| Chinese Text Project |
《孟玉樓愛嫁李衙內 李衙內怒打玉簪兒 - Meng Yulou Wishes to Marry Li Yanai Li Yanai Angerously Beats Yu Zaner》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 孟玉樓愛... : | 詩曰： |
| The poem says: | ||
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簟展湘紋浪欲生，幽懷自感夢難成。倚床剩覺添風味，開戶羞將待月明。 擬倩蜂媒傳密意，難將螢火照離情。遙憐織女佳期近，時看銀河幾曲橫。 | ||
| The bamboo mat spreads with Xiang River patterns, waves about to rise; In quiet thoughts, feelings arise naturally, making dreams hard to fulfill. Leaning on the bed, one feels an added flavor of leisure; Opening the door, shyly waiting for the moon to shine bright. I wish to entrust bees as messengers to convey my secret feelings; It is hard, however, for fireflies' glow to illuminate parting emotions. From afar I pity Zhinü as her appointed time draws near; Often watching, how many bends does the Milky Way cross? | ||
| 2 | 孟玉樓愛... : | 話說一日，陳敬濟聽見薛嫂兒說知孫雪娥之事。這陳敬濟乘著這個根由，就如此這般，使薛嫂兒往西門慶家對月娘說。薛嫂只得見月娘，說：「陳姑夫在外聲言發話，說不要大姐，要寫狀子，巡撫、巡按處告示，說老爹在日，收著他父親寄放的許多金銀箱籠細軟之物。」這月娘一來因孫雪娥被來旺兒盜財拐去，二者又是來安兒小廝走了，三者家人來興媳婦惠秀又死了，剛打發出去，家中正七事八事，聽見薛嫂兒來說此話，唬的慌了手腳，連忙雇轎子，打發大姐家去。但是大姐床奩箱廚陪嫁之物，交玳安僱人，都抬送到陳敬濟家。敬濟說：「這是他隨身嫁我的床帳妝奩，還有我家寄放的細軟金銀箱籠，須索還我。」薛嫂道：「你大丈母說來，當初丈人在時，止收下這個床奩嫁妝，並沒見你別的箱籠。」敬濟又要使女元宵兒。薛嫂兒和玳安兒來對月娘說。月娘不肯把元宵與他，說：「這丫頭是李嬌兒房中使的，如今留著晚早看哥兒哩。」把中秋兒打發將來，說：「原是買了伏侍大姐的。」這敬濟又不要中秋兒，兩頭來回只教薛嫂兒走。他娘張氏向玳安說：「哥哥，你到家拜上你大娘，你家姐兒們多，也不稀罕這個使女看守哥兒。既是與了大姐房裡好一向，你姐夫已是收用過了他，你大娘只顧留怎的？」玳安一面到家，把此話對月娘說了。月娘無言可對，只得把元宵兒打發將來。敬濟收下，滿心歡喜，說道：「可怎的也打我這條道兒來？」正是： |
| One day, Chen Jingji heard from Xue Guoer about Sun Xue'e's matter. Taking this as an opportunity, Chen Jingji instructed Xue Guoer in such a way to go to Xi Menqing's household and tell Yue Niang. Xue Guoer had no choice but to approach Yue Niang and say, "Uncle Chen is openly declaring outside that he does not want the eldest daughter anymore; he wants to write a petition to report it to the Xunfu and Xunan officials, saying that when Master was still alive, he received many boxes of silver and gold as well as fine belongings left by his father." Yue Niang, first of all because Sun Xue'e had been stolen away by Lai Wang'er with her property, secondly because the young servant boy Lai Aner had run away, and thirdly because her family member Lai Xing's wife Huixiu had just died and was only recently sent off, there were many affairs at home. Upon hearing what Xue Guoer said, she was so frightened that she lost her composure, immediately hired a palanquin, and sent the eldest daughter back home. All the beds, chests, cabinets, and dowry items belonging to the eldest daughter were handed over to Dai An, who hired people to carry them all to Chen Jingji's home. Jingji said, "These are the beds and dowry chests she brought with her to marry me. There are also boxes of silver and gold belonging to my family that were stored here; they must be returned to me." Xue Guoer said, "Your mother-in-law says that when your father-in-law was still alive, only these beds and dowry items were received as her wedding gifts; she never saw any other boxes belonging to you." Jingji also wanted the female servant Yuanxiao'er. Xue Guoer and Dai An came to Yue Niang to report this. Yue Niang refused to give Yuanxiao to him, saying, "This girl is from Li Jiaoer's quarters and is now kept around to take care of the boy in the morning and evening." They sent Zhongqiu'er over, saying, "She was originally bought to serve the eldest daughter." But Jingji still did not want Zhongqiu'er; he kept sending Xue Guoer back and forth between the two sides. His mother Zhang Shi told Dai An, "Brother, when you go home, greet your elder sister-in-law and tell her that since there are many of your sisters at home, they don't really need this servant girl to look after the boy. Since she has already been in the eldest daughter's quarters for quite some time, and your brother-in-law has already taken her into use, what is there for your elder sister-in-law to keep her for?" Dai An went home on one hand and told Yue Niang about this. Yue Niang had no words to reply, so she could only send Yuanxiao'er over. Jingji received her and was delighted, saying, "How did she also come this way to me?" Indeed: | ||
| 饒你姦似鬼，吃我洗腳水。 | ||
| No matter how cunning you are, like a ghost, I will wash your feet with water. | ||
| 3 | 孟玉樓愛... : | 按下一頭。單說李知縣兒子李衙內，自從清明郊外看見吳月娘、孟玉樓兩人一般打扮，生的俱有姿色，知是西門慶妻小。衙內有心，愛孟玉樓生的長挑身材，瓜子麵皮，模樣兒風流俏麗。原來衙內喪偶，鰥居已久，一向著媒婦各處求親，都不遂意。及見玉樓，便覺動心，但無門可入，未知嫁與不嫁，從違如何。不期雪娥緣事在官，已知是西門慶家出來的，周旋委曲，在伊父案前，將各犯用刑研審，追出贓物數目，望其來領。月娘害怕，又不使人見官。衙內失望，因此才將贓物入官，雪娥官賣。至是衙內謀之於廊吏何不韋，徑使官媒婆陶媽媽來西門慶家訪求親事，許說成此門親事，免縣中打卯，還賞銀五兩。 |
| Putting aside this thread. Let us speak only of Li Zhenian's son, Li Yannei. Since the Qingming Festival when he saw Yue Niang and Meng Yulou outside the suburbs, both dressed similarly and each possessing beauty, knowing they were Xi Menqing's wife and concubine, Yannei had a particular interest in Meng Yulou because of her tall and slender figure, melon-shaped face, and graceful and charming appearance. Originally, Yannei had lost his wife and had been a widower for quite some time; he had long sent matchmakers everywhere to seek a marriage partner but without success. Upon seeing Yulou, he immediately felt a stirring in his heart; however, there was no way to approach her, and he did not know whether she was married or not, nor how to proceed. Unbeknownst to him, Xue'e was involved in a case and it had been learned that she came from Xi Menqing's household. Through various twists and turns, the matter was handled before her father's case, where each defendant was subjected to interrogation and torture to investigate the stolen goods; they hoped someone would come forward to claim them. Yue Niang was frightened and did not send anyone to appear in court. Yannei became disappointed, so he finally turned the stolen goods over to the government office, and Xue'e was sold by the authorities. At this point, Yannei consulted the clerk He Buwei and directly sent the official matchmaker Tao Mama to Xi Menqing's family to inquire about a marriage arrangement. He promised that if she could successfully arrange this marriage, he would be exempt from attending court sessions in the county office and would also receive a reward of five taels of silver. | ||
