第七十五回　開夜宴异兆發悲音　賞中秋新詞得佳讖 At a Night Feast a Strange Omen Sounds; Admiring the Mid-Autumn Moon, an Auspicious Verse Is Made

話說尤氏從惜春處賭氣出來，正欲往王夫人處去。As the story goes, Youshi left Xichun’s quarters in a huff and was about to go to Lady Wang’s rooms.跟從的老嬤嬤們因悄悄的回道：“奶奶且別往上房去。The old nurses attending her quietly said, “Madam, you had better not go to the main rooms just yet.才有甄家的幾個人來，還有些東西，不知是作什麼机密事。Several people from the Zhen family have only just arrived, bringing some things with them; no one knows what secret business is afoot.奶奶這一去恐不便。”尤氏聽了道：“昨日聽見你爺說，看邸報甄家犯了罪，現今抄沒家私，調取進京治罪。It might be awkward if you went now.” Youshi replied, “Yesterday I heard your master say that the court gazette reported the Zhen family had committed an offence: their property is now being confiscated, and they have been summoned to the capital for trial.怎麼又有人來？”老嬤嬤道：“正是呢。Then how can their people be here?” The old nurse said, “That is precisely the strange thing.才來了幾個女人，氣色不成氣色，慌慌張張的，想必有什麼瞞人的事情也是有的。”尤氏聽了，便不往前去，仍往李氏這邊來了。Several women arrived just now, looking ghastly and utterly flustered; there must be something they are trying to keep from people.” Hearing this, Youshi went no farther, but turned back toward Li Wan’s quarters.恰好太醫才診了脈去。The imperial physician happened to have just taken her pulse and left.李紈近日也略覺精爽了些，擁衾倚枕，坐在床上，正欲一二人來說些閒話。Li Wan had lately begun to feel somewhat more refreshed; propped against her pillows with the quilt around her, she sat on the bed wishing that one or two people would come and chat with her.因見尤氏進來不似往日和藹可親，只呆呆的坐著。But when she saw Youshi enter, no longer as genial and amiable as usual, but merely sit there in a daze, she wondered what was wrong.李紈因問道：“你過來了這半日，可在別屋里吃些東西沒有？Li Wan asked, “You have been here half the day—have you eaten anything in any of the other rooms?只怕餓了。”命素雲瞧有什麼新鮮點心揀了來。I fear you must be hungry.” She told Suyun to see what fresh pastries there were and choose some to bring.尤氏忙止道：“不必，不必。Youshi hurriedly stopped her: “There is no need, no need.你這一向病著，那里有什麼新鮮東西。You have been ill all this while; how could you have anything fresh?況且我也不餓。”李紈道：“昨日他姨娘家送來的好茶麵子，倒是對碗來你喝罷。”說畢，便吩咐人去對茶。Besides, I am not hungry.” Li Wan said, “Some good roasted flour for tea-gruel came from her aunt’s family yesterday; mix her a bowl of that.” With this, she ordered someone to prepare it.尤氏出神無語。Youshi remained lost in thought and said nothing.跟來的丫頭媳婦們因問：“奶奶今日中晌尚未洗臉，這會子趁便可淨一淨好？”尤氏點頭。The maids and married servants who had accompanied her asked, “Madam, you had not yet washed your face at noon today; shall we take this opportunity to freshen you up?” Youshi nodded.李紈忙命素雲來取自己的妝奩。Li Wan promptly told Suyun to fetch her own dressing case.素雲一面取來，一面將自己的胭粉拿來，笑道：“我們奶奶就少這個。As Suyun brought it, she also fetched her own rouge and powder, saying with a smile, “My mistress happens to have none of this.奶奶不嫌髒，這是我的，能著用些。”李紈道：“我雖沒有，你就該往姑娘們那里取去。If Madam does not mind that it is unclean, this is mine; perhaps you can use a little.” Li Wan said, “Though I have none, you should have gone to fetch some from the young ladies.怎麼公然拿出你的來。How could you openly bring out your own?幸而是他，若是別人，豈不惱呢。”尤氏笑道：“這又何妨。Luckily it is she; anyone else might have taken offence.” Youshi laughed. “What harm is there in that?自來我凡過來，誰的沒使過，今日忽然又嫌髒了？”一面說，一面盤膝坐在炕沿上。Whenever I have come here before, whose things have I not used? Why should I suddenly find them unclean today?” As she spoke, she sat cross-legged on the edge of the kang.銀蝶上來忙代為卸去腕鐲戒指，又將一大袱手巾蓋在下截，將衣裳護嚴。Yindie came forward and quickly removed her bracelets and rings, then spread a large towel over her lower body, carefully protecting her clothes.小丫鬟炒豆兒捧了一大盆溫水走至尤氏跟前，只彎腰捧著。A little maid named Chaodou’er carried a large basin of warm water up to Youshi and merely stood bent over, holding it before her.李紈道：“怎麼這樣沒規矩。”銀蝶笑道：“說一個個沒机變的，說一個葫蘆就是一個瓢。Li Wan said, “Why are you so ill-mannered?” Yindie laughed. “Talk about having no adaptability! Tell her a gourd and she can think of nothing but a dipper.奶奶不過待咱們寬些，在家里不管怎樣罷了，你就得了意，不管在家出外，當著親戚也只隨著便了。”尤氏道：“你隨他去罷，橫豎洗了就完事了。”炒豆兒忙赶著跪下。Madam may be indulgent with us, so at home it does not matter how we behave; but you have grown presumptuous, and whether at home or abroad, even before relations, you simply do whatever is convenient.” Youshi said, “Let her be. Once I have washed, that will be the end of it.” Chaodou’er hurriedly dropped to her knees.尤氏笑道：“我們家下大小的人只會講外面假禮假体面，究竟作出來的事都夠使的了。”李紈聽如此說，便知他已知道昨夜的事，因笑道：“你這話有因，誰作事究竟夠使了？”尤氏道：“你倒問我！Youshi laughed. “Everyone in our household, high and low, knows only how to observe sham courtesies and keep up false appearances; when it comes to what they actually do, it is quite beyond bearing.” From this, Li Wan knew that she had heard about the events of the previous night, and asked with a smile, “There is a reason behind those words. Who has done something quite beyond bearing?” Youshi said, “You ask me!你敢是病著死過去了！”Can it be that your illness killed you and you have only just come back to life?”

话说尤氏从惜春处赌气出来，正欲往王夫人处去。跟从的老嬷嬷们因悄悄的回道：“奶奶且别往上房去。才有甄家的几个人来，还有些东西，不知是作什么机密事。奶奶这一去恐不便。”尤氏听了道：“昨日听见你爷说，看邸报甄家犯了罪，现今抄没家私，调取进京治罪。怎么又有人来？”老嬷嬷道：“正是呢。才来了几个女人，气色不成气色，慌慌张张的，想必有什么瞒人的事情也是有的。”尤氏听了，便不往前去，仍往李氏这边来了。恰好太医才诊了脉去。李纨近日也略觉精爽了些，拥衾倚枕，坐在床上，正欲一二人来说些闲话。因见尤氏进来不似往日和蔼可亲，只呆呆的坐著。李纨因问道：“你过来了这半日，可在别屋里吃些东西没有？只怕饿了。”命素云瞧有什么新鲜点心拣了来。尤氏忙止道：“不必，不必。你这一向病著，那里有什么新鲜东西。况且我也不饿。”李纨道：“昨日他姨娘家送来的好茶面子，倒是对碗来你喝罢。”说毕，便吩咐人去对茶。尤氏出神无语。跟来的丫头媳妇们因问：“奶奶今日中晌尚未洗脸，这会子趁便可净一净好？”尤氏点头。李纨忙命素云来取自己的妆奁。素云一面取来，一面将自己的胭粉拿来，笑道：“我们奶奶就少这个。奶奶不嫌脏，这是我的，能著用些。”李纨道：“我虽没有，你就该往姑娘们那里取去。怎么公然拿出你的来。幸而是他，若是别人，岂不恼呢。”尤氏笑道：“这又何妨。自来我凡过来，谁的没使过，今日忽然又嫌脏了？”一面说，一面盘膝坐在炕沿上。银蝶上来忙代为卸去腕镯戒指，又将一大袱手巾盖在下截，将衣裳护严。小丫鬟炒豆儿捧了一大盆温水走至尤氏跟前，只弯腰捧著。李纨道：“怎么这样没规矩。”银蝶笑道：“说一个个没机变的，说一个葫芦就是一个瓢。奶奶不过待咱们宽些，在家里不管怎样罢了，你就得了意，不管在家出外，当著亲戚也只随著便了。”尤氏道：“你随他去罢，横竖洗了就完事了。”炒豆儿忙赶著跪下。尤氏笑道：“我们家下大小的人只会讲外面假礼假体面，究竟作出来的事都够使的了。”李纨听如此说，便知他已知道昨夜的事，因笑道：“你这话有因，谁作事究竟够使了？”尤氏道：“你倒问我！你敢是病著死过去了！”

一語未了，只見人報：“寶姑娘來了。”忙說快請時，寶釵已走進來。Before she had finished speaking, someone announced, “Miss Bao has come.” They hurriedly said to show her in, but Baochai had already entered.尤氏忙擦臉起身讓坐，因問：“怎麼一個人忽然走來，別的姊妹都怎麼不見？”寶釵道：“正是我也沒有見他們。Youshi quickly wiped her face, rose, and offered her a seat, asking, “Why have you suddenly come alone? Why are none of the other girls to be seen?” Baochai said, “Indeed, I have not seen them either.只因今日我們奶奶身上不自在，家里兩個女人也都因時症未起炕，別的靠不得，我今兒要出去伴著老人家夜里作伴兒。Our mother is unwell today, and the two women in our household are both still confined to bed with a seasonal illness. There is no one else to be relied upon, so today I must go out and keep the old lady company through the night.要去回老太太，太太，我想又不是什麼大事，且不用提，等好了我橫豎進來的，所以來告訴大嫂子一聲。”李紈聽說，只看著尤氏笑。I ought to report it to the Old Lady and Lady Wang, but then I thought it was no great matter and need not be mentioned yet. In any case I shall return when she is better, so I came merely to tell you, Sister-in-law.” Hearing this, Li Wan only looked at Youshi and smiled.尤氏也只看著李紈笑。Youshi likewise merely looked at Li Wan and smiled.一時尤氏盥沐已畢，大家吃麵茶。Presently Youshi finished washing, and they all had tea-gruel.李紈因笑道：“既這樣，且打發人去請姨娘的安，問是何病。Li Wan said with a smile, “In that case, let me first send someone to inquire after Auntie and ask what her illness is.我也病著，不能親自來的。I too am ill and cannot come in person.好妹妹，你去只管去，我自打發人去到你那里去看屋子。Dear sister, go without any concern; I shall send someone to your quarters to look after the rooms.你好歹住一兩天還進來，別叫我落不是。”寶釵笑道：“落什麼不是呢，這也是通共常情，你又不曾賣放了賊。But you must come back after a day or two, or people will blame me.” Baochai laughed. “What could they blame you for? This is merely ordinary human feeling; it is not as though you had knowingly let a thief escape.依我的主意，也不必添人過去，竟把雲丫頭請了來，你和他住一兩日，豈不省事。”尤氏道：“可是史大妹妹往那里去了？”寶釵道：“我才打發他們找你們探丫頭去了，叫他同到這里來，我也明白告訴他。”If you ask me, there is no need to send anyone over. Simply invite Yun to stay with you for a day or two—would that not save trouble?” Youshi asked, “But where has little sister Shi gone?” Baochai replied, “I have just sent them to look for her at Tan’s quarters and tell her to come here with them, so that I may explain it clearly to her as well.”

