Dream of the Red Chamber: text version

Name: Dream of the Red Chamber
Author: Cao Xueqin

When the goddess Nüwa mended the sky, she forged 36,501 stones and used all but one, leaving it at Greensickness Peak. The stone grieved its uselessness. It begged a passing monk and Taoist to take it into the world. They warned that earthly joys end as a dream. Then they shrank it into a small bright jade and carried it away.

1When the goddess Nüwa mended the sky, she forged 36,501 stones and used all but one, leaving it at Greensickness Peak. The stone grieved its uselessness. It begged a passing monk and Taoist to take it into the world. They warned that earthly joys end as a dream. Then they shrank it into a small bright jade and carried it away.女娲炼石补天，共炼成三万六千五百零一块，只剩一块没用，被丢在青埂峰下。这块石头已经通了灵性，自愧无材补天，日夜悲叹。一僧一道路过，它苦苦哀求二人带它到红尘里享受富贵。二仙劝它说，人间的欢乐到头来只是一场梦。见它不听，便施法把它变成一块小巧的美玉，带走了。

Countless ages later the Reverend Void passed the peak. He found the great stone carved all over with its own story: a stone unfit to mend the sky, carried into the world to live through partings, reunions and changing fortunes. He copied it from beginning to end. He renamed himself Brother Amor, and much later Cao Xueqin revised the book over ten years.

2Countless ages later the Reverend Void passed the peak. He found the great stone carved all over with its own story: a stone unfit to mend the sky, carried into the world to live through partings, reunions and changing fortunes. He copied it from beginning to end. He renamed himself Brother Amor, and much later Cao Xueqin revised the book over ten years.不知过了多少世代，空空道人经过青埂峰，看见大石上刻满了字，记的正是这块石头的故事：它无材补天，被带入人间，经历了悲欢离合、世态炎凉。空空道人从头到尾抄了下来，后来改名为“情僧”。很久以后，曹雪芹又用十年时间反复修改，写成了这部书。

One long summer afternoon, Zhen Shiyin dozed over his books and dreamed. He heard the monk tell of a Crimson Pearl Flower by the Spirit River. A divine attendant had kept it alive with sweet dew until it became a fairy girl. Now he was going down to be born a man, and she swore to follow and repay him with a lifetime of tears.

3One long summer afternoon, Zhen Shiyin dozed over his books and dreamed. He heard the monk tell of a Crimson Pearl Flower by the Spirit River. A divine attendant had kept it alive with sweet dew until it became a fairy girl. Now he was going down to be born a man, and she swore to follow and repay him with a lifetime of tears.一个炎夏的午后，姑苏乡宦甄士隐看书看倦了，伏在桌上睡着，做了一个梦。梦里他听那僧人说：西方灵河岸边有一株绛珠草，神瑛侍者天天用甘露浇灌，它才修成了女身。如今神瑛侍者要下凡为人，绛珠仙子说：我也跟着去投胎，把一生的眼泪都还给他，报答他浇灌的恩情。

In the dream Shiyin glimpsed the jade before the monk snatched it back and passed into the Land of Illusion. A thunderclap woke him. Later, holding his three-year-old daughter Yinglian at the gate, he saw the pair again, now as a scabby monk and a lame Taoist. The monk burst into tears: 'Why hold this ill-fated creature in your arms?'

4In the dream Shiyin glimpsed the jade before the monk snatched it back and passed into the Land of Illusion. A thunderclap woke him. Later, holding his three-year-old daughter Yinglian at the gate, he saw the pair again, now as a scabby monk and a lame Taoist. The monk burst into tears: 'Why hold this ill-fated creature in your arms?'梦中士隐刚看到那块美玉，僧人就把它夺了回去，走进了太虚幻境。一声霹雳，士隐惊醒过来。后来他抱着三岁的女儿英莲在门口看热闹，又遇见一个癞头和尚和一个跛脚道士。那和尚一见英莲就大哭起来：“施主，你把这有命无运、连累爹娘的东西抱在怀里做什么？”

Next door, in the Gourd Temple, lodged Jia Yucun, a poor scholar who lived by selling his writing. A Zhen maid had once looked back at him twice. On Mid-Autumn night Shiyin invited him to drink. When he heard Yucun could not afford the journey to the capital examinations, he gave him fifty taels and winter clothes. Yucun barely thanked him and left at dawn.

5Next door, in the Gourd Temple, lodged Jia Yucun, a poor scholar who lived by selling his writing. A Zhen maid had once looked back at him twice. On Mid-Autumn night Shiyin invited him to drink. When he heard Yucun could not afford the journey to the capital examinations, he gave him fifty taels and winter clothes. Yucun barely thanked him and left at dawn.隔壁葫芦庙里住着一个穷书生贾雨村，靠卖字写文章过日子。甄家一个丫鬟曾回头看过他两次，他便一直记在心上。中秋夜，士隐请他来书房喝酒，听说他没有进京赶考的路费，当即送他五十两银子和两套冬衣。雨村只随口谢了一句，第二天天没亮就上路了。

At the Lantern Festival the servant Huo Qi took Yinglian out to see the lanterns. Around midnight he set her on a doorstep while he relieved himself. When he came back, she was gone. He searched until daylight, then ran away rather than face his master. Shiyin and his wife wept day and night and fell ill with grief.

6At the Lantern Festival the servant Huo Qi took Yinglian out to see the lanterns. Around midnight he set her on a doorstep while he relieved himself. When he came back, she was gone. He searched until daylight, then ran away rather than face his master. Shiyin and his wife wept day and night and fell ill with grief.元宵节夜里，家人霍启抱着英莲去看花灯。半夜他要小解，就把英莲放在一户人家的门槛上坐着。等他回来，英莲已经不见了。霍启找了一夜也没找到，不敢回去见主人，就逃到外乡去了。士隐夫妇只有这一个女儿，日夜啼哭，先后都病倒了。

On the fifteenth of the third month, oil caught fire in the Gourd Temple kitchen. The flames leapt from paper windows to bamboo fences and burned the whole street through the night. The Zhen house next door was left as rubble, though the family and a few servants got out alive. Bandits then overran the countryside, so Shiyin sold his farm.

7On the fifteenth of the third month, oil caught fire in the Gourd Temple kitchen. The flames leapt from paper windows to bamboo fences and burned the whole street through the night. The Zhen house next door was left as rubble, though the family and a few servants got out alive. Bandits then overran the countryside, so Shiyin sold his farm.三月十五，葫芦庙里炸供品，和尚不小心，油锅起火，烧着了窗纸。这一带人家多是竹篱木墙，火势一家连一家，把整条街烧得像火焰山一样，烧了一夜才灭。甄家就在隔壁，早已烧成一片瓦砾，只有夫妻和几个家人保住了性命。乡下又闹盗匪，士隐只好把田庄也卖了。

Shiyin took his wife and two maids to her father, Feng Su, a well-off farmer, and trusted him with the silver he had left to buy land. Feng Su cheated him with poor fields and a crumbling house, then told everyone his son-in-law was lazy. Poor, ill and bitter, Shiyin began to look like a dying man.

8Shiyin took his wife and two maids to her father, Feng Su, a well-off farmer, and trusted him with the silver he had left to buy land. Feng Su cheated him with poor fields and a crumbling house, then told everyone his son-in-law was lazy. Poor, ill and bitter, Shiyin began to look like a dying man.士隐带着妻子和两个丫鬟去投奔岳父封肃。封肃是个殷实的农户，见女婿落魄而来，心里很不高兴。士隐把剩下的银子交给他，托他买些房地。封肃连哄带骗，只给了他几亩薄田和几间破屋，还到处说女婿好吃懒做。士隐又穷又病，心中悔恨，渐渐显出快不行了的样子。

One day, hobbling on a stick in the street, Shiyin met a lame Taoist in rags singing that fame, wealth, wives and children are all forgotten in the end. 'Won means done, and done means won,' he said. Shiyin understood at once and answered with his own verses on the song. Then he took the Taoist's bag on his shoulder and walked off with him for good.

9One day, hobbling on a stick in the street, Shiyin met a lame Taoist in rags singing that fame, wealth, wives and children are all forgotten in the end. 'Won means done, and done means won,' he said. Shiyin understood at once and answered with his own verses on the song. Then he took the Taoist's bag on his shoulder and walked off with him for good.一天，士隐拄着拐杖到街上散心，遇见一个跛脚道士，衣衫破烂，嘴里唱着功名、金银、妻儿到头都会忘掉。道士说：“好便是了，了便是好。”这歌叫《好了歌》。士隐本来就有慧根，一听就全明白了，当场作了一段解注。随后他把道士肩上的褡裢拿过来背上，跟着道士飘然而去，再也没有回家。

Mrs Feng wept herself nearly to death, then lived by needlework with two old maids while Feng Su grumbled. One day the elder maid, buying thread at the gate, watched the new prefect's sedan pass and thought his face oddly familiar. That night fists pounded on the door: 'The prefect's men are here to take someone for questioning!' Feng Su stood struck dumb with fear.

10Mrs Feng wept herself nearly to death, then lived by needlework with two old maids while Feng Su grumbled. One day the elder maid, buying thread at the gate, watched the new prefect's sedan pass and thought his face oddly familiar. That night fists pounded on the door: 'The prefect's men are here to take someone for questioning!' Feng Su stood struck dumb with fear.封氏哭得死去活来，只好靠父亲过日子，和两个旧丫鬟日夜做针线卖钱，封肃天天抱怨。一天，甄家大丫鬟在门口买线，看见新任知府坐着大轿经过，觉得这位官员十分面熟。当天夜里，忽然有许多人把门打得震天响，嚷道：“本府太爷派人来传人问话！”封肃吓得目瞪口呆，不知大祸从何而来。

Soon after taking office as prefect, Jia Yucun remembered the maid who had once looked back at him. He sent silver and silks to the Zhen household, and Feng Su gladly arranged the match. One night a single small sedan carried Jiaoxing to his gate. Within a year she bore him a son, and when his wife died she became his lawful wife.

11Soon after taking office as prefect, Jia Yucun remembered the maid who had once looked back at him. He sent silver and silks to the Zhen household, and Feng Su gladly arranged the match. One night a single small sedan carried Jiaoxing to his gate. Within a year she bore him a son, and when his wife died she became his lawful wife.贾雨村做了知府，记起当年回头看他的那个丫鬟，便送银两绸缎给甄家，封肃巴不得巴结，一力促成。一天夜里，一乘小轿把娇杏抬进了府门。不到一年她生下一子，后来正室病逝，她便被扶成了正室夫人。

Clever but greedy and arrogant, Yucun was dismissed within a year, and he left smiling as if nothing had happened. Travelling to Yangzhou, he became tutor to Lin Ruhai's only child, the frail five-year-old Daiyu. A year later her mother, Lady Jia Min, died. Daiyu nursed her, mourned until she fell ill, and came to lessons in white.

12Clever but greedy and arrogant, Yucun was dismissed within a year, and he left smiling as if nothing had happened. Travelling to Yangzhou, he became tutor to Lin Ruhai's only child, the frail five-year-old Daiyu. A year later her mother, Lady Jia Min, died. Daiyu nursed her, mourned until she fell ill, and came to lessons in white.雨村虽有才干，却贪酷恃才，不到一年便被参革职，他却面上嘻笑如常。他游历到扬州，经人举荐，给巡盐御史林如海的独生女儿、年方五岁、体弱多病的黛玉当老师。一年后，黛玉的母亲贾敏病逝。黛玉侍汤奉药，守丧哀痛过度，身穿素服来上学。

While Daiyu was too ill for lessons, Yucun wandered to a country tavern and met Leng Zixing, an antique dealer from the capital, who knew all about the great Jia mansions. The two houses still looked grand, Zixing said, but they spent without limit and no one planned ahead. "The outside still stands, but the inside is running dry."

13While Daiyu was too ill for lessons, Yucun wandered to a country tavern and met Leng Zixing, an antique dealer from the capital, who knew all about the great Jia mansions. The two houses still looked grand, Zixing said, but they spent without limit and no one planned ahead. "The outside still stands, but the inside is running dry."黛玉病着停了课，雨村到城外闲逛，走进一家村店，碰上京城做古董生意的旧识冷子兴。冷子兴对贾家底细一清二楚：宁荣二府看着依旧气派，其实主仆上下只知享福，花销排场不肯节省，没有一个人筹划长远。他说：“外面的架子虽没倒，内囊却也尽上来了。”

Zixing went through the family: Baoyu, born with jade in his mouth, who said girls were made of water and men of mud; the four Jia daughters, from Yuanchun in the palace to Yingchun, Tanchun and Xichun; and Jia Lian's clever wife. Yucun explained that such people were born from a mix of good and evil energies, too rare to be ordinary.

14Zixing went through the family: Baoyu, born with jade in his mouth, who said girls were made of water and men of mud; the four Jia daughters, from Yuanchun in the palace to Yingchun, Tanchun and Xichun; and Jia Lian's clever wife. Yucun explained that such people were born from a mix of good and evil energies, too rare to be ordinary.冷子兴一一说起贾家人物：衔玉而生的宝玉，说女儿是水做的骨肉，男人是泥做的骨肉；四位小姐，长女元春入宫，其下是迎春、探春、惜春；还有贾琏那位精明过人的媳妇。雨村却说，这些人都是正邪二气交织而生，聪俊灵秀远在常人之上，乖僻处又不近人情，绝非平常之辈。

Just then a friend brought news that dismissed officials could be reinstated. Lin Ruhai wrote Yucun a letter of introduction to his brother-in-law Jia Zheng, and sent him to the capital with Daiyu, whose grandmother had asked for her. Jia Zheng soon found Yucun a new post. Daiyu, arriving by sedan, peered out and vowed to watch every word and step, so no one would laugh at her.

15Just then a friend brought news that dismissed officials could be reinstated. Lin Ruhai wrote Yucun a letter of introduction to his brother-in-law Jia Zheng, and sent him to the capital with Daiyu, whose grandmother had asked for her. Jia Zheng soon found Yucun a new post. Daiyu, arriving by sedan, peered out and vowed to watch every word and step, so no one would laugh at her.这时旧同僚张如圭来报喜：朝廷准许起复旧员。林如海写信荐雨村给内兄贾政，正好外祖母派人来接黛玉，便让雨村同路进京。贾政竭力相助，不久雨村就补了应天府的缺。黛玉坐轿进了荣府，从纱窗往外偷看，心里暗暗打定主意：步步留心，时时在意，不肯多说一句话，多走一步路，唯恐被人耻笑。

In the hall a silver-haired old lady came forward, supported by two maids. Before Daiyu could kneel, Grandmother Jia pulled her into her arms and wept aloud, calling her 'my heart, my darling'. Every servant in the room hid their face and cried. Of all her children, the old lady said, she had loved Daiyu's mother best.

16In the hall a silver-haired old lady came forward, supported by two maids. Before Daiyu could kneel, Grandmother Jia pulled her into her arms and wept aloud, calling her 'my heart, my darling'. Every servant in the room hid their face and cried. Of all her children, the old lady said, she had loved Daiyu's mother best.进了正房，只见两个人搀着一位鬓发如银的老太太迎上来。黛玉正要下拜，早被外祖母一把搂进怀里，“心肝儿肉”地叫着大哭起来，满屋侍立的人无不掩面落泪，黛玉也哭个不住。贾母说，自己这些儿女当中，最疼的就是黛玉的母亲。

The room was hushed with respect until laughter rang out from the back: "I'm late, I missed welcoming our guest!" A glittering young woman swept in with her maids. The old lady called her 'Phoenix the Hot Pepper'. This was Wang Xifeng, Jia Lian's wife, who held Daiyu's hand, praised her beauty, wept for her mother, then smiled again in a flash.

17The room was hushed with respect until laughter rang out from the back: "I'm late, I missed welcoming our guest!" A glittering young woman swept in with her maids. The old lady called her 'Phoenix the Hot Pepper'. This was Wang Xifeng, Jia Lian's wife, who held Daiyu's hand, praised her beauty, wept for her mother, then smiled again in a flash.满屋人个个敛声屏气，忽听后院有人笑道：“我来迟了，不曾迎接远客！”只见一群媳妇丫鬟簇拥着一位打扮得彩绣辉煌的少妇进来。贾母笑称她是“凤辣子”，这便是贾琏之妻王熙凤。她拉着黛玉的手细细打量，夸她标致，又为她母亲拭泪，一转眼又说说笑笑起来。

Lady Wang warned Daiyu about her son, 'the devil king of this world', and told her to ignore him. That evening footsteps sounded and Baoyu came in, the jade hanging at his neck. Daiyu started: his face was strangely familiar. Baoyu looked at her and laughed. "I've met this cousin before." He would treat it, he said, as a reunion after a long parting.

18Lady Wang warned Daiyu about her son, 'the devil king of this world', and told her to ignore him. That evening footsteps sounded and Baoyu came in, the jade hanging at his neck. Daiyu started: his face was strangely familiar. Baoyu looked at her and laughed. "I've met this cousin before." He would treat it, he said, as a reunion after a long parting.王夫人叮嘱黛玉：自己有个“孽根祸胎”，是家里的“混世魔王”，以后别理他。傍晚一阵脚步声，宝玉进来了，项上挂着那块美玉。黛玉一见，吃了一大惊，心想：好生奇怪，竟像在哪里见过一般！宝玉细看了她，也笑道：“这个妹妹我曾见过的。”又说，今日只当是久别重逢。

Baoyu asked her name, found she had no courtesy name, and gave her one: 'Pinpin', Frowning Beauty. A book said a black stone called dai could paint eyebrows, he explained, and her brows always seemed slightly knit. Tanchun laughed that he had made it up. Daiyu said nothing, her delicate brows drawn together.

19Baoyu asked her name, found she had no courtesy name, and gave her one: 'Pinpin', Frowning Beauty. A book said a black stone called dai could paint eyebrows, he explained, and her brows always seemed slightly knit. Tanchun laughed that he had made it up. Daiyu said nothing, her delicate brows drawn together.宝玉问她的名字，听说她没有表字，便笑道：“我送妹妹一个妙字，莫若‘颦颦’二字极妙。”他说古书上讲西方有一种石头叫黛，可以画眉，况且林妹妹眉尖若蹙，用这两个字岂不两妙。探春笑他又是杜撰。黛玉没有作声，眉尖依旧轻轻蹙着。

Then Baoyu asked whether she had a jade too. When Daiyu said such a rare thing could not belong to everyone, he tore the jade off and threw it down. "I don't want this nuisance!" Everyone rushed for it. Grandmother Jia held him and gently lied that Daiyu's jade had been buried with her mother, then tied the jade back on him herself.

20Then Baoyu asked whether she had a jade too. When Daiyu said such a rare thing could not belong to everyone, he tore the jade off and threw it down. "I don't want this nuisance!" Everyone rushed for it. Grandmother Jia held him and gently lied that Daiyu's jade had been buried with her mother, then tied the jade back on him herself.宝玉又问黛玉有没有玉。黛玉说那是件稀罕东西，岂能人人都有。宝玉登时犯了痴狂病，摘下玉狠命一摔，骂道：“我也不要这劳什子了！”吓得众人一拥去抢。贾母急得搂住他，哄说妹妹原也有玉，姑妈去世时带去殉葬了，说着亲手把玉给他重新戴上。

That night Daiyu was given the green gauze closet, with Baoyu sleeping just outside. His maid Xiren found her still awake and in tears. "I've only just come, and already I've set off his mad fit," she wept. Xiren sat on the bed's edge and told her gently not to take it to heart; there would be stranger scenes than this.

21That night Daiyu was given the green gauze closet, with Baoyu sleeping just outside. His maid Xiren found her still awake and in tears. "I've only just come, and already I've set off his mad fit," she wept. Xiren sat on the bed's edge and told her gently not to take it to heart; there would be stranger scenes than this.当晚，黛玉被安置在碧纱橱里，宝玉就睡在橱外。宝玉的大丫鬟袭人见里面还没睡，悄悄进来，才知黛玉正独自抹泪：“今儿才来，就惹出你家哥儿的狂病，倘或摔坏了那玉，岂不是我的过错！”袭人坐在床沿上柔声劝她别多心，将来比这更奇怪的事还多着呢。

While Lady Wang heard news of a manslaughter charge against her sister's family, the girls slipped away to the rooms of Li Wan, widow of Baoyu's late brother Jia Zhu. Raised on 'a woman without talent is virtuous', she lived like withered wood and cold ash, caring only for her five-year-old son, Jia Lan, and the girls' needlework.

22While Lady Wang heard news of a manslaughter charge against her sister's family, the girls slipped away to the rooms of Li Wan, widow of Baoyu's late brother Jia Zhu. Raised on 'a woman without talent is virtuous', she lived like withered wood and cold ash, caring only for her five-year-old son, Jia Lan, and the girls' needlework.王夫人正与娘家来人商议姨母家惹上人命官司的事，姊妹们便退了出来，到寡嫂李纨房中。李纨是贾珠的遗孀，父亲信奉“女子无才便是德”，她守寡后心如槁木死灰，只一心侍奉长辈、抚养五岁的儿子贾兰，陪小姑们做针线读书。

In Jinling, the newly appointed prefect Jia Yucun took up a year-old murder case. Two men had bought the same slave girl from a kidnapper; the Xue family's servants had beaten the rival buyer, Feng Yuan, to death. Yucun angrily reached for warrants to seize the killer's clan, until a gatekeeper by the bench caught his eye and warned him off.

23In Jinling, the newly appointed prefect Jia Yucun took up a year-old murder case. Two men had bought the same slave girl from a kidnapper; the Xue family's servants had beaten the rival buyer, Feng Yuan, to death. Yucun angrily reached for warrants to seize the killer's clan, until a gatekeeper by the bench caught his eye and warned him off.贾雨村补授应天府，刚上任就接到一桩告了一年的人命案：拐子把一个丫头先后卖给冯渊和薛家，薛家豪奴竟将冯渊活活打死。雨村大怒，正要发签拿人，却见案边一个门子朝他使眼色，示意不可。

In his private chamber Yucun learned the gatekeeper was the little novice from Gourd Temple, where he had once lodged in poverty. 'Has Your Honour no copy of the officials' protection charm?' The man produced a list of the province's untouchable families: the Jia, Shi, Wang and Xue, all related by marriage, rising and falling together.

24In his private chamber Yucun learned the gatekeeper was the little novice from Gourd Temple, where he had once lodged in poverty. 'Has Your Honour no copy of the officials' protection charm?' The man produced a list of the province's untouchable families: the Jia, Shi, Wang and Xue, all related by marriage, rising and falling together.退到密室，雨村才知道这门子原是当年葫芦庙里的小沙弥。门子问：“老爷难道没抄一张本省的‘护官符’？”说着取出一张私单，上面写着贾、史、王、薛四大家族，彼此联络有亲，一损俱损，一荣俱荣，地方官惹不起。

Then the gatekeeper named the girl. She was Yinglian, daughter of Zhen Shiyin, who had once paid for Yucun's journey to the examinations; he knew her by the rouge-red mole between her brows. Yucun was stunned. His benefactor's lost child had been dragged off by Xue Pan, a bully nicknamed the Oaf King.

25Then the gatekeeper named the girl. She was Yinglian, daughter of Zhen Shiyin, who had once paid for Yucun's journey to the examinations; he knew her by the rouge-red mole between her brows. Yucun was stunned. His benefactor's lost child had been dragged off by Xue Pan, a bully nicknamed the Oaf King.门子又说出那被卖的丫头是谁：正是当年资助雨村进京赶考的甄士隐老爷的女儿英莲。她眉心有一点米粒大的胭脂痣，门子一眼便认了出来。雨村大惊失色——恩人失散多年的女儿，竟被人称“呆霸王”的薛蟠抢了去。

Yucun protested that a life was at stake, then bowed his head and took the gatekeeper's advice. He bent the law, let Xue Pan go free, paid the Feng family burial silver, and wrote to Jia Zheng and Wang Ziteng that 'your nephew's affair is settled'. Fearing the gatekeeper would talk of his poor days, he later found a fault and exiled him far away.

26Yucun protested that a life was at stake, then bowed his head and took the gatekeeper's advice. He bent the law, let Xue Pan go free, paid the Feng family burial silver, and wrote to Jia Zheng and Wang Ziteng that 'your nephew's affair is settled'. Fearing the gatekeeper would talk of his poor days, he later found a fault and exiled him far away.雨村嘴上说人命关天，低头半晌，终究依了门子。他徇情枉法，胡乱结案，放过薛蟠，只判给冯家一笔烧埋银子，又急忙写信给贾政和王子腾，说“令甥之事已完”。事后他又怕门子说出自己当年的贫贱旧事，寻了个错处，把他远远充发了。

Untroubled by the killing, Xue Pan had already taken his mother and his sister Baochai to the capital. Lady Wang welcomed her sister with tears and laughter, and at Jia Zheng's wish the family settled in Pear Fragrance Court, a quiet corner of the Rong mansion. Aunt Xue insisted on paying their own way.

27Untroubled by the killing, Xue Pan had already taken his mother and his sister Baochai to the capital. Lady Wang welcomed her sister with tears and laughter, and at Jia Zheng's wish the family settled in Pear Fragrance Court, a quiet corner of the Rong mansion. Aunt Xue insisted on paying their own way.薛蟠打死了人，却像没事人一般，带着母亲和妹妹宝钗径自进京。王夫人与妹妹多年不见，悲喜交集。贾政和贾母都执意挽留，薛家便住进了荣府东北角清静的梨香院，薛姨妈只坚持日常用度自理。

Xue Pan meant to move out, but within a month he had befriended the idlest young men of the Jia clan. Through Pear Fragrance Court's street gate they came and went for wine, flowers, gambling and worse, and he grew ten times worse than before, until he forgot all thought of leaving.

28Xue Pan meant to move out, but within a month he had befriended the idlest young men of the Jia clan. Through Pear Fragrance Court's street gate they came and went for wine, flowers, gambling and worse, and he grew ten times worse than before, until he forgot all thought of leaving.薛蟠原本不想长住，谁知不到一个月，贾府里那些纨绔子弟都和他混熟了，从梨香院临街的门随意进出，今日喝酒，明日赏花，甚至聚赌嫖娼，把他引得比从前坏了十倍，搬出去的念头也就渐渐打消了。

Soon after Xue Baochai arrived, the household warmed to her. She was easygoing, tactful and generous, and even the little maids would rather play with her than with the aloof Lin Daiyu. Daiyu felt a quiet, bitter resentment that Baochai never noticed. Baoyu treated all his cousins alike, but he was closest to Daiyu, so the two of them quarrelled now and then.

29Soon after Xue Baochai arrived, the household warmed to her. She was easygoing, tactful and generous, and even the little maids would rather play with her than with the aloof Lin Daiyu. Daiyu felt a quiet, bitter resentment that Baochai never noticed. Baoyu treated all his cousins alike, but he was closest to Daiyu, so the two of them quarrelled now and then.薛宝钗来后不久，便赢得了府中上下的欢心。她性情豁达，随分从时，连小丫头们也爱找她玩，不像黛玉那样孤高自许。黛玉心里渐渐生出几分郁闷不平，宝钗却浑然不觉。宝玉待姊妹们一视同仁，只和黛玉最亲近，两人也难免时有口角。

When the plum trees flowered in the Ning mansion's Garden of Concentrated Fragrance, You-shi invited Grandmother Jia and the other ladies to a family party. Baoyu grew drowsy and wanted a nap. Jia Rong's wife, Qin Keqing, the old lady's favourite among her great-granddaughters-in-law, stepped forward to look after him: 'Don't worry, Old Ancestress, just leave him to me.'

30When the plum trees flowered in the Ning mansion's Garden of Concentrated Fragrance, You-shi invited Grandmother Jia and the other ladies to a family party. Baoyu grew drowsy and wanted a nap. Jia Rong's wife, Qin Keqing, the old lady's favourite among her great-granddaughters-in-law, stepped forward to look after him: 'Don't worry, Old Ancestress, just leave him to me.'宁府会芳园梅花盛开，尤氏备下酒席，请贾母等女眷赏花。席间宝玉倦了，想睡个午觉。贾蓉之妻秦可卿温柔妥帖，是贾母最得意的重孙媳妇，她忙笑着揽下此事：“老祖宗放心，只管交给我就是了。”

Baoyu refused the stately upper room, with its improving picture and couplet urging study. Keqing laughed and took him to her own bedroom instead, brushing aside a nurse's worry that an uncle should not sleep in his nephew's wife's room. A delicate sweet scent made his limbs go soft. He lay down among her rich furnishings, and Xiren and three other maids stayed to watch over him.

31Baoyu refused the stately upper room, with its improving picture and couplet urging study. Keqing laughed and took him to her own bedroom instead, brushing aside a nurse's worry that an uncle should not sleep in his nephew's wife's room. A delicate sweet scent made his limbs go soft. He lay down among her rich furnishings, and Xiren and three other maids stayed to watch over him.上房里挂着劝人苦读的《燃藜图》和对联，宝玉一见便嚷着要走。秦氏笑着把他领进自己的卧房，也不理会嬷嬷说叔叔不该睡在侄儿媳妇房里。一进门，一股细细的甜香扑面而来，宝玉只觉眼饧骨软，在华美的床榻上躺下，只留袭人等四个丫鬟陪伴。

The moment Baoyu closed his eyes, he seemed to drift after Keqing into a land of red balustrades, white rocks and clear streams, where he thought he could happily spend his whole life. A woman's song rang out behind the hills, and a fairy of unearthly grace appeared. She introduced herself as Jinghuan, the Fairy of Disenchantment, keeper of the world's debts of love, and invited him into her realm.

32The moment Baoyu closed his eyes, he seemed to drift after Keqing into a land of red balustrades, white rocks and clear streams, where he thought he could happily spend his whole life. A woman's song rang out behind the hills, and a fairy of unearthly grace appeared. She introduced herself as Jinghuan, the Fairy of Disenchantment, keeper of the world's debts of love, and invited him into her realm.宝玉刚合上眼，便恍恍惚惚随着秦氏来到一处朱栏白石、绿树清溪的地方，心想在这里过一辈子也情愿。忽听山后有女子作歌，随即走出一位飘逸出尘的仙姑。她自称警幻仙姑，专管人间的风情月债，邀他同游太虚幻境。

Jinghuan led him to a great stone archway named the Land of Illusion. Its couplet warned that when the false is taken for true, the true becomes false. Further on, a palace gate was named the Sea of Sin and Sky of Love. Baoyu resolved to find out what the love of all ages and the debts of romance really meant.

33Jinghuan led him to a great stone archway named the Land of Illusion. Its couplet warned that when the false is taken for true, the true becomes false. Further on, a palace gate was named the Sea of Sin and Sky of Love. Baoyu resolved to find out what the love of all ages and the debts of romance really meant.警幻引他来到一座石牌坊前，上书“太虚幻境”四个大字，对联说的是假作真时真亦假。再往里是一座宫门，匾上写着孽海情天。宝玉暗想：什么叫古今之情、风月之债？今后倒要好好领略一番。

The side halls held offices of Infatuation, Resentment, Morning Tears and Autumn Sorrow. Baoyu begged to look inside, and Jinghuan finally let him into the Department of the Ill-Fated. Its sealed cabinets held the registers of women from every province. He went straight to his own province, Jinling, and found the Twelve Beauties of Jinling with a Supplementary and a Second Supplementary list.

34The side halls held offices of Infatuation, Resentment, Morning Tears and Autumn Sorrow. Baoyu begged to look inside, and Jinghuan finally let him into the Department of the Ill-Fated. Its sealed cabinets held the registers of women from every province. He went straight to his own province, Jinling, and found the Twelve Beauties of Jinling with a Supplementary and a Second Supplementary list.两边配殿有痴情司、结怨司、朝啼司、秋悲司等。宝玉再三央求，警幻只得带他进了“薄命司”。十几个大橱都贴着封条，里面存着各省女子的簿册。宝玉只挑自己家乡的看，找到了“金陵十二钗”的正册、副册和又副册。

He opened one register after another. Each page held a strange picture and a few cryptic lines: dark clouds and mist, a dried-up pond under an osmanthus tree, a jade belt hanging in dead trees, a gold hairpin under snow, a jade fallen in the mud, a wolf lunging at a girl, a phoenix on an iceberg. He understood none of them.

35He opened one register after another. Each page held a strange picture and a few cryptic lines: dark clouds and mist, a dried-up pond under an osmanthus tree, a jade belt hanging in dead trees, a gold hairpin under snow, a jade fallen in the mud, a wolf lunging at a girl, a phoenix on an iceberg. He understood none of them.他一本本翻开来看，每页都有一幅怪画，配着几句隐语：满纸乌云浊雾，桂花下干涸的池塘，枯木上挂着玉带，雪里埋着金簪，美玉落在泥里，恶狼扑向美人，冰山上立着一只雌凤……宝玉看来看去，一幅也不明白。

Fearing Baoyu might guess heaven's secrets, Jinghuan closed the books and took him to her palace. The spirits of the Ning and Rong dukes had begged her to awaken him. After fairy tea and wine, twelve dancers sang her new songs of the Dream of the Red Chamber while he followed the manuscript: 'At the dawn of chaos, who first sowed the seed of love?'

36Fearing Baoyu might guess heaven's secrets, Jinghuan closed the books and took him to her palace. The spirits of the Ning and Rong dukes had begged her to awaken him. After fairy tea and wine, twelve dancers sang her new songs of the Dream of the Red Chamber while he followed the manuscript: 'At the dawn of chaos, who first sowed the seed of love?'警幻怕他参透天机，掩了卷册，引他进入宫中。原来宁荣二公之灵曾托她警醒这个孙子。众仙子捧上仙茶美酒，又有十二个舞女演唱新制的《红楼梦》曲，宝玉一边看原稿，一边听唱：“开辟鸿蒙，谁为情种？”

The songs were mournful, but Baoyu did not understand them. He stopped the singers and said he was drunk. Jinghuan sighed: 'The foolish boy still does not understand!' She led him to a fragrant chamber and introduced her sister Jianmei, also called Keqing, who resembled Baochai and Daiyu. Hoping he would turn to the classics after tasting illusion, she closed the door.

37The songs were mournful, but Baoyu did not understand them. He stopped the singers and said he was drunk. Jinghuan sighed: 'The foolish boy still does not understand!' She led him to a fragrant chamber and introduced her sister Jianmei, also called Keqing, who resembled Baochai and Daiyu. Hoping he would turn to the classics after tasting illusion, she closed the door.曲子凄婉动人，宝玉却不解其意，推说醉了要睡。警幻叹道：“痴儿竟尚未悟！”便引他到一间香闺，把乳名兼美、字可卿的妹妹许配给他。那女子鲜艳似宝钗，袅娜如黛玉。警幻盼他领略过幻境风光后能回心向学，说罢掩上门走了。

The next day the two lovers wandered hand in hand until thorns, wolves and tigers surrounded them and a black river blocked their way. Jinghuan ran after them, crying out that this was the Ford of Delusion, ten thousand feet deep and crossed by a single raft. Before she could finish, the water roared, and yakshas and sea-demons surged up to drag Baoyu under.

38The next day the two lovers wandered hand in hand until thorns, wolves and tigers surrounded them and a black river blocked their way. Jinghuan ran after them, crying out that this was the Ford of Delusion, ten thousand feet deep and crossed by a single raft. Before she could finish, the water roared, and yakshas and sea-demons surged up to drag Baoyu under.次日，二人携手出游，忽然走到一处荆榛遍地、狼虎成群的地方，一道黑溪挡住了去路。警幻从后面追来，喊他快快回头：这是迷津，深有万丈，只有一只木筏渡有缘人。话还没说完，津中水响如雷，许多夜叉海鬼扑上来，要把宝玉拖下水去。

Drenched in sweat, Baoyu screamed, 'Keqing, save me!' Xiren and the other maids rushed to hold him. Out on the veranda, Qin Keqing was still telling the little maids to keep the cats and dogs from fighting when she stopped short. No one in this house knew her childhood name. How could he have called it out in a dream?

39Drenched in sweat, Baoyu screamed, 'Keqing, save me!' Xiren and the other maids rushed to hold him. Out on the veranda, Qin Keqing was still telling the little maids to keep the cats and dogs from fighting when she stopped short. No one in this house knew her childhood name. How could he have called it out in a dream?宝玉汗下如雨，失声大叫：“可卿救我！”袭人等丫鬟慌忙上前把他搂住。房外，秦氏正吩咐小丫头看好猫儿狗儿打架，听见这一声，不由得纳闷：自己的小名在这府里从来没人知道，他怎么会在梦里叫了出来？

Baoyu woke from the dream in a daze. Helping him dress, Xiren found his clothes damp, guessed why, and blushed. That night he told her the whole dream and drew her into what the fairy had taught him. Xiren knew Grandmother Jia had already given her to him. From then on he treated her like no one else, and she served him more devotedly than ever.

40Baoyu woke from the dream in a daze. Helping him dress, Xiren found his clothes damp, guessed why, and blushed. That night he told her the whole dream and drew her into what the fairy had taught him. Xiren knew Grandmother Jia had already given her to him. From then on he treated her like no one else, and she served him more devotedly than ever.宝玉梦醒后恍恍惚惚。袭人替他系裤带，觉出衣裳湿冷，心里明白了几分，羞得满脸通红。当晚宝玉把梦里的事细细说给她听，又拉她同试警幻所教之事。袭人知道贾母早已把自己给了宝玉，便不算越礼。从此宝玉待袭人与别人不同，袭人也越发尽心服侍他。

Far away in the country, the widow Grannie Liu lived with her son-in-law Gou'er, and winter was coming with nothing laid in. Her family had once claimed kinship with the Wangs, so she took grandson Ban'er to the city to beg. At the Rong mansion's stone lions, gatemen ignored her and sent her to wait by the wall. An old man finally directed her to the back gate.

41Far away in the country, the widow Grannie Liu lived with her son-in-law Gou'er, and winter was coming with nothing laid in. Her family had once claimed kinship with the Wangs, so she took grandson Ban'er to the city to beg. At the Rong mansion's stone lions, gatemen ignored her and sent her to wait by the wall. An old man finally directed her to the back gate.远在城外乡下，老寡妇刘姥姥跟着女婿狗儿过日子。眼看入冬，家里什么都没备下。狗儿家当年同王家连过宗，她便豁出老脸，领着外孙板儿进城去求。到了荣府石狮子前，她不敢往前走。门上那些挺胸叠肚的人不理她，只叫她到墙角等着。还是一位老者指点她绕到后门去。

Zhou Rui's wife, who owed Gou'er's family a favour, led them into Xifeng's apartments, where the finery made Grannie Liu's head swim. She took the silk-clad, gold-pinned Ping'er for the mistress, until she heard her called 'Miss Ping', a mere maid. Then a box on a pillar began knocking and swinging, and suddenly struck like a temple bell, making her jump.

42Zhou Rui's wife, who owed Gou'er's family a favour, led them into Xifeng's apartments, where the finery made Grannie Liu's head swim. She took the silk-clad, gold-pinned Ping'er for the mistress, until she heard her called 'Miss Ping', a mere maid. Then a box on a pillar began knocking and swinging, and suddenly struck like a temple bell, making her jump.周瑞家的念着旧情，把他们领进凤姐院里。满屋东西耀眼争光，刘姥姥只觉头晕眼花。她见平儿遍身绫罗、插金戴银，只当是凤姐，后来听人叫她“平姑娘”，才知道不过是个有体面的丫头。忽然柱子上挂的匣子咯当咯当响个不停，底下的秤砣乱晃，接着当的一声，好似金钟铜磬，吓了她一跳。

At last Xifeng received her, slowly poking the ashes in her hand-warmer. Grannie Liu stammered that her family had nothing to eat. Xifeng spoke of the great house's hidden hardships, making the old woman's heart sink. Then she had Ping'er bring twenty taels meant for the maids' winter clothes, plus cash for a cart. 'One hair from you is thicker than our waists!'

43At last Xifeng received her, slowly poking the ashes in her hand-warmer. Grannie Liu stammered that her family had nothing to eat. Xifeng spoke of the great house's hidden hardships, making the old woman's heart sink. Then she had Ping'er bring twenty taels meant for the maids' winter clothes, plus cash for a cart. 'One hair from you is thicker than our waists!'凤姐终于见了她，手里慢慢拨着手炉里的灰。刘姥姥话未出口，脸先红了，才吞吞吐吐说家里连吃的都没有。凤姐先说大家大户也有艰难，刘姥姥听得心里突突直跳。谁知凤姐随即叫平儿取来原给丫头们做衣裳的二十两银子，又加一吊钱雇车。刘姥姥喜得浑身发痒：“你老拔根寒毛比我们的腰还粗呢！”

After seeing Grannie Liu off, Zhou Rui's wife went to report at Pear Fragrance Court and found Baochai drawing embroidery patterns. Her lingering ailment, Baochai explained, was eased only by a scabby monk's Cold Fragrance Pill. It needed white stamens from all four seasons, and rain, dew, frost and snow gathered on exact solar days, each weighed in twelves. The pills lay buried under the pear tree.

44After seeing Grannie Liu off, Zhou Rui's wife went to report at Pear Fragrance Court and found Baochai drawing embroidery patterns. Her lingering ailment, Baochai explained, was eased only by a scabby monk's Cold Fragrance Pill. It needed white stamens from all four seasons, and rain, dew, frost and snow gathered on exact solar days, each weighed in twelves. The pills lay buried under the pear tree.送走刘姥姥，周瑞家的到梨香院回王夫人的话，见宝钗正在炕上描花样子。宝钗说，自己胎里带来的热毒，只有癞头和尚给的“冷香丸”压得住。春夏秋冬四季的白花蕊，加上雨水、白露、霜降、小雪那天的雨、露、霜、雪，样样都要十二两、十二钱，配成的药丸如今埋在梨花树底下。

Aunt Xue sent twelve palace gauze flowers for the girls. On her rounds Zhou Rui's wife questioned the maid Xiangling, really the stolen Yinglian, who remembered neither her parents nor her home. Xichun laughed that she might shave her head and become a nun. Last came Daiyu, who was playing with Baoyu. She said coldly that nobody gave her anything until the others had taken their pick.

45Aunt Xue sent twelve palace gauze flowers for the girls. On her rounds Zhou Rui's wife questioned the maid Xiangling, really the stolen Yinglian, who remembered neither her parents nor her home. Xichun laughed that she might shave her head and become a nun. Last came Daiyu, who was playing with Baoyu. She said coldly that nobody gave her anything until the others had taken their pick.薛姨妈托周瑞家的把十二枝宫制堆纱花分送给姊妹们。一路上，她拉着小丫头香菱细看，正是当年被拐的英莲，问起家乡父母，香菱只摇头说“不记得了”。惜春笑说明儿要剃了头做姑子，花儿倒没处戴。最后到宝玉房里，黛玉只看了一眼便冷笑，说别人不挑剩下的也不会给她。

Next day Baoyu went with Xifeng to the Ning mansion, and Keqing brought in her younger brother Qin Zhong, shy, handsome, and from a poor scholar's family. Each envied the other's lot. Beside him, Baoyu thought himself 'a mud pig, a mangy dog.' After a few words they felt like old friends, and agreed to study together at the clan school.

46Next day Baoyu went with Xifeng to the Ning mansion, and Keqing brought in her younger brother Qin Zhong, shy, handsome, and from a poor scholar's family. Each envied the other's lot. Beside him, Baoyu thought himself 'a mud pig, a mangy dog.' After a few words they felt like old friends, and agreed to study together at the clan school.第二天，宝玉跟凤姐到宁府做客，秦氏引见了自己的弟弟秦钟。秦钟眉清目秀，腼腆羞怯，倒有几分女儿态。宝玉一见，自觉成了“泥猪癞狗”，只恨自己生在侯门公府；秦钟却恨家境贫寒，不能早和他结交。两人到里间对坐，说了十来句话便越发亲密，约定一同到贾家家塾读书。

At nightfall the old servant Jiao Da, who had carried the family's founder from a heap of corpses, was sent drunk to take Qin Zhong home. He cursed the stewards, Jia Rong, then roared the family's shame: 'Fathers crawling in the ashes!' The terrified pages tied him in the stables and stuffed his mouth with dirt and dung. When Baoyu asked what he meant, Xifeng silenced him.

47At nightfall the old servant Jiao Da, who had carried the family's founder from a heap of corpses, was sent drunk to take Qin Zhong home. He cursed the stewards, Jia Rong, then roared the family's shame: 'Fathers crawling in the ashes!' The terrified pages tied him in the stables and stuffed his mouth with dirt and dung. When Baoyu asked what he meant, Xifeng silenced him.天黑后，派去送秦钟的偏是喝醉了的老仆焦大。当年正是他从死人堆里把太爷背了出来。他先骂管家，又骂贾蓉，最后连家丑也嚷了出来：“爬灰的爬灰，养小叔子的养小叔子！”众小厮吓得魂飞魄散，把他捆进马圈，用土和马粪填满了他的嘴。车上宝玉问什么是“爬灰”，被凤姐厉声喝住。

On a snowy afternoon Baoyu visited Baochai, who was getting over an illness at Pear Fragrance Court. She read the lines on his jade aloud. Her maid Yinger said they matched the words on her mistress's gold lock, and they did. When Yinger began, "A scabby-headed monk gave it—", Baochai cut her off and sent her for tea.

48On a snowy afternoon Baoyu visited Baochai, who was getting over an illness at Pear Fragrance Court. She read the lines on his jade aloud. Her maid Yinger said they matched the words on her mistress's gold lock, and they did. When Yinger began, "A scabby-headed monk gave it—", Baochai cut her off and sent her for tea.一个飘雪的下午，宝玉到梨香院看望养病的宝钗。宝钗细看通灵玉，念出上面的八个字。丫鬟莺儿说这和姑娘金锁上的字正好是一对，拿出来一对，果然如此。莺儿刚开口说“是个癞头和尚送的”，宝钗便嗔她不去倒茶，打断了她的话。

Daiyu came in and said that she had arrived at a bad time. Over Aunt Xue's wine, her little maid Xueyan brought a hand-warmer because Zijuan had sent it. Daiyu said Xueyan obeyed Zijuan faster than an imperial edict. Baoyu knew the jab was aimed at him, since he had just put down his cold wine on Baochai's advice.

49Daiyu came in and said that she had arrived at a bad time. Over Aunt Xue's wine, her little maid Xueyan brought a hand-warmer because Zijuan had sent it. Daiyu said Xueyan obeyed Zijuan faster than an imperial edict. Baoyu knew the jab was aimed at him, since he had just put down his cold wine on Baochai's advice.黛玉进门就笑说自己“来的不巧了”。薛姨妈摆酒时，小丫鬟雪雁奉紫鹃之命送来手炉，黛玉便说她听紫鹃的话“比圣旨还快些”。宝玉刚听了宝钗的劝，放下了冷酒，知道这话是冲着自己来的，只好嘻嘻地笑。

Nanny Li tried to stop the drinking by warning that Baoyu's father might test him on his books. Daiyu mocked her into giving up, and she went home. At dusk a maid jammed Baoyu's red felt hat on too roughly. Daiyu called him over, straightened it herself, tucked the brim in and lifted the crimson tassel. "There," she said. "Put your cape on."

50Nanny Li tried to stop the drinking by warning that Baoyu's father might test him on his books. Daiyu mocked her into giving up, and she went home. At dusk a maid jammed Baoyu's red felt hat on too roughly. Daiyu called him over, straightened it herself, tucked the brim in and lifted the crimson tassel. "There," she said. "Put your cape on."李嬷嬷拿老爷要问书来吓唬宝玉，想拦着他别再喝，被黛玉几句尖刻的话顶了回去，只好回家了。傍晚临走时，小丫头给宝玉戴大红猩毡斗笠，手太重。黛玉叫他过来，亲手替他理好，把笠沿掖在抹额上，扶起那颗绛绒簪缨，说：“好了，披上斗篷罢。”

Back in his room and still drunk, Baoyu found out that Nanny Li had taken the dumplings he had saved for Qingwen and drunk his maple-dew tea. He hurled his cup to the floor, splashing the maid Qianxue, and shouted that his wet nurse should be thrown out. Xiren had only been pretending to sleep. She got up and calmed him, offering to be sent away as well.

51Back in his room and still drunk, Baoyu found out that Nanny Li had taken the dumplings he had saved for Qingwen and drunk his maple-dew tea. He hurled his cup to the floor, splashing the maid Qianxue, and shouted that his wet nurse should be thrown out. Xiren had only been pretending to sleep. She got up and calmed him, offering to be sent away as well.回到房中，宝玉醉意未消，听说留给晴雯的豆腐皮包子被李嬷嬷拿走了，早上沏的枫露茶也被她喝了，便把茶杯往地下一摔，泼了茜雪一裙子，嚷着要撵走奶妈。一直装睡的袭人连忙起来劝他，说不如把她们一齐撵了，宝玉这才没了话。

Qin Zhong came to pay his respects, and the two boys set off for the clan school together. Jia Zheng asked what Baoyu had actually learned. The servant Li Gui knelt and said he had reached the third book of the Book of Songs: "'Yoo-yoo the deer cry, lotus leaves and duckweed.'" The garbled line made the whole study laugh, and even Jia Zheng laughed.

52Qin Zhong came to pay his respects, and the two boys set off for the clan school together. Jia Zheng asked what Baoyu had actually learned. The servant Li Gui knelt and said he had reached the third book of the Book of Songs: "'Yoo-yoo the deer cry, lotus leaves and duckweed.'" The garbled line made the whole study laugh, and even Jia Zheng laughed.秦钟来拜见贾母后，两人便约好一起上家塾。临行时贾政追问宝玉到底念了些什么书，跟班李贵吓得跪下磕头，说哥儿已念到第三本《诗经》，什么“呦呦鹿鸣，荷叶浮萍”。满座清客哄堂大笑，连贾政也忍不住笑了。

At school, Baoyu and Qin Zhong were inseparable and good-looking, and that started gossip. One day the master was away and Jia Rui was left in charge. Qin Zhong slipped into the back yard to talk with a pretty schoolmate nicknamed Xianglian. Jin Rong, whom Xue Pan used to favour, coughed behind them. He crowed that he had caught them, then spread lewd stories around the classroom.

53At school, Baoyu and Qin Zhong were inseparable and good-looking, and that started gossip. One day the master was away and Jia Rui was left in charge. Qin Zhong slipped into the back yard to talk with a pretty schoolmate nicknamed Xianglian. Jin Rong, whom Xue Pan used to favour, coughed behind them. He crowed that he had caught them, then spread lewd stories around the classroom.宝玉和秦钟形影不离，模样又都俊秀，学中早有人背地里说闲话。这天代儒有事回家，由贾瑞代管学堂。秦钟和绰号“香怜”的同学借故溜到后院说悄悄话，被曾经得薛蟠宠爱的金荣在背后咳嗽一声撞见了。金荣嚷着说“拿住了”，又回到学堂里满口胡说。

Jia Qiang quietly set Baoyu's page Mingyan on Jin Rong, and the schoolroom erupted. An inkstone flew. Little Jia Jun hurled a book box. Jin Rong swung a bamboo board and grazed Qin Zhong's head, and the other pages charged in with a door bar and whips. Li Gui finally shouted everyone down, and Jin Rong was made to kowtow to Qin Zhong.

54Jia Qiang quietly set Baoyu's page Mingyan on Jin Rong, and the schoolroom erupted. An inkstone flew. Little Jia Jun hurled a book box. Jin Rong swung a bamboo board and grazed Qin Zhong's head, and the other pages charged in with a door bar and whips. Li Gui finally shouted everyone down, and Jin Rong was made to kowtow to Qin Zhong.贾蔷暗中挑唆宝玉的书童茗烟去找金荣算账，学堂里顿时大乱：不知谁扔出一方砚台，小小的贾菌抡起书匣砸了过去，金荣抓起毛竹大板乱舞，把秦钟的头擦破了皮，其他小厮也拿着门闩马鞭一拥而上。直到李贵进来喝住众人，最后金荣被逼着给秦钟磕了头。

At home, Jin Rong's mother told him to swallow his pride, since the school fed him and Xue Pan's gifts helped the family. His aunt, Mrs Jia Huang, drove to the Ning mansion to complain anyway. There You-shi poured out her worry: Keqing was ill, and the school quarrel had upset her. Mrs Jia Huang's anger drained away, and she left without mentioning it.

55At home, Jin Rong's mother told him to swallow his pride, since the school fed him and Xue Pan's gifts helped the family. His aunt, Mrs Jia Huang, drove to the Ning mansion to complain anyway. There You-shi poured out her worry: Keqing was ill, and the school quarrel had upset her. Mrs Jia Huang's anger drained away, and she left without mentioning it.金荣回家后，母亲劝他忍气吞声：家塾里吃喝现成，薛大爷这两年也帮衬了不少银子。他姑妈璜大奶奶却气不过，坐车到宁府想讨个公道。谁知尤氏一见面就诉苦，说可卿病得不轻，又被兄弟在学里挨欺负的事气着了。璜大奶奶满腔怒气消得无影无踪，一句也没敢提就回去了。

Jia Jing refused to come home for his birthday, so Jia Zhen ordered two days of feasting without him. He also sent for Dr Zhang, a learned friend of Feng Ziying. After taking Keqing's pulse, Zhang said she was "clever to a fault" and proud, and that constant worry had worn her down. Recovery would depend on fate, but if she lasted the winter, there was hope by spring.

56Jia Jing refused to come home for his birthday, so Jia Zhen ordered two days of feasting without him. He also sent for Dr Zhang, a learned friend of Feng Ziying. After taking Keqing's pulse, Zhang said she was "clever to a fault" and proud, and that constant worry had worn her down. Recovery would depend on fate, but if she lasted the winter, there was hope by spring.贾敬不肯回家过寿，贾珍便吩咐在家照例摆两日筵席。他又托冯紫英请来博学的张友士先生为可卿诊病。先生诊过脉后说，大奶奶“心性高强聪明不过”，思虑太过，忧虑伤脾，病已被耽误。先生开了方子，说能否痊愈要看医缘，这一冬不相干，过了春分便有望。

For Jia Jing's birthday the Ning mansion held a family feast and staged opera among the chrysanthemums, though Jia Jing himself stayed away at his Taoist temple. Grandmother Jia sent her apologies too. At the meal You-shi told the ladies that Keqing had been ill for weeks. The new doctor said she was not pregnant but gravely ill.

57For Jia Jing's birthday the Ning mansion held a family feast and staged opera among the chrysanthemums, though Jia Jing himself stayed away at his Taoist temple. Grandmother Jia sent her apologies too. At the meal You-shi told the ladies that Keqing had been ill for weeks. The new doctor said she was not pregnant but gravely ill.贾敬生日那天，宁国府摆了家宴，还在菊花丛中搭台唱戏，贾敬本人却留在道观里没有回来。贾母也托人来说不能到场。席间尤氏告诉几位太太，可卿已经病了好些日子，新请的大夫说她不是有喜，而是得了重病。

Xifeng and Baoyu went on to Keqing's room and found her wasted thin. She said she had never had a chance to repay everyone's kindness. "I doubt I will live out the year." Baoyu had been gazing at the Begonia painting, remembering his dream in that very room. He began to weep without noticing, until Xifeng sent him away so he would not upset her.

58Xifeng and Baoyu went on to Keqing's room and found her wasted thin. She said she had never had a chance to repay everyone's kindness. "I doubt I will live out the year." Baoyu had been gazing at the Begonia painting, remembering his dream in that very room. He began to weep without noticing, until Xifeng sent him away so he would not upset her.凤姐和宝玉去看秦氏，见她已经瘦得不成样子。秦氏说，大家这样疼她，她却一天孝顺也没尽上，“我自己想着，未必熬得过年去呢。”宝玉正望着那幅《海棠春睡图》，想起自己在这间屋里做的那个梦，眼泪不知不觉就流了下来。凤姐怕惹病人伤心，赶紧打发他先走了。

Taking the garden path back to the opera, Xifeng was startled by Jia Rui, a poor cousin of the clan, who stepped out from behind the rockery and stared at her greedily. She answered him with false warmth, and he went off looking back at every step. Alone, she promised herself: "One day he'll die by my hand, and then he'll know what I can do."

59Taking the garden path back to the opera, Xifeng was startled by Jia Rui, a poor cousin of the clan, who stepped out from behind the rockery and stared at her greedily. She answered him with false warmth, and he went off looking back at every step. Alone, she promised herself: "One day he'll die by my hand, and then he'll know what I can do."凤姐从园中小路回去看戏，贾瑞突然从假山石后面闪出来，吓了她一跳。他是族里的穷亲戚，这时一双眼睛只管往她身上瞟。凤姐假意笑着敷衍了几句，贾瑞走开时一步一回头。等他走远，凤姐心里暗想：“几时叫他死在我的手里，他才知道我的手段！”

Winter came and Keqing lingered on. When Jia Rui called at the Rong mansion, Xifeng flirted with him and invited him to meet her in the west passageway after dark. He crept in at nightfall, and then both doors were bolted from outside. The walls were too high to climb. All night the December wind tore through the empty passage, and he nearly froze to death.

60Winter came and Keqing lingered on. When Jia Rui called at the Rong mansion, Xifeng flirted with him and invited him to meet her in the west passageway after dark. He crept in at nightfall, and then both doors were bolted from outside. The walls were too high to climb. All night the December wind tore through the empty passage, and he nearly froze to death.入冬以后，秦氏的病一直拖着。贾瑞来荣府找凤姐，凤姐和他说说笑笑，约他天黑后到西边穿堂里等她。贾瑞天一黑就溜了进去，没想到两头的门都从外面锁上了，墙又高，根本翻不出去。腊月的北风在空荡荡的穿堂里刮了一整夜，他差一点冻死。

At dawn he ran home. His grandfather Jia Dairu, the strict old schoolmaster who had raised him, did not believe his story about staying at an uncle's. He gave him thirty or forty strokes and made him kneel hungry in the windy courtyard until he had made up ten days' lessons. Even then, Jia Rui never suspected that Xifeng had tricked him.

61At dawn he ran home. His grandfather Jia Dairu, the strict old schoolmaster who had raised him, did not believe his story about staying at an uncle's. He gave him thirty or forty strokes and made him kneel hungry in the windy courtyard until he had made up ten days' lessons. Even then, Jia Rui never suspected that Xifeng had tricked him.天亮后贾瑞逃回家。祖父贾代儒一手把他带大，管教极严，不信他说在舅舅家住了一夜，狠狠打了他三四十板子，又不许吃饭，让他跪在院子里读文章，补足十天的功课。贾瑞冻了一夜又挨打挨饿，苦不堪言，却还是没想到是凤姐在捉弄他。

He came back to Xifeng, and she set a second trap in an empty room behind her apartment. In the dark he grabbed the person waiting for him, until Jia Qiang's lamp showed it was Jia Rong on the kang. Threatened with exposure, Jia Rui signed an IOU for fifty taels to each of them. Then, crouching under the terrace steps, he was drenched with a bucket of filth.

62He came back to Xifeng, and she set a second trap in an empty room behind her apartment. In the dark he grabbed the person waiting for him, until Jia Qiang's lamp showed it was Jia Rong on the kang. Threatened with exposure, Jia Rui signed an IOU for fifty taels to each of them. Then, crouching under the terrace steps, he was drenched with a bucket of filth.过了两天贾瑞又来找凤姐，凤姐又设了一个圈套，约他到自己房后夹道里的空屋相会。黑暗中他一把抱住来人，贾蔷举灯一照，炕上的人原来是贾蓉。两人要去告发他，贾瑞只好各写了一张五十两的欠契。随后他被藏在台阶底下，头顶上一桶尿粪正好浇了他一身。

Lovesick, in debt and weakened by cold, he wasted away. A lame Taoist gave him a mirror that showed images on both sides. He warned him to look only at the back. The back showed a skeleton. The front showed Xifeng beckoning, and Jia Rui went in to her again and again, until chains came for him. He died holding the mirror, the side he chose facing him.

