第九十五回　因訛成實元妃薨逝　以假混真寶玉瘋顛 A Rumor Comes True as Yuanchun Dies; Confusing False with True, Baoyu Goes Mad

話說焙茗在門口和小丫頭子說寶玉的玉有了，那小丫頭急忙回來告訴寶玉。The story goes that Peiming was at the gate telling a little maid that Baoyu's jade had been found, and the little maid hurried back to tell Baoyu.眾人聽了，都推著寶玉出去問他，眾人在廊下聽著。Hearing this, everyone pushed Baoyu to go out and question him, while the rest listened from the corridor.寶玉也覺放心，便走到門口問道：「你那里得了？Baoyu too felt relieved, and went to the gate to ask: 'Where did you get it?快拿來。」焙茗道：「拿是拿不來的，還得托人做保去呢。」寶玉道：「你快說是怎麼得的，我好叫人取去。」焙茗道：「我在外頭知道林爺爺去測字，我就跟了去。"Bring it quickly." Peiming said, "It can't just be brought — someone still has to go stand surety for it." Baoyu said, "Quick, tell me how you got word of it, so I can send someone to fetch it." Peiming said, "I was outside and learned that Grandpa Lin had gone to have a character divined, so I followed along.我聽見說在當舖里找，我沒等他說完，便跑到幾個當舖里去。"I heard it said that it could be found in a pawnshop, and without waiting for him to finish, I ran off to several pawnshops.我比給他們瞧，有一家便說有。"I described it to them by gesture, and one shop said they had it.我說給我罷，那舖子里要票子。"I said give it to me, but the shop demanded the pawn ticket.我說當多少錢，他說三百錢的也有，五百錢的也有。"I asked how much it had been pawned for, and he said there was one for three hundred cash, and one for five hundred cash too.前兒有一個人拿這麼一塊玉當了三百錢去，今兒又有人也拿了一塊玉當了五百錢去。」寶玉不等說完，便道：「你快拿三百五百錢去取了來，我們挑著看是不是。」里頭襲人便啐道：「二爺不用理他。"'A few days ago someone pawned a piece of jade like that for three hundred cash, and today someone else pawned a piece of jade for five hundred cash.'" Before he had finished speaking, Baoyu said, "Quick, take three hundred or five hundred cash and redeem them, so we can pick through and see if they're the right one." From inside, Xiren spat out, "Master Bao, don't bother with him.我小時候兒聽見我哥哥常說，有些人賣那些小玉兒，沒錢用便去當。"When I was little I often heard my brother say that some people sell little pieces of jade like that, and when they need money they go pawn them.想來是家家當舖里有的。」眾人正在聽得詫异，被襲人一說，想了一想，倒大家笑起來，說：「快叫二爺進來罷，不用理那糊涂東西了。"I suppose every pawnshop has some." Everyone had been listening in astonishment, but once Xiren said this, they thought it over and all burst out laughing, saying, "Quick, call Master Bao back in, no need to bother with that muddleheaded fellow.他說的那些玉，想來不是正經東西。」"The jades he's talking about are surely nothing genuine."

话说焙茗在门口和小丫头子说宝玉的玉有了，那小丫头急忙回来告诉宝玉。众人听了，都推著宝玉出去问他，众人在廊下听著。宝玉也觉放心，便走到门口问道：「你那里得了？快拿来。」焙茗道：「拿是拿不来的，还得托人做保去呢。」宝玉道：「你快说是怎么得的，我好叫人取去。」焙茗道：「我在外头知道林爷爷去测字，我就跟了去。我听见说在当铺里找，我没等他说完，便跑到几个当铺里去。我比给他们瞧，有一家便说有。我说给我罢，那铺子里要票子。我说当多少钱，他说三百钱的也有，五百钱的也有。前儿有一个人拿这么一块玉当了三百钱去，今儿又有人也拿了一块玉当了五百钱去。」宝玉不等说完，便道：「你快拿三百五百钱去取了来，我们挑著看是不是。」里头袭人便啐道：「二爷不用理他。我小时候儿听见我哥哥常说，有些人卖那些小玉儿，没钱用便去当。想来是家家当铺里有的。」众人正在听得诧异，被袭人一说，想了一想，倒大家笑起来，说：「快叫二爷进来罢，不用理那糊涂东西了。他说的那些玉，想来不是正经东西。」

寶玉正笑著，只見岫煙來了。Just as Baoyu was laughing, Xiuyan arrived.原來岫煙走到櫳翠庵見了妙玉，不及閒話，便求妙玉扶乩。It turned out that Xiuyan had gone to Green Lattice Nunnery to see Miaoyu, and without pausing for small talk, had asked Miaoyu to conduct a planchette séance.妙玉冷笑幾聲，說道：「我與姑娘來往，為的是姑娘不是勢利場中的人。Miaoyu gave a few cold laughs and said, "The reason I associate with you, Miss, is that you're not one of those caught up in worldly scheming.今日怎麼聽了那里的謠言，過來纏我。"How is it that today you've listened to some rumor and come to pester me?況且我並不曉得什麼叫扶乩。」說著，將要不理。"Besides, I have no idea what this 'planchette séance' business is." So saying, she was about to pay no more attention to it.岫煙懊悔此來，知他脾氣是這麼著的，「一時我已說出，不好白回去，又不好與他質證他會扶乩的話。」只得陪著笑將襲人等性命關系的話說了一遍，見妙玉略有活動，便起身拜了幾拜。Xiuyan regretted having come, knowing Miaoyu's temperament was like this — "Now that I've already spoken, it won't do to go back for nothing, yet it won't do to press her on whether she really can do a planchette séance." She had no choice but to smile and repeat once more how Xiren's very life was at stake in this matter, and seeing Miaoyu soften a little, she rose and bowed to her several times.妙玉歎道：「何必為人作嫁。Miaoyu sighed and said, "Why must I go to such trouble on another's behalf.但是我進京以來，素無人知，今日你來破例，恐將來纏繞不休。」岫煙道：「我也一時不忍，知你必是慈悲的。"But ever since I came to the capital, no one has known of this skill of mine; if today you make me break my rule, I fear I'll be pestered endlessly in the future." Xiuyan said, "I too could not bear it for the moment, and I know you must be compassionate at heart.便是將來他人求你，願不願在你，誰敢相強。」妙玉笑了一笑，叫道婆焚香，在箱子里找出沙盤乩架，書了符，命岫煙行禮，祝告畢，起來同妙玉扶著乩。"Even if others come to ask you in the future, whether or not you're willing is up to you — who would dare force you." Miaoyu smiled faintly, called for the lay sister to burn incense, found the sand tray and planchette frame in a chest, wrote out a talisman, and told Xiuyan to perform the ritual bows; once the invocation was finished, they rose and together held the planchette.不多時，只見那仙乩疾書道：Before long, the immortal planchette swiftly wrote:

宝玉正笑著，只见岫烟来了。原来岫烟走到栊翠庵见了妙玉，不及闲话，便求妙玉扶乩。妙玉冷笑几声，说道：「我与姑娘来往，为的是姑娘不是势利场中的人。今日怎么听了那里的谣言，过来缠我。况且我并不晓得什么叫扶乩。」说著，将要不理。岫烟懊悔此来，知他脾气是这么著的，「一时我已说出，不好白回去，又不好与他质证他会扶乩的话。」只得陪著笑将袭人等性命关系的话说了一遍，见妙玉略有活动，便起身拜了几拜。妙玉叹道：「何必为人作嫁。但是我进京以来，素无人知，今日你来破例，恐将来缠绕不休。」岫烟道：「我也一时不忍，知你必是慈悲的。便是将来他人求你，愿不愿在你，谁敢相强。」妙玉笑了一笑，叫道婆焚香，在箱子里找出沙盘乩架，书了符，命岫烟行礼，祝告毕，起来同妙玉扶著乩。不多时，只见那仙乩疾书道：

噫！"Alas!來無跡，去無蹤，青埂峰下倚古松。"Coming, it leaves no trace; going, it leaves no track — beneath Green Bluff Peak it leans against an ancient pine.欲追尋，山萬重，入我門來一笑逢。"If you wish to seek it out, the mountains are ten thousand-fold — come in through my gate, and with a smile we shall meet."

