I am young, and ever since I came to be in this situation, everything has been arranged and decided by my mother and my elder sister.'今日有幸相會，若姐姐不棄奴家寒微，凡事求姐姐的指示教訓。'Today I am fortunate enough to meet you. If elder sister does not despise my lowly position, I beg you to instruct and guide me in all things.'奴亦傾心吐膽，只伏侍姐姐。”說著，便行下禮去。'I too will open my whole heart to you and serve only you, sister.' So saying, she knelt to make her obeisance.鳳姐兒忙下座以禮相還，口內忙說：“皆因奴家婦人之見，一味勸夫慎重，不可在外眠花臥柳，恐惹父母擔憂。Xifeng hastily rose from her seat to return the courtesy, saying quickly, 'It was all because of my narrow wife's thinking — I kept urging my husband to be cautious and not to dally with flowers and willows outside, for fear of causing our parents worry.'此皆是你我之痴心，怎奈二爺錯會奴意。'This was only foolish devotion on both our parts, but who would have thought Master Lian misunderstood my meaning.'眠花宿柳之事瞞奴或可，今娶姐姐二房之大事亦人家大禮，亦不曾對奴說。'That he should hide from me some dalliance with flowers and willows, that I could perhaps accept — but this great matter of taking you, sister, as a second wife, which is a matter of proper ceremony in any family, he never told me of it either.'奴亦曾勸二爺早行此禮，以備生育。'I myself had once urged Master Lian to carry out such a ceremony early, so as to provide for the continuation of the family line.'不想二爺反以奴為那等嫉妒之婦，私自行此大事，并不說知。'I never expected that he would instead take me for one of those jealous wives, and secretly carry out this great affair without informing me at all.'使奴有冤難訴，惟天地可表。'This has left me with a grievance I could not voice — only Heaven and Earth can bear witness to it.'前于十日之先奴已風聞，恐二爺不樂，遂不敢先說。'Ten days or so ago I already heard rumors of it, but fearing it would displease Master Lian, I dared not speak of it first.'今可巧遠行在外，故奴家親自拜見過，還求姐姐下体奴心，起動大駕，挪至家中。'Now, as it happens, he is away on a long journey, so I have come in person to pay my respects, and I beg you, sister, to understand my heart and honor me by moving your residence to our household.'你我姊妹同居同處，彼此合心諫勸二爺，慎重世務，保養身体，方是大禮。'You and I, as sisters, should live together in the same place, and with one heart urge Master Lian to be careful in worldly affairs and take care of his health — that would be proper conduct.'若姐姐在外，奴在內，雖愚賤不堪相伴，奴心又何安。'If you, sister, remain outside while I stay within, then even though I am too foolish and lowly to be worthy company for you, how could my heart ever be at ease?'再者，使外人聞知，亦甚不雅觀。'Moreover, if outsiders were to hear of this, it would look most unseemly.'二爺之名也要緊，倒是談論奴家，奴亦不怨。'Master Lian's reputation matters greatly too — though if people talk about me, I would not resent it.'所以今生今世奴之名節全在姐姐身上。'And so, for my whole life, my good name and honor now rest entirely in your hands, sister.'那起下人小人之言，未免見我素日持家太嚴，背後加減些言語，自是常情。'As for the gossip of those petty servants, it is only natural that, seeing how strictly I have always managed the household, they should add or subtract a few words behind my back.'姐姐乃何等樣人物，豈可信真。'But what kind of person are you, sister — how could you believe such things to be true?'若我實有不好之處，上頭三層公婆，中有無數姊妹妯娌，況賈府世代名家，豈容我到今日。'If I truly had faults, with three generations of parents-in-law above me, and countless sisters-in-law and cousins' wives around me, and with the Jia family being a distinguished house for generations, how could I have lasted until today?'今日二爺私娶姐姐在外，若別人則怒，我則以為幸。'Now that Master Lian has secretly married you, sister, outside the house — another woman might be angry, but I consider it a stroke of good fortune.'正是天地神佛不忍我被小人們誹謗，故生此事。'It is precisely because Heaven and Earth and the gods and Buddhas could not bear to see me slandered by petty people that this matter has come about.'我今來求姐姐進去和我一樣同居同處，同分同例，同侍公婆，同諫丈夫。'I have come today to beg you, sister, to come and live together with me on equal footing — sharing the same status and treatment, together serving our parents-in-law, together admonishing our husband.'喜則同喜，悲則同悲，情似親妹，和比骨肉。'Rejoicing together in joy, grieving together in sorrow, our feelings like those of true sisters, our harmony closer than blood kin.'不但那起小人見了，自悔從前錯認了我，就是二爺來家一見，他作丈夫之人，心中也未免暗悔。'Not only would those petty people, seeing this, regret having misjudged me before, but even Master Lian himself, when he comes home and sees it, being the husband, could hardly help but feel secret regret in his heart.'所以姐姐竟是我的大恩人，使我從前之名一洗無餘了。'So you, sister, are truly my great benefactor, who will wash away every trace of my former reputation.'若姐姐不隨奴去，奴亦情願在此相陪。'If you are unwilling to come with me, sister, then I am willing to stay here and keep you company instead.'奴願作妹子，每日伏侍姐姐梳頭洗面。'I am willing to be your little sister, and every day wait upon you as you comb your hair and wash your face.'只求姐姐在二爺跟前替我好言方便方便，容我一席之地安身，奴死也願意。”說著，便嗚嗚咽咽哭將起來。'I only beg you, sister, to put in a good word for me before Master Lian, and let me have some small place to settle in — even if I died for it, I would be willing.' So saying, she began to weep and sob.尤二姐見了這般，也不免滴下淚來。Seeing this, You Erjie too could not help letting fall a few tears.

凤姐上座，尤二姐命丫鬟拿褥子来便行礼，说：“奴家年轻，一从到了这里之事，皆系家母和家姐商议主张。今日有幸相会，若姐姐不弃奴家寒微，凡事求姐姐的指示教训。奴亦倾心吐胆，只伏侍姐姐。”说著，便行下礼去。凤姐儿忙下座以礼相还，口内忙说：“皆因奴家妇人之见，一味劝夫慎重，不可在外眠花卧柳，恐惹父母担忧。此皆是你我之痴心，怎奈二爷错会奴意。眠花宿柳之事瞒奴或可，今娶姐姐二房之大事亦人家大礼，亦不曾对奴说。奴亦曾劝二爷早行此礼，以备生育。不想二爷反以奴为那等嫉妒之妇，私自行此大事，并不说知。使奴有冤难诉，惟天地可表。前于十日之先奴已风闻，恐二爷不乐，遂不敢先说。今可巧远行在外，故奴家亲自拜见过，还求姐姐下体奴心，起动大驾，挪至家中。你我姊妹同居同处，彼此合心谏劝二爷，慎重世务，保养身体，方是大礼。若姐姐在外，奴在内，虽愚贱不堪相伴，奴心又何安。再者，使外人闻知，亦甚不雅观。二爷之名也要紧，倒是谈论奴家，奴亦不怨。所以今生今世奴之名节全在姐姐身上。那起下人小人之言，未免见我素日持家太严，背后加减些言语，自是常情。姐姐乃何等样人物，岂可信真。若我实有不好之处，上头三层公婆，中有无数姊妹妯娌，况贾府世代名家，岂容我到今日。今日二爷私娶姐姐在外，若别人则怒，我则以为幸。正是天地神佛不忍我被小人们诽谤，故生此事。我今来求姐姐进去和我一样同居同处，同分同例，同侍公婆，同谏丈夫。喜则同喜，悲则同悲，情似亲妹，和比骨肉。不但那起小人见了，自悔从前错认了我，就是二爷来家一见，他作丈夫之人，心中也未免暗悔。所以姐姐竟是我的大恩人，使我从前之名一洗无余了。若姐姐不随奴去，奴亦情愿在此相陪。奴愿作妹子，每日伏侍姐姐梳头洗面。只求姐姐在二爷跟前替我好言方便方便，容我一席之地安身，奴死也愿意。”说著，便呜呜咽咽哭将起来。尤二姐见了这般，也不免滴下泪来。

