離婚 Divorce

「阿阿，木叔！"Ah, ah, Uncle Mu!新年恭喜，發財發財！」Happy New Year, may you prosper, prosper!"

「阿阿，木叔！新年恭喜，发财发财！」

「你好，八三！"How are you, Basan!恭喜恭喜！……」Congratulations, congratulations!……"

「唉唉，恭喜！"Ah ah, congratulations!愛姑也在這裡……」Aigu's here too……"

「唉唉，恭喜！爱姑也在这里……」

「阿阿，木公公！……」"Ah, ah, Grandfather Mu!……"

莊木三和他的女兒——愛姑——剛從木蓮橋頭跨下航船去，船裡面就有許多聲音一齊嗡的叫了起來，其中還有幾個人捏著拳頭打拱；Zhuang Musan and his daughter—Aigu—had just stepped down into the passenger boat from the head of Mulian Bridge, when a chorus of voices inside the boat rose up all at once in a buzz, and among them several people clasped their fists in salute;同時，船旁的坐板也空出四人的坐位來了。at the same time, the seating boards beside the boat opened up seats for four people.莊木三一面招呼，一面就坐，將長煙管倚在船邊；Zhuang Musan returned the greetings while taking his seat, leaning his long pipe against the side of the boat;愛姑便坐在他左邊，將兩隻鉤刀樣的腳正對著八三擺成一個「八」字。Aigu sat down on his left, arranging her two sickle-shaped feet directly facing Basan in the shape of the character "eight."

庄木三和他的女儿——爱姑——刚从木莲桥头跨下航船去，船里面就有许多声音一齐嗡的叫了起来，其中还有几个人捏著拳头打拱；同时，船旁的坐板也空出四人的坐位来了。庄木三一面招呼，一面就坐，将长烟管倚在船边；爱姑便坐在他左边，将两只钩刀样的脚正对著八三摆成一个「八」字。

「木公公上城去？」一個蟹殼臉的問。"Off to town, Grandfather Mu?" asked a man with a crab-shell face.

「木公公上城去？」一个蟹壳脸的问。

「不上城，」木公公有些頹唐似的，但因為紫糖色臉上原有許多皺紋，所以倒也看不出什麼大變化，「就是到龐莊去走一遭。」"Not to town," said Grandfather Mu, seeming somewhat dejected, though since his brown-sugar-colored face already had so many wrinkles, no great change could really be seen in it, "just going over to Pang Village."

「不上城，」木公公有些颓唐似的，但因为紫糖色脸上原有许多皱纹，所以倒也看不出什么大变化，「就是到庞庄去走一遭。」

合船都沉默了，只是看他們。The whole boat fell silent, everyone just looking at them.

合船都沉默了，只是看他们。

「也還是為了愛姑的事麼？」好一會，八三質問了。"Still about Aigu's affair?" After a good while, Basan questioned him.

「也还是为了爱姑的事么？」好一会，八三质问了。

「還是為她。……"Still about her. ……這真是煩死我了，已經鬧了整三年，打過多少回架，說過多少回和，總是不落局……。」This has really worn me to death—it's been going on a full three years now, we've fought I don't know how many times, talked peace I don't know how many times, and still it never settles……"

「还是为她。……这真是烦死我了，已经闹了整三年，打过多少回架，说过多少回和，总是不落局……。」

「這回還是到慰老爺家裡去？……」"This time you're still going to Squire Wei's house?……"

「这回还是到慰老爷家里去？……」

「還是到他家。"Still to his house.他給他們說和也不止一兩回了，我都不依。He's mediated between them more than once or twice already, and I've never agreed.這倒沒有什麼。That's nothing much in itself.這回是他家新年會親，連城裡的七大人也在……。」This time it's his family's New Year gathering of relatives, and even Seventh Master from the city is there……"

「还是到他家。他给他们说和也不止一两回了，我都不依。这倒没有什么。这回是他家新年会亲，连城里的七大人也在……。」

「七大人？」八三的眼睛睜大了。「他老人家也出來說話了麼？……"Seventh Master?" Basan's eyes widened. "Has the old gentleman come out to speak on this too?……那是……。Well then……其實呢，去年我們將他們的竈都拆掉了，總算已經出了一口惡氣。Actually, last year when we tore down their stove, we did at least vent our anger.況且愛姑回到那邊去，其實呢，也沒有什麼味兒……。」他於是順下眼睛去。Besides, if Aigu goes back over there, really, there's not much to it……" And with that he lowered his eyes.

「七大人？」八三的眼睛睁大了。「他老人家也出来说话了么？……那是……。其实呢，去年我们将他们的灶都拆掉了，总算已经出了一口恶气。况且爱姑回到那边去，其实呢，也没有什么味儿……。」他于是顺下眼睛去。

「我倒並不貪圖回到那邊去，八三哥！」愛姑憤憤地昂起頭，說，「我是賭氣。"I've no craving at all to go back there, Brother Basan!" Aigu said, raising her head indignantly. "I'm doing this out of spite.你想，‘小畜生’姘上了小寡婦，就不要我，事情有這麼容易的？‘老畜生’只知道幫兒子，也不要我，好容易呀！Just think—'young beast' takes up with a little widow and then wants to be rid of me—is it that easy? 'Old beast' only knows how to back his son, and wants to be rid of me too—how convenient for them!七大人怎樣？What of Seventh Master?難道和知縣大老爺換帖，就不說人話了麼？Just because he's sworn brothers with the county magistrate, does that mean he won't speak like a human being?他不能像慰老爺似的不通，只說是‘走散好走散好’。He can't be as unreasonable as Squire Wei, who only ever says, 'better to part ways, better to part ways.'我倒要對他說說我這幾年的艱難，且看七大人說誰不錯！」I mean to tell him all about my hardships these past years, and we'll see who Seventh Master says is in the wrong!"

