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《第三回 探芳信問紫更求晴 斷情緣談仙同煮雪 Chapter 3: Explore Fragrant Messages Ask Purple More Seek Clear Weather, Sever Emotional Bond Discuss Immortal Together Boil Snow》[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  | 第三回 探芳信問紫更求晴 斷情緣談仙同煮雪 Chapter Three: Tanfang Xin Asks Zi Geng for Fine Weather, Duanqingyuan Talks with Xian About Boiling Snow Together |
| 2 | 話說王夫人因怕寶玉害病，要緊安慰他，許他叫晴雯、紫鵑過來，還許他勸轉黛玉。這是急忙中的語言，回到房裏越想越難起來。卻又怕寶玉害病，只得著人請李紈過來商議。 Madam Wang, fearing that Baoyu would fall ill, wanted to comfort him and thus allowed him to summon Qingwen and Zijuan over. She also permitted him to persuade Daiyu to change her mind. These were hasty words spoken in a rush, but once back in his room, the more he thought about it, the harder the situation became for him. Yet she was also afraid that Baoyu might fall ill and had no choice but to send someone to invite Li Wan over for discussion. |
| 3 | 不一時李紈過來，王夫人先將勸黛玉的話央及她。李紈著實支吾。王夫人見光景不像，連自己也曉得為難，便要她央及晴雯、紫鵑過來，大家說通，不拘怎樣將就哄他一哄。不要年終歲暮外頭事還鬧不清，這孩子又鬧出故事來。王夫人打量，這一句話李紈容易招架，哪知李紈也就為難。 In no time, Li Wan arrived, and Madam Wang first entrusted her with the task of persuading Daiyu. Li Wan was evasive. Seeing that the situation was not looking good, Madam Wang realized it would be difficult and thus asked Li Wan to summon Qingwen and Zijuan to come over. She wanted everyone to work together to persuade him, no matter how they had to do it, just to comfort and pacify Baoyu for a while. She did not want the outside affairs of year-end and New Year's Eve to still be unsettled, with this child causing yet another problem. Madam Wang thought that Li Wan would easily handle these words, but she did not know that Li Wan was also finding it difficult. |
| 4 | 這李紈是和順不過的媳婦，又知太太心裏只惦記著寶玉，卻不知道那兩個丫頭的性情。駮又駁不得，只得勉強答應道：「太太的意思我盡知道，但是林姑娘離她兩個便不受用。雖則她兩個是丫頭，也有些古古怪怪的。難道說太太叫她，她當真的敢不過來？況且暫時過來走走，哄哄寶兄弟就去了。但是我一個人去，林姑娘又要疑心起來，說我在裏頭有什麼了。前日寶妹妹叫雪雁過去，打量是林姑娘的舊人，叫她請個安，到底摸著些情性，順便留下替她們兩個。我們也未敢輕易說出來，倒是晴雯爽利，一面叫雪雁站在門外邊，一面搭三搭四的提起她來。林姑娘一聽見，一字不說，淌了多少的眼淚。這晴雯連忙出去做手勢，嚇得雪雁立刻跑了回來，就連寶妹妹也幾天訕訕的。」 Li Wan was a most amiable and compliant daughter-in-law, and she knew that Madam Wang's heart was only concerned with Baoyu. However, she did not understand the temperaments of those two maidservants. She could neither refuse nor easily agree, so she reluctantly replied, "I fully understand Madam's intentions, but Miss Lin will not be pleased if they are separated from those two." Although the two of them are just maidservants, they do have some peculiarities. Is it possible that Madam could summon her and she would really dare not to come? Besides, if they only came over for a short while just to pacify Baoyu, then they could leave. But if I go alone, Miss Lin will become suspicious and think there is something going on behind the scenes. The other day, Bao Mei asked Xueyan to go over. Thinking she was an old servant of Miss Lin, she had her pay respects and thus got a bit of understanding about their dispositions; conveniently, she stayed behind to serve the two of them. We did not dare mention it lightly, but Qingwen was straightforward; while calling Xueyan to stand outside the door, she casually brought her up. Upon hearing this, Miss Lin said not a word and shed many tears. Qingwen hurriedly went out to make gestures, and Xueyan was so frightened that she immediately ran back; even Bao Mei remained sullen for several days." |
| 5 | 王夫人道：「難道從前去叫雪雁的時節她還清楚？」 Madam Wang said, "Does she still remember clearly the time when Xueyan was sent to call her before?" |
| 6 | 李紈笑道：「我是送她的人，親眼看見的，她前頭這個病，原千伶百俐，神明似的，哪一件不知道得比我們還清楚？」 Li Wan smiled and said, "I was the one who sent her; I saw it with my own eyes. Before this illness, she was sharp-witted and alert, as clear-minded as a deity—was there anything that she did not know better than we did?" |
| 7 | 王夫人十分不好意思，便道：「所以我的意思，林姑娘那裏，虧得你同她的情分好，慢慢地勸他。且將這兩個丫頭叫過來哄哄他。」 Madam Wang felt very embarrassed and said, "That is why my intention was that since you have a good relationship with Miss Lin, I hope you can gradually persuade her." "And in the meantime, summon those two maids to come over and comfort him." |
| 8 | 李紈道：「卻也奇怪，近來林姑娘倒像和四姑娘好些。」 Li Wan said, "It is indeed strange. Recently, Miss Lin seems to be getting along better with the Fourth Young Lady." |
| 9 | 王夫人道：「她卻是另一路的人兒，怎麼說得來？從前他們兩個雖不生分，也沒有什麼好得很；而今倒反好起來，倒打量不出。」 Madam Wang said, "But she is a completely different sort of person; how could they possibly get along?" Although the two were not distant before, there was nothing particularly close between them; now they have become unexpectedly good friends, which is quite unexpected." |