| 4 | 孟玉樓愛... : | 這陶媽媽聽了，喜歡的疾走如飛，一日到於西門慶門首。來昭正在門首立，只見陶媽媽向前道了萬福，說道：「動問管家哥一聲，此是西門老爹家？」來昭道：「你是那裡來的？老爹已下世了，有甚話說？」陶媽媽道：「累及管家進去稟聲，我是本縣官媒人，名喚陶媽媽，奉衙內小老爹鈞語，分付說咱宅內有位奶奶要嫁人，敬來說親。」那來昭喝道：「你這婆子，好不近理！我家老爹沒了一年有餘，止有兩位奶奶守寡，並不嫁人。常言疾風暴雨，不入寡婦之門。你這媒婆，有要沒緊，走來胡撞甚親事？還不走快著，惹的後邊奶奶知道，一頓好打。」那陶媽媽笑道：「管家哥，常言官差吏差，來人不差。小老爹不使我，我敢來？嫁不嫁，起動進去稟聲，我好回話去。」來昭道：「也罷，與人方便，自己方便，你少待片時，等我進去。兩位奶奶，一位奶奶有哥兒，一位奶奶無哥兒，不知是那一位奶奶要嫁人？」陶媽媽道：「衙內小老爹說，清明那日郊外曾看見來，是面上有幾點白麻子的那位奶奶。」 |
| Upon hearing this, Tao Mama was delighted and ran as fast as flying; she arrived at Xi Menqing's gate within a single day. Lai Zhao was standing at the gate when he saw Tao Mama bowing respectfully and said, "Excuse me, Master Lai, may I ask if this is the household of Old Sir Xi Men?" Lai Zhao asked, "Where are you from?" "Master has already passed away. What business do you have?" Tao Mama said, "Kindly ask the steward to go in and report. I am an official matchmaker from this county, known as Tao Mama. I have been sent by Young Sir Yannei on his orders; he has instructed me that there is a lady in your household who wishes to marry, so I come here to discuss a marriage." Lai Zhao shouted, "You old woman, how unreasonable you are!" "My master has been dead for over a year. There are only two ladies in our household who have become widows, and they do not intend to remarry." As the saying goes, fierce winds and heavy rains never enter a widow's door. "You matchmaker, with no business to attend to, why are you coming here to meddle in marriage matters?" "If you don't leave quickly, the ladies behind will find out and give you a good beating." Tao Mama smiled and said, "Steward, as the saying goes: when officials or clerks send someone, the person is never wrong." "If Young Sir hadn't sent me, would I dare to come?" "Whether they will marry or not, please go in and report it. I need to give a reply." Lai Zhao said, "Very well, helping others is also helping oneself. Wait for a moment while I go in." "One of the two ladies has a son, and one does not. I wonder which lady wishes to remarry?" Tao Mama said, "Young Sir Yannei mentioned that on the Qingming Festival he had seen her outside the suburbs; it was the lady with a few white freckles on her face." | ||
| 5 | 孟玉樓愛... : | 來昭聽了，走到後邊，如此這般告訴月娘說：「縣中使了個官媒人在外面。」倒把月娘吃了一驚，說：「我家並沒半個字兒迸出，外邊人怎得曉的？」來昭道：「曾在郊外，清明那日見來，說臉上有幾個白麻子兒的。」月娘便道：「莫不孟三姐也『臘月里羅卜－－動人心』？忽剌八要往前進嫁人？正是『世間海水知深淺，惟有人心難忖量』」。一面走到玉樓房中坐下，便問：「孟三娘，奴有件事兒來問你，外面有個保山媒人，說是縣中小衙內，清明那日曾見你一面，說你要往前進。端的有此話麼？」看官聽說，當時沒巧不成話，自古姻緣著線牽。那日郊外，孟玉樓看見衙內生的一表人物，風流博浪，兩家年甲多相彷彿，又會走馬拈弓弄箭，彼此兩情四目都有意，已在不言之表。但未知有妻子無妻子，口中不言，心內暗度：「男子漢已死，奴身邊又無所出。雖故大娘有孩兒，到明日長大了，各肉兒各疼。閃的我樹倒無陰，竹籃兒打水。」又見月娘自有了孝哥兒，心腸改變，不似往時，「我不如往前進一步，尋上個葉落歸根之處，還只顧傻傻的守些甚麼？到沒的擔閣了奴的青春年少。」正在思慕之間，不想月娘進來說此話，正是清明郊外看見的那個人，心中又是歡喜，又是羞愧，口裡雖說：「大娘休聽人胡說，奴並沒此話。」不覺把臉來飛紅了，正是： |
| After hearing this, Lai Zhao went to the back and told Yue Niang in such a way: "An official matchmaker has been sent from the county office waiting outside." This startled Yue Niang, who said, "There has been no word from our household at all; how could people outside know about it?" Lai Zhao said, "He had seen her on the Qingming Festival in the suburbs and mentioned that she has a few white freckles." Yue Niang said, "Could it be that Meng Sanjie is also 'a radish in the 12th lunar month—stirring people's hearts'?" Is Hula Ba suddenly eager to move forward and remarry? Indeed, "The depth of the sea in this world can be known, but only human hearts are hard to fathom." She went to Meng Yulou's room, sat down, and asked, "Meng Sanniang, I have a matter to ask you. There is an official matchmaker outside who says he is from the county office; on the Qingming Festival, Young Sir Yannei saw you once and said that you want to move forward." "Is there really such a thing?" Dear audience, please listen. At that time, no coincidence could make a story; since ancient times, love and marriage have been tied by invisible threads. On that day in the suburbs, Meng Yulou saw Yannei was a man of handsome appearance and graceful demeanor. Their ages were quite similar; he also knew how to ride horses and handle bows and arrows. Both had mutual interest, their eyes meeting with unspoken feelings. But she did not know whether he was married or single; though she said nothing, in her heart she mused: "My husband has already died, and I have no children of my own." "Although the eldest lady has a child, when he grows up in the future, each will love their own flesh and blood." "I would be left with no shade under a fallen tree, like trying to draw water with a bamboo basket—everything in vain." Also, seeing that Yue Niang now had Xiao Ge and her heart had changed from before, no longer as it once was, Meng Yulou thought to herself, "I might as well take a step forward and find a place where I can finally return to my roots. What's the point of stubbornly staying here?" "I don't want to waste my youth any longer." While she was still lost in thought, unexpectedly Yue Niang came in and mentioned this matter. It turned out to be the very person they had seen on the Qingming Festival at the suburbs. In her heart, Meng Yulou felt both joy and embarrassment, though she said aloud, "Elder sister, don't listen to people's nonsense; I never said such a thing." Unconsciously, her face turned red. Indeed: | ||
