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《蔡太師擅恩錫爵 西門慶生子加官 - Grand Secretary Cai Bestows Grace and Titles at Will: Ximen Qing's Son Is Born and He Receives a Promotion》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 蔡太師擅... : | 詞曰： |
| The verse says: | ||
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十千日日索花奴，白馬驕駝馮子都。今年新拜執金吾。 侵幙露桃初結子，妒花嬌鳥忽嗛雛。閨中姊妹半愁娛。 | ||
| Ten thousand days, day after day, seeking Hua Nu; a white horse and proud camel belong to Feng Zidu. This year newly appointed as the Keeper of Gold Whips. The peach trees by the curtain have just begun to bear fruit; a jealous bird suddenly pecks at the fledgling. The sisters in the boudoir are half troubled and half entertained. | ||
| 2 | 蔡太師擅... : | 話說西門慶與潘金蓮兩個洗畢澡，就睡在房中。春梅坐在穿廊下一張涼椅兒上納鞋，只見琴童兒在角門首探頭舒腦的觀看。春梅問道：「你有甚話說？」那琴童見秋菊頂著石頭跪在院內，只顧用手往來指。春梅罵道：「怪囚根子！有甚話，說就是了，指手畫腳怎的？」那琴童笑了半日，方纔說：「看墳的張安，在外邊等爹說話哩。」春梅道：「賊囚根子！張安就是了，何必大驚小怪，見鬼也似！悄悄兒的，爹和娘睡著了。驚醒他，你就是死。你且叫張安在外邊等等兒。」琴童兒走出來外邊，約等夠半日，又走來角門首踅探，問道：「爹起來了不曾？」春梅道：「怪囚！失張冒勢，唬我一跳，有要沒緊，兩頭遊魂哩！」琴童道：「張安等爹說了話，還要趕出門去，怕天晚了。」春梅道：「爹娘正睡的甜甜兒的，誰敢攪擾他，你教張安且等著去，十分晚了，教他明日去罷。」 |
| After Ximen Qing and Pan Jinlian had finished bathing, they went to sleep in the room. Chunmei was sitting on a cool chair under the corridor, mending shoes. She saw Qintong peeking through the side gate with his head and ears sticking out to watch. Chunmei asked, "Do you have something to say?" Qintong saw Qiujue kneeling in the courtyard with a stone on her head, and he just kept pointing at her with his hand. Chunmei scolded, "You wretched rascal! If you have something to say, just say it. What are you gesticulating for?" Qintong laughed for a while before saying, "Zhang An, the tomb guardian, is waiting outside to speak with Master." Chunmei said, "You damned rascal! Zhang An is just a common person; there's no need to make such a big fuss and act as if you've seen a ghost!" They are sleeping quietly. Master and Madam are asleep. If you wake them, you'll be dead." You just tell Zhang An to wait outside for a while." Qintong went out and waited outside. After waiting about half a day, he returned to the side gate and peered in, asking, "Has Master gotten up yet?" Chunmei said, "You wretch! Making a big fuss and startling me like that. If it's not important, don't be running around like a lost soul!" Qintong said, "Zhang An is waiting to speak with Master and then has to leave quickly. He's afraid it will get too late." Chunmei said, "Master and Madam are sleeping soundly. Who dares to disturb them? You tell Zhang An to keep waiting for now. If it gets really late, just tell him to come back tomorrow." | ||
| 3 | 蔡太師擅... : | 正說著，不想西門慶在房裡聽見，便叫春梅進房，問誰說話。春梅道：「琴童說墳上張安兒在外邊，見爹說話哩。」西門慶道：「拿衣我穿，等我起去。」春梅一面打發西門慶穿衣裳，金蓮便問：「張安來說甚麼話？」西門慶道：「張安前日來說，咱家墳隔壁趙寡婦家莊子兒連地要賣，價銀三百兩。我只還他二百五十兩銀子，教張安和他講去。裡面一眼井，四個井圈打水。若買成這莊子，展開合為一處，裡面蓋三間捲棚，三間廳房，疊山子花園、井亭、射箭廳、打毬場，耍子去處，破使幾兩銀子收拾也罷。」婦人道：「也罷，咱買了罷。明日你娘每上墳，到那裡好遊玩耍子。」說畢，西門慶往前邊和張安說話去了。 |
| Just as they were speaking, unexpectedly Ximen Qing heard from inside the room and called Chunmei in to ask who was talking. Chunmei said, "Qintong says Zhang An from the tomb is outside waiting to speak with you." Ximen Qing said, "Bring me my clothes. I'll get up and go out." While Chunmei was helping Ximen Qing put on his clothes, Jinlian asked, "What did Zhang An come to say?" Ximen Qing said, "Zhang An came the other day and said that the widow Zhao next to our family's tomb wants to sell her estate and land for 300 taels of silver." I only want to give him 250 taels, tell Zhang An to negotiate with her about it. There is a well inside, and four stone rings for drawing water. If we buy this estate, expand it and combine the areas into one, build three rooms with a curved roof, three rooms for the hall, pile up rockeries in the garden, construct a well pavilion, an archery hall, and a polo field. It would be nice to have a place to play; spending several taels of silver on repairs would be worth it." The woman said, "Very well, let's buy it then. Tomorrow when your mother goes to the tomb, she can go there and have a nice time playing around." After saying this, Ximen Qing went forward to speak with Zhang An. | ||
| 4 | 蔡太師擅... : | 金蓮起來，向鏡臺前重勻粉臉，再整雲鬟。出來院內要打秋菊。那春梅旋去外邊叫了琴童兒來弔板子。金蓮問道：「叫你拿酒，你怎的拿冷酒與爹吃？原來你家沒大了，說著，你還釘嘴鐵舌兒的！」喝聲：「叫琴童兒與我老實打與這奴才二十板子！」那琴童才打到十板子上，多虧了李瓶兒笑嘻嘻走過來勸住了，饒了他十板。金蓮教與李瓶兒磕了頭，放他起來，廚下去了。李瓶兒道：「老潘領了個十五歲的丫頭，後邊二姐姐買了房裡使喚，要七兩五錢銀子。請你過去瞧瞧。」金蓮遂與李瓶兒一同後邊去了。李嬌兒果問西門慶用七兩銀子買了，改名夏花兒，房中使喚，不在話下。 |