63Lovesick, in debt and weakened by cold, he wasted away. A lame Taoist gave him a mirror that showed images on both sides. He warned him to look only at the back. The back showed a skeleton. The front showed Xifeng beckoning, and Jia Rui went in to her again and again, until chains came for him. He died holding the mirror, the side he chose facing him.贾瑞又害相思，又欠着债，加上两回受冻，终于一病不起。一个跛脚道士送给他一面两面都能照人的“风月宝鉴”，叮嘱他只能照背面。背面照出来的是一具骷髅；正面却是凤姐站在里面向他招手。他一次又一次走进镜子，直到被人用铁锁套走，死时手里还拿着那面镜子，照的仍是正面。

That winter a letter came from Lin Ruhai. He was gravely ill and wanted his daughter home. Grandmother Jia got Daiyu ready in a hurry and sent Jia Lian to escort her and bring her back afterwards. Baoyu was miserable but could not come between a father and his daughter. Jia Lian and Daiyu took their leave and boarded a boat for Yangzhou.

64That winter a letter came from Lin Ruhai. He was gravely ill and wanted his daughter home. Grandmother Jia got Daiyu ready in a hurry and sent Jia Lian to escort her and bring her back afterwards. Baoyu was miserable but could not come between a father and his daughter. Jia Lian and Daiyu took their leave and boarded a boat for Yangzhou.这年冬末，林如海来信说自己病得很重，要接黛玉回去。贾母心里发愁，只好赶紧给黛玉收拾行装，派贾琏送她去，嘱咐以后还要带回来。宝玉心里很不自在，可这是父女之情，也不好拦着。贾琏和黛玉辞别了众人，坐船往扬州去了。

Late one night, with Jia Lian away in Yangzhou, Xifeng dreamed that Qin Keqing came to say goodbye. She warned that the family had flourished for a hundred years and would one day fall: buy land near the ancestral graves, so the rites and the school could survive a ruin. A great celebration was coming, she said, but it would last only a moment.

65Late one night, with Jia Lian away in Yangzhou, Xifeng dreamed that Qin Keqing came to say goodbye. She warned that the family had flourished for a hundred years and would one day fall: buy land near the ancestral graves, so the rites and the school could survive a ruin. A great celebration was coming, she said, but it would last only a moment.贾琏送黛玉去了扬州，一天深夜，凤姐梦见秦可卿来向她告别。可卿说贾家已经兴旺了将近百年，总有一天会败落，劝她趁现在富贵，在祖坟附近多买些田庄房舍，以后祭祀和家塾就都有了着落。她又说不久会有一件大喜事，可那热闹只是一时的。

Before Xifeng could ask more, the cloud-shaped gong at the inner gate rang four times and woke her. A servant called out that the young mistress of the Ning mansion was dead. Xifeng broke into a cold sweat, dressed in haste and went to Lady Wang. The whole household mourned Keqing, and many quietly wondered at her death.

66Before Xifeng could ask more, the cloud-shaped gong at the inner gate rang four times and woke her. A servant called out that the young mistress of the Ning mansion was dead. Xifeng broke into a cold sweat, dressed in haste and went to Lady Wang. The whole household mourned Keqing, and many quietly wondered at her death.凤姐还想再问，二门上的云板忽然连敲四下，把她惊醒了。有人来报：“东府蓉大奶奶没了。”凤姐吓出一身冷汗，赶紧穿好衣服去见王夫人。全家上下都为可卿痛哭，也有不少人心里暗暗起疑。

Baoyu had gone to bed early, lonely since Daiyu left. When he heard in his sleep that Keqing was dead, he felt as if a knife had gone into his heart, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood. Xiren rushed to hold him up, but he insisted it was nothing and demanded to go to the Ning mansion at once.

67Baoyu had gone to bed early, lonely since Daiyu left. When he heard in his sleep that Keqing was dead, he felt as if a knife had gone into his heart, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood. Xiren rushed to hold him up, but he insisted it was nothing and demanded to go to the Ning mansion at once.黛玉走后，宝玉一个人冷冷清清，每天很早就睡了。他在睡梦中听说秦氏死了，心里像被刀扎了一下，“哇”的一声吐出一口血来。袭人慌忙上前扶住他，宝玉却说不要紧，只是急火攻心，坚持要马上赶去宁府。

Jia Zhen wept as though he had lost more than a son. "I'll spend everything I have," he said. Rites were held for forty-nine days by 108 monks and ninety-nine Taoists; Xue Pan gave him coffin planks meant for a disgraced prince, which Jia Zheng thought too grand; and Zhen paid the eunuch Dai Quan 1,200 taels to buy Jia Rong a rank.

68Jia Zhen wept as though he had lost more than a son. "I'll spend everything I have," he said. Rites were held for forty-nine days by 108 monks and ninety-nine Taoists; Xue Pan gave him coffin planks meant for a disgraced prince, which Jia Zheng thought too grand; and Zhen paid the eunuch Dai Quan 1,200 taels to buy Jia Rong a rank.贾珍哭得像泪人一样，说儿媳比儿子还强十倍，又说：“不过尽我所有罢了！”他请了一百零八位和尚、九十九位道士做四十九天法事。薛蟠送来一副樯木棺板，本来是为一位坏了事的亲王准备的，贾政劝他太过分了，他也不听。他还花一千二百两银子，托太监戴权给贾蓉买了个五品龙禁尉的官衔。

Then came strange news: Keqing's maid Ruizhu, seeing her mistress dead, had dashed her head against a pillar and died. The clan marvelled, and Jia Zhen buried her with the honours of a granddaughter. Another young maid, Baozhu, offered to act as Keqing's daughter and lead the mourning, and from then on everyone called her 'miss'.

69Then came strange news: Keqing's maid Ruizhu, seeing her mistress dead, had dashed her head against a pillar and died. The clan marvelled, and Jia Zhen buried her with the honours of a granddaughter. Another young maid, Baozhu, offered to act as Keqing's daughter and lead the mourning, and from then on everyone called her 'miss'.不久又传来一件怪事：可卿的丫鬟瑞珠见主人死了，也一头撞在柱子上死了。族里人都感叹不已，贾珍便按孙女的礼数把她入殓。另一个小丫鬟宝珠见可卿没有儿女，情愿认她做义女，替她摔丧驾灵，从此大家都叫宝珠“小姐”。

With You-shi ill in bed, Jia Zhen had no one to run the women's side. On Baoyu's suggestion he came, leaning on a cane, and begged Xifeng to take charge for a month. Lady Wang hesitated, but Xifeng was eager. Jia Zhen handed over the Ning tally token, and Baoyu pressed it into her hands.

70With You-shi ill in bed, Jia Zhen had no one to run the women's side. On Baoyu's suggestion he came, leaning on a cane, and begged Xifeng to take charge for a month. Lady Wang hesitated, but Xifeng was eager. Jia Zhen handed over the Ning tally token, and Baoyu pressed it into her hands.尤氏旧病发作，躺在床上，里面的事没人料理。宝玉给贾珍出主意，贾珍便拄着拐杖进来，苦苦求凤姐来协理一个月。王夫人怕她没经过丧事，有些犹豫，凤姐却巴不得揽下来。贾珍取出宁国府的对牌，宝玉接过来，硬塞到凤姐手里。

At dawn the next day Xifeng called the Ning servants in one by one from the register. Each group got one job only: serving tea, keeping the altar, guarding the cups and dishes, keeping the lamps, the night watch. Anything lost would be paid for by whoever was in charge, and she set fixed hours for the roll call and for collecting tallies.

71At dawn the next day Xifeng called the Ning servants in one by one from the register. Each group got one job only: serving tea, keeping the altar, guarding the cups and dishes, keeping the lamps, the night watch. Anything lost would be paid for by whoever was in charge, and she set fixed hours for the roll call and for collecting tallies.第二天清早，凤姐让彩明按花名册把宁府的仆妇一个个叫进来看过，再分成几班，每班只管一件事：有的倒茶待客，有的守灵上香，有的看管杯碟器皿，有的管灯油蜡烛，有的轮流值夜。东西丢了，就由管那一处的人赔。点卯、领牌也都定了时辰。

On the fifth day of the fifth week, one woman who greeted guests arrived late. She begged to be let off once, but Xifeng refused: if she forgave the first, no one could be managed. "Take her out and give her twenty strokes!" She threw down the tally, docked the woman a month's pay, and after that the whole mansion feared her.

72On the fifth day of the fifth week, one woman who greeted guests arrived late. She begged to be let off once, but Xifeng refused: if she forgave the first, no one could be managed. "Take her out and give her twenty strokes!" She threw down the tally, docked the woman a month's pay, and after that the whole mansion feared her.五七的第五天点卯，只有一个负责迎送亲客的人来迟了。她求饶说只是睡过了头，凤姐却说头一回宽了，以后就难管了。她沉下脸喝道：“带出去，打二十板子！”又扔下对牌，革了她一个月的月钱。从此宁府上下都知道凤姐的厉害，谁也不敢偷懒了。

While Baoyu and Qin Zhong were teasing Xifeng about the tallies, Zhao'er arrived from Suzhou. Lin Ruhai had died on the third day of the ninth month, and Jia Lian was taking Daiyu to bury him, returning at the year's end. "Your cousin Lin will be living with us for good now," Xifeng told Baoyu, who sighed, picturing Daiyu weeping.

73While Baoyu and Qin Zhong were teasing Xifeng about the tallies, Zhao'er arrived from Suzhou. Lin Ruhai had died on the third day of the ninth month, and Jia Lian was taking Daiyu to bury him, returning at the year's end. "Your cousin Lin will be living with us for good now," Xifeng told Baoyu, who sighed, picturing Daiyu weeping.宝玉和秦钟正缠着凤姐要对牌，贾琏派去苏州的小厮昭儿回来了。他禀报说，林姑老爷九月初三巳时去世，二爷带着林姑娘送灵柩回苏州，大约年底才回来。凤姐对宝玉说：“你林妹妹可在咱们家住长了。”宝玉皱着眉长叹，想着黛玉这几天不知哭成什么样子。

On the day of the burial the procession stretched for miles, full of dukes, marquises and their heirs. At the fourth roadside pavilion, the young Prince of Beijing, Shui Rong, waited in mourning white and greeted the Jia men as old family friends. Then he asked Jia Zheng which of them was the boy born with jade in his mouth, and Baoyu was sent for.

74On the day of the burial the procession stretched for miles, full of dukes, marquises and their heirs. At the fourth roadside pavilion, the young Prince of Beijing, Shui Rong, waited in mourning white and greeted the Jia men as old family friends. Then he asked Jia Zheng which of them was the boy born with jade in his mouth, and Baoyu was sent for.出殡那天，送葬的公侯子弟络绎不绝，队伍一连排出三四里。路边搭着各王府的祭棚，第四座是北静王的。年轻的北静王水溶穿着素服，在棚前等候，以世交的礼节接待贾家的人。他问贾政：“那一位是衔宝而诞者？”贾政连忙叫人让宝玉脱去孝服，带他过去。

On the funeral road, the Prince of Beijing reached from his sedan chair to take Baoyu's hand. He studied the jade and warned Jia Zheng not to let the boy be spoiled. Then he slipped a string of fragrant beads from his own wrist, a gift from the Emperor, and gave it to Baoyu as a first-meeting present.

75On the funeral road, the Prince of Beijing reached from his sedan chair to take Baoyu's hand. He studied the jade and warned Jia Zheng not to let the boy be spoiled. Then he slipped a string of fragrant beads from his own wrist, a gift from the Emperor, and gave it to Baoyu as a first-meeting present.送殡路上，北静王水溶从轿中伸手拉住宝玉，细看了那块通灵玉，又劝贾政不要溺爱儿子。随后他从自己腕上褪下一串圣上亲赐的鹡鸰香念珠，送给宝玉当见面礼。

When Xifeng stopped at a farmhouse to rest, Baoyu wandered among ploughs and hoes he had never seen. He was turning a spinning wheel for fun when a village girl ran in: 'Don't break it!' She sat and spun for him until an old woman called her away. Baoyu watched her go, and felt the day go flat.

76When Xifeng stopped at a farmhouse to rest, Baoyu wandered among ploughs and hoes he had never seen. He was turning a spinning wheel for fun when a village girl ran in: 'Don't break it!' She sat and spun for him until an old woman called her away. Baoyu watched her go, and felt the day go flat.凤姐在一户庄稼人家歇脚，宝玉四处闲逛，连锄头犁耙都没见过。他正拧着纺车玩，一个村姑跑来嚷道：“别动坏了！”便坐下纺给他看。不多时老婆子来唤，二丫头丢下纺车就走了，宝玉怅然无趣。

That night at Water Moon Convent, the abbess Jingxu begged Xifeng to break the rich Zhang family's daughter's betrothal to a captain's son. Xifeng refused until Jingxu hinted that the Jias lacked the power. 'I've never believed in hell or retribution,' Xifeng said. 'Have them bring three thousand taels.' A forged letter in Jia Lian's name settled it.

77That night at Water Moon Convent, the abbess Jingxu begged Xifeng to break the rich Zhang family's daughter's betrothal to a captain's son. Xifeng refused until Jingxu hinted that the Jias lacked the power. 'I've never believed in hell or retribution,' Xifeng said. 'Have them bring three thousand taels.' A forged letter in Jia Lian's name settled it.当晚在水月庵，老尼净虚求凤姐出面，替张财主家退掉女儿金哥和守备公子的婚约。凤姐先是推辞，净虚便激她说府里连这点手段都没有。凤姐道：“我从来不信什么阴司地狱报应。叫他拿三千银子来。”随后来旺假托贾琏之名写信，事便办成了。

Meanwhile Qin Zhong and the young nun Zhineng had grown sweet on each other. When she brought tea, both boys snatched at the bowl. Later that night Qin Zhong blew out her lamp and pulled her down in the dark, until Baoyu crept in and caught them, laughing. Qin Zhong then talked Baoyu into staying another day.

78Meanwhile Qin Zhong and the young nun Zhineng had grown sweet on each other. When she brought tea, both boys snatched at the bowl. Later that night Qin Zhong blew out her lamp and pulled her down in the dark, until Baoyu crept in and caught them, laughing. Qin Zhong then talked Baoyu into staying another day.秦钟和小尼姑智能早已情投意合。智能端茶来，两个少年争着要。当夜秦钟趁黑吹灭了灯，把智能抱上炕去，却被悄悄摸进来的宝玉按住，笑着撞破。秦钟舍不得她，又撺掇宝玉求凤姐多住一天。

The captain swallowed his anger and took back his betrothal gifts. But when Jin'ge heard the match was broken, she quietly hanged herself with a hemp cord, and her young betrothed, just as loyal, drowned himself in the river. Xifeng kept the three thousand taels, and Lady Wang never heard a word. From then on Xifeng grew bolder.

79The captain swallowed his anger and took back his betrothal gifts. But when Jin'ge heard the match was broken, she quietly hanged herself with a hemp cord, and her young betrothed, just as loyal, drowned himself in the river. Xifeng kept the three thousand taels, and Lady Wang never heard a word. From then on Xifeng grew bolder.守备只得忍气吞声收回聘礼。谁知金哥听说退了前夫，悄悄用一条麻绳上吊自尽；守备之子得知，也投河而死，不负她的情义。凤姐白得三千两银子，王夫人等一点风声也不知道。从此她胆子越来越大。

On Jia Zheng's birthday a palace eunuch rode in without any edict, summoned him to court at once, and left. For hours the family waited in dread. Then the steward Lai Da ran in gasping: the eldest daughter, Yuanchun, had been made Worthy and Virtuous Consort. Fear turned to rejoicing, and Grandmother Jia went to court in full dress to give thanks.

80On Jia Zheng's birthday a palace eunuch rode in without any edict, summoned him to court at once, and left. For hours the family waited in dread. Then the steward Lai Da ran in gasping: the eldest daughter, Yuanchun, had been made Worthy and Virtuous Consort. Fear turned to rejoicing, and Grandmother Jia went to court in full dress to give thanks.贾政生辰那天，六宫都太监夏守忠忽然骑马来到，宣贾政立即入朝，茶也不喝就走了。全家惶惶不安，等了两个时辰，管家赖大才喘吁吁跑来报喜：大小姐元春晋封凤藻宫尚书，加封贤德妃。众人转忧为喜，贾母按品大妆，入朝谢恩。

In the middle of the rejoicing, Zhineng ran away from the convent to visit the sick Qin Zhong. His old father found her, drove her out, beat his son, and within days died of rage. Frail and guilt-stricken, Qin Zhong grew worse. Baoyu, sick at heart for him, barely noticed his sister's glory.

81In the middle of the rejoicing, Zhineng ran away from the convent to visit the sick Qin Zhong. His old father found her, drove her out, beat his son, and within days died of rage. Frail and guilt-stricken, Qin Zhong grew worse. Baoyu, sick at heart for him, barely noticed his sister's glory.阖府欢庆之际，智能从水月庵私逃进城来看秦钟，被秦业发觉赶了出去。秦业把儿子打了一顿，自己气得旧病复发，没几天就死了。秦钟本就病弱，又悔又痛，病越发重了。宝玉为他闷闷不乐，对元春晋封的喜事也全不放在心上。

Jia Lian brought Daiyu home at last. Her father had been buried, and she was an orphan now. After tears she busied herself with her books and handed out brushes and paper. When Baoyu gave her the Prince's precious bracelet, she flung it back. 'Some stinking man has handled it! I don't want it.'

82Jia Lian brought Daiyu home at last. Her father had been buried, and she was an orphan now. After tears she busied herself with her books and handed out brushes and paper. When Baoyu gave her the Prince's precious bracelet, she flung it back. 'Some stinking man has handled it! I don't want it.'贾琏终于带着黛玉回来了。林如海已经葬入祖坟，黛玉从此成了孤女。大家相见大哭一场，她又忙着收拾带来的书籍，分送纸笔。宝玉郑重地取出北静王送的鹡鸰香串转送给她，黛玉却扔了回去：“什么臭男人拿过的！我不要它。”

The elders marked out a vast garden across both mansions for the Consort's home visit. Then Mingyan brought word that Qin Zhong was dying. Ghostly officers had come for his soul, but at the name 'Baoyu' they let him back for a moment. He whispered, 'We thought ourselves wiser than the world. You must seek an official career,' and was gone.

83The elders marked out a vast garden across both mansions for the Consort's home visit. Then Mingyan brought word that Qin Zhong was dying. Ghostly officers had come for his soul, but at the name 'Baoyu' they let him back for a moment. He whispered, 'We thought ourselves wiser than the world. You must seek an official career,' and was gone.长辈们丈量两府地界，要为元妃省亲修建一座大园子。这时茗烟来报，秦钟不行了。鬼判已来勾他的魂，一听“宝玉”二字，才放他回来片刻。秦钟叹道：“以前你我自以为见识高过世人，如今才知自误了。以后还该立志功名。”说罢便去了。

When the garden built for the Imperial Consort's visit was finished, Jia Zheng toured it with his literary guests and brought Baoyu along to test him. From the rockery to the bamboo lodge, the farmstead, the fragrant court and the crab-apple court, the guests offered stale names on purpose. Baoyu kept finding fresh ones, such as 'Seeping Fragrance' for the bridge pavilion.

84When the garden built for the Imperial Consort's visit was finished, Jia Zheng toured it with his literary guests and brought Baoyu along to test him. From the rockery to the bamboo lodge, the farmstead, the fragrant court and the crab-apple court, the guests offered stale names on purpose. Baoyu kept finding fresh ones, such as 'Seeping Fragrance' for the bridge pavilion.为元妃省亲修建的园子落成后，贾政带着一班清客进园游览，也叫上宝玉，想考考他。从假山、竹林小院、田庄，到满是香草的院落和种着海棠的院子，清客们故意只说些俗套的名字，宝玉却总能想出新意来，比如给桥上的亭子题了“沁芳”二字。

At the lodge in the bamboo grove, the guests' four-word names were all old borrowings. Baoyu said the first place the Consort entered should honour her, and proposed 'Where the Phoenix Alights'. The guests cheered. His father glared and scolded him, yet nodded, secretly pleased: "Beast! Beast! Peering at the sky through a tube."

85At the lodge in the bamboo grove, the guests' four-word names were all old borrowings. Baoyu said the first place the Consort entered should honour her, and proposed 'Where the Phoenix Alights'. The guests cheered. His father glared and scolded him, yet nodded, secretly pleased: "Beast! Beast! Peering at the sky through a tube."到了竹林中的小院，清客们题的四字匾名都是从古人那里搬来的旧句。宝玉说，这是贵妃进园后到的第一处，应当颂扬贵妃，便提出“有凤来仪”四字，众人齐声叫好。贾政嘴上骂他“畜生，畜生”，说他见识浅，却点了点头，心里暗暗得意。

At the thatched farmstead Jia Zheng felt a longing for country life and asked Baoyu's opinion. Baoyu said the phoenix lodge was far better. The farm was a fake: no village nearby, hills with no ridge behind them, water with no source. "It is forced into a place where it does not belong." His father ordered him thrown out, then called him back to write a couplet.

86At the thatched farmstead Jia Zheng felt a longing for country life and asked Baoyu's opinion. Baoyu said the phoenix lodge was far better. The farm was a fake: no village nearby, hills with no ridge behind them, water with no source. "It is forced into a place where it does not belong." His father ordered him thrown out, then called him back to write a couplet.到了茅舍田庄，贾政动了归隐务农的念头，问宝玉觉得怎样。宝玉说这里远不如“有凤来仪”。他认为这田庄是人工硬造出来的：附近没有村子，背后的山没有来脉，面前的水没有源头，“不是它该在的地方，硬造出来，终究不相宜。”贾政气得喝令把他叉出去，刚出去又叫回来，让他再题一副对联。

Before the main hall stood a white marble archway carved with coiling dragons. Baoyu stopped short. He felt he had seen it before, somewhere he could not remember: it was the arch of his dream in the Land of Illusion. Lost in thought, he could not produce a name. The guests thought he was exhausted, and his father gave him one day to think of one.

87Before the main hall stood a white marble archway carved with coiling dragons. Baoyu stopped short. He felt he had seen it before, somewhere he could not remember: it was the arch of his dream in the Land of Illusion. Lost in thought, he could not produce a name. The guests thought he was exhausted, and his father gave him one day to think of one.正殿前立着一座白玉石牌坊，上面雕着盘龙。宝玉一见就愣住了，觉得好像在哪里见过，却一时想不起来。那正是他在太虚幻境梦里见过的牌坊。他只顾出神，一个字也题不出来。众人以为他被考了半天，已经累了，贾政便限他一天，明天再题。

Afterwards the pages stripped Baoyu of every trinket as their reward. Daiyu thought the purse she had made him was gone too. In a temper she cut up the sachet she was sewing for him. Then Baoyu drew her purse out from under his inner red jacket, where he kept it safe. She was ashamed and wept, and they quarrelled before laughing again.

88Afterwards the pages stripped Baoyu of every trinket as their reward. Daiyu thought the purse she had made him was gone too. In a temper she cut up the sachet she was sewing for him. Then Baoyu drew her purse out from under his inner red jacket, where he kept it safe. She was ashamed and wept, and they quarrelled before laughing again.游园结束后，小厮们以讨赏为名，把宝玉身上的佩物全解走了。黛玉以为自己给他做的荷包也被拿走了，一气之下，把正给他做的、还只做了一半的香袋剪破了。宝玉却解开衣领，从贴身的红袄里掏出她那个荷包，原来他一直贴身收着。黛玉又羞又恼，哭了起来。两人拌了几句嘴，最后又笑了。

Preparations filled the autumn. At Pear Fragrance Court, Jia Qiang drilled twelve girl actresses he had bought in Suzhou. Young nuns and Taoist novices were bought for the garden's shrines. Miaoyu, an official's daughter who lived as a lay nun, would not come: "Noble houses crush people with their rank." She only accepted a formal written invitation.

89Preparations filled the autumn. At Pear Fragrance Court, Jia Qiang drilled twelve girl actresses he had bought in Suzhou. Young nuns and Taoist novices were bought for the garden's shrines. Miaoyu, an official's daughter who lived as a lay nun, would not come: "Noble houses crush people with their rank." She only accepted a formal written invitation.整个秋天都在忙着筹备。梨香院里，贾蔷教着从苏州买来的十二个唱戏的女孩子排练，又为园中的庵观买来一批小尼姑和小道姑。妙玉原是官宦人家的小姐，带发修行，起初不肯来：“侯门公府，必以贵势压人。”直到王夫人下了正式的请帖，她才答应。

The Emperor allowed the Consort to visit home on the fifteenth of the first month, the Lantern Festival. From before dawn the family waited in full court dress. Only after dark did pairs of mounted eunuchs appear, then banners, incense burners, a golden umbrella, and at last the golden phoenix sedan. Grandmother Jia and the ladies knelt by the road.

90The Emperor allowed the Consort to visit home on the fifteenth of the first month, the Lantern Festival. From before dawn the family waited in full court dress. Only after dark did pairs of mounted eunuchs appear, then banners, incense burners, a golden umbrella, and at last the golden phoenix sedan. Grandmother Jia and the ladies knelt by the road.皇上准贵妃在正月十五元宵节回家省亲。一家人从五更起就按品级穿戴整齐等候，直到天黑，才见一对对太监骑马而来。随后是旗幡、香炉和黄金曲柄伞，最后是金顶绣凤的版舆。贾母和女眷们连忙在路旁跪下。

In Grandmother Jia's rooms, Yuanchun took her grandmother's hand and her mother's hand, and all three wept without a word. "You sent me to a place where I can see no one," she said at last. Through a curtain she told her father that poor families at least lived together. Then she held Baoyu close and cried again.

91In Grandmother Jia's rooms, Yuanchun took her grandmother's hand and her mother's hand, and all three wept without a word. "You sent me to a place where I can see no one," she said at last. Through a curtain she told her father that poor families at least lived together. Then she held Baoyu close and cried again.到了贾母的正房，元春一手拉着祖母，一手拉着母亲，三人满心的话都说不出来，只是相对哭泣。过了好半天，她才说：“当日既送我到那不得见人的去处……”后来隔着帘子，她对父亲说，贫寒人家虽然只有粗茶淡饭，一家人却能团聚。随后她把宝玉搂在怀里，又哭了起来。

Yuanchun named the whole garden 'Grand View' and asked for poems. When Baoyu wrote 'green jade', Baochai quietly warned him that the Consort had just changed that phrase, and told him to write 'green wax' instead. Daiyu secretly wrote his last poem for him and flicked it over as a paper pellet. Yuanchun judged it the best of all.

92Yuanchun named the whole garden 'Grand View' and asked for poems. When Baoyu wrote 'green jade', Baochai quietly warned him that the Consort had just changed that phrase, and told him to write 'green wax' instead. Daiyu secretly wrote his last poem for him and flicked it over as a paper pellet. Yuanchun judged it the best of all.元春给整座园子赐名“大观园”，并命众人作诗。宝玉写了“绿玉”二字，宝钗悄悄提醒他，贵妃刚改掉了这两个字，叫他把“玉”改成“蜡”。黛玉暗中替他作了最后一首“杏帘在望”，写在纸条上，搓成团扔给他。元春读后认为这一首是他几首中最好的。

There were operas, prayers at the garden's temple, and gifts for everyone in the household. Then, in the dark hours before dawn, a eunuch announced that it was time to return. In tears, Yuanchun held her grandmother's and mother's hands a long while: "Next time, you must not be so extravagant." Palace rules could not be broken, so she steeled herself and was carried away.

93There were operas, prayers at the garden's temple, and gifts for everyone in the household. Then, in the dark hours before dawn, a eunuch announced that it was time to return. In tears, Yuanchun held her grandmother's and mother's hands a long while: "Next time, you must not be so extravagant." Palace rules could not be broken, so she steeled herself and was carried away.当晚还演了戏，贵妃到园中佛寺进香，并给阖府上下颁了赏赐。天快亮时，太监跪下启奏，时辰已到，请贵妃回宫。元春泪流满面，紧紧拉着祖母和母亲的手，久久不放，嘱咐道：“倘明岁天恩仍许归省，万不可如此奢华靡费了！”只是宫里的规矩违背不得，她只得狠下心上了版舆离去。

Bored by the noisy opera at the Ning mansion, Baoyu wandered off and caught his page Mingyan with a maid named Wan'er, and let the frightened girl run away. Then he made Mingyan take him secretly to Xiren's home. Her family crowded round in alarm, and Xiren, half-scolding, gave him her own cushion and hand-warmer.

1Bored by the noisy opera at the Ning mansion, Baoyu wandered off and caught his page Mingyan with a maid named Wan'er, and let the frightened girl run away. Then he made Mingyan take him secretly to Xiren's home. Her family crowded round in alarm, and Xiren, half-scolding, gave him her own cushion and hand-warmer.宁府的戏锣鼓喧天，宝玉嫌吵，独自走开，撞见小厮茗烟和丫头卍儿私会，便放那女孩跑了。随后他让茗烟悄悄带自己去袭人家。花家上下又惊又慌，袭人一面埋怨他胡闹，一面把自己的坐褥和手炉都给了他。

Back at home, Xiren found that Nanny Li had eaten the junket Baoyu had saved her, and smoothed it over by asking for chestnuts instead. While he peeled them by the lamp, she sighed that her mother meant to buy her freedom next year. Baoyu stopped peeling. "You're going home?"

2Back at home, Xiren found that Nanny Li had eaten the junket Baoyu had saved her, and smoothed it over by asking for chestnuts instead. While he peeled them by the lamp, she sighed that her mother meant to buy her freedom next year. Baoyu stopped peeling. "You're going home?"袭人回来时，宝玉特意留给她的酥酪已被李嬷嬷赌气吃光了。她不愿为此生事，只说想吃风干栗子。宝玉在灯下替她剥栗子，她却叹气说，母亲和哥哥明年要来赎她出去。宝玉手里的栗子掉了下来：“怎么，你要回去了？”

She argued so firmly that Baoyu went to bed in tears. Only then did Xiren relent: she would stay if he promised three things. Drop the morbid talk of turning into smoke, pretend to love study in front of his father, and stop eating the rouge off girls' lips. He swore to everything.

3She argued so firmly that Baoyu went to bed in tears. Only then did Xiren relent: she would stay if he promised three things. Drop the morbid talk of turning into smoke, pretend to love study in front of his father, and stop eating the rouge off girls' lips. He swore to everything.袭人把去留的道理说得毫无余地，宝玉赌气睡下，泪流满面。她这才松口：只要他答应几件事，刀架在脖子上也不走。一是不许再说化灰化烟的疯话，二是在老爷面前装出爱读书的样子，三是再不许吃人嘴上的胭脂。宝玉满口都答应了。

Next day Xiren lay ill with a chill, so Baoyu went to keep Daiyu from sleeping off her lunch. Sharing a pillow face to face, he made up a tale: a tiny rat-spirit volunteered to steal the 'fragrant taro', then turned into a lovely young lady, because the real 'fragrant jade' was Miss Lin.

4Next day Xiren lay ill with a chill, so Baoyu went to keep Daiyu from sleeping off her lunch. Sharing a pillow face to face, he made up a tale: a tiny rat-spirit volunteered to steal the 'fragrant taro', then turned into a lovely young lady, because the real 'fragrant jade' was Miss Lin.第二天袭人受了风寒躺下，宝玉便去看黛玉，怕她饭后贪睡积了食。两人面对面各枕一个枕头，宝玉编出一段“扬州黛山林子洞”的故事：一只小耗子精领命去偷香芋，摇身一变，却成了个美貌小姐，说林老爷的小姐才是真正的“香玉”。

Daiyu pinched him for the tease, and Baochai joined in the joking, until Nanny Li's shouting broke out in Baoyu's rooms. She was cursing the sick Xiren as a scheming little hussy, until Xifeng coaxed her away. That evening Baoyu combed Sheyue's hair, and Qingwen, passing through, sneered at them.

5Daiyu pinched him for the tease, and Baochai joined in the joking, until Nanny Li's shouting broke out in Baoyu's rooms. She was cursing the sick Xiren as a scheming little hussy, until Xifeng coaxed her away. That evening Baoyu combed Sheyue's hair, and Qingwen, passing through, sneered at them.黛玉拧得宝玉连连求饶，宝钗也来凑趣。忽听宝玉房里吵闹起来，原来李嬷嬷又在骂生病的袭人哄主子，直到凤姐连哄带拉地把她带走。当晚宝玉替麝月篦头，晴雯进来取钱，冷笑讥讽了两句。

At Aunt Xue's, Jia Huan lost at dice to the maid Yinger, grabbed the die that showed a one, and claimed a six. Baochai made Yinger give way, but when Yinger grumbled he burst into tears. "You all bully me because I'm not Lady Wang's son." Baoyu sent him off, and at home his mother Concubine Zhao cursed him.

6At Aunt Xue's, Jia Huan lost at dice to the maid Yinger, grabbed the die that showed a one, and claimed a six. Baochai made Yinger give way, but when Yinger grumbled he burst into tears. "You all bully me because I'm not Lady Wang's son." Baoyu sent him off, and at home his mother Concubine Zhao cursed him.在薛姨妈处，贾环和莺儿掷骰子输了钱，一把抓起明明是幺点的骰子，硬说是六点。宝钗叫莺儿让他，莺儿嘟囔了几句，贾环便哭起来：“你们都欺负我不是太太养的。”宝玉打发他走，回到家又挨了生母赵姨娘一顿骂。

Hearing that Baoyu had been with Baochai, Daiyu stormed off and wept at her window. Baoyu followed and whispered the old rule that closer kin are not set aside for more distant, nor the first-comer for the new. She was his own cousin and had come first. Daiyu said she cared only about her own heart; he said he did too.

7Hearing that Baoyu had been with Baochai, Daiyu stormed off and wept at her window. Baoyu followed and whispered the old rule that closer kin are not set aside for more distant, nor the first-comer for the new. She was his own cousin and had come first. Daiyu said she cared only about her own heart; he said he did too.黛玉听说宝玉刚从宝钗那里来，赌气回房，对着窗子流泪。宝玉跟过去，悄悄说：“亲不间疏，先不僭后。”她是姑舅姊妹，比宝钗更亲，又是先来的，两人同桌吃饭、一床睡着长大，怎会为了新来的疏远她？黛玉说她为的是自己的心，宝玉说他也是一样。

Just then Xiangyun ran in, complaining that they never played with her. Daiyu mocked her lisp: she couldn't even say 'Second Brother', only 'Ai Brother'. Xiangyun shot back, wishing Daiyu a lisping husband who would say 'ai' and 'e' in her ears all day. Everyone laughed, and Xiangyun turned and ran off.

8Just then Xiangyun ran in, complaining that they never played with her. Daiyu mocked her lisp: she couldn't even say 'Second Brother', only 'Ai Brother'. Xiangyun shot back, wishing Daiyu a lisping husband who would say 'ai' and 'e' in her ears all day. Everyone laughed, and Xiangyun turned and ran off.正说着，湘云跑来，嗔怪他们天天一处玩，不理她。黛玉笑她咬舌子，连“二哥哥”都叫不出，只会叫“爱哥哥”。湘云不甘示弱，回敬说保佑黛玉将来嫁个咬舌的林姐夫，天天在她耳边“爱”呀“厄”的。众人都笑了，湘云转身就跑。

The morning after Xiangyun came to stay, Baoyu slipped into Daiyu's room before the girls were up. He washed in Xiangyun's leftover water and wheedled her until she braided his hair with pearls and red cord. When he lifted a pot of rouge towards his lips, she slapped it from his hand.

9The morning after Xiangyun came to stay, Baoyu slipped into Daiyu's room before the girls were up. He washed in Xiangyun's leftover water and wheedled her until she braided his hair with pearls and red cord. When he lifted a pot of rouge towards his lips, she slapped it from his hand.湘云来住的第二天一早，宝玉不等姊妹们起身，就钻进了黛玉房里。他就着湘云用过的残水洗了脸，又“好妹妹”长“好妹妹”短地央告，湘云只得替他编起缀着珍珠、系着红绦的辫子。他顺手拈起胭脂要往嘴边送，被湘云一巴掌打落了。

Xiren had seen it all, and told Baochai that even cousins should keep some limits. When Baoyu came home she would not speak; she lay down on the kang with her eyes shut and said he should find someone else to serve him. Even Sheyue shrugged: "Ask yourself."

10Xiren had seen it all, and told Baochai that even cousins should keep some limits. When Baoyu came home she would not speak; she lay down on the kang with her eyes shut and said he should find someone else to serve him. Even Sheyue shrugged: "Ask yourself."这一幕早被袭人看在眼里，她对宝钗叹道，姊妹们再和气，也该有个分寸。宝玉回来，她却一声不吭，只在炕上合眼躺下，说以后别再支使她，自有人伏侍。宝玉问麝月缘故，麝月也只道：“问你自己便明白了。”

Sulking, Baoyu kept only a little maid near him and renamed her Sier, "Number Four", scorning her flowery name. That night, tipsy by lamplight, he read Zhuangzi and scribbled his own lines after it, wishing away all the girls who bound his heart. Next morning Daiyu found the page and wrote a mocking verse beneath.

11Sulking, Baoyu kept only a little maid near him and renamed her Sier, "Number Four", scorning her flowery name. That night, tipsy by lamplight, he read Zhuangzi and scribbled his own lines after it, wishing away all the girls who bound his heart. Next morning Daiyu found the page and wrote a mocking verse beneath.宝玉赌气，只使唤一个小丫头，嫌她叫“蕙香”太雅，干脆改名“四儿”。当晚他借着酒兴，在灯下读《南华经》，提笔续了一段，巴不得把牵绊他的姊妹丫鬟统统抛开。第二天黛玉翻出这页，又气又笑，在后面也续了一首诗讥讽他。

At dawn Baoyu found Xiren asleep in her clothes, still cold to him and quoting his own jibe about 'names disgraced'. He seized a jade hairpin from beside the pillow and snapped it in two: "If I don't listen to you again, may I end like this." She hurried to pick up the pieces, and they made peace.

12At dawn Baoyu found Xiren asleep in her clothes, still cold to him and quoting his own jibe about 'names disgraced'. He seized a jade hairpin from beside the pillow and snapped it in two: "If I don't listen to you again, may I end like this." She hurried to pick up the pieces, and they made peace.天亮时，宝玉见袭人和衣睡着，仍不理他，还拿他那句“玷辱了好名好姓”来刺他。宝玉情急，从枕边抓起一根玉簪，一跌两段，说：“我再不听你说，就同这个一样。”袭人忙拾起簪子，嗔他何苦，两人这才和好，起来梳洗。

Then Xifeng's little daughter came down with smallpox. The house fasted and prayed to the pox goddess, and Jia Lian was sent to sleep alone in the outer study. Within two nights he had arranged, through his pages, a secret meeting with Miss Duo, the loose, lovely wife of a drunken cook.

13Then Xifeng's little daughter came down with smallpox. The house fasted and prayed to the pox goddess, and Jia Lian was sent to sleep alone in the outer study. Within two nights he had arranged, through his pages, a secret meeting with Miss Duo, the loose, lovely wife of a drunken cook.不久凤姐的女儿大姐儿出了痘疹，合家供奉痘疹娘娘，斋戒忌口，贾琏只得搬到外书房独睡。才熬了两夜，他就托心腹小厮牵线，趁那醉鬼厨子“多浑虫”昏睡，与他那轻浮貌美的媳妇“多姑娘”私会，从此难分难舍。

When Jia Lian moved back, Ping'er shook a lock of a woman's hair out of his pillowcase and hid it in her sleeve. Xifeng came in asking pointedly whether anything extra had turned up among his things. Ping'er smiled and swore there was nothing, while Jia Lian, behind his wife, went pale.

14When Jia Lian moved back, Ping'er shook a lock of a woman's hair out of his pillowcase and hid it in her sleeve. Xifeng came in asking pointedly whether anything extra had turned up among his things. Ping'er smiled and swore there was nothing, while Jia Lian, behind his wife, went pale.大姐儿痊愈，贾琏搬回卧房。平儿收拾他在外的铺盖，从枕套里抖出一绺青丝，忙藏进袖中。凤姐进来，有意无意地问：东西没少，可别多出什么来吧？平儿笑着说一点破绽也没有。贾琏在凤姐身后脸都黄了，拼命给平儿使眼色。

Grandmother Jia gave fifteen-year-old Baochai a birthday with a little opera. Afterwards Xifeng said the child actor looked like someone; Xiangyun blurted, "Like Cousin Lin!" Baoyu shot her a warning wink. That night Xiangyun packed to leave, angry that Daiyu must be humoured, and Daiyu shut her door on him, hurt at being likened to an actor.

15Grandmother Jia gave fifteen-year-old Baochai a birthday with a little opera. Afterwards Xifeng said the child actor looked like someone; Xiangyun blurted, "Like Cousin Lin!" Baoyu shot her a warning wink. That night Xiangyun packed to leave, angry that Daiyu must be humoured, and Daiyu shut her door on him, hurt at being likened to an actor.贾母出钱为十五岁的宝钗做生日，在院里搭台唱戏。散戏时凤姐说那小旦像一个人，湘云脱口而出：“倒像林妹妹的模样儿。”宝玉忙向她使眼色。晚上湘云赌气收拾包袱要走，怪他偏护黛玉；黛玉也关门不理，恼他们拿自己比戏子，又怨他向湘云使眼色。

Rebuffed by both girls, Baoyu wept and wrote a Buddhist verse, declaring he would come and go 'naked, with no ties'. Baochai blamed herself and tore it up; Daiyu led her and Xiangyun to his room and asked, "What is precious about you? What is firm?" Baoyu could not answer, and the girls laughed him out of his Zen.

16Rebuffed by both girls, Baoyu wept and wrote a Buddhist verse, declaring he would come and go 'naked, with no ties'. Baochai blamed herself and tore it up; Daiyu led her and Xiangyun to his room and asked, "What is precious about you? What is firm?" Baoyu could not answer, and the girls laughed him out of his Zen.两头不讨好，宝玉想到“赤条条来去无牵挂”，大哭一场，提笔写下一首偈子和一支曲子。宝钗自责，把它撕得粉碎。黛玉却领着宝钗、湘云来找他，问：“至贵者是宝，至坚者是玉，尔有何贵？尔有何坚？”宝玉竟答不上来。三人拍手笑他这样愚钝还参禅，他也就笑着作罢了。

At the Lantern Festival Jia Zheng read the girls' riddles on the screen: a firecracker, an abacus, a kite, a temple lamp, and Baochai's joss-stick. Each seemed an omen of a brief or lonely fate. Grandmother Jia sent him to bed; he lay awake all night in grief.

17At the Lantern Festival Jia Zheng read the girls' riddles on the screen: a firecracker, an abacus, a kite, a temple lamp, and Baochai's joss-stick. Each seemed an omen of a brief or lonely fate. Grandmother Jia sent him to bed; he lay awake all night in grief.元宵夜，贾政走到围屏前，一一猜姊妹们的灯谜：元春的爆竹、迎春的算盘、探春的风筝、惜春的海灯，还有宝钗写的更香。他暗想这些不是一响而散，就是飘荡孤清，都非长久福寿之兆，越想越悲。贾母见他垂头不语，便叫他去歇息。他回房后翻来覆去，一夜难眠。

Back in the palace, Yuanchun had the garden poems copied and carved in stone, while Xifeng quietly won Jia Qin charge of the little monks and nuns at Iron Threshold Temple. Then the eunuch Xia Shouzhong brought an edict: the girls were to live in Prospect Garden, and Baoyu was to go in with them to study.

18Back in the palace, Yuanchun had the garden poems copied and carved in stone, while Xifeng quietly won Jia Qin charge of the little monks and nuns at Iron Threshold Temple. Then the eunuch Xia Shouzhong brought an edict: the girls were to live in Prospect Garden, and Baoyu was to go in with them to study.元春回宫后，命人把园中题咏抄录编次，刻石留念；凤姐也趁机替贾芹揽下了管理铁槛寺小和尚、小道士的差事。不久，太监夏守忠来传谕：宝钗等姊妹搬进大观园居住，不必封锁，宝玉也随她们进园读书。

Baoyu was wild with joy, until a maid said his father wanted him. He went pale and twisted against Grandmother Jia like a stick of pulled candy, refusing to go. She soothed him and sent two old nurses along: "Mind his father doesn't frighten him."

19Baoyu was wild with joy, until a maid said his father wanted him. He went pale and twisted against Grandmother Jia like a stick of pulled candy, refusing to go. She soothed him and sent two old nurses along: "Mind his father doesn't frighten him."宝玉听说能进园，喜得不知怎样才好，正和贾母盘算要这要那，忽听丫鬟说“老爷叫宝玉”，顿时像挨了个焦雷，脸色都变了，扭在贾母身上死也不肯去。贾母只好哄他，又派两个老嬷嬷跟着，嘱咐她们别让他老子吓着他。

Jia Zheng softened at the sight of his only living son by Lady Wang, and merely told him to study hard. But hearing a maid called Xiren, 'the one who assails', he grew cold. Baoyu admitted he took it from a line of poetry. "Out, you wretch!" his father barked.

20Jia Zheng softened at the sight of his only living son by Lady Wang, and merely told him to study hard. But hearing a maid called Xiren, 'the one who assails', he grew cold. Baoyu admitted he took it from a line of poetry. "Out, you wretch!" his father barked.贾政见宝玉神采飘逸，又想起早逝的贾珠，平日的厌恶竟消了八九，只嘱咐他进园用心读书。谁知听王夫人说起“袭人”，便沉下脸追问这刁钻名字是谁起的。宝玉只得承认是从“花气袭人知昼暖”化来。贾政喝道：“作孽的畜生，还不出去！”

Daiyu chose Bamboo Lodge for its quiet bamboo and winding railing; Baoyu clapped and took Happy Red Court close by. On the twenty-second of the second month the young people moved in, Baochai to Alpine Court, the Jia girls and Li Wan to their own retreats, and the garden came alive.

21Daiyu chose Bamboo Lodge for its quiet bamboo and winding railing; Baoyu clapped and took Happy Red Court close by. On the twenty-second of the second month the young people moved in, Baochai to Alpine Court, the Jia girls and Li Wan to their own retreats, and the garden came alive.黛玉说爱潇湘馆那几竿竹子掩着一道曲栏，最是幽静；宝玉拍手称好，自己挑了近旁的怡红院。二月二十二日，众人一齐搬进园去：宝钗住蘅芜苑，迎春、探春、惜春和李纨各有住处。从此园中花招绣带、柳拂香风，再不寂寞。

Baoyu was happy for a while, and his little garden poems were copied onto fans all over town. Then he grew restless and moody. His page Mingyan smuggled him romances and plays, and one mid-spring morning Baoyu sat under a peach tree by the sluice to read The Western Chamber.

22Baoyu was happy for a while, and his little garden poems were copied onto fans all over town. Then he grew restless and moody. His page Mingyan smuggled him romances and plays, and one mid-spring morning Baoyu sat under a peach tree by the sluice to read The Western Chamber.宝玉进园后起初心满意足，写的几首即事诗还被人抄去题在扇上壁上。可不久又无端烦闷起来。茗烟想逗他开心，买来许多传奇话本。三月中旬一个早上，宝玉带着一套《会真记》，坐到沁芳闸桥边的桃树下细读。

As he carried petals to the stream, Daiyu came with a hoe and silk bag: water carried flowers to dirty places, she said, so she buried them in her flower grave. Baoyu tried to hide his book, then gave it up. She read all sixteen scenes in the time of a meal, spellbound.

23As he carried petals to the stream, Daiyu came with a hoe and silk bag: water carried flowers to dirty places, she said, so she buried them in her flower grave. Baoyu tried to hide his book, then gave it up. She read all sixteen scenes in the time of a meal, spellbound.宝玉兜起落花撒进池里，黛玉扛着花锄、挂着花囊走来，说水流出去会把花糟蹋了，不如埋进她的花冢。宝玉慌忙藏书，谎称是《大学》《中庸》，终究拗不过，递给了她。黛玉放下花具，不到一顿饭工夫看完十六出，只觉余香满口。

"I'm the one 'sick with longing'," Baoyu grinned, quoting the play, "and you're the beauty who 'topples cities'." Daiyu flushed to her ears. She called it filthy talk meant to bully her, swore she would tell her uncle and aunt, and her eyes reddened as she turned to go.

24"I'm the one 'sick with longing'," Baoyu grinned, quoting the play, "and you're the beauty who 'topples cities'." Daiyu flushed to her ears. She called it filthy talk meant to bully her, swore she would tell her uncle and aunt, and her eyes reddened as she turned to go.宝玉笑道：“我就是个‘多愁多病身’，你就是那‘倾国倾城貌’。”黛玉听了，连腮带耳通红，竖起双眉，指着他骂他把淫词艳曲弄来，还学这些混话欺负人，说要去告诉舅舅舅母。说到“欺负”二字，眼圈早红了，转身就走。

Baoyu blocked her path and swore, if he meant to bully her, to become a turtle and carry her tombstone forever. She burst out laughing and teased him back with a line from the play. They buried the petals together before Xiren came to fetch him away.

25Baoyu blocked her path and swore, if he meant to bully her, to become a turtle and carry her tombstone forever. She burst out laughing and teased him back with a line from the play. They buried the petals together before Xiren came to fetch him away.宝玉急忙拦住，赌咒说若有心欺负她，就掉进池子里被癞头鼋吞了，变个大王八，将来替她驮一辈子墓碑。黛玉“嗤”地笑了，揉着眼睛也拿戏词回敬他。两人一起把落花埋好，这时袭人找来，说大老爷身上不好，叫宝玉快回去换衣裳。

Walking home alone past Pear Fragrance Court, Daiyu heard the young actresses rehearsing The Peony Pavilion: "Flowerlike beauty, years like flowing water." The words joined lines from old poems and The Western Chamber in her mind. She sank onto a stone, heartsick, and wept.

26Walking home alone past Pear Fragrance Court, Daiyu heard the young actresses rehearsing The Peony Pavilion: "Flowerlike beauty, years like flowing water." The words joined lines from old poems and The Western Chamber in her mind. She sank onto a stone, heartsick, and wept.黛玉独自回去，走到梨香院墙角，听见墙内笛声悠扬，是那十二个女孩子在排演《牡丹亭》。“良辰美景奈何天”“如花美眷，似水流年”几句飘进耳中，她想起古诗里“水流花谢两无情”和《西厢记》“花落水流红”的句子，不觉心痛神痴，坐在山石上落下泪来。

In Happy Red Court, Baoyu found Grandmother Jia's maid Yuanyang bent over Xiren's needlework. He pressed his face to her neck and begged to taste the rouge on her lips. Yuanyang called for Xiren, who warned him he could not go on like this, and hurried him into his clothes.

27In Happy Red Court, Baoyu found Grandmother Jia's maid Yuanyang bent over Xiren's needlework. He pressed his face to her neck and begged to taste the rouge on her lips. Yuanyang called for Xiren, who warned him he could not go on like this, and hurried him into his clothes.怡红院里，贾母的丫鬟鸳鸯正低头看袭人的针线。宝玉凑到她脖颈边闻香，又缠着要吃她嘴上的胭脂。鸳鸯忙喊袭人出来。袭人劝他再这样就难在这里住了，一面催他换衣服去见贾母。

Outside, Baoyu met Jia Yun, a poor clan nephew who was begging Jia Lian for a job. Hoping to win favour with a gift, Jia Yun asked his uncle Bu Shiren for musk and borneol on credit. The spice-seller refused with a sneer and lectured him about his idle habits.

28Outside, Baoyu met Jia Yun, a poor clan nephew who was begging Jia Lian for a job. Hoping to win favour with a gift, Jia Yun asked his uncle Bu Shiren for musk and borneol on credit. The spice-seller refused with a sneer and lectured him about his idle habits.出门时，宝玉遇见了贾芸。他是族中穷亲戚，正来求贾琏派个差事。贾芸想送礼讨好，便去求开香料铺的舅舅卜世仁赊些冰片麝香。卜世仁冷笑着一口回绝，还数落他不务正业。

Walking home in a black mood, Jia Yun bumped into his neighbour Ni Er, a drunken moneylender. Ni Er nearly hit him, then heard his story and grew indignant for him. He pulled out fifteen taels of silver, wanting no interest and no contract. "If you want to write papers, give me back the silver."

29Walking home in a black mood, Jia Yun bumped into his neighbour Ni Er, a drunken moneylender. Ni Er nearly hit him, then heard his story and grew indignant for him. He pulled out fifteen taels of silver, wanting no interest and no contract. "If you want to write papers, give me back the silver."贾芸憋着气往回走，一头撞上邻居倪二。倪二是个放高利贷的醉汉，挥拳正要打，认出是他，听完缘由便替他抱不平。他掏出十五两多银子借给贾芸，不要利钱，也不写文约：“你要写文契，趁早把银子还我！”

Jia Yun bought musk and borneol and waylaid Xifeng in her courtyard. He praised her tireless management and presented the incense as the only fitting home for it. Delighted, she kept the job to herself for a day, then granted him the tree planting and two hundred taels. He repaid Ni Er at dawn.

30Jia Yun bought musk and borneol and waylaid Xifeng in her courtyard. He praised her tireless management and presented the incense as the only fitting home for it. Delighted, she kept the job to herself for a day, then granted him the tree planting and two hundred taels. He repaid Ni Er at dawn.贾芸买来冰麝，在院门前截住凤姐请安，满口称赞婶子精明能干，说这香料只有孝敬她才不糟蹋。凤姐心里得意，先按下不提，隔了一天才派他在园里监工种树，批了二百两银子。次日一早，他便把银子还了倪二。

One evening all Baoyu's chief maids happened to be away. When he wanted tea, a lowly maid named Xiaohong slipped in and poured it. At last she had her chance to be noticed. Then Qiuwen came back with a bucket of water and caught her.

31One evening all Baoyu's chief maids happened to be away. When he wanted tea, a lowly maid named Xiaohong slipped in and poured it. At last she had her chance to be noticed. Then Qiuwen came back with a bucket of water and caught her.一天傍晚，宝玉身边的大丫头恰巧都不在，他要喝茶，一个平日只做粗活的小丫头小红悄悄进来替他倒了。她总算得了个露脸的机会。偏偏这时秋纹提着水桶回来，正撞见她。

Qiuwen spat in Xiaohong's face and asked whether she thought herself fit to serve tea. Hurt, Xiaohong lay awake. She had lost her handkerchief, and now heard that Jia Yun would come to plant trees. In her dream he stood at her window: "Hongyu, I've found your handkerchief."

32Qiuwen spat in Xiaohong's face and asked whether she thought herself fit to serve tea. Hurt, Xiaohong lay awake. She had lost her handkerchief, and now heard that Jia Yun would come to plant trees. In her dream he stood at her window: "Hongyu, I've found your handkerchief."秋纹啐了小红一脸，骂她也不照照镜子，配不配递茶递水。小红灰了心，躺在床上翻来覆去。她丢了手帕，又听说贾芸要带人进园种树。朦胧中，她梦见贾芸在窗外低唤：“红玉，你的手帕子我拾在这里呢。”

Jia Huan had been sent to copy a sutra in Lady Wang's room. When Baoyu came home tipsy and lay down to tease Caixia, the girl Jia Huan liked, Huan pretended to slip and pushed a burning oil lamp into his brother's face. Baoyu's left cheek blistered, and Lady Wang turned her fury on Concubine Zhao.

33Jia Huan had been sent to copy a sutra in Lady Wang's room. When Baoyu came home tipsy and lay down to tease Caixia, the girl Jia Huan liked, Huan pretended to slip and pushed a burning oil lamp into his brother's face. Baoyu's left cheek blistered, and Lady Wang turned her fury on Concubine Zhao.贾环奉命在王夫人房里抄经。宝玉吃了酒回来躺下，又和彩霞说笑。贾环一向恨他，彩霞又是自己相好的，便假装失手，把点着的油灯往宝玉脸上一推。宝玉左脸烫起一溜燎泡，王夫人把火都撒在赵姨娘身上。

Nun Ma, Baoyu's godmother, visited Concubine Zhao, who poured out her hatred of Baoyu and Xifeng. For her savings and a five-hundred-tael IOU, the nun handed over two paper figures and ten blue-faced paper demons. Their birth dates were to be written on the figures, which would be hidden in their beds.

34Nun Ma, Baoyu's godmother, visited Concubine Zhao, who poured out her hatred of Baoyu and Xifeng. For her savings and a five-hundred-tael IOU, the nun handed over two paper figures and ten blue-faced paper demons. Their birth dates were to be written on the figures, which would be hidden in their beds.宝玉的干娘马道婆来到赵姨娘房里。赵姨娘说起宝玉和凤姐，满腹怨恨。她拿出攒下的体己银子，又立下五百两的欠契，马道婆便掏出两个纸人和十个青面白发的纸鬼，教她把二人的生辰八字写在纸人上，悄悄塞到他们床上。

A few days later Baoyu cried out, "My head!", leapt into the air and raved. Xifeng burst into the garden swinging a blade. The whole household came running. Doctors, charms and exorcists all failed. For three days the pair lay burning with fever, near death, while Grandmother Jia wept beside them.

35A few days later Baoyu cried out, "My head!", leapt into the air and raved. Xifeng burst into the garden swinging a blade. The whole household came running. Doctors, charms and exorcists all failed. For three days the pair lay burning with fever, near death, while Grandmother Jia wept beside them.几天后，宝玉忽然大叫头疼，一跳三四尺高，满嘴胡话。凤姐也手持钢刀闯进园来，见人就砍，被众人夺下。阖府上下乱成一团，求医问卜、画符送祟都不见效。叔嫂二人高烧三日，气息奄奄，贾母只守在一旁痛哭。

On the fourth day two coffins were ready, and Grandmother Jia screamed at whoever ordered them. Then a wooden fish was heard. A scabby monk and a lame Taoist were let in. The monk raised the jade and sighed that thirteen years had passed since Greensickness Peak. He blessed it and said to hang it over their door. That night both woke. Outside, Daiyu breathed, "Amitabha!"

36On the fourth day two coffins were ready, and Grandmother Jia screamed at whoever ordered them. Then a wooden fish was heard. A scabby monk and a lame Taoist were let in. The monk raised the jade and sighed that thirteen years had passed since Greensickness Peak. He blessed it and said to hang it over their door. That night both woke. Outside, Daiyu breathed, "Amitabha!"第四天，两口棺椁都已做好，贾母听了破口大骂。忽然传来木鱼声，一个癞头和尚和一个跛足道人被请进来。和尚托着通灵宝玉，长叹青埂峰一别已过十三年，持诵一番后叫把玉悬在门上。当晚二人渐渐苏醒，守在外间的黛玉先念了一声“阿弥陀佛”。

Once Baoyu was well again, Xiaohong kept wondering whether the handkerchief she had seen in Jia Yun's hand was the one she had lost. At the Wasp-Waist Bridge she met the little maid Zhui'er leading him to Happy Red Court. For one moment their eyes met; Xiaohong flushed and turned quickly away.

37Once Baoyu was well again, Xiaohong kept wondering whether the handkerchief she had seen in Jia Yun's hand was the one she had lost. At the Wasp-Waist Bridge she met the little maid Zhui'er leading him to Happy Red Court. For one moment their eyes met; Xiaohong flushed and turned quickly away.宝玉病愈后，小红心里总惦着一件事：贾芸手里那块手帕，好像正是她丢的那块。这天她走到蜂腰桥边，正碰见小丫头坠儿领着贾芸往怡红院去。两人偷偷对看了一眼，四目一碰，小红脸一红，扭身就走了。

Jia Yun paid his call on Baoyu, and Zhui'er saw him out. Alone on the path, he asked about Xiaohong. Zhui'er said the girl kept asking after a lost handkerchief. Jia Yun had indeed found hers, but he kept it, and drew his own from his sleeve for Zhui'er to take back to her.

38Jia Yun paid his call on Baoyu, and Zhui'er saw him out. Alone on the path, he asked about Xiaohong. Zhui'er said the girl kept asking after a lost handkerchief. Jia Yun had indeed found hers, but he kept it, and drew his own from his sleeve for Zhui'er to take back to her.贾芸拜过宝玉，坠儿送他出来。四下无人，贾芸便打听起小红。坠儿说，她问了好几回有没有人见着她的手帕。那块帕子其实正是贾芸捡的，可他心里早有了主意，没拿出来，反从袖中掏出自己的一块，笑着交给坠儿带回去。

Wandering listlessly, Baoyu reached Bamboo Lodge and, pressing his face to the gauze window, heard Daiyu sigh a line from The Western Chamber: “Every day, love-sick, I drowse.” He came in laughing and asked her why. Daiyu hid her flushed face in her sleeve. When he teased her again with a bolder line from the play, she burst into tears.

