第八十五回　賈存周報升郎中任　薛文起復惹放流刑 Jia Zheng Is Promoted to Vice-Minister; Xue Pan Again Faces Banishment

話說趙姨娘正在屋里抱怨賈環，只聽賈環在外間屋里發話道：“我不過弄倒了藥吊子，灑了一點子藥，那丫頭子又沒就死了，值的他也罵我，你也罵我，賴我心坏，把我往死里糟踏。Lady Zhao was in her room complaining about Jia Huan when she heard him declare from the outer room, “All I did was knock over the medicine pot and spill a little of the medicine; the girl did not even die, yet he cursed me, and you cursed me too, accusing me of having a wicked heart and trampling me into the ground.等著我明兒還要那小丫頭子的命呢，看你們怎麼著！Just wait—tomorrow I shall have that little maid’s life after all, and then we shall see what you can do!只叫他們提防著就是了。”那趙姨娘赶忙從里間出來，握住他的嘴說道：“你還只管信口胡唚，還叫人家先要了我的命呢！”娘兒兩個吵了一回。They had better be on their guard, that is all.” Lady Zhao hurried out from the inner room, clapped a hand over his mouth, and said, “Go on spouting whatever nonsense comes into your head, and you will have them taking my life first!” Mother and son quarreled for a while.趙姨娘聽見鳳姐的話，越想越氣，也不著人來安慰鳳姐一聲兒。When Lady Zhao heard what Xifeng had said, the more she thought about it, the angrier she became, and she did not even send anyone to offer Xifeng a word of comfort.過了幾天，巧姐兒也好了。A few days later, Qiaojie too recovered.因此兩邊結怨比從前更加一層了。As a result, the grudge between the two sides grew deeper than ever.

话说赵姨娘正在屋里抱怨贾环，只听贾环在外间屋里发话道：“我不过弄倒了药吊子，洒了一点子药，那丫头子又没就死了，值的他也骂我，你也骂我，赖我心坏，把我往死里糟踏。等著我明儿还要那小丫头子的命呢，看你们怎么著！只叫他们提防著就是了。”那赵姨娘赶忙从里间出来，握住他的嘴说道：“你还只管信口胡唚，还叫人家先要了我的命呢！”娘儿两个吵了一回。赵姨娘听见凤姐的话，越想越气，也不著人来安慰凤姐一声儿。过了几天，巧姐儿也好了。因此两边结怨比从前更加一层了。

一日林之孝進來回道：“今日是北靜郡王生日，請老爺的示下。”賈政吩咐道：“只按向年舊例辦了，回大老爺知道，送去就是了。”林之孝答應了，自去辦理。One day Lin Zhixiao came in and reported, “Today is the Prince of Beijing’s birthday. What are your instructions, sir?” Jia Zheng said, “Make the arrangements according to the usual practice of former years. Inform the elder master and send the gifts over.” Lin Zhixiao acknowledged the order and went off to see to it.不一時，賈赦過來同賈政商議，帶了賈珍，賈璉，寶玉去與北靜王拜壽。Before long, Jia She came over to consult with Jia Zheng, and they took Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, and Baoyu with them to offer birthday congratulations to the Prince of Beijing.別人還不理論，惟有寶玉素日仰慕北靜王的容貌威儀，巴不得常見才好，遂連忙換了衣服，跟著來到北府。The others thought little of it, but Baoyu had always admired the Prince of Beijing’s looks and noble bearing and wished he could see him often; he therefore hurriedly changed his clothes and accompanied them to the prince’s residence.賈赦賈政遞了職名候諭。Jia She and Jia Zheng presented their visiting cards with their official titles and waited for instructions.不多時，里面出來了一個太監，手里掐著數珠兒，見了賈赦賈政，笑嘻嘻的說道：“二位老爺好？”賈赦賈政也都赶忙問好。Before long, a eunuch came out from within, fingering a string of prayer beads; when he saw Jia She and Jia Zheng, he said with a beaming smile, “I trust you are both well, gentlemen?” Jia She and Jia Zheng hastened to return the greeting.他兄弟三人也過來問了好。The three younger men also came forward and greeted him.那太監道：“王爺叫請進去呢。”于是爺兒五個跟著那太監進入府中，過了兩層門，轉過一層殿去，里面方是內宮門。The eunuch said, “His Highness asks you to come in.” The five of them, fathers and sons, followed him into the residence, passed through two gateways and around a hall, and at last reached the gate of the inner palace.剛到門前，大家站住，那太監先進去回王爺去了。Just as they reached the gate, they all halted, while the eunuch went in first to announce them to the prince.這里門上小太監都迎著問了好。The young eunuchs at the gate came forward to greet them.一時那太監出來，說了個“請”字，爺兒五個肅敬跟入。Presently the eunuch emerged and said, “Please,” whereupon the five of them followed him in with solemn respect.只見北靜郡王穿著禮服，已迎到殿門廊下。They saw the Prince of Beijing, dressed in ceremonial robes, already coming to meet them beneath the gallery at the entrance to the hall.賈赦賈政先上來請安，捱次便是珍，璉，寶玉請安。Jia She and Jia Zheng stepped forward first to pay their respects; then Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, and Baoyu did so in turn.那北靜郡王單拉著寶玉道：“我久不見你，很惦記你。”因又笑問道：“你那塊玉兒好？”寶玉躬著身打著一半千兒回道：“蒙王爺福庇，都好。”北靜王道：“今日你來，沒有什麼好東西給你吃的，倒是大家說說話兒罷。”說著，幾個老公打起帘子，北靜王說“請”，自己卻先進去，然後賈赦等都躬著身跟進去。The Prince of Beijing took Baoyu alone by the hand and said, “I have not seen you for a long time and have often thought of you.” Then he asked with a smile, “Is that jade of yours well?” Bending forward and making a half-kneeling salute, Baoyu replied, “Through Your Highness’s gracious protection, all is well.” The prince said, “Now that you have come today, I have nothing particularly good to give you to eat; let us all simply sit and talk.” As he spoke, several eunuchs raised the curtain; the prince said, “Please,” but entered first himself, after which Jia She and the others followed with bowed bodies.先是賈赦請北靜王受禮，北靜王也說了兩句謙辭，那賈赦早已跪下，次及賈政等捱次行禮，自不必說。First Jia She asked the Prince of Beijing to accept their homage; though the prince uttered a few polite disclaimers, Jia She had already knelt, and Jia Zheng and the others then performed their obeisances in order, which need not be described.

一日林之孝进来回道：“今日是北静郡王生日，请老爷的示下。”贾政吩咐道：“只按向年旧例办了，回大老爷知道，送去就是了。”林之孝答应了，自去办理。不一时，贾赦过来同贾政商议，带了贾珍，贾琏，宝玉去与北静王拜寿。别人还不理论，惟有宝玉素日仰慕北静王的容貌威仪，巴不得常见才好，遂连忙换了衣服，跟著来到北府。贾赦贾政递了职名候谕。不多时，里面出来了一个太监，手里掐著数珠儿，见了贾赦贾政，笑嘻嘻的说道：“二位老爷好？”贾赦贾政也都赶忙问好。他兄弟三人也过来问了好。那太监道：“王爷叫请进去呢。”于是爷儿五个跟著那太监进入府中，过了两层门，转过一层殿去，里面方是内宫门。刚到门前，大家站住，那太监先进去回王爷去了。这里门上小太监都迎著问了好。一时那太监出来，说了个“请”字，爷儿五个肃敬跟入。只见北静郡王穿著礼服，已迎到殿门廊下。贾赦贾政先上来请安，挨次便是珍，琏，宝玉请安。那北静郡王单拉著宝玉道：“我久不见你，很惦记你。”因又笑问道：“你那块玉儿好？”宝玉躬著身打著一半千儿回道：“蒙王爷福庇，都好。”北静王道：“今日你来，没有什么好东西给你吃的，倒是大家说说话儿罢。”说著，几个老公打起帘子，北静王说“请”，自己却先进去，然后贾赦等都躬著身跟进去。先是贾赦请北静王受礼，北静王也说了两句谦辞，那贾赦早已跪下，次及贾政等挨次行礼，自不必说。

那賈赦等复肅敬退出。Jia She and the others then respectfully withdrew.北靜王吩咐太監等讓在眾戚舊一處好生款待，卻單留寶玉在這里說話兒，又賞了坐。The Prince of Beijing instructed the eunuchs to seat them with the assembled relatives and old acquaintances and entertain them well, but kept Baoyu there alone to talk and graciously offered him a seat.寶玉又磕頭謝了恩，在挨門邊繡墩上側坐，說了一回讀書作文諸事。Baoyu kowtowed again to thank him for the favor, then sat sideways on an embroidered stool near the door and talked for a while about his studies, composition, and other matters.北靜王甚加愛惜，又賞了茶，因說道：“昨兒巡撫吳大人來陛見，說起令尊翁前任學政時，秉公辦事，凡屬生童，俱心服之至。The Prince of Beijing showed him the greatest affection and had tea served, then said, “Yesterday Governor Wu came for an imperial audience and spoke of how, when your honored father formerly served as Provincial Education Commissioner, he conducted affairs impartially, winning the wholehearted respect of every licentiate and student.他陛見時，萬歲爺也曾問過，他也十分保舉，可知是令尊翁的喜兆。”寶玉連忙站起，聽畢這一段話，才回啟道：“此是王爺的恩典，吳大人的盛情。”正說著，小太監進來回道：“外面諸位大人老爺都在前殿謝王爺賞宴。”說著，呈上謝宴并請午安的帖子來。During his audience His Majesty also asked him about your father, and he recommended him most warmly; this is plainly an auspicious sign for your honored father.” Baoyu hurriedly rose and, after hearing him out, replied, “This is due to Your Highness’s favor and Governor Wu’s great kindness.” As he spoke, a young eunuch entered and reported, “The various lords and gentlemen outside are in the front hall thanking Your Highness for the banquet.” He then presented their cards of thanks for the feast and their midday respects.北靜王略看了一看，仍遞給小太監，笑了一笑說道：“知道了，勞動他們。”那小太監又回道：“這賈寶玉王爺單賞的飯預備了。”北靜王便命那太監帶了寶玉到一所极小巧精致的院里，派人陪著吃了飯，又過來謝了恩。The Prince of Beijing glanced over them, handed them back to the young eunuch, and said with a smile, “Very well. They have been put to much trouble.” The young eunuch reported further, “The meal Your Highness specially bestowed on Jia Baoyu is ready.” The prince ordered him to conduct Baoyu to a small but exquisitely appointed courtyard, where attendants were assigned to dine with him; afterward Baoyu returned to express his thanks.北靜王又說了些好話兒，忽然笑說道：“我前次見你那塊玉倒有趣兒，回來說了個式樣，叫他們也作了一塊來。After a few more kindly words, the Prince of Beijing suddenly said with a smile, “When I last saw that jade of yours, I found it rather interesting. Afterward I described its design and had them make one like it.今日你來得正好，就給你帶回去頑罷。”因命小太監取來，親手遞給寶玉。Your coming today is most opportune; take it home and play with it.” He then ordered a young eunuch to fetch it and handed it to Baoyu with his own hands.寶玉接過來捧著，又謝了，然後退出。Baoyu received it in both hands, thanked him again, and then withdrew.北靜王又命兩個小太監跟出來，才同著賈赦等回來了。The Prince of Beijing also ordered two young eunuchs to accompany him out, and only then did he return home with Jia She and the others.賈赦便各自回院里去。Jia She went back to his own quarters.