| 含羞對眾休開口，理鬢無言只搵頭。 | ||
| Blushing before the crowd, she dared not speak; adjusting her hair in silence, she only lowered her head. | ||
| 6 | 孟玉樓愛... : | 月娘說：「此是各人心裡事，奴也管不的許多。」一面叫來昭：「你請那保山進來。」來昭門首喚陶媽媽，進到後邊見月娘，行畢了禮數，坐下。小丫鬟倒茶吃了。月娘便問：「保山來，有甚事？」陶媽媽便道：「小媳婦無事不登三寶殿，奉本縣正宅衙內分付，說貴宅上有一位奶奶要嫁人，講說親事。」月娘道：「俺家這位娘子嫁人，又沒曾傳出去，你家衙內怎得知道？」陶媽媽道：「俺家衙內說來，清明那日，在郊外親見這位娘子，生的長挑身材，瓜子麵皮，臉上有稀稀幾個白麻子，便是這位奶奶。」月娘聽了，不消說就是孟三姐了。於是領陶媽媽到玉樓房中明間內坐下。 |
| Yue Niang said, "This is a matter of each person's heart; I cannot manage so many things." She called to Lai Zhao and said, "You go ahead and invite the official matchmaker in." Lai Zhao called Tao Mama at the gate, who then entered to see Yue Niang behind. After performing the proper courtesies, she sat down. A young maid servant served her tea to drink. Yue Niang then asked, "Official matchmaker, what business do you have?" Tao Mama replied, "A poor woman like me would not come to the Three Treasures Hall without a reason. I have been instructed by Young Sir Yannei of this county's main residence that there is a lady at your household who wishes to remarry; thus, I am here to discuss marriage arrangements." Yue Niang asked, "This lady of our household wishes to remarry, but we have not announced it. How did your Young Sir come to know about it?" Tao Mama said, "Our Young Sir says that on the Qingming Festival day, he personally saw this lady in the suburbs. She has a tall and slender figure with an oval-shaped face and a few sparse white freckles; it is none other than this lady." Yue Niang heard this, and without further ado, she knew it was Meng Sannv. She then led Tao Mama to the main room of Meng Yulou's quarters and had her sit down. | ||
| 7 | 孟玉樓愛... : | 等勾多時，玉樓梳洗打扮出來。陶媽媽道了萬福，說道：「就是此位奶奶，果然話不虛傳，人材出眾，蓋世無雙，堪可與俺衙內老爹做個正頭娘子。」玉樓笑道：「媽媽休得亂說。且說你衙內今年多大年紀？原娶過妻小沒有？房中有人也無？姓甚名誰？有官身無官身？從實說來，休要搗謊。」陶媽媽道：「天麼，天麼！小媳婦是本縣官媒，不比外邊媒人快說謊。我有一句說一句，並無虛假。俺知縣老爹年五十多歲，止生了衙內老爹一人，今年屬馬的，三十一歲，正月二十三日辰時建生。見做國子監上舍，不久就是舉人、進士。有滿腹文章，弓馬熟閑，諸子百家，無不通曉。沒有大娘子二年光景，房內止有一個從嫁使女答應，又不出眾。要尋個娘子當家，敬來宅上說此親事。若是咱府上做這門親事，老爹說來，門面差搖，墳塋地土錢糧，一例盡行蠲免，有人欺負，指名說來，拿到縣裡，任意拶打。」玉樓道：「你衙內有兒女沒有？原籍那裡人氏？誠恐一時任滿，千山萬水帶去，奴親都在此處，莫不也要同他去？」陶媽媽道：「俺衙內身邊，兒花女花沒有，好不單徑。原籍是咱北京真定府棗強縣人氏，過了黃河不上六七百裡。他家中田連阡陌，騾馬成群，人丁無數，走馬牌樓，都是撫按明文，聖旨在上，好不赫耀嚇人。如今娶娘子到家，做了正房，過後他得了官，娘子便是五花官誥，坐七香車，為命婦夫人，有何不好？」這孟玉樓被陶媽媽一席話，說得千肯萬肯，一面喚蘭香放桌兒，看茶食點心與保山吃。因說：「保山，你休怪我叮嚀盤問。你這媒人們說謊的極多，奴也吃人哄怕了。」陶媽媽道：「好奶奶，只要一個比一個。清自清，渾自渾，好的帶累了歹的。小媳婦並不搗謊，只依本分做媒。奶奶若肯了，寫個婚帖兒與我，好回小老爹話去。」玉樓取了一條大紅段子，使玳安交鋪子里傅伙計寫了生時八字。吳月娘便說：「你當初原是薛嫂兒說的媒，如今還使小廝叫將薛嫂兒來，兩個同拿了貼兒去，說此親事，才是禮。」不多時，使玳安兒叫了薛嫂兒來，見陶媽媽道了萬福。當行見當行，拿著貼兒出離西門慶家門，往縣中回衙內話去。一個是這裡冰人，一個是那頭保山，兩張口四十八個牙，這一去管取說得月里嫦娥尋配偶，巫山神女嫁襄王。 |
| After waiting for a while, Yulou came out after washing up and dressing up. Tao Mama bowed respectfully and said, "This is the lady in question. Indeed, as they say, you are truly outstanding in appearance, a rare beauty without equal, suitable to be Young Sir's official wife." Yulou smiled and said, "Madam, please do not speak so recklessly. First tell me how old your Young Sir is this year?" Has he ever married before?" Is there anyone in his household already?" What is his surname and name?" Does he have an official position or not?" Speak the truth, don't lie." Tao Mama said, "Heavens! Heavens!" "I am an official matchmaker of this county; I'm not like those outside matchmakers who lie quickly." I speak one sentence for each thing, with no falsehood at all. Our county magistrate, Old Sir Li, is over fifty years old and has only one son, Young Sir. He was born in the Year of the Horse, is thirty-one this year, and was born on the 23rd day of the first lunar month at the Ch'en hour (5-7 AM). He is currently a Shangshe student in the Guozijian, and soon will become an imperial examinee and jinshi (advanced degree holder). He is well-versed in literature, skilled in archery and horsemanship, and has a thorough understanding of the works of all schools of thought. He lost his wife two years ago, and in his household there is only one servant girl who came with her, who is not particularly outstanding. Now he wishes to find a lady to manage the household and has come here to propose this marriage. If your household were to make this marriage, according to what Master said, the family's status would be elevated. The land and taxes for ancestral tombs would all be exempted. If anyone dares to bully you, just name them; they will be taken to the county office and subjected to any punishment deemed fit." Yulou asked, "Does your Young Sir have children or daughters?" "And where is his original family from?" "I am afraid that once he completes his term, we might be taken away across thousands of mountains and rivers. My relatives are all here; will I have to go with him as well?" Tao Mama said, "There are no sons or daughters by Young Sir's side; he is quite alone." His original family is from Zaoqiang Xian, Zhen Ding Fu, Beijing. It's no more than six or seven hundred li across the Yellow River. His family owns vast fields, flocks of mules and horses, countless people, and grand stone archways with equestrian statues. All are officially recorded by the Xunan officials under imperial decree—truly impressive and intimidating. "Now, if you marry a lady into the family and become the principal wife, once he attains an official post, you will receive a five-colored imperial decree, ride in a seven-scented carriage, and be honored as a noblewoman. What is there not to like about that?" Meng Yulou, after hearing Tao Mama's words, was very willing. She immediately called Lanxiang to set the table and served tea, snacks, and delicacies for Baoshan to eat. She then said, "Baoshan, don't be offended by my repeated questions." "Many matchmakers lie a lot, and I've been deceived too many times to