第七十四回　惑奸讒抄揀大觀園　矢孤介杜絕寧國府 Slander Prompts a Search of Grand View Garden; Firm in Aloofness, Xichun Breaks with the Ning Mansion

話說平兒聽迎春說了正自好笑，忽見寶玉也來了。It is told that Pinger, hearing what Yingchun had said, was just finding it amusing when suddenly Baoyu arrived as well.原來管廚房柳家媳婦之妹，也因放頭開賭得了不是。It turned out that the younger sister of Liu’s wife, who managed the kitchen, had also got herself into trouble for running a gambling bank.這園中有素與柳家不睦的，便又告出柳家來，說他和他妹子是伙計，雖然他妹子出名，其實賺了錢兩個人平分。Someone in the Garden who had long been on bad terms with the Liu household then informed against them too, saying that Liu’s wife and her sister were partners: although the sister lent her name to the operation, in truth the two divided the profits between them.因此鳳姐要治柳家之罪。For this reason, Xifeng meant to punish Liu’s wife.那柳家的因得此信，便慌了手腳，因思素與怡紅院人最為深厚，故走來悄悄的央求晴雯金星玻璃等人。When Liu’s wife heard the news, she was thrown into a panic; reflecting that she had always been especially close to the people of Happy Red Court, she came secretly to plead with Qingwen, Jinxing, Boli, and the others.金星玻璃告訴了寶玉。Jinxing and Boli told Baoyu about it.寶玉因思內中迎春之乳母也現有此罪，不若來約同迎春討情，比自己獨去單為柳家說情又更妥當，故此前來。Baoyu reflected that Yingchun’s wet nurse was now guilty of the same offense, and that it would be more fitting to join Yingchun in pleading for mercy than to go alone and intercede solely for Liu’s wife; that was why he had come.忽見許多人在此，見他來時，都問：“你的病可好了？But on arriving and finding so many people there, he was greeted on every side with: “Are you well again?跑來作什麼？”寶玉不便說出討情一事，只說：“來看二姐姐。”當下眾人也不在意，且說些閒話。What have you come running over for?” Baoyu could not conveniently reveal that he had come to plead for someone, and merely said, “I came to see Second Sister.” No one paid much attention, and they chatted for a while about indifferent matters.平兒便出去辦累絲金鳳一事。Pinger then went out to attend to the matter of the filigree gold phoenix.那王住兒媳婦緊跟在後，口內百般央求，只說：“姑娘好歹口內超生，我橫豎去贖了來。”平兒笑道：“你遲也贖，早也贖，既有今日，何必當初。Wang Zhu’er’s wife followed close behind her, pleading in every possible way and saying repeatedly, “Miss, please be merciful in what you say; come what may, I shall redeem it.” Pinger laughed and said, “Sooner or later, you must redeem it; if you were going to do so today, why did you ever pawn it in the first place?你的意思得過去就過去了。You thought that if you could get away with it, the matter would simply pass.既是這樣，我也不好意思告人，趁早去贖了來交與我送去，我一字不提。”王住兒媳婦聽說，方放下心來，就拜謝，又說：“姑娘自去貴幹，我赶晚拿了來，先回了姑娘，再送去，如何？”平兒道：“赶晚不來，可別怨我。”說畢，二人方分路各自散了。Since you say so, I should be ashamed to report you. Redeem it at once and hand it to me to return, and I shall not say a word.” Only then did Wang Zhu’er’s wife set her mind at ease. She bowed in thanks and said, “Please go about your own important business, miss. I shall bring it by this evening, report to you first, and then send it back. Will that do?” Pinger said, “If it is not here by evening, do not blame me.” With that, the two parted and went their separate ways.平兒到房，鳳姐問他：“三姑娘叫你作什麼？”平兒笑道：“三姑娘怕奶奶生氣，叫我勸著奶奶些，問奶奶這兩天可吃些什麼。”鳳姐笑道：“倒是他還記挂著我。When Pinger returned to the room, Xifeng asked her, “What did Third Miss want you for?” Pinger smiled. “Third Miss was afraid you might be angry, madam, and asked me to soothe you a little and inquire whether you have been able to eat anything these past two days.” Xifeng smiled. “So she still keeps me in mind.剛才又出來了一件事：有人來告柳二媳婦和他妹子通同開局，凡妹子所為，都是他作主。Just now another affair arose: someone has reported that Second Liu’s wife and her sister were jointly running a gambling bank, and that everything her sister did was directed by her.我想，你素日肯勸我‘多一事不如省一事’，就可閒一時心，自己保養保養也是好的。I reflected that you have always urged me that ‘the fewer affairs, the fewer troubles’; then I might enjoy a little peace and quiet and take better care of myself.我因聽不進去，果然應了些，先把太太得罪了，而且自己反賺了一場病。Because I would never listen, things have indeed turned out as you warned: first I offended Her Ladyship, and then, into the bargain, I made myself ill.如今我也看破了，隨他們鬧去罷，橫豎還有許多人呢。Now I have seen through it all. Let them carry on as they please; in any case, there are plenty of other people here.我白操一會子心，倒惹的萬人咒罵。I wear myself out worrying for nothing, only to bring down the curses of everyone upon me.我且養病要緊，便是好了，我也作個好好先生，得樂且樂，得笑且笑，一概是非都憑他們去罷。For now, nursing my health is what matters. Even when I recover, I shall play the obliging good fellow: taking pleasure where I can and laughing when I can, and leaving every question of right and wrong entirely to them.所以我只答應著知道了，白不在我心上。”平兒笑道：“奶奶果然如此，便是我們的造化。”So I merely answered that I knew, without taking it to heart at all.” Pinger laughed. “If you truly do that, madam, it will be a blessing for all of us.”

话说平儿听迎春说了正自好笑，忽见宝玉也来了。原来管厨房柳家媳妇之妹，也因放头开赌得了不是。这园中有素与柳家不睦的，便又告出柳家来，说他和他妹子是伙计，虽然他妹子出名，其实赚了钱两个人平分。因此凤姐要治柳家之罪。那柳家的因得此信，便慌了手脚，因思素与怡红院人最为深厚，故走来悄悄的央求晴雯金星玻璃等人。金星玻璃告诉了宝玉。宝玉因思内中迎春之乳母也现有此罪，不若来约同迎春讨情，比自己独去单为柳家说情又更妥当，故此前来。忽见许多人在此，见他来时，都问：“你的病可好了？跑来作什么？”宝玉不便说出讨情一事，只说：“来看二姐姐。”当下众人也不在意，且说些闲话。平儿便出去办累丝金凤一事。那王住儿媳妇紧跟在后，口内百般央求，只说：“姑娘好歹口内超生，我横竖去赎了来。”平儿笑道：“你迟也赎，早也赎，既有今日，何必当初。你的意思得过去就过去了。既是这样，我也不好意思告人，趁早去赎了来交与我送去，我一字不提。”王住儿媳妇听说，方放下心来，就拜谢，又说：“姑娘自去贵干，我赶晚拿了来，先回了姑娘，再送去，如何？”平儿道：“赶晚不来，可别怨我。”说毕，二人方分路各自散了。平儿到房，凤姐问他：“三姑娘叫你作什么？”平儿笑道：“三姑娘怕奶奶生气，叫我劝著奶奶些，问奶奶这两天可吃些什么。”凤姐笑道：“倒是他还记挂著我。刚才又出来了一件事：有人来告柳二媳妇和他妹子通同开局，凡妹子所为，都是他作主。我想，你素日肯劝我‘多一事不如省一事’，就可闲一时心，自己保养保养也是好的。我因听不进去，果然应了些，先把太太得罪了，而且自己反赚了一场病。如今我也看破了，随他们闹去罢，横竖还有许多人呢。我白操一会子心，倒惹的万人咒骂。我且养病要紧，便是好了，我也作个好好先生，得乐且乐，得笑且笑，一概是非都凭他们去罢。所以我只答应著知道了，白不在我心上。”平儿笑道：“奶奶果然如此，便是我们的造化。”

一語未了，只見賈璉進來，拍手歎氣道：“好好的又生事前兒我和鴛鴦借當，那邊太太怎麼知道了。Before she had finished speaking, Jia Lian came in, clapping his hands and sighing. “Trouble again, out of a clear sky! The other day I borrowed some things from Yuanyang to pawn—how did Her Ladyship over there come to hear of it?才剛太太叫過我去，叫我不管那里先遷挪二百銀子，做八月十五日節間使用。She summoned me just now and told me to scrape together two hundred taels from somewhere, no matter where, for the Mid-Autumn Festival expenses on the fifteenth of the eighth month.我回沒處遷挪。I replied that I had nowhere to raise it.太太就說：‘你沒有錢就有地方遷挪，我白和你商量，你就搪塞我，你就說沒地方。Her Ladyship said, ‘When you want money, you can always find somewhere to raise it. I speak to you in good faith, and you fob me off by saying there is nowhere.前兒一千銀子的當是那里的？Where did that thousand taels from the other day’s pawning come from?連老太太的東西你都有神通弄出來，這會子二百銀子，你就這樣。You even had the miraculous means to get hold of the Old Lady’s things, yet now, over a mere two hundred taels, you behave like this.幸虧我沒和別人說去。’我想太太分明不短，何苦來要尋事奈何人。”鳳姐兒道：“那日并沒一個外人，誰走了這個消息。”平兒聽了，也細想那日有誰在此，想了半日，笑道：“是了。Fortunately, I have not mentioned it to anyone else.’ It seems clear to me that Her Ladyship is not short of money; why must she deliberately make trouble and put me in a difficult position?” Xifeng said, “There was not a single outsider present that day. Who could have let the news slip?” Pinger too considered carefully who had been there, and after thinking for a long while, she smiled. “I have it.那日說話時沒一個外人，但晚上送東西來的時節，老太太那邊傻大姐的娘也可巧來送漿洗衣服。There were no outsiders when we discussed it that day, but when the things were brought over that evening, the mother of Silly Dajie from the Old Lady’s quarters happened to come with some clothes that had been washed and starched.他在下房里坐了一會子，見一大箱子東西，自然要問，必是小丫頭們不知道，說了出來，也未可知。”因此便喚了幾個小丫頭來問，那日誰告訴呆大姐的娘。She sat for a while in the servants’ room and saw a great chestful of things, so naturally she would have asked about them. Perhaps one of the little maids, not knowing better, told her.” They therefore summoned several little maids and asked which of them had told Silly Dajie’s mother that day.眾小丫頭慌了，都跪下賭咒發誓，說：“自來也不敢多說一句話。The little maids were terrified; they all knelt down and swore solemn oaths, saying, “We have never dared to say one word too many.有人凡問什麼，都答應不知道。Whatever anyone asks us, we always answer that we do not know.這事如何敢多說。”鳳姐詳情說：“他們必不敢，倒別委屈了他們。How could we dare talk about such a matter?” Xifeng, judging the circumstances, said, “They certainly would not dare. We must not wrong them.如今且把這事靠後，且把太太打發了去要緊。Let us put this question aside for now; the urgent thing is to satisfy Her Ladyship.宁可咱們短些，又別討沒意思。”因叫平兒：“把我的金項圈拿來，且去暫押二百銀子來送去完事。”賈璉道：“越性多押二百，咱們也要使呢。”鳳姐道：“很不必，我沒處使錢。Better for us to go short than invite another rebuff.” She told Pinger, “Bring me my gold neck-ring and pawn it temporarily for two hundred taels, so that we can send her the money and have done with it.” Jia Lian said, “You might as well pawn it for another two hundred; we need money ourselves.” Xifeng replied, “There is no need. I have nowhere to spend money.這一去還不知指那一項贖呢。”平兒拿去，吩咐一個人喚了旺兒媳婦來領去，不一時拿了銀子來。Once it is pawned, who knows from which account we shall ever find the money to redeem it?” Pinger took the neck-ring away and ordered someone to summon Wang’er’s wife to collect it; before long, the silver was brought back.賈璉親自送去，不在話下。Jia Lian delivered it himself, and nothing more need be said of that.