「我倒并不贪图回到那边去，八三哥！」爱姑愤愤地昂起头，说，「我是赌气。你想，‘小畜生’姘上了小寡妇，就不要我，事情有这么容易的？‘老畜生’只知道帮儿子，也不要我，好容易呀！七大人怎样？难道和知县大老爷换帖，就不说人话了么？他不能像慰老爷似的不通，只说是‘走散好走散好’。我倒要对他说说我这几年的艰难，且看七大人说谁不错！」

八三被說服了，再開不得口。Basan was talked into silence, and could say no more.

八三被说服了，再开不得口。

只有潺潺的船頭激水聲；There was only the murmuring sound of water churning at the bow;船裏很靜寂。the boat was very quiet.莊木三伸手去摸煙管，裝上煙。Zhuang Musan reached for his pipe and filled it with tobacco.

只有潺潺的船头激水声；船里很静寂。庄木三伸手去摸烟管，装上烟。

斜對面，挨八三坐著的一個胖子便從肚兜裏掏出一柄打火刀，打著火線，給他按在煙鬥上。Diagonally across from him, a fat man sitting next to Basan pulled a fire-striker out of his stomach-pouch, struck a spark onto the tinder, and held it down against the bowl of the pipe for him.

斜对面，挨八三坐著的一个胖子便从肚兜里掏出一柄打火刀，打著火线，给他按在烟斗上。

「對對。」木三點頭說。"Right, right." Musan nodded and said.

「对对。」木三点头说。

「我們雖然是初會，木叔的名字卻是早已知道的。」胖子恭敬地說。「是的，這裡沿海三六十八村，誰不知道？"Though we've only just met, I've long known Uncle Mu's name," the fat man said respectfully. "Indeed, here along the coast in the thirty-six-and-eighteen villages, who doesn't know it?施家的兒子姘上了寡婦，我們也早知道。That the Shi family's son took up with a widow—we knew that long ago too.去年木叔帶了六位兒子去拆平了他家的竈，誰不說應該？……Last year when Uncle Mu took his six sons and tore down their stove flat, who didn't say it served them right?……你老人家是高門大戶都走得進的，腳步開闊，怕他們甚的！……」You, sir, can walk right into the grandest households, your stride wide and free—what's there to fear from the likes of them!……"

「我们虽然是初会，木叔的名字却是早已知道的。」胖子恭敬地说。「是的，这里沿海三六十八村，谁不知道？施家的儿子姘上了寡妇，我们也早知道。去年木叔带了六位儿子去拆平了他家的灶，谁不说应该？……你老人家是高门大户都走得进的，脚步开阔，怕他们甚的！……」

「你這位阿叔真通氣，」愛姑高興地說，「我雖然不認識你這位阿叔是誰。」"This uncle of yours really talks sense," Aigu said happily, "even though I don't know who this uncle is."

「你这位阿叔真通气，」爱姑高兴地说，「我虽然不认识你这位阿叔是谁。」

「我叫汪得貴。」胖子連忙說。"My name is Wang Degui." the fat man said hastily.

「我叫汪得贵。」胖子连忙说。

「要撇掉我，是不行的。"To cast me off just won't do.七大人也好，八大人也好。Seventh Master or Eighth Master, it makes no difference.我總要鬧得他們家敗人亡！I mean to see it through until their family is ruined and their people destroyed!慰老爺不是勸過我四回麼？Hasn't Squire Wei already tried to persuade me four times?連爹也看得賠貼的錢有點頭昏眼熱了……。」Even Father has started getting dizzy-eyed over the compensation money offered……"

「要撇掉我，是不行的。七大人也好，八大人也好。我总要闹得他们家败人亡！慰老爷不是劝过我四回么？连爹也看得赔贴的钱有点头昏眼热了……。」

「你這媽的！」木三低聲說。"You and your damned nonsense!" Musan said in a low voice.

「你这妈的！」木三低声说。

「可是我聽說去年年底施家送給慰老爺一桌酒席哩，八公公。」蟹殼臉道。"But I heard that at the end of last year the Shi family sent Squire Wei a whole table's worth of a feast, Grandfather Ba." said the crab-shell face.

「可是我听说去年年底施家送给慰老爷一桌酒席哩，八公公。」蟹壳脸道。

「那不礙事。」汪得貴說，「酒席能塞得人發昏麼？"That doesn't matter," said Wang Degui. "Can a feast stuff a man's head so full he loses his senses?酒席如果能塞得人發昏，送大菜又怎樣？If a feast could addle a man's judgment, then what about sending Western-style dishes?他們知書識理的人是專替人家講公道話的，譬如，一個人受眾人欺侮，他們就出來講公道話，倒不在乎有沒有酒喝。Men of learning and principle like them exist expressly to speak fairly for people—for instance, if someone is bullied by the crowd, they come forward to speak justly, quite regardless of whether there's wine to drink or not.去年年底我們敝村的榮大爺從北京回來，他見過大場面的，不像我們鄉下人一樣。At the end of last year, our village's Master Rong came back from Beijing—he's seen the great world, not like us country folk.他就說，那邊的第一個人物要算光太太，又硬……。」He said that up there, the foremost figure was reckoned to be Madam Guang, and she was tough as well……"

「那不碍事。」汪得贵说，「酒席能塞得人发昏么？酒席如果能塞得人发昏，送大菜又怎样？他们知书识理的人是专替人家讲公道话的，譬如，一个人受众人欺侮，他们就出来讲公道话，倒不在乎有没有酒喝。去年年底我们敝村的荣大爷从北京回来，他见过大场面的，不像我们乡下人一样。他就说，那边的第一个人物要算光太太，又硬……。」

「汪家匯頭的客人上岸哩！」船家大聲叫著，船已經要停下來。"Passenger for Wangjiahui Landing, ashore!" the boatman called loudly, and the boat was already about to stop.

「汪家汇头的客人上岸哩！」船家大声叫著，船已经要停下来。

「有我有我！」胖子立刻一把取了煙管，從中艙一跳，隨著前進的船走在岸上了。"That's me, that's me!" the fat man snatched up his pipe at once, leapt from the middle cabin, and stepped onto the shore alongside the still-moving boat.

「有我有我！」胖子立刻一把取了烟管，从中舱一跳，随著前进的船走在岸上了。

「對對！」他還向船裡面的人點頭，說。"Right, right!" he said, still nodding to the people inside the boat.