| 10 | 李紈道：「我也是這麼想，而今要叫這兩箇丫頭過來，依我說只好我先去，停會子弄她們兩個人的舊相好過去，悄悄地拉過來，我也幫著她們。若過來了，也叫他就去。」王夫人點點頭。李紈就去，也拉著寶釵同走。 Li Wan said, "I was thinking the same. Now that we need to summon those two maids over, in my opinion I should go first. Then later on, I can bring along their old good friends and quietly pull them over; I will also help them." "If they come over, then let him go with them as well." Madam Wang nodded. Li Wan went, and also brought along Baochai with her. |
| 11 | 原來林黛玉回轉過來，兩府內姑嫂姊妹以及各房丫頭多有想去看她的。總因王夫人提防著黛玉性情古怪，故此預先說知，眾人便不便過去。這賴大家的、林之孝家的、周瑞家的連嬤嬤及各處老婆子、小丫頭更不必說。當下李紈過去了半晌，王夫人打量了一回，便叫喜鸞的丫頭墨琴去喚平兒、琥珀過來，悄悄地將這些言語告訴她，叫她兩個過去。隨後又想了想，叫玉釧兒也去幫著拉了她兩個來。 Originally, after Lin Daiyu returned, many of the sisters and maids from both households wanted to visit her. It was only because Madam Wang was wary of Daiyu's peculiar temperament that she had previously informed everyone, and thus the others did not dare to visit. The Lai Dajia, Lin Zhixiao Jia, Zhou Rui Jia, the old nursemaids and various elderly women and young maids from different quarters need not be mentioned. At that moment, after Li Wan had been gone for a while, Madam Wang considered the situation and then ordered Mei Qin, the maid of Xiluan, to summon Ping'er and Hubo over. She quietly told them these words and instructed the two to go there. After a moment's thought, she also called Yuchuan to help bring the two over as well. |
| 12 | 玉釧兒也去了好一會子。玉釧兒走了來，王夫人不見紫鵑、晴雯，便道：「怎麼樣？」 玉釧兒嘻嘻地笑著總不說。王夫人盡著問，玉釧兒道：「我們幾個人背了林姑娘，拉她兩個到對面房裡說了多少話，這紫鵑頭也搖掉了，總不開口。晴雯便說二爺是要拉拉扯扯的，她卻不是襲人一流人兒。」 Yuchuan had been gone for quite some time. When Yuchuan returned, Madam Wang did not see Zi Juan or Qingwen and asked, "How did it go?" Yuchuan smiled slyly but said nothing at all. Madam Wang kept asking, and Yuchuan finally said, "The several of us went behind Miss Lin's back and pulled the two to a room across the way. We spoke with them for quite some time; even Zi Juan's head was shaking off, but she still would not open her mouth." liners Qingwen said that the Second Young Master wanted to pull and coax them, but she was certainly not of Xiren's type." |
| 13 | 王夫人聽見「襲人」兩字，面上紅一紅。玉釧兒道：「晴雯還傲呢！說攆她的時候怎麼長怎麼短，襲人說得怎樣活龍活現的，又是什麼妖精呢，狐狸呢，前前後後通是她把寶二爺引壞了。這會子再過來。寶二爺又要引壞呢？」 Madam Wang turned slightly red upon hearing the name "Xiren." Yuchuan said, "Qingwen is still quite proud!" She described in great detail how, when they were chasing her away, Xiren had spoken so vividly and dramatically, calling her a demon or a fox spirit. She said that all along it was she who had led the Second Young Master astray. Now she has come back again. "Will the Second Young Master lead her astray once more?" |
| 14 | 王夫人聽了，句句碰在心上。正在為難，寶玉又叫鶯兒來打探，問紫鵑、晴雯來沒有。 Madam Wang listened, and each word struck deep into her heart. Just as she was in a difficult situation, Baoyu sent Ying'er to inquire and ask whether Zi Juan and Qingwen had arrived. |
| 15 | 王夫人直覺得走不是坐不是的。忽然賈政進來，一直進屋裡去了；隨後又是賈璉進去回話，一會子又叫林之孝進去，又叫周瑞進去，又發出對牌來，又是吳新登進來說北靖王來了，又傳說各勳戚部院也來了。隨後又說，恐怕驚動，改日定了神再見。一會子又說，北靖王拜會。賈政連忙出去，不幾句話又進來。 Madam Wang felt utterly at a loss, unsure of whether to stand or sit. Suddenly, Jia Zheng entered and went straight into the room; shortly afterward, Jia Lian also went in to report something. In a while, Lin Zhixiao was summoned in, followed by Zhou Rui. Then official passes were issued, and Wu Xindeng came in saying that Prince Bei Jing had arrived, with rumors spreading that officials from various noble and aristocratic departments had also come. Then it was said again that they might be disturbed, so a later day would have to be arranged when things were calmer before any meeting could take place. In another moment, it was announced that Prince Bei Jing wished to call on them. Jia Zheng hurriedly went out and returned after only a few words were exchanged. |
| 16 | 這一刻賈政煩極了。寶玉更煩得了不得。賈政又叫賈璉進去，說了些話，賈璉出去了。 王夫人恐怕賈政拘著寶玉，也請賈政過去，說他小小感冒，不要拘著他。賈政也點點頭，仍舊回轉房裡來，看些書札稿片，也將帳目翻翻，點頭一會，嘆息一會終究寶玉懼怕賈政，賈政在房中便如正神鎮住邪神一般，咳嗽一聲寶玉也心裏跳一跳，便不敢叫鶯兒過來催逼著要紫鵑、明雯。 At this moment, Jia Zheng was extremely troubled. Baoyu was even more distressed than ever. Jia Zheng then called Jia Lian in, spoke to him for a while, and Jia Lian went out. Madam Wang feared that Jia Zheng would confine Baoyu, so she also invited Jia Zheng over and said that he had only a slight cold and should not be restricted. Jia Zheng nodded and returned to his room, where he read some letters and drafts, flipped through the account books for a while, nodded occasionally, and sighed from time to time. In the end, Baoyu feared Jia Zheng; when Jia Zheng was in the room, it was as if an honored deity had subdued all evil spirits. Even a single cough from Jia Zheng made Baoyu's heart race, so he dared not have Ying'er come over and urge for Zi Juan or Mingwen. |