二人對見了禮，分序座下。The two women exchanged courtesies and sat down according to their proper order.平兒忙也上來要見禮。Ping'er too hurried forward to pay her respects.尤二姐見他打扮不凡，舉止品貌不俗，料定是平兒，連忙親身挽住，只叫“妹子快休如此，你我是一樣的人。”鳳姐忙也起身笑說：“折死他了！You Erjie, seeing that her dress was out of the ordinary and her manner and looks refined, guessed at once that this must be Ping'er, and hastily took hold of her herself, saying, 'Sister, please don't do this — you and I are the same kind of person.' Xifeng at once rose too, saying with a laugh, 'You'll shorten her life doing that!'妹子只管受禮，他原是咱們的丫頭。'You just go ahead and accept her courtesy, sister — she is only our maid, after all.'以後快別如此。”說著，又命周家的從包袱里取出四匹上色尺頭，四對金珠簪環為拜禮。'Don't do that again from now on.' So saying, she had Zhou's wife take from the bundle four bolts of fine-colored cloth and four pairs of gold and pearl hairpins and bracelets as gifts for the meeting.尤二姐忙拜受了。You Erjie hastily bowed and accepted them.二人吃茶，對訴已往之事。The two of them drank tea and talked over what had happened in the past.鳳姐口內全是自怨自錯，”怨不得別人，如今只求姐姐疼我”等語。Xifeng's talk was all self-blame, saying such things as, 'It's no one's fault but my own; now I only beg you, sister, to be kind to me.'尤二姐見了這般，便認他作是個极好的人，小人不遂心誹謗主子亦是常理，故傾心吐膽，敘了一回，竟把鳳姐認為知己。Seeing this, You Erjie took her for an extremely good person, thinking it only natural that servants, when displeased, should slander their mistress; so she opened her heart completely and talked with her a good while, and came to regard Xifeng as a true confidante.又見周瑞等媳婦在旁邊稱揚鳳姐素日許多善政，只是吃虧心太痴了，惹人怨，又說”已經預備了房屋，奶奶進去一看便知。”尤氏心中早已要進去同住方好，今又見如此，豈有不允之理，便說：“原該跟了姐姐去，只是這里怎樣？”鳳姐兒道：“這有何難，姐姐的箱籠細軟只管著小廝搬了進去。She also heard Zhou Rui's wife and the others at her side praising Xifeng's many good and kindly deeds over the years, saying only that she suffered for being too honest at heart, which brought her resentment from others; they also said, 'The rooms are already prepared — once you go in, madam, you'll see for yourself.' You Erjie had already been thinking in her heart that it would be best to move in and live together, and now, seeing all this, how could she refuse? So she said, 'I really ought to go with you, sister — only, what is to be done about this place?' Xifeng said, 'What difficulty is there in that? Just have the houseboys carry your trunks and valuables straight in, sister.'這些粗笨貨要他無用，還叫人看著。'These bulky, heavy things would be of no use there — just leave someone to keep watch over them.'姐姐說誰妥當就叫誰在這里。”尤二姐忙說：“今日既遇見姐姐，這一進去，凡事只憑姐姐料理。'Whoever you think reliable, sister, just have them stay here.' You Erjie said hastily, 'Now that I have met you today, sister, once I move in, I will leave everything entirely to your management.'我也來的日子淺，也不曾當過家，世事不明白，如何敢作主。'I have not been here long myself, and have never managed a household, and I do not understand the ways of the world — how would I dare to decide things myself?'這幾件箱籠拿進去罷。'Just take these few trunks in, then.'我也沒有什麼東西，那也不過是二爺的。”鳳姐聽了，便命周瑞家的記清，好生看管著抬到東廂房去。'I have nothing much of my own anyway — those are only things belonging to Master Lian.' Hearing this, Xifeng had Zhou Rui's wife note it all down carefully and see that it was carried properly to the east wing.于是催著尤二姐穿戴了，二人攜手上車，又同坐一處，又悄悄的告訴他：“我們家的規矩大。Then she urged You Erjie to get dressed, and the two of them, hand in hand, got into the carriage and sat together, and Xifeng quietly told her, 'Our family has very strict rules.'這事老太太一概不知，倘或知二爺孝中娶你，管把他打死了。'Grandmother knows nothing at all of this matter. If she were to learn that Master Lian married you during a period of mourning, she would surely beat him half to death.'如今且別見老太太，太太。'So for now, you had best not see Grandmother or Lady Wang.'我們有一個花園子极大，姊妹住著，容易沒人去的。'We have a very large garden, where the young ladies live, and hardly anyone else ever goes there.'你這一去且在園里住兩天，等我設個法子回明白了，那時再見方妥。”尤二姐道：“任憑姐姐裁處。”那些跟車的小廝們皆是預先說明的，如今不去大門，只奔後門而來。'Once you get there, stay in the garden for a couple of days, and once I've found a way to explain things clearly, then it will be proper for you to meet them.' You Erjie said, 'I leave it entirely to you, sister, to decide.' The houseboys accompanying the carriage had all been instructed beforehand, and now, instead of going to the main gate, they made straight for the back gate.

二人对见了礼，分序座下。平儿忙也上来要见礼。尤二姐见他打扮不凡，举止品貌不俗，料定是平儿，连忙亲身挽住，只叫“妹子快休如此，你我是一样的人。”凤姐忙也起身笑说：“折死他了！妹子只管受礼，他原是咱们的丫头。以后快别如此。”说著，又命周家的从包袱里取出四匹上色尺头，四对金珠簪环为拜礼。尤二姐忙拜受了。二人吃茶，对诉已往之事。凤姐口内全是自怨自错，”怨不得别人，如今只求姐姐疼我”等语。尤二姐见了这般，便认他作是个极好的人，小人不遂心诽谤主子亦是常理，故倾心吐胆，叙了一回，竟把凤姐认为知己。又见周瑞等媳妇在旁边称扬凤姐素日许多善政，只是吃亏心太痴了，惹人怨，又说”已经预备了房屋，奶奶进去一看便知。”尤氏心中早已要进去同住方好，今又见如此，岂有不允之理，便说：“原该跟了姐姐去，只是这里怎样？”凤姐儿道：“这有何难，姐姐的箱笼细软只管著小厮搬了进去。这些粗笨货要他无用，还叫人看著。姐姐说谁妥当就叫谁在这里。”尤二姐忙说：“今日既遇见姐姐，这一进去，凡事只凭姐姐料理。我也来的日子浅，也不曾当过家，世事不明白，如何敢作主。这几件箱笼拿进去罢。我也没有什么东西，那也不过是二爷的。”凤姐听了，便命周瑞家的记清，好生看管著抬到东厢房去。于是催著尤二姐穿戴了，二人携手上车，又同坐一处，又悄悄的告诉他：“我们家的规矩大。这事老太太一概不知，倘或知二爷孝中娶你，管把他打死了。如今且别见老太太，太太。我们有一个花园子极大，姊妹住著，容易没人去的。你这一去且在园里住两天，等我设个法子回明白了，那时再见方妥。”尤二姐道：“任凭姐姐裁处。”那些跟车的小厮们皆是预先说明的，如今不去大门，只奔后门而来。

下了車，赶散眾人。They got down from the carriage, and the bystanders were sent away.鳳姐便帶尤氏進了大觀園的後門，來到李紈處相見了。Xifeng then led You Erjie in through the back gate of the Grand View Garden, and they went to Li Wan's place to meet her.彼時大觀園中十停人已有九停人知道了，今忽見鳳姐帶了進來，引動多人來看問。By then, nine out of ten people in the Grand View Garden already knew of the matter, and now, suddenly seeing Xifeng bring her in, it drew many people to come and look and ask questions.尤二姐一一見過。You Erjie met each of them, one by one.眾人見他標致和悅，無不稱揚。Everyone, seeing how pretty and pleasant she was, praised her without exception.鳳姐一一的吩咐了眾人：“都不許在外走了風聲，若老太太，太太知道，我先叫你們死。”園中婆子丫鬟都素懼鳳姐的，又系賈璉國孝家孝中所行之事，知道關系非常，都不管這事。Xifeng gave orders to everyone in turn: 'None of you are to let word of this leak out. If Grandmother or Lady Wang find out, I will have you put to death before anything else.' The old women and maids in the garden had always feared Xifeng, and besides, since this concerned something Jia Lian had done during the period of national and family mourning, they knew the stakes were extraordinary, and so none of them meddled in the matter.鳳姐悄悄的求李紈收養幾日，“等回明了，我們自然過去的。”李紈見鳳姐那邊已收拾房屋，況在服中，不好倡揚，自是正理，只得收下權住。Xifeng quietly asked Li Wan to shelter her for a few days, saying, 'Once I have reported it properly, we will naturally move over there.' Li Wan, seeing that Xifeng had already had the rooms prepared, and considering that, being in mourning, it was not proper to make a fuss over the matter, thought this only reasonable, and had no choice but to take her in to stay temporarily.鳳姐又變法將他的丫頭一概退出，又將自己的一個丫頭送他使喚。Xifeng then found a way to have all of You Erjie's own maids sent away, and gave her one of her own maids to wait on her instead.暗暗吩咐園中媳婦們：“好生照看著他。She secretly instructed the married women in the garden, 'Watch over her carefully.'若有走失逃亡，一概和你們算帳。”自己又去暗中行事。'If she should slip away or run off, I will settle accounts with every one of you.' Then she herself went off to carry out her plans in secret.合家之人都暗暗納罕的說：“看他如何這等賢惠起來了。”Everyone in the household secretly marveled, saying, 'Just look how virtuous and generous she has become!'

