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《潘金蓮驚散幽歡 吳月娘拜求子息 - Pan Jinlian Startles a Secret Tryst; Wu Yue 娘 Prays for Offspring》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 潘金蓮驚... : | 詞曰： |
| The verse says: | ||
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小院閑階玉砌，牆隈半簇蘭芽。一庭萱草石榴花，多子宜男愛插。 休使風吹雨打，老天好為藏遮。莫教變作杜鵑花，粉褪紅銷香罷。 | ||
| In the small courtyard, idle steps of jade-like paving stones; by the wall's corner, a half-clustered cluster of orchid sprouts. One courtyard filled with daylilies and pomegranate flowers—many children are suitable for sons to love and insert. Do not let wind blow or rain beat; may the old heaven kindly cover and shield it. Do not allow it to turn into a night-scented jasmine flower, where pink fades, red vanishes, and fragrance ceases. | ||
| 2 | 潘金蓮驚... : | 話說陳敬濟與金蓮不曾得手，悵怏不題。單表西門慶赴黃、安二主事之席。乘著馬，跟隨著書童、玳安四五人，來到劉太監莊上。早有承局報知，黃、安二主事忙整衣冠，出來迎接。那劉太監是地主，也同來相迎。西門慶下了馬，劉太監一手輓了西門慶，笑道：「咱三個等候的好半日了，老丈卻才到來。」西門慶答道：「蒙兩位老先生見招，本該早來，實為家下有些小事，反勞老公公久待，望乞恕罪。」三個大打恭，進儀門來。讓到廳上，西門慶先與黃主事作揖，次與安主事、劉太監都作了揖，四人分賓主而坐。第一位讓西門慶坐了，第二就該劉太監坐。劉太監再四不肯，道：「咱忝是房主，還該兩位老先生，是遠客。」安主事道：「定是老先兒。」西門慶道：「若是序齒，還該劉公公。」劉大監推卻不過，向黃、安兩主事道：「斗膽佔了。」便坐了第二位。黃、安二主事坐了主席。一班小優兒上來磕了頭，左右獻過茶，當值的就遞上酒來。黃、安二主事起身安席坐下。小優兒拿檀板、琵琶、弦索、簫管上來，合定腔調，細細唱了一套《宜春令》「青陽候煙雨淋」。唱畢，劉太監舉杯勸眾官飲酒。安主事道：「這一套曲兒，做的清麗無比，定是一個絕代才子。況唱的聲音嘹亮，響遏行雲，卻不是個雙絕了麼！」西門慶道：「那個也不當奇，今日有黃、安二位做了賢主，劉公公做了地主，這才是難得哩！」黃主事笑道：「也不為奇。劉公公是出入紫禁，日覲龍顏，可不是貴臣？西門老丈，堆金積玉，彷彿陶朱，可不是富人？富貴雙美，這才是奇哩！」四個人哈哈大笑。當值的斟上酒來，又飲了一回。小優兒又拿碧玉洞簫，吹得悠悠咽咽，和著板眼，唱一套《沽美酒》「桃花溪，楊柳腰」的時曲。唱畢，眾客又贊了一番，歡樂飲酒不題。 |
| It is said that Chen Jingji had not yet succeeded in his dealings with Jinlian; he was dejected, but there's no need to mention it further. Let us speak of Xi Menqing attending the banquet hosted by the two officials Huang and An. Riding a horse, followed by Shutong, Dai'an and several others, he arrived at Liu Taiguan's estate. There were already officials who had reported the news; the two officials Huang and An hurriedly adjusted their clothes and hats, coming out to welcome him. That Liu Taiguan was the local host and also came to greet him together. Xi Menqing dismounted from his horse, and Liu Taiguan took Xi Menqing by the arm, smiling and saying, "We three have been waiting for quite some time; Master has only just arrived." Xi Menqing replied, "I was honored by the two esteemed elders' invitation and should have come earlier. In truth, there were some small matters at home that caused you, Grand Sir, to wait for so long; I hope you will forgive me." The three bowed deeply and entered through the ceremonial gate. They were led to the hall, where Xi Menqing first paid respects to Master Huang, then to Master An and Liu Taiguan. The four sat down according to their respective positions as host and guest. The first seat was offered to Xi Menqing, and the second should have been for Liu Taiguan to sit. Liu Taiguan repeatedly refused, saying, "I am merely the host of this house; it is still appropriate for the two esteemed elders to sit since they are honored guests." An Zhushi said, "It must be the elder sir." Xi Menqing said, "If we are to follow age order, it should still be Grand Sir Liu." Liu Daguan could not refuse further and said to the two officials Huang and An, "I dare take this seat then." He then