第七十九回　薛文龍悔娶河東獅　賈迎春誤嫁中山狼 Xue Pan Rues Marrying a Shrew; Jia Yingchun Is Wrongly Wed to a Wolf

話說寶玉祭完了晴雯，只聽花影中有人聲，倒唬了一跳。It is told that, when Baoyu had finished his sacrifice to Qingwen, he suddenly heard a voice among the flower shadows and was quite startled.走出來細看，不是別人，卻是林黛玉，滿面含笑，口內說道：“好新奇的祭文！He stepped out for a closer look and found it was none other than Lin Daiyu, smiling broadly and saying, “What a novel sacrificial elegy!可與曹娥碑并傳的了。”寶玉聽了，不覺紅了臉，笑答道：“我想著世上這些祭文都蹈于熟濫了，所以改個新樣，原不過是我一時的頑意，誰知又被你聽見了。It deserves to be handed down alongside the Stele of Cao E.” Hearing this, Baoyu blushed and replied with a smile, “I thought all the sacrificial elegies in the world followed the same stale conventions, so I devised a new form; it was only a passing whim of mine, but who would have thought you would overhear it?有什麼大使不得的，何不改削改削。”黛玉道：“原稿在那里？There is nothing so terribly wrong with it; why not revise and polish it?” Daiyu asked, “Where is the original?倒要細細一讀。I should like to read it carefully.長篇大論，不知說的是什麼，只聽見中間兩句，什麼‘紅綃帳里，公子多情，黃土壟中，女兒薄命。’這一聯意思卻好，只是‘紅綃帳里’未免熟濫些。It was a long and elaborate discourse, and I could not tell what it was about; I only caught two lines in the middle, something like: ‘Within the crimson-silk curtains, the young master is tender-hearted; beneath the yellow earthen mound, the maiden is ill-fated.’ The idea in this couplet is good, but ‘within the crimson-silk curtains’ is rather hackneyed.放著現成真事，為什麼不用？”寶玉忙問：“什麼現成的真事？”黛玉笑道：“咱們如今都系霞影紗糊的窗槅，何不說‘茜紗窗下，公子多情’呢？”寶玉聽了，不禁跌足笑道：“好极，是极！Why not use a real detail ready to hand?” Baoyu hurriedly asked, “What real detail?” Daiyu smiled. “Our window-lattices are now all covered with rosy-cloud gauze; why not say, ‘Beneath the rosy-gauze window, the young master is tender-hearted’?” Baoyu stamped his foot and laughed. “Excellent—exactly right!到底是你想的出，說的出。Only you could have thought of it and put it into words.可知天下古今現成的好景妙事盡多，只是愚人蠢子說不出想不出罷了。This shows that in all times and places the world abounds in fine scenes and marvelous things ready to hand; it is only fools and dullards who can neither conceive nor express them.但只一件：雖然這一改新妙之极，但你居此則可，在我實不敢當。”說著，又接連說了一二十句“不敢”。There is just one difficulty: though this change is wonderfully original, it suits you, who live there, whereas I truly dare not presume to claim it.” So saying, he repeated “I dare not” a dozen or twenty times.黛玉笑道：“何妨。Daiyu laughed. “Why should that matter?我的窗即可為你之窗，何必分晰得如此生疏。My window may serve as yours; why draw such distinctions and make us seem so distant?古人异姓陌路，尚然同肥馬，衣輕裘，敝之而無憾，何況咱們。”寶玉笑道：“論交之道，不在肥馬輕裘，即黃金白璧，亦不當錙銖較量。Even strangers of different surnames in ancient times would share their sleek horses and light furs, wearing them out without regret—how much more should we?” Baoyu laughed. “The way of friendship does not lie merely in sleek horses and light furs; even gold and white jade should not be weighed grain by grain between friends.倒是這唐突閨閣，萬萬使不得的。But to treat a young lady’s chamber with such presumption would never do.如今我越性將‘公子’‘女兒’改去，竟算是你誄他的倒妙。I may as well replace both ‘young master’ and ‘maiden’ and make it seem that you composed the elegy for her; that would be splendid.況且素日你又待他甚厚，故今宁可棄此一篇大文，萬不可棄此‘茜紗’新句。Besides, you always treated her with great kindness, so I would sooner discard this whole grand composition than sacrifice the new phrase ‘rosy gauze.’竟莫若改作‘茜紗窗下，小姐多情，黃土壟中，丫鬟薄命。’如此一改，雖于我無涉，我也是愜怀的。”黛玉笑道：“他又不是我的丫頭，何用作此語。It would be best changed to: ‘Beneath the rosy-gauze window, the young lady is tender-hearted; beneath the yellow earthen mound, the maid is ill-fated.’ Though that removes me from it, I shall still be satisfied.” Daiyu laughed. “She was not my maid, so why should I say such a thing?況且小姐丫鬟亦不典雅，等我的紫鵑死了，我再如此說，還不算遲。”寶玉聽了，忙笑道：“這是何苦又咒他。”黛玉笑道：“是你要咒的，并不是我說的。”寶玉道：“我又有了，這一改可妥當了。Besides, ‘young lady’ and ‘maid’ are hardly elegant. When my Zijuan dies, it will not be too late for me to say it then.” Baoyu hastily laughed. “Why curse her like that?” Daiyu replied with a smile, “You are the one who wanted to curse her, not I.” Baoyu said, “I have it! This revision will be perfectly suitable.莫若說‘茜紗窗下，我本無緣，黃土壟中，卿何薄命。’”黛玉聽了，忡然變色，心中雖有無限的狐疑亂擬，外面卻不肯露出，反連忙含笑點頭稱妙，說：“果然改的好。Better say: ‘Beneath the rosy-gauze window, I was never fated for you; beneath the yellow earthen mound, why was your fate so cruel?’” At this Daiyu’s face abruptly changed; though countless suspicions and wild conjectures stirred within her, she refused to show them, but hastily smiled, nodded, and praised it: “That is indeed well revised.再不必亂改了，快去幹正經事罷。Do not tamper with it anymore; hurry off and attend to serious business.才剛太太打發人叫你明兒一早快過大舅母那邊去。Just now Her Ladyship sent someone to tell you to go early tomorrow morning to your eldest aunt’s.你二姐姐已有人家求准了，想是明兒那家人來拜允，所以叫你們過去呢。”寶玉拍手道：“何必如此忙？A family’s proposal for your second sister has been accepted. I expect they are coming tomorrow to acknowledge the betrothal, so you are all being summoned there.” Baoyu clapped his hands. “Why such haste?我身上也不大好，明兒還未必能去呢。”黛玉道：“又來了，我勸你把脾氣改改罷。I am not very well either, and may not be able to go tomorrow.” Daiyu said, “There you go again. I advise you to change that temper of yours.一年大二年小，……”一面說話，一面咳嗽起來。You are getting older year by year—” As she spoke, she began to cough.寶玉忙道：“這里風冷，咱們只顧呆站在這里，快回去罷。”黛玉道：“我也家去歇息了，明兒再見罷。”說著，便自取路去了。Baoyu hurriedly said, “The wind is cold here, and we have been standing foolishly in it; let us go back quickly.” Daiyu said, “I too shall go home and rest. We will meet again tomorrow.” With that, she took her own path away.寶玉只得悶悶的轉步，又忽想起來黛玉無人隨伴，忙命小丫頭子跟了送回去。Baoyu could only turn back dejectedly; then, suddenly remembering that Daiyu had no one with her, he quickly ordered a little maid to follow and escort her home.自己到了怡紅院中，果有王夫人打發老嬤嬤來，吩咐他明日一早過賈赦那邊去，與方才黛玉之言相對。When he himself reached Yihong Courtyard, an old nurse sent by Lady Wang was indeed waiting there, instructing him to go to Jia She’s quarters early the next morning, exactly as Daiyu had said.

