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《玳安兒竊玉成婚 吳典恩負心被辱 - Dai'Aner Steals Jade to Marry Wu Dianen's Disloyalty Leads to Humiliation》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 玳安兒竊... : | 詩曰： |
| The poem says: | ||
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寺廢僧居少，橋灘客過稀。家貧奴負主，官懦吏相欺。 水淺魚難住，林稀鳥不棲。人情皆若此，徒堪悲復凄。 | ||
| The temple is in ruins and few monks dwell there; the bridge and rapids see few travelers passing through. A poor household sees slaves burden their master; an ineffectual official is bullied by his clerks. The water is shallow and fish find it hard to stay; the forest is sparse and birds do not roost there. Human relationships are all like this, merely evoking sorrow and melancholy. | ||
| 2 | 玳安兒竊... : | 話說孫雪娥在灑家店為娼，不題。卻說吳月娘，自從大姐死了，告了陳敬濟一狀，大家人來昭也死了，他妻子一丈青帶著小鐵棍兒，也嫁人去了。來興兒看守門戶，房中繡春，與了王姑子做徒弟，出家去了。那來興兒自從他媳婦惠秀死了，一向沒有妻室。奶子如意兒，要便引著孝哥兒在他屋裡頑耍，吃東西。來興兒又打酒和奶子吃，兩個嘲勾來去，就刮剌上了，非止一日。但來前邊，歸入後邊就臉紅。月娘察知其事，罵了一頓。家醜不可外揚，與了他一套衣裳，四根簪子，揀了個好日子，就與來興兒完房，做了媳婦了。白日上竈看哥兒，後邊扶持，到夜間往前邊他屋裡睡去。 |
| It is said that Sun Xue'e was a prostitute in Sa Jiadian; no more will be mentioned about this. Meanwhile, Wu Yue 娘, since the death of her eldest daughter, had filed a lawsuit against Chen Jingji. Everyone else in the household also passed away; Lady Lai Zhaorao was dead as well, and her wife Yizhangqing, along with Xiao Tieguner, had remarried to another man. Lai Xing'er was in charge of guarding the household; the embroidered spring pictures in the room were given to Madam Wang, who took them as a disciple and became a nun. Since his wife Huixiu had died, Lai Xing'er had remained unmarried for some time. The nursemaid Ru Yiye often took Xiaogeo to play and eat in his room. Lai Xing'er also bought wine for the nursemaid to drink, and the two began to flirt with each other, going back and forth, eventually becoming intimate. This had been happening for more than one day. Whenever he came in front, upon returning to the rear he would blush. Madam Yue 娘 discovered what was happening and scolded him severely. Since family disgrace should not be spread outside, she gave her a set of clothes and four hairpins. Choosing a good day, she married Ru Yiye to Lai Xing'er, making her his wife. By day she cooked and looked after the boy; in the rear of the house she supported things, but at night she went to sleep in his room in front. | ||
| 3 | 玳安兒竊... : | 一日，八月十五日，月娘生日。有吳大妗、二妗子，並三個姑子，都來與月娘做生日，在後邊堂屋裡吃酒。晚夕，都在孟玉樓住的廂房內聽宣捲。到二更時分，中秋兒便在後邊竈上看茶，由著月娘叫，都不應。月娘親自走到上房裡，只見玳安兒正按著小玉在炕上幹得好。看見月娘推門進來，慌的湊手腳不迭。月娘便一聲兒也沒言語，只說得一聲：「臭肉兒，不在後邊看茶去，且在這裡做甚麼哩。」那小玉道：「我叫中秋兒竈上頓茶哩。」低著頭，往後邊去了。玳安便走出儀門，往前邊來。 |
| One day, on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, it was Madam Yue 娘's birthday. Madam Wu Dajin and Erjinzi, along with three nuns, all came to celebrate Madam Yue 娘's birthday, drinking wine in the hall at the rear of the house. In the evening, they were all gathered in the side room where Meng Yulou lived to listen to a religious recital. By the second watch of the night, Ru Yiye was in the kitchen at the rear making tea and did not respond when Madam Yue 娘 called. Madam Yue 娘 personally went to the main room, where she saw Dai Aner holding Xiao Yu down on the kang and engaging in intimate acts. Seeing Madam Yue 娘 push open the door and enter, they were so startled that they could not gather their wits or move properly. Madam Yue 娘 said nothing at all, but only uttered a single remark: "You stinking piece of meat! Why aren't you making tea in the back? What are you doing here?" Xiao Yu said, "I asked Ru Yiye to make a pot of tea on the stove." With her head bowed, she went toward the back. Dai Aner then walked out through the ceremonial gate and headed to the front of the house. | ||
| 4 | 玳安兒竊... : | 過了兩日，大妗子、二妗子，三個女僧都家去了。這月娘把來興兒房騰出收拾了，與玳安住。卻教來興兒搬到來昭屋裡，看守大門去了。替玳安做了兩床鋪蓋，一身裝新衣服，盔了一頂新網新帽，做了雙新靴襪；又替小玉編了一頂（髟秋）髻，與了他幾件金銀首飾，四根金頭銀腳簪，環墜戒指之類，兩套段絹衣服，擇日就配與玳安兒做了媳婦。白日里還進來在房中答應，只晚夕臨關儀門時便出去和玳安歇去。這丫頭揀好東好西，甚麼不拿出來和玳安吃？這月娘當看見只推不看見。常言道：「溺愛者不明，貪得者無厭」，「羊酒不均，駟馬奔鎮」，「處家不正，奴婢抱怨」。 |
| After two days, Madam Dajinzi, Erjinzi, and the three nuns all returned to their homes. Madam Yue 娘 cleared out and tidied up Lai Xinger's room, giving it to Dai Aner to live in. She instructed Lai Xing'er to move into Lai Zhao's house and take charge of guarding the main gate. She made two sets of bedding for Dai Aner, a set of new clothes, had him fitted with a new net and cap, and also made a pair of new boots and socks; She also braided a (biaoqiu) bun for Xiao Yu, gave her several pieces of gold and silver jewelry, four hairpins with golden tops and silver bottoms, earrings, rings, and the like, as well as two sets of silk clothes. On an auspicious day, she arranged for Xiao Yu to marry Dai Aner and become his wife. By day, she still came in to the room to attend to things, but when it was time at night to close the ceremonial gate, she would go out and sleep with Dai Aner. This girl took every good thing available—what wasn't brought out for Dai Aner to eat? Madam Yue 娘, though she had seen this, pretended not to see it. As the old saying goes: "Those who indulge in affection are not wise; those greedy for gain never feel satisfied." Also, "Uneven distribution of wine and meat will make four horses gallop to town," and "If a household is not properly managed, servants will complain." | ||
| 5 | 玳安兒竊... : | 卻說平安兒見月娘把小玉配與玳安，衣服穿戴勝似別人。他比玳安倒大兩歲，今年二十二歲，倒不與他妻室。一日在假當鋪，看見傅伙計當了人家一副金頭面，一柄鍍金鉤子，當了三十兩銀子。那家只把銀子使了一個月，加了利錢就來贖討。傅伙計同玳安尋取來，放在鋪子大櫥櫃里。不提防這平安兒見財起心，就連匣兒偷了，走去南瓦子里武長腳家－－有兩個私窠子，一個叫薛存兒，一個叫伴兒，在那裡歇了兩夜。忘八見他使錢兒猛大，匣子蹙著金頭面，撅著銀挺子打酒買東西。報與土番，就把他截在屋裡，打了兩個耳刮子就拿了。 |