一语未了，只见贾琏进来，拍手叹气道：“好好的又生事前儿我和鸳鸯借当，那边太太怎么知道了。才刚太太叫过我去，叫我不管那里先迁挪二百银子，做八月十五日节间使用。我回没处迁挪。太太就说：‘你没有钱就有地方迁挪，我白和你商量，你就搪塞我，你就说没地方。前儿一千银子的当是那里的？连老太太的东西你都有神通弄出来，这会子二百银子，你就这样。幸亏我没和别人说去。’我想太太分明不短，何苦来要寻事奈何人。”凤姐儿道：“那日并没一个外人，谁走了这个消息。”平儿听了，也细想那日有谁在此，想了半日，笑道：“是了。那日说话时没一个外人，但晚上送东西来的时节，老太太那边傻大姐的娘也可巧来送浆洗衣服。他在下房里坐了一会子，见一大箱子东西，自然要问，必是小丫头们不知道，说了出来，也未可知。”因此便唤了几个小丫头来问，那日谁告诉呆大姐的娘。众小丫头慌了，都跪下赌咒发誓，说：“自来也不敢多说一句话。有人凡问什么，都答应不知道。这事如何敢多说。”凤姐详情说：“他们必不敢，倒别委屈了他们。如今且把这事靠后，且把太太打发了去要紧。宁可咱们短些，又别讨没意思。”因叫平儿：“把我的金项圈拿来，且去暂押二百银子来送去完事。”贾琏道：“越性多押二百，咱们也要使呢。”凤姐道：“很不必，我没处使钱。这一去还不知指那一项赎呢。”平儿拿去，吩咐一个人唤了旺儿媳妇来领去，不一时拿了银子来。贾琏亲自送去，不在话下。

這里鳳姐和平兒猜疑，終是誰人走的風聲，竟擬不出人來。Meanwhile, Xifeng and Pinger continued to wonder who had leaked the news, but could arrive at no possible culprit.鳳姐兒又道：“知道這事還是小事，怕的是小人趁便又造非言，生出別的事來。Xifeng said again, “Someone’s knowing of this is still a small matter. What I fear is that some malicious person may seize the opportunity to invent slanders and stir up further trouble.當緊那邊正和鴛鴦結下仇了，如今聽得他私自借給璉二爺東西，那起小人眼饞肚飽，連沒縫兒的雞蛋還要下蛆呢，如今有了這個因由，恐怕又造出些沒天理的話來也定不得。The worst of it is that the people over there have just made an enemy of Yuanyang. Now that they hear she secretly lent Second Master Lian things, those spiteful creatures, their eyes greedy though their bellies are full, would breed maggots even in an egg without a crack; now that they have this pretext, there is no knowing what outrageous tales they may invent.在你璉二爺還無妨，只是鴛鴦正經女兒，帶累了他受屈，豈不是咱們的過失。”平兒笑道：“這也無妨。Second Master Lian himself has little to fear, but Yuanyang is an innocent unmarried girl. If she is dragged into it and made to suffer unjustly, would that not be our fault?” Pinger smiled. “There is no harm in that.鴛鴦借東西看的是奶奶，并不為的是二爺。Yuanyang lent the things out of regard for you, madam, and not for Second Master.一則鴛鴦雖應名是他私情，其實他是回過老太太的。For one thing, though it is called a private favor from Yuanyang, she actually reported it to the Old Lady.老太太因怕孫男弟女多，這個也借，那個也要，到跟前撒個嬌兒，和誰要去，因此只裝不知道。The Old Lady fears that with so many grandsons, granddaughters, and younger relations, this one would ask for a loan and that one would make a demand, each coming before her to wheedle and cajole her—and whom could she turn away? So she merely pretends not to know.縱鬧了出來，究竟那也無礙。”鳳姐兒道：“理固如此。Even if the matter comes out, in the end it can do no harm.” Xifeng said, “That is reasonable enough.只是你我是知道的，那不知道的，焉得不生疑呢。”But you and I know the truth; how could those who do not know it help being suspicious?”

这里凤姐和平儿猜疑，终是谁人走的风声，竟拟不出人来。凤姐儿又道：“知道这事还是小事，怕的是小人趁便又造非言，生出别的事来。当紧那边正和鸳鸯结下仇了，如今听得他私自借给琏二爷东西，那起小人眼馋肚饱，连没缝儿的鸡蛋还要下蛆呢，如今有了这个因由，恐怕又造出些没天理的话来也定不得。在你琏二爷还无妨，只是鸳鸯正经女儿，带累了他受屈，岂不是咱们的过失。”平儿笑道：“这也无妨。鸳鸯借东西看的是奶奶，并不为的是二爷。一则鸳鸯虽应名是他私情，其实他是回过老太太的。老太太因怕孙男弟女多，这个也借，那个也要，到跟前撒个娇儿，和谁要去，因此只装不知道。纵闹了出来，究竟那也无碍。”凤姐儿道：“理固如此。只是你我是知道的，那不知道的，焉得不生疑呢。”

一語未了，人報：“太太來了。”鳳姐聽了詫异，不知為何事親來，與平兒等忙迎出來。Before she had finished, someone announced, “Her Ladyship has come.” Xifeng was astonished and could not imagine what had brought her in person; she and Pinger hurried out to receive her.只見王夫人氣色更變，只帶一個貼己的小丫頭走來，一語不發，走至里間坐下。They saw that Lady Wang’s expression was greatly altered. Accompanied by only one trusted little maid, she entered without a word and sat down in the inner room.鳳姐忙奉茶，因陪笑問道：“太太今日高興，到這里逛逛。”王夫人喝命：“平兒出去！”平兒見了這般，著慌不知怎麼樣了，忙應了一聲，帶著眾小丫頭一齊出去，在房門外站住，越性將房門掩了，自己坐在台磯上，所有的人，一個不許進去。Xifeng hastily offered her tea and asked with an ingratiating smile, “What happy impulse has brought Your Ladyship here for a visit today?” Lady Wang commanded sharply, “Pinger, go out!” Alarmed by her manner and unable to imagine what was wrong, Pinger quickly assented and led all the little maids outside. She pulled the door nearly shut, seated herself on the stone step, and allowed no one whatsoever to enter.鳳姐也著了慌，不知有何等事。Xifeng too became alarmed, not knowing what grave matter had arisen.只見王夫人含著淚，從袖內擲出一個香袋子來，說：“你瞧。”鳳姐忙拾起一看，見是十錦春意香袋，也嚇了一跳，忙問：“太太從那里得來？”王夫人見問，越發淚如雨下，顫聲說道：“我從那里得來！Lady Wang, with tears in her eyes, flung a scented purse from her sleeve and said, “Look at that.” Xifeng hurriedly picked it up and saw that it was a many-colored purse embroidered with an amorous spring scene. She too started in fright and hastily asked, “Where did Your Ladyship get this?” At the question Lady Wang’s tears fell even more heavily, and she said in a trembling voice, “Where did I get it!我天天坐在井里，拿你當個細心人，所以我才偷個空兒。I sit at the bottom of a well day after day, trusting you to be a careful person, and that is the only reason I ever steal a moment’s respite.誰知你也和我一樣。Who would have thought that you were no better than I?這樣的東西大天白日明擺在園里山石上，被老太太的丫頭拾著，不虧你婆婆遇見，早已送到老太太跟前去了。A thing like this was lying in broad daylight upon a rock in the Garden and was picked up by one of the Old Lady’s maids. Had your mother-in-law not happened upon her, it would long since have been taken before the Old Lady.我且問你，這個東西如何遺在那里來？”鳳姐聽得，也更了顏色，忙問：“太太怎知是我的？”王夫人又哭又歎說道：“你反問我！Let me ask you: how did this thing come to be dropped there?” Xifeng’s countenance changed still further on hearing this, and she quickly asked, “How does Your Ladyship know it is mine?” Lady Wang wept and sighed. “You ask me that!你想，一家子除了你們小夫小妻，餘者老婆子們，要這個何用？Think: apart from you young married couples, everyone in this household is an elderly woman. What use would they have for such a thing?再女孩子們是從那里得來？And where could the unmarried girls have obtained one?自然是那璉兒不長進下流种子那里弄來。Naturally that worthless, dissolute creature Lian got it from somewhere.你們又和氣。And the two of you are affectionate.當作一件頑意兒，年輕人兒女閨房私意是有的，你還和我賴！Young married people do have their private intimacies in the bedchamber, and you must have treated it as a plaything—yet you still deny it to me!幸而園內上下人還不解事，尚未揀得。Fortunately, the servants throughout the Garden are still too innocent to understand such things and did not pick it up.倘或丫頭們揀著，你姊妹看見，這還了得。But suppose one of the maids had found it and your young sisters had seen it—what then?不然有那小丫頭們揀著，出去說是園內揀著的，外人知道，這性命臉面要也不要？”鳳姐聽說，又急又愧，登時紫漲了面皮，便依炕沿雙膝跪下，也含淚訴道：“太太說的固然有理，我也不敢辯我并無這樣的東西。Or suppose some little maid had picked it up, gone outside, and said she had found it in the Garden, so that outsiders heard of it—would you care nothing for our lives and reputation?” Hearing this, Xifeng was both anxious and ashamed; her face instantly flushed deep purple, and she dropped to her knees beside the kang. With tears in her eyes, she pleaded, “What Your Ladyship says is certainly reasonable, and I dare not defend myself merely by saying that I possess no such thing.但其中還要求太太細詳其理：那香袋是外頭雇工仿著內工繡的，帶子穗子一概是市賣貨。But I must beg Your Ladyship to examine the circumstances carefully. This purse was embroidered by hired workers outside in imitation of work done within the household, and its cords and tassels are all ordinary market goods.我便年輕不尊重些，也不要這勞什子，自然都是好的，此其一。Even if, being young, I were somewhat lacking in dignity, I would have no use for such trash; anything of mine would naturally be of good quality. That is the first point.二者這東西也不是常帶著的，我縱有，也只好在家里，焉肯帶在身上各處去？Second, this is not something one wears constantly. Even if I owned one, I would keep it at home; how could I carry it on my person wherever I went?況且又在園里去，個個姊妹我們都肯拉拉扯扯，倘或露出來，不但在姊妹前，就是奴才看見，我有什麼意思？Still less would I take it into the Garden, where all of us sisters are forever pulling and tugging one another. If it slipped into sight—not merely before the young ladies, but even before the servants—what face would I have?我雖年輕不尊重，亦不能糊涂至此。Young and undignified though I may be, I could not be so witless as that.三則論主子內我是年輕媳婦，算起奴才來，比我更年輕的又不止一個人了。Third, among the mistresses I may be the youngest married woman, but among the servants there is more than one person younger than I.況且他們也常進園，晚間各人家去，焉知不是他們身上的？Moreover, they often enter the Garden and return to their own homes at night. Who can know that it did not belong to one of them?四則除我常在園里之外，還有那邊太太常帶過幾個小姨娘來，如嫣紅、翠雲等人，皆系年輕侍妾，他們更該有這個了。Fourth, besides my own frequent visits to the Garden, Her Ladyship over there often brings several of the younger concubines, such as Yanhong and Cuiyun. They are all young women, and are still more likely to possess such a thing.還有那邊珍大嫂子，他不算甚老外，他也常帶過佩鳳等人來，焉知又不是他們的？Then there is our senior mistress on Cousin Zhen’s side: she is hardly old, and she often brings Peifeng and the others with her. Who can know that it was not theirs?五則園內丫頭太多，保的住個個都是正經的不成？Fifth, there are so many maids in the Garden—can anyone guarantee that every one of them is respectable?也有年紀大些的知道了人事，或者一時半刻人查問不到偷著出去，或借著因由同二門上小么兒們打牙犯嘴，外頭得了來的，也未可知。Some are older and know about relations between men and women. Perhaps, when no one was keeping watch, one slipped out for a time, or found some pretext to flirt and banter with the young pages at the inner gate, and obtained it from outside. That too is possible.如今不但我沒此事，就連平兒我也可以下保的。Not only have I had no part in such a thing; I can vouch for Pinger as well.太太請細想。”王夫人聽了這一席話大近情理，因歎道：“你起來。I beg Your Ladyship to consider carefully.” Finding this speech thoroughly reasonable, Lady Wang sighed and said, “Get up.我也知道你是大家小姐出身，焉得輕薄至此，不過我氣急了，拿了話激你。I know that you come from a great and noble family. How could you be so wanton? I spoke harshly only because anger had overcome me, hoping to provoke the truth from you.但如今卻怎麼處？But what are we to do now?你婆婆才打發人封了這個給我瞧，說是前日從傻大姐手里得的，把我氣了個死。”鳳姐道：“太太快別生氣。Your mother-in-law has just sent someone to deliver this to me under seal, saying that she obtained it from Silly Dajie the day before yesterday. I was nearly beside myself with anger.” Xifeng said, “Your Ladyship must not be angry.若被眾人覺察了，保不定老太太不知道。If everyone notices, there is no guarantee that the Old Lady will not hear of it.且平心靜氣暗暗訪察，才得确實，縱然訪不著，外人也不能知道。We must keep calm and investigate secretly; only then can we establish the truth. Even if we discover nothing, no outsider need know.這叫作‘胳膊折在袖內’。As the saying goes, ‘A broken arm is kept hidden inside the sleeve.’如今惟有趁著賭錢的因由革了許多的人這空兒，把周瑞媳婦旺兒媳婦等四五個貼近不能走話的人安插在園里，以查賭為由。The only course now is to take advantage of the dismissal of so many people for gambling and place four or five trustworthy women who will not let anything slip—Zhou Rui’s wife, Wang’er’s wife, and the others—inside the Garden under the pretext of investigating gambling.再如今他們的丫頭也太多了，保不住人大心大，生事作耗，等鬧出事來，反悔之不及。Besides, the young ladies now have too many maids. There is no guarantee that, as their numbers and ambitions grow, they will not stir up mischief; once trouble has broken out, regret will come too late.如今若無故裁革，不但姑娘們委屈煩惱，就連太太和我也過不去。Yet if we dismiss them without cause, not only will the young ladies feel wronged and distressed, but Your Ladyship and I will find it difficult to justify ourselves.不如趁此机會，以後凡年紀大些的，或有些咬牙難纏的，拿個錯兒攆出去配了人。We would do better to seize this opportunity and henceforth find some fault with any who are older or especially contentious and unmanageable, then send them away to be married.一則保得住沒有別的事，二則也可省些用度。In this way, first, we may guard against further trouble; and second, we may save somewhat on expenses.太太想我這話如何？”王夫人歎道：“你說的何嘗不是，但從公細想，你這幾個姊妹也甚可怜了。What does Your Ladyship think of this proposal?” Lady Wang sighed. “What you say is certainly right, but if one considers the matter impartially, these young sisters of yours are truly pitiable.也不用遠比，只說如今你林妹妹的母親，未出閣時，是何等的嬌生慣養，是何等的金尊玉貴，那才象個千金小姐的体統。We need look no further than your Cousin Lin’s mother. Before she married, how tenderly and indulgently she was reared, how honored and precious she was—that was truly the state befitting a great family’s daughter.如今這幾個姊妹，不過比人家的丫頭略強些罷了。These sisters of yours now live only a little better than other families’ maids.通共每人只有兩三個丫頭象個人樣，餘者縱有四五個小丫頭子，竟是廟里的小鬼。Each has no more than two or three maids who are at all presentable; though there may be another four or five little girls, they are no better than the little demons in a temple.如今還要裁革了去，不但于我心不忍，只怕老太太未必就依。If we dismiss even those, not only could my heart not bear it, but I fear the Old Lady would never consent.雖然艱難，難不至此。Our circumstances may be straitened, but they have hardly come to that.我雖沒受過大榮華富貴，比你們是強的。Though I have never enjoyed any great splendor or wealth, I have lived better than you young people do.如今我宁可省些，別委屈了他們。I would sooner economize on myself than let them suffer.以後要省儉先從我來倒使的。If savings must be made in future, they should begin with me.如今且叫人傳了周瑞家的等人進來，就吩咐他們快快暗地訪拿這事要緊。”鳳姐聽了，即喚平兒進來吩咐出去。For the present, summon Zhou Rui’s wife and the others, and instruct them to investigate this matter secretly and quickly; that is the urgent thing.” Xifeng at once called Pinger in and sent her out with the orders.