那贾赦等复肃敬退出。北静王吩咐太监等让在众戚旧一处好生款待，却单留宝玉在这里说话儿，又赏了坐。宝玉又磕头谢了恩，在挨门边绣墩上侧坐，说了一回读书作文诸事。北静王甚加爱惜，又赏了茶，因说道：“昨儿巡抚吴大人来陛见，说起令尊翁前任学政时，秉公办事，凡属生童，俱心服之至。他陛见时，万岁爷也曾问过，他也十分保举，可知是令尊翁的喜兆。”宝玉连忙站起，听毕这一段话，才回启道：“此是王爷的恩典，吴大人的盛情。”正说著，小太监进来回道：“外面诸位大人老爷都在前殿谢王爷赏宴。”说著，呈上谢宴并请午安的帖子来。北静王略看了一看，仍递给小太监，笑了一笑说道：“知道了，劳动他们。”那小太监又回道：“这贾宝玉王爷单赏的饭预备了。”北静王便命那太监带了宝玉到一所极小巧精致的院里，派人陪著吃了饭，又过来谢了恩。北静王又说了些好话儿，忽然笑说道：“我前次见你那块玉倒有趣儿，回来说了个式样，叫他们也作了一块来。今日你来得正好，就给你带回去顽罢。”因命小太监取来，亲手递给宝玉。宝玉接过来捧著，又谢了，然后退出。北静王又命两个小太监跟出来，才同著贾赦等回来了。贾赦便各自回院里去。

這里賈政帶著他三人回來見過賈母，請過了安，說了一回府里遇見的人。Jia Zheng brought the three younger men to see Grandmother Jia; after paying their respects, they talked for a while about the people they had met at the prince’s residence.寶玉又回了賈政吳大人陛見保舉的話。Baoyu also told Jia Zheng what the prince had said about Governor Wu recommending him at the imperial audience.賈政道：“這吳大人本來咱們相好，也是我輩中人，還倒是有骨氣的。”又說了幾句閒話兒，賈母便叫”歇著去罷。”賈政退出，珍，璉，寶玉都跟到門口。Jia Zheng said, “Governor Wu has always been a good friend of ours and is one of our own circle; he is, moreover, a man of principle.” After a little more casual conversation, Grandmother Jia said, “Go and rest now.” Jia Zheng withdrew, and Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, and Baoyu accompanied him to the door.賈政道：“你們都回去陪老太太坐著去罷。”說著，便回房去。Jia Zheng said, “Go back and keep the old lady company.” With that, he returned to his room.剛坐了一坐，只見一個小丫頭回道：“外面林之孝請老爺回話。”說著，遞上個紅單帖來，寫著吳巡撫的名字。He had scarcely sat down when a young maid came in and reported, “Lin Zhixiao is outside and asks to make a report to you, sir.” She handed him a red visiting slip bearing the name of Governor Wu.賈政知是來拜，便叫小丫頭叫林之孝進來。Knowing that Governor Wu had come to call, Jia Zheng told the maid to summon Lin Zhixiao.賈政出至廊檐下。Jia Zheng went out beneath the veranda.林之孝進來回道：“今日巡撫吳大人來拜，奴才回了去了。Lin Zhixiao entered and reported, “Governor Wu came to call today, but I told him you were out, and he has gone.再奴才還聽見說，現今工部出了一個郎中缺，外頭人和部里都吵嚷是老爺擬正呢。”賈政道：“瞧罷咧。”林之孝又回了幾句話，才出去了。I have also heard that a post as Director in the Ministry of Works is now vacant, and people both outside and within the ministry are all saying that you, sir, are to be formally appointed.” Jia Zheng said, “We shall see.” Lin Zhixiao made a few more reports before withdrawing.

这里贾政带著他三人回来见过贾母，请过了安，说了一回府里遇见的人。宝玉又回了贾政吴大人陛见保举的话。贾政道：“这吴大人本来咱们相好，也是我辈中人，还倒是有骨气的。”又说了几句闲话儿，贾母便叫”歇著去罢。”贾政退出，珍，琏，宝玉都跟到门口。贾政道：“你们都回去陪老太太坐著去罢。”说著，便回房去。刚坐了一坐，只见一个小丫头回道：“外面林之孝请老爷回话。”说著，递上个红单帖来，写著吴巡抚的名字。贾政知是来拜，便叫小丫头叫林之孝进来。贾政出至廊檐下。林之孝进来回道：“今日巡抚吴大人来拜，奴才回了去了。再奴才还听见说，现今工部出了一个郎中缺，外头人和部里都吵嚷是老爷拟正呢。”贾政道：“瞧罢咧。”林之孝又回了几句话，才出去了。

且說珍，璉，寶玉三人回去，獨有寶玉到賈母那邊，一面述說北靜王待他的光景，并拿出那塊玉來。Now Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, and Baoyu had returned, but Baoyu alone went to Grandmother Jia and told them how the Prince of Beijing had treated him, producing the jade as he spoke.大家看著笑了一回。They all examined it and laughed over it for a while.賈母因命人：“給他收起去罷，別丟了。”因問：“你那塊玉好生帶著罷？Grandmother Jia ordered someone, “Put it away for him, lest he lose it.” Then she asked, “You have your own jade safely on you, I hope?別鬧混了。”寶玉在項上摘了下來，說：“這不是我那一塊玉，那里就掉了呢。Do not get the two mixed up.” Baoyu took his own jade from around his neck and said, “This is my jade—how could it possibly be lost?比起來，兩塊玉差遠著呢，那里混得過。The two jades are nothing alike; there is no possibility of confusing them.我正要告訴老太太，前兒晚上我睡的時候把玉摘下來挂在帳子里，他竟放起光來了，滿帳子都是紅的。”賈母說道：“又胡說了，帳子的檐子是紅的，火光照著，自然紅是有的。”寶玉道：“不是。I was just going to tell you, Grandmother: the other night, when I went to sleep, I took off my jade and hung it inside the bed-curtains, and it actually began to glow—the whole bed was filled with red light.” Grandmother Jia said, “More nonsense. The valance of your bed-curtains is red; naturally it looked red in the lamplight.” Baoyu said, “No.那時候燈已滅了，屋里都漆黑的了，還看得見他呢。”邢王二夫人抿著嘴笑。The lamp had already gone out and the room was pitch-dark, yet I could still see it.” Lady Xing and Lady Wang pursed their lips and smiled.鳳姐道：“這是喜信發動了。”寶玉道：“什麼喜信？”賈母道：“你不懂得。Xifeng said, “It is an omen of happy news.” Baoyu asked, “What happy news?” Grandmother Jia said, “You would not understand.今兒個鬧了一天，你去歇歇兒去罷，別在這里說呆話了。”寶玉又站了一回兒，才回園中去了。You have been bustling about all day; go and rest, and stop talking such foolish nonsense here.” Baoyu lingered a while longer before returning to the Garden.

且说珍，琏，宝玉三人回去，独有宝玉到贾母那边，一面述说北静王待他的光景，并拿出那块玉来。大家看著笑了一回。贾母因命人：“给他收起去罢，别丢了。”因问：“你那块玉好生带著罢？别闹混了。”宝玉在项上摘了下来，说：“这不是我那一块玉，那里就掉了呢。比起来，两块玉差远著呢，那里混得过。我正要告诉老太太，前儿晚上我睡的时候把玉摘下来挂在帐子里，他竟放起光来了，满帐子都是红的。”贾母说道：“又胡说了，帐子的檐子是红的，火光照著，自然红是有的。”宝玉道：“不是。那时候灯已灭了，屋里都漆黑的了，还看得见他呢。”邢王二夫人抿著嘴笑。凤姐道：“这是喜信发动了。”宝玉道：“什么喜信？”贾母道：“你不懂得。今儿个闹了一天，你去歇歇儿去罢，别在这里说呆话了。”宝玉又站了一回儿，才回园中去了。

