| Chinese Text Project |
《因抱恙玉姐含酸 為護短金蓮潑醋 - Because Yu Jie Was Ill and Held a Grudge, Jinlian Spilled Vinegar to Defend Her Shortcomings》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 因抱恙玉... : | 詩曰： |
| The poem says: | ||
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雙雙蛺蝶繞花溪，半是山南半水西。故園有情風月亂，美人多怨雨雲迷。 頻開檀口言如織，溫托香腮醉如泥。莫道佳人太命薄，一鶯啼罷一鶯啼。 | ||
| A pair of butterflies flutter around the flowered brook, half in the southern hills and half to the west of the stream. The native land, full of sentiment, sees winds and moons in disarray; a beautiful woman, filled with grievances, is lost in mists of rain and clouds. She often opens her sandalwood-red mouth, speaking as if weaving; with warm cheeks fragrant like perfume, she is drunk as mud. Do not say that a fair lady has too thin a fate; when one oriole ceases to sing, another begins. | ||
| 2 | 因抱恙玉... : | 話說月娘聽宣畢《黃氏寶捲》，各房宿歇不題。單表潘金蓮在角門邊，撞見西門慶，相攜到房中。見西門慶只顧坐在床上，因問：「你怎的不脫衣裳？」那西門慶摟定婦人，笑嘻嘻說道：「我特來對你說聲，我要過那邊歇一夜兒去。你拿那淫器包兒來與我。」婦人罵道：「賊牢，你在老娘手裡使巧兒，拿這面子話兒來哄我！我剛纔不在角門首站著，你過去的不耐煩了，又肯來問我？這是你早辰和那歪剌骨商定了腔兒，嗔道頭裡使他來送皮襖兒，又與我磕了頭。小賊歪剌骨，把我當甚麼人兒？在我手內弄剌子。我還是李瓶兒時，教你活埋我！雀兒不在那窩兒里，我不醋了！」西門慶笑道：「那裡有此勾當，他不來與你磕個頭兒，你又說他的不是。」婦人沉吟良久，說道：「我放你去便去，不許你拿了這包子去，與那歪剌骨弄答的齷齷齪齪的，到明日還要來和我睡，好乾凈兒。」西門慶道：「我使慣了，你不與我卻怎樣的！」纏了半日，婦人把銀托子掠與他，說道：「你要，拿了這個行貨子去。」西門慶道：「與我這個也罷。」一面接的袖了，趔趄著腳兒就往外走。婦人道：「你過來，我問你，莫非你與他一鋪兒長遠睡？惹得那兩個丫頭也羞恥。無故只是睡那一回兒，還放他另睡去。」西門慶道：「誰和他長遠睡？」說畢就走。婦人又叫回來，說道：「你過來，我分付你，慌怎的？」西門慶道：「又說甚麼？」婦人道：「我許你和他睡便睡，不許你和他說甚閑話，教他在俺們跟前欺心大膽的。我到明日打聽出來，你就休要進我這屋裡來，我就把你下截咬下來。」西門慶道：「怪小淫婦兒，瑣碎死了。」一直走過那邊去了。春梅便向婦人道：「由他去，你管他怎的？婆婆口絮，媳婦耳頑，倒沒的教人與你為冤結仇，誤了咱娘兒兩個下棋。」一面叫秋菊關上角門，放卓兒擺下棋子。兩個下棋不題。 |
| It is said that after Lady Yue 娘 finished listening to the recitation of The Precious Scroll of Huang Shi, each household retired for the night; no more will be mentioned. Let us speak only of Pan Jinlian, who met Ximen Qing by the side gate and took him by the hand to her room. Seeing that Ximen Qing was just sitting on the bed, she asked, "Why don't you take off your clothes?" Ximen Qing hugged the woman and, smiling happily, said, "I came especially to tell you that I want to spend a night over there. Bring me that bundle of lewd tools." The woman scolded, "You rascal! Trying to be clever in your old mother's hands and using these smooth words to deceive me! Had I not just been standing at the side gate a moment ago, would you have grown impatient and gone past, then come back to ask me? This was something you and that crooked fellow plotted together in the morning. You pretended to send him earlier to deliver a fur coat, and he also bowed to me. You little rascal! What do you take me for? You are trying to play tricks in my hands. Even when I was still Li Ping'er, you would have had me buried alive! If the sparrow isn't in its nest, I won't be jealous!" Ximen Qing smiled and said, "How could there be such a thing? If he hadn't come to bow to you, you would have found fault with him again." The woman pondered for a long time and said, "If I let you go, then go. But don't take this bundle of buns to that crooked fellow and do those indecent things with him. Otherwise, tomorrow you'll still come back to sleep with me, which would be very tidy." Ximen Qing said, "I'm used to using it. What else can I do if you don't give it to me!" After a long tussle, the woman took her silver tray and handed it to him, saying, "If you want it, take this piece of merchandise with you." Ximen Qing said, "Give me this one as well." While receiving it and tucking it into his sleeve, he staggered out the door. The woman said, "Come here. I want to ask you—could it be that you sleep with him regularly?" It made the two maids feel ashamed as well. "If you sleep with him just for a while without reason, I will still make him sleep elsewhere." Ximen Qing said, "Who sleeps with him regularly?" After saying this, he left. The woman called him back and said, "Come here. I have something to tell you. Why are you in such a rush?" Ximen Qing asked, "What else is there to say?" The woman said, "If I allow you to sleep with him, then fine. But I don't permit you to say any idle words with him, letting him act so boldly and deceitfully in front of us." "If I find out tomorrow, you won't be allowed to enter this room anymore. I'll bite off your lower half." Ximen Qing said, "You strange little wanton woman, you're being too fussy." He walked straight over to the other side and left. Chunmei then said to the woman, "Let him go; what can you do about it?" "When an old woman talks too much and a young wife pays no attention, it only causes people to bear grudges against you. It will ruin our mother-daughter game of chess." While calling Qiujú to close the side gate, she set up a table and arranged the Go pieces. The two of them played chess; no more will be said about it. | ||
| 3 | 因抱恙玉... : | 且說西門慶走過李瓶兒房內，掀開帘子。如意兒正與迎春、繡春炕上吃飯，見了西門慶，慌的跳起身來。西門慶道：「你們吃飯。」於是走出明間李瓶兒影跟前一張交椅上坐下。不一時，如意兒笑嘻嘻走出來，說道：「爹，這裡冷，你往屋裡坐去罷。」這西門慶就一把手摟過來，就親了個嘴。一面走到房中床正面坐了。火爐上頓著茶，迎春連忙點茶來吃了。如意兒在炕邊烤著火兒站立，問道：「爹，你今日沒酒，還有頭裡與娘供養的一桌菜兒，一素兒金華酒，留下預備篩來與爹吃。」西門慶道：「下飯你們吃了罷，只拿幾個果碟兒來，我不吃金華酒。」一面教繡春：「你打個燈籠，往藏春塢書房內，還有一壇葡萄酒，你問王經要了來，篩與我吃。」繡春應諾，打著燈籠去了。迎春連忙放桌兒，拿菜兒。如意兒道：「姐，你揭開盒子，等我揀兩樣兒與爹下酒。」於是燈下揀了幾碟精味果菜，擺在桌上。良久，繡春取了酒來，打開篩熱了。如意兒斟在鐘內，遞上。西門慶嘗了嘗，十分精美。如意兒就挨近桌邊站立，侍奉斟酒，又親剝炒慄子兒與他下酒。迎春知局，就往後邊廚房內與繡春坐去了。 |
| Let us now speak of Ximen Qing, who walked into Li Ping'er's room and pulled aside the curtain. Ruyi was just eating with Yingchun and Xiuchun on the kang when she saw Ximen Qing. Startled, she jumped to her feet. Ximen Qing said, "You all continue your meal." He then walked out and sat down on an armchair in front of Li Ping'er's shadow in the main hall. Not long after, Ruyi came out smiling and said, "Father, it's cold here. Why don't you go sit inside?" Ximen Qing immediately pulled her over with one hand and kissed her on the mouth. He walked into the room and sat down at the front of the bed. Tea was boiling on the brazier, and Yingchun hurriedly poured it for him to drink. Ruyi stood by the kang, warming herself by the fire, and asked, "Father, since you have no wine today, there is still that set of vegetarian dishes and a bottle of Jinhua liquor we previously prepared for your mother's offerings. We can pour it out for you to drink." Ximen Qing said, "Eat the side dishes yourselves. Just bring a few fruit platters; I won't drink Jinhua wine." At the same time, he told Xiuchun, "You go get a lantern and fetch from the Cangchunwu study that cask of grape wine. Ask Wang Jing for it and bring it to me." Xiuchun replied in assent and went off with the lantern. Yingchun hurriedly set up a table and brought out the dishes. Ruyi said, "Sister, open the box; let me pick two kinds of delicacies for Father to go with his wine." Under the lamp's light, she selected several plates of exquisite fruits and vegetables and arranged them on the table. After a while, Xiuchun fetched the wine, opened it, and warmed it up. Ruyi poured the wine into a cup and presented it to him. Ximen Qing tasted it, finding it exceptionally exquisite. Ruyi then stood close to the table, serving and pouring wine for him, and also peeled roasted chestnuts by hand to go with his drink. Yingchun, understanding the situation, went behind to sit in the kitchen with Xiuchun. | ||
| 4 | 因抱恙玉... : | 西門慶見無人在跟前，就叫老婆坐在他膝蓋兒上，摟著與他一遞一口兒飲酒。一面解開他對襟襖兒，露出他白馥馥酥胸，用手揣摸他奶頭，誇道：「我的兒，你達達不愛你別的，只愛你到好白凈皮肉兒，與你娘一般樣兒，我摟你就如同摟著他一般。」如意兒笑道：「爹，沒的說，還是娘的身上白。我見五娘雖好模樣兒，皮膚也中中兒的，紅白肉色兒，不如後邊大娘、三娘到白凈。三娘只是多幾個麻兒。倒是他雪姑娘生得清秀，又白凈。」又道：「我有句話對爹說，迎春姐有件正面戴仙子兒要與我，他要問爹討娘家常戴的金赤虎，正月里戴，爹與了他罷。」西門慶道：「你沒正面戴的，等我叫銀匠拿金子另打一件與你，你娘的頭面箱兒，你大娘都拿的後邊去了，怎好問他要的。」老婆道：「也罷，你還另打一件赤虎與我罷。」一面走下來就磕頭謝了。兩個吃了半日酒。如意兒道：「爹，你叫姐來也與他一杯酒吃，惹他不惱麼？」西門慶便叫迎春，不應。老婆親到走到廚房內，說道：「姐，爹叫你哩。」迎春一面到跟前。西門慶令如意兒斟了一甌酒與他，又揀了兩箸菜兒放在酒托兒上。那迎春站在旁邊，一面吃了。如意道：「你叫繡春姐來也吃些兒。」迎春去了，回來說道：「他不吃了。」就向炕上抱他鋪蓋，和繡春廚房炕上睡去了。 |
| Seeing that no one was nearby, Ximen Qing called his wife to sit on his knees and hugged her while they took turns drinking. While undoing the front-opening coat, he exposed her white and smooth chest. He touched her nipples with his hands and praised, "My child, your father doesn't love anything else about you but just loves how fair and clean your skin is, exactly like your mother's. Hugging you feels as if I'm hugging her." Ruyi smiled and said, "Father, don't say that—Mother's skin is still whiter. "I see that the Fifth Madam, though good-looking, has only an average skin tone—her flesh is reddish and white. It's not as fair and clean as those of the rear Madams, the First and Third." "The Third Madam just has a few more pimples." "But his Xue girl is born graceful and fair-skinned." She added, "I have something to say to you, Father. Yingchun sister has a front-facing ornament of a fairy that she wants to give me. She plans to ask you for the golden tiger pendant from your wife's family, which is worn in the first lunar month. You might as well give it to her." Ximen Qing said, "Since you don't have a front-facing ornament, I'll tell the silversmith to make one for you with gold. Your mother's jewelry box has already been taken by your First Madam and moved behind, so it would be inappropriate to ask him for it." The wife said, "Well then, you might as well have another golden tiger made for me." While getting down from the kang, she knelt and bowed to thank him. The two of them drank wine for a long while. Ruyi said, "Father, you should call Sister over and give her a cup of wine to drink too. Otherwise, won't she be upset?" Ximen Qing then called out to Yingchun, but there was no response. The wife personally went into the kitchen and said, "Sister, Father is calling you." Yingchun came over immediately. Ximen Qing ordered Ruyi to pour a bowl of wine for him and also picked out two chopsticks' worth of dishes, placing them on the wine tray. Yingchun stood by and ate it in one go. Ruyi said, "You should also call Sister Xiuchun to come and have some." Yingchun went away and returned saying, "She doesn't want to eat anymore." She then took her bedding from the kang and went to sleep on the kitchen kang with Xiuchun. | ||
| 5 | 因抱恙玉... : | 這老婆陪西門慶吃了一回酒，收拾家火，又點茶與西門慶吃了。原來另預備著一床兒鋪蓋與西門慶睡，都是綾絹被褥，扣花枕頭，在薰籠內薰的暖烘烘的。老婆便問：「爹，你在炕上睡，床上睡？」西門慶道：「我在床上睡罷。」如意兒便將鋪蓋抱在床上鋪下，打發西門慶解衣上床。他又在明間內打水洗了牝，掩上房門，將燈移近床邊，方纔脫衣褲上床，與西門慶相摟相抱，並枕而臥。婦人用手捏弄他那話兒，上邊束著銀托子，猙獰跳腦，又喜又怕。兩個口吐丁香，交摟在一處。西門慶見他仰臥在被窩內，脫的精赤條條，恐怕凍著他，又取過他的抹胸兒替他蓋著胸膛上。兩手執其兩足，極力抽提。老婆氣喘吁吁，被他肏得面如火熱。又道：「這衽腰子還是娘在時與我的。」西門慶道：「我的心肝，不打緊處，到明日鋪子里，拿半個紅段子，做小衣兒穿在身上伏侍我。」老婆道：「可知好哩。」西門慶道：「我只要忘了，你今年多少年紀？你姓甚麼？排行幾姐？我只記你男子漢姓熊。」老婆道：「他便姓熊，叫熊旺兒。我娘家姓章，排行第四，今三十二歲。」西門慶道：「我原來還大你一歲。」一壁乾首，一面口中呼叫他：「章四兒，你用心伏侍我，等明日後邊大娘生了孩子，你好生看奶著。你若有造化，也生長一男半女，我就扶你起來，與我做一房小，就頂你娘的窩兒，你心下何如？」老婆道：「奴男子漢已是沒了，娘家又沒人，奴情願一心伏侍爹，就死也不出爹這門。若爹可憐見，可知好哩。」西門慶見他言語兒投著機會，心中越發喜歡，攥著他雪白兩隻腿兒，只顧沒棱探腦，兩個扇乾，抽提的老婆在下，無不叫出來。嬌聲怯怯，星眼朦朦。良久，卻令他馬伏在下，自舒雙足，西門慶披著紅綾被，騎在他身上，那話插入牝中。燈光下，兩手按著他雪白的屁股，只顧扇打，口中叫：「章四兒，你好生叫著親達達，休要住了，我丟與你罷。」那婦人在下舉股相就，真個口中顫聲柔語，呼叫不絕，足頑了一個時辰，西門慶方纔精泄。良久，拽出麈柄來，老婆取帕兒替他搽拭。摟著睡到五更雞叫時方醒，老婆又替他吮咂。西門慶告他說：「你五娘怎的替我咂半夜，怕我害冷，連尿也不教我下來溺，都替我咽了。」這西門太真個把胞尿都溺在老婆口內。當下兩個旖旎溫存，萬千羅唣，肏搗了一夜。 |
