第八十三回　省宮闈賈元妃染恙　鬧閨閫薛寶釵吞聲 Imperial Consort Yuanchun Falls Ill; Xue Baochai Swallows Her Grievance

話說探春湘雲才要走時，忽聽外面一個人嚷道：“你這不成人的小蹄子！Just as Tanchun and Xiangyun were about to leave, they suddenly heard someone outside shouting, “You wretched little hussy!你是個什麼東西，來這園子里頭混攪！”黛玉聽了，大叫一聲道：“這里住不得了。”一手指著窗外，兩眼反插上去。What sort of creature are you, coming into this garden to make trouble?” Hearing this, Daiyu cried out, “I cannot live here anymore!” Pointing one hand toward the window, she rolled her eyes upward.原來黛玉住在大觀園中，雖靠著賈母疼愛，然在別人身上，凡事終是寸步留心。Though Daiyu lived in the Grand Prospect Garden under Grandmother Jia’s loving protection, in all her dealings with others she still had to watch her every step.聽見窗外老婆子這樣罵著，在別人呢，一句是貼不上的，竟象專罵著自己的。When she heard the old woman cursing outside like this, though not a single word could reasonably apply to her, it seemed as if the abuse were aimed expressly at her.自思一個千金小姐，只因沒了爹娘，不知何人指使這老婆子來這般辱罵，那里委屈得來，因此肝腸崩裂，哭暈去了。She thought that she, a young lady of noble birth, merely because she had lost both parents, was now being subjected to such insults by an old woman at someone’s instigation. Unable to bear the humiliation, she felt her heart and bowels rend apart and fainted from weeping.紫鵑只是哭叫：“姑娘怎麼樣了，快醒轉來罷。”探春也叫了一回。Zijuan could only weep and call, “Miss, what is wrong? Please wake up!” Tanchun called to her for some time as well.半晌，黛玉回過這口氣，還說不出話來，那只手仍向窗外指著。After a long while Daiyu recovered her breath, but she still could not speak, and the same hand remained pointing toward the window.

话说探春湘云才要走时，忽听外面一个人嚷道：“你这不成人的小蹄子！你是个什么东西，来这园子里头混搅！”黛玉听了，大叫一声道：“这里住不得了。”一手指著窗外，两眼反插上去。原来黛玉住在大观园中，虽靠著贾母疼爱，然在别人身上，凡事终是寸步留心。听见窗外老婆子这样骂著，在别人呢，一句是贴不上的，竟象专骂著自己的。自思一个千金小姐，只因没了爹娘，不知何人指使这老婆子来这般辱骂，那里委屈得来，因此肝肠崩裂，哭晕去了。紫鹃只是哭叫：“姑娘怎么样了，快醒转来罢。”探春也叫了一回。半晌，黛玉回过这口气，还说不出话来，那只手仍向窗外指著。

探春會意，開門出去，看見老婆子手中拿著拐棍赶著一個不干不淨的毛丫頭道：“我是為照管這園中的花果樹木來到這里，你作什麼來了！Understanding her meaning, Tanchun opened the door and went out. She saw an old woman holding a walking stick and chasing a grubby little girl, shouting, “I came here to look after the flowers, fruit, and trees in this garden—what have you come for?等我家去打你一個知道。”這丫頭扭著頭，把一個指頭探在嘴里，瞅著老婆子笑。Just wait until I get you home and give you a beating you won’t forget!” The girl twisted her head around, put a finger in her mouth, and grinned at the old woman.探春罵道：“你們這些人如今越發沒了王法了，這里是你罵人的地方兒嗎！”老婆子見是探春，連忙陪著笑臉兒說道：“剛才是我的外孫女兒，看見我來了他就跟了來。Tanchun rebuked her: “You people are growing more lawless every day! Is this a place for you to curse people?” Seeing that it was Tanchun, the old woman hastily put on a smile and said, “That was my granddaughter just now. She saw me coming and followed me here.我怕他鬧，所以才吆喝他回去，那里敢在這里罵人呢。”探春道：“不用多說了，快給我都出去。I was afraid she would make mischief, so I shouted at her to go home. How would I dare curse anyone here?” Tanchun said, “Enough explanations. Both of you, get out at once.這里林姑娘身上不大好，還不快去么。”老婆子答應了幾個“是”，說著一扭身去了。Miss Lin is not very well. Why are you not gone yet?” The old woman answered “Yes” several times, then turned and left.那丫頭也就跑了。The girl ran off too.

探春会意，开门出去，看见老婆子手中拿著拐棍赶著一个不干不净的毛丫头道：“我是为照管这园中的花果树木来到这里，你作什么来了！等我家去打你一个知道。”这丫头扭著头，把一个指头探在嘴里，瞅著老婆子笑。探春骂道：“你们这些人如今越发没了王法了，这里是你骂人的地方儿吗！”老婆子见是探春，连忙陪著笑脸儿说道：“刚才是我的外孙女儿，看见我来了他就跟了来。我怕他闹，所以才吆喝他回去，那里敢在这里骂人呢。”探春道：“不用多说了，快给我都出去。这里林姑娘身上不大好，还不快去么。”老婆子答应了几个“是”，说著一扭身去了。那丫头也就跑了。

探春回來，看見湘雲拉著黛玉的手只管哭，紫鵑一手抱著黛玉，一手給黛玉揉胸口，黛玉的眼睛方漸漸的轉過來了。When Tanchun returned, Xiangyun was clutching Daiyu’s hand and weeping without cease, while Zijuan held Daiyu with one arm and rubbed her chest with the other. Only then were Daiyu’s eyes gradually returning to normal.探春笑道：“想是聽見老婆子的話，你疑了心了么？”黛玉只搖搖頭兒。Tanchun said with a smile, “Did you hear what that old woman said and imagine she meant you?” Daiyu merely shook her head.探春道：“他是罵他外孫女兒，我才剛也聽見了。Tanchun said, “She was scolding her granddaughter. I heard it myself just now.這种東西說話再沒有一點道理的，他們懂得什麼避諱。”黛玉聽了點點頭兒，拉著探春的手道：“妹妹……。”叫了一聲，又不言語了。Creatures like that never show the least sense in what they say. What would they know about avoiding offensive words?” Hearing this, Daiyu nodded, took Tanchun’s hand, and said, “Dear sister...” After that one utterance, she fell silent again.探春又道：“你別心煩。Tanchun continued, “Do not distress yourself.我來看你是姊妹們應該的，你又少人伏侍。It is only right that we sisters should come to see you, especially since you have so few people to attend you.只要你安心肯吃藥，心上把喜歡事兒想想，能夠一天一天的硬朗起來，大家依舊結社做詩，豈不好呢。”湘雲道：“可是三姐姐說的，那麼著不樂？”黛玉哽咽道：“你們只顧要我喜歡，可怜我那里赶得上這日子，只怕不能夠了！”探春道：“你這話說的太過了。If only you will set your mind at ease, take your medicine, and think of cheerful things, you may grow stronger day by day; then we can form our poetry club again as before. Would that not be delightful?” Xiangyun said, “Third Sister is quite right. Would that not be a joy?” Daiyu choked out, “You think only of cheering me up, but, alas, I fear I shall never live to see such a day!” Tanchun said, “That goes much too far.誰沒個病兒災兒的，那里就想到這里來了。Who does not suffer some illness or misfortune? Why should your thoughts go so far as that?你好生歇歇兒罷，我們到老太太那邊，回來再看你。Have a good rest. We are going to Grandmother’s, and we shall come back to see you afterward.你要什麼東西，只管叫紫鵑告訴我。”黛玉流淚道：“好妹妹，你到老太太那里只說我請安，身上略有點不好，不是什麼大病，也不用老太太煩心的。”探春答應道：“我知道，你只管養著罷。”說著，才同湘雲出去了。If there is anything you want, just have Zijuan tell me.” Daiyu said through her tears, “Dear sister, when you reach Grandmother’s, merely give her my respects and say that I am a little unwell, but that it is nothing serious and she need not trouble herself over me.” Tanchun promised, “I understand. You just take care of yourself.” Only then did she leave with Xiangyun.

探春回来，看见湘云拉著黛玉的手只管哭，紫鹃一手抱著黛玉，一手给黛玉揉胸口，黛玉的眼睛方渐渐的转过来了。探春笑道：“想是听见老婆子的话，你疑了心了么？”黛玉只摇摇头儿。探春道：“他是骂他外孙女儿，我才刚也听见了。这种东西说话再没有一点道理的，他们懂得什么避讳。”黛玉听了点点头儿，拉著探春的手道：“妹妹……。”叫了一声，又不言语了。探春又道：“你别心烦。我来看你是姊妹们应该的，你又少人伏侍。只要你安心肯吃药，心上把喜欢事儿想想，能够一天一天的硬朗起来，大家依旧结社做诗，岂不好呢。”湘云道：“可是三姐姐说的，那么著不乐？”黛玉哽咽道：“你们只顾要我喜欢，可怜我那里赶得上这日子，只怕不能够了！”探春道：“你这话说的太过了。谁没个病儿灾儿的，那里就想到这里来了。你好生歇歇儿罢，我们到老太太那边，回来再看你。你要什么东西，只管叫紫鹃告诉我。”黛玉流泪道：“好妹妹，你到老太太那里只说我请安，身上略有点不好，不是什么大病，也不用老太太烦心的。”探春答应道：“我知道，你只管养著罢。”说著，才同湘云出去了。

這里紫鵑扶著黛玉躺在床上，地下諸事，自有雪雁照料，自己只守著旁邊，看著黛玉，又是心酸，又不敢哭泣。Zijuan helped Daiyu lie down on the bed. Xueyan naturally attended to everything else in the room, while Zijuan stayed beside her, watching Daiyu with an aching heart but not daring to weep.那黛玉閉著眼躺了半晌，那里睡得著？Daiyu lay with her eyes closed for a long while, but how could she sleep?覺得園里頭平日只見寂寞，如今躺在床上，偏聽得風聲，虫鳴聲，鳥語聲，人走的腳步聲，又象遠遠的孩子們啼哭聲，一陣一陣的聒噪的煩躁起來，因叫紫鵑放下帳子來。Ordinarily the garden had seemed to her only quiet and desolate; now, lying in bed, she could hear the wind, the chirping of insects, the calls of birds, the footsteps of passersby, and what sounded like children crying far away. The noises came in waves until they vexed and agitated her, so she told Zijuan to lower the bed curtains.雪雁捧了一碗燕窩湯遞與紫鵑，紫鵑隔著帳子輕輕問道：“姑娘喝一口湯罷？”黛玉微微應了一聲。Xueyan brought a bowl of bird’s-nest soup and handed it to Zijuan, who asked softly through the curtains, “Miss, will you take a sip of soup?” Daiyu gave a faint response.紫鵑复將湯遞給雪雁，自己上來攙扶黛玉坐起，然後接過湯來，擱在唇邊試了一試，一手摟著黛玉肩臂，一手端著湯送到唇邊。Zijuan handed the soup back to Xueyan, climbed up to help Daiyu sit, then took the bowl again and tested it against her own lips. With one arm around Daiyu’s shoulders and the other holding the bowl, she raised it to her lips.黛玉微微睜眼喝了兩三口，便搖搖頭兒不喝了。Daiyu opened her eyes slightly and drank two or three sips, then shook her head and would take no more.紫鵑仍將碗遞給雪雁，輕輕扶黛玉睡下。Zijuan handed the bowl back to Xueyan and gently helped Daiyu lie down again.