话说宝玉祭完了晴雯，只听花影中有人声，倒唬了一跳。走出来细看，不是别人，却是林黛玉，满面含笑，口内说道：“好新奇的祭文！可与曹娥碑并传的了。”宝玉听了，不觉红了脸，笑答道：“我想著世上这些祭文都蹈于熟滥了，所以改个新样，原不过是我一时的顽意，谁知又被你听见了。有什么大使不得的，何不改削改削。”黛玉道：“原稿在那里？倒要细细一读。长篇大论，不知说的是什么，只听见中间两句，什么‘红绡帐里，公子多情，黄土垄中，女儿薄命。’这一联意思却好，只是‘红绡帐里’未免熟滥些。放著现成真事，为什么不用？”宝玉忙问：“什么现成的真事？”黛玉笑道：“咱们如今都系霞影纱糊的窗槅，何不说‘茜纱窗下，公子多情’呢？”宝玉听了，不禁跌足笑道：“好极，是极！到底是你想的出，说的出。可知天下古今现成的好景妙事尽多，只是愚人蠢子说不出想不出罢了。但只一件：虽然这一改新妙之极，但你居此则可，在我实不敢当。”说著，又接连说了一二十句“不敢”。黛玉笑道：“何妨。我的窗即可为你之窗，何必分晰得如此生疏。古人异姓陌路，尚然同肥马，衣轻裘，敝之而无憾，何况咱们。”宝玉笑道：“论交之道，不在肥马轻裘，即黄金白璧，亦不当锱铢较量。倒是这唐突闺阁，万万使不得的。如今我越性将‘公子’‘女儿’改去，竟算是你诔他的倒妙。况且素日你又待他甚厚，故今宁可弃此一篇大文，万不可弃此‘茜纱’新句。竟莫若改作‘茜纱窗下，小姐多情，黄土垄中，丫鬟薄命。’如此一改，虽于我无涉，我也是惬怀的。”黛玉笑道：“他又不是我的丫头，何用作此语。况且小姐丫鬟亦不典雅，等我的紫鹃死了，我再如此说，还不算迟。”宝玉听了，忙笑道：“这是何苦又咒他。”黛玉笑道：“是你要咒的，并不是我说的。”宝玉道：“我又有了，这一改可妥当了。莫若说‘茜纱窗下，我本无缘，黄土垄中，卿何薄命。’”黛玉听了，忡然变色，心中虽有无限的狐疑乱拟，外面却不肯露出，反连忙含笑点头称妙，说：“果然改的好。再不必乱改了，快去干正经事罢。才刚太太打发人叫你明儿一早快过大舅母那边去。你二姐姐已有人家求准了，想是明儿那家人来拜允，所以叫你们过去呢。”宝玉拍手道：“何必如此忙？我身上也不大好，明儿还未必能去呢。”黛玉道：“又来了，我劝你把脾气改改罢。一年大二年小，……”一面说话，一面咳嗽起来。宝玉忙道：“这里风冷，咱们只顾呆站在这里，快回去罢。”黛玉道：“我也家去歇息了，明儿再见罢。”说著，便自取路去了。宝玉只得闷闷的转步，又忽想起来黛玉无人随伴，忙命小丫头子跟了送回去。自己到了怡红院中，果有王夫人打发老嬷嬷来，吩咐他明日一早过贾赦那边去，与方才黛玉之言相对。