| 17 | 王夫人便像欠債似的，有人擋住了暫時且松爽些，卻將旋絲瑪瑙盤盛著兩盤新鮮果子兒，叫玉釧兒拿去同鶯兒哄著寶玉。順手的裝上兩盤兒，叫素雲送與黛玉，順便問：「你奶奶猜摩著林姑娘近日愛吃個什麼，柳家的弄不精致，叫你奶奶悄悄告訴我，我這裡做了去。不說是我的，通說你奶奶做的。」素雲答應著就走了。 Madam Wang felt as if she owed a debt; with someone blocking the way, things were temporarily eased. She then had two plates of fresh fruits placed on a spiral-shaped agate tray and sent Yuchuan to take them over along with Ying'er to comfort Baoyu. She casually prepared two more plates and had Suyun deliver them to Daiyu, adding as she did so: "Your grandmother has been guessing what Miss Lin has recently taken a liking to eat. The food from Lao's family isn't very refined; if your grandmother quietly tells me, I will have it made here for her." "Don't say it is mine—just say it was made by your grandmother." Suyun nodded in agreement and left. |
| 18 | 王夫人又叫轉來，悄悄地告訴她，叫她向平兒、琥珀說：「我心裏惦記著，叫她們妥妥當當地說。」 Madam Wang then called her back and quietly told her to pass along the message to Ping'er and Hubo: "I am concerned, so I want them to speak carefully and properly." |
| 19 | 素雲去了不多時，平兒回來了，平兒上前去悄悄地說了半晌，王夫人只呆呆的便道：「你且去叫鶯兒來編幾句，且哄住了他。」平兒便叫小丫頭到老太太房裏碧紗櫥內，悄悄地扯扯鶯兒的衣襟，不要叫老爺知道。 Not long after Suyun left, Ping'er returned. She stepped forward and whispered for a while to Madam Wang, who sat there dazed before finally saying, "You go ahead and call Ying'er over to make up some lines and keep him distracted." Ping'er then sent a young maid to the Green Gauze Cabinet in Old Madam's room and quietly tugged at Ying'er's sleeve, telling her not to let Master know. |
| 20 | 小丫頭去了，鶯兒便過來，大家商議商議，不過說紫鵑實在走不開，晴雯原肯過來，也因林姑娘檢點東西掉不過手，遇著空也就來的。至於林姑娘的話卻不可招架，防他呆頭呆腦起來，鶯兒便去學著說了。寶玉也無可奈何，只呆呆地胡思亂想。 The young maid went, and Ying'er soon arrived. They discussed the matter together; basically, they said that Zi Juan was really unable to leave, while Qingwen originally had been willing to come but could not because Miss Lin needed her help sorting things out. However, if there were a free moment, she would come over. As for Miss Lin's words, they could not be easily countered; to prevent Baoyu from becoming stubborn and unresponsive, Ying'er went ahead and learned how to say them. Baoyu had no choice but to accept it and could only sit there dazed, lost in confused thoughts. |
| 21 | 這裡正指使著人，那邊琥珀也回來了，王夫人便問她。琥珀的言語也同平兒的差不多，王夫人就叫琥珀坐下來，叫她幫箇主意。這琥珀終是老太太屋裏人，與鴛鴦差了有限，在主子前原有個分兒說得句話。又遇著王夫人再三問她，知道王夫人為寶玉，面上肯委屈些兒，也和晴雯好，替她委屈，便說道：「據我的主意，叫晴雯過來呢，她到底是個丫頭，敢不過來？就是跟了林姑娘也還在這府裏。況且底子裏是寶二爺的人兒。不過追上去是……」琥珀說到此，便頓住了口。 While they were here giving instructions, Hubo also returned from the other side, and Madam Wang immediately asked her about it. Hubo's words were almost the same as Ping'er's, so Madam Wang had Hubo sit down and asked her to help with some suggestions. After all, Hubo was a servant in Old Madam's quarters; she and Yuanyang were not far apart in status. She had always been able to speak her mind before the masters. Moreover, with Madam Wang repeatedly asking her and knowing that Madam was concerned about Baoyu, Hubo felt it appropriate to show some leniency on the surface. She got along well with Qingwen and had already taken up for her, so she said, "In my opinion, if we call Qingwen over, after all, she is just a maid—how could she dare not come?" Even though she follows Miss Lin around, she still remains in this household. Besides, at heart, she belongs to the Second Young Master. "Only that following her is..." Hubo said up to this point and then stopped speaking. |
| 22 | 王夫人便道：「追上去原是老太太的人，與你們一樣。我從前原誤聽了襲人的話。剛才晴雯這些話原不是全無蹤影的。而今襲人也去了，她倒回轉過來。她平日心高氣硬，為人正經，也就一輩子洗刷清了，也暢她的意，她還要怎麼樣？你看，她從回轉來我不疼她？她叫我再怎麼樣？」 Madam Wang replied, "Following her was originally Old Madam's servant, just like you all." "I had previously mistakenly believed what Xiren said." "Just now, Qingwen's words were not entirely without foundation." "Now that Xiren has also left, she has returned instead." "She is usually proud and unbending in character, upright in conduct. If she can clear her name for a lifetime, it would satisfy her heart's desire—what more could she possibly want?" "Don't you see? Since she returned, have I not shown affection to her?" "What else could she possibly ask of me?" |
| 23 | 琥珀微微地笑著，說道：「她還說老太太屋裏總是鴛鴦一路上的人，唯獨襲人作怪呢。而今她的居心為人，太太也都曉得了。太太而今這樣疼她，誰還趕上？只是她這個人是個燥頭騾子，順毛兒眾生。太太只要將從前挂心她的話當面說破了，叫她死也肯。不是我說她，若圓圓兒的，連林姑娘也好說話了。」這王夫人聽了，並不為怪；喜鸞、喜鳳也盡著點頭。 Hubo smiled slightly and said, "She also mentioned that in Old Madam's quarters, everyone is always on Yuanyang's side, except for Xiren who acts strangely." "Nowadays, Madam has come to understand her intentions and character completely. "With Madam showing such affection for her now, who else could possibly surpass that?" "But this person is like a stubborn mule—she only listens when things go smoothly." "If Madam were to openly address the concerns she once had about her, then even if it meant death, she would be willing." "I'm not saying this to speak ill of her, but if things were handled more smoothly and tactfully, even Miss Lin would be easier to reason with." Madam Wang heard this without taking offense; Xiluan and Xifeng nodded in agreement as well. |