「对对！」他还向船里面的人点头，说。

船便在新的靜寂中繼續前進；The boat then went on in a fresh silence;水聲又很聽得出了，潺潺的。and the murmur of the water could be heard clearly again.八三開始打磕睡了，漸漸地向對面的鉤刀式的腳張開了嘴。Basan began to doze off, his mouth gradually falling open toward the sickle-shaped feet across from him.前艙中的兩個老女人也低聲哼起佛號來，她們擷著念珠，又都看愛姑，而且互視，努嘴，點頭。The two old women in the forward cabin began to hum Buddhist chants under their breath; fingering their prayer beads, they kept glancing at Aigu, and also at each other, pursing their lips and nodding.

船便在新的静寂中继续前进；水声又很听得出了，潺潺的。八三开始打磕睡了，渐渐地向对面的钩刀式的脚张开了嘴。前舱中的两个老女人也低声哼起佛号来，她们撷著念珠，又都看爱姑，而且互视，努嘴，点头。

愛姑瞪著眼看定篷頂，大半正在懸想將來怎樣鬧得他們家敗人亡；「老畜生」，「小畜生」，全都走投無路。Aigu stared fixedly up at the canopy overhead, for the most part imagining how in the future she would bring ruin and death upon their whole family; "old beast" and "young beast," both driven to nowhere to turn.慰老爺她是不放在眼裡的，見過兩回，不過一個團頭團腦的矮子：這種人本村裡就很多，無非臉色比他紫黑些。Squire Wei she did not think much of; she had seen him twice, and he was nothing more than a round-headed little dwarf of a man—there were plenty of that sort in her own village, only their faces were a bit more purplish-black than his.

爱姑瞪著眼看定篷顶，大半正在悬想将来怎样闹得他们家败人亡；「老畜生」，「小畜生」，全都走投无路。慰老爷她是不放在眼里的，见过两回，不过一个团头团脑的矮子：这种人本村里就很多，无非脸色比他紫黑些。

莊木三的煙早已吸到底，火逼得鬥底裡的煙油吱吱地叫了，還吸著。Zhuang Musan's tobacco had long since burned down to the bottom, the fire forcing the oil at the base of the bowl to hiss and sizzle, and still he went on smoking.他知道一過汪家匯頭，就到龐莊；He knew that once past Wangjiahui Landing, Pang Village would follow;而且那村口的魁星閣也確乎已經望得見。and indeed the Kuixing Pavilion at the village entrance could already be seen.龐莊，他到過許多回，不足道的，以及慰老爺。Pang Village he had been to many times—nothing worth mentioning—and Squire Wei too.他還記得女兒的哭回來，他的親家和女婿的可惡，後來給他們怎樣地吃虧。He still remembered his daughter coming home in tears, the hatefulness of his in-laws and son-in-law, and how he had later made them suffer for it.想到這裡，過去的情景便在眼前展開，一到懲治他親家這一局，他向來是要冷冷地微笑的，但這回卻不，不知怎的忽而橫梗著一個胖胖的七大人，將他腦裏的局面擠得擺不整齊了。Thinking this far, the past scenes unfolded before his eyes, and whenever he reached the part where he punished his in-laws, he had always been used to give a cold little smile—but not this time; somehow a plump Seventh Master suddenly lay athwart his thoughts, crowding the scene in his head until it would no longer arrange itself in order.

庄木三的烟早已吸到底，火逼得斗底里的烟油吱吱地叫了，还吸著。他知道一过汪家汇头，就到庞庄；而且那村口的魁星阁也确乎已经望得见。庞庄，他到过许多回，不足道的，以及慰老爷。他还记得女儿的哭回来，他的亲家和女婿的可恶，后来给他们怎样地吃亏。想到这里，过去的情景便在眼前展开，一到惩治他亲家这一局，他向来是要冷冷地微笑的，但这回却不，不知怎的忽而横梗著一个胖胖的七大人，将他脑里的局面挤得摆不整齐了。

船在繼續的寂靜中繼續前進；The boat went on advancing in unbroken silence;獨有念佛聲卻宏大起來；only the sound of the chanting grew louder;此外一切，都似乎陪著木叔和愛姑一同浸在沉思裏。everything else seemed to accompany Uncle Mu and Aigu, sunk together in deep thought.

船在继续的寂静中继续前进；独有念佛声却宏大起来；此外一切，都似乎陪著木叔和爱姑一同浸在沉思里。

「木叔，你老上岸罷，龐莊到了。」"Uncle Mu, time to go ashore now—Pang Village is here."

「木叔，你老上岸罢，庞庄到了。」

木三他們被船家的聲音警覺時，面前已是魁星閣了。When Musan and the others were roused by the boatman's voice, the Kuixing Pavilion was already right before them.他跳上岸，愛姑跟著，經過魁星閣下，向著慰老爺家走。He jumped ashore, with Aigu following, and passing beneath the Kuixing Pavilion, they made their way toward Squire Wei's house.朝南走過三十家門面，再轉一個彎，就到了，早望見門口一列地泊著四隻烏篷船。Walking south past some thirty shopfronts and turning one more corner, they arrived; already they could see four black-canopied boats moored in a row before the gate.

木三他们被船家的声音警觉时，面前已是魁星阁了。他跳上岸，爱姑跟著，经过魁星阁下，向著慰老爷家走。朝南走过三十家门面，再转一个弯，就到了，早望见门口一列地泊著四只乌篷船。

他們跨進黑油大門時，便被邀進門房去；As they stepped through the black-lacquered gate, they were shown into the gatehouse;大門後已經坐滿著兩桌船夫和長年。behind the gate, two tables were already filled with boatmen and hired hands.愛姑不敢看他們，只是溜了一眼，倒也並不見有「老畜生」和「小畜生」的蹤跡。Aigu did not dare look at them directly, only stealing a glance, and saw no sign after all of "old beast" or "young beast."

