第七十一回　嫌隙人有心生嫌隙　鴛鴦女無意遇鴛鴦 A Spiteful Person Deliberately Sows Discord; Yuanyang Unwittingly Stumbles on Lovers

話說賈政回京之後，諸事完畢，賜假一月在家歇息。Now to tell: after Jia Zheng returned to the capital and had settled all his affairs, he was granted a month's leave to rest at home.因年景漸老，事重身衰，又近因在外幾年，骨肉離异，今得晏然复聚于庭室，自覺喜幸不盡。As he was growing older, with heavy duties wearing on his failing health, and having in recent years been separated from his flesh and blood while away from home, now that he could peacefully be reunited with his family under one roof, he felt boundless joy and good fortune.一應大小事務一概益發付于度外，只是看書，悶了便與清客們下棋吃酒，或日間在里面母子夫妻共敘天倫庭闈之樂。All matters great and small he now put more than ever out of his mind, occupying himself only with reading books; when bored he would play chess and drink wine with his literary companions, or during the day join his mother, wife, and children within to enjoy the pleasures of family life.因今歲八月初三日乃賈母八旬之慶，又因親友全來，恐筵宴排設不開，便早同賈赦及賈珍賈璉等商議，議定于七月二十八日起至八月初五日止榮宁兩處齊開筵宴，宁國府中單請官客，榮國府中單請堂客，大觀園中收拾出綴錦閣并嘉蔭堂等幾處大地方來作退居。Since the third day of the eighth month this year was Grandmother Jia's eightieth birthday celebration, and since all their relatives and friends would be coming, they feared the banquets could not all be arranged in time, so early on Jia Zheng consulted with Jia She, Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, and the others, and it was decided that from the twenty-eighth of the seventh month to the fifth of the eighth month, banquets would be held simultaneously at both the Rong and Ning mansions — the Ning mansion would host only the male guests, the Rong mansion only the female guests — and several large places in the Grand View Garden, including Zhuijin Pavilion and Jiayin Hall, were to be cleared out and prepared as retiring rooms.二十八日請皇親附馬王公諸公主郡主王妃國君太君夫人等，二十九日便是閣下都府督鎮及誥命等，三十日便是諸官長及誥命并遠近親友及堂客。On the twenty-eighth, imperial relatives, royal sons-in-law, princes and dukes, princesses, commandery princesses, princess consorts, and various ladies of rank would be invited; on the twenty-ninth, the various ministers, governors-general, and military commanders together with their titled wives; on the thirtieth, the various officials with their titled wives, and relatives and friends both near and far, together with the female guests.初一日是賈赦的家宴，初二日是賈政，初三日是賈珍賈璉，初四日是賈府中合族長幼大小共湊的家宴。On the first of the eighth month was Jia She's family banquet, on the second Jia Zheng's, on the third Jia Zhen and Jia Lian's, and on the fourth a family banquet contributed jointly by the whole Jia clan, young and old alike.初五日是賴大林之孝等家下管事人等共湊一日。On the fifth it was the turn of the household stewards such as Lai Da and Lin Zhixiao, who together contributed a day.自七月上旬，送壽禮者便絡繹不絕。From the beginning of the seventh month, those bringing birthday gifts came in an unbroken stream.禮部奉旨：欽賜金玉如意一柄，彩緞四端，金玉環四個，帑銀五百兩。The Board of Rites, acting on imperial decree, bestowed a gold-and-jade ruyi scepter, four bolts of colored silk, four gold-and-jade rings, and five hundred taels of silver from the treasury.元春又命太監送出金壽星一尊，沉香拐一只，伽南珠一串，福壽香一盒，金錠一對，銀錠四對，彩緞十二匹，玉杯四只。Yuanchun also ordered a eunuch to send out a gold statue of the God of Longevity, an eaglewood cane, a string of agarwood beads, a box of "blessing and longevity" incense, a pair of gold ingots, four pairs of silver ingots, twelve bolts of colored silk, and four jade cups.餘者自親王駙馬以及大小文武官員之家凡所來往者，莫不有禮，不能胜記。As for the rest — from princes and imperial sons-in-law down to the households of civil and military officials great and small who had any dealings with the family — every one of them sent gifts, too numerous to record in full.堂屋內設下大桌案，舖了紅氈，將凡所有精細之物都擺上，請賈母過目。In the main hall a great table was set up, spread with red felt, and all the finest of these gifts were laid out upon it for Grandmother Jia to inspect.賈母先一二日還高興過來瞧瞧，後來煩了，也不過目，只說：“叫鳳丫頭收了，改日悶了再瞧。”至二十八日，兩府中俱懸燈結彩，屏開鸞鳳，褥設芙蓉，笙簫鼓樂之音，通衢越巷。For the first day or two Grandmother Jia was pleased to come and look them over, but afterward she grew weary of it and no longer bothered to inspect them, saying only, "Let Xifeng put them away; I'll look at them another day when I'm bored." By the twenty-eighth, both mansions were hung with lanterns and festooned with colored streamers, screens painted with phoenixes were set up, cushions embroidered with lotus blossoms were spread, and the sound of pipes, flutes, drums, and music carried through the streets and lanes.宁府中本日只有北靜王，南安郡王，永昌駙馬，樂善郡王并幾個世交公侯應襲，榮府中南安王太妃，北靜王妃并幾位世交公侯誥命。That day at the Ning mansion there were present only the Prince of Beijing, the Commandery Prince of Nan'an, the Imperial Son-in-law Yongchang, the Commandery Prince of Leshan, together with several hereditary dukes and marquises of old family friendship; at the Rong mansion, the Dowager Princess of Nan'an, the Princess of Beijing, together with several titled ladies of old family friendship.賈母等皆是按品大妝迎接。Grandmother Jia and the others all received them dressed in full formal attire according to their rank.大家廝見，先請入大觀園內嘉蔭堂，茶畢更衣，方出至榮慶堂上拜壽入席。After the guests had exchanged greetings, they were first invited into Jiayin Hall in the Grand View Garden; when the tea was finished, they changed their clothes, and only then went out to Rongqing Hall to offer birthday congratulations and take their seats at the banquet.大家謙遜半日，方才入席。Everyone deferred to one another for a good while before finally taking their seats.上面兩席是南，北王妃，下面依敘，便是眾公侯誥命。At the head, two tables were set for the Princesses of Nan'an and Beijing; below, in order of rank, sat the various titled ladies of the dukes and marquises.左邊下手一席，陪客是錦鄉侯誥命與臨昌伯誥命，右邊下手一席，方是賈母主位。At the lower table on the left, the attending guests were the titled ladies of the Marquis of Jinxiang and the Earl of Linchang; at the lower table on the right was Grandmother Jia's own seat as host.邢夫人王夫人帶領尤氏鳳姐并族中幾個媳婦，兩溜雁翅站在賈母身後侍立。Lady Xing and Lady Wang, leading You-shi, Xifeng, and several daughters-in-law of the clan, stood in two rows like a flight of wild geese behind Grandmother Jia in attendance.林之孝賴大家的帶領眾媳婦都在竹帘外面侍候上菜上酒，周瑞家的帶領幾個丫鬟在圍屏後侍候呼喚。Lin Zhixiao's wife and Lai Da's wife led the other daughters-in-law in attending outside the bamboo curtains, serving the dishes and pouring the wine; Zhou Rui's wife led several maids behind the folding screens, ready to answer any call.凡跟來的人，早又有人別處管待去了。As for all the attendants who had come with the guests, others had already been assigned to entertain them elsewhere.一時台上參了場，台下一色十二個未留發的小廝侍候。Presently the actors on the stage made their opening bows, while below the stage twelve pageboys, all with shaved heads not yet grown out, stood in attendance.須臾，一小廝捧了戲單至階下，先遞與回事的媳婦。In a moment, one of the pageboys carried the opera program to the foot of the steps and first handed it to the matron in charge of relaying messages.這媳婦接了，才遞與林之孝家的，用一小茶盤托上，挨身入帘來遞與尤氏的侍妾佩鳳。This matron took it and handed it to Lin Zhixiao's wife, who set it on a small tea tray, slipped in past the curtain, and handed it to You-shi's attendant Peifeng.佩鳳接了才奉與尤氏。Peifeng took it and then presented it to You-shi.尤氏托著走至上席，南安太妃謙讓了一回，點了一出吉慶戲文，然後又謙讓了一回，北靜王妃也點了一出。You-shi carried it to the head table; the Dowager Princess of Nan'an deferred politely for a while before choosing an auspicious play, and then, after another round of polite deferral, the Princess of Beijing also chose one.眾人又讓了一回，命隨便揀好的唱罷了。The others deferred once more, and then said to simply pick out whatever good pieces there were to perform.少時，菜已四獻，湯始一道，跟來各家的放了賞。Before long, four courses had been served and the first soup brought in, and rewards were handed out to the attendants who had come with each family.大家便更衣复入園來，另獻好茶。Everyone then changed their clothes and returned again into the Garden, where fresh, fine tea was served.

话说贾政回京之后，诸事完毕，赐假一月在家歇息。因年景渐老，事重身衰，又近因在外几年，骨肉离异，今得晏然复聚于庭室，自觉喜幸不尽。一应大小事务一概益发付于度外，只是看书，闷了便与清客们下棋吃酒，或日间在里面母子夫妻共叙天伦庭闱之乐。因今岁八月初三日乃贾母八旬之庆，又因亲友全来，恐筵宴排设不开，便早同贾赦及贾珍贾琏等商议，议定于七月二十八日起至八月初五日止荣宁两处齐开筵宴，宁国府中单请官客，荣国府中单请堂客，大观园中收拾出缀锦阁并嘉荫堂等几处大地方来作退居。二十八日请皇亲附马王公诸公主郡主王妃国君太君夫人等，二十九日便是阁下都府督镇及诰命等，三十日便是诸官长及诰命并远近亲友及堂客。初一日是贾赦的家宴，初二日是贾政，初三日是贾珍贾琏，初四日是贾府中合族长幼大小共凑的家宴。初五日是赖大林之孝等家下管事人等共凑一日。自七月上旬，送寿礼者便络绎不绝。礼部奉旨：钦赐金玉如意一柄，彩缎四端，金玉环四个，帑银五百两。元春又命太监送出金寿星一尊，沉香拐一只，伽南珠一串，福寿香一盒，金锭一对，银锭四对，彩缎十二匹，玉杯四只。余者自亲王驸马以及大小文武官员之家凡所来往者，莫不有礼，不能胜记。堂屋内设下大桌案，铺了红毡，将凡所有精细之物都摆上，请贾母过目。贾母先一二日还高兴过来瞧瞧，后来烦了，也不过目，只说：“叫凤丫头收了，改日闷了再瞧。”至二十八日，两府中俱悬灯结彩，屏开鸾凤，褥设芙蓉，笙箫鼓乐之音，通衢越巷。宁府中本日只有北静王，南安郡王，永昌驸马，乐善郡王并几个世交公侯应袭，荣府中南安王太妃，北静王妃并几位世交公侯诰命。贾母等皆是按品大妆迎接。大家厮见，先请入大观园内嘉荫堂，茶毕更衣，方出至荣庆堂上拜寿入席。大家谦逊半日，方才入席。上面两席是南，北王妃，下面依叙，便是众公侯诰命。左边下手一席，陪客是锦乡侯诰命与临昌伯诰命，右边下手一席，方是贾母主位。邢夫人王夫人带领尤氏凤姐并族中几个媳妇，两溜雁翅站在贾母身后侍立。林之孝赖大家的带领众媳妇都在竹帘外面侍候上菜上酒，周瑞家的带领几个丫鬟在围屏后侍候呼唤。凡跟来的人，早又有人别处管待去了。一时台上参了场，台下一色十二个未留发的小厮侍候。须臾，一小厮捧了戏单至阶下，先递与回事的媳妇。这媳妇接了，才递与林之孝家的，用一小茶盘托上，挨身入帘来递与尤氏的侍妾佩凤。佩凤接了才奉与尤氏。尤氏托著走至上席，南安太妃谦让了一回，点了一出吉庆戏文，然后又谦让了一回，北静王妃也点了一出。众人又让了一回，命随便拣好的唱罢了。少时，菜已四献，汤始一道，跟来各家的放了赏。大家便更衣复入园来，另献好茶。