trust easily." Tao Mama said, "Dear Madam, just compare one with another." The clear remains clear, the turbid stays turbid; the good ones are dragged down by the bad. "This young bride does not tell lies and only acts as a matchmaker according to her duty." "If Madam agrees, please write me a marriage proposal so I can return it to my old master." Yulou took out a piece of crimson silk and had Dai'an give it to Fu the shop assistant at the store to write down his birth date and horoscope. Wu Yue 娘 said, "Originally the match was made by Xue Gaoer. Now you should still send a young servant to bring Xue Gaoer here; both of them should take the proposal and go together to propose this marriage—it would be proper." Not long after, Dai'an was sent to bring Xue Gao'er over. Upon meeting Tao Mama, Xue Gaoer paid her respects with a deep bow. They then left the house of Master Xi Menqing, passing through the western gate, and went to the county office to report back to Young Sir. One was the matchmaker from this side, and one was the intermediary from that side; two mouths with forty-eight teeth. This time, they were sure to arrange a marriage as perfect as Chang'e finding her partner in the moon or the goddess of Mount Wu marrying King Xiang of Chu. | ||
| 8 | 孟玉樓愛... : | 陶媽媽在路上問薛嫂兒：「你就是這位娘子的原媒？」薛嫂道：「便是。」陶媽媽問他：「原先嫁這裡，根兒是何人家的女兒？嫁這裡是女兒，是再婚？」這薛嫂兒便一五一十，把西門慶當初從楊家娶來的話告訴一遍。因見婚貼兒上寫「女命三十七歲，十一月二十七日子時生」，說：「只怕衙內嫌年紀大些，怎了？他今才三十一歲，倒大六歲。」薛嫂道：「咱拿了這婚貼兒，交個過路的先生，算看年命妨礙不妨礙。若是不對，咱瞞他幾歲兒，也不算說謊。」 |
| Along the way, Tao Mama asked Xue Gaoer, "Are you the original matchmaker for this lady?" Xue Gaoer replied, "That's right." Tao Mama asked him, "Originally when she married here, whose daughter was she?" "Was she a maiden or a widow at the time of her marriage here?" Xue Gaoer then told everything in detail, recounting how Master Xi Menqing had originally taken her from the Yang family. Seeing on the marriage proposal that it was written, "The lady is thirty-seven years old and born at zi shi on the twenty-seventh day of the eleventh month," she said, "I'm afraid Young Sir might think her a bit too old. What should we do?" "He is only thirty-one now; that makes her six years older." Xue Gaoer said, "Let's take this marriage proposal and give it to a passing scholar to calculate whether the birth years are compatible or not." "If they don't match, we can just hide a few years of her age; it wouldn't really be lying." | ||
| 9 | 孟玉樓愛... : | 二人走來，再不見路過響板的先生，只見路南遠遠的一個卦肆，青布帳幔，掛著兩行大字：「子平推貴賤，鐵筆判榮枯；有人來算命，直言不容情。」帳子底下安放一張桌子，裡面坐著個能寫快算靈先生。這兩個媒人向前道了萬福，先生便讓坐下。薛嫂道：「有個女命累先生算一算。」向袖中拿出三分命金來，說：「不當輕視，先生權且收了，路過不曾多帶錢來。」先生道：「請說八字。」陶媽媽遞與他婚帖看，上面有八字生日年紀，先生道：「此是合婚。」一百捏指尋紋，把算子搖了一搖，開言說道：「這位女命今年三十七歲了，十一月廿七日子時生。甲子月，辛卯日，庚子時，理取印綬之格。女命逆行，見在丙申運中。丙合辛生，往後大有威權，執掌正堂夫人之命。四柱中雖夫星多，然是財命，益夫發福，受夫寵愛，這兩年定見妨克，見過了不曾？」薛嫂道：「已克過兩位夫主了。」先生道：「若見過，後來好了。」薛嫂兒道：「他往後有子沒有？」先生道：「子早哩。直到四十一歲才有一子送老。一生好造化，富貴榮華無比。」取筆批下命詞四句道： |
| As the two walked along, they did not see any passing scholars with a wooden clapper. Far to the south on the road, however, there was a fortune-telling shop with blue cloth curtains and two large lines of characters hanging above it: "Zi Ping determines honor or disgrace; an iron pen judges prosperity or decline;" "Anyone who comes to have their fortune told will receive the truth, without any mercy." Under the canopy was a table, and seated inside was a quick-witted scholar skilled in writing and calculating fortunes. The two matchmakers approached and paid their respects; the scholar then invited them to sit down. Xue Gaoer said, "We have a woman's horoscope we'd like you to calculate for us." She took out three portions of money from her sleeve and said, "Please don't take it lightly. Kindly accept this for now; I didn't bring much money along." The scholar said, "Please state the eight characters of the horoscope." Tao Mama handed him the marriage proposal to look at. It had on it her birth date, age, and other details. The scholar said, "This is a compatible match." He quickly counted with his fingers, shook the counting rods a bit, and said, "This lady is now thirty-seven years old, born at zi shi on November 27th." "Jiazi month, Xinmao day, Gengzi hour—this is a pattern of authority and honor." "For women's horoscopes, the calculation goes in reverse; she is currently in the Bingshen period of her life." "Bing complements Xin and brings prosperity. In the future, she will hold great authority and is destined to be a lady of the main hall." "Although there are many husband stars in her four pillars, they represent wealth and fortune. She will benefit her husband and receive his affection; however, these two years must have been marked by obstacles or conflicts—have you experienced them already?" Xue Gaoer said: "She has already lost two husbands." The scholar said, "If the obstacles have passed, things will improve later on." Xue Gaoer asked, "Will she have children in the future?" The scholar said, "She will have a son soon." "But not until she is forty-one will she give birth to one son who will support her in old age." "She has a life of great fortune, with unmatched wealth and honor." He took up his brush and wrote four lines of commentary: | ||
| 嬌姿不失江梅態，三揭紅羅兩畫眉。會看馬首升騰日，脫卻寅皮任意移。 | ||
| Her graceful beauty remains like the plum blossoms by the river; three layers of red silk, two strokes of painted eyebrows. Those who can read the signs will see her rising with the horse's head; once she sheds the skin of the tiger, she may move freely as she pleases. | ||
| 10 | 孟玉樓愛... : | 薛嫂問道：「先生，如何是『會看馬首升騰日，脫卻寅皮任意移』？這兩句俺每不懂，起動先生講說講說。」先生道：「馬首者，這位娘子如今嫁個屬馬的夫主，才是貴星，享受榮華。寅皮是克過的夫主，是屬虎的，雖是寵愛，只是偏房。往後一路功名，直到六十八歲，有一子，壽終，夫妻偕老。」兩個媒人說道：「如今嫁的倒果是個屬馬的，只怕大了好幾歲，配不來。求先生改少兩歲才好。」先生道：「既要改，就改做丁卯三十四歲罷。」薛嫂道：「三十四歲，與屬馬的也合的著麼？」先生道：「丁火庚金，火逢金煉，定成大器，正合得著。」當下改做三十四歲。 |
