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《第二十五回 兌母珠世交蒙惠贈 搗兒茶義僕效勤勞 Chapter 25: Exchange Mother Pearl World Connection Receive Favor, Pound Son Tea Virtuous Servant Show Diligence》[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  | 第二十五回 兌母珠世交蒙惠贈 搗兒茶義僕效勤勞 Chapter 25: Dui Mu Zhu's Old Family Receives Kindness; Dao Er Cha, the Loyal Servant, Demonstrates Diligence |
| 2 | 話說蔡良家的聽見林黛玉應承了到賴升家去，恐怕查用首飾，顯出襲人借當的事情，心裡十分著急。幸虧日子還遠，只好快快地催她贖了出來，遂即偷個空閒又往襲人家催去了。這裡平兒在黛玉房裡悄悄細講，原來就說的賈環。平兒悄悄地道：「大姑娘，今日來告訴你，不為別的，你的耳目原也長，你前日請璉二爺過來查查環兄弟，璉二爺隨即出去查查，果真的鬧得不像樣了。這幾天咱們府裡恍恍地也有些人知道，單則瞞了上頭。璉二爺倒臊得很，說一個兄弟管不來，倒等大姑娘察訪出來，而今饑荒也多得很呢。」 When Cai Liangjia's heard that Lin Daiyu had agreed to go to Lai Sheng's house, she was very anxious. She feared that jewelry would be checked and the matter of Xi Ren pawning items would become evident. Fortunately, the date was still far off, so she had no choice but to urge her quickly to redeem it. Taking a moment of spare time, she went again to Xi Ren's residence to press for its return. Meanwhile, Ping Er quietly explained in detail within Daiyu's room; it turned out that the one being spoken of was Jia Huan. Ping Er whispered, "Miss, I came to tell you today for no other reason. You are naturally observant. The day before yesterday, you asked Lian Erye to investigate Brother Huan; Lian Erye immediately went out to look into it and indeed found things had become quite a mess." In the past few days, some people in our household have vaguely caught wind of it, but we've managed to keep it hidden from those above." "Lian Erye was very embarrassed, saying that he couldn't manage his own brother and had to wait for you, a young lady, to investigate. Now there are plenty of other urgent matters as well." |
| 3 | 黛玉道：「我呢同著姊妹們在裡頭，也不知道什麼，只是兩個月來瞧他失神落智的，我就叫人悄悄地查，他的牲口車子長久不在家，也叫三妹妹留著心，也說他亂得很。他又不當什麼差使，上頭又沒有事情使喚著他，他忙得那麼著，不鬧饑荒鬧什麼。你且告訴我，他近日到底幹些什麼事情。」 Daiyu said, "I have been with my sisters inside and didn't know anything. But for the past two months, I noticed he seemed distracted and foolish, so I had someone quietly investigate. His livestock cart has not been at home for a long time. I also asked Third Sister to keep an eye on it, and she said that he was acting very recklessly." "He doesn't hold any official duties, and there are no tasks assigned to him from above. If he is so busy, what else could he be causing trouble for but a famine?" "Just tell me, what has he been up to lately?" |
| 4 | 平兒道：「告訴你知道，你不要氣壞了。原是蕓兒這個沒料兒的，從前璉二奶奶在日貪他些小物事，鬧進府來，往後也鬧出無數花色兒，叫咱們璉二爺咬牙切齒不許他跨進這條門檻。他就沒法子弄了，就勾出這位爺去，往前門外聽檔兒。」 Ping Er said, "I will tell you, but don't let it upset you." "It all started with Yun Er, this unprincipled person. In the past, when Lian Einye was still alive, he coveted some small items of hers and caused a disturbance in the household. After that, countless incidents arose, prompting our Lian Erye to grit his teeth and forbid him from stepping over this threshold." "When he couldn't find another way, he resorted to involving this gentleman and started eavesdropping outside the front gate." |
| 5 | 黛玉點著頭笑道：「是了，他開手這空心大老官怎麼上場呢？」 Daiyu nodded with a smile and said, "Ah, I see. So how did this hollow-headed old official get involved?" |
| 6 | 平兒道：「說來也氣死人，他跟了蕓兒這個沒料兒的，先到本部書辦人家去，不知編什麼謊，誑了幾百銀子。」 Ping Er said, "It's so infuriating to talk about. He followed Yun Er, this unscrupulous man, first going to the home of a clerk in his own department, where he concocted some lie and swindled several hundred taels of silver." |
| 7 | 黛玉驚駭道：「這小子該死了，咱們老爺連分內的飯食銀也不要，也分給司官老爺們，這小子反到書辦那裏謊騙去，該死該死。」 Daiyu was horrified and said, "This boy deserves to die. Our master doesn't even take the silver for his regular meals but instead distributes it among the officials in charge. This rascal dares to go to a clerk's place and lie about it—this is death-worthy, truly death-worthy." |
| 8 | 平兒道：「他兩個得了這個手，就鬧得大了，在什麼檔兒下處租了房子，也弄些鋪設，遇空就去聽小曲玩兒，乾兒子認了無數。」 Ping Er said, "Once they had this money in hand, the trouble grew bigger. They rented a house at some eavesdropping location, furnished it with some decorations, and whenever there was free time, they would go to listen to little tunes for fun. In addition, he adopted countless godsons." |
| 9 | 黛玉就啐了一啐。平兒道：「還鬧呢，他兩個還到下瓦子三里河去嫖娼。」 Daiyu spat in disgust. Ping Er said, "It gets worse—they even went to Xiasi Zi Sanli He to patronize prostitutes." |
| 10 | 黛玉道：「這個我倒不信，我也留心查他，晚上倒在家裡。」 Daiyu said, "I don't believe this. I have also been keeping an eye on him and found that he was at home in the evenings." |
| 11 | 平兒道：「聽說不過吃袋煙，也就回來了。」 Ping Er said, "It is said that they only smoked a bag of tobacco before returning." |
| 12 | 黛玉道：「這麼著花錢做什麼？」 Daiyu asked, "What good does it do to spend money like this?" |
| 13 | 平兒道：「我也疑心。」 Ping Er said, "I am also suspicious." |
| 14 | 黛玉笑道：「嫂子不要糊塗了，這一定就是他們什麼混帳的暗號了。這個給上頭知道了還了得。好嫂子，你沒告訴三姑娘，怕她氣傷了，這難道不是趙姨娘留下的好種兒。」 Daiyu smiled and said, "Sister-in-law, don't be confused. This must be their nonsense code." If the authorities above find out about this, it won't end well. "Good sister-in-law, you didn't tell Third Miss about this, afraid she might get so angry it would hurt her. Isn't this exactly the fine seed left behind by Madam Zhao?" |
| 15 | 平兒道：「是了。單則是璉二爺也沒法，要來見你，也臊著。叫我告訴你，說他還怕的你，請你拿個主兒。」 Ping Er said, "Yes." "Lian Erye also has no choice. He wants to come see you but is too embarrassed." "He asked me to tell you that he still fears you and asks you to take the lead in handling this matter." |
| 16 | 黛玉嘆了一口氣，沉吟一會，冷笑道：「他怕我什麼，怕我有銀子便了。我便銀子堆滿府門裏，也不能填他的混帳空兒。這小子再鬧著，什麼事情也鬧出來。老爺、太太把府門裏的事情交給我，我怎麼不管！你也不用告訴璉二爺，也不用告訴這混帳小子，只叫他瞧著吧。」 Daiyu sighed, pondered for a moment, and coldly laughed, "What does he fear from me? He only fears that I have silver." "Even if I were to pile up silver all over the front gate of this household, it still wouldn't fill his reckless greed." "If this boy continues causing trouble, anything could happen." "Master and Madam have entrusted me with the affairs of this household. How could I possibly ignore it!" "You don't need to tell Lian Erye, nor do you need to inform this good-for-nothing brat. Just let him see for himself." |
