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《第二十七回 真不肖大杖報冤愆 繆多情通房成作合 Chapter 27: True Not Virtuous Big Stick Report Wrongeousness, False Multifaceted Affection Concubine Become Match》[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  | 第二十七回 真不肖大杖報冤愆 繆多情通房成作合 Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Unworthy Son Receives a Severe Beating to Atonement for Wrongdoing; Miao, Full of Affection, Arranges the Marriage by Sharing a Room |
| 2 | 話說黛玉聽說襲人自盡，心裏也傷，就差紫鵑叫人去救她，紫鵑去了。也叫柳嫂子外面不要揚開，且照應酒席去。紫鵑到怡紅院，只得三五遍叫人去幫著救，直等了一個時辰，方纔有信進來，說道：「好，轉過來了。」紫娟也忙的進來告訴。黛玉就將早上的話告訴她。紫鵑便道：「姑娘，這倒是錯怪襲人。早上聽著太太的話，我同晴雯都不喜歡。就是姑娘說那一句，咱們也說是該的。後來到了午間，大家閒談起來，倒是鸚鵡、琥珀說襲人早上進去，單替寶二爺換了衣服，並沒有開一聲口，多少人瞧著，太太也沒有空兒替她講什麼，不知太太心裡頭另有什麼別的意思。」 When Daiyu heard that Xi Ren had attempted to take her own life, she was also grieved. She sent Zijuan to send people to save her, and Zijuan went. She also told Liu Laopai not to spread the news outside, but instead to go take care of the banquet arrangements. Zijuan arrived at Yihong Courtyard and had to call people several times, three or five rounds, to help save her. She waited for a whole shichen before any news came in, saying: "Good, she has turned around." Zijuan hurriedly went inside to report the news. Daiyu then told her about what had been said that morning. Zijuan replied, "Miss, this is indeed a mistaken accusation against Xi Ren. This morning when we heard Madam's words, both I and Qingwen were displeased." Even when Miss said that one sentence, we also agreed it was appropriate. Later, at noon when everyone was chatting casually, it turned out that Yingwu and Hubo said Xi Ren had gone in early morning and only changed Baoyu's clothes without saying a single word. Many people saw this, and Madam didn't have the chance to say anything for her; we don't know if there is some other meaning in Madam's mind." |
| 3 | 黛玉聽了，也點點頭，就叫碧漪、青荷揀出大枝人參一兩送去瞧她，叫她將息著。兩個去了好些時方纔回來，說：「將玉函瞧見咱們去了，說是上頭叫去看她的，又是賞她人參叫她將養。蔣玉函很感激，說是請奶奶的安，謝了奶奶的恩典，而今轉過來，不妨事了，請上頭放心，等她舒服了，叫她上來磕頭。咱們走進去瞧，這襲人姐姐倒也怪可憐見的，一絲兩氣地說不出話來，面上黃得蠟板似的。」兩個丫頭一面說著，一面也揉眼睛。紫鵑也將手帕兒拭起淚來。黛玉只管點點頭，也不說什麼，只慢慢地走進房裏坐去。眾人打量她有些懊悔的意思。誰知黛玉另有一番思量：「只說她可惜死得遲了，尋死不死，怎麼樣再見得人。便算我今早錯怪了她，前日彩雲說的，難道又是我錯怪了？」 After hearing this, Daiyu nodded and then ordered Biyi and Qinghe to select a large branch of ginseng weighing one liang to send for her to see, telling her to rest. The two were gone for quite some time before returning, saying: "Jiang Yuhuan saw us coming and said that someone from upstairs had sent word to visit her. It was another instance of ginseng being given as a gift for her convalescence." Jiang Yuhuan was very grateful and said he would convey his respects to Madam, thanking her for her kindness. Now that she had recovered, there was no problem; please rest assured upstairs. When she feels better, she will come up to kowtow." "We went in to see her, and this sister Xi Ren was indeed quite pitiable. She could barely speak, breathing faintly, with a yellowish complexion like wax." While speaking, the two maids also rubbed their eyes. Zijuan also wiped her tears with a handkerchief. Daiyu merely nodded and said nothing, slowly walking into the room to sit down. The others observed that she seemed somewhat regretful. Little did they know, however, Daiyu had her own thoughts: "It is a pity she died too late; to seek death and not die—how can one face people again?" Even if I mistakenly blamed her this morning, what about the other day when Caiyun said something—was that also a mistaken accusation of mine?" |