| 24 | 王夫人便說道：「我起先不明白，而今聽你這一席話，我也明白了。不是我必定順著寶玉，做主子的倒去招陪丫頭，只是仔細地想起來，怪難過的。我幾時去當著她面說開了，她還要怎樣？」琥珀也道：「她還要怎樣呢？」 Madam Wang then said, "At first I did not understand, but now after hearing your words, I have come to see clearly." "It is not that I must always go along with Baoyu and act like a mistress catering to the maids, but upon careful thought, it feels rather painful." "When should I go and speak plainly with her in front of her? What else could she possibly want?" Hubo also said, "What more could she possibly want?" |
| 25 | 不表王夫人、琥珀兩下商議。且說瀟湘館中，黛玉久已復原，而且從前舊病若失。總之一個人無思無想，就病也好得快些。黛玉自從回轉過來，真個四大皆空，一絲不挂。就如一個心孔被仙露洗濯淨了，倍覺得體健身輕。本來在房中走動，只因厭見俗人，故此借著養神，閒閒坐坐臥臥。 Details of the discussion between Madam Wang and Hubo will not be elaborated. Meanwhile, in Xiaoxiang Pavilion, Daiyu had long since recovered her health and even seemed to have completely overcome her old ailments. After all, when a person is free from worries and thoughts, their illness recovers more quickly. Since returning, Daiyu truly felt as if the four great elements were empty and her mind was free from any attachments. It was as though a single heart had been cleansed by divine dew, making her feel even more physically strong and light in body. Originally, she moved about the room freely, but because of her dislike for seeing common people, she used the excuse of cultivating her spirit and simply sat or lay around idly. |
| 26 | 這一日，雪薺、紫鵑、晴雯檢開憲書是個好日子，都央及黛玉走走散散。黛玉也依了。走到外間，依舊是王摩詰著色《輞川圖》，虞世南的墨跡對聯。一邊是嵌玉江心鑄鏡，八幅八洞神仙掛屏；一邊是唐六如水墨細筆西湖十景橫披。還有黛玉最愛的唐六如小楷《道德經》也掛在琴桌後。這張小琴也安著弦橫在桌上面。 On this day, Xueqi, Zi Juan, and Qingwen checked the calendar and found it to be a good day. They all urged Daiyu to go out for a walk and take her mind off things. Daiyu agreed as well. When she walked into the outer room, it was still Wang Mojie's colored painting of "Wangchuan Tu" and a couplet in the handwriting of Yu Shinan. On one side was an inlaid jade mirror cast from the heart of a river, with eight panels depicting the Eight Immortals; on the other side hung a horizontal scroll by Tang Liuru in ink and fine brushwork, depicting ten scenic spots around West Lake. Also hanging behind the zither table was Tang Liuru's small script version of the "Dao De Jing," which Daiyu loved most. The small zither, with its strings in place, lay horizontally on top of the table. |
| 27 | 還有些古鼎、茗器、筆筒、各色文房四寶，連寶釵送的零碎人事，可以陳設的，也都精精致致的擺列著。天花板上全釘著大紅繡花羽縐綴漢玉古鏡的屋幔，地上也鋪著絨翠毯，真個名色齊全，一件不少。 There were also some ancient tripods, tea wares, brush pots, and various kinds of stationery. Even the small gifts sent by Baochai that could be displayed were neatly arranged in a refined manner. The ceiling was entirely covered with crimson embroidered floral feather curtains adorned with ancient Han jade mirrors, and the floor was also carpeted with emerald velvet. Truly, every item was present in full, without a single thing missing. |
| 28 | 黛玉提了個小小白攢銅著衣的手爐兒，慢慢地看去，還有王夫人逐時送來的素心臘梅、素心草蘭、綠萼梅，水仙盆也幽幽雅雅的放著。黛玉點點頭道：「難為了珠大嫂子了。再走進過去，隱隱的飄過檀降香來。再走進幾間，看見李紈供的神像。黛玉又落了幾滴淚，上前來拈了香，解下金魚兒供在神前，輕輕地福了三福。紫鵑也下拜了四拜，慢慢揚揚站起來再福了四福。紫鵑隨將金魚兒與她挂上耳墜子。晴雯淌著淚也拜了 Daiyu held a small white copper hand warmer with an inlaid pattern, and slowly looked around. There were also plain-hearted winter plum blossoms, plain-hearted orchids, green-veined plums, and narcissus plants sent by Madam Wang at different times, all elegantly arranged in their pots. Daiyu nodded slightly and said, "It's really a bother for Aunt Zhu." As she walked further in, the faint scent of sandalwood and jiangxiang incense drifted through the air. Walking into a few more rooms, she saw the deity statues offered by Li Wan. Daiyu shed a few more tears, stepped forward to burn incense, took off her goldfish-shaped ornament and placed it before the deity, then bowed three times gently. Zi Juan also knelt down and paid four bows, slowly rose up again, and made four more reverences with a leisurely manner. Zi Juan then took the goldfish ornament and fastened it to her as an earring. Qingwen, weeping, also paid her respects. |