这里紫鹃扶著黛玉躺在床上，地下诸事，自有雪雁照料，自己只守著旁边，看著黛玉，又是心酸，又不敢哭泣。那黛玉闭著眼躺了半晌，那里睡得著？觉得园里头平日只见寂寞，如今躺在床上，偏听得风声，虫鸣声，鸟语声，人走的脚步声，又象远远的孩子们啼哭声，一阵一阵的聒噪的烦躁起来，因叫紫鹃放下帐子来。雪雁捧了一碗燕窝汤递与紫鹃，紫鹃隔著帐子轻轻问道：“姑娘喝一口汤罢？”黛玉微微应了一声。紫鹃复将汤递给雪雁，自己上来搀扶黛玉坐起，然后接过汤来，搁在唇边试了一试，一手搂著黛玉肩臂，一手端著汤送到唇边。黛玉微微睁眼喝了两三口，便摇摇头儿不喝了。紫鹃仍将碗递给雪雁，轻轻扶黛玉睡下。

靜了一時，略覺安頓。After a quiet interval, Daiyu seemed somewhat settled.只聽窗外悄悄問道：“紫鵑妹妹在家么？”雪雁連忙出來，見是襲人，因悄悄說道：“姐姐屋里坐著。”襲人也便悄悄問道：“姑娘怎麼著？”一面走，一面雪雁告訴夜間及方才之事。Then a soft voice outside the window asked, “Is Sister Zijuan at home?” Xueyan hurried out and, seeing Xiren, whispered, “Sister, come and sit inside.” Xiren likewise whispered, “How is your young mistress?” As they walked in, Xueyan told her what had happened during the night and just now.襲人聽了這話，也唬怔了，因說道：“怪道剛才翠縷到我們那邊，說你們姑娘病了，唬的寶二爺連忙打發我來看看是怎麼樣。”正說著，只見紫鵑從里間掀起帘子望外看，見襲人，點頭兒叫他。Xiren was startled and stunned by what she heard. “No wonder Cuilü came over just now and said your young mistress was ill. Second Master Bao was so alarmed that he sent me at once to see how she was.” As she spoke, Zijuan raised the inner curtain and looked out. Seeing Xiren, she nodded and beckoned her over.襲人輕輕走過來問道：“姑娘睡著了嗎？”紫鵑點點頭兒，問道：“姐姐才聽見說了？”襲人也點點頭兒，蹙著眉道：“終久怎麼樣好呢！Xiren approached softly and asked, “Has Miss Lin fallen asleep?” Zijuan nodded and asked, “Have you heard what happened?” Xiren nodded too and said with a frown, “What is to be done in the end?那一位昨夜也把我唬了個半死兒。”紫鵑忙問怎麼了，襲人道：“昨日晚上睡覺還是好好兒的，誰知半夜里一疊連聲的嚷起心疼來，嘴里胡說白道，只說好象刀子割了去的似的。The one at our place frightened me half to death last night as well.” Zijuan quickly asked what had happened, and Xiren said, “He was perfectly well when he went to bed last night, but who would have thought that in the middle of the night he would suddenly start crying out over and over that his heart hurt? He rambled wildly, saying it felt as if a knife were cutting it away.直鬧到打亮梆子以後才好些了。The commotion went on until after the watch for dawn was sounded; only then did he improve a little.你說唬人不唬人。Was that not terrifying?今日不能上學，還要請大夫來吃藥呢。”正說著，只聽黛玉在帳子里又咳嗽起來。He could not go to school today, and we must send for a physician and have him take medicine.” Just as she spoke, they heard Daiyu begin coughing again behind the curtains.紫鵑連忙過來捧痰盒兒接痰。Zijuan hurried over with the spittoon to catch what she coughed up.黛玉微微睜眼問道：“你和誰說話呢？”紫鵑道：“襲人姐姐來瞧姑娘來了。”說著，襲人已走到床前。Opening her eyes slightly, Daiyu asked, “Who are you talking to?” Zijuan replied, “Sister Xiren has come to see you.” By then Xiren had already reached the bedside.黛玉命紫鵑扶起，一手指著床邊，讓襲人坐下。Daiyu told Zijuan to help her sit up, then pointed toward the bedside with one hand and invited Xiren to sit.襲人側身坐了，連忙陪著笑勸道：“姑娘倒還是躺著罷。”黛玉道：“不妨，你們快別這樣大驚小怪的。Xiren sat sideways on the edge and promptly forced a smile, urging her, “You had better remain lying down, Miss.” Daiyu said, “It does not matter. Please do not make such a great fuss.剛才是說誰半夜里心疼起來？”襲人道：是寶二爺偶然魘住了，不是認真怎麼樣。”黛玉會意，知道是襲人怕自己又懸心的原故，又感激，又傷心。Who were you saying had a pain in his heart during the night?” Xiren replied, “Second Master Bao merely had a nightmare by chance; nothing was truly wrong with him.” Daiyu understood that Xiren said this for fear she would worry again, and felt both grateful and sorrowful.因趁勢問道：“既是魘住了，不聽見他還說什麼？”襲人道：“也沒說什麼。”黛玉點點頭兒，遲了半日，歎了一聲，才說道：“你們別告訴寶二爺說我不好，看耽擱了他的工夫，又叫老爺生氣。”襲人答應了，又勸道：“姑娘還是躺躺歇歇罷。”黛玉點頭，命紫鵑扶著歪下。Taking the opportunity, she asked, “If it was a nightmare, did you not hear what else he said?” Xiren answered, “He did not say anything else.” Daiyu nodded. After a long pause, she sighed and finally said, “Do not tell Second Master Bao that I am unwell. It might interfere with his studies and make Master Jia angry again.” Xiren promised not to and urged her, “You should lie down and rest, Miss.” Daiyu nodded and had Zijuan help her recline.襲人不免坐在旁邊，又寬慰了幾句，然後告辭，回到怡紅院，只說黛玉身上略覺不受用，也沒什麼大病。Xiren naturally remained sitting beside her and spoke a few more words of comfort before taking her leave. On returning to Happy Red Court, she merely said that Daiyu felt slightly indisposed but had no serious illness.寶玉才放了心。Only then did Baoyu set his mind at ease.

静了一时，略觉安顿。只听窗外悄悄问道：“紫鹃妹妹在家么？”雪雁连忙出来，见是袭人，因悄悄说道：“姐姐屋里坐著。”袭人也便悄悄问道：“姑娘怎么著？”一面走，一面雪雁告诉夜间及方才之事。袭人听了这话，也唬怔了，因说道：“怪道刚才翠缕到我们那边，说你们姑娘病了，唬的宝二爷连忙打发我来看看是怎么样。”正说著，只见紫鹃从里间掀起帘子望外看，见袭人，点头儿叫他。袭人轻轻走过来问道：“姑娘睡著了吗？”紫鹃点点头儿，问道：“姐姐才听见说了？”袭人也点点头儿，蹙著眉道：“终久怎么样好呢！那一位昨夜也把我唬了个半死儿。”紫鹃忙问怎么了，袭人道：“昨日晚上睡觉还是好好儿的，谁知半夜里一叠连声的嚷起心疼来，嘴里胡说白道，只说好象刀子割了去的似的。直闹到打亮梆子以后才好些了。你说唬人不唬人。今日不能上学，还要请大夫来吃药呢。”正说著，只听黛玉在帐子里又咳嗽起来。紫鹃连忙过来捧痰盒儿接痰。黛玉微微睁眼问道：“你和谁说话呢？”紫鹃道：“袭人姐姐来瞧姑娘来了。”说著，袭人已走到床前。黛玉命紫鹃扶起，一手指著床边，让袭人坐下。袭人侧身坐了，连忙陪著笑劝道：“姑娘倒还是躺著罢。”黛玉道：“不妨，你们快别这样大惊小怪的。刚才是说谁半夜里心疼起来？”袭人道：是宝二爷偶然魇住了，不是认真怎么样。”黛玉会意，知道是袭人怕自己又悬心的原故，又感激，又伤心。因趁势问道：“既是魇住了，不听见他还说什么？”袭人道：“也没说什么。”黛玉点点头儿，迟了半日，叹了一声，才说道：“你们别告诉宝二爷说我不好，看耽搁了他的工夫，又叫老爷生气。”袭人答应了，又劝道：“姑娘还是躺躺歇歇罢。”黛玉点头，命紫鹃扶著歪下。袭人不免坐在旁边，又宽慰了几句，然后告辞，回到怡红院，只说黛玉身上略觉不受用，也没什么大病。宝玉才放了心。