這里賈母問道：“正是。Grandmother Jia then said, “That reminds me.你們去看薛姨媽說起這事沒有？”王夫人道：“本來就要去看的，因鳳丫頭為巧姐兒病著，耽擱了兩天，今日才去的。When you went to see Aunt Xue, did you mention the matter?” Lady Wang replied, “We had meant to go earlier, but Xifeng was occupied with Qiaojie’s illness, so we were delayed two days and went only today.這事我們都告訴了，姨媽倒也十分願意，只說蟠兒這時侯不在家，目今他父親沒了，只得和他商量商量再辦。”賈母道：“這也是情理的話。We told Aunt Xue everything. She was quite willing, but said that Pan is away from home and, now that his father is dead, she must consult him before proceeding.” Grandmother Jia said, “That is only reasonable.既這麼樣，大家先別提起，等姨太太那邊商量定了再說。”不說賈母處談論親事，且說寶玉回到自己房中，告訴襲人道：“老太太與鳳姐姐方才說話含含糊糊，不知是什麼意思。”襲人想了想，笑了一笑道：“這個我也猜不著。In that case, none of us should mention it for the present; let us wait until your aunt’s family has reached a decision.” Leaving Grandmother Jia and the others to discuss the marriage, we turn to Baoyu, who returned to his room and told Xiren, “The old lady and Sister Xifeng spoke so vaguely just now that I could not tell what they meant.” Xiren thought for a moment, then smiled and said, “I cannot guess either.但只剛才說這些話時，林姑娘在跟前沒有？”寶玉道：“林姑娘才病起來，這些時何曾到老太太那邊去呢。”正說著，只聽外間屋里麝月與秋紋拌嘴。But when they were saying these things just now, was Miss Lin present?” Baoyu said, “Miss Lin has only just recovered from her illness; when has she gone to the old lady’s rooms lately?” As they spoke, they heard Sheyue and Qiuwen quarreling in the outer room.襲人道：“你兩個又鬧什麼？”麝月道：“我們兩個斗牌，他贏了我的錢他拿了去，他輸了錢就不肯拿出來。Xiren called, “What are you two squabbling about now?” Sheyue said, “We were playing cards. When she won my money she took it, but when she lost she refused to pay.這也罷了，他倒把我的錢都搶了去了。”寶玉笑道：“幾個錢什麼要緊，傻丫頭，不許鬧了。”說的兩個人都咕嘟著嘴坐著去了。That would have been bad enough, but then she snatched away all my money as well.” Baoyu laughed. “What do a few coins matter, silly girl? No more quarreling.” At this, the two of them went off and sat down with pouting lips.這里襲人打發寶玉睡下。Xiren then saw Baoyu settled in bed.不提。We need say no more of this.

这里贾母问道：“正是。你们去看薛姨妈说起这事没有？”王夫人道：“本来就要去看的，因凤丫头为巧姐儿病著，耽搁了两天，今日才去的。这事我们都告诉了，姨妈倒也十分愿意，只说蟠儿这时侯不在家，目今他父亲没了，只得和他商量商量再办。”贾母道：“这也是情理的话。既这么样，大家先别提起，等姨太太那边商量定了再说。”不说贾母处谈论亲事，且说宝玉回到自己房中，告诉袭人道：“老太太与凤姐姐方才说话含含糊糊，不知是什么意思。”袭人想了想，笑了一笑道：“这个我也猜不著。但只刚才说这些话时，林姑娘在跟前没有？”宝玉道：“林姑娘才病起来，这些时何曾到老太太那边去呢。”正说著，只听外间屋里麝月与秋纹拌嘴。袭人道：“你两个又闹什么？”麝月道：“我们两个斗牌，他赢了我的钱他拿了去，他输了钱就不肯拿出来。这也罢了，他倒把我的钱都抢了去了。”宝玉笑道：“几个钱什么要紧，傻丫头，不许闹了。”说的两个人都咕嘟著嘴坐著去了。这里袭人打发宝玉睡下。不提。

卻說襲人聽了寶玉方才的話，也明知是給寶玉提親的事。Now Xiren, having heard what Baoyu said, knew perfectly well that the matter concerned a marriage proposal for him.因恐寶玉每有痴想，這一提起不知又招出他多少呆話來，所以故作不知，自己心上卻也是頭一件關切的事。But she feared that, given Baoyu’s habitual foolish fancies, mentioning it might provoke no end of absurd talk; she therefore pretended not to understand, though inwardly it was a matter of the utmost concern to her.夜間躺著想了個主意，不如去見見紫鵑，看他有什麼動靜，自然就知道了。Lying awake that night, she hit upon a plan: she would go and see Zijuan; from her manner she would naturally learn what was happening.次日一早起來，打發寶玉上了學，自己梳洗了，便慢慢的去到瀟湘館來。Early the next morning, after seeing Baoyu off to school, she washed and dressed and made her way leisurely to the Xiaoxiang Lodge.只見紫鵑正在那里掐花兒呢，見襲人進來，便笑嘻嘻的道：“姐姐屋里坐著。”襲人道：“坐著，妹妹掐花兒呢嗎？She found Zijuan there picking flowers. Seeing Xiren arrive, Zijuan said cheerfully, “Come inside and sit down, sister.” Xiren said, “Yes, I will. Are you picking flowers, little sister?姑娘呢？”紫鵑道：“姑娘才梳洗完了，等著溫藥呢。”紫鵑一面說著，一面同襲人進來。And where is your young mistress?” Zijuan replied, “She has just finished washing and dressing and is waiting for her medicine to be warmed.” As she spoke, Zijuan went inside with Xiren.見了黛玉正在那里拿著一本書看。They found Daiyu sitting there with a book in her hand.襲人陪著笑道：“姑娘怨不得勞神，起來就看書。Xiren said with a conciliatory smile, “No wonder you tire your mind, miss, when you begin reading the moment you rise.我們寶二爺念書若能象姑娘這樣，豈不好了呢。”黛玉笑著把書放下。If only our Master Bao studied as you do, how good that would be.” Daiyu smiled and put down her book.雪雁已拿著個小茶盤里托著一鐘藥，一鐘水，小丫頭在後面捧著痰盒漱盂進來。Xueyan entered carrying a small tea tray on which stood a cup of medicine and a cup of water, while a young maid followed with a spittoon and rinsing bowl.原來襲人來時要探探口氣，坐了一回，無處入話，又想著黛玉最是心多，探不成消息再惹著了他倒是不好，又坐了坐，搭訕著辭了出來了。Xiren had come intending to sound them out; but after sitting awhile she found no opening to introduce the subject, and then reflected that Daiyu was unusually sensitive—if she failed to learn anything and only upset her, it would be far worse. So, after lingering a little longer, she made some excuse and took her leave.將到怡紅院門口，只見兩個人在那里站著呢。As she approached the entrance to Yihong Court, she saw two people standing there.襲人不便往前走，那一個早看見了，連忙跑過來。Xiren felt it improper to go forward, but one of them had already seen her and hurried over.襲人一看，卻是鋤藥，因問”你作什麼？”鋤藥道：“剛才芸二爺來了，拿了個帖兒，說給咱們寶二爺瞧的，在這里候信。”襲人道：“寶二爺天天上學，你難道不知道，還候什麼信呢。”鋤藥笑道：“我告訴他了。Xiren saw that it was Chuyao and asked, “What are you doing here?” Chuyao replied, “Second Master Yun came just now with a note for our Master Bao to read, and he is waiting here for an answer.” Xiren said, “Master Bao goes to school every day—surely you know that. What answer is he waiting for?” Chuyao laughed. “I told him so.他叫告訴姑娘，聽姑娘的信呢。”襲人正要說話，只見那一個也慢慢的蹭了過來，細看時，就是賈芸，溜溜湫湫往這邊來了。He asked me to inform you and said he was waiting for your answer.” Xiren was about to reply when the other man slowly edged over; looking closely, she saw that it was Jia Yun, creeping furtively toward them.襲人見是賈芸，連忙向鋤藥道：“你告訴說知道了，回來給寶二爺瞧罷。”那賈芸原要過來和襲人說話，無非親近之意，又不敢造次，只得慢慢踱來。When Xiren saw that it was Jia Yun, she hurriedly told Chuyao, “Tell him I know about it; we will show the note to Master Bao when he returns.” Jia Yun had meant to come over and speak to Xiren merely by way of cultivating familiarity, but, not daring to presume, he could only approach at a slow pace.相離不遠，不想襲人說出這話，自己也不好再往前走，只好站住。He was not far away when, unexpectedly, Xiren said this; unable to advance any farther, he had no choice but to stop.這里襲人已掉背臉往回里去了。Xiren had already turned her back and gone inside.賈芸只得怏怏而回，同鋤藥出去了。Jia Yun could only leave dejectedly with Chuyao.

却说袭人听了宝玉方才的话，也明知是给宝玉提亲的事。因恐宝玉每有痴想，这一提起不知又招出他多少呆话来，所以故作不知，自己心上却也是头一件关切的事。夜间躺著想了个主意，不如去见见紫鹃，看他有什么动静，自然就知道了。次日一早起来，打发宝玉上了学，自己梳洗了，便慢慢的去到潇湘馆来。只见紫鹃正在那里掐花儿呢，见袭人进来，便笑嘻嘻的道：“姐姐屋里坐著。”袭人道：“坐著，妹妹掐花儿呢吗？姑娘呢？”紫鹃道：“姑娘才梳洗完了，等著温药呢。”紫鹃一面说著，一面同袭人进来。见了黛玉正在那里拿著一本书看。袭人陪著笑道：“姑娘怨不得劳神，起来就看书。我们宝二爷念书若能象姑娘这样，岂不好了呢。”黛玉笑著把书放下。雪雁已拿著个小茶盘里托著一钟药，一钟水，小丫头在后面捧著痰盒漱盂进来。原来袭人来时要探探口气，坐了一回，无处入话，又想著黛玉最是心多，探不成消息再惹著了他倒是不好，又坐了坐，搭讪著辞了出来了。将到怡红院门口，只见两个人在那里站著呢。袭人不便往前走，那一个早看见了，连忙跑过来。袭人一看，却是锄药，因问”你作什么？”锄药道：“刚才芸二爷来了，拿了个帖儿，说给咱们宝二爷瞧的，在这里候信。”袭人道：“宝二爷天天上学，你难道不知道，还候什么信呢。”锄药笑道：“我告诉他了。他叫告诉姑娘，听姑娘的信呢。”袭人正要说话，只见那一个也慢慢的蹭了过来，细看时，就是贾芸，溜溜湫湫往这边来了。袭人见是贾芸，连忙向锄药道：“你告诉说知道了，回来给宝二爷瞧罢。”那贾芸原要过来和袭人说话，无非亲近之意，又不敢造次，只得慢慢踱来。相离不远，不想袭人说出这话，自己也不好再往前走，只好站住。这里袭人已掉背脸往回里去了。贾芸只得怏怏而回，同锄药出去了。