| 17 | 平兒也猜摸不出黛玉有什麼手段，只得尋閒話兒解解黛玉的煩，說了些時，走回去告訴賈璉。賈璉也猜摸不出。黛玉便叫林良玉悄悄告訴各處兵馬司，立刻嚴查，將檔兒娼妓立刻攆逐。又吩咐將環兒的車帷子御掉了，牲口都配著別的差使，叫蔡良吩咐三爺的跟班兒，往後再跟著胡鬧，立刻稟辦。再將賈環月錢、賈芸年例扣出交還書辦。半日間辦乾淨了，把賈環嚇得要死，躲了好些時兒。黛玉就去告訴李紈、寶釵。李紈、寶釵也嚇了一跳。寶釵道：「咱們影兒也不知道，他竟在外面鬧出這些事情來。」 Ping Er could not fathom what methods Daiyu had in mind, so she could only find some idle talk to ease Daiyu's worries. After chatting for a while, she returned and informed Jia Lian. Jia Lian also couldn't figure it out. Daiyu then instructed Lin Liangyu to quietly inform the various military and police offices, ordering them to immediately conduct a strict investigation and expel all pimps and prostitutes from the area. She also ordered that Huan Er's cart canopy be removed and his livestock assigned to other duties. She instructed Cai Liang to tell the attendant of Third Master that if he continued causing trouble in the future, it should be reported immediately for punishment. In addition, she deducted Jia Huan's monthly allowance and Jia Yun's annual stipend to be returned to the clerk. Within half a day, everything was thoroughly handled, terrifying Jia Huan so much that he nearly died of fright and hid for quite some time. Daiyu then went to inform Li Wan and Baochai. Li Wan and Baochai were also startled. Baochai said, "We had no idea at all about any of this, yet he has caused such trouble outside." |
| 18 | 李紈道：「虧得林妹妹治得好，就這麼歇手。」 Li Wan said, "It's fortunate that Miss Lin handled it so well and put an end to it right away." |
| 19 | 黛玉道：「他肯這麼歇手，也算不得環兒，拘得身拘不得心，他已經一心地奔著下流，肯就這樣歇手，大家瞧著吧。」 Daiyu said, "If he were willing to stop so easily, then it wouldn't be Huan Er at all. You can restrain his body but not his mind. He has already set his heart on the low and vulgar path. If he truly stops like this, we'll just have to see." |
| 20 | 正說間，探春走了進來，瞧他三個人，皆有不悅之色，再三盤問，通不言語。探春定要問他們到底為的什麼事情，李宮裁忍不住，全個兒講了出來。把探春氣得要死，只管揉眼睛。探春恨極了，就要上頭去回明，慌得黛玉連忙拉住了。探春道：「這還了得，這點小子就鬧出這些緣故來，敗壞老爺的聲名。這府裏存得住這樣不肖種子？通是他媽慣的好，在地底下也叫人提著頭髮根兒，我好不氣傷了心。多謝林姐姐趕緊地拘管他。林姐姐，你拘得他的身，拘不得他的心呢。不是老爺打他一個死，也不肯收心呢。」 Just as they were speaking, Tanchun walked in and saw the three of them with unhappy expressions. She questioned them repeatedly, but none would speak. Tanchun insisted on knowing exactly what had happened. Unable to hold back any longer, Li Gongcai told her the whole story. This enraged Tanchun almost to death, and she kept rubbing her eyes in frustration. Tanchun was furious and immediately wanted to report the matter to those above, but Daiyu hurriedly stopped her. Tanchun said, "How could this be allowed? Such a small brat has caused all these troubles and is damaging Master's reputation." "How can such an unworthy scion remain in this household?" "It's all because of his mother spoiling him. Even if she were under the ground, people would still pull her hair by the roots. I am so heartbroken and angry." "I'm very grateful to Miss Lin for quickly taking control of him." "Miss Lin, you may restrain his body, but not his heart." "If Master doesn't beat him to death, he will never reform." |
| 21 | 黛玉道：「我呢原也說過，但則老爺的性子利害，又惱他，若是老爺知道了，怕不重處？但則打起來沒有命呢。」 Daiyu said, "I had originally said as much. But Master's temper is fierce and he already dislikes him. If Master finds out, I fear there will be severe punishment?" "But if it comes to beating, the boy might even lose his life." |
| 22 | 寶釵道：「原是呢，從前打寶玉的時候，寶玉也就差不多兒，還虧有老太太救他。今日環兒兄弟，打起來誰敢去救。三妹妹，也不怪你氣傷了，你林姐姐不上去回，也怕的回穿了沒有收煞。」 lø Baochai said, "That's true. In the past when Baoyu was beaten, he was nearly killed as well. It was only due to Grandma Jia saving him that things turned out okay." "Today, if they beat Huan Er, who would dare go and save him?" "Third Sister, it's no wonder you are so upset. Your Lin sister didn't go up to report this because she also fears that if reported improperly, there might be no way to stop the beating." |
| 23 | 李紈接口說道：「你而今且按著，悄悄地恐嚇他。」 Li Wan interjected and said, "For now, just keep it under control and quietly intimidate him." |
| 24 | 寶釵道：「你也將打寶玉的光景提醒他，叫他提在心裏。」 Baochai said, "You should also remind him of the scene when Baoyu was beaten and make sure he keeps it in mind." |
| 25 | 探春道：「他比上寶哥哥什麼，好一箇沒料兒的小子！好一箇辱爹媽的小子！」 Tanchun said, "How can he even compare to Baogongge? What a shameless brat!" "What an ungrateful son who disgraces his parents!" |
| 26 | 黛玉也嘆氣。探春道：「林姐姐，你的心兒我也知道了。從來說爹管外媽管內，咱們寶哥哥小時候饒他有老太太護著，太太也沒有慣壞他，一聽了些零碎言語，趕進園來攆這箇攆那個，倒教些正經人兒受了好些委屈。太太心裏也不過為的寶哥哥，要他成人上進，那麼著管教那麼著察看。而今這個環兒還講他做什麼。」 Daiyu also sighed. Tanchun said, "Miss Lin, I understand your intentions now." "From the beginning, it has always been said that fathers manage the outside and mothers manage the inside. When our Baogongge was young, even with Grandma Jia protecting him, Madam never spoiled him. At the slightest bit of gossip, she would rush into the garden to chase this one or that one away, causing many upright people to suffer great injustice." "Madam's heart is only concerned for Baogongge, wanting him to grow up and achieve success. That's why she disciplines and watches over him so strictly." "As for this Huan Er now, what is the point of even mentioning him?" |
| 27 | 黛玉只管點頭。恰好王嬤嬤抱了蘭哥兒過去，李紈就笑道：「寶妹妹，你們這小哥兒也頑呢，你瞧他拿著一柄小鼓兒，那麼舞，一隻小手還去搶嬤嬤的簪兒。你聽聽三姑娘的話兒，是不是這箇小哥兒大起來，你也要狠狠地打呢？」寶釵笑道：「我倒沒有瞧見你狠狠地打蘭哥兒。」 Daiyu merely nodded. Just then, Wang Mauma came by carrying Lan Geer. Li Wan smiled and said to Baochai, "Little Miss Bao, your little boy is playing around. Look at him holding a small drum, dancing about, while his other tiny hand reaches out to grab Mauma's hairpin." "Listen to what Third Miss said. When this little boy grows up, will you also have to beat him severely?" Baochai smiled and said, "I haven't actually seen you beat Lan Geer harshly." |
| 28 | 探春道：「他那蘭哥兒還用得打麼，記得他小時候放了學回來，到了上頭請過安，吃了物事，叫他玩玩去，他只在院子里背著手踱來踱去，背些唐詩，真個大人一樣的。惹得老爺在裏面瞧見了，只管笑著點頭，就去抱了進來，誇他，他跟著大嫂子回去，燈底下也愛寫張仿紙兒，我時常也過去看見的。」 Tanchun said, "Does his Lan Geer even need to be beaten? I remember when he was young and came home from school. After paying respects to those above and having a meal, we told him to go play. Instead, he just walked up and down in the courtyard with his hands behind his back, reciting Tang poetry like an adult." It caught Master's attention from inside, and he kept nodding with a smile before going out to embrace him, praising him. When he followed his eldest sister back home, even under the lamp at night, he loved writing on imitation paper; I often saw this myself." |
| 29 | 寶釵道：「真個的，就是寶玉中舉那年，寶玉那有性情做文章，倒是他拿了爺爺的家信來念與他聽，彼此講得高興，方才做起文章來。爺兒兩個大家用功中這個舉。」 Baochai said, "Indeed. Even the year Baoyu passed his imperial examination, when Baoyu had no mood for writing essays, it was actually this boy who brought Grandfather's letter and read it to him. They discussed it happily together before he finally started composing an essay." "The two of them worked hard together, passing the examination." |
| 30 | 探春道：「這也是大嫂子的根氣好。」 Tanchun said, "This is also due to the good fortune and upbringing of the eldest sister." |