一语未了，人报：“太太来了。”凤姐听了诧异，不知为何事亲来，与平儿等忙迎出来。只见王夫人气色更变，只带一个贴己的小丫头走来，一语不发，走至里间坐下。凤姐忙奉茶，因陪笑问道：“太太今日高兴，到这里逛逛。”王夫人喝命：“平儿出去！”平儿见了这般，著慌不知怎么样了，忙应了一声，带著众小丫头一齐出去，在房门外站住，越性将房门掩了，自己坐在台矶上，所有的人，一个不许进去。凤姐也著了慌，不知有何等事。只见王夫人含著泪，从袖内掷出一个香袋子来，说：“你瞧。”凤姐忙拾起一看，见是十锦春意香袋，也吓了一跳，忙问：“太太从那里得来？”王夫人见问，越发泪如雨下，颤声说道：“我从那里得来！我天天坐在井里，拿你当个细心人，所以我才偷个空儿。谁知你也和我一样。这样的东西大天白日明摆在园里山石上，被老太太的丫头拾著，不亏你婆婆遇见，早已送到老太太跟前去了。我且问你，这个东西如何遗在那里来？”凤姐听得，也更了颜色，忙问：“太太怎知是我的？”王夫人又哭又叹说道：“你反问我！你想，一家子除了你们小夫小妻，余者老婆子们，要这个何用？再女孩子们是从那里得来？自然是那琏儿不长进下流种子那里弄来。你们又和气。当作一件顽意儿，年轻人儿女闺房私意是有的，你还和我赖！幸而园内上下人还不解事，尚未拣得。倘或丫头们拣著，你姊妹看见，这还了得。不然有那小丫头们拣著，出去说是园内拣著的，外人知道，这性命脸面要也不要？”凤姐听说，又急又愧，登时紫涨了面皮，便依炕沿双膝跪下，也含泪诉道：“太太说的固然有理，我也不敢辩我并无这样的东西。但其中还要求太太细详其理：那香袋是外头雇工仿著内工绣的，带子穗子一概是市卖货。我便年轻不尊重些，也不要这劳什子，自然都是好的，此其一。二者这东西也不是常带著的，我纵有，也只好在家里，焉肯带在身上各处去？况且又在园里去，个个姊妹我们都肯拉拉扯扯，倘或露出来，不但在姊妹前，就是奴才看见，我有什么意思？我虽年轻不尊重，亦不能糊涂至此。三则论主子内我是年轻媳妇，算起奴才来，比我更年轻的又不止一个人了。况且他们也常进园，晚间各人家去，焉知不是他们身上的？四则除我常在园里之外，还有那边太太常带过几个小姨娘来，如嫣红、翠云等人，皆系年轻侍妾，他们更该有这个了。还有那边珍大嫂子，他不算甚老外，他也常带过佩凤等人来，焉知又不是他们的？五则园内丫头太多，保的住个个都是正经的不成？也有年纪大些的知道了人事，或者一时半刻人查问不到偷著出去，或借著因由同二门上小么儿们打牙犯嘴，外头得了来的，也未可知。如今不但我没此事，就连平儿我也可以下保的。太太请细想。”王夫人听了这一席话大近情理，因叹道：“你起来。我也知道你是大家小姐出身，焉得轻薄至此，不过我气急了，拿了话激你。但如今却怎么处？你婆婆才打发人封了这个给我瞧，说是前日从傻大姐手里得的，把我气了个死。”凤姐道：“太太快别生气。若被众人觉察了，保不定老太太不知道。且平心静气暗暗访察，才得确实，纵然访不著，外人也不能知道。这叫作‘胳膊折在袖内’。如今惟有趁著赌钱的因由革了许多的人这空儿，把周瑞媳妇旺儿媳妇等四五个贴近不能走话的人安插在园里，以查赌为由。再如今他们的丫头也太多了，保不住人大心大，生事作耗，等闹出事来，反悔之不及。如今若无故裁革，不但姑娘们委屈烦恼，就连太太和我也过不去。不如趁此机会，以后凡年纪大些的，或有些咬牙难缠的，拿个错儿撵出去配了人。一则保得住没有别的事，二则也可省些用度。太太想我这话如何？”王夫人叹道：“你说的何尝不是，但从公细想，你这几个姊妹也甚可怜了。也不用远比，只说如今你林妹妹的母亲，未出阁时，是何等的娇生惯养，是何等的金尊玉贵，那才象个千金小姐的体统。如今这几个姊妹，不过比人家的丫头略强些罢了。通共每人只有两三个丫头象个人样，余者纵有四五个小丫头子，竟是庙里的小鬼。如今还要裁革了去，不但于我心不忍，只怕老太太未必就依。虽然艰难，难不至此。我虽没受过大荣华富贵，比你们是强的。如今我宁可省些，别委屈了他们。以后要省俭先从我来倒使的。如今且叫人传了周瑞家的等人进来，就吩咐他们快快暗地访拿这事要紧。”凤姐听了，即唤平儿进来吩咐出去。

一時，周瑞家的與吳興家的，鄭華家的，來旺家的，來喜家的現在五家陪房進來，餘者皆在南方各有執事。Before long, Zhou Rui’s wife, Wu Xing’s wife, Zheng Hua’s wife, Laiwang’s wife, and Laixi’s wife came in—the five bondservant wives presently at the house; all the others held various posts in the south.王夫人正嫌人少不能勘察，忽見邢夫人的陪房王善保家的走來，方才正是他送香囊來的。Lady Wang was just regretting that there were too few people to conduct a proper investigation when Wang Shanbao’s wife, a bondservant of Lady Xing, arrived; it was she who had brought the scented purse a little earlier.王夫人向來看視邢夫人之得力心腹人等原無二意，今見他來打聽此事，十分關切，便向他說：“你去回了太太，也進園內照管照管，不比別人又強些。”這王善保家正因素日進園去那些丫鬟們不大趨奉他，他心里大不自在，要尋他們的故事又尋不著，恰好生出這事來，以為得了把柄。Lady Wang had always regarded Lady Xing’s trusted attendants as loyally as her own. Seeing Wang Shanbao’s wife come to inquire about the matter and display great concern, she said to her, “Go and report to your mistress, then come into the Garden to help supervise matters. You will be more useful than an outsider.” Now Wang Shanbao’s wife had long resented the maids in the Garden for failing to court and flatter her when she went there. She had felt deeply aggrieved and wanted to find grounds for accusing them, but had never succeeded; this affair arose at just the right moment, and she considered that she now had a hold over them.又聽王夫人委托，正撞在心坎上，說：“這個容易。When she heard Lady Wang entrust the matter to her as well, it was exactly what she had hoped for, and she said, “That will be easy.不是奴才多話，論理這事該早嚴緊的。It is not for this servant to talk too much, but by rights stricter discipline ought to have been imposed long ago.太太也不大往園里去，這些女孩子們一個個倒象受了封誥似的。Your Ladyship seldom goes into the Garden, and every one of those girls behaves as though she had received an imperial title.他們就成了千金小姐了。They have made themselves into great young ladies.鬧下天來，誰敢哼一聲兒。They could bring the heavens crashing down, and still no one would dare utter a sound.不然，就調唆姑娘的丫頭們，說欺負了姑娘們了，誰還耽得起。”王夫人道：“這也有的常情，跟姑娘的丫頭原比別的嬌貴些。Otherwise, they incite the young ladies’ maids to claim that their mistresses have been bullied—and who can bear the blame for that?” Lady Wang said, “That is only natural to some degree. The maids attending the young ladies are naturally treated with more indulgence than the others.你們該勸他們。You ought to counsel them.連主子們的姑娘不教導尚且不堪，何況他們。”王善保家的道：“別的都還罷了。Even the daughters of the house become intolerable if they are not properly instructed, much less their maids.” Wang Shanbao’s wife said, “The others are tolerable enough.太太不知道，一個寶玉屋里的晴雯，那丫頭仗著他生的模樣兒比別人標致些。But Your Ladyship does not know about one maid in Baoyu’s room named Qingwen. That girl relies on being prettier than the rest.又生了一張巧嘴，天天打扮的象個西施的樣子，在人跟前能說慣道，掐尖要強。And having a clever tongue as well, she dresses herself up every day like Xishi, glibly showing off before everyone and forever striving to outshine the others.一句話不投机，他就立起兩個騷眼睛來罵人，妖妖嬌嬌，大不成個体統。”王夫人聽了這話，猛然触動往事，便問鳳姐道：“上次我們跟了老太太進園逛去，有一個水蛇腰，削肩膀，眉眼又有些象你林妹妹的，正在那里罵小丫頭。If a single word displeases her, she raises those wanton eyes of hers and curses people. All her mincing and coquettish ways are utterly improper.” These words suddenly recalled an earlier incident to Lady Wang, who asked Xifeng, “The last time we accompanied the Old Lady on a walk through the Garden, there was a girl with a slender, snakelike waist, narrow shoulders, and eyes and brows somewhat resembling your Cousin Lin’s, who was scolding a little maid.我的心里很看不上那狂樣子，因同老太太走，我不曾說得。I greatly disliked her insolent manner, but since I was walking with the Old Lady, I had no chance to speak.後來要問是誰，又偏忘了。Later I meant to ask who she was, but happened to forget.今日對了坎兒，這丫頭想必就是他了。”鳳姐道：“若論這些丫頭們，共總比起來，都沒晴雯生得好。Now everything fits; that girl must have been Qingwen.” Xifeng said, “If all these maids are compared together, none is better-looking than Qingwen.論舉止言語，他原有些輕薄。As for her speech and behavior, she is indeed somewhat frivolous.方才太太說的倒很象他，我也忘了那日的事，不敢亂說。”王善保家的便道：“不用這樣，此刻不難叫了他來太太瞧瞧。”王夫人道：“寶玉房里常見我的只有襲人麝月，這兩個笨笨的倒好。The girl Your Ladyship describes does sound very much like her, but I have forgotten the incident that day and dare not speak recklessly.” Wang Shanbao’s wife said, “There is no need for uncertainty. It would be easy to summon her now and let Your Ladyship look at her.” Lady Wang said, “Of the girls in Baoyu’s room, the only ones who regularly come before me are Xiren and Sheyue. Those two are rather simple, which is all to the good.若有這個，他自不敢來見我的。If this other girl is there, she naturally would not dare come before me.我一生最嫌這樣人，況且又出來這個事。All my life I have detested that sort of person, and now this affair has happened besides.好好的寶玉，倘或叫這蹄子勾引坏了，那還了得。”因叫自己的丫頭來，吩咐他到園里去，”只說我說有話問他們，留下襲人麝月伏侍寶玉不必來，有一個晴雯最伶俐，叫他即刻快來。Baoyu is a perfectly good boy; if that little slut should seduce and corrupt him, what would become of us?” She therefore called her own maid and instructed her to go to the Garden: “Say only that I have some questions for them. Xiren and Sheyue are to remain and attend Baoyu, and need not come. There is one called Qingwen, the cleverest of them all—tell her to come at once, without delay.你不許和他說什麼。”You are not to say anything else to her.