晚間寶玉回房，襲人便回道：“今日廊下小芸二爺來了。”寶玉道：“作什麼？”襲人道：“他還有個帖兒呢。”寶玉道：“在那里？When Baoyu returned to his room that evening, Xiren reported, “Second Master Yun came to the veranda today.” Baoyu asked, “What did he want?” Xiren said, “He left a note for you.” Baoyu asked, “Where is it?拿來我看看。”麝月便走去在里間屋里書槅子上頭拿了來。Bring it here and let me see.” Sheyue went to the inner room and fetched it from the top of the bookcase.寶玉接過看時，上面皮兒上寫著“叔父大人安稟”。Taking it, Baoyu saw written on the outer cover: “A respectful message concerning the well-being of my honored uncle.”寶玉道：“這孩子怎麼又不認我作父親了？”襲人道：“怎麼？”寶玉道：“前年他送我白海棠時稱我作‘父親大人’今日這帖子封皮上寫著‘叔父’，可不是又不認了么。”襲人道：“他也不害臊，你也不害臊。Baoyu said, “How is it that this boy no longer acknowledges me as his father?” Xiren asked, “What do you mean?” Baoyu replied, “When he sent me the white begonias the year before last, he addressed me as his ‘honored father’; today the cover of his note says ‘uncle.’ Does that not mean he has disowned me again?” Xiren said, “He has no shame, and neither have you.他那麼大了，倒認你這麼大兒的作父親，可不是他不害臊？He is so grown-up, yet he acknowledged someone no older than you as his father—was that not shameless of him?你正經連個——”剛說到這里，臉一紅，微微的一笑。You have not even properly got a—” At this point her face reddened, and she smiled faintly.寶玉也覺得了，便道：“這倒難講。Baoyu understood her meaning and said, “That is hard to say.俗語說：‘和尚無兒，孝子多著呢。’只是我看著他還伶俐得人心兒，才這麼著，他不願意，我還不希罕呢。”說著，一面拆那帖兒，襲人也笑道：“那小芸二爺也有些鬼鬼頭頭的。As the proverb goes, ‘A monk has no sons, yet plenty who play the filial child.’ I only did it because I found him clever and likable. If he is unwilling, I have no use for him either.” As he opened the note, Xiren laughed and said, “That Second Master Yun is rather furtive too.什麼時候又要看人，什麼時侯又躲躲藏藏的，可知也是個心術不正的貨。”寶玉只顧拆開看那字兒，也不理會襲人這些話。One moment he wants to see people, and the next he is skulking out of sight; he is plainly no decent sort.” Intent on unfolding and reading the note, Baoyu paid no attention to her words.襲人見他看那帖兒，皺一回眉，又笑一笑兒，又搖搖頭兒，後來光景竟大不耐煩起來。As Xiren watched him read it, she saw him frown, then smile, then shake his head; finally, by all appearances, he grew exceedingly impatient.襲人等他看完了，問道：“是什麼事情？”寶玉也不答言，把那帖子已經撕作幾段，襲人見這般光景，也不便再問，便問寶玉吃了飯還看書不看。When he had finished, Xiren asked, “What is it about?” Baoyu did not answer, but tore the note into several pieces. Seeing his manner, Xiren thought it best not to ask again and instead inquired whether he meant to study after supper.寶玉道：“可笑芸兒這孩子竟這樣的混帳。”襲人見他所答非所問，便微微的笑著問道：“到底是什麼事？”寶玉道：“問他作什麼，咱們吃飯罷。Baoyu said, “It is absurd that this boy Yun should be such a scoundrel.” Seeing that his answer had nothing to do with her question, Xiren smiled slightly and asked, “But what is it actually about?” Baoyu said, “Why ask about him? Let us eat.吃了飯歇著罷，心里鬧的怪煩的。”說著叫小丫頭子點了一個火兒來，把那撕的帖兒燒了。After supper I shall rest; my mind is in such turmoil that I am terribly vexed.” He called for a young maid to bring a flame and burned the torn pieces of the note.

晚间宝玉回房，袭人便回道：“今日廊下小芸二爷来了。”宝玉道：“作什么？”袭人道：“他还有个帖儿呢。”宝玉道：“在那里？拿来我看看。”麝月便走去在里间屋里书槅子上头拿了来。宝玉接过看时，上面皮儿上写著“叔父大人安禀”。宝玉道：“这孩子怎么又不认我作父亲了？”袭人道：“怎么？”宝玉道：“前年他送我白海棠时称我作‘父亲大人’今日这帖子封皮上写著‘叔父’，可不是又不认了么。”袭人道：“他也不害臊，你也不害臊。他那么大了，倒认你这么大儿的作父亲，可不是他不害臊？你正经连个——”刚说到这里，脸一红，微微的一笑。宝玉也觉得了，便道：“这倒难讲。俗语说：‘和尚无儿，孝子多著呢。’只是我看著他还伶俐得人心儿，才这么著，他不愿意，我还不希罕呢。”说著，一面拆那帖儿，袭人也笑道：“那小芸二爷也有些鬼鬼头头的。什么时候又要看人，什么时侯又躲躲藏藏的，可知也是个心术不正的货。”宝玉只顾拆开看那字儿，也不理会袭人这些话。袭人见他看那帖儿，皱一回眉，又笑一笑儿，又摇摇头儿，后来光景竟大不耐烦起来。袭人等他看完了，问道：“是什么事情？”宝玉也不答言，把那帖子已经撕作几段，袭人见这般光景，也不便再问，便问宝玉吃了饭还看书不看。宝玉道：“可笑芸儿这孩子竟这样的混帐。”袭人见他所答非所问，便微微的笑著问道：“到底是什么事？”宝玉道：“问他作什么，咱们吃饭罢。吃了饭歇著罢，心里闹的怪烦的。”说著叫小丫头子点了一个火儿来，把那撕的帖儿烧了。

一時小丫頭們擺上飯來。Presently the young maids served the meal.寶玉只是怔怔的坐著，襲人連哄帶慪催著吃了一口兒飯，便擱下了，仍是悶悶的歪在床上。Baoyu merely sat there in a daze. Xiren coaxed and badgered him into eating a mouthful or two, but then he put down his chopsticks and lay gloomily askew upon the bed.一時間，忽然掉下淚來。After a while, tears suddenly began to fall.此時襲人麝月都摸不著頭腦。Neither Xiren nor Sheyue could make head or tail of it.麝月道：“好好兒的，這又是為什麼？Sheyue said, “Everything was perfectly well, so what is this about now?都是什麼芸兒雨兒的，不知什麼事弄了這麼個浪帖子來，惹的這麼傻了的似的，哭一會子，笑一會子。It is all some Yun or Yu or other—I do not know what affair made him send such a wretched note and turn you into a perfect fool, crying one moment and laughing the next.要天長日久鬧起這悶葫蘆來，可叫人怎麼受呢。”說著，竟傷起心來。If this dumb riddle is to plague us day after day, how are we supposed to endure it?” As she spoke, she herself became distressed.襲人旁邊由不得要笑，便勸道：“好妹妹，你也別慪人了。Xiren could not help laughing beside her and urged, “Dear sister, do not provoke him further.他一個人就夠受了，你又這麼著。He already has enough to bear on his own, without you carrying on like this.他那帖子上的事難道與你相干？”麝月道：“你混說起來了。Surely whatever is in that note has nothing to do with you?” Sheyue replied, “What nonsense you talk.知道他帖兒上寫的是什麼混帳話，你混往人身上扯。Who knows what outrageous things were written in his note? Do not go dragging other people into it.要那麼說，他帖兒上只怕倒與你相干呢。”襲人還未答言，只聽寶玉在床上噗哧的一聲笑了，爬起來抖了抖衣裳，說：“咱們睡覺罷，別鬧了。If you put it that way, perhaps the note has something to do with you instead.” Before Xiren could answer, they heard Baoyu burst out laughing on the bed. He scrambled up, shook out his clothes, and said, “Let us go to sleep and have no more quarrelling.明日我還起早念書呢。”說著便躺下睡了。I must rise early to study tomorrow.” With that, he lay down and went to sleep.一宿無話。Nothing more occurred that night.

