20210310 culture

Homework 2 from Mar 10 for Mar 17, 2021

Quicklinks: Course Homepage. Joint translation terms Homework 1, Mar 3 Chapters 1-4, 2, Mar 10 Chapters 6-7, 3, Mar 17 Chapters 11-13, 4, Mar 24 Chapters 15-17, 5, Mar 31 Chapters 4-7, 6, Apr 7 Chapters 8-10, 7, Apr 14 Chapters 13-15 , 8, Apr 21 Chapters 17-19etc.

《红楼梦》程甲本

Please find the most beautiful translations of names and jointly agree to use them. Please also list common terms and joint translation here:

• Jia Baoyu = Precious Jade
• Jia Yucun = Rain Village
• Lin Daiyu = Mascara Jade
• Zhen Shiyin = Hide-the-facts
• ...(everybody please add more here)

Bào Qìnwén 鲍沁雯

◎第六回 贾宝玉初试云雨情 刘老老一进荣国府

却说秦氏因听见宝玉在梦中唤他的乳名，心中自是纳闷，又不好细问。彼 时宝玉迷迷惑惑，若有所失，众人忙端上桂圆汤来，喝了两口，遂起身整衣，袭人 伸手与他系裤带时，刚伸手至大腿处，只觉冰冷一片粘湿，唬的忙退出手来，问： “是怎么了？”宝玉红涨了脸，把他的手一捻，袭人本是个聪明女子，年纪又比宝 玉大两岁，近来也渐省人事，今见宝玉如此光景，心中便觉察了一半，不觉羞得 红涨了脸面，遂不敢再问。仍旧理好了衣裳，随至贾母处来，胡乱吃过晚饭，过 这边来，袭人趁众奶娘丫鬟不在旁时，另取出一件中衣，与宝玉换上。

宝玉含羞央道：“好姐姐，千万别告诉别人。”袭人含羞笑问道：“你梦见什 么故事了？是那里流出来的那些脏东西？”宝玉道：“一言难尽。”便把梦中之事 细说与袭人知了。说至警幻所授云雨之情，羞的袭人掩面伏身而笑。宝玉亦素 喜袭人柔媚姣俏，遂与袭人同领警幻所训云雨之事。袭人自知系贾母将他与了 宝玉的，今便如此，亦不为越理，遂和宝玉偷试了一番，幸无人撞见。自此宝玉 视袭人更与别个不同，袭人侍宝玉越发尽职。暂且别无话说。

Chapter 6

Baoyu Has His First Taste of the Forbidden Fruit

Granny Liu Pays Her First Visit to the Rong Mansion

Qin Keqing was confused to hear Baoyu call her childhood name in his dream, but she could hardly question him. As for Baoyu, he felt as bewildered as if he had lost his wits. Attendants promptly brought him a longan decoction and after sipping a couple of mouthfuls he got up to adjust his clothes. As Xiren reached out to fasten his trousers for him, she touched his thigh and found it cold and sticky. She drew back in alarm and asked what was the matter. With his face rushing red, Baoyu simply gripped her hand. Now Xiren was an intelligent girl， and being a couple of years older than Baoyu she already knew the facts of life. She guessed from the state he was in what must have happened and blushing herself helped him to tidy his clothes without any further questions. They went then to where the Lady Dowager was and after a hasty meal returned to his room, where in the absence of the other maids and nurses Xiren fetched him a change of clothes. "Don’t tell anyone, please, dear sister." begged Baoyu sheepishly. With an embarrassed smile she asked, “What did you dream about to dirty yourself like that?" "It’s a long story.” answered Baoyu, then he told her his dream in full, concluding with his initiation by Disenchantment into the "sport of cloud and rain." Xiren, hearing this, covered her face and doubled up in a fit of giggles. Since Baoyu had long been attracted by Xiren’s gentle, coquettish ways, he urged her to carry out the instructions with him; and as she knew that the Lady Dowager had given her to Baoyu she felt this would not be an undue liberty. So, they tried it out secretly together, and luckily, they were not discovered. From that hour Baoyu treated Xiren with special consideration and she served him even more faithfully than before.

Chapter 6

Baoyu Has His First Taste of the Forbidden Fruit

Granny Liu Pays Her First Visit to the Rong Mansion

Miss Qin was confused to hear Baoyu call her childhood name in his dream, but she could hardly question him. As for Baoyu, he felt as bewildered as if he had lost his wits. Attendants promptly brought him a longan decoction and after sipping a couple of mouthfuls he got up to adjust his clothes. As Xiren reached out to fasten his trousers for him, she touched his thigh and found it cold and sticky. She drew back in alarm and asked what was the matter. With his face rushing red, Baoyu simply gripped her hand. Now Xiren was an intelligent girl, and being a couple of years older than Baoyu she already knew the sexual instinct. She guessed from the state he was in what must have happened and blushing herself helped him to tidy his clothes without any further questions. They went then to where the Lady Dowager was and after a hasty meal returned to his room, where in the absence of the other maids and nurses Xiren fetched him a change of clothes. "Don’t tell anyone, please, dear sister." begged Baoyu sheepishly. With an embarrassed smile she asked, “What did you dream about to dirty yourself like that?" "It’s a long story.” answered Baoyu, then he told her his dream in full, concluding with his initiation by Disenchantment into the "sport of cloud and rain." Xiren, hearing this, covered her face and doubled up in a fit of giggles. Since Baoyu had long been attracted by Xiren’s gentle, coquettish ways, he urged her to carry out the instructions with him; and as she knew that the Lady Dowager had given her to Baoyu she felt this would not be an undue liberty. So, they tried it out secretly together, and luckily, they were not discovered. From that hour Baoyu treated Xiren with special consideration and she served him even more faithfully than before.--Chen Keru (talk) 04:19, 17 March 2021 (UTC)

Chén Kērǔ 陈柯汝

按荣府一宅中台算起来，人口虽不多，从上至下，也有三百余口人；事虽不 多，一天也有一二十件，竟如乱麻一般，并没有个头绪可作纲领。正思从那一件 事那一个人写起方妙，却好忽从千里之外，芥豆之微，小小一个人家，因与荣府 略有些瓜葛，这日正往荣府中来，因此便就这一家说起，倒还是个头绪。

原来这小小之家，姓王，乃本地人氏，祖上曾做过一个小小京官，昔年曾与 风姐之祖王夫人之父认识。因贪王家的势利，便连了宗，认作侄儿。那时只有 王夫人之大兄凤姐之父与王夫人随在京的知有此一门远族，余者皆不知也。目 今其祖早故，只有一个儿子，名唤王成，因家业萧条，仍搬出城外原乡中住了。 王成亦相继身故，有子小名狗儿，娶妻刘氏，生子小名板儿；又生一女，名唤青 儿。一家四口，以务农为业。因狗儿白日间又作些生计，刘氏又操井臼等事，青 板姊弟两个，无人管着，狗儿遂将岳母刘老老接来，一处过活。

Counting up people living in Rong residence, the population was not large. From masters to servants, there were about 300 people; Although not many things, there were one or two dozen a day, they seemed to be in confusion, and there was no clue to make a program. Wondering who or what to write about, suddenly from a thousand miles away, an insignificant man who had something to do with Rong House was heading to Rong House this day. So let us talk about this person as a lead-in.

The insignificant person’s last name was Wang, a native, whose grandfather was an inconsequential official, and had a friendship with Mrs.Wang’s father, Miss Feng’s grandfather. Wang Family was powerful and influential, and that official was so greed for the power of Wang that they joined the clan and recognized them as uncles. At that time, only the older brother of Mrs. Wang as well as the father of Miss Feng and those who accompanied with Mrs.Wang in the capital know there was a distant clan of this family while the rest did not know. Nowadays, the grandfather died early, and he had a son, Wang Cheng. Wang Cheng moved from the city to the countryside because of poverty. Wang Cheng died then and he had a son, whose name was little dog. Little dog had a wife Mrs. Liu, and a son, Board as well as a daughter, Green. The family of four, worked as farmers. As little dog went outside to earn money in the day, and Mrs. Liu manipulated the well scoop, Green and Board were left alone, so Little dog brought his mother-in-law to live with them in one place.

Counting up people living in Rong Mansion, the population was not large. From masters to servants, there were about 300 people; Although not many things, there were one or two dozen a day. The things just like an pile of intertwined strings, having no thought as a reference to untie them. Wondering which is the best thing to write first, suddenly from a thousand miles away, an insignificant man who had something to do with Rong House was heading to Rong House this day. So let us talk about this person as a lead-in. The insignificant person’s last name was Wang, a native, whose grandfather was an inconsequential official, and once made friends with Mrs.Wang’s father, Miss Feng’s grandfather. Wang Family was powerful and influential, and that official was so greedy for the power of Wang that they joined the clan and regarded them as uncles. At that time, only the eldest brother of Mrs. Wang as well as the father of Miss Feng and those who accompanied with Mrs.Wang in the capital knew there was a distant clan of this family while the rest did not. Nowadays, as the grandfather died early, his only son, Wang Cheng, moved from the city to the countryside because of poverty. Wang Cheng died then and he had a son whose name was little dog. Little dog had a wife Mrs. Liu, a son, Board and a daughter, Green. The family of four worked as farmers. As little dog went outside to earn money in the day, and Mrs. Liu manipulated the well scoop, Green and Board were left alone, so Little dog brought his mother-in-law to live with them in one place.--Dai Muyu (talk) 15:30, 16 March 2021 (UTC)

Dài Mùyǔ 戴沐雨

   这刘老老乃是个久经世代的老寡妇，膝下又无子息，只靠两亩薄田度日。

如今女婿接了养活，岂不愿意，遂一心一计帮着女儿女婿过活起来。因这年秋 尽冬初，天气冷将上来，家中冬事未办，狗儿未免心中烦虑，吃了几杯闷酒，在家 闲寻气恼，刘氏不敢顶撞。因此刘老老看不过，乃劝道：“姑爷，你别嗔着我多 嘴，咱们村庄人家，那一个不是老老诚诚守着多大碗儿吃多大的饭。你皆因年 小时，托着那老的福，吃喝惯了，如今所以把持不定，有了钱就顾头不顾尾，没了 钱就瞎生气，成了什么男子汉大丈夫了！如今咱们虽离城住着，终是天子脚下。 这‘长安’城中，遍地皆是钱，只可惜没人会去拿罢了。在家跳蹋也没用。”狗儿 听了道：“你老只会在炕头上坐着混说，难道叫我打劫去不成？”刘老老说道： “谁叫你打劫去呢？也到底大家想个方法儿才好。不然，那银子钱会自己跑到 咱们家里来不成？”狗儿冷笑道：“有法儿还等到这会子呢！我又没有收税的亲 戚、做官的朋友，有什么法子可想的？便有，也只怕他们未必来理我们呢。”