且說探春湘雲出了瀟湘館，一路往賈母這邊來。Meanwhile, after leaving the Xiaoxiang Lodge, Tanchun and Xiangyun made their way toward Grandmother Jia’s quarters.探春因囑咐湘雲道：“妹妹，回來見了老太太，別象剛才那樣冒冒失失的了。”湘雲點頭笑道：“知道了，我頭里是叫他唬的忘了神了。”說著，已到賈母那邊。Tanchun cautioned Xiangyun, “Sister, when we see Grandmother, do not be as rash as you were just now.” Xiangyun nodded and smiled. “I know. I was so frightened by her earlier that I lost my head.” As she spoke, they arrived at Grandmother Jia’s.探春因提起黛玉的病來。Tanchun then brought up Daiyu’s illness.賈母聽了自是心煩，因說道：“偏是這兩個玉兒多病多災的。Grandmother Jia was naturally distressed to hear of it and said, “Of all people, it is these two jades who are forever plagued by illness and misfortune.林丫頭一來二去的大了，他這個身子也要緊。The Lin girl is growing older all the time, and the state of her health is becoming a serious matter.我看那孩子太是個心細。”眾人也不敢答言。The child is far too sensitive, in my opinion.” No one dared reply.賈母便向鴛鴦道：“你告訴他們，明兒大夫來瞧了寶玉，就叫他到林姑娘那屋里去。”鴛鴦答應著，出來告訴了婆子們，婆子們自去傳話。Grandmother Jia then told Yuanyang, “Tell them that when the physician comes tomorrow to examine Baoyu, he is to go afterward to Miss Lin’s room.” Yuanyang assented, went out, and informed the old serving-women, who passed on the order.這里探春湘雲就跟著賈母吃了晚飯，然後同回園中去。Tanchun and Xiangyun ate supper there with Grandmother Jia, then returned together to the garden.不提。But no more of this.到了次日，大夫來了，瞧了寶玉，不過說飲食不調，著了點兒風邪，沒大要緊，疏散疏散就好了。The next day the physician came and examined Baoyu. He said it was no more than disordered eating together with a slight invasion of wind; there was nothing serious, and a mild dispersing treatment would cure him.這里王夫人鳳姐等一面遣人拿了方子回賈母，一面使人到瀟湘館告訴說大夫就過來。Lady Wang, Xifeng, and the others sent someone with the prescription to report to Grandmother Jia, while also dispatching a messenger to the Xiaoxiang Lodge to say that the physician would be coming shortly.紫鵑答應了，連忙給黛玉蓋好被窩，放下帳子。Zijuan acknowledged the message and hurried to tuck the covers securely around Daiyu and lower the bed curtains.雪雁赶著收拾房里的東西。Xueyan hastened to put the things in the room in order.一時賈璉陪著大夫進來了，便說道：“這位老爺是常來的，姑娘們不用回避。”老婆子打起帘子，賈璉讓著進入房中坐下。Before long Jia Lian entered with the physician and said, “This gentleman is a regular visitor, so the young ladies need not withdraw.” An old woman raised the curtain, and Jia Lian ushered him into the room and invited him to sit.賈璉道”紫鵑姐姐，你先把姑娘的病勢向王老爺說說。”王大夫道：“且慢說。Jia Lian said, “Sister Zijuan, first describe the young lady’s symptoms to Master Wang.” Physician Wang said, “Not yet.等我診了脈，聽我說了看是對不對，若有不合的地方，姑娘們再告訴我。”紫鵑便向帳中扶出黛玉的一只手來，擱在迎手上。Let me take her pulse first. Then listen to what I say and see whether I am right; if anything does not agree, you young ladies may tell me afterward.” Zijuan reached behind the curtains, helped one of Daiyu’s hands out, and laid it on the pulse cushion.紫鵑又把鐲子連袖子輕輕的摟起，不叫壓住了脈息。She then gently pushed the bracelet and sleeve upward so that they would not press on the pulse.那王大夫診了好一回兒，又換那只手也診了，便同賈璉出來，到外間屋里坐下，說道：“六脈皆弦，因平日郁結所致。”說著，紫鵑也出來站在里間門口。Physician Wang felt the pulse for quite some time, then changed hands and examined the other one as well. Afterward he went out with Jia Lian and sat in the outer room, where he said, “All six pulses are wiry, the result of long-standing pent-up melancholy.” Zijuan also came out and stood in the inner doorway.那王大夫便向紫鵑道：“這病時常應得頭暈，減飲食，多夢，每到五更，必醒個幾次。Physician Wang addressed her: “This illness must often cause dizziness, loss of appetite, and many dreams; toward the fifth watch each night, she must wake several times.即日間聽見不干自己的事，也必要動氣，且多疑多懼。Even during the day, when she hears of something that does not concern her, she is bound to become upset; she is also highly suspicious and fearful.不知者疑為性情乖誕，其實因肝陰虧損，心氣衰耗，都是這個病在那里作怪。Those who do not understand may suppose her temperament perverse and eccentric, but in fact the liver yin is depleted and the heart qi weakened. It is this illness that is to blame for it all.不知是否？”紫鵑點點頭兒，向賈璉道：“說的很是。”王太醫道：“既這樣就是了。”說畢起身，同賈璉往外書房去開方子。Is that not so?” Zijuan nodded and said to Jia Lian, “He is exactly right.” Imperial Physician Wang said, “Then that settles it.” Having spoken, he rose and went with Jia Lian to the outer study to write the prescription.小廝們早已預備下一張梅紅單帖，王太醫吃了茶，因提筆先寫道：The pages had already prepared a vermilion prescription sheet. After drinking some tea, Imperial Physician Wang took up his brush and began by writing:

且说探春湘云出了潇湘馆，一路往贾母这边来。探春因嘱咐湘云道：“妹妹，回来见了老太太，别象刚才那样冒冒失失的了。”湘云点头笑道：“知道了，我头里是叫他唬的忘了神了。”说著，已到贾母那边。探春因提起黛玉的病来。贾母听了自是心烦，因说道：“偏是这两个玉儿多病多灾的。林丫头一来二去的大了，他这个身子也要紧。我看那孩子太是个心细。”众人也不敢答言。贾母便向鸳鸯道：“你告诉他们，明儿大夫来瞧了宝玉，就叫他到林姑娘那屋里去。”鸳鸯答应著，出来告诉了婆子们，婆子们自去传话。这里探春湘云就跟著贾母吃了晚饭，然后同回园中去。不提。到了次日，大夫来了，瞧了宝玉，不过说饮食不调，著了点儿风邪，没大要紧，疏散疏散就好了。这里王夫人凤姐等一面遣人拿了方子回贾母，一面使人到潇湘馆告诉说大夫就过来。紫鹃答应了，连忙给黛玉盖好被窝，放下帐子。雪雁赶著收拾房里的东西。一时贾琏陪著大夫进来了，便说道：“这位老爷是常来的，姑娘们不用回避。”老婆子打起帘子，贾琏让著进入房中坐下。贾琏道”紫鹃姐姐，你先把姑娘的病势向王老爷说说。”王大夫道：“且慢说。等我诊了脉，听我说了看是对不对，若有不合的地方，姑娘们再告诉我。”紫鹃便向帐中扶出黛玉的一只手来，搁在迎手上。紫鹃又把镯子连袖子轻轻的搂起，不叫压住了脉息。那王大夫诊了好一回儿，又换那只手也诊了，便同贾琏出来，到外间屋里坐下，说道：“六脉皆弦，因平日郁结所致。”说著，紫鹃也出来站在里间门口。那王大夫便向紫鹃道：“这病时常应得头晕，减饮食，多梦，每到五更，必醒个几次。即日间听见不干自己的事，也必要动气，且多疑多惧。不知者疑为性情乖诞，其实因肝阴亏损，心气衰耗，都是这个病在那里作怪。不知是否？”紫鹃点点头儿，向贾琏道：“说的很是。”王太医道：“既这样就是了。”说毕起身，同贾琏往外书房去开方子。小厮们早已预备下一张梅红单帖，王太医吃了茶，因提笔先写道：

六脈弦遲，素由積郁。All six pulses are wiry and slow, owing to chronic pent-up melancholy.左寸無力，心氣已衰。The left cun pulse is weak; the heart qi is already failing.關脈獨洪，肝邪偏旺。The guan pulse alone is surging; the liver pathogen is excessively strong.木氣不能疏達，勢必上侵脾土，飲食無味，甚至胜所不胜，肺金定受其殃。The energy of Wood cannot course freely and will inevitably invade the Spleen Earth above; food therefore has no savor, and may even reach the point where the stronger element overcomes that which should overcome it, so the Lung Metal must suffer harm.氣不流精，凝而為痰，血隨氣涌，自然咳吐。When qi fails to distribute the essence, it congeals into phlegm; blood surges upward with the qi, naturally causing coughing and expectoration.理宜疏肝保肺，涵養心脾。The proper treatment is to soothe the liver and protect the lungs while nourishing the heart and spleen.雖有補劑，未可驟施。Though tonics are indicated, they must not be administered too abruptly.姑擬黑逍遙以開其先，复用歸肺固金以繼其後。For the present, I propose Black Rambling Powder to open the way, followed by Return-to-the-Lung and Strengthen-the-Metal to continue the treatment.不揣固陋，俟高明裁服。Presuming upon my crude and limited knowledge, I await the judgment of one more learned before it is administered.

