第八十八回　博庭歡寶玉贊孤兒　正家法賈珍鞭悍僕 To Please the Family Baoyu Praises an Orphan; Upholding Discipline Jia Zhen Whips a Wilful Servant

卻說惜春正在那里揣摩棋譜，忽聽院內有人叫彩屏，不是別人卻是鴛鴦的聲兒。Meanwhile, Xichun was studying a chess manual when she suddenly heard someone in the courtyard calling for Caiping; the voice belonged to none other than Yuanyang.彩屏出去，同著鴛鴦進來。Caiping went out and returned with Yuanyang.那鴛鴦卻帶著一個小丫頭，提了一個小黃絹包兒。Yuanyang had brought a young maid with her, who carried a small bundle wrapped in yellow silk.惜春笑問道：“什麼事？”鴛鴦道：“老太太因明年八十一歲，是個暗九。Xichun asked with a smile, “What is it?” Yuanyang replied, “Next year the Old Lady will be eighty-one, an ‘invisible nine.’許下一場九晝夜的功德，發心要寫三千六百五十零一部《金剛經》。She has vowed to sponsor nine days and nights of religious observances and has resolved to have 3,651 copies of the Diamond Sutra written out.這已發出外面人寫了。Copies have already been sent outside for people to transcribe.但是俗說《金剛經》就象那道家的符殼，《心經》才算是符膽。But, as the common saying goes, the Diamond Sutra is like the outer casing of a Daoist talisman, while the Heart Sutra is its vital core.故此《金剛經》內必要插著《心經》，更有功德。For that reason, inserting the Heart Sutra into the Diamond Sutra makes the merit still greater.老太太因《心經》是更要緊的，觀自在又是女菩薩，所以要幾個親丁奶奶姑娘們寫上三百六十五部，如此又虔誠，又洁淨。The Old Lady considers the Heart Sutra especially important, and since Guanzizai is also a female bodhisattva, she wants the ladies and young mistresses of the family to write out 365 copies; that way the work will be both devout and pure.咱們家中除了二奶奶，頭一宗他當家沒有空兒，二宗他也寫不上來，其餘會寫字的，不論寫得多少，連東府珍大奶奶姨娘們都分了去，本家里頭自不用說。”惜春聽了，點頭道：“別的我做不來，若要寫經，我最信心的。In our household, apart from Second Mistress Lian—first, she is too busy managing the household, and second, she cannot write—everyone who can write has been allotted some, however many or few; even Mistress Zhen and the concubines in the eastern mansion have received their share, to say nothing of our own household.” Xichun nodded when she heard this. “I am no good at other things, but when it comes to copying sutras, I am most devout.你擱下喝茶罷。”鴛鴦才將那小包兒擱在桌上，同惜春坐下。Set it down and have some tea.” Yuanyang then placed the little bundle on the table and sat down with Xichun.彩屏倒了一鍾茶來。Caiping poured her a cup of tea.惜春笑問道：“你寫不寫？”鴛鴦道：“姑娘又說笑話了。Xichun asked with a smile, “Will you be copying any?” Yuanyang said, “Miss, you must be joking again.那幾年還好，這三四年來姑娘見我還拿了拿筆兒么。”惜春道：“這卻是有功德的。”鴛鴦道：“我也有一件事：向來服侍老太太安歇後，自己念上米佛，已經念了三年多了。I did well enough a few years ago, but in these last three or four years, have you ever seen me so much as pick up a brush?” Xichun said, “But this brings merit.” Yuanyang replied, “I have a practice of my own: after helping the Old Lady settle for the night, I count grains of rice while invoking the Buddha, and I have been doing so for more than three years.我把這個米收好，等老太太做功德的時候，我將他襯在里頭供佛施食，也是我一點誠心。”惜春道：“這樣說來，老太太做了觀音，你就是龍女了。”鴛鴦道：“那里跟得上這個分兒。I keep all that rice safely, and when the Old Lady holds her religious observances, I shall add it to the offerings to the Buddha and the food distributed in charity; that too will show a little of my devotion.” Xichun said, “By that account, when the Old Lady becomes Guanyin, you will be the Dragon Girl.” Yuanyang replied, “I could never aspire to such a station.卻是除了老太太，別的也服侍不來，不曉得前世什麼緣分兒。”說著要走，叫小丫頭把小絹包打開，拿出來道：“這素紙一扎是寫《心經》的。”又拿起一子兒藏香道：“這是叫寫經時點著寫的。”惜春都應了。Still, apart from the Old Lady, I seem unable to serve anyone else; I cannot imagine what bond from a former life lies behind it.” As she made ready to leave, she told the young maid to open the silk bundle and took something out. “This packet of plain paper is for copying the Heart Sutra.” Then she picked up a small stick of Tibetan incense. “This is to be lit while you write.” Xichun agreed to everything.

却说惜春正在那里揣摩棋谱，忽听院内有人叫彩屏，不是别人却是鸳鸯的声儿。彩屏出去，同著鸳鸯进来。那鸳鸯却带著一个小丫头，提了一个小黄绢包儿。惜春笑问道：“什么事？”鸳鸯道：“老太太因明年八十一岁，是个暗九。许下一场九昼夜的功德，发心要写三千六百五十零一部《金刚经》。这已发出外面人写了。但是俗说《金刚经》就象那道家的符壳，《心经》才算是符胆。故此《金刚经》内必要插著《心经》，更有功德。老太太因《心经》是更要紧的，观自在又是女菩萨，所以要几个亲丁奶奶姑娘们写上三百六十五部，如此又虔诚，又洁净。咱们家中除了二奶奶，头一宗他当家没有空儿，二宗他也写不上来，其余会写字的，不论写得多少，连东府珍大奶奶姨娘们都分了去，本家里头自不用说。”惜春听了，点头道：“别的我做不来，若要写经，我最信心的。你搁下喝茶罢。”鸳鸯才将那小包儿搁在桌上，同惜春坐下。彩屏倒了一钟茶来。惜春笑问道：“你写不写？”鸳鸯道：“姑娘又说笑话了。那几年还好，这三四年来姑娘见我还拿了拿笔儿么。”惜春道：“这却是有功德的。”鸳鸯道：“我也有一件事：向来服侍老太太安歇后，自己念上米佛，已经念了三年多了。我把这个米收好，等老太太做功德的时候，我将他衬在里头供佛施食，也是我一点诚心。”惜春道：“这样说来，老太太做了观音，你就是龙女了。”鸳鸯道：“那里跟得上这个分儿。却是除了老太太，别的也服侍不来，不晓得前世什么缘分儿。”说著要走，叫小丫头把小绢包打开，拿出来道：“这素纸一扎是写《心经》的。”又拿起一子儿藏香道：“这是叫写经时点著写的。”惜春都应了。