南安太妃因問寶玉，賈母笑道：“今日幾處廟里念‘保安延壽經’，他跪經去了。”又問眾小姐們，賈母笑道：“他們姊妹們病的病，弱的弱，見人靦腆，所以叫他們給我看屋子去了。The Dowager Princess of Nan'an then asked after Baoyu, and Grandmother Jia said with a smile, "Several temples are chanting the Sutra for Protection and Longevity today, and he has gone to kneel through the recitation." She then asked after the young ladies, and Grandmother Jia said with a smile, "My granddaughters — some are ill, some are frail, and some are shy before strangers, so I sent them off to mind my rooms for me.有的是小戲子，傳了一班在那邊廳上陪著他姨娘家姊妹們也看戲呢。”南安太妃笑道：“既這樣，叫人請來。”賈母回頭命鳳姐兒去把史，薛，林帶來，”再只叫你三妹妹陪著來罷。”鳳姐答應了，來至賈母這邊，只見他姊妹們正吃果子看戲，寶玉也才從廟里跪經回來。"There happen to be some young actors, so I had a troupe brought over to that hall to keep company with her cousins from her aunt's side while they watch the opera too." The Dowager Princess of Nan'an said with a smile, "In that case, have someone invite them here." Grandmother Jia turned and told Xifeng to bring Shi, Xue, and Lin, adding, "And just have your third sister come along to keep them company." Xifeng assented and went to Grandmother Jia's side, where she found the young ladies just then eating fruit and watching the opera, and Baoyu had also just returned from kneeling through the sutra recitation at the temple.鳳姐兒說了話。Xifeng told them what had been said.寶釵姊妹與黛玉探春湘雲五人來至園中，大家見了，不過請安問好讓坐等事。Baochai and her cousin, together with Daiyu, Tanchun, and Xiangyun — five in all — came into the Garden, and when everyone met, it was no more than an exchange of greetings, inquiries after health, and offers of seats.眾人中也有見過的，還有一兩家不曾見過的，都齊聲夸贊不絕。Among the guests some had met them before, and one or two households had not, but all of them praised the girls with one voice, without end.其中湘雲最熟，南安太妃因笑道：“你在這里，聽見我來了還不出來，還只等請去。Of them all, Xiangyun was on the most familiar terms, and the Dowager Princess of Nan'an said to her with a smile, "So you were here all along, and even hearing I had come, you didn't come out, but waited to be sent for.我明兒和你叔叔算帳。”因一手拉著探春，一手拉著寶釵，問幾歲了，又連聲夸贊。"I'll settle accounts with your uncle tomorrow." So saying, she took Tanchun by one hand and Baochai by the other, asked their ages, and praised them again and again.因又松了他兩個，又拉著黛玉寶琴，也著實細看，极夸一回。Then, letting go of the two of them, she took hold of Daiyu and Baoqin instead, looked them over closely as well, and praised them highly for a while.又笑道：“都是好的，你不知叫我夸那一個的是。”早有人將備用禮物打點出五分來：金玉戒指各五個，腕香珠五串。She said with a smile again, "They're all so lovely, I hardly know which one to praise." By then someone had already prepared five sets of gifts set aside for the purpose: five gold rings and five jade rings each, and five strings of fragrant wrist beads.南安太妃笑道：“你們姊妹們別笑話，留著賞丫頭們罷。”五人忙拜謝過。The Dowager Princess of Nan'an said with a smile, "Don't laugh at these, my dears — keep them to reward your maids with." The five girls hastily bowed their thanks.北靜王妃也有五樣禮物，餘者不必細說。The Princess of Beijing likewise had five kinds of gifts for them; the rest need not be described in detail.

南安太妃因问宝玉，贾母笑道：“今日几处庙里念‘保安延寿经’，他跪经去了。”又问众小姐们，贾母笑道：“他们姊妹们病的病，弱的弱，见人腼腆，所以叫他们给我看屋子去了。有的是小戏子，传了一班在那边厅上陪著他姨娘家姊妹们也看戏呢。”南安太妃笑道：“既这样，叫人请来。”贾母回头命凤姐儿去把史，薛，林带来，”再只叫你三妹妹陪著来罢。”凤姐答应了，来至贾母这边，只见他姊妹们正吃果子看戏，宝玉也才从庙里跪经回来。凤姐儿说了话。宝钗姊妹与黛玉探春湘云五人来至园中，大家见了，不过请安问好让坐等事。众人中也有见过的，还有一两家不曾见过的，都齐声夸赞不绝。其中湘云最熟，南安太妃因笑道：“你在这里，听见我来了还不出来，还只等请去。我明儿和你叔叔算帐。”因一手拉著探春，一手拉著宝钗，问几岁了，又连声夸赞。因又松了他两个，又拉著黛玉宝琴，也著实细看，极夸一回。又笑道：“都是好的，你不知叫我夸那一个的是。”早有人将备用礼物打点出五分来：金玉戒指各五个，腕香珠五串。南安太妃笑道：“你们姊妹们别笑话，留著赏丫头们罢。”五人忙拜谢过。北静王妃也有五样礼物，余者不必细说。

吃了茶，園中略逛了一逛，賈母等因又讓入席。After drinking tea and strolling briefly through the Garden, Grandmother Jia and the others invited the guests back to their seats.南安太妃便告辭，說身上不快，“今日若不來，實在使不得，因此恕我竟先要告別了。”賈母等聽說，也不便強留，大家又讓了一回，送至園門，坐轎而去。The Dowager Princess of Nan'an then took her leave, saying she was not feeling well: "Had I not come today, it truly would not have done, and so please forgive me — I must take my leave first." Hearing this, Grandmother Jia and the others could hardly press her to stay; everyone deferred once more, saw her off to the Garden gate, and she departed by sedan chair.接著北靜王妃略坐一坐也就告辭了。Following her, the Princess of Beijing sat a little while longer and then likewise took her leave.餘者也有終席的，也有不終席的。Of the rest, some stayed through to the end of the banquet, and some did not.賈母勞乏了一日，次日便不會人，一應都是邢夫人王夫人管待。Grandmother Jia, worn out from the day's exertions, received no one the next day, and all the entertaining was left to Lady Xing and Lady Wang.有那些世家子弟拜壽的，只到廳上行禮，賈赦，賈政，賈珍等還禮管待，至宁府坐席。As for the sons of the old noble families who came to offer birthday congratulations, they merely came to the hall to pay their respects, and Jia She, Jia Zheng, Jia Zhen, and the others returned the courtesy and entertained them, taking their seats at the Ning mansion.不在話下。But no more of that for now.

吃了茶，园中略逛了一逛，贾母等因又让入席。南安太妃便告辞，说身上不快，“今日若不来，实在使不得，因此恕我竟先要告别了。”贾母等听说，也不便强留，大家又让了一回，送至园门，坐轿而去。接著北静王妃略坐一坐也就告辞了。余者也有终席的，也有不终席的。贾母劳乏了一日，次日便不会人，一应都是邢夫人王夫人管待。有那些世家子弟拜寿的，只到厅上行礼，贾赦，贾政，贾珍等还礼管待，至宁府坐席。不在话下。

這幾日，尤氏晚間也不回那府里去，白日間待客，晚間在園內李氏房中歇宿。During these days, You-shi did not return to her own mansion in the evenings; by day she entertained guests, and at night she lodged in Li-shi's [Li Wan's] rooms within the Garden.這日晚間伏侍過賈母晚飯後，賈母因說：“你們也乏了，我也乏了，早些尋一點子吃的歇歇去。That evening, after attending Grandmother Jia through her supper, Grandmother Jia said, "You're all worn out too, and so am I. Go find yourselves a bite to eat early and get some rest.明兒還要起早鬧呢。”尤氏答應著退了出來，到鳳姐兒房里來吃飯。"Tomorrow we'll have to be up early again for the bustle." You-shi assented and withdrew, going to Xifeng's rooms to eat.鳳姐兒在樓上看著人收送禮的新圍屏，只有平兒在房里與鳳姐兒疊衣服。Xifeng was upstairs supervising the putting-away of the new folding screens that had been sent as gifts; only Pinger was in the room, folding clothes with her.尤氏因問：“你們奶奶吃了飯了沒有？”平兒笑道：“吃飯豈不請奶奶去的。”尤氏笑道：“既這樣，我別處找吃的去。You-shi asked, "Has your mistress eaten yet?" Pinger said with a smile, "If she'd eaten, wouldn't she have sent to invite you, ma'am?" You-shi said with a smile, "In that case, I'll go find something to eat elsewhere.餓的我受不得了。”說著，就走。"I'm so hungry I can't bear it any longer." So saying, she started to leave.平兒忙笑道：“奶奶請回來。Pinger hurriedly said with a smile, "Please come back, ma'am.這里有點心，且點補一點兒，回來再吃飯。”尤氏笑道：“你們忙的這樣，我園里和他姊妹們鬧去。”一面說，一面就走。"There are refreshments here — have a little something to tide you over, and eat properly later." You-shi said with a smile, "You're all so busy here — I'll go into the Garden and have some fun with the girls instead." As she spoke, she walked off.平兒留不住，只得罷了。Pinger could not keep her from leaving, and so had no choice but to let her go.

这几日，尤氏晚间也不回那府里去，白日间待客，晚间在园内李氏房中歇宿。这日晚间伏侍过贾母晚饭后，贾母因说：“你们也乏了，我也乏了，早些寻一点子吃的歇歇去。明儿还要起早闹呢。”尤氏答应著退了出来，到凤姐儿房里来吃饭。凤姐儿在楼上看著人收送礼的新围屏，只有平儿在房里与凤姐儿叠衣服。尤氏因问：“你们奶奶吃了饭了没有？”平儿笑道：“吃饭岂不请奶奶去的。”尤氏笑道：“既这样，我别处找吃的去。饿的我受不得了。”说著，就走。平儿忙笑道：“奶奶请回来。这里有点心，且点补一点儿，回来再吃饭。”尤氏笑道：“你们忙的这样，我园里和他姊妹们闹去。”一面说，一面就走。平儿留不住，只得罢了。