一语未了，只见人报：“宝姑娘来了。”忙说快请时，宝钗已走进来。尤氏忙擦脸起身让坐，因问：“怎么一个人忽然走来，别的姊妹都怎么不见？”宝钗道：“正是我也没有见他们。只因今日我们奶奶身上不自在，家里两个女人也都因时症未起炕，别的靠不得，我今儿要出去伴著老人家夜里作伴儿。要去回老太太，太太，我想又不是什么大事，且不用提，等好了我横竖进来的，所以来告诉大嫂子一声。”李纨听说，只看著尤氏笑。尤氏也只看著李纨笑。一时尤氏盥沐已毕，大家吃面茶。李纨因笑道：“既这样，且打发人去请姨娘的安，问是何病。我也病著，不能亲自来的。好妹妹，你去只管去，我自打发人去到你那里去看屋子。你好歹住一两天还进来，别叫我落不是。”宝钗笑道：“落什么不是呢，这也是通共常情，你又不曾卖放了贼。依我的主意，也不必添人过去，竟把云丫头请了来，你和他住一两日，岂不省事。”尤氏道：“可是史大妹妹往那里去了？”宝钗道：“我才打发他们找你们探丫头去了，叫他同到这里来，我也明白告诉他。”

正說著，果然報：“雲姑娘和三姑娘來了。”大家讓坐已畢，寶釵便說要出去一事，探春道：“很好。While they were speaking, someone duly announced, “Miss Yun and Third Miss have arrived.” Once everyone was seated, Baochai explained that she was going out, and Tanchun said, “That is very well.不但姨媽好了還來的，就便好了不來也使得。”尤氏笑道：“這話奇怪，怎麼攆起親戚來了？”探春冷笑道：“正是呢，有叫人攆的，不如我先攆。Not only should you return when Auntie is better; even if she recovers and you do not return, that is all right too.” Youshi laughed. “What a strange thing to say! Why are you driving your relations away?” Tanchun sneered. “Quite so. Since there are those who invite themselves to be driven out, I may as well drive them out first.親戚們好，也不在必要死住著才好。Good relations do not have to live together without end to remain good.咱們倒是一家子親骨肉呢，一個個不象烏眼雞，恨不得你吃了我，我吃了你！”尤氏忙笑道：“我今兒是那里來的晦氣，偏都碰著你姊妹們的氣頭兒上了。”探春道：“誰叫你赶熱灶來了！”因問：“誰又得罪了你呢？”因又尋思道：“四丫頭不犯羅皂你，卻是誰呢？”尤氏只含糊答應。We are flesh and blood of one family, yet every one of us is like a black-eyed fighting cock, itching to devour the others!” Youshi hurriedly laughed. “Where did I pick up such ill luck today, that I should encounter every one of you sisters just when you are angry?” Tanchun said, “Who told you to come crowding around a hot stove?” Then she asked, “Who has offended you now?” After pondering, she added, “Fourth Sister would never pick a quarrel with you—so who was it?” Youshi gave only an evasive answer.探春知他畏事不肯多言，因笑道：“你別裝老實了。Tanchun knew that she feared trouble and would say no more, so she laughed. “Do not pretend to be so meek.除了朝廷治罪，沒有砍頭的，你不必畏頭畏尾。Unless the imperial court convicts you, no one here will cut off your head; you need not be afraid of everything.實告訴你罷，我昨日把王善保家那老婆子打了，我還頂著個罪呢。To tell you the truth, yesterday I struck that old woman from Wang Shanbao’s household, and I am still bearing the blame for it.不過背地里說我些閒話，難道他還打我一頓不成！”寶釵忙問因何又打他，探春悉把昨夜怎的抄檢，怎的打他，一一說了出來。At most she can gossip about me behind my back; surely she cannot give me a beating in return!” Baochai quickly asked why she had struck the woman, and Tanchun related in full how the search had been conducted the night before and how she had hit her.尤氏見探春已經說了出來，便把惜春方纔之事也說了出來。Since Tanchun had already told her story, Youshi also recounted what had just happened with Xichun.探春道：“這是他的僻性，孤介太過，我們再傲不過他的。”又告訴他們說：“今日一早不見動靜，打聽鳳辣子又病了。Tanchun said, “That is her peculiar temperament: she is far too aloof and unyielding; none of us can match her pride.” Then she told them, “When there was no sign of activity early this morning, I made inquiries and learned that Pepper Feng was ill again.我就打發我媽媽出去打聽王善保家的是怎樣。So I sent my mother out to discover what had happened to the woman from Wang Shanbao’s household.回來告訴我說，王善保家的挨了一頓打，大太太嗔著他多事。”尤氏李紈道：“這倒也是正理。”探春冷笑道：“這种掩飾誰不會作，且再瞧就是了。”尤氏李紈皆默無所答。She came back and told me that the woman had received a beating, and that the Elder Lady was angry with her for meddling.” Youshi and Li Wan said, “That is only right.” Tanchun sneered. “Anyone can put on such a show to cover things up. Just wait and see what comes next.” Youshi and Li Wan both remained silent.一時估著前頭用飯，湘雲和寶釵回房打點衣衫，不在話下。When they judged that the meal would soon be served in the front apartments, Xiangyun and Baochai returned to their rooms to arrange their clothes; no more need be said of this.尤氏等遂辭了李紈，往賈母這邊來。Youshi and the others then took leave of Li Wan and went to Grandmother Jia’s quarters.賈母歪在榻上，王夫人說甄家因何獲罪，如今抄沒了家產，回京治罪等語。Grandmother Jia was reclining on a couch while Lady Wang told her how the Zhen family had been convicted, how their property was now being confiscated, and how they were to be brought to the capital for trial.賈母聽了正不自在，恰好見他姊妹來了，因問：“從那里來的？Grandmother Jia was feeling distressed as she listened, but just then she saw the young women arrive and asked, “Where have you come from?可知鳳姐妯娌兩個的病今日怎樣？”尤氏等忙回道：“今日都好些。”賈母點頭歎道：“咱們別管人家的事，且商量咱們八月十五日賞月是正經。”王夫人笑道：“都已預備下了。Do you know how Fengjie and her sister-in-law are today?” Youshi and the others quickly replied, “They are both somewhat better today.” Grandmother Jia nodded and sighed. “Let us not concern ourselves with other people’s affairs. The proper business is to arrange our moon-viewing on the fifteenth of the eighth month.” Lady Wang smiled. “Everything has already been prepared.不知老太太揀那里好，只是園里空，夜晚風冷。”賈母笑道：“多穿兩件衣服何妨，那里正是賞月的地方，豈可倒不去的。”說話之間，早有媳婦丫鬟們抬過飯桌來，王夫人尤氏等忙上來放箸捧飯。We only do not know which place the Old Lady prefers. The Garden is rather exposed, and the wind is cold at night.” Grandmother Jia laughed. “What harm is there in putting on two more garments? That is precisely the place for viewing the moon; how could we not go?” As they spoke, married servants and maids had already carried in the dining table, and Lady Wang, Youshi, and the others hurried forward to set out the chopsticks and serve the rice.賈母見自己的幾色菜已擺完，另有兩大捧盒內捧了幾色菜來，便知是各房另外孝敬的舊規矩。When Grandmother Jia saw that her own several dishes had all been set out, and that several more dishes had arrived in two large covered boxes, she knew these were the customary additional offerings of filial respect from the several households.賈母因問：“都是些什麼？Grandmother Jia asked, “What are they all?上幾次我就吩咐，如今可以把這些蠲了罷，你們還不聽。I told you several times before that these offerings could now be dispensed with, yet you still will not listen.如今比不得在先輻輳的時光了。”鴛鴦忙道：“我說過幾次，都不聽，也只罷了。”王夫人笑道：“不過都是家常東西。Things are not as prosperous and abundant now as they once were.” Yuanyang promptly said, “I have told them several times, but they will not listen, so nothing can be done.” Lady Wang smiled. “They are only ordinary household dishes.今日我吃齋沒有別的。I am observing a fast today, so I had nothing else.那些麵筋豆腐老太太又不大甚愛吃，只揀了一樣椒油純齏醬來。”賈母笑道：“這樣正好，正想這個吃。”鴛鴦聽說，便將碟子挪在跟前。The Old Lady is not very fond of the wheat gluten and bean curd, so I selected only one dish of finely shredded pickles in pepper oil.” Grandmother Jia laughed. “That is just right; I was longing for some.” Hearing this, Yuanyang moved the dish in front of her.寶琴一一的讓了，方歸坐。Baoqin politely invited each person to partake before returning to her seat.賈母便命探春來同吃。Grandmother Jia then told Tanchun to come and eat with her.探春也都讓過了，便和寶琴對面坐下。Tanchun likewise invited everyone to partake before sitting opposite Baoqin.待書忙去取了碗來。Daishu hurried off to fetch her a bowl.鴛鴦又指那幾樣菜道：“這兩樣看不出是什麼東西來，大老爺送來的。Pointing to the other dishes, Yuanyang said, “I cannot tell what these two are; the Elder Master sent them.這一碗是雞髓筍，是外頭老爺送上來的。”一面說，一面就只將這碗筍送至桌上。This bowl is bamboo shoots with chicken marrow, sent in by the master outside.” As she spoke, she placed only the bowl of bamboo shoots on the table.賈母略嘗了兩點，便命：“將那兩樣著人送回去，就說我吃了。Grandmother Jia tasted a morsel or two, then ordered, “Have someone send those other two dishes back, but say that I ate them.以後不必天天送，我想吃自然來要。”媳婦們答應著，仍送過去，不在話下。There is no need to send them every day from now on. If I want any, I shall naturally ask for them.” The married servants assented and carried them back; no more need be said of this.賈母因問：“有稀飯吃些罷了。”尤氏早捧過一碗來，說是紅稻米粥。Grandmother Jia then said, “I think I shall have a little congee.” Youshi had already brought her a bowl, saying it was red-rice congee.賈母接來吃了半碗，便吩咐：“將這粥送給鳳哥兒吃去，”又指著”這一碗筍和這一盤風腌果子狸給顰兒寶玉兩個吃去，那一碗肉給蘭小子吃去。”又向尤氏道：“我吃了，你就來吃了罷。”尤氏答應，待賈母漱口洗手畢，賈母便下地和王夫人說閒話行食。Grandmother Jia took it and ate half, then ordered, “Send this congee to Feng.” Pointing again, she said, “Send this bowl of bamboo shoots and this plate of wind-cured civet to Pin and Baoyu, and that bowl of meat to young Lan.” Then she said to Youshi, “I have finished; come and eat now.” Youshi assented. When Grandmother Jia had rinsed her mouth and washed her hands, she got down and walked about with Lady Wang, chatting as she digested her meal.尤氏告坐。Youshi asked permission to take her seat at the table.探春寶琴二人也起來了，笑道：“失陪，失陪。”尤氏笑道：“剩我一個人，大排桌的吃不慣。”賈母笑道：“鴛鴦琥珀來趁勢也吃些，又作了陪客。”尤氏笑道：“好，好，好，我正要說呢。”賈母笑道：“看著多多的人吃飯，最有趣的。”又指銀蝶道：“這孩子也好，也來同你主子一塊來吃，等你們離了我，再立規矩去。”尤氏道：“快過來，不必裝假。”賈母負手看著取樂。Tanchun and Baoqin also rose, saying with a smile, “Pray excuse us, pray excuse us.” Youshi laughed. “I am not accustomed to sitting alone at a grand table to eat.” Grandmother Jia laughed. “Yuanyang and Hupo, take this opportunity to eat something too, and serve as her companions.” Youshi laughed. “Good, good, good! I was just about to say so.” Grandmother Jia said with a smile, “There is nothing more delightful than watching a great many people eat.” Then, pointing to Yindie, she said, “This child is a good one too. Let her eat with her mistress; you can stand on ceremony again once you have left me.” Youshi said, “Come here at once; there is no need to pretend.” Grandmother Jia stood with her hands behind her back, watching them for amusement.因見伺候添飯的人手內捧著一碗下人的米飯，尤氏吃的仍是白粳米飯，賈母問道：“你怎麼昏了，盛這個飯來給你奶奶。”那人道：“老太太的飯吃完了。Seeing that the servant waiting to replenish the rice was holding a bowl of the coarser rice served to the servants, while Youshi still had fine white non-glutinous rice, Grandmother Jia asked, “Have you lost your senses? Why are you bringing that rice for your mistress?” The servant replied, “The Old Lady’s rice is all gone.今日添了一位姑娘，所以短了些。”鴛鴦道：“如今都是可著頭做帽子了，要一點兒富余也不能的。”王夫人忙回道：“這一二年旱澇不定，田上的米都不能按數交的。There was one extra young lady today, so we ran a little short.” Yuanyang said, “Nowadays everything is measured as tightly as a hat made to fit one head; there cannot be the slightest surplus.” Lady Wang quickly explained, “For the past year or two the droughts and floods have been unpredictable, and the farms have been unable to deliver their full quotas of rice.這幾樣細米更艱難了，所以都可著吃的多少關去，生恐一時短了，買的不順口。”賈母笑道：“這正是‘巧媳婦做不出沒米的粥’來。”眾人都笑起來。These finer varieties are harder still to obtain, so the amounts sent over are calculated according to the number of diners, for fear that if we suddenly run short, rice bought outside will not suit our taste.” Grandmother Jia laughed. “This truly is a case of ‘even the cleverest daughter-in-law cannot make congee without rice.’” Everyone laughed.鴛鴦道：“既這然，就去把三姑娘的飯拿來添也是一樣，就這樣笨。”尤氏笑道：“我這個就夠了，也不用取去。”鴛鴦道：“你夠了，我不會吃的。”地下的媳婦們聽說，方忙著取去了。Yuanyang said, “If that is so, go and bring Third Miss’s rice to replenish it; it will do just as well. How can you be so stupid?” Youshi laughed. “This is enough for me; there is no need to fetch it.” Yuanyang said, “It may be enough for you, but do you think I do not eat?” Only then did the married servants below hurry off to fetch it.一時王夫人也去用飯，這里尤氏直陪賈母說話取笑。Presently Lady Wang also went to eat, while Youshi remained there, keeping Grandmother Jia company with conversation and jokes.到起更的時候，賈母說：“黑了，過去罷。”尤氏方告辭出來。At the sounding of the first night watch, Grandmother Jia said, “It is dark now; you had better go home.” Only then did Youshi take her leave.走至大門前上了車，銀蝶坐在車沿上。When she reached the main gate, she entered her carriage, and Yindie sat on its edge.眾媳婦放下帘子來，便帶著小丫頭們先直走過那邊大門口等著去了。The married servants lowered the curtain, then went ahead with the little maids to wait at the main gate of the other mansion.因二府之門相隔沒有一箭之路，每日家常來往不必定要周備，況天黑夜晚之間回來的遭數更多，所以老嬤嬤帶著小丫頭，只幾步便走了過來。Since the gates of the two mansions were less than an arrow’s flight apart, there was no need to make elaborate arrangements for ordinary daily visits; moreover, they returned this way even more often after dark, so the old nurses led the little maids across in only a few steps.兩邊大門上的人都到東西街口，早把行人斷住。The gatekeepers of both mansions had gone to the eastern and western street entrances and had already stopped passers-by.尤氏大車上也不用牲口，只用七八個小廝挽環拽輪，輕輕的便推拽過這邊階磯上來。Nor was there any need to harness animals to Youshi’s large carriage: seven or eight pages merely took hold of its rings and wheels and gently pushed and pulled it up onto the stone landing on the other side.于是眾小廝退過獅子以外，眾嬤嬤打起帘子，銀蝶先下來，然後攙下尤氏來。The pages then withdrew beyond the stone lions; the nurses raised the curtain, Yindie alighted first, and then helped Youshi down.大小七八個燈籠照的十分真切。Seven or eight lanterns of various sizes illuminated everything clearly.尤氏因見兩邊獅子下放著四五輛大車，便知系來赴賭之人所乘，遂向銀蝶眾人道：“你看，坐車的是這樣，騎馬的還不知有幾個呢。Seeing four or five large carriages standing beneath the lions on either side, Youshi knew they belonged to men who had come to gamble, and said to Yindie and the others, “Look—there are this many who came by carriage, and who knows how many more came on horseback?馬自然在圈里拴著，咱們看不見。The horses are naturally tethered in the enclosure, where we cannot see them.也不知道他娘老子掙下多少錢與他們，這麼開心兒。”一面說，一面已到了廳上。Who knows how much money their mothers and fathers earned and left them, for them to enjoy themselves like this?” As she spoke, she had already reached the main hall.賈蓉之妻帶領家下媳婦丫頭們，也都秉燭接了出來。Jia Rong’s wife, leading the household’s married servants and maids, came out carrying candles to receive her.尤氏笑道：“成日家我要偷著瞧瞧他們，也沒得便。Youshi laughed. “I have long wanted to steal a look at them, but never had the opportunity.今兒倒巧，就順便打他們窗戶跟前走過去。”眾媳婦答應著，提燈引路，又有一個先去悄悄的知會伏侍的小廝們不要失驚打怪。Today is fortunate; we can pass by their windows on our way.” The married servants assented and led the way with lanterns, while one of them went ahead to quietly warn the pages in attendance not to raise an alarm.于是尤氏一行人悄悄的來至窗下，只聽里面稱三贊四，耍笑之音雖多，又兼有恨五罵六，忿怨之聲亦不少。Thus Youshi and her party quietly approached the window. From within they heard calls of “three” and cheers of “four”; amid much joking and laughter there were also plenty of resentful cries cursing fives and damning sixes.

