第八十六回　受私賄老官翻案牘　寄閒情淑女解琴書 A Bribed Official Reverses a Verdict; A Gentle Maiden Finds Solace in the Zither

話說薛姨媽聽了薛蝌的來書，因叫進小廝問道：“你聽見你大爺說，到底是怎麼就把人打死了呢？”小廝道：“小的也沒聽真切。It is told that when Aunt Xue heard the letter Xue Ke had sent, she summoned the young servant and asked, “Did you hear your master say exactly how he came to beat the man to death?” The servant replied, “I did not hear it very clearly either.那一日大爺告訴二爺說。”說著回頭看了一看，見無人，才說道：“大爺說自從家里鬧的特利害，大爺也沒心腸了，所以要到南邊置貨去。That day, Master told Second Master about it.” Here he turned and looked around; seeing no one, he continued, “Master said that ever since the terrible turmoil at home, he had lost all heart, and so meant to go south to purchase goods.這日想著約一個人同行，這人在咱們這城南二百多地住。That day he wanted to arrange for someone to travel with him; this man lived more than two hundred li south of our city.大爺找他去了，遇見在先和大爺好的那個蔣玉菡帶著些小戲子進城。Master went to find him and happened to meet Jiang Yuhan, who used to be friendly with Master, entering the city with several young actors.大爺同他在個舖子里吃飯喝酒，因為這當槽兒的盡著拿眼瞟蔣玉菡，大爺就有了氣了。Master ate and drank with him in a tavern, and because the wine-server kept casting glances at Jiang Yuhan, Master grew angry.後來蔣玉菡走了。Later Jiang Yuhan left.第二天，大爺就請找的那個人喝酒，酒後想起頭一天的事來，叫那當槽兒的換酒，那當槽兒的來遲了，大爺就罵起來了。The next day Master invited the man he had gone to find for a drink. After drinking, he recalled what had happened the day before and told the wine-server to change the wine; when the fellow was slow in coming, Master began cursing him.那個人不依，大爺就拿起酒碗照他打去。The fellow would not stand for it, so Master picked up a wine-bowl and struck at him.誰知那個人也是個潑皮，便把頭伸過來叫大爺打。Who would have thought that the fellow was a ruffian himself? He thrust his head forward and dared Master to hit him.大爺拿碗就砸他的腦袋一下，他就冒了血了，躺在地下，頭里還罵，後頭就不言語了。”薛姨媽道：“怎麼也沒人勸勸嗎？”那小廝道：“這個沒聽見大爺說，小的不敢妄言。”薛姨媽道：“你先去歇歇罷。”小廝答應出來。Master smashed the bowl against his head; blood came pouring out, and he fell to the floor. At first he kept cursing, but presently he fell silent.” Aunt Xue asked, “Did no one try to stop them?” The servant replied, “I never heard Master say anything about that, so I dare not invent an answer.” Aunt Xue said, “Go and rest for now.” The servant assented and withdrew.這里薛姨媽自來見王夫人，托王夫人轉求賈政。Aunt Xue then went to see Lady Wang and asked her to intercede with Jia Zheng on her behalf.賈政問了前後，也只好含糊應了，只說等薛蝌遞了呈子，看他本縣怎麼批了再作道理。After asking how it had all happened, Jia Zheng could only give a vague promise, saying they must wait until Xue Ke submitted a petition and see what ruling the county magistrate made before deciding what to do.

话说薛姨妈听了薛蝌的来书，因叫进小厮问道：“你听见你大爷说，到底是怎么就把人打死了呢？”小厮道：“小的也没听真切。那一日大爷告诉二爷说。”说著回头看了一看，见无人，才说道：“大爷说自从家里闹的特利害，大爷也没心肠了，所以要到南边置货去。这日想著约一个人同行，这人在咱们这城南二百多地住。大爷找他去了，遇见在先和大爷好的那个蒋玉菡带著些小戏子进城。大爷同他在个铺子里吃饭喝酒，因为这当槽儿的尽著拿眼瞟蒋玉菡，大爷就有了气了。后来蒋玉菡走了。第二天，大爷就请找的那个人喝酒，酒后想起头一天的事来，叫那当槽儿的换酒，那当槽儿的来迟了，大爷就骂起来了。那个人不依，大爷就拿起酒碗照他打去。谁知那个人也是个泼皮，便把头伸过来叫大爷打。大爷拿碗就砸他的脑袋一下，他就冒了血了，躺在地下，头里还骂，后头就不言语了。”薛姨妈道：“怎么也没人劝劝吗？”那小厮道：“这个没听见大爷说，小的不敢妄言。”薛姨妈道：“你先去歇歇罢。”小厮答应出来。这里薛姨妈自来见王夫人，托王夫人转求贾政。贾政问了前后，也只好含糊应了，只说等薛蝌递了呈子，看他本县怎么批了再作道理。

這里薛姨媽又在當舖里兌了銀子，叫小廝赶著去了。Meanwhile, Aunt Xue exchanged some money at the pawnshop and sent the servant hurrying back with it.三日後果有回信。Three days later, a reply duly arrived.薛姨媽接著了，即叫小丫頭告訴寶釵，連忙過來看了。As soon as Aunt Xue received it, she sent a little maid to tell Baochai, who hurried over to read it.只見書上寫道：The letter read:

这里薛姨妈又在当铺里兑了银子，叫小厮赶著去了。三日后果有回信。薛姨妈接著了，即叫小丫头告诉宝钗，连忙过来看了。只见书上写道：

帶去銀兩做了衙門上下使費。The silver brought here has been spent on fees for everyone, high and low, at the yamen.哥哥在監也不大吃苦，請太太放心。Elder Brother is not suffering greatly in prison, so please set your mind at ease, Mother.獨是這里的人很刁，尸親見證都不依，連哥哥請的那個朋友也幫著他們。The only trouble is that the people here are very obstinate: neither the dead man’s relatives nor the witnesses will yield, and even the friend Elder Brother invited is taking their side.我與李祥兩個俱系生地生人，幸找著一個好先生，許他銀子，才討個主意，說是須得拉扯著同哥哥喝酒的吳良，弄人保出他來，許他銀兩，叫他撕擄。Li Xiang and I are both complete strangers here. Fortunately, we found a good adviser; only after promising him silver did we obtain a plan. He said we must draw in Wu Liang, who was drinking with Elder Brother, get someone to stand surety and secure his release, then promise him money and tell him to disentangle the affair.他若不依，便說張三是他打死，明推在异鄉人身上，他吃不住，就好辦了。If he refuses, we are to say that he killed Zhang San himself and deliberately shifted the blame onto a stranger from another district. He will not be able to withstand that, and then the matter will be easy to arrange.我依著他，果然吳良出來。I followed his advice, and Wu Liang has indeed been released.現在買囑尸親見證，又做了一張呈子。We are now bribing the dead man’s relatives and the witnesses, and have drawn up another petition.前日遞的，今日批來，請看呈底便知。It was submitted the day before yesterday, and the ruling came back today. You will understand when you read the copy of the petition.

带去银两做了衙门上下使费。哥哥在监也不大吃苦，请太太放心。独是这里的人很刁，尸亲见证都不依，连哥哥请的那个朋友也帮著他们。我与李祥两个俱系生地生人，幸找著一个好先生，许他银子，才讨个主意，说是须得拉扯著同哥哥喝酒的吴良，弄人保出他来，许他银两，叫他撕掳。他若不依，便说张三是他打死，明推在异乡人身上，他吃不住，就好办了。我依著他，果然吴良出来。现在买嘱尸亲见证，又做了一张呈子。前日递的，今日批来，请看呈底便知。

因又念呈底道：She then read aloud the copy of the petition:

具呈人某，呈為兄遭飛禍代伸冤抑事。The petitioner, So-and-so, respectfully submits this plea to seek redress for an elder brother overtaken by sudden calamity and wrongfully accused.竊生胞兄薛蟠，本籍南京，寄寓西京。Your humble petitioner’s own elder brother, Xue Pan, is a native of Nanjing and presently resides in the Western Capital.于某年月日備本往南貿易。On such-and-such a day of such-and-such a month and year, he took capital with him and set out southward to trade.去未數日，家奴送信回家，說遭人命。Only a few days after his departure, a family servant brought word home that he had become involved in a homicide.生即奔憲治，知兄誤傷張姓，及至囹圄。Your humble petitioner immediately hastened to Your Excellency’s jurisdiction and learned that his brother, having accidentally injured a man surnamed Zhang, had been cast into prison.据兄泣告，實與張姓素不相認，并無仇隙。According to his brother’s tearful account, he had never known the man surnamed Zhang, and there was neither hatred nor grievance between them.偶因換酒角口，生兄將酒潑地，恰值張三低頭拾物，一時失手，酒碗誤碰鹵門身死。They happened to quarrel over changing the wine. Your petitioner’s brother dashed the wine onto the ground just as Zhang San bent down to pick something up; losing his grip for a moment, he accidentally struck Zhang San on the crown with the wine-bowl, causing his death.蒙恩拘訊，兄懼受刑，承認斗毆致死。By Your Excellency’s gracious order he was detained and questioned; fearing torture, he confessed to causing death in a brawl.仰蒙憲天仁慈，知有冤抑，尚未定案。Relying upon Your Excellency’s heavenlike benevolence, which perceived that an injustice might have occurred, the case has not yet been finally decided.生兄在禁，具呈訴辯，有干例禁。As your humble petitioner’s brother is in custody, regulations forbid him to submit a petition in his own defense.生念手足，冒死代呈，伏乞憲慈恩准，提證質訊，開恩莫大。Mindful of the bonds of brotherhood, your humble petitioner risks death to plead in his stead, prostrate in entreaty that Your Excellency mercifully permit the witnesses to be summoned and confronted. No greater grace could be bestowed.生等舉家仰戴鴻仁，永永無既矣。Your humble petitioner and his entire household shall look up in gratitude to this vast benevolence forever without end.激切上呈。In utmost urgency, this petition is respectfully submitted.

具呈人某，呈为兄遭飞祸代伸冤抑事。窃生胞兄薛蟠，本籍南京，寄寓西京。于某年月日备本往南贸易。去未数日，家奴送信回家，说遭人命。生即奔宪治，知兄误伤张姓，及至囹圄。据兄泣告，实与张姓素不相认，并无仇隙。偶因换酒角口，生兄将酒泼地，恰值张三低头拾物，一时失手，酒碗误碰卤门身死。蒙恩拘讯，兄惧受刑，承认斗殴致死。仰蒙宪天仁慈，知有冤抑，尚未定案。生兄在禁，具呈诉辩，有干例禁。生念手足，冒死代呈，伏乞宪慈恩准，提证质讯，开恩莫大。生等举家仰戴鸿仁，永永无既矣。激切上呈。

批的是：The ruling read:

尸場檢驗，證据确鑿。The examination at the scene of death produced conclusive evidence.且并未用刑，爾兄自認斗殺，招供在案。Moreover, no torture was employed; your brother himself confessed to killing the man in a fight, and his signed deposition is on file.今爾遠來，并非目睹，何得捏詞妄控。You have now come from afar and did not witness the event. How dare you fabricate a statement and lodge a false accusation?理應治罪，姑念為兄情切，且恕。By rights you should be punished; but in consideration of your earnest concern for your brother, you are for the present forgiven.不准。Petition denied.

尸场检验，证据确凿。且并未用刑，尔兄自认斗杀，招供在案。今尔远来，并非目睹，何得捏词妄控。理应治罪，姑念为兄情切，且恕。不准。

薛姨媽聽到那里，說道：“這不是救不過來了么。When Aunt Xue heard this, she cried, “Does this not mean there is no saving him?這怎麼好呢！”寶釵道：“二哥的書還沒看完，後面還有呢。”因又念道：“有要緊的問來使便知。”薛姨媽便問來人，因說道：“縣里早知我們的家當充足，須得在京里謀干得大情，再送一分大禮，還可以复審，從輕定案。What are we to do!” Baochai said, “Second Brother’s letter is not finished; there is more below.” She continued reading: “For important details, question the bearer.” Aunt Xue therefore questioned the messenger, who said, “The county authorities have long known that our family is wealthy. We must secure the help of someone highly influential in the capital and send another handsome gift. Then the case can be retried and the sentence reduced.太太此時必得快辦，再遲了就怕大爺要受苦了。”Madam must act quickly now. If there is any further delay, I fear Master will suffer.”

薛姨妈听到那里，说道：“这不是救不过来了么。这怎么好呢！”宝钗道：“二哥的书还没看完，后面还有呢。”因又念道：“有要紧的问来使便知。”薛姨妈便问来人，因说道：“县里早知我们的家当充足，须得在京里谋干得大情，再送一分大礼，还可以复审，从轻定案。太太此时必得快办，再迟了就怕大爷要受苦了。”