且說尤氏一徑來至園中，只見園中正門與各處角門仍未關，猶吊著各色彩燈，因回頭命小丫頭叫該班的女人。Now to tell: You-shi went straight into the Garden, and found that the main gate and the various side gates were still unclosed, with colored lanterns of every kind still hanging; so she turned back and told a young maid to summon the women on duty that watch.那丫鬟走入班房中，竟沒一個人影，回來回了尤氏。The maid went into the duty room, but there was not a soul to be seen, and she came back to report this to You-shi.尤氏便命傳管家的女人。You-shi then ordered that the housekeeping women be summoned.這丫頭應了便出去，到二門外鹿頂內，乃是管事的女人議事取齊之所。The maid assented and went out, to the covered shed outside the second gate, which was the place where the managing women gathered to discuss business.到了這里，只有兩個婆子分菜果呢。On arriving there, she found only two old women dividing up dishes of fruit.因問：“那一位奶奶在這里？So she asked, "Which mistress is here?東府奶奶立等一位奶奶，有話吩咐。”這兩個婆子只顧分菜果，又聽見是東府里的奶奶，不大在心上，因就回說：“管家奶奶們才散了。”小丫頭道：“散了，你們家里傳他去。”婆子道：“我們只管看屋子，不管傳人。"The mistress from the East Mansion is waiting for one of you, she has something to instruct." These two old women were absorbed in dividing up the fruit, and hearing it was only the mistress from the East Mansion, did not take it much to heart, so they replied, "The housekeeping mistresses have just now dispersed." The young maid said, "If they've dispersed, then you go summon them." The old women said, "We're only in charge of watching this place, not of summoning people.姑娘要傳人再派傳人的去。”小丫頭聽了道：“噯呀，噯呀，這可反了！"If the young lady wants someone summoned, then send whoever's in charge of summoning." Hearing this, the young maid said, "Well, well, this is outrageous!怎麼你們不傳去？"Why won't you go summon them?你哄那新來了的，怎麼哄起我來了！"Try that trick on some newcomer — how dare you try it on me!素日你們不傳誰傳去！"On ordinary days, if not you, then who does the summoning!這會子打聽了梯己信兒，或是賞了那位管家奶奶的東西，你們爭著狗顛兒似的傳去的，不知誰是誰呢。"Whenever there's some private tip to be had, or some gift given to one of the housekeeping mistresses, you're all falling over yourselves like dogs wagging their tails to go pass the word — no telling one of you from another then.璉二奶奶要傳，你們可也這麼回？”這兩個婆子一則吃了酒，二則被這丫頭揭挑著弊病，便羞激怒了，因回口道：“扯你的臊！"If it were Second Mistress Lian wanting someone summoned, would you answer her the same way?" These two old women, having had some wine, and moreover stung by the maid's exposing their misconduct, grew flustered and angry with shame, and talked back: "Watch your mouth, you shameless thing!我們的事，傳不傳不與你相干！"Whether we go summon someone or not is none of your business!你不用揭挑我們，你想想，你那老子娘在那邊管家爺們跟前比我們還更會溜呢。"No need for you to expose us — just think, your own father and mother, before the managing masters over there, are even better at fawning than we are.什麼‘清水下雜面你吃我也見’的事，各家門，另家戶，你有本事，排場你們那邊人去。"As for that business of 'plain noodles in clear broth, I eat it and I see you eat it too' — each household has its own gate, each family its own affairs. If you've got the nerve, go throw your weight around with your own people over there.我們這邊，你們還早些呢！”丫頭聽了，氣白了臉，因說道：“好，好，這話說的好！”一面轉身進來回話。"As for us over here, you've still got a ways to go before you can order us about!" Hearing this, the maid went pale with anger and said, "Fine, fine, that's well said indeed!" and turned around to go back and report.尤氏已早入園來，因遇見了襲人，寶琴，湘雲三人同著地藏庵的兩個姑子正說故事頑笑，尤氏因說餓了，先到怡紅院，襲人裝了幾樣葷素點心出來與尤氏吃。You-shi had already gone into the Garden by then, and happened to meet Xiren, Baoqin, and Xiangyun, the three of them together with two nuns from Dizang Convent, telling stories and laughing. You-shi, saying she was hungry, went first to Happy Red Court, where Xiren set out several kinds of meat and vegetable refreshments for her to eat.兩個姑子，寶琴，湘雲等都吃茶，仍說故事。The two nuns, Baoqin, Xiangyun, and the others all drank tea and went on telling their stories.那小丫頭子一徑找了來，氣狠狠的把方才的話都說了出來。That young maid came straight there looking for them, and in a fury poured out everything that had just been said.尤氏聽了，冷笑道：“這是兩個什麼人？”兩個姑子并寶琴湘雲等聽了，生怕尤氏生氣，忙勸說：“沒有的事，必是這一個聽錯了。”兩個姑子笑推這丫頭道：“你這孩子好性氣，那糊涂老嬤嬤們的話，你也不該來回才是。Hearing this, You-shi gave a cold laugh and said, "Just who are these two women?" The two nuns, together with Baoqin, Xiangyun, and the others, hearing this and fearing You-shi would grow angry, hastily urged, "It's surely nothing — this girl must have misheard." The two nuns pushed the maid with a laugh and said, "What a temper you have, child. Whatever those muddle-headed old women said, you shouldn't have come to report it in the first place.咱們奶奶萬金之軀，勞乏了幾日，黃湯辣水沒吃，咱們哄他歡喜一會還不得一半兒，說這些話做什麼。”襲人也忙笑拉出他去，說：“好妹子，你且出去歇歇，我打發人叫他們去。”尤氏道：“你不要叫人，你去就叫這兩個婆子來，到那邊把他們家的鳳兒叫來。”襲人笑道：“我請去。”尤氏道：“偏不要你去。”兩個姑子忙立起身來，笑道：“奶奶素日寬洪大量，今日老祖宗千秋，奶奶生氣，豈不惹人談論。”寶琴湘雲二人也都笑勸。"Our mistress has a body precious as ten thousand pieces of gold, and has been worn out and toiling for days, without so much as a sip of hot broth — even if we all coax her into a bit of good cheer, it wouldn't make up half of it, so why bring up such talk?" Xiren too hurried, laughing, to pull the maid away, saying, "There now, little sister, go rest a while — I'll send someone to fetch them myself." You-shi said, "Don't send anyone — go yourself and fetch these two old women, and while you're at it, call Feng'er from over there too." Xiren said with a smile, "Let me go invite them." You-shi said, "I especially don't want you to go." The two nuns hastily rose to their feet and said with a smile, "You, ma'am, are ordinarily so generous and broad-minded — today is our Old Ancestress's birthday, and if you grow angry, won't it only give people something to gossip about?" Baoqin and Xiangyun both likewise urged her with smiles to let it go.尤氏道：“不為老太太的千秋，我斷不依。You-shi said, "If it weren't for Grandmother's birthday, I would absolutely not let this pass.且放著就是了。”"I'll just let it rest for now, that's all."

且说尤氏一径来至园中，只见园中正门与各处角门仍未关，犹吊著各色彩灯，因回头命小丫头叫该班的女人。那丫鬟走入班房中，竟没一个人影，回来回了尤氏。尤氏便命传管家的女人。这丫头应了便出去，到二门外鹿顶内，乃是管事的女人议事取齐之所。到了这里，只有两个婆子分菜果呢。因问：“那一位奶奶在这里？东府奶奶立等一位奶奶，有话吩咐。”这两个婆子只顾分菜果，又听见是东府里的奶奶，不大在心上，因就回说：“管家奶奶们才散了。”小丫头道：“散了，你们家里传他去。”婆子道：“我们只管看屋子，不管传人。姑娘要传人再派传人的去。”小丫头听了道：“嗳呀，嗳呀，这可反了！怎么你们不传去？你哄那新来了的，怎么哄起我来了！素日你们不传谁传去！这会子打听了梯己信儿，或是赏了那位管家奶奶的东西，你们争著狗颠儿似的传去的，不知谁是谁呢。琏二奶奶要传，你们可也这么回？”这两个婆子一则吃了酒，二则被这丫头揭挑著弊病，便羞激怒了，因回口道：“扯你的臊！我们的事，传不传不与你相干！你不用揭挑我们，你想想，你那老子娘在那边管家爷们跟前比我们还更会溜呢。什么‘清水下杂面你吃我也见’的事，各家门，另家户，你有本事，排场你们那边人去。我们这边，你们还早些呢！”丫头听了，气白了脸，因说道：“好，好，这话说的好！”一面转身进来回话。尤氏已早入园来，因遇见了袭人，宝琴，湘云三人同著地藏庵的两个姑子正说故事顽笑，尤氏因说饿了，先到怡红院，袭人装了几样荤素点心出来与尤氏吃。两个姑子，宝琴，湘云等都吃茶，仍说故事。那小丫头子一径找了来，气狠狠的把方才的话都说了出来。尤氏听了，冷笑道：“这是两个什么人？”两个姑子并宝琴湘云等听了，生怕尤氏生气，忙劝说：“没有的事，必是这一个听错了。”两个姑子笑推这丫头道：“你这孩子好性气，那糊涂老嬷嬷们的话，你也不该来回才是。咱们奶奶万金之躯，劳乏了几日，黄汤辣水没吃，咱们哄他欢喜一会还不得一半儿，说这些话做什么。”袭人也忙笑拉出他去，说：“好妹子，你且出去歇歇，我打发人叫他们去。”尤氏道：“你不要叫人，你去就叫这两个婆子来，到那边把他们家的凤儿叫来。”袭人笑道：“我请去。”尤氏道：“偏不要你去。”两个姑子忙立起身来，笑道：“奶奶素日宽洪大量，今日老祖宗千秋，奶奶生气，岂不惹人谈论。”宝琴湘云二人也都笑劝。尤氏道：“不为老太太的千秋，我断不依。且放著就是了。”

說話之間，襲人早又遣了一個丫頭去到園門外找人，可巧遇見周瑞家的，這小丫頭子就把這話告訴周瑞家的。Even as they spoke, Xiren had already sent another maid out to the Garden gate to find someone, and as it happened she ran into Zhou Rui's wife, so the young maid told her the whole story.周瑞家的雖不管事，因他素日仗著是王夫人的陪房，原有些体面，心性乖滑，專管各處獻勤討好，所以各處房里的主人都喜歡他。Zhou Rui's wife, although she held no managerial post, had always relied on her position as Lady Wang's dowry-maid-turned-housekeeper to carry some standing, and being of a shrewd and ingratiating nature, made it her business to curry favor in every quarter, so that the mistresses of every household there were fond of her.他今日聽了這話，忙的便跑入怡紅院來，一面飛走，一面口內說：“氣坏了奶奶了，可了不得！Hearing this news today, she hurried at once into Happy Red Court, and as she flew along she said, "The mistress has been made so angry, this is dreadful!我們家里，如今慣的太不堪了。"Our household staff have been spoiled far too shamefully these days.偏生我不在跟前，若在跟前，且打給他們幾個耳刮子，再等過了這幾日算帳。”尤氏見了他，也便笑道：“周姐姐你來，有個理你說說。"It's just my luck I wasn't there — if I had been, I'd have given them a few slaps across the face on the spot, and settled the rest of the accounts once these days are over." Seeing her, You-shi said with a smile, "Sister Zhou, come here, let me tell you what's fair about this.這早晚門還大開著，明燈蜡燭，出入的人又雜，倘有不防的事，如何使得？"At this late hour the gates are still wide open, with bright lamps and candles burning, and all sorts of people coming and going — if something unexpected were to happen, how would that do?因此叫該班的人吹燈關門。"So I told the maid to have the women on duty put out the lights and shut the gates.誰知一個人芽兒也沒有。”周瑞家的道：“這還了得！"Who would have thought there wasn't a single soul to be found." Zhou Rui's wife said, "Well, this simply won't do!前兒二奶奶還吩咐了他們，說這幾日事多人雜，一晚就關門吹燈，不是園里人不許放進去。"Just the other day Second Mistress Lian gave them express orders, saying that with so much going on and so many people about these days, the gates were to be shut and the lights put out as soon as evening came, and no one who did not belong in the Garden was to be let in.今兒就沒了人。"And today there's not a soul to be found.這事過了這幾日，必要打幾個才好。”尤氏又說小丫頭子的話。"Once these days are over, some of them really ought to be beaten for this." You-shi then also related what the young maid had said.周瑞家的道：“奶奶不要生氣，等過了事，我告訴管事的打他個臭死。Zhou Rui's wife said, "Don't be angry, ma'am — once things have settled down, I'll tell the managers to give them a sound beating they won't forget.只問他們，誰叫他們說這‘各家門各家戶’的話！"Just ask them, who told them to say that about 'each household its own gate'!我已經叫他們吹了燈，關上正門和角門子。”正亂著，只見鳳姐兒打發人來請吃飯。"I've already had them put out the lights and shut the main gate and the side gates." Just as things were in this bustle, Xifeng sent someone to invite You-shi to come eat.尤氏道：“我也不餓了，才吃了幾個餑餑，請你奶奶自吃罷。”You-shi said, "I'm not hungry anymore, I just ate a few pastries — tell your mistress to eat by herself."