一时，周瑞家的与吴兴家的，郑华家的，来旺家的，来喜家的现在五家陪房进来，余者皆在南方各有执事。王夫人正嫌人少不能勘察，忽见邢夫人的陪房王善保家的走来，方才正是他送香囊来的。王夫人向来看视邢夫人之得力心腹人等原无二意，今见他来打听此事，十分关切，便向他说：“你去回了太太，也进园内照管照管，不比别人又强些。”这王善保家正因素日进园去那些丫鬟们不大趋奉他，他心里大不自在，要寻他们的故事又寻不著，恰好生出这事来，以为得了把柄。又听王夫人委托，正撞在心坎上，说：“这个容易。不是奴才多话，论理这事该早严紧的。太太也不大往园里去，这些女孩子们一个个倒象受了封诰似的。他们就成了千金小姐了。闹下天来，谁敢哼一声儿。不然，就调唆姑娘的丫头们，说欺负了姑娘们了，谁还耽得起。”王夫人道：“这也有的常情，跟姑娘的丫头原比别的娇贵些。你们该劝他们。连主子们的姑娘不教导尚且不堪，何况他们。”王善保家的道：“别的都还罢了。太太不知道，一个宝玉屋里的晴雯，那丫头仗著他生的模样儿比别人标致些。又生了一张巧嘴，天天打扮的象个西施的样子，在人跟前能说惯道，掐尖要强。一句话不投机，他就立起两个骚眼睛来骂人，妖妖娇娇，大不成个体统。”王夫人听了这话，猛然触动往事，便问凤姐道：“上次我们跟了老太太进园逛去，有一个水蛇腰，削肩膀，眉眼又有些象你林妹妹的，正在那里骂小丫头。我的心里很看不上那狂样子，因同老太太走，我不曾说得。后来要问是谁，又偏忘了。今日对了坎儿，这丫头想必就是他了。”凤姐道：“若论这些丫头们，共总比起来，都没晴雯生得好。论举止言语，他原有些轻薄。方才太太说的倒很象他，我也忘了那日的事，不敢乱说。”王善保家的便道：“不用这样，此刻不难叫了他来太太瞧瞧。”王夫人道：“宝玉房里常见我的只有袭人麝月，这两个笨笨的倒好。若有这个，他自不敢来见我的。我一生最嫌这样人，况且又出来这个事。好好的宝玉，倘或叫这蹄子勾引坏了，那还了得。”因叫自己的丫头来，吩咐他到园里去，”只说我说有话问他们，留下袭人麝月伏侍宝玉不必来，有一个晴雯最伶俐，叫他即刻快来。你不许和他说什么。”

小丫頭子答應了，走入怡紅院，正值晴雯身上不自在，睡中覺才起來，正發悶，聽如此說，只得隨了他來。The little maid answered and went into Yihongyuan. Qingwen happened to be feeling unwell; she had only just risen from her midday nap and was sitting there in low spirits. Hearing the summons, she had no choice but to follow her.素日這些丫鬟皆知王夫人最嫌嬌妝艷飾語薄言輕者，故晴雯不敢出頭。All the maids knew that Lady Wang particularly disliked girls who dressed coquettishly, adorned themselves gaudily, and spoke in a pert and frivolous manner, so Qingwen had never dared put herself forward.今因連日不自在，并沒十分妝飾，自為無礙。But as she had been unwell for several days and was scarcely made up at all, she thought there could be no harm.及到了鳳姐房中，王夫人一見他釵嚲鬢鬆，衫垂帶褪，有春睡捧心之遺風，而且形容面貌恰是上月的那人，不覺勾起方才的火來。When she reached Xifeng's room, however, Lady Wang saw her with hairpin drooping and tresses loose, jacket hanging slack and sash undone, preserving all the languor of a beauty newly awakened and clutching her heart; moreover, her face and figure precisely matched the girl described the previous month. At once, Lady Wang's recent anger flared up again.王夫人原是天真爛漫之人，喜怒出于心臆，不比那些飾詞掩意之人，今既真怒攻心，又勾起往事，便冷笑道：“好個美人！Lady Wang was naturally a candid and spontaneous person whose pleasure and anger came straight from the heart, unlike those who hid their intentions behind artful words. Now, genuinely enraged and reminded of the former incident, she sneered, “What a beauty we have here!真象個病西施了。You truly look like a sickly Xishi.你天天作這輕狂樣兒給誰看？For whose benefit do you put on these wanton airs every day?你幹的事，打量我不知道呢！Do you imagine I know nothing of what you have been doing?我且放著你，自然明兒揭你的皮！I shall leave you alone for now, but tomorrow I will certainly strip off your hide!寶玉今日可好些？”晴雯一聽如此說，心內大异，便知有人暗算了他。Is Baoyu any better today?” At these words Qingwen was greatly startled and knew that someone had been secretly plotting against her.雖然著惱，只不敢作聲。Though angry, she dared not utter a word.他本是個聰敏過頂的人，見問寶玉可好些，他便不肯以實話對，只說：“我不大到寶玉房里去，又不常和寶玉在一處，好歹我不能知道，只問襲人麝月兩個。”王夫人道：“這就該打嘴！Being exceptionally quick-witted, when asked whether Baoyu was better, she chose not to answer truthfully, but said, “I seldom go into Baoyu's room and am not often with him, so I cannot know whether he is well or ill. You should ask Xiren and Sheyue.” Lady Wang said, “For that you deserve a slap on the mouth!你難道是死人，要你們作什麼！”晴雯道：“我原是跟老太太的人。Are you dead, then? What use is there in keeping any of you?” Qingwen said, “I originally belonged to the Old Lady's household.因老太太說園里空大人少，寶玉害怕，所以撥了我去外間屋里上夜，不過看屋子。The Old Lady said that the Garden was so large and there were so few people in it that Baoyu was afraid, so she assigned me to keep watch at night in the outer room; I do no more than mind the rooms.我原回過我笨，不能伏侍。I told her at the time that I was clumsy and could not attend on anyone.老太太罵了我，說‘又不叫你管他的事，要伶俐的作什麼。’我聽了這話才去的。The Old Lady scolded me, saying, ‘You are not being asked to look after his affairs; what need is there for you to be clever?’ It was only after hearing this that I went.不過十天半個月之內，寶玉悶了大家頑一會子就散了。Once every ten days or fortnight, when Baoyu is bored, we all amuse ourselves together for a little while and then disperse.至于寶玉飲食起坐，上一層有老奶奶老媽媽們，下一層又有襲人麝月秋紋幾個人。As for Baoyu's food, drink, rest, and daily routine, above us there are the old nurses and matrons, and below them there are Xiren, Sheyue, Qiuwen, and several others.我閒著還要作老太太屋里的針線，所以寶玉的事竟不曾留心。In my spare time I must still do needlework for the Old Lady's apartments, so I have never paid any attention to Baoyu's affairs.太太既怪，從此後我留心就是了。”王夫人信以為實了，忙說：“阿彌陀佛！Since you find fault with me, Madam, I shall pay attention from now on.” Lady Wang believed her and hastily said, “Amitabha!你不近寶玉是我的造化，竟不勞你費心。It is my good fortune that you do not go near Baoyu; there is no need for you to trouble yourself.既是老太太給寶玉的，我明兒回了老太太，再攆你。”因向王善保家的道：“你們進去，好生防他幾日，不許他在寶玉房里睡覺。Since the Old Lady gave you to Baoyu, tomorrow I shall report to her and then drive you out.” Turning to Wang Shanbao's wife, she said, “Go inside and keep a close watch on her for the next few days. Do not allow her to sleep in Baoyu's room.等我回過老太太，再處治他。“喝聲”去！When I have spoken to the Old Lady, I shall deal with her.” Then she shouted, “Go!站在這里，我看不上這浪樣兒！Standing here with those wanton airs of yours—you disgust me!誰許你這樣花紅柳綠的妝扮！”晴雯只得出來，這氣非同小可，一出門便拿手帕子握著臉，一頭走，一頭哭，直哭到園門內去。Who gave you leave to deck yourself out in all those gaudy colors?” Qingwen had no choice but to leave. Her anger and humiliation were beyond measure; the moment she stepped outside, she covered her face with her handkerchief and wept as she walked, weeping all the way inside the Garden gate.

小丫头子答应了，走入怡红院，正值晴雯身上不自在，睡中觉才起来，正发闷，听如此说，只得随了他来。素日这些丫鬟皆知王夫人最嫌娇妆艳饰语薄言轻者，故晴雯不敢出头。今因连日不自在，并没十分妆饰，自为无碍。及到了凤姐房中，王夫人一见他钗亸鬓松，衫垂带褪，有春睡捧心之遗风，而且形容面貌恰是上月的那人，不觉勾起方才的火来。王夫人原是天真烂漫之人，喜怒出于心臆，不比那些饰词掩意之人，今既真怒攻心，又勾起往事，便冷笑道：“好个美人！真象个病西施了。你天天作这轻狂样儿给谁看？你干的事，打量我不知道呢！我且放著你，自然明儿揭你的皮！宝玉今日可好些？”晴雯一听如此说，心内大异，便知有人暗算了他。虽然著恼，只不敢作声。他本是个聪敏过顶的人，见问宝玉可好些，他便不肯以实话对，只说：“我不大到宝玉房里去，又不常和宝玉在一处，好歹我不能知道，只问袭人麝月两个。”王夫人道：“这就该打嘴！你难道是死人，要你们作什么！”晴雯道：“我原是跟老太太的人。因老太太说园里空大人少，宝玉害怕，所以拨了我去外间屋里上夜，不过看屋子。我原回过我笨，不能伏侍。老太太骂了我，说‘又不叫你管他的事，要伶俐的作什么。’我听了这话才去的。不过十天半个月之内，宝玉闷了大家顽一会子就散了。至于宝玉饮食起坐，上一层有老奶奶老妈妈们，下一层又有袭人麝月秋纹几个人。我闲著还要作老太太屋里的针线，所以宝玉的事竟不曾留心。太太既怪，从此后我留心就是了。”王夫人信以为实了，忙说：“阿弥陀佛！你不近宝玉是我的造化，竟不劳你费心。既是老太太给宝玉的，我明儿回了老太太，再撵你。”因向王善保家的道：“你们进去，好生防他几日，不许他在宝玉房里睡觉。等我回过老太太，再处治他。“喝声”去！站在这里，我看不上这浪样儿！谁许你这样花红柳绿的妆扮！”晴雯只得出来，这气非同小可，一出门便拿手帕子握著脸，一头走，一头哭，直哭到园门内去。

這里王夫人向鳳姐等自怨道：“這幾年我越發精神短了，照顧不到。Lady Wang then complained to Xifeng and the others, “These last few years my energies have been failing more and more, and I have been unable to keep an eye on everything.這樣妖精似的東西竟沒看見。I never even noticed such a demon of a creature.只怕這樣的還有，明日倒得查查。”鳳姐見王夫人盛怒之際，又因王善保家的是邢夫人的耳目，常調唆著邢夫人生事，縱有千百樣言詞，此刻也不敢說，只低頭答應著。I fear there may be others like her. We had better conduct an inspection tomorrow.” Seeing Lady Wang in a towering rage, and knowing that Wang Shanbao's wife was Lady Xing's eyes and ears and constantly incited her mistress to make trouble, Xifeng dared say nothing at that moment, though she had a thousand arguments she might have offered, and merely lowered her head and assented.王善保家的道：“太太請養息身体要緊，這些小事只交與奴才。Wang Shanbao's wife said, “Your health is what matters, Madam; please take care of yourself and leave these trifles to your servants.如今要查這個主兒也极容易，等到晚上園門關了的時節，內外不通風，我們竟給他們個猛不防，帶著人到各處丫頭們房里搜尋。It will be very easy to find the culprit. When the Garden gates have been closed tonight and no word can pass between inside and outside, we can take them completely by surprise, bring some people with us, and search the maids' rooms everywhere.想來誰有這個，斷不單只有這個，自然還有別的東西。Whoever possesses this object surely cannot possess this alone; she is bound to have other things as well.那時翻出別的來，自然這個也是他的。”王夫人道：“這話倒是。Once we turn up something else, it will naturally prove that this belongs to her too.” Lady Wang said, “That is quite true.若不如此，斷不能清的清白的白。”因問鳳姐如何。Without doing it this way, we could never clear the innocent and expose the guilty.” She then asked Xifeng what she thought.鳳姐只得答應說：“太太說的是，就行罷了。”王夫人道：“這主意很是，不然一年也查不出來。”于是大家商議已定。Xifeng could only assent: “What you say is right, Madam. Let us do it.” Lady Wang said, “It is an excellent plan; otherwise we should not discover the truth in a year.” So the matter was settled among them.至晚飯後，待賈母安寢了，寶釵等入園時，王善保家的便請了鳳姐一并入園，喝命將角門皆上鎖，便從上夜的婆子處抄檢起，不過抄檢出些多余攢下蜡燭燈油等物。That evening after supper, when Grandmother Jia had retired and Baochai and the others had entered the Garden, Wang Shanbao's wife invited Xifeng to go in with her. She ordered all the side gates locked, then began the search with the night-watch women, finding only such things as surplus candles and lamp oil they had hoarded.王善保家的道：“這也是贓，不許動，等明兒回過太太再動。”于是先就到怡紅院中，喝命關門。Wang Shanbao's wife said, “These are illicit goods too. Do not touch them; wait until we have reported to Madam tomorrow.” They then went first to Yihongyuan and ordered its gates shut.當下寶玉正因晴雯不自在，忽見這一干人來，不知為何直扑了丫頭們的房門去，因迎出鳳姐來，問是何故。Baoyu was already concerned because Qingwen was unwell. When he suddenly saw this party arrive and, without explanation, make straight for the maids' rooms, he went out to meet Xifeng and asked what was happening.鳳姐道：“丟了一件要緊的東西，因大家混賴，恐怕有丫頭們偷了，所以大家都查一查去疑。”一面說，一面坐下吃茶。Xifeng said, “An important object has been lost, and since everyone denies knowing anything, we fear one of the maids may have stolen it. We are therefore searching everywhere to remove suspicion.” As she spoke, she sat down and drank tea.王善保家的等搜了一回，又細問這幾個箱子是誰的，都叫本人來親自打開。Wang Shanbao's wife and the others searched for a while, then carefully asked to whom each of the trunks belonged and summoned every owner to open her own.襲人因見晴雯這樣，知道必有异事，又見這番抄檢，只得自己先出來打開了箱子并匣子，任其搜檢一番，不過是平常動用之物。Having seen Qingwen's condition, Xiren knew that something unusual must have happened; and now, seeing this search, she had no choice but to step forward first and open her trunks and boxes, letting them search everything. They found only ordinary articles for everyday use.隨放下又搜別人的，挨次都一一搜過。They put these back and searched the others', going through them one by one in order.到了晴雯的箱子，因問：“是誰的，怎不開了讓搜？”襲人等方欲代晴雯開時，只見晴雯挽著頭髮闖進來，豁一聲將箱子掀開，兩手捉著底子，朝天往地下盡情一倒，將所有之物盡都倒出。When they came to Qingwen's trunk, they asked, “Whose is this? Why has it not been opened for us to search?” Just as Xiren and the others were about to open it for her, Qingwen burst in with her hair hastily twisted up. With a crash she flung open the trunk, seized it by the bottom with both hands, and upended it violently onto the floor, spilling out everything it contained.王善保家的也覺沒趣，看了一看，也無甚私弊之物。Wang Shanbao's wife felt rather foolish. She looked through the things but found nothing improper or illicit.回了鳳姐，要往別處去。She reported to Xifeng and proposed that they go elsewhere.鳳姐兒道：“你們可細細的查，若這一番查不出來，難回話的。”眾人都道：“都細翻看了，沒什麼差錯東西。Xifeng said, “Search carefully. If you fail to find it this time, it will be hard to make your report.” They all replied, “We have turned everything over carefully. There is nothing suspicious.雖有幾樣男人物件，都是小孩子的東西，想是寶玉的舊物件，沒甚關系的。”鳳姐聽了，笑道：“既如此咱們就走，再瞧別處去。”There are a few articles belonging to a male, but they are a child's things—probably old possessions of Baoyu's—and of no consequence.” Hearing this, Xifeng smiled and said, “In that case, let us go and look elsewhere.”

