第八十一回　占旺相四美釣游魚　奉嚴詞兩番入家塾 Four Beauties Fish for Luck; A Stern Order Sends Baoyu Back to School

且說迎春歸去之後，邢夫人象沒有這事，倒是王夫人撫養了一場，卻甚實傷感，在房中自己歎息了一回。After Yingchun had gone back, Lady Xing behaved as though nothing had happened; but Lady Wang, who had raised her, was deeply grieved, and sighed to herself for some time in her room.只見寶玉走來請安，看見王夫人臉上似有淚痕，也不敢坐，只在旁邊站著。Just then Baoyu came to pay his respects. Seeing what looked like tear stains on Lady Wang’s face, he dared not sit down, but stood beside her.王夫人叫他坐下，寶玉才捱上炕來，就在王夫人身旁坐了。Lady Wang told him to sit, and only then did Baoyu edge onto the kang and seat himself beside her.王夫人見他呆呆的瞅著，似有欲言不言的光景，便道：“你又為什麼這樣呆呆的？”寶玉道：“并不為什麼，只是昨兒聽見二姐姐這种光景，我實在替他受不得。Lady Wang saw him staring blankly, as though he had something to say but could not bring himself to say it, and asked, “Why are you looking so dazed again?” Baoyu replied, “There is no particular reason. It is only that, after hearing yesterday what Second Sister is going through, I simply cannot bear it for her.雖不敢告訴老太太，卻這兩夜只是睡不著。I dare not tell the Old Lady, but I have been unable to sleep these past two nights.我想咱們這樣人家的姑娘，那里受得這樣的委屈。I keep thinking that a girl from a family like ours should never have to endure such humiliation.況且二姐姐是個最懦弱的人，向來不會和人拌嘴，偏偏兒的遇見這樣沒人心的東西，竟一點兒不知道女人的苦處。”說著，幾乎滴下淚來。Besides, Second Sister is the meekest of people and has never known how to quarrel with anyone; yet of all men she had to meet such a heartless brute, who has not the slightest understanding of a woman’s suffering.” As he spoke, tears almost fell from his eyes.王夫人道：“這也是沒法兒的事。Lady Wang said, “There is nothing to be done about it.俗語說的，‘嫁出去的女孩兒潑出去的水’，叫我能怎麼樣呢。”寶玉道：“我昨兒夜里倒想了一個主意：咱們索性回明了老太太，把二姐姐接回來，還叫他紫菱洲住著，仍舊我們姐妹弟兄們一塊兒吃，一塊兒頑，省得受孫家那混帳行子的氣。As the saying goes, ‘A married daughter is water poured away.’ What would you have me do?” Baoyu said, “Last night I thought of a plan: let us simply report the matter to the Old Lady and bring Second Sister home. She can live at Purple Caltrop Isle again, and all of us sisters and brothers can eat and play together as before, so that she need not suffer at the hands of that scoundrel in the Sun family.等他來接，咱們硬不叫他去。When he comes to fetch her, we shall flatly refuse to let her go.由他接一百回，咱們留一百回，只說是老太太的主意。Let him come a hundred times; we shall keep her a hundred times, and simply say it is the Old Lady’s decision.這個豈不好呢！”王夫人聽了，又好笑，又好惱，說道：“你又發了呆氣了，混說的是什麼！Would that not be a splendid plan?” Lady Wang was both amused and annoyed when she heard this. “You are having another of your foolish fits! What nonsense are you talking?大凡做了女孩兒，終久是要出門子的，嫁到人家去，娘家那里顧得，也只好看他自己的命運，碰得好就好，碰得不好也就沒法兒。As a rule, once a girl is grown she must eventually leave home and marry. Once she has married into another family, how can her own family look after her? She can only trust to her fate: if she has made a good match, well and good; if not, there is nothing to be done.你難道沒聽見人說‘嫁雞隨雞，嫁狗隨狗’，那里個個都象你大姐姐做娘娘呢。Have you never heard people say, ‘Marry a cock and follow the cock; marry a dog and follow the dog’? Not every girl can become an Imperial Consort like your Eldest Sister.況且你二姐姐是新媳婦，孫姑爺也還是年輕的人，各人有各人的脾氣，新來乍到，自然要有些扭別的。Besides, your Second Sister is a new bride, and Master Sun is still young. Everyone has a temper of his own, and when people have only just come together, naturally there will be some discord.過幾年大家摸著脾氣兒，生兒長女以後，那就好了。After a few years, when they have learned each other’s ways and have sons and daughters, things will improve.你斷斷不許在老太太跟前說起半個字，我知道了是不依你的。You are absolutely forbidden to breathe a word of this before the Old Lady. If I hear that you have, I shall not let you off.快去幹你的去罷，不要在這里混說。”說得寶玉也不敢作聲，坐了一回，無精打彩的出來了。Go and attend to your own affairs, and stop talking nonsense here.” After this rebuke Baoyu dared say no more. He sat awhile, then went out dispiritedly.憋著一肚子悶氣，無處可泄，走到園中，一徑往瀟湘館來。His heart was full of pent-up misery with nowhere to vent it, and as he walked into the Garden he went straight to the Xiaoxiang Lodge.

且说迎春归去之后，邢夫人象没有这事，倒是王夫人抚养了一场，却甚实伤感，在房中自己叹息了一回。只见宝玉走来请安，看见王夫人脸上似有泪痕，也不敢坐，只在旁边站著。王夫人叫他坐下，宝玉才挨上炕来，就在王夫人身旁坐了。王夫人见他呆呆的瞅著，似有欲言不言的光景，便道：“你又为什么这样呆呆的？”宝玉道：“并不为什么，只是昨儿听见二姐姐这种光景，我实在替他受不得。虽不敢告诉老太太，却这两夜只是睡不著。我想咱们这样人家的姑娘，那里受得这样的委屈。况且二姐姐是个最懦弱的人，向来不会和人拌嘴，偏偏儿的遇见这样没人心的东西，竟一点儿不知道女人的苦处。”说著，几乎滴下泪来。王夫人道：“这也是没法儿的事。俗语说的，‘嫁出去的女孩儿泼出去的水’，叫我能怎么样呢。”宝玉道：“我昨儿夜里倒想了一个主意：咱们索性回明了老太太，把二姐姐接回来，还叫他紫菱洲住著，仍旧我们姐妹弟兄们一块儿吃，一块儿顽，省得受孙家那混帐行子的气。等他来接，咱们硬不叫他去。由他接一百回，咱们留一百回，只说是老太太的主意。这个岂不好呢！”王夫人听了，又好笑，又好恼，说道：“你又发了呆气了，混说的是什么！大凡做了女孩儿，终久是要出门子的，嫁到人家去，娘家那里顾得，也只好看他自己的命运，碰得好就好，碰得不好也就没法儿。你难道没听见人说‘嫁鸡随鸡，嫁狗随狗’，那里个个都象你大姐姐做娘娘呢。况且你二姐姐是新媳妇，孙姑爷也还是年轻的人，各人有各人的脾气，新来乍到，自然要有些扭别的。过几年大家摸著脾气儿，生儿长女以后，那就好了。你断断不许在老太太跟前说起半个字，我知道了是不依你的。快去干你的去罢，不要在这里混说。”说得宝玉也不敢作声，坐了一回，无精打彩的出来了。憋著一肚子闷气，无处可泄，走到园中，一径往潇湘馆来。