一时小丫头们摆上饭来。宝玉只是怔怔的坐著，袭人连哄带怄催著吃了一口儿饭，便搁下了，仍是闷闷的歪在床上。一时间，忽然掉下泪来。此时袭人麝月都摸不著头脑。麝月道：“好好儿的，这又是为什么？都是什么芸儿雨儿的，不知什么事弄了这么个浪帖子来，惹的这么傻了的似的，哭一会子，笑一会子。要天长日久闹起这闷葫芦来，可叫人怎么受呢。”说著，竟伤起心来。袭人旁边由不得要笑，便劝道：“好妹妹，你也别怄人了。他一个人就够受了，你又这么著。他那帖子上的事难道与你相干？”麝月道：“你混说起来了。知道他帖儿上写的是什么混帐话，你混往人身上扯。要那么说，他帖儿上只怕倒与你相干呢。”袭人还未答言，只听宝玉在床上噗哧的一声笑了，爬起来抖了抖衣裳，说：“咱们睡觉罢，别闹了。明日我还起早念书呢。”说著便躺下睡了。一宿无话。

次日寶玉起來梳洗了，便往家塾里去。The next morning Baoyu rose, washed and dressed, and set off for the family school.走出院門，忽然想起，叫焙茗略等，急忙轉身回來叫：“麝月姐姐呢？”麝月答應著出來問道：“怎麼又回來了？”寶玉道：“今日芸兒要來了，告訴他別在這里鬧，再鬧我就回老太太和老爺去了。”麝月答應了，寶玉才轉身去了。Once outside the courtyard gate, a thought suddenly struck him. He told Beiming to wait, hurried back, and called, “Sister Sheyue!” Sheyue answered and came out, asking, “Why have you come back?” Baoyu said, “If Yun comes today, tell him not to make trouble here. If he does it again, I shall report him to the old lady and to my father.” Sheyue promised to do so, and only then did Baoyu turn and leave.剛往外走著，只見賈芸慌慌張張往里來，看見寶玉連忙請安，說：“叔叔大喜了。”那寶玉估量著是昨日那件事，便說道：“你也太冒失了，不管人心里有事沒事，只管來攪。”賈芸陪笑道：“叔叔不信只管瞧去，人都來了，在咱們大門口呢。”寶玉越發急了，說：“這是那里的話！”正說著，只聽外邊一片聲嚷起來。He had scarcely started out when he saw Jia Yun hurrying in. At the sight of Baoyu, Jia Yun hastened to salute him and said, “Congratulations, Uncle—joyous news!” Supposing he meant yesterday’s affair, Baoyu said, “You are far too rash. You never care whether a man has troubles on his mind; you simply come and disturb him.” Jia Yun replied with an ingratiating smile, “If you do not believe me, Uncle, go and see. They have all arrived and are at our main gate.” Baoyu grew still more agitated and said, “What can you mean?” Just then a great clamor arose outside.賈芸道：“叔叔聽這不是？”寶玉越發心里狐疑起來，只聽一個人嚷道：“你們這些人好沒規矩，這是什麼地方，你們在這里混嚷。”那人答道：“誰叫老爺升了官呢，怎麼不叫我們來吵喜呢。Jia Yun said, “Do you hear that, Uncle?” Baoyu became more suspicious than ever and heard someone shout, “What an ill-mannered lot you are! What sort of place do you think this is, that you come shouting here in disorder?” Another answered, “Why did your master have to be promoted, then? How could you expect us not to come and clamor our congratulations?別人家盼著吵還不能呢。”寶玉聽了，才知道是賈政升了郎中了，人來報喜的。Other households long for such a clamor and cannot get one.” Only then did Baoyu understand that Jia Zheng had been promoted to Director and that people had come to announce the happy news.心中自是甚喜。He was naturally delighted.連忙要走時，賈芸赶著說道：“叔叔樂不樂？He was hurrying away when Jia Yun caught up and said, “Are you pleased, Uncle?叔叔的親事要再成了，不用說是兩層喜了。”寶玉紅了臉，啐了一口道：“呸！If your marriage is settled as well, that will be double happiness, needless to say.” Baoyu flushed and spat, “Pah!沒趣兒的東西！You tiresome creature!還不快走呢。”賈芸把臉紅了道：“這有什麼的，我看你老人家就不——”寶玉沉著臉道：“就不什麼？”賈芸未及說完，也不敢言語了。Be off with you at once.” Jia Yun reddened and said, “What is there in that? To my mind, honored Uncle, you are simply not—” Baoyu’s face darkened. “Simply not what?” Before Jia Yun could finish, he lost his nerve and dared say no more.

次日宝玉起来梳洗了，便往家塾里去。走出院门，忽然想起，叫焙茗略等，急忙转身回来叫：“麝月姐姐呢？”麝月答应著出来问道：“怎么又回来了？”宝玉道：“今日芸儿要来了，告诉他别在这里闹，再闹我就回老太太和老爷去了。”麝月答应了，宝玉才转身去了。刚往外走著，只见贾芸慌慌张张往里来，看见宝玉连忙请安，说：“叔叔大喜了。”那宝玉估量著是昨日那件事，便说道：“你也太冒失了，不管人心里有事没事，只管来搅。”贾芸陪笑道：“叔叔不信只管瞧去，人都来了，在咱们大门口呢。”宝玉越发急了，说：“这是那里的话！”正说著，只听外边一片声嚷起来。贾芸道：“叔叔听这不是？”宝玉越发心里狐疑起来，只听一个人嚷道：“你们这些人好没规矩，这是什么地方，你们在这里混嚷。”那人答道：“谁叫老爷升了官呢，怎么不叫我们来吵喜呢。别人家盼著吵还不能呢。”宝玉听了，才知道是贾政升了郎中了，人来报喜的。心中自是甚喜。连忙要走时，贾芸赶著说道：“叔叔乐不乐？叔叔的亲事要再成了，不用说是两层喜了。”宝玉红了脸，啐了一口道：“呸！没趣儿的东西！还不快走呢。”贾芸把脸红了道：“这有什么的，我看你老人家就不——”宝玉沉著脸道：“就不什么？”贾芸未及说完，也不敢言语了。

寶玉連忙來到家塾中，只見代儒笑著說道：“我才剛聽見你老爺升了。Baoyu hurried to the family school, where Jia Dairu greeted him with a smile and said, “I have just heard that your father has been promoted.你今日還來了么？”寶玉陪笑道：“過來見了太爺，好到老爺那邊去。”代儒道：“今日不必來了，放你一天假罷。Why have you still come today?” Baoyu replied with a deferential smile, “I came to pay my respects to you, sir, before going over to my father.” Dairu said, “There is no need for you to attend today; I shall give you the day off.可不許回園子里頑去。But you are not to go back to the Garden to amuse yourself.你年紀不小了，雖不能辦事，也當跟著你大哥他們學學才是。”寶玉答應著回來。You are no longer a child. Though you may not yet be able to conduct affairs, you ought to follow your elder cousins and learn from them.” Baoyu assented and returned home.剛走到二門口，只見李貴走來迎著，旁邊站住笑道：“二爺來了么，奴才才要到學里請去。”寶玉笑道：“誰說的？”李貴道：“老太太才打發人到院里去找二爺，那邊的姑娘們說二爺學里去了。He had just reached the inner gate when Li Gui came to meet him, stopped at one side, and said with a smile, “So Second Master has returned? I was just about to fetch you from school.” Baoyu smiled and asked, “Who told you to?” Li Gui said, “The old lady sent someone to your courtyard just now to look for you, and the young ladies there said you had gone to school.剛才老太太打發人出來叫奴才去給二爺告幾天假，聽說還要唱戲賀喜呢，二爺就來了。”說著，寶玉自己進去。The old lady then sent someone out to tell me to obtain several days’ leave for you. I hear there is even to be a theatrical performance in celebration—but here you are already.” As he spoke, Baoyu went inside.進了二門，只見滿院里丫頭老婆都是笑容滿面，見他來了，笑道：“二爺這早晚才來，還不快進去給老太太道喜去呢。”Passing through the second gate, he found the whole courtyard full of maids and old serving-women, all wreathed in smiles. When they saw him, they laughed and said, “Second Master, what has kept you till this hour? Hurry in and offer the Old Lady your congratulations!”

宝玉连忙来到家塾中，只见代儒笑著说道：“我才刚听见你老爷升了。你今日还来了么？”宝玉陪笑道：“过来见了太爷，好到老爷那边去。”代儒道：“今日不必来了，放你一天假罢。可不许回园子里顽去。你年纪不小了，虽不能办事，也当跟著你大哥他们学学才是。”宝玉答应著回来。刚走到二门口，只见李贵走来迎著，旁边站住笑道：“二爷来了么，奴才才要到学里请去。”宝玉笑道：“谁说的？”李贵道：“老太太才打发人到院里去找二爷，那边的姑娘们说二爷学里去了。刚才老太太打发人出来叫奴才去给二爷告几天假，听说还要唱戏贺喜呢，二爷就来了。”说著，宝玉自己进去。进了二门，只见满院里丫头老婆都是笑容满面，见他来了，笑道：“二爷这早晚才来，还不快进去给老太太道喜去呢。”

寶玉笑著進了房門，只見黛玉挨著賈母左邊坐著呢，右邊是湘雲。Baoyu entered the room smiling and saw Daiyu seated close beside Grandmother Jia on her left, with Xiangyun on her right.地下邢王二夫人。Madam Xing and Madam Wang stood below.探春，惜春，李紈，鳳姐，李紋，李綺，邢岫煙一干姐妹，都在屋里，只不見寶釵，寶琴，迎春三人。Tanchun, Xichun, Li Wan, Fengjie, Li Wen, Li Qi, Xing Xiuyan, and all the other young ladies were in the room; only Baochai, Baoqin, and Yingchun were absent.寶玉此時喜的無話可說，忙給賈母道了喜，又給邢王二夫人道喜，一一見了眾姐妹，便向黛玉笑道：“妹妹身体可大好了？”黛玉也微笑道：“大好了。Baoyu was now too delighted for words. He hurriedly congratulated Grandmother Jia, then Madam Xing and Madam Wang, and greeted each of the young ladies in turn before smiling at Daiyu and asking, “Are you quite recovered now, Cousin?” Daiyu smiled faintly and replied, “Quite recovered.聽見說二哥哥身上也欠安，好了么？”寶玉道：“可不是，我那日夜里忽然心里疼起來，這幾天剛好些就上學去了，也沒能過去看妹妹。”黛玉不等他說完，早扭過頭和探春說話去了。“I heard that you too had been unwell, Second Cousin. Are you better now?” Baoyu said, “Yes, indeed. That night I suddenly had a pain in my heart. I had only just begun to feel better these last few days, and went back to school; I could not even come to see you.” Before he had finished, Daiyu had already turned away to speak to Tanchun.鳳姐在地下站著笑道：“你兩個那里象天天在一處的，倒象是客一般，有這些套話，可是人說的‘相敬如賓’了。”說的大家一笑。Standing below, Fengjie laughed and said, “You two hardly look as if you were together every day. You behave more like guests, with all these polite formalities. This must be what people call ‘respecting one another as honored guests.’” Everyone laughed.林黛玉滿臉飛紅，又不好說，又不好不說，遲了一回兒，才說道：“你懂得什麼？”眾人越發笑了。Daiyu’s face flushed scarlet. She could neither answer nor remain silent; after a moment she said, “What do you know about it?” At this, everyone laughed all the more.鳳姐一時回過味來，才知道自己出言冒失，正要拿話岔時，只見寶玉忽然向黛玉道：“林妹妹，你瞧芸兒這种冒失鬼。”說了一句，方想起來，便不言語了。Only then did Fengjie grasp the implication and realize that she had spoken rashly. Just as she was about to change the subject, Baoyu suddenly said to Daiyu, “Cousin Lin, just look at what a reckless fool Yun’er is.” No sooner had he said it than he remembered himself and fell silent.招的大家又都笑起來，說：“這從那里說起。”黛玉也摸不著頭腦，也跟著訕訕的笑。This set everyone laughing again. “Wherever did that come from?” they said. Daiyu could make neither head nor tail of it and joined in with an awkward smile.寶玉無可搭訕，因又說道：“可是剛才我聽見有人要送戲，說是幾兒？”大家都瞅著他笑。At a loss for anything to say, Baoyu added, “But just now I heard that someone was sending a theatrical troupe. What day did they say it was for?” Everyone merely looked at him and smiled.鳳姐兒道：“你在外頭聽見，你來告訴我們。Fengjie said, “You heard it outside, so you should be telling us.你這會子問誰呢？”寶玉得便說道：“我外頭再去問問去。”賈母道：“別跑到外頭去，頭一件看報喜的笑話，第二件你老子今日大喜，回來碰見你，又該生氣了。”寶玉答應了個“是”，才出來了。“Whom are you asking now?” Seizing the opportunity, Baoyu said, “I’ll go outside and ask again.” Grandmother Jia said, “Do not run outside. For one thing, you will be made sport of by the messengers bringing the good news; for another, this is a day of great joy for your father, and if he comes back and runs into you, he will only lose his temper again.” Baoyu answered, “Yes,” and then went out.

