第九十六回　瞞消息鳳姐設奇謀　泄机關顰兒迷本性 Hiding the News, Xifeng Devises a Scheme; The Secret Out, Daiyu Loses Her Wits

話說賈璉拿了那塊假玉忿忿走出，到了書房。The story goes that Jia Lian took that piece of fake jade and stormed out, indignant, going to the study.那個人看見賈璉的氣色不好，心里先發了虛了，連忙站起來迎著。That man, seeing that Jia Lian's color was not good, felt his heart quail, and hastily stood up to greet him.剛要說話，只見賈璉冷笑道：“好大膽，我把你這個混帳東西！Just as he was about to speak, Jia Lian gave a cold laugh and said, "What nerve! You scoundrel, you!這里是什麼地方兒，你敢來掉鬼！”回頭便問：“小廝們呢？”外頭轟雷一般幾個小廝齊聲答應。"What place do you think this is, that you dare come here playing tricks!" He turned and asked, "Where are the houseboys?" Outside, like a peal of thunder, several houseboys answered together.賈璉道：“取繩子去捆起他來。Jia Lian said, "Fetch a rope and tie him up.等老爺回來問明了，把他送到衙門里去。”眾小廝又一齊答應“預備著呢。”嘴里雖如此，卻不動身。"Wait till the Master comes back and questions him properly, then send him off to the yamen." The houseboys again answered together, "We're getting ready." But though they said so, none of them moved.那人先自唬的手足無措，見這般勢派，知道難逃公道，只得跪下給賈璉碰頭，口口聲聲只叫：“老太爺別生氣。The man had already been frightened out of his wits; seeing this show of force, he knew there was no escaping justice, and could only kneel down and kowtow to Jia Lian, saying over and over, "Old Master, please don't be angry.是我一時窮极無奈，才想出這個沒臉的營生來。"It was only because I was driven to utter desperation by poverty that I thought up this shameless scheme.那玉是我借錢做的，我也不敢要了，只得孝敬府里的哥兒頑罷。”說畢，又連連磕頭。"That jade — I borrowed money to have it made. I no longer dare ask anything for it; I can only offer it up for the young master of your household to play with." So saying, he kowtowed again and again.賈璉啐道：“你這個不知死活的東西！Jia Lian spat, "You wretch who doesn't know whether he's alive or dead!這府里希罕你的那朽不了的浪東西！”正鬧著，只見賴大進來，陪著笑向賈璉道：“二爺別生氣了。"As if this household would prize that worthless, rotten trinket of yours!" In the midst of this uproar, Lai Da came in and, smiling ingratiatingly, said to Jia Lian, "Second Master, don't be angry.靠他算個什麼東西，饒了他，叫他滾出去罷。”賈璉道：“實在可惡。”賴大賈璉作好作歹，眾人在外頭都說道：“糊涂狗攮的，還不給爺和賴大爺磕頭呢。"What is he, after all — spare him, and just tell him to get out." Jia Lian said, "He's truly detestable." Lai Da kept coaxing and pleading with Jia Lian, while everyone outside said, "You muddled cur, aren't you going to kowtow to the Master and to Uncle Lai yet?快快的滾罷，還等窩心腳呢！”那人赶忙磕了兩個頭，抱頭鼠竄而去。"Get out quick, or are you waiting for a good kick in the gut!" The man hastily kowtowed twice and scurried off with his head in his hands, like a rat fleeing.從此街上鬧動了“賈寶玉弄出‘假寶玉’”來。From then on the streets buzzed with talk of how "Jia Baoyu had produced a fake Baoyu."

话说贾琏拿了那块假玉忿忿走出，到了书房。那个人看见贾琏的气色不好，心里先发了虚了，连忙站起来迎著。刚要说话，只见贾琏冷笑道：“好大胆，我把你这个混帐东西！这里是什么地方儿，你敢来掉鬼！”回头便问：“小厮们呢？”外头轰雷一般几个小厮齐声答应。贾琏道：“取绳子去捆起他来。等老爷回来问明了，把他送到衙门里去。”众小厮又一齐答应“预备著呢。”嘴里虽如此，却不动身。那人先自唬的手足无措，见这般势派，知道难逃公道，只得跪下给贾琏碰头，口口声声只叫：“老太爷别生气。是我一时穷极无奈，才想出这个没脸的营生来。那玉是我借钱做的，我也不敢要了，只得孝敬府里的哥儿顽罢。”说毕，又连连磕头。贾琏啐道：“你这个不知死活的东西！这府里希罕你的那朽不了的浪东西！”正闹著，只见赖大进来，陪著笑向贾琏道：“二爷别生气了。靠他算个什么东西，饶了他，叫他滚出去罢。”贾琏道：“实在可恶。”赖大贾琏作好作歹，众人在外头都说道：“糊涂狗攮的，还不给爷和赖大爷磕头呢。快快的滚罢，还等窝心脚呢！”那人赶忙磕了两个头，抱头鼠窜而去。从此街上闹动了“贾宝玉弄出‘假宝玉’”来。

且說賈政那日拜客回來，眾人因為燈節底下，恐怕賈政生氣，已過去的事了，便也都不肯回。Now, as for Jia Zheng — that day he came back from paying calls, but since it was close to the Lantern Festival, everyone feared it would upset him, and besides the matter was already over, so no one was willing to report it to him.只因元妃的事忙碌了好些時，近日寶玉又病著，雖有舊例家宴，大家無興，也無有可記之事。Only because everyone had been busy for some time over the matter of Imperial Consort Yuan, and lately Baoyu had also been ill — although the customary family banquet was held, no one was in the mood for it, so there is nothing worth recording.到了正月十七日，王夫人正盼王子騰來京，只見鳳姐進來回說”今日二爺在外聽得有人傳說，我們家大老爺赶著進京，離城只二百多里地，在路上沒了。When the seventeenth of the first month came, Lady Wang was just then looking forward to Wang Ziteng's arrival in the capital, when Xifeng came in and reported, "Today, out and about, the Second Master heard people saying that our family's Elder Master, hurrying to the capital, died on the road when he was only a little over two hundred li from the city.太太聽見了沒有？”王夫人吃驚道：“我沒有聽見，老爺昨晚也沒有說起，到底在那里聽見的？”鳳姐道：“說是在樞密張老爺家聽見的。”王夫人怔了半天，那眼淚早流下來了，因拭淚說道：“回來再叫璉兒索性打聽明白了來告訴我。”鳳姐答應去了。"Has Madam heard of it?" Lady Wang said in shock, "I haven't heard it, and the Master didn't mention it last night either — where on earth did he hear it?" Xifeng said, "It's said he heard it at the house of Privy Councilor Zhang." Lady Wang was stunned for a long while, and the tears had already begun to fall; wiping them away, she said, "When he comes back, have Lian find out the truth of it and come tell me." Xifeng agreed and went off.王夫人不免暗里落淚，悲女哭弟，又為寶玉耽憂。Lady Wang could not help shedding secret tears — grieving for her niece, weeping for her brother, and worrying over Baoyu besides.如此連三接二，都是不隨意的事，那里擱得住，便有些心口疼痛起來。With one distressing matter following another like this, how could she bear it? Her heart and chest began to ache.又加賈璉打聽明白了來說道：“舅太爺是赶路勞乏，偶然感冒風寒，到了十里屯地方，延醫調治。On top of this, Jia Lian, having found out the truth, came and reported, "Uncle wore himself out hurrying on the road and happened to catch a chill; when he reached the place called Shilitun, he called in a doctor for treatment.無奈這個地方沒有名醫，誤用了藥，一劑就死了。"Unfortunately there was no skilled physician in that place, and through a mistaken dose of medicine he died after just one draught.但不知家眷可到了那里沒有？”王夫人聽了，一陣心酸，便心口疼得坐不住，叫彩雲等扶了上炕，還扎掙著叫賈璉去回了賈政，“即速收拾行裝迎到那里，幫著料理完畢，既刻回來告訴我們。"But we don't yet know whether his family has arrived there or not." Hearing this, Lady Wang felt a pang of grief, and her heart and chest ached so that she could not sit up; she called Caiyun and the others to help her onto the kang, and still forced herself to have Jia Lian go report to Jia Zheng, "Pack your things at once and go meet them there, help see everything through, and come straight back to tell us.好叫你媳婦兒放心。”賈璉不敢違拗，只得辭了賈政起身。"So that your wife can set her mind at ease." Jia Lian did not dare disobey, and could only take his leave of Jia Zheng and set out.賈政早已知道，心里很不受用，又知寶玉失玉以後神志惛憒，醫藥無效，又值王夫人心疼。Jia Zheng had already learned of it and felt very ill at ease; moreover, knowing that ever since Baoyu had lost his jade his mind had been muddled and confused, that medicine had had no effect, and that Lady Wang's heart ailment had now flared up as well —那年正值京察，工部將賈政保列一等。That year happened to be the year of the metropolitan review of officials, and the Board of Works recommended Jia Zheng for first-class rating.二月，吏部帶領引見。In the second month, the Board of Civil Office presented him for imperial audience.皇上念賈政勤儉謹慎，即放了江西糧道。The Emperor, considering Jia Zheng diligent, frugal, and prudent, at once appointed him Grain Intendant of Jiangxi.即日謝恩，已奏明起程日期。That very day he gave thanks for the imperial favor, and had already memorialized the date of his departure.雖有眾親朋賀喜，賈政也無心應酬，只念家中人口不宁，又不敢耽延在家。Although many relatives and friends came to offer congratulations, Jia Zheng had no heart for entertaining them; he could only think of how unsettled things were at home, yet dared not delay his departure.正在無計可施，只聽見賈母那邊叫“請老爺。”Just as he was at a loss what to do, he heard word from Grandmother Jia's quarters: "Please invite the Master."