薛姨媽聽了，叫小廝自去，即刻又到賈府與王夫人說明原故，懇求賈政。On hearing this, Aunt Xue dismissed the servant and immediately went again to the Jia residence, explained the circumstances to Lady Wang, and earnestly begged Jia Zheng for help.賈政只肯托人與知縣說情，不肯提及銀物。Jia Zheng would consent only to ask someone to intercede with the magistrate; he refused to mention money or gifts.薛姨媽恐不中用，求鳳姐與賈璉說了，花上幾千銀子，才把知縣買通。Fearing this would be of no use, Aunt Xue asked Xifeng to speak to Jia Lian. Only after several thousand taels had been spent was the magistrate bought over.薛蝌那里也便弄通了。Xue Ke also managed to arrange matters at his end.然後知縣挂牌坐堂，傳齊了一干鄰保證見屍親人等，監里提出薛蟠。The magistrate then hung out his sign and took his seat in court. He summoned all the neighborhood guarantors, witnesses, and relatives of the dead man, and had Xue Pan brought from prison.刑房書吏俱一一點名。The clerks of the criminal office called each name in turn.知縣便叫地保對明初供，又叫尸親張王氏并屍叔張二問話。The magistrate first ordered the local constable to confirm his original deposition, then called the dead man’s mother, née Wang, and his uncle Zhang Er for questioning.張王氏哭稟道：“小的的男人是張大，南鄉里住，十八年前死了。Weeping, Zhang Wang-shi testified, “My husband was Zhang Da. We lived in the southern countryside, and he died eighteen years ago.大兒子二兒子也都死了，光留下這個死的兒子叫張三，今年二十三歲，還沒有娶女人呢。My eldest and second sons died too, leaving me only this son who has now been killed. His name was Zhang San; he was twenty-three this year and had not yet taken a wife.為小人家里窮，沒得養活，在李家店里做當槽兒的。Because our family was poor and had no means of supporting itself, he worked as a wine-server at the Li Family Inn.那一天晌午，李家店里打發人來叫俺，說‘你兒子叫人打死了。”我的青天老爺，小的就唬死了。At noon that day, someone from the Li Family Inn came to fetch me, saying, ‘Your son has been beaten to death.’ O my clear-sighted lord, I nearly died of fright.跑到那里，看見我兒子頭破血出的躺在地下喘氣兒，問他話也說不出來，不多一會兒就死了。I ran there and saw my son lying on the ground, his head broken and bleeding, still gasping for breath. He could not answer when I spoke to him, and before long he died.小人就要揪住這個小雜种拼命。”眾衙役吆喝一聲。I wanted to seize this little bastard and fight him to the death.” The yamen runners roared at her.張王氏便磕頭道：“求青天老爺伸冤，小人就只這一個兒子了。”知縣便叫下去，又叫李家店的人問道：“那張三是你店內佣工的么？”那李二回道：“不是佣工，是做當槽兒的。”知縣道：“那日屍場上你說張三是薛蟠將碗砸死的，你親眼見的么。”李二說道：“小的在柜上，聽見說客房里要酒。Zhang Wang-shi kowtowed and said, “I beg my clear-sighted lord to redress this wrong. He was my only remaining son.” The magistrate ordered her to withdraw, then called a man from the Li Family Inn and asked, “Was Zhang San a hired hand in your establishment?” Li Er replied, “He was not a hired hand; he served the wine.” The magistrate said, “At the inquest you said that Xue Pan killed Zhang San by smashing him with a bowl. Did you see it with your own eyes?” Li Er answered, “I was at the counter when I heard the guests in the private room call for wine.不多一回，便聽見說‘不好了，打傷了。’小的跑進去，只見張三躺在地下，也不能言語。Before long, I heard someone cry, ‘Disaster! Someone has been hurt!’ I ran in and saw Zhang San lying on the floor, unable to speak.小的便喊稟地保，一面報他母親去了。I called for the local constable to be informed, while someone else went to notify his mother.他們到底怎樣打的，實在不知道，求太爺問那喝酒的便知道了。”知縣喝道：“初審口供，你是親見的，怎麼如今說沒有見？”李二道：“小的前日唬昏了亂說。”衙役又吆喝了一聲。I truly do not know how they came to blows. If Your Honor questions the men who were drinking, you will learn the truth.” The magistrate shouted, “In your deposition at the first hearing, you said you witnessed it. Why do you now say that you did not?” Li Er replied, “The other day I was frightened out of my wits and spoke wildly.” The yamen runners gave another roar.知縣便叫吳良問道：“你是同在一處喝酒的么？The magistrate then summoned Wu Liang and asked, “Were you drinking there with them?薛蟠怎麼打的，据實供來。”吳良說：“小的那日在家，這個薛大爺叫我喝酒。Give a truthful account of how Xue Pan struck him.” Wu Liang said, “That day I was at home when Master Xue invited me out to drink.他嫌酒不好要換，張三不肯。He found the wine poor and demanded another kind, but Zhang San refused.薛大爺生氣把酒向他臉上潑去，不曉得怎麼樣就碰在那腦袋上了。Master Xue grew angry and splashed the wine toward his face; somehow the bowl struck him on the head.這是親眼見的。”知縣道：“胡說。I saw it with my own eyes.” The magistrate said, “Nonsense!前日屍場上薛蟠自己認拿碗砸死的，你說你親眼見的，怎麼今日的供不對？At the inquest the other day, Xue Pan himself admitted smashing him to death with the bowl, and you said you witnessed it. Why does your testimony today not agree?掌嘴。”衙役答應著要打，吳良求著說：“薛蟠實沒有與張三打架，酒碗失手碰在腦袋上的。Slap his mouth!” The runners assented and moved to strike him, but Wu Liang pleaded, “Xue Pan truly did not fight with Zhang San; the wine-bowl slipped from his hand and struck him on the head.求老爺問薛蟠便是恩典了。”知縣叫提薛蟠，問道：“你與張三到底有什麼仇隙？If Your Lordship will question Xue Pan, it will be an act of grace.” The magistrate ordered Xue Pan brought in and asked, “What grudge did you actually bear Zhang San?畢竟是如何死的，實供上來。”薛蟠道：“求太老爺開恩，小的實沒有打他。How exactly did he die? Make a truthful confession.” Xue Pan said, “I beg Your Excellency for mercy. I truly did not strike him.為他不肯換酒，故拿酒潑他，不想一時失手，酒碗誤碰在他的腦袋上。Because he refused to change the wine, I splashed wine at him; unexpectedly, the bowl slipped from my hand and accidentally struck his head.小的即忙掩他的血，那里知道再掩不住，血淌多了，過一回就死了。I hurried at once to staunch the bleeding, but who could have known it would not stop? He lost so much blood that after a while he died.前日屍場上怕太老爺要打，所以說是拿碗砸他的。At the inquest the other day, I feared Your Excellency would have me beaten, so I said I had smashed him with the bowl.只求太爺開恩。”知縣便喝道：“好個糊涂東西！I beg only for Your Honor’s mercy.” The magistrate shouted, “What a muddle-headed wretch you are!本縣問你怎麼砸他的，你便供說惱他不換酒才砸的，今日又供是失手碰的。”知縣假作聲勢，要打要夾，薛蟠一口咬定。When I asked how you had smashed him, you confessed that you had done so because you were angry at his refusing to change the wine; today you claim the bowl slipped and struck him accidentally.” The magistrate made a great show of threatening the rod and the leg-press, but Xue Pan obstinately adhered to this story.知縣叫仵作將前日屍場填寫傷痕据實報來。The magistrate ordered the coroner to report truthfully the injuries recorded at the earlier inquest.仵作稟報說：“前日驗得張三屍身無傷，惟鹵門有磁器傷長一寸七分，深五分，皮開，鹵門骨脆裂破三分。The coroner reported, “When Zhang San’s body was examined the other day, no injuries were found except a wound from a piece of porcelain on the crown of the head, one inch and seven-tenths long and five-tenths deep. The skin was split, and the fragile crown bone was cracked and broken to a depth of three-tenths.實系磕碰傷。”知縣查對屍格相符，早知書吏改輕，也不駁詰，胡亂便叫畫供。It was indeed an injury caused by an accidental collision.” The magistrate checked that this agreed with the postmortem report. He had long known that the clerks had altered the injuries to make them appear less serious, but he raised no objection and carelessly ordered the depositions signed.張王氏哭喊道：“青天老爺！Zhang Wang-shi cried out, “O clear-sighted lord!前日聽見還有多少傷，怎麼今日都沒有了？”知縣道：“這婦人胡說，現有屍格，你不知道么。”叫屍叔張二便問道：“你侄兒身死，你知道有幾處傷？”張二忙供道：“腦袋上一傷。”知縣道：“可又來。”叫書吏將屍格給張王氏瞧去，并叫地保、屍叔指明與他瞧，現有屍場親押證見俱供并未打架，不為鬪毆。The other day I heard there were many other injuries. How have they all vanished today?” The magistrate said, “The woman is talking nonsense. The postmortem report is here before us; do you know nothing of it?” He summoned the dead man’s uncle, Zhang Er, and asked, “How many wounds do you know your nephew had when he died?” Zhang Er hurriedly testified, “One wound on the head.” The magistrate said, “There, you see.” He ordered a clerk to show Zhang Wang-shi the postmortem report, and told the local constable and the dead man’s uncle to point out its contents to her. The men who had personally signed as witnesses at the inquest had all testified that there had been no fight and that this was not a case of death in a brawl.只依誤傷吩咐畫供。He ordered them merely to sign depositions finding accidental injury.將薛蟠監禁候詳，餘令原保領出，退堂。Xue Pan was remanded in custody pending confirmation by the higher authorities; the others were released into the charge of their original guarantors, and the court adjourned.張王氏哭著亂嚷，知縣叫眾衙役攆他出去。Zhang Wang-shi wept and shouted incoherently, and the magistrate ordered the yamen runners to drive her out.張二也勸張王氏道：“實在誤傷，怎麼賴人。Zhang Er also urged her, “It truly was an accidental injury; why falsely accuse another man?現在太老爺斷明，不要胡鬧了。”薛蝌在外打聽明白，心內喜歡，便差人回家送信。His Excellency has now judged the matter clearly, so stop making trouble.” Having learned outside what had happened, Xue Ke was delighted and sent someone home with the news.等批詳回來，便好打點贖罪，且住著等信。Once the higher authorities’ confirmation came back, they could arrange to redeem the offense with a fine; for now, he remained there awaiting word.只聽路上三三兩兩傳說，有個貴妃薨了，皇上輟朝三日。Meanwhile, people along the road were saying in twos and threes that an Imperial Consort had died and that the Emperor had suspended court for three days.這里離陵寢不遠，知縣辦差墊道，一時料著不得閒，住在這里無益，不如到監告訴哥哥安心等著，“我回家去，過幾日再來。”薛蟠也怕母親痛苦，帶信說：“我無事，必須衙門再使費幾次，便可回家了。As the place was not far from the imperial mausoleum, the magistrate would be busy with official duties and preparing the roads, and was unlikely to have any leisure for some time. Xue Ke thought it useless to remain, and decided to tell his brother in prison to wait without anxiety: “I shall go home and return in a few days.” Xue Pan, fearing that his mother was suffering too, sent word: “Nothing is wrong with me. We need only spend money at the yamen a few more times, and I shall be able to come home.只是不要可惜銀錢。”Only do not begrudge the money.”