Grandma Liu was a sophisticated old widow, who didn’t have sons, only living on two acres of croplands. Of course she was willing to live with her son-in-law, so she put all her hearts on his family. As in the changeover period between autumn and winter, the weather seemed to be colder. Having unprepared for the winter, The-Dog was anxious about it, then drinking a lot and staying at home angrily. Seeing this, Liu dared not to disturb him, but just persuaded:” I’m afraid I will be a little bit prolix, but I have to say something. When we lived in the countryside, the size of the bowl determined the amount we eat. Since the senior spoiled you at an early age, you’ve been accustomed to the steadiness. The reason why you feel nervous is that you squander with the money, and when you lose it, you are out of control. The way you handle the problem cannot be referred as what a man does! Though we live far away from the capital, it is still under the reign of the emperor. You can pick up money wherever in Chang An but pitifully nobody dares to do it. It is no use to blow up at us at home.” Hearing that, The-Dog replied: ”You just have the capacity of making sarcastic comments sitting on the bed. What could I do? To rob?” Grandma Liu said:” Who have required you to rob? It will be much better if we all come up with a good idea. After all, money cannot run to our house.” The-Dog sneered: ”If I have had ideas, I wouldn’t have waited till now. Anyway, I have no friend who are taxmen or officials, so what means should I have? Even if these friends are do existent, I’m not sure they are willing to pay attention to us.”--Dai Muyu (talk) 12:35, 14 March 2021 (UTC)

Grandma Liu was a sophisticated old widow, who didn’t have sons, only living on two acres of croplands. Of course she was willing to live with her son-in-law, so she devoted herself to his family. As in the changeover period between autumn and winter, the weather seemed to be colder. Having unprepared for the winter, Gou er was anxious about it. Having drunk a lot, he stayed at home angrily. Seeing this, Dame Liu dared not to disturb him, but just persuaded:” I’m afraid I will be a little bit prolix, but I have to say something. When we lived in the countryside, the size of the bowl determined the amount we eat. Since the senior spoiled you at an early age, you’ve been accustomed to the steadiness. The reason why you feel nervous is that you squander with the money, and when you lose it, you are out of control. The way you handle the problem cannot be referred as what a man does! Though we live far away from the capital, it is still under the reign of the emperor. You can pick up money wherever in Chang An but pitifully nobody dares to do it. It is no use to blow up at us at home.” Hearing that, The-Dog replied: ”You just have the capacity of making sarcastic comments sitting on the bed. What could I do? To rob?” Grandma Liu said:” Who have required you to rob? It will be much better if we all come up with a good idea. After all, money cannot run to our house.” The-Dog sneered: ”If I have had ideas, I wouldn’t have waited till now. Anyway, I have no friend who are taxmen or officials, so what means should I have? Even if these friends are do existent, I’m not sure they are willing to pay attention to us.”--Deng Dan1 (talk) 07:02, 17 March 2021 (UTC)

Dèng Dān 邓丹

   刘老老道：“这倒也不然。‘谋事在人，成事在天’，咱们谋到了，靠菩萨的保佑，有些

机会，也未可知。我倒替你们想出一个机会来。当日你们原是和金陵王家连过 宗的，二十年前，他们看承你们还好，如今是你们拉硬屎，不肯去俯就他，故疏远 起来。想当初我和女儿还去过一遭，他家的二小姐，着实爽快会待人的，倒不拿 大。如今现是荣国府贾二老爷的夫人，听得他们说，如今上了年纪，越发怜贫恤 老，最爱斋僧布施。如今王府虽升了边任，只怕二姑太太还认得咱们，你何不去 走动走动？或者他还念旧，有些好处亦未可知。只要他发一点好心，拨一根寒 毛比咱们的腰还壮呢。”刘氏一旁接口道：“你老说得是，你我这样嘴脸，怎么好 到他门上去？只怕他那门上人也不肯去通报，没的去打嘴现世。”

   谁知狗儿利名心重，听如此说，心下便有些活动起来；又听他妻子这番话，

便笑接道：“老老既如此说，况且当日你又见过这姑太太一次，何不你老人家明 日就去走一遭，先试试风头看。”

Granny Liu replied,” Not certainly all like this. ‘Man proposes, God disposes’. If we achieve something, it must be the blessing of god. There are always some chances unknown. I’ve got an idea for you. You were connected with Wang family of Jinling in the past. Twenty years ago, they were willing to help. But your self-righteous results in the alienation of your relationship. I remember visiting the family with my daughter, the second daughter remained modest and had impeccable manners, who is now the wife of Jia in Rongguo Mansion. She is getting old and it is said that she shows more compassion for the poor and old, and devotes herself to give food or alms to Buddhist monks and nuns. Now the palace has been promoted, but she should still know us. Why don't you pay a visit? If she still keeps old friendships in mind, maybe you can get some benefits from it. And as long as she shares a little kindness, it is enough to satisfy us. “You are right, but how can we have the decency to come? Even if we did visit, the doorman might not be willing to announce us. It would be a disgrace,” added by Dame Liu. Gou er is very careful about fame and fortune. Hearing Grandma Liu's suggestion, he has a plan in his heart. And after his wife’s words, he said with a smile, " Granny Liu, since you have seen your wife once before, why don't you visit her first to help?”--Deng Dan1 (talk) 11:19, 16 March 2021 (UTC)

Grandmother Liu replied,” Not certainly all like this. ‘We proposes, God disposes’. If we achieve something, it must be the blessing of god. There are always some chances unknown. I’ve got an idea for you. You were connected with Wang family of Jinling in the past. Twenty years ago, they were willing to help. But your self-righteous results in the cold of your relationship. I remember visiting the family with my daughter, the second daughter remained modest and had warm-hearted manners, who is now the wife of Jia in Rongguo Mansion. She is getting old and it is said that she shows much compassion for the poor and the old, and devotes herself to give food or alms to Buddhist monks and nuns. Now the palace has been promoted, but she should still know us. Why don't you pay a visit? If she still keeps old friendships in mind, maybe you can get some benefits from her. And as long as she shares a little kindness to us , it is enough to satisfy us. “You are right, but how can we have reasons to come? Even if we do visit, the doorman might not be willing to announce us. It would be a tease ,” added by Dame Liu. Gou er is very careful about fame and fortune. Hearing Grandmother Liu's suggestion, he has a plan in his heart. And after listening to his wife’s words, he said with a smile, " Grandmother Liu, since you have seen your wife once before, why don't you visit her first to help?”----Ding Zhongxia (talk) 13:42, 22 March 2021 (UTC)Ding Zhongxia

Dīng Zhòngxià 丁仲夏

   刘老老道：“哎哟！可是说的，‘侯门似海’，我

是个什么东西，他家人又不认得我，去了也是白去的。”狗儿道：“不妨，我教你个 法儿：你竟带了外孙小板儿先去找陪房周瑞，若见了他，就有些意思了。这周瑞 先时曾和我父亲交过一桩事，我们本极好的。”刘老老道：“我也知道。只是许 多时不走动，知道他如今是怎样？这说不得的了，你又是个男人，这样个嘴脸， 自然去不得。我们姑娘年轻媳妇，也难卖头卖脚去，倒还是舍了我这副老脸去 碰一碰。果然有些好处，也大家有益。”当晚计议已定。

   次日天未明时，刘老老便起来梳洗了，又将板儿教了几句话；五六岁的孩

子，听见带了他进城逛去，便喜的无不应承。于是刘老老带了板儿，进城至宁荣 街来。至荣府大门前石狮子旁，只见簇簇的轿马。刘老老便不敢过去，且掸掸 衣服，又教了板儿几句话，然后蹲在角门前，只见几个挺胸凸肚，指手画脚的人 坐在大门上，说东谈西的。

Grandmother Liu says:"Orch!It is said 'nobility home lkes the ocean'.I am which?His family don't know me definitely.Visiting is inferior to not visit.Gouer says:"How about I tell you a solution--you can take your grandson Xiaoban to find the fellow person Zhourui.If you meet him, that would be a little bit interesting.Zhourui used to work with my father at his young age.We used to have a very good frendship."Grandmother Liu says:"I know this.But long time no see,I don't know how is he going today.This can't be expressed by language.You are a man,but not decent.So you are not appropriate to meet him.Our girl is a new wife.So she is not appropriate to go.I am the only one to put down my face and meet him.This has some benefits and is good to all the people."They make a conclusion tonight. The next day,before sunrise,Grandmother Liu gets up and washes herself.She teaches Baner,a five year old kid, some words.The kid is excited about the news that Grandmother Liu plans to take him wandering in the capital.So he agree immediately.Therefore,Grandmother Liu take Baner,entering the capital and going to Ningrong Street. When they walk before the side of rock lion, they just see a series of coupes. Grandmother Liu is afraid to step in.So she tidies her cloth and teaches Baner some words,and then she squats before the corner gate.She only see some people who stand beside the door and has a huge body,talking about something.