这里王夫人向凤姐等自怨道：“这几年我越发精神短了，照顾不到。这样妖精似的东西竟没看见。只怕这样的还有，明日倒得查查。”凤姐见王夫人盛怒之际，又因王善保家的是邢夫人的耳目，常调唆著邢夫人生事，纵有千百样言词，此刻也不敢说，只低头答应著。王善保家的道：“太太请养息身体要紧，这些小事只交与奴才。如今要查这个主儿也极容易，等到晚上园门关了的时节，内外不通风，我们竟给他们个猛不防，带著人到各处丫头们房里搜寻。想来谁有这个，断不单只有这个，自然还有别的东西。那时翻出别的来，自然这个也是他的。”王夫人道：“这话倒是。若不如此，断不能清的清白的白。”因问凤姐如何。凤姐只得答应说：“太太说的是，就行罢了。”王夫人道：“这主意很是，不然一年也查不出来。”于是大家商议已定。至晚饭后，待贾母安寝了，宝钗等入园时，王善保家的便请了凤姐一并入园，喝命将角门皆上锁，便从上夜的婆子处抄检起，不过抄检出些多余攒下蜡烛灯油等物。王善保家的道：“这也是赃，不许动，等明儿回过太太再动。”于是先就到怡红院中，喝命关门。当下宝玉正因晴雯不自在，忽见这一干人来，不知为何直扑了丫头们的房门去，因迎出凤姐来，问是何故。凤姐道：“丢了一件要紧的东西，因大家混赖，恐怕有丫头们偷了，所以大家都查一查去疑。”一面说，一面坐下吃茶。王善保家的等搜了一回，又细问这几个箱子是谁的，都叫本人来亲自打开。袭人因见晴雯这样，知道必有异事，又见这番抄检，只得自己先出来打开了箱子并匣子，任其搜检一番，不过是平常动用之物。随放下又搜别人的，挨次都一一搜过。到了晴雯的箱子，因问：“是谁的，怎不开了让搜？”袭人等方欲代晴雯开时，只见晴雯挽著头发闯进来，豁一声将箱子掀开，两手捉著底子，朝天往地下尽情一倒，将所有之物尽都倒出。王善保家的也觉没趣，看了一看，也无甚私弊之物。回了凤姐，要往别处去。凤姐儿道：“你们可细细的查，若这一番查不出来，难回话的。”众人都道：“都细翻看了，没什么差错东西。虽有几样男人物件，都是小孩子的东西，想是宝玉的旧物件，没甚关系的。”凤姐听了，笑道：“既如此咱们就走，再瞧别处去。”

說著，一徑出來，因向王善保家的道：“我有一句話，不知是不是。As they went out, she said to Wang Shanbao's wife, “There is something I should mention, though I do not know whether you will agree.要抄檢只抄檢咱們家的人，薛大姑娘屋里，斷乎檢抄不得的。”王善保家的笑道：“這個自然。If we conduct a search, we may search only members of our own household. Under no circumstances may Miss Xue's rooms be searched.” Wang Shanbao's wife smiled and said, “Naturally.豈有抄起親戚家來。”鳳姐點頭道：“我也這樣說呢。”一頭說，一頭到了瀟湘館內。How could we search the household of a relative?” Xifeng nodded. “That is what I thought too.” Talking as they went, they reached Xiaoxiangguan.黛玉已睡了，忽報這些人來，也不知為甚事。Daiyu had already gone to bed. When she was suddenly told that all these people had arrived, she had no idea what the matter was.才要起來，只見鳳姐已走進來，忙按住他不許起來，只說：“睡罷，我們就走。”這邊且說些閒話。She was just about to rise when Xifeng came in and quickly pressed her down, refusing to let her get up. “Stay in bed,” she said. “We shall soon be gone.” She remained there chatting idly for the moment.那個王善保家的帶了眾人到丫鬟房中，也一一開箱倒籠抄檢了一番。Meanwhile, Wang Shanbao's wife led the others into the maids' quarters, where they opened every box, emptied every trunk, and searched them all.因從紫鵑房中抄出兩副寶玉常換下來的寄名符兒，一副束帶上的披帶，兩個荷包并扇套，套內有扇子。In Zijuan's room they found two sets of protective talismans that Baoyu used to wear in turn, an ornamental pendant from a girdle, two purses, and a fan case containing a fan.打開看時皆是寶玉往年往日手內曾拿過的。When they opened them for inspection, all proved to be things Baoyu had handled in years past.王善保家的自為得了意，遂忙請鳳姐過來驗視，又說：“這些東西從那里來的？”鳳姐笑道：“寶玉和他們從小兒在一處混了幾年，這自然是寶玉的舊東西。Thinking she had made a discovery, Wang Shanbao's wife hurriedly called Xifeng over to inspect them, and asked, “Where did all these things come from?” Xifeng smiled and said, “Baoyu and these girls grew up playing together for years. Naturally, these are old things of his.這也不算什麼罕事，撂下再往別處去是正經。”紫鵑笑道：“直到如今，我們兩下里的東西也算不清。There is nothing remarkable about that. Put them down; the proper thing is to move on elsewhere.” Zijuan smiled and said, “Even now, we cannot tell which things belong to their side and which to ours.要問這一個，連我也忘了是那年月日有的了。”王善保家的聽鳳姐如此說，也只得罷了。If you ask me about any one of these, even I have forgotten in what year or month we got it.” Hearing Xifeng speak as she did, Wang Shanbao's wife had no choice but to let the matter drop.

说著，一径出来，因向王善保家的道：“我有一句话，不知是不是。要抄检只抄检咱们家的人，薛大姑娘屋里，断乎检抄不得的。”王善保家的笑道：“这个自然。岂有抄起亲戚家来。”凤姐点头道：“我也这样说呢。”一头说，一头到了潇湘馆内。黛玉已睡了，忽报这些人来，也不知为甚事。才要起来，只见凤姐已走进来，忙按住他不许起来，只说：“睡罢，我们就走。”这边且说些闲话。那个王善保家的带了众人到丫鬟房中，也一一开箱倒笼抄检了一番。因从紫鹃房中抄出两副宝玉常换下来的寄名符儿，一副束带上的披带，两个荷包并扇套，套内有扇子。打开看时皆是宝玉往年往日手内曾拿过的。王善保家的自为得了意，遂忙请凤姐过来验视，又说：“这些东西从那里来的？”凤姐笑道：“宝玉和他们从小儿在一处混了几年，这自然是宝玉的旧东西。这也不算什么罕事，撂下再往别处去是正经。”紫鹃笑道：“直到如今，我们两下里的东西也算不清。要问这一个，连我也忘了是那年月日有的了。”王善保家的听凤姐如此说，也只得罢了。

