第八十四回　試文字寶玉始提親　探驚風賈環重結怨 Testing His Learning, Baoyu's Match Is Proposed; A Convulsion Fit Renews Jia Huan's Grudge

卻說薛姨媽一時因被金桂這場氣慪得肝氣上逆，左肋作痛。Now it happened that Aunt Xue, so angered by this scene with Jingui, suffered a rush of liver qi and a pain beneath her left ribs.寶釵明知是這個原故，也等不及醫生來看，先叫人去買了幾錢鉤藤來，濃濃的煎了一碗，給他母親吃了。Baochai knew perfectly well what had caused it. Unable even to wait for the doctor, she first sent someone to buy a few qian of gambir vine, had it brewed into a strong bowl of decoction, and gave it to her mother to drink.又和秋菱給薛姨媽捶腿揉胸，停了一會兒，略覺安頓。Then she and Qiuling massaged Aunt Xue’s legs and rubbed her chest; after a while, she felt somewhat more settled.這薛姨媽只是又悲又氣，氣的是金桂撒潑，悲的是寶釵有涵養，倒覺可怜。Aunt Xue was both grieved and angry: angry at Jingui’s tantrum, and grieved that Baochai, for all her forbearance, should instead be the one to suffer.寶釵又勸了一回，不知不覺的睡了一覺，肝氣也漸漸平复了。Baochai comforted her for a while longer, and before she knew it Aunt Xue fell asleep; gradually her liver qi subsided as well.寶釵便說道：“媽媽，你這种閒氣不要放在心上才好。Baochai then said, “Mother, you mustn’t take this sort of petty vexation to heart.過幾天走的動了，樂得往那邊老太太姨媽處去說說話兒散散悶也好。In a few days, when you are able to get about, you may as well go over to the Old Lady’s and Aunt Wang’s, chat with them, and relieve your spirits.家里橫豎有我和秋菱照看著，諒他也不敢怎麼樣。”薛姨媽點點頭道：“過兩日看罷了。”In any case, Qiuling and I will keep an eye on things at home; I doubt she will dare do anything outrageous.” Aunt Xue nodded. “We shall see in a couple of days,” she said.

却说薛姨妈一时因被金桂这场气怄得肝气上逆，左肋作痛。宝钗明知是这个原故，也等不及医生来看，先叫人去买了几钱钩藤来，浓浓的煎了一碗，给他母亲吃了。又和秋菱给薛姨妈捶腿揉胸，停了一会儿，略觉安顿。这薛姨妈只是又悲又气，气的是金桂撒泼，悲的是宝钗有涵养，倒觉可怜。宝钗又劝了一回，不知不觉的睡了一觉，肝气也渐渐平复了。宝钗便说道：“妈妈，你这种闲气不要放在心上才好。过几天走的动了，乐得往那边老太太姨妈处去说说话儿散散闷也好。家里横竖有我和秋菱照看著，谅他也不敢怎么样。”薛姨妈点点头道：“过两日看罢了。”

且說元妃疾愈之後，家中俱各喜歡。Now, after Consort Yuan recovered from her illness, everyone in the family rejoiced.過了幾日，有幾個老公走來，帶著東西銀兩，宣貴妃娘娘之命，因家中省問勤勞，俱有賞賜。Several days later, a number of eunuchs arrived bearing gifts and silver, and proclaimed the Imperial Consort’s command that, in recognition of the family’s diligent inquiries after her health, rewards were to be bestowed upon them all.把物件銀兩一一交代清楚。They handed over every article and sum of silver, accounting for each one clearly.賈赦賈政等稟明了賈母，一齊謝恩畢，太監吃了茶去了。Jia She, Jia Zheng, and the others reported the matter to Grandmother Jia; together they gave thanks for the imperial favor, and after the eunuchs had taken tea, they departed.大家回到賈母房中，說笑了一回。Everyone returned to Grandmother Jia’s room and chatted and laughed for a while.外面老婆子傳進來說：“小廝們來回道，那邊有人請大老爺說要緊的話呢。”賈母便向賈赦道：“你去罷。”賈赦答應著，退出來自去了。An old serving-woman outside sent word in: “The pages report that someone over there has come to speak to the Elder Master on urgent business.” Grandmother Jia said to Jia She, “You had better go.” Jia She assented, withdrew, and went off by himself.

且说元妃疾愈之后，家中俱各喜欢。过了几日，有几个老公走来，带著东西银两，宣贵妃娘娘之命，因家中省问勤劳，俱有赏赐。把物件银两一一交代清楚。贾赦贾政等禀明了贾母，一齐谢恩毕，太监吃了茶去了。大家回到贾母房中，说笑了一回。外面老婆子传进来说：“小厮们来回道，那边有人请大老爷说要紧的话呢。”贾母便向贾赦道：“你去罢。”贾赦答应著，退出来自去了。

這里賈母忽然想起，和賈政笑道：“娘娘心里卻甚實惦記著寶玉，前兒還特特的問他來著呢。”賈政陪笑道：“只是寶玉不大肯唸書，辜負了娘娘的美意。”賈母道：“我倒給他上了個好兒，說他近日文章都做上來了。”賈政笑道：“那里能象老太太的話呢。”賈母道：“你們時常叫他出去作詩作文，難道他都沒作上來么。Here Grandmother Jia suddenly remembered something and said to Jia Zheng with a smile, “Her Highness truly keeps Baoyu in her thoughts; the other day she made a special point of asking after him.” Jia Zheng smiled deferentially. “It is only that Baoyu is most unwilling to study, and so disappoints Her Highness’s kind intentions.” “I gave him a good report,” said Grandmother Jia. “I told her his essays had been coming along very well of late.” Jia Zheng laughed. “How could they possibly be as good as the Old Lady says?” Grandmother Jia said, “You are always having him go out to compose poems and essays; can it be that he has never produced anything worthwhile?小孩子家慢慢的教導他，可是人家說的，‘胖子也不是一口兒吃的’。”賈政聽了這話，忙陪笑道：“老太太說的是。”賈母又道：“提起寶玉，我還有一件事和你商量。A child must be taught gradually. As the saying goes, ‘Even a fat man was not made in a single mouthful.’” Hearing this, Jia Zheng hastily smiled and said, “The Old Lady is quite right.” Grandmother Jia continued, “Speaking of Baoyu, there is another matter I want to discuss with you.如今他也大了，你們也該留神看一個好孩子給他定下。He is grown up now, and you ought to be looking carefully for a good girl to betroth to him.這也是他終身的大事。It is, after all, the great affair of his whole life.也別論遠近親戚，什麼窮啊富的，只要深知那姑娘的脾性兒好模樣兒周正的就好。”賈政道：“老太太吩咐的很是。Never mind whether she is a close or distant relation, or whether her family is rich or poor; so long as we know her disposition to be good and her looks pleasing and proper, that will do.” Jia Zheng said, “The Old Lady’s instructions are most sound.但只一件，姑娘也要好，第一要他自己學好才好，不然不稂不莠的，反倒耽誤了人家的女孩兒，豈不可惜。”賈母聽了這話，心里卻有些不喜歡，便說道：“論起來，現放著你們作父母的，那里用我去張心。Only, however good the girl may be, the first necessity is that he should better himself. Otherwise, if he grows up neither one thing nor the other, he will only blight another family’s daughter—would that not be a pity?” Grandmother Jia was somewhat displeased by this and said, “Strictly speaking, with you, his parents, here, there should be no need for me to trouble myself.但只我想寶玉這孩子從小兒跟著我，未免多疼他一點兒，耽誤了他成人的正事也是有的。But Baoyu has been with me since he was little, and perhaps I have indulged him too much and held him back in the serious business of becoming a man.只是我看他那生來的模樣兒也還齊整，心性兒也還實在，未必一定是那种沒出息的，必至遭踏了人家的女孩兒。Still, to my eyes he was born with decent enough looks, and his heart is sincere enough; he is not necessarily such a hopeless good-for-nothing that he must inevitably ruin another family’s daughter.也不知是我偏心，我看著橫豎比環兒略好些，不知你們看著怎麼樣。”幾句話說得賈政心中甚實不安，連忙陪笑道：“老太太看的人也多了，既說他好有造化的，想來是不錯的。Perhaps I am partial, but however one looks at it, I think him rather better than Huan. I do not know what you think.” These few words made Jia Zheng deeply uneasy, and he hastily replied with a deferential smile, “The Old Lady has seen a great many people. Since you say he is good and destined for fortune, you can hardly be mistaken.只是兒子望他成人性兒太急了一點，或者竟和古人的話相反，倒是‘莫知其子之美’了。”一句話把賈母也慪笑了，眾人也都陪著笑了。It is merely that your son is a little too impatient to see him become a man; perhaps, contrary to the old saying, I ‘fail to see the beauty in my own son.’” This remark provoked even Grandmother Jia into laughing despite herself, and everyone else joined in.賈母因說道：“你這會子也有了幾歲年紀，又居著官，自然越歷練越老成。”說到這里，回頭瞅著邢夫人和王夫人笑道：“想他那年輕的時侯，那一种古怪脾氣，比寶玉還加一倍呢。Grandmother Jia said, “You are getting on in years now, and you hold official rank; naturally, experience has made you steadier and more mature.” At this point she turned to Lady Xing and Lady Wang and said with a laugh, “You should have seen him when he was young! His strange temper was twice as bad as Baoyu’s.直等娶了媳婦，才略略的懂了些人事兒。It was not until he married that he began to acquire the least understanding of human ways.如今只抱怨寶玉，這會子我看寶玉比他還略体些人情兒呢。”說的邢夫人王夫人都笑了。Yet now he does nothing but complain of Baoyu. As I see it, Baoyu at his age has rather more consideration for people than he did.” Both Lady Xing and Lady Wang laughed at this.因說道：“老太太又說起逗笑兒的話兒來了。”說著，小丫頭子們進來告訴鴛鴦：“請示老太太，晚飯伺侯下了。”賈母便問：“你們又咕咕唧唧的說什麼？”鴛鴦笑著回明了。They said, “The Old Lady is teasing us again.” Just then, the little maids came in and told Yuanyang, “Please inform the Old Lady that dinner is served.” Grandmother Jia asked, “What are you whispering about over there?” Yuanyang laughingly explained.賈母道：“那麼著，你們也都吃飯去罷，單留鳳姐兒和珍哥媳婦跟著我吃罷。”賈政及邢王二夫人都答應著，伺侯擺上飯來，賈母又催了一遍，才都退出各散。“In that case,” said Grandmother Jia, “all of you go and have your dinner. Only let Xifeng and Cousin Zhen’s wife stay and eat with me.” Jia Zheng, Lady Xing, and Lady Wang all assented. They waited until the meal had been set out, and only after Grandmother Jia urged them again did they withdraw and go their separate ways.