| 29 | 黛玉便道：「不要褻瀆了。停會子將吳道子的白描呂祖師換上。」這裏紫鵑、晴雯聽了答應著，纔曉得黛玉決定要修仙的了。心裡頭都想道：「這個仙女也配。」黛玉便走回來，見那軟煙羅顏色未退，這雪日晶光射眼得緊，忽然地觸起賈母來，連臨過去時「白疼了」三個字也觸起，不免又掉了幾點淚。 Daiyu then said, "Do not desecrate it." "In a while, replace the white-line drawing of Master Lv by Wu Daozi." Upon hearing this, Zi Juan and Qingwen responded in agreement, only then realizing that Daiyu had decided to pursue immortality. In their hearts, they both thought, "She is truly worthy of being a fairy." Daiyu then walked back and saw that the color of the soft smoke silk had not faded. On this snowy day, the bright light was dazzling to her eyes, which suddenly reminded her of Grandma Jia. The words "white pain" (bái téng le) from when she left also came rushing back, causing her to shed a few more tears once again. |
| 30 | 黛玉要看那雪景，叫打開窗子。這晴雯連忙走進去，將天鵝絨大紅繡金縐紗搭護，並紫貂大紅軟呢雪兜與黛玉披上了，方叫紫鵑開窗。紫鵑輕輕地打開來，這雪真個好看，把這些竹子壓得歪歪斜斜，也有重得很壓折了的，也有顫危危將倒地的，你敲我擊，搖擺不定。還有幾樹梅花，淡淡的一點兩點，趁著太陽漸漸地吐出來，微微的飄有香氣。得多少霽日散彤雲之景，回風送玉蝶之飛。黛玉細細看了一看，真個再世重來，感傷不已。 Daiyu wanted to see the snowy scenery and ordered the windows to be opened. Qingwen hurriedly went in, draped Daiyu with a crimson embroidered golden brocade swan-wool gauze and a soft red velvet snow cape made of purple sable fur, before calling Zi Juan to open the window. Zi Juan gently opened the window. The snow was truly beautiful, pressing down on the bamboo and bending it crookedly; some were so heavy that they had snapped, while others teetered dangerously close to falling over, knocking against each other and swaying uncertainly. There were also a few plum trees, with pale blossoms here and there. As the sun gradually rose, their faint fragrance drifted gently in the air. It was a scene of many clear days dispersing crimson clouds and returning winds carrying the flight of jade butterflies. Daiyu looked carefully for a moment, truly feeling as if she had returned to this world once more, and was overwhelmed with sorrow. |
| 31 | 這紫鵑、晴雯怕她著了冷，再則乏了、傷了，便曳上窗催她進房來。黛玉也便揉揉眼進去，卻叫小丫頭子將素心臘梅、水仙兩盆搬進來放在炕上，呆呆的對著它，也點點頭並不言語，倒像有什麼領悟的意思。 Zi Juan and Qingwen were afraid that she would catch a chill; besides, they feared she might grow tired or be harmed. So they pulled the window shut and urged her to come back into the room. Daiyu rubbed her eyes and went in. She ordered a young maid to bring the two pots of plain-hearted winter plum and narcissus into the room and place them on the kang bed. She sat there staring at them, nodding slightly without saying a word, as if she had some kind of realization. |
| 32 | 這紫鵑、晴雯也猜摹不出。晴雯在旁邊看了一看，見黛玉被雪影子耀得粉妝玉琢，說不盡的百媚千嬌，心裡忖道：「這麼個人兒，從古來哪裡還有兩個，要說我才像她，好不慚愧，怪不得寶二爺性命似的舍不得，也只有她略略的配得上。」便動了個替寶玉作合的念頭，走上前將雪兜、搭護解了。 Zi Juan and Qingwen could not figure out what was going on in her mind. Qingwen, watching from the side, saw that Daiyu's pale makeup and jade-like features were illuminated by the snowlight, making her appear exquisitely charming in a thousand ways. In her heart she mused, "A person like this—since ancient times, where else could there be another? If I were to say I resemble her, how ashamed I would feel! No wonder Baoyu treasures her as if his own life; only she is even slightly worthy of him." She then had the idea to help match Baoyu and Daiyu, stepped forward, and removed the snow cape and shawl from Daiyu. |
| 33 | 紫鵑又去摸一摸金魚兒。黛玉總不管，只看著兩盆花，卻像有所遇似的。她們兩個便也由她，且去疊衣服添香。柳嫂子也來瞧瞧她兩箇，也便揚揚的在玻璃內望那雪鉤的層層樓閣。這裏黛玉心中思想的，黛玉也不告訴她們，她們如何能知道。 Zi Juan went over again to touch the goldfish earring. Daiyu paid no attention at all, only gazing at the two flower pots as if she had encountered something meaningful. The two of them then left her to it and went off to fold clothes and add more incense. Liu Pozi also came by to take a look at the two of them, and leisurely gazed through the glass at the layered pavilions adorned with snow. What Daiyu was thinking in her heart, she did not tell them; how could they possibly know? |
| 34 | 原來黛玉自從回過來，一心一意只想修仙。她看了雪景回來，便想到天上瓊樓玉宇，到得那裡如何逍遙自在。再想起五真七祖內中就有孫真人女身在內，而且蘭香真人本是孝女，十五歲上便想超凡，只因親生牽掛，直到後來方纔遂意，畢意一心堅確到底做了仙家。我從前早背父母，早該學她，枉枉地耽誤了歲月，而且一子昇天五宗超拔，我若得了道，連亡過的爹媽也一處了，看看滿屋中陳設，只有這兩樣合我意思。 In fact, since returning, Daiyu had been determined with one mind and one will to cultivate immortality. After seeing the snowy scenery, she thought of the jade palaces in heaven and how carefree and at ease one would be there. She also recalled that among the Five True and Seven Ancestral Immortals, there was a female immortal named Sun Zhenren. Moreover, Lanxiang Zhenren had originally been a filial daughter who at fifteen wished to transcend the mundane world but due to her attachment to family ties did not achieve this until later in life. Ultimately, with unwavering determination, she became an immortal. Long ago, I left my parents and should have followed her example; it was a waste of time. Moreover, if one child ascends to heaven, the five ancestral generations are elevated as well. If I could attain the Dao, even my deceased father and mother would be united with me in transcendence. Looking around at all these furnishings filling the room, only these two items truly suited her thoughts. |