原來賈赦已將迎春許與孫家了。It turned out that Jia She had already promised Yingchun to the Sun family.這孫家乃是大同府人氏，祖上系軍官出身，乃當日宁榮府中之門生，算來亦系世交。The Sun family came from Datong Prefecture and had risen through military service; their forebear had once been a protégé of the Ning and Rong households, so the families counted as old family friends.如今孫家只有一人在京，現襲指揮之職，此人名喚孫紹祖，生得相貌魁梧，体格健壯，弓馬嫻熟，應酬權變，年紀未滿三十，且又家資饒富，現在兵部候缺題升。The Sun family now had only one man in the capital, who had inherited the rank of commandant. His name was Sun Shaozu; he was tall and imposing, sturdy of build, skilled in archery and horsemanship, adept at social dealings and expedient maneuvering, not yet thirty, and very wealthy; he was presently awaiting appointment and promotion by the Ministry of War.因未有室，賈赦見是世交之孫，且人品家當都相稱合，遂青目擇為東床嬌婿。Since he had no wife, Jia She, seeing that he was the grandson of an old family friend and that his character and fortune appeared a suitable match, looked favorably upon him and chose him as his cherished son-in-law.亦曾回明賈母。He also reported the matter to Grandmother Jia.賈母心中卻不十分稱意，想來攔阻亦恐不聽，兒女之事自有天意前因，況且他是親父主張，何必出頭多事，為此只說“知道了”三字，餘不多及。Grandmother Jia was not altogether pleased, but she supposed that Jia She would not listen if she tried to intervene; marriages were governed by fate and causes from former lives, and since Yingchun’s own father had decided the matter, why should she come forward and invite trouble? She therefore said only, “I understand,” and spoke no further of it.賈政又深惡孫家，雖是世交，當年不過是彼祖希慕榮宁之勢，有不能了結之事才拜在門下的，并非詩禮名族之裔，因此倒勸諫過兩次，無奈賈赦不聽，也只得罷了。Jia Zheng, moreover, strongly disliked the Sun family. Though they were old family friends, Sun’s grandfather had merely coveted the power of the Ning and Rong houses and become their protégé because he had some troublesome affair he could not settle; they were not descendants of a distinguished family steeped in poetry and rites. Jia Zheng therefore remonstrated twice, but Jia She would not listen, so he too had to let the matter drop.寶玉卻從未會過這孫紹祖一面的，次日只得過去聊以塞責。Baoyu had never once met Sun Shaozu, but the next day he had no choice but to go over and perfunctorily discharge his duty.只聽見說娶親的日子甚急，不過今年就要過門的，又見邢夫人等回了賈母將迎春接出大觀園去等事，越發掃去了興頭，每日痴痴呆呆的，不知作何消遣。When he heard that the wedding date was extremely near and that Yingchun was to enter her husband’s house before the year was out, and saw Lady Xing and the others report to Grandmother Jia about taking Yingchun out of Daguanyuan, his spirits sank still further; day after day he sat in a daze, not knowing how to occupy himself.又聽得說陪四個丫頭過去，更又跌足自歎道：“從今後這世上又少了五個清洁人了。”因此天天到紫菱洲一帶地方徘徊瞻顧，見其軒窗寂寞，屏帳翛然，不過有幾個該班上夜的老嫗。Hearing also that four maids would accompany her, he stamped his foot and sighed, “From now on there will be five fewer pure souls in the world.” Thus, every day he wandered about the vicinity of Ziling Islet, gazing wistfully around; its windows and chambers were deserted, its screens and curtains forlorn, with only a few old women assigned to night duty.再看那岸上的蓼花葦葉，池內的翠荇香菱，也都覺搖搖落落，似有追憶故人之態，迥非素常逞妍斗色之可比。When he looked again at the smartweed blossoms and reed leaves along the bank, and the green water-plants and fragrant water-chestnuts in the pond, they too seemed to droop and scatter as though mourning an absent friend, utterly unlike their usual display of competing beauty and color.既領略得如此寥落凄慘之景，是以情不自禁，乃信口吟成一歌曰：Having taken in this desolate and sorrowful scene, he could not restrain his feelings and improvised a song:

原来贾赦已将迎春许与孙家了。这孙家乃是大同府人氏，祖上系军官出身，乃当日宁荣府中之门生，算来亦系世交。如今孙家只有一人在京，现袭指挥之职，此人名唤孙绍祖，生得相貌魁梧，体格健壮，弓马娴熟，应酬权变，年纪未满三十，且又家资饶富，现在兵部候缺题升。因未有室，贾赦见是世交之孙，且人品家当都相称合，遂青目择为东床娇婿。亦曾回明贾母。贾母心中却不十分称意，想来拦阻亦恐不听，儿女之事自有天意前因，况且他是亲父主张，何必出头多事，为此只说“知道了”三字，余不多及。贾政又深恶孙家，虽是世交，当年不过是彼祖希慕荣宁之势，有不能了结之事才拜在门下的，并非诗礼名族之裔，因此倒劝谏过两次，无奈贾赦不听，也只得罢了。宝玉却从未会过这孙绍祖一面的，次日只得过去聊以塞责。只听见说娶亲的日子甚急，不过今年就要过门的，又见邢夫人等回了贾母将迎春接出大观园去等事，越发扫去了兴头，每日痴痴呆呆的，不知作何消遣。又听得说陪四个丫头过去，更又跌足自叹道：“从今后这世上又少了五个清洁人了。”因此天天到紫菱洲一带地方徘徊瞻顾，见其轩窗寂寞，屏帐翛然，不过有几个该班上夜的老妪。再看那岸上的蓼花苇叶，池内的翠荇香菱，也都觉摇摇落落，似有追忆故人之态，迥非素常逞妍斗色之可比。既领略得如此寥落凄惨之景，是以情不自禁，乃信口吟成一歌曰：

池塘一夜秋風冷，吹散芰荷紅玉影。One night’s autumn wind chills the pond, scattering the red-jade reflections of lotus blooms.

池塘一夜秋风冷，吹散芰荷红玉影。

蓼花菱葉不胜愁，重露繁霜壓纖梗。Smartweed flowers and water-chestnut leaves cannot bear their grief; heavy dew and thick frost weigh down their slender stems.

蓼花菱叶不胜愁，重露繁霜压纤梗。

不聞永晝敲棋聲，燕泥點點污棋枰。No longer through the endless day is heard the click of chessmen; specks of swallows’ mud now stain the chessboard.

不闻永昼敲棋声，燕泥点点污棋枰。

古人惜別怜朋友，況我今當手足情！The ancients grieved at parting even from friends—how much more I, whose bond with her is that of flesh and blood!

