第九十七回　林黛玉焚稿斷痴情　薛寶釵出閨成大禮 Lin Daiyu Burns Her Poems and Ends Her Love; Xue Baochai Is Married in Grand Ceremony

話說黛玉到瀟湘館門口，紫鵑說了一句話，更動了心，一時吐出血來，幾乎暈倒。The story goes that when Daiyu reached the gate of Xiaoxiang Guan, Zijuan said something that stirred her heart even further, and in a moment she spat up blood, nearly fainting away.虧了還同著秋紋，兩個人挽扶著黛玉到屋里來。Fortunately Qiuwen was still with her, and the two of them supported Daiyu between them into the room.那時秋紋去後，紫鵑雪雁守著，見他漸漸蘇醒過來，問紫鵑道：“你們守著哭什麼？”紫鵑見他說話明白，倒放了心了，因說：“姑娘剛才打老太太那邊回來，身上覺著不大好，唬的我們沒了主意，所以哭了。”黛玉笑道：“我那里就能夠死呢。”這一句話沒完，又喘成一處。After Qiuwen had gone, Zijuan and Xueyan kept watch over her, and seeing her gradually coming to, asked her — Daiyu asked Zijuan, "What are you two crying and watching over me for?" Seeing that she spoke clearly, Zijuan's heart was set at ease, and she said, "You had just come back from Old Ancestress's side when you began to feel unwell, and it frightened us out of our wits, so we cried." Daiyu said with a smile, "How could I possibly die so easily." Before the sentence was even finished, she fell again into a fit of gasping.原來黛玉因今日聽得寶玉寶釵的事情，這本是他數年的心病，一時急怒，所以迷惑了本性。It was because Daiyu had heard today of the matter between Baoyu and Baochai — this had for years been the very sickness of her heart — and in a sudden fit of anguish and rage, her true senses had for a moment been thrown into confusion.及至回來吐了這一口血，心中卻漸漸的明白過來，把頭里的事一字也不記得了。By the time she returned and brought up that mouthful of blood, her mind gradually began to clear again, and she no longer remembered a single word of what had happened before.這會子見紫鵑哭，方模糊想起傻大姐的話來，此時反不傷心，惟求速死，以完此債。Now, seeing Zijuan crying, she dimly began to recall what the foolish girl had said, but instead of grieving over it this time, she wished only for a swift death, to be done with this debt.這里紫鵑雪雁只得守著，想要告訴人去，怕又象上次招得鳳姐兒說他們失驚打怪的。Zijuan and Xueyan had no choice but to keep watch over her, and though they wished to go and tell someone, they feared drawing another rebuke from Xifeng, as before, for raising a false alarm.

话说黛玉到潇湘馆门口，紫鹃说了一句话，更动了心，一时吐出血来，几乎晕倒。亏了还同著秋纹，两个人挽扶著黛玉到屋里来。那时秋纹去后，紫鹃雪雁守著，见他渐渐苏醒过来，问紫鹃道：“你们守著哭什么？”紫鹃见他说话明白，倒放了心了，因说：“姑娘刚才打老太太那边回来，身上觉著不大好，唬的我们没了主意，所以哭了。”黛玉笑道：“我那里就能够死呢。”这一句话没完，又喘成一处。原来黛玉因今日听得宝玉宝钗的事情，这本是他数年的心病，一时急怒，所以迷惑了本性。及至回来吐了这一口血，心中却渐渐的明白过来，把头里的事一字也不记得了。这会子见紫鹃哭，方模糊想起傻大姐的话来，此时反不伤心，惟求速死，以完此债。这里紫鹃雪雁只得守著，想要告诉人去，怕又象上次招得凤姐儿说他们失惊打怪的。

那知秋紋回去，神情慌遽。Little did they know that when Qiuwen went back, her manner was flustered and agitated.正值賈母睡起中覺來，看見這般光景，便問怎麼了。Just then the Lady Dowager had woken from her midday nap, and seeing this state of affairs, asked what had happened.秋紋嚇的連忙把剛才的事回了一遍。Qiuwen, in her fright, hastily reported everything that had just occurred.賈母大驚說：“這還了得！”連忙著人叫了王夫人鳳姐過來，告訴了他婆媳兩個。The Lady Dowager was greatly alarmed and said, "This will never do!" She hurriedly sent someone to summon Lady Wang and Xifeng, and told the matter to the two of them, mother- and daughter-in-law.鳳姐道：“我都囑咐到了，這是什麼人走了風呢。Xifeng said, "I gave instructions to everyone — who could it be that let the word slip out?這不更是一件難事了嗎。Isn't this now all the more difficult a matter."賈母道：“且別管那些，先瞧瞧去是怎麼樣了。”說著便起身帶著王夫人鳳姐等過來看視。The Lady Dowager said, "Never mind all that for now, let us first go and see how she is." So saying, she rose and, taking Lady Wang, Xifeng, and the others with her, went over to look in on her.見黛玉顏色如雪，并無一點血色，神氣昏沉，氣息微細。They saw that Daiyu's complexion was white as snow, without a trace of color, her spirit clouded and dim, her breath faint and thin.半日又咳嗽了一陣，丫頭遞了痰盒，吐出都是痰中帶血的。After a good while she fell into another fit of coughing, and when the maid handed her the phlegm bowl, what she spat up was all phlegm streaked with blood.大家都慌了。Everyone was thrown into alarm.只見黛玉微微睜眼，看見賈母在他旁邊，便喘吁吁的說道：“老太太，你白疼了我了！”賈母一聞此言，十分難受，便道：“好孩子，你養著罷，不怕的。”黛玉微微一笑，把眼又閉上了。Just then Daiyu's eyes fluttered faintly open, and seeing the Lady Dowager beside her, she said, gasping for breath, "Old Ancestress, your love for me was all in vain!" On hearing this, the Lady Dowager was overcome with grief, and said, "Good child, just rest and recover, there is nothing to fear." Daiyu gave a faint smile and closed her eyes again.外面丫頭進來回鳳姐道：“大夫來了。”于是大家略避。A maid came in from outside and reported to Xifeng, "The doctor has arrived." So everyone withdrew a little.王大夫同著賈璉進來，診了脈，說道：“尚不妨事。Doctor Wang came in together with Jia Lian, took her pulse, and said, "It is not yet serious.這是郁氣傷肝，肝不藏血，所以神氣不定。This is a case of pent-up vexation injuring the liver; the liver fails to store the blood, and so the spirit is unsettled.如今要用斂陰止血的藥，方可望好。”王大夫說完，同著賈璉出去開方取藥去了。Now she needs medicine to constrict the yin and stanch the blood, and then there is hope of recovery." Having said this, Doctor Wang went out together with Jia Lian to write the prescription and fetch the medicine.

那知秋纹回去，神情慌遽。正值贾母睡起中觉来，看见这般光景，便问怎么了。秋纹吓的连忙把刚才的事回了一遍。贾母大惊说：“这还了得！”连忙著人叫了王夫人凤姐过来，告诉了他婆媳两个。凤姐道：“我都嘱咐到了，这是什么人走了风呢。这不更是一件难事了吗。贾母道：“且别管那些，先瞧瞧去是怎么样了。”说著便起身带著王夫人凤姐等过来看视。见黛玉颜色如雪，并无一点血色，神气昏沉，气息微细。半日又咳嗽了一阵，丫头递了痰盒，吐出都是痰中带血的。大家都慌了。只见黛玉微微睁眼，看见贾母在他旁边，便喘吁吁的说道：“老太太，你白疼了我了！”贾母一闻此言，十分难受，便道：“好孩子，你养著罢，不怕的。”黛玉微微一笑，把眼又闭上了。外面丫头进来回凤姐道：“大夫来了。”于是大家略避。王大夫同著贾琏进来，诊了脉，说道：“尚不妨事。这是郁气伤肝，肝不藏血，所以神气不定。如今要用敛阴止血的药，方可望好。”王大夫说完，同著贾琏出去开方取药去了。

賈母看黛玉神氣不好，便出來告訴鳳姐等道：“我看這孩子的病，不是我咒他，只怕難好。Seeing that Daiyu's condition looked poor, the Lady Dowager came out and said to Xifeng and the others, "Looking at this child's illness — I am not cursing her — I fear it will be hard for her to recover.你們也該替他預備預備，沖一沖。You had all better make some preparations for her, just in case, to ward off the ill luck.或者好了，豈不是大家省心。If she recovers, all the better, and it will spare everyone worry.就是怎麼樣，也不至臨時忙亂。And whatever happens, at least there won't be a scramble at the last moment.咱們家里這兩天正有事呢。”鳳姐兒答應了。Our household has enough on its hands these next few days as it is." Xifeng assented.賈母又問了紫鵑一回，到底不知是那個說的。The Lady Dowager questioned Zijuan once more, but in the end could not learn who it was that had spoken of it.賈母心里只是納悶，因說：“孩子們從小兒在一處兒頑，好些是有的。The Lady Dowager's mind was full of puzzlement, and she said, "It's true enough that children who grow up playing together from childhood often become quite close.如今大了懂的人事，就該要分別些，才是做女孩兒的本分，我才心里疼他。But now that she is grown and understands the ways of the world, she ought to observe some proper distance — that is the duty proper to a girl, and it is for that reason that I have loved her so dearly.若是他心里有別的想頭，成了什麼人了呢！If she should have some other notion in her heart, what sort of person would that make her!我可是白疼了他了。Then my love for her would truly have been in vain.你們說了，我倒有些不放心。”因回到房中，又叫襲人來問。Now that you have said this, I find myself somewhat uneasy." So saying, she returned to her room and sent for Xiren to question her.襲人仍將前日回王夫人的話并方才黛玉的光景述了一遍。Xiren repeated once more what she had told Lady Wang the other day, along with what had just happened with Daiyu.賈母道：“我方才看他卻還不至糊涂，這個理我就不明白了。The Lady Dowager said, "When I looked at her just now, she still didn't seem out of her senses — this reasoning I simply cannot understand.咱們這种人家，別的事自然沒有的，這心病也是斷斷有不得的。In a family such as ours, other matters aside, this sort of lovesickness is one thing that absolutely must not be allowed.林丫頭若不是這個病呢，我憑著花多少錢都使得。If it were not this illness afflicting the girl Lin, I would not begrudge spending however much money it took.若是這個病，不但治不好，我也沒心腸了。”鳳姐道：“林妹妹的事老太太倒不必張心，橫豎有他二哥哥天天同著大夫瞧看。But if it is this illness, then not only can it not be cured, I too have lost the heart for it." Xifeng said, "As for Cousin Lin's matter, Old Ancestress need not trouble your heart over it — after all, her elder cousin has the doctor look in on her every day.倒是姑媽那邊的事要緊。It is the matter on Auntie's side that is now urgent.今日早起聽見說，房子不差什麼就妥當了，竟是老太太，太太到姑媽那邊，我也跟了去，商量商量。I heard this morning that the house is very nearly settled — if Old Ancestress and Madam would go over to Auntie's place, I would go along too, so we could talk it over.就只一件，姑媽家里有寶妹妹在那里，難以說話，不如索性請姑媽晚上過來，咱們一夜都說結了，就好辦了。”賈母王夫人都道：“你說的是。There is just one thing — with Cousin Baochai there in Auntie's house, it will be awkward to speak freely. Better to simply invite Auntie over this evening, and we can settle everything in one night's talk, and then it will be easy to manage." The Lady Dowager and Lady Wang both said, "You are right.今日晚了，明日飯後咱們娘兒們就過去。”說著，賈母用了晚飯。It's late today; tomorrow after the meal we womenfolk will go over." So saying, the Lady Dowager took her evening meal.鳳姐同王夫人各自歸房。Xifeng and Lady Wang each returned to their own rooms.不提。No more of that for now.

