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《第十一回 昏迷怨恨病過三春 歡喜憂驚愁逢一刻 Chapter 11: Daze Hate Illness Pass Three Springs, Joy Sorrow Meet in One Moment》[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  | 第十一回 昏迷怨恨病過三春 歡喜憂驚愁逢一刻 Chapter XI: Comatose with Resentment, the Illness Lasts Three Springs; Joy and Sorrow Intertwined in a Single Moment |
| 2 | 話說寶玉迷了本性，自瀟湘館回房。將及進門，被鶯兒提醒了一句，即便栽倒了，吐了一口血出來，登時昏迷不醒。慌得一家子都趕了來，把寶玉扶到床上去，只是昏昏沉沉。試試他身上，微微的有些汗點兒。王夫人、寶釵只是眼淚鼻涕的。李紈也慌了，賈政又有公事未回，賈璉飛風的叫人騎著馬請王太醫去。去的人一會子就轉來，回道：「王太醫出城去了，小的已經叫人打著車沿路招去，也留人在他家裡省得錯過了。小的聽說大街上到了一位廣東的名醫汪大夫，脈息藥味兒通好，門口也熱鬧的很，通說他強，小的也請了來。敢則先診診脈，再不就打發了馬錢，單等王太醫瞧。」 It is said that Baoyu had lost his senses, returning to his room after leaving Xiaoxiang Hall. As he was about to enter the gate, Ying'er reminded him of something, and immediately Baoyu collapsed, spitting out a mouthful of blood, and instantly lost consciousness. This alarmed the whole household, who rushed over and carried Baoyu to his bed, but he remained in a daze. They felt his body and found that he had only a slight sweat. Lady Wang and Baochai could only weep bitterly, shedding tears and sniffling. Li Wan was also panicking, and Jia Zheng had not yet returned due to official business. Jia Lian hurriedly sent someone on horseback to summon Doctor Wang. The person sent went for a while and returned, reporting: "Doctor Wang has gone out of the city. I have already had someone hailing him down the road in a carriage, and also left people at his home to ensure he is not missed." "I heard that a famous doctor from Guangdong, Doctor Wang, has arrived on the main street. He is said to be excellent in diagnosing pulses and prescribing medicine; his clinic is very busy, with many people saying he is highly skilled. I have also invited him." "Please allow me to first take his pulse; if not, I will send the horse money and wait for Doctor Wang alone." |
| 3 | 賈璉心下躊躇，王夫人便道：「這小子倒也活變，且請上來瞧瞧。准，就吃他的藥呢。」 Jia Lian hesitated, but Lady Wang said, "This young man is quite resourceful. Let us bring him up and take a look." "Agreed, let's give his medicine a try." |
| 4 | 賈璉聽了，隨即出去陪了進來，內眷們就迴避在裡間聽著。先是叫人告訴賈璉，不要告訴他病原，只讓他自己看自己講。這賈璉就陪他到了寶玉床前坐下。這個汪大夫倒也不問什麼，按了寸關，低著頭只管靜靜的想。眾人看見他這樣光景，都說這個大夫有些意思。一會兒又換右手診了，討了紙拈子瞧了一瞧，大夫就自管搖起頭來。眾人皆呆了。又捏捏他的人中兒，寶玉就哼一聲。大夫道：「還好。」眾人略覺得放心些。大夫站起來，向賈璉讓一讓道：「外面講。」 After hearing this, Jia Lian immediately went out to accompany the doctor in. The female relatives then retreated into an inner room to listen. First, he instructed someone to inform Jia Lian not to tell the doctor about Baoyu's illness, but only let him examine and speak for himself. Jia Lian then accompanied him to sit by Baoyu's bedside. This Doctor Wang did not ask anything at all; he pressed on the cun and guan pulse points, lowered his head, and quietly pondered in silence. The people present saw this and remarked that this doctor seemed to have some insight. After a while, he switched to the right hand for diagnosis, took a piece of paper and looked at it briefly, then shook his head thoughtfully. Everyone present was stunned. He then pinched Baoyu's philtrum, and Baoyu let out a faint moan. The doctor said, "It is still manageable." Everyone present felt slightly more at ease. The doctor stood up and gestured toward Jia Lian, saying, "Let us speak outside." |
| 5 | 賈璉就跟了出來，賈璉忙問道：「老先生看得怎麼樣？」這汪大夫搖著頭努嘴咂舌地說道：「二老爺這個症候也不小呢。據晚輩看來，胃火熱得很，故脾脈弦洪，火急上升，從肺竅而出於咽喉，故為咳血。總由胃虛不能攝，血為火逼，熱經在心，移熱於肺，切不可喝水。只恐轉經火盛，到第七日後，還要發斑。」 Jia Lian followed him out and hurriedly asked, "Master, what is your diagnosis?" Doctor Wang shook his head, made a face, and said with a click of his tongue, "The symptoms of this young master are quite serious." "In my humble opinion, his stomach fire is extremely intense. Hence, the spleen pulse is taut and surging; the urgent heat rises upward from the lungs to the throat, resulting in hemoptysis." It is ultimately due to a weak stomach that cannot control blood; the blood is forced upward by fire, with heat accumulating in the heart and transferring to the lungs. Drinking water must be strictly avoided. "There is a fear that the fire will intensify, and after the seventh day, it may still develop into eruptions." |
| 6 | 賈璉及內眷們通駭呆了。王夫人就間著壁問道：「問問大夫到底礙不礙，有救沒有救？」 Jia Lian and all the female relatives were utterly stunned. Lady Wang, standing behind a partition, asked anxiously, "Doctor, please tell us—how serious is it? Is there any hope of recovery?" |
| 7 | 汪大夫道：「二老爺，回上老太太，晚輩細細地瞧准了，怎麼沒有救？但請放心，只是這個病來的快去的遲，卻是急性不得。如發斑、錦紋者為斑、紅點者為疹。疹輕斑重，防它變紫黑色，以致熱極而胃爛，一經出汗就難治了。晚輩總要好好疏解，化做疹子，這便輕下來，也好得容易。」 Doctor Wang replied, "Young Master Jia, please inform the old lady—after careful examination by your humble servant, how could there be no hope of recovery?" "Just rest assured. This illness comes quickly but recedes slowly; it cannot be treated as an acute condition." "If eruptions appear, those with a pattern like brocade are called 'ban,' and those with red spots are called 'zhen.'" "Rashes are mild, while eruptions are severe. One must guard against them turning purplish-black, as this could lead to extreme heat and stomach decay; once sweating occurs, it becomes difficult to treat." "As long as your humble servant carefully resolves the condition and transforms it into rashes, the illness will subside somewhat, making recovery easier." |
| 8 | 王夫人與賈璉著實的稱謝。這汪大夫就定下方兒來說道：「請二爺送給老太太瞧，這是犀角地黃湯，外加當歸、紅花、桔梗、陳皮、甘草、藕節，叫他快快地引血歸經。先吃了兩劑再瞧。晚輩還出城去有事，改日再敘罷。」就出去了。這裏正在疑惑，王太醫就來了。熟門熟路的，聽見要緊，就一個人同了吳新登上來。賈璉慌忙同進去看了。王太醫知道驚惶，連說：「不妨不妨，可回上太太，盡著放心。」 Lady Wang and Jia Lian sincerely thanked him. Doctor Wang then prescribed a formula, saying, "Please have Young Master Jia show this to the old lady. This is Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang, with additional ingredients of Dang Gui, Hong Hua, Ji Geng, Chen Pi, Gan Cao, and藕Jie; it will quickly guide the blood back into its proper channels." "Have him take two doses first, then we shall see." "I must leave the city for some business; let us meet again another day." And with that, he left. Just as they were still in doubt, Doctor Wang arrived. Familiar with the way and sensing urgency, he came up alone with Wu Xin. Jia Lian hurriedly accompanied him in to see Baoyu. Doctor Wang, sensing the anxiety, quickly reassured them, saying, "No worries, no worries; please inform Lady Wang and rest assured." |
| 9 | 賈璉道：「可要紙拈子？」 Jia Lian asked, "Shall I get some paper slips for diagnosis?" |