六脉弦迟，素由积郁。左寸无力，心气已衰。关脉独洪，肝邪偏旺。木气不能疏达，势必上侵脾土，饮食无味，甚至胜所不胜，肺金定受其殃。气不流精，凝而为痰，血随气涌，自然咳吐。理宜疏肝保肺，涵养心脾。虽有补剂，未可骤施。姑拟黑逍遥以开其先，复用归肺固金以继其后。不揣固陋，俟高明裁服。

又將七味藥與引子寫了。He then wrote down seven medicinal ingredients and the accompanying catalyst.賈璉拿來看時，問道：“血勢上沖，柴胡使得么？”王大夫笑道：“二爺但知柴胡是升提之品，為吐衄所忌。When Jia Lian looked it over, he asked, “With the blood surging upward, is it safe to use bupleurum?” Physician Wang smiled. “Second Master, you know only that bupleurum is a raising herb and therefore contraindicated in vomiting or bleeding.豈知用鱉血拌炒，非柴胡不足宣少陽甲膽之氣。But do you not know that, when stir-fried with turtle blood, nothing but bupleurum can diffuse the qi of the Gallbladder Wood of Lesser Yang?以鱉血制之，使其不致升提，且能培養肝陰，制遏邪火。Preparing it with turtle blood restrains it from raising the qi; moreover, it nourishes liver yin and checks pathogenic fire.所以《內經》說：‘通因通用，塞因塞用。’柴胡用鱉血拌炒，正是‘假周勃以安劉’的法子。”賈璉點頭道：“原來是這麼著，這就是了。”王夫人又道：“先請服兩劑，再加減或再換方子罷。Thus the Inner Canon says, ‘Treat free flow by promoting free flow, and obstruction by promoting obstruction.’ Stir-frying bupleurum with turtle blood is precisely the method of ‘borrowing Zhou Bo to secure the Liu dynasty.’” Jia Lian nodded. “So that is how it is; then it is all right.” Imperial Physician Wang added, “Have her take two doses first. We may then modify the prescription or replace it altogether.我還有一點小事，不能久坐，容日再來請安。”說著，賈璉送了出來，說道：“舍弟的藥就是那麼著了？”王大夫道：“寶二爺倒沒什麼大病，大約再吃一劑就好了。”說著，上車而去。I still have a small matter to attend to and cannot remain long. Allow me to call again another day.” As he spoke, Jia Lian escorted him out and asked, “And my younger brother’s medicine is to remain as prescribed?” Physician Wang replied, “Second Master Bao has no serious illness. Another dose or so should cure him.” With that, he boarded his carriage and departed.

又将七味药与引子写了。贾琏拿来看时，问道：“血势上冲，柴胡使得么？”王大夫笑道：“二爷但知柴胡是升提之品，为吐衄所忌。岂知用鳖血拌炒，非柴胡不足宣少阳甲胆之气。以鳖血制之，使其不致升提，且能培养肝阴，制遏邪火。所以《内经》说：‘通因通用，塞因塞用。’柴胡用鳖血拌炒，正是‘假周勃以安刘’的法子。”贾琏点头道：“原来是这么著，这就是了。”王夫人又道：“先请服两剂，再加减或再换方子罢。我还有一点小事，不能久坐，容日再来请安。”说著，贾琏送了出来，说道：“舍弟的药就是那么著了？”王大夫道：“宝二爷倒没什么大病，大约再吃一剂就好了。”说著，上车而去。

這里賈璉一面叫人抓藥。Jia Lian at once ordered someone to have the medicine prepared.一面回到房中告訴鳳姐黛玉的病原與大夫用的藥，述了一遍。Then he returned to the room and gave Xifeng a full account of the cause of Daiyu’s illness and the medicine prescribed by the physician.只見周瑞家的走來回了幾件沒要緊的事，賈璉聽到一半，便說道：“你回二奶奶罷，我還有事呢。”說著就走了。Just then Zhou Rui’s wife came in to report several trivial matters. Halfway through, Jia Lian said, “Report the rest to Second Mistress. I have other business.” With that, he left.周瑞家的回完了這件事，又說道：“我方才到林姑娘那邊，看他那個病，竟是不好呢。After Zhou Rui’s wife had finished reporting these matters, she added, “I went over to Miss Lin’s just now, and her illness really does look grave.臉上一點血色也沒有，摸了摸身上，只剩得一把骨頭。There is not a trace of color in her face, and when I felt her body, she seemed nothing but a handful of bones.問問他，也沒有話說，只是淌眼淚。When I asked her questions, she said nothing and merely shed tears.回來紫鵑告訴我說：‘姑娘現在病著，要什麼自己又不肯要，我打算要問二奶奶那里支用一兩個月的月錢。On my way back, Zijuan told me, ‘The young lady is ill now, yet she will not ask for anything herself. I was thinking of asking Second Mistress for an advance of one or two months’ allowance.如今吃藥雖是公中的，零用也得幾個錢。’我答應了他，替他來回奶奶。”鳳姐低了半日頭，說道：“竟這麼著罷：我送他幾兩銀子使罷，也不用告訴林姑娘。Though her medicine is being paid for from the common fund, she still needs a little money for incidental expenses.’ I promised to speak to you on her behalf, Mistress.” Xifeng kept her head lowered for a long while, then said, “Let us do this instead: I shall send her a few taels of silver for her expenses, without telling Miss Lin.這月錢卻是不好支的，一個人開了例，要是都支起來，那如何使得呢。But it would not do to advance her monthly allowance. Once we set a precedent for one person, what would happen if everyone began asking for advances?你不記得趙姨娘和三姑娘拌嘴了，也無非為的是月錢。Surely you remember the quarrel between Concubine Zhao and Third Miss; that too was over nothing but the monthly allowance.況且近來你也知道，出去的多，進來的少，總繞不過彎兒來。Besides, as you know, more has been going out lately than coming in, and we simply cannot make ends meet.不知道的，還說我打算的不好，更有那一种嚼舌根的，說我搬運到娘家去了。Those who do not understand say I manage things badly; worse still are those gossipmongers who claim I am carting everything off to my parents’ home.周嫂子，你倒是那里經手的人，這個自然還知道些。”周瑞家的道：“真正委屈死人！Sister Zhou, you are one of those who handle these affairs, so naturally you know something of the truth.” Zhou Rui’s wife said, “It is enough to make one die of injustice!這樣大門頭兒，除了奶奶這樣心計兒當家罷了。In a great household like this, only someone with your powers of calculation could manage the domestic affairs.別說是女人當不來，就是三頭六臂的男人，還撐不住呢。Let alone an ordinary woman—even a man with three heads and six arms could not keep it going.還說這些個混帳話。”說著，又笑了一聲，道：“奶奶還沒聽見呢，外頭的人還更糊涂呢。And still they utter such outrageous nonsense!” She laughed and continued, “You have not heard the half of it, Mistress. People outside are even more muddleheaded.前兒周瑞回家來，說起外頭的人打諒著咱們府里不知怎麼樣有錢呢。The other day, when Zhou Rui came home, he said that outsiders imagine there is no telling how rich our household must be.也有說‘賈府里的銀庫幾間，金庫幾間，使的家伙都是金子鑲了玉石嵌了的。’也有說‘姑娘做了王妃，自然皇上家的東西分的了一半子給娘家。Some say, ‘The Jia mansion has room after room of silver vaults and room after room of gold vaults, and even its utensils are gold inlaid with jade and precious stones.’ Others say, ‘Since their young lady became an imperial consort, the Emperor’s family naturally gave half its possessions to her parents.前兒貴妃娘娘省親回來，我們還親見他帶了幾車金銀回來，所以家里收拾擺設的水晶宮似的。When Her Highness the Imperial Consort returned home for her visit, we saw with our own eyes several cartloads of gold and silver that she brought with her; that is why the house was fitted and furnished like a crystal palace.那日在廟里還願，花了幾萬銀子，只算得牛身上拔了一根毛罷咧。’有人還說‘他門前的獅子只怕還是玉石的呢。When they went to the temple that day to redeem a vow, they spent tens of thousands of taels, but that was no more to them than plucking a single hair from an ox.’ Some even say, ‘The lions before their gate are probably carved from jade.園子里還有金麒麟，叫人偷了一個去，如今剩下一個了。There were golden qilins in the garden too; someone stole one, and now only one remains.家里的奶奶姑娘不用說，就是屋里使喚的姑娘們，也是一點兒不動，喝酒下棋，彈琴畫畫，橫豎有伏侍的人呢。As for the mistresses and young ladies of the household, to say nothing of them—even the maids who serve in their rooms never have to lift a finger. They drink wine, play chess, strum the qin, and paint, for there are always others to wait upon them.單管穿羅罩紗，吃的戴的，都是人家不認得的。Their only concern is to wear silk gauze and fine silk; what they eat and wear is beyond ordinary people’s knowing.那些哥兒姐兒們更不用說了，要天上的月亮，也有人去拿下來給他頑。’還有歌兒呢，說是‘宁國府，榮國府，金銀財寶如糞土。Still less need be said of the young masters and misses: if they wanted the moon from the sky, someone would fetch it down for them to play with.’ There is even a song that goes, ‘Ningguo House and Rongguo Hall, gold and silver are dung to them all.吃不窮，穿不窮，算來……’”說到這里，猛然咽住。They cannot eat it all, cannot wear it all; reckoned up...’” At this point she suddenly swallowed the rest.原來那時歌兒說道是”算來總是一場空”。The song in fact continued, “Reckoned up, all ends in emptiness.”這周瑞家的說溜了嘴，說到這里，忽然想起這話不好，因咽住了。Zhou Rui’s wife had let the words slip out; but upon reaching this point, she suddenly realized the line was inauspicious and stopped herself.鳳姐兒聽了，已明白必是句不好的話了。Xifeng understood at once that what followed must be something ominous.也不便追問，因說道：“那都沒要緊。It was inconvenient to press her, so she said, “None of that matters.只是這金麒麟的話從何而來？”周瑞家的笑道：“就是那廟里的老道士送給寶二爺的小金麒麟兒。But where did this story about the golden qilin come from?” Zhou Rui’s wife laughed. “It was simply that little golden qilin which the old Daoist at the temple gave Second Master Bao.後來丟了幾天，虧了史姑娘撿著還了他，外頭就造出這個謠言來了。Later it was lost for several days, and fortunately Miss Shi found it and returned it to him. From that, people outside concocted this rumor.奶奶說這些人可笑不可笑？”鳳姐道：“這些話倒不是可笑，倒是可怕的。Do you not find such people ridiculous, Mistress?” Xifeng said, “Such talk is not so much ridiculous as frightening.咱們一日難似一日，外面還是這麼講究。Each day is harder for us than the last, yet outside they still make such a great show of our supposed wealth.俗語兒說的，‘人怕出名豬怕壯’，況且又是個虛名兒，終久還不知怎麼樣呢。”周瑞家的道：“奶奶慮的也是。As the saying goes, ‘A man fears fame as a pig fears fattening.’ And ours is hollow fame at that—who knows what will come of it in the end?” Zhou Rui’s wife said, “Your concern is justified, Mistress.只是滿城里茶坊酒舖兒以及各胡同兒都是這樣說，并且不是一年了，那里握的住眾人的嘴。”鳳姐點點頭兒，因叫平兒稱了幾兩銀子，遞給周瑞家的，道：“你先拿去交給紫鵑，只說我給他添補買東西的。But they have been saying the same thing for years in teahouses and wineshops throughout the city and in every lane and alley. How could anyone stop all their mouths?” Xifeng nodded, then told Ping’er to weigh out a few taels of silver. Handing it to Zhou Rui’s wife, she said, “Take this to Zijuan first and say it is from me to help with the cost of whatever she needs to buy.若要官中的，只管要去，別提這月錢的話。If she needs anything from the common stores, she may simply ask for it—but do not mention advancing the monthly allowance.他也是個伶透人，自然明白我的話。He is quick-witted too, and naturally understood what I meant.我得了空兒，就去瞧姑娘去。”周瑞家的接了銀子，答應著自去。When I have a moment, I shall go and see you, miss.” Zhou Rui’s wife took the silver, promised she would, and went her way.不提。No more of this.