鴛鴦遂辭了出來，同小丫頭來至賈母房中，回了一遍。Yuanyang then took her leave and returned with the young maid to Grandmother Jia’s apartments, where she reported what had passed.看見賈母與李紈打雙陸，鴛鴦旁邊瞧著。She found Grandmother Jia playing backgammon with Li Wan, and stood by watching.李紈的骰子好，擲下去把老太太的錘打下了好幾個去。Li Wan had good throws and knocked several of the Old Lady’s pieces off the board.鴛鴦抿著嘴兒笑。Yuanyang smiled behind pursed lips.忽見寶玉進來，手中提了兩個細蔑絲的小籠子，籠內有幾個蟈蟈兒，說道：“我聽說老太太夜里睡不著，我給老太太留下解解悶。”賈母笑道：“你別瞅著你老子不在家，你只管淘氣。”寶玉笑道：“我沒有淘氣。”賈母道：“你沒淘氣，不在學房里念書，為什麼又弄這個東西呢。”寶玉道：“不是我自己弄的。Just then Baoyu came in carrying two little cages woven from fine bamboo strips, with several katydids inside. “I heard the Old Lady cannot sleep at night, so I brought these to keep you amused.” Grandmother Jia laughed. “Just because your father is away, do not think you can give yourself up to mischief.” Baoyu laughed. “I have not been mischievous.” Grandmother Jia said, “If you have not, why are you playing with these things instead of studying in the schoolroom?” Baoyu replied, “I did not get them for myself.今兒因師父叫環兒和蘭兒對對子，環兒對不來，我悄悄的告訴了他。Today our teacher asked Huan and Lan to compose matching lines; Huan could not think of one, so I whispered an answer to him.他說了，師父喜歡，夸了他兩句。He gave it, and the teacher was pleased and praised him a couple of times.他感激我的情，買了來孝敬我的。To show his gratitude, he bought these as a present for me.我才拿了來孝敬老太太的。”賈母道：“他沒有天天念書么，為什麼對不上來？And I have brought them as a present for the Old Lady.” Grandmother Jia said, “Does he not study every day? Why could he not compose a matching line?對不上來就叫你儒大爺爺打他的嘴巴子，看他臊不臊。If he cannot, tell Master Ru to slap his face and see whether that shames him.你也夠受了，不記得你老子在家時，一叫做詩做詞，唬的倒象個小鬼兒似的，這會子又說嘴了。You have suffered enough yourself. Have you forgotten how, when your father was at home and told you to write a poem or lyric, you were frightened like a little ghost? Yet now you have begun to boast.那環兒小子更沒出息，求人替做了，就變著方法兒打點人。That boy Huan is even more worthless: he gets someone else to do his work, then finds some underhand way to reward him.這麼點子孩子就鬧鬼鬧神的，也不害臊，赶大了還不知是個什麼東西呢。”說的滿屋子人都笑了。Such a tiny child, already up to tricks and schemes without the least shame—who knows what sort of creature he will become when he grows up?” Everyone in the room burst out laughing.賈母又問道：“蘭小子呢，做上來了沒有？Grandmother Jia asked again, “And what of young Lan? Did he manage to answer?這該環兒替他了，他又比他小了。Huan ought to have done it for him, since Lan is younger.是不是？”寶玉笑道：“他倒沒有，卻是自己對的。”賈母道：“我不信，不然就也是你鬧了鬼了。Is that not so?” Baoyu laughed. “No one helped him; he answered it himself.” Grandmother Jia said, “I do not believe you. You must have played some trick for him as well.如今你還了得，‘羊群里跑出駱駝來了，就只你大。’你又會做文章了。”寶玉笑道：“實在是他作的。There is no doing anything with you now: ‘A camel has run out among the sheep, and you alone are the biggest.’ So now you can write compositions too!” Baoyu laughed. “He truly did it himself.師父還夸他明兒一定有出息呢。The teacher even said that he was certain to make something of himself one day.老太太不信，就打發人叫了他來親自試試，老太太就知道了。”賈母道：“果然這麼著我才喜歡。If the Old Lady does not believe me, send for him and test him yourself; then you will know.” Grandmother Jia said, “If that is really so, I shall be pleased.我不過怕你撒謊。I was only afraid that you were lying.既是他做的，這孩子明兒大概還有一點兒出息。”因看著李紈，又想起賈珠來，”這也不枉你大哥哥死了，你大嫂子拉扯他一場，日後也替你大哥哥頂門壯戶。”說到這里，不禁流下淚來。If he did it himself, the child may indeed have some prospects.” Looking at Li Wan, she thought again of Jia Zhu. “Then your elder brother will not have died in vain, nor will your sister-in-law have raised the boy for nothing; one day he will uphold the family line in his father’s place.” At this, tears came involuntarily to her eyes.李紈聽了這話，卻也動心，只是賈母已經傷心，自己連忙忍住淚笑勸道：“這是老祖宗的餘德，我們托著老祖宗的福罷咧。Li Wan was deeply moved by these words, but seeing that Grandmother Jia was already distressed, she hurriedly held back her own tears and smilingly consoled her: “It is all the lingering virtue of our Old Ancestress; we merely enjoy the blessing of her good fortune.只要他應得了老祖宗的話，就是我們的造化了。If only he can live up to our Old Ancestress’s words, that will be blessing enough for us.老祖宗看著也喜歡，怎麼倒傷起心來呢。”因又回頭向寶玉道：“寶叔叔明兒別這麼夸他，他多大孩子，知道什麼。You will live to see it and rejoice, Old Ancestress, so why let it grieve you now?” Then she turned to Baoyu. “Uncle Baoyu, do not praise him so tomorrow. He is only a little child; what does he understand?你不過是愛惜他的意思，他那里懂得，一來二去，眼大心肥，那里還能夠有長進呢。”賈母道：“你嫂子這也說的是。You mean only to show your affection for him, but he cannot understand that. If this goes on, he will grow conceited and ambitious, and how will he ever improve?” Grandmother Jia said, “Your sister-in-law is right about that.就只他還太小呢，也別逼梏緊了他。Only, he is still very young, so do not press him too hard either.小孩子膽兒小，一時逼急了，弄出點子毛病來，書倒念不成，把你的工夫都白糟踏了。”賈母說到這里，李紈卻忍不住扑簌簌掉下淚來，連忙擦了。Children are timid; if you drive him too hard and make him ill, not only will his studies come to nothing, but all your efforts will have been wasted.” At these words Li Wan could no longer restrain herself, and tears fell in a shower, though she quickly wiped them away.

鸳鸯遂辞了出来，同小丫头来至贾母房中，回了一遍。看见贾母与李纨打双陆，鸳鸯旁边瞧著。李纨的骰子好，掷下去把老太太的锤打下了好几个去。鸳鸯抿著嘴儿笑。忽见宝玉进来，手中提了两个细蔑丝的小笼子，笼内有几个蝈蝈儿，说道：“我听说老太太夜里睡不著，我给老太太留下解解闷。”贾母笑道：“你别瞅著你老子不在家，你只管淘气。”宝玉笑道：“我没有淘气。”贾母道：“你没淘气，不在学房里念书，为什么又弄这个东西呢。”宝玉道：“不是我自己弄的。今儿因师父叫环儿和兰儿对对子，环儿对不来，我悄悄的告诉了他。他说了，师父喜欢，夸了他两句。他感激我的情，买了来孝敬我的。我才拿了来孝敬老太太的。”贾母道：“他没有天天念书么，为什么对不上来？对不上来就叫你儒大爷爷打他的嘴巴子，看他臊不臊。你也够受了，不记得你老子在家时，一叫做诗做词，唬的倒象个小鬼儿似的，这会子又说嘴了。那环儿小子更没出息，求人替做了，就变著方法儿打点人。这么点子孩子就闹鬼闹神的，也不害臊，赶大了还不知是个什么东西呢。”说的满屋子人都笑了。贾母又问道：“兰小子呢，做上来了没有？这该环儿替他了，他又比他小了。是不是？”宝玉笑道：“他倒没有，却是自己对的。”贾母道：“我不信，不然就也是你闹了鬼了。如今你还了得，‘羊群里跑出骆驼来了，就只你大。’你又会做文章了。”宝玉笑道：“实在是他作的。师父还夸他明儿一定有出息呢。老太太不信，就打发人叫了他来亲自试试，老太太就知道了。”贾母道：“果然这么著我才喜欢。我不过怕你撒谎。既是他做的，这孩子明儿大概还有一点儿出息。”因看著李纨，又想起贾珠来，”这也不枉你大哥哥死了，你大嫂子拉扯他一场，日后也替你大哥哥顶门壮户。”说到这里，不禁流下泪来。李纨听了这话，却也动心，只是贾母已经伤心，自己连忙忍住泪笑劝道：“这是老祖宗的余德，我们托著老祖宗的福罢咧。只要他应得了老祖宗的话，就是我们的造化了。老祖宗看著也喜欢，怎么倒伤起心来呢。”因又回头向宝玉道：“宝叔叔明儿别这么夸他，他多大孩子，知道什么。你不过是爱惜他的意思，他那里懂得，一来二去，眼大心肥，那里还能够有长进呢。”贾母道：“你嫂子这也说的是。就只他还太小呢，也别逼梏紧了他。小孩子胆儿小，一时逼急了，弄出点子毛病来，书倒念不成，把你的工夫都白糟踏了。”贾母说到这里，李纨却忍不住扑簌簌掉下泪来，连忙擦了。

