| | 應伯爵戲... : |
詞曰： |
| | The verse says:
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鐘情太甚，到老也無休歇。月露煙雲都是態，況與玉人明說。軟語叮嚀，柔情婉戀，熔盡肝腸鐵。岐亭把盞，水流花謝時節。 |
| | Too deeply attached, never ceasing even in old age. The moonlight, dew, mist and clouds are all expressions; how much more so when clearly spoken to the beloved one. Soft words of repeated urging, tender affection and lingering tenderness, melting even iron in one's heart. Holding a cup at Qiting, it is the season when water flows and flowers wither.
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話說西門慶與李瓶兒燒紙畢，歸潘金蓮房中歇了一夜。到次日，先是應伯爵家送喜面來。落後黃四領他小舅子孫文相，宰了一口豬、一壇酒、兩隻燒鵝、四隻燒雞、兩盒果子來與西門慶磕頭。西門慶再三不受，黃四打旋磨兒跪著說：「蒙老爹活命之恩，舉家感激不淺。無甚孝順，些微薄禮，與老爹賞人，如何不受！」推阻了半日，西門慶止受豬酒：「留下送你錢老爹罷。」黃四道：「既是如此，難為小人一點窮心，無處所盡。」只得把羹果抬回去。又請問：「老爹幾時閑暇？小人問了應二叔，裡邊請老爹坐坐。」西門慶道：「你休聽他哄你哩！又費煩你，不如不央我了。」那黃四和他小舅子千恩萬謝出門去了。 |
| | After Ximen Qing and Li Ping'er had finished burning paper offerings, they returned to Pan Jinlian's room and rested there for the night. The next day, the first thing was that Ying Bojue's family sent wedding noodles. Later, Huang Si brought his brother-in-law Sun Wenxiang, who slaughtered a pig, one jar of wine, two roasted geese, four roasted chickens, and two boxes of fruits to pay respects to Ximen Qing. Ximen Qing repeatedly refused, but Huang Si kept kneeling and pleading: "I am deeply grateful to you, my lord, for saving our lives. The whole family is most appreciative." "We have nothing worthy of your kindness; these are but humble gifts to be presented to you, my lord. How can you refuse them!" After much persuasion and resistance, Ximen Qing finally accepted only the pig and wine: "Keep these to present to Uncle Qian." Huang Si said, "If it is like this, I am troubled by my humble heart; there's nowhere for me to express my sincerity." He had no choice but to take the soup and fruits back. Huang Si also asked, "When will my lord have some free time?" "I have inquired of Uncle Ying. I would like to invite you inside for a visit." Ximen Qing said, "Don't listen to his trickery!" "Going through all this trouble is unnecessary; better not ask me at all." Huang Si and his brother-in-law left the door with countless expressions of gratitude.
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到十一月初一日，西門慶往衙門中回來，又往李知縣衙內吃酒去，月娘獨自一人，素妝打扮，坐轎子往喬大戶家與長姐做生日，都不在家。到後晌，有庵里薛姑子，聽見月娘許下他初五日念經拜《血盆懺》，於是悄悄瞞著王姑子，買了兩盒禮物來見月娘。月娘不在家，李嬌兒、孟玉樓留他吃茶，說：「大姐姐往喬親家做生日去了。你須等他來，他還和你說話哩。」那薛姑子就坐住了。潘金蓮思想著玉簫告他說，月娘吃了他的符水藥才坐了胎氣，又見西門慶把奶子要了，恐怕一時奶子養出孩子來，攙奪了他寵愛。於是把薛姑子讓到前邊他房裡，悄悄央薛姑子，與他一兩銀子，替他配坐胎氣符藥，不在話下。 |
| | On the first day of the eleventh month, after returning from the government office, Ximen Qing went to Li Zhian's yamen for a drinking party. Yuemeng, dressed simply and elegantly, rode in a palanquin alone to Qiao Dahu's house to celebrate her elder sister's birthday; thus, they were not at home. In the afternoon, a nun named Xue from the nunnery, having heard that Yuemeng had promised to have her recite scriptures and perform the "Xuepen Chan" repentance ceremony on the fifth day of this month, secretly came without informing Nun Wang, buying two boxes of gifts to visit Yuemeng. Yuemeng was not at home, so Li Jiaoer and Meng Yulou kept her for tea and said, "Our elder sister went to Qiao Qinjia's house for a birthday celebration." "You must wait for her; she will still speak with you," they said. Nun Xue then sat down and stayed. Pan Jinlian, thinking about Yu Xiao's report to her that Yuemeng became pregnant only after taking his talisman water medicine, and seeing Ximen Qing had taken the wet nurse away, was afraid that if the wet nurse gave birth to a child at any time, it would take away her favor. Therefore, she led Nun Xue to her room in the front and secretly asked her to prepare a talisman and medicine for stabilizing pregnancy for one or two taels of silver; this need not be detailed further.
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到晚夕，等的月娘回家，留他住了一夜。次日，問西門慶討了五兩銀子經錢寫法與他。這薛姑子就瞞著王姑子、大師父，到初五日早請了八眾女僧，在花園捲棚內建立道場，諷誦《華嚴》、《金剛》經咒，禮拜《血盆》寶懺。晚夕設放焰口施食。那日請了吳大妗子、花大嫂並官客吳大舅、應伯爵、溫秀才吃齋。尼僧也不動響器，只敲木魚，擊手馨，念經而已。 |
| | By evening, when Yuemeng returned home, she kept Nun Xue and let her stay for the night. The next day, she asked Ximen Qing for five taels of silver as money for the religious service and wrote down the amount to give to Nun Xue. Nun Xue secretly, without informing Nun Wang or the abbot, invited eight nuns on the fifth morning to set up a ritual site in the pavilion of the garden, reciting the "Avatamsaka Sutra," "Diamond Sutra" and mantras, and performing worship of the "Xuepen Bao Chan." In the evening, they performed a ritual to feed hungry ghosts. On that day, Aunt Wu Da, Sister-in-law Hua Da and official guests Uncle Wu Da, Ying Bojue, and Cai Xiucai were invited to a vegetarian meal. The nuns did not use any loud instruments; they merely struck the wooden fish, rang small hand bells, and recited sutras.
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那日伯爵領了黃四家人，具帖初七日在院中鄭愛月兒家置酒請西門慶。西門慶看了帖兒，笑道：「我初七日不得閑，張西村家吃生日酒。倒是明日空閑。」問還有誰，伯爵道：「再沒人。只請了我與李三相陪哥，又叫了四個女兒唱《西廂記》。」西門慶吩咐與黃四家人齋吃了，打發回去，改了初六。伯爵便問：「黃四那日買了分甚麼禮來謝你？」西門慶如此這般：「我不受他的，再三磕頭禮拜，我只受了豬酒。添了兩匹白鷳紵絲、兩匹京緞、五十兩銀子，謝了龍野錢公了。」伯爵道：「哥，你不接錢盡夠了，這個是他落得的。少說四匹尺頭值三十兩銀子，那二十兩，那裡尋這分上去？便益了他，救了他父子二人性命！」當日坐至晚夕方散。西門慶向伯爵說：「你明日還到這邊。」伯爵說：「我知道。」作別去了。八眾尼僧直亂到一更多，方纔道場圓滿，焚燒箱庫散了。 |
| | On that day, Ying Bojue led Huang Si's family and sent an invitation for the seventh day of this month to Zheng Aiyuer's house in the courtyard to host a banquet for Ximen Qing. Ximen Qing read the invitation and laughed, saying, "I won't be free on the seventh day; I have to attend a birthday banquet at Zhang Xicun's house." "I will be free tomorrow instead." Ximen Qing asked who else was invited, and Ying Bojue said, "No one else." "Only me and Brother Li San were invited as companions. Four daughters were also hired to perform 'The Western Chamber.'" Ximen Qing instructed Huang Si's family to have a vegetarian meal, then sent them back and changed the date to the sixth day of this month. Ying Bojue then asked, "What kind of gift did Huang Si bring on that day to thank you?" Ximen Qing explained in detail, "I refused his gift at first. After repeated kowtows and worship, I accepted only the pig and the wine." "I added two bolts of white zhusi silk, two bolts of Jingduan satin, and fifty taels of silver to thank Uncle Qian Longye." Ying Bojue said, "Brother, it's enough that you didn't accept the money. This is what he could afford." "Even if we say four bolts of cloth are worth thirty taels, where else can you get twenty taels like this?" "You have benefited him and saved the lives of father and son!" They sat until evening that day before dispersing. Ximen Qing told Ying Bojue, "You should still come here tomorrow." Ying Bojue replied, "I know." They bid each other farewell and left. The eight nuns continued until the first watch of the night before the ritual was finally completed, and then they burned incense and dismissed.