这里贾琏一面叫人抓药。一面回到房中告诉凤姐黛玉的病原与大夫用的药，述了一遍。只见周瑞家的走来回了几件没要紧的事，贾琏听到一半，便说道：“你回二奶奶罢，我还有事呢。”说著就走了。周瑞家的回完了这件事，又说道：“我方才到林姑娘那边，看他那个病，竟是不好呢。脸上一点血色也没有，摸了摸身上，只剩得一把骨头。问问他，也没有话说，只是淌眼泪。回来紫鹃告诉我说：‘姑娘现在病著，要什么自己又不肯要，我打算要问二奶奶那里支用一两个月的月钱。如今吃药虽是公中的，零用也得几个钱。’我答应了他，替他来回奶奶。”凤姐低了半日头，说道：“竟这么著罢：我送他几两银子使罢，也不用告诉林姑娘。这月钱却是不好支的，一个人开了例，要是都支起来，那如何使得呢。你不记得赵姨娘和三姑娘拌嘴了，也无非为的是月钱。况且近来你也知道，出去的多，进来的少，总绕不过弯儿来。不知道的，还说我打算的不好，更有那一种嚼舌根的，说我搬运到娘家去了。周嫂子，你倒是那里经手的人，这个自然还知道些。”周瑞家的道：“真正委屈死人！这样大门头儿，除了奶奶这样心计儿当家罢了。别说是女人当不来，就是三头六臂的男人，还撑不住呢。还说这些个混帐话。”说著，又笑了一声，道：“奶奶还没听见呢，外头的人还更糊涂呢。前儿周瑞回家来，说起外头的人打谅著咱们府里不知怎么样有钱呢。也有说‘贾府里的银库几间，金库几间，使的家伙都是金子镶了玉石嵌了的。’也有说‘姑娘做了王妃，自然皇上家的东西分的了一半子给娘家。前儿贵妃娘娘省亲回来，我们还亲见他带了几车金银回来，所以家里收拾摆设的水晶宫似的。那日在庙里还愿，花了几万银子，只算得牛身上拔了一根毛罢咧。’有人还说‘他门前的狮子只怕还是玉石的呢。园子里还有金麒麟，叫人偷了一个去，如今剩下一个了。家里的奶奶姑娘不用说，就是屋里使唤的姑娘们，也是一点儿不动，喝酒下棋，弹琴画画，横竖有伏侍的人呢。单管穿罗罩纱，吃的戴的，都是人家不认得的。那些哥儿姐儿们更不用说了，要天上的月亮，也有人去拿下来给他顽。’还有歌儿呢，说是‘宁国府，荣国府，金银财宝如粪土。吃不穷，穿不穷，算来……’”说到这里，猛然咽住。原来那时歌儿说道是”算来总是一场空”。这周瑞家的说溜了嘴，说到这里，忽然想起这话不好，因咽住了。凤姐儿听了，已明白必是句不好的话了。也不便追问，因说道：“那都没要紧。只是这金麒麟的话从何而来？”周瑞家的笑道：“就是那庙里的老道士送给宝二爷的小金麒麟儿。后来丢了几天，亏了史姑娘捡著还了他，外头就造出这个谣言来了。奶奶说这些人可笑不可笑？”凤姐道：“这些话倒不是可笑，倒是可怕的。咱们一日难似一日，外面还是这么讲究。俗语儿说的，‘人怕出名猪怕壮’，况且又是个虚名儿，终久还不知怎么样呢。”周瑞家的道：“奶奶虑的也是。只是满城里茶坊酒铺儿以及各胡同儿都是这样说，并且不是一年了，那里握的住众人的嘴。”凤姐点点头儿，因叫平儿称了几两银子，递给周瑞家的，道：“你先拿去交给紫鹃，只说我给他添补买东西的。若要官中的，只管要去，别提这月钱的话。他也是个伶透人，自然明白我的话。我得了空儿，就去瞧姑娘去。”周瑞家的接了银子，答应著自去。不提。

且說賈璉走到外面，只見一個小廝迎上來回道：“大老爺叫二爺說話呢。”賈璉急忙過來，見了賈赦。Now, as Jia Lian went outside, a page came up to him and reported, “The Elder Master wishes to speak with you, Second Master.” Jia Lian hurried over to see Jia She.賈赦道：“方才風聞宮里頭傳了一個太醫院御醫，兩個吏目去看病，想來不是宮女兒下人了。Jia She said, “I have just heard a rumor that the palace has summoned an imperial physician from the Imperial Academy of Medicine and two assistant medical officers to attend someone; I doubt it can be merely a palace maid or servant.這幾天娘娘宮里有什麼信兒沒有？”賈璉道：“沒有。”賈赦道：“你去問問二老爺和你珍大哥。Has there been any news from Her Highness’s palace these past few days?” “None,” said Jia Lian. Jia She said, “Go and ask the Second Master and your elder cousin Zhen.不然，還該叫人去到太醫院里打聽打聽才是。”賈璉答應了，一面吩咐人往太醫院去，一面連忙去見賈政賈珍。Failing that, we ought to send someone to the Imperial Academy of Medicine to make inquiries.” Jia Lian assented, dispatching a man to the academy while he himself hurried off to see Jia Zheng and Jia Zhen.賈政聽了這話，因問道：“是那里來的風聲？”賈璉道：“是大老爺才說的。”賈政道：“你索性和你珍大哥到里頭打聽打聽。”賈璉道：“我已經打發人往太醫院打聽去了。”一面說著，一面退出來，去找賈珍。When Jia Zheng heard this, he asked, “Where did this rumor come from?” “The Elder Master just told me,” replied Jia Lian. Jia Zheng said, “You had better go inside with your elder cousin Zhen and make inquiries.” “I have already sent someone to inquire at the Imperial Academy of Medicine,” said Jia Lian, withdrawing as he spoke to look for Jia Zhen.只見賈珍迎面來了，賈璉忙告訴賈珍。Presently he saw Jia Zhen coming toward him and hastened to tell him the news.賈珍道：“我正為也聽見這話，來回大老爺二老爺去的。”于是兩個人同著來見賈政。Jia Zhen said, “I heard the same thing and was just coming to report it to the Elder and Second Masters.” The two therefore went together to see Jia Zheng.賈政道：“如系元妃，少不得終有信的。”說著，賈赦也過來了。Jia Zheng said, “If it concerns Consort Yuan, word is bound to reach us sooner or later.” As he spoke, Jia She arrived as well.到了晌午，打聽的人尚未回來。By noon, the man sent to make inquiries had still not returned.門上人進來，回說：“有兩個內相在外要見二位老爺呢。”賈赦道：“請進來。”門上的人領了老公進來。A gatekeeper came in and reported, “Two palace eunuchs are outside asking to see the two masters.” “Show them in,” said Jia She, and the gatekeeper conducted the eunuchs inside.賈赦賈政迎至二門外，先請了娘娘的安，一面同著進來，走至廳上讓了坐。Jia She and Jia Zheng went beyond the second gate to meet them, first inquired after Her Highness, and then accompanied them into the main hall, where they invited them to sit.老公道：“前日這里貴妃娘娘有些欠安。One eunuch said, “The Imperial Consort of this house has been somewhat indisposed since the day before yesterday.昨日奉過旨意，宣召親丁四人進里頭探問。Yesterday an imperial command was issued summoning four of her relatives into the palace to visit her.許各帶丫頭一人，餘皆不用。Each lady may bring one maid, but no other attendants are required.親丁男人只許在宮門外遞個職名，請安聽信，不得擅入。The male relatives may only present their calling cards outside the palace gate, inquire after Her Highness, and await further word; they may not enter without authorization.准于明日辰巳時進去，申酉時出來。”賈政賈赦等站著聽了旨意，复又坐下，讓老公吃茶畢，老公辭了出去。You are permitted to enter tomorrow between the hours of the Dragon and Snake and must leave between the hours of the Monkey and Rooster.” Jia Zheng, Jia She, and the others stood to receive the command, then sat again and offered the eunuchs tea; when they had finished, the eunuchs took their leave.