| Jinlian got up and in front of the mirror stand reapplied her powder, then combed her hair again into its cloud-like style. She came out to the courtyard intending to beat Qiujue. Chunmei quickly went outside and called Qintong to bring a paddle for beating. Jinlian asked, "I told you to get wine, how could you give cold wine to Master?" "Don't you know your place anymore? You just keep talking back with that stubborn mouth of yours!" She shouted, "Qintong, give this wretched servant twenty honest strokes with the paddle!" Just as Qintong was about to strike ten strokes, Li Ping'er came over smiling and persuaded her to stop, sparing the servant from another ten. Jinlian made Qiujue kowtow to Li Ping'er, then let him up and sent him back to the kitchen. Li Ping'er said, "Old Pan took in a fifteen-year-old girl. The second sister bought her for use inside the house and paid seven taels and five qian of silver." Please go over there to take a look." Jinlian then went with Li Ping'er to the back. It turned out that Li Jiaoer had indeed asked Ximen Qing to buy her for seven taels of silver, and she was renamed Xia Hua'er. She served in the house; there is no need to go into further details about this. | ||
| 5 | 蔡太師擅... : | 單表來保同吳主管押送生辰擔，正值炎蒸天氣，路上十分難行，免不得飢餐渴飲。有日到了東京萬壽門外，尋客店安下。到次日，齎台馱箱禮物，逕到天漢橋蔡太師府門前伺候。來保教吳主管押著禮物，他穿上青衣，逕向守門官吏唱了個喏。那守門官吏問道：「你是那裡來的？」來保道：「我是山東清河縣西門員外家人，來與老爺進獻生辰禮物。」官吏罵道：「賊少死野囚軍！你那裡便興你東門員外、西門員外？俺老爺當今一人之下，萬人之上，不論三台八位，不論公子王孫，誰敢在老爺府前這等稱呼？趁早靠後！」內中有認的來保的，便安撫來保說道：「此是新參的守門官吏，才不多幾日，他不認的你，休怪。你要稟見老爺，等我請出翟大叔來。」這來保便向袖中取出一包銀子，重一兩，遞與那人。那人道：「我到不消。你再添一分，與那兩個官吏，休和他一般見識。」來保連忙拿出三包銀子來，每人一兩，都打發了。那官吏才有些笑容兒，說道：「你既是清河縣來的，且略等候，等我領你先見翟管家。老爺才從上清寶霄宮進了香回來，書房內睡。」良久，請將翟管家出來，穿著涼鞋凈襪，青絲絹道袍。來保見了，忙磕下頭去。翟管家答禮相還，說道：「前者累你。你來與老爺進生辰擔禮來了？」來保先遞上一封揭帖，腳下人捧著一對南京尺頭，三十兩白金，說道：「家主西門慶，多上覆翟爹，無物表情，這些薄禮，與翟爹賞人。前者鹽客王四之事，多蒙翟爹費心。」翟謙道：「此禮我不當受。罷，罷，我且收下。」來保又遞上太師壽禮帖兒，看了，還付與來保，吩咐把禮抬進來，到二門裡首伺候。原來二門西首有三間倒座，來往雜人都在那裡待茶。須臾，一個小童拿了兩盞茶來，與來保、吳主管吃了。 |
| Now let us speak of Lai Bao and Wu Zongguan, who were escorting the birthday gifts. It was a swelteringly hot season, making travel along the road extremely difficult; they could not avoid eating hungrily and drinking thirstily. One day they arrived at the Wanshou Gate outside Dongjing, where they found an inn to stay. The next day, carrying the boxes of gifts on their donkeys, they went straight to the front gate of Cai Taishi's residence at Tianhan Bridge and waited there. Lai Bao instructed Wu Zongguan to guard the gifts, then he put on a blue robe and went straight up to the gate guards, bowing respectfully. łoż The gate official asked, "Where have you come from?" Lai Bao said, "I am a servant of Ximen Yiwai from Qinghe County in Shandong. I have come to present birthday gifts to you, sir." The official scolded, "You damned wretched soldier!" Who do you think you are, coming here and mentioning your East Gate Yiwai or West Gate Yiwai?" My master is the second most powerful man in the country, above ten thousand others. No matter if you are a high-ranking official or an aristocrat, who dares to address him like that at my master's gate?" Get out of here quickly!" Among those present, someone who recognized Lai Bao comforted him and said, "This is a newly appointed gate official; he's only been here for a few days. He doesn't know you—don't take it personally." "If you want to report to the master, wait while I bring out Uncle Zhai for you." Lai Bao then took a packet of silver from his sleeve, weighing one tael, and handed it to that man. The man said, "I don't need it." "You should add a little more and give it to the two other officials. Don't treat them all the same." Lai Bao quickly took out three packets of silver, one tael each, and gave them to everyone, thus settling the matter. The official then showed a slight smile and said, "Since you are from Qinghe County, wait here for a moment. I will take you to see Uncle Zhai first." The master just returned from offering incense at the Shangqing Baoxiao Palace and is sleeping in his study. After a long while, Uncle Zhai was summoned out, wearing cool shoes and clean socks, dressed in a blue silk robe. Lai Bao saw him and hurriedly kowtowed. Uncle Zhai returned the courtesy, saying, "Earlier I put you to trouble." Have you come with birthday gifts for my master?" Lai Bao first presented an envelope, while a servant below held up a pair of Nanjing cloth bolts and thirty taels of white silver. He said, "My master Ximen Qing sends his greetings to Uncle Zhai. We have nothing else to express our feelings; these humble gifts are for you, Uncle Zhai, to give away as you please." Earlier, regarding the salt merchant Wang Si's matter, we greatly appreciate your trouble and effort, Uncle Zhai." Zhai Qian said, "I should not accept these gifts. Well then, well then, I will just take them." Lai Bao then presented the birthday gift envelope for the Taishi. After reading it, Zhai Qian returned it to Lai Bao and ordered that the gifts be carried in and placed at the second gate's inner side to wait. Originally, there were three rooms facing east at the western end of the second gate; visitors and attendants usually waited for tea there. In a short while, a young servant boy brought two cups of tea and gave them to Lai Bao and Wu Zongan. | ||