| 4 | 按下黛玉尋思襲人的事。到明日早晨，府門裡悄悄地你說我說，漸漸地揚開來，也傳到王夫人耳朵裏。王夫人心裏本來有些顧戀襲人，聽見這個信兒，愈覺得埋怨黛玉。唯獨彩雲聽見了，逐日間心驚眼跳。那時候漸漸地近了年邊，這帳房裏的事務好不繁瑣。到了紫鵑、晴雯、鶯兒三個人弄不開的時候，黛玉竟自己到議事處去，有時也在那裏吃飯。虧的黛玉這箇人五官並用，出出進進，井井有條，也都是三日前預先准備。雖然百事交加，理得一清如水。也為了襲人不上來，叫鶯兒代了她的事情。紫鵑、晴雯沒有副手，故此就自己出來，也請平兒一同幫著照應。當日正在議事處發帳目，忽然聽見外面喧傳進來，說道：「老爺吩咐，快些兌三百兩九七平整包元絲出去。」 Putting aside Daiyu's thoughts on Xi Ren's matter. The next morning, within the mansion, people whispered and passed on the news quietly. Gradually, it spread out and reached Lady Wang's ears. Lady Wang had originally felt some affection for Xi Ren; upon hearing this news, she became even more resentful toward Daiyu. Only Caiyun heard about it and was frightened every day, her eyes darting nervously. At that time, the New Year approached gradually, and the affairs in the accounting office were no less complicated. When Zijuan, Qingwen, and Ying'er could no longer manage the workload, Daiyu herself went to the meeting hall; sometimes she even had meals there. It was fortunate that Daiyu, with her sharp mind and efficient use of all five senses, moved in and out busily yet orderly, everything meticulously prepared three days ahead. Although a hundred matters converged upon her at once, she managed them with clarity as clear as water. She also had Ying'er take over Xi Ren's duties since Xi Ren did not come up. Zijuan and Qingwen had no deputies, so they themselves came out to handle things and also invited Ping'er to help look after them. On that day, while accounts were being discussed at the meeting hall, they suddenly heard a commotion from outside, with someone shouting: "Master has given orders—quickly prepare 300 taels of nine-seven pure silk in neat bundles and send it out." |
| 5 | 黛玉就揀了兌現成了五十兩一封六封付了去。隨後周瑞趕進來道：「不好了，三爺鬧出大飢荒來了。」黛玉等便趕到上頭，一齊跟了王夫人出去，在屏風後站著張望。原來賈政在部裏回來半路上見幾個人圍著一輛車兒，見賈政轎子過來，一個人就跑上來跪著，拉住轎子叫喊救命。賈政吩咐到該管的地方衙門去。這個人說道：「這個是大人府裏的事情，現有大人的少爺在這裏。」賈政便喝：「是誰，快叫上來。」 Daiyu selected the prepared silk, divided it into six packages each weighing fifty taels, and sent them off. Soon after, Zhou Rui rushed in and said: "Something is wrong—Third Master has caused a big mess." Daiyu and the others hurried upstairs, all following Lady Wang outside, standing behind the screen to watch. It turned out that on his way back from the ministry, Jia Zheng saw several people gathered around a cart. When he spotted Jia Zheng's palanquin approaching, one man ran up and knelt down, grabbing the palanquin to cry for help. Jia Zheng ordered that he be taken to the local government office responsible for such matters. The man said, "This is a matter concerning your household; your young master is here." Jia Zheng immediately shouted, "Who is it? Bring him up quickly." |
| 6 | 原來正是賈環、賈芸。賈政也氣昏了，便問什麼事，說是債負。賈政便喝叫一總，押了府裡去。到得進了府，賈政就在頭廳出轎，傳喊叫的人上來問他，這個人說：「小的姓卜，叫做卜源昌，開過藥鋪生意，前兩月三爺同一位少爺來說府裏要用藥材，都是麝香、肉桂、鬱金香一切貴藥材。小的回說小店沒有。三少爺再三拉了小的到藥料行賒去，還叫小的自己雇車，跟著他送到那位爺宅上。小的又跟定了少爺，瞧著進這個府里，說定十日後付銀。到今分釐沒有。小的是個浮店，招架不起，現在這個客人遇著小人，小人真箇的沒命了。」 It turned out to be Jia Huan and Jia Yun. Jia Zheng was furious, asked what the matter was, and it turned out to involve debts. Jia Zheng then ordered them both to be taken directly back into the mansion under guard. After entering the mansion, Jia Zheng stepped down from his palanquin at the front hall and summoned the person who had cried out to be brought up for questioning. This man said: "I am surnamed Bu, my name is Buyuanchang. I used to run a pharmacy business. Two months ago, Third Master and another young master came saying that the household needed medicinal materials—everything was expensive items like musk, cassia bark, and yujinxiang." I replied that my shop did not have them. Third Master repeatedly dragged me to a medicinal materials shop on credit and even asked me to hire my own cart, following him to deliver the goods to that master's residence. I followed the young master all along and watched as he entered this mansion, with an agreement to pay in silver ten days later. But until now, not a single coin has been paid. "I am just a small shop and cannot afford to bear this burden any longer. Now, with such a customer encountering me, I truly feel as if my life is in danger." |