sat in the second position. Masters Huang and An took their seats as hosts. A group of young performers came forward to kowtow, tea was served on both sides, and the attendant then presented the wine. Masters Huang and An rose to arrange the seating before sitting down again. The young performers brought up sandan boards, pipa, strings, and flutes, harmonized the tune, and carefully sang a set of "Yichun Ling" ("In the season of green sunlight, rain drizzles"). After finishing the song, Liu Taiguan raised a cup to urge all the officials to drink. An Zhushi said, "This set of music is incomparably elegant and refined; it must have been composed by an extraordinary literary genius. Moreover, the voice singing it was clear and resonant, so loud that it could stop the clouds in motion—wasn't this a perfect combination of both poetic composition and vocal performance?" Xi Menqing said, "That is not particularly remarkable. What's truly rare today is having Masters Huang and An as the virtuous hosts and Grand Sir Liu as the local host!" Master Huang smiled and said, "That is not really remarkable either. Grand Sir Liu enters and exits the Purple Forbidden City daily, presenting himself before the dragon's visage; isn't he a noble minister?" Master Xi Menqing, piling up gold and jade, resembles Tao Zhu—wouldn't that make him a wealthy man? "Combined wealth and nobility are the true marvels!" The four of them burst into loud laughter. The attendant poured more wine, and they drank again for a while. The young performers then took out a green jade flute and played it with a lingering, melancholic tone, keeping time with the beat as they sang a contemporary tune of "Gumei Jiu" ("Peach Blossom Stream, Willow Waist"). After finishing the song, the guests praised it again; they continued to drink and enjoy themselves without further mention. | ||
| 3 | 潘金蓮驚... : | 且說陳敬濟因與金蓮不曾得手，耐不住滿身慾火。見西門慶吃酒到晚還未來家，依舊閃入捲棚後面，探頭探腦張看。原來金蓮被敬濟鬼混了一場，也十分難熬，正在無人處手托香腮，沉吟思想。不料敬濟三不知走來，黑影子里看見了，恨不的一碗水咽將下去。就大著膽，悄悄走到背後，將金蓮雙手抱住，便親了個嘴，說道：「我前世的娘！起先吃孟三兒那冤兒打開了，幾乎把我急殺了。」金蓮不提防，吃了一嚇。回頭看見是敬濟，心中又驚又喜，便罵道：「賊短命，閃了我一閃，快放手，有人來撞見怎了！」敬濟那裡肯放，便用手去解他褲帶。金蓮猶半推半就，早被敬濟一扯扯斷了。金蓮故意失驚道：「怪賊囚，好大膽！就這等容容易易要奈何小丈母！」敬濟再三央求道：「我那前世的親娘，要敬濟的心肝煮湯吃，我也肯割出來。沒奈何，只要今番成就成就。」敬濟口裡說著，腰下那話已是硬幫幫的露出來，朝著金蓮單裙只顧亂插。金蓮桃頰紅潮，情動久了。初還假做不肯，及被敬濟累垂敖曹觸著，就禁不的把手去摸。敬濟便趁勢一手掀開金蓮裙子，儘力往內一插，不覺沒頭露腦。原來金蓮被纏了一回，臊水濕漉漉的，因此不費力送進了。兩個緊傍在紅欄幹上，任意抽送，敬濟還嫌不得到根，教金蓮倒在地下：「待我奉承你一個不亦樂乎！」金蓮恐散了頭髮，又怕人來，推道：「今番且將就些，後次再得相聚，憑你便了。」一個「達達」連聲，一個「親親」不住，廝併了半個時辰。只聽得隔牆外籟籟的響，又有人說話，兩個一鬨而散。 |
| Meanwhile, Chen Jingji, because he had not succeeded in his dealings with Jinlian, could no longer endure the intense desires burning within him. 偻 Seeing that Xi Menqing had not yet returned home after drinking wine into the evening, he still slipped behind the canopy structure and peered around furtively. Originally, Jinlian had been entangled in a flirtatious encounter with Jingji and found it extremely difficult to endure. At that moment, she was alone, resting her fragrant cheek in her hands, deep in thought. lington 没想到 Jingji came over without warning; from the shadows she saw him and angrily took a mouthful of water to swallow it down. He plucked up his courage and quietly approached from behind, embracing Jinlian by the hands, kissing her on the