第七十二回　王熙鳳恃強羞說病　來旺婦倚勢霸成親 Proud Wang Xifeng Hides Her Illness; Laiwang's Wife Forces a Marriage by Her Power

且說鴛鴦出了角門，臉上猶紅，心內突突的，真是意外之事。Now, as Yuanyang came out through the side gate, her face was still flushed and her heart pounding; it had truly been an unforeseen encounter.因想這事非常，若說出來，奸盜相連，關系人命，還保不住帶累了旁人。She reflected that the matter was extremely serious: if it came out, adultery and trespass would be linked together, a life might be at stake, and others might well be implicated.橫豎與自己無干，且藏在心內，不說與一人知道。In any case, it had nothing to do with her, so she would keep it to herself and tell not a soul.回房复了賈母的命，大家安息。She returned to her room, reported back to Grandmother Jia, and everyone retired for the night.從此凡晚間便不大往園中來。From then on, she seldom went into the Garden after dark.因思園中尚有這樣奇事，何況別處，因此連別處也不大輕走動了。Reflecting that even the Garden harbored such strange goings-on, and that other places must be worse, she also stopped venturing casually elsewhere.

且说鸳鸯出了角门，脸上犹红，心内突突的，真是意外之事。因想这事非常，若说出来，奸盗相连，关系人命，还保不住带累了旁人。横竖与自己无干，且藏在心内，不说与一人知道。回房复了贾母的命，大家安息。从此凡晚间便不大往园中来。因思园中尚有这样奇事，何况别处，因此连别处也不大轻走动了。

原來那司棋因從小兒和他姑表兄弟在一處頑笑起住時，小兒戲言，便都訂下將來不娶不嫁。It turned out that Siqi and her maternal aunt’s son had played and lived together since childhood, and in childish jest had pledged that neither would marry anyone else.近年大了，彼此又出落的品貌風流，常時司棋回家時，二人眉來眼去，舊情不忘，只不能入手。In recent years, as they grew up, both had blossomed into handsome, charming young people; whenever Siqi went home, they exchanged amorous glances, their old affection undiminished, though they had found no chance to consummate it.又彼此生怕父母不從，二人便設法彼此里外買囑園內老婆子們留門看道，今日趁亂方初次入港。Both feared their parents would refuse, so together they arranged matters inside and out, bribing old women in the Garden to leave a gate open and keep watch; only today, amid the confusion, had they first contrived a rendezvous.雖未成雙，卻也海誓山盟，私傳表記，已有無限風情了。Though they had not become a pair in deed, they had sworn eternal fidelity and privately exchanged love tokens, enjoying boundless tenderness already.忽被鴛鴦驚散，那小廝早穿花度柳，從角門出去了。Suddenly startled apart by Yuanyang, the page had long since slipped among the flowers and willows and escaped through the side gate.司棋一夜不曾睡著，又後悔不來。Siqi did not sleep all night and regretted the affair beyond measure.至次日見了鴛鴦，自是臉上一紅一白，百般過不去。When she saw Yuanyang the next day, her face naturally went red and white by turns, and she was mortified in every possible way.心內怀著鬼胎，茶飯無心，起坐恍惚。With guilty fears gnawing at her, she lost all appetite and moved and sat as if in a trance.挨了兩日，竟不聽見有動靜，方略放下了心。After enduring two days without hearing of any disturbance, she finally set her mind somewhat at ease.這日晚間，忽有個婆子來悄告訴他道：“你兄弟竟逃走了，三四天沒歸家。That evening, however, an old woman secretly came and told her, “Your cousin has actually run away and has not been home for three or four days.如今打發人四處找他呢。”司棋聽了，氣個倒仰，因思道：“縱是鬧了出來，也該死在一處。They have now sent people everywhere to look for him.” Hearing this, Siqi nearly fell backward with rage and thought, “Even if the affair had come to light, we ought to have died together.他自為是男人，先就走了，可見是個沒情意的。”因此又添了一層氣。He thinks that because he is a man he may run off first; plainly he has no true feeling.” This added a fresh layer to her anger.次日便覺心內不快，百般支持不住，一頭睡倒，懨懨的成了大病。The next day she felt unwell at heart and could bear up no longer; she took to her bed and, languishing there, became gravely ill.鴛鴦聞知那邊無故走了一個小廝，園內司棋又病重，要往外挪，心下料定是二人懼罪之故，”生怕我說出來，方嚇到這樣。”因此自己反過意不去，指著來望候司棋，支出人去，反自己立身發誓，與司棋說：“我告訴一個人，立刻現死現報！When Yuanyang heard that a page over there had disappeared for no apparent reason, while Siqi in the Garden had fallen dangerously ill and was to be moved outside, she concluded that both were terrified of punishment: “They are frightened to this state for fear I shall tell.” Feeling sorry for them, she went especially to visit Siqi, sent everyone else out, and solemnly swore to her, “If I tell a single person, may I drop dead and receive my punishment on the spot!你只管放心養病，別白糟踏了小命兒。”司棋一把拉住，哭道：“我的姐姐，咱們從小兒耳鬢廝磨，你不曾拿我當外人待，我也不敢待慢了你。Set your mind at rest and tend your illness; do not throw away your young life for nothing.” Siqi seized her hand and wept, “Dear sister, we have been close as cheek and ear since childhood; you have never treated me as an outsider, and I have never dared slight you.如今我雖一著走錯，你若果然不告訴一個人，你就是我的親娘一樣。Though I have now taken one false step, if you truly tell no one, you will be as my own mother to me.從此後我活一日是你給我一日，我的病好之後，把你立個長生牌位，我天天焚香禮拜，保佑你一生福壽雙全。From now on, every day I live will be a day you have given me; when I recover, I shall set up a longevity tablet to you and burn incense and bow before it daily, praying that you enjoy both happiness and long life.我若死了時，變驢變狗報答你。If I die, I shall turn into a donkey or dog to repay you.再俗語說，‘千里搭長棚，沒有不散的筵席。’再過三二年，咱們都是要離這里的。Besides, as the saying goes, ‘Though a thousand-mile awning be raised, no feast lasts forever.’ In another two or three years, all of us will be leaving this place.俗語又說，‘浮萍尚有相逢日，人豈全無見面時。’倘或日後咱們遇見了，那時我又怎麼報你的德行。”一面說，一面哭。Another saying goes, ‘Even drifting duckweed meets again someday; how could people never meet once more?’ If we should meet again in later years, how could I ever repay your goodness then?” She spoke and wept at once.這一席話反把鴛鴦說的心酸，也哭起來了。Her words made Yuanyang’s own heart ache, and she too began to cry.因點頭道：“正是這話。She nodded and said, “That is quite true.我又不是管事的人，何苦我坏你的聲名，我白去獻勤。I am not one of the household managers; why should I ruin your reputation merely to curry favor for myself?況且這事我自己也不便開口向人說。Besides, it would be awkward for me even to speak of such a thing to anyone.你只放心。Just set your mind at ease.從此養好了，可要安分守己，再不許胡行亂作了。”司棋在枕上點首不絕。Once you recover, however, you must behave properly and keep your place; you are never again to act so recklessly.” Siqi nodded ceaselessly on her pillow.鴛鴦又安慰了他一番，方出來。Yuanyang comforted her for a while longer before leaving.因知賈璉不在家中，又因這兩日鳳姐兒聲色怠惰了些，不似往日一樣，因順路也來望候。Knowing that Jia Lian was away, and having noticed that for the past two days Xifeng’s voice and manner had been rather listless, unlike her usual self, Yuanyang stopped by to visit her as well.因進入鳳姐院門，二門上的人見是他來，便立身待他進去。When she entered Xifeng’s courtyard, the attendants at the inner gate saw who it was and rose to let her pass.鴛鴦剛至堂屋中，只見平兒從里間出來，見了他來，忙上來悄聲笑道：“才吃了一口飯歇了午睡，你且這屋里略坐坐。”鴛鴦聽了，只得同平兒到東邊房里來。Yuanyang had just reached the main room when Ping’er came out from within; seeing her, Ping’er hurried over and whispered with a smile, “She has just eaten a little and lain down for her afternoon nap. Come sit in this room awhile.” Yuanyang had no choice but to follow Ping’er into the eastern room.小丫頭倒了茶來。A young maid brought them tea.鴛鴦因悄問：“你奶奶這兩日是怎麼了？Yuanyang quietly asked, “What has been wrong with your mistress these past two days?我看他懶懶的。”平兒見問，因房內無人，便歎道：“他這懶懶的也不止今日了，這有一月之前便是這樣。She seems so listless to me.” Since no one else was in the room, Ping’er sighed and said, “Her listlessness did not begin today; she has been like this for over a month.又兼這幾日忙亂了幾天，又受了些閒氣，從新又勾起來。Then these last few days were so busy, and she suffered some needless vexation, which brought it on again.這兩日比先又添了些病，所以支持不住，便露出馬腳來了。”鴛鴦忙道：“既這樣，怎麼不早請大夫來治？”平兒歎道：“我的姐姐，你還不知道他的脾氣的。Her illness has worsened these past two days, so she can no longer keep it hidden and the signs have begun to show.” Yuanyang hastily said, “If that is so, why did you not call a doctor sooner?” Ping’er sighed. “Dear sister, surely you know her temper.別說請大夫來吃藥。Call a doctor and have her take medicine? She will not hear of it.我看不過，白問了一聲身上覺怎麼樣，他就動了氣，反說我咒他病了。I could not bear watching and merely asked how she felt, but she flew into a rage and accused me of cursing her with illness.饒這樣，天天還是察三訪四，自己再不肯看破些且養身子。”鴛鴦道：“雖然如此，到底該請大夫來瞧瞧是什麼病，也都好放心。”平兒道：“我的姐姐，說起病來，据我看也不是什麼小症候。”鴛鴦忙道：“是什麼病呢？”平兒見問，又往前湊了一湊，向耳邊說道：“只從上月行了經之後，這一個月竟瀝瀝淅淅的沒有止住。Even so, she goes on probing into everything every day and refuses to see reason and rest her body.” Yuanyang said, “Even so, you ought to have a doctor examine her and say what the illness is, so everyone can be reassured.” Ping’er replied, “Dear sister, speaking of her illness, to my mind it is no minor complaint.” Yuanyang quickly asked, “What illness is it?” Ping’er leaned closer and whispered in her ear, “Ever since her menses came last month, the bleeding has trickled on without stopping for a whole month.這可是大病不是？”鴛鴦聽了，忙答道：“噯喲！Would you not call that a serious illness?” Yuanyang exclaimed, “Ai-yo!依你這話，這可不成了血山崩了。”平兒忙啐了一口，又悄笑道：“你女孩兒家，這是怎麼說的，倒會咒人呢。”鴛鴦見說，不禁紅了臉，又悄笑道：“究竟我也不知什麼是崩不崩的，你倒忘了不成，先我姐姐不是害這病死了。From what you say, it sounds like a flooding hemorrhage.” Ping’er spat playfully and whispered with a laugh, “A maiden like you—how can you say such a thing? You are practically cursing her.” Yuanyang blushed, then laughed softly. “In truth, I know nothing about whether it is a ‘flood’ or not. Have you forgotten that my elder sister died of this very illness?我也不知是什麼病，因無心聽見媽和親家媽說，我還納悶，後來也是聽見媽細說原故，才明白了一二分。”平兒笑道：“你該知道的，我竟也忘了。”I did not know what illness it was; I happened to overhear Mother discussing it with my sister’s mother-in-law and was puzzled, and only later, when Mother explained the cause in detail, did I come to understand a little.” Ping’er smiled. “You ought to know, but I had quite forgotten.”