Dù Xīnyǔ 杜心语

   刘老老只得挨上前来问：“太爷们纳福。”众人打量

了他一会，便问：“是那里来的？”刘老老陪笑道“我找太太的陪房周大爷的，烦 那位太爷替我请他出来。”那些人听了，都不睬他，半日，方说道：“你远远的那墙 脚下等着，一会子他们家里有人就出来的。”内中有一年老的说道：“不要误了 他的事，何苦耍他。”因向刘老老道：“那周大爷往南边去了。他在后一带住着， 他娘子却在家。你从这边绕到后街门上找就是了。”

   刘老老谢了，遂携着板儿绕至后门上，只见门上歇着些生意担子，也有卖

吃的，也有卖玩要的物件，闹吵吵三二十个孩子在那里厮闹。刘老老便拉住一 个道：“我问哥儿一声，有个周大娘可在家么？”孩子道：“那个周大娘？我们这 里周大娘有三个呢，还有两位周奶奶，不知是那一行当上的？”刘老老道：“他是 太太的陪房。”孩子道：“这个容易，你跟我来。”引着刘老老进了后院，至一院墙 边，指道：“这就是他家。”忙又叫道：“周大妈，有个老奶奶找你呢。”

Guō Yàbō 郭亚波

   周瑞家的在内忙迎了出来，问：“是那位？”刘老老迎上来问了个：“好呀，周

嫂子。”周瑞家的认了半日，方笑道：“刘老老，你好呀？你说，这几年不见，我就 忘了。请家里坐。”刘老老一面走，一面笑说道：“你老是‘贵人多忘事’了，那里 还记得我们？”说着，来至房中，周瑞家的命雇的小丫头倒上茶来吃着。周瑞家 的又问：“板儿倒长了这么大了！”又问些别后闲话，又问刘老老：“今日还是路 过，还是特来的？”刘老老便说：“原是特来瞧瞧体嫂子，二则也请请姑太太的安。 若可以领我见一见更好，若不能，便借重嫂子转致意罢了。”

   周瑞家的听了，便已猜着几分来意。只因他丈夫昔年争买田地一事，多得

狗儿之力，今见刘老老如此，心中难却其意；二则也要显弄自已的体面。便笑 说：“老老你放心。大远的诚心诚意来了，岂有个不教你见个正佛去的？论理， 人来客至，回话却不与我相干。我们这里都是各占一样儿：我们男的只管春秋 两季地租子，闲时带着小爷们出门就完了；我只管跟太太奶奶们出门的事。

Mrs. Zhou hurried out to see who it was while Granny Liu hastened forward crying, “Sister Zhou! How are you?” It took the other some time to recognize her. Then she answered with a smile, “Why, it’s Granny Liu! I declare, after all these years I hardly knew you. Come on in and sit down.” Smiling as she walked in, Granny Liu remarked, "The higher the rank, the worse the memory. How could you remember us?” Once indoors, Mrs. Zhou told a maid to pour tea. Then looking at Baner she exclaimed, “What a big boy he is!” After a short exchange of polite inquiries, she asked Granny Liu whether she just happened to be passing or had come with any special object. “I came specially to see you, sister, and also to inquire after Her ladyship’s health. If you could take me to see her, that would be nice. If you can’t, I’ll just trouble you to pass on my respects.” This gave Mrs. Zhou a shrewd idea of the reason for her visit. Since Gouer had helped her husband to purchase some land, she could hardly refuse Granny Liu’s appeal for help. Besides, she was eager to show that she was someone of consequence in this household. “Don’t worry, granny,” she replied with a smile. “You’ve come all this way in good earnest and of course I’ll help you to see the real Buddha. Strictly speaking, it’s not my job to announce visitors. We all have different duties here. My husband, for instance, just sees to collecting rents in spring and autumn or escorting the young gentlemen in his spare time, while all I do is accompany the ladies on their outings.

－－～～～～ Mrs. Zhou hurried out to see who it was while Granny Liu hastened forward crying, “Sister Zhou! How are you?” It took some other time to recognize her. Then she answered with a smile, “Who, it’s Granny Liu! I declare, after all these years I hardly know you. Come on in and sit down please.” Smiling as she walked in, Granny Liu remarked, "The higher the rank, the worse the memory. How could you remember us?” Once indoors, Mrs. Zhou told a maid to pour tea. Then looking at Baner she exclaimed, “What a big boy he is!” After a short exchange of polite inquiries, she asked Granny Liu whether she just happened to be passing or had come with any special object. “I came specially to see you, sister, and also to inquire after Her ladyship’s health. If you could take me to see her, that would be nice. If you can’t, I’ll just trouble you to pass on my respects.” This gave Mrs. Zhou a shrewd idea of the reason for her visit. Since Gouer had helped her husband to purchase some land, she could hardly refuse Granny Liu’s appeal for help. Besides, she was eager to show that she was someone of consequence in this household. “Don’t worry, granny,” she replied with a smile. “You’ve come all this way in good earnest and of course I’ll help you to see the real Buddha. Strictly speaking, it’s not my job to announce visitors. We all have different duties here. My husband, for instance, just sees to collecting rents in springs and autumns or escorting the young gentlemen in his spare time, while all I do is accompanying the ladies on their outings.

Huáng Fāngfāng 黄芳芳

    皆因你老是太太的亲戚，又拿我当个人，投奔了我来，我竟破个例与你通个信去。

但只一件，老老有所不知，我们这里不比五年前了，如今太太不大理事，都是琏 二奶奶当家了。你道这琏二奶奶是谁？就是太太内侄女儿，当日大舅老爷的女 儿，小名凤哥的。”刘老老听了，罕问道：“原来是他？怪道呢，我当日就说他不错 的。这等说来，我今儿还得见了他。”周瑞家的道：“这个自然的，如今有客来，都 是这凤姑娘周旋接待，今儿宁可不见太太，倒要见他一面，才不枉走这一遭儿。” 刘老老道：“阿弥陀佛！这全仗嫂子方便了。”周瑞家的说：“老老说那里话来？ 俗语说的：‘与人方便，自己方便。’不过用我一句话儿，那里费了我什么事。”说 着，便唤小丫头到倒厅上悄悄的打听老太太屋里摆了饭没有，小丫头去了。

   这里二人又说了些闲话。刘老老因说：“这位凤姑娘，今年不过二十岁罢

了，就这等有本事，当这样的家，可是难得的。”周瑞家的听了道：“嗐！我的老 老，告诉不得你呢。 Now that you are one of Mrs Jia's relatives and moreover you think that I am someone and went to me for shelter, I am going to make an exception for you, giving a report. However, there is only one thing you have to notice. Grandma, you maybe don't know something. It's different now from five years ago because instead of Mrs Jia, it is Mrs Lian that takes charge of the whole family. Do you know who Mrs Lian is? She is Mrs Jia's niece, the present master's daughter, the one whose childhood name is Phoenix." Having heard about it, Grandma Liu says:" Is she that person? No wonder that I thought highly of her that day. If so, I have met her today." The wife of Zhou Rui explains:" It 's not weird. These days it's Lady Phoenix who treats visitors and socializes. You should prefer to calling on Lady Phoenix rather than paying a visit to Mrs Jia, which makes your travel worth." Grandma Liu whispered :" Amitabha! This is all looking to elder sister." The wife of Zhou Rui replied:" What are you saying mow? As a saying goes :'To give a hand to others is to give a hand to myself.' For me, nothing costs but for a sentence." Chatting with Grandma Liu, the wife of Zhou Rui asks a girl to inquire about whether dishes have been put in Mrs Jia's room. The girl goes.

They keep chatting for a while then. Grandma Liu comments :" 20 years old as she is , Lady Phoenix is able to act like this. It's extraordinary to keep house for such a family.” The wife of Zhou Rui says :" Hai! my Grandma, it's unsuitable to tell you.

Huáng Lìpèi 黄沥霈

   这位凤姑娘年纪虽小，行事却比是人都大呢。如今出挑得

美人一般的模样儿，少说些有一万个心眼子，再要赌口齿，十个会说的男人也说 不过他呢。回来你见了就知道了。就只一件，待下人未免严了些。”说着，小丫 头回来说：“老太太屋里巳摆完了饭，二奶奶在太太屋里呢。”周瑞家的听了，连 忙起身催着刘老老：“快走，这一下来他吃饭是空儿，咱们先等着去了。若迟一 步，回事的人多了，就难说话。再歇了中觉，越发没了时候了。”

   说着，一齐下了炕，整顿衣服，又教了板儿几句话，随着周瑞家，逶迤往贾琏

的住宅来。先至倒厅，周瑞家的将刘老老安插在那里略等一等，自己先过影壁， 走进了院门，知凤姐未出来，先找着了凤姐的一个心腹通房大丫头名唤平儿的。 周瑞家的先将刘老老起初来历说明，又说：“今日大远的来请安，当日太太是常 会的，今儿不可不见，所以我带了他进来等奶奶下来，我细细回明，谅奶奶也不 责我莽撞的。”平儿听了，便作了个主意：“叫他们进来，先在这里坐着就是了。”

But this Splendid Phoenix, although she was young, nevertheless she was superior to any man in her behavior. Now, she has excelled the others and developed the features of a beautiful young woman. To say the least, she has ten thousand eyes in her heart, and if they were willing to bet their mouths, even ten men gifted with the quality of conveying their thoughts and feeling effectively could not surpass her. When you have seen her, you will know all about her. There is only this thing, she can't help being too strict in her behavior towards those who below her. While she was speaking, the young maid returned. "Repast has been ready in her honorable-lady's residence," she reported, "second older lady is in Madam Wang's chamber." As soon as Propitious Zhou's wife heard this news, she speedily got up and pressed Granny Liu to go at once. "This is," she urged, "just the moment when she was taking her meal, and as she is free, so we had better first go and wait for her, as if we reached even one step late, there will come a crowd of servants with their reports, after that it will be difficult to speak to her. Also, after her afternoon rest, she definitely have less time to us."

As she informed, they descended the couch together. Granny Liu adjusted the dresses and having a few words of advice on Patience. Then they followed Propitious Zhou's wife through the passages to Fake Romance's house. They came into the side court where Propitious Zhou's wife placed Granny Liu to wait for a moment, while she herself went ahead, she went past the screen door and walked into the entrance of the court. Hearing that Lady Phoenix(Lady Feng) had not come out, she went in and searched a waiting-maid of Lady Phoenix, named Patience. Propitious Zhou's wife recounted the history of Granny Liu from beginning to end. "She has come along on this day," she went on to explain, "from a distance to show her respect. In former days, our lady often used to meet her. In this occasion, she need to meet her and this is why I have brought her in! I will wait here for Lady Phoenix to come down and explain everything to her; and I trust her that she will not blame me on this overbearing rudeness." After hearing what she said, Patience speedily conceived the plan of asking them to walk in and sit there pending for Lady Phoenix's arrival.