下了车，赶散众人。凤姐便带尤氏进了大观园的后门，来到李纨处相见了。彼时大观园中十停人已有九停人知道了，今忽见凤姐带了进来，引动多人来看问。尤二姐一一见过。众人见他标致和悦，无不称扬。凤姐一一的吩咐了众人：“都不许在外走了风声，若老太太，太太知道，我先叫你们死。”园中婆子丫鬟都素惧凤姐的，又系贾琏国孝家孝中所行之事，知道关系非常，都不管这事。凤姐悄悄的求李纨收养几日，“等回明了，我们自然过去的。”李纨见凤姐那边已收拾房屋，况在服中，不好倡扬，自是正理，只得收下权住。凤姐又变法将他的丫头一概退出，又将自己的一个丫头送他使唤。暗暗吩咐园中媳妇们：“好生照看著他。若有走失逃亡，一概和你们算帐。”自己又去暗中行事。合家之人都暗暗纳罕的说：“看他如何这等贤惠起来了。”

那尤二姐得了這個所在，又見園中姊妹各各相好，倒也安心樂業的自為得其所矣。You Erjie, having gained this place to stay, and seeing that all the young ladies in the garden were friendly toward her, felt quite at ease and content, believing she had found her proper place at last.誰知三日之後，丫頭善姐便有些不服使喚起來。Little did she know that after three days, the maid Shanjie began to grow somewhat unwilling to take orders from her.尤二姐因說：“沒了頭油了，你去回聲大奶奶拿些來。”善姐便道：“二奶奶，你怎麼不知好歹沒眼色。You Erjie once said, 'The hair oil has run out — go and tell the First Mistress to send some.' Shanjie said, 'Second Mistress, how can you be so lacking in sense and judgment?'我們奶奶天天承應了老太太，又要承應這邊太太那邊太太。'Our mistress every day has to attend to Grandmother, and then attend to this Lady Wang and that lady besides.'這些妯娌姊妹，上下幾百男女，天天起來，都等他的話。'All these sisters-in-law and cousins, and hundreds of men and women high and low, wait every day, from the moment they rise, for her word.'一日少說，大事也有一二十件，小事還有三五十件。'In a single day, at the very least, there are ten or twenty big matters, and thirty or fifty small ones besides.'外頭的從娘娘算起，以及王公侯伯家多少人情客禮，家里又有這些親友的調度。'On the outside, starting from Her Grace the Imperial Consort, there are all the social obligations and courtesy gifts owed to the households of princes, dukes, marquises, and earls; and at home there are all these relatives and friends to attend to as well.'銀子上千錢上萬，一日都從他一個手一個心一個口里調度，那里為這點子小事去煩瑣他。'Thousands of taels of silver and tens of thousands of cash, all in a single day, pass through her one pair of hands, her one mind, her one mouth to manage — how could you bother her with such a trifling little matter as this?'我勸你能著些兒罷。'I advise you to just make do with less.'咱們又不是明媒正娶來的，這是他亙古少有一個賢良人才這樣待你，若差些兒的人，聽見了這話，吵嚷起來，把你丟在外，死不死，生不生，你又敢怎樣呢！”一席話，說的尤氏垂了頭，自為有這一說，少不得將就些罷了。'We were not even brought in with proper matchmaking and formal ceremony — it is only because she is such a rare and virtuous person, one in an age, that she treats you this way at all. If it were some lesser woman, and she heard talk like this, she would raise a great uproar and cast you out, leaving you neither dead nor alive, and then what could you possibly do about it!' This speech left You Erjie hanging her head; thinking there was truth in what was said, she had no choice but to make do and let it pass.那善姐漸漸連飯也怕端來與他吃，或早一頓，或晚一頓，所拿來之物，皆是剩的。Gradually Shanjie even grew reluctant to bring her meals at all — sometimes bringing them early, sometimes late, and what she did bring was always leftovers.尤二姐說過兩次，他反先亂叫起來。You Erjie spoke up about it a couple of times, but Shanjie instead started shouting first.尤二姐又怕人笑他不安分，少不得忍著。You Erjie, fearing people would laugh at her for not knowing her place, had no choice but to endure it.隔上五日八日見鳳姐一面，那鳳姐卻是和容悅色，滿嘴里姐姐不離口。Once every five or eight days she would see Xifeng, and Xifeng was always gentle and pleasant in manner, with the word 'sister' never leaving her lips.又說：“倘有下人不到之處，你降不住他們，只管告訴我，我打他們。”又罵丫頭媳婦說：“我深知你們，軟的欺，硬的怕，背開我的眼，還怕誰。She would also say, 'If any of the servants fail in their duties and you cannot manage them, just tell me, and I will punish them.' And she would scold the maids and married women, saying, 'I know you all too well — you bully the soft and fear the hard, and once you're out of my sight, who else would you be afraid of?'倘或二奶奶告訴我一個不字，我要你們的命。'If Second Mistress tells me even a single word against you, I will have your lives.'尤氏見他這般的好心，思想”既有他，何必我又多事。Seeing her apparent kindness, You Erjie thought to herself, 'Since she is already looking after this, why should I go looking for trouble too?'下人不知好歹，也是常情。'It's only natural that servants don't know their proper place.'我若告了，他們受了委屈，反叫人說我不賢良。”因此反替他們遮掩。'If I report them and they are wronged by it, people will instead say I am not virtuous.' So she covered for them instead.

那尤二姐得了这个所在，又见园中姊妹各各相好，倒也安心乐业的自为得其所矣。谁知三日之后，丫头善姐便有些不服使唤起来。尤二姐因说：“没了头油了，你去回声大奶奶拿些来。”善姐便道：“二奶奶，你怎么不知好歹没眼色。我们奶奶天天承应了老太太，又要承应这边太太那边太太。这些妯娌姊妹，上下几百男女，天天起来，都等他的话。一日少说，大事也有一二十件，小事还有三五十件。外头的从娘娘算起，以及王公侯伯家多少人情客礼，家里又有这些亲友的调度。银子上千钱上万，一日都从他一个手一个心一个口里调度，那里为这点子小事去烦琐他。我劝你能著些儿罢。咱们又不是明媒正娶来的，这是他亘古少有一个贤良人才这样待你，若差些儿的人，听见了这话，吵嚷起来，把你丢在外，死不死，生不生，你又敢怎样呢！”一席话，说的尤氏垂了头，自为有这一说，少不得将就些罢了。那善姐渐渐连饭也怕端来与他吃，或早一顿，或晚一顿，所拿来之物，皆是剩的。尤二姐说过两次，他反先乱叫起来。尤二姐又怕人笑他不安分，少不得忍著。隔上五日八日见凤姐一面，那凤姐却是和容悦色，满嘴里姐姐不离口。又说：“倘有下人不到之处，你降不住他们，只管告诉我，我打他们。”又骂丫头媳妇说：“我深知你们，软的欺，硬的怕，背开我的眼，还怕谁。倘或二奶奶告诉我一个不字，我要你们的命。尤氏见他这般的好心，思想”既有他，何必我又多事。下人不知好歹，也是常情。我若告了，他们受了委屈，反叫人说我不贤良。”因此反替他们遮掩。

鳳姐一面使旺兒在外打聽細事，這尤二姐之事皆已深知。Meanwhile Xifeng had Wang'er making inquiries outside into the details, and she came to know everything about You Erjie's past thoroughly.原來已有了婆家的，女婿現在才十九歲，成日在外嫖賭，不理生業，家私花盡，父親攆他出來，現在賭錢厂存身。It turned out that You Erjie had already been betrothed to a family; her intended husband was now only nineteen, spent his days whoring and gambling outside, paid no attention to earning a living, had squandered the family property, and had been driven out by his father — he was now living at a gambling den.父親得了尤婆十兩銀子退了親的，這女婿尚不知道。His father had accepted ten taels of silver from Old Mrs. You and broken off the engagement, though the intended husband himself still knew nothing of it.原來這小伙子名叫張華。It turned out this young fellow's name was Zhang Hua.鳳姐都一一盡知原委，便封了二十兩銀子與旺兒，悄悄命他將張華勾來養活，著他寫一張狀子，只管往有司衙門中告去，就告璉二爺“國孝家孝之中，背旨瞞親，仗財依勢，強逼退親，停妻再娶”等語。Xifeng, having learned every detail of the affair, sealed up twenty taels of silver and gave it to Wang'er, secretly ordering him to seek out Zhang Hua and support him, and to have him write a legal complaint to take straight to the appropriate government office, accusing Master Lian of, in the words of the complaint, 'during a period of national and family mourning, defying decree and deceiving relatives, relying on wealth and power to force the breaking of a betrothal, and taking a second wife while his first wife still lived,' and so on.這張華也深知利害，先不敢造次。Zhang Hua, well aware of the risks involved, at first dared not act rashly.旺兒回了鳳姐，鳳姐氣的罵：“癩狗扶不上牆的种子。Wang'er reported this back to Xifeng, and Xifeng, furious, cursed, 'A mangy dog that can't even be propped up against a wall!'你細細的說給他，便告我們家謀反也沒事的。'Explain to him in full detail that even if he accused our family of treason, nothing would come of it against him.'不過是借他一鬧，大家沒臉。'This is only a matter of using him to stir up a fuss, so that everyone loses face.'若告大了，我這里自然能夠平息的。”旺兒領命，只得細說與張華。'If the accusation goes too far, I will naturally be able to settle it from my end.' Wang'er received his orders and had no choice but to explain everything in detail to Zhang Hua.鳳姐又吩咐旺兒：“他若告了你，你就和他對詞去。”如此如此，這般這般，“我自有道理。”旺兒聽了有他做主，便又命張華狀子上添上自己，說：“你只告我來往過付，一應調唆二爺做的。”張華便得了主意，和旺兒商議定了，寫了一紙狀子，次日便往都察院喊了冤。Xifeng further instructed Wang'er, 'If he names you in the accusation, just go and testify against him in return' — and so on and so forth, this way and that, 'I have my own plan for it.' Wang'er, hearing that Xifeng would take responsibility, then also had Zhang Hua add his own name to the complaint, saying, 'Just accuse me of going between the two of you and handling the money, and of instigating Master Lian into everything.' Zhang Hua, thus given his cue, settled the matter with Wang'er, wrote out a formal complaint, and the next day went to the Censorate to cry his grievance.