贾母看黛玉神气不好，便出来告诉凤姐等道：“我看这孩子的病，不是我咒他，只怕难好。你们也该替他预备预备，冲一冲。或者好了，岂不是大家省心。就是怎么样，也不至临时忙乱。咱们家里这两天正有事呢。”凤姐儿答应了。贾母又问了紫鹃一回，到底不知是那个说的。贾母心里只是纳闷，因说：“孩子们从小儿在一处儿顽，好些是有的。如今大了懂的人事，就该要分别些，才是做女孩儿的本分，我才心里疼他。若是他心里有别的想头，成了什么人了呢！我可是白疼了他了。你们说了，我倒有些不放心。”因回到房中，又叫袭人来问。袭人仍将前日回王夫人的话并方才黛玉的光景述了一遍。贾母道：“我方才看他却还不至糊涂，这个理我就不明白了。咱们这种人家，别的事自然没有的，这心病也是断断有不得的。林丫头若不是这个病呢，我凭著花多少钱都使得。若是这个病，不但治不好，我也没心肠了。”凤姐道：“林妹妹的事老太太倒不必张心，横竖有他二哥哥天天同著大夫瞧看。倒是姑妈那边的事要紧。今日早起听见说，房子不差什么就妥当了，竟是老太太，太太到姑妈那边，我也跟了去，商量商量。就只一件，姑妈家里有宝妹妹在那里，难以说话，不如索性请姑妈晚上过来，咱们一夜都说结了，就好办了。”贾母王夫人都道：“你说的是。今日晚了，明日饭后咱们娘儿们就过去。”说著，贾母用了晚饭。凤姐同王夫人各自归房。不提。

且說次日鳳姐吃了早飯過來，便要試試寶玉，走進里間說道：“寶兄弟大喜，老爺已擇了吉日要給你娶親了。Now to speak of the next day: Xifeng, after breakfast, came over meaning to test Baoyu, and going into the inner room said, "Brother Bao, joyous news — Master has already chosen an auspicious day to arrange your marriage.你喜歡不喜歡？”寶玉聽了，只管瞅著鳳姐笑，微微的點點頭兒。Are you happy or not?" Hearing this, Baoyu just kept gazing at Xifeng and smiling, nodding his head slightly.鳳姐笑道：“給你娶林妹妹過來好不好？”寶玉卻大笑起來。Xifeng said with a smile, "Shall we get you married to Cousin Lin, would that please you?" At this Baoyu burst out laughing.鳳姐看著，也斷不透他是明白是糊涂，因又問道：“老爺說你好了才給你娶林妹妹呢，若還是這麼傻，便不給你娶了。”寶玉忽然正色道：“我不傻，你才傻呢。”說著，便站起來說：“我去瞧瞧林妹妹，叫他放心。”鳳姐忙扶住了，說：“林妹妹早知道了。Watching him, Xifeng still could not tell whether he was lucid or confused, so she asked further, "Master says that once you are well he will get you married to Cousin Lin; but if you go on being this foolish, he won't have you married at all." Baoyu suddenly turned serious and said, "I'm not foolish — it's you who are foolish." So saying, he stood up and said, "I'll go see Cousin Lin, and tell her not to worry." Xifeng hastily held him back, saying, "Cousin Lin already knows.他如今要做新媳婦了，自然害羞，不肯見你的。”寶玉道：“娶過來他到底是見我不見？”鳳姐又好笑，又著忙，心里想：“襲人的話不差。She is soon to become a new bride, so naturally she is shy, and won't be willing to see you." Baoyu said, "Once she is married and brought over, will she see me or not, in the end?" Xifeng was both amused and alarmed, thinking to herself, "What Xiren said was not wrong.提了林妹妹，雖說仍舊說些瘋話，卻覺得明白些。Whenever Cousin Lin is mentioned, though he still says some mad things, he seems to grow a bit clearer in his mind.若真明白了，將來不是林妹妹，打破了這個燈虎兒，那饑荒才難打呢。”便忍笑說道：“你好好兒的便見你，若是瘋瘋顛顛的，他就不見你了。”寶玉說道：“我有一個心，前兒已交給林妹妹了。If he really does come to understand, and it turns out in the end not to be Cousin Lin, this riddle-lantern will be shattered, and then the reckoning that follows will be hard indeed to settle." So she held back her laughter and said, "If you behave properly, she will see you; but if you go on acting crazy and deranged, she won't see you." Baoyu said, "I have a heart, and I already gave it to Cousin Lin the other day.他要過來，橫豎給我帶來，還放在我肚子里頭。”鳳姐聽著竟是瘋話，便出來看著賈母笑。When she comes over, she is bound to bring it back with her anyway, and it will still be kept inside my belly." Hearing this, Xifeng realized it was nothing but madness, and went out and, looking at the Lady Dowager, laughed.賈母聽了，又是笑，又是疼，便說道：“我早聽見了。Hearing this, the Lady Dowager both laughed and felt a pang of tenderness, and said, "I heard it all already.如今且不用理他，叫襲人好好的安慰他。For now there is no need to reason with him — just have Xiren comfort and soothe him properly.咱們走罷。”Let us be on our way."

且说次日凤姐吃了早饭过来，便要试试宝玉，走进里间说道：“宝兄弟大喜，老爷已择了吉日要给你娶亲了。你喜欢不喜欢？”宝玉听了，只管瞅著凤姐笑，微微的点点头儿。凤姐笑道：“给你娶林妹妹过来好不好？”宝玉却大笑起来。凤姐看著，也断不透他是明白是糊涂，因又问道：“老爷说你好了才给你娶林妹妹呢，若还是这么傻，便不给你娶了。”宝玉忽然正色道：“我不傻，你才傻呢。”说著，便站起来说：“我去瞧瞧林妹妹，叫他放心。”凤姐忙扶住了，说：“林妹妹早知道了。他如今要做新媳妇了，自然害羞，不肯见你的。”宝玉道：“娶过来他到底是见我不见？”凤姐又好笑，又著忙，心里想：“袭人的话不差。提了林妹妹，虽说仍旧说些疯话，却觉得明白些。若真明白了，将来不是林妹妹，打破了这个灯虎儿，那饥荒才难打呢。”便忍笑说道：“你好好儿的便见你，若是疯疯颠颠的，他就不见你了。”宝玉说道：“我有一个心，前儿已交给林妹妹了。他要过来，横竖给我带来，还放在我肚子里头。”凤姐听著竟是疯话，便出来看著贾母笑。贾母听了，又是笑，又是疼，便说道：“我早听见了。如今且不用理他，叫袭人好好的安慰他。咱们走罢。”

說著王夫人也來。So saying, Lady Wang came along too.大家到了薛姨媽那里，只說惦記著這邊的事來瞧瞧。When everyone reached Aunt Xue's place, they said only that, being concerned about matters on this side, they had come to look in.薛姨媽感激不盡，說些薛蟠的話。Aunt Xue was endlessly grateful, and spoke a little of Xue Pan's affairs.喝了茶，薛姨媽才要人告訴寶釵，鳳姐連忙攔住說：“姑媽不必告訴寶妹妹。”又向薛姨媽陪笑說道：“老太太此來，一則為瞧姑媽，二則也有句要緊的話特請姑媽到那邊商議。”薛姨媽聽了，點點頭兒說：“是了。”於是大家又說些閑話，便回來了。After tea, just as Aunt Xue was about to send someone to tell Baochai, Xifeng hurriedly stopped her, saying, "Auntie need not tell Cousin Baochai." Then, turning to Aunt Xue with an ingratiating smile, she said, "Old Ancestress's coming here today is, first, to see Auntie, and second, there is also an urgent matter for which we especially wish to invite Auntie over there to talk it over." Hearing this, Aunt Xue nodded and said, "I understand." Then everyone chatted a while of other things, and returned.

说著王夫人也来。大家到了薛姨妈那里，只说惦记著这边的事来瞧瞧。薛姨妈感激不尽，说些薛蟠的话。喝了茶，薛姨妈才要人告诉宝钗，凤姐连忙拦住说：“姑妈不必告诉宝妹妹。”又向薛姨妈陪笑说道：“老太太此来，一则为瞧姑妈，二则也有句要紧的话特请姑妈到那边商议。”薛姨妈听了，点点头儿说：“是了。”于是大家又说些闲话，便回来了。

當晚薛姨媽果然過來，見過了賈母，到王夫人屋里來，不免說起王子騰來，大家落了一回淚。That evening Aunt Xue indeed came over, paid her respects to the Lady Dowager, and went to Lady Wang's room, where inevitably the talk turned to Wang Ziteng, and everyone shed a round of tears.薛姨媽便問道：“剛才我到老太太那里，寶哥兒出來請安還好好兒的，不過略瘦些，怎麼你們說得很利害？”鳳姐便道：“其實也不怎麼樣，只是老太太懸心。Aunt Xue then asked, "Just now when I was at Old Ancestress's, Brother Bao came out to pay his respects and seemed well enough, only a little thinner — why is it you all speak of it as so serious?" Xifeng said, "Actually it isn't so very bad, it is only that Old Ancestress is anxious at heart.目今老爺又要起身外任去，不知幾年才來。At present Master is also about to set out to take up his post away from the capital, and there's no knowing how many years it will be before he returns.老太太的意思，頭一件叫老爺看著寶兄弟成了家也放心，二則也給寶兄弟沖沖喜，借大妹妹的金瑣壓壓邪氣，只怕就好了。”薛姨媽心里也願意，只慮著寶釵委屈，便道：“也使得，只是大家還要從長計較計較才好。”王夫人便按著鳳姐的話和薛姨媽說，只說：“姨太太這會子家里沒人，不如把裝奩一概蠲免。Old Ancestress's idea is, first, to let Master see Brother Bao settled in marriage so he can go with an easy mind, and second, also to use the occasion as a 'wedding to ward off ill luck' for Brother Bao — borrowing Cousin Baochai's gold locket to press down the evil influences — she fears it may just do the trick." Aunt Xue was inclined to agree in her heart, but was troubled at the thought that Baochai might feel wronged, and said, "That would do well enough, only everyone should still think it over carefully and at length." Lady Wang then, following the line Xifeng had set, spoke to Aunt Xue, saying only, "Auntie has no one at home to manage things just now, so it would be best to dispense with the dowry preparations altogether.明日就打發蝌兒去告訴蟠兒，一面這里過門，一面給他變法兒撕擄官事。”并不提寶玉的心事，又說：“姨太太，既作了親，娶過來早早好一天，大家早放一天心。”正說著，只見賈母差鴛鴦過來候信。Tomorrow we'll send Kecousin to tell Brother Pan, and at the same time have the wedding proceed on this side, while working out some way to help settle the lawsuit for him." She made no mention at all of Baoyu's state of mind, and only added, "Auntie, now that the match is made, the sooner she is brought over the better — everyone's mind will be at ease that much sooner." Just as they were speaking, word came that the Lady Dowager had sent Yuanyang over to wait for their answer.薛姨媽雖恐寶釵委屈，然也沒法兒，又見這般光景，只得滿口應承。Though Aunt Xue feared Baochai might feel wronged, there was nothing to be done about it, and seeing matters stood thus, she could only give her full consent.鴛鴦回去回了賈母。Yuanyang went back and reported to the Lady Dowager.賈母也甚喜歡，又叫鴛鴦過來求薛姨媽和寶釵說明原故，不叫他受委屈。The Lady Dowager was also very pleased, and sent Yuanyang over again to ask Aunt Xue to explain the whole matter clearly to Baochai, so that she would not feel wronged.薛姨媽也答應了。Aunt Xue agreed to this as well.便議定鳳姐夫婦作媒人。It was then settled that Xifeng and her husband would act as the matchmakers.大家散了。With that, everyone dispersed.王夫人姊妹不免又敘了半夜話兒。Lady Wang and her sister naturally talked on together late into the night.

当晚薛姨妈果然过来，见过了贾母，到王夫人屋里来，不免说起王子腾来，大家落了一回泪。薛姨妈便问道：“刚才我到老太太那里，宝哥儿出来请安还好好儿的，不过略瘦些，怎么你们说得很利害？”凤姐便道：“其实也不怎么样，只是老太太悬心。目今老爷又要起身外任去，不知几年才来。老太太的意思，头一件叫老爷看著宝兄弟成了家也放心，二则也给宝兄弟冲冲喜，借大妹妹的金琐压压邪气，只怕就好了。”薛姨妈心里也愿意，只虑著宝钗委屈，便道：“也使得，只是大家还要从长计较计较才好。”王夫人便按著凤姐的话和薛姨妈说，只说：“姨太太这会子家里没人，不如把装奁一概蠲免。明日就打发蝌儿去告诉蟠儿，一面这里过门，一面给他变法儿撕掳官事。”并不提宝玉的心事，又说：“姨太太，既作了亲，娶过来早早好一天，大家早放一天心。”正说著，只见贾母差鸳鸯过来候信。薛姨妈虽恐宝钗委屈，然也没法儿，又见这般光景，只得满口应承。鸳鸯回去回了贾母。贾母也甚喜欢，又叫鸳鸯过来求薛姨妈和宝钗说明原故，不叫他受委屈。薛姨妈也答应了。便议定凤姐夫妇作媒人。大家散了。王夫人姊妹不免又叙了半夜话儿。

次日，薛姨媽回家將這邊的話細細的告訴了寶釵，還說：“我已經應承了。”寶釵始則低頭不語，後來便自垂淚。The next day, Aunt Xue went home and told Baochai in detail everything that had been said on the other side, adding, "I have already given my consent." Baochai at first only bowed her head and said nothing, but afterward began quietly shedding tears.薛姨媽用好言勸慰解釋了好些話。Aunt Xue comforted and reasoned with her at length with kind words.寶釵自回房內，寶琴隨去解悶。Baochai returned to her own room, and Baoqin went along to keep her company and ease her mind.薛姨媽才告訴了薛蝌，叫他明日起身，”一則打聽審詳的事，二則告訴你哥哥一個信兒，你即便回來。”Aunt Xue then told Xue Ke to set out the next day, "first to inquire about the trial proceedings, and second to bring your brother word of this, and then come straight back."