这里贾母忽然想起，和贾政笑道：“娘娘心里却甚实惦记著宝玉，前儿还特特的问他来著呢。”贾政陪笑道：“只是宝玉不大肯念书，辜负了娘娘的美意。”贾母道：“我倒给他上了个好儿，说他近日文章都做上来了。”贾政笑道：“那里能象老太太的话呢。”贾母道：“你们时常叫他出去作诗作文，难道他都没作上来么。小孩子家慢慢的教导他，可是人家说的，‘胖子也不是一口儿吃的’。”贾政听了这话，忙陪笑道：“老太太说的是。”贾母又道：“提起宝玉，我还有一件事和你商量。如今他也大了，你们也该留神看一个好孩子给他定下。这也是他终身的大事。也别论远近亲戚，什么穷啊富的，只要深知那姑娘的脾性儿好模样儿周正的就好。”贾政道：“老太太吩咐的很是。但只一件，姑娘也要好，第一要他自己学好才好，不然不稂不莠的，反倒耽误了人家的女孩儿，岂不可惜。”贾母听了这话，心里却有些不喜欢，便说道：“论起来，现放著你们作父母的，那里用我去张心。但只我想宝玉这孩子从小儿跟著我，未免多疼他一点儿，耽误了他成人的正事也是有的。只是我看他那生来的模样儿也还齐整，心性儿也还实在，未必一定是那种没出息的，必至遭踏了人家的女孩儿。也不知是我偏心，我看著横竖比环儿略好些，不知你们看著怎么样。”几句话说得贾政心中甚实不安，连忙陪笑道：“老太太看的人也多了，既说他好有造化的，想来是不错的。只是儿子望他成人性儿太急了一点，或者竟和古人的话相反，倒是‘莫知其子之美’了。”一句话把贾母也怄笑了，众人也都陪著笑了。贾母因说道：“你这会子也有了几岁年纪，又居著官，自然越历练越老成。”说到这里，回头瞅著邢夫人和王夫人笑道：“想他那年轻的时侯，那一种古怪脾气，比宝玉还加一倍呢。直等娶了媳妇，才略略的懂了些人事儿。如今只抱怨宝玉，这会子我看宝玉比他还略体些人情儿呢。”说的邢夫人王夫人都笑了。因说道：“老太太又说起逗笑儿的话儿来了。”说著，小丫头子们进来告诉鸳鸯：“请示老太太，晚饭伺侯下了。”贾母便问：“你们又咕咕唧唧的说什么？”鸳鸯笑著回明了。贾母道：“那么著，你们也都吃饭去罢，单留凤姐儿和珍哥媳妇跟著我吃罢。”贾政及邢王二夫人都答应著，伺侯摆上饭来，贾母又催了一遍，才都退出各散。

卻說邢夫人自去了。Lady Xing, then, went off by herself.賈政同王夫人進入房中。Jia Zheng and Lady Wang entered their room together.賈政因提起賈母方才的話來，說道：“老太太這樣疼寶玉，畢竟要他有些實學，日後可以混得功名，才好不枉老太太疼他一場，也不至糟踏了人家的女兒。”王夫人道：“老爺這話自然是該當的。”賈政因著個屋里的丫頭傳出去告訴李貴：“寶玉放學回來，索性吃飯後再叫他過來，說我還要問他話呢。”李貴答應了“是”。Jia Zheng brought up what Grandmother Jia had just said. “Since the Old Lady dotes on Baoyu so much, he really must acquire some solid learning, so that in future he may scrape through to an official degree. Only then will her affection not have been wasted, and he will not bring ruin upon another family’s daughter.” “What you say, Master, is only proper,” replied Lady Wang. Jia Zheng then had a maid from the room take a message to Li Gui: “When Baoyu comes home from school, let him finish his dinner before sending him here. Tell him I still have questions to ask him.” Li Gui answered, “Yes, sir.”至寶玉放了學剛要過來請安，只見李貴道：“二爺先不用過去。When Baoyu was dismissed from school and was just about to go and pay his respects, Li Gui said, “Second Master need not go over yet.老爺吩咐了，今日叫二爺吃了飯再過去呢，聽見還有話問二爺呢。”寶玉聽了這話，又是一個悶雷。The Master has given orders that today Second Master is to come after dinner. I hear he has more questions to ask you.” At these words, Baoyu felt as though another thunderclap had struck him.只得見過賈母，便回園吃飯。He had no choice but to pay his respects to Grandmother Jia and then return to the Garden for dinner.三口兩口吃完，忙漱了口，便往賈政這邊來。He finished in three or four hurried mouthfuls, quickly rinsed his mouth, and went over to Jia Zheng’s quarters.

却说邢夫人自去了。贾政同王夫人进入房中。贾政因提起贾母方才的话来，说道：“老太太这样疼宝玉，毕竟要他有些实学，日后可以混得功名，才好不枉老太太疼他一场，也不至糟踏了人家的女儿。”王夫人道：“老爷这话自然是该当的。”贾政因著个屋里的丫头传出去告诉李贵：“宝玉放学回来，索性吃饭后再叫他过来，说我还要问他话呢。”李贵答应了“是”。至宝玉放了学刚要过来请安，只见李贵道：“二爷先不用过去。老爷吩咐了，今日叫二爷吃了饭再过去呢，听见还有话问二爷呢。”宝玉听了这话，又是一个闷雷。只得见过贾母，便回园吃饭。三口两口吃完，忙漱了口，便往贾政这边来。