| 35 | 這素心臘梅直到歲寒方吐，也歷過多少風霜，況那水仙的翠帶銀盤，也真有凌波的態度。可惜它草本之類被人搬弄，若生在空山遠水，由它受日月精化，一樣的也會成形脫體。我如今強過它，又且歷了多少境界，若不絕早回頭，就比著草木一樣了。正呆呆地想著，王夫人、薛姨媽、喜鸞踏凍來了。黛玉終究不好意思，略略應酬也就說倦。 This plain-hearted winter plum only blooms in the coldest days of the year, having endured countless winds and frosts. Moreover, the narcissus with its emerald sash and silver plate truly displays an elegant bearing as if floating on water. It is a pity that these herbaceous plants are handled and moved by people. If they had grown in distant mountains and rivers, receiving the essence of sun and moon naturally, they too would have taken form and transcended their physical bodies. Now I am superior to them, having already experienced many stages of cultivation. If I do not turn back and focus on my path soon, I will end up no better than these plants. Just as she was lost in thought, Madam Wang, Auntie Xue, and Xiluan arrived, stepping through the frozen ground. Daiyu ultimately felt somewhat embarrassed and only made a brief response before claiming to be tired. |
| 36 | 王夫人見她開了口，也歡喜，也會她倦的意思。老姊妹就同喜鸞出來，想些話去哄寶玉，還想黛玉就回轉意來。哪知黛玉的心上已決定了一個主見，哪裏還有想到寶玉的分兒。又過幾日，黛玉早膳後又在那裏出神，只聽得小丫頭們同柳嫂子齊聲說道：「四姑娘來了，仔細著還都凍著呢！」 Madam Wang was pleased that she had spoken, and understood her claim of being tired. The elder sisters then left with Xiluan, intending to find some conversation to entertain Baoyu and hoping that Daiyu might change her mind. Unbeknownst to them, Daiyu's heart had already made a firm decision; there was no longer any room in her thoughts for Baoyu. A few more days passed, and after breakfast, Daiyu was again lost in thought when she heard the young maids and Liu Pozi speaking together: "Fourth Miss has arrived; be careful not to catch a chill!" |
| 37 | 惜春道：「這院子裏竹兒也太多，陰陰的，你們怎麼不將靠路的叫人砍掉些？」小丫頭道：「咱們姑娘正愛它斜斜的呢。」這裡紫鵑便揭起暖簾來，晴雯便迎出去，同小丫頭子攙著惜春進來。 Xichun said, "There are too many bamboo plants in this courtyard; it's so shady. Why haven't you had some of the ones near the path cut down?" The young maid replied, "Our lady actually likes how they slant." At this point, Zi Juan lifted the warm curtain, and Qingwen stepped out to greet them. Together with the young maid, they helped Xichun in. |
| 38 | 黛玉就滿面地笑，迎出來說道：「好姊姊，怪惦記我，你就是未卜先知的。你再不來，我要叫紫鵑來拉呢。」 Daiyu smiled warmly and stepped out to greet her, saying, "Dear sister, I was wondering when you would come. You are like one who knows the future before it happens." "If you had not come yourself, I would have asked Zi Juan to bring you over." |
| 39 | 惜春也笑道：「你哄誰呢，你還放紫鵑來呢？」說著笑著，就在炕上對面的坐下了。惜春笑道：「林姐姐，你愛著這兩樣花，什麼意思？」黛玉笑吟吟地道：「你猜猜。」惜春也笑著點頭，道：「我也懂得。」 Xichun also smiled and said, "Who are you trying to fool? Are you really going to send for Zi Juan?" As they were speaking and laughing, Xichun sat down across from her on the kang bed. Xichun smiled and said, "Sister Lin, you are fond of these two kinds of flowers—what is the meaning behind it?" Daiyu smiled sweetly and said, "Guess if you like." Xichun nodded with a smile and said, "I understand as well." |
| 40 | 黛玉笑道：「你怎麼不說？」惜春道：「你怎麼不說，要我說？」黛玉道：「我專等你說。」惜春彈了一個榧子，笑道：「你要我說偏不說。」兩下裏笑了一笑，這裡丫頭們如何知道她們兩個的機鋒。 Daiyu laughed and said, "Then why don't you say it?" Xichun replied, "Why don't you tell me first? Why should I be the one to speak?" Daiyu said, "I was waiting for you to say it." Xichun flicked a walnut with her finger and smiled, saying, "The more you want me to say it, the less I will." They both laughed a little. The maidservants had no idea about the subtle exchange between the two of them. |
| 41 | 黛玉說到合意，便將《參同契》、《性命圭旨》等書互相講究，一箇功夫深透，一個會悟精靈，說得頭頭是道。正在講得投機，外面王夫人、李紈、寶釵、平兒也來了。這兩個好不阻興，黛玉略略地說句話，也就呆呆地坐著。又是王夫人會意，就同平兒、紫鵑、晴雯假說看看殘雪，到那邊房裡與晴雯說開了。 When the conversation reached a point of mutual understanding, Daiyu and Xichun discussed texts such as Cantong Qi and Xingming Guizhi, each demonstrating profound insight and keen comprehension. Their discussion was thorough and well-reasoned. Just as they were deep in their engaging conversation, Madam Wang, Li Wan, Baochai, and Ping'er arrived from outside. The arrival of these two was certainly a disruption to the mood; Daiyu only said a few words and then sat there in silence. Madam Wang, understanding the situation, pretended with Ping'er, Zi Juan, and Qingwen to go look at some remaining snow, and went into the other room where she spoke privately with Qingwen. |