| 10 | 王太醫道：「不用，不用。」也便讓出來坐下，王太醫道：「這二爺的症候呢，原不輕。但只要看得清楚，大要在血虛肝臊，肝火乘肺，火盛爍金，自然冒了些出來。大凡肝經的治法，只可疏肝，不可殺伐。一面疏肝，一面保肺，就便涵養心脾。而且氣統血，肝藏血，只可順勢疏達，解散肝鬱，這心肺兩經自然和養起來。」 Doctor Wang replied, "No need, no need." He was then invited to sit down. Doctor Wang said, "Young Master Jia's condition is indeed serious." "But as long as it is diagnosed clearly, the main issue lies in blood deficiency and liver stagnation; the liver fire invades the lungs, intense heat scorches metal, naturally causing some symptoms to manifest." "Generally speaking, in treating conditions related to the liver meridian, one should only regulate and soothe the liver, never use harsh or aggressive methods." "While regulating the liver, one must also protect the lungs; this will naturally nurture the heart and spleen as well." "Moreover, qi governs blood, and the liver stores blood. One can only follow its nature to regulate and unblock stagnation in the liver; this will naturally harmonize and nourish the heart and lungs." |
| 11 | 便提筆寫了一帖道：六脈惟肝經獨旺，鬱極生邪，以致左寸微弱，心氣衰極。總因木旺不達，侵剋肺金；肺氣不流，凝而為痰。血隨氣涌，法宜疏肝保肺涵養心脾。擬用逍遙散參術越鞠丸，以疏肝理氣為主，肝平氣行鬱散，再進補劑。候高明酌定。王太醫便將方兒定了出來，這裏賈璉就送上去。王夫人見兩個大夫意見不一，益發惶惑起來。賈璉就說道：「這王太醫在咱們府中從沒有錯過，且將汪大夫的方兒給他瞧瞧。」 He then took up his brush and wrote a prescription, stating: "Among the six pulses, only the liver meridian is excessively strong; extreme stagnation has given rise to pathogenic factors, resulting in a weak left cun pulse and severe heart qi deficiency." "It is ultimately due to excessive wood (liver) energy that fails to disperse, invading and impairing the lung's metal element; when lung qi does not circulate properly, it congeals into phlegm." "Blood follows the movement of qi upward. The treatment should focus on regulating the liver, protecting the lungs, and nurturing the heart and spleen." "The prescription should include Xiao Yao San, Shen Shu Yue Ju Wan, primarily to regulate the liver and harmonize qi. Once the liver is balanced and stagnation dispersed, then tonifying agents may be administered." "Please await your esteemed judgment for final determination." Doctor Wang then finalized the prescription, and Jia Lian promptly presented it. Lady Wang, upon seeing that the two doctors had differing opinions, became even more anxious and confused. Jia Lian said, "Doctor Wang has never made a mistake in our household. Let him take a look at the prescription from Doctor Wang." |
| 12 | 王夫人點點頭，賈璉就將汪大夫的方兒送出去。這王太醫瞧一瞧，嚇了一跳，就便道：「可吃了？」賈璉道：「沒有。王太醫笑道：「還好。這了不得，了不得！他竟看做了傷寒症內胃熱的症候去了。豈有此理！還說道『轉經發斑』，可笑可笑，了不得。還說『喝不得水』，笑話笑話。明明的《海藏》上說道：『大凡血症，畢不宜飲水，惟氣則飲水。你看寶二爺醒轉來就要喝，也只給他杏仁米飲湯，少少的加些陳皮潤潤他的脾胃二經。這個方子吃一帖明日再換，只不要再給他氣惱兒。」 Lady Wang nodded, and Jia Lian sent out the prescription from Doctor Wang. Doctor Wang took a look at it, was startled, and immediately asked, "Has he already taken this?" Jia Lian replied, "No." Doctor Wang smiled and said, "That is fortunate." "This is no small matter! This is no small matter!" "He mistakenly diagnosed it as a case of shanghan syndrome with internal stomach heat." How absurd! "To speak of 'transferring meridians and erupting rashes'—how ridiculous, how ridiculous. This is no small mistake." "And to say that he must not drink water—what nonsense!" The clearly stated in the Hai Cang says: "Generally, for blood-related conditions, water should not be consumed; only when it is a qi condition may one drink water." "You see, when Young Master Baoyu regains consciousness and wants to drink, give him only apricot kernel rice porridge soup with a little Chen Pi added to moisten his spleen and stomach meridians." "Administer this prescription for one dose, then switch tomorrow. Just make sure not to upset him further." |
| 13 | 這王太醫也去了。這裏眾人聽了這番議論，見他說的針對，也都定了神。大家都罵起汪大夫來，說：「虧得沒吃了他的方子，這可還得了呢！」賈政卻也回來，聽見寶玉又病了，心裏也煩得很：「這個孽障，真個是前世的事，磨不清的！」只得叫了蘭哥兒到書房裡說話去，倒也不查問賈環。賈環也總不敢上去。這裏王夫人、寶釵、李紈正鬧著寶玉，那邊喜鸞的吉期漸漸逼近來。王夫人一總交與探春、平兒。平兒帳房的事原虧喜鸞相幫，至於自己的喜事如何管得，雖有喜鳳，也替她姊妹避著些兒，單是探春拿主。探春也時時刻刻過寶玉那邊去，忙得兩下裏照顧不來，又苦的物力艱難，剛剛的過了端午節，賈璉帳目上還支不開來，先有蘭哥兒的一番應酬，接手又辦起這事。賈政又是愛體面的，遇著這林良玉的親事，總說要厚些，留我的老臉兒。到銀子上面便不管幾遍地請示，只說：「你且照常的打個把式兒，等我慢慢開發還人家。」 And with that, Doctor Wang left as well. Hearing this discussion, the people present found his reasoning sound and gradually regained composure. Everyone began to scold Doctor Wang, saying, "We're lucky he didn't take that prescription; otherwise, this would have been a disaster!" Jia Zheng had also returned and, upon hearing that Baoyu was ill again, felt greatly troubled: "This wretched child is truly a matter from the past life, an endless source of trouble!" He had no choice but to summon Lan Ge'er into his study for a talk and did not inquire about Jia Huan at all. Jia Huan also dared not approach. Meanwhile, Lady Wang, Baochai, and Li Wan were still fussing over Baoyu, while on the other side, Xiluan's wedding date was drawing ever closer. Lady Wang entrusted everything to Tan Chun and Ping'er. Ping'er had originally relied on Xiluan to help with the accounts, but as for her own wedding arrangements, how could she manage them? Although there was Xifeng, she still avoided interfering too much with her sister's affairs. Ultimately, Tan Chun took charge. Tan Chun had to visit Baoyu's side constantly, and was so busy that she could hardly manage both sides. Moreover, the household resources were already strained; barely having passed the Dragon Boat Festival, Jia Lian's accounts still lacked sufficient funds. First came Lan Ge'er's social obligations, and now this wedding added further pressure. Jia Zheng was also a man who valued appearances, and when it came to this marriage with Lin Liangyu, he always insisted on being generous in order to preserve his old face. When it came to money, he repeatedly requested approval, saying only, "Just proceed as usual and make a show of things; I will gradually settle the debts at my own pace." |
| 14 | 這賈璉真急得要死，外面家人們便諫著說：「二爺空手兒辦什麼？」 Jia Lian was truly desperate, and even his household staff advised him, "Young Master Jia, how can you manage anything with empty hands?" |
| 15 | 裏面平兒又一件一件的說這也少不得，那是要緊先辦的。又鬧著寶玉的病，不是招算命的就是請太醫，再不就到處問個卦兒求個簽兒。單只因從前馬道婆鬧了鬼，賈政吩咐：「寶玉這孽障死也罷活也罷，單不許你們鬧鬼鬧神的，其餘憑你們鬧著吧。」 Inside, Ping'er listed one item after another, insisting that each was essential and must be handled urgently. Meanwhile, they were also worried about Baoyu's illness—either hiring fortune-tellers or summoning doctors, and if not that, then going everywhere to consult divination charts and oracle sticks. This was all because of the previous incident with Ma Daopo and her ghostly disturbances. Jia Zheng had given strict orders: "As for this wretched child Baoyu, whether he lives or dies is up to fate, but you must not involve ghosts or gods in any way. Everything else, however, you may do as you please." |