说话之间，袭人早又遣了一个丫头去到园门外找人，可巧遇见周瑞家的，这小丫头子就把这话告诉周瑞家的。周瑞家的虽不管事，因他素日仗著是王夫人的陪房，原有些体面，心性乖滑，专管各处献勤讨好，所以各处房里的主人都喜欢他。他今日听了这话，忙的便跑入怡红院来，一面飞走，一面口内说：“气坏了奶奶了，可了不得！我们家里，如今惯的太不堪了。偏生我不在跟前，若在跟前，且打给他们几个耳刮子，再等过了这几日算帐。”尤氏见了他，也便笑道：“周姐姐你来，有个理你说说。这早晚门还大开著，明灯蜡烛，出入的人又杂，倘有不防的事，如何使得？因此叫该班的人吹灯关门。谁知一个人芽儿也没有。”周瑞家的道：“这还了得！前儿二奶奶还吩咐了他们，说这几日事多人杂，一晚就关门吹灯，不是园里人不许放进去。今儿就没了人。这事过了这几日，必要打几个才好。”尤氏又说小丫头子的话。周瑞家的道：“奶奶不要生气，等过了事，我告诉管事的打他个臭死。只问他们，谁叫他们说这‘各家门各家户’的话！我已经叫他们吹了灯，关上正门和角门子。”正乱著，只见凤姐儿打发人来请吃饭。尤氏道：“我也不饿了，才吃了几个饽饽，请你奶奶自吃罢。”

一時周瑞家的得便出去，便把方才的事回了鳳姐，又說：“這兩個婆婆就是管家奶奶，時常我們和他說話，都似狠虫一般。Presently Zhou Rui's wife found a chance to slip out, and reported what had just happened to Xifeng, adding, "Those two old women are actually two of the housekeeping mistresses — ordinarily whenever we speak with them, they're fierce as venomous creatures.奶奶若不戒飭，大奶奶臉上過不去。”鳳姐道：“既這麼著，記上兩個人的名字，等過了這幾日，捆了送到那府里憑大嫂子開發，或是打幾下子，或是開恩饒了他們，隨他去就是了，什麼大事。”周瑞家的聽了，巴不得一聲兒，素日因與這幾個人不睦，出來了便命一個小廝到林之孝家傳鳳姐的話，立刻叫林之孝家的進來見大奶奶，一面又傳人立刻捆起這兩個婆子來，交到馬圈里派人看守。"If you don't discipline them, ma'am, it will be embarrassing for Eldest Mistress." Xifeng said, "Very well then, note down the two women's names, and once these days are over, have them bound and sent over to that mansion for Eldest Sister-in-law to deal with as she sees fit — whether to give them a few strokes, or in her mercy to pardon them, either way, let her do as she likes. It's no great matter." Hearing this, Zhou Rui's wife was only too glad to comply — having long been on bad terms with these women — and as soon as she came out she ordered a page boy to go to Lin Zhixiao's wife and relay Xifeng's words, telling her to come at once to see Eldest Mistress, while at the same time sending word to have the two old women bound immediately and handed over to the stables to be placed under guard.

一时周瑞家的得便出去，便把方才的事回了凤姐，又说：“这两个婆婆就是管家奶奶，时常我们和他说话，都似狠虫一般。奶奶若不戒饬，大奶奶脸上过不去。”凤姐道：“既这么著，记上两个人的名字，等过了这几日，捆了送到那府里凭大嫂子开发，或是打几下子，或是开恩饶了他们，随他去就是了，什么大事。”周瑞家的听了，巴不得一声儿，素日因与这几个人不睦，出来了便命一个小厮到林之孝家传凤姐的话，立刻叫林之孝家的进来见大奶奶，一面又传人立刻捆起这两个婆子来，交到马圈里派人看守。

林之孝家的不知有什麼事，此時已經點燈，忙坐車進來，先見鳳姐。Lin Zhixiao's wife, not knowing what the matter was, and it being already lamp-lighting time by then, hurried in by carriage and went first to see Xifeng.至二門上傳進話去，丫頭們出來說：“奶奶才歇了。When she had the message relayed in at the second gate, the maids came out and said, "The mistress has only just retired.大奶奶在園里，叫大娘見了大奶奶就是了。”林之孝家的只得進園來到稻香村，丫鬟們回進去，尤氏聽了反過意不去，忙喚進他來，因笑向他道：“我不過為找人找不著因問你，你既去了，也不是什麼大事，誰又把你叫進來，倒要你白跑一遭。"Eldest Mistress is in the Garden — just go see Eldest Mistress instead." Lin Zhixiao's wife had no choice but to go into the Garden to Rice-Fragrance Village, and the maids went in to announce her. You-shi, hearing this, felt rather bad about it, and hastily had her called in, saying to her with a smile, "It was only that I couldn't find anyone and so asked after you — since you had already gone home, it was no great matter; who was it that called you back in, making you run all this way for nothing?不大的事，已經撒開手了。”林之孝家的也笑道：“二奶奶打發人傳我，說奶奶有話吩咐。”尤氏笑道：“這是那里的話，只當你沒去，白問你。"It was nothing much, and I've already let it drop." Lin Zhixiao's wife likewise said with a smile, "Second Mistress sent someone to summon me, saying you, ma'am, had something to instruct." You-shi said with a smile, "What are you talking about — just consider it as if you'd never gone, and that I asked you for nothing.這是誰又多事告訴了鳳丫頭，大約周姐姐說的。"I wonder who it was that meddled and told Xifeng — it was probably Sister Zhou.家去歇著罷，沒有什麼大事。”李紈又要說原故，尤氏反攔住了。"Go on home and rest, there's nothing much to it." Li Wan was about to explain the reason, but You-shi stopped her instead.林之孝家的見如此，只得便回身出園去。Seeing things stood thus, Lin Zhixiao's wife had no choice but to turn and go back out of the Garden.可巧遇見趙姨娘，姨娘因笑道：“噯喲喲，我的嫂子！As it happened, she ran into Concubine Zhao, who said to her with a laugh, "Oh my, sister-in-law!這會子還不家去歇歇，還跑些什麼？”林之孝家的便笑說何曾不家去的，如此這般進來了。"At this hour you still haven't gone home to rest — what are you running around for?" Lin Zhixiao's wife said with a smile that she certainly had been going home, and then explained how she'd been called back in, just so.又是個齊頭故事。And so it was the same story all over again.趙姨娘原是好察聽這些事的，且素日又與管事的女人們扳厚，互相連絡，好作首尾。Concubine Zhao had always been fond of ferreting out such matters, and besides, she was on close terms with the managing women in the ordinary course of things, keeping in touch with one another so as to have connections to draw on.方才之事，已竟聞得八九，聽林之孝家的如此說，便恁般如此告訴了林之孝家的一遍，林之孝家的聽了，笑道：“原來是這事，也值一個屁！Of what had just happened, she had already heard eight or nine parts of it, and on hearing Lin Zhixiao's wife's account, she told her the whole matter in full, just as it had happened. Lin Zhixiao's wife, hearing this, said with a laugh, "So that's what it was — not worth a fart!開恩呢，就不理論，心窄些兒，也不過打幾下子就完了。”趙姨娘道：“我的嫂子，事雖不大，可見他們太張狂了些。"If mercy is shown, it'll simply be dropped; if someone's a bit narrow-minded about it, it'll amount to no more than a few strokes and be done with." Concubine Zhao said, "My dear sister-in-law, small as the matter is, it does show those two have gotten too insolent.巴巴的傳進你來，明明戲弄你，頑算你。"To go out of their way to summon you in like that — it's plainly making sport of you, playing a trick on you.快歇歇去，明兒還有事呢，也不留你吃茶去。”"Go rest quickly now, there'll be more to do tomorrow — I won't keep you here for tea."

林之孝家的不知有什么事，此时已经点灯，忙坐车进来，先见凤姐。至二门上传进话去，丫头们出来说：“奶奶才歇了。大奶奶在园里，叫大娘见了大奶奶就是了。”林之孝家的只得进园来到稻香村，丫鬟们回进去，尤氏听了反过意不去，忙唤进他来，因笑向他道：“我不过为找人找不著因问你，你既去了，也不是什么大事，谁又把你叫进来，倒要你白跑一遭。不大的事，已经撒开手了。”林之孝家的也笑道：“二奶奶打发人传我，说奶奶有话吩咐。”尤氏笑道：“这是那里的话，只当你没去，白问你。这是谁又多事告诉了凤丫头，大约周姐姐说的。家去歇著罢，没有什么大事。”李纨又要说原故，尤氏反拦住了。林之孝家的见如此，只得便回身出园去。可巧遇见赵姨娘，姨娘因笑道：“嗳哟哟，我的嫂子！这会子还不家去歇歇，还跑些什么？”林之孝家的便笑说何曾不家去的，如此这般进来了。又是个齐头故事。赵姨娘原是好察听这些事的，且素日又与管事的女人们扳厚，互相连络，好作首尾。方才之事，已竟闻得八九，听林之孝家的如此说，便恁般如此告诉了林之孝家的一遍，林之孝家的听了，笑道：“原来是这事，也值一个屁！开恩呢，就不理论，心窄些儿，也不过打几下子就完了。”赵姨娘道：“我的嫂子，事虽不大，可见他们太张狂了些。巴巴的传进你来，明明戏弄你，顽算你。快歇歇去，明儿还有事呢，也不留你吃茶去。”

說畢，林之孝家的出來，到了側門前，就有方才兩個婆子的女兒上來哭著求情。With that said, Lin Zhixiao's wife came out, and on reaching the side gate, the daughters of the two old women came up in tears to plead for mercy.林之孝家的笑道：“你這孩子好糊涂，誰叫你娘吃酒混說了，惹出事來，連我也不知道。Lin Zhixiao's wife said with a laugh, "What a muddle-headed child you are. Who told your mother to drink wine and talk nonsense and stir up trouble — even I don't know the details.二奶奶打發人捆他，連我還有不是呢。"Second Mistress sent someone to have her bound — even I'm somehow in the wrong over this.我替誰討請去。”這兩個小丫頭子才七八歲，原不識事，只管哭啼求告。"Whom should I go plead on her behalf to?" These two young girls, only seven or eight years old, did not understand matters at all, and simply went on weeping and begging.纏的林之孝家的沒法，因說道：“糊涂東西！Pestered until she was at her wit's end, Lin Zhixiao's wife said, "You silly things!你放著門路不去，卻纏我來。"You have a way open to you and won't take it, and instead pester me.你姐姐現給了那邊太太作陪房費大娘的兒子，你走過去告訴你姐姐，叫親家娘和太太一說，什麼完不了的事！”一語提醒了一個，那一個還求。"Your elder sister is now married to the son of Fei-niang, Her Ladyship's dowry-servant over there — go tell your sister, and have her mother-in-law have a word with Her Ladyship, and there's nothing that can't be settled!" These words brought one of the girls to her senses, but the other still went on pleading.林之孝家的啐道：“糊涂攮的！Lin Zhixiao's wife spat out, 'You muddled wretch!他過去一說，自然都完了。Once he goes over and speaks, it will naturally all be settled.沒有個單放了他媽，又只打你媽的理。”說畢，上車去了。There's no reason to release only his mother and then go and beat only your mother.' With that, she got into her carriage and left.

