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《韓畫士傳真作遺愛 西門慶觀戲動深悲 - Han Hua Shi's True Portrait Becomes a Legacy of Love—Ximen Qing Watching a Play Stirs Deep Sorrow》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 韓畫士傳... : | 詩曰： |
| The poem says: | ||
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香杳美人違，遙遙有所思。幽明千里隔，風月兩邊時。 相對春那劇，相望景偏遲。當由分別久，夢來還自疑。 | ||
| Fragrance lingers, the beauty departs; Far away, thoughts linger in her mind. Darkness and light stretch for a thousand miles apart; Winds and moonlight mark two different times. Facing each other, spring's joy is fleeting; Looking out, the scenery lingers with delay. It must be because we've been apart for so long; Even in dreams, I still doubt it's true. | ||
| 2 | 韓畫士傳... : | 話說西門慶被應伯爵勸解了一回，拭淚令小廝後邊看飯去了。不一時，吳大舅、吳二舅都到了。靈前行禮畢，與西門慶作揖，道及煩惱之意。請至廂房中，與眾人同坐。 |
| After being comforted by Ying Bojue for a while, Ximen Qing wiped away his tears and sent the young servant to prepare food in the back. In no time at all, Uncle Wu Da and Uncle Wu Er both arrived. After bowing before the spirit tablet, they paid respects to Ximen Qing with a courtesy bow and spoke of their troubles. They were invited into the side room and sat together with the others. | ||
| 3 | 韓畫士傳... : | 玳安走至後邊，向月娘說：「如何？我說娘每不信，怎的應二爹來了，一席話說的爹就吃飯了。」金蓮道：「你這賊，積年久慣的囚根子，鎮日在外邊替他做牽頭，有個拿不住他性兒的！」玳安道：「從小兒答應主子，不知心腹？」月娘問道：「那幾個陪他吃飯？」玳安道：「大舅、二舅才來，和溫師父，連應二爹、謝爹、韓伙計、姐夫，共爹八個人哩。」月娘道：「請你姐夫來後邊吃罷了，也擠在上頭！」玳安道：「姐夫坐下了。」月娘吩咐：「你和小廝往廚房裡拿飯去。你另拿甌兒粥與他吃，怕清早晨不吃飯。」玳安道：「再有誰？止我在家，都使出報喪、買東西，王經，又使他往張親家爹那裡借雲板去了。」月娘道：「書童那奴才和你拿去是的，怕打了他紗帽展翅兒！」玳安道：「書童和畫童兩個在靈前，一個打磐，一個伺候焚香燒紙哩。春鴻，爹又使他跟賁四換絹去了──嫌絹不好，要換六錢一匹的破孝。」月娘道：「論起來，五錢的也罷，又巴巴兒換去！」又道：「你叫下畫童兒那小奴才，和他快拿去，只顧還挨甚麼！」玳安於是和畫童兩個，大盤大碗拿到前邊，安放八仙桌席。眾人正吃著飯，只見平安拿進手本來稟：「夏老爹差寫字的，送了三班軍衛來這裡答應。」西門慶看了，吩咐：「討三錢銀子賞他。寫期服生帖兒回你夏老爹：多謝了！」 |
| Dai'an went to the back and told Yue Niang, "How is it?" "I said you wouldn't believe me. How come Uncle Ying Er came, and with just a few words he convinced Father to eat." Jinlian said, "You rascal! You're a habitual scoundrel with years of experience. All day long you go outside to act as his go-between; there's no way you can control his nature!" Dai'an said, "Since childhood I have served my master faithfully. Don't you trust me as a trusted retainer?" Yue Niang asked, "Which of them are accompanying him for the meal?" Dai'an replied, "Uncle Da and Uncle Er just arrived. With Master Wen, Uncle Ying Er, Uncle Xie, Partner Han, Brother-in-law, that makes eight people in total with Master." Yue Niang said, "Invite your brother-in-law to eat at the back instead; there's no need for him to crowd in upstairs!" Dai'an replied, "My brother-in-law is already seated." Yue Niang gave instructions: "You and the young servant go to the kitchen to get the food. Bring him a separate bowl of porridge; he might not have eaten breakfast early in the morning." Dai'an asked, "Who else?" Only I am at home; everyone else has been sent out to announce the death, buy things. Wang Jing was also sent to Uncle Zhang's father's place to borrow a wooden clapper for mourning." Yue Niang said, "Let Shutong that good-for-nothing go with you to carry it; otherwise he might damage his silk hat's wings!" Dai'an said, "Shutong and Huatong are both at the spirit tablet. One is beating a bronze chime, and the other is attending to burning incense and paper offerings." Chunhong was sent by Master to accompany Bin Si in exchanging the silk; they found the quality of the silk unsatisfactory and wanted to exchange it for mourning cloth priced at six qian per bolt." Yue Niang said, "To be honest, even the five-qian silk is fine; there's no need to go out of one's way to exchange it!" She added, "You call over that little good-for-nothing Huatong and have him take it quickly; don't just keep delaying things!" Dai'an then went with Huatong, carrying large plates and bowls to the front, and arranged them on the Eight Immortals table for the meal. While everyone was just sitting down to eat, Ping'an suddenly brought in a hand-written report and reported: "Master Xia sent someone with writing materials; he has dispatched three groups of military guards here for duty." Ximen Qing looked at the report and gave instructions: "Give him three qian in silver as a reward. Write an informal letter of thanks to your Master Xia: 'Many thanks!'" | ||
| 4 | 韓畫士傳... : | 一面吃畢飯，收了傢伙。只見來保請的畫師韓先生來到。西門慶與他行畢禮，說道：「煩先生揭白傳個神子兒。」那韓先生道：「小人理會得。」吳大舅道：「動手遲了些，只怕面容改了。」韓先生道：「也不妨，就是揭白也傳得。」正吃茶畢，忽見平安來報：「門外花大舅來了。」西門慶陪花子由靈前哭涕了一回，見畢禮數，與眾人一處，因問：「甚麼時侯？」西門慶道：「正醜時斷氣。臨死還伶伶俐俐說話兒，剛睡下，丫頭起來瞧，就沒了氣兒。」因見韓先生旁邊小童拿著屏插，袖中取出描筆顏色來，花子由道：「姐夫如今要傳個神子？」西門慶道：「我心裡疼他，少不得留個影像兒，早晚看著，題念他題念兒。」一面吩咐後邊堂客躲開，掀起帳子，領韓先生和花大舅眾人到跟前。這韓先生揭起千秋幡，打一觀看，見李瓶兒勒著鴉青手帕，雖故久病，其顏色如生，姿容不改，黃懨懨的，嘴唇兒紅潤可愛。那西門慶由不的掩淚而哭。來保與琴童在旁捧著屏插、顏色。韓先生一見就知道了。眾人圍著他求畫，應伯爵便道：「先生，此是病容，平昔好時，還生的面容飽滿，姿容秀麗。」韓先生道：「不須尊長吩咐，小人知道。敢問老爹：此位老夫人，前者五月初一日曾在岳廟裡燒香，親見一面，可是否？」西門慶道：「正是。那時還好哩。先生，你用心想著，傳畫一軸大影、一軸半身，靈前供養，我送先生一匹緞子、十兩銀子。」韓先生道：「老爹吩咐，小人無不用心。」須臾，描染出個半身來，端的玉貌幽花秀麗，肌膚嫩玉生香。拿與眾人瞧，就是一幅美人圖兒。西門慶看了，吩咐玳安：「拿與你娘每瞧瞧去，看好不好。有那些兒不是，說來好改。」 |