| Meanwhile, Ping Aner saw that Madam Yue 娘 had married Xiao Yu to Dai Aner and provided her with clothes and ornaments better than those of others. He was actually two years older than Dai Aner; this year he was twenty-two, yet no wife had been given to him. One day at the pawnshop, he saw Fu Huoji selling a set of gold jewelry and a gilded hook for thirty taels of silver. The owner had only spent the silver for one month, added interest, and then came to redeem it. Huoji Fu and Dai Aner retrieved them and placed them in the large cabinet at the shop. Unbeknownst to them, Ping Aner was tempted by the treasure and stole even the box. He went to Wu Changjiao's house in Nanwa Zi, where there were two courtesans: one named Xue Cun'er and another called Baner. There he stayed for two nights. The brothel keeper saw that Ping Aner was spending money extravagantly, with the box containing gold jewelry and silver coins used to buy wine and other things. He reported this to the local ruffians, who immediately cornered him in his room, slapped him twice across the face, and seized him. | ||
| 6 | 玳安兒竊... : | 也是合當有事，不想吳典恩新升巡簡，騎著馬，頭裡打著一對板子，正從街上過來，看見，問：「拴的甚麼人？」土番跪下稟說：「如此這般，拐帶出來瓦子里宿娼，拿金銀頭面行使。小的可疑，拿了。」吳典恩分付：「與我帶來審問。」一面拿到巡簡廳兒內。吳典恩坐下，兩邊弓皂排列。土番拴平安兒到根前，認的是吳典恩當初是他傢伙計：「已定見了我就放的。」開口就說：「小的是西門慶家平安兒。」吳典恩說：「你既是他家人，拿這金東西在這坊子里做甚麼？」平安道：「小的大娘借與親戚家頭面戴，使小的敢去，來晚了，城門閉了，小的投在坊子，權借宿一夜，不料被土番拿了。」吳典恩罵道：「你這奴才，胡說！你家這般頭面多，金銀廣，教你這奴才把頭面拿出來老婆家歇宿行使？想必是你偷盜出來的。趁早說來，免我動刑！」平安道：「委的親戚家借去頭面，家中大娘使我討去來，並不敢說謊。」吳典恩大怒，罵道：「此奴才真賊，不打如何肯認？」喝令左右：「與我拿夾棍夾這奴才！」一面套上夾棍，夾的小廝猶如殺豬叫，叫道：「爺休夾小的，等小的實說了罷。」吳典恩道：「你只實說，我就不夾你。」平安兒道：「小的偷的假當鋪當的人家一副金頭面，一柄鍍金銀子。」吳典恩問道：「你因甚麼偷出來？」平安道：「小的今年二十二歲，大娘許了替小的娶媳婦兒，不替小的娶。家中使的玳安兒小廝才二十歲，倒把房裡丫頭配與他，完了房。小的因此不憤，才偷出假當鋪這頭面走了。」吳典恩道：「想必是這玳安兒小廝與吳氏有姦，才先把丫頭與他配了。你只實說，沒你的事，我便饒了你。」平安兒道：「小的不知道。」吳典恩道：「你不實說，與我拶起來。」左右套上拶子，慌的平安兒沒口子說道：「爺休拶小的，等小的說就是了。」吳典恩道：「可又來，你只說了，須沒你的事。」一面放了拶子。那平安說：「委的俺大娘與玳安兒有姦。先要了小玉丫頭，俺大娘看見了，就沒言語，倒與了他許多衣服首飾東西，配與他完房。」這吳典恩一面令吏典上來，抄了他口詞，取了供狀，把平安監在巡簡司，等著出牌，提吳氏、玳安、小玉來，審問這件事。 |
| It was also fated that something would happen. Unexpectedly, Wu Dianen had just been promoted to patrol inspector and rode by on horseback, with a pair of wooden paddles carried ahead of him. Seeing this, he asked, "What criminal is tied up here?" The ruffian knelt down and reported: "It happened in this way. He led someone out to stay at a brothel, using gold and silver jewelry for spending." "He seemed suspicious, so we seized him." Wu Dianen ordered: "Bring him to me for interrogation." They took him at once to the patrol inspector's office. Wu Dianen sat down, with attendants lined up on both sides. The ruffian tied Ping Aner in front and recognized Wu Dianen as the former employer of his: "He must have seen me and will surely release me." He opened his mouth and said: "I am Ping Aner from the Ximen Qing household." Wu Dianen asked, "Since you are a member of his family, what were you doing with these gold items in this neighborhood?" Ping Aner said, "My mistress lent some jewelry to a relative for wearing. I was sent by her and arrived late; the city gate had already closed. I sought shelter in this neighborhood and stayed there temporarily for one night, not expecting to be seized by local ruffians." Wu Dianen scolded, "You wretched servant, you're lying!" "Do they have so many sets of jewelry and such abundant gold and silver in your household that you would allow a servant like you to take out the jewelry for use at his wife's home while staying overnight there?" "It must be that you stole them." "Speak up quickly, or I'll have to use the torture!" Ping Aner said, "It is indeed true that a relative borrowed the jewelry. My mistress sent me to retrieve it and I dare not lie." Wu Dianen became very angry, scolding, "This wretched servant is truly a thief. How can he admit it without being beaten?" He shouted to those on either side: "Take the bamboo torture device and apply it to this wretch!" While they put the bamboo torture on him, it was so painful that Ping Aner screamed like a pig being slaughtered. He cried out, "Sir, please stop torturing me! I'll tell you the truth!" Wu Dianen said, "You just tell the truth, and I won't torture you." Ping Aner replied, "I stole a set of gold jewelry and one gilded silver item from the pawnshop." Wu Dianen asked: "Why did you steal these things?" Ping Aner said, "I am twenty-two years old this year. My mistress promised to marry me a wife but has not done so." Dai Aner, another servant in the household who is only twenty years old, was given a maid from the inner quarters and married her. Because of this injustice, I stole these items from the pawnshop and ran away." Wu Dianen said: "It must be that this servant Dai Aner has an illicit relationship with Wu Shi, which is why she was given a maid to marry him first." "Just tell the truth. If it's not your fault, I will spare you." Ping Aner said: "I don't know about that." Wu Dianen said: "If you do not tell the truth, I will put you in the thumbcuffs." Those on either side fastened the thumbcuffs, and in a panic Ping Aner blurted out, "Sir, please don't put me in the thumbscrews! I'll tell you everything!" Wu Dianen said: "Come now, just say it. It won't involve you." He then had the thumbscrews removed from him. Ping Aner said: "It is indeed true that my mistress has an affair with Dai Aner." "She first took Xiao Yu the maid. My mistress saw this but said nothing, instead giving him many clothes and jewelry items, and married her to him." Wu Dianen immediately ordered the clerk to come forward, recorded Ping Aner's testimony, and obtained a written confession. He then placed Ping Aner in custody at the patrol office, waiting for an official notice before summoning Wu Shi, Dai Aner, and Xiao Yu to interrogate them about this matter. | ||
| 7 | 玳安兒竊... : | 那日，卻說解當鋪櫥櫃里不見了頭面，把傅伙計唬慌了。問玳安，玳安說：「我在生藥鋪子里吃飯，我不知道。」傅伙計道：「我把頭面匣子放在櫥里，如何不見了？」一地裡尋平安兒尋不著，急的傅伙計插香賭誓。那家子討頭面，傅伙計只推還沒尋出來哩。那人走了幾遍，見沒有頭面，只顧在門前嚷鬧，說：「我當了一個月，本利不少你的，你如何不與我？頭面、鉤子值七八十兩銀子。」傅伙計見平安兒一夜不來家，就知是他偷出去了。四下使人找尋不著，那討頭面主兒又在門首嚷亂。對月娘說，賠他五十兩銀子，那人還不肯，說：「我頭面值六十兩，鉤子連寶石珠子鑲嵌共值十兩，該賠七十兩銀子。」傅伙計又添了他十兩，還不肯，定要與傅伙計合口。正鬧時，有人來報說：「你家平安兒偷了頭面，在南瓦子養老婆，被吳巡簡拿在監里，還不教人快認贓去！」這吳月娘聽見吳典恩做巡簡，「是咱家舊伙計。」一面請吳大舅來商議，連忙寫了領狀，第二日教傅伙計領贓去。有了原物在，省得兩家領。 |