原来那司棋因从小儿和他姑表兄弟在一处顽笑起住时，小儿戏言，便都订下将来不娶不嫁。近年大了，彼此又出落的品貌风流，常时司棋回家时，二人眉来眼去，旧情不忘，只不能入手。又彼此生怕父母不从，二人便设法彼此里外买嘱园内老婆子们留门看道，今日趁乱方初次入港。虽未成双，却也海誓山盟，私传表记，已有无限风情了。忽被鸳鸯惊散，那小厮早穿花度柳，从角门出去了。司棋一夜不曾睡著，又后悔不来。至次日见了鸳鸯，自是脸上一红一白，百般过不去。心内怀著鬼胎，茶饭无心，起坐恍惚。挨了两日，竟不听见有动静，方略放下了心。这日晚间，忽有个婆子来悄告诉他道：“你兄弟竟逃走了，三四天没归家。如今打发人四处找他呢。”司棋听了，气个倒仰，因思道：“纵是闹了出来，也该死在一处。他自为是男人，先就走了，可见是个没情意的。”因此又添了一层气。次日便觉心内不快，百般支持不住，一头睡倒，恹恹的成了大病。鸳鸯闻知那边无故走了一个小厮，园内司棋又病重，要往外挪，心下料定是二人惧罪之故，”生怕我说出来，方吓到这样。”因此自己反过意不去，指著来望候司棋，支出人去，反自己立身发誓，与司棋说：“我告诉一个人，立刻现死现报！你只管放心养病，别白糟踏了小命儿。”司棋一把拉住，哭道：“我的姐姐，咱们从小儿耳鬓厮磨，你不曾拿我当外人待，我也不敢待慢了你。如今我虽一著走错，你若果然不告诉一个人，你就是我的亲娘一样。从此后我活一日是你给我一日，我的病好之后，把你立个长生牌位，我天天焚香礼拜，保佑你一生福寿双全。我若死了时，变驴变狗报答你。再俗语说，‘千里搭长棚，没有不散的筵席。’再过三二年，咱们都是要离这里的。俗语又说，‘浮萍尚有相逢日，人岂全无见面时。’倘或日后咱们遇见了，那时我又怎么报你的德行。”一面说，一面哭。这一席话反把鸳鸯说的心酸，也哭起来了。因点头道：“正是这话。我又不是管事的人，何苦我坏你的声名，我白去献勤。况且这事我自己也不便开口向人说。你只放心。从此养好了，可要安分守己，再不许胡行乱作了。”司棋在枕上点首不绝。鸳鸯又安慰了他一番，方出来。因知贾琏不在家中，又因这两日凤姐儿声色怠惰了些，不似往日一样，因顺路也来望候。因进入凤姐院门，二门上的人见是他来，便立身待他进去。鸳鸯刚至堂屋中，只见平儿从里间出来，见了他来，忙上来悄声笑道：“才吃了一口饭歇了午睡，你且这屋里略坐坐。”鸳鸯听了，只得同平儿到东边房里来。小丫头倒了茶来。鸳鸯因悄问：“你奶奶这两日是怎么了？我看他懒懒的。”平儿见问，因房内无人，便叹道：“他这懒懒的也不止今日了，这有一月之前便是这样。又兼这几日忙乱了几天，又受了些闲气，从新又勾起来。这两日比先又添了些病，所以支持不住，便露出马脚来了。”鸳鸯忙道：“既这样，怎么不早请大夫来治？”平儿叹道：“我的姐姐，你还不知道他的脾气的。别说请大夫来吃药。我看不过，白问了一声身上觉怎么样，他就动了气，反说我咒他病了。饶这样，天天还是察三访四，自己再不肯看破些且养身子。”鸳鸯道：“虽然如此，到底该请大夫来瞧瞧是什么病，也都好放心。”平儿道：“我的姐姐，说起病来，据我看也不是什么小症候。”鸳鸯忙道：“是什么病呢？”平儿见问，又往前凑了一凑，向耳边说道：“只从上月行了经之后，这一个月竟沥沥淅淅的没有止住。这可是大病不是？”鸳鸯听了，忙答道：“嗳哟！依你这话，这可不成了血山崩了。”平儿忙啐了一口，又悄笑道：“你女孩儿家，这是怎么说的，倒会咒人呢。”鸳鸯见说，不禁红了脸，又悄笑道：“究竟我也不知什么是崩不崩的，你倒忘了不成，先我姐姐不是害这病死了。我也不知是什么病，因无心听见妈和亲家妈说，我还纳闷，后来也是听见妈细说原故，才明白了一二分。”平儿笑道：“你该知道的，我竟也忘了。”

