第七十七回　俏丫鬟抱屈夭風流　美優伶斬情歸水月 A Pretty Maid Dies Wronged in Her Prime; A Fair Actress Renounces Love for a Nunnery

話說王夫人見中秋已過，鳳姐病已比先減了，雖未大愈，可以出入行走得了，仍命大夫每日診脈服藥，又開了丸藥方子來配調經養榮丸。Lady Wang, seeing that the Mid-Autumn Festival was past and that Xifeng's illness had eased somewhat, though she was not yet fully recovered and could only just move about again, still ordered the physician to take her pulse and prescribe medicine every day; he also wrote out a prescription for Menstrual-Regulating and Vitality-Nourishing Pills.因用上等人參二兩，王夫人取時，翻尋了半日，只向小匣內尋了幾枝簪挺粗細的。As the prescription called for two liang of the finest ginseng, Lady Wang searched for half the day, but found only a few pieces in a small casket, no thicker than hairpins.王夫人看了嫌不好，命再找去，又找了一大包須末出來。Lady Wang considered these inferior and ordered them to search again, but all they found was a large packet of whiskers and fragments.王夫人焦躁道：“用不著偏有，但用著了，再找不著。Lady Wang said irritably, “When it is not wanted, we always seem to have it; but the moment it is needed, none can be found.成日家我說叫你們查一查，都歸攏在一處。I am forever telling you to take inventory and gather everything together in one place.你們白不聽，就隨手混撂。But you simply will not listen, and toss things down wherever you please.你們不知他的好處，用起來得多少換買來還不中使呢。”彩雲道：“想是沒了，就只有這個。You have no idea how valuable it is; when the need arises, no matter how much you pay for it, what you buy may still be useless.” Caiyun said, “I suppose it is all gone; this is all there is.上次那邊的太太來尋了些去，太太都給過去了。”王夫人道：“沒有的話，你再細找找。”彩雲只得又去找，拿了幾包藥材來說：“我們不認得這個，請太太自看。Last time the mistress from the other household came asking for some, Your Ladyship gave her everything.” Lady Wang said, “Even so, look carefully once more.” Caiyun had no choice but to search again, and brought back several packets of medicinal ingredients, saying, “We cannot identify these; Your Ladyship had better look for yourself.除這個再沒有了。”王夫人打開看時，也都忘了，不知都是什麼藥，并沒有一枝人參。Apart from these, there is nothing left.” When Lady Wang opened them, she too had forgotten what they were; she could not tell one drug from another, and there was not a single piece of ginseng among them.因一面遣人去問鳳姐有無，鳳姐來說：“也只有些參膏蘆須。She therefore sent someone to ask whether Xifeng had any, but Xifeng replied, “I have only a little ginseng paste, root crowns, and whiskers.雖有幾枝，也不是上好的，每日還要煎藥里用呢。”王夫人聽了，只得向邢夫人那里問去。Though I do have a few pieces, they are not of the finest quality, and I still need them for my daily decoctions.” Hearing this, Lady Wang had no choice but to inquire of Lady Xing.邢夫人說：“因上次沒了，才往這里來尋，早已用完了。”王夫人沒法，只得親身過來請問賈母。Lady Xing said, “It was because we had run out last time that I came looking for some here, and what I received has long since been used up.” With no other recourse, Lady Wang went in person to ask Grandmother Jia.賈母忙命鴛鴦取出當日所餘的來，竟還有一大包，皆有手指頭粗細的，遂稱二兩與王夫人。Grandmother Jia promptly ordered Yuanyang to bring out what remained from former years. There was still a large packet, with pieces as thick as a finger, and she weighed out two liang for Lady Wang.王夫人出來交與周瑞家的拿去令小廝送與醫生家去，又命將那幾包不能辨得的藥也帶了去，命醫生認了，各包記號了來。Lady Wang came out and handed it to Zhou Rui's wife, telling her to have a page take it to the physician's house. She also ordered that the packets of unidentified drugs be taken along, so the physician could identify and label each one.

话说王夫人见中秋已过，凤姐病已比先减了，虽未大愈，可以出入行走得了，仍命大夫每日诊脉服药，又开了丸药方子来配调经养荣丸。因用上等人参二两，王夫人取时，翻寻了半日，只向小匣内寻了几枝簪挺粗细的。王夫人看了嫌不好，命再找去，又找了一大包须末出来。王夫人焦躁道：“用不著偏有，但用著了，再找不著。成日家我说叫你们查一查，都归拢在一处。你们白不听，就随手混撂。你们不知他的好处，用起来得多少换买来还不中使呢。”彩云道：“想是没了，就只有这个。上次那边的太太来寻了些去，太太都给过去了。”王夫人道：“没有的话，你再细找找。”彩云只得又去找，拿了几包药材来说：“我们不认得这个，请太太自看。除这个再没有了。”王夫人打开看时，也都忘了，不知都是什么药，并没有一枝人参。因一面遣人去问凤姐有无，凤姐来说：“也只有些参膏芦须。虽有几枝，也不是上好的，每日还要煎药里用呢。”王夫人听了，只得向邢夫人那里问去。邢夫人说：“因上次没了，才往这里来寻，早已用完了。”王夫人没法，只得亲身过来请问贾母。贾母忙命鸳鸯取出当日所余的来，竟还有一大包，皆有手指头粗细的，遂称二两与王夫人。王夫人出来交与周瑞家的拿去令小厮送与医生家去，又命将那几包不能辨得的药也带了去，命医生认了，各包记号了来。

一時，周瑞家的又拿了進來說：“這幾包都各包好記上名字了。Presently Zhou Rui's wife brought them back in and said, “The packets have all been properly wrapped and labeled with their names.但這一包人參固然是上好的，如今就連三十換也不能得這樣的了，但年代太陳了。But though this packet of ginseng was certainly of the finest quality—and nowadays even thirty times its value would not buy its equal—it is far too old.這東西比別的不同，憑是怎樣好的，只過一百年後，便自己就成了灰了。Ginseng differs from other things: however fine it may be, after a hundred years it turns to dust of itself.如今這個雖未成灰，然已成了朽糟爛木，也無性力的了。Though this has not yet turned to dust, it has become like rotten, decayed wood and has no medicinal strength left.請太太收了這個，倒不拘粗細，好歹再換些新的倒好。”王夫人聽了，低頭不語，半日才說：“這可沒法了，只好去買二兩來罷。”也無心看那些，只命：“都收了罷。”因向周瑞家的說：“你就去說給外頭人們，揀好的換二兩來。Your Ladyship should put this away and, regardless of thickness, exchange it for some fresh ginseng of passable quality.” Lady Wang heard her out and bowed her head in silence. After a long while she said, “There is nothing else to be done; we shall simply have to buy two liang.” Having no heart to inspect the other drugs, she merely ordered, “Put them all away.” Then she said to Zhou Rui's wife, “Go tell the men outside to select two liang of good ginseng and obtain it in exchange.倘一時老太太問，你們只說用的是老太太的，不必多說。”周瑞家的方才要去時，寶釵因在坐，乃笑道：“姨娘且住。If the Old Lady happens to ask, just say we used hers; there is no need to say anything more.” Zhou Rui's wife was about to leave when Baochai, who was present, smiled and said, “Wait a moment, Aunt.如今外頭賣的人參都沒好的。None of the ginseng sold outside nowadays is any good.雖有一枝全的，他們也必截做兩三段，鑲嵌上蘆泡須枝，摻勻了好賣，看不得粗細。Even when dealers have a whole root, they cut it into two or three sections, attach root crowns, blisters, and whiskers, and mix everything together to make it easier to sell, so thickness tells you nothing.我們舖子里常和參行交易，如今我去和媽說了，叫哥哥去托個伙計過去和參行商議說明，叫他把未作的原枝好參兌二兩來。Our shops often deal with the ginseng merchants. I shall speak to Mother, and have my brother send a clerk to explain matters to them and ask them to supply two liang from intact, unadulterated roots of fine ginseng.不妨咱們多使幾兩銀子，也得了好的。”王夫人笑道：“倒是你明白。We may have to spend a few extra liang of silver, but at least we shall get something good.” Lady Wang smiled and said, “You certainly understand these matters.就難為你親自走一趟更好。”于是寶釵去了，半日回來說：“已遣人去，赶晚就有回信的。It would be best if I troubled you to go yourself.” Baochai left, and returned after some time saying, “Someone has already been sent; we should have an answer by this evening.明日一早去配也不遲。”王夫人自是喜悅，因說道：“‘賣油的娘子水梳頭’，自來家里有好的，不知給了人多少。It will not be too late to have the medicine compounded first thing tomorrow morning.” Lady Wang was naturally pleased, and said, “As the saying goes, ‘The oil-seller's wife combs her hair with water.’ We have always had fine ginseng in this house, and Heaven knows how much we have given away.這會子輪到自己用，反倒各處求人去了。”說畢長歎。Yet now that we need it ourselves, we have to go begging for it everywhere.” With that, she sighed deeply.寶釵笑道：“這東西雖然值錢，究竟不過是藥，原該濟眾散人才是。Baochai smiled and said, “Though the stuff is valuable, it is, after all, only medicine, and medicine ought properly to be used to relieve the suffering of all and distributed to those in need.咱們比不得那沒見世面的人家，得了這個，就珍藏密斂的。”王夫人點頭道：“這話极是。”We are not like those families that have seen nothing of the world and, upon obtaining such a thing, hoard it away as a treasure.” Lady Wang nodded. “Very true,” she said.

一时，周瑞家的又拿了进来说：“这几包都各包好记上名字了。但这一包人参固然是上好的，如今就连三十换也不能得这样的了，但年代太陈了。这东西比别的不同，凭是怎样好的，只过一百年后，便自己就成了灰了。如今这个虽未成灰，然已成了朽糟烂木，也无性力的了。请太太收了这个，倒不拘粗细，好歹再换些新的倒好。”王夫人听了，低头不语，半日才说：“这可没法了，只好去买二两来罢。”也无心看那些，只命：“都收了罢。”因向周瑞家的说：“你就去说给外头人们，拣好的换二两来。倘一时老太太问，你们只说用的是老太太的，不必多说。”周瑞家的方才要去时，宝钗因在坐，乃笑道：“姨娘且住。如今外头卖的人参都没好的。虽有一枝全的，他们也必截做两三段，镶嵌上芦泡须枝，掺匀了好卖，看不得粗细。我们铺子里常和参行交易，如今我去和妈说了，叫哥哥去托个伙计过去和参行商议说明，叫他把未作的原枝好参兑二两来。不妨咱们多使几两银子，也得了好的。”王夫人笑道：“倒是你明白。就难为你亲自走一趟更好。”于是宝钗去了，半日回来说：“已遣人去，赶晚就有回信的。明日一早去配也不迟。”王夫人自是喜悦，因说道：“‘卖油的娘子水梳头’，自来家里有好的，不知给了人多少。这会子轮到自己用，反倒各处求人去了。”说毕长叹。宝钗笑道：“这东西虽然值钱，究竟不过是药，原该济众散人才是。咱们比不得那没见世面的人家，得了这个，就珍藏密敛的。”王夫人点头道：“这话极是。”