只見賈環賈蘭也都進來給賈母請了安。Just then Jia Huan and Jia Lan both came in to pay their respects to Grandmother Jia.賈蘭又見過他母親，然後過來在賈母旁邊侍立。Jia Lan also paid his respects to his mother, then went and stood in attendance beside Grandmother Jia.賈母道：“我剛才聽見你叔叔說你對的好對子，師父夸你來著。”賈蘭也不言語，只管抿著嘴兒笑。Grandmother Jia said, “I have just heard your uncle say that you composed an excellent matching line and that your teacher praised you.” Jia Lan said nothing, but merely smiled with pursed lips.鴛鴦過來說道：“請示老太太，晚飯伺候下了。”賈母道：“請你姨太太去罷。”琥珀接著便叫人去王夫人那邊請薛姨媽。Yuanyang came forward and said, “May I inform the Old Lady that supper is ready?” Grandmother Jia said, “Go and invite your aunt.” Hupo at once sent someone to Lady Wang’s quarters to invite Aunt Xue.這里寶玉賈環退出。Baoyu and Jia Huan withdrew.素云和小丫頭們過來把雙陸收起。Suyun and the young maids came forward and put away the backgammon set.李紈尚等著伺候賈母的晚飯，賈蘭便跟著他母親站著。Li Wan remained to attend Grandmother Jia at supper, and Jia Lan stood beside his mother.賈母道：“你們娘兒兩個跟著我吃罷。”李紈答應了。Grandmother Jia said, “You mother and son may eat with me.” Li Wan assented.一時擺上飯來，丫鬟回來稟道：“太太叫回老太太，姨太太這幾天浮來暫去，不能過來回老太太，今日飯後家去了。”于是賈母叫賈蘭在身旁邊坐下，大家吃飯，不必細述。Presently the meal was served, and a maid returned to report: “Her Ladyship sends word to the Old Lady that Aunt Xue has been coming and going these last few days and cannot come over to pay her respects; after today’s meal she has gone home.” Grandmother Jia therefore had Jia Lan sit beside her, and they all ate together; there is no need to relate the details.

只见贾环贾兰也都进来给贾母请了安。贾兰又见过他母亲，然后过来在贾母旁边侍立。贾母道：“我刚才听见你叔叔说你对的好对子，师父夸你来著。”贾兰也不言语，只管抿著嘴儿笑。鸳鸯过来说道：“请示老太太，晚饭伺候下了。”贾母道：“请你姨太太去罢。”琥珀接著便叫人去王夫人那边请薛姨妈。这里宝玉贾环退出。素云和小丫头们过来把双陆收起。李纨尚等著伺候贾母的晚饭，贾兰便跟著他母亲站著。贾母道：“你们娘儿两个跟著我吃罢。”李纨答应了。一时摆上饭来，丫鬟回来禀道：“太太叫回老太太，姨太太这几天浮来暂去，不能过来回老太太，今日饭后家去了。”于是贾母叫贾兰在身旁边坐下，大家吃饭，不必细述。

卻說賈母剛吃完了飯，盥漱了，歪在床上說閒話兒。Now, when Grandmother Jia had finished her meal, rinsed and washed, she reclined on the bed and chatted idly.只見小丫頭子告訴琥珀，琥珀過來回賈母道：“東府大爺請晚安來了。”賈母道：“你們告訴他，如今他辦理家務乏乏的，叫他歇著去罷。A young maid spoke to Hupo, who came over and reported to Grandmother Jia, “The Master of the eastern mansion has come to wish you good night.” Grandmother Jia said, “Tell him that he is weary from managing the household these days and should go and rest.我知道了。”小丫頭告訴老婆子們，老婆子才告訴賈珍。I know he has come.” The young maid told the old serving-women, and only then did they convey the message to Jia Zhen.賈珍然後退出。Jia Zhen thereupon withdrew.到了次日，賈珍過來料理諸事。The next day Jia Zhen came over to attend to the various household affairs.門上小廝陸續回了幾件事，又一個小廝回道：“庄頭送果子來了。”賈珍道：“單子呢？”那小廝連忙呈上。The gateboys came in one after another to report several matters, and then another boy reported, “The farm steward has brought fruit.” Jia Zhen asked, “Where is the inventory?” The boy hurriedly presented it.賈珍看時，上面寫著不過是時鮮果品，還夾帶菜蔬野味若干在內。When Jia Zhen looked, he saw that it listed only fresh seasonal fruits, together with a quantity of vegetables and game.賈珍看完，問向來經管的是誰。After reading it, Jia Zhen asked who usually had charge of such things.門上的回道：“是周瑞。”便叫周瑞：“照帳點清，送往里頭交代。The gatekeeper replied, “Zhou Rui.” So he summoned Zhou Rui and said, “Check everything carefully against the account, then send it inside and hand it over.等我把來帳抄下一個底子，留著好對。”又叫”告訴廚房，把下菜中添幾宗給送果子的來人，照常賞飯給錢。”周瑞答應了。Wait until I have made a copy of the account to keep for comparison.” He also ordered, “Tell the kitchen to add several dishes to the meal for the men who brought the fruit, and give them their customary food and gratuity.” Zhou Rui assented.一面叫人搬至鳳姐兒院子里去，又把庄上的帳同果子交代明白。He had the goods carried to Xifeng’s courtyard and clearly accounted for both the farm statement and the fruit.出去了一回兒，又進來回賈珍道：“才剛來的果子，大爺曾點過數目沒有？”賈珍道：“我那里有工夫點這個呢。After going out for a little while, he came back and asked Jia Zhen, “Did Your Lordship check the quantity of the fruit that has just arrived?” Jia Zhen said, “Where would I find time to count such things?給了你帳，你照帳點就是了。”周瑞道：“小的曾點過，也沒有少，也不能多出來。I gave you the account; simply check it against that.” Zhou Rui said, “I have counted it. Nothing is missing, but there is no surplus either.大爺既留下底子，再叫送果子來的人問問，他這帳是真的假的。”賈珍道：“這是怎麼說，不過是幾個果子罷咧，有什麼要緊。Since Your Lordship kept a copy, you had better call in the men who brought the fruit and ask whether their account is genuine.” Jia Zhen said, “What do you mean by this? It is only a little fruit; what importance can it have?我又沒有疑你。”說著，只見鮑二走來，磕了一個頭，說道：“求大爺原舊放小的在外頭伺候罷。”賈珍道：“你們這又是怎麼著？”鮑二道：“奴才在這里又說不上話來。”賈珍道：“誰叫你說話。”鮑二道：“何苦來，在這里作眼睛珠兒。”周瑞接口道：“奴才在這里經管地租庄子，銀錢出入每年也有三五十萬來往，老爺太太奶奶們從沒有說過話的，何況這些零星東西。I was not suspecting you.” As he spoke, Bao Er came up, kowtowed, and said, “I beg Your Lordship to let me serve outside as before.” Jia Zhen asked, “What is the matter with you people now?” Bao Er said, “A slave like me has no right to speak here.” Jia Zhen said, “Who asked you to speak?” Bao Er replied, “What is the point of keeping me here merely as a pair of eyes?” Zhou Rui cut in: “I manage the rents and estates here, with three to five hundred thousand taels passing in and out each year, yet the masters, ladies, and mistresses have never had a word to say, much less over such trifles.若照鮑二說起來，爺們家里的田地房產都被奴才們弄完了。”賈珍想道：“必是鮑二在這里拌嘴，不如叫他出去。”因向鮑二說道：“快滾罷。”又告訴周瑞說：“你也不用說了，你幹你的事罷。”二人各自散了。If one followed Bao Er’s reasoning, all the masters’ fields and property must have been made away with by us servants.” Jia Zhen thought, “Bao Er must have been quarrelling with him here; I had better send him away.” He therefore said to Bao Er, “Get out at once!” Then he told Zhou Rui, “You need say no more either. Go about your business.” The two went their separate ways.