| Xue Gaoer asked: "Master, what does it mean by 'Those who can read the signs see her rising with the horse's head; once she sheds the tiger's skin, she may move freely'?" We don't understand these two lines. Please kindly explain them to us." The scholar said, "By 'horse's head,' it means that this lady is now married to a husband who belongs to the Horse zodiac sign; only then will she be under an auspicious star and enjoy honor and wealth." "The 'tiger's skin' refers to the previous husband who was a Tiger in zodiac, whom she has outlived. Although he loved her, he was only a concubine's husband." "In the future, all will go smoothly in terms of status and fortune. Until she is eighty-six years old, she will have one son; then both husband and wife will grow old together." The two matchmakers said, "Now she is marrying a man who is indeed a Horse in zodiac. But he might be several years older than her; perhaps they are not well matched." "We would like you to reduce his age by two years for the horoscope to match better." The scholar said, "If a change is needed, then let's make it Dingmao, thirty-four years old." Xue Gaoer asked: "At thirty-four and a Horse zodiac sign, would that still be compatible?" The scholar said, "Ding fire with Geng metal—fire refined by metal will surely become a great talent. This is perfectly compatible." At that moment, they changed it to thirty-four years of age. | ||
| 11 | 孟玉樓愛... : | 兩個拜辭了先生，出離卦肆，徑到縣中。門子報入，衙內便喚進陶、薛二媒人，旋磕了頭。衙內便問：「那個婦人是那裡的？」陶媽媽道：「是那邊媒人。」因把親事說成，告訴一遍，說：「娘子人才無比的好，只爭年紀大些。小媳婦不敢擅便，隨衙內老爹尊意，討了個婚貼在此。」於是遞上去。李衙內看了，上寫著「三十四歲，十一月廿七日子時生」，說道：「就大三兩歲，也罷。」薛嫂兒插口道：「老爹見的是，自古道，妻大兩，黃金長；妻大三，黃金山。這位娘子人材出眾，性格溫柔，諸子百家，當家理紀，自不必說。」衙內道：「我已見過，不必再相。只擇吉日良時，行茶禮過去就是了。」兩個媒人稟說：「小媳婦幾時來伺候？」衙內道：「事不遲稽遲，你兩個明日來討話，往他家說。」每個賞了一兩銀子，做腳步錢。兩個媒人歡喜出門，不在話下。 |
| The two matchmakers bowed and took their leave from the scholar, left the fortune-telling shop, and went straight to the county office. The gatekeeper reported their arrival, and Young Sir immediately summoned Tao Mama and Xue Gaoer the two matchmakers in. They kowtowed as they entered. Young Sir then asked, "Which woman is from where?" Tao Mama replied, "She's the matchmaker on that side." She then explained how the marriage was arranged and told him, "The lady is of extraordinary beauty and talent. The only issue is that she's a bit older." "The young bride did not dare to decide on her own and followed Young Sir's father's wishes. Here is the marriage proposal." She then handed it up. Li Young Sir looked at the proposal, which stated "thirty-four years old, born on zi shi of November 27," and said, "Even if she is three or four years older, it's fine." Xue Gaoer interjected and said, "Master is right. As the old saying goes: 'If a wife is two years older than her husband, it brings golden fortune;'" "Three years older, and it becomes a mountain of gold." "This lady is outstanding in appearance and gentle in character. Her knowledge of the classics and her ability to manage a household are beyond question." Young Sir said, "I have already seen her; there is no need for another meeting. "Just choose a favorable day and auspicious hour, and proceed with the tea ceremony as arranged." The two matchmakers asked respectfully, "When will the young bride come to serve?" Young Sir said, "There's no need for further delay. The two of you may return tomorrow with the news and go to her family to speak." Each was given one tael of silver as a travel allowance. The two matchmakers happily left the house, and there is no need to go into further details about them. | ||
| 12 | 孟玉樓愛... : | 這李衙內見親事已成，喜不自勝，即喚廊吏何不韋來商議，對父親李知縣說了。令陰陽生擇定四月初八日行禮，十五日準娶婦人過門。就兌出銀子來，委託何不韋、小張閑買辦茶紅酒禮，不必細說。兩個媒人次日討了日期，往西門慶家回月娘、玉樓話。正是： |
| Young Sir Li, seeing that the marriage had been arranged, was overjoyed. He immediately summoned his clerk He Buwei to discuss it and informed his father, County Magistrate Li. He ordered the diviner to select April 8th for the ceremony and set the fifteenth day as the official wedding date when the bride would be brought into the household. He immediately took out silver and entrusted He Buwei and Xiao Zhang to purchase the tea, red gifts, wine, and other wedding items. There is no need to elaborate further. The next day, the two matchmakers returned with the set dates to Master Xi Menqing's home to inform Wu Yue 娘 and Meng Yulou. It was indeed: | ||
| 姻緣本是前生定，曾向藍田種玉來。 | ||
| Fate and marriage are predestined from a past life; they were once planted as jade in Lantian. | ||
| 13 | 孟玉樓愛... : | 四月初八日，縣中備辦十六盤羹果茶餅，一副金絲冠兒，一副金頭面，一條瑪瑙帶，一副丁當七事，金鐲銀釧之類，兩件大紅宮錦袍兒，四套妝花衣服，三十兩禮錢，其餘布絹綿花，共約二十餘抬。兩個媒人跟隨，廊吏何不韋押擔，到西門慶家下了茶。 |
| On the eighth day of the fourth month, the county prepared sixteen trays of soup, fruits, tea, and cakes; one set of a golden silk headdress; one set of gold hair ornaments; a string of jade belt; seven pieces of jingling jewelry; gold bangles and silver bracelets; two sets of crimson palace brocade robes; four sets of embroidered clothes; thirty taels of gift money. In addition, there were bolts of cloth, silk, and cotton, totaling about twenty sedan chairs worth. The two matchmakers accompanied the procession, while clerk He Buwei supervised the carrying of gifts to Master Xi Menqing's home and delivered the tea. | ||
| 14 | 孟玉樓愛... : | 十五日，縣中撥了許多快手閑漢來，搬抬孟玉樓床帳嫁妝箱籠。月娘看著，但是他房中之物，盡數都交他帶去。原舊西門慶在日，把他一張八步彩漆床陪了大姐，月娘就把潘金蓮房中那張螺鈿床陪了他。玉樓交蘭香跟他過去，留下小鸞與月娘看哥兒。月娘不肯，說：「你房中丫頭，我怎好留下你的？左右哥兒有中秋兒、繡春和奶子，也勾了。」玉樓止留下一對銀回回壺與哥兒耍子，做一念兒，其餘都帶過去了。到晚夕，一頂四人大轎，四對紅紗燈籠，八個皂隸跟隨來娶。玉樓戴著金梁冠兒，插著滿頭珠翠、胡珠子，身穿大紅通袖袍兒，先辭拜西門慶靈位，然後拜月娘。月娘說道：「孟三姐，你好狠也！你去了，撇的奴孤另另獨自一個，和誰做伴兒？」兩個攜手哭了一回。然後家中大小都送出大門。媒人替他帶上紅羅銷金蓋袱，抱著金寶瓶，月娘守寡出不的門，請大姨送親，送到知縣衙里來。滿街上人看見說：「此是西門大官人第三娘子，嫁了知縣相公兒子衙內，今日吉日良時娶過門。」也有說好的，也有說歹的。說好者，當初西門大官人怎的為人做人，今日死了，止是他大娘子守寡正大，有兒子，房中攪不過這許多人來，都交各人前進，甚有張主。有那說歹的，街談巷議，指戳說道：「西門慶家小老婆，如今也嫁人了。當初這廝在日，專一違天害理，貪財好色，姦騙人家妻女。今日死了，老婆帶的東西，嫁人的嫁人，拐帶的拐帶，養漢的養漢，做賊的做賊，都野雞毛兒零撏了。常言三十年遠報，而今眼下就報了。」旁人紛紛議論不題。 |