薛姨妈听了，叫小厮自去，即刻又到贾府与王夫人说明原故，恳求贾政。贾政只肯托人与知县说情，不肯提及银物。薛姨妈恐不中用，求凤姐与贾琏说了，花上几千银子，才把知县买通。薛蝌那里也便弄通了。然后知县挂牌坐堂，传齐了一干邻保证见尸亲人等，监里提出薛蟠。刑房书吏俱一一点名。知县便叫地保对明初供，又叫尸亲张王氏并尸叔张二问话。张王氏哭禀道：“小的的男人是张大，南乡里住，十八年前死了。大儿子二儿子也都死了，光留下这个死的儿子叫张三，今年二十三岁，还没有娶女人呢。为小人家里穷，没得养活，在李家店里做当槽儿的。那一天晌午，李家店里打发人来叫俺，说‘你儿子叫人打死了。”我的青天老爷，小的就唬死了。跑到那里，看见我儿子头破血出的躺在地下喘气儿，问他话也说不出来，不多一会儿就死了。小人就要揪住这个小杂种拼命。”众衙役吆喝一声。张王氏便磕头道：“求青天老爷伸冤，小人就只这一个儿子了。”知县便叫下去，又叫李家店的人问道：“那张三是你店内佣工的么？”那李二回道：“不是佣工，是做当槽儿的。”知县道：“那日尸场上你说张三是薛蟠将碗砸死的，你亲眼见的么。”李二说道：“小的在柜上，听见说客房里要酒。不多一回，便听见说‘不好了，打伤了。’小的跑进去，只见张三躺在地下，也不能言语。小的便喊禀地保，一面报他母亲去了。他们到底怎样打的，实在不知道，求太爷问那喝酒的便知道了。”知县喝道：“初审口供，你是亲见的，怎么如今说没有见？”李二道：“小的前日唬昏了乱说。”衙役又吆喝了一声。知县便叫吴良问道：“你是同在一处喝酒的么？薛蟠怎么打的，据实供来。”吴良说：“小的那日在家，这个薛大爷叫我喝酒。他嫌酒不好要换，张三不肯。薛大爷生气把酒向他脸上泼去，不晓得怎么样就碰在那脑袋上了。这是亲眼见的。”知县道：“胡说。前日尸场上薛蟠自己认拿碗砸死的，你说你亲眼见的，怎么今日的供不对？掌嘴。”衙役答应著要打，吴良求著说：“薛蟠实没有与张三打架，酒碗失手碰在脑袋上的。求老爷问薛蟠便是恩典了。”知县叫提薛蟠，问道：“你与张三到底有什么仇隙？毕竟是如何死的，实供上来。”薛蟠道：“求太老爷开恩，小的实没有打他。为他不肯换酒，故拿酒泼他，不想一时失手，酒碗误碰在他的脑袋上。小的即忙掩他的血，那里知道再掩不住，血淌多了，过一回就死了。前日尸场上怕太老爷要打，所以说是拿碗砸他的。只求太爷开恩。”知县便喝道：“好个糊涂东西！本县问你怎么砸他的，你便供说恼他不换酒才砸的，今日又供是失手碰的。”知县假作声势，要打要夹，薛蟠一口咬定。知县叫仵作将前日尸场填写伤痕据实报来。仵作禀报说：“前日验得张三尸身无伤，惟卤门有磁器伤长一寸七分，深五分，皮开，卤门骨脆裂破三分。实系磕碰伤。”知县查对尸格相符，早知书吏改轻，也不驳诘，胡乱便叫画供。张王氏哭喊道：“青天老爷！前日听见还有多少伤，怎么今日都没有了？”知县道：“这妇人胡说，现有尸格，你不知道么。”叫尸叔张二便问道：“你侄儿身死，你知道有几处伤？”张二忙供道：“脑袋上一伤。”知县道：“可又来。”叫书吏将尸格给张王氏瞧去，并叫地保、尸叔指明与他瞧，现有尸场亲押证见俱供并未打架，不为鬪殴。只依误伤吩咐画供。将薛蟠监禁候详，余令原保领出，退堂。张王氏哭著乱嚷，知县叫众衙役撵他出去。张二也劝张王氏道：“实在误伤，怎么赖人。现在太老爷断明，不要胡闹了。”薛蝌在外打听明白，心内喜欢，便差人回家送信。等批详回来，便好打点赎罪，且住著等信。只听路上三三两两传说，有个贵妃薨了，皇上辍朝三日。这里离陵寝不远，知县办差垫道，一时料著不得闲，住在这里无益，不如到监告诉哥哥安心等著，“我回家去，过几日再来。”薛蟠也怕母亲痛苦，带信说：“我无事，必须衙门再使费几次，便可回家了。只是不要可惜银钱。”

薛蝌留下李祥在此照料，一徑回家，見了薛姨媽，陳說知縣怎樣徇情，怎樣審斷，終定了誤傷，將來尸親那里再花些銀子，一准贖罪，便沒事了。Xue Ke left Li Xiang there to attend to matters and went straight home. On seeing Aunt Xue, he described how the magistrate had bent the law for them and conducted the hearing, and how the case had finally been ruled an accidental injury. Once a little more silver had been spent on the dead man’s relatives, the offense would certainly be redeemable by a fine and the whole affair would be over.薛姨媽聽說，暫且放心，說：“正盼你來家中照應。Aunt Xue was temporarily reassured by this news and said, “I have been longing for you to return and look after things at home.賈府里本該謝去，況且周貴妃薨了，他們天天進去，家里空落落的。We ought to go and thank the Jia family; besides, Imperial Consort Zhou has died, and they go into the Palace every day, leaving the house quite deserted.我想著要去替姨太太那邊照應照應作伴兒，只是咱們家又沒人。I have been thinking of going over to help your aunt and keep her company, but then there would be no one in our own household.你這來的正好。”薛蝌道：“我在外頭原聽見說是賈妃薨了，這麼才赶回來的。You have returned at exactly the right time.” Xue Ke said, “Outside, I heard that Imperial Consort Jia had died, and that was why I hurried home.我們元妃好好兒的，怎麼說死了？”薛姨媽道：“上年原病過一次，也就好了。Our Consort Yuan was perfectly well—how could they say she had died?” Aunt Xue said, “She did fall ill once last year, but she recovered.這回又沒聽見元妃有什麼病。This time we had heard nothing of Consort Yuan being ill.只聞那府里頭幾天老太太不大受用，合上眼便看見元妃娘娘。We only heard that a few days ago the Old Lady was feeling unwell, and whenever she closed her eyes she saw Her Highness Consort Yuan.眾人都不放心，直至打聽起來，又沒有什麼事。Everyone was anxious, but when they made inquiries, nothing had happened.到了大前兒晚上，老太太親口說是‘怎麼元妃獨自一個人到我這里？’眾人只道是病中想的話，總不信。Then, on the evening before last, the Old Lady herself said, ‘Why has Consort Yuan come here all alone?’ Everyone thought it was merely something imagined in her illness and would not believe it.老太太又說：‘你們不信，元妃還與我說是榮華易盡，須要退步抽身。’眾人都說：‘誰不想到？The Old Lady said again, ‘You do not believe me, but Consort Yuan also told me that splendor and glory soon come to an end, and one must know when to step back and withdraw.’ Everyone said, ‘Who does not have such thoughts?這是有年紀的人思前想後的心事。’所以也不當件事。They are merely the reflections of an old person looking back and ahead.’ So no one treated it as anything of consequence.恰好第二天早起，里頭吵嚷出來說娘娘病重，宣各誥命進去請安。But early the very next morning, a commotion came from the Palace announcing that Her Highness was gravely ill and summoning all titled ladies to enter and pay their respects.他們就驚疑的了不得，赶著進去。They were utterly shocked and alarmed, and hurried into the Palace.他們還沒有出來，我們家里已聽見周貴妃薨逝了。Before they had even returned, our household had already heard that Imperial Consort Zhou had passed away.你想外頭的訛言，家里的疑心，恰碰在一處，可奇不奇！”寶釵道：“不但是外頭的訛言舛錯，便在家里的，一聽見‘娘娘’兩個字，也就都忙了，過後才明白。Just think: the false rumors outside and the suspicions at home happened to coincide. Is that not extraordinary?” Baochai said, “Not only were the rumors outside confused and mistaken; even those at home, the moment they heard the words ‘Her Highness,’ were thrown into a panic, and only afterward understood.這兩天那府里這些丫頭婆子來說，他們早知道不是咱們家的娘娘。These past two days, maids and old women from that household have come and said that they knew from the start it was not our own Imperial Consort.我說：‘你們那里拿得定呢？’他說道：‘前幾年正月，外省荐了一個算命的，說是很准。I said, ‘How could you be so certain?’ They replied, ‘Several years ago, in the first month, someone from another province recommended a fortune-teller, saying that he was very accurate.那老太太叫人將元妃八字夾在丫頭們八字里頭，送出去叫他推算。The Old Lady had Consort Yuan’s Eight Characters mixed among those of the maids and sent them out for him to calculate.他獨說這正月初一日生日的那位姑娘只怕時辰錯了，不然真是個貴人，也不能在這府中。He singled out the young lady born on the first day of the first month and said that her hour of birth was probably wrong; otherwise, she was truly a person of exalted destiny and could not remain in this household.老爺和眾人說，不管他錯不錯，照八字算去。Master and the others told him to ignore whether it was wrong and calculate according to the Eight Characters as given.那先生便說，甲申年正月丙寅這四個字內有傷官敗財，惟申字內有正官祿馬，這就是家里養不住的，也不見什麼好。The gentleman then said that within the four characters jiashen year, first month, bingyin, there were the signs of the Wounding Officer and Ruined Wealth; only within the character shen were the Proper Officer, Emolument, and Horse. This meant she could not be kept at home, yet it did not appear particularly auspicious.這日子是乙卯，初春木旺，雖是比肩，那里知道愈比愈好，就象那個好木料，愈經斫削，才成大器。The day was yimao, and wood flourishes in early spring. Although it represented Peer Shoulders, who could have known that the more it was matched, the better it became? It was like fine timber, which only becomes a great vessel after repeated cutting and shaping.獨喜得時上什麼辛金為貴，什麼巳中正官祿馬獨旺，這叫作飛天祿馬格。What especially pleased him was that some xin metal in the hour pillar conferred nobility, and that the Proper Officer, Emolument, and Horse flourished uniquely within si; this was called the Flying Celestial Emolument-and-Horse configuration.又說什麼日祿歸時，貴重的很，天月二德坐本命，貴受椒房之寵。He also said something about the day’s emolument returning to the hour, making the destiny exceedingly noble; the Heavenly and Monthly Virtues sat within the natal chart, and she would nobly enjoy the favor of the imperial bedchamber.這位姑娘若是時辰准了，定是一位主子娘娘。If this young lady’s hour of birth was correct, she was destined to become an imperial mistress and consort.這不是算准了么！Was that not an accurate prediction!我們還記得說，可惜榮華不久，只怕遇著寅年卯月，這就是比而又比，劫而又劫，譬如好木，太要做玲瓏剔透，本質就不堅了。We also remember him saying that, regrettably, her splendor and glory would not last long; he feared that when a yin year met a mao month, it would be matching upon matching and plundering upon plundering. It would be like fine timber carved too insistently into exquisite openwork until its very substance ceased to be strong.他們把這些話都忘記了，只管瞎忙。They had forgotten all this and merely kept themselves blindly busy.我才想起來告訴我們大奶奶，今年那里是寅年卯月呢。”寶釵尚未說完，薛蝌急道：“且不要管人家的事，既有這樣個神仙算命的，我想哥哥今年什麼惡星照命，遭這麼橫禍，快開八字與我給他算去，看有妨礙么。”寶釵道：“他是外省來的，不知如今在京不在了。”It has only just occurred to me to tell our young mistress that this year is indeed a yin year and a mao month.” Before Baochai had finished, Xue Ke interjected eagerly, “Never mind other people’s affairs for now. Since there is such a divinely gifted fortune-teller, I wonder what baleful star rules Elder Brother’s fate this year, that he should meet with such a sudden calamity. Quickly write out his Eight Characters, and I shall take them to be read and see whether any danger threatens him.” Baochai said, “The man came from another province; I do not know whether he is still in the capital.”