又到探春院內，誰知早有人報與探春了。They next went to Tanchun's courtyard, but someone had already carried word to her.探春也就猜著必有原故，所以引出這等丑態來，遂命眾丫鬟秉燭開門而待。Tanchun had guessed that there must be some cause behind this disgraceful spectacle, so she ordered all her maids to light candles, open the gates, and wait.眾人來了。The party arrived.探春故問何事。Tanchun deliberately asked what the matter was.鳳姐笑道：“因丟了一件東西，連日訪察不出人來，恐怕旁人賴這些女孩子們，所以越性大家搜一搜，使人去疑，倒是洗淨他們的好法子。”探春冷笑道：“我們的丫頭自然都是些賊，我就是頭一個窩主。Xifeng smiled and said, “An object has been lost, and though inquiries have been made for several days, the culprit has not been found. We fear that others may cast suspicion on these girls, so we have decided to search everywhere and remove all doubt. It is actually a good way of clearing their names.” Tanchun sneered, “Our maids are all thieves, of course, and I am the chief receiver of stolen goods.既如此，先來搜我的箱柜，他們所有偷了來的都交給我藏著呢。”說著便命丫頭們把箱柜一齊打開，將鏡奩，妝盒，衾袱，衣包若大若小之物一齊打開，請鳳姐去抄閱。In that case, search my trunks and cupboards first. Everything they steal is handed over to me for safekeeping.” With that, she ordered the maids to open all the trunks and cupboards, including dressing case, cosmetic boxes, bundles of bedding, clothes parcels, and every other article large and small, and invited Xifeng to inspect them.鳳姐陪笑道：“我不過是奉太太的命來，妹妹別錯怪我。Xifeng said with an appeasing smile, “I have only come in obedience to Madam's orders. Do not misunderstand me, sister.何必生氣。”因命丫鬟們快快關上。There is no need to be angry.” She then ordered the maids to close everything quickly.平兒丰兒等忙著替待書等關的關，收的收。Ping'er, Feng'er, and the others hurried to help Daishu and her companions close some things and put away others.探春道：“我的東西倒許你們搜閱，要想搜我的丫頭，這卻不能。Tanchun said, “You may search my possessions, but if you mean to search my maids', that I will not allow.我原比眾人歹毒，凡丫頭所有的東西我都知道，都在我這里間收著，一針一線他們也沒的收藏，要搜所以只來搜我。I am more harsh and exacting than the rest: I know everything my maids possess and keep it all here in my rooms. They do not keep so much as a needle or a length of thread for themselves. If you mean to search, search only me.你們不依，只管去回太太，只說我違背了太太，該怎麼處治，我去自領。If you refuse, go and report to Madam that I have defied her. Whatever punishment I deserve, I shall go and accept it myself.你們別忙，自然連你們抄的日子有呢！Do not be too hasty. The day will surely come when your own homes are searched!你們今日早起不曾議論甄家，自己家里好好的抄家，果然今日真抄了。Did you not discuss the Zhen family's case just this morning? Their own house was searched when all had seemed well—and today our own truly is being searched.咱們也漸漸的來了。Our turn is gradually coming too.可知這樣大族人家，若從外頭殺來，一時是殺不死的，這是古人曾說的‘百足之虫，死而不僵’，必須先從家里自殺自滅起來，才能一敗涂地！”說著，不覺流下淚來。You should understand that a great clan like ours cannot be destroyed at one stroke by an attack from outside. As the ancients said, ‘The hundred-legged insect does not stiffen even in death.’ It must first begin killing and destroying itself from within before it can collapse completely!” As she spoke, tears came involuntarily to her eyes.鳳姐只看著眾媳婦們。Xifeng merely looked at the married servants.周瑞家的便道：“既是女孩子的東西全在這里，奶奶且請到別處去罷，也讓姑娘好安寢。”鳳姐便起身告辭。Zhou Rui's wife said, “Since the girls' things are all kept here, Mistress, perhaps you should go elsewhere and let Miss Tanchun rest.” Xifeng then rose and took her leave.探春道：“可細細的搜明白了？Tanchun said, “Have you searched everything thoroughly and clearly?若明日再來，我就不依了。”鳳姐笑道：“既然丫頭們的東西都在這里，就不必搜了。”探春冷笑道：“你果然倒乖。If you come back tomorrow, I shall not permit it.” Xifeng smiled and said, “Since the maids' things are all here, there is no need to search them.” Tanchun sneered, “You certainly know how to be clever.連我的包袱都打開了，還說沒翻。You have even opened my parcels, yet you still claim you have not searched.明日敢說我護著丫頭們，不許你們翻了。Tomorrow you may well say that I shielded my maids and refused to let you search them.你趁早說明，若還要翻，不妨再翻一遍。”鳳姐知道探春素日與眾不同的，只得陪笑道：“我已經連你的東西都搜查明白了。”探春又問眾人：“你們也都搜明白了不曾？”周瑞家的等都陪笑說：“都翻明白了。”那王善保家的本是個心內沒成算的人，素日雖聞探春的名，那是為眾人沒眼力沒膽量罷了，那里一個姑娘家就這樣起來，況且又是庶出，他敢怎麼。Make yourself clear now. If you still wish to search, you may as well do it all over again.” Xifeng knew that Tanchun had always been unlike the others, so she could only say with an appeasing smile, “I have already searched even your possessions thoroughly.” Tanchun then asked the rest, “Have all of you searched thoroughly too?” Zhou Rui's wife and the others replied with ingratiating smiles, “We have examined everything thoroughly.” Now Wang Shanbao's wife was a woman with little judgment. Though she had often heard of Tanchun's reputation, she supposed it was merely because everyone else lacked perception and courage: how formidable could an unmarried girl be, especially one born of a concubine?他自恃是邢夫人陪房，連王夫人尚另眼相看，何況別個。She relied on being a bondservant who had accompanied Lady Xing at her marriage; even Lady Wang treated her with special consideration, let alone anyone else.今見探春如此，他只當是探春認真單惱鳳姐，與他們無干。Seeing Tanchun behave this way, she assumed that Tanchun was angry only with Xifeng in earnest and bore no grudge against the rest of them.他便要趁勢作臉獻好，因越眾向前拉起探春的衣襟，故意一掀，嘻嘻笑道：“連姑娘身上我都翻了，果然沒有什麼。”鳳姐見他這樣，忙說：“媽媽走罷，別瘋瘋顛顛的。”一語未了，只聽“拍”的一聲，王家的臉上早著了探春一掌。Eager to seize the chance to show off and curry favor, she pushed past the others, caught hold of Tanchun's lapel, and deliberately lifted it, giggling, “I have even searched the young lady herself, and indeed there is nothing there.” Seeing this, Xifeng hurriedly said, “Come away, Mammy. Do not behave like a madwoman.” Before she had finished, there came a sharp smack: Tanchun's palm had already struck Wang Shanbao's wife across the face.探春登時大怒，指著王家的問道：“你是什麼東西，敢來拉扯我的衣裳！Tanchun flew into a rage and pointed at her. “What sort of creature are you, to dare tug at my clothes?我不過看著太太的面上，你又有年紀，叫你一聲媽媽，你就狗仗人勢，天天作耗，專管生事。Only out of respect for Madam, and because you are advanced in years, do I call you ‘Mammy’; yet you presume on your mistress's power like a dog and make mischief every day, forever stirring up trouble.如今越性了不得了。Now you have gone completely beyond all bounds.你打諒我是同你們姑娘那樣好性兒，由著你們欺負他，就錯了主意！If you suppose I am as mild-tempered as your young mistress and will let you bully me as you bully her, you have made a grave mistake!你搜檢東西我不惱，你不該拿我取笑。”說著，便親自解衣卸裙，拉著鳳姐兒細細的翻。I was not angry when you searched my things, but you had no right to make sport of me.” With that, she began personally loosening her clothes and skirt and pulled Xifeng over to search her thoroughly.又說：“省得叫奴才來翻我身上。”鳳姐平兒等忙與探春束裙整袂，口內喝著王善保家的說：“媽媽吃兩口酒就瘋瘋顛顛起來。She added, “That will spare anyone saying I let a servant search my person.” Xifeng, Ping'er, and the others hastily retied Tanchun's skirt and straightened her sleeves, while Xifeng scolded Wang Shanbao's wife: “Mammy goes raving mad after a couple of cups of wine.前兒把太太也沖撞了。The other day you even gave offense to Madam.快出去，不要提起了。”又勸探春休得生氣。Go out quickly, and let us hear no more about it.” She then urged Tanchun not to be angry.探春冷笑道：“我但凡有氣性，早一頭碰死了！Tanchun sneered, “If I had the least spirit in me, I should long ago have dashed my head against a wall and died!不然豈許奴才來我身上翻賊贓了。Otherwise, how could I permit a servant to search my person for stolen goods?明兒一早，我先回過老太太太太，然後過去給大娘陪禮，該怎麼，我就領。”那王善保家的討了個沒意思，在窗外只說：“罷了，罷了，這也是頭一遭挨打。Early tomorrow morning I shall first report everything to the Old Lady and Madam, then go over and apologize to my aunt. Whatever punishment I deserve, I shall accept it.” Wang Shanbao's wife, thoroughly humiliated, stood outside the window saying, “Very well, very well! This is the first beating I have ever taken.我明兒回了太太，仍回老娘家去罷。Tomorrow I shall report to Madam and then go back to my mother's home.這個老命還要他做什麼！”探春喝命丫鬟道：“你們聽他說的這話，還等我和他對嘴去不成。”待書等聽說，便出去說道：“你果然回老娘家去，倒是我們的造化了。What use is there in keeping this old life of mine?” Tanchun ordered her maids sharply, “You hear what she is saying. Do you expect me to go out and trade words with her myself?” Hearing this, Daishu and the others went out and said, “If you truly go back to your mother's home, it will be a blessing for us.只怕舍不得去。”鳳姐笑道：“好丫頭，真是有其主必有其仆。”探春冷笑道：“我們作賊的人，嘴里都有三言兩語的。We only fear you will not bear to leave.” Xifeng laughed and said, “What a fine maid! Truly, as the mistress, so the servant.” Tanchun sneered, “We thieves always have a few ready words on our tongues.這還算笨的，背地里就只不會調唆主子。”平兒忙也陪笑解勸，一面又拉了待書進來。And this one is still counted a fool; all she knows how to do behind people's backs is incite her mistress.” Ping'er hurriedly intervened with smiles and soothing words, while pulling Daishu back inside.周瑞家的等人勸了一番。Zhou Rui's wife and the others also offered their counsel for a while.鳳姐直待伏侍探春睡下，方帶著人往對過暖香塢來。Xifeng waited until Tanchun had been attended to and settled in bed before leading the party to Nu香坞 across the way.

又到探春院内，谁知早有人报与探春了。探春也就猜著必有原故，所以引出这等丑态来，遂命众丫鬟秉烛开门而待。众人来了。探春故问何事。凤姐笑道：“因丢了一件东西，连日访察不出人来，恐怕旁人赖这些女孩子们，所以越性大家搜一搜，使人去疑，倒是洗净他们的好法子。”探春冷笑道：“我们的丫头自然都是些贼，我就是头一个窝主。既如此，先来搜我的箱柜，他们所有偷了来的都交给我藏著呢。”说著便命丫头们把箱柜一齐打开，将镜奁，妆盒，衾袱，衣包若大若小之物一齐打开，请凤姐去抄阅。凤姐陪笑道：“我不过是奉太太的命来，妹妹别错怪我。何必生气。”因命丫鬟们快快关上。平儿丰儿等忙著替待书等关的关，收的收。探春道：“我的东西倒许你们搜阅，要想搜我的丫头，这却不能。我原比众人歹毒，凡丫头所有的东西我都知道，都在我这里间收著，一针一线他们也没的收藏，要搜所以只来搜我。你们不依，只管去回太太，只说我违背了太太，该怎么处治，我去自领。你们别忙，自然连你们抄的日子有呢！你们今日早起不曾议论甄家，自己家里好好的抄家，果然今日真抄了。咱们也渐渐的来了。可知这样大族人家，若从外头杀来，一时是杀不死的，这是古人曾说的‘百足之虫，死而不僵’，必须先从家里自杀自灭起来，才能一败涂地！”说著，不觉流下泪来。凤姐只看著众媳妇们。周瑞家的便道：“既是女孩子的东西全在这里，奶奶且请到别处去罢，也让姑娘好安寝。”凤姐便起身告辞。探春道：“可细细的搜明白了？若明日再来，我就不依了。”凤姐笑道：“既然丫头们的东西都在这里，就不必搜了。”探春冷笑道：“你果然倒乖。连我的包袱都打开了，还说没翻。明日敢说我护著丫头们，不许你们翻了。你趁早说明，若还要翻，不妨再翻一遍。”凤姐知道探春素日与众不同的，只得陪笑道：“我已经连你的东西都搜查明白了。”探春又问众人：“你们也都搜明白了不曾？”周瑞家的等都陪笑说：“都翻明白了。”那王善保家的本是个心内没成算的人，素日虽闻探春的名，那是为众人没眼力没胆量罢了，那里一个姑娘家就这样起来，况且又是庶出，他敢怎么。他自恃是邢夫人陪房，连王夫人尚另眼相看，何况别个。今见探春如此，他只当是探春认真单恼凤姐，与他们无干。他便要趁势作脸献好，因越众向前拉起探春的衣襟，故意一掀，嘻嘻笑道：“连姑娘身上我都翻了，果然没有什么。”凤姐见他这样，忙说：“妈妈走罢，别疯疯颠颠的。”一语未了，只听“拍”的一声，王家的脸上早著了探春一掌。探春登时大怒，指著王家的问道：“你是什么东西，敢来拉扯我的衣裳！我不过看著太太的面上，你又有年纪，叫你一声妈妈，你就狗仗人势，天天作耗，专管生事。如今越性了不得了。你打谅我是同你们姑娘那样好性儿，由著你们欺负他，就错了主意！你搜检东西我不恼，你不该拿我取笑。”说著，便亲自解衣卸裙，拉著凤姐儿细细的翻。又说：“省得叫奴才来翻我身上。”凤姐平儿等忙与探春束裙整袂，口内喝著王善保家的说：“妈妈吃两口酒就疯疯颠颠起来。前儿把太太也冲撞了。快出去，不要提起了。”又劝探春休得生气。探春冷笑道：“我但凡有气性，早一头碰死了！不然岂许奴才来我身上翻贼赃了。明儿一早，我先回过老太太太太，然后过去给大娘陪礼，该怎么，我就领。”那王善保家的讨了个没意思，在窗外只说：“罢了，罢了，这也是头一遭挨打。我明儿回了太太，仍回老娘家去罢。这个老命还要他做什么！”探春喝命丫鬟道：“你们听他说的这话，还等我和他对嘴去不成。”待书等听说，便出去说道：“你果然回老娘家去，倒是我们的造化了。只怕舍不得去。”凤姐笑道：“好丫头，真是有其主必有其仆。”探春冷笑道：“我们作贼的人，嘴里都有三言两语的。这还算笨的，背地里就只不会调唆主子。”平儿忙也陪笑解劝，一面又拉了待书进来。周瑞家的等人劝了一番。凤姐直待伏侍探春睡下，方带著人往对过暖香坞来。