凤姐一面使旺儿在外打听细事，这尤二姐之事皆已深知。原来已有了婆家的，女婿现在才十九岁，成日在外嫖赌，不理生业，家私花尽，父亲撵他出来，现在赌钱厂存身。父亲得了尤婆十两银子退了亲的，这女婿尚不知道。原来这小伙子名叫张华。凤姐都一一尽知原委，便封了二十两银子与旺儿，悄悄命他将张华勾来养活，著他写一张状子，只管往有司衙门中告去，就告琏二爷“国孝家孝之中，背旨瞒亲，仗财依势，强逼退亲，停妻再娶”等语。这张华也深知利害，先不敢造次。旺儿回了凤姐，凤姐气的骂：“癞狗扶不上墙的种子。你细细的说给他，便告我们家谋反也没事的。不过是借他一闹，大家没脸。若告大了，我这里自然能够平息的。”旺儿领命，只得细说与张华。凤姐又吩咐旺儿：“他若告了你，你就和他对词去。”如此如此，这般这般，“我自有道理。”旺儿听了有他做主，便又命张华状子上添上自己，说：“你只告我来往过付，一应调唆二爷做的。”张华便得了主意，和旺儿商议定了，写了一纸状子，次日便往都察院喊了冤。

察院坐堂看狀，見是告賈璉的事，上面有家人旺兒一人，只得遣人去賈府傳旺兒來對詞。The Censorate official sat in court and examined the complaint; seeing that it accused Jia Lian, and that it named the servant Wang'er, he had no choice but to send someone to the Jia mansion to summon Wang'er to testify.青衣不敢擅入，只命人帶信。The runners in blue did not dare enter the mansion on their own authority, and only had word sent in.那旺兒正等著此事，不用人帶信，早在這條街上等候。Wang'er, who was precisely expecting this, needed no one to bring him word — he was already waiting on that very street.見了青衣，反迎上去笑道：“起動眾位兄弟，必是兄弟的事犯了。Seeing the runners, he went up to meet them instead, saying with a laugh, 'Sorry to trouble you, brothers — this must be some offense of mine that's caught up with me.'說不得，快來套上。”眾青衣不敢，只說：“你老去罷，別鬧了。”于是來至堂前跪了。'Well, there's nothing for it — go ahead and put the chains on me.' The runners did not dare do so, and only said, 'You'd best come along, sir, and stop joking.' So they went to the courtroom, where he knelt.察院命將狀子與他看。The Censorate official had the complaint shown to him.旺兒故意看了一遍，碰頭說道：“這事小的盡知，小的主人實有此事。Wang'er deliberately read it through once, then kowtowed and said, 'I know everything about this matter, Your Honor — my master indeed did this.'但這張華素與小的有仇，故意攀扯小的在內。'But this Zhang Hua has long borne a grudge against me, and he has deliberately dragged me into it.'其中還有別人，求老爺再問。”張華碰頭說：“雖還有人，小的不敢告他，所以只告他下人。”旺兒故意急的說：“糊涂東西，還不快說出來！'There are others involved as well — I beg Your Honor to question further.' Zhang Hua kowtowed and said, 'Though there are others, I did not dare accuse them, and so accused only his servant.' Wang'er, feigning agitation, said, 'You muddled fool — why don't you speak out quickly!'這是朝廷公堂之上，憑是主子，也要說出來。”張華便說出賈蓉來。'This is a court of the imperial government — even if it is your own master, you must speak the name.' So Zhang Hua named Jia Rong.察院聽了無法，只得去傳賈蓉。Hearing this, the Censorate official had no other recourse and had to send to summon Jia Rong.鳳姐又差了慶兒暗中打聽，告了起來，便忙將王信喚來，告訴他此事，命他托察院只虛張聲勢警唬而已，又拿了三百銀子與他去打點。Fengjie had also sent Qing'er to make secret inquiries, and upon learning that the suit had been filed, she hastily summoned Wang Xin, told him of the matter, and ordered him to ask the Censorate merely to make a show of bluster to frighten the plaintiff, and nothing more, giving him three hundred taels of silver besides to smooth things over.是夜王信到了察院私第，安了根子。That night Wang Xin went to the Censor's private residence and laid the groundwork.那察院深知原委，收了贓銀。The Censor, who understood the whole affair perfectly well, accepted the bribe.次日回堂，只說張華無賴，因拖欠了賈府銀兩，枉捏虛詞，誣賴良人。The next day, when the case came up in court, he simply declared that Zhang Hua was a scoundrel who, having defaulted on money owed to the Jia household, had fabricated false charges to slander honest people.都察院又素與王子騰相好，王信也只到家說了一聲，況是賈府之人，巴不得了事，便也不提此事，且都收下，只傳賈蓉對詞。The Censorate had moreover long been on good terms with Wang Ziteng, and Wang Xin had only had to drop a word at his house; besides, since it concerned the Jia family, they were only too glad to let the matter drop. So they said no more about it, accepted the silver, and simply summoned Jia Rong to give his testimony.

察院坐堂看状，见是告贾琏的事，上面有家人旺儿一人，只得遣人去贾府传旺儿来对词。青衣不敢擅入，只命人带信。那旺儿正等著此事，不用人带信，早在这条街上等候。见了青衣，反迎上去笑道：“起动众位兄弟，必是兄弟的事犯了。说不得，快来套上。”众青衣不敢，只说：“你老去罢，别闹了。”于是来至堂前跪了。察院命将状子与他看。旺儿故意看了一遍，碰头说道：“这事小的尽知，小的主人实有此事。但这张华素与小的有仇，故意攀扯小的在内。其中还有别人，求老爷再问。”张华碰头说：“虽还有人，小的不敢告他，所以只告他下人。”旺儿故意急的说：“糊涂东西，还不快说出来！这是朝廷公堂之上，凭是主子，也要说出来。”张华便说出贾蓉来。察院听了无法，只得去传贾蓉。凤姐又差了庆儿暗中打听，告了起来，便忙将王信唤来，告诉他此事，命他托察院只虚张声势警唬而已，又拿了三百银子与他去打点。是夜王信到了察院私第，安了根子。那察院深知原委，收了赃银。次日回堂，只说张华无赖，因拖欠了贾府银两，枉捏虚词，诬赖良人。都察院又素与王子腾相好，王信也只到家说了一声，况是贾府之人，巴不得了事，便也不提此事，且都收下，只传贾蓉对词。

且說賈蓉等正忙著賈珍之事，忽有人來報信，說有人告你們如此如此，這般這般，快作道理。Now Jia Rong and the others were in the midst of dealing with Jia Zhen's affairs when suddenly someone came with word that a suit had been filed against them, laying out how things stood, and urging them to deal with it at once.賈蓉慌了，忙來回賈珍。Jia Rong, alarmed, hurried to report to Jia Zhen.賈珍說：“我防了這一著，只虧他大膽子。”即刻封了二百銀子著人去打點察院，又命家人去對詞。Jia Zhen said, 'I had guarded against just this move — only I never expected him to have such nerve.' He at once sealed up two hundred taels of silver and sent someone to smooth things over at the Censorate, and also ordered a servant to go and give testimony.正商議之間，人報：“西府二奶奶來了。”賈珍聽了這個，倒吃了一驚，忙要同賈蓉藏躲。Just as they were discussing this, someone announced, 'The Second Mistress from the West Mansion has arrived!' On hearing this, Jia Zhen was quite taken aback, and hastily made to hide himself along with Jia Rong.不想鳳姐進來了，說：“好大哥哥，帶著兄弟們幹的好事！”賈蓉忙請安，鳳姐拉了他就進來。But before he could, Fengjie had already come in, saying, 'Well, my fine elder cousin, what a fine deed you and your nephew have gotten up to together!' Jia Rong hastily paid his respects, and Fengjie pulled him along with her as she came in.賈珍還笑說：“好生伺候你姑娘，吩咐他們殺牲口備飯。”說了，忙命備馬，躲往別處去了。Jia Zhen, still managing a laugh, said, 'Attend well to your aunt,' and told the servants to kill some fowl and prepare a meal; then he had a horse readied at once and rode off to hide elsewhere.