二人正說著，只見小丫頭進來向平兒道：“方才朱大娘又來了。As they were speaking, a young maid came in and told Ping’er, “Madam Zhu came again just now.我們回了他奶奶才歇午覺，他往太太上頭去了。”平兒聽了點頭。We told her that Mistress had only just lain down for her afternoon nap, so she went over to Madam Wang’s apartments.” Ping’er nodded.鴛鴦問：“那一個朱大娘？”平兒道：“就是官媒婆那朱嫂子。Yuanyang asked, “Which Madam Zhu?” Ping’er replied, “Sister-in-law Zhu, the official matchmaker.因有什麼孫大人家來和咱們求親，所以他這兩日天天弄個帖子來賴死賴活。”一語未了，小丫頭跑來說：“二爺進來了。”說話之間，賈璉已走至堂屋門，口內喚平兒。Some family of an official named Sun has sent her to propose a marriage with ours, so these past two days she has brought a card every day and pestered us relentlessly.” Before she had finished, a young maid ran in saying, “Second Master is coming!” Even as she spoke, Jia Lian reached the main-room door, calling for Ping’er.平兒答應著才迎出去，賈璉已找至這間房內來。Ping’er answered and had only just gone to meet him when Jia Lian followed her into this room.至門前，忽見鴛鴦坐在炕上，便煞住腳，笑道：“鴛鴦姐姐，今兒貴腳踏賤地。”鴛鴦只坐著，笑道：“來請爺奶奶的安，偏又不在家的不在家，睡覺的睡覺。”賈璉笑道：“姐姐一年到頭辛苦伏侍老太太，我還沒看你去，那里還敢勞動來看我們。At the doorway he suddenly saw Yuanyang seated on the kang and stopped short, smiling. “Sister Yuanyang, your noble feet have honored our humble ground today.” Remaining seated, Yuanyang smiled. “I came to pay my respects to Master and Mistress, only to find one away from home and the other asleep.” Jia Lian laughed. “You work hard all year serving the Old Ancestress, sister, and I have not even visited you; how could I dare trouble you to visit us?正是巧的很，我才要找姐姐去。By the happiest chance, I was just about to look for you.因為穿著這袍子熱，先來換了夾袍子再過去找姐姐，不想天可怜，省我走這一趟，姐姐先在這里等我了。”一面說，一面在椅上坐下。This robe was too warm, so I came first to change into a lined one before seeking you; Heaven has taken pity on me and spared me the journey, for you were already waiting here.” As he spoke, he sat down in a chair.鴛鴦因問：“又有什麼說的？”賈璉未語先笑道：“因有一件事，我竟忘了，只怕姐姐還記得。Yuanyang asked, “What is it this time?” Jia Lian smiled before answering. “There is something I have quite forgotten, but perhaps you still remember it.上年老太太生日，曾有一個外路和尚來孝敬一個臈油凍的佛手，因老太太愛，就即刻拿過來擺著了。For the Old Ancestress’s birthday last year, a monk from another province presented her with a bergamot carved from congealed wax; she liked it and had it put on display at once.因前日老太太生日，我看古董帳上還有這一筆，卻不知此時這件東西著落何方。When I went over the antiques register around her recent birthday, I saw the entry still there, but I do not know where the object has ended up.古董房里的人也回過我兩次，等我問准了好注上一筆。The people in the antiques storeroom have reported it to me twice, and are waiting for me to ascertain the facts so they can add a note.所以我問姐姐，如今還是老太太擺著呢，還是交到誰手里去了呢？”鴛鴦聽說，便道：“老太太擺了幾日厭煩了，就給了你們奶奶。So I came to ask you: does the Old Ancestress still have it on display, or was it handed over to someone?” Yuanyang replied, “After displaying it for a few days, the Old Ancestress tired of it and gave it to your mistress.你這會子又問我來。And now you come asking me.我連日子還記得，還是我打發了老王家的送來的。I even remember the day: I sent Old Wang’s wife to deliver it.你忘了，或是問你們奶奶和平兒。”平兒正拿衣服，聽見如此說，忙出來回說：“交過來了，現在樓上放著呢。If you have forgotten, ask your mistress or Ping’er.” Ping’er, who was fetching clothes, heard this and hurried out to answer, “It was delivered and is upstairs now.奶奶已經打發過人出去說過給了這屋里，他們發昏，沒記上，又來叨登這些沒要緊的事。”賈璉聽說，笑道：“既然給了你奶奶，我怎麼不知道，你們就昧下了。”平兒道：“奶奶告訴二爺，二爺還要送人，奶奶不肯，好容易留下的。Mistress already sent someone to tell them it had been given to this household. They must have been muddleheaded and failed to record it, and now they are stirring up these trifles again.” Jia Lian laughed. “If it was given to your mistress, how is it I knew nothing? You two must have embezzled it.” Ping’er replied, “Mistress told you, but you wanted to give it away, and she refused; it was no easy matter to keep it.這會子自己忘了，倒說我們昧下。Now you have forgotten and accuse us of embezzling it.那是什麼好東西，什麼沒有的物兒。What fine thing is it, or what rare treasure?比那強十倍的東西也沒昧下一遭，這會子愛上那不值錢的！”賈璉垂頭含笑想了一想，拍手道：“我如今竟糊涂了！We have never embezzled things ten times better than that, and now you imagine we covet that worthless trifle!” Jia Lian lowered his head and thought with a smile, then clapped his hands. “I have truly grown muddleheaded!丟三忘四，惹人抱怨，竟大不象先了。”鴛鴦笑道：“也怨不得。I lose one thing and forget another, provoking everyone’s complaints; I am quite unlike my former self.” Yuanyang laughed. “One can hardly blame you.事情又多，口舌又雜，你再喝上兩杯酒，那里清楚的許多。”一面說，一面就起身要去。There is so much business and so much confused talk; add a couple cups of wine, and how could you keep all of it straight?” As she spoke, she rose to leave.賈璉忙也立身說道：“好姐姐，再坐一坐，兄弟還有事相求。”說著便罵小丫頭：“怎麼不沏好茶來！Jia Lian hurriedly stood as well. “Dear sister, sit a little longer; your younger brother still has a favor to ask.” Then he scolded the maid, “Why have you not made good tea?快拿乾淨蓋碗，把昨兒進上的新茶沏一碗來。”說著向鴛鴦道：“這兩日因老太太的千秋，所有的幾千兩銀子都使了。Quickly take a clean covered cup and brew some of the new tea presented yesterday.” Turning to Yuanyang, he continued, “Because of the Old Ancestress’s birthday, all the several thousand taels of silver on hand have been spent these last few days.幾處房租地稅通在九月才得，這會子竟接不上。The rents from several properties and the land taxes will not come in until the ninth month, so we have nothing to tide us over now.明兒又要送南安府里的禮，又要預備娘娘的重陽節禮，還有幾家紅白大禮，至少還得三二千兩銀子用，一時難去支借。Tomorrow we must send gifts to the Prince of Nan’an’s residence, prepare the Double Ninth gifts for Her Highness, and meet several other families’ major wedding and funeral obligations; we shall need at least another two or three thousand taels, and it is hard to borrow such a sum at short notice.俗語說，‘求人不如求己’。As the saying goes, ‘Better to ask oneself than beg another.’說不得，姐姐擔個不是，暫且把老太太查不著的金銀家伙偷著運出一箱子來，暫押千數兩銀子支騰過去。There is no help for it, sister: you must risk some blame and secretly bring out a chest of the Old Ancestress’s gold and silver articles that she will not miss, so we can pawn them temporarily for a thousand taels or so and make do.不上半年的光景，銀子來了，我就贖了交還，斷不能叫姐姐落不是。”鴛鴦聽了，笑道：“你倒會變法兒，虧你怎麼想來。”賈璉笑道：“不是我扯謊，若論除了姐姐，也還有人手里管的起千數兩銀子的，只是他們為人都不如你明白有膽量。Within six months at most, when the money comes in, I shall redeem and return them; I certainly will not let you bear the blame.” Yuanyang laughed. “You certainly know how to devise new schemes—however did you think of this one?” Jia Lian laughed. “Truly, I am not lying: aside from you, there are others who control goods worth a thousand taels or so, but none is as sensible or bold as you.我若和他們一說，反嚇住了他們。If I mentioned it to them, I would only frighten them.所以我‘宁撞金鐘一下，不打破鼓三千’。”一語未了，忽有賈母那邊的小丫頭子忙忙走來找鴛鴦，說：“老太太找姐姐半日，我們那里沒找到，卻在這里。”鴛鴦聽說，忙的且去見賈母。That is why I would ‘rather strike the golden bell once than beat a broken drum three thousand times.’” Before he had finished, one of Grandmother Jia’s young maids hurried in looking for Yuanyang. “The Old Ancestress has been asking for you for ages. We could not find you anywhere, and here you are.” Hearing this, Yuanyang hurried away to see Grandmother Jia.賈璉見他去了，只得回來瞧鳳姐。Once she was gone, Jia Lian had no choice but to go in and see Xifeng.誰知鳳姐已醒了，聽他和鴛鴦借當，自己不便答話，只躺在榻上。As it happened, Xifeng was already awake; she had heard him asking Yuanyang about pawning the valuables, but thought it improper to join in and merely lay on the couch.聽見鴛鴦去了，賈璉進來，鳳姐因問道：“他可應准了？”賈璉笑道：“雖然未應准，卻有幾分成手，須得你晚上再和他一說，就十成了。”鳳姐笑道：“我不管這事。When she heard Yuanyang leave and Jia Lian came in, Xifeng asked, “Did she agree?” Jia Lian smiled. “She did not agree outright, but it is several parts as good as settled. If you speak to her again tonight, it will be absolutely certain.” Xifeng laughed. “I want no part in it.倘或說准了，這會子說得好聽，到有了錢的時節，你就丟在脖子後頭，誰去和你打饑荒去。Even if she agrees now, you make it sound fine, but once you have the money you will toss the matter behind your neck; who will have to wrangle with you over repayment then?倘或老太太知道了，倒把我這幾年的臉面都丟了。”賈璉笑道：“好人，你若說定了，我謝你如何？”鳳姐笑道：“你說，謝我什麼？”賈璉笑道：“你說要什麼就給你什麼。”平兒一旁笑道：“奶奶倒不要謝的。And if the Old Ancestress finds out, all the standing I have built over these years will be lost.” Jia Lian laughed. “My good lady, if you settle it for me, how shall I thank you?” Xifeng smiled. “Tell me—what will you give me?” Jia Lian replied, “Whatever you ask for.” From the side Ping’er laughed. “Mistress does not really require thanks.昨兒正說，要作一件什麼事，恰少一二百銀子使，不如借了來，奶奶拿一二百銀子，豈不兩全其美。”鳳姐笑道：“幸虧提起我來，就是這樣也罷。”賈璉笑道”你們太也狠了。Only yesterday she was saying she wanted to do something but lacked one or two hundred taels. Why not borrow the money and let Mistress keep one or two hundred? Would that not satisfy both sides?” Xifeng laughed. “Fortunately you reminded me; on those terms, it might do.” Jia Lian laughed. “You women are much too ruthless.你們這會子別說一千兩的當頭，就是現銀子要三五千，只怕也難不倒。Never mind goods worth a thousand taels; even if someone asked you for three or five thousand in ready silver, I doubt it would be beyond you.我不和你們借就罷了。Very well, I simply will not borrow from you.這會子煩你說一句話，還要個利錢，真真了不得。”鳳姐聽了，翻身起來說：“我有三千五萬，不是賺的你的。But now, merely for troubling you to say one word, you demand interest—this is really outrageous.” Hearing this, Xifeng turned over and sat up. “If I possess thirty or fifty thousand, I did not earn it from you.如今里里外外上上下下背著我嚼說我的不少，就差你來說了，可知沒家親引不出外鬼來。People inside and outside, high and low, say enough behind my back already; only your reproaches were lacking. Truly, if one’s own kin did not invite them, no outside demons could enter.我們王家可那里來的錢，都是你們賈家賺的。Where could our Wang family have got any money? Naturally, the Jia family earned it all for us!別叫我惡心了。Do not make me sick.你們看著你家什麼石崇鄧通。You imagine your family are some Shi Chong or Deng Tong, fabulously rich.把我王家的地縫子掃一掃，就夠你們過一輩子呢。Sweep out the cracks in the floors of my Wang family, and what you find would support yours for a lifetime.說出來的話也不怕臊！You should be ashamed to say such things!現有對證：把太太和我的嫁妝細看看，比一比你們的，那一樣是配不上你們的。”賈璉笑道：“說句頑話就急了。There is proof before us: examine Madam Wang’s dowry and mine, then compare them with yours—which single item was unworthy of your family?” Jia Lian laughed. “I make one joking remark and you fly into a rage.這有什麼這樣的，要使一二百兩銀子值什麼，多的沒有，這還有，先拿進來，你使了再說，如何？”鳳姐道：“我又不等著銜口墊背，忙了什麼。”賈璉道：“何苦來，不犯著這樣肝火盛。”鳳姐聽了，又自笑起來，”不是我著急，你說的話戳人的心。Why make so much of it? What does one or two hundred taels amount to? I have no great sum, but I have that much; I shall bring it in now, and you may spend it first—how is that?” Xifeng replied, “I am not waiting for a last mouthful before I die; what is the hurry?” Jia Lian said, “Why get so angry over nothing?” Xifeng laughed again. “It is not that I am anxious; your words strike people to the heart.我因為我想著後日是尤二姐的周年，我們好了一場，雖不能別的，到底給他上個墳燒張紙，也是姊妹一場。I was thinking that the day after tomorrow is the anniversary of Second Sister You’s death. We were close once, and though I can do little else, I ought at least to visit her grave and burn some paper offerings, since we were sisters after all.他雖沒留下個男女，也要‘前人撒土迷了後人的眼’才是。”一語倒把賈璉說沒了話，低頭打算了半晌，方道：“難為你想的周全，我竟忘了。Though she left neither son nor daughter, one must still ‘have the former scatter dust to blind the eyes of those who come after.’” These words left Jia Lian speechless. He lowered his head and pondered for a long while before saying, “It is thoughtful of you to remember so fully; I had quite forgotten.既是後日才用，若明日得了這個，你隨便使多少就是了。”Since you will not need it until the day after tomorrow, if I obtain this money tomorrow, use as much as you please.”