| The wife kept drinking wine with Ximen Qing for a while, then tidied up the household items and made tea for him to drink. Originally, a separate set of bedding had been prepared for Ximen Qing to sleep in. It consisted of satin and silk quilts and embroidered pillows, all kept warm inside an incense warmer. The wife then asked, "Father, would you like to sleep on the kang or in the bed?" Ximen Qing said, "I'll sleep in the bed." Ruyi then carried the bedding to the bed and spread it out, helping Ximen Qing undress and get into bed. She then went to the main hall, drew water and washed her private parts, closed the bedroom door, moved the lamp closer to the bed, undressed, got into bed, and lay down hugging Ximen Qing tightly, sharing a pillow. The woman took his penis in her hand and fondled it; the silver tray was tied around it, making it look grotesque and wild. She felt both delighted and frightened. The two of them kissed passionately, their lips as fragrant as clove blossoms, embracing tightly together. Ximen Qing saw that she was lying on her back in the blanket, completely naked. Afraid of her catching a chill, he took off his chest wrap and used it to cover her chest. He held both her feet with his hands and pulled them forcefully. The woman panted heavily, her face flushed red from the intense pleasure he gave her. She added, "This sash was given to me by my mother when she was still alive." Ximen Qing said, "My dear little liver, don't worry. Tomorrow I'll go to the shop and get half a piece of red silk for you to make a small undergarment to wear when serving me." The woman said, "That would be nice indeed." Ximen Qing asked, "I just forgot—how old are you this year?" What is your surname? Which sister in the family are you ranked as? "I only remember that your male relative has the surname Xiong." The woman said, "He does have the surname Xiong and is called Xiong Wang'er. My maiden name is Zhang, I am the fourth daughter in my family, and now thirty-two years old." Ximen Qing said, "I'm actually one year older than you." While continuing their intimate act, he called out to her, "Zhang Si'er, serve me well. When the First Madam in the rear gives birth tomorrow, you must carefully nurse and care for the child." "If you are fortunate, you will give birth to a son or daughter. I'll then elevate your status and make you my concubine, taking over the position once held by your mother. How does that sound to you?" The woman said, "My husband is already gone, and there's no one in my family. I would rather serve you wholeheartedly, Master; even if I die, I will never leave your household." "If you show me mercy, that would be wonderful indeed." Ximen Qing, seeing that her words coincided with his desires, became even more delighted. He gripped her two snow-white legs and continued their intimate act without pause, the couple engaged in passionate activity until the woman could no longer contain herself and cried out. She spoke in a soft, timid voice, her eyes hazy with emotion. After a long while, he made her lie face down and stretched out his own legs. Ximen Qing covered himself with the red silk quilt and straddled her body, inserting his member into her vagina. Under the lamplight, he pressed his hands against her snow-white buttocks and continued their passionate act. He called out, "Zhang Si'er, call me your beloved elder brother as you please; don't stop—just let it all go." The woman below raised her hips to meet him, truly calling out in a trembling and soft voice without ceasing. They continued for over an hour until Ximen Qing finally reached ejaculation. After some time, he withdrew his member, and the woman took a handkerchief to wipe it for him. They embraced and slept until the rooster crowed at dawn, when Ximen Qing awoke, and the woman once again suckled him. Ximen Qing told her, "Your Fifth Madam kept sucking on me all night. Afraid I would feel cold, she didn't let me urinate even once and swallowed it all for me." Indeed, Ximen Tai really urinated his seminal fluid into the woman's mouth. At that moment, the two were immersed in tender affection and endless flirtation, engaging in passionate intercourse throughout the night. | ||
| 6 | 因抱恙玉... : | 次日，老婆先起來，開了門，預備火盆，打發西門慶穿衣梳洗出門。到前邊分付玳安：「教兩名排軍把捲棚放的流金八仙鼎，寫帖兒抬送到宋御史老爹察院內，交付明白，討回貼來。」又叫陳敬濟，封了一匹金段，一匹色段，教琴童用氈包拿著，預備下馬，要早往清河口，拜蔡知府去。正在月娘房內吃粥，月娘問他：「應二那裡，俺們莫不都去，也留一個兒看家？留下他姐在家，陪大妗子做伴兒罷。」西門慶道：「我已預備下五分人情，都去走走罷。左右有大姐在家陪大妗子，就是一般。我已許下應二了。」月娘聽了，一聲兒沒言語。李桂姐便拜辭說道：「娘，我今日家去罷。」月娘道：「慌去怎的，再住一日兒不是？」桂姐道：「不瞞娘說，俺媽心裡不自在，家中沒人，改日正月間來住兩回兒罷。」拜辭了西門慶。月娘裝了兩盤茶食，又與桂姐一兩銀子，吃了茶，打發出門。 |
| The next day, the woman got up first, opened the door, prepared a brazier, and helped Ximen Qing get dressed, comb his hair, wash himself, and go out. When he arrived at the front, he instructed Dai'an: "Order two guards to take down the golden Eight Immortals tripod from the canopy room, write a note, and have it carried to the residence of Uncle Cui, the Censor-in-Charge. Deliver it clearly and obtain a receipt." He also called Chen Jingji, wrapped up a piece of gold brocade and a piece of colored silk, had Qin Tong carry them in felt packages on horseback, and prepared to leave early for Qinghe Kou to pay respects to Cai Zhifu. While they were having porridge in Madam Yue's room, Madam Yue asked him, "Where is Ying Er? Shouldn't we all go together and leave someone behind to watch the house?" "Let her sister stay at home to keep Aunt Da's company." Ximen Qing said, "I have already prepared five portions of gifts. Let us all go and make a visit." As long as the eldest daughter is at home to accompany Aunt Da, it will be just fine. "I have already promised Ying Er." After hearing this, Madam Yue said nothing. Li Guijie then bowed and bid farewell, saying, "Mother, I will go home today." Madam Yue said, "Why are you in such a hurry to leave? Can't you stay one more day?" Guijie said, "I won't deceive you, Mother. My mother is feeling uneasy at home with no one there. I will come to stay for a couple of days again during the first lunar month." She then bid farewell to Ximen Qing. Madam Yue packed two trays of tea snacks and gave Guijie one tael of silver. After drinking some tea, she sent her off. | ||
| 7 | 因抱恙玉... : | 西門慶才穿上衣服，往前邊去，忽有平安兒來報：「荊都監老爹來拜。」西門慶即出迎接，至廳上敘禮。荊都監叩拜堂上道：「久違，欠禮，高轉失賀。」西門慶道：「多承厚貺，尚未奉賀。」敘畢契闊之情，分賓主坐下，左右獻上茶湯。荊都監便道：「良騎俟候何往？」西門慶道：「京中太師老爺第九公子九江蔡知府，昨日巡按宋公祖與工部安鳳山、錢雲野、黃泰宇，都借學生這裡作東，請他一飯。蒙他具拜貼與我，我豈可不回拜他拜去？誠恐他一時起身去了。」荊都監道：「正是。小弟有一事特來奉瀆。巡按宋公正月間差滿，只怕年終舉劾地方官員，望乞四泉借重與他一說。聞知昨日在宅上吃酒，故此斗膽恃愛。倘得寸進，不敢有忘。」西門慶道：「此是好事，你我相厚，敢不領命？你寫個說貼來，幸得他後日還有一席酒在我這裡，等我抵面和他說又好說些。」荊都監連忙下位來，又與西門慶打一躬道：「多承盛情，銜結難忘。」便道：「小弟已具了履歷手本在此。」一面叫寫字的取出，荊都監親手遞上，與西門慶觀看。上面寫著：「山東等處兵馬都監清河左衛指揮僉事荊忠，年三十二歲。系山後檀州人。由祖後軍功累升本衛正千戶。從某年由武舉中式，歷升今職，管理濟州兵馬。」一一開載明白。西門慶看畢，荊都監又向袖中取出禮貼來，遞上說道：「薄儀望乞笑留。」西門慶見上面寫著「白米二千石」，說道：「豈有此理，這個學生斷不敢領，以此視人，相交何在？」荊都監道：「不然。總然四泉不受，轉送宋公也是一般，何見拒之深耶？倘不納，小弟亦不敢奉瀆。」推讓再三，西門慶只得收了，說道：「學生暫且收下。」一面接了，說道：「學生明日與他說了，就差人回報。」茶湯兩換，荊都監拜謝起身去了。西門慶上馬，琴童跟隨，拜蔡知府去了。卻說玉簫打發西門慶出門，就走到金蓮房中，說：「五娘，昨日怎的不往後邊去坐？俺娘好不說五娘哩。說五娘聽見爹前邊散了，往屋裡走不迭。昨日三娘生日，就不放往他屋裡去，把攔的爹恁緊。三娘道：『沒的羞人子剌剌的，誰耐煩爭他。左右是這幾房裡，隨他串去。』」金蓮道：「我待說，就沒好口，肏瞎了他的眼來！昨日你道他在我屋裡睡來麼？」玉簫道：「前邊老到只娘屋裡。六娘又死了，爹卻往誰屋裡去？」金蓮道：「雞兒不撒尿－－各自有去處。死了一個，還有一個頂窩兒的。」玉簫又說：「俺娘又惱五娘問爹討皮襖不對他說。落後爹送鑰匙到房裡，娘說了爹幾句好的，說：『早是李大姐死了，便指望他的，他不死只好看一眼兒罷了。』」金蓮道：「沒的扯那屄淡！有一個漢子做主兒罷了，你是我婆婆？你管著我。我把攔他，我拿繩子拴著他腿兒不成？偏有那些屄聲浪氣的！」玉簫道：「我來對娘說，娘只放在心裡，休要說出我來。今日桂姐也家去了，俺娘收拾戴頭面哩，五娘也快些收拾了罷。」說畢，玉簫後邊去了。這金蓮向鏡臺前搽胭抹粉，插茶戴翠，又使春梅後邊問玉樓，今日穿甚顏色衣裳。玉樓道：「你爹嗔換孝，都教穿淺色衣服。」五個婦人會定了，都是白（髟狄）髻，珠子箍兒，淺色衣服。惟吳月娘戴著白縐紗金梁冠兒，上穿著沉香遍地金妝花補子襖兒，紗綠遍地金裙。一頂大轎，四頂小轎，排軍喝路，棋童、來安三個跟隨，拜辭了吳大妗子、三位師父、潘姥姥，徑往應伯爵家吃滿月酒去了。不題。 |
| Just as Ximen Qing was putting on his clothes to go forward, Pan'an came to report, "Uncle Jing Dujian has come to pay a visit." Ximen Qing immediately went out to greet him and they exchanged courtesies in the hall. Jing Dujian kowtowed on the hall floor, saying, "It has been a long time since we last met. I have neglected to pay my respects and offer congratulations for your promotion." Ximen Qing replied, "I am deeply grateful for your generous gift, but I haven't yet had the chance to congratulate you." After exchanging greetings and expressions of affection, they sat down with host and guest distinctions observed, and tea was served. Jing Dujian then asked, "Where is your good horse waiting to take you?" Ximen Qing said, "The ninth son of Grand Secretary Tai in the capital, Cai Zhifu of Jiujiang, was invited by Uncle Song Gongzu, the imperial inspector, and An Fengshan, Qian Yunye, Huang Taiyu from the Ministry of Works. They all asked me to host a banquet for him." He has kindly sent an invitation card to me, so how could I possibly not return the visit? I am afraid he might leave suddenly. Jing Dujian said, "Exactly." "I have a matter I wish to discuss with you." The imperial inspector Uncle Song Gong will complete his assignment in the first lunar month. I am afraid that at year's end, when he recommends or censures local officials, you would do me a great favor by speaking on my behalf to him." I heard that you were drinking at your residence yesterday, so I have the audacity to make this request out of affection. "If there is even a slight advancement as a result, I will never forget it." Ximen Qing said, "This is a good deed. Since we are close friends, how could I dare refuse your request?" "Just write a note for me. Fortunately, he will have another banquet at my place the day after tomorrow; I can speak to him in person and it would be better that way." Jing Dujian immediately rose from his seat and bowed deeply to Ximen Qing, saying, "I am greatly indebted for your kindness; I will never forget this." He continued, "My younger brother has already prepared a resume and personal dossier here." While saying this, he called for the scribe to bring it out. Jing Dujian personally handed it over and let Ximen Qing look through it. It read: "Jing Zhong, Commandant of the Qinghe Left Guard and Military Commissioner for Shandong, is thirty-two years old." He is a native of Tanzhou in the rear mountainous region. His grandfather was promoted step by step to the rank of Zheng Qianhu (a military official) in this guard through accumulated military merits. Since a certain year, he passed the imperial examination for martial arts and was successively promoted to his current position, overseeing the troops in Jizhou. Everything is clearly recorded in detail. After Ximen Qing finished reading, Jing Dujian took a gift note from his sleeve and presented it, saying, "This is a humble offering; I hope you will kindly accept it." Ximen Qing saw that the note stated "2,000 shi of white rice" and said, "How could this be? I absolutely dare not accept such a gift. To treat people in this way—where is our friendship?" Jing Dujian replied, "Not at all." Even if Sir Siquan refuses to accept it, giving it to Uncle Song Gong is the same. Why reject it so strongly? "If you do not accept it, my younger brother dares not make this request." After much back-and-forth, Ximen Qing reluctantly accepted it and said, "I will temporarily accept your gift." While accepting the gift, he added, "I will speak to him about it tomorrow and send someone back with a reply right away." After two rounds of tea were served, Jing Dujian bowed in thanks and took his leave. Ximen Qing mounted his horse, with Qin Tong following him, and went to pay respects to Cui Zhifu. Meanwhile, Yuxiao, after seeing Ximen Qing out the door, went to Jinlian's room and said, "Fifth Madam, why didn't you go sit at the back yesterday?" My mother was really upset about you." She said that Madam Wu heard Master had finished his business at the front and hurriedly went back to her room. "Yesterday was Third Madam's birthday, so she didn't allow anyone to go into her room and kept Master away so tightly." Third Madam said, "It's really embarrassing. Who would be bothered to compete for him?" "After all, it's just among these few rooms; let him go wherever he wants." Jinlian said, "I wanted to say something but didn't have the words. I wish I could gouge out his eyes!" "Did you say he slept in my room yesterday?" Yuxiao said, "Master went straight to Third Madam's room at the front." "Sixth Madam is already dead. Where else can Master go?" Jinlian said, "Even a chicken doesn't urinate everywhere—each has its own place to go." "One is dead, but there's still another who can take her place." Yuxiao added, "My mother was also angry because Fifth Madam asked Master for a fur coat without telling her." "Afterward, when Master brought the key to his room, my mother said a few words to him. She said, 'It's fortunate that Miss Li is dead; we had been counting on her. If she hadn't died, at least I could have taken a good look.'" Jinlian said, "Don't talk nonsense!" "There's only one man in charge. Who do you think you are—my mother-in-law?" "You have no right to manage me." "Are you saying I should tie his legs with ropes and hold him back?" "There are always those who make a fuss for no reason!" Yuxiao said, "I'm telling you this on behalf of my mother. Just keep it in mind and don't let her know I told you." "Today, Guijie has also gone home. My mother is getting ready to put on her jewelry and finery. Fifth Madam should get prepared quickly as well." After saying this, Yuxiao went away toward the back. Jinlian then applied rouge and powder in front of the mirror, inserted tea flowers and emerald ornaments into her hair. She also sent Chunmei to ask Yulou at the back what color dress she was wearing today. Yulou said, "Since your master is still in mourning, we are all instructed to wear light-colored clothes." The five women had already decided on their attire: they would all wear white (biaodi) hairpins, pearl hair ornaments, and light-colored clothing. Only Wu Yue 娘 wore a white crêpe silk golden beam hair crown, an embroidered jacket with sandalwood and gold patterns on the entire surface, and a green gauze skirt also decorated with all-over gold patterns. One large palanquin and four smaller ones followed, with guards clearing the way. Qi Tong and Lai An, along with three others, accompanied them. They bid farewell to Aunt Wu Da, the three masters, and Grandma Pan, then went directly to Ying Bojue's home for the full moon banquet. No further mention is made of it. | ||