彼時李紈猶病在床上，他與惜春是緊鄰，又與探春相近，故順路先到這兩處。At that time Li Wan was still ill in bed. Her quarters immediately adjoined Xichun's and were also close to Tanchun's, so these two places came next along their route.因李紈才吃了藥睡著，不好驚動，只到丫鬟們房中一一的搜了一遍，也沒有什麼東西，遂到惜春房中來。As Li Wan had just taken medicine and fallen asleep, they did not wish to disturb her. They merely searched the maids' rooms one by one and, finding nothing, proceeded to Xichun's apartments.因惜春年少，尚未識事，嚇的不知當有什麼事，故鳳姐也少不得安慰他。Since Xichun was young and still knew little of the world, she was frightened and had no idea what could be happening, so Xifeng naturally had to reassure her.誰知竟在入畫箱中尋出一大包金銀錁子來，約共三四十個，又有一副玉帶板子并一包男人的靴襪等物。Unexpectedly, they found in Ruhua's trunk a large packet of small gold and silver ingots, some thirty or forty in all, together with a set of jade plaques for a belt and a parcel containing a man's boots, socks, and other articles.入畫也黃了臉。Ruhua's face turned pale.因問是那里來的，入畫只得跪下哭訴真情，說：“這是珍大爺賞我哥哥的。Asked where they had come from, Ruhua had no choice but to kneel and tearfully tell the truth: “Master Zhen gave these to my elder brother as rewards.因我們老子娘都在南方，如今只跟著叔叔過日子。Our father and mother are both in the south, and now we live with our uncle.我叔叔嬸子只要吃酒賭錢，我哥哥怕交給他們又花了，所以每常得了，悄悄的煩了老媽媽帶進來叫我收著的。”惜春膽小，見了這個也害怕，說：“我竟不知道。My uncle and aunt care only for drinking and gambling. My brother was afraid that if he handed the things to them, they would spend them, so whenever he received anything he secretly asked an old mammy to bring it in for me to keep.” Timid Xichun was frightened by the discovery and said, “I knew nothing whatever about this.這還了得！This is intolerable!二嫂子，你要打他，好歹帶他出去打罷，我聽不慣的。”鳳姐笑道：“這話若果真呢，也倒可恕，只是不該私自傳送進來。Second Sister-in-law, if you mean to beat her, please take her outside to do it; I cannot bear to listen.” Xifeng smiled and said, “If her story is true, she may be forgiven, except that she ought not to have had things secretly passed inside.這個可以傳遞，什麼不可以傳遞。If these things can be passed in, then what could not be passed in?這倒是傳遞人的不是了。The fault lies with the person who acted as intermediary.若這話不真，倘是偷來的，你可就別想活了。”入畫跪著哭道：“我不敢扯謊。But if the story is false and the things were stolen, you may give up all hope of living.” Kneeling there in tears, Ruhua said, “I would not dare lie.奶奶只管明日問我們奶奶和大爺去，若說不是賞的，就拿我和我哥哥一同打死無怨。”鳳姐道：“這個自然要問的，只是真賞的也有不是。Tomorrow, Mistress, you may ask our lady and Master Zhen. If they say these were not rewards, you may beat my brother and me to death together, and I shall bear no grievance.” Xifeng said, “Naturally, we must inquire. But even if they were truly given as rewards, a wrong has still been committed.誰許你私自傳送東西的！Who gave you permission to have things secretly passed in?你且說是誰作接應，我便饒你。Tell me who acted as intermediary, and I shall spare you.下次萬萬不可。”惜春道：“嫂子別饒他這次方可。You must never do such a thing again.” Xichun said, “Sister-in-law, you must not spare her this time.這里人多，若不拿一個人作法，那些大的聽見了，又不知怎樣呢。There are so many people here; unless one is punished as an example, who knows what the older ones may do when they hear of it?嫂子若饒他，我也不依。”鳳姐道：“素日我看他還好。If you spare her, Sister-in-law, I shall not agree.” Xifeng said, “I have always thought her a good girl.誰沒一個錯，只這一次。Who has never made a mistake? Let this be the one and only time.二次犯下，二罪俱罰。A second offense means both offenses shall be punished.但不知傳遞是誰。”惜春道：“若說傳遞，再無別個，必是後門上的張媽。But I do not know who carried them in.” Xichun said, “If you ask who carried them, it could be no one else—it must have been Mama Zhang at the back gate.他常肯和這些丫頭們鬼鬼祟祟的，這些丫頭們也都肯照顧他。”鳳姐聽說，便命人記下，將東西且交給周瑞家的暫拿著，等明日對明再議。She is always willing to behave furtively with these maids, and they are all willing to look after her interests too.” On hearing this, Fengjie ordered it recorded, and had the things handed to Zhou Rui’s wife for safekeeping until the matter could be verified and discussed the next day.于是別了惜春，方往迎春房內來。Thereupon they left Xichun and went on to Yingchun’s rooms.迎春已經睡著了，丫鬟們也才要睡，眾人叩門半日才開。Yingchun was already asleep, and her maids were just preparing for bed; the party knocked for a long while before the door was opened.鳳姐吩咐：“不必驚動小姐。”遂往丫鬟們房里來。Fengjie instructed them, “There is no need to disturb the young lady,” and went straight to the maids’ quarters.因司棋是王善保的外孫女兒，鳳姐倒要看看王家的可藏私不藏，遂留神看他搜檢。Since Siqi was Wang Shanbao’s wife’s granddaughter, Fengjie was particularly curious to see whether the woman would conceal anything for her own family, and watched closely as she conducted the search.先從別人箱子搜起，皆無別物。They began with the other maids’ trunks, in which nothing unusual was found.及到了司棋箱子中搜了一回，王善保家的說：“也沒有什麼東西。”才要蓋箱時，周瑞家的道：“且住，這是什麼？”說著，便伸手掣出一雙男子的錦帶襪并一雙緞鞋來。When at last they searched Siqi’s trunk, Wang Shanbao’s wife said, “There is nothing here either.” She was just about to close the lid when Zhou Rui’s wife cried, “Wait—what is this?” Reaching in, she pulled out a pair of men’s brocade socks and a pair of satin shoes.又有一個小包袱，打開看時，里面有一個同心如意并一個字帖兒。There was also a small bundle; when they opened it, they found inside a linked-heart ruyi ornament and a written note.一總遞與鳳姐。They handed everything to Fengjie.鳳姐因當家理事，每每看開帖并帳目，也頗識得幾個字了。As Fengjie managed the household affairs and often had to examine lists and accounts, she had learned to recognize a fair number of characters.便看那帖子是大紅雙喜箋帖，上面寫道：“上月你來家後，父母已覺察你我之意。She saw that the note was written on bright-red paper embossed with the Double Happiness emblem, and read: “After you came home last month, my parents became aware of the feelings between us.但姑娘未出閣，尚不能完你我之心願。But as you, dear cousin, are not yet married, our hearts’ desire cannot yet be fulfilled.若園內可以相見，你可託張媽給一信息。If we can meet inside the Garden, send word to me through Mama Zhang.若得在園內一見，倒比來家得說話。If we could meet in the Garden, it would be easier to talk than when you come home.千萬，千萬。Please, please do so.再所賜香袋二個，今已查收外，特寄香珠一串，略表我心。As for the two perfume sachets you gave me, I have received them safely; in return I am sending you a string of fragrant beads as a small token of my feelings.千萬收好。Be sure to keep it safe.表弟潘又安拜具。”鳳姐看罷，不怒而反樂。Respectfully written by your younger cousin, Pan You’an.” After reading it, Fengjie was amused rather than angry.別人并不識字。None of the others could read.王家的素日并不知道他姑表姊弟有這一節風流故事，見了這鞋襪，心內已是有些毛病，又見有一紅帖，鳳姐又看著笑，他便說道：“必是他們胡寫的帳目，不成個字，所以奶奶見笑。”鳳姐笑道：“正是這個帳竟算不過來。Wang Shanbao’s wife had known nothing of this romantic affair between the cousins. The sight of the shoes and socks had already made her uneasy; then, seeing the red note and Fengjie smiling as she read it, she said, “It must be some muddled account they have scribbled, with the characters written so badly that it makes you laugh, madam.” Fengjie laughed. “Indeed, this account is very hard to balance.你是司棋的老娘，他的表弟也該姓王，怎麼又姓潘呢？”王善保家的見問的奇怪，只得勉強告道：“司棋的姑媽給了潘家，所以他姑表兄弟姓潘。You are Siqi’s grandmother, so her cousin ought to be surnamed Wang too. How is it that he is surnamed Pan?” Finding the question strange, Wang Shanbao’s wife had no choice but to explain reluctantly, “Siqi’s aunt married into the Pan family, so her aunt’s son is surnamed Pan.上次逃走了的潘又安就是他表弟。”鳳姐笑道：“這就是了。”因道：“我念給你聽聽。”說著從頭念了一遍，大家都唬了一跳。The Pan You’an who ran away last time is her cousin.” Fengjie laughed. “That explains it.” Then she said, “I shall read it aloud to you,” and read the note through from beginning to end, startling everyone.這王家的一心只要拿人的錯兒，不想反拿住了他外孫女兒，又氣又臊。Wang Shanbao’s wife had been intent only on finding fault with others, never imagining that she would instead catch her own granddaughter; she was both furious and mortified.周瑞家的四人又都問著他：“你老可聽見了？Zhou Rui’s wife and the other three all pressed her: “Did you hear that, venerable madam?明明白白，再沒的話說了。It is perfectly clear; there is nothing more to be said.如今据你老人家，該怎麼樣？”這王家的只恨沒地縫兒鑽進去。In your wise opinion, what should be done now?” Wang Shanbao’s wife wished the ground would open so that she could crawl into it.鳳姐只瞅著他嘻嘻的笑，向周瑞家的笑道：“這倒也好。Fengjie merely looked at her and giggled, then said laughingly to Zhou Rui’s wife, “This has turned out rather well.不用你們作老娘的操一點兒心，他鴉雀不聞的給你們弄了一個好女婿來，大家倒省心。”周瑞家的也笑著湊趣兒。You mothers need not trouble yourselves in the least: without a sound, she has found you a fine son-in-law and spared everyone the worry.” Zhou Rui’s wife joined in the joking laughter.王家的氣無處泄，便自己回手打著自己的臉，罵道：“老不死的娼婦，怎麼造下孽了！With nowhere else to vent her anger, Wang Shanbao’s wife slapped her own face and cursed herself: “You damned old whore who refuses to die—what evil have you brought upon yourself!說嘴打嘴，現世現報在人眼里。”眾人見這般，俱笑個不住，又半勸半諷的。Boasting only to be slapped in the mouth—the punishment has come at once, before everyone’s eyes.” At this they all laughed without cease, half consoling and half mocking her.鳳姐見司棋低頭不語，也并無畏懼慚愧之意，倒覺可异。Fengjie saw that Siqi merely stood with bowed head and said nothing, showing neither fear nor shame, and found this rather extraordinary.料此時夜深，且不必盤問，只怕他夜間自愧去尋拙志，遂喚兩個婆子監守起他來。Considering that it was already deep into the night, she decided not to question her yet; fearing that Siqi might be overcome by shame and seek some foolish way to end her life, she ordered two old serving-women to keep watch over her.帶了人，拿了贓證回來，且自安歇，等待明日料理。Then she took her people and the incriminating evidence back with her, retired for the night, and left the matter to be dealt with the next day.誰知到夜里又連起來幾次，下面淋血不止。But during the night, unexpectedly, her miscarriage symptoms recurred several times, and blood continued to flow below.至次日，便覺身体十分軟弱，起來發暈，遂撐不住。By the following day she felt extremely weak; when she rose, her head swam, and she could no longer keep on her feet.請太醫來，診脈畢，遂立藥案云：“看得少奶奶系心氣不足，虛火乘脾，皆由憂勞所傷，以致嗜臥好眠，胃虛土弱，不思飲食。An imperial physician was summoned. After taking her pulse, he wrote the following diagnosis: “The young mistress suffers from insufficiency of the heart’s vital energy, while deficient fire is invading the spleen. All this has been caused by anxiety and overwork, resulting in a craving for bed and sleep, a weak stomach and enfeebled earth, and a lack of appetite.今聊用升陽養榮之劑。”寫畢，遂開了幾樣藥名，不過是人參、當歸、黃芪等類之劑。For the present, I shall prescribe a preparation to raise the yang and nourish the vital energies.” Having written this, he prescribed several medicines, chiefly such ingredients as ginseng, angelica root, and astragalus.一時退去，有老嬤嬤們拿了方子回過王夫人，不免又添一番愁悶，遂將司棋等事暫未理。After he had gone, some elderly matrons took the prescription and reported to Lady Wang, thereby adding still further to her distress; so the affair of Siqi and the others was left unattended for the time being.

彼时李纨犹病在床上，他与惜春是紧邻，又与探春相近，故顺路先到这两处。因李纨才吃了药睡著，不好惊动，只到丫鬟们房中一一的搜了一遍，也没有什么东西，遂到惜春房中来。因惜春年少，尚未识事，吓的不知当有什么事，故凤姐也少不得安慰他。谁知竟在入画箱中寻出一大包金银锞子来，约共三四十个，又有一副玉带板子并一包男人的靴袜等物。入画也黄了脸。因问是那里来的，入画只得跪下哭诉真情，说：“这是珍大爷赏我哥哥的。因我们老子娘都在南方，如今只跟著叔叔过日子。我叔叔婶子只要吃酒赌钱，我哥哥怕交给他们又花了，所以每常得了，悄悄的烦了老妈妈带进来叫我收著的。”惜春胆小，见了这个也害怕，说：“我竟不知道。这还了得！二嫂子，你要打他，好歹带他出去打罢，我听不惯的。”凤姐笑道：“这话若果真呢，也倒可恕，只是不该私自传送进来。这个可以传递，什么不可以传递。这倒是传递人的不是了。若这话不真，倘是偷来的，你可就别想活了。”入画跪著哭道：“我不敢扯谎。奶奶只管明日问我们奶奶和大爷去，若说不是赏的，就拿我和我哥哥一同打死无怨。”凤姐道：“这个自然要问的，只是真赏的也有不是。谁许你私自传送东西的！你且说是谁作接应，我便饶你。下次万万不可。”惜春道：“嫂子别饶他这次方可。这里人多，若不拿一个人作法，那些大的听见了，又不知怎样呢。嫂子若饶他，我也不依。”凤姐道：“素日我看他还好。谁没一个错，只这一次。二次犯下，二罪俱罚。但不知传递是谁。”惜春道：“若说传递，再无别个，必是后门上的张妈。他常肯和这些丫头们鬼鬼祟祟的，这些丫头们也都肯照顾他。”凤姐听说，便命人记下，将东西且交给周瑞家的暂拿著，等明日对明再议。于是别了惜春，方往迎春房内来。迎春已经睡著了，丫鬟们也才要睡，众人叩门半日才开。凤姐吩咐：“不必惊动小姐。”遂往丫鬟们房里来。因司棋是王善保的外孙女儿，凤姐倒要看看王家的可藏私不藏，遂留神看他搜检。先从别人箱子搜起，皆无别物。及到了司棋箱子中搜了一回，王善保家的说：“也没有什么东西。”才要盖箱时，周瑞家的道：“且住，这是什么？”说著，便伸手掣出一双男子的锦带袜并一双缎鞋来。又有一个小包袱，打开看时，里面有一个同心如意并一个字帖儿。一总递与凤姐。凤姐因当家理事，每每看开帖并帐目，也颇识得几个字了。便看那帖子是大红双喜笺帖，上面写道：“上月你来家后，父母已觉察你我之意。但姑娘未出阁，尚不能完你我之心愿。若园内可以相见，你可托张妈给一信息。若得在园内一见，倒比来家得说话。千万，千万。再所赐香袋二个，今已查收外，特寄香珠一串，略表我心。千万收好。表弟潘又安拜具。”凤姐看罢，不怒而反乐。别人并不识字。王家的素日并不知道他姑表姊弟有这一节风流故事，见了这鞋袜，心内已是有些毛病，又见有一红帖，凤姐又看著笑，他便说道：“必是他们胡写的帐目，不成个字，所以奶奶见笑。”凤姐笑道：“正是这个帐竟算不过来。你是司棋的老娘，他的表弟也该姓王，怎么又姓潘呢？”王善保家的见问的奇怪，只得勉强告道：“司棋的姑妈给了潘家，所以他姑表兄弟姓潘。上次逃走了的潘又安就是他表弟。”凤姐笑道：“这就是了。”因道：“我念给你听听。”说著从头念了一遍，大家都唬了一跳。这王家的一心只要拿人的错儿，不想反拿住了他外孙女儿，又气又臊。周瑞家的四人又都问著他：“你老可听见了？明明白白，再没的话说了。如今据你老人家，该怎么样？”这王家的只恨没地缝儿钻进去。凤姐只瞅著他嘻嘻的笑，向周瑞家的笑道：“这倒也好。不用你们作老娘的操一点儿心，他鸦雀不闻的给你们弄了一个好女婿来，大家倒省心。”周瑞家的也笑著凑趣儿。王家的气无处泄，便自己回手打著自己的脸，骂道：“老不死的娼妇，怎么造下孽了！说嘴打嘴，现世现报在人眼里。”众人见这般，俱笑个不住，又半劝半讽的。凤姐见司棋低头不语，也并无畏惧惭愧之意，倒觉可异。料此时夜深，且不必盘问，只怕他夜间自愧去寻拙志，遂唤两个婆子监守起他来。带了人，拿了赃证回来，且自安歇，等待明日料理。谁知到夜里又连起来几次，下面淋血不止。至次日，便觉身体十分软弱，起来发晕，遂撑不住。请太医来，诊脉毕，遂立药案云：“看得少奶奶系心气不足，虚火乘脾，皆由忧劳所伤，以致嗜卧好眠，胃虚土弱，不思饮食。今聊用升阳养荣之剂。”写毕，遂开了几样药名，不过是人参、当归、黄芪等类之剂。一时退去，有老嬷嬷们拿了方子回过王夫人，不免又添一番愁闷，遂将司棋等事暂未理。