二人正说著，只见小丫头进来向平儿道：“方才朱大娘又来了。我们回了他奶奶才歇午觉，他往太太上头去了。”平儿听了点头。鸳鸯问：“那一个朱大娘？”平儿道：“就是官媒婆那朱嫂子。因有什么孙大人家来和咱们求亲，所以他这两日天天弄个帖子来赖死赖活。”一语未了，小丫头跑来说：“二爷进来了。”说话之间，贾琏已走至堂屋门，口内唤平儿。平儿答应著才迎出去，贾琏已找至这间房内来。至门前，忽见鸳鸯坐在炕上，便煞住脚，笑道：“鸳鸯姐姐，今儿贵脚踏贱地。”鸳鸯只坐著，笑道：“来请爷奶奶的安，偏又不在家的不在家，睡觉的睡觉。”贾琏笑道：“姐姐一年到头辛苦伏侍老太太，我还没看你去，那里还敢劳动来看我们。正是巧的很，我才要找姐姐去。因为穿著这袍子热，先来换了夹袍子再过去找姐姐，不想天可怜，省我走这一趟，姐姐先在这里等我了。”一面说，一面在椅上坐下。鸳鸯因问：“又有什么说的？”贾琏未语先笑道：“因有一件事，我竟忘了，只怕姐姐还记得。上年老太太生日，曾有一个外路和尚来孝敬一个臈油冻的佛手，因老太太爱，就即刻拿过来摆著了。因前日老太太生日，我看古董帐上还有这一笔，却不知此时这件东西著落何方。古董房里的人也回过我两次，等我问准了好注上一笔。所以我问姐姐，如今还是老太太摆著呢，还是交到谁手里去了呢？”鸳鸯听说，便道：“老太太摆了几日厌烦了，就给了你们奶奶。你这会子又问我来。我连日子还记得，还是我打发了老王家的送来的。你忘了，或是问你们奶奶和平儿。”平儿正拿衣服，听见如此说，忙出来回说：“交过来了，现在楼上放著呢。奶奶已经打发过人出去说过给了这屋里，他们发昏，没记上，又来叨登这些没要紧的事。”贾琏听说，笑道：“既然给了你奶奶，我怎么不知道，你们就昧下了。”平儿道：“奶奶告诉二爷，二爷还要送人，奶奶不肯，好容易留下的。这会子自己忘了，倒说我们昧下。那是什么好东西，什么没有的物儿。比那强十倍的东西也没昧下一遭，这会子爱上那不值钱的！”贾琏垂头含笑想了一想，拍手道：“我如今竟糊涂了！丢三忘四，惹人抱怨，竟大不象先了。”鸳鸯笑道：“也怨不得。事情又多，口舌又杂，你再喝上两杯酒，那里清楚的许多。”一面说，一面就起身要去。贾琏忙也立身说道：“好姐姐，再坐一坐，兄弟还有事相求。”说著便骂小丫头：“怎么不沏好茶来！快拿干净盖碗，把昨儿进上的新茶沏一碗来。”说著向鸳鸯道：“这两日因老太太的千秋，所有的几千两银子都使了。几处房租地税通在九月才得，这会子竟接不上。明儿又要送南安府里的礼，又要预备娘娘的重阳节礼，还有几家红白大礼，至少还得三二千两银子用，一时难去支借。俗语说，‘求人不如求己’。说不得，姐姐担个不是，暂且把老太太查不著的金银家伙偷著运出一箱子来，暂押千数两银子支腾过去。不上半年的光景，银子来了，我就赎了交还，断不能叫姐姐落不是。”鸳鸯听了，笑道：“你倒会变法儿，亏你怎么想来。”贾琏笑道：“不是我扯谎，若论除了姐姐，也还有人手里管的起千数两银子的，只是他们为人都不如你明白有胆量。我若和他们一说，反吓住了他们。所以我‘宁撞金钟一下，不打破鼓三千’。”一语未了，忽有贾母那边的小丫头子忙忙走来找鸳鸯，说：“老太太找姐姐半日，我们那里没找到，却在这里。”鸳鸯听说，忙的且去见贾母。贾琏见他去了，只得回来瞧凤姐。谁知凤姐已醒了，听他和鸳鸯借当，自己不便答话，只躺在榻上。听见鸳鸯去了，贾琏进来，凤姐因问道：“他可应准了？”贾琏笑道：“虽然未应准，却有几分成手，须得你晚上再和他一说，就十成了。”凤姐笑道：“我不管这事。倘或说准了，这会子说得好听，到有了钱的时节，你就丢在脖子后头，谁去和你打饥荒去。倘或老太太知道了，倒把我这几年的脸面都丢了。”贾琏笑道：“好人，你若说定了，我谢你如何？”凤姐笑道：“你说，谢我什么？”贾琏笑道：“你说要什么就给你什么。”平儿一旁笑道：“奶奶倒不要谢的。昨儿正说，要作一件什么事，恰少一二百银子使，不如借了来，奶奶拿一二百银子，岂不两全其美。”凤姐笑道：“幸亏提起我来，就是这样也罢。”贾琏笑道”你们太也狠了。你们这会子别说一千两的当头，就是现银子要三五千，只怕也难不倒。我不和你们借就罢了。这会子烦你说一句话，还要个利钱，真真了不得。”凤姐听了，翻身起来说：“我有三千五万，不是赚的你的。如今里里外外上上下下背著我嚼说我的不少，就差你来说了，可知没家亲引不出外鬼来。我们王家可那里来的钱，都是你们贾家赚的。别叫我恶心了。你们看著你家什么石崇邓通。把我王家的地缝子扫一扫，就够你们过一辈子呢。说出来的话也不怕臊！现有对证：把太太和我的嫁妆细看看，比一比你们的，那一样是配不上你们的。”贾琏笑道：“说句顽话就急了。这有什么这样的，要使一二百两银子值什么，多的没有，这还有，先拿进来，你使了再说，如何？”凤姐道：“我又不等著衔口垫背，忙了什么。”贾琏道：“何苦来，不犯著这样肝火盛。”凤姐听了，又自笑起来，”不是我著急，你说的话戳人的心。我因为我想著后日是尤二姐的周年，我们好了一场，虽不能别的，到底给他上个坟烧张纸，也是姊妹一场。他虽没留下个男女，也要‘前人撒土迷了后人的眼’才是。”一语倒把贾琏说没了话，低头打算了半晌，方道：“难为你想的周全，我竟忘了。既是后日才用，若明日得了这个，你随便使多少就是了。”