賈政此時在內書房坐著，寶玉進來請了安，一旁侍立。Jia Zheng was then seated in his inner study. Baoyu entered, paid his respects, and stood waiting at one side.賈政問道：“這幾日我心上有事，也忘了問你。Jia Zheng asked, “I have had matters on my mind these past few days and forgot to ask you something.那一日你說你師父叫你講一個月的書就要給你開筆，如今算來將兩個月了，你到底開了筆了沒有？”寶玉道：“才做過三次。That day you said your teacher would have you expound texts for a month and then set you to writing essays. By my reckoning it is nearly two months now. Have you begun writing or not?” “I have written only three,” Baoyu replied.師父說且不必回老爺知道，等好些再回老爺知道罷。“My teacher said there was no need to report to you yet, Master, but to wait until my work had improved.因此這兩天總沒敢回。”賈政道：“是什麼題目？”寶玉道：“一個是《吾十有五而志于學》，一個是《人不知而不慍》，一個是《則歸墨》三字。”賈政道：“都有稿兒么？”寶玉道：“都是做了抄出來師父又改的。”賈政道：“你帶了家來了還是在學房里呢？”寶玉道：“在學房里呢。”賈政道：“叫人取了來我瞧。”寶玉連忙叫人傳話與焙茗：“叫他往學房中去，我書桌子抽屜里有一本薄薄兒竹紙本子，上面寫著‘窗課’兩字的就是，快拿來。”一回兒焙茗拿了來遞給寶玉。That is why I have not dared say anything these past two days.” “What were the topics?” asked Jia Zheng. Baoyu replied, “One was ‘At Fifteen I Set My Heart upon Learning,’ another ‘Unresentful Though Others Do Not Know Him,’ and the third was the three characters ‘Then They Will Turn to Mo.’” “Do you have the drafts?” asked Jia Zheng. “I wrote them out, copied them fair, and my teacher corrected them,” said Baoyu. “Did you bring them home, or are they still in the schoolroom?” “They are in the schoolroom.” “Send someone to fetch them for me to see.” Baoyu hurriedly sent word to Beiming: “Go to the schoolroom. In the drawer of my desk there is a thin notebook of bamboo paper with the words ‘Class Exercises’ written on it. That is the one—bring it quickly.” Before long, Beiming returned with it and handed it to Baoyu.寶玉呈與賈政。Baoyu presented it to Jia Zheng.賈政翻開看時，見頭一篇寫著題目是《吾十有五而志于學》。Jia Zheng opened it and saw that the first essay was entitled “At Fifteen I Set My Heart upon Learning.”他原本破的是“圣人有志于學，幼而已然矣。”代儒卻將幼字抹去，明用“十五”。Baoyu’s original opening read, “The Sage set his heart upon learning, and did so already in his youth.” But Dai儒 had crossed out the word “youth” and explicitly substituted “fifteen.”賈政道：“你原本‘幼’字便扣不清題目了。‘幼’字是從小起至十六以前都是‘幼’。Jia Zheng said, “Your original word ‘youth’ fails to adhere precisely to the topic. ‘Youth’ covers the whole period from childhood until before the age of sixteen.這章書是圣人自言學問工夫與年俱進的話，所以十五，三十，四十，五十，六十，七十俱要明點出來，才見得到了幾時有這麼個光景，到了幾時又有那麼個光景。In this passage, the Sage is describing how his attainment in learning advanced with his years. Thus fifteen, thirty, forty, fifty, sixty, and seventy must all be explicitly marked, so that we see at what age he reached one state, and at what age another.師父把你‘幼’字改了‘十五’，便明白了好些。”看到承題，那抹去的原本云：“夫不志于學，人之常也。”賈政搖頭道：“不但是孩子氣，可見你本性不是個學者的志氣。”又看後句”圣人十五而志之，不亦難乎”，說道：“這更不成話了。”然後看代儒的改本云：“夫人孰不學，而志于學者卒鮮。By changing your ‘youth’ to ‘fifteen,’ your teacher made the meaning much clearer.” Coming to the amplification of the topic, he found Baoyu’s original words crossed out: “Not to set one’s heart upon learning is common among men.” Jia Zheng shook his head. “Not only is this childish; it also shows that by nature you lack a scholar’s aspirations.” He then read the next sentence, “That the Sage set his heart upon learning at fifteen—was this not difficult?” and said, “This is even more nonsensical.” He next read Dai儒’s revision: “Who among men does not learn? Yet those who set their hearts upon learning are few indeed.此圣人所為自信于十五時歟。”便問“改的懂得么？”寶玉答應道：“懂得。”又看第二藝，題目是《人不知而不慍》，便先看代儒的改本云：“不以不知而慍者，終無改其說樂矣。”方覷著眼看那抹去的底本，說道：“你是什麼？——‘能無慍人之心，純乎學者也。’上一句似單做了‘而不慍’三個字的題目，下一句又犯了下文君子的分界。Was this why the Sage took confidence in what he had achieved at fifteen?” He asked, “Do you understand the correction?” “Yes,” Baoyu answered. He then turned to the second essay, entitled “Unresentful Though Others Do Not Know Him,” and first read Dai儒’s revised opening: “He who feels no resentment at not being known will never change the joy of which he has spoken.” Only then did he narrow his eyes at the crossed-out original and say, “What is this of yours?—‘He who can be free of resentment toward others has the purity of a true scholar.’ Your first clause treats only the three words ‘and is not resentful’ as the topic, while the next trespasses upon the later phrase concerning the gentleman.必如改筆才合題位呢。Only a revision such as this properly fits the scope of the topic.且下句找清上文，方是書理。Moreover, the second clause must clearly refer back to the preceding text; only then does it accord with the meaning of the Classics.須要細心領略。”寶玉答應著。You must study it with care.” Baoyu assented.賈政又往下看，“夫不知，未有不慍者也，而竟不然。Jia Zheng read on: “When others do not know one, resentment commonly follows; yet with him it was otherwise.是非由說而樂者，曷克臻此。”原本末句“非純學者乎。”賈政道：“這也與破題同病的。If this did not arise from the joy of what had been spoken of before, how could he have attained such a state?” The last sentence of the original had read, “Was he not a pure scholar?” Jia Zheng said, “This suffers from the same fault as your opening.這改的也罷了，不過清楚，還說得去。”第三藝是《則歸墨》，賈政看了題目，自己揚著頭想了一想，因問寶玉道：“你的書講到這里了么？”寶玉道：“師父說，《孟子》好懂些，所以倒先講《孟子》，大前日才講完了。The correction will pass. It is merely clear, but at least it makes sense.” The third essay was “Then They Will Turn to Mo.” After reading the topic, Jia Zheng raised his head and thought for a moment, then asked Baoyu, “Have your lessons reached this point?” Baoyu replied, “My teacher said Mencius was easier to understand, so he taught Mencius first; we finished it only three days ago.如今講‘上論語’呢。”賈政因看這個破承倒沒大改。Now we are studying the first half of the Analects.” Jia Zheng found that the opening and amplification of this essay had not been greatly altered.破題云：“言于舍楊之外，若別無所歸者焉。”賈政道：“第二句倒難為你。”’夫墨，非欲歸者也，而墨之言已半天下矣，則舍楊之外，欲不歸于墨，得乎？”賈政道：“這是你做的么？”寶玉答應道：“是。”賈政點點頭兒，因說道：“這也并沒有什麼出色處，但初試筆能如此，還算不離。The opening read: “This means that apart from abandoning Yang, it is as though there were nowhere else for men to turn.” Jia Zheng said, “Your second clause is not at all easy to devise.” The amplification continued: “Now Mo is not one to whom men ought to turn, yet Mo’s doctrines already fill half the world; then, apart from abandoning Yang, how can they avoid turning to Mo?” Jia Zheng asked, “Did you write this?” “Yes,” Baoyu replied. Jia Zheng nodded. “There is nothing particularly distinguished in it, but for a first attempt at writing, it is not too far off the mark.前年我在任上時，還出過《惟士為能》這個題目。Two years ago, when I was at my post, I once set the topic ‘Only a Scholar Is Capable of This.’那些童生都讀過前人這篇，不能自出心裁，每多抄襲。All the examination candidates had read an essay by an earlier writer on the subject and, unable to devise anything original, mostly copied it.你念過沒有？”寶玉道：“也念過。”賈政道：“我要你另換個主意，不許雷同了前人，只做個破題也使得。”寶玉只得答應著，低頭搜索枯腸。Have you read it?” “Yes,” said Baoyu. Jia Zheng said, “I want you to find a different approach, without echoing the earlier writer. Merely compose the opening lines; that will suffice.” Baoyu could only agree, and lowered his head to rack his barren brains.賈政背著手，也在門口站著作想。Jia Zheng clasped his hands behind his back and stood by the doorway, pondering as well.只見一個小小廝往外飛走，看見賈政，連忙側身垂手站住。Presently a young page came darting out. On seeing Jia Zheng, he hastily stepped aside and stood with lowered hands.賈政便問道：“作什麼？”小廝回道：“老太太那邊姨太太來了，二奶奶傳出話來，叫預備飯呢。”賈政聽了，也沒言語。“What are you doing?” Jia Zheng asked. The page replied, “Aunt Xue has come to the Old Lady’s quarters, and Second Mistress Lian sent word to have dinner prepared.” Jia Zheng heard him but said nothing.那小廝自去了。The page went on his way.

贾政此时在内书房坐著，宝玉进来请了安，一旁侍立。贾政问道：“这几日我心上有事，也忘了问你。那一日你说你师父叫你讲一个月的书就要给你开笔，如今算来将两个月了，你到底开了笔了没有？”宝玉道：“才做过三次。师父说且不必回老爷知道，等好些再回老爷知道罢。因此这两天总没敢回。”贾政道：“是什么题目？”宝玉道：“一个是《吾十有五而志于学》，一个是《人不知而不愠》，一个是《则归墨》三字。”贾政道：“都有稿儿么？”宝玉道：“都是做了抄出来师父又改的。”贾政道：“你带了家来了还是在学房里呢？”宝玉道：“在学房里呢。”贾政道：“叫人取了来我瞧。”宝玉连忙叫人传话与焙茗：“叫他往学房中去，我书桌子抽屉里有一本薄薄儿竹纸本子，上面写著‘窗课’两字的就是，快拿来。”一回儿焙茗拿了来递给宝玉。宝玉呈与贾政。贾政翻开看时，见头一篇写著题目是《吾十有五而志于学》。他原本破的是“圣人有志于学，幼而已然矣。”代儒却将幼字抹去，明用“十五”。贾政道：“你原本‘幼’字便扣不清题目了。‘幼’字是从小起至十六以前都是‘幼’。这章书是圣人自言学问工夫与年俱进的话，所以十五，三十，四十，五十，六十，七十俱要明点出来，才见得到了几时有这么个光景，到了几时又有那么个光景。师父把你‘幼’字改了‘十五’，便明白了好些。”看到承题，那抹去的原本云：“夫不志于学，人之常也。”贾政摇头道：“不但是孩子气，可见你本性不是个学者的志气。”又看后句”圣人十五而志之，不亦难乎”，说道：“这更不成话了。”然后看代儒的改本云：“夫人孰不学，而志于学者卒鲜。此圣人所为自信于十五时欤。”便问“改的懂得么？”宝玉答应道：“懂得。”又看第二艺，题目是《人不知而不愠》，便先看代儒的改本云：“不以不知而愠者，终无改其说乐矣。”方觑著眼看那抹去的底本，说道：“你是什么？——‘能无愠人之心，纯乎学者也。’上一句似单做了‘而不愠’三个字的题目，下一句又犯了下文君子的分界。必如改笔才合题位呢。且下句找清上文，方是书理。须要细心领略。”宝玉答应著。贾政又往下看，“夫不知，未有不愠者也，而竟不然。是非由说而乐者，曷克臻此。”原本末句“非纯学者乎。”贾政道：“这也与破题同病的。这改的也罢了，不过清楚，还说得去。”第三艺是《则归墨》，贾政看了题目，自己扬著头想了一想，因问宝玉道：“你的书讲到这里了么？”宝玉道：“师父说，《孟子》好懂些，所以倒先讲《孟子》，大前日才讲完了。如今讲‘上论语’呢。”贾政因看这个破承倒没大改。破题云：“言于舍杨之外，若别无所归者焉。”贾政道：“第二句倒难为你。”’夫墨，非欲归者也，而墨之言已半天下矣，则舍杨之外，欲不归于墨，得乎？”贾政道：“这是你做的么？”宝玉答应道：“是。”贾政点点头儿，因说道：“这也并没有什么出色处，但初试笔能如此，还算不离。前年我在任上时，还出过《惟士为能》这个题目。那些童生都读过前人这篇，不能自出心裁，每多抄袭。你念过没有？”宝玉道：“也念过。”贾政道：“我要你另换个主意，不许雷同了前人，只做个破题也使得。”宝玉只得答应著，低头搜索枯肠。贾政背著手，也在门口站著作想。只见一个小小厮往外飞走，看见贾政，连忙侧身垂手站住。贾政便问道：“作什么？”小厮回道：“老太太那边姨太太来了，二奶奶传出话来，叫预备饭呢。”贾政听了，也没言语。那小厮自去了。