| On the fifteenth, many quick-handed laborers were dispatched from the county to carry Meng Yulou's beds, curtains, wedding furnishings, and trunks. Wu Yue 娘 watched as everything in his room was handed over for him to take with him. Originally, when Master Xi Menqing was still alive, he had given one eight-step lacquered bed to his eldest daughter. Now Wu Yue 娘 gave him the mother-of-pearl inlaid bed from Pan Jinlian's former room as a dowry. Yulou sent Lanxiang to go with him, and left Xiaoluan with Wu Yue 娘 to look after the boy. Wu Yue 娘 refused, saying, "How could I possibly keep your maid from your room?" "There are already Zhongqiu, Xiu Chun, and the wet nurse to take care of the boy; that's more than enough." Yulou only left behind a pair of silver Persian water pots for the boy to play with as a keepsake, and took everything else with her. That evening, a four-person sedan chair arrived along with four pairs of red silk lanterns and eight black-clad attendants to escort her. Yulou wore a golden beam headdress, her head adorned with pearls and jewels as well as strings of foreign beads. She was dressed in a crimson long-sleeved robe and first paid respects to the spirit tablet of Master Xi Menqing before bowing to Wu Yue 娘. Wu Yue 娘 said, "Meng Sanjie, how cruel you are!" "Now that you're leaving, you've left me all alone. Who will keep me company?" The two held hands and wept for a while. Then, the entire household, young and old, saw her out through the main gate. The matchmakers placed a red silk embroidered cover over her head, and she was carrying the golden treasure vase. Wu Yue 娘, still in mourning, could not leave the house to see her off personally; instead, she asked her elder sister-in-law to accompany Yulou as the bride's escort, who then sent her all the way to the magistrate's yamen. People on the street saw this and said, "This is the third wife of Master Xi Men Daiguanren, who has now married the magistrate's son. Today is a propitious day for her to be wed into his family." Some people commented favorably, while others spoke ill of it. Those who spoke well of it said that in the past, Master Xi Men Daiguan was a man of such character and conduct; now that he had died, only his first wife remained as a widow, properly observing mourning. Since she had a son, her household could not manage so many people in one room, so each person was allowed to move forward with their own prospects—this was well-organized. Those who spoke ill of it, however, gossiped in the streets and alleys, pointing fingers and saying, "Even the concubines from Master Xi Menqing's household are now getting married." "In his lifetime, this man violated heavenly principles and harmed others for profit. He was greedy for wealth and lustful, committing adultery and deceiving other men's wives and daughters." "Now that he is dead, his wives have taken their belongings and married others; those who were abducted have gone with their abductors; those who had affairs are still having them; thieves continue to steal. It's like a hen's feathers—scattered and picked apart." "As the old saying goes, retribution may come in thirty years—but now it has arrived right before our eyes." The people around them continued to chatter and comment; no more need be said. | ||
| 15 | 孟玉樓愛... : | 且說孟大姨送親到縣衙內，鋪陳床帳停當，留坐酒席來家。李衙內賞薛嫂兒、陶媽媽每人五兩銀子，一段花紅利市，打發出門。至晚，兩個成親，極盡魚水之歡，於飛之樂。到次日，吳月娘送茶完飯。楊姑娘已死，孟大妗子、二妗子、孟大姨都送茶到縣中。衙內這邊下回書，請眾親戚女眷做三日，扎彩山，吃筵席。都是三院樂人妓女，動鼓樂扮演戲文。吳月娘那日亦滿頭珠翠，身穿大紅通袖袍兒，百花裙，系蒙金帶，坐大轎來衙中，進入後邊院落，靜俏俏無個人接應。想起當初，有西門慶在日，姊妹們那樣鬧熱，往人家赴席來家，都來相見說話，一條板凳坐不了，如今並無一個兒了。一面撲著西門慶靈床兒，不覺一陣傷心，放聲大哭。哭了一回，被丫鬟小玉勸止。正是： |
| Meanwhile, Meng Daji delivered the bride to the magistrate's yamen, where beds and curtains were arranged properly. A banquet was prepared for them to stay and drink. Li Yainai gave Xue Souni and Tao Mama each five taels of silver, along with a piece of colorful silk as a gift for good fortune, and sent them out the door. That evening, the two were married, enjoying to the fullest their blissful union, like a pair of swallows in harmonious flight. The next day, Wu Yue 娘 sent tea and finished her meal. Yang Gu niang had already died; Meng Dajinzi, Erjinzi, and Meng Daji all sent tea to the county. On this side of the magistrate's household, they issued formal invitations and hosted a three-day celebration for all relatives and female guests, with decorated mountain displays and banquets. All were courtesans and performers from the Three Quarters, playing music, beating drums, and performing plays. On that day, Wu Yue 娘 was also adorned with pearls and jewels on her head, wearing a crimson long-sleeve robe, a floral-patterned skirt, and fastening it with a golden sash. She arrived in a large sedan chair to the magistrate's yamen and entered the back courtyard, only to find no one there to greet or attend her—quiet and deserted. Thinking back, when Master Xi Menqing had still been alive, her sisters and relatives used to be so lively. When they went out for banquets or came home, everyone would come together to visit and chat, and there was never enough room on a single bench. Now, not even one person remained. As she pressed her face against Master Xi Menqing's spirit bed, a wave of sorrow overwhelmed her and she burst into loud weeping. After crying for a while, she was comforted and calmed by the maid Xiaoyu. It is said: | ||
| 平生心事無人識，只有穿窗皓月知。 | ||
| In life, no one knows the heart's deepest concerns; only the bright moon shining through the window understands. | ||