| 7 | 那一個客人也跟著說。賈政也氣壞了，倒問賈芸。賈蕓只得說有的。所以賈政立刻取銀開發那起人去了。賈政便氣得什麼似的，帶這兩個人到書房裏去，喝令跪著，便叫賈璉。賈璉上去，先被賈政痛喝了一聲，就叫賈璉問他兩個，藥材也馱了，不知鬧得怎麼樣，喝叫他快說。他兩個便啞子似的只管磕頭。賈璉也沒法，停了一停，便回賈政道：「他這兩個便打死了，如何肯說，除非叫芸兒的小子王猴兒上來。」 The other customer also followed suit and spoke up. Jia Zheng was extremely angry and turned to question Jia Yun. Jia Yun could only admit that it was true. Therefore, Jia Zheng immediately took out silver to pay off the people and sent them away. Furious, Jia Zheng took these two men to the study and ordered them to kneel. He then summoned Jia Lian. Jia Lian went forward, and was first sharply scolded by Jia Zheng. He was then ordered to question the two men about the medicinal materials that had been transported, not knowing how serious the matter had become, and commanded them to speak quickly. The two of them just kept kowtowing like mute people. Jia Lian had no choice but to pause for a moment before replying to Jia Zheng: "Even if we were to beat these two to death, they would not speak. Unless we bring up Wanghouer, the boy of Master Yun." |
| 8 | 賈政便喝令快叫。不一時，王猴兒叫到。這猴子一十九歲，一頭蠟子，又缺嘴唇，倒也刁鑽古怪，為的跟了他兩個鬧，也戴一頂海虎帽，混一件狐皮緊身。賈政喝叫剝掉了，先給他一百鞭子，不許叫。這猴兒兩手抱著肩，只管顫。賈璉便喝他從頭直說。王猴兒便一一二二的說出來，倒也一盤帳背的清楚，從彩雲借蔣奶奶的當物，偷太太的金珠，三次偷帳房的銀票，各店鋪賒帳借當，及聽檔瞧戲嫖娼押寶，又喝醉了同酒店主兒打架包醫，闖寡婦被街坊灌尿，也同老西兒汪姓爭風打架等事盡數說完，就磕個頭說：「只這個，再沒有了。」 Jia Zheng immediately ordered them brought quickly. In no time, Wanghouer was summoned. This monkey, Wanghouer, was nineteen years old, with a head of yellow hair and a cleft lip. He was sharp-witted and eccentric; he had been causing trouble alongside the two men, wearing a sea tiger hat and a tight-fitting sable coat. Jia Zheng ordered his clothes stripped off and gave him one hundred lashes, forbidding any outcry. The monkey boy clutched his shoulders with both hands, trembling all the while. Jia Lian then ordered him to speak from the beginning in full detail. Wanghouer then recounted everything in detail, clearly reciting the whole account: from Caiyun borrowing pawning items belonging to Madam Jiang, stealing Lady Wang's gold and jewels, three times stealing silver notes from the accounting office, owing debts at various shops by pawning things, watching plays, visiting brothels, gambling, getting drunk and fighting with a tavern owner who then paid for his medical expenses, provoking a widow and being urinated on by neighbors, as well as quarreling and fighting with an old man surnamed Wang from the West. After finishing recounting all these incidents, he kowtowed and said: "This is everything; there's nothing more." |
| 9 | 賈璉喝叫他滾吧。這猴兒沿出門就跑了。賈政氣得幾乎跌倒。賈璉慌忙扶住。蘭哥兒、寶玉也趕出去扶住。裏面王夫人等吐舌驚駭，只管搖頭。黛玉心靈，怕的彩雲尋死，就叫鸚鵡、素芳去看住了。賈政定了一會，就喝叫拿繩大棍來，一口氣喝叫捆起來。林之孝等怎敢不依。賈政跌著腳喝叫重打，就打了二三十下。從前打寶玉時，那些門客還敢上來，而今觀賈政氣得不是路了，又且內眷們都在屏風後，誰敢上來？賈璉、寶玉、蘭哥兒只望了賈政哭著磕頭。賈政也不理，還喝叫打。王夫人就趕出來，賈政一見王夫人，就踢開家人，搶了棍自己打。王夫人趕近前，那棍子越來去得狠。環兒的一條綠綾褲血已漬透，起先還叫著喘著，到此聲息將無。賈璉、寶玉、蘭哥兒就哭著死命地抱住棍子。王夫人便哭哀哀地趕前去抱住他。賈政哪裏肯歇手。屏風後都推黛玉、寶釵出去，兩個也就去。黛玉便上去扶了賈政，賈政方才退到椅子上坐著，只管喘。王夫人便站起來，哭著指了賈芸道：「環兒這箇沒料兒的不用說了，不是你勾引他，他怎麼鬧得這樣。咱們府裏也沒有薄了你，你怎麼起這個心，沒天理的，良心兒喪盡的。」賈政便氣吁吁地指著黛玉道：「大姑娘，你你替我問他。」黛玉先叫賈璉將賈環抬了進去，便冷笑道：「蕓小子，我先替你講。你不說『三爺你年紀也大了，也是老爺的親生，怎麼不管事，倒讓著璉二爺』，又是『三爺你不是太太生的』，又是『林嬸子霸定了，她霸定了，咱們偏鬧』，是不是？有沒有？」這賈芸嚇得魂也掉了，只管磕頭。黛玉便回賈政道：「咱們祠堂裏，也不要這個子孫，祖宗見了也惹氣。問他什麼，逐便了。」賈政也點點頭。賈璉怕的賈政惹氣，喝叫：「芸小子滾吧！」 