| 16 | 這王夫人，便一會子叫請璉二爺進去，又一會子催璉二爺快去快回來，恨的賈璉只跺著腳的抱怨。又是林之孝、周瑞進來回話說：「綢緞鋪通不肯上帳了，前日開下來喜姑娘用的單子雖則硬著的取了來，他這會子現在門房裏要兌這宗銀子。又是西客的月利兒，通說過了期一個多月了，要候著二爺。」 Lady Wang would sometimes call for Young Master Lian to come in, and at other times urge him to go quickly and return just as fast, driving Jia Lian to the point of stamping his feet in frustration. Lin Zhixiao and Zhou Rui then came in to report, "The silk shops refuse to extend credit. Although we managed to obtain the list of items used by Xigongniang the other day with great difficulty, they are now at the gatehouse demanding immediate payment for this sum." "Also, the monthly interest from the western creditors has been overdue by more than a month and they are waiting for Young Master Jia." |
| 17 | 這賈璉就逼著沒路走了，就走到前頭與賈政商議要向林良玉借挪借挪。賈政喝了一句：「沒臉面的！」 Jia Lian had no choice but to go forward and discuss with Jia Zheng the idea of borrowing money from Lin Liangyu for a short time. Jia Zheng snapped, "Shameless!" |
| 18 | 賈璉沒法，只得走了轉來。這林之孝、周瑞也沒法兒，只得走出去安頓了人。賈璉只得垂頭喪氣的走到自己房內躺在炕上，歪著靠枕呆呆地想。平兒也歎氣道：「我也知道你很難了，走又走不去，撂也撂不開，到了這個地位，誰還知道我們的苦呢？我們剜得下肉就剜下來也肯。可憐兒的弄到這樣，還存得個什麼在這裡？我也千思萬想沒有法兒，總要上了萬纔得過去。今日三姑娘看不過，拿二千銀來支應支應。她倒也告訴過林姑娘，悄悄地瞞著上頭拿五千過來。橫豎是她們家的大事，只好且使了再講。」 Having no other choice, Jia Lian could only return. Lin Zhixiao and Zhou Rui also had no alternative but to go out and make arrangements for the people involved. Jia Lian, with no other option but to hang his head in dejection, walked back to his own room and lay on the kang bed, propped up by a bolster, staring blankly into space. Ping'er sighed and said, "I know how difficult it is for you. You cannot go anywhere, nor can you put this aside. In our current situation, who still understands our suffering?" "If we could carve out a piece of flesh to ease the burden, we would do it willingly." "Poor thing! We've been reduced to this—what remains for us here?" "I have thought of a thousand and one ways, but there is no solution. We must raise ten thousand taels to get through this." "Today, Third Miss could not bear it any longer and sent two thousand taels to help out for now." "She also informed Lin'er, who secretly brought over five thousand taels without letting the elders know." "After all, it's a major matter for their family. We can only use what we have now and explain later." |
| 19 | 賈璉就跳起來道：「可准麼？」 Jia Lian jumped up and asked, "Is that allowed?" |
| 20 | 平兒道：「不准還講它做什麼。」 Ping'er said, "If it's not permitted, then what is the point of talking about it?" |
| 21 | 賈璉就走出去，一面說道：「也緊得很了，既這麼著，我且去約他們的一個日子。」 Jia Lian immediately walked out, saying as he went, "It's already very urgent. If it is to be done this way, I will go and set a time with them." |
| 22 | 平兒連忙叫住他道：「你且住，除了這兩路也沒別的了，不要盡先不盡後的，好掛的且掛些兒，這裡頭也很怕斷韁呢。」賈璉就點點頭出去了。且說林黛玉自從寶玉碰進來發病傻笑，黛玉避了他，隨後聞他死死活活，一家子嚇得什麼似的。黛玉便想起來道：「這寶玉也實在地可笑。從小時什麼光景，今日已經折斷了。他也是個聰明人兒，他從前也曾悟過道的，雖則走了錯路，回過頭來正好乾他的佛門事兒。怎麼重新又迷的這樣，可見他這個人到底是個濁物了。就算為了我害出這個病來，關我什麼事呢？還是我去招他，還是他來招我的呢？便算真個害死了他，我也沒有什麼罪過。從前鳳嫂子害的賈瑞好，雖則賈瑞該死，正正經經的鳳嫂子也不該同他說那些歪話兒。誰見這麼樣的人家做嫂子的好說出那樣的話兒？就算巧計兒害他，這也不必。各人只守得住各人便了，害人家做什麼？我從前同寶玉，哪裡有那麼樣的一字兒。據鳳嫂子這樣存心，怪不得他們說她臨死時終究被賈瑞的魂魄拉拉扯扯。不要說尤二姐了，只就賈瑞的冤帳也還他不清。而今寶玉這樣，就算寶玉死了，寶玉也不能比著賈瑞恨鳳嫂子的來恨我，真個乾著我什麼事。倒是舅舅、舅太太那麼樣待我好，寶姐姐待我也不差，我若在這裏看見寶玉有什麼的，也怪不好意思。不如打聽他兇的時候，我先搬了過去，倒也乾淨，誰還問誰來？」 Ping'er hurriedly called after him, "Wait a moment. There are no other options besides these two sources. Don't be hasty and neglect the rest. We should hold on to what we can for now—there is still great danger of things falling apart." Jia Lian nodded slightly and went out. Meanwhile, since Lin Daiyu had avoided Bao Yu after he came in and fell ill with foolish laughter, she later heard of his life-and-death condition, which terrified the whole family. Daiyu thought to herself and said, "This Bao Yu is really ridiculous." "All the fine prospects he had from childhood have already been shattered today." "He is also an intelligent person. He once had a glimpse of enlightenment before, and even though he took the wrong path, now that he has turned back, it would be just right for him to pursue Buddhist matters." "How could he become so lost again? This clearly shows that at heart, he is ultimately an impure person." "Even if he fell ill because of me, what does it have to do with me?" "Were we the ones who sought him out, or was it he who came after us?" "Even if he were to die from this illness, I would bear no guilt." "In the past, Aunt Feng caused Jia Rui's illness. Although Jia Rui deserved to die, even so, Aunt Feng should not have spoken those improper words to him." "Who has ever seen a sister-in-law in such a family speak like that?" "Even if it was done with clever schemes, this was unnecessary." "Each person should just take care of themselves. Why go out of one's way to harm others?" "In the past, between me and Bao Yu, there was never a word like that." "Given Aunt Feng's intentions, it is no wonder they say she was tugged and pulled by Jia Rui's spirit at the time of her death." "Not to mention Yu Erjie, even just the debt of grudge with Jia Rui is not something she can ever repay." "Now, with Bao Yu in this condition, even if he were to die, he could never hate me as much as Jia Rui hated Aunt Feng. It truly has nothing to do with me." "On the contrary, Uncle and Auntie have always treated me so kindly, and Baochaji has not been unkind to me either. If I were here and saw anything happening to Bao Yu, it would make me feel very embarrassed." "It might be better if I move out before the worst happens. That way, it will all be clean and clear—then no one can blame anyone else." |
| 23 | 便叫紫鵑、晴雯打聽寶二爺的病信。這晴雯聽見有這一句話出來，喜得了不得。只說林姑娘從前那些光景通是假的，今日聽見寶玉病得重了，便就露出真心來。隨即自己悄悄地趕來告知寶玉。誰知寶玉瘋得什麼似的，只是傻笑，人也認不出來。這晴雯坐一會兒，沒奈何也回來了。晴雯卻並不知黛玉心裏頭實在的意思。再說林良玉見吉期將近，心裏原想黛玉過來主張一切事情，只因為姜景星求親一事得罪了她，心裏十分過意不去。又有許多為難。一則黛玉說嫂子過去纔肯過來，二則姜景星現在同居恐怕黛玉疑忌。總之懼怕黛玉，怕她受氣生病，就如傷了父母一般，故此不敢接她過去。卻又遇姜景星同著白魯只管低聲氣下地探問口風。良玉從前應承的那樣結實，而今怎樣的改過口來？便也右吾左支的。這姜景星又借著良玉的吉期近了，借影著說出些對面文章來，吟了兩句道：「獨向桃源問春色，劉郎不與阮郎遊。」 