一語未了，只見旺兒媳婦走進來。Before he had finished speaking, Wang’er’s wife came in.鳳姐便問：“可成了沒有？”旺兒媳婦道：“竟不中用。Xifeng asked at once, “Was it settled?” Wang’er’s wife replied, “It is no use at all.我說須得奶奶作主就成了。”賈璉便問：“又是什麼事？”鳳姐兒見問，便說道：“不是什麼大事。I said it would succeed only if Mistress took charge.” Jia Lian asked, “What is this about?” Since he had asked, Xifeng explained, “It is nothing important.旺兒有個小子，今年十七歲了，還沒得女人，因要求太太房里的彩霞，不知太太心里怎麼樣，就沒有計較得。Wang’er has a son who is seventeen this year and still has no wife. They wanted Cai霞 from Madam Wang’s apartments, but, not knowing how Madam Wang felt about it, they had made no definite plans.前日太太見彩霞大了，二則又多病多災的，因此開恩打發他出去了，給他老子娘隨便自己揀女婿去罷。The other day Madam Wang saw that Caixia was grown up and, moreover, often sickly and afflicted, so she kindly released her and sent her home, telling her parents to choose a husband for her as they pleased.因此旺兒媳婦來求我。That is why Wang’er’s wife came to ask me.我想他兩家也就算門當戶對的，一說去自然成的，誰知他這會子來了，說不中用。”賈璉道：“這是什麼大事，比彩霞好的多著呢。”旺兒家的陪笑道：“爺雖如此說，連他家還看不起我們，別人越發看不起我們了。I thought the two families were fairly well matched, and that the proposal would naturally succeed; but now she has returned saying it is no use.” Jia Lian said, “What great matter is that? There are plenty much better than Caixia.” Wang’er’s wife smiled ingratiatingly. “Though Master says so, if even her family looks down on us, others will despise us all the more.好容易相看准一個媳婦，我只說求爺奶奶的恩典，替作成了。It was no easy matter to find and approve a prospective daughter-in-law; I only hoped Master and Mistress would graciously bring the match about.奶奶又說他必肯的，我就煩了人走過去試一試，誰知白討了沒趣。Mistress said they were certain to consent, so I troubled someone to go and sound them out, but all I gained was humiliation.若論那孩子倒好，据我素日私意兒試他，他心里沒有甚說的，只是他老子娘兩個老東西太心高了些。”一語戳動了鳳姐和賈璉，鳳姐因見賈璉在此，且不作一聲，只看賈璉的光景。The girl herself is willing enough; from the private hints I have given her on ordinary days, she has no objection in her heart. It is only that those two old creatures, her father and mother, think rather too highly of themselves.” Her words touched a sore point with both Xifeng and Jia Lian. Seeing Jia Lian there, Xifeng said nothing for the moment and merely watched how he would respond.賈璉心中有事，那里把這點子事放在心里。Jia Lian had other matters on his mind and paid little attention to this trifle.待要不管，只是看著他是鳳姐兒的陪房，且又素日出過力的，臉上實在過不去，因說道：“什麼大事，只管咕咕唧唧的。He was inclined to ignore it, but since she was one of Xifeng’s dowry servants and had often rendered service, he could hardly refuse her to her face. He therefore said, “What great affair is this, that you keep muttering and fussing?你放心且去，我明兒作媒打發兩個有体面的人，一面說，一面帶著定禮去，就說我的主意。Set your mind at ease and go home. Tomorrow I shall act as matchmaker and send two respectable people with the betrothal gifts, making it clear that this is my wish.他十分不依，叫他來見我。”旺兒家的看著鳳姐，鳳姐便扭嘴兒。If he absolutely refuses, tell him to come and see me.” Wang’er’s wife looked at Xifeng, who twisted her mouth in a signal.旺兒家的會意，忙爬下就給賈璉磕頭謝恩。Understanding, Wang’er’s wife hastily dropped to her knees, kowtowed to Jia Lian, and thanked him for his favor.賈璉忙道：“你只給你姑娘磕頭。Jia Lian quickly said, “You should kowtow only to your mistress.我雖如此說了這樣行，到底也得你姑娘打發個人叫他女人上來，和他好說更好些。Though I have said we shall proceed in this way, your mistress must still send someone to summon the girl’s mother and speak to her persuasively; that would be better.雖然他們必依，然這事也不可霸道了。”鳳姐忙道：“連你還這樣開恩操心呢，我倒反袖手旁觀不成。Though they are certain to consent, we must not tyrannize over them in this affair.” Xifeng hurriedly said, “If even you are gracious enough to concern yourself, how could I stand aside with folded arms?旺兒家你聽見，說了這事，你也忙忙的給我完了事來。Wang’er’s wife, you heard him. Now that the matter is settled, see that you quickly bring it to completion for me.說給你男人，外頭所有的帳，一概赶今年年底下收了進來，少一個錢我也不依的。Tell your husband that every debt outstanding outside must be collected by the end of this year; if even one cash is missing, I shall not accept it.我的名聲不好，再放一年，都要生吃了我呢。”旺兒媳婦笑道：“奶奶也太膽小了。My reputation is bad enough already; if I let them have another year, they will devour me alive.” Wang’er’s wife laughed. “Mistress is much too timid.誰敢議論奶奶，若收了時，公道說，我們倒還省些事，不大得罪人。”鳳姐冷笑道：“我也是一場痴心白使了。Who would dare criticize you? To speak fairly, if we collect the debts, we ourselves will be spared some trouble and will not have to offend so many people.” Xifeng sneered. “So all my fond solicitude has been wasted.”我真個的還等錢作什麼，不過為的是日用出的多，進的少。To tell the truth, what would I be waiting for money for? It is only that our daily expenses are heavy and our income small.這屋里有的沒的，我和你姑爺一月的月錢，再連上四個丫頭的月錢，通共一二十兩銀子，還不夠三五天的使用呢。What with all the odds and ends needed in this household, the monthly allowances for your master and me, together with those of the four maids, come to no more than ten or twenty taels of silver—and that is not enough to last us even three or five days.若不是我千湊萬挪的，早不知道到什麼破窯里去了。If I had not scraped and shifted every way I could, heaven knows what wretched ruin we should have landed in long ago.如今倒落了一個放帳破落戶的名兒。And now I have earned myself the name of a ruined moneylender.既這樣，我就收了回來。Since that is how things stand, I shall call the loans in.我比誰不會花錢，咱們以後就坐著花，到多早晚是多早晚。It is not as though I know less than anyone else how to spend money; from now on, we shall simply sit and spend what we have, and let it last as long as it may.這不是樣兒：前兒老太太生日，太太急了兩個月，想不出法兒來，還是我提了一句，後樓上現有些沒要緊的大銅錫家伙四五箱子，拿去弄了三百銀子，才把太太遮羞禮兒搪過去了。But this cannot go on: the other day, when the Old Lady’s birthday was coming, Madam fretted for two months without finding a way out; in the end it was I who pointed out that there were four or five chests of large, dispensable copper and pewter utensils upstairs at the back, and we raised three hundred taels on them, just enough to tide Madam over and save appearances with her presents.我是你們知道的，那一個金自鳴鐘賣了五百六十兩銀子。You know what I am like: that gold chiming clock of mine fetched five hundred and sixty taels.沒有半個月，大事小事倒有十來件，白填在里頭。Yet before half a month had passed, some ten matters, great and small, had swallowed it all up for nothing.今兒外頭也短住了，不知是誰的主意，搜尋上老太太了。Today the people outside have run short too, and whoever proposed it has begun squeezing the Old Lady.明兒再過一年，各人搜尋到頭面衣服，可就好了！”旺兒媳婦笑道：“那一位太太奶奶的頭面衣服折變了不夠過一輩子的，只是不肯罷了。”鳳姐道：“不是我說沒了能奈的話，要象這樣，我竟不能了。Next year, at this rate, they will be squeezing everyone for their jewelry and clothes—and then we shall be in a fine state!” Wang’er’s wife laughed. “Why, the jewelry and clothes of any one of the ladies or young mistresses would keep her for a lifetime if turned into cash; they simply refuse to part with them.” Xifeng said, “I do not mean to boast of my abilities, but if things go on like this, even I shall be at my wits’ end.昨晚上忽然作了一個夢，說來也可笑，夢見一個人，雖然面善，卻又不知名姓，找我。Last night I suddenly had a dream. It sounds absurd when I tell it: I dreamed that someone came looking for me whose face seemed familiar, though I did not know his name.問他作什麼，他說娘娘打發他來要一百匹錦。When I asked what he wanted, he said that Her Highness had sent him for a hundred bolts of brocade.我問他是那一位娘娘，他說的又不是咱們家的娘娘。I asked which Highness he meant, and the one he named was not our own Imperial Consort.我就不肯給他，他就上來奪。So I refused to give it to him, and he came forward to snatch it.正奪著，就醒了。”旺兒家的笑道：“這是奶奶的日間操心，常應候宮里的事。”Just as we were struggling over it, I woke up.” Wang’er’s wife laughed. “That comes of Your Ladyship’s worrying by day and always attending to palace business.”