宝玉笑著进了房门，只见黛玉挨著贾母左边坐著呢，右边是湘云。地下邢王二夫人。探春，惜春，李纨，凤姐，李纹，李绮，邢岫烟一干姐妹，都在屋里，只不见宝钗，宝琴，迎春三人。宝玉此时喜的无话可说，忙给贾母道了喜，又给邢王二夫人道喜，一一见了众姐妹，便向黛玉笑道：“妹妹身体可大好了？”黛玉也微笑道：“大好了。听见说二哥哥身上也欠安，好了么？”宝玉道：“可不是，我那日夜里忽然心里疼起来，这几天刚好些就上学去了，也没能过去看妹妹。”黛玉不等他说完，早扭过头和探春说话去了。凤姐在地下站著笑道：“你两个那里象天天在一处的，倒象是客一般，有这些套话，可是人说的‘相敬如宾’了。”说的大家一笑。林黛玉满脸飞红，又不好说，又不好不说，迟了一回儿，才说道：“你懂得什么？”众人越发笑了。凤姐一时回过味来，才知道自己出言冒失，正要拿话岔时，只见宝玉忽然向黛玉道：“林妹妹，你瞧芸儿这种冒失鬼。”说了一句，方想起来，便不言语了。招的大家又都笑起来，说：“这从那里说起。”黛玉也摸不著头脑，也跟著讪讪的笑。宝玉无可搭讪，因又说道：“可是刚才我听见有人要送戏，说是几儿？”大家都瞅著他笑。凤姐儿道：“你在外头听见，你来告诉我们。你这会子问谁呢？”宝玉得便说道：“我外头再去问问去。”贾母道：“别跑到外头去，头一件看报喜的笑话，第二件你老子今日大喜，回来碰见你，又该生气了。”宝玉答应了个“是”，才出来了。

這里賈母因問鳳姐誰說送戲的話，鳳姐道：“說是舅太爺那邊說，後兒日子好，送一班新出的小戲兒給老太太，老爺，太太賀喜。”因又笑著說道：“不但日子好，還是好日子呢。”說著這話，卻瞅著黛玉笑。Grandmother Jia then asked Fengjie who had spoken of sending a theatrical troupe. Fengjie replied, “They say it was from His Lordship Uncle Wang’s household. The day after tomorrow is an auspicious day, so they are sending a newly trained troupe of young actors to congratulate you, Master, and Madam.” Then she added with a smile, “Not only is the date auspicious—it is someone’s special day as well,” looking at Daiyu as she spoke.黛玉也微笑。Daiyu smiled faintly too.王夫人因道：“可是呢，後日還是外甥女兒的好日子呢。”賈母想了一想，也笑道：“可見我如今老了，什麼事都糊涂了。Madam Wang said, “Why, yes—the day after tomorrow is also our niece’s special day.” Grandmother Jia thought for a moment and laughed. “It shows how old I have grown: everything slips my mind now.虧了有我這鳳丫頭是我個‘給事中’。“Fortunately I have my Feng-girl as my own ‘Remembrancer.’既這麼著，很好，他舅舅家給他們賀喜，你舅舅家就給你做生日，豈不好呢。”說的大家都笑起來，說道：“老祖宗說句話兒都是上篇上論的，怎麼怨得有這麼大福氣呢。”說著，寶玉進來，聽見這些話，越發樂的手舞足蹈了。“That being so, it is excellent: their uncle’s family will congratulate them, while your uncle’s family will celebrate your birthday. Could anything be better?” Everyone laughed and said, “Every word the Old Ancestress speaks is of the highest wisdom. No wonder you have been blessed with such great good fortune!” Just then Baoyu came in, and hearing this, he was so delighted that he fairly danced for joy.一時，大家都在賈母這邊吃飯，甚熱鬧，自不必說。Presently they all dined in Grandmother Jia’s apartments, amid great merriment that need not be described.飯後，那賈政謝恩回來，給宗祠里磕了頭，便來給賈母磕頭，站著說了幾句話，便出去拜客去了。After the meal, Jia Zheng returned from giving thanks at court, kowtowed in the ancestral shrine, and then came to kowtow to Grandmother Jia. He stood and spoke with her for a few moments before going out to pay ceremonial calls.這里接連著親戚族中的人來來去去，鬧鬧穰穰，車馬填門，貂蟬滿座，真是：Meanwhile, kinsmen and relatives came and went without cease. All was noise and bustle; carriages and horses crowded the gates, and the seats were filled with noble caps and robes. Truly:

这里贾母因问凤姐谁说送戏的话，凤姐道：“说是舅太爷那边说，后儿日子好，送一班新出的小戏儿给老太太，老爷，太太贺喜。”因又笑著说道：“不但日子好，还是好日子呢。”说著这话，却瞅著黛玉笑。黛玉也微笑。王夫人因道：“可是呢，后日还是外甥女儿的好日子呢。”贾母想了一想，也笑道：“可见我如今老了，什么事都糊涂了。亏了有我这凤丫头是我个‘给事中’。既这么著，很好，他舅舅家给他们贺喜，你舅舅家就给你做生日，岂不好呢。”说的大家都笑起来，说道：“老祖宗说句话儿都是上篇上论的，怎么怨得有这么大福气呢。”说著，宝玉进来，听见这些话，越发乐的手舞足蹈了。一时，大家都在贾母这边吃饭，甚热闹，自不必说。饭后，那贾政谢恩回来，给宗祠里磕了头，便来给贾母磕头，站著说了几句话，便出去拜客去了。这里接连著亲戚族中的人来来去去，闹闹穰穰，车马填门，貂蝉满座，真是：

花到正開蜂蝶鬧，月逢十足海天寬。When flowers reach full bloom, bees and butterflies throng; when the moon is perfectly round, sea and sky stretch boundless.

花到正开蜂蝶闹，月逢十足海天宽。

如此兩日，已是慶賀之期。Two days passed in this fashion, and the appointed day of celebration arrived.這日一早，王子騰和親戚家已送過一班戲來，就在賈母正廳前搭起行台。Early that morning, Wang Ziteng and the other relatives sent over a theatrical troupe, and a temporary stage was erected before Grandmother Jia’s main hall.外頭爺們都穿著公服陪侍，親戚來賀的約有十餘桌酒。Outside, all the gentlemen wore their official robes and attended the guests; the relatives who came to offer congratulations filled some ten or more banquet tables.里面為著是新戲，又見賈母高興，便將琉璃戲屏隔在後廈，里面也擺下酒席。In the inner quarters, since the plays were new and Grandmother Jia was in high spirits, a glazed theatrical screen was set up beneath the rear gallery, and banquet tables were laid there as well.上首薛姨媽一桌，是王夫人寶琴陪著，對面老太太一桌，是邢夫人岫煙陪著，下面尚空兩桌，賈母叫他們快來，一回兒，只見鳳姐領著眾丫頭，都簇擁著林黛玉來了。At the place of honor was a table for Aunt Xue, with Madam Wang and Baoqin beside her; opposite was Grandmother Jia’s table, with Madam Xing and Xiuyan beside her. Two tables below still stood empty, and Grandmother Jia called for the others to hurry. Presently Fengjie appeared, leading a crowd of maids who clustered around Lin Daiyu.黛玉略換了幾件新鮮衣服，打扮得宛如嫦娥下界，含羞帶笑的出來見了眾人。Daiyu had changed into several fresh new garments and was adorned like Chang’e descended to the mortal world. Shyly smiling, she came forward to greet everyone.湘雲，李紋，李紈都讓他上首座，黛玉只是不肯。Xiangyun, Li Wen, and Li Wan all urged her to take the place of honor, but Daiyu steadfastly refused.賈母笑道：“今日你坐了罷。”薛姨媽站起來問道：“今日林姑娘也有喜事么？”賈母笑道：“是他的生日。”薛姨媽道：“咳，我倒忘了。”走過來說道：“恕我健忘，回來叫寶琴過來拜姐姐的壽。”黛玉笑說“不敢”。Grandmother Jia laughed and said, “You must sit there today.” Aunt Xue rose and asked, “Is there some happy occasion for Miss Lin today as well?” Grandmother Jia replied with a smile, “It is her birthday.” Aunt Xue said, “Oh dear, I had quite forgotten.” She came over and said, “Forgive my poor memory. I shall have Baoqin come and offer you birthday congratulations presently.” Daiyu smiled and said, “I would not presume.”大家坐了。Everyone took their seats.那黛玉留神一看，獨不見寶釵，便問道：“寶姐姐可好么？Daiyu looked carefully around and, seeing Baochai alone was absent, asked, “Is Cousin Bao well?為什麼不過來？”薛姨媽道：“他原該來的，只因無人看家，所以不來。”黛玉紅著臉微笑道：“姨媽那里又添了大嫂子，怎麼倒用寶姐姐看起家來？“Why has she not come?” Aunt Xue replied, “She ought to have come, but there was no one to watch the house, so she stayed behind.” Blushing, Daiyu smiled and said, “But Aunt has gained a new daughter-in-law there. Why should Cousin Bao be the one left to keep house?大約是他怕人多熱鬧，懶待來罷。“I expect she dislikes such crowded, lively gatherings and could not be bothered to come.我倒怪想他的。”薛姨媽笑道：“難得你惦記他。“I have been missing her very much.” Aunt Xue laughed. “How kind of you to think of her.他也常想你們姊妹們，過一天我叫他來，大家敘敘。”“She often thinks of all you sisters too. In a day or so I shall have her come, and you can all have a good talk.”