mouth, and said, "My mother from a previous life! At first I was nearly driven to death when Meng San'er broke it off." Jinlian, unprepared for this, was startled. When she turned around and saw it was Jingji, she felt both surprised and delighted. She scolded, "You wretched little demon! You startled me—let go quickly; what if someone sees us!" Jingji would not let go and reached out to undo her pants' belt. While Jinlian was still half resisting and half yielding, Jingji suddenly yanked it hard and tore the belt apart. Jinlian pretended to be startled and said, "You rascal! How bold of you!" How could you so easily try to take advantage of your little mother-in-law!" Jingji pleaded repeatedly, saying, "My dear mother from a past life, if you wanted to cook my heart and liver into soup, I would willingly cut them out. There's no way around it; we must just make this happen now." While Jingji was speaking, the thing beneath his waist had already become hard and prominent, thrusting wildly toward Jinlian's single-layered skirt. Jinlian's peach-red cheeks flushed with emotion, having been stirred for too long. At first she pretended to refuse, but as Jingji's persistent and vigorous advances touched her, she could not help reaching out with her hands. Jingji took the opportunity to lift Jinlian's skirt with one hand and thrust forcefully inward, completely losing himself in the act. Originally, after being entangled for a while, Jinlian's shyness had made her moist and slippery; thus, it went in effortlessly. The two clung tightly to the red balustrade, moving back and forth at will. Jingji still felt it was not deep enough and told Jinlian to fall to the ground: "Let me serve you until you are thoroughly pleased!" Jinlian was afraid her hair would become disheveled and that someone might come, so she pushed him aside and said, "Let's just make do this time. Next time we meet again, you may have your way with me as you wish." One called "Dada" repeatedly, the other kept calling "Qinqin," and they entwined for half an hour. Just then they heard rustling sounds from beyond the wall, as well as someone speaking; the two of them scattered in a panic. | ||
| 4 | 潘金蓮驚... : | 敬濟雲情未已，金蓮雨意方濃。卻是書童、玳安拿著冠帶拜匣，都醉醺醺的嚷進門來。月娘聽見，知道是西門慶來家，忙差小玉出來看。書童、玳安道：「爹隨後就到了。我兩人怕晚了，先來了。」不多時，西門慶下馬進門，已醉了，直奔到月娘房裡來。摟住月娘就待上床。月娘因要他明日進房，應二十三壬子日服藥行事，便不留他，道：「今日我身子不好，你往別房裡去罷。」西門慶笑道：「我知道你嫌我醉了，不留我。也罷，別要惹你嫌。我去了，明晚來罷。」月娘笑道：「我真有些不好，月經還未凈。誰嫌你？明晚來罷。」西門慶就往潘金蓮房裡去了。金蓮正與敬濟不盡興回房，眠在炕上，一見西門慶進來，忙起來笑迎道：「今日吃酒，這咱時才來家。」西門慶也不答應，一手摟將過來，連親了幾個嘴，一手就下邊一摸，摸著他牝戶，道：「怪小淫婦兒，你想著誰來？兀那話濕搭搭的。」金蓮自覺心虛，也不做聲。只笑推開了西門慶，向後邊澡牝去了。當晚與西門慶雲情雨意，不消說得。 |
| Jingji's amorous feelings were not yet satisfied, and Jinlian's passionate emotions were just growing stronger. However, Shutong and Dai'an burst into the room shouting loudly while holding hats, sashes, and gift boxes, both of them drunk. Yueliang heard this and realized it was Xi Menqing returning home; she quickly sent Xiaoyu out to check. Shutong and Dai'an said, "Father will be here shortly." We were afraid it would get too late, so we came first." Not long after, Xi Menqing dismounted and entered the gate already drunk, heading straight to Yueliang's room. He embraced Yueliang and was about to get into bed with her. Yueliang