一语未了，只见旺儿媳妇走进来。凤姐便问：“可成了没有？”旺儿媳妇道：“竟不中用。我说须得奶奶作主就成了。”贾琏便问：“又是什么事？”凤姐儿见问，便说道：“不是什么大事。旺儿有个小子，今年十七岁了，还没得女人，因要求太太房里的彩霞，不知太太心里怎么样，就没有计较得。前日太太见彩霞大了，二则又多病多灾的，因此开恩打发他出去了，给他老子娘随便自己拣女婿去罢。因此旺儿媳妇来求我。我想他两家也就算门当户对的，一说去自然成的，谁知他这会子来了，说不中用。”贾琏道：“这是什么大事，比彩霞好的多著呢。”旺儿家的陪笑道：“爷虽如此说，连他家还看不起我们，别人越发看不起我们了。好容易相看准一个媳妇，我只说求爷奶奶的恩典，替作成了。奶奶又说他必肯的，我就烦了人走过去试一试，谁知白讨了没趣。若论那孩子倒好，据我素日私意儿试他，他心里没有甚说的，只是他老子娘两个老东西太心高了些。”一语戳动了凤姐和贾琏，凤姐因见贾琏在此，且不作一声，只看贾琏的光景。贾琏心中有事，那里把这点子事放在心里。待要不管，只是看著他是凤姐儿的陪房，且又素日出过力的，脸上实在过不去，因说道：“什么大事，只管咕咕唧唧的。你放心且去，我明儿作媒打发两个有体面的人，一面说，一面带著定礼去，就说我的主意。他十分不依，叫他来见我。”旺儿家的看著凤姐，凤姐便扭嘴儿。旺儿家的会意，忙爬下就给贾琏磕头谢恩。贾琏忙道：“你只给你姑娘磕头。我虽如此说了这样行，到底也得你姑娘打发个人叫他女人上来，和他好说更好些。虽然他们必依，然这事也不可霸道了。”凤姐忙道：“连你还这样开恩操心呢，我倒反袖手旁观不成。旺儿家你听见，说了这事，你也忙忙的给我完了事来。说给你男人，外头所有的帐，一概赶今年年底下收了进来，少一个钱我也不依的。我的名声不好，再放一年，都要生吃了我呢。”旺儿媳妇笑道：“奶奶也太胆小了。谁敢议论奶奶，若收了时，公道说，我们倒还省些事，不大得罪人。”凤姐冷笑道：“我也是一场痴心白使了。我真个的还等钱作什么，不过为的是日用出的多，进的少。这屋里有的没的，我和你姑爷一月的月钱，再连上四个丫头的月钱，通共一二十两银子，还不够三五天的使用呢。若不是我千凑万挪的，早不知道到什么破窑里去了。如今倒落了一个放帐破落户的名儿。既这样，我就收了回来。我比谁不会花钱，咱们以后就坐著花，到多早晚是多早晚。这不是样儿：前儿老太太生日，太太急了两个月，想不出法儿来，还是我提了一句，后楼上现有些没要紧的大铜锡家伙四五箱子，拿去弄了三百银子，才把太太遮羞礼儿搪过去了。我是你们知道的，那一个金自鸣钟卖了五百六十两银子。没有半个月，大事小事倒有十来件，白填在里头。今儿外头也短住了，不知是谁的主意，搜寻上老太太了。明儿再过一年，各人搜寻到头面衣服，可就好了！”旺儿媳妇笑道：“那一位太太奶奶的头面衣服折变了不够过一辈子的，只是不肯罢了。”凤姐道：“不是我说没了能奈的话，要象这样，我竟不能了。昨晚上忽然作了一个梦，说来也可笑，梦见一个人，虽然面善，却又不知名姓，找我。问他作什么，他说娘娘打发他来要一百匹锦。我问他是那一位娘娘，他说的又不是咱们家的娘娘。我就不肯给他，他就上来夺。正夺著，就醒了。”旺儿家的笑道：“这是奶奶的日间操心，常应候宫里的事。”

一語未了，人回：“夏太府打發了一個小內監來說話。”賈璉聽了，忙皺眉道：“又是什麼話，一年他們也搬夠了。”鳳姐道：“你藏起來，等我見他，若是小事罷了，若是大事，我自有話回他。”賈璉便躲入內套間去。Before she had finished speaking, a servant announced, “Grand Eunuch Xia has sent a young palace eunuch with a message.” At this, Jia Lian frowned and said hurriedly, “What is it this time? They have surely carried off enough from us over the year.” Xifeng said, “Hide yourself and let me see him. If it is a small matter, so much the better; if it is a large one, I shall know what to tell him.” Jia Lian then slipped into the inner room.這里鳳姐命人帶進小太監來，讓他椅子上坐了吃茶，因問何事。Xifeng ordered the young eunuch to be shown in, had him seated in a chair and served tea, and asked what had brought him.那小太監便說：“夏爺爺因今兒偶見一所房子，如今竟短二百兩銀子，打發我來問舅奶奶家里，有現成的銀子暫借一二百，過一兩日就送過來。”鳳姐兒聽了，笑道：“什麼是送過來，有的是銀子，只管先兌了去。The young eunuch said, “Grandfather Xia happened to see a house today, but he is two hundred taels short of the price. He has sent me to ask whether Auntie’s household has one or two hundred taels ready to lend him for the moment; he will send it back in a day or two.” Xifeng laughed. “Why speak of sending it back? We have plenty of silver; just take what you need for now.改日等我們短了，再借去也是一樣。”小太監道：“夏爺爺還說了，上兩回還有一千二百兩銀子沒送來，等今年年底下，自然一齊都送過來。”鳳姐笑道：“你夏爺爺好小氣，這也值得提在心上。When we run short another day, we can borrow it back from him—it comes to the same thing.” The young eunuch said, “Grandfather Xia also said that there are still twelve hundred taels from the last two occasions that he has not sent back; by the end of this year he will naturally return it all together.” Xifeng laughed. “Your Grandfather Xia is much too particular; such a trifle is hardly worth keeping in mind.我說一句話，不怕他多心，若都這樣記清了還我們，不知還了多少了。I shall say this, though I hope he will not take offense: if he kept such careful accounts of all he owes us and repaid it, who knows how much he would have returned by now?只怕沒有，若有，只管拿去。”因叫旺兒媳婦來，“出去不管那里先支二百兩來。”旺兒媳婦會意，因笑道：“我才因別處支不動，才來和奶奶支的。”鳳姐道：“你們只會里頭來要錢，叫你們外頭算去就不能了。”說著叫平兒，“把我那兩個金項圈拿出去，暫且押四百兩銀子。”平兒答應了，去半日，果然拿了一個錦盒子來，里面兩個錦袱包著。I am only afraid there is no ready silver; if there is, he may take as much as he likes.” She then summoned Wang’er’s wife. “Go out and raise two hundred taels from wherever you can.” Understanding her meaning, Wang’er’s wife laughed and said, “It was only because I could raise nothing elsewhere that I came to ask Your Ladyship for it.” Xifeng said, “All you know is to come inside asking for money; send you outside to manage matters and you are helpless.” Then she called Ping’er. “Take those two gold neck rings of mine and pawn them for four hundred taels for the time being.” Ping’er assented and went away; after quite some time she returned with an embroidered box containing two objects wrapped in brocade cloths.打開時，一個金累絲攢珠的，那珍珠都有蓮子大小，一個點翠嵌寶石的。When they were opened, one proved to be of filigree gold clustered with pearls, each pearl as large as a lotus seed, and the other was ornamented with kingfisher feathers and set with precious stones.兩個都與宮中之物不離上下。Neither was in any way inferior to articles from the palace.一時拿去，果然拿了四百兩銀子來。They were taken away, and presently four hundred taels of silver were indeed brought back.鳳姐命與小太監打疊起一半，那一半命人與了旺兒媳婦，命他拿去辦八月中秋的節。Xifeng ordered half to be wrapped up for the young eunuch and had the other half given to Wang’er’s wife, telling her to use it for the Mid-Autumn Festival in the eighth month.那小太監便告辭了，鳳姐命人替他拿著銀子，送出大門去了。The young eunuch then took his leave. Xifeng had a servant carry the silver for him and escort him out through the main gate.這里賈璉出來笑道：“這一起外祟何日是了！”鳳姐笑道：“剛說著，就來了一股子。”賈璉道：“昨兒周太監來，張口一千兩。Jia Lian came out and laughed. “When will there be an end to this pack of outside demons?” Xifeng laughed. “We had scarcely spoken of them before a whole swarm arrived.” Jia Lian said, “Yesterday Eunuch Zhou came and demanded a thousand taels the moment he opened his mouth.我略應慢了些，他就不自在。When I was only a little slow in answering, he immediately took offense.將來得罪人之處不少。We shall end by offending no small number of people.這會子再發個三二百萬的財就好了。”一面說，一面平兒伏侍鳳姐另洗了面，更衣往賈母處去伺候晚飯。If only another fortune of two or three million would fall into our laps!” As they spoke, Ping’er helped Xifeng wash her face afresh and change her clothes before going to Grandmother Jia’s apartments to attend her at supper.