| 31 | 黛玉道：「而今呢說也無及了，我心裡卻另有個想頭。為什麼呢，珠大哥已經去世，上頭只有寶玉、環兒這兩個兒子。寶玉傻得什麼似的，也無不過在我們隊裏鬧鬧便了，也鬧不出別的事情。這環兄弟原並不是奸滑刁鑽，皆因蕓兒這個沒料兒的勾引，鬧出這些緣故。咱們而今回是回不得的，也只好戒忌著他罷了，不要再鬧出別的事情來。」 Daiyu said, "Now it's too late to talk about it. However, I have another thought in mind." "Why is that? Brother Zhu has already passed away, and above us there are only Baoyu and Huan Er as sons." "Baoyu is so foolish, he can only cause a bit of trouble among us and nothing more." "This Huan Er is not originally cunning or devious; it's all due to Yun Er, this untrustworthy person, who led him into these troubles." "We cannot go back on our decision now. We can only be cautious and keep an eye on him, making sure no other incidents arise." |
| 32 | 大家你一句我一句勸著探春。黛玉也就回來了。黛玉卻因探春口中無心的提起襲人進讒，王夫人誤聽攆人一節，忽然觸起舊卷來。這林黛玉是第一箇有心的人，舊恨上心，如何撂下。又遇襲人告假養病，想他好好換班出去，為什麼病得這樣快。又過了好幾天襲人還不消假，就想出他許多不是來，也不說穿，只告訴蔡良家的道：「你不比襲人，沒有什麼護身符兒，不許無病告假。」嚇得蔡良家的連忙寄信襲人，襲人益發急得要死。一日早晨，黛玉正在上頭下來，走到議事處看帳目，忽然上頭請去。原來賈政與馮紫英素日相好。馮紫英從前馱了好些玉器古董來賣，正值榮國府艱難的時候，彼此交易未成。而今見榮國府重新興旺，又領了些古董客人到府裏走動。賈政又卻不得他的情。為什麼呢？從前老國公在邊疆立功的時節，失落了幾件心愛的寶貝，一件是犀紋古定劍，劍把上鑲有桂圓大的東珠，一件是紅漢玉阪指，都鐫有老國公的名號，真是先入手澤所貽。馮紫英也不知從哪裏覓來送與賈政。賈政不好不收，還他銀子也不知還他多少，他斷不肯收，只得徇了交情，買他些古董玩器。他的第一件就是從前那一顆大母珠，瑪瑙盤盛著，周圍聚了一千顆小滾盤珠，實價三萬銀，原本可愛。其餘賈政揀中的便是嗽金烏吐屑八兩，風磨銅大小活字刻兩副，趙飛燕菱花鏡一面，天寶二年仿軒轅鏡十二面，萬年漢玉觚一只。寶玉揀中的便是《萬歲通天帖》墨跡一部，李正臣壺中九華一座，幾件西洋巧法鐘表及零碎小玩意兒。馮紫英還再三請賈政父子多揀幾件，賈政再三不肯了。算起來九折實兌已經要四萬二千七百餘銀，故此請黛玉商議。黛玉退了金屑八兩，就平去了七千二百。黛玉說：「其餘物事通好。這母珠兒他們不知道養法，只要養得好，原會領了這些小珠，各自各長出些小珠兒。那活字版也好，也清楚得當，字畫兒也考校，看來是通於《說文》的弄的，也好刻出好些秘本的書來。這兩件原也長得利，其餘物事留著玩玩便了。倘如一總是個呆貨，認真咱們家白丟了銀做箇演子。」 Everyone took turns advising Tanchun with one sentence here and another there. Daiyu returned as well. However, Daiyu was suddenly reminded of an old grievance when Tanchun carelessly mentioned how Xi Ren had spread slander and Madam Wang mistakenly heard it and ordered someone to be expelled. Lin Daiyu was the most sensitive person among them; once an old grudge took root in her heart, how could she possibly let it go? Moreover, when Xi Ren requested leave to recover from an illness and wanted her shift changed, why did she fall ill so suddenly? After several more days had passed and Xi Ren still hadn't returned from her leave, Daiyu began to suspect many things about her. Without directly accusing her, she only told Cai Liangjia's wife: "You are not like Xi Ren; you don't have any protective charm. You must not take sick leave without being truly ill." This frightened Cai Liangjia so much that she immediately sent a letter to Xi Ren, who became even more desperate. One morning, as Daiyu was coming down from upstairs and passing by the meeting hall to check some accounts, she suddenly received a summons from above. It turned out that Jia Zheng had long been on good terms with Feng Ziying. In the past, Feng Ziying had brought many jade wares and antiques to sell. At that time, the Rongguo Mansion was in a difficult situation, so no deal was made between them. loyd Now that the Rongguo Mansion had regained its prosperity, Feng Ziying once again brought some antique clients to visit the household. Jia Zheng could not refuse his favor. "Why is that?" "In the past, when the late Duke was establishing military achievements on the frontier, he lost several cherished treasures. One of them was a rhinoceros-patterned Guding sword with a handle inlaid with a lychee-sized eastern pearl; another was a red Han jade bangle engraved with the name and title of the late Duke. These were truly precious heirlooms passed down from our ancestors." Feng Ziying somehow managed to find these items and presented them to Jia Zheng. Jia Zheng could not politely refuse to accept them. When he tried to return some silver, Feng Ziying would not take any amount offered and insisted on giving the items as a favor. Thus, out of courtesy for their relationship, Jia Zheng had no choice but to buy from him several antique curiosities. The first item was the large mother pearl that had been lost before, presented on a rose quartz tray and surrounded by one thousand small rolling pearls. Its actual value was 30,000 taels of silver, and it was originally very precious. The other items selected by Jia Zheng included eight taels of gold leaf for the "U Tu Xie" (a type of gilded bronze), two sets of movable type in wind-polished copper, one rhombic mirror attributed to Zhao Feiyan, twelve mirrors imitating the style of the Yellow Emperor from the second year of Tianbao era, and a single Han dynasty jade gu vessel. Baoyu selected a set of ink rubbings from the "Wansui Tongtian Tie," one Jiuhua tea set by Li Zhengchen, several Western-style intricate clocks and watches, as well as some small trinkets. Feng Ziying repeatedly urged Jia Zheng and his father to select more items, but the elder Jia Zheng firmly refused on multiple occasions. In total, after a ten percent discount, the items amounted to over 42,700 taels of silver. Therefore, Feng Ziying requested Daiyu's advice on the matter. Daiyu returned eight taels of gold dust, which reduced the total by 7,200 taels. Daiyu said, "The rest of the items are all fine." "They don't know how to care for this mother pearl. If properly nurtured, it will naturally cause these small pearls to grow additional tiny pearls of their own." The movable type printing is also excellent, with clear and appropriate characters that are carefully examined. It appears to have been handled by someone well-versed in the "Shuowen Jiezi," capable of producing many rare editions of books. These two items are particularly valuable; as for the rest, they can be kept just for amusement. "If we were to treat everything as mere trinkets and take it seriously, our family would have wasted silver for nothing." |
| 33 | 賈政夫婦也喜歡。王夫人笑道：「老爺，你瞧著大姑娘到處有個算兒。」賈政也笑著，寶玉也嘻嘻地笑。黛玉道：「你既愛那兩樣，你就抱了去吧。」寶玉得不得一聲，就把法帖、巧山笑嘻嘻地抱往瀟湘館去了。惹得王夫人說道：「慢著些兒走，不要栽倒了。」 Jia Zheng and his wife were also pleased. Madam Wang smiled and said, "My lord, look how the young lady has a way of managing everything." Jia Zheng also laughed, and Baoyu chuckled happily. Daiyu said, "Since you like those two items so much, go ahead and take them with you." Baoyu did not wait for a reply but happily carried the calligraphy scrolls and the intricate mountain-shaped trinket to Xiaoxiang Pavilion. This prompted Madam Wang to say, "Walk more slowly; don't trip and fall." |