| While finishing the meal, they put away the utensils. Just then Lai Bao's invited painter Master Han arrived. Ximen Qing performed the proper courtesy to him and said, "I trouble you, Master, to paint a spirit image for us." Master Han replied, "Your servant understands perfectly well." Uncle Wu Da said, "We started a bit late; I'm afraid the facial features may have changed by now." Master Han replied, "That's not a problem. Even if it's done later, I can still capture his likeness accurately." Just as they had finished drinking tea, Ping'an suddenly reported: "Uncle Hua Da is here at the gate!" Ximen Qing accompanied Huazi and wept before the spirit tablet for a while. After performing the proper rites, he joined the others and asked, "What time is it?" Ximen Qing said, "He passed away exactly at the Chou hour." "Until his last moments he was still speaking clearly. Just after lying down, the maid came to check on him and found that he had already passed away." Seeing a young boy beside Master Han holding the screen, with drawing brushes and pigments taken from his sleeve, Huaziyou asked, "Brother-in-law, are you going to paint a spirit portrait now?" Ximen Qing said, "I miss him deeply in my heart. I can't help but leave behind an image of his likeness so that day and night I may look at it and remember him." He gave instructions for the ladies in the back to move aside, pulled up the curtain, and led Master Han, Uncle Hua Da, and others close. Master Han raised the thousand-year banner, took a good look, and saw Li Ping'er wrapped in a yaqing handkerchief. Though she had long been suffering from illness, her complexion still looked as if alive; her appearance remained unchanged. Her face was pale yellow, yet her lips were red and moist, charmingly lovely. Ximen Qing could not help but weep with tears streaming down his face. Lai Bao and Qintong held the screen, brushes, and pigments beside them. At a glance, Master Han understood what was needed. The crowd gathered around him, begging for the painting. Ying Bojue then said, "Master, this is her sickly appearance; in better times, she had a full and plump face with graceful beauty." Master Han replied, "There's no need for you elders to give instructions. Your servant knows what to do." "I dare ask Master: this lady, was she the one who burned incense at the Yue Temple on the first day of the fifth month previously? Did I see her in person?" Ximen Qing said, "That's exactly right." She was still in good condition back then. "Master, please concentrate and paint two portraits: one full-length and one half-length. They will be placed before the spirit tablet as offerings. I shall give you a bolt of satin and ten taels of silver." Master Han replied, "Your instructions are clear, Master; your servant will certainly put in all his effort." In no time, he painted a half-length portrait; indeed, her jade-like face was as beautiful and fragrant as a delicate flower in seclusion, with smooth skin like fresh jade emitting fragrance. He showed it to the crowd; it was truly a portrait of a beautiful lady. Ximen Qing looked at it and gave instructions to Dai'an: "Take this to your mothers and let them see, so they can judge whether it's good or not. If there are any flaws, tell me so I can have them corrected." | ||
| 5 | 韓畫士傳... : | 玳安拿到後邊，向月娘道：「爹說叫娘每瞧瞧，六娘這影畫得如何，那些兒不象，說出去教韓先生好改。」月娘道：「成精鼓搗，人也不知死到那裡去了，又描起影來了。」潘金蓮接說道：「那個是他的兒女？畫下影，傳下神，好替他磕頭禮拜！到明日六個老婆死了，畫六個影才好。」孟玉樓和李嬌兒接過來觀看，說道：「大娘，你來看，李大姐這影，倒象好時模樣，打扮的鮮鮮的，只是嘴唇略扁了些。」月娘看了道：「這左邊額頭略低了些，他的眉角還彎些。虧這漢子，揭白怎的畫來！」玳安道：「他在廟上曾見過六娘一面，剛纔想著，就畫到這等模樣。」 |
| Dai'an took it to the back and said to Yue Niang, "Master says for you ladies to take a look. How does this portrait of Lady Liu look? If there are any parts that don't resemble her, please tell me so Master Han can make corrections." Yue Niang said, "This is sheer nonsense. She's already dead and gone; why are they painting her portrait again?" Pan Jinlian interjected, saying, "Who are her children? Painting a portrait and passing on the spirit is good for people to bow and worship in her honor!" "If tomorrow six wives die, it would be better to paint portraits of all six." Meng Yulou and Li Jiaoer took the portrait to look at it, saying, "Madam, come see. This portrait of Madam Li looks like her when she was in good health; she's dressed up beautifully, but only her lips are a bit too flat." Yue Niang looked and said, "The left side of the forehead is slightly lower than it should be; her eyebrows were a bit more arched." It's amazing for this man to paint such an accurate portrait from memory!" Dai'an said, "He had seen Madam Liu once at the temple. Just now he recalled her and painted her to look like this." | ||
| 6 | 韓畫士傳... : | 少頃，只見王經進來說道：「娘每看了，就教拿出去。喬親家爹來了，等喬親家爹瞧哩。」玳安走到前邊，向韓先生道：「裡邊說來，嘴唇略扁了些，左額角稍低些，眉還要略放彎些兒。」韓先生道：「這個不打緊。」隨即取描筆改過了，呈與喬大戶瞧。喬大戶道：「親家母這幅尊像，真畫得好，只少了口氣兒。」西門慶滿心歡喜，一面遞了三鐘酒與韓先生，管待了酒飯，又教取出一匹尺頭、十兩白金與韓先生，教他：「先攢造出半身來，就要掛，大影，不誤出殯就是了。俱要用大青大綠，冠袍齊整，綾裱牙軸。」韓先生道：「不必吩咐，小人知道。」領了銀子，教小童拿著插屏，拜辭出門。喬大戶與眾人又看了一回做成的棺木，便道：「親家母今已小殮罷了？」西門慶道：「如今仵作行人來就小殮。大殮還等到三日。」喬大戶吃畢茶，就告辭去了。 |
| After a short while, Wang Jing came in and said, "The ladies have seen it; just tell them to take it out. Uncle Qiao's father has arrived and is waiting for him to see it." Dai'an walked up front and told Master Han, "They said from inside that the lips are slightly too flat, the left brow is a bit low, and the eyebrows should be drawn a little more arched." Master Han replied, "This isn't a big deal." He immediately took the brush and made the corrections, then presented it to Uncle Qiao for inspection. Uncle Qiao said, "This portrait of my dear mother-in-law is truly well painted; it's just missing a bit of vitality." Ximen Qing was overjoyed. He handed Master Han three cups of wine, treated him to a meal, and then had someone bring out a bolt of fabric and ten taels of white silver for him. He told him, "First finish the half-length portrait as soon as possible so it can be hung; the full-length one doesn't need to be finished before the funeral." Both portraits must use large quantities of blue and green pigments, with a complete set of official robes neatly arranged, and be mounted in fine brocade with wooden axes." Master Han said, "There's no need to give instructions; your servant knows what is expected." After receiving the silver, he had his young boy carry the screen and then bowed respectfully before leaving. Uncle Qiao and the others examined the prepared coffin once more, then asked, "Has my dear mother-in-law already been placed in a small casket?" Ximen Qing replied, "The coroner and the funeral attendants are coming now to place her into the small casket." The large casket will have to wait until three days later." After finishing his tea, Uncle Qiao took his leave and departed. | ||