wanted him to enter the room the next day, on the 23rd Renzi day for taking medicine and proceeding with the act. Therefore, she did not keep him, saying, "I don't feel well today; you should go to another room." Xi Menqing smiled and said, "I know you are annoyed that I'm drunk and won't keep me. Well then, I'll go so as not to bother you." "I'm leaving now. I'll come back tomorrow night." Yueliang smiled and said, "I really do feel unwell; my menstrual period has not yet ended. Who would mind you?" "Come back tomorrow night." Xi Menqing then went to Jinlian's room. Jinlian had just returned to her room with Jingji, still unsatisfied and lying on the kang. When she saw Xi Menqing enter, she quickly got up and greeted him with a smile, saying, "You came home so late after drinking today." Xi Menqing did not respond and instead pulled her close with one arm, kissing her several times on the mouth. With his other hand he reached down and touched her vulva, saying, "You little wanton woman, who were you thinking of?" It was still damp from your words." Jinlian felt guilty and did not say a word. She only smiled, pushed Xi Menqing away, and went to the back to clean herself. That night, Jinlian indulged in amorous activities with Xi Menqing; there was no need to describe it further. | ||
| 5 | 潘金蓮驚... : | 且表吳月娘次日起身，正是二十三壬子日，梳洗畢，就教小玉擺著香桌，上邊放著寶爐，燒起名香，又放上《白衣觀音經》一捲。月娘向西皈依禮拜，拈香畢，將經展開，念一遍，拜一拜，念了二十四遍，拜了二十四拜，圓滿。然後箱內取出丸藥放在桌上，又拜了四拜，禱告道：「我吳氏上靠皇天，下賴薛師父、王師父這藥，仰祈保佑，早生子嗣。」告畢，小玉燙的熱酒，傾在盞內。月娘接過酒盞，一手取藥調勻，西向跪倒，先將丸藥咽下，又取末藥也服了，喉嚨內微覺有些腥氣。月娘迸著氣一口呷下，又拜了四拜。當日不出房，只在房裡坐的。 |
| Meanwhile, Wu Yueliang got up the next day. It was exactly the 23rd, Renzi Day. After washing and combing her hair, she had Xiaoyu set out an incense table with a precious censer on it, burning fine incense, and placed one scroll of "The Sutra of White-robed Guanyin" on top. Yueliang faced west, bowed in devotion and worship. After offering incense, she unfolded the sutra, recited it once, then made a bow; she repeated this process twenty-four times, making twenty-four bows in total, thus completing her ritual. Then, she took out pills from the box and placed them on the table. After making four more bows, she prayed, "I, Wu Shi, rely above on the heavens and below on Master Xue and Master Wang's medicine; I humbly request their protection and blessing to soon give birth to offspring." After finishing her prayer, Xiaoyu poured hot wine into a cup. Yueliang took the wine cup, used one hand to take the medicine and mix it evenly. Facing west, she knelt down first swallowed the pills, then also took the powdered medicine; a faint fishy smell was sensed in her throat. Yueliang forced herself to swallow it all at once with a deep breath, then made four more bows. On that day she did not leave her room and remained seated there. | ||
| 6 | 潘金蓮驚... : | 西門慶在潘金蓮房中起身，就叫書童寫謝宴貼，往黃、安二主事家謝宴。書童去了，就是應伯爵來到。西門慶出來，應伯爵作了揖，說道：「哥，昨在劉太監家吃酒，幾時來家？」西門慶道：「承兩公十分相愛，灌了好幾杯酒，歸路又遠，更餘來家。已是醉了，這咱才起身。」玳安捧出早飯，西門慶正和伯爵同吃，又報黃主事、安主事來拜。西門慶整衣冠，教收過家活出迎。應伯爵忙迴避了。黃、安二主事一齊下轎。進門廝見畢，三人坐下，一面捧出茶來吃了。黃、安二主事道：「夜來有褻，」西門慶道：「多感厚情，正要叩謝兩位老先生，如何反勞台駕先施！」安主事道：「昨晚老先生還未盡興，為何就別了？」西門慶道：「晚生已大醉了。臨起身，又被劉公公灌上十數杯葡萄酒，在馬上就要嘔，耐得到家，睡到今日還有些不醒哩。」笑了一番，又吃過三杯茶，說些閑話，作別去了。應伯爵也推事故家去。西門慶回進後邊吃了飯，就坐轎答拜黃、安二主事去。又寫兩個紅禮帖，吩咐玳安備辦兩副下程，趕到他家面送。當日無話。 |
