| Chinese Text Project |
《潘金蓮香腮偎玉 薛姑子佛口談經 - Pan Jinlian's Fragrant Cheek Rests Against Jade, Xue Guzi Recites Sutras with a Devout Tongue》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 潘金蓮香... : | 詩曰： |
| The poem says: | ||
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富貴如朝露，交遊似聚沙。不如竹窗里，對捲自趺跏。 靜慮同聆偈，清神旋煮茶。惟憂曉雞唱，塵里事如麻。 | ||
| Wealth and honor are like morning dew; friendships gather as sand. Better to sit within a bamboo window, facing each other in meditation. In quiet contemplation we listen together to the verses; with clear minds we slowly brew tea. We only fear the cock's crow at dawn, when worldly affairs become as tangled as hemp. | ||
| 2 | 潘金蓮香... : | 話說西門慶摟抱潘金蓮，一覺睡到天明。婦人見他那話還直豎一條棍相似，便道：「達達，你饒了我罷，我來不得了。待我替你咂咂罷。」西門慶道：「怪小淫婦兒，你若咂的過了，是你造化。」這婦人真個蹲向他腰間，按著他一隻腿，用口替他吮弄那話。吮夠一個時分，精還不過，這西門慶用手按著粉項，往來只顧沒棱露腦搖撼，那話在口裡吞吐不絕。抽拽的婦人口邊白沫橫流，殘脂在莖。婦人一面問西門慶：「二十八日應二家請俺每，去不去？」西門慶道：「怎的不去！」婦人道：「我有樁事兒央你，依不依？」西門慶道：「怪小淫婦兒，你有甚事，說不是。」婦人道：「你把李大姐那皮襖拿出來與我穿了罷。明日吃了酒回來，他們都穿著皮襖，只奴沒件兒穿。」西門慶道：「有王招宣府當的皮襖，你穿就是了。」婦人道：「當的我不穿他，你與了李嬌兒去。把李嬌兒那皮襖卻與雪娥穿。你把李大姐那皮襖與了我，等我㩟上兩個大紅遍地金鶴袖，襯著白綾襖兒穿，也是與你做老婆一場，沒曾與了別人。」西門慶道：「賊小淫婦兒，單管愛小便宜兒。他那件皮襖值六十兩銀子哩，你穿在身上是會搖擺！」婦人道：「怪奴才，你與了張三、李四的老婆穿了？左右是你的老婆，替你裝門面，沒的有這些聲兒氣兒的。好不好我就不依了。」西門慶道：「你又求人又做硬兒。」婦人道：「怪硶貨，我是你房裡丫頭，在你跟前服軟？」一面說著，把那話放在粉臉上只顧偎晃，良久，又吞在口裡挑弄蛙口，一回又用舌尖抵其琴弦，攪其龜棱，然後將朱唇裹著，只顧動動的。西門慶靈犀灌頂，滿腔春意透腦，良久精來，呼：「小淫婦兒，好生裹緊著，我待過也！」言未絕，其精邈了婦人一口。婦人口口接著，都咽了。正是： |
| It is said that Xi Menqing embraced Pan Jinlian and slept until daylight. The woman saw that his member was still erect like a stick, and said, "Brother, please spare me; I can't do it anymore." "Let me suck it for you instead." Xi Menqing said, "You little wanton woman, if you can suck it through, that's your good fortune." The woman really squatted down by his waist, holding one of his legs with her hand, and used her mouth to suckle on it. After sucking for a while, the semen still did not come out. Xi Menqing held her white neck with his hand and kept shaking back and forth without restraint; that member in her mouth continued to be sucked in and out ceaselessly. The woman's lips were smeared with white foam, and remnants of lip rouge remained on the shaft. While doing this, the woman asked Xi Menqing, "On the twenty-eighth day, Ying Er's family has invited us; shall we go or not?" Xi Menqing said, "Of course we should go!" The woman said, "I have a matter to ask of you; will you agree or not?" Xi Menqing said, "You little wanton woman, what is it that you have to say? Speak up." The woman said, "Please take out Li Dajie's leather coat and let me wear it." "When I come back tomorrow after drinking wine, they will all be wearing fur coats, but there won't be a single one for me to wear." Xi Menqing said, "There is the fur coat pawned at Wang Zhaoxuan's house; you can just wear that." The woman said, "I won't wear a pawned one; you gave it to Li Jiaoer instead." Take Li Jiaoer's fur coat and give it to Xue'e to wear. If you give me Li Dajie's fur coat, I will put on two large red embroidered sleeves with golden cranes all over them, and wear a white satin jacket underneath; this is also for being your wife once, not giving it to anyone else." Xi Menqing said, "You greedy little wanton woman, always looking for small advantages. That fur coat is worth sixty taels of silver; you wearing it on your body will certainly make people talk!" The woman said, "You wretched servant, are you going to give the coat for Zhang San and Li Si's wives to wear?" After all, I am your wife; I dress up for you to save face, so there is no need for such complaints and arguments. "If it's not good, then I won't agree." Xi Menqing said, "You are both begging and being stubborn again." The woman said, "You wretch, I am a concubine in your house; would I ever show weakness before you?" While speaking, she placed that member on her powdered face and kept caressing it. After a long while, she put it back into her mouth, playing with the glans, then used her tongue to press against its tip, stimulating it, before wrapping it in her red lips and continuing to move them up and down. Xi Menqing felt a surge of ecstasy, his entire body filled with springlike passion that reached the top of his head. After some time, he ejaculated and shouted, "You little wanton woman! Hold it tightly; I'm about to climax!" Before he could finish speaking, his semen gushed into the woman's mouth. The woman swallowed it all with each mouthful. It was indeed: | ||
| 自有內事迎郎意，殷勤愛把紫簫吹。 | ||
| There are always inner matters to please the husband's heart, and with earnest affection, one is eager to play the purple flute for him. | ||