他们跨进黑油大门时，便被邀进门房去；大门后已经坐满著两桌船夫和长年。爱姑不敢看他们，只是溜了一眼，倒也并不见有「老畜生」和「小畜生」的踪迹。

當工人搬出年糕湯來時，愛姑不由得越加局促不安起來了，連自己也不明白為什麼。「難道和知縣大老爺換帖，就不說人話麼？」她想。「知書識理的人是講公道話的。When the servants brought out New Year's cake soup, Aigu found herself growing more and more uneasy, without even understanding why herself. "Just because he's sworn brothers with the county magistrate, does that mean he won't speak like a human being?" she thought. "Men of learning and principle speak fairly.我要細細地對七大人說一說，從十五歲嫁過去做媳婦的時候起……。」I'll tell Seventh Master everything in detail, starting from when I was fifteen and married in as a daughter-in-law……"

当工人搬出年糕汤来时，爱姑不由得越加局促不安起来了，连自己也不明白为什么。「难道和知县大老爷换帖，就不说人话么？」她想。「知书识理的人是讲公道话的。我要细细地对七大人说一说，从十五岁嫁过去做媳妇的时候起……。」

她喝完年糕湯；She finished drinking the cake soup;知道時機將到。and knew the moment was drawing near.果然，不一會，她已經跟著一個長年，和她父親經過大廳，又一彎，跨進客廳的門檻去了。Sure enough, before long, she was following a hired hand, and together with her father passed through the main hall, turned another corner, and stepped over the threshold into the parlor.

她喝完年糕汤；知道时机将到。果然，不一会，她已经跟著一个长年，和她父亲经过大厅，又一弯，跨进客厅的门槛去了。

客廳裏有許多東西，她不及細看；There were many things in the parlor, which she had no time to look at closely;還有許多客，只見紅青緞子馬掛發閃。there were also many guests, and all she saw was the gleam of red and black satin riding-jackets.在這些中間第一眼就看見一個人，這一定是七大人了。Among them, the first person her eye fell on—this must be Seventh Master.雖然也是團頭團腦，卻比慰老爺們魁梧得多；Though he too was round-headed, he was far more imposing than the likes of Squire Wei;大的圓臉上長著兩條細眼和漆黑的細鬍鬚；on his large round face grew a pair of narrow eyes and a fine jet-black mustache;頭頂是禿的，可是那腦殼和臉都很紅潤，油光光地發亮。the top of his head was bald, but both scalp and face were ruddy and glossy, shining with oil.愛姑很覺得稀奇，但也立刻自己解釋明白了：那一定是擦著豬油的。Aigu found this very strange at first, but at once explained it to herself: he must be rubbed with lard.

客厅里有许多东西，她不及细看；还有许多客，只见红青缎子马挂发闪。在这些中间第一眼就看见一个人，这一定是七大人了。虽然也是团头团脑，却比慰老爷们魁梧得多；大的圆脸上长著两条细眼和漆黑的细胡须；头顶是秃的，可是那脑壳和脸都很红润，油光光地发亮。爱姑很觉得稀奇，但也立刻自己解释明白了：那一定是擦著猪油的。

「這就是‘屁塞’，就是古人大殮的時候塞在屁股眼裡的。」七大人正拿著一條爛石似的東西，說著，又在自己的鼻子旁擦了兩擦，接著道，「可惜是‘新坑’。"This here is a 'buttock-plug'—what the ancients used to stuff into the anus at the great encoffining." Seventh Master was holding something that looked like a weathered stone as he spoke, and rubbed it a couple of times beside his own nose, then went on, "Pity it's from a 'fresh pit.'倒也可以買得，至遲是漢。Still, it's worth buying—at the very latest it's Han dynasty.你看，這一點是‘水銀浸’……。」Look here, this bit is 'mercury-soaked'……"

「这就是‘屁塞’，就是古人大殓的时候塞在屁股眼里的。」七大人正拿著一条烂石似的东西，说著，又在自己的鼻子旁擦了两擦，接著道，「可惜是‘新坑’。倒也可以买得，至迟是汉。你看，这一点是‘水银浸’……。」

「水銀浸」周圍即刻聚集了幾個頭，一個自然是慰老爺；Around the "mercury-soaked" spot several heads at once gathered close, one of them naturally being Squire Wei;還有幾位少爺們，因為被威光壓得像癟臭蟲了，愛姑先前竟沒有見。there were also several young masters, so cowed by the awe of the great man's presence that they had shrunk like flattened stinkbugs—Aigu had not even noticed them before.

「水银浸」周围即刻聚集了几个头，一个自然是慰老爷；还有几位少爷们，因为被威光压得像瘪臭虫了，爱姑先前竟没有见。

她不懂後一段話；She did not understand this latter part of the talk;無意，而且也不敢去研究什麼「水銀浸」，便偷空向四處一看望，只見她後面，緊挨著門旁的牆壁，正站著「老畜生」和「小畜生」。having no interest in, and not daring to, look into what "mercury-soaked" might mean, she stole a moment to glance around, and saw that behind her, right against the wall beside the door, stood "old beast" and "young beast."雖然只一瞥，但較之半年前偶然看見的時候，分明都見得蒼老了。Though it was only a glance, compared to when she had chanced to see them half a year before, they had both plainly grown older.

她不懂后一段话；无意，而且也不敢去研究什么「水银浸」，便偷空向四处一看望，只见她后面，紧挨著门旁的墙壁，正站著「老畜生」和「小畜生」。虽然只一瞥，但较之半年前偶然看见的时候，分明都见得苍老了。

接著大家就都從「水銀浸」周圍散開；Then everyone dispersed from around the "mercury-soaked" object;慰老爺接過「屁塞」，坐下，用指頭摩挲著，轉臉向莊木三說話。Squire Wei took the "buttock-plug" from him, sat down, stroked it with his fingers, and turned to speak to Zhuang Musan.

接著大家就都从「水银浸」周围散开；慰老爷接过「屁塞」，坐下，用指头摩挲著，转脸向庄木三说话。

「就是你們兩個麼？」"Just the two of you?"

「就是你们两个么？」

「是的。」"Yes."

「你的兒子一個也沒有來？」"Not one of your sons came along?"