且说贾蓉等正忙著贾珍之事，忽有人来报信，说有人告你们如此如此，这般这般，快作道理。贾蓉慌了，忙来回贾珍。贾珍说：“我防了这一著，只亏他大胆子。”即刻封了二百银子著人去打点察院，又命家人去对词。正商议之间，人报：“西府二奶奶来了。”贾珍听了这个，倒吃了一惊，忙要同贾蓉藏躲。不想凤姐进来了，说：“好大哥哥，带著兄弟们干的好事！”贾蓉忙请安，凤姐拉了他就进来。贾珍还笑说：“好生伺候你姑娘，吩咐他们杀牲口备饭。”说了，忙命备马，躲往别处去了。

這里鳳姐兒帶著賈蓉走來上房，尤氏正迎了出來，見鳳姐氣色不善，忙笑說：“什麼事這等忙？”鳳姐照臉一口吐沫啐道：“你尤家的丫頭沒人要了，偷著只往賈家送！Meanwhile Fengjie brought Jia Rong along with her into the main apartments. You-shi had just come out to meet them, and seeing that Fengjie's expression boded no good, said with a forced smile, 'Whatever is the matter, that you're in such a hurry?' Fengjie spat full in her face and cursed, 'So the girls of your You family can't find takers, that you must smuggle them off in secret to the Jia family!'難道賈家的人都是好的，普天下死絕了男人了！Are all the men of the Jia family such prizes, then, that every other man on earth has died out?你就願意給，也要三媒六證，大家說明，成個体統才是。Even if you were willing to give her away, there ought to have been proper matchmakers and witnesses, everything made clear beforehand, so that things were done decently.你痰迷了心，脂油蒙了竅，國孝家孝兩重在身，就把個人送來了。Your wits must have been addled and your senses clouded with grease, that with both the nation's mourning and the family's mourning weighing on us, you went and sent a person over.這會子被人家告我們，我又是個沒腳蟹，連官場中都知道我利害吃醋，如今指名提我，要休我。Now we've been sued for it, and I'm like a crab with no legs to stand on — even people in official circles know how fierce and jealous I am, and now they're naming me by name, saying I'm to be divorced!我來了你家，幹錯了什麼不是，你這等害我？What wrong have I ever done since coming into your family, that you should harm me like this?或是老太太，太太有了話在你心里，使你們做這圈套，要擠我出去。Or is it that the Old Ancestress or my mother-in-law let fall some word that lodged in your heart, so that you set this trap to squeeze me out?如今咱們兩個一同去見官，分證明白。Now the two of us shall go together before the magistrate and have this made perfectly clear.回來咱們公同請了合族中人，大家覿面說個明白。When we come back, we'll invite the whole clan together and have it out face to face before everyone.給我休書，我就走路。”一面說，一面大哭，拉著尤氏，只要去見官。Give me the writ of divorce, and I'll be on my way." So saying, she wept loudly, and clutching at You-shi, insisted on going before the magistrate at once.急的賈蓉跪在地下碰頭，只求“姑娘嬸子息怒。”鳳姐兒一面又罵賈蓉：“天雷劈腦子五鬼分尸的沒良心的种子！In his distress Jia Rong knelt on the ground knocking his head, begging only, 'Aunt, dear aunt, please calm your anger.' Fengjie meanwhile cursed at Jia Rong too: 'You heartless spawn, may heaven's thunder split your skull and the five demons tear your corpse to pieces!'不知天有多高，地有多厚，成日家調三窩四，幹出這些沒臉面沒王法敗家破業的營生。You don't know how high the sky is or how thick the earth, carrying on day after day stirring up mischief, doing such shameless, lawless things fit to ruin a family and destroy its fortune.你死了的娘陰靈也不容你，祖宗也不容，還敢來勸我！”哭罵著揚手就打。Your dead mother's spirit in the underworld will not tolerate you, nor will your ancestors, and yet you still dare come and try to talk me round!" So weeping and cursing, she raised her hand to strike him.賈蓉忙磕頭有聲說：“嬸子別動氣，仔細手，讓我自己打。Jia Rong hastily kowtowed loudly, saying, 'Aunt, don't upset yourself so — mind your hand, let me strike myself instead.'嬸子別動氣。”說著，自己舉手左右開弓自己打了一頓嘴巴子，又自己問著自己說：“以後可再顧三不顧四的混管閒事了？'Aunt, don't upset yourself.' So saying, he raised his own hand and slapped himself soundly, first on one cheek and then the other, and then asked himself, 'Will you again go meddling recklessly in other people's affairs without a thought for the consequences?'以後還單聽叔叔的話不聽嬸子的話了？”眾人又是勸，又要笑，又不敢笑。'Will you again listen only to your uncle's word and not to your aunt's?' Everyone present tried to intervene, and wanted to laugh, yet dared not.

这里凤姐儿带著贾蓉走来上房，尤氏正迎了出来，见凤姐气色不善，忙笑说：“什么事这等忙？”凤姐照脸一口吐沫啐道：“你尤家的丫头没人要了，偷著只往贾家送！难道贾家的人都是好的，普天下死绝了男人了！你就愿意给，也要三媒六证，大家说明，成个体统才是。你痰迷了心，脂油蒙了窍，国孝家孝两重在身，就把个人送来了。这会子被人家告我们，我又是个没脚蟹，连官场中都知道我利害吃醋，如今指名提我，要休我。我来了你家，干错了什么不是，你这等害我？或是老太太，太太有了话在你心里，使你们做这圈套，要挤我出去。如今咱们两个一同去见官，分证明白。回来咱们公同请了合族中人，大家觌面说个明白。给我休书，我就走路。”一面说，一面大哭，拉著尤氏，只要去见官。急的贾蓉跪在地下碰头，只求“姑娘婶子息怒。”凤姐儿一面又骂贾蓉：“天雷劈脑子五鬼分尸的没良心的种子！不知天有多高，地有多厚，成日家调三窝四，干出这些没脸面没王法败家破业的营生。你死了的娘阴灵也不容你，祖宗也不容，还敢来劝我！”哭骂著扬手就打。贾蓉忙磕头有声说：“婶子别动气，仔细手，让我自己打。婶子别动气。”说著，自己举手左右开弓自己打了一顿嘴巴子，又自己问著自己说：“以后可再顾三不顾四的混管闲事了？以后还单听叔叔的话不听婶子的话了？”众人又是劝，又要笑，又不敢笑。