噫！来无迹，去无踪，青埂峰下倚古松。欲追寻，山万重，入我门来一笑逢。

書畢，停了乩。When the writing was done, the planchette stopped.岫煙便問請是何仙，妙玉道：「請的是拐仙。」岫煙錄了出來，請教妙玉解識。Xiuyan then asked which immortal had been invoked, and Miaoyu said, "The one invoked was the Lame Immortal." Xiuyan copied the verse down and asked Miaoyu to help interpret it.妙玉道：「這個可不能，連我也不懂。Miaoyu said, "That I cannot do — even I don't understand it.你快拿去，他們的聰明人多著哩。」岫煙只得回來。"Take it and go quickly — there are plenty of clever people among you." Xiuyan had no choice but to head back.進入院中，各人都問怎麼樣了。As she entered the courtyard, everyone asked how it had gone.岫煙不及細說，便將所錄乩語遞與李紈。Without stopping to explain in detail, Xiuyan handed the copied verse to Li Wan.眾姊妹及寶玉爭看，都解的是：「一時要找是找不著的，然而丟是丟不了的，不知幾時不找便出來了。All the sisters and Baoyu crowded to look, and all interpreted it to mean: "For the moment, searching for it will yield nothing, and yet it cannot truly be lost; no one knows when, once the search is given up, it will simply turn up on its own.但是青埂峰不知在那裡？」李紈道：「這是仙机隱語。"But where on earth is Green Bluff Peak?" Li Wan said, "This is the immortals' cryptic language.咱們家裡那裡跑出青埂峰來，必是誰怕查出，撂在有松樹的山子石底下，也未可定。"Where in our household would a Green Bluff Peak come from — it must be that someone, afraid of being found out, tossed it under the base of a rockery with pine trees on it; that's not impossible.獨是『入我門來』這句，到底是入誰的門呢？」黛玉道：「不知請的是誰！」岫煙道：「拐仙。」探春道：「若是仙家的門，便難入了。」"Only this line, 'come in through my gate' — whose gate is it, after all?" Daiyu said, "I don't know which immortal was invoked!" Xiuyan said, "The Lame Immortal." Tanchun said, "If it's an immortal's gate, then it will be hard to enter indeed."

书毕，停了乩。岫烟便问请是何仙，妙玉道：「请的是拐仙。」岫烟录了出来，请教妙玉解识。妙玉道：「这个可不能，连我也不懂。你快拿去，他们的聪明人多著哩。」岫烟只得回来。进入院中，各人都问怎么样了。岫烟不及细说，便将所录乩语递与李纨。众姊妹及宝玉争看，都解的是：「一时要找是找不著的，然而丢是丢不了的，不知几时不找便出来了。但是青埂峰不知在那里？」李纨道：「这是仙机隐语。咱们家里那里跑出青埂峰来，必是谁怕查出，撂在有松树的山子石底下，也未可定。独是『入我门来』这句，到底是入谁的门呢？」黛玉道：「不知请的是谁！」岫烟道：「拐仙。」探春道：「若是仙家的门，便难入了。」

襲人心裡著忙，便捕風捉影的混找，沒一塊石底下不找到，只是沒有。Xiren, growing anxious at heart, went searching wildly on the flimsiest of clues, checking beneath every single rock, but there was nothing to be found.回到院中，寶玉也不問有無，只管傻笑。When she returned to the courtyard, Baoyu did not even ask whether it had been found, but just kept smiling foolishly.麝月著急道：「小祖宗！Sheyue said anxiously, "My little ancestor!你到底是那裡丟的，說明了，我們就是受罪也在明處啊。」寶玉笑道：「我說外頭丟的，你們又不依。"Where on earth did you lose it? Tell us plainly — even if we're the ones who suffer for it, at least we'll know where we stand." Baoyu said with a laugh, "I said I lost it outside, and you wouldn't accept that.你如今問我，我知道么！」李紈探春道：「今兒從早起鬧起，已到三更來的天了。"Now you ask me — how would I know!" Li Wan and Tanchun said, "We've been fussing over this since early morning, and now it's already gotten to the third watch of the night.你瞧林妹妹已經掌不住，各自去了。"Look, Cousin Lin already couldn't hold out and has gone off on her own.我們也該歇歇兒了，明兒再鬧罷。」說著，大家散去。"We too should rest now, and take this up again tomorrow." So saying, everyone dispersed.寶玉即便睡下。Baoyu then went straight to bed.可怜襲人等哭一回，想一回，一夜無眠。Poor Xiren and the others wept a while, brooded a while, and did not sleep the whole night through.暫且不提。For now, we leave this aside.

袭人心里著忙，便捕风捉影的混找，没一块石底下不找到，只是没有。回到院中，宝玉也不问有无，只管傻笑。麝月著急道：「小祖宗！你到底是那里丢的，说明了，我们就是受罪也在明处啊。」宝玉笑道：「我说外头丢的，你们又不依。你如今问我，我知道么！」李纨探春道：「今儿从早起闹起，已到三更来的天了。你瞧林妹妹已经掌不住，各自去了。我们也该歇歇儿了，明儿再闹罢。」说著，大家散去。宝玉即便睡下。可怜袭人等哭一回，想一回，一夜无眠。暂且不提。

且說黛玉先自回去，想起金石的舊話來，反自喜歡，心裡說道：「和尚道士的話真個信不得。Now to tell of Daiyu, who had gone back earlier; recalling the old talk of "gold and jade," she felt secretly pleased, and said to herself, "The words of monks and Daoists really cannot be trusted.果真金玉有緣，寶玉如何能把這玉丟了呢。"If gold and jade were truly fated to be joined, how could Baoyu have lost the jade?或者因我之事，拆散他們的金玉，也未可知。」想了半天，更覺安心，把這一天的勞乏竟不理會，重新倒看起書來。"Perhaps, on account of me, their 'gold and jade' match has been broken apart — who's to say." After thinking this over for a long while, she felt all the more at ease, and paying no heed to the day's fatigue, took up a book to read once more.紫鵑倒覺身倦，連催黛玉睡下。Zijuan, however, felt worn out, and kept urging Daiyu to go to bed.黛玉雖躺下，又想到海棠花上，說「這塊玉原是胎裡帶來的，非比尋常之物，來去自有關系。Though Daiyu lay down, her thoughts turned to the begonia blossoms, and she said, "That jade was originally brought into the world with him at birth — it is no ordinary object, and its coming and going must have some significance.若是這花主好事呢，不該失了這玉呀？"If these flowers portend something good, then surely the jade ought not to have been lost?看來此花開的不祥，莫非他有不吉之事？」不覺又傷起心來。"It would seem this flower's blooming was inauspicious — could it be that some ill fortune awaits him?" Before she knew it, she had grown sorrowful again.又轉想到喜事上頭，此花又似應開，此玉又似應失，如此一悲一喜，直想到五更，方睡著。Then her thoughts turned again toward the matter of a happy match — this flower's blooming seemed to fit that too, and the jade's loss seemed to fit it as well; thus alternating between sorrow and joy, she pondered on until the fifth watch, before finally falling asleep.

且说黛玉先自回去，想起金石的旧话来，反自喜欢，心里说道：「和尚道士的话真个信不得。果真金玉有缘，宝玉如何能把这玉丢了呢。或者因我之事，拆散他们的金玉，也未可知。」想了半天，更觉安心，把这一天的劳乏竟不理会，重新倒看起书来。紫鹃倒觉身倦，连催黛玉睡下。黛玉虽躺下，又想到海棠花上，说「这块玉原是胎里带来的，非比寻常之物，来去自有关系。若是这花主好事呢，不该失了这玉呀？看来此花开的不祥，莫非他有不吉之事？」不觉又伤起心来。又转想到喜事上头，此花又似应开，此玉又似应失，如此一悲一喜，直想到五更，方睡著。