且说贾政那日拜客回来，众人因为灯节底下，恐怕贾政生气，已过去的事了，便也都不肯回。只因元妃的事忙碌了好些时，近日宝玉又病著，虽有旧例家宴，大家无兴，也无有可记之事。到了正月十七日，王夫人正盼王子腾来京，只见凤姐进来回说”今日二爷在外听得有人传说，我们家大老爷赶著进京，离城只二百多里地，在路上没了。太太听见了没有？”王夫人吃惊道：“我没有听见，老爷昨晚也没有说起，到底在那里听见的？”凤姐道：“说是在枢密张老爷家听见的。”王夫人怔了半天，那眼泪早流下来了，因拭泪说道：“回来再叫琏儿索性打听明白了来告诉我。”凤姐答应去了。王夫人不免暗里落泪，悲女哭弟，又为宝玉耽忧。如此连三接二，都是不随意的事，那里搁得住，便有些心口疼痛起来。又加贾琏打听明白了来说道：“舅太爷是赶路劳乏，偶然感冒风寒，到了十里屯地方，延医调治。无奈这个地方没有名医，误用了药，一剂就死了。但不知家眷可到了那里没有？”王夫人听了，一阵心酸，便心口疼得坐不住，叫彩云等扶了上炕，还扎挣著叫贾琏去回了贾政，“即速收拾行装迎到那里，帮著料理完毕，既刻回来告诉我们。好叫你媳妇儿放心。”贾琏不敢违拗，只得辞了贾政起身。贾政早已知道，心里很不受用，又知宝玉失玉以后神志惛愦，医药无效，又值王夫人心疼。那年正值京察，工部将贾政保列一等。二月，吏部带领引见。皇上念贾政勤俭谨慎，即放了江西粮道。即日谢恩，已奏明起程日期。虽有众亲朋贺喜，贾政也无心应酬，只念家中人口不宁，又不敢耽延在家。正在无计可施，只听见贾母那边叫“请老爷。”