如此两日，已是庆贺之期。这日一早，王子腾和亲戚家已送过一班戏来，就在贾母正厅前搭起行台。外头爷们都穿著公服陪侍，亲戚来贺的约有十余桌酒。里面为著是新戏，又见贾母高兴，便将琉璃戏屏隔在后厦，里面也摆下酒席。上首薛姨妈一桌，是王夫人宝琴陪著，对面老太太一桌，是邢夫人岫烟陪著，下面尚空两桌，贾母叫他们快来，一回儿，只见凤姐领著众丫头，都簇拥著林黛玉来了。黛玉略换了几件新鲜衣服，打扮得宛如嫦娥下界，含羞带笑的出来见了众人。湘云，李纹，李纨都让他上首座，黛玉只是不肯。贾母笑道：“今日你坐了罢。”薛姨妈站起来问道：“今日林姑娘也有喜事么？”贾母笑道：“是他的生日。”薛姨妈道：“咳，我倒忘了。”走过来说道：“恕我健忘，回来叫宝琴过来拜姐姐的寿。”黛玉笑说“不敢”。大家坐了。那黛玉留神一看，独不见宝钗，便问道：“宝姐姐可好么？为什么不过来？”薛姨妈道：“他原该来的，只因无人看家，所以不来。”黛玉红著脸微笑道：“姨妈那里又添了大嫂子，怎么倒用宝姐姐看起家来？大约是他怕人多热闹，懒待来罢。我倒怪想他的。”薛姨妈笑道：“难得你惦记他。他也常想你们姊妹们，过一天我叫他来，大家叙叙。”

說著，丫頭們下來斟酒上菜，外面已開戲了。As she spoke, the maids came forward to pour wine and serve the dishes, while the performance had already begun outside.出場自然是一兩出吉慶戲文，乃至第三出，只見金童玉女，旗幡寶幢，引著一個霓裳羽衣的小旦，頭上披著一條黑帕，唱了一回兒進去了。The opening pieces were naturally one or two auspicious plays. In the third, a Golden Boy and Jade Maiden appeared with banners and jeweled standards, leading a young female role dressed in rainbow skirts and feathered robes, with a black veil over her head. She sang for a while and then withdrew.眾皆不識，聽見外面人說：“這是新打的《蕊珠記》里的《冥升》。No one recognized the piece, but they heard someone outside explain, “This is ‘Ascension from the Netherworld,’ from the newly written Record of the Pearl-Stamen Palace.小旦扮的是嫦娥，前因墮落人寰，幾乎給人為配，幸虧觀音點化，他就未嫁而逝，此時升引月宮。“The young female role is Chang’e. Because she had formerly fallen into the mortal world, she nearly became a man’s wife; fortunately Guanyin enlightened her, and she died unwed. She is now being escorted up to the Moon Palace.不聽見曲里頭唱的‘人間只道風情好，那知道秋月春花容易拋，幾乎不把廣寒宮忘卻了！’”第四出是《吃糠》，第五出是達摩帶著徒弟過江回去，正扮出些海市蜃樓，好不熱鬧。“Did you not hear the words she sang: ‘Mortals say that love is sweet, but little know how lightly autumn moon and springtime flowers are cast away; I nearly forgot the Palace of Vast Cold altogether!’” The fourth piece was Eating Chaff, and the fifth showed Bodhidharma returning across the river with his disciples, amid visions of mirage cities upon the sea—a splendidly lively spectacle.

说著，丫头们下来斟酒上菜，外面已开戏了。出场自然是一两出吉庆戏文，乃至第三出，只见金童玉女，旗幡宝幢，引著一个霓裳羽衣的小旦，头上披著一条黑帕，唱了一回儿进去了。众皆不识，听见外面人说：“这是新打的《蕊珠记》里的《冥升》。小旦扮的是嫦娥，前因堕落人寰，几乎给人为配，幸亏观音点化，他就未嫁而逝，此时升引月宫。不听见曲里头唱的‘人间只道风情好，那知道秋月春花容易抛，几乎不把广寒宫忘却了！’”第四出是《吃糠》，第五出是达摩带著徒弟过江回去，正扮出些海市蜃楼，好不热闹。

眾人正在高興時，忽見薛家的人滿頭汗闖進來，向薛蝌說道：“二爺快回去，并里頭回明太太也請速回去，家中有要事。”薛蝌道：“什麼事？”家人道：“家去說罷。”薛蝌也不及告辭就走了。Just as everyone was enjoying themselves, a servant from the Xue household burst in, his head streaming with sweat, and said to Xue Ke, “Second Master, come home quickly. Please also send word inside that Madam must return at once. Something urgent has happened at home.” Xue Ke asked, “What is it?” The servant replied, “I will tell you at home.” Without even taking time to say farewell, Xue Ke left.薛姨媽見里頭丫頭傳進話去，更駭得面如土色，即忙起身，帶著寶琴，別了一聲，即刻上車回去了。When the message was carried inside by a maid, Aunt Xue was so terrified that her face turned ashen. She rose at once, took Baoqin with her, hastily said goodbye, and immediately returned home by carriage.弄得內外愕然。Everyone, inside and out, was left dumbfounded.賈母道：“咱們這里打發人跟過去聽聽，到底是什麼事，大家都關切的。”眾人答應了個“是”。Grandmother Jia said, “Let us send someone after them to learn exactly what has happened. We are all concerned.” The others assented.不說賈府依舊唱戲，單說薛姨媽回去，只見有兩個衙役站在二門口，幾個當舖里伙計陪著，說：“太太回來自有道理。”正說著，薛姨媽已進來了。Leaving the Jia household to continue with the plays, let us speak only of Aunt Xue’s return home. She found two yamen runners standing at the second gate, accompanied by several clerks from the pawnshop, who were saying, “Everything can be explained when Madam returns.” As they spoke, Aunt Xue arrived.那衙役們見跟從著許多男婦簇擁著一位老太太，便知是薛蟠之母。When the runners saw an elderly lady being escorted by a large crowd of male and female attendants, they knew she must be Xue Pan’s mother.看見這個勢派，也不敢怎麼，只得垂手侍立，讓薛姨媽進去了。Awed by such an imposing display, they dared not make trouble, but stood respectfully with hands lowered and let Aunt Xue pass inside.

众人正在高兴时，忽见薛家的人满头汗闯进来，向薛蝌说道：“二爷快回去，并里头回明太太也请速回去，家中有要事。”薛蝌道：“什么事？”家人道：“家去说罢。”薛蝌也不及告辞就走了。薛姨妈见里头丫头传进话去，更骇得面如土色，即忙起身，带著宝琴，别了一声，即刻上车回去了。弄得内外愕然。贾母道：“咱们这里打发人跟过去听听，到底是什么事，大家都关切的。”众人答应了个“是”。不说贾府依旧唱戏，单说薛姨妈回去，只见有两个衙役站在二门口，几个当铺里伙计陪著，说：“太太回来自有道理。”正说著，薛姨妈已进来了。那衙役们见跟从著许多男妇簇拥著一位老太太，便知是薛蟠之母。看见这个势派，也不敢怎么，只得垂手侍立，让薛姨妈进去了。