一语未了，人回：“夏太府打发了一个小内监来说话。”贾琏听了，忙皱眉道：“又是什么话，一年他们也搬够了。”凤姐道：“你藏起来，等我见他，若是小事罢了，若是大事，我自有话回他。”贾琏便躲入内套间去。这里凤姐命人带进小太监来，让他椅子上坐了吃茶，因问何事。那小太监便说：“夏爷爷因今儿偶见一所房子，如今竟短二百两银子，打发我来问舅奶奶家里，有现成的银子暂借一二百，过一两日就送过来。”凤姐儿听了，笑道：“什么是送过来，有的是银子，只管先兑了去。改日等我们短了，再借去也是一样。”小太监道：“夏爷爷还说了，上两回还有一千二百两银子没送来，等今年年底下，自然一齐都送过来。”凤姐笑道：“你夏爷爷好小气，这也值得提在心上。我说一句话，不怕他多心，若都这样记清了还我们，不知还了多少了。只怕没有，若有，只管拿去。”因叫旺儿媳妇来，“出去不管那里先支二百两来。”旺儿媳妇会意，因笑道：“我才因别处支不动，才来和奶奶支的。”凤姐道：“你们只会里头来要钱，叫你们外头算去就不能了。”说著叫平儿，“把我那两个金项圈拿出去，暂且押四百两银子。”平儿答应了，去半日，果然拿了一个锦盒子来，里面两个锦袱包著。打开时，一个金累丝攒珠的，那珍珠都有莲子大小，一个点翠嵌宝石的。两个都与宫中之物不离上下。一时拿去，果然拿了四百两银子来。凤姐命与小太监打叠起一半，那一半命人与了旺儿媳妇，命他拿去办八月中秋的节。那小太监便告辞了，凤姐命人替他拿著银子，送出大门去了。这里贾琏出来笑道：“这一起外祟何日是了！”凤姐笑道：“刚说著，就来了一股子。”贾琏道：“昨儿周太监来，张口一千两。我略应慢了些，他就不自在。将来得罪人之处不少。这会子再发个三二百万的财就好了。”一面说，一面平儿伏侍凤姐另洗了面，更衣往贾母处去伺候晚饭。

這里賈璉出來，剛至外書房，忽見林之孝走來。Jia Lian then went out, and just as he reached the outer study, he saw Lin Zhixiao approaching.賈璉因問何事。Jia Lian asked what the matter was.林之孝說道：“方才聽得雨村降了，卻不知因何事，只怕未必真。”賈璉道：“真不真，他那官兒也未必保得長。Lin Zhixiao said, “I have just heard that Yucun has been demoted, though I do not know for what reason. I fear the report may not be true.” Jia Lian said, “True or not, he was never likely to keep that office for long.將來有事，只怕未必不連累咱們，宁可疏遠著他好。”林之孝道：“何嘗不是，只是一時難以疏遠。If trouble arises in the future, he may well implicate us too; we had better keep our distance from him.” Lin Zhixiao said, “Quite so, but it is difficult to distance ourselves from him all at once.如今東府大爺和他更好，老爺又喜歡他，時常來往，那個不知。”賈璉道：“橫豎不和他謀事，也不相干。The master of the Eastern Mansion is now closer to him than ever, and our own Master is fond of him; they are constantly coming and going, as everyone knows.” Jia Lian said, “So long as we do not scheme together with him, it need not concern us.你去再打聽真了，是為什麼。”林之孝答應了，卻不動身，坐在下面椅子上，且說些閒話。Go and find out for certain whether it is true and what the cause was.” Lin Zhixiao assented, but did not leave; he sat down on a chair below and chatted for a while about various matters.因又說起家道艱難，便趁勢又說：“人口太重了。When the straitened state of the household came up, he seized the opportunity to say, “There are far too many mouths to feed.不如揀個空日回明老太太老爺，把這些出過力的老家人用不著的，開恩放幾家出去。It might be best, on some quiet day, to report to the Old Lady and the Master and ask them, as an act of grace, to release several families among the old servants who have rendered service but are no longer needed.一則他們各有營運，二則家里一年也省些口糧月錢。For one thing, they could each make their own living; for another, the household would save a certain amount each year in food and monthly wages.再者里頭的姑娘也太多。Besides, there are too many girls in the inner quarters as well.俗語說，‘一時比不得一時’，如今說不得先時的例了，少不得大家委屈些，該使八個的使六個，該使四個的便使兩個。As the saying goes, ‘Times are not always the same.’ We cannot follow the old precedents now; everyone must put up with some curtailment. Those entitled to eight attendants should make do with six, and those entitled to four with two.若各房算起來，一年也可以省得許多月米月錢。Reckoned across all the apartments, that would save a great deal in monthly rice and allowances over the course of a year.況且里頭的女孩子們一半都太大了，也該配人的配人。Moreover, half the girls inside are already too old and ought to be matched and married.成了房，豈不又孳生出人來。”賈璉道：“我也這樣想著，只是老爺才回家來，多少大事未回，那里議到這個上頭。If they are taken as concubines in the household, will they not merely produce still more people?” Jia Lian said, “I have thought the same, but the Master has only just returned home, and so many important matters have yet to be reported to him that there has been no chance to discuss this.前兒官媒拿了個庚帖來求親，太太還說老爺才來家，每日歡天喜地的說骨肉完聚，忽然就提起這事，恐老爺又傷心，所以且不叫提這事。”林之孝道：“這也是正理，太太想的周到。”賈璉道：“正是，提起這話我想起了一件事來。The other day an official matchmaker brought a card with a young man’s birth particulars to propose a marriage. Madam said that the Master had only just come home and spoke every day with delight of the family being reunited; if this matter were suddenly raised, he might be saddened again, so she would not allow it to be mentioned for the time being.” Lin Zhixiao said, “That is quite reasonable; Madam has considered everything.” Jia Lian said, “Indeed. Speaking of this reminds me of something.我們旺兒的小子要說太太房里的彩霞。Wang’er wants his son to marry Caixia from Madam’s apartments.他昨兒求我，我想什麼大事，不管誰去說一聲去。He asked me yesterday. I thought it no great matter—someone merely has to put in a word for him.這會子有誰閒著，我打發個人去說一聲，就說我的話。”林之孝聽了，只得應著，半晌笑道：“依我說，二爺竟別管這件事。Who is free just now? I shall send someone to speak on my behalf.” Hearing this, Lin Zhixiao could only acknowledge the order; after a pause, he smiled and said, “If you ask me, Second Master, you would do better not to involve yourself in this affair.旺兒的那小兒子雖然年輕，在外頭吃酒賭錢，無所不至。Though Wang’er’s son is still young, there is no vice he does not indulge in outside—drinking and gambling among them.雖說都是奴才們，到底是一輩子的事。They may all be servants, but marriage is still a matter for a lifetime.彩霞那孩子這幾年我雖沒見，聽得越發出挑的好了，何苦來白糟踏一個人。”賈璉道：“他小兒子原會吃酒，不成人？”林之孝冷笑道：“豈只吃酒賭錢，在外頭無所不為。I have not seen Caixia these past few years, but I hear she has grown into an exceptionally fine girl. Why ruin a person for nothing?” Jia Lian said, “I knew his son drank, but is he really so worthless?” Lin Zhixiao sneered. “It is far more than drinking and gambling; there is nothing he will not do outside.我們看他是奶奶的人，也只見一半不見一半罷了。”賈璉道：“我竟不知道這些事。Because we regard him as one of Her Ladyship’s people, we merely turn a blind eye to half of it.” Jia Lian said, “I had no idea of any of this.既這樣，那里還給他老婆，且給他一頓棍，鎖起來，再問他老子娘，”林之孝笑道：“何必在這一時。If that is how he behaves, how can he be given a wife? He should first be given a beating, put in chains, and then his father and mother questioned.” Lin Zhixiao laughed. “There is no need to do it at this moment.那是錯也等他再生事，我們自然回爺處治。Even if he has done wrong, wait until he causes trouble again; then we shall naturally report him to you for punishment.如今且恕他。”賈璉不語，一時林之孝出去。For now, spare him.” Jia Lian said nothing, and after a while Lin Zhixiao left.