| 34 | 賈政也道：「這個淘氣的，誰還搶他的，也不叫丫頭小子，掉了怎麼好。」王夫人、黛玉一面叫人請李紈、寶釵、探春、平兒、史湘雲、薛寶釵等來瞧物事，一面叫人預備著收拾安頓，吩咐帳房上了冊子，編入號數。黛玉便道：「而今該應兌給他三萬五千五百兩漕平足紋。從來頭沒生尾巴先長，咱們這蔡良肯饒他這三百五十五兩，我也扣了，自己賞自己的人，也等這姓馮的下處乾淨。但是這麼算起來，他也不能沾什麼大光。從前受他兩件物事如何消釋，咱們而今另外送他二千，消釋那兩件，也省得他再來拉扯，打什麼抽豐。」把賈政、王夫人笑得了不得。賈政便說：「這麼著更好。」 Jia Zheng also said, "This mischievous one—how can anyone take those things from him? He didn't even call for a maid or servant to help carry them. What if something gets lost?" Madam Wang and Daiyu, on one hand, called for Li Wan, Baocai, Tanchun, Ping'er, Shi Xiangyun, Xue Baochai, and others to come and see the items; on the other hand, they ordered people to prepare and organize them properly, instructing the accountants to record everything in the register and assign numbers. Daiyu then said, "Now we should pay him 35,500 taels of mao ping full grain silver. "Since we have never had the tail grow before the head, let us be generous and deduct 355 taels from Cai Liang's share. I will keep it myself to reward my own people, so that this Feng family can leave in good standing." "But calculated like this, he cannot really gain much benefit." "In the past, we received two items from him; how should that be resolved? Let us now give him an additional 2,000 taels to settle those two things. That way, he won't come back later trying to make more demands or seek favors." This made Jia Zheng and Madam Wang laugh heartily. Jia Zheng then said, "That sounds even better." |
| 35 | 黛玉就傳紫鵑、晴雯上來，吩咐她兩個，一個開發，一個伺候收拾。李紈等一群人也都上來。賈政便出去陪馮紫英吃飯了。那一大盤珍珠兒放在王夫人臥房外間炕桌上，晶瑩耀眼，閃爍有光。薛寶琴先上去把一顆大母珠擎在掌中，再把瑪瑙盤輕輕側轉，聚在一邊，再慢慢的，將這一顆母珠輕輕地替另放在一邊。也可怪得很，那一千顆小珠都就圓圓地滾過來，圍著這一顆母珠，顫顫搖搖，抬到盤心裏結成一顆大珠球，把這顆母朱兒擎在上面。活像果子的蒂兒，那光彩就十分射眼。王夫人說道：「這顆母珠會領了這些小珠子生出小珠，等生下來的時候，咱們再瞧。只要逐月間盤數，只除了一千零一粒，便是生出來的了。」 Daiyu immediately summoned Zijuan and Qingwen to come up, giving instructions for the two of them—one to handle the payment and one to assist with organizing everything. Li Wan and a group of others also came upstairs. Jia Zheng then went out to accompany Feng Ziying for lunch. That large tray of pearls was placed on the kang table in the outer room of Madam Wang's bedroom, shining brilliantly and sparkling with light. Xue Baoqin went up first, held a large mother pearl in her palm, then gently tilted the rose quartz tray to one side. Slowly and carefully, she moved this single mother pearl aside. It was indeed strange. The thousand small pearls rolled over in a circle, gathering around the mother pearl, trembling and swaying as they rose to form a large pearl ball at the center of the tray, with this mother pearl held on top. It looked just like the stem of a fruit, and its luster was dazzling to the eyes. Madam Wang said, "This mother pearl can lead these small pearls to produce even smaller ones. Let us wait and see when they are born." "Just count them monthly; if there is one more pearl than the original 1,001, that means new ones have been born." |
| 36 | 史湘雲笑道：「寶姐姐，你不要誇了，你會生出芝哥兒來，你瞧這個母珠，也就不讓著你。」急得寶釵趕上去，把史湘雲擰了一擰，惹得眾人大笑。黛玉笑道：「咱們家芝哥兒，一萬顆珠子比不上。這母珠兒怎麼趕得上寶姐姐。」 Shi Xiangyun laughed and said, "Sister Bao, don't be so boastful. Even if you can give birth to a little sprout, just look at this mother pearl—it won't let you have it all." This made Xue Baochai rush over and pinch Shi Xiangyun's arm, which caused everyone to burst into laughter. Daiyu laughed and said, "Even a thousand pearls in our family cannot compare with one of our little sprouts." "How could this mother pearl ever catch up to Sister Bao?" |
| 37 | 寶釵笑道：「林丫頭，你是會說話了。咱們大家瞧著你，你將來不做母珠便了。」 Xue Baochai laughed and said, "Little Lin, you've become quite the talker." "We all look up to you; it's just that you won't be a mother pearl yourself in the future." |
| 38 | 薛寶琴也笑著道：「林姐姐將來不養小珠，不過養一塊小玉呢。」惹得黛玉眼圈兒紅起來，望著三個人啐了一啐。眾人無不大笑。平兒又去照那些古鏡。那一面漢鏡，通是青綠鏽滿，只露出幾點子明光。那唐鏡還亮，照著她覺得面上射一陣清氣，心裏頭也覺得寒澄澄似的。都說道好鏡，瞧他那單子上七折還九兌，也還貴得這樣。正說著，只見睛雯上來回話，驗了對牌。黛玉便叫將三萬五千二百四十五兩又二千兩送交老爺，又將三百五十五兩劈分兩半，將一百七十七兩五錢賞蔡良，餘下按股賞眾人訖。王夫人也叫紫鵑將物事歸號訖。李紈等就跟了太太用飯。外面賈政陪馮紫英吃飯畢，就將銀子交代。這馮紫英十分歡喜，千辭萬謝而去。也請林良玉、姜景星買了好些。眾人在王夫人房裏吃了飯，黛玉重到議事處查點完畢，帶了香雪回到瀟湘館來。當時無巧不成話，襲人因蔡良家的寄了信去，說林姑娘怪著裝病，嚇慌了，頭也不及梳，略略地綽了幾梳，趕進大觀園去。心慌意亂，走到蜂腰橋又栽了一跤，栽得頭髮散亂，虧得葉媽扶起，略挽一挽，便奔瀟湘館來。一進門，寶玉瞧見，就拉她到黛玉房裡瞧這壺中九華，講些出處給她聽。襲人那有心腸聽他這些語言，一心只要去求告蔡良家的又怕黛玉過來撞著了，惹起疑心，口內不言，臉上就紅紅的。寶玉瞧她的光景，又疑她在家裏與蔣玉函有什麼了纔上來，就不看巧山，反拉住她的手，笑嘻嘻的只管胡說八道。巧巧那蔡良家的又為著襲人進來了，要追她的東西，拉她說話，見她被寶玉粘住了，只在房門外站定，等她出來。誰知林黛玉悄然無聲輕輕走進，蔡良家的先嚇了一嚇。黛玉只聽見襲人在房裡說道：「小祖宗，罷了，不要再鬧了，饒了我吧。」 Xue Baoqin also laughed and said, "Sister Lin will not raise small pearls in the future—only a little jade." This made Daiyu's eyes well up with tears, and she glared at the three of them before giving each one a playful spit. Everyone couldn't help but burst into laughter. Ping'er went over to examine those ancient mirrors again. That Han dynasty mirror was entirely covered in greenish rust, revealing only a few glimmers of brightness. The Tang mirror was still bright; when she looked into it, her face seemed to be bathed in a cool aura, and she felt an icy clarity within. Everyone praised it as a fine mirror, but looking at the invoice, even with a 30 percent discount and an additional ten percent off, it was still very expensive. Just as they were talking, Qingwen came up to report something and presented her identification token for verification. Daiyu then ordered that 35,245 taels and an additional 2,000 be delivered to Master Jia. She also divided the remaining 355 taels in half: 177 taels and five qian were given as a reward to Cailiang, while the rest was distributed among everyone according to their shares. Madam Wang also ordered Zijuan to properly catalog and store all the items. Li Wan and others followed Madam Wang for lunch. Outside, Jia Zheng finished dining with Feng Ziying and then handed over the silver as arranged. Feng Ziying was extremely pleased and left after repeatedly bowing in gratitude and saying many thanks. They also invited Lin Liangyu and Jiang Jingxing to purchase a great deal of items. After everyone had lunch in Madam Wang's room, Daiyu returned to the meeting hall for a final check and then brought Xiangxue back to Xiaoxiang Pavilion with her. It so happened that without a twist, the story would not be complete. Xiren had received a message from Cailiang's wife saying that Miss Lin was upset about pretending to be ill, which frightened her. She didn't even have time to comb her hair properly but hastily ran through it with just a few strokes before rushing into the Grand View Garden. She was so flustered that when she reached the Honey Waist Bridge, she tripped and fell, her hair coming loose in disarray. Fortunately, Ye Ma helped her up, quickly tidied it a bit, and then Xiren rushed toward Xiaoxiang Pavilion. As soon as she entered, Baoyu saw her and pulled her into Daiyu's room to show her the Jiuhua tea set, telling her about its origin. Xiren had no heart to listen to his chatter; she was only focused on going to plead with Cailiang's wife. She feared that if Daiyu came back and caught her, it would raise suspicions. Though she said nothing, her face turned red. Baoyu, noticing her appearance, suspected that something must have happened between her and Jiang Yufan at home before she came up. He no longer paid attention to the tea set but instead grabbed her hand, laughing merrily as he continued to chatter nonsense. Just then, Cailiang's wife also arrived and wanted to confront Xiren about something. She tried to pull her aside for a word but saw that Xiren was already caught up with Baoyu. So she stood outside the door, waiting for her to come out. Little did they know that Lin Daiyu quietly and silently walked in, causing Cailiang's wife to be startled at the sight. Daiyu only heard Xiren inside the room saying, "Little ancestor, please stop it. No more teasing—spare me, please." |