却说贾母刚吃完了饭，盥漱了，歪在床上说闲话儿。只见小丫头子告诉琥珀，琥珀过来回贾母道：“东府大爷请晚安来了。”贾母道：“你们告诉他，如今他办理家务乏乏的，叫他歇著去罢。我知道了。”小丫头告诉老婆子们，老婆子才告诉贾珍。贾珍然后退出。到了次日，贾珍过来料理诸事。门上小厮陆续回了几件事，又一个小厮回道：“庄头送果子来了。”贾珍道：“单子呢？”那小厮连忙呈上。贾珍看时，上面写著不过是时鲜果品，还夹带菜蔬野味若干在内。贾珍看完，问向来经管的是谁。门上的回道：“是周瑞。”便叫周瑞：“照帐点清，送往里头交代。等我把来帐抄下一个底子，留著好对。”又叫”告诉厨房，把下菜中添几宗给送果子的来人，照常赏饭给钱。”周瑞答应了。一面叫人搬至凤姐儿院子里去，又把庄上的帐同果子交代明白。出去了一回儿，又进来回贾珍道：“才刚来的果子，大爷曾点过数目没有？”贾珍道：“我那里有工夫点这个呢。给了你帐，你照帐点就是了。”周瑞道：“小的曾点过，也没有少，也不能多出来。大爷既留下底子，再叫送果子来的人问问，他这帐是真的假的。”贾珍道：“这是怎么说，不过是几个果子罢咧，有什么要紧。我又没有疑你。”说著，只见鲍二走来，磕了一个头，说道：“求大爷原旧放小的在外头伺候罢。”贾珍道：“你们这又是怎么著？”鲍二道：“奴才在这里又说不上话来。”贾珍道：“谁叫你说话。”鲍二道：“何苦来，在这里作眼睛珠儿。”周瑞接口道：“奴才在这里经管地租庄子，银钱出入每年也有三五十万来往，老爷太太奶奶们从没有说过话的，何况这些零星东西。若照鲍二说起来，爷们家里的田地房产都被奴才们弄完了。”贾珍想道：“必是鲍二在这里拌嘴，不如叫他出去。”因向鲍二说道：“快滚罢。”又告诉周瑞说：“你也不用说了，你干你的事罢。”二人各自散了。

賈珍正在廂房里歇著，聽見門上鬧的翻江攪海。Jia Zhen was resting in a side room when he heard a tremendous uproar at the gate, as though river and sea were being churned together.叫人去查問，回來說道：“鮑二和周瑞的乾兒子打架。”賈珍道：“周瑞的乾兒子是誰？”門上的回道：“他叫何三，本來是個沒味兒的，天天在家里喝酒鬧事，常來門上坐著。He sent someone to investigate, who returned and reported, “Bao Er is fighting with Zhou Rui’s godson.” Jia Zhen asked, “Who is Zhou Rui’s godson?” The gatekeeper replied, “His name is He San. He has always been a good-for-nothing, drinking and making trouble at home every day, and he often comes to sit at the gate.聽見鮑二與周瑞拌嘴，他就插在里頭。”賈珍道：“這卻可惡。When he heard Bao Er quarrelling with Zhou Rui, he thrust himself into it.” Jia Zhen said, “That is outrageous.把鮑二和那個什麼何幾給我一塊兒捆起來！Tie up Bao Er and that fellow He-whatever-his-name-is together!周瑞呢？”門上的回道：“打架時他先走了。”賈珍道：“給我拿了來！Where is Zhou Rui?” The gatekeeper answered, “He left as soon as the fighting began.” Jia Zhen said, “Bring him here!這還了得了！”眾人答應了。This is intolerable!” The servants assented.正嚷著，賈璉也回來了，賈珍便告訴了一遍。In the midst of the commotion, Jia Lian returned, and Jia Zhen told him the whole story.賈璉道：“這還了得！”又添了人去拿周瑞。“This is intolerable!” said Jia Lian, and he sent still more men to fetch Zhou Rui.周瑞知道躲不過，也找到了。Knowing there was no hiding from them, Zhou Rui also presented himself.賈珍便叫都捆上。Jia Zhen ordered all three men to be bound.賈璉便向周瑞道：“你們前頭的話也不要緊，大爺說開了，很是了。Jia Lian said to Zhou Rui, “What passed between you earlier was of no great consequence; once the Master had settled the matter, that should have been the end of it.為什麼外頭又打架！Why did you start fighting outside afterward?你們打架已經使不得，又弄個野雜种什麼何三來鬧，你不壓伏壓伏他們，倒竟走了。”就把周瑞踢了幾腳。Fighting among yourselves was bad enough, but then you brought in some stray bastard called He San to make a disturbance. Instead of keeping them under control, you simply walked away.” He then kicked Zhou Rui several times.賈珍道：“單打周瑞不中用。”喝命人把鮑二和何三各人打了五十鞭子，攆了出去，方和賈璉兩個商量正事。Jia Zhen said, “Beating Zhou Rui alone is no use.” He loudly ordered the servants to give Bao Er and He San fifty lashes apiece and drive them out; only then did he and Jia Lian turn to discussing serious business.下人背地里便生出許多議論來：也有說賈珍護短的，也有說不會調停的，也有說他本不是好人，前兒尤家姊妹弄出許多丑事來，那鮑二不是他調停著二爺叫了來的嗎，這會子又嫌鮑二不濟事，必是鮑二的女人伏侍不到了。Among themselves, the servants began to voice all manner of opinions: some said Jia Zhen shielded his favorites; some said he did not know how to mediate; others said he had never been a decent man to begin with—had the You sisters not caused all those scandals before, and was it not Bao Er whom he had helped Second Master Lian bring in? Now he suddenly found Bao Er unsatisfactory; no doubt Bao Er’s woman had failed to serve him properly.人多嘴雜，紛紛不一。With so many people and so many tongues, their accounts were confused and contradictory.

贾珍正在厢房里歇著，听见门上闹的翻江搅海。叫人去查问，回来说道：“鲍二和周瑞的干儿子打架。”贾珍道：“周瑞的干儿子是谁？”门上的回道：“他叫何三，本来是个没味儿的，天天在家里喝酒闹事，常来门上坐著。听见鲍二与周瑞拌嘴，他就插在里头。”贾珍道：“这却可恶。把鲍二和那个什么何几给我一块儿捆起来！周瑞呢？”门上的回道：“打架时他先走了。”贾珍道：“给我拿了来！这还了得了！”众人答应了。正嚷著，贾琏也回来了，贾珍便告诉了一遍。贾琏道：“这还了得！”又添了人去拿周瑞。周瑞知道躲不过，也找到了。贾珍便叫都捆上。贾琏便向周瑞道：“你们前头的话也不要紧，大爷说开了，很是了。为什么外头又打架！你们打架已经使不得，又弄个野杂种什么何三来闹，你不压伏压伏他们，倒竟走了。”就把周瑞踢了几脚。贾珍道：“单打周瑞不中用。”喝命人把鲍二和何三各人打了五十鞭子，撵了出去，方和贾琏两个商量正事。下人背地里便生出许多议论来：也有说贾珍护短的，也有说不会调停的，也有说他本不是好人，前儿尤家姊妹弄出许多丑事来，那鲍二不是他调停著二爷叫了来的吗，这会子又嫌鲍二不济事，必是鲍二的女人伏侍不到了。人多嘴杂，纷纷不一。

卻說賈政自從在工部掌印，家人中盡有發財的。Now, ever since Jia Zheng had taken charge of the official seal at the Ministry of Works, many members of the household had found ways to make money.那賈芸聽見了，也要插手弄一點事兒，便在外頭說了幾個工頭，講了成數，便買了些時新繡貨，要走鳳姐兒門子。When Jia Yun heard of this, he too wanted a hand in the business and hoped to obtain a little work. Outside the household he approached several foremen and agreed on his percentage; then he bought some fashionable embroidered goods, intending to seek advancement through Xifeng.鳳姐正在房中聽見丫頭們說：“大爺二爺都生了氣，在外頭打人呢。”鳳姐聽了，不知何故，正要叫人去問問，只見賈璉已進來了，把外面的事告訴了一遍。Xifeng was in her room when she heard the maids saying, “Both masters have lost their tempers and are beating people outside.” Not knowing the reason, she was about to send someone to inquire when Jia Lian came in and told her the whole story.鳳姐道：“事情雖不要緊，但這風俗兒斷不可長。Xifeng said, “The matter itself may be of little consequence, but this sort of behavior must never be allowed to take root.此刻還算咱們家里正旺的時候兒，他們就敢打架。Our family is still reckoned to be at the height of its prosperity, yet already they dare to fight.以後小輩兒們當了家，他們越發難制伏了。When the younger generation takes charge in future, they will be harder still to bring under control.前年我在東府里，親眼見過焦大吃的爛醉，躺在台階子底下罵人，不管上上下下一混湯子的混罵。The year before last, when I was in the eastern mansion, I saw Jiao Da with my own eyes, dead drunk and lying beneath the steps, cursing everyone indiscriminately, high and low alike, all in one foul torrent.他雖是有過功的人，到底主子奴才的名分，也要存點兒体統才好。Though he has rendered meritorious service, the distinction between master and servant must still be observed, and some sense of propriety maintained.珍大奶奶不是我說是個老實頭，個個人都叫他養得無法無天的。Mistress Zhen—if I may say so—is altogether too soft-hearted; she has indulged every one of them until they know neither law nor restraint.如今又弄出一個什麼鮑二，我還聽見是你和珍大爺得用的人，為什麼今兒又打他呢？”賈璉聽了這話刺心，便覺訕訕的，拿話來支開，借有事，說著就走了。And now there is this Bao Er. I have even heard that he is a useful man to you and Master Zhen, so why did you beat him today?” These words struck Jia Lian in a tender spot. Feeling embarrassed, he changed the subject and, on the pretext of having business, took his leave.