賈政即忙進去，看見王夫人帶著病也在那里。Jia Zheng hurried in at once, and saw that Lady Wang, ill as she was, was also there.便向賈母請了安。He then paid his respects to Grandmother Jia.賈母叫他坐下，便說：“你不日就要赴任，我有多少話與你說，不知你聽不聽？”說著，掉下淚來。Grandmother Jia told him to sit down, and said, "You'll be off to your post before long; I have so much to say to you — I don't know whether you'll listen or not." As she spoke, tears fell.賈政忙站起來說道：“老太太有話只管吩咐，兒子怎敢不遵命呢。”賈母咽哽著說道：“我今年八十一歲的人了，你又要做外任去，偏有你大哥在家，你又不能告親老。Jia Zheng hastily rose and said, "If Old Ancestress has something to say, please just tell me; how would your son dare not obey?" Grandmother Jia, choking with emotion, said, "I am eighty-one years old this year, and now you must go off to a post outside the capital. As it happens your elder brother is at home, so you can't plead the need to care for aging parents.你這一去了，我所疼的只有寶玉，偏偏的又病得糊涂，還不知道怎麼樣呢。"Once you're gone, the one I love most is Baoyu, and as ill luck would have it he's fallen ill and confused in his mind, and there's no telling how things will turn out.我昨日叫賴升媳婦出去叫人給寶玉算算命，這先生算得好靈，說要娶了金命的人幫扶他，必要沖沖喜才好，不然只怕保不住。"Yesterday I sent Lai Sheng's wife out to have someone cast Baoyu's horoscope. This master was remarkably accurate — he said Baoyu must marry someone of the Metal destiny to support him, that a happy event is needed to counter the ill luck, or else I'm afraid he may not be saved.我知道你不信那些話，所以教你來商量。"I know you don't believe such talk, which is why I've asked you here to discuss it.你的媳婦也在這里。"Your wife is here too.你們兩個也商量商量，還是要寶玉好呢，還是隨他去呢？”賈政陪笑說道：“老太太當初疼兒子這麼疼的，難道做兒子的就不疼自己的兒子不成么。"The two of you should talk it over as well — do you want Baoyu to get well, or do you want to just let things take their course?" Jia Zheng said with a forced smile, "Old Ancestress loved her son so dearly in years past — could it be that as a son I don't love my own son?只為寶玉不上進，所以時常恨他，也不過是恨鐵不成鋼的意思。"It's only because Baoyu doesn't apply himself that I've often been harsh with him — but that's only wishing iron would turn to steel.老太太既要給他成家，這也是該當的，豈有逆著老太太不疼他的理。"Since Old Ancestress wishes to see him married and settled, that is only proper — how could there be any reason for me to go against Old Ancestress and not love him?如今寶玉病著，兒子也是不放心。"Now that Baoyu is ill, I too am uneasy.因老太太不叫他見我，所以兒子也不敢言語。"Only because Old Ancestress would not let him see me did your son not dare say anything.我到底瞧瞧寶玉是個什麼病。”王夫人見賈政說著也有些眼圈兒紅，知道心里是疼的，便叫襲人扶了寶玉來。"I really must go and see just what illness Baoyu has." Seeing that Jia Zheng's eyes had reddened as he spoke, Lady Wang knew that in his heart he truly cared, and so had Xiren bring Baoyu in, supporting him.寶玉見了他父親，襲人叫他請安，他便請了個安。When Baoyu saw his father, Xiren told him to pay his respects, and he made an obeisance.賈政見他臉面很瘦，目光無神，大有瘋傻之狀，便叫人扶了進去，便想到：“自己也是望六的人了，如今又放外任，不知道幾年回來。Jia Zheng saw that his face was very thin, his eyes dull and lifeless, looking very much deranged and foolish, and had him helped back inside; he thought to himself, "I myself am nearing sixty, and now I am to take up a post away from home — there's no telling how many years before I return.倘或這孩子果然不好，一則年老無嗣，雖說有孫子，到底隔了一層，二則老太太最疼的是寶玉，若有差錯，可不是我的罪名更重了。”瞧瞧王夫人，一包眼淚，又想到他身上，复站起來說：“老太太這麼大年紀，想法兒疼孫子，做兒子的還敢違拗？"If this child should indeed take a turn for the worse — for one thing, I'm old and without an heir of my own generation, and though there is a grandson, that is still one remove further; for another, the one Old Ancestress loves most is Baoyu, and if anything should go wrong, would not the blame fall even more heavily on me?" He glanced at Lady Wang, her eyes brimming with tears, and his thoughts turned to her as well; he rose again and said, "Old Ancestress, at your advanced age, wanting to find a way to show love for your grandson — how would a son dare oppose that?老太太主意該怎麼便怎麼就是了。"Whatever Old Ancestress decides is exactly how it should be.但只姨太太那邊不知說明白了沒有？”王夫人便道：“姨太太是早應了的。"Only, I wonder whether Aunt Xue's side has been told clearly yet or not?" Lady Wang then said, "Aunt Xue agreed long ago.只為蟠兒的事沒有結案，所以這些時總沒提起。”賈政又道：“這就是第一層的難處。"It's only that Pan's case hasn't been settled yet, so the matter hasn't been brought up all this while." Jia Zheng said further, "That in itself is the first difficulty.他哥哥在監里，妹子怎麼出嫁。"With her brother in prison, how can the younger sister be married off?況且貴妃的事雖不禁婚嫁，寶玉應照已出嫁的姐姐有九個月的功服，此時也難娶親。"Besides, although the matter of the Honored Consort's death does not forbid marriage, Baoyu, in mourning for an elder sister who died after marrying out, owes nine months of mourning garb, so it would be difficult to marry now in any case.再者我的起身日期已經奏明，不敢耽擱，這幾天怎麼辦呢？”賈母想了一想：“說的果然不錯。"Moreover, the date of my departure has already been reported to the throne, and I dare not delay — what is to be done in these few days?" Grandmother Jia thought a moment: "What you say is indeed true.若是等這幾件事過去，他父親又走了。"If we wait for all these matters to pass, his father will already have left.倘或這病一天重似一天，怎麼好？"And if this illness grows worse day by day, what then?只可越些禮辦了才好。”想定主意，便說道：“你若給他辦呢，我自然有個道理，包管都礙不著。"It would be best to dispense with some of the formalities and simply get it done." Having made up her mind, she said, "If you arrange it for him, I naturally have a plan, and I guarantee nothing will stand in the way.姨太太那邊我和你媳婦親自過去求他。"As for Aunt Xue's side, your wife and I will go in person to ask her.蟠兒那里我央蝌兒去告訴他，說是要救寶玉的命，諸事將就，自然應的。"As for Pan, I'll have Ke go and tell him it's to save Baoyu's life, and that everything will be kept simple — he's sure to agree.若說服里娶親，當真使不得。"As for marrying while still in mourning garments, that truly will not do.況且寶玉病著，也不可教他成親，不過是沖沖喜，我們兩家願意，孩子們又有金玉的道理，婚是不用合的了。"Besides, with Baoyu ill, we can't really have him marry properly — it's merely to counter the ill fortune with a happy occasion. Both our families are willing, and the children moreover have this matter of gold and jade between them, so there's no need even to match their horoscopes.即挑了好日子，按著咱們家分兒過了禮。"We'll simply pick an auspicious day and send the betrothal gifts according to our family's standing.赶著挑個娶親日子，一概鼓樂不用，倒按宮里的樣子，用十二對提燈，一乘八人轎子抬了來，照南邊規矩拜了堂，一樣坐床撒帳，可不是算娶了親了么。"Then quickly pick a day for the wedding. We'll dispense with music and drums altogether, and instead follow the palace style — use twelve pairs of lanterns, and have her carried over in an eight-bearer sedan chair; perform the bowing ceremony according to southern custom, and likewise have the bed-sitting and the scattering of fruit and coins — and would that not count as having held the wedding?寶丫頭心地明白，是不用慮的。"Baochai is sensible and clear-headed, so there's no need to worry on her account.內中又有襲人，也還是個妥妥當當的孩子。"Among them there's also Xiren, who is a steady, dependable girl too.再有個明白人常勸他更好。"And if there's someone sensible to keep advising him, all the better.他又和寶丫頭合的來。"Besides, he gets along well with Baochai.再者姨太太曾說，寶丫頭的金鎖也有個和尚說過，只等有玉的便是婚姻，焉知寶丫頭過來，不因金鎖倒招出他那塊玉來，也定不得。"Furthermore, Aunt Xue once said that concerning Baochai's gold locket, a monk had also said that whoever had jade would be her match — who's to say that once Baochai comes over, the gold locket might not draw out that jade of his again? That's not impossible either.從此一天好似一天，豈不是大家的造化。"If from then on he grows better day by day, would that not be good fortune for us all?這會子只要立刻收拾屋子，舖排起來。"Right now all we need is to have the rooms cleaned and set in order at once.這屋子是要你派的。"You are the one to assign which rooms to use.一概親友不請，也不排筵席，待寶玉好了，過了功服，然後再擺席請人。"We won't invite any relatives or friends at all, nor hold any banquet; once Baoyu is well and the mourning period is over, we can hold a feast and invite people then.這麼著都赶的上。"This way everything can be managed in time.你也看見了他們小兩口的事，也好放心的去。”賈政聽了，原不願意，只是賈母做主，不敢違命，勉強陪笑說道：“老太太想的极是，也很妥當。"You'll also see the young couple settled before you go, so you can set your mind at ease and leave." Hearing this, Jia Zheng was not truly willing, but since Grandmother Jia was the one deciding, he did not dare disobey, and forced a smile, saying, "Old Ancestress's thinking is entirely correct, and very fitting.只是要吩咐家下眾人，不許吵嚷得里外皆知，這要耽不是的。"Only, the household staff must be instructed not to let it be noised about so that everyone inside and out knows of it — that would bring blame on us.姨太太那邊，只怕不肯，若是果真應了，也只好按著老太太的主意辦去。”賈母道：“姨太太那里有我呢。"As for Aunt Xue's side, I'm afraid she may not consent; but if she truly agrees, then we can only proceed according to Old Ancestress's plan." Grandmother Jia said, "Leave Aunt Xue's side to me.你去吧。”賈政答應出來，心中好不自在。"You may go now." Jia Zheng assented and withdrew, feeling most uneasy at heart.因赴任事多，部里領憑，親友們荐人，种种應酬不絕，竟把寶玉的事，聽憑賈母交與王夫人鳳姐兒了。Because there was so much to attend to before taking up his post — collecting his credentials at the ministry, relatives and friends recommending people to him, all manner of social obligations without end — he simply left the matter of Baoyu entirely to Grandmother Jia, to be handed over to Lady Wang and Xifeng.惟將榮禧堂後身王夫人內屋旁邊一大跨所二十餘間房屋指與寶玉，餘者一概不管。He only designated for Baoyu a large adjoining compound of over twenty rooms behind Rongxi Hall, beside Lady Wang's inner chambers, and left everything else entirely unattended to.賈母定了主意叫人告訴他去，賈政只說很好，此是後話。Once Grandmother Jia had settled on her plan, she had someone go tell him of it, and Jia Zheng merely said it was very good — but this is a matter for later.

贾政即忙进去，看见王夫人带著病也在那里。便向贾母请了安。贾母叫他坐下，便说：“你不日就要赴任，我有多少话与你说，不知你听不听？”说著，掉下泪来。贾政忙站起来说道：“老太太有话只管吩咐，儿子怎敢不遵命呢。”贾母咽哽著说道：“我今年八十一岁的人了，你又要做外任去，偏有你大哥在家，你又不能告亲老。你这一去了，我所疼的只有宝玉，偏偏的又病得糊涂，还不知道怎么样呢。我昨日叫赖升媳妇出去叫人给宝玉算算命，这先生算得好灵，说要娶了金命的人帮扶他，必要冲冲喜才好，不然只怕保不住。我知道你不信那些话，所以教你来商量。你的媳妇也在这里。你们两个也商量商量，还是要宝玉好呢，还是随他去呢？”贾政陪笑说道：“老太太当初疼儿子这么疼的，难道做儿子的就不疼自己的儿子不成么。只为宝玉不上进，所以时常恨他，也不过是恨铁不成钢的意思。老太太既要给他成家，这也是该当的，岂有逆著老太太不疼他的理。如今宝玉病著，儿子也是不放心。因老太太不叫他见我，所以儿子也不敢言语。我到底瞧瞧宝玉是个什么病。”王夫人见贾政说著也有些眼圈儿红，知道心里是疼的，便叫袭人扶了宝玉来。宝玉见了他父亲，袭人叫他请安，他便请了个安。贾政见他脸面很瘦，目光无神，大有疯傻之状，便叫人扶了进去，便想到：“自己也是望六的人了，如今又放外任，不知道几年回来。倘或这孩子果然不好，一则年老无嗣，虽说有孙子，到底隔了一层，二则老太太最疼的是宝玉，若有差错，可不是我的罪名更重了。”瞧瞧王夫人，一包眼泪，又想到他身上，复站起来说：“老太太这么大年纪，想法儿疼孙子，做儿子的还敢违拗？老太太主意该怎么便怎么就是了。但只姨太太那边不知说明白了没有？”王夫人便道：“姨太太是早应了的。只为蟠儿的事没有结案，所以这些时总没提起。”贾政又道：“这就是第一层的难处。他哥哥在监里，妹子怎么出嫁。况且贵妃的事虽不禁婚嫁，宝玉应照已出嫁的姐姐有九个月的功服，此时也难娶亲。再者我的起身日期已经奏明，不敢耽搁，这几天怎么办呢？”贾母想了一想：“说的果然不错。若是等这几件事过去，他父亲又走了。倘或这病一天重似一天，怎么好？只可越些礼办了才好。”想定主意，便说道：“你若给他办呢，我自然有个道理，包管都碍不著。姨太太那边我和你媳妇亲自过去求他。蟠儿那里我央蝌儿去告诉他，说是要救宝玉的命，诸事将就，自然应的。若说服里娶亲，当真使不得。况且宝玉病著，也不可教他成亲，不过是冲冲喜，我们两家愿意，孩子们又有金玉的道理，婚是不用合的了。即挑了好日子，按著咱们家分儿过了礼。赶著挑个娶亲日子，一概鼓乐不用，倒按宫里的样子，用十二对提灯，一乘八人轿子抬了来，照南边规矩拜了堂，一样坐床撒帐，可不是算娶了亲了么。宝丫头心地明白，是不用虑的。内中又有袭人，也还是个妥妥当当的孩子。再有个明白人常劝他更好。他又和宝丫头合的来。再者姨太太曾说，宝丫头的金锁也有个和尚说过，只等有玉的便是婚姻，焉知宝丫头过来，不因金锁倒招出他那块玉来，也定不得。从此一天好似一天，岂不是大家的造化。这会子只要立刻收拾屋子，铺排起来。这屋子是要你派的。一概亲友不请，也不排筵席，待宝玉好了，过了功服，然后再摆席请人。这么著都赶的上。你也看见了他们小两口的事，也好放心的去。”贾政听了，原不愿意，只是贾母做主，不敢违命，勉强陪笑说道：“老太太想的极是，也很妥当。只是要吩咐家下众人，不许吵嚷得里外皆知，这要耽不是的。姨太太那边，只怕不肯，若是果真应了，也只好按著老太太的主意办去。”贾母道：“姨太太那里有我呢。你去吧。”贾政答应出来，心中好不自在。因赴任事多，部里领凭，亲友们荐人，种种应酬不绝，竟把宝玉的事，听凭贾母交与王夫人凤姐儿了。惟将荣禧堂后身王夫人内屋旁边一大跨所二十余间房屋指与宝玉，余者一概不管。贾母定了主意叫人告诉他去，贾政只说很好，此是后话。