| 8 | 因抱恙玉... : | 卻說如意兒和迎春，有西門慶晚夕來吃的一桌菜，安排停當，還有一壺金華酒，向壇內又打出一壺葡萄酒來，午間請了潘姥姥、春梅，鬱大姐彈唱著，在房內做一處吃。吃到中間，也是合當有事，春梅道：「只說申二姐會唱的好《掛真兒》，沒個人往後邊去叫他來，好歹教他唱個咱們聽。」迎春才待使繡春叫去，只見春鴻走來烘火。春梅道：「賊小蠻囚兒，你不是凍的那腔兒，還不尋到這屋裡來烘火。」因叫迎春：「你（酉麗）半甌子酒與他吃。」分付：「你吃了，替我後邊叫將申二姐來。就說我要他唱曲兒與姥姥聽。」春鴻把酒勾了，一直走到後邊，不想申二姐伴著大妗子、大姐、三個姑子、玉簫都在上房裡坐的，正吃茶哩。忽見春鴻掀帘子進來，叫道：「申二姐，你來，俺大姑娘前邊叫你唱個曲兒與他聽去哩。」這申二姐道：「你大姑娘在這裡，又有個大姑娘出來了？」春鴻道：「是俺前邊春梅姑娘叫你。」申二姐道：「你春梅姑娘他稀罕怎的，也來叫我？有鬱大姐在那裡，也是一般。我這裡唱與大妗奶奶聽哩。」大妗子道：「也罷，申二姐，你去走走再來。」那申二姐坐住了，不動身。 |
| Meanwhile, Ruyi and Yingchun had prepared a table of food for Ximen Qing's evening meal. They also had a jar of Jinhua wine ready, and poured another pot of grape wine from the cask. At noon, they invited Grandma Pan and Chunmei to join them in the room, where Yu 大姐 played and sang while everyone dined together. Halfway through the meal, as if by fate, Chunmei said, "They always say Shen Erjie is good at singing 'Gua Zhenr,' but no one has gone to call him from the back. We should have him come and sing for us anyway." Yingchun was just about to send Xiu Chun to call him when she saw Chunhong coming in to stoke the fire. Chunmei said, "You little wretch of a brat, you weren't cold enough to warrant coming all the way here for warmth." She then told Yingchun, "You give him half a bowl of wine to drink." She ordered, "After you've had it, go behind and fetch Shen Erjie for me. Say that I want him to sing a tune for Grandma Pan." Chunhong took the wine and went straight to the back. Unexpectedly, Shen Erjie was sitting with Aunt Da, Ge Ji, three nuns, Yuxiao, and others in the main hall, drinking tea. Suddenly, Chunhong pushed aside the curtain and came in, calling out, "Shen Erjie, come here. Our eldest madam is calling you from the front to sing a tune for her." Shen Erjie said, "Your eldest madam is here? Another eldest madam has appeared?" Chunhong replied, "It's Chunmei from the front who called for you." Shen Erjie said, "What does your cousin Chunmei want? Why is she calling me?" Yu 大姐 was there as well and did the same. I'm singing for Aunt Da here." Aunt Da said, "Very well, Shen Erjie. You may go and come back later." Shen Erjie remained seated and did not move. | ||
| 9 | 因抱恙玉... : | 春鴻一直走到前邊，對春梅說：「我叫他，他不來哩。」春梅道：「你說我叫他，他就來了。」春鴻道：「我說前邊大姑娘叫你，他意思不動，說這是大姑娘，那裡又鑽出個大姑娘來了？我說是春梅姑娘，他說你春梅姑娘便怎的，有鬱大姐罷了，他從幾時來也來叫我，我不得閑，在這裡唱與大妗奶奶聽哩。大妗奶奶到說你去走走再來，他不肯來哩。」這春梅不聽便罷，聽了三屍神暴跳，五臟氣衝天，一點紅從耳畔起，須臾紫遍了雙腮。眾人攔阻不住，一陣風走到上房裡，指著申二姐一頓大罵道：「你怎麼對著小廝說我『那裡又鑽出個大姑娘來了』，『稀罕他也來叫我』？你是甚麼總兵官娘子，不敢叫你！俺們在那毛里夾著，是你抬舉起來，如今從新鑽出來了？你無非是個走千家門、萬家戶，賊狗攮的瞎淫婦！你來俺家才走了多少時兒，就敢恁量視人家？你會曉的甚麼好成樣的套數兒，左右是那幾句東溝籬，西溝壩，油嘴狗舌，不上紙筆的那胡歌野詞，就拿班做勢起來！俺家本司三院唱的老婆，不知見過多少，稀罕你。韓道國那淫婦家興你，俺這裡不興你。你就學與那淫婦，我也不怕。你好不好趁早兒去，賈媽媽與我離門離戶。」那大妗子攔阻說道：「快休要破口。」把申二姐罵的睜睜的，敢怒而不敢言，說道：「耶嚛，耶嚛，這位大姐，怎的恁般粗魯性兒，就是剛纔對著大官兒，我也沒曾說甚歹話，怎就這般言語，潑口罵出來！此處不留人，更有留人處。」春梅越發惱了，罵道：「賊食，唱與人家聽。趁早兒與我走，再也不要來了。」申二娘道：「我沒的賴在你家！」春梅道：「賴在我家，叫小廝把鬢毛都撏光了你的。」大妗子道：「你這孩兒，今日怎的恁樣兒的，還不往前邊去罷。」那春梅只顧不動身。這申二姐一面哭哭啼啼下炕來，拜辭了大妗子，收拾衣裳包子，也等不的轎子來，央及大妗子使平安對過叫將畫童兒來，領他往韓道國家去了。春梅罵了一頓，往前邊去了。大妗子看著大姐和玉簫說道：「他敢前邊吃了酒進來，不然如何恁沖言沖語的！罵的我也不好看的了。你叫他慢慢收拾了去就是了，立逼著攆他去了，又不叫小廝領他，十分水深人不過。」玉簫道：「他們敢在前頭吃酒來？」 |
| Chunhong went straight back to the front and told Chunmei, "I called him, but he won't come." Chunmei said, "If you had said it was me who called for him, he would have come." Chunhong said, "I told him the eldest madam from the front called for you. He didn't move at all and said, 'This is already an eldest madam; where did another one come out of?'" I said it was Chunmei, and he replied, 'What if it's your cousin Chunmei? There is already Yu 大姐. When did she start calling for me? I'm busy singing here for Aunt Da.'" "Aunt Da even said you could go and come back later, but he still refused to come." Chunmei would have ignored it if she had not listened, but upon hearing this, her three soul spirits raged violently and the anger from her five internal organs surged to the heavens. A flush of red rose from her ears, and in a moment, her cheeks turned purple. Unable to stop her, the others watched as she stormed into the main hall like a gust of wind and pointed at Shen Erjie, scolding him fiercely. "How dare you say in front of that little servant, 'Another eldest madam has come out from somewhere' and 'He wants me for some reason and called for me'?" "What are you, the wife of a general? Who do you think you are that I would not dare call you!" "Did we raise you from the dust, and now you have suddenly emerged again?" "You're nothing but a shameless woman who has run through thousands of doors and ten thousand households, a blind harlot with the manners of a thief's dog!" "How long have you been in our household before you dare look down on others so arrogantly?" "What good songs or refined tunes do you know? It's always the same few lines from some eastern ditch and western dam, with your oily tongue and dog-like flattery. You just spout nonsense and wild lyrics that are not worth writing down, yet you act as if you're performing on stage!" "I have seen countless female singers from the Three Bureaus of Music in our household. What makes you so special?" "You were favored at that prostitute Han Daoguo's house, but we don't favor you here." "Even if you imitate that harlot, I'm not afraid of you." "If you don't leave early, whether or not you're good, Madam Jia and I will have no more dealings with you!" Aunt Da tried to stop her by saying, "Don't speak so rudely." Shen Erjie could only stare in stunned silence, angry but unable to speak. He said, "Heaven above, heaven above! How can this madam be so rude? Even when I was speaking just now before the important person, I didn't say anything bad. Why are you speaking out and cursing me like this?" "If they won't keep a person here, there will be another place that will." Chunmei became even more furious and scolded, "You thief! Singing for others to listen. Leave now and never come back again!" Shen Erniang said, "I have no reason to stay at your house!" Chunmei replied, "If you're staying in my house, I'll have the servants pull out all your sideburns!" Aunt Da said, "You child, what's gotten into you today? Go back to the front now." Chunmei remained in place and did not move at all. Shen Erjie wept bitterly as he got up from the kang, bid farewell to Aunt Da, packed his clothes and belongings. Unable to wait for a palanquin, he asked Aunt Da to send Ping'an across to call Huatonger over. Then, with Huatonger leading him, he left for Han Daoguo's home. After scolding Shen Erjie a while longer, Chunmei went back to the front. Aunt Da looked at Ge Ji and Yuxiao and said, "He must have had some wine in the front before coming here. Otherwise, how could he speak so recklessly?" "He scolded me as well, which was quite unbecoming." "You should have just told him to pack up and leave at his own pace. You pushed him out so abruptly, without even sending a servant to accompany him. That was very inconsiderate." Yuxiao said, "Did they really come here after drinking wine?" | ||
| 10 | 因抱恙玉... : | 卻說春梅走到前邊，還氣狠狠的向眾人說道：「方纔把賊瞎淫婦兩個耳刮子才好。他還不知道我是誰哩！叫著他張兒致兒，拿班做勢兒的。」迎春道：「你砍一枝損百枝，忌口些，鬱大姐在這裡。」春梅道：「不是這等說。像鬱大姐在俺家這幾年，大大小小，他惡訕了那個來？教他唱個兒，他就唱。那裡像這賊瞎淫婦大膽。他記得甚麼成樣的套數，左來右去，只是那幾句《山坡羊》、《瑣南枝》，油里滑言語，上個甚麼抬盤兒也怎的？我才乍聽這個曲兒也怎的？我見他心裡就要把鬱大姐掙下來一般。」鬱大姐道：「可不怎的。昨日晚夕，大娘教我唱小曲兒，他就連忙把琵琶奪過去，他要唱。大姑娘你也休怪，他怎知道咱家裡深淺？他還不知把你當誰人看成。」春梅道：「我剛纔不罵的：你上覆韓道國老婆那賊淫婦，你就學與他，我也不怕他。」潘姥姥道：「我的姐姐，你沒要緊氣的恁樣兒的。」如意兒道：「我傾杯兒酒，與大姐姐消消兒惱。」迎春道：「我這女兒著惱就是氣。」便道：「鬱大姐，你揀套好曲兒唱個伏侍他。」這鬱大姐拿過琵琶來，說道：「等我唱個「鶯鶯鬧臥房」《山坡羊》兒。與姥姥和大姑娘聽罷。」如意兒道：「你用心唱，等我斟上酒。」那迎春拿起杯兒酒來，望著春梅道：「罷罷，我的姐姐，你也不要惱了，胡亂且吃你媽媽這鐘酒兒罷。」那春梅忍不住笑罵道：「怪小淫婦兒，你又做起我媽媽來了！」又說道：「鬱大姐，休唱《山坡羊》，你唱個《江兒水》俺們聽罷。」這鬱大姐在旁彈著琵琶，慢慢唱「花嬌月艷」，與眾人吃酒不題。 |
| Meanwhile, Chunmei walked back to the front, still angry. She said to everyone there, "I should have given that shameless harlot a good slap on each cheek just now." "He doesn't even know who I am!" "Calling him this and that, acting as if he's performing on stage." Yingchun said, "You cut one branch but damage a hundred. Be careful with your words; Yu 大姐 is here." Chunmei replied, "It's not like that." "Think about it. For these past few years since Yu 大姐 came to our house, in all the big and small matters, who has he dared to mock or belittle?" "If asked to sing, he sings." "How different from this shameless harlot's boldness!" "What good songs or proper tunes does he remember? Left and right, it's always just a few lines of 'Shapo Yang' and 'Suonanzhi,' with oily and slippery words. What kind of performance is that supposed to be?" "What makes me suddenly pay attention to this tune just because of him?" "It's as if he wants to push Yu 大姐 down and take her place." Yu 大姐 said, "That's exactly what I think." Last night after dinner, when Madam Da asked me to sing a little tune, he immediately snatched the pipa from my hands and insisted on singing himself. "You eldest madam shouldn't be angry either; how could he possibly know the depth of our family affairs?" "He doesn't even realize who you are in this household." Chunmei said, "Didn't I just scold him: 'Tell that thief's wife Han Daoguo, even if you imitate her, I'm not afraid of her.'" Grandma Pan said, "My dear sister, don't get so worked up over nothing." Ruyi said, "I'll pour a cup of wine for my elder sister to calm her down a bit." Yingchun said, "My daughter gets angry easily when she's upset." She then said, "Yu 大姐, pick a good tune and sing one for her to cheer her up." Yu 大姐 took the pipa and said, "Let me sing a 'Yingying's Outburst in the Boudoir' from 'Shapo Yang.'" "For Grandma Pan and my eldest madam to enjoy." Ruyi said, "Sing with heart. I'll pour the wine for you." Yingchun then picked up a cup of wine and, looking at Chunmei, said, "Forget it, my dear sister. Don't be angry anymore. Just drink this cup of wine from your mother." Chunmei could not help but laugh and scold, "You little harlot! You're acting like my mother now!" She then added, "Yu 大姐, don't sing 'Shapo Yang.' Sing a 'Jiangershui' for us instead." Yu 大姐, sitting by the side and playing the pipa, slowly sang "Hua Jiao Yue Yan," while everyone enjoyed their wine. No further mention is made of this. | ||
| 11 | 因抱恙玉... : | 且說西門慶從新河口拜了蔡九知府，回來下馬，平安就稟：「今日有衙門裡何老爹差答應的來，請爹明日早進衙門中，拿了一起賊情審問。又本府胡老爹送了一百本新曆日。荊都監老爹差人送了一口鮮豬，一壇豆酒，又是四封銀子。姐夫收下，交到後邊去了，沒敢與他回貼兒。晚上，他家人還來見爹說話哩。只胡老爹家與了回貼，賞了來人一錢銀子。又是喬親家爹送貼兒，明日請爹吃酒。」玳安兒又拿宋御史回貼兒來回話：「小的送到察院內，宋老爹說，明日還奉價過來。賞了小的並抬盒人五錢銀子，一百本歷日。」西門慶走到廳上，春鴻連忙報與春梅眾人，說道：「爹來家了，還吃酒哩。」春梅道：「怪小蠻囚兒，爹來家隨他來去，管俺們腿事！沒娘在家，他也不往俺這邊來。」眾人打夥兒吃酒頑笑，只顧不動身。西門慶到上房，大妗子和三個姑子，都往那邊屋裡去了。玉簫向前與他接了衣裳，坐下，放桌兒打發他吃飯。教來興兒定桌席：三十日與宋巡按擺酒；初一日劉、薛二內相，帥府周爺眾位，吃慶官酒。分付去了。玉簫在旁請問：「爹吃酒，篩甚麼酒吃？」西門慶道：「有剛纔荊都監送來的那豆酒取來，打開我嘗嘗，看好不好。」只見來安兒進來，稟問接月娘去。玉簫便使他提酒來，打破泥頭，傾在鐘內，遞與西門慶呷了一呷，碧靛般清，其味深長。西門慶令：「斟來我吃。」須臾，擺上菜來，西門慶在房中吃酒。 |