| Xi Menqing, after getting up from Jinlian's room, immediately ordered Shutong to write a thank-you note and go to the homes of Masters Huang and An to express his gratitude for the banquet. After Shutong left, Ying Bojie arrived. Xi Menqing came out and Ying Bojie paid him a bow, saying, "Brother, I drank at Liu Taiguan's house yesterday. When did you come home?" Xi Menqing said, "I was honored by the great kindness of both gentlemen and had several cups of wine. The way home was also far, so I arrived after more than an hour past midnight." "I was already drunk; it wasn't until now that I got up." Dai'an brought out breakfast, and Xi Menqing was just sitting down to eat with Bojie when word came that Masters Huang and An had come to pay a visit. Xi Menqing adjusted his clothes and hat, ordered the household staff to clear away the dishes, and went out to greet them. Ying Bojie quickly stepped aside. Masters Huang and An both descended from their palanquins at the same time. After they entered, exchanged greetings, and sat down together, tea was immediately served for them to drink. Masters Huang and An said, "Last night's banquet was too informal," to which Xi Menqing replied, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness. I had intended to personally thank the two esteemed elders; how could you instead trouble yourselves to visit first!" Master An said, "Last night, Esteemed Sir had not yet finished enjoying himself; why did you leave so soon?" Xi Menqing replied, "I was already very drunk. Before leaving, I was again forced by Grand Sir Liu to drink another dozen cups of grape wine. I nearly vomited on the horse and barely made it home; even now, after sleeping all day, I still feel a bit drowsy." They laughed for a while and drank three more cups of tea. After exchanging some casual conversation, they bid each other farewell and left. Ying Bojie also claimed to have an emergency at home and took his leave. Xi Menqing returned to the back, had lunch, then boarded a palanquin to visit Masters Huang and An in return. He also wrote two red gift notes, instructed Dai'an to prepare two sets of gifts, and hurriedly delivered them in person to their homes. There was nothing more that day. | ||
| 7 | 潘金蓮驚... : | 西門慶來家，吳月娘打點床帳，等候進房。西門慶進了房，月娘就教小玉整設餚饌，燙酒上來，兩人促膝而坐。西門慶道：「我昨夜有了杯酒，你便不肯留我，又假推甚麼身子不好，這咱搗鬼！」月娘道，「這不是搗鬼，果然有些不好。難道夫妻之間恁地疑心？」西門慶吃了十數杯酒，又吃了些鮮魚鴨臘，便不吃了，月娘交收過了。小玉熏的被窩香噴噴的，兩個洗澡已畢，脫衣上床。枕上綢繆，被中繾綣，言不可盡。這也是吳月娘該有喜事，恰遇月經轉，兩下似水如魚，便得了子了。正是： |
| When Xi Menqing returned home, Wu Yue 娘 had prepared the bed and canopy, waiting for him to enter his room. After Xi Menqing entered the room, Yue 娘 immediately ordered Xiao Yu to prepare delicacies and warm up wine. The two of them sat close together, chatting intimately. Xi Menqing said, "Last night I had just a little wine. You wouldn't even keep me company and pretended to be unwell—what nonsense!" Yue 娘 replied, "This is not nonsense; I was genuinely feeling unwell. Is it so hard to believe between husband and wife?" Xi Menqing drank about a dozen cups of wine, then ate some fresh fish, duck, and preserved meat. After that, he stopped eating; Yue 娘 ordered the dishes to be cleared away. Xiao Yu had scented the bed with incense, making it fragrant; after they finished bathing together, the two of them undressed and got into bed. They whispered tenderly in bed, entwined closely beneath the covers; words cannot fully describe what was said. This was also a sign of good fortune for Wu Yue 娘, as it happened to coincide with her menstrual cycle. The two were perfectly in harmony like water and fish, and she became pregnant. Indeed: | ||