鳳姐兒滾到尤氏怀里，嚎天動地，大放悲聲，只說：“給你兄弟娶親我不惱。Fengjie flung herself sobbing into You-shi's arms, wailing to heaven and earth, weeping bitterly, saying only, 'I don't mind that your brother took a wife.'為什麼使他違旨背親，將混帳名兒給我背著？Why did you let him defy the mourning decree and betray his own kin, and saddle me with the disgraceful name of it?咱們只去見官，省得捕快皂隸來。Let's just go before the magistrate ourselves, and spare ourselves the runners and constables coming for us.再者咱們只過去見了老太太，太太和眾族人，大家公議了，我既不賢良，又不容丈夫娶親買妾，只給我一紙休書，我即刻就走。Or else let's go together to see the Old Ancestress, my mother-in-law, and the whole clan, and let them decide the matter publicly; and since I'm neither virtuous nor willing to let my husband take a wife or concubine, just give me a writ of divorce and I'll leave at once.你妹妹我也親身接來家，生怕老太太，太太生氣，也不敢回，現在三茶六飯金奴銀婢的住在園里。As for your sister, I brought her into our household myself, and for fear of upsetting the Old Ancestress and my mother-in-law, I did not even dare report it; she is now living in the Garden, waited on hand and foot with every meal and every luxury, gold and silver maids at her beck and call.我這里赶著收拾房子，一樣和我的道理，只等老太太知道了。Here I've been hurrying to have quarters fitted out for her, on the same footing as my own, only waiting for the Old Ancestress to be told.原說接過來大家安分守己的，我也不提舊事了。It was understood that once she was brought over, everyone would live peaceably and properly, and I would say nothing more of the past.誰知又有了人家的。Who could have known she was already promised to another family?不知你們幹的什麼事，我一概又不知道。I know nothing at all of whatever it is you have all been up to.如今告我，我昨日急了，縱然我出去見官，也丟的是你賈家的臉，少不得偷把太太的五百兩銀子去打點。Now they've sued me over it. Yesterday, in my desperation — for even if I went before the magistrate myself, it would only be the Jia family's face that was lost — I could do nothing but secretly take five hundred taels of my mother-in-law's silver to smooth things over.如今把我的人還鎖在那里。”說了又哭，哭了又罵，後來放聲大哭起祖宗爹媽來，又要尋死撞頭。And now my own man is still locked up over there." So saying, she wept again, and cursed again, and at last burst into loud lamentation for her ancestors and her parents, and threatened to dash her head against something and die.把個尤氏揉搓成一個面團，衣服上全是眼淚鼻涕，并無別語，只罵賈蓉：“孽障种子！She wrung poor You-shi about like a lump of dough, until You-shi's clothes were all smeared with tears and mucus, and she had nothing to say except to curse at Jia Rong: 'You wretched, cursed spawn!'和你老子作的好事！A fine thing you and your father have done between you!我就說不好的。”鳳姐兒聽說，哭著兩手搬著尤氏的臉緊對相問道：“你發昏了？I said all along it was no good." Hearing this, Fengjie, still weeping, took You-shi's face in both hands and, holding it close, demanded, "Have you lost your senses?你的嘴里難道有茄子塞著？Is there an eggplant stuffed in your mouth, perhaps?不然他們給你嚼子銜上了？Or else have they fitted you with a horse's bit?為什麼你不告訴我去？Why did you never tell me?你若告訴了我，這會子平安不了？If you had told me, wouldn't everything be settled peacefully by now?怎得經官動府，鬧到這步田地，你這會子還怨他們。How did it ever come to lawsuits and magistrates, making such a mess of things — and now you still blame them?自古說：‘妻賢夫禍少，表壯不如里壯。’你但凡是個好的，他們怎得鬧出這些事來！There's an old saying: 'A virtuous wife brings her husband fewer troubles; a strong exterior is not as good as a strong interior.' If you had had any capability at all, how could they ever have caused such trouble?你又沒才幹，又沒口齒，鋸了嘴子的葫蘆，就只會一味瞎小心圖賢良的名兒。You have neither ability nor a ready tongue — you're like a gourd with its mouth sawn shut — and all you know how to do is fret blindly and chase after a reputation for virtue.總是他們也不怕你，也不聽你。”說著啐了幾口。No wonder they neither fear you nor heed you." So saying, she spat several times.尤氏也哭道：“何曾不是這樣。You-shi too wept, saying, 'It has indeed been just as you say.'你不信問問跟的人，我何曾不勸的，也得他們聽。If you don't believe me, ask the servants who wait on me — when have I ever failed to remonstrate? But they had to be willing to listen.叫我怎麼樣呢，怨不得妹妹生氣，我只好聽著罷了。”What was I to do? No wonder you're angry, sister — all I could do was listen and bear it.

凤姐儿滚到尤氏怀里，嚎天动地，大放悲声，只说：“给你兄弟娶亲我不恼。为什么使他违旨背亲，将混帐名儿给我背著？咱们只去见官，省得捕快皂隶来。再者咱们只过去见了老太太，太太和众族人，大家公议了，我既不贤良，又不容丈夫娶亲买妾，只给我一纸休书，我即刻就走。你妹妹我也亲身接来家，生怕老太太，太太生气，也不敢回，现在三茶六饭金奴银婢的住在园里。我这里赶著收拾房子，一样和我的道理，只等老太太知道了。原说接过来大家安分守己的，我也不提旧事了。谁知又有了人家的。不知你们干的什么事，我一概又不知道。如今告我，我昨日急了，纵然我出去见官，也丢的是你贾家的脸，少不得偷把太太的五百两银子去打点。如今把我的人还锁在那里。”说了又哭，哭了又骂，后来放声大哭起祖宗爹妈来，又要寻死撞头。把个尤氏揉搓成一个面团，衣服上全是眼泪鼻涕，并无别语，只骂贾蓉：“孽障种子！和你老子作的好事！我就说不好的。”凤姐儿听说，哭著两手搬著尤氏的脸紧对相问道：“你发昏了？你的嘴里难道有茄子塞著？不然他们给你嚼子衔上了？为什么你不告诉我去？你若告诉了我，这会子平安不了？怎得经官动府，闹到这步田地，你这会子还怨他们。自古说：‘妻贤夫祸少，表壮不如里壮。’你但凡是个好的，他们怎得闹出这些事来！你又没才干，又没口齿，锯了嘴子的葫芦，就只会一味瞎小心图贤良的名儿。总是他们也不怕你，也不听你。”说著啐了几口。尤氏也哭道：“何曾不是这样。你不信问问跟的人，我何曾不劝的，也得他们听。叫我怎么样呢，怨不得妹妹生气，我只好听著罢了。”

眾姬妾丫鬟媳婦已是烏壓壓跪了一地，陪笑求說：“二奶奶最圣明的。By now the concubines, maids, and young wives of the household were all kneeling in a dark mass on the floor, and pleaded with forced smiles, 'Second Mistress is the wisest and most understanding of all.'雖是我們奶奶的不是，奶奶也作踐的夠了。Though it is our mistress who was at fault, she has already been humiliated enough.當著奴才們，奶奶們素日何等的好來，如今還求奶奶給留臉。”說著，捧上茶來。In front of us servants, the two of you mistresses have always gotten along so well — we beg you now to spare her some face." So saying, they brought tea forward.鳳姐也摔了，一面止了哭挽頭髮，又哭罵賈蓉：“出去請大哥哥來。Fengjie dashed the cup aside, and, checking her tears, smoothed back her hair, then wept and cursed at Jia Rong again: 'Go out and fetch your uncle here.'我對面問他，親大爺的孝才五七，侄兒娶親，這個禮我竟不知道。I want to ask him to his face — his own father's mourning is only just past the fifth seven, and his nephew takes a wife, and I, it seems, knew nothing at all of such a custom!我問問，也好學著日後教導子侄的。”賈蓉只跪著磕頭，說：“這事原不與父母相干，都是兒子一時吃了屎，調唆叔叔作的。I want to ask, so that I too may learn how to instruct sons and nephews in future." Jia Rong only knelt and kowtowed, saying, "This matter truly had nothing to do with my father — it was I myself who, having for the moment taken leave of my senses, egged my uncle on to do it.我父親也并不知道。My father knew nothing whatever about it.如今我父親正要商量接太爺出殯，嬸子若鬧起來，兒子也是個死。Just now my father is occupied with arranging our grandfather's funeral procession — if Aunt makes a scene of this, your nephew is as good as dead.只求嬸子責罰兒子，兒子謹領。I beg only that Aunt punish your nephew, and I will accept it respectfully.這官司還求嬸子料理，兒子竟不能幹這大事。As for this lawsuit, I beg Aunt to handle it — your nephew is simply incapable of managing so great a matter.嬸子是何等樣人，豈不知俗語說的‘胳膊只折在袖子里’。Aunt, of all people, with your understanding — surely you know the saying, 'A broken arm is hidden inside the sleeve.'兒子糊涂死了，既作了不肖的事，就同那貓兒狗兒一般。Your nephew has been an utter fool — having done such an unworthy thing, I am no better than a cat or a dog.嬸子既教訓，就不和兒子一般見識的，少不得還要嬸子費心費力將外頭的壓住了才好。Since Aunt has seen fit to teach me this lesson, and will not stoop to my level, I must still trouble Aunt to take the pains to suppress the matter outside.原是嬸子有這個不肖的兒子，既惹了禍，少不得委屈，還要疼兒子。”說著，又磕頭不絕。It is only that Aunt has this unworthy son of hers — since he has brought about this trouble, Aunt must bear the wrong of it, and still love her son all the same." So saying, he went on kowtowing without pause.

众姬妾丫鬟媳妇已是乌压压跪了一地，陪笑求说：“二奶奶最圣明的。虽是我们奶奶的不是，奶奶也作践的够了。当著奴才们，奶奶们素日何等的好来，如今还求奶奶给留脸。”说著，捧上茶来。凤姐也摔了，一面止了哭挽头发，又哭骂贾蓉：“出去请大哥哥来。我对面问他，亲大爷的孝才五七，侄儿娶亲，这个礼我竟不知道。我问问，也好学著日后教导子侄的。”贾蓉只跪著磕头，说：“这事原不与父母相干，都是儿子一时吃了屎，调唆叔叔作的。我父亲也并不知道。如今我父亲正要商量接太爷出殡，婶子若闹起来，儿子也是个死。只求婶子责罚儿子，儿子谨领。这官司还求婶子料理，儿子竟不能干这大事。婶子是何等样人，岂不知俗语说的‘胳膊只折在袖子里’。儿子糊涂死了，既作了不肖的事，就同那猫儿狗儿一般。婶子既教训，就不和儿子一般见识的，少不得还要婶子费心费力将外头的压住了才好。原是婶子有这个不肖的儿子，既惹了祸，少不得委屈，还要疼儿子。”说著，又磕头不绝。

