第八十二回　老學究講義警頑心　病瀟湘痴魂驚惡夢 An Old Tutor's Lecture Warns a Wayward Heart; Ailing Daiyu Is Frightened by a Nightmare

話說寶玉下學回來，見了賈母。It is told that when Baoyu returned from school, he went to see Grandmother Jia.賈母笑道：“好了，如今野馬上了籠頭了。Grandmother Jia smiled and said, “Good! Now the wild horse has a bridle on him at last.去罷，見見你老爺，回來散散兒去罷。”寶玉答應著，去見賈政。Off you go—see your father, then come back and amuse yourself for a while.” Baoyu assented and went to see Jia Zheng.賈政道：“這早晚就下了學了么？Jia Zheng said, “Have you finished school already, at this hour?師父給你定了工課沒有？”寶玉道：“定了。Has your teacher set you a course of study?” Baoyu said, “He has.早起理書，飯後寫字，晌午講書念文章。”賈政聽了，點點頭兒，因道：“去罷，還到老太太那邊陪著坐坐去。I review my books early in the morning, practice calligraphy after breakfast, and at noon receive instruction on the classics and recite compositions.” Jia Zheng nodded when he heard this and said, “Off you go, then. Go sit with the Old Lady a while longer.你也該學些人功道理，別一味的貪頑。You ought to learn something of the principles of proper conduct, instead of thinking of nothing but play.晚上早些睡，天天上學早些起來。Go to bed earlier at night, and rise early for school every day.你聽見了？”寶玉連忙答應幾個“是”，退出來，忙忙又去見王夫人，又到賈母那邊打了個照面兒。Do you hear me?” Baoyu hurriedly answered “Yes” several times, withdrew, and hastened to see Lady Wang before showing his face again at Grandmother Jia’s.

话说宝玉下学回来，见了贾母。贾母笑道：“好了，如今野马上了笼头了。去罢，见见你老爷，回来散散儿去罢。”宝玉答应著，去见贾政。贾政道：“这早晚就下了学了么？师父给你定了工课没有？”宝玉道：“定了。早起理书，饭后写字，晌午讲书念文章。”贾政听了，点点头儿，因道：“去罢，还到老太太那边陪著坐坐去。你也该学些人功道理，别一味的贪顽。晚上早些睡，天天上学早些起来。你听见了？”宝玉连忙答应几个“是”，退出来，忙忙又去见王夫人，又到贾母那边打了个照面儿。

赶著出來，恨不得一走就走到瀟湘館才好。The moment he came out, he wished he could reach Xiaoxiang Lodge in a single stride.剛進門口，便拍著手笑道：“我依舊回來了！”猛可里倒唬了黛玉一跳。No sooner had he entered the doorway than he clapped his hands and cried with a laugh, “Here I am, back just as before!” His sudden appearance gave Daiyu quite a fright.紫鵑打起帘子，寶玉進來坐下。Zijuan raised the curtain, and Baoyu went in and sat down.黛玉道：“我恍惚聽見你念書去了。Daiyu said, “I vaguely heard that you had gone to your lessons.這麼早就回來了？”寶玉道：“噯呀，了不得！How are you back so early?” Baoyu said, “Oh, it was dreadful!我今兒不是被老爺叫了念書去了么，心上倒象沒有和你們見面的日子了。Wasn’t I summoned by Father to go and study today? It felt as though I had not seen any of you for ages.好容易熬了一天，這會子瞧見你們，竟如死而复生的一樣，真真古人說‘一日三秋，這話再不錯的。”黛玉道：“你上頭去過了沒有？”寶玉道：“都去過了。”黛玉道：“別處呢？”寶玉道：“沒有。”黛玉道：“你也該瞧瞧他們去。”寶玉道：“我這會子懶待動了，只和妹妹坐著說一會子話兒罷。I barely managed to endure the day. Now that I see you again, it is just like returning to life from the dead. The ancients truly spoke aright when they said, ‘One day apart seems like three autumns.’” Daiyu asked, “Have you been to see your elders?” Baoyu said, “I have seen them all.” Daiyu asked, “And the others?” Baoyu said, “No.” Daiyu said, “You ought to go and see them too.” Baoyu replied, “I cannot be bothered to move just now. Let me sit and talk with you for a while, dear cousin.老爺還叫早睡早起，只好明兒再瞧他們去了。”黛玉道：“你坐坐兒，可是正該歇歇兒去了。”寶玉道：“我那里是乏，只是悶得慌。Father also told me to sleep and rise early, so I shall just have to see them tomorrow.” Daiyu said, “Sit for a little while, but you really ought to go and rest soon.” Baoyu replied, “I am not tired; I was only stifled with boredom.這會子咱們坐著才把悶散了，你又催起我來。”黛玉微微的一笑，因叫紫鵑：“把我的龍井茶給二爺沏一碗。Now that sitting here together has finally dispelled it, you are already urging me to leave.” Daiyu smiled faintly and called to Zijuan, “Brew Second Master a cup of my Longjing tea.二爺如今念書了，比不的頭里。”紫鵑笑著答應，去拿茶葉，叫小丫頭子沏茶。Second Master is studying now; things are not as they used to be.” Zijuan laughingly assented, fetched the tea leaves, and told a young maid to brew the tea.寶玉接著說道：“還提什麼念書，我最厭這些道學話。Baoyu continued, “Don’t speak to me of studying. I detest all that moralizing pedantry.更可笑的是八股文章，拿他誆功名混飯吃也罷了，還要說代圣賢立言。The eight-legged essays are more absurd still. It would be one thing merely to use them to swindle oneself an official degree and earn a living, but they even claim to speak on behalf of the sages.好些的，不過拿些經書湊搭湊搭還罷了，更有一种可笑的，肚子里原沒有什麼，東拉西扯，弄的牛鬼蛇神，還自以為博奧。The better ones merely cobble together passages from the classics, which is tolerable enough; but there is an even more ridiculous kind, written by men with nothing in their bellies, who drag in scraps from east and west and concoct a monstrous jumble, all the while imagining themselves profound and erudite.這那里是闡發圣賢的道理。How can that possibly be an exposition of the sages’ principles?目下老爺口口聲聲叫我學這個，我又不敢違拗，你這會子還提念書呢。”黛玉道：“我們女孩兒家雖然不要這個，但小時跟著你們雨村先生念書，也曾看過。At present Father keeps telling me to study this stuff, and I dare not disobey him; yet here you are speaking of studying too.” Daiyu said, “Though we girls have no need of it, I did read some of it when I studied as a child with your Teacher Yucun.內中也有近情近理的，也有清微淡遠的。Some pieces are reasonable and true to life, while others possess a pure, subtle, and serene remoteness.那時候雖不大懂，也覺得好，不可一概抹倒。Though I did not understand much at the time, I still thought them good. You cannot dismiss them all out of hand.況且你要取功名，這個也清貴些。”寶玉聽到這里，覺得不甚入耳，因想黛玉從來不是這樣人，怎麼也這樣勢欲熏心起來？Besides, if you mean to win an official degree, this is at least a fairly honorable path.” Hearing this, Baoyu found it rather displeasing. Daiyu had never been that sort of person, he thought; how had she too become so obsessed with worldly advancement?又不敢在他跟前駁回，只在鼻子眼里笑了一聲。Yet he dared not contradict her to her face and merely gave a little snort of laughter through his nose.正說著，忽聽外面兩個人說話，卻是秋紋和紫鵑。While they were still talking, they suddenly heard two people speaking outside; they were Qiuwen and Zijuan.只聽秋紋道：“襲人姐姐叫我老太太那里接去，誰知卻在這里。”紫鵑道：“我們這里才沏了茶，索性讓他喝了再去。”說著，二人一齊進來。They heard Qiuwen say, “Sister Xiren sent me to fetch him from the Old Lady’s, but who would have thought he was here?” Zijuan said, “We have only just brewed tea, so you may as well let him drink it before he goes.” As she spoke, the two of them entered together.寶玉和秋紋笑道：“我就過去，又勞動你來找。”秋紋未及答言，只見紫鵑道：“你快喝了茶去罷，人家都想了一天了。”秋紋啐道：“呸，好混帳丫頭！”說的大家都笑了。Baoyu smiled at Qiuwen and said, “I was just coming back; I am sorry you had to come looking for me.” Before Qiuwen could reply, Zijuan said, “Drink your tea quickly and go. Someone has been missing you all day.” Qiuwen spat playfully, “Pah, what a shameless little hussy!” At this, everyone laughed.寶玉起身才辭了出來。Baoyu rose, took his leave, and came out.黛玉送到屋門口兒，紫鵑在台階下站著，寶玉出去，才回房里來。Daiyu saw him as far as the door while Zijuan stood below the steps; only after Baoyu had gone did they return inside.

赶著出来，恨不得一走就走到潇湘馆才好。刚进门口，便拍著手笑道：“我依旧回来了！”猛可里倒唬了黛玉一跳。紫鹃打起帘子，宝玉进来坐下。黛玉道：“我恍惚听见你念书去了。这么早就回来了？”宝玉道：“嗳呀，了不得！我今儿不是被老爷叫了念书去了么，心上倒象没有和你们见面的日子了。好容易熬了一天，这会子瞧见你们，竟如死而复生的一样，真真古人说‘一日三秋，这话再不错的。”黛玉道：“你上头去过了没有？”宝玉道：“都去过了。”黛玉道：“别处呢？”宝玉道：“没有。”黛玉道：“你也该瞧瞧他们去。”宝玉道：“我这会子懒待动了，只和妹妹坐著说一会子话儿罢。老爷还叫早睡早起，只好明儿再瞧他们去了。”黛玉道：“你坐坐儿，可是正该歇歇儿去了。”宝玉道：“我那里是乏，只是闷得慌。这会子咱们坐著才把闷散了，你又催起我来。”黛玉微微的一笑，因叫紫鹃：“把我的龙井茶给二爷沏一碗。二爷如今念书了，比不的头里。”紫鹃笑著答应，去拿茶叶，叫小丫头子沏茶。宝玉接著说道：“还提什么念书，我最厌这些道学话。更可笑的是八股文章，拿他诓功名混饭吃也罢了，还要说代圣贤立言。好些的，不过拿些经书凑搭凑搭还罢了，更有一种可笑的，肚子里原没有什么，东拉西扯，弄的牛鬼蛇神，还自以为博奥。这那里是阐发圣贤的道理。目下老爷口口声声叫我学这个，我又不敢违拗，你这会子还提念书呢。”黛玉道：“我们女孩儿家虽然不要这个，但小时跟著你们雨村先生念书，也曾看过。内中也有近情近理的，也有清微淡远的。那时候虽不大懂，也觉得好，不可一概抹倒。况且你要取功名，这个也清贵些。”宝玉听到这里，觉得不甚入耳，因想黛玉从来不是这样人，怎么也这样势欲熏心起来？又不敢在他跟前驳回，只在鼻子眼里笑了一声。正说著，忽听外面两个人说话，却是秋纹和紫鹃。只听秋纹道：“袭人姐姐叫我老太太那里接去，谁知却在这里。”紫鹃道：“我们这里才沏了茶，索性让他喝了再去。”说著，二人一齐进来。宝玉和秋纹笑道：“我就过去，又劳动你来找。”秋纹未及答言，只见紫鹃道：“你快喝了茶去罢，人家都想了一天了。”秋纹啐道：“呸，好混帐丫头！”说的大家都笑了。宝玉起身才辞了出来。黛玉送到屋门口儿，紫鹃在台阶下站著，宝玉出去，才回房里来。