Jia Lian ordered him to get out. The monkey boy ran off the moment he stepped outside the door. Jia Zheng was so angry that he nearly fell over. Jia Lian hurriedly supported him. Lange and Baoyu also rushed out to support him. Inside, Lady Wang and others gaped in horror, shaking their heads continuously. Daiyu was perceptive and feared that Caiyun might attempt suicide; so she ordered Yingwu and Sufang to go watch over her. After a moment of stillness, Jia Zheng ordered ropes and big sticks brought forth, shouting in one breath for them to be tied up. Lin Zhixiao dared not disobey. Jia Zheng stamped his feet and shouted for them to be beaten severely, so they were beaten two or thirty times. Previously, when Baoyu was beaten, some of the guests still dared to come forward. But now that Jia Zheng had become so furious and out of control, with all the female relatives behind the screen, who would dare step in? Jia Lian, Baoyu, and Lange could only gaze at Jia Zheng while weeping and kowtowing. Jia Zheng paid no attention and continued shouting for them to be beaten. Lady Wang hurried out, and upon seeing her, Jia Zheng kicked away the family members, seized the stick himself, and began beating them. As Lady Wang rushed forward, the beatings became even more brutal. Huan's green silk pants were already soaked through with blood; at first he had been shouting and gasping, but now his breath was nearly gone. Jia Lian, Baoyu and Lange cried out desperately as they tried to grab the stick with all their might. Lady Wang then wailed bitterly and rushed forward to embrace him. Jia Zheng would not stop at all. From behind the screen, everyone pushed Daiyu and Baochai to go out; the two of them went accordingly. Daiyu stepped forward to support Jia Zheng, and only then did he retreat to sit on the chair, gasping heavily. Lady Wang stood up, weeping and pointing at Jia Yun, saying: "As for Huan, this reckless child, there's no need to speak of him. If it were not for you tempting him, how could he have caused such a ruckus?" "Our household has not treated you poorly in any way. How could you have such thoughts? You are heartless and utterly devoid of conscience!" Jia Zheng, panting heavily, pointed at Daiyu and said: "Miss, you ask him for me." Daiyu first ordered Jia Lian to carry Jia Huan inside, then coldly smiled and said: "Young Master Yun, I will speak for you first." "Didn't you say, 'Third Master, your age is also advanced and you are the master's own son. Why don't you take charge of affairs but instead let Second Master Lian handle everything?' And again, 'Third Master, you were not born by Lady Wang,' and 'Lin Auntie has taken over completely; she has taken over, so we will deliberately cause trouble'—is that right?" "Did or did not you say these things?" Jia Yun was so frightened that he lost his wits and could only kowtow repeatedly. Daiyu then replied to Jia Zheng: "Such a descendant should not be allowed in our ancestral hall; even the ancestors would feel offended upon seeing him." "Ask him anything, and he will be expelled immediately." Jia Zheng nodded. Fearing that Jia Zheng might become even more enraged, Jia Lian shouted: "Young Master Yun, get out!" |
| 10 | 黛玉說：「替我站住！咱們不算你賈家子孫，算你平人，講你從前欺著璉二嬸子，死了要賣她的巧姐兒給人作妾，該死不該死？你把府裡的尼姑哄出去混帳，該死不該死？你在老太太孝服裏，聚人到榮禧堂花賭，又往那府裏花賭，該死不該死？你壞老爺的聲名，去哄騙書辦，該死不該死？革你出姓，輕些兒，你自己講！」 Daiyu said: "Stop him for me! "You are not counted among the Jia family descendants, but as a common person. Tell me, for your past mistreatment of Second Madam Lian and how you planned to sell her daughter Qiaojie after her death as a concubine—should you die or not?" "And for deceiving the nuns in our household and driving them out to cause trouble, should you die or not?" "And for gathering people during the mourning period of Old Madam to gamble at Rongxi Hall and also gambling in other estates, should you die or not?" "And for damaging Master's reputation by deceiving the clerks, should you die or not?" "Strip your surname from you; at least, speak for yourself!" |
