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《第六回 情公子血淚染紅綾 恨佳人誓言焚書簡 Chapter 6: Sentiment Gentleman Blood Tears Stain Red Silk, Hate Beauty Vow Burn Book Scrolls》[View] [Edit] [History]
An aligned English translation of this text is available and can be displayed alongside the source text (instructions). Please note that AI has been used in creating these translations. Translation setting: [None] [English]1  | 第六回 情公子血淚染紅綾 恨佳人誓言焚書簡 Chapter Six: The Affectionate Young Gentleman Stains Crimson Brocade with Blood Tears; The Resentful Beauty Burns Books to Fulfill a Vow |
| 2 | 話說瀟湘館內聽見寶玉身子不好，晴雯、紫鵑俱不放心，只在旁邊打量黛玉的光景。哪知黛玉佯佯不睬，卻因大初一早晨，叫她們兩個擺了香案，拜了天地，並亡過的父母，又遠遠地拜了哥哥，再到呂祖師前恭恭敬敬地拈香禮拜，默默地禱告了。來到中間，紫鵑、晴雯、柳嫂子、眾老婆子、小丫頭都磕了頭。隨後王元領了林府的一眾家人進來，一排兒的跪下，磕了三個頭，站起來請了安。王元等退出去，站在窗戶外階沿上，眾家人也一排兒的站在院子裏。王元又將各店伙及一眾新靠家人手本送上來。 It was said that within Xiaoxiang Pavilion, upon hearing of Bao Yu's poor health, Qingwen and Zijuan were both anxious and kept watching Daiyu closely. Little did they know that Daiyu pretended not to care, yet on the first day of the lunar new year in the early morning, she had them set up an incense altar and paid respects to heaven and earth as well as her deceased parents. She also bowed from afar toward her elder brother, then respectfully offered incense and performed rituals before Master Lv Zu, silently making prayers. In the middle of this, Zijuan, Qingwen, Liu Laopai, several old women, and young maids all kowtowed. Subsequently, Wang Yuan led a group of family members from the Lin household in. They knelt down in a row, kowtowed three times, then stood up and paid their respects. Wang Yuan and the others withdrew and stood on the steps outside the window, while the family members also lined up in the courtyard. Wang Yuan then submitted the credentials of all shop assistants and newly affiliated household staff. |
| 3 | 紫鵑接了上去，黛玉逐一地看過，都慰勞了，便叫將王元送進的金錁子逐盤地托出來，遞與王元分散了，說「不用叩謝」。里外人等都領了賞，王元便帶著眾人出去。這裏黛玉坐下，心裏想起來道：「我便依了舅舅、舅太太的言語當真不出去，怎麼丫頭也不叫她出去？況且晴雯還有她的心上人兒，各人走各人的路，怎麼拘著她。讓她去，大初一早上會會再世緣也好。」便道：「紫鵑你同了晴雯出去，到上頭各房裡替我道賀。說我依了老爺、太太的吩咐遲日再過去。你便回來，讓晴雯到各處逛逛去。」黛玉這句話原也是體諒的意思。 Zijuan took them and presented them to Daiyu, who examined each one in turn. She comforted everyone and then ordered the golden trays that Wang Yuan had brought in to be carried out plate by plate and given to Wang Yuan for distribution, saying, "There is no need to thank me." All the people inside and outside received their rewards, after which Wang Yuan led everyone out. Here, Daiyu sat down and thought to herself, "Even if I truly do not go out as Uncle and Auntie have said, why did they not even allow the girl to go out?" After all, Qingwen still has her beloved; everyone should be free to take their own path. Why must she be restrained? "Let her go; it would also be good for her to meet a karmic connection reborn on the first morning of the new year." She then said, "Zijuan, go out with Qingwen and visit the various rooms upstairs to offer my congratulations on behalf of me." Say that I have followed Master and Madam's instructions and will go there at a later date. "You return first, and let Qingwen go around and visit various places." Daiyu's words were originally meant to be considerate. |
| 4 | 那晴雯卻因黛玉生平嘴頭子厲害，要便藏箇啞謎兒，莫不是說我惦記著寶玉的病來？便道：「紫鵑姐姐一個去就夠了，我也懶得走，在這裡陪姑娘吧。」黛玉笑道：「你要算我的人兒，我不信。」紫鵑也笑了。晴雯就急起來道：「咱們原是老太太身邊的人，難道姑娘也要攆出這個屋子去？」黛玉笑道：「我肯攆你？敢則有人招呢。」晴雯也笑道：「招到我還早。」黛玉眼圈兒紅一紅，碎了一啐，叫紫鵑拉著走，自己又推著的推出去了。 However, Qingwen, because Daiyu was known for her sharp tongue in life, suspected that she might be hinting at something subtly and wondered if it wasn't a way of saying that she missed Bao Yu due to his illness. She then said, "One person, Zijuan Senior Sister, is enough to go by herself. I am too lazy to walk around; I will stay here and keep the young lady company." Daiyu smiled and said, "If you want to count yourself as one of my people, I don't believe it." Zijuan also laughed. Qingwen immediately became anxious and said, "We were originally people from Old Madam's side; would the young lady also drive us out of this room?" Daiyu laughed and said, "Would I dare to chase you away?" "If anything, someone might even want to recruit you." Qingwen also laughed and said, "It's too early for anyone to be recruiting me." Daiyu reddened her eyes, spat out a tear, and had Zijuan pull her along while she herself pushed from behind until they finally walked out. |
| 5 | 且說寶玉，自從見了紫鵑，聽了一句黛玉的話，便呆呆的。幸喜王夫人叫鶯兒、麝月伏侍他去睡了。他就在被裏百般地思想起來道：「如今是的的真真、明明白白有這個林妹妹了。到底心裡記著我，叫紫鵑來問我，不知還有什麼言語，可惜紫鵑在眾人前不能替她告訴我。我想老爺已經告訴她不要出來，為什麼還要叫紫鵑來？無不過順便地問問我，通一個信便了。可惜老爺坐著，再也不能拉住她。我就不能攔住她，可恨這麝月、鶯兒也不替我拉住了。」 Meanwhile, Bao Yu, since seeing Zijuan and hearing a word from Daiyu, had been in a daze. Fortunately, Madam Wang ordered Ying'er and Shuyue to attend him and help him go to sleep. While lying under the covers, he thought endlessly: "Now it is truly and clearly certain that there is this Lin Younger Sister." She must still be thinking of me, sending Zijuan to ask about me. I wonder what else she might have said; it is a pity that Zijuan could not tell me in front of the others. I thought Master had already told her not to come out, so why did she still send Zijuan?" It was probably just a casual inquiry, merely to pass along a message. Unfortunately, Master is seated and can no longer hold her back. I cannot stop her myself, and it's regrettable that Shuyue and Ying'er didn't help me hold her back." |