却说贾政自从在工部掌印，家人中尽有发财的。那贾芸听见了，也要插手弄一点事儿，便在外头说了几个工头，讲了成数，便买了些时新绣货，要走凤姐儿门子。凤姐正在房中听见丫头们说：“大爷二爷都生了气，在外头打人呢。”凤姐听了，不知何故，正要叫人去问问，只见贾琏已进来了，把外面的事告诉了一遍。凤姐道：“事情虽不要紧，但这风俗儿断不可长。此刻还算咱们家里正旺的时候儿，他们就敢打架。以后小辈儿们当了家，他们越发难制伏了。前年我在东府里，亲眼见过焦大吃的烂醉，躺在台阶子底下骂人，不管上上下下一混汤子的混骂。他虽是有过功的人，到底主子奴才的名分，也要存点儿体统才好。珍大奶奶不是我说是个老实头，个个人都叫他养得无法无天的。如今又弄出一个什么鲍二，我还听见是你和珍大爷得用的人，为什么今儿又打他呢？”贾琏听了这话刺心，便觉讪讪的，拿话来支开，借有事，说著就走了。

小紅進來回道：“芸二爺在外頭要見奶奶。”鳳姐一想，”他又來做什麼？”便道：“叫他進來罷。”小紅出來，瞅著賈芸微微一笑。Xiaohong came in and reported, “Second Master Yun is outside and asks to see you, Mistress.” Xifeng thought, “What has he come for now?” Then she said, “Let him come in.” Xiaohong went out and gave Jia Yun a faint smile.賈芸赶忙湊近一步問道：“姑娘替我回了沒有？”小紅紅了臉，說道：“我就是見二爺的事多。”賈芸道：“何曾有多少事能到里頭來勞動姑娘呢。Jia Yun hurried a step closer and asked, “Did you report my visit for me, miss?” Xiaohong blushed and said, “You always seem to have so much business, Second Master.” Jia Yun replied, “How often have I ever had business inside that might trouble you?就是那一年姑娘在寶二叔房里，我才和姑娘——”小紅怕人撞見，不等說完，赶忙問道：“那年我換給二爺的一塊絹子，二爺見了沒有？”那賈芸聽了這句話，喜的心花俱開，才要說話，只見一個小丫頭從里面出來，賈芸連忙同著小紅往里走。It was only that year, when you were in Uncle Baoyu’s apartments, that you and I—” Afraid someone might come upon them, Xiaohong cut him short and hurriedly asked, “Did you ever see the handkerchief I exchanged for yours that year?” At these words Jia Yun’s heart blossomed with joy. He was just about to answer when a young maid came out from within, so he and Xiaohong quickly walked inside.兩個人一左一右，相離不遠，賈芸悄悄的道：“回來我出來還是你送出我來，我告訴你還有笑話兒呢。”小紅聽了，把臉飛紅，瞅了賈芸一眼，也不答言。The two walked one to either side, not far apart. Jia Yun whispered, “When I leave afterward, make sure you are the one who sees me out. I have something amusing to tell you.” Xiaohong’s face instantly flushed crimson; she cast him a glance but made no reply.同他到了鳳姐門口，自己先進去回了，然後出來，掀起帘子點手兒，口中卻故意說道：“奶奶請芸二爺進來呢。”When they reached Xifeng’s door, she went in first to announce him, then came out, raised the curtain, and beckoned, while deliberately saying aloud, “Mistress asks Second Master Yun to come in.”

小红进来回道：“芸二爷在外头要见奶奶。”凤姐一想，”他又来做什么？”便道：“叫他进来罢。”小红出来，瞅著贾芸微微一笑。贾芸赶忙凑近一步问道：“姑娘替我回了没有？”小红红了脸，说道：“我就是见二爷的事多。”贾芸道：“何曾有多少事能到里头来劳动姑娘呢。就是那一年姑娘在宝二叔房里，我才和姑娘——”小红怕人撞见，不等说完，赶忙问道：“那年我换给二爷的一块绢子，二爷见了没有？”那贾芸听了这句话，喜的心花俱开，才要说话，只见一个小丫头从里面出来，贾芸连忙同著小红往里走。两个人一左一右，相离不远，贾芸悄悄的道：“回来我出来还是你送出我来，我告诉你还有笑话儿呢。”小红听了，把脸飞红，瞅了贾芸一眼，也不答言。同他到了凤姐门口，自己先进去回了，然后出来，掀起帘子点手儿，口中却故意说道：“奶奶请芸二爷进来呢。”