| 3 | 潘金蓮香... : | 當日是安郎中擺酒，西門慶起來梳頭凈面出門。婦人還睡在被裡，便說道：「你趁閑尋尋兒出來罷。等住回，你又不得閑了。」這西門慶於是走到李瓶兒房中，奶子、丫頭又早起來頓下茶水供養。西門慶見如意兒薄施脂粉，長畫蛾眉，笑嘻嘻遞了茶，在旁邊說話兒。西門慶一面使迎春往後邊討床房裡鑰匙去，如意兒便問：「爹討來做甚麼？」西門慶道：「我要尋皮襖與你五娘穿。」如意道：「是娘的那貂鼠皮襖？」西門慶道：「就是。他要穿穿，拿與他罷。」迎春去了，就把老婆摟在懷裡，摸他奶頭，說道：「我兒，你雖然生了孩子，奶頭兒到還恁緊。」就兩個臉對臉兒親嘴咂舌頭做一處。如意兒道：「我見爹常在五娘身邊，沒見爹往別的房裡去。他老人家別的罷了，只是心多容不的人。前日爹不在，為個棒槌，好不和我大嚷了一場。多虧韓嫂兒和三娘來勸開了。落後爹來家，也沒敢和爹說。不知甚麼多嘴的人對他說，說爹要了我。他也告爹來不曾？」西門慶道：「他也告我來，你到明日替他陪個禮兒便了。他是恁行貨子，受不的人個甜棗兒就喜歡的。嘴頭子雖利害，到也沒什麼心。」如意兒道：「前日我和他嚷了，第二日爹到家，就和我說好活。說爹在他身邊偏多，『就是別的娘都讓我幾分，你凡事只有個不瞞我，我放著河水不洗船？』」西門慶道：「既是如此，大家取和些。」又許下老婆：「你每晚夕等我來這房裡睡。」如意道：「爹真個來？休哄俺每！」西門慶道：「誰哄你來！」正說著，只見迎春取鑰匙來。西門慶教開了床房門，又開櫥櫃，拿出那皮祆來抖了抖，還用包袱包了，教迎春拿到那邊房裡去。如意兒就悄悄向西門慶說：「我沒件好裙襖兒，爹趁著手兒再尋件兒與了我罷。有娘小衣裳兒，再與我一件兒。」西門慶連忙又尋出一套翠蓋緞子襖兒、黃綿綢裙子，又是一件藍潞綢綿褲兒，又是一雙妝花膝褲腿兒，與了他。老婆磕頭謝了。西門慶鎖上門，就使他送皮襖與金蓮房裡來。 |
| On that day, An Langzhong was hosting a banquet; Xi Menqing got up to comb his hair and wash his face before going out. The woman was still sleeping under the quilt, but she said, "You might as well take this opportunity to go out and look around." "After a while, you won't have any more free time again." Xi Menqing then went to Li Ping'er's room, where the wet nurse and the maids had already risen and prepared tea for him. Xi Menqing saw Ruyi lightly applying makeup, her eyebrows elegantly drawn like moths' wings. She smiled and handed him the tea while chatting beside him. While doing this, Xi Menqing sent Yingchun to the back to get the key to the inner chamber. Ruyi then asked, "Father, what do you need it for?" Xi Menqing said, "I want to find a fur coat for your Fifth Madam to wear." Ruyi asked, "Is it Mother's sable fur coat?" Xi Menqing said, "That's the one." "She wants to wear it; give it to her." While Yingchun was away, he hugged his wife in his arms and touched her nipples, saying, "My dear, although you've given birth to a child, your nipples are still so firm." The two of them kissed face-to-face, licking each other's tongues together. Ruyi said, "I see Father often by Fifth Madam's side; I've never seen him go to any other room." "As for the old man, aside from anything else, he just has a narrow heart and can't tolerate others." "The other day when Father was away, because of a mallet, we had quite an argument." "It was only thanks to Aunt Han and Third Madam that they came over and calmed us down." "After Father returned home, I didn't dare mention it to him either." "I don't know which gossipy person told him and said that Father had taken me in." "Did he report it to Father as well?" Xi Menqing said, "He did complain to me. You just go and apologize to him tomorrow." "He is such a person; if you give him even one sweet date, he will be delighted." "Although his tongue is sharp, he doesn't really have any malice in his heart." Ruyi said, "The other day when I quarreled with him, the next day after Father came home, he immediately spoke kindly to me." "He said that Father spends more time with him, 'Even the other Madams give way to me a little; as for you, there is nothing you hide from me. Would I not wash my boat in flowing water?'" Xi Menqing said, "If that's the case, then everyone should be a bit more conciliatory." He also promised his wife, "Every night you will wait for me to come and sleep in this room." Ruyi said, "Will Father really come?" "Don't deceive us!" Xi Menqing said, "Who would dare to deceive you?" Just as they were speaking, Yingchun arrived with the key. Xi Menqing told her to open the inner chamber door, then opened a cabinet and took out the fur coat. He shook it off, wrapped it in cloth again, and instructed Yingchun to take it to the other room. Ruyi then whispered to Xi Menqing, "I don't have a nice skirt or coat; Father, while you're at it, please find me another one." "If there are any of Mother's small clothes left over, give me one more piece as well." Xi Menqing hurriedly found a set of emerald satin jacket, yellow silk skirt with cotton lining, another blue Luxi silk pants with cotton padding, and also a pair of embroidered knee-length trousers for him. He gave them all to her. The wife kowtowed in gratitude. Xi Menqing locked the door and sent her to deliver the fur coat to Pan Jinlian's room. | ||
| 4 | 潘金蓮香... : | 金蓮才起來，在床上裹腳，只見春梅說：「如意兒送皮襖來了。」婦人便知其意，說道：「你教他進來。」問道：「爹使你來？」如意道：「是爹教我送來與娘穿。」金蓮道：「也與了你些什麼兒沒有？」如意道：「爹賞了我兩件綢絹衣裳年下穿。叫我來與娘磕頭。」於是向前磕了四個頭。婦人道：「姐姐每這般卻不好？你主子既愛你，常言：船多不礙港，車多不礙路，那好做惡人？你只不犯著我，我管你怎的？我這裡還多著個影兒哩！」如意兒道：「俺娘已是沒了，雖是後邊大娘承攬，娘在前邊還是主兒，早晚望娘抬舉。小媳婦敢欺心！那裡是葉落歸根之處？」婦人道：「你這衣服少不得還對你大娘說聲。」如意道：「小的前者也問大娘討來，大娘說：『等爹開時，拿兩件與你。』」婦人道：「既說知罷了。」這如意就出來，還到那邊房裡，西門慶已往前廳去了。如意便問迎春：「你頭裡取鑰匙去，大娘怎的說？」迎春說：「大娘問：『你爹要鑰匙做什麼？』我也沒說拿皮襖與五娘，只說我不知道。大娘沒言語。」 |