薛蝌留下李祥在此照料，一径回家，见了薛姨妈，陈说知县怎样徇情，怎样审断，终定了误伤，将来尸亲那里再花些银子，一准赎罪，便没事了。薛姨妈听说，暂且放心，说：“正盼你来家中照应。贾府里本该谢去，况且周贵妃薨了，他们天天进去，家里空落落的。我想著要去替姨太太那边照应照应作伴儿，只是咱们家又没人。你这来的正好。”薛蝌道：“我在外头原听见说是贾妃薨了，这么才赶回来的。我们元妃好好儿的，怎么说死了？”薛姨妈道：“上年原病过一次，也就好了。这回又没听见元妃有什么病。只闻那府里头几天老太太不大受用，合上眼便看见元妃娘娘。众人都不放心，直至打听起来，又没有什么事。到了大前儿晚上，老太太亲口说是‘怎么元妃独自一个人到我这里？’众人只道是病中想的话，总不信。老太太又说：‘你们不信，元妃还与我说是荣华易尽，须要退步抽身。’众人都说：‘谁不想到？这是有年纪的人思前想后的心事。’所以也不当件事。恰好第二天早起，里头吵嚷出来说娘娘病重，宣各诰命进去请安。他们就惊疑的了不得，赶著进去。他们还没有出来，我们家里已听见周贵妃薨逝了。你想外头的讹言，家里的疑心，恰碰在一处，可奇不奇！”宝钗道：“不但是外头的讹言舛错，便在家里的，一听见‘娘娘’两个字，也就都忙了，过后才明白。这两天那府里这些丫头婆子来说，他们早知道不是咱们家的娘娘。我说：‘你们那里拿得定呢？’他说道：‘前几年正月，外省荐了一个算命的，说是很准。那老太太叫人将元妃八字夹在丫头们八字里头，送出去叫他推算。他独说这正月初一日生日的那位姑娘只怕时辰错了，不然真是个贵人，也不能在这府中。老爷和众人说，不管他错不错，照八字算去。那先生便说，甲申年正月丙寅这四个字内有伤官败财，惟申字内有正官禄马，这就是家里养不住的，也不见什么好。这日子是乙卯，初春木旺，虽是比肩，那里知道愈比愈好，就象那个好木料，愈经斫削，才成大器。独喜得时上什么辛金为贵，什么巳中正官禄马独旺，这叫作飞天禄马格。又说什么日禄归时，贵重的很，天月二德坐本命，贵受椒房之宠。这位姑娘若是时辰准了，定是一位主子娘娘。这不是算准了么！我们还记得说，可惜荣华不久，只怕遇著寅年卯月，这就是比而又比，劫而又劫，譬如好木，太要做玲珑剔透，本质就不坚了。他们把这些话都忘记了，只管瞎忙。我才想起来告诉我们大奶奶，今年那里是寅年卯月呢。”宝钗尚未说完，薛蝌急道：“且不要管人家的事，既有这样个神仙算命的，我想哥哥今年什么恶星照命，遭这么横祸，快开八字与我给他算去，看有妨碍么。”宝钗道：“他是外省来的，不知如今在京不在了。”

說著，便打點薛姨媽往賈府去。With that, they made arrangements for Aunt Xue to go to the Jia residence.到了那里，只有李紈探春等在家接著，便問道：“大爺的事怎麼樣了？”薛姨媽道：“等詳上司才定，看來也到不了死罪了。”這才大家放心。When she arrived, only Li Wan, Tanchun, and the others were at home to receive her. They asked, “How stands the eldest master’s case?” Aunt Xue replied, “We must wait until the particulars have been submitted to the higher authorities before it is settled, but it seems unlikely now that he will receive the death penalty.” At this, everyone felt relieved.探春便道：“昨晚太太想著說，上回家里有事，全仗姨太太照應，如今自己有事，也難提了。Tanchun said, “Last night, Mother was saying that when trouble befell our household before, we relied entirely upon you, Aunt, to look after things; but now that you have troubles of your own, it is difficult even to bring the matter up.心里只是不放心。”薛姨媽道：“我在家里也是難過。Still, she cannot help feeling anxious.” Aunt Xue said, “I too have been miserable at home.只是你大哥遭了事，你二兄弟又辦事去了，家里你姐姐一個人，中什麼用？But your elder cousin has met with disaster, and your second cousin has gone away to attend to the case; what use can your cousin Baochai be, alone in the house?況且我們媳婦兒又是個不大曉事的，所以不能脫身過來。Besides, our daughter-in-law is none too sensible, so I have been unable to get away and come here.目今那里知縣也正為預備周貴妃的差事，不得了結案件，所以你二兄弟回來了，我才得過來看看。”李紈便道：“請姨太太這里住幾天更好。”薛姨媽點頭道：“我也要在這邊給你們姐妹們作作伴兒，就只你寶妹妹冷靜些。”惜春道：“姨媽要惦著，為什麼不把寶姐姐也請過來？”薛姨媽笑著說道：“使不得。”惜春道：“怎麼使不得？At present, the magistrate there is also frantically busy preparing for the visit of Imperial Consort Zhou and cannot conclude the case. Only when your second cousin returned was I able to come and see you.” Li Wan said, “It would be still better if you stayed here for a few days, Aunt.” Aunt Xue nodded. “I too should like to stay and keep you girls company; only your cousin Baochai will be rather lonely.” Xichun said, “If you are worried about her, Aunt, why not invite Sister Baochai here as well?” Aunt Xue smiled and said, “That would never do.” Xichun asked, “Why not?他先怎麼住著來呢？”李紈道：“你不懂的，人家家里如今有事，怎麼來呢。”惜春也信以為實，不便再問。How was it that she could live here before?” Li Wan said, “You do not understand. With all that is happening in her family now, how could she come?” Xichun took this to be the true reason and did not like to ask further.正說著，賈母等回來。While they were still talking, Grandmother Jia and the others returned.見了薛姨媽，也顧不得問好，便問薛蟠的事。On seeing Aunt Xue, they had no time even for greetings before asking about Xue Pan’s case.薛姨媽細述了一遍。Aunt Xue gave them a detailed account of it.寶玉在旁聽見什麼蔣玉菡一段，當著眾人不問，心里打量是”他既回了京，怎麼不來瞧我？”又見寶釵也不過來，不知是怎麼個原故。Standing nearby, Baoyu heard the part about Jiang Yuhan. He did not ask about him in front of everyone, but thought to himself, “If he has returned to the capital, why has he not come to see me?” He also noticed that Baochai had not come and wondered what the reason might be.心內正自呆呆的想呢，恰好黛玉也來請安。As he stood there brooding vacantly, Daiyu happened to arrive to pay her respects.寶玉稍覺心里喜歡，便把想寶釵的念頭打斷，同著姊妹們在老太太那里吃了晚飯。Baoyu’s spirits lifted somewhat, and his thoughts of Baochai were interrupted. He ate supper at the Old Lady’s quarters with the other girls.大家散了，薛姨媽將就住在老太太的套間屋里。When everyone dispersed, Aunt Xue made do with a room in the suite adjoining the Old Lady’s.

