第九十九回　守官箴惡奴同破例　閱邸報老舅自擔驚 Keeping to Rule, Officials Bend It Together; Reading the Gazette, an Old Uncle Takes Fright

話說鳳姐見賈母和薛姨媽為黛玉傷心，便說：“有個笑話兒說給老太太和姑媽聽”，未從開口，先自笑了，因說道：“老太太和姑媽打諒是那里的笑話兒？To tell it: seeing that the Lady Dowager and Aunt Xue were grieving over Daiyu, Xifeng said, "I have a funny story to tell the Old Ancestress and Aunt" — before she had even opened her mouth, she began laughing to herself, then said, "Now what do the Old Ancestress and Aunt suppose this funny story is about?就是咱們家的那二位新姑爺新媳婦啊。”賈母道：“怎麼了？”鳳姐拿手比著道：“一個這麼坐著，一個這麼站著。It's about none other than our own two new ones — the new bridegroom and the new bride." The Lady Dowager said, "What about them?" Xifeng gestured with her hands, saying, "One was sitting like this, the other standing like that.一個這麼扭過去，一個這麼轉過來。One twisted round this way, the other turned round that way.一個又……”說到這里，賈母已經大笑起來，說道：“你好生說罷，倒不是他們兩口兒，你倒把人慪的受不得了。”薛姨媽也笑道：“你往下直說罷，不用比了。”鳳姐才說道：“剛才我到寶兄弟屋里，我看見好幾個人笑。And one..." Before she could go on, the Lady Dowager was already laughing loudly, and said, "Just say it properly — it's not the two of them, it's us you're teasing until we can't stand it." Aunt Xue laughed too and said, "Go on and say it straight out, no need to act it out." Only then did Xifeng say, "Just now when I went to Brother Bao's room, I saw several people laughing.我只道是誰，巴著窗戶眼兒一瞧，原來寶妹妹坐在炕沿上，寶兄弟站在地下。I wondered who it could be, so I pressed my eye to a gap in the window and peeked — it turned out Sister Bao was sitting on the edge of the kang, and Brother Bao was standing on the floor.寶兄弟拉著寶妹妹的袖子，口口聲聲只叫：‘寶姐姐，你為什麼不會說話了？Brother Bao was pulling at Sister Bao's sleeve, calling again and again, 'Sister Bao, why can't you speak anymore?你這麼說一句話，我的病包管全好。’寶妹妹卻扭著頭只管躲。If you'd just say one word, I guarantee my illness would be completely cured.' But Sister Bao only turned her head away and kept dodging him.寶兄弟卻作了一個揖，上前又拉寶妹妹的衣服。Brother Bao then made a bow with clasped hands, and stepped forward again to tug at Sister Bao's clothes.寶妹妹急得一扯，寶兄弟自然病後是腳軟的，索性一扑，扑在寶妹妹身上了。Sister Bao, flustered, gave a yank — and Brother Bao, whose legs were naturally still weak after his illness, simply pitched forward and fell right against Sister Bao.寶妹妹急得紅了臉，說道：‘你越發比先不尊重了。’”說到這里，賈母和薛姨媽都笑起來。Sister Bao, flustered, turned red in the face and said, 'You've grown even more improper than before.'" At this the Lady Dowager and Aunt Xue both burst out laughing.鳳姐又道：“寶兄弟便立起身來笑道：‘虧了跌了這一交，好容易才跌出你的話來了。’”薛姨媽笑道：“這是寶丫頭古怪。Xifeng went on, "Brother Bao got straight up laughing and said, 'Thanks to that tumble, I've finally managed to tumble a few words out of you.'" Aunt Xue laughed and said, "That's just Bao-girl's odd way.這有什麼的，既作了兩口兒，說說笑笑的怕什麼。What's there to it? Once they're man and wife, what is there to fear in a bit of talking and laughing together?他沒見他璉二哥和你。”鳳姐兒笑道：“這是怎麼說呢，我饒說笑話給姑媽解悶兒，姑媽反倒拿我打起卦來了。”賈母也笑道：“要這麼著才好。She just hasn't seen how her Cousin Lian the Second and you carry on." Xifeng laughed and said, "Now how is this fair — here I go out of my way to tell a joke to cheer up my Aunt, and instead my Aunt turns around and tells my fortune with me." The Lady Dowager laughed too and said, "That's exactly how it ought to be.夫妻固然要和氣，也得有個分寸兒。Husband and wife certainly ought to be affectionate, but there must be some proper measure to it as well.我愛寶丫頭就在這尊重上頭。What I love about Bao-girl is precisely this sense of propriety.只是我愁著寶玉還是那麼傻頭傻腦的，這麼說起來，比頭里竟明白多了。It's only that I've been worried Baoyu was still so muddleheaded — but from what you've just told, he seems a good deal more sensible than before.你再說說，還有什麼笑話兒沒有？”鳳姐道：“明兒寶玉圓了房，親家太太抱了外孫子，那時侯不更是笑話兒了么。”賈母笑道：“猴兒，我在這里同著姨太太想你林妹妹，你來慪個笑兒還罷了，怎麼臊起皮來了。Tell us more — are there any other funny stories?" Xifeng said, "Once Baoyu has properly consummated the marriage, and my in-law's mother is cradling a grandson, won't that be an even funnier story then?" The Lady Dowager laughed and said, "You little monkey — here I am with your Aunt missing your Cousin Lin, and it's well enough that you come and tease us into laughing, but now you're getting downright shameless.你不叫我們想你林妹妹，你不用太高興了，你林妹妹恨你，將來不要獨自一個到園里去，隄防他拉著你不依。”鳳姐笑道：“他倒不怨我。If you don't want us dwelling on your Cousin Lin, you needn't be so pleased with yourself either — your Cousin Lin resents you, and in future you'd best not go into the Garden alone, in case she takes hold of you and won't let go." Xifeng laughed and said, "Actually, she doesn't blame me at all.他臨死咬牙切齒倒恨著寶玉呢。”賈母薛姨媽聽著，還道是頑話兒，也不理會，便道：“你別胡拉扯了。When she was dying, it was Baoyu she gnashed her teeth over and hated." The Lady Dowager and Aunt Xue, hearing this, took it for more joking and paid it no mind, saying only, "Don't you go talking such nonsense.你去叫外頭挑個很好的日子給你寶兄弟圓了房兒罷。”鳳姐去了，擇了吉日，重新擺酒唱戲請親友。Go tell the men outside to pick a really good day for your Brother Bao to properly consummate his marriage." Xifeng went off, chose an auspicious day, and once again laid out wine and had plays performed, inviting relatives and friends.這不在話下。But that need not be told in detail here.