| 11 | 賈蕓就碰得滿頭血，只說得該死。黛玉便說：「滾出去死吧！」賈芸也沿出門跑去了。王夫人便將前日告訴賈政，賈政回護的話提起。賈政也將自己金珠走失不查說出。虧得黛玉、寶釵解開。賈政便道：「大姑娘，怎麼帳房裏九百兩一票遺失也不查？」 Jia Yun then bumped his head until it bled, only managing to say that he deserved death. Daiyu then said: "Go out and die!" Jia Yun also ran out of the gate. Madam Wang then mentioned to Jia Zheng what she had told him a few days earlier, along with Jia Zheng's previous defense of the matter. Jia Zheng also spoke about how he had not investigated the loss of his own gold and jewels. It was thanks to Daiyu and Baocai that things were resolved. Jia Zheng then said: "Miss, how could you not investigate the loss of a single note for nine hundred taels from the account room?" |
| 12 | 黛玉便將上簿的話回明。賈政不信，黛玉便叫人取來，果真的出進簿皆記了。賈政問上他支簿上什麼意思。因這一問。黛玉就當著眾人說出一篇大議論來。黛玉道：「咱們這兩府裏也饑荒得很了，甥女的意思總要將舊底子全個兒恢復全了，便那府裏也一樣恢復齊全，秉公分析。所以甥女一個人情願包顧兩府。等那兩府的舊產，有進無出的長起來，恢復舊局，那府裏便按人分析。這府裏只提出寶玉單分給，環兄弟、蘭哥兒兩房也還要判一個長次嫡庶。甥女自己的，便上面事奉了舅舅、舅太太，下面就留給芝哥兒。這便是甥女為人一世，依著舅舅說的替母親盡一個孝道，也不辱沒了林氏的祖先，給人家好說一箇還娘的女孩兒。而今記在他支簿上，不過日後分析提出便了。」 Daiyu then explained clearly what had been recorded in the ledger. Jia Zheng did not believe it, so Daiyu called for someone to bring it over; indeed, both the income and expenditure records were properly documented. Jia Zheng asked what was meant by the entries on his disbursement ledger. Because of this question, Daiyu then delivered a lengthy argument before everyone present. Daiyu said: "Our two estates are also in a very desperate situation. My niece's intention is to fully restore the original foundation, and likewise completely restore the other estate as well, analyzing everything fairly." "Therefore, my niece voluntarily takes on the responsibility of managing both estates alone out of personal goodwill." "Once the original properties of these two estates begin to grow with more income than expenditure and the old order is restored, then the other estate will be divided among its people accordingly." "In this estate, only Baoyu should be given a separate share; among the two branches of Huan brothers and Lan Geer, we still need to determine their seniority and legitimacy." "As for my own share, I will use it above to serve Uncle Jia Zheng and Aunt Madam; below, I will leave it to Zhigeer." "This is how my niece intends to live her life: following Uncle's words, fulfilling filial piety toward my mother, and not disgracing the ancestors of the Lin family. This way, people can say that I am a girl who returned to honor her mother." "And now it is recorded on his disbursement ledger; this is merely for future reference when dividing and extracting shares later on." |
| 13 | 當下裏裏外外的人聽了，無一個不真心歎服。賈政也不覺站起道：「巾幗英雄，女中豪傑，可敬可敬，我家祖宗有福，我總依你，遂你的願便了。」 At that moment, both the people inside and outside heard it, and not one of them did not sincerely admire her. Jia Zheng could not help but stand up and say: "A heroine among women, a true heroine in the female world. Most admirable! My ancestors are blessed; I will always follow your wishes and fulfill them." |
| 14 | 黛玉見賈政的氣兒略平，便叫人悄悄地請林、姜、曹、白四位過來，替賈政散悶。叫賈璉、蔡良押著賈蕓清楚環兒的未了，自己便同寶釵勸了王夫人進來，也勸王夫人不要難為了彩雲，惹她尋死作活。王夫人卻為從前賈政年下飢荒，要尋房基裏物事，推說沒有，反問李紈、寶釵借當，而今體己的金珠反被自己丫頭偷去，也對不過賈政，也對不過李紈、寶釵，所以深恨彩雲。雖則黛玉、寶釵苦勸，怒氣不平。王夫人便道：「我三四個月不見襲人，彩雲說她忙得緊，不能叫她，她倒去問她拉扯。」 Seeing that Jia Zheng's anger had somewhat subsided, Daiyu quietly called for the four—Lin, Jiang, Cao, and Bai—to come over to entertain him and ease his mood. She ordered Jia Lian and Cai Liang to settle the unresolved matters involving Jia Yun regarding Huan'er, while she herself, along with Baocai, persuaded Madam Wang to come in. She also advised Madam Wang not to trouble Caiyun too much, lest it drive her to despair or self-harm. Madam Wang, however, was still resentful toward Caiyun because of the previous situation when Jia Zheng had been in dire straits during the New Year and had searched for valuables within the property. At that time, she had claimed there were none, instead borrowing from Li Wan and Baocai as a pretext. Now, her personal gold and jewels had actually been stolen by her own maid, which made it impossible to account for them before Jia Zheng or before Li Wan and Baochai. Therefore, Madam Wang deeply resented Caiyun. Although Daiyu and Baocai earnestly tried to persuade her, Madam Wang's anger remained unresolved. Madam Wang then said: "I haven't seen Xi Ren for three or four months. Caiyun told me she was too busy to be called, yet she went to inquire about her and even involved herself in the matter." |