这里贾琏出来，刚至外书房，忽见林之孝走来。贾琏因问何事。林之孝说道：“方才听得雨村降了，却不知因何事，只怕未必真。”贾琏道：“真不真，他那官儿也未必保得长。将来有事，只怕未必不连累咱们，宁可疏远著他好。”林之孝道：“何尝不是，只是一时难以疏远。如今东府大爷和他更好，老爷又喜欢他，时常来往，那个不知。”贾琏道：“横竖不和他谋事，也不相干。你去再打听真了，是为什么。”林之孝答应了，却不动身，坐在下面椅子上，且说些闲话。因又说起家道艰难，便趁势又说：“人口太重了。不如拣个空日回明老太太老爷，把这些出过力的老家人用不著的，开恩放几家出去。一则他们各有营运，二则家里一年也省些口粮月钱。再者里头的姑娘也太多。俗语说，‘一时比不得一时’，如今说不得先时的例了，少不得大家委屈些，该使八个的使六个，该使四个的便使两个。若各房算起来，一年也可以省得许多月米月钱。况且里头的女孩子们一半都太大了，也该配人的配人。成了房，岂不又孳生出人来。”贾琏道：“我也这样想著，只是老爷才回家来，多少大事未回，那里议到这个上头。前儿官媒拿了个庚帖来求亲，太太还说老爷才来家，每日欢天喜地的说骨肉完聚，忽然就提起这事，恐老爷又伤心，所以且不叫提这事。”林之孝道：“这也是正理，太太想的周到。”贾琏道：“正是，提起这话我想起了一件事来。我们旺儿的小子要说太太房里的彩霞。他昨儿求我，我想什么大事，不管谁去说一声去。这会子有谁闲著，我打发个人去说一声，就说我的话。”林之孝听了，只得应著，半晌笑道：“依我说，二爷竟别管这件事。旺儿的那小儿子虽然年轻，在外头吃酒赌钱，无所不至。虽说都是奴才们，到底是一辈子的事。彩霞那孩子这几年我虽没见，听得越发出挑的好了，何苦来白糟踏一个人。”贾琏道：“他小儿子原会吃酒，不成人？”林之孝冷笑道：“岂只吃酒赌钱，在外头无所不为。我们看他是奶奶的人，也只见一半不见一半罢了。”贾琏道：“我竟不知道这些事。既这样，那里还给他老婆，且给他一顿棍，锁起来，再问他老子娘，”林之孝笑道：“何必在这一时。那是错也等他再生事，我们自然回爷处治。如今且恕他。”贾琏不语，一时林之孝出去。

晚間鳳姐已命人喚了彩霞之母來說媒。That evening, Xifeng had already sent for Caixia’s mother to discuss the match.那彩霞之母滿心縱不願意，見鳳姐親自和他說，何等体面，便心不由意的滿口應了出去。Though Caixia’s mother was thoroughly unwilling at heart, she felt it an extraordinary honor that Xifeng should speak to her personally, and despite herself she agreed eagerly before leaving.今鳳姐問賈璉可說了沒有，賈璉因說：“我原要說的，打聽得他小兒子大不成人，故還不曾說。Now Xifeng asked Jia Lian whether he had spoken about it. Jia Lian said, “I meant to, but I learned that the boy is thoroughly worthless, so I have not yet said anything.若果然不成人，且管教他兩日，再給他老婆不遲。”鳳姐聽說，便說：“你聽見誰說他不成人？”賈璉道：“不過是家里的人，還有誰。”鳳姐笑道：“我們王家的人，連我還不中你們的意，何況奴才呢。If he really is worthless, it will not be too late to give him a wife after disciplining him for a few days.” On hearing this, Xifeng said, “Who told you he was worthless?” Jia Lian replied, “Someone in the household, of course; who else would it be?” Xifeng laughed. “Even we Wangs—including me—fail to meet with your approval; how much less our servants!我才已竟和他母親說了，他娘已經歡天喜地應了，難道又叫進他來不要了不成？”賈璉道：“既你說了，又何必退，明兒說給他老子好生管他就是了。”這里說話不提。I have already spoken to the girl’s mother, and she agreed with the greatest delight. Can I possibly summon her back now and tell her the match is off?” Jia Lian said, “Since you have spoken, there is no need to withdraw. Tomorrow we can tell his father to keep him under strict control.” We leave them there.

晚间凤姐已命人唤了彩霞之母来说媒。那彩霞之母满心纵不愿意，见凤姐亲自和他说，何等体面，便心不由意的满口应了出去。今凤姐问贾琏可说了没有，贾琏因说：“我原要说的，打听得他小儿子大不成人，故还不曾说。若果然不成人，且管教他两日，再给他老婆不迟。”凤姐听说，便说：“你听见谁说他不成人？”贾琏道：“不过是家里的人，还有谁。”凤姐笑道：“我们王家的人，连我还不中你们的意，何况奴才呢。我才已竟和他母亲说了，他娘已经欢天喜地应了，难道又叫进他来不要了不成？”贾琏道：“既你说了，又何必退，明儿说给他老子好生管他就是了。”这里说话不提。

且說彩霞因前日出去，等父母擇人，心中雖是與賈環有舊，尚未作准。Now Caixia had left service some days before to await her parents’ choice of a husband. Though she had once been attached to Jia Huan, nothing definite had been arranged.今日又見旺兒每每來求親，早聞得旺兒之子酗酒賭博，而且容顏丑陋，一技不知，自此心中越發懊惱。Now that Wang’er repeatedly came to press his son’s suit, and since she had long heard that his son was a drunken gambler, ugly besides, and knew no useful trade, she grew more distressed than ever.生恐旺兒仗鳳姐之勢，一時作成，終身為患，不免心中急躁。She feared that Wang’er, relying on Xifeng’s power, might bring the match about without delay and make her miserable for life; naturally she became frantic with anxiety.遂至晚間悄命他妹子小霞進二門來找趙姨娘，問了端的。That evening, therefore, she secretly told her younger sister Xiaoxia to enter the inner gate and seek out Concubine Zhao to learn the truth of the matter.趙姨娘素日深與彩霞契合，巴不得與了賈環，方有個膀臂，不承望王夫人又放了出去。Concubine Zhao had always been very close to Caixia and longed to have her given to Jia Huan, so that she herself would gain an ally; she had never expected Madam Wang to release Caixia from service.每唆賈環去討，一則賈環羞口難開，二則賈環也不大甚在意，不過是個丫頭，他去了，將來自然還有，遂遷延住不說，意思便丟開。She had often urged Jia Huan to ask for her, but, for one thing, he was too embarrassed to open his mouth, and for another, he did not care very much: Caixia was only a maid, and once she had gone there would naturally be others in the future. Thus he kept putting it off without saying anything and had come to mean to let the matter drop.無奈趙姨娘又不舍，又見他妹子來問，是晚得空，便先求了賈政。Concubine Zhao, however, could not bear to give Caixia up; and now that the girl’s sister had come to inquire, she found an opportunity that evening and first appealed to Jia Zheng.賈政因說道：“且忙什麼，等他們再念一二年書再放人不遲。Jia Zheng said, “Why be in such a hurry? Let the boys study another year or two before giving them women; it will not be too late.我已經看中了兩個丫頭，一個與寶玉，一個給環兒。I have already chosen two maids, one for Baoyu and one for Huan’er.只是年紀還小，又怕他們誤了書，所以再等一二年。”趙姨娘道：“寶玉已有了二年了，老爺還不知道？”賈政聽了忙問道：“誰給的？”趙姨娘方欲說話，只聽外面一聲響，不知何物，大家吃了一驚不小。But they are still young, and I am afraid women would distract them from their studies, so I intend to wait another year or two.” Concubine Zhao said, “Baoyu has had one for two years already. Does the Master still not know?” Jia Zheng hurriedly asked, “Who gave her to him?” Concubine Zhao was just about to answer when a sudden crash sounded outside. No one knew what had caused it, and they were all badly startled.要知端的，且聽下回分解。To learn what had happened, listen to the explanation in the next chapter.

且说彩霞因前日出去，等父母择人，心中虽是与贾环有旧，尚未作准。今日又见旺儿每每来求亲，早闻得旺儿之子酗酒赌博，而且容颜丑陋，一技不知，自此心中越发懊恼。生恐旺儿仗凤姐之势，一时作成，终身为患，不免心中急躁。遂至晚间悄命他妹子小霞进二门来找赵姨娘，问了端的。赵姨娘素日深与彩霞契合，巴不得与了贾环，方有个膀臂，不承望王夫人又放了出去。每唆贾环去讨，一则贾环羞口难开，二则贾环也不大甚在意，不过是个丫头，他去了，将来自然还有，遂迁延住不说，意思便丢开。无奈赵姨娘又不舍，又见他妹子来问，是晚得空，便先求了贾政。贾政因说道：“且忙什么，等他们再念一二年书再放人不迟。我已经看中了两个丫头，一个与宝玉，一个给环儿。只是年纪还小，又怕他们误了书，所以再等一二年。”赵姨娘道：“宝玉已有了二年了，老爷还不知道？”贾政听了忙问道：“谁给的？”赵姨娘方欲说话，只听外面一声响，不知何物，大家吃了一惊不小。要知端的，且听下回分解。