| 6 | 又想那紫鵑的情景：「回老爺、太太倒也明白，其餘一概也不過隨便的口聲，算到了我跟前也隨便得很。這樣想起來又像林姑娘當真生分了我。況且她頭也不回去得那麼快，不像林妹妹有什麼惦記著我。」 He also thought about Zijuan's demeanor: "She was clear and respectful when speaking to Master and Madam, but for everything else, she merely spoke casually. Even in front of me, her manner was very casual." Thinking this over made it seem as if Lin Younger Lady had truly become distant from him. Moreover, she left so quickly without even turning her head back; it did not seem as if Lin Younger Sister had any particular thoughts of him. |
| 7 | 因又想起：「林妹妹從前受的苦那麼著，臨過去時只說得『寶玉你好』四個字。林妹妹果然該應記恨著，哪裏還有問我的分兒？只怕連剛才這一句話也是紫鵑編出來哄我的呢。也可恨晴雯這個人，我們怎麼樣好，剛纔這句話就替紫鵑走一走，給我見一見也何妨，還是林妹妹不許呢？還是你也變了心呢？」寶玉這麼想，就煩起來。 He then recalled, "Lin Younger Lady endured so much suffering in the past; when she was about to leave, all she could say were four words: 'Bao Yu, you are well.'" "Lin Younger Lady must indeed have a grudge and resentment; how could there still be any thought of inquiring about me?" "I fear even those words just now might have been fabricated by Zijuan to comfort me." "It is also regrettable about Qingwen. If we had been on good terms, just now she could have taken Zijuan's place for a moment and let me see her; it would not have mattered. Was it Lin Younger Lady who forbade this?" "Or perhaps you, too, have changed your heart?" As Bao Yu thought this over, he became increasingly troubled. |
| 8 | 又想起：「明日大初一，還要跟老爺各處去，怎麼好。自從回家來沒見過人。大初一倒出去，臊不臊呢？」算來算去，總不如裝起病來省得了去，而且林妹妹聽見了或者動動心。因此寶釵回房上床，俱若不知，可憐守歲夫妻竟若道旁陌路，到半夜裏便說起身上不好來。慌得寶釵叫丫頭拍著伺候了湯水。 He also recalled, "Tomorrow is the first day of the new year; I still have to go around with Master. How troublesome." Since returning home, he had not seen anyone. "To go out on the first day of a new year would be embarrassing, wouldn't it?" No matter how he calculated it, pretending to be ill and avoiding the outing seemed better, and perhaps Lin Younger Lady would feel moved upon hearing about it. Therefore, when Baochai returned to her room and got into bed, he pretended not to know. Poorly, the husband and wife who were supposed to keep each other company during the New Year's Eve felt like strangers on a roadside path; by midnight, he began complaining of feeling unwell. This alarmed Baochai, who immediately called the maids to prepare and serve soup and water for him. |
| 9 | 這寶玉千頭萬緒地想了一夜，到天明時反呼呼地睡著了。寶釵連忙起來，到上房去告訴太太，太太便叫告訴老爺去。賈政聞知無甚大病，便叫他不必跟著出去，且避避風，節些飲食便好。賈政便會齊兄弟叔姪上朝拜客去了。 Bao Yu spent the entire night thinking about a thousand things, but by dawn he was fast asleep, snoring loudly. Baochai hurriedly got up and went to the main room to inform Madam; Madam then ordered someone to go tell Master. Jia Zheng, upon learning that it was not a serious illness, ordered him not to go out and told him simply to avoid the cold and moderate his diet. Jia Zheng then gathered together his brothers, nephews, and other relatives and went out to pay New Year's visits at court. |
| 10 | 且說紫鵑、晴雯從瀟湘館一路來到上房，王夫人、李紈、寶釵、惜春、喜鸞、喜鳳正要上車到家廟去，兩個上去道了賀，行了禮。王夫人心裡很喜，便湊著紫鵑耳朵邊叫她拉了晴雯去看看寶二爺，王夫人等便上車去了。她兩個便也到各處房裏看看舊日姊妹。 Meanwhile, Zijuan and Qingwen traveled from Xiaoxiang Pavilion all the way to the main house. Wang Madam, Li Wan, Baochai, Xichun, Xiluan, and Xifeng were just about to get into their carriages to go to the ancestral temple when the two of them came forward to offer congratulations and perform bows. Wang Madam was very pleased and, leaning close to Zijuan's ear, instructed her to take Qingwen along to check on Bao Er Ye. Then Wang Madam and the others got into their carriages and left. The two of them then went around visiting various rooms to see their former sisters. |
| 11 | 紫鵑還是照常，晴雯卻是個再世重來的人，雖則大初一早晨，心裏頭著實地傷感，順了路便走到寶釵處來。只見雪雁輕輕地迎將出來，搖搖手，低低地說道：「二奶奶纔往上頭去，寶二爺還睡著呢。」這紫鵑本來厭惡雪雁得很，一聽了隨即轉身就走。晴雯也就傲傲地一同回去了。 Zijuan remained as usual, but Qingwen was a person reborn in this world. Although it was the first morning of the lunar new year, she felt deeply sorrowful inside and followed the path to Baochai's quarters. Just then, Xueyan came out lightly to greet her, shook her hand gently, and whispered softly, "Madam Er has just gone upstairs; Bao Er Ye is still asleep." Zijuan had originally disliked Xueyan very much, and upon hearing this, immediately turned around and left. Qingwen also returned with a haughty attitude. |
| 12 | 這裏寶玉將晴雯算做芙蓉花神，幾次的做詞弔她，做文祭她，不意生離死別再世後又聚一家，巴巴地要想見她一面，倒反在大初一早晨當面錯過。正是：有緣千里來相會，無緣對面不相逢。這紫鵑、晴雯回到瀟湘館，紫鵑便說起雪雁的話來道：「我原也不要到寶二爺屋裏，因為太太千叮萬囑的叫我拉她去走走。我拉著晴雯，她還笑著說：『今日真個花紅柳綠的又去他屋裡引他，只被我拉著走。 Meanwhile, Bao Yu had regarded Qingwen as the lotus flower deity and composed several poems to mourn her and essays to honor her. He never expected that after a life of separation and death, they would be reunited in this reborn world; he longed desperately to see her once more, yet ironically missed meeting her face-to-face on the first morning of the New Year. Indeed: When there is karmic connection, those a thousand miles apart will meet; when there is no connection, even face-to-face encounters bring no recognition. Zijuan and Qingwen returned to Xiaoxiang Pavilion. Zijuan then mentioned Xueyan's words, saying, "Originally I had no intention of going into Bao Er Ye's quarters; it was only because Madam repeatedly instructed me to take her along for a walk." "I was dragging Qingwen, and she was even smiling as she said, 'Today I really have to go back into his quarters again with all the flowers blooming and willows green, just being dragged along by me.'" |