| On that day, it happened that the pawnshop's cabinet was found missing its jewelry, which greatly alarmed Fu Huoji. When asked about it, Dai Aner said: "I was eating at the herbal medicine shop; I don't know anything about this." Fu Huoji said, "I put the jewelry box in the cabinet. How could it have disappeared?" They searched everywhere for Ping Aner but couldn't find him, and Fu Huoji was so anxious that he burned incense and swore an oath. The owner who had pawned the jewelry came to claim it, but Fu Huoji only pretended that they hadn't found it yet. The man came by several times, saw that the jewelry was not available, and kept shouting in front of the shop: "I pawned it for a month, and I haven't missed paying you any principal or interest. How can you refuse to return it to me?" "The jewelry and hook are worth seventy to eighty taels of silver." Fu Huoji, seeing that Ping Aner had not returned home all night, realized it was he who had stolen the items. He sent people in every direction to search but could not find him; meanwhile, the owner of the pawned jewelry continued shouting and causing a disturbance at the shop entrance. Fu Huoji told Madam Yue 娘 and offered to compensate the man fifty taels of silver, but the man refused, saying: "My jewelry is worth sixty taels, and the hook with its inlaid gems and pearls is worth ten taels. You should pay me seventy taels." Fu Huoji added another ten taels, but the man still refused and insisted on going to court with Fu Huoji. Just as the argument was going on, someone came to report: "Your Ping Aner stole the jewelry and is living with a wife in Nanwa Zi. He has been caught by Inspector Wu and put in jail! You should send people quickly to claim the stolen goods!" Madam Wu Yue 娘 heard that Wu Dianen was now a patrol inspector, "He used to be an old employee of our household." She immediately invited her uncle Wu Da to discuss the matter and quickly wrote a receipt. The next day, she sent Fu Huoji to claim the stolen items. With the original items still in existence, it would save both parties from having to go through a formal handover. | ||
| 8 | 玳安兒竊... : | 傅伙計拿狀子到巡簡司，實承望吳典恩看舊時分上，領得頭面出來，不想反被吳典恩老狗奴才儘力罵了頓。叫皂隸拉倒要打，褪去衣裳，把屁脫脫了半日，饒放起來，說道：「你家小廝在這裡供出吳氏與玳安許多姦情來，我這裡申過府縣，還要行牌提取吳氏來對證。你這老狗骨頭，還敢來領贓！」倒吃他千奴才、萬老狗，罵將出來，唬的往家中走不迭。來家不敢隱諱，如此這般，對月娘說了。月娘不聽便罷了，聽了，正是「分開八塊頂梁骨，傾下半桶冰雪來」，慌的手腳麻木。又見那討頭面人，在門前大嚷大鬧，說道：「你家不見了我頭面，又不與我原物，又不賠我銀子，只反哄著我兩頭來回走。今日哄我去領贓，明日等領頭面，端的領的在那裡？這等不合理。」那傅伙計賠下情，將好言央及安撫他：「略從容兩日，就有頭面來了。若無原物，加倍賠你。」那人說：「等我回聲當家的去。」說畢去了。 |
| Fu Huoji took the receipt to the patrol office, hoping that Inspector Wu Dianen would show some leniency out of old ties and return the jewelry. Unexpectedly, he was instead thoroughly scolded by this old hound of a servant. They ordered the attendants to drag him out and beat him, stripping off his clothes. They kept beating him for a long time before finally releasing him, saying: "Your servant here has confessed many details about Wu Shi's affair with Dai Aner. I have already reported this case to the prefecture and county authorities, and we will issue an official order to bring Wu Shi in for interrogation." "You old hound of a man, how dare you come here to claim the stolen property!" He was cursed as a thousandfold servant and ten-thousandfold hound, driven out in disgrace. Terrified, Fu Huoji hurried home without delay. Upon returning home, he dared not conceal the matter and told Madam Yue 娘 everything that had happened in detail. Madam Yue 娘 would have preferred not to hear it, but upon hearing the news, she was truly struck with horror as if "her eight supporting bones had been split apart and half a bucket of icy snow poured down on her." She became so frightened that her hands and feet went numb. She also saw the man who had pawned his jewelry shouting and causing a ruckus at the front gate, saying: "Your household lost my jewelry. You won't return it to me, nor will you compensate me in silver. Instead, you only deceive me into running back and forth between places." "Today you tricked me to go claim the stolen goods, tomorrow I wait for my jewelry. Exactly where am I supposed to get it?" "This is completely unreasonable." Fu Huoji apologized and tried to pacify the man with kind words, saying: "Please be a little patient for two more days. The jewelry will come back soon." "If the original items cannot be returned, we'll compensate you double their value." The man said: "Let me go report this to my master at home." After saying that, he left. | ||
| 9 | 玳安兒竊... : | 這吳月娘憂上加憂，眉頭不展。使小廝請吳大舅來商議，教他尋人情對吳典恩說，掩下這樁事罷。吳大舅說：「只怕他不受人情，要些賄賂打點他。」月娘道：「他當初這官，還是咱家照顧他的，還借咱家一百兩銀子，文書俺爹也沒收他的，今日反恩將仇報起來。」吳大舅說：「姐姐，說不的那話了。從來忘恩背義，才一個兒也怎的？」吳月娘道：「累及哥哥，上緊尋個路兒，寧可送他幾十兩銀子罷。領出頭面來還了人家，省得合口費舌。」打發吳大舅吃了飯去了。 |
| Madam Wu Yue 娘 was now even more worried and could not smooth her furrowed brows. She sent a servant to invite Uncle Wu Da to come and discuss the matter, asking him to use his connections to speak with Wu Dianen in order to cover up this incident. Uncle Wu Da said: "I'm afraid he won't accept favors; we'll need to bribe and grease his palm." Madam Yue 娘 said: "He originally got that official post because our family took care of him. We even lent him a hundred taels of silver, and the documents from his case were never collected by my father. Now he's repaying kindness with hatred." Uncle Wu Da said: "Sister, you can't say such things anymore." "People have always been ungrateful and disloyal. What can we do about just one person?" Madam Wu Yue 娘 said: "I don't want to involve my brother. Hurry up and find a way out; we might as well give him several dozen taels of silver." "Get the jewelry back and return it to its owner, so that we can avoid unnecessary arguments and trouble." After sending Uncle Wu Da off with a meal, they let him go. | ||