Also, after her afternoon rest, she definitely have less time to us.→Also, after her afternoon rest, she definitely has less time for us.--Huang Xiaolan (talk) 13:28, 16 March 2021 (UTC)

Huáng Xiàolán 黄笑兰

   周瑞家的方出去领了他们进来。上了正房台阶，小丫头打起猩红毡帘，才人堂

屋，只闻一阵香扑了脸来，竟不辨是何气味，身子就似在云端里一般。满屋中之 物都是耀眼争光，使人头晕目眩，刘老老此时点头咂嘴念佛而已。于是引他到 东边这间屋里，乃是贾琏的大女儿睡觉之所。平儿站在炕沿边，打量了刘老老 两眼，只得问个好，让了坐。刘老老见平儿遍身绫罗，插金戴银，花容月貌，便当 是凤姐儿了，才要称“姑奶奶”，只见周瑞家的说：“他是平姑娘。”又见平儿赶着 周瑞家的叫他“周大娘”，方知不过是个有体面的丫头。于是让刘老老和板儿 上了炕，平儿和周瑞家的对面坐在炕沿上，小丫头们倒了茶来吃了。

   刘老老只听见咯当咯当的响声，大有似乎打罗柜筛面的一般，不免东瞧西

望的，忽见堂屋中柱子上挂着一个匣子，底下又坠着一个秤铊般一物，却不住的 乱晃，刘老老心中想着：“这是什幺东西？有煞用处呢？”正呆时，陡听得“当”的 一声，又若金钟铜磬一般，倒唬了一跳，展眼，接着又是一连八九下，方欲问时， 只见小丫头们一齐乱跑，说：“奶奶下来了。”

Mrs. Zhou went out to lead them in. As they went up the steps to the main room, a little maid raised a red curtain. They smelt a burst of incense when entered, but Granny Liu actually does not what it was, which made her feel she was in the clouds. She was so dizzied by everything in the room that she can't help nodding her head and smacking her lips to recite Buddha. So she was led to the east side room, the bedroom of Jia Lian’s eldest daughter. Pinger stood by the kang, looking at Granny Liu, then greeted her and let her sit down. Granny Liu saw that Pinger was covered with damask, wearing gold and silver, and had a beautiful face, so he assumed that she was Xifeng. Before she greeted her "my lady" she heard Mr.s Zhou say she is a girl named Ping and the girl called her "Zhou Daniang", so she knew she was just a decent girl. So they let Granny Liu and Baner sit on the kang, while Ping'er and Mr. Zhou sat opposite each other on the edge of the kang. Maids poured out tea for them.

Granny Liu heard a clattering sound, which may be made by a machine. Looking around, she saw a box hanging on the pillar in the room, and there was another thing like a scale swinging underneath. She wondered: "What is this? What could it be used for?" Suddenly, while she was thinking, she heard a loud sound like the sound of a bronze bell or copper chimes and it repeated eight or nine times. When she was about to ask, several maids ran and said, "Grandmother Jia is coming."

 Mrs. Zhou went out to lead them in. As they went up the steps to the main room, a little maid raised a red curtain. They smelt a burst of incense when entered the room, but Granny Liu does not actually know what it was, which made her feel she were in the clouds. She was so dizzied by everything in the room that she can't help nodding her head and smacking her lips to recite Buddha. So she was led to the room on the east side,  the bedroom of Jia Lian’s eldest daughter. Pinger stood by the kang, looking at Granny Liu, then greeted her and let her sit down. Granny Liu saw that Pinger was dressed in damask, wearing gold and silver jewelry to match her beauty, so he assumed that she was Xifeng. Before she greeted her "my lady" she heard Mr.s Zhou saying she was a girl named Ping and the girl called her "Zhou Daniang", so she knew she was just a decent girl. So they let Granny Liu and Baner sit on the kang, Ping'er and Mr. Zhou sitting opposite each other on the edge of the kang. Maids poured out tea for them.
 

Granny Liu heard a clattering sound, which may be made by a machine. Looking around, she saw a box hanging on the pillar in the room, and there was another thing like a scale swinging underneath. She wondered: "What is this? What could it be used for?" Suddenly, while she was thinking, she heard a loud sound like the sound of a bronze bell or copper chimes and it repeated eight or nine times. When she was about to ask, several maids ran and said, "Grandmother Jia is coming."--Huang Zilong (talk) 05:33, 17 March 2021 (UTC)

Family (Servants) of Auspicious Surrounding went out to lead them in. As they went up the steps to the main room, a little maid raised a red curtain. They smelt a burst of incense when entered, but Granny Liu actually do not what it was, which made her feel she was in the clouds. She was so dizzied by everything in room that she can't help nodding her head and smacking her lips to recite Buddha. So she was led to the east side room, the bedroom of Romance Merchant's eldest daughter. Patience stood by the kang, looking at Granny Liu, then greeted her and let her sit down. Granny Liu saw that Patience was covered with damask, wearing gold and silver, and had a beautiful face, so he assumed that she was Sister Phoenix. Before she greeted her "my lady" she heared Family (Servants) of Auspicious Surrounding say she is a girl named Patience and the girl called her "Zhou Daniang", so she knew she was just a decent girl. So they let Granny Liu and Baner sit on the kang, while Patience and Family (Servants) of Auspicious Surrounding sat opposite each other on the edge of the kang. Maids poured out tea for them.

Granny Liu heard a clattering sound, which may be made by a machine. Looking around, she saw a box hanging on the pillar in the room, and there was another thing like a scale swinging underneath. She wondered: "What is this? What could it be used for?" Suddenly, while she was thinking, she heard a loud sound like the sound of bronze bell or copper chimes and it repeated eight or nine times. When she was about to ask, several maids ran and said, "Grandma Merchant is coming."

Huáng Zǐlóng 黄梓龙 Mr.

   平儿与周瑞家的忙起身说：“刘老老只管坐着，等是时候，我们来请你。”说着迎出去了。
   刘老老只屏声侧耳默候，只听远远有人笑声，约有一二十个妇人，衣裙窸

窣，渐入堂屋，往那边屋内去了。又见三两个妇人，都捧着大红漆捧盒，进这边 来等侯。听得那边说道“摆饭”，渐渐的人才散出去，只有伺候端菜的几人。半 日鸦雀不闻。忽见两个人抬了一张炕桌来，放在这边炕上，桌上碗盘摆列，仍是 满满的鱼肉在内，不过略动了几样。板儿一见了便吵着要肉吃，刘老老一巴掌 打了开去。忽见周瑞家的笑嘻嘻走过来，招手儿叫他，刘老老会意，于是带着板 儿下炕，至堂屋中，周瑞家的又和他咕唧了一会，方蹭到这边屋内。

   只见门外铜钩上悬着大红洒花软帘，南窗下是炕，炕上大红条毡，靠东边

板壁立着一个锁子锦靠背与一个引枕，铺着金心线闪缎大坐褥，傍边有银唾盒。 那凤姐家常带着紫貂昭君套，围着那攒珠勒子，穿着桃红洒花袄，石青刻丝灰鼠 披风，大红洋绉银鼠皮裙；粉光脂艳，端端正正坐在那里，手内拿着小铜火箸儿 拨手炉内的灰。

  Pinger and Zhourui's wife stood up immediately and said,"Just sit
and relax,Granny Liu,we will come to tell you when it's time."
  Granny Liu waited silently with ears flapping and heard laughter 
far away.Some ten or twenty women,dress rustling,came into the central 
room one by one and went towards the rooms on the other side.Another 
two or three all holding bright boxes came into rooms on this side and
waited.Someone shouted,"Serve the dishes," when the crowd gradually 
dispersed,only several left to serve the dishes.After that was silence
that lasted for half a day.Suddenly two persons lifted a Kang Table
inside and placed it on the kang here, dishes of fish and meat placed
on it,with some eaten a little.Once seeing the meat, Baner clamored
for it, only to be slapped by Granny Liu. At this moment,Zhourui's 
wife came with a smile and waved her hands to call Granny Liu,who got
her meaning and then get off the kang with Baner and went into the 
central room. Zhourui's wife chatted with her for a while before she 
came into the room.
  Soft red-flowered curtain were hanging on the copper hook on the door.

Under the southern window was a kang with a red strip felt on it.A suozi brocade with a cushion leaned against the partition on the east side, which was covered by a large seat pad of gold cloth and accompanied by a silver salivary box. Sister Feng often carried a purple Wang zhaojun set, wearing a string of beads, a short pink coat and a cyan squirrel cloak, along with a red snow-weasel leather dress.She was sitting there uprightly with a bright make-up and fiddle with the ashes in the handwarmer with small copper sticks.