一時寶釵去後，因見無別人在室，遂喚周瑞家的來問前日園中搜檢的事情可得個下落。After Baochai had gone and Lady Wang saw that no one else was in the room, she summoned Zhou Rui's wife and asked whether the search in the Garden the other day had produced any definite results.周瑞家的是已和鳳姐等人商議停妥，一字不隱，遂回明王夫人。Zhou Rui's wife had already settled everything in consultation with Xifeng and the others, and now reported the whole matter to Lady Wang without concealing a single word.王夫人聽了，雖驚且怒，卻又作難，因思司棋系迎春之人，皆系那邊的人，只得令人去回邢夫人。Lady Wang was both shocked and angry, yet found the matter awkward. Since Siqi served Yingchun and belonged to the other side of the family, she had no choice but to send someone to report it to Lady Xing.周瑞家的回道：“前日那邊太太嗔著王善保家的多事，打了幾個嘴巴子，如今他也裝病在家，不肯出頭了。Zhou Rui's wife replied, “The other day, their ladyship was angry with Wang Shanbao's wife for meddling and slapped her several times; now the woman is pretending to be ill at home and refuses to take the lead.況且又是他外孫女兒，自己打了嘴，他只好裝個忘了，日久平服了再說。Besides, Siqi is her own granddaughter. Having been slapped herself, she can only pretend to have forgotten the matter and wait until, with time, tempers have subsided.如今我們過去回時，恐怕又多心，倒象似咱們多事似的。If we go over to report it now, their ladyship may grow suspicious again, as though we were the ones meddling.不如直把司棋帶過去，一并連贓證與那邊太太瞧了，不過打一頓配了人，再指個丫頭來，豈不省事。It would be simpler to take Siqi straight over, together with the evidence, and show everything to their ladyship. She need only have the girl beaten, marry her off, and send another maid in her place.如今白告訴去，那邊太太再推三阻四的，又說‘既這樣你太太就該料理，又來說什麼’，豈不反耽擱了。If we merely tell her now, their ladyship may raise objection after objection, and say, ‘If that is so, your ladyship should deal with it herself—why come telling me?’ Would that not only delay matters?倘那丫頭瞅空尋了死，反不好了。If the girl finds an unguarded moment and kills herself, it will make things worse.如今看了兩三天，人都有個偷懶的時候，倘一時不到，豈不倒弄出事來。”王夫人想了一想，說：“這也倒是。We have watched her for two or three days now, but everyone grows careless sometimes; if for one moment no one is there, might she not cause an incident?” Lady Wang thought for a moment and said, “That is true enough.快辦了這一件，再辦咱們家的那些妖精。”周瑞家的聽說，會齊了那幾個媳婦，先到迎春房里，回迎春道：“太太們說了，司棋大了，連日他娘求了太太，太太已賞了他娘配人，今日叫他出去，另挑好的與姑娘使。”說著，便命司棋打點走路。See to this matter quickly, and then deal with those enchantresses in our own household.” At this, Zhou Rui's wife assembled the other married servants and went first to Yingchun's rooms. She reported, “Their ladyships say that Siqi is grown now. Her mother has been petitioning them for several days, and their ladyship has granted her to her mother to be married off. She is to leave today, and another good maid will be chosen for you.” With that, she ordered Siqi to pack for departure.迎春聽了，含淚似有不舍之意，因前夜已聞得別的丫鬟悄悄的說了原故，雖數年之情難舍，但事關風化，亦無可如何了。Yingchun's eyes filled with tears, and she seemed reluctant to let her go. The previous night she had already heard other maids whispering about the reason; hard though it was to relinquish the affection of many years, the matter concerned public morals, and there was nothing she could do.那司棋也曾求了迎春，實指望迎春能死保赦下的，只是迎春語言遲慢，耳軟心活，是不能作主的。Siqi had appealed to Yingchun before, truly hoping that Yingchun would defend her to the death and obtain her pardon; but Yingchun was slow of speech, easily swayed, and irresolute, and could make no decisions for herself.司棋見了這般，知不能免，因哭道：“姑娘好狠心！Seeing this, Siqi knew she could not escape and cried, “How cruel you are, Miss!哄了我這兩日，如今怎麼連一句話也沒有？”周瑞家的等說道：“你還要姑娘留你不成？You have kept me hoping these past two days; how can you now fail to speak even a single word for me?” Zhou Rui's wife and the others said, “Do you still expect your young mistress to keep you?便留下，你也難見園里的人了。Even if she did, you could hardly face anyone in the Garden again.依我們的好話，快快收了這樣子，倒是人不知鬼不覺的去罷，大家体面些。”迎春含淚道：“我知道你干了什麼大不是，我還十分說情留下，豈不連我也完了。Take our good advice: compose yourself and leave quietly, without anyone being the wiser; that way everyone can preserve some dignity.” Yingchun said through her tears, “I know you have committed a grave offense. If I insist on pleading to keep you, will I not be ruined along with you?你瞧入畫也是幾年的人，怎麼說去就去了。Look at Ruhua: she had served here for years too, yet when they said she must go, she went.自然不止你兩個，想這園里凡大的都要去呢。Naturally it will not stop with you two; I expect all the older maids in the Garden will have to leave.依我說，將來終有一散，不如你各人去罷。”周瑞家的道：“所以到底是姑娘明白。In my view, everyone must part in the end, so you may as well each go your own way.” Zhou Rui's wife said, “That shows how sensible the young mistress is.明兒還有打發的人呢，你放心罷。”司棋無法，只得含淚與迎春磕頭，和眾姊妹告別，又向迎春耳根說：“好歹打聽我要受罪，替我說個情兒，就是主仆一場！”迎春亦含淚答應：“放心。”于是周瑞家的人等帶了司棋出了院門，又命兩個婆子將司棋所有的東西都與他拿著。More girls will be dismissed tomorrow, so set your mind at rest.” Siqi could do nothing but kowtow to Yingchun in tears and bid farewell to all the other girls. Then she whispered in Yingchun's ear, “If you hear that they mean to punish me, please put in a word for me, for the sake of the years we have been mistress and servant!” Yingchun, also weeping, promised, “Do not worry.” Zhou Rui's wife and the others then led Siqi out of the courtyard and ordered two old women to carry all her belongings for her.走了沒幾步，後頭只見繡桔赶來，一面也擦著淚，一面遞與司棋一個絹包說：“這是姑娘給你的。They had gone only a few steps when Xiujü came hurrying up behind them, wiping away her tears as she handed Siqi a silk-wrapped parcel. “This is from the young mistress,” she said.主仆一場，如今一旦分離，這個與你作個想念罷。”司棋接了，不覺更哭起來了，又和繡桔哭了一回。“After all your years as mistress and servant, now you are suddenly parted; keep this as something to remember her by.” Siqi took it and could not help weeping even harder, and she and Xiujü cried together for a while.周瑞家的不耐煩，只管催促，二人只得散了。Zhou Rui's wife grew impatient and kept urging them on, so the two had no choice but to part.司棋因又哭告道：“嬸子大娘們，好歹略徇個情兒，如今且歇一歇，讓我到相好的姊妹跟前辭一辭，也是我們這幾年好了一場。”周瑞家的等人皆各有事務，作這些事便是不得已了，況且又深恨他們素日大樣，如今那里有工夫聽他的話，因冷笑道：“我勸你走罷，別拉拉扯扯的了。Siqi then pleaded tearfully, “Aunties, please show me a little kindness. Let us stop for a moment so that I can bid farewell to the girls I was closest to; after all, we have been good friends for several years.” Zhou Rui's wife and the others each had duties of their own and undertook such work only because they had to. Moreover, they bitterly resented the haughty airs these girls usually put on; how could they now spare the time to listen to her? They sneered, “I advise you to be on your way and stop dragging things out.我們還有正經事呢。We still have proper business to attend to.誰是你一個衣包里爬出來的，辭他們作什麼，他們看你的笑聲還看不了呢。Which of them crawled out of the same bundle of clothes as you? Why bid them farewell? They cannot get enough of laughing at your disgrace.你不過是挨一會是一會罷了，難道就算了不成！You are merely trying to put off the moment as long as you can, but do you imagine the matter will thereby be dropped?依我說快走罷。”一面說，一面總不住腳，直帶著往後角門出去了。If you ask me, you had better go quickly.” Even as they spoke, they never stopped walking, but led her straight out through the rear corner gate.司棋無奈，又不敢再說，只得跟了出來。Siqi was helpless and dared say no more; she could only follow them out.

一时宝钗去后，因见无别人在室，遂唤周瑞家的来问前日园中搜检的事情可得个下落。周瑞家的是已和凤姐等人商议停妥，一字不隐，遂回明王夫人。王夫人听了，虽惊且怒，却又作难，因思司棋系迎春之人，皆系那边的人，只得令人去回邢夫人。周瑞家的回道：“前日那边太太嗔著王善保家的多事，打了几个嘴巴子，如今他也装病在家，不肯出头了。况且又是他外孙女儿，自己打了嘴，他只好装个忘了，日久平服了再说。如今我们过去回时，恐怕又多心，倒象似咱们多事似的。不如直把司棋带过去，一并连赃证与那边太太瞧了，不过打一顿配了人，再指个丫头来，岂不省事。如今白告诉去，那边太太再推三阻四的，又说‘既这样你太太就该料理，又来说什么’，岂不反耽搁了。倘那丫头瞅空寻了死，反不好了。如今看了两三天，人都有个偷懒的时候，倘一时不到，岂不倒弄出事来。”王夫人想了一想，说：“这也倒是。快办了这一件，再办咱们家的那些妖精。”周瑞家的听说，会齐了那几个媳妇，先到迎春房里，回迎春道：“太太们说了，司棋大了，连日他娘求了太太，太太已赏了他娘配人，今日叫他出去，另挑好的与姑娘使。”说著，便命司棋打点走路。迎春听了，含泪似有不舍之意，因前夜已闻得别的丫鬟悄悄的说了原故，虽数年之情难舍，但事关风化，亦无可如何了。那司棋也曾求了迎春，实指望迎春能死保赦下的，只是迎春语言迟慢，耳软心活，是不能作主的。司棋见了这般，知不能免，因哭道：“姑娘好狠心！哄了我这两日，如今怎么连一句话也没有？”周瑞家的等说道：“你还要姑娘留你不成？便留下，你也难见园里的人了。依我们的好话，快快收了这样子，倒是人不知鬼不觉的去罢，大家体面些。”迎春含泪道：“我知道你干了什么大不是，我还十分说情留下，岂不连我也完了。你瞧入画也是几年的人，怎么说去就去了。自然不止你两个，想这园里凡大的都要去呢。依我说，将来终有一散，不如你各人去罢。”周瑞家的道：“所以到底是姑娘明白。明儿还有打发的人呢，你放心罢。”司棋无法，只得含泪与迎春磕头，和众姊妹告别，又向迎春耳根说：“好歹打听我要受罪，替我说个情儿，就是主仆一场！”迎春亦含泪答应：“放心。”于是周瑞家的人等带了司棋出了院门，又命两个婆子将司棋所有的东西都与他拿著。走了没几步，后头只见绣桔赶来，一面也擦著泪，一面递与司棋一个绢包说：“这是姑娘给你的。主仆一场，如今一旦分离，这个与你作个想念罢。”司棋接了，不觉更哭起来了，又和绣桔哭了一回。周瑞家的不耐烦，只管催促，二人只得散了。司棋因又哭告道：“婶子大娘们，好歹略徇个情儿，如今且歇一歇，让我到相好的姊妹跟前辞一辞，也是我们这几年好了一场。”周瑞家的等人皆各有事务，作这些事便是不得已了，况且又深恨他们素日大样，如今那里有工夫听他的话，因冷笑道：“我劝你走罢，别拉拉扯扯的了。我们还有正经事呢。谁是你一个衣包里爬出来的，辞他们作什么，他们看你的笑声还看不了呢。你不过是挨一会是一会罢了，难道就算了不成！依我说快走罢。”一面说，一面总不住脚，直带著往后角门出去了。司棋无奈，又不敢再说，只得跟了出来。