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至次日，西門慶早往衙門中去了。且說王姑子打聽得知，大清早晨走來，說薛姑子攬了經去，要經錢。月娘怪他道：「你怎的昨日不來？他說你往王皇親家做生日去了。」王姑子道：「這個就是薛家老淫婦的鬼。他對著我說咱家挪了日子，到初六念經。難道經錢他都拿的去了，一些兒不留下？」月娘道：「還等到這咱哩？未曾念經，經錢寫法就都找與他了。早是我還與你留下一匹襯錢布在此。」教小玉連忙擺了些昨日剩下的齋食與他吃了，把與他一匹藍布。這王姑子口裡喃喃吶吶罵道：「這老淫婦，他印造經，賺了六娘許多銀子。原說這個經兒，咱兩個使，你又獨自掉攬的去了。」月娘道：「老薛說你接了六娘《血盆經》五兩銀子，你怎的不替他念？」王姑子道：「他老人家五七時，我在家請了四位師父，念了半個月哩。」月娘道：「你念了，怎的掛口兒不對我題？你就對我說，我還送些襯施兒與你。」那王姑子便一聲兒不言語，訕訕的坐了一回，往薛姑子家嚷去了。正是： |
| | On the next day, Ximen Qing left early for the government office. Meanwhile, Nun Wang learned about it and came in the very early morning, saying that Nun Xue had taken on a religious service for money. Yuemeng scolded her, saying, "Why didn't you come yesterday?" "He said that you had gone to the birthday celebration at Wang Huangqin's house." Nun Wang said, "This is all because of Nun Xue, this old lewd woman." "She told me that your family changed the date and will recite sutras on the sixth day of this month." "Could it be that she took all the money for the service, not leaving even a little?" Yuemeng said, "Did we have to wait until now?" "We hadn't even started the service yet, and she already got all the money written down for her." "I was lucky enough to still leave you a bolt of cloth here as payment." She ordered Xiao Yu to quickly serve some leftover vegetarian food from the previous day for her, and gave her a bolt of blue cloth. Nun Wang muttered under her breath, cursing, "This old lewd woman printed sutras and cheated the sixth mistress out of a lot of silver." "We originally said we would share this service, but you took it all for yourself instead." Yuemeng said, "Old Xue said you accepted five taels of silver from the sixth mistress for the 'Xuepen Jing' service. Why didn't you recite it for her?" Nun Wang replied, "When the old lady was in her five-seven period, I invited four masters at home and recited for half a month." Yuemeng said, "If you did the chanting, why didn't you tell me about it?" "If you had told me, I would have given you some offerings." Nun Wang then said nothing at all, sat there in embarrassment for a while, and went to Nun Xue's house to complain. It was precisely:
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佛會僧尼是一家，法輪常轉度龍華。此物只好圖生育，枉使金刀剪落花。 |
| | Buddhist nuns and monks are one family, the Dharma wheel constantly turns to deliver the dragon flower. This thing is only good for seeking childbirth; it's in vain that golden scissors cut down blooming flowers.
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| | 應伯爵戲... : |
卻說西門慶從衙門中回來，吃了飯，應伯爵又早到了。盔的新緞帽，沉香色𧜽褶，粉底皂靴，向西門慶聲喏，說：「這天也有晌午，好去了。他那裡使人邀了好幾遍了。」西門慶道：「咱今邀葵軒同走走去。」使王經：「往對過請你溫師父來。」王經去不多時，回說：「溫師父不在家，望朋友去了。」伯爵便說：「咱等不的他。秀才家有要沒緊望朋友，知多咱來？倒沒的誤了勾當。」西門慶吩咐琴童：「備黃馬與應二爹騎。」伯爵道：「我不騎。你依我：省的搖鈴打鼓，我先走一步兒，你坐轎子慢慢來就是了。」西門慶道：「你說的是，你先行罷。」那伯爵舉手先走了。 |
| | Meanwhile, Ximen Qing returned from the government office and had just finished his meal when Ying Bojue arrived early once again. He wore a new satin cap, a chenxiang-colored qifan vest, and white-bottomed black boots. He bowed to Ximen Qing and said, "It's already midday today; it is time to go." "They have sent people there several times to invite him." Ximen Qing said, "Let's invite Kuixuan and go together." He sent Wang Jing: "Go across the street and ask Master Wen to come." Wang Jing returned after a short while, saying, "Master Wen is not at home; he went out visiting friends." Ying Bojue immediately said, "We can't wait for him. "When a scholar goes out to visit friends at such an important time, who knows when he will come back?" "It's better not to delay the matter." Ximen Qing ordered Qintong, "Prepare a yellow horse for Uncle Ying to ride." Ying Bojue said: "I won't ride it. "Listen to me: To avoid the noise of bells and drums, I'll go ahead a little. You can come slowly in your palanquin." Ximen Qing said, "You're right; you may go first then." Ying Bojue raised his hand and walked ahead.
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西門慶吩咐玳安、琴童、四個排軍，收拾下暖轎跟隨。才待出門，忽平安兒慌慌張張從外拿著雙帖兒來報，說：「工部安老爹來拜。先差了個吏送帖兒，後邊轎子便來也。」慌的西門慶吩咐家中廚下備飯，使來興兒買攢盤點心伺候。良久，安郎中來到，西門慶冠冕出迎。安郎中穿著妝花雲鷺補子員領，起花萌金帶，進門拜畢，分賓主坐定，左右拿茶上來。茶罷，敘其間闊之情。西門慶道：「老先生榮擢，失賀，心甚缺然。前日蒙賜華扎厚儀，生正值喪事，匆匆未及奉候起居為歉。」安郎中道：「學生有失弔問，罪罪！生到京也曾道達雲峰，未知可有禮到否？」西門慶道：「正是，又承翟親家遠勞致賻。」安郎中道：「四泉一定今歲恭喜。」西門慶道，「在下才微任小，豈敢非望。」又說：「老先生榮擢美差，足展雄才。治河之功，天下所仰。」安郎中道：「蒙四泉過譽。一介寒儒，辱蔡老先生抬舉，謬典水利，修理河道，當此民窮財盡之時。前者皇船載運花石，毀閘折壩，所過倒懸，公私困弊之極。又兼賊盜梗阻，雖有神輸鬼役之才，亦無如之何矣。」西門慶道：「老先生大才展佈，不日就緒，必大升擢矣。」因問：「老先生敕書上有期限否？」安郎中道：「三年欽限。河工完畢，聖上還要差官來祭謝河神。」說話中間，西門慶令放桌兒，安郎中道：「學生實說，還要往黃泰宇那裡拜拜去。」西門慶道：「既如此，少坐片時，教從者吃些點心。」不一時，就是春盛案酒，一色十六碗下飯，金鐘暖酒斟來，下人俱有攢盤點心酒肉。安郎中席間只吃了三鐘，就告辭起身，說：「學生容日再來請教。」西門慶款留不住，送至大門首，上轎而去。回到廳上，解去冠帶，換了巾幘，止穿紫絨獅補直身。使人問：「溫師父來了不曾？」玳安回說：「溫師父尚未回哩。有鄭春和黃四叔家來定兒來邀，在這裡半日了。」 |
| | Ximen Qing ordered Dai'an, Qintong, and four guards to prepare a warm palanquin for him to follow. Just as they were about to leave, Pan An suddenly rushed in from outside with two visiting cards, saying anxiously, "Minister An Lao is here to visit." "He first sent a clerk to deliver the visiting card; his palanquin will follow soon." In haste, Ximen Qing ordered the kitchen to prepare a meal and sent Laixing buy snacks and delicacies for serving. After some time, An Langzhong arrived, and Ximen Qing came out to greet him in official attire. Langzhong An was dressed in a embroidered yunlu patch robe with a round collar and a floral golden sash. After bowing upon entering, he sat down according to the guest-host arrangement, and tea was served by those on either side. After drinking tea, they exchanged greetings about their long separation. Ximen Qing said, "I missed the opportunity to congratulate you on your promotion, dear sir; I feel very regretful." "The other day, I was honored by the generous gift you sent. Unfortunately, at that time I was dealing with a family funeral and did not have the chance to properly receive your visit; I am very apologetic." Langzhong An said, "It was my fault for failing to offer condolences. My mistake! My mistake!" "When I arrived in the capital, I sent a message to Yunfeng on your behalf; I wonder if any gifts were delivered?" Ximen Qing said, "Indeed. I also received the generous offering from my relative Zhai Qinjia, who went to great lengths." Langzhong An replied, "Siquan must be congratulated this year for sure." Ximen Qing said, "I am a man of humble position and minor responsibilities; how could I dare to have such expectations?" He continued, "Your esteemed promotion to this distinguished post is sufficient to demonstrate your great talent." "Your achievements in managing the river are admired throughout the land." Langzhong An said, "I am honored by Siquan's generous praise. "A poor scholar of humble origins, I am honored by Master Cai's kind support. It is a great honor to be entrusted with the management of water conservancy and river repairs at this time when the people are impoverished and resources are scarce." "Previously, the imperial ships transporting flowers and stones destroyed sluices and breached dams; wherever they passed, there was devastation. Both public and private sectors were pushed to their utmost distress." "Moreover, the obstruction caused by bandits is a serious problem. Even if one possessed supernatural abilities to transport goods and command spirits as laborers, there would still be nothing that could be done." Ximen Qing said, "Your esteemed senior is a man of great talent. With his abilities fully deployed, the work will be completed in no time, and he is surely destined for a major promotion." He then asked, "Is there a deadline specified on your imperial decree, esteemed senior?" Langzhong An replied, "A three-year official deadline." "After the river works are completed, His Majesty will also send officials to offer sacrifices and express gratitude to the River God." While they were talking, Ximen Qing ordered a table to be set. Langzhong An said, "To be honest, I still need to pay my respects at Huang Taiyu's place." Ximen Qing said, "If that is the case, please sit for a while and allow your attendants to have some snacks." In no time at all, spring wine was served along with sixteen bowls of side dishes for the meal. The wine was poured into golden goblets to keep it warm, and the servants were also given trays filled with snacks, wine, and meat. During the meal, Langzhong An only drank three cups before taking his leave, saying, "I will visit again another day to seek your guidance." Ximen Qing tried in vain to persuade him to stay. He saw Langzhong An off at the main gate, and then he left by entering his sedan chair. After returning to the hall, Ximen Qing removed his official hat and sash, changed into a cap and head covering, and put on only a purple velvet robe with a lion-shaped embroidered patch. He sent someone to ask, "Has Master Wen arrived yet?" Dai'an replied, "Master Wen has not returned yet." "Zheng Chun and Huang Si's nephew Ding Er came to invite him. They have been waiting here for half a day already."