且说贾琏走到外面，只见一个小厮迎上来回道：“大老爷叫二爷说话呢。”贾琏急忙过来，见了贾赦。贾赦道：“方才风闻宫里头传了一个太医院御医，两个吏目去看病，想来不是宫女儿下人了。这几天娘娘宫里有什么信儿没有？”贾琏道：“没有。”贾赦道：“你去问问二老爷和你珍大哥。不然，还该叫人去到太医院里打听打听才是。”贾琏答应了，一面吩咐人往太医院去，一面连忙去见贾政贾珍。贾政听了这话，因问道：“是那里来的风声？”贾琏道：“是大老爷才说的。”贾政道：“你索性和你珍大哥到里头打听打听。”贾琏道：“我已经打发人往太医院打听去了。”一面说著，一面退出来，去找贾珍。只见贾珍迎面来了，贾琏忙告诉贾珍。贾珍道：“我正为也听见这话，来回大老爷二老爷去的。”于是两个人同著来见贾政。贾政道：“如系元妃，少不得终有信的。”说著，贾赦也过来了。到了晌午，打听的人尚未回来。门上人进来，回说：“有两个内相在外要见二位老爷呢。”贾赦道：“请进来。”门上的人领了老公进来。贾赦贾政迎至二门外，先请了娘娘的安，一面同著进来，走至厅上让了坐。老公道：“前日这里贵妃娘娘有些欠安。昨日奉过旨意，宣召亲丁四人进里头探问。许各带丫头一人，余皆不用。亲丁男人只许在宫门外递个职名，请安听信，不得擅入。准于明日辰巳时进去，申酉时出来。”贾政贾赦等站著听了旨意，复又坐下，让老公吃茶毕，老公辞了出去。

賈赦賈政送出大門，回來先稟賈母。Jia She and Jia Zheng escorted them to the main gate, then returned and first reported the matter to Grandmother Jia.賈母道：“親丁四人，自然是我和你們兩位太太了。Grandmother Jia said, “The four female relatives will naturally be myself and your two wives.那一個人呢？”眾人也不敢答言，賈母想了一想，道：“必得是鳳姐兒，他諸事有照應。Who should the fourth be?” No one dared reply. After some thought, Grandmother Jia said, “It must be Xifeng; she can see to everything.你們爺兒們各自商量去罷。”賈赦賈政答應了出來，因派了賈璉賈蓉看家外，凡文字輩至草字輩一應都去。You men may make your own arrangements.” Jia She and Jia Zheng assented and withdrew; apart from assigning Jia Lian and Jia Rong to guard the house, they ordered all the men of the family, from the generation bearing the ‘literary’ radical down to that bearing the ‘grass’ radical, to attend.遂吩咐家人預備四乘綠轎，十餘輛大車，明兒黎明伺候。They then ordered the servants to prepare four green sedan chairs and more than ten large carriages, all to be ready before dawn the next day.家人答應去了。The servants assented and went off.賈赦賈政又進去回明老太太，辰巳時進去，申酉時出來，今日早些歇歇，明日好早些起來收拾進宮。Jia She and Jia Zheng went in again and explained to the Old Lady that they were to enter between the hours of the Dragon and Snake and leave between those of the Monkey and Rooster; she should retire early that day, so that she might rise early and prepare to enter the palace.賈母道：“我知道，你們去罷。”赦政等退出。“I understand. You may go,” said Grandmother Jia, and Jia She, Jia Zheng, and the others withdrew.這里邢夫人王夫人，鳳姐兒也都說了一會子元妃的病，又說了些閒話，才各自散了。Lady Xing, Lady Wang, and Xifeng remained there awhile, discussing Consort Yuan’s illness and then chatting of other matters before they dispersed.

贾赦贾政送出大门，回来先禀贾母。贾母道：“亲丁四人，自然是我和你们两位太太了。那一个人呢？”众人也不敢答言，贾母想了一想，道：“必得是凤姐儿，他诸事有照应。你们爷儿们各自商量去罢。”贾赦贾政答应了出来，因派了贾琏贾蓉看家外，凡文字辈至草字辈一应都去。遂吩咐家人预备四乘绿轿，十余辆大车，明儿黎明伺候。家人答应去了。贾赦贾政又进去回明老太太，辰巳时进去，申酉时出来，今日早些歇歇，明日好早些起来收拾进宫。贾母道：“我知道，你们去罢。”赦政等退出。这里邢夫人王夫人，凤姐儿也都说了一会子元妃的病，又说了些闲话，才各自散了。

次日黎明，各間屋子丫頭們將燈火俱已點齊，太太們各梳洗畢，爺們亦各整頓好了。At daybreak the next morning, the maids in every room had lit all the lamps; the ladies had finished washing and dressing, and the gentlemen too were fully prepared.一到卯初，林之孝和賴大進來，至二門口回道：“轎車俱已齊備，在門外伺候著呢。”不一時，賈赦邢夫人也過來了。At the beginning of the hour of the Hare, Lin Zhixiao and Lai Da came in and reported at the second gate, “All the chairs and carriages are ready and waiting outside.” Before long, Jia She and Lady Xing arrived as well.大家用了早飯。They all ate an early breakfast.鳳姐先扶老太太出來，眾人圍隨，各帶使女一人，緩緩前行。Xifeng first helped the Old Lady out, while the others clustered around and followed, each lady accompanied by one maid, and they proceeded slowly onward.又命李貴等二人先騎馬去外宮門接應，自己家眷隨後。Li Gui and another man were ordered to ride ahead to the outer palace gate and be ready to receive them, while the ladies of the household followed behind.文字輩至草字輩各自登車騎馬，跟著眾家人，一齊去了。The men of every generation, from the ‘literary’ generation down to the ‘grass’ generation, mounted their carriages or horses and set off together behind the household servants.賈璉賈蓉在家中看家。Jia Lian and Jia Rong remained at home to watch over the house.

次日黎明，各间屋子丫头们将灯火俱已点齐，太太们各梳洗毕，爷们亦各整顿好了。一到卯初，林之孝和赖大进来，至二门口回道：“轿车俱已齐备，在门外伺候著呢。”不一时，贾赦邢夫人也过来了。大家用了早饭。凤姐先扶老太太出来，众人围随，各带使女一人，缓缓前行。又命李贵等二人先骑马去外宫门接应，自己家眷随后。文字辈至草字辈各自登车骑马，跟著众家人，一齐去了。贾琏贾蓉在家中看家。

且說賈家的車輛轎馬俱在外西垣門口歇下等著。Now the Jia family’s carriages, sedan chairs, and horses all halted outside the West Enclosure Gate to wait.一回兒，有兩個內監出來說：“賈府省親的太太奶奶們，著令入宮探問，爺們俱著令內宮門外請安，不得入見。”門上人叫快進去。After a while, two palace eunuchs came out and announced, “The ladies of the Jia household who have come to visit their imperial kinswoman are ordered to enter the palace and inquire after her health. The gentlemen are all to pay their respects outside the inner palace gate and may not enter her presence.” The gatekeepers called for them to go in quickly.賈府中四乘轎子跟著小內監前行，賈家爺們在轎後步行跟著，令眾家人在外等候。The Jia household’s four sedan chairs followed the young eunuchs ahead; the Jia gentlemen walked behind the chairs, leaving the other servants to wait outside.走近宮門口，只見幾個老公在門上坐著，見他們來了，便站起來說道：“賈府爺們至此。”賈赦賈政便捱次立定。As they approached the palace gate, they saw several eunuchs seated there. At their arrival, the eunuchs stood and announced, “The gentlemen of the Jia household have arrived.” Jia She, Jia Zheng, and the others then took their places in order.轎子抬至宮門口，便都出了轎。When the sedan chairs were carried to the palace gate, all the ladies alighted.早有幾個小內監引路，賈母等各有丫頭扶著步行。Several young eunuchs were already waiting to lead the way, and Grandmother Jia and the others proceeded on foot, each supported by her maid.走至元妃寢宮，只見奎壁輝煌，琉璃照耀。When they reached Consort Yuan’s apartments, they beheld the constellations Kui and Bi shining resplendently and glazed tiles gleaming with light.又有兩個小宮女兒傳諭道：“只用請安，一概儀注都免。”賈母等謝了恩，來至床前請安畢，元妃都賜了坐。Two young palace maids conveyed the command, “You need only pay your respects; all formal ceremony is dispensed with.” Grandmother Jia and the others gave thanks for the favor, approached the bed, and paid their respects, after which Consort Yuan bestowed seats on them all.賈母等又告了坐。Grandmother Jia and the others again thanked her before sitting.元妃便向賈母道：“近日身上可好？”賈母扶著小丫頭，顫顫巍巍站起來，答應道：“托娘娘洪福，起居尚健。”元妃又向邢夫人王夫人問了好，邢王二夫人站著回了話。Consort Yuan asked Grandmother Jia, “Have you been well of late?” Supported by a young maid, Grandmother Jia rose trembling to her feet and replied, “Through Your Highness’s abundant blessing, I remain in tolerable health.” Consort Yuan then inquired after Lady Xing and Lady Wang, who stood to make their replies.元妃又問鳳姐家中過的日子若何，鳳姐站起來回奏道：“尚可支持。”元妃道：“這幾年來難為你操心。”鳳姐正要站起來回奏，只見一個宮女傳進許多職名，請娘娘龍目。Consort Yuan next asked Xifeng how the household was faring. Xifeng rose and answered, “We are managing tolerably well.” “You have had much to trouble yourself over these past few years,” said Consort Yuan. Xifeng was about to rise and reply when a palace maid brought in a great many calling cards for Her Highness’s inspection.元妃看時，就是賈赦賈政等若干人。When Consort Yuan looked at them, she saw the names of Jia She, Jia Zheng, and the other men.那元妃看了職名，眼圈兒一紅，止不住流下淚來。At the sight of their names, Consort Yuan’s eyes reddened, and she could not keep the tears from flowing.宮女兒遞過絹子，元妃一面拭淚，一面傳諭道：“今日稍安，令他們外面暫歇。”賈母等站起來，又謝了恩。A palace maid handed her a handkerchief, and as Consort Yuan wiped away her tears, she commanded, “I am somewhat better today; let them rest outside for the present.” Grandmother Jia and the others rose and again gave thanks.元妃含淚道：“父女弟兄，反不如小家子得以常常親近。”賈母等都忍著淚道：“娘娘不用悲傷，家中已托著娘娘的福多了。”元妃又問：“寶玉近來若何？”賈母道：“近來頗肯念書。With tears in her eyes, Consort Yuan said, “As father and daughter, brothers and sister, we are less able to enjoy one another’s company than the humblest family.” Holding back their tears, Grandmother Jia and the others replied, “Your Highness need not grieve; our family has already received blessings in abundance through you.” Consort Yuan then asked, “How has Baoyu been of late?” “He has lately become quite willing to study,” said Grandmother Jia.因他父親逼得嚴緊，如今文字也都做上來了。”元妃道：“這樣才好。”遂命外宮賜宴，便有兩個宮女兒，四個小太監引了到一座宮里，已擺得齊整，各按坐次坐了。“His father has kept him under strict discipline, and now he can write compositions as well.” “That is as it should be,” said Consort Yuan. She then ordered a banquet to be bestowed in the outer palace, and two palace maids and four young eunuchs led them to a hall where everything had been laid out in readiness, and all sat according to rank.不必細述。There is no need to relate the details.一時吃完了飯，賈母帶著他婆媳三人謝過宴，又耽擱了一回。When they had finished the meal, Grandmother Jia led her daughter-in-law and the other two women in giving thanks for the banquet, and they remained a while longer.看看已近酉初，不敢羈留，俱各辭了出來。Seeing that it was nearly the beginning of the hour of the Rooster, they dared not linger and all took their leave.元妃命宮女兒引道，送至內宮門，門外仍是四個小太監送出。Consort Yuan ordered palace maids to lead them to the inner palace gate, from which four young eunuchs again escorted them outward.賈母等依舊坐著轎子出來，賈赦接著，大伙兒一齊回去。Grandmother Jia and the others returned to their sedan chairs as before; Jia She met them, and the whole party went home together.到家又要安排明後日進宮，仍令照應齊集。Once home, they still had to make arrangements for entering the palace on the following days, and again ordered everyone concerned to assemble in readiness.不題。No more of this.