She then instructed Zijuan and Qingwen to inquire about Bao Er Ye's illness. Qingwen, upon hearing these words, was overjoyed. She thought to herself that all of Lin'er's previous behavior had been fake, but now, upon hearing how seriously Bao Yu was ill, she had finally revealed her true feelings. She immediately slipped away quietly to inform Bao Yu. Unbeknownst to her, Bao Yu had gone completely mad and was just laughing foolishly, unable even to recognize people. After sitting for a while, Qingwen, with no choice but to return. Qingwen had no idea about the true intentions in Daiyu's heart. Meanwhile, Lin Liangyu, seeing the wedding date drawing near, had originally intended for Daiyu to oversee all arrangements. However, because of the matter involving Jiang Jingxing's proposal, which had offended her, he felt very uneasy in his heart. There were also many difficulties involved. First, Daiyu had said she would only come over after her sister-in-law arrived; secondly, Jiang Jingxing currently living together raised the fear that Daiyu might feel jealous. In short, he feared Daiyu and was afraid she would become upset or fall ill, which would be as painful to him as if it had happened to his own parents. Therefore, he dared not bring her over. Yet at the same time, Jiang Jingxing and Bai Lu kept quietly probing for information in a low voice. Liangyu had previously given such firm assurances—how could he now change his words? He was thus caught between two sides, trying to manage both. Jiang Jingxing, taking advantage of the fact that Liangyu's wedding date was approaching, subtly hinted at his grievances by quoting a couplet: "Alone I go to Peach Blossom Spring to ask about spring colors; Liu Lang does not travel with Ruan Lang." |
| 24 | 又說道：「蓬萊宮闕容聯步，未許梯虹到廣寒。」 He also said, "The halls of Penglai Palace allow us to walk side by side, but the rainbow ladder does not permit ascent to Guanghan." |
| 25 | 句句是打動良玉的話頭。良玉也著實不好意思，又不便再向黛玉處探問，真個說不出來。倒虧了結親的事，內有黛玉，外有王元，又有一班朋友相助，自己樂得會同年吃戲酒自在逍遙。不過閒話中間要受姜景星的嘲諷。這良玉本來天性友愛，又敬服黛玉的才，業已大鬧了一番，如何還敢在黛玉眼前提起這事。只好慢慢地想別的出路便了。且說王夫人、寶釵天天守著寶玉。這寶玉有時糊塗有時明白。明白的時候只管哭泣，糊塗的時候只管傻笑。也沒有什麼話告訴人，就便悄悄地問他，也不語言。這王太醫的藥吃下去也像見效，也像吃疲了，總說這是心界上起的，總要趁他的心願，盡管用藥治不得他的心兒。半中間也是太醫的意思，叫停了幾天。到得厲害著又請他過來。他也皺著眉說道：「告稟過了，左右是這幾味藥兒，就盡著的加減些，也出進的有限。倘如用了別的，總不穩當。這血症兒原也千奇百怪，到了牽扳著心肝兩經，總不好治的。並沒有什麼大推大扳的。」 Each line was a subtle attempt to touch Liangyu's heart. Liangyu felt genuinely embarrassed and could not bring himself to inquire further from Daiyu, truly at a loss for words. In the end, it was fortunate that in arranging this marriage there was Daiyu on the inside and Wang Yuan on the outside, along with a group of friends offering help. Liangyu himself enjoyed the leisurely freedom of attending plays and drinking wine with his fellow candidates for office. But he had to endure Jiang Jingxing's sarcastic remarks in between casual conversations. Liangyu, by nature a kind and affectionate person, had already deeply respected Daiyu's talent and had previously caused a great commotion; how could he dare bring up the matter in her presence? He could only slowly think of other ways out. Meanwhile, Lady Wang and Baochai watched over Bao Yu day after day. At times Bao Yu was confused, at other times lucid. When he was lucid, he would only weep; when confused, he would just laugh foolishly. He did not say anything to anyone, and even if someone quietly asked him something, he remained silent. The medicine prescribed by Doctor Wang seemed to help somewhat, but also seemed ineffective after a while. It was said that this illness originated from the mind; no amount of medication could cure his heart if it remained unsettled. At one point, following the doctor's advice, they stopped giving him medicine for a few days. When his condition worsened again, they brought the physician back. He also frowned and said, "I have already reported this. Basically, it is the same set of ingredients; I can only add or subtract a little, but there's not much difference in effect." "If other medicines are used, they would be unreliable at best." This kind of blood-related illness is originally full of strange and varied symptoms. Once it affects the heart and liver meridians, it becomes difficult to treat altogether. "There's no need for any drastic or forceful interventions." |
| 26 | 這裏王夫人聽了，也沒什麼法兒。寶釵雖則大方，見寶玉這樣光景心裏也煩。只是每日里五更天就起來，點了香燭，望著空裏，暗暗地拜禱。你道她拜禱的什麼神明？卻原來一心觀相，只拜禱了亡過的老太太。每日天色未明便跪下去禱告道：「我那仁厚慈悲有靈有感的老太太老祖宗，你在的時候這兩府裏若大若小誰不蔭著你老祖宗的福分兒？你老祖宗的仁心大量兒誰也不感激。皇天也知道了你在先把寶玉這個孫兒連心合命的，那麼樣疼他。他孝敬著你什麼來？我這個孫媳婦兒算什麼，你老祖宗偏選中了，那麼樣疼我，教訓我，要了我過來。我那世裏與你有緣，疼到這麼個分兒。而今寶玉病到這個分上，我知你老祖宗在陰空裡瞧見了，心裡頭也不知怎樣的疼呢。你老祖宗有靈有感的送林姑娘回轉來，交給她幫著寶玉興旺，這兩府裏誰不知道？我只求你老祖宗快快地陰空保佑圓全了這件事情。寶玉也好了，你老祖宗的心事也完了。你老祖宗在世為人，去世為神，只可憐兒的，快快地圓全了。」 Upon hearing this, Lady Wang had no other choice but to accept it. Although Baochai was composed and generous by nature, seeing Bao Yu in such a condition also troubled her heart. Every day before dawn, she would rise early, light incense and candles, gaze into the empty air, and silently pray. You may wonder to which deity she prayed? It turned out that with a single-minded devotion, she only prayed to the late Old Lady. Every day before the sky was light, she would kneel down and pray: "My kind-hearted, compassionate, and ever-compassionate Old Lady Ancestress. When you were alive, in both households large or small, who did not benefit from your blessings?" "Who among us does not feel gratitude for the kindness and generosity of our Ancestress?" "The heavens themselves know that you cherished Bao Yu, your beloved grandson, with all your heart and soul." "What filial devotion has he shown to you?" "What am I, your humble granddaughter-in-law, that you chose me especially and cherished me so much, instructing me and bringing me into the family?" "In which past life did I earn such a bond with you that you loved me to this extent?" "Now Bao Yu has fallen ill to such a degree. I know you, my Ancestress, must be watching from the heavens above and must feel heartbroken." "Your Ancestress, ever compassionate and responsive to prayers, sent Lin'er back from afar to help Bao Yu thrive—this is known by all in both households." "I only beg you, Ancestress, to quickly protect and complete this matter from the heavens above." "Bao Yu will recover, and your Ancestress's unfinished concerns will also be resolved." "Your Ancestress lived as a kind person and now rests in the heavens as a deity. Poor soul, please quickly bring this to a happy resolution." |