| Meanwhile, Ximen Qing had paid a visit to Cai Jiu, the magistrate of Xinhe Kou. After returning and dismounting his horse, Ping'an immediately reported, "Today, an official from the yamen, Old Master He, sent someone to request that you come early tomorrow morning to the office for a hearing on a theft case." In addition, Old Master Hu from this magistrate's office sent one hundred new almanacs. Jing Dujian, the old master of the military supervisor's office, also sent a fresh pig, a jar of bean wine, and four more silver ingots. Ximen Qing accepted the gifts and had them taken to the back without daring to send a reply note in return. In the evening, members of his family even came to visit Ximen Qing and speak with him. Only Old Master Hu's household gave a reply note and rewarded the visitor with one qian of silver. Also, Qiao Qinjia's father sent an invitation, requesting Ximen Qing to join him for a drinking feast the next day." Dai Aner also brought back a reply note from Censor Song, saying: "I delivered it to the Censorate. Old Master Song said he would send a gift over tomorrow." He gave five qian of silver as a reward to me and the box carriers, along with one hundred almanacs." Ximen Qing walked into the hall, and Chunhong hurriedly informed Chunmei and others, saying, "Master has returned home, and he's still drinking." Chunmei said, "You little brat! Whether Master comes home or not is none of our business!" "When his mother isn't at home, he doesn't come this way either." The group continued drinking and chatting merrily without moving. Ximen Qing went to the main hall, where Aunt Da and the three nuns had already gone into another room. Yuxiao stepped forward to take off his clothes for him, then sat down and served a meal on the table for him. He instructed Laixing to prepare the banquet: On the thirtieth day, they would host a drinking feast for Censor Song. On the first day of the new month, Liu and Xue, the two eunuchs, along with Sir Zhou from the Commandery and other officials, would attend a celebratory banquet. He gave the orders and then left. Yuxiao, standing by, asked respectfully, "Master is going to drink wine—what kind of wine should be served?" Ximen Qing said, "Bring me the bean wine that was just sent by Director Jing. Open it for me to taste and see if it's good or not." Just then, Lai Aner came in and reported that he was going to meet Madam Yueliang. Yuxiao then had him bring the wine, break off the clay seal, pour it into a cup, and hand it to Ximen Qing. He took a sip; the wine was as clear as indigo and had a rich, lingering flavor. Ximen Qing ordered, "Pour me another cup." In no time, the dishes were served, and Ximen Qing drank wine in his room. | ||
| 12 | 因抱恙玉... : | 卻說來安同排軍拿燈籠，晚夕接了月娘眾人來家。都穿著皮襖，都到上房來拜西門慶。惟雪娥與西門慶磕頭，起來又與月娘磕頭。拜完了，又都過那邊屋裡，去拜大妗子與三個姑子。月娘便坐著與西門慶說話：「應二嫂見俺們都去，好不喜歡！酒席上有隔壁馬家娘子和應大嫂、杜二娘，也有十來位娘子。叫了兩個女兒彈唱。養了好個平頭大臉的小廝兒。原來他房裡春花兒，比舊時黑瘦了好些，只剩下個大驢臉一般的，也不自在哩。今日亂的他家裡大小不安，本等沒人手。臨來時，應二歌與俺們磕頭，謝了又謝，多多上覆你，多謝重禮。」西門慶道：「春花兒那成精奴才，也打扮出來見人？」月娘道：「他比那個沒鼻子？沒眼兒？是鬼兒？出來見不的？」西門慶道：「那奴才，撒把黑豆只好教豬拱罷。」月娘道：「我就聽不上你恁說嘴。只你家的好，拿掇的，出來見的人！」那王經在旁立著，說道：「應二爹見娘們去，先頭不敢出來見，躲在下邊房裡，打窗戶眼兒望前瞧。被小的看見了，說道：『你老人家沒廉恥，平日瞧甚麼！」他趕著小的打。」西門慶笑的沒眼縫兒，說道：「你看這賊花子，等明日他來，著老實抹他一臉粉。」王經笑道：「小的知道了。」月娘喝道：「這小廝別要胡說。他幾時瞧來？平白枉口拔舌的。一日誰見他個影兒？只臨來時，才與俺們磕頭。」王經站了一回出來了。 |
| Meanwhile, Lai An, together with a group of soldiers carrying lanterns, went at dusk to meet Madam Yueliang and the others and brought them home. All wearing fur coats, they came to the main hall to pay respects to Ximen Qing. Only Xue'e kowtowed to Ximen Qing; after rising, she also kowtowed to Madam Yueliang. After the bowing ceremony was completed, they all went into another room to pay respects to Aunt Da and the three aunts. Madam Yueliang sat down and spoke with Ximen Qing, saying, "Second Madam Ying was very happy to see us all coming!" At the banquet there were Lady Ma from next door, Madam Ying Da, and Du Erniang, along with about ten other ladies. Two daughters were called to play music and sing. They raised a fine little boy with an ordinary, round face. Originally, Chunhua in her room had become much darker and thinner than before; she was left with a face like that of a donkey, looking quite uncomfortable. Today's events have caused unrest among all the people in her household, and there are 本来 no available hands to manage things. When we were about to leave, Second Madam Ying kowtowed repeatedly to us in gratitude, thanking us over and over. She sent her regards to you many times and thanked you for the generous gifts." Ximen Qing said, "Chunhua, that cunning servant of mine—how dare she dress up and show her face to others?" Madam Yueliang asked, "Is she any better than the one without a nose?" Or the one with no eyes? Is she even human or a ghost?" "Shouldn't she be too ashamed to show her face?" Ximen Qing said, "That servant of mine—scattering a handful of black beans is only good for feeding pigs." Madam Yueliang said, "I just can't stand listening to you talk like that." "Only in your family is everything good; they're all so well-maintained and suitable for showing off to others!" Wang Jing, standing by on the side, said, "When Madam Ying Er came to visit, Sir Ying was too timid to come out at first and hid in a lower room, peeking through the window." "I saw him and said, 'Old man, you have no shame! What were you looking at all day?'" "He chased after me to hit me." Ximen Qing laughed so hard his eyes were shut, saying, "Look at this rascal! When he comes tomorrow, I'll smear some powder all over his face to teach him a lesson." Wang Jing smiled and said, "I understand, sir." Madam Yueliang scolded, "This little servant of yours had better not talk nonsense." "When did he ever look?" "You're just making things up out of nowhere." "Who has seen his shadow in a day?" "He only kowtowed to us when he came." After standing there for a while, Wang Jing left. | ||
| 13 | 因抱恙玉... : | 月娘也起身過這邊屋裡，拜大妗子並三個師父。大姐與玉簫眾丫頭媳婦都來磕頭。月娘便問：「怎的不見申二姐？」眾人都不作聲。玉簫說：「申二姐家去了。」月娘道：「他怎的不等我來就去？」大妗子隱瞞不住，把春梅罵他之事，說了一遍。月娘就有幾分惱，說道：「他不唱便罷了，這丫頭恁慣的沒張倒置的，平白罵他怎麼的？怪不的俺家主子也沒那正主了，奴才也沒個規矩，成甚麼道理！」望著金蓮道：「你也管他管兒，慣的他通沒些摺兒。」金蓮在旁笑著說道：「也沒見這個瞎曳麼的，風不搖，樹不動。你走千家門，萬家戶，在人家無非只是唱。人叫你唱個兒，也不失了和氣，誰教他拿班兒做勢的，他不罵他嫌腥。」月娘道：「你到且是會說話兒的。都像這等，好人歹人都吃他罵了去？也休要管他一管兒了！」金蓮道：「莫不為瞎淫婦打他幾棍兒？」月娘聽了他這句話，氣的他臉通紅了，說道：「慣著他，明日把六鄰親戚都教他罵遍了罷！」於是起身，走過西門慶這邊來。西門慶便問：「怎麼的？」月娘道：「情知是誰，你家使的有好規矩的大姐，如此這般，把申二姐罵的去了。」西門慶笑道：「誰教他不唱與他聽來。也不打緊處，到明日使小廝送他一兩銀子，補伏他，也是一般。」玉簫道：「申二姐盒子還在這裡，沒拿去哩。」月娘見西門慶笑，便說道：「不說教將來嗔喝他兩句，虧你還雌著嘴兒，不知笑的是甚麼？」玉樓、李嬌兒見月娘惱起來，就都先歸房去了。西門慶只顧吃酒，良久，月娘進裡間內，脫衣裳摘頭，便問玉簫：「這箱上四包銀子是那裡的？」西門慶說：「是荊都監的二百兩銀子，要央宋巡按，圖乾升轉。」玉簫道：「頭裡姐夫送進來，我就忘了對娘說。」月娘道：「人家的，還不收進櫃里去哩。」玉簫一面安放在廚櫃中。 |
| Madam Yueliang also got up and went to this side of the house to pay respects to Aunt Da as well as the three nuns. Elder Miss, Yuxiao, and all the maidservants and female attendants also came to kowtow. Madam Yueliang then asked, "Why haven't we seen Second Madam Shen?" Everyone remained silent. Yuxiao said, "Second Madam Shen has gone home." Madam Yueliang asked, "Why did she go home without waiting for me?" Aunt Da could no longer keep it a secret and recounted the whole incident about Chunmei scolding her. Madam Yueliang was somewhat annoyed and said, "If she doesn't want to sing, that's fine. But this girl has become so bold and disrespectful—why did you go out of your way to scold her?" "No wonder there's no proper master in our household, and the servants have no discipline—what kind of logic is this!" Looking at Jinlian, she said, "You should also keep an eye on her. You've spoiled her so much that she has no sense of restraint." Jinlian, standing by with a smile, said, "I've never seen such an annoying person—no wind to shake the tree and no movement at all." "You may go through a thousand doors and ten thousand households, but in other people's homes you're only expected to sing." "If someone asks you to sing a song, it's not like you lose face or anything. Who taught her to act so haughty and arrogant? If she didn't scold her, the other person would have been offended." Madam Yueliang said: "You sure know how to talk." "If everyone is like this, won't both good and bad people end up being scolded by her?" "Just leave her alone!" Jinlian said, "Are you going to beat her a few sticks for being this blind and lustful woman?" Madam Yueliang, upon hearing these words, turned bright red with anger and said, "If you keep spoiling her like this, tomorrow she'll go ahead and insult all the neighbors and relatives!" With that, she got up and walked over to Ximen Qing's side. Ximen Qing asked, "What's wrong?" Madam Yueliang said: "You know exactly who it is. One of the well-mannered young ladies in your household acted like this and scolded Second Madam Shen until she left." Ximen Qing smiled and said, "Who asked her to sing for him?" "It's not a big deal. Tomorrow I'll send a little servant boy with one or two taels of silver to appease him, and that should be enough." Yuxiao said: "Second Madam Shen's gift box is still here; it hasn't been taken yet." Seeing Ximen Qing laughing, Madam Yueliang said: "If you don't go and scold him a few sentences, I'm surprised your mouth is still closed—what are you even laughing at?" Yulou and Lijiao, seeing that Madam Yueliang had become angry, both went back to their rooms first. Ximen Qing continued drinking, and after a long while, Madam Yueliang went into the inner room. After taking off her clothes and removing her hair ornaments, she asked Yuxiao: "Where did these four packages of silver on this chest come from?" Ximen Qing said, "It's two hundred taels of silver from Director Jing, to be used in seeking Censor Song's help for a promotion." Yuxiao said: "When my brother-in-law brought it in earlier, I forgot to tell Madam about it." Madam Yueliang replied, "Since it's someone else's money, you should still put it in the cabinet." Yuxiao placed it into the kitchen cabinet while speaking. | ||
| 14 | 因抱恙玉... : | 金蓮在那邊屋裡只顧坐的，要等西門慶一答兒往前邊去，今日晚夕要吃薛姑子符藥，與他交媾，圖壬子日好生子。見西門慶不動身，走來掀帘子兒叫他說：「你不往前邊去，我等不得你，我先去也。」西門慶道：「我兒，你先走一步兒，我吃了這些酒來。」那金蓮一直往前去了。月娘道：「我偏不要你去，我還和你說話哩。你兩個合穿著一條褲子也怎的？強汗世界，巴巴走來我屋裡，硬來叫你。沒廉恥的貨，只你是他的老婆，別人不是他的老婆？你這賊皮搭行貨子，怪不的人說你。一視同仁，都是你的老婆，休要顯出來便好。就吃他在前邊把攔住了，從東京來，通影邊兒不進後邊歇一夜兒，教人怎麼不惱？你冷竈著一把兒，熱竈著一把兒才好，通教他把攔住了，我便罷了，不和你一般見識，別人他肯讓的過？口兒內雖故不言語，好殺他心兒里也有幾分惱。今日孟三姐在應二嫂那裡，通一日沒吃甚麼兒，不知掉了口冷氣，只害心凄噁心。來家，應二嫂遞了兩鐘酒，都吐了。你還不往屋裡瞧他瞧去？」 |
| Jinlian, sitting in the other room, waited for Ximen Qing to go out together. That evening she intended to take some talismans and medicine from Aunt Xue and have relations with him, hoping that on the Renzi day they would conceive a son. Seeing Ximen Qing did not move, she came over and pulled the curtain to call out to him: "If you're not going ahead, I can't wait for you. I'm leaving first." Ximen Qing said, "My dear, go on ahead a little bit; I'll come after I finish this wine." Jinlian went straight ahead. Madam Yueliang said: "I especially don't want you to go; I still have something to say to you." "Do the two of you share a single pair of pants or what?" "In this world full of shame, she comes all the way to my room and insists on calling for you." "You shameless wench! Are you his wife alone, or are others not also considered his wives?" "You thief and piece of trash—no wonder people talk about you." "Treat everyone equally; they are all your wives. It would be better if you didn't show favoritism." "Even if he stops him at the front, coming all the way from Dongjing and not even staying one night in the back quarters—how could people not be angry?" "You should treat one hand cold and the other hot—it's only right. If he stops them all, I'll let it go, but how can others possibly accept that?" "Though you may not speak out loud, deep in your heart there's also a bit of anger." "Today, Third Madam Meng was at Second Madam Ying's place and didn't eat anything all day. She must have been upset by some cold words, which made her feel sick to the stomach." "When she came home, Second Madam Ying gave her two cups of wine, but both were vomited up." "Wouldn't you go check on her in the room?" | ||