| 10 | 玳安兒竊... : | 月娘送哥哥到大門首，也是合當事情湊巧，只見薛嫂兒提著花箱兒，領著一個小丫頭過來。月娘叫住，便問：「老薛，你往那裡去？怎的一向不來走走？」薛嫂道：「你老人家到且說的好，這兩日好不忙哩。偏有許多頭緒兒，咱家小奶奶那裡，使牢子大官兒，叫了好幾遍，還不得空兒去哩。」月娘道：「你看媽媽了撒風，他又做起俺小奶奶來了。」薛嫂道：、如今不做小奶奶，倒做了大奶奶了。」月娘道：「他怎的倒大奶奶？」薛嫂道：「你老人家還不知道，他好小造化兒！自從生了哥兒，大奶奶死了，守備老爺就把他扶了正房，做了封贈娘子。正經二奶奶孫氏不如他。手下買了兩個奶子，四個丫頭扶侍。又是兩個房裡得寵學唱的姐兒，都是老爺收用過的。要打時就打，老爺敢做主兒？自恁還恐怕氣了他。那日不知因甚麼，把雪娥娘子打了一頓，把頭髮都撏了，半夜叫我去領出來，賣了八兩銀子。今日我還睡哩，又使牢子叫了我兩遍，教我快往宅里去，問我要兩副大翠重雲子鈿兒，又要一副九鳳鈿兒。先與了我五兩銀子。銀子不知使的那裡去了，還沒送與他生活去哩。這一見了我，還不知怎生罵我哩。」月娘道：「你到後邊，等我瞧瞧怎樣翠鈿兒。」一面讓薛嫂到後邊坐下。薛嫂打開花箱，取出與吳月娘看。只見做的好樣兒，金翠掩映，背面貼金。那個鈿兒，每個鳳口內銜著一掛寶珠牌兒，十分奇巧。薛嫂道：「只這副鈿兒，做著本錢三兩五錢銀子；那副重雲子的，只一兩五錢銀子，還沒尋他的錢。」 |
| Madam Yue 娘 saw her brother off at the main gate. Just as it happened, coincidentally, Xue Gaoer came over carrying a flower basket and leading a little girl servant with her. Madam Yue 娘 called out to stop her, then asked: "Auntie Xue, where are you going?" "Why haven't you come by for a visit lately?" Xue Gaoer said: "You're speaking as if it's so easy, but these past few days have been terribly busy." "There were so many things to attend to. At your household, the young madam sent a bailiff and an official several times to summon me, but I still haven't had time to go." Madam Yue 娘 said: "Look at this old woman making a fuss. Who does she think she is, pretending to be our young madam now?" Xue Gaoer replied: "Now she's not the junior mistress anymore; instead, she has become the senior one." Madam Yue 娘 asked: "How did she become the senior mistress?" Xue Gaoer said: "You still don't know, Madam. She's had quite a bit of good fortune!" "Ever since she gave birth to the son, when the senior mistress passed away, Commander Lao immediately elevated her as his official wife and bestowed upon her the title of a formally recognized lady." The legitimate second madam Sun Shi is not even comparable to her. She had two wet nurses and four maidservants at her service. In addition, there were also two favored concubines who learned to sing songs; both had been taken in by the master of the house. When it comes to beating someone, is the master willing to take responsibility? Even so, you still might be afraid of angering him. One day, for some unknown reason, he beat Madam Xue'e severely and even pulled out her hair. In the middle of the night, he had me go get her and sell her for eight taels of silver. Today, while I was still sleeping, the bailiff came and called me twice to hurry over to the residence. He asked for two sets of large emerald double-cloud hairpins and also one set of nine phoenix hairpins. He first gave me five taels of silver. I don't even know where the silver went, and I haven't yet sent him any gifts to smooth things over. "Just now that he saw me, who knows how he'll scold me." Madam Yue 娘 said: "Go to the back and wait for a moment while I take a look at what kind of emerald hairpins they are." At the same time, she invited Xue Gaoer to sit down in the back. Xue Gaoer opened her flower basket and took out the items for Madam Wu Yue 娘 to see. Madam Wu saw that they were beautifully made, with gold and emeralds complementing each other, and the back was gilded. Each hairpin had a small plaque of precious beads hanging from the beak of each phoenix, which was extremely exquisite and cleverly designed. Xue Gaoer said: "Just for this set of hairpins, the cost to make them was three taels and five mace of silver; the other set of double-cloud ones only cost one tael and five mace, and I still haven't paid him the money." | ||
| 11 | 玳安兒竊... : | 正說著，只見玳安走來，對月娘說：「討頭面的又在前邊嚷哩，說等不的領贓，領到幾時？若明日沒頭面，要和傅二叔打了，到個去處理會哩。傅二叔心裡不好，往家去了。那人嚷了回去了。」薛嫂問：「是甚麼勾當？」月娘便長吁了一口氣，如此這般，告訴薛嫂說：「平安兒奴才，偷去印子鋪人家當的一副金頭面，一副鍍金鉤子，走在城外坊子里養老婆，被吳巡簡拿住，監在監里。人家來討頭面沒有，在門前嚷鬧。吳巡簡又勒掯刁難，不容俺家領贓，又要打將伙計來要錢，白尋不出個頭腦來。死了漢子，敗落一齊來，就這等被人欺負，好苦也！」說著那眼中淚紛紛落將下來。 |
| Just as they were speaking, Dai Aner came over and told Madam Yue 娘: "The man who is claiming the jewelry is shouting again at the front. He says he can't wait for the stolen goods anymore—when will he be able to get them back?" "If there's no jewelry by tomorrow, he says he'll fight with Uncle Fu and go report the matter somewhere for a resolution." Uncle Fu felt uneasy in his heart and went home. "That man shouted for a while and then left." Xue Gaoer asked: "What kind of trouble is this?" Madam Yue 娘 sighed deeply and told Xue Gaoer everything in detail: "The servant Ping'an stole a set of gold jewelry and a set of gilded hairpins from the pawnshop. He ran away to a brothel outside the city with his wife, but was caught by Inspector Wu and is now imprisoned." The owner of the items has come to claim them and is causing a ruckus in front of our gate. Inspector Wu is also holding out and making things difficult, not allowing our household to reclaim the stolen goods. He's even demanding money by threatening to beat the staff, but we can't find a clear way forward at all. "With my husband gone and everything falling apart, it's like this now—being bullied by others. How bitter!" As she spoke, tears streamed down from her eyes. | ||
| 12 | 玳安兒竊... : | 薛嫂道：「好奶奶，放著路兒不會尋。咱家小奶奶，你這裡寫個貼兒，等我對他說聲，教老爺差人分付巡簡司，莫說一副頭面，就十副頭面也討去了。」月娘道：「周守備，他是武職官，怎管的著那巡簡司？」薛嫂道：「奶奶，你還不知道，如今周爺，朝廷新與他的敕書，好不管的事情寬廣。地方河道，軍馬錢糧，都在他手裡打卯遞手本。又河東水西，捉拿強盜賊情，正在他手裡。」月娘聽了，便道：「既然管著，老薛就累你，多上覆龐大姐說聲。一客不煩二主，教他在周爺面前美言一句兒，問巡簡司討出頭面來。我破五兩銀子謝你。」薛嫂道：「好奶奶，錢恁中使。我見你老人家剛纔凄惶，我到下意不去。你教人寫了帖兒，等我到府里和小奶奶說。成了，隨你老人家；不成，我還來回你老人家話。」這吳月娘一面叫小玉擺茶與薛嫂吃。薛嫂兒道：「不吃罷，你只教大官兒寫了貼兒來，你不知我一身的事哩。」月娘道：「你也出來這半日了，吃了點心兒去。」小玉即便放卓兒，擺上茶食來。月娘陪他吃茶。薛嫂兒遞與丫頭兩個點心吃。月娘問丫頭幾歲了，薛嫂道：「今年十二歲了。」不一時，玳安前邊寫了說貼兒。薛嫂兒吃了茶，放在袖內，作辭月娘，提著花箱出門，徑到守備府中。 |