| 27 | 這寶釵一個人天天禱告，自然志誠通神了。有一天值王夫人趕早過來，在院子裏遇著了，悄悄地在背後聽見，禁不住流淚傷感，也跪下去差不多的禱告起來。這邊探春一心辦喜鸞出閣之事，不便問喜鸞就問喜鳳，有兩邊的話兒也來問問黛玉。兩親家的事，時刻見面商量，倒也十分妥當。賈璉有了銀子，事情上也很支得開了。外面鋪戶見賈府又有整秤的兌出來，料想是元妃娘娘賞下來的銀子還多，帳也肯上了。這榮國府依舊熱鬧起來，連那府裏也容易拉扯。那賈芸、賈芹仍舊想挨身進來，討些小差沾些汁水。這賈璉想起巧姐兒的苦楚，只要擺布了他們心纔爽快。卻礙著頂了一個賈字，如何還理他。又想起這些人多是鳳姐兒引進，不料自作自受，害了親生的巧姐兒。若不是劉姥姥、平兒兩人，這還了得，所以連賈環也恨起來，如何見了他們不惱？隨即喝開了。這賈芸、賈芹又去求賴大，也被賴大數說了好些。大家想一想，原來銀子這件東西就是這樣的，沒有它便走不開，有了它就行得去。不過做人兩字，全仗著這一件做去便了。罪過得很，不拘親情友誼，日用生活巴巴的全靠著它，所以天下世界的人為了它什麼都不管了。又奇怪得很，越有越要，越多越貪。這苟完苟美之心，誰也沒有。偏是箇沒有他的，有了時也見好，沒有了也過得。越到這榮國府的勢分，盡著消磨，盡著要支架子，可憐兒的，這空架子好難玩呢。這也有個法兒，人生世上穿衣吃飯。飯上頭，只要顧我的肚腹；衣上面，總不管人的眼睛。有人奉承我也這樣，笑著我激著我也這樣。這便銀子的權柄輕了些。不過，榮國府這樣人家也要這樣做人，學也學不上來。倒好借端譬喻，如顏夫子學道一樣，欲罷不能，既竭吾才，如有所立卓爾。且說榮國府中喜鸞吉期越發逼近，可可的寶玉病體益發沉重起來。林黛玉聞知很要過去，又礙了前日的說話，說要等嫂子過門方纔過去，怎麼自己說的自己也改過口來。卻也怕看見了寶玉有什麼事情，便告訴王元道：「兩邊都有事，我在這裏也不便，怎麼好回回大爺自己照應些。」 Baochai's daily prayers, offered with such sincerity and devotion, naturally reached the heavens. One day, Lady Wang arrived early and encountered her in the courtyard. She quietly listened from behind and could not help but weep with emotion, kneeling down to pray similarly. Meanwhile, Tanchun was fully occupied with arranging Xiluan's wedding and could not directly ask about Xiluan; instead she inquired about Xifeng. She also sent messages to Lin Daiyu on both sides of the matter. As for the matters between the two families, they met and discussed them constantly, making everything proceed very smoothly. With money in hand, Jia Lian found that he could manage the affairs more easily now. The outside shops, seeing that the Jia household was once again redeeming silver in large amounts, assumed there must still be a great deal of money from Noble Consort Yuan's imperial gifts remaining, and so were willing to extend credit. The Rongguo Mansion once again became lively, and even the management of the household affairs became easier to handle. Jia Yun and Jia Qin still wanted to find a way in, hoping for small errands that would allow them to benefit from the situation. Jia Lian thought of Qiao Jie's suffering and wanted nothing more than to deal with them in order to feel at ease. But he was constrained by the fact that they shared the same family name, Jia; how could he possibly treat them harshly? He also recalled that many of these people had been introduced by Madam Feng, and it was ironic that they now reaped what they had sown, having harmed their own flesh-and-blood daughter Qiao Jie. If it were not for Liu Laolao and Ping'er, the situation would have been even worse. Therefore, even Jia Huan had come to resent them—how could he not be angry upon seeing them? He immediately drove them away. Jia Yun and Jia Qing then went to seek help from Lai Da, but were also scolded by him for quite a while. Everyone should think about this: money is indeed such a thing—without it, you cannot move forward; with it, everything becomes possible. After all, when it comes to being human and living one's life, it is entirely dependent on this single thing—money. It's a great sin, but regardless of kinship or friendship, people rely entirely on it for their daily lives. Therefore, people all over the world pursue it so intensely that they care about nothing else. It is also very strange: the more one has, the more he wants; and the more there is, the greedier one becomes. Who among us does not have such a selfish and greedy heart? It is precisely those who lack it who find contentment when they obtain it, yet can still manage without it. The more the prestige of the Rongguo Mansion declines, the harder it is to maintain appearances. Poor thing, how difficult it is to uphold such an empty facade! There is a way out: as long as one can eat and wear clothes in this life, that's enough. When it comes to food, I only need to satisfy my stomach; when it comes to clothing, I don't have to care about what others think. Whether people flatter me or mock me, I remain the same. This is how the power of money becomes less significant. However, for a family like the Rongguo Mansion, one must still maintain such conduct, but it is something others cannot even begin to imitate. It might as well serve as a metaphor, just like Master Yan learning the Way—once started, one cannot stop; having exhausted all my ability, I have achieved something remarkable. Now let us return to the Rongguo Mansion: the auspicious wedding date was drawing ever closer, yet coincidentally Bao Yu's illness grew even more severe. Lin Daiyu heard of this and wanted to go over, but she was constrained by her own words from the previous day, when she had said she would wait until after her sister-in-law's wedding before visiting. How could she now contradict herself? Yet she was also afraid that seeing Bao Yu in his condition might cause some trouble, so she told Wang Yuan: "There are matters on both sides. It is inconvenient for me to stay here; perhaps the master should take better care of himself." |
| 28 | 王元就懂了，卻曉得黛玉不好說話，不敢探問，就笑笑道：「小的也那麼想，單是大爺如何照料得了，又且日子快了，小的且回回去。」這裡良玉得了這個信兒，喜得了不得，立刻過來要請黛玉即便過去。黛玉道：「我呢，原要去，只是時候沒到。」 Wang Yuan understood immediately, but knowing that Daiyu was not one to speak freely, he dared not ask further. He merely smiled and said, "I had the same thought, but how can the master take care of everything himself? Moreover, the time is drawing near; I shall return home for now." Upon hearing this news, Liang Yu was overjoyed and immediately came to ask Daiyu to go there right away. Daiyu said, "I do wish to go, but the time has not yet come." |
| 29 | 良玉也懂得，就道：「好妹妹，不要耽擱了。」 Liang Yu understood and said, "Dear little sister, don't delay any longer." |
| 30 | 黛玉正色的說道：「怎麼樣改的話兒，憑什麼說話通改得的了？」 Daiyu spoke with a serious expression: "How can one casually change what has already been said? On what grounds could such words be altered?" |
| 31 | 良玉懂得不提姜字的一句，就打躬央及道：「好妹妹，我而今叫你做哥哥，你這女哥哥的言語誰敢不依。我若除了一句話，再叫你改別的話兒，憑你打就是。」 Liang Yu, understanding that the mention of Jiang was to be avoided, bowed respectfully and pleaded: "Dear little sister, I now call you my elder brother. Who would dare not follow your words as a female elder brother?" "If I ask for just one change, and then ask you to alter anything else, feel free to beat me." |
| 32 | 黛玉也嗤的笑了，道：「我也沒見做妹子的好打哥哥，只要哥哥明白了我的心就是了。」這良玉就大喜，忙叫人來搬。黛玉道：「我只住絳霞軒，就便嫂子過來了也不挪到上房去。我愛這幾竿竹子兒，常要來瞧瞧它。」 Daiyu chuckled and said, "I have never seen a younger sister who beats her elder brother. As long as my elder brother understands my heart, that is enough." Liang Yu was overjoyed and quickly called for people to come and help move things. Daiyu said, "I will only stay in Jiangxia Xuan; even if my sister-in-law comes over later, I won't move to the main house." "I love these few bamboo stalks here and often come to look at them." |
| 33 | 良玉道：這麼樣我也移到降霞軒。」 Liang Yu said, "Then I will also move to Jiangxia Xuan." |
| 34 | 黛玉道：「煩也煩極了。要那麼關我就不過去。」 Daiyu replied, "That would be too much trouble." "If it's going to be that troublesome, I won't go over at all." |
| 35 | 良玉道：「是的了，是的了，你搬我不搬，通依著。王元快快地就搬。」 Liang Yu said, "Yes, yes. If you move and I don't, it's fine with me. Just do as you please." Wang Yuan quickly began the moving process. |
| 36 | 王元答應了，便叫人搬。黛玉就說：「上頭這幾天因寶哥哥病得很，也很煩，我也懶得去。你替我悄悄地回一回。」 Wang Yuan agreed and immediately ordered people to start moving things. Daiyu then said, "These past few days have been very troublesome because Bao Gege is seriously ill. I myself have also felt too lazy to go." "Just go and inform them on my behalf, but keep it quiet." |