古人惜别怜朋友，况我今当手足情！

寶玉方才吟罷，忽聞背後有人笑道：“你又發什麼呆呢？”寶玉回頭忙看是誰，原來是香菱。Baoyu had only just finished chanting when he suddenly heard someone behind him laugh, “What are you mooning about now?” He quickly turned to see who it was and found that it was Xiangling.寶玉便轉身笑問道：“我的姐姐，你這會子跑到這里來做什麼？Turning around, Baoyu asked her with a smile, “My dear sister, what brings you running here at this hour?許多日子也不進來逛逛。”香菱拍手笑嘻嘻的說道：“我何曾不來。You have not come in for a visit in ages.” Xiangling clapped her hands and said merrily, “When have I ever stopped coming?如今你哥哥回來了，那里比先時自由自在的了。But now that your cousin has returned, how can I be as free as I was before?才剛我們奶奶使人找你鳳姐姐的，竟沒找著，說往園子里來了。Just now our mistress sent someone to look for your Cousin Feng, but she could not be found; they said she had come into the Garden.我聽見了這信，我就討了這件差進來找他。When I heard that, I volunteered for the errand and came in to find her.遇見他的丫頭，說在稻香村呢。I met one of her maids, who said she was at Daoxiang Village.如今我往稻香村去，誰知又遇見了你。I am on my way there now, and who should I meet but you?我且問你，襲人姐姐這幾日可好？But first tell me, has Sister Xiren been well these past few days?怎麼忽然把個晴雯姐姐也沒了，到底是什麼病？And how could Sister Qingwen suddenly be gone? What illness did she have?二姑娘搬出去的好快，你瞧瞧這地方好空落落的。”寶玉應之不迭，又讓他同到怡紅院去吃茶。Second Miss moved out so quickly—just look how empty and forlorn this place is.” Baoyu answered her questions one after another and invited her to Yihong Courtyard for tea.香菱道：“此刻竟不能，等找著璉二奶奶，說完了正經事再來。”寶玉道：“什麼正經事這麼忙？”香菱道：“為你哥哥娶嫂子的事，所以要緊。”寶玉道：“正是。Xiangling said, “I really cannot just now. Once I have found Second Mistress Lian and finished my serious business, I will come.” Baoyu asked, “What serious business is so urgent?” Xiangling said, “It concerns your cousin’s marriage, so it is important.” Baoyu replied, “Ah, yes.說的到底是那一家的？Which family’s daughter have they finally chosen?只聽見吵嚷了這半年，今兒又說張家的好，明兒又要李家的，後兒又議論王家的。For half a year I have heard nothing but uproar: today the Zhang girl is said to be suitable, tomorrow they want the Li girl, and the next day they discuss the Wang girl.這些人家的女兒他也不知道造了什麼罪了，叫人家好端端議論。”香菱道：“這如今定了，可以不用搬扯別家了。”寶玉忙問：“定了誰家的？”香菱道：“因你哥哥上次出門貿易時，在順路到了個親戚家去。I cannot imagine what sins those families’ daughters have committed to have people blithely gossiping about them.” Xiangling said, “It is settled now, so there is no need to drag other families into it.” Baoyu quickly asked, “Whose daughter has been chosen?” Xiangling replied, “The last time your cousin went away on business, he stopped on his way at a relative’s house.這門親原是老親，且又和我們是同在戶部挂名行商，也是數一數二的大門戶。They are old relations of ours, and like us they are registered merchants with the Ministry of Revenue; theirs is also one of the foremost great households.前日說起來，你們兩府都也知道的。When the matter came up the other day, we learned that both your houses know them too.合長安城中，上至王侯，下至買賣人，都稱他家是‘桂花夏家。’”寶玉笑問道：“如何又稱為‘桂花夏家’？”香菱道：“他家本姓夏，非常的富貴。Throughout Chang’an, from princes and nobles down to tradesmen, everyone calls them ‘the Osmanthus Xia family.’” Baoyu asked with a smile, “Why are they called the ‘Osmanthus Xia family’?” Xiangling said, “Their surname is Xia, and they are exceedingly rich and distinguished.其餘田地不用說，單有幾十頃地獨种桂花，凡這長安城里城外桂花局俱是他家的，連宮里一應陳設盆景亦是他家貢奉，因此才有這個渾號。Quite apart from their other estates, they own scores of qing of land planted solely with osmanthus; all the osmanthus nurseries inside and outside Chang’an belong to them, and even the palace ornaments and potted landscapes are supplied as tribute by their family. That is how they acquired the nickname.如今大爺也沒了，只有老奶奶帶著一個親生的姑娘過活，也并沒有哥兒兄弟，可惜他竟一門盡絕了。”寶玉忙道：“咱們也別管他絕後不絕後，只是這姑娘可好？The master of the house is dead now, and only the old lady and her own daughter live together; there are no sons or brothers, so sadly their entire line will die out.” Baoyu hastily said, “Never mind whether their line dies out; is the girl herself attractive?你們大爺怎麼就中意了？”香菱笑道：“一則是天緣，二則是‘情人眼里出西施’。How did your master come to take a fancy to her?” Xiangling laughed. “For one thing, it was a match made in heaven; for another, ‘in a lover’s eyes his beloved is Xi Shi.’當年又是通家來往，從小兒都一處廝混過。The two families were close in former years, and the children played together from their earliest days.敘起親是姑舅兄妹，又沒嫌疑。By kinship they are cross-cousins, so there was nothing improper in their meeting.雖離開了這幾年，前兒一到他家，夏奶奶又是沒兒子的，一見了你哥哥出落的這樣，又是哭，又是笑，竟比見了兒子的還胜。Though they had been apart for several years, when he arrived at their house the other day, Madame Xia, having no son, saw how splendidly your cousin had grown and both wept and laughed, more delighted than if she had seen her own son.又令他兄妹相見，誰知這姑娘出落得花朵似的了，在家里也讀書寫字，所以你哥哥當時就一心看准了。She also had the cousins meet, and who would have thought the girl had blossomed like a flower? She reads and writes at home as well, so your cousin fixed his heart upon her at once.連當舖里老朝奉伙計們一群人蹧扰了人家三四日，他們還留多住幾日，好容易苦辭才放回家。Even though a whole party of senior clerks and assistants from the pawnshop had imposed on their hospitality for three or four days, the family still urged them to remain longer; only after repeated and strenuous refusals were they finally allowed to return home.你哥哥一進門，就咕咕唧唧求我們奶奶去求親。The moment your cousin came through the door, he began muttering and pleading with our mistress to arrange the match.我們奶奶原也是見過這姑娘的，且又門當戶對，也就依了。Our mistress had met the girl before, and as the families were well matched in status, she agreed.和這里姨太太鳳姑娘商議了，打發人去一說就成了。After discussing it with your aunt and Cousin Feng here, she sent someone to make the proposal, and it was accepted at once.只是娶的日子太急，所以我們忙亂的很。Only the wedding date is very near, so we are in a terrible bustle.我也巴不得早些過來，又添一個作詩的人了。”寶玉冷笑道：“雖如此說，但只我聽這話不知怎麼倒替你耽心慮後呢。”香菱聽了，不覺紅了臉，正色道：“這是什麼話！I too can hardly wait for her to come; then we shall have another person who writes poetry.” Baoyu gave a cold laugh. “That may be so, but somehow, hearing all this, I cannot help worrying about what lies ahead for you.” Xiangling blushed, grew solemn, and said, “What sort of talk is that?素日咱們都是廝抬廝敬的，今日忽然提起這些事來，是什麼意思！We have always treated one another with respect; what do you mean by suddenly bringing up such things today?怪不得人人都說你是個親近不得的人。”一面說，一面轉身走了。No wonder everyone says you are not a person one can safely be close to.” So saying, she turned and walked away.寶玉見他這樣，便悵然如有所失，呆呆的站了半天，思前想後，不覺滴下淚來，只得沒精打彩，還入怡紅院來。Seeing her react so, Baoyu felt disconsolate, as though he had lost something. He stood there dazed for a long while, thinking first of one thing and then another, until tears fell unbidden; finally he returned listlessly to Yihong Courtyard.一夜不曾安穩，睡夢之中猶喚晴雯，或魘魔驚怖，种种不宁。He passed a restless night, calling for Qingwen even in his dreams, sometimes oppressed by nightmares and starting up in terror, troubled in every way.次日便懶進飲食，身体作熱。The next day he had no appetite and became feverish.此皆近日抄檢大觀園，逐司棋，別迎春，悲晴雯等羞辱驚恐悲凄之所致，兼以風寒外感，故釀成一疾，臥床不起。All this resulted from the humiliations, terrors, grief, and misery of the recent search of Daguanyuan, Siqi’s expulsion, Yingchun’s departure, and Qingwen’s death; combined with an external chill, they developed into an illness that left him bedridden.賈母聽得如此，天天親來看視。When Grandmother Jia heard of it, she came personally every day to see him.王夫人心中自悔不合因晴雯過于逼責了他。Lady Wang secretly regretted that, on Qingwen’s account, she had pressed him too harshly.心中雖如此，臉上卻不露出。Though she felt this inwardly, she showed nothing on her face.只吩咐眾奶娘等好生伏侍看守，一日兩次帶進醫生來診脈下藥。She merely instructed the nurses and others to tend and watch him carefully, and had a physician brought in twice daily to take his pulse and prescribe medicine.一月之後，方才漸漸的痊愈。Only after a month did he gradually recover.賈母命好生保養，過百日方許動葷腥油面等物，方可出門行走。Grandmother Jia ordered that he be carefully nursed; only after a hundred days might he eat meat, oily food, wheaten dishes, and the like, or go outdoors.這一百日內，連院門前皆不許到，只在房中頑笑。During those hundred days he was not even allowed to approach the courtyard gate, but had to remain in his rooms amusing himself.四五十日後，就把他拘約的火星亂迸，那里忍耐得住。After forty or fifty days, the confinement had him chafing so fiercely that sparks seemed to fly, and he could endure it no longer.雖百般設法，無奈賈母王夫人執意不從，也只得罷了。Though he tried every possible scheme, Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang stubbornly refused permission, so he had no choice but to give up.因此和那些丫鬟們無所不至，恣意耍笑作戲。Consequently, he and the maids indulged in every conceivable kind of frolic, playing and joking to their hearts’ content.又聽得薛蟠擺酒唱戲，熱鬧非常，已娶親入門，聞得這夏家小姐十分俊俏，也略通文翰，寶玉恨不得就過去一見才好。He also heard that Xue Pan had given banquets and staged operas amid tremendous festivity and had already brought his bride home; hearing that Miss Xia was very beautiful and had some literary education, Baoyu longed desperately to go and see her.再過些時，又聞得迎春出了閣，寶玉思及當時姊妹們一處，耳鬢廝磨，從今一別，縱得相逢，也必不似先前那等親密了。Some time later, he heard that Yingchun too had been married. He recalled how the sisters had once lived together in constant intimacy, and thought that after this separation, even if they met again, they could never be as close as before.眼前又不能去一望，真令人凄惶迫切之至。And since he could not even go to see her now, his distress and anxiety were extreme.少不得潛心忍耐，暫同這些丫鬟們廝鬧釋悶，幸免賈政責備逼迫讀書之難。He could only set his mind on enduring patiently and, for the time being, romp with the maids to relieve his gloom; fortunately, he was spared the hardship of Jia Zheng’s reproaches and demands that he study.這百日內，只不曾拆毀了怡紅院，和這些丫頭們無法無天，凡世上所無之事，都頑耍出來。During those hundred days, he and the maids ran so wild in Yihong Courtyard that they stopped short only of tearing the place down, devising every sort of game and mischief never before seen in the world.如今且不消細說。There is no need to recount them in detail here.