| 6 | 蔡太師擅... : | 少頃，太師出廳。翟謙先稟知太師，然後令來保、吳主管進見，跪於階下。翟謙先把壽禮揭帖呈遞與太師觀看，來保、吳主管各抬獻禮物。但見：黃烘烘金壺玉盞，白晃晃減［革反］仙人。錦繡蟒衣，五彩奪目；南京紵緞，金碧交輝。湯羊美酒，盡貼封皮；異果時新，高堆盤盒。如何不喜，便道：「這禮物決不好受的，你還將回去。」慌的來保等在下叩頭，說道：「小的主人西門慶，沒甚孝意，些小微物，進獻老爺賞人。」太師道：「既是如此，令左右收了。」旁邊祗應人等，把禮物盡行收下去。太師又道：「前日那滄州客人王四等之事，我已差人下書，與你巡撫侯爺說了。可見了分上不曾？」來保道：「蒙老爺天恩，書到，眾鹽客就都放出來了。」太師又向來保說道：「累次承你主人費心，無物可伸，如何是好？你主人身上可有甚官役？」來保道：「小人的主人一介鄉民，有何官役？」太師道：「既無官役，昨日朝廷欽賜了我幾張空名告身札付，我安你主人在你那山東提刑所，做個理刑副千戶，頂補千戶賀金的員缺，好不好？」來保慌的叩頭謝道：「蒙老爺莫大之恩，小的家主舉家粉首碎身，莫能報答！」於是喚堂候官抬書案過來，即時簽押了一道空名告身札付，把西門慶名字填註上面，列銜金吾衛衣左所副千戶、山東等處提刑所理刑。又向來保道：「你二人替我進獻生辰禮物，多有辛苦。」因問：「後邊跪的是你甚麼人？」來保才待說是伙計，那吳主管向前道：「小的是西門慶舅子，名喚吳典恩。」太師道：「你既是西門慶舅子，我觀你倒好個儀錶。」喚堂候官取過一張札付：「我安你在本處清河縣做個驛丞，倒也去的。」那吳典恩慌的磕頭如搗蒜。又取過一張札付來，把來保名字填寫山東鄆王府，做了一名校尉。俱磕頭謝了，領了札付。吩咐明日早晨，吏、兵二部掛號，討勘合，限日上任應役。又吩咐翟謙西廂房管待酒飯，討十兩銀子與他二人做路費，不在話下。 |
| After a little while, the Taishi came out of his hall. Zhai Qian first reported to the Taishi, then ordered Lai Bao and Wu Zongaun to present themselves for an audience, where they knelt at the steps below. Zhai Qian first presented the birthday gift envelope to the Taishi for inspection, and Lai Bao and Wu Zonaun each carried forward their gifts. One could see: golden teapots and jade cups glowing in yellow brilliance, white-robed immortals shimmering with brightness. Silk brocade dragon robes, dazzling in five colors; Nanjing zhu duns, with golden and jade hues interwoven. Boiled lamb and fine wine, all sealed neatly; Exotic fruits and seasonal delicacies were piled high in plates and boxes. How could one not be pleased? He said, "These gifts are certainly too generous to accept; you should take them back." Lai Bao and the others below hurriedly kowtowed, saying, "My master Ximen Qing has no great intention; these are just small items to be presented for you, sir, to give away." The Taishi said, "If that is the case, let my attendants take them in." People on the side who were responsible for receiving things took all the gifts away. The Taishi added, "Regarding that Cangzhou guest Wang Si and others the other day, I have already sent a letter through someone to inform your governor Hou Y 爷. Have you seen any results yet?" Lai Bao replied, "Thanks to your kind favor, sir. As soon as the letter arrived, all the salt merchants were released." The Taishi then said to Lai Bao, "I have repeatedly received your master's thoughtful efforts. I have no gift to offer in return—how can this be resolved? Does your master hold any official position?" Lai Bao said, "My master is just a simple countryman; he holds no official position." The Taishi said, "Since he holds no official post, yesterday the imperial court specially granted me several blank appointment orders. I will appoint your master to a position at the Shandong Judicial Office as an assistant judicial commander, filling in for Commander He Jin's vacancy. How does that sound?" Lai Bao hurriedly kowtowed and thanked, saying, "Your great kindness, sir! My master's entire family would be willing to die a thousand deaths and cannot repay your favor!" He then called the hall attendant to bring over the document case, immediately signed and issued a blank appointment order, filled in Ximen Qing's name on it, and listed his title as Deputy Commander of the Jinwu Wei Yi Zuosuo and Judicial Officer at the Shandong Office. He then said to Lai Bao again, "The two of you have gone through much trouble and hardship in presenting the birthday gifts for me. Then he asked, "Who is that kneeling behind?" Lai Bao was about to say he was a partner, but Wu Zongaun stepped forward and said, "I am Ximen Qing's nephew-in-law. My name is Wu Dianen." The Taishi said, "Since you are Ximen Qing's nephew-in-law, I see that you have a fine appearance." He called the hall attendant and took over an order, saying, "I will appoint you as a postmaster in Qinghe County of this region. That should be suitable for you." Wu Dianen hurriedly kowtowed repeatedly, like garlic being pounded. He then took another order and filled in Lai Bao's name as a military officer at the Yinfu Mansion of Shandong, appointing him as a junior officer. They both kowtowed to thank and received the orders. He gave instructions for the next morning, that the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of War should register their names, obtain official credentials, and set a deadline for assuming office and performing duties. He also instructed Zhai Qian to see that they were lodged in the western wing and provided with food and drink, and gave them ten taels of silver as travel expenses. There is no need to go into further details about this. | ||