Just sit down. We will invite you in appropriate time. Liu waits in the room ,holding her breath to hear. Ten or twenty women with their dresses rustling come in … Soft red-flowered curtain were suspending on the copper hook outside the door. –Li Yihao

Lǐ Yìhào 李艺浩

   平儿站在炕沿边，捧着小小的一个填漆茶盘，盘内一个小盖钟。

凤姐也不接茶，也不抬头，只管拨手炉的灰，慢慢的道：“怎么还不请进来？”一面 说，一面抬身要茶时，只见周瑞家的已带了两个人立在面前了，这才忙欲起身， 犹未起身，满面春风的问好，又嗔周瑞家的：“怎么不早说！”刘老老已是在地下 拜了数拜，问姑奶奶安。凤姐忙说：“周姐蛆，搀着不拜罢。我年轻，不大认得， 可也不知是什么辈数，不敢称呼。”周瑞家的忙回道：“这就是我才回的那个老 老了。”凤姐点头，刘老老已在炕沿上坐下了。板儿便躲在他背后，百般的哄他 出来作揖，他死也不肯。

   凤姐笑道：“亲戚们不大走动，都疏远了。知道的呢，说你们弃嫌我们，不

肯常来；不知道的那起小人，还只当我们眼里没有人似的。”刘老老忙念佛道： “我们家道艰难，走不起，来了这里，没的给姑奶奶打嘴，就是管家爷们看着也 不像。” Ping, standing on the edge of Kang, holds a small tea tray carved patterns that are filled with colourful lacker. And inside the tray, there is a small tea cup . Wang Xifeng, lowering her head and not picking up the tea, only absorbs herself in toying with the carbon ash inside her hand warmer. And she says indifferently and slowly: Why do not you invite her to come in? And she is straightening up to take tea as speaking. At this moment, Zhou Jiarui has brought two people to stand in front of her and until then, she seemingly, in the air of hurrying, remembers to stand up. Before standing up, she pretends the air of cheerful to greet with Liu and complains of Zhou Jiarui saying” Why don’t you tell me early?”Just Wang Xifeng speaking, Liu has greeted with her, worshiping several times on bended knees.And then Wang Xifeng says immediately: Hurry up to help Liu stand up. I am young and do not know a lot about Liu’s seniority in the clan, so I dare not greet with Liu. As a result, Zhou Ruijia relies quickly: this is that grandmother I’ve been motioned before.” Wang Xifeng nods and Liu sits down on the edge of Kang. Liu coaxes Ban, hiding behind her, into greeting, but Ban firmly refuses this. Wang Xifeng smiles and says: Few visit to each other leads us remote. Someone, knowing this, thinks the reason why you unwillingly visit us is to mind and dislike us. Someone, not knowing this, regarded us arrogance. Liu explains that our family is poor, no extra money supported us to arrive. Even if we came, it was a disgrace for your family, even your steward. ——Li Yihao

Ping, standing on the edge of Kang, holds a small tea tray carved patterns that are filled with colourful lacker. And inside the tray, there is a small tea cup. Wang Xifeng, lowering her head and not picking up the tea, only absorbs in toying with the carbon ash inside her hand warmer. And she says indifferently and slowly: “Why do not you invite her to come in? ” As she straightening up to take tea as speaking, Zhou Rui’s wife has brought two people to stand in front of her and until then, she seems to hurriedly stands up. As standing up, she pretends to be cheerful to greet with Granny Liu and complains of Zhou Rui’s wife, saying:“Why don’t you tell me earlier?”Just as Wang Xifeng speaking, Granny Liu greets with her, worshiping several times on bended knees. Wang Xifeng says immediately: “Hurry up to help Liu stand up. I am junior and do not know a lot about your seniority in the clan, so I dare not call you with an appropriate name. As a result, Zhou Rui’s wife relies quickly: “this is that grandmother I’ve been motioned before.” Wang Xifeng nods and Granny Liu sits down on the edge of Kang. She coaxes Ban-er who hides behind her, into greeting, but Ban-er firmly refuses her. Wang Xifeng smiles and says: “Few visit to each other estranged us. Someone, knowing this, thinks the reason why you unwillingly visit us is to mind and dislike us. Someone, not knowing this, regards us arrogant. ”Granny Liu explains: “We are poor family. There is no extra money to support us to visit. Even if we came, it was no gift for you madam, even your stewards. ”--Liu Tingyang (talk) 13:56, 16 March 2021 (UTC)Liu Tingyang

Liú Tíngyáng 刘廷阳

   凤姐笑道：“这话没的教人恶心，不过借赖着祖父虚名，作个穷官儿罢了，谁

家有什么？不过是个旧日的空架子。俗语说，‘朝廷还有三门子穷亲’呢，何况 你我。”说着，又问周瑞家的：“回了太太了没有？”周瑞家的道：“如今等奶奶的 示下。”凤姐儿道：“你去瞧瞧，要是有人有事就罢；得闲呢就回，看怎么说。”周 瑞家的答应去了。

   这里凤姐叫人抓些果子与板儿吃，刚问了几句闲话时，就有家下许多媳妇

儿管事的来回话。平儿回了，凤姐道：“我这里陪客呢，晚上再来回。若有要紧 的事，你就带进现办。”平儿出去，一会进来说：“我问了，没什么紧事，我就叫他 们散了。”凤姐点头。只见周瑞家的回来，向凤姐道：“太太说了：今日不得闲，二 奶奶陪着便一样的，多谢费心想着。自来逛逛呢便罢；若有甚说的，只管告诉二 奶奶，都是一样。”刘老老道：“也没甚的说，不过是来睄睄姑太太姑奶奶，也是亲 戚们情分。”

Xifeng smiled: “It is a severe judgment on us. We’ve only being a poor officer family depending on grandfather’s reputation. What does it amount to? It’s empty in everywhere.As the saying goes, ‘Even the royal has poor relations.’ So please don’t be impersonal.” She turned to Zhou Rui’s wife: “Have you told Her Ladyship?” Zhou Rui’s wife answered: “No, madam. I’m waiting for her replying.” Xifeng said: “ Well, it’s time to have a look. If she has anyone with her, you had better come back; if she don’t, tell her about it and sees what she says. ”Zhou Rui’s wife responded and leaved. Then, Xifeng asked her servant to give Ban-er candied fruits. Several domestics and underlings came back to feedback when she Just talked a few with Grannie Liu. Ping-er came in the room, and Xifeng said: “I’m with the guests, so let them inform me later. If something matters, tell me as soon as possible and we deal with it now.” Ping-er went out and soon came back to say that there was no emergency and they had been send away. Xifeng nodded. From then, Zhou Rui’s wife returned and reported: “Her Ladyship said, she doesn’t have free time to come, and it is the same for you to receive them as herself. She says if they come only to visit, she has nothing to add more; but if they have anything to say, they could tell you madam to instead.It’s the same.” Granny Liu said: “ There is nothing to say particularly.I only come to visit Her Ladyship and madam. Just a visit of relations.” --Liu Tingyang (talk) 13:31, 16 March 2021 (UTC)Liu Tingyang

Xifeng smiled: “It is a severe judgment on us and sounds disgusting. We’ve only been a poor officer family depending on grandfather's reputation. What does it amount to? This household is nothing but an empty husk left over from the past.As the saying goes, ‘Even the royal has poor relatives.’ So please don’t be impersonal.” She turned to Zhou Rui's wife: “Have you told Her Ladyship?” Zhou Rui’s wife answered: “No, madam. I’m waiting for her replying.” Xifeng said: “ Well, it’s time to have a look. If she has anyone with her, you had better come back; if she don’t, tell her about it and listen to what she says. ”Zhou Rui's wife responded and leaved. Then, Xifeng asked her servant to give Ban-er candied fruits. Several domestics and underlings came back to feedback when she just talked a few with Grannie Liu. Ping-er came in the room, and Xifeng said: “I’m with the guests, so let them inform me later. If something matters, tell me as soon as possible and we deal with it now.” Ping-er went out and soon came back again to say that there was no emergency and they had been dismissed. Xifeng nodded. From then, Zhou Rui's wife returned and reported: “Her Ladyship said, she doesn’t have free time to come, and it is the same for you to receive them as herself. Thanks for your concern.She says if they come only to visit, she has nothing to add more; but if they have anything to say, they could tell you madam.It’s the same.” Granny Liu said: “ There is nothing to say particularly.I only come to visit Her Ladyship and madam. Just a tie between relatives.”--Liu Zhuofan (talk) 14:09, 16 March 2021 (UTC)

Liú Zhuōfán 刘卓凡 Mr.

   周瑞家的说道：“没有甚说的便罢；若有话，只管回二奶奶，是和太太

一样的。”一面说，一面递眼色与刘老老。

   刘老老会意，未语先飞红的脸，欲待不说，今日又所为何来？只得忍耻道：

“论理今日初次见姑奶奶，却不该说的；只是大远的奔了你老这里来，少不得说 了……”刚说到这里，只听二门上小厮们回说：“东府里小大爷进来了。”凤姐忙 止道：“刘老老不必说了。”一面便问：“你蓉大爷在那里呢？”只听一路靴子脚 响，进来了一个十七八岁的少年，面目清秀，身材夭娇，轻裘宝带，美服华冠。刘 老老此时坐不是，立不是，藏没处藏。凤姐笑道：“你只管坐着，这是我侄儿。”刘 老老方扭扭捏捏在炕沿上坐了。

   贾蓉笑道：“我父亲打发我来求婶子，说上回老舅太太给婶子的那架玻璃

炕屏，明日请一个要紧的客，借去略摆一摆就送过来的。”凤姐道：“迟了一日，昨 儿已给了人了。”

Omen Zhou’s wife said,“ If you have nothing to say, it's alright; but if you do have something to say, telling our second mistress is just the same as telling Madam.” When she was talking, she gave a signal with the eyes to Grandma Liu. Grandma Liu got the hint and her face turned red immediately before her speaking. If she didn’t say but just stayed there, then what did she come for today? So, she had to endure her shame and say, “Logically speaking, I should not say that when I first meet you, my madam. But I have covered so far to come here, I just have to say….” At the same time, manservants of the second house replied that the young master of the East mansion came in. Lady Phoenix quickly stopped Grandma Liu from continuing and said that：“You do not have to say.” Then, she asked “where is your Childe Lotus?” Only to hear the sound of the boots all the way, here came a seventeen or eighteen teenager who is very handsome and in an perfect shape with a light fur coat, a precious belt, beautiful clothes and a gorgeous hat. Grandma Liu felt it was not right for her to stand or sit. But she even did not have a place to hide herself. Lady Phoenix laughed and said,” You just sit down. It’s my nephew.” Grandma Liu was affectedly bashful to sit on the edge of the kang. Lotus Jia smiled and said, “My father sent me to beg you for the glass screen of the kang which was given by Lady Dowager. Tomorrow he is going to entertain an important guest, we will send it back to you after its displaying. Lady Phoenix said, “It has been given to others and you come late.

Omen Zhou’s wife said,” If you have nothing to say, it's alright; but if you do have something to say, telling our second mistress is just the same as telling Madam.” When she was talking, she gave a signal with her eyes to Grandma Liu. Grandma Liu got the hint and her face turned red immediately before her speaking. If she didn’t say but just stayed there, then what did she come for today? So, she had to endure her shame and say, “Logically speaking, I should not say that when I first met you, my madam. But I have covered so far to come here, I just have to say....” At the same time, manservants of the second house replied that the young master of the East mansion came in. Lady Phoenix quickly stopped Grandma Liu from continuing and said:" You do not have to say.” Then, she asked “where is your Childe Lotus?” Only to hear the sound of the boots all the way, here came a seventeen or eighteen teenager who is very handsome and in a perfect shape with a light fur coat, a precious belt, beautiful clothes and a gorgeous hat. Grandma Liu felt it was not right for her to stand or sit. But she did not even have a place to hide herself. Lady Phoenix laughed and said,” You just sit down. It’s my nephew.” Grandma Liu was affectedly bashful to sit on the edge of the kang. Lotus Jia smiled and said, “My father sent me to beg you for the glass screen of the kang which was given by Lady Dowager. Tomorrow he is going to entertain an important guest, and we will send it back to you after its display. Lady Phoenix said, “It has been given to others and you come late.