賈芸笑了一笑，跟著他走進房來，見了鳳姐兒，請了安，并說：“母親叫問好。”鳳姐也問了他母親好。Jia Yun smiled and followed her into the room. He paid his respects to Xifeng and added, “My mother sends her regards.” Xifeng in turn asked after his mother.鳳姐道：“你來有什麼事？”賈芸道：“侄兒從前承嬸娘疼愛，心上時刻想著，總過意不去。Xifeng said, “What brings you here?” Jia Yun replied, “I have received so much kindness from you in the past, Aunt, and I think of it constantly and always feel that I have not repaid you.欲要孝敬嬸娘，又怕嬸娘多想。I have wanted to present you with some small token of respect, but feared you might read too much into it.如今重陽時候，略備了一點兒東西。Now that it is the Double Ninth Festival, I have prepared a few little things.嬸娘這里那一件沒有，不過是侄兒一點孝心。There is nothing here that you do not already possess, Aunt; they merely express a little of your nephew’s filial regard.只怕嬸娘不肯賞臉。”鳳姐兒笑道：“有話坐下說。”賈芸才側身坐了，連忙將東西捧著擱在旁邊桌上。I only fear that you may refuse to honor me by accepting them.” Xifeng smiled. “Sit down, and then we can talk.” Only then did Jia Yun sit sideways on a chair, quickly placing the things he held on the table beside him.鳳姐又道：“你不是什麼有餘的人，何苦又去花錢。Xifeng continued, “You are not a man of means; why put yourself to this expense?我又不等著使。It is not as though I were waiting to use these things.你今日來意是怎麼個想頭兒，你倒是實說。”賈芸道：“并沒有別的想頭兒，不過感念嬸娘的恩惠，過意不去罷咧。”說著微微的笑了。Tell me frankly what you have in mind in coming today.” Jia Yun replied, “I have nothing else in mind. I simply remember your kindness, Aunt, and feel ashamed not to repay it.” As he spoke, he smiled faintly.鳳姐道：“不是這麼說。Xifeng said, “That cannot be the whole story.你手里窄，我很知道，我何苦白白兒使你的。I know very well that money is tight for you; why should I accept your things for nothing?你要我收下這個東西，須先和我說明白了。If you want me to take them, you must first explain yourself clearly.要是這麼含著骨頭露著肉的，我倒不收。”賈芸沒法兒，只得站起來陪著笑兒說道：“并不是有什麼妄想。If you keep half concealing the bone while exposing the flesh, I shall not accept them.” Jia Yun had no choice but to rise and say with an ingratiating smile, “I harbor no presumptuous hopes.前幾日聽見老爺總辦陵工，侄兒有幾個朋友辦過好些工程，极妥當的，要求嬸娘在老爺跟前提一提。A few days ago I heard that His Lordship has overall charge of the work on the imperial mausoleums. I have several friends who have undertaken many such projects and are thoroughly dependable, so I hoped you might mention them to His Lordship, Aunt.辦得一兩种，侄兒再忘不了嬸娘的恩典。If I could obtain one or two contracts, I would never forget your kindness.若是家里用得著，侄兒也能給嬸娘出力。”鳳姐道：“若是別的我卻可以作主。And if the family should need anything, I too could be of service to you, Aunt.” Xifeng said, “If it were something else, I might be able to decide it myself.至于衙門里的事，上頭呢，都是堂官司員定的，底下呢，都是那些書辦衙役們辦的。But as for matters at a government office, those above are decided by the presiding officials and department officers, while those below are handled by the clerks and runners.別人只怕插不上手。I fear an outsider would have no way to intervene.連自己的家人，也不過跟著老爺伏侍伏侍。Even our own household servants do no more than accompany His Lordship and wait upon him.就是你二叔去，亦只是為的是各自家里的事，他也并不能攙越公事。Even when your Second Uncle goes there, it is only on business concerning our own household; he cannot meddle in public affairs either.論家事，這里是踩一頭兒橇一頭兒的，連珍大爺還彈壓不住，你的年紀兒又輕，輩數兒又小，那里纏的清這些人呢。As for family matters, here one end rises the moment the other is pressed down. Even Master Zhen cannot keep these people under control; you are young and junior in rank, so how could you possibly disentangle yourself from them?況且衙門里頭的事差不多兒也要完了，不過吃飯瞎跑。Besides, the business at the yamen is nearly finished; all you do there now is eat and run about for nothing.你在家里什麼事作不得，難道沒了這碗飯吃不成。What can you not do at home? Surely you will not go without food just because this bowl of rice is gone.我這是實在話，你自己回去想想就知道了。I am speaking plainly; go home and think it over, and you will see for yourself.你的情意我已經領了，把東西快拿回去，是那里弄來的，仍舊給人家送了去罷。”正說著，只見奶媽子一大起帶了巧姐兒進來。I appreciate your kindness, but take these things back at once; wherever you got them, return them to their owner.” As she spoke, a large troop of nurses came in with Qiaojie.那巧姐兒身上穿得錦團花簇，手里拿著好些頑意兒，笑嘻嘻走到鳳姐身邊學舌。Qiaojie was dressed in a splendid mass of brocade and flowers and carried a number of toys in her hands; smiling merrily, she went to Fengjie’s side and began repeating what she had heard.賈芸一見，便站起來笑盈盈的赶著說道：“這就是大妹妹么？At the sight of her, Jia Yun rose and, hurrying forward with a beaming smile, said, “Can this be my little cousin?你要什麼好東西不要？”那巧姐兒便啞的一聲哭了。What pretty thing would you like?” At that, Qiaojie burst out crying with a wail.賈芸連忙退下。Jia Yun hastily drew back.鳳姐道：“乖乖不怕。”連忙將巧姐攬在怀里道：“這是你芸大哥哥，怎麼認起生來了。”賈芸道：“妹妹生得好相貌，將來又是個有大造化的。”那巧姐兒回頭把賈芸一瞧，又哭起來，疊連幾次。“There, there, don’t be afraid,” said Fengjie. She quickly gathered Qiaojie into her arms and said, “This is your elder cousin Yun. Why are you suddenly shy of strangers?” Jia Yun said, “What a lovely little cousin! She is destined for great good fortune.” Qiaojie turned to look at Jia Yun and began crying again; this happened several times in succession.賈芸看這光景坐不住，便起身告辭要走。Seeing how matters stood, Jia Yun could sit there no longer, so he rose, took his leave, and made ready to go.鳳姐道：“你把東西帶了去罷。”賈芸道：“這一點子嬸娘還不賞臉？”鳳姐道：“你不帶去，我便叫人送到你家去。“Take those things away with you,” said Fengjie. Jia Yun replied, “Will Aunt not do me the honor of accepting even this trifle?” Fengjie said, “If you do not take them, I shall have someone deliver them to your house.芸哥兒，你不要這麼樣，你又不是外人，我這里有机會，少不得打發人去叫你，沒有事也沒法兒，不在乎這些東東西西上的。”賈芸看見鳳姐執意不受，只得紅著臉道：“既這麼著，我再找得用的東西來孝敬嬸娘罷。”鳳姐兒便叫小紅拿了東西，跟著賈芸送出來。Brother Yun, you mustn’t behave like this. You are no outsider. If an opportunity arises here, I shall certainly send for you; if there is nothing to be done, there is no way around it. It does not depend on gifts and such.” Seeing that Fengjie was determined not to accept them, Jia Yun could only say, blushing, “In that case, I shall find something useful another time and bring it as a token of respect to Aunt.” Fengjie then told Xiaohong to take the things and follow Jia Yun out.

贾芸笑了一笑，跟著他走进房来，见了凤姐儿，请了安，并说：“母亲叫问好。”凤姐也问了他母亲好。凤姐道：“你来有什么事？”贾芸道：“侄儿从前承婶娘疼爱，心上时刻想著，总过意不去。欲要孝敬婶娘，又怕婶娘多想。如今重阳时候，略备了一点儿东西。婶娘这里那一件没有，不过是侄儿一点孝心。只怕婶娘不肯赏脸。”凤姐儿笑道：“有话坐下说。”贾芸才侧身坐了，连忙将东西捧著搁在旁边桌上。凤姐又道：“你不是什么有余的人，何苦又去花钱。我又不等著使。你今日来意是怎么个想头儿，你倒是实说。”贾芸道：“并没有别的想头儿，不过感念婶娘的恩惠，过意不去罢咧。”说著微微的笑了。凤姐道：“不是这么说。你手里窄，我很知道，我何苦白白儿使你的。你要我收下这个东西，须先和我说明白了。要是这么含著骨头露著肉的，我倒不收。”贾芸没法儿，只得站起来陪著笑儿说道：“并不是有什么妄想。前几日听见老爷总办陵工，侄儿有几个朋友办过好些工程，极妥当的，要求婶娘在老爷跟前提一提。办得一两种，侄儿再忘不了婶娘的恩典。若是家里用得著，侄儿也能给婶娘出力。”凤姐道：“若是别的我却可以作主。至于衙门里的事，上头呢，都是堂官司员定的，底下呢，都是那些书办衙役们办的。别人只怕插不上手。连自己的家人，也不过跟著老爷伏侍伏侍。就是你二叔去，亦只是为的是各自家里的事，他也并不能搀越公事。论家事，这里是踩一头儿橇一头儿的，连珍大爷还弹压不住，你的年纪儿又轻，辈数儿又小，那里缠的清这些人呢。况且衙门里头的事差不多儿也要完了，不过吃饭瞎跑。你在家里什么事作不得，难道没了这碗饭吃不成。我这是实在话，你自己回去想想就知道了。你的情意我已经领了，把东西快拿回去，是那里弄来的，仍旧给人家送了去罢。”正说著，只见奶妈子一大起带了巧姐儿进来。那巧姐儿身上穿得锦团花簇，手里拿著好些顽意儿，笑嘻嘻走到凤姐身边学舌。贾芸一见，便站起来笑盈盈的赶著说道：“这就是大妹妹么？你要什么好东西不要？”那巧姐儿便哑的一声哭了。贾芸连忙退下。凤姐道：“乖乖不怕。”连忙将巧姐揽在怀里道：“这是你芸大哥哥，怎么认起生来了。”贾芸道：“妹妹生得好相貌，将来又是个有大造化的。”那巧姐儿回头把贾芸一瞧，又哭起来，叠连几次。贾芸看这光景坐不住，便起身告辞要走。凤姐道：“你把东西带了去罢。”贾芸道：“这一点子婶娘还不赏脸？”凤姐道：“你不带去，我便叫人送到你家去。芸哥儿，你不要这么样，你又不是外人，我这里有机会，少不得打发人去叫你，没有事也没法儿，不在乎这些东东西西上的。”贾芸看见凤姐执意不受，只得红著脸道：“既这么著，我再找得用的东西来孝敬婶娘罢。”凤姐儿便叫小红拿了东西，跟著贾芸送出来。