说著，便打点薛姨妈往贾府去。到了那里，只有李纨探春等在家接著，便问道：“大爷的事怎么样了？”薛姨妈道：“等详上司才定，看来也到不了死罪了。”这才大家放心。探春便道：“昨晚太太想著说，上回家里有事，全仗姨太太照应，如今自己有事，也难提了。心里只是不放心。”薛姨妈道：“我在家里也是难过。只是你大哥遭了事，你二兄弟又办事去了，家里你姐姐一个人，中什么用？况且我们媳妇儿又是个不大晓事的，所以不能脱身过来。目今那里知县也正为预备周贵妃的差事，不得了结案件，所以你二兄弟回来了，我才得过来看看。”李纨便道：“请姨太太这里住几天更好。”薛姨妈点头道：“我也要在这边给你们姐妹们作作伴儿，就只你宝妹妹冷静些。”惜春道：“姨妈要惦著，为什么不把宝姐姐也请过来？”薛姨妈笑著说道：“使不得。”惜春道：“怎么使不得？他先怎么住著来呢？”李纨道：“你不懂的，人家家里如今有事，怎么来呢。”惜春也信以为实，不便再问。正说著，贾母等回来。见了薛姨妈，也顾不得问好，便问薛蟠的事。薛姨妈细述了一遍。宝玉在旁听见什么蒋玉菡一段，当著众人不问，心里打量是”他既回了京，怎么不来瞧我？”又见宝钗也不过来，不知是怎么个原故。心内正自呆呆的想呢，恰好黛玉也来请安。宝玉稍觉心里喜欢，便把想宝钗的念头打断，同著姊妹们在老太太那里吃了晚饭。大家散了，薛姨妈将就住在老太太的套间屋里。

寶玉回到自己房中，換了衣服，忽然想起蔣玉菡給的汗巾，便向襲人道：“你那一年沒有系的那條紅汗巾子還有沒有？”襲人道：“我擱著呢。Baoyu returned to his own room and changed his clothes. Suddenly remembering the sash Jiang Yuhan had given him, he asked Xiren, “Do you still have that red sash you did not wear that year?” Xiren replied, “I have put it away.問他做什麼？”寶玉道：“我白問問。”襲人道：“你沒有聽見，薛大爺相與這些混帳人，所以鬧到人命關天。Why do you ask about it?” Baoyu said, “I was only asking.” Xiren said, “Did you not hear? It was because Master Xue associated with such scoundrels that he became embroiled in a case involving a man’s life.你還提那些作什麼？Why bring up people like that still?有這樣白操心，倒不如靜靜兒的念念書，把這些個沒要緊的事撂開了也好。”寶玉道：“我并不鬧什麼，偶然想起，有也罷，沒也罷，我白問一聲，你們就有這些話。”襲人笑道：“并不是我多話。Instead of troubling yourself over such things for no reason, you would do better to study quietly and put all these pointless matters out of your mind.” Baoyu said, “I am not making any trouble. I happened to remember it, and whether you have it or not makes no difference; I merely asked, and at once you have all this to say.” Xiren laughed. “It is not that I mean to talk too much.一個人知書達理，就該往上巴結才是。Once a person understands books and good conduct, he ought to strive to better himself.就是心愛的人來了，也叫他瞧著喜歡尊敬啊。”寶玉被襲人一提，便說：“了不得，方才我在老太太那邊，看見人多，沒有與妹妹說話。Then even when someone dear to him comes, that person will be pleased by what he sees and will respect him.” Prompted by Xiren’s words, Baoyu exclaimed, “Oh, no! Just now at the Old Lady’s, there were so many people that I did not speak to Cousin Daiyu.他也不曾理我，散的時候他先走了，此時必在屋里。She did not pay any attention to me either, and when everyone dispersed, she left first. She must be in her room now.我去就來。”說著就走。I shall go and be right back.” With that, he set off.襲人道：“快些回來罷，這都是我提頭兒，倒招起你的高興來了。”Xiren said, “Come back quickly! It was I who started this, and now I have gone and put you in high spirits.”

宝玉回到自己房中，换了衣服，忽然想起蒋玉菡给的汗巾，便向袭人道：“你那一年没有系的那条红汗巾子还有没有？”袭人道：“我搁著呢。问他做什么？”宝玉道：“我白问问。”袭人道：“你没有听见，薛大爷相与这些混帐人，所以闹到人命关天。你还提那些作什么？有这样白操心，倒不如静静儿的念念书，把这些个没要紧的事撂开了也好。”宝玉道：“我并不闹什么，偶然想起，有也罢，没也罢，我白问一声，你们就有这些话。”袭人笑道：“并不是我多话。一个人知书达理，就该往上巴结才是。就是心爱的人来了，也叫他瞧著喜欢尊敬啊。”宝玉被袭人一提，便说：“了不得，方才我在老太太那边，看见人多，没有与妹妹说话。他也不曾理我，散的时候他先走了，此时必在屋里。我去就来。”说著就走。袭人道：“快些回来罢，这都是我提头儿，倒招起你的高兴来了。”