誰知寶玉自從寶釵搬回家去，十分想念，聽見薛姨媽來了，只當寶釵同來，心中早已忙了，便乍著膽子回道：“破題倒作了一個，但不知是不是。”賈政道：“你念來我聽。”寶玉念道：“天下不皆士也，能無產者亦僅矣。”賈政聽了，點著頭道：“也還使得。Now, ever since Baochai had moved back home, Baoyu had missed her greatly. Hearing that Aunt Xue had come, he assumed Baochai had come with her, and his heart was already in a turmoil. Plucking up his courage, he said, “I have composed an opening, though I do not know whether it will do.” “Recite it, and let me hear,” said Jia Zheng. Baoyu recited: “Not all beneath Heaven are scholars; those capable of being without fixed property are few indeed.” Jia Zheng listened, then nodded. “That will pass.以後作文，總要把界限分清，把神理想明白了再去動筆。When composing essays in future, you must always distinguish the proper limits, grasp the essential meaning clearly, and only then put brush to paper.你來的時侯老太太知道不知道？”寶玉道：“知道的。”賈政道：“既如此，你還到老太太處去罷。”寶玉答應了個“是”，只得拿捏著慢慢的退出，剛過穿廊月洞門的影屏，便一溜煙跑到老太太院門口。Did the Old Lady know when you came here?” “Yes,” replied Baoyu. “In that case, you may return to the Old Lady,” said Jia Zheng. Baoyu answered, “Yes, sir,” and forced himself to withdraw at a measured pace. But the moment he had passed the screen beyond the moon gate in the covered passage, he flew like smoke to the entrance of the Old Lady’s courtyard.急得焙茗在後頭赶著叫：“看跌倒了！Beiming hurried after him, calling, “Take care you don’t fall!老爺來了。”寶玉那里聽得見。The Master is coming!” But Baoyu heard not a word.剛進得門來，便聽見王夫人，鳳姐，探春等笑語之聲。No sooner had he entered the gate than he heard Lady Wang, Xifeng, Tanchun, and the others laughing and talking.

谁知宝玉自从宝钗搬回家去，十分想念，听见薛姨妈来了，只当宝钗同来，心中早已忙了，便乍著胆子回道：“破题倒作了一个，但不知是不是。”贾政道：“你念来我听。”宝玉念道：“天下不皆士也，能无产者亦仅矣。”贾政听了，点著头道：“也还使得。以后作文，总要把界限分清，把神理想明白了再去动笔。你来的时侯老太太知道不知道？”宝玉道：“知道的。”贾政道：“既如此，你还到老太太处去罢。”宝玉答应了个“是”，只得拿捏著慢慢的退出，刚过穿廊月洞门的影屏，便一溜烟跑到老太太院门口。急得焙茗在后头赶著叫：“看跌倒了！老爷来了。”宝玉那里听得见。刚进得门来，便听见王夫人，凤姐，探春等笑语之声。

丫鬟們見寶玉來了，連忙打起帘子，悄悄告訴道：“姨太太在這里呢。”寶玉赶忙進來給薛姨媽請安，過來才給賈母請了晚安。Seeing Baoyu arrive, the maids hastily raised the curtain and whispered, “Aunt Xue is here.” Baoyu hurried in and paid his respects to Aunt Xue, and only then went over to bid Grandmother Jia good evening.賈母便問：“你今兒怎麼這早晚才散學？”寶玉悉把賈政看文章并命作破題的話述了一遍。Grandmother Jia asked, “Why were you dismissed from school so late today?” Baoyu gave a full account of Jia Zheng’s inspection of his essays and his order that Baoyu compose an opening.賈母笑容滿面。Grandmother Jia’s face beamed with delight.寶玉因問眾人道：“寶姐姐在那里坐著呢？”薛姨媽笑道：“你寶姐姐沒過來，家里和香菱作活呢。”寶玉聽了，心中索然，又不好就走。Baoyu asked everyone, “Where is Cousin Bao sitting?” Aunt Xue laughed. “Your Cousin Bao did not come. She is at home sewing with Xiangling.” Baoyu’s spirits fell at once, but he could hardly leave immediately.只見說著話兒已擺上飯來，自然是賈母薛姨媽上坐，探春等陪坐。As they talked, dinner was already being served. Naturally, Grandmother Jia and Aunt Xue occupied the places of honor, with Tanchun and the others seated in attendance.薛姨媽道：“寶哥兒呢？”賈母忙笑說道：“寶玉跟著我這邊坐罷。”寶玉連忙回道：“頭里散學時李貴傳老爺的話，叫吃了飯過去。“And what about Baoyu?” asked Aunt Xue. Grandmother Jia quickly said with a smile, “Baoyu, sit here beside me.” Baoyu hurriedly replied, “When school let out, Li Gui brought word from the Master that I was to go to him after dinner.我赶著要了一碟菜，泡茶吃了一碗飯，就過去了。So I hurriedly asked for a dish of food, steeped a bowl of rice in tea, ate it, and went straight over.老太太和姨媽姐姐們用罷。”賈母道：“既這麼著，鳳丫頭就過來跟著我。Please enjoy your meal, Old Lady, Aunt, and cousins.” Grandmother Jia said, “In that case, let Xifeng come and sit with me.你太太才說他今兒吃齋，叫他們自己吃去罷。”王夫人也道：“你跟著老太太姨太太吃罷，不用等我，我吃齋呢。”于是鳳姐告了坐，丫頭安了杯箸，鳳姐執壺斟了一巡，才歸坐。Your mother just said she is fasting today, so let the others eat by themselves.” Lady Wang also said, “Sit with the Old Lady and Aunt Xue. There is no need to wait for me; I am fasting.” Xifeng accordingly begged leave to take a seat. The maids set out a cup and chopsticks for her, and only after she had taken up the winepot and poured a round for everyone did she sit down.

丫鬟们见宝玉来了，连忙打起帘子，悄悄告诉道：“姨太太在这里呢。”宝玉赶忙进来给薛姨妈请安，过来才给贾母请了晚安。贾母便问：“你今儿怎么这早晚才散学？”宝玉悉把贾政看文章并命作破题的话述了一遍。贾母笑容满面。宝玉因问众人道：“宝姐姐在那里坐著呢？”薛姨妈笑道：“你宝姐姐没过来，家里和香菱作活呢。”宝玉听了，心中索然，又不好就走。只见说著话儿已摆上饭来，自然是贾母薛姨妈上坐，探春等陪坐。薛姨妈道：“宝哥儿呢？”贾母忙笑说道：“宝玉跟著我这边坐罢。”宝玉连忙回道：“头里散学时李贵传老爷的话，叫吃了饭过去。我赶著要了一碟菜，泡茶吃了一碗饭，就过去了。老太太和姨妈姐姐们用罢。”贾母道：“既这么著，凤丫头就过来跟著我。你太太才说他今儿吃斋，叫他们自己吃去罢。”王夫人也道：“你跟著老太太姨太太吃罢，不用等我，我吃斋呢。”于是凤姐告了坐，丫头安了杯箸，凤姐执壶斟了一巡，才归坐。