--Peng Jiayu (talk) 04:59, 17 March 2021 (UTC)

Propitious Zhou’s wife said,“ If you have nothing to say, it's alright; but if you do have something to say, telling our second mistress is just the same as telling Madam.” When she was talking, she gave a signal with the eyes to Grandma Liu. Grandma Liu got the hint and her face turned red immediately before her speaking. If she didn’t say but just stayed there, then what did she come for today? So, she had to endure her shame and say, “Logically speaking, I should not say that when I first meet you, my madam. But I have covered so far to come here, I just have to say….” At the same time, manservants of the second house replied that the young master of the East mansion came in. Splendid Phoenix quickly stopped Grandma Liu from continuing and said that：“You do not have to say.” Then, she asked “where is your Childe Lotus?” Only to hear the sound of the boots all the way, here came a seventeen or eighteen teenager who is very handsome and in an perfect shape with a light fur coat, a precious belt, beautiful clothes and a gorgeous hat. Grandma Liu felt it was not right for her to stand or sit. But she even did not have a place to hide herself. Splendid Phoenix laughed and said,” You just sit down. It’s my nephew.” Grandma Liu was affectedly bashful to sit on the edge of the kang. Lotus Jia smiled and said, “My father sent me to beg you for the glass screen of the kang which was given by Lady Dowager. Tomorrow he is going to entertain an important guest, we will send it back to you after its displaying. Splendid Phoenix said, “It has been given to others and you come late.--Liu Zhuofan (talk) 13:51, 24 April 2021 (UTC)

Péng Jiāyù 彭佳钰

   贾蓉听说，便嘻嘻的笑着在炕沿子上下个半跪道：“婶子若不

借，我父亲又说我不会说话了，又挨了一顿好打呢。婶子，只当可怜侄儿罢。”凤 姐笑道：“也没见我们王家的东西都是好的？你们那里也放着那些好东西，只 看不见我的东西才罢，一见了就要想拿去。”贾蓉笑道：“只求开恩罢。”凤姐道： “碰坏一点，你可仔细你的皮！”因命平儿拿了楼门上钥匙，传几个妥当人来抬 去。贾蓉喜的眉开眼笑，忙说：“我亲自带了人拿去，别由他们乱碰。”说着便起 身出去了。

   这凤姐忽又想起一事来，便向窗外叫：“蓉儿回来。”外面几个人接声说：

“请蓉大爷快回来。”贾蓉忙转回来，垂手侍立，听何指示。那凤姐只管慢慢地 吃茶，出了半日神，方笑道“罢了，你且去罢。晚饭后你来再说罢。这会子有 人，我也没精神了。”贾蓉方慢慢退去。

   这刘老老身心方安，便说道：“我今日带了你侄儿，不为别的，只因他爹娘

在家里连吃的也没有，天气又冷了，只得带了你侄儿奔了你老来。”

Jia Rong heard her, so he smiled and half-kneeled on the fire bed and said, "Auntie, if you don't lend me these things, my father will say that I don't know the art of talking again, and I will be beaten. Auntie, take pity on my nephew, please." Wang Xifeng smiled and said, "Don't you see that all the things our Wang family has are the most precious ones? You also have a lot of good things kept on your own. You just don't usually see the good things I have, as soon as you find mine you may take them away." Jia Rong smiled and said, "Please be merciful, auntie." Wang Xifeng said, "If you break anything, you'll be beaten!" So she ordered Ping'er to bring the key to the door of the building and summoned some discreet men to carry the things away. Jia Rong was so happy that he laughed and said, "I'll bring someone over myself to bring it back, don't let them touch it." He got up and went out while he was saying that.

At this point, Wang Xifeng suddenly remembered something else and called out towards the window, "Come back, Rong'er." One by one, several people outside said, "Please come back quickly, Master Rong." Jia Rong hurriedly turned around and came back, standing with his hands on either side of his body, waiting to hear her orders. Wang Xifeng was over there just slowly drinking a cup of tea and in a daze for a while before she smiled and said, "Forget it, you can leave first. Come back to the matter after dinner. I don't have much energy now. By the way, someone else is here." Only then did Jia Rong slowly retreat and back home.

Over here, Grandma Liu had just settled down when she said, "I brought your nephew here today, not for any other reason, but just because his parents had nothing to eat at home and the weather had turned cold. Thus I had to bring your nephew over to join you."

--Peng Jiayu (talk) 04:53, 17 March 2021 (UTC)

Shū Lín 舒琳

   说着，又推板儿道：“你爹在家里怎么教你的？打发咱们来作煞事的？只顾吃果子呢。”凤姐

早已明白了，听他不会说话，因笑止道：“不必说了，我知道了。”因问周瑞家的 道：“这老老不知可用了早饭没有呢？”刘老老忙道：“一早就往这里赶咧，那里 还有吃饭的工夫咧。”凤姐忙命：“快传饭来。”

   一时周瑞家的传了一桌客馔来，摆在东边屋里，过来带了刘老老和板儿过

去吃饭，凤姐说道：“周姐姐好生让着些儿，我不能陪了。”于是过东边屋里来，凤 姐又叫过周瑞家的去道“方才回了太太，说了些什么？”周瑞家的道：“太太说： 他们原不是一家，是当年他们的祖与老太爷在一处做官，因连了宗的。这几年 不大走动。当时他们来了，却也从没空过的；今来瞧瞧我们，也是他的好意，不 可简慢了他。便有什么话说，叫二奶奶裁夺着就是了。”凤姐听了说道：“怪道， 既是一家子，我如何连影儿也不知道。”

As she said these words， she again pushed Pan Erh forward. "What did your father at home tell you to say？" she asked of him； "and what did he send us over here to do？ Was it only to give our minds to eating fruit？"

Lady Feng had long ago understood what she meant to convey， and finding that she had no idea how to express herself in a decent manner， she readily interrupted her with a smile. "You needn't mention anything，" she observed， "I'm well aware of how things stand；" and addressing herself to Mrs. Chou， she inquired， "Has this old lady had breakfast， yes or no？"

Old goody Liu hurried to explain. "As soon as it was daylight，" she proceeded， "we started with all speed on our way here， and had we even so much as time to have any breakfast？"

Lady Feng promptly gave orders to send for something to eat. In a short while Chou Jui's wife had called for a table of viands for the guests， which was laid in the room on the eastern side， and then came to take goody Liu and Pan Erh over to have their repast.

"My dear Mrs. Chou，" enjoined lady Feng， "give them all they want， as I can't attend to them myself；" which said， they hastily passed over into the room on the eastern side.

Lady Feng having again called Mrs. Chou， asked her： "When you first informed madame about them， what did she say？" "Our Lady observed，" replied Chou Jui's wife， "that they don't really belong to the same family； that， in former years， their grandfather was an official at the same place as our old master； that hence it came that they joined ancestors； that these few years there hasn't been much intercourse （between their family and ours）； that some years back， whenever they came on a visit， they were never permitted to go empty-handed， and that as their coming on this occasion to see us is also a kind attention on their part， they shouldn't be slighted. If they've anything to say，" （our lady continued）， "tell lady Secunda to do the necessary， and that will be right."

"There’s no wander！" exclaimed lady Feng， as soon as she had heard the message； "since we are all one family， how is it I'm not familiar even with so much as their shadow？"--Shu Lin (talk) 14:09, 12 March 2021 (UTC)

①As she said these words， she again pushed Pan Erh forward. → As she was talking, she gave Baner a push and said ②What did your father at home tell you to say？and what did he send us over here to do？ → What did your dad teach you at home? What do we come here for? ③to give our minds to eating fruit → to give your mind to eating fruits ④finding that she had no idea → finding that Granny Liu had no idea ⑤yes or no → （delete） ⑥had we even so much as time to have any breakfast？ → How could we have time for breakfast? ⑦When you first informed madame about them → When you informed madame about them just now ⑧since we are all one family，how is it I'm not familiar even with so much as their shadow？ → If we were a family, how could I have never heard of them！ --Su Xiao (talk) 05:21, 17 March 2021 (UTC)

Sū Xiāo 苏潇

   说话间，刘老老已吃完了饭，拉了板儿过来，舚唇咂嘴的道谢。凤姐笑道：

“且请坐下，听我告诉你老人家，方才的意思，我已经知道了。论亲戚之间，原该 不待上门来就有照应才是；但如今家中事情太多，太太上了年纪，一时想不到是 有的。况我接着管事，都不大知道这些亲戚们，一则外面看着，虽是烈烈轰轰， 不知大有大的难处，说与人也未必信呢。今你既大远的来了，又是头一次儿向 我张口，怎好教你空手回去。可巧昨儿太太给我的丫头们作衣裳的二十两银 子，还没动呢，你不嫌少，且先拿了去用罢。”

   那刘老老先听见告艰苦，只当是没想头了，又听见给他二十两银子，喜得

眉开眼笑道：“我们也知艰难的，但只俗语道：‘瘦死的骆驼比马还大些。’凭他 怎样，你老拔一根寒毛比我们的腰还壮哩！”周瑞家的在旁听见他说的粗鄙，只 管使眼色止他。凤姐笑而不睬，叫平儿把昨日那包银子拿来，再拿一串钱来，都 送至刘老老跟前。