| 16 | 孟玉樓愛... : | 這裡月娘憂悶不題。卻說李衙內和玉樓兩個，女貌郎才，如魚如水，正合著油瓶蓋。每日燕爾新婚，在房中廝守，一步不離。端詳玉樓容貌，越看越愛。又見帶了兩個從嫁丫鬟，一個蘭香，年十八歲，會彈唱；一個小鸞，年十五歲，俱有顏色。心中歡喜沒入腳處。有詩為證： |
| Here, Wu Yue 娘 remained in sorrow and melancholy—no more need be said of it. Meanwhile, the magistrate's son Li Yainai and Meng Yulou were a match made in heaven—she was beautiful, he was talented; they were as inseparable as fish and water, perfectly fitting like an oil bottle and its lid. Every day, newlyweds in blissful union, they stayed together in the room, never parting for a single step. Looking closely at Yulou's appearance, he found her more and more beautiful with each glance. He also saw that she had brought two attendants as part of her dowry: one was Lanxiang, eighteen years old and skilled in playing instruments and singing; the other was Xiaoluan, fifteen years old, both of them beautiful. He was overjoyed and could hardly contain his excitement. There is a poem to attest: | ||
| 堪誇女貌與郎才，天合姻緣禮所該。十二巫山雲雨會，兩情願保百年偕。 | ||
| It is worthy of praise, this beauty and talent in harmony— A celestial match, as the rites have decreed. Their love, like the twelve clouds of Wushan, united in passion, Both hearts vowing to remain together for a hundred years. | ||
| 17 | 孟玉樓愛... : | 原來衙內房中，先頭娘子丟了一個大丫頭，約三十年紀，名喚玉簪兒。專一搽胭抹粉，作怪成精。頭上打著盤頭揸髻，用手貼苫蓋，周圍勒銷金箍兒，假充作（髟狄）髻，身上穿一套怪綠喬紅的裙襖，腳上穿著雙撥船樣四個眼的剪絨鞋，約長尺二。在人根前，輕身浪顙，做勢拿班。衙內未娶玉樓時，他便逐日頓羹頓飯，殷勤伏侍，不說強說，不笑強笑，何等精神。自從娶過玉樓來，見衙內和他如膠似漆，把他不去揪採，這丫頭就使性兒起來。一日，衙內在書房中看書，這玉簪兒在廚下頓了一盞好果仁炮茶，雙手用盤兒托來書房裡，笑嘻嘻掀開簾兒，送與衙內。不想衙內看了一回書，搭伏定書桌就睡著了。這玉簪兒叫道：「爹，誰似奴疼你，頓了這盞好茶兒與你吃。你家那新娶的娘子，還在被窩裡睡得好覺兒，怎不交他那小大姐送盞茶來與你吃？」因見衙內打盹，在眼前只顧叫不應，說道：「老花子，你黑夜做夜作使乏了也怎的？大白日里盹磕睡，起來吃茶！」叫衙內醒了，看見是他，喝道：「怪磣奴才！把茶放下，與我過一邊去。」這玉簪兒滿臉羞紅，使性子把茶丟在桌上，出來說道：「好不識人敬重！奴好意用心，大清早辰送盞茶兒來你吃，倒吆喝我起來。常言：『醜是家中寶，可喜惹煩惱』。我醜，你當初瞎了眼，誰交你要我來？」被衙內聽見，趕上尺力踢了兩靴腳。這玉簪兒登時把那付奴臉膀的有房梁高，也不搽臉了，也不頓茶了。趕著玉樓，也不叫娘，只你也我也，無人處，一屁股就在玉樓床上坐下。玉樓亦不去理他。他背地又壓伏蘭香、小鸞說：「你休趕著我叫姐，只叫姨娘。我與你娘系大小之分。」又說：「你只背地叫罷，休對著你爹叫。你每日跟隨我行，用心做活，你若不聽我說，老娘拿煤鍬子請你。」後來幾次見衙內不理他，他就撒懶起來，睡到日頭半天還不起來，飯兒也不做，地兒也不掃。玉樓分付蘭香、小鸞：「你休靠玉簪兒了，你二人自去廚下做飯，打發你爹吃罷。」這玉簪又氣不憤，使性謗氣，牽家打夥，在廚房內打小鸞，罵蘭香：「賊小奴才，小淫婦兒！碓磨也有個先來後到，先有你娘來，先有我來？都是你娘兒們佔了罷，不獻這個勤兒也罷了！當原先俺死的那個娘也沒曾失口叫我聲玉簪兒，你進門幾日，就題名道姓叫我。我是你手裡使的人也怎的？你未來時，我和俺爹同床共枕，那一日不睡到齋時才起來。和我兩個如糖拌蜜，如蜜攪酥油一般打熱。房中事，那些兒不打我手裡過。自從你來了，把我蜜罐兒也打碎了，把我姻緣也拆散開了，一攆攆到我明間，冷清清支板凳打官鋪，再不得嘗著俺爹那件東西兒如今甚麼滋味了。我這氣苦也沒處聲訴。你當初在西門慶家，也曾做第三個小老婆來，你小名兒叫玉樓，敢說老娘不知道？你來在俺家，你識我見，大家膿著些罷了。會那等喬張致，呼張喚李，誰是你買到的？屬你管轄？」不知玉樓在房聽見，氣的發昏，又不好聲言對衙內說。 |
| Originally, the magistrate's son had previously lost his first wife, who left behind a big maid about thirty years old named Yuzaner. She was especially fond of applying rouge and powder, and became notorious for her mischief and scheming. She wore her hair in a coiled-up bun, using false pieces to cover it up, and fastened with an embroidered hairband around the head, pretending it was a （髟狄） bun. On her body she wore a strange combination of green and red skirts and jackets, and on her feet were a pair of four-eyed cut velvet shoes in the style of boat-paddling slippers, about one chi two cun long. In front of others, she acted flirtatiously and presumptuously, pretending to be important. Before the magistrate's son married Yulou, she had been serving him with soup and meals every day, being overly attentive. She would pretend to be serious when not, and force a smile when none was needed—how energetic and persistent she had been! Ever since the magistrate's son married Meng Yulou and became as inseparable from her as glue to pitch, ignoring this maid entirely, she began to throw tantrums. One day, while the magistrate's son was reading in his study, Yuzaner prepared a cup of fine nut tea with care and carried it on a tray into the study. Smiling cheerfully, she pushed aside the curtain to present it to him. Unbeknownst to her, after reading for a while, the magistrate's son leaned over his desk and fell asleep. Yuzaner called out, "Father, who else would care for you as I do? I made this fine tea just for you to drink." "Your newlywed wife is still sleeping comfortably in bed—why doesn't her little sister bring you a cup of tea to drink?" Seeing that the magistrate's son was dozing, and not getting a response despite her shouting in front of him, she said, "Old beggar, did you work so hard at night that you're exhausted?" "It's broad daylight and you're dozing off—get up and drink your tea!" The magistrate's son woke up, saw it was her, and scolded, "You wretched servant!" "Put the tea down and go over there by yourself." Yuzaner turned red in the face with embarrassment. In a huff, she threw the tea onto the table and stormed out, saying, "How ungrateful and disrespectful!" "I was being thoughtful and kind, bringing you a cup of tea early in the morning, yet you shout at me to get up." "As the old saying goes: 'Ugliness is a treasure of the home, but it brings nothing but trouble.'" "I am ugly. You must have been blind when you chose me—why did anyone make you take me in?" The magistrate's son overheard this and rushed up, kicking her twice with his boots. At once, Yuzaner flung herself onto the floor as if reaching up to the beam of the house. From then on, she no longer bothered with her face or making tea. She chased after Yulou, calling her not by the respectful term "mother," but simply "you and me." In private, she would plop down on Meng Yulou's bed without ceremony. Yulou also ignored her. Behind the scenes, she also pressured Lanxiang and Xiaoluan to say, "Don't call me 'sister' anymore; you must address me as Auntie." "There is a distinction of seniority between me and your mistress." She also said, "You may call me that in private, but don't dare to address me so when your father is present." "You must follow me around every day and do your work carefully. If you don't listen to me, I'll get a coal shovel and