且说贾家的车辆轿马俱在外西垣门口歇下等著。一回儿，有两个内监出来说：“贾府省亲的太太奶奶们，著令入宫探问，爷们俱著令内宫门外请安，不得入见。”门上人叫快进去。贾府中四乘轿子跟著小内监前行，贾家爷们在轿后步行跟著，令众家人在外等候。走近宫门口，只见几个老公在门上坐著，见他们来了，便站起来说道：“贾府爷们至此。”贾赦贾政便挨次立定。轿子抬至宫门口，便都出了轿。早有几个小内监引路，贾母等各有丫头扶著步行。走至元妃寝宫，只见奎壁辉煌，琉璃照耀。又有两个小宫女儿传谕道：“只用请安，一概仪注都免。”贾母等谢了恩，来至床前请安毕，元妃都赐了坐。贾母等又告了坐。元妃便向贾母道：“近日身上可好？”贾母扶著小丫头，颤颤巍巍站起来，答应道：“托娘娘洪福，起居尚健。”元妃又向邢夫人王夫人问了好，邢王二夫人站著回了话。元妃又问凤姐家中过的日子若何，凤姐站起来回奏道：“尚可支持。”元妃道：“这几年来难为你操心。”凤姐正要站起来回奏，只见一个宫女传进许多职名，请娘娘龙目。元妃看时，就是贾赦贾政等若干人。那元妃看了职名，眼圈儿一红，止不住流下泪来。宫女儿递过绢子，元妃一面拭泪，一面传谕道：“今日稍安，令他们外面暂歇。”贾母等站起来，又谢了恩。元妃含泪道：“父女弟兄，反不如小家子得以常常亲近。”贾母等都忍著泪道：“娘娘不用悲伤，家中已托著娘娘的福多了。”元妃又问：“宝玉近来若何？”贾母道：“近来颇肯念书。因他父亲逼得严紧，如今文字也都做上来了。”元妃道：“这样才好。”遂命外宫赐宴，便有两个宫女儿，四个小太监引了到一座宫里，已摆得齐整，各按坐次坐了。不必细述。一时吃完了饭，贾母带著他婆媳三人谢过宴，又耽搁了一回。看看已近酉初，不敢羁留，俱各辞了出来。元妃命宫女儿引道，送至内宫门，门外仍是四个小太监送出。贾母等依旧坐著轿子出来，贾赦接著，大伙儿一齐回去。到家又要安排明后日进宫，仍令照应齐集。不题。

且說薛家夏金桂赶了薛蟠出去，日間拌嘴沒有對頭，秋菱又住在寶釵那邊去了，只剩得寶蟾一人同住。Now Xia Jingui of the Xue household had driven Xue Pan away. With no one to quarrel with during the day and Qiuling having gone to stay with Baochai, only Baochan remained with her.既給與薛蟠作妾，寶蟾的意氣又不比從前了。Since Baochan had been given to Xue Pan as a concubine, however, her manner was no longer what it had been.金桂看去更是一個對頭，自己也後悔不來。To Jingui, she now seemed yet another adversary, but regret came too late.一日，吃了幾杯悶酒，躺在炕上，便要借那寶蟾做個醒酒湯兒，因問著寶蟾道：“大爺前日出門，到底是到那里去？One day, after drinking several cups of wine to drown her vexation, Jingui lay down on the kang and decided to use Baochan as a sobering draught, so she asked her, “When the Master left the other day, where did he actually go?你自然是知道的了。”寶蟾道：“我那里知道。You must know.” “How should I know?” replied Baochan.他在奶奶跟前還不說，誰知道他那些事！”金桂冷笑道：“如今還有什麼奶奶太太的，都是你們的世界了。“If he would not even tell you, his wife, who could know anything about his affairs?” Jingui sneered. “What do ‘wife’ and ‘mistress’ matter now? The world belongs entirely to you people.別人是惹不得的，有人護庇著，我也不敢去虎頭上捉虱子。Certain others cannot be provoked, for they have someone to protect them, and I dare not go hunting lice on a tiger’s head.你還是我的丫頭，問你一句話，你就和我摔臉子，說塞話。But you are still my maid; yet when I ask you one question, you pull a face and answer me with barbed words.你既這麼有勢力，為什麼不把我勒死了，你和秋菱不拘誰做了奶奶，那不清淨了么！Since you are so powerful, why not strangle me? Then either you or Qiuling could become the mistress, and everything would be nice and peaceful!偏我又不死，礙著你們的道兒。”寶蟾聽了這話，那里受得住，便眼睛直直的瞅著金桂道：“奶奶這些閒話只好說給別人聽去！But perversely I refuse to die and keep standing in your way.” Unable to endure this, Baochan stared fixedly at Jingui and said, “Such idle accusations, madam, had better be saved for someone else!我并沒和奶奶說什麼。I said nothing at all to you.奶奶不敢惹人家，何苦來拿著我們小軟兒出氣呢。If you dare not provoke certain people, why take your anger out on weak little things like us?正經的，奶奶又裝聽不見，‘沒事人一大堆’了。”說著，便哭天哭地起來。When it comes to the real culprits, madam, you pretend not to hear and become as unconcerned as if nothing were happening.” At that, she began wailing to heaven and earth.金桂越發性起，便爬下炕來，要打寶蟾。Jingui flew into a still greater rage, scrambled down from the kang, and tried to strike Baochan.寶蟾也是夏家的風氣，半點兒不讓。But Baochan too had been bred in the Xia household’s ways and would not yield an inch.金桂將桌椅杯盞，盡行打翻，那寶蟾只管喊冤叫屈，那里理會他半點兒。Jingui overturned all the tables, chairs, cups, and dishes, while Baochan went on crying out that she was wronged and aggrieved, paying her not the least heed.豈知薛姨媽在寶釵房中聽見如此吵嚷，叫香菱：“你去瞧瞧，且勸勸他。”寶釵道：“使不得，媽媽別叫他去。Now Aunt Xue, who was in Baochai’s room, heard the uproar and told Xiangling, “Go and see what is happening, and try to calm her.” Baochai said, “No, Mama, you must not send her.他去了豈能勸他，那更是火上澆了油了。”薛姨媽道：“既這麼樣，我自己過去。”寶釵道：“依我說媽媽也不用去，由著他們鬧去罷。How could she calm her? Her going would only add oil to the fire.” “In that case, I shall go myself,” said Aunt Xue. Baochai replied, “In my opinion, Mama need not go either. Let them quarrel as they please.這也是沒法兒的事了。”薛姨媽道：“這那里還了得！”說著，自己扶了丫頭，往金桂這邊來。There is nothing to be done about it.” “This is intolerable!” cried Aunt Xue, and, supported by a maid, she went toward Jingui’s room.寶釵只得也跟著過去，又囑咐香菱道：“你在這里罷。”Baochai had no choice but to follow, first instructing Xiangling, “You stay here.”

且说薛家夏金桂赶了薛蟠出去，日间拌嘴没有对头，秋菱又住在宝钗那边去了，只剩得宝蟾一人同住。既给与薛蟠作妾，宝蟾的意气又不比从前了。金桂看去更是一个对头，自己也后悔不来。一日，吃了几杯闷酒，躺在炕上，便要借那宝蟾做个醒酒汤儿，因问著宝蟾道：“大爷前日出门，到底是到那里去？你自然是知道的了。”宝蟾道：“我那里知道。他在奶奶跟前还不说，谁知道他那些事！”金桂冷笑道：“如今还有什么奶奶太太的，都是你们的世界了。别人是惹不得的，有人护庇著，我也不敢去虎头上捉虱子。你还是我的丫头，问你一句话，你就和我摔脸子，说塞话。你既这么有势力，为什么不把我勒死了，你和秋菱不拘谁做了奶奶，那不清净了么！偏我又不死，碍著你们的道儿。”宝蟾听了这话，那里受得住，便眼睛直直的瞅著金桂道：“奶奶这些闲话只好说给别人听去！我并没和奶奶说什么。奶奶不敢惹人家，何苦来拿著我们小软儿出气呢。正经的，奶奶又装听不见，‘没事人一大堆’了。”说著，便哭天哭地起来。金桂越发性起，便爬下炕来，要打宝蟾。宝蟾也是夏家的风气，半点儿不让。金桂将桌椅杯盏，尽行打翻，那宝蟾只管喊冤叫屈，那里理会他半点儿。岂知薛姨妈在宝钗房中听见如此吵嚷，叫香菱：“你去瞧瞧，且劝劝他。”宝钗道：“使不得，妈妈别叫他去。他去了岂能劝他，那更是火上浇了油了。”薛姨妈道：“既这么样，我自己过去。”宝钗道：“依我说妈妈也不用去，由著他们闹去罢。这也是没法儿的事了。”薛姨妈道：“这那里还了得！”说著，自己扶了丫头，往金桂这边来。宝钗只得也跟著过去，又嘱咐香菱道：“你在这里罢。”