39Wandering listlessly, Baoyu reached Bamboo Lodge and, pressing his face to the gauze window, heard Daiyu sigh a line from The Western Chamber: “Every day, love-sick, I drowse.” He came in laughing and asked her why. Daiyu hid her flushed face in her sleeve. When he teased her again with a bolder line from the play, she burst into tears.宝玉闲逛到潇湘馆，把脸贴在纱窗上往里看，只听黛玉细细长叹一声：“每日家情思睡昏昏。”宝玉心里一动，笑着掀帘进来，问她为什么“情思睡昏昏”。黛玉羞得红了脸，拿袖子遮住。后来宝玉又用《西厢记》里一句更露骨的话打趣，黛玉当即哭了，说他拿混账书取笑她。

Baoyu was lured away by Xue Pan's false message that his father wanted him, and feasted until dark. That night Daiyu knocked at Happy Red Court. Qingwen, in a temper, called that no one was to be let in. Then Baoyu's and Baochai's laughter drifted out. Daiyu wept beneath the flowers by the wall, and the roosting birds flew off, unable to bear it.

40Baoyu was lured away by Xue Pan's false message that his father wanted him, and feasted until dark. That night Daiyu knocked at Happy Red Court. Qingwen, in a temper, called that no one was to be let in. Then Baoyu's and Baochai's laughter drifted out. Daiyu wept beneath the flowers by the wall, and the roosting birds flew off, unable to bear it.薛蟠谎称老爷叫宝玉，把他骗去吃生日酒，一去就是一整天。黛玉放心不下，晚饭后去怡红院叩门。晴雯正在闹脾气，也不问是谁，只嚷二爷吩咐一概不许放人进来。接着院里传出宝玉和宝钗的说笑声。黛玉独自站在墙角花荫下呜咽，连枝上栖着的宿鸟也扑棱棱飞远了，不忍再听。

The next day was the Festival of Grain in Ear, when the garden bid the Flower Goddess farewell and every branch was hung with silk streamers. Baochai went to fetch Daiyu, but seeing Baoyu enter Bamboo Lodge, she tactfully turned back. A pair of jade-coloured butterflies lured her on with her fan, all the way to Dripping Green Pavilion.

41The next day was the Festival of Grain in Ear, when the garden bid the Flower Goddess farewell and every branch was hung with silk streamers. Baochai went to fetch Daiyu, but seeing Baoyu enter Bamboo Lodge, she tactfully turned back. A pair of jade-coloured butterflies lured her on with her fan, all the way to Dripping Green Pavilion.第二天交芒种节，园中照旧俗饯送花神，每棵树、每枝花上都系满了彩线绫锦。宝钗去叫黛玉，远远看见宝玉进了潇湘馆，想到两人之间多有不便，便知趣地折了回来。忽见一双玉色蝴蝶迎风翩跹，她取出扇子一路追扑，穿花度柳，竟一直追到了池中的滴翠亭边。

Inside the pavilion, Xiaohong and Zhui'er were whispering over the handkerchief and a keepsake for Jia Yun. When they went to push the lattices open, Baochai knew she would be caught eavesdropping. She stepped out loudly, calling Daiyu's pet name, “Pin'er, where are you hiding?” and asked them where Miss Lin had gone. Afterwards Xiaohong was sure Daiyu had overheard everything.

42Inside the pavilion, Xiaohong and Zhui'er were whispering over the handkerchief and a keepsake for Jia Yun. When they went to push the lattices open, Baochai knew she would be caught eavesdropping. She stepped out loudly, calling Daiyu's pet name, “Pin'er, where are you hiding?” and asked them where Miss Lin had gone. Afterwards Xiaohong was sure Daiyu had overheard everything.亭里小红和坠儿正悄悄说着帕子的事，还要拿一样东西谢贾芸。两人说要推开窗子，宝钗怕被撞见自己在偷听，便使了个金蝉脱壳的法子，故意放重脚步，笑着喊：“颦儿，我看你往哪里藏！”又问她们把林姑娘藏在哪里。宝钗走后，小红认定林姑娘全听去了，吓得不知怎么才好。

Soon after, Xifeng took a liking to Xiaohong's crisp speech and claimed her for her own service. Daiyu, still wounded, walked past Baoyu without a glance. Under a pomegranate tree, Tanchun heard that her mother, Concubine Zhao, grumbled she sewed shoes for Baoyu and not for her own brother, Huan. Her face darkened: she would acknowledge only her father and Lady Wang.

43Soon after, Xifeng took a liking to Xiaohong's crisp speech and claimed her for her own service. Daiyu, still wounded, walked past Baoyu without a glance. Under a pomegranate tree, Tanchun heard that her mother, Concubine Zhao, grumbled she sewed shoes for Baoyu and not for her own brother, Huan. Her face darkened: she would acknowledge only her father and Lady Wang.不久，凤姐看中小红口齿伶俐，要了她去使唤。黛玉心里还委屈，见了宝玉正眼也不瞧，径自走开。探春把宝玉叫到石榴树下说话，听说赵姨娘抱怨她给宝玉做鞋，却不管亲兄弟贾环，她登时沉下脸来：她只认得老爷太太两个人，别人一概不管，什么嫡的庶的，她也不知道。

Seeing the fallen petals Daiyu had left unswept, Baoyu gathered them into the lap of his robe and carried them to the flower grave where the two of them had once buried peach blossoms. Before he rounded the hill, he heard someone on the far side weeping and murmuring words of grief. He stopped still and listened.

44Seeing the fallen petals Daiyu had left unswept, Baoyu gathered them into the lap of his robe and carried them to the flower grave where the two of them had once buried peach blossoms. Before he rounded the hill, he heard someone on the far side weeping and murmuring words of grief. He stopped still and listened.宝玉见满地落花锦绣一般，心想黛玉生了气，连花也不来收拾了，便把花兜在衣襟里，登山渡水，往那日与黛玉葬桃花的花冢走去。还没转过山坡，就听见那边有人呜呜咽咽，一边哭一边数落，哭得十分伤心。宝玉不由得收住脚步，站定了细听。

Still blaming Baoyu for the locked gate, Daiyu spent the Festival of Flowers alone at the flower grave, gathering fallen petals and burying them. Grieving for the blossoms as if for herself, she wept and chanted a lament: 'This year I bury flowers and am laughed at; who will bury me some year?'

45Still blaming Baoyu for the locked gate, Daiyu spent the Festival of Flowers alone at the flower grave, gathering fallen petals and burying them. Grieving for the blossoms as if for herself, she wept and chanted a lament: 'This year I bury flowers and am laughed at; who will bury me some year?'黛玉仍把昨夜晴雯不开门的事错怪在宝玉身上。饯花那天，她独自来到花冢，把残花落瓣收拢掩埋。看花落想到自己，她一边哭，一边低声吟道：“侬今葬花人笑痴，他年葬侬知是谁？”

On the slope above, Baoyu heard her lines about spring ending and beauty fading, and collapsed on the hillside, the petals in his robe spilling across the ground. If Daiyu, Baochai, Xiren, and he himself, and even this garden must all vanish, what was left? Daiyu looked up, muttered 'you heartless...', and walked away.

46On the slope above, Baoyu heard her lines about spring ending and beauty fading, and collapsed on the hillside, the petals in his robe spilling across the ground. If Daiyu, Baochai, Xiren, and he himself, and even this garden must all vanish, what was left? Daiyu looked up, muttered 'you heartless...', and walked away.宝玉在山坡上听见“一朝春尽红颜老，花落人亡两不知”，不禁恸倒在地，怀里兜着的落花撒了一地。他想，黛玉、宝钗、袭人终会无处可寻，自己又在哪里？这园子又归谁？黛玉抬头见是他，啐了一句“狠心短命的”，掩口转身走了。

He caught up with her on the path. When she first came, he said, he had given her whatever he loved, saved his favourite food for her, shared her table and her bed; now she cared more for outsiders. 'If it had to come to this, why did it start at all?' Both wept, found the locked gate was the maids' doing, and made peace.

47He caught up with her on the path. When she first came, he said, he had given her whatever he loved, saved his favourite food for her, shared her table and her bed; now she cared more for outsiders. 'If it had to come to this, why did it start at all?' Both wept, found the locked gate was the maids' doing, and made peace.宝玉在路上追上黛玉，说起她初来时，自己心爱的东西任她拿，爱吃的留给她，一桌吃饭，一床睡觉；如今她却把外人放在心上，冷落了他。“既有今日，何必当初！”两人都落了泪。说开才知道，关门是丫头们懒怠所致，二人重归于好。

At lunch in Lady Wang's rooms, Baoyu boasted of a pill for Daiyu costing three hundred and sixty taels, made with pearls from ancient graves. Baochai refused to back him up, and Xifeng swore Xue Pan had truly asked her for pearls. Behind Baochai, Daiyu drew a finger down her own cheek to shame him for lying.

48At lunch in Lady Wang's rooms, Baoyu boasted of a pill for Daiyu costing three hundred and sixty taels, made with pearls from ancient graves. Baochai refused to back him up, and Xifeng swore Xue Pan had truly asked her for pearls. Behind Baochai, Daiyu drew a finger down her own cheek to shame him for lying.在王夫人屋里吃饭时，宝玉夸口要花三百六十两银子替黛玉配一料丸药，还说正经方子得用古坟里的珍珠。宝钗笑说不知道，不肯替他圆谎；凤姐却作证薛蟠确实找她要过珍珠。黛玉坐在宝钗身后，抿着嘴用手指在脸上划着羞他。

That afternoon Feng Ziying gave a drinking party for Baoyu, Xue Pan, the actor Jiang Yuhan and the singing girl Yun'er. Baoyu set a game of verses on a girl's sorrow, worry, joy and delight. At his turn Xue Pan glared, stammered, and blurted lines so crude the guests covered their faces, then sang a 'song' of buzzing mosquitoes.

49That afternoon Feng Ziying gave a drinking party for Baoyu, Xue Pan, the actor Jiang Yuhan and the singing girl Yun'er. Baoyu set a game of verses on a girl's sorrow, worry, joy and delight. At his turn Xue Pan glared, stammered, and blurted lines so crude the guests covered their faces, then sang a 'song' of buzzing mosquitoes.当天冯紫英设宴，请了宝玉、薛蟠、唱小旦的蒋玉菡和锦香院的妓女云儿。宝玉行令，要以“悲、愁、喜、乐”说女儿。轮到薛蟠，他急得瞪眼，憋了半天，说出的句子粗俗不堪，众人都扭过脸去。他又唱起“一个蚊子哼哼哼”，众人连呼免了。

Jiang Yuhan ended his turn by lifting a sprig of osmanthus and quoting, 'The scent of flowers assails one; the day is warm.' Xue Pan leapt up demanding a forfeit: 'Assails One', Xiren, was the name of Baoyu's treasured maid. Baoyu flushed, and the actor, once told why, rose at once to apologise.

50Jiang Yuhan ended his turn by lifting a sprig of osmanthus and quoting, 'The scent of flowers assails one; the day is warm.' Xue Pan leapt up demanding a forfeit: 'Assails One', Xiren, was the name of Baoyu's treasured maid. Baoyu flushed, and the actor, once told why, rose at once to apologise.蒋玉菡行完令，拈起一枝木樨，念了句“花气袭人知昼暖”。薛蟠立刻跳起来嚷着要罚，说“袭人”正是宝玉屋里的宝贝丫头。宝玉臊得不好意思，蒋玉菡问明缘故，连忙起身赔罪，众人都说不知者不罪。

Outside on the veranda, Baoyu learned the actor was the famous Qiguan. He gave him a jade fan pendant. In return Qiguan untied a scarlet sash from the Queen of Qianxiang, a gift from the Prince of Beijing, which kept the skin fragrant in summer. Baoyu handed over his own pine-green sash in exchange: a small gift that would later cost him dearly.

51Outside on the veranda, Baoyu learned the actor was the famous Qiguan. He gave him a jade fan pendant. In return Qiguan untied a scarlet sash from the Queen of Qianxiang, a gift from the Prince of Beijing, which kept the skin fragrant in summer. Baoyu handed over his own pine-green sash in exchange: a small gift that would later cost him dearly.宝玉离席时，蒋玉菡跟了出来。在廊檐下，宝玉得知他就是名满天下的琪官，便解下扇上的玉玦扇坠相赠。琪官解下一条大红汗巾，说是茜香国女王所贡、北静王所赐，夏天系着肌肤生香。宝玉把自己那条松花汗巾换给了他。这份小小的交情，日后竟惹出大祸。

The pine-green sash had been Xiren's. She scolded him for giving her things to 'those low sorts' and went to sleep. At dawn she looked down and found the scarlet sash tied round her own waist; he had changed it in the night. She pulled it off in disgust, wore it to please him, and later tossed it into an empty chest.

52The pine-green sash had been Xiren's. She scolded him for giving her things to 'those low sorts' and went to sleep. At dawn she looked down and found the scarlet sash tied round her own waist; he had changed it in the night. She pulled it off in disgust, wore it to please him, and later tossed it into an empty chest.那条松花汗巾原是袭人的。袭人埋怨他不该把自己的东西给那些混账人，也就睡了。第二天一早，她低头一看，昨天宝玉系的那条大红汗巾竟系在自己腰上，原来是宝玉夜里换的。她解下来直说不稀罕，拗不过他才又系上，事后还是扔进了空箱子里。

Xiren laid out the Consort's festival gifts: palace fans, red musk beads, fine gauze and a mat. Baoyu's set, she said, matched Baochai's exactly; Daiyu and the other girls had less. He sent his to Daiyu to choose from, but she refused, and later said bitterly she was no match for gold and jade, only 'a thing of grass and trees'.

53Xiren laid out the Consort's festival gifts: palace fans, red musk beads, fine gauze and a mat. Baoyu's set, she said, matched Baochai's exactly; Daiyu and the other girls had less. He sent his to Daiyu to choose from, but she refused, and later said bitterly she was no match for gold and jade, only 'a thing of grass and trees'.袭人取出元春赏下的端午节礼：宫扇、红麝香珠串、凤尾罗和芙蓉簟。她说宝玉的和宝姑娘的一模一样，林姑娘和几位姑娘的却少些。宝玉纳闷，把东西送去让黛玉挑，黛玉不要，后来还冷冷地说自己比不得什么金什么玉，“不过是草木之人”。

At Grandmother Jia's, Baoyu asked to see Baochai's red musk beads. As she worked them off her plump white wrist he gazed at her arm and face, forgot to take them, and she dropped them, embarrassed. Daiyu, standing in the doorway, said she had just seen 'a silly goose', and flicked her handkerchief straight into Baoyu's eye.

54At Grandmother Jia's, Baoyu asked to see Baochai's red musk beads. As she worked them off her plump white wrist he gazed at her arm and face, forgot to take them, and she dropped them, embarrassed. Daiyu, standing in the doorway, said she had just seen 'a silly goose', and flicked her handkerchief straight into Baoyu's eye.在贾母处，宝玉要看宝钗的红麝串。宝钗肌肤丰泽，一时褪不下来。宝玉望着那段雪白的膀子和她的容貌，竟看呆了，忘了去接。宝钗不好意思，丢下串子要走。黛玉蹬着门槛笑说看见一只“呆雁”，把手帕一甩，正打在宝玉眼上。

On the first of the fifth month, the Matriarch led a huge procession of sedan chairs and carriages to the Qingxu Temple for prayers ordered by the Imperial Consort. At the gate a little Taoist boy snuffing candles ran into Xifeng, and she knocked him down with a slap. Grandmother Jia had the frightened child brought to her, comforted him and gave him money.

55On the first of the fifth month, the Matriarch led a huge procession of sedan chairs and carriages to the Qingxu Temple for prayers ordered by the Imperial Consort. At the gate a little Taoist boy snuffing candles ran into Xifeng, and she knocked him down with a slap. Grandmother Jia had the frightened child brought to her, comforted him and gave him money.五月初一，贾母奉贵妃之命去清虚观打醮，轿子车马挤满了一条街。刚进山门，一个剪烛花的小道士躲闪不及，一头撞进凤姐怀里，被她一巴掌打翻在地。贾母忙叫人把吓坏的孩子带来，好言安慰，又赏钱给他买果子吃。

Old Abbot Zhang, who had once stood in for the Duke of Rongguo, wept that Baoyu was the very image of his grandfather. Then he mentioned a lovely girl of fifteen who might suit Baoyu as a wife. Grandmother Jia replied that a monk had said the boy must not marry young, and that looks and temper mattered more than wealth.

56Old Abbot Zhang, who had once stood in for the Duke of Rongguo, wept that Baoyu was the very image of his grandfather. Then he mentioned a lovely girl of fifteen who might suit Baoyu as a wife. Grandmother Jia replied that a monk had said the boy must not marry young, and that looks and temper mattered more than wealth.张道士当年是荣国公的替身，他含泪说宝玉的模样和国公爷一模一样，接着又提起一位十五岁的小姐，说与宝玉很相配，想替他说亲。贾母说，和尚讲过这孩子不宜早娶，将来只要模样性情好，家境贫富都不要紧。

The abbot's Taoists sent back gifts for Baoyu's jade. Among them was a gold unicorn, and Baochai remarked that Xiangyun wore a smaller one just like it. Baoyu slipped it into his robe, then glanced round and found Daiyu watching him and nodding knowingly. "I don't care for it," she said, when he offered to keep it for her.

57The abbot's Taoists sent back gifts for Baoyu's jade. Among them was a gold unicorn, and Baochai remarked that Xiangyun wore a smaller one just like it. Baoyu slipped it into his robe, then glanced round and found Daiyu watching him and nodding knowingly. "I don't care for it," she said, when he offered to keep it for her.道士们回赠了一盘法器，里面有一只赤金点翠的麒麟。宝钗说史湘云也戴着一个，比这个小些。宝玉听了，悄悄把麒麟揣进怀里，一抬眼却见黛玉正瞅着他点头，似笑非笑。宝玉说要替她留着，黛玉把头一扭：“我不稀罕。”

Baoyu came home angry at the talk of marriage. When Daiyu, ill with the heat, needled him about his 'good match', he tore the jade from his neck and hurled it down, then hunted for something to smash it with. Daiyu burst into tears, Zijuan tried to wrestle it away, and in the end only Xiren could take it from him.

58Baoyu came home angry at the talk of marriage. When Daiyu, ill with the heat, needled him about his 'good match', he tore the jade from his neck and hurled it down, then hunted for something to smash it with. Daiyu burst into tears, Zijuan tried to wrestle it away, and in the end only Xiren could take it from him.宝玉因张道士提亲，回家后一直闷闷不乐。黛玉中了暑，又拿“好姻缘”的话刺他。宝玉气得从颈上扯下通灵宝玉，咬牙往地上狠狠一摔，没摔碎，又回身找东西来砸。黛玉早已哭了，紫鹃上前去夺也夺不下来，最后还是袭人赶来才抢了下来。

Daiyu vomited up her medicine, and Baoyu, seeing her so frail, began to weep. Xiren and Zijuan cried with them, and four people wept in silence. When Xiren said he should spare the jade for the sake of the tassel Daiyu had made, Daiyu seized scissors and cut the tassel to pieces. "You can cut it," said Baoyu. "I won't wear it anyway."

59Daiyu vomited up her medicine, and Baoyu, seeing her so frail, began to weep. Xiren and Zijuan cried with them, and four people wept in silence. When Xiren said he should spare the jade for the sake of the tassel Daiyu had made, Daiyu seized scissors and cut the tassel to pieces. "You can cut it," said Baoyu. "I won't wear it anyway."黛玉一气之下，把刚喝的解暑汤全吐了出来。宝玉见她这般虚弱，悔得也掉下泪来。袭人、紫鹃看着也伤心，四个人各哭各的，谁也不说话。袭人劝宝玉看在玉上穗子的份上别吵，黛玉却一把夺过来，拿剪子剪成几段。宝玉说：“你只管剪，我横竖不戴它。”

Grandmother Jia wept that the pair were 'destined enemies bound to meet'. Hearing it, both cried alone, one in Bamboo Lodge, one in Happy Red Court. Then Baoyu came to apologise. Seeing him wipe his tears on his new gauze sleeve, Daiyu said nothing and tossed her own handkerchief into his lap. Xifeng soon burst in and marched them both off to the Matriarch.

60Grandmother Jia wept that the pair were 'destined enemies bound to meet'. Hearing it, both cried alone, one in Bamboo Lodge, one in Happy Red Court. Then Baoyu came to apologise. Seeing him wipe his tears on his new gauze sleeve, Daiyu said nothing and tossed her own handkerchief into his lap. Xifeng soon burst in and marched them both off to the Matriarch.贾母哭着抱怨：“不是冤家不聚头。”这话传到两人耳中，一个在潇湘馆临风洒泪，一个在怡红院对月长叹。后来宝玉来赔不是，一时忘了带帕子，竟用簇新的纱衫袖子擦泪。黛玉一言不发，把枕边的手帕甩到他怀里。不久凤姐闯进来，拉着两人去见贾母。

At Grandmother Jia's, Baoyu joked that Baochai was plump and felt the heat, like Consort Yang. She coldly replied that she had no brother fit to be Yang Guozhong. When Daiyu looked pleased, Baochai named the play 'Carrying Thorns to Beg Forgiveness', and both of them blushed. Xifeng asked who had been eating ginger, since the air felt so sharp.

61At Grandmother Jia's, Baoyu joked that Baochai was plump and felt the heat, like Consort Yang. She coldly replied that she had no brother fit to be Yang Guozhong. When Daiyu looked pleased, Baochai named the play 'Carrying Thorns to Beg Forgiveness', and both of them blushed. Xifeng asked who had been eating ginger, since the air felt so sharp.在贾母房里，宝玉随口说宝钗“体丰怯热”，像杨贵妃。宝钗大怒，冷笑说可惜自己没有能做杨国忠的好哥哥。见黛玉面露得意，宝钗又借戏名说“负荆请罪”，宝黛二人心里有病，都羞红了脸。凤姐假装摸腮问：“谁吃生姜了？怎么这么辣辣的？”

Baoyu wandered off into Lady Wang's rooms, where she dozed while her maid Jinchuan sleepily pounded her legs. He fed Jinchuan a scented pill and teased that he would ask for her. Lady Wang sat up and slapped her across the face, calling her a shameless hussy. Baoyu slipped away. Despite Jinchuan's pleading, she was sent home in disgrace.

62Baoyu wandered off into Lady Wang's rooms, where she dozed while her maid Jinchuan sleepily pounded her legs. He fed Jinchuan a scented pill and teased that he would ask for her. Lady Wang sat up and slapped her across the face, calling her a shameless hussy. Baoyu slipped away. Despite Jinchuan's pleading, she was sent home in disgrace.宝玉闲逛到王夫人房里，王夫人在凉榻上午睡，金钏儿在旁捶腿，也困得直打盹。宝玉喂她一丸香雪润津丹，又悄悄说要向太太讨她。王夫人忽然翻身坐起，照金钏儿脸上就是一巴掌，骂她“下作小娼妇”。宝玉早一溜烟跑了。金钏儿跪地苦求，仍被叫她母亲领了出去。

In the garden Baoyu heard sobbing under the rose trellis. A thin girl from the acting troupe, very like Daiyu, was scratching one character in the earth with her hairpin: 薔, the rose, over and over. A sudden downpour soaked her, and he called out to her to stop. Hidden by leaves, he was taken for a maid, and only then did he realise he was drenched too.

63In the garden Baoyu heard sobbing under the rose trellis. A thin girl from the acting troupe, very like Daiyu, was scratching one character in the earth with her hairpin: 薔, the rose, over and over. A sudden downpour soaked her, and he called out to her to stop. Hidden by leaves, he was taken for a maid, and only then did he realise he was drenched too.宝玉进了园子，听见蔷薇花架下有人哽咽。一个学戏的女孩子，眉眼神态很像黛玉，正用金簪在地上一笔一画地写字，写来写去都是一个“蔷”字。忽然下起大雨，她浑身湿透，宝玉忍不住叫她别写了。女孩隔着花叶只当他是个丫头，反问他可有遮雨的，宝玉这才觉得自己也淋透了。

Soaked and furious at Happy Red Court's locked gate, Baoyu kicked whoever opened it, and it was Xiren. She laughed off the pain, but that night a bruise the size of a bowl darkened her side. When Baoyu brought a lamp to her bed, she coughed, and he saw fresh blood on the floor. "This is terrible!" he cried, and Xiren's heart went cold.

64Soaked and furious at Happy Red Court's locked gate, Baoyu kicked whoever opened it, and it was Xiren. She laughed off the pain, but that night a bruise the size of a bowl darkened her side. When Baoyu brought a lamp to her bed, she coughed, and he saw fresh blood on the floor. "This is terrible!" he cried, and Xiren's heart went cold.宝玉淋得透湿回到怡红院，叫了半天门没人开，一肚子火。门一开，他看也不看，抬腿就踢在肋上，踢的竟是袭人。袭人忍痛说没踢着，夜里却见肋下青了碗大一块。宝玉掌灯来看，袭人咳了两声，地上竟是一口鲜血。宝玉慌得直叫“了不得了”，袭人的心也凉了半截。

The Dragon Boat Festival banquet broke up early in gloomy silence. Back at Happy Red Court, Qingwen dropped Baoyu's fan and snapped its ribs. He scolded her, she answered back sharply, and the quarrel grew until he threatened to send her away. Xiren knelt to beg him, and all the maids came in and knelt with her.

65The Dragon Boat Festival banquet broke up early in gloomy silence. Back at Happy Red Court, Qingwen dropped Baoyu's fan and snapped its ribs. He scolded her, she answered back sharply, and the quarrel grew until he threatened to send her away. Xiren knelt to beg him, and all the maids came in and knelt with her.端午家宴人人没精打采，早早散了。回到怡红院，晴雯失手跌折了宝玉的扇子，宝玉骂她蠢才，晴雯冷笑顶撞，越吵越凶。宝玉气得要回太太撵她出去，袭人只得跪下求情，碧痕、秋纹、麝月等丫鬟也一齐进来跪下了。

That night Baoyu came home tipsy and found Qingwen on the cooling couch, and they made peace. Fans are made for fanning, he said, but if she liked the sound of tearing she might tear them, as long as it wasn't in anger. She ripped his fan, then Sheyue's. 'A smile is worth a thousand gold,' he laughed.

66That night Baoyu came home tipsy and found Qingwen on the cooling couch, and they made peace. Fans are made for fanning, he said, but if she liked the sound of tearing she might tear them, as long as it wasn't in anger. She ripped his fan, then Sheyue's. 'A smile is worth a thousand gold,' he laughed.当晚宝玉带着酒意回来，见�晴雯睡在院中乘凉的榻上，便拉她和好。他说扇子原是扇的，她若爱听撕的声响，撕着玩也使得，只别在生气时拿它出气。晴雯果然嗤嗤撕了他的扇子，又撕了麝月的，二人大笑。宝玉道：“千金难买一笑，几把扇子能值几何！”

Next day Shi Xiangyun came to stay, bringing rings for the maids. Strolling through the garden, her maid Cuilü pestered her about yin and yang, and Xiangyun briefly explained: sun and moon, the two faces of a leaf, male and female creatures. Under the rose trellis, Cuilü noticed something glittering gold on the ground and snatched it up.

67Next day Shi Xiangyun came to stay, bringing rings for the maids. Strolling through the garden, her maid Cuilü pestered her about yin and yang, and Xiangyun briefly explained: sun and moon, the two faces of a leaf, male and female creatures. Under the rose trellis, Cuilü noticed something glittering gold on the ground and snatched it up.次日史湘云来住，还给丫头们带了戒指。她带着翠缕逛园子，翠缕缠着问阴阳，湘云略略讲了几句：日是阳，月是阴；叶子朝上为阳，背下为阴；禽兽雄为阳，雌为阴。走到蔷薇架下，翠缕忽见地上金晃晃一件东西，忙赶上去拾在手里。

It was a golden qilin, larger and more finely worked than the one hanging from Xiangyun's own sash. She held it in her palm and fell silent, lost in thought. When Baoyu suddenly appeared she hid it, and only at Happy Red Court, when he found his qilin missing, did she hand it back.

68It was a golden qilin, larger and more finely worked than the one hanging from Xiangyun's own sash. She held it in her palm and fell silent, lost in thought. When Baoyu suddenly appeared she hid it, and only at Happy Red Court, when he found his qilin missing, did she hand it back.那是一只文彩辉煌的金麒麟，比湘云自己佩的又大又精致。湘云托在掌上，默默出神。忽见宝玉走来，她连忙藏起。到了怡红院，宝玉摸遍全身找不见那只新得的麒麟，湘云才把手一撒，笑问是不是这个。

While they chatted, word came that Jia Yucun had called and wanted to see Baoyu. Xiangyun urged him to mix with such officials and learn the ways of a career. Baoyu bristled and asked whether Miss Lin had ever talked such rubbish. 'If she had, I'd have broken with her long ago.'

69While they chatted, word came that Jia Yucun had called and wanted to see Baoyu. Xiangyun urged him to mix with such officials and learn the ways of a career. Baoyu bristled and asked whether Miss Lin had ever talked such rubbish. 'If she had, I'd have broken with her long ago.'正说笑间，有人来报贾雨村来了，老爷叫二爷出去相会，宝玉满心不自在。湘云劝他，即便不愿考举人进士，也该常会会这些为官做宰的人，谈谈仕途经济。宝玉沉下脸来，说林妹妹从来不说这些混账话：“若她也说过，我早和她生分了。”

Daiyu, afraid the two qilins might bring Baoyu and Xiangyun together, had crept up to listen outside. Hearing him praise her so openly, she felt joy, alarm and sorrow all at once: he truly was her kindred spirit, yet she had no parents to speak for her, and her illness was growing. She wiped her tears and turned away.

70Daiyu, afraid the two qilins might bring Baoyu and Xiangyun together, had crept up to listen outside. Hearing him praise her so openly, she felt joy, alarm and sorrow all at once: he truly was her kindred spirit, yet she had no parents to speak for her, and her illness was growing. She wiped her tears and turned away.原来黛玉怕宝玉借麒麟和湘云生出风流佳事，悄悄走来探看，正听见这番话。她又喜又惊，又悲又叹：喜的是他果然是知己，惊的是他竟当众称扬自己；悲的是父母早逝，无人替她做主，病又渐渐沉重。想到此处，她滚下泪来，悄悄抽身回去了。

Baoyu hurried out and caught her wiping her eyes. When she teased him again about gold and qilins, he went red, the veins standing out on his brow, and she reached up to wipe his sweat. At last he said only, 'Set your heart at rest.' The words struck her like thunder; they gazed at each other, speechless, until she fled in tears.

71Baoyu hurried out and caught her wiping her eyes. When she teased him again about gold and qilins, he went red, the veins standing out on his brow, and she reached up to wipe his sweat. At last he said only, 'Set your heart at rest.' The words struck her like thunder; they gazed at each other, speechless, until she fled in tears.宝玉穿好衣裳出来，见黛玉在前面拭泪，忙赶上去。她又提起什么金、什么麒麟，宝玉急得青筋暴起，一脸是汗，黛玉悔了，伸手替他拭汗。宝玉瞅了半天，只说：“你放心。”黛玉如轰雷掣电，满心万句话，半个字也说不出。两人怔怔相望，她终于落泪，头也不回地去了。

Baoyu stood there dazed. Xiren ran up with the fan he had forgotten, and, not seeing who it was, he seized her hand and poured out his heart: he was sick with love and dreamed of her day and night. Xiren was horrified. Coming to himself, he grabbed the fan and fled, crimson, leaving her fearing a scandal.

72Baoyu stood there dazed. Xiren ran up with the fan he had forgotten, and, not seeing who it was, he seized her hand and poured out his heart: he was sick with love and dreamed of her day and night. Xiren was horrified. Coming to himself, he grabbed the fan and fled, crimson, leaving her fearing a scandal.宝玉站着发呆。袭人怕他热，拿了扇子赶来。宝玉出了神，也不看是谁，一把拉住便说：好妹妹，我的心事从来不敢说，为你弄了一身病，睡里梦里都忘不了你！袭人吓得魂飞魄散，推他问是不是中了邪。宝玉醒过来，羞得满面紫涨，夺了扇子就跑。袭人怔怔落泪，只怕日后闹出丑事。

Baochai found Xiren lost in thought and offered to take on Xiangyun's sewing, since the girl was worked to exhaustion at home. Then an old serving woman rushed up: Jinchuan, sent away by Lady Wang days before, had thrown herself into the well in the southeast corner. They had only just pulled out her body. Xiren wept for her friend.

73Baochai found Xiren lost in thought and offered to take on Xiangyun's sewing, since the girl was worked to exhaustion at home. Then an old serving woman rushed up: Jinchuan, sent away by Lady Wang days before, had thrown herself into the well in the southeast corner. They had only just pulled out her body. Xiren wept for her friend.宝钗走来，见袭人出神，说起湘云在家做不得主，针线常做到三更，便答应替袭人分担活计。话未说完，一个老婆子慌慌张张跑来：金钏儿投井死了！原来她前些天被太太撵出去，在家哭天抢地，东南角井里打水的人刚把她的尸首捞上来。袭人想起素日情分，不觉流下泪来。

Baochai found Lady Wang weeping alone, blaming herself for Jinchuan's death. Baochai soothed her: surely the girl had slipped while playing by the well, and a gift of silver would honour the bond. Lady Wang wanted new clothes to dress the body; Baochai offered two sets of her own, unafraid of ill omen. When she returned with them, Baoyu was sitting in tears beside his mother.

74Baochai found Lady Wang weeping alone, blaming herself for Jinchuan's death. Baochai soothed her: surely the girl had slipped while playing by the well, and a gift of silver would honour the bond. Lady Wang wanted new clothes to dress the body; Baochai offered two sets of her own, unafraid of ill omen. When she returned with them, Baoyu was sitting in tears beside his mother.宝钗赶到王夫人处，只见她独坐里间垂泪，自责打了金钏几下、撵她出去。宝钗劝道，金钏多半是在井边玩耍失了脚，不必念念于此，多赏几两银子也就尽了主仆之情。王夫人想给她做新衣裳妆裹，宝钗便说自己恰有两套，毫不忌讳，起身去取。她拿衣服回来时，宝玉正坐在王夫人身旁垂泪。

Stricken by news that Jinchuan had drowned herself, Baoyu wandered out of his mother's rooms in a daze, hands behind his back, head bowed. Turning past the screen door into the front hall, he ran straight into someone. "Stand still!" It was his father, Jia Zheng, who found his son's sighing, absent face intolerable.

75Stricken by news that Jinchuan had drowned herself, Baoyu wandered out of his mother's rooms in a daze, hands behind his back, head bowed. Turning past the screen door into the front hall, he ran straight into someone. "Stand still!" It was his father, Jia Zheng, who found his son's sighing, absent face intolerable.听说金钏儿含羞投井，宝玉心如刀绞，从王夫人房里出来，背着手，低着头，茫然乱走。刚转过屏门，迎面撞上一人，只听一声喝：“站住！”抬头一看，竟是父亲贾政。贾政见他垂头丧气、呆呆怔怔，问话也答不上来，原本无气，也生出三分火来。

Then a caller came, from a household Jia Zheng never dealt with: the chief steward of Prince Zhongshun. The prince's favourite actor, Qiguan, had disappeared, and all the city said he was close to Baoyu. When Baoyu, sent for, swore he did not know the name, the steward smiled coldly: then how had Qiguan's red sash come to be tied around his waist?

76Then a caller came, from a household Jia Zheng never dealt with: the chief steward of Prince Zhongshun. The prince's favourite actor, Qiguan, had disappeared, and all the city said he was close to Baoyu. When Baoyu, sent for, swore he did not know the name, the steward smiled coldly: then how had Qiguan's red sash come to be tied around his waist?忽报忠顺王府来人。贾政素来与忠顺府并无往来，心下疑惑，忙请进厅来。那长史官开门见山：王府唱小旦的琪官几日不见，满城都说他与衔玉的公子交好。宝玉被叫来，连称连“琪官”二字也不知。长史官冷笑道，既不认得，那条红汗巾子怎么到了公子腰里？

Baoyu felt his soul leave him. If the steward knew about the sash, he knew everything. To get rid of him before worse came out, Baoyu gave Qiguan away: he had bought land and a house at a place called Zitan Fort, twenty li east of the city. The steward bowed, said he would look there, and hurried off.

77Baoyu felt his soul leave him. If the steward knew about the sash, he knew everything. To get rid of him before worse came out, Baoyu gave Qiguan away: he had bought land and a house at a place called Zitan Fort, twenty li east of the city. The steward bowed, said he would look there, and hurried off.宝玉一听，魂飞魄散，心想这等机密他都知道，别的更瞒不过，不如打发他走，免得再说出别的来。便说琪官在城东二十里的紫檀堡置了几亩田地、几间房舍，想必在那里。长史官笑道：“这样说，一定是在那里。”若找不着，还要再来请教，说罢匆匆去了。

Seeing the steward out, Jia Zheng caught Jia Huan running wildly with his pages. The boy seized his chance: he had fled a drowned maid in the well. Then, kneeling at his father's knee, he whispered that his mother said Baoyu had tried to force himself on Lady Wang's maid Jinchuan, and when she refused he beat her, so she drowned herself.

78Seeing the steward out, Jia Zheng caught Jia Huan running wildly with his pages. The boy seized his chance: he had fled a drowned maid in the well. Then, kneeling at his father's knee, he whispered that his mother said Baoyu had tried to force himself on Lady Wang's maid Jinchuan, and when she refused he beat her, so she drowned herself.贾政气得目瞪口歪，送走长史官回身，正撞见贾环带着小厮乱跑。贾环乘机说井里淹死了一个丫头，泡得可怕。贾政又惊又怒，要叫人来查问。贾环忙拉住他的袍襟，贴膝跪下，支开众人，悄悄说：听我母亲讲，宝玉哥哥在太太屋里强奸金钏儿不遂，打了她一顿，她才赌气投井死了。

"Bring Baoyu! Bring the heavy rod! Shut every door!" Anyone who carried word inside would be beaten to death. Baoyu's only messenger, a deaf old woman, heard "urgent" as "the well". The pages pinned him on a bench and struck; Jia Zheng, finding the blows too light, kicked the man aside, seized the board himself and struck thirty or forty more, teeth clenched.

79"Bring Baoyu! Bring the heavy rod! Shut every door!" Anyone who carried word inside would be beaten to death. Baoyu's only messenger, a deaf old woman, heard "urgent" as "the well". The pages pinned him on a bench and struck; Jia Zheng, finding the blows too light, kicked the man aside, seized the board himself and struck thirty or forty more, teeth clenched.贾政满面泪痕，一叠声喝令：“拿宝玉！拿大棍！把各门都关上！”谁往里头传信，立刻打死。宝玉想托人报信，偏只遇见个聋婆子，把“要紧”听成“跳井”。小厮们把他按在凳上打了十来下，贾政嫌打得轻，一脚踢开掌板的，亲自夺过板子，咬着牙狠命又打了三四十下。

Word got through at last. Lady Wang rushed in, caught the board in her arms, and when he called for a rope to strangle the boy, threw herself over her son: strangle her first. Seeing the blood-soaked green gauze and the bruised flesh beneath, she wailed for her dead elder son: "Oh, Jia Zhu, if only you had lived!" Li Wan broke into sobs.

80Word got through at last. Lady Wang rushed in, caught the board in her arms, and when he called for a rope to strangle the boy, threw herself over her son: strangle her first. Seeing the blood-soaked green gauze and the bruised flesh beneath, she wailed for her dead elder son: "Oh, Jia Zhu, if only you had lived!" Li Wan broke into sobs.门客们只得设法进去报信。王夫人顾不得回贾母，匆匆赶来，一把抱住板子。贾政还要拿绳子勒死宝玉，王夫人哭着扑在宝玉身上：要勒死他，先勒死我。见儿子面白气弱，绿纱小衣上尽是血渍，由臀至腿青紫一片，不禁放声大哭，又想起早逝的长子：“若有你活着，便死一百个我也不管了！”李纨听了，也哭出声来。

Then a trembling voice came from outside the window: "Kill me first, then kill him, and be done with it!" Grandmother Jia had come on a maid's arm, gasping in the heat. Jia Zheng hurried out and bowed with a forced smile, but she cut him short: she had never raised a good son, so who was she to talk to?

81Then a trembling voice came from outside the window: "Kill me first, then kill him, and be done with it!" Grandmother Jia had come on a maid's arm, gasping in the heat. Jia Zheng hurried out and bowed with a forced smile, but she cut him short: she had never raised a good son, so who was she to talk to?正闹得不可开交，忽听窗外颤巍巍一声：“先打死我，再打死他，岂不干净了！”贾母扶着丫头，喘吁吁地来了。贾政又急又痛，连忙迎出，躬身赔笑，说天热不该亲自走来。贾母厉声道：我倒有话吩咐，只可怜一生没养个好儿子，叫我和谁说去！

When he knelt, she spat: if one word was too much for him, how could Baoyu bear that rod? And how had his own father taught him? She called for sedan chairs to take her, Lady Wang and Baoyu straight back to Nanjing. Jia Zheng knocked his head on the ground and wept that she left him no place to stand.

82When he knelt, she spat: if one word was too much for him, how could Baoyu bear that rod? And how had his own father taught him? She called for sedan chairs to take her, Lady Wang and Baoyu straight back to Nanjing. Jia Zheng knocked his head on the ground and wept that she left him no place to stand.贾政含泪跪下，说教训儿子是为光宗耀祖。贾母啐了一口：我说一句话你就禁不起，你那样下死手的板子，宝玉就禁得起？当初你父亲是怎么教训你的？说着便命人备轿马，要带太太和宝玉立刻回南京去。贾政连连叩头哭道：“母亲如此说，贾政无立足之地。”只得苦苦认罪。

Baoyu was carried on a cane bench to Grandmother Jia's rooms, and later to his own bed at Happy Red Court. Xiren, unable to get near him for the crowd, slipped out to the second gate and questioned Mingyan. The Qiguan story, he guessed, came through Xue Pan's jealousy; the Jinchuan story came from Jia Huan. Xiren believed it.

83Baoyu was carried on a cane bench to Grandmother Jia's rooms, and later to his own bed at Happy Red Court. Xiren, unable to get near him for the crowd, slipped out to the second gate and questioned Mingyan. The Qiguan story, he guessed, came through Xue Pan's jealousy; the Jinchuan story came from Jia Huan. Xiren believed it.凤姐命人抬出藤屉春凳，把宝玉送进贾母房中，后又抬回怡红院床上。袭人满心委屈，插不上手，便走到二门前，叫焙茗来细问。焙茗说：琪官的事多半是薛大爷吃醋，在外头唆挑人来告的；金钏儿的事是三爷说的。袭人听了两件都对景，心里信了八九分。

That evening Xiren uncovered the purple welts on Baoyu's legs. Baochai came in holding a pill to be ground in wine and put on the bruises, and sighed, 'Even we who only look on feel the pain here…' She stopped short, blushed and lowered her head, twisting her sash. Watching her shyness, Baoyu forgot his pain.

84That evening Xiren uncovered the purple welts on Baoyu's legs. Baochai came in holding a pill to be ground in wine and put on the bruises, and sighed, 'Even we who only look on feel the pain here…' She stopped short, blushed and lowered her head, twisting her sash. Watching her shyness, Baoyu forgot his pain.当晚袭人替宝玉褪下中衣，只见腿上青紫一片。宝钗托着一丸药进来，嘱咐用酒研开敷上，又叹道：“别说老太太、太太心疼，就是我们看着，心里也疼。”话一出口，她自悔说急了，红着脸低头只管弄衣带。宝玉见她这般娇羞，竟把疼痛忘到了九霄云外。

Dozing at dusk, Baoyu woke to someone weeping beside him. It was Daiyu, her eyes swollen like peaches. He insisted the beating was mostly for show. She cried without a sound, then choked out, 'You must change your ways, all of them.' He sighed that he would gladly die for such people. When Xifeng was announced, Daiyu slipped out the back to hide her eyes.

85Dozing at dusk, Baoyu woke to someone weeping beside him. It was Daiyu, her eyes swollen like peaches. He insisted the beating was mostly for show. She cried without a sound, then choked out, 'You must change your ways, all of them.' He sighed that he would gladly die for such people. When Xifeng was announced, Daiyu slipped out the back to hide her eyes.黄昏时，宝玉昏沉中被人推醒，睁眼一看，是黛玉，两眼肿得桃儿一般。宝玉反说挨打是装出来哄人的。黛玉无声饮泣，半日才抽噎道：“你从此可都改了罢！”宝玉长叹一声，说就是为这些人死了也情愿。忽报凤姐来了，黛玉怕人笑她的眼睛，忙从后院走了。

When Lady Wang sent for one of Baoyu's maids, Xiren went herself. She said carefully that Baoyu did need his father's discipline. Then she went further: now that he and his cousins were grown, he should move out of the Garden before gossip ruined him. Thinking of Jinchuan, Lady Wang was deeply moved and said, 'I give him into your keeping. Protect him, and you protect me.'

86When Lady Wang sent for one of Baoyu's maids, Xiren went herself. She said carefully that Baoyu did need his father's discipline. Then she went further: now that he and his cousins were grown, he should move out of the Garden before gossip ruined him. Thinking of Jinchuan, Lady Wang was deeply moved and said, 'I give him into your keeping. Protect him, and you protect me.'王夫人叫一个跟二爷的人去问话，袭人亲自去了。她小心说起，二爷原也该老爷管教几顿；又进一步劝道，如今二爷和姑娘们都大了，男女有别，不如设法让他搬出园外，免得人多嘴杂坏了名声。王夫人正想起金钏的事，对她感激不尽：“我就把他交给你了，保全了他，就是保全了我。”

Baoyu sent Xiren off on an errand and had Qingwen carry two old, half-worn handkerchiefs to Daiyu. Qingwen was puzzled, but Daiyu, lying in her dark room, understood at last. Too moved to be cautious, she called for a lamp and wrote poems of tears on the silk until her cheeks burned redder than peach blossom. It was the first sign of her illness.

87Baoyu sent Xiren off on an errand and had Qingwen carry two old, half-worn handkerchiefs to Daiyu. Qingwen was puzzled, but Daiyu, lying in her dark room, understood at last. Too moved to be cautious, she called for a lamp and wrote poems of tears on the silk until her cheeks burned redder than peach blossom. It was the first sign of her illness.宝玉支开袭人，叫晴雯把两条半新不旧的家常手帕送给黛玉。晴雯一路纳闷，黛玉躺在黑屋里细细一想，恍然大悟，又喜又悲，又愧又惧。她顾不得避嫌，命人掌灯，研墨蘸笔，在旧帕上题了诗，写到浑身火热，腮上通红，胜过桃花，却不知病根由此而生。

Everyone believed Xue Pan had set off the talk that led to the beating, though this time he was innocent. Blamed at home, he grabbed a door bar and raged. When Baochai reasoned with him, he struck back: her gold had to match a jade, so of course she shielded Baoyu. Stunned, Baochai clung to her mother in tears, then wept all night.

88Everyone believed Xue Pan had set off the talk that led to the beating, though this time he was innocent. Blamed at home, he grabbed a door bar and raged. When Baochai reasoned with him, he struck back: her gold had to match a jade, so of course she shielded Baoyu. Stunned, Baochai clung to her mother in tears, then wept all night.人人都疑心是薛蟠调唆，才害宝玉挨打，这回他其实冤枉。在家被母亲和妹妹一说，他气得抓起门闩乱嚷。宝钗句句在理，他驳不过，竟口不择言：“你这金要拣有玉的才可正配，你自然护着他。”宝钗气得怔住，拉着母亲哭诉，回房哭了整整一夜。

Baoyu's recovery brought a stream of visitors. Grandmother Jia had lotus-leaf soup made with silver moulds, and Yuchuan, Jinchuan's grieving sister, carried it in. He coaxed her out of her sullen mood. Then, distracted by callers, he knocked the bowl over his own hand, and asked only whether she was scalded. Later Ying'er sat knotting silk cords for him.

89Baoyu's recovery brought a stream of visitors. Grandmother Jia had lotus-leaf soup made with silver moulds, and Yuchuan, Jinchuan's grieving sister, carried it in. He coaxed her out of her sullen mood. Then, distracted by callers, he knocked the bowl over his own hand, and asked only whether she was scalded. Later Ying'er sat knotting silk cords for him.宝玉养伤，探望的人络绎不绝。贾母命人用银模子做了荷叶莲蓬汤，由金钏的妹妹玉钏送来。玉钏满脸怒色，宝玉赔着笑哄她回心转意。说话间他只顾应酬来客，把汤碗碰翻，烫了自己的手，却只问玉钏疼不疼。后来莺儿又来替他打络子。

At Bamboo Lodge, Daiyu's parrot sighed out her flower-burial lines. Meanwhile, servant families were sending Xifeng gifts, hoping to win Jinchuan's vacant post. She kept them, and then Lady Wang simply gave the silver to Yuchuan. Lady Wang went further: from her own allowance Xiren would get two taels and a string of cash a month. It was a concubine's allowance, though not yet the title.

90At Bamboo Lodge, Daiyu's parrot sighed out her flower-burial lines. Meanwhile, servant families were sending Xifeng gifts, hoping to win Jinchuan's vacant post. She kept them, and then Lady Wang simply gave the silver to Yuchuan. Lady Wang went further: from her own allowance Xiren would get two taels and a string of cash a month. It was a concubine's allowance, though not yet the title.潇湘馆里，鹦哥学着黛玉的腔调，念起了葬花诗。另一边，几家仆妇想谋金钏空出的月钱，接连给凤姐送礼；凤姐照收不误，等她回话时，王夫人却把这份月钱给了玉钏。王夫人又吩咐，从自己的月例里每月拨出二两银子一吊钱给袭人，与姨娘同等，只是暂不明说。

One sultry noon, all of Happy Red Court was asleep. Xiren stepped out, leaving behind her embroidery: a white silk undergarment worked with mandarin ducks among lotus. Baochai sat by the sleeping Baoyu and took up the needle herself. Then he cried out in his dream: 'Gold and jade? What do monks and Taoists know? I say wood and stone!' Baochai froze.

91One sultry noon, all of Happy Red Court was asleep. Xiren stepped out, leaving behind her embroidery: a white silk undergarment worked with mandarin ducks among lotus. Baochai sat by the sleeping Baoyu and took up the needle herself. Then he cried out in his dream: 'Gold and jade? What do monks and Taoists know? I say wood and stone!' Baochai froze.一个闷热的午后，宝钗走进怡红院，满院鸦雀无声。袭人坐在宝玉床边绣一个白绫红里的兜肚，上面是鸳鸯戏莲，她起身出去走走，宝钗便坐下替她绣。忽听宝玉在梦中喊道：“和尚道士的话如何信得？什么金玉姻缘，我偏说是木石姻缘！”宝钗不觉怔住了。

Baoyu begged the girl actor Lingguan to sing, but she coldly refused. Then Jia Qiang arrived with a caged performing bird. 'You cage us here, and now you bring a caged bird to mock us,' she wept. He freed it and broke the cage. Baoyu saw that each person's tears belong to someone. Soon after, Xiangyun's family fetched her home, and she left in tears.

92Baoyu begged the girl actor Lingguan to sing, but she coldly refused. Then Jia Qiang arrived with a caged performing bird. 'You cage us here, and now you bring a caged bird to mock us,' she wept. He freed it and broke the cage. Baoyu saw that each person's tears belong to someone. Soon after, Xiangyun's family fetched her home, and she left in tears.一日宝玉去梨香院求龄官唱曲，龄官正色推说嗓子哑了，理也不理。不久贾蔷提着一笼会衔旗串戏台的雀儿兴冲冲进来，龄官却哭道，你们把好好的人关在这牢坑里，又弄个雀儿来打趣我们。贾蔷忙放了雀儿，拆了笼子。宝玉这才明白，人生情缘各有分定。不几日，湘云家里来人接她，她含泪上车而去。

With Jia Zheng away at a provincial post, Tanchun sent notes inviting her cousins to start a poetry club. At Autumn Freshness Studio, Li Wan made herself president and everyone took a pen-name: Tanchun the Guest Under the Plantain, Baochai the Lady of Alpinia, Baoyu the Rich Idler. Daiyu, who wept so easily, became the Consort of the Xiang.

1With Jia Zheng away at a provincial post, Tanchun sent notes inviting her cousins to start a poetry club. At Autumn Freshness Studio, Li Wan made herself president and everyone took a pen-name: Tanchun the Guest Under the Plantain, Baochai the Lady of Alpinia, Baoyu the Rich Idler. Daiyu, who wept so easily, became the Consort of the Xiang.贾政外放学差离家后，探春发帖邀众姊妹结诗社。大家齐聚秋爽斋，李纨自荐掌坛，又各起别号：探春称蕉下客，宝钗为蘅芜君，宝玉得了富贵闲人。黛玉素来爱哭，被封作潇湘妃子，只低了头不言语。

Two pots of white crabapple had just been delivered, so Yingchun set the rhymes and lit a three-inch stick of Sweet Dream incense. Anyone still writing when it burned out would pay a forfeit. Baochai wrote in quiet concentration and Baoyu paced the veranda in a panic, while Daiyu idled by the wutong tree as though she had forgotten the contest.

2Two pots of white crabapple had just been delivered, so Yingchun set the rhymes and lit a three-inch stick of Sweet Dream incense. Anyone still writing when it burned out would pay a forfeit. Baochai wrote in quiet concentration and Baoyu paced the veranda in a panic, while Daiyu idled by the wutong tree as though she had forgotten the contest.恰好有人送来两盆白海棠，众人便以此为题。迎春限了“门”字韵七律，点起一支三寸长的梦甜香，香尽诗未成就要受罚。宝钗低头默默落笔，宝玉背着手在回廊上急得来回踱步，黛玉却抚着梧桐闲看秋色，迟迟不肯动笔。

As the incense burned down, Daiyu dashed off her poem in one sweep, and its opening lines drew cries of delight. Still, Li Wan ruled that Baochai's poem, with its depth and restraint, ranked first, Daiyu's brilliance second and Baoyu's last. Tanchun named the new society the Crabapple Club.

3As the incense burned down, Daiyu dashed off her poem in one sweep, and its opening lines drew cries of delight. Still, Li Wan ruled that Baochai's poem, with its depth and restraint, ranked first, Daiyu's brilliance second and Baoyu's last. Tanchun named the new society the Crabapple Club.香快燃尽时，黛玉才提笔一挥而就，众人读了连声叫好。李纨评道：“若论风流别致，自是这首；若论含蓄浑厚，终让蘅稿。”于是宝钗居首，黛玉第二，宝玉压尾。探春便把诗社定名为海棠社。

At Happy Red Court, Xiren packed fresh water-chestnuts and chestnut cakes for Xiangyun while the maids gossiped over their sewing. Qiuwen boasted of the coins and cast-off clothes she had received for delivering Baoyu's flowers, and Qingwen scorned taking anyone's leftovers. Hearing about the gifts, Baoyu exclaimed that the club meant nothing without Xiangyun.

4At Happy Red Court, Xiren packed fresh water-chestnuts and chestnut cakes for Xiangyun while the maids gossiped over their sewing. Qiuwen boasted of the coins and cast-off clothes she had received for delivering Baoyu's flowers, and Qingwen scorned taking anyone's leftovers. Hearing about the gifts, Baoyu exclaimed that the club meant nothing without Xiangyun.怡红院里，袭人装好鲜菱、鸡头和桂花糖蒸栗粉糕，打发宋妈妈给湘云送去。丫头们一边做针线一边说笑：秋纹夸耀替宝玉送花得了老太太的赏钱和太太的衣裳，晴雯却冷笑，说宁可不要别人挑剩的。宝玉听说给湘云送东西，这才想起诗社万不能少了她。

Fetched the next afternoon, Xiangyun was given the rhymes as a forfeit for arriving late. She chatted all the while, composed two poems in her head and scribbled them on scrap paper. The others marvelled line by line: now the club truly deserved its name. She asked to host the next meeting as her own penalty.

5Fetched the next afternoon, Xiangyun was given the rhymes as a forfeit for arriving late. She chatted all the while, composed two poems in her head and scribbled them on scrap paper. The others marvelled line by line: now the club truly deserved its name. She asked to host the next meeting as her own penalty.次日午后湘云才被接来。众人罚她依韵补作，她一面说笑，一面心里早已和成，随手用纸笔写出两首来。大家看一句惊讶一句，都说这才不枉起了海棠社。湘云便说，先罚她做个东道，邀下一社。

That night at Alpinia Park, Baochai gently pointed out that Xiangyun's small monthly allowance could never pay for a party. She offered crabs from a shop assistant's farm and wine from the family shops, begging Xiangyun not to feel slighted. Moved, Xiangyun agreed, and by lamplight the two drew up twelve chrysanthemum topics.

6That night at Alpinia Park, Baochai gently pointed out that Xiangyun's small monthly allowance could never pay for a party. She offered crabs from a shop assistant's farm and wine from the family shops, begging Xiangyun not to feel slighted. Moved, Xiangyun agreed, and by lamplight the two drew up twelve chrysanthemum topics.当晚湘云宿在蘅芜苑。宝钗委婉点破：她一个月只那几串钱，做东断然不够。便提出当铺伙计送来的肥螃蟹，再从铺子里取几坛好酒，只说请老太太赏桂，又恳切叮嘱她千万别多心。湘云感服不已，二人又在灯下拟出《忆菊》至《残菊》十二道菊花题。

Next day Grandmother Jia led the family to Lotus Fragrance Pavilion, which stood over the water. She recalled nearly drowning as a girl, and Xifeng joked that the dent in her temple was room for all her blessings. Out on the veranda, Ping'er swung a roe-filled crab at a teasing maid, missed, and smeared it across Xifeng's cheek.

7Next day Grandmother Jia led the family to Lotus Fragrance Pavilion, which stood over the water. She recalled nearly drowning as a girl, and Xifeng joked that the dent in her temple was room for all her blessings. Out on the veranda, Ping'er swung a roe-filled crab at a teasing maid, missed, and smeared it across Xifeng's cheek.次日湘云请贾母等到藕香榭赏桂吃蟹。贾母忆起幼时在自家枕霞阁落水，险些淹死，鬓角至今留着一个窝儿，凤姐笑说那是盛福寿的。廊上丫头们斗嘴，平儿拿满黄的螃蟹去抹琥珀，扑了个空，正抹在凤姐腮上，众人笑得前仰后合。

Once the elders had gone, the twelve topics were pinned to the wall and each poet ticked the ones they chose. Xiangyun, after her family's old pavilion, became the Old Friend of Pillowed Clouds. Li Wan crowned Daiyu, whose poems on Singing of, Questioning and Dreaming of the chrysanthemum took the top three places. Baoyu, last again, clapped in delight.

8Once the elders had gone, the twelve topics were pinned to the wall and each poet ticked the ones they chose. Xiangyun, after her family's old pavilion, became the Old Friend of Pillowed Clouds. Li Wan crowned Daiyu, whose poems on Singing of, Questioning and Dreaming of the chrysanthemum took the top three places. Baoyu, last again, clapped in delight.长辈散后，湘云把诗题别在墙上，众人各自勾选。湘云借枕霞阁旧事，起号枕霞旧友。李纨公评：《咏菊》第一，《问菊》第二，《菊梦》第三，都出自黛玉之手，推潇湘妃子为魁。宝玉又落了第，却喜得拍手连称公道。

When fresh hot crabs arrived, Baoyu dashed off a crab poem, and Daiyu matched it at once before tearing hers up. Then Baochai quietly wrote verses mocking crooked, hollow men: "No road before their eyes runs straight; inside the shell, just empty black and yellow." Everyone called it the finest crab poem ever written, if a little too cutting.