说毕，林之孝家的出来，到了侧门前，就有方才两个婆子的女儿上来哭著求情。林之孝家的笑道：“你这孩子好糊涂，谁叫你娘吃酒混说了，惹出事来，连我也不知道。二奶奶打发人捆他，连我还有不是呢。我替谁讨请去。”这两个小丫头子才七八岁，原不识事，只管哭啼求告。缠的林之孝家的没法，因说道：“糊涂东西！你放著门路不去，却缠我来。你姐姐现给了那边太太作陪房费大娘的儿子，你走过去告诉你姐姐，叫亲家娘和太太一说，什么完不了的事！”一语提醒了一个，那一个还求。林之孝家的啐道：“糊涂攮的！他过去一说，自然都完了。没有个单放了他妈，又只打你妈的理。”说毕，上车去了。

這一個小丫頭果然過來告訴了他姐姐，和費婆子說了。Sure enough, this little maid went and told her elder sister, and repeated it to Granny Fei as well.這費婆子原是邢夫人的陪房，起先也曾興過時，只因賈母近來不大作興邢夫人，所以連這邊的人也減了威勢。This Granny Fei was originally one of Madam Xing's dowry servants, and at first she too had enjoyed some influence, but because Grandmother Jia had of late not shown much favor to Madam Xing, even the people on this side had lost some of their standing.凡賈政這邊有些体面的人，那邊各各皆虎視耽耽。Whoever on Jia Zheng's side had any standing, those on the other side all eyed them like tigers watching their prey.這費婆子常倚老賣老，仗著邢夫人，常吃些酒，嘴里胡罵亂怨的出氣。This Granny Fei often traded on her age, presuming on Madam Xing's backing, and would often drink a little wine and vent her feelings with wild scolding and grumbling.如今賈母慶壽這樣大事，干看著人家逞才賣技辦事，呼么喝六弄手腳，心中早已不自在，指雞罵狗，閒言閒語的亂鬧。Now, with Grandmother Jia's birthday celebration such a great affair, she could only stand by and watch others show off their skills and talents in managing things, calling out orders and bustling about, so that she already felt most uneasy at heart, and went about pointing at the chicken to curse the dog, stirring up idle talk and gossip.這邊的人也不和他較量。The people on this side did not bother to argue with her.如今聽了周瑞家的捆了他親家，越發火上澆油，仗著酒興，指著隔斷的牆大罵了一陣，便走上來求邢夫人，說他親家并沒什麼不是，”不過和那府里的大奶奶的小丫頭白斗了兩句話，周瑞家的便調唆了咱家二奶奶捆到馬圈里，等過了這兩日還要打。Now, hearing that Zhou Rui's wife had had her son's mother-in-law's family bound up, it was like pouring oil on the fire; fortified by wine, she pointed at the dividing wall and cursed loudly for a while, then went up to plead with Madam Xing, saying that her relative by marriage had done nothing wrong at all — 'She merely exchanged a few idle words with the young maid of the First Mistress of that other household, and Zhou Rui's wife went and incited our Second Mistress here to have her bound up in the stable, and once these two days are past she means to beat her too.'求太太——我那親家娘也是七八十歲的老婆子——和二奶奶說聲，饒他這一次罷。”邢夫人自為要鴛鴦之後討了沒意思，後來見賈母越發冷淡了他，鳳姐的体面反胜自己，且前日南安太妃來了，要見他姊妹，賈母又只令探春出來，迎春竟似有如無，自己心內早已怨忿不樂，只是使不出來。I beg my lady — that in-law of mine is also an old woman of seventy or eighty — to say a word to the Second Mistress, and let this one time be forgiven her.' Ever since Madam Xing had, after asking for Yuanyang, found herself thoroughly rebuffed, and had afterward seen Grandmother Jia grow ever more distant toward her, with Xifeng's standing actually surpassing her own — and moreover, when the Nanan Consort had come the other day wishing to see the sisters, Grandmother Jia had only sent Tanchun out, while Yingchun was treated as if she scarcely existed — she had long harbored resentment and displeasure in her heart, only she had no way to give it vent.又值這一干小人在側，他們心內嫉妒挾怨之事不敢施展，便背地里造言生事，調撥主人。And just then, with this crowd of petty underlings at her side — people who dared not openly act out the jealousy and grudges in their own hearts — they instead spread rumors and stirred up trouble behind her back, setting their mistress against others.先不過是告那邊的奴才，後來漸次告到鳳姐“只哄著老太太喜歡了他好就中作威作福，轄治著璉二爺，調唆二太太，把這邊的正經太太倒不放在心上。”後來又告到王夫人，說：“老太太不喜歡太太，都是二太太和璉二奶奶調唆的。”邢夫人縱是鐵心銅膽的人，婦女家終不免生些嫌隙之心，近日因此著實惡絕鳳姐。At first it was no more than complaints about the servants on the other side, but little by little these turned into complaints against Xifeng — that 'she only flatters Grandmother Jia into liking her so that she may lord it and play the tyrant in between, controlling Second Master Lian and inciting Madam Wang, while giving no thought at all to the true mistress on this side.' Later the complaints extended to Madam Wang as well, saying, 'Grandmother Jia's dislike of my lady is entirely the doing of Madam Wang and Second Mistress Lian, who have incited her.' Even though Madam Xing was a woman of iron will and bold heart, being a woman after all she could not help but harbor some resentment, and of late she had for this reason come to detest Xifeng thoroughly.今聽了如此一篇話，也不說長短。Now, hearing such a speech, she said nothing either way.至次日一早，見過賈母，眾族人都到齊，坐席開戲。By early the next day, after paying respects to Grandmother Jia, all the clan members had assembled, took their seats, and the opera began.賈母高興，又見今日無遠親，都是自己族中子侄輩，只便衣常妝出來，堂上受禮。Grandmother Jia, being in good spirits, and seeing that today there were no distant relatives present, only her own clan's sons and nephews, came out in her everyday clothes and ordinary dress to receive the ceremonial greetings in the hall.當中獨設一榻，引枕靠背腳踏俱全，自己歪在榻上。In the center a couch was set up alone, complete with a bolster, a backrest, and a footstool, and she reclined upon it.榻之前後左右，皆是一色的小矮凳，寶釵，寶琴，黛玉，湘雲，迎春，探春，惜春姊妹等圍繞。Before, behind, and to either side of the couch were placed matching low stools, around which sat Baochai, Baoqin, Daiyu, Xiangyun, Yingchun, Tanchun, Xichun, and the other sisters.因賈之母也帶了女兒喜鸞，賈瓊之母也帶了女兒四姐兒，還有幾房的孫女兒，大小共有二十來個。Jia Zhi's mother had also brought along her daughter Xiluan, and Jia Qiong's mother had brought her daughter Sister Si, and there were besides the granddaughters of several branches of the family, so that in all, big and small, there were some twenty of them.賈母獨見喜鸞和四姐兒生得又好，說話行事與眾不同，心中喜歡，便命他兩個也過來榻前同坐。Grandmother Jia, noticing that Xiluan and Sister Si alone were both good-looking and spoke and behaved differently from the rest, took a liking to them, and ordered the two of them to come and sit together before the couch as well.寶玉卻在榻上腳下與賈母捶腿。Baoyu, meanwhile, sat at the foot of the couch massaging Grandmother Jia's legs.首席便是薛姨媽，下邊兩溜皆順著房頭輩數下去。The seat of honor was given to Aunt Xue, and below her the two rows of seats followed in order according to branch and generation.帘外兩廊都是族中男客，也依次而坐。Outside the curtain, the two corridors were filled with the male guests of the clan, who likewise took their seats in order.先是那女客一起一起行禮，後方是男客行禮。First the female guests came forward group by group to pay their respects, and only afterward did the male guests do the same.賈母歪在榻上，只命人說“免了罷”，早已都行完了。Grandmother Jia, reclining on her couch, simply had someone call out 'Let it be dispensed with,' and before long all the ceremonies were finished.然後賴大等帶領眾人，從儀門直跪至大廳上，磕頭禮畢，又是眾家下媳婦，然後各房的丫鬟，足鬧了兩三頓飯時。Then Lai Da and the others led the crowd of servants, kneeling all the way from the ceremonial gate to the main hall, and after they had finished kowtowing, it was the turn of the household's married female servants, and after them the maids of the various branches, so that the whole business took up the time of two or three meals.然後又抬了許多雀籠來，在當院中放了生。After that, many cages of birds were carried in and released for merit in the middle of the courtyard.賈赦等焚過了天地壽星紙，方開戲飲酒。Only after Jia She and the others had burned the paper offerings to Heaven, Earth, and the God of Longevity did they begin the opera and the drinking.直到歇了中台，賈母方進來歇息，命他們取便，因命鳳姐兒留下喜鸞四姐兒頑兩日再去。Not until the performance paused in mid-program did Grandmother Jia come in to rest, telling everyone to do as they pleased, and she also told Xifeng to keep Xiluan and Sister Si there to play for a couple of days before letting them go.鳳姐兒出來便和他母親說，他兩個母親素日都承鳳姐的照顧，也巴不得一聲兒。When Xifeng came out she spoke to their mothers about it; both mothers had long relied on Xifeng's care and favor, and were only too glad for the chance.他兩個也願意在園內頑耍，至晚便不回家了。The two girls themselves were also happy to play in the Garden, and when evening came they did not go home.邢夫人直至晚間散時，當著許多人陪笑和鳳姐求情說：“我聽見昨兒晚上二奶奶生氣，打發周管家的娘子捆了兩個老婆子，可也不知犯了什麼罪。Not until the gathering broke up that evening did Madam Xing, smiling before a great many people, come and plead with Xifeng, saying, 'I heard that last night the Second Mistress was angry and sent Steward Zhou's wife to have two old women bound up — though I don't know just what crime they committed.論理我不該討情，我想老太太好日子，發狠的還舍錢舍米，周貧濟老，咱們家先倒折磨起人家來了。By rights I shouldn't be pleading for them, but I thought that on Grandmother's happy birthday, when people go out of their way to give away money and rice, to help the poor and care for the old, here our own family should be the first to go tormenting people instead.不看我的臉，權且看老太太，竟放了他們罷。”說畢，上車去了。If not for my sake, then for Grandmother's sake, just let them go.' With that, she got into her carriage and left.鳳姐聽了這話，又當著許多人，又羞又氣，一時抓尋不著頭腦，憋得臉紫漲，回頭向賴大家的等笑道：“這是那里的話。Hearing this, and with so many people looking on, Xifeng felt both ashamed and angry; for a moment she could make no sense of it at all, and her face flushed purple with suppressed anger. Turning to Lai Da's wife and the others, she said with a forced laugh, 'What kind of talk is this?昨兒因為這里的人得罪了那府里的大嫂子，我怕大嫂子多心，所以盡讓他發放，并不為得罪了我。Yesterday, because someone here had offended the eldest sister-in-law of that other household, I was afraid she might take it to heart, so I let her deal with it entirely as she pleased — it was not on account of anyone offending me.這又是誰的耳報神這麼快。”王夫人因問為什麼事，鳳姐兒笑將昨日的事說了。Whose ears carried this tale so quickly, I wonder.' Madam Wang then asked what the matter was, and Xifeng, laughing, related the events of the day before.尤氏也笑道：“連我并不知道。Mrs. You, too, said with a laugh, 'Even I knew nothing of it.你原也太多事了。”鳳姐兒道：“我為你臉上過不去，所以等你開發，不過是個禮。You really are making too much fuss over it.' Xifeng said, 'It was for your sake, so that you wouldn't be embarrassed, that I waited for you to deal with it — it was merely a formality.就如我在你那里有人得罪了我，你自然送了來盡我。Just as if someone at your place had offended me, you would naturally send them to me to deal with as I saw fit.憑他是什麼好奴才，到底錯不過這個禮去。No matter how good a servant they may be, this point of etiquette can never be dispensed with.這又不知誰過去沒的獻勤兒，這也當一件事情去說。”王夫人道：“你太太說的是。And now who knows who went and made a needless show of officiousness, turning it into some grave matter to talk about.' Madam Wang said, 'What your aunt says is right.就是珍哥兒媳婦也不是外人，也不用這些虛禮。Even Zhen-ge's wife is no outsider, so there's no need for such empty formalities.老太太的千秋要緊，放了他們為是。”說著，回頭便命人去放了那兩個婆子。Grandmother's birthday is what matters most — it would be best to let them go.' So saying, she turned and ordered someone to go and release the two old women.鳳姐由不得越想越氣越愧，不覺的灰心轉悲，滾下淚來。Xifeng, unable to help herself, grew angrier and more mortified the more she thought of it, until, disheartened, her feelings turned to grief and the tears rolled down.因賭氣回房哭泣，又不使人知覺。In her resentment she went back to her room to weep, taking care that no one should notice.偏是賈母打發了琥珀來叫立等說話。But as luck would have it, Grandmother Jia had sent Hupo to fetch her at once for a talk.琥珀見了，詫异道：“好好的，這是什麼原故？When Hupo saw her, she asked in surprise, 'What's happened, that you should be like this out of nowhere?那里立等你呢。”鳳姐聽了，忙擦干了淚，洗面另施了脂粉，方同琥珀過來。She's waiting for you right now.' Hearing this, Xifeng hastily wiped away her tears, washed her face, and put on fresh powder and rouge before going over with Hupo.賈母因問道：“前兒這些人家送禮來的共有幾家有圍屏？”鳳姐兒道：“共有十六家有圍屏，十二架大的，四架小的炕屏。Grandmother Jia asked her, 'Of the households that sent gifts the other day, how many sent folding screens?' Xifeng replied, 'In all there were sixteen households that sent screens — twelve large ones, and four small ones for the kang.內中只有江南甄家一架大屏十二扇，大紅緞子緙絲‘滿床笏’，一面是泥金‘百壽圖’的，是頭等的。Among them, only the twelve-panel large screen from the Zhen family of Jiangnan, of crimson satin worked in kesi tapestry with the design 'Court Tablets Filling the Bed,' with a gold-painted 'Hundred Longevities' design on the reverse, is of the very first quality.還有粵海將軍鄔家一架玻璃的還罷了。”賈母道：“既這樣，這兩架別動，好生擱著，我要送人的。”鳳姐兒答應了。There's also a glass one from the Wu family of the Guangdong Naval Commander that's fairly good too.' Grandmother Jia said, 'In that case, don't touch those two — put them carefully aside, I want to give them as gifts.' Xifeng said she would.鴛鴦忽過來向鳳姐兒面上只管瞧，引的賈母問說：“你不認得他？Yuanyang suddenly came over and stared fixedly at Xifeng's face, which made Grandmother Jia ask, 'Don't you recognize her?只管瞧什麼。”鴛鴦笑道：“怎麼他的眼腫腫的，所以我詫异，只管看。”賈母聽說，便叫進前來，也覷著眼看。What are you staring at so hard?' Yuanyang said with a smile, 'It's just that her eyes look so swollen, that's why I was puzzled and kept looking.' Hearing this, Grandmother Jia called Xifeng closer and peered at her eyes as well.鳳姐笑道：“才覺的一陣痒痒，揉腫了些。”鴛鴦笑道：“別又是受了誰的氣了不成？”鳳姐道：“誰敢給我氣受，便受了氣，老太太好日子，我也不敢哭的。”賈母道：“正是呢。Xifeng said with a smile, 'I just felt a bit of an itch, and rubbed it a little swollen.' Yuanyang said with a laugh, 'Don't tell me someone's been giving you trouble again?' Xifeng said, 'Who would dare give me trouble? And even if someone did, on Grandmother's happy birthday I wouldn't dare cry over it.' Grandmother Jia said, 'That's just as it should be.我正要吃晚飯，你在這里打發我吃，剩下的你就和珍兒媳婦吃了。I'm just about to have my evening meal — you stay here and see to my eating, and what's left over you and Zhen-ge's wife can share.你兩個在這里幫著兩個師傅替我揀佛豆兒，你們也積積壽，前兒你姊妹們和寶玉都揀了，如今也叫你們揀揀，別說我偏心。”說話時，先擺上一桌素的來。The two of you can also help the two nuns pick out my blessing beans here, and lay up a bit of longevity for yourselves too — the other day your sisters and Baoyu all did the picking, so now I'm having you two do it as well, so you can't say I play favorites.' As she spoke, a table of vegetarian dishes was set out first.兩個姑子吃了，然後才擺上葷的，賈母吃畢，抬出外間。The two nuns ate, and only then were the meat dishes set out; when Grandmother Jia finished eating, the table was carried out to the outer room.尤氏鳳姐兒二人正吃，賈母又叫把喜鸞四姐兒二人也叫來，跟他二人吃畢，洗了手，點上香，捧過一升豆子來。While Mrs. You and Xifeng were eating, Grandmother Jia also had Xiluan and Sister Si called over to eat with them; when they had finished, they washed their hands, lit incense, and a measure of beans was brought out.兩個姑子先念了佛偈，然後一個一個的揀在一個簸籮內，每揀一個，念一聲佛。The two nuns first recited a Buddhist verse, and then picked out the beans one by one into a winnowing basket, chanting the Buddha's name once for every bean picked.明日煮熟了，令人在十字街結壽緣。The next day, once the beans were boiled, people were sent to distribute them at the crossroads as an act binding longevity's blessing.賈母歪著聽兩個姑子又說些佛家的因果善事。Grandmother Jia lay reclining and listened as the two nuns went on speaking of Buddhist matters of karma and good works.鴛鴦早已聽見琥珀說鳳姐哭之事，又和平兒前打聽得原故。Yuanyang had already heard from Hupo about Xifeng's crying, and had also earlier questioned Pinger to learn the reason.晚間人散時，便回說：“二奶奶還是哭的，那邊大太太當著人給二奶奶沒臉。”賈母因問為什麼原故，鴛鴦便將原故說了。When everyone dispersed that evening, she reported, 'The Second Mistress had been crying — the elder lady from the other side shamed her in front of everyone.' Grandmother Jia asked what the reason was, and Yuanyang told her the whole story.賈母道：“這才是鳳丫頭知禮處，難道為我的生日由著奴才們把一族中的主子都得罪了也不管罷。Grandmother Jia said, 'This just shows how well Xifeng understands propriety. Surely, just because it's my birthday, I shouldn't let the servants go on offending the masters of the whole clan without a care.這是太太素日沒好氣，不敢發作，所以今兒拿著這個作法子，明是當著眾人給鳳兒沒臉罷了。”正說著，只見寶琴等進來，也就不說了。This is simply that my lady has long been out of sorts but hasn't dared to vent it, so today she used this excuse — it's plain she meant to shame Feng-er in front of everyone, that's all.' Just as she was speaking, Baoqin and the others came in, so she said no more.賈母因問：“你在那里來。”寶琴道：“在園里林姐姐屋里大家說話的。”賈母忽想起一事來，忙喚一個老婆子來，吩咐他：“到園里各處女人們跟前囑咐囑咐，留下的喜姐兒和四姐兒雖然窮，也和家里的姑娘們是一樣，大家照看經心些。Grandmother Jia then asked, 'Where have you come from?' Baoqin said, 'We were all talking together in Sister Lin's room in the Garden.' Grandmother Jia suddenly recalled something, and hastily called over an old woman, instructing her, 'Go to the various women throughout the Garden and give them a word of instruction: though Xiluan and Sister Si, who are staying on, are poor, they are to be treated just the same as the young ladies of the household — everyone is to look after them carefully.我知道咱們家的男男女女都是‘一個富貴心，兩只体面眼’，未必把他兩個放在眼里。I know that the men and women of our household all have 'a heart set on riches and rank, and eyes fixed only on appearances,' and are unlikely to think much of these two girls.有人小看了他們，我聽見可不依。”婆子應了方要走時，鴛鴦道：“我說去罷。If anyone slights them, and I hear of it, I won't let it pass.' The old woman assented and was about to go, when Yuanyang said, 'Let me go and tell them instead.他們那里聽他的話。”說著，便一徑往園子來。They'd never listen to what she says.' So saying, she headed straight off into the Garden.