「你的儿子一个也没有来？」

「他們沒有工夫。」"They had no time to spare."

「他们没有工夫。」

「本來新年正月又何必來勞動你們。"Truly, in the New Year season there was no need to trouble you all to come.但是，還是只為那件事，……But still, it's only for that same matter, ……我想，你們也鬧得夠了。I think you've all quarreled quite enough by now.不是已經有兩年多了麼？Hasn't it already been more than two years?我想，冤仇是宜解不宜結的。I think enmities are best resolved, not tied ever tighter.愛姑既然丈夫不對，公婆不喜歡……。Since Aigu's husband is in the wrong, and her parents-in-law don't care for her……也還是照先前說過那樣：走散的好。it's still as was said before: better to part ways.我沒有這麼大面子，說不通。I don't carry enough weight myself to make this stick.七大人是最愛講公道話的，你們也知道。Seventh Master is the one who most loves to speak fairly, as you all know.現在七大人的意思也這樣：和我一樣。Now Seventh Master's view is the same as mine.可是七大人說，兩面都認點晦氣罷，叫施家再添十塊錢：九十元！」But Seventh Master says, let both sides just chalk it up to bad luck—have the Shi family add another ten dollars: ninety dollars in all!"

「本来新年正月又何必来劳动你们。但是，还是只为那件事，……我想，你们也闹得够了。不是已经有两年多了么？我想，冤仇是宜解不宜结的。爱姑既然丈夫不对，公婆不喜欢……。也还是照先前说过那样：走散的好。我没有这么大面子，说不通。七大人是最爱讲公道话的，你们也知道。现在七大人的意思也这样：和我一样。可是七大人说，两面都认点晦气罢，叫施家再添十块钱：九十元！」

「…………」"…………"

「九十元！"Ninety dollars!你就是打官司打到皇帝伯伯跟前，也沒有這麼便宜。Even if you took this case all the way before His Majesty the Emperor, you still wouldn't get off so easily.這話只有我們的七大人肯說。」Only our Seventh Master would say such a thing."

「九十元！你就是打官司打到皇帝伯伯跟前，也没有这么便宜。这话只有我们的七大人肯说。」

七大人睜起細眼，看著莊木三，點點頭。Seventh Master opened his narrow eyes, looked at Zhuang Musan, and nodded.

七大人睁起细眼，看著庄木三，点点头。

愛姑覺得事情有些危急了，她很怪平時沿海的居民對他都有幾分懼怕的自己的父親，為什麼在這裡竟說不出話。Aigu felt things were growing critical; she thought it very strange that her father, of whom the coastal villagers were usually rather afraid, could not get a word out here.她以為這是大可不必的；She thought this was quite unnecessary;她自從聽到七大人的一段議論之後，雖不很懂，但不知怎的總覺得他其實是和藹近人，並不如先前自己所揣想那樣的可怕。ever since hearing Seventh Master's little speech, although she hadn't understood it very well, she somehow felt he was actually kindly and easy to approach, not nearly so frightening as she had earlier imagined.

爱姑觉得事情有些危急了，她很怪平时沿海的居民对他都有几分惧怕的自己的父亲，为什么在这里竟说不出话。她以为这是大可不必的；她自从听到七大人的一段议论之后，虽不很懂，但不知怎的总觉得他其实是和蔼近人，并不如先前自己所揣想那样的可怕。

「七大人是知書識理，頂明白的；」她勇敢起來了。「不像我們鄉下人。"Seventh Master is a man of learning and reason, the most sensible of men;" she grew bold. "Not like us country folk.我是有冤無處訴；I have a grievance with nowhere to air it;倒正要找七大人講講。so I was just hoping to talk it over with Seventh Master.自從我嫁過去，真是低頭進，低頭出，一禮不缺。Ever since I married into that family, I've gone in with my head bowed and come out with my head bowed, never once lacking in propriety.他們就是專和我作對，一個個都像個‘氣殺鐘馗’。But they've done nothing but oppose me at every turn, every one of them like a 'Zhong Kui fit to burst with rage.'那年的黃鼠狼咬死了那匹大公雞，那裡是我沒有關好嗎？That year when the weasel bit the big rooster to death, was that because I hadn't shut the coop properly?那是那隻殺頭癩皮狗偷吃糠拌飯，拱開了雞櫥門。No, it was that mangy dog — may it be beheaded — that pushed open the chicken-coop door to steal the bran mash.那‘小畜生’不分青紅皂白，就夾臉一嘴巴……。」That 'little beast' didn't ask right from wrong, and just slapped me across the face....."

「七大人是知书识理，顶明白的；」她勇敢起来了。「不像我们乡下人。我是有冤无处诉；倒正要找七大人讲讲。自从我嫁过去，真是低头进，低头出，一礼不缺。他们就是专和我作对，一个个都像个‘气杀钟馗’。那年的黄鼠狼咬死了那匹大公鸡，那里是我没有关好吗？那是那只杀头癞皮狗偷吃糠拌饭，拱开了鸡橱门。那‘小畜生’不分青红皂白，就夹脸一嘴巴……。」

七大人對她看了一眼。Seventh Master glanced at her.

七大人对她看了一眼。

「我知道那是有緣故的。"I know there was a reason behind it.這也逃不出七大人的明鑒；This too can't escape Seventh Master's keen judgment;知書識理的人什麼都知道。a man of learning and reason knows everything.他就是著了那濫婊子的迷，要趕我出去。He's simply been bewitched by that shameless whore, and wants to drive me out.我是三茶六禮定來的，花轎擡來的呵！I was betrothed with the three teas and six rites, carried over in a bridal sedan chair!那麼容易嗎？……Is it going to be as easy as that?......我一定要給他們一個顏色看，就是打官司也不要緊。I'm bound to show them a thing or two — even if it means going to court, I don't care.縣裡不行，還有府裏呢……。」If the county won't do it, there's still the prefecture......"