且說寶玉見過賈政，襲人扶回里間炕上。Now, after Baoyu had seen Jia Zheng, Xiren helped him back to the kang in the inner room.因賈政在外，無人敢與寶玉說話，寶玉便昏昏沉沉的睡去。Because Jia Zheng was there in the outer rooms, no one dared talk with Baoyu, and so Baoyu drifted off into a hazy sleep.賈母與賈政所說的話，寶玉一句也沒有聽見。Of all that Grandmother Jia and Jia Zheng had said, Baoyu had not heard a single word.襲人等卻靜靜兒的聽得明白。Xiren and the others, however, had listened quietly and understood it all clearly.頭里雖也聽得些風聲，到底影響，只不見寶釵過來，卻也有些信真。Earlier they had already caught wind of something, but it remained only hearsay; yet seeing that Baochai had not been coming over, they had begun to half-believe it was true.今日聽了這些話，心里方才水落歸漕，倒也喜歡。Today, having heard these words, her mind was finally set at rest, like water returning to its channel, and she was rather pleased.心里想道：“果然上頭的眼力不錯，這才配得是。She thought to herself, "Indeed, the elders' judgment is not mistaken — this truly is a fitting match.我也造化。"And good fortune for me as well.若他來了，我可以卸了好些擔子。"If she comes, I'll be able to lay down a good many of my burdens.但是這一位的心理只有一個林姑娘，幸虧他沒有聽見，若知道了，又不知要鬧到什麼分兒了。”襲人想到這里，轉喜為悲，心想：“這件事怎麼好？"But this one's heart holds only Miss Lin — luckily he didn't hear any of this; if he knew, there's no telling to what lengths things might get out of hand." Having thought this far, Xiren's joy turned to sorrow, and she thought, "What is to be done about this?老太太，太太那里知道他們心里的事。"How would Old Ancestress and Madam know what's truly in their hearts?一時高興說給他知道，原想要他病好。"If in a moment of high spirits someone lets him know, the intention would only be to help him recover.若是他仍似前的心事：初見林姑娘便要摔玉砸玉，況且那年夏天在園里把我當作林姑娘，說了好些私心話，後來因為紫鵑說了句頑話兒，便哭得死去活來。"But if his heart is still as it was before — when he first met Miss Lin he wanted to throw down and smash his jade; and that summer in the garden he even mistook me for Miss Lin and said all sorts of private, heartfelt things; and later, just because Zijuan made one teasing remark, he cried until he nearly died and came back to life.若是如今和他說要娶寶姑娘，竟把林姑娘撂開，除非是他人事不知還可，若稍明白些，只怕不但不能沖喜，竟是催命了！"If now someone tells him he's to marry Miss Bao and Miss Lin is to be set aside entirely — unless he's utterly unaware of the world, that might be all right, but if he has even a little awareness, I'm afraid that far from countering his illness with joy, it would hasten his death!我再不把話說明，那不是一害三個人了么。”襲人想定主意，待等賈政出去，叫秋紋照看著寶玉，便從里間出來，走到王夫人身旁，悄悄的請了王夫人到賈母後身屋里去說話。"If I don't speak up now and make this clear, would that not harm three people at once?" Xiren, having made up her mind, waited until Jia Zheng had gone out, had Qiuwen keep watch over Baoyu, then came out from the inner room, went up to Lady Wang's side, and quietly asked Lady Wang to come speak with her in the room behind Grandmother Jia's quarters.賈母只道是寶玉有話，也不理會，還在那里打算怎麼過禮，怎麼娶親。Grandmother Jia assumed it was merely something concerning Baoyu, and paid no attention, going on there to plan out how to send the betrothal gifts and how to hold the wedding.

且说宝玉见过贾政，袭人扶回里间炕上。因贾政在外，无人敢与宝玉说话，宝玉便昏昏沉沉的睡去。贾母与贾政所说的话，宝玉一句也没有听见。袭人等却静静儿的听得明白。头里虽也听得些风声，到底影响，只不见宝钗过来，却也有些信真。今日听了这些话，心里方才水落归漕，倒也喜欢。心里想道：“果然上头的眼力不错，这才配得是。我也造化。若他来了，我可以卸了好些担子。但是这一位的心理只有一个林姑娘，幸亏他没有听见，若知道了，又不知要闹到什么分儿了。”袭人想到这里，转喜为悲，心想：“这件事怎么好？老太太，太太那里知道他们心里的事。一时高兴说给他知道，原想要他病好。若是他仍似前的心事：初见林姑娘便要摔玉砸玉，况且那年夏天在园里把我当作林姑娘，说了好些私心话，后来因为紫鹃说了句顽话儿，便哭得死去活来。若是如今和他说要娶宝姑娘，竟把林姑娘撂开，除非是他人事不知还可，若稍明白些，只怕不但不能冲喜，竟是催命了！我再不把话说明，那不是一害三个人了么。”袭人想定主意，待等贾政出去，叫秋纹照看著宝玉，便从里间出来，走到王夫人身旁，悄悄的请了王夫人到贾母后身屋里去说话。贾母只道是宝玉有话，也不理会，还在那里打算怎么过礼，怎么娶亲。