可巧正值寶玉從外而入，一見帶了司棋出去，又見後面抱著些東西，料著此去再不能來了。As chance would have it, Baoyu was just coming in from outside. Seeing Siqi being led away, with her belongings carried behind her, he guessed that once she left she would never return.因聞得上夜之事，又兼晴雯之病亦因那日加重，細問晴雯，又不說是為何。He had heard about the events of the previous night; moreover, Qingwen's illness had worsened because of what happened that day, yet when he questioned her closely, she would not say why.上日又見入畫已去，今又見司棋亦走，不覺如喪魂魄一般，因忙攔住問道：“那里去？”周瑞家的等皆知寶玉素日行為，又恐勞叨誤事，因笑道：“不干你事，快念書去罷。”寶玉笑道：“好姐姐們，且站一站，我有道理。”周瑞家的便道：“太太不許少捱一刻，又有什麼道理。Only the day before he had seen Ruhua sent away, and now Siqi too was leaving. He felt as though his soul had deserted him, and hurriedly barred their way, asking, “Where are you going?” Zhou Rui's wife and the others all knew Baoyu's usual ways and feared that his pestering would delay their business, so they laughed and said, “It has nothing to do with you. Go and study.” Baoyu smiled and said, “Dear sisters, wait just a moment; I have good reason.” Zhou Rui's wife replied, “Her ladyship said there must not be the slightest delay. What reason can you possibly have?我們只知遵太太的話，管不得許多。”司棋見了寶玉，因拉住哭道：“他們做不得主，你好歹求求太太去。”寶玉不禁也傷心，含淚說道：“我不知你作了什麼大事，晴雯也病了，如今你又去。We only know that we must obey her ladyship's orders; we cannot concern ourselves with anything else.” On seeing Baoyu, Siqi caught hold of him and cried, “They have no authority to decide—please, you must go and plead with her ladyship!” Baoyu could not help grieving too, and said with tears in his eyes, “I do not know what terrible thing you have done. Qingwen has fallen ill, and now you too are leaving.都要去了，這卻怎麼的好。”周瑞家的發躁向司棋道：“你如今不是副小姐了，若不聽話，我就打得你。If everyone must go, what are we to do?” Losing her temper, Zhou Rui's wife said to Siqi, “You are no deputy young mistress now. If you do not obey, I shall beat you.別想著往日姑娘護著，任你們作耗。Do not imagine your mistress will protect you as before and let you run riot.越說著，還不好走。The more we tell you, the more you refuse to move.如今和小爺們拉拉扯扯，成個什麼体統！”那幾個媳婦不由分說，拉著司棋便出去了。And now you are pulling and tugging at the young master—what sort of decorum is that?” Without allowing any further argument, the married servants seized Siqi and dragged her out.寶玉又恐他們去告舌，恨的只瞪著他們，看已去遠，方指著恨道：“奇怪，奇怪，怎麼這些人只一嫁了漢子，染了男人的氣味，就這樣混帳起來，比男人更可殺了！”守園門的婆子聽了，也不禁好笑起來，因問道：“這樣說，凡女兒個個是好的了，女人個個是坏的了？”寶玉點頭道：“不錯，不錯！”婆子們笑道：“還有一句話我們糊涂不解，倒要請問請問。”方欲說時，只見幾個老婆子走來，忙說道：“你們小心，傳齊了伺候著。Baoyu feared they might report him for interfering, so he merely glared after them in fury. When they had gone some distance, he pointed at them and exclaimed resentfully, “How strange, how very strange! The moment these people marry men and become tainted with the smell of maleness, they turn into such scoundrels—more detestable even than men!” One of the old women guarding the Garden gate could not help laughing and asked, “By that reckoning, every girl is good and every married woman bad?” Baoyu nodded. “Exactly, exactly!” The women laughed. “There is one thing we muddle-headed creatures do not understand, and should like to ask you about.” They were just about to speak when several old women approached and hurriedly said, “Take care, all of you; assemble everyone and stand ready.此刻太太親自來園里，在那里查人呢。Her ladyship has come into the Garden in person and is inspecting the servants over there.只怕還查到這里來呢。She may well make her way here too.又吩咐快叫怡紅院的晴雯姑娘的哥嫂來，在這里等著領出他妹妹去。”因笑道：“阿彌陀佛！She has also ordered that the brother and sister-in-law of Miss Qingwen from Green Delights be summoned at once to wait here and take his sister away.” Then they laughed and said, “Amitabha!今日天睜了眼，把這一個禍害妖精退送了，大家清淨些。”寶玉一聞得王夫人進來清查，便料定晴雯也保不住了，早飛也似的赶了去，所以這後來趁願之語竟未得聽見。Heaven has opened its eyes today! Once this harmful enchantress is sent packing, the rest of us shall have some peace.” The instant Baoyu heard that Lady Wang had come to conduct an inspection, he knew Qingwen could not be saved and raced away as though on wings; thus he never heard these words of malicious satisfaction.寶玉及到了怡紅院，只見一群人在那里，王夫人在屋里坐著，一臉怒色，見寶玉也不理。When Baoyu reached Green Delights, he found a crowd of people there. Lady Wang sat inside with anger all over her face, and ignored Baoyu when she saw him.晴雯四五日水米不曾沾牙，懨懨弱息，如今現從炕上拉了下來，蓬頭垢面，兩個女人才架起來去了。For four or five days Qingwen had scarcely touched water or rice and lay weak and listless, barely breathing. Now she had been dragged down from the kang, her hair disheveled and her face unwashed, and two women had only just hoisted her between them and taken her away.王夫人吩咐，只許把他貼身衣服撂出去，餘者好衣服留下給好丫頭們穿。Lady Wang ordered that only the clothes Qingwen wore next to her skin be thrown out after her; the rest, being good garments, were to be left for the better-behaved maids to wear.又命把這里所有的丫頭們都叫來一一過目。She then ordered every maid in the place to be summoned and inspected one by one.原來王夫人自那日著惱之後，王善保家的去趁勢告倒了晴雯，本處有人和園中不睦的，也就隨机趁便下了些話。It turned out that, after Lady Wang had become enraged that day, Wang Shanbao's wife had seized the opportunity to denounce Qingwen; people from the household who were at odds with those in the Garden had also taken the opportunity to add a few accusations of their own.王夫人皆記在心中。Lady Wang had stored every word in her memory.因節間有事，故忍了兩日，今日特來親自閱人。As there had been much to attend to during the festival, she had restrained herself for two days; today she had come expressly to inspect the servants in person.一則為晴雯猶可，二則因竟有人指寶玉為由，說他大了，已解人事，都由屋里的丫頭們不長進教習坏了。Qingwen alone was one concern, but a second and graver one was that someone had used Baoyu as a pretext, saying that now he was grown and understood the relations between men and women, the good-for-nothing maids in his rooms had taught him bad ways.因這事更比晴雯一人較甚，乃從襲人起以至于极小作粗活的小丫頭們，個個親自看了一遍。As this matter was more serious than the case of Qingwen alone, Lady Wang personally looked over everyone, from Xiren down to the smallest drudge-maids who did the rough work.因問：“誰是和寶玉一日的生日？”本人不敢答應，老嬤嬤指道：“這一個蕙香，又叫作四兒的，是同寶玉一日生日的。”王夫人細看了一看，雖比不上晴雯一半，卻有幾分水秀。She asked, “Which one shares Baoyu's birthday?” The girl herself dared not answer, but an old nurse pointed her out. “This is Huixiang, also called Si'er; she was born on the same day as Baoyu.” Lady Wang examined her closely. Though she was not half as beautiful as Qingwen, she did possess a certain fresh delicacy.視其行止，聰明皆露在外面，且也打扮的不同。Her every movement openly proclaimed her cleverness, and she dressed rather differently from the others.王夫人冷笑道：“這也是個不怕臊的。Lady Wang sneered, “Here is another shameless creature.他背地里說的，同日生日就是夫妻。She has been saying in private that people born on the same day are destined to be husband and wife.這可是你說的？Did you say that?打諒我隔的遠，都不知道呢。You imagined that because I keep my distance, I knew nothing of it.可知道我身子雖不大來，我的心耳神意時時都在這里。You should understand that though I seldom come here in person, my mind, ears, and attention are always fixed on this place.難道我通共一個寶玉，就白放心憑你們勾引坏了不成！”這個四兒見王夫人說著他素日和寶玉的私語，不禁紅了臉，低頭垂淚。Baoyu is the one son I have—do you suppose I would simply stand by and let you seduce and corrupt him?” When Si'er heard Lady Wang repeat the private words she had exchanged with Baoyu, she could not help blushing and bowed her head in tears.王夫人即命也快把他家的人叫來，領出去配人。Lady Wang immediately ordered that her family be summoned at once to take her away and marry her off.又問，”誰是耶律雄奴？”老嬤嬤們便將芳官指出。She then asked, “Which one is Yelü Xiongnu?” The old nurses pointed out Fangguan.王夫人道：“唱戲的女孩子，自然是狐狸精了！Lady Wang said, “An actress is naturally a little fox-spirit!上次放你們，你們又懶待出去，可就該安分守己才是。When we released you last time, you were too reluctant to leave; all the more reason, then, that you should have behaved yourselves.你就成精鼓搗起來，調唆著寶玉無所不為。”芳官笑辯道：“并不敢調唆什麼。”王夫人笑道：“你還強嘴。Instead, you began playing the enchantress, stirring up trouble and inciting Baoyu to every sort of mischief.” Fangguan smiled and protested, “I would never dare incite him to anything.” Lady Wang laughed. “Still you argue!我且問你，前年我們往皇陵上去，是誰調唆寶玉要柳家的丫頭五兒了？Let me ask you this: when we went to the imperial mausoleum the year before last, who incited Baoyu to ask for Wu'er, the daughter of Liu's wife?幸而那丫頭短命死了，不然進來了，你們又連夥聚黨遭害這園子呢。Fortunately that short-lived girl died. Otherwise, once she came in, you would have banded together and formed a clique to plague this Garden.你連你乾娘都欺倒了。You even got the better of your own foster mother,豈止別人！”因喝命：“喚他乾娘來領去，就賞他外頭自尋個女婿去吧。let alone anyone else!” She then shouted, “Summon her foster mother to take her away. Let the woman have her as a reward and find her a husband outside.把他的東西一概給他。”又吩咐上年凡有姑娘們分的唱戲的女孩子們，一概不許留在園里，都令其各人乾娘帶出，自行聘嫁。Give the girl all her belongings.” She further ordered that none of the former actresses allotted to the young ladies the previous year be permitted to remain in the Garden; their foster mothers were each to take them out and arrange their marriages themselves.一語傳出，這些乾娘皆感恩趁願不盡，都約齊與王夫人磕頭領去。When word of this went out, the foster mothers were endlessly grateful and delighted to have their wishes fulfilled. They assembled, kowtowed to Lady Wang, and took the girls away.王夫人又滿屋里搜檢寶玉之物。Lady Wang then searched the whole room for Baoyu's possessions.凡略有眼生之物，一并命收的收，卷的卷，著人拿到自己房內去了。Anything even slightly unfamiliar to her was ordered packed or rolled up and carried away to her own rooms.因說：“這才乾淨，省得旁人口舌。”因又吩咐襲人麝月等人：“你們小心！She said, “Now the place is clean, and others will have no cause for gossip.” She then warned Xiren, Sheyue, and the others, “Mind yourselves!往後再有一點分外之事，我一概不饒。If there is the slightest improper occurrence hereafter, I shall spare none of you.因叫人查看了，今年不宜遷挪，暫且挨過今年，明年一并給我仍舊搬出去心淨。”說畢，茶也不吃，遂帶領眾人又往別處去閱人。I have had the almanac consulted, and this year is inauspicious for moving. For the moment you may remain through the year, but next year I shall have you all move out as before, and then my mind will be at peace.” With that, she left without even drinking her tea and led the others away to inspect the servants elsewhere.暫且說不到後文。What followed there need not be related for the moment.

可巧正值宝玉从外而入，一见带了司棋出去，又见后面抱著些东西，料著此去再不能来了。因闻得上夜之事，又兼晴雯之病亦因那日加重，细问晴雯，又不说是为何。上日又见入画已去，今又见司棋亦走，不觉如丧魂魄一般，因忙拦住问道：“那里去？”周瑞家的等皆知宝玉素日行为，又恐劳叨误事，因笑道：“不干你事，快念书去罢。”宝玉笑道：“好姐姐们，且站一站，我有道理。”周瑞家的便道：“太太不许少挨一刻，又有什么道理。我们只知遵太太的话，管不得许多。”司棋见了宝玉，因拉住哭道：“他们做不得主，你好歹求求太太去。”宝玉不禁也伤心，含泪说道：“我不知你作了什么大事，晴雯也病了，如今你又去。都要去了，这却怎么的好。”周瑞家的发躁向司棋道：“你如今不是副小姐了，若不听话，我就打得你。别想著往日姑娘护著，任你们作耗。越说著，还不好走。如今和小爷们拉拉扯扯，成个什么体统！”那几个媳妇不由分说，拉著司棋便出去了。宝玉又恐他们去告舌，恨的只瞪著他们，看已去远，方指著恨道：“奇怪，奇怪，怎么这些人只一嫁了汉子，染了男人的气味，就这样混帐起来，比男人更可杀了！”守园门的婆子听了，也不禁好笑起来，因问道：“这样说，凡女儿个个是好的了，女人个个是坏的了？”宝玉点头道：“不错，不错！”婆子们笑道：“还有一句话我们糊涂不解，倒要请问请问。”方欲说时，只见几个老婆子走来，忙说道：“你们小心，传齐了伺候著。此刻太太亲自来园里，在那里查人呢。只怕还查到这里来呢。又吩咐快叫怡红院的晴雯姑娘的哥嫂来，在这里等著领出他妹妹去。”因笑道：“阿弥陀佛！今日天睁了眼，把这一个祸害妖精退送了，大家清净些。”宝玉一闻得王夫人进来清查，便料定晴雯也保不住了，早飞也似的赶了去，所以这后来趁愿之语竟未得听见。宝玉及到了怡红院，只见一群人在那里，王夫人在屋里坐著，一脸怒色，见宝玉也不理。晴雯四五日水米不曾沾牙，恹恹弱息，如今现从炕上拉了下来，蓬头垢面，两个女人才架起来去了。王夫人吩咐，只许把他贴身衣服撂出去，余者好衣服留下给好丫头们穿。又命把这里所有的丫头们都叫来一一过目。原来王夫人自那日著恼之后，王善保家的去趁势告倒了晴雯，本处有人和园中不睦的，也就随机趁便下了些话。王夫人皆记在心中。因节间有事，故忍了两日，今日特来亲自阅人。一则为晴雯犹可，二则因竟有人指宝玉为由，说他大了，已解人事，都由屋里的丫头们不长进教习坏了。因这事更比晴雯一人较甚，乃从袭人起以至于极小作粗活的小丫头们，个个亲自看了一遍。因问：“谁是和宝玉一日的生日？”本人不敢答应，老嬷嬷指道：“这一个蕙香，又叫作四儿的，是同宝玉一日生日的。”王夫人细看了一看，虽比不上晴雯一半，却有几分水秀。视其行止，聪明皆露在外面，且也打扮的不同。王夫人冷笑道：“这也是个不怕臊的。他背地里说的，同日生日就是夫妻。这可是你说的？打谅我隔的远，都不知道呢。可知道我身子虽不大来，我的心耳神意时时都在这里。难道我通共一个宝玉，就白放心凭你们勾引坏了不成！”这个四儿见王夫人说著他素日和宝玉的私语，不禁红了脸，低头垂泪。王夫人即命也快把他家的人叫来，领出去配人。又问，”谁是耶律雄奴？”老嬷嬷们便将芳官指出。王夫人道：“唱戏的女孩子，自然是狐狸精了！上次放你们，你们又懒待出去，可就该安分守己才是。你就成精鼓捣起来，调唆著宝玉无所不为。”芳官笑辩道：“并不敢调唆什么。”王夫人笑道：“你还强嘴。我且问你，前年我们往皇陵上去，是谁调唆宝玉要柳家的丫头五儿了？幸而那丫头短命死了，不然进来了，你们又连伙聚党遭害这园子呢。你连你干娘都欺倒了。岂止别人！”因喝命：“唤他干娘来领去，就赏他外头自寻个女婿去吧。把他的东西一概给他。”又吩咐上年凡有姑娘们分的唱戏的女孩子们，一概不许留在园里，都令其各人干娘带出，自行聘嫁。一语传出，这些干娘皆感恩趁愿不尽，都约齐与王夫人磕头领去。王夫人又满屋里搜检宝玉之物。凡略有眼生之物，一并命收的收，卷的卷，著人拿到自己房内去了。因说：“这才干净，省得旁人口舌。”因又吩咐袭人麝月等人：“你们小心！往后再有一点分外之事，我一概不饶。因叫人查看了，今年不宜迁挪，暂且挨过今年，明年一并给我仍旧搬出去心净。”说毕，茶也不吃，遂带领众人又往别处去阅人。暂且说不到后文。