话说凤姐见贾母和薛姨妈为黛玉伤心，便说：“有个笑话儿说给老太太和姑妈听”，未从开口，先自笑了，因说道：“老太太和姑妈打谅是那里的笑话儿？就是咱们家的那二位新姑爷新媳妇啊。”贾母道：“怎么了？”凤姐拿手比著道：“一个这么坐著，一个这么站著。一个这么扭过去，一个这么转过来。一个又……”说到这里，贾母已经大笑起来，说道：“你好生说罢，倒不是他们两口儿，你倒把人怄的受不得了。”薛姨妈也笑道：“你往下直说罢，不用比了。”凤姐才说道：“刚才我到宝兄弟屋里，我看见好几个人笑。我只道是谁，巴著窗户眼儿一瞧，原来宝妹妹坐在炕沿上，宝兄弟站在地下。宝兄弟拉著宝妹妹的袖子，口口声声只叫：‘宝姐姐，你为什么不会说话了？你这么说一句话，我的病包管全好。’宝妹妹却扭著头只管躲。宝兄弟却作了一个揖，上前又拉宝妹妹的衣服。宝妹妹急得一扯，宝兄弟自然病后是脚软的，索性一扑，扑在宝妹妹身上了。宝妹妹急得红了脸，说道：‘你越发比先不尊重了。’”说到这里，贾母和薛姨妈都笑起来。凤姐又道：“宝兄弟便立起身来笑道：‘亏了跌了这一交，好容易才跌出你的话来了。’”薛姨妈笑道：“这是宝丫头古怪。这有什么的，既作了两口儿，说说笑笑的怕什么。他没见他琏二哥和你。”凤姐儿笑道：“这是怎么说呢，我饶说笑话给姑妈解闷儿，姑妈反倒拿我打起卦来了。”贾母也笑道：“要这么著才好。夫妻固然要和气，也得有个分寸儿。我爱宝丫头就在这尊重上头。只是我愁著宝玉还是那么傻头傻脑的，这么说起来，比头里竟明白多了。你再说说，还有什么笑话儿没有？”凤姐道：“明儿宝玉圆了房，亲家太太抱了外孙子，那时侯不更是笑话儿了么。”贾母笑道：“猴儿，我在这里同著姨太太想你林妹妹，你来怄个笑儿还罢了，怎么臊起皮来了。你不叫我们想你林妹妹，你不用太高兴了，你林妹妹恨你，将来不要独自一个到园里去，隄防他拉著你不依。”凤姐笑道：“他倒不怨我。他临死咬牙切齿倒恨著宝玉呢。”贾母薛姨妈听著，还道是顽话儿，也不理会，便道：“你别胡拉扯了。你去叫外头挑个很好的日子给你宝兄弟圆了房儿罢。”凤姐去了，择了吉日，重新摆酒唱戏请亲友。这不在话下。

卻說寶玉雖然病好复原，寶釵有時高興翻書觀看，談論起來，寶玉所有眼前常見的尚可記憶，若論靈机，大不似從前活變了，連他自己也不解，寶釵明知是通靈失去，所以如此。Now to tell of Baoyu: although he had recovered from his illness, at times when Baochai was in good spirits and turned to leafing through books, and they fell to discussing what she found, Baoyu could still remember whatever he commonly saw before his eyes, but as for quickness of mind, he was nowhere near as lively and adaptable as before — even he himself could not understand it. Baochai, however, knew well enough that it was because the jade with the spirit had been lost that he had become this way.倒是襲人時常說他：“你何故把從前的靈机都忘了？It was Xiren who often said to him, "Why have you forgotten all your old quickness of mind?那些舊毛病忘了才好，為什麼你的脾氣還覺照舊，在道理上更糊涂了呢？”寶玉聽了并不生氣，反是嘻嘻的笑。It would be well if you'd forgotten your old bad habits, but why is it your temper seems just the same as ever, while you've only grown more muddled in matters of reason?" Baoyu, hearing this, was not the least bit angry, but only grinned foolishly.有時寶玉順性胡鬧，多虧寶釵勸說，諸事略覺收斂些。At times when Baoyu, following his whims, carried on foolishly, it was largely thanks to Baochai's gentle persuasion that he grew somewhat more restrained in everything.襲人倒可少費些唇舌，惟知悉心伏侍。Xiren, for her part, was thereby spared a good deal of talking, and simply devoted herself wholeheartedly to attending on him.別的丫頭素仰寶釵貞靜和平，各人心服，無不安靜。The other maids had always looked up to Baochai for her chaste, tranquil, and gentle nature, and each of them, being inwardly won over, remained quiet and well-behaved.只有寶玉到底是愛動不愛靜的，時常要到園里去逛。Only Baoyu, being by nature fond of activity and averse to stillness, still often wanted to go strolling in the Garden.賈母等一則怕他招受寒暑，二則恐他睹景傷情，雖黛玉之柩已寄放城外庵中，然而瀟湘館依然人亡屋在，不免勾起舊病來，所以也不使他去。The Lady Dowager and the others feared, on the one hand, that he might catch a chill or suffer from the heat, and, on the other, that the sight of familiar scenes might wound his feelings — for although Daiyu's coffin had already been laid up temporarily in a nunnery outside the city, Bamboo Lodge still stood even though its mistress was gone, and it could not help but stir his old affliction back up — and so they would not let him go there either.況且親戚姊妹們，薛寶琴已回到薛姨媽那邊去了，史湘雲因史侯回京，也接了家去了，又有了出嫁的日子，所以不大常來，只有寶玉娶親那一日與吃喜酒這天來過兩次，也只在賈母那邊住下，為著寶玉已經娶過親的人，又想自己就要出嫁的，也不肯如從前的詼諧談笑，就是有時過來，也只和寶釵說話，見了寶玉不過問好而已，那邢岫煙卻是因迎春出嫁之後便隨著邢夫人過去，李家姊妹也另住在外，即同著李嬸娘過來，亦不過到太太們與姐妹們處請安問好，即回到李紈那里略住一兩天就去了：所以園內的只有李紈，探春，惜春了。Moreover, among the young relatives: Xue Baoqin had already gone back to Aunt Xue's side; Shi Xiangyun, since her uncle Marquis Shi had returned to the capital, had likewise been fetched home, and with a wedding date now set for her too, she no longer came very often — she had only been over twice, once on the day Baoyu married and once on the day of the wedding feast, and even then she stayed only on the Lady Dowager's side; mindful that Baoyu was now a married man, and thinking too of her own approaching marriage, she was no longer willing to jest and chat as freely as before, and even on the times she did come, she only spoke with Baochai, merely exchanging greetings with Baoyu and nothing more. As for Xing Xiuyan, once Yingchun had married out she had gone to live with Lady Xing; the Li sisters likewise lived apart now, and whenever they came along with their aunt, Aunt Li, it was only to pay respects to the elder ladies and the girls, after which they would return to Li Wan's place, stay a day or two, and leave again — so that within the Garden there remained only Li Wan, Tanchun, and Xichun.賈母還要將李紈等挪進來，為著元妃薨後，家中事情接二連三，也無暇及此。The Lady Dowager had still meant to move Li Wan and the others back in, but since Imperial Consort Yuan's death, household matters had come one after another in quick succession, and there had been no time to see to it.現今天氣一天熱似一天，園里尚可住得，等到秋天再挪。Now, with the weather growing hotter by the day, the Garden was still bearable to live in, so it was decided to wait until autumn to move them.此是後話，暫且不提。But that is a matter for later, and need not be spoken of for the present.

却说宝玉虽然病好复原，宝钗有时高兴翻书观看，谈论起来，宝玉所有眼前常见的尚可记忆，若论灵机，大不似从前活变了，连他自己也不解，宝钗明知是通灵失去，所以如此。倒是袭人时常说他：“你何故把从前的灵机都忘了？那些旧毛病忘了才好，为什么你的脾气还觉照旧，在道理上更糊涂了呢？”宝玉听了并不生气，反是嘻嘻的笑。有时宝玉顺性胡闹，多亏宝钗劝说，诸事略觉收敛些。袭人倒可少费些唇舌，惟知悉心伏侍。别的丫头素仰宝钗贞静和平，各人心服，无不安静。只有宝玉到底是爱动不爱静的，时常要到园里去逛。贾母等一则怕他招受寒暑，二则恐他睹景伤情，虽黛玉之柩已寄放城外庵中，然而潇湘馆依然人亡屋在，不免勾起旧病来，所以也不使他去。况且亲戚姊妹们，薛宝琴已回到薛姨妈那边去了，史湘云因史侯回京，也接了家去了，又有了出嫁的日子，所以不大常来，只有宝玉娶亲那一日与吃喜酒这天来过两次，也只在贾母那边住下，为著宝玉已经娶过亲的人，又想自己就要出嫁的，也不肯如从前的诙谐谈笑，就是有时过来，也只和宝钗说话，见了宝玉不过问好而已，那邢岫烟却是因迎春出嫁之后便随著邢夫人过去，李家姊妹也另住在外，即同著李婶娘过来，亦不过到太太们与姐妹们处请安问好，即回到李纨那里略住一两天就去了：所以园内的只有李纨，探春，惜春了。贾母还要将李纨等挪进来，为著元妃薨后，家中事情接二连三，也无暇及此。现今天气一天热似一天，园里尚可住得，等到秋天再挪。此是后话，暂且不提。