次日，王夫人等早派人到當舖裡去查問，鳳姐暗中設法找尋。The next day, Lady Wang and the others sent people early to inquire at the pawnshops, while Xifeng secretly tried every means to search for the jade.一連鬧了幾天，總無下落。This went on in a flurry for several days running, but there was no trace of it at all.還喜賈母賈政未知。It was fortunate at least that Grandmother Jia and Jia Zheng did not yet know of it.襲人等每日提心吊膽，寶玉也好幾天不上學，只是怔怔的，不言不語，沒心沒緒的。Xiren and the others lived every day with their hearts in their mouths, and Baoyu too stayed away from school for several days, just sitting in a daze, saying nothing, utterly listless.王夫人只知他因失玉而起，也不大著意。Lady Wang knew only that this was on account of the lost jade, and did not think too much of it.那日正在納悶，忽見賈璉進來請安，嘻嘻的笑道：「今日聽得軍机賈雨村打發人來告訴二老爺說，舅太爺升了內閣大學士，奉旨來京，已定明年正月二十日宣麻。That day, just as she was puzzling over it, Jia Lian suddenly came in to pay his respects, and said with a beaming smile, "Today I heard that Jia Yucun of the Grand Council sent someone to tell Master Zheng that Uncle has been promoted to Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, and by imperial order is coming to the capital — it's already been set that the proclamation will be issued on the twentieth of the first month next year.有三百里的文書去了，想舅太爺晝夜趲行，半個多月就要到了。"A dispatch has gone out at three hundred li a day; I expect Uncle is traveling day and night, and he should arrive within half a month or so.侄兒特來回太太知道。」王夫人聽說，便歡喜非常。"Your nephew has come specially to let Aunt know." On hearing this, Lady Wang was overjoyed.正想娘家人少，薛姨媽家又衰敗了，兄弟又在外任，照應不著。She had just been thinking how few people there were on her natal side — Aunt Xue's household had declined, and her brother was off serving in a distant post, unable to look after them.今日忽聽兄弟拜相回京，王家榮耀，將來寶玉都有倚靠，便把失玉的心又略放開些了。Now, hearing suddenly that her brother had been made a minister and was returning to the capital, bringing honor to the Wang family, she felt that in the future Baoyu too would have someone to rely on, and so her worries over the lost jade eased a little.天天專望兄弟來京。Every day she looked forward eagerly to her brother's arrival in the capital.忽一天，賈政進來，滿臉淚痕，喘吁吁的說道：「你快去稟知老太太，即刻進宮。Then one day, Jia Zheng suddenly came in, his face streaked with tears, and said breathlessly, "Go quickly and inform Her Old Ladyship — she must go into the palace at once.不用多人的，是你伏侍進去。"There's no need for a large retinue — you yourself go in to attend her.因娘娘忽得暴病，現在太監在外立等，他說太醫院已經奏明痰厥，不能醫治。」王夫人聽說，便大哭起來。"Her Highness has suddenly been struck by a violent illness; there's a eunuch waiting outside right now, and he says the Imperial Academy of Medicine has already reported that it is a phlegm collapse, beyond treatment." On hearing this, Lady Wang broke into loud weeping.賈政道：「這不是哭的時候，快快去請老太太，說得寬緩些，不要嚇坏了老人家。」賈政說著，出來吩咐家人伺候。Jia Zheng said, "This is no time for weeping — go quickly and fetch Her Old Ladyship, and put it gently, so as not to frighten the old lady." So saying, Jia Zheng went out to instruct the household attendants.王夫人收了淚，去請賈母，只說元妃有病，進去請安。Lady Wang wiped away her tears and went to fetch Grandmother Jia, telling her only that the Imperial Consort was ill and that they should go pay their respects.賈母念佛道：「怎麼又病了！Grandmother Jia murmured a prayer to Buddha and said, "How is she ill again!前番嚇的我了不得，後來又打聽錯了。"The last time it frightened me terribly, and it turned out afterward the news had been wrong.這回情願再錯了也罷。」王夫人一面回答，一面催鴛鴦等開箱取衣飾穿戴起來。"This time, I'd rather it be a false alarm again." Even as Lady Wang answered her, she was urging Yuanyang and the others to open the trunks and bring out clothes and ornaments so Grandmother Jia could dress.王夫人赶著回到自己房中，也穿戴好了，過來伺候。Lady Wang hurried back to her own room, got dressed as well, and came to attend her.一時出廳上轎進宮。Before long they came out to the hall, got into their sedan chairs, and set off for the palace.不題。No more of this for now.

次日，王夫人等早派人到当铺里去查问，凤姐暗中设法找寻。一连闹了几天，总无下落。还喜贾母贾政未知。袭人等每日提心吊胆，宝玉也好几天不上学，只是怔怔的，不言不语，没心没绪的。王夫人只知他因失玉而起，也不大著意。那日正在纳闷，忽见贾琏进来请安，嘻嘻的笑道：「今日听得军机贾雨村打发人来告诉二老爷说，舅太爷升了内阁大学士，奉旨来京，已定明年正月二十日宣麻。有三百里的文书去了，想舅太爷昼夜趱行，半个多月就要到了。侄儿特来回太太知道。」王夫人听说，便欢喜非常。正想娘家人少，薛姨妈家又衰败了，兄弟又在外任，照应不著。今日忽听兄弟拜相回京，王家荣耀，将来宝玉都有倚靠，便把失玉的心又略放开些了。天天专望兄弟来京。忽一天，贾政进来，满脸泪痕，喘吁吁的说道：「你快去禀知老太太，即刻进宫。不用多人的，是你伏侍进去。因娘娘忽得暴病，现在太监在外立等，他说太医院已经奏明痰厥，不能医治。」王夫人听说，便大哭起来。贾政道：「这不是哭的时候，快快去请老太太，说得宽缓些，不要吓坏了老人家。」贾政说著，出来吩咐家人伺候。王夫人收了泪，去请贾母，只说元妃有病，进去请安。贾母念佛道：「怎么又病了！前番吓的我了不得，后来又打听错了。这回情愿再错了也罢。」王夫人一面回答，一面催鸳鸯等开箱取衣饰穿戴起来。王夫人赶著回到自己房中，也穿戴好了，过来伺候。一时出厅上轿进宫。不题。

且說元春自選了鳳藻宮後，聖眷隆重，身体發福，未免舉動費力。Now to tell of Yuanchun: ever since being chosen for the Phoenix Palace, she had enjoyed deep imperial favor, and her body had grown stout, so that inevitably her movements had become labored.每日起居勞乏，時發痰疾。Her daily routine wore on her, and from time to time her phlegm ailment would flare up.因前日侍宴回宮，偶沾寒氣，勾起舊病。A few days before, after attending a banquet and returning to her palace, she had happened to catch a chill, which brought on her old illness.不料此回甚屬利害，竟至痰氣壅塞，四肢厥冷。Unexpectedly, this attack proved severe indeed, so that phlegm congested her breath and her four limbs turned cold.一面奏明，即召太醫調治。A report was sent up at once, and the imperial physicians were summoned to treat her.豈知湯藥不進，連用通關之劑，並不見效。But who could have known that she could not keep down the medicine; even repeated doses meant to clear the blockage had no effect at all.內官憂慮，奏請預辦後事。The palace officials, growing alarmed, memorialized asking that preparations be made in advance for the aftermath.所以傳旨命賈氏椒房進見。An edict was accordingly issued summoning her Jia family relations by marriage to come in for an audience.賈母王夫人遵旨進宮，見元妃痰塞口涎，不能言語，見了賈母，只有悲泣之狀，卻少眼淚。Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang, obeying the edict, entered the palace, and found the Imperial Consort so choked with phlegm and drool that she could not speak; on seeing Grandmother Jia, she could only show an expression of grief, though few tears came.賈母進前請安，奏些寬慰的話。Grandmother Jia came forward to pay her respects and offered some words of comfort.少時賈政等職名遞進，宮嬪傳奏，元妃目不能顧，漸漸臉色改變。After a while, Jia Zheng and the others had their names and titles submitted, and a palace attendant announced them, but the Imperial Consort's eyes could no longer turn to look, and her color gradually began to change.內宮太監即要奏聞，恐派各妃看視，椒房姻戚未便久羈，請在外宮伺候。The palace eunuchs were about to report this, fearing that once other consorts were sent to attend her, it would not be proper for the outside in-law relations to linger long, and so they asked them to wait in an outer palace hall.賈母王夫人怎忍便離，無奈國家制度，只得下來，又不敢啼哭，惟有心內悲感。How could Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang bear to leave just then — but helpless against the rules of the state, they had no choice but to withdraw, and dared not weep aloud, feeling only grief within their hearts.朝門內官員有信。Word reached the officials within the court gate.不多時，只見太監出來，立傳欽天監。Before long, a eunuch came out and immediately summoned the Imperial Astronomical Bureau.賈母便知不好，尚未敢動。Grandmother Jia knew at once that this boded ill, but still did not dare to stir.稍刻，小太監傳諭出來說：「賈娘娘薨逝。」是年甲寅年十二月十八日立春，元妃薨日是十二月十九日，已交卯年寅月，存年四十三歲。A little while later, a young eunuch came out to relay the decree: "Her Highness the Jia Consort has passed away." That year was a jiayin year, and the Beginning of Spring fell on the eighteenth day of the twelfth month; the Imperial Consort died on the nineteenth day of the twelfth month, by which time it had already turned to the month of yin in the year of mao — she was forty-three years of age.賈母含悲起身，只得出宮上轎回家。Grandmother Jia, swallowing her grief, rose to her feet, and had no choice but to leave the palace, get into her sedan chair, and return home.賈政等亦已得信，一路悲戚。Jia Zheng and the others had already received the news as well, and grieved the whole way back.到家中，邢夫人，李紈，鳳姐，寶玉等出廳分東西迎著賈母請了安，並賈政王夫人請安，大家哭泣。On reaching home, Lady Xing, Li Wan, Xifeng, Baoyu, and the others came out to the hall, standing to east and west, and greeted Grandmother Jia, and likewise paid their respects to Jia Zheng and Lady Wang; everyone wept together.不題。No more of this for now.