| 15 | 因抱恙玉... : | 西門慶聽了，說道：「真個？分付收了家火罷，我不吃酒了。」於是走到玉樓房中。只見婦人已脫了衣裳，摘去首飾，渾衣兒歪在炕上，正倒著身子嘔吐。西門慶見他呻吟不止，慌問道：「我的兒，你心裡怎麼的來？對我說，明日請人來看你。」婦人一聲不言語，只顧嘔吐。被西門慶一面抱起他來，與他坐的，見他兩隻手只揉胸前，便問：「我的心肝，心裡怎麼？告訴我。」婦人道：「我害心凄的慌，你問他怎的？你乾你那營生去。」西門慶道：「我不知道，剛纔上房對我說，我才曉的。」婦人道：「可知你不曉的。俺每不是你老婆，你疼你那心愛的去罷。」西門慶於是摟過粉項來親個嘴，說道：「怪油嘴，就奚落我起來。」便叫蘭香：「快頓好苦艷茶兒來，與你娘吃。」蘭香道：「有茶伺候著哩。」一面捧茶上來。西門慶親手拿在他口兒邊吃。婦人道：「拿來，等我自吃。會那等喬劬勞，旋蒸熱賣兒的，誰這裡爭你哩！今日日頭打西出來，稀罕往俺這屋裡來走一走兒。也有這大娘，平白說怎的，爭出來（火古力）包氣。」西門慶道：「你不知，我這兩日七事八事，心不得個閑。」婦人道：「可知你心不得閑，自有那心愛的扯落著你哩。把俺們這僻時的貨兒，都打到贅字號聽題去了，後十年掛在你那心裡。」見西門慶嘴搵著他那香腮，便道：「吃的那酒氣，還不與我過一邊去。人一日黃湯辣水兒誰嘗著來，那裡有甚麼神思和你兩個纏！」西門慶道：「你沒吃甚麼兒？叫丫頭拿飯來咱們吃，我也還沒吃飯哩。」婦人道：「你沒的說，人這裡凄疼的了不得，且吃飯！你要吃，你自家吃去！」西門慶道：「我不吃，我敢也不吃了，咱兩個收拾睡了罷。明日早，使小廝請任醫官來看你。」婦人道：「由他去，請甚麼任醫官、李醫官，教劉婆子來，吃他服藥也好了。」西門慶道：「你睡下，等我替你心口內撲撒撲撒，管情就好了。你不知道，我專一會揣骨捏病。」西門慶忽然想起道：「昨日劉學官送了十圓廣東牛黃蠟丸，那藥，酒兒吃下極好。」即使蘭香：「問你大娘要去，在上房磁罐兒內盛著哩。就拿素兒帶些酒來。吃了管情手到病除。」婦人道：「我不好罵出來，你會揣甚麼病？要酒，俺這屋裡有酒。」 |
| Ximen Qing listened and said, "Really?" He ordered the servants to clear away the dinnerware, saying, "I'm done drinking." With that, he went into Yulou's room. He saw the woman had already taken off her clothes, removed her jewelry, and was lying on the kang in disarray, vomiting with her body turned upside down. Ximen Qing saw that she kept groaning and hurriedly asked, "My dear, what's wrong with you?" "Tell me so I can have someone come see you tomorrow." The woman said nothing, only continuing to vomit. Ximen Qing picked her up and helped her sit, noticing that she was rubbing her chest with both hands. He asked, "My dear, what's the matter with your heart?" "Tell me." The woman said, "I'm so sick to my stomach; what good is it asking him?" "Just go do your business." Ximen Qing said, "I didn't know. Only just now did the upstairs room tell me, and that's when I found out." The woman said, "That shows you don't know." "We aren't your wife; go love the one you care about most." łoż Ximen Qing then pulled over Fen Xiang and kissed her, saying, "You cheeky little thing, you're starting to tease me now." 藟 She then called Lanxiang, "Quickly prepare some bitter yancha tea for your mother to drink." lineno Lanxiang said, "Tea is ready for you." At the same time, tea was brought in. Ximen Qing personally held it to her lips for her to drink. The woman said, "Bring it here; let me eat by myself." "Who's going to compete with you for that kind of fake effort and pretense, like steaming up hot food just to sell it? No one here is fighting over you!" "Even if the sun rose in the west today, no one would care to come visit this house." "There's also this Madam, who for no reason at all starts talking nonsense and stirs up trouble (huoguli) by getting angry." Ximen Qing said, "You don't know; these past two days have been full of all sorts of affairs and worries. My mind hasn't had a moment's peace." The woman said, "That shows your heart isn't at ease; it's because the one you love is pulling you down." "All our insignificant matters have been pushed aside to be ignored, and for the next ten years they'll hang in your mind." Seeing Ximen Qing's mouth near her fragrant cheek, she said, "The smell of that wine on your breath—don't you dare come any closer to me." "Who would taste the bitter and spicy water for a day? There's no way I have any energy to bother with you two!" Ximen Qing asked, "Didn't you eat anything?" "I'll have the maid bring some food for us to eat. I haven't eaten yet either." The woman said, "Don't talk nonsense; I'm in terrible pain here—just eat your meal!" "If you want to eat, go ahead and eat by yourself!" Ximen Qing said, "I won't eat anymore. I don't dare to eat anymore; let's both get ready and go to sleep." "Tomorrow morning, I'll send a boy to have Doctor Ren come see you." The woman said, "Let it be. Why bother inviting Doctor Ren or Doctor Li? Just have Old Liu come; taking her medicine would be fine." Ximen Qing said, "Lie down and rest. I'll pat your chest a bit; it will surely get better." "You don't know—I'm especially good at diagnosing illnesses by feeling the bones." Ximen Qing suddenly remembered and said, "Yesterday, Professor Liu sent ten pills of Guangdong Niuhuang Wax Pills; that medicine works very well when taken with wine." He immediately ordered Lanxiang, "Ask your Madam if she wants to take it; they're stored in the porcelain jar upstairs." "Also have Su bring some wine over." "After taking it, the illness will surely vanish at once." The woman said, "I won't even scold you out loud—what do you know about diagnosing diseases?" "If you need wine, there's already some in this room." | ||
| 16 | 因抱恙玉... : | 不一時，蘭香到上房要了兩丸來。西門慶看篩熱了酒，剝去臘，裡面露出金丸來，拿與玉樓吃下去。西門慶因令蘭香：「趁著酒，你篩一鐘兒來，我也吃了藥罷。」被玉樓瞅了一眼，說道：「就休要汗邪，你要吃藥，往別人房裡去吃。你這裡且做甚麼哩，卻這等胡作做。你見我不死，來攛掇上路兒來了。緊要教人疼的魂也沒了，還要那等掇弄人，虧你也下般的，誰耐煩和你兩個只顧涎纏。」西門慶笑道：「罷罷，我的兒，我不吃藥了，咱兩個睡罷。」那婦人一面吃畢藥，與西門慶兩個解衣上床同寢。西門慶在被窩內，替他手撒撲著酥胸，揣摸香乳，一手摟其粉項，問道：「我的親親，你心口這回吃下藥覺好些？」婦人道：「疼便止了，還有些嘈雜。」西門慶道：「不打緊，消一回也好了。」因說道：「你不在家，我今日兌了五十兩銀子與來興兒，後日宋御史擺酒，初一日燒紙還願心，到初三日，再破兩日工夫，把人都請了罷。受了人家許多人情禮物，只顧挨著，也不是事。」婦人道：「你請也不在我，不請也不在我。明日三十日，我教小廝來攢帳，交與你，隨你交付與六姐，教他管去。也該教他管管兒，卻是他昨日說的：『甚麼打緊處，雕佛眼兒便難，等我管。』」西門慶道：「你聽那小淫婦兒，他勉強，著緊處他就慌了。亦發擺過這幾席酒兒，你交與他就是了。」玉樓道：「我的哥哥，誰養的你恁乖！還說你不護他，這些事兒就見出你那心兒來了。擺過酒兒交與他，俺們是合死的？像這清早辰，得梳個頭兒？小廝你來我去，稱銀換錢，氣也掏幹了。饒費了心，那個道個是也怎的！」西門慶道：「我的兒，常言道：『當家三年狗也嫌。』」說著，一面慢慢搊起一隻腿兒，跨在胳膊上，摟抱在懷裡，揝著他白生生的小腿兒，穿著大紅綾子的繡鞋兒，說道：「我的兒，你達不愛你別，只愛你這兩隻白腿兒，就是普天下婦人選遍了，也沒你這等柔嫩可愛。」婦人道：「好個說嘴的貨，誰信那棉花嘴兒，可可兒的就是普天下婦人選遍了沒有來！不說俺們皮肉兒粗糙，你拿左話兒右說著哩。」西門慶道：「我的心肝，我有句謊就死了我。」婦人道：「行貨子，沒要緊賭什麼誓。」這西門慶說著就把那話帶上了銀托子，插放入他牝中。婦人道：「我說你行行就下道兒來了。」因摸見銀托子，說道：「從多咱三不知就帶上這行貨子了，還不趁早除下來哩。」那西門慶那裡肯依，抱定他一隻腿在懷裡，只顧沒棱露腦，淺抽深送。須臾淫水浸出，往來有聲，如狗茶鏹子一般，婦人一面用絹抹盡了去，口裡內不住作柔顫聲，叫他：「達達，你省可往裡邊去，奴這兩日好不腰酸，下邊流白漿子出來。」西門慶道：「我到明日問任醫官討服暖藥來，你吃就好了。」 |
| In no time, Lanxiang went to the upstairs room and got two pills. Ximen Qing poured some warmed wine, removed the wax coating, revealing a golden pill inside, and gave it to Yulou to take. Ximen Qing then ordered Lanxiang: "While the wine is ready, pour me a cup; I'll take some medicine as well." Yulou shot him a glance and said, "Don't be so shameless. If you want to take medicine, go do it in someone else's room." "What are you doing here anyway? Why are you acting so recklessly?" "You see I'm not dead yet, and now you're trying to push me toward my death." "When I'm in such terrible pain that my soul is nearly gone, you still dare to provoke me like this. It's a shame on you! Who has the patience to keep fawning over you two?" Ximen Qing laughed and said, "Alright, alright, my dear. I won't take medicine anymore; let's just go to sleep." After taking the medicine, the woman undressed and went to bed with Ximen Qing. While in bed, Ximen Qing rubbed her soft chest and fondled her fragrant breasts with one hand, while holding her white neck with the other. He asked, "My dear love, do you feel a bit better now after taking the medicine?" The woman said, "The pain has stopped, but I still feel somewhat unsettled." Ximen Qing replied, "Don't worry; it'll be fine after resting for a while." He continued, "Since you weren't at home today, I gave Lai Xing'er fifty taels of silver. Tomorrow, Cui the Censor is holding a banquet; on the first day of the month we'll burn paper offerings to fulfill our vows. Then, on the third day, I need two more days to prepare and invite everyone." "We've received so many gifts and favors from people; if we keep putting things off like this, it's not right." The woman said, "Whether you invite them or not is up to you, not me." "Tomorrow the thirtieth day of this month, I'll have a boy come to tally up the accounts and hand them over to you. You can then pass it on to Sixth Madam; let her manage it." "It's about time she took some responsibility. But yesterday, she said: 'What's the big deal? Even carving a Buddha's eye is easy for me; let me handle it.'" Ximen Qing said, "Listen to that little flirt. She pretends she can manage everything, but when things get serious, she panics." "Just hand over the arrangements for these few banquets to her and that's it." Yulou said, "My dear brother, who raised you to be so clever!" "You say you don't protect her, but these things show just how much you care for her." "Handing over the banquet arrangements to her—do we have to die together?" "Do you even want to brush your hair in the early morning like this?" "The servants have been running back and forth all day, weighing silver and exchanging money; I'm completely worn out." "Even after going through so much trouble, who even says a word of thanks!" Ximen Qing said, "My dear one, as the old saying goes: 'Even after managing a household for three years, even the dog will grow tired of you.'" As he spoke, Ximen Qing slowly lifted one of her legs and placed it over his arm. He held her close to his chest, squeezing her pale white little leg, which was wearing a bright red embroidered silk shoe. He said, "My dear, I don't love you for anything else but these two beautiful white legs. Even if I searched all the women in the world, there would be none as soft and lovely as yours." The woman said, "What a shameless talker you are! Who would believe your cotton-soft words? Just by chance, did you really search all the women in the whole world and not find anyone?" "You're not saying our skin is rough; you just keep talking nonsense left and right." Ximen Qing said, "My beloved, if I utter even one lie, may I die." The woman said, "You shameless fellow, don't bother making vows when it's not important." While saying this, Ximen Qing fastened the silver ring on his member and inserted it into her vagina. The woman said, "I told you that as soon as you start acting like this, you'll go too far." She then felt the silver ring and said, "Since when did you put on this shameless thing without me knowing? Why not take it off right away?" Ximen Qing, however, would not listen. He held one of her legs tightly in his arms and continued to thrust shallowly and deeply without restraint. Soon, the lubricating fluid began to flow out, making a sound with each movement, like the clinking of dog's teeth. The woman used silk to wipe it away while letting out soft, trembling sounds and called out to him: "Dear, please don't go in so deeply; my waist has been sore these past few days, and there is white discharge coming from down below." Ximen Qing said, "Tomorrow I'll go to Doctor Ren and get you some warming medicine; once you take it, you will feel better." | ||
| 17 | 因抱恙玉... : | 不說兩個在床上歡娛頑耍，單表吳月娘在上房陪著大妗子、三位師父，晚夕坐的說話。因說起春梅怎的罵申二姐，罵的哭涕，又不容他坐轎子去，旋央及大妗子，對過叫畫童兒送他往韓道國家去。大妗子道：「本等春梅出來的言語粗魯，饒我那等說著，還刀截的言語罵出來，他怎的不急了！他平昔不曉的恁口潑罵人，我只說他吃了酒。」小玉道：「他們五個在前頭吃酒來。」月娘道：「恁不合理的行貨子，生生把丫頭慣的恁沒大沒小的，還嗔人說哩。到明日不管好歹，人都吃他罵了去罷，要俺們在屋裡做甚麼？一個女兒，他走千家門，萬家戶，教他傳出去好聽？敢說西門慶家那大老婆，也不知怎麼出來的。亂世不知那個是主子，那個是奴才。不說你們這等慣的沒些規矩，恰似俺們不長俊一般，成個甚麼道理！」大妗子道：「隨他去罷，他姑夫不言語，怎好惹氣？」當夜無辭，同歸到房中歇了。 |