那薛姨媽走到廳房後面，早聽見有人大哭，卻是金桂。As Aunt Xue reached the rear of the main hall, she heard someone wailing loudly. It was Jingui.薛姨媽赶忙走來，只見寶釵迎出來，滿面淚痕，見了薛姨媽，便道：“媽媽聽了先別著急，辦事要緊。”薛姨媽同著寶釵進了屋子，因為頭里進門時已經走著聽見家人說了，嚇的戰戰兢兢的了，一面哭著，因問：“到底是和誰？”只見家人回道：“太太此時且不必問那些底細，憑他是誰，打死了總是要償命的，且商量怎麼辦才好。”薛姨媽哭著出來道：“還有什麼商議？”家人道：“依小的們的主見，今夜打點銀兩同著二爺赶去和大爺見了面，就在那里訪一個有斟酌的刀筆先生，許他些銀子，先把死罪撕擄開，回來再求賈府去上司衙門說情。Aunt Xue hurried over and saw Baochai coming out to meet her, her face streaked with tears. At sight of Aunt Xue, she said, “Mother, do not panic when you hear what has happened. The important thing is to deal with it.” Aunt Xue entered the room with Baochai. On her way in, she had already heard the servants’ account and was trembling with fear. Weeping, she asked, “But whom did he fight with?” A servant replied, “Madam need not ask all the particulars just now. Whoever it was, if the man was beaten to death, a life must be paid for a life. We had better discuss what can be done.” Aunt Xue came out weeping and said, “What is there left to discuss?” The servant answered, “In our humble opinion, tonight we should prepare some silver and hurry there with Second Master to see Eldest Master. Once there, we can find a shrewd legal scrivener and promise him a sum of money, so that he may first disentangle Eldest Master from the capital charge. Then we can ask the Jia household to intercede with the higher authorities.還有外面的衙役，太太先拿出幾兩銀子來打發了他們。“There are also the yamen runners outside. Madam should first give us a few taels of silver to send them away.我們好赶著辦事。”薛姨媽道：“你們找著那家子，許他發送銀子，再給他些養濟銀子，原告不追，事情就緩了。”寶釵在帘內說道：“媽媽，使不得。“Then we can hurry on with the business.” Aunt Xue said, “Find the dead man’s family and promise them money for the funeral, as well as something for their support. If the complainants do not press the charge, the matter will ease.” From behind the curtain Baochai said, “Mother, you must not.這些事越給錢越鬧的凶，倒是剛才小廝說的話是。”薛姨媽又哭道：“我也不要命了，赶到那里見他一面，同他死在一處就完了。”寶釵急的一面勸，一面在帘子里叫人”快同二爺辦去罷。”丫頭們攙進薛姨媽來。“The more money you give in such matters, the fiercer the trouble becomes. What the servant just proposed is the proper course.” Aunt Xue wailed again, “I no longer care whether I live or die. I shall hurry there, see him once, and die together with him—that will end it.” In great distress, Baochai tried to soothe her while calling from behind the curtain, “Hurry and go make the arrangements with Second Master.” The maids helped Aunt Xue inside.薛蝌才往外走，寶釵道：“有什麼信打發人即刻寄了來，你們只管在外頭照料。”薛蝌答應著去了。Just as Xue Ke was leaving, Baochai said, “As soon as there is any news, send someone back with it at once. You need only attend to matters outside.” Xue Ke assented and departed.這寶釵方勸薛姨媽，那里金桂趁空兒抓住香菱，又和他嚷道：“平常你們只管夸他們家里打死了人一點事也沒有，就進京來了的，如今攛掇的真打死人了。Only then did Baochai begin consoling Aunt Xue. Meanwhile, seizing her chance, Jingui caught hold of Xiangling and shouted at her again: “You people were always boasting that a man had been beaten to death in your family and nothing at all came of it—that was how you managed to come to the capital. Now, after all your urging, someone really has been beaten to death.平日里只講有錢有勢有好親戚，這時侯我看著也是唬的慌手慌腳的了。“You were forever talking of your money, influence, and powerful relatives; but now I see you are frightened out of your wits and do not know what to do.大爺明兒有個好歹兒不能回來時，你們各自干你們的去了，撂下我一個人受罪！”說著，又大哭起來。“If anything happens to Eldest Master tomorrow and he cannot return, each of you will go off about your own affairs and leave me alone to suffer!” With that, she burst into loud sobs again.這里薛姨媽聽見，越發氣的發昏。When Aunt Xue heard this, she became so enraged that she nearly fainted.寶釵急的沒法。Baochai was frantic and at her wits’ end.正鬧著，只見賈府中王夫人早打發大丫頭過來打聽來了。In the midst of the uproar, a senior maid arrived from the Jia household; Madam Wang had already sent her to inquire what had happened.寶釵雖心知自己是賈府的人了，一則尚未提明，二則事急之時，只得向那大丫頭道：“此時事情頭尾尚未明白，就只聽見說我哥哥在外頭打死了人被縣里拿了去了，也不知怎麼定罪呢。Though Baochai knew in her heart that she now belonged to the Jia household, the matter had not yet been openly settled, and the present emergency left her no choice but to tell the senior maid, “The whole course of the affair is still unclear. All we have heard is that my brother killed a man while away from home and has been arrested by the county authorities. We do not yet know what sentence he may receive.剛才二爺才去打聽去了，一半日得了准信，赶著就給那邊太太送信去。“Second Master has only just gone to investigate. As soon as we have reliable news, probably later today, we shall send word to Madam over there at once.你先回去道謝太太惦記著，底下我們還有多少仰仗那邊爺們的地方呢。”那丫頭答應著去了。“Please go back first and thank Madam for her concern. There will be many ways in which we must depend upon the gentlemen of that household.” The maid assented and left.薛姨媽和寶釵在家抓摸不著。Aunt Xue and Baochai remained at home, unable to discover what was happening.

那薛姨妈走到厅房后面，早听见有人大哭，却是金桂。薛姨妈赶忙走来，只见宝钗迎出来，满面泪痕，见了薛姨妈，便道：“妈妈听了先别著急，办事要紧。”薛姨妈同著宝钗进了屋子，因为头里进门时已经走著听见家人说了，吓的战战兢兢的了，一面哭著，因问：“到底是和谁？”只见家人回道：“太太此时且不必问那些底细，凭他是谁，打死了总是要偿命的，且商量怎么办才好。”薛姨妈哭著出来道：“还有什么商议？”家人道：“依小的们的主见，今夜打点银两同著二爷赶去和大爷见了面，就在那里访一个有斟酌的刀笔先生，许他些银子，先把死罪撕掳开，回来再求贾府去上司衙门说情。还有外面的衙役，太太先拿出几两银子来打发了他们。我们好赶著办事。”薛姨妈道：“你们找著那家子，许他发送银子，再给他些养济银子，原告不追，事情就缓了。”宝钗在帘内说道：“妈妈，使不得。这些事越给钱越闹的凶，倒是刚才小厮说的话是。”薛姨妈又哭道：“我也不要命了，赶到那里见他一面，同他死在一处就完了。”宝钗急的一面劝，一面在帘子里叫人”快同二爷办去罢。”丫头们搀进薛姨妈来。薛蝌才往外走，宝钗道：“有什么信打发人即刻寄了来，你们只管在外头照料。”薛蝌答应著去了。这宝钗方劝薛姨妈，那里金桂趁空儿抓住香菱，又和他嚷道：“平常你们只管夸他们家里打死了人一点事也没有，就进京来了的，如今撺掇的真打死人了。平日里只讲有钱有势有好亲戚，这时侯我看著也是唬的慌手慌脚的了。大爷明儿有个好歹儿不能回来时，你们各自干你们的去了，撂下我一个人受罪！”说著，又大哭起来。这里薛姨妈听见，越发气的发昏。宝钗急的没法。正闹著，只见贾府中王夫人早打发大丫头过来打听来了。宝钗虽心知自己是贾府的人了，一则尚未提明，二则事急之时，只得向那大丫头道：“此时事情头尾尚未明白，就只听见说我哥哥在外头打死了人被县里拿了去了，也不知怎么定罪呢。刚才二爷才去打听去了，一半日得了准信，赶著就给那边太太送信去。你先回去道谢太太惦记著，底下我们还有多少仰仗那边爷们的地方呢。”那丫头答应著去了。薛姨妈和宝钗在家抓摸不著。

過了兩日，只見小廝回來，拿了一封書交給小丫頭拿進來。Two days later, a page returned with a letter and handed it to a young maid to take inside.寶釵拆開看時，書內寫著：When Baochai opened it, she found it read:

过了两日，只见小厮回来，拿了一封书交给小丫头拿进来。宝钗拆开看时，书内写著：

大哥人命是誤傷，不是故殺。Elder Brother’s homicide was an accidental killing, not intentional murder.今早用蝌出名補了一張呈紙進去，尚未批出。This morning, using Ke’s name, I submitted a supplementary petition, which has not yet been endorsed.大哥前頭口供甚是不好，待此紙批准後再錄一堂，能夠翻供得好，便可得生了。Elder Brother’s earlier deposition was extremely unfavorable. Once this petition is approved, he will be examined again; if he can revise his testimony convincingly, his life may be spared.快向當舖內再取銀五百兩來使用。Quickly draw another five hundred taels of silver from the pawnshop for expenses.千萬莫遲。On no account delay.并請太太放心。Please also tell Madam not to worry.餘事問小廝。Ask the page about everything else.

大哥人命是误伤，不是故杀。今早用蝌出名补了一张呈纸进去，尚未批出。大哥前头口供甚是不好，待此纸批准后再录一堂，能够翻供得好，便可得生了。快向当铺内再取银五百两来使用。千万莫迟。并请太太放心。余事问小厮。

寶釵看了，一一念給薛姨媽聽了。After reading the letter, Baochai read every word aloud to Aunt Xue.薛姨媽拭著眼淚說道：“這麼看起來，竟是死活不定了。”寶釵道：“媽媽先別傷心，等著叫進小廝來問明了再說。”一面打發小丫頭把小廝叫進來。Wiping away her tears, Aunt Xue said, “From this, it seems that whether he lives or dies is still uncertain.” Baochai replied, “Mother, do not grieve yet. Let us call the page in and question him thoroughly before we say more.” She sent a young maid to summon him.薛姨媽便問小廝道：“你把大爺的事細說與我聽聽。”小廝道：“我那一天晚上聽見大爺和二爺說的，把我唬糊涂了。”未知小廝說出什麼話來，下回分解。Aunt Xue asked the page, “Tell me every detail of Eldest Master’s affair.” The page replied, “That evening, when I heard what Eldest Master and Second Master were saying, I was frightened out of my senses.” What the page had to tell will be revealed in the next chapter.

宝钗看了，一一念给薛姨妈听了。薛姨妈拭著眼泪说道：“这么看起来，竟是死活不定了。”宝钗道：“妈妈先别伤心，等著叫进小厮来问明了再说。”一面打发小丫头把小厮叫进来。薛姨妈便问小厮道：“你把大爷的事细说与我听听。”小厮道：“我那一天晚上听见大爷和二爷说的，把我唬糊涂了。”未知小厮说出什么话来，下回分解。