| 7 | 韓畫士傳... : | 不一時，仵作行人來伺候，紙札打捲，鋪下衣衾，西門慶要親與他開光明，強著陳敬濟做孝子，與他抿了目，西門慶旋尋出一顆胡珠，安放在他口裡。登時小殮停當，照前停放端正，合家大小哭了一場。來興又早冥衣鋪里，做了四座堆金瀝粉捧盆巾盥櫛毛女兒，一邊兩座擺下。靈前的彝爐商瓶、燭臺香盒，教錫匠打造停當，擺在桌上，耀日爭輝。又兌了十兩銀子，教銀匠打了三副銀爵盞。又與應伯爵定管喪禮簿籍：先兌了五百兩銀子、一百弔錢來，委付與韓伙計管帳；賁四與來興兒管買辦，兼管外廚房；應伯爵、謝希大、溫秀才、甘伙計輪番陪待弔客；崔本專管付孝帳；來保管外庫房；王經管酒房；春鴻與畫童專管靈前伺候；平安與四名排軍，單管人來打雲板、捧香紙；又叫一個寫字帶領四名排軍，在大門首記門簿，值念經日期，打傘挑幡幢。都派委已定，寫了告示，貼在影壁上，各遵守去訖。只見皇莊上薛內相差人送了六十根杉條、三十條毛竹、三百領蘆席、一百條麻繩，西門慶賞了來人五錢銀子，拿期服生回帖兒打發去了。吩咐搭採匠把棚起脊搭大些，留兩個門走，把影壁夾在中間，前廚房內還搭三間罩棚，大門首扎七間榜棚，請報恩寺十二眾僧人先念倒頭經，每日兩個茶酒伺候茶水。 |
| In no time, the coroner and funeral attendants arrived to assist. Paper offerings were rolled out, and clothing and bedding were laid down. Ximen Qing wanted to personally perform the "opening of light" rite; he forced Chen Jingji to act as the son in mourning, closed her eyes for him, and then searched up a pearl, placing it into her mouth. The small casket was prepared in an instant; everything was arranged as before and placed upright. The entire family, young and old, wept together for a while. Lai Xing had already ordered from the mourning goods shop four golden and lacquered figurines of girls holding basins, towels, combs, and brushes; two were placed on each side. The ritual vessels, incense burners, candle stands, and incense boxes before the spirit tablet were all made ready by a tinworker and placed on the table, shining brilliantly like the sun. He also exchanged ten taels of silver to have a silversmith make three sets of silver cups and goblets. He also entrusted Ying Bojue with overseeing the records for the funeral arrangements: first, he exchanged five hundred taels of silver and one hundred strings of coins, entrusting them to Partner Han in charge of accounts; Bin Si and Lai Xing were responsible for purchasing supplies and also managing the outdoor kitchen; Ying Bojue, Xie Xidai, Wen Xiucai, and Gan Huaji took turns entertaining the mourners; Cui Ben was in charge of paying for mourning expenses; Lai Bao managed the external storeroom; Wang Jing was in charge of the wine house; Chunhong and Huatong were specifically assigned to attend at the spirit tablet; Ping'an and four rank guards were solely responsible for people coming to strike the wooden clapper and present incense and paper offerings; He also assigned a scribe to lead four rank guards at the main gate, recording visitors in the guestbook and managing the dates for chanting scriptures, carrying umbrellas and banners. All assignments were finalized; notices were written and posted on the central wall, and everyone went about their duties accordingly. Just then, from the imperial estate, Master Xue Nei sent someone to deliver sixty cypress poles, thirty bamboo poles, three hundred reed mats, and one hundred hemp ropes. Ximen Qing gave five qian of silver as a reward to the messenger, who was then dismissed with an informal reply letter. Instructions were given to the carpenters and builders to construct a larger canopy with a high ridge, leaving two doors for passage. The central wall was placed in between; three additional covered sheds were built inside the front kitchen area. At the main gate entrance, seven rooms of ceremonial canopies were erected. Twelve monks from Baoen Temple were invited first to chant the "head-turning" scripture, with two people each day serving tea and wine for their refreshment. | ||
| 8 | 韓畫士傳... : | 花大舅、吳二舅坐了一回，起身去了。西門慶交溫秀才寫孝帖兒，要刊去，令寫「荊婦奄逝」，溫秀才悄悄拿與應伯爵看，伯爵道：「這個禮上說不通。見有如今吳家嫂子在正室，如何使得？這一齣去，不被人議論！就是吳大哥，心內也不自在。等我慢慢再與他講，你且休要寫著。」陪坐至晚，各散歸家去了。 |
| Uncle Hua Da and Uncle Wu Er sat for a while before getting up to leave. Ximen Qing asked Wen Xiucai to write the mourning letter, intending to publish it. He instructed him to write "My humble wife passed away suddenly." Wen Xiucai secretly showed this wording to Ying Bojue, who said, "This phrasing doesn't conform to proper etiquette." With the current wife of the Wu family now in the main chamber, how could this be acceptable? If we proceed with this, it will surely invite criticism from others! Even Elder Wu himself would feel uneasy about it. "Let me explain to him slowly later; for now, you had better not write that." They sat together until evening and then dispersed, returning home separately. | ||
| 9 | 韓畫士傳... : | 西門慶晚夕也不進後邊去，就在李瓶兒靈旁裝一張涼床，拿圍屏圍著，獨自宿歇，止春鴻、書童兒近前伏侍。天明便往月娘房裡梳洗，穿戴了白唐巾孝冠孝衣、白絨襪、白履鞋，絰帶隨身。 |
| At night, Ximen Qing did not go to the inner quarters as usual. Instead, he had a cool bed set up beside Li Ping'er's spirit tablet, surrounded by folding screens, and slept there alone, with only Chunhong and Shutong attending him nearby. At dawn, he went to Yue Niang's room for washing and dressing. He put on a white Tang-style mourning cap, mourning robe, white woolen socks, and white shoes, with the mourning sash fastened around his body. | ||