寶玉也不答言，低著頭，一徑走到瀟湘館來。Baoyu made no answer. With his head lowered, he walked straight to the Xiaoxiang Lodge.只見黛玉靠在桌上看書。There he found Daiyu leaning against the table, reading.寶玉走到跟前，笑說道：“妹妹早回來了。”黛玉也笑道：“你不理我，我還在那里做什麼！”寶玉一面笑說：“他們人多說話，我插不下嘴去，所以沒有和你說話。”一面瞧著黛玉看的那本書。Baoyu went up to her and said with a smile, “You came back early, Cousin.” Daiyu smiled too. “You took no notice of me, so what was there for me to stay for?” “There were so many of them talking that I could not get a word in,” Baoyu explained with a smile, “so I had no chance to speak to you,” while looking at the book Daiyu was reading.書上的字一個也不認得，有的象“芍”字，有的象“茫”字，也有一個“大”字旁邊“九”字加上一勾，中間又添個“五”字，也有上頭“五”字“六”字又添一個“木”字，底下又是一個“五”字，看著又奇怪，又納悶，便說：“妹妹近日愈發進了，看起天書來了。”黛玉嗤的一聲笑道：“好個念書的人，連個琴譜都沒有見過。”寶玉道：“琴譜怎麼不知道，為什麼上頭的字一個也不認得。He could not recognize a single character in it. Some resembled the character shao, others mang; elsewhere there was something like the character da with jiu beside it and a hook added, with the character wu inserted in the middle; and elsewhere again the characters wu and liu appeared at the top with a mu added, and another wu underneath. The stranger it looked, the more puzzled he became. “You have advanced further than ever in your studies, Cousin,” he said. “Now you are reading books from heaven.” Daiyu gave a snorting laugh. “What a fine scholar you are, never even to have seen a qin score!” Baoyu said, “Of course I know what a qin score is, but why can I not recognize a single character in it?妹妹你認得么？”黛玉道：“不認得瞧他做什麼？”寶玉道：“我不信，從沒有聽見你會撫琴。Can you recognize them, Cousin?” Daiyu replied, “If I could not, why should I be looking at it?” Baoyu said, “I do not believe you. I have never heard that you could play the qin.我們書房里挂著好幾張，前年來了一個清客先生叫做什麼嵇好古，老爺煩他撫了一曲。Several qin hang in our study. The year before last, a gentlemanly hanger-on came to see us, named Ji Haogu or something of the sort, and Father asked him to play a piece.他取下琴來說，都使不得，還說：‘老先生若高興，改日攜琴來請教。’想是我們老爺也不懂，他便不來了。He took the qin down and said that none of them was fit to play, adding, ‘If you are interested, venerable sir, I shall bring my own qin another day and seek your instruction.’ I suppose Father did not understand the instrument either, for the man never came again.怎麼你有本事藏著？”黛玉道：“我何嘗真會呢。How is it that you have been hiding such a skill?” Daiyu replied, “It is not as though I can truly play.前日身上略覺舒服，在大書架上翻書，看有一套琴譜，甚有雅趣，上頭講的琴理甚通，手法說的也明白，真是古人靜心養性的工夫。The other day, when I felt somewhat better, I was looking through the books on the large shelves and found a set of qin manuals. They were most refined and engaging: their discussion of the instrument’s principles was very sound, and their explanation of the fingering was clear. It truly is an art by which the ancients calmed the mind and cultivated the character.我在揚州也聽得講究過，也曾學過，只是不弄了，就沒有了。In Yangzhou, I heard the art discussed and even studied it for a time; but after I stopped practising, whatever skill I had disappeared.這果真是‘三日不彈，手生荊棘。’前日看這幾篇沒有曲文，只有操名。It is truly as the saying goes: ‘If one does not play for three days, thorns grow from one’s fingers.’ The pieces I looked at the other day had no accompanying texts, only the names of the melodies.我又到別處找了一本有曲文的來看著，才有意思。So I found elsewhere another book containing pieces with texts; only then did they become interesting to read.究竟怎麼彈得好，實在也難。Still, it is truly difficult to play them well.書上說的師曠鼓琴能來風雷龍鳳，孔圣人尚學琴于師襄，一操便知其為文王，高山流水，得遇知音。”說到這里，眼皮兒微微一動，慢慢的低下頭去。The books say that when Shi Kuang played the qin he could summon wind and thunder, dragons and phoenixes; that even the Sage Kong studied the qin under Shi Xiang and, upon playing a single piece, knew its subject to be King Wen; and that the player of ‘High Mountains and Flowing Water’ was fortunate enough to meet one who understood his music.” At this point, her eyelids flickered slightly, and she slowly lowered her head.寶玉正聽得高興，便道：“好妹妹，你才說的實在有趣，只是我才見上頭的字都不認得，你教我幾個呢。”黛玉道：“不用教的，一說便可以知道的。”寶玉道：“我是個糊涂人，得教我那個‘大’字加一勾，中間一個‘五’字的。”黛玉笑道：“這‘大’字‘九’字是用左手大拇指按琴上的九徽，這一勾加‘五’字是右手鉤五弦。Baoyu had been listening with delight. “Dear Cousin,” he said, “what you have just told me is truly fascinating. But I could not recognize any of the symbols I saw just now. Teach me a few of them.” Daiyu replied, “There is no need for lessons; once they are explained, you understand them.” Baoyu said, “I am a muddle-headed fellow. You must teach me the one made of da with a hook and a wu in the middle.” Daiyu laughed. “The da and jiu tell you to press the ninth stud of the qin with the left thumb; the hook with the wu tells you to pluck the fifth string inward with the right hand.并不是一個字，乃是一聲，是极容易的。It is not a single character but the notation for a single note, and it is extremely simple.還有吟，揉，綽，注，撞，走，飛，推等法，是講究手法的。”寶玉樂得手舞足蹈的說：“好妹妹，你既明琴理，我們何不學起來。”黛玉道：“琴者，禁也。There are also techniques called vibrate, knead, rise, press, strike, glide, fly, and push, all of which concern the movements of the fingers.” Baoyu was so delighted that he waved his arms and stamped his feet. “Dear Cousin, since you understand the principles of the qin, why should we not begin learning it?” Daiyu said, “Qin means restraint.古人制下，原以治身，涵養性情，抑其淫蕩，去其奢侈。The ancients created it originally for self-discipline: to nurture one’s nature and emotions, curb wanton impulses, and cast off extravagance.若要撫琴，必擇靜室高齋，或在層樓的上頭，在林石的里面，或是山巔上，或是水涯上。If one wishes to play the qin, one must choose a quiet chamber in some lofty retreat, or the upper floor of a many-storied building, amid woods and rocks, on a mountaintop, or beside the water.再遇著那天地清和的時候，風清月朗，焚香靜坐，心不外想，氣血和平，才能與神合靈，與道合妙。Then one must wait for a time when heaven and earth are clear and harmonious, the breeze pure and the moon bright; one burns incense and sits in stillness, the mind free from outward distractions and the vital energies and blood in peaceful balance. Only then can one’s spirit join with the numinous and one’s art unite with the subtlety of the Way.所以古人說‘知音難遇’。That is why the ancients said, ‘One who truly understands the music is hard to find.’若無知音，宁可獨對著那清風明月，蒼松怪石，野猿老鶴，撫弄一番，以寄興趣，方為不負了這琴。If there is no such listener, one would rather play alone before the pure breeze and bright moon, the dark pines and fantastically shaped rocks, the wild apes and aged cranes, giving expression to one’s feelings; only then does one prove worthy of the qin.還有一層，又要指法好，取音好。There is another consideration: one’s fingering must be good, and the tone one draws forth must be good.若必要撫琴，先須衣冠整齊，或鶴氅，或深衣，要如古人的像表，那才能稱圣人之器，然後盥了手，焚上香，方才將身就在榻邊，把琴放在案上，坐在第五徽的地方兒，對著自己的當心，兩手方從容抬起，這才心身俱正。When one means to play the qin, one must first arrange one’s dress and cap properly, wearing either a crane-feather cloak or a deep robe, so that one’s appearance resembles that of an ancient. Only then is one worthy of the instrument of the sages. Next one washes one’s hands and burns incense; only then does one take one’s place beside the couch, set the qin upon the table, and sit opposite the fifth stud, aligned with the center of one’s chest. One raises both hands with calm deliberation, and only then are body and mind alike correctly poised.還要知道輕重疾徐，卷舒自若，体態尊重方好。”寶玉道：“我們學著頑，若這麼講究起來，那就難了。”One must also understand lightness and weight, swiftness and slowness, and move with perfect ease while maintaining a dignified bearing.” Baoyu said, “We only want to learn it for amusement. If it requires such elaborate care, it will be difficult indeed.”

宝玉也不答言，低著头，一径走到潇湘馆来。只见黛玉靠在桌上看书。宝玉走到跟前，笑说道：“妹妹早回来了。”黛玉也笑道：“你不理我，我还在那里做什么！”宝玉一面笑说：“他们人多说话，我插不下嘴去，所以没有和你说话。”一面瞧著黛玉看的那本书。书上的字一个也不认得，有的象“芍”字，有的象“茫”字，也有一个“大”字旁边“九”字加上一勾，中间又添个“五”字，也有上头“五”字“六”字又添一个“木”字，底下又是一个“五”字，看著又奇怪，又纳闷，便说：“妹妹近日愈发进了，看起天书来了。”黛玉嗤的一声笑道：“好个念书的人，连个琴谱都没有见过。”宝玉道：“琴谱怎么不知道，为什么上头的字一个也不认得。妹妹你认得么？”黛玉道：“不认得瞧他做什么？”宝玉道：“我不信，从没有听见你会抚琴。我们书房里挂著好几张，前年来了一个清客先生叫做什么嵇好古，老爷烦他抚了一曲。他取下琴来说，都使不得，还说：‘老先生若高兴，改日携琴来请教。’想是我们老爷也不懂，他便不来了。怎么你有本事藏著？”黛玉道：“我何尝真会呢。前日身上略觉舒服，在大书架上翻书，看有一套琴谱，甚有雅趣，上头讲的琴理甚通，手法说的也明白，真是古人静心养性的工夫。我在扬州也听得讲究过，也曾学过，只是不弄了，就没有了。这果真是‘三日不弹，手生荆棘。’前日看这几篇没有曲文，只有操名。我又到别处找了一本有曲文的来看著，才有意思。究竟怎么弹得好，实在也难。书上说的师旷鼓琴能来风雷龙凤，孔圣人尚学琴于师襄，一操便知其为文王，高山流水，得遇知音。”说到这里，眼皮儿微微一动，慢慢的低下头去。宝玉正听得高兴，便道：“好妹妹，你才说的实在有趣，只是我才见上头的字都不认得，你教我几个呢。”黛玉道：“不用教的，一说便可以知道的。”宝玉道：“我是个糊涂人，得教我那个‘大’字加一勾，中间一个‘五’字的。”黛玉笑道：“这‘大’字‘九’字是用左手大拇指按琴上的九徽，这一勾加‘五’字是右手钩五弦。并不是一个字，乃是一声，是极容易的。还有吟，揉，绰，注，撞，走，飞，推等法，是讲究手法的。”宝玉乐得手舞足蹈的说：“好妹妹，你既明琴理，我们何不学起来。”黛玉道：“琴者，禁也。古人制下，原以治身，涵养性情，抑其淫荡，去其奢侈。若要抚琴，必择静室高斋，或在层楼的上头，在林石的里面，或是山巅上，或是水涯上。再遇著那天地清和的时候，风清月朗，焚香静坐，心不外想，气血和平，才能与神合灵，与道合妙。所以古人说‘知音难遇’。若无知音，宁可独对著那清风明月，苍松怪石，野猿老鹤，抚弄一番，以寄兴趣，方为不负了这琴。还有一层，又要指法好，取音好。若必要抚琴，先须衣冠整齐，或鹤氅，或深衣，要如古人的像表，那才能称圣人之器，然后盥了手，焚上香，方才将身就在榻边，把琴放在案上，坐在第五徽的地方儿，对著自己的当心，两手方从容抬起，这才心身俱正。还要知道轻重疾徐，卷舒自若，体态尊重方好。”宝玉道：“我们学著顽，若这么讲究起来，那就难了。”