| Without mentioning the two of them enjoying themselves in bed, let us now turn to Wu Yue 娘, who was sitting with her aunt and three monks in the upstairs room, chatting into the evening. She mentioned how Chunmei scolded Second Madam Shen, causing her to weep bitterly. Moreover, she was not allowed to ride in a palanquin. Eventually, with much persuasion from the aunt, they had Huatong send her over to Han Daoren's house across the street. The aunt said, "Chunmei's words were already rude enough. Even after I tried to mediate so much, she still came out with sharp and cutting remarks. How could she not get angry!" "She's never been like this before—so loud and abusive. I just thought she had drunk too much." Xiaoyu said, "The five of them were drinking in front." Yue 娘 said, "You unreasonable shameless fellows have spoiled the girl so much that she has no respect for anyone. You still dare to be angry when people talk about it." "If this continues, by tomorrow no one will escape being scolded by her. What are we even doing in the house for?" "She's our daughter; if she goes knocking on a thousand doors and ten thousand households, what will people say when they hear about it?" "They might even say that the wife of Ximen Qing came out in some unknown way." "In such a chaotic world, no one knows who is the master and who is the servant anymore." "You people have been spoiling her so much, making no rules at all. It's as if we're not even decent people anymore—what kind of sense does this make!" The aunt said, "Let it be. Since her uncle-in-law doesn't say anything, how can we go out of our way to provoke trouble?" That night there was no more discussion; they returned together to their room and rested. | ||
| 18 | 因抱恙玉... : | 次日，西門慶早起往衙門中去了。潘金蓮見月娘攔了西門慶不放來，又誤了壬子日期，心中甚是不悅。次日，老早就使來安叫了一頂轎子，把潘姥姥打發往家去了。吳月娘早辰起來，三個姑子要告辭家去，月娘每個一盒茶食，五錢銀子，又許下薛姑子正月里庵里打齋，先與他一兩銀子，請香燭紙馬，到臘月還送香油、白麵、細米素食與他齋僧供佛。因擺下茶，在上房內管待，同大妗子一處吃。先請了李嬌兒、孟玉樓、大姐，都坐下。問玉樓：「你吃了那蠟丸，心口內不疼了？」玉樓道：「今早吐了兩口酸水，才好了。」叫小玉往前邊：「請潘姥姥和五娘來吃點心。」玉簫道：「小玉在後邊蒸點心哩。我去請罷。」於是一直走了前邊金蓮房中，便問他：「姥姥怎的不見？後邊請姥姥和五娘吃茶哩。」金蓮道：「他今日早辰，我打發他家去了。」玉簫說：「怎的不說聲，三不知就去了？」金蓮道：「住的人心淡，只顧住著怎的！」玉簫道：「我拿了塊臘肉兒，四個甜醬瓜茄子，與他老人家，誰知他就去了。五娘你替老人家收著罷。」於是遞與秋菊，放在抽替內。這玉簫便向金蓮說道：「昨日晚夕五娘來了，俺娘如此這般對著爹好不說五娘強汗世界，與爹兩個合穿著一條褲子，沒廉恥，怎的把攔老爹在前邊，不往後邊來。落後把爹打發三娘房裡歇了一夜，又對著大妗子、三位師父，怎的說五娘慣的春梅沒規矩，毀罵申二姐。爹到明日還要送一兩銀子與申二姐遮羞。」一五一十說了一時。這金蓮聽記在心。玉簫先來回月娘說：「姥姥起早往家去了，五娘便來也。」月娘便望著大妗子道：「你看，昨日說了他兩句兒，今日就使性子，也不進來說聲兒，老早打發他娘去了。我猜姐姐又不知心裡安排著要起甚麼水頭兒哩。」 |
| The next day, Ximen Qing got up early and went to the government office. Pan Jinlian saw that Madam Yue had prevented Ximen Qing from coming over and had caused the date of Renzi to be missed. She was very displeased. The next day, as early as possible, Lai An was sent to hire a palanquin and send Old Madam Pan back home. Early in the morning, Wu Yue 娘 got up and saw that the three nuns wanted to take their leave. Madam Yue gave each of them a box of tea snacks and five qian of silver. She also promised Xiao Guzi that during the first lunar month she would hold an almsgiving ceremony at her temple. As a down payment, she gave her one tael of silver for incense, candles, paper offerings, and horses, and in December she would send more gifts such as fragrant oil, white flour, fine rice, and vegetarian food to support the monks' meals and Buddhist offerings. She had tea prepared and entertained them in the main room, eating together with Aunt Da Jinzi. First she invited Li Jiaoer, Meng Yulou, and Dajie to sit down. She asked Meng Yulou, "Have you stopped feeling pain in your chest after taking those wax pills?" Yulou said, "This morning I vomited two mouthfuls of sour water and then felt better." She called Xiaoyu to the front and said, "Go get Old Madam Pan and Aunt Wu Niang to come eat some snacks." Yuxiao said, "Xiaoyu is steaming some snacks in the back." "I'll go get them then." So she went straight to the front, into Jinlian's room, and asked her, "Where is Old Madam?" "They are serving tea for Old Madam and Aunt Wu Niang in the back." Jinlian said, "She left home this morning at dawn; I sent her off." Yuxiao said, "Why didn't you say anything? She just went away without a word!" Jinlian replied, "If someone's heart is indifferent and they don't want to stay, what good does it do for them to remain?" Yuxiao said, "I brought a piece of salted pork and four sweet pickled eggplants for the old lady. I didn't expect her to leave." "Aunt Wu Niang, you can keep them for the old lady then." She handed it to Qiujv and put it in a drawer. Yuxiao then said to Jinlian, "Last night in the evening Aunt Wu Niang came. My mother was so angry with her and scolded her for being shameless enough to be as close to Father as if they were wearing the same pants. She even kept Father from coming back here." "After that, she sent Father to rest in San Niang's room for the night. In front of Aunt Da Jinzi and the three nuns, she scolded Aunt Wu Niang for spoiling Chunmei so much that she had no manners and insulted Shen Erjie." "Father even said he would give another tael of silver to Shen Erjie the next day as a way to cover up for her shame." She told it all in full detail, from beginning to end, for some time. Jinlian listened and took careful note of everything. Yuxiao first came back to report to Madam Yue, saying, "Old Madam left home early in the morning. Aunt Wu Niang will be coming soon." Madam Yue then looked at Aunt Da Jinzi and said, "Look, after I scolded her a little yesterday, today she's being stubborn. She didn't even come in to say anything and sent her mother away early." "I bet my sister is up to something again, planning some kind of trouble." | ||
| 19 | 因抱恙玉... : | 當下月娘自知屋裡說話，不防金蓮暗走到明間簾下，聽覷多時了，猛可開言說道：「可是大娘說的，我打發了他家去，我好把攔漢子？」月娘道：「是我說來，你如今怎麼我？本等一個漢子，從東京來了，成日只把攔在你那前頭，通不來後邊傍個影兒。原來只你是他的老婆，別人不是他的老婆？行動題起來，別人不知道，我知道。就是昨日李桂姐家去了，大妗子問了聲：『李桂姐住了一日兒，如何就家去了？他姑夫因為甚麼惱他？』我還說：『誰知為甚麼惱他？』你便就撐著頭兒說：『別人不知道，只我曉的。』你成日守著他，怎麼不曉的！」金蓮道：「他不往我那屋裡去，我莫不拿豬毛繩子套了他去不成！那個浪的慌了也怎的？」月娘道：「你不浪的慌，他昨日在我屋裡好好兒坐的，你怎的掀著帘子硬入來叫他前邊去，是怎麼說？漢子頂天立地，吃辛受苦，犯了甚麼罪來，你拿豬毛繩子套他？賤不識高低的貨，俺每倒不言語了，你倒只顧趕人。一個皮襖兒，你悄悄就問漢子討了，穿在身上，掛口兒也不來後邊題一聲兒。都是這等起來，俺每在這屋裡放小鴨兒？就是孤老院里也有個甲頭。一個使的丫頭，和他貓鼠同眠，慣的有些摺兒！不管好歹就罵人。說著你，嘴頭子不伏個燒埋。」金蓮道：「是我的丫頭也怎的？你每打不是！我也在這裡，還多著個影兒哩。皮襖是我問他要來。莫不只為我要皮襖，開門來也拿了幾件衣裳與人，那個你怎的就不說了？丫頭便是我慣了他，是我浪了圖漢子喜歡。像這等的卻是誰浪？」吳月娘吃他這兩句，觸在心上，便紫漒了雙腮，說道：「這個是我浪了，隨你怎的說。我當初是女兒填房嫁他，不是趁來的老婆。那沒廉恥趁漢精便浪，俺每真材實料，不浪。」吳大妗子便在跟前攔說：「三姑娘，你怎的，快休舒口。」孟玉樓道：「耶嚛嚛，大娘，你今日怎的這等惱的大發了，連累俺每，一俸打著好幾個。也沒見這六姐，你讓大娘一句兒也罷了，只顧拌起嘴來了。」大妗子道：「常言道，要打沒好手，廝罵沒好口。不爭你姊妹每嚷鬥，俺每親戚在這裡住著也羞。姑娘，你不依我，想是嗔我在這裡，叫轎子來我家去罷！」被李嬌兒一面拉住大妗子，那潘金蓮見月娘罵他這等言語，坐在地下就打滾撒潑。自家打幾個嘴巴，頭上（髟狄）髻都撞落一邊，放聲大哭，叫起來說道：「我死了罷，要這命做什麼，你家漢子說條念款說將來，我趁將你家來了！這也不難的勾當，等他來家，與了我休書，我去就是了。你趕人不得趕上。」月娘道：「你看就是了，潑腳子貨。別人一句兒還沒說出來，你看他嘴頭子，就相淮洪一般。他還打滾兒賴人，莫不等的漢子來家，把我別變了！你放恁個刁兒，那個怕你麼？」金蓮道：「你是真材實料的，誰敢辯別你？」月娘越發大怒，說道：「我不真材實料，我敢在這家裡養下漢來？」金蓮道：「你不養下漢，誰養下漢來？你就拿主兒來與我！」玉樓見兩個拌的越發不好起來，一面拉金蓮往前邊去，說道：「你恁怪剌剌的，大家都省口些罷了。只顧亂起來，左右是兩句話，教三位師父笑話。你起來，我送你前邊去罷。」那金蓮只顧不肯起來，被玉樓和玉簫一齊扯起來，送他前邊去了。 |
| At that moment, Madam Yue was speaking in her room. Unaware of it, Jinlian had secretly approached the curtain at the main hall and listened for a long time. Suddenly she spoke up, saying, "Is what my elder sister said true? I sent her mother home early—does that mean I'm trying to keep Father from coming?" Madam Yue said, "It was me who spoke. What are you doing now, confronting me like this?" "Originally, a man came from Dongjing. He's been keeping him away at your front all day long and not even coming to the back with so much as a shadow." "Does that mean you're his wife, but no one else is?" If any action is taken, others may not know, but I do. It was even the case yesterday when Li Guijie went home. Aunt Da Jinzi asked, "Li Guijie only stayed for a day—why did she go back home so soon?" "Why was her uncle-in-law angry with her?" I still said, "Who knows why he was angry with her?" You immediately took the lead and said, "No one else knows, but I do." "You're always with him—how could you not know!" Jinlian said, "If he doesn't go to my room, am I supposed to tie him up with a pig bristle rope and drag him there?" "What if someone gets so excited they start acting out of control?" Madam Yue said, "If you weren't acting out of control, then why did he sit calmly in my room yesterday? How could you suddenly push through the curtain and rudely call him to go to the front?" What's that supposed to mean? "A man stands tall and endures hardships. What crime has he committed that you would tie him up with a bristle rope?" "You cheap, lowly wretch! We haven't even said anything, yet you keep chasing people away." "You quietly asked the man for a coat, put it on yourself, and didn't even come to the back to mention it." "If everyone acts like this, are we just letting out little ducks in this house?" "Even in an orphanage or old people's home, there is a leader." "A servant girl who sleeps with him like cats and mice—she has been spoiled into having some audacity!" "She scolds people without caring whether they are right or wrong." "While speaking of you, her mouth is full of complaints and grudges." Jinlian said, "Is she my servant just because I say so?" "You are the ones who are wrong!" "I am also here, and there's still more than just my shadow." "The coat was something I asked him for." "Is it because I wanted a coat that you came in and took several pieces of clothing for others, yet never said anything about that?" "If the servant girl is spoiled by me, it's because I acted out to please the man." "Who else could be acting out like this?" Wu Yue 娘 was deeply hurt by his words, her cheeks turning red with anger. She said, "If it's me who acted out, then say whatever you want about me." "I was originally his daughter-in-law by marriage, not a wife he took up on the side." "It's those shameless women who chase after men and act out. We are genuine, upright people who don't behave that way." Wu Da Jinzi immediately stepped in and said, "Third Miss, what are you doing? Stop speaking right now." Meng Yulou said, "Oh dear, Madam, why are you so angry today? You're dragging us into it and picking fights with several people at once." "I've never seen this Sixth Sister. If you just let Madam have her say, everything would be fine, but instead you're arguing with her." Aunt Da Jinzi said, "As the old saying goes, when it comes to fighting, no one has a good hand; and in scolding, no one has kind words." "If you sisters keep quarreling so loudly, it's embarrassing for our relatives who are staying here." "Young lady, if you don't listen to me, I suppose you're angry because I'm here. Then go ahead and call a palanquin to take me home!" Li Jiaoer pulled Aunt Da Jinzi on one side. Seeing Madam Yue scold her so harshly, Pan Jinlian sat on the ground and rolled around, throwing a tantrum. She slapped her own face a few times, and the braid on top of her head fell to one side. She cried out loud, shouting, "I might as well die! What good is this life to me? I came here just because your husband said something nice about me!" That's not a difficult matter. When he comes home, give me the divorce document and I'll just leave." "You can't even get rid of people properly." Madam Yue said, "Look at her—just a shameless wench." Before anyone else could even say a word, look how she opened her mouth and started shouting like the Huai River bursting its banks. "She's rolling around and blaming others. Doesn't she think the man will come home and change me into someone else?" "You're so stubborn—what are you afraid of, then?" Jinlian said, "You're a genuine and upright person—who would dare to question or challenge you?" Madam Yue became even angrier and said, "If I'm not genuine and upright, how dare I keep a man in this house?" Jinlian replied, "If you're not the one keeping a man, then who is?" "Then bring me proof if you have any!" Yulou saw that the two were quarreling more and more fiercely. She pulled Jinlian toward the front while saying, "You're being so unreasonable—everyone should just keep their mouths shut for now." "If you all just keep arguing and making a mess, it's only two sentences that caused this. You'll end up embarrassing yourselves in front of the three nuns." "Get up—I will take you to the front then." Jinlian continued refusing to get up, but Meng Yulou and Yuxiao pulled her up together and sent her to the front. | ||