  Granny Liu had finished her breakfast while talking. She then pulled Baner over, clicked the tongue and expressing the thanks. Xifeng smiled and said, “Please sit down. I have something to tell you. I have figured out the reason why you came here. When it comes to relatives, we should take care of each other before you came to visit. But there were so many things going on these days, and our lady, Mrs.Jia, in her old age, coundn’t think about anything at the moment, which is inevitable. Now I am responsible for the whole family, but not familiar with all of our reletives. You may not believe it: it looks so grand outside, but there are still difficulties for being so grand. Now you came far away and asked for help for the first time from me, how could I let you go back empty-handed? What a coincidence that Mrs.Jia gave me two hundred taels of silver yesterday, to make new clothes for our girls. I haven’t used them. If you don’t mind the small amount, take it to solve your problem.” 
  Granny Liu was thinking it impossible when Xifeng talked about their difficulties, but suddenly heard that Xifeng would give them two hundred taels of silver. She said with a big smile that: “We know your difficulties. But as the saying goes, a starved camel is bigger than a horse. No matter how, a hair from your body is thicker than our waist.” Mrs Zhou heard her impolite words, trying to stop her by winking. Xifeng just smiled, not giving a response. She made Ping’er bring that pack of silver and another string of money,giving them to Granny Liu.--Su Xiao (talk) 16:31, 16 March 2021 (UTC)

Tāng Huì 汤惠

凤姐道：“这是二十两银子，暂且给这孩子们作件冬衣罢。改日无事，只管来逛逛，方是亲戚们的意思。天也晚了，不虚留你们了，到家该问好的都问个好儿。”一面说，一面就站了起来了。刘老老只是千恩万谢的，拿了银钱，随周瑞家的走至外厢。周瑞家的道：“我的娘！你怎么见了他倒不会说了？开口就是‘你侄儿’；我说句不怕你恼的话，便是亲侄儿也要说和软些。那蓉大爷才是他的侄儿呢，他怎么又跑出这样侄儿来了。”刘老老笑道：“我的嫂子！我见了他，心眼儿爱还爱不过来，那里还说上话儿来。”二人说着，又至周瑞家坐了片刻，刘老老要留下一块银与周家的孩子们买果子吃，周瑞家的如何放在服里，执意不肯，刘老老感谢不尽，仍从后门去了。未知刘老老去后如何，且听下回分解。

◎第七回 送宫花贾琏戏熙凤 宴宁府宝玉会秦钟 话说周瑞家的送了刘老老去后，便上来回王夫人话，谁知王夫人不在上房， 问丫鬟们，方知往薛姨妈那边闲话去了。 She said,“Here are twenty taels to make the child some winter clothes. When you are free the other day, come again as relatives should. It’s getting late, I won’t keep you for nothing. Send my greetings to everyone at home.” She stood up and Granny Liu thanked her profusely, took the silver and cash, followed Mrs.Zhou to the outside rooms. “Jesus!”said Mrs.Zhou. “Why don’t you know how to talk when you see her? The first word you said is ‘your nephew’! At the risk of offending you I must say: even if he were a real nephew you should say it in a moderate way. Master Rong should be her real nephew now— where did she get a nephew like this one?” “My dear sister!” Granny Liu beamed, “I could not like her more at the first sight of her, I don’t know what I was saying then.” Chatting together they reached Zhou’s house and sat for a few moments. Granny Liu wanted to leave a piece of silver to buy some fruits for children, while Mrs.Zhou thought nothing of it and refused her. Then with countless thanks Granny Liu left by the back gate. To know what followed, please read the next chapter.

◎Chapter 7 Jia Lian Flirts Xifeng by Sending Palace Flowers Baoyu first meets Qin Zhong at a Feast in the Ning Mansion

After seeing off Granny Liu, Mrs. Zhou went to report to Lady Wang, only to find she was not in the rooms. After asking the maids, Mrs. Zhou found out that Lady Wang had gone to chat with Lady Xue.

1. When you are free the other day, come again as relatives should.~ as relatives should do

2.“My dear sister!”~“嫂子”should be translated as "sister-in-law". But maybe to put it "sister" here is show the intimacy and is acceptable

3."Jesus"~"我的娘" should to translated into "mother dear", but maybe to put it "Jesus" here helps foreigners better understand the meaning. --Tang Qizhou (talk) 12:29, 15 March 2021 (UTC)

Táng Qǐzhōu 唐启洲 Mr.

周瑞家的听说，便出东角门，至东院，往梨香院来。刚至院门前，只见王夫人的丫鬟金钏儿和那一个才留了头的小女孩儿站在台矶上玩。见周瑞家的来了，便知有话来回，因向内努嘴儿。

周瑞家的轻轻掀帘进去，只见王夫人和薛姨妈长篇大套的说些家务人情等话，周瑞家的不敢惊动，遂进里间来，只见薛宝钗家常打扮，头上只挽着纂儿，坐在炕里边，伏在小炕几上同丫鬟莺儿正描花样子呢。见他进里来，宝钗便放下笔，转身来，满面堆笑让：“周姐姐坐。”周瑞家的也忙陪笑问道：“姑娘好？”一面炕沿边坐了，因说：“这有两三天也没见姑娘到那边逛逛去，只怕是你宝兄弟冲撞了你不成？”宝钗笑道：“那里的话！只因我那种病又发了两天，所以且静养两日。”周瑞家的道：“正是呢，姑娘到底有什么病根儿？也该趁早请个大夫认真医治。小小的年纪，倒作下个病根，也不是玩的。”宝钗听说笑道：“再不要提起，为这病根，也不知请了多少大夫，吃了多少药，花了多少钱钞，总不见一点效验。

Hearing this, Mrs. Zhou went out through the east side gate and the east courtyard to Pear Fragrance Court. On the steps of the entrance, Jin Chuan, Lady Wang's maid, was playing with the girl whose hair was left to grow. Knowing Mrs. Zhou's arrival was on besiness, she pouted her lips inward.

Mrs. Zhou lifted the curtain up gently and stepped in. Realizing Lady Wang and Aunt Xue were chatting rhetorically about chores and relationships, she did not dare to bother and so went into the inner room where Xue Baochai, whose dress was casual and whose hair was pinned, was sitting beside the fireplace, copying a painting of flowers with her maid Ying'er. Seeing Mrs. Zhou’s coming, Baochai put down the brush and turned to her. "Please take a seat," she said with her face filled with smile. Sitting along the fireplace, Mrs. Zhou hurriedly took on a smile and said," How are you, miss? You haven't been visiting our place for several days. Is it because Baoyu annoyed you somehow?" "How come?" Baochai laughed," It is only because I fell ill again and stayed in bed for two days. " "That's it. What in hell is our miss's disease? They'd better ask for a doctor and cure you carefully. You are still at such a young age, no kidding." "Don't mention it!" Baochai laughed. "Who knows how many doctors they have hired, how much medicine I have taken, and how much money they have paid, though I never get better."--Tang Qizhou (talk) 14:37, 11 March 2021 (UTC)

Hearing this, the family servant of Auspicious Surrounding went out through the east side gate and the east courtyard to Pear Fragrance Court.Just arriving in the front of yard, she happened to see that Golden Bracelet, Lady King's maid, was playing with the girl whose hair was left to grow on the steps of the entrance. Knowing the family servant's arrival was on business, Golden Bracelet pouted her lips inward. The family servant of Auspicious Surrounding lifted the curtain up gently and stepped in. Realizing Lady King and Aunt Marshgrass were chatting rhetorically about chores and relationships, she did not dare to bother and so went into the inner room where Precious Hairpin Marshgrass, whose dress was casual and whose hair was pinned, was sitting beside the fireplace, copying a painting of flowers with her maid Oriole. Seeing the family servant had entered the room, Precious Hairpin put down the brush and turned to her. "Please take a seat," she said with her face filled with smile. Sitting along the fireplace, the family servant hurriedly took on a smile and said," How are you, miss? You haven't been visiting our place for several days. Is it because Precious Jade annoyed you somehow?" "How come?" Precious Hairpin laughed," It is only because I fell ill again and stayed in bed for two days. " "That's it. What in hell is our miss's disease? They'd better ask for a doctor to cure you seriously. You are still at such a young age, no kidding." "Don't mention it!" Precious Hairpin laughed. " To cure the disease， who knows how many doctors they have consulted, how much medicine I have taken, and how much money it have cost, though I never get better."--Teng Bixia (talk) 14:23, 16 March 2021 (UTC)--Tang Qizhou (talk) 12:55, 26 April 2021 (UTC)

Téng Bìxiá 滕璧霞

   后来还亏了一个秃头和尚，专治无名之病，因请他看了，他说我这是从胎

里带来的一股热毒，幸而我先天结壮，还不相干；若吃凡药，是不中用的。他就 说了一个海上方，又给了一包末药作引，异香异气的。他说发了时吃一丸就好。 倒也奇怪，这倒效验些。”

   周瑞家的因问道：“不知是什么海上方？姑娘说了，我们也好记着，说与人

知道；倘遇见这样的病，也是行好的事。”宝钗笑道：“不问这方儿还好，若问这 方，真真把人琐碎坏了。东西药料一概却都有限，易得的，只难得‘可巧’二字： 要春天开的白牡丹花蕊心十二两，夏天开的白荷花蕊十二两，秋天的白芙蓉蕊 十二两，冬天的白梅花蕊十二两。将这四样花蕊于次年春分这日晒干，和在末 药一处，一齐研好；又要雨水这日的天落水十二钱，……”周瑞家的忙笑道；“嗳 哟！这样说来这就得三年的工夫！倘或雨水这日不下雨，可又怎处呢？” Thanks to a bald monk who specialized in curing diseases of namelessness, my parents invited him to diagnose me. He said it was a toxic heat I carried from the womb. Fortunately, I was born strong, so there was no big problem, but it would not work if I took ordinary medicine. Then he provided an overseas prescription, and also gave another pack of powder as a primer which smelt so fragrant. He told me to took just a pill when I got sick. Strangely enough, the prescription somewhat worked.

    Mrs.Zhou asked: "What overseas prescription is it? You said it so that we can remember it and tell others. If someone encountered such a disease, you would do a good thing. Treasure Chai smiled and said: "you would better not ask this prescription. If you do, you could know how trivial it is. All medicines and ingredients are limited and they are easy-to-obtain. But it’s rare to have everything just right: we need twelve stamens of white peony in spring, twelve stamens of white lotus in summer,  twelve stamens of white hibiscus in autumn, and twelve stamens of white plum stamens in winter. Dry these four stamens on the vernal equinox of the following year and grind them with the powder. And we also need it rains 60g in Rain Water......" Mrs.Zhou laughed and said: "that is to say the process will take three years!  What if it doesn’t rain on Rain Water?