正说著，果然报：“云姑娘和三姑娘来了。”大家让坐已毕，宝钗便说要出去一事，探春道：“很好。不但姨妈好了还来的，就便好了不来也使得。”尤氏笑道：“这话奇怪，怎么撵起亲戚来了？”探春冷笑道：“正是呢，有叫人撵的，不如我先撵。亲戚们好，也不在必要死住著才好。咱们倒是一家子亲骨肉呢，一个个不象乌眼鸡，恨不得你吃了我，我吃了你！”尤氏忙笑道：“我今儿是那里来的晦气，偏都碰著你姊妹们的气头儿上了。”探春道：“谁叫你赶热灶来了！”因问：“谁又得罪了你呢？”因又寻思道：“四丫头不犯罗皂你，却是谁呢？”尤氏只含糊答应。探春知他畏事不肯多言，因笑道：“你别装老实了。除了朝廷治罪，没有砍头的，你不必畏头畏尾。实告诉你罢，我昨日把王善保家那老婆子打了，我还顶著个罪呢。不过背地里说我些闲话，难道他还打我一顿不成！”宝钗忙问因何又打他，探春悉把昨夜怎的抄检，怎的打他，一一说了出来。尤氏见探春已经说了出来，便把惜春方才之事也说了出来。探春道：“这是他的僻性，孤介太过，我们再傲不过他的。”又告诉他们说：“今日一早不见动静，打听凤辣子又病了。我就打发我妈妈出去打听王善保家的是怎样。回来告诉我说，王善保家的挨了一顿打，大太太嗔著他多事。”尤氏李纨道：“这倒也是正理。”探春冷笑道：“这种掩饰谁不会作，且再瞧就是了。”尤氏李纨皆默无所答。一时估著前头用饭，湘云和宝钗回房打点衣衫，不在话下。尤氏等遂辞了李纨，往贾母这边来。贾母歪在榻上，王夫人说甄家因何获罪，如今抄没了家产，回京治罪等语。贾母听了正不自在，恰好见他姊妹来了，因问：“从那里来的？可知凤姐妯娌两个的病今日怎样？”尤氏等忙回道：“今日都好些。”贾母点头叹道：“咱们别管人家的事，且商量咱们八月十五日赏月是正经。”王夫人笑道：“都已预备下了。不知老太太拣那里好，只是园里空，夜晚风冷。”贾母笑道：“多穿两件衣服何妨，那里正是赏月的地方，岂可倒不去的。”说话之间，早有媳妇丫鬟们抬过饭桌来，王夫人尤氏等忙上来放箸捧饭。贾母见自己的几色菜已摆完，另有两大捧盒内捧了几色菜来，便知是各房另外孝敬的旧规矩。贾母因问：“都是些什么？上几次我就吩咐，如今可以把这些蠲了罢，你们还不听。如今比不得在先辐辏的时光了。”鸳鸯忙道：“我说过几次，都不听，也只罢了。”王夫人笑道：“不过都是家常东西。今日我吃斋没有别的。那些面筋豆腐老太太又不大甚爱吃，只拣了一样椒油纯齑酱来。”贾母笑道：“这样正好，正想这个吃。”鸳鸯听说，便将碟子挪在跟前。宝琴一一的让了，方归坐。贾母便命探春来同吃。探春也都让过了，便和宝琴对面坐下。待书忙去取了碗来。鸳鸯又指那几样菜道：“这两样看不出是什么东西来，大老爷送来的。这一碗是鸡髓笋，是外头老爷送上来的。”一面说，一面就只将这碗笋送至桌上。贾母略尝了两点，便命：“将那两样著人送回去，就说我吃了。以后不必天天送，我想吃自然来要。”媳妇们答应著，仍送过去，不在话下。贾母因问：“有稀饭吃些罢了。”尤氏早捧过一碗来，说是红稻米粥。贾母接来吃了半碗，便吩咐：“将这粥送给凤哥儿吃去，”又指著”这一碗笋和这一盘风腌果子狸给颦儿宝玉两个吃去，那一碗肉给兰小子吃去。”又向尤氏道：“我吃了，你就来吃了罢。”尤氏答应，待贾母漱口洗手毕，贾母便下地和王夫人说闲话行食。尤氏告坐。探春宝琴二人也起来了，笑道：“失陪，失陪。”尤氏笑道：“剩我一个人，大排桌的吃不惯。”贾母笑道：“鸳鸯琥珀来趁势也吃些，又作了陪客。”尤氏笑道：“好，好，好，我正要说呢。”贾母笑道：“看著多多的人吃饭，最有趣的。”又指银蝶道：“这孩子也好，也来同你主子一块来吃，等你们离了我，再立规矩去。”尤氏道：“快过来，不必装假。”贾母负手看著取乐。因见伺候添饭的人手内捧著一碗下人的米饭，尤氏吃的仍是白粳米饭，贾母问道：“你怎么昏了，盛这个饭来给你奶奶。”那人道：“老太太的饭吃完了。今日添了一位姑娘，所以短了些。”鸳鸯道：“如今都是可著头做帽子了，要一点儿富余也不能的。”王夫人忙回道：“这一二年旱涝不定，田上的米都不能按数交的。这几样细米更艰难了，所以都可著吃的多少关去，生恐一时短了，买的不顺口。”贾母笑道：“这正是‘巧媳妇做不出没米的粥’来。”众人都笑起来。鸳鸯道：“既这然，就去把三姑娘的饭拿来添也是一样，就这样笨。”尤氏笑道：“我这个就够了，也不用取去。”鸳鸯道：“你够了，我不会吃的。”地下的媳妇们听说，方忙著取去了。一时王夫人也去用饭，这里尤氏直陪贾母说话取笑。到起更的时候，贾母说：“黑了，过去罢。”尤氏方告辞出来。走至大门前上了车，银蝶坐在车沿上。众媳妇放下帘子来，便带著小丫头们先直走过那边大门口等著去了。因二府之门相隔没有一箭之路，每日家常来往不必定要周备，况天黑夜晚之间回来的遭数更多，所以老嬷嬷带著小丫头，只几步便走了过来。两边大门上的人都到东西街口，早把行人断住。尤氏大车上也不用牲口，只用七八个小厮挽环拽轮，轻轻的便推拽过这边阶矶上来。于是众小厮退过狮子以外，众嬷嬷打起帘子，银蝶先下来，然后搀下尤氏来。大小七八个灯笼照的十分真切。尤氏因见两边狮子下放著四五辆大车，便知系来赴赌之人所乘，遂向银蝶众人道：“你看，坐车的是这样，骑马的还不知有几个呢。马自然在圈里拴著，咱们看不见。也不知道他娘老子挣下多少钱与他们，这么开心儿。”一面说，一面已到了厅上。贾蓉之妻带领家下媳妇丫头们，也都秉烛接了出来。尤氏笑道：“成日家我要偷著瞧瞧他们，也没得便。今儿倒巧，就顺便打他们窗户跟前走过去。”众媳妇答应著，提灯引路，又有一个先去悄悄的知会伏侍的小厮们不要失惊打怪。于是尤氏一行人悄悄的来至窗下，只听里面称三赞四，耍笑之音虽多，又兼有恨五骂六，忿怨之声亦不少。