且说元春自选了凤藻宫后，圣眷隆重，身体发福，未免举动费力。每日起居劳乏，时发痰疾。因前日侍宴回宫，偶沾寒气，勾起旧病。不料此回甚属利害，竟至痰气壅塞，四肢厥冷。一面奏明，即召太医调治。岂知汤药不进，连用通关之剂，并不见效。内官忧虑，奏请预办后事。所以传旨命贾氏椒房进见。贾母王夫人遵旨进宫，见元妃痰塞口涎，不能言语，见了贾母，只有悲泣之状，却少眼泪。贾母进前请安，奏些宽慰的话。少时贾政等职名递进，宫嫔传奏，元妃目不能顾，渐渐脸色改变。内宫太监即要奏闻，恐派各妃看视，椒房姻戚未便久羁，请在外宫伺候。贾母王夫人怎忍便离，无奈国家制度，只得下来，又不敢啼哭，惟有心内悲感。朝门内官员有信。不多时，只见太监出来，立传钦天监。贾母便知不好，尚未敢动。稍刻，小太监传谕出来说：「贾娘娘薨逝。」是年甲寅年十二月十八日立春，元妃薨日是十二月十九日，已交卯年寅月，存年四十三岁。贾母含悲起身，只得出宫上轿回家。贾政等亦已得信，一路悲戚。到家中，邢夫人，李纨，凤姐，宝玉等出厅分东西迎著贾母请了安，并贾政王夫人请安，大家哭泣。不题。

次日早起，凡有品級的，按貴妃喪禮，進內請安哭臨。Early the next day, all those holding official rank went in, according to the funeral rites for an Imperial Consort, to pay their respects and mourn at the palace.賈政又是工部，雖按照儀注辦理，未免堂上又要周旋他些，同事又要請教他，所以兩頭更忙，非比從前太後與周妃的喪事了。Jia Zheng, being also of the Board of Works, though everything was handled according to protocol, could not avoid being given special consideration by his superiors, while his colleagues kept coming to consult him, so that he was doubly busy on both fronts — quite unlike the funerals of the Empress Dowager and Consort Zhou in years past.但元妃並無所出，惟謚曰「賢淑貴妃」。As the Imperial Consort had left no children, she was posthumously granted only the title "Virtuous and Gracious Imperial Consort."此是王家制度，不必多贅。These were matters of imperial protocol, and need not be dwelt on further.只講賈府中男女天天進宮，忙的了不得。Suffice it to say that, within the Jia household, men and women alike went to the palace every day, kept extraordinarily busy.幸喜鳳姐兒近日身子好些，還得出來照應家事，又要預備王子騰進京接風賀喜。Fortunately, Xifeng's health had improved somewhat of late, so she was able to come out and manage household affairs, and also had to make preparations to welcome Wang Ziteng to the capital and celebrate his arrival.鳳姐胞兄王仁知道叔叔入了內閣，仍帶家眷來京。Xifeng's own elder brother, Wang Ren, on learning that their uncle had entered the Grand Secretariat, likewise brought his family to the capital.鳳姐心裡喜歡，便有些心病，有這些娘家的人，也便撂開，所以身子倒覺比前好了些。Xifeng was glad at heart, and whatever inner troubles she had, with these people from her natal family now here, she was able to set them aside, and so her health actually felt somewhat better than before.王夫人看見鳳姐照舊辦事，又把擔子卸了一半，又眼見兄弟來京，諸事放心，倒覺安靜些。Seeing Xifeng managing affairs as before took half the burden off Lady Wang's shoulders, and with her brother's arrival in the capital before her eyes, her mind was at ease on every count, so that she felt rather more at peace.獨有寶玉原是無職之人，又不念書，代儒學裡知他家裡有事，也不來管他，賈政正忙，自然沒有空兒查他。Only Baoyu, being someone without any official post and no longer studying, was left alone — old Master Dairu, knowing there were troubles in his household, did not come to press him about his studies, and Jia Zheng, being so busy, naturally had no time to check up on him either.想來寶玉趁此机會，竟可與姊妹們天天暢樂，不料他自失了玉後，終日懶怠走動，說話也糊涂了。One would think Baoyu, given this opportunity, could enjoy himself with his sisters day after day; but unexpectedly, ever since losing his jade, he had grown listless all day, disinclined to move about, and even his speech had become confused.並賈母等出門回來，有人叫他去請安，便去，沒人叫他，他也不動。Even when Grandmother Jia and the others went out or came back, he would go pay his respects only if someone called him to; if no one called him, he would not stir.襲人等怀著鬼胎，又不敢去招惹他，恐他生氣。Xiren and the others, harboring their private fears, dared not provoke him, afraid he might grow angry.每天茶飯，端到面前便吃，不來也不要。Every day, meals were simply brought before him and he would eat; if they weren't brought, he wouldn't ask for them either.襲人看這光景不象是有氣，竟象是有病的。Seeing this state of affairs, Xiren felt it did not look like ill temper at all, but rather like illness.襲人偷著空兒到瀟湘館告訴紫鵑，說是「二爺這麼著，求姑娘給他開導開導。」紫鵑雖即告訴黛玉，只因黛玉想著親事上頭一定是自己了，如今見了他，反覺不好意思：「若是他來呢，原是小時在一處的，也難不理他，若說我去找他，斷斷使不得。」所以黛玉不肯過來。Xiren, snatching a moment of free time, went to the Naiad's House to tell Zijuan, saying, "Master Bao is like this — please ask your young lady to counsel and comfort him a little." Zijuan did tell Daiyu at once, but because Daiyu had come to believe that the matter of the marriage was surely settled to be herself, now, faced with this, she felt embarrassed instead: "If he comes to me, well, we grew up together as children, so it would be hard to ignore him; but for me to go seeking him out — that absolutely will not do." And so Daiyu was unwilling to go over.襲人又背地裡去告訴探春。Xiren then went secretly to tell Tanchun instead.那知探春心裡明明知道海棠開得怪异，“寶玉”失的更奇，接連著元妃姐姐薨逝，諒家道不祥，日日愁悶，那有心腸去勸寶玉。But little did she know that Tanchun, well aware in her own heart that the begonias had bloomed strangely, that the loss of "Baoyu"'s jade was stranger still, and that on top of this her elder sister the Imperial Consort had passed away, felt certain the family's fortunes were inauspicious, and was gloomy with worry day after day — how could she have had the heart to go console Baoyu?況兄妹們男女有別，只好過來一兩次。Besides, as brother and sister there was the matter of proper separation between men and women, so she could only come over once or twice.寶玉又終是懶懶的，所以也不大常來。And since Baoyu remained listless no matter what, she did not come very often after that.

次日早起，凡有品级的，按贵妃丧礼，进内请安哭临。贾政又是工部，虽按照仪注办理，未免堂上又要周旋他些，同事又要请教他，所以两头更忙，非比从前太后与周妃的丧事了。但元妃并无所出，惟谥曰「贤淑贵妃」。此是王家制度，不必多赘。只讲贾府中男女天天进宫，忙的了不得。幸喜凤姐儿近日身子好些，还得出来照应家事，又要预备王子腾进京接风贺喜。凤姐胞兄王仁知道叔叔入了内阁，仍带家眷来京。凤姐心里喜欢，便有些心病，有这些娘家的人，也便撂开，所以身子倒觉比前好了些。王夫人看见凤姐照旧办事，又把担子卸了一半，又眼见兄弟来京，诸事放心，倒觉安静些。独有宝玉原是无职之人，又不念书，代儒学里知他家里有事，也不来管他，贾政正忙，自然没有空儿查他。想来宝玉趁此机会，竟可与姊妹们天天畅乐，不料他自失了玉后，终日懒怠走动，说话也糊涂了。并贾母等出门回来，有人叫他去请安，便去，没人叫他，他也不动。袭人等怀著鬼胎，又不敢去招惹他，恐他生气。每天茶饭，端到面前便吃，不来也不要。袭人看这光景不象是有气，竟象是有病的。袭人偷著空儿到潇湘馆告诉紫鹃，说是「二爷这么著，求姑娘给他开导开导。」紫鹃虽即告诉黛玉，只因黛玉想著亲事上头一定是自己了，如今见了他，反觉不好意思：「若是他来呢，原是小时在一处的，也难不理他，若说我去找他，断断使不得。」所以黛玉不肯过来。袭人又背地里去告诉探春。那知探春心里明明知道海棠开得怪异，“宝玉”失的更奇，接连著元妃姐姐薨逝，谅家道不祥，日日愁闷，那有心肠去劝宝玉。况兄妹们男女有别，只好过来一两次。宝玉又终是懒懒的，所以也不大常来。