| 花有並頭蓮並蒂，帶宜同輓結同心。 | ||
| Flowers bloom with twin heads and lotus flowers grow on the same stem; sashes are best tied together, symbolizing eternal unity. | ||
| 8 | 潘金蓮驚... : | 次日，西門慶起身梳洗，月娘備有羊羔美酒、雞子腰子補腎之物，與他吃了，打發進衙門去。西門慶衙門散了回來，就進李瓶兒房看哥兒。李瓶兒抱著孩子向西門慶道：「前日我有些心願未曾了。這兩日身子有些不好，坐凈桶時，常有些血水淋得慌。早晚要酬酬心願，你又忙碌碌的，不得個閑空。」西門慶道：「你既要了願時，我叫玳安去接王姑子來，與他商量，做些好事就是了。」便叫玳安，吩咐接王姑子。玳安應諾去了。 |
| The next day, Xi Menqing got up and washed. Yue 娘 had prepared mutton, fine wine, chicken eggs, kidney tonics, and other nourishing foods for him to eat before sending him off to the government office. After finishing his work at the government office, Xi Menqing immediately went to Li Ping'er's room to see their son. Li Ping'er held the child and said to Xi Menqing, "The other day I had a wish that remained unfulfilled. These past two days my body has felt somewhat unwell, and when sitting on the chamber pot, I often feel a rush of bloody discharge. I want to fulfill my wish either early or late in the day, but you are always busy and never have a moment of free time." Xi Menqing said, "If you really want to fulfill your wish, I'll have Dai'an go and fetch Auntie Wang. We can discuss it with her and do something good." He then called for Dai'an and gave instructions to bring Auntie Wang over. Dai'an nodded in agreement and left. | ||
| 9 | 潘金蓮驚... : | 書童又報：「常二叔和應二爹來到。」西門慶便出迎廝見。應伯爵道：「前日謝子純在這裡吃酒，我說的黃四、李三的那事，哥應付了他罷。」西門慶道：「我那裡有銀子？」應伯爵道：「哥前日已是許下了，如何又變了卦？哥不要瞞我，等地財主，說個無銀出來？隨分湊些與他罷。」西門慶不答應他，只顧呆了臉看常峙節。常峙節道：「連日不曾來，哥，小哥兒長養麼？」西門慶道：「生受註念，卻才你李家嫂子要酬心願，只得去請王姑子來家做些好事。」應伯爵道：「但凡人家富貴，專待子孫掌管。養得來時，須要十分保護。譬如種五穀的，初長時也得時時灌溉，才望個秋收。小哥兒萬金之軀，是個掌中珠，又比別的不同。小兒郎三歲有關，六歲有厄，九歲有煞，又有出痧出痘等症。哥，不是我口直，論起哥兒，自然該與他做些好事，廣種福田。若是嫂子有甚願心，正宜及早了當，管情交哥兒無災無害好養。」說話間，只見玳安來回話道：「王姑子不在庵里，到王尚書府中去了。小的又到王尚書府中找尋他，半日才得出來。與他說了，便來了。」西門慶聽罷，依舊和伯爵、常峙節說話兒，一處坐地，書童拿些茶來吃了。伯爵因開言道：「小弟蒙哥哥厚愛，一向因寒家房子窄隘，不敢簡褻，多有疏失。今日稟明瞭哥，若明後日得空，望哥同常二哥出門外花園裡頑耍一日，少盡兄弟孝順之心。」常峙節從旁贊道：「應二哥一片獻芹之心，哥自然鑒納，決沒有見卻的理。」西門慶道：「若論明日，到沒事，只不該生受。」伯爵道：「小弟在宅里，筷子也不知吃了多少下去，今日一杯水酒，當的甚麼。」西門慶道：「既如此，我便不往別處去了。」伯爵道：「只是還有一件──小優兒，小弟便叫了。但郊外去，必須得兩個唱的去，方有興趣。」西門慶道：「這不打緊，我叫人去叫了吳銀兒與韓金釧兒就是了。」伯爵道：「如此可知好哩。只是又要哥費心，不當。」西門慶一面就叫琴童，吩咐去叫吳銀兒、韓金釧兒，明日早往門外花園內唱。琴童應諾去了。 |
| Shutong reported again, "Second Uncle Chang and Second Sir Ying have arrived." Xi Menqing immediately went out to greet them and exchanged greetings. Ying Bojie said, "The other day Xie Zichun was here drinking with us. I mentioned the matter concerning Huang Si and Li San; you should settle it for him." Xi Menqing replied, "Where would I get silver?" Ying Bojie said, "Brother had already promised the other day. How can you now change your mind? Don't try to fool me, Brother—how could a rich man like you say he has no silver?" Just gather up some and give it to him." Xi Menqing did not respond, but instead turned his face blankly toward Chang Zhijie. Chang Zhijie said, "I haven't come by for several days now. Brother, how is