9When fresh hot crabs arrived, Baoyu dashed off a crab poem, and Daiyu matched it at once before tearing hers up. Then Baochai quietly wrote verses mocking crooked, hollow men: "No road before their eyes runs straight; inside the shell, just empty black and yellow." Everyone called it the finest crab poem ever written, if a little too cutting.热蟹又端上来，宝玉先作了一首螃蟹诗，黛玉随手和了一首，却又撕了烧掉。宝钗说自己也勉强作一首，写的是：“眼前道路无经纬，皮里春秋空黑黄。”众人都说这是咏蟹绝唱，小题目寓着大意思，只是讽刺世人太毒了些。

Xifeng sent Ping'er to the crab party to fetch more crabs, and Li Wan made her sit down and drink. Feeling the keys at Ping'er's waist, Li Wan called her Xifeng's master key. Then she remembered her own dead husband, Jia Zhu, and the two concubines she had sent away after he died. Her tears fell in the middle of the laughter.

10Xifeng sent Ping'er to the crab party to fetch more crabs, and Li Wan made her sit down and drink. Feeling the keys at Ping'er's waist, Li Wan called her Xifeng's master key. Then she remembered her own dead husband, Jia Zhu, and the two concubines she had sent away after he died. Her tears fell in the middle of the laughter.凤姐打发平儿到螃蟹宴上再要几只螃蟹，李纨硬拉她坐下喝酒。摸到平儿腰间的钥匙，李纨笑她是凤丫头的一把总钥匙。说着却想起早逝的丈夫贾珠，想起他死后自己趁年轻打发走的两个屋里人，不觉滴下泪来。

Outside, Xiren asked why that month's allowances had still not been paid. Ping'er checked that no one was near, then whispered the truth: Xifeng had drawn the money early and lent it out at interest, and the maids would be paid once the interest came in. Her private loans made over a thousand taels a year. 'Don't tell a soul.'

11Outside, Xiren asked why that month's allowances had still not been paid. Ping'er checked that no one was near, then whispered the truth: Xifeng had drawn the money early and lent it out at interest, and the maids would be paid once the interest came in. Her private loans made over a thousand taels a year. 'Don't tell a soul.'散席后，袭人问平儿这个月的月钱为什么还没放。平儿见四下无人，才悄悄告诉她：奶奶早把月钱支出去放了利钱，等别处的利钱收齐了才发；单她这一项体己，一年就能翻出上千两银子。“你可不许告诉一个人去。”

Granny Liu had come back with the first melons and greens of her harvest, and Grandmother Jia kept her to talk. Seeing how the young people loved her stories, she made one up about a lovely girl of seventeen in a red jacket, stealing firewood in the deep snow. Then shouting broke out: the south stable yard was on fire. The story was never finished.

12Granny Liu had come back with the first melons and greens of her harvest, and Grandmother Jia kept her to talk. Seeing how the young people loved her stories, she made one up about a lovely girl of seventeen in a red jacket, stealing firewood in the deep snow. Then shouting broke out: the south stable yard was on fire. The story was never finished.刘姥姥带着头一茬瓜果野菜又来了，贾母留她说话。见哥儿姐儿都爱听，她便信口编了一段：大雪天里，一个十七八岁、穿大红袄儿的标致姑娘在她家偷抽柴草。话没说完，外头嚷了起来，原来是南院马棚走了水。贾母忙念佛看火，这个故事就此打断了。

Baoyu could not stop thinking about the snow girl, so Granny Liu invented more. The girl was Miss Mingyu, who died at seventeen, and her statue in a crumbling shrine had come to life. Baoyu sent Mingyan to find the shrine for restoration. After a day's search Mingyan found only a broken temple, with a blue-faced, red-haired plague god inside.

13Baoyu could not stop thinking about the snow girl, so Granny Liu invented more. The girl was Miss Mingyu, who died at seventeen, and her statue in a crumbling shrine had come to life. Baoyu sent Mingyan to find the shrine for restoration. After a day's search Mingyan found only a broken temple, with a blue-faced, red-haired plague god inside.宝玉念念不忘那抽柴的姑娘，刘姥姥只得再编：村北有座小祠堂，供着十七岁病死的茗玉小姐，泥像年深日久成了精。宝玉信以为真，打发茗烟去找庙，想要重修。茗烟找了一整天，才在田埂上寻到一座破庙，进去一看，竟是一尊青脸红发的瘟神爷。

Next morning Xifeng stuck a whole tray of chrysanthemums into Granny Liu's hair, and the garden tour began. On Bamboo Lodge's mossy path Granny Liu slipped and fell, and laughed at herself. Inside, Grandmother Jia told Xifeng that the old silvery-red gauze was not cicada-wing silk but 'soft-mist silk', and ordered it for Daiyu's windows. Granny Liu thought it a waste on windows.

14Next morning Xifeng stuck a whole tray of chrysanthemums into Granny Liu's hair, and the garden tour began. On Bamboo Lodge's mossy path Granny Liu slipped and fell, and laughed at herself. Inside, Grandmother Jia told Xifeng that the old silvery-red gauze was not cicada-wing silk but 'soft-mist silk', and ordered it for Daiyu's windows. Granny Liu thought it a waste on windows.次日一早，凤姐把一盘菊花横三竖四插了刘姥姥满头，众人陪着她逛园子。潇湘馆的青苔路上，她滑了一跤，自己也笑了。屋里，贾母告诉凤姐，那银红纱不是蝉翼纱，叫“软烟罗”，吩咐拿来给黛玉糊窗子。刘姥姥看了直念佛：拿这个糊窗子，岂不可惜？

At breakfast in Tanchun's Autumn Freshness Studio, Xifeng and Yuanyang had coached their 'lady jester' and given her heavy gold-inlaid ivory chopsticks. When Grandmother Jia said 'Please', Granny Liu stood and boomed, 'Old Liu, Old Liu, eats more than an ox!' then sat down with her cheeks puffed out. The whole room collapsed; Xiangyun sprayed out her rice.

15At breakfast in Tanchun's Autumn Freshness Studio, Xifeng and Yuanyang had coached their 'lady jester' and given her heavy gold-inlaid ivory chopsticks. When Grandmother Jia said 'Please', Granny Liu stood and boomed, 'Old Liu, Old Liu, eats more than an ox!' then sat down with her cheeks puffed out. The whole room collapsed; Xiangyun sprayed out her rice.早饭摆在探春的秋爽斋。凤姐和鸳鸯早商量好拿刘姥姥取笑，特意给她一双沉甸甸的四楞象牙镶金筷。贾母刚说声“请”，刘姥姥便站起来高声道：“老刘，老刘，食量大似牛，吃一个老母猪不抬头！”说完鼓着腮不语。满屋人笑倒一片，湘云一口饭都喷了出来。

Xifeng set a bowl of pigeon eggs in front of her: 'One tael of silver apiece.' Granny Liu chased them around the bowl with the clumsy ivory chopsticks and finally lifted one, but it slid off and rolled onto the floor. A servant whisked it away. 'A whole tael,' she sighed, 'and I didn't even hear it drop.'

16Xifeng set a bowl of pigeon eggs in front of her: 'One tael of silver apiece.' Granny Liu chased them around the bowl with the clumsy ivory chopsticks and finally lifted one, but it slid off and rolled onto the floor. A servant whisked it away. 'A whole tael,' she sighed, 'and I didn't even hear it drop.'凤姐偏把一碗鸽子蛋放在她桌上，说一两银子一个。刘姥姥拿着那双不听使唤的象牙筷满碗追着夹，好容易夹起一个，刚伸长脖子要吃，蛋又滑下来滚到地上，早有人捡了出去。她叹道：“一两银子，也没听见响声儿就没了。”

In the afternoon they drank below the Variegated Brocade Tower while Yuanyang ran a domino game, with each player answering her tiles in a rhyming line. The ladies quoted poetry. Granny Liu answered from the farmyard: 'A big fire burned the hairy caterpillar.' At last, shaping it with both hands, she finished: 'The flower drops, and out grows a giant marrow!'

17In the afternoon they drank below the Variegated Brocade Tower while Yuanyang ran a domino game, with each player answering her tiles in a rhyming line. The ladies quoted poetry. Granny Liu answered from the farmyard: 'A big fire burned the hairy caterpillar.' At last, shaping it with both hands, she finished: 'The flower drops, and out grows a giant marrow!'午后在缀锦阁下摆酒，鸳鸯行起牙牌令，每人按牌名各对一句，要押韵。太太姑娘们说的都是诗词，轮到刘姥姥，她只说庄稼话：“大火烧了毛毛虫。”最后两手一比，说道：“花儿落了结个大倭瓜！”众人哄堂大笑。

Joking that she might break the porcelain, Granny Liu asked for a wooden cup. Yuanyang produced a nest of ten boxwood-root cups carved with landscapes, the largest as big as a small basin. Granny Liu drained it with both hands while Xifeng fed her eggplant cooked with ten chickens' worth of trimmings. Then she solemnly pronounced the boxwood to be yellow pine.

18Joking that she might break the porcelain, Granny Liu asked for a wooden cup. Yuanyang produced a nest of ten boxwood-root cups carved with landscapes, the largest as big as a small basin. Granny Liu drained it with both hands while Xifeng fed her eggplant cooked with ten chickens' worth of trimmings. Then she solemnly pronounced the boxwood to be yellow pine.刘姥姥打趣说怕失手打了瓷杯，要个木头的。鸳鸯真取来十个黄杨根整抠的套杯，雕满山水人物，大的足似个小盆。她两手捧着喝了一大杯，凤姐一面夹茄鲞喂她，说这道菜要十来只鸡来配。刘姥姥细细端详半天，一本正经地断定那杯是黄松的。

At Green Lattice Nunnery, Grandmother Jia handed Miaoyu's fine tea to Granny Liu, who gulped it down and called it weak. Miaoyu then took Baochai and Daiyu to her side room, and Baoyu slipped in after them. She brewed their tea with snow gathered from plum blossoms five years before. The Chenghua cup Granny Liu had drunk from, Miaoyu ordered to be left outside as soiled.

19At Green Lattice Nunnery, Grandmother Jia handed Miaoyu's fine tea to Granny Liu, who gulped it down and called it weak. Miaoyu then took Baochai and Daiyu to her side room, and Baoyu slipped in after them. She brewed their tea with snow gathered from plum blossoms five years before. The Chenghua cup Granny Liu had drunk from, Miaoyu ordered to be left outside as soiled.到了栊翠庵，贾母把妙玉奉的好茶递给刘姥姥，她一口喝干，还嫌淡了些。妙玉随即拉宝钗黛玉进耳房吃体己茶，宝玉也悄悄跟了进来。这茶是用五年前收的梅花上的雪泡的。那只刘姥姥用过的成窑杯，妙玉嫌脏，命人搁到外头，再也不要了。

Later Granny Liu, drunk and dizzy, lost her way and wandered into Happy Red Court. She bumped her head on a painted girl. Then she met her 'in-law' coming toward her, her head full of flowers: it was her own reflection in a great mirror. As she groped at the frame, she sprang its hidden catch, and the mirror swung open like a door.

20Later Granny Liu, drunk and dizzy, lost her way and wandered into Happy Red Court. She bumped her head on a painted girl. Then she met her 'in-law' coming toward her, her head full of flowers: it was her own reflection in a great mirror. As she groped at the frame, she sprang its hidden catch, and the mirror swung open like a door.后来刘姥姥酒劲上头，又闹了肚子，出了茅厕便头晕眼花，迷了路，误闯进怡红院。她先撞在一幅活凸凸的美人画上，又见亲家母插着满头花迎面走来，伸手一摸，才知是一面大穿衣镜。乱摸之间，她碰开了机括，镜子竟闪出一道门来。

Behind the mirror stood the finest bed she had ever seen. She sat down and was soon snoring. Xiren guessed where she had strayed, found her sprawled across the bed and shook her awake. She burned lilies-scented incense against the wine smell and told her to say she had dozed off on the rockery. Only then did Granny Liu learn that it was Baoyu's bedroom.

21Behind the mirror stood the finest bed she had ever seen. She sat down and was soon snoring. Xiren guessed where she had strayed, found her sprawled across the bed and shook her awake. She burned lilies-scented incense against the wine smell and told her to say she had dozed off on the rockery. Only then did Granny Liu learn that it was Baoyu's bedroom.镜子后面是一张极精致的床帐，刘姥姥一屁股坐下，不一会儿便鼾声如雷。袭人料她迷路进了怡红院，赶来一看，忙把她推醒，又往鼎里添了几把百合香遮掩酒气，悄悄嘱咐：“你就说醉倒在山子石上打了个盹儿。”刘姥姥这才知道，这是宝二爷的卧室。

Before going home, Granny Liu came to thank Xifeng, who laughed that the outing had given Grandmother Jia a chill and her baby girl a fever. At Granny Liu's hint an almanac was consulted, paper money was sent off to the flower spirit, and the child fell asleep. Xifeng then asked the old woman to name her, borrowing a poor woman's long life.

22Before going home, Granny Liu came to thank Xifeng, who laughed that the outing had given Grandmother Jia a chill and her baby girl a fever. At Granny Liu's hint an almanac was consulted, paper money was sent off to the flower spirit, and the child fell asleep. Xifeng then asked the old woman to name her, borrowing a poor woman's long life.临行前，刘姥姥来向凤姐辞行道谢。凤姐笑说，为了陪她逛园子，老太太吹了风，大姐儿也发起热来。刘姥姥疑心孩子撞了花神，凤姐便叫人翻《玉匣记》，照着送了纸钱，孩子果然安稳睡去。凤姐又请姥姥给这还没名字的女儿起个名，好借借她的寿。

When she heard the girl was born on the seventh day of the seventh month, an unlucky date, Granny Liu beamed: fight poison with poison. "Call her Qiaojie. If trouble ever comes, this 'qiao' will turn bad luck to good." Xifeng was delighted and thanked her, hoping the words would come true.

23When she heard the girl was born on the seventh day of the seventh month, an unlucky date, Granny Liu beamed: fight poison with poison. "Call her Qiaojie. If trouble ever comes, this 'qiao' will turn bad luck to good." Xifeng was delighted and thanked her, hoping the words would come true.听说孩子偏巧生在七月初七，日子不好，刘姥姥反倒笑了，说这正是以毒攻毒。“就叫她巧哥儿。日后若有不遂心的事，必然遇难成祥，逢凶化吉，都从这‘巧’字上来。”凤姐听了满心欢喜，连忙道谢，只盼女儿真应了这话。

Ping'er and Yuanyang heaped half a kang with silks, cakes, medicines, rice and a hundred taels of silver from Lady Wang. A court physician found Grandmother Jia had only caught a cold and needed no medicine. From her couch the old lady told Granny Liu to come again when she could, and Yuanyang saw her to the cart.

24Ping'er and Yuanyang heaped half a kang with silks, cakes, medicines, rice and a hundred taels of silver from Lady Wang. A court physician found Grandmother Jia had only caught a cold and needed no medicine. From her couch the old lady told Granny Liu to come again when she could, and Yuanyang saw her to the cart.平儿和鸳鸯替刘姥姥打点了半炕东西：绸缎、点心、药丸、御田粳米，还有王夫人给的一百两银子。王太医来给贾母诊了脉，说只是偶感风凉，不吃药也无妨。贾母坐在榻上叮嘱刘姥姥闲了再来，鸳鸯一路把她送上了车。

After breakfast Baochai led Daiyu off to Alpinia Park, sat down and said, "Kneel. I'm going to put you on trial." Daiyu laughed that Baochai had gone mad, until Baochai reminded her of the drinking game the day before, when she had quoted The Peony Pavilion and The West Chamber, plays no well-bred young lady was supposed to read.

25After breakfast Baochai led Daiyu off to Alpinia Park, sat down and said, "Kneel. I'm going to put you on trial." Daiyu laughed that Baochai had gone mad, until Baochai reminded her of the drinking game the day before, when she had quoted The Peony Pavilion and The West Chamber, plays no well-bred young lady was supposed to read.早饭后，宝钗把黛玉叫到蘅芜苑，坐下便笑道：“你跪下，我要审你。”黛玉只当她疯了，笑个不住。宝钗这才点破：昨儿行酒令，她随口说出了《牡丹亭》《西厢记》里的句子，这可不是闺阁小姐该看的书。

Daiyu blushed crimson, hugged Baochai and begged her to tell no one. Baochai sat her down to tea and gently admitted that she too had read such plays in secret as a girl, until the grown-ups burned them. Girls, she said, should read only proper books, or idle ones would change their nature. Daiyu hung her head and could only say yes.

26Daiyu blushed crimson, hugged Baochai and begged her to tell no one. Baochai sat her down to tea and gently admitted that she too had read such plays in secret as a girl, until the grown-ups burned them. Girls, she said, should read only proper books, or idle ones would change their nature. Daiyu hung her head and could only say yes.黛玉顿时红了脸，搂着宝钗央告她别说与别人。宝钗见她羞成这样，便拉她坐下吃茶，慢慢说起自己小时候也偷看过这些杂书，后来被大人打骂烧毁才罢。她劝黛玉只拣正经书看，免得杂书移了性情。黛玉低头吃茶，心下暗服，只答应一个“是”字。

At Li Wan's cottage Xichun asked for a year's leave to paint the garden for Grandmother Jia, and Daiyu mocked Granny Liu as a 'mother locust'. Baochai settled on half a year and dictated a long list of brushes, pigments, jars and stoves. Daiyu whispered that she must be writing her dowry list, so Baochai pinned her on the kang to pinch her cheeks.

27At Li Wan's cottage Xichun asked for a year's leave to paint the garden for Grandmother Jia, and Daiyu mocked Granny Liu as a 'mother locust'. Baochai settled on half a year and dictated a long list of brushes, pigments, jars and stoves. Daiyu whispered that she must be writing her dowry list, so Baochai pinned her on the kang to pinch her cheeks.到了稻香村，惜春为了给老太太画园子图，要告一年的假，黛玉又把刘姥姥叫作“母蝗虫”，引得众人大笑。宝钗说定给半年假，又念了长长一串画笔、颜料、缸罐、风炉。黛玉悄悄对探春说，她把嫁妆单子也写上了。宝钗听见，把黛玉按在炕上要拧她的脸。

Daiyu begged for mercy, slyly reminding Baochai of the morning's lesson, and Baochai let her go. "Come here, and I'll smooth your hair for you." Daiyu turned, and Baochai tidied her loosened hair while Baoyu looked on, wishing he could have done it himself. By evening Grandmother Jia's chill had passed.

28Daiyu begged for mercy, slyly reminding Baochai of the morning's lesson, and Baochai let her go. "Come here, and I'll smooth your hair for you." Daiyu turned, and Baochai tidied her loosened hair while Baoyu looked on, wishing he could have done it himself. By evening Grandmother Jia's chill had passed.黛玉连声讨饶，话里又暗暗扯出早上那番教训，宝钗便不好再闹，放了她。“过来，我替你把头发拢一拢。”黛玉果然转过身去，任宝钗替她拢好松了的鬓发。宝玉在旁看着，只恨刚才没留着这事让自己来做。到了晚上，贾母的风寒也就好了。

Grandmother Jia had a new idea for Xifeng's birthday on the second of the ninth month: everyone would chip in, like humble folk. The ladies called out their shares amid laughter, and Xifeng haggled so cleverly on the old lady's behalf that she cried she'd nearly been cheated. Maids, stewards' wives and even the two concubines joined in. Over 150 taels were pooled.

29Grandmother Jia had a new idea for Xifeng's birthday on the second of the ninth month: everyone would chip in, like humble folk. The ladies called out their shares amid laughter, and Xifeng haggled so cleverly on the old lady's behalf that she cried she'd nearly been cheated. Maids, stewards' wives and even the two concubines joined in. Over 150 taels were pooled.贾母要给凤姐过九月初二的生日，想出个新法子：大家学小户人家凑分子。众人说说笑笑地报数，凤姐一面算账一面替老太太抱不平，逗得贾母直说险些被人哄了去。丫头、管家媳妇，连两位姨娘也都出了钱，一共凑了一百五十多两银子。

You-shi was put in charge of the party. When she counted the silver she found Xifeng had quietly skipped Li Wan's share. You-shi quietly did some kindnesses of her own, handing back the shares of Ping'er, Yuanyang and Caiyun. Then, while Xifeng wasn't looking, she returned those of Concubines Zhou and Zhao. 'Poor things, where would you find spare money?'

30You-shi was put in charge of the party. When she counted the silver she found Xifeng had quietly skipped Li Wan's share. You-shi quietly did some kindnesses of her own, handing back the shares of Ping'er, Yuanyang and Caiyun. Then, while Xifeng wasn't looking, she returned those of Concubines Zhou and Zhao. 'Poor things, where would you find spare money?'寿宴交给尤氏操办。她点银子时发现凤姐悄悄省下了李纨那一份。尤氏自己也做个人情，把平儿、鸳鸯、彩云的分子退了回去，又趁凤姐不在跟前，把周、赵两位姨娘的也还给了她们：“你们可怜见的，哪里有这些闲钱？”

At dawn on the birthday, Baoyu slipped out of the garden's back gate dressed all in white. He left word that he had gone to the Prince of Beijing's. With only Mingyan behind him he galloped out through the north gate. Mingyan warned there was nothing to see out that way. Baoyu said a lonely road was exactly what he wanted.

31At dawn on the birthday, Baoyu slipped out of the garden's back gate dressed all in white. He left word that he had gone to the Prince of Beijing's. With only Mingyan behind him he galloped out through the north gate. Mingyan warned there was nothing to see out that way. Baoyu said a lonely road was exactly what he wanted.寿日一早，宝玉一身素服，从园子后门悄悄出来，只叫人传话说去了北静王府。他只带茗烟一人，打马出了北门。茗烟说那边冷冷清清，没什么好玩的。宝玉却说：正要冷清的地方才好。

Baoyu found two pinches of incense in his own purse and borrowed a censer at the Water Immortal Convent. The only clean spot was the rim of an old well, so they set it there. Baoyu lit the incense and bowed in tears, naming no one. Mingyan knelt and prayed in his place: may the sweet spirit visit his master, and may he be reborn a girl.

32Baoyu found two pinches of incense in his own purse and borrowed a censer at the Water Immortal Convent. The only clean spot was the rim of an old well, so they set it there. Baoyu lit the incense and bowed in tears, naming no one. Mingyan knelt and prayed in his place: may the sweet spirit visit his master, and may he be reborn a girl.宝玉在随身荷包里找出两星沉速香，又到水仙庵借来香炉。后院找不出一块干净地方，只好放在井台上。宝玉焚上香，含泪施了半礼，始终没说祭的是谁。茗烟跪下替他祝告：芳魂若有灵，常来看望二爷，保佑二爷来世也变个女孩儿。

Baoyu was home in time for the opera. At the feast, one person after another toasted Xifeng until the wine went to her head, and she slipped out with Ping'er. In the passage a little maid from her rooms saw them, turned and ran. Xifeng made her kneel, slapped her and threatened her until the girl confessed. Jia Lian had sent for Bao Er's wife.

33Baoyu was home in time for the opera. At the feast, one person after another toasted Xifeng until the wine went to her head, and she slipped out with Ping'er. In the passage a little maid from her rooms saw them, turned and ran. Xifeng made her kneel, slapped her and threatened her until the girl confessed. Jia Lian had sent for Bao Er's wife.宝玉赶回来看戏。席上众人轮番敬酒，把凤姐灌得酒气上涌，她便带着平儿悄悄离席。穿廊下一个房里的小丫头见了她们，扭头就跑。凤姐叫她跪下，扬手就是几个耳光，又拿话吓她。小丫头这才哭着招认：二爷叫了鲍二的老婆来家。

Xifeng crept up to her own window. Inside, Bao Er's wife was laughing: 'If only that hellcat of yours would die.' Then Ping'er could be made his wife, she said, and he'd be better off. Jia Lian grumbled that even Ping'er wouldn't let him near her now, and that she was full of grievances she dared not voice. Xifeng shook with rage.

34Xifeng crept up to her own window. Inside, Bao Er's wife was laughing: 'If only that hellcat of yours would die.' Then Ping'er could be made his wife, she said, and he'd be better off. Jia Lian grumbled that even Ping'er wouldn't let him near her now, and that she was full of grievances she dared not voice. Xifeng shook with rage.凤姐蹑手蹑脚走到自家窗下，只听里面那妇人笑道：“多早晚你那阎王老婆死了就好了。”又说她死了，把平儿扶了正只怕还好些。贾琏道，如今连平儿也不叫他沾一沾，平儿也是一肚子委屈不敢说。凤姐气得浑身乱颤。

Hearing Ping'er praised, Xifeng decided Ping'er must have complained about her in secret. She struck her, kicked open the door and fell upon Bao Er's wife. Ping'er, wronged and weeping, struck at the woman too, and Jia Lian kicked and cursed her for it. Beaten by both her masters, Ping'er ran out looking for a knife to end her life, and was held back.

35Hearing Ping'er praised, Xifeng decided Ping'er must have complained about her in secret. She struck her, kicked open the door and fell upon Bao Er's wife. Ping'er, wronged and weeping, struck at the woman too, and Jia Lian kicked and cursed her for it. Beaten by both her masters, Ping'er ran out looking for a knife to end her life, and was held back.凤姐听他们都夸平儿，疑心平儿背地里也有怨言，回身先打了平儿，一脚踢开门，揪住鲍二家的撕打。平儿有冤无处诉，也去打那妇人，贾琏反倒上来踢骂平儿。两头受打的平儿跑出去找刀寻死，被众人拦住了。

Xifeng rammed her head against Jia Lian's chest and dared him to kill her. He pulled a sword from the wall, roaring that he'd kill them all. When You-shi and the others burst in, Xifeng ran weeping to Grandmother Jia and claimed they had plotted to poison her. The old lady had the sword taken off him, then laughed it off as young men's greed.

36Xifeng rammed her head against Jia Lian's chest and dared him to kill her. He pulled a sword from the wall, roaring that he'd kill them all. When You-shi and the others burst in, Xifeng ran weeping to Grandmother Jia and claimed they had plotted to poison her. The old lady had the sword taken off him, then laughed it off as young men's greed.凤姐一头撞在贾琏怀里，叫他索性勒死自己。贾琏气得从墙上拔出剑来，嚷着要把她们一齐杀了。尤氏等人赶来，凤姐便哭着跑到贾母跟前，说他们要拿毒药害她。贾母叫人夺下剑，把贾琏喝了出去，事后却笑着说：年轻人馋嘴猫儿似的，哪里保得住不这样。

Li Wan took the sobbing Ping'er into the garden, and Baoyu brought her to Happy Red Court. He had her wash, lent her some of Xiren's clothes, and offered his own jasmine-seed powder and rouge. Then he snipped a twin-flowered autumn orchid and set it in her hair. It was Jinchuan's birthday, and this small kindness was the one joy in his day.

37Li Wan took the sobbing Ping'er into the garden, and Baoyu brought her to Happy Red Court. He had her wash, lent her some of Xiren's clothes, and offered his own jasmine-seed powder and rouge. Then he snipped a twin-flowered autumn orchid and set it in her hair. It was Jinchuan's birthday, and this small kindness was the one joy in his day.李纨把哭得哽咽的平儿拉进园子，宝玉又让她到怡红院来，叫她洗脸，换上袭人的衣裳，拿出自制的紫茉莉花粉和胭脂给她匀妆，又用竹剪子剪下一枝并蒂秋蕙，替她簪在鬓上。这天原是金钏儿的生日，这一点心意，是他一日里唯一的慰藉。

The next morning Jia Lian knelt before Grandmother Jia, then bowed to Xifeng and, to everyone's laughter, to Ping'er too. Ping'er knelt to Xifeng and blamed herself for spoiling the birthday. Xifeng, full of shame, pulled her up and burst into tears. 'Even yesterday, when you hit me, I didn't blame you,' Ping'er said, weeping too.

38The next morning Jia Lian knelt before Grandmother Jia, then bowed to Xifeng and, to everyone's laughter, to Ping'er too. Ping'er knelt to Xifeng and blamed herself for spoiling the birthday. Xifeng, full of shame, pulled her up and burst into tears. 'Even yesterday, when you hit me, I didn't blame you,' Ping'er said, weeping too.第二天，贾璉在贾母跟前跪下认错，又给凤姐作揖，接着也给平儿赔了不是，逗得满屋人都笑了。平儿上前给凤姐磕头，说自己惹奶奶生气。凤姐又愧又心酸，一把拉起她，落下泪来。平儿也哭道：“就是昨儿打我，我也不怨奶奶。”

Soon word came that Bao Er's wife had hanged herself, and her family threatened to sue. Xifeng forbade any payment, but Jia Lian quietly settled it for two hundred taels, hidden in the yearly accounts. He also borrowed Wang Ziteng's runners to silence protest. Bao Er, paid off and promised a new wife, went on serving him as before.

39Soon word came that Bao Er's wife had hanged herself, and her family threatened to sue. Xifeng forbade any payment, but Jia Lian quietly settled it for two hundred taels, hidden in the yearly accounts. He also borrowed Wang Ziteng's runners to silence protest. Bao Er, paid off and promised a new wife, went on serving him as before.不久有人来报：鲍二媳妇上吊死了，娘家亲戚要告状。凤姐嘴上说一个钱也不给，贾琏却悄悄和林之孝家的商量，许了二百两银子发送，把这笔账混进流年账里，又请王子腾派来几个番役，没人再敢多话。鲍二得了银子，又许了再娶，照旧奉承贾琏。

The girls crowded into Wang Xifeng's rooms and asked her to be the poetry club's stern 'censor'. Xifeng laughed and saw straight through them: they did not want a judge, they wanted a banker to pay for their parties. Li Wan called her 'a heart of crystal, a body of glass', and the whole room laughed.

40The girls crowded into Wang Xifeng's rooms and asked her to be the poetry club's stern 'censor'. Xifeng laughed and saw straight through them: they did not want a judge, they wanted a banker to pay for their parties. Li Wan called her 'a heart of crystal, a body of glass', and the whole room laughed.姑娘们一齐来到凤姐屋里，请她去诗社当个铁面无私的“监社御史”。凤姐一听就笑着点破：哪里是请她监社，分明是要她出钱做东。李纨笑她是“水晶心肝玻璃人”，满屋子的人都笑了起来。

Xifeng promised fifty taels to start the club off, and gave Baoyu, who had missed its first meeting, the forfeit of sweeping all their floors. Then old Nanny Lai came in, leaning on a little maid. Her grandson had been made a county magistrate, and she invited the ladies to three days of feasting and plays in her own garden.

41Xifeng promised fifty taels to start the club off, and gave Baoyu, who had missed its first meeting, the forfeit of sweeping all their floors. Then old Nanny Lai came in, leaning on a little maid. Her grandson had been made a county magistrate, and she invited the ladies to three days of feasting and plays in her own garden.凤姐答应先拿出五十两银子给诗社作东道，又罚误了头一社的宝玉把各人屋里的地扫一遍。正说着，赖嬷嬷扶着小丫头进来了。她孙子选上了州县官，她要在自家花园里连摆三天酒戏，请太太奶奶姑娘们都去热闹热闹。

In autumn Daiyu's cough came back worse than before, and she kept to her room. Baochai came to see her and gently suggested bird's-nest congee each morning in place of hot tonics. Daiyu was moved. 'I always took you for someone hiding a knife,' she admitted. 'I see now I was wrong about you.'

42In autumn Daiyu's cough came back worse than before, and she kept to her room. Baochai came to see her and gently suggested bird's-nest congee each morning in place of hot tonics. Daiyu was moved. 'I always took you for someone hiding a knife,' she admitted. 'I see now I was wrong about you.'入秋以后，黛玉的咳嗽又犯了，比往年更重，终日不出门。宝钗来看她，劝她少用人参肉桂，每天早上熬些燕窝粥吃。黛玉深受感动，坦白说：“我只当你心里藏奸，如今才知道是我错了。”

Daiyu told her why she would never ask for the congee. She was not a real mistress of the house, only an orphan taken in, and the servants already whispered about her. Baochai took her hand. They were in the same boat, she said, and she would send bird's nest from her own family's stores, with no fuss at all.

43Daiyu told her why she would never ask for the congee. She was not a real mistress of the house, only an orphan taken in, and the servants already whispered about her. Baochai took her hand. They were in the same boat, she said, and she would send bird's nest from her own family's stores, with no fuss at all.黛玉说出自己的难处：她不是这家正经主子，原是无依无靠投奔来的，底下人早已嫌她多事，哪敢再添麻烦。宝钗握住她的手，说两人也算同病相怜，答应从自己家里送燕窝来，不惊动任何人。

Before sunset the weather turned, and a cold autumn rain began to fall. Knowing Baochai could not come back that night, Daiyu read by the lamp, and the sad old songs of parting stirred her. She wrote a long poem of her own and called it 'Autumn Window, a Night of Wind and Rain'.

44Before sunset the weather turned, and a cold autumn rain began to fall. Knowing Baochai could not come back that night, Daiyu read by the lamp, and the sad old songs of parting stirred her. She wrote a long poem of her own and called it 'Autumn Window, a Night of Wind and Rain'.不到日落，天就变了，淅淅沥沥下起秋雨来。黛玉知道宝钗晚上不能再来，便在灯下翻看《乐府杂稿》，读到那些离别闺怨的词，心有所感，自己也写了一首，题为《秋窗风雨夕》。

She had just put down her brush when Baoyu came in out of the rain, wearing a wide bamboo hat and a straw cape. 'Where did this old fisherman come from?' Daiyu laughed. He lifted the lamp to look at her face and asked how she was. Then he found her poem and praised it, and she snatched it and burned it.

45She had just put down her brush when Baoyu came in out of the rain, wearing a wide bamboo hat and a straw cape. 'Where did this old fisherman come from?' Daiyu laughed. He lifted the lamp to look at her face and asked how she was. Then he found her poem and praised it, and she snatched it and burned it.她刚搁下笔，宝玉就冒雨来了，头戴大箬笠，身披蓑衣。黛玉忍不住笑道：“哪里来的渔翁！”宝玉举灯照她的脸，问她今天可好些。他看到桌上的诗连声叫好，黛玉一把夺过来，放在灯上烧了。

The rain grew heavier, and Daiyu sent him home. His servants carried a horn lantern, but she took down her own glass lantern, had a candle lit in it, and put it in his hand. He was afraid of breaking it. 'Which is worth more,' she scolded, 'a lantern or you?'

46The rain grew heavier, and Daiyu sent him home. His servants carried a horn lantern, but she took down her own glass lantern, had a candle lit in it, and put it in his hand. He was afraid of breaking it. 'Which is worth more,' she scolded, 'a lantern or you?'雨越下越紧，黛玉催宝玉快回去。婆子们打着明瓦灯笼，黛玉却从书架上取下自己的玻璃绣球灯，点上小蜡递给他。宝玉怕摔坏了舍不得用，黛玉嗔道：“跌了灯值钱，跌了人值钱？”

Soon a woman from Baochai's household came through the rain with a large packet of the best bird's nest. Zijuan drew the curtains and put Daiyu to bed. Lying awake, she thought gratefully of Baochai, envied her the mother and brother she still had, and knew Baoyu must always stay at a careful distance. Rain pattered on the bamboo, and she wept until near dawn.

47Soon a woman from Baochai's household came through the rain with a large packet of the best bird's nest. Zijuan drew the curtains and put Daiyu to bed. Lying awake, she thought gratefully of Baochai, envied her the mother and brother she still had, and knew Baoyu must always stay at a careful distance. Rain pattered on the bamboo, and she wept until near dawn.不久，蘅芜苑的婆子冒雨送来一大包上等燕窝。紫鹃放下帐子，伺候黛玉睡下。黛玉在枕上感念宝钗，又羡慕她有母亲兄长，又想到宝玉虽然和睦，终究有嫌疑。窗外雨打竹梢，她不觉又落下泪来，直到四更才睡着。

Jia She took a fancy to Yuanyang, Grandmother Jia's chief maid, and sent his wife to get her. Lady Xing found her sewing, took her hand and offered her the rank of concubine, with honour and comfort. Yuanyang went red and hung her head. Whatever Lady Xing said, she did not say a single word.

48Jia She took a fancy to Yuanyang, Grandmother Jia's chief maid, and sent his wife to get her. Lady Xing found her sewing, took her hand and offered her the rank of concubine, with honour and comfort. Yuanyang went red and hung her head. Whatever Lady Xing said, she did not say a single word.贾赦看中了贾母身边的大丫鬟鸳鸯，想收她做妾，便叫邢夫人去办。邢夫人找到正在做针线的鸳鸯，拉着她的手，许她做姨娘，说得又体面又尊贵。鸳鸯红了脸，低下头，不管邢夫人怎么劝，她始终一言不发。

Yuanyang slipped away into the garden. Under a red maple she told Ping'er and Xiren she would not go, and would not go even as his first wife. They teased her, then warned her that Jia She would not let it drop. "Then I'll cut off my hair and become a nun," she said, "or else there is always death."

49Yuanyang slipped away into the garden. Under a red maple she told Ping'er and Xiren she would not go, and would not go even as his first wife. They teased her, then warned her that Jia She would not let it drop. "Then I'll cut off my hair and become a nun," she said, "or else there is always death."鸳鸯躲进园子，在一棵红枫下对平儿和袭人说，别说做小老婆，就是明媒正娶做大老婆，她也不去。两人先是取笑，后又提醒她大老爷不会就此罢手。鸳鸯冷笑道：“我剪了头发作姑子去，不然，还有一死。”

Her sister-in-law came hurrying up with the "happy news". Yuanyang stood up and spat full in her face, then cursed her through tears: her brother's family wanted to push her into the fire so they could lord it over others on her back, and if things went badly for her they would pull their heads in and leave her to die.

50Her sister-in-law came hurrying up with the "happy news". Yuanyang stood up and spat full in her face, then cursed her through tears: her brother's family wanted to push her into the fire so they could lord it over others on her back, and if things went badly for her they would pull their heads in and leave her to die.嫂子兴冲冲赶来报“天大的喜事”。鸳鸯站起身，照她脸上狠狠啐了一口，一边哭一边骂：哥嫂只想把她推进火坑，好仗着她横行霸道；等她失了势，他们就缩起脖子，任她自生自灭。

When her brother brought back her refusal, Jia She flew into a rage. He said she must fancy Baoyu or Jia Lian, and that however far away she married, she would never escape his grasp, "unless she dies, or never marries at all." Jin Wenxiang could only bow and answer "yes" after every sentence.

51When her brother brought back her refusal, Jia She flew into a rage. He said she must fancy Baoyu or Jia Lian, and that however far away she married, she would never escape his grasp, "unless she dies, or never marries at all." Jin Wenxiang could only bow and answer "yes" after every sentence.哥哥金文翔回话说鸳鸯不肯，贾赦勃然大怒，说她必定是看上了宝玉或贾琏；又说无论她将来嫁到谁家，也逃不出他的手心，“除非他死了，或是终身不嫁男人”。金文翔在一旁连声应“是”。

Yuanyang pretended to give in and asked to be taken to Grandmother Jia. There, before the whole family, she knelt and told everything, swearing never to marry. As she spoke she drew hidden scissors from her sleeve, shook down her hair and cut. The women seized her, but half a lock had already fallen.

52Yuanyang pretended to give in and asked to be taken to Grandmother Jia. There, before the whole family, she knelt and told everything, swearing never to marry. As she spoke she drew hidden scissors from her sleeve, shook down her hair and cut. The women seized her, but half a lock had already fallen.鸳鸯假装回心转意，要哥嫂带她去见贾母。当着满屋的人，她跪下哭诉前后经过，发誓终身不嫁。她一面说，一面从袖中取出早藏好的剪刀，打散头发就铰。众人忙上前拉住，已剪下了半绺。

Grandmother Jia shook all over with rage and turned on Lady Wang: "So you've all been deceiving me!" Lady Wang stood and could not answer, and no one else dared speak. Tanchun came in from outside the window and said gently that a younger brother's wife could hardly know about her brother-in-law's affairs. Grandmother Jia saw she was right, and apologised.

53Grandmother Jia shook all over with rage and turned on Lady Wang: "So you've all been deceiving me!" Lady Wang stood and could not answer, and no one else dared speak. Tanchun came in from outside the window and said gently that a younger brother's wife could hardly know about her brother-in-law's affairs. Grandmother Jia saw she was right, and apologised.贾母气得浑身发抖，转向王夫人道：“你们原来都是哄我的！”王夫人忙站起来，不敢回一句话，旁人也都不敢劝。探春在窗外听见，走进来陪笑说：大伯子要收屋里人，小婶子怎么会知道？贾母这才醒悟，承认自己错怪了人。

To soothe the old lady, Xifeng set up a game of dominoes and lost on purpose, while Yuanyang sat behind her mistress and secretly signalled which tiles she needed. Grandmother Jia laughed again. Shamed, Jia She pleaded illness and kept away from her, then paid eight hundred taels for a girl of seventeen called Yanhong.

54To soothe the old lady, Xifeng set up a game of dominoes and lost on purpose, while Yuanyang sat behind her mistress and secretly signalled which tiles she needed. Grandmother Jia laughed again. Shamed, Jia She pleaded illness and kept away from her, then paid eight hundred taels for a girl of seventeen called Yanhong.为了哄贾母开心，凤姐张罗起斗牌，故意输钱，鸳鸯坐在贾母下手暗中递暗号。贾母终于又笑了起来。贾赦又羞又愧，从此推说有病，不敢来见贾母，后来花了八百两银子，买了个十七岁的女孩嫣红收在屋里。

On the fourteenth, at a banquet in the Lai family's garden, Baoyu drew Liu Xianglian aside into a small study and asked about Qin Zhong's grave. Xianglian had quietly paid men to repair it after the summer rains. He said he was leaving to wander for a few years. Baoyu wept and begged him to say goodbye first.

55On the fourteenth, at a banquet in the Lai family's garden, Baoyu drew Liu Xianglian aside into a small study and asked about Qin Zhong's grave. Xianglian had quietly paid men to repair it after the summer rains. He said he was leaving to wander for a few years. Baoyu wept and begged him to say goodbye first.十四日，赖大家花园设宴。宝玉把柳湘莲拉到厅旁的小书房，问起秦钟的坟。湘莲说夏天雨水多，他悄悄雇人把坟修好了。他又说自己要出门远游三五年。宝玉落下泪来，求他临走前千万告诉自己一声。

Xue Pan, drunk, pestered Xianglian and took him for an actor to be bought. Xianglian lured him alone to a reed marsh beyond the north gate. As Xue Pan knelt to swear eternal devotion, Xianglian struck him down, whipped and pummelled him and dragged him through the mud until he begged, "Good grandfather, spare me!"

56Xue Pan, drunk, pestered Xianglian and took him for an actor to be bought. Xianglian lured him alone to a reed marsh beyond the north gate. As Xue Pan knelt to swear eternal devotion, Xianglian struck him down, whipped and pummelled him and dragged him through the mud until he begged, "Good grandfather, spare me!"薛蟠酒后纠缠湘莲，把他错当成可以轻薄的戏子。湘莲将他单独骗到北门外的苇塘边。薛蟠刚跪下发誓永不变心，就被一下打倒在地。湘莲用马鞭抽，用拳头打，又把他拖进泥水里，直到薛蟠连叫：“好爷爷，饶了我罢！”

Jia Rong found Xue Pan groaning in the reeds like a mud pig and joked that the Dragon King must have wanted him as a son-in-law. At home, Aunt Xue wanted Xianglian hunted down, but Baochai talked her out of it. Her brother had it coming, she said, and a fuss would only look like bullying. Xianglian had fled.

57Jia Rong found Xue Pan groaning in the reeds like a mud pig and joked that the Dragon King must have wanted him as a son-in-law. At home, Aunt Xue wanted Xianglian hunted down, but Baochai talked her out of it. Her brother had it coming, she said, and a fuss would only look like bullying. Xianglian had fled.贾蓉在苇坑里找到浑身泥水、哼哼唧唧的薛蟠，笑他是被龙王爷看中，招去做驸马了。回到家里，薛姨妈要派人去捉拿柳湘莲，宝钗劝住了她：哥哥是自己吃了亏，闹大了反倒显得仗势欺人。这时柳湘莲早已远走他乡。

In the tenth month Xue Pan, still ashamed of his beating, set off south to trade with the family's old manager, Zhang Dehui. With him gone, Aunt Xue sent Xiangling to keep Baochai company in the Garden. The moment she moved in, Xiangling begged, 'Now you can teach me to write poems!'

58In the tenth month Xue Pan, still ashamed of his beating, set off south to trade with the family's old manager, Zhang Dehui. With him gone, Aunt Xue sent Xiangling to keep Baochai company in the Garden. The moment she moved in, Xiangling begged, 'Now you can teach me to write poems!'十月里，薛蟠挨打后羞于见人，便跟着家里的老伙计张德辉出门做买卖去了。儿子走后，薛姨妈让香菱搬进园子给宝钗作伴。香菱刚住进来，就求宝钗：“好姑娘，趁这工夫，教我作诗吧！”

Ping'er brought Baochai darker news. Jia She had coveted twenty antique fans owned by a starving man called the Stone Fool, who would rather die than sell. Jia Yucun charged him with owing the state money and seized the fans. When Jia Lian said that ruining a man over trifles was no great feat, his father beat him.

59Ping'er brought Baochai darker news. Jia She had coveted twenty antique fans owned by a starving man called the Stone Fool, who would rather die than sell. Jia Yucun charged him with owing the state money and seized the fans. When Jia Lian said that ruining a man over trifles was no great feat, his father beat him.平儿却带来一桩坏消息。贾赦看中了一个穷汉的二十把古扇，此人人称“石呆子”，宁死不卖。贾雨村便诬他拖欠官银，抄了扇子送来。贾琏只说了一句：为这点小事弄得人家破人亡，算不得本事。贾赦大怒，把他打得脸上破了两处。

That evening Xiangling went to Bamboo Lodge, and Daiyu gladly took her as a pupil. Tonal rules matter less than true meaning, Daiyu said; forget the easy charms of Lu You. Read a hundred of Wang Wei's poems, then Du Fu, then Li Bai. Xiangling took the book home and read by lamplight long after Baochai told her to sleep.

60That evening Xiangling went to Bamboo Lodge, and Daiyu gladly took her as a pupil. Tonal rules matter less than true meaning, Daiyu said; forget the easy charms of Lu You. Read a hundred of Wang Wei's poems, then Du Fu, then Li Bai. Xiangling took the book home and read by lamplight long after Baochai told her to sleep.当晚香菱来到潇湘馆，黛玉欣然收她为徒。黛玉说，平仄格律都是末事，立意才最要紧；陆放翁那种浅近诗千万别学，先把王维的五律读上一百首，再读杜甫、李白。香菱捧书回去，在灯下一首首地念，宝钗催了几次，她也不肯睡。

Days later Xiangling brought the book back, full of discoveries. 'Straight' for desert smoke seemed senseless and 'round' for the setting sun too plain, she said, yet close the book and you saw the scene, and no other words would do. Baoyu said she had grasped the secret already. Daiyu set her a test: last night's moon.

61Days later Xiangling brought the book back, full of discoveries. 'Straight' for desert smoke seemed senseless and 'round' for the setting sun too plain, she said, yet close the book and you saw the scene, and no other words would do. Baoyu said she had grasped the secret already. Daiyu set her a test: last night's moon.过了几日，香菱来还书，满心都是体会。她说“大漠孤烟直，长河落日圆”，烟怎么会直，日自然是圆的，看似无理又太俗，可合上书一想，就像亲眼见了那景，再也换不出别的字来。宝玉笑说她已得了三昧。黛玉便出题，叫她以昨夜的月亮为题作一首。

Her first moon poem had meaning but clumsy words, Daiyu said. Xiangling stopped going indoors. She sat on the rocks by the pool, squatted scratching at the dirt, frowned, then smiled to herself. From the slope Baochai, Baoyu and the others watched in wonder. 'This girl is going mad,' Baochai laughed.

62Her first moon poem had meaning but clumsy words, Daiyu said. Xiangling stopped going indoors. She sat on the rocks by the pool, squatted scratching at the dirt, frowned, then smiled to herself. From the slope Baochai, Baoyu and the others watched in wonder. 'This girl is going mad,' Baochai laughed.第一首咏月诗交上去，黛玉说意思倒有，只是措词不雅，叫她放开胆子重作。香菱索性连屋也不进，只在池边树下，或坐在山石上出神，或蹲在地上抠土，一会儿皱眉，一会儿又自己笑了。宝钗、宝玉等人远远站在山坡上看着，宝钗笑道：“这个人定要疯了！”

Her second draft was too laboured; it described moonlight, not the moon, said Baochai. Xiangling paced under the bamboo, deaf and blind to all else. When Tanchun called through the window, 'Take a rest, Xiangling,' she answered gravely that the word for rest belonged to the fifteenth rhyme, not hers, and everyone burst out laughing.

63Her second draft was too laboured; it described moonlight, not the moon, said Baochai. Xiangling paced under the bamboo, deaf and blind to all else. When Tanchun called through the window, 'Take a rest, Xiangling,' she answered gravely that the word for rest belonged to the fifteenth rhyme, not hers, and everyone burst out laughing.第二首又太过穿凿，宝钗说句句写的是月色，不像咏月。香菱扫了兴，却不肯撒手，独自在阶前竹下踱步，挖心搜胆，耳不旁听，目不别视。探春隔着窗子笑道：“菱姑娘，你闲闲吧。”她却怔怔地答：“‘闲’字是十五删的，你错了韵了。”众人都大笑起来。

That night she lay awake until the fifth watch and slept only at dawn. Then Baochai heard her laugh in her sleep: 'I have it! Surely this one is good?' Eight lines had come to her in a dream. She copied them out at once and, with no idea whether they were good, hurried off to find Daiyu.

64That night she lay awake until the fifth watch and slept only at dawn. Then Baochai heard her laugh in her sleep: 'I have it! Surely this one is good?' Eight lines had come to her in a dream. She copied them out at once and, with no idea whether they were good, hurried off to find Daiyu.这一夜，香菱直熬到五更才朦胧睡去。天亮时，宝钗听见她在梦里笑道：“可是有了，难道这一首还不好？”原来她苦心学诗，白天作不出，竟在梦中得了八句。她一醒来便赶紧抄下，自己也不知好坏，又急急忙忙去找黛玉。

Relatives arrived all at once: Lady Xing's niece Xiuyan, Li Wan's cousins Li Wen and Li Qi, and Baochai's cousin Baoqin, who had come to the capital to be married. Grandmother Jia adored Baoqin at first sight, made Lady Wang adopt her, and kept the girl in her own rooms.

65Relatives arrived all at once: Lady Xing's niece Xiuyan, Li Wan's cousins Li Wen and Li Qi, and Baochai's cousin Baoqin, who had come to the capital to be married. Grandmother Jia adored Baoqin at first sight, made Lady Wang adopt her, and kept the girl in her own rooms.几家亲戚一同进了京：邢夫人的侄女岫烟，李纨的堂妹李纹、李绮，还有宝钗的堂妹宝琴，她是来京城出嫁的。贾母一见宝琴就喜欢得不得了，让王夫人认她做了干女儿，把她留在自己屋里同住。

Seeing everyone else embraced by family, Daiyu slipped back to Bamboo Lodge and wept that she had no sisters of her own. She told Baoyu she had made peace with Baochai, then admitted, "My heart aches, but the tears seem fewer than last year." Baoyu gently told her she was imagining it.

66Seeing everyone else embraced by family, Daiyu slipped back to Bamboo Lodge and wept that she had no sisters of her own. She told Baoyu she had made peace with Baochai, then admitted, "My heart aches, but the tears seem fewer than last year." Baoyu gently told her she was imagining it.黛玉见人人都有亲眷相聚，只有自己孤零零一个，回到潇湘馆又哭起来。她告诉宝玉，自己已和宝钗和好了，又说：“心里只管酸痛，眼泪却不多。”宝玉忙劝她，说那是哭惯了自己多心。

Li Wan called a snow meeting of the poetry club, and the girls came in matching scarlet felt cloaks. Next dawn Baoyu found a foot of fresh snow. In a straw rain cape he hurried out, and outside Miaoyu's nunnery he stopped short: a dozen red plum trees glowed like rouge against the white.

67Li Wan called a snow meeting of the poetry club, and the girls came in matching scarlet felt cloaks. Next dawn Baoyu found a foot of fresh snow. In a straw rain cape he hurried out, and outside Miaoyu's nunnery he stopped short: a dozen red plum trees glowed like rouge against the white.李纨要趁雪起诗社，姐妹们来时一色大红猩猩毡斗篷。第二天天刚亮，宝玉见雪已积了一尺多厚，便披上蓑衣、戴上斗笠匆匆出门。走到妙玉的栊翠庵前，只见十几株红梅开得像胭脂一样，映着雪色，他不由站住看了半天。

Xiangyun begged a slab of fresh venison, and she and Baoyu grilled it by the reeds. Ping'er, sent with Xifeng's apologies, stayed too, and pulled off her bracelets to join them. Xiangyun scoffed at the squeamish: "True gentlemen are free and easy — you're all false refinement!" Soon everyone, even Baoqin, was eating.

68Xiangyun begged a slab of fresh venison, and she and Baoyu grilled it by the reeds. Ping'er, sent with Xifeng's apologies, stayed too, and pulled off her bracelets to join them. Xiangyun scoffed at the squeamish: "True gentlemen are free and easy — you're all false refinement!" Soon everyone, even Baoqin, was eating.湘云要了一块新鲜鹿肉，和宝玉在芦苇边烧着吃。凤姐派平儿来说不能来，平儿却被拉住，褪下手上的镯子一起烤肉。湘云笑那些嫌腥的人：“是真名士自风流，你们都是假清高！”不多时，连宝琴也吃了起来。

After the feast one of Ping'er's bracelets had vanished; Xifeng only laughed that it would turn up within three days. The linked-verse contest began, and Xifeng insisted on giving the first line: "All night the north wind blew hard." The poets agreed its plainness was a perfect opening, leaving room for everyone after.

69After the feast one of Ping'er's bracelets had vanished; Xifeng only laughed that it would turn up within three days. The linked-verse contest began, and Xifeng insisted on giving the first line: "All night the north wind blew hard." The poets agreed its plainness was a perfect opening, leaving room for everyone after.吃完肉，平儿的镯子少了一只，凤姐却笑着说不出三日自会找到。随后大家联句，凤姐非要起头一句，想了半天说：“一夜北风紧。”众人都说这句虽粗，却正是会作诗的起法，给后面的人留了许多地步。

Xiangyun would yield to no one. She fought Baoqin and Daiyu line for line, snatching rhymes as fast as they came, dropping her teacup mid-sip, until she laughed so hard she collapsed against Baochai. "This isn't poetry," she gasped, "it's fighting for my life!" The others simply stopped writing and watched.

70Xiangyun would yield to no one. She fought Baoqin and Daiyu line for line, snatching rhymes as fast as they came, dropping her teacup mid-sip, until she laughed so hard she collapsed against Baochai. "This isn't poetry," she gasped, "it's fighting for my life!" The others simply stopped writing and watched.湘云一句也不肯让，和宝琴、黛玉一句接一句地抢着联，连茶都顾不上喝，丢下茶杯就接。最后她笑软了，伏在宝钗怀里起不来，说：“我也不是作诗，竟是抢命呢！”众人都不作了，只看着她们笑。

Baoyu came last, as usual, so Li Wan set his penalty: fetch a branch of red plum from Miaoyu, whom she herself found too haughty to ask. He gulped a hot cup of wine and went alone through the snow, and came back shouldering a branch full of blossom. Of the plum poems that followed, Baoqin's was judged best.

71Baoyu came last, as usual, so Li Wan set his penalty: fetch a branch of red plum from Miaoyu, whom she herself found too haughty to ask. He gulped a hot cup of wine and went alone through the snow, and came back shouldering a branch full of blossom. Of the plum poems that followed, Baoqin's was judged best.宝玉又落了第，李纨便罚他去栊翠庵向妙玉讨一枝红梅，说自己嫌妙玉为人，不愿理她。宝玉喝了一大杯热酒，独自冒雪去了，不久便扛回一枝开满花的红梅。随后众人作红梅诗，宝琴那首被公认最好。

Grandmother Jia visited the poets, then led them out into the snow. On a white slope stood Baoqin in her duck-feather cloak, a maid holding a vase of red plum behind her. "Like the painting in my room," someone said. The old lady shook her head: "The painting hasn't that cloak — nor so lovely a girl!"

72Grandmother Jia visited the poets, then led them out into the snow. On a white slope stood Baoqin in her duck-feather cloak, a maid holding a vase of red plum behind her. "Like the painting in my room," someone said. The old lady shook her head: "The painting hasn't that cloak — nor so lovely a girl!"贾母也来看孩子们作诗，又带着大家出来赏雪。只见宝琴披着凫靥裘站在山坡上，身后一个丫鬟抱着一瓶红梅。众人说就像贾母屋里挂的那幅《双艳图》。贾母摇头笑道：“那画上哪有这件衣裳？人也不能这样好！”

Back in her rooms, Grandmother Jia asked Aunt Xue closely about Baoqin's age and family, and Aunt Xue guessed she meant a match for Baoyu. Gently, she said Baoqin was already promised to the Mei family. Xifeng stamped her foot at the bad luck, and the matter was dropped. Next day Baoqin announced ten riddle poems on historic places.

73Back in her rooms, Grandmother Jia asked Aunt Xue closely about Baoqin's age and family, and Aunt Xue guessed she meant a match for Baoyu. Gently, she said Baoqin was already promised to the Mei family. Xifeng stamped her foot at the bad luck, and the matter was dropped. Next day Baoqin announced ten riddle poems on historic places.回到屋里，贾母细细打听宝琴的年庚八字和家境。薛姨妈猜到她有意给宝玉求配，便委婉地说宝琴早已许给梅翰林家了。凤姐跺脚直说不巧，贾母也就不再提。第二天，宝琴又说自己作了十首怀古诗，里面暗藏谜底，请大家来猜。

Early in winter, word came that Xiren's mother was dying and wanted her daughter. Xifeng had Xiren dressed in Lady Wang's gifts and lent her own fur jacket. Ping'er brought out a red felt cloak for her and quietly sent a second one to the shivering Xing Xiuyan. That night news came that the mother was beyond help, so Xiren had to stay at home.

74Early in winter, word came that Xiren's mother was dying and wanted her daughter. Xifeng had Xiren dressed in Lady Wang's gifts and lent her own fur jacket. Ping'er brought out a red felt cloak for her and quietly sent a second one to the shivering Xing Xiuyan. That night news came that the mother was beyond help, so Xiren had to stay at home.入冬后，袭人的哥哥来说，母亲病重，想见女儿一面。凤姐让袭人穿上太太赏的好衣裳，又把自己一件大毛皮褂借给她。平儿取出一件猩猩毡斗篷给她，顺手又拿一件送给衣衫单薄的邢岫烟。当晚传来消息，袭人的母亲已经不中用了，袭人只得留在家里。

Qingwen and Sheyue slept in Baoyu's rooms while Xiren was away. Past midnight Sheyue stepped out into the moonlight, and Qingwen, proud of never feeling the cold, crept after her in a thin jacket to give her a fright. An icy wind cut her to the bone. By morning her nose was blocked and her head heavy.

75Qingwen and Sheyue slept in Baoyu's rooms while Xiren was away. Past midnight Sheyue stepped out into the moonlight, and Qingwen, proud of never feeling the cold, crept after her in a thin jacket to give her a fright. An icy wind cut her to the bone. By morning her nose was blocked and her head heavy.袭人不在，晴雯和麝月在宝玉屋里值夜。三更后麝月出门看月色，晴雯仗着自己向来不怕冷，只穿一件小袄，蹑手蹑脚跟出去想吓她。忽然一阵微风，冷得她透骨生寒。第二天起来，她果然鼻塞声重，浑身懒得动弹。

Afraid she would be sent home, Baoyu had a strange doctor brought in secretly by the back gate. His prescription held bitter orange and ephedra. 'He treats girls the way he'd treat us men!' Baoyu said. He paid the man off with a lump of silver Sheyue couldn't weigh, then sent for Doctor Wang, whose milder remedy pleased him.