且說賈政帶了幾個在京請的幕友，曉行夜宿，一日到了本省，見過上司，即到任拜印受事，便查盤各屬州縣糧米倉庫。Now to tell of Jia Zheng: taking along several secretaries he had engaged in the capital, he traveled by day and rested by night, and in due course reached the province of his post. Having paid his respects to his superiors, he went at once to take up office, receive the seal, and assume his duties, and then set about inspecting and auditing the granaries and grain-rice storehouses of the various subordinate prefectures and counties.賈政向來作京官，只曉得郎中事務都是一景兒的事情，就是外任，原是學差，也無關于吏治上。Jia Zheng had always served as a metropolitan official, and knew only the routine business of a bureau secretary as one fixed sort of affair; even his one posting outside the capital had been as an Education Commissioner, which had nothing to do with the actual administration of a district.所以外省州縣折收糧米勒索鄉愚這些弊端，雖也聽見別人講究，卻未嘗身親其事。Thus, though he had heard others speak of such abuses as provincial prefectures and counties commuting grain payments into cash and extorting the ignorant country folk, he had never had any firsthand experience of such matters himself.只有一心做好官，便與幕賓商議出示嚴禁，并諭以一經查出，必定詳參揭報。With his whole heart set only on being a good official, he consulted with his secretaries and had strict prohibitory notices posted, warning that once any such abuse was discovered, he would certainly report it in full detail and impeach the offenders.初到之時，果然胥吏畏懼，便百計鑽營，偏遇賈政這般古執。When he first arrived, the clerks and underlings were indeed frightened, and tried every scheme they could to worm their way around him — but they had happened to run into someone as stubbornly old-fashioned as Jia Zheng.那些家人跟了這位老爺在都中一無出息，好容易盼到主人放了外任，便在京指著在外發財的名頭向人借貸，做衣裳裝体面，心里想著，到了任，銀錢是容易的了。Those servants who had followed this master had gotten nowhere while in the capital, and had only with great difficulty waited for their master to be given a post outside the capital; using the prospect of making a fortune abroad as their pretext, they had borrowed money from people in the capital to make fine clothes and put up a good appearance, thinking to themselves that once they reached the post, money would come easily enough.不想這位老爺呆性發作，認真要查辦起來，州縣饋送一概不受。Who would have expected that this master's foolish streak would flare up, and that he would seriously set about investigating and prosecuting abuses, refusing every single gift sent by the prefectures and counties?門房簽押等人心里盤算道：“我們再挨半個月，衣服也要當完了。The gatekeepers, clerks, and the like reckoned among themselves, saying, "If we hold out another half month like this, we'll have pawned every stitch of clothing we own.債又逼起來，那可怎麼樣好呢。And with our debts pressing in on us besides, whatever are we to do?眼見得白花花的銀子，只是不能到手。”那些長隨也道：“你們爺們到底還沒花什麼本錢來的。We can see the gleaming white silver right there before our eyes, and yet we simply can't get our hands on it." The personal attendants said as well, "You gentlemen at least haven't laid out much capital to come here.我們才冤，花了若干的銀子打了個門子，來了一個多月，連半個錢也沒見過。We're the ones who've really been cheated — we spent no small amount of silver to buy our way into these posts, and after more than a month here we haven't seen so much as half a coin.想來跟這個主兒是不能撈本兒的了。It seems that following this master, there's no hope of even recovering our outlay.明兒我們齊打伙兒告假去。”次日果然聚齊，都來告假。Tomorrow let's all band together and go ask for leave." Sure enough, the next day they all gathered together and came to request leave.賈政不知就里，便說：“要來也是你們，要去也是你們。Jia Zheng, not knowing what lay behind it, simply said, "It was you who wished to come, and it is you who now wish to go.既嫌這里不好，就都請便。”那些長隨怨聲載道而去。Since you find it unsatisfactory here, then by all means suit yourselves." Those attendants left grumbling loudly with complaints.只剩下些家人，又商議道：“他們可去的去了，我們去不了的，到底想個法兒才好。”內中有一個管門的叫李十兒，便說：“你們這些沒能耐的東西，著什麼忙！Only a few servants remained, and they deliberated among themselves, saying, "Those who could leave have left; but for those of us who can't leave, we really must think of some way out." Among them was a gatekeeper named Li Shi'er, who said, "What are you good-for-nothings in such a fluster about!我見這長字號兒的在這里，不犯給他出頭。Seeing as those senior 'attendant' fellows were still here, it wasn't worth my while to step forward ahead of them.如今都餓跑了，瞧瞧你十太爺的本領，少不得本主兒依我。Now that they've all run off half-starved, just watch what your Tenth Grand-Sire can do — the master is bound to end up going along with me.只是要你們齊心，打伙兒弄幾個錢回家受用，若不隨我，我也不管了，橫豎拚得過你們。”眾人都說：“好十爺，你還主兒信得過。Only you'll all need to be of one mind, and together we'll scrape together some money to enjoy back home. If you won't go along with me, then I'll wash my hands of it — in any case, I can outlast the lot of you." Everyone said, "Good Tenth Sir, you're the one the master trusts.若你不管，我們實在是死症了。”李十兒道：“不要我出了頭得了銀錢，又說我得了大分兒了。If you won't manage this, we're truly done for." Li Shi'er said, "I don't want it to be that after I've stuck my neck out and gotten some money, you all turn around and say I've taken the lion's share.窩兒里反起來，大家沒意思。”眾人道：“你萬安，沒有的事。If we turn on each other within our own nest, it'll be pointless for everyone." The others said, "Rest easy, there's no chance of that.就沒有多少，也強似我們腰里掏錢。”正說著，只見糧房書辦走來找周二爺。Even if it isn't much, it's still better than us digging money out of our own pockets." Just as they were speaking, along came a clerk from the grain office looking for Master Zhou the Second.李十兒坐在椅子上，蹺著一只腿，挺著腰說道：“找他做什麼？”書辦便垂手陪著笑說道：“本官到了一個多月的任，這些州縣太爺見得本官的告示利害，知道不好說話，到了這時侯都沒有開倉。Li Shi'er, sitting in a chair with one leg crossed over the other and his back held stiffly straight, said, "What do you want with him?" The clerk, dropping his hands to his sides and smiling deferentially, said, "It's been over a month since His Honor took office, and these prefectural and county magistrates, seeing how severe His Honor's notices are, know he's not one to be trifled with, and up to now none of them have opened their granaries.若是過了漕，你們太爺們來做什麼的。”李十兒道：“你別混說。If the tribute-grain deadline passes, what will you gentlemen have come here for?" Li Shi'er said, "Don't talk such nonsense.老爺是有根蒂的，說到那里是要辦到那里。His Lordship has solid backing behind him — whatever he says he'll do, he means to carry through to the end.這兩天原要行文催兌，因我說了緩幾天才歇的。These past two days he was actually about to issue an official order pressing for the payments, but it was on my word that he held off a few more days.你到底找我們周二爺做什麼？”書辦道：“原為打聽催文的事，沒有別的。”李十兒道：“越發胡說，方才我說催文，你就信嘴胡謅。Now what exactly do you want with our Master Zhou the Second?" The clerk said, "It was only to inquire about the pressing order, nothing else." Li Shi'er said, "Now you're talking even more nonsense — just now I mentioned the pressing order, and right away you go blurting out whatever comes to your mouth.可別鬼鬼祟祟來講什麼帳，我叫本官打了你，退你。”書辦道：“我在衙門內已經三代了。You'd better not come sneaking around here talking about any 'accounts,' or I'll have His Honor have you flogged and dismissed." The clerk said, "My family has served in this yamen for three generations now.外頭也有些体面，家里還過得，就規規矩矩伺侯本官升了還能夠，不象那些等米下鍋的。”說著，回了一聲“二太爺，我走了。”李十兒便站起，堆著笑說：“這麼不禁頑，幾句話就臉急了。”書辦道：“不是我臉急，若再說什麼，豈不帶累了二太爺的清名呢。”李十兒過來拉著書辦的手說：“你貴姓啊？”書辦道：“不敢，我姓詹，單名是個‘會’字，從小兒也在京里混了幾年。”李十兒道：“詹先生，我是久聞你的名的。We have some standing outside, and things are manageable enough at home, so I can simply serve His Honor properly and respectfully and still get by even after he's promoted — I'm not like those who can't put rice in the pot without it." So saying, he called out, "Second Grand-Sire, I'll be going now." Li Shi'er rose to his feet and, putting on a broad smile, said, "You can't even take a little teasing — a few words and your face is already flustered." The clerk said, "It's not that my face is flustered — if I said anything more, wouldn't it only drag down Second Grand-Sire's good name?" Li Shi'er came over and took the clerk's hand, saying, "May I ask your honorable surname?" The clerk said, "I wouldn't presume — my surname is Zhan, given name Hui, a single character. In my younger years I too knocked about in the capital for a few years." Li Shi'er said, "Mr. Zhan, I've long heard your name.我們兄弟們是一樣的，有什麼話晚上到這里咱們說一說。”書辦也說：“誰不知道李十太爺是能事的，把我一詐就嚇毛了。”大家笑著走開。We're all brothers here, all the same — if there's anything to discuss, come by this evening and we'll talk it over." The clerk said as well, "Who doesn't know that Grand-Sire Li the Tenth is a capable man — one bluff from you and I was already thrown into a fright." Everyone laughed and went their separate ways.那晚便與書辦咕唧了半夜，第二天拿話去探賈政，被賈政痛罵了一頓。That night Li Shi'er murmured together with the clerk for half the night, and the next day he went to sound out Jia Zheng with some carefully chosen words, only to be soundly scolded by Jia Zheng for his trouble.