可巧這日尤氏來看鳳姐，坐了一回，到園中去又看過李紈。As it happened, Youshi came that day to visit Fengjie. After sitting with her for a while, she went into the Garden and also called on Li Wan.才要望候眾姊妹們去，忽見惜春遣人來請，尤氏遂到了他房中來。Just as she was about to visit the other young ladies, a servant suddenly arrived with an invitation from Xichun, so Youshi went to her rooms.惜春便將昨晚之事細細告訴與尤氏，又命將入畫的東西一概要來與尤氏過目。Xichun gave Youshi a detailed account of the previous night’s events, and ordered all the things found in Ruhua’s possession to be brought for Youshi to inspect.尤氏道：“實是你哥哥賞他哥哥的，只不該私自傳送，如今官鹽竟成了私鹽了。”因罵入畫”糊涂脂油蒙了心的。”惜春道：“你們管教不嚴，反罵丫頭。Youshi said, “Your brother did indeed give them to her brother. Her only fault was having them passed in secretly; now official salt has somehow become contraband salt.” Then she scolded Ruhua: “You muddle-headed creature, with your wits smothered in grease!” Xichun said, “You fail to keep proper discipline, and then blame the maid.這些姊妹，獨我的丫頭這樣沒臉，我如何去見人。Of all the sisters, I alone have a maid who has disgraced herself like this. How can I face anyone?昨兒我立逼著鳳姐姐帶了他去，他只不肯。Yesterday I insisted that Cousin Feng take her away, but she refused.我想，他原是那邊的人，鳳姐姐不帶他去，也原有理。I thought that, since Ruhua originally came from your household, Cousin Feng had good reason not to take her.我今日正要送過去，嫂子來的恰好，快帶了他去。I was just going to send her back today. Your arrival is most timely—take her away at once.或打，或殺，或賣，我一概不管。”入畫聽說，又跪下哭求，說：“再不敢了。Beat her, kill her, or sell her: I want nothing more to do with it.” On hearing this, Ruhua fell to her knees again and pleaded through her tears, “I will never dare do it again.只求姑娘看從小兒的情常，好歹生死在一處罷。”尤氏和奶娘等人也都十分分解，說他”不過一時糊涂了，下次再不敢的。I beg you, miss, to remember all the affection between us since childhood; whatever happens, let me remain with you in life or death.” Youshi, the nurse, and the others all interceded earnestly, saying, “She was merely muddle-headed for a moment and will never dare do it again.他從小兒伏侍你一場，到底留著他為是。”誰知惜春雖然年幼，卻天生成一种百折不回的廉介孤獨僻性，任人怎說，他只以為丟了他的体面，咬定牙斷乎不肯。She has served you since childhood; surely it would be best to keep her.” But although Xichun was young, she was born with an aloof, austere, and uncompromising nature that no opposition could bend. No matter what anyone said, she considered her dignity compromised and, setting her teeth, absolutely refused.更又說的好：“不但不要入畫，如今我也大了，連我也不便往你們那邊去了。She went further and said pointedly, “Not only do I want no more of Ruhua; now that I am older, it is no longer proper for me to visit your side of the family either.況且近日我每每風聞得有人背地里議論什麼多少不堪的閒話，我若再去，連我也編派上了。”尤氏道：“誰議論什麼？Besides, lately I have repeatedly heard rumors that people are privately discussing all manner of disgraceful gossip. If I continue to go there, they will drag my name into it too.” Youshi said, “Who has been saying what?又有什麼可議論的！And what is there to gossip about?姑娘是誰，我們是誰。Who are you, and who are we?姑娘既聽見人議論我們，就該問著他才是。”惜春冷笑道：“你這話問著我倒好。Since you have heard people gossiping about us, you ought to confront them.” Xichun sneered, “A fine thing to ask of me!我一個姑娘家，只有躲是非的，我反去尋是非，成個什麼人了！I am an unmarried girl; my only course is to avoid scandal. If I went seeking it out instead, what sort of person would that make me?還有一句話：我不怕你惱，好歹自有公論，又何必去問人。There is something else I must say: I do not care if it angers you. Right and wrong will in any case be judged fairly, so why question anyone?古人說得好，‘善惡生死，父子不能有所勖助’，何況你我二人之間。The ancients put it well: ‘In goodness and evil, life and death, even father and son cannot aid or urge one another’—much less can you and I.我只知道保得住我就夠了，不管你們。All I know is that it is enough to preserve myself; I want nothing to do with the rest of you.從此以後，你們有事別累我。”尤氏聽了，又氣又好笑，因向地下眾人道：“怪道人人都說這四丫頭年輕糊涂，我只不信。From now on, whatever happens in your household, do not implicate me.” Hearing this, Youshi was both angry and amused. Turning to those standing below, she said, “No wonder everyone says Fourth Miss is young and foolish. I never believed it before.你們聽才一篇話，無原無故，又不知好歹，又沒個輕重。Just listen to that speech: made without cause, without knowing what is proper, and without the least sense of proportion.雖然是小孩子的話，卻又能寒人的心。”眾嬤嬤笑道：“姑娘年輕，奶奶自然要吃些虧的。”惜春冷笑道：“我雖年輕，這話卻不年輕。Though they are the words of a child, they are enough to chill one’s heart.” The matrons laughed. “The young lady is still young, madam; naturally you must make some allowances.” Xichun sneered, “I may be young, but these words are not immature.你們不看書不識幾個字，所以都是些呆子，看著明白人，倒說我年輕糊涂。”尤氏道：“你是狀元榜眼探花，古今第一個才子。You have read no books and know scarcely any characters, so you are all fools; when you see someone who understands things clearly, you call me young and foolish instead.” Youshi said, “You are the zhuangyuan, bangyan, and tanhua all in one—the greatest genius of ancient and modern times.我們是糊涂人，不如你明白，何如？”惜春道：“狀元榜眼難道就沒有糊涂的不成。We are muddle-headed people and cannot match your wisdom. Will that satisfy you?” Xichun said, “Do you suppose no zhuangyuan or bangyan has ever been muddle-headed?可知他們也有不能了悟的。”尤氏笑道：“你倒好。Clearly there are things even they cannot comprehend.” Youshi laughed. “What a marvel you are!才是才子，這會子又作大和尚了，又講起了悟來了。”惜春道：“我不了悟，我也舍不得入畫了。”尤氏道：“可知你是個心冷口冷心狠意狠的人。”惜春道：“古人曾也說的，‘不作狠心人，難得自了漢。’我清清白白的一個人，為什麼教你們帶累坏了我！”尤氏心內原有病，怕說這些話。One moment you are a great genius, and now you have turned into a great monk, discoursing on enlightenment.” Xichun said, “If I had not attained enlightenment, I could not bear to part with Ruhua.” Youshi said, “That proves you are cold of heart and tongue, ruthless in heart and purpose.” Xichun replied, “The ancients also said, ‘Unless one can be ruthless, one can hardly achieve one’s own deliverance.’ I am a perfectly pure and blameless person—why should I let all of you drag me down and ruin me?” Youshi already had a sore place in her conscience and dreaded such remarks.聽說有人議論，已是心中羞惱激射，只是在惜春分上不好發作，忍耐了大半。When she heard that people were gossiping, shame and anger had already surged within her; only because it was Xichun speaking had she restrained herself for so long.今見惜春又說這句，因按捺不住，因問惜春道：“怎麼就帶累了你了？Now, hearing this last remark from Xichun, she could contain herself no longer and demanded, “How have we dragged you down?你的丫頭的不是，無故說我，我倒忍了這半日，你倒越發得了意，只管說這些話。It was your maid who did wrong, yet you attacked me for no reason. I have endured it for all this time, but you grow more pleased with yourself and go on saying such things.你是千金萬金的小姐，我們以後就不親近，仔細帶累了小姐的美名。You are a young lady worth a thousand—ten thousand—pieces of gold. We shall keep our distance from now on, lest we damage your precious reputation.即刻就叫人將入畫帶了過去！”說著，便賭氣起身去了。I shall have someone take Ruhua away this instant!” With that, she rose in a huff and left.惜春道：“若果然不來，倒也省了口舌是非，大家倒還清淨。”尤氏也不答話，一徑往前邊去了。Xichun said, “If you truly stop coming, it will spare us gossip and disputes, and everyone will enjoy some peace.” Youshi made no reply and went straight back to the front apartments.不知後事如何——How the story continues remains to be seen—

可巧这日尤氏来看凤姐，坐了一回，到园中去又看过李纨。才要望候众姊妹们去，忽见惜春遣人来请，尤氏遂到了他房中来。惜春便将昨晚之事细细告诉与尤氏，又命将入画的东西一概要来与尤氏过目。尤氏道：“实是你哥哥赏他哥哥的，只不该私自传送，如今官盐竟成了私盐了。”因骂入画”糊涂脂油蒙了心的。”惜春道：“你们管教不严，反骂丫头。这些姊妹，独我的丫头这样没脸，我如何去见人。昨儿我立逼著凤姐姐带了他去，他只不肯。我想，他原是那边的人，凤姐姐不带他去，也原有理。我今日正要送过去，嫂子来的恰好，快带了他去。或打，或杀，或卖，我一概不管。”入画听说，又跪下哭求，说：“再不敢了。只求姑娘看从小儿的情常，好歹生死在一处罢。”尤氏和奶娘等人也都十分分解，说他”不过一时糊涂了，下次再不敢的。他从小儿伏侍你一场，到底留著他为是。”谁知惜春虽然年幼，却天生成一种百折不回的廉介孤独僻性，任人怎说，他只以为丢了他的体面，咬定牙断乎不肯。更又说的好：“不但不要入画，如今我也大了，连我也不便往你们那边去了。况且近日我每每风闻得有人背地里议论什么多少不堪的闲话，我若再去，连我也编派上了。”尤氏道：“谁议论什么？又有什么可议论的！姑娘是谁，我们是谁。姑娘既听见人议论我们，就该问著他才是。”惜春冷笑道：“你这话问著我倒好。我一个姑娘家，只有躲是非的，我反去寻是非，成个什么人了！还有一句话：我不怕你恼，好歹自有公论，又何必去问人。古人说得好，‘善恶生死，父子不能有所勖助’，何况你我二人之间。我只知道保得住我就够了，不管你们。从此以后，你们有事别累我。”尤氏听了，又气又好笑，因向地下众人道：“怪道人人都说这四丫头年轻糊涂，我只不信。你们听才一篇话，无原无故，又不知好歹，又没个轻重。虽然是小孩子的话，却又能寒人的心。”众嬷嬷笑道：“姑娘年轻，奶奶自然要吃些亏的。”惜春冷笑道：“我虽年轻，这话却不年轻。你们不看书不识几个字，所以都是些呆子，看著明白人，倒说我年轻糊涂。”尤氏道：“你是状元榜眼探花，古今第一个才子。我们是糊涂人，不如你明白，何如？”惜春道：“状元榜眼难道就没有糊涂的不成。可知他们也有不能了悟的。”尤氏笑道：“你倒好。才是才子，这会子又作大和尚了，又讲起了悟来了。”惜春道：“我不了悟，我也舍不得入画了。”尤氏道：“可知你是个心冷口冷心狠意狠的人。”惜春道：“古人曾也说的，‘不作狠心人，难得自了汉。’我清清白白的一个人，为什么教你们带累坏了我！”尤氏心内原有病，怕说这些话。听说有人议论，已是心中羞恼激射，只是在惜春分上不好发作，忍耐了大半。今见惜春又说这句，因按捺不住，因问惜春道：“怎么就带累了你了？你的丫头的不是，无故说我，我倒忍了这半日，你倒越发得了意，只管说这些话。你是千金万金的小姐，我们以后就不亲近，仔细带累了小姐的美名。即刻就叫人将入画带了过去！”说著，便赌气起身去了。惜春道：“若果然不来，倒也省了口舌是非，大家倒还清净。”尤氏也不答话，一径往前边去了。不知后事如何——

注释Notes