如今且說寶玉只當王夫人不過來搜檢搜檢，無甚大事，誰知竟這樣雷嗔電怒的來了。Let us now speak of Baoyu, who had assumed that Lady Wang had come merely to conduct an ordinary search and that nothing serious would happen; never had he imagined that she would arrive in such thunderous fury.所責之事皆系平日之語，一字不爽，料必不能挽回的。Every accusation she made concerned words spoken in their daily life and was accurate to the last syllable, so he knew there could be no reversing her decisions.雖心下恨不能一死，但王夫人盛怒之際，自不敢多言一句，多動一步，一直跟送王夫人到沁芳亭。Though in his heart he wished he could die on the spot, he dared neither utter another word nor make another move while Lady Wang was so enraged, but followed her all the way to Qinfang Pavilion.王夫人命：“回去好生念念那書，仔細明兒問你。There Lady Wang ordered him, “Go back and study your books properly. Take care, for I shall question you tomorrow.才已發下恨了。”寶玉聽如此說，方回來，一路打算：“誰這樣犯舌？I have already sworn I will not be lenient.” Only after Baoyu heard this did he turn back, thinking all the way, “Who has been wagging their tongue like this?況這里事也無人知道，如何就都說著了。”一面想，一面進來，只見襲人在那里垂淚。Besides, no outsider knew what went on here; how could they have reported everything so precisely?” Still pondering, he entered and saw Xiren weeping there.且去了第一等的人，豈不傷心，便倒在床上也哭起來。The finest of the maids had been driven away—how could he not be heartbroken? He threw himself onto the bed and began to weep as well.襲人知他心內別的還猶可，獨有晴雯是第一件大事，乃推他勸道：“哭也不中用了。Xiren knew that he might bear the other losses, but that Qingwen's was the one calamity he could not endure. She therefore nudged him and urged, “Crying will do no good now.你起來我告訴你，晴雯已經好了，他這一家去，倒心淨養幾天。Get up and listen to me. Qingwen is already better; now that she has gone home, she can rest peacefully for a few days.你果然舍不得他，等太太氣消了，你再求老太太，慢慢的叫進來也不難。If you truly cannot bear to part with her, wait until her ladyship's anger has subsided, then appeal to the Old Lady. It should not be difficult to bring her back in time.不過太太偶然信了人的誹言，一時氣頭上如此罷了。”寶玉哭道：“我究竟不知晴雯犯了何等滔天大罪！”襲人道：“太太只嫌他生的太好了，未免輕佻些。Her ladyship merely happened to believe someone's slander and acted this way in the heat of anger.” Baoyu cried, “I still do not know what monstrous crime Qingwen has committed!” Xiren said, “Her ladyship only thought her too beautiful, and therefore perhaps somewhat flighty.在太太是深知這樣美人似的人必不安靜，所以恨嫌他，象我們這粗粗笨笨的倒好。”寶玉道：“這也罷了。Her ladyship is firmly convinced that such a beauty could never be well behaved, and that is why she detests her; rough, clumsy creatures like us suit her better.” Baoyu said, “Let that pass.咱們私自頑話怎麼也知道了？But how did she also learn of the private jokes we made among ourselves?又沒外人走風的，這可奇怪。”襲人道：“你有甚忌諱的，一時高興了，你就不管有人無人了。No outsider could have leaked them; that is truly strange.” Xiren said, “You never observe any caution. Once you grow excited, you pay no heed to whether anyone is present or not.我也曾使過眼色，也曾遞過暗號，倒被那別人已知道了，你反不覺。”寶玉道：“怎麼人人的不是太太都知道，單不挑出你和麝月秋紋來？”襲人聽了這話，心內一動，低頭半日，無可回答，因便笑道：“正是呢。“I tried giving you looks, and I tried passing you secret signals; other people noticed them, yet you did not.” Baoyu said, “How is it that Taitai knows everyone else’s faults, yet singled out neither you nor Sheyue and Qiuwen?” At these words, Xiren’s heart stirred. She lowered her head for a long while, unable to answer, then smiled and said, “That is true.若論我們也有頑笑不留心的孟浪去處，怎麼太太竟忘了？If judged fairly, we too have had our reckless moments, fooling about without due care. How could Taitai have forgotten us entirely?想是還有別的事，等完了再發放我們，也未可知。”寶玉笑道：“你是頭一個出了名的至善至賢之人，他兩個又是你陶冶教育的，焉得還有孟浪該罰之處！Perhaps there is some other reason, and she means to deal with us after the rest; that may well be.” Baoyu laughed. “You are renowned above all others as the very model of goodness and virtue, while those two have been molded and instructed by you. How could you possibly have committed any recklessness deserving punishment!只是芳官尚小，過于伶俐些，未免倚強壓倒了人，惹人厭。Fangguan is merely rather young and a little too sharp-witted; she could not help using her advantages to overbear others and so made herself disliked.四兒是我誤了他，還是那年我和你拌嘴的那日起，叫上來作些細活，未免奪占了地位，故有今日。As for Si’er, it was I who brought this upon her. From the day you and I quarreled that year, I called her up to do odd jobs, and she inevitably encroached on others’ positions; hence what happened today.只是晴雯也是和你一樣，從小兒在老太太屋里過來的，雖然他生得比人強，也沒甚妨礙去處。But Qingwen, like you, was brought up from childhood in Laotaitai’s apartments. Though her looks surpass everyone else’s, she has never done any harm by it.就是他的性情爽利，口角鋒芒些，究竟也不曾得罪你們。It is only that she is forthright by nature and rather sharp-tongued; after all, she never offended any of you.想是他過于生得好了，反被這好所誤。”說畢，复又哭起來。I suppose she was simply too beautiful, and that very beauty proved her undoing.” When he had finished, he began to weep again.襲人細揣此話，好似寶玉有疑他之意，竟不好再勸，因歎道：“天知道罷了。Xiren pondered these words closely and felt that Baoyu seemed to suspect her, so she could hardly continue consoling him. She sighed and said, “Heaven alone knows.此時也查不出人來了，白哭一會子也無益。There is no finding out now who was behind it, and crying for nothing will do no good.倒是養著精神，等老太太喜歡時，回明白了再要他是正理。”寶玉冷笑道：“你不必虛寬我的心。Better conserve your strength, and when Laotaitai is in a good humor, explain everything clearly and ask to have her back—that is the sensible course.” Baoyu sneered. “You need not offer empty comfort to ease my mind.等到太太平服了再瞧勢頭去要時，知他的病等得等不得。By the time Taitai has calmed down and we judge the situation before asking for her, who knows whether her illness can wait that long?他自幼上來嬌生慣養，何嘗受過一日委屈。She has been pampered from childhood and never suffered a single day’s grievance.連我知道他的性格，還時常沖撞了他。Even I, who know her temperament, have often managed to offend her.他這一下去，就如同一盆才抽出嫩箭來的蘭花送到豬窩里去一般。Now that she has been sent away, it is like casting a pot of orchids just sending up tender shoots into a pigsty.況又是一身重病，里頭一肚子的悶氣。Besides, she is gravely ill and full of pent-up anguish.他又沒有親爺熱娘，只有一個醉泥鰍姑舅哥哥。She has no loving father or devoted mother, only a drunken loach of a cousin.他這一去，一時也不慣的，那里還等得幾日。Having gone there, she will not be used to the place at first; how could she last even a few days?知道還能見他一面兩面不能了！”說著又越發傷心起來。Who knows whether I shall ever see her once or twice more!” As he spoke, his grief grew still more intense.襲人笑道：“可是你‘只許州官放火，不許百姓點燈’。Xiren laughed. “You truly are one who ‘allows the magistrate to set fires but forbids the common people to light lamps.’我們偶然說一句略妨礙些的話，就說是不利之談，你如今好好的咒他，是該的了！If one of us happens to say anything even slightly ominous, you call it unlucky talk; yet now you freely curse her yourself, and that is perfectly proper!他便比別人嬌些，也不至這樣起來。”寶玉道：“不是我妄口咒他，今年春天已有兆頭的。”襲人忙問何兆。She may be more delicate than others, but surely it will not come to that.” Baoyu said, “I am not cursing her recklessly. There was already an omen this spring.” Xiren hurriedly asked what omen he meant.寶玉道：“這階下好好的一株海棠花，竟無故死了半邊，我就知有异事，果然應在他身上。”襲人聽了，又笑起來，因說道：“我待不說，又撐不住，你太也婆婆媽媽的了。Baoyu said, “That fine crab-apple tree below the steps suddenly died on one side for no reason. I knew then that something strange would happen, and sure enough the omen has fallen upon her.” Hearing this, Xiren laughed again. “I try not to say it, but I cannot hold back: you are far too sentimental and fussy.這樣的話，豈是你讀書的男人說的。Are these words for an educated man like you to say?草木怎又關系起人來？How can plants and trees have anything to do with human beings?若不婆婆媽媽的，真也成了個呆子了。”寶玉歎道：“你們那里知道，不但草木，凡天下之物，皆是有情有理的，也和人一樣，得了知己，便极有靈驗的。If this is not sentimental fussing, then you truly have become a simpleton.” Baoyu sighed. “What do any of you know? Not only plants and trees, but all things under Heaven possess feeling and reason, just as people do; once they find a kindred spirit, they become wonderfully responsive.若用大題目比，就有孔子廟前之檜，墳前之蓍，諸葛祠前之柏，岳武穆墳前之松。To take grand examples, there are the cypress before the Temple of Kongzi, the milfoil before his tomb, the cypress before Zhuge Liang’s shrine, and the pine before Yue Wumu’s grave.這都是堂堂正大隨人之正氣。All these nobly and honorably partake of the righteous spirit of the men they attend.千古不磨之物。They are things whose glory cannot be effaced through the ages.世亂則萎，世治則榮，幾千百年了，枯而复生者幾次。They wither when the world is in disorder and flourish when it is well governed; over thousands of years, they have died and revived more than once.這豈不是兆應？Are these not signs and portents?小題目比，就有楊太真沉香亭之木芍藥，端正樓之相思樹，王昭君冢上之草，豈不也有靈驗。For humbler examples, there are the tree peonies at Yang Taizhen’s Chenxiang Pavilion, the trees of longing at Duanzheng Tower, and the grass upon Wang Zhaojun’s tomb—have these not also shown miraculous responses?所以這海棠亦應其人欲亡，故先就死了半邊。”襲人聽了這篇痴話，又可笑，又可歎，因笑道：“真真的這話越發說上我的氣來了。Thus this crab apple, too, responded to the approaching death of the person bound to it, and so half of it died first.” Hearing this foolish discourse, Xiren found it both laughable and lamentable. She laughed and said, “Now you have truly made me angry with this talk.那晴雯是個什麼東西，就費這樣心思，比出這些正經人來！What sort of creature is Qingwen, that you should spend so much thought comparing her with all these worthy figures!還有一說，他縱好，也滅不過我的次序去。Besides, however good she may be, she still cannot take precedence over me.便是這海棠，也該先來比我，也還輪不到他。Even if this crab apple were to stand for one of us, it ought to stand for me first; her turn would not yet have come.想是我要死了。”寶玉聽說，忙握他的嘴，勸道：“這是何苦！I suppose it is I who am going to die.” At this, Baoyu hastily covered her mouth and pleaded, “Why must you do this?一個未清，你又這樣起來。One matter is not yet settled, and now you begin another.罷了，再別提這事，別弄的去了三個，又饒上一個。”襲人聽說，心下暗喜道：“若不如此，你也不能了局。”寶玉乃道：“從此休提起，全當他們三個死了，不過如此。Enough—let us say no more about it. Do not let us lose three and then throw in a fourth as well.” Hearing this, Xiren secretly rejoiced, thinking, “If I had not done this, you would never have let the matter rest.” Baoyu then said, “From now on we shall never mention it; we shall simply regard all three of them as dead, and have done with it.況且死了的也曾有過，也沒有見我怎麼樣，此一理也。Others have died before, after all, and no one saw me come to anything because of it. The same principle applies here.如今且說現在的，倒是把他的東西，作瞞上不瞞下，悄悄的打發人送出去與了他。For now, let us attend to what can still be done: without concealing it from those below, but keeping it from those above, quietly send someone to take her belongings out to her.再或有咱們常時積攢下的錢，拿幾吊出去給他養病，也是你姊妹好了一場。”襲人聽了，笑道：“你太把我們看的又小器又沒人心了。And if we have any money saved from our usual allowances, give her a few strings for her treatment. You were sisters and good friends once, after all.” Xiren laughed. “You take us for people both too petty and too heartless.這話還等你說，我才已將他素日所有的衣裳以至各什各物總打點下了，都放在那里。There was no need to wait for you to say so. I have already gathered together all the clothes she ordinarily wore, down to every last article and possession, and put them aside over there.如今白日里人多眼雜，又恐生事，且等到晚上，悄悄的叫宋媽給他拿出去。There are too many people and prying eyes in the daytime, and I am afraid of causing trouble, so we shall wait until evening and quietly have Nanny Song carry them out to her.我還有攢下的幾吊錢也給他罷。”寶玉聽了，感謝不盡。I have a few strings of money saved as well; I shall give her those too.” Hearing this, Baoyu thanked her profusely.襲人笑道：“我原是久已出了名的賢人，連這一點子好名兒還不會買來不成！”寶玉聽他方才的話，忙陪笑撫慰一時。Xiren laughed. “I have long been renowned as a virtuous person; surely I know how to purchase even this small bit of good repute!” Remembering what she had just said, Baoyu hastened to smile ingratiatingly and soothe her for a while.晚間果密遣宋媽送去。That evening they secretly sent Nanny Song to deliver everything as planned.寶玉將一切人穩住，便獨自得便出了後角門，央一個老婆子帶他到晴雯家去瞧瞧。After Baoyu had kept everyone occupied, he found an opportunity to slip alone through the rear side gate and begged an old woman to take him to Qingwen’s home to see her.先是這婆子百般不肯，只說怕人知道，”回了太太，我還吃飯不吃飯！”無奈寶玉死活央告，又許他些錢，那婆子方帶了他來。At first the woman refused in every possible way, saying she was afraid someone would find out: “If they report me to Taitai, shall I still have a livelihood or not?” But Baoyu pleaded with her desperately and promised her some money, until at last she took him there.這晴雯當日系賴大家用銀子買的，那時晴雯才得十歲，尚未留頭。Qingwen had originally been bought with silver by Lai Da’s family. She was only ten at the time and had not yet begun growing out her hair.因常跟賴嬤嬤進來，賈母見他生得伶俐標致，十分喜愛。Because she often accompanied Nanny Lai into the mansion, Jia Mu saw how clever and pretty she was and became very fond of her.故此賴嬤嬤就孝敬了賈母使喚，後來所以到了寶玉房里。Nanny Lai therefore presented her to Jia Mu for her service, which was how Qingwen later came to Baoyu’s apartments.這晴雯進來時，也不記得家鄉父母。When Qingwen first entered the household, she could no longer remember her native place or her parents.只知有個姑舅哥哥，專能庖宰，也淪落在外，故又求了賴家的收買進來吃工食。She knew only that she had a maternal cousin who was skilled at butchering and cooking but had likewise fallen on hard times outside; she therefore begged the Lai family to buy him too and bring him in as a paid servant.賴家的見晴雯雖到賈母跟前，千伶百俐，嘴尖性大，卻倒還不忘舊，故又將他姑舅哥哥收買進來，把家里一個女孩子配了他。The Lai family saw that although Qingwen had risen to serve Jia Mu, becoming remarkably clever, sharp-tongued, and headstrong, she had not forgotten old ties. They therefore bought her cousin as well and married one of their servant girls to him.成了房後，誰知他姑舅哥哥一朝身安泰，就忘卻當年流落時，任意吃死酒，家小也不顧。Once he had established a household and found himself comfortable, however, Qingwen’s cousin forgot the days when he had wandered destitute, drank himself senseless whenever he pleased, and neglected his wife and home.偏又娶了個多情美色之妻，見他不顧身命，不知風月，一味死吃酒，便不免有蒹葭倚玉之歎，紅顏寂寞之悲。As ill luck would have it, he had married an amorous and beautiful wife. Seeing that he cared nothing for his health, understood nothing of love, and did nothing but drink himself stupid, she could hardly avoid lamenting that a reed had been propped beside jade and grieving that beauty was condemned to loneliness.又見他器量寬宏，并無嫉衾妒枕之意，這媳婦遂恣情縱欲，滿宅內便延攬英雄，收納材俊，上上下下竟有一半是他考試過的。When she also saw that he was broad-minded and showed no inclination toward jealousy in the bedchamber, she gave free rein to her passions. Throughout the household she recruited heroes and welcomed men of talent, until fully half, high and low alike, had undergone her examination.若問他夫妻姓甚名誰，便是上回賈璉所接見的多渾虫燈姑娘兒的便是了。If you ask the names of this husband and wife, they were none other than Duo Hunchong and Miss Deng, whom Jia Lian encountered in the previous chapter.目今晴雯只有這一門親戚，所以出來就在他家。At present these were Qingwen’s only relatives, so after being expelled she had gone straight to their home.