原來賈珍近因居喪，每不得游頑曠蕩，又不得觀优聞樂作遣。It turned out that Jia Zhen, being in mourning lately, had been unable to roam about and indulge himself as usual, nor could he watch actors or listen to music for diversion.無聊之极，便生了個破悶之法。Bored beyond endurance, he devised a way to relieve his tedium.日間以習射為由，請了各世家弟兄及諸富貴親友來較射。By day, on the pretext of practising archery, he invited young men from the great hereditary houses and various wealthy friends and relations to compete in shooting.因說：“白白的只管亂射，終無裨益，不但不能長進，而且坏了式樣，必須立個罰約，賭個利物，大家才有勉力之心。”因此在天香樓下箭道內立了鵠子，皆約定每日早飯後來射鵠子。He said, “There is no benefit in shooting wildly for nothing; not only will we fail to improve, but we shall spoil our form. We must establish penalties and wager something of value, so that everyone will have an incentive to exert himself.” Accordingly, they set up a target in the archery ground below Tianxiang Tower, agreeing that all should come every day after breakfast to shoot at it.賈珍不肯出名，便命賈蓉作局家。Jia Zhen was unwilling to appear as the organizer, so he ordered Jia Rong to act as host of the gambling party.這些來的皆系世襲公子，人人家道丰富，且都在少年，正是斗雞走狗，問柳評花的一干游蕩紈褲。All those who came were heirs of hereditary houses; every family was rich, and all the young men were precisely the sort of idle dandies who amused themselves with cockfights and dog races and frequented courtesans and prostitutes.因此大家議定，每日輪流作晚飯之主，-每日來射，不便獨扰賈蓉一人之意。They therefore agreed that each would take his turn providing the evening meal, since they came to shoot every day and did not wish to impose upon Jia Rong alone.于是天天宰豬割羊，屠鵝戮鴨，好似臨潼斗寶一般，都要賣弄自己家的好廚役好烹炮。Thus every day pigs and sheep were butchered and geese and ducks slaughtered; it was like the contest of treasures at Lintong, as each sought to display the excellence of his family’s cooks and cuisine.不到半月工夫，賈赦賈政聽見這般，不知就里，反說這才是正理，文既誤矣，武事當亦該習，況在武蔭之屬。Within half a month, Jia She and Jia Zheng heard of it. Not knowing the truth, they instead declared that this was proper: since the boys had neglected their literary studies, they ought at least to practise the martial arts, especially as they belonged to families enjoying hereditary military privilege.兩處遂也命賈環，賈琮，寶玉，賈蘭等四人于飯後過來，跟著賈珍習射一回，方許回去。The two households therefore ordered Jia Huan, Jia Cong, Baoyu, and Jia Lan to go over after their meals and practise archery for a while under Jia Zhen before they were permitted to return.賈珍之志不在此，再過一二日便漸次以歇臂養力為由，晚間或抹抹骨牌，賭個酒東而已，至後漸次至錢。But Jia Zhen’s true purpose lay elsewhere. After another day or two, they gradually began using the excuse that they must rest their arms and conserve their strength; in the evenings they would play a little dominoes, wagering no more than who should pay for the wine, but gradually the stakes came to be money.如今三四月的光景，竟一日一日賭胜于射了，公然斗葉擲骰，放頭開局，夜賭起來。After three or four months, gambling gained upon archery day by day, until they openly played cards and threw dice, banking the games and running a gambling house through the night.家下人借此各有些進益，巴不得的如此，所以竟成了勢了。The household servants all profited from it and could have wished for nothing better, so it gradually became an established practice.外人皆不知一字。Not a word of it was known outside.近日邢夫人之胞弟邢德全也酷好如此，故也在其中。Recently Xing Dequan, Lady Xing’s own younger brother, had also developed a passion for such amusements and so joined them.又有薛蟠，頭一個慣喜送錢與人的，見此豈不快樂。Then there was Xue Pan, always foremost among those fond of giving their money away; how could he fail to delight in this?邢德全雖系邢夫人之胞弟，卻居心行事大不相同。Although Xing Dequan was Lady Xing’s own younger brother, his temperament and conduct were altogether different from hers.這個邢德全只知吃酒賭錢，眠花宿柳為樂，手中濫漫使錢，待人無二心，好酒者喜之，不飲者則不去親近，無論上下主仆皆出自一意，并無貴賤之分，因此都喚他“傻大舅”。This Xing Dequan cared only for drinking and gambling and took his pleasure among flowers and willows; he scattered money freely and treated everyone with equal sincerity. Those who drank enjoyed his company, while those who did not he left alone; high or low, master or servant, he treated all alike, making no distinction of rank, and so everyone called him “Uncle Simpleton.”薛蟠早已出名的呆大爺。Xue Pan, for his part, had long been renowned as “Master Blockhead.”今日二人皆湊在一處，都愛“搶新快”爽利，便又會了兩家，在外間炕上“搶新快”。Today the two had come together, and both liked the brisk, straightforward game called “Snatch the Fresh Stake”; they therefore joined two other parties and played it on the kang in the outer room.別的又有幾家在當地下大桌上打公番。Several other parties were playing gongfan at a large table on the floor.里間又一起斯文些的，抹骨牌打天九。In the inner room, a more genteel group was playing dominoes at Heaven and Nine.此間伏侍的小廝都是十五歲以下的孩子，若成丁的男子到不了這里，故尤氏方潛至窗外偷看。All the pages serving here were boys under fifteen; no adult man was allowed to enter, which was why Youshi could secretly approach the window and look in.其中有兩個十六七歲孌童以備奉酒的，都打扮的粉妝玉琢。Among them were two pretty youths of sixteen or seventeen, kept there to serve the wine, both made up and dressed like figures carved from powdered jade.今日薛蟠又輸了一張，正沒好氣，幸而擲第二張完了，算來除翻過來倒反贏了，心中只是興頭起來。That day Xue Pan had lost yet another round and was in a foul temper; fortunately, when the second round was completed and the reversals calculated, he had actually come out ahead, and his excitement began to rise.賈珍道：“且打住，吃了東西再來。”因問那兩處怎樣。Jia Zhen said, “Hold it there for now; eat something, and then resume.” He then asked how matters stood at the other two games.里頭打天九的，也作了帳等吃飯。Those playing dominoes inside had also settled their accounts and were waiting to eat.打公番的未清，且不肯吃。The players in the public pool had not yet finished, however, and refused to eat just yet.于是各不能催，先擺下一大桌，賈珍陪著吃，命賈蓉落後陪那一起。Since none of them could be hurried, a large table was laid first; Jia Zhen kept this group company at dinner and told Jia Rong to remain behind afterward and attend the other group.薛蟠興頭了，便摟著一個孌童吃酒，又命將酒去敬邢傻舅。Xue Pan, now thoroughly excited, put an arm around one of the catamites as he drank, and ordered wine to be taken over to Silly Uncle Xing.傻舅輸家，沒心緒，吃了兩碗，便有些醉意，嗔著兩個孌童只赶著贏家不理輸家了，因罵道：“你們這起兔子，就是這樣專洑上水。Silly Uncle, being on the losing side, was in low spirits; after two bowls he grew somewhat drunk and, annoyed that the two catamites attended only to the winners and ignored the losers, cursed them: “You pack of rabbits—you always swim with the current.天天在一處，誰的恩你們不沾，只不過我這一會子輸了幾兩銀子，你們就三六九等了。We are together every day, and whose favors have you not enjoyed? Yet merely because I have lost a few taels of silver this once, you immediately begin ranking people by class.難道從此以後再沒有求著我們的事了！”眾人見他帶酒，忙說：“很是，很是。Do you imagine that from now on you will never have occasion to ask favors of us again?” Seeing that the wine was talking, the others hurriedly agreed: “Quite right, quite right.果然他們風俗不好。”因喝命：“快敬酒賠罪。”兩個孌童都是演就的局套，忙都跪下奉酒，說：“我們這行人，師父教的不論遠近厚薄，只看一時有錢有勢就親敬，便是活佛神仙，一時沒了錢勢了，也不許去理他。Their manners really are disgraceful.” Then they shouted an order: “Hurry and offer him wine in apology!” The two catamites were well rehearsed in such routines; both promptly knelt and presented wine, saying, “Our masters teach people in our profession to make no distinction between near and distant, favored and slighted, but simply to honor whoever happens at the moment to have money and power—even if he were a living Buddha or an immortal, once he loses his wealth and influence, we are forbidden to pay him any attention.況且我們又年輕，又居這個行次，求舅太爺体恕些我們就過去了。”說著，便舉著酒俯膝跪下。Besides, we are young and belong to this low profession; we beg Your Lordship to show us some indulgence and let the matter pass.” With that, they raised the wine and sank to their knees.邢大舅心內雖軟了，只還故作怒意不理。Though Uncle Xing had softened inwardly, he still feigned anger and ignored them.眾人又勸道：“這孩子是實情話。The others urged him, “The lads are only telling the truth.老舅是久慣怜香惜玉的，如何今日反這樣起來？You have long been a practiced connoisseur of tender charms; why are you behaving so differently today?若不吃這酒，他兩個怎樣起來。”邢大舅已撐不住了，便說道：“若不是眾位說，我再不理。”說著，方接過來一氣喝干了。If you refuse this wine, how can the two of them rise?” Uncle Xing could hold out no longer and said, “Were it not for all of you speaking on their behalf, I would never heed them again.” Only then did he take the bowl and drain it at a draught.又斟一碗來。Another bowl was poured for him.這邢大舅便酒勾往事，醉露真情起來，乃拍案對賈珍歎道：“怨不的他們視錢如命。The wine now stirred old grievances in Uncle Xing, and drunkenness brought his true feelings to the surface; slapping the table, he sighed to Jia Zhen: “No wonder they value money as their lives.多少世宦大家出身的，若提起‘錢勢’二字，連骨肉都不認了。How many people born into great families of hereditary officials will cease to acknowledge even their own flesh and blood once ‘money and power’ are at issue!老賢甥，昨日我和你那邊的令伯母賭氣，你可知道否？”賈珍道：“不曾聽見。”邢大舅歎道：“就為錢這件混帳東西。My worthy nephew, do you know that yesterday I quarreled with your honored aunt over there?” Jia Zhen replied, “I heard nothing of it.” Uncle Xing sighed: “It was all because of that damned thing called money.利害，利害！”賈珍深知他與邢夫人不睦，每遭邢夫人棄惡，扳出怨言，因勸道：“老舅，你也太散漫些。A terrible thing, a terrible thing!” Jia Zhen knew well that he and Lady Xing were at odds, and that whenever she treated him with contempt he would air his grievances; so he advised him, “Uncle, you are rather too free with money yourself.若只管花去，有多少給老舅花的。”邢大舅道：“老賢甥，你不知我邢家底里。If you simply go on spending, how much can there be for you to spend?” Uncle Xing said, “My worthy nephew, you do not know the true circumstances of our Xing family.我母親去世時我尚小，世事不知。I was still young when my mother died and understood nothing of worldly affairs.他姊妹三個人，只有你令伯母年長出閣，一分家私都是他把持帶來。Of the three sisters, only your honored aunt, the eldest, was married; she took control of the entire family property and brought it all away with her.如今二家姐雖也出閣，他家也甚艱窘，三家姐尚在家里，一應用度都是這里陪房王善保家的掌管。Though my second sister is now married too, her household is in dire straits, while my third sister is still at home; all her expenses are managed from here by Wang Shanbao’s wife, one of your aunt’s accompanying servants.我便來要錢，也非要的是你賈府的，我邢家家私也就夠我花了。When I come asking for money, it is not the Jia family’s money I want; my own Xing family property would be quite enough for me to spend.無奈竟不得到手，所以有冤無處訴。”賈珍見他酒後叨叨，恐人聽見不雅，連忙用話解勸。Unfortunately, I can never lay hands on it, and so I have nowhere to voice my wrongs.” Seeing him ramble on drunkenly, Jia Zhen feared it would be unseemly if others overheard and hastened to soothe and divert him with other talk.