那襲人同了王夫人到了後間，便跪下哭了。Xiren, together with Lady Wang, went to the back room, and there knelt down and wept.王夫人不知何意，把手拉著他說：“好端端的，這是怎麼說？Lady Wang, not knowing what this meant, took her by the hand and said, "Whatever is the matter, coming on so suddenly like this?有什麼委屈起來說。”襲人道：“這話奴才是不該說的，這會子因為沒有法兒了。”王夫人道：“你慢慢說。”襲人道：“寶玉的親事老太太，太太已定了寶姑娘了，自然是极好的一件事。"If you've suffered some grievance, get up and tell me." Xiren said, "This is something your servant ought not to say, but right now there's simply no other way." Lady Wang said, "Take your time and tell me." Xiren said, "As for Baoyu's marriage, Old Ancestress and Madam have already settled on Miss Bao, which is of course an excellent match.只是奴才想著，太太看去寶玉和寶姑娘好，還是和林姑娘好呢？”王夫人道：“他兩個因從小兒在一處，所以寶玉和林姑娘又好些。”襲人道：“不是好些。”便將寶玉素與黛玉這些光景一一的說了，還說：“這些事都是太太親眼見的。"Only, your servant has been thinking — as Madam sees it, is Baoyu closer to Miss Bao, or to Miss Lin?" Lady Wang said, "Since the two of them grew up together from childhood, Baoyu and Miss Lin are somewhat closer." Xiren said, "It's not just 'somewhat.'" She then related one by one all the circumstances of Baoyu's usual feelings toward Daiyu, adding, "All of this Madam has seen with her own eyes.獨是夏天的話我從沒敢和別人說。”王夫人拉著襲人道：“我看外面兒已瞧出幾分來了。"Only what happened that summer I have never dared tell anyone else." Lady Wang took hold of Xiren and said, "I had already noticed a few signs of this from the outside.你今兒一說，更加是了。"Now that you've told me today, it's all the more certain.但是剛才老爺說的話想必都聽見了，你看他的神情兒怎麼樣？”襲人道：“如今寶玉若有人和他說話他就笑，沒人和他說話他就睡。"But he must surely have heard everything the Master said just now — how did his manner seem to you?" Xiren said, "These days, if someone talks to Baoyu he laughs, and if no one talks to him he falls asleep.所以頭里的話卻倒都沒聽見。”王夫人道：“倒是這件事叫人怎麼樣呢？”襲人道：“奴才說是說了，還得太太告訴老太太，想個萬全的主意才好。”王夫人便道：“既這麼著，你去幹你的，這時候滿屋子的人，暫且不用提起，等我瞅空兒回明老太太，再作道理。”說著，仍到賈母跟前。"So he really didn't hear any of what was said earlier." Lady Wang said, "Then however are we to handle this matter?" Xiren said, "Your servant has said what she had to say; now it's up to Madam to tell Old Ancestress, so a completely safe plan can be worked out." Lady Wang then said, "Since that's how it is, go and attend to your duties. Right now the room is full of people, so there's no need to bring it up for now; wait until I find a chance to report it clearly to Old Ancestress, and we'll decide what to do then." So saying, she went back to Grandmother Jia's side.

那袭人同了王夫人到了后间，便跪下哭了。王夫人不知何意，把手拉著他说：“好端端的，这是怎么说？有什么委屈起来说。”袭人道：“这话奴才是不该说的，这会子因为没有法儿了。”王夫人道：“你慢慢说。”袭人道：“宝玉的亲事老太太，太太已定了宝姑娘了，自然是极好的一件事。只是奴才想著，太太看去宝玉和宝姑娘好，还是和林姑娘好呢？”王夫人道：“他两个因从小儿在一处，所以宝玉和林姑娘又好些。”袭人道：“不是好些。”便将宝玉素与黛玉这些光景一一的说了，还说：“这些事都是太太亲眼见的。独是夏天的话我从没敢和别人说。”王夫人拉著袭人道：“我看外面儿已瞧出几分来了。你今儿一说，更加是了。但是刚才老爷说的话想必都听见了，你看他的神情儿怎么样？”袭人道：“如今宝玉若有人和他说话他就笑，没人和他说话他就睡。所以头里的话却倒都没听见。”王夫人道：“倒是这件事叫人怎么样呢？”袭人道：“奴才说是说了，还得太太告诉老太太，想个万全的主意才好。”王夫人便道：“既这么著，你去干你的，这时候满屋子的人，暂且不用提起，等我瞅空儿回明老太太，再作道理。”说著，仍到贾母跟前。

賈母正在那里和鳳姐兒商議，見王夫人進來，便問道：“襲人丫頭說什麼？Grandmother Jia was just then discussing matters with Xifeng; seeing Lady Wang come in, she asked, "What did that girl Xiren say?這麼鬼鬼祟祟的。”王夫人趁問，便將寶玉的心事，細細回明賈母。"Being so furtive about it." Lady Wang, taking the opportunity of the question, reported to Grandmother Jia in full detail the state of Baoyu's heart.賈母聽了，半日沒言語。Having heard this, Grandmother Jia said nothing for a long while.王夫人和鳳姐也都不再說了。Lady Wang and Xifeng likewise said nothing further.只見賈母歎道：“別的事都好說。Then Grandmother Jia sighed and said, "Everything else can be managed easily enough.林丫頭倒沒有什麼，若寶玉真是這樣，這可叫人作了難了。”只見鳳姐想了一想，因說道：“難倒不難，只是我想了個主意，不知姑媽肯不肯。”王夫人道：“你有主意只管說給老太太聽，大家娘兒們商量著辦罷了。”鳳姐道：“依我想，這件事只有一個掉包兒的法子。”賈母道：“怎麼掉包兒？”鳳姐道：“如今不管寶兄弟明白不明白，大家吵嚷起來，說是老爺做主，將林姑娘配了他了。"As for that girl Lin, it's really nothing, but if Baoyu truly feels this way, then it does put us in a difficult spot." Xifeng thought for a moment, then said, "It's not so much difficult, only I've thought of a plan — I don't know whether Aunt would agree to it." Lady Wang said, "If you have an idea, just tell it to Old Ancestress, and we women can discuss it and decide together." Xifeng said, "To my mind, there's only one way to handle this — a switch, swapping one for the other." Grandmother Jia said, "How do you mean, a switch?" Xifeng said, "Now, whether or not Cousin Bao understands what's happening, we'll all make it known loudly that the Master has decided and matched him with Miss Lin.瞧他的神情兒怎麼樣。"We'll see how he reacts.要是他全不管，這個包兒也就不用掉了。"If he pays it no mind at all, then there's no need to make any switch.若是他有些喜歡的意思，這事卻要大費周折呢。”王夫人道：“就算他喜歡，你怎麼樣辦法呢？”鳳姐走到王夫人耳邊，如此這般的說了一遍。"But if he shows some sign of being pleased, then this affair will need a great deal of careful managing." Lady Wang said, "Suppose he is pleased — how would you go about it then?" Xifeng went up to Lady Wang's ear and explained the whole scheme, just so and so.王夫人點了幾點頭兒，笑了一笑說道：“也罷了。”賈母便問道：“你娘兒兩個搗鬼，到底告訴我是怎麼著呀？”鳳姐恐賈母不懂，露泄机關，便也向耳邊輕輕的告訴了一遍。Lady Wang nodded a few times and, smiling slightly, said, "Well, that will do." Grandmother Jia then asked, "What mischief are you two, mother and daughter-in-law, up to? Do tell me just what it is." Xifeng, afraid Grandmother Jia might not follow and that the secret scheme might leak out, likewise leaned close to her ear and told it softly to her.賈母果真一時不懂，鳳姐笑著又說了幾句。Sure enough, Grandmother Jia did not grasp it at first, and Xifeng, laughing, explained a bit further.賈母笑道：“這麼著也好，可就只忒苦了寶丫頭了。Grandmother Jia laughed and said, "That will do well enough — only it will be very hard on Baochai.倘或吵嚷出來，林丫頭又怎麼樣呢？”鳳姐道：“這個話原只說給寶玉聽，外頭一概不許提起，有誰知道呢。”正說間，丫頭傳進話來說：“璉二爺回來了。”王夫人恐賈母問及，使個眼色與鳳姐。"And if it should get out and be talked about, whatever will become of that girl Lin?" Xifeng said, "This story is meant only to be told to Baoyu's ears; it must not be mentioned outside at all, under any circumstances — who would ever know of it?" Just as they were speaking, a maid came in with word: "Second Master Lian is back." Lady Wang, fearing Grandmother Jia might ask about him, gave Xifeng a meaningful glance.鳳姐便迎著賈璉努了個嘴兒，同到王夫人屋里等著去了。Xifeng then went to meet Jia Lian and gave him a look, pursing her lips, and together they went to wait in Lady Wang's room.一回兒王夫人進來，已見鳳姐哭的兩眼通紅。After a while, when Lady Wang came in, she found that Xifeng had already cried until both her eyes were red.賈璉請了安，將到十里屯料理王子騰的喪事的話說了一遍，便說：“有恩旨賞了內閣的職銜，謚了文勤公，命本宗扶柩回籍，著沿途地方官員照料。Jia Lian paid his respects, related once through the account of going to Shilitun to see to Wang Ziteng's funeral affairs, and then said, "By imperial grace he has been granted a title in the Grand Secretariat, with the posthumous name Duke Wenqin, and it has been ordered that the family escort the coffin back to their native place, with local officials along the way instructed to render assistance.昨日起身，連家眷回南去了。He had set off just yesterday, taking his whole family back south with him.舅太太叫我回來請安問好，說如今想不到不能進京，有多少話不能說。The lady aunt sent me back to pay respects and ask after you, saying that now, much to her regret, she cannot come to the capital, and there is so much she cannot say in a letter.聽見我大舅子要進京，若是路上遇見了，便叫他來到咱們這里細細的說。”王夫人聽畢，其悲痛自不必言。I heard that my elder brother-in-law is going to the capital; if you should happen to meet him on the road, do have him come to our place and talk things over in full." When Madam Wang heard this, her grief may well be imagined.鳳姐勸慰了一番，“請太太略歇一歇，晚上來再商量寶玉的事罷。”說畢，同了賈璉回到自己房中，告訴了賈璉，叫他派人收拾新房。Xifeng comforted her for a while, saying, "Please rest a little, Madam; we can talk over Baoyu's affair again this evening." So saying, she went back to her own room together with Jia Lian, told him what had happened, and had him send someone to get the new bridal chamber ready.不題。No more of this for now.