| 13 | 這雪雁就鬼張鬼智地搖什麼手。咱們大初一里倒有空兒在你屋裏伺候？況且你又那麼著，咱們不回來做什麼？」 "This Xueyan was acting slyly and waving her hands around like a ghost." "Do we have time on the first day of New Year to be waiting on you in your quarters?" "Besides, with how things are for you, why would we even come back at all?" |
| 14 | 黛玉見晴雯臉上紅紅的，怕她害臊不肯取笑她，只說道：「別管什麼，你們且吃些蓮子圓兒，若惜姑娘來快請進來。大初一里，這裏又沒甚多事，你們只管隨意兒走走去。」正說間，真個惜姑娘一個先來了。 Daiyu, seeing that Qingwen's face was flushed red, feared she might be embarrassed and did not dare tease her. She simply said, "Don't mind anything; you two should eat some lotus seed dumplings first. If Xichun comes by, please bring her in quickly." "It's the first day of New Year; there are not many things to do here. You may go and walk around as you please." Just as they were speaking, Xichun indeed arrived first. |
| 15 | 黛玉便笑迎出去，攙了手進來，彼此坐下講道。紫鵑、晴雯也就往園裏閒逛去了。這晴雯終究是回過來的，各處看看，要尋到怡紅院裡認認從前帶了病臨死攆出去的地方，卻礙著紫鵑。直到紫鵑先自回去了，方纔從山腰內穿到稻香村，沿著籬笆彎彎曲曲尋將過來。 Daiyu then smiled and went out to greet her warmly, supporting her by the hand as they came in, sat down together, and began chatting. Zijuan and Qingwen then went off to stroll leisurely around the garden. Ultimately, Qingwen did return and went around looking at various places. She wanted to find her way back to Yihong Courtyard to identify the spot where she had once been driven out while ill on her deathbed, but was held back by Zijuan. It was only after Zijuan returned first that Qingwen finally passed through the hillside and entered Daoxiang Village, following the fence along a winding path as she searched her way forward. |
| 16 | 走進門去，院子裏卻也掃得潔淨。忽然想起撕扇子的時候，卻像天上有一張涼床坐著寶玉，從天邊一直的落在地上，就覺心裏恍恍的，瞳仁兒酸酸的，慢慢地走上階沿。陡見一掛紫錦灰鼠玻璃窗的軟簾，又觸起了得病根源。只因要嚇麝月，不聽寶玉言語，被窩裡起來冒了風寒。心裏頭益發怪難過的，輕輕揭起軟簾待要進去。 She walked in through the gate, and to her surprise, the courtyard was swept clean. Suddenly, she recalled the time when fans were torn. It felt as if there was a cool bed in the sky where Bao Yu sat, falling from the horizon all the way down to the ground. A hazy sensation filled her heart, and tears welled up in her eyes. Slowly, she climbed onto the steps. Suddenly, she saw a soft curtain of purple brocade with gray shu pattern on glass windows, which immediately stirred up the memory of her illness's origin. It was because she wanted to scare Shuyue, ignored Bao Yu's words, and caught a chill by getting up from the bed. She felt even more painfully upset inside and gently lifted the curtain to step in. |
| 17 | 那邊寶玉從紫鵑、晴雯去後，不一會子便醒了，轉來問：「多早晚了？」雪雁道：「太陽到了院子裏。」又問：「誰來過？」雪雁道：「紫鵑、晴雯纔過來。」寶玉聽見晴雯兩字，本來和衣睡著，就一骨碌坐起來，道：「晴雯呢？」雪雁道：「知道二爺沒有醒，回園子裏去了。」 Meanwhile, after Zijuan and Qingwen had left, Bao Yu woke up not long afterward and turned over, asking, "What time is it now?" Xueyan replied, "The sun has reached the courtyard." He asked again, "Who came by?" Xueyan said, "Zijuan and Qingwen just came by." Upon hearing the name Qingwen, Bao Yu—who had been lying in bed fully clothed—suddenly sat up and asked, "Where is Qingwen?" Xueyan said, "Knowing that Master Er had not yet woken, she returned to the garden." |
| 18 | 寶玉當下也就膽大如天，就撞著賈政也不管，他也不戴上暖帽，踹鞋一直地跑進園子，定要追著晴雯，要將所穿她臨死換下的紅綾棉襖並隨身帶她臨死時咬下的指甲兒給她瞧。就求了她一同過去見見林妹妹，剖剖我的心事。這雪雁終是個丫頭，如何知道，她只得去回太太。 At that moment, Bao Yu felt as bold as the sky itself. Even if he encountered Jia Zheng, he would not care. Without putting on his warm cap or even properly wearing his shoes, he ran straight into the garden to chase after Qingwen, determined to show her the red brocade cotton coat she had changed into before her death and the fingernail she had bitten off at that time, which he had kept with him. He even begged her to go together to see Lin Younger Lady and explain his heart's troubles. Xueyan, after all, was just a maid; how could she know what to do? She had no choice but to go and report the matter to Madam. |
| 19 | 那寶玉就一氣地跑到園子裏，過了蜂腰橋，相近怡紅院，正望見晴雯掀軟簾進去，便也舍命地搶上臺階，揭了軟簾趕進來。晴雯回頭過來，見了寶玉就驚呆了，說不出話，就在鏡屏旁邊大紅錦絨軟榻上坐將下來。寶玉趕上去倒在她懷裡，喘吁吁地一句話說不出，只拉了晴雯的手揭他穿的紅綾襖出來，晴雯看見了，也說不出一句話，只覺得淚瀉如水。 Bao Yu ran straight to the garden, crossed Honey Waist Bridge, and approached Yihong Courtyard. Just as he saw Qingwen lifting the curtain and entering, he rushed up the steps with all his might, pulled aside the curtain, and hurried in after her. Qingwen turned around and, upon seeing Bao Yu, was so startled that she could not speak. She sat down on the large red brocade velvet couch beside the mirror screen. Bao Yu rushed forward and collapsed into her arms, gasping for breath with no words to say. He only took Qingwen's hand and pulled out the red brocade coat he was wearing. Upon seeing it, Qingwen could not utter a single word either; she felt tears streaming down like water. |