| 37 | 良玉道：「交給我，我就穿出去，回過來接你。」說完了良玉就去了。黛玉又叫晴雯道：「你怎麼的？」 Liang Yu said, "Leave it to me. I'll go out in disguise and come back to pick you up." After saying this, Liang Yu left immediately. Daiyu then called out to Qingwen and asked, "What is the matter with you?" |
| 38 | 紫鵑就拿話兒取笑她，嘻嘻地說笑道，她是騎兩頭馬兒的。急得晴雯要撕她的嘴，便道：「你便是會騎馬的，鬧什麼皇帝身邊只許有一個官兒。姑娘要攆，我也等姑娘，我剝你什麼分兒的。」 Zijuan teased her with words, giggling as she said that she was riding two horses at once. Qingwen, in a fit of anger, wanted to tear Zijuan's mouth and said, "Even if you are good at riding horses, how can there be more than one official by the emperor's side?" "If Miss wants to send me away, I will wait for her. What share of you do I have any right to take?" |
| 39 | 紫鵑笑道：「討人嫌的，人家玩了你一句，你就說上這些話兒，怪不得襲人嫌你。我告訴你，你要走，便是姑娘肯我也不肯。我替你收拾去。」 Zijuan laughed and said, "You are so easily offended. Someone just made a little joke about you, and already you start with all these words. No wonder Xi Ren dislikes you." "I'll tell you this: if you want to leave, even if Miss agrees, I certainly won't." "I will help you pack up myself." |
| 40 | 把個黛玉笑得了不得，說道：「晴雯，我是不肯放你的呢。」 This made Daiyu laugh heartily, and she said, "Qingwen, I certainly will not let you go." |
| 41 | 晴雯又急起來道：「姑娘也跟著鬧，只護了紫鵑。莫說姑娘不放我，就攆著也不走。」 Qingwen became anxious again and said, "Miss is joining in the teasing too, always taking Zijuan's side." "Don't even mention that Miss won't let me go—I wouldn't leave even if you chased me out!" |
| 42 | 黛玉知道她的性格兒，哪裏肯再招她的話出來，便道：「好妹妹，真箇的，舍不得我敢則好。」這裏就從從容容的搬。良玉也就過來，歡天喜地的接去了。到了這個吉期，可可的天也熱得很，單不過早晚上陰涼些，到了午間也同南邊差不多兒。上面盡著放下簾子擺著涼冰。外面這些辦事的，通跑得汗淋淋的，手巾兒盡著抹不迭。還是林家的規矩，這正日子通不請客，就道賀也在明日，還覺得清淨些。只賈府上會齊了本家祭祖先，倒也很煩。還虧得李紈、探春有主意，因為寶玉這個病鬧得越凶了，就在宗祠內擺祭，也在那裏吃飯，也略覺得清淨些。這裏喜鸞已經躲了人好些時兒，想起配了這樣富貴雙全的人才，心裏也快活。想起父母不見，也就淒惶。又是嫡親的喜鳳妹妹還沒有人家，難道還要累著這邊的父母？只好自己過門後好好地成全她，只不要嫁遠了，還留一個同胞姊妹時常往來往來，知心著意的。喜鳳也想道：「一樣的沒爹沒媽的兩個同胞姊妹兒，姊姊而今已這樣了，誰想還跟上她。只是我這個人便怎麼樣？現今太太待我比著親生女兒也差不多。只是這府裏的事情也難了，怎麼還顧得到我身上。倒是我們姊妹情分兒很好，只要我這個姊姊念著同胞的情，照顧著我就好。只是我一個女孩兒家，姊姊如想不到了，我怎麼好說。」 Daiyu, knowing her personality well, would not provoke her further and said, "Dear little sister, if you truly can't bear to leave me, that is best of all." Thus, the moving proceeded calmly and orderly. Liang Yu also arrived, joyfully and cheerfully to receive her. By the time this auspicious date arrived, it happened that the weather was extremely hot. Though mornings and evenings were somewhat cooler, by midday it was nearly as sweltering as in the southern regions. Inside, they kept lowering curtains and placing ice to cool things down. Outside, all those handling the affairs ran around drenched in sweat, constantly wiping their brows with handkerchiefs. Still following the customs of the Lin family, no guests were invited on this actual wedding day; even congratulations would be given the next day, which made things feel quieter. Only the Jia family gathered to perform ancestral rites for their own clan, and that was also quite troublesome. Fortunately, Li Wan and Tan Chun had a plan. Because Bao Yu's illness was growing more severe, they arranged the ancestral rites within the family shrine, where meals were also served—this made things slightly quieter. Meanwhile, Xiluan had been avoiding people for quite some time and, thinking of having married such a man who was both wealthy and noble, felt very happy in her heart. Yet when she thought of not seeing her parents, she also felt sorrowful and anxious. Moreover, her full younger sister Xifeng had still not found a husband—how could she burden this side of the family's parents any further? She could only hope that after she had married, she would do her best to help Xifeng find a good match. She just wished not to send her too far away so they could remain close sisters who visited each other often and shared heartfelt bonds. Xifeng also thought to herself, "We are two full sisters who both lost our parents. Now that my elder sister has already found a good situation, who would have thought I could follow in her footsteps?" "But what about me personally? What kind of person am I?" Nowadays, Madam treats me almost as kindly as her own biological daughter. But the affairs of this household are already difficult enough—how can she possibly think about me? It is our bond as sisters that matters most. As long as my dear elder sister remembers the feelings of being full siblings and takes care of me, it will be enough. "But I am just a girl; if my elder sister does not think about these things, how could I possibly bring it up?" |
| 43 | 原來她們兩個同胞姊妹一房一鋪的又那樣好，也就有彼此說不出的話兒。這喜鸞、喜鳳兩個守住在房裏多時了。到了這日，王夫人也免不得同了李紈來伴伴她，看看各件隨身物事。恰好寶玉這日清醒了些，喝了些稀粥，大家也放心，連寶釵也兩邊的往來。這邊寶玉正在床上悶著，隱隱的聽見哭泣之聲，便叫雪雁不管誰拉了他來。可可的這雪雁又是沒竅，招著去，見是傻大姐就拉了來。寶玉見是她，倒歡喜，就叫雪雁也走開，問她道：「誰又難為你？」 Originally, the two full sisters shared a room and bed, and their bond was so close that there were things they could not even express in words. Xiluan and Xifeng had been staying together in the room for quite some time now. On this day, Madam Wang could not avoid accompanying Li Wan to keep her company and check over each of the personal belongings she would take with her. Coincidentally, on this day Bao Yu was somewhat more lucid and had even managed to drink some thin porridge. Everyone felt relieved, and even Baochai began visiting back and forth between the two sides. On this side, Bao Yu was lying in bed feeling bored and faintly heard weeping. He immediately called out to Xueyan, telling her not to care who she pulled over. Coincidentally, Xueyan was also a bit slow-witted and went off as instructed, dragging over the person she found—none other than Da Jiejie. Bao Yu, upon seeing her, was actually pleased and told Xueyan to go away. He then asked her, "Who is troubling you again?" |
| 44 | 這傻大姐就傻頭傻腦地噙著淚道：「璉二爺打我。」 Da Jiejie, in her usual clueless manner and with tears welling up, replied, "Second Master Lian beat me." |
| 45 | 寶玉道：「為什麼？」 Bao Yu asked, "Why?" |
| 46 | 傻大姐道：「他說從前寶二爺娶寶二奶奶時，是你告訴林姑娘。如今林姑娘已搬到林家去，你再不要亂說。說著就打我一下子。」 Da Jiejie said, "He said that when Second Master Bao married Madam Bao, it was you who told Miss Lin." "Now that Miss Lin has already moved back to her family home, you must not speak carelessly anymore." Saying this, he hit me once," she said. |
| 47 | 這雪雁聽見了，就連忙進來將傻大姐拉了出去，悄悄地道：「璉二爺叫你沒說，你偏又說了。你再說要命。」 Xueyan, having heard this, hurried in and pulled Da Jiejie out quietly, saying, "Second Master Lian told you not to say anything, yet you went ahead and said it anyway." "If you say another word, you'll be risking your life!" |