宝玉方才吟罢，忽闻背后有人笑道：“你又发什么呆呢？”宝玉回头忙看是谁，原来是香菱。宝玉便转身笑问道：“我的姐姐，你这会子跑到这里来做什么？许多日子也不进来逛逛。”香菱拍手笑嘻嘻的说道：“我何曾不来。如今你哥哥回来了，那里比先时自由自在的了。才刚我们奶奶使人找你凤姐姐的，竟没找著，说往园子里来了。我听见了这信，我就讨了这件差进来找他。遇见他的丫头，说在稻香村呢。如今我往稻香村去，谁知又遇见了你。我且问你，袭人姐姐这几日可好？怎么忽然把个晴雯姐姐也没了，到底是什么病？二姑娘搬出去的好快，你瞧瞧这地方好空落落的。”宝玉应之不迭，又让他同到怡红院去吃茶。香菱道：“此刻竟不能，等找著琏二奶奶，说完了正经事再来。”宝玉道：“什么正经事这么忙？”香菱道：“为你哥哥娶嫂子的事，所以要紧。”宝玉道：“正是。说的到底是那一家的？只听见吵嚷了这半年，今儿又说张家的好，明儿又要李家的，后儿又议论王家的。这些人家的女儿他也不知道造了什么罪了，叫人家好端端议论。”香菱道：“这如今定了，可以不用搬扯别家了。”宝玉忙问：“定了谁家的？”香菱道：“因你哥哥上次出门贸易时，在顺路到了个亲戚家去。这门亲原是老亲，且又和我们是同在户部挂名行商，也是数一数二的大门户。前日说起来，你们两府都也知道的。合长安城中，上至王侯，下至买卖人，都称他家是‘桂花夏家。’”宝玉笑问道：“如何又称为‘桂花夏家’？”香菱道：“他家本姓夏，非常的富贵。其余田地不用说，单有几十顷地独种桂花，凡这长安城里城外桂花局俱是他家的，连宫里一应陈设盆景亦是他家贡奉，因此才有这个浑号。如今大爷也没了，只有老奶奶带著一个亲生的姑娘过活，也并没有哥儿兄弟，可惜他竟一门尽绝了。”宝玉忙道：“咱们也别管他绝后不绝后，只是这姑娘可好？你们大爷怎么就中意了？”香菱笑道：“一则是天缘，二则是‘情人眼里出西施’。当年又是通家来往，从小儿都一处厮混过。叙起亲是姑舅兄妹，又没嫌疑。虽离开了这几年，前儿一到他家，夏奶奶又是没儿子的，一见了你哥哥出落的这样，又是哭，又是笑，竟比见了儿子的还胜。又令他兄妹相见，谁知这姑娘出落得花朵似的了，在家里也读书写字，所以你哥哥当时就一心看准了。连当铺里老朝奉伙计们一群人蹧扰了人家三四日，他们还留多住几日，好容易苦辞才放回家。你哥哥一进门，就咕咕唧唧求我们奶奶去求亲。我们奶奶原也是见过这姑娘的，且又门当户对，也就依了。和这里姨太太凤姑娘商议了，打发人去一说就成了。只是娶的日子太急，所以我们忙乱的很。我也巴不得早些过来，又添一个作诗的人了。”宝玉冷笑道：“虽如此说，但只我听这话不知怎么倒替你耽心虑后呢。”香菱听了，不觉红了脸，正色道：“这是什么话！素日咱们都是厮抬厮敬的，今日忽然提起这些事来，是什么意思！怪不得人人都说你是个亲近不得的人。”一面说，一面转身走了。宝玉见他这样，便怅然如有所失，呆呆的站了半天，思前想后，不觉滴下泪来，只得没精打彩，还入怡红院来。一夜不曾安稳，睡梦之中犹唤晴雯，或魇魔惊怖，种种不宁。次日便懒进饮食，身体作热。此皆近日抄检大观园，逐司棋，别迎春，悲晴雯等羞辱惊恐悲凄之所致，兼以风寒外感，故酿成一疾，卧床不起。贾母听得如此，天天亲来看视。王夫人心中自悔不合因晴雯过于逼责了他。心中虽如此，脸上却不露出。只吩咐众奶娘等好生伏侍看守，一日两次带进医生来诊脉下药。一月之后，方才渐渐的痊愈。贾母命好生保养，过百日方许动荤腥油面等物，方可出门行走。这一百日内，连院门前皆不许到，只在房中顽笑。四五十日后，就把他拘约的火星乱迸，那里忍耐得住。虽百般设法，无奈贾母王夫人执意不从，也只得罢了。因此和那些丫鬟们无所不至，恣意耍笑作戏。又听得薛蟠摆酒唱戏，热闹非常，已娶亲入门，闻得这夏家小姐十分俊俏，也略通文翰，宝玉恨不得就过去一见才好。再过些时，又闻得迎春出了阁，宝玉思及当时姊妹们一处，耳鬓厮磨，从今一别，纵得相逢，也必不似先前那等亲密了。眼前又不能去一望，真令人凄惶迫切之至。少不得潜心忍耐，暂同这些丫鬟们厮闹释闷，幸免贾政责备逼迫读书之难。这百日内，只不曾拆毁了怡红院，和这些丫头们无法无天，凡世上所无之事，都顽耍出来。如今且不消细说。