| 20 | 寶玉咽了咽，才說道：「你說擔個虛名兒，咱們還有這見面的……」晴雯正不知怎麼樣，正要說話，忽聽見院門外有人說道：「我們寶二爺實在地尋也要尋死人。」慌得晴雯連忙將寶玉推開，也像林黛玉哭腫了眼睛，怕人見似的，飛風地往後門走了。 After a moment, Bao Yu choked back his emotions and said, "You once said we were only burdened by an empty reputation, yet here we are meeting again..." Before Qingwen could figure out how to respond or speak up, suddenly someone outside the courtyard gate remarked, "Our Master Er is really searching for a dead person." Startled, Qingwen quickly pushed Bao Yu away. Her eyes swelled with tears like Lin Daiyu's and, fearing others might see her, she hurriedly fled through the back gate as if carried by the wind. |
| 21 | 寶玉也似落了魂地走出來，恰遇玉釧兒、鶯兒、麝月、彩屏四個人先後尋將來，解差似的跟回寶釵房裡去，呆呆地坐下，王夫人就同了寶釵來看他。王夫人已聽見雪雁回明，錯過了晴雯故此趕去，卻不知他兩個已在怡紅院會了面，轉因尋得緊，一句話未曾說出，就被玉釧兒等尋了回來。這又是：人從死後能相見，話在心頭說未完。 Bao Yu came out as if his soul had been lost. Just then, Yuchuan, Ying'er, Shuyue, and Caiping arrived one after another to look for him, like bailiffs escorting a prisoner back to Baochai's quarters. He sat there dazedly when Madam Wang arrived with Baochai to see him. Madam Wang had already heard from Xueyan that Bao Yu missed meeting Qingwen and thus hurried to look for him. However, she did not know the two had already met at Yihong Courtyard; because of the urgency in searching, before a single word could be spoken, he was found by Yuchuan and others and brought back. This is again: People meet after death as if by fate; words remain unsaid, lingering in the heart. |
| 22 | 太太就安慰寶玉道：「好孩子，你昨日心裏煩，今日能起來到園子里散散，我也放心。晴雯這孩子原要來看你，只因年夜頭，林妹妹那邊走不開。故此今日來，雖沒遇著，這大新年上大家沒事，誰也要尋著誰玩玩呢。多早晚她也要來，咱們也要叫人去拉她，你且好好的，想著心兒裡愛喝什麼湯兒，你就告訴你寶姐姐，再不也躺躺。你近前來，我試試你的額兒上，纔到園裏去沒戴暖帽可不招了涼。」 Madam comforted Bao Yu and said, "Good child, you were troubled in your heart yesterday. Now that you are able to get up today and go out into the garden for a while, I feel at ease." "The child Qingwen originally wanted to come see you, but because it was New Year's Eve and Lin Younger Lady needed her there, she couldn't leave." "Therefore, she came today. Although you didn't meet her, it is the first day of New Year and everyone has time; who wouldn't want to find someone else to play with?" "She will come again soon, and we must also send someone to bring her. For now, you should take good care of yourself. If there is any soup you love to drink, tell your Bao Senior Sister; otherwise, just lie down for a while." "Come closer. I'll check your forehead to see if you caught a chill from not wearing your warm cap when you went out into the garden." |
| 23 | 寶玉怪臊地走進來，王夫人摸一摸笑道：「也不怎的，還好呢，你往後再不要那麼孩子氣。」又看了看寶釵，笑著道：「差不多有人出來叫你老子，你還這麼著淘氣。仔細著你的孩子也要羞你。」直把寶玉臊得沒影兒，連寶釵也不好意思的。王夫人笑著就去了。 Bao Yu, feeling embarrassed, walked in. Madam Wang touched his forehead and smiled, saying, "Nothing much—still fine. In the future, you mustn't be so childish." She glanced at Baochai and said with a smile, "Almost someone came out to call your father. You are still so mischievous." "Be careful—your child will also be ashamed of you someday." Bao Yu was so embarrassed he disappeared without a trace, and even Baochai felt awkward. Madam Wang smiled and left. |
| 24 | 不一會兒到薛姨媽那裡，薛姨媽也帶了香菱過來，也同了李紈、寶釵、平兒、喜鸞、喜鳳，隨後又是邢夫人、尤氏、蓉兒媳婦也過來，大家都帶了丫頭成群結隊往瀟湘館去，也望望黛玉，也看看大觀園新春景色，倒把柳嫂子忙壞了。 Not long after, Madam Wang went to Xue Yimei's place. Xue Yimei also brought along Xiangling and joined Li Wan, Baochai, Ping'er, Xiluan, Xifeng, followed later by Lady Xing, You Shi, and Rong'er's wife. Everyone came with their maids in groups heading toward Xiaoxiang Pavilion to visit Lin Daiyu and admire the New Year scenery of Daguanyuan. This kept Liu Pozi very busy indeed. |
| 25 | 不說黛玉這邊熱鬧，卻說寶玉，冷清清的一個人悶在房裏，想起碰見晴雯的事：歡喜也歡喜，懊惱也懊惱不過。從前怎樣的生離死別，而今當真地重新有這箇人出來，怎麼一句話也不許說完？一見面就拆開了，莫不是咱們緣分只剩下這一面兒？往後又有什麼變故麼？我怎麼糊塗，就不問一問林妹妹？他也為什麼不說起林妹妹？不要是晴雯回轉來了，林妹妹到底沒有這箇人！」 Without mentioning the lively scene at Daiyu's place, let us speak of Bao Yu. He was alone in his room, feeling lonely and bored, thinking about meeting Qingwen: he felt both happy and unhappy, unable to shake off these mixed emotions. No matter how many times they had been separated before, as if by life and death, now that this person was truly back into his life again, how could he not even be allowed to finish a single sentence? They were separated as soon as they met. Was it that our fate had only allowed for this one meeting left? What other misfortunes might come after this? How foolish of me not to ask Lin Younger Sister about it! Why didn't she mention Lin Younger Lady either? old "Is it possible that Qingwen has returned, but in the end, there is still no such person as Lin Younger Lady?" |
| 26 | 又想道：「不是呢，這個林妹妹到底算實在有了這個人呢，昨日老爺、太太明明地去看她，她又明明地叫紫鵑來說話呢，人是到底有了這個人呢。不要是林妹妹惦記著我，而且憶著這個怡紅院，怪不好意思的，且叫晴雯去看看，回去說這些光景。而今晴雯到了怡紅院，又碰見了我，不知回去告訴林妹妹，可也還提著我？」 He thought again, "No, this Lin Younger Lady is indeed a real person. Yesterday, Master and Madam clearly went to see her, and she clearly sent Zijuan to speak with me—so there really is such a person." "It must be that Lin Younger Lady misses me and also remembers Yihong Courtyard, feeling a bit embarrassed. She probably asked Qingwen to come see for herself and then return with an account of these scenes." "Now that Qingwen has come to Yihong Courtyard and met me, I wonder if she will go back and tell Lin Younger Lady—will she still mention me?" |