次日，薛姨妈回家将这边的话细细的告诉了宝钗，还说：“我已经应承了。”宝钗始则低头不语，后来便自垂泪。薛姨妈用好言劝慰解释了好些话。宝钗自回房内，宝琴随去解闷。薛姨妈才告诉了薛蝌，叫他明日起身，”一则打听审详的事，二则告诉你哥哥一个信儿，你即便回来。”

薛蝌去了四日，便回來回复薛姨媽道：“哥哥的事上司已經准了誤殺，一過堂就要題本了，叫咱們預備贖罪的銀子。Xue Ke was gone four days, and on his return reported to Aunt Xue, "The magistrate has already ruled the case one of manslaughter, and as soon as the matter comes before the court a formal report will be filed — they say we should prepare the silver for the fine to redeem the offense.妹妹的事，說‘媽媽做主很好的，赶著辦又省了好些銀子，叫媽媽不用等我，該怎麼著就怎麼辦罷。’”薛姨媽聽了，一則薛蟠可以回家，二則完了寶釵的事，心里安放了好些。As for my sister's affair, he said, 'Mother's decision is a fine one — the sooner it is handled, the more money will be saved besides; tell Mother there's no need to wait for me, whatever should be done, let it be done.'" Hearing this, Aunt Xue felt her heart considerably eased — first, because Xue Pan could now come home, and second, because Baochai's marriage would soon be settled.便是看著寶釵心里好象不願意似的，”雖是這樣，他是女兒家，素來也孝順守禮的人，知我應了，他也沒得說的。”便叫薛蝌：“辦泥金庚帖，填上八字，即叫人送到璉二爺那邊去。Yet seeing that Baochai's own heart seemed unwilling, she thought, "Even so, she is a daughter, and has always been a dutiful and proper girl by nature — knowing that I have already given my consent, she will have nothing more to say." So she told Xue Ke, "Have the gilt betrothal card prepared, with the eight characters of her birth filled in, and send someone at once to take it over to Second Master Lian's side.還問了過禮的日子來，你好預備。Also ask about the date for the betrothal gifts to be presented, so you can make preparations.本來咱們不驚動親友，哥哥的朋友是你說的‘都是混帳人’，親戚呢，就是賈王兩家，如今賈家是男家，王家無人在京里。To begin with, we won't trouble our relatives and friends over this — your brother's friends, as you yourself said, are 'all worthless sorts,' and as for relatives, there are only the Jia and Wang families; and now the Jia side is the groom's family, while the Wang family has no one in the capital.史姑娘放定的事，他家沒有請咱們，咱們也不用通知。As for the matter of Miss Shi's betrothal, that family did not invite us, so we need not notify them either.倒是把張德輝請了來，托他照料些，他上幾歲年紀的人，到底懂事。”薛蝌領命，叫人送帖過去。We should, however, invite Zhang Dehui over and entrust him to look after things a bit — being a man of some years, he understands the ways of the world after all." Xue Ke received these instructions and sent someone over with the card.

薛蝌去了四日，便回来回复薛姨妈道：“哥哥的事上司已经准了误杀，一过堂就要题本了，叫咱们预备赎罪的银子。妹妹的事，说‘妈妈做主很好的，赶著办又省了好些银子，叫妈妈不用等我，该怎么著就怎么办罢。’”薛姨妈听了，一则薛蟠可以回家，二则完了宝钗的事，心里安放了好些。便是看著宝钗心里好象不愿意似的，”虽是这样，他是女儿家，素来也孝顺守礼的人，知我应了，他也没得说的。”便叫薛蝌：“办泥金庚帖，填上八字，即叫人送到琏二爷那边去。还问了过礼的日子来，你好预备。本来咱们不惊动亲友，哥哥的朋友是你说的‘都是混帐人’，亲戚呢，就是贾王两家，如今贾家是男家，王家无人在京里。史姑娘放定的事，他家没有请咱们，咱们也不用通知。倒是把张德辉请了来，托他照料些，他上几岁年纪的人，到底懂事。”薛蝌领命，叫人送帖过去。

次日賈璉過來，見了薛姨媽，請了安，便說：“明日就是上好的日子，今日過來回姨太太，就是明日過禮罷。The next day Jia Lian came over, paid his respects to Aunt Xue, and said, "Tomorrow is a most auspicious day; I've come today to report to Auntie that the betrothal gifts might as well be presented tomorrow.只求姨太太不要挑飭就是了。”說著，捧過通書來。I only ask that Auntie not be too particular about the details." So saying, he presented the almanac with both hands.薛姨媽也謙遜了幾句，點頭應允。Aunt Xue also demurred a little out of courtesy, then nodded her consent.賈璉赶著回去回明賈政。Jia Lian hurried back to report this clearly to Jia Zheng.賈政便道：“你回老太太說，既不叫親友們知道，諸事宁可簡便些。Jia Zheng said, "Tell Old Ancestress for me that, since we are not letting relatives and friends know, it would be best to keep everything as simple as possible in every respect.若是東西上，請老太太瞧了就是了，不必告訴我。”賈璉答應，進內將話回明賈母。As for the gifts themselves, just have Old Ancestress look them over — there's no need to report to me." Jia Lian assented, and went in to report these words clearly to the Lady Dowager.

次日贾琏过来，见了薛姨妈，请了安，便说：“明日就是上好的日子，今日过来回姨太太，就是明日过礼罢。只求姨太太不要挑饬就是了。”说著，捧过通书来。薛姨妈也谦逊了几句，点头应允。贾琏赶著回去回明贾政。贾政便道：“你回老太太说，既不叫亲友们知道，诸事宁可简便些。若是东西上，请老太太瞧了就是了，不必告诉我。”贾琏答应，进内将话回明贾母。

這里王夫人叫了鳳姐命人將過禮的物件都送與賈母過目，并叫襲人告訴寶玉。Here Lady Wang told Xifeng to have someone send all the betrothal gift items to the Lady Dowager for her inspection, and also had Xiren tell Baoyu of it.那寶玉又嘻嘻的笑道：“這里送到園里，回來園里又送到這里。At this Baoyu laughed and said, "So they're sent here from the Garden, and then sent back from here to the Garden again.咱們的人送，咱們的人收，何苦來呢。”賈母王夫人聽了，都喜歡道：“說他糊涂，他今日怎麼這麼明白呢。”鴛鴦等忍不住好笑，只得上來一件一件的點明給賈母瞧，說：“這是金項圈，這是金珠首飾，共八十件。Our own people send them, and our own people receive them — why go to all this trouble?" Hearing this, the Lady Dowager and Lady Wang were both delighted and said, "Everyone says he's confused, yet how is it he's so clear-headed today?" Yuanyang and the others could not help laughing, and had no choice but to bring the items up one by one to show the Lady Dowager, naming them: "This is the gold necklet, these are the gold and pearl ornaments, eighty pieces in all.這是妝蟒四十匹。These are forty bolts of embroidered mang-python silk.這是各色綢緞一百二十匹。These are a hundred and twenty bolts of silk and satin of various colors.這是四季的衣服共一百二十件。These are the four seasons' clothing, a hundred and twenty pieces in all.外面也沒有預備羊酒，這是折羊酒的銀子。”賈母看了都說“好”，輕輕的與鳳姐說道：“你去告訴姨太太，說：不是虛禮，求姨太太等蟠兒出來慢慢的叫人給他妹妹做來就是了。No sheep or wine were prepared outwardly; this is the silver in lieu of the ceremonial sheep and wine." Looking these over, the Lady Dowager pronounced them all "fine," and said quietly to Xifeng, "Go and tell Auntie that this is no mere empty formality, and ask Auntie to wait until Brother Pan is out, and have things made up gradually for his sister.那好日子的被褥還是咱們這里代辦了罷。”鳳姐答應了，出來叫賈璉先過去，又叫周瑞旺兒等，吩咐他們：“不必走大門，只從園里從前開的便門內送去，我也就過去。As for the bedding for the wedding day, let our side see to that on her behalf." Xifeng assented, went out and had Jia Lian go on ahead, and also called Zhou Rui, Wang'er, and the others, instructing them, "There's no need to go by the main gate — just take it in through the side gate that was formerly opened in the Garden, and I will come along too.這門離瀟湘館還遠，倘別處的人見了，囑咐他們不用在瀟湘館里提起。”眾人答應著送禮而去。This gate is still rather far from Xiaoxiang Guan, but in case anyone from elsewhere should see, tell them not to breathe a word of it within Xiaoxiang Guan." Everyone assented and went off to deliver the gifts.寶玉認以為真，心里大樂，精神便覺得好些，只是語言總有些瘋傻。Baoyu took it all for the truth, and his heart was greatly delighted; his spirits seemed to improve somewhat, though his speech still had a touch of madness and foolishness to it.那過禮的回來都不提名說姓，因此上下人等雖都知道，只因鳳姐吩咐，都不敢走漏風聲。Those who carried the betrothal gifts, on their return, mentioned no names at all, so that although the servants high and low all knew of the matter in a general way, none dared let word leak out, under Xifeng's strict orders.

这里王夫人叫了凤姐命人将过礼的物件都送与贾母过目，并叫袭人告诉宝玉。那宝玉又嘻嘻的笑道：“这里送到园里，回来园里又送到这里。咱们的人送，咱们的人收，何苦来呢。”贾母王夫人听了，都喜欢道：“说他糊涂，他今日怎么这么明白呢。”鸳鸯等忍不住好笑，只得上来一件一件的点明给贾母瞧，说：“这是金项圈，这是金珠首饰，共八十件。这是妆蟒四十匹。这是各色绸缎一百二十匹。这是四季的衣服共一百二十件。外面也没有预备羊酒，这是折羊酒的银子。”贾母看了都说“好”，轻轻的与凤姐说道：“你去告诉姨太太，说：不是虚礼，求姨太太等蟠儿出来慢慢的叫人给他妹妹做来就是了。那好日子的被褥还是咱们这里代办了罢。”凤姐答应了，出来叫贾琏先过去，又叫周瑞旺儿等，吩咐他们：“不必走大门，只从园里从前开的便门内送去，我也就过去。这门离潇湘馆还远，倘别处的人见了，嘱咐他们不用在潇湘馆里提起。”众人答应著送礼而去。宝玉认以为真，心里大乐，精神便觉得好些，只是语言总有些疯傻。那过礼的回来都不提名说姓，因此上下人等虽都知道，只因凤姐吩咐，都不敢走漏风声。

且說黛玉雖然服藥，這病日重一日。Now to speak of Daiyu: although she was taking medicine, her illness grew worse day by day.紫鵑等在旁苦勸，說道：“事情到了這個分兒，不得不說了。Zijuan and the others, at her side, urged her earnestly, saying, "Things have come to such a pass that we can no longer keep silent.姑娘的心事，我們也都知道。We too know well enough what weighs on your heart, Miss.至于意外之事是再沒有的。As for anything untoward actually happening, there is truly no such thing to fear.姑娘不信，只拿寶玉的身子說起，這樣大病，怎麼做得親呢。If you don't believe it, Miss, just consider Baoyu's own condition — with him so gravely ill, how could a wedding possibly take place?姑娘別聽瞎話，自己安心保重才好。”黛玉微笑一笑，也不答言，又咳嗽數聲，吐出好些血來。Please don't listen to idle talk, Miss, and just set your mind at ease and take care of yourself." Daiyu smiled faintly and made no answer, then coughed several times more and brought up a good deal of blood.紫鵑等看去，只有一息奄奄，明知勸不過來，惟有守著流淚，天天三四趟去告訴賈母。Watching this, Zijuan and the others could see that only a single thread of breath remained, and knowing full well that persuasion could do nothing, could only keep watch at her side, weeping, and go three or four times a day to report to the Lady Dowager.鴛鴦測度賈母近日比前疼黛玉的心差了些，所以不常去回。Yuanyang guessed that of late the Lady Dowager's tenderness toward Daiyu had cooled somewhat compared to before, and so did not go to report as often.況賈母這幾日的心都在寶釵寶玉身上，不見黛玉的信兒也不大提起，只請太醫調治罷了。Moreover, these past few days the Lady Dowager's whole heart had been fixed on Baochai and Baoyu, and hearing no word of Daiyu, she seldom even brought her up, only having the imperial physicians attend and treat her.