寶釵也知失玉。Baochai too knew of the lost jade.因薛姨媽那日應了寶玉的親事，回去便告訴了寶釵。Because Aunt Xue, having on that day consented to the marriage with Baoyu, had gone back and told Baochai of it.薛姨媽還說：「雖是你姨媽說了，我還沒有應准，說等你哥哥回來再定。Aunt Xue had also said, "Although your aunt has spoken of it, I haven't yet given my final consent — I said we'd wait for your brother to come back before deciding for certain.你願意不願意？」寶釵反正色的對母親道：「媽媽這話說錯了。"Are you willing or not?" Baochai, on the contrary, said to her mother with a stern expression, "Mother, what you've just said is wrong.女孩兒家的事情是父母做主的。A girl's affairs are decided by her parents.如今我父親沒了，媽媽應該做主的，再不然問哥哥。Now that my father is gone, my mother ought to decide, or else ask my brother.怎麼問起我來？」所以薛姨媽更愛惜他，說他雖是從小嬌養慣的，卻也生來的貞靜，因此在他面前，反不提起寶玉了。"Why ask me about it?" So Aunt Xue cherished her all the more, saying that although she had been pampered since childhood, she was by nature virtuous and reserved; and so, in front of her, no one brought up Bao-yu anymore.寶釵自從聽此一說，把」寶玉」兩個字自然更不提起了。From the time Bao-chai heard this remark, she herself naturally mentioned the two words "Bao-yu" even less.如今雖然聽見失了玉，心裡也甚驚疑，倒不好問，只得聽旁人說去，竟象不與自己相干的。Now, although she had heard that the jade was lost, and was quite alarmed and puzzled at heart, she found it awkward to ask about it, and could only listen to what others said, as though it were a matter that had nothing to do with her.只有薛姨媽打發丫頭過來了好幾次問信。Only Aunt Xue sent a maid over several times to ask for news.因他自己的兒子薛蟠的事焦心，只等哥哥進京便好為他出脫罪名，又知元妃已薨，雖然賈府忙亂，卻得鳳姐好了，出來理家，也把賈家的事撂開了。Because she was preoccupied with worry over her own son Xue Pan's case, waiting only for her brother to arrive in the capital so that he could help clear the charges against him, and having also learned that Imperial Consort Yuan had already passed away — although the Jia household was in an uproar, since Xi-feng had recovered and come out to manage the household again, she too set aside the affairs of the Jia family.只苦了襲人，雖然在寶玉跟前低聲下氣的伏侍勸慰，寶玉竟是不懂，襲人只有暗暗的著急而已。It was only Xiren who suffered — though she waited on Bao-yu humbly and gently, trying to comfort him, Bao-yu simply did not understand any of it, and Xiren could do nothing but grow secretly anxious.

宝钗也知失玉。因薛姨妈那日应了宝玉的亲事，回去便告诉了宝钗。薛姨妈还说：「虽是你姨妈说了，我还没有应准，说等你哥哥回来再定。你愿意不愿意？」宝钗反正色的对母亲道：「妈妈这话说错了。女孩儿家的事情是父母做主的。如今我父亲没了，妈妈应该做主的，再不然问哥哥。怎么问起我来？」所以薛姨妈更爱惜他，说他虽是从小娇养惯的，却也生来的贞静，因此在他面前，反不提起宝玉了。宝钗自从听此一说，把」宝玉」两个字自然更不提起了。如今虽然听见失了玉，心里也甚惊疑，倒不好问，只得听旁人说去，竟象不与自己相干的。只有薛姨妈打发丫头过来了好几次问信。因他自己的儿子薛蟠的事焦心，只等哥哥进京便好为他出脱罪名，又知元妃已薨，虽然贾府忙乱，却得凤姐好了，出来理家，也把贾家的事撂开了。只苦了袭人，虽然在宝玉跟前低声下气的伏侍劝慰，宝玉竟是不懂，袭人只有暗暗的著急而已。

過了幾日，元妃停靈寢廟，賈母等送殯去了幾天。After a few days, Imperial Consort Yuan's coffin was laid to rest in the temple hall, and Grandmother Jia and the others went to attend the funeral for several days.豈知寶玉一日呆似一日，也不發燒，也不疼痛，只是吃不象吃，睡不象睡，甚至說話都無頭緒。Who would have expected that Bao-yu grew more dazed with each passing day — he had no fever, no pain, only that his eating did not seem like eating, his sleeping did not seem like sleeping, and even his speech had become disjointed.那襲人麝月等一發慌了，回過鳳姐幾次。Xiren, Sheyue, and the others grew all the more alarmed, and reported to Xi-feng several times.鳳姐不時過來，起先道是找不著玉生氣，如今看他失魂落魄的樣子，只有日日請醫調治。Xi-feng came over from time to time; at first she assumed he was simply upset over not finding the jade, but now, seeing him look so lost and dazed, she had no choice but to send for the doctor daily to treat him.煎藥吃了好幾劑，只有添病的，沒有減病的。Several doses of medicine were brewed and taken, but they only made the illness worse, never better.及至問他那裡不舒服，寶玉也不說出來。When asked where he felt unwell, Bao-yu could not say.直至元妃事畢，賈母惦記寶玉，親自到園看視。Not until the affairs of the Imperial Consort's funeral were finished did Grandmother Jia, worried about Bao-yu, come in person to the Garden to see him.王夫人也隨過來。Lady Wang came along as well.襲人等忙叫寶玉接去請安。Xiren and the others hurriedly told Bao-yu to go out and pay his respects.寶玉雖說是病，每日原起來行動，今日叫他接賈母去，他依然仍是請安，惟是襲人在旁扶著指教。Although Bao-yu was said to be ill, he still got up and moved about every day as usual; today, told to go greet Grandmother Jia, he still went through the motions of paying respects, only with Xiren at his side supporting and prompting him.賈母看了，便道：「我的兒，我打諒你怎麼病著，故此過來瞧你。Grandmother Jia looked at him and said, "My child, I imagined you must be quite ill, and that is why I came to see you.今你依舊的模樣兒，我的心放了好些。」王夫人也自然是寬心的。Now that you look just the same as before, my mind is set much more at ease." Lady Wang, too, naturally felt reassured.但寶玉並不回答，只管嘻嘻的笑。But Bao-yu did not answer at all, only kept giggling foolishly.賈母等進屋坐下，問他的話，襲人教一句，他說一句，大不似往常，直是一個傻子似的。Grandmother Jia and the others went into the room and sat down; whatever they asked him, Xiren had to feed him the words line by line for him to repeat, quite unlike his usual self — he seemed just like a simpleton.賈母愈看愈疑，便說：「我才進來看時，不見有什麼病，如今細細一瞧，這病果然不輕，竟是神魂失散的樣子。The more Grandmother Jia watched him, the more suspicious she grew, and she said, "When I first came in and looked at him, I saw nothing wrong; but now, looking closely, this illness is indeed no small matter — he looks just as if his spirit and soul had scattered away.到底因什麼起的呢？」王夫人知事難瞞，又瞧瞧襲人怪可怜的樣子，只得便依著寶玉先前的話，將那往南安王府裡去聽戲時丟了這塊玉的話，悄悄的告訴了一遍。What on earth brought this on?" Lady Wang, knowing the matter could not be concealed any longer, and seeing how pitiful Xiren looked, had no choice but to follow Bao-yu's earlier account and quietly relate once more how the jade had been lost while he was at the Prince of Nan'an's mansion watching an opera.心裡也彷徨的很，生恐賈母著急，並說：「現在著人在四下里找尋，求簽問卦，都說在當舖裡找，少不得找著的。」賈母聽了，急得站起來，眼淚直流，說道：「這件玉如何是丟得的！She herself was very uneasy at heart, fearing Grandmother Jia would grow upset, and added, "People have been sent out everywhere to search for it, and fortune-sticks and divinations have all been consulted — they all say it should be looked for at the pawnshops, so it is bound to be found sooner or later." When Grandmother Jia heard this, she rose to her feet in alarm, tears streaming down, and said, "How could this jade possibly be allowed to be lost!你們忒不懂事了，難道老爺也是撂開手的不成！」王夫人知賈母生氣，叫襲人等跪下，自己斂容低首回說：「媳婦恐老太太著急老爺生氣，都沒敢回。」賈母咳道：「這是寶玉的命根子。You are all far too thoughtless — don't tell me the Master, too, has simply washed his hands of it!" Lady Wang, seeing Grandmother Jia was angry, told Xiren and the others to kneel down, while she herself composed her expression, lowered her head, and answered, "Your daughter-in-law feared that if Old Ancestress grew anxious, the Master would be angered, so none of us dared report it." Grandmother Jia sighed and said, "That jade is Bao-yu's very life.因丟了，所以他是這麼失魂喪魄的。It is because it was lost that he has become so lost in spirit and soul.還了得！How can this be tolerated!況是這玉滿城裡都知道，誰撿了去便叫你們找出來么！Besides, the whole city already knows about this jade — whoever picked it up, do you really think you can simply order them to find it and bring it back?!叫人快快請老爺，我與他說。」那時嚇得王夫人襲人等俱哀告道：「老太太這一生氣，回來老爺更了不得了。Send someone at once to fetch the Master — I will speak to him myself." At this, Lady Wang, Xiren, and the others were frightened and pleaded, "If Old Ancestress grows this angry, when the Master comes back it will be even worse.現在寶玉病著，交給我們盡命的找來就是了。」賈母道：「你們怕老爺生氣，有我呢。」便叫麝月傳人去請，不一時傳進話來，說：「老爺謝客去了。」賈母道：「不用他也使得。Bao-yu is ill right now — just leave it to us, we will search for it with all our might." Grandmother Jia said, "You're afraid the Master will be angry — but you have me here." She then told Sheyue to send someone to fetch him. Before long, word came back saying, "The Master has gone to pay a call of thanks to a guest." Grandmother Jia said, "We can manage without him too.你們便說我說的話，暫且也不用責罰下人，我便叫璉兒來寫出賞格，懸在前日經過的地方，便說有人撿得送來者，情願送銀一萬兩，如有知人撿得送信找得者，送銀五千兩。You may simply say these are my own words: for now there is no need to punish the servants. I will have Lian-er come and write out a reward notice, to be posted at the place he passed by the other day, stating that whoever picked it up and brings it back will be given ten thousand taels of silver in reward, and whoever knows who picked it up and provides information leading to its recovery will be given five thousand taels.如真有了，不可吝惜銀子。If it is truly recovered, there must be no stinting on the silver.這麼一找，少不得就找出來了。Search for it this way, and it is bound to turn up.若是靠著咱們家幾個人找，就找一輩子，也不能得。」王夫人也不敢直言。If we rely only on the few people in our own household to search, we could search a whole lifetime and still not find it." Lady Wang did not dare speak against this.賈母傳話告訴賈璉，叫他速辦去了。Grandmother Jia sent word to Jia Lian, telling him to see to it at once.賈母便叫人：「將寶玉動用之物都搬到我那裡去，只派襲人秋紋跟過來，餘者仍留園內看屋子。」寶玉聽了，終不言語，只是傻笑。Grandmother Jia then told the servants, "Move all of Bao-yu's everyday things over to my quarters; only Xiren and Qiuwen are to come along and attend him, the rest are to stay behind in the Garden to look after the rooms." Hearing this, Bao-yu still said nothing at all, only laughed foolishly.