剛進了門，便放聲大哭起來。The moment he entered, he burst into loud sobs.黛玉正在梳洗才畢，見寶玉這個光景，倒嚇了一跳，問：“是怎麼了？Daiyu had only just finished washing and dressing. The sight of Baoyu in such a state startled her, and she asked, “What has happened?和誰慪了氣了？”連問幾聲。Who have you quarreled with?” She asked him several times.寶玉低著頭，伏在桌子上，嗚嗚咽咽，哭的說不出話來。Baoyu lowered his head and leaned over the table, sobbing and choking, unable to speak.黛玉便在椅子上怔怔的瞅著他，一會子問道：“到底是別人和你慪了氣了，還是我得罪了你呢？”寶玉搖手道：“都不是，都不是。”黛玉道：“那麼著為什麼這麼傷起心來？”寶玉道：“我只想著咱們大家越早些死的越好，活著真真沒有趣兒！”黛玉聽了這話，更覺驚訝，道：“這是什麼話，你真正發了瘋了不成！”寶玉道：“也并不是我發瘋，我告訴你，你也不能不傷心。Daiyu sat staring at him in bewilderment. After a while she asked, “Has someone else upset you, or have I offended you?” Baoyu waved his hand. “Neither, neither.” Daiyu said, “Then why are you so heartbroken?” Baoyu replied, “I only wish that the sooner all of us die, the better. There is truly no pleasure in being alive!” Daiyu was still more astonished to hear this. “What are you saying? Have you really gone mad?” Baoyu said, “It is not that I have gone mad. When I tell you, you too cannot help grieving.前兒二姐姐回來的樣子和那些話，你也都聽見看見了。You saw how Second Sister looked when she came back the other day, and heard everything she said.我想人到了大的時候，為什麼要嫁？Why, I wonder, must people marry when they grow up?嫁出去受人家這般苦楚！They marry only to suffer like this in another household!還記得咱們初結‘海棠社’的時候，大家吟詩做東道，那時候何等熱鬧。Do you remember when we first founded the Crab-Flower Club, and everyone wrote poems and took turns as host? How lively it was then!如今寶姐姐家去了，連香菱也不能過來，二姐姐又出了門子了，幾個知心知意的人都不在一處，弄得這樣光景。Now Baochai has gone home, Xiangling cannot come over either, and Second Sister has married and left us. The few people who truly understand one another are all scattered, and this is what things have come to.我原打算去告訴老太太接二姐姐回來，誰知太太不依，倒說我呆，混說，我又不敢言語。I had meant to tell the Old Lady and ask her to bring Second Sister home, but Mother would not allow it. Instead she called me foolish and said I was talking nonsense, and I dared not answer her.這不多幾時，你瞧瞧，園中光景，已經大變了。It has been scarcely any time at all, yet look how completely the Garden has already changed.若再過幾年，又不知怎麼樣了。Who knows what it will be like in another few years?故此越想不由人不心里難受起來。”黛玉聽了這番言語，把頭漸漸的低了下去，身子漸漸的退至炕上，一言不發，歎了口氣，便向里躺下去了。The more I think of it, the more I cannot help feeling wretched.” As Daiyu listened, her head gradually drooped and she slowly drew back onto the kang. Without saying a word, she sighed, then lay down facing the wall.

刚进了门，便放声大哭起来。黛玉正在梳洗才毕，见宝玉这个光景，倒吓了一跳，问：“是怎么了？和谁怄了气了？”连问几声。宝玉低著头，伏在桌子上，呜呜咽咽，哭的说不出话来。黛玉便在椅子上怔怔的瞅著他，一会子问道：“到底是别人和你怄了气了，还是我得罪了你呢？”宝玉摇手道：“都不是，都不是。”黛玉道：“那么著为什么这么伤起心来？”宝玉道：“我只想著咱们大家越早些死的越好，活著真真没有趣儿！”黛玉听了这话，更觉惊讶，道：“这是什么话，你真正发了疯了不成！”宝玉道：“也并不是我发疯，我告诉你，你也不能不伤心。前儿二姐姐回来的样子和那些话，你也都听见看见了。我想人到了大的时候，为什么要嫁？嫁出去受人家这般苦楚！还记得咱们初结‘海棠社’的时候，大家吟诗做东道，那时候何等热闹。如今宝姐姐家去了，连香菱也不能过来，二姐姐又出了门子了，几个知心知意的人都不在一处，弄得这样光景。我原打算去告诉老太太接二姐姐回来，谁知太太不依，倒说我呆，混说，我又不敢言语。这不多几时，你瞧瞧，园中光景，已经大变了。若再过几年，又不知怎么样了。故此越想不由人不心里难受起来。”黛玉听了这番言语，把头渐渐的低了下去，身子渐渐的退至炕上，一言不发，叹了口气，便向里躺下去了。

紫鵑剛拿進茶來，見他兩個這樣，正在納悶。Zijuan had just brought in the tea, and was puzzled to see the two of them like this.只見襲人來了，進來看見寶玉，便道：“二爺在這里呢么，老太太那里叫呢。Just then Xiren arrived. On entering and seeing Baoyu, she said, “So Second Master is here! The Old Lady is asking for you.我估量著二爺就是在這里。”黛玉聽見是襲人，便欠身起來讓坐。I guessed that Second Master must be here.” Hearing Xiren’s voice, Daiyu raised herself and invited her to sit.黛玉的兩個眼圈兒已經哭的通紅了。Daiyu’s eyes were already red-rimmed from weeping.寶玉看見道：“妹妹，我剛才說的不過是些呆話，你也不用傷心。Seeing this, Baoyu said, “Sister, what I said just now was no more than foolish talk. You need not grieve over it.你要想我的話時，身子更要保重才好。If you do take my words to heart, then you must be all the more careful of your health.你歇歇兒罷，老太太那邊叫我，我看看去就來。”說著，往外走了。Rest for a while. The Old Lady has sent for me; I shall go and see what she wants and come straight back.” With that, he went out.襲人悄問黛玉道：“你兩個人又為什麼？”黛玉道：“他為他二姐姐傷心，我是剛才眼睛發痒揉的，并不為什麼。”襲人也不言語，忙跟了寶玉出來，各自散了。Xiren quietly asked Daiyu, “What has happened between you two again?” Daiyu replied, “He is grieving over his Second Sister. My eyes were only itching just now, so I rubbed them; it is nothing.” Xiren said no more, but hurried after Baoyu, and they all went their separate ways.寶玉來到賈母那邊，賈母卻已經歇晌，只得回到怡紅院。When Baoyu reached Grandmother Jia’s quarters, however, she had already lain down for her midday rest, so he had no choice but to return to Happy Red Court.到了午後，寶玉睡了中覺起來，甚覺無聊，隨手拿了一本書看。In the afternoon, Baoyu woke from his nap feeling thoroughly bored and idly picked up a book to read.襲人見他看書，忙去沏茶伺候。Seeing him reading, Xiren hurried away to brew tea and wait upon him.誰知寶玉拿的那本書卻是《古樂府》，隨手翻來，正看見曹孟德“對酒當歌，人生幾何”一首，不覺刺心。As it happened, the book Baoyu had picked up was Ancient Music-Bureau Ballads. Turning the pages at random, he came upon Cao Mengde’s poem beginning, “Facing wine, one ought to sing—how long does human life last?” and felt the words pierce his heart.因放下這一本，又拿一本看時，卻是晉文，翻了幾頁，忽然把書掩上，托著腮，只管痴痴的坐著。He put that volume down and took up another, which contained writings of the Jin dynasty. After turning a few pages, he suddenly closed the book, propped his cheek on his hand, and sat there in a trance.襲人倒了茶來，見他這般光景便道：“你為什麼又不看了？”寶玉也不答言，接過茶來喝了一口，便放下了。Xiren brought him tea and, seeing him like this, asked, “Why have you stopped reading again?” Baoyu made no reply. He took the tea, drank a sip, and set it down.襲人一時摸不著頭腦，也只管站在旁邊呆呆的看著他。Xiren could make neither head nor tail of his behavior and could only stand beside him, staring blankly.忽見寶玉站起來，嘴里咕咕噥噥的說道：“好一個‘放浪形骸之外’！”襲人聽了，又好笑，又不敢問他，只得勸道：“你若不愛看這些書，不如還到園里逛逛，也省得悶出毛病來。”那寶玉只管口中答應，只管出著神往外走了。Suddenly Baoyu rose and muttered, “What a splendid phrase: ‘to roam free beyond the confines of the body’!” Xiren found this amusing, but did not dare question him. She could only urge, “If you do not care for these books, you might as well take a stroll in the Garden, lest brooding make you ill.” Baoyu kept murmuring assent, yet walked out still lost in thought.