| 7 | 蔡太師擅... : | 看官聽說：那時徽宗，天下失政，姦臣當道，讒佞盈朝，高、楊、童、蔡四個姦黨，在朝中賣官鬻獄，賄賂公行，懸秤陞官，指方補價。夤緣鑽刺者，驟升美任；賢能廉直者，經歲不除。以致風俗頹敗，贓官污吏遍滿天下，役煩賦興，民窮盜起，天下騷然。不因姦臣居台輔，合是中原血染人。 |
| Dear readers, please listen: At that time under Emperor Huizong, the state was misgoverned. Wicked ministers held power and flatterers filled the court. The four villains Gao, Yang, Tong, and Cai in the imperial court sold official posts and manipulated judicial cases; bribery was openly practiced, with officials being appointed by weight of silver and positions bought at set prices. Those who used underhanded means to curry favor were suddenly promoted to desirable posts; those who were virtuous, capable, and upright remained unappointed for years. As a result, social customs deteriorated and corrupt officials and dishonest clerks were everywhere. Heavy levies and burdensome corvée labor impoverished the people, leading to banditry and unrest throughout the land. Had it not been for the villains holding key positions in government, the Central Plains would have surely been stained with blood. | ||
| 8 | 蔡太師擅... : | 當下翟謙把來保、吳主管邀到廂房管待，大盤大碗飽餐了一頓。翟謙向來保說：「我有一件事，央及你爹替我處處，未知你爹肯應承否？」來保道：「翟爹說那裡話！蒙你老人家這等老爺前扶持看顧，不揀甚事，但肯吩咐，無不奉命。」翟謙道：「不瞞你說，我答應老爺，每日止賤荊一人。我年將四十，常有疾病，身邊通無所出。央及你爹，你那貴處有好人才女子，不拘十五六上下，替我尋一個送來。該多少財禮，我一一奉過去。」說畢，隨將一封人事並回書付與來保，又送二人五兩盤纏。來保再三不肯受，說道：「剛纔老爺上已賞過了。翟爹還收回去。」翟謙道：「那是老爺的，此是我的，不必推辭。」當下吃畢酒飯，翟謙道：「如今我這裡替你差個辦事官，同你到下處，明早好往吏、兵二部掛號，就領了勘合，好起身。省的你明日又費往返了。我吩咐了去，部里不敢遲滯你文書。」一面喚了個辦事官，名喚李中友：「你與二位明日同到部里掛了號，討勘合來回我話。」那員官與來保、吳典恩作辭，出的府門，來到天漢橋街上白酒店內會話。來保管待酒飯，又與了李中友三兩銀子，約定明日絕早先到吏部，然後到兵部，都掛號討了勘合。聞得是太師老爺府里，誰敢遲滯，顛倒奉行。金吾衛太尉朱勔，即時使印，簽了票帖，行下頭司，把來保填註在本處山東鄆王府當差。又拿了個拜帖，回翟管家。不消兩日，把事情幹得完備。有日雇頭口起身，星夜回清河縣來報喜。正是： |
| At that time, Zhai Qian invited Lai Bao and Master Wu to the side room for a meal, where they were served large bowls of food and ate heartily. Zhai Qian said to Lai Bao, "I have a matter that I need your father's help with. I wonder if he would be willing to take it on?" Lai Bao said, "Master Zhai, how could you say such a thing!" "Your kind support and care for my father before, who is but an old man like you, means that no matter what task you give us, we will follow your orders without hesitation." Zhai Qian said, "I won't hide it from you. I promised the master that each day only one humble person would be allowed to enter." "I am nearly forty years old and often suffer from illness, with no children of my own to care for me." "I am asking your father if there are any fine young women in your area, about fifteen or sixteen years old. Please find one for me and send her over." "As to the amount of dowry required, I will provide it all." After saying this, he immediately handed Lai Bao an envelope containing a gift and a letter of introduction, and also gave the two men five taels as travel expenses. Lai Bao repeatedly refused to accept it, saying, "The master has already given us a reward just now." "Master Zhai will still take it back." Zhai Qian said, "That was from the master; this is from me. There's no need to refuse." After finishing the meal, Zhai Qian said, "Now I will assign an official to accompany you from here to your lodging. Tomorrow morning, he can go with you to register at the Ministry of Rites and Ministry of War, obtain the credentials, so that you may depart." "This way, you won't have to make an extra trip back and forth tomorrow." "I will give the orders. The ministries will not delay your paperwork." He then called an official in charge of affairs, whose name was Li Zhongyou: "You will accompany the two gentlemen to register at the ministries tomorrow and obtain the credentials. Then return here with the results." The official bid farewell to Lai Bao and Wu Dianen, exited the mansion gate, and went to Baijiu Hotel on Tianhan Bridge Street for a meeting. Lai Bao treated the official to food and drink, gave Li Zhongyou three taels of silver, and they made an agreement that tomorrow at first light he would go to the Ministry of Rites first, then to the Ministry of War, and obtain credentials from both. They heard it was from the Taishi's mansion; who would dare to delay? They would carry out the orders promptly. Grand Marshal Zhu Mian of the Jinwu Wei immediately used his seal, signed a document, and sent it to the relevant office, registering Lai Bao as an official on duty at the Yinfu 王府 in Shandong. He also took a visiting card back to Master Zhai. Within no more than two days, the matter was completed thoroughly. On a certain day, they hired horses and carriages to set out, traveling through the night back to Qinghe County to deliver good news. Indeed: | ||