如今且说宝玉只当王夫人不过来搜检搜检，无甚大事，谁知竟这样雷嗔电怒的来了。所责之事皆系平日之语，一字不爽，料必不能挽回的。虽心下恨不能一死，但王夫人盛怒之际，自不敢多言一句，多动一步，一直跟送王夫人到沁芳亭。王夫人命：“回去好生念念那书，仔细明儿问你。才已发下恨了。”宝玉听如此说，方回来，一路打算：“谁这样犯舌？况这里事也无人知道，如何就都说著了。”一面想，一面进来，只见袭人在那里垂泪。且去了第一等的人，岂不伤心，便倒在床上也哭起来。袭人知他心内别的还犹可，独有晴雯是第一件大事，乃推他劝道：“哭也不中用了。你起来我告诉你，晴雯已经好了，他这一家去，倒心净养几天。你果然舍不得他，等太太气消了，你再求老太太，慢慢的叫进来也不难。不过太太偶然信了人的诽言，一时气头上如此罢了。”宝玉哭道：“我究竟不知晴雯犯了何等滔天大罪！”袭人道：“太太只嫌他生的太好了，未免轻佻些。在太太是深知这样美人似的人必不安静，所以恨嫌他，象我们这粗粗笨笨的倒好。”宝玉道：“这也罢了。咱们私自顽话怎么也知道了？又没外人走风的，这可奇怪。”袭人道：“你有甚忌讳的，一时高兴了，你就不管有人无人了。我也曾使过眼色，也曾递过暗号，倒被那别人已知道了，你反不觉。”宝玉道：“怎么人人的不是太太都知道，单不挑出你和麝月秋纹来？”袭人听了这话，心内一动，低头半日，无可回答，因便笑道：“正是呢。若论我们也有顽笑不留心的孟浪去处，怎么太太竟忘了？想是还有别的事，等完了再发放我们，也未可知。”宝玉笑道：“你是头一个出了名的至善至贤之人，他两个又是你陶冶教育的，焉得还有孟浪该罚之处！只是芳官尚小，过于伶俐些，未免倚强压倒了人，惹人厌。四儿是我误了他，还是那年我和你拌嘴的那日起，叫上来作些细活，未免夺占了地位，故有今日。只是晴雯也是和你一样，从小儿在老太太屋里过来的，虽然他生得比人强，也没甚妨碍去处。就是他的性情爽利，口角锋芒些，究竟也不曾得罪你们。想是他过于生得好了，反被这好所误。”说毕，复又哭起来。袭人细揣此话，好似宝玉有疑他之意，竟不好再劝，因叹道：“天知道罢了。此时也查不出人来了，白哭一会子也无益。倒是养著精神，等老太太喜欢时，回明白了再要他是正理。”宝玉冷笑道：“你不必虚宽我的心。等到太太平服了再瞧势头去要时，知他的病等得等不得。他自幼上来娇生惯养，何尝受过一日委屈。连我知道他的性格，还时常冲撞了他。他这一下去，就如同一盆才抽出嫩箭来的兰花送到猪窝里去一般。况又是一身重病，里头一肚子的闷气。他又没有亲爷热娘，只有一个醉泥鳅姑舅哥哥。他这一去，一时也不惯的，那里还等得几日。知道还能见他一面两面不能了！”说著又越发伤心起来。袭人笑道：“可是你‘只许州官放火，不许百姓点灯’。我们偶然说一句略妨碍些的话，就说是不利之谈，你如今好好的咒他，是该的了！他便比别人娇些，也不至这样起来。”宝玉道：“不是我妄口咒他，今年春天已有兆头的。”袭人忙问何兆。宝玉道：“这阶下好好的一株海棠花，竟无故死了半边，我就知有异事，果然应在他身上。”袭人听了，又笑起来，因说道：“我待不说，又撑不住，你太也婆婆妈妈的了。这样的话，岂是你读书的男人说的。草木怎又关系起人来？若不婆婆妈妈的，真也成了个呆子了。”宝玉叹道：“你们那里知道，不但草木，凡天下之物，皆是有情有理的，也和人一样，得了知己，便极有灵验的。若用大题目比，就有孔子庙前之桧，坟前之蓍，诸葛祠前之柏，岳武穆坟前之松。这都是堂堂正大随人之正气。千古不磨之物。世乱则萎，世治则荣，几千百年了，枯而复生者几次。这岂不是兆应？小题目比，就有杨太真沉香亭之木芍药，端正楼之相思树，王昭君冢上之草，岂不也有灵验。所以这海棠亦应其人欲亡，故先就死了半边。”袭人听了这篇痴话，又可笑，又可叹，因笑道：“真真的这话越发说上我的气来了。那晴雯是个什么东西，就费这样心思，比出这些正经人来！还有一说，他纵好，也灭不过我的次序去。便是这海棠，也该先来比我，也还轮不到他。想是我要死了。”宝玉听说，忙握他的嘴，劝道：“这是何苦！一个未清，你又这样起来。罢了，再别提这事，别弄的去了三个，又饶上一个。”袭人听说，心下暗喜道：“若不如此，你也不能了局。”宝玉乃道：“从此休提起，全当他们三个死了，不过如此。况且死了的也曾有过，也没有见我怎么样，此一理也。如今且说现在的，倒是把他的东西，作瞒上不瞒下，悄悄的打发人送出去与了他。再或有咱们常时积攒下的钱，拿几吊出去给他养病，也是你姊妹好了一场。”袭人听了，笑道：“你太把我们看的又小器又没人心了。这话还等你说，我才已将他素日所有的衣裳以至各什各物总打点下了，都放在那里。如今白日里人多眼杂，又恐生事，且等到晚上，悄悄的叫宋妈给他拿出去。我还有攒下的几吊钱也给他罢。”宝玉听了，感谢不尽。袭人笑道：“我原是久已出了名的贤人，连这一点子好名儿还不会买来不成！”宝玉听他方才的话，忙陪笑抚慰一时。晚间果密遣宋妈送去。宝玉将一切人稳住，便独自得便出了后角门，央一个老婆子带他到晴雯家去瞧瞧。先是这婆子百般不肯，只说怕人知道，”回了太太，我还吃饭不吃饭！”无奈宝玉死活央告，又许他些钱，那婆子方带了他来。这晴雯当日系赖大家用银子买的，那时晴雯才得十岁，尚未留头。因常跟赖嬷嬷进来，贾母见他生得伶俐标致，十分喜爱。故此赖嬷嬷就孝敬了贾母使唤，后来所以到了宝玉房里。这晴雯进来时，也不记得家乡父母。只知有个姑舅哥哥，专能庖宰，也沦落在外，故又求了赖家的收买进来吃工食。赖家的见晴雯虽到贾母跟前，千伶百俐，嘴尖性大，却倒还不忘旧，故又将他姑舅哥哥收买进来，把家里一个女孩子配了他。成了房后，谁知他姑舅哥哥一朝身安泰，就忘却当年流落时，任意吃死酒，家小也不顾。偏又娶了个多情美色之妻，见他不顾身命，不知风月，一味死吃酒，便不免有蒹葭倚玉之叹，红颜寂寞之悲。又见他器量宽宏，并无嫉衾妒枕之意，这媳妇遂恣情纵欲，满宅内便延揽英雄，收纳材俊，上上下下竟有一半是他考试过的。若问他夫妻姓甚名谁，便是上回贾琏所接见的多浑虫灯姑娘儿的便是了。目今晴雯只有这一门亲戚，所以出来就在他家。