紫鹃刚拿进茶来，见他两个这样，正在纳闷。只见袭人来了，进来看见宝玉，便道：“二爷在这里呢么，老太太那里叫呢。我估量著二爷就是在这里。”黛玉听见是袭人，便欠身起来让坐。黛玉的两个眼圈儿已经哭的通红了。宝玉看见道：“妹妹，我刚才说的不过是些呆话，你也不用伤心。你要想我的话时，身子更要保重才好。你歇歇儿罢，老太太那边叫我，我看看去就来。”说著，往外走了。袭人悄问黛玉道：“你两个人又为什么？”黛玉道：“他为他二姐姐伤心，我是刚才眼睛发痒揉的，并不为什么。”袭人也不言语，忙跟了宝玉出来，各自散了。宝玉来到贾母那边，贾母却已经歇晌，只得回到怡红院。到了午后，宝玉睡了中觉起来，甚觉无聊，随手拿了一本书看。袭人见他看书，忙去沏茶伺候。谁知宝玉拿的那本书却是《古乐府》，随手翻来，正看见曹孟德“对酒当歌，人生几何”一首，不觉刺心。因放下这一本，又拿一本看时，却是晋文，翻了几页，忽然把书掩上，托著腮，只管痴痴的坐著。袭人倒了茶来，见他这般光景便道：“你为什么又不看了？”宝玉也不答言，接过茶来喝了一口，便放下了。袭人一时摸不著头脑，也只管站在旁边呆呆的看著他。忽见宝玉站起来，嘴里咕咕哝哝的说道：“好一个‘放浪形骸之外’！”袭人听了，又好笑，又不敢问他，只得劝道：“你若不爱看这些书，不如还到园里逛逛，也省得闷出毛病来。”那宝玉只管口中答应，只管出著神往外走了。

一時走到沁芳亭，但見蕭疏景象，人去房空。Presently he reached the Qinfang Pavilion, where all was desolate, the people gone and the rooms empty.又來至蘅蕪院，更是香草依然，門窗掩閉。He then came to All-Spice Court; the fragrant plants were unchanged, but its doors and windows were tightly closed.轉過藕香榭來，遠遠的只見幾個人在蓼漵一帶欄杆上靠著，有幾個小丫頭蹲在地下找東西。Turning past Lotus-Fragrance Anchorage, he saw from a distance several people leaning against the railing near Smartweed Bank, while a few little maids crouched on the ground looking for something.寶玉輕輕的走在假山背後聽著。Baoyu crept softly behind the artificial hill and listened.只聽一個說道：“看他洑上來不洑上來。”好似李紋的語音。He heard one of them say, “Let us see whether it comes back to the surface.” The voice sounded like Li Wen’s.一個笑道：“好，下去了。Another laughed and said, “There, it has gone down.我知道他不上來的。”這個卻是探春的聲音。I knew it would not come up again.” This was Tanchun’s voice.一個又道：“是了，姐姐你別動，只管等著。Another said, “That is it, Sister—do not move; just keep waiting.他橫豎上來。”一個又說：“上來了。”這兩個是李綺邢岫煙的聲兒。It is bound to come up.” Then someone else cried, “It is coming up!” These two voices belonged to Li Qi and Xing Xiuyan.寶玉忍不住，拾了一塊小磚頭兒，往那水里一撂，咕咚一聲，四個人都嚇了一跳，驚訝道：“這是誰這麼促狹？Unable to restrain himself, Baoyu picked up a small piece of brick and tossed it into the water. It landed with a splash, making all four girls jump. They exclaimed in surprise, “Who is playing such a wicked trick?唬了我們一跳。”寶玉笑著從山子後直跳出來，笑道：“你們好樂啊，怎麼不叫我一聲兒？”探春道：“我就知道再不是別人，必是二哥哥這樣淘氣。You gave us such a fright!” Laughing, Baoyu sprang out from behind the rocks and said, “What fun you are having! Why did you not call me?” Tanchun said, “I knew it could be no one else. Only Second Brother would be so mischievous.沒什麼說的，你好好兒的賠我們的魚罷。There is nothing more to be said: you must properly compensate us for our fish.剛才一個魚上來，剛剛兒的要釣著，叫你唬跑了。”寶玉笑道：“你們在這里頑竟不找我，我還要罰你們呢。”大家笑了一回。A fish had just come up and was on the very point of taking the hook when you frightened it away.” Baoyu laughed. “You came here to play without even looking for me; I ought to punish you.” They all laughed for a while.寶玉道：“咱們大家今兒釣魚占占誰的運氣好。Baoyu said, “Let us fish today and see whose fortune is best.看誰釣得著就是他今年的運氣好，釣不著就是他今年運氣不好。Whoever catches one will have good luck this year, and whoever fails will have bad luck.咱們誰先釣？”探春便讓李紋，李紋不肯。Who shall fish first?” Tanchun yielded the first turn to Li Wen, but Li Wen refused.探春笑道：“這樣就是我先釣。”回頭向寶玉說道：“二哥哥，你再赶走了我的魚，我可不依了。”寶玉道：“頭里原是我要唬你們頑，這會子你只管釣罷。”探春把絲繩拋下，沒十來句話的工夫，就有一個楊葉竄兒吞著鉤子把漂兒墜下去，探春把竿一挑，往地下一撩，卻活迸的。Tanchun laughed. “Then I shall go first.” Turning to Baoyu, she said, “Second Brother, if you scare my fish away again, I shall not forgive you.” Baoyu replied, “Before, I only wanted to startle you for fun. This time you may fish in peace.” Tanchun cast in the line, and before the time it would take to exchange ten sentences, a little willow-leaf minnow swallowed the hook and pulled the float under. Tanchun flicked up the rod and flung the fish onto the ground, where it leapt about vigorously.侍書在滿地上亂抓，兩手捧著，擱在小磁壇內清水養著。Shishu scrabbled after it all over the ground, caught it in both hands, and placed it in a small porcelain jar of clear water to keep it alive.探春把釣竿遞與李紋。Tanchun handed the fishing rod to Li Wen.李紋也把釣竿垂下，但覺絲兒一動，忙挑起來，卻是個空鉤子。Li Wen lowered the line too, and as soon as she felt it twitch, she hurriedly jerked it up, only to find the hook bare.又垂下去，半晌鉤絲一動，又挑起來，還是空鉤子。She lowered it again. After a long while the line moved; she pulled it up once more, but the hook was still bare.李紋把那鉤子拿上來一瞧，原來往里鉤了。Li Wen brought the hook up to inspect it and discovered that its point had been bent inward.李紋笑道：“怪不得釣不著。”忙叫素雲把鉤子敲好了，換上新虫子，上邊貼好了葦片兒。Li Wen laughed. “No wonder I could not catch anything.” She quickly told Suyun to hammer the hook back into shape, put on a fresh worm, and fix a bit of reed to the line as a float.垂下去一會兒，見葦片直沉下去，急忙提起來，倒是一個二寸長的鯽瓜兒。She lowered it again. After a while the reed sank straight down; she hurriedly lifted the line and found she had caught a crucian carp some two inches long.李紋笑著道：“寶哥哥釣罷。”寶玉道：“索性三妹妹和邢妹妹釣了我再釣。”岫煙卻不答言。Li Wen smiled and said, “Brother Bao, you fish now.” Baoyu replied, “Let Third Sister and Cousin Xing fish first; then I shall take my turn.” Xiuyan, however, said nothing.只見李綺道：“寶哥哥先釣罷。”說著水面上起了一個泡兒。Then Li Qi said, “Brother Bao, you go first.” As she spoke, a bubble rose on the surface of the water.探春道：“不必盡著讓了。Tanchun said, “There is no need for everyone to keep yielding.你看那魚都在三妹妹那邊呢，還是三妹妹快著釣罷。”李綺笑著接了釣竿兒，果然沉下去就釣了一個。Look, all the fish are over by Third Sister. Third Sister had better hurry and fish.” Li Qi smilingly took the rod, lowered it, and sure enough caught one at once.然後岫煙也釣著了一個，隨將竿子仍舊遞給探春，探春才遞與寶玉。Xiuyan then caught one as well, after which she passed the rod back to Tanchun, and only then did Tanchun hand it to Baoyu.寶玉道：“我是要做姜太公的。”便走下石磯，坐在池邊釣起來，豈知那水里的魚看見人影兒，都躲到別處去了。Baoyu said, “I mean to be Jiang Taigong.” He stepped down from the rocky ledge and sat fishing at the edge of the pond; but the fish in the water saw his shadow and all hid elsewhere.寶玉掄著釣竿等了半天，那釣絲兒動也不動。Baoyu brandished the rod and waited for a long time, but the line did not move at all.剛有一個魚兒在水邊吐沫，寶玉把竿子一幌，又唬走了。At last a fish rose near the bank and blew bubbles, but Baoyu gave the rod a flick and frightened it away again.急的寶玉道：“我最是個性兒急的人，他偏性兒慢，這可怎麼樣呢。In his impatience Baoyu cried, “I am the most impatient person alive, yet this creature insists on taking its time. What am I to do?好魚兒，快來罷！Dear little fish, do hurry over!你也成全成全我呢。”說得四人都笑了。Be kind and help me out.” His words made all four girls laugh.一言未了，只見釣絲微微一動。Before he had finished speaking, the line gave a faint twitch.寶玉喜得滿怀，用力往上一兜，把釣竿往石上一碰，折作兩段，絲也振斷了，鉤子也不知往那里去了。Baoyu was overjoyed and swept it upward with all his strength. The rod struck a rock and snapped in two; the line broke as well, and no one knew where the hook had flown.眾人越發笑起來。The others laughed harder than ever.探春道：“再沒見象你這樣鹵人。”正說著，只見麝月慌慌張張的跑來說：“二爺，老太太醒了，叫你快去呢。”五個人都唬了一跳。Tanchun said, “I have never seen anyone so bungling as you.” As she spoke, Sheyue came running up in a fluster and said, “Second Master, the Old Lady is awake and wants you to go quickly.” All five of them started in alarm.探春便問麝月道：“老太太叫二爺什麼事？”麝月道：“我也不知道。Tanchun asked Sheyue, “What does the Old Lady want Second Master for?” Sheyue replied, “I do not know either.就只聽見說是什麼鬧破了，叫寶玉來問，還要叫璉二奶奶一塊兒查問呢。”嚇得寶玉發了一回呆，說道：“不知又是那個丫頭遭了瘟了。”探春道：“不知什麼事，二哥哥你快去，有什麼信兒，先叫麝月來告訴我們一聲兒。”說著，便同李紋李綺岫煙走了。I only heard that some scandal has come to light and that she wants to question Baoyu; she also means to summon Second Mistress Lian and examine her as well.” Baoyu was so frightened that he stood dazed for a while, then said, “I wonder which maid has brought disaster on herself now.” Tanchun said, “Whatever it is, Second Brother, you had better hurry. As soon as you have any news, send Sheyue to tell us.” With that, she left with Li Wen, Li Qi, and Xiuyan.