「我知道那是有缘故的。这也逃不出七大人的明鉴；知书识理的人什么都知道。他就是著了那滥婊子的迷，要赶我出去。我是三茶六礼定来的，花轿抬来的呵！那么容易吗？……我一定要给他们一个颜色看，就是打官司也不要紧。县里不行，还有府里呢……。」

「那些事是七大人都知道的。」慰老爺仰起臉來說。「愛姑，你要是不轉頭，沒有什麼便宜的。"Seventh Master already knows all about those matters." Mr. Wei tilted his face up and said. "Aigu, if you don't come around, there'll be no advantage in it for you.你就總是這模樣。You're always like this.你看你的爹多少明白；Look how sensible your father is;你和你的弟兄都不像他。you and your brothers are nothing like him.打官司打到府裏，難道官府就不會問問七大人麼？If you take the case all the way to the prefecture, don't you think the officials there would go and ask Seventh Master about it?那時候是，‘公事公辦’，那是，……At that point it would be, 'official business handled officially,' that is,......你簡直……。」You simply......"

「那些事是七大人都知道的。」慰老爷仰起脸来说。「爱姑，你要是不转头，没有什么便宜的。你就总是这模样。你看你的爹多少明白；你和你的弟兄都不像他。打官司打到府里，难道官府就不会问问七大人么？那时候是，‘公事公办’，那是，……你简直……。」

「那我就拚出一條命，大家家敗人亡。」"Then I'll just stake my very life on it, and we'll all go down together, family ruined and all."

「那我就拼出一条命，大家家败人亡。」

「那倒並不是拚命的事，」七大人這才慢慢地說了。「年紀青青。"That's really not a matter for staking one's life," Seventh Master now said slowly. "Young as you are.一個人總要和氣些：‘和氣生財’。A person ought always to be even-tempered: 'harmony brings wealth.'對不對？Isn't that right?我一添就是十塊，那簡直已經是‘天外道理’了。When I add ten dollars more, that's already reason beyond the heavens.要不然，公婆說‘走！’就得走。Otherwise, if your parents-in-law say 'Go!', you must go.莫說府裏，就是上海北京，就是外洋，都這樣。Never mind the prefecture — it's the same in Shanghai, in Beijing, even abroad.你要不信，他就是剛從北京洋學堂裏回來的，自己問他去。」於是轉臉向著一個尖下巴的少爺道，「對不對？」If you don't believe it, he's just back from a foreign-style school in Beijing — go ask him yourself." Then he turned his face toward a young master with a pointed chin, "Isn't that right?"

「那倒并不是拼命的事，」七大人这才慢慢地说了。「年纪青青。一个人总要和气些：‘和气生财’。对不对？我一添就是十块，那简直已经是‘天外道理’了。要不然，公婆说‘走！’就得走。莫说府里，就是上海北京，就是外洋，都这样。你要不信，他就是刚从北京洋学堂里回来的，自己问他去。」于是转脸向著一个尖下巴的少爷道，「对不对？」

「的的確確。」尖下巴少爺趕忙挺直了身子，必恭必敬地低聲說。"Absolutely, absolutely." The pointed-chinned young master hastily straightened himself and said in a low, deferential voice.

「的的确确。」尖下巴少爷赶忙挺直了身子，必恭必敬地低声说。

愛姑覺得自己是完全孤立了；Aigu felt she was now completely alone;爹不說話，弟兄不敢來，慰老爺是原本幫他們的，七大人又不可靠，連尖下巴少爺也低聲下氣地像一個癟臭蟲，還打「順風鑼」。her father said nothing, her brothers dared not come forward, Mr. Wei had been on their side from the start, Seventh Master turned out not to be reliable after all, and even the pointed-chinned young master, meek and small as a flattened bedbug, was beating the gong in time with them.但她在胡裡胡塗的腦中，還仿佛決定要作一回最後的奮鬥。But in her muddled mind, she still seemed to resolve to make one last stand.

爱姑觉得自己是完全孤立了；爹不说话，弟兄不敢来，慰老爷是原本帮他们的，七大人又不可靠，连尖下巴少爷也低声下气地像一个瘪臭虫，还打「顺风锣」。但她在胡里胡涂的脑中，还仿佛决定要作一回最后的奋斗。

「怎麼連七大人……。」她滿眼發了驚疑和失望的光。「是的……。"How could even Seventh Master......" Her eyes shone with alarm, suspicion, and disappointment. "Yes......我知道，我們粗人，什麼也不知道。I know, we're coarse people, we don't understand anything.就怨我爹連人情世故都不知道，老發昏了。It's all my father's fault, for not even understanding the ways of the world, gone senile as he is.就專憑他們‘老畜生’‘小畜生’擺佈；So we're left entirely at the mercy of their bullying, that 'old beast' and 'little beast';他們會報喪似的急急忙忙鑽狗洞，巴結人……。」they go scurrying through dog-holes in a mad rush as if reporting a death, currying favor with people......"

「怎么连七大人……。」她满眼发了惊疑和失望的光。「是的……。我知道，我们粗人，什么也不知道。就怨我爹连人情世故都不知道，老发昏了。就专凭他们‘老畜生’‘小畜生’摆布；他们会报丧似的急急忙忙钻狗洞，巴结人……。」

「七大人看看，」默默地站在她後面的「小畜生」忽然說話了。「她在大人面前還是這樣。"Seventh Master, just look," the 'little beast' who had been standing silently behind her suddenly spoke up. "She's like this even in front of Your Honor.那在家裡是，簡直鬧得六畜不安。At home, she simply throws the whole household into such an uproar that not even the animals know peace.叫我爹是‘老畜生’，叫我是口口聲聲‘小畜生’，‘逃生子’②。」She calls my father 'old beast,' and calls me, over and over, 'little beast,' 'bastard brat.'"

「七大人看看，」默默地站在她后面的「小畜生」忽然说话了。「她在大人面前还是这样。那在家里是，简直闹得六畜不安。叫我爹是‘老畜生’，叫我是口口声声‘小畜生’，‘逃生子’②。」

「那個‘娘濫十十萬人生’的叫你‘逃生子’？」愛姑迴轉臉去大聲說，便又向著七大人道，「我還有話要當大眾面前說說哩。"Who's the one whose mother whored with a hundred thousand men, calling you a 'bastard brat'?" Aigu turned her face around and said loudly, then turned again to Seventh Master, "I still have more to say in front of everyone here.他那裡有好聲好氣呵，開口‘賤胎’，閉口‘娘殺’。He never has a decent word to say — opens his mouth with 'cheap wretch,' closes it with 'may your mother die.'自從結識了那婊子，連我的祖宗都入起來了。Ever since he took up with that whore, he's even started cursing my ancestors.七大人，你給我批評批評，這……。」Seventh Master, you judge this for me, this......"