| 10 | 韓畫士傳... : | 第二日清晨，夏提刑就來探喪弔問，慰其節哀。西門慶還禮畢，溫秀才相陪，待茶而去。到門首，吩咐寫字的：「好生答應，查有不到的排軍，呈來衙門內懲治。」說畢，騎馬去了。西門慶令溫秀才發帖兒，差人請各親眷，三日誦經，早來吃齋。後晌，鋪排來收拾道場，懸掛佛像，不必細說。 |
| The next morning, Xia Tixing came to visit in sympathy and offer condolences, comforting him to bear the grief with restraint. After Ximen Qing returned the courtesy, Wen Xiucai accompanied Xia Tixing, who was served tea and then departed. At the gate entrance, he gave instructions to the scribe: "Respond carefully. Investigate any rank guards who fail to show up and report them for punishment at the yamen." After giving these orders, Xia Tixing rode off on horseback. Ximen Qing ordered Wen Xiucai to issue invitations, sending people out to invite all relatives and in-laws for three days of scripture chanting, with a vegetarian meal served early. In the afternoon, preparations were made to set up the meditation hall; Buddha images were hung and arranged—details need not be elaborated. | ||
| 11 | 韓畫士傳... : | 那日，吳銀兒打聽得知，坐轎子來靈前哭泣上紙。到後邊，月娘相接。吳銀兒與月娘磕頭，哭道：「六娘沒了，我通一字不知，就沒個人兒和我說聲兒。可憐，傷感人也！」孟玉樓道：「你是他乾女兒，他不好了這些時，你就不來看他看兒？」吳銀兒道：「好三娘，我但知道，有個不來看的？說句假就死了！委實不知道。」月娘道：「你不來看你娘，他倒還掛牽著你，留下件東西兒，與你做一念兒，我替你收著哩。」因令小玉：「你取出來與銀姐看。」小玉走到裡面，取出包袱，打開是一套緞子衣服、兩根金頭簪兒、一枝金花。把吳銀兒哭的淚如雨點相似，說道：「我早知他老人家不好，也來伏侍兩日兒。」說畢，一面拜謝了月娘。月娘待茶與他吃，留他過了三日去。 |
| On that day, Wu Yin'er learned of the event and arrived in a palanquin to weep at the spirit tablet and offer paper offerings. When she went to the inner quarters, Yue Niang received her warmly. Wu Yin'er kowtowed to Yue Niang and wept, saying, "Madam Liu has passed away. I didn't know a single word about it; not even one person came to tell me." "Poor thing, how heart-wrenching and touching!" Meng Yulou said, "You are her adopted daughter. Since she has been unwell for some time now, why didn't you come to see her?" Wu Yin'er replied, "Dear Madam San, if I had known, would there be a reason for me not to come and see her?" "If I were lying, may I die!" "I truly didn't know." Yue Niang said, "Even though you didn't come to see your mother, she was still thinking of you. She left something behind for you as a keepsake; I have been keeping it for you." She then instructed Xiaoyu, "You go and get it out for Yinjie to see." Xiaoyu went into the inner room, took out a bundle, and opened it to reveal a set of satin clothes, two gold-tipped hairpins, and one golden flower. Wu Yin'er wept bitterly, her tears falling like raindrops, saying, "If I had only known earlier that my dear mother was unwell, I would have come to serve her for a few days." After speaking these words, she bowed and thanked Yue Niang. Yue Niang served tea to Wu Yin'er and kept her there for three days before letting her go. | ||
| 12 | 韓畫士傳... : | 到三日，和尚打起磐子，道場誦經，挑出紙錢去。合家大小都披麻帶孝。陳敬濟穿重孝絰巾，佛前拜禮，街坊鄰舍、親朋長官都來弔問，上紙祭奠者，不論其數。陰陽徐先生早來伺候大殮。祭告已畢，抬屍入棺，西門慶交吳月娘又尋出他四套上色衣服來，裝在棺內，四角又安放了四錠小銀子兒。花子由說：「姐夫，倒不消安他在裡面，金銀日久定要出世，倒非久遠之計。」西門慶不肯，定要安放。不一時，放下了七星板，擱上紫蓋，仵作四面用長命釘一齊釘起來，一家大小放聲號哭。西門慶亦哭的呆了，口口聲聲只叫：「我的年小的姐姐，再不得見你了！」良久哭畢，管待徐先生齋饌，打發去了。闔傢伙計都是巾帶孝服，行香之時，門首一片皆白。溫秀才舉薦，北邊杜中書來題銘旌。杜中書名子春，號雲野，原侍真宗寧和殿，今坐閑在家，西門慶備金帛請來。在捲棚內備果盒，西門慶親遞三杯酒，應伯爵與溫秀才相陪。鋪大紅官紵題旌，西門慶要寫「詔封錦衣西門恭人李氏柩」十一字，伯爵再三不肯，說：「見有正室夫人在，如何使得！」杜中書道：「曾生過子，於禮也無礙。」講了半日，去了「恭」字，改了「室人」。溫秀才道：「恭人系命婦，有爵；室人乃室內之人，只是個渾然通常之稱。」於是用白粉題畢，「詔封」二字貼了金，懸於靈前。又題了神主。叩謝杜中書，管待酒饌，拜辭而去。 |
| On the third day, the monks struck their ritual bells, chanted scriptures in the meditation hall, and burned paper money. All members of the household, young and old, wore mourning clothes and sashes. Chen Jingji wore heavy mourning robes and a sash, kowtowing in reverence before the Buddha. Neighbors, relatives, friends, and officials all came to offer condolences, present paper offerings, and pay respects—too numerous to count. The geomancer Master Xu arrived early in the morning to oversee the major funeral rites. After the memorial rites were completed, the body was placed into the coffin. Ximen Qing instructed Wu Yue Niang to find four sets of fine clothes for him and put them in the coffin; at each corner, a small silver ingot was also placed. Huaziyou said, "Brother-in-law, it's not necessary to place them inside. Gold and silver will eventually be passed on over time; this is not a lasting plan." Ximen Qing refused to listen and insisted on placing the items in the coffin. In no time, the seven-star planks were lowered and a purple canopy placed on top. The coroner fastened it shut from all sides with long-life nails, and the entire family, young and old, burst into loud wailing. Ximen Qing also cried uncontrollably, repeatedly calling out, "My dear young sister, I shall never see you again!" After crying for a long time, they served Master Xu a vegetarian meal and sent him off. All the household staff wore mourning caps and robes; when incense was offered, the entire entrance was a sea of white. Recommended by Wen Xiucai, Du Zhongshu from the north came to inscribe the mourning banner. Du Zhongshu, whose courtesy name was Zichun and who styled himself Yunye, had previously served in the Ninghe Hall of Emperor Zhenzong. Now retired at home, Ximen Qing prepared gold and silk to invite him over. In the pavilion, fruit trays were prepared; Ximen Qing personally presented three cups of wine to him, with Ying Bojue and Wen Xiucai accompanying as hosts. A large red official silk banner was prepared for the inscription. Ximen Qing wanted to write eleven characters: "The coffin of Lady Li, Imperial Concubine of the Western Gate, bestowed by imperial decree." But Bojue repeatedly refused, saying, "With a legitimate wife still in residence, how can this be acceptable!" Du Zhongshu said, "She bore children; according to etiquette, there is no problem." After much discussion, the character "gong" was removed and replaced with "shiren." Wen Xiucai said, "A 'gongren' is a titled lady of rank; she holds an official title; 'shiren' merely means someone within the household, a general and common term." Thus, after finishing the inscription in white powder, the two characters "zhao feng" were gilded and hung before the spirit tablet. They also inscribed the spirit tablet. After bowing in gratitude to Du Zhongshu and serving him a meal, they bid farewell and departed. | ||