鳳姐見他母子這般，也再難往前施展了，只得又轉過了一副形容言談來，與尤氏反陪禮說：“我是年輕不知事的人，一聽見有人告訴了，把我嚇昏了，不知方才怎樣得罪了嫂子。Seeing mother and son carry on so, Fengjie found it hard to press matters further, and had no choice but to change her whole manner and tone, turning instead to apologize to You-shi: 'I am young and ignorant of the world — the moment I heard someone had brought word of this, I was frightened out of my wits, and I hardly know how I may have offended you just now, sister.'可是蓉兒說的‘胳膊折了往袖子里藏’，少不得嫂子要体諒我。It's just as Rong-er said — 'a broken arm is hidden in the sleeve' — I can only ask that you, sister, make allowances for me.還要嫂子轉替哥哥說了，先把這官司按下去才好。”尤氏賈蓉一齊都說：“嬸子放心，橫豎一點兒連累不著叔叔。I must also ask you, sister, to speak on my behalf to your brother-in-law, and first get this lawsuit suppressed." You-shi and Jia Rong both said together, "Set your mind at ease, Aunt — in any case, not the slightest bit of it can implicate your husband.嬸子方才說用過了五百兩銀子，少不得我娘兒們打點五百兩銀子與嬸子送過去，好補上的，不然豈有反教嬸子又添上虧空之名，越發我們該死了。Aunt just said she had spent five hundred taels — my mother and I must certainly send five hundred taels over to Aunt to make up for it, so that Aunt shall not be saddled with a shortfall on top of everything else, or we should deserve death all the more.但還有一件，老太太，太太們跟前嬸子還要周全方便，別提這些話方好。”鳳姐兒又冷笑道：“你們饒壓著我的頭幹了事，這會子反哄著我替你們周全。There is only one more thing — before the Old Ancestress and my mother-in-law, Aunt must still smooth things over discreetly and say nothing of all this." Fengjie gave a cold laugh and said, "You go and do this thing right over my head, and now you turn around and coax me into smoothing it over for you!我雖然是個呆子，也呆不到如此。Fool though I am, I'm not such a fool as all that.嫂子的兄弟是我的丈夫，嫂子既怕他絕後，我豈不更比嫂子更怕絕後。Your brother, sister, is my husband — if you fear he might be left without an heir, how much more should I fear it than you?嫂子的令妹就是我的妹子一樣。Your dear sister is just the same as my own sister.我一聽見這話，連夜喜歡的連覺也睡不成，赶著傳人收拾了屋子，就要接進來同住。The moment I heard of it, I was so delighted that very night I couldn't even sleep, and hurried to have people fit out a room, meaning to bring her in to live with us at once.倒是奴才小人的見識，他們倒說：‘奶奶太好性了。It was only the small-minded views of the servants — they said, 'Mistress is far too easygoing.'若是我們的主意，先回了老太太，太太看是怎樣，再收拾房子去接也不遲。’我聽了這話，教我要打要罵的，才不言語。'If it were up to us, we would first report to the Old Ancestress and Madam and see what they thought, and only then, not too late, fit out a room and go to fetch her.' When I heard this I was ready to beat and curse them for it, and only held my tongue with an effort.誰知偏不稱我的意，偏打我的嘴，半空里又跑出一個張華來告了一狀。Who would have thought that, contrary to my wishes and to my utter mortification, a certain Zhang Hua should spring up out of nowhere and file a suit against us.我聽見了，嚇的兩夜沒合眼兒，又不敢聲張，只得求人去打聽這張華是什麼人，這樣大膽。When I heard of it I was so frightened I didn't close my eyes for two nights, and yet dared not make a stir about it, and could only ask someone to go quietly and find out who this Zhang Hua was, that he should dare so much.打聽了兩日，誰知是個無賴的花子。After two days of inquiry, it turned out he was nothing but a shiftless beggar.我年輕不知事，反笑了，說：‘他告什麼？’倒是小子們說：‘原是二奶奶許了他的。Young and ignorant as I am, I actually laughed and said, 'What is there for him to sue about?' But the servant boys said, 'It was Second Mistress herself who promised her to him in the first place.'他如今正是急了，凍死餓死也是個死，現在有這個理他抓著，縱然死了，死的倒比凍死餓死還值些。'He's desperate now — freezing to death or starving to death, it's death either way, and now that he has a genuine grievance to seize on, even if it kills him, at least it's a death worth more than freezing or starving.'怎麼怨的他告呢。'So how can you blame him for suing?'這事原是爺做的太急了。'This whole affair was rushed into far too hastily by the master.'國孝一層罪，家孝一層罪，背著父母私娶一層罪，停妻再娶一層罪。'There's the crime of defying the national mourning, the crime of defying the family mourning, the crime of marrying in secret behind his parents' backs, and the crime of taking a second wife while the first still lives.'俗語說：“拼著一身剮，敢把皇帝拉下馬。”他窮瘋了的人，什麼事作不出來，況且他又拿著這滿理，不告等請不成。’嫂子說，我便是個韓信張良，聽了這話，也把智謀嚇回去了。'As the saying goes, "Willing to face a thousand cuts, a man dares even to drag the Emperor from his horse." A man driven mad by poverty — there's nothing he won't do — and besides, he has the right entirely on his side; if he doesn't sue, what else is he to do?' Sister, even if I were a Han Xin or a Zhang Liang, hearing all this would have frightened every scheme clean out of my head.你兄弟又不在家，又沒個商議，少不得拿錢去墊補，誰知越使錢越被人拿住了刀靶，越發來訛。Your brother wasn't even at home, and there was no one to consult, so I had no choice but to take money to paper over the matter — but the more money I spent, the more they had me by the hilt of the knife, and the more they came to extort.我是耗子尾上長瘡，——多少膿血兒。I'm like a rat with a boil on its tail — however much pus and blood can there be?所以又急又氣，少不得來找嫂子。”賈氏賈蓉不等說完，都說：“不必操心，自然要料理的。”賈蓉又道：“那張華不過是窮急，故舍了命才告。So, both anxious and angry, I had no choice but to come and find you, sister." Before she had even finished, You-shi and Jia Rong both said, "There's no need to trouble yourself further — of course it will be dealt with." Jia Rong went on, "This Zhang Hua is merely driven to desperation by poverty, and so risked everything to bring the suit.咱們如今想了一個法兒，竟許他些銀子，只叫他應了妄告不實之罪，咱們替他打點完了官司。We have thought of a plan now — simply promise him some silver, and have him plead guilty to bringing a false and baseless charge; we'll settle the lawsuit for him ourselves.他出來時再給他些個銀子就完了。”鳳姐兒笑道：“好孩子，怨不得你顧一不顧二的作這些事出來。When he's released, we'll give him a bit more silver, and that will be the end of it." Fengjie said with a laugh, "What a fine boy — no wonder you go about doing such things without a thought for the consequences!原來你竟糊涂。So it turns out you really are a muddlehead.若你說得這話，他暫且依了，且打出官司來又得了銀子，眼前自然了事。If you go and say such a thing to him, he may agree to it for the moment — having both won the lawsuit and gotten silver besides, the matter will seem settled for now, true enough.這些人既是無賴之徒，銀子到手一旦光了，他又尋事故訛詐。But since such people are shiftless rascals, the instant the silver in hand is spent, he'll manufacture some new pretext to extort more.倘又叨登起來這事，咱們雖不怕，也終擔心。And if he should stir the matter up again, though we needn't fear it, we would still have it hanging over us to worry about.擱不住他說既沒毛病為什麼反給他銀子，終久是不了之局。”賈蓉原是個明白人，聽如此一說，便笑道：“我還有個主意，‘來是是非人，去是是非者’，這事還得我了才好。He need only say, 'If there was nothing wrong, why did you give me silver?' and in the end it would never be settled." Jia Rong, who was a sensible fellow after all, laughed on hearing this and said, "I have another idea. 'He who brought the trouble must be the one to take it away' — this matter had best be settled by me after all.如今我竟去問張華個主意，或是他定要人，或是他願意了事得錢再娶。I'll go now and ask Zhang Hua directly what he wants — whether he insists on having his intended back, or is willing to settle for money and marry someone else.他若說一定要人，少不得我去勸我二姨，叫他出來仍嫁他去，若說要錢，我們這里少不得給他。”鳳姐兒忙道：“雖如此說，我斷舍不得你姨娘出去，我也斷不肯使他去。If he insists on having her, then I'll have no choice but to persuade my second aunt to go out and marry him after all; if he wants money instead, then we'll simply have to give it to him." Fengjie said hastily, "Say what you will, I could never bear to part with your aunt, nor would I ever consent to let her go.好侄兒，你若疼我，只能可多給他錢為是。”賈蓉深知鳳姐口雖如此，心卻是巴不得只要本人出來，他卻做賢良人。Dear nephew, if you have any affection for me, better to give him more money instead." Jia Rong knew perfectly well that, whatever Fengjie said aloud, in her heart she was only too eager to have the woman herself sent away, while she herself played the part of the virtuous, understanding wife.如今怎說怎依。So now, whatever she said, he agreed to.鳳姐兒歡喜了，又說：“外頭好處了，家里終久怎麼樣？Fengjie was pleased, and went on, 'Now that matters outside are settled, how are things to be managed at home in the end?'你也同我過去回明才是。”尤氏又慌了，拉鳳姐討主意如何撒謊才好。You had best come along with me and report the matter clearly." You-shi grew alarmed once more, and clung to Fengjie asking for advice on what lies to tell.鳳姐冷笑道：“既沒這本事，誰叫你幹這事了。Fengjie said with a cold laugh, 'If you hadn't the ability for it, whoever told you to get involved in this business in the first place?'這會子又這個腔兒，我又看不上。And now, taking this tone with me — I can't stand it either.待要不出個主意，我又是個心慈面軟的人，憑人撮弄我，我還是一片痴心。If I refuse to think of a way out, well, I'm a soft-hearted, weak-willed sort of person — however others may manipulate me, I still keep a foolishly loyal heart.說不得讓我應起來。There's nothing for it but for me to take the whole thing on myself.如今你們只別露面，我只領了你妹妹去與老太太，太太們磕頭，只說原系你妹妹，我看上了很好。Now the two of you just stay out of sight, and I alone will take your sister to kowtow before the Old Ancestress and the mistresses, and simply say that she was your sister all along, and that I took a great liking to her.正因我不大生長，原說買兩個人放在屋里的，今既見你妹妹很好，而又是親上做親的，我願意娶來做二房。Since I myself have not been able to bear children, it had already been said that a couple of women should be bought to keep in the house; now, having seen how fine your sister is, and since it is a match made all the closer for being kin marrying kin, I am willing to take her in as a secondary wife.皆因家中父母姊妹新近一概死了，日子又艱難，不能度日，若等百日之後，無奈無家無業，實難等得。It was only because her parents and sister had all recently died, and times were hard, and she could not go on living as she was, that we could not wait for the hundred days of mourning to pass — with no home and no means, it was truly impossible to wait that long.我的主意接了進來，已經廂房收拾了出來暫且住著，等滿了服再圓房。It was my own idea to bring her in; a side room has already been fitted out for her to live in for the time being, and the marriage will be consummated only once the mourning period is over.仗著我不怕臊的臉，死活賴去，有了不是，也尋不著你們了。Relying on my own shameless face, I'll brazen it out one way or another, and if there's any fault in it, no blame will fall on either of you.你們母子想想，可使得？”尤氏賈蓉一齊笑說：“到底是嬸子寬洪大量，足智多謀。Think it over, the two of you, mother and son — will that do?" You-shi and Jia Rong both said with a laugh, "Aunt is truly generous of heart and resourceful beyond compare.等事妥了，少不得我們娘兒們過去拜謝。”尤氏忙命丫鬟們伏侍鳳姐梳妝洗臉，又擺酒飯，親自遞酒揀菜。Once the matter is settled, we, mother and son, shall certainly come over to thank you properly." You-shi hastily ordered the maids to attend Fengjie as she washed and did up her hair, and then set out wine and food, personally offering the wine and selecting dishes for her.