卻說寶玉回到怡紅院中，進了屋子，只見襲人從里間迎出來，便問：“回來了么？”秋紋應道：“二爺早來了，在林姑娘那邊來著。”寶玉道：“今日有事沒有？ ”襲人道：“事卻沒有。Now to return to Baoyu: when he reached Happy Red Court and entered his room, Xiren came out from the inner chamber to meet him and asked, “You are back?” Qiuwen answered, “Second Master came back some time ago; he was over at Miss Lin’s.” Baoyu asked, “Has anything happened today?” Xiren said, “Nothing has happened.方才太太叫鴛鴦姐姐來吩咐我們：如今老爺發狠叫你念書，如有丫鬟們再敢和你頑笑，都要照著晴雯司棋的例辦。But just now Her Ladyship sent Sister Yuanyang with orders for us: now that Master is determined to make you study, if any of the maids dares to joke or play with you again, she is to be dealt with as Qingwen and Siqi were.我想，伏侍你一場，賺了這些言語，也沒什麼趣兒。”說著，便傷起心來。I cannot see much pleasure in serving you all this time only to earn such remarks.” As she spoke, she grew heartsore.寶玉忙道：“好姐姐，你放心。Baoyu hastily said, “Dear sister, set your mind at ease.我只好生念書，太太再不說你們了。I shall apply myself properly to my studies, and Her Ladyship will have no more cause to blame any of you.我今兒晚上還要看書，明日師父叫我講書呢。I must study again tonight, for tomorrow my teacher will ask me to explain the classics.我要使喚，橫豎有麝月秋紋呢，你歇歇去罷。”襲人道：“你要真肯念書，我們伏侍你也是歡喜的。”寶玉聽了，赶忙吃了晚飯，就叫點燈，把念過的”四書”翻出來。If I need anything, there are always Sheyue and Qiuwen; you go and have a rest.” Xiren said, “If you are truly willing to study, we shall be happy to serve you.” At this, Baoyu hurried through his supper, ordered the lamps lit, and took out the Four Books he had already studied.只是從何處看起？But where was he to begin?翻了一本，看去章章里頭似乎明白，細按起來，卻不很明白。He opened one of the books. At first glance, every chapter seemed clear, but when he examined it closely, it was not very clear at all.看著小注，又看講章，鬧到梆子下來了，自己想道：“我在詩詞上覺得很容易，在這個上頭竟沒頭腦。”便坐著呆呆的呆想。He read the minor commentaries and then the lecture notes, struggling on until the night watch was sounded. He thought, “Poetry and verse come very easily to me, but with this I cannot make head or tail of anything.” Then he sat there staring blankly, lost in thought.襲人道：“歇歇罷，做工夫也不在這一時的。”寶玉嘴里只管胡亂答應。Xiren said, “Have a rest. Applying yourself does not depend on this one evening.” Baoyu merely gave distracted answers.麝月襲人才伏侍他睡下，兩個才也睡了。Only after Sheyue and Xiren had settled him in bed did the two of them go to sleep.及至睡醒一覺，聽得寶玉炕上還是翻來复去。When they awoke after a spell of sleep, they could still hear Baoyu tossing and turning on the kang.襲人道：“你還醒著呢么？Xiren said, “Are you still awake?你倒別混想了，養養神明兒好念書。”寶玉道：“我也是這樣想，只是睡不著。Stop letting your thoughts run wild and preserve your strength, so that you can study well tomorrow.” Baoyu said, “That is what I think too, but I cannot sleep.你來給我揭去一層被。”襲人道：“天氣不熱，別揭罷。”寶玉道：“我心里煩躁的很。”自把被窩褪下來。Come and take off one layer of quilts for me.” Xiren said, “It is not warm tonight; better leave them on.” Baoyu replied, “I feel terribly feverish and agitated.” He pushed the bedding down himself.襲人忙爬起來按住，把手去他頭上一摸，覺得微微有些發燒。Xiren hurriedly sat up and held him still, then put her hand to his forehead and found that he had a slight fever.襲人道：“你別動了，有些發燒了。”寶玉道：“可不是。”襲人道：“這是怎麼說呢！”寶玉道：“不怕，是我心煩的原故。Xiren said, “Keep still; you are a little feverish.” Baoyu said, “So I am.” Xiren exclaimed, “How did this happen?” Baoyu said, “It is nothing to fear; it is because I have been so troubled at heart.你別吵嚷，省得老爺知道了，必說我裝病逃學，不然怎麼病的這樣巧。Do not make a commotion, or Father may hear of it and say I am feigning illness to avoid school—for how else could I fall ill at such a convenient time?明兒好了，原到學里去就完事了。”襲人也覺得可怜，說道：“我靠著你睡罷。”便和寶玉捶了一回脊梁，不知不覺大家都睡著了。Once I am better tomorrow, I shall simply go to school as usual, and that will be the end of it.” Xiren felt sorry for him too and said, “I shall sleep beside you.” She massaged his back for a while, and before they knew it, they both fell asleep.直到紅日高升，方才起來。They did not rise until the red sun was high in the sky.寶玉道：“不好了，晚了！”急忙梳洗畢，問了安，就往學里來了。Baoyu cried, “This is terrible—I am late!” He hurriedly washed and dressed, paid his morning respects, and went off to school.代儒已經變著臉，說：“怪不得你老爺生氣，說你沒出息。Dairu’s face had already darkened. He said, “No wonder your father is angry and says you will never amount to anything.第二天你就懶惰，這是什麼時候才來！”寶玉把昨兒發燒的話說了一遍，方過去了，原舊念書。On your very second day you grow lazy! Look what time you have come!” Baoyu explained that he had had a fever the previous night, and the matter was finally let pass; he resumed his usual lessons.到了下晚，代儒道：“寶玉，有一章書你來講講。”寶玉過來一看，卻是”後生可畏”章。Toward evening, Dairu said, “Baoyu, come and explain a chapter for me.” Baoyu went over and saw that it was the chapter beginning, “The young are to be held in awe.”寶玉心上說：“這還好，幸虧不是‘學’‘庸’。”問道：“怎麼講呢？”代儒道：“你把節旨句子細細兒講來。”寶玉把這章先朗朗的念了一遍，說：“這章書是圣人勸勉後生，教他及時努力，不要弄到……”說到這里，抬頭向代儒一瞧。Baoyu thought, “This is not so bad; luckily it is not from the Great Learning or the Doctrine of the Mean.” He asked, “How am I to explain it?” Dairu said, “Explain the purport of each section and every sentence carefully.” Baoyu first recited the chapter in a clear, ringing voice, then said, “In this chapter the Sage exhorts the young, instructing them to apply themselves in good time and not end up...” At this point, he looked up at Dairu.代儒覺得了，笑了一笑道：“你只管說，講書是沒有什麼避忌的。《禮記》上說‘臨文不諱’，只管說，‘不要弄到’什麼？”寶玉道：“不要弄到老大無成。Dairu understood and said with a smile, “Go on. In explaining the classics there are no names one must avoid. The Book of Rites says, ‘When dealing with a text, one does not observe name taboos.’ Go on, then—‘not end up’ how?” Baoyu said, “Not end up old and without accomplishment.先將‘可畏’二字激發後生的志氣，後把‘不足畏’二字警惕後生的將來。”說罷，看著代儒。First the words ‘to be held in awe’ rouse the ambition of the young; afterward, the words ‘not worthy of awe’ warn them about their future.” When he had finished, he looked at Dairu.代儒道：“也還罷了。Dairu said, “That will do, more or less.串講呢？”寶玉道：“圣人說，人生少時，心思才力，樣樣聰明能幹，實在是可怕的。Now give me the connected exposition.” Baoyu said, “The Sage says that while a person is young, his intelligence and abilities make him clever and capable in every way, and he is truly formidable.那里料得定他後來的日子不象我的今日。Who can say for certain that in later years he will not be as I am today?若是悠悠忽忽到了四十歲，又到五十歲，既不能夠發達，這种人雖是他後生時象個有用的，到了那個時候，這一輩子就沒有人怕他了。”代儒笑道：“你方才節旨講的倒清楚，只是句子里有些孩子氣。‘無聞’二字不是不能發達做官的話。‘聞’是實在自己能夠明理見道，就不做官也是有‘聞’了。But if he drifts idly on until forty and then fifty, without managing to rise in the world, then although he may have seemed useful in his youth, by that age no one will fear him for the rest of his life.” Dairu smiled and said, “Your outline of the purport was quite clear, but your exposition has something childish about it. The words ‘without repute’ do not mean failing to rise in office. ‘Repute’ means that one has truly come to understand principle and apprehend the Way; even without taking office, one may still possess ‘repute.’不然，古圣賢有遁世不見知的，豈不是不做官的人，難道也是‘無聞’么？‘不足畏’是使人料得定，方與‘焉知’的‘知’字對針，不是‘怕’的字眼。Otherwise, what of the ancient sages and worthies who withdrew from the world and remained unknown? Since they did not take office, must they too be called ‘without repute’? ‘Not worthy of awe’ means that one can judge his future with certainty, thus answering precisely to the word ‘know’ in ‘how do we know’; it does not mean being afraid.要從這里看出，方能入細。Only by seeing it in this way can you penetrate the finer meaning.你懂得不懂得？”寶玉道：“懂得了。”代儒道：“還有一章，你也講一講。”代儒往前揭了一篇，指給寶玉。Do you understand?” Baoyu said, “I understand.” Dairu said, “There is another chapter; explain that one too.” Dairu turned back a section and pointed it out to Baoyu.寶玉看是”吾未見好德如好色者也。”寶玉覺得這一章卻有些刺心，便陪笑道：“這句話沒有什麼講頭。”代儒道：“胡說！Baoyu saw that it was, “I have yet to see a man who loves virtue as he loves beauty.” He found this chapter rather painfully pointed, so he smiled ingratiatingly and said, “There is not much to explain in this sentence.” Dairu said, “Nonsense!譬如場中出了這個題目，也說沒有做頭么？”寶玉不得已，講道：“是圣人看見人不肯好德，見了色便好的了不得。If this were set as a topic in the examination hall, would you say there was nothing to write about either?” Baoyu had no choice but to explain: “The Sage saw that men were unwilling to love virtue, yet the moment they saw beauty they loved it beyond measure.殊不想德是性中本有的東西，人偏都不肯好他。They fail to realize that virtue is something inherent in their own nature, yet perversely none of them is willing to love it.至于那個色呢，雖也是從先天中帶來，無人不好的。As for beauty, although the love of it is also brought with us from our innate nature, there is no one who does not delight in it.但是德乃天理，色是人欲，人那里肯把天理好的象人欲似的。But virtue belongs to Heaven’s principle, while beauty belongs to human desire; how could people be willing to love Heaven’s principle as they love human desire?孔子雖是歎息的話，又是望人回轉來的意思。Although Confucius speaks in lamentation, his words also express the hope that people will turn back.并且見得人就有好德的好得終是浮淺，直要象色一樣的好起來，那才是真好呢。”代儒道：“這也講的罷了。Moreover, they show that even when people do love virtue, their love is ultimately shallow; only when they love it as they love beauty can it be called true love.” Dairu said, “That explanation will do.我有句話問你：你既懂得圣人的話，為什麼正犯著這兩件病？But I have a question for you: since you understand the Sage’s words, why are you guilty of precisely these two failings?我雖不在家中，你們老爺也不曾告訴我，其實你的毛病我卻盡知的。Though I do not live in your household and your father has never told me, I nevertheless know all about your faults.做一個人，怎麼不望長進？How can a man not aspire to improve himself?你這會兒正是‘後生可畏’的時候，‘有聞’‘不足畏’全在你自己做去了。You are now at precisely the age when ‘the young are to be held in awe’; whether you acquire ‘repute’ or become ‘unworthy of awe’ depends entirely upon what you yourself do.我如今限你一個月，把念過的舊書全要理清，再念一個月文章。I now give you one month to put all the old books you have studied thoroughly in order, and then another month to study model essays.以後我要出題目叫你作文章了。After that I shall set topics and have you compose essays.如若懈怠，我是斷乎不依的。If you grow slack, I shall certainly not tolerate it.自古道：‘成人不自在，自在不成人。’你好生記著我的話。”寶玉答應了，也只得天天按著功課幹去。As the old saying goes, ‘One who would become a man cannot live at ease; one who lives at ease will never become a man.’ Be sure to remember my words.” Baoyu assented and had no choice but to follow his prescribed course every day.不提。We shall say no more of this.