| Pan Jinlian had just gotten up, wrapping her feet in bed, when Chunmei said, "Ruyi has come with the fur coat." The woman immediately understood his intention and said, "Tell her to come in." She asked, "Did Father send you?" Ruyi replied, "Father sent me to bring this for Madam to wear." Jinlian asked, "Did he give you anything as well?" Ruyi said, "Father gave me two silk and gauze clothes to wear during the New Year." "He also told me to come here and kowtow to you, Madam." With that, she stepped forward and kowtowed four times. The woman said, "How could you sisters act like this?" "Since your master loves you so much, as the old saying goes: many boats don't block the harbor, and many carts don't hinder the road. Why be a villain?" "As long as you don't provoke me, what business is it of mine?" "There are still plenty more shadows here!" Ruyi said, "My mother is already gone. Although the elder Madam in the back has taken over, you are still the senior here at the front; I hope for your kindness and support day by day." "How dare a young wife be so disrespectful!" "Where is the place where fallen leaves return to their roots?" The woman said, "You still need to tell your elder Madam about these clothes." Ruyi said, "Earlier I also asked the elder Madam for some clothes. She said, 'When Father opens [the store], give you two pieces.'" The woman said, "Well then, if that's what was said, it is settled." Ruyi left and went back to the other room, where Xi Menqing had already gone ahead to the front hall. Ruyi then asked Yingchun, "Earlier when you went for the key, what did the elder Madam say?" Yingchun said, "The elder Madam asked, 'What does your father need the key for?'" "I didn't say anything about taking a fur coat to give to Fifth Madam; I just said I didn't know." "The elder Madam didn't say anything else." | ||
| 5 | 潘金蓮香... : | 卻說西門慶走到廳上看設席，海鹽子弟張美、徐順、苟子孝都挑戲箱到了，李銘等四名小優兒又早來伺候，都磕頭見了。西門慶吩咐打發飯與眾人吃，吩咐李銘三個在前邊唱，左順後邊答應堂客。那日韓道國娘子王六兒沒來，打發申二姐買了兩盒禮物，坐轎子，他家進財兒跟著，也來與玉樓做生日。王經送到後邊，打發轎子出去了。不一時，門外韓大姨、孟大妗子都到了，又是傅伙計、甘伙計娘子、崔本媳婦兒段大姐並賁四娘子。西門慶正在廳上，看見夾道內玳安領著一個五短身子，穿綠緞襖兒、紅裙子，不搽胭粉，兩個密縫眼兒，一似鄭愛香模樣，便問是誰。玳安道：「是賁四嫂。」西門慶就沒言語。往後見了月娘。月娘擺茶，西門慶進來吃粥，遞與月娘鑰匙。月娘道：「你開門做什麼？」西門慶道：「潘六兒他說，明日往應二哥家吃酒沒皮襖，要李大姐那皮襖穿。」被月娘瞅了一眼，說道：「你自家把不住自家嘴頭了。他死了，嗔人分散他房裡丫頭，象你這等，就沒的話兒說了。他見放皮襖不穿，巴巴兒只要這皮襖穿。──早時他死了，他不死，你只好看一眼兒罷了。」幾句說的西門慶閉口無言。忽報劉學官來還銀子，西門慶出去陪坐，在廳上說話。只見玳安拿進帖兒說：「王招宣府送禮來了。」西門慶問：「是什麼禮？」玳安道：「是賀禮：一匹尺頭、一壇南酒、四樣下飯。」西門慶即叫王經拿眷生回帖兒謝了，賞了來人五錢銀子，打發去了。 |
| Meanwhile, Xi Menqing went to the hall to inspect the preparations. Haiyan actors Zhang Mei, Xu Shun, and Gou Zixiao had already arrived with their play trunks, and four young performers including Li Ming were also there early to wait on them; they all kowtowed upon seeing him. Xi Menqing ordered food to be served for everyone, and instructed Li Ming and the other two to perform in front while Zuo Shun would respond to the female guests at the back. On that day, Han Daoguo's wife Wang Liu'er did not come in person; instead, Shen Erjie was sent to buy two boxes of gifts. She rode in a palanquin, accompanied by their family servant Jincai, and came to celebrate Yulou's birthday as well. Wang Jing saw her off to the back and then sent the palanquin away. In no time, Aunt Han and Aunt Meng from outside arrived, as well as Fu Huaji, the wife of Gan Huaji, Duan Dashijie, the daughter-in-law of Cui Ben, and Madam Bin Si. Xi Menqing was in the hall when he saw Dai'an leading a short, stocky figure from the side passage. The person wore a green satin jacket and red skirt, had no rouge on her face, with two closely spaced eyes, resembling Zheng Aixiang. He immediately asked who she was. Dai'an said, "It's Madam Bin Si." Xi Menqing then remained silent. Later, she met Madam Yue Niang. Madam Yue Niang served tea, and Xi Menqing came in to eat porridge, handing the key over to Madam Yue Niang. Madam Yue Niang asked, "What do you need to open the door for?" Xi Menqing said, "Pan Liu'er said that tomorrow when she goes to Ying Erge's house for a drinking party, she has no fur coat and wants to wear Li Dashijie's fur coat." Madam Yue Niang shot him a glance and said, "You can't even keep your own mouth shut anymore." "Now that he's dead, people are blaming us for dispersing the maids from his quarters. Someone like you would have no words to say." "She didn't even wear her own fur coat, yet she's so eager to borrow this one and wear it." "If he had died earlier, or if he hadn't died, you could only have taken a good look at her once." A few words from Madam Yue Niang left Xi Menqing speechless. Suddenly, a report came that Liu Xueguan had come to return the silver; Xi Menqing went out to entertain him and sat with him in the hall for conversation. Just then, Dai'an brought in a letter saying, "The Wang Zhaoxuan residence is sending gifts." Xi Menqing asked, "What kind of gift is it?" Dai'an replied, "It's a congratulatory gift: one bolt of fabric, one jar of southern wine, and four kinds of side dishes." Xi Menqing immediately ordered Wang Jing to take a reply letter and thank them, gave the messenger five qian of silver as a reward, and sent him away. | ||