| 27 | 又想：「晴雯也古怪，你怕鶯兒、麝月做甚的，咱們從前在一處玩，大家不存心。鶯兒也罷了，麝月這個人你們從前那麼好，那麼玩，你這病還是同她玩出來的，今日倒生分了她，叫我一句話也不能說完。我不說完也罷了，怎麼你也只有傷的分兒？就連句話也說不出。你從前臨死的時候倒反悽悽慘慘、伶伶俐俐地說幾句傷心話，怎麼而今倒連半句話也說不出來？」 He thought again, "Qingwen is strange. Why were you afraid of Ying'er and Shuyue? We used to play together before; no one had any ill intentions." "Even Ying'er is fine, but Shuyue—this person used to be so close and play with you so much. In fact, your illness was caused by playing with her. Today, however, you are distant toward her and even prevented me from finishing a single sentence." "If I can't finish my words, that's fine. But why must there only be pain for you as well?" Not even a single sentence could be spoken. "When you were about to die before, you could still speak a few sorrowful words in a pitiful and clear manner. Why now can't even half a sentence be spoken?" |
| 28 | 寶玉想到此處，真箇想出了神，心兒裏傷極了，眼睛裡不住地落下淚來。正一手翻出紅綾襖來看，不覺地漬在襟子上。適麝月走了進來，瞧見他的淚落在襖襟上，低頭一瞧就駭呆了，說道：「二爺，你翻轉襖襟子瞧一瞧。」寶玉果然翻過來，不覺駭了一跳，只見漬過去的斑斑點點多是血淚。 At this thought, Bao Yu was truly lost in his reverie. His heart ached intensely, and tears kept streaming down from his eyes without ceasing. Just as he was flipping through the red brocade coat with one hand, tears unintentionally stained its collar. Just then, Shuyue walked in and saw the tears on the coat's collar. She looked down and was immediately startled. "Master Er," she said, "please turn over your coat collar to take a look." Bao Yu turned it over as instructed and was startled. He saw that the stains were mostly blood tears, leaving many spots on the fabric. |
| 29 | 寶玉便歎口氣，將心裡想著晴雯的言語一總告訴麝月，又道：「我和晴雯的情分兒你知道，在先襲人暗裡頭陷害她你也知道。而今襲人怎樣？她又怎麼樣？你叫我怎樣不傷呢？」寶玉說了，又哭起來。麝月連忙解勸。 Bao Yu sighed and told Shuyue everything that had been on his mind about Qingwen. He added, "You know the bond between me and Qingwen; you also know how Xi Ren secretly plotted against her in the past." "And now, what of Xi Ren?" "What about her?" "How could I not be hurt by this?" After Bao Yu said that, he began to weep again. Shuyue hurriedly tried to comfort and console him. |
| 30 | 寶玉知道她也和晴雯好，便將方纔在怡紅院碰見的光景說了。寶玉就走到寶釵鏡臺邊尋一把剪子，將這小半幅血淚漬透的紅綾襖襟子剪下來交麝月，央及她覷了便悄悄地遞給晴雯：「告訴她說，她臨死咬下來的指甲我也時時刻刻帶在身上。她的心裏頭若有我這個人，千千萬萬央及她在林妹妹跟前表白我的心。能夠得了林妹妹一半句話，就林妹妹恨我、罵我、咒我，我都願意。我就化了灰飛了煙也感激。」 Bao Yu knew that she, too, was close with Qingwen, so he recounted the scene of meeting her at Yihong Courtyard earlier. Bao Yu then walked to the dressing table by Baochai's room and found a pair of scissors. He cut off the small half of the red brocade collar stained with blood tears, handed it over to Shuyue, and asked her to secretly pass it on to Qingwen at an appropriate moment: "Tell her that I have always kept the fingernail she bit off before her death right by my side." "If there is still a place for me in her heart, I beg her with all my heart to express my feelings before Lin Younger Lady." "If she could even get half a sentence from Lin Younger Lady, whether Lin Younger Lady hates me, scolds me, or curses me, I would still be willing." "I would be eternally grateful even if I were turned to ashes and scattered as smoke." |
| 31 | 這麝月一面也揉眼，一面點點頭將這紅綾襖襟子好好地袖去了。這寶玉便立時立刻地催著她，麝月也就真箇的往瀟湘館去了。寶玉便坐不是立不是的，巴巴地望著。 While rubbing her eyes, Shuyue nodded in agreement and carefully tucked the red brocade collar into her sleeve. Bao Yu immediately urged her to go right away, and Shuyue truly set off for Xiaoxiang Pavilion without delay. Bao Yu sat neither properly nor stood steadily, anxiously gazing ahead with great anticipation. |
| 32 | 這麝月起來起去是處都有幾個人，就扯了晴雯也沒有地方講話。等得不耐煩了，生怕寶玉惦記著，只得仍舊袖了這襖襟子回轉來告訴寶玉。寶玉再三央及道：「左右沒有什麼事，你總什麼不要管，替我瞧著空盡數地告訴她，就拿她的話告訴我。」麝月就去，可可的大家沒有什麼事，上上下下都在瀟湘館裏分了兩三桌玩起牌來，連紫鵑、晴雯都扯到上面去了。晴雯雖則心中有事，也不免應酬一番。這麝月又走回來走轉去，做了個送家報似的，又像個風箏兒忽來忽去的，一連幾日總沒有空兒。到得瀟湘館沒人的時候，不是王夫人叫她問寶玉，即是寶釵叫她找東西，偏又薛姨媽不放心寶玉，也叫她去問他。再則賈政也叫她去問問。再有喜鸞、喜鳳、平兒、香菱等也拉她。不想寶玉要緊使著她，她就偏偏的事情多起來。她倒一片心，生怕來來去去掉了這襖襟子，只得揀了一雙窄的玫瑰紫縐紗灰鼠小袖套緊了袖口。 Shuyue was constantly passing by places where several people were gathered; even if she tried to pull Qingwen aside, there was no place for them to speak in private. After waiting impatiently and fearing that Bao Yu might be worrying, Shuyue had no choice but to return the red brocade collar in her sleeve and inform him. Bao Yu implored her repeatedly, saying, "Since there is nothing else to do anyway, don't mind anything at all. Just look for an opportunity to tell her and bring back her words to me." Shuyue went, and just as it turned out, there were no other pressing matters. Everyone upstairs and downstairs had gathered at Xiaoxiang Pavilion, dividing into two or three groups to play cards; even Zijuan and Qingwen had been pulled in. Although Qingwen had her own concerns on her mind, she could not help but join in the socializing for a while. Shuyue kept going back and forth like a messenger, or like a kite drifting in and out of sight. For several days straight, there was never an opportunity for her to speak privately. Whenever Xiaoxiang Pavilion was empty, it was either Madam Wang who sent her to inquire about Bao Yu or Baochai who asked her to find something. To make matters worse, Xue Yimei, too, worried about Bao Yu and also sent for her. In addition, Jia Zheng also summoned her to inquire after him. Moreover, Xiluan, Xifang, Ping'er, and Xiangling also pulled her in various directions. Unluckily for Bao Yu who urgently needed her, she found herself caught up in an increasing number of tasks and obligations. She was full of concern, fearing that the coat collar might be lost during her comings and goings. Therefore, she carefully selected a pair of narrow rose-purple crêpe gray rat small sleeve covers to tightly fasten around her sleeves. |