一时走到沁芳亭，但见萧疏景象，人去房空。又来至蘅芜院，更是香草依然，门窗掩闭。转过藕香榭来，远远的只见几个人在蓼溆一带栏杆上靠著，有几个小丫头蹲在地下找东西。宝玉轻轻的走在假山背后听著。只听一个说道：“看他洑上来不洑上来。”好似李纹的语音。一个笑道：“好，下去了。我知道他不上来的。”这个却是探春的声音。一个又道：“是了，姐姐你别动，只管等著。他横竖上来。”一个又说：“上来了。”这两个是李绮邢岫烟的声儿。宝玉忍不住，拾了一块小砖头儿，往那水里一撂，咕咚一声，四个人都吓了一跳，惊讶道：“这是谁这么促狭？唬了我们一跳。”宝玉笑著从山子后直跳出来，笑道：“你们好乐啊，怎么不叫我一声儿？”探春道：“我就知道再不是别人，必是二哥哥这样淘气。没什么说的，你好好儿的赔我们的鱼罢。刚才一个鱼上来，刚刚儿的要钓著，叫你唬跑了。”宝玉笑道：“你们在这里顽竟不找我，我还要罚你们呢。”大家笑了一回。宝玉道：“咱们大家今儿钓鱼占占谁的运气好。看谁钓得著就是他今年的运气好，钓不著就是他今年运气不好。咱们谁先钓？”探春便让李纹，李纹不肯。探春笑道：“这样就是我先钓。”回头向宝玉说道：“二哥哥，你再赶走了我的鱼，我可不依了。”宝玉道：“头里原是我要唬你们顽，这会子你只管钓罢。”探春把丝绳抛下，没十来句话的工夫，就有一个杨叶窜儿吞著钩子把漂儿坠下去，探春把竿一挑，往地下一撩，却活迸的。侍书在满地上乱抓，两手捧著，搁在小磁坛内清水养著。探春把钓竿递与李纹。李纹也把钓竿垂下，但觉丝儿一动，忙挑起来，却是个空钩子。又垂下去，半晌钩丝一动，又挑起来，还是空钩子。李纹把那钩子拿上来一瞧，原来往里钩了。李纹笑道：“怪不得钓不著。”忙叫素云把钩子敲好了，换上新虫子，上边贴好了苇片儿。垂下去一会儿，见苇片直沉下去，急忙提起来，倒是一个二寸长的鲫瓜儿。李纹笑著道：“宝哥哥钓罢。”宝玉道：“索性三妹妹和邢妹妹钓了我再钓。”岫烟却不答言。只见李绮道：“宝哥哥先钓罢。”说著水面上起了一个泡儿。探春道：“不必尽著让了。你看那鱼都在三妹妹那边呢，还是三妹妹快著钓罢。”李绮笑著接了钓竿儿，果然沉下去就钓了一个。然后岫烟也钓著了一个，随将竿子仍旧递给探春，探春才递与宝玉。宝玉道：“我是要做姜太公的。”便走下石矶，坐在池边钓起来，岂知那水里的鱼看见人影儿，都躲到别处去了。宝玉抡著钓竿等了半天，那钓丝儿动也不动。刚有一个鱼儿在水边吐沫，宝玉把竿子一幌，又唬走了。急的宝玉道：“我最是个性儿急的人，他偏性儿慢，这可怎么样呢。好鱼儿，快来罢！你也成全成全我呢。”说得四人都笑了。一言未了，只见钓丝微微一动。宝玉喜得满怀，用力往上一兜，把钓竿往石上一碰，折作两段，丝也振断了，钩子也不知往那里去了。众人越发笑起来。探春道：“再没见象你这样卤人。”正说著，只见麝月慌慌张张的跑来说：“二爷，老太太醒了，叫你快去呢。”五个人都唬了一跳。探春便问麝月道：“老太太叫二爷什么事？”麝月道：“我也不知道。就只听见说是什么闹破了，叫宝玉来问，还要叫琏二奶奶一块儿查问呢。”吓得宝玉发了一回呆，说道：“不知又是那个丫头遭了瘟了。”探春道：“不知什么事，二哥哥你快去，有什么信儿，先叫麝月来告诉我们一声儿。”说著，便同李纹李绮岫烟走了。

寶玉走到賈母房中，只見王夫人陪著賈母摸牌。When Baoyu reached Grandmother Jia’s room, he found Lady Wang keeping Grandmother Jia company over a game of cards.寶玉看見無事，才把心放下了一半。Seeing that nothing was wrong, Baoyu’s mind was half relieved.賈母見他進來，便問道：“你前年那一次大病的時候，後來虧了一個瘋和尚和個瘸道士治好了的。When Grandmother Jia saw him enter, she asked, “When you had that grave illness the year before last, you were finally cured thanks to a mad monk and a lame Daoist.那會子病里，你覺得是怎麼樣？”寶玉想了一回，道：“我記得得病的時候兒，好好的站著，倒象背地里有人把我攔頭一棍，疼的眼睛前頭漆黑，看見滿屋子里都是些青面獠牙，拿刀舉棒的惡鬼。While you were ill, how did it feel?” Baoyu thought for a moment and replied, “I remember that when the illness came upon me, I had been standing there perfectly well, when suddenly it seemed as though someone behind me struck me square on the head with a club. The pain made everything before my eyes go black, and I saw the whole room filled with hideous blue-faced, tusked demons brandishing knives and clubs.躺在炕上，覺得腦袋上加了幾個腦箍似的。As I lay on the kang, it felt as though several iron hoops had been clamped around my head.以後便疼的任什麼不知道了。After that the pain became so severe that I knew nothing at all.到好的時候，又記得堂屋里一片金光直照到我房里來，那些鬼都跑著躲避，便不見了。When I began to recover, I remember a flood of golden light shining from the main room straight into mine. All those demons fled and hid from it, and then disappeared.我的頭也不疼了，心上也就清楚了。”賈母告訴王夫人道：“這個樣兒也就差不多了。”My head stopped aching, and my mind became clear again.” Grandmother Jia said to Lady Wang, “That account matches closely enough.”