原来贾珍近因居丧，每不得游顽旷荡，又不得观优闻乐作遣。无聊之极，便生了个破闷之法。日间以习射为由，请了各世家弟兄及诸富贵亲友来较射。因说：“白白的只管乱射，终无裨益，不但不能长进，而且坏了式样，必须立个罚约，赌个利物，大家才有勉力之心。”因此在天香楼下箭道内立了鹄子，皆约定每日早饭后来射鹄子。贾珍不肯出名，便命贾蓉作局家。这些来的皆系世袭公子，人人家道丰富，且都在少年，正是斗鸡走狗，问柳评花的一干游荡纨裤。因此大家议定，每日轮流作晚饭之主，-每日来射，不便独扰贾蓉一人之意。于是天天宰猪割羊，屠鹅戮鸭，好似临潼斗宝一般，都要卖弄自己家的好厨役好烹炮。不到半月工夫，贾赦贾政听见这般，不知就里，反说这才是正理，文既误矣，武事当亦该习，况在武荫之属。两处遂也命贾环，贾琮，宝玉，贾兰等四人于饭后过来，跟著贾珍习射一回，方许回去。贾珍之志不在此，再过一二日便渐次以歇臂养力为由，晚间或抹抹骨牌，赌个酒东而已，至后渐次至钱。如今三四月的光景，竟一日一日赌胜于射了，公然斗叶掷骰，放头开局，夜赌起来。家下人借此各有些进益，巴不得的如此，所以竟成了势了。外人皆不知一字。近日邢夫人之胞弟邢德全也酷好如此，故也在其中。又有薛蟠，头一个惯喜送钱与人的，见此岂不快乐。邢德全虽系邢夫人之胞弟，却居心行事大不相同。这个邢德全只知吃酒赌钱，眠花宿柳为乐，手中滥漫使钱，待人无二心，好酒者喜之，不饮者则不去亲近，无论上下主仆皆出自一意，并无贵贱之分，因此都唤他“傻大舅”。薛蟠早已出名的呆大爷。今日二人皆凑在一处，都爱“抢新快”爽利，便又会了两家，在外间炕上“抢新快”。别的又有几家在当地下大桌上打公番。里间又一起斯文些的，抹骨牌打天九。此间伏侍的小厮都是十五岁以下的孩子，若成丁的男子到不了这里，故尤氏方潜至窗外偷看。其中有两个十六七岁娈童以备奉酒的，都打扮的粉妆玉琢。今日薛蟠又输了一张，正没好气，幸而掷第二张完了，算来除翻过来倒反赢了，心中只是兴头起来。贾珍道：“且打住，吃了东西再来。”因问那两处怎样。里头打天九的，也作了帐等吃饭。打公番的未清，且不肯吃。于是各不能催，先摆下一大桌，贾珍陪著吃，命贾蓉落后陪那一起。薛蟠兴头了，便搂著一个娈童吃酒，又命将酒去敬邢傻舅。傻舅输家，没心绪，吃了两碗，便有些醉意，嗔著两个娈童只赶著赢家不理输家了，因骂道：“你们这起兔子，就是这样专洑上水。天天在一处，谁的恩你们不沾，只不过我这一会子输了几两银子，你们就三六九等了。难道从此以后再没有求著我们的事了！”众人见他带酒，忙说：“很是，很是。果然他们风俗不好。”因喝命：“快敬酒赔罪。”两个娈童都是演就的局套，忙都跪下奉酒，说：“我们这行人，师父教的不论远近厚薄，只看一时有钱有势就亲敬，便是活佛神仙，一时没了钱势了，也不许去理他。况且我们又年轻，又居这个行次，求舅太爷体恕些我们就过去了。”说著，便举著酒俯膝跪下。邢大舅心内虽软了，只还故作怒意不理。众人又劝道：“这孩子是实情话。老舅是久惯怜香惜玉的，如何今日反这样起来？若不吃这酒，他两个怎样起来。”邢大舅已撑不住了，便说道：“若不是众位说，我再不理。”说著，方接过来一气喝干了。又斟一碗来。这邢大舅便酒勾往事，醉露真情起来，乃拍案对贾珍叹道：“怨不的他们视钱如命。多少世宦大家出身的，若提起‘钱势’二字，连骨肉都不认了。老贤甥，昨日我和你那边的令伯母赌气，你可知道否？”贾珍道：“不曾听见。”邢大舅叹道：“就为钱这件混帐东西。利害，利害！”贾珍深知他与邢夫人不睦，每遭邢夫人弃恶，扳出怨言，因劝道：“老舅，你也太散漫些。若只管花去，有多少给老舅花的。”邢大舅道：“老贤甥，你不知我邢家底里。我母亲去世时我尚小，世事不知。他姊妹三个人，只有你令伯母年长出阁，一分家私都是他把持带来。如今二家姐虽也出阁，他家也甚艰窘，三家姐尚在家里，一应用度都是这里陪房王善保家的掌管。我便来要钱，也非要的是你贾府的，我邢家家私也就够我花了。无奈竟不得到手，所以有冤无处诉。”贾珍见他酒后叨叨，恐人听见不雅，连忙用话解劝。

外面尤氏聽得十分真切，乃悄向銀蝶笑道：“你聽見了？Outside, You-shi heard every word distinctly and whispered with a smile to Yindie, “Did you hear that?這是北院里大太太的兄弟抱怨他呢。That is the brother of the First Mistress in the north compound complaining about her.可怜他親兄弟還是這樣說，這就怨不得這些人了。”因還要聽時，正值打公番者也歇住了，要吃酒。Poor man—even her own brother speaks of her like this, so one can hardly blame the others.” She was about to listen further when the players in the public pool stopped as well and asked for wine and food.因有一個問道：“方才是誰得罪了老舅，我們竟不曾聽明白，且告訴我們評評理。”邢德全見問，便把兩個孌童不理輸的只赶贏的話說了一遍。One of them asked, “Who offended Uncle just now? We did not quite catch it; tell us, and let us judge who was right.” When questioned, Xing Dequan repeated how the two catamites had ignored the losers and attended only to the winners.這一個年少的紈褲道：“這樣說，原可惱的，怨不得舅太爺生氣。One young dandy said, “Put that way, it truly is infuriating; no wonder Your Lordship was angry.我且問你兩個：舅太爺雖然輸了，輸的不過是銀子錢，并沒有輸丟了����，怎就不理他了？”說著，眾人大笑起來，連邢德全也噴了一地飯。Let me ask you two this: though His Lordship lost, all he lost was silver and cash—he did not lose his manhood—so why did you ignore him?” At this everyone burst out laughing, and even Xing Dequan sprayed rice all over the floor.尤氏在外面悄悄的啐了一口，罵道：“你聽聽，這一起子沒廉恥的小挨刀的，才丟了腦袋骨子，就胡唚嚼毛了。Outside, You-shi spat softly and cursed, “Just listen to that shameless pack of young wretches fit for the knife! They have scarcely escaped losing their own heads before they start spewing such filthy nonsense.再肏攮下黃湯去，還不知唚出些什麼來呢。”一面說，一面便進去卸妝安歇。Pour any more of that yellow brew down their throats, and heaven knows what other obscenities they will spew.” As she spoke, she went inside to remove her ornaments and retire.至四更時，賈珍方散，往佩鳳房里去了。It was not until the fourth watch that Jia Zhen dismissed the company and went to Peifeng’s room.

外面尤氏听得十分真切，乃悄向银蝶笑道：“你听见了？这是北院里大太太的兄弟抱怨他呢。可怜他亲兄弟还是这样说，这就怨不得这些人了。”因还要听时，正值打公番者也歇住了，要吃酒。因有一个问道：“方才是谁得罪了老舅，我们竟不曾听明白，且告诉我们评评理。”邢德全见问，便把两个娈童不理输的只赶赢的话说了一遍。这一个年少的纨裤道：“这样说，原可恼的，怨不得舅太爷生气。我且问你两个：舅太爷虽然输了，输的不过是银子钱，并没有输丢了𣬠𣬶，怎就不理他了？”说著，众人大笑起来，连邢德全也喷了一地饭。尤氏在外面悄悄的啐了一口，骂道：“你听听，这一起子没廉耻的小挨刀的，才丢了脑袋骨子，就胡唚嚼毛了。再肏攮下黄汤去，还不知唚出些什么来呢。”一面说，一面便进去卸妆安歇。至四更时，贾珍方散，往佩凤房里去了。

次日起來，就有人回西瓜月餅都全了，只待分派送人。The next morning, someone reported that all the watermelons and mooncakes were ready and only awaited allocation and delivery.賈珍吩咐佩鳳道：“你請你奶奶看著送罷，我還有別的事呢。”佩鳳答應去了，回了尤氏，尤氏只得一一分派遣人送去。Jia Zhen instructed Peifeng, “Ask your mistress to supervise their delivery; I have other business.” Peifeng assented and reported this to You-shi, who had no choice but to allot everything item by item and send servants out with it.一時佩鳳又來說：“爺問奶奶，今兒出門不出？After a while Peifeng returned and said, “Master asks whether you are going out today.說咱們是孝家，明兒十五過不得節，今兒晚上倒好，可以大家應個景兒，吃些瓜餅酒。”尤氏道：“我倒不願出門呢。He says that, as ours is a house in mourning, we cannot celebrate tomorrow, the fifteenth; but tonight would be a good occasion for everyone to observe the season with some melons, cakes, and wine.” You-shi said, “For my part, I would rather not go out.那邊珠大奶奶又病了，鳳丫頭又睡倒了，我再不過去，越發沒個人了。But young Mistress Zhu is ill again over there, and that girl Feng has taken to her bed; if I do not go, there will be no one at all.況且又不得閒，應什麼景兒。”佩鳳道：“爺說了，今兒已辭了眾人，直等十六才來呢，好歹定要請奶奶吃酒的。”尤氏笑道：“請我，我沒的還席。”佩鳳笑著去了，一時又來笑道：“爺說，連晚飯也請奶奶吃，好歹早些回來，叫我跟了奶奶去呢。”尤氏道：“這樣，早飯吃什麼？Besides, there is no leisure for it—what seasonal festivities could we hold?” Peifeng said, “Master says he has already dismissed all his guests for today and told them not to return until the sixteenth, so he insists that you join him for wine.” You-shi laughed. “If he entertains me, I have no banquet with which to repay him.” Peifeng went off laughing, but soon returned and said with a smile, “Master says he invites you to dinner as well; you must come home early, whatever happens, and he wants me to accompany you.” You-shi said, “In that case, what are we having for breakfast?快些吃了，我好走。”佩鳳道：“爺說早飯在外頭吃，請奶奶自己吃罷。”尤氏問道：“今日外頭有誰？”佩鳳道：“聽見說外頭有兩個南京新來的，倒不知是誰。”說話之間，賈蓉之妻也梳妝了來見過。Have it served quickly so I may leave.” Peifeng replied, “Master says he will breakfast outside and asks you to eat by yourself.” You-shi asked, “Who is outside today?” Peifeng said, “I heard there are two newcomers from Nanjing, though I do not know who they are.” As they spoke, Jia Rong’s wife, now dressed and made up, came to pay her respects.少時擺上飯來，尤氏在上，賈蓉之妻在下相陪，婆媳二人吃畢飯。Before long breakfast was served, with You-shi in the place of honor and Jia Rong’s wife attending her below; mother-in-law and daughter-in-law finished their meal together.尤氏便換了衣服，仍過榮府來，至晚方回去。You-shi then changed her clothes and went over once more to the Rong Mansion, returning only in the evening.