| 33 | 且說賈政、賈璉幸喜打過了飢荒過了年，除衙門勛戚親友照常往來賀喜外，也就免不得請了年酒。生怕重復了，兩府裏各自將請酒日子勻開來。 Meanwhile, Jia Zheng and Jia Lian were fortunate to have weathered the difficult times and passed through the New Year. Besides the usual visits and greetings from officials, noble relatives, and friends as was customary, they could not avoid hosting a New Year banquet. To avoid overlapping events, the two households arranged their banquet dates separately. |
| 34 | 遇著問寶玉的，也就大家替他遮蓋些，只說在天津寺院裡避喧數月，現已回來尚在感冒著。不期北靖王十分記掛他，南安郡王也惦記著，又是房師要自己來看這門生。賈政十分過不去，只得叫寶玉出去了數日，還不放心，總叫林之孝、賴昇兩人親隨，又叫蘭哥兒陪著。 Whenever someone inquired about Bao Yu, everyone helped to cover for him, saying that he had spent several months at a temple in Tianjin to avoid the noise and was now back but still suffering from a cold. Unexpectedly, Prince Bei Jing was very concerned about him, and Duke Nan'an also missed him. In addition, his former teacher wanted to visit this student in person. Jia Zheng was very reluctant, but had no choice but to send Bao Yu out for several days. Still uneasy, he insisted that Lin Zhixiao and Lai Sheng accompany him personally, as well as have Lan Ge'er keep him company. |
| 35 | 這寶玉就煩苦極了，晴雯的話麝月尚無回音，又是連日間換衣帽上車下車，見了人少不得也要想句話來應對他。到得回來時只自己一個人苦苦地悶著，又怕寶釵招怪，到底整日間淌淚不好意思，只有在被窩裡咽咽地流淚。正不知林妹妹幾時能見一面，晴雯幾時才有回話過來。自己正在悶著，誰知麝月倒沒有回音，反是鶯兒來，講起黛玉近日的言語行止，細細地告訴寶玉，寶玉聽了忙拉了鶯兒進裏間房裡密密地講去了。 Bao Yu was extremely troubled. Shuyue still had not given him a reply regarding Qingwen, and on top of that, he had to endure the hassle of changing clothes, getting in and out of carriages all day long, and whenever meeting people, he could not avoid coming up with appropriate words for conversation. When he returned, he was left alone and felt unbearably bored. He also feared that Baochai might be upset with him. All day long, he shed tears in embarrassment but dared not show it openly; instead, he wept silently under the covers. He had no idea when he would be able to see Lin Younger Lady again or when Qingwen might finally give him a reply. While he was brooding over these thoughts, who should come but Ying'er instead of Shuyue. She came to tell Bao Yu in detail about Lin Daiyu's recent words and actions. Upon hearing this, Bao Yu quickly pulled Ying'er into the inner room for a private conversation. |
| 36 | 原來黛玉近日最相好的是惜春一箇人，要便無夜無明的對坐著談論些修煉之事，遇了別人進去便各寂然。黛玉心裏頭雖也愛喜鸞、喜鳳，然覺得她終是富貴中人，不同一路。黛玉更想到心地上清白的功夫，不但男女嗔愛之念一切掃除乾淨，就是姊妹中間憐她的才愛她的貌，這一點牽惹的意思也像雲絲兒翳了日月的影子。「就如喜鸞的才貌尤勝喜鳳，也算世上第一等的佳人，就配我良玉哥哥也配得。就算她真個配我哥哥，做了嫂子，她有她的姻緣，我有我的因果。便是良玉哥哥，我將來也要與他分路走的。我心中又何牽惹，只有惜春妹妹同心會意彼此立志相同，因此越談心越覺得知己。」黛玉雖於道書看過，向來未曾博覽深究。 It turned out that Lin Daiyu had recently become especially close to Xichun. The two would sit together night after day, discussing matters of cultivation and spiritual practice; whenever someone else entered the room, they fell silent immediately. Although Lin Daiyu also liked Xiluan and Xifeng in her heart, she felt that they were ultimately people of wealth and privilege, not on the same path as herself. Lin Daiyu thought even more deeply about the purity of one's inner nature. She believed not only should all thoughts of love and anger between men and women be completely eradicated, but even feelings among sisters—such as admiration for her talent or beauty—should also be regarded like wisps of cloud dimming the sun and moon. "Take Xiluan, for example—her talent and beauty surpass even those of Xifeng. She can be considered the most beautiful woman in the world and would certainly match my good elder brother Bao Yu well." "Even if she were truly to marry my older brother and become his sister-in-law, she has her own karmic fate, and I have mine." "Even with Bao Yu elder brother, in the end I will also part ways with him." "Why should my heart be entangled at all? Only Xichun younger sister and I share the same understanding, with identical aspirations. That is why we feel more like true confidants as our conversations deepen." Although Lin Daiyu had read some Daoist texts, she had never thoroughly studied or widely explored them before. |
| 37 | 原虧著惜春講論淵源。惜春見得道書既多，而領悟不凡，卻反不如黛玉敏悟，也虧得黛玉解說指點。兩個人就一天天更覺親密起來。這一日黛玉處眾人都去了，單留惜春。惜春只留入畫伺候她，這兩個道友便毫無忌憚地議論起來，說元神是怎麼樣的，又說大丹是怎麼樣的，又說修成了功行是怎麼樣的，倒像成過仙似的，說得有憑有據。 She owed it entirely to Xichun for explaining the origins and principles in depth. Xichun, though she had read many Daoist texts and possessed profound understanding, found that her insight was not as sharp as Lin Daiyu's. She also owed much to Lin Daiuser for explaining and guiding her. The two of them gradually grew even closer day by day. One day, all the others at Lin Daiyu's place had left, leaving only Xichun behind. Xichun kept only Ruhua to attend her. The two Daoist companions then discussed freely and without restraint, speaking of what the original spirit was like, how the great elixir functioned, and what it meant to achieve cultivation and virtue—talking as if they had already become immortals, with every claim backed by solid reasoning. |