且说黛玉虽然服药，这病日重一日。紫鹃等在旁苦劝，说道：“事情到了这个分儿，不得不说了。姑娘的心事，我们也都知道。至于意外之事是再没有的。姑娘不信，只拿宝玉的身子说起，这样大病，怎么做得亲呢。姑娘别听瞎话，自己安心保重才好。”黛玉微笑一笑，也不答言，又咳嗽数声，吐出好些血来。紫鹃等看去，只有一息奄奄，明知劝不过来，惟有守著流泪，天天三四趟去告诉贾母。鸳鸯测度贾母近日比前疼黛玉的心差了些，所以不常去回。况贾母这几日的心都在宝钗宝玉身上，不见黛玉的信儿也不大提起，只请太医调治罢了。

黛玉向來病著，自賈母起，直到姊妹們的下人，常來問候。In the past, whenever Daiyu had been ill, everyone from the Lady Dowager down to the servants of her cousins had constantly come to inquire after her.今見賈府中上下人等都不過來，連一個問的人都沒有，睜開眼，只有紫鵑一人。Now, seeing that no one from high or low in the Jia household came by at all, not even a single person to ask after her, she opened her eyes and found only Zijuan there alone.自料萬無生理，因扎掙著向紫鵑說道：“妹妹，你是我最知心的，雖是老太太派你伏侍我這幾年，我拿你就當我的親妹妹。”說到這里，氣又接不上來。Knowing for herself that there was surely no hope of living, she struggled to speak and said to Zijuan, "Sister, you are the one who understands my heart best. Though it was Old Ancestress who assigned you to wait on me these several years, I have come to think of you truly as my own sister." Having said this much, her breath failed her again.紫鵑聽了，一陣心酸，早哭得說不出話來。Hearing this, Zijuan felt a stab of grief in her heart, and was soon crying too hard to speak.遲了半日，黛玉又一面喘一面說道：“紫鵑妹妹，我躺著不受用，你扶起我來靠著坐坐才好。”紫鵑道：“姑娘的身上不大好，起來又要抖摟著了。”黛玉聽了，閉上眼不言語了。After a good while, Daiyu, gasping, spoke again, "Sister Zijuan, lying down like this is uncomfortable — help me up to lean against something and sit a while." Zijuan said, "Miss, you are not at all well; if you sit up, it will only tire you further." Hearing this, Daiyu closed her eyes and said no more.一時又要起來。But after a moment she wanted to sit up again.紫鵑沒法，只得同雪雁把他扶起，兩邊用軟枕靠住，自己卻倚在旁邊。Zijuan had no choice but to help her up together with Xueyan, propping her up on either side with soft pillows, while she herself leaned close beside her.

黛玉向来病著，自贾母起，直到姊妹们的下人，常来问候。今见贾府中上下人等都不过来，连一个问的人都没有，睁开眼，只有紫鹃一人。自料万无生理，因扎挣著向紫鹃说道：“妹妹，你是我最知心的，虽是老太太派你伏侍我这几年，我拿你就当我的亲妹妹。”说到这里，气又接不上来。紫鹃听了，一阵心酸，早哭得说不出话来。迟了半日，黛玉又一面喘一面说道：“紫鹃妹妹，我躺著不受用，你扶起我来靠著坐坐才好。”紫鹃道：“姑娘的身上不大好，起来又要抖搂著了。”黛玉听了，闭上眼不言语了。一时又要起来。紫鹃没法，只得同雪雁把他扶起，两边用软枕靠住，自己却倚在旁边。

黛玉那里坐得住，下身自覺硌的疼，狠命的撐著，叫過雪雁來道：“我的詩本子。”說著又喘。But Daiyu could not sit steady there; feeling her lower body ache as if pressed hard against something, she braced herself with all her strength and called Xueyan over, saying, "My book of poems." So saying, she fell again to gasping.雪雁料是要他前日所理的詩稿，因找來送到黛玉跟前。Xueyan guessed she meant the poems she had sorted through the other day, and so found them and brought them to Daiyu's side.黛玉點點頭兒，又抬眼看那箱子。Daiyu nodded, then raised her eyes to look toward that chest.雪雁不解，只是發怔。Xueyan, not understanding, could only stand there in bewilderment.黛玉氣的兩眼直瞪，又咳嗽起來，又吐了一口血。Daiyu, her eyes glaring wide with anger, fell again into a fit of coughing, and again brought up a mouthful of blood.雪雁連忙回身取了水來，黛玉漱了，吐在盒內。Xueyan hurriedly turned and fetched water; Daiyu rinsed her mouth and spat into the box.紫鵑用絹子給他拭了嘴。Zijuan wiped her mouth with a handkerchief.黛玉便拿那絹子指著箱子，又喘成一處，說不上來，閉了眼。Daiyu then took the handkerchief and pointed at the chest, but her breath came in gasps all at once, and she could not get the words out, so she closed her eyes.紫鵑道：“姑娘歪歪兒罷。”黛玉又搖搖頭兒。Zijuan said, "Miss, why don't you lie down for a while." Daiyu shook her head again.紫鵑料是要絹子，便叫雪雁開箱，拿出一塊白綾絹子來。Zijuan guessed she wanted a handkerchief, and told Xueyan to open the chest and take out a white silk handkerchief.黛玉瞧了，撂在一邊，使勁說道：“有字的。”紫鵑這才明白過來，要那塊題詩的舊帕，只得叫雪雁拿出來遞給黛玉。Daiyu looked at it, tossed it aside, and said with effort, "The one with writing on it." Only then did Zijuan understand — she wanted the old handkerchief with the poem inscribed on it — and had no choice but to tell Xueyan to take it out and hand it to Daiyu.紫鵑勸道：“姑娘歇歇罷，何苦又勞神，等好了再瞧罷。”只見黛玉接到手里，也不瞧詩，扎掙著伸出那只手來狠命的撕那絹子，卻是只有打顫的分兒，那里撕得動。Zijuan urged her, "Miss, do rest — why tax yourself so? Wait until you're better and look at it then." But Daiyu, once it was in her hand, did not even look at the poem; struggling, she stretched out her other hand and tried with all her might to tear the handkerchief, but her hand only trembled — how could she manage to tear it?紫鵑早已知他是恨寶玉，卻也不敢說破，只說：“姑娘何苦自己又生氣！”黛玉點點頭兒，掖在袖里，便叫雪雁點燈。Zijuan had long known she was angry at Baoyu, but dared not say so plainly, only saying, "Miss, why must you upset yourself again!" Daiyu nodded, tucked it into her sleeve, and told Xueyan to light the lamp.雪雁答應，連忙點上燈來。Xueyan assented and hurriedly lit the lamp.

黛玉那里坐得住，下身自觉硌的疼，狠命的撑著，叫过雪雁来道：“我的诗本子。”说著又喘。雪雁料是要他前日所理的诗稿，因找来送到黛玉跟前。黛玉点点头儿，又抬眼看那箱子。雪雁不解，只是发怔。黛玉气的两眼直瞪，又咳嗽起来，又吐了一口血。雪雁连忙回身取了水来，黛玉漱了，吐在盒内。紫鹃用绢子给他拭了嘴。黛玉便拿那绢子指著箱子，又喘成一处，说不上来，闭了眼。紫鹃道：“姑娘歪歪儿罢。”黛玉又摇摇头儿。紫鹃料是要绢子，便叫雪雁开箱，拿出一块白绫绢子来。黛玉瞧了，撂在一边，使劲说道：“有字的。”紫鹃这才明白过来，要那块题诗的旧帕，只得叫雪雁拿出来递给黛玉。紫鹃劝道：“姑娘歇歇罢，何苦又劳神，等好了再瞧罢。”只见黛玉接到手里，也不瞧诗，扎挣著伸出那只手来狠命的撕那绢子，却是只有打颤的分儿，那里撕得动。紫鹃早已知他是恨宝玉，却也不敢说破，只说：“姑娘何苦自己又生气！”黛玉点点头儿，掖在袖里，便叫雪雁点灯。雪雁答应，连忙点上灯来。

黛玉瞧瞧，又閉了眼坐著，喘了一會子，又道：“籠上火盆。”紫鵑打諒他冷。Daiyu looked at it, then closed her eyes again and sat there; after gasping for breath a while, she said again, "Light the brazier." Zijuan supposed she was cold.因說道：“姑娘躺下，多蓋一件罷。So she said, "Miss, lie down and let me put another cover over you.那炭氣只怕耽不住。”黛玉又搖頭兒。I'm afraid you won't be able to bear the charcoal fumes." Daiyu shook her head again.雪雁只得籠上，擱在地下火盆架上。Xueyan had no choice but to light the brazier and set it on the floor stand.黛玉點頭，意思叫挪到炕上來。Daiyu nodded, meaning that it should be moved onto the kang.雪雁只得端上來，出去拿那張火盆炕桌。Xueyan had no choice but to carry it up, then went out to fetch the little brazier table for the kang.那黛玉卻又把身子欠起，紫鵑只得兩只手來扶著他。Daiyu then raised herself up, and Zijuan had no choice but to support her with both hands.黛玉這才將方才的絹子拿在手中，瞅著那火點點頭兒，往上一撂。Only then did Daiyu take the handkerchief from before into her hand, gaze at the fire, nod, and toss it in.紫鵑唬了一跳，欲要搶時，兩只手卻不敢動。Zijuan was startled and wanted to snatch it back, but with both hands occupied she dared not move.雪雁又出去拿火盆桌子，此時那絹子已經燒著了。Xueyan had gone out again to fetch the brazier table, and by this time the handkerchief had already caught fire.紫鵑勸道：“姑娘這是怎麼說呢。”黛玉只作不聞，回手又把那詩稿拿起來，瞧了瞧又撂下了。Zijuan pleaded, "Miss, what is the meaning of this?" Daiyu pretended not to hear, and reaching back, picked up the poem manuscript again, looked at it, then set it down.紫鵑怕他也要燒，連忙將身倚住黛玉，騰出手來拿時，黛玉又早拾起，撂在火上。Zijuan, fearing she meant to burn that too, hurriedly leaned her body against Daiyu to free a hand and take it away, but Daiyu had already picked it up again and thrown it onto the fire.此時紫鵑卻夠不著，乾急。At this Zijuan could not reach it, and could only fret helplessly.雪雁正拿進桌子來，看見黛玉一撂，不知何物，赶忙搶時，那紙沾火就著，如何能夠少待，早已烘烘的著了。Just as Xueyan was carrying the table in, she saw Daiyu throw something in, not knowing what it was, and hurried to snatch it, but the paper caught fire the instant it touched the flame — how could it wait even a moment? — it was already blazing.雪雁也顧不得燒手，從火里抓起來撂在地下亂踩，卻已燒得所餘無幾了。Xueyan, heedless of burning her hands, snatched it from the fire and threw it on the floor, stamping on it wildly, but by then hardly anything was left of it.那黛玉把眼一閉，往後一仰，幾乎不曾把紫鵑壓倒。Daiyu closed her eyes and fell backward, nearly bearing Zijuan down with her.紫鵑連忙叫雪雁上來將黛玉扶著放倒，心里突突的亂跳。Zijuan hastily called Xueyan to come help lay Daiyu down, her own heart pounding wildly.欲要叫人時，天又晚了，欲不叫人時，自己同著雪雁和鸚哥等幾個小丫頭，又怕一時有什麼原故。She wanted to call someone, but it was already late at night; if she did not call anyone, then with only herself, Xueyan, Yinger, and a few other young maids, she feared something might happen at any moment.好容易熬了一夜。With great difficulty they got through the night.到了次日早起，覺黛玉又緩過一點兒來。By the next morning, Daiyu seemed to have revived a little.飯後，忽然又嗽又吐，又緊起來。After the meal, she suddenly began coughing and vomiting again, and her condition grew critical once more.紫鵑看著不祥了，連忙將雪雁等都叫進來看守，自己卻來回賈母。Zijuan, seeing this was an ill omen, hastily called Xueyan and the others in to keep watch, while she herself went to report to the Lady Dowager.那知到了賈母上房，靜悄悄的，只有兩三個老媽媽和幾個做粗活的丫頭在那里看屋子呢。But who would have thought that when she reached the Lady Dowager's chambers, all was silent, with only two or three old matrons and a few maids doing rough chores there watching the rooms.紫鵑因問道：“老太太呢？”那些人都說不知道。Zijuan asked, "Where is the Old Ancestress?" None of them knew.紫鵑聽這話詫异，遂到寶玉屋里去看，竟也無人。Zijuan, surprised at this, went to look in Baoyu's rooms, but found no one there either.遂問屋里的丫頭，也說不知。She asked the maids there, and they too said they did not know.紫鵑已知八九，”但這些人怎麼竟這樣狠毒冷淡！”又想到黛玉這幾天竟連一個人問的也沒有，越想越悲，索性激起一腔悶氣來，一扭身便出來了。Zijuan already guessed eight or nine parts of the truth. "But how can these people be so cruel and cold-hearted!" she thought, and remembering how these past few days not a single person had come to ask after Daiyu, the more she thought of it the sadder she grew, until a whole breast full of suppressed anger flared up, and she turned on her heel and walked out.自己想了一想，”今日倒要看看寶玉是何形狀！She thought to herself, "Today I really must see just what sort of face Baoyu will show!看他見了我怎麼樣過的去！Let's see how he manages to face me when he sees me!那一年我說了一句謊話他就急病了，今日竟公然做出這件事來！That year, when I told him one little lie, he fell gravely ill from the shock — yet today he openly goes and does a thing like this!可知天下男子之心真真是冰寒雪冷，令人切齒的！”一面走，一面想，早已來到怡紅院。Now I know that the hearts of men in this world are truly as cold as ice and snow — enough to make one grind one's teeth!" Thinking thus as she walked, she had already arrived at Yihong Court.只見院門虛掩，里面卻又寂靜的很。She found the courtyard gate only half-latched, yet inside it was very quiet indeed.紫鵑忽然想到：“他要娶親，自然是有新屋子的，但不知他這新屋子在何處？”正在那里徘徊瞻顧，看見墨雨飛跑，紫鵑便叫住他。Zijuan suddenly thought, "If he is to be married, there must naturally be a new bridal chamber — but where could this new room of his be?" Just as she stood there looking about uncertainly, she saw Moyu running past, and called out to stop him.墨雨過來笑嘻嘻的道：“姐姐在這里做什麼？”紫鵑道：“我聽見寶二爺娶親，我要來看看熱鬧兒。Moyu came over grinning and said, "Sister, what are you doing here?" Zijuan said, "I heard Master Bao the Second is getting married, and I wanted to come see the excitement.誰知不在這里，也不知是幾兒。”墨雨悄悄的道：“我這話只告訴姐姐，你可別告訴雪雁他們。Who would have thought it isn't happening here, and I don't even know which day it is." Moyu said quietly, "I'll tell you this only, Sister — but you mustn't tell Xueyan and the others.上頭吩咐了，連你們都不叫知道呢。Those above have given orders that even you all are not to be told.就是今日夜里娶，那里是在這里，老爺派璉二爺另收拾了房子了。”說著又問：“姐姐有什麼事么？”紫鵑道：“沒什麼事，你去罷。”墨雨仍舊飛跑去了。It's tonight that the bride is being brought in, but not here — the Master had Master Lian the Second get another set of rooms ready." As he spoke he asked again, "Does Sister have some business here?" Zijuan said, "Nothing in particular — go on, then." Moyu ran off again as swiftly as before.紫鵑自己也發了一回呆，忽然想起黛玉來，這時候還不知是死是活。Zijuan stood dazed for a while by herself, then suddenly thought of Daiyu, who at this very moment she did not even know was alive or dead.因兩淚汪汪，咬著牙發狠道：“寶玉，我看他明兒死了，你算是躲的過不見了！Her eyes brimming with tears, she gritted her teeth and said fiercely, "Baoyu, if she dies tomorrow, you may think you've escaped ever having to see her again!你過了你那如心如意的事兒，拿什麼臉來見我！”一面哭，一面走，嗚嗚咽咽的自回去了。Once you've had your heart's desire fulfilled, what face will you have to see me with!" Weeping as she walked, sobbing under her breath, she went back on her own.還未到瀟湘館，只見兩個小丫頭在門里往外探頭探腦的，一眼看見紫鵑，那一個便嚷道：“那不是紫鵑姐姐來了嗎。”紫鵑知道不好了，連忙擺手兒不叫嚷，赶忙進去看時，只見黛玉肝火上炎，兩顴紅赤。Before she even reached Xiaoxiang Retreat, she saw two young maids poking their heads out through the gate, peering out; the moment they caught sight of Zijuan, one of them called out, "Isn't that Sister Zijuan coming?" Zijuan knew at once this was bad and quickly waved her hand for them not to shout, hurrying in to look — she found Daiyu's liver-fire blazing upward, both cheekbones flushed a deep red.紫鵑覺得不妥，叫了黛玉的奶媽王奶奶來。Zijuan, sensing something was very wrong, sent for Daiyu's wet-nurse, Granny Wang.一看，他便大哭起來。The moment she saw Daiyu, she burst into loud weeping.這紫鵑因王奶媽有些年紀，可以仗個膽兒，誰知竟是個沒主意的人，反倒把紫鵑弄得心里七上八下。Zijuan had thought that since Granny Wang was getting on in years, she could lean on her for courage, but who would have guessed she was a woman with no idea what to do, and instead left Zijuan's heart in even greater turmoil.忽然想起一個人來，便命小丫頭急忙去請。Suddenly she thought of someone, and told a young maid to hurry and fetch her.你道是誰，原來紫鵑想起李宮裁是個孀居，今日寶玉結親，他自然回避。Who might this be, you ask? It was that Zijuan had remembered Li Gongcai was a widow, and since today was Baoyu's wedding, she would naturally be staying away from it.況且園中諸事向系李紈料理，所以打發人去請他。Besides, all matters within the Garden had always been managed by Li Wan, and so she sent someone to ask her to come.