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西門慶即出門上轎，左右跟隨，逕往鄭愛月兒家來。比及進院門，架兒們都躲過一邊，只該日俳長兩邊站立，不敢跪接。鄭春與來定兒先通報去了。應伯爵正和李三打雙陸，聽見西門慶來，連忙收拾不及。鄭愛月兒、愛香兒戴著海獺臥兔兒，一窩絲杭州攢，打扮的花仙也似，都出來門首迎接。西門慶下了轎，進入客位內。西門慶吩咐不消吹打，止住鼓樂。先是李三、黃四見畢禮數，然後鄭家鴇子出來拜見了。才是愛月兒姊妹兩個磕頭。正面安放兩張交椅，西門慶與應伯爵坐下，李智、黃四與鄭家姊妹打橫。玳安在旁稟問：「轎子在這裡，回了家去？」西門慶令排軍和轎子都回去，又吩咐琴童：「到家看你溫師父來了，拿黃馬接了來。」琴童應喏去了。伯爵因問：「哥怎的這半日才來？」西門慶悉把安郎中來拜留飯之事說了一遍。 |
| | Ximen Qing immediately went out, entered his sedan chair, and was followed by attendants on both sides. He proceeded directly to the home of Zheng Aiyuer. By the time he entered the courtyard, the servants had already moved aside; only the day's designated attendants stood on both sides and dared not kneel to greet him. Zheng Chun and Lai Ding'er had already gone ahead to announce his arrival. Ying Boqie was playing double sixes with Li San when he heard that Ximen Qing had arrived, and hurriedly tried to tidy up but failed to do so in time. Zheng Aiyuer and Aixianger, wearing sea otter fur hats shaped like rabbits and adorned with a cluster of silk flowers from Hangzhou, came out to the front door to greet him. They were dressed up so beautifully that they looked like flower fairies. Ximen Qing stepped down from his sedan chair and entered the guest room. Ximen Qing gave orders to stop playing music, forbidding any blowing or beating of instruments. First, Li San and Huang Si completed the formalities of courtesy; then Zheng's madam came out to pay her respects. Only after that did Aiyuer and her sister prostrate themselves in a bow. Two armchairs were placed facing forward, and Ximen Qing sat down with Ying Boqie. Li Zhi, Huang Si, and Zheng's sisters sat across from them on the side. Dai'an stood by and asked, "The sedan chair is here—should it be sent back home?" Ximen Qing ordered the soldiers and sedan chair to return home. He also instructed Qin Tong, "When you get home, check if Master Wen has arrived; send a yellow horse to fetch him." Qin Tong replied with an affirmative and left. Boqie asked, "Brother, why did it take you so long to come?" Ximen Qing explained in detail the whole matter of Langzhong An's visit and being invited for a meal.
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| | 應伯爵戲... : |
須臾，鄭春拿上茶來，愛香兒拿了一盞遞與伯爵。愛月兒便遞西門慶，那伯爵連忙用手去接，說：「我錯接，只說你遞與我來。」愛月兒道：「我遞與你？──沒修這樣福來！」伯爵道：「你看這小淫婦兒，原來只認的他家漢子，倒把客人不著在意里。」愛月兒笑道：「今日輪不著你做客人哩！」吃畢茶，須臾四個唱《西廂》妓女都出來與西門慶磕頭，一一問了姓名。西門慶對黃四說：「等住回上來唱，只打鼓兒，不吹打罷。」黃四道：「小人知道。」鴇子怕西門慶冷，又教鄭春放下暖簾來，火盆內添上許多獸炭。只見幾個青衣圓社聽見西門慶在鄭家吃酒，走來門首伺候，探頭舒腦，不敢進去。有認得玳安的，向玳安打恭，央及作成作成。玳安悄俏進來替他稟問，被西門慶喝了一聲，唬的眾人一溜煙走了。不一時，收拾果品案酒上來，正面放兩張桌席：西門慶獨自一席，伯爵與溫秀才一席──留下溫秀才座位在左首。旁邊一席李三和黃四，右邊是他姊妹二人。端的餚堆異品，花插金瓶。鄭奉、鄭春在旁彈唱。 |
| | In no time, Zheng Chun brought tea over, and Aixiang'er handed a cup to Boqie. Aiyuer then offered the tea to Ximen Qing, but Boqie hurriedly reached out with his hand and said, "I mistakenly took it. I thought you were offering it to me." Aiyuer replied, "Would I offer tea to you?" "I haven't been blessed with such good fortune!" Boqie said, "Look at this little wanton woman. It turns out she only recognizes her own husband and doesn't even pay attention to the guests." Aiyuer laughed and said, "Today you're not a guest—you don't get to be treated as one!" After finishing the tea, in no time four courtesans who performed "The Western Chamber" came out and kowtowed to Ximen Qing. He asked for their names one by one. Ximen Qing said to Huang Si, "When they come back to perform singing later, just have them beat the drum; no need for blowing or playing instruments." Huang Si replied, "I understand, sir." Afraid that Ximen Qing would feel cold, the madam had Zheng Chun lower a warm curtain and added plenty of animal charcoal into the brazier. Just then, several young men from a local guild, hearing that Ximen Qing was drinking at Zheng's house, came to the front door and waited. They peeked in cautiously but dared not enter. Some of them recognized Dai'an and bowed respectfully toward him, begging for his help and favor. Dai'an quietly slipped in to report this to Ximen Qing, who shouted at him. Hearing that, the crowd scattered like smoke in an instant. In no time, the fruit platters and wine were brought in. Two tables were set up facing forward: one for Ximen Qing alone, and another shared by Boqie and Wen Xiucai—leaving a seat on the left side reserved for Wen Xiucail. On one side, Li San sat with Huang Si; to their right were Zheng's two sisters. Indeed, the table was piled high with rare delicacies and flowers arranged in golden vases. Zheng Feng and Zheng Chun performed music and singing on the side.
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| | 應伯爵戲... : |
才遞酒安席坐下，只見溫秀才到了。頭戴過橋巾，身穿綠雲襖，進門作揖。伯爵道：「老先生何來遲也？留席久矣。」溫秀才道：「學生有罪，不知老先生呼喚，適往敝同窗處會書，來遲了一步。」慌的黃四一面安放鐘箸，與伯爵一處坐下。不一時，湯飯上來，兩個小優兒彈唱一回下去。四個妓女才上來唱了一折「游藝中原」，只見玳安來說：「後邊銀姨那裡使了吳惠和蠟梅送茶來了。」原來吳銀兒就在鄭家後邊住，止隔一條巷。聽見西門慶在這裡吃酒，故使送茶。西門慶喚入裡面，吳惠、蠟梅磕了頭，說：「銀姐使我送茶來爹吃。」揭開盒兒，斟茶上去，每人一盞瓜仁香茶。西門慶道：「銀姐在家做甚麼哩？」蠟梅道：「姐兒今日在家沒出門。」西門慶吃了茶，賞了他兩個三錢銀子，即令玳安同吳惠：「你快請銀姨去。」鄭愛月兒急俐，便就教鄭春：「你也跟了去，好歹纏了銀姨來。他若不來，你就說我到明日就不和他做伙計了。」應伯爵道：「我倒好笑，你兩個原來是販毴的伙計。」溫秀才道：「南老好不近人情。自古同聲相應，同氣相求。本乎天者親上，本乎地者親下。同他做伙計亦是理之當然。」愛月兒道：「應花子，你與鄭春他們都是伙計，當差供唱都在一處。」伯爵道：「傻孩子，我是老王八！那咱和你媽相交，你還在肚子里！」說笑中間，妓女又上來唱了一套「半萬賊兵」。西門慶叫上唱鶯鶯的韓家女兒近前，問：「你是韓家誰的女兒？」愛香兒說：「爹，你不認的？他是韓金釧侄女兒，小名消愁兒，今年才十三歲。」西門慶道：「這孩子到明日成個好婦人兒。舉止伶俐，又唱的好。」因令他上席遞酒。黃四下湯下飯，極盡殷勤。 |
| | Just as they were about to sit down with wine served, Master Wen Xiucai arrived. He wore a guoqiao cap on his head and a green cloud-patterned robe over his body, and he bowed upon entering the room. Boqie said, "Esteemed senior, why are you so late?" "We have been waiting for you at the table for a long time." Wen Xiucai replied, "I am at fault for not knowing that you were calling me. I just happened to meet with some fellow students from my hometown and arrived a little late." Huang Si, flustered, hurriedly arranged the cups and chopsticks for him and sat down next to Boqie. In no time at all, the soup and meals were served, after which two young performers played music and sang for a while before leaving. Just as the four courtesans had finished performing one act of "Traveling in Central China," Dai'an came over and said, "From behind, Yin Yi has sent Wu Hui and Lamei to deliver tea." It turned out that Wu Yiner lived right at the back of Zheng's house, separated by only one alley. Having heard that Ximen Qing was here drinking wine, she sent tea as a gesture. Ximen Qing called them in from the outside. Wu Hui and Lamai kowtowed, saying, "Yin Jie sent me to deliver tea for you, father." They opened the box, poured out the tea, and served each person a cup of fragrant melon seed tea. Ximen Qing asked, "What is Yin Jie doing at home?" Lamei replied, "My sister stayed at home today and didn't go out." After drinking the tea, Ximen Qing gave each of them three qian in silver. He immediately ordered Dai'an and Wu Hui, "You two go quickly and invite Yin Yi to come." Zheng Aiyuer was quick-witted. She immediately told Zheng Chun, "You go along too and make sure to persuade Yin Yi to come." "If she refuses to come, just tell her that I will no longer be partners with her starting tomorrow." Ying Boqie said with a laugh, "I find it amusing that the two of you are actually business partners in selling felt." Wen Xiucai remarked, "Master Nan is truly unfeeling and unreasonable." "Since ancient times, those with similar voices resonate with each other, and those sharing the same energy seek one another out." Those rooted in Heaven are close to the upper world; those rooted in Earth are close to the lower world. "It is only natural for them to be business partners." Aiyuer said, "Ying Huazi, you and Zheng Chun are all partners; when it comes to performing duties or singing, you're always together." Boqie replied, "You silly child, I'm just an old turtle!" "I've known your mother even before you were born!" While they were joking, the courtesans came up and performed another set of "Half a Ten Thousand Bandits." Ximen Qing called forward the daughter from Han's family who sang "Yingying" and asked, "Are you the daughter of which member of the Han family?" Aixianger said, "Father, don't you recognize her?" "She is the niece of Han Jinchuan. Her nickname is Xiaochouer, and she's only thirteen years old this year." Ximen Qing said, "This child will grow up to be a fine woman tomorrow." "She is graceful and clever, and also sings beautifully." He then ordered her to come up to the table to serve wine. Huang Si served soup and meals with utmost attentiveness, showing great hospitality.