且说贾政带了几个在京请的幕友，晓行夜宿，一日到了本省，见过上司，即到任拜印受事，便查盘各属州县粮米仓库。贾政向来作京官，只晓得郎中事务都是一景儿的事情，就是外任，原是学差，也无关于吏治上。所以外省州县折收粮米勒索乡愚这些弊端，虽也听见别人讲究，却未尝身亲其事。只有一心做好官，便与幕宾商议出示严禁，并谕以一经查出，必定详参揭报。初到之时，果然胥吏畏惧，便百计钻营，偏遇贾政这般古执。那些家人跟了这位老爷在都中一无出息，好容易盼到主人放了外任，便在京指著在外发财的名头向人借贷，做衣裳装体面，心里想著，到了任，银钱是容易的了。不想这位老爷呆性发作，认真要查办起来，州县馈送一概不受。门房签押等人心里盘算道：“我们再挨半个月，衣服也要当完了。债又逼起来，那可怎么样好呢。眼见得白花花的银子，只是不能到手。”那些长随也道：“你们爷们到底还没花什么本钱来的。我们才冤，花了若干的银子打了个门子，来了一个多月，连半个钱也没见过。想来跟这个主儿是不能捞本儿的了。明儿我们齐打伙儿告假去。”次日果然聚齐，都来告假。贾政不知就里，便说：“要来也是你们，要去也是你们。既嫌这里不好，就都请便。”那些长随怨声载道而去。只剩下些家人，又商议道：“他们可去的去了，我们去不了的，到底想个法儿才好。”内中有一个管门的叫李十儿，便说：“你们这些没能耐的东西，著什么忙！我见这长字号儿的在这里，不犯给他出头。如今都饿跑了，瞧瞧你十太爷的本领，少不得本主儿依我。只是要你们齐心，打伙儿弄几个钱回家受用，若不随我，我也不管了，横竖拼得过你们。”众人都说：“好十爷，你还主儿信得过。若你不管，我们实在是死症了。”李十儿道：“不要我出了头得了银钱，又说我得了大分儿了。窝儿里反起来，大家没意思。”众人道：“你万安，没有的事。就没有多少，也强似我们腰里掏钱。”正说著，只见粮房书办走来找周二爷。李十儿坐在椅子上，跷著一只腿，挺著腰说道：“找他做什么？”书办便垂手陪著笑说道：“本官到了一个多月的任，这些州县太爷见得本官的告示利害，知道不好说话，到了这时侯都没有开仓。若是过了漕，你们太爷们来做什么的。”李十儿道：“你别混说。老爷是有根蒂的，说到那里是要办到那里。这两天原要行文催兑，因我说了缓几天才歇的。你到底找我们周二爷做什么？”书办道：“原为打听催文的事，没有别的。”李十儿道：“越发胡说，方才我说催文，你就信嘴胡诌。可别鬼鬼祟祟来讲什么帐，我叫本官打了你，退你。”书办道：“我在衙门内已经三代了。外头也有些体面，家里还过得，就规规矩矩伺侯本官升了还能够，不象那些等米下锅的。”说著，回了一声“二太爷，我走了。”李十儿便站起，堆著笑说：“这么不禁顽，几句话就脸急了。”书办道：“不是我脸急，若再说什么，岂不带累了二太爷的清名呢。”李十儿过来拉著书办的手说：“你贵姓啊？”书办道：“不敢，我姓詹，单名是个‘会’字，从小儿也在京里混了几年。”李十儿道：“詹先生，我是久闻你的名的。我们兄弟们是一样的，有什么话晚上到这里咱们说一说。”书办也说：“谁不知道李十太爷是能事的，把我一诈就吓毛了。”大家笑著走开。那晚便与书办咕唧了半夜，第二天拿话去探贾政，被贾政痛骂了一顿。

隔一天拜客，里頭吩咐伺侯，外頭答應了。A day later, when Jia Zheng was to go out and pay calls, orders were given from within to have everything ready, and those outside acknowledged the order.停了一會子，打點已經三下了，大堂上沒有人接鼓。After a while, though the watch-drum had already been struck three times, there was no one in the main hall to answer the drum.好容易叫個人來打了鼓。Only with great difficulty was someone finally summoned to beat the drum.賈政踱出暖閣，站班喝道的衙役只有一個。Jia Zheng strolled out of the warm inner chamber, only to find there was but a single yamen runner standing in attendance to call out the way.賈政也不查問，在墀下上了轎，等轎夫又等了好一回。Jia Zheng did not bother to inquire into it, but went down to the courtyard steps and got into his sedan chair, where he then had to wait a good while longer for the bearers.來齊了，抬出衙門，那個炮只響得一聲，吹鼓亭的鼓手只有一個打鼓，一個吹號筒。Once they had all finally assembled, the chair was carried out of the yamen, but the salute-cannon fired only a single shot, and in the drum-and-pipe pavilion there was only one man to beat the drum and one to blow the horn.賈政便也生氣說：“往常還好，怎麼今兒不齊集至此。”抬頭看那執事，卻是攙前落後。Jia Zheng grew angry at this and said, "Things were fine as usual before — why is everyone so scattered and behind today?" Looking up at the ceremonial attendants, he saw them straggling along, some ahead and some lagging far behind.勉強拜客回來，便傳誤班的要打，有的說因沒有帽子誤的，有的說是號衣當了誤的，又有的說是三天沒吃飯抬不動。Having somehow managed to get through his round of calls and return, he sent word that those who had missed their turn of duty were to be flogged; some said they had been delayed for lack of a hat, others said their livery had been pawned, and still others said they had gone three days without food and could not carry the chair.賈政生氣，打了一兩個也就罷了。Jia Zheng, angry, had one or two of them beaten and then let the matter rest.隔一天，管廚房的上來要錢，賈政帶來銀兩付了。A day later, the man in charge of the kitchen came up asking for money, and Jia Zheng paid it out of the silver he had brought with him.