黛玉瞧瞧，又闭了眼坐著，喘了一会子，又道：“笼上火盆。”紫鹃打谅他冷。因说道：“姑娘躺下，多盖一件罢。那炭气只怕耽不住。”黛玉又摇头儿。雪雁只得笼上，搁在地下火盆架上。黛玉点头，意思叫挪到炕上来。雪雁只得端上来，出去拿那张火盆炕桌。那黛玉却又把身子欠起，紫鹃只得两只手来扶著他。黛玉这才将方才的绢子拿在手中，瞅著那火点点头儿，往上一撂。紫鹃唬了一跳，欲要抢时，两只手却不敢动。雪雁又出去拿火盆桌子，此时那绢子已经烧著了。紫鹃劝道：“姑娘这是怎么说呢。”黛玉只作不闻，回手又把那诗稿拿起来，瞧了瞧又撂下了。紫鹃怕他也要烧，连忙将身倚住黛玉，腾出手来拿时，黛玉又早拾起，撂在火上。此时紫鹃却够不著，干急。雪雁正拿进桌子来，看见黛玉一撂，不知何物，赶忙抢时，那纸沾火就著，如何能够少待，早已烘烘的著了。雪雁也顾不得烧手，从火里抓起来撂在地下乱踩，却已烧得所余无几了。那黛玉把眼一闭，往后一仰，几乎不曾把紫鹃压倒。紫鹃连忙叫雪雁上来将黛玉扶著放倒，心里突突的乱跳。欲要叫人时，天又晚了，欲不叫人时，自己同著雪雁和鹦哥等几个小丫头，又怕一时有什么原故。好容易熬了一夜。到了次日早起，觉黛玉又缓过一点儿来。饭后，忽然又嗽又吐，又紧起来。紫鹃看著不祥了，连忙将雪雁等都叫进来看守，自己却来回贾母。那知到了贾母上房，静悄悄的，只有两三个老妈妈和几个做粗活的丫头在那里看屋子呢。紫鹃因问道：“老太太呢？”那些人都说不知道。紫鹃听这话诧异，遂到宝玉屋里去看，竟也无人。遂问屋里的丫头，也说不知。紫鹃已知八九，”但这些人怎么竟这样狠毒冷淡！”又想到黛玉这几天竟连一个人问的也没有，越想越悲，索性激起一腔闷气来，一扭身便出来了。自己想了一想，”今日倒要看看宝玉是何形状！看他见了我怎么样过的去！那一年我说了一句谎话他就急病了，今日竟公然做出这件事来！可知天下男子之心真真是冰寒雪冷，令人切齿的！”一面走，一面想，早已来到怡红院。只见院门虚掩，里面却又寂静的很。紫鹃忽然想到：“他要娶亲，自然是有新屋子的，但不知他这新屋子在何处？”正在那里徘徊瞻顾，看见墨雨飞跑，紫鹃便叫住他。墨雨过来笑嘻嘻的道：“姐姐在这里做什么？”紫鹃道：“我听见宝二爷娶亲，我要来看看热闹儿。谁知不在这里，也不知是几儿。”墨雨悄悄的道：“我这话只告诉姐姐，你可别告诉雪雁他们。上头吩咐了，连你们都不叫知道呢。就是今日夜里娶，那里是在这里，老爷派琏二爷另收拾了房子了。”说著又问：“姐姐有什么事么？”紫鹃道：“没什么事，你去罢。”墨雨仍旧飞跑去了。紫鹃自己也发了一回呆，忽然想起黛玉来，这时候还不知是死是活。因两泪汪汪，咬著牙发狠道：“宝玉，我看他明儿死了，你算是躲的过不见了！你过了你那如心如意的事儿，拿什么脸来见我！”一面哭，一面走，呜呜咽咽的自回去了。还未到潇湘馆，只见两个小丫头在门里往外探头探脑的，一眼看见紫鹃，那一个便嚷道：“那不是紫鹃姐姐来了吗。”紫鹃知道不好了，连忙摆手儿不叫嚷，赶忙进去看时，只见黛玉肝火上炎，两颧红赤。紫鹃觉得不妥，叫了黛玉的奶妈王奶奶来。一看，他便大哭起来。这紫鹃因王奶妈有些年纪，可以仗个胆儿，谁知竟是个没主意的人，反倒把紫鹃弄得心里七上八下。忽然想起一个人来，便命小丫头急忙去请。你道是谁，原来紫鹃想起李宫裁是个孀居，今日宝玉结亲，他自然回避。况且园中诸事向系李纨料理，所以打发人去请他。

李紈正在那里給賈蘭改詩，冒冒失失的見一個丫頭進來回說：“大奶奶，只怕林姑娘好不了，那里都哭呢。”李紈聽了，嚇了一大跳，也來不及問了，連忙站起身來便走，素雲、碧月跟著，一頭走著，一頭落淚，想著：“姐妹在一處一場，更兼他那容貌才情真是寡二少雙，惟有青女素娥可以仿佛一二，竟這樣小小的年紀，就作了北邙鄉女！Li Wan was at that moment correcting Jia Lan's poem when abruptly a maid rushed in and reported, "Mistress, I'm afraid Miss Lin won't recover — everyone over there is weeping." Hearing this, Li Wan was thoroughly startled, and without even pausing to ask further, rose at once and hurried off, with Suyun and Biyue following behind. As she walked she wept, thinking, "After all our time together as sisters — and with a face and talent of hers that truly had no equal, only the frost-goddess Qingnü or the moon-goddess Su'e might compare to her even a little — that she should, at so young an age, become a maiden of the Beimang graveyard!偏偏鳳姐想出一條偷梁換柱之計，自己也不好過瀟湘館來，竟未能少盡姊妹之情。And of all things, Xifeng had to devise this scheme of stealing the beams and switching the pillars, so that I myself could not properly come to Xiaoxiang Retreat, and have been unable to show even a little of the feeling due between sisters.真真可怜可歎。”一頭想著，已走到瀟湘館的門口。Truly it is pitiable, truly lamentable." Thinking thus, she had already arrived at the gate of Xiaoxiang Retreat.里面卻又寂然無聲，李紈倒著起忙來，想來必是已死，都哭過了，那衣衾未知裝裹妥當了沒有？Yet inside all was silent without a sound, and Li Wan grew alarmed, thinking that surely Daiyu must already be dead and everyone had already wept themselves out — but had the burial clothes and shrouding been properly prepared or not?連忙三步兩步走進屋子來。She hurried in, covering the distance in but a few steps.