贾母正在那里和凤姐儿商议，见王夫人进来，便问道：“袭人丫头说什么？这么鬼鬼祟祟的。”王夫人趁问，便将宝玉的心事，细细回明贾母。贾母听了，半日没言语。王夫人和凤姐也都不再说了。只见贾母叹道：“别的事都好说。林丫头倒没有什么，若宝玉真是这样，这可叫人作了难了。”只见凤姐想了一想，因说道：“难倒不难，只是我想了个主意，不知姑妈肯不肯。”王夫人道：“你有主意只管说给老太太听，大家娘儿们商量著办罢了。”凤姐道：“依我想，这件事只有一个掉包儿的法子。”贾母道：“怎么掉包儿？”凤姐道：“如今不管宝兄弟明白不明白，大家吵嚷起来，说是老爷做主，将林姑娘配了他了。瞧他的神情儿怎么样。要是他全不管，这个包儿也就不用掉了。若是他有些喜欢的意思，这事却要大费周折呢。”王夫人道：“就算他喜欢，你怎么样办法呢？”凤姐走到王夫人耳边，如此这般的说了一遍。王夫人点了几点头儿，笑了一笑说道：“也罢了。”贾母便问道：“你娘儿两个捣鬼，到底告诉我是怎么著呀？”凤姐恐贾母不懂，露泄机关，便也向耳边轻轻的告诉了一遍。贾母果真一时不懂，凤姐笑著又说了几句。贾母笑道：“这么著也好，可就只忒苦了宝丫头了。倘或吵嚷出来，林丫头又怎么样呢？”凤姐道：“这个话原只说给宝玉听，外头一概不许提起，有谁知道呢。”正说间，丫头传进话来说：“琏二爷回来了。”王夫人恐贾母问及，使个眼色与凤姐。凤姐便迎著贾琏努了个嘴儿，同到王夫人屋里等著去了。一回儿王夫人进来，已见凤姐哭的两眼通红。贾琏请了安，将到十里屯料理王子腾的丧事的话说了一遍，便说：“有恩旨赏了内阁的职衔，谥了文勤公，命本宗扶柩回籍，著沿途地方官员照料。昨日起身，连家眷回南去了。舅太太叫我回来请安问好，说如今想不到不能进京，有多少话不能说。听见我大舅子要进京，若是路上遇见了，便叫他来到咱们这里细细的说。”王夫人听毕，其悲痛自不必言。凤姐劝慰了一番，“请太太略歇一歇，晚上来再商量宝玉的事罢。”说毕，同了贾琏回到自己房中，告诉了贾琏，叫他派人收拾新房。不题。

一日，黛玉早飯後帶著紫鵑到賈母這邊來，一則請安，二則也為自己散散悶。One day, after breakfast, Daiyu brought Zijuan with her to the Lady Dowager's quarters — partly to pay her respects, and partly to shake off her own low spirits.出了瀟湘館，走了幾步，忽然想起忘了手絹子來，因叫紫鵑回去取來，自己卻慢慢的走著等他。No sooner had she left Bamboo Lodge and gone a few steps than she suddenly remembered she had forgotten her handkerchief, so she sent Zijuan back to fetch it, while she herself walked on slowly, waiting for her.剛走到沁芳橋那邊山石背後，當日同寶玉葬花之處，忽聽一個人嗚嗚咽咽在那里哭。Just as she reached the rocks behind Drenching Fragrance Bridge — the very spot where she and Baoyu had once buried fallen blossoms — she suddenly heard someone sobbing there.黛玉煞住腳聽時，又聽不出是誰的聲音，也聽不出哭著叨叨的是些什麼話。Daiyu stopped short to listen, but she could not tell whose voice it was, nor make out what the person was saying between sobs.心里甚是疑惑，便慢慢的走去。Feeling very puzzled, she walked slowly toward the sound.及到了跟前，卻見一個濃眉大眼的丫頭在那里哭呢。When she drew near, she saw it was a maid with thick eyebrows and big eyes, crying there.黛玉未見他時，還只疑府里這些大丫頭有什麼說不出的心事，所以來這里發泄發泄，及至見了這個丫頭，卻又好笑，因想到：這种蠢貨有什麼情种，自然是那屋里作粗活的丫頭受了大女孩子的氣了。Before Daiyu saw who it was, she had half suspected that one of the senior maids of the household must be nursing some unspeakable trouble, and had come here to vent it; but once she saw this particular maid, she almost laughed, thinking: what tender feelings could a dull creature like this possibly have — she must simply be one of the maids who did the rough work, bullied by one of the older girls.細瞧了一瞧，卻不認得。She looked at her closely, but did not recognize her.那丫頭見黛玉來了，便也不敢再哭，站起來拭眼淚。When the maid saw Daiyu approaching, she no longer dared to cry, and stood up to wipe her tears.黛玉問道：“你好好的為什麼在這里傷心？”那丫頭聽了這話，又流淚道：“林姑娘你評評這個理。Daiyu asked, "Why are you so upset here, all by yourself?" At this the maid began to weep again and said, "Miss Lin, do judge this fairly for me.他們說話我又不知道，我就說錯了一句話，我姐姐也不犯就打我呀。”黛玉聽了，不懂他說的是什麼，因笑問道：“你姐姐是那一個？”那丫頭道：“就是珍珠姐姐。”黛玉聽了，才知道他是賈母屋里的，因又問：“你叫什麼？”那丫頭道：“我叫傻大姐兒。”黛玉笑了一笑，又問：“你姐姐為什麼打你？I didn't even know what they were talking about, and just said one wrong sentence — there was no call for my sister to hit me over it." Daiyu, not understanding what she meant, asked with a smile, "Which one is your sister?" The maid said, "Why, Sister Zhenzhu." Only then did Daiyu realize she belonged to the Lady Dowager's own rooms, and asked further, "What is your name?" The maid said, "I'm called Silly Big Sister." Daiyu smiled and asked again, "Why did your sister hit you?你說錯了什麼話了？”那丫頭道：“為什麼呢，就是為我們寶二爺娶寶姑娘的事情。”黛玉聽了這一句，如同一個疾雷，心頭亂跳。What did you say wrong?" The maid said, "Why, it was all over the matter of our Second Master Bao marrying Miss Bao." The instant Daiyu heard this, it was as though a sudden thunderclap had struck her, and her heart began pounding wildly.略定了定神，便叫了這丫頭”你跟了我這里來。”那丫頭跟著黛玉到那畸角兒上葬桃花的去處，那里背靜。Steadying herself a little, she said to the maid, "Come here with me." The maid followed Daiyu to that secluded corner where the peach blossoms had once been buried, a quiet, out-of-the-way spot.黛玉因問道：“寶二爺娶寶姑娘，他為什麼打你呢？”傻大姐道：“我們老太太和太太二奶奶商量了，因為我們老爺要起身，說就赶著往姨太太商量把寶姑娘娶過來罷。Daiyu then asked, "About Second Master Bao marrying Miss Bao — why should she hit you over that?" Silly Big Sister said, "Our Old Ancestress and Madam and the Second Mistress talked it over. Since our Master is about to set off on his journey, they said they'd best hurry and arrange with Aunt Xue to have Miss Bao married in.頭一宗，給寶二爺沖什麼喜，第二宗——”說到這里，又瞅著黛玉笑了一笑，才說道：“赶著辦了，還要給林姑娘說婆婆家呢。”黛玉已經聽呆了。First, it's to ward off ill fortune for Second Master Bao with a happy occasion; and second—" here she glanced at Daiyu and gave a little smile before going on, "—they mean to get it done in a hurry, because they also want to arrange a match for Miss Lin." By now Daiyu was listening as if stunned.這丫頭只管說道：“我又不知道他們怎麼商量的，不叫人吵嚷，怕寶姑娘聽見害臊。The maid went right on: "I don't really know how they settled it all, only that they told everyone not to make a fuss, for fear Miss Bao would hear and feel embarrassed.我白和寶二爺屋里的襲人姐姐說了一句：‘咱們明兒更熱鬧了，又是寶姑娘，又是寶二奶奶，這可怎麼叫呢！’林姑娘你說我這話害著珍珠姐姐什麼了嗎，他走過來就打了我一個嘴巴，說我混說，不遵上頭的話，要攆出我去。I just happened to say to Sister Xiren, who serves in Second Master Bao's rooms, 'Things will be even livelier for us from now on — there'll be Miss Bao, and then there'll be Second Mistress Bao too. Whatever will we call her!' Now tell me, Miss Lin, how did that remark do Sister Zhenzhu any harm? Yet she came right over and slapped me across the face, saying I was talking nonsense, not heeding what those above had decreed, and that I ought to be driven out.我知道上頭為什麼不叫言語呢，你們又沒告訴我，就打我。”說著，又哭起來。How was I to know why those above didn't want it spoken of? None of you told me anything, and yet I'm the one who gets hit." So saying, she began to cry again.