| 39 | 黛玉趕一步走進去，只見寶玉還扭住襲人，襲人頭髮散亂。兩個都吃了一驚，寶玉害著臊，便一直地走了出去。襲人只得迎上前，叫一聲：「大姑娘。」黛玉一聲兒不言語，就肝膽裏一路火冒將上來。走到炕床邊坐下，想起：「這些情狀，還遮掩到哪裏去，臊也忘了，廉恥也丟完了，好個蔡良家的還在門兒外替她巡風！」這黛玉也十分不留人臉，倒是將襲人教訓一頓，或者叫蔡良家的隔壁罵一場，也罷了，再不然索性替寶玉鬧一鬧，也罷了。誰知黛玉性情古怪，也不叫襲人，而且不叫蔡良家的，倒反喝叫：「香雪、碧荷、素芳，立刻將我床上帳帷被褥全個兒撂到院子裡去，換上乾淨的。」 Daiyu hurriedly stepped in and saw Baoyu still holding onto Xiren, whose hair was disheveled. Both were startled. Baoyu, feeling embarrassed, immediately turned and walked out. Xiren had no choice but to step forward and call out respectfully, "Miss Lin." Daiyu said nothing at all, yet a surge of anger burned up from deep within her. She walked to the kang bed, sat down, and thought: "How can these circumstances be hidden any longer? He has forgotten all sense of shame and completely lost his dignity. And there's even Cailiang's wife outside guarding for her!" Daiyu was not at all inclined to spare anyone's face. She might as well scold Xiren severely, or have Cailiang's wife shout a few curses from the next room—either way would be fine. If nothing else, she could even make a scene for Baoyu and that would suffice. Little did they know, however, that Daiyu had a peculiar temper. She neither called out Xiren nor Cailiang's wife, but instead shouted, "Xiangxue, Bihe, Sufang—immediately throw all the curtains and bedding from my bed right into the courtyard and replace them with clean ones." |
| 40 | 這三個敢不依，大家抱出抱進，抿著嘴望著襲人只管笑，把襲人冤屈得要死，臊也臊死了，也站不住，自得走到自己床上暗泣去了。又聽得黛玉在房裏說道：「快叫寶玉抬八轎到榮禧堂上，自己做小子，送他的結髮人兒出去。」這蔡良家的連忙到房門邊做手勢，嚇得襲人站也不敢站，挽挽頭髮，噙著淚，望家裏去了。這裏黛玉按定了，就細細地思量起來：「這個不害臊的，從前陰謀詭計，百般地把我同晴雯害得好，現今三姑娘還提起來，誰不知道！就是寶玉告訴我，頭一個就是他引誘壞的，倒在太太面前說我同晴雯引誘他！提起往日，真個也氣傷了心。老太太派你服侍寶玉，派你教他這一件事的嗎？十幾歲的孩子，你就放他不過。你便真個是妖精，真是狐狸，你倒說晴雯。你現世現報，前前後後見不得人。重新到我手裡，我倒反寬待到你十二分，你也該存一點子顧忌。你是什麼東西，再碰著寶玉，還饒得過他！就這個上，我也盡看得過。我原也很厭寶玉，誰又吃醋染酸！你明明有間房，有張床，終年在那裏面。憑你愛怎麼樣總使得，就青白日在我這裏鬧起來，你當我什麼人兒！寶玉這沒料兒的算什麼，你不勾他，他怎麼鬧你，好還假撇清說一個『不要再鬧了』，量你心裡一心地要再鬧。我若遂你的意，明日這會子回來纔好，你可肯顧顧寶玉？不害臊的，我也瞧見你的心肝，你只拿住了我不肯擔這箇名兒，憑你怎樣，我只好忍著是了，我盡著忍就是了。我瞧准了你，你還有什麼臉兒跨進這裏。你想再鬧，你就快快地勾了寶玉，到你家裏去，夫妻兩個愛怎麼樣便怎麼樣，便丟了寶玉，我不能管你，也還有大似我的人兒要問問呢。」 The three maids dared not refuse and hurriedly carried the items in and out, smirking as they looked at Xiren all the while. This left Xiren feeling deeply wronged and utterly humiliated; she could no longer stand it and went to her own bed to weep silently. Then they heard Daiyu speaking inside the room: "Quickly, have Baoyu prepare a palanquin and take eight bearers to Rongxi Hall. He must personally serve as a servant and send his wife out." Cailiang's wife hurriedly made gestures at the door. Xiren, frightened and unable to stand still, gathered her hair up a bit, held back her tears, and went home. Here, Daiyu calmed down and began to think carefully: "This shameless person—she had plotted against me and Qingwen with all sorts of tricks in the past. Even now, Third Miss still brings it up; who doesn't know about it!" "It was Baoyu himself who told me, and the first one to lead him astray was her. Yet he dared to say in front of Madam that I and Qingwen were the ones who led him into temptation!" Thinking back on those past events truly hurt her heart. "Did Old Lady appoint you to serve Baoyu and teach him such things?" "A child of only ten or so years old, yet you cannot let go of your hold on him." "You are truly a demon and a fox spirit. Yet you dare blame Qingwen!" "Your punishment has come upon you in this life; your actions, both past and present, are nothing to be proud of." "When I took charge again, I was actually very lenient with you. You should at least have shown some restraint." "What are you anyway? If you dare touch Baoyu again, I won't let it go so easily!" "From this alone, I can clearly see what kind of person you are." "I have always disliked Baoyu deeply—why would I be jealous or bitter?" "You clearly have your own room and bed, where you stay all year round." "Do whatever you like in there. But to cause a ruckus during the day here, do you think I am some nobody?" "What is Baoyu, this thoughtless child? If you don't provoke him, how would he bother you? You even pretend to be innocent and say 'Don't tease me anymore,' but I know in your heart you want nothing more than to stir up trouble." "If I give in to your wishes, then only tomorrow will be a good time for you to return. But would you even care about Baoyu?" "You shameless wench, I have seen the depths of your heart. You just want to pin this name on me and refuse to take it yourself. No matter what you do, I can only endure it. I will bear whatever comes." "I have seen through you completely—how dare you even show your face here again?" "If you want to cause more trouble, then go ahead and provoke Baoyu. Go home with him—do whatever you like as a couple. Even if you lose Baoyu, I won't be responsible for it. Besides me, there are still others higher than I who will have something to say about this." |
| 41 | 這黛玉真箇氣傷了心。那蔡良家的躲了一會子，倒替襲人抱屈，慢慢地走上來，要替她剖辯剖辯。誰知口也沒開，先被黛玉喝一句：「好一箇巡風的！」 This Daiyu was truly heartbroken with anger. Cai Liang Jia De avoided the situation for a while, but eventually felt sympathy for Xi Ren and slowly approached to defend her. Unbeknownst to her, before she could even speak, Daiyu shouted at her: "What a fine windbreaker!" |
| 42 | 蔡良家的嚇得慌忙退了下來，就往怡紅院告訴紫鵑、晴雯，一面替襲人剖辯。這兩個連忙過來，只見林黛玉眼睛紅紅的悶坐在那裏。兩個上去問，黛玉就從頭到尾細細地告訴她兩個人。紫鵑只說道：「丟人，丟人，臊死了。」 Cai Liang Jia de was startled and hurriedly stepped back, then went straight to Yihongyuan to inform Zijuan and Qingwen while defending Xi Ren. The two hurried over and saw Lin Daiyu sitting there with red, puffy eyes, sullen and silent. The two approached to ask her what had happened, and Daiyu told them in detail from beginning to end. Zijuan only said: "Shameful, shameful, it's so embarrassing." |