却说宝玉回到怡红院中，进了屋子，只见袭人从里间迎出来，便问：“回来了么？”秋纹应道：“二爷早来了，在林姑娘那边来著。”宝玉道：“今日有事没有？ ”袭人道：“事却没有。方才太太叫鸳鸯姐姐来吩咐我们：如今老爷发狠叫你念书，如有丫鬟们再敢和你顽笑，都要照著晴雯司棋的例办。我想，伏侍你一场，赚了这些言语，也没什么趣儿。”说著，便伤起心来。宝玉忙道：“好姐姐，你放心。我只好生念书，太太再不说你们了。我今儿晚上还要看书，明日师父叫我讲书呢。我要使唤，横竖有麝月秋纹呢，你歇歇去罢。”袭人道：“你要真肯念书，我们伏侍你也是欢喜的。”宝玉听了，赶忙吃了晚饭，就叫点灯，把念过的”四书”翻出来。只是从何处看起？翻了一本，看去章章里头似乎明白，细按起来，却不很明白。看著小注，又看讲章，闹到梆子下来了，自己想道：“我在诗词上觉得很容易，在这个上头竟没头脑。”便坐著呆呆的呆想。袭人道：“歇歇罢，做工夫也不在这一时的。”宝玉嘴里只管胡乱答应。麝月袭人才伏侍他睡下，两个才也睡了。及至睡醒一觉，听得宝玉炕上还是翻来复去。袭人道：“你还醒著呢么？你倒别混想了，养养神明儿好念书。”宝玉道：“我也是这样想，只是睡不著。你来给我揭去一层被。”袭人道：“天气不热，别揭罢。”宝玉道：“我心里烦躁的很。”自把被窝褪下来。袭人忙爬起来按住，把手去他头上一摸，觉得微微有些发烧。袭人道：“你别动了，有些发烧了。”宝玉道：“可不是。”袭人道：“这是怎么说呢！”宝玉道：“不怕，是我心烦的原故。你别吵嚷，省得老爷知道了，必说我装病逃学，不然怎么病的这样巧。明儿好了，原到学里去就完事了。”袭人也觉得可怜，说道：“我靠著你睡罢。”便和宝玉捶了一回脊梁，不知不觉大家都睡著了。直到红日高升，方才起来。宝玉道：“不好了，晚了！”急忙梳洗毕，问了安，就往学里来了。代儒已经变著脸，说：“怪不得你老爷生气，说你没出息。第二天你就懒惰，这是什么时候才来！”宝玉把昨儿发烧的话说了一遍，方过去了，原旧念书。到了下晚，代儒道：“宝玉，有一章书你来讲讲。”宝玉过来一看，却是”后生可畏”章。宝玉心上说：“这还好，幸亏不是‘学’‘庸’。”问道：“怎么讲呢？”代儒道：“你把节旨句子细细儿讲来。”宝玉把这章先朗朗的念了一遍，说：“这章书是圣人劝勉后生，教他及时努力，不要弄到……”说到这里，抬头向代儒一瞧。代儒觉得了，笑了一笑道：“你只管说，讲书是没有什么避忌的。《礼记》上说‘临文不讳’，只管说，‘不要弄到’什么？”宝玉道：“不要弄到老大无成。先将‘可畏’二字激发后生的志气，后把‘不足畏’二字警惕后生的将来。”说罢，看著代儒。代儒道：“也还罢了。串讲呢？”宝玉道：“圣人说，人生少时，心思才力，样样聪明能干，实在是可怕的。那里料得定他后来的日子不象我的今日。若是悠悠忽忽到了四十岁，又到五十岁，既不能够发达，这种人虽是他后生时象个有用的，到了那个时候，这一辈子就没有人怕他了。”代儒笑道：“你方才节旨讲的倒清楚，只是句子里有些孩子气。‘无闻’二字不是不能发达做官的话。‘闻’是实在自己能够明理见道，就不做官也是有‘闻’了。不然，古圣贤有遁世不见知的，岂不是不做官的人，难道也是‘无闻’么？‘不足畏’是使人料得定，方与‘焉知’的‘知’字对针，不是‘怕’的字眼。要从这里看出，方能入细。你懂得不懂得？”宝玉道：“懂得了。”代儒道：“还有一章，你也讲一讲。”代儒往前揭了一篇，指给宝玉。宝玉看是”吾未见好德如好色者也。”宝玉觉得这一章却有些刺心，便陪笑道：“这句话没有什么讲头。”代儒道：“胡说！譬如场中出了这个题目，也说没有做头么？”宝玉不得已，讲道：“是圣人看见人不肯好德，见了色便好的了不得。殊不想德是性中本有的东西，人偏都不肯好他。至于那个色呢，虽也是从先天中带来，无人不好的。但是德乃天理，色是人欲，人那里肯把天理好的象人欲似的。孔子虽是叹息的话，又是望人回转来的意思。并且见得人就有好德的好得终是浮浅，直要象色一样的好起来，那才是真好呢。”代儒道：“这也讲的罢了。我有句话问你：你既懂得圣人的话，为什么正犯著这两件病？我虽不在家中，你们老爷也不曾告诉我，其实你的毛病我却尽知的。做一个人，怎么不望长进？你这会儿正是‘后生可畏’的时候，‘有闻’‘不足畏’全在你自己做去了。我如今限你一个月，把念过的旧书全要理清，再念一个月文章。以后我要出题目叫你作文章了。如若懈怠，我是断乎不依的。自古道：‘成人不自在，自在不成人。’你好生记著我的话。”宝玉答应了，也只得天天按著功课干去。不提。

且說寶玉上學之後，怡紅院中甚覺清淨閒暇。Now, after Baoyu began attending school, Happy Red Court seemed exceptionally quiet and leisurely.襲人倒可做些活計，拿著針線要繡個檳榔包兒，想著如今寶玉有了工課，丫頭們可也沒有饑荒了。Xiren was at last able to do some needlework. Taking up needle and thread to embroider a betel-nut pouch, she reflected that now Baoyu had a regular course of study, the maids too would have no more mischief born of idleness.早要如此，晴雯何至弄到沒有結果？If only things had been so from the beginning, why would Qingwen have come to such an unhappy end?兔死狐悲，不覺滴下淚來。As the hare dies, the fox grieves; before she knew it, tears began to fall.忽又想到自己終身本不是寶玉的正配，原是偏房。Then it suddenly occurred to her that she was never destined to be Baoyu’s principal wife, but only a concubine.寶玉的為人，卻還拿得住，只怕娶了一個利害的，自己便是尤二姐香菱的後身。She felt she could manage Baoyu’s temperament well enough; she feared only that if he married a formidable woman, she herself would become another You Erjie or Xiangling.素來看著賈母王夫人光景及鳳姐兒往往露出話來，自然是黛玉無疑了。Judging from Grandmother Jia’s and Lady Wang’s manner, and from hints that Xifeng had often let fall, the bride would naturally be Daiyu—there could be no doubt of it.那黛玉就是個多心人。And Daiyu was exceedingly sensitive and suspicious.想到此際，臉紅心熱，拿著針不知戳到那里去了，便把活計放下，走到黛玉處去探探他的口氣。At this thought, Xiren’s face flushed and her heart grew hot; she no longer knew where she was thrusting her needle. She put down her work and went to Daiyu’s quarters to sound out her feelings.