且說香菱自那日搶白了寶玉之後，心中自為寶玉有意唐突他，“怨不得我們寶姑娘不敢親近，可見我不如寶姑娘遠矣，怨不得林姑娘時常和他角口氣的痛哭，自然唐突他也是有的了。Now let us return to Xiangling. After she had rebuked Baoyu that day, she thought to herself that he had deliberately treated her with impropriety: “No wonder our Miss Bao does not dare grow close to him; clearly I fall far short of her. Nor is it surprising that Miss Lin so often quarrels bitterly with him and weeps; he must have treated her impertinently too.從此倒要遠避他才好。”因此，以後連大觀園也不輕易進來。From now on I had better keep well away from him.” Consequently, she seldom entered Daguanyuan afterward.日日忙亂著，薛蟠娶過親，自為得了護身符，自己身上分去責任，到底比這樣安宁些，二則又聞得是個有才有貌的佳人，自然是典雅和平的：因此他心中盼過門的日子比薛蟠還急十倍。She bustled about every day, thinking that once Xue Pan had married she would have gained a protective talisman and shed some of the responsibility she bore, so life would at least be more peaceful; moreover, hearing that the bride was a beauty of both talent and looks, Xiangling naturally assumed she must be refined, gentle, and even-tempered. Thus, she awaited the wedding day ten times more impatiently than Xue Pan himself.好容易盼得一日娶過了門，他便十分殷勤小心伏侍。When at long last the day came and the bride entered the household, Xiangling attended her with the greatest diligence and care.