这一个小丫头果然过来告诉了他姐姐，和费婆子说了。这费婆子原是邢夫人的陪房，起先也曾兴过时，只因贾母近来不大作兴邢夫人，所以连这边的人也减了威势。凡贾政这边有些体面的人，那边各各皆虎视耽耽。这费婆子常倚老卖老，仗著邢夫人，常吃些酒，嘴里胡骂乱怨的出气。如今贾母庆寿这样大事，干看著人家逞才卖技办事，呼么喝六弄手脚，心中早已不自在，指鸡骂狗，闲言闲语的乱闹。这边的人也不和他较量。如今听了周瑞家的捆了他亲家，越发火上浇油，仗著酒兴，指著隔断的墙大骂了一阵，便走上来求邢夫人，说他亲家并没什么不是，”不过和那府里的大奶奶的小丫头白斗了两句话，周瑞家的便调唆了咱家二奶奶捆到马圈里，等过了这两日还要打。求太太——我那亲家娘也是七八十岁的老婆子——和二奶奶说声，饶他这一次罢。”邢夫人自为要鸳鸯之后讨了没意思，后来见贾母越发冷淡了他，凤姐的体面反胜自己，且前日南安太妃来了，要见他姊妹，贾母又只令探春出来，迎春竟似有如无，自己心内早已怨忿不乐，只是使不出来。又值这一干小人在侧，他们心内嫉妒挟怨之事不敢施展，便背地里造言生事，调拨主人。先不过是告那边的奴才，后来渐次告到凤姐“只哄著老太太喜欢了他好就中作威作福，辖治著琏二爷，调唆二太太，把这边的正经太太倒不放在心上。”后来又告到王夫人，说：“老太太不喜欢太太，都是二太太和琏二奶奶调唆的。”邢夫人纵是铁心铜胆的人，妇女家终不免生些嫌隙之心，近日因此著实恶绝凤姐。今听了如此一篇话，也不说长短。至次日一早，见过贾母，众族人都到齐，坐席开戏。贾母高兴，又见今日无远亲，都是自己族中子侄辈，只便衣常妆出来，堂上受礼。当中独设一榻，引枕靠背脚踏俱全，自己歪在榻上。榻之前后左右，皆是一色的小矮凳，宝钗，宝琴，黛玉，湘云，迎春，探春，惜春姊妹等围绕。因贾之母也带了女儿喜鸾，贾琼之母也带了女儿四姐儿，还有几房的孙女儿，大小共有二十来个。贾母独见喜鸾和四姐儿生得又好，说话行事与众不同，心中喜欢，便命他两个也过来榻前同坐。宝玉却在榻上脚下与贾母捶腿。首席便是薛姨妈，下边两溜皆顺著房头辈数下去。帘外两廊都是族中男客，也依次而坐。先是那女客一起一起行礼，后方是男客行礼。贾母歪在榻上，只命人说“免了罢”，早已都行完了。然后赖大等带领众人，从仪门直跪至大厅上，磕头礼毕，又是众家下媳妇，然后各房的丫鬟，足闹了两三顿饭时。然后又抬了许多雀笼来，在当院中放了生。贾赦等焚过了天地寿星纸，方开戏饮酒。直到歇了中台，贾母方进来歇息，命他们取便，因命凤姐儿留下喜鸾四姐儿顽两日再去。凤姐儿出来便和他母亲说，他两个母亲素日都承凤姐的照顾，也巴不得一声儿。他两个也愿意在园内顽耍，至晚便不回家了。邢夫人直至晚间散时，当著许多人陪笑和凤姐求情说：“我听见昨儿晚上二奶奶生气，打发周管家的娘子捆了两个老婆子，可也不知犯了什么罪。论理我不该讨情，我想老太太好日子，发狠的还舍钱舍米，周贫济老，咱们家先倒折磨起人家来了。不看我的脸，权且看老太太，竟放了他们罢。”说毕，上车去了。凤姐听了这话，又当著许多人，又羞又气，一时抓寻不著头脑，憋得脸紫涨，回头向赖大家的等笑道：“这是那里的话。昨儿因为这里的人得罪了那府里的大嫂子，我怕大嫂子多心，所以尽让他发放，并不为得罪了我。这又是谁的耳报神这么快。”王夫人因问为什么事，凤姐儿笑将昨日的事说了。尤氏也笑道：“连我并不知道。你原也太多事了。”凤姐儿道：“我为你脸上过不去，所以等你开发，不过是个礼。就如我在你那里有人得罪了我，你自然送了来尽我。凭他是什么好奴才，到底错不过这个礼去。这又不知谁过去没的献勤儿，这也当一件事情去说。”王夫人道：“你太太说的是。就是珍哥儿媳妇也不是外人，也不用这些虚礼。老太太的千秋要紧，放了他们为是。”说著，回头便命人去放了那两个婆子。凤姐由不得越想越气越愧，不觉的灰心转悲，滚下泪来。因赌气回房哭泣，又不使人知觉。偏是贾母打发了琥珀来叫立等说话。琥珀见了，诧异道：“好好的，这是什么原故？那里立等你呢。”凤姐听了，忙擦干了泪，洗面另施了脂粉，方同琥珀过来。贾母因问道：“前儿这些人家送礼来的共有几家有围屏？”凤姐儿道：“共有十六家有围屏，十二架大的，四架小的炕屏。内中只有江南甄家一架大屏十二扇，大红缎子缂丝‘满床笏’，一面是泥金‘百寿图’的，是头等的。还有粤海将军邬家一架玻璃的还罢了。”贾母道：“既这样，这两架别动，好生搁著，我要送人的。”凤姐儿答应了。鸳鸯忽过来向凤姐儿面上只管瞧，引的贾母问说：“你不认得他？只管瞧什么。”鸳鸯笑道：“怎么他的眼肿肿的，所以我诧异，只管看。”贾母听说，便叫进前来，也觑著眼看。凤姐笑道：“才觉的一阵痒痒，揉肿了些。”鸳鸯笑道：“别又是受了谁的气了不成？”凤姐道：“谁敢给我气受，便受了气，老太太好日子，我也不敢哭的。”贾母道：“正是呢。我正要吃晚饭，你在这里打发我吃，剩下的你就和珍儿媳妇吃了。你两个在这里帮著两个师傅替我拣佛豆儿，你们也积积寿，前儿你姊妹们和宝玉都拣了，如今也叫你们拣拣，别说我偏心。”说话时，先摆上一桌素的来。两个姑子吃了，然后才摆上荤的，贾母吃毕，抬出外间。尤氏凤姐儿二人正吃，贾母又叫把喜鸾四姐儿二人也叫来，跟他二人吃毕，洗了手，点上香，捧过一升豆子来。两个姑子先念了佛偈，然后一个一个的拣在一个簸箩内，每拣一个，念一声佛。明日煮熟了，令人在十字街结寿缘。贾母歪著听两个姑子又说些佛家的因果善事。鸳鸯早已听见琥珀说凤姐哭之事，又和平儿前打听得原故。晚间人散时，便回说：“二奶奶还是哭的，那边大太太当著人给二奶奶没脸。”贾母因问为什么原故，鸳鸯便将原故说了。贾母道：“这才是凤丫头知礼处，难道为我的生日由著奴才们把一族中的主子都得罪了也不管罢。这是太太素日没好气，不敢发作，所以今儿拿著这个作法子，明是当著众人给凤儿没脸罢了。”正说著，只见宝琴等进来，也就不说了。贾母因问：“你在那里来。”宝琴道：“在园里林姐姐屋里大家说话的。”贾母忽想起一事来，忙唤一个老婆子来，吩咐他：“到园里各处女人们跟前嘱咐嘱咐，留下的喜姐儿和四姐儿虽然穷，也和家里的姑娘们是一样，大家照看经心些。我知道咱们家的男男女女都是‘一个富贵心，两只体面眼’，未必把他两个放在眼里。有人小看了他们，我听见可不依。”婆子应了方要走时，鸳鸯道：“我说去罢。他们那里听他的话。”说著，便一径往园子来。