| 6 | 潘金蓮香... : | 只見李桂姐門首下轎，保兒挑四盒禮物。慌的玳安替他抱氈包，說道：「桂姨，打夾道內進去罷，廳上有劉學官坐著哩。」那桂姐即向夾道內進去，來安兒把盒子挑進月娘房裡。月娘道：「爹看見不曾？」玳安道：「爹陪著客，還不見哩。」月娘便說道：「且連盒放在明間內著。」一回客去了，西門慶進來吃飯，月娘道：「李桂姐送禮在這裡。」西門慶道：「我不知道。」月娘令小玉揭開盒兒，見一盒果餡壽糕、一盒玫瑰糖糕、兩隻燒鴨、一副豕蹄。只見桂姐從房內出來，滿頭珠翠，穿著大紅對衿襖兒，藍緞裙子，望著西門慶磕了四個頭。西門慶道：「罷了，又買這禮來做什麼？」月娘道：「剛纔桂姐對我說，怕你惱他。不乾他事，說起來都是他媽的不是：那日桂姐害頭疼來，只見這王三官領著一行人，往秦玉芝兒家去，打門首過，進來吃茶，就被人驚散了。桂姐也沒出來見他。」西門慶道：「那一遭兒沒出來見他，這一遭兒又沒出來見他，自家也說不過。論起來，我也難管你。這麗春院拿燒餅砌著門不成？到處銀錢兒都是一樣，我也不惱。」那桂姐跪在地下只顧不起來，說道：「爹惱的是。我若和他沾沾身子，就爛化了，一個毛孔兒里生一個天皰瘡。都是俺媽，空老了一片皮，乾的營生沒個主意。好的也招惹，歹的也招惹，平白叫爹惹惱。」月娘道：「你既來說開就是了，又惱怎的？」西門慶道：「你起來，我不惱你便了。」那桂姐故作嬌態，說道：「爹笑一笑兒我才起來。你不笑，我就跪一年也不起來。」潘金蓮在旁插口道：「桂姐你起來，只顧跪著他，求告他黃米頭兒，叫他張致！如今在這裡你便跪著他，明日到你家他卻跪著你，──你那時卻別要理他。」把西門慶、月娘都笑了，桂姐才起來了。只見玳安慌慌張張來報：「宋老爹、安老爹來了。」西門慶便拿衣服穿了，出去迎接。桂姐向月娘說道：「耶嚛嚛，從今後我也不要爹了，只與娘做女兒罷。」月娘道：「你的虛頭願心，說過道過罷了。前日兩遭往裡頭去，沒在那裡？」桂姐道：「天麼，天麼，可是殺人！爹何曾往我家裡？若是到我家裡，見爹一面，沾沾身子兒，就促死了！娘你錯打聽了，敢不是我那裡，是往鄭月兒家走了兩遭，請了他家小粉頭子了。我這篇是非，就是他氣不憤架的。不然，爹如何惱我？」金蓮道：「各人衣飯，他平白怎麼架你是非？」桂姐道：「五娘，你不知，俺們裡邊人，一個氣不憤一個，好不生分！」月娘接過來道：「你每裡邊與外邊差甚麼？也是一般，一個不憤一個。那一個有些時道兒，就要躧下去。」月娘擺茶與他吃，不在話下。 |
| Just then Li Guijie descended from her palanquin at the gate, with Baoer carrying four boxes of gifts. Dai'an hurriedly took the felt bag for her and said, "Aunt Gui, please go in through the side passage; there's Liu Xueguan sitting in the hall." Aunt Gui immediately went into the house through the side passage, and Lai Aner carried the boxes into Madam Yue Niang's quarters. Madam Yue Niang said, "Did Father see them?" Dai'an replied, "Father is entertaining a guest and hasn't seen her yet." Madam Yue Niang then said, "Put the boxes in the front room for now." After a while, when the guest left, Xi Menqing came back to have lunch. Madam Yue Niang said, "Li Guijie sent gifts here." Xi Menqing replied, "I didn't know about it." Madam Yue Niang ordered Xiaoyu to open the boxes. Inside were one box of fruit-filled longevity cakes, one box of rose-scented sugar cakes, two roasted ducks, and a pair of pig's trotters. Just then Aunt Gui came out from the room, her head adorned with pearls and jewels, wearing a bright red front-buttoned jacket and blue satin skirt. She bowed to Xi Menqing four times in greeting. Xi Menqing said, "Enough already, why did you buy these gifts again?" Madam Yue Niang replied, "Aunt Gui just told me she was afraid that you would be angry with her." "It's not her fault," Madam Yue Niang continued. "If anything, it was all the fault of her mother: on that day when Aunt Gui had a headache, she saw Wang San'guan leading a group of people heading to Qin Yuzhi's house. They passed by the gate and came in for tea, but were soon startled away." "Aunt Gui didn't even come out to see him," Madam Yue Niang added. Xi Menqing said, "She didn't come out to see him that time, and now she hasn't come out again—this is hard for her to explain on her own." "After all," he continued, "I also find it difficult to manage you." "Is the Lichun Courtesan blocking the door with steamed buns?" "Money is money no matter where it comes from, and I'm not angry about it." Aunt Gui knelt on the ground and kept her head bowed, saying, "Father is right to be angry." "If I were even slightly involved with him, my body would rot away, and a heaven boil sore would grow from every single pore." "It's all because of my mother—she has nothing but old skin left; she can't make up her mind about anything in life." "She gets involved with good people and bad people alike, causing Father unnecessary trouble." Madam Yue Niang said: "Since you've already come to explain yourself, why be angry?" Xi Menqing replied, "Get up. I won't be angry with you." Aunt Gui feigned a coy expression and said, "Father, just smile at me a little, and I'll get up." "If you don't smile, I'll kneel here for an entire year without getting up." Pan Jinlian interjected from the side, saying, "Aunt Gui, get up. Don't just keep kneeling and begging him for scraps of yellow rice—make him show some spirit!" "If you kneel to him here today, tomorrow when he goes to your house, he'll be the one kneeling to you—then don't even acknowledge him!" Her words made both Xi Menqing and Madam Yue Niang laugh, and Aunt Gui finally got up. Just then Dai'an came in all flustered to report, "Uncle Song and Uncle An have arrived." Xi Menqing immediately took his clothes and put them on, then went out to greet them. Aunt Gui said to Madam Yue Niang, "Yehela, from now on I don't want Father anymore; let me just be your daughter." Madam Yue Niang said: "Your empty promises and false intentions—just forget them ever happened." "You went in twice the other day, yet you weren't there?" Aunt Gui replied, "Heavens! Heavens! It's truly murderous!" "When has Father ever gone to my house?" "If he had come to my house and seen Father, even just a brief encounter, I would have died of shame!" "Mistress, you've got it all wrong. It wasn't my house at all; he went to Zheng Yue'er's place