且说宝玉上学之后，怡红院中甚觉清净闲暇。袭人倒可做些活计，拿著针线要绣个槟榔包儿，想著如今宝玉有了工课，丫头们可也没有饥荒了。早要如此，晴雯何至弄到没有结果？兔死狐悲，不觉滴下泪来。忽又想到自己终身本不是宝玉的正配，原是偏房。宝玉的为人，却还拿得住，只怕娶了一个利害的，自己便是尤二姐香菱的后身。素来看著贾母王夫人光景及凤姐儿往往露出话来，自然是黛玉无疑了。那黛玉就是个多心人。想到此际，脸红心热，拿著针不知戳到那里去了，便把活计放下，走到黛玉处去探探他的口气。

黛玉正在那里看書，見是襲人，欠身讓坐。Daiyu was reading when Xiren arrived; seeing her, she raised herself slightly and invited her to sit.襲人也連忙迎上來問：“姑娘這幾天身子可大好了？”黛玉道：“那里能夠，不過略硬朗些。Xiren hurried forward and asked, “Have you been feeling much better these past few days, miss?” Daiyu said, “How could I be? I am only a little stronger.你在家里做什麼呢？”襲人道：“如今寶二爺上了學，房中一點事兒沒有，因此來瞧瞧姑娘，說說話兒。”說著，紫鵑拿茶來。What have you been doing at home?” Xiren replied, “Now that Second Master Bao has gone to school, there is nothing at all to do in his rooms, so I came to see you and have a little talk.” As she spoke, Zijuan brought in tea.襲人忙站起來道：“妹妹坐著罷。”因又笑道：“我前兒聽見秋紋說，妹妹背地里說我們什麼來著。”紫鵑也笑道：“姐姐信他的話！Xiren hurriedly stood and said, “Sit down, little sister.” Then she smiled and added, “The other day I heard Qiuwen say that you had been saying something about us behind our backs.” Zijuan laughed too and said, “Surely you do not believe what she says, sister!我說寶二爺上了學，寶姑娘又隔斷了，連香菱也不過來，自然是悶的。”襲人道：“你還提香菱呢，這才苦呢，撞著這位太歲奶奶，難為他怎麼過！”把手伸著兩個指頭道：“說起來，比他還利害，連外頭的臉面都不顧了。”黛玉接著道：“他也夠受了，尤二姑娘怎麼死了。”襲人道：“可不是。I only said that now Second Master Bao has gone to school, Miss Bao has stopped coming over, and even Xiangling no longer visits, so naturally it is lonely here.” Xiren said, “Do not mention Xiangling—hers is truly a bitter lot. Having run afoul of that fearsome mistress, how does the poor girl ever endure it?” Holding up two fingers, she added, “Come to that, this one is even fiercer than the other; she does not care in the least how it looks to outsiders.” Daiyu put in, “The other suffered enough too—think how Second Miss You died.” Xiren said, “Exactly.想來都是一個人，不過名分里頭差些，何苦這樣毒？When all is said and done, they are both human beings; there is only a difference in their formal status. Why be so vicious?外面名聲也不好聽。”黛玉從不聞襲人背地里說人，今聽此話有因，便說道：“這也難說。It also gives one an ugly reputation outside the family.” Daiyu had never before heard Xiren speak ill of anyone behind their back. Realizing there was a reason for her remarks, she said, “That is hard to say.但凡家庭之事，不是東風壓了西風，就是西風壓了東風。”襲人道：“做了旁邊人，心里先怯了，那里倒敢去欺負人呢。”In family affairs, either the east wind prevails over the west, or the west wind prevails over the east.” Xiren said, “As the one on the side, a woman is timid from the outset; how would she ever dare bully anyone?”

黛玉正在那里看书，见是袭人，欠身让坐。袭人也连忙迎上来问：“姑娘这几天身子可大好了？”黛玉道：“那里能够，不过略硬朗些。你在家里做什么呢？”袭人道：“如今宝二爷上了学，房中一点事儿没有，因此来瞧瞧姑娘，说说话儿。”说著，紫鹃拿茶来。袭人忙站起来道：“妹妹坐著罢。”因又笑道：“我前儿听见秋纹说，妹妹背地里说我们什么来著。”紫鹃也笑道：“姐姐信他的话！我说宝二爷上了学，宝姑娘又隔断了，连香菱也不过来，自然是闷的。”袭人道：“你还提香菱呢，这才苦呢，撞著这位太岁奶奶，难为他怎么过！”把手伸著两个指头道：“说起来，比他还利害，连外头的脸面都不顾了。”黛玉接著道：“他也够受了，尤二姑娘怎么死了。”袭人道：“可不是。想来都是一个人，不过名分里头差些，何苦这样毒？外面名声也不好听。”黛玉从不闻袭人背地里说人，今听此话有因，便说道：“这也难说。但凡家庭之事，不是东风压了西风，就是西风压了东风。”袭人道：“做了旁边人，心里先怯了，那里倒敢去欺负人呢。”

說著，只見一個婆子在院里問道：“這里是林姑娘的屋子么？”那位姐姐在這里呢？”雪雁出來一看，模模糊糊認得是薛姨媽那邊的人，便問道：“作什麼？”婆子道：“我們姑娘打發來給這里林姑娘送東西的。”雪雁道：“略等等兒。”雪雁進來回了黛玉，黛玉便叫領他進來。As they spoke, an old woman was heard asking in the courtyard, “Is this Miss Lin’s room? Is that young lady here?” Xueyan came out and dimly recognized her as someone from Aunt Xue’s household. She asked, “What is it?” The woman said, “Our young lady sent me to deliver something to Miss Lin here.” Xueyan said, “Please wait a moment.” She went in and reported to Daiyu, who told her to bring the woman inside.那婆子進來請了安，且不說送什麼，只是覷著眼瞧黛玉，看的黛玉臉上倒不好意思起來，因問道：“寶姑娘叫你來送什麼？”婆子方笑著回道：“我們姑娘叫給姑娘送了一瓶兒蜜餞荔枝來。”回頭又瞧見襲人，便問道：“這位姑娘不是寶二爺屋里的花姑娘么？”襲人笑道：“媽媽怎麼認得我？”婆子笑道：“我們只在太太屋里看屋子，不大跟太太姑娘出門，所以姑娘們都不大認得。The woman entered and paid her respects, but instead of saying what she had brought, she narrowed her eyes and stared at Daiyu until Daiyu felt quite embarrassed. Daiyu therefore asked, “What has Miss Bao sent me?” Only then did the woman reply with a smile, “Our young lady has sent you a jar of candied lychees.” Turning, she caught sight of Xiren and asked, “Isn’t this Miss Hua from Second Master Bao’s rooms?” Xiren smiled and asked, “How do you know me, mother?” The woman smiled and said, “We only mind the rooms at Her Ladyship’s and seldom accompany the ladies and young misses when they go out, so none of you young ladies knows us very well.姑娘們碰著到我們那邊去，我們都模糊記得。”說著，將一個瓶兒遞給雪雁，又回頭看看黛玉，因笑著向襲人道：“怨不得我們太太說這林姑娘和你們寶二爺是一對兒，原來真是天仙似的。”襲人見他說話造次，連忙岔道：“媽媽，你乏了，坐坐吃茶罷。”那婆子笑嘻嘻的道：“我們那里忙呢，都張羅琴姑娘的事呢。But whenever you visit our side of the house, we remember you vaguely.” As she spoke, she handed a jar to Xueyan, then turned to look at Daiyu once more and said to Xiren with a smile, “No wonder our lady says that Miss Lin and your Second Master Bao make a perfect pair. She truly does look like a heavenly immortal.” Seeing how presumptuously the woman spoke, Xiren hurriedly changed the subject: “You must be tired, mother. Sit down and have some tea.” The woman said with a beaming smile, “We are busy over there, making all the arrangements for Miss Qin’s affair.姑娘還有兩瓶荔枝，叫給寶二爺送去。”說著，顫顫巍巍告辭出去。Our young lady has two more jars of lychees for us to take to Second Master Bao.” With that, she took her leave and tottered out.黛玉雖惱這婆子方才冒撞，但因是寶釵使來的，也不好怎麼樣他。Though Daiyu was annoyed by the woman’s impertinence, she had been sent by Baochai, so Daiyu could hardly rebuke her.等他出了屋門，才說一聲道：“給你們姑娘道費心。”那老婆子還只管嘴里咕咕噥噥的說：“這樣好模樣兒，除了寶玉，什麼人擎受的起。”黛玉只裝沒聽見。Only when the woman had passed through the door did Daiyu say, “Tell your young lady that it was most thoughtful of her.” The old woman continued muttering, “With looks as fine as those, who but Baoyu could ever be worthy of her?” Daiyu pretended not to hear.襲人笑道：“怎麼人到了老來，就是混說白道的，叫人聽著又生氣，又好笑。”一時雪雁拿過瓶子來與黛玉看。Xiren laughed and said, “Why is it that people begin talking such nonsense when they grow old? What they say makes one angry and amused at once.” Presently Xueyan brought the jar over for Daiyu to see.黛玉道：“我懶待吃，拿了擱起去罷。”又說了一回話，襲人才去了。Daiyu said, “I have no desire to eat them. Put them away somewhere.” They talked a while longer before Xiren left.