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| | 應伯爵戲... : |
不一時，吳銀兒來到。頭上戴著白縐紗鬏髻、珠子箍兒、翠雲鈿兒，周圍撇一溜小簪兒。上穿白綾對衿襖兒，妝花眉子，下著紗綠潞綢裙，羊皮金滾邊。腳上墨青素緞鞋兒。笑嘻嘻進門，向西門慶磕了頭，後與溫秀才等各位都道了萬福。伯爵道：「我倒好笑，來到就教我惹氣。俺每是後娘養的？只認的你爹，與他磕頭，望著俺每隻一拜。原來你這麗春院小娘兒這等欺客！我若有五棍兒衙門，定不饒你。」愛月兒叫：「應花子，好沒羞的孩兒。你行頭不怎麼，光一味好撇。」一面安座兒，讓銀姐就在西門慶桌邊坐下。西門慶見他戴著白鬏髻，問：「你戴的誰人孝？」吳銀兒道：「爹故意又問個兒，與娘戴孝一向了。」西門慶一聞與李瓶兒戴孝，不覺滿心歡喜，與他側席而坐，兩個說話。 |
| | In no time at all, Wu Yiner arrived. She wore a white crêpe hairpin on her head, with pearl hair clips and emerald cloud-shaped hair decorations. Around it were small hairpins arranged in a row. She wore an ivory satin double-breasted jacket on top, with embroidered eyebrows; below that was a green Lu silk skirt made of gauze and trimmed with golden edges of sheepskin. On her feet were plain black-blue satin shoes. Smiling, she entered the room and kowtowed to Ximent Qing. Then she paid her respects with a bow of gratitude to Wen Xiucai and all the others present. Boqie said, "I find it amusing—she just arrived and already made me angry." "Are we not all stepchildren?" "She only recognizes your father, kowtows to him, and gives us a mere bow." łoży It turns out the young woman from Lichunyuan treats her guests this disrespectfully! "If I had five sticks of authority from the court, I would certainly not spare you." Aiyueer called out, "Ying Huazi, what a shameless child you are. "Your appearance isn't so great, but your manner is just right." While arranging the seats, they had Yin Jie sit by Ximent Qing's table. Ximent Qing saw that she was wearing a white hairpin and asked, "Whose mourning are you observing?" Wu Yiner said, "Father is asking again on purpose. I have been wearing mourning for Mother all along." Ximent Qing, upon hearing that she was in mourning for Li Ping'er, could not help but feel delighted. He sat beside her and the two began to talk.
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| | 應伯爵戲... : |
須臾湯飯上來，愛月兒下來與他遞酒。吳銀兒下席說：「我還沒見鄭媽哩。」一面走到鴇子房內見了禮，出來，鴇子叫：「月姐，讓銀姐坐。只怕冷，教丫頭燒個火籠來，與銀姐烤手兒。」隨即添換熱菜上來，吳銀兒在旁只吃了半個點心，喝了兩口湯。放下箸兒，和西門慶攀話道：「娘前日斷七念經來？」西門慶道：「五七多謝你每茶。」吳銀兒道：「那日俺每送了些粗茶，倒教爹把人情回了，又多謝重禮，教媽惶恐的要不的。昨日娘斷七，我會下月姐和桂姐，也要送茶來，又不知宅內念經不念。」西門慶道：「斷七那日，胡亂請了幾位女僧，在家拜了拜懺。親眷一個都沒請，恐怕費煩。」飲酒說話之間，吳銀兒又問：「家中大娘眾娘每都好？」西門慶道：「都好。」吳銀兒道：「爹乍沒了娘，到房裡孤孤兒的，心中也想麼？」西門慶道：「想是不消說。前日在書房中，白日夢見他，哭的我要不的。」吳銀兒道：「熱突突沒了，可知想哩！」伯爵道：「你每說的知情話，把俺每隻顧旱著，不說來遞鐘酒，也唱個兒與俺聽。俺每起身去罷！」慌的李三、黃四連忙攛掇他姐兒兩個上來遞酒。安下樂器，吳銀兒也上來。三個粉頭一般兒坐在席上，躧著火盆，合著聲兒唱了套《中呂•粉蝶兒》「三弄梅花」，端的有裂石流雲之響。 |
| | Soon after, soup and meals were served, and Aiyueer came down to serve him wine. Wu Yiner left the seat and said, "I haven't seen Madam Zheng yet." While walking to the madam's room and paying her respects, she came out. The madam called out, "Yuejie, let Yin Jie sit." It might be too cold; have the maid bring a hand warmer and let Yin Jie warm her hands." Soon after, fresh dishes were added and served. Wu Yiner only ate half a snack by her side and drank two mouthfuls of soup. Putting down her chopsticks, she chatted with Ximent Qing and said, "Did Mother have the seven-day memorial service for the dead yesterday?" Ximent Qing replied, "Thank you all very much for the tea at the fifth seven-day ceremony." Wu Yiner said, "That day we only sent some plain tea. We didn't expect Father to return the favor with a gift and even more generous presents, which made Mother feel very uneasy." "Yesterday was the seventh day after Mother's death. I planned to go with Yuejie and Guijie to send tea, but we didn't know whether you were holding a memorial service at home or not." Ximent Qing said, "On the seventh day after her death, I casually invited a few female nuns to come home and perform some repentance rituals." I didn't invite any relatives at all, for fear of causing trouble. While drinking and chatting, Wu Yiner asked again, "Are the eldest Madam and other ladies at home all well?" Ximent Qing said, "They are all fine." Wu Yiner asked, "Father, now that Mother has just passed away and you're alone in the room, do you miss her?" Ximent Qing said, "It goes without saying I miss her. The other day in the study, I dreamt of her during the daytime and cried so much that I couldn't bear it." Wu Yiner said, "She just passed away recently; how could you not miss her!" Boqie said, "You two are speaking so sentimentally. You only think of keeping us waiting dryly; you haven't even come to serve a cup of wine or sung something for us to listen to." "We'll just get up and leave!" In a hurry, Li San and Huang Si hurriedly urged their sister to come upstairs to serve wine. The musical instruments were set up, and Wu Yiner also came upstairs. The three courtesans sat on the seat in a row, warming their feet by the brazier, and sang together a suite of "Sanlong Meihua" ("Three Variations of Plum Blossoms") from Zhonglv • Fandieer. Their singing was truly as powerful as it could split stones and move clouds.
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| | 應伯爵戲... : |
唱畢，西門慶向伯爵說：「你索落他姐兒三個唱，你也下來酬他一杯兒。」伯爵道：「不打緊，死不了人。等我打發他：仰靠著，直舒著，側臥著，金雞獨立，隨我受用；又一件，野馬踩場，野狐抽絲，猿猴獻果，黃狗溺尿，仙人指路，──哥，隨他揀著要。」愛香道：「我不好罵出來的，汗邪了你這賊花子，胡說亂道的。」應伯爵用酒碟安三個鐘兒，說：「我兒，你每在我手裡吃兩鐘。不吃，望身上只一潑。」愛香道：「我今日忌酒。」愛月兒道：「你跪著月姨，教我打個嘴巴兒，我才吃。」伯爵道：「銀姐，你怎的說？」吳銀兒道：「二爹，我今日心裡不自在，吃半盞兒罷。」愛月兒道：「花子，你不跪，我一百年也不吃。」黃四道：「二叔，你不跪，顯的不是趣人。也罷，跪著不打罷。」愛月兒道：「跪了也不打多，只教我打兩個嘴巴兒罷。」伯爵道：「溫老先兒，你看著，怪小淫婦兒只顧趕盡殺絕。」於是奈何不過，真個直撅兒跪在地下。那愛月兒輕揎彩袖，款露春纖，罵道：「賊花子，再可敢無禮傷犯月姨了？──高聲兒答應。你不答應，我也不吃。」伯爵無法可處，只得應聲道：「再不敢傷犯月姨了。」這愛月兒方連打了兩個嘴巴，方纔吃那鐘酒。伯爵起來道：「好個沒仁義的小淫婦兒，你也剩一口兒我吃。把一鐘酒都吃的凈凈兒的。」愛月兒道：「你跪下，等我賞你一鐘吃。」於是滿滿斟上一杯，笑望伯爵口裡只一灌。伯爵道，「怪小淫婦兒，使促狹灌撒了我一身。我老實說，只這件衣服，新穿了才頭一日兒，就污濁了我的。我問你家漢子要。」笑了一回，各歸席上坐定。 |
| | After the song, Ximent Qing said to Boqie, "You asked those three sisters of yours to sing. You should also come down and offer them a cup in return." Boqie replied, "No problem, we won't die from it. "Let me take care of them: leaning back, stretching out straight, lying on my side, standing like a golden rooster on one leg—however I please; And another thing: wild horses trampling the field, a fox drawing silk, a monkey offering fruit, a yellow dog urinating, and an immortal pointing the way—Brother, let them choose whichever they want." Aixiang said, "I won't scold you out loud. You shameless rascal, stop talking nonsense." Ying Boqie arranged three cups with a wine tray and said, "My dear, you two will drink two cups from my hand. "If you don't drink, I'll just pour it all over your body." Aixiang said, "I'm avoiding alcohol today." Aiyueer said, "You must kneel before Aunt Yue and let me slap you a few times; only then will I drink." Boqie asked, "Yin Jie, what do you say?" Wu Yiner replied, "Father-in-law, I don't feel very well today. Let me just have half a cup." Aiyueer said, "Huazi, if you won't kneel down, I will never drink again in my life." Huang Si said, "Uncle Er, if you don't kneel, it won't look like a fun person. "Alright then, I'll kneel but no one will hit me." Aiyueer said, "Even if you kneel, there's no need to beat you too much. Just let me slap you two times." Boqie said, "Old Master Wen, look at this—what a shameless little hussy, always trying to drive me to my death." Thus, with no choice left, he really knelt down on the ground. Aiyueer rolled up her colorful sleeves lightly, revealing her delicate hands, and scolded, "You shameless rascal! Dare you be disrespectful to Aunt Yue again? —Answer loudly." "If you don't answer, I won't eat either." Boqie had no choice but to respond in a loud voice, "I will never be disrespectful to Aunt Yue again." Only then did Aiyueer slap him twice and finally drink the cup of wine. Boqie got up and said, "What a shameless little wench without any sense of humanity! You could have left me at least one mouthful to drink. You drank the whole cup clean." Aiyueer said, "Kneel down and let me give you a cup to drink as a reward." So she filled a full cup and laughed while pouring it straight into Boqie's mouth. Boqie said, "What an annoying little hussy! You splashed me all over with that narrow-pouring trick. I'll be honest, this is a brand new outfit I just wore for the first time today, and now it's ruined. "I'm going to ask your husband for compensation." After laughing for a while, they all returned to their seats and sat down.