| 48 | 傻大姐嚇得走了。這寶玉不聽見猶可，一聽見黛玉已經搬到林家去，恍恍的耳朵邊鬼也似的有人說道：「合著姜景星———姜景星了。」就肝膽裏一路火冒將上來，一聲咳，又吐了一口紅，面上火也似的，只管悠悠地喘著。慌得鶯兒、麝月、雪雁等趕到上頭去告訴。這裏王夫人、寶釵、李紈、探春、惜春、平兒、薛姨媽就一總的趕過來。只見寶玉眼睛不住地往上翻，腳底下漸漸地冷上來。一家子哪裏還管什麼忌諱，都就哭起來。賈政也慌著手腳忙趕太醫。王太醫趕進來，摸了腳脈盡著搖頭，叫「且將獨參湯灌著吧。」 Da Jiejie was frightened and left. Bao Yu would have been fine if he had not heard this. But upon hearing that Daiyu had already moved back to the Lin family, his mind grew hazy and confused, as though a ghost whispered in his ear: "So it's Jiang Jingxing—Jiang Jingxing indeed." A wave of fire surged up from his chest, and with a cough he spat out another mouthful of blood. His face burned red as he continued to breathe heavily and weakly. This frightened Ying'er, Shaye, Xueyan, and others, who hurried upstairs to report the situation. At this moment, Madam Wang, Baochai, Li Wan, Tan Chun, Xi Chun, Ping'er, and Auntie Xue all rushed over together. They saw that Bao Yu's eyes were rolling upward uncontrollably, and his feet were gradually growing cold. The whole family could no longer care about any taboos at this point; they all began to weep uncontrollably. Jia Zheng was also frantic, rushing to summon the imperial physician. Doctor Wang hurried in, felt Bao Yu's pulse at his feet, and shook his head repeatedly before saying, "For now, just give him some ginseng decoction." |
| 49 | 這裏正亂著，外面吹吹打打，林良玉要進府奠雁，直把個賈政、賈璉急得亂跳。上邊喜鸞房裏一個正經人兒通沒有，倒是平兒有主見，拉了香菱過來照應著。李紈也兩邊走走，也叫蘭哥兒：「你瞧著太爺、二爺，你且往前進些。」 Just as the household was in chaos, outside came the sound of music and drums—Lin Liangyu had arrived to present her wedding offerings. This drove Jia Zheng and Jia Lian into a frenzy. There was not a single responsible person in the wedding chamber of Xiluan upstairs; instead, it was Ping'er who had the sense to bring over Xiangling to help manage things. Li Wan also moved back and forth between the two sides, calling to Lan Ge: "You watch over Grandfather Jia and Second Uncle; you should move a bit closer ahead." |
| 50 | 蘭哥兒連忙告訴賈赦、賈蓉。賈赦也知道大家張羅著。這寶玉的光景越看越不好，王夫人就哭起「沒福的兒、剜心的兒」，寶釵也哭得要死去了。還是探春抹著眼淚擎著茶盃，彎轉身將參湯去灌，一面向王夫人、寶釵道：「正要靜著些定他的神，再不要哭著鬧著。」 Lan Ge hurriedly informed Jia She and Jia Rong. Jia She also knew that everyone was busy making preparations. Bao Yu's condition seemed to grow worse with every passing moment. Madam Wang wept bitterly, calling him "my unfortunate child, my heart-wrenching son," and Baochai was also crying as though she were about to die. It was Tan Chun who, wiping her tears and holding the tea cup, turned around to pour the ginseng decoction into Bao Yu's mouth. At the same time, she said to Madam Wang and Baochai: "We must keep it quiet in order to calm his spirit; do not cry or make a commotion." |
| 51 | 正在那裡勸阻，哪曉得府前震天的響了三炮，開了鳳凰叫似的府門，林良玉就擺著兩廣總督、兩淮運司及自己的翰林儀從，掌號、打鼓、鳴鑼、喝道、粗樂細樂一擁地鬧進來。王夫人住著哭跌腳道：「罷了，冤家路兒，催這個命便了。」 They were just in the middle of trying to calm things down when, without warning, three thunderous gunshots echoed from outside the gates. The mansion doors burst open like a phoenix crying out as Lin Liangyu entered with great fanfare, displaying his status as Viceroy of Guangdong and Guangxi, Salt Commissioner of Huai, and翰lin scholar. Trumpeters sounded their calls, drums beat, gongs rang, officials shouted orders, and both loud and soft music filled the air as a large procession stormed into the estate. Madam Wang, still weeping and stamping her feet in despair, said: "Enough! Foes on the same path—this is how you hasten my death!" |
| 52 | 林良玉偏生的坐一坐，再放著炮鬧著去了。王夫人催著，快快地打發喜鸞上轎，偏又林家的人上來回道：「還要等個時辰兒。」 Lin Liangyu, to make matters worse, sat for a while and then left with more gunshots and commotion. Madam Wang urged them to hurry and quickly send Xiluan into the palanquin, but just then a servant from Lin's family came up and said: "We still need to wait for an hour or so." |
| 53 | 賈府裡越發不耐煩。這寶玉定了一會神，倒受了些參湯，正要打算再灌，忽然間放著六個大炮，大吹大打的彩輿迎了喜鸞出門。這寶玉像跳一跳似的，氣也不喘，緊閉牙關，參湯也不受了。這王夫人、寶釵等就放聲大哭起來。賈政也知道不中用了，只送了眾人出去，獨立一人坐在外書房內掉淚歎氣。賈璉將外面林家的事支使開了，飛地趕進來，見哭得震天動地的，也不管，便走上去，渾身上下摸一摸，立刻回轉來，搖著手道：「沒鬧！沒鬧！」 The Jia household became even more impatient. Bao Yu, after a moment of regaining his composure and having taken some ginseng decoction, was just about to be given more when suddenly six large gunshots rang out. With great fanfare of music and colorfully decorated palanquins, Xiluan was escorted out the gate in a grand procession. Bao Yu suddenly jumped up as if startled, gasped for no breath at all, clenched his teeth tightly, and refused to take any more ginseng decoction. At this, Madam Wang, Bao Chai, and the others burst into loud wailing. Jia Zheng also realized it was hopeless. After seeing the guests off, he remained alone in his study, shedding tears and sighing deeply. Jia Lian, having dispatched the matters with Lin's family outside, rushed in as quickly as possible. Seeing that the household was wailing loudly and uncontrollably, he paid no attention to it but went straight up, feeling Bao Yu all over his body. Then he immediately turned around, shaking his head and said: "No use!" "No hope at all!" |
| 54 | 眾人住了哭。賈璉道：「雖則氣息兒微細，渾身溫溫的，手腳也軟，鬧什麼。慢慢地盡著灌參下去。」 The others stopped crying. Jia Lian said, "Although his breath is faint and weak, his body feels warm all over, and his limbs are soft. There's no need to make such a commotion." "Just continue giving him the ginseng decoction slowly." |
| 55 | 王太醫也在外間看著參罐，也說道：「通要悄悄地，再定定神灌著參下去。」 Doctor Wang, who was also watching from the outer room as they prepared the ginseng decoction in a pot, added: "Everything must be done quietly. Calm his spirit and continue giving him the decoction slowly." |
| 56 | 眾人就寂然無聲，連腳步兒都不響。偏這一晚月亮明得很，不知那裏一箇老鴉回去遲了，呀呀地叫過去。眾人只暗暗地罵。那林家的笙歌鼓樂之聲，一晚上直到夜深了還不絕。原來林良玉迎了新人進去，交拜坐床已畢，便請黛玉陪了，自己出去陪了曹雪芹、白魯、姜景星等看了半夜戲。這黛玉十分快樂，又愛喜鸞，又替哥哥做主，千方百計地自己不飲，單把喜鸞灌得個二十分的醉，自己十分的玩；同著紫鵑、晴雯悄悄地遣開了她的丫頭墨琴、筠秀，竟服事她睡下了。自己一面暗笑著回去，一面叫人去請哥哥。良玉還不肯進去，轉是眾人催他進去，外面眾人喝著酒，看著戲，足足地鬧了一夜。原來王元聽得寶玉病凶，恐怕喜事中間有人說什麼，日裏頭就叫柳嫂子去瀟湘館內叫老婆子、小丫頭一總過去，關了瀟湘館，鎖上角門，故此寶玉這樣，通不知一點信兒。正是：東院笙歌西院哭，南宮歡笑北宮愁。王夫人守到三更時分，只見寶玉的面上紅氣清淡了，顏色也呆呆地黃起來，倒覺得喉間有些響，連忙灌湯，也受了些湯，漸漸地回過氣來，「噯」了一聲。王太醫知是回光反照，急說道：「這倒不好，快將這參膏子盡著趕下去。」 