大家吃著酒。They all ate and drank together.賈母便問道：“可是才姨太太提香菱，我聽見前兒丫頭們說‘秋菱’，不知是誰，問起來才知道是他。Grandmother Jia asked, “Just now, when Aunt Xue mentioned Xiangling, I remembered hearing the maids call someone ‘Qiuling’ the other day. I did not know who it was, and only after asking did I learn it was she.怎麼那孩子好好的又改了名字呢？”薛姨媽滿臉飛紅，歎了一口氣道：“老太太再別提起。Why was the child’s perfectly good name changed?” Aunt Xue flushed crimson and sighed. “Please do not bring it up, Old Lady.自從蟠兒娶了這個不知好歹的媳婦，成日家咕咕唧唧，如今鬧的也不成個人家了。Ever since Pan married this unreasonable wife, there has been endless grumbling and quarreling every day, until ours is hardly a proper household anymore.我也說過他幾次，他牛心不聽說，我也沒那麼大精神和他們盡著吵去，只好由他們去。I have spoken to her several times, but she is bullheaded and will not listen. I have not the strength to keep quarreling with them, so I can only let them have their way.可不是他嫌這丫頭的名兒不好改的。”賈母道：“名兒什麼要緊的事呢？”薛姨媽道：“說起來我也怪臊的，其實老太太這邊有什麼不知道的。Was it not she who disliked the girl’s name and changed it?” “What importance can a name have?” asked Grandmother Jia. Aunt Xue replied, “It shames me to speak of it, though in truth there is little you do not know over here.他那里是為這名兒不好，聽見說他因為是寶丫頭起的，他才有心要改。”賈母道：“這又是什麼原故呢？”薛姨媽把手絹子不住的擦眼淚，未曾說，又歎了一口氣，道：“老太太還不知道呢，這如今媳婦子專和寶丫頭慪氣。It was not that she disliked the name itself. When she heard that Baochai had given it to the girl, she deliberately set her mind on changing it.” “And why was that?” asked Grandmother Jia. Aunt Xue kept wiping her tears with her handkerchief. Before speaking, she sighed again. “You do not know, Old Lady, but this daughter-in-law of mine now makes a point of provoking Baochai.前日老太太打發人看我去，我們家里正鬧呢。”賈母連忙接著問道：“可是前兒聽見姨太太肝氣疼，要打發人看去，後來聽見說好了，所以沒著人去。The other day, when you sent someone to inquire after me, our household was in the midst of an uproar.” Grandmother Jia hurriedly interposed, “Was that when I heard that Aunt Xue had pain from her liver qi? I meant to send someone over, but later heard you were better and so did not.依我，勸姨太太竟把他們別放在心上。If you ask me, Aunt Xue, you should simply pay no heed to them.再者，他們也是新過門的小夫妻，過些時自然就好了。Besides, they are newly married; after a while, things will naturally improve.我看寶丫頭性格兒溫厚和平，雖然年輕，比大人還強幾倍。To my eyes Baochai is gentle, generous, and even-tempered. Though she is young, she is several times more sensible than many an older person.前日那小丫頭子回來說，我們這邊還都贊歎了他一會子。When that little maid returned the other day and told us what had happened, everyone here praised Baochai for quite some time.都象寶丫頭那樣心胸兒脾氣兒，真是百里挑一的。A breadth of mind and a temper like Baochai’s are truly one in a hundred.不是我說句冒失話，那給人家做了媳婦兒，怎麼叫公婆不疼，家里上上下下的不賓服呢。”寶玉頭里已經聽煩了，推故要走，及聽見這話，又坐了呆呆的往下聽。Forgive me for speaking so boldly, but when a girl like that becomes someone’s daughter-in-law, how could her parents-in-law fail to cherish her, or anyone in the household, high or low, fail to respect and obey her?” Baoyu had already grown tired of the conversation and was making excuses to leave; but on hearing this, he sat down again and listened on in a daze.薛姨媽道：“不中用。“It is no use,” said Aunt Xue.他雖好，到底是女孩兒家。Good as she is, she is only a girl, after all.養了蟠兒這個糊涂孩子，真真叫我不放心，只怕在外頭喝點子酒，鬧出事來。Having raised such a muddleheaded boy as Pan, I can never truly be at ease. I am always afraid he will drink too much outside and get into trouble.幸虧老太太這里的大爺二爺常和他在一塊兒，我還放點兒心。”寶玉聽到這里，便接口道：“姨媽更不用懸心。Fortunately, your elder and younger young masters often keep company with him, Old Lady, and that sets my mind somewhat at rest.” At this, Baoyu put in, “You need not worry at all, Aunt.薛大哥相好的都是些正經買賣大客人，都是有体面的，那里就鬧出事來。”薛姨媽笑道：“依你這樣說，我敢只不用操心了。”說話間，飯已吃完。Brother Xue’s friends are all respectable merchants and important customers, men of standing. How could he possibly get into trouble?” Aunt Xue laughed. “If what you say is true, I suppose I need never worry again.” As they spoke, the meal came to an end.寶玉先告辭了，晚間還要看書，便各自去了。Baoyu took his leave first, saying he still had reading to do that evening, and presently they all went their separate ways.

大家吃著酒。贾母便问道：“可是才姨太太提香菱，我听见前儿丫头们说‘秋菱’，不知是谁，问起来才知道是他。怎么那孩子好好的又改了名字呢？”薛姨妈满脸飞红，叹了一口气道：“老太太再别提起。自从蟠儿娶了这个不知好歹的媳妇，成日家咕咕唧唧，如今闹的也不成个人家了。我也说过他几次，他牛心不听说，我也没那么大精神和他们尽著吵去，只好由他们去。可不是他嫌这丫头的名儿不好改的。”贾母道：“名儿什么要紧的事呢？”薛姨妈道：“说起来我也怪臊的，其实老太太这边有什么不知道的。他那里是为这名儿不好，听见说他因为是宝丫头起的，他才有心要改。”贾母道：“这又是什么原故呢？”薛姨妈把手绢子不住的擦眼泪，未曾说，又叹了一口气，道：“老太太还不知道呢，这如今媳妇子专和宝丫头怄气。前日老太太打发人看我去，我们家里正闹呢。”贾母连忙接著问道：“可是前儿听见姨太太肝气疼，要打发人看去，后来听见说好了，所以没著人去。依我，劝姨太太竟把他们别放在心上。再者，他们也是新过门的小夫妻，过些时自然就好了。我看宝丫头性格儿温厚和平，虽然年轻，比大人还强几倍。前日那小丫头子回来说，我们这边还都赞叹了他一会子。都象宝丫头那样心胸儿脾气儿，真是百里挑一的。不是我说句冒失话，那给人家做了媳妇儿，怎么叫公婆不疼，家里上上下下的不宾服呢。”宝玉头里已经听烦了，推故要走，及听见这话，又坐了呆呆的往下听。薛姨妈道：“不中用。他虽好，到底是女孩儿家。养了蟠儿这个糊涂孩子，真真叫我不放心，只怕在外头喝点子酒，闹出事来。幸亏老太太这里的大爷二爷常和他在一块儿，我还放点儿心。”宝玉听到这里，便接口道：“姨妈更不用悬心。薛大哥相好的都是些正经买卖大客人，都是有体面的，那里就闹出事来。”薛姨妈笑道：“依你这样说，我敢只不用操心了。”说话间，饭已吃完。宝玉先告辞了，晚间还要看书，便各自去了。

這里丫頭們剛捧上茶來，只見琥珀走過來向賈母耳朵旁邊說了幾句，賈母便向鳳姐兒道：“你快去罷，瞧瞧巧姐兒去罷。”鳳姐聽了，還不知何故，大家也怔了。The maids had only just brought in tea when Hupo came over and whispered a few words in Grandmother Jia’s ear. Grandmother Jia at once said to Xifeng, “Go quickly and see how Qiaojie is.” Xifeng did not yet know what had happened, and everyone stared in alarm.琥珀遂過來向鳳姐道：“剛才平兒打發小丫頭子來回二奶奶，說巧姐身上不大好，請二奶奶忙著些過來才好呢。”賈母因說道：“你快去罷，姨太太也不是外人。”鳳姐連忙答應，在薛姨媽跟前告了辭。Hupo went over to Xifeng and said, “Ping’er has just sent a little maid to report that Qiaojie is not at all well, and asks Second Mistress Lian to hurry back.” Grandmother Jia said, “Go quickly. Aunt Xue is not a stranger.” Xifeng promptly assented and took leave of Aunt Xue.又見王夫人說道：“你先過去，我就去。Then Lady Wang said, “Go on ahead; I shall come presently.小孩子家魂兒還不全呢，別叫丫頭們大驚小怪的，屋里的貓兒狗兒，也叫他們留點神兒。A young child’s souls are not yet all securely settled, so do not let the maids make a great commotion. Tell them to keep an eye on the cats and dogs in the room as well.盡著孩子貴氣，偏有這些瑣碎。”鳳姐答應了，然後帶了小丫頭回房去了。The more precious the child, the more these troublesome little ailments seem to arise.” Xifeng assented, then took a little maid with her and returned to her rooms.

这里丫头们刚捧上茶来，只见琥珀走过来向贾母耳朵旁边说了几句，贾母便向凤姐儿道：“你快去罢，瞧瞧巧姐儿去罢。”凤姐听了，还不知何故，大家也怔了。琥珀遂过来向凤姐道：“刚才平儿打发小丫头子来回二奶奶，说巧姐身上不大好，请二奶奶忙著些过来才好呢。”贾母因说道：“你快去罢，姨太太也不是外人。”凤姐连忙答应，在薛姨妈跟前告了辞。又见王夫人说道：“你先过去，我就去。小孩子家魂儿还不全呢，别叫丫头们大惊小怪的，屋里的猫儿狗儿，也叫他们留点神儿。尽著孩子贵气，偏有这些琐碎。”凤姐答应了，然后带了小丫头回房去了。

這里薛姨媽又問了一回黛玉的病。Aunt Xue now asked for a time about Daiyu’s illness.賈母道：“林丫頭那孩子倒罷了，只是心重些，所以身子就不大很結實了。“That child Lin is not so bad,” said Grandmother Jia. “It is only that she takes things too much to heart, and so her health is never very robust.要賭靈性兒，也和寶丫頭不差什麼，要賭寬厚待人里頭，卻不濟他寶姐姐有耽待，有盡讓了。”薛姨媽又說了兩句閒話兒，便道：“老太太歇著罷。In quickness of mind she is no whit inferior to Baochai; but when it comes to generosity and consideration toward others, she cannot equal her Cousin Bao in patience and willingness to yield.” After chatting idly for a little longer, Aunt Xue said, “You should rest now, Old Lady.我也要到家里去看看，只剩下寶丫頭和香菱了。I must go home and have a look as well; only Baochai and Xiangling are there.打那麼同著姨太太看看巧姐兒。”賈母道：“正是。But first I shall go with Lady Wang to see Qiaojie.” “Quite right,” said Grandmother Jia.姨太太上年紀的人看看是怎麼不好，說給他們，也得點主意兒。”薛姨媽便告辭，同著王夫人出來，往鳳姐院里去了。Aunt Xue is an older and experienced person; see what is wrong with her, and give them your opinion, so they will know what to do.” Aunt Xue then took her leave and went out with Lady Wang toward Xifeng’s courtyard.