一日，黛玉早饭后带著紫鹃到贾母这边来，一则请安，二则也为自己散散闷。出了潇湘馆，走了几步，忽然想起忘了手绢子来，因叫紫鹃回去取来，自己却慢慢的走著等他。刚走到沁芳桥那边山石背后，当日同宝玉葬花之处，忽听一个人呜呜咽咽在那里哭。黛玉煞住脚听时，又听不出是谁的声音，也听不出哭著叨叨的是些什么话。心里甚是疑惑，便慢慢的走去。及到了跟前，却见一个浓眉大眼的丫头在那里哭呢。黛玉未见他时，还只疑府里这些大丫头有什么说不出的心事，所以来这里发泄发泄，及至见了这个丫头，却又好笑，因想到：这种蠢货有什么情种，自然是那屋里作粗活的丫头受了大女孩子的气了。细瞧了一瞧，却不认得。那丫头见黛玉来了，便也不敢再哭，站起来拭眼泪。黛玉问道：“你好好的为什么在这里伤心？”那丫头听了这话，又流泪道：“林姑娘你评评这个理。他们说话我又不知道，我就说错了一句话，我姐姐也不犯就打我呀。”黛玉听了，不懂他说的是什么，因笑问道：“你姐姐是那一个？”那丫头道：“就是珍珠姐姐。”黛玉听了，才知道他是贾母屋里的，因又问：“你叫什么？”那丫头道：“我叫傻大姐儿。”黛玉笑了一笑，又问：“你姐姐为什么打你？你说错了什么话了？”那丫头道：“为什么呢，就是为我们宝二爷娶宝姑娘的事情。”黛玉听了这一句，如同一个疾雷，心头乱跳。略定了定神，便叫了这丫头”你跟了我这里来。”那丫头跟著黛玉到那畸角儿上葬桃花的去处，那里背静。黛玉因问道：“宝二爷娶宝姑娘，他为什么打你呢？”傻大姐道：“我们老太太和太太二奶奶商量了，因为我们老爷要起身，说就赶著往姨太太商量把宝姑娘娶过来罢。头一宗，给宝二爷冲什么喜，第二宗——”说到这里，又瞅著黛玉笑了一笑，才说道：“赶著办了，还要给林姑娘说婆婆家呢。”黛玉已经听呆了。这丫头只管说道：“我又不知道他们怎么商量的，不叫人吵嚷，怕宝姑娘听见害臊。我白和宝二爷屋里的袭人姐姐说了一句：‘咱们明儿更热闹了，又是宝姑娘，又是宝二奶奶，这可怎么叫呢！’林姑娘你说我这话害著珍珠姐姐什么了吗，他走过来就打了我一个嘴巴，说我混说，不遵上头的话，要撵出我去。我知道上头为什么不叫言语呢，你们又没告诉我，就打我。”说著，又哭起来。

那黛玉此時心里竟是油兒醬兒糖兒醋兒倒在一處的一般，甜苦酸咸，竟說不上什麼味兒來了。At that moment it was as though oil, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar had all been poured together inside Daiyu's heart — sweet, bitter, sour, and salty all at once — until she could no longer tell what the taste really was.停了一會兒，顫巍巍的說道：“你別混說了。After a while, she said, trembling, "Don't talk such nonsense anymore.你再混說，叫人聽見又要打你了。If you keep talking like that and someone hears you, you'll be beaten again.你去罷。”說著，自己移身要回瀟湘館去。Go on now." So saying, she turned to make her way back to Bamboo Lodge.那身子竟有千百斤重的，兩只腳卻象踩著棉花一般，早已軟了。Yet her body felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, while her two feet seemed to be treading on cotton wool — they had already gone weak beneath her.只得一步一步慢慢的走將來。She could only walk forward slowly, one step at a time.走了半天，還沒到沁芳橋畔，原來腳下軟了。She walked for a long while and still had not reached the side of Drenching Fragrance Bridge, for her feet had grown too weak under her.走的慢，且又迷迷痴痴，信著腳從那邊繞過來，更添了兩箭地的路。Walking slowly, and dazed and confused besides, she let her feet wander around by another way, adding a good two bowshots' distance to her path.這時剛到沁芳橋畔，卻又不知不覺的順著堤往回里走起來。Just as she reached the side of Drenching Fragrance Bridge, she found herself, without realizing it, walking back along the embankment the way she had come.紫鵑取了絹子來，卻不見黛玉。Zijuan came back with the handkerchief, but could not find Daiyu anywhere.正在那里看時，只見黛玉顏色雪白，身子恍恍蕩蕩的，眼睛也直直的，在那里東轉西轉。Just as she was looking around, she saw Daiyu, her face white as snow, her body swaying unsteadily, her eyes staring fixedly, wandering first this way and then that.又見一個丫頭往前頭走了，離的遠，也看不出是那一個來。She also saw a maid walking on ahead, but the distance was too great to tell who it was.心中驚疑不定，只得赶過來輕輕的問道：“姑娘怎麼又回去？Filled with alarm and misgiving, Zijuan could only hurry over and ask softly, "Miss, why are you going back again?是要往那里去？”黛玉也只模糊聽見，隨口應道：“我問問寶玉去！”紫鵑聽了，摸不著頭腦，只得攙著他到賈母這邊來。Where are you trying to go?" Daiyu only half heard her, and answered without thinking, "I'm going to ask Baoyu about it!" Hearing this, Zijuan could make no sense of it at all, and could only support her as they went on to the Lady Dowager's quarters.

那黛玉此时心里竟是油儿酱儿糖儿醋儿倒在一处的一般，甜苦酸咸，竟说不上什么味儿来了。停了一会儿，颤巍巍的说道：“你别混说了。你再混说，叫人听见又要打你了。你去罢。”说著，自己移身要回潇湘馆去。那身子竟有千百斤重的，两只脚却象踩著棉花一般，早已软了。只得一步一步慢慢的走将来。走了半天，还没到沁芳桥畔，原来脚下软了。走的慢，且又迷迷痴痴，信著脚从那边绕过来，更添了两箭地的路。这时刚到沁芳桥畔，却又不知不觉的顺著堤往回里走起来。紫鹃取了绢子来，却不见黛玉。正在那里看时，只见黛玉颜色雪白，身子恍恍荡荡的，眼睛也直直的，在那里东转西转。又见一个丫头往前头走了，离的远，也看不出是那一个来。心中惊疑不定，只得赶过来轻轻的问道：“姑娘怎么又回去？是要往那里去？”黛玉也只模糊听见，随口应道：“我问问宝玉去！”紫鹃听了，摸不著头脑，只得搀著他到贾母这边来。