Everyone fell completely silent, not even making a sound with their footsteps. Coincidentally, the moon that night was very bright. A crow, returning home late from somewhere, flew past with a loud "ya-ya" call. Everyone could only mutter curses in silence. The music and revelry from Lin's household continued all night until deep into the night without ceasing. It turned out that after Lin Liangyu led the bride into the house, they had exchanged bows and sat on the marriage bed. After this was completed, he asked Daiyu to accompany him and then went out to entertain Cao Xueqin, Bai Lu, Jiang Jingxing, and others by watching plays until late at night. Daiyu was extremely happy. She loved Xiluan and also took it upon herself to act on her brother's behalf, going to great lengths to avoid drinking herself while getting Xiluan drunk beyond measure. Meanwhile, she enjoyed the festivities thoroughly. Together with Zijuan and Qingwen, they quietly sent away Xiluan's maids Meiqin and Junxiu, eventually tending to her until she fell asleep. While secretly laughing to herself on the way back, Daiyu also had someone go fetch her brother. Lin Liangyu still refused to enter, but the others urged him in. Outside, people drank wine and watched plays, making a ruckus all night long. It turned out that Wang Yuan, having heard of Bao Yu's serious illness, was afraid someone might say something during the wedding. So earlier in the day he had Liu Pozi go to Xiaoxiang Pavilion and summon all the old women and young maids there to move over, closing off Xiaoxiang Pavilion and locking its side gates. That is why Bao Yu remained completely unaware of any news about this matter. Indeed: In the east courtyard music and song, in the west courtyard weeping; in the southern palace joy and laughter, in the northern palace sorrow. Madam Wang kept watch until the third watch of the night. She noticed that Bao Yu's flushed face had grown pale, and his complexion turned dull yellow. Yet there was a slight sound from his throat, so she hurriedly gave him some soup. He managed to take in a little, and gradually regained some breath, letting out a faint "Ah." Doctor Wang realized this was a sign of the dying light returning for one last flicker and urgently said, "This is not good. Hurry up and give him all the ginseng paste immediately." |
| 57 | 隨即灌下些。寶玉張開眼來道：「太太呢？」 They quickly gave him some. Bao Yu opened his eyes and asked, "Where is Madam?" |
| 58 | 王夫人摸著手含著淚道：「我兒，我在你身邊呢。」 Madam Wang held his hand and wept as she said, "My child, I am right by your side." |
| 59 | 寶玉瞅了一瞅，流下淚來道：「太太，你同老太太白疼我了。」 Bao Yu looked at her for a moment and wept, saying, "Madam, you and Old Lady have both loved me in vain." |
| 60 | 探春再要上前灌參，猛聽見寶玉叫道：「黛玉、黛玉，你好……」說到好字便住了，渾身就發起冷汗來。直慌得王太醫在外間屋裡跌腳，王夫人等倒反哭不出來。忽然寶釵栽了一交，連忙扶她起來。寶釵說道：「奇怪得很，明明白白見老太太顫危危地走上去，我就栽倒了。」 Tan Chun was about to step forward again with the ginseng when suddenly she heard Bao Yu call out, "Daiyu, Daiyu, you are so..." He stopped at the word "so," and cold sweat broke out all over his body. This frightened Doctor Wang, who was in the outer room, so much that he stamped his feet in panic. Madam Wang and others were so overwhelmed they could not even cry anymore. Suddenly Baochai stumbled and fell; people quickly rushed to help her up. Baochai said, "It's very strange. I clearly saw Old Lady walking up there unsteadily, and suddenly I fell down." |
| 61 | 王夫人、寶釵再看寶玉時，面也不很黃，氣息兒也有，汗也住了，身上還只溫溫的。王夫人便叫悄悄的快快供起老太太香案來。這寶玉半死半活的鬧了幾天，那邊良玉家裏卻熱鬧的很，天天戲酒還鬧不清。這林良玉完婚之後，得意自不必說，卻怪喜鸞總不交一言，直像啞子一般。遇著良玉轉身時，卻又嬌聲細語千伶百俐的。這良玉心裡不解，不知什麼上得罪了新夫人，就問黛玉。黛玉也和嫂子好得很，單單不知道這個。良玉便悄悄地叫了墨琴問她，墨琴就說出來道：「奶奶只怪老爺頭一天故意的出去了，叫大姑娘陪著。又叫大姑娘千方百計地將奶奶灌醉了；心裏為這個恨得緊。說要和老爺講話，只要老爺將大姑娘也醉得這麼著一番，心裏就不計恨了。」 When Madam Wang and Bao Chai looked at Bao Yu again, his face was no longer very yellow; he had some breath left, the sweat had stopped, and his body still felt warm. Madam Wang then ordered in hushed tones for the incense table for Old Lady to be set up quickly. Bao Yu lingered between life and death for several days, while on the other side of things, Lin Liangyu's household remained very lively, with music and drinking continuing day after day without end. After his wedding, Lin Liangyu was naturally very pleased with himself; yet strangely enough, Xiluan never said a single word and remained as silent as a mute. But when Lin Liangyu turned his back, she would speak in a soft, sweet voice with great charm and wit. Lin Liangyu was puzzled in his heart and could not understand why he had offended his new wife, so he asked Daiyu. Daiyu also got along very well with her sister-in-law but simply did not know the reason for this either. Lin Liangyu then quietly called Meiqin to ask her, and Meiqin explained: "Madam is upset because the master deliberately went out on the first day and asked Miss Daiyu to accompany him." He also had Miss Daiyu go to great lengths to get Madam drunk. She is very angry about this in her heart." "She says she wants to speak with the master. If only the master could get Miss Daiyu drunk in the same way, her anger would be forgotten." |
| 62 | 良玉笑道：「原來這樣，這是大姑娘玩人家，我並沒有支使她。奶奶果真要這樣也容易。只是我原喝的酒，大姑娘氣體兒弱些喝不多，喝多了怕不舒服。咱們今日就趕晚涼喝一會兒。只是盡著醉，大姑娘也喝，她也要陪著醉。再則往後不許裝啞子了，再裝著我真個的再同大姑娘灌醉她。」 Lin Liangyu laughed and said, "So it's like this. It was Miss Daiyu who played a trick on us; I didn't order her to do so." "If Madam really wants things done this way, that is easy enough." "But the truth is, I drank a lot of wine. Miss Daiyu's constitution is weaker and she cannot drink as much; if she drinks too much, it might make her uncomfortable." "Let us have a drink together this evening when it gets cool." "Just get as drunk as you like. Miss Daiyu will also drink, and she must accompany me in getting drunk too." "Moreover, from now on you are not allowed to pretend to be mute anymore. If you do, I will really get Miss Daiyu to get her drunk again." |
| 63 | 墨琴就說去了，喜鸞也笑著點點頭。林良玉真個往北窗後梧桐芭蕉的院內擺著些劍蘭、珠蘭、茉莉、夜香花兒，支起藤床竹席，拉她姑嫂兩個著實地喝起酒來，也叫小丫頭子帶著洋琴、弦子、琵琶、鼓板，唱個新雅的消夏暑兒。這黛玉的酒量本來有限，又遇著了她們暗算，不覺地酩酊大醉，就便坐不住立不住的，腳底下寫起之字來。良玉夫婦連忙扶她回去。這黛玉就倒頭睡下。誰知黛玉因這一醉，就醉出一件天大的事情來，要知端的如何，且聽下回分解。 Meiqin then went off to deliver the message, and Xiluan smiled and nodded. Lin Liangyu really did go to the courtyard behind the north window, where wutong and banana trees stood. He arranged some Jianlan, Zhulan, jasmine, and night-scented flowers there, set up a rattan bed with bamboo mats, and insisted that his wife and sister-in-law drink heartily together. He also had young maids bring out a yangqin zither, xianzi fiddle, pipa lute, and drum board to sing some elegant summer songs for entertainment. Daiyu's capacity for alcohol was naturally limited, and now that she had been caught in their scheme, she soon became thoroughly drunk. She could no longer sit or stand steadily, her feet tracing a zigzag path as she walked. Lin Liangyu and his wife hurriedly helped her back inside. Daiyu immediately fell into a deep sleep as soon as she lay down. Little did they know that this single episode of drunkenness would lead to a matter of great consequence for Daiyu. To learn exactly what happened, please wait for the next chapter. |
URN: ctp:ws750303
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