隔一天拜客，里头吩咐伺侯，外头答应了。停了一会子，打点已经三下了，大堂上没有人接鼓。好容易叫个人来打了鼓。贾政踱出暖阁，站班喝道的衙役只有一个。贾政也不查问，在墀下上了轿，等轿夫又等了好一回。来齐了，抬出衙门，那个炮只响得一声，吹鼓亭的鼓手只有一个打鼓，一个吹号筒。贾政便也生气说：“往常还好，怎么今儿不齐集至此。”抬头看那执事，却是搀前落后。勉强拜客回来，便传误班的要打，有的说因没有帽子误的，有的说是号衣当了误的，又有的说是三天没吃饭抬不动。贾政生气，打了一两个也就罢了。隔一天，管厨房的上来要钱，贾政带来银两付了。

以後便覺樣樣不如意，比在京的時侯倒不便了好些。After that, he found everything going less and less to his satisfaction, and matters were a good deal more inconvenient than they had been back in the capital.無奈，便喚李十兒問道：“我跟來這些人怎樣都變了？Having no other recourse, he summoned Li Shi'er and asked him, "How is it that all these men who came with me have changed so much?你也管管。You had better see to it as well.現在帶來銀兩早使沒有了，藩庫俸銀尚早，該打發京里取去。”李十兒稟道：“奴才那一天不說他們，不知道怎麼樣這些人都是沒精打彩的，叫奴才也沒法兒。The silver I brought with me has long since been used up, and it's still too early for the salary from the provincial treasury, so someone ought to be sent to the capital to fetch money." Li Shi'er reported, "There's not a day goes by that your servant doesn't speak to them, but somehow or other they're all listless and spiritless, and there's nothing your servant can do about it.老爺說家里取銀子，取多少？Your Lordship speaks of fetching silver from home — how much shall we ask for?現在打聽節度衙門這幾天有生日，別的府道老爺都上千上萬的送了，我們到底送多少呢？”賈政道：“為什麼不早說？”李十兒說：“老爺最圣明的。We've just now learned that these next few days are the Governor-General's birthday, and the other prefects and circuit officials are all sending gifts worth thousands upon thousands — just how much ought we to send?" Jia Zheng said, "Why wasn't I told sooner?" Li Shi'er said, "Your Lordship is the wisest of men.我們新來乍到，又不與別位老爺很來往，誰肯送信。We're newcomers here, freshly arrived, and don't have much dealing with the other officials — who would be willing to bring us word of such things?巴不得老爺不去，便好想老爺的美缺。”賈政道：“胡說，我這官是皇上放的，不與節度做生日便叫我不做不成！”李十兒笑著回道：“老爺說的也不錯。They'd only be too glad if Your Lordship didn't go, so that they might set their sights on Your Lordship's fine post." Jia Zheng said, "Nonsense! This office of mine was granted by the Emperor himself — are you telling me that if I don't go to the Governor-General's birthday, I can simply be made to stop being an official?" Li Shi'er answered with a smile, "What Your Lordship says isn't wrong.京里離這里很遠，凡百的事都是節度奏聞。But the capital is very far from here, and every single matter is reported up through the Governor-General's memorials.他說好便好，說不好便吃不住。If he says it's good, then it's good; if he says it's bad, then one simply cannot withstand it.到得明白，已經遲了。By the time the truth of the matter comes clear, it will already be too late.就是老太太，太太們，那個不願意老爺在外頭烈烈轟轟的做官呢。”賈政聽了這話，也自然心里明白，道：“我正要問你，為什麼都說起來？”李十兒回說：“奴才本不敢說。Besides, is there any one of the Old Ancestress or the ladies who wouldn't wish for Your Lordship to serve out here as an official in fine and glorious style?" Jia Zheng, hearing this, naturally understood well enough in his heart, and said, "I was just about to ask you — why has everyone started talking like this?" Li Shi'er replied, "Your servant really dared not speak of it.老爺既問到這里，若不說是奴才沒良心，若說了少不得老爺又生氣。”賈政道：“只要說得在理。”李十兒說道：“那些書吏衙役都是花了錢買著糧道的衙門，那個不想發財？But since Your Lordship has asked me directly, if I don't speak up it would show your servant has no conscience, yet if I do speak up, Your Lordship is bound to grow angry again." Jia Zheng said, "As long as what you say is reasonable, speak freely." Li Shi'er said, "Those clerks and yamen runners all paid good money to buy their way into the Grain Intendant's yamen — which of them doesn't hope to make a fortune?俱要養家活口。Every one of them has a family to support and mouths to feed.自從老爺到了任，并沒見為國家出力，倒先有了口碑載道。”賈政道：“民間有什麼話？”李十兒道：“百姓說，凡有新到任的老爺，告示出得愈利害，愈是想錢的法兒。Yet ever since Your Lordship took office, before anyone has even seen you render any real service to the state, complaints have already spread far and wide about you." Jia Zheng said, "What are the common people saying?" Li Shi'er said, "The common people say that whenever a new official arrives to take up his post, the fiercer his notices are, the more it's merely a scheme for extorting money.州縣害怕了，好多多的送銀子。The prefectures and counties, growing frightened, end up sending all the more silver.收糧的時侯，衙門里便說新道爺的法令，明是不敢要錢，這一留難叨蹬，那些鄉民心里願意花幾個錢早早了事，所以那些人不說老爺好，反說不諳民情。At grain-collection time, the yamen will say it's on account of the new Intendant's regulations, and though they plainly dare not demand money outright, this business of stalling and making difficulties leaves the country folk quite willing at heart to pay out a bit of money just to have the matter settled quickly — and so, far from praising Your Lordship, these people instead say you don't understand the ways of the common people.便是本家大人是老爺最相好的，他不多幾年已巴到极頂的分兒，也只為識時達務能夠上和下睦罷了。”賈政聽到這話，道：“胡說，我就不識時務嗎？Take even that gentleman of our own clan who is Your Lordship's closest friend — in just a few years he's already climbed to the very top, and that's simply because he understands how the times work and how to manage affairs, being able to keep harmony both above and below." Jia Zheng, hearing this, said, "Nonsense — am I one who doesn't understand how the times work?若是上和下睦，叫我與他們貓鼠同眠嗎。”李十兒回說道：“奴才為著這點忠心兒掩不住，才這麼說，若是老爺就是這樣做去，到了功不成名不就的時侯，老爺又說奴才沒良心，有什麼話不告訴老爺了。”賈政道：“依你怎麼做才好？”李十兒道：“也沒有別的。If keeping harmony above and below means I must lie down together with cats and mice, is that what you're telling me to do?" Li Shi'er replied, "It's only because your servant's small measure of loyalty could not be held back that I spoke this way. If Your Lordship goes on doing things exactly as you have been, then when the time comes that you've achieved neither merit nor reputation, Your Lordship will turn around and say your servant had no conscience and told you nothing." Jia Zheng said, "In your view, then, what would be the best way to proceed?" Li Shi'er said, "There's nothing very special to it.趁著老爺的精神年紀，里頭的照應，老太太的硬朗，為顧著自己就是了。While Your Lordship still has your health and years, with support at home and the Old Ancestress still hale and hearty, it's simply a matter of looking out for yourself.不然到不了一年，老爺家里的錢也都貼補完了，還落了自上至下的人抱怨，都說老爺是做外任的，自然弄了錢藏著受用。Otherwise, before a year is out, all the money from Your Lordship's own household will be used up making up the shortfall, and on top of that you'll be left with complaints from everyone from top to bottom, all of them saying that since Your Lordship holds an outside post, you must naturally have made money and are hoarding it away to enjoy in secret.倘遇著一兩件為難的事，誰肯幫著老爺？And should you then run into one or two difficult matters, who would be willing to lend Your Lordship any help?那時辦也辦不清，悔也悔不及。”賈政道：“据你一說，是叫我做貪官嗎？At that point, you would find the matters impossible to sort out, and regret would come too late to be of any use." Jia Zheng said, "By what you say, then, are you telling me to become a corrupt official?送了命還不要緊，必定將祖父的功勳抹了才是？”李十兒回稟道：“老爺极圣明的人，沒看見舊年犯事的幾位老爺嗎？Losing my life over it would hardly matter — but must I also go and wipe out the merit and achievements of my forefathers?" Li Shi'er reported back, "Your Lordship is a man of the utmost wisdom — has Your Lordship not seen those officials who got into trouble in recent years?這幾位都與老爺相好，老爺常說是個做清官的，如今名在那里！These gentlemen were all on good terms with Your Lordship, and Your Lordship often used to say they were upright officials — and now where is their good name?現有幾位親戚，老爺向來說他們不好的，如今升的升，遷的遷。Yet there are several relatives whom Your Lordship has always spoken ill of, and now some of them have been promoted, others transferred to better posts.只在要做的好就是了。It's simply a matter of managing things well.老爺要知道，民也要顧，官也要顧。Your Lordship must understand that both the common people and the officials must be looked after.若是依著老爺不准州縣得一個大錢，外頭這些差使誰辦。If everything were done according to Your Lordship's wishes, letting not one copper coin reach the prefectures and counties, then who out there would ever get the official business done?只要老爺外面還是這樣清名聲原好，里頭的委屈只要奴才辦去，關礙不著老爺的。As long as Your Lordship still keeps up this fine reputation for integrity on the surface, any awkward business underneath can simply be left for your servant to handle — it need not touch Your Lordship at all.奴才跟主兒一場，到底也要掏出忠心來。”賈政被李十兒一番言語，說得心無主見，道：“我是要保性命的，你們鬧出來不與我相干。”說著，便踱了進去。Having served as your servant's master for all this while, in the end I too must show my true loyalty." Jia Zheng, worn down by this whole speech of Li Shi'er's, found himself with no firm opinion left, and said, "All I want is to preserve my life — whatever trouble you all stir up is none of my concern." So saying, he strolled back inside.