| 富貴必因姦巧得，功名全仗鄧通成。 | ||
| Wealth and honor must be obtained through cunning and deceit, And official success entirely relies on the patronage of powerful men like Deng Tong. | ||
| 9 | 蔡太師擅... : | 且說一日三伏天氣，西門慶在家中聚景堂上大卷棚內，賞玩荷花，避暑飲酒。吳月娘與西門慶俱上坐，諸妾與大姐都兩邊列坐，春梅、迎春、玉簫、蘭香，一般兒四個家樂在旁彈唱。怎見的當日酒席？但見： |
| Now let us speak of one day during the dog days of summer, when Ximen Qing was in his home, sitting under a large canopy at the Jujing Hall, admiring lotus flowers and drinking to cool off from the heat. Wu Yueliang and Ximen Qing were both seated in the main seats, while all the concubines and Dajie sat on either side. Chunmei, Yingchun, Yuxiao, and Lanxiang—four household entertainers—performed music and singing beside them. How can we describe the banquet of that day? One could see: | ||
| 盆栽綠草，瓶插紅花。水晶簾捲蝦須，雲母屏開孔雀。盤堆麟脯，佳人笑捧紫霞觴；盆浸冰桃，美女高擎碧玉斝。食烹異品，果獻時新。弦管謳歌，奏一派聲清韻美；綺羅珠翠，擺兩行舞女歌兒。當筵象板撒紅牙，遍體舞裙鋪錦繡。消遣壺中閑日月，遨遊身外醉乾坤。 | ||
| Potted green grass, red flowers in vases. Crystal curtains rolled up like shrimp whiskers; mother-of-pearl screens opened to reveal peacocks. Platters piled high with deer meat, beautiful women smiling as they presented purple cloud cups; Bowls of ice-cooled peaches, fair maidens holding up jade goblets. Exotic delicacies were cooked and served; fruits offered were the season's finest. Stringed instruments and flutes sang, producing a melody of clear and beautiful tones; Silk and brocade adorned with pearls and jade—rows of dancing girls and singing maidens lined up on both sides. At the banquet, ivory clappers tapped rhythmically as red ivory was scattered; embroidered silk skirts adorned every dancer's body. They idly passed time within the wine jar, carefree of days and months, and wandered in drunken bliss beyond their own bodies, lost in a world of joy. | ||
| 10 | 蔡太師擅... : | 妻妾正飲酒中間，坐間不見了李瓶兒。月娘向繡春說道：「你娘往屋裡做甚麼哩？」繡春道：「我娘害肚裡疼，歪著哩。」月娘道：「還不快對他說去，休要歪著，來這裡聽一回唱罷。」西門慶便問月娘：「怎的？」月娘道：「李大姐忽然害肚裡疼，房裡躺著哩。我使小丫頭請他去了。」因向玉樓道：「李大姐七八臨月，只怕攪撒了。」潘金蓮道：「大姐姐，他那裡是這個月？約他是八月里孩子，還早哩！」西門慶道：「既是早哩，使丫頭請你六娘來聽唱。」不一時，只見李瓶兒來到。月娘道：「只怕你掉了風冷氣，你吃上鐘熱酒，管情就好了。」不一時，各人面前斟滿了酒。西門慶吩咐春梅：「你每唱個『人皆畏夏日』我聽。」那春梅等四個方纔箏排雁柱，阮跨鮫綃，啟朱唇，露皓齒，唱「人皆畏夏日」。那李瓶兒在酒席上，只是把眉頭忔著，也沒等的唱完，就回房中去了。月娘聽了詞曲，耽著心，使小玉房中瞧去。回來報說：「六娘害肚裡疼，在炕上打滾哩。」慌了月娘道：「我說是時候，這六姐還強說早哩。還不喚小廝快請老娘去！」西門慶即令平安兒：「風跑！快請蔡老娘去！」於是連酒也吃不成，都來李瓶兒房中問他。 |
| While the wives and concubines were drinking, Li Ping'er suddenly disappeared from her seat among them. Wu Yueliang asked Xiu Chun, "Where did your mother go inside the house?" Xiu Chun said, "My mother has a stomachache and is lying down." Wu Yueliang said, "Go tell her quickly. Don't let her lie around—come here and listen to the singing for a while." Ximen Qing then asked Wu Yueliang, "What's wrong?" Wu Yueliang said: "Big Sister Li suddenly has a stomachache and is now lying in her room." "I've already sent the little maid to fetch him." She then said to Yulou, "Big Sister Li is in her seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. I'm afraid this might cause complications." Pan Jinlian said, "Elder sister, how can he be pregnant in this month?" "He's expecting a child for August; it's still early!" Ximen Qing said, "Since there is still time, send the maid to invite my sixth wife here to listen to the singing." In no time at all, Li Ping'er arrived. Wu Yueliang said: "I'm afraid you caught a chill. Have a cup of warm wine, and I guarantee it will make you feel better." In no time at all, cups of wine were poured for everyone present. Ximen Qing instructed Chunmei: "You all sing 'Everyone fears the summer heat' for me to listen." The four of them, led by Chunmei, then arranged the zithers like geese in formation and tuned their pipa strings with silk threads. They opened their red lips and revealed their white teeth to sing "Everyone fears the summer heat." Li Ping'er, at the banquet, kept frowning and didn't wait for the song to finish before returning to her room. Wu Yueliang was troubled by the lyrics of the song and sent Xiaoyu to check on Li Ping'er in her room. When she returned, Xiaoyu reported: "The sixth mistress is suffering from stomach pain and rolling around on the kang." Wu Yueliang panicked and said, "I told you it was time. This sixth sister still insisted it was too early." "Quickly send the boy to fetch the midwife!" Ximen Qing immediately ordered Bainanger: "Hurry up and run!" "Quickly go get Auntie Cai!" As a result, they could not even finish their wine and all went to Li Ping'er's room to check on her. | ||