| 38 | 惜春忽然想起寶玉這等難割難分：「寶玉這個人粘住了黛玉，有抵死不放的光景，而且老爺、太太前珠大哥也沒了，將寶哥哥那麼樣疼，如何不順了他的意。就算娶過了寶姐姐，咱們這樣人家，一樣的因親結親，便兩個嫂子也使得。而今林姐姐追想從前受了鳳嫂子的毒計，故此決計修行，只怕事到其間，也就由不得你做主呢。況且姑爹、姑媽通過去了，老爺是嫡親國舅原也做得九分主兒。又是你良玉哥哥這麼孝順那麼友愛，又這麼勢分，生生地放你單身修行去？你想你的光景，比起我來原是各別的。我便有你的家世，我怎有你的哥哥，叫說你不好，你原比我好，叫說你好，只怕你這身心性命上的事情比不得我。你怎麼能跳出這個圈子。黛玉見她說到中間忽然支了頤出神，便道：「你心裏頭又悟出什麼道理來？」 Xichun suddenly thought of Bao Yu and how deeply entwined he was with Lin Daiyu: "This person, Bao Yu, is so attached to Daiyu that he clings to her as if never wanting to let go. Moreover, Master and Madam have already lost Zhu Elder Brother; they dote on Bao'er so much, how could they not follow his wishes?" "Even if he were to marry Bao Senior Sister, in our family, it's still a marriage through kinship. Having two sisters-in-law would be perfectly acceptable." "Now, Lin Younger Sister is reflecting on the past and how she was victimized by Madam Feng's treacherous schemes. That is why she has resolved to cultivate herself spiritually. But when the time comes, I fear you will not be able to control what happens." "Besides, your maternal grandfather and grandmother have passed away. Master is the legitimate uncle by marriage and could make nine-tenths of the decisions." "And with your Bao Yu elder brother so filial and affectionate, and holding such influence—would he really let you go off alone to cultivate spiritually?" "You must think your situation is different from mine." "Even if I had your family background, how could I have a brother like yours? If they say you are not good, originally you are better than me; but if they praise you, perhaps the matters of your mind and body, life and destiny cannot be compared to mine." "How could you possibly escape from this circle?" Lin Daiyu noticed that Xichun suddenly paused, resting her chin and lost in thought. She asked, "Have you realized some new principle in your mind?" |
| 39 | 惜春也不說破，只笑著道：「道理呢，也沒有什麼想出來。只是林姐姐，論起你這個立志呢，原也堅。但則是你這個塵緣究竟的難斬斷呢。」 Xichun did not reveal her thoughts and merely smiled, saying, "As for principles—there is nothing particularly new I have thought of." "It's just that, Younger Sister Lin, when it comes to your resolve and aspirations, they are indeed very firm." "But the bond you have with worldly attachments is ultimately hard to sever." |
| 40 | 黛玉便正色起來道：「只有你的立志堅罷了。」惜春便歎息道：「難道說你自己拿不定麼？」黛玉便懂她言語內的意思，就說道：「你說一個人全憑一個心，各人自己的心。果然認清了，立定了，還怕誰？豈不聞魯陽揮戈，太陽也倒轉過來麼？人生世上遇魔障自然入道的，原上上等的人。若遇了惡魔毒障，還不走轉過來，只怕下愚人也沒有的呢。」 Lin Daiyu then spoke solemnly, saying, "Only your resolve is truly firm." Xichun sighed and said, "Does that mean you yourself are uncertain?" Lin Daiyu understood the meaning behind her words and replied, "You say a person depends entirely on their heart—each one's own heart." "If you truly recognize it clearly and set your mind firmly, what is there to fear from anyone else?" "Have you not heard of Lu Yang wielding his halberd to reverse the sun's course and make it turn back?" Those who, in life on this world, encounter spiritual obstacles and thus naturally pursue the Way are originally people of the highest rank. "If one encounters evil demons or harmful obstructions and still does not turn back, I fear even the most foolish person would not be like that." |
| 41 | 惜春明知說鳳姐兒，便道：「恨呢，誰沒有？到了歡喜的時候也忘了。」 Xichun knew she was referring to Feng Jie and said, "Resentment—does anyone not have it?" "When happiness comes, one forgets it as well." |
| 42 | 黛玉便道：「四妹妹你若不信，咱們就同到祖師前化個信誓來。」 Lin Daiyu said, "Fourth Younger Sister, if you do not believe me, let us go together to the Ancestral Master and make a vow." |
| 43 | 惜春笑道：「這也可以不必，只要心動神知便了。」這黛玉哪裡忍得住，便將寶釵送她的蔥綠色印花衍波箋鋪起來，研墨含毫，寫出一篇信誓。無非是志心皈依，塵緣斬絕，倘有絲毫牽惹，願謫到九幽苦海，萬劫不得人身的意思。寫完了扯著惜春同到呂祖師前點了燭，拈了香，恭恭敬敬地拜禱了一番，便將這個貼兒在金爐內焚化了。 Xichun smiled and said, "This need not be done. As long as one's heart is moved, the gods will know." Lin Daiyu could no longer restrain herself and took out the light green printed Yanbo paper Baochai had given her, ground ink with a brush in hand, and wrote an oath of faith. It was nothing more than a vow to devote one's heart to the Way, cut off all worldly attachments, and if there were even the slightest entanglement, to be banished to the nine depths of suffering, never again to take human form for ten thousand kalpas. After finishing the writing, she took Xichun with her to the shrine of Lü Zushi, lit a candle and incense, and devoutly offered prayers. Then, with great reverence, they burned the vow in the golden censer. |
| 44 | 惜春暗暗點頭，只惹得晴雯、紫鵑暗地裏埋怨惜春不己。彼此姊妹兩人，又談了一會子方散。卻因入畫遇著鶯兒，告訴了。鶯兒便來告訴寶玉，真駭得寶玉魂不附體。寶玉益發悲悲切切地想著黛玉，倒將紅綾襖襟子忘將下來。 Xichun nodded silently, which only caused Qingwen and Zijuan to secretly resent her in the background. The two sisters talked for a while longer before parting ways. It was because Ruhua met Ying'er, who informed her of the matter. Ying'er then came to inform Bao Yu, truly alarming him so much that his soul seemed to leave his body. Bao Yu became even more sorrowful and heartbroken thinking of Lin Daiyu, so much so that he forgot about the crimson brocade robe's collar. |