the little boy growing?" Xi Menqing said, "I appreciate your concern. Just now my sister-in-law from the Li family wants to fulfill a wish and has asked me to invite Auntie Wang home to perform some good deeds." Ying Bojie said, "When people become wealthy, it is always for their descendants to manage. Once you have a child, you must protect him with all your might. It's like planting five grains; when they first sprout, you have to water them constantly in order to hope for a harvest in autumn. The little boy is worth ten thousand gold pieces; he's the pearl of your palm, and more precious than anything else. A young boy faces a turning point at three years old, an ordeal at six, and a dangerous period at nine, along with other ailments such as rashes or smallpox. Brother, I'm not trying to be blunt, but when it comes to the boy, you naturally should do some good deeds for him and plant fields of merit. If your sister-in-law has any wishes, it's best to fulfill them as soon as possible. This will ensure the boy grows up without misfortune or harm." While they were talking, Dai'an returned and reported, "Auntie Wang is not at the nunnery; she has gone to the residence of Minister Wang. I went to Minister Wang's residence to look for her, and it took half a day before I could find her." After I told her, she came right away." After hearing this, Xi Menqing continued chatting with Bojie and Chang Zhijie as they sat together. Shutong brought some tea for them to drink. Bojie then spoke up, saying, "Brother, I have long been favored by your kindness. However, because my home is small and cramped, I dared not be too familiar or careless, which has caused many lapses on my part. Now that I have explained everything to you, Brother, if you are free tomorrow or the day after, I hope you and Second Brother Chang will accompany me outside for a day of play in the garden so I can show my humble filial devotion as a younger brother." Chang Zhijie added from the side, "Second Brother Ying's sincere and humble gesture is something you would naturally accept, Brother. There is no way you would refuse." Xi Menqing said, "If it's about tomorrow, I do have the time, but I shouldn't be burdened with such a favor." Bojie said, "I have eaten countless meals at your home; today's cup of watered-down wine is nothing compared to what I owe you." Xi Menqing said, "If that's the case, then I won't go anywhere else." Bojie said, "There is just one more thing—I'll have a young actor come along. Whenever we go out to the countryside, we must take two performers with us for it to be enjoyable." Xi Menqing said, "That's not a problem. I'll have someone go and get Wu Yin'er and Han Jinchuaner." Bojie said, "In that case, it will be very good. But I don't want you to go through the trouble again; it's not right." Xi Menqing immediately called Qin Tong and gave instructions to go and summon Wu Yin'er and Han Jinchuanner, telling them to be at the garden outside the gate early tomorrow morning for a performance. Qin Tong nodded in agreement and went off. | ||