| 11 | 蔡太師擅... : | 月娘問道：「李大姐，你心裡覺的怎的？」李瓶兒回道：「大娘，我只心口連小肚子，往下鱉墜著疼。」月娘道：「你起來，休要睡著，只怕滾壞了胎。老娘請去了，便來也。」少頃，漸漸李瓶兒疼的緊了。月娘又問：「使了誰請老娘去了？這咱還不見來？」玳安道：「爹使來安去了。」月娘罵道：「這囚根子，你還不快迎迎去！平白沒算計，使那小奴才去，有緊沒慢的。」西門慶叫玳安快騎了騾子趕去。月娘道：「一個風火事，還象尋常慢條斯禮兒的。」那潘金蓮見李瓶兒待養孩子，心中未免有幾分氣。在房裡看了一回，把孟玉樓拉出來，兩個站在西梢間檐柱兒底下那裡歇涼，一處說話。說道：「耶嚛嚛！緊著熱剌剌的擠了一屋子的人，也不是養孩子，都看著下象膽哩。」良久，只見蔡老娘進門，望眾人道：「那位是主家奶奶？」李嬌兒指著月娘道：「這位大娘哩。」那蔡老娘倒身磕頭。月娘道：「姥姥，生受你。怎的這咱才來？請看這位娘子，敢待生養也？」蔡老娘向床前摸了摸李瓶兒身上，說道：「是時候了。」問：「大娘預備下綳接、草紙不曾？」月娘道：「有。」便叫小玉：「往我房中快取去！」 |
| Wu Yueliang asked, "Big Sister Li, how are you feeling?" Li Ping'er replied, "Elder sister, I feel a pain from my chest down to my lower abdomen, like something is dragging and sinking." Wu Yueliang said: "Get up, don't lie around. I'm afraid the pain might harm the fetus." "The midwife has been sent for and will be here soon." After a short while, Li Ping'er's pain gradually intensified. Wu Yueliang then asked again: "Who was sent to fetch the midwife?" "Why hasn't she arrived yet?" Dai'an said, "Father sent Lai'an to go." Wu Yueliang scolded, "You good-for-nothing! Don't you go out and meet her quickly!" "You had no plan at all. You sent that little servant, who is always slow and careless." Ximen Qing ordered Dai'an to quickly ride the mule and go after her. Wu Yueliang said: "This is an emergency, yet you still act as if it's a normal matter and take your time." Pan Jinlian, seeing that Li Ping'er was about to give birth, could not help but feel a bit resentful in her heart. After looking around for a while, she pulled Meng Yulou out of the room and the two stood under the eaves at the western wing, resting in the shade to cool off and chatting together. She said, "Oh my!" "With the sweltering heat and a crowd of people crammed into one room, it's not even about giving birth—it's like watching someone play chess!" After a long time, Auntie Cai entered the room and asked the crowd, "Which one of you is the lady of the house?" Li Jiaoer pointed at Wu Yueliang and said, "This is the elder sister." Auntie Cai bowed deeply with her head touching the ground. Wu Yueliang said, "Granny, thank you for going to so much trouble." "Why have you come only now?" "Please look at this lady—does she seem about to give birth?" Auntie Cai touched Li Ping'er's body by the bedside and said, "It is time now." She asked, "Has the elder sister prepared the birthing cloth and straw paper?" Wu Yueliang replied, "Yes." She then called out to Xiaoyu, "Go quickly and get them from my room!" | ||
| 12 | 蔡太師擅... : | 且說玉樓見老娘進門，便向金蓮說：「蔡老娘來了，咱不往屋裡看看去？」那金蓮一面不是一面，說道：「你要看，你去。我是不看他。他是有孩子的姐姐，又有時運，人怎的不看他？頭裡我自不是，說了句話兒『只怕是八月里的』，叫大姐姐白搶白相。我想起來好沒來由，倒惱了我這半日。」玉樓道：「我也只說他是六月里孩子。」金蓮道：「這回連你也韶刀了！我和你恁算：他從去年八月來，又不是黃花女兒，當年懷，入門養。一個婚後老婆，漢子不知見過了多少，也一兩個月才生胎，就認做是咱家孩子？我說差了？若是八月里孩兒，還有咱家些影兒；若是六月的，踩小板凳兒糊險神道──還差著一帽頭子哩！失迷了家鄉，那裡尋犢兒去？」正說著，只見小玉抱著草紙、綳接並小褥子兒來。孟玉樓道：「此是大姐姐自預備下他早晚用的，今日且借來應急兒。」金蓮道：「一個是大老婆，一個是小老婆，明日兩個對養，十分養不出來，零碎出來也罷。俺每是買了個母雞不下蛋，莫不吃了我不成！」又道：「仰著合著，沒的狗咬尿胞虛歡喜？」玉樓道：「五姐是甚麼話！」以後見他說話不防頭腦，只低著頭弄裙帶子，並不作聲應答他。少頃，只見孫雪娥聽見李瓶兒養孩子，從後邊慌慌張張走來觀看，不防黑影里被台基險些不曾絆了一交。金蓮看見，教玉樓：「你看獻勤的小婦奴才！你慢慢走，慌怎的？搶命哩！黑影子絆倒了，磕了牙也是錢！養下孩子來，明日賞你這小婦奴才一個紗帽戴！」良久，只聽房裡「呱」的一聲養下來了。蔡老娘道：「對當家的老爹說，討喜錢，分娩了一位哥兒。」吳月娘報與西門慶。西門慶慌忙洗手，天地祖先位下滿爐降香，告許一百二十分清醮，要祈母子平安，臨盆有慶，坐草無虞。這潘金蓮聽見生下孩子來了，合家歡喜，亂成一塊，越發怒氣，逕自去到房裡，自閉門戶，向床上哭去了。時宣和四年戊申六月念三日也。正是： |
| Meanwhile, Meng Yulou, seeing the midwife enter, turned to Pan Jinlian and said, "Auntie Cai has arrived. Shouldn't we go inside to take a look?" Pan Jinlian was reluctant but replied awkwardly, "If you want to see, then you go." "I won't look at her." "She is the elder sister who has given birth, and she's also in good fortune. How could people not look at her?" "Earlier I was wrong, and when I said that 'perhaps it's in the eighth month,' the elder sister misunderstood me." "Just thinking about it is unreasonable. It has annoyed me for hours now." Meng Yulou said, "I also thought the child was born in the sixth month." Pan Jinlian said, "This time even you were misled!" "Let me tell you both: she came here last August, and she is not a virgin. She became pregnant the same year and gave birth after marrying into the family." "She is a married woman. Her husband has no idea how many men she's met. It could have been just one or two months before she became pregnant—how can they assume it's our family's child?" "Did I say something wrong?" "If the child were born in August, there might still be