此時多渾虫外頭去了，那燈姑娘吃了飯去串門子，只剩下晴雯一人，在外間房內爬著。At this time Duo Hunchong had gone out, while Miss Deng had finished her meal and gone visiting, leaving Qingwen alone, lying prone in the outer room.寶玉命那婆子在院門外瞭哨，他獨自掀起草帘進來，一眼就看見晴雯睡在蘆席土炕上，幸而衾褥還是舊日舖的。Baoyu told the old woman to keep watch outside the courtyard gate. He lifted the straw curtain and entered alone, and at once saw Qingwen lying on a reed mat over the earthen kang; fortunately, her quilts and bedding were still those she had formerly used.心內不知自己怎麼才好，因上來含淚伸手輕輕拉他，悄喚兩聲。His heart was in such turmoil that he did not know what to do. He came forward with tears in his eyes, gently took her hand, and softly called her name twice.當下晴雯又因著了風，又受了他哥嫂的歹話，病上加病，嗽了一日，才朦朧睡了。Qingwen had caught a chill and endured cruel words from her cousin and his wife, so illness had been added to illness. After coughing all day, she had only just fallen into a fitful sleep.忽聞有人喚他，強展星眸，一見是寶玉，又驚又喜，又悲又痛，忙一把死攥住他的手。Suddenly hearing someone call her, she forced open her starry eyes. When she saw Baoyu, she was startled and delighted, sorrowful and distressed all at once, and immediately seized his hand in a death grip.哽咽了半日，方說出半句話來：“我只當不得見你了。”接著便嗽個不住。She choked with sobs for a long time before managing half a sentence: “I thought I would never see you again.” Then she began coughing without cease.寶玉也只有哽咽之分。Baoyu, too, could do nothing but choke back sobs.晴雯道：“阿彌陀佛，你來的好，且把那茶倒半碗我喝。Qingwen said, “Amitabha, how good that you have come! Pour me half a bowl of that tea to drink.渴了這半日，叫半個人也叫不著。”寶玉聽說，忙拭淚問：“茶在那里？”晴雯道：“那爐台上就是。”寶玉看時，雖有個黑沙吊子，卻不象個茶壺。I have been thirsty for half the day, yet I cannot summon so much as half a person.” Hearing this, Baoyu hurriedly wiped away his tears and asked, “Where is the tea?” Qingwen said, “Right there on the stove.” Baoyu looked and saw a black earthenware kettle, though it scarcely resembled a teapot.只得桌上去拿了一個碗，也甚大甚粗，不象個茶碗，未到手內，先就聞得油膻之氣。He had no choice but to take a bowl from the table. It was very large and coarse, nothing like a teacup, and before it even reached his hand he smelled its greasy, meaty odor.寶玉只得拿了來，先拿些水洗了兩次，复又用水汕過，方提起沙壺斟了半碗。Baoyu could only take it, rinse it twice with water, then swill it out once more before lifting the earthenware pot and pouring half a bowl.看時，絳紅的，也太不成茶。When he looked, the liquid was dark crimson and scarcely deserved to be called tea.晴雯扶枕道：“快給我喝一口罷！Propping herself against the pillow, Qingwen said, “Quickly, let me have a drink!這就是茶了。This is what passes for tea here.那里比得咱們的茶！”寶玉聽說，先自己嘗了一嘗，并無清香，且無茶味，只一味苦澀，略有茶意而已。How could it compare with the tea we used to have?” Hearing this, Baoyu first tasted it himself. It had no fresh fragrance and scarcely any flavor of tea, but was merely bitter and astringent, with only the faintest suggestion of tea.嘗畢，方遞與晴雯。Only after tasting it did he hand it to Qingwen.只見晴雯如得了甘露一般，一氣都灌下去了。Qingwen drank it all down in a single draught, as though she had been given sweet dew.寶玉心下暗道：“往常那樣好茶，他尚有不如意之處，今日這樣。Baoyu thought to himself, “In the past, even the finest tea could fail to please her, yet today she must drink this.看來，可知古人說的‘飽飫烹宰，饑饜糟糠’，又道是‘飯飽弄粥’，可見都不錯了。”一面想，一面流淚問道：“你有什麼說的，趁著沒人告訴我。”晴雯嗚咽道：“有什麼可說的！Now I see the truth of the old sayings, ‘When full, one tires of fine meats; when hungry, one feasts on husks and bran,’ and ‘Once full of rice, one toys with gruel.’ Clearly neither is wrong.” As he thought, tears flowed down his face, and he asked, “If there is anything you wish to say, tell me now while no one is here.” Qingwen sobbed, “What is there to say?不過挨一刻是一刻，挨一日是一日。I merely endure one moment after another, one day after another.我已知橫豎不過三五日的光景，就好回去了。I know that in any case I have only three or five days left before I can depart this life.只是一件，我死也不甘心的：我雖生的比別人略好些，并沒有私情密意勾引你怎樣，如何一口死咬定了我是個狐狸精！There is just one thing I could never accept, even in death: though I may be a little better-looking than others, I never harbored any secret passion or tried to seduce you, so how could they insist absolutely that I was some fox-spirit?我太不服。I cannot bear the injustice.今日既已擔了虛名，而且臨死，不是我說一句後悔的話，早知如此，我當日也另有個道理。Now that I have already borne the empty reputation and am near death, I do not say this out of regret—but had I known it would come to this, I would have acted differently then.不料痴心傻意，只說大家橫豎是在一處。Foolishly and innocently, I thought we would all remain together in any case.不想平空里生出這一節話來，有冤無處訴。”說畢又哭。I never imagined this accusation would arise out of thin air, leaving me wronged with nowhere to appeal.” When she had finished, she wept again.寶玉拉著他的手，只覺瘦如枯柴，腕上猶戴著四個銀鐲，因泣道：“且卸下這個來，等好了再戴上罷。”因與他卸下來，塞在枕下。Baoyu held her hand and found it as thin as dry kindling, though four silver bracelets still hung on her wrist. Weeping, he said, “Take these off for now; when you are better, you can wear them again.” He removed them for her and tucked them beneath the pillow.又說：“可惜這兩個指甲，好容易長了二寸長，這一病好了，又損好些。”晴雯拭淚，就伸手取了剪刀，將左手上兩根蔥管一般的指甲齊根鉸下，又伸手向被內將貼身穿著的一件舊紅綾襖脫下，并指甲都與寶玉道：“這個你收了，以後就如見我一般。Then he said, “What a pity about these two fingernails! It took so much trouble to grow them two inches long, and after this illness they will be badly damaged.” Wiping away her tears, Qingwen reached for a pair of scissors and cut off at the roots two fingernails on her left hand, slender as scallion shoots. Then, reaching beneath the covers, she removed an old red damask jacket she wore next to her skin and gave it to Baoyu together with the nails, saying, “Keep these; hereafter, seeing them will be like seeing me.快把你的襖兒脫下來我穿。Quickly take off your jacket and let me wear it.我將來在棺材內獨自躺著，也就象還在怡紅院的一樣了。When I lie alone in my coffin, it will seem as if I were still in Yihong Courtyard.論理不該如此，只是擔了虛名，我可也是無可如何了。”寶玉聽說，忙寬衣換上，藏了指甲。By rights I should not do this, but since I have already borne the empty reputation, there is nothing else I can do.” Hearing this, Baoyu hurriedly undressed and exchanged jackets with her, then hid the fingernails away.晴雯又哭道：“回去他們看見了要問，不必撒謊，就說是我的。Qingwen wept again. “When you go back, they will see it and ask questions. You need not lie; just tell them it is mine.既擔了虛名，越性如此，也不過這樣了。”Since I have already borne the false reputation, I may as well go through with this; nothing worse can come of it.”

此时多浑虫外头去了，那灯姑娘吃了饭去串门子，只剩下晴雯一人，在外间房内爬著。宝玉命那婆子在院门外瞭哨，他独自掀起草帘进来，一眼就看见晴雯睡在芦席土炕上，幸而衾褥还是旧日铺的。心内不知自己怎么才好，因上来含泪伸手轻轻拉他，悄唤两声。当下晴雯又因著了风，又受了他哥嫂的歹话，病上加病，嗽了一日，才朦胧睡了。忽闻有人唤他，强展星眸，一见是宝玉，又惊又喜，又悲又痛，忙一把死攥住他的手。哽咽了半日，方说出半句话来：“我只当不得见你了。”接著便嗽个不住。宝玉也只有哽咽之分。晴雯道：“阿弥陀佛，你来的好，且把那茶倒半碗我喝。渴了这半日，叫半个人也叫不著。”宝玉听说，忙拭泪问：“茶在那里？”晴雯道：“那炉台上就是。”宝玉看时，虽有个黑沙吊子，却不象个茶壶。只得桌上去拿了一个碗，也甚大甚粗，不象个茶碗，未到手内，先就闻得油膻之气。宝玉只得拿了来，先拿些水洗了两次，复又用水汕过，方提起沙壶斟了半碗。看时，绛红的，也太不成茶。晴雯扶枕道：“快给我喝一口罢！这就是茶了。那里比得咱们的茶！”宝玉听说，先自己尝了一尝，并无清香，且无茶味，只一味苦涩，略有茶意而已。尝毕，方递与晴雯。只见晴雯如得了甘露一般，一气都灌下去了。宝玉心下暗道：“往常那样好茶，他尚有不如意之处，今日这样。看来，可知古人说的‘饱饫烹宰，饥餍糟糠’，又道是‘饭饱弄粥’，可见都不错了。”一面想，一面流泪问道：“你有什么说的，趁著没人告诉我。”晴雯呜咽道：“有什么可说的！不过挨一刻是一刻，挨一日是一日。我已知横竖不过三五日的光景，就好回去了。只是一件，我死也不甘心的：我虽生的比别人略好些，并没有私情密意勾引你怎样，如何一口死咬定了我是个狐狸精！我太不服。今日既已担了虚名，而且临死，不是我说一句后悔的话，早知如此，我当日也另有个道理。不料痴心傻意，只说大家横竖是在一处。不想平空里生出这一节话来，有冤无处诉。”说毕又哭。宝玉拉著他的手，只觉瘦如枯柴，腕上犹戴著四个银镯，因泣道：“且卸下这个来，等好了再戴上罢。”因与他卸下来，塞在枕下。又说：“可惜这两个指甲，好容易长了二寸长，这一病好了，又损好些。”晴雯拭泪，就伸手取了剪刀，将左手上两根葱管一般的指甲齐根铰下，又伸手向被内将贴身穿著的一件旧红绫袄脱下，并指甲都与宝玉道：“这个你收了，以后就如见我一般。快把你的袄儿脱下来我穿。我将来在棺材内独自躺著，也就象还在怡红院的一样了。论理不该如此，只是担了虚名，我可也是无可如何了。”宝玉听说，忙宽衣换上，藏了指甲。晴雯又哭道：“回去他们看见了要问，不必撒谎，就说是我的。既担了虚名，越性如此，也不过这样了。”