黛玉走到賈母門口，心里微覺明晰，回頭看見紫鵑攙著自己，便站住了問道：“你作什麼來的？”紫鵑陪笑道：“我找了絹子來了。When Daiyu reached the Lady Dowager's gate, her mind cleared a little, and turning to see Zijuan supporting her, she stopped and asked, "What have you come for?" Zijuan answered with a forced smile, "I found the handkerchief and brought it.頭里見姑娘在橋那邊呢，我赶著過來問姑娘，姑娘沒理會。”黛玉笑道：“我打量你來瞧寶二爺來了呢，不然怎麼往這里走呢。”紫鵑見他心里迷惑，便知黛玉必是聽見那丫頭什麼話了，惟有點頭微笑而已。Just now I saw you over by the bridge, Miss, and hurried over to ask you something, but you paid no attention." Daiyu said with a smile, "I supposed you'd come to see Second Master Bao — otherwise why would you be walking this way?" Seeing how confused she was, Zijuan realized Daiyu must have overheard something that maid had said, and could do nothing but nod and smile faintly.只是心里怕他見了寶玉，那一個已經是瘋瘋傻傻，這一個又這樣恍恍惚惚，一時說出些不大体統的話來，那時如何是好？Yet in her heart she dreaded what might happen if Daiyu saw Baoyu — the one already half-mad and foolish, the other now so dazed and bewildered — some improper word might slip out between them, and then what was to be done?心里雖如此想，卻也不敢違拗，只得攙他進去。Though this was what she thought, she did not dare go against Daiyu's wishes, and could only support her as they went in.那黛玉卻又奇怪了，這時不似先前那樣軟了，也不用紫鵑打帘子，自己掀起帘子進來，卻是寂然無聲。Strangely enough, Daiyu now no longer felt as weak as before; without waiting for Zijuan to lift the curtain for her, she raised it herself and went in, all without a sound.因賈母在屋里歇中覺，丫頭們也有脫滑頑去的，也有打盹兒的，也有在那里伺候老太太的。Since the Lady Dowager was in her room taking her midday nap, some of the maids had slipped off to amuse themselves, some were dozing, and some were there waiting on the old lady.倒是襲人聽見帘子響，從屋里出來一看，見是黛玉，便讓道：“姑娘屋里坐罷。”黛玉笑著道：“寶二爺在家么？”襲人不知底里，剛要答言，只見紫鵑在黛玉身後和他努嘴兒，指著黛玉，又搖搖手兒。It was Xiren who, hearing the curtain rustle, came out to look, and seeing it was Daiyu, said invitingly, "Do come and sit inside, Miss." Daiyu said with a smile, "Is Second Master Bao at home?" Not knowing what lay behind this, Xiren was just about to answer when she saw Zijuan, standing behind Daiyu, purse her lips at her, point toward Daiyu, and shake her hand.襲人不解何意，也不敢言語。Xiren could not make out what this meant, and did not dare say anything further.黛玉卻也不理會，自己走進房來。Daiyu, paying no attention to any of this, walked into the room by herself.看見寶玉在那里坐著，也不起來讓坐，只瞅著嘻嘻的傻笑。She saw Baoyu sitting there; he did not even rise to offer her a seat, but only gazed at her with a silly, giggling laugh.黛玉自己坐下，卻也瞅著寶玉笑。Daiyu sat herself down, and gazed back at Baoyu, smiling too.兩個人也不問好，也不說話，也無推讓，只管對著臉傻笑起來。Neither of the two exchanged greetings, nor spoke, nor made any polite gesture — they simply sat there face to face, laughing foolishly.襲人看見這番光景，心里大不得主意，只是沒法兒。Seeing this scene, Xiren was greatly at a loss, but there was nothing she could do.忽然聽著黛玉說道：“寶玉，你為什麼病了？”寶玉笑道：“我為林姑娘病了。”襲人紫鵑兩個嚇得面目改色，連忙用言語來岔。Suddenly she heard Daiyu ask, "Baoyu, why have you fallen ill?" Baoyu answered with a smile, "I fell ill because of Miss Lin." Xiren and Zijuan were both so startled their faces changed color, and hurriedly tried to break in and change the subject.兩個卻又不答言，仍舊傻笑起來。But the two of them paid no heed, and simply went on laughing foolishly as before.襲人見了這樣，知道黛玉此時心中迷惑不減于寶玉，因悄和紫鵑說道：“姑娘才好了，我叫秋紋妹妹同著你攙回姑娘歇歇去罷。”因回頭向秋紋道：“你和紫鵑姐姐送林姑娘去罷，你可別混說話。”秋紋笑著，也不言語，便來同著紫鵑攙起黛玉。Seeing this, Xiren realized that Daiyu's mind was, at this moment, no less confused than Baoyu's, and so she said quietly to Zijuan, "Miss Lin has only just recovered — let me have Sister Qiuwen help you take her back to rest." Turning to Qiuwen, she said, "You and Sister Zijuan see Miss Lin home, and mind you don't say anything out of place." Qiuwen only smiled and said nothing, and came with Zijuan to help Daiyu up.

黛玉走到贾母门口，心里微觉明晰，回头看见紫鹃搀著自己，便站住了问道：“你作什么来的？”紫鹃陪笑道：“我找了绢子来了。头里见姑娘在桥那边呢，我赶著过来问姑娘，姑娘没理会。”黛玉笑道：“我打量你来瞧宝二爷来了呢，不然怎么往这里走呢。”紫鹃见他心里迷惑，便知黛玉必是听见那丫头什么话了，惟有点头微笑而已。只是心里怕他见了宝玉，那一个已经是疯疯傻傻，这一个又这样恍恍惚惚，一时说出些不大体统的话来，那时如何是好？心里虽如此想，却也不敢违拗，只得搀他进去。那黛玉却又奇怪了，这时不似先前那样软了，也不用紫鹃打帘子，自己掀起帘子进来，却是寂然无声。因贾母在屋里歇中觉，丫头们也有脱滑顽去的，也有打盹儿的，也有在那里伺候老太太的。倒是袭人听见帘子响，从屋里出来一看，见是黛玉，便让道：“姑娘屋里坐罢。”黛玉笑著道：“宝二爷在家么？”袭人不知底里，刚要答言，只见紫鹃在黛玉身后和他努嘴儿，指著黛玉，又摇摇手儿。袭人不解何意，也不敢言语。黛玉却也不理会，自己走进房来。看见宝玉在那里坐著，也不起来让坐，只瞅著嘻嘻的傻笑。黛玉自己坐下，却也瞅著宝玉笑。两个人也不问好，也不说话，也无推让，只管对著脸傻笑起来。袭人看见这番光景，心里大不得主意，只是没法儿。忽然听著黛玉说道：“宝玉，你为什么病了？”宝玉笑道：“我为林姑娘病了。”袭人紫鹃两个吓得面目改色，连忙用言语来岔。两个却又不答言，仍旧傻笑起来。袭人见了这样，知道黛玉此时心中迷惑不减于宝玉，因悄和紫鹃说道：“姑娘才好了，我叫秋纹妹妹同著你搀回姑娘歇歇去罢。”因回头向秋纹道：“你和紫鹃姐姐送林姑娘去罢，你可别混说话。”秋纹笑著，也不言语，便来同著紫鹃搀起黛玉。

那黛玉也就起來，瞅著寶玉只管笑，只管點頭兒。Daiyu then rose too, still gazing at Baoyu, laughing and nodding her head again and again.紫鵑又催道：“姑娘回家去歇歇罷。”黛玉道：“可不是，我這就是回去的時候兒了。”說著，便回身笑著出來了，仍舊不用丫頭們攙扶，自己卻走得比往常飛快。Zijuan urged her once more, "Miss, do go home and rest." Daiyu said, "Why, of course — this is just the time for me to be going back." So saying, she turned and walked out smiling, again needing no support from the maids, and moving even faster than usual.紫鵑秋紋後面赶忙跟著走。Zijuan and Qiuwen hurried along behind her.黛玉出了賈母院門，只管一直走去。Once out through the Lady Dowager's courtyard gate, Daiyu simply walked straight on.紫鵑連忙攙住叫道：“姑娘往這麼來。”黛玉仍是笑著隨了往瀟湘館來。Zijuan hurried to take hold of her, calling out, "Miss, this way." Daiyu, still smiling, let herself be led back toward Bamboo Lodge.離門口不遠，紫鵑道：“阿彌陀佛，可到了家了！”只這一句話沒說完，只見黛玉身子往前一栽，哇的一聲，一口血直吐出來。When they were not far from the gate, Zijuan said, "Amitabha, we're home at last!" But before she had even finished saying this, Daiyu's body suddenly pitched forward, and with a retching sound, she spat out a mouthful of blood.未知性命如何，且聽下回分解。What became of her life is not yet known; listen to the explanation given in the next chapter.

那黛玉也就起来，瞅著宝玉只管笑，只管点头儿。紫鹃又催道：“姑娘回家去歇歇罢。”黛玉道：“可不是，我这就是回去的时候儿了。”说著，便回身笑著出来了，仍旧不用丫头们搀扶，自己却走得比往常飞快。紫鹃秋纹后面赶忙跟著走。黛玉出了贾母院门，只管一直走去。紫鹃连忙搀住叫道：“姑娘往这么来。”黛玉仍是笑著随了往潇湘馆来。离门口不远，紫鹃道：“阿弥陀佛，可到了家了！”只这一句话没说完，只见黛玉身子往前一栽，哇的一声，一口血直吐出来。未知性命如何，且听下回分解。