先到稻香村中，李紈與尤氏都不在這里。She went first to Paddy-Sweet Cottage, but neither Li Wan nor Mrs. You was there.問丫鬟們，說“都在三姑娘那里呢。”鴛鴦回身又來至曉翠堂，果見那園中人都在那里說笑。She asked the maids, who told her, 'They're all over at Third Miss's place.' Yuanyang turned and went on to Xiaocui Hall, and sure enough found everyone in the Garden there, talking and laughing.見他來了，都笑說：“你這會子又跑來做什麼？”又讓他坐。Seeing her arrive, they all said with a laugh, 'What are you running over here for at this hour?' and invited her to sit.鴛鴦笑道：“不許我也逛逛么？”于是把方才的話說了一遍。Yuanyang said with a smile, 'Am I not allowed to take a stroll too?' and then repeated what had just been said.李紈忙起身聽了，就叫人把各處的頭兒喚了一個來。Li Wan rose at once on hearing it, and had someone summon the head woman from each place.令他們傳與諸人知道。and told them to pass the word along to everyone.不在話下。No more need be said of that.這里尤氏笑道：“老太太也太想的到，實在我們年輕力壯的人捆上十個也赶不上。”李紈道：“鳳丫頭仗著鬼聰明兒，還離腳蹤兒不遠。Here Mrs. You said with a laugh, 'Grandmother really thinks of everything — truly, even ten of us young and strong ones bound together couldn't match her.' Li Wan said, 'Xifeng, relying on her sharp cleverness, comes closest of anyone to her.咱們是不能的了。”鴛鴦道：“罷喲，還提鳳丫頭虎丫頭呢，他也可怜見兒的。But we ourselves could never manage it.' Yuanyang said, 'Oh, enough — don't even speak of Xifeng, that fierce little tigress; she's pitiable too, in her own way.雖然這幾年沒有在老太太，太太跟前有個錯縫兒，暗里也不知得罪了多少人。Although these past years she hasn't put a foot wrong before Grandmother or my lady, there's no telling how many people she has offended behind the scenes.總而言之，為人是難作的：若太老實了沒有個机變，公婆又嫌太老實了，家里人也不怕，若有些机變，未免又治一經損一經。In short, it's hard to be a person in this world: if you're too honest and have no resourcefulness, your parents-in-law will complain you're too plain and simple, and the people of the house won't be afraid of you either; but if you have some resourcefulness, then inevitably in managing one thing you harm another.如今咱們家里更好，新出來的這些底下奴字號的奶奶們，一個個心滿意足，都不知要怎麼樣才好，少有不得意，不是背地里咬舌根，就是挑三窩四的。And these days in our household it's even worse — these newly risen young mistresses of servant stock are, every one of them, so full of themselves that they hardly know what more they could want; the least little displeasure, and if they're not gossiping maliciously behind people's backs, they're stirring up trouble and picking quarrels.我怕老太太生氣，一點兒也不肯說。I'm afraid of upsetting Grandmother, so I won't breathe a word of it.不然我告訴出來，大家別過太平日子。Otherwise, if I told everything, none of us would have a peaceful day again.這不是我當著三姑娘說，老太太偏疼寶玉，有人背地里怨言還罷了，算是偏心。It's not that I'd say this in front of Third Miss, but Grandmother dotes on Baoyu, and if people grumble about it behind her back, well, that's understandable enough — it can be called favoritism.如今老太太偏疼你，我聽著也是不好。But now that Grandmother dotes on you too, even I feel uneasy hearing about it.這可笑不可笑？”探春笑道：“糊涂人多，那里較量得許多。Isn't that laughable?' Tanchun said with a smile, 'There are so many muddle-headed people about — how could one possibly reason with them all.我說倒不如小人家人少，雖然寒素些，倒是歡天喜地，大家快樂。I say it would be better to belong to a small household with few people — though poorer and plainer, at least everyone would be cheerful and happy together.我們這樣人家人多，外頭看著我們不知千金萬金小姐，何等快樂，殊不知我們這里說不出來的煩難，更利害。”寶玉道：“誰都象三妹妹好多心。In a big family like ours with so many people, outsiders looking in must think we young ladies, worth a thousand or ten thousand gold pieces, live in the greatest happiness — little knowing that the troubles we have here, which can't even be put into words, are far worse.' Baoyu said, 'If only everyone worried as much as Third Sister does.事事我常勸你，總別聽那些俗語，想那俗事，只管安富尊榮才是。In everything, I've often urged you not to listen to such worldly talk or dwell on such worldly cares, but simply to enjoy your wealth and honor in peace.比不得我們沒這清福，該應濁鬧的。”尤氏道：“誰都象你，真是一心無挂礙，只知道和姊妹們頑笑，餓了吃，困了睡，再過幾年，不過還是這樣，一點後事也不慮。”寶玉笑道：“我能夠和姊妹們過一日是一日，死了就完了。We're not like you, who lack this refined good fortune and are bound instead to muddle through the vulgar bustle.' Mrs. You said, 'If everyone were like you, truly with a mind free of all care, knowing only to play and laugh with the sisters, eating when hungry and sleeping when tired — a few more years like this and you'll still be just the same, giving no thought at all to what comes after.' Baoyu said with a smile, 'As long as I can spend my days with the sisters, one day at a time, that's enough — once I die, it's all over.什麼後事不後事。”李紈等都笑道：“這可又是胡說。What does it matter what comes after?' Li Wan and the others all said with a laugh, 'Now you're talking nonsense again.就算你是個沒出息的，終老在這里，難道他姊妹們都不出門的？”尤氏笑道：“怨不得人都說他是假長了一個胎子，究竟是個又傻又呆的。”寶玉笑道：“人事莫定，知道誰死誰活。Even supposing you're good for nothing and grow old right here, surely the sisters won't all stay unmarried forever?' Mrs. You said with a laugh, 'No wonder everyone says he was born with the body of a man but not the sense — he really is both foolish and simple.' Baoyu said with a smile, 'Human affairs are never certain — who knows who will die and who will live.倘或我在今日明日，今年明年死了，也算是遂心一輩子了。”眾人不等說完，便說：“可是又瘋了，別和他說話才好。If I should happen to die today or tomorrow, this year or next, it would still count as having had a lifetime after my own heart.' Before he could even finish, everyone broke in, saying, 'There he goes again, raving — best not to talk with him at all.若和他說話，不是呆話就是瘋話。”喜鸞因笑道：“二哥哥，你別這樣說，等這里姐姐們果然都出了閣，橫豎老太太，太太也寂寞，我來和你作伴兒。”李紈尤氏等都笑道：“姑娘也別說呆話，難道你是不出門的？'Talk with him and you get nothing but foolish or crazy words.' Xiluan then said with a smile, 'Second Brother, don't talk like that — when the sisters here have all truly married out, and Grandmother and my lady are lonely anyway, I'll come and keep you company.' Li Wan, Mrs. You, and the others all said with a laugh, 'Now don't you talk foolishness either, Miss — surely you're not one who'll never marry out?這話哄誰。”說的喜鸞低了頭。Who do you think you're fooling with that?' At this Xiluan lowered her head.當下已是起更時分，大家各自歸房安歇，眾人都且不提。By now it was already the first watch of the night, and everyone went back to their own rooms to rest — no more need be said of them for the present.