说著，只见一个婆子在院里问道：“这里是林姑娘的屋子么？”那位姐姐在这里呢？”雪雁出来一看，模模糊糊认得是薛姨妈那边的人，便问道：“作什么？”婆子道：“我们姑娘打发来给这里林姑娘送东西的。”雪雁道：“略等等儿。”雪雁进来回了黛玉，黛玉便叫领他进来。那婆子进来请了安，且不说送什么，只是觑著眼瞧黛玉，看的黛玉脸上倒不好意思起来，因问道：“宝姑娘叫你来送什么？”婆子方笑著回道：“我们姑娘叫给姑娘送了一瓶儿蜜饯荔枝来。”回头又瞧见袭人，便问道：“这位姑娘不是宝二爷屋里的花姑娘么？”袭人笑道：“妈妈怎么认得我？”婆子笑道：“我们只在太太屋里看屋子，不大跟太太姑娘出门，所以姑娘们都不大认得。姑娘们碰著到我们那边去，我们都模糊记得。”说著，将一个瓶儿递给雪雁，又回头看看黛玉，因笑著向袭人道：“怨不得我们太太说这林姑娘和你们宝二爷是一对儿，原来真是天仙似的。”袭人见他说话造次，连忙岔道：“妈妈，你乏了，坐坐吃茶罢。”那婆子笑嘻嘻的道：“我们那里忙呢，都张罗琴姑娘的事呢。姑娘还有两瓶荔枝，叫给宝二爷送去。”说著，颤颤巍巍告辞出去。黛玉虽恼这婆子方才冒撞，但因是宝钗使来的，也不好怎么样他。等他出了屋门，才说一声道：“给你们姑娘道费心。”那老婆子还只管嘴里咕咕哝哝的说：“这样好模样儿，除了宝玉，什么人擎受的起。”黛玉只装没听见。袭人笑道：“怎么人到了老来，就是混说白道的，叫人听著又生气，又好笑。”一时雪雁拿过瓶子来与黛玉看。黛玉道：“我懒待吃，拿了搁起去罢。”又说了一回话，袭人才去了。

一時晚妝將卸，黛玉進了套間，猛抬頭看見了荔枝瓶，不禁想起日間老婆子的一番混話，甚是刺心。Later, as Daiyu was about to remove her evening makeup, she entered the inner room and suddenly looked up to see the lychee jar. She could not help recalling the old woman’s wild remarks that day, and they pierced her heart deeply.當此黃昏人靜，千愁萬緒，堆上心來。In the stillness of twilight, a thousand sorrows and ten thousand thoughts crowded into her mind.想起自己身上不牢，年紀又大了。She thought of how precarious her health was and how she was growing older.看寶玉的光景，心里雖沒別人，但是老太太舅母又不見有半點意思。Judging from Baoyu’s manner, there was no one else in his heart; yet neither the Old Lady nor her aunt showed the slightest sign of intending a match.深恨父母在時，何不早定了這頭婚姻。She bitterly regretted that while her parents were alive, they had not arranged this marriage early.又轉念一想道：“倘若父母在時，別處定了婚姻，怎能夠似寶玉這般人才心地，不如此時尚有可圖。”心內一上一下，輾轉纏綿，竟象轆轤一般。Then another thought came to her: “Had my parents lived, they might have betrothed me elsewhere. How could anyone there have matched Baoyu in talent and goodness of heart? As things stand now, there is still something to hope for.” Her feelings rose and fell, winding endlessly round and round like a well windlass.歎了一回氣，掉了幾點淚，無情無緒，和衣倒下。She sighed for a while and shed a few tears; listless and dispirited, she lay down fully dressed.

一时晚妆将卸，黛玉进了套间，猛抬头看见了荔枝瓶，不禁想起日间老婆子的一番混话，甚是刺心。当此黄昏人静，千愁万绪，堆上心来。想起自己身上不牢，年纪又大了。看宝玉的光景，心里虽没别人，但是老太太舅母又不见有半点意思。深恨父母在时，何不早定了这头婚姻。又转念一想道：“倘若父母在时，别处定了婚姻，怎能够似宝玉这般人才心地，不如此时尚有可图。”心内一上一下，辗转缠绵，竟象辘轳一般。叹了一回气，掉了几点泪，无情无绪，和衣倒下。

不知不覺，只見小丫頭走來說道：“外面雨村賈老爺請姑娘。”黛玉道：“我雖跟他讀過書，卻不比男學生，要見我作什麼？Before she knew it, a young maid came and said, “Master Jia Yucun is outside and asks to see you, miss.” Daiyu said, “Though I once studied under him, I was not like one of his male pupils. Why should he wish to see me?況且他和舅舅往來，從未提起，我也不便見的。”因叫小丫頭：“回复‘身上有病不能出來’，與我請安道謝就是了。”小丫頭道：“只怕要與姑娘道喜，南京還有人來接。”說著，又見鳳姐同邢夫人，王夫人，寶釵等都來笑道：“我們一來道喜，二來送行。”黛玉慌道：“你們說什麼話？”鳳姐道：“你還裝什麼呆。Besides, though he has dealings with Uncle, he has never mentioned me before, and it would not be proper for me to meet him.” She told the maid, “Reply that I am ill and cannot come out; convey my respects and thanks, and that will suffice.” The maid said, “I fear he has come to offer congratulations; someone has also come from Nanjing to fetch you.” As she spoke, Xifeng appeared with Lady Xing, Lady Wang, Baochai, and the others, all smiling and saying, “We have come first to congratulate you, and second to see you off.” Daiyu cried in alarm, “What are you talking about?” Xifeng said, “Why pretend to be bewildered?你難道不知道林姑爺升了湖北的糧道，娶了一位繼母，十分合心合意。Can it be that you do not know your father, Master Lin, has been promoted to Grain Intendant of Hubei and has married a second wife with whom he is perfectly happy?如今想著你撂在這里，不成事体，因托了賈雨村作媒，將你許了你繼母的什麼親戚，還說是續弦，所以著人到這里來接你回去。Now he has remembered that leaving you here is hardly proper, so he asked Jia Yucun to act as matchmaker and has betrothed you to some relative of your stepmother’s, a widower seeking a second wife. That is why he has sent someone here to take you home.大約一到家中就要過去的，都是你繼母作主。He was probably going to take you away as soon as he got home, and your stepmother will have the final say in everything.怕的是道兒上沒有照應，還叫你璉二哥哥送去。”說得黛玉一身冷汗。They are afraid you may have no one to look after you on the journey, so they are even asking your Cousin Lian to escort you there.” At these words, Daiyu broke out in a cold sweat.黛玉又恍惚父親果在那里做官的樣子，心上急著硬說道：“沒有的事，都是鳳姐姐混鬧。”只見邢夫人向王夫人使個眼色兒，”他還不信呢，咱們走罷。”黛玉含著淚道：“二位舅母坐坐去。”眾人不言語，都冷笑而去。In her daze, Daiyu seemed to see her father still alive and holding office there; growing desperate, she insisted, “There is no such thing—it is all Cousin Feng making mischief.” She saw Lady Xing give Lady Wang a wink. “She still does not believe us. Let us go.” Holding back her tears, Daiyu said, “Please stay a little longer, Aunties.” Without a word, they all gave cold smiles and left.黛玉此時心中乾急，又說不出來，哽哽咽咽。Daiyu was inwardly frantic, but could not get the words out and only sobbed and choked.恍惚又是和賈母在一處的似的，心中想道：“此事惟求老太太，或還可救。”于是兩腿跪下去，抱著賈母的腰說道：“老太太救我！Then, in her bewilderment, she seemed to be with Grandmother Jia; she thought, “Only by appealing to the Old Lady may I perhaps still be saved.” She dropped to her knees, clasped Grandmother Jia around the waist, and cried, “Old Lady, save me!我南邊是死也不去的！I will die before I go south!況且有了繼母，又不是我的親娘。Besides, now that there is a stepmother, she is no true mother of mine.我是情願跟著老太太一塊兒的。”但見老太太呆著臉兒笑道：“這個不干我事。”黛玉哭道：“老太太，這是什麼事呢。”老太太道：“續弦也好，倒多一副妝奩。”黛玉哭道：“我若在老太太跟前，決不使這里分外的閒錢，只求老太太救我。”賈母道：“不中用了。I would rather remain with the Old Lady.” But the Old Lady merely smiled with a blank expression and said, “That is no concern of mine.” Daiyu wept, “Old Lady, what is the meaning of this?” The Old Lady said, “A second marriage is all to the good; it means another dowry besides.” Daiyu cried, “If I stay with you, Old Lady, I shall never cost this household any extra money. I ask only that you save me.” Grandmother Jia said, “It is no use now.做了女人，終是要出嫁的，你孩子家，不知道，在此地終非了局。”黛玉道：“我在這里情願自己做個奴婢過活，自做自吃，也是願意。Once a girl is grown, she must marry in the end. You are still a child and do not understand: staying here can never be a lasting settlement.” Daiyu said, “I would gladly remain here and live as a servant, earning my own keep and feeding myself.只求老太太作主。”老太太總不言語。I ask only that the Old Lady decide for me.” The Old Lady remained silent.黛玉抱著賈母的腰哭道：“老太太，你向來最是慈悲的，又最疼我的，到了緊急的時候怎麼全不管！Clinging to Grandmother Jia’s waist, Daiyu cried, “Old Lady, you have always been the most compassionate of people and have always loved me best; why, now that I am in desperate need, will you do nothing at all?不要說我是你的外孫女兒，是隔了一層了，我的娘是你的親生女兒，看我娘分上，也該護庇些。”說著，撞在怀里痛哭，聽見賈母道：“鴛鴦，你來送姑娘出去歇歇。Even if I am only your daughter’s daughter and so one degree removed, my mother was your own flesh and blood; for my mother’s sake, you ought to give me some protection.” With this, she flung herself against the Old Lady’s breast and wept bitterly, only to hear Grandmother Jia say, “Yuanyang, come and take the young lady out to rest.我倒被他鬧乏了。”黛玉情知不是路了，求去無用，不如尋個自盡，站起來往外就走。She has quite worn me out with all this fuss.” Daiyu realized there was no hope: pleading was useless, and she might as well find a way to kill herself. She rose and walked out.深痛自己沒有親娘，便是外祖母與舅母姊妹們，平時何等待的好，可見都是假的。She grieved bitterly that she had no mother of her own. Her grandmother, aunts, and cousins had all treated her so well in ordinary times, but now she saw that it had all been false.又一想：“今日怎麼獨不見寶玉？Then another thought came to her: “Why is Baoyu the only one I have not seen today?或見一面，看他還有法兒？”便見寶玉站在面前，笑嘻嘻地說：“妹妹大喜呀。”黛玉聽了這一句話，越發急了，也顧不得什麼了，把寶玉緊緊拉住說：“好，寶玉，我今日才知道你是個無情無義的人了。”寶玉道：“我怎麼無情無義？Perhaps if I could see him, he might still find some way to help me?” At once Baoyu appeared before her, grinning, and said, “Congratulations, little cousin!” These words made Daiyu more desperate than ever. Forgetting all restraint, she seized Baoyu tightly and said, “Very well, Baoyu! Only today have I learned what a heartless, faithless person you are.” Baoyu said, “How am I heartless and faithless?你既有了人家兒，咱們各自幹各自的了。”黛玉越聽越氣，越沒了主意，只得拉著寶玉哭道：“好哥哥，你叫我跟了誰去？”寶玉道：“你要不去，就在這里住著。Since you have been promised to another family, each of us must go his own way.” The more Daiyu heard, the angrier and more helpless she became. She could only cling to Baoyu and cry, “Dear brother, whom would you have me follow?” Baoyu said, “If you do not want to go, stay here.你原是許了我的，所以你才到我們這里來。You were promised to me in the first place; that is why you came to live with our family.我待你是怎麼樣的，你也想想。”黛玉恍惚又象果曾許過寶玉的，心內忽又轉悲作喜，問寶玉道：“我是死活打定主意的了。Think how I have treated you.” In her daze, Daiyu seemed to remember that she truly had been promised to Baoyu; suddenly her sorrow turned to joy, and she asked him, “I have resolved upon this, whether I live or die.你到底叫我去不去？”寶玉道：“我說叫你住下。Tell me plainly: do you want me to go or not?” Baoyu said, “I have told you to stay.你不信我的話，你就瞧瞧我的心。”說著，就拿著一把小刀子往胸口上一划，只見鮮血直流。If you do not believe me, then look at my heart.” With that, he took a small knife and slashed his chest, and blood came streaming out.黛玉嚇得魂飛魄散，忙用手握著寶玉的心窩，哭道：“你怎麼做出這個事來，你先來殺了我罷！”寶玉道：“不怕，我拿我的心給你瞧。”還把手在划開的地方兒亂抓。Daiyu was so frightened that her soul nearly left her body. She hurriedly pressed her hand over Baoyu’s heart and cried, “How could you do such a thing? Kill me first!” Baoyu said, “Do not be afraid. I shall take out my heart and show it to you.” He kept clawing wildly at the wound.黛玉又顫又哭，又怕人撞破，抱住寶玉痛哭。Trembling and weeping, and fearful that someone might come upon them, Daiyu clasped Baoyu in her arms and sobbed bitterly.寶玉道：“不好了，我的心沒有了，活不得了。”說著，眼睛往上一翻，咕咚就倒了。Baoyu said, “It is no use—my heart is gone. I cannot live.” As he spoke, his eyes rolled upward and he fell to the floor with a thud.黛玉拼命放聲大哭。Daiyu screamed and wept with all her might.只聽見紫鵑叫道：“姑娘，姑娘，怎麼魘住了？Then she heard Zijuan calling, “Miss! Miss! Are you trapped in a nightmare?快醒醒兒脫了衣服睡罷。”黛玉一翻身，卻原來是一場惡夢。Wake up quickly, undress, and go properly to sleep.” Daiyu turned over and discovered that it had all been a dreadful dream.