76Afraid she would be sent home, Baoyu had a strange doctor brought in secretly by the back gate. His prescription held bitter orange and ephedra. 'He treats girls the way he'd treat us men!' Baoyu said. He paid the man off with a lump of silver Sheyue couldn't weigh, then sent for Doctor Wang, whose milder remedy pleased him.宝玉怕太太知道后叫晴雯搬出去养病，就悄悄从后门请了个大夫来。药方里竟有枳实、麻黄。宝玉说：“他拿女孩儿们也像我们一样治，如何使得！”麝月不会用戥子称银子，随手拣了一大块，就把那大夫打发走了。宝玉又叫人请来王太医，见他开的药温和许多，这才放心。

While the elders agreed to set up a kitchen in the garden to spare the girls the cold walk to meals, Ping'er came to Sheyue with a secret. Little Zhui'er had stolen Xifeng's shrimp-whisker bracelet. To spare Baoyu's rooms the shame, Ping'er had claimed she found it in the melting snow. She warned Sheyue not to tell hot-tempered Qingwen. Baoyu overheard at the window.

77While the elders agreed to set up a kitchen in the garden to spare the girls the cold walk to meals, Ping'er came to Sheyue with a secret. Little Zhui'er had stolen Xifeng's shrimp-whisker bracelet. To spare Baoyu's rooms the shame, Ping'er had claimed she found it in the melting snow. She warned Sheyue not to tell hot-tempered Qingwen. Baoyu overheard at the window.长辈们商定在园子里另设厨房，免得姑娘们冒着寒风来回吃饭。这时平儿悄悄来找麝月：凤姐那只虾须镯，原来是小丫头坠儿偷的。平儿怕宝玉屋里的人丢脸，只对凤姐说是在化了的雪地里捡到的。她嘱咐麝月别让“爆炭”晴雯知道。宝玉在窗外全听见了。

The girls had already argued over whether Baoqin's ten poems on historic places could cite plays and legends. Now, by the brazier at Bamboo Lodge, Baoqin recited a poem written by a golden-haired girl from the True-True Kingdom, whom she had met at eight while travelling with her father. 'She writes better than we do!' everyone agreed.

78The girls had already argued over whether Baoqin's ten poems on historic places could cite plays and legends. Now, by the brazier at Bamboo Lodge, Baoqin recited a poem written by a golden-haired girl from the True-True Kingdom, whom she had met at eight while travelling with her father. 'She writes better than we do!' everyone agreed.姐妹们早先争论过，宝琴那十首怀古诗能不能用戏曲传说里的典故。这一回在潇湘馆的熏笼边，宝琴念了一首诗。那是她八岁随父亲出海买洋货时，遇见的一位真真国黄发女孩写的。众人听了，都说：“竟比我们中国人还强！”

Baoyu was due at his uncle's birthday, and Grandmother Jia gave him a shimmering cloak. 'This is peacock-gold cloth,' she said. 'The Russians twist peacock feathers into thread to weave it. It's the only one left. Spoil it and there will be no other.' Baoyu knelt and bowed his thanks. Yuanyang, still refusing to speak to him, turned away.

79Baoyu was due at his uncle's birthday, and Grandmother Jia gave him a shimmering cloak. 'This is peacock-gold cloth,' she said. 'The Russians twist peacock feathers into thread to weave it. It's the only one left. Spoil it and there will be no other.' Baoyu knelt and bowed his thanks. Yuanyang, still refusing to speak to him, turned away.宝玉要去给舅舅拜寿，贾母给了他一件金翠辉煌的氅衣，说这叫“雀金呢”，是俄罗斯人用孔雀毛拈线织成的，只剩这一件，糟蹋了就再没有了。宝玉磕头谢过。鸳鸯自从上回发誓后一直不理宝玉，这时也扭身走开了。

Feverish and furious, Qingwen called Zhui'er to her pillow, seized her hand and jabbed it with a long hairpin. 'What use are claws that can't hold a needle, only steal?' Then she had Zhui'er sent away that same day. When the girl's mother complained, Sheyue silenced her with a lecture on the rules of the inner rooms.

80Feverish and furious, Qingwen called Zhui'er to her pillow, seized her hand and jabbed it with a long hairpin. 'What use are claws that can't hold a needle, only steal?' Then she had Zhui'er sent away that same day. When the girl's mother complained, Sheyue silenced her with a lecture on the rules of the inner rooms.晴雯正发着烧，憋着一肚子火，把坠儿叫到枕边，一把抓住她的手，拿起一丈青簪子就乱戳，骂道：“要这爪子作什么？拈不得针，拿不动线，只会偷嘴吃！”当天她就叫人把坠儿撵了出去。坠儿的娘不服，也被麝月一番规矩说得哑口无言。

That night Baoyu came home stamping in dismay. A spark from a hand-warmer had burned a hole in the back of the cloak. No weaver or tailor in the city dared touch it, and he had to wear it again tomorrow. Dizzy with fever, Qingwen sat up. 'I'll just have to risk my life.' Sheyue twisted the peacock thread.

81That night Baoyu came home stamping in dismay. A spark from a hand-warmer had burned a hole in the back of the cloak. No weaver or tailor in the city dared touch it, and he had to wear it again tomorrow. Dizzy with fever, Qingwen sat up. 'I'll just have to risk my life.' Sheyue twisted the peacock thread.当晚宝玉回来，进门就跺脚叹气：手炉里迸出的火星把雀金裘后襟烧了个洞。城里的织补匠、裁缝、绣匠都认不得这料子，没人敢接，可明天他还得穿着去。晴雯烧得头重脚轻，还是撑着坐起来说：“说不得，我挣命罢了。”麝月在一旁帮她拈孔雀线。

Stitch by stitch she rewove the warp and weft, resting on her pillow after every few needles. As the clock struck four she finished, and brushed up the nap with a tiny toothbrush. 'It's mended, but it still isn't right. I can do no more,' she gasped, and collapsed. Baoyu would remember this night long after.

82Stitch by stitch she rewove the warp and weft, resting on her pillow after every few needles. As the clock struck four she finished, and brushed up the nap with a tiny toothbrush. 'It's mended, but it still isn't right. I can do no more,' she gasped, and collapsed. Baoyu would remember this night long after.她照着原来的纹路，一经一纬地来回织补，补不上三五针，就得伏在枕上歇一会儿。自鸣钟敲过四下，才终于补完，又用小牙刷慢慢剔出绒毛。她说：“补虽补了，到底不像，我也再不能了！”“哎哟”一声，便身不由己地倒了下去。这一夜，宝玉后来一直没有忘记。

As the year ended, the Ning mansion swept its ancestral temple and polished the offering vessels. Then Wu Jinxiao, bailiff of Black Mountain Village, arrived through deep snow with his rent list: deer, boars, bear paws, sturgeon, charcoal, rice and 2,500 taels of silver. Jia Zhen read it with his hands clasped behind his back.

83As the year ended, the Ning mansion swept its ancestral temple and polished the offering vessels. Then Wu Jinxiao, bailiff of Black Mountain Village, arrived through deep snow with his rent list: deer, boars, bear paws, sturgeon, charcoal, rice and 2,500 taels of silver. Jia Zhen read it with his hands clasped behind his back.年关将近，宁国府打扫宗祠、擦洗供器，上下忙成一片。黑山村的庄头乌进孝顶着大雪赶来，呈上一张年租单子：鹿、獐、野猪、熊掌、鲟鳇鱼、炭、米，另折银二千五百两。贾珍倒背着双手，凑在贾蓉手里细看。

Jia Zhen had counted on five thousand taels. Wu Jinxiao blamed floods and hail, and supposed the Imperial Consort must reward the Rong mansion richly. Jia Zhen laughed to his son: country folk could not see how her visit and the new garden had drained the other house. 'A drumstick of yellow-cork wood: fine outside, bitter within.'

84Jia Zhen had counted on five thousand taels. Wu Jinxiao blamed floods and hail, and supposed the Imperial Consort must reward the Rong mansion richly. Jia Zhen laughed to his son: country folk could not see how her visit and the new garden had drained the other house. 'A drumstick of yellow-cork wood: fine outside, bitter within.'贾珍原算定至少有五千两，乌进孝却说今年先涝后雹，又以为荣府有娘娘赏赐，自然不愁。贾珍听了，笑着对贾蓉说：庄稼人哪知道，省亲盖园子早把那府掏空了。“黄柏木作磬槌子——外头体面里头苦。”

Jia Zhen sent the greedy Jia Qin away empty-handed from the handout of New Year goods. On New Year's Eve the whole clan filled the ancestral temple. Each offering dish passed from hand to hand, from the men on the steps to the women inside, until Lady Wang gave it to Grandmother Jia, who set it before the founders' portraits.

85Jia Zhen sent the greedy Jia Qin away empty-handed from the handout of New Year goods. On New Year's Eve the whole clan filled the ancestral temple. Each offering dish passed from hand to hand, from the men on the steps to the women inside, until Lady Wang gave it to Grandmother Jia, who set it before the founders' portraits.贾珍分发年货时，把贪心的贾芹骂了回去。除夕这天，贾氏合族齐集宗祠。每一道供菜都从阶下一路传进来，男人传给女眷，一手接一手，最后由王夫人递给贾母，贾母亲手捧放在两位先祖遗像前的供桌上。

After a week of New Year banquets came the Lantern Festival. In her flower hall Grandmother Jia displayed her greatest treasure: a sixteen-leaf screen by Huiniang, a Suzhou gentleman's daughter who died at eighteen. Her sprays of flowers bore old poems stitched in black silk like real brushwork. On stage a child actor pleased the Matriarch, and coins rained over the boards.

86After a week of New Year banquets came the Lantern Festival. In her flower hall Grandmother Jia displayed her greatest treasure: a sixteen-leaf screen by Huiniang, a Suzhou gentleman's daughter who died at eighteen. Her sprays of flowers bore old poems stitched in black silk like real brushwork. On stage a child actor pleased the Matriarch, and coins rained over the boards.年酒一连吃了七八天，转眼到了元宵。贾母在大花厅设宴，摆出她最珍爱的一副十六扇璎珞。这是姑苏才女慧娘的绣品，她十八岁就死了。每一枝折枝花旁都用黑绒绣着古人诗句，笔意和真草书一般无二。台上小戏子讨了贾母欢喜，满台都撒起赏钱来。

Grandmother Jia noticed Xiren's absence. Told that the girl's mother had just died, she sent Yuanyang, who had also lost her mother, to keep her company. Slipping back to Happy Red Court, Baoyu found the two maids lying on the kang, talking softly of their parents. He turned and tiptoed away so they could grieve in peace.

87Grandmother Jia noticed Xiren's absence. Told that the girl's mother had just died, she sent Yuanyang, who had also lost her mother, to keep her company. Slipping back to Happy Red Court, Baoyu found the two maids lying on the kang, talking softly of their parents. He turned and tiptoed away so they could grieve in peace.贾母问起袭人怎么不来，才知道她母亲刚去世，便让同样新丧母亲的鸳鸯去和她作伴。宝玉悄悄回到怡红院，只见两人歪在炕上，低声说着各自的父母。他听了一会儿，转身蹑手蹑脚退了出去，好让她们清清静静地说话。

Back at the feast, Grandmother Jia had Baoyu pour warm wine for every lady and make each one drain her cup. When he reached Daiyu, she would not drink. Instead she lifted her cup to his lips, and he emptied it in one draught. 'Thank you,' she said with a smile, and he filled her cup again.

88Back at the feast, Grandmother Jia had Baoyu pour warm wine for every lady and make each one drain her cup. When he reached Daiyu, she would not drink. Instead she lifted her cup to his lips, and he emptied it in one draught. 'Thank you,' she said with a smile, and he filled her cup again.回到席上，贾母命宝玉给众人一一斟酒，每人都要干了。轮到黛玉，她偏不喝，把杯子端起来送到宝玉唇边，宝玉一口气喝干了。黛玉笑道：“多谢。”宝玉又替她斟上一杯。

Two women storytellers began a new tale about a scholar, oddly named Wang Xifeng, who falls for a minister's daughter. Grandmother Jia cut them off. Such books all followed one pattern: a well-bred girl sees a handsome man and forgets her parents and her books, with no nurse or maid ever nearby. 'Where is the beauty in that?'

89Two women storytellers began a new tale about a scholar, oddly named Wang Xifeng, who falls for a minister's daughter. Grandmother Jia cut them off. Such books all followed one pattern: a well-bred girl sees a handsome man and forgets her parents and her books, with no nurse or maid ever nearby. 'Where is the beauty in that?'两位女先生说起一部新书《凤求鸾》，书里的公子偏偏也叫王熙凤，一心要娶宰相家的小姐。贾母听了开头就打断：这类才子佳人书都是一个套子，大家小姐一见清俊男子就忘了父母诗书，身边奶妈丫鬟一个也不见。“那一点儿是佳人？”

Past midnight the family crowded round one long table in the warm inner room. Xifeng proposed a drum game: a red plum branch passed round while the storytellers drummed, and whoever held it when the drum stopped must drink and tell a joke. The maids secretly coughed as a signal, and the drum stopped on Xifeng.

90Past midnight the family crowded round one long table in the warm inner room. Xifeng proposed a drum game: a red plum branch passed round while the storytellers drummed, and whoever held it when the drum stopped must drink and tell a joke. The maids secretly coughed as a signal, and the drum stopped on Xifeng.三更已过，众人挪进暖阁，并桌挤坐。凤姐提议击鼓传梅，行“春喜上眉梢”令：鼓声停时梅花在谁手里，谁就喝酒说笑话。小丫头们想听凤姐说笑，暗中让女先生以咳嗽为号，鼓声恰好停在凤姐手里，她一连几个笑话，逗得满屋人笑到四更。

Then Grandmother Jia called for fireworks. Tribute rockets burst over the courtyard. Daiyu, too delicate to bear the crackle, was drawn into her grandmother's arms, while Aunt Xue held Xiangyun and Lady Wang held Baoyu. After almond tea at dawn the party broke up; within days the ancestors' portraits were put away, and the New Year was over.

91Then Grandmother Jia called for fireworks. Tribute rockets burst over the courtyard. Daiyu, too delicate to bear the crackle, was drawn into her grandmother's arms, while Aunt Xue held Xiangyun and Lady Wang held Baoyu. After almond tea at dawn the party broke up; within days the ancestors' portraits were put away, and the New Year was over.贾母吩咐放烟火解酒，贡品烟火在院中一色一色地绽开。黛玉禀气柔弱，禁不住噼啪声，贾母便把她搂在怀里；薛姨妈搂着湘云，王夫人搂着宝玉。喝过杏仁茶，众人方散。不几日，宗祠里的遗像收起，这个年就这样过完了。

Just after New Year, Wang Xifeng miscarried. Sallow and weakened, she lay in bed for a month but still sent Ping'er out with orders. Lady Wang had lost her right hand. She gave the daily running of the house to gentle Li Wan, told Tanchun to share the work, and asked Baochai to keep watch over the garden.

1Just after New Year, Wang Xifeng miscarried. Sallow and weakened, she lay in bed for a month but still sent Ping'er out with orders. Lady Wang had lost her right hand. She gave the daily running of the house to gentle Li Wan, told Tanchun to share the work, and asked Baochai to keep watch over the garden.刚过完年，王熙凤便小产了，一连卧床一个月，面色黄瘦，却仍不肯歇心，常打发平儿出去传话。王夫人失了膀臂，只好把家中琐事交给厚道的李纨暂管，又命探春一同协理，还特地托宝钗照看园子。

Each morning Tanchun and Li Wan sat in a small hall by the garden gate. Wu Xindeng's wife tested them by saying only that Concubine Zhao's brother had died. Li Wan offered forty taels. Tanchun made the woman fetch the old ledgers, and they showed that the kin of household concubines got twenty. The stewardess flushed. "Give her twenty," said Tanchun.

2Each morning Tanchun and Li Wan sat in a small hall by the garden gate. Wu Xindeng's wife tested them by saying only that Concubine Zhao's brother had died. Li Wan offered forty taels. Tanchun made the woman fetch the old ledgers, and they showed that the kin of household concubines got twenty. The stewardess flushed. "Give her twenty," said Tanchun.探春和李纨每天早上到园门边的议事厅理事。吴新登家的有心试探，只报了一句赵姨娘的兄弟赵国基死了，就不再多说。李纨说照袭人的例赏四十两，探春却叫她去取旧账来查。账上写得明白：家里姨娘的亲人只赏二十两。吴新登家的满面通红。探春道：“给他二十两。”

Concubine Zhao, Tanchun's own mother, burst in weeping. Everyone trampled on her, she cried, and now her own daughter did too, ranking her below a maid like Xiren. Tanchun calmly read her the ancestral precedent. Zhao only pushed harder: surely the girl could spare an extra twenty or thirty taels for her dead uncle.

3Concubine Zhao, Tanchun's own mother, burst in weeping. Everyone trampled on her, she cried, and now her own daughter did too, ranking her below a maid like Xiren. Tanchun calmly read her the ancestral precedent. Zhao only pushed harder: surely the girl could spare an extra twenty or thirty taels for her dead uncle.忽然赵姨娘进来，一开口就哭，说人人都踩她的头，如今连亲生女儿也踩她，把她看得还不如袭人。探春耐着性子，翻开旧账念给她听，说这是祖宗的老规矩。赵姨娘却越发不依，说舅舅死了，多给二三十两银子又有什么要紧。

The word "uncle" broke Tanchun's composure. White-faced and sobbing, she said her uncle was the newly promoted Inspector of Nine Provinces. Zhao, she cried, dug up her lowly birth every few months just to shame her before everyone. "Who is my uncle?" she demanded, as Li Wan pleaded with both of them in vain.

4The word "uncle" broke Tanchun's composure. White-faced and sobbing, she said her uncle was the newly promoted Inspector of Nine Provinces. Zhao, she cried, dug up her lowly birth every few months just to shame her before everyone. "Who is my uncle?" she demanded, as Li Wan pleaded with both of them in vain.一声“舅舅”，把探春气得脸白气噎，抽抽咽咽地哭着质问：“谁是我舅舅？”她说自己的舅舅年下才升了九省检点，又说姨娘每隔两三个月就要翻出她的庶出身份来闹一场，唯恐别人不知道。李纨在旁急得只管劝，却劝不住。

Ping'er came with Xifeng's offer to add a little to the twenty. Tanchun had wiped away her tears and refused to break precedent. Ping'er read her mood and stood silent. When Tanchun washed her face, Ping'er rolled back her sleeves and slipped off her bracelets, and she sharply dismissed a servant woman who tried to report business in the middle of it.

5Ping'er came with Xifeng's offer to add a little to the twenty. Tanchun had wiped away her tears and refused to break precedent. Ping'er read her mood and stood silent. When Tanchun washed her face, Ping'er rolled back her sleeves and slipped off her bracelets, and she sharply dismissed a servant woman who tried to report business in the middle of it.平儿奉凤姐之命前来，说二十两之外再添些也使得。探春早已拭去泪痕，一口回绝，不肯开这个例。平儿见她面有怒色，便垂手默立。探春洗脸时，平儿上前替她挽袖卸镯。有个媳妇不看眼色，偏在这时回事，被平儿一顿斥退。

Back in her rooms, Xifeng heard the whole story and laughed: "Good, good, a fine Third Miss!" Then she admitted what she told no one. More money went out than came in, the estates yielded less than before, and without economies the family would be bled dry within a few years. She told Ping'er to give way if Tanchun overruled her.

6Back in her rooms, Xifeng heard the whole story and laughed: "Good, good, a fine Third Miss!" Then she admitted what she told no one. More money went out than came in, the estates yielded less than before, and without economies the family would be bled dry within a few years. She told Ping'er to give way if Tanchun overruled her.平儿回去细说经过，凤姐笑道：“好，好，好！好个三姑娘！”随即私下叹道，家里出去的多，进来的少，产业一年不如一年，若不早些省俭，再过几年就要赔尽了。她又嘱咐平儿：三姑娘若拿她的事开刀，只管恭敬顺从，千万别和她争。

Tanchun cut the double allowance for hair oil and rouge. She also proposed handing garden plots to capable old women: bamboo to old Zhu, rice and vegetables to old Tian, roses and herbs to old Ye. Baochai refined the plan. Nothing would go through the counting-house, the women would supply the girls' daily goods, and each would pay a yearly share to the other old women.

7Tanchun cut the double allowance for hair oil and rouge. She also proposed handing garden plots to capable old women: bamboo to old Zhu, rice and vegetables to old Tian, roses and herbs to old Ye. Baochai refined the plan. Nothing would go through the counting-house, the women would supply the girls' daily goods, and each would pay a yearly share to the other old women.探春蠲去了头油脂粉的重复开支，又提议把园子分给能干的老妈妈们照管：竹子交给老祝妈，稻田菜蔬交给老田妈，玫瑰香草交给叶妈。宝钗再加斟酌：收益不必交账房，由她们包管姑娘们的日常用度，每年再拿出些钱来分给园中其他老妈妈，免得有人抱怨不公。

Word came that the Zhen family of Jiangnan had reached the capital and sent gifts of imperial silk. Four of their stewardesses, dressed almost like ladies, came to pay their respects. Questioning them, Grandmother Jia learned that the Zhens' pampered, truant thirteen-year-old heir was also called Baoyu.

8Word came that the Zhen family of Jiangnan had reached the capital and sent gifts of imperial silk. Four of their stewardesses, dressed almost like ladies, came to pay their respects. Questioning them, Grandmother Jia learned that the Zhens' pampered, truant thirteen-year-old heir was also called Baoyu.忽报江南甄府家眷昨日进京，先送来上用绸缎作礼。随后甄家四个管家娘子前来请安，穿戴几乎和主子一样。贾母细细问起，才知道他们家那个十三岁的哥儿，被老太太宠得天天逃学，名字也叫宝玉。

Grandmother Jia sent for her own Baoyu, and the four women started: he was the very image of theirs. They took his hands, saying their Baoyu would never allow such a thing. Grandmother Jia answered that well-bred boys, however wilful at home, owed visitors proper manners.

9Grandmother Jia sent for her own Baoyu, and the four women started: he was the very image of theirs. They took his hands, saying their Baoyu would never allow such a thing. Grandmother Jia answered that well-bred boys, however wilful at home, owed visitors proper manners.贾母命人把宝玉叫来。四人一见吓了一跳，说他和自家的宝玉简直一模一样，忙上前拉着他的手问长问短，又说她们那一位连碰一碰他的东西都不依。贾母笑道，大户人家的孩子在家再怎么淘气，见了外人也必须守礼。

Troubled by his double, Baoyu dozed and dreamed of another garden. There, maids scorned him and a youth on a couch complained that the capital's Baoyu slept on, "an empty skin, his true self gone." Crying "Baoyu, come back!", he woke to laughter from Xiren. He had been facing his own reflection in the great mirror.

10Troubled by his double, Baoyu dozed and dreamed of another garden. There, maids scorned him and a youth on a couch complained that the capital's Baoyu slept on, "an empty skin, his true self gone." Crying "Baoyu, come back!", he woke to laughter from Xiren. He had been facing his own reflection in the great mirror.宝玉心中疑惑，在榻上迷迷糊糊睡去，梦见自己到了另一座花园。那里的丫鬟骂他是臭小厮；榻上一个少年叹道，京中那个宝玉只顾睡觉，“空有皮囊，真性不知那里去了”。宝玉梦中连叫“宝玉快回来”，被袭人推醒，笑着告诉他：那不过是大镜子里照出的他自己的影子。

Early in spring Zijuan warned Baoyu that he was too old to touch her or joke with her, and left him weeping under a peach tree. Then she came back and sat beside him to test him. Daiyu would go home to Suzhou next year, she said, and wanted her keepsakes back. The news hit him like a thunderclap.

11Early in spring Zijuan warned Baoyu that he was too old to touch her or joke with her, and left him weeping under a peach tree. Then she came back and sat beside him to test him. Daiyu would go home to Suzhou next year, she said, and wanted her keepsakes back. The news hit him like a thunderclap.开春时，紫鹃劝宝玉如今大了，别再动手动脚、说说笑笑。宝玉听了，独自坐在桃花树下落泪。紫鹃随后寻来，挨着他坐下，有意试他，说林姑娘明年就要回苏州老家，小时候互赠的东西都要讨回。宝玉听了，如头顶响了一个焦雷。

Qingwen led him home, his face flushed and his head running with sweat. In his rooms Baoyu stared straight ahead with drool at the corners of his mouth, and he did not feel it when Nanny Li pinched hard under his nose. The old nurse threw her arms around him and wailed that he was past saving, and the whole room broke down with her.

12Qingwen led him home, his face flushed and his head running with sweat. In his rooms Baoyu stared straight ahead with drool at the corners of his mouth, and he did not feel it when Nanny Li pinched hard under his nose. The old nurse threw her arms around him and wailed that he was past saving, and the whole room broke down with her.晴雯把满头热汗、满脸紫胀的宝玉拉回怡红院。他两眼发直，口角流涎，李嬷嬷在他人中上狠狠掐了两下，他竟不知疼。老嬷嬷一把搂住他放声大哭，说“这可不中用了”，屋里的人信以为真，也都跟着哭起来。

Xiren ran to Bamboo Lodge and blamed Zijuan for what she had said. She added that Baoyu was already half dead. Daiyu, who was taking her medicine, choked and brought it all back up in a fit of coughing so hard she could not lift her head. "Just fetch a rope and strangle me!" she gasped, and sent Zijuan to undo the harm.

13Xiren ran to Bamboo Lodge and blamed Zijuan for what she had said. She added that Baoyu was already half dead. Daiyu, who was taking her medicine, choked and brought it all back up in a fit of coughing so hard she could not lift her head. "Just fetch a rope and strangle me!" she gasped, and sent Zijuan to undo the harm.袭人急怒冲冲赶到潇湘馆，质问紫鹃说了什么，又哭说宝玉已经“死了大半个了”。黛玉正在吃药，一听此言，“哇”的一声把药全呛了出来，咳得喘不过气，抬不起头。她推开紫鹃说：“你竟拿绳子来勒死我是正经！”随即催紫鹃快去解说。

Grandmother Jia was already at the bedside. When Baoyu saw Zijuan he cried out at last and seized her, begging to be taken along if she left. When he heard a visitor surnamed Lin announced, he screamed that the Lins had come for Daiyu. The old lady banned Lin Zhixiao's wife from the Garden and forbade anyone to say the word "Lin".

14Grandmother Jia was already at the bedside. When Baoyu saw Zijuan he cried out at last and seized her, begging to be taken along if she left. When he heard a visitor surnamed Lin announced, he screamed that the Lins had come for Daiyu. The old lady banned Lin Zhixiao's wife from the Garden and forbade anyone to say the word "Lin".贾母等人早已守在床前。宝玉一见紫鹃，才“哎呀”一声哭出来，死死拉住她，说“要去连我也带了去”。忽听人回林之孝家的来了，他一听“林”字便满床乱闹，喊林家来接人了。贾母只得下令，不许林之孝家的进园，众人也不许再提“林”字。

Then Baoyu noticed a small gilt Western clockwork ship on the curio shelf and shrieked that it was the boat come to take them away. Xiren handed it to him, and he pushed it under his quilt and laughed, "Now they can't go!" He would not let go of Zijuan either, so she was ordered to nurse him night and day.

15Then Baoyu noticed a small gilt Western clockwork ship on the curio shelf and shrieked that it was the boat come to take them away. Xiren handed it to him, and he pushed it under his quilt and laughed, "Now they can't go!" He would not let go of Zijuan either, so she was ordered to nurse him night and day.宝玉又一眼看见十锦格子上摆着一只金西洋自行船，指着乱叫，说是接林妹妹的船湾在那里。袭人忙取下递给他，他把船掖进被窝，笑道：“可去不成了！”他仍死拉着紫鹃不放，贾母只得命紫鹃日夜守着他。

When Baoyu had recovered, he asked Zijuan why she had frightened him. She said the Lins had no one left, then teased that he would soon be married. He wept that he wished his heart would turn to ash and smoke. She covered his mouth and confessed she had only been testing him, because she meant to follow Daiyu wherever she went.

16When Baoyu had recovered, he asked Zijuan why she had frightened him. She said the Lins had no one left, then teased that he would soon be married. He wept that he wished his heart would turn to ash and smoke. She covered his mouth and confessed she had only been testing him, because she meant to follow Daiyu wherever she went.宝玉渐渐好转，私下拉着紫鹃问她为何唬他。紫鹃承认那些话都是自己编的，林家早没人了，又打趣说他将来娶了亲，眼里就没别人了。宝玉急得咬牙落泪，只愿立刻死了，化灰化烟。紫鹃忙捂住他的嘴，替他拭泪，说出真心：她舍不得姑娘，若姑娘要走她必跟去，所以才设谎试他。

Back at Bamboo Lodge, after everyone had gone to bed, Zijuan spoke softly into the dark. Daiyu had no parents and no brothers, she said. She should settle her marriage while Grandmother Jia was still healthy, and with someone she had grown up with. "Ten thousand taels of gold are easy to find; one who truly knows you is hard to find." Daiyu scolded her for talking nonsense.

17Back at Bamboo Lodge, after everyone had gone to bed, Zijuan spoke softly into the dark. Daiyu had no parents and no brothers, she said. She should settle her marriage while Grandmother Jia was still healthy, and with someone she had grown up with. "Ten thousand taels of gold are easy to find; one who truly knows you is hard to find." Daiyu scolded her for talking nonsense.紫鹃回到潇湘馆。夜深人静时，她悄悄劝黛玉：姑娘无父母兄弟，趁老太太还硬朗，早把终身大事定下才要紧；从小一处长大、彼此知心的人最难得，“万两黄金容易得，知心一个也难求”。黛玉嘴上骂她嚼蛆，说明天就回老太太把她退回去。

She spoke harshly, but the words went straight to her heart. When Zijuan had fallen asleep, Daiyu lay awake and wept the whole night through, and only dozed a little as dawn came. The next morning she forced herself to wash and eat a little bird's-nest congee before Grandmother Jia arrived to see her.

18She spoke harshly, but the words went straight to her heart. When Zijuan had fallen asleep, Daiyu lay awake and wept the whole night through, and only dozed a little as dawn came. The next morning she forced herself to wash and eat a little bird's-nest congee before Grandmother Jia arrived to see her.黛玉口里虽这样说，心里却未尝不伤感。待紫鹃睡熟，她独自在枕上直哭了一夜，到天亮才打了个盹。次日勉强起身梳洗，吃了几口燕窝粥，贾母等人便亲自过来看她。

Meanwhile Grandmother Jia had matched Lady Xing's poor niece Xiuyan with Aunt Xue's nephew Xue Ke. Behind a rock wall Baochai asked why Xiuyan was already in lined clothes. Xiuyan admitted her aunt had taken half her allowance, so she had pawned her padded clothes. Baochai promised to redeem them quietly. The pawnshop turned out to belong to the Xues.

19Meanwhile Grandmother Jia had matched Lady Xing's poor niece Xiuyan with Aunt Xue's nephew Xue Ke. Behind a rock wall Baochai asked why Xiuyan was already in lined clothes. Xiuyan admitted her aunt had taken half her allowance, so she had pawned her padded clothes. Baochai promised to redeem them quietly. The pawnshop turned out to belong to the Xues.这期间，贾母做主，把邢夫人家境贫寒的侄女邢岫烟说给了薛姨妈的侄儿薛蝌。一天，宝钗在石壁后拦住岫烟，问她天还冷，怎么倒换了夹衣。岫烟低头说出实情：姑妈扣了她一半月钱，她只好悄悄把棉衣当了。宝钗答应暗中替她赎回，一问当铺名号，竟是薛家自己的“恒舒典”。

At Bamboo Lodge Aunt Xue comforted the orphaned Daiyu. Then, half joking, she proposed matching her with Baoyu, since Baoyu would never like a stranger's daughter. Daiyu blushed and struck at Baochai, and the maids laughed. Nothing came of it. When Xiangyun later brought in the pawn ticket she had found, Baochai quickly folded it away.

20At Bamboo Lodge Aunt Xue comforted the orphaned Daiyu. Then, half joking, she proposed matching her with Baoyu, since Baoyu would never like a stranger's daughter. Daiyu blushed and struck at Baochai, and the maids laughed. Nothing came of it. When Xiangyun later brought in the pawn ticket she had found, Baochai quickly folded it away.薛姨妈到潇湘馆看黛玉，见她想起自己没娘而落泪，便搂着她百般抚慰，又半开玩笑说：宝玉外头说亲断不中意，不如把林妹妹定给他，岂不四角俱全？黛玉红了脸，追着宝钗要打，满屋子人都笑了。这话终究只是笑谈，没人去向贾母提。后来湘云拿着捡到的当票进来，宝钗忙接过去折了起来。

An old Dowager Consort died, and every titled house went into mourning: no feasts, no music. Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang attended the rites at court each day, leaving You-shi to manage both mansions. Aunt Xue moved into Bamboo Lodge to care for Daiyu, who was so touched that she began calling her 'Mother'.

21An old Dowager Consort died, and every titled house went into mourning: no feasts, no music. Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang attended the rites at court each day, leaving You-shi to manage both mansions. Aunt Xue moved into Bamboo Lodge to care for Daiyu, who was so touched that she began calling her 'Mother'.宫中老太妃薨逝，凡有爵之家一律守制，停止宴乐。贾母、王夫人每天入朝随祭，两府事务交给尤氏照料。薛姨妈搬进潇湘馆与黛玉同住，汤药饮食事事经心。黛玉感激不尽，从此也改口称她为“妈”。

Titled families were also told to dismiss their private troupes. Of the twelve girl actors, only four or five chose to go home; the rest had nowhere to go, or feared being sold again, and stayed on as maids. Fangguan went to Baoyu, Ouguan to Daiyu and Ruiguan to Baochai, while the old women who had once served them nursed their grudges.

22Titled families were also told to dismiss their private troupes. Of the twelve girl actors, only four or five chose to go home; the rest had nowhere to go, or feared being sold again, and stayed on as maids. Fangguan went to Baoyu, Ouguan to Daiyu and Ruiguan to Baochai, while the old women who had once served them nursed their grudges.朝廷又令各家遣散戏班。十二个学戏的女孩子，只有四五人愿意回家；其余的或无家可归，或怕回去又被卖掉，便留下分到各房当丫鬟：芳官给了宝玉，藕官给了黛玉，蕊官给了宝钗。从前伺候她们的婆子们，心里却都记着旧怨。

At Qingming Baoyu, still weak from illness, went out on a cane. Behind the rocks the great apricot tree had shed its blossom and hung with tiny green fruit. Thinking of Xing Xiuyan's betrothal, and how soon lovely girls grow old, he stood there weeping. 'I was ill a few days, and missed the apricot flowers entirely!'

23At Qingming Baoyu, still weak from illness, went out on a cane. Behind the rocks the great apricot tree had shed its blossom and hung with tiny green fruit. Thinking of Xing Xiuyan's betrothal, and how soon lovely girls grow old, he stood there weeping. 'I was ill a few days, and missed the apricot flowers entirely!'清明这天，宝玉病还没好全，拄着拐杖出来散步。山石后那株大杏树花已落尽，枝头结满豆粒大的青杏。他想到邢岫烟已订了亲，好女儿终要红颜老去，不禁对杏流泪：“病了几天，竟把杏花辜负了！”

A flash of fire startled the sparrow away. Ouguan, face streaked with tears, was burning paper money, forbidden in the Garden, and her godmother was dragging her off to be punished. Baoyu knocked the woman's hand away with his cane and invented a tale: the Apricot Spirit had asked him in a dream for white paper money, burnt by a stranger, to cure him.

24A flash of fire startled the sparrow away. Ouguan, face streaked with tears, was burning paper money, forbidden in the Garden, and her godmother was dragging her off to be punished. Baoyu knocked the woman's hand away with his cane and invented a tale: the Apricot Spirit had asked him in a dream for white paper money, burnt by a stranger, to cure him.忽然山石后火光一闪，惊飞了雀儿。原来藕官满脸泪痕，正在园里私烧纸钱，她的干娘要拽她去回奶奶们。宝玉用拐杖敲开婆子的手，编了个谎：他梦见杏花神向他要一挂白纸钱，须请生人替他烧化，病才好得快。婆子吓得赔笑走了。

That evening Fangguan's godmother, Chunyan's mother, let her own daughter wash first and handed Fangguan the used water, then struck her when she complained. Qingwen and Sheyue scolded the woman: no mother had a right to discipline a girl in the young master's rooms. Then Qingwen washed the sobbing Fangguan's hair herself and pinned it up loosely.

25That evening Fangguan's godmother, Chunyan's mother, let her own daughter wash first and handed Fangguan the used water, then struck her when she complained. Qingwen and Sheyue scolded the woman: no mother had a right to discipline a girl in the young master's rooms. Then Qingwen washed the sobbing Fangguan's hair herself and pinned it up loosely.傍晚，芳官的干娘，也就是春燕的娘，先让亲生女儿洗头，把剩水给芳官用。芳官抱怨，她竟动手打人。晴雯、麝月把她数落了一顿：主子屋里的丫头，轮不到干娘来管教。晴雯亲自替哭成泪人的芳官洗净头发，松松挽了个髻。

After dinner, alone with Baoyu, Fangguan explained. Ouguan had played the young man and Diguan the heroine; acting husband and wife day after day, they had come to love each other for real. Since Diguan's death Ouguan had never stopped mourning her. Moved, Baoyu asked Fangguan to tell Ouguan that incense and a sincere heart were enough, and no more paper money.

26After dinner, alone with Baoyu, Fangguan explained. Ouguan had played the young man and Diguan the heroine; acting husband and wife day after day, they had come to love each other for real. Since Diguan's death Ouguan had never stopped mourning her. Moved, Baoyu asked Fangguan to tell Ouguan that incense and a sincere heart were enough, and no more paper money.饭后屋里只剩两人，芳官道出原委：藕官演小生，死去的菂官演小旦，两人天天在戏里做夫妻，戏外竟也真心相爱。菂官死后，藕官哭得死去活来，至今逢节便烧纸。宝玉听了又喜又叹，托芳官转告藕官：以后不要烧纸钱，一炉清香、一片诚心就够了。

Soon Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang left to escort the coffin to the imperial tomb, a month's absence, and Lai Da locked the gates and doubled the night watch. One spring morning Yinger, sent to fetch rose powder, lingered on Willow Bank with Ruiguan and Ouguan, weaving a basket from young willow shoots and filling it with flowers.

27Soon Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang left to escort the coffin to the imperial tomb, a month's absence, and Lai Da locked the gates and doubled the night watch. One spring morning Yinger, sent to fetch rose powder, lingered on Willow Bank with Ruiguan and Ouguan, weaving a basket from young willow shoots and filling it with flowers.不久，贾母、王夫人随灵往皇陵去，一去就是一个月；赖大添人上夜，园中各处角门一律关锁。一个春日清晨，莺儿奉命去取蔷薇硝，走到柳叶渚，和蕊官、藕官坐在山石上，用嫩柳条编起花篮，又沿路采了鲜花插在里面。

The bank was tended by Chunyan's aunt, who guarded every twig. Seeing the stripped willows, she beat Chunyan with her stick; Chunyan's mother, still sore over Fangguan, came and slapped her too. Chunyan fled to Baoyu, and Yinger angrily flung the flowers into the stream. Ping'er arrived once it was settled, sighing: 'One quarrel ends and the next begins.'

28The bank was tended by Chunyan's aunt, who guarded every twig. Seeing the stripped willows, she beat Chunyan with her stick; Chunyan's mother, still sore over Fangguan, came and slapped her too. Chunyan fled to Baoyu, and Yinger angrily flung the flowers into the stream. Ping'er arrived once it was settled, sighing: 'One quarrel ends and the next begins.'这一带归春燕的姑妈看管，一草一木都不许人动。她见嫩柳被折，举起拐杖就打春燕；春燕的娘还憋着芳官的气，赶来又打耳光。春燕哭着跑去找宝玉，莺儿赌气把花柳全扔进了河里。平儿赶来时事已平息，却叹道：“一处不了又一处。”

When Jia Huan begged half the rose-nitre Ruiguan had sent Fangguan, she would not part with her friend's gift. Her own box turned out to be empty, so she wrapped up some jasmine face powder instead, and rather than put it into his hand, she tossed it onto the kang.

29When Jia Huan begged half the rose-nitre Ruiguan had sent Fangguan, she would not part with her friend's gift. Her own box turned out to be empty, so she wrapped up some jasmine face powder instead, and rather than put it into his hand, she tossed it onto the kang.贾环看见蕊官送给芳官的蔷薇硝，伸手要一半。芳官舍不得把朋友的心意分给别人，转身去找自己平日用的，盒子却已经空了。她只好包了一包茉莉粉充数，也不递到贾环手里，随手往炕上一扔。

Caiyun saw at once that it was only powder. Goaded by her son's taunts and by old Mrs Xia, Concubine Zhao stormed into Happy Red Court, flung the powder in Fangguan's face and slapped her. Ouguan, Ruiguan, Kuiguan and Douguan rushed in and held her fast, until Tanchun arrived and sent her off with a stern lecture.

30Caiyun saw at once that it was only powder. Goaded by her son's taunts and by old Mrs Xia, Concubine Zhao stormed into Happy Red Court, flung the powder in Fangguan's face and slapped her. Ouguan, Ruiguan, Kuiguan and Douguan rushed in and held her fast, until Tanchun arrived and sent her off with a stern lecture.彩云一眼就看出那是茉莉粉。赵姨娘被儿子一句话激怒，又听了夏婆子的挑唆，直闯怡红院，把粉摔在芳官脸上，还打了她两个耳光。藕官、蕊官、葵官、豆官闻讯赶来，把她团团缠住。直到探春赶到，才把生母训了一顿，劝回房去。

Liu's wife, the garden cook, hoped to place her frail, pretty daughter Wu'er among Baoyu's maids, and Fangguan had promised to ask for her. That evening Fangguan brought Wu'er the last of Baoyu's rose dew, bottle and all. When Wu'er said she could not bear to wait, Fangguan laughed: 'Don't worry, you have me.'

31Liu's wife, the garden cook, hoped to place her frail, pretty daughter Wu'er among Baoyu's maids, and Fangguan had promised to ask for her. That evening Fangguan brought Wu'er the last of Baoyu's rose dew, bottle and all. When Wu'er said she could not bear to wait, Fangguan laughed: 'Don't worry, you have me.'园中厨房的柳家的想把体弱貌美的女儿五儿送进宝玉房里当差，芳官已经答应替她去说。这天芳官把宝玉剩下的玫瑰露连瓶带来送给五儿。五儿悄悄说自己等不及了，芳官笑道：“怕什么，有我呢。”

Liu's wife took half the dew to a feverish nephew outside and came back with a packet of poria frost, a tribute gift, while a gate-boy teased her about pilfered apricots. In the kitchen Siqi, told there were no eggs for her custard, sent her maids to fling the vegetables about.

32Liu's wife took half the dew to a feverish nephew outside and came back with a packet of poria frost, a tribute gift, while a gate-boy teased her about pilfered apricots. In the kitchen Siqi, told there were no eggs for her custard, sent her maids to fling the vegetables about.柳家的倒了半盏玫瑰露送给娘家发热的侄子，嫂子回赠一包广东官员送的茯苓霜。进角门时，小厮缠着要她偷杏子吃，又说笑了一通。回到厨房，司棋要一碗炖蛋没要到，便带着小丫头来把柜里的菜乱翻乱扔。

At dusk Wu'er slipped some poria frost to Happy Red Court for Fangguan. On the way back she met Lin Zhixiao's wife, who caught her stammering lies. Rose dew had gone missing from Lady Wang's rooms, and a lantern search of the kitchen turned up the bottle and the frost. Xifeng ordered them beaten and turned out.

33At dusk Wu'er slipped some poria frost to Happy Red Court for Fangguan. On the way back she met Lin Zhixiao's wife, who caught her stammering lies. Rose dew had gone missing from Lady Wang's rooms, and a lantern search of the kitchen turned up the bottle and the frost. Xifeng ordered them beaten and turned out.黄昏时，五儿偷偷把一半茯苓霜送到怡红院转交芳官。回来路过蓼溆，迎面撞上林之孝家的，一番盘问，五儿说话支支吾吾。王夫人屋里正丢了玫瑰露，众人打着灯笼去厨房一搜，露瓶和茯苓霜都被搜了出来。凤姐下令把母女打板子撵出去。

Ping'er put the punishment off until morning, and Wu'er was left with the night-watch women. Some scolded her and some grumbled about guarding a thief; her mother's enemies came in to jeer. Sick and frightened, she wanted tea and got none, water and got none, had no quilt to sleep under, and wept all night.

34Ping'er put the punishment off until morning, and Wu'er was left with the night-watch women. Some scolded her and some grumbled about guarding a thief; her mother's enemies came in to jeer. Sick and frightened, she wanted tea and got none, water and got none, had no quilt to sleep under, and wept all night.平儿把处置推到第二天，五儿被交给上夜的媳妇们看守。有人数落她不该做贼，有人抱怨白添了看守的差事，平日与柳家不和的人更趁机来冷嘲热讽。她本就体弱多病，想喝茶没茶，想喝水没水，想睡连被褥也没有，呜呜咽咽哭了一整夜。

Ping'er learned that Caiyun had stolen the dew for Jia Huan at Concubine Zhao's urging, but exposing her would shame Tanchun. So Baoyu agreed to say he had taken it as a prank. Moved, Caiyun confessed and offered to take the blame herself. Ping'er freed Wu'er and her mother and talked Xifeng into leniency.

35Ping'er learned that Caiyun had stolen the dew for Jia Huan at Concubine Zhao's urging, but exposing her would shame Tanchun. So Baoyu agreed to say he had taken it as a prank. Moved, Caiyun confessed and offered to take the blame herself. Ping'er freed Wu'er and her mother and talked Xifeng into leniency.平儿查明，玫瑰露其实是彩云受赵姨娘再三央求，偷去给了贾环。可一旦揭穿，必定伤了探春的体面。于是宝玉答应说是自己偷来玩的。彩云羞愧难当，当众认了罪，愿意自己去受罚。平儿放了五儿母女，又劝凤姐得饶人处且饶人。

Ping'er settled the kitchen affair quietly: Mrs Liu kept her post, and the woman sent to replace her left with her bribes wasted. But Jia Huan, suspecting Caiyun had confided in Baoyu, flung her secret gifts back in her face. That night Caiyun carried the bundle into the Garden and threw it all into the stream.

36Ping'er settled the kitchen affair quietly: Mrs Liu kept her post, and the woman sent to replace her left with her bribes wasted. But Jia Huan, suspecting Caiyun had confided in Baoyu, flung her secret gifts back in her face. That night Caiyun carried the bundle into the Garden and threw it all into the stream.平儿把厨房一案大事化小，柳家的照旧当差，秦显家的白白送了礼，只得卷包而去。贾环却疑心彩云和宝玉要好，把她私下送的东西全摔在她脸上。彩云赌气包起来，趁没人时走进园中，全扔进了河里。

Baoyu's birthday came while the elders were away, so it was quiet. Then Xiren let slip that Ping'er shared the day, and so did Baoqin and Xing Xiuyan. Baoyu and Ping'er bowed and knelt to each other in turn, and Tanchun declared the girls would pool their money to give Ping'er a feast.

37Baoyu's birthday came while the elders were away, so it was quiet. Then Xiren let slip that Ping'er shared the day, and so did Baoqin and Xing Xiuyan. Baoyu and Ping'er bowed and knelt to each other in turn, and Tanchun declared the girls would pool their money to give Ping'er a feast.长辈都不在家，宝玉的生日过得冷清。袭人笑着点破：平儿也是今天生日，宝琴、岫烟也是同一天。宝玉和平儿你一揖、我一福，对拜不迭。探春当即说，大家凑份子，今天专为平儿过生日。

The feast was laid in the little open hall of Red Fragrance Garden among the peonies. Lots were drawn for drinking games: the bookish played at guessing hidden words, while Xiangyun, calling that too gloomy, took up noisy finger-guessing with Baoyu. Bracelets jangled, rules were broken, and forfeit cups were drunk one after another.

38The feast was laid in the little open hall of Red Fragrance Garden among the peonies. Lots were drawn for drinking games: the bookish played at guessing hidden words, while Xiangyun, calling that too gloomy, took up noisy finger-guessing with Baoyu. Bracelets jangled, rules were broken, and forfeit cups were drunk one after another.寿宴摆在芍药栏中红香圃的小敞厅里。大家拈阄行令：会作诗文的玩射覆，湘云嫌它闷人，拉着宝玉“三”“五”乱叫划起拳来。满厅镯子叮当，乱了令便罚酒，一杯接着一杯。

When the party broke up, Xiangyun had vanished. A little maid found her behind the rockery, drunk and seeking the cool, asleep on a stone bench, her head pillowed on a silk kerchief full of peony petals. Petals drifted over her face and robe, bees circled her, and even asleep she was mumbling drinking-game verses.

39When the party broke up, Xiangyun had vanished. A little maid found her behind the rockery, drunk and seeking the cool, asleep on a stone bench, her head pillowed on a silk kerchief full of peony petals. Petals drifted over her face and robe, bees circled her, and even asleep she was mumbling drinking-game verses.席间一散，湘云却不见了。原来她吃醉了图凉快，在山石后的青石凳上睡着了：芍药花瓣落了一身，扇子半埋在落花里，头下枕着一包用鲛帕裹着的花瓣，蜂蝶围着她乱飞。睡梦里嘴里还念着酒令。

Out on the grass the young maids played at matching flowers. Xiangling produced a husband-and-wife orchid, two blooms on one stem. Douguan mocked her for missing her absent husband; they wrestled, and Xiangling fell into a rain puddle, soaking her new pomegranate-red skirt, a gift from Baoqin, in muddy water.

40Out on the grass the young maids played at matching flowers. Xiangling produced a husband-and-wife orchid, two blooms on one stem. Douguan mocked her for missing her absent husband; they wrestled, and Xiangling fell into a rain puddle, soaking her new pomegranate-red skirt, a gift from Baoqin, in muddy water.草地上几个小丫头斗草。香菱拿出一枝并头开花的“夫妻蕙”，荳官笑她：“你汉子去了大半年，你想夫妻了？”两人滚作一团，香菱跌进一洼积雨，宝琴送的石榴红绫新裙子污了半边。

Baoyu found her alone with the stained skirt and had Xiren bring a matching one of her own. Then he crouched, dug a small hole with a twig, lined it with fallen petals, and buried her orchid with his twin-headed water-caltrop under petals and earth. 'Don't say a word to your cousin about the skirt,' Xiangling begged.

41Baoyu found her alone with the stained skirt and had Xiren bring a matching one of her own. Then he crouched, dug a small hole with a twig, lined it with fallen petals, and buried her orchid with his twin-headed water-caltrop under petals and earth. 'Don't say a word to your cousin about the skirt,' Xiangling begged.宝玉见她独自对着脏裙发愁，便叫袭人拿来一条一模一样的给她换上。他又蹲在地上，用树枝抠个小坑，先铺一层落花，把夫妻蕙和并蒂菱放进去，再用花和土掩平。香菱临走叮嘱：“裙子的事，可别跟你哥哥说。”

That night the maids of Happy Red Court gave Baoyu their own party, paying from their wages for forty little dishes and a jar of Shaoxing wine. Once the night inspection had passed and the gate was shut, they took off their formal clothes and let down their hair, and Baoyu and Fangguan started finger-guessing on the kang.

42That night the maids of Happy Red Court gave Baoyu their own party, paying from their wages for forty little dishes and a jar of Shaoxing wine. Once the night inspection had passed and the gate was shut, they took off their formal clothes and let down their hair, and Baoyu and Fangguan started finger-guessing on the kang.当晚，怡红院的丫头们自掏月钱，凑了四十碟果菜、一坛绍兴酒，单为宝玉过生日。等林之孝家的查过夜、关了院门，大家卸去正妆，只穿短袄长裙。宝玉和芳官先在炕上划起拳来。

Baochai, Daiyu, Tanchun and others were fetched, and they drew ivory flower-lots. Baochai drew the peony, crown of all flowers; Tanchun the apricot, foretelling a noble husband, and she flung it down blushing; Daiyu the hibiscus of wind, dew and quiet sorrow; Xiren the peach blossom. Baoyu kept murmuring Baochai's verse: 'Though heartless, she still moves the heart.'

43Baochai, Daiyu, Tanchun and others were fetched, and they drew ivory flower-lots. Baochai drew the peony, crown of all flowers; Tanchun the apricot, foretelling a noble husband, and she flung it down blushing; Daiyu the hibiscus of wind, dew and quiet sorrow; Xiren the peach blossom. Baoyu kept murmuring Baochai's verse: 'Though heartless, she still moves the heart.'宝钗、黛玉、探春等人也被请来，大家掣象牙花名签。宝钗掣得牡丹，为群芳之冠；探春掣得杏花，签上说必得贵婿，她红了脸把签扔在地上；黛玉掣得芙蓉，风露清愁；袭人掣得桃花。宝玉只管反复念着宝钗签上那句“任是无情也动人”。

Next morning Baoyu found a pink card under his inkstone, signed by Miaoyu as one outside the threshold. At a loss, he asked Xing Xiuyan, the nun's old neighbour and pupil, who explained she meant beyond the iron threshold of the world. So Baoyu signed himself one inside the threshold and slipped his reply through the convent gate.

44Next morning Baoyu found a pink card under his inkstone, signed by Miaoyu as one outside the threshold. At a loss, he asked Xing Xiuyan, the nun's old neighbour and pupil, who explained she meant beyond the iron threshold of the world. So Baoyu signed himself one inside the threshold and slipped his reply through the convent gate.次日清晨，宝玉在砚台下发现一张粉笺，落款“槛外人妙玉”，遥贺芳辰。他不知如何回帖，路上遇见邢岫烟，她和妙玉做过十年邻居，识字也是妙玉教的。岫烟说，妙玉自认站在铁门槛之外，你只需自称“槛内人”。宝玉写好回帖，亲自从栊翠庵门缝里投了进去。

Baoyu dressed Fangguan as a boy and named her Yelü Xiongnu, and the whole Garden laughed at the name. Then, at Ping'er's return feast, servants burst in from the Ning mansion: Jia Jing was dead. You-shi hurried out of the city, where doctors found his belly hard as iron and his lips burned purple by his immortality elixirs.

45Baoyu dressed Fangguan as a boy and named her Yelü Xiongnu, and the whole Garden laughed at the name. Then, at Ping'er's return feast, servants burst in from the Ning mansion: Jia Jing was dead. You-shi hurried out of the city, where doctors found his belly hard as iron and his lips burned purple by his immortality elixirs.宝玉把芳官扮成小厮，改名“耶律雄奴”，满园人学着叫，竟叫成了“野驴子”，笑倒一片。平儿还席那天，东府的人慌慌张张跑来报：老爷宾天了。尤氏急忙赶出城去，大夫验得贾敬肚中坚硬似铁，嘴唇烧得紫绛皱裂，是吞金服砂、烧胀而亡。

Jia Zhen and Jia Rong rode home through the night, and the emperor granted the dead man a posthumous rank. Sent ahead, Jia Rong went straight to You-shi's young stepsisters, who were staying at the Ning mansion. In deep mourning he wrestled Second Sister You for cardamom seeds; she spat the husks in his face, and he licked them up while the maids scolded him.

46Jia Zhen and Jia Rong rode home through the night, and the emperor granted the dead man a posthumous rank. Sent ahead, Jia Rong went straight to You-shi's young stepsisters, who were staying at the Ning mansion. In deep mourning he wrestled Second Sister You for cardamom seeds; she spat the husks in his face, and he licked them up while the maids scolded him.贾珍、贾蓉星夜赶回，天子额外开恩，追赐贾敬五品之职。贾蓉先回府料理，一进门就去找来宁府看家的两个姨娘。他热孝在身，却和尤二姐抢砂仁吃，尤二姐嚼了一嘴渣子吐了他一脸，他竟用舌头舔着吃了，丫头们看不过都骂他。

Jia Jing's coffin was carried back into the city before tens of thousands of onlookers, and Baoyu spent his days in mourning at the Ning mansion. Slipping home one afternoon, he heard from Xueyan that Daiyu had asked for melons, lotus root and an incense burner. Alone in Bamboo Lodge, she was making a private offering, most likely to her dead parents.

47Jia Jing's coffin was carried back into the city before tens of thousands of onlookers, and Baoyu spent his days in mourning at the Ning mansion. Slipping home one afternoon, he heard from Xueyan that Daiyu had asked for melons, lotus root and an incense burner. Alone in Bamboo Lodge, she was making a private offering, most likely to her dead parents.贾敬的灵柩在数万人围观中运回城里，宝玉每天都在宁府穿孝守灵。一天下午他抽空回园，听雪雁说，黛玉叫人备了菱藕瓜果，还摆出了香炉。原来黛玉正独自在潇湘馆里私下设祭，多半是在祭奠亡故的父母。

By the time Baoyu arrived, the incense was cold and Daiyu's face was tear-stained. Under her inkstone he found five poems on famous women of history: Xi Shi, Yu Ji, Mingfei, Lüzhu and Hongfu. He read them with Baochai, who praised how freshly they turned the old stories. 'Call them the Five Beauties,' Baoyu said, and wrote the title in himself.

48By the time Baoyu arrived, the incense was cold and Daiyu's face was tear-stained. Under her inkstone he found five poems on famous women of history: Xi Shi, Yu Ji, Mingfei, Lüzhu and Hongfu. He read them with Baochai, who praised how freshly they turned the old stories. 'Call them the Five Beauties,' Baoyu said, and wrote the title in himself.宝玉赶到时，香已燃尽，黛玉脸上还带着泪痕。他从砚台底下抽出一张诗稿，是咏西施、虞姬、明妃、绿珠、红拂五位古代女子的五首诗。宝钗和他一同细看，称赞这几首诗立意新奇，不落前人窠臼。宝玉说：“就叫《五美吟》吧。”随即提笔写上了题目。

Jia Lian came home ahead of the Matriarch, who wept at the coffin and briefly fell ill. Jia Jing was then laid to rest at Iron Threshold Temple. Riding back to the city, Jia Lian praised Second Sister You, and Jia Rong offered to arrange a secret match. Rong had his own motive: with her set up outside the house, he could pursue her himself.

49Jia Lian came home ahead of the Matriarch, who wept at the coffin and briefly fell ill. Jia Jing was then laid to rest at Iron Threshold Temple. Riding back to the city, Jia Lian praised Second Sister You, and Jia Rong offered to arrange a secret match. Rong had his own motive: with her set up outside the house, he could pursue her himself.贾琏先于贾母回到家中。贾母回府后在灵前痛哭，随即病了一场。之后贾敬的灵柩被送往铁槛寺停放。贾璉和贾蓉骑马回城，路上贾琏一个劲地夸尤二姐，贾蓉便说愿意替他暗中说成这门亲。贾蓉其实另有打算：二姨一旦被安置在外头，他自己就好趁机去厮混。

At the Ning mansion Jia Lian found Second Sister alone at her needlework. She tossed him her betel-nut purse. When the maids turned away, he untied his Han-jade Nine-Dragon Pendant, knotted it to her handkerchief and threw it back. She sipped her tea as if she had seen nothing, but a moment later the handkerchief had quietly disappeared.

50At the Ning mansion Jia Lian found Second Sister alone at her needlework. She tossed him her betel-nut purse. When the maids turned away, he untied his Han-jade Nine-Dragon Pendant, knotted it to her handkerchief and threw it back. She sipped her tea as if she had seen nothing, but a moment later the handkerchief had quietly disappeared.贾琏来到宁府，只见尤二姐独自在炕上做针线，便向她讨槟榔吃，二姐把荷包扔了过来。趁丫鬟回头的工夫，贾琏解下随身的汉玉九龙佩，拴在她的手绢上扔了回去。二姐只装没看见，照旧喝茶，可一转眼，那条手绢已不知去向。

Jia Zhen approved, Old Mrs You was talked round, and Second Sister consented. A house was bought in Little Flower Lane. Zhang Hua, the destitute son of a bailiff, had been promised to her before birth. Summoned and afraid of the Jias, he signed away the betrothal for twenty taels. At dawn on the third, a plain sedan chair carried the bride in.