| 42 | 這晴雯本來心地爽直，而且見到做主子的這樣，又當著眾人前細細地表白她疼她；又且襲人改節落在她眼睛裏了，她又和寶玉好，一時間不由地說道：「太太既然明白了，就是了。」王夫人便央及她到寶玉處走走。 Qingwen, who was naturally straightforward in character, saw how the mistress had acted and, before everyone else, clearly expressed her affection for Daiyu. Moreover, she had noticed Xiren's change of heart with her own eyes, and since Xiren was close to Baoyu as well, she could not help but say, "Madam has already understood everything; that is sufficient." Madam Wang then asked her to go visit Baoyu for a while. |
| 43 | 晴雯道：「我是直性人，就去也不能哄他。」王夫人聽見「就去」兩字，心裏便喜歡，又曉得她性傲，不好逼著她，便將就的道：「隨你看光景便了。」王夫人反又託了紫鵑，遇空時催她走走，只當散散似的。紫鵑也應允。王夫人、平兒便告訴寶玉去了。那柳嫂子在窗外悄悄地聽見，直驚喜得了不得。若是五兒，那裡有這個分兒？便伺候著晴雯反像自己倒做了孝順的女孩兒一樣，遇空兒也就催她。 Qingwen said, "I am an honest person; even if I went, I could not deceive him." Madam Wang, upon hearing the words "just go," was pleased in her heart. She also understood that Qingwen had a proud nature and could not be forced, so she compromised by saying, "Go when you feel like it." Madam Wang even entrusted Zi Juan with the task of reminding her to visit from time to time, as if just for a casual outing. Zi Juan also agreed. Madam Wang and Ping'er then went to inform Baoyu. Liu Pozi, listening secretly from outside the window, was overjoyed beyond measure. If it were Wu'er, how could she ever have such an opportunity? She then served Qingwen as if she herself had become a filial girl, and whenever the chance arose, she would urge her on. |
| 44 | 且說黛玉，見王夫人、平兒去了，稍覺適意，終究李紈、寶釵平日的情分雖好，這會子卻另一路人。惜春也覺得打斷了講道，四個人卻三條路徑，一時說話總覺得不大投機。正是：酒逢知己千杯少話不投機半句多到底是寶釵的心靈，高似李紈的悟性，看見她兩個情景便猜著了幾分。 Meanwhile, Daiyu, seeing that Madam Wang and Ping'er had left, felt somewhat at ease. Nevertheless, although she usually shared a good relationship with Li Wan and Baochai, in this moment they seemed like people from another world altogether. Xichun also felt that their discussion on the Dao had been interrupted, and now with four people taking three different paths of thought, conversation at this moment seemed somewhat uncoordinated. Indeed: When wine is shared with a true friend, even a thousand cups are not enough; when conversation lacks mutual understanding, even half a sentence feels excessive. Ultimately, it was Baochai's keen insight and higher level of comprehension that allowed her to sense the situation between them somewhat. |
| 45 | 從前寶玉著魔時尋著惜姑娘講道，今黛玉或者也著了魔，也同她講道。雖則兩個人各自著了魔，然後合了她，畢竟也是她性情合得他兩個的意思。卻也好笑，前前後後印板兒似的拿她做搭紐兒。 In the past, when Baoyu was obsessed with spiritual cultivation, he had sought out Xichun to discuss Dao. Now perhaps Daiyu too had become similarly absorbed and was discussing it with her as well. Although the two of them were each lost in their own obsessions, they had both gravitated toward her. Ultimately, this was because her nature harmonized with both of them. It was also amusing how, one after another, they used her like a printing block as a connecting link. |
| 46 | 寶釵也像規勸寶玉似的說道：「你兩位妹妹像談甚道似的，怎麼瞞著我同大嫂子？」李紈也笑了。這裏惜春未及開言，林黛玉嘴快，就笑道：「講了你們也不懂。」 Baochai, as if gently advising Baoyu, said, "Your two younger sisters seem to be discussing some great matter. Why have you kept it from me and my elder sister?" Li Wan also smiled. Before Xichun could speak, Lin Daiyu, quick to respond, laughed and said, "Even if we told you, you wouldn't understand." |
| 47 | 寶釵便笑拉李紈道：「你看她欺我們到這個分兒，我倒有句話講，這仙佛也不是容易做的。說做就做，滿天下都成了仙佛了。大凡成仙成佛，各人有個根基。我看林妹妹自然世界天下第一個女孩兒了，也還拿不住就做神仙呢，若說說就做得，為什麼孔聖人這樣聖人，《論語》上明明的載一行『子不語怪力亂神』，你就連孔聖人也不服了？」 Baochai then laughed and pulled Li Wan, saying, "Look how she dares to belittle us so. I have something to say—immortals and Buddhas are not easy things to become." If it were as simple as saying one is an immortal or Buddha, then everyone in the world would have already become one. Generally speaking, becoming an immortal or a Buddha requires each person to have their own foundation. "In my view, Lin's younger sister is naturally the most extraordinary girl in the world, yet she cannot just become a deity overnight. If it were as simple as speaking and becoming one, then why did Confucius, such a sage, clearly state in the Analects, 'The Master never spoke of strange forces or spirits'? Are you even unwilling to respect Confucius himself?" |
| 48 | 黛玉笑道：「寶姐姐要便拿道學話兒壓住人，你也拿不定人。你說孔聖人，從前孔聖人到了柱下見了老子，嘆他猶龍，這時候老子還是個凡人，直到後來方才騎了青牛出得函谷關去。孔聖人怎麼不先已知他是個神仙？」 Daiyu laughed and said, "Baojiejie wants to use words of Confucian learning to suppress others, but you cannot really control people that way." You mention Confucius. In the past, when Confucius went to the pillar and met Laozi, he sighed that Laozi was like a dragon in its prime. At that time, Laozi was still an ordinary man; it wasn't until later that he rode his blue ox out of Hangu Pass. "Why didn't Confucius already know beforehand that Laozi was an immortal?" |