不知不觉，只见小丫头走来说道：“外面雨村贾老爷请姑娘。”黛玉道：“我虽跟他读过书，却不比男学生，要见我作什么？况且他和舅舅往来，从未提起，我也不便见的。”因叫小丫头：“回复‘身上有病不能出来’，与我请安道谢就是了。”小丫头道：“只怕要与姑娘道喜，南京还有人来接。”说著，又见凤姐同邢夫人，王夫人，宝钗等都来笑道：“我们一来道喜，二来送行。”黛玉慌道：“你们说什么话？”凤姐道：“你还装什么呆。你难道不知道林姑爷升了湖北的粮道，娶了一位继母，十分合心合意。如今想著你撂在这里，不成事体，因托了贾雨村作媒，将你许了你继母的什么亲戚，还说是续弦，所以著人到这里来接你回去。大约一到家中就要过去的，都是你继母作主。怕的是道儿上没有照应，还叫你琏二哥哥送去。”说得黛玉一身冷汗。黛玉又恍惚父亲果在那里做官的样子，心上急著硬说道：“没有的事，都是凤姐姐混闹。”只见邢夫人向王夫人使个眼色儿，”他还不信呢，咱们走罢。”黛玉含著泪道：“二位舅母坐坐去。”众人不言语，都冷笑而去。黛玉此时心中干急，又说不出来，哽哽咽咽。恍惚又是和贾母在一处的似的，心中想道：“此事惟求老太太，或还可救。”于是两腿跪下去，抱著贾母的腰说道：“老太太救我！我南边是死也不去的！况且有了继母，又不是我的亲娘。我是情愿跟著老太太一块儿的。”但见老太太呆著脸儿笑道：“这个不干我事。”黛玉哭道：“老太太，这是什么事呢。”老太太道：“续弦也好，倒多一副妆奁。”黛玉哭道：“我若在老太太跟前，决不使这里分外的闲钱，只求老太太救我。”贾母道：“不中用了。做了女人，终是要出嫁的，你孩子家，不知道，在此地终非了局。”黛玉道：“我在这里情愿自己做个奴婢过活，自做自吃，也是愿意。只求老太太作主。”老太太总不言语。黛玉抱著贾母的腰哭道：“老太太，你向来最是慈悲的，又最疼我的，到了紧急的时候怎么全不管！不要说我是你的外孙女儿，是隔了一层了，我的娘是你的亲生女儿，看我娘分上，也该护庇些。”说著，撞在怀里痛哭，听见贾母道：“鸳鸯，你来送姑娘出去歇歇。我倒被他闹乏了。”黛玉情知不是路了，求去无用，不如寻个自尽，站起来往外就走。深痛自己没有亲娘，便是外祖母与舅母姊妹们，平时何等待的好，可见都是假的。又一想：“今日怎么独不见宝玉？或见一面，看他还有法儿？”便见宝玉站在面前，笑嘻嘻地说：“妹妹大喜呀。”黛玉听了这一句话，越发急了，也顾不得什么了，把宝玉紧紧拉住说：“好，宝玉，我今日才知道你是个无情无义的人了。”宝玉道：“我怎么无情无义？你既有了人家儿，咱们各自干各自的了。”黛玉越听越气，越没了主意，只得拉著宝玉哭道：“好哥哥，你叫我跟了谁去？”宝玉道：“你要不去，就在这里住著。你原是许了我的，所以你才到我们这里来。我待你是怎么样的，你也想想。”黛玉恍惚又象果曾许过宝玉的，心内忽又转悲作喜，问宝玉道：“我是死活打定主意的了。你到底叫我去不去？”宝玉道：“我说叫你住下。你不信我的话，你就瞧瞧我的心。”说著，就拿著一把小刀子往胸口上一划，只见鲜血直流。黛玉吓得魂飞魄散，忙用手握著宝玉的心窝，哭道：“你怎么做出这个事来，你先来杀了我罢！”宝玉道：“不怕，我拿我的心给你瞧。”还把手在划开的地方儿乱抓。黛玉又颤又哭，又怕人撞破，抱住宝玉痛哭。宝玉道：“不好了，我的心没有了，活不得了。”说著，眼睛往上一翻，咕咚就倒了。黛玉拼命放声大哭。只听见紫鹃叫道：“姑娘，姑娘，怎么魇住了？快醒醒儿脱了衣服睡罢。”黛玉一翻身，却原来是一场恶梦。

喉間猶是哽咽，心上還是亂跳，枕頭上已經濕透，肩背身心，但覺冰冷。Her throat was still choked with sobs and her heart was still pounding; the pillow was soaked through, and her shoulders, back, body, and heart all felt icy cold.想了一回，“父親死得久了，與寶玉尚未放定，這是從那里說起？”又想夢中光景，無倚無靠，再真把寶玉死了，那可怎麼樣好！After thinking awhile, she said to herself, “Father has been dead for years, and nothing has yet been settled between Baoyu and me. How could any of this have arisen?” Then she recalled the scenes in her dream: she had been utterly helpless and alone—and if Baoyu truly died, what could she possibly do?一時痛定思痛，神魂俱亂。As the first shock subsided and she brooded over the pain, both mind and spirit fell into confusion.又哭了一回，遍身微微的出了一點兒汗，扎掙起來，把外罩大襖脫了，叫紫鵑蓋好了被窩，又躺下去。She wept awhile longer until a faint sweat broke out over her whole body; then, struggling up, she removed her outer padded jacket, had Zijuan tuck the covers securely around her, and lay down again.翻來复去，那里睡得著。She tossed and turned, quite unable to sleep.只聽得外面淅淅颯颯，又象風聲，又象雨聲。Outside she heard a soft rustling and pattering, like the sound of wind and yet like rain.又停了一會子，又聽得遠遠的吆呼聲兒，卻是紫鵑已在那里睡著，鼻息出入之聲。After another pause she heard a distant wheezing sound; it was Zijuan, who had fallen asleep there, breathing in and out through her nose.自己扎掙著爬起來，圍著被坐了一會。Daiyu struggled up by herself and sat wrapped in the quilt for a while.覺得窗縫里透進一縷涼風來，吹得寒毛直豎，便又躺下。Feeling a thread of cold air seep through a crack in the window and make every hair stand on end, she lay down again.正要朦朧睡去，聽得竹枝上不知有多少家雀兒的聲兒，啾啾唧唧，叫個不住。Just as she was drifting off, she heard an unknown number of sparrows in the bamboo, chirping and twittering without cease.那窗上的紙，隔著屜子，漸漸的透進清光來。Through the lattice, the paper on the window gradually began to admit the pale light of dawn.

喉间犹是哽咽，心上还是乱跳，枕头上已经湿透，肩背身心，但觉冰冷。想了一回，“父亲死得久了，与宝玉尚未放定，这是从那里说起？”又想梦中光景，无倚无靠，再真把宝玉死了，那可怎么样好！一时痛定思痛，神魂俱乱。又哭了一回，遍身微微的出了一点儿汗，扎挣起来，把外罩大袄脱了，叫紫鹃盖好了被窝，又躺下去。翻来复去，那里睡得著。只听得外面淅淅飒飒，又象风声，又象雨声。又停了一会子，又听得远远的吆呼声儿，却是紫鹃已在那里睡著，鼻息出入之声。自己扎挣著爬起来，围著被坐了一会。觉得窗缝里透进一缕凉风来，吹得寒毛直竖，便又躺下。正要朦胧睡去，听得竹枝上不知有多少家雀儿的声儿，啾啾唧唧，叫个不住。那窗上的纸，隔著屉子，渐渐的透进清光来。