twice and invited one of her young courtesans." "This whole trouble is entirely because of his unreasonable anger." "If not for that, how could Father be angry with me?" Jinlian said, "Everyone has their own livelihood. Why would he go out of his way to cause trouble for you?" Aunt Gui said, "Fifth Madam, you don't know. Among us women in the inner quarters, one person's anger causes another to be upset; it's very complicated!" Madam Yue Niang took over and said, "What is the difference between those inside and outside?" "They are no different; one person's resentment causes another to be resentful as well." "Whoever has a bit of advantage will soon be trampled down." Madam Yue Niang offered tea to them, and that is not further detailed here. | ||
| 7 | 潘金蓮香... : | 卻說西門慶迎接宋御史、安郎中，到廳上敘禮。每人一匹緞子、一部書，奉賀西門慶。見了桌席齊整，甚是稱謝不盡。一面分賓主坐下，吃了茶，宋御史道：「學生有一事奉瀆四泉：今有巡撫侯石泉老先生，新升太常卿，學生同兩司作東，三十日敢借尊府置杯酒奉餞，初二日就起行上京去了。未審四泉允否？」西門慶道：「老先生吩咐，敢不從命！但未知多少桌席？」宋御史道：「學生有分資在此。」即喚書吏取出布、按兩司連他共十二兩分資來，要一張大插桌、六張散桌，叫一起戲子。西門慶答應收了，就請去捲棚坐的。不一時，錢主事也到了。三員官會在一處下棋。宋御史見西門慶堂廡寬廣，院字幽深，書畫文物極一時之盛。又見屏風前安著一座八仙捧壽的流金鼎，約數尺高，甚是做得奇巧。爐內焚著沉檀香，煙從龜鶴鹿口中吐出。只顧近前觀看，誇獎不已。問西門慶：「這副爐鼎造得好！」因向二官說：「我學生寫書與淮安劉年兄那裡，央他替我捎帶一副來，送蔡老先，還不見到。四泉不知是那裡得來的？」西門慶道：「也是淮上一個人送學生的。」說畢下棋。西門慶吩咐下邊，看了兩個桌盒細巧菜蔬果餡點心上來，一面叫生旦在上唱南曲。宋御史道：「客尚未到，主人先吃得面紅，說不通。」安郎中道：「天寒，飲一杯無礙。」宋御史又差人去邀，差人稟道：「邀了，在磚廠黃老爹那裡下棋，便來也。」一面下棋飲酒，安郎中喚戲子：「你們唱個《宜春令》奉酒。」於是生旦合聲唱一套「第一來為壓驚」。 |
| Meanwhile, Xi Menqing welcomed Cui Yushi and An Langzhong at the hall and they exchanged greetings. Each of them gave Xi Menqing a bolt of satin and a set of books as congratulatory gifts. Seeing the well-prepared banquet, they expressed endless gratitude. While they were seated with the host and guests properly arranged, after drinking tea, Cui Yushi said, "Your humble student dares to trouble Sir Siquan about one matter: currently there is Inspector Hou Shiquan, an elder gentleman who has recently been promoted to Tai Chang Qing. Your humble student, together with the two departments, will be hosting a farewell banquet on the thirtieth day at your esteemed residence. On the second day of the following month, he will depart for the capital." "I wonder if Sir Siquan would be willing to grant permission?" Xi Menqing replied, "If the elder gentleman has given instructions, how could I dare not obey!" "But may I ask how many tables will be prepared?" Cui Yushi said, "Your humble student has already arranged for the expenses." He immediately called a clerk to bring out the allocated funds from his own and two other departments, totaling twelve taels. He requested one large central table, six smaller tables, and hired a troupe of performers. Xi Menqing agreed to accept the offer and immediately invited them to sit in the pavilion. In no time, Director Qian also arrived. The three officials gathered together to play chess. Cui Yushi, seeing that Xi Menqing's hall and veranda were spacious, his courtyard deep and secluded, and filled with paintings, calligraphy, and cultural relics of the highest quality for the time, was deeply impressed. He also noticed a golden censer in front of the screen, shaped like eight immortals holding up a longevity symbol. About several chi tall, it was exceptionally intricately crafted. Incense of sandalwood and agar burned inside the censer, with smoke curling out from the mouths of the turtles, cranes, and deer. Cui Yushi couldn't help but step closer to admire it, praising it without end. He asked Xi Menqing, "This censer is made beautifully!" He then said to the two officials, "I had my student write a letter to my senior friend Liu in Huai'an and asked him to bring one back for me as a gift for Elder Cai. I still haven't received it yet." "Sir Siquan, do you know where this came from?" Xi Menqing replied, "It was also a gift sent to your humble student by someone in Huai'an." After saying this, they continued playing chess. Xi Menqing gave orders to the servants below, instructing them to bring up two tables of delicately prepared vegetables and fruit-filled pastries. At the same time, he had male and female performers perform southern tunes on stage above. Cui Yushi remarked, "The guests haven't even arrived yet, but the host is already flushed from eating—this doesn't make sense." An Langzhong said, "It's cold outside; having a cup won't hurt." Cui Yushi then sent someone to invite more guests. The messenger reported, "They were invited and are playing chess at Uncle Huang's place in Zhuanchang; they will come soon." While they played chess and drank, An Langzhong called to the performers: "You all sing 'Yichun Ling' as a toast." With that, the male and female actors sang in harmony a suite beginning with "First of all, to calm your nerves." | ||