「那个‘娘滥十十万人生’的叫你‘逃生子’？」爱姑回转脸去大声说，便又向著七大人道，「我还有话要当大众面前说说哩。他那里有好声好气呵，开口‘贱胎’，闭口‘娘杀’。自从结识了那婊子，连我的祖宗都入起来了。七大人，你给我批评批评，这……。」

她打了一個寒噤，連忙住口，因為她看見七大人忽然兩眼向上一翻，圓臉一仰，細長鬍子圍著的嘴裡同時發出一種高大搖曳的聲音來了。She gave a shudder and hastily fell silent, for she saw Seventh Master's eyes suddenly roll upward, his round face tilt back, and from his mouth, ringed by its thin long whiskers, there came at the same time a loud, quavering sound.

她打了一个寒噤，连忙住口，因为她看见七大人忽然两眼向上一翻，圆脸一仰，细长胡子围著的嘴里同时发出一种高大摇曳的声音来了。

「來--兮！」七大人說。"Come— hither!" said Seventh Master.

「来--兮！」七大人说。

她覺得心臟一停，接著便突突地亂跳，似乎大勢已去，局面都變了；She felt her heart stop, and then it began to pound wildly, as if the whole tide had turned and everything had changed;仿佛失足掉在水裡一般，但又知道這實在是自己錯。as though she had lost her footing and fallen into water, and yet she knew this was really her own fault.

她觉得心脏一停，接著便突突地乱跳，似乎大势已去，局面都变了；仿佛失足掉在水里一般，但又知道这实在是自己错。

立刻進來一個藍袍子黑背心的男人，對七大人站定，垂手挺腰，像一根木棍。At once a man in a blue robe and black waistcoat came in, stood still before Seventh Master, hands at his sides, back straight, like a wooden pole.

立刻进来一个蓝袍子黑背心的男人，对七大人站定，垂手挺腰，像一根木棍。

全客廳裏是「鴉雀無聲」。The whole parlor was "silent as crows and sparrows."七大人將嘴一動，但誰也聽不清說什麼。Seventh Master's mouth moved, but no one could make out what he said.然而那男人，卻已經聽到了，而且這命令的力量仿佛又已鑽進了他的骨髓裏，將身子牽了兩牽，「毛骨聳然」似的；Yet the man had already heard it, and the force of the order seemed to have already bored into his very marrow, giving his body a couple of shudders, as if his hair stood on end and his bones shivered;一面答應道：and at the same time he answered:

全客厅里是「鸦雀无声」。七大人将嘴一动，但谁也听不清说什么。然而那男人，却已经听到了，而且这命令的力量仿佛又已钻进了他的骨髓里，将身子牵了两牵，「毛骨耸然」似的；一面答应道：

「是。」他倒退了幾步，才翻身走出去。"Yes." He backed away several steps before turning around and walking out.

「是。」他倒退了几步，才翻身走出去。

愛姑知道意外的事情就要到來，那事情是萬料不到，也防不了的。Aigu knew some unexpected thing was about to happen, something utterly unforeseeable and impossible to guard against.她這時才又知道七大人實在威嚴，先前都是自己的誤解，所以太放肆，太粗鹵了。Only now did she realize how truly awesome Seventh Master was; it had all been her own misunderstanding before, and so she had been far too presumptuous, far too rash.她非常後悔，不由的自己說：She regretted it terribly, and could not help saying to herself:

爱姑知道意外的事情就要到来，那事情是万料不到，也防不了的。她这时才又知道七大人实在威严，先前都是自己的误解，所以太放肆，太粗卤了。她非常后悔，不由的自己说：

「我本來是專聽七大人吩咐……。」"I really only meant to do whatever Seventh Master ordered......"

「我本来是专听七大人吩咐……。」

全客廳裏是「鴉雀無聲」。The whole parlor was "silent as crows and sparrows."她的話雖然微細得如絲，慰老爺卻像聽到霹靂似的了；Though her words were as faint as a thread, Mr. Wei reacted as if he had heard a thunderclap;他跳了起來。he leapt to his feet.

全客厅里是「鸦雀无声」。她的话虽然微细得如丝，慰老爷却像听到霹雳似的了；他跳了起来。

「對呀！"That's it!七大人也真公平；Seventh Master really is fair-minded;愛姑也真明白！」他誇贊著，便向莊木三，「老木，那你自然是沒有什麼說的了，她自己已經答應。and Aigu really is sensible!" he said admiringly, then turned to Zhuang Musan, "Old Mu, well then, naturally you have nothing more to say — she's agreed to it herself.我想你紅綠帖是一定已經帶來了的，我通知過你。I imagine you've certainly brought the red-and-green betrothal papers with you, since I already told you to.那麼，大家都拿出來……。」Well then, let everyone bring theirs out......"

「对呀！七大人也真公平；爱姑也真明白！」他夸赞著，便向庄木三，「老木，那你自然是没有什么说的了，她自己已经答应。我想你红绿帖是一定已经带来了的，我通知过你。那么，大家都拿出来……。」

愛姑見她爹便伸手到肚兜裏去掏東西；Aigu saw her father reach his hand into his stomach-pouch to feel for something;木棍似的那男人也進來了，將小烏龜模樣的一個漆黑的扁的小東西遞給七大人。the pole-like man came in again as well, handing Seventh Master a small, flat, jet-black object shaped like a little tortoise.愛姑怕事情有變故，連忙去看莊木三，見他已經在茶幾上打開一個藍布包裹，取出洋錢來。Fearing something might still go wrong, Aigu hurriedly looked toward Zhuang Musan, and saw that he had already opened a blue cloth bundle on the tea table and was taking out silver dollars.