黛玉此時已醒得雙眸炯炯，一回兒咳嗽起來，連紫鵑都咳嗽醒了。By now Daiyu was fully awake, her eyes shining brightly. Presently she began to cough, and her coughing woke Zijuan as well.紫鵑道：“姑娘，你還沒睡著么？Zijuan said, “Miss, have you still not fallen asleep?又咳嗽起來了，想是著了風了。You have started coughing again; perhaps you caught a chill.這會兒窗戶紙發清了，也待好亮起來了。The window paper is turning pale now, and it will soon be broad daylight.歇歇兒罷，養養神，別盡著想長想短的了。”黛玉道：“我何嘗不要睡，只是睡不著。Try to rest and restore your spirits. Do not keep fretting over one thing and another.” Daiyu said, “It is not that I do not want to sleep; I simply cannot.你睡你的罷。”說了又嗽起來。Go back to sleep yourself.” After saying this, she began coughing again.紫鵑見黛玉這般光景，心中也自傷感，睡不著了。Seeing Daiyu in such a state, Zijuan too felt heartsick and could no longer sleep.聽見黛玉又嗽，連忙起來，捧著痰盒。When she heard Daiyu cough again, she hurriedly rose and held out the sputum box.這時天已亮了。By then day had dawned.黛玉道：“你不睡了么？”紫鵑笑道：“天都亮了，還睡什麼呢。”黛玉道：“既這樣，你就把痰盒兒換了罷。”紫鵑答應著，忙出來換了一個痰盒兒，將手里的這個盒兒放在桌上，開了套間門出來，仍舊帶上門，放下撒花軟帘，出來叫醒雪雁。Daiyu said, “Are you not going back to sleep?” Zijuan smiled. “It is already daylight—what would be the point?” Daiyu said, “In that case, change the sputum box for me.” Zijuan assented and hurried out to fetch a clean one. She set the box in her hands on the table, opened the door to the outer room and went through, closed it behind her as before, lowered the flowered soft curtain, and went out to wake Xueyan.開了屋門去倒那盒子時，只見滿盒子痰，痰中好些血星，唬了紫鵑一跳，不覺失聲道：“噯喲，這還了得！”黛玉里面接著問是什麼，紫鵑自知失言，連忙改說道：“手里一滑，幾乎撂了痰盒子。”黛玉道：“不是盒子里的痰有了什麼？”紫鵑道：“沒有什麼。”說著這句話時，心中一酸，那眼淚直流下來，聲兒早已岔了。When she opened the outer door to empty the box, she saw it was full of sputum speckled heavily with blood. Zijuan gave a start and involuntarily cried out, “Ai-yo! This is dreadful!” Daiyu called from inside to ask what was wrong. Knowing that she had let the truth slip, Zijuan hastily replied, “My hand slipped, and I nearly dropped the sputum box.” Daiyu said, “Was there not something wrong with the sputum in it?” Zijuan said, “There was nothing.” But as she spoke, grief rose in her heart; tears streamed down her face, and her voice had already broken.黛玉因為喉間有些甜腥，早自疑惑，方才聽見紫鵑在外邊詫异，這會子又聽見紫鵑說話聲音帶著悲慘的光景，心中覺了八九分，便叫紫鵑：“進來罷，外頭看涼著。”紫鵑答應了一聲，這一聲更比頭里凄慘，竟是鼻中酸楚之音。Daiyu had tasted something sweet and fishy in her throat and had already begun to suspect. She had just heard Zijuan’s startled cry outside, and now Zijuan’s voice sounded full of misery; she understood eight or nine parts of the truth. She called, “Come inside, Zijuan. You will catch cold out there.” Zijuan answered, and this reply sounded still more wretched than the first, thick with suppressed sobbing.黛玉聽了，涼了半截。Hearing it, Daiyu’s heart went half cold.看紫鵑推門進來時，尚拿手帕拭眼。When Zijuan pushed open the door and entered, she was still wiping her eyes with a handkerchief.黛玉道：“大清早起，好好的為什麼哭？”紫鵑勉強笑道：“誰哭來，早起起來眼睛里有些不舒服。Daiyu said, “Why are you crying so early in the morning, when everything is perfectly well?” Forcing a smile, Zijuan answered, “Who is crying? My eyes were merely a little uncomfortable when I got up.姑娘今夜大概比往常醒的時候更大罷，我聽見咳嗽了大半夜。”黛玉道：“可不是，越要睡，越睡不著。”紫鵑道：“姑娘身上不大好，依我說，還得自己開解著些。You must have spent more of the night awake than usual, Miss; I heard you coughing for half the night.” Daiyu said, “Indeed I did. The more I tried to sleep, the less I could.” Zijuan said, “You are not in very good health, Miss. If you ask me, you must try harder to take things lightly.身子是根本，俗語說的，‘留得青山在，依舊有柴燒。’況這里自老太太，太太起，那個不疼姑娘。”只這一句話，又勾起黛玉的夢來。Health is the foundation of everything. As the saying goes, ‘While the green hills remain, there will still be firewood to burn.’ Besides, from the Old Lady and Lady Wang downward, who here does not cherish you?” This one remark brought Daiyu’s dream flooding back.覺得心頭一撞，眼中一黑，神色俱變，紫鵑連忙端著痰盒，雪雁捶著脊梁，半日才吐出一口痰來。She felt a blow at her heart, darkness covered her eyes, and her whole expression changed. Zijuan hurriedly held out the sputum box while Xueyan thumped her back; only after a long while did she bring up a mouthful of sputum.痰中一縷紫血，簌簌亂跳。In it a thread of dark-purple blood quivered convulsively.紫鵑雪雁臉都唬黃了。Zijuan’s and Xueyan’s faces turned yellow with fright.兩個旁邊守著，黛玉便昏昏躺下。The two stood guard beside her as Daiyu sank back in a stupor.紫鵑看著不好，連忙努嘴叫雪雁叫人去。Seeing that matters looked grave, Zijuan promptly signaled with her lips for Xueyan to go and summon someone.

黛玉此时已醒得双眸炯炯，一回儿咳嗽起来，连紫鹃都咳嗽醒了。紫鹃道：“姑娘，你还没睡著么？又咳嗽起来了，想是著了风了。这会儿窗户纸发清了，也待好亮起来了。歇歇儿罢，养养神，别尽著想长想短的了。”黛玉道：“我何尝不要睡，只是睡不著。你睡你的罢。”说了又嗽起来。紫鹃见黛玉这般光景，心中也自伤感，睡不著了。听见黛玉又嗽，连忙起来，捧著痰盒。这时天已亮了。黛玉道：“你不睡了么？”紫鹃笑道：“天都亮了，还睡什么呢。”黛玉道：“既这样，你就把痰盒儿换了罢。”紫鹃答应著，忙出来换了一个痰盒儿，将手里的这个盒儿放在桌上，开了套间门出来，仍旧带上门，放下撒花软帘，出来叫醒雪雁。开了屋门去倒那盒子时，只见满盒子痰，痰中好些血星，唬了紫鹃一跳，不觉失声道：“嗳哟，这还了得！”黛玉里面接著问是什么，紫鹃自知失言，连忙改说道：“手里一滑，几乎撂了痰盒子。”黛玉道：“不是盒子里的痰有了什么？”紫鹃道：“没有什么。”说著这句话时，心中一酸，那眼泪直流下来，声儿早已岔了。黛玉因为喉间有些甜腥，早自疑惑，方才听见紫鹃在外边诧异，这会子又听见紫鹃说话声音带著悲惨的光景，心中觉了八九分，便叫紫鹃：“进来罢，外头看凉著。”紫鹃答应了一声，这一声更比头里凄惨，竟是鼻中酸楚之音。黛玉听了，凉了半截。看紫鹃推门进来时，尚拿手帕拭眼。黛玉道：“大清早起，好好的为什么哭？”紫鹃勉强笑道：“谁哭来，早起起来眼睛里有些不舒服。姑娘今夜大概比往常醒的时候更大罢，我听见咳嗽了大半夜。”黛玉道：“可不是，越要睡，越睡不著。”紫鹃道：“姑娘身上不大好，依我说，还得自己开解著些。身子是根本，俗语说的，‘留得青山在，依旧有柴烧。’况这里自老太太，太太起，那个不疼姑娘。”只这一句话，又勾起黛玉的梦来。觉得心头一撞，眼中一黑，神色俱变，紫鹃连忙端著痰盒，雪雁捶著脊梁，半日才吐出一口痰来。痰中一缕紫血，簌簌乱跳。紫鹃雪雁脸都唬黄了。两个旁边守著，黛玉便昏昏躺下。紫鹃看著不好，连忙努嘴叫雪雁叫人去。

雪雁才出屋門，只見翠縷翠墨兩個人笑嘻嘻的走來。Xueyan had only just stepped out of the room when she saw Cuilü and Cuimo approaching with cheerful smiles.翠縷便道：“林姑娘怎麼這早晚還不出門？Cuilü said, “Why has Miss Lin still not come out at this hour?我們姑娘和三姑娘都在四姑娘屋里講究四姑娘畫的那張園子景兒呢。”雪雁連忙擺手兒，翠縷翠墨二人倒都嚇了一跳，說：“這是什麼原故？”雪雁將方才的事，一一告訴他二人。Our young lady and Third Miss are both in Fourth Miss’s room, discussing the picture she painted of the garden.” Xueyan hurriedly waved her hands at them. Cuilü and Cuimo both started in alarm and asked, “What is the matter?” Xueyan told them, detail by detail, what had just happened.二人都吐了吐舌頭兒說：“這可不是頑的！They both clicked their tongues and said, “This is no trifling matter!你們怎麼不告訴老太太去？Why have you not gone to tell the Old Lady?這還了得！This is dreadful!你們怎麼這麼糊涂。”雪雁道：“我這里才要去，你們就來了。”正說著，只聽紫鵑叫道：“誰在外頭說話？How could you be so muddle-headed?” Xueyan said, “I was just going when you arrived.” As they spoke, they heard Zijuan call from inside, “Who is talking out there?姑娘問呢。”三個人連忙一齊進來。Miss is asking.” All three hurried inside together.翠縷翠墨見黛玉蓋著被躺在床上，見了他二人便說道：“誰告訴你們了？When Cuilü and Cuimo saw Daiyu lying in bed beneath the quilt, she said to them, “Who told you?你們這樣大驚小怪的。”翠墨道：“我們姑娘和雲姑娘才都在四姑娘屋里講究四姑娘畫的那張園子圖兒，叫我們來請姑娘來，不知姑娘身上又欠安了。”黛玉道：“也不是什麼大病，不過覺得身子略軟些，躺躺兒就起來了。What are you making such a commotion for?” Cuimo said, “Our young lady and Miss Yun were just in Fourth Miss’s room discussing the picture of the garden that Fourth Miss painted. They sent us to invite you over, but we did not know that you were unwell again.” Daiyu said, “It is nothing serious. I merely feel a little weak; after lying down awhile, I shall get up.你們回去告訴三姑娘和雲姑娘，飯後若無事，倒是請他們來這里坐坐罷。Go back and tell Third Miss and Miss Yun that, if they have nothing to do after breakfast, I should be glad if they came here to sit with me awhile.寶二爺沒到你們那邊去？”二人答道：“沒有。”翠墨又道：“寶二爺這兩天上了學了，老爺天天要查功課，那里還能象從前那麼亂跑呢。”黛玉聽了，默然不言。Has Second Master Bao not been over to your side?” The two replied, “No.” Cuimo added, “Second Master Bao has been attending school these last two days, and Master Jia checks his lessons every day. How could he still run about as freely as before?” Daiyu heard this and said nothing.二人又略站了一回，都悄悄的退出來了。The two lingered a little longer, then quietly withdrew.