| 8 | 潘金蓮香... : | 唱未畢，忽吏進報：「蔡老爹和黃老爹來了。」宋御史忙令收了桌席，各整衣冠出來迎接。蔡九知府穿素服金帶，先令人投一「侍生蔡修」拜帖與西門慶。進廳上，安郎中道：「此是主人西門大人，見在本處作千兵，也是京中老先生門下。」那蔡知府又是作揖稱道：「久仰，久仰。」西門慶道：「容當奉拜。」敘禮畢，各寬衣服坐下。左右上了茶，各人扳話。良久，就上坐。蔡九知府居上，主位四坐。廚役割道湯飯，戲子呈遞手本，蔡九知府揀了《雙忠記》，演了兩折。酒過數巡，小優兒席前唱一套《新水令》「玉鞭驕馬出皇都」。蔡知府笑道：「松原直得多少，可謂『御史青驄馬』，三公乃『劉郎舊縈髯』。」安郎中道：「今日更不道『江州司馬青衫濕』。」言罷，眾人都笑了。西門慶又令春鴻唱了一套「金門獻罷平胡表」，把宋御史喜歡的要不的，因向西門慶道：「此子可愛。」西門慶道：「此是小價，原是揚州人。」宋御史攜著他手兒，教他遞酒，賞了他三錢銀子，磕頭謝了。正是： |
| Before they had finished singing, an official suddenly entered and reported, "Uncle Cai and Uncle Huang have arrived." Cui Yushi hurriedly ordered the tables and banquet to be cleared away, then had everyone straighten their clothes and hats before coming out to greet them. Cai Jiuzhi, the governor, wore plain robes with a golden sash and first had someone deliver a visiting card addressed as "Shisheng Cai Xiu" to Xi Menqing. Upon entering the hall, An Langzhong said, "This is our host Master Xi Men. He currently serves as a thousand-man commander in this area and was also once a student of an esteemed elder from the capital." Governor Cai then bowed again, saying, "I have long admired you, I have long admired you." Xi Menqing replied, "I will pay my respects at a more appropriate time." After the formalities were completed, they all loosened their clothes and sat down. Servants on either side served tea, and everyone began chatting casually. After a long while, they took their seats. Governor Cai Jiuzhi sat at the head of the table, with four people seated in the main positions. The kitchen staff served soup and rice, while performers presented their credentials. Governor Cai Jiuzhi chose "Shuang Zhong Ji," and two acts were performed. After several rounds of wine had been served, a young performer sang a suite titled "Xin Shuiling" ("A Jade Whip and Proud Horse Leave the Imperial Capital") before the guests. Governor Cai chuckled and said, "Songyuan is worth how much? It can truly be called 'the Inspector's green steed,' while the three ministers are like 'Liu Lang's old beard.'" An Langzhong remarked, "Today we need not say 'the Jiangzhou 司马's green robe is soaked through.'" After saying this, everyone laughed. Xi Menqing then had Chunhong sing a suite titled "Jinmen Xianba Pinghu Biao" ("Presenting the Pacification of the Hu at the Golden Gate"), which delighted Cui Yushi so much he could hardly contain his joy. He turned to Xi Menqing and said, "This child is truly lovable." Xi Menqing replied, "He is my young servant; he was originally from Yangzhou." Cui Yushi took the boy's hand, had him serve wine, and gave him three qian of silver. The boy bowed in thanks. It was precisely: | ||
| 窗外日光彈指過，席前花影坐間移。一杯未盡笙歌送，階下申牌又報時。 | ||
| The sunlight outside the window passed like a snap of the fingers; the shadows of flowers at the banquet shifted as they sat. Before one cup was finished, music and singing were already being performed; below the steps, the shen time marker announced another hour had passed. | ||
| 9 | 潘金蓮香... : | 不覺日色沉西，蔡九知府見天色晚了，即令左右穿衣告辭。眾位款留不住，俱送出大門而去。隨即差了兩名吏典，把桌席羊酒尺頭抬送到新河口去訖。宋御史亦作辭西門慶，因說道：「今日且不謝，後日還要取擾。」各上轎而去。 |
| Unaware that daylight had already sunk in the west, Governor Cai Jiuzhi noticed it was getting late and immediately ordered his attendants to help him dress before taking his leave. The guests tried to persuade them to stay, but in vain; they all saw the visitors off at the main gate and departed. Immediately afterward, two officials were sent to carry the banquet table, lambs, wine, and gifts over to Xinhekou. Cui Yushi also took his leave of Xi Menqing, saying, "I won't thank you today; I will trouble you again in a few days." They each entered their palanquins and departed. | ||
| 10 | 潘金蓮香... : | 西門慶送了回來，打發戲子，吩咐：「後日還是你們來，再唱一日。叫幾個會唱的來，宋老爹請巡撫侯爺哩。」戲子道：「小的知道了。」西門慶令攢上酒桌，使玳安：「去請溫師父來坐坐。」再叫來安兒：「去請應二爹去。」不一時，次第而至，各行禮坐下。三個小優兒在旁彈唱，把酒來斟。西門慶問伯爵：「你娘們明日都去，你叫唱的是雜耍的？」伯爵道：「哥到說得好，小人家那裡抬放？將就叫兩個唱女兒唱罷了。明日早些請眾位嫂子下降。」這裡前廳吃酒不題。 |
| After seeing the guests off, Xi Menqing returned home, dismissed the performers, and gave orders: "Two days from now you will still come back and perform for another day. Bring a few more who can sing well, because Uncle Song is inviting the Inspector Hou Y 爷." The performers replied, "We understand, sir." Xi Menqing ordered the wine table to be set up and sent Dai'an with instructions: "Go invite Master Wen over for a visit." He also called Lian'er and said, "Go invite Uncle Ying Er to come over." In no time at all, they arrived one after another, each paid their respects, and sat down. Three young performers played music and sang by the side, pouring wine as they did so. Xi Menqing asked Bo Jue, "Are your wife and the others going tomorrow? Are you hiring performers for acrobatics?" Bo Jue replied, "Brother speaks well. How could a poor man like me afford such an expense?" I'll just manage by hiring two female singers to perform." "I will invite all the sisters-in-law over early tomorrow." Meanwhile, no more is said about the drinking in the front hall. | ||