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| | 應伯爵戲... : |
看看天晚，掌燭上來。西門慶吩咐取個骰盆來。先讓溫秀才，秀才道：「豈有此理！還從老先生來。」於是西門慶與銀兒用十二個骰兒搶紅，下邊四個妓女拿著樂器彈唱。飲過一巡，吳銀兒卻轉過來與溫秀才、伯爵搶紅，愛香兒卻來西門慶席上遞酒猜枚。須臾過去，愛月兒近前與西門慶搶紅，吳銀兒卻往下席遞李三、黃四酒。原來愛月幾旋往房中新妝打扮出來，上著煙里火回紋錦對衿襖兒、鵝黃杭絹點翠縷金裙、妝花膝褲、大紅鳳嘴鞋兒，燈下海獺臥兔兒，越顯的粉濃濃雪白的臉兒。真是： |
| | As the day turned late, candles were brought in. Ximent Qing ordered someone to bring a dice bowl. He first offered the game to Wen Xiucai, who replied, "How unreasonable!" "It should start with you, the elder scholar." Thus, Ximent Qing played "Qianghong" with Yin Jie using twelve dice, while four courtesans below played musical instruments and sang. After one round of drinking, Wu Yin Jie turned around and played "Qianghong" with Wen Xiucai and Boqie. Aixiang came to Ximent Qing's seat to serve wine and play guessing games. Soon after, Aiyueer approached Ximent Qing to play "Qianghong," while Wu Yin Jie went down the table and served wine to Li San and Huang Si. Originally, Aiyue had just come out from her room after freshly dressing up. She wore a double-breasted jacket made of flame-colored brocade with interlocking patterns, an egg-yolk yellow Hang silk skirt embroidered with emerald and gilded designs, flower-decorated knee pants, and bright red phoenix-beaked shoes. Under the lamplight, the sea otter fur on her rabbit-shaped headpiece glimmered, making her pale, rosy face even more radiant. Truly:
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芳姿麗質更妖燒，秋水精神瑞雪標。白玉生香花解語，千金良夜實難消。 |
| | Her graceful and beautiful figure becomes even more enchanting, her spirit as clear as autumn water and her beauty marked by pure snow. She is like a fragrant white jade flower that understands speech; such a precious night of gold is truly hard to spend.
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| | 應伯爵戲... : |
西門慶見了，如何不愛。吃了幾鐘酒，半酣上來，因想著李瓶兒夢中之言：少貪在外夜飲。一面起身後邊凈手。慌的鴇子連忙叫丫鬟點燈，引到後邊。解手出來，愛月隨即跟來伺候。盆中凈手畢，拉著他手兒同到房中。 |
| | Ximent Qing, upon seeing her, could not help but be captivated. After drinking a few cups of wine and becoming slightly tipsy, he recalled the words Li Ping'er had said in her dream: "Don't spend too much time out late at night." While getting up to go behind for hand-washing. In a hurry, the madam quickly called over her maidservant to light the lamp and led him to the back. After he finished washing his hands and came out, Aiyue immediately followed to attend to him. After they were done with the hand-washing basin, she took his hand and led him into her room together.
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| | 應伯爵戲... : |
房中又早月窗半啟，銀燭高燒，氣暖如春，蘭麝馥郁，於是脫了上蓋，止穿白綾道袍，兩個在床上腿壓腿兒做一處。先是愛月兒問：「爹今日不家去罷了。」西門慶道：「我還去。今日一者銀兒在這裡，不好意思；二者我居著官，今年考察在邇，恐惹是非，只是白日來和你坐坐罷了。」又說：「前日多謝你泡螺兒。你送了去，倒惹的我心酸了半日。當初止有過世六娘他會揀。他死了，家中再有誰會揀他！」愛月道：「揀他不難，只是要拿的著禁節兒便好。那瓜仁都是我口裡一個個兒嗑的，說應花子倒撾了好些吃了。」西門慶道：「你問那訕臉花子，兩把撾去喃了好些。只剩下沒多，我吃了。」愛月兒道：「倒便益了賊花子，恰好只孝順了他。」又說：「多謝爹的衣梅。媽看見吃了一個兒，歡喜的要不的。他要便痰火發了，晚夕咳嗽半夜，把人聒死了。常時口乾，得恁一個在口裡噙著他，倒生好些津液。我和俺姐姐吃了沒多幾個兒，連罐兒他老人家都收在房內早晚吃，誰敢動他！」西門慶道：「不打緊，我明日使小廝再送一罐來你吃。」愛月又問：「爹連日會桂姐沒有？」西門慶道：「自從孝堂內到如今，誰見他來？」愛月兒道：「六娘五七，他也送茶去來？」西門慶道：「他家使李銘送去來。」愛月道：「我有句話兒，只放在爹心裡。」西門慶問：「甚麼話？」那愛月又想了想說：「我不說罷。若說了，顯的姐妹每恰似我背地說他一般，不好意思的。」西門慶一面摟著他脖子說道：「怪小油嘴兒，甚麼話？說與我，不顯出你來就是了。」 |
| | Inside the room, half of the moonlit window was already open; silver candles burned high. The air was warm like spring and filled with a rich fragrance of orchid and musk. They then took off their outer garments, wearing only white silk robes, and lay together in bed, legs entwined. At first, Aiyue asked, "Father, you're not going home tonight, are you?" Ximent Qing said, "I still have to go." Today, for one thing, Yin Jie is here and I feel embarrassed; and secondly, as an official in office, the annual assessment is coming up soon this year. I'm afraid of causing trouble; I'll only come by during the day to sit with you." He also said, "The other day, thank you for the snails in broth. You sent them over, which made me feel melancholy all afternoon. Only the late Liu Niang knew how to choose them in the past. Now that she's gone, who else at home knows how to pick them!" Aiyue said, "Picking them isn't difficult; it's just a matter of knowing the right time to catch them. All those melon seeds were carefully cracked open by me, one by one with my mouth. I even said that Huazi beat them out and ate quite a few." Ximent Qing said, "You ask that shameless rascal Huazi; he cracked two handfuls and ate quite a lot. There wasn't much left after him, so I ended up eating it." Aiyue said, "It actually benefited that rascal Huazi. It was just right to be respectful and give it all to him." She also said, "Thank you for the plum wine, Father. Mother saw me drink one and was so happy she couldn't stop smiling." If he drinks too much, his phlegm fire will flare up. He'll cough all night and drive people crazy with the noise." He often feels thirsty; having one of these in his mouth to suck on actually produces more saliva. My sister and I only ate a few of them; he, the old man, even kept the whole jar in his room to eat morning and evening. Who would dare touch it!" Ximen Qing said, "Don't worry; I'll send a boy tomorrow to bring you another jar to eat." Aiyue asked again, "Father, have you met Guijie recently?" Ximen Qing said, "Since the mourning hall was set up until now, who has seen her come?" Aiyue said, "Did she also send tea for Liu Niang's forty-ninth day memorial service?" liğinde Ximen Qing said, "She sent Li Ming from her household to deliver it." Aiyue said, "I have something to say; I just want you to keep it in your heart, Father." Ximen Qing asked, "What is it?" Aiyue thought for a moment and said, "Never mind. I won't say anything." If I do speak up, it would make the sisters think that I'm talking about her behind her back, and that would be embarrassing." Ximen Qing, holding him by the neck, said, "You little greasy mouth, what is it? Just tell me, and I won't make you look bad."