| Xue Gaoer said: "Dear madam, you're not using the right way to solve this." "From your household, you just write a note. Let me speak to him on your behalf and ask the master to send someone to instruct Inspector Wu. Don't say it's only one set of jewelry—ten sets could be reclaimed as well." Madam Yue 娘 said: "Commander Zhou is a military official. How can he possibly have authority over the Inspector's Office?" Xue Gaoer said: "Madam, you still don't know. Now Commander Zhou has just received a new imperial decree from the court, and his authority covers many matters." Local rivers and canals, military horses and supplies—all these are under his control. Moreover, the capture of bandits in both the eastern and western river regions is also within his jurisdiction." Upon hearing this, Madam Yue 娘 said: "Since he has authority over it, Auntie Xue, I'll trouble you then. Please convey my message to Miss Pang on my behalf." "One guest should not trouble two hosts. Please have her say a good word for us in front of Commander Zhou, and ask the Inspector's Office to return the jewelry." "I'll give you five taels of silver as thanks." Xue Gaoer said: "Dear madam, money is no problem for me. Seeing how distressed you were just now moved my heart, and I couldn't help but come." "You have someone write a note for me. I'll go to the residence and speak with the young madam on your behalf." "Done, as you wish, Madam; if it doesn't work out, I'll still come back to inform you." Madam Wu Yue 娘 had Xiaoyu serve tea for Xue Gaoer. Xue Gaoer said: "I won't drink it. You just have the official write a note for me to take. You don't know how many things I have on my plate." Madam Yue 娘 said: "You've been out this long already. Have something to eat before you go." Xiaoyu immediately set the table and brought tea and snacks over. Madam Yue 娘 accompanied her while they drank tea. Xue Gaoer gave the two maidservants some snacks to eat. Madam Yue 娘 asked how old the girl servant was, and Xue Gaoer replied: "She is twelve years old this year." In no time, Dai Aner had written a note from the front. After drinking tea, Xue Gaoer put the note into her sleeve and bid farewell to Madam Yue 娘. Carrying her flower basket, she left through the gate and went straight to Commander Lao's residence. | ||
| 13 | 玳安兒竊... : | 春梅還在暖床上睡著沒起來哩。只見大丫鬟月桂進來說：「老薛來了。」春梅便叫小丫頭翠花，把裡面窗寮開了。日色照的紗窗十分明亮。薛嫂進來說道：「奶奶，這咱還未起來？」放下花箱，便磕下頭去。春梅道：「不當家化化的，磕甚麼頭？」說道：「我心裡不自在，今日起來的遲些。」問道：「你做的翠雲子和九鳳鈿兒拿了來不曾？」薛嫂道：「奶奶，這兩副鈿兒，好不費手！昨日晚夕我才打翠花鋪里討將來，今日要送來，不想奶奶又使了牢子去。」一面取出來，與春梅過目。春梅還嫌翠雲子做的不十分現撇，還放在紙匣兒內，交與月桂收了。看茶與薛嫂兒吃。薛嫂便叫小丫鬟進來，「與奶奶磕頭。」春梅問：「是那裡的？」薛嫂兒道：「二奶奶和我說了好幾遍，說荷花只做的飯，教我替他尋個小孩兒，學做些針指。我替他領了這個孩子來了。到是鄉裡人家女孩兒，今年才十二歲，正是養材兒。」春梅道：「你亦發替他尋個城裡孩子，還伶便些。這鄉裡孩子，曉的甚麼？」因問：「這丫頭要多少銀子？」薛嫂兒道：「要不多，只四兩銀子，他老子要投軍使。」春梅叫海棠：「你領到二娘房裡去，明日兌銀子與他罷。」又叫月桂：「大壺內有金華酒，篩來與薛嫂兒燙寒。再有甚點心，拿一盒子與他吃。省得他又說，大清早辰拿寡酒灌他。」 |
| Chunmei was still asleep in bed and hadn't gotten up yet. Just then, the senior maid Yuegui came in and said: "Auntie Xue has arrived." Chunmei immediately called on the young servant Cuifa to open the inner window shutters. Sunlight streamed through the gauze windows, making everything inside very bright. Xue Gaoer entered and said: "Madam, it's already this late—haven't you gotten up yet?" She put down the flower basket and immediately knelt to pay her respects. Chunmei said: "Since I'm not in charge, why are you bowing?" She added: "I didn't feel well today, so I got up a bit late." She asked: "Have you brought the double-cloud emerald hairpins and nine-phoenix hairpins?" Xue Gaoer said: "Madam, these two sets of hairpins were no easy task to make!" "I only got them from the Cuifa shop last night, and was planning to deliver them today. Unexpectedly, Madam had already sent a bailiff after me." While speaking, she took them out for Chunmei to examine. Chunmei still found the double-cloud hairpins somewhat lacking in elegance and had them placed back into a paper box, which she gave to Yuegui for safekeeping. She ordered tea to be served to Xue Gaoer. Xue Gaoer then called in the young maid and said, "Kneel before Madam." Chunmei asked: "Where are you from?" Xue Gaoer said: "The second madam spoke to me several times, saying that Honghua could only cook meals and asked me to find a child for her to teach how to do some needlework." "I have found this child for her." "She is a girl from the countryside, only twelve years old this year. She's just the right age to be trained." Chunmei said: "You might as well find a city child for her, who would be more nimble and convenient." "These country children know nothing at all!" She then asked: "How much silver is this girl worth?" lington Xue Gaoer replied, "Not a lot, just four taels of silver. Her father wants it for joining the army." Chunmei called Haitang and said, "Take her to the second madam's room. Give her the silver tomorrow." She also called Yuegui and said, "There is Jinhua wine in the large teapot. Pour it out and warm some for Xue Gaoer." "If there are any other snacks, bring a box of them for her to eat." "So that she won't say we're giving him thin wine in the early morning again." | ||
| 14 | 玳安兒竊... : | 薛嫂道：「桂姐，且不要篩上來，等我和奶奶說了話著，剛纔也吃了些甚麼來了。」春梅道：「你對我說，在誰家？吃甚來？」薛嫂道：「剛纔大娘那頭，留我吃了些甚麼來了。如此這般，望著我好不哭哩。說平安兒小廝，偷了印子鋪內人家當的金頭面，還有一把鍍金鉤子，在外面養老婆，吃番子拿在巡簡司拶打。這裡人家又要頭面嚷亂。那吳巡簡舊日是咱那裡伙計，有爹在日，照顧他的官。今日一旦反面無恩，夾打小廝，攀扯人，又不容這裡領贓。要錢，才把傅伙計打罵將來。唬的伙計不好了，躲的往家去了。央我來，多多上覆你老人家。可憐見，舉眼兒無親的。教你替他對老爺說聲，領出頭面來，交付與人家去了，大娘親來拜謝你老人家。」春梅問道：「有個貼兒沒有？不打緊，你爺出巡去了，怕不的今晚來家，等我對你爺說。」薛嫂兒道：「他有說貼兒在此。」向袖中取出。春梅看了，順手就放在窗戶臺上。 |