宝玉走到贾母房中，只见王夫人陪著贾母摸牌。宝玉看见无事，才把心放下了一半。贾母见他进来，便问道：“你前年那一次大病的时候，后来亏了一个疯和尚和个瘸道士治好了的。那会子病里，你觉得是怎么样？”宝玉想了一回，道：“我记得得病的时候儿，好好的站著，倒象背地里有人把我拦头一棍，疼的眼睛前头漆黑，看见满屋子里都是些青面獠牙，拿刀举棒的恶鬼。躺在炕上，觉得脑袋上加了几个脑箍似的。以后便疼的任什么不知道了。到好的时候，又记得堂屋里一片金光直照到我房里来，那些鬼都跑著躲避，便不见了。我的头也不疼了，心上也就清楚了。”贾母告诉王夫人道：“这个样儿也就差不多了。”

說著鳳姐也進來了，見了賈母，又回身見過了王夫人，說道：“老祖宗要問我什麼？”賈母道：“你前年害了邪病，你還記得怎麼樣？”鳳姐兒笑道：“我也不很記得了。Just then Xifeng came in. After greeting Grandmother Jia, she turned and paid her respects to Lady Wang, then asked, “What did our Old Ancestress wish to ask me?” Grandmother Jia said, “When you suffered that strange illness the year before last, do you remember what it was like?” Xifeng smiled. “I do not remember it very clearly.但覺自己身子不由自主，倒象有些鬼怪拉拉扯扯要我殺人才好，有什麼，拿什麼，見什麼，殺什麼。I only felt that my body was no longer under my control, as though ghosts and demons were tugging me about and would not be satisfied unless I killed someone. Whatever came to hand, I seized; whatever I saw, I struck at.自己原覺很乏，只是不能住手。”賈母道：“好的時候還記得么？”鳳姐道：“好的時候好象空中有人說了幾句話似的，卻不記得說什麼來著。”賈母道：“這麼看起來竟是他了。I knew myself to be utterly exhausted, yet I could not stop my hands.” Grandmother Jia asked, “Do you remember what happened when you recovered?” Xifeng replied, “When I recovered, it seemed as though someone in the air spoke a few words, but I cannot remember what was said.” Grandmother Jia said, “Judging from this, it really was she.他姐兒兩個病中的光景和才說的一樣。What the two of them experienced during their illnesses agrees exactly with what was just described.這老東西竟這樣坏心，寶玉枉認了他做乾媽。That old wretch was truly evil-hearted, and Baoyu was a fool to acknowledge her as his godmother.倒是這個和尚道人，阿彌陀佛，才是救寶玉性命的，只是沒有報答他。”鳳姐道：“怎麼老太太想起我們的病來呢？”賈母道：“你問你太太去，我懶待說。”王夫人道：“才剛老爺進來說起寶玉的乾媽竟是個混帳東西，邪魔外道的。It was the monk and the Daoist—Amitabha Buddha!—who truly saved Baoyu’s life, yet we never repaid them.” Xifeng asked, “What made the Old Lady think of our illnesses?” Grandmother Jia replied, “Ask your aunt; I cannot be bothered to tell it.” Lady Wang said, “Just now the Master came in and told us that Baoyu’s godmother is nothing but a wicked charlatan, a practitioner of black arts.如今鬧破了，被錦衣府拿住送入刑部監，要問死罪的了，前幾天被人告發的。Her crimes have now come to light. She has been arrested by the Embroidered-Uniform Office and sent to the Board of Punishments’ prison, where she may be tried for a capital offense. Someone denounced her a few days ago.那個人叫做什麼潘三保，有一所房子賣與斜對過當舖里。The man’s name is Pan Sanbao, and he had a house he wanted to sell to the pawnshop diagonally across the street.這房子加了幾倍价錢，潘三保還要加，當舖里那里還肯。The price of the house had already been raised severalfold, but Pan Sanbao demanded still more, and naturally the pawnshop refused.潘三保便買囑了這老東西，因他常到當舖里去，那當舖里人的內眷都與他好的。Pan Sanbao then bribed that old wretch. Because she often visited the pawnshop, all the women of the household were friendly with her.他就使了個法兒，叫人家的內人便得了邪病，家翻宅亂起來。She worked one of her spells, causing the master’s wife to fall prey to a strange illness, and the entire household was thrown into turmoil.他又去說這個病他能治，就用些神馬紙錢燒獻了，果然見效。She then went there and claimed that she could cure the illness. She burned offerings of spirit-horses and paper money, and sure enough the treatment appeared to work.他又向人家內眷們要了十幾兩銀子。She also demanded more than ten taels of silver from the women of the household.豈知老佛爺有眼，應該敗露了。But Heaven has eyes, and her crimes were destined to be exposed.這一天急要回去，掉了一個絹包兒。One day, as she hurried home, she dropped a silk bundle.當舖里人撿起來一看，里頭有許多紙人，還有四丸子很香的香。Someone from the pawnshop picked it up and opened it, and found many paper figures inside, as well as four pellets of highly fragrant incense.正詫异著呢，那老東西倒回來找這絹包兒。While they were still wondering at it, the old wretch came back looking for the bundle.這里的人就把他拿住，身邊一搜，搜出一個匣子，里面有象牙刻的一男一女，不穿衣服，光著身子的兩個魔王，還有七根朱紅繡花針。The people there seized her and searched her person. They found a box containing an ivory carving of a naked man and woman—two little demons without a stitch of clothing—as well as seven vermilion embroidery needles.立時送到錦衣府去，問出許多官員家大戶太太姑娘們的隱情事來。She was immediately delivered to the Embroidered-Uniform Office, where questioning brought to light many secret affairs concerning the wives and daughters of officials and wealthy families.所以知會了營里，把他家中一抄，抄出好些泥塑的煞神，幾匣子鬧香。The authorities therefore notified the local garrison and searched her home, where they found a great many clay images of baleful spirits and several boxes of bewitching incense.炕背後空屋子里挂著一盞七星燈，燈下有幾個草人，有頭上戴著腦箍的，有胸前穿著釘子的，有項上拴著鎖子的。In an empty room behind the kang hung a Seven-Star Lamp. Beneath it were several straw figures: some had hoops fitted around their heads, some had nails driven through their chests, and some had chains fastened around their necks.柜子里無數紙人兒，底下幾篇小帳，上面記著某家驗過，應找銀若干。There were countless paper figures in a cupboard, and beneath them several pages of accounts recording that such-and-such a household had obtained results and owed such-and-such an amount of silver.得人家油錢香分也不計其數。The money and shares of incense offerings he received from people were beyond counting.鳳姐道：“咱們的病，一准是他。Fengjie said, “Our illness must certainly have been his doing.我記得咱們病後，那老妖精向趙姨娘處來過幾次，要向趙姨娘討銀子，見了我，便臉上變貌變色，兩眼黧雞似的。I remember that after we fell ill, that old witch came several times to see Concubine Zhao and ask her for silver; whenever she saw me, her face changed color, and her eyes looked as dark and beady as a black hen’s.我當初還猜疑了幾遍，總不知什麼原故。I suspected her several times even then, but could never discover the reason.如今說起來，卻原來都是有因的。Now that the matter has come up, I see there was a cause for it all.但只我在這里當家，自然惹人恨怨，怪不得人治我。But since I manage the household here, I naturally incur people’s hatred and resentment, so I can hardly blame them for trying to harm me.寶玉可和人有什麼仇呢，忍得下這樣毒手。”賈母道：“焉知不因我疼寶玉不疼環兒，竟給你們种了毒了呢。”王夫人道：“這老貨已經問了罪，決不好叫他來對證。But what grudge could anyone have against Baoyu, that they could bring themselves to use such a vicious hand against him?” Grandmother Jia said, “How do we know it was not because I dote on Baoyu and neglect Huan’er that she put a curse on both of you?” Lady Wang said, “That old wretch has already been convicted, and we certainly cannot bring him here to confront her.沒有對證，趙姨娘那里肯認帳。Without a witness to confront her, how would Concubine Zhao ever admit it?事情又大，鬧出來，外面也不雅，等他自作自受，少不得要自己敗露的。”賈母道：“你這話說的也是，這樣事，沒有對證，也難作准。Besides, it is a serious matter, and making a public commotion would hardly look respectable; let her reap what she has sown—sooner or later she is bound to expose herself.” Grandmother Jia said, “What you say is right. Without a witness, such a charge would be difficult to establish.只是佛爺菩薩看的真，他們姐兒兩個，如今又比誰不濟了呢。But the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas see the truth clearly; and those two sisters—are they any better off now than anyone else?罷了，過去的事，鳳哥兒也不必提了。Enough. It is all in the past, and Feng’er need not bring it up again.今日你和你太太都在我這邊吃了晚飯再過去罷。”遂叫鴛鴦琥珀等傳飯。Today, you and your lady had better dine here with me before going back.” She accordingly ordered Yuanyang, Hupo, and the others to have the meal served.鳳姐赶忙笑道：“怎麼老祖宗倒操起心來！”王夫人也笑了。Fengjie hastily said with a smile, “Why should our Old Ancestress trouble herself over that?” Lady Wang smiled too.只見外頭幾個媳婦伺候。Several married maids could be seen waiting outside.鳳姐連忙告訴小丫頭子傳飯：“我和太太都跟著老太太吃。”正說著，只見玉釧兒走來對王夫人道：“老爺要找一件什麼東西，請太太伺候了老太太的飯完了自己去找一找呢。”賈母道：“你去罷，保不住你老爺有要緊的事。”王夫人答應著，便留下鳳姐兒伺候，自己退了出來。Fengjie hurriedly told a young maid to send word about the meal: “Her Ladyship and I will both dine with the old lady.” As she spoke, Yu Chuan’er came in and said to Lady Wang, “Master wants something found and asks Your Ladyship to go and look for it yourself after you have attended the old lady through her meal.” Grandmother Jia said, “You had better go. Your master may have something urgent to attend to.” Lady Wang assented, left Fengjie behind to wait upon Grandmother Jia, and withdrew.