| 10 | 潘金蓮驚... : | 不多時，王姑子來到廳上，見西門慶道個問訊：「動問施主，今日見召，不知有何吩咐？老身因王尚書府中有些小事去了，不得便來，方纔得脫身。」西門慶道：「因前日養官哥許下些願心，一向忙碌碌，未曾完得。托賴皇天保護，日漸長大。我第一來要酬報佛恩，第二來要消災延壽，因此請師父來商議。」王姑子道：「小哥兒萬金之軀，全憑佛力保護。老爹不知道，我們佛經上說，人中生有夜叉羅剎，常喜啖人，令人無子，傷胎奪命，皆是諸惡鬼所為。如今小哥兒要做好事，定是看經念佛，其餘都不是路了。」西門慶便問做甚功德好，王姑子道：「先拜捲《藥師經》，待迴向後，再印造兩部《陀羅經》，極有功德。」西門慶問道：「不知幾時起經？」王姑子道：「明日到是好日，就我庵中完願罷。」西門慶點著頭道：「依你，依你。」 |
| Not long after, Auntie Wang arrived at the hall and bowed to Xi Menqing. "May I ask, Esteemed Donor," she said, "you have summoned me today; may I know what instructions you have for me?" "I had to go to Minister Wang's residence because of some small matters and could not come immediately. I have only just been free." Xi Menqing said, "Because of a vow my son made the other day, we have been busy and haven't yet fulfilled it. Thanks to Heaven's protection, he is gradually growing up. First of all, I want to repay the Buddha's grace; secondly, I wish to ward off disasters and prolong my life. That is why I have invited you here for discussion." Auntie Wang said, "The little boy's precious body depends entirely on the Buddha's power to protect. Master, you may not know this. According to our Buddhist scriptures, there are night demons and rākṣasas among humans who enjoy devouring people; they cause childlessness, harm pregnancies, and take lives—these are all the doings of various evil spirits. Now that you want to do good deeds for your little boy, it is certain that he should read scriptures and chant the Buddha's name. Anything else will not be effective." Xi Menqing then asked what kind of merit would be best. Auntie Wang said, "First, you should make a vow to read the Medicine Buddha Sutra. After completing it and dedicating the merits, print two copies of the Dharani Sutra; this will bring great merit." Xi Menqing asked, "May I know when to begin reading the sutra?" Auntie Wang said, "Tomorrow is a good day. You may fulfill your vow at my nunnery." Xi Menqing nodded and said, "As you say, as you say." | ||
| 11 | 潘金蓮驚... : | 王姑子說畢，就往後邊，見吳月娘和六房姊妹都在李瓶兒房裡。王姑子各打了問訊。月娘便道：「今日央你做好事保護官哥，你幾時起經頭？」王姑子道：「來日黃道吉日，就我庵里起經。」小玉拿茶來吃了。李瓶兒因對王姑子道：「師父，我還有句話，一發央及你。」王姑子道：「你老人家有甚話，但說不妨。」李瓶兒道：「自從有了孩子，身子便有些不好。明日疏意裡邊，帶通一句何如？行的去，我另謝你。」王姑子道：「這也何難。且待寫疏的時節，一發寫上就是了。」正是： |
| After Auntie Wang finished speaking, she went to the back and saw Wu Yue 娘 and her six other wives all gathered in Li Ping'er's room. Auntie Wang bowed respectfully to each of them. Yue 娘 said, "Today we have asked you to do good deeds to protect the child; when will you begin reading the sutras?" Auntie Wang replied, "Tomorrow is an auspicious day. I will start reciting the sutras at my nunnery." Xiao Yu brought tea for them to drink. Li Ping'er then turned to Auntie Wang and said, "Reverend, I have one more request. I beg you to help me with it as well." Auntie Wang replied, "Elder Lady, if there is anything on your mind, please feel free to say it." Li Ping'er said, "Since I became pregnant, my health has been somewhat poor. In the vows tomorrow, could you kindly include a prayer for me as well?" If it is possible to do so, I will be sure to thank you separately." Auntie Wang said, "That would not be difficult at all. Just wait until the time to write the vows; I will include it then." Indeed: | ||
| 禍因惡積非無種，福自天來定有根。 | ||
| Disaster arises from accumulated evil, and is not without cause; blessings come from Heaven and are surely rooted in merit. |
URN: ctp:jinpingmei/ch53