一語未了，只見他嫂子笑嘻嘻掀帘進來，道：“好呀，你兩個的話，我已都聽見了。”又向寶玉道：“你一個作主子的，跑到下人房里作什麼？Before she had finished speaking, her sister-in-law lifted the curtain and entered with a broad smile. “Well, well! I have heard everything you two said.” Turning to Baoyu, she added, “You are a master—what are you doing in a servant’s room?看我年輕又俊，敢是來調戲我么？”寶玉聽說，嚇的忙陪笑央道：“好姐姐，快別大聲。Seeing that I am young and pretty, have you perhaps come to flirt with me?” At this, Baoyu was so frightened that he hurriedly smiled and begged her, “Dear sister, please do not speak so loudly.他伏侍我一場，我私自來瞧瞧他。”燈姑娘便一手拉了寶玉進里間來，笑道：“你不叫嚷也容易，只是依我一件事。”說著，便坐在炕沿上，卻緊緊的將寶玉摟入怀中。She served me for so long that I came privately to see how she was.” Miss Deng took Baoyu by one hand and drew him into the inner room, laughing. “It is easy enough for me not to raise an outcry, provided you grant me one request.” As she spoke, she sat on the edge of the kang and clasped Baoyu tightly in her arms.寶玉如何見過這個，心內早突突的跳起來了，急的滿面紅漲，又羞又怕，只說：“好姐姐，別鬧。”燈姑娘乜斜醉眼，笑道：“呸！Baoyu had never encountered anything like this. His heart began pounding at once, and in his alarm his whole face flushed red. Both ashamed and frightened, he merely said, “Dear sister, do not tease me.” Miss Deng narrowed her languorous eyes and laughed. “Bah!成日家聽見你風月場中慣作工夫的，怎麼今日就反訕起來。”寶玉紅了臉，笑道：“姐姐放手，有話咱們好說。Every day I hear that you are an old hand in the realm of love; why have you suddenly turned bashful today?” Baoyu blushed and said with a smile, “Let go of me, sister, and we can discuss whatever you wish.外頭有老媽媽，聽見什麼意思。”燈姑娘笑道：“我早進來了，卻叫婆子去園門等著呢。There is an old nanny outside—what would she think if she heard us?” Miss Deng laughed. “I came in some time ago and sent the old woman to wait by the garden gate.我等什麼似的，今兒等著了你。I have waited as eagerly as anyone could, and today at last I have caught you.雖然聞名，不如見面，空長了一個好模樣兒，竟是沒藥性的炮仗，只好裝幌子罷了，倒比我還發訕怕羞。Though hearing of a man is not as good as seeing him, you have grown such a fine appearance for nothing: you are a firecracker without any powder, fit only for show, and even more awkward and bashful than I am.可知人的嘴一概聽不得的。This proves that one cannot believe everything people say.就比如方才我們姑娘下來，我也料定你們素日偷雞盜狗的。For instance, when our girl was sent down here just now, I too was certain that you had habitually been carrying on in secret.我進來一會在窗下細聽，屋內只你二人，若有偷雞盜狗的事，豈有不談及于此，誰知你兩個竟還是各不相扰。I came in and listened beneath the window for a while. You two were alone inside; if there had been any secret affair between you, how could you have failed to mention it at such a time? Yet who would have guessed that the two of you had never improperly meddled with one another?可知天下委屈事也不少。Clearly there is no shortage of injustice in this world.如今我反後悔錯怪了你們。Now I regret having wrongfully suspected you both.既然如此，你但放心。Since that is how things stand, you may set your mind at ease.以後你只管來，我也不羅皂你。”寶玉聽說，才放下心來，方起身整衣央道：“好姐姐，你千萬照看他兩天。Come whenever you please in future; I shall not make trouble for you.” Only then did Baoyu relax. He rose, straightened his clothes, and pleaded, “Dear sister, please take especially good care of her for the next two days.我如今去了。”說畢出來，又告訴晴雯。I must go now.” Having said this, he came back out and told Qingwen he was leaving.二人自是依依不舍，也少不得一別。The two naturally clung to each other, reluctant to part, but in the end they had no choice but to say farewell.晴雯知寶玉難行，遂用被蒙頭，總不理他，寶玉方出來。Qingwen knew Baoyu found it hard to leave, so she pulled the quilt over her head and refused to respond to him; only then did Baoyu go out.意欲到芳官四兒處去，無奈天黑，出來了半日，恐里面人找他不見，又恐生事，遂且進園來了，明日再作計較。He meant to visit Fangguan and Si’er, but it was already dark. He had been out for half the day and feared that those inside, unable to find him, might cause further trouble, so he returned to the garden for the time being and planned to consider the matter again the next day.因乃至後角門，小廝正抱舖蓋，里邊嬤嬤們正查人，若再遲一步也就關了。When he reached the rear side gate, a page was already carrying in the bedding, and the nannies inside were checking the servants; had he been one step later, the gate would have been shut.

一语未了，只见他嫂子笑嘻嘻掀帘进来，道：“好呀，你两个的话，我已都听见了。”又向宝玉道：“你一个作主子的，跑到下人房里作什么？看我年轻又俊，敢是来调戏我么？”宝玉听说，吓的忙陪笑央道：“好姐姐，快别大声。他伏侍我一场，我私自来瞧瞧他。”灯姑娘便一手拉了宝玉进里间来，笑道：“你不叫嚷也容易，只是依我一件事。”说著，便坐在炕沿上，却紧紧的将宝玉搂入怀中。宝玉如何见过这个，心内早突突的跳起来了，急的满面红涨，又羞又怕，只说：“好姐姐，别闹。”灯姑娘乜斜醉眼，笑道：“呸！成日家听见你风月场中惯作工夫的，怎么今日就反讪起来。”宝玉红了脸，笑道：“姐姐放手，有话咱们好说。外头有老妈妈，听见什么意思。”灯姑娘笑道：“我早进来了，却叫婆子去园门等著呢。我等什么似的，今儿等著了你。虽然闻名，不如见面，空长了一个好模样儿，竟是没药性的炮仗，只好装幌子罢了，倒比我还发讪怕羞。可知人的嘴一概听不得的。就比如方才我们姑娘下来，我也料定你们素日偷鸡盗狗的。我进来一会在窗下细听，屋内只你二人，若有偷鸡盗狗的事，岂有不谈及于此，谁知你两个竟还是各不相扰。可知天下委屈事也不少。如今我反后悔错怪了你们。既然如此，你但放心。以后你只管来，我也不罗皂你。”宝玉听说，才放下心来，方起身整衣央道：“好姐姐，你千万照看他两天。我如今去了。”说毕出来，又告诉晴雯。二人自是依依不舍，也少不得一别。晴雯知宝玉难行，遂用被蒙头，总不理他，宝玉方出来。意欲到芳官四儿处去，无奈天黑，出来了半日，恐里面人找他不见，又恐生事，遂且进园来了，明日再作计较。因乃至后角门，小厮正抱铺盖，里边嬷嬷们正查人，若再迟一步也就关了。

寶玉進入園中，且喜無人知道。Baoyu entered the garden, glad that no one had found out.到了自己房內，告訴襲人只說在薛姨媽家去的，也就罷了。On reaching his own rooms, he told Xiren only that he had been at Aunt Xue’s house, and the matter ended there.一時舖床，襲人不得不問今日怎麼睡。When it was time to make the bed, Xiren could not avoid asking where he meant to sleep that night.寶玉道：“不管怎麼睡罷了。”原來這一二年間襲人因王夫人看重了他了，越發自要尊重。Baoyu said, “It does not matter where I sleep.” For the past year or two, ever since Lady Wang had begun to regard Xiren highly, she had become increasingly careful to preserve her dignity.凡背人之處，或夜晚之間，總不與寶玉狎昵，較先幼時反倒疏遠了。Whenever they were away from others, or during the night, she never behaved intimately with Baoyu; indeed, she had grown more distant than when they were younger.況雖無大事辦理，然一應針線并寶玉及諸小丫頭們凡出入銀錢衣履什物等事，也甚煩瑣，且有吐血舊症雖愈，然每因勞碌風寒所感，即嗽中帶血，故邇來夜間總不與寶玉同房。Moreover, though she had no great affairs to manage, all the sewing, as well as every detail concerning Baoyu and the young maids—the money, clothes, shoes, and other articles that came in and went out—was exceedingly complicated. She also had an old illness of coughing blood which, though cured, returned whenever overwork, wind, or cold affected her, so that her cough would be streaked with blood. Thus, of late, she never shared Baoyu’s room at night.寶玉夜間常醒，又极膽小，每醒必喚人。Baoyu often woke during the night and was extremely timid; whenever he awoke, he invariably called for someone.因晴雯睡臥警醒，且舉動輕便，故夜晚一應茶水起坐呼喚之任皆悉委他一人，所以寶玉外床只是他睡。Because Qingwen was a light sleeper and quick and nimble in her movements, all the nighttime duties—bringing tea or water, helping Baoyu up, and answering his calls—had been entrusted to her alone; thus it was always she who slept on the outer bed.今他去了，襲人只得要問，因思此任比日間緊要之意。Now that she was gone, Xiren had to ask what was to be done, for she knew this duty was more important than those of the daytime.寶玉既答不管怎樣，襲人只得還依舊年之例，遂仍將自己舖蓋搬來設于床外。Since Baoyu replied that he did not care how it was arranged, Xiren could only follow the practice of former years and move her own bedding back to the bed outside his.寶玉發了一晚上呆。Baoyu sat in a daze all evening.及催他睡下，襲人等也都睡後，聽著寶玉在枕上長吁短歎，复去翻來，直至三更以後。After they had urged him to lie down and Xiren and the others had gone to sleep, they heard Baoyu on his pillow, sighing now deeply, now faintly, tossing and turning until after the third watch.方漸漸的安頓了，略有齁聲。Only then did he gradually settle down, and presently began to snore a little.襲人方放心，也就朦朧睡著。Xiren, reassured at last, also drifted into a hazy sleep.沒半盞茶時，只聽寶玉叫“晴雯”。Before the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea had passed, she heard Baoyu call, “Qingwen!”襲人忙睜開眼連聲答應，問作什麼。Xiren hurriedly opened her eyes, answered him several times, and asked what he wanted.寶玉因要吃茶。Baoyu said he wanted some tea.襲人忙下去向盆內蘸過手，從暖壺內倒了半盞茶來吃過。Xiren quickly got down, dipped her hands in the basin, and poured half a cup of tea from the warming flask for him to drink.寶玉乃笑道：“我近來叫慣了他，卻忘了是你。”襲人笑道：“他一乍來時你也曾睡夢中直叫我，半年後才改了。Baoyu then laughed and said, “I have grown so used to calling her lately that I forgot it was you.” Xiren laughed and said, “When she first came, you used to call for me in your sleep too; it was half a year before you changed.我知道這晴雯人雖去了，這兩個字只怕是不能去的。”說著，大家又臥下。I know that though Qingwen herself is gone, I fear those two syllables will not go so easily.” With that, they both lay down again.寶玉又翻轉了一個更次，至五更方睡去時，只見晴雯從外頭走來，仍是往日形景，進來笑向寶玉道：“你們好生過罷，我從此就別過了。”說畢，翻身便走。Baoyu tossed and turned for another full watch; toward the fifth watch, just as he fell asleep, he saw Qingwen come in from outside, looking exactly as she had before, and smilingly say to him, “You must all take good care of yourselves. From now on I bid you farewell.” No sooner had she spoken than she turned and left.寶玉忙叫時，又將襲人叫醒。Baoyu cried out after her, waking Xiren once again.襲人還只當他慣了口亂叫，卻見寶玉哭了，說道：“晴雯死了。”襲人笑道：“這是那里的話！Xiren supposed he was merely calling the name from force of habit, but then she saw that he was weeping and heard him say, “Qingwen is dead.” Xiren laughed and said, “What a thing to say!你就知道胡鬧，被人聽著什麼意思。”寶玉那里肯聽，恨不得一時亮了就遣人去問信。You only know how to make trouble; what would people think if they heard you?” Baoyu refused to listen and wished that dawn would come at once so he could send someone to inquire after her.及至天亮時，就有王夫人房里小丫頭立等叫開前角門傳王夫人的話：“‘即時叫起寶玉，快洗臉，換了衣裳快來，因今兒有人請老爺尋秋賞桂花，老爺因喜歡他前兒作得詩好，故此要帶他們去。’這都是太太的話，一句別錯了。At daybreak, a young maid from Lady Wang’s apartments was already waiting at the front side gate, calling for it to be opened and delivering Lady Wang’s message: “‘Wake Baoyu at once. Have him wash his face, change his clothes, and come quickly. Someone has invited the Master to an autumn outing to admire the cassia blossoms today, and because the Master was pleased with the poems they wrote the other day, he means to take them along.’ Those are all Her Ladyship’s very words; do not get a single one wrong.你們快飛跑告訴他去，立刻叫他快來，老爺在上屋里還等他吃面茶呢。Run and tell him at once, and have him come immediately. The Master is waiting for him in the main room and means to have him eat flour gruel there.環哥兒已來了。Brother Huan has already arrived.快跑，快跑。Run, quickly, run!再著一個人去叫蘭哥兒，也要這等說。”里面的婆子聽一句，應一句，一面扣扭子，一面開門。And send someone else to summon Brother Lan, giving him the same message.” The old women inside acknowledged each sentence as they heard it, fastening their buttons while opening the gate.一面早有兩三個人一行扣衣，一行分頭去了。Meanwhile, two or three of them were already fastening their clothes as they went, then hurried off in different directions.襲人聽得叩院門，便知有事，忙一面命人問時，自己已起來了。When Xiren heard the knocking at the courtyard gate, she knew something was afoot; while ordering someone to ask what it was, she herself was already getting up.聽得這話，促人來舀了面湯，催寶玉起來盥漱。On hearing the message, she urged someone to bring hot water and pressed Baoyu to rise and wash.他自去取衣。She went herself to fetch his clothes.因思跟賈政出門，便不肯拿出十分出色的新鮮衣履來。Reflecting that he was going out with Jia Zheng, she did not care to bring out any of his finest and newest clothes or shoes.只拿那二等成色的來。She selected only things of second-best quality.寶玉此時亦無法，只得忙忙的前來。Baoyu had no choice at such a time and hurried over.果然賈政在那里吃茶，十分喜悅。Sure enough, Jia Zheng was there drinking tea, in excellent spirits.寶玉忙行了省晨之禮。Baoyu hastened to perform his morning salutations.賈環賈蘭二人也都見過寶玉。Jia Huan and Jia Lan also exchanged greetings with Baoyu.賈政命坐吃茶，向環蘭二人道：“寶玉讀書不如你兩個，論題聯和詩這种聰明，你們皆不及他。Jia Zheng told them to sit and have tea, then said to Huan and Lan, “Baoyu is not so good at his studies as you two, but in quickness at composing linked verses and poems on an assigned theme, neither of you can match him.今日此去，未免強你們做詩，寶玉須聽便助他們兩個。”王夫人等自來不曾聽見這等考語，真是意外之喜。On today’s outing you will doubtless be pressed to write poems; Baoyu, you must be ready to help both of them.” Lady Wang and the others had never before heard Jia Zheng pass such a judgment, and it came as a truly unexpected delight.