说著凤姐也进来了，见了贾母，又回身见过了王夫人，说道：“老祖宗要问我什么？”贾母道：“你前年害了邪病，你还记得怎么样？”凤姐儿笑道：“我也不很记得了。但觉自己身子不由自主，倒象有些鬼怪拉拉扯扯要我杀人才好，有什么，拿什么，见什么，杀什么。自己原觉很乏，只是不能住手。”贾母道：“好的时候还记得么？”凤姐道：“好的时候好象空中有人说了几句话似的，却不记得说什么来著。”贾母道：“这么看起来竟是他了。他姐儿两个病中的光景和才说的一样。这老东西竟这样坏心，宝玉枉认了他做干妈。倒是这个和尚道人，阿弥陀佛，才是救宝玉性命的，只是没有报答他。”凤姐道：“怎么老太太想起我们的病来呢？”贾母道：“你问你太太去，我懒待说。”王夫人道：“才刚老爷进来说起宝玉的干妈竟是个混帐东西，邪魔外道的。如今闹破了，被锦衣府拿住送入刑部监，要问死罪的了，前几天被人告发的。那个人叫做什么潘三保，有一所房子卖与斜对过当铺里。这房子加了几倍价钱，潘三保还要加，当铺里那里还肯。潘三保便买嘱了这老东西，因他常到当铺里去，那当铺里人的内眷都与他好的。他就使了个法儿，叫人家的内人便得了邪病，家翻宅乱起来。他又去说这个病他能治，就用些神马纸钱烧献了，果然见效。他又向人家内眷们要了十几两银子。岂知老佛爷有眼，应该败露了。这一天急要回去，掉了一个绢包儿。当铺里人捡起来一看，里头有许多纸人，还有四丸子很香的香。正诧异著呢，那老东西倒回来找这绢包儿。这里的人就把他拿住，身边一搜，搜出一个匣子，里面有象牙刻的一男一女，不穿衣服，光著身子的两个魔王，还有七根朱红绣花针。立时送到锦衣府去，问出许多官员家大户太太姑娘们的隐情事来。所以知会了营里，把他家中一抄，抄出好些泥塑的煞神，几匣子闹香。炕背后空屋子里挂著一盏七星灯，灯下有几个草人，有头上戴著脑箍的，有胸前穿著钉子的，有项上拴著锁子的。柜子里无数纸人儿，底下几篇小帐，上面记著某家验过，应找银若干。得人家油钱香分也不计其数。凤姐道：“咱们的病，一准是他。我记得咱们病后，那老妖精向赵姨娘处来过几次，要向赵姨娘讨银子，见了我，便脸上变貌变色，两眼黧鸡似的。我当初还猜疑了几遍，总不知什么原故。如今说起来，却原来都是有因的。但只我在这里当家，自然惹人恨怨，怪不得人治我。宝玉可和人有什么仇呢，忍得下这样毒手。”贾母道：“焉知不因我疼宝玉不疼环儿，竟给你们种了毒了呢。”王夫人道：“这老货已经问了罪，决不好叫他来对证。没有对证，赵姨娘那里肯认帐。事情又大，闹出来，外面也不雅，等他自作自受，少不得要自己败露的。”贾母道：“你这话说的也是，这样事，没有对证，也难作准。只是佛爷菩萨看的真，他们姐儿两个，如今又比谁不济了呢。罢了，过去的事，凤哥儿也不必提了。今日你和你太太都在我这边吃了晚饭再过去罢。”遂叫鸳鸯琥珀等传饭。凤姐赶忙笑道：“怎么老祖宗倒操起心来！”王夫人也笑了。只见外头几个媳妇伺候。凤姐连忙告诉小丫头子传饭：“我和太太都跟著老太太吃。”正说著，只见玉钏儿走来对王夫人道：“老爷要找一件什么东西，请太太伺候了老太太的饭完了自己去找一找呢。”贾母道：“你去罢，保不住你老爷有要紧的事。”王夫人答应著，便留下凤姐儿伺候，自己退了出来。

回至房中，和賈政說了些閒話，把東西找了出來。Returning to her room, she chatted awhile with Jia Zheng and found the object for him.賈政便問道：“迎兒已經回去了，他在孫家怎麼樣？”王夫人道：“迎丫頭一肚子眼淚，說孫姑爺凶橫的了不得。”因把迎春的話述了一遍。Jia Zheng then asked, “Ying’er has gone back already. How is she faring in the Sun household?” Lady Wang replied, “That girl Yingchun was full of tears. She said the Sun son-in-law was unbearably savage and overbearing.” She then repeated everything Yingchun had said.賈政歎道：“我原知不是對頭，無奈大老爺已說定了，教我也沒法。Jia Zheng sighed. “I knew from the first that it was not a suitable match, but your elder brother had already settled it, and there was nothing I could do.不過迎丫頭受些委屈罷了。”王夫人道：“這還是新媳婦，只指望他以後好了好。”說著，嗤的一笑。At worst, the girl will have to endure a few grievances.” Lady Wang said, “She is still a new bride. We can only hope he will treat her better in time.” At this she gave a little laugh.賈政道：“笑什麼？”王夫人道：“我笑寶玉，今兒早起特特的到這屋里來，說的都是些孩子話。”賈政道：“他說什麼？”王夫人把寶玉的言語笑述了一遍。Jia Zheng asked, “What are you laughing at?” Lady Wang replied, “At Baoyu. Early this morning he came here especially, talking nothing but childish nonsense.” Jia Zheng asked, “What did he say?” Smiling, Lady Wang repeated Baoyu’s remarks to him.賈政也忍不住的笑，因又說道：“你提寶玉，我正想起一件事來。Jia Zheng too could not help laughing, then said, “Now that you mention Baoyu, you remind me of something.這小孩子天天放在園里，也不是事。It will not do to leave the boy idling in the Garden day after day.生女兒不得濟，還是別人家的人，生兒若不濟事，關系非淺。If a daughter turns out badly, she will at least belong to another family; but if a son proves useless, the consequences are far more serious.前日倒有人和我提起一位先生來，學問人品都是极好的，也是南邊人。The other day someone recommended a tutor to me, a man of excellent learning and character, who also happens to be from the south.但我想南邊先生性情最是和平，咱們城里的小孩，個個踢天弄井，鬼聰明倒是有的，可以搪塞就搪塞過去了，膽子又大，先生再要不肯給沒臉，一日哄哥兒似的，沒的白耽誤了。But it occurred to me that southern tutors are generally very mild-tempered, while the boys of our city are all wild enough to kick up heaven and overturn wells. They have plenty of devilish cleverness and will bluff their way through whenever they can; they are bold besides, and if the tutor cannot bring himself to shame them and spends every day coaxing them like young masters, he will merely waste their time for nothing.所以老輩子不肯請外頭的先生，只在本家擇出有年紀再有點學問的請來掌家塾。That is why our elders would never engage an outside tutor, but chose from among our own clan an older man with some learning to take charge of the family school.如今儒大太爺雖學問也只中平，但還彈壓的住這些小孩子們，不至以顢頇了事。At present, although Grand-Uncle Ru’s learning is only middling, he can still keep these boys under control and will not muddle through his duties.我想寶玉閒著總不好，不如仍舊叫他家塾中讀書去罷了。”王夫人道：“老爺說的很是。I think it is no good for Baoyu to remain idle. He had better go back to the family school and study.” Lady Wang said, “Master is quite right.自從老爺外任去了，他又常病，竟耽擱了好幾年。Ever since you left to take up your provincial post, he has also been frequently ill, and his studies have been delayed for several years.如今且在家學里溫習溫習，也是好的。”賈政點頭，又說些閒話，不題。It would be good for him to review his lessons in the family school for the time being.” Jia Zheng nodded, and after some further casual conversation, we leave them there.