过了几日，元妃停灵寝庙，贾母等送殡去了几天。岂知宝玉一日呆似一日，也不发烧，也不疼痛，只是吃不象吃，睡不象睡，甚至说话都无头绪。那袭人麝月等一发慌了，回过凤姐几次。凤姐不时过来，起先道是找不著玉生气，如今看他失魂落魄的样子，只有日日请医调治。煎药吃了好几剂，只有添病的，没有减病的。及至问他那里不舒服，宝玉也不说出来。直至元妃事毕，贾母惦记宝玉，亲自到园看视。王夫人也随过来。袭人等忙叫宝玉接去请安。宝玉虽说是病，每日原起来行动，今日叫他接贾母去，他依然仍是请安，惟是袭人在旁扶著指教。贾母看了，便道：「我的儿，我打谅你怎么病著，故此过来瞧你。今你依旧的模样儿，我的心放了好些。」王夫人也自然是宽心的。但宝玉并不回答，只管嘻嘻的笑。贾母等进屋坐下，问他的话，袭人教一句，他说一句，大不似往常，直是一个傻子似的。贾母愈看愈疑，便说：「我才进来看时，不见有什么病，如今细细一瞧，这病果然不轻，竟是神魂失散的样子。到底因什么起的呢？」王夫人知事难瞒，又瞧瞧袭人怪可怜的样子，只得便依著宝玉先前的话，将那往南安王府里去听戏时丢了这块玉的话，悄悄的告诉了一遍。心里也彷徨的很，生恐贾母著急，并说：「现在著人在四下里找寻，求签问卦，都说在当铺里找，少不得找著的。」贾母听了，急得站起来，眼泪直流，说道：「这件玉如何是丢得的！你们忒不懂事了，难道老爷也是撂开手的不成！」王夫人知贾母生气，叫袭人等跪下，自己敛容低首回说：「媳妇恐老太太著急老爷生气，都没敢回。」贾母咳道：「这是宝玉的命根子。因丢了，所以他是这么失魂丧魄的。还了得！况是这玉满城里都知道，谁捡了去便叫你们找出来么！叫人快快请老爷，我与他说。」那时吓得王夫人袭人等俱哀告道：「老太太这一生气，回来老爷更了不得了。现在宝玉病著，交给我们尽命的找来就是了。」贾母道：「你们怕老爷生气，有我呢。」便叫麝月传人去请，不一时传进话来，说：「老爷谢客去了。」贾母道：「不用他也使得。你们便说我说的话，暂且也不用责罚下人，我便叫琏儿来写出赏格，悬在前日经过的地方，便说有人捡得送来者，情愿送银一万两，如有知人捡得送信找得者，送银五千两。如真有了，不可吝惜银子。这么一找，少不得就找出来了。若是靠著咱们家几个人找，就找一辈子，也不能得。」王夫人也不敢直言。贾母传话告诉贾琏，叫他速办去了。贾母便叫人：「将宝玉动用之物都搬到我那里去，只派袭人秋纹跟过来，余者仍留园内看屋子。」宝玉听了，终不言语，只是傻笑。

賈母便攜了寶玉起身，襲人等攙扶出園。Grandmother Jia then took Bao-yu by the hand and rose to leave, while Xiren and the others supported him as they walked out of the Garden.回到自己房中，叫王夫人坐下，看人收拾裡間屋內安置，便對王夫人道：「你知道我的意思么？Back in her own quarters, she had Lady Wang sit down, and while watching the servants arrange the inner room, said to Lady Wang, "Do you understand my reasoning?我為的園里人少，怡紅院裡的花樹忽萎忽開，有些奇怪。It's because there are too few people in the Garden, and the flowers and trees in Happy Red Court have been wilting and blooming strangely by turns — there's something odd about it.頭裡仗著一塊玉能除邪祟，如今此玉丟了，生恐邪氣易侵，故我帶他過來一塊兒住著。Before, we relied on that piece of jade to ward off evil influences; now that it's lost, I fear evil influences may easily intrude, so I've brought him here to live with me.這幾天也不用叫他出去，大夫來就在這裡瞧。」王夫人聽說，便接口道：「老太太想的自然是。For the next few days there's no need for him to go out at all; when the doctor comes, he can examine him right here." Hearing this, Lady Wang responded, "Old Ancestress's thinking is certainly right.如今寶玉同著老太太住了，老太太福氣大，不論什麼都壓住了。」賈母道：「什麼福氣，不過我屋裡乾淨些，經卷也多，都可以念念定定心神。Now that Bao-yu is living with Old Ancestress, with your great store of good fortune, nothing at all could get past it." Grandmother Jia said, "What good fortune — it's simply that my rooms are cleaner, and there are more sutras here, all of which can be recited to help settle and steady his spirit.你問寶玉好不好？」那寶玉見問，只是笑。Ask Bao-yu whether he's well or not." When Bao-yu was asked, he only laughed.襲人叫他說「好」，寶玉也就說「好」。When Xiren prompted him to say "well," Bao-yu then said, "well."王夫人見了這般光景，未免落淚，在賈母這裡，不敢出聲。Seeing him in this state, Lady Wang could not help shedding tears, but being in Grandmother Jia's presence, she did not dare make a sound.賈母知王夫人著急，便說道：「你回去罷，這裡有我調停他。Grandmother Jia, knowing Lady Wang was distressed, said, "You may go back now — I'll see to looking after him here.晚上老爺回來，告訴他不必見我，不許言語就是了。」王夫人去後，賈母叫鴛鴦找些安神定魄的藥，按方吃了。When the Master comes home tonight, tell him there's no need to come see me, and that he mustn't say a word about it — that will do." After Lady Wang left, Grandmother Jia had Yuanyang find some medicine for calming the spirit and settling the soul, and had it taken according to the prescription.不題。No more of this for now.