| 15 | 黛玉心靈，立刻悟了怡紅院彩雲之慌，就說道：「彩雲說前日襲人進來，還是太太叫上來的。」王夫人、寶釵齊聲說道：「奇極地了。」當下你一句我一句，又將襲人到王夫人處，編排黛玉一節辨明。王夫人道：「不好了，實在是一個狐狸精了，這襲人可不委屈死呢，怪著這孩子上弔。」 Daiyu, perceptive as she was, immediately realized the panic in Caiyun of Yihong Courtyard and said: "Caiyun mentioned that Xiren came in the other day at Madam's request." Madam Wang and Baocai both exclaimed together: "That is most extraordinary!" At that moment, one after another, they clarified the incident involving Xiren's visit to Madam Wang and how Daiyu had been wrongly implicated. Madam Wang said: "This is terrible! She's truly a fox spirit. How wronged Xiren has been, no wonder the child tried to hang herself." |
| 16 | 也有葉媽跟在後頭，笑道「那一天蔣奶奶進來討這個當物，急得什麼似的，走到蜂腰橋栽了一交。跌缺了一根玉簪兒，頭發通散亂了。虧得我扶起她來，替她挽了頭髮，她就送了我這根簪兒。」就撥下來給眾人瞧，果真的蘭花瓣兒碎缺了。黛玉一個人心裡就徹底透明起來，想道：「真個的襲人也委屈死了。」 Ye Ma, who was following behind, laughed and said: "On that day when Auntie Jiang came in to claim this pawned item, she was so anxious. She tripped and fell at Fengyao Bridge." She broke a jade hairpin and her hair became completely disheveled. "It was thanks to me helping her up and braiding her hair again that she gave me this hairpin." She took it off and showed the others. Indeed, a part of the orchid petal design was broken. At that moment, Daiyu's mind became completely clear as she thought: "Xiren has truly been terribly wronged." |
| 17 | 這王夫人進房去就開了首飾櫥，一一查看。寶釵、黛玉、探春也來查，不見了金鐲二對，金戒指一盒，玉齋戒牌二塊，珠串四掛，大珠一粒，晶子一盒，湖珠一十二掛，珠記念一串。櫥裏的物事兒也亂亂的。王夫人氣得慌，便喝：「叫這狐狸精過來！」 Madam Wang went into the room and immediately opened the jewelry cabinet, examining each item one by one. Baocai, Daiyu, and Tanchun also came to check. They found missing two pairs of gold bangles, one box of gold rings, two jade斋戒牌 (fasting and abstinence plaques), four strands of pearl necklaces, a single large pearl, one box of crystal beads, twelve strands of lake pearls, and a string of pearl keepsakes. The items in the jewelry cabinet were also in disarray. Madam Wang was furious and shouted: "Bring this fox spirit here!" |
| 18 | 就叫周瑞家的、林之孝家的著實的打了一頓，就哭著的攆到從前秋桐住的房裏。巧巧的環兒也在對門，眾人倒也好笑。黛玉便悄悄的叫平兒去著人看守照料他兩個。黛玉便回瀟湘館，著實將蔡良家的數說了一頓。便叫青荷帶了人參銀子去安慰襲人，也全個兒告訴她，叫她掙得起快進來。這府里上上下下通說，老爺這一頓打得好，洗清了多少人。蔣玉函也全無疑心，又見林奶奶打發近身的姑娘出來，前後一總說開了，又叫她快上去，覺得他的妻房很有臉面，也將襲人十分奉承。又是焙茗跳出跳進，逢人告訴道：「天理天理，從前環哥哥害得寶二爺打那一頓，一報還一報，今日也照依著還債，倒上了些重利兒，臊脾臊脾。咱們當小子的，瞧著也樂。」眾人也不駁回她，只笑道：「咱們瞧她樂得什麼似的，不要給環哥兒聽見了，揭她一個短，拿她做一個王猴兒。」 She then ordered Zhou Rui's wife and Lin Zhixiao's wife to beat her thoroughly, crying as they drove her into the room where Qiutong had previously lived. Coincidentally, Huan'er was also at the next door; everyone found it quite amusing. Daiyu quietly sent Ping'er to arrange for someone to watch over and take care of both of them. Daiyu returned to Xiaoxiang Pavilion and scolded Cailiang's wife thoroughly. She then ordered Qinghe to take ginseng and silver to comfort Xiren, fully informing her of the situation and urging her to come back as soon as possible. Everyone in this estate, from top to bottom, said that Master had given a good beating, clearing up the wrongs of many people. Jiang Yuhuan had no doubts at all. Seeing that Madam Lin had sent one of her close maids to come out, and with the whole matter explained clearly from beginning to end, he was told to go up quickly. He felt his wife's family had great dignity, so he treated Xiren with utmost respect and flattery. Baiming, meanwhile, jumped about and told everyone he met: "Justice is served! Earlier, Huan Gege caused Baoye to be beaten. Now karma has caught up—today it's returned in kind with some added interest, quite embarrassing indeed." "As young men, we can't help but find this amusing." The others did not contradict her, but only laughed and said: "We see how happy she is. Let's make sure Huan Geer doesn't hear it; otherwise he might expose a flaw in her and use her as an example to tease." |