这里薛姨妈又问了一回黛玉的病。贾母道：“林丫头那孩子倒罢了，只是心重些，所以身子就不大很结实了。要赌灵性儿，也和宝丫头不差什么，要赌宽厚待人里头，却不济他宝姐姐有耽待，有尽让了。”薛姨妈又说了两句闲话儿，便道：“老太太歇著罢。我也要到家里去看看，只剩下宝丫头和香菱了。打那么同著姨太太看看巧姐儿。”贾母道：“正是。姨太太上年纪的人看看是怎么不好，说给他们，也得点主意儿。”薛姨妈便告辞，同著王夫人出来，往凤姐院里去了。

卻說賈政試了寶玉一番，心里卻也喜歡，走向外面和那些門客閒談。Now, after testing Baoyu in this fashion, Jia Zheng was secretly pleased. He went outside and chatted idly with his retainers.說起方才的話來，便有新近到來最善大棋的一個王爾調名作梅的說道：“据我們看來，寶二爺的學問已是大進了。”賈政道：“那有進益，不過略懂得些罷咧，‘學問’兩個字早得很呢。”詹光道：“這是老世翁過謙的話。When he mentioned what had just occurred, a recent arrival named Wang Ertiao, styled Zuomei, who was exceptionally skilled at go, said, “In our opinion, Second Master Bao has already made great progress in his studies.” “What progress?” replied Jia Zheng. “He merely understands a little. He is still far from deserving the word ‘learning.’” Zhan Guang said, “Our venerable patron is too modest.不但王大兄這般說，就是我們看，寶二爺必定要高發的。”賈政笑道：“這也是諸位過愛的意思。”那王爾調又道：“晚生還有一句話，不揣冒昧，和老世翁商議。”賈政道：“什麼事？”王爾調陪笑道：“也是晚生的相與，做過南韶道的張大老爺家有一位小姐，說是生得德容功貌俱全，此時尚未受聘。Brother Wang is not alone in saying so; in our view as well, Second Master Bao is certain to rise to high distinction.” Jia Zheng laughed. “That is merely because you gentlemen are too fond of him.” Wang Ertiao continued, “This junior has another suggestion which, though I fear it presumptuous, I should like to discuss with our venerable patron.” “What is it?” asked Jia Zheng. Wang Ertiao smiled deferentially. “An acquaintance of mine, His Excellency Zhang, formerly Intendant of Nan-Shao, has a daughter said to possess virtue, speech, womanly skill, and beauty in equal perfection. She is still unbetrothed.他又沒有兒子，家資巨萬。He has no son, moreover, and his fortune amounts to many millions.但是要富貴雙全的人家，女婿又要出眾，才肯作親。But he will consent to a match only with a family possessing both wealth and rank, and only if the prospective son-in-law is outstanding.晚生來了兩個月，瞧著寶二爺的人品學業，都是必要大成的。In the two months since this junior arrived, I have observed that Second Master Bao’s character and learning promise certain greatness.老世翁這樣門楣，還有何說。And with a family of our venerable patron’s standing, what more need be said?若晚生過去，包管一說就成。”賈政道：“寶玉說親卻也是年紀了，并且老太太常說起。If this junior goes to speak to them, I guarantee the match will be settled at once.” Jia Zheng said, “Baoyu is indeed old enough for marriage, and the Old Lady often brings up the subject.但只張大老爺素來尚未深悉。”詹光道：“王兄所提張家，晚生卻也知道。It is only that I have no close knowledge of His Excellency Zhang.” Zhan Guang said, “This junior happens to know the Zhang family mentioned by Brother Wang.況和大老爺那邊是舊親，老世翁一問便知。”賈政想了一回，道：“大老爺那邊不曾聽得這門親戚。”詹光道：“老世翁原來不知，這張府上原和邢舅太爺那邊有親的。”賈政聽了，方知是邢夫人的親戚。Besides, they are old relations of the Elder Master’s side; our venerable patron need only ask him.” Jia Zheng thought for a while. “I have never heard of any such relations on the Elder Master’s side.” Zhan Guang replied, “So our venerable patron did not know: the Zhang household is related to the family of Uncle Xing.” Only then did Jia Zheng understand that they were relatives of Lady Xing.坐了一回，進來了，便要同王夫人說知，轉問邢夫人去。After sitting a while longer, he went inside, intending to tell Lady Wang and then ask Lady Xing about the family.誰知王夫人陪了薛姨媽到鳳姐那邊看巧姐兒去了。Who would have thought that Madam Wang had accompanied Aunt Xue to Fengjie’s quarters to see Qiaojie?那天已經掌燈時候，薛姨媽去了，王夫人才過來了。By then it was already time to light the lamps; only after Aunt Xue had left did Madam Wang return.賈政告訴了王爾調和詹光的話，又問巧姐兒怎麼了。Jia Zheng told her what Wang Ertiao and Zhan Guang had said, then asked how Qiaojie was doing.王夫人道：“怕是驚風的光景。”賈政道：“不甚利害呀？”王夫人道：“看著是搐風的來頭，只還沒搐出來呢。”賈政聽了，便不言語，各自安歇，一宿晚景不提。Madam Wang said, “It looks as though it may be infantile convulsions.” Jia Zheng said, “Nothing too serious, I hope?” Madam Wang replied, “She shows signs of a seizure, though the convulsions have not yet begun.” Hearing this, Jia Zheng said no more, and they retired separately; nothing further need be said of that night.

却说贾政试了宝玉一番，心里却也喜欢，走向外面和那些门客闲谈。说起方才的话来，便有新近到来最善大棋的一个王尔调名作梅的说道：“据我们看来，宝二爷的学问已是大进了。”贾政道：“那有进益，不过略懂得些罢咧，‘学问’两个字早得很呢。”詹光道：“这是老世翁过谦的话。不但王大兄这般说，就是我们看，宝二爷必定要高发的。”贾政笑道：“这也是诸位过爱的意思。”那王尔调又道：“晚生还有一句话，不揣冒昧，和老世翁商议。”贾政道：“什么事？”王尔调陪笑道：“也是晚生的相与，做过南韶道的张大老爷家有一位小姐，说是生得德容功貌俱全，此时尚未受聘。他又没有儿子，家资巨万。但是要富贵双全的人家，女婿又要出众，才肯作亲。晚生来了两个月，瞧著宝二爷的人品学业，都是必要大成的。老世翁这样门楣，还有何说。若晚生过去，包管一说就成。”贾政道：“宝玉说亲却也是年纪了，并且老太太常说起。但只张大老爷素来尚未深悉。”詹光道：“王兄所提张家，晚生却也知道。况和大老爷那边是旧亲，老世翁一问便知。”贾政想了一回，道：“大老爷那边不曾听得这门亲戚。”詹光道：“老世翁原来不知，这张府上原和邢舅太爷那边有亲的。”贾政听了，方知是邢夫人的亲戚。坐了一回，进来了，便要同王夫人说知，转问邢夫人去。谁知王夫人陪了薛姨妈到凤姐那边看巧姐儿去了。那天已经掌灯时候，薛姨妈去了，王夫人才过来了。贾政告诉了王尔调和詹光的话，又问巧姐儿怎么了。王夫人道：“怕是惊风的光景。”贾政道：“不甚利害呀？”王夫人道：“看著是搐风的来头，只还没搐出来呢。”贾政听了，便不言语，各自安歇，一宿晚景不提。

卻說次日邢夫人過賈母這邊來請安，王夫人便提起張家的事，一面回賈母，一面問邢夫人。The next day, Madam Xing came to pay her respects to Grandmother Jia, and Madam Wang brought up the matter of the Zhang family, reporting it to Grandmother Jia while also asking Madam Xing about it.邢夫人道：“張家雖系老親，但近年來久已不通音信，不知他家的姑娘是怎麼樣的。Madam Xing said, “The Zhangs may be old family connections, but for years now we have had no contact with them, so I do not know what their daughter is like.倒是前日孫親家太太打發老婆子來問安，卻說起張家的事，說他家有個姑娘，托孫親家那邊有對勁的提一提。The other day, however, a maidservant came from Madam Sun, our relation by marriage, to inquire after us, and she happened to mention the Zhangs: they have a daughter, she said, and have asked the Suns to put in a word should they know of a suitable match.聽見說只這一個女孩兒，十分嬌養，也識得幾個字，見不得大陣仗兒，常在房中不出來的。I hear she is their only daughter and has been thoroughly pampered; she can read a little, but cannot face grand occasions and generally stays secluded in her room.張大老爺又說，只有這一個女孩兒，不肯嫁出去，怕人家公婆嚴，姑娘受不得委屈，必要女婿過門贅在他家，給他料理些家事。”賈母聽到這里，不等說完便道：“這斷使不得。Old Master Zhang has also said that, since she is his only daughter, he will not let her marry out: he fears that strict parents-in-law might subject her to hardships she could not bear, so her husband would have to marry into their household and help manage their family affairs.” Before Madam Xing had finished, Grandmother Jia said, “That is entirely out of the question.我們寶玉別人伏侍他還不夠呢，倒給人家當家去。”邢夫人道：“正是老太太這個話。”賈母因向王夫人道：“你回來告訴你老爺，就說我的話，這張家的親事是作不得的。”王夫人答應了。Our Baoyu does not have enough people waiting on him as it is—how could he go and manage another family’s household?” Madam Xing said, “Those are exactly my thoughts, Old Lady.” Grandmother Jia then said to Madam Wang, “When you go back, tell your master that these are my words: this match with the Zhang family will not do.” Madam Wang assented.賈母便問：“你們昨日看巧姐兒怎麼樣？Grandmother Jia then asked, “How was Qiaojie when you saw her yesterday?頭里平兒來回我說很不大好，我也要過去看看呢。”邢王二夫人道：“老太太雖疼他，他那里耽的住。”賈母道：“卻也不止為他，我也要走動走動，活活筋骨兒。”說著，便吩咐：“你們吃飯去罷，回來同我過去。”邢王二夫人答應著出來，各自去了。Earlier, Ping’er came and told me that she was very unwell; I was thinking of going over to see her myself.” Madams Xing and Wang said, “Fond though you are of her, Old Lady, she could hardly bear the disturbance of your visit.” Grandmother Jia replied, “It is not only for her sake; I need to get about a little myself and loosen up my limbs.” Then she ordered, “Go and have your meal; when you return, we shall go together.” Madams Xing and Wang assented and went their separate ways.