次日起来，就有人回西瓜月饼都全了，只待分派送人。贾珍吩咐佩凤道：“你请你奶奶看著送罢，我还有别的事呢。”佩凤答应去了，回了尤氏，尤氏只得一一分派遣人送去。一时佩凤又来说：“爷问奶奶，今儿出门不出？说咱们是孝家，明儿十五过不得节，今儿晚上倒好，可以大家应个景儿，吃些瓜饼酒。”尤氏道：“我倒不愿出门呢。那边珠大奶奶又病了，凤丫头又睡倒了，我再不过去，越发没个人了。况且又不得闲，应什么景儿。”佩凤道：“爷说了，今儿已辞了众人，直等十六才来呢，好歹定要请奶奶吃酒的。”尤氏笑道：“请我，我没的还席。”佩凤笑著去了，一时又来笑道：“爷说，连晚饭也请奶奶吃，好歹早些回来，叫我跟了奶奶去呢。”尤氏道：“这样，早饭吃什么？快些吃了，我好走。”佩凤道：“爷说早饭在外头吃，请奶奶自己吃罢。”尤氏问道：“今日外头有谁？”佩凤道：“听见说外头有两个南京新来的，倒不知是谁。”说话之间，贾蓉之妻也梳妆了来见过。少时摆上饭来，尤氏在上，贾蓉之妻在下相陪，婆媳二人吃毕饭。尤氏便换了衣服，仍过荣府来，至晚方回去。

果然賈珍煮了一口豬，燒了一腔羊，餘者桌菜及果品之類，不可胜記，就在會芳園叢綠堂中，屏開孔雀，褥設芙蓉，帶領妻子姬妾。Sure enough, Jia Zhen had boiled a whole pig and roasted an entire sheep; the other table dishes, fruits, and delicacies were too numerous to recount, and in Conglü Hall in the Huifang Garden, amid peacock screens and hibiscus-patterned cushions, he gathered his wife and concubines about him.先飯後酒，開怀賞月作樂。They dined first and drank afterward, merrily admiring the moon and making holiday.將一更時分，真是風清月朗，上下如銀。Toward the first watch, the breeze was truly fresh and the moon bright, bathing everything above and below in silver.賈珍因要行令，尤氏便叫佩鳳等四個人也都入席，下面一溜坐下，猜枚划拳，飲了一回。When Jia Zhen proposed a drinking game, You-shi had Peifeng and the other three women join the feast as well; they sat in a row at the lower end, guessing fingers and calling throws, and drank for a time.賈珍有了幾分酒，益發高興，便命取了一竿紫竹簫來，命佩鳳吹簫，文花唱曲，喉清嗓嫩，真令人魄醉魂飛。Several cups of wine made Jia Zhen more exuberant still; he ordered a purple-bamboo flute brought, told Peifeng to play while Wenhua sang, and her clear, tender voice truly bewitched the soul and sent the spirit soaring.唱罷复又行令。When the song was over, they resumed their drinking games.那天將有三更時分，賈珍酒已八分。By then it was nearly the third watch, and Jia Zhen was eight-tenths drunk.大家正添衣飲茶，換盞更酌之際，忽聽那邊牆下有人長歎之聲。Just as everyone was putting on more clothes, drinking tea, and changing cups to drink afresh, they suddenly heard a long sigh from beneath the wall nearby.大家明明聽見，都悚然疑畏起來。They all heard it distinctly and were struck with dread and suspicion.賈珍忙厲聲叱吒，問：“誰在那里？”連問幾聲，沒有人答應。Jia Zhen hastily barked in a stern voice, “Who is there?” He asked several times, but no one answered.尤氏道：“必是牆外邊家里人也未可知。”賈珍道：“胡說。You-shi said, “It may be someone from a household outside the wall.” Jia Zhen replied, “Nonsense.這牆四面皆無下人的房子，況且那邊又緊靠著祠堂，焉得有人。”一語未了，只聽得一陣風聲，竟過牆去了。There are no servants’ quarters anywhere around this wall, and that side stands hard against the ancestral hall—how could anyone be there?” Before he had finished speaking, they heard a sudden gust of wind sweep over the wall.恍惚聞得祠堂內槅扇開闔之聲。Dimly, they seemed to hear the lattice doors in the ancestral hall opening and closing.只覺得風氣森森，比先更覺涼颯起來，月色慘淡，也不似先明朗。The air felt chill and eerie, colder and sharper than before; the moonlight turned wan and was no longer as bright.眾人都覺毛發倒豎。Everyone felt their hair stand on end.賈珍酒已醒了一半，只比別人撐持得住些，心下也十分疑畏，便大沒興頭起來。Jia Zhen was now half sobered; though he held up rather better than the others, he too was filled with fear and misgiving, and all his pleasure vanished.勉強又坐了一會子，就歸房安歇去了。After forcing himself to sit a little longer, he returned to his room and retired.次日一早起來，乃是十五日，帶領眾子侄開祠堂行朔望之禮，細查祠內，都仍是照舊好好的，并無怪异之跡。Early the next morning, the fifteenth, he led all the sons and nephews in opening the ancestral hall and performing the rites observed at the new and full moon; but a careful inspection found everything inside just as before, with no trace of anything strange.賈珍自為醉後自怪，也不提此事。Jia Zhen therefore decided that drunkenness had made him imagine it and said nothing of the affair.禮畢，仍閉上門，看著鎖禁起來。When the rites were over, the doors were closed again, and he watched them locked and secured.賈珍夫妻至晚飯後方過榮府來。Jia Zhen and his wife did not come over to the Rong Mansion until after dinner that evening.只見賈赦賈政都在賈母房內坐著說閒話，與賈母取笑。There they found Jia She and Jia Zheng sitting in Grandmother Jia’s room, chatting idly and amusing her.賈璉，寶玉，賈環，賈蘭皆在地下侍立。Jia Lian, Baoyu, Jia Huan, and Jia Lan all stood in attendance below.賈珍來了，都一一見過。When Jia Zhen arrived, they exchanged greetings one by one.說了兩句話後，賈母命坐，賈珍方在近門小杌子上告了坐，警身側坐。After a few words, Grandmother Jia ordered him to sit; only then did he ask leave to take a seat on a small stool near the door, sitting sideways with respectful posture.賈母笑問道：“這兩日你寶兄弟的箭如何了？”賈珍忙起身笑道：“大長進了，不但樣式好，而且弓也長了一個力氣。”賈母道：“這也夠了，且別貪力，仔細努傷。”賈珍忙答應幾個“是”。Grandmother Jia asked with a smile, “How has your brother Baoyu’s archery been these past two days?” Jia Zhen hurriedly rose and answered with a smile, “He has improved tremendously. Not only is his form good, but he has moved up to a bow one strength heavier.” Grandmother Jia said, “That is enough; do not let him be greedy for a stronger draw, lest he strain himself.” Jia Zhen hastily answered “Yes” several times.賈母又道：“你昨日送來的月餅好，西瓜看著好，打開卻也罷了。”賈珍笑道：“月餅是新來的一個專做點心的廚子，我試了試果然好，才敢做了孝敬。Grandmother Jia added, “The mooncakes you sent yesterday were good. The watermelons looked fine, but when we cut them open they were only so-so.” Jia Zhen replied with a smile, “The mooncakes were made by a new cook who specializes in pastries. I tasted them and found them truly good, so only then did I venture to offer them to you.西瓜往年都還可以，不知今年怎麼就不好了。”賈政道：“大約今年雨水太勤之故。”賈母笑道：“此時月已上了，咱們且去上香。”說著，便起身扶著寶玉的肩，帶領眾人齊往園中來。The watermelons were quite satisfactory in former years; I do not know why they are poor this year.” Jia Zheng said, “It is probably because there has been too much rain this year.” Grandmother Jia smiled. “The moon is up now; let us go and offer incense.” With that, she rose, leaned on Baoyu’s shoulder, and led everyone into the garden.

果然贾珍煮了一口猪，烧了一腔羊，余者桌菜及果品之类，不可胜记，就在会芳园丛绿堂中，屏开孔雀，褥设芙蓉，带领妻子姬妾。先饭后酒，开怀赏月作乐。将一更时分，真是风清月朗，上下如银。贾珍因要行令，尤氏便叫佩凤等四个人也都入席，下面一溜坐下，猜枚划拳，饮了一回。贾珍有了几分酒，益发高兴，便命取了一竿紫竹箫来，命佩凤吹箫，文花唱曲，喉清嗓嫩，真令人魄醉魂飞。唱罢复又行令。那天将有三更时分，贾珍酒已八分。大家正添衣饮茶，换盏更酌之际，忽听那边墙下有人长叹之声。大家明明听见，都悚然疑畏起来。贾珍忙厉声叱咤，问：“谁在那里？”连问几声，没有人答应。尤氏道：“必是墙外边家里人也未可知。”贾珍道：“胡说。这墙四面皆无下人的房子，况且那边又紧靠著祠堂，焉得有人。”一语未了，只听得一阵风声，竟过墙去了。恍惚闻得祠堂内槅扇开阖之声。只觉得风气森森，比先更觉凉飒起来，月色惨淡，也不似先明朗。众人都觉毛发倒竖。贾珍酒已醒了一半，只比别人撑持得住些，心下也十分疑畏，便大没兴头起来。勉强又坐了一会子，就归房安歇去了。次日一早起来，乃是十五日，带领众子侄开祠堂行朔望之礼，细查祠内，都仍是照旧好好的，并无怪异之迹。贾珍自为醉后自怪，也不提此事。礼毕，仍闭上门，看著锁禁起来。贾珍夫妻至晚饭后方过荣府来。只见贾赦贾政都在贾母房内坐著说闲话，与贾母取笑。贾琏，宝玉，贾环，贾兰皆在地下侍立。贾珍来了，都一一见过。说了两句话后，贾母命坐，贾珍方在近门小杌子上告了坐，警身侧坐。贾母笑问道：“这两日你宝兄弟的箭如何了？”贾珍忙起身笑道：“大长进了，不但样式好，而且弓也长了一个力气。”贾母道：“这也够了，且别贪力，仔细努伤。”贾珍忙答应几个“是”。贾母又道：“你昨日送来的月饼好，西瓜看著好，打开却也罢了。”贾珍笑道：“月饼是新来的一个专做点心的厨子，我试了试果然好，才敢做了孝敬。西瓜往年都还可以，不知今年怎么就不好了。”贾政道：“大约今年雨水太勤之故。”贾母笑道：“此时月已上了，咱们且去上香。”说著，便起身扶著宝玉的肩，带领众人齐往园中来。