李纨正在那里给贾兰改诗，冒冒失失的见一个丫头进来回说：“大奶奶，只怕林姑娘好不了，那里都哭呢。”李纨听了，吓了一大跳，也来不及问了，连忙站起身来便走，素云、碧月跟著，一头走著，一头落泪，想著：“姐妹在一处一场，更兼他那容貌才情真是寡二少双，惟有青女素娥可以仿佛一二，竟这样小小的年纪，就作了北邙乡女！偏偏凤姐想出一条偷梁换柱之计，自己也不好过潇湘馆来，竟未能少尽姊妹之情。真真可怜可叹。”一头想著，已走到潇湘馆的门口。里面却又寂然无声，李纨倒著起忙来，想来必是已死，都哭过了，那衣衾未知装裹妥当了没有？连忙三步两步走进屋子来。

里間門口一個小丫頭已經看見，便說：“大奶奶來了。”紫鵑忙往外走，和李紈走了個對臉。A young maid at the inner doorway had already caught sight of her and said, "The Mistress has come." Zijuan hurried out just as Li Wan came face to face with her.李紈忙問：“怎麼樣？”紫鵑欲說話時，惟有喉中哽咽的分兒，卻一字說不出。Li Wan asked hurriedly, "How is she?" Zijuan tried to speak, but her throat only choked with sobs, and she could not get out a single word.那眼淚一似斷線珍珠一般，只將一只手回過去指著黛玉。Her tears fell like a string of pearls broken loose, and she could only turn one hand back to point toward Daiyu.李紈看了紫鵑這般光景，更覺心酸，也不再問，連忙走過來。Seeing Zijuan in such a state, Li Wan felt her heart ache all the more, and without asking further, hurried over.看時，那黛玉已不能言。Looking closely, she saw that Daiyu could no longer speak.李紈輕輕叫了兩聲，黛玉卻還微微的開眼，似有知識之狀，但只眼皮嘴唇微有動意，口內尚有出入之息，卻要一句話一點淚也沒有了。Li Wan called softly to her twice, and Daiyu did open her eyes slightly, seeming to still have some awareness, but only her eyelids and lips showed the faintest movement; her breath still passed in and out, yet she had not a single word, not even a single tear left.李紈回身見紫鵑不在跟前，便問雪雁。Li Wan turned and, seeing Zijuan was no longer near her, asked Xueyan where she was.雪雁道：“他在外頭屋里呢。”李紈連忙出來，只見紫鵑在外間空床上躺著，顏色青黃，閉了眼只管流淚，那鼻涕眼淚把一個砌花錦邊的褥子已濕了碗大的一片。Xueyan said, "She's in the outer room." Li Wan hurried out and found Zijuan lying on the empty bed in the outer room, her complexion a sickly green-yellow, eyes closed, weeping without pause — her tears and mucus had already soaked a patch as large as a bowl into a brocade-bordered, flower-patterned quilt cover.李紈連忙喚他，那紫鵑才慢慢的睜開眼欠起身來。Li Wan hastily called to her, and only then did Zijuan slowly open her eyes and raise herself up.李紈道：“傻丫頭，這是什麼時候，且只顧哭你的！Li Wan said, "Silly girl, what a time this is to just go on crying for yourself!林姑娘的衣衾還不拿出來給他換上，還等多早晚呢。Miss Lin's burial clothes still haven't been brought out to change her into — what are you waiting for?難道他個女孩兒家，你還叫他赤身露体精著來光著去嗎！”紫鵑聽了這句話，一發止不住痛哭起來。Would you really have a girl like her come into this world bare and leave it bare, with nothing on at all!" When Zijuan heard these words, she could restrain herself no longer and broke down weeping all the harder.李紈一面也哭，一面著急，一面拭淚，一面拍著紫鵑的肩膀說：“好孩子，你把我的心都哭亂了，快著收拾他的東西罷，再遲一會子就了不得了。”正鬧著，外邊一個人慌慌張張跑進來，倒把李紈唬了一跳，看時卻是平兒。Li Wan wept even as she grew anxious, wiping her tears while patting Zijuan's shoulder, saying, "Dear child, you've thrown my own heart into such disorder with your crying — quickly, go get her things ready; any later and it will be too late." Just then, amid this commotion, someone came running in from outside in a great fluster, giving Li Wan quite a start — and looking, it turned out to be Ping'er.跑進來看見這樣，只是呆磕磕的發怔。Ping'er ran in, and seeing this scene, could only stand there dumbstruck.李紈道：“你這會子不在那邊，做什麼來了？”說著，林之孝家的也進來了。Li Wan said, "Why aren't you over there right now — what brings you here?" Even as she spoke, Lin Zhixiao's wife also came in.平兒道：“奶奶不放心，叫來瞧瞧。Ping'er said, "Madam was uneasy and sent me to come and see.既有大奶奶在這里，我們奶奶就只顧那一頭兒了。”李紈點點頭兒。Since the Mistress is here, our Madam can then give her whole attention to that side." Li Wan nodded.平兒道：“我也見見林姑娘。”說著，一面往里走，一面早已流下淚來。Ping'er said, "Let me have a look at Miss Lin too," and as she spoke, walking inward, tears were already streaming down her face.這里李紈因和林之孝家的道：“你來的正好，快出去瞧瞧去。Here Li Wan said to Lin Zhixiao's wife, "You've come at just the right time — go out quickly and see to things.告訴管事的預備林姑娘的後事。Tell the stewards to prepare for Miss Lin's funeral arrangements.妥當了叫他來回我，不用到那邊去。”林之孝家的答應了，還站著。Once everything is in order, have them come report to me — there's no need to go over to that other side." Lin Zhixiao's wife assented, but still stood there.李紈道：“還有什麼話呢？”林之孝家的道：“剛才二奶奶和老太太商量了，那邊用紫鵑姑娘使喚使喚呢。”李紈還未答言，只見紫鵑道：“林奶奶，你先請罷。Li Wan said, "Is there something else?" Lin Zhixiao's wife said, "Just now the Second Mistress discussed it with the Old Ancestress — they want Miss Zijuan over there to be put to use." Before Li Wan could answer, Zijuan spoke up: "Granny Lin, you go on ahead first.等著人死了我們自然是出去的，那里用這麼……”說到這里卻又不好說了，因又改說道：“況且我們在這里守著病人，身上也不洁淨。Once the person has died, we'll naturally go out — there's no need to be in such a..." She stopped short, finding it unseemly to say more, and changed her words instead: "Besides, we've been tending a sick person here, and we're not clean.林姑娘還有氣兒呢，不時的叫我。”李紈在旁解說道：“當真這林姑娘和這丫頭也是前世的緣法兒。Miss Lin still has breath left in her, and calls for me from time to time." Li Wan explained on her behalf, "Truly, this Miss Lin and this maid must have some bond from a former life.倒是雪雁是他南邊帶來的，他倒不理會。As for Xueyan, though she was the one brought up from the South with her, she pays her no mind at all.惟有紫鵑，我看他兩個一時也離不開。”林之孝家的頭里聽了紫鵑的話，未免不受用，被李紈這番一說，卻也沒的說，又見紫鵑哭得淚人一般，只好瞅著他微微的笑，因又說道：“紫鵑姑娘這些閒話倒不要緊，只是他卻說得，我可怎麼回老太太呢。It's only Zijuan — I can see the two of them can hardly be parted for a moment." Lin Zhixiao's wife, having first heard Zijuan's words, could not help feeling put out, but after Li Wan spoke this way, she had nothing more to say; seeing Zijuan crying like a drenched creature, she could only look at her with a faint smile, and said, "It's no great matter, these idle words of Miss Zijuan's — but though she may speak so easily, how am I to report back to the Old Ancestress?況且這話是告訴得二奶奶的嗎！”正說著，平兒擦著眼淚出來道：“告訴二奶奶什麼事？”林之孝家的將方才的話說了一遍。And besides, is this something one can even tell the Second Mistress!" Just as she was speaking, Ping'er came out wiping her tears and said, "Tell the Second Mistress what?" Lin Zhixiao's wife repeated what had just been said.平兒低了一回頭，說：“這麼著罷，就叫雪姑娘去罷。”李紈道：“他使得嗎？”平兒走到李紈耳邊說了幾句，李紈點點頭兒道：“既是這麼著，就叫雪雁過去也是一樣的。”林之孝家的因問平兒道：“雪姑娘使得嗎？”平兒道：“使得，都是一樣。”林家的道：“那麼姑娘就快叫雪姑娘跟了我去。Ping'er lowered her head for a moment, then said, "Let it be this way then — just send Miss Xue instead." Li Wan said, "Will she do?" Ping'er went up to Li Wan's ear and said a few words; Li Wan nodded and said, "Since that's how it is, sending Xueyan over will do just as well." Lin Zhixiao's wife then asked Ping'er, "Will Miss Xue really do?" Ping'er said, "She'll do — it's all the same." Lin Zhixiao's wife said, "Then, Miss, quickly have Miss Xue come along with me.我先去回了老太太和二奶奶去，這可是大奶奶和姑娘的主意。I'll go first and report to the Old Ancestress and the Second Mistress — mind you, this is the Mistress's and Miss's own idea.回來姑娘再各自回二奶奶去。”李紈道：“是了。When you come back, Miss, you can each go report to the Second Mistress yourselves." Li Wan said, "Very well.你這麼大年紀，連這麼點子事還不耽呢。”林家的笑道：“不是不耽，頭一宗這件事老太太和二奶奶辦的，我們都不能很明白，再者又有大奶奶和平姑娘呢。”說著，平兒已叫了雪雁出來。At your age, you still can't take responsibility for even so small a matter." Lin Zhixiao's wife said with a smile, "It's not that I won't take responsibility — first of all, this matter is being handled by the Old Ancestress and the Second Mistress, and we can't be too clear on all of it; besides, there's the Mistress and Miss Ping here too." As she spoke, Ping'er had already called Xueyan out.原來雪雁因這幾日嫌他小孩子家懂得什麼，便也把心冷淡了。It turned out that these past few days, since people had dismissed Xueyan as just a child who understood nothing, she too had grown cold and indifferent at heart.況且聽是老太太和二奶奶叫，也不敢不去。Besides, hearing that it was the Old Ancestress and the Second Mistress who summoned her, she dared not refuse to go.連忙收拾了頭，平兒叫他換了新鮮衣服。She hurriedly tidied her hair, and Ping'er had her change into fresh new clothes.跟著林家的去了。Then she followed Lin Zhixiao's wife away.隨後平兒又和李紈說了幾句話。Afterward Ping'er exchanged a few more words with Li Wan.李紈又囑咐平兒打那麼催著林之孝家的叫他男人快辦了來。Li Wan further asked Ping'er to press Lin Zhixiao's wife to have her husband handle the matter and bring things quickly.平兒答應著出來，轉了個彎子，看見林家的帶著雪雁在前頭走呢，赶忙叫住道：“我帶了他去罷，你先告訴林大爺辦林姑娘的東西去罷。Ping'er assented and came out, and turning a corner, saw Lin Zhixiao's wife walking ahead with Xueyan; she hurried to call out and stop them, saying, "Let me take her along instead — you go first and tell Steward Lin to see to Miss Lin's things.奶奶那里我替回就是了。”那林家的答應著去了。As for reporting to Madam, I'll do that in your place." Lin Zhixiao's wife assented and went off.這里平兒帶了雪雁到了新房子里，回明了自去辦事。Here Ping'er took Xueyan to the new rooms, reported in, and went off to attend to matters herself.

里间门口一个小丫头已经看见，便说：“大奶奶来了。”紫鹃忙往外走，和李纨走了个对脸。李纨忙问：“怎么样？”紫鹃欲说话时，惟有喉中哽咽的分儿，却一字说不出。那眼泪一似断线珍珠一般，只将一只手回过去指著黛玉。李纨看了紫鹃这般光景，更觉心酸，也不再问，连忙走过来。看时，那黛玉已不能言。李纨轻轻叫了两声，黛玉却还微微的开眼，似有知识之状，但只眼皮嘴唇微有动意，口内尚有出入之息，却要一句话一点泪也没有了。李纨回身见紫鹃不在跟前，便问雪雁。雪雁道：“他在外头屋里呢。”李纨连忙出来，只见紫鹃在外间空床上躺著，颜色青黄，闭了眼只管流泪，那鼻涕眼泪把一个砌花锦边的褥子已湿了碗大的一片。李纨连忙唤他，那紫鹃才慢慢的睁开眼欠起身来。李纨道：“傻丫头，这是什么时候，且只顾哭你的！林姑娘的衣衾还不拿出来给他换上，还等多早晚呢。难道他个女孩儿家，你还叫他赤身露体精著来光著去吗！”紫鹃听了这句话，一发止不住痛哭起来。李纨一面也哭，一面著急，一面拭泪，一面拍著紫鹃的肩膀说：“好孩子，你把我的心都哭乱了，快著收拾他的东西罢，再迟一会子就了不得了。”正闹著，外边一个人慌慌张张跑进来，倒把李纨唬了一跳，看时却是平儿。跑进来看见这样，只是呆磕磕的发怔。李纨道：“你这会子不在那边，做什么来了？”说著，林之孝家的也进来了。平儿道：“奶奶不放心，叫来瞧瞧。既有大奶奶在这里，我们奶奶就只顾那一头儿了。”李纨点点头儿。平儿道：“我也见见林姑娘。”说著，一面往里走，一面早已流下泪来。这里李纨因和林之孝家的道：“你来的正好，快出去瞧瞧去。告诉管事的预备林姑娘的后事。妥当了叫他来回我，不用到那边去。”林之孝家的答应了，还站著。李纨道：“还有什么话呢？”林之孝家的道：“刚才二奶奶和老太太商量了，那边用紫鹃姑娘使唤使唤呢。”李纨还未答言，只见紫鹃道：“林奶奶，你先请罢。等著人死了我们自然是出去的，那里用这么……”说到这里却又不好说了，因又改说道：“况且我们在这里守著病人，身上也不洁净。林姑娘还有气儿呢，不时的叫我。”李纨在旁解说道：“当真这林姑娘和这丫头也是前世的缘法儿。倒是雪雁是他南边带来的，他倒不理会。惟有紫鹃，我看他两个一时也离不开。”林之孝家的头里听了紫鹃的话，未免不受用，被李纨这番一说，却也没的说，又见紫鹃哭得泪人一般，只好瞅著他微微的笑，因又说道：“紫鹃姑娘这些闲话倒不要紧，只是他却说得，我可怎么回老太太呢。况且这话是告诉得二奶奶的吗！”正说著，平儿擦著眼泪出来道：“告诉二奶奶什么事？”林之孝家的将方才的话说了一遍。平儿低了一回头，说：“这么著罢，就叫雪姑娘去罢。”李纨道：“他使得吗？”平儿走到李纨耳边说了几句，李纨点点头儿道：“既是这么著，就叫雪雁过去也是一样的。”林之孝家的因问平儿道：“雪姑娘使得吗？”平儿道：“使得，都是一样。”林家的道：“那么姑娘就快叫雪姑娘跟了我去。我先去回了老太太和二奶奶去，这可是大奶奶和姑娘的主意。回来姑娘再各自回二奶奶去。”李纨道：“是了。你这么大年纪，连这么点子事还不耽呢。”林家的笑道：“不是不耽，头一宗这件事老太太和二奶奶办的，我们都不能很明白，再者又有大奶奶和平姑娘呢。”说著，平儿已叫了雪雁出来。原来雪雁因这几日嫌他小孩子家懂得什么，便也把心冷淡了。况且听是老太太和二奶奶叫，也不敢不去。连忙收拾了头，平儿叫他换了新鲜衣服。跟著林家的去了。随后平儿又和李纨说了几句话。李纨又嘱咐平儿打那么催著林之孝家的叫他男人快办了来。平儿答应著出来，转了个弯子，看见林家的带著雪雁在前头走呢，赶忙叫住道：“我带了他去罢，你先告诉林大爷办林姑娘的东西去罢。奶奶那里我替回就是了。”那林家的答应著去了。这里平儿带了雪雁到了新房子里，回明了自去办事。