| 49 | 寶釵笑道：「林妹妹你不要怪，我卻先知你斷斷做不成神仙。」 Baochai laughed and said, "Don't be offended, Lin's younger sister. I already know for certain that you will never become an immortal." |
| 50 | 黛玉明知她話裏有因，便笑道：「你不知道我，我倒知道你。」 Daiyu, aware that there was a hidden meaning in her words, smiled and said, "You don't know me, but I do know you." |
| 51 | 寶釵道：「你便說。」黛玉就呵呵笑道：「你們這班人多是情蟲。」惹得寶釵、李紈、惜春都笑了。 Baochai said, "Then go ahead and say it." Daiyu then laughed heartily and said, "All of you are nothing but moths drawn to love." This caused Baochai, Li Wan, and Xichun all to laugh. |
| 52 | 寶釵便指著黛玉道：「大嫂子、惜姑娘，你看這林丫頭狂得這樣兒，一家子通罵了，連世界天下通罵了。她從前編派劉姥姥做母蝗蟲，而今把咱們也打入蟲字號去了。她便有做神仙的分兒，她這嘴頭子尖利便到了神仙隊裏也要咬群兒，叫眾神仙攆她下界呢。」 Baochai pointed at Daiyu and said, "Elder sister-in-law, Miss Xichun, look how wild this Lin girl has become. She's insulted the whole family, even going so far as to curse the entire world." She once labeled Old Lady Liu a locust mother; now she has also cast us into the category of insects. "Even if she were to have a share in becoming an immortal, with her sharp tongue, even among the immortals she would provoke disputes and be driven back down to this world by them." |
| 53 | 三個人不覺大笑起來，寶釵又道：「更好笑，我們那個動不動說人家祿蠹，這裏又說個情蟲，這倒不是個絕對呢。」三個人笑得了不得，黛玉臉上紅一紅，也笑笑，連忙正色起來。惜春道：「這不比二哥哥還上去一層。」李紈道：「虧你也將上天梯再送一步。」 The three of them couldn't help but burst into laughter. Baochai added, "It's even more amusing—how we are always calling others money moths, and now here she is calling us love moths. This certainly isn't an absolute thing." The three of them laughed heartily, and Daiyu's face flushed slightly. She smiled as well but quickly regained her composure. Xichun said, "This is even a step above Second Brother." Li Wan said, "You've truly taken another step up the heavenly ladder." |
| 54 | 這裏說笑頑耍倒也樂得很，也是黛玉回過來第一次姊妹相聚的樂境。說話間，素雲便送了幾樣精致菜點來，原是王夫人加意造的，卻總說是李紈處做的。丫頭們便在炕桌上擺起來，姑嫂三人推黛玉靠裡坐，惜春在地平上坐一把小小竹節香檀雕花椅兒，李紈、寶釵都上炕。 At this moment, their playful banter brought great joy. It was also the first time since Daiyu had returned that her sisters gathered together in such a happy setting. While they were chatting, Suyun brought over several delicately prepared dishes and snacks. These had originally been specially made by Madam Wang with extra care, but she always claimed they came from Li Wan's quarters. The maidservants set the dishes out on a kang table, and the three women urged Daiyu to sit closer in. Xichun sat on a small bamboo-jointed fragrant sandalwood carved chair on the floor, while Li Wan and Baochai climbed onto the kang bed. |
| 55 | 丫頭們送菜上來，隨則天寒，怕黛玉著了火氣，用銀坐盆暖著小磁器的宮碗。一碗新筍天花湯，一碗雞腐燕窩、一碗駝峰清燉火肉、一碗松瓤黃芽菜、全烏雞肉擰汁清煨好、一碗野雞生片湯、一碟燕窩蓮米粉松糕、一碟核桃酥蘑菇素餡，其餘小菜也都精雅。再一兩碟醃鵝、糟鵪鶉，也有參藥酒，也有清淳松子仁酒。四個人都隨意，愛吃的吃了些。吃完了，丫頭們送上手巾，接了漱盂，四個人都立起來。寶釵又帶了上等龍井茶來，要試雪水。 The maidservants brought up the dishes, mindful of the cold weather and fearing that Daiyu might become overheated. They placed small porcelain palace bowls in silver warming basins to keep them warm. There was a bowl of new bamboo shoot and chrysanthemum soup, a bowl of tofu with bird's nest, a bowl of camel hump stewed clear meat, a bowl of pine-stuffed yellow sprout vegetable, whole black chicken meat marinated in juice and gently braised to perfection, a bowl of wild pheasant sliced raw soup, one plate of steamed lotus seed powder and pine cake with bird's nest filling, and another plate of walnut酥 mushroom vegetarian dumplings. The rest of the small dishes were also elegant and refined. There were also one or two plates of pickled goose, marinated quail, some ginseng medicinal wine, and some clear, mellow pine seed wine. The four of them ate casually, each having a little of what they liked. After finishing their meal, the maidservants brought hand towels and rinsing basins. The four of them all stood up. Baochai also brought premium Longjing tea to try with snow water. |
| 56 | 李紈說寒些，黛玉便強著要雪水，丫頭們便多多地滾了幾滾，開出來果然配口。又戲謔了些言語、李紈、寶釵只覺得背後有人曳她似的，假意同了惜春散去。這裡黛玉還留住惜春。 Li Wan thought it might be too cold, but Daiyu insisted on using snow water. The maidservants heated it several times over, and when served, the tea indeed tasted excellent. After exchanging some playful words, Li Wan and Baochai felt as if someone were tugging at them from behind. Pretending to accompany Xichun on a walk, they quietly dispersed. Here, Daiyu still kept Xichun with her. |
| 57 | 李紈、寶釵出得瀟湘館，素雲方告訴道：「太太說快請兩位奶奶去。」這李紈、寶釵不知裡頭又鬧出什麼故事來，急忙趕去。要知此去何事，且聽下回分解。 After Li Wan and Baochai left Xiaoxiang Pavilion, Suyun finally informed them, "Madam said to please bring the two ladies quickly." Li Wan and Baochai had no idea what new incident had occurred inside, so they hurried over. To learn what event awaited them, stay tuned for the next chapter. |
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