爱姑见她爹便伸手到肚兜里去掏东西；木棍似的那男人也进来了，将小乌龟模样的一个漆黑的扁的小东西递给七大人。爱姑怕事情有变故，连忙去看庄木三，见他已经在茶几上打开一个蓝布包裹，取出洋钱来。

七大人也將小烏龜頭拔下，從那身子裡面倒一點東西在真心上；Seventh Master too pulled off the little tortoise's head, and poured a bit of something from inside its body onto his palm;木棍似的男人便接了那扁東西去。whereupon the pole-like man took the flat object back.七大人隨即用那一隻手的一個指頭蘸著掌心，向自己的鼻孔裏塞了兩塞，鼻孔和人中立刻黃焦焦了。Seventh Master then dipped a finger of that hand into his palm and pushed it up into his nostrils twice, so that his nostrils and the groove above his lip immediately turned a scorched yellow.他皺著鼻子，似乎要打噴嚏。He wrinkled his nose, as though about to sneeze.

七大人也将小乌龟头拔下，从那身子里面倒一点东西在真心上；木棍似的男人便接了那扁东西去。七大人随即用那一只手的一个指头蘸著掌心，向自己的鼻孔里塞了两塞，鼻孔和人中立刻黄焦焦了。他皱著鼻子，似乎要打喷嚏。

莊木三正在數洋錢。Zhuang Musan was just then counting the silver dollars.慰老爺從那沒有數過的一疊裏取出一點來，交還了「老畜生」；Mr. Wei took a bit from the as-yet-uncounted stack and handed it back to the 'old beast';又將兩份紅綠帖子互換了地方，推給兩面，嘴裡說道：then he switched the two sets of red-and-green betrothal papers, pushing each toward the opposite side, saying as he did so:

庄木三正在数洋钱。慰老爷从那没有数过的一叠里取出一点来，交还了「老畜生」；又将两份红绿帖子互换了地方，推给两面，嘴里说道：

「你們都收好。"Both of you keep these well.老木，你要點清數目呀。Old Mu, be sure to count the amount carefully.這不是好當玩意兒的，銀錢事情……。」This isn't something to trifle with, matters of money......"

「你们都收好。老木，你要点清数目呀。这不是好当玩意儿的，银钱事情……。」

「呃啾」的一聲響，愛姑明知道是七大人打噴嚏了，但不由得轉過眼去看。There came an "Achoo!" — Aigu knew perfectly well it was Seventh Master sneezing, but she couldn't help turning her eyes to look.只見七大人張著嘴，仍舊在那裡皺鼻子，一隻手的兩個指頭卻撮著一件東西，就是那「古人大殮的時候塞在屁股眼裡的」，在鼻子旁邊摩擦著。She saw Seventh Master with his mouth open, still wrinkling his nose, while two fingers of one hand pinched a certain object — the very thing "the ancients used to stuff into the anus at the time of the great encoffining" — and rubbed it beside his nose.

「呃啾」的一声响，爱姑明知道是七大人打喷嚏了，但不由得转过眼去看。只见七大人张著嘴，仍旧在那里皱鼻子，一只手的两个指头却撮著一件东西，就是那「古人大殓的时候塞在屁股眼里的」，在鼻子旁边摩擦著。

好容易，莊木三點清了洋錢；At long last, Zhuang Musan finished counting the silver dollars;兩方面各將紅綠帖子收起，大家的腰骨都似乎直得多，原先收緊著的臉相也寬懈下來，全客廳頓然見得一團和氣了。both sides put away their respective red-and-green betrothal papers, everyone's back seemed to straighten considerably, the faces that had been drawn tight also relaxed, and the whole parlor at once appeared all harmony and good feeling.

好容易，庄木三点清了洋钱；两方面各将红绿帖子收起，大家的腰骨都似乎直得多，原先收紧著的脸相也宽懈下来，全客厅顿然见得一团和气了。

「好！"Good!事情是圓功了。」慰老爺看見他們兩面都顯出告別的神氣，便吐一口氣，說。「那麼，嗡，再沒有什麼別的了。The matter is now brought to a happy conclusion." Mr. Wei, seeing that both sides now wore the air of taking their leave, let out a breath and said. "Well then, um, there's nothing else left.恭喜大吉，總算解了一個結。Congratulations, all's well — a knot has finally been untied.你們要走了麼？Are you going to be off now?不要走，在我們家裡喝了新年喜酒去：這是難得的。」Don't go yet — stay and have some New Year's wine with us here at our house: such a chance doesn't come often."

「好！事情是圆功了。」慰老爷看见他们两面都显出告别的神气，便吐一口气，说。「那么，嗡，再没有什么别的了。恭喜大吉，总算解了一个结。你们要走了么？不要走，在我们家里喝了新年喜酒去：这是难得的。」

「我們不喝了。"We won't stay for a drink.存著，明年再來喝罷。」愛姑說。Let's save it, and come drink it next year." said Aigu.

「我们不喝了。存著，明年再来喝罢。」爱姑说。

「謝謝慰老爺。"Thank you, Mr. Wei.我們不喝了。We won't stay to drink.我們還有事情……。」莊木三，「老畜生」和「小畜生」，都說著，恭恭敬敬地退出去。We still have matters to attend to......" Zhuang Musan, the 'old beast,' and the 'little beast' all said this, and withdrew, most respectfully.

「谢谢慰老爷。我们不喝了。我们还有事情……。」庄木三，「老畜生」和「小畜生」，都说著，恭恭敬敬地退出去。

「唔？"Hm?怎麼？What's this?不喝一點去麼？」慰老爺還註視著走在最後的愛姑，說。Won't you have just a little before you go?" said Mr. Wei, his eyes still fixed on Aigu, who was walking last.

「唔？怎么？不喝一点去么？」慰老爷还注视著走在最后的爱姑，说。

「是的，不喝了。"Yes, we won't stay to drink.謝謝慰老爺。」Thank you, Mr. Wei."

「是的，不喝了。谢谢慰老爷。」

一九二五年十一月六日November 6, 1925