some resemblance to our family; " "but if it's a June child, it's like trying to reach the spirit tablet by standing on a small stool and pretending—it still falls short by one generation!" "Having lost our hometown, where else can we go looking for a calf?" Just as they were speaking, Xiaoyu came in holding straw paper, birthing cloths, and a small blanket. Meng Yulou said: "These are things the elder sister had prepared for her daily use. Today, we'll borrow them to tide us over." Pan Jinlian said: "One is the senior wife, and one is the junior wife. Tomorrow they can both take turns nursing it. If it doesn't survive in full health, at least let it come out alive." "We bought a hen that doesn't lay eggs—do you think we would eat her instead!" She added, "What's the point of pretending to be happy like a dog biting an empty bladder?" lando Meng Yulou said: "Fifth Sister, what are you talking about!" From then on, whenever she spoke and didn't make sense, Pan Jinlian would just lower her head, fiddle with her sash, and say nothing in response. After a short while, Sun Xue'e, having heard that Li Ping'er had given birth, hurriedly came from the back to take a look. Unaware of her surroundings, she nearly tripped over something in the shadows near the platform steps. Pan Jinlian saw this and said to Meng Yulou: "Look at that eager little servant woman!" "Walk slowly. Why are you in such a rush?" "It's like racing for one's life!" "If you trip in the dark and break a tooth, it'll still cost money!" "If she gives birth to a healthy child, tomorrow I will reward you, this little servant woman, with a silk hat to wear!" After some time, they heard from inside the room a "wail"—the child was born. Auntie Cai said, "Tell Master Ximen to prepare the red envelope; a boy has been delivered." Wu Yueliang informed Ximen Qing. Ximen Qing hurriedly washed his hands, lit incense in full censers before the altars of heaven and earth as well as his ancestors, and made a solemn vow to offer one hundred and twenty pure vegetarian offerings. He prayed for the mother and child's safety, a joyous childbirth, and peace during labor. Upon hearing that the child had been born and seeing everyone in the household rejoicing and making a commotion, Pan Jinlian became even more furious. She went straight to her room, locked the door, and wept on the bed. It was the twenty-third day of the sixth month in the year Wushen (1124 AD). Indeed: | ||
| 不如意事常八九，可與人言無二三。 | ||
| "Nine times out of ten, things do not go as one wishes; there are few matters among these that can be spoken to others." | ||
| 13 | 蔡太師擅... : | 蔡老娘收拾孩子，咬去臍帶，埋畢衣胞，熬了些定心湯，打發李瓶兒吃了，安頓孩兒停當。月娘讓老娘後邊管待酒飯。臨去，西門慶與了他五兩一錠銀子，許洗三朝來，還與他一匹緞子。這蔡老娘千恩萬謝出門。 |
| Auntie Cai took care of the child, clamped and cut the umbilical cord, buried the placenta and afterbirth, prepared some calming soup for Li Ping'er to drink, and finally settled everything with the baby. Wu Yueliang sent Auntie Cai to the back courtyard for a meal as a token of appreciation. Before leaving, Ximen Qing gave her a five-tael silver ingot and promised to give her another bolt of satin when the child reached three days old. Auntie Cai left with many expressions of gratitude. | ||
| 14 | 蔡太師擅... : | 當日，西門慶進房去，見一個滿抱的孩子，生的甚是白凈，心中十分歡喜。合家無不歡悅。晚夕，就在李瓶兒房中歇了，不住來看孩兒。次日，巴天不明起來，拿十副方盒，使小廝各親戚鄰友處，分投送喜面。應伯爵、謝希大聽見西門慶生了子，送喜面來，慌的兩步做一步走來賀喜。西門慶留他捲棚內吃面。剛打發去了，正要使小廝叫媒人來尋養娘，忽有薛嫂兒領了個奶子來。原是小人家媳婦兒，年三十歲，新近丟了孩兒，不上一個月。男子漢當軍，過不的，恐出征去無人養贍，只要六兩銀子賣他。月娘見他生的乾凈，對西門慶說，兌了六兩銀子留下，取名如意兒，教他早晚看奶哥兒。又把老馮叫來暗房中使喚，每月與他五錢銀子，管顧他衣服。 |
| That day, Ximen Qing went into the room and saw a plump baby with very fair skin. He was extremely pleased. Everyone in the household was overjoyed. That evening, he stayed in Li Ping'er's room and kept coming to look at the baby repeatedly. The next day, before dawn had broken, he took ten lacquered boxes and sent his young servant to deliver celebratory noodles to all relatives and neighbors. Ying Bojie and Xie Xidai, having heard that Ximen Qing had a son, came to deliver celebratory noodles. Hurriedly, they walked two steps at a time as if one step, coming to offer their congratulations. Ximen Qing invited them into the pavilion to eat noodles together. Just as he had sent them off and was about to send a servant to call the matchmaker to find a wet nurse, suddenly Xue Gaoer led in a wet nurse. She was originally the daughter-in-law of a poor family, thirty years old, and had recently lost her child less than a month ago. Her husband was conscripted into the army and could not support her; he feared that if he went on a military campaign, there would be no one to care for her. So he wanted six taels of silver to sell her. Wu Yueliang saw that she was neat and clean, and told Ximen Qing to give her six taels of silver in exchange for keeping her. They named the child Ruyier, and instructed her to nurse the baby day and night. They also called Old Feng over from the servants' quarters, assigned him to take care of her in secret, and gave him five qian of silver each month for clothing expenses. | ||