| 19 | 這件事雖則過去，賈政總不開懷，又同王夫人彼此存心，偏是年下近了，反不大見面。寶釵、黛玉也就拉著探春、李紈商議起來，寶玉也和在裡頭，跟來跟去。黛玉既不惱襲人，也就不惱寶玉，漸漸地依先和好起來。也就過年祭祖，及請年酒，忙忙碌碌，鬧了兩個多月。可怪賈政、王夫人執意彼此不肯交言，也曾請了薛姨媽過來，有意無意的對釋。卻苦的賈政道學性足，王夫人又是古執的，在薛姨媽面前彼此雖則說話，倒像個客氣的人兒，應酬一兩句便了。這李紈、探春、黛玉、寶釵等就想不出一個方法兒，也只得各人散了。黛玉留心叫人打聽環哥兒、彩雲，只見彩雲扶著病服事環哥兒。眾丫頭都埋怨她說：「你被環哥兒誤了。」 Although this matter had passed, Jia Zheng remained unhappy. He and Madam Wang each harbored their own thoughts; as the New Year approached, they saw less of each other than before. Baocai and Daiyu then pulled in Tanchun and Li Wan to discuss matters, with Baoyu also joining them, following along wherever they went. Since Daiyu no longer held a grudge against Xiren, she also did not hold one against Baoyu. Gradually, things returned to their former harmony. They then went through the New Year ancestral rites and the celebration of the New Year wine, with everyone busy and bustling about for more than two months. It was strange that Jia Zheng and Madam Wang insisted on not speaking to each other. They had even invited Auntie Xue over, making half-hearted attempts at reconciliation. Yet, Jia Zheng was a man of Confucian learning and rigid principles, while Madam Wang was also old-fashioned and stubborn. In front of Auntie Xue, although they spoke to each other, it seemed as if they were merely being polite, exchanging only one or two courteous remarks before ending the conversation. Li Wan, Tanchun, Daiyu, Baocai and others could not think of a way to resolve the situation, so they had no choice but to part ways. Daiyu kept a close eye and sent people to inquire about Huan Geer and Caiyun, only to find that Caiyun was tending to Huan Geer while still unwell. The other maids all resented her, saying: "You were wronged by Huan Geer." |
| 20 | 彩雲道：「各人情願，太太就攆我出去，我便尋個死。總來臉也丟完了，有始有終地要跟他。」眾人都說她呆，惟獨寶釵、黛玉倒說她好。黛玉度量也寬，倒也將她害襲人搬是非的不是忘懷了，反與寶釵在王夫人面前細細地勸。王夫人也為的自己丫頭，漸漸解釋。寶釵便勸王夫人，索性將彩雲給環哥兒收了。王夫人起先不肯，黛玉幫著說，只得瞞了賈政，叫他兩個一房。黛玉便與李紈、寶釵商議，這環兒他年紀也是個時候了，盡著鬧也不成一件事體，給他完了親吧。大家意見相同，便約齊了告訴王夫人，說得妥當，三個人便同賈璉告訴賈政。賈政很生氣，四個人幾遍去說，賈政想起來：「終究也沒有不辦的，又是起姨娘留下的血脈。」因此就回一句道：「憑你們吧，我通不管了。」 Caiyun said: "It was my own choice. If Madam wants to drive me out, I would rather die." "I have already lost all face; I must see this through from beginning to end with him." Everyone else thought she was foolish, but only Baocai and Daiyu praised her. Daiyu had a broad mind and actually forgave Caiyun for her role in spreading rumors against Xiren. Instead, she joined Baocai in earnestly advising Madam Wang. Madam Wang also began to gradually explain herself on behalf of her own maid. Baocai then advised Madam Wang that it would be best simply to give Caiyun to Huan Geer as his concubine. Madam Wang initially refused, but with Daiyu's support, she finally agreed and secretly arranged for the two to be married in one room, without informing Jia Zheng. Daiyu then discussed with Li Wan and Baocai: Huan'er's age was now appropriate for marriage, and continued quarrels would achieve nothing. It was best to settle his marital affairs. Everyone agreed, so they gathered together and informed Madam Wang in a well-reasoned manner. The three of them then went with Jia Lian to inform Jia Zheng. Jia Zheng was very angry, but after the four of them pleaded several times, he finally thought: "After all, there is no way to avoid it. It's also part of my late concubine's bloodline." Therefore, he replied: "Do as you please; I won't interfere at all." |