| 43 | 那晴雯的嘴頭子還了得，就狐狸妖精千般百樣地罵將出來，還要到各處去告訴。倒是黛玉拉住了，說道：「她正要出我這個名兒，你這直性人兒，還去上她這個當。」 Qingwen had a sharp tongue and began to curse in every conceivable way, calling her all sorts of foul names like a fox spirit, and even wanted to go tell others everywhere. But it was Daiyu who held her back, saying: "She is trying to get me into trouble. You are too straightforward and honest—don't fall for her tricks." |
| 44 | 晴雯只得站住，還不住口地尖利話兒。這瀟湘館裏也就說了好幾天。寶玉不敢來，也不敢往怡紅院，只在寶釵那裏躲著。細細地在寶釵面前替襲人剖辯。寶釵只冷笑，非但不信他，倒反笑道：「你要鬧襲人什麼地方不可，偏要揀中了這個地方」。只把寶玉氣得亂跳。漸漸地丫頭們都得知了，傳到王夫人耳朵裏。王夫人想道：「我一路下來，只說林姑娘大方，原來到這個上倒底不能放松，倒底年輕人兒。但則自己也要愛著些聲名，不犯著鬧得人家傳遍了。襲人算什麼，你自己可不損些名兒，地根兒寶玉這小子也糊塗死了，大白晝什麼地方，把臊丟完了。」 Qingwen could only stand there, but she kept speaking sharply and bitterly without stopping. This incident was discussed for several days in Xiaoxiangguan. Baoyu dared not come, nor did he dare go to Yihongyuan; instead, he stayed hidden with Baochai. He carefully defended Xi Ren in front of Baochai. Baochai only coldly smiled, not believing him at all. Instead, she laughed and said: "If you wanted to cause trouble for Xi Ren, there were countless places where you could have done it—why did you specifically choose this one?" This only made Baoyu furious and hopping with anger. Gradually, the maidservants all found out about it, and the news reached Lady Wang's ears. Lady Wang thought to herself: "All along, I had said that Miss Lin was graceful and composed. Now it turns out she cannot even be lenient in this matter—after all, she is still just a young girl." "But one must also care for her own reputation; there was no need to make such a ruckus that it spreads everywhere." "What is Xi Ren anyway? You yourself have lost some of your reputation. And that boy Baoyu at the root of it all—how foolish he was, to lose face completely in broad daylight." |
| 45 | 王夫人從此以後便察看黛玉的神色，心裏頭就有些不然起來。本來李宮裁說起，從前老太太慶賞中秋，曾在凸碧堂家宴賞月，在桂花林裏叫芳官們吹笛，惹了一翻淒涼。而今咱們府裏重新興旺，賽過從前，偏要到這凸碧堂繁華熱鬧一番。又這幾天月亮也很好，秋色也富麗。大家高興，定要宴賞中秋，也還有七夕贏下的東道在那裡，王夫人也早早依從。誰知黛玉這幾天無精打彩的。自王夫人以下，大家打量著黛玉是個拿主的，她不高興，一家也便敗興。偏這幾夜雲彩兒一絲也無，那秋月明起來，照得如同白晝。到得中秋佳節，一樣也團圓瞧戲，一家子都不十分盡歡。可憐這襲人回到家中，氣也氣死，臊也臊死。虧了蔡良家的隱起黛玉錯怪之情，只將環兒借當一節叫蔡良告訴蔣玉函，叫蔣玉函夫妻分上不要疑到別的內裏，緣故實在清楚，快快將當物贖出，安慰了她。這蔡良便拉蔣玉函過來，細細地替襲人剖辯：「三爺這個人誰瞧得上，你嫂子是什麼根基，蔣兄弟，你不要糊塗了。咱們女的從小兒說不來半個字假，所以上頭信她。她同你嫂子又沒有什麼拉扯，為什麼橫身護呢辯呢。蔣兄弟，你往後自然明白，你且好好地勸你嫂子，這三二百銀子，當真的三爺白使了你姓蔣的？你且清楚著要緊。」 From then on, Lady Wang began watching Daiyu's expressions carefully, and gradually, she started to feel somewhat differently about her in her heart. Originally, Li Gongcai had mentioned that during the previous Mid-Autumn Festival celebration by Madam Grandma, there was a moon-viewing banquet at Tubitang. In the osmanthus grove, they had asked Fangguan to play the flute, which stirred up a wave of melancholy. Now that our household is once again thriving and even more prosperous than before, we should especially hold a grand and lively celebration at Tubitang. Moreover, the moon these past few days has been very beautiful, and the autumn scenery is rich and splendid. Everyone was in a cheerful mood; they were determined to hold a Mid-Autumn banquet. Besides, there was still the unfulfilled obligation from the Qixi Festival, so Lady Wang readily agreed early on. Unbeknownst to them, Daiyu had been listless and without spirit these past few days. From Lady Wang downward, everyone considered Daiyu to be the one who set the tone; if she was unhappy, it would spoil the mood for the whole household. Unluckily, these past nights had not a single cloud in the sky; the autumn moon shone brightly, illuminating everything as if it were daylight. On the Mid-Autumn Festival itself, they gathered together to watch a play and celebrate in the usual way, but the whole family did not feel particularly joyful. Poor Xi Ren returned home that day, so angry she could have died, and so ashamed it was unbearable. It was thanks to Cai Liang Jia De, who concealed Daiyu's mistaken accusation. She only had Cai Liang inform Jiang Yuhuan about the incident of Huan Er pawning something, asking that Jiang Yuhuan and his wife not suspect anything else inside. The matter was clearly explained, so they quickly redeemed the pawned item to comfort her. Cai Liang then pulled Jiang Yuhuan over and carefully defended Xi Ren on her behalf: "Who would look up to the Third Master? What kind of background does your sister-in-law have, Brother Jiang? Don't be foolish." "Our women never say a single false word from childhood, so the elders above trust her." "She and your sister-in-law don't have any connection at all—why would she go out of her way to defend or protect her?" "Brother Jiang, you will naturally understand this later. For now, just go and comfort your sister-in-law well—do you really think the Third Master would spend three or four hundred taels of silver on something for someone from your Jiang family?" "You must be clear about this—it's very important." |
| 46 | 蔣玉函聽了，回家來也似信不信的：「就算他同三爺沒拉扯，這樣手松也禁不起，且等他挫磨著些。」一面也來偎貼她，哄她，說：「現在打算銀子，一有了銀子就替你取出來，你放心。」襲人又恐怕蔣玉函勢利，說出黛玉攆她的光景，上頭一些臉兒也沒有，益發被她看輕，為此也不便將黛玉的醋意兒說出，也只含糊答應了。這黛玉卻是生性愛名，雖則因探春說起舊恨，觸到襲人，又巧遇了襲人可疑的情景，不知不覺地發揮一番，卻又攔住晴雯不許傳到外面去，只說道外邊通不知道。誰知道王夫人以下俱各曉得，就是丫頭們聚起來也都當了一件真事，要便拿他做個笑話兒。有的說林姑娘的床帳兒本來好，有的說她原先也同寶二爺一鋪的，有的說，蔣奶奶自己洗淨了交還也好，有的說嫌痕跡討厭換幾幅兒，有的說你也好上去玩玩，有的說做了戲毯兒罷了，真個也說得好笑。只蔡良家的同襲人的丫頭臻兒背地裡罵這班人嚼舌。一日黛玉閒坐，只見王元家的笑嘻嘻走進來，叫了一聲姑娘跪下去就磕頭。慌得黛玉扶也扶不及，拉她起來叫賞她坐。這老人家很知規矩，如何敢坐。黛玉再三再四地說，自己也站著，這老人家方纔討一個墊子，謝了坐，坐下了。黛玉問她好，她也請了安，說道：「咱們當奴才的，生生世世叨了主子恩典。而今還承你老人家賞一個孫子媳婦，這個也感激不盡，又蒙老爺、姑娘賞了許多東西，真個的承受不起，咱們當奴才的有一句不知進退的話，只為的賴老太太說起來，知道姑娘應許了，佛腳兒肯踏到地上。所以咱們老大也妄想起來，說咱們自己的姑爺、姑娘也就想賞個臉兒，至於這裡的太太、各位奶奶，心裡頭也想求一求，不知姑娘許不許。咱們男的只說憑著咱們的心兒稟一稟，要求你老人家賞賞臉。」 After hearing this, Jiang Yuhuan returned home in a state of half-belief: "Even if she has no connection with the Third Master, such loose spending can't be sustained. Let her feel some hardship for now." At the same time, he also comforted and flattered her, saying: "Now we are planning to raise money. As soon as we have it, I will redeem your item for you—don't worry." Xi Ren also feared that Jiang Yuhuan might be fickle and reveal the situation of Daiyu driving her out, which would leave her with no face at all in front of others. She was afraid this would make him look down on her even more; therefore, she did not dare to mention Daiyu's jealousy and only vaguely agreed. Daiyu, however, was naturally very sensitive about her reputation. Although it was due to Tanchun's mention of old grievances that she thought of Xi Ren again, and coincidentally encountered a suspicious situation involving Xi Ren, she could not help but express her feelings. Yet she stopped Qingwen from spreading the matter outside, insisting only that no one else knew anything about it. Little did she know, however, that everyone under Lady Wang had already found out. Even when the maids gathered together, they all treated