宝玉进入园中，且喜无人知道。到了自己房内，告诉袭人只说在薛姨妈家去的，也就罢了。一时铺床，袭人不得不问今日怎么睡。宝玉道：“不管怎么睡罢了。”原来这一二年间袭人因王夫人看重了他了，越发自要尊重。凡背人之处，或夜晚之间，总不与宝玉狎昵，较先幼时反倒疏远了。况虽无大事办理，然一应针线并宝玉及诸小丫头们凡出入银钱衣履什物等事，也甚烦琐，且有吐血旧症虽愈，然每因劳碌风寒所感，即嗽中带血，故迩来夜间总不与宝玉同房。宝玉夜间常醒，又极胆小，每醒必唤人。因晴雯睡卧警醒，且举动轻便，故夜晚一应茶水起坐呼唤之任皆悉委他一人，所以宝玉外床只是他睡。今他去了，袭人只得要问，因思此任比日间紧要之意。宝玉既答不管怎样，袭人只得还依旧年之例，遂仍将自己铺盖搬来设于床外。宝玉发了一晚上呆。及催他睡下，袭人等也都睡后，听著宝玉在枕上长吁短叹，复去翻来，直至三更以后。方渐渐的安顿了，略有齁声。袭人方放心，也就朦胧睡著。没半盏茶时，只听宝玉叫“晴雯”。袭人忙睁开眼连声答应，问作什么。宝玉因要吃茶。袭人忙下去向盆内蘸过手，从暖壶内倒了半盏茶来吃过。宝玉乃笑道：“我近来叫惯了他，却忘了是你。”袭人笑道：“他一乍来时你也曾睡梦中直叫我，半年后才改了。我知道这晴雯人虽去了，这两个字只怕是不能去的。”说著，大家又卧下。宝玉又翻转了一个更次，至五更方睡去时，只见晴雯从外头走来，仍是往日形景，进来笑向宝玉道：“你们好生过罢，我从此就别过了。”说毕，翻身便走。宝玉忙叫时，又将袭人叫醒。袭人还只当他惯了口乱叫，却见宝玉哭了，说道：“晴雯死了。”袭人笑道：“这是那里的话！你就知道胡闹，被人听著什么意思。”宝玉那里肯听，恨不得一时亮了就遣人去问信。及至天亮时，就有王夫人房里小丫头立等叫开前角门传王夫人的话：“‘即时叫起宝玉，快洗脸，换了衣裳快来，因今儿有人请老爷寻秋赏桂花，老爷因喜欢他前儿作得诗好，故此要带他们去。’这都是太太的话，一句别错了。你们快飞跑告诉他去，立刻叫他快来，老爷在上屋里还等他吃面茶呢。环哥儿已来了。快跑，快跑。再著一个人去叫兰哥儿，也要这等说。”里面的婆子听一句，应一句，一面扣扭子，一面开门。一面早有两三个人一行扣衣，一行分头去了。袭人听得叩院门，便知有事，忙一面命人问时，自己已起来了。听得这话，促人来舀了面汤，催宝玉起来盥漱。他自去取衣。因思跟贾政出门，便不肯拿出十分出色的新鲜衣履来。只拿那二等成色的来。宝玉此时亦无法，只得忙忙的前来。果然贾政在那里吃茶，十分喜悦。宝玉忙行了省晨之礼。贾环贾兰二人也都见过宝玉。贾政命坐吃茶，向环兰二人道：“宝玉读书不如你两个，论题联和诗这种聪明，你们皆不及他。今日此去，未免强你们做诗，宝玉须听便助他们两个。”王夫人等自来不曾听见这等考语，真是意外之喜。

一時侯他父子二人等去了，方欲過賈母這邊來時，就有芳官等三個的乾娘走來，回說：“芳官自前日蒙太太的恩典賞了出去，他就瘋了似的，茶也不吃，飯也不用，勾引上藕官蕊官，三個人尋死覓活，只要剪了頭髮做尼姑去。After waiting until Jia Zheng and the boys had departed, Lady Wang was just about to go over to Grandmother Jia’s quarters when the foster mothers of Fangguan and the other two came in and reported, “Ever since Her Ladyship graciously ordered Fangguan to be sent away the day before yesterday, she has behaved like a mad thing, refusing both tea and food; she has drawn Ouguan and Ruiguan into it as well, and all three threaten to kill themselves, insisting on cutting off their hair and becoming nuns.我只當是小孩子家一時出去不慣也是有的，不過隔兩日就好了。I thought they were only children and naturally unaccustomed to being sent away, and that they would be well again in a day or two.誰知越鬧越凶，打罵著也不怕。But who would have thought that the disturbance would only grow worse? Even beatings and scoldings do not frighten them.實在沒法，所以來求太太，或者就依他們做尼姑去，或教導他們一頓，賞給別人作女兒去罷，我們也沒這福。”王夫人聽了道：“胡說！We truly can do nothing with them, so we have come to beg Your Ladyship either to let them become nuns as they wish, or to give them a sound lesson and bestow them on someone else as daughters; we are not blessed enough to keep them.” Lady Wang said, “Nonsense!那里由得他們起來，佛門也是輕易人進去的！They cannot simply do as they please; nor is the Buddhist order a place that just anyone may enter!每人打一頓給他們，看還鬧不鬧了！”當下因八月十五日各廟內上供去，皆有各廟內的尼姑來送供尖之例，王夫人曾于十五日就留下水月庵的智通與地藏庵的圓心住兩日，至今日未回，聽得此信，巴不得又拐兩個女孩子去作活使喚，因都向王夫人道：“咱們府上到底是善人家。Give each of them a beating and see whether they still make such a fuss!” Now, by custom, when offerings were made at the various temples on the fifteenth of the eighth month, nuns from each temple came to deliver the tips of the offerings; on the fifteenth Lady Wang had asked Zhitong of Shuiyue Convent and Yuanxin of Dizang Convent to stay for two days, and they had not yet returned. When they heard this news, they were only too eager to entice away two more girls as working hands, so they both said to Lady Wang, “This household of ours is indeed a household of virtuous people.因太太好善，所以感應得這些小姑娘們皆如此。Because Your Ladyship delights in good works, your goodness has called forth such a response in all these young girls.雖說佛門輕易難入，也要知道佛法平等。Though it is said that entry into the Buddhist order should not be lightly granted, one must also remember that the Buddha’s law makes no distinctions.我佛立願，原是一切眾生無論雞犬皆要度他，無奈迷人不醒。Our Buddha vowed to save every living creature, even chickens and dogs, but alas, those sunk in delusion will not awaken.若果有善根能醒悟，即可以超脫輪回。If one truly possesses the roots of goodness and can attain awakening, one may escape the cycle of rebirth.所以經上現有虎狼蛇虫得道者就不少。That is why the sutras contain no few examples of tigers, wolves, snakes, and insects attaining the Way.如今這兩三個姑娘既然無父無母，家鄉又遠，他們既經了這富貴，又想從小兒命苦入了這風流行次，將來知道終身怎麼樣，所以苦海回頭，出家修修來世，也是他們的高意。Now these two or three girls have neither father nor mother, and their native homes lie far away; having known such wealth and splendor, they also reflect that, ill-fated since childhood, they entered this frivolous profession, and cannot know what their whole future life may hold. Thus they have turned back from the sea of suffering, and wish to take vows and cultivate merit for the life to come—a most lofty intention on their part.太太倒不要限了善念。”王夫人原是個好善的，先聽彼等之語不肯聽其自由者，因思芳官等不過皆系小兒女，一時不遂心，故有此意，但恐將來熬不得清淨，反致獲罪。Your Ladyship should not restrain such virtuous thoughts.” Lady Wang was naturally devoted to good works; when she had first heard what the girls said, she had refused to let them do as they pleased, thinking that Fangguan and the others were merely young girls who, thwarted for the moment, had conceived this notion, and fearing that later they might be unable to endure the austerities of religious life and thereby incur sin instead.今聽這兩個姑子的話大近情理，且近日家中多故，又有邢夫人遣人來知會，明日接迎春家去住兩日，以備人家相看，且又有官媒婆來求說探春等事，心緒正煩，那里著意在這些小事上。But now the words of these two nuns seemed eminently reasonable; moreover, the household had lately suffered many troubles, Lady Xing had sent word that she would take Yingchun home the next day for a two-day stay in preparation for prospective suitors to inspect her, and an official matchmaker had also come to propose a marriage for Tanchun. Lady Wang’s mind was in such turmoil that she had no attention to spare for these trifles.既聽此言，便笑答道：“你兩個既這等說，你們就帶了作徒弟去如何？”兩個姑子聽了，念一聲佛道：“善哉！Hearing this, she replied with a smile, “Since you both speak in this way, why not take them away as your disciples?” The two nuns invoked the Buddha’s name and exclaimed, “Excellent!善哉！Excellent!若如此，可是你老人家陰德不小。”說畢，便稽首拜謝。If this is done, the hidden merit Your Ladyship earns will be considerable indeed.” With that, they bowed their heads to the ground in thanks.王夫人道：“既這樣，你們問他們去。Lady Wang said, “In that case, go and ask them.若果真心，即上來當著我拜了師父去罷。”這三個女人聽了出去，果然將他三人帶來。If their resolve is genuine, have them come up here, acknowledge you as their teachers in my presence, and then depart.” The three women went out and duly brought all three girls in.王夫人問之再三，他三人已是立定主意，遂與兩個姑子叩了頭，又拜辭了王夫人。Lady Wang questioned them repeatedly, but the three had firmly made up their minds; they therefore kowtowed to the two nuns and then bowed farewell to Lady Wang.王夫人見他們意皆決斷，知不可強了，反倒傷心可怜，忙命人取了些東西來繼賞了他們，又送了兩個姑子些禮物。Seeing that they were all resolute and knowing they could not be forced, Lady Wang instead felt sorrow and pity for them; she quickly ordered that some things be brought as additional gifts for the girls, and also presented the two nuns with gifts.從此芳官跟了水月庵的智通，蕊官藕官二人跟了地藏庵的圓心，各自出家去了。From then on, Fangguan followed Zhitong of Shuiyue Convent, while Ruiguan and Ouguan followed Yuanxin of Dizang Convent, and each entered the religious life.再聽下回分解。For what follows, listen to the explanation in the next chapter.

一时侯他父子二人等去了，方欲过贾母这边来时，就有芳官等三个的干娘走来，回说：“芳官自前日蒙太太的恩典赏了出去，他就疯了似的，茶也不吃，饭也不用，勾引上藕官蕊官，三个人寻死觅活，只要剪了头发做尼姑去。我只当是小孩子家一时出去不惯也是有的，不过隔两日就好了。谁知越闹越凶，打骂著也不怕。实在没法，所以来求太太，或者就依他们做尼姑去，或教导他们一顿，赏给别人作女儿去罢，我们也没这福。”王夫人听了道：“胡说！那里由得他们起来，佛门也是轻易人进去的！每人打一顿给他们，看还闹不闹了！”当下因八月十五日各庙内上供去，皆有各庙内的尼姑来送供尖之例，王夫人曾于十五日就留下水月庵的智通与地藏庵的圆心住两日，至今日未回，听得此信，巴不得又拐两个女孩子去作活使唤，因都向王夫人道：“咱们府上到底是善人家。因太太好善，所以感应得这些小姑娘们皆如此。虽说佛门轻易难入，也要知道佛法平等。我佛立愿，原是一切众生无论鸡犬皆要度他，无奈迷人不醒。若果有善根能醒悟，即可以超脱轮回。所以经上现有虎狼蛇虫得道者就不少。如今这两三个姑娘既然无父无母，家乡又远，他们既经了这富贵，又想从小儿命苦入了这风流行次，将来知道终身怎么样，所以苦海回头，出家修修来世，也是他们的高意。太太倒不要限了善念。”王夫人原是个好善的，先听彼等之语不肯听其自由者，因思芳官等不过皆系小儿女，一时不遂心，故有此意，但恐将来熬不得清净，反致获罪。今听这两个姑子的话大近情理，且近日家中多故，又有邢夫人遣人来知会，明日接迎春家去住两日，以备人家相看，且又有官媒婆来求说探春等事，心绪正烦，那里著意在这些小事上。既听此言，便笑答道：“你两个既这等说，你们就带了作徒弟去如何？”两个姑子听了，念一声佛道：“善哉！善哉！若如此，可是你老人家阴德不小。”说毕，便稽首拜谢。王夫人道：“既这样，你们问他们去。若果真心，即上来当著我拜了师父去罢。”这三个女人听了出去，果然将他三人带来。王夫人问之再三，他三人已是立定主意，遂与两个姑子叩了头，又拜辞了王夫人。王夫人见他们意皆决断，知不可强了，反倒伤心可怜，忙命人取了些东西来继赏了他们，又送了两个姑子些礼物。从此芳官跟了水月庵的智通，蕊官藕官二人跟了地藏庵的圆心，各自出家去了。再听下回分解。