以后便觉样样不如意，比在京的时侯倒不便了好些。无奈，便唤李十儿问道：“我跟来这些人怎样都变了？你也管管。现在带来银两早使没有了，藩库俸银尚早，该打发京里取去。”李十儿禀道：“奴才那一天不说他们，不知道怎么样这些人都是没精打彩的，叫奴才也没法儿。老爷说家里取银子，取多少？现在打听节度衙门这几天有生日，别的府道老爷都上千上万的送了，我们到底送多少呢？”贾政道：“为什么不早说？”李十儿说：“老爷最圣明的。我们新来乍到，又不与别位老爷很来往，谁肯送信。巴不得老爷不去，便好想老爷的美缺。”贾政道：“胡说，我这官是皇上放的，不与节度做生日便叫我不做不成！”李十儿笑著回道：“老爷说的也不错。京里离这里很远，凡百的事都是节度奏闻。他说好便好，说不好便吃不住。到得明白，已经迟了。就是老太太，太太们，那个不愿意老爷在外头烈烈轰轰的做官呢。”贾政听了这话，也自然心里明白，道：“我正要问你，为什么都说起来？”李十儿回说：“奴才本不敢说。老爷既问到这里，若不说是奴才没良心，若说了少不得老爷又生气。”贾政道：“只要说得在理。”李十儿说道：“那些书吏衙役都是花了钱买著粮道的衙门，那个不想发财？俱要养家活口。自从老爷到了任，并没见为国家出力，倒先有了口碑载道。”贾政道：“民间有什么话？”李十儿道：“百姓说，凡有新到任的老爷，告示出得愈利害，愈是想钱的法儿。州县害怕了，好多多的送银子。收粮的时侯，衙门里便说新道爷的法令，明是不敢要钱，这一留难叨蹬，那些乡民心里愿意花几个钱早早了事，所以那些人不说老爷好，反说不谙民情。便是本家大人是老爷最相好的，他不多几年已巴到极顶的分儿，也只为识时达务能够上和下睦罢了。”贾政听到这话，道：“胡说，我就不识时务吗？若是上和下睦，叫我与他们猫鼠同眠吗。”李十儿回说道：“奴才为著这点忠心儿掩不住，才这么说，若是老爷就是这样做去，到了功不成名不就的时侯，老爷又说奴才没良心，有什么话不告诉老爷了。”贾政道：“依你怎么做才好？”李十儿道：“也没有别的。趁著老爷的精神年纪，里头的照应，老太太的硬朗，为顾著自己就是了。不然到不了一年，老爷家里的钱也都贴补完了，还落了自上至下的人抱怨，都说老爷是做外任的，自然弄了钱藏著受用。倘遇著一两件为难的事，谁肯帮著老爷？那时办也办不清，悔也悔不及。”贾政道：“据你一说，是叫我做贪官吗？送了命还不要紧，必定将祖父的功勋抹了才是？”李十儿回禀道：“老爷极圣明的人，没看见旧年犯事的几位老爷吗？这几位都与老爷相好，老爷常说是个做清官的，如今名在那里！现有几位亲戚，老爷向来说他们不好的，如今升的升，迁的迁。只在要做的好就是了。老爷要知道，民也要顾，官也要顾。若是依著老爷不准州县得一个大钱，外头这些差使谁办。只要老爷外面还是这样清名声原好，里头的委屈只要奴才办去，关碍不著老爷的。奴才跟主儿一场，到底也要掏出忠心来。”贾政被李十儿一番言语，说得心无主见，道：“我是要保性命的，你们闹出来不与我相干。”说著，便踱了进去。

李十兒便自己做起威福，鉤連內外一氣的哄著賈政辦事，反覺得事事周到，件件隨心。From then on, Li Shi'er took it upon himself to wield power and dispense favor as he pleased, colluding with those both inside and outside the household in one united scheme to deceive Jia Zheng in the conduct of affairs, so that instead Jia Zheng found everything handled thoroughly and every matter going just as he wished.所以賈政不但不疑，反多相信。And so Jia Zheng, far from suspecting anything, came to trust him all the more.便有幾處揭報，上司見賈政古朴忠厚，也不查察。Even when a few reports of misconduct were filed, his superiors, seeing Jia Zheng to be simple, honest, and sincere, did not bother to investigate.惟是幕友們耳目最長，見得如此，得便用言規諫，無奈賈政不信，也有辭去的，也有與賈政相好在內維持的。It was only his secretaries, whose ears and eyes were the sharpest, who saw how matters stood and took what chances they could to remonstrate with him in words — but it was no use, for Jia Zheng would not believe them; some of them resigned and left, while others, being on good personal terms with Jia Zheng, remained on to help hold things together from within.于是漕務事畢，尚無隕越。And so the business of the tribute grain was brought to completion without any disaster befalling him.

李十儿便自己做起威福，钩连内外一气的哄著贾政办事，反觉得事事周到，件件随心。所以贾政不但不疑，反多相信。便有几处揭报，上司见贾政古朴忠厚，也不查察。惟是幕友们耳目最长，见得如此，得便用言规谏，无奈贾政不信，也有辞去的，也有与贾政相好在内维持的。于是漕务事毕，尚无陨越。

一日，賈政無事，在書房中看書。One day, Jia Zheng, having nothing pressing to attend to, was reading in his study.簽押上呈進一封書子，外面官封上開著：“鎮守海門等處總制公文一角，飛遞江西糧道衙門。”賈政拆封看時，只見上寫道：The clerk on duty brought in a letter, on the outer official envelope of which was written: "An official dispatch from the Commander-in-Chief guarding Haimen and other places, to be sent by express relay to the Jiangxi Grain Intendant's yamen." Jia Zheng broke the seal and looked, and saw it read as follows:

一日，贾政无事，在书房中看书。签押上呈进一封书子，外面官封上开著：“镇守海门等处总制公文一角，飞递江西粮道衙门。”贾政拆封看时，只见上写道：

金陵契好，桑梓情深。Our friendship dates from Jinling, and our bond as fellow townsmen runs deep.昨歲供職來都，竊喜常依座右。Last year, when my duties brought me to the capital, I secretly rejoiced at being able to remain often at your side.仰蒙雅愛，許結朱陳，至今佩德勿諼。Favored with your gracious regard, I was permitted to form a marriage alliance with your house, and to this day I hold your kindness in grateful memory, never forgetting it.祗因調任海疆，未敢造次奉求，衷怀歉仄，自歎無緣。It was only because I was transferred to a post on the coastal frontier that I did not dare act rashly to press my request, and in my heart I felt regret and unease, sighing to myself over our want of good fortune to meet.今幸戟戟遙臨，快慰平生之願。Now, happily, your banners of office have come from afar to this region, fulfilling with delight a long-cherished wish of my whole life.正申燕賀，先蒙翰教，邊帳光生，武夫額手。Just as I was about to offer my congratulations in due form, I was favored first with your esteemed letter, which has brought radiance to my frontier tent, and made this rough soldier raise his hand to his brow in joy.雖隔重洋，尚叨樾蔭。Though separated by many seas, I still enjoy the shelter of your protecting shade.想蒙不棄卑寒，希望蔦蘿之附。I trust that, not disdaining my humble and lowly station, you will allow the trailing vine to attach itself to your lofty tree.小兒已承青盼，淑媛素仰芳儀。My son has already won your kind regard, and your accomplished daughter has long admired his fine bearing.如蒙踐諾，即遣冰人。If you would graciously fulfill this pledge, please send a matchmaker at once.途路雖遙，一水可通。Though the journey is far, it can be reached by a single waterway.不敢云百輛之迎，敬備仙舟以俟。I dare not speak of a hundred carriages coming to receive the bride, but I have respectfully prepared a bridal boat to await her.茲修寸幅，恭賀升祺，并求金允。I now write this brief letter to offer my respectful congratulations on your promotion, and to humbly request your gracious consent.臨穎不胜待命之至。As I set down my brush, I cannot express how eagerly I await your reply.世弟周瓊頓首。Your junior kinsman, Zhou Qiong, bows his head.

金陵契好，桑梓情深。昨岁供职来都，窃喜常依座右。仰蒙雅爱，许结朱陈，至今佩德勿谖。祗因调任海疆，未敢造次奉求，衷怀歉仄，自叹无缘。今幸戟戟遥临，快慰平生之愿。正申燕贺，先蒙翰教，边帐光生，武夫额手。虽隔重洋，尚叨樾荫。想蒙不弃卑寒，希望茑萝之附。小儿已承青盼，淑媛素仰芳仪。如蒙践诺，即遣冰人。途路虽遥，一水可通。不敢云百辆之迎，敬备仙舟以俟。兹修寸幅，恭贺升祺，并求金允。临颖不胜待命之至。世弟周琼顿首。

賈政看了，心想：“兒女姻緣果然有一定的。Having read this, Jia Zheng thought to himself: 'The marriages of children truly are fated after all.'舊年因見他就了京職，又是同鄉的人，素來相好，又見那孩子長得好，在席間原提起這件事。Last year, seeing that he had taken up a post in the capital, and being moreover a fellow townsman with whom he had always been on good terms, and seeing too that the boy had grown up well, he had originally broached the matter at a banquet.因未說定，也沒有與他們說起。But since nothing had been settled then, he had not spoken of it to the family.後來他調了海疆，大家也不說了。Later Zhou was transferred to the coastal frontier, and everyone let the matter drop.不料我今升任至此，他寫書來問。Who would have thought that now, with my own promotion to this post, he should write to ask about it.我看起門戶卻也相當，與探春到也相配。Looking at it, the two households are indeed well matched, and it would suit Tanchun quite well.但是我并未帶家眷，只可寫字與他商議。”正在躊躇，只見門上傳進一角文書，是議取到省會議事件。But I have not brought my family with me here, so I can only write to him to discuss it." He was still turning this over when a document was brought in at the gate — it was a notice summoning him to the provincial capital to confer on official business.賈政只得收拾上省，侯節度派委。Jia Zheng had no choice but to pack up and go to the provincial capital, to await assignment from the Military Governor.

贾政看了，心想：“儿女姻缘果然有一定的。旧年因见他就了京职，又是同乡的人，素来相好，又见那孩子长得好，在席间原提起这件事。因未说定，也没有与他们说起。后来他调了海疆，大家也不说了。不料我今升任至此，他写书来问。我看起门户却也相当，与探春到也相配。但是我并未带家眷，只可写字与他商议。”正在踌躇，只见门上传进一角文书，是议取到省会议事件。贾政只得收拾上省，侯节度派委。

一日在公館閒坐，見桌上堆著一堆字紙，賈政一一看去，見刑部一本：“為報明事，會看得金陵籍行商薛蟠——”賈政便吃驚道：“了不得，已經提本了！”隨用心看下去，是“薛蟠毆傷張三身死，串囑尸證捏供誤殺一案。”賈政一拍桌道：“完了！”只得又看，底下是：One day, sitting idly at the guesthouse, he saw a pile of papers heaped on the table, and Jia Zheng went through them one by one; he came upon a memorial from the Board of Punishments: 'Reporting for clarification: upon investigation it is found that the traveling merchant Xue Pan, registered in Jinling—' Jia Zheng was startled and exclaimed, 'This is dreadful — the memorial has already been submitted!' He read on carefully, and it proved to be the case of 'Xue Pan beating Zhang San to death, and conspiring with witnesses and the coroner to falsify testimony of manslaughter by accident.' Jia Zheng struck the table and cried, 'It's finished!' He had no choice but to read further; below it said:

一日在公馆闲坐，见桌上堆著一堆字纸，贾政一一看去，见刑部一本：“为报明事，会看得金陵籍行商薛蟠——”贾政便吃惊道：“了不得，已经提本了！”随用心看下去，是“薛蟠殴伤张三身死，串嘱尸证捏供误杀一案。”贾政一拍桌道：“完了！”只得又看，底下是：

据京營節度使咨稱：緣薛蟠籍隸金陵，行過太平縣，在李家店歇宿，與店內當槽之張三素不相認，于某年月日薛蟠令店主備酒邀請太平縣民吳良同飲，令當槽張三取酒。According to the report of the Metropolitan Garrison Military Governor: Xue Pan, registered in Jinling, was passing through Taiping County and lodged at the Li family inn; he had never before known Zhang San, the waiter there. On a certain date Xue Pan had the innkeeper prepare wine and invited Wu Liang, a resident of Taiping County, to drink with him, sending the waiter Zhang San to fetch the wine.因酒不甘，薛蟠令換好酒。Because the wine was not to his liking, Xue Pan ordered it exchanged for better wine.張三因稱酒已沽定難換。Zhang San said that the wine had already been measured out and sold, and could not be exchanged.薛蟠因伊倔強，將酒照臉潑去，不期去勢甚猛，恰值張三低頭拾箸，一時失手，將酒碗擲在張三囟門，皮破血出，逾時殞命。Xue Pan, angered by his stubbornness, flung the wine in his face; unexpectedly the force was very great, and just as Zhang San bent his head to pick up his chopsticks, Xue Pan's hand slipped and the wine bowl struck Zhang San on the crown of the head, breaking the skin and drawing blood, so that before long he died.李店主趨救不及，隨向張三之母告知。The innkeeper Li rushed to help but was too late, and then went to inform Zhang San's mother.伊母張王氏往看，見已身死，隨喊稟地保赴縣呈報。His mother, née Wang, wife of Zhang, went to look and found he was already dead; she then called the local warden to report the matter to the county.前署縣詣驗，仵作將骨破一寸三分及腰眼一傷，漏報填格，詳府審轉。The former acting magistrate went in person to examine the body; the coroner, in filling out the report, failed to record the one-inch-three-fen fracture of the skull and the wound at the waist, and the case was forwarded in detail to the prefecture for review.看得薛蟠實系潑酒失手，擲碗誤傷張三身死，將薛蟠照過失殺人，准斗殺罪收贖等因前來。Upon examination it was concluded that Xue Pan had indeed splashed the wine and, through a slip of the hand, thrown the bowl and accidentally injured Zhang San, causing his death; Xue Pan was accordingly charged with homicide by accident, permitted the redemption applicable to affray-homicide, and the case was submitted on these grounds.臣等細閱各犯證尸親前後供詞不符，且查《斗殺律》注云：“相爭為斗，相打為毆。Your ministers, having closely examined the statements of the accused, the witnesses, and the deceased's kin, found inconsistencies between their earlier and later testimony; moreover, upon consulting the commentary to the Statute on Affray-Homicide, it reads: 'Contending with one another is called affray; striking one another is called assault.必實無爭斗情形，邂逅身死，方可以過失殺定擬。”應令該節度審明實情，妥擬具題。Only where there is truly no circumstance of contention or affray, and death occurs by mere chance, may the case be determined as homicide by accident.' The Military Governor in question should be instructed to investigate the true facts and draft a proper memorial for submission.今据該節度疏稱：薛蟠因張三不肯換酒，醉後拉著張三右手，先毆腰眼一拳。Now, according to the memorial submitted by the said Military Governor: Xue Pan, because Zhang San would not exchange the wine, in his drunkenness seized Zhang San's right hand and first struck him a blow at the waist.張三被毆回罵，薛蟠將碗擲出，致傷囟門深重，骨碎腦破，立時殞命。Zhang San, having been struck, cursed back at him, whereupon Xue Pan hurled the bowl, inflicting a severe wound on the crown of his head, shattering the bone and rupturing the brain, so that he died on the spot.是張三之死實由薛蟠以酒碗砸傷深重致死，自應以薛蟠擬抵。Thus Zhang San's death was in truth caused by Xue Pan smashing him severely with the wine bowl, and Xue Pan ought accordingly to answer for it with his own life.將薛蟠依《斗殺律》擬絞監侯，吳良擬以杖徒。Xue Pan is to be sentenced under the Statute on Affray-Homicide to strangulation pending the autumn assizes; Wu Liang is to be sentenced to flogging and penal servitude.承審不實之府州縣應請……As for the prefectural, departmental, and county officials whose handling of the trial was inaccurate, it is requested that...