回至房中，和贾政说了些闲话，把东西找了出来。贾政便问道：“迎儿已经回去了，他在孙家怎么样？”王夫人道：“迎丫头一肚子眼泪，说孙姑爷凶横的了不得。”因把迎春的话述了一遍。贾政叹道：“我原知不是对头，无奈大老爷已说定了，教我也没法。不过迎丫头受些委屈罢了。”王夫人道：“这还是新媳妇，只指望他以后好了好。”说著，嗤的一笑。贾政道：“笑什么？”王夫人道：“我笑宝玉，今儿早起特特的到这屋里来，说的都是些孩子话。”贾政道：“他说什么？”王夫人把宝玉的言语笑述了一遍。贾政也忍不住的笑，因又说道：“你提宝玉，我正想起一件事来。这小孩子天天放在园里，也不是事。生女儿不得济，还是别人家的人，生儿若不济事，关系非浅。前日倒有人和我提起一位先生来，学问人品都是极好的，也是南边人。但我想南边先生性情最是和平，咱们城里的小孩，个个踢天弄井，鬼聪明倒是有的，可以搪塞就搪塞过去了，胆子又大，先生再要不肯给没脸，一日哄哥儿似的，没的白耽误了。所以老辈子不肯请外头的先生，只在本家择出有年纪再有点学问的请来掌家塾。如今儒大太爷虽学问也只中平，但还弹压的住这些小孩子们，不至以颟顸了事。我想宝玉闲著总不好，不如仍旧叫他家塾中读书去罢了。”王夫人道：“老爷说的很是。自从老爷外任去了，他又常病，竟耽搁了好几年。如今且在家学里温习温习，也是好的。”贾政点头，又说些闲话，不题。

且說寶玉次日起來，梳洗已畢，早有小廝們傳進話來說：“老爺叫二爺說話。”寶玉忙整理了衣服，來至賈政書房中，請了安站著。The next morning, when Baoyu had risen, washed, and dressed, the pages had already brought in word: “Master wishes to speak with Second Master.” Baoyu hurriedly straightened his clothes, went to Jia Zheng’s study, paid his respects, and stood waiting.賈政道：“你近來作些什麼功課？Jia Zheng asked, “What lessons have you been doing lately?雖有幾篇字，也算不得什麼。Though you have written a few compositions, they hardly amount to anything.我看你近來的光景，越發比頭幾年散蕩了，況且每每聽見你推病不肯念書。From what I have observed, you have lately grown even more idle and undisciplined than you were a few years ago; what is more, I repeatedly hear that you plead illness to avoid your studies.如今可大好了，我還聽見你天天在園子里和姊妹們頑頑笑笑，甚至和那些丫頭們混鬧，把自己的正經事，總丟在腦袋後頭。Now that you have fully recovered, I hear you spend every day in the Garden laughing and playing with your sisters, and even romping about with the maids, while always putting your proper duties entirely out of mind.就是做得幾句詩詞，也并不怎麼樣，有什麼稀罕處！Even the few lines of verse you compose are nothing remarkable. What is there so rare about them?比如應試選舉，到底以文章為主，你這上頭倒沒有一點兒工夫。When it comes to the civil-service examinations and official selection, prose essays are what matter in the end, yet you have put no effort into them at all.我可囑咐你：自今日起，再不許做詩做對的了，單要習學八股文章。I am warning you: from today onward, you are no longer permitted to write poems or compose couplets. You are to devote yourself solely to studying the eight-legged essay.限你一年，若毫無長進，你也不用念書了，我也不願有你這樣的兒子了。”遂叫李貴來，說：“明兒一早，傳焙茗跟了寶玉去收拾應念的書籍，一齊拿過來我看看，親自送他到家學里去。”喝命寶玉：“去罷！I give you one year. If you make no progress whatsoever, you need not continue studying, and I, for my part, have no wish for a son like you.” He then summoned Li Gui and said, “Early tomorrow morning, have Beiming accompany Baoyu to gather up all the books he is to study and bring them here for me to inspect. I shall personally escort him to the family school.” Then he barked at Baoyu, “Go!明日起早來見我。”寶玉聽了，半日竟無一言可答，因回到怡紅院來。Come to see me early tomorrow morning.” On hearing this, Baoyu stood for a long while without a word to answer, then returned to Happy Red Court.

且说宝玉次日起来，梳洗已毕，早有小厮们传进话来说：“老爷叫二爷说话。”宝玉忙整理了衣服，来至贾政书房中，请了安站著。贾政道：“你近来作些什么功课？虽有几篇字，也算不得什么。我看你近来的光景，越发比头几年散荡了，况且每每听见你推病不肯念书。如今可大好了，我还听见你天天在园子里和姊妹们顽顽笑笑，甚至和那些丫头们混闹，把自己的正经事，总丢在脑袋后头。就是做得几句诗词，也并不怎么样，有什么稀罕处！比如应试选举，到底以文章为主，你这上头倒没有一点儿工夫。我可嘱咐你：自今日起，再不许做诗做对的了，单要习学八股文章。限你一年，若毫无长进，你也不用念书了，我也不愿有你这样的儿子了。”遂叫李贵来，说：“明儿一早，传焙茗跟了宝玉去收拾应念的书籍，一齐拿过来我看看，亲自送他到家学里去。”喝命宝玉：“去罢！明日起早来见我。”宝玉听了，半日竟无一言可答，因回到怡红院来。

襲人正在著急聽信，見說取書，倒也歡喜。Xiren had been anxiously awaiting news; when she heard that his books were to be fetched, she was rather pleased.獨是寶玉要人即刻送信與賈母，欲叫攔阻。Baoyu alone insisted that someone send word to Grandmother Jia at once, hoping she would intervene.賈母得信，便命人叫寶玉來，告訴他說：“只管放心先去，別叫你老子生氣。When Grandmother Jia received the message, she had Baoyu summoned and told him, “Set your mind at ease and go for now; do not provoke your father’s anger.有什麼難為你，有我呢。”寶玉沒法，只得回來囑咐了丫頭們：“明日早早叫我，老爺要等著送我到家學里去呢。”襲人等答應了，同麝月兩個倒替著醒了一夜。If anyone makes things difficult for you, you have me to protect you.” Baoyu had no choice but to return and instruct the maids, “Wake me very early tomorrow. Master will be waiting to take me to the family school.” Xiren and the others assented, and she and Sheyue took turns staying awake all night.

袭人正在著急听信，见说取书，倒也欢喜。独是宝玉要人即刻送信与贾母，欲叫拦阻。贾母得信，便命人叫宝玉来，告诉他说：“只管放心先去，别叫你老子生气。有什么难为你，有我呢。”宝玉没法，只得回来嘱咐了丫头们：“明日早早叫我，老爷要等著送我到家学里去呢。”袭人等答应了，同麝月两个倒替著醒了一夜。

次日一早，襲人便叫醒寶玉，梳洗了，換了衣服，打發小丫頭子傳了焙茗在二門上伺候，拿著書籍等物。Early the next morning, Xiren woke Baoyu, helped him wash and dress and change his clothes, then sent a young maid to have Beiming wait at the second gate with the books and other things.襲人又催了兩遍，寶玉只得出來過賈政書房中來，先打聽“老爺過來了沒有？”書房中小廝答應：“方才一位清客相公請老爺回話，里邊說梳洗呢，命清客相公出去候著去了。”寶玉聽了，心里稍稍安頓，連忙到賈政這邊來。Xiren urged him twice more before Baoyu reluctantly went out toward Jia Zheng’s study, first asking, “Has Master come yet?” A page in the study replied, “Just now one of Master’s literary gentlemen came to report something. Word came from inside that Master was washing and dressing, and the gentleman was told to wait outside.” Hearing this, Baoyu’s mind eased a little, and he hurried over to Jia Zheng’s quarters.恰好賈政著人來叫，寶玉便跟著進去。Just then Jia Zheng sent someone to summon him, and Baoyu followed the messenger inside.賈政不免又囑咐幾句話，帶了寶玉上了車，焙茗拿著書籍，一直到家塾中來。Jia Zheng gave him several more admonitions, as was only to be expected, then took Baoyu into his carriage, while Beiming carried the books, and they proceeded all the way to the family school.