| 13 | 韓畫士傳... : | 那日，喬大戶、吳大舅、花大舅、韓姨夫、沈姨夫各家都是三牲祭桌來燒紙。喬大戶娘子並吳大妗子、二妗子、花大妗子，坐轎子來弔喪，祭祀哭泣。月娘等皆孝髻，頭須系腰，麻布孝裙，出來回禮舉哀，讓後邊待茶擺齋。惟花大妗子與花大舅便是重孝直身，餘者都是輕孝。那日李桂姐打聽得知，坐轎子也來上紙，看見吳銀兒在這裡，說道：「你幾時來的？怎的也不會我會兒？好人兒，原來只顧你！」吳銀兒道：「我也不知道娘沒了，早知也來看看了。」月娘後邊管待，俱不必細說。 |
| On that day, Jiao Dahu, Uncle Wu Da, Uncle Hua Da, Auntie Han's husband, and Auntie Shen's husband each brought a sacrificial table with three kinds of offerings to burn paper. Madam Jiao Dahu, along with Madams Wu Da Jinzi, Er Jinzi, and Hua Da Jinzi, arrived in palanquins to offer condolences and perform sacrifices, weeping bitterly. Yue Niang and others all wore mourning hairstyles, tied their hair with sashes around the waist, and donned coarse cloth mourning skirts. They came out to return the courtesy and express grief, then invited them into the inner quarters for tea and vegetarian meals. Only Madam Hua Da Jinzi and Uncle Hua Da wore heavy mourning attire with straight, unadorned robes; the rest were in lighter mourning. On that day, Li Guijie learned of the event and also arrived in a palanquin with paper offerings. Seeing Wu Yin'er there, she asked, "When did you arrive?" "Why didn't you let me know to come over for a visit?" "You dear person, I thought you were only thinking of yourself!" Wu Yin'er said, "I didn't know my mother had passed away. If I had known earlier, I would have come to see her." Yue Niang hosted them in the inner quarters; further details need not be elaborated upon. | ||
| 14 | 韓畫士傳... : | 須臾過了，看看到首七，又是報恩寺十六眾上僧，朗僧官為首座，引領做水陸道場，誦《法華經》，拜三昧水懺。親朋伙計無不畢集。那日，玉皇廟吳道官來上紙弔孝，就攬二七經，西門慶留在捲棚內吃齋。忽見小廝來報：「韓先生送半身影來。」眾人觀看，但見頭戴金翠圍冠，雙鳳珠子挑牌、大紅妝花袍兒，白馥馥臉兒，儼然如生。西門慶見了，滿心歡喜。懸掛材頭，眾人無不誇獎：「只少口氣兒！」一面讓捲棚內吃齋，囑咐：「大影還要加工夫些。」韓先生道：「小人隨筆潤色，豈敢粗心！」西門慶厚賞而去。 |
| Soon after, the first seven-day mourning period passed. On the seventh day, sixteen monks from Baoen Temple arrived, led by Lang Sengguan as chief abbot, to conduct a water and land meditation hall ceremony, chanting the Lotus Sutra and performing the Sanmei Shui Chan repentance ritual. Relatives, friends, and staff all gathered in full attendance. On that day, Taoist Master Wu Daoguan from the Jade Emperor Temple came to offer paper offerings and condolences, and also took charge of chanting for the second seven-day period. Ximen Qing kept him in the pavilion for a vegetarian meal. Suddenly, a young servant came to report, "Master Han has sent half of her shadow." Everyone gathered to look, and they saw a figure wearing a golden hairpiece adorned with jewels, a double phoenix-shaped pearl plaque, a bright red embroidered robe. Her face was pale yet fresh, looking as if she were still alive. Ximen Qing saw it and felt great joy in his heart. The effigy was hung at the coffin's head, and no one failed to praise it: "It only lacks a breath of life!" While inviting them into the pavilion for vegetarian meals, he instructed, "More effort should be put into making the full-sized effigy." Master Han replied, "I will carefully refine it with my brush; how dare I be careless!" Ximen Qing generously rewarded him and sent him away. | ||
| 15 | 韓畫士傳... : | 午間，喬大戶來上祭，豬羊祭品、金銀山、緞帛彩繒、冥紙炷香共約五十餘抬，地弔高撬，鑼鼓細樂吹打，纓絡喧闐而至。西門慶與陳敬濟穿孝衣在靈前還禮。喬大戶邀了尚舉人、朱堂官、吳大舅、劉學官、花千戶、段親家七八位親朋，各在靈前上香。三獻已畢，俱跪聽陰陽生讀祝文曰： |
| At noon, Jiao Dahu came to offer sacrifices. His offerings included pigs and sheep, golden and silver mountains, satin brocades, colored silks, paper money, incense, and candles—altogether over fifty sedan chairs. The procession was grand, with high poles for the offerings, gongs and drums beating, flutes and string instruments playing, and a crowd of attendants arriving in great noise and splendor. Ximen Qing and Chen Jingji, dressed in mourning robes, returned the courtesy at the spirit tablet. Jiao Dahu invited several close friends and relatives, including Ju Shang, Zhu Tangguan, Uncle Wu Da, Liu Xueguan, Huo Qianhu, and Duan Qinjia—about seven or eight people in total—who each offered incense at the spirit tablet. After three rounds of offerings were completed, they all knelt to listen as the geomancer read the memorial text: | ||
| 維政和七年，歲次丁酉，九月庚申朔，越二十二日辛巳，眷生喬洪等謹以剛鬣柔毛庶羞之奠，致祭於故親家母西門孺人李氏之靈曰：嗚呼！孺人之性，寬裕溫良，治家勤儉，御眾慈祥，克全婦道，譽動鄉邦。閨閫之秀，蘭蕙之芳，夙配君子，效聘鸞凰。藍玉已種，浦珠已光。正期諧琴瑟於有永，享彌壽於無疆。胡為一病，夢斷黃粱？善人之歿，孰不哀傷？弱女襁褓，沐愛姻嬙。不期中道，天不從願，鴛伴失行。恨隔幽冥，莫睹行藏。悠悠情誼，寓此一觴。靈其有知，來格來歆。尚饗。 | ||