据京营节度使咨称：缘薛蟠籍隶金陵，行过太平县，在李家店歇宿，与店内当槽之张三素不相认，于某年月日薛蟠令店主备酒邀请太平县民吴良同饮，令当槽张三取酒。因酒不甘，薛蟠令换好酒。张三因称酒已沽定难换。薛蟠因伊倔强，将酒照脸泼去，不期去势甚猛，恰值张三低头拾箸，一时失手，将酒碗掷在张三囟门，皮破血出，逾时殒命。李店主趋救不及，随向张三之母告知。伊母张王氏往看，见已身死，随喊禀地保赴县呈报。前署县诣验，仵作将骨破一寸三分及腰眼一伤，漏报填格，详府审转。看得薛蟠实系泼酒失手，掷碗误伤张三身死，将薛蟠照过失杀人，准斗杀罪收赎等因前来。臣等细阅各犯证尸亲前后供词不符，且查《斗杀律》注云：“相争为斗，相打为殴。必实无争斗情形，邂逅身死，方可以过失杀定拟。”应令该节度审明实情，妥拟具题。今据该节度疏称：薛蟠因张三不肯换酒，醉后拉著张三右手，先殴腰眼一拳。张三被殴回骂，薛蟠将碗掷出，致伤囟门深重，骨碎脑破，立时殒命。是张三之死实由薛蟠以酒碗砸伤深重致死，自应以薛蟠拟抵。将薛蟠依《斗杀律》拟绞监侯，吴良拟以杖徒。承审不实之府州县应请……

以下注著“此稿未完”。Below this was noted, 'This draft is unfinished.'

賈政因薛姨媽之托曾托過知縣，若請旨革審起來，牽連著自己，好不放心。Because Jia Zheng, at Aunt Xue's request, had once interceded with the magistrate, he was greatly uneasy, fearing that if an edict were sought to reopen the trial, he himself might be implicated.即將下一本開看，偏又不是。He at once opened the next document to look, but it turned out not to be the continuation.只好翻來复去將報看完，終沒有接這一本的。He had no choice but to search back and forth through the whole pile of papers, but in the end never found the sequel to that document.心中狐疑不定，更加害怕起來。His mind filled with unresolved suspicion, and he grew more and more afraid.正在納悶，只見李十兒進來：“請老爺到官廳伺侯去，大人衙門已經打了二鼓了。”賈政只是發怔，沒有聽見。Just as he sat puzzling over it, Li Shi'er came in, saying, 'Please, sir, go wait in attendance at the government hall — the second watch has already sounded at His Excellency's yamen.' But Jia Zheng was simply lost in a daze and did not hear him.李十兒又請了一遍。Li Shi'er repeated the request once more.賈政道：“這便怎麼處？”李十兒道：“老爺有什麼心事？”賈政將看報之事說了一遍。Jia Zheng said, 'What is to be done about this?' Li Shi'er said, 'Sir, what is troubling you?' Jia Zheng then related to him the whole matter of what he had read in the report.李十兒道：“老爺放心。Li Shi'er said, 'Set your mind at ease, sir.若是部里這麼辦了，還算便宜薛大爺呢。If the Board settles it this way, it is actually letting Young Master Xue off lightly.奴才在京的時侯聽見，薛大爺在店里叫了好些媳婦，都喝醉了生事，直把個當槽兒的活活打死的。When your servant was in the capital, I heard that Young Master Xue had summoned any number of women to the inn, and they all got drunk and made trouble, and he beat the waiter to death outright.奴才聽見不但是托了知縣，還求璉二爺去花了好些錢各衙門打通了才提的。I heard that not only was the magistrate asked to help, but Second Master Lian too was asked to spend a great deal of money smoothing things over at the various offices before the case was even brought up.不知道怎麼部里沒有弄明白。I don't know how it is the Board failed to get the matter straightened out.如今就是鬧破了，也是官官相護的，不過認個承審不實革職處分罷，那里還肯認得銀子聽情呢。Now even if it should come fully into the open, officials will still shield one another; at most someone will be charged with inaccurate handling of the trial and dismissed from office as punishment — how could they ever admit to taking silver and showing favor?老爺不用想，等奴才再打聽罷。There's no need for you to worry, sir; let your servant make further inquiries.不要誤了上司的事。”賈政道：“你們那里知道，只可惜那知縣聽了一個情，把這個官都丟了，還不知道有罪沒有呢。”李十兒道：“如今想他也無益，外頭伺侯著好半天了，請老爺就去罷。”賈政不知節度傳辦何事，且聽下回分解。Don't let this delay your business with your superior." Jia Zheng said, "What would you people know — it's just a pity that the magistrate, having listened to a plea for favor, lost his very office over it, and we still don't know whether he'll be found guilty or not." Li Shi'er said, "There's no use thinking of him now; people have been waiting outside in attendance for a good while — please, sir, go at once." Jia Zheng did not know what matter the Military Governor had summoned him to discuss; listen to the next chapter for the explanation.

贾政因薛姨妈之托曾托过知县，若请旨革审起来，牵连著自己，好不放心。即将下一本开看，偏又不是。只好翻来复去将报看完，终没有接这一本的。心中狐疑不定，更加害怕起来。正在纳闷，只见李十儿进来：“请老爷到官厅伺侯去，大人衙门已经打了二鼓了。”贾政只是发怔，没有听见。李十儿又请了一遍。贾政道：“这便怎么处？”李十儿道：“老爷有什么心事？”贾政将看报之事说了一遍。李十儿道：“老爷放心。若是部里这么办了，还算便宜薛大爷呢。奴才在京的时侯听见，薛大爷在店里叫了好些媳妇，都喝醉了生事，直把个当槽儿的活活打死的。奴才听见不但是托了知县，还求琏二爷去花了好些钱各衙门打通了才提的。不知道怎么部里没有弄明白。如今就是闹破了，也是官官相护的，不过认个承审不实革职处分罢，那里还肯认得银子听情呢。老爷不用想，等奴才再打听罢。不要误了上司的事。”贾政道：“你们那里知道，只可惜那知县听了一个情，把这个官都丢了，还不知道有罪没有呢。”李十儿道：“如今想他也无益，外头伺侯著好半天了，请老爷就去罢。”贾政不知节度传办何事，且听下回分解。