凤姐见他母子这般，也再难往前施展了，只得又转过了一副形容言谈来，与尤氏反陪礼说：“我是年轻不知事的人，一听见有人告诉了，把我吓昏了，不知方才怎样得罪了嫂子。可是蓉儿说的‘胳膊折了往袖子里藏’，少不得嫂子要体谅我。还要嫂子转替哥哥说了，先把这官司按下去才好。”尤氏贾蓉一齐都说：“婶子放心，横竖一点儿连累不著叔叔。婶子方才说用过了五百两银子，少不得我娘儿们打点五百两银子与婶子送过去，好补上的，不然岂有反教婶子又添上亏空之名，越发我们该死了。但还有一件，老太太，太太们跟前婶子还要周全方便，别提这些话方好。”凤姐儿又冷笑道：“你们饶压著我的头干了事，这会子反哄著我替你们周全。我虽然是个呆子，也呆不到如此。嫂子的兄弟是我的丈夫，嫂子既怕他绝后，我岂不更比嫂子更怕绝后。嫂子的令妹就是我的妹子一样。我一听见这话，连夜喜欢的连觉也睡不成，赶著传人收拾了屋子，就要接进来同住。倒是奴才小人的见识，他们倒说：‘奶奶太好性了。若是我们的主意，先回了老太太，太太看是怎样，再收拾房子去接也不迟。’我听了这话，教我要打要骂的，才不言语。谁知偏不称我的意，偏打我的嘴，半空里又跑出一个张华来告了一状。我听见了，吓的两夜没合眼儿，又不敢声张，只得求人去打听这张华是什么人，这样大胆。打听了两日，谁知是个无赖的花子。我年轻不知事，反笑了，说：‘他告什么？’倒是小子们说：‘原是二奶奶许了他的。他如今正是急了，冻死饿死也是个死，现在有这个理他抓著，纵然死了，死的倒比冻死饿死还值些。怎么怨的他告呢。这事原是爷做的太急了。国孝一层罪，家孝一层罪，背著父母私娶一层罪，停妻再娶一层罪。俗语说：“拼著一身剐，敢把皇帝拉下马。”他穷疯了的人，什么事作不出来，况且他又拿著这满理，不告等请不成。’嫂子说，我便是个韩信张良，听了这话，也把智谋吓回去了。你兄弟又不在家，又没个商议，少不得拿钱去垫补，谁知越使钱越被人拿住了刀靶，越发来讹。我是耗子尾上长疮，——多少脓血儿。所以又急又气，少不得来找嫂子。”贾氏贾蓉不等说完，都说：“不必操心，自然要料理的。”贾蓉又道：“那张华不过是穷急，故舍了命才告。咱们如今想了一个法儿，竟许他些银子，只叫他应了妄告不实之罪，咱们替他打点完了官司。他出来时再给他些个银子就完了。”凤姐儿笑道：“好孩子，怨不得你顾一不顾二的作这些事出来。原来你竟糊涂。若你说得这话，他暂且依了，且打出官司来又得了银子，眼前自然了事。这些人既是无赖之徒，银子到手一旦光了，他又寻事故讹诈。倘又叨登起来这事，咱们虽不怕，也终担心。搁不住他说既没毛病为什么反给他银子，终久是不了之局。”贾蓉原是个明白人，听如此一说，便笑道：“我还有个主意，‘来是是非人，去是是非者’，这事还得我了才好。如今我竟去问张华个主意，或是他定要人，或是他愿意了事得钱再娶。他若说一定要人，少不得我去劝我二姨，叫他出来仍嫁他去，若说要钱，我们这里少不得给他。”凤姐儿忙道：“虽如此说，我断舍不得你姨娘出去，我也断不肯使他去。好侄儿，你若疼我，只能可多给他钱为是。”贾蓉深知凤姐口虽如此，心却是巴不得只要本人出来，他却做贤良人。如今怎说怎依。凤姐儿欢喜了，又说：“外头好处了，家里终久怎么样？你也同我过去回明才是。”尤氏又慌了，拉凤姐讨主意如何撒谎才好。凤姐冷笑道：“既没这本事，谁叫你干这事了。这会子又这个腔儿，我又看不上。待要不出个主意，我又是个心慈面软的人，凭人撮弄我，我还是一片痴心。说不得让我应起来。如今你们只别露面，我只领了你妹妹去与老太太，太太们磕头，只说原系你妹妹，我看上了很好。正因我不大生长，原说买两个人放在屋里的，今既见你妹妹很好，而又是亲上做亲的，我愿意娶来做二房。皆因家中父母姊妹新近一概死了，日子又艰难，不能度日，若等百日之后，无奈无家无业，实难等得。我的主意接了进来，已经厢房收拾了出来暂且住著，等满了服再圆房。仗著我不怕臊的脸，死活赖去，有了不是，也寻不著你们了。你们母子想想，可使得？”尤氏贾蓉一齐笑说：“到底是婶子宽洪大量，足智多谋。等事妥了，少不得我们娘儿们过去拜谢。”尤氏忙命丫鬟们伏侍凤姐梳妆洗脸，又摆酒饭，亲自递酒拣菜。

鳳姐也不多坐，執意就走了。Fengjie did not stay long, and insisted on leaving at once.進園中將此事告訴與尤二姐，又說我怎麼操心打聽，又怎麼設法子，須得如此如此方救下眾人無罪，少不得我去拆開這魚頭，大家才好。She went into the Garden and told You Erjie the whole affair, saying how much trouble she had taken to make inquiries, and how she had devised a plan, and that only by doing thus and so could everyone be saved from blame — that she had had no choice but to go and pick apart this tangled knot herself, so that all would be well.不知端詳，且聽下回分解。Just what came of it we do not yet know; you must listen to the next chapter for the explanation.

凤姐也不多坐，执意就走了。进园中将此事告诉与尤二姐，又说我怎么操心打听，又怎么设法子，须得如此如此方救下众人无罪，少不得我去拆开这鱼头，大家才好。不知端详，且听下回分解。