賈芸走著，一面心中想道：“人說二奶奶利害，果然利害。As Jia Yun walked away, he thought to himself, “People say Second Mistress is formidable, and formidable she certainly is.一點兒都不漏縫，真正斬釘截鐵，怪不得沒有後世。She leaves not the slightest opening and is truly firm and decisive. No wonder she will leave no descendants.這巧姐兒更怪，見了我好象前世的冤家似的。And that Qiaojie is stranger still: the sight of me was as if she had met an enemy from a former life.真正晦氣，白鬧了這麼一天。”小紅見賈芸沒得彩頭，也不高興，拿著東西跟出來。What miserable luck! A whole day’s trouble gone for nothing.” Xiaohong, seeing that Jia Yun had gained nothing, was unhappy too and followed him out carrying the things.賈芸接過來，打開包兒揀了兩件，悄悄的遞給小紅。Jia Yun took them from her, opened the bundle, picked out two articles, and quietly handed them to Xiaohong.小紅不接，嘴里說道：“二爺別這麼著，看奶奶知道了，大家倒不好看。”賈芸道：“你好生收著罷，怕什麼，那里就知道了呢。Xiaohong would not take them, saying, “Second Master, please don’t do this. If Mistress finds out, it will look bad for us both.” Jia Yun said, “Just keep them safely. What are you afraid of? How could she possibly find out?你若不要，就是瞧不起我了。”小紅微微一笑，才接過來，說道：“誰要你這些東西，算什麼呢。”說了這句話，把臉又飛紅了。If you refuse them, it means you look down on me.” Only then did Xiaohong accept them with a faint smile, saying, “Who wants these things of yours? What do they amount to?” As she said this, her face suddenly flushed crimson.賈芸也笑道：“我也不是為東西，況且那東西也算不了什麼。”說著話兒，兩個已走到二門口。Jia Yun smiled too. “It is not really about the things,” he said. “Besides, they are scarcely worth anything.” While they talked, the two of them reached the inner gate.賈芸把下剩的仍舊揣在怀內。Jia Yun tucked the remaining things back inside his clothes.小紅催著賈芸道：“你先去罷，有什麼事情，只管來找我。Xiaohong urged him, “You had better go now. If there is anything you need, just come and find me.我今日在這院里了，又不隔手。”賈芸點點頭兒，說道：“二奶奶太利害，我可惜不能長來。I am in this courtyard now, so you can reach me directly.” Jia Yun nodded and said, “Second Mistress is too formidable; it is a pity I cannot come often.剛才我說的話，你橫豎心里明白，得了空兒再告訴你罷。”小紅滿臉羞紅，說道：“你去罷，明兒也長來走走。You understood what I was saying just now, in any case. I shall tell you more when there is time.” Xiaohong, her whole face crimson, said, “Go now. You should come by more often in future.誰叫你和他生疏呢。”賈芸道：“知道了。”賈芸說著出了院門。Who told you to remain such a stranger to her?” “I understand,” said Jia Yun, and with that he went out through the courtyard gate.這里小紅站在門口，怔怔的看他去遠了，才回來了。Xiaohong remained standing in the doorway, gazing blankly after him until he had gone far away; only then did she return.

贾芸走著，一面心中想道：“人说二奶奶利害，果然利害。一点儿都不漏缝，真正斩钉截铁，怪不得没有后世。这巧姐儿更怪，见了我好象前世的冤家似的。真正晦气，白闹了这么一天。”小红见贾芸没得彩头，也不高兴，拿著东西跟出来。贾芸接过来，打开包儿拣了两件，悄悄的递给小红。小红不接，嘴里说道：“二爷别这么著，看奶奶知道了，大家倒不好看。”贾芸道：“你好生收著罢，怕什么，那里就知道了呢。你若不要，就是瞧不起我了。”小红微微一笑，才接过来，说道：“谁要你这些东西，算什么呢。”说了这句话，把脸又飞红了。贾芸也笑道：“我也不是为东西，况且那东西也算不了什么。”说著话儿，两个已走到二门口。贾芸把下剩的仍旧揣在怀内。小红催著贾芸道：“你先去罢，有什么事情，只管来找我。我今日在这院里了，又不隔手。”贾芸点点头儿，说道：“二奶奶太利害，我可惜不能长来。刚才我说的话，你横竖心里明白，得了空儿再告诉你罢。”小红满脸羞红，说道：“你去罢，明儿也长来走走。谁叫你和他生疏呢。”贾芸道：“知道了。”贾芸说著出了院门。这里小红站在门口，怔怔的看他去远了，才回来了。

卻說鳳姐在房中吩咐預備晚飯，因又問道：“你們熬了粥了沒有？”丫鬟們連忙去問，回來回道：“預備了。”鳳姐道：“你們把那南邊來的糟東西弄一兩碟來罷。”秋桐答應了，叫丫頭們伺候。Meanwhile, Fengjie ordered dinner to be prepared and then asked, “Have you made the congee?” The maids hurried off to inquire and returned to report, “It is ready.” Fengjie said, “Bring a dish or two of those wine-lees-preserved foods from the south.” Qiutong assented and told the maids to serve them.平兒走來笑道：“我倒忘了，今兒晌午奶奶在上頭老太太那邊的時候，水月庵的師父打發人來，要向奶奶討兩瓶南小菜，還要支用幾個月的月銀，說是身上不受用。Pinger came over and said with a smile, “I quite forgot: at noon today, while Mistress was upstairs with the Old Lady, the abbess from Shuiyue Convent sent someone to ask Mistress for two jars of southern pickles and also for several months of her allowance in advance, saying that she was unwell.我問那道婆來著：‘師父怎麼不受用？’他說：‘四五天了，前兒夜里因那些小沙彌小道士里頭有幾個女孩子睡覺沒有吹燈，他說了幾次不聽。I asked the Daoist woman, ‘What is wrong with the abbess?’ She said, ‘She has been ill for four or five days. The night before last, some of the young novices and acolytes—there are several girls among them—went to sleep without putting out their lamps, though she had told them repeatedly and they would not listen.那一夜看見他們三更以後燈還點著呢，他便叫他們吹燈，個個都睡著了，沒有人答應，只得自己親自起來給他們吹滅了。That night, when she saw that their lamps were still burning after the third watch, she told them to put them out; but they were all asleep and no one answered, so she had to get up and extinguish them herself.回到炕上，只見有兩個人，一男一女，坐在炕上。When she returned to her kang, she saw two people, a man and a woman, sitting on it.他赶著問是誰，那里把一根繩子往他脖子上一套，他便叫起人來。She hurriedly asked who they were, but they slipped a rope around her neck, and she cried out for help.眾人聽見，點上燈火一齊赶來，已經躺在地下，滿口吐白沫子，幸虧救醒了。Hearing her, everyone lit lamps and rushed over together. She was already lying on the floor, foaming at the mouth; fortunately, they managed to revive her.此時還不能吃東西，所以叫來尋些小菜兒的。’我因奶奶不在房中，不便給他。She still cannot eat, so she sent someone to ask for a few pickles.’ Since Mistress was not in her room, I did not think it proper to give them to her.我說：‘奶奶此時沒有空兒，在上頭呢，回來告訴。’便打發他回去了。I said, ‘Mistress has no time just now; she is upstairs. I shall tell her when she returns,’ and sent the woman away.才剛聽見說起南菜，方想起來了，不然就忘了。”鳳姐聽了，呆了一呆，說道：“南菜不是還有呢，叫人送些去就是了。I only remembered just now when southern pickles were mentioned; otherwise I should have forgotten altogether.” Fengjie listened, stared blankly for a moment, and said, “We still have some southern pickles, don’t we? Just have someone send a few over.那銀子過一天叫芹哥來領就是了。”又見小紅進來回道：“才剛二爺差人來，說是今晚城外有事，不能回來，先通知一聲。”鳳姐道：“是了。”As for the silver, have Brother Qin come to collect it in a day or two.” Just then Xiaohong came in and reported, “Second Master has just sent word that he has business outside the city tonight and cannot return, so he wished to notify you beforehand.” “Very well,” said Fengjie.