| Xue Gaoer said, "Miss Gui, don't bring it up yet. Wait until I've finished speaking with Madam. I just had something to eat a little while ago." Chunmei said: "Tell me, at whose house?" "And what did you eat?" Xue Gaoer replied: "Just now, the first madam kept me and had me eat something." She looked at me in such a way that I couldn't help but cry. She said that the young servant Ping'an had stolen a set of gold jewelry pawned at an engraving shop, along with a gilded hook. He was living outside with a wife and was caught by the police, who were now torturing him in the patrol office. Now the people here are making a fuss about their missing jewelry again. That Wu Xunjian used to be one of our old employees, and when my father was still alive, he took care of his official position. But now that he has turned against us without gratitude, torturing the young servant and implicating others, he also refuses to allow people here to claim the stolen goods. He only sent Fu Huaji over after beating him up because of money matters. The employee was so frightened that he ran home to hide. He sent me here, asking me to convey his earnest apologies to you, old sir. Pitifully, he has no relatives left in the world. "Please speak to Master on his behalf, have him retrieve the jewelry and return it to its rightful owner. The first madam will personally come to thank you, old sir." Chunmei asked: "Do they have a receipt?" "Don't worry, your master is out on an inspection. He should be back home tonight. I'll speak to him." Xue Gaoer said: "He has a receipt here with him." She took it out from her sleeve. Chunmei looked at it and then casually placed it on the windowsill. | ||
| 15 | 玳安兒竊... : | 不一時，托盤內拿上四樣嗄飯菜蔬，月桂拿大銀鐘，滿滿斟了一鐘，流沿兒遞與薛嫂。薛嫂道：「我的奶奶，我怎捱的這大行貨子？」春梅笑道：「比你家老頭子那大貨差些兒。那個你倒捱了，這個你倒捱不的，好歹與我捱了。要不吃，月桂，你與我捏著鼻子灌他。」薛嫂道：「你且拿了點心，與我打個底兒著。」春梅道：「老媽子，單管說謊。你才說吃了來，這回又說沒打底兒。」薛嫂道：「吃了他兩個茶食，這咱還有哩？」月桂道：「薛媽媽，你且吃了這大鐘酒，我拿點心與你吃。俺奶奶怪我沒用，要打我哩。」這薛嫂沒奈何，只得灌了一鐘，覺心頭小鹿兒劈劈跳起來。那春梅努個嘴兒，又叫海棠斟滿一鐘教他吃。薛嫂推過一邊說：「我的那娘，我卻一點兒也吃不的了。」海棠道：「你老人家捱一月桂姐一下子，不捱我一下子，奶奶要打我。」那薛嫂兒慌的直撅兒跪在地下。春梅道：「也罷，你拿過那餅與他吃了，教他好吃酒。」月桂道：「薛媽媽，誰似我恁疼你，留下恁好玫瑰餡餅兒與你吃。」就拿過一大盤子頂皮酥玫瑰餅兒來。那薛嫂兒只吃了一個，別的春梅都教他袖在袖子里：「到家稍與你家老王八吃。」薛嫂兒吃了酒，蓋著臉兒，把一盤子火薰肉，腌臘鵝，都用草紙包裹，塞在袖內。海棠使氣白賴，又灌了半鐘酒。見他嘔吐上來，才收過傢伙，不要他吃了。春梅分付：「明日來討話說，兌丫頭銀子與你。」臨出門，春梅又分付：「媽媽，你休推聾裝啞，那翠雲子做的不好，明日另帶兩副好的我瞧。」薛嫂道：「我知道。奶奶叫個大姐送我送，看狗咬了我腿。」春梅笑道：「俺家狗都有眼，只咬到骨禿根前就住了。」一面使蘭花送出角門來。 |
| In no time, a tray with four kinds of cold dishes and vegetables was brought over. Yuegui took out a large silver cup, filled it to the brim, and carefully handed it to Xue Gaoer with the rim still dripping slightly. Xue Gaoer said: "My dear Madam, how can I possibly manage such a big portion?" Chunmei laughed and said: "It's just slightly smaller than the big load your old man usually brings." "You can handle that one, but you can't handle this? Well then, just be a good girl and finish it for me." "If you don't eat it, Yuegui, you take hold of his nose and force him to drink it." Xue Gaoer said: "You just bring me some snacks first, so I can have something to go with this." Chunmei said: "Old woman, you're always lying." "Just now you said you had already eaten something, and now you say you haven't even had a base meal yet." Xue Gaoer replied: "I only ate two tea snacks from him. How could I still have any left?" Yuegui said, "Auntie Xue, just drink this big cup of wine first. I'll bring you some snacks to eat." "If you don't finish it, Madam will blame me for being useless and beat me up." Xue Gaoer had no choice but to drink the cup. Immediately, her heart began pounding like a little deer leaping about in her chest. Chunmei gave a slight nod with her lips and called Haitang to pour another full cup for her to drink. Xue Gaoer pushed it aside and said, "My dear madam, I really can't take any more." Haitang said: "If you won't drink a cup for Miss Yuegui, at least do it for me. Otherwise Madam will beat me." Xue Gaoer was so flustered that she knelt on the ground with her bottom sticking up. Chunmei said: "Alright, bring over those cakes for her to eat so she can enjoy the wine." Yuegui said: "Auntie Xue, who else would be as kind to you as I am? I've even saved these delicious rose-pear filling cakes for you." She then brought over a large plate of top-grade rose-flavored flaky pastries. Xue Gaoer only ate one, and the rest Chunmei had her tuck into her sleeves, saying: "Take these home to give to your old husband." After drinking the wine, Xue Gaoer covered her face and wrapped up a whole plate of smoked meat and preserved duck with straw paper, tucking it into her sleeves. Haitang pouted and acted stubbornly, forcing another half cup of wine down her throat. When they saw her start to vomit, they finally took the dishes away and stopped making her eat. Chunmei instructed: "Come back tomorrow for a reply, and I'll give you the silver for the girl." As she was about to leave, Chunmei added: "Auntie, don't pretend to be deaf and mute. Since those double-cloud hairpins weren't well made, bring me two better ones tomorrow for inspection." Xue Gaoer said: "I understand." "If Madam wants to send a lady to see me off, I'm afraid the dogs might bite my legs." Chunmei laughed and said: "The dogs at my house have eyes. They only bark at Gu Tu, but stop as soon as they reach him." Meanwhile, Lanhua escorted her out through the side gate. | ||
| 16 | 玳安兒竊... : | 話休饒舌。周守備至日落時分，出巡來家，進入後廳，左右丫鬟接了冠服。進房見了春梅、小衙內，心中歡喜。坐下，月桂、海棠拿茶吃了，將出巡之事告訴一遍。不一時，放桌兒擺飯。飯罷，掌上燭，安排杯酌飲酒。因問：「前邊沒甚事？」春梅一面取過薛嫂拿的貼兒來，與守備看，說吳月娘那邊，如此這般，「小廝平安兒偷了頭面，被吳巡簡拿住監禁，不容領贓。只拷打小廝，攀扯誣賴吳氏姦情，索要銀兩，呈詳府縣」等事。守備看了說：「此事正是我衙門裡事，如何呈詳府縣？吳巡簡那廝這等可惡！我明日出牌，連他都提來發落。」又說：「我聞得吳巡簡是他門下伙計，只因往東京與蔡太題進禮，帶挈他做了這個官，如何倒要誣害他家！」春梅道：「正是這等說。你替他明日處處罷。」一宿晚景題過。 |