却说次日邢夫人过贾母这边来请安，王夫人便提起张家的事，一面回贾母，一面问邢夫人。邢夫人道：“张家虽系老亲，但近年来久已不通音信，不知他家的姑娘是怎么样的。倒是前日孙亲家太太打发老婆子来问安，却说起张家的事，说他家有个姑娘，托孙亲家那边有对劲的提一提。听见说只这一个女孩儿，十分娇养，也识得几个字，见不得大阵仗儿，常在房中不出来的。张大老爷又说，只有这一个女孩儿，不肯嫁出去，怕人家公婆严，姑娘受不得委屈，必要女婿过门赘在他家，给他料理些家事。”贾母听到这里，不等说完便道：“这断使不得。我们宝玉别人伏侍他还不够呢，倒给人家当家去。”邢夫人道：“正是老太太这个话。”贾母因向王夫人道：“你回来告诉你老爷，就说我的话，这张家的亲事是作不得的。”王夫人答应了。贾母便问：“你们昨日看巧姐儿怎么样？头里平儿来回我说很不大好，我也要过去看看呢。”邢王二夫人道：“老太太虽疼他，他那里耽的住。”贾母道：“却也不止为他，我也要走动走动，活活筋骨儿。”说著，便吩咐：“你们吃饭去罢，回来同我过去。”邢王二夫人答应著出来，各自去了。

一時吃了飯，都來陪賈母到鳳姐房中。After they had eaten, they both returned to accompany Grandmother Jia to Fengjie’s quarters.鳳姐連忙出來接了進去。Fengjie hurried out to receive them and ushered them inside.賈母便問巧姐兒到底怎麼樣。Grandmother Jia at once asked exactly how Qiaojie was.鳳姐兒道：“只怕是搐風的來頭。”賈母道：“這麼著還不請人赶著瞧！”鳳姐道：“已經請去了。”賈母因同邢王二夫人進房來看，只見奶子抱著，用桃紅綾子小綿被兒裹著，臉皮趣青，眉梢鼻翅微有動意。Fengjie said, “I fear it may be the onset of convulsions.” Grandmother Jia said, “If so, why have you not hurried to send for someone to examine her?” Fengjie replied, “Someone has already gone.” Grandmother Jia then entered the bedroom with Madams Xing and Wang to look at the child; they saw her nurse holding her, wrapped in a little padded quilt of peach-pink satin, her face turning blue and the tips of her eyebrows and wings of her nose twitching slightly.賈母同邢王二夫人看了看，便出外間坐下。After Grandmother Jia and Madams Xing and Wang had looked at her for a while, they returned to the outer room and sat down.正說間，只見一個小丫頭回鳳姐道：“老爺打發人問姐兒怎麼樣。”鳳姐道：“替我回老爺，就說請大夫去了。While they were talking, a young maid came and reported to Fengjie, “Master has sent someone to ask how the little young lady is.” Fengjie said, “Tell Master for me that we have sent for a physician.一會兒開了方子，就過去回老爺。”賈母忽然想起張家的事來，向王夫人道：“你該就去告訴你老爺，省得人家去說了回來又駁回。”又問邢夫人道：“你們和張家如今為什麼不走了？”邢夫人因又說：“論起那張家行事，也難和咱們作親，太嗇克，沒的玷辱了寶玉。”鳳姐聽了這話，已知八九，便問道：“太太不是說寶兄弟的親事？”邢夫人道：“可不是么。”賈母接著因把剛才的話告訴鳳姐。Once he has written his prescription, I shall go and report to Master.” Grandmother Jia suddenly remembered the matter of the Zhang family and said to Madam Wang, “You ought to go and tell your master at once, lest their people come to propose the match only to have it rejected afterward.” She then asked Madam Xing, “Why have you ceased all dealings with the Zhangs?” Madam Xing explained further, “Judging by the way that family conducts itself, they would hardly make suitable relations for us: they are far too miserly and exacting, and would only demean Baoyu.” From these words Fengjie had already guessed most of the story, and asked, “Madam, are you speaking of Brother Baoyu’s marriage?” Madam Xing replied, “What else could it be?” Grandmother Jia then told Fengjie what had just been said.鳳姐笑道：“不是我當著老祖宗太太們跟前說句大膽的話，現放著天配的姻緣，何用別處去找。”賈母笑問道：“在那里？”鳳姐道：“一個‘寶玉’，一個‘金鎖’，老太太怎麼忘了？”賈母笑了一笑，因說：“昨日你姑媽在這里，你為什麼不提？”鳳姐道：“老祖宗和太太們在前頭，那里有我們小孩子家說話的地方兒。Fengjie laughed and said, “If I may be so bold as to say this before the Old Ancestress and the Madams, when a match made in Heaven lies ready at hand, why look elsewhere?” Grandmother Jia asked with a smile, “Where is that?” Fengjie replied, “One is ‘Precious Jade,’ and the other a ‘Golden Lock’—how could you have forgotten, Old Lady?” Grandmother Jia smiled, then said, “Your aunt was here yesterday; why did you not mention it?” Fengjie replied, “With the Old Ancestress and the Madams present, how could there be any place for us children to speak?況且姨媽過來瞧老祖宗，怎麼提這些個，這也得太太們過去求親才是。”賈母笑了，邢王二夫人也都笑了。Besides, Aunt came to visit the Old Ancestress—how could such a matter be raised then? The Madams must go to her and formally propose the match.” Grandmother Jia laughed, and so did Madams Xing and Wang.賈母因道：“可是我背晦了。”Grandmother Jia said, “Indeed, I must be getting muddle-headed.”

一时吃了饭，都来陪贾母到凤姐房中。凤姐连忙出来接了进去。贾母便问巧姐儿到底怎么样。凤姐儿道：“只怕是搐风的来头。”贾母道：“这么著还不请人赶著瞧！”凤姐道：“已经请去了。”贾母因同邢王二夫人进房来看，只见奶子抱著，用桃红绫子小绵被儿裹著，脸皮趣青，眉梢鼻翅微有动意。贾母同邢王二夫人看了看，便出外间坐下。正说间，只见一个小丫头回凤姐道：“老爷打发人问姐儿怎么样。”凤姐道：“替我回老爷，就说请大夫去了。一会儿开了方子，就过去回老爷。”贾母忽然想起张家的事来，向王夫人道：“你该就去告诉你老爷，省得人家去说了回来又驳回。”又问邢夫人道：“你们和张家如今为什么不走了？”邢夫人因又说：“论起那张家行事，也难和咱们作亲，太啬克，没的玷辱了宝玉。”凤姐听了这话，已知八九，便问道：“太太不是说宝兄弟的亲事？”邢夫人道：“可不是么。”贾母接著因把刚才的话告诉凤姐。凤姐笑道：“不是我当著老祖宗太太们跟前说句大胆的话，现放著天配的姻缘，何用别处去找。”贾母笑问道：“在那里？”凤姐道：“一个‘宝玉’，一个‘金锁’，老太太怎么忘了？”贾母笑了一笑，因说：“昨日你姑妈在这里，你为什么不提？”凤姐道：“老祖宗和太太们在前头，那里有我们小孩子家说话的地方儿。况且姨妈过来瞧老祖宗，怎么提这些个，这也得太太们过去求亲才是。”贾母笑了，邢王二夫人也都笑了。贾母因道：“可是我背晦了。”

說著人回：“大夫來了。”賈母便坐在外間，邢王二夫人略避。Just then someone reported, “The physician has arrived.” Grandmother Jia remained seated in the outer room, while Madams Xing and Wang withdrew a little.那大夫同賈璉進來，給賈母請了安，方進房中。The physician entered with Jia Lian, paid his respects to Grandmother Jia, and then went into the bedroom.看了出來，站在地下躬身回賈母道：“妞兒一半是內熱，一半是驚風。After examining the child, he came out, stood below them, bowed, and reported to Grandmother Jia, “Half the little girl’s trouble is internal heat, and half is convulsions caused by fright.須先用一劑發散風痰藥，還要用四神散才好，因病勢來得不輕。First she must be given a dose to disperse wind and phlegm; then Four Spirits Powder should be administered, for the illness has come on with some severity.如今的牛黃都是假的，要找真牛黃方用得。”賈母道了乏，那大夫同賈璉出去開了方子，去了。Nowadays all the bezoar sold is counterfeit; genuine bezoar must be found before it can be used.” Grandmother Jia thanked him for his trouble, and the physician went out with Jia Lian, wrote the prescription, and left.鳳姐道：“人參家里常有，這牛黃倒怕未必有，外頭買去，只是要真的才好。”王夫人道：“等我打發人到姨太太那邊去找找。Fengjie said, “We generally have ginseng in the house, but I doubt we have any bezoar; we could buy it outside, but it must be genuine.” Madam Wang said, “I shall send someone to your aunt’s house to look for some.他家蟠兒是向與那些西客們做買賣，或者有真的也未可知。Her Pan’er has long done business with merchants from the west, so he may perhaps have some genuine bezoar.我叫人去問問。”正說話間，眾姊妹都來瞧來了，坐了一回，也都跟著賈母等去了。I will send someone to ask.” As they were speaking, all the young ladies arrived to see the child; after sitting for a while, they too left with Grandmother Jia and the others.