當下園之正門俱已大開，吊著羊角大燈。The garden’s main gates had all been thrown open, with great horn-lanterns hanging from them.嘉蔭堂前月台上，焚著斗香，秉著風燭，陳獻著瓜餅及各色果品。On the moon terrace before Jiayin Hall, pyramid incense was burning, tall candles were lit, and melons, cakes, and fruits of every kind had been laid out as offerings.邢夫人等一干女客皆在里面久候。Lady Xing and all the other women guests had long been waiting within.真是月明燈彩，人氣香煙，晶艷氤氳，不可形狀。Moonlight and colored lanterns, the warmth of human company and clouds of incense—all shimmered in a radiant haze beyond description.地下舖著拜毯錦褥。Prayer rugs and brocade cushions were spread upon the ground.賈母盥手上香拜畢，于是大家皆拜過。Grandmother Jia washed her hands, offered incense, and bowed; then everyone else bowed in turn.賈母便說：“賞月在山上最好。”因命在那山脊上的大廳上去。Grandmother Jia said, “The best place to admire the moon is up on the hill,” and ordered them to go to the great hall on the ridge.眾人聽說，就忙著在那里去舖設。At this, everyone hurried off to arrange the place.賈母且在嘉蔭堂中吃茶少歇，說些閒話。Meanwhile Grandmother Jia rested over tea in Jiayin Hall and chatted idly.一時，人回：“都齊備了。”賈母方扶著人上山來。Before long, someone reported, “Everything is ready.” Only then did Grandmother Jia ascend the hill with support.王夫人等因說：“恐石上苔滑，還是坐竹椅上去。”賈母道：“天天有人打掃，況且极平穩的寬路，何必不疏散疏散筋骨。”于是賈赦賈政等在前導引，又是兩個老婆子秉著兩把羊角手罩，鴛鴦，琥珀，尤氏等貼身攙扶，邢夫人等在後圍隨，從下逶迤而上，不過百余步，至山之峰脊上，便是這座敞廳。Lady Wang and the others said, “The moss on the stones may be slippery; it would be better to carry you up in a bamboo chair.” Grandmother Jia replied, “People sweep it every day, and besides, it is a broad, perfectly level path. Why should I not stretch my limbs a little?” Jia She, Jia Zheng, and the others therefore led the way; two old women carried a pair of horn-shaded hand lanterns, Yuanyang, Hupo, You-shi, and others supported her closely, while Lady Xing and the rest followed around her; they wound upward from below for scarcely more than a hundred paces before reaching the spacious hall on the summit ridge.因在山之高脊，故名曰凸碧山庄。Because it stood upon the hill’s high ridge, it was named Tubi Hill Lodge.于廳前平台上列下桌椅，又用一架大圍屏隔作兩間。Tables and chairs were arranged on the terrace before the hall, and a large folding screen was used to divide the space into two sections.凡桌椅形式皆是圓的，特取團圓之意。All the tables and chairs were round in shape, expressly symbolizing reunion and completeness.上面居中賈母坐下，左垂首賈赦、賈珍、賈璉、賈蓉，右垂首賈政、寶玉、賈環、賈蘭，團團圍坐。Grandmother Jia sat in the central place of honor; down the left sat Jia She, Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, and Jia Rong, and down the right Jia Zheng, Baoyu, Jia Huan, and Jia Lan, all forming a circle around her.只坐了半壁，下面還有半壁餘空。They occupied only half the circle, leaving more than half of it empty below.賈母笑道：“常日倒還不覺人少，今日看來，還是咱們的人也甚少，算不得甚么。Grandmother Jia said with a smile, “Ordinarily one hardly notices how few we are, but looking at us today, our family truly has very few people left—not enough to amount to much.想當年過的日子，到今夜男女三四十個，何等熱鬧。I think of the old days: on a night like this there would be thirty or forty men and women—how lively it was!今日就這樣，太少了。Today, with only this company, we are far too few.待要再叫幾個來，他們都是有父母的，家里去應景，不好來的。I would call a few more people, but they all have parents and must observe the festival at home, so it would not be proper for them to come.如今叫女孩們來坐那邊罷。”於是令人向圍屏後邢夫人等席上將迎春，探春，惜春三個請出來。Let us call the girls to sit over there.” She therefore sent someone behind the screen to the women’s table, where Lady Xing and the others sat, to invite out Yingchun, Tanchun, and Xichun.賈璉寶玉等一齊出坐，先盡他姊妹坐了，然後在下方依次坐定。Jia Lian, Baoyu, and the others all left their seats, allowed their sisters to sit first, and then took their own places below in order.賈母便命折一枝桂花來，命一媳婦在屏後擊鼓傳花。Grandmother Jia ordered a spray of osmanthus to be broken off and told a married servant woman to beat a drum behind the screen while the flower was passed around.若花到誰手中，飲酒一杯，罰說笑話一個。Whoever held the flower when it stopped was to drink a cup of wine and, as a forfeit, tell a joke.于是先從賈母起，次賈赦，一一接過。They began with Grandmother Jia, then Jia She, and passed it from hand to hand.鼓聲兩轉，恰恰在賈政手中住了，只得飲了酒。After two rounds of drumming, the beat stopped just as the flower reached Jia Zheng, so he had no choice but to drink.眾姊妹弟兄皆你悄悄的扯我一下，我暗暗的又捏你一把，都含笑倒要聽是何笑話。All the young cousins quietly tugged one another or gave one another secret pinches, smiling as they waited to hear what joke he would tell.賈政見賈母喜悅，只得承歡。Seeing Grandmother Jia so delighted, Jia Zheng had no choice but to humor her.方欲說時，賈母又笑道：“若說的不笑了，還要罰。”賈政笑道：“只得一個，說來不笑，也只好受罰了。”因笑道：“一家子一個人最怕老婆的。”才說了一句，大家都笑了。Just as he was about to begin, Grandmother Jia laughed and said, “If it does not make us laugh, you must pay another forfeit.” Jia Zheng smiled. “I know only one; if it fails to amuse you, I can only submit to the penalty.” Then he began with a smile: “There was once a man who feared his wife above all else.” At this first sentence, everyone laughed.因從不曾見賈政說過笑話，所以才笑。They laughed only because they had never before heard Jia Zheng tell a joke.賈母笑道：“這必是好的。”賈政笑道：“若好，老太太多吃一杯。”賈母笑道：“自然。”賈政又說道：“這個怕老婆的人從不敢多走一步。Grandmother Jia said with a smile, “This one must be good.” Jia Zheng replied, “If it is good, Old Ancestress must drink an extra cup.” “Naturally,” she said. Jia Zheng continued: “This henpecked man never dared take one step more than necessary.偏是那日是八月十五，到街上買東西，便遇見了幾個朋友，死活拉到家里去吃酒。But one day, which happened to be the fifteenth of the eighth month, he went into the street to buy something and met several friends, who dragged him home with them and insisted that he drink.不想吃醉了，便在朋友家睡著了，第二日才醒，後悔不及，只得來家賠罪。Unexpectedly he became drunk and fell asleep at his friend’s house; he did not wake until the next day, and though he bitterly regretted it, there was nothing for it but to go home and beg forgiveness.他老婆正洗腳，說：‘既是這樣，你替我舔舔就饒你。’這男人只得給他舔，未免惡心要吐。His wife was washing her feet and said, ‘If that is how it was, lick my feet for me and I will forgive you.’ The man had no choice but to lick them, but he could not help feeling sick and almost vomited.他老婆便惱了，要打，說：‘你這樣輕狂！’唬得他男人忙跪下求說：‘并不是奶奶的腳髒。His wife grew angry and made to strike him, saying, ‘How dare you show such contempt!’ Terrified, the husband hurriedly knelt and pleaded, ‘It is not that madam’s feet are dirty.只因昨晚吃多了黃酒，又吃了幾塊月餅餡子，所以今日有些作酸呢。’”說的賈母與眾人都笑了。It is only that I drank too much yellow wine last night and ate several pieces of mooncake filling, so my stomach is rather sour today.’” At this, Grandmother Jia and everyone else laughed.賈政忙斟了一杯，送與賈母。Jia Zheng promptly poured a cup of wine and presented it to Grandmother Jia.賈母笑道：“既這樣，快叫人取燒酒來，別叫你們受累。”眾人又都笑起來。Grandmother Jia laughed. “In that case, hurry and have someone bring spirits, so that you need not suffer on our account.” Everyone burst out laughing again.于是又擊鼓，便從賈政傳起，可巧傳至寶玉鼓止。The drum began once more, and the flower was passed on from Jia Zheng; as luck would have it, the drum stopped just when it reached Baoyu.寶玉因賈政在坐，自是踧踖不安，花偏又在他手內，因想：“說笑話倘或不發笑，又說沒口才，連一笑話不能說，何況是別的，這有不是。With Jia Zheng present, Baoyu was naturally nervous and ill at ease; and now the flower had fallen precisely into his hands. He thought, “If I tell a joke and no one laughs, they will say I have no wit and cannot even tell a joke, much less do anything else—that will be a fault.若說好了，又說正經的不會，只慣油嘴貧舌，更有不是。But if I tell it well, they will say I cannot manage serious matters and am only practiced in glib and frivolous talk—that will be an even greater fault.不如不說的好。”乃起身辭道：“我不能說笑話，求再限別的罷了。”賈政道：“既這樣，限一個‘秋’字，就即景作一首詩。It would be best not to tell one at all.” He therefore rose and declined: “I cannot tell jokes; please set me some other task instead.” Jia Zheng said, “In that case, I assign you the word ‘autumn.’ Compose a poem on the scene before us.若好，便賞你，若不好，明日仔細。”賈母忙道：“好好的行令，如何又要作詩？”賈政道：“他能的。”賈母聽說，”既這樣就作。”命人取了紙筆來，賈政道：“只不許用那些冰玉晶銀彩光明素等樣堆砌字眼，要另出己見，試試你這幾年的情思。”寶玉聽了，碰在心坎上，遂立想了四句，向紙上寫了，呈與賈政看，道是……If it is good, I shall reward you; if not, mind yourself tomorrow.” Grandmother Jia hastily said, “We were enjoying a perfectly good drinking game—why must you make him write poetry?” Jia Zheng replied, “He is capable of it.” Hearing this, Grandmother Jia said, “If so, let him compose one,” and ordered paper and brush to be brought. Jia Zheng said, “Only you may not heap together such stock words as ice, jade, crystal, silver, color, radiance, brightness, and purity. You must express an idea of your own and show us what sensibility you have acquired over these past few years.” This struck Baoyu exactly where it should; he at once conceived four lines, wrote them on the paper, and presented them to Jia Zheng. They read…賈政看了，點頭不語。Jia Zheng read them, nodded, and said nothing.賈母見這般，知無甚大不好，便問：“怎麼樣？”賈政因欲賈母喜悅，便說：“難為他。Seeing this, Grandmother Jia knew they could not be very bad and asked, “How are they?” Wanting to please her, Jia Zheng replied, “He has done creditably.只是不肯念書，到底詞句不雅。”賈母道：“這就罷了。It is only that he refuses to study properly, so his phrasing is not, after all, elegant.” Grandmother Jia said, “That will do.他能多大，定要他做才子不成！How old is he, that you insist on making a great literary talent of him?這就該獎勵他，以後越發上心了。”賈政道：“正是。”因回頭命個老嬤嬤出去吩咐書房內的小廝，“把我海南帶來的扇子取兩把給他。”寶玉忙拜謝，仍复歸座行令。He ought to be rewarded for this; then he will apply himself all the more in future.” Jia Zheng said, “Exactly.” Turning, he ordered an old nurse to go out and tell the boys in the study, “Bring two of the fans I brought from Hainan and give them to him.” Baoyu hurriedly bowed his thanks, then returned to his seat and resumed the game.當下賈蘭見獎勵寶玉，他便出席也做一首遞與賈政看時，寫道是……At this point Jia Lan, seeing Baoyu rewarded, also left his seat, composed a poem, and handed it to Jia Zheng; it read…賈政看了喜不自胜，遂并講與賈母聽時，賈母也十分歡喜，也忙令賈政賞他。When Jia Zheng read it, he was overjoyed, and when he repeated it to Grandmother Jia, she too was delighted and promptly told him to reward the boy.于是大家歸坐，复行起令來。Everyone then returned to their seats and resumed the drinking game.