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| | 應伯爵戲... : |
兩個正說得入港，猛然應伯爵入來大叫一聲：「你兩個好人兒，撇了俺每走在這裡說梯己話兒！」愛月兒道：「噦，好個不得人意怪訕臉花子！猛可走來，唬了人恁一跳！」西門慶罵：「怪狗才，前邊去罷。丟的葵軒和銀姐在那裡，都往後頭來了。」這伯爵一屁股坐在床上，說：「你拿胳膊來，我且咬口兒，我才去。你兩個在這裡盡著㒲搗！」於是不由分說，向愛月兒袖口邊勒出那賽鵝脂雪白的手腕兒來，誇道：「我兒，你這兩隻手兒，天生下就是發雞巴的行貨子。」愛月兒道：「怪攮刀子的，我不好罵出來！」被伯爵拉過來，咬了一口走了。咬得老婆怪叫，罵：「怪花子，平白進來鬼混人死了！」便叫桃花兒：「你看他出去了，把弄道子門關上。」愛月便把李桂姐如今又和王三官兒好一節說與西門慶：「怎的有孫寡嘴、祝麻子、小張閑，架兒於寬、聶鉞兒，踢行頭白回子、向三，日逐標著在他家行走。如今丟開齊香兒，又和秦家玉芝兒打熱，兩下里使錢。使沒了，將皮襖當了三十兩銀子，拿著他娘子兒一副金鐲子放在李桂姐家，算了一個月歇錢。」西門慶聽了，口中罵道：「這小淫婦兒，我恁吩咐休和這小廝纏，他不聽，還對著我賭身發咒，恰好只哄著我。」愛月兒道：「爹也沒要惱。我說與爹個門路兒，管情教王三官打了嘴，替爹出氣。」西門慶把他摟在懷裡說道：「我的兒，有甚門路兒，說與我知道。」愛月兒道：「我說與爹，休教一人知道。就是應花子也休對他題，只怕走了風。」西門慶道：「你告我說，我傻了，肯教人知道！」鄭愛月道：「王三官娘林太太，今年不上四十歲，生的好不喬樣！描眉畫眼，打扮的狐狸也似。他兒子鎮日在院里，他專在家，只尋外遇。假託在姑姑庵里打齋，但去，就在說媒的文嫂兒家落腳。文嫂兒單管與他做牽頭，只說好風月。我說與爹，到明日遇他遇兒也不難。又一個巧宗兒：王三官娘子兒今才十九歲，是東京六黃太尉侄女兒，上畫般標緻，雙陸、棋子都會。三官常不在家，他如同守寡一般，好不氣生氣死。為他也上了兩三遭弔，救下來了。爹難得先刮剌上了他娘，不愁媳婦兒不是你的。」當下，被他一席話兒說的西門慶心邪意亂，摟著粉頭說：「我的親親，你怎的曉的就裡？」愛月兒就不說常在他家唱，只說：「我一個熟人兒，如此這般和他娘在某處會過一面，也是文嫂兒說合。」西門慶問：「那人是誰？莫不是大街坊張大戶侄兒張二官兒？」愛月兒道：「那張懋德兒，好㒲的貨，麻著個臉蛋子，密縫兩個眼，可不砢硶殺我罷了！只好蔣家百家奴兒接他。」西門慶道：「我猜不著，端的是誰？」愛月兒道：「教爹得知了罷：原是梳籠我的一個南人。他一年來此做買賣兩遭，正經他在裡邊歇不的一兩夜，倒只在外邊常和人家偷貓遞狗，乾此勾當。」西門慶聽了，見粉頭所事，合著他的板眼，亦發歡喜，說：「我兒，你既貼戀我心，我每月送三十兩銀子與你媽盤纏，也不消接人了。我遇閑就來。」愛月兒道：「爹，你若有我心時，甚麼三十兩二十兩，隨著掠幾兩銀子與媽，我自恁懶待留人，只是伺候爹罷了。」西門慶道：「甚麼話！我決然送三十兩銀子來。」說畢，兩個上床交歡。床上鋪的被褥約一尺高，愛月道：「爹脫衣裳不脫？」西門慶道：「咱連衣耍耍罷，只怕他們前邊等咱。「一面扯過枕頭來，粉頭解去下衣，仰臥枕畔，西門慶把他兩隻小小金蓮扛在肩上，解開藍綾褲子，那話使上托子。但見花心輕折，柳腰款擺。正是： |
| | Just as the two were talking intimately, suddenly Ying Bojue burst in and shouted, "You two good-for-nothings, you've left us behind to gossip here!" Aiyue said, "Ugh, what a shameless rascal who doesn't know how to treat people properly! He just suddenly came in and scared me half to death!" Ximen Qing scolded, "You good-for-nothing dog, go ahead." Kuixuan and Yinjie are still out there; they've all come to the back." Ying Bojue plopped down on the bed and said, "Give me your arm; I want to take a bite first before I go. You two can keep whispering away here!" Without further ado, he pulled up Aiyue's sleeve to reveal her snow-white wrist and boasted, "My dear, these two hands of yours were born to be the perfect tools for cock-fighting." Aiyue said, "You knife-wielding rascal, I can't even bring myself to scold you!" Ying Bojue pulled her over and took a bite before leaving. The wife screamed in pain, scolding, "You rascal! You came in for no reason and scared the life out of people!" She then called to Taohua, "Go see if he's gone out, and close the side gate." Aiyue then told Ximen Qing about how Li Guijie had recently become close to Wang San'guan: "How could people like Sun Guazui, Zhu Mazi, Xiao Zhang Xian, Yu Kuan, Nie Yue'er, Tixingtou Baihuizi, and Xiang San be seen going there every day? She has now abandoned Qi Xiang'er and is getting hot and heavy with Qinjia Yuzhi, spending money on both sides. When the money ran out, she pawned her fur coat for thirty taels of silver and gave a pair of gold bracelets to Li Guijie's household as payment for a month's lodging." Ximen Qing, upon hearing this, scolded through his teeth, "This little slut! I specifically told her not to get involved with that boy, but she didn't listen. She even swore at me in front of my face. It was all just a trick to fool me." Aiyue said, "Father, don't be angry. I'll tell you a way to handle it, and I guarantee that Wang San'guan will get his comeuppance and give Father some satisfaction." Ximen Qing pulled him into his arms and said, "My dear child, what's this plan of yours? Tell me." Aiyue said, "Father, I'll tell you something, but don't let anyone else know. Even Ying Huazi, that rascal, shouldn't be told about it; otherwise the secret might get out." Ximen Qing said, "You tell me what you're planning. I'm not a fool who would let others find out!" Zheng Aiyue said, "Wang San'guan's mother-in-law, Lin Taitai, is not yet forty this year and looks absolutely charming! She paints her eyebrows and eyes, dressing up like a fox. Her son is always out of the house, while she stays at home all day, seeking affairs with outsiders. She pretends to go to the nun's temple for vegetarian meals, but whenever she goes there, she ends up staying at Wensaoer's house, who is a matchmaker. Wensaoer always acts as her go-between, constantly talking about romantic and sensual matters. I'll tell you, Father, it won't be hard to catch him or her tomorrow. There's another trick: Wang San'guan's wife is only nineteen years old. She is the niece of Liu Huang Taiwei from Dongjing, and as beautiful as a painting; she knows how to play doublets and chess. San'guan is often not at home, so his wife feels as if she were a widow, becoming very angry and upset. She has attempted suicide two or three times for this reason but was saved each time. "If Father first takes care of her mother, you won't have to worry about the daughter-in-law not becoming yours." At that moment, Zheng Aiyue's words stirred up Ximen Qing's thoughts and desires. Holding the courtesan close, he said, "My dear love, how do you know all this?" Aiyue didn't mention that she often sang at their house, but instead said, "I have an acquaintance who met her mother once in a certain place like this; it was also arranged by Wensaoer." Ximen Qing asked, "Who is that person?" Wasn't it Zhang Er'guan, the nephew of Zhang Dahu from the neighborhood?" Aiyue said, "That Zhang Maode? He's a lousy piece of goods. He has an ugly face and two narrow eyes—just thinking about it makes me want to vomit!" Only Jiangjia's servant, Bajianu, would take him in." Ximen Qing said, "I can't guess. Who exactly is it?" Aiyue said, "Let Father know then: he was originally a southerner who used to style my hair. He comes here twice a year to do business, but he only stays for one or two nights at most. Instead, he often stays outside and gets involved in petty thievery and other such mischief." Ximen Qing, after hearing this and finding that the courtesan's words matched his suspicions perfectly, became even more pleased. He said, "My dear child, since you truly care for me, I will give thirty taels of silver every month to your mother as spending money, so there is no need for her to entertain other men anymore. I'll come whenever I have free time." Aiyue said, "Father, if you truly care for me as much as I do for you, it's not about thirty taels or twenty taels. Just give Mother a few taels of silver whenever you feel like it. I don't really want to keep entertaining others anyway; I'd rather just serve you." Ximen Qing said, "What nonsense! I will definitely send thirty taels of silver." After saying this, the two went to bed and had sex. The bedding on the bed was about a chi high. Aiyue asked, "Father, are you going to take off your clothes or not?" Ximen Qing said, "Let's play while still dressed. I'm afraid they are waiting for us in front." He pulled over a pillow, the courtesan took off her lower garment, lay on her back beside the pillow, and Ximen Qing placed her two small golden lotus feet on his shoulders. He unfastened his blue satin pants and inserted himself into her. One could see the flower gently bending at its center, while the willow waist swayed slowly. It was precisely:
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花嫩不禁柔，春風卒未休。花心猶未足，脈脈情無極。低低喚粉郎，春宵樂未央。 |
| | The tender flower cannot withstand the gentle touch, and the spring breeze has not yet ceased. The heart of the flower is still unsatisfied; deep affection flows endlessly. Softly calling her lover, they enjoyed a spring night without end.
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| | 應伯爵戲... : |
兩個交歡良久，至精欲泄之際，西門慶乾的氣喘吁吁，粉頭嬌聲不絕，鬢雲拖枕，滿口只教：「親達達，慢著些兒！」少頃，樂極情濃，一泄如註。雲收雨散，各整衣理容，凈了手，同攜手來到席上。 |
| | The two engaged in passionate intercourse for a long time. Just as Ximen Qing was about to climax, he panted heavily; the courtesan kept emitting 娇柔 cries, her hair disheveled on the pillow, repeatedly calling out, "Dear Brother, go slowly!" After a short while, overwhelmed by passion and pleasure, he climaxed with great intensity. When the storm of passion passed, they each tidied their clothes and combed themselves, washed their hands, and then walked hand in hand to the banquet.
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| | 應伯爵戲... : |
吳銀兒和愛香兒正與葵軒、伯爵擲色猜枚，觥籌交錯，耍在熱鬧處。眾人見西門慶進入，俱立起身來讓坐。伯爵道：「你也下般的，把俺每丟在這裡，你才出來，拿酒兒且扶扶頭著。」西門慶道：「俺每說句話兒，有甚閑勾當！」伯爵道：「好話，你兩個原來說梯己話兒。」當下伯爵拿大鐘斟上暖酒，眾人陪西門慶吃。四個妓女拿樂器彈唱。玳安在旁說道：「轎子來了。」西門慶呶了個嘴兒與他，那玳安連忙吩咐排軍打起燈籠，外邊伺候。西門慶也不坐，陪眾人執杯立飲。吩咐四個妓女：「你再唱個『一見嬌羞』我聽。」那韓消愁兒拿起琵琶來，款放嬌聲，拿腔唱道： |
| | Wu Yin'er and Aixiang'er were just playing dice and guessing games with Kuixuan and Bojue, toasting each other amidst the lively atmosphere. When everyone saw Ximen Qing enter, they all stood up to offer him a seat. Bojue said, "You're so inconsiderate! You left us waiting here. Now that you've finally come out, bring some wine and let's have a drink to warm up." Ximen Qing said, "We were just having a little chat. What else could we possibly do?" Bojue said, "Fine words indeed; the two of you were originally whispering secrets together." At that moment, Bojue took a large cup and poured warm wine for everyone to accompany Ximen Qing in drinking. Four courtesans played musical instruments and sang songs. Dai'an, standing by, said, "The sedan chair has arrived." Ximen Qing gave him a nod. Dai'an quickly ordered the guards to light the lanterns and wait outside. Ximen Qing did not sit down but stood with everyone else, raising his cup for a toast. He ordered the four courtesans, "Sing 'Yijian Jiaoxiu' again so I can listen." Han Xiaochou picked up the pipa, gently adjusted her voice, and sang with a soft tone:
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一見嬌羞，雨意雲情兩意投。我見他千嬌百媚，萬種妖嬈，一捻溫柔。通書先把話兒勾，傳情暗裡秋波溜。記在心頭。心頭，未審何時成就。 |
| | At first sight, she is shyly charming; our love, like rain and clouds, flows together. I see her a thousand times beautiful and ten thousand kinds of alluring, with the gentlest touch. Before writing letters, we first exchanged words; secretly passing feelings through glances like autumn waves. I have it memorized in my heart. In my heart, I wonder when our union will finally be realized.