teach you a lesson." Later, after seeing several times that the magistrate's son ignored her, she became lazy and would not get up until midday. She neither cooked meals nor swept the floor. Yulou instructed Lanxiang and Xiaoluan, "Don't rely on Yuzaner anymore. The two of you go to the kitchen and prepare meals for your father yourselves." Yuzaner, filled with resentment and anger, began to act out in a fit of pique. She stirred up trouble at home, went into the kitchen, beat Xiaoluan, and scolded Lanxiang: "You thief, you little servant! You little harlot!" "Even a pestle has an order of who came first—was it your mistress or me?" "It's all because you and your mistress took over everything. If you're not going to be diligent, then don't pretend to care at all!" "When my previous mistress was still alive, she never once called me by name 'Yuzaner.' You've only been in the house for a few days and already you address me directly by name." "Do I belong to your hands now?" "Before you came, my father and I shared the same bed. We used to sleep until noon every day." The two of us were as sweet together as sugar mixed with honey, or honey blended into clarified butter. Everything in the household passed through my hands. Since you came, you shattered my honey jar and tore apart our bond. You pushed me out of the inner quarters into the main hall, where I sit alone on a cold bench in an empty room. I can no longer taste even one thing from my father's affection—how bitter it is now! My bitterness and anger have nowhere to be vented. "You used to be the third concubine in Master Xi Menqing's house. Your nickname is Yulou—dare I say your old mother doesn't know?" "Now that you've come to my home, we both recognize each other. Let's just put up with each other and get along." "Acting so pretentious, calling this person Zhang or that one Li—who did you buy to serve you?" "Are they under your authority?" Unaware that Yulou had heard everything in her room, she was furious but dared not speak out to the magistrate's son. | ||
| 18 | 孟玉樓愛... : | 一日熱天，也是合當有事。晚夕衙內分付他廚下熱水，拿浴盆來房中，要和玉樓洗澡。玉樓便說：「你交蘭香熱水罷，休要使他。」衙內不從，說道：「我偏使他，休要慣了這奴才。」玉簪兒見衙內要水，和婦人共浴蘭湯，效魚水之歡，心中正沒好氣，拿浴盆進房，往地下只一墩，用大鍋澆上一鍋滾水，只中喃喃吶吶說道：「也沒見這娘淫婦，刁鑽古怪，禁害老娘！無故也只是個浪精屄，沒三日不拿水洗。像我與俺主子睡，成月也不見點水兒，也不見展污了甚麼佛眼兒。偏這淫婦會，兩番三次刁蹬老娘。」直罵出房門來。玉樓聽見，也不言語。衙內聽了此言，心中大怒，澡也洗不成，精脊樑趿著鞋，向床頭取拐子，就要走出來。婦人攔阻住，說道：「隨他罵罷，你好惹氣。只怕熱身子出去，風試著你，倒值了多的。」衙內那裡按納得住，說道：「你休管。這奴才無禮！」向前一把手採住他頭髮，拖踏在地下，輪起拐子，雨點打將下來。饒玉樓在旁勸著，也打了二三十下在身。打的這丫頭急了，跪在地下告說：「爹，你休打我，我想爹也看不上我在家裡了，情願賣了我罷。」衙內聽了，亦發惱怒起來，又狠了幾下。玉樓勸道：「他既要出去，你不消打，倒沒得氣了你。」衙內隨令伴當即時叫將陶媽媽來，把玉簪兒領出去，便賣銀子來交，不在話下。正是：蚊蟲遭扇打，只為嘴傷人。有詩為證： |
| One hot day, it so happened that something was destined to occur. In the evening, the magistrate's son ordered her to bring hot water from the kitchen and a bathtub into his room so that he could bathe with Yulou. Yulou said, "Have Lanxiang bring the hot water instead; don't use her." The magistrate's son refused and said, "I insist on using her. I won't let this servant get used to being spoiled." Yuzaner, seeing that the magistrate's son wanted water for a bath with his wife and would enjoy their intimate time together, was already in a foul mood. She carried the bathtub into the room and slammed it onto the ground. Then she poured a whole pot of boiling water from a large kettle, muttering to herself as she said, "I've never seen such an unfaithful woman—so cunning and strange, causing trouble for her poor old mother!" "She's nothing but a lustful wench, always needing to be washed clean every three days." "When I sleep with my master, we go for whole months without even a drop of water—nobody ever sees me stain anyone's sacred eyes." "It's this unfaithful wench who keeps provoking her poor old mother again and again!" She cursed all the way out of the room. Yulou heard this but said nothing. The magistrate's son, upon hearing these words, became very angry. He couldn't even finish his bath and, with his back bent and shoes on the wrong feet, he grabbed a cane from by the bed and was about to go out. His wife stopped him and said, "Let her curse if she wants; it's not worth getting angry over." She added, "I'm just afraid that if you go out with your body still hot, the wind might catch you and cause more trouble." The magistrate's son could not contain himself any longer and said, "Don't interfere with me." "This wretched servant is being disrespectful!" He rushed forward, grabbed her by the hair, dragged her to the ground, and began beating her with his cane, striking as heavily as falling raindrops. Even though Yulou tried to intervene and plead for mercy, she still received two or three dozen blows on her body. The girl, now in a panic from the beating, fell to her knees and pleaded, "Father, please don't hit me anymore. I think you must not want me around the house any longer; just sell me off if that's what you wish." Upon hearing this, the magistrate's son became even more furious and beat her a few more times with greater force. Yulou tried to persuade him, saying, "Since she wants to leave anyway, you don't need to beat her. It's better not to let it anger you." The magistrate's son immediately ordered a servant to summon Old Madam Tao and have Yuzaner taken out. He would sell her off for silver, which is no longer worth mentioning here. Indeed: A mosquito gets swatted by a fan—only because its words have hurt people. There is a poem to confirm this: | ||
| 百禽啼後人皆喜，惟有鴉鳴事若何。見者多言聞者唾，只為人前口嘴多。 | ||
| After the cries of a hundred birds, people are all delighted; But when crows cry out, what will happen then? Those who see it often speak ill, and those who hear it spit in disgust— It's all because of too many words spoken before others. |
URN: ctp:jinpingmei/ch91