51Jia Zhen approved, Old Mrs You was talked round, and Second Sister consented. A house was bought in Little Flower Lane. Zhang Hua, the destitute son of a bailiff, had been promised to her before birth. Summoned and afraid of the Jias, he signed away the betrothal for twenty taels. At dawn on the third, a plain sedan chair carried the bride in.贾珍点了头，尤老娘被说动了，二姐也应允了。贾琏在小花枝巷买下一所房子。二姐从小和穷庄头的儿子张华指腹为婚，张华被叫来后，惧怕贾家的势力，只得写下退婚文约，尤老娘给了他二十两银子。初三五更，一乘素轿悄悄把二姐抬进了新房。

For two months Jia Lian lived there as a husband, and the servants called her 'Madam'. One evening Jia Zhen slipped in to see Third Sister, and then Jia Lian arrived unexpectedly. When his page Long'er went to tether his horse, he recognised Jia Zhen's already in the shed. The two horses at one trough would not tolerate each other and began kicking.

52For two months Jia Lian lived there as a husband, and the servants called her 'Madam'. One evening Jia Zhen slipped in to see Third Sister, and then Jia Lian arrived unexpectedly. When his page Long'er went to tether his horse, he recognised Jia Zhen's already in the shed. The two horses at one trough would not tolerate each other and began kicking.此后两个月，贾琏在那里俨然过起了夫妻日子，下人都称二姐为“奶奶”。一天傍晚，贾珍悄悄来看三姐，不料贾琏也突然来了。小厮隆儿去拴马，一眼认出棚里拴着的是贾珍的马。两匹马挤在一个槽上，彼此不容，互相踢了起来。

Jia Lian went to the west room to drink with Jia Zhen and to draw Third Sister in. Instead she stood up on the kang and mocked them both: 'You brothers spend a few stinking coins and take us sisters for playthings. You've reckoned wrong!' Then she poured wine down Jia Lian's throat until both men were frightened sober.

53Jia Lian went to the west room to drink with Jia Zhen and to draw Third Sister in. Instead she stood up on the kang and mocked them both: 'You brothers spend a few stinking coins and take us sisters for playthings. You've reckoned wrong!' Then she poured wine down Jia Lian's throat until both men were frightened sober.贾琏到西院去找贾珍喝酒，还想拉三姐一起作陪。谁知三姐站在炕上，指着他们冷笑道：“你们哥儿俩花了几个臭钱，就拿我们姐儿俩当粉头取乐，这算盘可打错了！”说罢，她揪过贾琏就往他嘴里灌酒，吓得兄弟两个酒都醒了。

After that she ruled the brothers, cursing them and cutting new silks to shreds. When her sister urged her to marry, she wept that she would choose the man herself. Jia Lian guessed Baoyu, and she spat. 'Don't look close at hand. Think back five years.' She would marry only the man she had seen then, and no one else.

54After that she ruled the brothers, cursing them and cutting new silks to shreds. When her sister urged her to marry, she wept that she would choose the man herself. Jia Lian guessed Baoyu, and she spat. 'Don't look close at hand. Think back five years.' She would marry only the man she had seen then, and no one else.从此三姐反倒把兄弟俩治住了，动不动就痛骂他们，新做的绫缎衣裳也拿剪子铰碎。二姐劝她早些嫁人，她流着泪说，终身大事必须由自己挑一个称心的人。贾琏猜是宝玉，三姐啐了一口，说：“别只在眼前想，只往五年前想就是了。”她发誓，除了五年前见过的那个人，谁也不嫁。

Jia Lian was called away, and his page Xing'er stayed to eat, squatting by the kang and describing the Rong household. Xifeng was 'sweet-mouthed, bitter-hearted'. Li Wan was the 'Great Bodhisattva' and Tanchun the thorny 'Rose'. Daiyu was the 'Ailing Xi Shi' and Baochai seemed made of snow: none dared breathe near them, lest one blow over or the other melt.

55Jia Lian was called away, and his page Xing'er stayed to eat, squatting by the kang and describing the Rong household. Xifeng was 'sweet-mouthed, bitter-hearted'. Li Wan was the 'Great Bodhisattva' and Tanchun the thorny 'Rose'. Daiyu was the 'Ailing Xi Shi' and Baochai seemed made of snow: none dared breathe near them, lest one blow over or the other melt.贾琏被叫走了，小厮兴儿留下吃酒，蹲在炕沿下把荣府上下一个个说给尤家母女听。他说凤姐“嘴甜心苦，两面三刀”，李纨是“大菩萨”，探春是扎手的“玫瑰花”。林姑娘是“多病西施”，宝姑娘像是雪堆出来的，他们见了这两位都不敢出大气，生怕气大了吹倒了林的，气暖了吹化了薛的。

As Jia Lian prepared to travel to Ping'an Prefecture, Third Sister You named the man she would marry: Liu Xianglian, whom she had seen play a young lover on stage five years before. She would wait a year, ten years, or become a nun. Then she snapped a jade hairpin in two. "If one word is false, let me be like this pin."

56As Jia Lian prepared to travel to Ping'an Prefecture, Third Sister You named the man she would marry: Liu Xianglian, whom she had seen play a young lover on stage five years before. She would wait a year, ten years, or become a nun. Then she snapped a jade hairpin in two. "If one word is false, let me be like this pin."贾琏要去平安州办事，临行前，尤三姐说出了自己想嫁的人：五年前她在台上见过他扮小生的柳湘莲。他一年不来，她就等一年；十年不来，她就等十年；要是他死了，她就出家修行。说完，她把一根玉簪摔成两段：“有一句假话，就像这簪子！”

Three days out, Jia Lian met Xue Pan and Liu Xianglian riding together. Bandits had robbed Xue Pan's caravan on the Ping'an border; Xianglian had driven them off and saved his life, and the two had sworn brotherhood. Offered a match, Xianglian gave Jia Lian his family heirloom, the Mandarin-Duck Swords, as a betrothal pledge.

57Three days out, Jia Lian met Xue Pan and Liu Xianglian riding together. Bandits had robbed Xue Pan's caravan on the Ping'an border; Xianglian had driven them off and saved his life, and the two had sworn brotherhood. Offered a match, Xianglian gave Jia Lian his family heirloom, the Mandarin-Duck Swords, as a betrothal pledge.出城第三天，贾琏在路上遇见薛蟠和柳湘莲结伴同行。原来薛蟠的货队在平安州界上遭了强盗，是柳湘莲赶散贼人，救了他的命，两人便结拜为生死兄弟。贾琏趁机提亲，柳湘莲便把祖传的鸳鸯剑交给他，作为定礼。

Jia Lian brought the swords home to Third Sister. Inside the dragon-mounted scabbard lay two blades engraved "Mandarin" and "Duck", cold and bright as autumn water. She hung them over her bed and lived quietly, serving her mother and sister and seeing no one. Each day she gazed at the swords and smiled: her future was settled.

58Jia Lian brought the swords home to Third Sister. Inside the dragon-mounted scabbard lay two blades engraved "Mandarin" and "Duck", cold and bright as autumn water. She hung them over her bed and lived quietly, serving her mother and sister and seeing no one. Each day she gazed at the swords and smiled: her future was settled.贾琏回来，把剑交给三姐。剑鞘上龙吞夔护，拔开一看，里面是合在一起的两把剑，一把刻着“鸳”字，一把刻着“鸯”字，冷飕飕、明亮亮，像两道秋水。三姐把剑挂在绣房床上，从此安分守己，只侍奉母亲和姐姐。她天天望着剑，暗自笑着，觉得终身有了依靠。

Xianglian reached the capital in the eighth month. When Baoyu told him the bride was a You sister from the Ning mansion, where he said only the stone lions were clean, he grew suspicious. At the little house he called Old Mrs You "aunt", not mother-in-law, and asked for the swords back. Jia Lian bristled: "A betrothal is binding."

59Xianglian reached the capital in the eighth month. When Baoyu told him the bride was a You sister from the Ning mansion, where he said only the stone lions were clean, he grew suspicious. At the little house he called Old Mrs You "aunt", not mother-in-law, and asked for the swords back. Jia Lian bristled: "A betrothal is binding."八月，柳湘莲进京。宝玉告诉他，新娘是宁府尤氏的妹妹。他一听就起了疑心，说东府里除了门口两个石狮子，只怕连猫狗都不干净。到了小花枝巷，他只称尤老娘“老伯母”，自称晚生，推说姑母已给他订了亲，要讨回宝剑。贾琏很不痛快：“定者，定也，岂能随意反悔？”

From her room Third Sister heard it all and knew he despised her as a wanton. She came out with the swords, tears streaming. "No need to go out and discuss it. Here is your pledge." With her left hand she held out the scabbard; with her right she drew the female blade across her throat, and was gone.

60From her room Third Sister heard it all and knew he despised her as a wanton. She came out with the swords, tears streaming. "No need to go out and discuss it. Here is your pledge." With her left hand she held out the scabbard; with her right she drew the female blade across her throat, and was gone.三姐在房里听得清清楚楚，知道他是嫌自己不干净，不屑娶她为妻。她摘下宝剑，把雌锋藏在肘后，流着泪走出来：“你们不必出去再议，还你的定礼。”左手把剑连鞘递给湘莲，右手回肘往颈上一横。一个刚烈的女子，就这样去了。

Old Mrs You wailed and cursed him, and Jia Lian had him bound for the magistrate until Second Sister talked him out of it. But Xianglian would not go. "I never knew she was so resolute a wife." He wept over her body, and when she was laid in her coffin, he wept over the coffin again before he left.

61Old Mrs You wailed and cursed him, and Jia Lian had him bound for the magistrate until Second Sister talked him out of it. But Xianglian would not go. "I never knew she was so resolute a wife." He wept over her body, and when she was laid in her coffin, he wept over the coffin again before he left.尤老娘一边嚎哭，一边骂湘莲；贾琏要把他捆了送官，被二姐劝住，只好放他走。湘莲却不肯走，哭道：“我竟不知她是这样刚烈的贤妻，可敬，可敬！”他扶着尸身大哭一场，等买来棺木，看着入殓，又伏在棺上痛哭一回，才告辞离去。

He wandered out in a daze, and seemed to be led to a fine new house. There Third Sister came in to the chime of jade pendants, the swords in one hand and a register in the other. She had waited five years, she said, and now went to serve the Fairy of Disenchantment. Dream or vision, she vanished on a fragrant wind.

62He wandered out in a daze, and seemed to be led to a fine new house. There Third Sister came in to the chime of jade pendants, the swords in one hand and a register in the other. She had waited five years, she said, and now went to serve the Fairy of Disenchantment. Dream or vision, she vanished on a fragrant wind.他昏昏沉沉地出了门，恍惚间被领进一所新房。只听环佩叮当，尤三姐一手捧着鸳鸯剑，一手捧着一卷册子走来，哭着说：她痴情等了他五年，如今奉警幻仙姑之命，去太虚幻境登记情鬼，特来一别，从此再不能相见。说完一阵香风，她便无影无踪了。是梦还是真，他也分不清。

He woke in a ruined temple beside a Taoist picking lice. Asked where they were, the Taoist laughed that he knew neither the place nor himself. The words chilled Xianglian to the bone. He drew the male blade, cut off his hair and followed the Taoist away. Xue Pan searched the city in vain, and wept.

63He woke in a ruined temple beside a Taoist picking lice. Asked where they were, the Taoist laughed that he knew neither the place nor himself. The words chilled Xianglian to the bone. He drew the male blade, cut off his hair and followed the Taoist away. Xue Pan searched the city in vain, and wept.他猛然醒来，哪里有什么新房，竟是一座破庙，旁边坐着一个跛腿道士在捉虱子。湘莲问这是什么地方，道士笑道，连他自己也不知这是何处、自己是谁。湘莲听了，如寒冰侵骨，拔出雄剑，把满头烦恼丝一挥而尽，跟着道士飘然而去。薛蟠城里城外找遍了，也不见人影，还痛哭了一场。

Xue Pan's cases of southern gifts finally arrived, and Baochai shared them round the Garden, with a double share for Daiyu. Concubine Zhao carried hers to Lady Wang to curry favour and was brushed off. But Daiyu, seeing things from her old home, wept for her dead parents and her lonely life as a guest.

64Xue Pan's cases of southern gifts finally arrived, and Baochai shared them round the Garden, with a double share for Daiyu. Concubine Zhao carried hers to Lady Wang to curry favour and was brushed off. But Daiyu, seeing things from her old home, wept for her dead parents and her lonely life as a guest.薛蟠从江南带来的两箱土物终于送到，宝钗一份一份分给园中众人，给黛玉的比别人加厚一倍。赵姨娘捧着给贾环的东西去王夫人面前讨好，却碰了一鼻子灰。黛玉看见这些家乡之物，想起父母双亡，自己寄人篱下，没人给她带些土物，不禁伤心落泪，紫鹃在一旁苦劝。

Meanwhile a maid overheard pages praising a "new mistress", and the news reached Xifeng. She summoned Xing'er: "Slap your own mouth!" He struck himself a dozen times, knocked his head on the floor and confessed it all: the house, the wedding, Zhang Hua, Third Sister's death. Xifeng swore him to silence, brooded, then called Ping'er. She had a plan.

65Meanwhile a maid overheard pages praising a "new mistress", and the news reached Xifeng. She summoned Xing'er: "Slap your own mouth!" He struck himself a dozen times, knocked his head on the floor and confessed it all: the house, the wedding, Zhang Hua, Third Sister's death. Xifeng swore him to silence, brooded, then called Ping'er. She had a plan.这时，一个小丫头听见两个小厮说“新奶奶比旧奶奶还俊”，消息传到凤姐耳中。她把兴儿叫来，喝命：“叫他自己打！”兴儿左右开弓打了自己十几个嘴巴，又在砖地上磕头磕得咚咚响，把新房、娶亲、张华退亲、三姐自刎一五一十招了出来。凤姐叫他不许走漏半个字，歪在枕上出了一回神，忽然计上心来，叫道：“平儿来。”

While Jia Lian was away on business, Xifeng drove to the Little Flower Lane house dressed all in mourning white, with no bright jewel on her. She blamed only herself, praised Erjie, begged her to come home and live as her sister, and wept. Erjie, disarmed, wept with her and took her for a true friend.

66While Jia Lian was away on business, Xifeng drove to the Little Flower Lane house dressed all in mourning white, with no bright jewel on her. She blamed only herself, praised Erjie, begged her to come home and live as her sister, and wept. Erjie, disarmed, wept with her and took her for a true friend.趁贾琏出门办事，凤姐带人来到小花枝巷。她浑身素白，不戴一件艳色首饰，口口声声只怨自己，又称赞二姐，求她搬回府里姐妹同住，说着便呜呜咽咽哭起来。二姐见她这般，也落下泪来，竟把她当成了知己。

Xifeng slipped Erjie in through the Garden's back gate, lodged her with Li Wan, and threatened death to anyone who told Grandmother Jia. Within three days the maid Shanjie she had provided turned insolent: a request for hair oil earned a lecture on Xifeng's burdens, and Erjie's meals came late and left over. Afraid of seeming troublesome, Erjie said nothing.

67Xifeng slipped Erjie in through the Garden's back gate, lodged her with Li Wan, and threatened death to anyone who told Grandmother Jia. Within three days the maid Shanjie she had provided turned insolent: a request for hair oil earned a lecture on Xifeng's burdens, and Erjie's meals came late and left over. Afraid of seeming troublesome, Erjie said nothing.凤姐悄悄从后门把二姐带进大观园，暂托李纨收留，又吩咐众人，谁敢走漏风声给老太太知道，先要谁的命。不过三天，她派来的丫头善姐便不服使唤：二姐要点头油，倒被数落一顿；饭菜也时早时晚，端来的都是剩的。二姐怕人说她不安分，只得忍着。

Meanwhile Xifeng paid Zhang Hua, Erjie's destitute former betrothed, to accuse Jia Lian at the Censorate of marrying in time of mourning, naming the steward Lai Wang as go-between. Lai Wang knelt cheerfully and 'reluctantly' drew in Jia Rong's name. Xifeng's three hundred taels had already reached the censor, who agreed only to make a frightening show of it.

68Meanwhile Xifeng paid Zhang Hua, Erjie's destitute former betrothed, to accuse Jia Lian at the Censorate of marrying in time of mourning, naming the steward Lai Wang as go-between. Lai Wang knelt cheerfully and 'reluctantly' drew in Jia Rong's name. Xifeng's three hundred taels had already reached the censor, who agreed only to make a frightening show of it.与此同时，凤姐拿银子买通了二姐原先的未婚夫、穷汉张华，叫他到都察院告贾琏国孝家孝中停妻再娶，状子上还特意添上家人旺儿的名字。旺儿早在街上候着，乐呵呵上堂对词，又装作着急，引张华供出贾蓉。凤姐的三百两银子早已送进察院私宅，察院只答应虚张声势吓唬一番。

Armed with the lawsuit, Xifeng stormed into the Ning mansion, spat in You-shi's face and wailed that they had plotted to have her divorced. When she raised her hand at Jia Rong, he knelt and slapped his own face, left and right: 'Don't hurt your hand, Auntie, let me do it myself.' The servants hardly dared to laugh.

69Armed with the lawsuit, Xifeng stormed into the Ning mansion, spat in You-shi's face and wailed that they had plotted to have her divorced. When she raised her hand at Jia Rong, he knelt and slapped his own face, left and right: 'Don't hurt your hand, Auntie, let me do it myself.' The servants hardly dared to laugh.凤姐拿着这场官司闯进宁国府，照着尤氏脸上啐了一口，哭闹说他们设下圈套要休了她，扬言要一同去见官。她扬手要打贾蓉，贾蓉忙跪下磕头，左右开弓自己打起嘴巴来：“婶子别动气，仔细手，让我自己打。”众人想笑又不敢笑。

Having cowed the Ning household into her plan, Xifeng led Erjie to Grandmother Jia with a story of her own generosity. The old lady put on her glasses, had Yuanyang bring the girl close, and studied her skin, her hands, even her feet beneath the skirt. 'A flawless child, prettier than you,' she pronounced, and allowed her to stay, to be wed properly after a year.

70Having cowed the Ning household into her plan, Xifeng led Erjie to Grandmother Jia with a story of her own generosity. The old lady put on her glasses, had Yuanyang bring the girl close, and studied her skin, her hands, even her feet beneath the skirt. 'A flawless child, prettier than you,' she pronounced, and allowed her to stay, to be wed properly after a year.吓住了宁府上下，凤姐便编好一套自己贤良大度的说辞，领二姐去见贾母。贾母戴上眼镜，叫鸳鸯把她拉过来，细看她的皮肉，又看手，鸳鸯还揭起裙子让她看脚。看罢摘下眼镜笑道：“更是个齐全孩子，我看比你俊些。”于是准她住下，一年后再圆房。

Xifeng had Zhang Hua sue again to reclaim his bride, until Jia Rong bribed him to leave the capital. Then, fearing he might reopen the case, she ordered Lai Wang to see him dead. Unwilling to take a life, Lai Wang hid for some days and reported that robbers had clubbed Zhang Hua on the road. 'If you're lying, I'll knock your teeth out.'

71Xifeng had Zhang Hua sue again to reclaim his bride, until Jia Rong bribed him to leave the capital. Then, fearing he might reopen the case, she ordered Lai Wang to see him dead. Unwilling to take a life, Lai Wang hid for some days and reported that robbers had clubbed Zhang Hua on the road. 'If you're lying, I'll knock your teeth out.'凤姐又暗中唆使张华再告，要领回原妻；贾蓉怕闹出笑话，便拿银子打发他们父子回了原籍。凤姐又怕张华日后翻案，悄悄命旺儿把他治死。旺儿想人命关天，在外躲了几日，回来谎称张华在京口被截路人打闷棍打死了。凤姐冷笑道：“你要扯谎，我再使人打听出来敲你的牙！”

Jia Lian came home, and his father Jia She rewarded him with the seventeen-year-old maid Qiutong as a concubine. Xifeng hid a fresh thorn behind a smile and saw a borrowed sword. Quietly goading Qiutong, she let her stand under Erjie's window day after day, screaming that she was a whore no man would have, while Xifeng pretended not to dare interfere.

72Jia Lian came home, and his father Jia She rewarded him with the seventeen-year-old maid Qiutong as a concubine. Xifeng hid a fresh thorn behind a smile and saw a borrowed sword. Quietly goading Qiutong, she let her stand under Erjie's window day after day, screaming that she was a whore no man would have, while Xifeng pretended not to dare interfere.贾琏办完事回来，贾赦大喜，把十七岁的丫头秋桐赏他作妾。凤姐心中一刺未除又添一刺，却换出笑脸遮掩，想出“借剑杀人”的主意。她背地里挑唆秋桐，秋桐便天天在二姐窗下大骂“先奸后娶没汉子要的娼妇”，凤姐只装作不敢出声，二姐在屋里哭得饭也吃不下。

Xifeng feigned illness and sent Erjie food no one could eat. Only Pinger, with her own money, had dishes made, or took her 'walking' in the Garden to feed her soup there. When Qiutong told tales, Xifeng called Pinger a cat that bites the hens, and Grandmother Jia, fed Qiutong's lies, came to think Erjie a jealous schemer.

73Xifeng feigned illness and sent Erjie food no one could eat. Only Pinger, with her own money, had dishes made, or took her 'walking' in the Garden to feed her soup there. When Qiutong told tales, Xifeng called Pinger a cat that bites the hens, and Grandmother Jia, fed Qiutong's lies, came to think Erjie a jealous schemer.凤姐装病，不再同二姐吃饭，每天送去的茶饭都是不堪入口的东西。只有平儿看不过，自己拿钱弄菜给她吃，或借口陪她去园中顽，在园里厨房另做汤水。秋桐撞见后去告状，凤姐骂平儿“我的猫只倒咬鸡”；贾母又听了秋桐的谗言，渐渐不喜欢二姐了。

Within a month Erjie was sick and wasting, though three months with child. One night Sanjie came to her in a dream bearing the mandarin-duck sword, urging her to cut down the jealous woman and return with her to the Fairy of Disenchantment. Erjie wept and refused: her own past had earned this, and she would add no killing. Sanjie sighed and vanished.

74Within a month Erjie was sick and wasting, though three months with child. One night Sanjie came to her in a dream bearing the mandarin-duck sword, urging her to cut down the jealous woman and return with her to the Fairy of Disenchantment. Erjie wept and refused: her own past had earned this, and she would add no killing. Sanjie sighed and vanished.不过一个月，二姐便积郁成病，茶饭不进，渐渐黄瘦，腹中已有三个月身孕。一夜梦见三姐手捧鸳鸯宝剑而来，劝她斩了那妒妇，一同回警幻案下听候发落。二姐哭道：“我一生品行既亏，今日之报既系当然，何必又生杀戮之冤。”三姐长叹一声而去，二姐惊醒，原是一梦。

Dr Wang was away with the army, so the pages fetched one Dr Hu Junrong. He insisted on seeing the patient's face, and at a glimpse through the parted curtain his wits flew away. He declared it no pregnancy, only blocked blood, and prescribed a purge. By midnight Erjie had miscarried a fully formed boy and lay bleeding senseless; Dr Hu had already fled.

75Dr Wang was away with the army, so the pages fetched one Dr Hu Junrong. He insisted on seeing the patient's face, and at a glimpse through the parted curtain his wits flew away. He declared it no pregnancy, only blocked blood, and prescribed a purge. By midnight Erjie had miscarried a fully formed boy and lay bleeding senseless; Dr Hu had already fled.王太医随军去了，小厮们请来一个姓胡的太医，名叫君荣。他诊了脉，又说要看看气色才敢下药。帐子掀开一缝，他一见二姐的容貌，魂魄如飞上九天，糊里糊涂说不是胎气，只是瘀血凝结，开了通经下血的方子。只半夜，二姐竟打下一个已成形的男胎，血流不止，昏迷过去；胡君荣早已卷包逃走。

Xifeng burned incense for Erjie's recovery while Qiutong raged beneath the window that the child had been a bastard. Knowing she would never mend, Erjie took a lump of raw gold from her chest and, weeping, forced it down. Then she dressed herself in her finest clothes and jewels and lay down. In the morning the maids found her dead, lovelier than in life.

76Xifeng burned incense for Erjie's recovery while Qiutong raged beneath the window that the child had been a bastard. Knowing she would never mend, Erjie took a lump of raw gold from her chest and, weeping, forced it down. Then she dressed herself in her finest clothes and jewels and lay down. In the morning the maids found her dead, lovelier than in life.凤姐当着众人烧香祷告，求二姐早日痊愈；秋桐却在窗下大骂那孩子是杂种。二姐自知病已成势，胎已打下，不如一死干净。她挣扎起来，从箱中找出一块生金，含泪狠命咽下，又把衣服首饰穿戴齐整，上炕躺下。第二天早上，丫鬟推门进来，才见她已死在炕上，面色如生，比活着还美。

Jia Lian clung to her body and wept, but Xifeng pleaded poverty and gave him barely thirty taels. Erjie's chests held only broken hairpins and old clothes. Pinger secretly brought him two hundred taels, and in return he pressed on her one of Erjie's plain everyday skirts: 'Keep it for me, as something to remember her by.'

77Jia Lian clung to her body and wept, but Xifeng pleaded poverty and gave him barely thirty taels. Erjie's chests held only broken hairpins and old clothes. Pinger secretly brought him two hundred taels, and in return he pressed on her one of Erjie's plain everyday skirts: 'Keep it for me, as something to remember her by.'贾琏抱着尸身痛哭不止，凤姐却推说家里艰难，只拿出二三十两银子。贾琏打开二姐的箱柜，只剩些拆簪烂花和几件半新不旧的衣裳，不禁又哭起来。平儿偷出二百两碎银子悄悄塞给他。贾琏把二姐家常穿的一条裙子递给平儿：“你好生替我收着，作个念心儿。”

The poetry club had lain idle for a year while the household reeled from one death to the next. One spring morning the girls called Baoyu to Qinfang Pavilion to read a new poem, 'Song of the Peach Blossom'. He knew at once it was Daiyu's and turned away to wipe his tears. They renamed the club the Peach Blossom Club and made Daiyu its head.

78The poetry club had lain idle for a year while the household reeled from one death to the next. One spring morning the girls called Baoyu to Qinfang Pavilion to read a new poem, 'Song of the Peach Blossom'. He knew at once it was Daiyu's and turned away to wipe his tears. They renamed the club the Peach Blossom Club and made Daiyu its head.府中接连出事，诗社已经荒废了一年。一个春天的早晨，姐妹们把宝玉叫到沁芳亭，给他看一首新写的《桃花行》。宝玉一读就知道是黛玉写的，忍不住落泪，又赶紧背过身去擦干。大家决定把海棠社改成桃花社，推黛玉做社主。

Word came that Jia Zheng would be home by summer and would check Baoyu's calligraphy, and there was far too little of it. Tanchun and Baochai each copied a page for him every day. Then Zijuan brought a whole roll of tiny formal script on old bamboo paper, written by Daiyu to look like Baoyu's own hand. He bowed to Zijuan in delight.

79Word came that Jia Zheng would be home by summer and would check Baoyu's calligraphy, and there was far too little of it. Tanchun and Baochai each copied a page for him every day. Then Zijuan brought a whole roll of tiny formal script on old bamboo paper, written by Daiyu to look like Baoyu's own hand. He bowed to Zijuan in delight.贾政来信说夏天就回京，一定会查宝玉的功课，可宝玉练的字远远不够。探春、宝钗每天替他临一篇。后来紫鹃送来一整卷老油竹纸上的蝇头小楷，是黛玉照着宝玉的笔迹写的，几乎看不出分别。宝玉高兴得冲紫鹃作了个揖。

Then a tidal wave struck the coast, and Jia Zheng was ordered to oversee the relief, which would keep him away until winter, so Baoyu dropped his studies again. In late spring the club wrote lyrics on willow catkins. The others mourned their drifting, but Baochai made them rise: 'A good wind, lend me strength, to lift me to the blue clouds!'

80Then a tidal wave struck the coast, and Jia Zheng was ordered to oversee the relief, which would keep him away until winter, so Baoyu dropped his studies again. In late spring the club wrote lyrics on willow catkins. The others mourned their drifting, but Baochai made them rise: 'A good wind, lend me strength, to lift me to the blue clouds!'不久沿海发生海啸，朝廷命贾政顺路查看赈灾，要到冬天才能回来，宝玉又把书和字丢到一边。暮春时节，诗社以柳絮为题填词。别人都写柳絮飘零的悲苦，宝钗偏偏写它往上飞：“好风凭借力，送我上青云！”

A stray kite snagged in the bamboo, and the girls brought out their own to fly away their bad luck. When Daiyu's kite pulled hard, Zijuan cut the string with small silver scissors so that it would 'carry off all your illness'. It shrank to a black speck and was gone. Baoyu cut his own loose to keep hers company.

81A stray kite snagged in the bamboo, and the girls brought out their own to fly away their bad luck. When Daiyu's kite pulled hard, Zijuan cut the string with small silver scissors so that it would 'carry off all your illness'. It shrank to a black speck and was gone. Baoyu cut his own loose to keep hers company.一只断了线的风筝挂在竹梢上，姐妹们也拿出各自的风筝来“放晦气”。黛玉的风筝吃风很紧，紫鹃用一把西洋小银剪子齐根剪断了线，说要让它“把病根儿都带了去”。风筝越飘越远，成了一个黑点，然后不见了。宝玉也剪断自己的线，说让它们两个作伴。

Jia Zheng came home at last, and for Grandmother Jia's eightieth birthday both mansions held banquets for days, with gifts arriving from the palace and from princes. In the garden the Dowager Princess of Nan'an asked to meet the girls. She took Tanchun's hand in one of hers and Baochai's in the other, and praised them all.

82Jia Zheng came home at last, and for Grandmother Jia's eightieth birthday both mansions held banquets for days, with gifts arriving from the palace and from princes. In the garden the Dowager Princess of Nan'an asked to meet the girls. She took Tanchun's hand in one of hers and Baochai's in the other, and praised them all.贾政终于回到家中。贾母八十大寿，荣宁两府一连几天大摆筵席，宫里和各王府送来的寿礼络绎不绝。南安太妃在园里要见府里的姑娘们，她一手拉着探春，一手拉着宝钗，问她们几岁了，把几位姑娘挨个夸了一遍。

Two drunken old women had insulted You-shi's maid, so Xifeng had them tied up to wait for You-shi's judgement. One was related to a servant of Lady Xing's, who had long resented Xifeng. At the end of the evening, in front of everyone, Lady Xing smiled and begged Xifeng to let them go 'for the old lady's sake', and then left.

83Two drunken old women had insulted You-shi's maid, so Xifeng had them tied up to wait for You-shi's judgement. One was related to a servant of Lady Xing's, who had long resented Xifeng. At the end of the evening, in front of everyone, Lady Xing smiled and begged Xifeng to let them go 'for the old lady's sake', and then left.两个喝醉的老婆子顶撞了尤氏的小丫头，凤姐命人把她们捆起来，交给尤氏发落。其中一个是邢夫人陪房费婆子的亲家，邢夫人本来就怨恨凤姐。晚上散席时，邢夫人当着众人赔着笑向凤姐求情：“不看我的脸，权且看老太太，竟放了他们罢。”说完就上车走了。

Even Lady Wang agreed that the women should be released. The more Xifeng thought about it, the more hurt and ashamed she felt, and she went back to her rooms to cry alone where no one could see. When Amber came to call her, she washed her face and powdered it again. Yuanyang noticed her swollen eyes all the same.

84Even Lady Wang agreed that the women should be released. The more Xifeng thought about it, the more hurt and ashamed she felt, and she went back to her rooms to cry alone where no one could see. When Amber came to call her, she washed her face and powdered it again. Yuanyang noticed her swollen eyes all the same.连王夫人也说该放了那两个婆子。凤姐越想越气，越想越羞，心灰意冷，独自回房里哭，不让任何人知道。琥珀来叫她，说老太太等她说话，她赶紧擦干眼泪，洗了脸，重新搽上脂粉。可鸳鸯还是看出她的眼睛是肿的。

Late that night Yuanyang was crossing the dark garden alone and stepped behind a rockery under a big osmanthus tree. Two figures started up. One was Siqi, Yingchun's maid, and the other looked like a young manservant. Siqi fell to her knees in tears. 'Our lives are in your hands, sister!' Yuanyang promised she would tell no one.

85Late that night Yuanyang was crossing the dark garden alone and stepped behind a rockery under a big osmanthus tree. Two figures started up. One was Siqi, Yingchun's maid, and the other looked like a young manservant. Siqi fell to her knees in tears. 'Our lives are in your hands, sister!' Yuanyang promised she would tell no one.当天深夜，鸳鸯独自穿过漆黑的园子，走到一座假山后面的大桂树下，忽然惊起两个人影。一个是迎春的丫头司棋，另一个像是个小厮。司棋扑通跪下，哭着求她：“我们的性命，都在姐姐身上！”鸳鸯答应一个字也不告诉别人。

Siqi's lover had fled, and she fell gravely ill, sure Yuanyang would betray them. Yuanyang came, sent everyone out, and swore she would tell no one. Siqi seized her hand and wept that they had grown up together: "If you keep this, you are like my own mother." Soon both maids were crying.

86Siqi's lover had fled, and she fell gravely ill, sure Yuanyang would betray them. Yuanyang came, sent everyone out, and swore she would tell no one. Siqi seized her hand and wept that they had grown up together: "If you keep this, you are like my own mother." Soon both maids were crying.司棋的表兄弟畏罪逃走，司棋又气又怕，一病不起。鸳鸯来探病，支开旁人，当面发誓绝不对任何人说。司棋一把拉住她，哭诉两人从小一起长大：“你若果然不告诉一个人，你就是我的亲娘一样。”说着说着，两个丫头一齐哭了。

On her way back Yuanyang called on Xifeng, who had looked listless for days. Xifeng was asleep, so Ping'er drew her into the east room and whispered the truth: for a month the bleeding had not stopped, yet her mistress refused a doctor and snapped at anyone who asked. Yuanyang feared it was the flooding sickness that had killed her own sister.

87On her way back Yuanyang called on Xifeng, who had looked listless for days. Xifeng was asleep, so Ping'er drew her into the east room and whispered the truth: for a month the bleeding had not stopped, yet her mistress refused a doctor and snapped at anyone who asked. Yuanyang feared it was the flooding sickness that had killed her own sister.鸳鸯顺路去看凤姐，凤姐正在午睡。平儿把她拉进东屋，凑到耳边悄悄说：自上月起，凤姐下红一个月都没止住，却不肯请大夫，谁问一句就动气，照旧天天查这问那。鸳鸯一听，暗想这怕是血山崩，自己的姐姐当年就是死于这病。

Jia Lian came in, all smiles, and would not let Yuanyang leave. The birthday feast had drained thousands of taels, rents would not come until autumn, and gifts were due. Would she quietly carry out a chest of the old lady's gold and silver plate, which she would never miss, and pawn it? He swore to redeem it within half a year.

88Jia Lian came in, all smiles, and would not let Yuanyang leave. The birthday feast had drained thousands of taels, rents would not come until autumn, and gifts were due. Would she quietly carry out a chest of the old lady's gold and silver plate, which she would never miss, and pawn it? He swore to redeem it within half a year.贾琏进门，满脸堆笑，拉住鸳鸯不让走。他说老太太做寿花光了几千两银子，房租地税要到九月才到，眼下又有几处大礼要送，求她把老太太查不着的金银家伙偷运出一箱来，暂押一千两银子，不出半年就赎回来。

Xifeng, awake, bargained a share of the pawned silver for herself. Then a young eunuch arrived from the palace official Xia, asking to 'borrow' two hundred taels, with twelve hundred still owed. Xifeng laughed it off, and while Jia Lian hid in the inner room, she had Ping'er bring out two gold necklaces, pearl and kingfisher, fit for a palace, to pawn for the money.

89Xifeng, awake, bargained a share of the pawned silver for herself. Then a young eunuch arrived from the palace official Xia, asking to 'borrow' two hundred taels, with twelve hundred still owed. Xifeng laughed it off, and while Jia Lian hid in the inner room, she had Ping'er bring out two gold necklaces, pearl and kingfisher, fit for a palace, to pawn for the money.凤姐醒来，顺势要从押当的银子里分一二百两。话音未落，夏太府打发小太监来“借”二百两，还提起前两回欠下的一千二百两。贾琏躲进套间，凤姐笑着应下，叫平儿取出两个金项圈：一个金累丝攒珠，一个点翠嵌宝，都不亚于宫中之物，拿去押了四百两。

Lai Wang's wife wanted Caixia, just sent home from Lady Wang's rooms, for her son. Lin Zhixiao warned Jia Lian the youth drank and gambled, but Xifeng had already summoned Caixia's mother, who dared not refuse. Caixia, who had hoped for Jia Huan, knew the boy was ugly and worthless, and sent her sister to beg Concubine Zhao for help.

90Lai Wang's wife wanted Caixia, just sent home from Lady Wang's rooms, for her son. Lin Zhixiao warned Jia Lian the youth drank and gambled, but Xifeng had already summoned Caixia's mother, who dared not refuse. Caixia, who had hoped for Jia Huan, knew the boy was ugly and worthless, and sent her sister to beg Concubine Zhao for help.来旺媳妇替儿子求娶刚被王夫人放出去的彩霞。林之孝告诉贾琏，那小子吃酒赌钱、无所不为，可凤姐早已把彩霞的娘叫来说了媒，她娘不敢不应。彩霞本与贾环有旧，又早听说旺儿之子丑陋无能，急得没法，只好悄悄打发妹妹去找赵姨娘。

That night Concubine Zhao begged Jia Zheng to give Caixia to Jia Huan. He said the boys must study a year or two first; he had already picked a girl for each. "Baoyu has had one for two years already," she said. "Who gave her?" he demanded. She opened her mouth to answer, and a loud crash sounded outside.

91That night Concubine Zhao begged Jia Zheng to give Caixia to Jia Huan. He said the boys must study a year or two first; he had already picked a girl for each. "Baoyu has had one for two years already," she said. "Who gave her?" he demanded. She opened her mouth to answer, and a loud crash sounded outside.当晚，赵姨娘求贾政把彩霞给贾环。贾政说等他们再念一两年书，自己已看中两个丫头，一个给宝玉，一个给环儿。赵姨娘道：“宝玉已有了二年了，老爷还不知道？”贾政忙问是谁给的。她正要开口，外头忽然一声巨响，屋里人都吓了一跳。

Warned by Concubine Zhao's maid that his father would examine him next day, Baoyu sat up all night cramming, and his maids kept the candles trimmed. When the maid Jinxing Boli screamed that a man had jumped from the wall, Qingwen saw a way out. "Seize the chance and play sick—say you had a fright."

1Warned by Concubine Zhao's maid that his father would examine him next day, Baoyu sat up all night cramming, and his maids kept the candles trimmed. When the maid Jinxing Boli screamed that a man had jumped from the wall, Qingwen saw a way out. "Seize the chance and play sick—say you had a fright."赵姨娘的丫头小鹊来报信，说老爷明天要盘问宝玉功课。宝玉慌忙连夜温书，丫鬟们都陪着剪烛斟茶。忽然金星玻璃喊有人从墙上跳下来，晴雯灵机一动，悄声对宝玉说：“趁这个机会快装病，只说吓着了。”

The false alarm set the whole garden searching all night, and Grandmother Jia demanded to know why the night watch was so slack. Tanchun admitted the servants had been running gambling rings. The old lady had the dice burned and the ringleaders flogged and expelled; one of the three was Yingchun's own wet nurse, and she refused all pleas for mercy.

2The false alarm set the whole garden searching all night, and Grandmother Jia demanded to know why the night watch was so slack. Tanchun admitted the servants had been running gambling rings. The old lady had the dice burned and the ringleaders flogged and expelled; one of the three was Yingchun's own wet nurse, and she refused all pleas for mercy.一场虚惊，园中灯笼火把闹了一夜。贾母追问上夜的人为何松懈，探春这才说出园中已开了赌局。贾母大怒，命人烧了骰子牌，为首的三个大头家各打四十大板、撵出去，其中一个竟是迎春的乳母。姊妹们替她求情，贾母也不肯饶。

That afternoon Simple Sister, a rough-work maid too innocent to understand what she held, found an embroidered pouch behind a rock while catching crickets. Its needlework showed two naked figures embracing. Laughing, she held it out to Lady Xing, who went pale, clutched it tight and hid it in her sleeve. "Never tell a soul, or you'll be beaten to death."

3That afternoon Simple Sister, a rough-work maid too innocent to understand what she held, found an embroidered pouch behind a rock while catching crickets. Its needlework showed two naked figures embracing. Laughing, she held it out to Lady Xing, who went pale, clutched it tight and hid it in her sleeve. "Never tell a soul, or you'll be beaten to death."当天下午，傻丫头傻大姐在山石后掏促织，捡到一个五彩绣香囊，上面绣着两个赤身相抱的人。她不懂这是春意，笑嘻嘻拿给邢夫人看。邢夫人吓得死死攥住，藏进袖里，叮嘱她：“快休告诉一人，连你也要打死。”

Lady Xing then scolded Yingchun for letting her nurse shame them. Afterwards Xiuju reported that Yingchun's gold phoenix hairpin was gone, pawned by the nurse for gambling stakes. The nurse's daughter-in-law barged in, begging and then accusing. Yingchun would not quarrel; she simply picked up a book of moral tracts and read as if she heard nothing, until Tanchun and Ping'er stepped in.

4Lady Xing then scolded Yingchun for letting her nurse shame them. Afterwards Xiuju reported that Yingchun's gold phoenix hairpin was gone, pawned by the nurse for gambling stakes. The nurse's daughter-in-law barged in, begging and then accusing. Yingchun would not quarrel; she simply picked up a book of moral tracts and read as if she heard nothing, until Tanchun and Ping'er stepped in.邢夫人又来数落迎春管不住乳母。随后绣桔说起，迎春那支攒珠累丝金凤不见了，原来是乳母偷去典了银子做赌本。乳母的儿媳王住儿媳妇闯进来，先求情后赖账，和绣桔吵成一团。迎春劝不住，只拿起一本《太上感应篇》来看，好像什么都没听见，直到探春和平儿来替她做主。

Money troubles were pressing too. Lady Xing had learned that Jia Lian borrowed from Grandmother Jia's valuables, and demanded two hundred taels of him for the Mid-Autumn festival. Unable to find the sum, he came home sighing, and Xifeng told Ping'er to fetch her gold necklace and pawn it to pay.

5Money troubles were pressing too. Lady Xing had learned that Jia Lian borrowed from Grandmother Jia's valuables, and demanded two hundred taels of him for the Mid-Autumn festival. Unable to find the sum, he came home sighing, and Xifeng told Ping'er to fetch her gold necklace and pawn it to pay.钱上也不宽裕。邢夫人知道了贾琏向鸳鸯借当老太太东西的事，逼他挪出二百两银子过中秋。贾琏无处筹措，回来唉声叹气。凤姐只好叫平儿拿出自己的金项圈，去押了二百两银子送过去了事。

Then Lady Wang arrived, dismissed everyone, and in tears flung the pouch before Xifeng, sure it belonged to her and Jia Lian. Xifeng knelt by the kang and calmly argued her innocence: the work was cheap market embroidery, and many younger women came into the garden. Lady Wang relented, and they agreed to search quietly.

6Then Lady Wang arrived, dismissed everyone, and in tears flung the pouch before Xifeng, sure it belonged to her and Jia Lian. Xifeng knelt by the kang and calmly argued her innocence: the work was cheap market embroidery, and many younger women came into the garden. Lady Wang relented, and they agreed to search quietly.正说着，王夫人沉着脸来了，喝退众人，含泪从袖中把香囊掷到凤姐面前，认定是贾琏夫妇的东西。凤姐红着脸，靠着炕沿跪下，含泪一条一条辩白：这是外头市卖的粗货，园里年轻的媳妇丫头也不止一个。王夫人听了有理，才叫她起来，商量暗中查访。

Lady Xing's servant, Wang Shanbao's wife, joined the inquiry and seized her chance, accusing Qingwen of flirting and putting on airs. Lady Wang sent for the girl, who came just out of her sickbed with her hair loose. "Quite the beauty—a real ailing Xi Shi!" Lady Wang said coldly. Qingwen claimed she seldom waited on Baoyu, and Lady Wang drove her out in tears.

7Lady Xing's servant, Wang Shanbao's wife, joined the inquiry and seized her chance, accusing Qingwen of flirting and putting on airs. Lady Wang sent for the girl, who came just out of her sickbed with her hair loose. "Quite the beauty—a real ailing Xi Shi!" Lady Wang said coldly. Qingwen claimed she seldom waited on Baoyu, and Lady Wang drove her out in tears.邢夫人的陪房王善保家的也来凑趣，趁机告晴雯的状，说她仗着模样标致，妖妖娇娇，不成体统。王夫人叫晴雯即刻来见。晴雯病中刚起，钗亸鬓松，王夫人冷笑道：“好个美人！真像个病西施了。”晴雯推说自己不常近宝玉，仍被骂了出去，一路哭回园中。

Wang Shanbao's wife then proposed a surprise night search of every maid's chest, and Lady Wang agreed. After dark, with the garden gates locked, Xifeng led the searchers into Happy Red Court. When they reached Qingwen's trunk, she burst in with her hair gathered up in one hand, flipped it open and poured everything onto the floor.

8Wang Shanbao's wife then proposed a surprise night search of every maid's chest, and Lady Wang agreed. After dark, with the garden gates locked, Xifeng led the searchers into Happy Red Court. When they reached Qingwen's trunk, she burst in with her hair gathered up in one hand, flipped it open and poured everything onto the floor.王善保家的又献计：等晚上园门关了，给丫头们来个猛不防，挨房搜检。王夫人答应了。当夜锁了角门，凤姐带人先到怡红院。搜到晴雯的箱子时，晴雯挽着头发闯进来，“豁”一声掀开箱子，两手提着箱底，朝地上一股脑儿倒了个干净。

Tanchun, forewarned, waited with every candle lit and her chests thrown open, but would not let them touch her maids. When Wang Shanbao's wife lifted Tanchun's jacket as a joke, Tanchun slapped her across the face. "What are you, to dare pull at my clothes!" Xifeng and Ping'er hurried to calm her.

9Tanchun, forewarned, waited with every candle lit and her chests thrown open, but would not let them touch her maids. When Wang Shanbao's wife lifted Tanchun's jacket as a joke, Tanchun slapped her across the face. "What are you, to dare pull at my clothes!" Xifeng and Ping'er hurried to calm her.探春早得了信，命丫鬟点起蜡烛开门等候，把自己的箱柜一齐打开让搜，却不许动她的丫头。王善保家的仗势作脸，竟上前掀起探春的衣襟取笑。只听“啪”的一声，她脸上早挨了探春一掌。探春怒道：“你是什么东西，敢来拉扯我的衣裳！”凤姐和平儿连忙上前劝解。

In Xichun's rooms they found silver her maid Ruhua was hiding for her brother. At Yingchun's, Zhou Rui's wife pulled men's shoes, socks and a love letter from Siqi's chest. Siqi was Wang Shanbao's wife's own granddaughter. Xifeng read aloud with amusement the note from Siqi's cousin Pan You'an, and his grandmother slapped her own face in shame.

10In Xichun's rooms they found silver her maid Ruhua was hiding for her brother. At Yingchun's, Zhou Rui's wife pulled men's shoes, socks and a love letter from Siqi's chest. Siqi was Wang Shanbao's wife's own granddaughter. Xifeng read aloud with amusement the note from Siqi's cousin Pan You'an, and his grandmother slapped her own face in shame.在惜春处，又搜出丫鬟入画替哥哥藏着的金银锞子。到了迎春那里，周瑞家的从司棋箱中翻出男人的鞋袜和一张大红双喜帖子。司棋偏偏是王善保家的外孙女儿。凤姐笑着念出表弟潘又安写给她的情书，王善保家的又气又臊，回手打着自己的脸骂自己。

Xifeng fell ill after the raid. When You-shi called, Xichun demanded that she take Ruhua away and ignored the girl's pleas. Hinting at gossip about the Ning mansion, she declared that she would no longer visit it. "I'm clean and pure. Why should you drag me down?" You-shi left in anger.

11Xifeng fell ill after the raid. When You-shi called, Xichun demanded that she take Ruhua away and ignored the girl's pleas. Hinting at gossip about the Ning mansion, she declared that she would no longer visit it. "I'm clean and pure. Why should you drag me down?" You-shi left in anger.这一夜之后凤姐也病倒了。尤氏来看望，惜春执意要她把入画带走，入画跪地哭求也没用。惜春又说外头有人议论宁府的闲话，从此她也不往那边去了：“我清清白白的一个人，为什么教你们带累坏了我！”尤氏又气又恼，赌气起身走了。

News came that the Zhen family had been stripped of everything they owned and summoned to the capital for trial, and Baochai quietly moved home to her mother. At supper there was not enough fine rice to go round, and You-shi was handed a servant's coarse bowl. 'Even a clever wife can't make porridge without rice,' Grandmother Jia joked.

12News came that the Zhen family had been stripped of everything they owned and summoned to the capital for trial, and Baochai quietly moved home to her mother. At supper there was not enough fine rice to go round, and You-shi was handed a servant's coarse bowl. 'Even a clever wife can't make porridge without rice,' Grandmother Jia joked.甄家被抄没家产、押解进京治罪的消息传来，宝钗也借故搬回家中陪伴母亲。晚饭时，上等的白粳米饭竟不够分，尤氏被端上了一碗下人吃的粗米饭。王夫人解释说，这一两年旱涝不定，细米只能按人头支取。贾母笑道：“这正是巧媳妇做不出没米的粥来。”

Returning to the Ning mansion at night, You-shi crept past the windows where Jia Zhen, in mourning and barred from music, had turned archery practice into nightly gambling. Inside, Xue Pan whooped over his winnings, while Lady Xing's drunken brother, Xing Dequan, grumbled that even blood kin now cared only for money.

13Returning to the Ning mansion at night, You-shi crept past the windows where Jia Zhen, in mourning and barred from music, had turned archery practice into nightly gambling. Inside, Xue Pan whooped over his winnings, while Lady Xing's drunken brother, Xing Dequan, grumbled that even blood kin now cared only for money.尤氏每日往荣府照应，夜里回到宁府，悄悄从窗下走过。贾珍居丧不能听戏作乐，便借习射为名招来一班纨绔子弟，渐渐变成了通宵聚赌。屋里薛蟠赢了钱正兴头，邢夫人的胞弟“傻大舅”邢德全却输得醉醺醺，抱怨如今连亲骨肉都只认钱。

On the eve of the festival Jia Zhen feasted his wife and concubines under the moon while Peifeng played the flute. Near midnight a long sigh came from beyond the wall that backed onto the ancestral temple, where nobody lived. A cold wind swept over, temple doors seemed to creak, and the moon dimmed. 'Who's there?' Jia Zhen shouted. No one answered.

14On the eve of the festival Jia Zhen feasted his wife and concubines under the moon while Peifeng played the flute. Near midnight a long sigh came from beyond the wall that backed onto the ancestral temple, where nobody lived. A cold wind swept over, temple doors seemed to creak, and the moon dimmed. 'Who's there?' Jia Zhen shouted. No one answered.中秋前夜，贾珍在会芳园丛绿堂摆酒赏月，带着妻妾们行令取乐，佩凤吹箫助兴。将近三更，忽听墙下传来一声长叹。那墙外紧挨着祠堂，四面并无住人。一阵风声掠过墙去，隐约听见祠堂里槅扇开合，月色也惨淡下来。贾珍厉声喝问：“谁在那里？”却无人应答。

On the fifteenth the family climbed to Convex Emerald Lodge and sat at round tables for reunion, passing an osmanthus sprig while a drum beat. Jia Zheng told a joke, and the boys wrote verses. Then Jia She told of a quack who treated a mother's heart by needling her ribs: 'Most parents' hearts lean to one side.'

15On the fifteenth the family climbed to Convex Emerald Lodge and sat at round tables for reunion, passing an osmanthus sprig while a drum beat. Jia Zheng told a joke, and the boys wrote verses. Then Jia She told of a quack who treated a mother's heart by needling her ribs: 'Most parents' hearts lean to one side.'十五夜，贾母率众人登上山顶的凸碧山庄，桌椅都取圆形，以示团圆，席间击鼓传花。贾政难得说了个笑话，宝玉、贾兰、贾环也各作了诗。轮到贾赦，他讲一个婆子给老母治心病，却只针肋条，还说：“天下父母心偏的多呢。”众人都笑了，贾母却听出了话里的刺。

Grandmother Jia said she might need that needle herself, and Jia She hurried to toast her. When the men had gone, she had a lone flute played far off under the osmanthus. As the night deepened the notes grew slower and more desolate, and the old lady, full of wine and memories of fuller years, wept silently.

16Grandmother Jia said she might need that needle herself, and Jia She hurried to toast her. When the men had gone, she had a lone flute played far off under the osmanthus. As the night deepened the notes grew slower and more desolate, and the old lady, full of wine and memories of fuller years, wept silently.贾母半晌才笑道：“我也得这个婆子针一针就好了。”贾赦忙起身敬酒遮掩。男人们散去后，贾母命人在远处桂花树下单吹一支笛子。夜深月明，笛声越吹越慢，越听越凄凉。贾母年老，又带了酒，想起当年人多热闹的光景，不觉落下泪来。

Daiyu, hurt by talk of families gathered together, had slipped away to weep. Xiangyun led her down the slope to Concave Crystal Lodge beside the water. With one moon in the sky and another in the pool, they counted the railing posts to choose a rhyme and began a linked poem, line answering line, while the distant flute played on.

17Daiyu, hurt by talk of families gathered together, had slipped away to weep. Xiangyun led her down the slope to Concave Crystal Lodge beside the water. With one moon in the sky and another in the pool, they counted the railing posts to choose a rhyme and began a linked poem, line answering line, while the distant flute played on.黛玉听着人人谈论合家团圆，触动了身世之感，独自倚栏垂泪。湘云劝她不必自苦，拉她下山，来到临水的凹晶馆。天上一轮明月，池中一轮水月，上下争辉。两人数栏杆的直棍定了韵，你一句我一句地联起诗来，远处笛声悠悠相伴。

As the rhymes grew harder, a dark shape stirred in the reeds. Xiangyun threw a pebble, and a white crane burst up and flew off over the water. She seized her line at once, a crane's shadow crossing the cold pool. Daiyu gazed at the sky a long time, then answered: 'The cold moon buries the flower's soul.'

18As the rhymes grew harder, a dark shape stirred in the reeds. Xiangyun threw a pebble, and a white crane burst up and flew off over the water. She seized her line at once, a crane's shadow crossing the cold pool. Daiyu gazed at the sky a long time, then answered: 'The cold moon buries the flower's soul.'韵越联越险。黛玉忽见池中黑影，疑是有鬼。湘云拾起石片往水里一打，嘎的一声，竟飞起一只白鹤来。湘云顺势得了一句“寒塘渡鹤影”，黛玉跺足叫好。她望天沉吟半晌，才对出一句：“冷月葬花魂。”湘云拍手称绝，又叹这句太颓丧了。

Miaoyu stepped out from behind the rocks. The lines were fine, she said, but too bleak, and such words touch on a person's fate, so they should go no further. She took them to her nunnery for tea, wrote out the poem and ended it on a brighter note. Back at Bamboo Lodge, the two girls lay awake until dawn.

19Miaoyu stepped out from behind the rocks. The lines were fine, she said, but too bleak, and such words touch on a person's fate, so they should go no further. She took them to her nunnery for tea, wrote out the poem and ended it on a brighter note. Back at Bamboo Lodge, the two girls lay awake until dawn.话音未落，山石后转出一个人来，正是妙玉。她说诗虽好，却太过凄楚，这也关乎人的气数，所以出来止住，不必再往下联。她把二人领到栊翠庵喝茶，亲手写下全诗，又续了结尾，把调子翻转过来。回到潇湘馆后，黛玉和湘云在枕上辗转，都睡不着。

With autumn under way, Lady Wang needed two ounces of good ginseng for Xifeng's pills, yet the household's stores held only thin roots and crumbs. Even Grandmother Jia's hoard had rotted with age. Baochai quietly offered to have her family's shop buy whole, genuine roots. “Here is a house that gave the best away,” Lady Wang sighed, “and now we must beg for it.”

20With autumn under way, Lady Wang needed two ounces of good ginseng for Xifeng's pills, yet the household's stores held only thin roots and crumbs. Even Grandmother Jia's hoard had rotted with age. Baochai quietly offered to have her family's shop buy whole, genuine roots. “Here is a house that gave the best away,” Lady Wang sighed, “and now we must beg for it.”中秋过后，王夫人要为凤姐配调经养荣丸，须用上等人参二两，谁知翻遍家中，只剩些细枝碎须；连贾母存下的一大包，也因年代太久成了朽木。宝钗悄悄提出，让自家铺子去参行换些整枝好参来。王夫人长叹：“自来家里有好的，不知给了人多少，这会子轮到自己用，反倒各处求人去了。”

Then Lady Wang turned to the evidence from the Garden raid. Zhou Rui's wife came for Siqi, Yingchun's maid, and ordered her to pack. Siqi had begged her mistress to shield her, but timid Yingchun only wept: “We must all part some day.” Xiuju ran after Siqi with a keepsake from Yingchun, and the women hurried her out through the back gate.

21Then Lady Wang turned to the evidence from the Garden raid. Zhou Rui's wife came for Siqi, Yingchun's maid, and ordered her to pack. Siqi had begged her mistress to shield her, but timid Yingchun only wept: “We must all part some day.” Xiuju ran after Siqi with a keepsake from Yingchun, and the women hurried her out through the back gate.随后，王夫人追问抄检大观园的结果。周瑞家的领着几个媳妇，直奔迎春房中，要司棋收拾东西出去。司棋原指望迎春死保，可迎春耳软心活，做不得主，只含泪说：“将来终有一散，不如你各人去罢。”绣桔追出来，塞给她一个绢包作念想。周瑞家的不住催促，把司棋从后角门拖了出去。

Baoyu watched Siqi go and ran home to find his mother already seated in Happy Red Court, grim with anger. Qingwen had not eaten for days. Now she was dragged from her sickbed, hair uncombed and face unwashed, and carried out between two women. Only the clothes on her back went with her. Fangguan and Sier were dismissed the same afternoon.

22Baoyu watched Siqi go and ran home to find his mother already seated in Happy Red Court, grim with anger. Qingwen had not eaten for days. Now she was dragged from her sickbed, hair uncombed and face unwashed, and carried out between two women. Only the clothes on her back went with her. Fangguan and Sier were dismissed the same afternoon.宝玉眼看司棋被带走，又听说太太亲自进园查人，飞也似的赶回怡红院。只见王夫人满脸怒色坐在屋里。晴雯已四五日水米不沾，此刻被人从炕上拉下来，蓬头垢面，由两个女人架了出去，只许带走贴身衣服。同一天，芳官、四儿也被撵了出去。

That night Baoyu bribed an old woman to lead him to the hut of Qingwen's drunken cousin. Qingwen lay alone on a reed-mat kang. She begged for tea; the only bowl was coarse and smelled of grease, and the brew was bitter red water. She drank it like nectar, then wept: she had never seduced him, yet was condemned as a fox spirit.

23That night Baoyu bribed an old woman to lead him to the hut of Qingwen's drunken cousin. Qingwen lay alone on a reed-mat kang. She begged for tea; the only bowl was coarse and smelled of grease, and the brew was bitter red water. She drank it like nectar, then wept: she had never seduced him, yet was condemned as a fox spirit.当晚，宝玉央求一个老婆子，许了些钱，偷偷溜到晴雯姑舅哥哥家。晴雯独自躺在芦席土炕上，一见他又惊又喜，只要喝茶。桌上的碗又大又粗，一股油膻气，壶里的茶绛红苦涩。晴雯却像得了甘露，一气灌下。她哭道自己并无私情勾引，却被一口咬定是狐狸精，“有冤无处诉”。

Her wrist was thin as a dry stick. With scissors she cut off two long nails from her left hand, then drew off the old red silk undershirt she wore next to her skin. “Keep these, and it will be as if you see me,” she said. Baoyu put on the shirt and gave her his own jacket to be buried in.