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| | 應伯爵戲... : |
唱了一個，吳銀兒遞西門慶酒，鄭香兒便遞伯爵，愛月兒奉溫秀才，李智、黃四都斟上。四妓女又唱了一個。吃畢，眾人又彼此交換遞了兩轉，妓女又唱了兩個。 |
| | After singing one song, Wu Yin gave Ximen Qing a cup of wine. Zheng Xiang gave it to Bo Jue, Aiyue presented it to Wenshoucai, and Li Zhi and Huang Si all poured their drinks as well. The four courtesans sang another song. After finishing their drinks, the guests exchanged cups with each other twice more, and the courtesans then sang two additional songs.
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| | 應伯爵戲... : |
唱畢，都飲過，西門慶就起身。一面令玳安向書袋內取出大小十一包賞賜來：四個妓女每人三錢，廚役賞了五錢，吳惠、鄭春、鄭奉每人三錢，攛掇打茶的每人二錢，丫頭桃花兒也與了他三錢。俱磕頭謝了。黃四再三不肯放，道：「應二叔，你老人家說聲，天還早哩。老爹大坐坐，也盡小人之情，如何就要起身？我的月姨，你也留留兒。」愛月兒道：「我留他，他白不肯坐。」西門慶道：「你每不知，我明日還有事。」一面向黃四作揖道：「生受打攪！」黃四道：「惶恐！沒的請老爹來受餓，又不肯久坐，還是小人沒敬心。」說著，三個唱的都磕頭說道：「爹到家多頂上大娘和眾娘們，俺每閑了，會了銀姐往宅內看看大娘去。」西門慶道：「你每閑了去坐上一日來。」一面掌起燈籠，西門慶下臺磯，鄭家鴇子迎著道萬福，說道：「老爹大坐回兒，慌的就起身，嫌俺家東西不美口？還有一道米飯兒未曾上哩！」西門慶道：「夠了。我明日還要起早，衙門中有勾當。應二哥他沒事，教他大坐回兒罷。」那伯爵就要跟著起來，被黃四使力攔住，說道：「我的二爺，你若去了，就沒趣死了。」伯爵道：「不是，你休攔我。你把溫老先生有本事留下，我就算你好漢。」那溫秀才奪門就走，被黃家小廝來定兒攔腰抱住。西門慶到了大門首，因問琴童兒：「溫師父有頭口在這裡沒有？」琴童道：「備了驢子在此，畫童兒看著哩。」西門慶向溫秀才道：「既有頭口，也罷，老先兒你再陪應二哥坐坐，我先去罷。」於是，都送出門來。那鄭月兒拉著西門慶手兒悄悄捏了一把，說道：「我說的話，爹你在心些，法不傳六耳。」西門慶道：「知道了。」愛月又叫鄭春：「你送老爹到家。」西門慶才上轎去了。吳銀兒就在門首作辭了眾人並鄭家姐兒兩個，吳惠打著燈回家去了。鄭月兒便叫：「銀姐，見了那個流人兒，好歹休要說。」吳銀兒道：「我知道。」眾人回至席上，重添獸炭，再泛流霞，歌舞吹彈，歡娛樂飲，直耍了三更方散。黃四擺了這席酒，也與了他十兩銀子，不在話下。當日西門慶坐轎子，兩個排軍打著燈，逕出院門，打發鄭春回家。 |
| | After they finished singing, everyone had their drinks, and Ximen Qing got up. While doing so, he ordered Dai'an to take out eleven small and large packages of rewards from the satchel: each of the four courtesans received three qian; five qian were given as a reward to the kitchen staff; Wu Hui, Zheng Chun, and Zheng Feng each received three qian; those who helped prepare tea received two qian each; even the maid Taohua also received three qian. They all kowtowed in gratitude. Huang Si repeatedly refused to let them go, saying, "Second Uncle Ying, please speak up, Master, it's still early in the day." "Master, you should sit and rest a while longer; let us show our small measure of respect. How can you be thinking of leaving already?" "My Master Yueyi, you should also keep him here for a little while." Aiyue said, "I want to keep him, but he just won't sit down." Ximen Qing said, "You don't know; I have something else to attend to tomorrow." At the same time, he bowed to Huang Si and said, "I'm very grateful for your hospitality!" Huang Si replied, "It's my honor!" "You came all the way here and yet I failed to feed you properly. And now you won't even stay a little longer—this is entirely my failure as a host." As he spoke, the three courtesans all kowtowed and said, "Father, when you get home, please say many good words for Madam Da Niang and the other ladies. When we are free, we will visit Madam Da Niang at your residence with Yinjie." Ximen Qing said, "When you have time, come and sit for a day." While the lanterns were lit, Ximen Qing descended from the stage. Zhengjia's madam greeted him with a respectful bow and said, "Master, you didn't even sit for long before leaving in such a rush—do you think our food isn't to your taste?" "We haven't even served the rice yet!" Ximen Qing said, "It's enough." "I have to get up early tomorrow; there are matters I need to attend to at the yamen." "Ying Erge doesn't have anything else to do—tell him to sit and rest for a while." Bo Jue was about to get up and leave as well, but Huang Si forcefully stopped him, saying, "My Second Lord, if you go now, it will be so dull." Bo Jue said, "No, don't stop me." "If you can manage to keep Old Master Wen here, then I'll call you a real man." Wen Shoucai rushed out the door, but was caught from behind by Huangjia Xiaosi Laiding and held tightly around the waist. When Ximen Qing reached the main gate, he asked Qintong, "Master Wen, do you have a horse or carriage here?" Qintong replied, "A donkey has been prepared and is waiting here; Huatong is watching over it." Ximen Qing said to Wenshoucai, "Since you have a mount, that's fine. Old Master, please stay and keep Ying Erge company for a while longer; I will go first." With that, they all walked him out of the gate. Zheng Yue secretly took Ximen Qing's hand and squeezed it, whispering, "Father, please remember what I said. A secret should not be told to more than three people." Ximen Qing replied, "I understand." Aiyue then called to Zheng Chun, "You go and see Master home." Ximen Qing finally got into the sedan chair and left. Wu Yin bid farewell to everyone at the gate, including the two daughters of Zheng's family, and Wu Hui carried the lantern home. Zheng Yue called out, "Yinjie, if you see that outsider, no matter what, don't say a word." Wu Yin replied, "I know." The guests returned to the banquet table, more animal charcoal was added for warmth, and flowing wine was poured again. Music played, songs were sung, flutes and zithers echoed, and everyone enjoyed themselves in merriment until past three o'clock at night before finally dispersing. Huang Si had arranged this banquet and also gave him ten taels of silver, but that is a story for another time. On that day, Ximen Qing rode in his sedan chair with two guards carrying lanterns. He left directly through the gate and sent Zheng Chun home.
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| | 應伯爵戲... : |
一宿晚景題過。到次日，夏提刑差答應的來請西門慶早往衙門中審問賊情等事，直問到晌午來家。吃了飯，早是沈姨夫差大官沈定，拿帖兒送了個後生來，在緞子鋪煮飯做火頭，名喚劉包。西門慶留下了，正在書房中，拿帖兒與沈定回家去了。只見玳安在旁邊站立，西門慶便問道：「溫師父昨日多咱來的？」玳安道：「小的鋪子里睡了好一回，只聽見畫童兒打對過門，那咱有三更時分才來了。今早問，溫師父倒沒酒；應二爹醉了，唾了一地，月姨恐怕夜深了，使鄭春送了他家去了。」西門慶聽了，哈哈笑了，因叫過玳安近前，說道：「舊時與你姐夫說媒的文嫂兒在那裡住？你尋了他來，對門房子里見我。我和他說話。」玳安道：「小的不認的文嫂兒家，等我問了姐夫去。」西門慶道：「你問了他快去。」 |
| | The evening passed without incident and will not be detailed here. The next day, Xia Tixing sent an attendant to invite Ximen Qing early in the morning to go to the yamen for a hearing on bandit-related matters. He did not return home until around noon. After lunch, early in the day, Shen Yifu sent a senior official named Shen Ding with an invitation to deliver a young man who had been assigned to work as a cook at the satin shop. His name was Liu Bao. Ximen Qing kept him, and while Liu Bao remained in the study, Shen Ding took the invitation home with him. Just then, Dai'an was standing by. Ximen Qing asked, "Master Wen, what time did he arrive yesterday?" Dai'an replied, "I had already taken a long nap at my shop. I only heard Huatong knocking on the opposite door; it must have been around three o'clock in the morning when he arrived." This morning, when I asked, Master Wen didn't seem to have had any wine. "Ying Erde was drunk and vomited all over the floor. Aiyue, fearing it was getting too late, sent Zheng Chun to take him home." Ximen Qing, upon hearing this, laughed heartily and called Dai'an forward, saying, "Where does Wen Sao, the matchmaker who used to arrange marriages for your sister-in-law, live?" "Go find her and bring her here; I want to see her in the house next door." "I have something to say to her." Dai'an said, "I don't know where Wen Sao lives. Let me go ask my sister-in-law's husband." Ximen Qing said, "Go and ask him quickly."