| No need to go into more details. Zhou Shoubei returned home for inspection at dusk, entering the back hall where his attendants on either side took off his hat and official robes. He went into the room to see Chunmei and Xiao Yannei, feeling delighted in his heart. After sitting down, Yuegui and Haitang brought tea for him to drink, and he recounted the details of his inspection tour. In no time at all, a table was set up with dinner laid out. After the meal, candles were lit and wine cups prepared for drinking. He then asked: "Is there nothing unusual going on at the front?" Chunmei took the receipt that Xue Gaoer had brought and showed it to Shoubei, explaining how things were at Wu Yue 娘's side: "The young servant Ping'an stole some jewelry, was caught by Wu Xunjian and is now being detained. They won't allow us to claim the stolen goods." "They are torturing the young servant, falsely accusing Wu Shi of an illicit affair and demanding silver. They have submitted a report to the county and prefecture authorities detailing these matters." After reading it, Shoubei said: "This matter is exactly within my jurisdiction. Why was a report submitted to the prefecture and county authorities?" "That rascal Wu Xunjian is really despicable!" "I'll issue an order tomorrow to have him brought in for punishment." He added: "I heard that Wu Xunjian was once one of his subordinates. He only got this position because he went to Dongjing and presented gifts to Tai Cai, who then recommended him for office. How could he now turn around and falsely accuse them?" Chunmei said: "Exactly as you say." "Just deal with it for him tomorrow, will you?" One night passed quickly. | ||
| 17 | 玳安兒竊... : | 次日，旋教吳月娘家補了一紙狀，當廳出了大花欄批文，用一個封套裝了。上批：「山東守御府為失盜事，仰巡簡司官連人贓解繳。右差虞侯張勝、李安。準此。」當下二人領出公文來，先到吳月娘家。月娘管待了酒飯，每人與了一兩銀子鞋腳錢。傅伙計家中睡倒了，吳二舅跟隨到巡簡司。吳巡簡見平安監了兩日，不見西門慶家中人來打點，正教吏典做文書，申呈府縣。只見守御府中兩個公人到了，拿出批文來與他。見封套上朱紅筆標著：「仰巡簡司官連人解繳」，拆開，見裡面吳氏狀子，唬慌了。反賠下情，與李安、張勝每人二兩銀子。隨即做文書解人上去。到於守備府前，伺候半日。待的守備升廳，兩邊軍牢排下，然後帶進入去。這吳巡簡把文書呈遞上去，守備看了一遍，說：「此是我衙門裡事，如何不申解前來？只顧延捱監滯，顯有情弊。」那吳巡簡稟道：「小官才待做文書申呈老爺案下，不料老爺鈞批到了。」守備喝道：「你這狗官可惡！多大官職？這等欺玩法度，抗違上司！我欽奉朝廷敕命，保障地方，巡捕盜賊，提督軍務，兼管河道，職掌開載已明。你如何拿了這件，不行申解，妄用刑杖拷打犯人，誣攀無辜？顯有情弊！」那吳巡簡聽了，摘去冠帽，在階前只顧磕頭。守備道：「本當參治你這狗官，且饒你這遭，下次再若有犯，定行參究。」一面把平安提到廳上，說道：「你這奴才，偷盜了財物，還肆言謗主。人家都是你恁般，也不敢使奴才了。」喝左右：「與我打三十大棍，放了。將贓物封貯，教本家人來領去。」一面喚進吳二舅來，遞了領狀。守備這裡還差張勝拿貼兒同送到西門慶家，見了分上。吳月娘打發張勝酒飯，又與了一兩銀子。走來府里，回了守備、春梅話。 |
| The next day, they had Wu Yue 娘's family prepare a new petition. A grand official document was issued in the hall and placed inside an envelope. It read: "Shandong Shouyu Fu regarding a theft case, hereby orders the patrol office to deliver both the accused and stolen goods for confiscation." The right-hand officers assigned were Yu Hou Zhang Sheng and Li An. "This is hereby approved." At once, the two men took the official document and went first to Wu Yue 娘's home. Wu Yue 娘 treated them to a meal and gave each of them one tael of silver as travel expenses. Fu Huaji was still lying in bed at home, so Uncle Wu Er followed the men to the patrol office. Wu Xunjian had kept Ping'an in custody for two days, but no one from the Xi Men Qing household came to bribe him. Just then he was having his clerks prepare documents to submit a report to the prefecture and county offices. Just as he was doing this, two officials from the Shouyu Fu arrived with an official document for him. Seeing the red ink on the envelope that read, "Ordering the patrol office to deliver the accused and stolen goods," he opened it and saw Wu Shi's petition inside. He was immediately alarmed. He quickly tried to smooth things over, giving each of Li An and Zhang Sheng two taels of silver. Immediately he prepared the documents and sent the accused man away for processing. They waited outside the Shoubei Fu for half a day. After waiting until the Shoubei ascended to his hall, with soldiers and bailiffs lined up on both sides, they were finally led in. Wu Xunjian submitted the documents, which the Shoubei read through and said: "This is a matter under my jurisdiction. Why didn't you submit it to me first?" "You've been deliberately delaying the case, which clearly indicates some wrongdoing." Wu Xunjian replied: "I was just about to prepare the documents for submission to your honor's case, when unexpectedly I received your honor's official order." The Shoubei shouted angrily: "You despicable official are truly detestable!" "What rank do you hold?" How dare you abuse your authority and defy your superiors! I have been specially commissioned by the imperial court to safeguard this region, patrol and capture thieves, oversee military affairs, and also manage river channels. My duties are clearly defined in official records. How could you take this case into your own hands, fail to submit it for processing, and recklessly use corporal punishment to torture the accused, falsely implicating innocent people? This clearly indicates malfeasance!" Hearing this, Wu Xunjian removed his hat and cap and continued to kowtow on the steps. The Shoubei said, "I should report and punish you for your misconduct, but I will spare you this time. If there is any further violation in the future, I shall definitely report it." While saying this, he had Ping'an brought up to the hall and said, "You wretched servant, you stole property and then dared to slander your master." "If everyone were like you, no one would dare employ servants anymore." He shouted to those on either side: "Beat him with thirty heavy rods and then release him. Seal up the stolen goods and have the family members come to claim them." At the same time, he called in Uncle Wu Er, who submitted a receipt. The Shoubei also sent Zhang Sheng to accompany Tie'er and deliver the goods to Xi Men Qing's house, where they would be handed over in person. Wu Yue 娘 treated Zhang Sheng to a meal and gave him an additional tael of silver. Zhang Sheng returned to the office and reported back to the Shoubei and Chunmei. | ||
| 18 | 玳安兒竊... : | 那吳巡簡乾拿了平安兒一場，倒折了好幾兩銀子。月娘還了那人家頭面、鉤子兒。是他原物，一聲兒沒言語去了。傅伙計到家，傷寒病睡倒了，只七日光景，調治不好，嗚呼哀哉死了。月娘見這等合氣，把印子鋪只是收本錢贖討，再不解當出銀子去了。止是教吳二舅同玳安，在門首生藥鋪子日逐轉得來，家中盤纏。此事表過不題。 |