| 11 | 潘金蓮香... : | 後邊，孟大姨與盂三妗子先起身去了。落後楊姑娘也要去，月娘道：「姑奶奶你再住一日兒不是，薛師父使他徒弟取了捲來，咱晚夕叫他宣捲咱們聽。」楊姑娘道：「老身實和姐姐說，要不是我也住，明日俺第二個侄兒定親事，使孩子來請我，我要瞧瞧去。」於是作辭而去。眾人吃到掌燈以後，三位伙計娘子也都作辭去了，止留下段大姐沒去，潘姥姥也往金蓮房內去了。只有大吟子、李桂姐、申二姐和三個姑子，鬱大姐和李嬌兒、孟玉樓、潘金蓮，在月娘房內坐的。忽聽前邊散了，小廝收下傢伙來。這金蓮忙抽身就往前走，到前邊悄悄立在角門首。只見西門慶扶著來安兒，打著燈，趔趄著腳兒就要往李瓶兒那邊走，看見金蓮在門首立著，拉了手進入房來。那來安兒便往上房交鐘箸。 |
| Later on, Meng Dayi and Meng Sanjinsi got up first and left. Yang Gu niang was also about to leave, but Yue Niang said, "Auntie, you might as well stay for another day. Master Xue has sent his apprentice to fetch the scriptures; in the evening we can have him recite them for us to listen." Yang Gu niang replied, "I must be honest with my dear sister. If it weren't for me, I would stay. But tomorrow my second nephew is getting engaged; the child has come to invite me, and I want to go see." With that, she took her leave and departed. Everyone continued drinking until after the lamps were lit, and the wives of the three hired men also took their leave. Only Duan Dajie remained behind, while Aunt Pan went to Jinlian's room. Only Dayinzi, Li Guijie, Shen Erjie and the three nuns, Yu Dajie, Li Jiaoer, Meng Yulou, and Pan Jinlian remained sitting in Yue Niang's room. Suddenly they heard that the banquet at the front had ended, and a young servant came to collect the dishes. Jinlian hurriedly rose from her seat and walked ahead, quietly standing at the corner of the side gate in front. She saw Xi Menqing leaning on Lianer, holding a lantern, and staggering as he was about to head toward Li Ping'er's quarters. When he spotted Jinlian standing at the gate, he took her hand and led her into his room. Meanwhile, Lianer went to the main house to return the clock and chopsticks. | ||
| 12 | 潘金蓮香... : | 月娘只說西門慶進來，把申二姐、李桂姐、鬱大姐都打發往李嬌兒房內去了。問來安道：「你爹來沒有？」來安道：「爹在五娘房裡，不耐煩了。」月娘聽了，心內就有些惱，因向玉樓道：「你看恁沒來頭的行貨子，我說他今日進來往你房裡去，如何三不知又摸到他屋裡去了？這兩日又浪風發起來，只在他前邊纏。」玉樓道：「姐姐，隨他纏去！這等說，恰似咱每爭他的一般。可是大師父說的笑話兒，左右這六房裡，由他串到。他爹心中所欲，你我管的他！」月娘道：「乾凈他有了話！剛纔聽見前頭散了，就慌的奔命往前走了。」因問小玉：「竈上沒人，與我把儀門拴上。後邊請三位師父來，咱每且聽他宣一回捲著。」又把李桂姐、申二姐、段大姐、鬱大姐都請了來。月娘向大妗子道：「我頭裡旋叫他使小沙彌請了《黃氏女捲》來宣，今日可可兒楊姑娘又去了。」吩咐玉簫頓下好茶。玉樓對李嬌兒說：「咱兩家輪替管茶，休要只顧累大姐姐。」於是各房裡吩咐預備茶去。 |
| Yue Niang had thought Xi Menqing was coming in, so she sent Shen Erjie, Li Guijie, and Yu Dajie to go over to Li Jiaoer's room. She asked Lianer, "Has your father come?" Lianer replied, "Father is in the Fifth Madam's room and has become impatient." Upon hearing this, Yue Niang became somewhat annoyed. She turned to Meng Yulou and said, "Look at that shameless rascal! I told you he would come in today and go to your room—how could he sneak into his own wife's quarters without anyone knowing?" He has been acting up again these past two days, just hanging around in front." Yulou replied, "Sister, let him hang around if he wants to! If we say anything about it, it's as though we're all competing for him. It's just like the old master said—a joke. After all, he can go wherever he wants among these six quarters. "He does whatever his heart desires; how could you or I possibly control him!" Yue Niang said, "It's clear he has something on his mind! I just heard that the banquet was over and saw him rush ahead like someone in a panic." She then asked Xiaoyu, "No one is at the stove. Go with me and lock up the ceremonial gate. Go invite the three masters from behind, and we'll listen to them recite a scripture for a while." She also invited Li Guijie, Shen Erjiejie, Duan Dajie and Yu Dajie over. Yue Niang said to Dayinsi, "Earlier I had a novice boy sent to fetch the 'Huang Shi Nu Juan' scripture for recitation. Today it's just as well that Yang Gu niang has gone away." She gave instructions to Yuxiao to prepare some fine tea. Yulou said to Li Jiaoer, "We should take turns serving the tea; don't let it fall entirely on our eldest sister." With that, they gave orders for each room to prepare tea. | ||
| 13 | 潘金蓮香... : | 不一時，放下炕桌兒，三個姑子來到，盤膝坐在炕上。眾人俱各坐了，聽他宣捲。月娘洗手炷了香，這薛姑子展開《黃氏女捲》，高聲演說道： |
| In no time at all, the 炕 table was set down and the three nuns arrived, sitting cross-legged on the 炕. Everyone took their seats to listen as they recited the scripture. Yue Niang washed her hands and lit incense, while Nunn Xu Guzi unfolded the "Huang Shi Nu Juan" and began reciting it in a loud voice: | ||
| 蓋聞法初不滅，故歸空。道本無生，每因生而不用。由法身以垂八相，由八相以顯法身。朗朗惠燈，通開世戶；明明佛鏡，照破昏衢。百年景賴剎那間，四大幻身如泡影。每日塵勞碌碌，終朝業試忙忙。豈知一性圓明，徒逞六根貪欲。功名蓋世，無非大夢一場；富貴驚人，難免無常二字。風火散時無老少，溪山磨盡幾英雄！ | ||