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| | 應伯爵戲... : |
玳安走到鋪子里問陳敬濟，敬濟道：「問他做甚麼？」玳安道：「誰知他做甚麼，猛可教我抓尋他去。」敬濟道：「出了東大街一直往南去，過了同仁橋牌坊轉過往東，打王家巷進去，半中腰裡有個發放巡捕的廳兒，對門有個石橋兒，轉過石橋兒，緊靠著個姑姑庵兒，旁邊有個小衚衕兒，進小衚衕往西走，第三家豆腐鋪隔壁上坡兒，有雙扇紅對門兒的就是他家。你只叫文媽，他就出來答應你。」玳安聽了說道：「再沒有？小爐匠跟著行香的走──瑣碎一浪蕩。你再說一遍我聽，只怕我忘了。」那陳敬濟又說了一遍，玳安道：「好近路兒！等我騎了馬去。」一面牽出大白馬來騎上，打了一鞭，那馬跑踍跳躍，一直去了。出了東大街逕往南，過同仁橋牌坊，由王家巷進去，果然中間有個巡捕廳兒，對門亦是座破石橋兒，里首半截紅牆是大悲庵兒，往西小衚衕上坡，挑著個豆腐牌兒，門首只見一個媽媽曬馬糞。玳安在馬上就問：「老媽媽，這裡有個說媒的文嫂兒？」那媽媽道：「這隔壁對門兒就是。」 |
| | Dai'an went to the shop and asked Chen Jingji. Jingji replied, "Why are you asking about her?" Dai'an said, "I don't know what for; suddenly I was told to go find him." Jingji said, "Go straight south from the East Main Street. After passing the Tongren Bridge archway, turn east and enter Wangjia Alley. Halfway down is a hall for dispatching patrol officers. Across from it is a stone bridge. Turn around the stone bridge, there's a nunnery right next to it. Beside that is a small alley. Enter the alley and walk west; the third house on the slope next to the tofu shop has two red-painted doors—it's his home." "Just call for Mama Wen, and she will come out to answer you." Dai'an listened and said, "Is there no other way?" "A small coppersmith follows the incense-burning procession—just a bit of trivial wandering." "Please say it again for me to listen, in case I forget." Chen Jingji repeated the directions once more. Dai'an said, "What a short and convenient route!" "I'll ride my horse there." He led out a large white horse, mounted it, gave it a whip, and off the horse went, galloping and leaping straight ahead. He went straight south from the East Main Street, passed through the Tongren Bridge archway and entered Wangjia Alley. Indeed, there was a patrol office in the middle; across from it stood a broken stone bridge. Halfway along the lane, a red wall marked the entrance to Dabi Nunnery. Going west up the small alley on the slope, he saw a tofu shop with a sign hanging outside. At the door, an old woman was drying horse manure in the sun. Still on his horse, Dai'an asked, "Old lady, is there a matchmaker named Wen Sao here?" The old woman replied, "It's right next door across the way."
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| | 應伯爵戲... : |
玳安到他門首，果然是兩扇紅對門兒，連忙跳下馬來，拿鞭兒敲著門叫道：「文嫂在家不在？」只見他兒子文［糹堂］開了門，問道：「是那裡來的？」玳安道：「我是縣門前提刑西門老爹家，來請，教文媽快去哩。」文［糹堂］聽見是提刑西門大官府里來的，便讓家裡坐。那玳安把馬拴住，進入裡面。見上面供養著利市紙，有幾個人在那裡算進香帳哩。半日拿了鐘茶出來，說道：「俺媽不在了。來家說了，明日早去罷。」玳安道：「驢子見在家裡，如何推不在？」側身逕往後走。不料文嫂和他媳婦兒，陪著幾個道媽媽子正吃茶，躲不及，被他看見了，說道：「這個不是文媽？就回我不在家！」文嫂笑哈哈與玳安道了個萬福，說道：「累哥哥到家回聲，我今日家裡會茶。不知老爹呼喚我做甚麼，我明日早去罷。」玳安道：「只分忖我來尋你，誰知他做甚麼。原來你在這咭溜搭剌兒里住，教我抓尋了個小發昏。」文嫂兒道：「他老人家這幾年買使女，說媒，用花兒，自有老馮和薛嫂兒、王媽媽子走跳，稀罕俺每！今日忽剌八又冷鍋中豆兒爆，我猜著你六娘沒了，一定教我去替他打聽親事，要補你六娘的窩兒。」玳安道：「我不知道。你到那裡，俺爹自有話和你說。」文嫂兒道：「既如此，哥哥你略坐坐兒，等我打發會茶人去了，同你去罷。」玳安道：「俺爹在家緊等的火里火發，吩咐了又吩咐，教你快去哩。和你說了話，還要往府里羅同知老爹家吃酒去哩。」文嫂道：「也罷，等我拿點心你吃了，同你去。」玳安道：「不吃罷。」文嫂因問：「你大娘生了孩兒沒有？」玳安道：「還不曾見哩。」文嫂一面打發玳安吃了點心，穿上衣裳，說道：「你騎馬先行一步兒，我慢慢走。」玳安道：「你老人家放著驢子，怎不備上騎？」文嫂兒道：「我那討個驢子來？那驢子是隔壁豆腐鋪里的，借俺院兒里喂喂兒，你就當我的。」玳安道：「記的你老人家騎著匹驢兒來，往那去了？」文嫂兒道：「這咱哩！那一年弔死人家丫頭，打官司把舊房兒也賣了，且說驢子哩！」玳安道：「房子到不打緊，且留著那驢子和你早晚做伴兒也罷了。別的罷了，我見他常時落下來好個大鞭子。」文嫂哈哈笑道：「怪猴子，短壽命，老娘還只當好話兒，側著耳朵聽。幾年不見，你也學的恁油嘴滑舌的。到明日，還教我尋親事哩！」玳安道：「我的馬走的快，你步行，赤道挨磨到多咱晚，不惹的爹說？你也上馬，咱兩個疊騎著罷。」文嫂兒道：「怪小短命兒，我又不是你影射的！街上人看著，怪剌剌的。」玳安道：「再不，你備豆腐鋪里驢子騎了去，到那裡等我打發他錢就是了。」文嫂兒道：「這還是話。」一面教文［糹堂］將驢子備了，帶上眼紗，騎上，玳安與他同行，逕往西門慶宅中來。正是： |
| | Dai'an arrived at her door and saw that it was indeed a pair of red-painted double doors. He quickly dismounted, used his whip to knock on the door, and called out, "Is Mama Wen home?" Just then, her son Wenchang opened the door and asked, "Who are you from?" Dai'an said, "I am from Master Ximen Qing of the Tixing Office at the county gate. I have come to invite Mama Wen; please hurry and go." Wenchang, upon hearing that the visitor was from Tixing Ximen's official residence, immediately invited him in to sit. Dai'an tied up his horse and entered inside. He saw that there was a paper offering for good fortune displayed above, with several people present calculating the accounts of incense offerings. After some time, he brought out a cup of tea and said, "My mother is not here." "I told her at home. She will go early tomorrow." Dai'an said, "The donkey is clearly still here; how can you say she's not?" He turned aside and went straight to the back. Unbeknownst to him, Mama Wen and her daughter-in-law were sitting with several Daoist nuns drinking tea. They had no time to hide before he saw them and said, "Is this not Mama Wen?" "You just told me she wasn't at home!" Mama Wen laughed and gave Dai'an a respectful bow, saying, "Please tell my brother when he gets home that I am having tea at home today." "I don't know why Master called for me. I will go early tomorrow." Dai'an said, "He only sent me to find you; he didn't tell me what for." "I had no idea you lived in this remote place, and I nearly lost my head trying to find you!" Mama Wen said, "In recent years, when he buys maidservants or arranges marriages and needs matchmakers, it's always Old Feng, Xue Sao, and Mama Wang who run around for him. He doesn't need us!" "Today, out of the blue, it's like a bean suddenly popping in a cold pot. I bet your Lady Liu is gone and they want me to go find a match for them so they can fill her place." Dai'an said, "I don't know." "When you get there, my father will have something to say to you himself." Mama Wen said, "If that's the case, brother, please sit for a moment. Let me send these tea guests away first, and then I'll go with you." Dai'an said, "My father is waiting at home in a hurry, like fire burning. He has given orders again and again, telling me to get you there quickly." "After talking with you, I still have to go to Old Master Luotongzhi's house in the prefecture for a drinking session." Mama Wen said, "Well then, let me get you something to eat before we go together." Dai'an said, "No need for that." Mama Wen then asked, "Has your Lady Da given birth to a child yet?" Dai'an said, "Not yet." Mama Wen, while sending Dai'an to eat some snacks and put on his clothes, said, "You ride ahead first; I'll walk slowly." Dai'an asked, "Old lady, you have a donkey. Why not saddle it up and ride?" Mama Wen said, "Where would I get a donkey from?" "That donkey belongs to the tofu shop next door. They just let it stay in our courtyard for a while; you can take it as mine." Dai'an asked, "I remember you riding a donkey and going somewhere. Where did you go?" Mama Wen said, "What now!" "In that year, we had to pay for the girl who committed suicide at a funeral home, and we even sold our old house in court proceedings. What are you talking about donkeys now!" Dai'an said, "The house isn't so important. At least keep the donkey to keep you company day and night." Forget about anything else; I just see that he often drops a big whip." Mama Wen laughed and said, "You silly monkey! You short-lived thing. I thought you were saying something nice and was listening with one ear cocked." "I haven't seen you for a few years, and now you've become so smooth-tongued." "Tomorrow, they'll still send me to look for marriage prospects!" Dai'an said, "My horse runs fast. You're walking; it would take until who knows how late to get there by foot. That would surely anger my father." "You should also ride the horse. Let's both ride on it together." Mama Wen said, "You little short-lived wretch! I'm not your shadow!" "People on the street would see it and think it's awkward." Dai'an said, "Then again, you can saddle the donkey from the tofu shop and ride it there. When we get there, I'll pay him for it." Mama Wen said, "That's a good idea." While instructing Wen [Caitang] to saddle the donkey, put on a blindfold for it, and ride off, Dai'an went along with her directly toward Ximen Qing's residence. It was precisely:
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欲向深閨求艷質，全憑紅葉是良媒。 |
| | "If one wishes to seek a fair maiden in the inner chambers, red leaves serve as an excellent matchmaker."
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