次日一早，袭人便叫醒宝玉，梳洗了，换了衣服，打发小丫头子传了焙茗在二门上伺候，拿著书籍等物。袭人又催了两遍，宝玉只得出来过贾政书房中来，先打听“老爷过来了没有？”书房中小厮答应：“方才一位清客相公请老爷回话，里边说梳洗呢，命清客相公出去候著去了。”宝玉听了，心里稍稍安顿，连忙到贾政这边来。恰好贾政著人来叫，宝玉便跟著进去。贾政不免又嘱咐几句话，带了宝玉上了车，焙茗拿著书籍，一直到家塾中来。

早有人先搶一步回代儒說：“老爺來了。”代儒站起身來，賈政早已走入，向代儒請了安。Someone had already hurried ahead to inform Dairu, “Master is coming.” Dairu rose to his feet, but Jia Zheng had already entered and bowed respectfully to him.代儒拉著手問了好，又問：“老太太近日安么？”寶玉過來也請了安。Dairu took him by the hand and exchanged greetings, then asked, “Has the old lady been well lately?” Baoyu also came forward and paid his respects.賈政站著，請代儒坐了，然後坐下。Jia Zheng remained standing until he had asked Dairu to be seated, and only then sat down himself.賈政道：“我今日自己送他來，因要求托一番。Jia Zheng said, “I have brought him here myself today because I have a favor to ask of you.這孩子年紀也不小了，到底要學個成人的舉業，才是終身立身成名之事。The boy is no longer young; he must learn the examination studies expected of a grown man, for only through them can he establish himself and win a name in life.如今他在家中只是和些孩子們混鬧，雖懂得幾句詩詞，也是胡謅亂道的，就是好了，也不過是風雲月露，與一生的正事毫無關涉。”代儒道：“我看他相貌也還体面，靈性也還去得，為什麼不念書，只是心野貪頑。At home he does nothing but fool about with a pack of children. Though he knows how to compose a few lines of verse, they are merely wild and nonsensical scribblings; even at their best, they deal with nothing but wind, clouds, moon, and dew, and have no bearing whatever on the serious business of his life.” Dairu said, “His appearance is respectable enough, and he has a fair measure of intelligence. His failure to study comes only from his unruly mind and fondness for play.詩詞一道，不是學不得的，只要發達了以後，再學還不遲呢。”賈政道：“原是如此。It is not that poetry should never be studied; but there will be time enough for it after he has achieved success.” Jia Zheng said, “Precisely so.目今只求叫他讀書，講書，作文章。For the present, I ask only that he read his texts, explain them, and write essays.倘或不聽教訓，還求太爺認真的管教管教他，才不至有名無實的白耽誤了他的一世。”說畢，站起來又作了一個揖，然後說了些閒話，才辭了出去。If he should refuse instruction, I must beg you, Grand-Uncle, to discipline him in earnest, so that he may not have the name of a student while accomplishing nothing and thus waste his whole life.” When he had finished, he rose and bowed once more; then, after some casual conversation, he took his leave.代儒送至門首，說：“老太太前替我問好請安罷。”賈政答應著，自己上車去了。Dairu accompanied him to the entrance and said, “Please convey my respects and good wishes to the old lady.” Jia Zheng promised he would and departed in his carriage.

早有人先抢一步回代儒说：“老爷来了。”代儒站起身来，贾政早已走入，向代儒请了安。代儒拉著手问了好，又问：“老太太近日安么？”宝玉过来也请了安。贾政站著，请代儒坐了，然后坐下。贾政道：“我今日自己送他来，因要求托一番。这孩子年纪也不小了，到底要学个成人的举业，才是终身立身成名之事。如今他在家中只是和些孩子们混闹，虽懂得几句诗词，也是胡诌乱道的，就是好了，也不过是风云月露，与一生的正事毫无关涉。”代儒道：“我看他相貌也还体面，灵性也还去得，为什么不念书，只是心野贪顽。诗词一道，不是学不得的，只要发达了以后，再学还不迟呢。”贾政道：“原是如此。目今只求叫他读书，讲书，作文章。倘或不听教训，还求太爷认真的管教管教他，才不至有名无实的白耽误了他的一世。”说毕，站起来又作了一个揖，然后说了些闲话，才辞了出去。代儒送至门首，说：“老太太前替我问好请安罢。”贾政答应著，自己上车去了。

代儒回身進來，看見寶玉在西南角靠窗戶擺著一張花梨小桌，右邊堆下兩套舊書，薄薄兒的一本文章，叫焙茗將紙墨筆硯都擱在抽屜里藏著。Turning back inside, Dairu saw that Baoyu had placed a small rosewood table by the window in the southwest corner, stacked two sets of old books on the right, laid down one thin volume of model essays, and told Beiming to put the paper, ink, brushes, and inkstone away in the drawer.代儒道：“寶玉，我聽見說你前兒有病，如今可大好了？”寶玉站起來道：“大好了。”代儒道：“如今論起來，你可也該用功了。Dairu said, “Baoyu, I heard you were ill some time ago. Are you fully recovered now?” Baoyu rose and answered, “Quite recovered.” Dairu said, “In that case, it is time you applied yourself.你父親望你成人懇切的很。Your father is most earnest in his hope that you will grow into a worthy man.你且把從前念過的書，打頭兒理一遍。For now, go over from the beginning the books you studied before.每日早起理書，飯後寫字，晌午講書，念幾遍文章就是了。”寶玉答應了個“是”，回身坐下時，不免四面一看。Each day, review your texts early in the morning, practise calligraphy after breakfast, explain the classics at noon, and read your model essays several times. That will do.” Baoyu answered, “Yes,” and as he turned to sit down, he could not help looking all around him.見昔時金榮輩不見了幾個，又添了幾個小學生，都是些粗俗异常的。He saw that several of the former pupils, including Jin Rong and his companions, were gone, while a number of new young students had been added, all exceptionally coarse and vulgar.忽然想起秦鐘來，如今沒有一個做得伴說句知心話兒的，心上凄然不樂，卻不敢作聲，只是悶著看書。Suddenly he thought of Qin Zhong. There was no one now to keep him company or exchange a heartfelt word with him, and he felt desolate and unhappy; yet he dared not make a sound and could only sit glumly reading.代儒告訴寶玉道：“今日頭一天，早些放你家去罷。Dairu told Baoyu, “Since this is your first day, I shall let you go home early.明日要講書了。Tomorrow we shall begin explaining the texts.但是你又不是很愚夯的，明日我倒要你先講一兩章書我聽，試試你近來的工課何如，我才曉得你到怎麼個分兒上頭。”說得寶玉心中亂跳。But since you are not altogether dull-witted, tomorrow I want you first to explain one or two chapters for me, so that I may see how your recent studies have gone and know exactly what level you have reached.” These words set Baoyu’s heart pounding in alarm.欲知明日聽解何如，且聽下回分解。To learn how he fared when called upon to explain the text the next day, listen to the account in the following chapter.

代儒回身进来，看见宝玉在西南角靠窗户摆著一张花梨小桌，右边堆下两套旧书，薄薄儿的一本文章，叫焙茗将纸墨笔砚都搁在抽屉里藏著。代儒道：“宝玉，我听见说你前儿有病，如今可大好了？”宝玉站起来道：“大好了。”代儒道：“如今论起来，你可也该用功了。你父亲望你成人恳切的很。你且把从前念过的书，打头儿理一遍。每日早起理书，饭后写字，晌午讲书，念几遍文章就是了。”宝玉答应了个“是”，回身坐下时，不免四面一看。见昔时金荣辈不见了几个，又添了几个小学生，都是些粗俗异常的。忽然想起秦钟来，如今没有一个做得伴说句知心话儿的，心上凄然不乐，却不敢作声，只是闷著看书。代儒告诉宝玉道：“今日头一天，早些放你家去罢。明日要讲书了。但是你又不是很愚夯的，明日我倒要你先讲一两章书我听，试试你近来的工课何如，我才晓得你到怎么个分儿上头。”说得宝玉心中乱跳。欲知明日听解何如，且听下回分解。

原著第八十回 回目录 下一回Original work: Chapter 80 · Back to Contents · Next Chapter