| 45 | 偏又遇著北靖王獨啟小宴，單請寶玉一人宴賞紅梅，戲班是集翠班，領班的小旦便即是蔣琪官。寶玉觸起襲人嫁了他，雖則心存忠厚不怪蔣玉函，卻因襲人害了黛玉、晴雯，見了蔣玉函也就是眼中針刺。偏偏演的戲是《蘇武還鄉》有生妻去幃的曲文，也演出《牡丹亭》杜麗娘還魂一節。 Unluckily, he also encountered Bei Jingwang holding a small private banquet and personally invited Bao Yu to appreciate the red plum blossoms. The opera troupe was Jicui Tuan, and the leading young male lead actor was none other than Jiang Qiguan. Bao Yu was reminded of Xi Ren's marriage to him. Although he remained loyal and did not blame Jiang Yuhuan, because Xi Ren had caused harm to Lin Daiyu and Qingwen, Bao Yu regarded Jiang Yuhuan as a thorn in his eye. Unluckily, the play performed was "Su Wu Returns Home," which included a scene where Su Wu's wife removes her veil. They also performed the section from "The Peony Pavilion" in which Du Liniang returns to life. |
| 46 | 這寶玉侍坐於北靖王，不敢十分苦惱，也不免將手帕兒遮遮掩掩。這北靖王不知就裏，單曉得他少年鐘情，就笑微微道：「世兄略略地喝些酒，這是戲呢，不要傷了。」寶玉連忙站起來說道：「謝王爺賞賜，酒多了。」 Bao Yu, seated as a guest of honor before Bei Jingwang, dared not show his distress openly but could not help covering his face with handkerchiefs. Prince Bei Jingwang, unaware of the situation, only knew that Bao Yu was a young man deeply in love. He smiled gently and said, "Younger Brother, just have a little wine; this is merely a play—do not take it to heart." Bao Yu hurriedly stood up and said, "Thank Your Highness for the generous gift, but I have had enough wine." |
| 47 | 北靖王恐怕傷了他，就翻過戲目，叫換熱鬧的。場上就扮起《安天會》來，孫行者商鬧火雲洞，紅孩兒拜倒落伽山，鑼鼓喧天，煙火四射。寶玉煩得很，好容易席完了，走上去打了千，告辭出來。 Prince Bei Jingwang feared that he might be hurt and turned over the play list, ordering a more lively performance instead. On stage, they began performing "An Tian Hui," where Sun Wukong caused a ruckus in the Fire Cloud Cave and Hong Hai'er fell prostrate at Lajia Mountain. Drums and gongs rang loudly, fireworks burst into the air. Bao Yu found it very tedious. Only after the banquet ended did he go up and bow deeply, then take his leave. |
| 48 | 卻說蔣玉函回去告訴襲人說怎樣的北靖王席上見了寶二爺，到戲房裏招他家李瑤兒、茗煙問明了寶二爺如何回來，並林姑娘和晴雯也怎麼樣回轉過來，細細地告訴襲人。 Meanwhile, Jiang Yuhuan returned and told Xi Ren about how he had seen Bao Er Ye at Prince Bei Jingwang's banquet. He went to the backstage area and asked his family members Li Yaoer and Mingyan for details on how Bao Er Ye had returned home, as well as what had happened with Miss Lin and Qingwen. He then carefully relayed all this information to Xi Ren. |
| 49 | 襲人聽見了，暗裏只叫得苦：「我從前怎麼樣同寶二爺好，怎麼寶二爺出去了等不及便走上了別船兒，又怎麼樣使心機去擺布黛玉、晴雯，太太前一說一聽，箭無虛發。怎麼而今她兩個倒反回轉來，我又偏偏地這麼樣走路，落在她兩箇的眼睛裏，如今就死起來也來不及了，活著還好算什麼人。」 Xi Ren, upon hearing this, could only sigh in secret: "How did I used to be so close with Bao Er Ye? How is it that as soon as he went out and was delayed, I rushed onto another boat. And how did I scheme to manipulate Lin Daiyu and Qingwen—every word the Madam said was listened to, every arrow shot hit its mark." "How is it that now the two of them have returned, and I just happened to take this path, falling into their eyes? Now even if I were to die, it would be too late. What kind of person am I still living as?" |
| 50 | 蔣玉函見她這個情景，只猜她惦記寶玉，誰知她心裏別有許多的念頭。從來做戲子的脾氣，只要相與好了，便自己的妻室也肯替人通融，這蔣玉函便動了個將襲人結交寶玉的意思了。 Jiang Yuhuan saw her condition and assumed she was merely missing Bao Yu. Little did he know that in her heart, there were many other thoughts. It was common for actors to have such a temperament: if they got along well with someone, they would even be willing to accommodate the other's spouse. Jiang Yuhuan thus began entertaining thoughts of using Xi Ren to cultivate a relationship with Bao Yu. |
| 51 | 卻說寶玉從北靖王處回來，便見了賈政，告訴了北靖王多少的美意，並席間問他的詩文，及問賈政的家計，又叫寶玉致意賈政。賈政聽了著實感激，便吩咐他早早地歇了，明日一早便去謝酒。又到王夫人房中說了一遍，也將戲文講了一回。回到房中看見寶釵，忍不住又將遇見蔣玉函一節告訴寶釵，順便就恨起襲人來。 Meanwhile, after returning from Prince Bei Jingwang's residence, Bao Yu saw Jia Zheng and informed him of the many kind gestures shown by the prince. He also mentioned how during the banquet, the prince had asked about his poetry and prose, inquired about Jia Zheng's family affairs, and even asked Bao Yu to convey greetings to Jia Zheng. Jia Zheng was genuinely moved by this and instructed him to rest early, saying that the next morning he would go to thank Prince Bei Jingwang for the wine. He also went to Lady Wang's quarters and repeated this, recounting the play as well. When he returned to his room and saw Baochai, he could not help but tell her about meeting Jiang Yuhuan. He took the opportunity to express his resentment toward Xi Ren as well. |
| 52 | 只因黛玉、晴雯受了她無窮毒害，越說越恨著她。也問問黛玉的光景，寶釵也淡淡地將將就就哄了他幾句。正在夫妻說話，王夫人著玉釧兒請寶釵去商議請勳戚內眷的宴席。寶釵就去了。 It was because Lin Daiyu and Qingwen had suffered endless harm at her hands, so the more he spoke, the angrier he became toward her. He also inquired about Lin Daiyu's condition, and Baochai vaguely and carelessly reassured him with a few words. Just as the couple were speaking, Lady Wang sent Yu Zhuan to invite Baochai to discuss arrangements for a banquet inviting noble relatives and their female guests. Baochai went accordingly. |
| 53 | 只見麝月笑吟吟地走來扯扯寶玉，舉起右手來道：「我這箇袖子裏空了呢。」寶玉知道晴雯有了回話，急急地拉住問她。未知麝月說出什麼話來，且聽下回分解。 Just then, Sheyue came smilingly and tugged at Bao Yu's sleeve. Raising her right hand, she said, "The sleeve on this side is empty now." Bao Yu realized that Qingwen had returned and eagerly pulled her to ask. What Sheyue would say remains to be seen in the next chapter. |
URN: ctp:ws258270
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