| It is said that the Dharma does not perish, hence its return to emptiness. The Dao itself is without birth; yet it remains unused because of birth. From the Dharma Body, eight manifestations descend; through these eight manifestations, the Dharma Body is revealed. A bright lamp of wisdom shines clearly, opening the door to this world; The clear mirror of Buddha illuminates and dispels the darkness. A hundred years' scenery depends on a single moment; the four great elements forming this illusory body are like foam or shadows. Each day, one is busy with worldly affairs, and all morning long, one is caught up in the trials of karma. How could they know that a single nature, when fully enlightened, would only be hindered by the six sense organs' greed and desires? Fame and achievement surpassing all else are nothing but one great dream; Wealth and honor that startle people cannot escape the two words "impermanence." When wind and fire scatter, there is no distinction between old or young; how many heroes have been ground down by rivers and mountains! | ||
| 14 | 潘金蓮香... : | 演說了一回，又宣念偈子，又唱幾個勸善的佛曲兒，方纔宣黃氏女怎的出身，怎的看經好善，又怎的死去轉世為男子，又怎的男女五人一時升天。 |
| After delivering a discourse, the nun recited some verses and sang several Buddhist songs encouraging virtue. Only then did she begin to recount how Lady Huang was born, how she studied scriptures and practiced kindness, how she died and was reborn as a man, and finally how five men and women ascended to heaven together at one time. | ||
| 15 | 潘金蓮香... : | 慢慢宣完，已有二更天氣。先是李嬌兒房內元宵兒拿了一道茶來，眾人吃了。落後孟玉樓房中蘭香，又拿了幾樣精製果菜、一大壺酒來，又是一大壺茶來，與大妗子、段大姐、桂姐眾人吃。月娘又教玉簫拿出四盒兒茶食餅糖之類，與三位師父點茶。李桂姐道：「三個師父宣了這一回捲，也該我唱個曲兒孝順。」月娘道：「桂姐，又起動你唱？」鬱大姐道：「等我先唱。」月娘道：「也罷，鬱大姐先唱。」申二姐道：「等姐姐唱了，我也唱個兒與娘們聽。」桂姐不肯，道：「還是我先唱。」因問月娘要聽什麼，月娘道：「你唱個『更深靜悄』罷。」當下桂姐送眾人酒，取過琵琶來，輕舒玉筍，款跨鮫綃，唱了一套。桂姐唱畢，鬱大姐才要接琵琶，早被申二姐要過去了，掛在胳膊上，先說道：「我唱個《十二月兒掛真兒》與大妗子和娘每聽罷。」於是唱道：「正月十五鬧元宵，滿把焚香天地燒……」那時大妗子害夜深困的慌，也沒等的申二姐唱完，吃了茶就先往月娘房內睡去了。須臾唱完，桂姐便歸李嬌兒房內，段大姐便往孟玉樓房內，三位師父便往孫雪娥房裡，鬱大姐、申二姐就與玉簫、小玉在那邊炕屋裡睡。月娘同大妗子在上房內睡，俱不在話下。看官聽說：古婦人懷孕，不側坐，不偃臥，不聽淫聲，不視邪色，常玩詩書金玉，故生子女端正聰慧，此胎教之法也。今月娘懷孕，不宜令僧尼宣捲，聽其死生輪迴之說。後來感得一尊古佛出世，投胎奪舍，幻化而去，不得承受家緣。蓋可惜哉！正是： |
| As the recitation slowly came to an end, it had already become the second watch of the night. Earlier, Yuanxiao from Li Jiaoer's quarters brought a pot of tea over, which everyone drank. Later, Lanxiang from Meng Yulou's quarters brought over several delicately prepared fruits and vegetables, a large pot of wine, and another big pot of tea for Dayinsi, Duan Dajie, Guijie, and the others to drink. Yue Niang also had Yuxiao bring out four boxes of tea snacks, cakes, and sweets to serve the three nuns with their tea. Li Guijie said, "After these three masters have recited this scripture for us, I should sing a song to show my respect." Yue Niang replied, "Guijie, are you going to perform again?" Yu Dajie said, "Let me sing first." Yue Niang replied, "Very well, Yu Dajie will go first." Shen Erjie said, "After you sing, sister, I'll also perform one for the ladies to hear." Guijie refused and said, "No, let me go first." She then asked Yue Niang what she wanted to hear. Yue Niang said, "Just sing 'Geng Shen Jing Qiao' for us." At that moment, Guijie poured wine for the guests, took up a pipa, gracefully extended her delicate fingers, and with gentle movements of her silk-clad hands, sang an entire suite. After Guijie finished singing, Yu Dajie was about to take the pipa when it was quickly taken by Shen Erjie. She hung it on her arm and said first, "I will sing a 'Twelve Months of Hanging Zhen' for Dayinsi and all the ladies." She then began singing, "On the fifteenth day of the first month, we celebrate Yuan Xiao with great festivity; incense is burned in abundance to heaven and earth..." At that time, Dayinsi was already feeling drowsy from the late hour. She didn't wait for Shen Erjie to finish her song but drank some tea and went straight back to Yue Niang's quarters to sleep. Soon after the singing ended, Guijie returned to Li Jiaoer's room, Duan Dajie went to Meng Yulou's room, and the three nuns went to Sun Xue'e's quarters. Yu Dajie and Shen Erjie stayed with Yuxiao and Xiaoyu in the kang room on that side of the house to sleep. Yue Niang and Dayinsi slept in the main room upstairs, which is not worth further mention. Dear readers, please listen: In ancient times, pregnant women did not sit sideways or lie on their sides; they did not listen to lewd sounds or look at indecent sights. Instead, they often studied poetry and books and cherished gold and jade, which is why the children they bore were handsome, beautiful, and intelligent. This was the method of prenatal education. Now that Yue Niang is pregnant, it would be inappropriate to have monks and nuns recite scriptures for her or let her listen to teachings about life and death cycles. Later, she was blessed by the birth of an ancient Buddha who took rebirth in a new body and transformed into another form before leaving, thus unable to inherit her family's fortune. How regrettable! Indeed: | ||
| 前程黑暗路途險，十二時中自著迷。 | ||
| The path ahead is dark and perilous, and at every hour of the day one loses oneself in confusion. |
URN: ctp:jinpingmei/ch74