兩個人正說著，只見紫鵑進來，看見寶玉笑說道：“寶二爺，今日這樣高興。”寶玉笑道：“聽見妹妹講究的叫人頓開茅塞，所以越聽越愛聽。”紫鵑道：“不是這個高興，說的是二爺到我們這邊來的話。”寶玉道：“先時妹妹身上不舒服，我怕鬧的他煩。As the two of them were speaking, Zijuan came in. Seeing Baoyu, she said with a smile, “Master Bao, you are in very high spirits today.” Baoyu laughed. “Listening to Cousin explain these subtle matters has suddenly opened my eyes, so the more I hear, the more I want to hear.” Zijuan said, “That is not the high spirits I meant. I meant your coming over to our side.” Baoyu said, “Cousin had been unwell, and I was afraid that my making a commotion would annoy her.再者我又上學，因此顯著就疏遠了似的。”紫鵑不等說完，便道：“姑娘也是才好，二爺既這麼說，坐坐也該讓姑娘歇歇兒了，別叫姑娘只是講究勞神了。”寶玉笑道：“可是我只顧愛聽，也就忘了妹妹勞神了。”黛玉笑道：“說這些倒也開心，也沒有什麼勞神的。Besides, I have been attending school, so it has looked as though we had grown distant.” Before he could finish, Zijuan said, “Miss has only just recovered. Since you say so, Second Master, after sitting a while you ought to let her rest; do not make her exhaust herself explaining all this.” Baoyu laughed. “Indeed, I was so intent on listening that I forgot Cousin was tiring herself.” Daiyu smiled. “Talking about such things cheers me; it is no great exertion.只是怕我只管說，你只管不懂呢。”寶玉道：“橫豎慢慢的自然明白了。”說著，便站起來道：“當真的妹妹歇歇兒罷。I only fear that I may go on explaining while you go on understanding nothing.” Baoyu replied, “In any case, I shall gradually come to understand.” With that he rose and said, “Truly, Cousin, you should rest awhile.明兒我告訴三妹妹和四妹妹去，叫他們都學起來，讓我聽。”黛玉笑道：“你也太受用了。Tomorrow I shall tell Third Cousin and Fourth Cousin and have them both learn, so that I may listen.” Daiyu laughed. “You certainly know how to enjoy yourself.即如大家學會了撫起來，你不懂，可不是對——”黛玉說到那里，想起心上的事，便縮住口，不肯往下說了。Even if we all learned to play, since you understand nothing, would it not be like playing to—” Reaching this point, Daiyu remembered what weighed upon her heart and abruptly stopped, refusing to finish the sentence.寶玉便笑道：“只要你們能彈，我便愛聽，也不管牛不牛的了。”黛玉紅了臉一笑，紫鵑雪雁也都笑了。Baoyu laughed and said, “So long as you can play, I shall enjoy listening. I do not care whether I am an ox or not.” Daiyu blushed and smiled, and Zijuan and Xueyan both laughed as well.于是走出門來，只見秋紋帶著小丫頭捧著一盆蘭花來說：“太太那邊有人送了四盆蘭花來，因里頭有事沒有空兒頑他，叫給二爺一盆，林姑娘一盆。”黛玉看時，卻有幾枝雙朵兒的，心中忽然一動，也不知是喜是悲，便呆呆的呆看。They then went out through the door and saw Qiuwen approaching with a young maid who carried a pot of orchids. Qiuwen said, “Someone sent four pots of orchids to Madam’s quarters. As they are busy there and have no leisure to enjoy them, Madam has ordered one given to Second Master and one to Miss Lin.” When Daiyu looked, she saw several stems bearing paired blossoms. Something suddenly stirred within her; whether it was joy or sorrow she did not know, and she stared at them in a daze.那寶玉此時卻一心只在琴上，便說：“妹妹有了蘭花，就可以做《猗蘭操》了。”黛玉聽了，心里反不舒服。Baoyu’s thoughts, however, were wholly occupied with the qin just then. “Now that you have orchids, Cousin,” he said, “you can play ‘The Yilan Melody.’” Hearing this only made Daiyu feel more distressed.回到房中，看著花，想到”草木當春，花鮮葉茂，想我年紀尚小，便象三秋蒲柳。Back in her room, she gazed at the flowers and thought, “When spring comes to grass and trees, the flowers are fresh and the leaves luxuriant. Yet though I am still young, I am like a willow at the end of autumn.若是果能隨願，或者漸漸的好來，不然，只恐似那花柳殘春，怎禁得風催雨送。”想到那里，不禁又滴下淚來。If my wishes could truly be fulfilled, perhaps I might gradually recover; if not, I fear I shall be like the fading flowers and willows at spring’s end—how could I endure the wind’s driving and the rain’s assault?” At this thought, tears once more began to fall.紫鵑在旁看見這般光景，卻想不出原故來。Seeing her in this state, Zijuan could not imagine the reason for it.方才寶玉在這里那麼高興，如今好好的看花，怎麼又傷起心來。Baoyu had been so cheerful here only a moment ago; now, while her mistress was peacefully looking at flowers, why had she suddenly grown heartsick again?正愁著沒法兒解，只見寶釵那邊打發人來。Just as Zijuan was fretting, unable to think how she might console her, a servant arrived with a message from Baochai’s quarters.未知何事，下回分解。What the matter was remains to be told in the next chapter.

两个人正说著，只见紫鹃进来，看见宝玉笑说道：“宝二爷，今日这样高兴。”宝玉笑道：“听见妹妹讲究的叫人顿开茅塞，所以越听越爱听。”紫鹃道：“不是这个高兴，说的是二爷到我们这边来的话。”宝玉道：“先时妹妹身上不舒服，我怕闹的他烦。再者我又上学，因此显著就疏远了似的。”紫鹃不等说完，便道：“姑娘也是才好，二爷既这么说，坐坐也该让姑娘歇歇儿了，别叫姑娘只是讲究劳神了。”宝玉笑道：“可是我只顾爱听，也就忘了妹妹劳神了。”黛玉笑道：“说这些倒也开心，也没有什么劳神的。只是怕我只管说，你只管不懂呢。”宝玉道：“横竖慢慢的自然明白了。”说著，便站起来道：“当真的妹妹歇歇儿罢。明儿我告诉三妹妹和四妹妹去，叫他们都学起来，让我听。”黛玉笑道：“你也太受用了。即如大家学会了抚起来，你不懂，可不是对——”黛玉说到那里，想起心上的事，便缩住口，不肯往下说了。宝玉便笑道：“只要你们能弹，我便爱听，也不管牛不牛的了。”黛玉红了脸一笑，紫鹃雪雁也都笑了。于是走出门来，只见秋纹带著小丫头捧著一盆兰花来说：“太太那边有人送了四盆兰花来，因里头有事没有空儿顽他，叫给二爷一盆，林姑娘一盆。”黛玉看时，却有几枝双朵儿的，心中忽然一动，也不知是喜是悲，便呆呆的呆看。那宝玉此时却一心只在琴上，便说：“妹妹有了兰花，就可以做《猗兰操》了。”黛玉听了，心里反不舒服。回到房中，看著花，想到”草木当春，花鲜叶茂，想我年纪尚小，便象三秋蒲柳。若是果能随愿，或者渐渐的好来，不然，只恐似那花柳残春，怎禁得风催雨送。”想到那里，不禁又滴下泪来。紫鹃在旁看见这般光景，却想不出原故来。方才宝玉在这里那么高兴，如今好好的看花，怎么又伤起心来。正愁著没法儿解，只见宝钗那边打发人来。未知何事，下回分解。