24Her wrist was thin as a dry stick. With scissors she cut off two long nails from her left hand, then drew off the old red silk undershirt she wore next to her skin. “Keep these, and it will be as if you see me,” she said. Baoyu put on the shirt and gave her his own jacket to be buried in.宝玉握着她的手，只觉瘦如枯柴。晴雯拿起剪刀，把左手两根葱管般的长指甲齐根铰下，又从被里脱下贴身穿的旧红绫袄，一并交给宝玉：“这个你收了，以后就如见我一般。”又要他把自己的袄儿脱下给她穿，将来躺在棺材里，也就像还在怡红院一样。宝玉忙换了衣服，把指甲藏好。

Back in Happy Red Court, Xiren moved her bedding to the outer bed where Qingwen used to sleep. Baoyu tossed until the fifth watch. Then Qingwen walked in, looking just as she always had, and smiled: “Take good care of yourselves. I am leaving you now.” She turned and was gone. Baoyu woke crying, “Qingwen is dead.”

25Back in Happy Red Court, Xiren moved her bedding to the outer bed where Qingwen used to sleep. Baoyu tossed until the fifth watch. Then Qingwen walked in, looking just as she always had, and smiled: “Take good care of yourselves. I am leaving you now.” She turned and was gone. Baoyu woke crying, “Qingwen is dead.”回到怡红院，袭人把自己的铺盖搬到晴雯往日睡的外床。宝玉长吁短叹，翻来覆去，睡梦中还叫“晴雯”。到五更时，只见晴雯从外头走来，仍是往日模样，笑着说：“你们好生过罢，我从此就别过了。”说完转身便走。宝玉惊醒，哭道：“晴雯死了。”袭人只当他胡闹。

Next day Fangguan, Ouguan and Ruiguan, refusing food, swore to shave their heads. Lady Wang was ready to beat them, but two visiting nuns praised the girls' piety, hoping for unpaid servants. Too tired to argue, Lady Wang gave in. Fangguan bowed to Zhitong of Water Moon Convent; the other two followed Yuanxin. Saddened, Lady Wang sent them off with gifts.

26Next day Fangguan, Ouguan and Ruiguan, refusing food, swore to shave their heads. Lady Wang was ready to beat them, but two visiting nuns praised the girls' piety, hoping for unpaid servants. Too tired to argue, Lady Wang gave in. Fangguan bowed to Zhitong of Water Moon Convent; the other two followed Yuanxin. Saddened, Lady Wang sent them off with gifts.第二天，芳官的乾娘来报：芳官、藕官、蕊官寻死觅活，非要剪了头发做尼姑。王夫人原要打一顿了事，偏水月庵的智通和地藏庵的圆心在府里，巴不得拐两个女孩子去使唤，满口称赞善根。王夫人心烦，便由了她们。芳官拜了智通为师，藕官、蕊官随了圆心。王夫人反倒伤心，赏了些东西送走。

Lady Wang then told Grandmother Jia that Qingwen had consumption and was sent away. More quietly, she confessed that for two years she had paid Xiren an extra two taels a month from her own allowance, marking her as Baoyu's future concubine. Grandmother Jia approved and agreed that Baoyu must not be told.

27Lady Wang then told Grandmother Jia that Qingwen had consumption and was sent away. More quietly, she confessed that for two years she had paid Xiren an extra two taels a month from her own allowance, marking her as Baoyu's future concubine. Grandmother Jia approved and agreed that Baoyu must not be told.王夫人到贾母处请安，趁贾母高兴，回说晴雯得了女儿痨，已打发出去。接着又悄悄说明：两年来她已停了袭人丫头的月钱，每月从自己的月例里拨二两银子给她，心里早把她定作宝玉日后的屋里人。贾母听了笑道：“如此更好了。”又嘱咐大家只心里知道，不必告诉宝玉。

Returning from an outing with his father, Baoyu asked two little maids whom Qingwen had called for as she died. One clever girl, seeing the hibiscus in bloom by the pond, spun him a tale: Qingwen had been summoned to heaven as the goddess of the hibiscus. Instead of grieving, Baoyu brightened. “Such a flower needs such a person.”

28Returning from an outing with his father, Baoyu asked two little maids whom Qingwen had called for as she died. One clever girl, seeing the hibiscus in bloom by the pond, spun him a tale: Qingwen had been summoned to heaven as the goddess of the hibiscus. Instead of grieving, Baoyu brightened. “Such a flower needs such a person.”宝玉随父亲赏桂归来，把两个小丫头带到山石后，追问晴雯临终叫的是谁。其中一个最伶俐，见池上芙蓉正开，便见景生情，编出一段话：晴雯说天上少了一位花神，玉皇召她去专管芙蓉花。宝玉听了，不但不怪，反而去悲生喜，指着芙蓉笑道：“此花也须得这样一个人去司掌。”

He slipped out to bow before her coffin, but the door was locked. As soon as she died her cousin had claimed the burial money, and Lady Wang had ordered the body burned at once. Wandering home, Baoyu found Baochai's rooms stripped bare; she had moved out of the Garden for good. “Is there anything so heartless under heaven?”

29He slipped out to bow before her coffin, but the door was locked. As soon as she died her cousin had claimed the burial money, and Lady Wang had ordered the body burned at once. Wandering home, Baoyu found Baochai's rooms stripped bare; she had moved out of the Garden for good. “Is there anything so heartless under heaven?”宝玉想去灵前一拜，赶到时却扑了个空。原来晴雯一咽气，哥嫂就进去讨发送银子；王夫人赏了十两，命即刻抬到城外化人场烧了。宝玉只得回园，顺路去蘅芜苑，只见房里搬得空空落落，宝钗已搬出园去。他怔了半天，心想：“天地间竟有这样无情的事！”

Summoned to his father's study, Baoyu found the guests composing laments for Lin Siniang, a prince's concubine who led his women warriors to die avenging him. Jia Huan and Jia Lan offered short verses; Baoyu chose a long ballad, reciting while Jia Zheng wrote it down: “Prince Heng loved arms and loved beauty too.” Jia Zheng grumbled, but let him go.

30Summoned to his father's study, Baoyu found the guests composing laments for Lin Siniang, a prince's concubine who led his women warriors to die avenging him. Jia Huan and Jia Lan offered short verses; Baoyu chose a long ballad, reciting while Jia Zheng wrote it down: “Prince Heng loved arms and loved beauty too.” Jia Zheng grumbled, but let him go.贾政叫宝玉到书房，原来众清客正要作挽词，咏恒王的宠姬林四娘：恒王战死，她率众女将夜袭贼营，全军殉主。贾环、贾兰各作了短诗，宝玉却要作长篇歌行，他念一句，贾政亲手写一句：“恒王好武兼好色。”贾政嘴上挑剔，最后也只说不大恳切，放他们去了。

Under the moon, Baoyu hung his elegy for the Hibiscus Maiden on a flowering branch, set out four things Qingwen had loved, and read aloud through tears: “In a red silk bed-curtain, the young master loved deeply; beneath the yellow earth, the girl lay ill-fated.” As he finally turned to go, a voice laughed from the rocks, and the little maid screamed. A figure was stepping out of the flowers.

31Under the moon, Baoyu hung his elegy for the Hibiscus Maiden on a flowering branch, set out four things Qingwen had loved, and read aloud through tears: “In a red silk bed-curtain, the young master loved deeply; beneath the yellow earth, the girl lay ill-fated.” As he finally turned to go, a voice laughed from the rocks, and the little maid screamed. A figure was stepping out of the flowers.当夜月下，宝玉把用冰鲛縠写成的《芙蓉女儿诔》挂在芙蓉枝上，供上晴雯素日喜爱的四样东西，含泪念道：“红绡帐里，公子多情；黄土垄中，女儿薄命！”读罢焚帛奠茗，依依不舍。刚要转身，山石后有人笑道：“且请留步。”小丫头回头一看，只见一个人影从芙蓉花中走出，吓得大叫：“晴雯真来显魂了！”

Baoyu had just finished burning his elegy for Qingwen when someone stepped out from the flowers. It was Lin Daiyu, smiling: "What a novel elegy!" She praised it, but suggested one change: the windows of their rooms were all papered with rose-coloured gauze, so why not write "beneath the rose-gauze window"?

32Baoyu had just finished burning his elegy for Qingwen when someone stepped out from the flowers. It was Lin Daiyu, smiling: "What a novel elegy!" She praised it, but suggested one change: the windows of their rooms were all papered with rose-coloured gauze, so why not write "beneath the rose-gauze window"?宝玉刚祭完晴雯，花影里忽然走出一个人来，原来是林黛玉。她含笑说："好新奇的祭文！"又说文中"红绡帐里"太俗，如今各屋窗上糊的都是茜红的霞影纱，不如写作"茜纱窗下"。宝玉连连跌足称妙。

Baoyu kept revising, and at last offered: "Beneath the rose-gauze window I had no fate with you; under the yellow earth, how cruel your lot." Daiyu went pale. Doubts crowded her heart, but she only smiled and praised it. Then she told him that his cousin Yingchun had been promised in marriage, coughed in the cold wind, and went home.

33Baoyu kept revising, and at last offered: "Beneath the rose-gauze window I had no fate with you; under the yellow earth, how cruel your lot." Daiyu went pale. Doubts crowded her heart, but she only smiled and praised it. Then she told him that his cousin Yingchun had been promised in marriage, coughed in the cold wind, and went home.宝玉改来改去，最后改成"茜纱窗下，我本无缘；黄土垄中，卿何薄命"。黛玉听了，忡然变色，心中疑虑万端，面上却只含笑说改得好。她又告诉宝玉：二姐姐迎春已经许了人家。说着咳嗽起来，便独自回去了。

Jia She married Yingchun in haste to Sun Shaozu, a soldier's grandson who owed the family favours. Baoyu haunted her empty rooms on Purple Caltrop Isle. There Xiangling found him, glowing: Xue Pan was to marry the Xia heiress, and she would have another poet for company. Baoyu said he feared for her; she took offence and left. Soon he fell ill and was kept indoors for a hundred days.

34Jia She married Yingchun in haste to Sun Shaozu, a soldier's grandson who owed the family favours. Baoyu haunted her empty rooms on Purple Caltrop Isle. There Xiangling found him, glowing: Xue Pan was to marry the Xia heiress, and she would have another poet for company. Baoyu said he feared for her; she took offence and left. Soon he fell ill and was kept indoors for a hundred days.贾赦匆匆把迎春许给了孙绍祖，贾政劝阻也不听。迎春搬出园子，宝玉天天到紫菱洲徘徊，只见轩窗寂寞。香菱找来，满心欢喜地说薛蟠要娶"桂花夏家"的小姐，又多一个作诗的人了。宝玉说替她担心，她红了脸转身就走。宝玉随后病倒，被拘在房中养了一百天。

The new wife, Xia Jingui, was pretty, spoiled and ruthless. She soon had Xue Pan cowed, and turned to Xiangling. Water-caltrop has no fragrance, she scoffed, so the name made no sense. When Xiangling praised the scent of osmanthus, Jingui's own forbidden name, her maid Baochan cried out, and Jingui smiled and renamed her Qiuling.

35The new wife, Xia Jingui, was pretty, spoiled and ruthless. She soon had Xue Pan cowed, and turned to Xiangling. Water-caltrop has no fragrance, she scoffed, so the name made no sense. When Xiangling praised the scent of osmanthus, Jingui's own forbidden name, her maid Baochan cried out, and Jingui smiled and renamed her Qiuling.新娶的夏金桂颇有姿色，却娇纵成性，不出两个月就把薛蟠压了下去，接着便拿香菱开刀。她说菱角花哪来的香，这名字不通。香菱一时顺嘴说出"桂花"二字，正犯了金桂的名讳，丫鬟宝蟾立刻指着她叫起来。金桂冷笑着把"香"字改成了"秋"，从此香菱成了秋菱。

Jingui gave Baochan to Xue Pan and tormented Xiangling night after night. Then a paper doll pierced with five needles and bearing Jingui's birth signs was shaken from her pillow. Xue Pan snatched up a door bar and beat Xiangling. Aunt Xue stopped him and threatened to sell the girl, but Baochai took Xiangling to serve her instead.

36Jingui gave Baochan to Xue Pan and tormented Xiangling night after night. Then a paper doll pierced with five needles and bearing Jingui's birth signs was shaken from her pillow. Xue Pan snatched up a door bar and beat Xiangling. Aunt Xue stopped him and threatened to sell the girl, but Baochai took Xiangling to serve her instead.金桂把宝蟾让给薛蟠，又夜夜折磨香菱。不久她装病，枕头里竟抖出一个写着她生辰八字、扎着五根针的纸人。薛蟠抄起门闩就朝香菱劈头打去。薛姨妈喝住儿子，气得要叫人牙子来卖人，宝钗却说家里从来只买人不卖人，把香菱留在了自己身边。

Xiangling wasted into a lingering sickness at Baochai's side. When Baoyu was well again he visited a temple, where the quack "Plaster Wang" joked about a pear soup to cure jealousy: "When you're dead, what's left to be jealous of?" Back home, Yingchun was weeping to Lady Wang. Sun Shaozu drank, gambled and chased every maid, and said her father had sold her to him for five thousand taels.

37Xiangling wasted into a lingering sickness at Baochai's side. When Baoyu was well again he visited a temple, where the quack "Plaster Wang" joked about a pear soup to cure jealousy: "When you're dead, what's left to be jealous of?" Back home, Yingchun was weeping to Lady Wang. Sun Shaozu drank, gambled and chased every maid, and said her father had sold her to him for five thousand taels.香菱跟了宝钗，却从此病入膏肓，日渐消瘦。宝玉百日期满，去天齐庙还愿，江湖郎中"王一贴"说起一剂"疗妒汤"，吃到死了自然就不妒了，引得众人大笑。回到家里，迎春正在王夫人房中哭诉：孙绍祖好色好赌、酗酒成性，还说她父亲使了他五千两银子，是把她"准折"卖给他的。

Yingchun begged to sleep a few nights in her old rooms, and stayed three days on Purple Caltrop Isle among her sisters. Then Sun Shaozu's people came for her. Afraid of him, she forced back her tears and went. Lady Xing never asked how she fared. Here end the eighty chapters attributed to Cao Xueqin.

38Yingchun begged to sleep a few nights in her old rooms, and stayed three days on Purple Caltrop Isle among her sisters. Then Sun Shaozu's people came for her. Afraid of him, she forced back her tears and went. Lady Xing never asked how she fared. Here end the eighty chapters attributed to Cao Xueqin.迎春求着回园里旧屋住了三天，姊妹们陪着她，分外亲热。随后孙家便派人来接。她心里一百个不愿，却怕孙绍祖凶恶，只得含泪辞别。邢夫人也不过面上敷衍，从不问她过得好不好。——曹雪芹所著前八十回，至此终。

Here Cao Xueqin's eighty chapters end, and the continuation published by Cheng Weiyuan and Gao E begins. Grieving over Yingchun's cruel marriage, Baoyu ran to Xiaoxiang Lodge and sobbed that the poetry-club days were gone: Baochai had moved out, Yingchun was married, and the Garden was changing. Daiyu said nothing and lay down with her face to the wall.

39Here Cao Xueqin's eighty chapters end, and the continuation published by Cheng Weiyuan and Gao E begins. Grieving over Yingchun's cruel marriage, Baoyu ran to Xiaoxiang Lodge and sobbed that the poetry-club days were gone: Baochai had moved out, Yingchun was married, and the Garden was changing. Daiyu said nothing and lay down with her face to the wall.曹雪芹原著八十回到此为止，下面是程伟元、高鹗整理刊行的续书。宝玉心疼迎春嫁错了人，跑到潇湘馆放声大哭：宝钗搬走了，迎春出嫁了，当年海棠社的热闹再也回不来，园子眼看着变了样。黛玉听着，一句话也没说，向里躺下了。

To shake off his gloom, Baoyu joined Tanchun, Li Wen, Li Qi and Xiuyan fishing by the pond, where each catch foretold that year's luck. All the girls landed fish. At his first nibble Baoyu jerked so hard that the rod struck a rock and snapped in two. As everyone laughed, Sheyue ran up: Grandmother Jia wanted him at once.

40To shake off his gloom, Baoyu joined Tanchun, Li Wen, Li Qi and Xiuyan fishing by the pond, where each catch foretold that year's luck. All the girls landed fish. At his first nibble Baoyu jerked so hard that the rod struck a rock and snapped in two. As everyone laughed, Sheyue ran up: Grandmother Jia wanted him at once.为了散心，宝玉跟探春、李纹、李绮、岫烟去池边钓鱼，谁钓着了，谁今年就交好运。姑娘们个个都有收获。宝玉等了半天，鱼刚一咬钩，他猛地一提，竿子磕在石头上断成两截。大家正笑着，麝月慌慌张张跑来，说老太太叫他快过去。

Grandmother Jia had grim news: Nun Ma, Baoyu's own godmother, had been arrested for sorcery. She had dropped a silk bundle of paper figures at a pawnshop, and in her house were straw dolls pierced with needles. So the madness that once struck Baoyu and Xifeng had been her curse. Xifeng remembered how often Nun Ma had called on Concubine Zhao.

41Grandmother Jia had grim news: Nun Ma, Baoyu's own godmother, had been arrested for sorcery. She had dropped a silk bundle of paper figures at a pawnshop, and in her house were straw dolls pierced with needles. So the madness that once struck Baoyu and Xifeng had been her curse. Xifeng remembered how often Nun Ma had called on Concubine Zhao.贾母那边传来的竟是一桩丑事：宝玉的干娘马道婆以邪术害人，被锦衣府拿了。她在当铺里掉了一个绢包，里面全是纸人，家里还搜出扎着针的草人。原来当年宝玉和凤姐突然发疯，都是她作的法。凤姐想起，马道婆那阵子常往赵姨娘屋里跑。

Jia Zheng decided his son had idled long enough: no more poems, only eight-legged exam essays, and one year to show progress. He took Baoyu to the clan school himself and handed him over to old Jia Dairu. Baoyu found only coarse new schoolmates, missed Qin Zhong, and the next day struggled to expound Confucius under his teacher's eye.

42Jia Zheng decided his son had idled long enough: no more poems, only eight-legged exam essays, and one year to show progress. He took Baoyu to the clan school himself and handed him over to old Jia Dairu. Baoyu found only coarse new schoolmates, missed Qin Zhong, and the next day struggled to expound Confucius under his teacher's eye.贾政认定儿子荒废得太久：从今往后不许再作诗，只准学八股文章，限他一年见长进。他亲自把宝玉送进家塾，托付给老塾师贾代儒。宝玉四下一看，同窗都是些粗俗的新面孔，不由想起秦钟来。第二天，他就在先生面前结结巴巴地讲起了《论语》。

Let out at dusk, Baoyu rushed to Daiyu and mocked the essays as empty padding that claimed to be 'speaking for the sages'. Daiyu gently disagreed: some were clear and graceful, she said, and they were the honourable road to office. Baoyu was stung. She had never talked like a careerist before, and he only snorted.

43Let out at dusk, Baoyu rushed to Daiyu and mocked the essays as empty padding that claimed to be 'speaking for the sages'. Daiyu gently disagreed: some were clear and graceful, she said, and they were the honourable road to office. Baoyu was stung. She had never talked like a careerist before, and he only snorted.傍晚一放学，宝玉就奔到黛玉那里，挖苦八股文东拉西扯，还硬说是"代圣贤立言"。黛玉却轻声说，这里头也有近情近理、清微淡远的好文章，况且要取功名，这条路也算清贵。宝玉听了很不入耳：林妹妹从来不是这样的人，怎么也热衷起功名来了？他只从鼻子里冷笑了一声。

Xiren came to sound out Daiyu's feelings, and a Xue servant woman blurted that she and Baoyu made a perfect pair. That night Daiyu dreamed she was betrothed to a stranger in the south and even Grandmother Jia would not save her. Baoyu cut open his chest: 'I'll show you my heart.' Then he cried that it was gone, and fell.

44Xiren came to sound out Daiyu's feelings, and a Xue servant woman blurted that she and Baoyu made a perfect pair. That night Daiyu dreamed she was betrothed to a stranger in the south and even Grandmother Jia would not save her. Baoyu cut open his chest: 'I'll show you my heart.' Then he cried that it was gone, and fell.袭人来探黛玉的口气，薛家一个老婆子又冒冒失失地说，林姑娘和宝二爷正是一对儿。当夜黛玉做了一个噩梦：她被许给南边的人家做续弦，连老太太都不肯救她。宝玉拿刀往胸口一划，说："我拿我的心给你瞧。"接着又叫心没有了，一翻眼倒了下去。

She woke soaked in sweat and coughed until dawn. When Zijuan emptied the spittoon she found it streaked with blood, and wept. Later, as Tanchun sat by the bed, an old woman outside yelled at her granddaughter for loitering in the garden. The orphaned Daiyu took every word as meant for her, pointed at the window and fainted.

45She woke soaked in sweat and coughed until dawn. When Zijuan emptied the spittoon she found it streaked with blood, and wept. Later, as Tanchun sat by the bed, an old woman outside yelled at her granddaughter for loitering in the garden. The orphaned Daiyu took every word as meant for her, pointed at the window and fainted.黛玉醒来一身冷汗，咳嗽到天亮。紫鹃去倒痰盒，只见痰里满是血星，忍不住掉下泪来。后来探春正坐在床边陪她，窗外有个老婆子骂自己的外孙女，嫌她在园子里混闹。黛玉没了爹娘，句句都当成是骂自己的，手指着窗外，一口气没上来就晕了过去。

Xifeng quietly sent Daiyu silver, and a servant let slip the street rhyme about the Jias' fabled wealth: 'all comes to nothing in the end.' Then Yuanchun fell ill. The ladies were called to the palace, while the men could only hand in their name cards at the gate. Reading them, the Consort wept that her father and brothers were further off than any humble family's.

46Xifeng quietly sent Daiyu silver, and a servant let slip the street rhyme about the Jias' fabled wealth: 'all comes to nothing in the end.' Then Yuanchun fell ill. The ladies were called to the palace, while the men could only hand in their name cards at the gate. Reading them, the Consort wept that her father and brothers were further off than any humble family's.凤姐悄悄送了黛玉几两银子。周瑞家的说漏了嘴，讲出街上编的贾府歌谣："算来总是一场空。"不久，元妃病了。贾母和几位太太奉旨进宫探视，男人们只能在宫门外递上职名请安。元妃看着那一张张名帖，眼圈一红，流泪说，骨肉父兄反倒不如小户人家能常常见面。

Grandmother Jia told Jia Zheng it was time to find Baoyu a good wife, and Jia Zheng tested Baoyu's school essays and grudgingly passed them. At dinner with Aunt Xue, the old lady praised Baochai's gentle temper: "Truly one in a hundred." Baoyu, who had been about to leave, sat down again and listened.

47Grandmother Jia told Jia Zheng it was time to find Baoyu a good wife, and Jia Zheng tested Baoyu's school essays and grudgingly passed them. At dinner with Aunt Xue, the old lady praised Baochai's gentle temper: "Truly one in a hundred." Baoyu, who had been about to leave, sat down again and listened.贾母对贾政说，宝玉大了，该留心给他定一门亲事。贾政随即考问宝玉的八股文，勉强算他过关。晚饭时薛姨妈也在，贾母夸宝钗性情温厚和平：“真是百里挑一的。”宝玉本想推故走开，听到这话，又坐下来呆呆地听着。

The next day the elders turned down a proposed match with a Miss Zhang, whose father wanted a son-in-law to marry into his house. In Xifeng's rooms, where little Qiaojie lay feverish, Xifeng said that a match made in heaven was right under their noses: "One 'Precious Jade', one 'golden lock'." Grandmother Jia and the ladies all laughed in agreement.

48The next day the elders turned down a proposed match with a Miss Zhang, whose father wanted a son-in-law to marry into his house. In Xifeng's rooms, where little Qiaojie lay feverish, Xifeng said that a match made in heaven was right under their noses: "One 'Precious Jade', one 'golden lock'." Grandmother Jia and the ladies all laughed in agreement.次日，长辈们谈起张家的亲事：张家只有一个女儿，要女婿入赘，贾母当即回绝了。在凤姐房里，巧姐正发着热，凤姐笑说天配的姻缘就在眼前：“一个‘宝玉’，一个‘金锁’，老太太怎么忘了？”贾母和王夫人等听了都笑了，心里都觉得合意。

The doctor ordered rare real ox-bezoar for Qiaojie. As it simmered, Jia Huan came in, asked to see it, and upset the pot into the fire. Xifeng cursed him and his mother as her old enemies. Scolded at home by Concubine Zhao, Huan shouted that next time he would have the child's life, and the grudge between the two sides grew deeper.

49The doctor ordered rare real ox-bezoar for Qiaojie. As it simmered, Jia Huan came in, asked to see it, and upset the pot into the fire. Xifeng cursed him and his mother as her old enemies. Scolded at home by Concubine Zhao, Huan shouted that next time he would have the child's life, and the grudge between the two sides grew deeper.大夫说巧姐须用真牛黄，好不容易配齐熬上。贾环进来说要看看牛黄，伸手一碰，药吊子翻倒，火也泼灭了一半。凤姐气得大骂他们母子是几辈子的冤家。贾环回去被赵姨娘数落，竟嚷道明儿还要那丫头的命。两边的怨恨从此更深了一层。

On the Prince of Beijing's birthday, the prince kept Baoyu back to talk, praised Jia Zheng's integrity, and gave him with his own hands a copy of his famous jade. Soon after, Jia Zheng was promoted to a senior secretaryship in the Board of Works, and well-wishers crowded the gates.

50On the Prince of Beijing's birthday, the prince kept Baoyu back to talk, praised Jia Zheng's integrity, and gave him with his own hands a copy of his famous jade. Soon after, Jia Zheng was promoted to a senior secretaryship in the Board of Works, and well-wishers crowded the gates.北静王生日，贾府众人前去拜寿。北静王单留宝玉说话，称赞贾政为官清正，又笑说照宝玉那块玉的样子仿做了一块，亲手递给了他。不久贾政升了工部郎中，前来报喜道贺的人挤满了府门。

The celebration fell on Daiyu's birthday. She came out in fresh clothes like the moon goddess come down to earth, shy and smiling, and Grandmother Jia gave her the place of honour. On stage an actress played Chang'e rising to the moon palace. Then a Xue servant burst in, and Aunt Xue hurried home white-faced.

51The celebration fell on Daiyu's birthday. She came out in fresh clothes like the moon goddess come down to earth, shy and smiling, and Grandmother Jia gave her the place of honour. On stage an actress played Chang'e rising to the moon palace. Then a Xue servant burst in, and Aunt Xue hurried home white-faced.庆贺那天正好是黛玉的生日。她换了几件新鲜衣服，宛如嫦娥下界，含羞带笑地出来见众人，贾母叫她坐了上首。台上正演嫦娥飞升月宫的戏。忽然薛家的人满头大汗闯了进来，薛姨妈吓得面如土色，急忙赶回家去。

Xue Pan had been drinking in a tavern when the waiter Zhang San brought the wine too slowly. In a rage he struck him on the head with a bowl, and the man died. With thousands of taels passed through Jia Lian, the magistrate rewrote the injuries and ruled the killing an accident, while Zhang San's mother wept in vain.

52Xue Pan had been drinking in a tavern when the waiter Zhang San brought the wine too slowly. In a rage he struck him on the head with a bowl, and the man died. With thousands of taels passed through Jia Lian, the magistrate rewrote the injuries and ruled the killing an accident, while Zhang San's mother wept in vain.薛蟠在酒店喝酒，嫌伙计张三换酒来迟，破口大骂。张三不服，把头伸过来叫他打，薛蟠抡起酒碗砸下去，张三当场倒地死了。薛家托凤姐和贾琏花了几千两银子买通知县，知县改轻伤痕，判为误伤。张三的老母哭喊冤屈，却无人理会。

After a false alarm over Consort Zhou's death and Grandmother Jia's dream of Yuanchun warning that 'glory soon fades', Baoyu found Daiyu reading a qin score. She taught him the notation and spoke of finding a kindred spirit. Then twin-flowered orchids arrived, and alone she wept to think her own spring might fade too soon.

53After a false alarm over Consort Zhou's death and Grandmother Jia's dream of Yuanchun warning that 'glory soon fades', Baoyu found Daiyu reading a qin score. She taught him the notation and spoke of finding a kindred spirit. Then twin-flowered orchids arrived, and alone she wept to think her own spring might fade too soon.周贵妃薨逝，贾府一时误以为是元妃，惊慌了一场；贾母先前还梦见元妃说“荣华易尽”。宝玉到潇湘馆，见黛玉在看琴谱，黛玉教他认琴谱上的字，又讲起知音难遇。后来送来的兰花里有几枝双朵的，黛玉想到自己怕像残春花柳，不禁掉下泪来。

Talk of the south stayed with Daiyu after her cousins left. Orphaned and living under another family's roof, she wept at sunset. When Xueyan brought her furs, a bundle fell open: the old handkerchiefs Baoyu had sent, her poems on them still stained with tears, wrapped round the sachet she had once cut to pieces.

54Talk of the south stayed with Daiyu after her cousins left. Orphaned and living under another family's roof, she wept at sunset. When Xueyan brought her furs, a bundle fell open: the old handkerchiefs Baoyu had sent, her poems on them still stained with tears, wrapped round the sachet she had once cut to pieces.姐妹们散去后，湘云说起的南边旧事仍在黛玉心头萦绕。父母双亡，寄人篱下，她对着夕阳暗自垂泪。雪雁取来毛衣，里面夹着一个绢包，正是宝玉病时送来的两方旧帕，上面她题的诗泪痕犹在，里头还包着当年剪破的香囊和扇袋。

She reread Baochai's letter of sad verses and sighed that their fortunes differed but their grief was the same. She wrote four stanzas in reply and set them to old qin melodies. Then she had Xueyan bring out the short qin she had carried from the south, and she tuned it and practised deep into the night.

55She reread Baochai's letter of sad verses and sighed that their fortunes differed but their grief was the same. She wrote four stanzas in reply and set them to old qin melodies. Then she had Xueyan bring out the short qin she had carried from the south, and she tuned it and practised deep into the night.她把宝钗寄来的诗信又读了两遍，叹道：“境遇不同，伤心则一。”于是也作了四叠诗，配上古琴曲谱，打算抄好寄去作为和诗。她又叫雪雁取出从南边带来的短琴，调好琴弦，练习指法，一直弹到深夜。

The next day Miaoyu left a game of weiqi with Xichun, and Baoyu walked her home past Xiaoxiang Lodge. There they heard Daiyu singing to the qin. Each stanza grew sadder, and Miaoyu warned that the music had climbed too high to last. Then the lord string snapped. "You will know in time," she said, and hurried away.

56The next day Miaoyu left a game of weiqi with Xichun, and Baoyu walked her home past Xiaoxiang Lodge. There they heard Daiyu singing to the qin. Each stanza grew sadder, and Miaoyu warned that the music had climbed too high to last. Then the lord string snapped. "You will know in time," she said, and hurried away.次日，妙玉和惜春下完棋回庵，宝玉给她引路，走到潇湘馆外，听见黛玉抚琴低吟。一叠比一叠悲切，妙玉说音调太高，恐怕不能持久。话音未落，君弦“嘣”的一声断了。妙玉起身就走，只丢下一句：“日后自知，你也不必多说。”

That night Miaoyu sat down to meditate, but cats yowling on the roof brought Baoyu's words back to her and her mind broke loose. She saw young lords asking to marry her, matchmakers dragging her to a carriage, and bandits with knives. Her nuns found her foaming at the mouth and crying for help. A doctor said her meditation had led her astray.

57That night Miaoyu sat down to meditate, but cats yowling on the roof brought Baoyu's words back to her and her mind broke loose. She saw young lords asking to marry her, matchmakers dragging her to a carriage, and bandits with knives. Her nuns found her foaming at the mouth and crying for help. A doctor said her meditation had led her astray.当夜妙玉打坐，房上两只猫一递一声地叫，她忽然想起白天宝玉的话，心跳耳热，从此再也收不住心神。恍惚间只见王孙公子来求娶，媒婆拉她上车，又有强盗持刀逼迫。众尼姑闻声赶来，见她口吐白沫、哭喊求救。后来大夫说，这是打坐走火入魔。

When Xichun heard of Miaoyu's illness she said nothing for a long time. Miaoyu was pure, she thought, yet her ties to the world were not cut. Only a mind with no thoughts left could be free of such demons. She made up a short Buddhist verse and lit incense. Soon Yuanyang came with paper, asking her to copy the Heart Sutra for Grandmother Jia's birthday prayers.

58When Xichun heard of Miaoyu's illness she said nothing for a long time. Miaoyu was pure, she thought, yet her ties to the world were not cut. Only a mind with no thoughts left could be free of such demons. She made up a short Buddhist verse and lit incense. Soon Yuanyang came with paper, asking her to copy the Heart Sutra for Grandmother Jia's birthday prayers.惜春听说妙玉中了邪，默默无语，心想：“妙玉虽然洁净，毕竟尘缘未断。我若出了家，一念不生，万缘俱寂，哪有邪魔缠扰？”她随口作了一首偈，叫丫头焚香静坐。不久鸳鸯送来素纸，说老太太要为八十一岁做功德，请她们抄写《心经》。

Elsewhere the household frayed. Jia Zhen had brawling servants whipped and thrown out. Xifeng sent Jia Yun away with his gifts. The prioress of Water Moon Convent was attacked by ghosts in the night. That night noises in empty rooms kept Xifeng awake. At dawn Lady Wang sent word of urgent official business: Jia Lian must come at once.

59Elsewhere the household frayed. Jia Zhen had brawling servants whipped and thrown out. Xifeng sent Jia Yun away with his gifts. The prioress of Water Moon Convent was attacked by ghosts in the night. That night noises in empty rooms kept Xifeng awake. At dawn Lady Wang sent word of urgent official business: Jia Lian must come at once.府中也渐不太平：贾珍把打架的鲍二、何三各打五十鞭，撵了出去；凤姐推回贾芸的礼物，把他打发走了；水月庵的师父夜里见鬼，被人用绳子套住了脖子。当夜空屋里传来响动，凤姐心惊难眠，叫平儿陪着。天刚亮，王夫人就派人来说外头有要紧官事，快请二爷过去。

One cold day in the tenth month, Beiming brought a coat to the school, and it was the peacock cloak Qingwen had mended as she lay dying. Baoyu went home dazed and folded it away himself. The next morning he shut himself in her empty room, wrote a poem to her on rose-coloured paper, and burned it in the incense flame.

60One cold day in the tenth month, Beiming brought a coat to the school, and it was the peacock cloak Qingwen had mended as she lay dying. Baoyu went home dazed and folded it away himself. The next morning he shut himself in her empty room, wrote a poem to her on rose-coloured paper, and burned it in the incense flame.十月里一个骤冷的日子，焙茗把一件衣服送到学房，正是晴雯病中连夜补好的那件雀金裘。宝玉看了当场发呆，回去后亲手把它叠好收起。第二天，他独自关在晴雯住过的那间空屋里，在粉红笺上写了一首词祭她，然后就着香火烧了。

Then he went to Xiaoxiang Lodge, where Daiyu was copying sutras. He confessed he had once stood outside and listened to her singing to her qin, but had not understood it. "How many true listeners have there ever been?" she said. Both felt the remark had been too cold, and Baoyu soon left, with much still unsaid.

61Then he went to Xiaoxiang Lodge, where Daiyu was copying sutras. He confessed he had once stood outside and listened to her singing to her qin, but had not understood it. "How many true listeners have there ever been?" she said. Both felt the remark had been too cold, and Baoyu soon left, with much still unsaid.随后宝玉来到潇湘馆，黛玉正在抄经。宝玉说起那天曾在窗外听她抚琴吟诗，只是不懂其中的意思。黛玉随口答道：“古来知音人能有几个？”话一出口，两人都觉得冷淡了，一时相对无言。宝玉讪讪地告辞，心里仿佛有许多话，却一句也说不出来。

Outside, under the terrace, little Xueyan pulled Zijuan aside and whispered news she had heard from Tanchun's maid Shishu: Baoyu was already engaged, to the daughter of a prefect, and the family was keeping it quiet. Inside, Daiyu had risen from her bed. She heard most of it, and felt as if she had been thrown into the sea.

62Outside, under the terrace, little Xueyan pulled Zijuan aside and whispered news she had heard from Tanchun's maid Shishu: Baoyu was already engaged, to the daughter of a prefect, and the family was keeping it quiet. Inside, Daiyu had risen from her bed. She heard most of it, and felt as if she had been thrown into the sea.屋外平台底下，小丫头雪雁把紫鹃拉到一旁，悄悄说了从探春的丫头侍书那里听来的话：宝玉已经定了亲，是一位知府家的小姐，家里上上下下都瞒着不提。屋里的黛玉正好起身，把这番话听去了七八分，只觉得像被扔进了大海一般。

Daiyu decided quietly to let herself waste away rather than live to see the wedding. She ate no supper and lay with her eyes shut. That night Zijuan found the quilt kicked down to her feet and tucked it back gently; as soon as the maid had gone, Daiyu pushed it off again.

63Daiyu decided quietly to let herself waste away rather than live to see the wedding. She ate no supper and lay with her eyes shut. That night Zijuan found the quilt kicked down to her feet and tucked it back gently; as soon as the maid had gone, Daiyu pushed it off again.黛玉暗暗拿定主意，与其将来亲眼看见宝玉娶亲，不如趁早糟蹋自己的身子，早些了结。她晚饭也不吃，闭着眼睛装睡。夜里紫鹃掀开帐子，见被子都蹬到了脚后，便轻轻替她盖好；可紫鹃一走，黛玉又把被子推了下去。

At dawn she sat before her mirror until her handkerchief was soaked with tears. Then she asked for incense and went back to copying sutras. "When you see my handwriting after I'm gone, it will be like seeing me." Day by day she ate less, and after half a month she refused even congee and medicine.

64At dawn she sat before her mirror until her handkerchief was soaked with tears. Then she asked for incense and went back to copying sutras. "When you see my handwriting after I'm gone, it will be like seeing me." Day by day she ate less, and after half a month she refused even congee and medicine.天刚亮，黛玉对着镜子呆呆坐着，眼泪不知不觉湿透了罗帕。随后她叫紫鹃点上藏香，又坐下来抄经：“以后你们见了我的字迹，就算见了我的面儿了。”从此她茶饭无心，一天比一天吃得少。半个月后，连粥都咽不下去，药也不肯再吃。

On the day she stopped eating altogether, Zijuan ran to fetch the old lady. Thinking Daiyu was past hearing, Xueyan asked the visiting Shishu about the match. Shishu corrected her: nothing was settled, and Grandmother Jia wanted a match within the family, a girl in the Garden. Daiyu, listening, felt the cloud lift. She asked for water and began to revive.

65On the day she stopped eating altogether, Zijuan ran to fetch the old lady. Thinking Daiyu was past hearing, Xueyan asked the visiting Shishu about the match. Shishu corrected her: nothing was settled, and Grandmother Jia wanted a match within the family, a girl in the Garden. Daiyu, listening, felt the cloud lift. She asked for water and began to revive.黛玉绝粒那天，紫鹃赶去禀告老太太。雪雁以为黛玉已不省人事，便悄悄向来探病的侍书追问定亲的事。侍书说那桩亲事根本没成，老太太早有主意，要“亲上作亲”，人就在园子里住着。黛玉在床上听得明白，疑团顿时解开，要了水喝，渐渐缓了过来。

Daiyu's strange illness and stranger recovery set the household talking. Grandmother Jia had guessed why, and told Lady Wang and Xifeng privately that Daiyu was too sickly to live long and too prickly in temper. "Only Baochai will do." Baoyu must marry first, and the matter must be kept from Daiyu. Xifeng warned the maids to hold their tongues.

66Daiyu's strange illness and stranger recovery set the household talking. Grandmother Jia had guessed why, and told Lady Wang and Xifeng privately that Daiyu was too sickly to live long and too prickly in temper. "Only Baochai will do." Baoyu must marry first, and the matter must be kept from Daiyu. Xifeng warned the maids to hold their tongues.黛玉病得奇怪，好得也奇怪，府里上下都在私下议论，贾母却猜着了八九分。她私下对王夫人和凤姐说，林丫头性情乖僻，身子又这样虚弱，只怕不是长寿的人：“只有宝丫头最妥。”要先给宝玉娶亲，而且此事决不能让黛玉知道。凤姐随即吩咐丫头们，谁也不许多嘴。

Watching over the Garden again, Xifeng caught an orchard woman shouting at Xing Xiuyan's maid over an old red jacket gone missing. She would have thrown the woman out, but Xiuyan begged her off, and Xifeng later sent the poorly clad girl warm clothes. The Xue family was touched. That night, Jingui's maid Baochan brought Xue Ke fruit and wine, with a knowing smile.

67Watching over the Garden again, Xifeng caught an orchard woman shouting at Xing Xiuyan's maid over an old red jacket gone missing. She would have thrown the woman out, but Xiuyan begged her off, and Xifeng later sent the poorly clad girl warm clothes. The Xue family was touched. That night, Jingui's maid Baochan brought Xue Ke fruit and wine, with a knowing smile.凤姐奉命常到园中照料，一天在紫菱洲边撞见看园的婆子，因为丢了一件旧红袄，冲着邢岫烟的丫头嚷嚷，说人家冤枉她是贼。凤姐要把婆子撵出去，岫烟再三求情才作罢。凤姐见岫烟衣裳单薄，回去就给她送了几件冬衣，薛家听说后十分感念。当晚，金桂的丫头宝蟾给薛蝌送来果子和酒，笑得意味深长。

With Xue Pan jailed for the tavern killing, Jingui and her maid Baochan plotted to seduce his cousin Xue Ke, who shut his door on them. Baochai worked till the fourth watch packing Xue Ke off to the court, then burned with fever for days. No doctor helped; at last three of her own Cold Fragrance Pills cured her.

68With Xue Pan jailed for the tavern killing, Jingui and her maid Baochan plotted to seduce his cousin Xue Ke, who shut his door on them. Baochai worked till the fourth watch packing Xue Ke off to the court, then burned with fever for days. No doctor helped; at last three of her own Cold Fragrance Pills cured her.薛蟠因酒楼命案下狱，金桂与宝蟾暗设圈套想勾引薛蝌，薛蝌闭门不理。宝钗为打点薛蝌赴县，忙到四更，当夜便发起高烧，一连七八天，请医吃药全不见效。最后她自己想起冷香丸，吃了三丸，病才好了。

Aunt Xue came to beg help with the lawsuit, and Lady Wang took the chance to press Jia Zheng: Baochai was already one of theirs and should be brought home soon. He agreed. They would exchange the betrothal gifts this winter and set the wedding for spring, after Grandmother Jia's birthday. Everyone else was sworn to silence, Baoyu most of all.

69Aunt Xue came to beg help with the lawsuit, and Lady Wang took the chance to press Jia Zheng: Baochai was already one of theirs and should be brought home soon. He agreed. They would exchange the betrothal gifts this winter and set the wedding for spring, after Grandmother Jia's birthday. Everyone else was sworn to silence, Baoyu most of all.薛姨妈来求王夫人帮忙打点官司，王夫人趁机对贾政提起宝钗，说她既已是自家人，早些娶过来才好。贾政也有此意：今冬先放定，明春过礼，等老太太生日过后就择日迎娶。这件事上上下下都瞒着，尤其不让宝玉知道。

Baoyu found Aunt Xue cool toward him and fretted over it at Xiaoxiang Lodge. Daiyu tested him with Zen riddles: what if Baochai were kind to him, or unkind? He sat cross-legged, palms together, and at last laughed: 'Of all the three thousand waters, I will drink but a single gourdful.' A crow cawed outside and flew off southeast.

70Baoyu found Aunt Xue cool toward him and fretted over it at Xiaoxiang Lodge. Daiyu tested him with Zen riddles: what if Baochai were kind to him, or unkind? He sat cross-legged, palms together, and at last laughed: 'Of all the three thousand waters, I will drink but a single gourdful.' A crow cawed outside and flew off southeast.宝玉见薛姨妈待他不如从前亲热，满腹疑虑，到潇湘馆诉说。黛玉借机用禅语考他：宝姐姐和你好怎样，不和你好又怎样？宝玉盘腿合掌，呆了半晌，忽然大笑道：“任凭弱水三千，我只取一瓢饮。”檐外一只老鸹叫了几声，向东南飞去。

At Grandmother Jia's winter party Baoyu recited the Exemplary Women to little Qiaojie, while Xifeng heard of Siqi. Her mother would not let her marry her cousin, so Siqi dashed her head against a wall and died. He had come back with a box of gold and pearls. Then he ordered two coffins, laid her in one, and cut his own throat.

71At Grandmother Jia's winter party Baoyu recited the Exemplary Women to little Qiaojie, while Xifeng heard of Siqi. Her mother would not let her marry her cousin, so Siqi dashed her head against a wall and died. He had come back with a box of gold and pearls. Then he ordered two coffins, laid her in one, and cut his own throat.消寒会上，宝玉给巧姐讲《列女传》；凤姐那边却听到司棋的事。司棋的母亲不肯把她许给表兄，司棋一头撞在墙上，当场死去。表兄原是发了财回来的，捧出一匣金珠首饰，又叫人抬来两口棺材。他把司棋收殓好，竟用小刀往脖子上一抹，也随她去了。

Feng Ziying brought treasures to sell for twenty thousand taels. On a black tray a longan-sized 'mother pearl' drew every small pearl to itself; a mermaid-silk net unfolded past the table's edge. Xifeng said they should buy land for hard times instead. Over wine, Jia Zheng thought of the Zhen family, just as grand, whose estates had been confiscated.

72Feng Ziying brought treasures to sell for twenty thousand taels. On a black tray a longan-sized 'mother pearl' drew every small pearl to itself; a mermaid-silk net unfolded past the table's edge. Xifeng said they should buy land for hard times instead. Over wine, Jia Zheng thought of the Zhen family, just as grand, whose estates had been confiscated.冯紫英带来几件洋货，要价两万两。黑漆盘里放一颗桂圆大的母珠，满盘小珠都滚过去粘在它身上；一顶鲛绡帐打开十来层，桌上都铺不下。凤姐说不如置些祭田义庄，留作后路。席间贾政想起甄家，从前与贾家一样显赫，如今却被抄了家，不禁心惊。

Next day Baoyu watched Jiang Yuhan play the lovesick suitor at a party, while Jia Lian chased runners who had seized the rent carts. The Zhens sent a servant, Bao Yong, who told of their own Baoyu. Near death, he had dreamed of cupboards full of registers and of girls turning to skeletons. He woke a changed boy and gave himself to his books.

73Next day Baoyu watched Jiang Yuhan play the lovesick suitor at a party, while Jia Lian chased runners who had seized the rent carts. The Zhens sent a servant, Bao Yong, who told of their own Baoyu. Near death, he had dreamed of cupboards full of registers and of girls turning to skeletons. He woke a changed boy and gave himself to his books.次日宝玉在临安伯府听蒋玉菡唱《占花魁》，看得出了神；贾琏则忙着追讨被衙役强扣的收租车。甄家荐来仆人包勇，讲起他家的宝玉：病得险些死去时，梦见一座庙里满柜册子，又见许多女子变成鬼怪骷髅。醒来后他竟改了脾气，一心读书，不再贪玩。

An anonymous notice on the gate exposed Jia Qin's revels at Water Moon Convent. Jia Zheng had Lai Da bring all the nuns in, and Jia Lian quietly covered for Jia Qin. Ping'er let slip 'Mantou Convent', the name of Xifeng's own secret crime. Xifeng went rigid, coughed hard and brought up a mouthful of blood.

74An anonymous notice on the gate exposed Jia Qin's revels at Water Moon Convent. Jia Zheng had Lai Da bring all the nuns in, and Jia Lian quietly covered for Jia Qin. Ping'er let slip 'Mantou Convent', the name of Xifeng's own secret crime. Xifeng went rigid, coughed hard and brought up a mouthful of blood.荣府门上贴出匿名揭帖，揭发贾芹在水月庵饮酒胡闹。贾政叫赖大把尼姑道士全部拉回城里，贾琏却暗中替贾芹遮掩。平儿一时说溜了嘴，把水月庵说成“馒头庵”，那正是凤姐自己暗中作孽的地方。凤姐一惊，怔住说不出话，急咳一阵，哇地吐出一口血来。

In the eleventh month, a crabapple at Happy Red Court that had been withered for a year suddenly burst into bloom. Grandmother Jia called it a happy omen and ordered a feast and poems to celebrate. Tanchun said nothing. Privately she was afraid: plants that flower out of season, she thought, are portents of disaster.

75In the eleventh month, a crabapple at Happy Red Court that had been withered for a year suddenly burst into bloom. Grandmother Jia called it a happy omen and ordered a feast and poems to celebrate. Tanchun said nothing. Privately she was afraid: plants that flower out of season, she thought, are portents of disaster.十一月里，怡红院那株枯了一年的海棠忽然开花。贾母认定是喜兆，命人摆酒赏花，又叫孩子们作诗志喜。探春一言不发，心里却暗暗害怕：草木不按时令开花，必是妖孽，绝非好兆。

Baoyu had changed in a hurry to greet his grandmother and left his jade on the kang table. After she left, Xiren went to hang it back on him, but it was gone. She searched every corner in a cold sweat. Sheyue and the others swore they had not hidden it, and Baoyu just stood there, stunned.

76Baoyu had changed in a hurry to greet his grandmother and left his jade on the kang table. After she left, Xiren went to hang it back on him, but it was gone. She searched every corner in a cold sweat. Sheyue and the others swore they had not hidden it, and Baoyu just stood there, stunned.宝玉为迎接贾母，匆忙换衣，把通灵宝玉摘下放在炕桌上。贾母走后，袭人要给他挂上，玉却不见了。她吓出一身冷汗，四处翻找；麝月等人都说没藏，宝玉也呆住了。

Tanchun had the garden gates shut and every place searched, even the maids' clothing. Suspicion fell on Jia Huan, who had been running about the rooms the day before. When Ping'er gently questioned him, he flushed purple: "Am I a convicted thief?" Then Aunt Zhao made a scene, and Lady Wang gave Xiren three days to find the jade quietly.

77Tanchun had the garden gates shut and every place searched, even the maids' clothing. Suspicion fell on Jia Huan, who had been running about the rooms the day before. When Ping'er gently questioned him, he flushed purple: "Am I a convicted thief?" Then Aunt Zhao made a scene, and Lady Wang gave Xiren three days to find the jade quietly.探春命人关上园门，各处搜寻，连丫头们的衣裳也搜了。众人都疑心昨日满屋乱跑的贾环。平儿婉言问他，贾环登时紫涨了脸：“我是犯过案的贼么！”赵姨娘又闹上门来，王夫人只得限袭人三天之内悄悄把玉找回来。

A fortune-teller split the character 'shang' and sent everyone to search the pawnshops. Meanwhile Xing Xiuyan begged Miaoyu, who reluctantly brought out her sand tray. The spirit-pen wrote a cryptic verse. They read it this way: the jade could not be found by searching, but it was not lost, and would turn up once people stopped looking. Only, where was Qinggeng Peak?

78A fortune-teller split the character 'shang' and sent everyone to search the pawnshops. Meanwhile Xing Xiuyan begged Miaoyu, who reluctantly brought out her sand tray. The spirit-pen wrote a cryptic verse. They read it this way: the jade could not be found by searching, but it was not lost, and would turn up once people stopped looking. Only, where was Qinggeng Peak?测字先生拆了一个“赏”字，叫人去当铺里找。邢岫烟则苦求妙玉扶乩，妙玉勉强取出沙盘。乩笔写下一段隐语，众人解作：玉一时找不着，却也丢不了，哪天不找了，自然就出来。只是那青埂峰，不知在何处。

Days passed with no sign of the jade. Then news came that the Imperial Consort was gravely ill. Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang hurried to the palace and found Yuanchun choking, unable to speak, grieving but with few tears. Palace rules sent them outside to wait, and soon a eunuch announced her death. The book gives her age as forty-three.

79Days passed with no sign of the jade. Then news came that the Imperial Consort was gravely ill. Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang hurried to the palace and found Yuanchun choking, unable to speak, grieving but with few tears. Palace rules sent them outside to wait, and soon a eunuch announced her death. The book gives her age as forty-three.玉始终没有下落。忽一日传来消息，元妃得了急病。贾母、王夫人赶进宫去，只见元春痰塞喉间，说不出话，只有悲泣之状，却少眼泪。按宫中规矩，二人只得退到外宫等候，不久太监传出：贾娘娘薨逝。书中记她存年四十三岁。

Through the mourning Baoyu grew duller day by day, eating and sleeping without noticing. When Grandmother Jia came to see him, he only grinned and repeated whatever Xiren prompted. Learning the jade was lost, she wept, had Jia Lian post a reward of ten thousand taels, and moved Baoyu into her own rooms.

80Through the mourning Baoyu grew duller day by day, eating and sleeping without noticing. When Grandmother Jia came to see him, he only grinned and repeated whatever Xiren prompted. Learning the jade was lost, she wept, had Jia Lian post a reward of ten thousand taels, and moved Baoyu into her own rooms.丧事期间，宝玉一天比一天呆，吃不象吃，睡不象睡。贾母来看他，他只管嘻嘻傻笑，袭人教一句，他才说一句。贾母得知失了玉，急得落泪，命贾琏贴出赏格，送玉者谢银一万两，又把宝玉接到自己屋里同住。

Jia Zheng fumed at the public notice, but it was too late to take it down. Soon a stranger came to the gate with a jade, demanding the reward cash in hand. The whole household crowded round. Peering through Yuanyang's spectacles, Grandmother Jia found it right in shape but strangely dull, its old lustre gone.

81Jia Zheng fumed at the public notice, but it was too late to take it down. Soon a stranger came to the gate with a jade, demanding the reward cash in hand. The whole household crowded round. Peering through Yuanyang's spectacles, Grandmother Jia found it right in shape but strangely dull, its old lustre gone.贾政见满街张贴赏格，又气又叹，暗中叫人去揭，却已迟了。不久竟有人上门送玉，要一手交银一手交玉。合家都来争看。贾母戴上鸳鸯递来的眼镜细瞧：样子倒是，只是先前的宝色全没了，昏暗了许多。

Xifeng took it to Baoyu, who had only just woken. He tossed it to the floor without looking: "You're fooling me again." Then he only laughed coldly. Lady Wang realised someone must have copied it from the notice. Grandmother Jia forbade anyone to punish the poor man, but Jia Lian was already striding out in anger.

82Xifeng took it to Baoyu, who had only just woken. He tossed it to the floor without looking: "You're fooling me again." Then he only laughed coldly. Lady Wang realised someone must have copied it from the notice. Grandmother Jia forbade anyone to punish the poor man, but Jia Lian was already striding out in anger.凤姐把玉拿去给刚睡醒的宝玉看。宝玉看也不看，往地上一撂：“你们又来哄我了。”说完只是冷笑。王夫人这才明白，这必是有人照着帖子仿做的。贾母吩咐不要难为那穷人，贾琏却已怒冲冲地走了出去。

Jia Lian threw out a forger who had tried to pass off a fake jade. Then word came that Lady Wang's brother Wang Ziteng had died on his way to the capital, and Jia Zheng was posted to Jiangxi. In tears, Grandmother Jia called in her son. A fortune-teller had said only a bride with a 'metal' fate could save Baoyu.

83Jia Lian threw out a forger who had tried to pass off a fake jade. Then word came that Lady Wang's brother Wang Ziteng had died on his way to the capital, and Jia Zheng was posted to Jiangxi. In tears, Grandmother Jia called in her son. A fortune-teller had said only a bride with a 'metal' fate could save Baoyu.贾琏赶走了拿假玉来骗钱的人。不久又传来消息，王夫人的哥哥王子腾在进京路上病故，贾政也被外放江西粮道。贾母含泪把儿子叫来，说算命先生讲了，宝玉得娶一个“金命”的人冲喜，才保得住性命。

Baoyu was too dazed to follow the plan to marry him to Baochai, whose golden locket matched his jade. Xiren heard every word. She was glad at first, then frightened. She drew Lady Wang into a back room, knelt and wept. His heart belonged to Miss Lin, she said, and news like this might not cure him but kill him.

84Baoyu was too dazed to follow the plan to marry him to Baochai, whose golden locket matched his jade. Xiren heard every word. She was glad at first, then frightened. She drew Lady Wang into a back room, knelt and wept. His heart belonged to Miss Lin, she said, and news like this might not cure him but kill him.宝玉昏昏沉沉，一句也没听进去。袭人却听得明明白白：老太太要把戴金锁的宝姑娘娶过来配他的玉。她先是欢喜，转念又怕了，悄悄把王夫人请到后屋，跪下哭着说，二爷心里只有林姑娘，这事一说，只怕不是冲喜，倒是催命。

Grandmother Jia said nothing for a long while. Xifeng had a plan. Tell Baoyu he would marry his cousin Lin, then bring Baochai to him under the bridal veil. She whispered the details into the old lady's ear. "There's only one way: switch the brides." Grandmother Jia agreed, though she feared it was hard on Baochai.

85Grandmother Jia said nothing for a long while. Xifeng had a plan. Tell Baoyu he would marry his cousin Lin, then bring Baochai to him under the bridal veil. She whispered the details into the old lady's ear. "There's only one way: switch the brides." Grandmother Jia agreed, though she feared it was hard on Baochai.贾母半天没说话。凤姐想了一个主意：只对宝玉说是给他娶林妹妹，到时候盖头底下坐的却是宝姑娘。她凑到老太太耳边细细说了一遍：“只有一个掉包儿的法子。”贾母点头应了，只说太委屈了宝丫头。

One morning Daiyu sent Zijuan back for a handkerchief and walked on alone. Behind the rocks where she and Baoyu had once buried flowers, she found Silly Sister crying. The girl had been slapped for chattering that Baoyu was to marry Miss Bao, and Miss Lin would be married off after. To Daiyu, the words struck like thunder.

86One morning Daiyu sent Zijuan back for a handkerchief and walked on alone. Behind the rocks where she and Baoyu had once buried flowers, she found Silly Sister crying. The girl had been slapped for chattering that Baoyu was to marry Miss Bao, and Miss Lin would be married off after. To Daiyu, the words struck like thunder.一天早饭后，黛玉让紫鹃回去取手绢，自己慢慢往前走。到了当年和宝玉葬花的山石背后，只见傻大姐在那里哭。原来她多嘴说了宝二爷要娶宝姑娘，还要给林姑娘说婆家，挨了一个嘴巴。黛玉听了，如同一个疾雷。

Her legs gave way, yet she drifted, dazed, to Grandmother Jia's rooms, murmuring that she would ask Baoyu. She sat down facing him. The two only grinned at each other without a word, while Xiren and Zijuan looked on in fear. "Baoyu, why are you ill?" she asked. "I'm ill because of Miss Lin," he said, smiling.

87Her legs gave way, yet she drifted, dazed, to Grandmother Jia's rooms, murmuring that she would ask Baoyu. She sat down facing him. The two only grinned at each other without a word, while Xiren and Zijuan looked on in fear. "Baoyu, why are you ill?" she asked. "I'm ill because of Miss Lin," he said, smiling.她两脚发软，却恍恍惚惚走到贾母院里，嘴里只说要去问问宝玉。进了屋，她坐在宝玉对面，两人也不问好，也不说话，只管对着脸傻笑，吓得袭人和紫鹃变了脸色。黛玉问他为什么病了，宝玉笑道：“我为林姑娘病了。”

She rose, still smiling, and said it was time to go home. She walked faster than she ever had, the maids hurrying behind her. Near her gate Zijuan sighed, "Amitabha, home at last!" Before the words were out, Daiyu pitched forward and brought up a mouthful of blood.

88She rose, still smiling, and said it was time to go home. She walked faster than she ever had, the maids hurrying behind her. Near her gate Zijuan sighed, "Amitabha, home at last!" Before the words were out, Daiyu pitched forward and brought up a mouthful of blood.黛玉笑着起身，说：“这就是回去的时候儿了。”她走得比平时快得多，丫头们在后面紧紧追着。快到潇湘馆门口，紫鹃念了一声“阿弥陀佛，可到了家了”，话还没说完，黛玉身子往前一栽，“哇”的一声吐出一口血来。

Grandmother Jia came to her bedside and a doctor wrote a prescription. But when she learned from Xiren the cause of the illness, her pity cooled. A girl should know her place, she told Xifeng. "If it's that kind of sickness, it can't be cured, and I've no heart for it." After that, few people came to ask after Daiyu.