it as a true event and were ready to make fun of her with it. Some said that Lin Miss's bed curtains were originally fine, others claimed she had once shared a bed with Baoyu the Second Master. Some suggested that Madam Jiang could just clean them and return them herself; others said they should be replaced because of the stains. Still others joked about going up to see for themselves or even turning them into stage rugs—truly, it was all very amusing. Only Cai Liang Jia de and Xi Ren's maid Zhen Er secretly cursed these gossipy people behind their backs. One day, while Daiyu was sitting idly, she saw Wang Yuan Jia De walk in with a beaming smile. After calling her "Miss," he suddenly knelt down and kowtowed to her. Daiyu was so startled that she could not catch him in time, and hurriedly pulled him up, asking him to sit down as a favor. This old man knew the proper etiquette well and dared not sit. Daiyu insisted again and again, standing herself the whole time, until finally this old man accepted a cushion, thanked her, and sat down. Daiyu asked after his well-being, and he returned the greeting, saying: "As servants, we have always been blessed by our masters' kindness through generations." "Now, we are even honored by you, Madam, to have a granddaughter-in-law. We are deeply grateful and cannot express our thanks enough. Moreover, we received many gifts from the Master and Miss—young people like us truly feel unworthy. As servants, if I may say something that might seem presumptuous, it is only because Lady Grandma mentioned it, saying she had given her consent. Only then did we dare to take a step forward." "Therefore, our eldest son also dared to dream a little. He thought that even if we could not expect much from our own sons and daughters, perhaps the Madam here and all the ladies might show us some favor. We would like to humbly request it in our hearts—Miss, do you permit this?" "Our men only dared to humbly present their request with sincerity, hoping that you, Madam, might show us a little favor." |
| 47 | 黛玉笑道：「家裏大奶奶、姜奶奶去不去？」 Daiyu smiled and asked: "Are the Great Madam of the household and Jiang Madam going or not?" |
| 48 | 王元家的笑道：「說也候大姑娘的信兒。」 Wang Yuan Jia De laughed and said: "We are waiting for news from Miss Da." |
| 49 | 黛玉笑道：「多謝你老人家，我有什麼不願意，你只要請准了太太，咱們一定來。」 Daiyu smiled and said: "Thank you, old man. I have no objections at all. You only need to get the Madam's permission, and we will certainly come." |
| 50 | 王元家的笑道：「不瞞姑娘，太太跟前本底兒不敢回，卻也托了薛姨太太的恩典，姨太太早曾探過口氣，太太好不喜歡，說：『前老太太也曾到過賴親家園裏去逛過一天，難道今番親家那邊的就生分了不去。』也就賞臉，咱們奴才哪裏有這面子，也只仗了咱們姑娘的臉兒，請幾位佛爺家去供一天，盡點子孝心罷了。」 loyd Wang Yuan Jia De smiled and said: "I won't hide this from you, Miss. We dared not mention it to the Madam directly at first, but we did rely on the kindness of Auntie Xue. Auntie Xue had already hinted before, and the Madam was very pleased. She said: 'The late Madam Grandma once visited Lai Qinjia's garden for a day; how could this time be any different? Could our in-laws possibly have become so distant that we would not go?' She was kind enough to agree. As for us servants, how could we possibly have such face? We only relied on the favor of our Miss. We just want to invite a few monks over for one day and offer them some offerings as a small token of filial piety." |
| 51 | 黛玉本來敬他老夫妻兩個，又見他會說話，也很喜歡，就便道：「我不信咱們太太也應下了，咱們而今就同上去請一個示下。」 Daiyu had always respected this old couple, and now that she saw how eloquent he was, she liked him even more. She then said: "I don't believe the Madam would refuse us. Let's go together right now to ask for her approval." |
| 52 | 王元家的笑道：「不瞞你老人家說，剛纔原從上頭下來的。」 Wang Yuan Jia De chuckled and said: "I won't hide it from you, Madam. We just came down from above." |
| 53 | 黛玉笑道：「怪道你不從絳霞軒過來。」 Daiyu smiled and said: "No wonder you didn't come over from Jiangxia Xuan." |
| 54 | 正說著，紫鵑也笑吟吟走進來，道：「老太，你也實在請得志誠，連太太也應下了。咱們只跟著大姑娘過去道喜吧。」慌得王元家的連忙起來謝著，再說些喜事的話，就回去了。這蔡良家的又聽見黛玉早晚間要出門，恐怕插戴彩雲借去的，急得又打發幾遍人到蔣家去催。襲人轉求蔣玉函，蔣玉函只用話兒支吾著。再叫人去問問彩雲，彩雲更推得乾淨，真個令人急死了。到了這一日，蔡良家的預備著鬧穿，討一個大沒臉。誰知竟沒有取用一件，依舊過了一關。當日，薛姨媽、王夫人、香菱、李紈、寶釵、黛玉、李紋、李綺、寶琴、刑岫煙、探春、喜鸞、喜鳳、平兒、紫鵑等帶了一眾丫頭老婆子俱上了車到王家去，府裡只剩下晴雯、鶯兒兩個人。 Just as they were speaking, Zijuan also walked in with a smile and said: "Old man, you really did your part well. Even the Madam has already agreed." "We'll just follow Miss Da to go and offer our congratulations." Wang Yuan Jia De hurriedly stood up, thanked them repeatedly, said a few more words of joy and congratulations, then left. Cai Liang Jia De also heard that Daiyu was planning to go out in the morning or evening, and she feared that Cai Tai would borrow away the ornaments from Caiyun. In a panic, she sent people several times to Jiang's family to urge them. Xi Ren turned to plead with Jiang Yuhuan, but Jiang only evaded the matter with vague words. They sent someone else to ask Caiyun, who denied it even more thoroughly—truly a situation that drove one to desperation. On this day, Cai Liang Jia De had prepared for an embarrassing confrontation and was determined to make a big scene, no matter the cost. Unbeknownst to her, not a single item was actually used; she passed through this ordeal unscathed after all. On that day, Auntie Xue, Lady Wang, Xiangling, Li Wan, Baochai, Daiyu, Li Wen, Li Qi, Baoqin, Xing Xiuyan, Tanchun, Xiluan, Xifeng, Ping'er, Zijuan, and others brought along a group of maids and old servants all boarded the carriages to go to Wang's family. Only Qingwen and Ying'er were left behind in the mansion. |
| 55 | 到了王家不走大門，一徑放車到園裡去。這個園十分開闊，原是人家的廢園，萬有容替他點綴，倒也清幽。這王元的家計雖則十倍了賴升，但則素性儉樸，不肯過分奢華，家伙也不富麗。原是到京來新買的宅子，為的這個園裏樹木空地甚多，故此買了。只小小的蓋了些小房小廊，家伙什物竹子的居多，曲折望去，不過編了無數籬笆。王元閒時節只喜種竹養魚，種菜摘果，各到處均放些做莊家的家伙，倒也耳目一新。因為太太們來逛園，倒也搭起兩座戲台，燈彩十分燦爛，一座敬太太們，一座敬良玉、寶玉。就請姜景星同一班門客老爺門作陪，也一齊到了。大家看著個園，都說野趣可愛。王元一家子十分恭敬，先叫孫子孫媳婦出來見過了，大家誇獎一回。裏外都定席開戲。 Upon arriving at Wang's residence, they did not enter through the main gate but instead had their carriages driven straight into the garden. This garden was very spacious; it had originally been a neglected place, but Wan Yourong had renovated and decorated it, making it surprisingly quiet and elegant. Although Wang Yuan's household wealth was ten times that of Lai Sheng, he had always been naturally thrifty and refused to be overly luxurious; his furnishings were not particularly opulent. It was a newly purchased residence in the capital, and they had bought it precisely because there were many trees and open spaces in this garden. They had only built a few small rooms and corridors, with bamboo dominating the furniture and decorations. Looking around in winding paths, one could see nothing but countless bamboo fences. In his spare time, Wang Yuan enjoyed planting bamboo and raising fish, growing vegetables and picking fruits. He placed some farming tools in various corners, which gave a refreshing and novel impression. Because the Madams were coming to tour the garden, two opera stages had been set up. The lantern decorations were extremely brilliant—one stage was for honoring the Madams, and the other for honoring Liangyu and Baoyu. They also invited Jiang Jingxing along with a group of guest scholars to accompany them, who all arrived together. Everyone admired the garden and commented that its rustic charm was delightful. The entire Wang Yuan family was extremely respectful, first having their grandson and granddaughter-in-law come out to pay respects. Everyone praised them for a while. Banquets and opera performances were arranged both inside and outside the house. |