且说香菱自那日抢白了宝玉之后，心中自为宝玉有意唐突他，“怨不得我们宝姑娘不敢亲近，可见我不如宝姑娘远矣，怨不得林姑娘时常和他角口气的痛哭，自然唐突他也是有的了。从此倒要远避他才好。”因此，以后连大观园也不轻易进来。日日忙乱著，薛蟠娶过亲，自为得了护身符，自己身上分去责任，到底比这样安宁些，二则又闻得是个有才有貌的佳人，自然是典雅和平的：因此他心中盼过门的日子比薛蟠还急十倍。好容易盼得一日娶过了门，他便十分殷勤小心伏侍。

原來這夏家小姐今年方十七歲，生得亦頗有姿色，亦頗識得幾個字。As it happened, Miss Xia was only seventeen that year; she was fairly pretty and knew a fair number of characters.若論心中的邱壑經緯，頗步熙鳳之後塵。As for the schemes and calculations hidden in her heart, she followed closely in Xifeng’s footsteps.只吃虧了一件，從小時父親去世的早，又無同胞弟兄，寡母獨守此女，嬌養溺愛，不啻珍寶，凡女兒一舉一動，彼母皆百依百隨，因此未免嬌養太過，竟釀成個盜跖的性氣。Her one great misfortune was that her father had died when she was very young, and she had no brothers of the same parents. Her widowed mother had only this daughter and pampered and indulged her as though she were a priceless treasure, yielding to her every movement and whim. Thus, being excessively spoiled, she developed the temper of the brigand Dao Zhi.愛自己尊若菩薩，窺他人穢如糞土，外具花柳之姿，內秉風雷之性。She revered herself as a bodhisattva and looked upon others as filth; outwardly she possessed the grace of flowers and willows, but inwardly the nature of wind and thunder.在家中時常就和丫鬟們使性弄氣，輕罵重打的。At home she had constantly vented her temper on the maids, cursing them for slight offenses and beating them severely for serious ones.今日出了閣，自為要作當家的奶奶，比不得作女兒時靦腆溫柔，須要拿出這威風來，才鈐壓得住人，況且見薛蟠氣質剛硬，舉止驕奢，若不趁熱灶一氣炮制熟爛，將來必不能自豎旗幟矣，又見有香菱這等一個才貌俱全的愛妾在室，越發添了“宋太祖滅南唐”之意，“臥榻之側豈容他人酣睡”之心。Now that she was married, she considered herself the mistress of the household. She need no longer display the modest gentleness expected of a maiden, but must show her authority if she was to keep everyone under control. Moreover, seeing Xue Pan’s hard, unyielding disposition and his proud and extravagant conduct, she knew that unless she seized the moment and thoroughly molded him while the stove was hot, she would never be able to raise her own standard in the future. And seeing Xiangling, a beloved concubine endowed with both beauty and talent, in the household only strengthened her resolve to act like Emperor Taizu of Song destroying the Southern Tang, and her conviction that “no other may be allowed to sleep soundly beside my couch.”因他家多桂花，他小名就喚做金桂。Because her family grew so much osmanthus, her childhood name was Jingui.他在家時不許人口中帶出金桂二字來，凡有不留心誤道一字者，他便定要苦打重罰才罷。While at home she forbade anyone to utter the two characters jin and gui in her presence; if anyone carelessly let even one of them slip, she insisted on having the offender brutally beaten and heavily punished.他因想桂花二字是禁止不住的，須另喚一名，因想桂花曾有廣寒嫦娥之說，便將桂花改為嫦娥花，又寓自己身分如此。Realizing that the words “osmanthus flower” could not be prohibited altogether, she decided it must be given another name. Remembering the legend linking osmanthus with Chang’e in the Palace of Broad Cold, she renamed it “Chang’e flower,” thereby also alluding to her own exalted identity.薛蟠本是個怜新棄舊的人，且是有酒膽無飯力的，如今得了這樣一個妻子，正在新鮮興頭上，凡事未免盡讓他些。Xue Pan was by nature one who doted on the new and discarded the old, and whose courage lasted only while the wine did; now that he had acquired such a wife and was still in the first flush of novelty, he inevitably yielded to her in everything.那夏金桂見了這般形景，便也試著一步緊似一步。Seeing how matters stood, Xia Jingui began testing him, tightening her hold step by step.一月之中，二人氣概還都相平，至兩月之後，便覺薛蟠的氣概漸次低矮了下去。During the first month the two remained evenly matched in force of character, but after the second month Xue Pan’s bearing could be seen gradually shrinking.一日薛蟠酒後，不知要行何事，先與金桂商議，金桂執意不從。One day, after drinking, Xue Pan wished to do something or other and first consulted Jingui, but she obstinately refused.薛蟠忍不住便發了幾句話，賭氣自行了，這金桂便氣的哭如醉人一般，茶湯不進，裝起病來。Unable to restrain himself, Xue Pan spoke a few angry words and went off to do it in defiance of her. Jingui then became so furious that she wept like a drunken woman, refused both tea and broth, and pretended to fall ill.請醫療治，醫生又說“氣血相逆，當進寬胸順氣之劑。”薛姨娘恨的罵了薛蟠一頓，說：“如今娶了親，眼前抱兒子了，還是這樣胡鬧。A physician was summoned, and he declared, “Her qi and blood are running counter to their proper courses; she should take a medicine to ease the chest and regulate the qi.” Aunt Xue angrily scolded Xue Pan: “Now that you are married and may soon be holding a son in your arms, you still carry on like this.人家鳳凰蛋似的，好容易養了一個女兒，比花朵兒還輕巧，原看的你是個人物，才給你作老婆。She is as precious as a phoenix egg; her family raised this one daughter with the greatest difficulty, treating her more delicately than a flower, and only gave her to you as your wife because they thought you a man of worth.你不說收了心安分守己，一心一計和和氣氣的過日子，還是這樣胡鬧，撞嗓了黃湯，折磨人家。Instead of settling down, behaving yourself, and devoting yourself wholeheartedly to living in peace and harmony with her, you still carry on as before, guzzling that yellow swill until you torment the poor girl.這會子花錢吃藥白遭心。”一席話說的薛蟠後悔不迭，反來安慰金桂。And now we must spend money on medicine and suffer all this needless anxiety.” This speech filled Xue Pan with remorse, and he went instead to comfort Jingui.金桂見婆婆如此說丈夫，越發得了意，便裝出些張致來，總不理薛蟠。Seeing her mother-in-law rebuke her husband in this way, Jingui grew still more triumphant; she put on even greater airs and refused to pay Xue Pan the slightest attention.薛蟠沒了主意，惟自怨而已，好容易十天半月之後，才漸漸的哄轉過金桂的心來，自此便加一倍小心，不免氣概又矮了半截下來。Xue Pan was at his wits’ end and could only blame himself. It took ten days or a fortnight of coaxing before he gradually won Jingui around; from then on he was twice as cautious, and his swagger inevitably shrank by another half.那金桂見丈夫旗纛漸倒，婆婆良善，也就漸漸的持戈試馬起來。Seeing that her husband’s banners were gradually drooping and that her mother-in-law was kind-hearted, Jingui began little by little to take up arms and test her strength.先時不過挾制薛蟠，後來倚嬌作媚，將及薛姨媽，又將至薛寶釵。At first she merely sought to keep Xue Pan under her thumb; later, relying on her beauty and playing the coquette, she went so far as to challenge Aunt Xue, and then even Baochai.寶釵久察其不軌之心，每隨机應變，暗以言語彈壓其志。Baochai had long perceived her unruly designs, and always adapted herself to circumstances, quietly using pointed words to curb her ambitions.金桂知其不可犯，每欲尋隙，又無隙可乘，只得曲意附就。Jingui knew that Baochai was not to be trifled with; though she was forever looking for an opening, she could find none to exploit and had no choice but to humor her with feigned deference.一日金桂無事，因和香菱閒談，問香菱家鄉父母。One day, having nothing to do, Jingui fell into casual conversation with Xiangling and asked about her native place and her parents.香菱皆答忘記，金桂便不悅，說有意欺瞞了他。Xiangling answered that she had forgotten them all; Jingui was displeased and accused her of deliberately keeping the truth from her.回問他”香菱”二字是誰起的名字，香菱便答：“姑娘起的。”金桂冷笑道：“人人都說姑娘通，只這一個名字就不通。”香菱忙笑道：“噯喲，奶奶不知道，我們姑娘的學問連我們姨老爺時常還夸呢。”欲明後事，且見下回。She then asked who had given her the name “Xiangling,” and Xiangling replied, “Miss Baochai did.” Jingui sneered, “Everyone says your young mistress is so clever, but this one name shows no cleverness at all.” Xiangling hastened to say with a smile, “Oh, madam, you do not know! Even our Uncle Jia is always praising our young mistress’s learning.” To learn what happened afterward, read the next chapter.