| 15 | 蔡太師擅... : | 正熱鬧一日，忽有平安報：「來保、吳主管在東京回還，見在門首下頭口。」不一時，二人進來，見了西門慶報喜。西門慶問：「喜從何來？」二人悉把到東京見蔡太師進禮一節，從頭至尾說道：「老爺見了禮物甚喜，說道：『我累次受你主人之禮，無可補報。』朝廷欽賞了他幾張空名誥身札付，就與了爹一張，把爹名姓填註在金吾衛副千戶之職，就委差在本處提刑所理刑，頂補賀老爺員缺。把小的做了鐵鈴衛校尉，填註鄆王府當差。吳主管升做本縣驛丞。」於是把一樣三張印信札付，並吏、兵二部勘合，並誥身都取出來，放在桌上與西門慶觀看。西門慶看見上面銜著許多印信，朝廷欽依事例，果然他是副千戶之職，不覺歡從額角眉尖出，喜向腮邊笑臉生。便把朝廷明降，拿到後邊與吳月娘眾人觀看，說：「太師老爺抬舉我，升我做金吾衛副千戶，居五品大夫之職。你頂受五花官誥，做了夫人。又把吳主管攜帶做了驛丞，來保做了鄆王府校尉。吳神仙相我不少紗帽戴，有平地登雲之喜，今日果然。不上半月，兩椿喜事都應驗了。」又對月娘說：「李大姐養的這孩子甚是腳硬，到三日洗了三，就起名叫做官哥兒罷。」來保進來，與月娘眾人磕頭，說了回話。吩咐明日早把文書下到提刑所衙門裡，與夏提刑知會了。吳主管明日早下文書到本縣，作辭西門慶回家去了。 |
| Just as the household was in high spirits, Pan'an suddenly reported: "Lai Bao and Wu Guanquan have returned from Dongjing. They are now at the gate with their horses." In no time, the two men entered and greeted Ximen Qing to deliver good news. Ximen Qing asked, "What is this good news?" The two men recounted in full detail their visit to Tai Shi Cai in Dongjing and the gifts they had presented: "Master was very pleased with the presents, saying, 'I have received many gifts from your master over the years, yet I can find no way to repay him.'" "The imperial court specially awarded him several blank edicts for official appointments. One was given to your father, and his name was filled in as the deputy thousand-man commander of the Jinwu Wei. He has been assigned to handle judicial affairs at the local Office of Censorship, filling the vacancy left by Lord He." "They also appointed me as a guard officer in Tie Ling Wei and assigned me to serve at Yunchun Prince's mansion." "And Master Wu was promoted to the position of postmaster of this county." They then took out three official documents with seals, as well as matching orders from the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War, along with the imperial edict, placing them on the table for Ximen Qing to see. Ximen Qing, seeing the many official seals and imperial endorsements on the documents, realized that he was indeed appointed as a deputy thousand-man commander. Joy immediately showed in his brows and eyes, and a smile spread across his face. He immediately took the official decree and showed it to Wu Yueliang and the others in the back, saying: "Master Tai Shi has promoted me. He appointed me as deputy thousand-man commander of Jinwu Wei, a position equivalent to that of a fifth-rank gentleman." "You will receive the five-colored imperial edict and become a lady." He also promoted Master Wu to postmaster and appointed Lai Bao as a guard officer at Yunchun Prince's mansion. Wu Shenshen once told me I would wear a silk hat, and that I would rise to power as if ascending the clouds from level ground. Today proves it true indeed. "Within no more than half a month, both pieces of good fortune have come true." He also said to Wu Yueliang, "The child Li Jiejie gave birth to is very strong and healthy. When he reaches three days old and we perform the third-day ceremony, let's name him Guange." Lai Bao came in, kowtowed to Wu Yueliang and others, and said a few words. Ximen Qing gave orders that the next morning the official documents should be sent to the Office of Censorship and delivered to Xia Tixing for notification. Master Wu, after delivering the official documents to the county office the next morning, bid farewell to Ximen Qing and returned home. | ||
| 16 | 蔡太師擅... : | 到次日，洗三畢，眾親鄰朋友一概都知西門慶第六個娘子新添了娃兒，未過三日，就有如此美事，官祿臨門，平地做了千戶之職。誰人不來趨附？送禮慶賀，人來人去，一日不斷頭。常言：時來誰不來？時不來誰來！正是： |
| The next day, after the third-day ceremony was completed, all relatives, neighbors, and friends learned that Ximen Qing's sixth wife had given birth to a child. Not even three days had passed when such good fortune came—official blessings arrived at his door, and he suddenly became an officer of the thousand-man rank. Who would not come to flatter him? Gifts and congratulations poured in, with people coming and going without pause for an entire day. As the old saying goes: When good fortune comes, who would not come? When good fortune does not come, who will come! Indeed: | ||
| 時來頑鐵有光輝，運退真金無顏色。 | ||
| "When fortune comes, even a piece of iron shines; when luck fades, even true gold loses its luster." |
URN: ctp:jinpingmei/ch30