| 56 | 良玉等厭煩瞧戲，就叫王元傳兩班戲一齊上去，答應自己同杭二泉等隨意唱個清曲兒玩玩。酒也喝得多了，瞧看這些古樹叢竹，映著些曲水回廊，各到處秋蟲鳴得好聽，黃蝶兒也多，那些豆花兒也香得有趣。就攜了攢盒各處散步。裏面太太們只管瞧戲瞧野景，到日斜時候便都上車回去了。那些爺們如何肯回，又是寶玉為了襲人的事悶了好些時兒，今日忽然開懷，便猜拳行令痛喝一番。大家再順著路走，只見山子轉過去，許多老樹眠在水面上，樹影波光恍如綠雲一片，一座古藤架底，小小的一座橋。走過橋去一望，大家吃了一驚，非水非田，一大片綠葉鋪滿，差不多有十幾畝圍園，原來是一片菱蕩，一隻小船兒停在橋邊。寶玉大喜，就要下船去采菱。姜景星也醉了，也要下去。寶玉怕他奪了，連忙跳上去用槳向岸上一點，那一隻小船就如飛的順流去了。這裡景星眾人只拍手笑著，哪曉得這個小船兒到了中流，水性活潑，就晃蕩起來。寶玉坐了下去也還不妨，還只站著，又因醉後腳軟，一轉側，便連船翻下水裏。這裡眾人嚇慌了，沒一個能下得水，還是姜景星有主意，急忙裡瞧見池子不深，就喊道：「寶兄弟，你只站定了，站定了。」 Liangyu, who was tired of watching opera performances, ordered Wang Yuan to have both troupes perform upstairs. He then said he would personally sing a few light songs with Hang Erquan and others for fun. They had drunk quite a lot of wine. Looking at the ancient trees and bamboo groves, reflecting against the winding streams and corridors, the autumn insects chirped melodiously in every corner. There were many yellow butterflies fluttering about, and the fragrant bean flowers added to the charm of the scene. They then took along some small food boxes and strolled around the garden. Inside, the Madams continued watching the opera performances and enjoying the rustic scenery; by the time the sun began to set, they all boarded their carriages and returned home. The young masters, however, were not willing to leave. Especially Baoyu, who had been brooding over Xi Ren's matter for quite some time, suddenly felt cheerful today and began drinking heartily with dice games and toasts. As they continued walking along the path, they saw that beyond a hill lay many old trees resting over the water's surface. The tree shadows and rippling reflections shimmered like a patch of green clouds. Beneath an ancient grape trellis stood a small bridge. After crossing the bridge and looking out, everyone was startled. It was neither water nor farmland but a vast expanse of green leaves covering nearly ten or more acres within an enclosed garden. Upon closer inspection, they realized it was a lotus marsh, with a small boat moored by the bridge. Baoyu was overjoyed and immediately wanted to get into the boat to pick lotus roots. Jiang Jingxing, who had also been drinking heavily, insisted on going down as well. Baoyu feared that he might be outdone, so he quickly jumped aboard and used the oar to push off from the shore. The small boat shot down the stream like an arrow. Back there, Jingxing and the others merely clapped and laughed; they had no idea that once the small boat reached midstream, where the water was lively and swift, it began to rock violently. Baoyu had just sat down, which was fine, but as he remained standing due to his drunkenness and unsteady legs, the boat tilted slightly. In an instant, both Baoyu and the boat capsized into the water. The others were greatly alarmed and none of them could swim. It was Jiang Jingxing who remained calm, quickly noticing that the pond wasn't very deep. He shouted, "Baoyu, just stand still, stay put!" |
| 57 | 寶玉酒也驚醒，想站定，誰知池底浮泥甚深，站定了便只管陷下去。外面王元一家子聽得叫喚，飛即有幾個種地的趕過來，一齊下去，將寶玉馱了起來。渾身泥水淋漓，也拖帶了好些水草螺蟲。到了外面，王元也嚇慌了，連忙與蔣玉函、焙茗、李瑤等替寶玉洗抹乾淨，要替他穿上衣服。寶玉只叫」 The shock of the fall sobered Baoyu somewhat. He tried to stand still, but unknown to him, the pond bottom was covered with deep soft mud; as soon as he stood firm, his feet began sinking deeper into it. Outside, Wang Yuan's family heard the shouting and immediately sent several farmhands to rush over. They all jumped in together and managed to carry Baoyu out of the water on their backs. He was soaked with mud and water, dragging along a tangle of aquatic plants and snails. Once outside, Wang Yuan was also greatly alarmed and hurriedly had Jiang Yuhuan, Beiming, Li Yao, and others clean Baoyu off and help him change into dry clothes. Baoyu only called out, "Xi Ren! Xi Ren!" |
| 58 | 疼得很，穿不得。」 "It hurts too much; I can't put it on." |
| 59 | 眾人走近一看，原來兩腿上都腫將起來，也疼得踏不下地。林良玉便道：「我記得在南邊時候，一個人一樣地落水，發腫起泡，只用兒茶一樣搗碎了敷上，不久就好。」 When the others came closer to look, they saw that both of his legs had swollen up and he was in so much pain that he could not set foot on the ground. Lin Liangyu then said, "I remember when I was in the south, a man once fell into water and his legs swelled with blisters. He recovered quickly after applying some crushed Ercha as a poultice." |
| 60 | 王元便立刻出去，研碎了許多兒茶來，當真的敷上，果然疼也止住了些。鬧到上了燈，打算回家去。眾人商議，這便如何上車，馱了去又不好，也受磨擦，左右近在這裏，只好悄悄地用老爺轎子抬回去。焙茗就悄悄地趕回去，抬了賈政坐的轎子過來。這裏鬧得手腳忙亂。誰知寶玉心裏倒反快活起來，只想道：「林妹妹現在惱著我，我這個樣子偏要到瀟湘館去將養，看她怎麼樣。」就吩咐焙茗：「到了家，換了竹椅，一直抬到瀟湘館去。」焙茗眾人也氣也笑，不知寶玉回去，黛玉留也不留，且聽下回分解。 Wang Yuan immediately went out, ground up a large amount of Ercha, and applied it as instructed. To everyone's relief, the pain did indeed subside somewhat. It was not until after the lamps were lit that they finally decided to go home. The group discussed how to get Baoyu into the carriage. Lifting him and carrying him was not feasible, as it would cause further discomfort. Since they were already nearby, they decided quietly to use a master's sedan chair to carry him home. Beiming secretly hurried back and fetched the sedan chair that Jia Zheng usually rode in, bringing it over. Meanwhile, everything was in a state of confusion and chaos. Unbeknownst to them, Baoyu's heart had actually become cheerful. He thought to himself, "Lin Daiyu is angry with me now; I must go to Xiaoxiang Pavilion in this condition for treatment and see how she will react." He then instructed Beiming, "Once we get home, switch to a bamboo chair and carry me directly to Xiaoxiang Pavilion." Beiming and the others were both exasperated and amused. Whether Lin Daiyu would receive Baoyu or not upon his return remained to be seen in the next chapter. |
URN: ctp:ws953491
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