| "In the seventh year of Zhenghe, the year Dingyou, on the first day of the ninth month, Gengshen shuo, and on the twenty-second day, Xinsi, with deep respect, we humble disciples Qiao Hong et al. offer this sacrifice of strong livestock, soft furs, and various delicacies to the spirit of our late mother-in-law Lady Li Shi, wife of Ximen Ru Ren: Alas!" "Madam's nature was broad and generous, warm and kind. She managed her household with diligence and frugality, ruled over the family with kindness and compassion, fulfilled the virtues of a wife, and earned praise throughout the region." "Her grace was like that of orchids and hui; she matched with a noble gentleman early in life, becoming his bride as phoenixes pair." "The blue jade had already taken root, the river pearls had already shone bright." "Just as we hoped for a harmonious union lasting forever and an endless life of blessings— "Why then, with one illness, did her dream end like the tale of the yellow millet?" "The passing of a virtuous lady—how could anyone not grieve deeply?" "Her young daughter, still in swaddling clothes, was nurtured with love by her in-laws." "But unexpectedly, halfway through life, Heaven did not grant our wishes; the mandarin ducks lost their pair." "Regret now separates us into the world of the living and the dead, and we can no longer witness her deeds or concealments." "Our deep affection and friendship are expressed in this single cup of wine." "May her spirit, if it knows, come to accept our offerings with joy." "Please partake of the sacrifice." | ||
| 16 | 韓畫士傳... : | 官客祭畢，回禮畢，讓捲棚內桌席管待。然後喬大戶娘子、崔親家母、朱堂官娘子、尚舉人娘子、段大姐眾堂客女眷祭奠，地弔鑼鼓，靈前弔鬼判隊舞。吳月娘陪著哭畢，請去後邊待茶設席，三湯五割，俱不必細說。 |
| After the officials and guests completed their sacrifices, they returned courtesy bows and were invited to sit at tables in the pavilion for meals. Then followed the offerings by Madam Jiao Dahu, Auntie Cui Qinjia, Madam Zhu Tangguan, Madam Ju Shang, and Lady Duan Da Ji, along with other female relatives. The procession continued with gongs and drums, and ghost judges performed dances before the spirit tablet as part of the mourning rituals. After Wu Yue Niang accompanied them in weeping, they were invited into the inner quarters for tea and a banquet of three soups and five dishes; further details need not be described. | ||
| 17 | 韓畫士傳... : | 西門慶正在捲棚內陪人吃酒，忽前邊打的雲板響。答應的慌慌張張進來稟報：「本府胡爺上紙來了，在門首下轎子。」慌的西門慶連忙穿孝衣，靈前伺候。即使溫秀才衣巾素服出迎，左右先捧進香紙，然後胡府尹素服金帶進來。許多官吏圍隨，扶衣搊帶，到了靈前，春鴻跪著，捧的香高高的，上了香，展拜兩禮。西門慶便道：「老先生請起，多有勞動。」連忙下來回禮。胡府尹道，「令夫人幾時沒了？學生昨日才知。弔遲，弔遲！」西門慶道：「側室一疾不救，辱承老先生枉弔。」溫秀才在旁作揖畢，請到廳上待茶一杯，胡府尹起身，溫秀才送出大門，上轎而去。上祭人吃至後晌方散。 |
| Ximen Qing was just in the pavilion entertaining guests with wine when suddenly, from the front, the wooden clapper rang out. A servant, flustered and in a hurry, came in to report: "Master Hu from the city has arrived with offerings. He is just now alighting from his palanquin at the gate." Startled, Ximen Qing hurriedly put on mourning clothes and went to attend by the spirit tablet. They immediately had Wen Xiucai, dressed in plain attire and wearing a scholar's cap, go out to greet him. Servants on both sides first presented incense and paper offerings, after which Master Hu Fuyin, clad in mourning clothes but with his golden sash still fastened, entered. Many officials followed closely behind, supporting his robe and adjusting his sash. Upon arriving at the spirit tablet, Chun Hong knelt down, holding incense high in both hands, offered it before the tablet, and performed two formal bows of homage. Ximen Qing then said, "Respected elder sir, please rise; we are much in your debt for coming all this way." He hurriedly stepped down to return the courtesy. Master Hu Fuyin asked, "When did your esteemed lady pass away?" "I only learned of it yesterday," Ximen Qing replied. "Late in my mourning, late in my mourning!" Ximen Qing said, "My concubine fell ill and could not be saved. I am deeply honored by your visit to mourn her." Wen Xiucai, standing by, performed a bow and invited him to the hall for a cup of tea. After finishing his tea, Master Hu Fuyin rose to leave; Wen Xiucai saw him out through the main gate until he entered his palanquin and departed. The guests who had come to offer sacrifices did not disperse until late afternoon. | ||
| 18 | 韓畫士傳... : | 第二日，院中鄭愛月兒家來上紙。愛月兒進至靈前，燒了紙。月娘見他抬了八盤餅饊、三牲湯飯來祭奠，連忙討了一匹整絹孝裙與他。吳銀兒與李桂姐都是三錢奠儀，告西門慶說。西門慶道：「值甚麼，每人都與他一匹整絹就是了。」月娘邀到後邊房裡，擺茶管待，過夜。 |
| On the next day, Zheng Aiyue's family from the courtyard came with offerings of paper goods. Aiyue Er went before the spirit tablet and burned the paper offerings. Wu Yue Niang saw that he had brought eight trays of pastries, three sacrificial dishes and rice soup for the mourning rites. She hurriedly gave him a whole piece of silk to make into a mourning skirt. Wu Yin Er and Li Guijie each presented three qian in offering money, which they reported to Ximen Qing. Ximen Qing said, "What is it worth? Just give each of them a whole piece of silk." Wu Yue Niang invited them to the inner rooms, served tea and meals, and they stayed overnight. | ||
| 19 | 韓畫士傳... : | 晚夕，親朋伙計來伴宿，叫了一起海鹽子弟搬演戲文。李銘、吳惠、鄭奉、鄭春都在這裡答應。西門慶在大棚內放十五張桌席，為首的就是喬大戶、吳大舅、吳二舅、花大舅、沈姨夫、韓姨夫、倪秀才、溫秀才、任醫官、李智、黃四、應伯爵、謝希大、祝實念、孫寡嘴、白賚光、常峙節、傅日新、韓道國、甘出身、賁第傳、吳舜臣、兩個外甥，還有街坊六七位人，都是開桌兒。點起十數枝大燭來，堂客便在靈前圍著圍屏，垂簾放桌席，往外觀戲。當時眾人祭奠畢，西門慶與敬濟回畢禮，安席上坐。下邊戲子打動鑼鼓，搬演的是韋皋、玉簫女兩世姻緣《玉環記》。不一時弔場，生扮韋皋，唱了一回下去。貼旦扮玉簫，又唱了一回下去。廚役上湯飯割鵝。應伯爵便向西門慶說：「我聞的院里姐兒三個在這裡，何不請出來，與喬老親家、老舅席上遞杯酒兒。他倒是會看戲文，倒便益了他！」西門慶便使玳安進入說去：「請他姐兒三個出來。」喬大戶道：「這個卻不當。他來弔喪，如何叫他遞起酒來？」伯爵道：「老親家，你不知，象這樣小淫婦兒，別要閑著他。──快與我牽出來！你說應二爹說，六娘沒了，只當行孝順，也該與俺每人遞杯酒兒。」玳安進去半日，說：「聽見應二爹在坐，都不出來哩。」伯爵道：「既恁說，我去罷。」走了兩步，又回坐下。西門慶笑道：「你怎的又回了？」伯爵道：「我有心待要扯那三個小淫婦出來，等我罵兩句，出了我氣，我才去。」落後又使玳安請了一遍，三個才慢條條出來。都一色穿著白綾對衿襖兒、藍緞裙子，向席上不端不正拜了拜兒，笑嘻嘻立在旁邊。應伯爵道：「俺每在這裡，你如何只顧推三阻四，不肯出來？」那三個也不答應，向上邊遞了回酒，設一席坐著。下邊鼓樂響動，關目上來，生扮韋皋，凈扮包知木，同到勾欄里玉簫家來。那媽兒出來迎接，包知木道：「你去叫那姐兒出來。」媽雲：「包官人，你好不著人，俺女兒等閑不便出來。說不得一個『請』字兒，你如何說『叫他出來』？」那李桂姐向席上笑道：「這個姓包的，就和應花子一般，就是個不知趣的蹇味兒！」伯爵道：「小淫婦，我不知趣，你家媽怎喜歡我？」桂姐道：「他喜歡你？過一邊兒！」西門慶道：「看戲罷，且說甚麼。再言語，罰一大杯酒！」那伯爵才不言語了。那戲子又做了一回，並下。 |