贾母便携了宝玉起身，袭人等搀扶出园。回到自己房中，叫王夫人坐下，看人收拾里间屋内安置，便对王夫人道：「你知道我的意思么？我为的园里人少，怡红院里的花树忽萎忽开，有些奇怪。头里仗著一块玉能除邪祟，如今此玉丢了，生恐邪气易侵，故我带他过来一块儿住著。这几天也不用叫他出去，大夫来就在这里瞧。」王夫人听说，便接口道：「老太太想的自然是。如今宝玉同著老太太住了，老太太福气大，不论什么都压住了。」贾母道：「什么福气，不过我屋里干净些，经卷也多，都可以念念定定心神。你问宝玉好不好？」那宝玉见问，只是笑。袭人叫他说「好」，宝玉也就说「好」。王夫人见了这般光景，未免落泪，在贾母这里，不敢出声。贾母知王夫人著急，便说道：「你回去罢，这里有我调停他。晚上老爷回来，告诉他不必见我，不许言语就是了。」王夫人去后，贾母叫鸳鸯找些安神定魄的药，按方吃了。不题。

且說賈政當晚回家，在車內聽見道兒上人說道：「人要發財也容易的很。」那個問道：「怎麼見得？」這個人又道：「今日聽見榮府裡丟了什麼哥兒的玉了，貼著招帖兒，上頭寫著玉的大小式樣顏色，說有人撿了送去，就給一萬兩銀子，送信的還給五千呢。」賈政雖未聽得如此真切，心裡詫異，急忙赶回，便叫門上的人問起那事來。Now to speak of Jia Zheng: on his way home that evening, he heard people talking on the road outside his carriage. One said, "Getting rich can be quite easy these days." The other asked, "How do you mean?" The first went on, "I heard today that some young master's jade was lost at the Rong mansion, and they've put up a notice giving the jade's size, shape, and color, saying that whoever picked it up and brings it in will be given ten thousand taels of silver, and whoever brings word of it will get five thousand." Although Jia Zheng had not heard this very clearly, he was startled at heart, and hurried home, at once asking the gatekeeper about the matter.門上的人稟道：「奴才頭裡也不知道，今兒晌午璉二爺傳出老太太的話，叫人去貼帖兒，才知道的。」賈政便歎氣道：「家道該衰，偏生養這麼一個孽障！The gatekeeper reported, "Your servant knew nothing of it before either; only at noon today did Master Lian the Second pass on Old Ancestress's word and have people go put up the notice — that's how I came to know of it." Jia Zheng sighed and said, "The family's fortunes must be doomed to decline, that we should have given birth to such a wretched troublemaker!才養他的時候滿街的謠言，隔了十幾年略好了些，這會子又大張曉諭的找玉，成何道理！」說著，忙走進裡頭去問王夫人。When he was first born, the whole street was full of rumors about him; after more than ten years things had gotten a little better, and now here we are again, posting notices far and wide to search for this jade — what sense does this make!" So saying, he hurried inside to ask Lady Wang about it.王夫人便一五一十的告訴。Lady Wang told him everything, in full detail.賈政知是老太太的主意，又不敢違拗，只抱怨王夫人幾句。Jia Zheng, learning it was Old Ancestress's own idea, did not dare oppose it, and only grumbled a little at Lady Wang.又走出來，叫瞞著老太太，背地裡揭了這個帖兒下來。He then went back out and, telling them to keep it from Old Ancestress, had the notice quietly torn down behind her back.豈知早有那些游手好閒的人揭了去了。Little did he know that idle loafers had already torn it down and taken it away.

且说贾政当晚回家，在车内听见道儿上人说道：「人要发财也容易的很。」那个问道：「怎么见得？」这个人又道：「今日听见荣府里丢了什么哥儿的玉了，贴著招帖儿，上头写著玉的大小式样颜色，说有人捡了送去，就给一万两银子，送信的还给五千呢。」贾政虽未听得如此真切，心里诧异，急忙赶回，便叫门上的人问起那事来。门上的人禀道：「奴才头里也不知道，今儿晌午琏二爷传出老太太的话，叫人去贴帖儿，才知道的。」贾政便叹气道：「家道该衰，偏生养这么一个孽障！才养他的时候满街的谣言，隔了十几年略好了些，这会子又大张晓谕的找玉，成何道理！」说著，忙走进里头去问王夫人。王夫人便一五一十的告诉。贾政知是老太太的主意，又不敢违拗，只抱怨王夫人几句。又走出来，叫瞒著老太太，背地里揭了这个帖儿下来。岂知早有那些游手好闲的人揭了去了。

過了些時，竟有人到榮府門上，口稱送玉來。After some time had passed, someone actually came to the gate of the Rong mansion, claiming he had come to deliver the jade.家內人們聽見，喜歡的了不得，便說：「拿來，我給你回去。」那人便怀內掏出賞格來，指給門上人瞧，」這不是你府上的帖子么，寫明送玉來的給銀一萬兩。The household servants who heard this were overjoyed beyond measure and said, "Give it here, and I'll report it in for you." The man then drew the reward notice out from inside his robe and pointed it out to the gatekeeper, saying, "Isn't this your mansion's notice? It states clearly that whoever brings the jade will be given ten thousand taels of silver.二太爺，你們這會子瞧我窮，回來我得了銀子，就是個財主了。Second Old Master, you may look down on me now for being poor, but once I get my silver, I'll be a rich man too.別這麼待理不理的。」門上聽他話頭來得硬，說道：「你到底略給我瞧一瞧，我好給你回去。」那人初倒不肯，後來聽人說得有理，便掏出那玉，托在掌中一揚說：「這是不是？」眾家人原是在外服役，只知有玉，也不常見，今日才看見這玉的模樣兒了。Don't treat me with such indifference." Hearing how firm his tone was, the gatekeeper said, "Well, at least let me have a look at it, so I can properly report it in for you." The man was reluctant at first, but hearing that this made sense, he took out the jade, held it up in his palm, and said, "Is this it or not?" The household servants, who normally worked outside and only knew there was such a jade without often seeing it, finally got a look at what the jade actually looked like that day.急忙跑到裡頭，搶頭報似的。They hurried inside at once, each rushing to be the first to bring the news.那日賈政賈赦出門，只有賈璉在家。That day, Jia Zheng and Jia She were both out, and only Jia Lian was at home.眾人回明，賈璉還細問真不真。When the servants reported it, Jia Lian still questioned closely whether it was genuine or not.門上人口稱：「親眼見過，只是不給奴才，要見主子，一手交銀，一手交玉。」賈璉卻也喜歡，忙去稟知王夫人，即便回明賈母。The gatekeeper said, "I saw it with my own eyes, but he won't hand it to a servant — he wants to see the master himself, one hand for the silver, one hand for the jade." Jia Lian was delighted too, and hurried to report it to Lady Wang, and then went at once to inform Grandmother Jia.把個襲人樂得合掌念佛。This made Xiren so happy that she pressed her palms together and murmured a prayer to Buddha.賈母並不改口，一疊連聲：「快叫璉兒請那人到書房內坐下，將玉取來一看，即便送銀。」賈璉依言，請那人進來當客待他，用好言道謝：「要借這玉送到裡頭，本人見了，謝銀分厘不短。」那人只得將一個紅綢子包兒送過去。Grandmother Jia did not go back on her word at all, and said in quick succession, "Quickly have Lian-er invite that man to sit in the study, bring the jade in for a look, and give him the silver at once." Jia Lian did as told, invited the man in and treated him as a guest, and thanked him with kind words: "We would like to borrow the jade to take inside — once the person concerned has seen it, not a fraction of the reward silver will be withheld." The man had no choice but to hand over a bundle wrapped in red silk.賈璉打開一看，可不是那一塊晶瑩美玉嗎。Jia Lian opened it and looked — and indeed, wasn't it just that same gleaming, beautiful piece of jade?賈璉素昔原不理論，今日倒要看看，看了半日，上面的字也仿佛認得出來，什麼」除邪祟」等字。Jia Lian had never paid it much attention before, but today he wanted to examine it closely; after looking it over for a long while, he could even more or less make out the characters on it, words like "wards off evil influences" and so on.賈璉看了，喜之不胜，便叫家人伺候，忙忙的送與賈母王夫人認去。Having looked it over, Jia Lian was overjoyed beyond measure, and told the servants to attend to the man, while he himself hurried off to bring it to Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang to identify.