| 20 | 因抱恙玉... : | 大妗子便勸住月娘，說道：「姑娘，你身上又不方便，好惹氣，分明沒要緊。你姐妹們歡歡喜喜，俺每在這裡住著有光。似這等合氣起來，又不依個勸，卻怎樣兒的？」那三個姑子見嚷鬧起來，打發小姑兒吃了點心，包了盒子，告辭月娘眾人，月娘道：「三位師父，休要笑話。」薛姑子道：「我的佛菩薩，沒的說，誰家竈內無煙？心頭一點無明火，些兒觸著便生煙。大家盡讓些就罷了。佛法上不說的好：『冷心不動一孤舟，凈掃靈臺正好修。』若還繩頭鬆鬆，就是萬個金剛也降不住。為人只把這心猿意馬牢拴住了，成佛作祖都打這上頭起。貧僧去也，多有打攪菩薩。好好兒的。」一面打了兩個問訊。月娘連忙還萬福，說道：「空過師父，多多有慢。另日著人送齋襯去。」即叫大姐：「你和二娘送送三位師父出去，看狗。」於是打發三個姑子出門去了。 |
| Aunt Da Jinzi tried to calm Madam Yue down, saying, "Young lady, you're already in a delicate condition. It's not worth getting angry over something so trivial." "If your sisters are happy and harmonious, it brings honor to us relatives staying here." "If you keep quarreling like this and don't even listen to advice, what will become of it?" The three nuns, seeing the commotion, had their young nun finish her snacks, packed up the boxes, and bid farewell to Madam Yue and the others. Madam Yue said, "Three Reverend Nuns, please don't laugh at us." Xiao Guzi said, "My Buddha and Bodhisattva, there's no need to say anything. Which household doesn't have some smoke coming out of the stove?" "A spark of ignorance in one's heart—just a little provocation and it catches fire." "Just let each other have some space, and that will be the end of it." "Buddhism teaches: 'A cold heart remains unmoved like a solitary boat; the mind is best cultivated when it's clean and clear.'" "But if you're careless with your actions, even ten thousand Buddhas cannot subdue it." "To be a person means to firmly restrain this restless mind and wandering thoughts. Only then can one become a Buddha or an ancestor—it all starts from here." "May I take my leave now, for I have disturbed the Bodhisattva too much." "You must be well." While saying this, she bowed twice in greeting. Madam Yue hurriedly returned the blessing and said, "Reverend Master, I have been very disrespectful." "I will send offerings to your temple on another day with someone else." She immediately called out to her eldest daughter, "You and Second Madam should see the three masters out. Watch for dogs." Thus, she sent the three nuns out of the gate. | ||
| 21 | 因抱恙玉... : | 月娘陪大妗子坐著，說道：「你看這回氣的我，兩隻胳膊都軟了，手冰冷的。從早辰吃了口清茶，還汪在心裡。」大妗子道：「姑娘，我這等勸你少攬氣，你不依我。你又是臨月的身子，有甚要緊。」月娘道：「早是你在這裡住看著，又是我和他合氣？如今犯夜的倒拿住巡更的。我倒容了人，人倒不肯容我。一個漢子，你就通身把攔住了，和那丫頭通同作弊，在前頭乾的那無所不為的事，人乾不出來的，你乾出來。女婦人家，通把個廉恥也不顧。他燈臺不照自己，還張著嘴兒說人浪。想著有那一個在，成日和那一個合氣，對著俺每，千也說那一個的不是，他就是清凈姑姑兒了。單管兩頭和番，曲心矯肚，人面獸心。行說的話兒，就不承認了。賭的那誓唬人子。我洗著眼兒看著他，到明日還不知怎麼樣兒死哩。剛纔擺著茶兒，我還好意等他娘來吃，誰知他三不知的就打發去了。就安排要嚷的心兒，悄悄兒走來這裡聽。聽怎的？那個怕你不成！待等漢子來，輕學重告，把我休了就是了。」小玉道：「俺每都在屋裡守著爐臺站著，不知五娘幾時走來，也不聽見他腳步兒響。」孫雪娥道：「他單會行鬼路兒，腳上只穿氈底鞋，你可知聽不見。想著起頭兒一來時，該和我合了多少氣！背地打夥兒嚼說我，教爹打我那兩頓，娘還說我和他偏生好鬥的。」月娘道：「他活埋慣了人，今日還要活埋我哩。你剛纔不見他那等撞頭打滾兒，一徑使你爹來家知道，管就把我翻倒底下。」李嬌兒笑道：「大娘沒的說，反了世界！」月娘道：「你不知道，他是那九條尾的狐狸精，把好的吃他弄死了，且稀罕我能多少骨頭肉兒！你在俺家這幾年，雖是個院中人，不像他久慣牢頭。你看他昨日那等氣勢，硬來我屋裡叫漢子：『你不往前邊去，我等不的你，先去。』恰似只他一個人的漢子一般，就佔住了。不是我心中不惱，他從東京來家，就不放一夜兒進後邊來。一個人的生日，也不往他屋裡走走兒去。十個指頭，都放在你口內才罷了。」大妗子道：「姑娘，你耐煩，你又常病兒痛兒的，不貪此事，隨他去罷。不爭你為眾好，與人為怨結仇。」勸了一回，玉簫安排上飯來，也不吃，說道：「我這回好頭疼，心口內有些惡沒沒的上來。」教玉簫：「那邊炕上，放下枕頭，我且躺躺去。」分付李嬌兒：「你們陪大妗子吃飯。」那日，鬱大姐也要家去，月娘分付：「裝一盒子點心，與他五錢銀子。」打發去了。 |
| Madam Yue sat with her sister-in-law and said, "Look how angry this has made me. Both my arms are weak now, and my hands feel icy cold." "I had only a cup of plain tea in the morning, but it still feels heavy in my chest." The sister-in-law said, "My dear, I've been telling you to avoid getting angry, but you don't listen to me." "You are in your last month of pregnancy. What could possibly be so important?" Madam Yue said, "If only you had been here to watch over things, would I and he have quarreled again?" "Now it's the lawbreakers who are catching the night-watchmen." "I have been tolerant of others, yet others refuse to tolerate me." "One man, you have completely blocked him in, colluding with that girl to commit fraud. All the reckless things done at the front—what others could not do, you did." "As a woman, you have no regard for shame or dignity whatsoever." "He doesn't even illuminate himself with the lamp, yet he dares to open his mouth and slander others." "I remember there was one person who, day after day, quarreled with another. In front of us all, he would always speak ill of that other person, and thus claimed to be a pure and chaste nun." "He meddles on both sides, twisting his heart and bending his belly—human face, beastly heart." "Words spoken in anger are now denied." "He swears oaths to scare people." "I watch him with open eyes, and I don't know how he will end up tomorrow—perhaps even die in some terrible way." "I had just set out the tea, and I was even kind enough to wait for his mother to come and drink it. Little did I know he would send her away without a word." "I had already prepared myself with the intention of shouting, but instead came here quietly to listen." "What was there to hear?" "Who would be afraid of you, anyway!" She said, "Wait until the man comes. I'll report it lightly at first and then escalate it—he will just divorce me." Xiaoyu said, "We were all standing by the stove inside the house, not knowing when Madam Wu would come. We didn't even hear her footsteps." Sun Xue'e said, "He is good at moving like a ghost. He only wears felt-bottomed shoes on his feet; you know how quiet that can be." "I remember when he first came, we quarreled so much!" "They conspired behind my back to speak ill of me, which led Father to beat me twice. Mother even said I was born to quarrel with him." Madam Yue said, "He is used to burying people alive; today he still wants to do the same to me." "Didn't you see how he bumped his head and rolled around just now? He went straight to your father at home, trying to make sure that I would be turned upside down." Li Jiaoer laughed and said, "Madam, you're saying nothing at all—it's as if the world has turned upside down!" Madam Yue said, "You don't know—he is a fox spirit with nine tails. He turns good things into nothing; how much meat and bone could I possibly be worth to him!" "You have been in our family for these few years, though you are a concubine. You don't compare to him who has long been used to being the head of the household." "Look at his attitude yesterday, how he boldly came into my room to call for the man: 'If you won't go ahead, I can't wait and will go first.'" "He acted as if he were the only husband in this house, claiming him for himself." "It's not that I don't feel annoyed. Since he came home from Dongjing, he hasn't allowed even a single night of rest in the inner quarters." "On one's birthday, not even once did he go to visit her room." "Only when all ten fingers are placed in your mouth will you be satisfied!" The sister-in-law said, "My dear, just bear with it. You are often ill and in pain; don't get involved in such matters. Let things be." "If you do not quarrel, you will gain the favor of many people instead of making enemies and creating hatred with others." After some persuasion, Yuxiao arranged for a meal to be served, but she did not eat and said, "I have such a terrible headache now. I feel something unpleasant rising from my chest." Tell Yuxiao: 'Put down the pillow on the kang over there; I'll lie down for a while.' She instructed Li Jiaoer, "You all accompany Auntie to eat lunch." That day, Yu Dajie also wanted to go home. Madam Yue instructed, "Pack a box of pastries and give him five qian in silver." She was sent off. | ||
| 22 | 因抱恙玉... : | 卻說西門慶衙門中審問賊情，到午牌時分才來家。正值荊都監家人討回帖，西門慶道：「多謝你老爹重禮。如何這等計較？你還把那禮扛將回去，等我明日說成了取家來。」家人道：「家老爹沒分付，小的怎敢將回去，放在老爹這裡也是一般。」西門慶道：「既恁說，你多上覆，我知道了。」拿回貼，又賞家人一兩銀子。因進上房，見月娘睡在炕上，叫了半日，白不答應。問丫鬟，都不敢說。走到前邊金蓮房裡，見婦人蓬頭撒腦，拿著個枕頭睡，問著又不言語，更不知怎的。一面封銀子，打發荊都監家人去了，走到孟玉樓房中問。玉樓隱瞞不住，只得把月娘和金蓮早辰嚷鬧合氣之事，備說一遍。 |
| Meanwhile, Ximen Qing had been interrogating the case of a theft at his office and did not return home until noon. Just then, an attendant from Jing Dujian's household came to deliver a reply note. Ximen Qing said, "Thank you very much for your father's generous gift." "Why are you being so particular about this?" "Take the gift back and wait until I settle things tomorrow. Then come to my house." The servant said, "Since Master didn't give instructions for me to take it back, how could I dare do so? Leaving it here with you is the same thing." Ximen Qing said, "If that's what you say, then please convey my thanks. I understand now." He took the reply note and also gave the servant one tael of silver as a reward. As he entered the main room, he saw Madam Yue lying on the kang bed. He called to her for a long time, but she did not respond at all. When he asked the maidservants, none dared to speak. He walked ahead and entered Jinlian's room, where he saw the woman with her hair disheveled, holding a pillow as she slept. When he asked her something, she did not speak at all; he had no idea what was going on. While sealing the silver to send back with Jing Dujian's servant, Ximen Qing went to Meng Yulou's room and asked about it. Yulou could not hide the truth any longer, so she had no choice but to recount in full what had happened that morning between Madam Yue and Jinlian. | ||
| 23 | 因抱恙玉... : | 這西門慶慌了，走到上房，一把手把月娘拉起來，說道：「你甚要緊，自身上不方便，理那小淫婦兒做甚麼？平白和他合甚麼氣？」月娘道：「我和他合氣，是我偏生好鬥尋趁他來？他來尋趁將我來！你問眾人不是？早辰好意擺下茶兒，請他娘來吃。他使性子把他娘打發去了，便走來後邊撐著頭兒和我嚷，自家打滾撞頭，鬟髻都踩扁了，皇帝上位的叫，只是沒打在我臉上罷了。若不是眾人拉勸著，是也打成一塊。他平白欺負慣了人，他心裡也要把我降伏下來。行動就說：『你家漢子說條念款將我來了，打發了我罷，我不在你家了。』一句話兒出來，他就是十句說不下來，嘴一似淮洪一般，我拿甚麼骨禿肉兒拌的他過？專會那潑皮賴肉的，氣的我身子軟癱兒熱化，甚麼孩子李子，就是太子也成不的。如今倒弄的不死不活，心口內只是發脹，肚子往下鱉墜著疼，頭又疼，兩隻胳膊都麻了。剛纔桶子上坐了這一回，又不下來。若下來也乾凈了，省的死了做帶累肚子鬼。到半夜尋一條繩子，等我弔死了，隨你和他過去。往後沒的又像李瓶兒，吃他害死了。我曉的你三年不死老婆，也是大悔氣。」西門慶不聽便罷，聽的說，越發慌了，一面把月娘摟抱在懷裡，說道：「我的好姐姐，你別和那小淫婦兒一般見識，他識什麼高低香臭？沒的氣了你，倒值了多的。我往前邊罵這賊小淫婦兒去。」月娘道：「你還敢罵他，他還要拿豬毛繩子套你哩。」西門慶道：「你教他說，惱了我，吃我一頓好腳。」因問月娘：「你如今心內怎麼的？吃了些甚麼兒沒有？」月娘道：「誰嘗著些甚麼兒？大清早辰才拿起茶，等著他娘來吃，他就走來和我嚷起來。如今心內只發脹，肚子往下鱉墜著疼，腦袋又疼，兩隻胳膊都麻了。你不信，摸我這手，恁半日還同握過來。」西門慶聽了，只顧跌腳，說道：「可怎樣兒的，快著小廝去請任醫官來看看。」月娘道：「請什麼任醫官？隨他去，有命活，沒命教他死，才趁了人的心。什麼好的老婆？是牆上土坯，去了一層又一層。我就死了，把他扶了正就是了。恁個聰明的人兒，當不的家？」西門慶道：「你也耐煩，把那小淫婦兒只當臭屎一般丟著他去便罷了。你如今不請任後溪來看你看，一時氣裹住了這胎氣，弄的上不上，下不下，怎麼了？」月娘道：「這等，叫劉婆子來瞧瞧，吃他服藥，再不，頭上剁兩針，由他自好了。」西門慶道：「你沒的說，那劉婆子老淫婦，他會看甚胎產？叫小廝騎馬快請任醫官來看。」月娘道：「你敢去請！你就請了來，我也不出去。」西門慶不依他，走到前邊，即叫琴童：「快騎馬往門外請任老爹，緊等著，一答兒就來。」琴童應諾，騎上馬雲飛一般去了。西門慶只在屋裡廝守著月娘，分付丫頭，連忙熬粥兒拿上來，勸他吃，月娘又不吃。等到後晌時分，琴童空回來說：「任老爹在府里上班，未回來。他家知道咱這裡請，說明日任老爹絕早就來了。」 |
| liğinde Ximen Qing was alarmed and rushed to the main room, grabbing Madam Yue by the arm and saying, "What's so important? Since you're not feeling well yourself, why are you even dealing with that little harlot?" "Why quarrel with him for no reason?" Madam Yue said, "If I quarreled with him, was it because I was born to fight and provoke him?" "He came looking for trouble!" "Ask the others if you don't believe me?" "In the morning, I kindly set out tea and invited his mother to drink it." "He threw a tantrum and sent his mother away. Then he came to the back, shouting at me with his head held high, rolling on the ground and bumping his head until his hairpin was crushed flat. He shouted like an emperor ascending the throne—only it didn't land on my face." "If not for others pulling and persuading, we would have come to blows." "He is used to bullying people without reason. In his heart, he wants to subdue me as well." "He always says things like, 'Your husband has spoken to me and given me instructions. I'm leaving now; I no longer belong in your house.'" "For every one word I say, he comes back with ten. His mouth is like a flood from the Huai River; what kind of meat and bone do I have to match his arguments?" "He is good at being a stubborn, shameless brat. His behavior has made me so angry that my body feels limp and weak; no matter what kind of child he is, not even the crown prince can be saved." "Now he has made things so bad that I feel neither dead nor alive. My chest keeps swelling, and my stomach feels as if it's being pulled down in pain. My head aches, and both arms are numb." "Just now I sat on the chamber pot for a while but still couldn't go." "If it would just come out, everything would be clean and clear. At least I wouldn't die as a ghost cursed by an overburdened stomach." "At midnight, I will find a