母女同至金桂房門口，聽見里頭正還嚷哭不止。Mother and daughter reached the door of Jingui’s room and heard that the shouting and weeping within had still not ceased.薛姨媽道：“你們是怎麼著，又這樣家翻宅亂起來，這還象個人家兒嗎！Aunt Xue said, “What are you two doing, throwing the whole household into disorder again? Is this any way for a respectable family to behave?矮牆淺屋的，難道都不怕親戚們聽見笑話了么。”金桂屋里接聲道：“我倒怕人笑話呢！With walls this low and rooms this shallow, are you not afraid our relatives will hear and laugh at us?” From inside the room Jingui answered, “I am the one who ought to fear being laughed at!只是這里掃帚顛倒豎，也沒有主子，也沒有奴才，也沒有妻，沒有妾，是個混帳世界了。But here the broom stands upside down: there are neither masters nor servants, neither wife nor concubine—this is a world in utter confusion.我們夏家門子里沒見過這樣規矩，實在受不得你們家這樣委屈了！”寶釵道：“大嫂子，媽媽因聽見鬧得慌，才過來的。Such rules were never seen in the Xia family, and I truly cannot endure being treated so unjustly in yours!” Baochai said, “Sister-in-law, Mama came only because she heard such a dreadful commotion.就是問的急了些，沒有分清‘奶奶’‘寶蟾’兩字，也沒有什麼。Even if she questioned you a little sharply, without distinguishing between ‘Madam’ and ‘Baochan,’ it is nothing of consequence.如今且先把事情說開，大家和和氣氣的過日子，也省的媽媽天天為咱們操心。”那薛姨媽道：“是啊，先把事情說開了，你再問我的不是還不遲呢。”金桂道：“好姑娘，好姑娘，你是個大賢大德的。For now, let us first explain matters clearly and then live together in harmony, so that Mama may be spared the daily worry we cause her.” Aunt Xue said, “Yes, settle the matter clearly first; it will not be too late afterward to blame me.” Jingui said, “What a good young lady you are! What a good young lady! You are the very embodiment of virtue.你日後必定有個好人家，好女婿，決不象我這樣守活寡，舉眼無親，叫人家騎上頭來欺負我的。One day you are sure to marry into a fine family and have a fine husband; you will never be like me, living as a grass widow, with no kith or kin in sight, while others climb upon my head and bully me.我是個沒心眼兒的人，只求姑娘我說話別往死里挑撿，我從小兒到如今，沒有爹娘教導。I am a simple soul. I only beg you, miss, not to pick my words apart mercilessly. From childhood until now, I have had neither father nor mother to instruct me.再者我們屋里老婆漢子大女人小女人的事，姑娘也管不得！”寶釵聽了這話，又是羞，又是氣，見他母親這樣光景，又是疼不過。Besides, the affairs between husband and wife, senior woman and junior woman, in our own room are none of your concern!” At these words, Baochai felt both ashamed and angry; yet the sight of her mother in such a state pained her beyond endurance.因忍了氣說道：“大嫂子，我勸你少說句兒罷。Suppressing her anger, she said, “Sister-in-law, please say a little less.誰挑撿你？Who is picking your words apart?又是誰欺負你？And who is bullying you?不要說是嫂子，就是秋菱，我也從來沒有加他一點聲氣兒的。”金桂聽了這幾句話，更加拍著炕沿大哭起來，說：“我那里比得秋菱，連他腳底下的泥我還跟不上呢！Let alone you, my sister-in-law—even to Qiuling I have never once spoken a harsh word.” On hearing this, Jingui beat upon the edge of the kang and burst into still louder sobs, crying, “How can I compare with Qiuling? I cannot even measure up to the mud beneath her feet!他是來久了的，知道姑娘的心事，又會獻勤兒，我是新來的，又不會獻勤兒，如何拿我比他。She has been here a long time, understands what you are thinking, and knows how to curry favor. I am newly arrived and do not know how to curry favor, so how can you compare me with her?何苦來，天下有幾個都是貴妃的命，行點好兒罷！Why be so cruel? Not everyone under heaven is fated to become an Imperial Consort. Show a little kindness!別修的象我嫁個糊涂行子守活寡，那就是活活兒的現了眼了！”薛姨媽聽到這里，萬分氣不過，便站起身來道：“不是我護著自己的女孩兒，他句句勸你，你卻句句慪他。Otherwise you may cultivate a fate like mine—marrying a muddle-headed wretch and living as a grass widow. Then you will have made a public spectacle of yourself in earnest!” Aunt Xue could no longer contain her fury. Rising, she said, “It is not that I favor my own daughter, but she has tried to advise you with every word, while every word of yours is meant to wound her.你有什麼過不去，不要尋他，勒死我倒也是希松的。”寶釵忙勸道：“媽媽，你老人家不用動氣。Whatever grievance you have, do not vent it on her. You might as well strangle me; that would be simple enough.” Baochai hastened to soothe her: “Mama, you must not lose your temper.咱們既來勸他，自己生氣，倒多了層氣。Since we came to calm her, if we become angry ourselves, we shall only add another layer of anger.不如且出去，等嫂子歇歇兒再說。”因吩咐寶蟾道：“你可別再多嘴了。”跟了薛姨媽出得房來。We had better go out for now and speak again when Sister-in-law has rested.” Then she instructed Baochan, “You must not answer back any further,” and followed Aunt Xue out of the room.

母女同至金桂房门口，听见里头正还嚷哭不止。薛姨妈道：“你们是怎么著，又这样家翻宅乱起来，这还象个人家儿吗！矮墙浅屋的，难道都不怕亲戚们听见笑话了么。”金桂屋里接声道：“我倒怕人笑话呢！只是这里扫帚颠倒竖，也没有主子，也没有奴才，也没有妻，没有妾，是个混帐世界了。我们夏家门子里没见过这样规矩，实在受不得你们家这样委屈了！”宝钗道：“大嫂子，妈妈因听见闹得慌，才过来的。就是问的急了些，没有分清‘奶奶’‘宝蟾’两字，也没有什么。如今且先把事情说开，大家和和气气的过日子，也省的妈妈天天为咱们操心。”那薛姨妈道：“是啊，先把事情说开了，你再问我的不是还不迟呢。”金桂道：“好姑娘，好姑娘，你是个大贤大德的。你日后必定有个好人家，好女婿，决不象我这样守活寡，举眼无亲，叫人家骑上头来欺负我的。我是个没心眼儿的人，只求姑娘我说话别往死里挑捡，我从小儿到如今，没有爹娘教导。再者我们屋里老婆汉子大女人小女人的事，姑娘也管不得！”宝钗听了这话，又是羞，又是气，见他母亲这样光景，又是疼不过。因忍了气说道：“大嫂子，我劝你少说句儿罢。谁挑捡你？又是谁欺负你？不要说是嫂子，就是秋菱，我也从来没有加他一点声气儿的。”金桂听了这几句话，更加拍著炕沿大哭起来，说：“我那里比得秋菱，连他脚底下的泥我还跟不上呢！他是来久了的，知道姑娘的心事，又会献勤儿，我是新来的，又不会献勤儿，如何拿我比他。何苦来，天下有几个都是贵妃的命，行点好儿罢！别修的象我嫁个糊涂行子守活寡，那就是活活儿的现了眼了！”薛姨妈听到这里，万分气不过，便站起身来道：“不是我护著自己的女孩儿，他句句劝你，你却句句怄他。你有什么过不去，不要寻他，勒死我倒也是希松的。”宝钗忙劝道：“妈妈，你老人家不用动气。咱们既来劝他，自己生气，倒多了层气。不如且出去，等嫂子歇歇儿再说。”因吩咐宝蟾道：“你可别再多嘴了。”跟了薛姨妈出得房来。

走過院子里，只見賈母身邊的丫頭同著秋菱迎面走來。As they crossed the courtyard, they saw one of Grandmother Jia’s maids approaching with Qiuling.薛姨媽道：“你從那里來，老太太身上可安？”那丫頭道：“老太太身上好，叫來請姨太太安，還謝謝前兒的荔枝，還給琴姑娘道喜。”寶釵道：“你多早晚來的？”那丫頭道：“來了好一會子了。”薛姨媽料他知道，紅著臉說道：“這如今我們家里鬧得也不象個過日子的人家了，叫你們那邊聽見笑話。”丫頭道：“姨太太說那里的話，誰家沒個碟大碗小磕著碰著的呢。Aunt Xue asked, “Where have you come from? Is the Old Lady well?” The maid replied, “The Old Lady is well. She sent me to inquire after you, Aunt, to thank you for the lychees you sent the other day, and to congratulate Miss Qin.” Baochai asked, “When did you arrive?” “I have been here for quite a while,” replied the maid. Aunt Xue guessed that she must know what had happened and said with a flushed face, “Our household has become so disorderly that it scarcely resembles a home anymore; you people from the other house must laugh to hear it.” The maid replied, “How can you say such a thing, Aunt? In what family do large bowls and little dishes never knock against each other?那是姨太太多心罷咧。”說著，跟了回到薛姨媽房中，略坐了一回就去了。You are merely worrying too much.” With that, she followed them back to Aunt Xue’s room, sat for a short while, and then left.寶釵正囑咐香菱些話，只聽薛姨媽忽然叫道：“左肋疼痛的很。”說著，便向炕上躺下。Baochai was giving Xiangling some instructions when they suddenly heard Aunt Xue cry, “The pain beneath my left ribs is dreadful!” As she spoke, she lay down upon the kang.唬得寶釵香菱二人手足無措。Baochai and Xiangling were so frightened that they did not know what to do.要知後事如何，下回分解。To learn what happened afterward, read the next chapter.

走过院子里，只见贾母身边的丫头同著秋菱迎面走来。薛姨妈道：“你从那里来，老太太身上可安？”那丫头道：“老太太身上好，叫来请姨太太安，还谢谢前儿的荔枝，还给琴姑娘道喜。”宝钗道：“你多早晚来的？”那丫头道：“来了好一会子了。”薛姨妈料他知道，红著脸说道：“这如今我们家里闹得也不象个过日子的人家了，叫你们那边听见笑话。”丫头道：“姨太太说那里的话，谁家没个碟大碗小磕著碰著的呢。那是姨太太多心罢咧。”说著，跟了回到薛姨妈房中，略坐了一回就去了。宝钗正嘱咐香菱些话，只听薛姨妈忽然叫道：“左肋疼痛的很。”说著，便向炕上躺下。唬得宝钗香菱二人手足无措。要知后事如何，下回分解。