说著人回：“大夫来了。”贾母便坐在外间，邢王二夫人略避。那大夫同贾琏进来，给贾母请了安，方进房中。看了出来，站在地下躬身回贾母道：“妞儿一半是内热，一半是惊风。须先用一剂发散风痰药，还要用四神散才好，因病势来得不轻。如今的牛黄都是假的，要找真牛黄方用得。”贾母道了乏，那大夫同贾琏出去开了方子，去了。凤姐道：“人参家里常有，这牛黄倒怕未必有，外头买去，只是要真的才好。”王夫人道：“等我打发人到姨太太那边去找找。他家蟠儿是向与那些西客们做买卖，或者有真的也未可知。我叫人去问问。”正说话间，众姊妹都来瞧来了，坐了一回，也都跟著贾母等去了。

這里煎了藥給巧姐兒灌了下去，只聽喀的一聲，連藥帶痰都吐出來，鳳姐才略放了一點兒心。The medicine was decocted and poured down Qiaojie’s throat; with a sudden cough, she brought up both the medicine and the phlegm, and only then did Fengjie feel slightly reassured.只見王夫人那邊的小丫頭拿著一點兒的小紅紙包兒說道：“二奶奶，牛黃有了。Presently a young maid from Madam Wang’s quarters arrived carrying a tiny packet of red paper and said, “Second Mistress, we have found some bezoar.太太說了，叫二奶奶親自把分兩對准了呢。”鳳姐答應著接過來，便叫平兒配齊了真珠，冰片，朱砂，快熬起來。Madam says that Second Mistress must personally make sure the quantity is weighed exactly.” Fengjie assented and took it, then told Ping’er to add the proper amounts of pearl, borneol, and cinnabar and quickly set it to boil.自己用戥子按方稱了，攙在里面，等巧姐兒醒了好給他吃。She herself weighed out the prescribed quantity on a small scale and mixed it in, ready to give Qiaojie when she awoke.只見賈環掀帘進來說：“二姐姐，你們巧姐兒怎麼了？Just then Jia Huan lifted the curtain and came in, saying, “Second Sister, what is wrong with your Qiaojie?媽叫我來瞧瞧他。”鳳姐見了他母子便嫌，說：“好些了。Mother sent me to see how she is.” Fengjie had always disliked both mother and son, and merely said, “She is somewhat better.你回去說，叫你們姨娘想著。”那賈環口里答應，只管各處瞧看。Go back and tell your concubine-mother not to trouble herself.” Jia Huan assented, but continued peering about everywhere.看了一回，便問鳳姐兒道：“你這里聽的說有牛黃，不知牛黃是怎麼個樣兒，給我瞧瞧呢。”鳳姐道：“你別在這里鬧了，妞兒才好些。After looking around for a while, he asked Fengjie, “I heard you had some bezoar here; I do not know what it looks like—let me see it.” Fengjie said, “Do not make a nuisance of yourself here; the little girl has only just improved.那牛黃都煎上了。”賈環聽了，便去伸手拿那吊子瞧時，豈知措手不及，沸的一聲，吊子倒了，火已潑滅了一半。The bezoar is already boiling.” Hearing this, Jia Huan reached out to pick up the medicine pot and examine it; but he fumbled it, and with a great hiss the pot overturned, extinguishing half the fire.賈環見不是事，自覺沒趣，連忙跑了。Seeing that he had caused trouble and feeling thoroughly awkward, Jia Huan hurried away.鳳姐急的火星直爆，罵道：“真真那一世的對頭冤家！Fengjie was so enraged that sparks seemed to fly from her eyes, and she cursed, “You truly are some enemy and nemesis from a former life!你何苦來還來使促狹！Why must you come here and play such malicious tricks?從前你媽要想害我，如今又來害妞兒。Your mother tried to harm me before, and now you have come to harm the little girl.我和你幾輩子的仇呢！”一面罵平兒不照應。What feud can I have had with you through all our past lives?” At the same time, she scolded Ping’er for not keeping watch.正罵著，只見丫頭來找賈環。While she was still railing, a maid came looking for Jia Huan.鳳姐道：“你去告訴趙姨娘，說他操心也太苦了。Fengjie said, “Go and tell Concubine Zhao that she has really taken far too much trouble on our behalf.巧姐兒死定了，不用他惦著了！”平兒急忙在那里配藥再熬，那丫頭摸不著頭腦，便悄悄問平兒道：“二奶奶為什麼生氣？”平兒將環哥弄倒藥吊子說了一遍。Qiaojie is certain to die now, so she need not concern herself any longer!” Ping’er was hastily preparing another batch of medicine; the maid, unable to make head or tail of this, quietly asked her, “Why is Second Mistress so angry?” Ping’er told her how Brother Huan had knocked over the medicine pot.丫頭道：“怪不得他不敢回來，躲了別處去了。The maid said, “No wonder he dared not go back and has hidden himself elsewhere.這環哥兒明日還不知怎麼樣呢。There is no telling what will happen to Brother Huan tomorrow.平姐姐，我替你收拾罷。”平兒說：“這倒不消。Sister Ping, let me help you clear this up.” Ping’er said, “There is no need.幸虧牛黃還有一點，如今配好了，你去罷。”丫頭道：“我一准回去告訴趙姨奶奶，也省得他天天說嘴。”Luckily there was still a little bezoar left, and the medicine is ready now; you may go.” The maid said, “I shall certainly tell Concubine Zhao when I return, if only to stop her boasting day after day.”

这里煎了药给巧姐儿灌了下去，只听喀的一声，连药带痰都吐出来，凤姐才略放了一点儿心。只见王夫人那边的小丫头拿著一点儿的小红纸包儿说道：“二奶奶，牛黄有了。太太说了，叫二奶奶亲自把分两对准了呢。”凤姐答应著接过来，便叫平儿配齐了真珠，冰片，朱砂，快熬起来。自己用戥子按方称了，搀在里面，等巧姐儿醒了好给他吃。只见贾环掀帘进来说：“二姐姐，你们巧姐儿怎么了？妈叫我来瞧瞧他。”凤姐见了他母子便嫌，说：“好些了。你回去说，叫你们姨娘想著。”那贾环口里答应，只管各处瞧看。看了一回，便问凤姐儿道：“你这里听的说有牛黄，不知牛黄是怎么个样儿，给我瞧瞧呢。”凤姐道：“你别在这里闹了，妞儿才好些。那牛黄都煎上了。”贾环听了，便去伸手拿那吊子瞧时，岂知措手不及，沸的一声，吊子倒了，火已泼灭了一半。贾环见不是事，自觉没趣，连忙跑了。凤姐急的火星直爆，骂道：“真真那一世的对头冤家！你何苦来还来使促狭！从前你妈要想害我，如今又来害妞儿。我和你几辈子的仇呢！”一面骂平儿不照应。正骂著，只见丫头来找贾环。凤姐道：“你去告诉赵姨娘，说他操心也太苦了。巧姐儿死定了，不用他惦著了！”平儿急忙在那里配药再熬，那丫头摸不著头脑，便悄悄问平儿道：“二奶奶为什么生气？”平儿将环哥弄倒药吊子说了一遍。丫头道：“怪不得他不敢回来，躲了别处去了。这环哥儿明日还不知怎么样呢。平姐姐，我替你收拾罢。”平儿说：“这倒不消。幸亏牛黄还有一点，如今配好了，你去罢。”丫头道：“我一准回去告诉赵姨奶奶，也省得他天天说嘴。”

丫頭回去果然告訴了趙姨娘。When the maid returned, she did indeed tell Concubine Zhao.趙姨娘氣的叫：“快找環兒！”環兒在外間屋子里躲著，被丫頭找了來。Concubine Zhao cried angrily, “Find Huan’er at once!” Huan’er was hiding in an outer room, but the maid found him and brought him in.趙姨娘便罵道：“你這個下作种子！Concubine Zhao cursed him, saying, “You contemptible little wretch!你為什麼弄灑了人家的藥，招的人家咒罵。Why did you spill their medicine and bring their curses down on us?我原叫你去問一聲，不用進去，你偏進去，又不就走，還要虎頭上捉虱子。I only told you to go and inquire after her, without entering the room; yet you insisted on going in, and instead of leaving at once, you had to go hunting lice on a tiger’s head.你看我回了老爺，打你不打！”這里趙姨娘正說著，只聽賈環在外間屋子里更說出些驚心動魄的話來。Just see whether I do not report you to Master and have you beaten!” As Concubine Zhao was speaking, Jia Huan, in the outer room, began saying things still more shocking and appalling.未知何言，下回分解。What he said will be revealed in the next chapter.

丫头回去果然告诉了赵姨娘。赵姨娘气的叫：“快找环儿！”环儿在外间屋子里躲著，被丫头找了来。赵姨娘便骂道：“你这个下作种子！你为什么弄洒了人家的药，招的人家咒骂。我原叫你去问一声，不用进去，你偏进去，又不就走，还要虎头上捉虱子。你看我回了老爷，打你不打！”这里赵姨娘正说著，只听贾环在外间屋子里更说出些惊心动魄的话来。未知何言，下回分解。