| In the evening, relatives, friends, and business associates came to stay over; a troupe of Haiyan actors was hired to perform plays. Li Ming, Wu Hui, Zheng Feng, and Zheng Chun were all here attending to the arrangements. Ximen Qing arranged fifteen tables in the large pavilion. Those seated at the head of the banquet included Jiao Dahu, Uncle Wu Da, Uncle Wu Er, Uncle Hua Da, Brother-in-law Shen, Brother-in-law Han, Scholar Ni, Scholar Wen, Medical Officer Ren, Li Zhi, Huang Si, Ying Bojue, Xie Xidai, Zhu Shiniang, Sun Guazui, Bai Laiguang, Chang Zhijie, Fu Rixin, Han Daoguo, Gan Chushen, Bin Dichuan, Wu Shunchen, his two nephews, and six or seven neighbors from the neighborhood; all were seated at their own tables. Dozens of large candles were lit; the female guests gathered around the spirit tablet behind a screen, drew down the curtains to set up tables and chairs, and watched the play from there. After all the guests had completed their mourning rites, Ximen Qing and Jing Ji returned their bows of courtesy and took their seats at the banquet. The actors below struck gongs and drums to begin their performance, presenting the tale of two-life love between Wei Gao and Lady Yu Xiao: "Jade Ring Records." In no time at all, on the mourning stage, an actor playing Wei Gao performed a scene and then exited. A female lead in a supporting role played Yu Xiao, sang another act, and then left the stage. The kitchen staff served soup, rice, and carved goose meat. Ying Bojue then said to Ximen Qing, "I heard that the three girls from the courtyard are here. Why not invite them out and have them offer a toast of wine at Master Jiao's and Uncle's tables?" "He is quite good at appreciating plays, and this will surely please him!" Ximen Qing immediately sent Dai An in to say, "Please invite the three girls out." Jiao Dahu said, "This is not appropriate at all." "They have come to mourn; how can we now ask them to serve wine?" Bojue said, "Elder relative Jiao, you don't understand. Women like these should not be left idle." "Quickly bring them out for me!" "You should say what Master Ying Er Da said: since the sixth madam has passed away, we are merely showing filial piety. It is only proper for each of us to receive a toast from them." Dai An went in and after some time came out saying, "They heard that Master Ying Er Da is here; they refuse to come out." Bojue said, "If it's like this, I'll go myself then." He had taken two steps when he turned back and sat down again. Ximen Qing laughed and said, "Why did you turn back?" Bojue replied, "I had the intention of dragging those three little sluts out and scolding them a bit to vent my anger. Only then will I go." Later, Dai An was sent again to invite them once more; the three finally came out slowly and reluctantly. They were all dressed in white satin double-breasted jackets and blue brocade skirts. They bowed awkwardly at the tables, then stood smiling on the side. Ying Bojue said, "We are all here; how could you keep making excuses and refuse to come out?" The three did not respond but went up to the tables, offered a toast of wine, and sat down for their own meal. Below, the music and drums sounded as a new scene began. A young male actor played Wei Gao, while another in full face makeup portrayed Bao Zhimu; they both arrived at Yu Xiao's house in the entertainment district. The madam came out to greet them, and Bao Zhimu said, "Go call that girl out." The madam replied, "Master Bao, you are being very unreasonable. My daughter cannot just come out like this without cause." "How can you say 'call her out' instead of using the word 'please'?" Li Guijie, laughing at the table, said, "This fellow Bao is just like Ying Huazi; he's a clumsy fool with no sense of propriety!" Bojue said, "Little slut, I may be clumsy, but how come your madam likes me?" Guijie said, "Does she like you?" "Go over to the side!" Ximen Qing said, "Let's just watch the play and stop talking nonsense." "If you say another word, I'll make you drink a big cup of wine!" At that, Bojue fell silent. The actors performed another scene and then left the stage. | ||
| 20 | 韓畫士傳... : | 廳內左邊弔帘子看戲的，是吳大妗子、二妗子、楊姑娘、潘姥姥、吳大姨、孟大姨、吳舜臣媳婦鄭三姐、段大姐，並本家月娘姊妹；右邊弔帘子看戲的，是春梅、玉簫、蘭香、迎春、小玉，都擠著觀看。那打茶的鄭紀，正拿著一盤果仁泡茶從簾下過，被春梅叫住，問道：「拿茶與誰吃？」鄭紀道：「那邊六妗子娘每要吃。」這春梅取一盞在手。不想小玉聽見下邊扮戲的旦兒名字也叫玉簫，便把王簫拉著說道：「淫婦，你的孤老漢子來了。鴇子叫你接客哩，你還不出去。」使力往外一推，直推出帘子外，春梅手裡拿著茶，推潑一身。罵玉簫：「怪淫婦，不知甚麼張致，都頑的這等！把人的茶都推潑了，早是沒曾打碎盞兒。」西門慶聽得，使下來安兒來問：「誰在裡面喧嚷？」春梅坐在椅上道：「你去就說，玉簫浪淫婦，見了漢子這等浪。」那西門慶問了一回，亂著席上遞酒，就罷了。月娘便走過那邊數落小玉：「你出來這一日，也往屋裡瞧瞧去。都在這裡，屋裡有誰？」小玉道：「大姐剛纔後邊去的，兩位師父也在屋裡坐著。」月娘道：「教你們賊狗胎在這裡看看，就恁惹是招非的。」春梅見月娘過來，連忙立起身來說道：「娘，你問他。都一個個只象有風病的，狂的通沒些成色兒，嘻嘻哈哈，也不顧人看見。」那月娘數落了一回，仍過那邊去了。 |
| On the left side of the hall, behind curtains watching the play, were Aunt Wu Da, Aunt Wu Er, Young Lady Yang, Grandma Pan, Aunt Wu Da Yi, Aunt Meng Da Yi, Mrs. Zheng Sanjie, wife of Wu Shunchen; Lady Duan Da Ji and other female relatives from the family, as well as Madam Yue Niang and her sisters; On the right side, behind curtains watching were Chunmei, Yu Xiao, Lanxiang, Yingchun, and Xiaoyu, all crowding together to watch. Zheng Ji, the tea server, was just carrying a tray of nuts and tea through beneath the curtain when Chunmei called him over and asked, "Whose tea is this for?" Zheng Ji replied, "The sixth auntie's ladies over there want to drink it." Chunmei took a cup in her hand. Unbeknownst to her, Xiaoyu had overheard that the female lead actor in the play was also named Yu Xiao. She grabbed Wang Xiao by the arm and said, "Slut, your old man has come." "The madam is calling you to attend a customer; why don't you go out?" With force, she pushed her outside. Straight