当下园之正门俱已大开，吊著羊角大灯。嘉荫堂前月台上，焚著斗香，秉著风烛，陈献著瓜饼及各色果品。邢夫人等一干女客皆在里面久候。真是月明灯彩，人气香烟，晶艳氤氲，不可形状。地下铺著拜毯锦褥。贾母盥手上香拜毕，于是大家皆拜过。贾母便说：“赏月在山上最好。”因命在那山脊上的大厅上去。众人听说，就忙著在那里去铺设。贾母且在嘉荫堂中吃茶少歇，说些闲话。一时，人回：“都齐备了。”贾母方扶著人上山来。王夫人等因说：“恐石上苔滑，还是坐竹椅上去。”贾母道：“天天有人打扫，况且极平稳的宽路，何必不疏散疏散筋骨。”于是贾赦贾政等在前导引，又是两个老婆子秉著两把羊角手罩，鸳鸯，琥珀，尤氏等贴身搀扶，邢夫人等在后围随，从下逶迤而上，不过百余步，至山之峰脊上，便是这座敞厅。因在山之高脊，故名曰凸碧山庄。于厅前平台上列下桌椅，又用一架大围屏隔作两间。凡桌椅形式皆是圆的，特取团圆之意。上面居中贾母坐下，左垂首贾赦、贾珍、贾琏、贾蓉，右垂首贾政、宝玉、贾环、贾兰，团团围坐。只坐了半壁，下面还有半壁余空。贾母笑道：“常日倒还不觉人少，今日看来，还是咱们的人也甚少，算不得甚么。想当年过的日子，到今夜男女三四十个，何等热闹。今日就这样，太少了。待要再叫几个来，他们都是有父母的，家里去应景，不好来的。如今叫女孩们来坐那边罢。”于是令人向围屏后邢夫人等席上将迎春，探春，惜春三个请出来。贾琏宝玉等一齐出坐，先尽他姊妹坐了，然后在下方依次坐定。贾母便命折一枝桂花来，命一媳妇在屏后击鼓传花。若花到谁手中，饮酒一杯，罚说笑话一个。于是先从贾母起，次贾赦，一一接过。鼓声两转，恰恰在贾政手中住了，只得饮了酒。众姊妹弟兄皆你悄悄的扯我一下，我暗暗的又捏你一把，都含笑倒要听是何笑话。贾政见贾母喜悦，只得承欢。方欲说时，贾母又笑道：“若说的不笑了，还要罚。”贾政笑道：“只得一个，说来不笑，也只好受罚了。”因笑道：“一家子一个人最怕老婆的。”才说了一句，大家都笑了。因从不曾见贾政说过笑话，所以才笑。贾母笑道：“这必是好的。”贾政笑道：“若好，老太太多吃一杯。”贾母笑道：“自然。”贾政又说道：“这个怕老婆的人从不敢多走一步。偏是那日是八月十五，到街上买东西，便遇见了几个朋友，死活拉到家里去吃酒。不想吃醉了，便在朋友家睡著了，第二日才醒，后悔不及，只得来家赔罪。他老婆正洗脚，说：‘既是这样，你替我舔舔就饶你。’这男人只得给他舔，未免恶心要吐。他老婆便恼了，要打，说：‘你这样轻狂！’唬得他男人忙跪下求说：‘并不是奶奶的脚脏。只因昨晚吃多了黄酒，又吃了几块月饼馅子，所以今日有些作酸呢。’”说的贾母与众人都笑了。贾政忙斟了一杯，送与贾母。贾母笑道：“既这样，快叫人取烧酒来，别叫你们受累。”众人又都笑起来。于是又击鼓，便从贾政传起，可巧传至宝玉鼓止。宝玉因贾政在坐，自是踧踖不安，花偏又在他手内，因想：“说笑话倘或不发笑，又说没口才，连一笑话不能说，何况是别的，这有不是。若说好了，又说正经的不会，只惯油嘴贫舌，更有不是。不如不说的好。”乃起身辞道：“我不能说笑话，求再限别的罢了。”贾政道：“既这样，限一个‘秋’字，就即景作一首诗。若好，便赏你，若不好，明日仔细。”贾母忙道：“好好的行令，如何又要作诗？”贾政道：“他能的。”贾母听说，”既这样就作。”命人取了纸笔来，贾政道：“只不许用那些冰玉晶银彩光明素等样堆砌字眼，要另出己见，试试你这几年的情思。”宝玉听了，碰在心坎上，遂立想了四句，向纸上写了，呈与贾政看，道是……贾政看了，点头不语。贾母见这般，知无甚大不好，便问：“怎么样？”贾政因欲贾母喜悦，便说：“难为他。只是不肯念书，到底词句不雅。”贾母道：“这就罢了。他能多大，定要他做才子不成！这就该奖励他，以后越发上心了。”贾政道：“正是。”因回头命个老嬷嬷出去吩咐书房内的小厮，“把我海南带来的扇子取两把给他。”宝玉忙拜谢，仍复归座行令。当下贾兰见奖励宝玉，他便出席也做一首递与贾政看时，写道是……贾政看了喜不自胜，遂并讲与贾母听时，贾母也十分欢喜，也忙令贾政赏他。于是大家归坐，复行起令来。

這次在賈赦手內住了，只得吃了酒，說笑話。This time the flower stopped in Jia She's hand, so he had no choice but to drink and tell a joke.因說道：“一家子一個兒子最孝順。He began: “There was once a family with an exceptionally filial son.偏生母親病了，各處求醫不得，便請了一個針灸的婆子來。His mother happened to fall ill, and after seeking doctors everywhere to no avail, he sent for an old woman who practiced acupuncture.婆子原不知道脈理，只說是心火，如今用針灸之法，針灸針灸就好了。The old woman knew nothing of the principles of the pulse; she merely declared that it was fire in the heart and that a little acupuncture would soon cure it.這兒子慌了，便問：‘心見鐵即死，如何針得？’婆子道：‘不用針心，只針肋條就是了。’兒子道：‘肋條離心甚遠，怎麼就好？’婆子道：‘不妨事。The son was alarmed and asked, ‘The heart dies as soon as iron touches it—how can you put a needle into it?’ The old woman replied, ‘There is no need to needle the heart; just needle the ribs.’ The son said, ‘But the ribs are far from the heart—how can that cure her?’ ‘Never fear,’ said the old woman.你不知天下父母心偏的多呢。’”眾人聽說，都笑起來。‘You do not realize how many parents in this world have hearts that lean to one side.’” At this, everyone burst out laughing.賈母也只得吃半杯酒，半日笑道：“我也得這個婆子針一針就好了。”賈赦聽說，便知自己出言冒撞，賈母疑心，忙起身笑與賈母把盞，以別言解釋。Grandmother Jia had no choice but to drink half a cup; after laughing for some time, she said, “I too should have that old woman give me a needling—then I might be cured.” Hearing this, Jia She realized that his words had given offense and aroused Grandmother Jia's suspicions, so he hastily rose, smiling, to offer her a cup and turned to other talk by way of explanation.賈母亦不好再提，且行起令來。Grandmother Jia, for her part, could hardly pursue the matter, so they resumed the game.

这次在贾赦手内住了，只得吃了酒，说笑话。因说道：“一家子一个儿子最孝顺。偏生母亲病了，各处求医不得，便请了一个针灸的婆子来。婆子原不知道脉理，只说是心火，如今用针灸之法，针灸针灸就好了。这儿子慌了，便问：‘心见铁即死，如何针得？’婆子道：‘不用针心，只针肋条就是了。’儿子道：‘肋条离心甚远，怎么就好？’婆子道：‘不妨事。你不知天下父母心偏的多呢。’”众人听说，都笑起来。贾母也只得吃半杯酒，半日笑道：“我也得这个婆子针一针就好了。”贾赦听说，便知自己出言冒撞，贾母疑心，忙起身笑与贾母把盏，以别言解释。贾母亦不好再提，且行起令来。

不料這次花卻在賈環手里。Unexpectedly, this time the flower fell into Jia Huan's hand.賈環近日讀書稍進，其脾味中不好務正也與寶玉一樣，故每常也好看些詩詞，專好奇詭仙鬼一格。Jia Huan had lately made some progress in his studies, though his distaste for applying himself properly was much like Baoyu's; consequently, he too often enjoyed reading poetry, with a particular fondness for the strange and fantastic school of immortals and ghosts.今見寶玉作詩受獎，他便技痒，只當著賈政不敢造次。Seeing Baoyu rewarded for his poem made his fingers itch to try, but in Jia Zheng's presence he had not dared act presumptuously.如今可巧花在手中，便也索紙筆來立揮一絕與賈政。Now that the flower had happened to fall into his hand, he called for paper and brush and dashed off a quatrain for Jia Zheng.賈政看了，亦覺罕异，只是詞句終帶著不樂讀書之意，遂不悅道：“可見是弟兄了。Jia Zheng read it and also found it remarkably unusual, but as its phrasing still betrayed an aversion to study, he said displeasedly, “It is plain that you are brothers.發言吐氣總屬邪派，將來都是不由規矩准繩，一起下流貨。Whenever either of you opens his mouth, out comes the same unorthodox strain; in time, neither of you will submit to rules or standards, and you will both become worthless degenerates.妙在古人中有‘二難’，你兩個也可以稱‘二難’了。The ancients had their ‘Two Worthies’; the two of you may likewise be called a pair of ‘difficult ones.’只是你兩個的‘難’字，卻是作難以教訓之‘難’字講才好。Only in your case, the word ‘difficult’ must be understood as ‘difficult to discipline.’哥哥是公然以溫飛卿自居，如今兄弟又自為曹唐再世了。”說的賈赦等都笑了。The elder brother openly fancies himself Wen Feiqing, and now the younger sets himself up as Cao Tang reborn.” At this, Jia She and the others all laughed.賈赦乃要詩瞧了一遍，連聲贊好，道：“這詩据我看甚是有骨氣。Jia She then asked to see the poem, read it through, and repeatedly praised it: “To my mind, this poem has real backbone.想來咱們這樣人家，原不比那起寒酸，定要‘雪窗熒火’，一日蟾宮折桂，方得揚眉吐氣。A family such as ours is naturally not to be compared with those impoverished scholars who must study by snowy windows and the glow of fireflies until one day they pluck the cassia in the Moon Palace and can at last hold their heads high.咱們的子弟都原該讀些書，不過比別人略明白些，可以做得官時就跑不了一個官的。The sons of our family ought, of course, to read a few books, but only enough to be a little better informed than other men; when the time comes for them to take office, an official post is assured them.何必多費了工夫，反弄出書呆子來。Why waste so much effort only to turn them into bookish pedants?所以我愛他這詩，竟不失咱們侯門的氣概。”因回頭吩咐人去取了自己的許多玩物來賞賜與他。That is why I like this poem: it fully preserves the spirit of our marquis's house.” He then turned and ordered his servants to fetch a great many of his own curios to bestow on Jia Huan.因又拍著賈環的頭，笑道：“以後就這麼做去，方是咱們的口氣，將來這世襲的前程定跑不了你襲呢。”賈政聽說，忙勸說：“不過他胡謅如此，那里就論到後事了。”Patting Jia Huan on the head, he added with a smile, “Keep writing in this vein from now on—that is the proper tone for our family. In time, this hereditary title will surely fall to you.” Hearing this, Jia Zheng hastily protested, “He has merely scribbled some nonsense; how can you already be talking of what may happen in the future?”

不料这次花却在贾环手里。贾环近日读书稍进，其脾味中不好务正也与宝玉一样，故每常也好看些诗词，专好奇诡仙鬼一格。今见宝玉作诗受奖，他便技痒，只当著贾政不敢造次。如今可巧花在手中，便也索纸笔来立挥一绝与贾政。贾政看了，亦觉罕异，只是词句终带著不乐读书之意，遂不悦道：“可见是弟兄了。发言吐气总属邪派，将来都是不由规矩准绳，一起下流货。妙在古人中有‘二难’，你两个也可以称‘二难’了。只是你两个的‘难’字，却是作难以教训之‘难’字讲才好。哥哥是公然以温飞卿自居，如今兄弟又自为曹唐再世了。”说的贾赦等都笑了。贾赦乃要诗瞧了一遍，连声赞好，道：“这诗据我看甚是有骨气。想来咱们这样人家，原不比那起寒酸，定要‘雪窗荧火’，一日蟾宫折桂，方得扬眉吐气。咱们的子弟都原该读些书，不过比别人略明白些，可以做得官时就跑不了一个官的。何必多费了工夫，反弄出书呆子来。所以我爱他这诗，竟不失咱们侯门的气概。”因回头吩咐人去取了自己的许多玩物来赏赐与他。因又拍著贾环的头，笑道：“以后就这么做去，方是咱们的口气，将来这世袭的前程定跑不了你袭呢。”贾政听说，忙劝说：“不过他胡诌如此，那里就论到后事了。”

說著便斟上酒，又行了一回令。With that, he poured out more wine, and they played another round of the game.賈母便說：“你們去罷。Grandmother Jia then said, “You may all go now.自然外頭還有相公們候著，也不可輕忽了他們。No doubt the gentlemen outside are still waiting for you, and you must not neglect them.況且二更多了，你們散了，再讓我和姑娘們多樂一回，好歇著了。”賈赦等聽了，方止了令，又大家公進了一杯酒，方帶著子侄們出去了。Besides, it is already past the second watch. Once you have gone, let me enjoy myself a little longer with the girls before retiring.” At this, Jia She and the others ended the game, and after all respectfully drinking another cup to her, they departed with the younger men of the family.要知端詳，再聽下回。To learn the full particulars, listen to the next chapter.

说著便斟上酒，又行了一回令。贾母便说：“你们去罢。自然外头还有相公们候著，也不可轻忽了他们。况且二更多了，你们散了，再让我和姑娘们多乐一回，好歇著了。”贾赦等听了，方止了令，又大家公进了一杯酒，方带著子侄们出去了。要知端详，再听下回。