| Wu Xunjian ended up going through all that trouble with Ping'an, only to lose several taels of silver in the process. Wu Yue 娘 returned the woman's head ornaments and hairpins to her family. Since they were the original items, she left without saying a word. Fu Huaji returned home and fell ill with shanghan disease, lying in bed. Within seven days, his condition could not be improved, and he died tragically. Seeing how things had turned out, Wu Yue 娘 decided to only recover the principal from the pawnshop and no longer spent any more silver on redeeming items. She only instructed Uncle Wu Er and Dai'an to run a daily herbal medicine shop at the front of their house for household expenses. This matter is recorded here, and we will not mention it further. | ||
| 19 | 玳安兒竊... : | 一日，吳月娘叫將薛嫂兒來，與了三兩銀子。薛嫂道：「不要罷，傳的府里奶奶怪我。」月娘道：「天不使空人，多有累你，我見他不題出來就是了。」於是買下四盤下飯，宰了一口鮮豬，一壇南酒，一匹紵絲尺頭，薛嫂押著來守備府中，致謝春梅。玳安穿著青絹褶兒，拿著禮貼兒，薛嫂領著徑到後堂。春梅出來，戴著金梁冠兒，上穿繡襖，下著錦裙，左右丫鬟養娘侍奉。玳安扒到地下磕頭。春梅分付：「放桌兒，擺茶食與玳安吃。」說道：「沒甚事，你奶奶免了罷。如何又費心送這許多禮來，你周爺已定不肯受。」玳安道：「家奶奶說，前日平安兒這場事，多有累周爺、周奶奶費心，沒甚麼，些少微禮兒，與爺、奶奶賞人罷了。」春梅道：「如何好受的？」薛嫂道：「你老人家若不受，惹那頭又怪我。」春梅一面又請進守備來計較了，止受了豬酒下飯，把尺頭帶回將來了。與了玳安一方手帕，三錢銀子，抬盒人二錢。春梅因問：「你幾時籠起頭去，包了網巾？幾時和小玉完房來？」玳安道：「是八月內來。」春梅道：「到家多頂上你奶奶，多謝了重禮。待要請你奶奶來坐坐，你周爺早晚又出巡去。我到過年正月里，哥兒生日，我往家裡來走走。」玳安道：「你老人家若去，小的到家對俺奶奶說，到那日來接奶奶。」說畢，打發玳安出門。薛嫂便向玳安說：「大官兒，你先去罷，奶奶還要與我說話哩。」那玳安兒押盒擔回家，見了月娘說：「如此這般，春梅姐讓到後邊，管待茶食吃。問了回哥兒好，家中長短。與了我一方手帕，三錢銀子，抬盒人二錢銀子。多頂上奶奶，多謝重禮，都不受來，被薛嫂兒和我再三說了，才受了下飯豬酒，抬回尺頭。要不是請奶奶過去坐坐，一兩日周爺出巡去。他只到過年正月孝哥生日，要來家裡走走。」又告說：「他住著五間正房，穿著錦裙繡襖，戴著金梁冠兒，出落的越發胖大了。手下好少丫頭、奶子侍奉！月娘問：「他其實說明年往咱家來？」玳安兒道：「委實對我說來。」月娘道：「到那日，咱這邊使人接他去。」因問：「薛嫂怎的還不來？」玳安道：「我出門，他還坐著說話，教我先來了。」自此兩家交往不絕。正是：世情看冷暖，人面逐高低。有詩為證： |
| One day, Wu Yue 娘 called for Xue Guoer and gave her three taels of silver. Xue Guoer said, "No need to do that; it might get back to the madam at the office and she'll blame me." Wu Yue 娘 said, "Heaven does not let people go empty-handed. I don't want to trouble you further; I'll just keep it quiet and say nothing more about him." With this, she bought four trays of side dishes, slaughtered a fresh pig, prepared a jar of southern wine and a bolt of zhusi silk. Xue Guoer delivered these to the Shoubei's office as a token of thanks for Chunmei. Dai'an, dressed in a blue silk vest and carrying the gift note, was led by Xue Guoer directly to the back hall. Chunmei came out, wearing a golden beam hat on her head, an embroidered jacket over her upper body and brocade skirt below, with maidservants and nurses attending to her on either side. Dai'an fell to the ground and kowtowed. Chunmei ordered, "Bring out a table and serve tea and snacks for Dai'an." She said, "There's no need for this; your madam should stop it." "Why go to so much trouble and send all these gifts? Your Zhou Ye already firmly refused them." Dai'an said, "My madam said that because of the recent incident with Ping'an, she greatly troubled Master Zhou and Madam Zhou. She just wanted to offer these small gifts as a token of appreciation for you both." Chunmei said, "How could we possibly accept such things?" Xue Guoer replied, "If you don't accept them, the other party will blame me again." Chunmei then had the Shoubei brought in to discuss it. In the end, they only accepted the pig and wine as a meal offering, returning the bolt of silk back with them. They gave Dai'an a handkerchief, three qian of silver, and two qian for the person carrying the gift box. Chunmei asked, "When did you start shaving your head and wearing a net cap?" "When are you getting married to Xiaoyu?" Dai'an replied, "It will be in the eighth month." Chunmei said: "When you get home, tell your madam to thank her for the generous gifts. I wanted to invite your madam over for a visit, but Master Zhou is going out on patrol early or late every day." "I will come to your home in the first month of next year, for the boy's birthday." Dai'an said: "If you decide to go, I will tell my madam at home and arrange for her to come and pick you up on that day." After the conversation was over, they sent Dai'an out of the gate. Xue Guoer then said to Dai'an: "Young master, you may go first; Madam still wants to speak with me." Dai'an returned home, carrying the gift box and reported to Wu Yue 娘: "It went like this; Chunmei took me back there and served tea and snacks." She asked after the boy's well-being, as well as about family affairs. They gave me a handkerchief and three qian of silver for me, and two qian to the person who carried the gift box. They told me to thank Madam for the generous gifts, but they refused everything. After Xue Guoer and I insisted several times, they finally accepted the pig and wine for a meal, returning the silk bolt with us. They wanted to invite Madam over for a visit but Master Zhou was going out on patrol every day or so. She said she would come by the house during Xiaoguo's birthday in the first lunar month of next year." He also reported: "She now lives in five main rooms, wears brocade skirts and embroidered jackets, and is adorned with a golden beam hat. She has grown even plumper and more prosperous." There are many young maids and nurses serving her!" Wu Yue 娘 asked, "Did she really say that she would come to our home next year?" Dai'an replied: "She did indeed tell me so." Wu Yue 娘 said: "On that day, we will send someone to meet her here." She then asked, "Why hasn't Xue Guoer come back yet?" Dai'an replied: "When I left, she was still sitting and talking, so she told me to go ahead." From then on, the two families maintained a continuous exchange. Indeed: The world's feelings shift with warmth and coldness; human faces change according to status and rank. There is a poem as evidence: | ||
| 得失榮枯命里該，皆因年月日時栽。胸中有志應須至，蠹里無財莫論才。 | ||
| Gains and losses, glory and decline are all fated; All stem from the planting of years, months, days, and hours. With ambition in one's heart, success is bound to come; Without wealth within, it is not wise to speak of talent. |
URN: ctp:jinpingmei/ch95