却说凤姐在房中吩咐预备晚饭，因又问道：“你们熬了粥了没有？”丫鬟们连忙去问，回来回道：“预备了。”凤姐道：“你们把那南边来的糟东西弄一两碟来罢。”秋桐答应了，叫丫头们伺候。平儿走来笑道：“我倒忘了，今儿晌午奶奶在上头老太太那边的时候，水月庵的师父打发人来，要向奶奶讨两瓶南小菜，还要支用几个月的月银，说是身上不受用。我问那道婆来著：‘师父怎么不受用？’他说：‘四五天了，前儿夜里因那些小沙弥小道士里头有几个女孩子睡觉没有吹灯，他说了几次不听。那一夜看见他们三更以后灯还点著呢，他便叫他们吹灯，个个都睡著了，没有人答应，只得自己亲自起来给他们吹灭了。回到炕上，只见有两个人，一男一女，坐在炕上。他赶著问是谁，那里把一根绳子往他脖子上一套，他便叫起人来。众人听见，点上灯火一齐赶来，已经躺在地下，满口吐白沫子，幸亏救醒了。此时还不能吃东西，所以叫来寻些小菜儿的。’我因奶奶不在房中，不便给他。我说：‘奶奶此时没有空儿，在上头呢，回来告诉。’便打发他回去了。才刚听见说起南菜，方想起来了，不然就忘了。”凤姐听了，呆了一呆，说道：“南菜不是还有呢，叫人送些去就是了。那银子过一天叫芹哥来领就是了。”又见小红进来回道：“才刚二爷差人来，说是今晚城外有事，不能回来，先通知一声。”凤姐道：“是了。”

說著，只聽見小丫頭從後面喘吁吁的嚷著直跑到院子里來，外面平兒接著，還有幾個丫頭們，咕咕唧唧的說話。As she spoke, they suddenly heard a young maid come running from the back, shouting and gasping for breath, straight into the courtyard. Outside, Pinger met her, and several other maids gathered around, all whispering together.鳳姐道：“你們說什麼呢？”平兒道：“小丫頭子有些膽怯，說鬼話。”鳳姐叫那一個小丫頭進來，問道：“什麼鬼話？”那丫頭道：“我才剛到後邊去叫打雜兒的添煤，只聽得三間空屋子里嘩喇嘩喇的響，我還道是貓兒耗子，又聽得噯的一聲，象個人出氣兒的似的。“What are you all talking about?” asked Fengjie. Pinger replied, “The little maid is rather timid and is talking about ghosts.” Fengjie called the maid in and asked, “What ghost story is this?” The girl said, “I had just gone to the back to tell the odd-job servants to add more coal when I heard a great rustling and clattering in the three empty rooms. I thought it was cats or rats, but then I heard a sigh, just like a person breathing out.我害怕，就跑回來了。”鳳姐罵道：“胡說！I was frightened, so I ran back.” Fengjie cursed her. “Nonsense!我這里斷不興說神說鬼，我從來不信這些個話。I will not have any talk of gods and ghosts here. I have never believed such things.快滾出去罷。”那小丫頭出去了。Get out at once!” The little maid went out.鳳姐便叫彩明將一天零碎日用帳對過一遍，時已將近二更。Fengjie then had Caiming go over the day’s account of miscellaneous household expenses with her. By then it was nearly the second watch.大家又歇了一回，略說些閒話，遂叫各人安歇去罷。They all rested a while longer and exchanged a little idle talk; then she told everyone to retire for the night.鳳姐也睡下了。Fengjie went to bed as well.將近三更，鳳姐似睡不睡，覺得身上寒毛一乍，自己驚醒了，越躺著越發起滲來，因叫平兒秋桐過來作伴。Near the third watch, while Fengjie hovered between sleep and wakefulness, she suddenly felt all the hairs on her body stand on end and woke with a start. The longer she lay there, the more she shuddered, so she called Pinger and Qiutong over to keep her company.二人也不解何意。Neither of them understood what she meant.那秋桐本來不順鳳姐，後來賈璉因尤二姐之事不大愛惜他了，鳳姐又籠絡他，如今倒也安靜，只是心里比平兒差多了，外面情兒。Qiutong had never been well disposed toward Fengjie; later, because of the affair with You Erjie, Jia Lian had ceased to favor her so much, while Fengjie had taken pains to win her over. By now she was fairly quiet, though inwardly she fell far short of Pinger, and her devotion was merely for show.今見鳳姐不受用，只得端上茶來。Seeing Fengjie unwell now, she had no choice but to bring her some tea.鳳姐喝了一口，道：“難為你，睡去罷，只留平兒在這里就夠了。”秋桐卻要獻勤兒，因說道：“奶奶睡不著，倒是我們兩個輪流坐坐也使得。”鳳姐一面說，一面睡著了。Fengjie took a sip and said, “It is good of you. Go back to sleep; Pinger alone will be enough here.” But Qiutong wanted to display her attentiveness and said, “If Mistress cannot sleep, the two of us might as well take turns sitting with you.” Even as Fengjie spoke, she fell asleep.平兒秋桐看見鳳姐已睡，只聽得遠遠的雞叫了，二人方都穿著衣服略躺了一躺，就天亮了，連忙起來伏侍鳳姐梳洗。When Pinger and Qiutong saw that Fengjie was asleep, they waited until they heard the distant crowing of cocks; only then did they lie down for a short while with their clothes still on. Soon it was dawn, and they hurriedly rose to help Fengjie wash and dress.鳳姐因夜中之事，心神恍惚不宁，只是一味要強，仍然扎掙起來。Because of what had happened in the night, Fengjie’s mind was distracted and uneasy; but determined as ever to keep up appearances, she forced herself to rise.正坐著納悶，忽聽個小丫頭子在院里問道：“平姑娘在屋里么？”平兒答應了一聲，那小丫頭掀起帘子進來，卻是王夫人打發過來來找賈璉，說：“外頭有人回要緊的官事。As she sat there brooding, she suddenly heard a young maid ask in the courtyard, “Is Miss Pinger inside?” Pinger answered, and the maid lifted the curtain and came in. She had been sent by Lady Wang to look for Jia Lian and said, “Someone outside has come to report an urgent official matter.老爺才出了門，太太叫快請二爺過去呢。”鳳姐聽見唬了一跳。Master has just gone out, and Her Ladyship asks that Second Master come over at once.” Fengjie was startled when she heard this.未知何事，下回分解。What the matter was remains to be told in the next chapter.

说著，只听见小丫头从后面喘吁吁的嚷著直跑到院子里来，外面平儿接著，还有几个丫头们，咕咕唧唧的说话。凤姐道：“你们说什么呢？”平儿道：“小丫头子有些胆怯，说鬼话。”凤姐叫那一个小丫头进来，问道：“什么鬼话？”那丫头道：“我才刚到后边去叫打杂儿的添煤，只听得三间空屋子里哗喇哗喇的响，我还道是猫儿耗子，又听得嗳的一声，象个人出气儿的似的。我害怕，就跑回来了。”凤姐骂道：“胡说！我这里断不兴说神说鬼，我从来不信这些个话。快滚出去罢。”那小丫头出去了。凤姐便叫彩明将一天零碎日用帐对过一遍，时已将近二更。大家又歇了一回，略说些闲话，遂叫各人安歇去罢。凤姐也睡下了。将近三更，凤姐似睡不睡，觉得身上寒毛一乍，自己惊醒了，越躺著越发起渗来，因叫平儿秋桐过来作伴。二人也不解何意。那秋桐本来不顺凤姐，后来贾琏因尤二姐之事不大爱惜他了，凤姐又笼络他，如今倒也安静，只是心里比平儿差多了，外面情儿。今见凤姐不受用，只得端上茶来。凤姐喝了一口，道：“难为你，睡去罢，只留平儿在这里就够了。”秋桐却要献勤儿，因说道：“奶奶睡不著，倒是我们两个轮流坐坐也使得。”凤姐一面说，一面睡著了。平儿秋桐看见凤姐已睡，只听得远远的鸡叫了，二人方都穿著衣服略躺了一躺，就天亮了，连忙起来伏侍凤姐梳洗。凤姐因夜中之事，心神恍惚不宁，只是一味要强，仍然扎挣起来。正坐著纳闷，忽听个小丫头子在院里问道：“平姑娘在屋里么？”平儿答应了一声，那小丫头掀起帘子进来，却是王夫人打发过来来找贾琏，说：“外头有人回要紧的官事。老爷才出了门，太太叫快请二爷过去呢。”凤姐听见唬了一跳。未知何事，下回分解。