雪雁才出屋门，只见翠缕翠墨两个人笑嘻嘻的走来。翠缕便道：“林姑娘怎么这早晚还不出门？我们姑娘和三姑娘都在四姑娘屋里讲究四姑娘画的那张园子景儿呢。”雪雁连忙摆手儿，翠缕翠墨二人倒都吓了一跳，说：“这是什么原故？”雪雁将方才的事，一一告诉他二人。二人都吐了吐舌头儿说：“这可不是顽的！你们怎么不告诉老太太去？这还了得！你们怎么这么糊涂。”雪雁道：“我这里才要去，你们就来了。”正说著，只听紫鹃叫道：“谁在外头说话？姑娘问呢。”三个人连忙一齐进来。翠缕翠墨见黛玉盖著被躺在床上，见了他二人便说道：“谁告诉你们了？你们这样大惊小怪的。”翠墨道：“我们姑娘和云姑娘才都在四姑娘屋里讲究四姑娘画的那张园子图儿，叫我们来请姑娘来，不知姑娘身上又欠安了。”黛玉道：“也不是什么大病，不过觉得身子略软些，躺躺儿就起来了。你们回去告诉三姑娘和云姑娘，饭后若无事，倒是请他们来这里坐坐罢。宝二爷没到你们那边去？”二人答道：“没有。”翠墨又道：“宝二爷这两天上了学了，老爷天天要查功课，那里还能象从前那么乱跑呢。”黛玉听了，默然不言。二人又略站了一回，都悄悄的退出来了。

且說探春湘雲正在惜春那邊論評惜春所畫大觀園圖，說這個多一點，那個少一點，這個太疏，那個太密。Now Tanchun and Xiangyun were in Xichun’s quarters, passing judgment on Xichun’s painting of the Prospect Garden—saying that this part had a little too much, that part a little too little, this place was too sparse, and that one too crowded.大家又議著題詩，著人去請黛玉商議。They were also discussing what poem should be inscribed on it and sent someone to invite Daiyu to join their deliberations.正說著，忽見翠縷翠墨二人回來，神色匆忙。While they were still talking, Cuilü and Cuimo suddenly returned, looking flustered.湘雲便先問道：“林姑娘怎麼不來？”翠縷道：“林姑娘昨日夜里又犯了病了，咳嗽了一夜。Xiangyun was the first to ask, “Why is Miss Lin not coming?” Cuilü said, “Miss Lin’s illness returned last night, and she coughed all night.我們聽見雪雁說，吐了一盒子痰血。”探春聽了詫异道：“這話真么？”翠縷道：“怎麼不真。”翠墨道：“我們剛才進去去瞧了瞧，顏色不成顏色，說話兒的氣力兒都微了。”湘雲道：“不好的這麼著，怎麼還能說話呢。”探春道：“怎麼你這麼糊涂，不能說話不是已經……”說到這里卻咽住了。We heard Xueyan say she brought up a whole boxful of bloody sputum.” Startled, Tanchun said, “Is that really true?” Cuilü replied, “Why would it not be?” Cuimo said, “We have just been in to see her. Her complexion is dreadful, and she scarcely has the strength to speak.” Xiangyun said, “If she were as ill as all that, how could she still speak?” Tanchun said, “How can you be so foolish? If she could not speak, would she not already be—” At this point she choked off the words.惜春道：“林姐姐那樣一個聰明人，我看他總有些瞧不破，一點半點兒都要認起真來。Xichun said, “For someone as intelligent as Cousin Lin, I think she has always been unable to see beyond things; she takes every tiny matter completely to heart.天下事那里有多少真的呢。”探春道：“既這麼著，咱們都過去看看。How many things in this world are really true?” Tanchun said, “In that case, let us all go and see her.倘若病的利害，咱們好過去告訴大嫂子回老太太，傳大夫進來瞧瞧，也得個主意。”湘雲道：“正是這樣。”惜春道：“姐姐們先去，我回來再過去。”于是探春湘雲扶了小丫頭，都到瀟湘館來。If she is seriously ill, we can tell Sister-in-law Li and have her report to the Old Lady, so that a physician may be summoned to examine her and advise us what to do.” Xiangyun said, “Exactly.” Xichun said, “You two go ahead; I shall come over later.” So Tanchun and Xiangyun, each supported by a young maid, went to the Xiaoxiang Lodge.進入房中，黛玉見他二人，不免又傷心起來。When they entered the room, Daiyu could not help feeling sorrowful again at the sight of them.因又轉念想起夢中，連老太太尚且如此，何況他們。Then her thoughts turned once more to her dream: if even the Old Lady could treat her so, what could she expect of these two?況且我不請他們，他們還不來呢。Besides, if I had not invited them, they would not have come at all.心里雖是如此，臉上卻礙不過去，只得勉強令紫鵑扶起，口中讓坐。Though these were her thoughts, courtesy would not allow her to show them. She had no choice but to make Zijuan help her sit up, and she invited them to be seated.探春湘雲都坐在床沿上，一頭一個。Tanchun and Xiangyun sat on either side of her on the edge of the bed.看了黛玉這般光景，也自傷感。Seeing Daiyu in such a state, they too felt grieved.探春便道：“姐姐怎麼身上又不舒服了？”黛玉道：“也沒什麼要緊，只是身子軟得很。”紫鵑在黛玉身後偷偷的用手指那痰盒兒。Tanchun said, “Why are you unwell again, Cousin?” Daiyu replied, “It is nothing serious; I simply feel very weak.” Standing behind Daiyu, Zijuan secretly pointed at the sputum box.湘雲到底年輕，性情又兼直爽，伸手便把痰盒拿起來看。Xiangyun was young, after all, and naturally forthright; she reached out at once, picked up the sputum box, and looked inside.不看則已，看了唬的驚疑不止，說：“這是姐姐吐的？One glance was enough to fill her with alarm and consternation. “Did you bring this up, Cousin?這還了得！”初時黛玉昏昏沉沉，吐了也沒細看，此時見湘雲這麼說，回頭看時，自己早已灰了一半。This is dreadful!” Daiyu had been dazed when she coughed it up and had not looked closely; now, hearing Xiangyun’s words, she turned to look, and half her life seemed to drain from her.探春見湘雲冒失，連忙解說道：“這不過是肺火上炎，帶出一半點來，也是常事。Seeing how tactlessly Xiangyun had spoken, Tanchun hastily explained, “It is only the fire in her lungs flaring upward. Bringing up a tiny trace of blood with it is quite common.偏是雲丫頭，不拘什麼，就這樣蝎蝎螫螫的！”湘雲紅了臉，自悔失言。But this girl Yun makes a terrible fuss over absolutely everything!” Xiangyun blushed, regretting her careless words.探春見黛玉精神短少，似有煩倦之意，連忙起身說道：“姐姐靜靜的養養神罷，我們回來再瞧你。”黛玉道：“累你兩位惦著。”探春又囑咐紫鵑好生留神伏侍姑娘，紫鵑答應著。Seeing that Daiyu’s spirits were failing and that she seemed weary and distressed, Tanchun quickly rose and said, “Rest quietly and recover your strength, Cousin. We shall come back to see you later.” Daiyu said, “It is kind of you both to be concerned.” Tanchun again charged Zijuan to take the greatest care in attending her mistress, and Zijuan promised she would.探春才要走，只聽外面一個人嚷起來。Tanchun was just about to leave when someone outside suddenly began shouting.未知是誰，下回分解。Who it was remains to be told in the next chapter.

且说探春湘云正在惜春那边论评惜春所画大观园图，说这个多一点，那个少一点，这个太疏，那个太密。大家又议著题诗，著人去请黛玉商议。正说著，忽见翠缕翠墨二人回来，神色匆忙。湘云便先问道：“林姑娘怎么不来？”翠缕道：“林姑娘昨日夜里又犯了病了，咳嗽了一夜。我们听见雪雁说，吐了一盒子痰血。”探春听了诧异道：“这话真么？”翠缕道：“怎么不真。”翠墨道：“我们刚才进去去瞧了瞧，颜色不成颜色，说话儿的气力儿都微了。”湘云道：“不好的这么著，怎么还能说话呢。”探春道：“怎么你这么糊涂，不能说话不是已经……”说到这里却咽住了。惜春道：“林姐姐那样一个聪明人，我看他总有些瞧不破，一点半点儿都要认起真来。天下事那里有多少真的呢。”探春道：“既这么著，咱们都过去看看。倘若病的利害，咱们好过去告诉大嫂子回老太太，传大夫进来瞧瞧，也得个主意。”湘云道：“正是这样。”惜春道：“姐姐们先去，我回来再过去。”于是探春湘云扶了小丫头，都到潇湘馆来。进入房中，黛玉见他二人，不免又伤心起来。因又转念想起梦中，连老太太尚且如此，何况他们。况且我不请他们，他们还不来呢。心里虽是如此，脸上却碍不过去，只得勉强令紫鹃扶起，口中让坐。探春湘云都坐在床沿上，一头一个。看了黛玉这般光景，也自伤感。探春便道：“姐姐怎么身上又不舒服了？”黛玉道：“也没什么要紧，只是身子软得很。”紫鹃在黛玉身后偷偷的用手指那痰盒儿。湘云到底年轻，性情又兼直爽，伸手便把痰盒拿起来看。不看则已，看了唬的惊疑不止，说：“这是姐姐吐的？这还了得！”初时黛玉昏昏沉沉，吐了也没细看，此时见湘云这么说，回头看时，自己早已灰了一半。探春见湘云冒失，连忙解说道：“这不过是肺火上炎，带出一半点来，也是常事。偏是云丫头，不拘什么，就这样蝎蝎螫螫的！”湘云红了脸，自悔失言。探春见黛玉精神短少，似有烦倦之意，连忙起身说道：“姐姐静静的养养神罢，我们回来再瞧你。”黛玉道：“累你两位惦著。”探春又嘱咐紫鹃好生留神伏侍姑娘，紫鹃答应著。探春才要走，只听外面一个人嚷起来。未知是谁，下回分解。