89Grandmother Jia came to her bedside and a doctor wrote a prescription. But when she learned from Xiren the cause of the illness, her pity cooled. A girl should know her place, she told Xifeng. "If it's that kind of sickness, it can't be cured, and I've no heart for it." After that, few people came to ask after Daiyu.贾母到床前看了黛玉，又请大夫开了方子。可等她从袭人那里知道了病根，心就凉了。她对凤姐说，女孩儿大了就该懂得分寸：“若是这个病，不但治不好，我也没心肠了。”从此来看黛玉的人越来越少。

Xifeng tested Baoyu, and he laughed with joy at the name of Miss Lin. Aunt Xue gave her consent, and Xue Pan sent his from prison. When her mother told her, Baochai lowered her head and said nothing. Then her tears began to fall. She wept, but she did not refuse.

90Xifeng tested Baoyu, and he laughed with joy at the name of Miss Lin. Aunt Xue gave her consent, and Xue Pan sent his from prison. When her mother told her, Baochai lowered her head and said nothing. Then her tears began to fall. She wept, but she did not refuse.凤姐试了试宝玉，一提林妹妹，他就大笑起来。薛姨妈答应了亲事，关在牢里的薛蟠也托人捎话说好。母亲把这事告诉宝钗，宝钗先是低头不语，后来便自己垂下泪来。她哭了，却没有说一个“不”字。

The betrothal gifts went quietly through a side gate, and no one came to Xiaoxiang Lodge. Propped on pillows, Daiyu asked for the old handkerchief with her poems on it. Her hands were too weak to tear it, so she dropped it into the brazier, then her poems after it. Xueyan pulled them out, but little was left.

91The betrothal gifts went quietly through a side gate, and no one came to Xiaoxiang Lodge. Propped on pillows, Daiyu asked for the old handkerchief with her poems on it. Her hands were too weak to tear it, so she dropped it into the brazier, then her poems after it. Xueyan pulled them out, but little was left.聘礼从园里的便门悄悄送了过去，潇湘馆却连一个问候的人都没有。黛玉靠在枕上，要来那块写着诗的旧手帕，手抖得撕不动，便扔进了火盆，接着又把诗稿也扔了进去。雪雁不顾烫手去抢，已经烧得所剩无几。

The next day Daiyu grew worse. Zijuan ran to find Grandmother Jia, but her rooms were empty, and so was Happy Red Court. A page whispered that the wedding was that night, in new rooms. Zijuan ground her teeth. "Baoyu, when she's dead, what face will you have to see me?" Then she went back, sobbing.

92The next day Daiyu grew worse. Zijuan ran to find Grandmother Jia, but her rooms were empty, and so was Happy Red Court. A page whispered that the wedding was that night, in new rooms. Zijuan ground her teeth. "Baoyu, when she's dead, what face will you have to see me?" Then she went back, sobbing.第二天黛玉病势更重。紫鹃跑去找贾母，上房里静悄悄的没人，到了怡红院，也是空的。小厮墨雨悄悄告诉她，今夜就娶亲，新房在别处。紫鹃咬着牙恨道：“宝玉，我看他明儿死了，你拿什么脸来见我！”一路哭着回去了。

Li Wan came to keep watch over the dying girl. Zijuan refused to leave her, so Ping'er sent Xueyan to the wedding instead. That night the bridal chair arrived with twelve pairs of lanterns. Seeing Daiyu's own maid supporting the veiled bride, Baoyu was overjoyed. He was sure it was his cousin Lin.

93Li Wan came to keep watch over the dying girl. Zijuan refused to leave her, so Ping'er sent Xueyan to the wedding instead. That night the bridal chair arrived with twelve pairs of lanterns. Seeing Daiyu's own maid supporting the veiled bride, Baoyu was overjoyed. He was sure it was his cousin Lin.李纨赶来守着奄奄一息的黛玉。那边要紫鹃过去伺候，紫鹃不肯走，平儿便叫雪雁去了。当夜花轿进门，十二对宫灯排着进来。宝玉见扶着新人的正是黛玉从南边带来的雪雁，欢喜得不得了，认定盖头下就是林妹妹。

Baoyu could wait no longer and lifted the veil. He raised the lamp and rubbed his eyes. It was Baochai. He stared as if in a dream. "Where is Miss Lin?" he kept asking, and cried for her until they burned calming incense and he sank into sleep. Next morning Jia Zheng left for his post, and Baoyu's illness grew worse.

94Baoyu could wait no longer and lifted the veil. He raised the lamp and rubbed his eyes. It was Baochai. He stared as if in a dream. "Where is Miss Lin?" he kept asking, and cried for her until they burned calming incense and he sank into sleep. Next morning Jia Zheng left for his post, and Baoyu's illness grew worse.宝玉按捺不住，揭开了盖头。他一手举灯，一手揉眼，再看，竟是宝钗！他呆呆站着，只当是在梦里，一声声问：“林姑娘呢？”只嚷着要去找林妹妹。众人点起安息香，他才昏沉睡去。次日贾政起程赴任，宝玉的旧病却更重了。

After the wedding, Baoyu sank into a stupor so deep that he scarcely recognized the people around him. He refused food and seemed to have lost his hold on the living world, while Xiren and Baochai kept watch beside his bed.

1After the wedding, Baoyu sank into a stupor so deep that he scarcely recognized the people around him. He refused food and seemed to have lost his hold on the living world, while Xiren and Baochai kept watch beside his bed.成亲之后，宝玉陷入深沉的昏沉，几乎认不出身边的人。他不肯进食，仿佛已与尘世隔绝，袭人和宝钗只得守在床边，盼他清醒过来。

A poor physician named Bi came from a ruined temple beyond the city and managed to bring Baoyu partly back to himself. The family clung to this small improvement, though he remained weak and unable to face the truth about Daiyu.

2A poor physician named Bi came from a ruined temple beyond the city and managed to bring Baoyu partly back to himself. The family clung to this small improvement, though he remained weak and unable to face the truth about Daiyu.城外破庙里一位贫苦的毕姓郎中被请来，勉强使宝玉恢复些神志。家人抓住这一点起色不肯放弃希望，可他仍十分虚弱，也无法面对黛玉的死讯。

In a brief clear moment, Baoyu begged Xiren to place him and Daiyu in one room, so they could be cared for together and die side by side. Xiren could only listen, while Baochai stood nearby and heard the name he still loved.

3In a brief clear moment, Baoyu begged Xiren to place him and Daiyu in one room, so they could be cared for together and die side by side. Xiren could only listen, while Baochai stood nearby and heard the name he still loved.宝玉短暂清醒时，求袭人把他和黛玉安置在一处，让两人一同养病，也一同死去。袭人听得心酸，宝钗站在一旁，听见他仍念着心上人的名字。

Baochai could not soften the truth: Daiyu was dead. Baoyu stared at her as if the words had no meaning, then his strength failed and he fell back against the pillow. The household rushed in as his brief awakening ended.

4Baochai could not soften the truth: Daiyu was dead. Baoyu stared at her as if the words had no meaning, then his strength failed and he fell back against the pillow. The household rushed in as his brief awakening ended.宝钗不忍再隐瞒，只得直言黛玉已经死了。宝玉怔怔望着她，仿佛听不懂这句话，随即支撑不住，倒回枕上。屋里的人闻声赶来，他的清醒转瞬又散了。

Baoyu dreamed that he had wandered onto a road leading below the human world. A strange monk appeared in the mist and told him that Daiyu had returned to the Land of Illusion, beyond the reach of any mortal search.

5Baoyu dreamed that he had wandered onto a road leading below the human world. A strange monk appeared in the mist and told him that Daiyu had returned to the Land of Illusion, beyond the reach of any mortal search.宝玉梦见自己走上通往幽冥的道路。雾中出现一位古怪的僧人，告诉他黛玉已经回到太虚幻境，凡人再也寻她不得。前路茫茫，身后的灯火也渐渐远去。

The monk touched the stone to Baoyu's chest, and the shock drove him back toward waking. When he opened his eyes, his family was gathered around him in tears; strangely, the terror of his dream had left him calmer.

6The monk touched the stone to Baoyu's chest, and the shock drove him back toward waking. When he opened his eyes, his family was gathered around him in tears; strangely, the terror of his dream had left him calmer.僧人把通灵宝玉按向宝玉胸前，梦境的震荡仿佛将他推回人间。宝玉睁开眼时，家人正围在床边落泪；奇怪的是，梦里的惊惧过去后，他反倒平静了些。

At the very hour of Baoyu's wedding, Daiyu gripped Zijuan's hand and begged to be taken home to the south. Tanchun and Li Wan heard the wedding music fading beyond the bamboo as Daiyu called Baoyu's name and could not finish her question.

7At the very hour of Baoyu's wedding, Daiyu gripped Zijuan's hand and begged to be taken home to the south. Tanchun and Li Wan heard the wedding music fading beyond the bamboo as Daiyu called Baoyu's name and could not finish her question.就在宝玉成亲的时辰，黛玉紧握紫鹃的手，求她带自己回南方故乡。探春和李纨听见竹外的喜乐渐渐远去，黛玉唤着宝玉的名字，话未说完便气息微弱。

When the truth was understood, Grandmother Jia blamed herself for failing to protect Daiyu. Baoyu was carried to the coffin and listened as Zijuan told him that Daiyu had burned her poems, leaving only grief for those who came too late.

8When the truth was understood, Grandmother Jia blamed herself for failing to protect Daiyu. Baoyu was carried to the coffin and listened as Zijuan told him that Daiyu had burned her poems, leaving only grief for those who came too late.黛玉离世的消息传开后，贾母自责没能护住她。宝玉被扶到灵前，听紫鹃说黛玉已焚尽诗稿。白幡低垂，香烟缭绕，迟来的悲痛压在每个人心头。

Zijuan's account left Baoyu with the image of Daiyu asking for the south and calling his name. He bowed beside the coffin, unable to answer the words she had spoken when he was already lost to her.

9Zijuan's account left Baoyu with the image of Daiyu asking for the south and calling his name. He bowed beside the coffin, unable to answer the words she had spoken when he was already lost to her.紫鹃的话让宝玉反复想着黛玉临终时念着南方、唤着他的情景。他在棺前低下头，再也无法回应她当时未说完的话，也无法弥补两人错过的最后一刻。

In the days that followed, Baoyu slowly recovered his strength. The family began making plans for the marriage, while he turned toward Baochai with a quiet, uncertain attention, carrying the loss of Daiyu into the life that had been arranged for him.

10In the days that followed, Baoyu slowly recovered his strength. The family began making plans for the marriage, while he turned toward Baochai with a quiet, uncertain attention, carrying the loss of Daiyu into the life that had been arranged for him.此后数日，宝玉渐渐恢复体力。家里开始安排婚礼后续，他也慢慢把目光转向宝钗，神情安静而茫然。黛玉的离去仍压在心底，他只能面对已经安排好的新生活。

Baoyu recovered enough to sit with his books, but the quickness that once delighted his family had dimmed. Kept away from the emptied garden, he moved through the household's new arrangements as if part of him remained with Daiyu.

11Baoyu recovered enough to sit with his books, but the quickness that once delighted his family had dimmed. Kept away from the emptied garden, he moved through the household's new arrangements as if part of him remained with Daiyu.宝玉虽能重新读书，往日聪敏却像蒙上了阴影。家人不许他再进空落落的大观园，他在新的生活安排中沉默度日，仿佛心里仍留在黛玉身边。

Jia Zheng began his grain commissioner post by refusing bribes, but the servants complained that strict honesty left them hungry. Gatekeeper Li Shi’er persuaded him to let the staff handle matters quietly, then used that trust to build a corrupt system behind his back.

12Jia Zheng began his grain commissioner post by refusing bribes, but the servants complained that strict honesty left them hungry. Gatekeeper Li Shi’er persuaded him to let the staff handle matters quietly, then used that trust to build a corrupt system behind his back.贾政上任粮道后严禁受贿，下人却抱怨清规矩让他们难以度日。门房李世儿劝他把琐事交给仆役暗中料理，又借这份信任在贾政背后经营贪腐。

A letter from the governor-general proposed a marriage between his son and Tanchun. The match promised influence, but it meant sending Jia Zheng's daughter far from home, and the family soon began weighing duty against her own wishes.

13A letter from the governor-general proposed a marriage between his son and Tanchun. The match promised influence, but it meant sending Jia Zheng's daughter far from home, and the family soon began weighing duty against her own wishes.总督来信，提出让儿子迎娶探春。这门亲事看似显赫，却意味着探春将远嫁他乡。贾家很快开始商议前程与家族体面，没人敢问她是否愿意。

In the capital, the court confirmed Xue Pan's death sentence for the tavern killing. Aunt Xue's wealth was draining away, and Baochai tried to comfort her mother as the family faced a punishment that money and influence might not undo.

14In the capital, the court confirmed Xue Pan's death sentence for the tavern killing. Aunt Xue's wealth was draining away, and Baochai tried to comfort her mother as the family faced a punishment that money and influence might not undo.京中传来判决，薛蟠的命案被定为死罪。薛家家财渐渐耗尽，宝钗只能陪着母亲强忍悲痛，面对金钱与人情都难以挽回的惩罚。

Grief made Jingui reckless. She seized Xue Ke and tried to pull him toward her room, but Baochan warned that Xiangling was coming. Xue Ke escaped, and Jingui's anger settled on the sick concubine she would soon treat as an enemy.

15Grief made Jingui reckless. She seized Xue Ke and tried to pull him toward her room, but Baochan warned that Xiangling was coming. Xue Ke escaped, and Jingui's anger settled on the sick concubine she would soon treat as an enemy.金桂悲愤之下举止失常，拉住薛蝌要把他带进房里。宝蟾急忙提醒香菱将至，薛蝌趁机脱身。从此金桂把怨恨都转向病弱的香菱。

Grandmother Jia tearfully accepted Tanchun's distant marriage, while Concubine Zhao gloated and Tanchun sat in silence. When Baoyu heard that another sister was leaving, he wept that all the women he loved were scattering from the family home.

16Grandmother Jia tearfully accepted Tanchun's distant marriage, while Concubine Zhao gloated and Tanchun sat in silence. When Baoyu heard that another sister was leaving, he wept that all the women he loved were scattering from the family home.贾母含泪应下探春远嫁，赵姨娘却暗自得意，探春只默默垂泪。宝玉听说姐姐又要离家，忍不住哭道，身边的姐妹一个个都要散去了。

Xifeng crossed the nearly deserted garden to visit Tanchun before her marriage. A black dog startled her, and then Qin Keqing’s ghost appeared, reminding her to build a lasting foundation. The rebuke followed Xifeng home like a truth she could no longer avoid.

17Xifeng crossed the nearly deserted garden to visit Tanchun before her marriage. A black dog startled her, and then Qin Keqing’s ghost appeared, reminding her to build a lasting foundation. The rebuke followed Xifeng home like a truth she could no longer avoid.凤姐走进几乎空无一人的园子，探望即将远嫁的探春。黑犬从岩石后窜出，秦可卿的幽影随即现身，提醒凤姐要留下长久根基。这番话像无法回避的真相，跟着她回府。

The next morning Jia Lian brought news that Wang Ren had been squeezing relatives through sham celebrations, while debts from Wang Ziteng's office also came due. Xifeng listened, suddenly aware that her strength and health were failing.

18The next morning Jia Lian brought news that Wang Ren had been squeezing relatives through sham celebrations, while debts from Wang Ziteng's office also came due. Xifeng listened, suddenly aware that her strength and health were failing.次日，贾琏告诉凤姐，王仁借丧事和寿宴向亲戚勒索，王子腾留下的官债也逼上门来。凤姐听着这些坏消息，忽然感到身体日渐衰弱，已难支撑。

Xifeng arranged for Wu'er, a maid who resembled Qingwen, to enter Baoyu's rooms. When Baochai stood in the breeze, Baoyu sent someone back simply to tell her not to catch cold, a small kindness that made the household smile.

19Xifeng arranged for Wu'er, a maid who resembled Qingwen, to enter Baoyu's rooms. When Baochai stood in the breeze, Baoyu sent someone back simply to tell her not to catch cold, a small kindness that made the household smile.凤姐安排与晴雯相像的女孩吴儿进宝玉房中。宝钗站在风口时，宝玉特意让人回去提醒她别受凉。这句寻常关照，给愁云密布的家里带来一丝笑意。

Xifeng drew a fortune stick that promised she would return home in silken robes, and the household treated it as good luck. Baochai quietly heard a darker meaning in the verse, though she kept her concern to herself.

20Xifeng drew a fortune stick that promised she would return home in silken robes, and the household treated it as good luck. Baochai quietly heard a darker meaning in the verse, though she kept her concern to herself.凤姐在庙里抽到一支签，写着荣归故里，众人都当作吉兆。宝钗读出其中隐约的不祥，却没有当众说破，只把忧虑藏在心里。

Before leaving, Tanchun spoke to Baoyu about duty and the burdens each person must bear. Her steady words helped him accept the marriage without collapsing into grief, though neither sibling could pretend the separation would be easy.

21Before leaving, Tanchun spoke to Baoyu about duty and the burdens each person must bear. Her steady words helped him accept the marriage without collapsing into grief, though neither sibling could pretend the separation would be easy.临行前，探春认真劝宝玉明白责任与世事难违。她沉稳的话让宝玉渐渐平静下来，不再只顾悲哭，但姐弟都知道这场分别并不容易。

Tanchun departed by boat and carriage for her distant marriage. Grandmother Jia watched from the landing, and Baoyu stood beside her as the boat slipped away, carrying another familiar face beyond the family's reach.

22Tanchun departed by boat and carriage for her distant marriage. Grandmother Jia watched from the landing, and Baoyu stood beside her as the boat slipped away, carrying another familiar face beyond the family's reach.探春乘船远嫁。贾母站在岸边送别，宝玉陪在她身旁，看着船只穿过晨雾渐渐远去，又一位亲人离开了家门。

Jia She went into the empty garden to disprove the haunting, but a startled cock pheasant sent him hurrying back. He paid for an exorcism with priests, banners and sacred water; before it ended, word arrived that Jia Zheng had been impeached and summoned home.

23Jia She went into the empty garden to disprove the haunting, but a startled cock pheasant sent him hurrying back. He paid for an exorcism with priests, banners and sacred water; before it ended, word arrived that Jia Zheng had been impeached and summoned home.贾赦进空园想证明并无鬼怪，却被突然飞出的彩雉吓得退回门外。他随后请道士设坛驱邪，幡旗法水铺满园门；仪式未完，贾政遭弹劾奉召回京的消息便传来。

Aunt Xue’s household reported that Xia Jingui had died from arsenic, and Baochan blamed the sick Xiangling. The Xia relatives demanded a life for a life, but Baochai insisted Baochan be questioned too as empty jewellery chests and a scrap of poison paper cast doubt on the accusation.

24Aunt Xue’s household reported that Xia Jingui had died from arsenic, and Baochan blamed the sick Xiangling. The Xia relatives demanded a life for a life, but Baochai insisted Baochan be questioned too as empty jewellery chests and a scrap of poison paper cast doubt on the accusation.薛家传来消息，夏金桂因砒霜中毒身亡，宝蟾指认病中的香菱。夏家亲属闹着要以命抵命，宝钗却坚持也要审问宝蟾；空首饰箱和毒药纸片让指控开始动摇。

When the Xia relatives demanded a life for a life, the argument nearly became a brawl. Baochai kept asking questions, and the empty jewellery chests and scraps of arsenic paper began to undermine the accusation against Xiangling.

25When the Xia relatives demanded a life for a life, the argument nearly became a brawl. Baochai kept asking questions, and the empty jewellery chests and scraps of arsenic paper began to undermine the accusation against Xiangling.夏家亲属闹着要以命抵命，屋里几乎打成一团。宝钗冷静追问，空了的首饰箱和残留的砒霜纸片，逐渐让指向香菱的说法站不住脚。

At Jizhi, Yucun recognized his old benefactor Shiyin meditating in a ruined temple. Shiyin spoke in riddles and warned him to cross before the river rose. When a runner reported the temple was burning, Yucun chose his official business and continued on.

26At Jizhi, Yucun recognized his old benefactor Shiyin meditating in a ruined temple. Shiyin spoke in riddles and warned him to cross before the river rose. When a runner reported the temple was burning, Yucun chose his official business and continued on.雨村在急智县的破庙里认出正在打坐的旧恩人甄士隐。士隐以真假之理打哑谜，劝他趁河水未涨渡河。差役来报庙中失火时，雨村仍选择赶路办差。

The Emperor questioned Jia Zheng about abuses committed by people bearing the Jia name and showed clear displeasure. Jia Zheng returned to the capital shaken, warning his relatives to keep their households in order even as the family welcomed him home.

27The Emperor questioned Jia Zheng about abuses committed by people bearing the Jia name and showed clear displeasure. Jia Zheng returned to the capital shaken, warning his relatives to keep their households in order even as the family welcomed him home.皇帝追问贾姓之人所犯的种种恶行，言语中满是不悦。贾政奉召回京后心有余悸，虽受家人迎接，仍告诫亲族务必约束自家。

Only after they were alone did Lady Wang tell Jia Zheng that Daiyu had died. He received the news in silence, understanding at last the loss that had already changed Baoyu and the household around him.

28Only after they were alone did Lady Wang tell Jia Zheng that Daiyu had died. He received the news in silence, understanding at last the loss that had already changed Baoyu and the household around him.众人散去后，王夫人才私下告诉贾政，黛玉已经去世。贾政默然听着，终于明白宝玉和整个家宅为何早已笼罩在悲伤里。

Baoyu asked Xiren to bring Zijuan, hoping to learn what Daiyu had felt at the end. He wanted to write a funeral elegy, but the words would not come; he talked through the night as his old inspiration deserted him.

29Baoyu asked Xiren to bring Zijuan, hoping to learn what Daiyu had felt at the end. He wanted to write a funeral elegy, but the words would not come; he talked through the night as his old inspiration deserted him.宝玉求袭人请紫鹃来，想知道黛玉临终时的心情。他本想写一篇祭文，笔下却空空如也，只能对着灯火说了一夜，往日的灵气似乎全都消失了。

During Jia Zheng's banquet, Commissioner Zhao arrived with guards and an imperial edict. It stripped Jia She of his hereditary rank for colluding with officials and bullying the weak, ending the feast before the guests understood what was happening.

30During Jia Zheng's banquet, Commissioner Zhao arrived with guards and an imperial edict. It stripped Jia She of his hereditary rank for colluding with officials and bullying the weak, ending the feast before the guests understood what was happening.贾政设宴之时，赵委员带着禁卫军闯入，宣读圣旨，革去贾赦的世袭爵位，罪名是勾结官员、欺压百姓。席间宾客尚未明白，宴席已被打断。

The searchers uncovered forbidden imperial goods and high-interest loan contracts in Jia Lian's rooms. Xifeng fainted at the sight of the guards and papers, while Grandmother Jia watched the household's carefully maintained appearance collapse around them.

31The searchers uncovered forbidden imperial goods and high-interest loan contracts in Jia Lian's rooms. Xifeng fainted at the sight of the guards and papers, while Grandmother Jia watched the household's carefully maintained appearance collapse around them.禁卫在贾琏屋里搜出违禁宫物和高利贷契约。凤姐见到官兵与账契后昏倒，贾母惊惶地看着家中多年维持的体面顷刻崩塌。

Jiao Da staggered in with news that the Ning mansion had also been stripped and Jia Zhen and Jia Rong arrested. Prince Beijing then brought a second edict that restrained the harshest measures, but the family could no longer mistake the crisis for a rumour.

32Jiao Da staggered in with news that the Ning mansion had also been stripped and Jia Zhen and Jia Rong arrested. Prince Beijing then brought a second edict that restrained the harshest measures, but the family could no longer mistake the crisis for a rumour.焦大踉跄赶来，说宁国府也被抄了，贾珍和贾蓉遭到逮捕。北静王随后带来第二道旨意，缓和了最严厉的处置，但贾家已无法把这场灾祸当作谣言。

After the immediate danger passed, Jia Zheng learned that the household had been losing money for years and living on credit. Jia Lian's and Xifeng's savings had also been looted, leaving the family without the reserve they thought they possessed.

33After the immediate danger passed, Jia Zheng learned that the household had been losing money for years and living on credit. Jia Lian's and Xifeng's savings had also been looted, leaving the family without the reserve they thought they possessed.风波稍缓后，贾政才知道府里多年入不敷出，全靠赊账维持体面。贾琏和凤姐的积蓄也被抄走，家里再没有他们以为握在手中的退路。

Shamed by her fall and weakened by illness, Xifeng told Ping'er she wished she could die. She asked her trusted maid to raise Qiaojie if that happened, trying to protect her daughter when she could no longer command the household.

34Shamed by her fall and weakened by illness, Xifeng told Ping'er she wished she could die. She asked her trusted maid to raise Qiaojie if that happened, trying to protect her daughter when she could no longer command the household.凤姐病重又觉羞愧，对平儿说自己恨不得死去。她托付平儿照看巧姐，想在自己再无力掌管家事时，仍替女儿留下一份保护。

One evening Grandmother Jia knelt in the courtyard and prayed that Heaven would place the family's sins on her alone and let her die in their stead. Her grief drew the household together in tears until Jia Zheng hurried in, fearing she had already fallen ill.

35One evening Grandmother Jia knelt in the courtyard and prayed that Heaven would place the family's sins on her alone and let her die in their stead. Her grief drew the household together in tears until Jia Zheng hurried in, fearing she had already fallen ill.一晚，贾母跪在院中向天祈求，把全家的罪过都归到自己身上，愿以一死换众人平安。她的哀痛引得家人纷纷落泪，贾政赶来时还以为她已病倒。

Jia Zheng reviewed the household accounts and scolded the stewards for years of losses and hidden debts. Before he could impose order, a summons called him to the palace, where the princes would decide the family's future.

36Jia Zheng reviewed the household accounts and scolded the stewards for years of losses and hidden debts. Before he could impose order, a summons called him to the palace, where the princes would decide the family's future.贾政查看府中账目，斥责管家多年亏空、暗藏债务。还未及整顿家务，宫中便传来召令，要他入朝听候诸王议定贾家的处置。

Before the Privy Council, Prince Beijing announced the emperor's ruling. Jia She and Jia Zhen were sent to distant posts to answer for their crimes, Jia Rong was released, and Jia Zheng was excused from punishment despite the household's losses.

37Before the Privy Council, Prince Beijing announced the emperor's ruling. Jia She and Jia Zhen were sent to distant posts to answer for their crimes, Jia Rong was released, and Jia Zheng was excused from punishment despite the household's losses.北静王在议政处宣读皇帝裁决：贾赦、贾珍发往边地和海疆赎罪，贾蓉获释，贾政免于处分。贾家受了重创，却暂时保住了一线生机。

When Jia Zheng admitted the treasury was empty, Grandmother Jia opened her own chests and shared her life savings. She set aside travel money for the exiles, funds for Xifeng, and silver to take Daiyu's coffin south, then ordered the household to cut its expenses.

38When Jia Zheng admitted the treasury was empty, Grandmother Jia opened her own chests and shared her life savings. She set aside travel money for the exiles, funds for Xifeng, and silver to take Daiyu's coffin south, then ordered the household to cut its expenses.贾政承认府库已空，贾母便打开自己的箱笼，把毕生积蓄分给众人。她留出银两供流放者上路、救济凤姐，并安排黛玉灵柩南归，还下令缩减开支。

After Jia Zheng inherited the Rongguo title, fair-weather friends returned to congratulate him. Bao Yong, drunk and loyal, shouted that Yucun had betrayed the family; Jia Zheng punished the outburst by assigning him to guard the empty garden.

39After Jia Zheng inherited the Rongguo title, fair-weather friends returned to congratulate him. Bao Yong, drunk and loyal, shouted that Yucun had betrayed the family; Jia Zheng punished the outburst by assigning him to guard the empty garden.贾政承袭荣国公爵后，趋炎附势的旧友又纷纷登门道贺。忠心的包勇喝醉后当众骂雨村背叛贾家，贾政罚他去看守空园。

News that Xiangyun was about to marry reached the household while it was already grieving its losses. Grandmother Jia and Baoyu felt the separation keenly, as every new marriage or departure seemed to carry another piece of their old world away.

40News that Xiangyun was about to marry reached the household while it was already grieving its losses. Grandmother Jia and Baoyu felt the separation keenly, as every new marriage or departure seemed to carry another piece of their old world away.史湘云将要出嫁的消息传回府中，家人原已沉浸在变故里，更添离愁。贾母和宝玉都为这场分别难过，仿佛每一次婚嫁都带走旧日生活的一部分。

The household was poorer and quieter when Xiangyun returned for Baochai's birthday. Grandmother Jia had paid for a modest feast, but the gathering felt forced; Yuanyang brought out dice and tune titles, hoping to stir some life into the room.

41The household was poorer and quieter when Xiangyun returned for Baochai's birthday. Grandmother Jia had paid for a modest feast, but the gathering felt forced; Yuanyang brought out dice and tune titles, hoping to stir some life into the room.湘云回府时，家中已贫困而冷清。贾母拿出银两为宝钗办寿，席面仍显勉强；鸳鸯取来骰子和曲牌，想让沉闷的众人重新热闹起来。

When Yuanyang's throw named the Twelve Beauties, Baoyu remembered the dream registers and counted how few women remained around him. The game continued, but he slipped away from the table, unable to hold his grief inside the noisy room.

42When Yuanyang's throw named the Twelve Beauties, Baoyu remembered the dream registers and counted how few women remained around him. The game continued, but he slipped away from the table, unable to hold his grief inside the noisy room.鸳鸯掷出“十二金钗”的曲牌，宝玉想起梦中的册页，默默数着身边还剩下多少女子。席间骰声未停，他却已坐不住，悄悄离开喧闹的屋子。

Baoyu slipped into the overgrown garden with Xiren and stopped at Bamboo Lodge. He wept toward the silent rooms, telling Daiyu's spirit that he had never meant to betray her, while the bamboo hid the place where she had lived.

43Baoyu slipped into the overgrown garden with Xiren and stopped at Bamboo Lodge. He wept toward the silent rooms, telling Daiyu's spirit that he had never meant to betray her, while the bamboo hid the place where she had lived.宝玉和袭人悄悄走进荒芜的大观园，停在潇湘馆前。他对着寂静的屋子哭诉，自己从未有意负她；竹影遮住了黛玉曾经生活过的地方。

Baochai told Baoyu plainly that Daiyu was dead and would not come back. He slept alone in the outer room, hoping she might visit in a dream, but the night passed without a sign and left him facing his loss awake.

44Baochai told Baoyu plainly that Daiyu was dead and would not come back. He slept alone in the outer room, hoping she might visit in a dream, but the night passed without a sign and left him facing his loss awake.宝钗直言黛玉已经死去，不会再回来。宝玉独自在外间过夜，盼望梦里能见到她，然而整夜无梦，天亮时他仍只能清醒地面对失去。

The next night Baoyu mistook Wu'er for Qingwen, whose face she resembled, and spoke with her for hours. Baochai understood how grief had blurred his sense of the present and brought him back into their shared room with quiet care.

45The next night Baoyu mistook Wu'er for Qingwen, whose face she resembled, and spoke with her for hours. Baochai understood how grief had blurred his sense of the present and brought him back into their shared room with quiet care.第二夜，宝玉把相貌像晴雯的吴儿误认成她，与她说了许久。宝钗看出悲伤仍扰乱着宝玉，便以平静的关怀把他带回两人同住的屋里。

With time and patience, Baoyu and Baochai began to meet one another as husband and wife rather than strangers joined by family plans. Their quiet closeness did not erase Daiyu's memory, but it gave both of them a way to live with the changed household.

46With time and patience, Baoyu and Baochai began to meet one another as husband and wife rather than strangers joined by family plans. Their quiet closeness did not erase Daiyu's memory, but it gave both of them a way to live with the changed household.在日常相处中，宝玉和宝钗终于不再只是被家族安排在一起的陌生人，渐渐以夫妻身份相待。这份安静的亲近并未抹去黛玉，却让两人继续生活下去。

Grandmother Jia's health worsened, though she gave Baoyu an old Han-dynasty jade heirloom before the household understood how serious it was. Miaoyu came to visit, bringing a quiet monastic presence into the crowded sickroom.

47Grandmother Jia's health worsened, though she gave Baoyu an old Han-dynasty jade heirloom before the household understood how serious it was. Miaoyu came to visit, bringing a quiet monastic presence into the crowded sickroom.贾母病情加重，家人还未料到危急，她先把一件汉代玉器交给宝玉。妙玉也来探望，清寂的僧人身影出现在拥挤的病榻旁。

News came that Yingchun had died after enduring cruelty in her husband's household. Grandmother Jia and Baoyu grieved for the gentle sister they had been unable to protect, while the old woman's own strength continued to ebb.

48News came that Yingchun had died after enduring cruelty in her husband's household. Grandmother Jia and Baoyu grieved for the gentle sister they had been unable to protect, while the old woman's own strength continued to ebb.传来迎春在夫家受尽折磨后病逝的消息。贾母和宝玉为这位温顺的姐妹悲伤，也为未能护住她而难过；贾母的体力此时仍在不断衰退。

Propped up in bed, Grandmother Jia said goodbye to Baoyu, Jia Lan, Xifeng and Baochai. She died smiling at eighty-three, and white mourning paper soon covered the mansion as the family began another funeral.

49Propped up in bed, Grandmother Jia said goodbye to Baoyu, Jia Lan, Xifeng and Baochai. She died smiling at eighty-three, and white mourning paper soon covered the mansion as the family began another funeral.贾母被扶坐起来，向宝玉、贾兰、凤姐和宝钗一一告别。她含笑辞世，享年八十三岁。很快，府门挂上白幡，一家人又要操办丧事。

With servants gone and money withheld, Xifeng struggled to manage Grandmother Jia's funeral. Lady Xing accused her of shirking, and Xifeng collapsed into Ping'er's arms after coughing blood, leaving the family without its most capable organizer.

50With servants gone and money withheld, Xifeng struggled to manage Grandmother Jia's funeral. Lady Xing accused her of shirking, and Xifeng collapsed into Ping'er's arms after coughing blood, leaving the family without its most capable organizer.仆役逃散、银钱又被克扣，凤姐难以支撑贾母的丧仪。邢夫人还责怪她偷懒，凤姐咳血后倒在平儿怀里，贾家失去了最能料理事务的人。

Xifeng's illness disrupted the funeral preparations, and Lady Xing suspected she was pretending. Ping'er helped her rest, while Yuanyang began to fear what would become of her now that the mistress who had protected her was gone.

51Xifeng's illness disrupted the funeral preparations, and Lady Xing suspected she was pretending. Ping'er helped her rest, while Yuanyang began to fear what would become of her now that the mistress who had protected her was gone.凤姐病倒，贾母的丧仪顿时乱了起来，邢夫人还怀疑她装病。平儿扶她休息，鸳鸯则开始担忧，最疼爱自己的老祖宗不在了，往后该如何度日。

In Grandmother Jia's room, Yuanyang saw Keqing's ghost holding a sash and followed her into a vision of the Land of Illusion. Keqing explained that Yuanyang would take her place in the office of true, unspoken feeling; the earthly room remained quiet behind them.

52In Grandmother Jia's room, Yuanyang saw Keqing's ghost holding a sash and followed her into a vision of the Land of Illusion. Keqing explained that Yuanyang would take her place in the office of true, unspoken feeling; the earthly room remained quiet behind them.贾母房中，鸳鸯看见可卿的幽影递来一条绦子，随她进入太虚幻境的景象。可卿说鸳鸯将接替自己掌管真情之府；人间的屋子仍静静留在身后。

Jia Zheng honoured Yuanyang as a servant who had remained faithful to her mistress and ordered her coffin to follow Grandmother Jia's to Iron Threshold Temple. Baoyu and Baochai bowed to her in respect among the mourning banners.

53Jia Zheng honoured Yuanyang as a servant who had remained faithful to her mistress and ordered her coffin to follow Grandmother Jia's to Iron Threshold Temple. Baoyu and Baochai bowed to her in respect among the mourning banners.贾政敬重鸳鸯对主人的忠心，命她的棺木随贾母送往铁槛寺。白幡与香烟之间，宝玉和宝钗一同向她行礼，送别这位尽忠的丫鬟。

While most of the family was away with Grandmother Jia's coffin, robbers entered the mansion for the hidden treasure. Bao Yong fought them off with a staff, and one man was subdued; only later did the household learn he was He San, a dismissed servant.

54While most of the family was away with Grandmother Jia's coffin, robbers entered the mansion for the hidden treasure. Bao Yong fought them off with a staff, and one man was subdued; only later did the household learn he was He San, a dismissed servant.家人大多陪着贾母的灵柩出门时，盗匪闯入贾府寻找私藏财物。包勇持杖赶来将他们逼退，一人被制服；事后众人才认出他是被逐的仆人何三。

A robber who had become fixated on Miaoyu slipped into Green Lattice Convent and used drugged incense while she meditated. He carried her away in a cart with a false official lantern; the story never reveals what happened to her afterward.

55A robber who had become fixated on Miaoyu slipped into Green Lattice Convent and used drugged incense while she meditated. He carried her away in a cart with a false official lantern; the story never reveals what happened to her afterward.一个对妙玉起了邪念的盗匪潜入栊翠庵，趁她打坐时以迷香将她迷倒，随后用挂着假官灯的车将她带走。原书没有交代她此后的遭遇。

The robbery left Xichun ashamed that she had been responsible for the convent during the attack. She cut away half her hair and insisted on becoming a nun, while You-shi tried to comfort her through the grief and guilt.

56The robbery left Xichun ashamed that she had been responsible for the convent during the attack. She cut away half her hair and insisted on becoming a nun, while You-shi tried to comfort her through the grief and guilt.妙玉被劫后，惜春因自己看守庵堂失职而羞愧。她剪去半边头发，坚持要出家，尤氏只能在悲痛与自责中劝慰她。

At the temple, Concubine Zhao fell into a violent fit and cried out about the curse she had once laid on Xifeng and Baoyu. Jia Huan stayed beside her as the family struggled to understand the words and carry her to safety.

57At the temple, Concubine Zhao fell into a violent fit and cried out about the curse she had once laid on Xifeng and Baoyu. Jia Huan stayed beside her as the family struggled to understand the words and carry her to safety.在寺里，赵姨娘突然发作，喊起当年对凤姐和宝玉下过的魇咒。贾环守在她身边，家人听不懂她混乱的话，只能先设法照顾她。

With Yuanyang gone, no one could make a complete list of Grandmother Jia's stolen valuables. Jia Lian blamed Jia Yun for failing to protect the house, while Jia Zheng ordered steward Zhou Rui arrested and mourned the family's decline.

58With Yuanyang gone, no one could make a complete list of Grandmother Jia's stolen valuables. Jia Lian blamed Jia Yun for failing to protect the house, while Jia Zheng ordered steward Zhou Rui arrested and mourned the family's decline.鸳鸯已不在人世，没人能说清贾母究竟丢了哪些财物。贾琏责怪贾芸失职，贾政下令逮捕周瑞，望着空荡的院子叹息家道衰败。

Concubine Zhao's illness worsened through the night as she raved about a red-bearded lord from the underworld. Rumours later claimed she was punished for her schemes, but the household saw only a frightened woman whose strength was failing.

59Concubine Zhao's illness worsened through the night as she raved about a red-bearded lord from the underworld. Rumours later claimed she was punished for her schemes, but the household saw only a frightened woman whose strength was failing.赵姨娘一夜病势加重，口中不停说着阴司的红胡子老爷。后来有人传言这是她作恶的报应，但家人眼前只有一个惊惧虚弱、逐渐失去力气的病人。

Confined to bed and neglected by Jia Lian, Xifeng saw the ghost of You Erjie and other figures from the past. In a rare moment of honesty, she admitted that her heart had been too narrow and that her schemes had harmed others.

60Confined to bed and neglected by Jia Lian, Xifeng saw the ghost of You Erjie and other figures from the past. In a rare moment of honesty, she admitted that her heart had been too narrow and that her schemes had harmed others.凤姐卧床不起，又被贾琏冷落，眼前仿佛出现尤二姐等旧人幽影。她难得坦承，自己心胸太窄，过去的算计伤害了别人。

Granny Liu returned from the countryside with her granddaughter Qing'er and wept at the family's misfortune. Xifeng entrusted Qiaojie to her care, asking the old woman to protect the child when the Jia household could no longer do so.

61Granny Liu returned from the countryside with her granddaughter Qing'er and wept at the family's misfortune. Xifeng entrusted Qiaojie to her care, asking the old woman to protect the child when the Jia household could no longer do so.刘姥姥带着孙女青儿从乡下回来，见贾府败落便伤心落泪。凤姐将巧姐托付给她，请这位老人趁贾家无力护佑时照看自己的女儿。

Baoyu came to Zijuan's window late at night, grieving Miaoyu's abduction and asking Zijuan to understand his sorrow. She remained silent behind the paper screen, and both wept until Xiren's arrival ended the painful exchange.

62Baoyu came to Zijuan's window late at night, grieving Miaoyu's abduction and asking Zijuan to understand his sorrow. She remained silent behind the paper screen, and both wept until Xiren's arrival ended the painful exchange.深夜，宝玉来到紫鹃窗外，为妙玉被劫而悲伤，也求紫鹃理解自己的痛苦。紫鹃隔着纸窗默默落泪，两人无言相对，直到袭人赶来才打破沉寂。

In her final hours Xifeng asked for a boat and sedan chair to return to Jinling and be entered in the registers. She died soon afterward, leaving Jia Lian and Ping'er to face a modest funeral with almost no money.

63In her final hours Xifeng asked for a boat and sedan chair to return to Jinling and be entered in the registers. She died soon afterward, leaving Jia Lian and Ping'er to face a modest funeral with almost no money.凤姐临终时反复要船轿，说要回金陵入册。不久她便离世，贾琏和平儿只能在手头拮据的情况下，为她张罗一场简朴的丧事。

Wang Ren arrived to bully Qiaojie and demand Xifeng's supposed hidden savings. Ping'er surrendered her own valuables to pay the funeral costs, earning Jia Lian's gratitude and Qiutong's jealousy as the family counted every remaining coin.

64Wang Ren arrived to bully Qiaojie and demand Xifeng's supposed hidden savings. Ping'er surrendered her own valuables to pay the funeral costs, earning Jia Lian's gratitude and Qiutong's jealousy as the family counted every remaining coin.王仁赶来欺负巧姐，还索要凤姐据说藏下的银钱。平儿拿出自己的首饰贴补丧费，贾琏感激不已，秋桐却心生嫉妒，贾家连最后几枚钱都要细算。

In his outer study, Jia Zheng heard from Cheng Rixing that the household stewards had been robbing the family. Before he could answer, an attendant announced Zhen Yingjia, newly restored and travelling south to calm unrest along the coast.

65In his outer study, Jia Zheng heard from Cheng Rixing that the household stewards had been robbing the family. Before he could answer, an attendant announced Zhen Yingjia, newly restored and travelling south to calm unrest along the coast.贾政在外书房听程日兴说管家们一直侵吞家产。话音未落，门人便来通报甄应嘉到访；他刚复爵，正要南下安抚沿海局势。

Zhen Yingjia arrived with news of his restored rank and a journey south to settle coastal unrest. He asked Jia Zheng to look in on Tanchun, whom the summaries describe as his daughter, and the two men spoke privately in the courtyard.

66Zhen Yingjia arrived with news of his restored rank and a journey south to settle coastal unrest. He asked Jia Zheng to look in on Tanchun, whom the summaries describe as his daughter, and the two men spoke privately in the courtyard.甄应嘉复爵后将要南下安抚沿海，特来拜访贾政。他请贾政照看探春；两人在院中私语，门边的随从静静等候启程。

When Zhen Yingjia saw Jia Baoyu, he was astonished by the young man's exact likeness to his own son, Zhen Baoyu. The two had never met, yet their matching faces suggested a connection that neither household could explain.

67When Zhen Yingjia saw Jia Baoyu, he was astonished by the young man's exact likeness to his own son, Zhen Baoyu. The two had never met, yet their matching faces suggested a connection that neither household could explain.甄应嘉见到贾宝玉，惊讶地发现他与自己的儿子甄宝玉容貌一模一样。两人素未谋面，却像从镜中走出，令两个家族都说不清其中缘由。

As the household mourned, Xichun refused food and repeated that she would cut her hair and leave worldly life. A nun from Dizang Convent encouraged her resolve, while You-shi and the maid Caiping worried over her declining strength.

68As the household mourned, Xichun refused food and repeated that she would cut her hair and leave worldly life. A nun from Dizang Convent encouraged her resolve, while You-shi and the maid Caiping worried over her declining strength.家中守丧时，惜春不肯进食，再次说要剪发出家。地藏庵的尼姑又鼓励她离尘之志，尤氏和丫鬟彩屏却担心她身体日渐虚弱。

69Lady Zhen brought her son, Zhen Baoyu, whose face matched Jia Baoyu's exactly. Jia Baoyu hoped to find a kindred spirit, but the visitor spoke only of career, loyalty and filial duty, leaving his namesake disappointed.甄夫人带儿子甄宝玉来访，他与贾宝玉容貌完全相同。贾宝玉原盼找到知己，对方却只谈功名、忠孝，使他失望地看出两人心性迥异。

After Zhen Baoyu left, Jia Baoyu called him a careerist and brooded over the meeting. His illness returned with such force that he seemed close to death, and Xiren and Baochai could only watch beside him.

70After Zhen Baoyu left, Jia Baoyu called him a careerist and brooded over the meeting. His illness returned with such force that he seemed close to death, and Xiren and Baochai could only watch beside him.甄宝玉离去后，贾宝玉称他为禄蠹，对这次相见郁郁不乐。不久旧病复发，气息微弱，袭人和宝钗守在床边，却无计可施。

A strange monk appeared with the lost jade and demanded ten thousand taels of silver. When he called into Baoyu's ear, the young man opened his eyes and revived, bringing sudden relief to the family gathered around the bed.

71A strange monk appeared with the lost jade and demanded ten thousand taels of silver. When he called into Baoyu's ear, the young man opened his eyes and revived, bringing sudden relief to the family gathered around the bed.一位古怪僧人带回失去的通灵宝玉，开口索要一万两银子。他在宝玉耳边轻声呼唤，宝玉竟睁开眼睛苏醒过来，守候的家人顿时松了口气。

Sheyue remarked that it was fortunate the jade had never been smashed. Baoyu turned pale at the words, threw the stone aside and fell senseless again, as if the old bond between object and owner had become unbearable.

72Sheyue remarked that it was fortunate the jade had never been smashed. Baoyu turned pale at the words, threw the stone aside and fell senseless again, as if the old bond between object and owner had become unbearable.麝月说幸亏宝玉的玉没有被摔坏。宝玉听后脸色骤变，把玉扔开又昏了过去，仿佛玉与主人之间旧日的牵连已变得无法承受。

Baoyu's soul followed the monk into the Land of Blessed Truth, the same realm he had visited as a boy. Guided by Yuanyang's fleeting figure, he found the registers of the Twelve Beauties and began to read the verses he once could not understand.

73Baoyu's soul followed the monk into the Land of Blessed Truth, the same realm he had visited as a boy. Guided by Yuanyang's fleeting figure, he found the registers of the Twelve Beauties and began to read the verses he once could not understand.宝玉的魂魄跟随僧人来到福善真境，正是他少年时梦游过的幻境。鸳鸯的身影引他走到金陵十二钗的册页前，这次他终于读懂了其中的判词。

Among the registers, Baoyu saw the Crimson Pearl Flower and heard that it was guarded for the Queen of the Xiang River. Behind a pearl curtain, the Queen appeared with Daiyu's face, but the dream realm drove him away before he could approach.

74Among the registers, Baoyu saw the Crimson Pearl Flower and heard that it was guarded for the Queen of the Xiang River. Behind a pearl curtain, the Queen appeared with Daiyu's face, but the dream realm drove him away before he could approach.册页之间，宝玉看见绛珠仙草，听说它由湘妃看守。珠帘之后现出一位与黛玉相貌相同的女神，宝玉还未靠近，幻境便将他驱离。

Sanjie appeared with a sword to sever Baoyu's earthly ties, while figures like Qingwen and Keqing led him deeper into the vision. When the gathered women became threatening shadows, the monk flashed a mirror and pushed Baoyu back toward life.

75Sanjie appeared with a sword to sever Baoyu's earthly ties, while figures like Qingwen and Keqing led him deeper into the vision. When the gathered women became threatening shadows, the monk flashed a mirror and pushed Baoyu back toward life.幻境中的三姐手持宝剑，要斩断宝玉的尘缘；晴雯和可卿的身影又引他深入。众女忽然化作逼近的阴影，僧人举镜放出强光，将宝玉推回人间。

Baoyu woke cool and clear, remembering every verse in the registers. Jia Zheng prepared to take Grandmother Jia's, Daiyu's and Keqing's coffins south, while Baoyu grew distant from both romance and official ambition, unsettling Zijuan.

76Baoyu woke cool and clear, remembering every verse in the registers. Jia Zheng prepared to take Grandmother Jia's, Daiyu's and Keqing's coffins south, while Baoyu grew distant from both romance and official ambition, unsettling Zijuan.宝玉醒来后神情清冷，已记住册中每一句判词。贾政准备护送贾母、黛玉和可卿的灵柩南归，宝玉却对情爱与功名都渐渐疏远，令紫鹃不安。

When the ragged monk returned with the jade, Baoyu ran to give it back. Xiren and Zijuan held him with all their strength and wept until Lady Wang and Baochai arrived; Baoyu then hid his intention behind a casual excuse.

77When the ragged monk returned with the jade, Baoyu ran to give it back. Xiren and Zijuan held him with all their strength and wept until Lady Wang and Baochai arrived; Baoyu then hid his intention behind a casual excuse.破衣僧人再次带玉归来，宝玉立刻跑去要把玉还给他。袭人和紫鹃拼命拉住他，哭到王夫人和宝钗赶来；宝玉随后用几句闲话掩饰了心思。

Outside the mansion, Baoyu spoke with the monk about Great Waste Mountain, Blue Ridge Peak and the end of worldly ties. The monk left without taking money, and Baoyu hinted that he might one day choose the same path.

78Outside the mansion, Baoyu spoke with the monk about Great Waste Mountain, Blue Ridge Peak and the end of worldly ties. The monk left without taking money, and Baoyu hinted that he might one day choose the same path.宝玉在园墙旁与僧人谈起大荒山、青埂峰和斩断尘缘。僧人不收银钱，转身离去；宝玉望着他的背影，暗示自己将来也许会走上出家之路。

With Jia Lian away, the men turned the outer study into a gambling room. They mocked the dead Xifeng, heard that Yucun had been arrested and that Miaoyu was probably killed by bandits, then began discussing a sale that would endanger Qiaojie.

79With Jia Lian away, the men turned the outer study into a gambling room. They mocked the dead Xifeng, heard that Yucun had been arrested and that Miaoyu was probably killed by bandits, then began discussing a sale that would endanger Qiaojie.贾琏离府照看病重的父亲后，几个男人把外书房改成赌局。他们嘲笑已死的凤姐，听说雨村被捕、妙玉或遭盗匪杀害，随后竟商量把巧姐卖掉。

80Xichun cut off her hair and insisted she would rather die than remain in the household. You-shi finally agreed to let her become a nun, and Zijuan knelt to serve her for life out of loyalty to Daiyu.惜春剪去头发，坚持宁可一死也不愿留在贾府。尤氏终于答应让她出家，紫鹃跪下请求终身侍奉，只为守住对黛玉的情义。

Lady Wang accepted that Xichun could live as a lay nun in her rooms, and Zijuan vowed to accompany her. Baoyu recited a strange poem from the Illusory Land; its meaning moved Lady Wang, Baochai and Xiren to tears.

81Lady Wang accepted that Xichun could live as a lay nun in her rooms, and Zijuan vowed to accompany her. Baoyu recited a strange poem from the Illusory Land; its meaning moved Lady Wang, Baochai and Xiren to tears.王夫人同意惜春在府中带发修行，紫鹃也决意相随。宝玉念起幻境中记住的诗句，话语清冷而哀伤，王夫人、宝钗和袭人听后都落下泪来。

The men plotted to sell Qiaojie as a concubine to a foreign prince, and Lady Xing was persuaded. Lady Wang and Ping'er turned to Granny Liu, who disguised the child as her granddaughter Qing'er and prepared to take her to safety.

82The men plotted to sell Qiaojie as a concubine to a foreign prince, and Lady Xing was persuaded. Lady Wang and Ping'er turned to Granny Liu, who disguised the child as her granddaughter Qing'er and prepared to take her to safety.贾芸等人要把巧姐卖给藩王做妾，邢夫人也被说动。王夫人和平儿只得求助刘姥姥，由她把巧姐装扮成孙女青儿，悄悄带往乡下避祸。

The plan to sell Qiaojie as a concubine took shape when attendants from a foreign prince's household came to inspect her. Lady Xing allowed the arrangement, and Ping'er was horrified to understand what the proposed marriage really meant.

83The plan to sell Qiaojie as a concubine took shape when attendants from a foreign prince's household came to inspect her. Lady Xing allowed the arrangement, and Ping'er was horrified to understand what the proposed marriage really meant.把巧姐卖给藩王做妾的计划渐渐成形，王府的女使上门相看。邢夫人应允了这门亲事，平儿却惊恐地明白，所谓婚嫁其实是要把孩子卖作奴婢。

Baochai argued with Baoyu about Zhuangzi and the heart of a newborn child, while Xiren also urged him to stay engaged with life. When Jia Lan brought a letter from Jia Zheng, Baoyu put away his religious books and began studying for the examination.

84Baochai argued with Baoyu about Zhuangzi and the heart of a newborn child, while Xiren also urged him to stay engaged with life. When Jia Lan brought a letter from Jia Zheng, Baoyu put away his religious books and began studying for the examination.宝钗与宝玉谈庄子和赤子之心，袭人也劝他不要沉溺出世。贾兰送来贾政的书信后，宝玉收起佛道典籍，打开考书，决定参加科举。

Before the examinations, Baoyu knelt in tears before Lady Wang and made strange farewells to Li Wan. He bowed deeply to Baochai, then laughed that everything was finished, leaving his family moved but unable to read the omen.

85Before the examinations, Baoyu knelt in tears before Lady Wang and made strange farewells to Li Wan. He bowed deeply to Baochai, then laughed that everything was finished, leaving his family moved but unable to read the omen.科举前，宝玉含泪跪拜王夫人，又向李纨说了几句像诀别的话。他深深拜别宝钗，笑着说一切都完了。家人只当他临考伤感，没有听出其中预兆。

Jia Lan returned from the exam hall alone: Baoyu had vanished in the crowd. The results later showed Baoyu seventh and Jia Lan one hundred thirtieth; an imperial decree restored the family's titles and property and ordered a search for the missing son.

86Jia Lan returned from the exam hall alone: Baoyu had vanished in the crowd. The results later showed Baoyu seventh and Jia Lan one hundred thirtieth; an imperial decree restored the family's titles and property and ordered a search for the missing son.贾兰独自从考场回来，说宝玉已在人群中失踪。放榜后，宝玉中第七名，贾兰一百三十名；皇帝又下旨复还爵产，并命人寻找宝玉。

After Baoyu disappeared, Xiren fell ill from grief. She dreamed that the monk showed her a register and told her that their bond was finished, waking with the feeling that Baoyu had left the human world for good.

87After Baoyu disappeared, Xiren fell ill from grief. She dreamed that the monk showed her a register and told her that their bond was finished, waking with the feeling that Baoyu had left the human world for good.宝玉失踪后，袭人因悲伤病倒。梦里僧人拿着一册簿子告诉她两人的缘分已尽，她醒来时仍觉得宝玉已经彻底离开人世。

On the journey home from Grandmother Jia's burial, Jia Zheng's boat stopped at Piling in the snow. A shaven, barefoot Baoyu appeared on the bank wearing a scarlet felt cape, transformed from the son his father had last seen.

88On the journey home from Grandmother Jia's burial, Jia Zheng's boat stopped at Piling in the snow. A shaven, barefoot Baoyu appeared on the bank wearing a scarlet felt cape, transformed from the son his father had last seen.护送贾母灵柩南归后，贾政的船在雪中停泊毗陵。岸边出现一个剃发赤足的宝玉，身披猩红毡斗篷，已不是父亲记忆中的那个儿子。

Baoyu bowed four times to his father. The monk and the lame Taoist then led him away across the white fields, while Jia Zheng watched from the riverbank and accepted that his son had never belonged wholly to the mortal world.

89Baoyu bowed four times to his father. The monk and the lame Taoist then led him away across the white fields, while Jia Zheng watched from the riverbank and accepted that his son had never belonged wholly to the mortal world.宝玉向父亲拜了四拜，随后由僧人和跛足道人领着，走向茫茫雪野。贾政立在河岸目送，终于接受儿子并不完全属于尘世。

The emperor later granted Baoyu the Taoist title Wenmiao Zhenren. Xue Pan was ransomed from prison and made Xiangling his lawful wife, bringing one small change of fortune to a household that had endured years of fear and loss.

90The emperor later granted Baoyu the Taoist title Wenmiao Zhenren. Xue Pan was ransomed from prison and made Xiangling his lawful wife, bringing one small change of fortune to a household that had endured years of fear and loss.后来皇帝赐宝玉“文妙真人”的道号，薛蟠也被赎出牢狱，正式迎娶香菱。饱经恐惧与失散的薛家，终于迎来一件稍显安稳的喜事。

Xiren was married against her will to Jiang Yuhan, the actor who had once exchanged sashes with Baoyu. When the pair recognized the matching cloth between them, they saw how the old tokens had quietly joined their lives.

91Xiren was married against her will to Jiang Yuhan, the actor who had once exchanged sashes with Baoyu. When the pair recognized the matching cloth between them, they saw how the old tokens had quietly joined their lives.袭人被迫嫁给曾与宝玉互换汗巾的戏子蒋玉菡。两人拿出彼此的旧物，发现竟是一对相合的绦子，才明白往日信物已悄然把命运连在一起。

At Awakening Ferry, Zhen Shiyin met the disgraced Jia Yucun and recounted Baoyu's departure and the family's later fortunes. Xiangling waited nearby before Shiyin led her away toward the Land of Illusion.

92At Awakening Ferry, Zhen Shiyin met the disgraced Jia Yucun and recounted Baoyu's departure and the family's later fortunes. Xiangling waited nearby before Shiyin led her away toward the Land of Illusion.在醒迷渡口，甄士隐遇见落魄的贾雨村，向他讲述宝玉离去和贾家的结局。香菱在一旁等候，随后士隐将带她前往太虚幻境。

The monk and Taoist returned the stone to Greensickness Peak, closing the journey that began before the story entered the human world. Clouds passed over the mountain as the stone settled again among the rocks and pines.

93The monk and Taoist returned the stone to Greensickness Peak, closing the journey that began before the story entered the human world. Clouds passed over the mountain as the stone settled again among the rocks and pines.僧人和道人把那块石头送回青埂峰，合上故事从太古进入人间的开端。云雾越过群山，石头重新安放在岩石与松树之间。

Reverend Void copied the tale from the stone, and the sleeping Yucun dreamed of handing it to Cao Xueqin. The story returned to the writer's desk, completing the frame and leaving its readers with the lives the stone had carried.

94Reverend Void copied the tale from the stone, and the sleeping Yucun dreamed of handing it to Cao Xueqin. The story returned to the writer's desk, completing the frame and leaving its readers with the lives the stone had carried.空空道人从石上抄下这段故事，酣睡的雨村梦见将它交给曹雪芹。故事重新回到作者案头，首尾相合，也把石头所历的人生留给后来读者。

Dream of the Red Chamber

The Stone Enters the Red Dust

Petals in the Garden

The Poetry Club and the Wider World

Reforms, Tokens and Blades

The Garden Dispersed

Return to Greensickness Peak