卻說雪雁看見這般光景，想起他家姑娘，也未免傷心，只是在賈母鳳姐跟前不敢露出。Now, Xueyan, seeing all this splendor, could not help thinking of her own young mistress and feeling grieved, but before the Lady Dowager and Xifeng she dared not show it.因又想道：“也不知用我作什麼，我且瞧瞧。She thought to herself, "I still don't know what they want me for — let me have a look and see.寶玉一日家和我們姑娘好的蜜里調油，這時候總不見面了，也不知是真病假病。Baoyu, who day after day was as sweet as honey stirred into oil with our Miss, has all this while not once come to see her — I don't even know if his illness is real or feigned.怕我們姑娘不依，他假說丟了玉，裝出傻子樣兒來，叫我們姑娘寒了心。Fearing our Miss would not consent, he must have pretended to have lost his jade and put on the appearance of a fool, so as to make our Miss's heart grow cold toward him.他好娶寶姑娘的意思。That way he could go ahead and marry Miss Bao instead.我看看他去，看他見了我傻不傻。I'll go and see him for myself, and see whether he still plays the fool when he sees me.莫不成今兒還裝傻么！”一面想著，已溜到里間屋子門口，偷偷兒的瞧。Surely he won't still be pretending to be a fool today!" Thinking thus, she had already slipped to the doorway of the inner room, and peeked in secretly.這時寶玉雖因失玉昏憒，但只聽見娶了黛玉為妻，真乃是從古至今天上人間第一件暢心滿意的事了，那身子頓覺健旺起來，——只不過不似從前那般靈透，所以鳳姐的妙計百發百中——巴不得即見黛玉，盼到今日完姻，真樂得手舞足蹈，雖有幾句傻話，卻與病時光景大相懸絕了。At this time, although Baoyu was still muddled in his wits from the loss of his jade, once he heard that he was to marry Daiyu as his wife — truly the most joyful and satisfying event in heaven or on earth from ancient times to now — his whole body at once felt vigorous again; only he was no longer as sharp-witted as before, which was precisely why Xifeng's clever scheme succeeded so perfectly every time. He could hardly wait to see Daiyu, and having looked forward to this marriage being completed today, he was truly so delighted he danced with his hands and feet; though he still spoke a few foolish words now and then, this was vastly different from how he had been while ill.雪雁看了，又是生氣又是傷心，他那里曉得寶玉的心事，便各自走開。Seeing this, Xueyan felt both angry and grieved at once; how could she know what was truly in Baoyu's heart? So she turned and walked away by herself.

却说雪雁看见这般光景，想起他家姑娘，也未免伤心，只是在贾母凤姐跟前不敢露出。因又想道：“也不知用我作什么，我且瞧瞧。宝玉一日家和我们姑娘好的蜜里调油，这时候总不见面了，也不知是真病假病。怕我们姑娘不依，他假说丢了玉，装出傻子样儿来，叫我们姑娘寒了心。他好娶宝姑娘的意思。我看看他去，看他见了我傻不傻。莫不成今儿还装傻么！”一面想著，已溜到里间屋子门口，偷偷儿的瞧。这时宝玉虽因失玉昏愦，但只听见娶了黛玉为妻，真乃是从古至今天上人间第一件畅心满意的事了，那身子顿觉健旺起来，——只不过不似从前那般灵透，所以凤姐的妙计百发百中——巴不得即见黛玉，盼到今日完姻，真乐得手舞足蹈，虽有几句傻话，却与病时光景大相悬绝了。雪雁看了，又是生气又是伤心，他那里晓得宝玉的心事，便各自走开。

這里寶玉便叫襲人快快給他裝新，坐在王夫人屋里。Here Baoyu told Xiren to quickly dress him in his new clothes, and he sat waiting in Lady Wang's rooms.看見鳳姐尤氏忙忙碌碌，再盼不到吉時，只管問襲人道：“林妹妹打園里來，為什麼這麼費事，還不來？”襲人忍著笑道：“等好時辰。”回來又聽見鳳姐與王夫人道：“雖然有服，外頭不用鼓樂，咱們南邊規矩要拜堂的，冷清清使不得。Seeing Xifeng and Madam You bustling busily about, and the auspicious hour still nowhere in sight, he kept asking Xiren, "Why is it taking so much trouble for Cousin Lin to come from the Garden — why isn't she here yet?" Xiren, holding back a smile, said, "We're waiting for the proper hour." A little later he heard Xifeng say to Lady Wang, "Although we're in mourning and can't use drums and music outside, by our Southern custom there must still be the bowing ceremony at the hall, and it simply won't do to have it so cheerless and cold.我傳了家內學過音樂管過戲子的那些女人來吹打，熱鬧些。”王夫人點頭說：“使得。”I've had those women in the household who once studied music and managed the troupe of actors brought in to play instruments, to make it a bit more lively." Lady Wang nodded and said, "That will do."

这里宝玉便叫袭人快快给他装新，坐在王夫人屋里。看见凤姐尤氏忙忙碌碌，再盼不到吉时，只管问袭人道：“林妹妹打园里来，为什么这么费事，还不来？”袭人忍著笑道：“等好时辰。”回来又听见凤姐与王夫人道：“虽然有服，外头不用鼓乐，咱们南边规矩要拜堂的，冷清清使不得。我传了家内学过音乐管过戏子的那些女人来吹打，热闹些。”王夫人点头说：“使得。”

一時大轎從大門進來，家里細樂迎出去，十二對宮燈，排著進來，倒也新鮮雅致。Presently the great bridal sedan came in through the main gate, with the household's chamber music going out to receive it, and twelve pairs of palace lanterns arranged in procession as it entered — altogether a fresh and elegant sight.儐相請了新人出轎。The attendants in charge of the ceremony invited the bride to step out of the sedan.寶玉見新人蒙著蓋頭，喜娘披著紅扶著。Baoyu saw the bride with her head covered by the bridal veil, supported by the matron of ceremonies who was draped in red.下首扶新人的你道是誰，原來就是雪雁。And who, do you suppose, was the one supporting the bride from the other side? It was none other than Xueyan.寶玉看見雪雁，猶想：“因何紫鵑不來，倒是他呢？”又想道：“是了，雪雁原是他南邊家里帶來的，紫鵑仍是我們家的，自然不必帶來。”因此見了雪雁竟如見了黛玉的一般歡喜。When Baoyu saw Xueyan, he still wondered, "Why has Zijuan not come, and it's she instead?" Then he thought again, "Ah, of course — Xueyan was the one originally brought from her family in the South, while Zijuan still belongs to our own household, so naturally there was no need to bring her." And so, seeing Xueyan, he felt as joyful as if he were seeing Daiyu herself.儐相贊禮拜了天地。The master of ceremonies led the recitation of the rites, and the couple bowed to Heaven and Earth.請出賈母受了四拜，後請賈政夫婦登堂，行禮畢，送入洞房。The Lady Dowager was then invited out to receive four bows, after which Jia Zheng and his wife were invited up to the hall to receive the ceremony as well; once the rites were completed, the couple was escorted into the bridal chamber.還有坐床撒帳等事，俱是按金陵舊例。As for the rites of 'sitting on the bed' and 'scattering the curtains,' all were conducted according to the old customs of Jinling.賈政原為賈母作主，不敢違拗，不信沖喜之說。Jia Zheng, since it was Grandmother Jia who had made the decision, dared not oppose it, though he himself did not believe in the idea of 'warding off illness with joy' (chōngxǐ).那知今日寶玉居然象個好人一般，賈政見了，倒也喜歡，那新人坐了床便要揭起蓋頭的，鳳姐早已防備，故請賈母王夫人等進去照應。Who could have known that today Baoyu actually seemed like a perfectly sound person; seeing this, Jia Zheng was in fact pleased. When the bride had taken her seat on the bed, the veil was to be lifted at once, and Xifeng, having already anticipated this, had asked Grandmother Jia, Lady Wang, and the others to go in and look after things.

一时大轿从大门进来，家里细乐迎出去，十二对宫灯，排著进来，倒也新鲜雅致。傧相请了新人出轿。宝玉见新人蒙著盖头，喜娘披著红扶著。下首扶新人的你道是谁，原来就是雪雁。宝玉看见雪雁，犹想：“因何紫鹃不来，倒是他呢？”又想道：“是了，雪雁原是他南边家里带来的，紫鹃仍是我们家的，自然不必带来。”因此见了雪雁竟如见了黛玉的一般欢喜。傧相赞礼拜了天地。请出贾母受了四拜，后请贾政夫妇登堂，行礼毕，送入洞房。还有坐床撒帐等事，俱是按金陵旧例。贾政原为贾母作主，不敢违拗，不信冲喜之说。那知今日宝玉居然象个好人一般，贾政见了，倒也喜欢，那新人坐了床便要揭起盖头的，凤姐早已防备，故请贾母王夫人等进去照应。