| 21 | 四個人得了這個信，就回了王夫人，逐件的辦起來。就將秋桐住的原房收拾起來。那邊王親家卻是一個暴發，卻有十餘萬家私，只有子女二人，子名順哥，女名順娟，也是王夫人的遠族，聽見環兒鬧也不放心，今見賈璉來議完姻，便即應允。這時候襲人也好上來了，只是害著臊，不便走進大觀園中。黛玉心裏十分過不去。打聽得她好了，下面叫焙茗告訴蔣玉函，一面叫蔡良家的同著素芳、香雪，兩輛車一同出去，千定的拉了她上來。黛玉便同紫鵑、晴雯、鶯兒在瀟湘館等候著。又吩咐府裏人不許一字兒揭著她。襲人也有了臉面，就一同進來，見了黛玉，噙著淚磕頭下去。黛玉、紫鵑等也下淚，趕緊地扶住她，拉她同坐。襲人再三不肯，黛玉不依，五個人就一同坐下。黛玉便連根到底將彩雲許多不是說出來，說道：「襲人姐姐，你也實在地委屈死了，咱們從小的姊妹兒，你也知道我上了當吧。」 The four of them received this message and reported it to Madam Wang, then proceeded to handle the matter step by step. They prepared the original room where Qiutong used to live. On the other side, Uncle Wang was a newly wealthy man with assets of over 100,000 taels. He had only two children: a son named Shun Ge and a daughter named Shun Juan. They were also distant relatives of Madam Wang. Having heard about Huan'er's troubles, they felt uneasy; now that Jia Lian came to discuss the marriage arrangement, they immediately agreed. At this time, Xiren had also recovered and was feeling better, but she still felt ashamed and did not dare to enter the Grand View Garden. Daiyu's heart was filled with deep unease about it. After learning that she had recovered, Daiyu sent Baiming to inform Jiang Yuhuan and also ordered Cailiang's wife along with Sufang and Xiangxue to prepare two carriages. They insisted on bringing her back in person. Daiyu then waited at Xiaoxiang Pavilion with Zijuan, Qingwen, and Ying'er. She also gave orders to the people in the estate not to utter a single word about her. Xiren, now with restored dignity, came in together and, upon seeing Daiyu, knelt down with tears welling up. Daiyu, Zijuan and others also wept, quickly helping her up and pulling her to sit together. Xiren repeatedly refused, but Daiyu would not agree. The five of them finally sat down together. Daiyu then thoroughly exposed all of Caiyun's wrongdoings, saying: "Sister Xiren, you were truly terribly wronged. We have been close sisters since childhood; you know I was deceived, don't you?" |
| 22 | 襲人也將借當的差認著，說是自己不是。晴雯性直，便道：「這個呢，你原也真個不是，但則姑娘的心兒，實在恨她這個狐狸精呢。」黛玉又問她近日的飲食，拉她的膊子瞧瞧，盡管揉眼，可憐見她。從此襲人加倍感激黛玉、晴雯，也便真個的相好如初，便帳房裡也去幫助。當下襲人又到王夫人、寶釵處磕頭。王夫人、寶釵也安慰了多少言語，並問了黛玉相待的情形。王夫人便叫平兒去喚彩雲來給她陪話。寶釵為的她已經是環哥兒收過的人，也就勸住。寶釵也同襲人到瀟湘館談了許久方去。當時環兒的飢荒便算清楚了，倒反賈政、王夫人心裡不投，有一個彼此說不出旁人也不能解釋之處。不知後來如何和睦，且聽下回分解。 Xiren also admitted to the mistake of borrowing and pledged it was her own fault. Qingwen, being straightforward in nature, said: "In this matter, you were indeed at fault. But the young lady's heart truly resents that fox spirit." Daiyu then asked about her recent meals and pulled up her sleeve to take a look, rubbing her eyes repeatedly with sympathy for her. From then on, Xiren became even more grateful to Daiyu and Qingwen. Their relationship returned to its former warmth, and she even began helping out in the account room. At that time, Xiren also went to Madam Wang and Baocai's quarters to kowtow. Madam Wang and Baochai comforted her with many words, also inquiring about how Daiyu had treated her. Madam Wang then ordered Ping'er to call Caiyun over to apologize and make amends with her. Baocai, considering that she was already a concubine of Huan Geer, advised against it and stopped the matter. Baochai also went with Xiren to Xiaoxiang Pavilion and talked for a long time before leaving. At that time, the matter of Huan'er's famine was thus settled. However, Jia Zheng and Madam Wang felt uneasy in their hearts; there remained a mutual understanding between them that neither could express nor explain to others. It remains to be seen how they will eventually reconcile themselves. Stay tuned for the next chapter. |
URN: ctp:ws362651
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