rope and hang myself. Then you can go ahead with him as you please." "There will never again be another case like that of Li Pinger, who was killed by his hand." "I know you've been married for three years without your wife dying—what a great misfortune!" Ximen Qing ignored it if he chose to, but upon hearing these words, he became even more anxious. He immediately embraced Madam Yue in his arms and said, "My dear sister, don't take things as seriously as that little wanton woman does—what does she know of good or bad, noble or base?" "Don't let her anger you—it's not worth it." "I'm going to the front to scold that little thief and wanton woman!" Madam Yue said, "You dare scold her? She might even use a pig bristle rope to tie you up!" Ximen Qing said, "Let her speak. If she angers me, I'll give her a good kicking." He then asked Madam Yue, "How are you feeling now?" "Have you eaten anything yet?" Madam Yue said, "Who has had the chance to taste even a little of anything?" "I just picked up some tea in the early morning, waiting for his mother to drink with me. He came and started quarreling with me right then." "Now my chest feels bloated, my stomach aches as if something is pulling it downward, my head hurts again, and both of my arms are numb." "If you don't believe me, feel my hands—they haven't been able to clasp properly for hours now." Ximen Qing, upon hearing this, could only stomp his feet and say, "What should we do? Hurry up and send the servant to fetch Doctor Ren to take a look." Madam Yue said, "Why call for Doctor Ren?" "Let him go. If he has the will to live, let him; if not, let him die—it would satisfy people's hearts." "What kind of good wife am I?" "I'm like the mud on a wall—every time one layer is gone, another follows." "If I die, just make her his official wife and that will settle it." "Can't a smart person like you manage the household?" Ximen Qing said, "You must be patient. Just treat that little wanton like stinking dung and leave her alone." "If you don't call in Doctor Ren Houxi to examine you now, the qi might block this fetal qi at any moment, leaving it neither going up nor down—what will become of you then?" Madam Yue said, "In that case, call Old Liu to take a look. Let her take some of his medicine; if not, just prick two needles on the head and let it get well by itself." Ximen Qing said, "You're talking nonsense. That old wanton Liu is an old woman—how could she possibly know anything about pregnancy and childbirth?" "Tell the servant to ride a horse quickly and fetch Doctor Ren over." Madam Yue said, "You dare go and invite him!" "Even if you manage to bring him here, I won't come out." Ximen Qing refused to listen and went ahead. He immediately called out to Qin Tong, "Ride a horse quickly outside the gate to invite Old Man Ren; we are waiting urgently—he must come right away." Qin Tong nodded and went off on horseback as swift as a cloud drifting. Ximen Qing stayed in the room, keeping close watch over Madam Yue. He ordered the maids to hurriedly prepare some porridge and bring it up, urging her to eat; but Madam Yue refused to eat. By the time the afternoon came around, Qin Tong returned empty-handed and said, "Old Man Ren is still at work in the government office and has not come back yet." "They know we sent for him. They said that Old Man Ren will definitely come early tomorrow morning." | ||
| 24 | 因抱恙玉... : | 月娘見喬大戶一替兩替來請，便道：「太醫已是明日來了，你往喬親家那裡去罷。天晚了，你不去，惹的喬親家怪。」西門慶道：「我去了，誰看你？」月娘笑道：「傻行貨子，誰要你做恁個腔兒。你去，我不妨事。等我消一回兒，慢慢掙痤著起來，與大妗子坐的吃飯。你慌的是些甚麼？」西門慶令玉簫：「快請你大妗子來，和你娘坐的。」又問：「鬱大姐在那裡？叫他唱與娘聽。」玉簫道：「鬱大姐往家去，不耐煩了。」西門慶道：「誰教他去來？留他兩住兩日兒也罷了。」趕著玉簫踢了兩腳。月娘道：「他見你家反宅亂，要去，管他腿事？」玉簫道：「正經罵申二姐的倒不踢。」那西門慶只做不聽見，一面穿了衣裳，往喬大戶家吃酒去了。未到起更時分，就來家，到了上房。月娘正和大妗子、玉樓、李嬌兒四個坐的。大妗子見西門慶進來，忙往後邊去了。西門慶便問月娘道：「你這咱好些了麼？」月娘道：「大妗子陪我吃了兩口粥兒，心口內不大十分脹了，還只有些頭疼腰酸。」西門慶道：「不打緊，明日任後溪來看，吃他兩服藥，解散散氣，安安胎就好了。」月娘道：「我那等樣教你休請他，你又請他。白眉赤眼，教人家漢子來做甚麼？你明日看我出去不出去！」因問：「喬親家請你做甚麼？」西門慶道：「他說我從東京來了，與我坐坐。今日他也費心，整治許多菜蔬，叫兩個唱的，落後又邀過來台官來陪我。我熱著你，心裡不自在，吃了幾鐘酒，老早就來了。」月娘道：「好個說嘴的貨！我聽不上你這巧言花語，可可兒就是熱著我來？我是那活佛出現，也不放在你那惦。就死了也不值個破沙鍋片子。」又問：「喬親家再沒和你說什麼話？」西門慶方告說：「喬親家如今要趁著新例，上三十兩銀子納個義官。銀子也封下了，教我對胡府尹說。我說不打緊，胡府尹昨日送了我一百本歷日，我還沒曾回他禮。等我送禮時，稍了貼子與他，問他討一張義官札付來與你就是了。他不肯，他說納些銀子是正理。如今央這裡分上討討兒，免上下使用，也省十來兩銀子。」月娘道：「既是他央及你，替他討討兒罷。你沒拿他銀子來？」西門慶道：「他銀子明日送過來。還要買分禮來，我止住他了。到明日，咱僉一口豬，一壇酒，送胡府尹就是了。」說畢，西門慶晚夕就在上房睡了一夜。 |
| Seeing that Master Qiao had sent people twice to invite her, Madam Yue said, "The imperial physician is already coming tomorrow. You should go over to Master Qiao's place." "It's getting late now; if you don't go, it will anger your in-laws at the Qiaos." Ximen Qing said, "If I leave, who will look after you?" Madam Yue smiled and said, "You silly fool, who needs you to play such a role." "I'll be fine if you go." "After I rest for a while, I will slowly struggle to get up and sit with my sister-in-law for a meal." "What are you so worried about?" Ximen Qing ordered Yu Xiao, "Quickly invite your sister-in-law to come and sit with your mother." He also asked, "Where is Sister Yu?" "Have her sing for your mother." Yu Xiao said, "Sister Yu went home and is not in the mood anymore." Ximen Qing said, "Who sent her away?" "Just keep her here for a couple of days." He kicked Yu Xiao's legs twice in frustration. Madam Yue said, "She saw that your house is upside down and chaotic, so she wants to leave—what business of yours is it?" Yu Xiao said, "You don't even kick the one who's actually scolding Second Sister Shen." Ximen Qing pretended not to hear it, put on his clothes, and went off to the Qiao household for a drinking session. Before the first watch of the night had even begun, he returned home and arrived at the main house. Madam Yue was sitting with her sister-in-law, Yu Lou, and Li Jiaoer—the four of them together. When Madam Qiao saw Ximen Qing enter, she hurriedly went to the back. Ximen Qing then asked Madam Yue, "How are you feeling now?" Madam Yue said, "Sister-in-law Qiao kept me company and I had a couple of bowls of porridge. My chest is no longer as bloated, though I still have some headache and backache." Ximen Qing said, "Don't worry. Tomorrow when Doctor Ren Houxi comes to see you, take two doses of his medicine to relieve the qi and stabilize the fetus, and it will be fine." Madam Yue said, "I specifically told you not to invite him, yet you invited him again." "Why bring a strange man into the house with such a fuss?" "You'll see tomorrow whether I go out or not!" She then asked, "What did the Qiaos invite you for?" Ximen Qing said, "He said that since I had come back from Dongjing, he wanted to sit and chat with me." Today, he also went to great lengths, preparing many kinds of dishes, inviting two singers, and later even invited an official over to keep me company. "I was warm-hearted toward you and felt uneasy in my heart, so I drank a few cups of wine and came back early." Madam Yue said, "What a shameless talker!" "I don't buy your smooth words and flattery. Just because you happened to be warm-hearted toward me?" "Even if I were a living Buddha appearing before you, you wouldn't care." "If I die, it won't even be worth the price of a broken clay pot piece." She asked again, "Did Master Qiao say anything else to you?" Ximen Qing then explained, "Master Qiao now wants to take advantage of the new regulations and pay thirty taels of silver to obtain an honorary official title." The silver has already been prepared, and he asked me to speak with Prefect Hu about it." "I said it's not a problem. Prefect Hu sent me one hundred almanacs yesterday, and I haven't yet returned the courtesy." "When I go to return the gift, I'll send a note with it and ask him for an official document granting the honorary title for you." "If he refuses, he said that paying some silver is the proper way to go about it." "Now I'm asking for a favor here, so we can avoid expenses up and down the chain, saving ten or so taels of silver." Madam Yue said, "Since he's asked you to do it for him, go ahead and try to get it done for him." "Did he not bring the silver?" Ximen Qing said, "He will send over the silver tomorrow." "He also wants to buy a gift for me, but I stopped him." "Tomorrow, we'll just send over a pig and a jar of wine to Prefect Hu as the gift." After saying this, Ximen Qing spent the night in the main house. | ||
| 25 | 因抱恙玉... : | 到次日，宋巡按擺酒，後廳筵席治酒，裝定果品。大清早辰，本府出票撥了兩院三十名官身樂人，兩名伶官、四名排長領著，來西門慶宅中答應。只見任醫官從早辰就騎馬來了，西門慶忙迎到廳上陪坐，道連日闊懷之事。任醫官道：「昨日盛使到，學生該班，至晚才來家，見尊剌，今日不俟駕而來。敢問何人欠安？」西門慶道：「大賤內偶然有些失調，請後溪一診。」須臾茶至。吃了茶，任醫官道：「昨日聞得明川說，老先生恭喜，容當奉賀。」西門慶道：「菲才備員而已，何賀之有。」一面西門慶分付：「後邊對你大娘說，任老爹來了，明間內收拾。」琴童應諾，到後邊。大妗子、李嬌兒、孟玉樓都在房內，只見琴童來說：「任醫官來了，爹分付教收拾明間里坐的。」月娘只不動身，說道：「我說不要請他，平白教人家漢子，睜著活眼，把手捏腕的，不知做甚麼！叫劉媽媽子來，吃兩服藥，由他好了。好這等搖鈴打鼓的，好與人家漢子喂眼。」玉樓道：「大娘，已是請人來了，你不出去卻怎樣的，莫不回了人去不成？」大妗子又在旁邊勸著說：「姑娘，他是個太醫，你教他看看你這脈息，還知道你這病源，不知你為甚起氣惱，傷犯了那一經。吃了他藥，替你分理理氣血，安安胎氣也好。劉婆子他曉得甚麼病源脈理？一時耽誤怎了。」月娘方動身梳頭，戴上冠兒，玉簫拿鏡子，孟玉樓跳上炕去，替他拿抿子掠後鬢。李嬌兒替他勒鈿兒。孫雪娥預備拿衣裳。不一時，打扮的粉妝玉琢，正是： |
| The next day, Inspector Song held a banquet; the back hall was prepared with a feast and various fruits were arranged. Early in the morning, the local government issued a notice and assigned thirty official musicians from two academies, led by two court musicians and four section leaders, to attend at Ximen Qing's residence. Just then, Doctor Ren arrived on horseback early in the morning. Ximen Qing hurriedly welcomed him to the hall and sat with him, chatting about their recent separation. Doctor Ren said, "Yesterday the messenger arrived with your invitation; I was on duty and only returned home late. Upon seeing your letter of invitation, I came today without waiting for a formal summons." "I dare to ask, who is unwell?" Ximen Qing said, "My dear wife has had a slight imbalance recently and I have invited Houxi for an examination." Soon after, tea was served. After drinking the tea, Doctor Ren said, "Yesterday I heard from Mingchuan that you have something to celebrate, Master. I shall come to offer my congratulations." Ximen Qing replied, "It's just a minor talent filling the position; there is nothing worth congratulating." Meanwhile, Ximen Qing instructed, "Go to the back and tell your madam that Old Man Ren has arrived; prepare the hall for him." Qin Tong nodded in agreement and went to the rear. Madam Qiao, Li Jiaoer, and Meng Yulou were all in the room when Qin Tong came over and said, "Doctor Ren has arrived. Father instructed us to prepare for him to sit inside the hall." Madam Yue did not move and said, "I told you not to invite him. For no reason at all, we have a strange man here with his eyes wide open, holding hands and feeling pulses—who knows what he's up to!" "Just call Old Liu over, give her two doses of medicine, and let it run its course." "Why make such a ruckus with bells and drums to show off for strange men?" Yu Lou said, "Madam, we've already invited someone over. If you don't go out, what will happen? Are you going to send the person away?" Madam Qiao also advised from the side, "My dear, he is an imperial physician. Let him examine your pulse and determine the source of your illness; he can tell you what caused this anger and which meridian was affected." "Taking his medicine will help regulate your qi and blood, and stabilize the fetal condition as well." "What does Old Liu know about illness origins or pulse diagnosis?" "If there's a delay, what will become of it?" Madam Yue finally got up to comb her hair, put on a headdress. Yu Xiao held the mirror while Meng Yulou jumped onto the kang and helped her by holding the hairpin to smooth back her sideburns. Li Jiaoer fastened a floral hair ornament for her. Sun Xue'e had already prepared the clothes. In no time, she was dressed up with delicate makeup and elegant attire, just as it says: | ||
| 羅浮仙子臨凡世，月殿嬋娟出畫堂。 | ||
| The fairy of Luofu descending to the mortal world; Chang'e emerging from a painted hall. |
URN: ctp:jinpingmei/ch75