过了些时，竟有人到荣府门上，口称送玉来。家内人们听见，喜欢的了不得，便说：「拿来，我给你回去。」那人便怀内掏出赏格来，指给门上人瞧，」这不是你府上的帖子么，写明送玉来的给银一万两。二太爷，你们这会子瞧我穷，回来我得了银子，就是个财主了。别这么待理不理的。」门上听他话头来得硬，说道：「你到底略给我瞧一瞧，我好给你回去。」那人初倒不肯，后来听人说得有理，便掏出那玉，托在掌中一扬说：「这是不是？」众家人原是在外服役，只知有玉，也不常见，今日才看见这玉的模样儿了。急忙跑到里头，抢头报似的。那日贾政贾赦出门，只有贾琏在家。众人回明，贾琏还细问真不真。门上人口称：「亲眼见过，只是不给奴才，要见主子，一手交银，一手交玉。」贾琏却也喜欢，忙去禀知王夫人，即便回明贾母。把个袭人乐得合掌念佛。贾母并不改口，一叠连声：「快叫琏儿请那人到书房内坐下，将玉取来一看，即便送银。」贾琏依言，请那人进来当客待他，用好言道谢：「要借这玉送到里头，本人见了，谢银分厘不短。」那人只得将一个红绸子包儿送过去。贾琏打开一看，可不是那一块晶莹美玉吗。贾琏素昔原不理论，今日倒要看看，看了半日，上面的字也仿佛认得出来，什么」除邪祟」等字。贾琏看了，喜之不胜，便叫家人伺候，忙忙的送与贾母王夫人认去。

這會子驚動了合家的人，都等著爭看。By now the whole household had been roused, and everyone was waiting eagerly to get a look.鳳姐見賈璉進來，便劈手奪去，不敢先看，送到賈母手裡。When Xi-feng saw Jia Lian come in, she snatched it from his hand at once, not daring to look at it herself first, and carried it straight to Grandmother Jia.賈璉笑道：「你這麼一點兒事還不叫我獻功呢。」賈母打開看時，只見那玉比先前昏暗了好些。Jia Lian said with a laugh, "Such a small thing, and you still won't let me claim the credit." When Grandmother Jia opened it and looked, she found the jade considerably duller than it had been before.一面擦摸，鴛鴦拿上眼鏡兒來，戴著一瞧，說：「奇怪，這塊玉倒是的，怎麼把頭裡的寶色都沒了呢？」王夫人看了一會子，也認不出，便叫鳳姐過來看。As she rubbed and examined it, Yuanyang brought over a pair of spectacles; putting them on to look, she said, "How strange — this is indeed the jade, but how has it lost all its former lustrous color?" Lady Wang looked at it for a while too, but could not tell either, and so called Xi-feng over to look.鳳姐看了道：「象倒象，只是顏色不大對。Xi-feng looked at it and said, "It does resemble it, but the color isn't quite right.不如叫寶兄弟自己一看就知道了。」襲人在旁也看著未必是那一塊，只是盼得的心盛，也不敢說出不象來。Better to have Brother Bao look at it himself — then we'll know for certain." Xiren, standing by, also felt it might not be the same piece, but her hope of its being found was so strong that she did not dare say it looked wrong.鳳姐于是從賈母手中接過來，同著襲人拿來給寶玉瞧。Xi-feng then took it back from Grandmother Jia's hands and, together with Xiren, brought it for Bao-yu to see.這時寶玉正睡著才醒。At that moment Bao-yu had just woken from sleep.鳳姐告訴道：「你的玉有了。」寶玉睡眼朦朧，接在手裡也沒瞧，便往地上一撂道：「你們又來哄我了。」說著只是冷笑。Xi-feng told him, "Your jade has been found." Bao-yu, still bleary-eyed with sleep, took it in his hand without even looking at it, tossed it onto the floor, and said, "You're trying to fool me again." So saying, he only sneered coldly.鳳姐連忙拾起來，道：「這也奇了，怎麼你沒瞧就知道呢。」寶玉也不答言，只管笑。Xi-feng hastily picked it up and said, "Now this is strange too — how could you tell without even looking?" Bao-yu made no reply, only kept laughing.王夫人也進屋裡來了，見他這樣，便道：「這不用說了。Lady Wang came into the room as well, and seeing him like this, said, "There's no need to say more.他那玉原是胎裡帶來的一种古怪東西，自然他有道理。That jade of his was, after all, a strange thing he was born with in the womb, so naturally he has his own way of knowing.想來這個必是人見了帖兒照樣做的。」大家此時恍然大悟。I imagine this one must be something someone made to match, after seeing the notice." At this, everyone suddenly understood.賈璉在外間屋裡聽見這話，便說道：「既不是，快拿來給我問問他去，人家這樣事，他敢來鬼混。」賈母喝住道：「璉兒，拿了去給他，叫他去罷。Jia Lian, in the outer room, heard this and said, "If it's not genuine, bring it to me quickly so I can question that fellow — daring to play tricks on us over a matter like this!" Grandmother Jia stopped him, saying, "Lian-er, take it and give it back to him, and let him go.那也是窮极了的人沒法兒了，所以見我們家有這樣事，他便想著賺幾個錢也是有的。He too must be a man driven to desperation by poverty with no other way out, and so, seeing that our household had such a matter going on, it's quite possible he thought to make a bit of money from it.如今白白的花了錢弄了這個東西，又叫咱們認出來了。Now he's spent money for nothing to get hold of this thing, and we've seen through it besides.依著我不要難為他，把這玉還他，說不是我們的，賞給他幾兩銀子。As I see it, don't make things hard for him — give the jade back to him, tell him it isn't ours, and reward him with a few taels of silver.外頭的人知道了，才肯有信兒就送來呢。Only then will people outside, once they hear of it, be willing to bring word the moment they have any.若是難為了這一個人，就有真的，人家也不敢拿來了。」賈璉答應出去。If we make things difficult for this one man, then even if the real jade turns up, no one will dare bring it to us." Jia Lian agreed and went out.那人還等著呢，半日不見人來，正在那裡心裡發虛，只見賈璉氣忿走出來了。The man was still waiting there; after a long while with no one coming out, he was just beginning to feel uneasy, when he saw Jia Lian come storming out in anger.未知何如，下回分解。What happened next is unknown; the next chapter will explain.

这会子惊动了合家的人，都等著争看。凤姐见贾琏进来，便劈手夺去，不敢先看，送到贾母手里。贾琏笑道：「你这么一点儿事还不叫我献功呢。」贾母打开看时，只见那玉比先前昏暗了好些。一面擦摸，鸳鸯拿上眼镜儿来，戴著一瞧，说：「奇怪，这块玉倒是的，怎么把头里的宝色都没了呢？」王夫人看了一会子，也认不出，便叫凤姐过来看。凤姐看了道：「象倒象，只是颜色不大对。不如叫宝兄弟自己一看就知道了。」袭人在旁也看著未必是那一块，只是盼得的心盛，也不敢说出不象来。凤姐于是从贾母手中接过来，同著袭人拿来给宝玉瞧。这时宝玉正睡著才醒。凤姐告诉道：「你的玉有了。」宝玉睡眼朦胧，接在手里也没瞧，便往地上一撂道：「你们又来哄我了。」说著只是冷笑。凤姐连忙拾起来，道：「这也奇了，怎么你没瞧就知道呢。」宝玉也不答言，只管笑。王夫人也进屋里来了，见他这样，便道：「这不用说了。他那玉原是胎里带来的一种古怪东西，自然他有道理。想来这个必是人见了帖儿照样做的。」大家此时恍然大悟。贾琏在外间屋里听见这话，便说道：「既不是，快拿来给我问问他去，人家这样事，他敢来鬼混。」贾母喝住道：「琏儿，拿了去给他，叫他去罢。那也是穷极了的人没法儿了，所以见我们家有这样事，他便想著赚几个钱也是有的。如今白白的花了钱弄了这个东西，又叫咱们认出来了。依著我不要难为他，把这玉还他，说不是我们的，赏给他几两银子。外头的人知道了，才肯有信儿就送来呢。若是难为了这一个人，就有真的，人家也不敢拿来了。」贾琏答应出去。那人还等著呢，半日不见人来，正在那里心里发虚，只见贾琏气忿走出来了。未知何如，下回分解。