先到稻香村中，李纨与尤氏都不在这里。问丫鬟们，说“都在三姑娘那里呢。”鸳鸯回身又来至晓翠堂，果见那园中人都在那里说笑。见他来了，都笑说：“你这会子又跑来做什么？”又让他坐。鸳鸯笑道：“不许我也逛逛么？”于是把方才的话说了一遍。李纨忙起身听了，就叫人把各处的头儿唤了一个来。令他们传与诸人知道。不在话下。这里尤氏笑道：“老太太也太想的到，实在我们年轻力壮的人捆上十个也赶不上。”李纨道：“凤丫头仗著鬼聪明儿，还离脚踪儿不远。咱们是不能的了。”鸳鸯道：“罢哟，还提凤丫头虎丫头呢，他也可怜见儿的。虽然这几年没有在老太太，太太跟前有个错缝儿，暗里也不知得罪了多少人。总而言之，为人是难作的：若太老实了没有个机变，公婆又嫌太老实了，家里人也不怕，若有些机变，未免又治一经损一经。如今咱们家里更好，新出来的这些底下奴字号的奶奶们，一个个心满意足，都不知要怎么样才好，少有不得意，不是背地里咬舌根，就是挑三窝四的。我怕老太太生气，一点儿也不肯说。不然我告诉出来，大家别过太平日子。这不是我当著三姑娘说，老太太偏疼宝玉，有人背地里怨言还罢了，算是偏心。如今老太太偏疼你，我听著也是不好。这可笑不可笑？”探春笑道：“糊涂人多，那里较量得许多。我说倒不如小人家人少，虽然寒素些，倒是欢天喜地，大家快乐。我们这样人家人多，外头看著我们不知千金万金小姐，何等快乐，殊不知我们这里说不出来的烦难，更利害。”宝玉道：“谁都象三妹妹好多心。事事我常劝你，总别听那些俗语，想那俗事，只管安富尊荣才是。比不得我们没这清福，该应浊闹的。”尤氏道：“谁都象你，真是一心无挂碍，只知道和姊妹们顽笑，饿了吃，困了睡，再过几年，不过还是这样，一点后事也不虑。”宝玉笑道：“我能够和姊妹们过一日是一日，死了就完了。什么后事不后事。”李纨等都笑道：“这可又是胡说。就算你是个没出息的，终老在这里，难道他姊妹们都不出门的？”尤氏笑道：“怨不得人都说他是假长了一个胎子，究竟是个又傻又呆的。”宝玉笑道：“人事莫定，知道谁死谁活。倘或我在今日明日，今年明年死了，也算是遂心一辈子了。”众人不等说完，便说：“可是又疯了，别和他说话才好。若和他说话，不是呆话就是疯话。”喜鸾因笑道：“二哥哥，你别这样说，等这里姐姐们果然都出了阁，横竖老太太，太太也寂寞，我来和你作伴儿。”李纨尤氏等都笑道：“姑娘也别说呆话，难道你是不出门的？这话哄谁。”说的喜鸾低了头。当下已是起更时分，大家各自归房安歇，众人都且不提。

且說鴛鴦一徑回來，剛至園門前，只見角門虛掩，猶未上閂。To go back to Yuanyang: as she made her way back, just as she reached the Garden gate, she saw that the side door was only pushed to, not yet bolted.此時園內無人來往，只有該班的房內燈光掩映，微月半天。At this hour there was no one coming or going in the Garden; only the lamplight glimmered faintly from the rooms of those on duty, and a thin crescent moon hung in the sky.鴛鴦又不曾有個作伴的，也不曾提燈籠，獨自一個，腳步又輕，所以該班的人皆不理會。Yuanyang had no one accompanying her and carried no lantern either; being alone and light of step, none of those on duty took any notice of her.偏生又要小解，因下了甬路，尋微草處，行至一湖山石後大桂樹陰下來。As luck would have it, she also needed to relieve herself, so she stepped off the paved path in search of a grassy spot, and made her way to the shade of a large osmanthus tree behind a garden rockery.剛轉過石後，只聽一陣衣衫響，嚇了一驚不小。Just as she came around behind the rock, she heard a rustle of clothing, and it gave her quite a start.定睛一看，只見是兩個人在那里，見他來了，便想往石後樹叢藏躲。Steadying her gaze, she saw there were two people there, who, seeing her come, tried to hide themselves behind the rock among the trees.鴛鴦眼尖，趁月色見准一個穿紅裙子梳鬅頭高大丰壯身材的，是迎春房里的司棋。Yuanyang had sharp eyes, and by the moonlight made out clearly that one of them, wearing a red skirt, her hair done up loosely, tall and sturdily built, was Siqi from Yingchun's quarters.鴛鴦只當他和別的女孩子也在此方便，見自己來了，故意藏躲恐嚇著耍，因便笑叫道：“司棋你不快出來，嚇著我，我就喊起來當賊拿了。Yuanyang assumed she was simply out here with another girl relieving herself, and that on seeing her come, she was hiding on purpose to give her a fright as a joke, so she called out with a laugh, 'Siqi, come out at once — if you frighten me, I'll shout for you to be caught as a thief!這麼大丫頭了，沒個黑家白日的只是頑不夠。”這本是鴛鴦的戲語，叫他出來。A big girl like you, and still never getting enough of playing around, day or night!' This was really only Yuanyang teasing, meant to make her come out.誰知他賊人膽虛，只當鴛鴦已看見他的首尾了，生恐叫喊起來使眾人知覺更不好，且素日鴛鴦又和自己親厚不比別人，便從樹後跑出來，一把拉住鴛鴦，便雙膝跪下，只說：“好姐姐，千萬別嚷！”鴛鴦反不知因何，忙拉他起來，笑問道：“這是怎麼說？”司棋滿臉紅脹，又流下淚來。Little did she know that, guilty as a thief and faint of heart, Siqi assumed Yuanyang had already seen everything from start to finish, and in her terror that a shout would bring everyone's notice and make things far worse — and besides, Yuanyang had always been closer and warmer with her than with the others — she ran out from behind the tree, seized hold of Yuanyang, and dropped to her knees, saying only, 'Dear sister, please, whatever you do, don't cry out!' Yuanyang, not knowing at all what this was about, hastily pulled her up and asked with a laugh, 'What is the meaning of this?' Siqi's whole face flushed crimson, and tears began to fall.鴛鴦再一回想，那一個人影恍惚象個小廝，心下便猜疑了八九，自己反羞的面紅耳赤，又怕起來。Thinking back over it once more, Yuanyang recalled that the shadowy figure of the other person had looked rather like a young manservant, and in her heart she guessed most of the truth; she herself flushed red to the ears with embarrassment, and grew frightened besides.因定了一會，忙悄問：“那個是誰？”司棋复跪下道：“是我姑舅兄弟。”鴛鴦啐了一口，道：“要死，要死。”司棋又回頭悄道：“你不用藏著，姐姐已看見了，快出來磕頭。”那小廝聽了，只得也從樹後爬出來，磕頭如搗蒜。After steadying herself for a moment, she hastily asked in a low voice, 'Who is that?' Siqi knelt down again and said, 'He is my cousin, my paternal aunt's son.' Yuanyang gave a spit of disgust and said, 'This will be the death of you, the death of you.' Siqi then turned and whispered, 'There's no use hiding any longer — Sister has already seen you, come out quickly and kowtow.' Hearing this, the young manservant had no choice but to crawl out from behind the tree as well, kowtowing over and over like a pestle pounding garlic.鴛鴦忙要回身，司棋拉住苦求，哭道：“我們的性命，都在姐姐身上，只求姐姐超生要緊！”鴛鴦道：“你放心，我橫豎不告訴一個人就是了。”一語未了，只聽角門上有人說道：“金姑娘已出去了，角門上鎖罷。”鴛鴦正被司棋拉住，不得脫身，聽見如此說，便接聲道：“我在這里有事，且略住手，我出來了。”司棋聽了，只得松手讓他去了。Yuanyang hastily turned to go, but Siqi held her back and begged desperately, weeping, 'Our lives are entirely in your hands, Sister — we beg only that you show us mercy and let us live!' Yuanyang said, 'Set your mind at ease — in any case I won't tell a single soul, that's all.' Before she had even finished speaking, a voice called out from the side gate, 'Miss Jin has already gone out — let's lock the side gate now.' Yuanyang, still held fast by Siqi and unable to free herself, called back on hearing this, 'I have something to attend to here — hold off a moment, I'm coming out.' Hearing this, Siqi had no choice but to loosen her grip and let her go.

且说鸳鸯一径回来，刚至园门前，只见角门虚掩，犹未上闩。此时园内无人来往，只有该班的房内灯光掩映，微月半天。鸳鸯又不曾有个作伴的，也不曾提灯笼，独自一个，脚步又轻，所以该班的人皆不理会。偏生又要小解，因下了甬路，寻微草处，行至一湖山石后大桂树阴下来。刚转过石后，只听一阵衣衫响，吓了一惊不小。定睛一看，只见是两个人在那里，见他来了，便想往石后树丛藏躲。鸳鸯眼尖，趁月色见准一个穿红裙子梳鬅头高大丰壮身材的，是迎春房里的司棋。鸳鸯只当他和别的女孩子也在此方便，见自己来了，故意藏躲恐吓著耍，因便笑叫道：“司棋你不快出来，吓著我，我就喊起来当贼拿了。这么大丫头了，没个黑家白日的只是顽不够。”这本是鸳鸯的戏语，叫他出来。谁知他贼人胆虚，只当鸳鸯已看见他的首尾了，生恐叫喊起来使众人知觉更不好，且素日鸳鸯又和自己亲厚不比别人，便从树后跑出来，一把拉住鸳鸯，便双膝跪下，只说：“好姐姐，千万别嚷！”鸳鸯反不知因何，忙拉他起来，笑问道：“这是怎么说？”司棋满脸红胀，又流下泪来。鸳鸯再一回想，那一个人影恍惚象个小厮，心下便猜疑了八九，自己反羞的面红耳赤，又怕起来。因定了一会，忙悄问：“那个是谁？”司棋复跪下道：“是我姑舅兄弟。”鸳鸯啐了一口，道：“要死，要死。”司棋又回头悄道：“你不用藏著，姐姐已看见了，快出来磕头。”那小厮听了，只得也从树后爬出来，磕头如捣蒜。鸳鸯忙要回身，司棋拉住苦求，哭道：“我们的性命，都在姐姐身上，只求姐姐超生要紧！”鸳鸯道：“你放心，我横竖不告诉一个人就是了。”一语未了，只听角门上有人说道：“金姑娘已出去了，角门上锁罢。”鸳鸯正被司棋拉住，不得脱身，听见如此说，便接声道：“我在这里有事，且略住手，我出来了。”司棋听了，只得松手让他去了。

要知端底，且聽下回分解。To learn the full truth of the matter, the reader must wait for the explanation in the chapter that follows.

要知端底，且听下回分解。