原来这夏家小姐今年方十七岁，生得亦颇有姿色，亦颇识得几个字。若论心中的邱壑经纬，颇步熙凤之后尘。只吃亏了一件，从小时父亲去世的早，又无同胞弟兄，寡母独守此女，娇养溺爱，不啻珍宝，凡女儿一举一动，彼母皆百依百随，因此未免娇养太过，竟酿成个盗跖的性气。爱自己尊若菩萨，窥他人秽如粪土，外具花柳之姿，内秉风雷之性。在家中时常就和丫鬟们使性弄气，轻骂重打的。今日出了阁，自为要作当家的奶奶，比不得作女儿时腼腆温柔，须要拿出这威风来，才钤压得住人，况且见薛蟠气质刚硬，举止骄奢，若不趁热灶一气炮制熟烂，将来必不能自竖旗帜矣，又见有香菱这等一个才貌俱全的爱妾在室，越发添了“宋太祖灭南唐”之意，“卧榻之侧岂容他人酣睡”之心。因他家多桂花，他小名就唤做金桂。他在家时不许人口中带出金桂二字来，凡有不留心误道一字者，他便定要苦打重罚才罢。他因想桂花二字是禁止不住的，须另唤一名，因想桂花曾有广寒嫦娥之说，便将桂花改为嫦娥花，又寓自己身分如此。薛蟠本是个怜新弃旧的人，且是有酒胆无饭力的，如今得了这样一个妻子，正在新鲜兴头上，凡事未免尽让他些。那夏金桂见了这般形景，便也试著一步紧似一步。一月之中，二人气概还都相平，至两月之后，便觉薛蟠的气概渐次低矮了下去。一日薛蟠酒后，不知要行何事，先与金桂商议，金桂执意不从。薛蟠忍不住便发了几句话，赌气自行了，这金桂便气的哭如醉人一般，茶汤不进，装起病来。请医疗治，医生又说“气血相逆，当进宽胸顺气之剂。”薛姨娘恨的骂了薛蟠一顿，说：“如今娶了亲，眼前抱儿子了，还是这样胡闹。人家凤凰蛋似的，好容易养了一个女儿，比花朵儿还轻巧，原看的你是个人物，才给你作老婆。你不说收了心安分守己，一心一计和和气气的过日子，还是这样胡闹，撞嗓了黄汤，折磨人家。这会子花钱吃药白遭心。”一席话说的薛蟠后悔不迭，反来安慰金桂。金桂见婆婆如此说丈夫，越发得了意，便装出些张致来，总不理薛蟠。薛蟠没了主意，惟自怨而已，好容易十天半月之后，才渐渐的哄转过金桂的心来，自此便加一倍小心，不免气概又矮了半截下来。那金桂见丈夫旗纛渐倒，婆婆良善，也就渐渐的持戈试马起来。先时不过挟制薛蟠，后来倚娇作媚，将及薛姨妈，又将至薛宝钗。宝钗久察其不轨之心，每随机应变，暗以言语弹压其志。金桂知其不可犯，每欲寻隙，又无隙可乘，只得曲意附就。一日金桂无事，因和香菱闲谈，问香菱家乡父母。香菱皆答忘记，金桂便不悦，说有意欺瞒了他。回问他”香菱”二字是谁起的名字，香菱便答：“姑娘起的。”金桂冷笑道：“人人都说姑娘通，只这一个名字就不通。”香菱忙笑道：“嗳哟，奶奶不知道，我们姑娘的学问连我们姨老爷时常还夸呢。”欲明后事，且见下回。