寶玉此時到底有些傻氣，便走到新人跟前說道：“妹妹身上好了？At this moment Baoyu was after all still somewhat foolish in his manner; he walked up to the bride and said, 'Sister, are you feeling better now?好些天不見了，蓋著這勞什子做什麼！”欲待要揭去，反把賈母急出一身冷汗來。I haven't seen you in so many days — why are you covered up with this bothersome thing!' He was about to lift it off, which instead startled Grandmother Jia into a cold sweat.寶玉又轉念一想道：“林妹妹是愛生氣的，不可造次。”又歇了一歇，仍是按捺不住，只得上前揭了。But then Baoyu had another thought and said to himself, 'Cousin Lin gets angry easily, I mustn't be rash.' He paused a moment more, but still could not restrain himself, and in the end stepped forward and lifted it.喜娘接去蓋頭，雪雁走開，鶯兒等上來伺候。The wedding attendant took the veil away, Xueyan withdrew, and Yingying and the others came forward to attend.寶玉睜眼一看，好象寶釵，心里不信，自己一手持燈，一手擦眼，一看，可不是寶釵么！Baoyu opened his eyes and looked — she seemed to be Baochai. Unable to believe it in his heart, he held the lamp in one hand and rubbed his eyes with the other, and looked again — and indeed, was it not Baochai!只見他盛妝艷服，丰肩懦体，鬟低鬢嚲，眼瞬息微，真是荷粉露垂，杏花煙潤了。There she was, in splendid make-up and gorgeous dress, her shoulders full, her figure soft and yielding, her hair-buns low and her side-locks drooping, her eyes blinking faintly — truly like lotus petals hung with dew, or apricot blossoms moistened by mist.寶玉發了一回怔，又見鶯兒立在旁邊，不見了雪雁。Baoyu was dumbstruck for a while, and then noticed Yingying standing at her side, with Xueyan nowhere to be seen.寶玉此時心無主意，自己反以為是夢中了，呆呆的只管站著。At this moment Baoyu's mind was utterly without bearings; he began to think instead that he must be dreaming, and stood there in a daze.眾人接過燈去，扶了寶玉仍舊坐下，兩眼直視，半語全無。The others took the lamp from him and helped Baoyu sit back down; he stared straight ahead with fixed eyes, and did not utter a single word.賈母恐他病發，親自扶他上床。Grandmother Jia, fearing his illness might flare up, personally helped him onto the bed.鳳姐尤氏請了寶釵進入里間床上坐下，寶釵此時自然是低頭不語。Xifeng and You-shi invited Baochai into the inner room to sit on the bed; Baochai, naturally, sat with her head bowed and said nothing.寶玉定了一回神，見賈母王夫人坐在那邊，便輕輕的叫襲人道：“我是在那里呢？After a while Baoyu steadied his wits somewhat, and seeing Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang sitting over there, he called softly to Xiren, 'Where am I?這不是做夢么？”襲人道：“你今日好日子，什麼夢不夢的混說。Isn't this a dream?' Xiren said, 'Today is your wedding day — what nonsense is this talk of dreams.老爺可在外頭呢。”寶玉悄悄兒的拿手指著道：“坐在那里這一位美人兒是誰？”襲人握了自己的嘴，笑的說不出話來，歇了半日才說道：“是新娶的二奶奶。”眾人也都回過頭去，忍不住的笑。The Master is right outside, too.' Baoyu quietly pointed with his hand and asked, 'Who is that beauty sitting over there?' Xiren clapped her hand over her own mouth, laughing so hard she could not speak, and only after a good while managed to say, 'That is the newly-married Second Mistress.' The others all turned their heads away too, unable to keep from laughing.寶玉又道：“好糊涂，你說二奶奶到底是誰？”襲人道：“寶姑娘。”寶玉道：“林姑娘呢？”襲人道：“老爺作主娶的是寶姑娘，怎麼混說起林姑娘來。”寶玉道：“我才剛看見林姑娘了么，還有雪雁呢，怎麼說沒有。Baoyu said again, 'How muddled you are — tell me, who exactly is the Second Mistress?' Xiren said, 'Miss Bao.' Baoyu said, 'And Miss Lin?' Xiren said, 'It was Miss Bao whom the Master decided upon and married — why do you keep talking nonsense about Miss Lin?' Baoyu said, 'But I just saw Miss Lin a moment ago, and Xueyan too — how can you say there was no one?你們這都是做什麼頑呢？”鳳姐便走上來輕輕的說道：“寶姑娘在屋里坐著呢。What kind of joke are you all playing on me?' Xifeng then came forward and said softly, 'Miss Bao is sitting right there in the room.別混說，回來得罪了他，老太太不依的。”寶玉聽了，這會子糊涂更利害了。Don't talk nonsense — if you offend her, Old Ancestress won't stand for it.' Hearing this, Baoyu grew even more confused than before.本來原有昏憒的病，加以今夜神出鬼沒，更叫他不得主意，便也不顧別的了，口口聲聲只要找林妹妹去。He had, to begin with, a lingering illness of confusion and befuddlement, and with tonight's ghostly, disorienting turns added on top, he was thrown even further off balance; heedless of everything else now, he kept insisting, over and over, that he had to go find Cousin Lin.賈母等上前安慰，無奈他只是不懂。Grandmother Jia and the others came forward to comfort him, but there was nothing to be done — he simply would not understand.又有寶釵在內，又不好明說。Moreover, with Baochai right there in the room, it was hard to speak of the matter openly.知寶玉舊病复發，也不講明，只得滿屋里點起安息香來，定住他的神魂，扶他睡下。Knowing that Baoyu's old illness had relapsed, they did not explain matters to him plainly, but instead had incense of repose lit throughout the room to steady his spirit, and helped him lie down to sleep.眾人鴉雀無聞，停了片時，寶玉便昏沉睡去。Everyone kept perfectly silent, and after a short while Baoyu sank into a heavy sleep.賈母等才得略略放心，只好坐以待旦，叫鳳姐去請寶釵安歇。Only then could Grandmother Jia and the others feel somewhat at ease; there was nothing to do but sit up waiting for dawn, and she told Xifeng to go ask Baochai to rest.寶釵置若罔聞，也便和衣在內暫歇。Baochai paid this no mind whatsoever, and simply lay down for a while inside, still in her clothes.賈政在外，未知內里原由，只就方才眼見的光景想來，心下倒寬了。Jia Zheng, out in the front hall, knew nothing of the reasons behind all this within, and judging only by the scene he had witnessed a little earlier, his mind was in fact set at ease.恰是明日就是起程的吉日，略歇了一歇，眾人賀喜送行。It happened that the next day was the auspicious day chosen for his departure; after resting briefly, everyone came to offer congratulations and see him off.賈母見寶玉睡著，也回房去暫歇。Seeing that Baoyu had fallen asleep, Grandmother Jia too returned to her own room to rest a while.

宝玉此时到底有些傻气，便走到新人跟前说道：“妹妹身上好了？好些天不见了，盖著这劳什子做什么！”欲待要揭去，反把贾母急出一身冷汗来。宝玉又转念一想道：“林妹妹是爱生气的，不可造次。”又歇了一歇，仍是按捺不住，只得上前揭了。喜娘接去盖头，雪雁走开，莺儿等上来伺候。宝玉睁眼一看，好象宝钗，心里不信，自己一手持灯，一手擦眼，一看，可不是宝钗么！只见他盛妆艳服，丰肩懦体，鬟低鬓亸，眼瞬息微，真是荷粉露垂，杏花烟润了。宝玉发了一回怔，又见莺儿立在旁边，不见了雪雁。宝玉此时心无主意，自己反以为是梦中了，呆呆的只管站著。众人接过灯去，扶了宝玉仍旧坐下，两眼直视，半语全无。贾母恐他病发，亲自扶他上床。凤姐尤氏请了宝钗进入里间床上坐下，宝钗此时自然是低头不语。宝玉定了一回神，见贾母王夫人坐在那边，便轻轻的叫袭人道：“我是在那里呢？这不是做梦么？”袭人道：“你今日好日子，什么梦不梦的混说。老爷可在外头呢。”宝玉悄悄儿的拿手指著道：“坐在那里这一位美人儿是谁？”袭人握了自己的嘴，笑的说不出话来，歇了半日才说道：“是新娶的二奶奶。”众人也都回过头去，忍不住的笑。宝玉又道：“好糊涂，你说二奶奶到底是谁？”袭人道：“宝姑娘。”宝玉道：“林姑娘呢？”袭人道：“老爷作主娶的是宝姑娘，怎么混说起林姑娘来。”宝玉道：“我才刚看见林姑娘了么，还有雪雁呢，怎么说没有。你们这都是做什么顽呢？”凤姐便走上来轻轻的说道：“宝姑娘在屋里坐著呢。别混说，回来得罪了他，老太太不依的。”宝玉听了，这会子糊涂更利害了。本来原有昏愦的病，加以今夜神出鬼没，更叫他不得主意，便也不顾别的了，口口声声只要找林妹妹去。贾母等上前安慰，无奈他只是不懂。又有宝钗在内，又不好明说。知宝玉旧病复发，也不讲明，只得满屋里点起安息香来，定住他的神魂，扶他睡下。众人鸦雀无闻，停了片时，宝玉便昏沉睡去。贾母等才得略略放心，只好坐以待旦，叫凤姐去请宝钗安歇。宝钗置若罔闻，也便和衣在内暂歇。贾政在外，未知内里原由，只就方才眼见的光景想来，心下倒宽了。恰是明日就是起程的吉日，略歇了一歇，众人贺喜送行。贾母见宝玉睡著，也回房去暂歇。

次早，賈政辭了宗祠，過來拜別賈母，稟稱：“不孝遠離，惟願老太太順時頤養。The next morning, Jia Zheng took leave of the ancestral hall and came to bid farewell to Grandmother Jia, saying respectfully, 'Your unfilial son is going far away; I only wish that you, Old Ancestress, take good care of yourself according to the seasons.兒子一到任所，即修稟請安，不必挂念。As soon as I reach my post, I will write at once to send my respects and inquire after you — please do not trouble yourself with worry.寶玉的事，已經依了老太太完結，只求老太太訓誨。”賈母恐賈政在路不放心，并不將寶玉复病的話說起，只說：“我有一句話，寶玉昨夜完姻，并不是同房。As for Baoyu's marriage, it has been settled just as you, Old Ancestress, wished; I only ask that you continue to instruct and guide him.' Grandmother Jia, fearing that Jia Zheng would be uneasy on the road, did not mention that Baoyu's illness had relapsed, and only said, 'There is one thing I must tell you. Baoyu completed his marriage last night, but the couple did not yet share the bridal chamber.今日你起身，必該叫他遠送才是。Today, as you set out, he really ought to see you off some distance, as is proper.他因病沖喜，如今才好些，又是昨日一天勞乏，出來恐怕著了風。But since he married to ward off his illness with joy, and has only just begun to improve, and after a full day's fatigue yesterday besides, I am afraid that if he comes out he might catch a chill.故此問你，你叫他送呢，我即刻去叫他，你若疼他，我就叫人帶了他來，你見見，叫他給你磕頭就算了。”賈政道：“叫他送什麼，只要他從此以後認真念書，比送我還喜歡呢。”賈母聽了，又放了一條心，便叫賈政坐著，叫鴛鴦去如此如此，帶了寶玉，叫襲人跟著來。That is why I am asking you — if you want him to come see you off, I will send for him at once; but if you are truly fond of him, I could instead simply have someone bring him in, you can see him, and have him kowtow to you, and let that be enough.' Jia Zheng said, 'Why should he see me off? If only he would from now on apply himself seriously to his studies, that would please me far more than seeing me off.' Hearing this, Grandmother Jia's mind was set even more at ease, and she had Jia Zheng remain seated while she sent Yuanyang to do thus-and-so, to bring Baoyu in, with Xiren following along.鴛鴦去了不多一會，果然寶玉來了，仍是叫他行禮。Yuanyang was gone only a short while before Baoyu indeed arrived, and was told, as before, to perform the proper obeisance.寶玉見了父親，神志略斂些，片時清楚，也沒什麼大差。On seeing his father, Baoyu's wits gathered themselves somewhat; for a little while he was lucid, and showed nothing much amiss.賈政吩咐了幾句，寶玉答應了。Jia Zheng gave him a few words of instruction, and Baoyu answered obediently.賈政叫人扶他回去了，自己回到王夫人房中，又切實的叫王夫人管教兒子，斷不可如前嬌縱。Jia Zheng had someone help him back to his room, and then himself went to Lady Wang's quarters, where he earnestly urged Lady Wang to discipline their son properly, and on no account to indulge him as before.明年鄉試，務必叫他下場。Next year, at the provincial examinations, he must without fail be made to sit for them.王夫人一一的聽了，也沒提起別的。Lady Wang listened to every word, and did not bring up anything else.即忙命人扶了寶釵過來，行了新婦送行之禮，也不出房。He then hastily had someone help Baochai over, so that she might perform the new bride's rite of seeing him off, though she did not leave the room to do so.其餘內眷俱送至二門而回。The rest of the womenfolk of the household all saw him as far as the second gate and then turned back.賈珍等也受了一番訓飭。Jia Zhen and the others also received a round of admonishment.大家舉酒送行，一班子弟及晚輩親友，直送至十里長亭而別。Everyone raised their cups to see him off, and a group of the younger clansmen and relatives escorted him all the way to the Ten-Li Pavilion before parting.不言賈政起程赴任。We shall say no more, for now, of Jia Zheng setting out to take up his post.且說寶玉回來，舊病陡發，更加昏憒，連飲食也不能進了。Let us instead tell how, after Baoyu returned, his old illness suddenly flared up again, leaving him more confused and befuddled than ever, so that he could no longer even take food or drink.未知性命如何，下回分解。What was to become of his life is not yet known; that will be told in the chapter to follow.

次早，贾政辞了宗祠，过来拜别贾母，禀称：“不孝远离，惟愿老太太顺时颐养。儿子一到任所，即修禀请安，不必挂念。宝玉的事，已经依了老太太完结，只求老太太训诲。”贾母恐贾政在路不放心，并不将宝玉复病的话说起，只说：“我有一句话，宝玉昨夜完姻，并不是同房。今日你起身，必该叫他远送才是。他因病冲喜，如今才好些，又是昨日一天劳乏，出来恐怕著了风。故此问你，你叫他送呢，我即刻去叫他，你若疼他，我就叫人带了他来，你见见，叫他给你磕头就算了。”贾政道：“叫他送什么，只要他从此以后认真念书，比送我还喜欢呢。”贾母听了，又放了一条心，便叫贾政坐著，叫鸳鸯去如此如此，带了宝玉，叫袭人跟著来。鸳鸯去了不多一会，果然宝玉来了，仍是叫他行礼。宝玉见了父亲，神志略敛些，片时清楚，也没什么大差。贾政吩咐了几句，宝玉答应了。贾政叫人扶他回去了，自己回到王夫人房中，又切实的叫王夫人管教儿子，断不可如前娇纵。明年乡试，务必叫他下场。王夫人一一的听了，也没提起别的。即忙命人扶了宝钗过来，行了新妇送行之礼，也不出房。其余内眷俱送至二门而回。贾珍等也受了一番训饬。大家举酒送行，一班子弟及晚辈亲友，直送至十里长亭而别。不言贾政起程赴任。且说宝玉回来，旧病陡发，更加昏愦，连饮食也不能进了。未知性命如何，下回分解。