through the curtain went Wang Xiao, and in doing so, Chunmei spilled all the tea on herself. Chunmei scolded Yu Xiao: "You wretched slut, what nonsense are you up to? You've gone too far!" "You spilled someone else's tea! Fortunately, the cup wasn't broken." Ximen Qing heard this and sent An Er down to inquire: "Who is causing such a commotion in there?" Chunmei, sitting on the chair, said, "Just go and say that Yu Xiao, this shameless slut, is acting so indecently in front of men." Ximen Qing asked about it for a while but, amidst the banquet and toasting at the tables, let it drop. Wu Yue Niang then walked over there and scolded Xiaoyu: "Since you've come out today, at least go take a look inside the house." "Everyone is here. Who's in the house?" Xiaoyu replied, "Big sister just went to the back a moment ago. The two monks are also sitting in the house." Wu Yue Niang said, "Let you little brats take a look here and see how much trouble you can cause." Chunmei saw Madam Yue Niang coming over, quickly stood up and said, "Madam, you ask her." "They all act like they have the wind disease—wild and completely without decorum, laughing and giggling carelessly, not caring if others see." After scolding them for a while, Madam Yue Niang went back to the other side. | ||
| 21 | 韓畫士傳... : | 那時，喬大戶與倪秀才先起身去了。沈姨夫與任醫官、韓姨夫也要起身，被應伯爵攔住道：「東家，你也說聲兒。俺每倒是朋友，不敢散，一個親家都要去。沈姨夫又不隔門，韓姨夫與任大人、花大舅都在門外。這咱晚三更天氣，門也還未開，慌的甚麼？都來大坐回兒，左右關目還未了哩。」西門慶又令小廝提四壇麻姑酒，放在面前，說：「列位只了此四壇酒，我也不留了。」因拿大賞鐘放在吳大舅面前，說道：「那位離席破坐說起身者，任大舅舉罰。」於是眾人又復坐下了。西門慶令書童：「催促子弟，快弔關目上來，吩咐揀著熱鬧處唱罷。」須臾打動鼓板，扮末的上來，請問面門慶：「『寄真容』那一折可要唱？」西門慶道：「我不管你，只要熱鬧。」貼旦扮玉簫唱了回。西門慶看唱到「今生難會面，因此上寄丹青」一句，忽想起李瓶兒病時模樣，不覺心中感觸起來，止不住眼中淚落，袖中不住取汗巾兒搽拭。又早被潘金蓮在簾內冷眼看見，指與月娘瞧，說道：「大娘，你看他好個沒來頭的行貨子，如何吃著酒，看見扮戲的哭起來？」盂玉樓道：「你聰明一場，這些兒就不知道了？樂有悲歡離合，想必看見那一段兒觸著他心，他睹物思人，見鞍思馬，才掉淚來。」金蓮道：「我不信。打談的掉眼淚──替古人耽憂，這些都是虛。他若唱的我淚出來，我才算他好戲子。」月娘道：「六姐，悄悄兒，咱每聽罷。」玉樓因向大妗子道：「俺六姐不知怎的，只好快說嘴。」 |
| At that time, Jiao Dahu and Scholar Ni had already risen and left first. Shen Brother-in-law, Medical Officer Ren, and Han Brother-in-law were also about to rise when Ying Bojue stopped them and said, "Host, you should say something." "We are your friends; we dare not disperse. Even one relative wants to leave." Shen Brother-in-law was not at the gate, and Han Brother-in-law along with Medical Officer Ren and Uncle Hua were all outside. "It's still early in the third watch of the night, and the gate is not even open yet—what are you so anxious about?" "Just sit down for a while. The play's scenes aren't over yet." Ximen Qing then ordered a servant to bring four jars of Machu wine and place them in front, saying, "Everyone, just finish these four jars of wine, and I won't hold you back any longer." He then placed a large gong in front of Uncle Wu Da and said, "Whoever leaves their seat or breaks the seating order by standing up will be punished by Uncle Wu." Thus, everyone sat back down again. Ximen Qing ordered Shutong: "Urge the actors to come on stage quickly and perform lively scenes." In a moment, drums and clappers sounded as an actor in male lead costume came on stage. He asked Ximen Qing: "Shall we perform the act 'Sending the True Portrait'?" Ximen Qing said, "I don't care what you do; just make it lively." The female lead playing Yu Xiao performed a scene. As Ximen Qing listened to the line "It is hard for us to meet in this life, hence I send you my portrait," he suddenly recalled Li Ping'er's appearance when she was ill. Moved by emotion, tears welled up in his eyes and he could not help wiping them repeatedly with a handkerchief from his sleeve. Pang Jinlian, watching from behind the curtain with a cold eye, pointed it out to Yueliang and said, "Madam, look at this clumsy fellow. How could he be crying while drinking wine upon seeing an actor perform?" Yu Yulou said, "You're usually so clever, yet you don't know this little thing?" "Joy and sorrow, parting and reunion are all part of life. He must have been moved by something in that scene which touched his heart. That's why he was reminded of someone or something upon seeing the performance and began to weep." Jinlian said, "I don't believe it." "Crying over spilled milk—worrying for the ancients. All of this is just pretense." "If he makes me cry, then I'll say he's a good actor." Yueliang said, "Sixth sister, be quiet. Let us just listen." Yu Yulou then turned to Dashui and said, "My sixth sister doesn't know how, but she just likes to talk big." | ||
| 22 | 韓畫士傳... : |
那戲子又做了一回，約有五更時分，眾人齊起身。西門慶拿大杯攔門遞酒，款留不住，俱送出門。看收了傢伙，留下戲廂：「明日有劉公公、薛公公來祭奠，還做一日。」眾戲子答應。管待了酒飯，歸下處歇去了。李銘等四個亦歸家不題。西門慶見天色已將曉，就歸後邊歇息去了。正是，得多少── 紅日映窗寒色淺，淡煙籠竹曙光微。 |
| The actor performed another scene. It was about the fifth watch of the night when everyone got up together. Ximen Qing held a large cup and poured wine at the gate to see them off, but could not hold them back any longer. He sent everyone out through the gate. After seeing that everything had been packed up, he left the stage for the actors: "Tomorrow Master Liu Gonggong and Master Xue Gonggong will come to pay their respects. We'll perform one more day." The actors responded in agreement. After being treated to wine and food, they returned to their lodgings to rest. Li Ming and the other three also went home; no more is said about them. Ximen Qing, seeing that dawn was approaching, returned to the back of the house to rest. It was indeed true— The red sun reflected on the window, slightly dispelling the cold; light mist veiled the bamboo as dawn's faint light emerged. |
URN: ctp:jinpingmei/ch63