1.Thanks to a bald monk who specialized in curing diseases of namelessness, my parents invited him to diagnose me→We invited a bald monk who specialized in curing unknown diseases to treat me.

2.and also gave another pack of powder as a primer which smelt so fragrant. →and also gave another pack of powder as a guiding drug which smelt so fragrant.

3.You said it so that we can remember it and tell others. If someone encountered such a disease, you would do a good thing→If you tell us, we can share it with others. And once we happen to find someone who suffers from such a disease, we can help. It is a good deed.

4.But it’s rare to have everything just right→But it takes much good luck to get everything ready.

5.that is to say the process will take three years!→that is to say, it will have already taken three years! --Wang Chuyi (talk) 14:40, 16 March 2021 (UTC)

Wáng Chǔyí 王楚仪

   宝钗笑道：“所以了，那里有这样可巧的雨？也只好再等罢了。还要白露这日的露

水十二钱，霜降这日的霜十二钱，小雪这日的雪十二钱。把这四样水调匀，和了 龙眼大的丸子，盛在旧磁坛里，埋在花根底下，若发了病时，拿出来吃一丸，用十 二分黄柏煎汤送下。”

   周瑞家的听了，笑道：“阿弥陀佛！真巧死了人。等十年都未必这样巧

呢。”宝钗道：“竟好。自他说了去后，一二年间，可巧都得了，好容易配成一料， 如今从南带至北，现埋在梨花树下。”周瑞家的又道：“这药本有名儿没有呢？” 宝钗道：“有。这也是那癞和尚说下的，叫作‘冷香丸’。”周瑞家的听了点头儿， 因又说：“这病发了时，到底觉怎样？”宝钗道：“也不觉什么，不过只喘嗽些，吃 一丸也就罢了。”

   周瑞家的还要说话时，忽听王夫人问道：“谁在里头？”周瑞家的忙出去答

应了，便回了刘老老之事，略待半刻，见王夫人无话，方欲退出去，薛姨妈忽又笑 道：“你且站住。我有一种东西，你带了去罢。”

Bao Chai smiled and said: "So, What a coincidence it is to get the rain on that day? If not, I have to wait again. We also need sixty grams of the dew on the day of White Dew, sixty grams of the frost on the day of Frost's Descent, sixty grams of the snow on the day of Light Snow. Mix up the four kinds of water, knead them into balls as the size of longan, put them in the old porcelain altar, and bury them under the roots of the flowers. If the disease attacks, take one pill and eat it with the soup made up of six grams of Phellodendron amurense.

Mrs.Zhou listened and laughed: "Amitabha! What a big coincidence! We may not have such good luck even waiting for ten years ." Bao Chai said: "Luckily, since he said, in a year or two, I had happened to get all the things needed. Finally, I made them into some pills. I carry them from south to north and now they are buried under a pear tree." Mrs. Zhou said again: "Have this medicine got a name?" Baochai said: "Yes. According to what the monk said, it is called 'A pill with the fragrance of flowers and fruits." Mrs.Zhou nodded after hearing it, and then said, "How did you feel when you are having the disease?" Baochai said: "Nothing special, just pant and cough. A pill can work."

When Mrs.Zhou was still talking, she suddenly heard Madam Wang asking: "Who is inside?" Mrs.Zhou hurriedly went out to tell her about Granny Liu. After a while, she saw that Madam Wang didn’t say anything so she wanted to leave. Lady Xue suddenly smiled and said: "Wait! I have something for you."

Bao Chai smiled and said: "So, is there such coincident rain? If not, I have to wait again. We also need sixty grams of the dew on the day of White Dew, sixty grams of the frost on the day of Frost's Descent, sixty grams of the snow on the day of Light Snow. Mix up the four kinds of water, knead them into balls as the size of longan, put them in the old porcelain jar, and bury them under the roots of the flowers. If the disease attacks, take one pill and eat it with the soup made up of six grams of Phellodendron amurense.

Mrs. Zhou listened and laughed: "Amitabha! What a big coincidence! We may not have such good luck even if waiting for ten years ." Bao Chai said: "Luckily, since he said, in a year or two, I had happened to get all the things needed. Finally, I made them into some pills. I carry them from south to north and now they are buried under a pear tree." Mrs. Zhou said again: "Has this medicine got a name?" Bao Chai said: "Yes. According to what the leper monk said, it is called 'A pill with the fragrance of flowers and fruits." Mrs. Zhou nodded after hearing it, and then said, "How do you feel when you are having the disease?" Bao Chai said: "Nothing special, just pant and cough. One pill can work."

When Mrs. Zhou was still talking, she suddenly heard Madam Wang asking: "Who is inside?" Mrs. Zhou hurriedly went out to tell her about Granny Liu. After a while, she saw that Madam Wang didn’t say anything so she was about to leave. Lady Xue suddenly smiled again and said: "Wait! I have something for you." --Wang Jingyi (talk) 17:03, 16 March 2021 (UTC)

Wáng Jìngyí 王静怡

   说着便叫：“香菱。”帘栊响处，才

和金钏儿玩的那个小丫头进来了，问：“奶奶叫我做什么？”薛姨妈道：“把那匣 子里的花儿拿来。”香菱答应了，向那边捧了个小锦匣儿来。薛姨妈道：“这是 宫里头作的新鲜花样儿堆纱花，十二枝。昨儿我想起来，白放着可惜旧了，何不 给他们姊妹们戴去。昨儿要送去，偏又忘了；你今儿来得巧，就带了去罢。你家 的三位姑娘，每位二枝，下剩六枝，送林姑娘二枝，那四枝给凤姐儿罢。”王夫人 道：“留着给宝丫头戴也罢了，又想着他们。”薛姨妈道：“姨妈不知，宝丫头古怪 呢，他从来不爱这些花儿粉儿的。”

   说着，周瑞家的拿了匣子，走出房门，见金钏儿仍在那里晒日阳，周瑞家的

因问他道：“那香菱小丫头子，可就是时常说的、临上京时买的、为他打人命官司 的那个小丫头子？”金钏儿道：“可不就是他。”正说着，只见香菱笑嘻嘻的走来， 周瑞家的便拉了他的手细细的看了一回，因向金钏儿笑道：“这个模样儿，竟有 些像咱们的东府里小蓉大奶奶的品格。”

Then she called:” Xiang Ling.” When the bead curtain was rung, the little girl who had just played with Jin Kushiel came, asked:” What did grandma ask me to do?” Aunt Xue said:” Fetch the flowers in that box.” Xiang Ling obeyed and fetched a small brocade box in hands. Aunt Xue said:” These are the fresh fancy yarn flowers from the palace, twelve flowers in total. It occurred to me yesterday that it is pitiful to just lay the flowers there and let them withered. Why not hand out them to the sisters to wear? I should have sent them yesterday, but I forgot. You happened to be here today and just bring them home. Two for each of the three girls in your home and there are still six. Give two to Miss Lin and the other four to Sister Feng.” Madame Wang said:” Just leave them for Miss Xue. There is no need for concerning about those girls. Aunt Xue said:” You may not know that my girl is so eccentric that she does not love these flowers and cosmetics at all.” At this time, the servant Zhou Rui had held the box and walked out of the door. Having seeing Jin Kushiel still enjoying the sun, he asked her:” Is that little girl, Xiang Ling, who is constantly referred that she is bought when going downtown and filed a lawsuit related with human life?” Jin Kushiel said:” Of course, that’s her.” Then Xiang Ling walked towards them with big smile and Zhou Rui held her hands and looked at them carefully. After that, he smiled to Jin Kushiel:” Unexpectedly, her style is a little bit similar to the character of Grandma Xiao Rong in our East Mansion.”—Wang Jingyi (talk) 17:11, 15 March 2021 (UTC)

Then she called:” Xiang Ling.” When the bead curtain was rung, the little girl who had just played with Jin Kushiel came, and asked:” Madam, what did you ask me to do?” Aunt Xue said:” Fetch the flowers in that box.” Xiang Ling obeyed and fetched a small brocade box in hands. Aunt Xue said:” These are the fresh fancy yarn flowers from the palace, twelve flowers in total. It occurred to me yesterday. It is pitiful to just lay the flowers there and let them withered. Why not hand out them to the sisters to wear? I should have sent them yesterday, but I forgot. You happened to be here today and just take them to home. Two for each of the three girls in your home and there are still six. Give two to Miss Lin and the other four to Sister Feng.” Madame Wang said:” Just leave them for Miss Xue. There is no need for concerning about those girls.” Aunt Xue said:” You may not know that my girl is so eccentric that she has never not loved these flowers and cosmetics.” With this, the servant Zhou Rui had held the box and walked out of the door. Having seeing Jin Kushiel still enjoying the sun, she asked her:” Is that little girl, Xiang Ling, who is constantly referred that she is bought when going downtown and filed a lawsuit related with human life?” Jin Kushiel said:” Of course, that’s her.” Then Xiang Ling walked towards them with big smile and Zhou Rui held her hands and looked at them carefully. After that, she smiled to Jin Kushiel:” Unexpectedly, her style is a little bit similar to the character of generation hostess, Xiao Rong, in our East Mansion.--Wang Qinyu (talk) 12:55, 16 March 2021 (UTC)

Wáng Qìnyú 王沁瑜

   金钏儿笑道：“我也是这么说呢。”周瑞

家的又问香菱“你几岁投身到这里？”又问：“你父母今在何处？今年十几岁 了？本处是那里人？”香菱听问，摇头说：“不记得了。”周瑞家的和金钏儿听了， 倒反为叹息感伤一回。

   一时周瑞家的携花至王夫人正房后。原来近日贾母说孙女们太多，一处

挤着倒不便，只留宝玉、黛玉二人在这边解闷，却将迎春、探春、惜春三人移到王 夫人这边房后三间抱厦内居住，令李纨陪伴照管。如今周瑞家的故顺路先往这 里来，只见几个小丫头儿都在抱厦内听呼唤，默坐。迎春丫鬟司棋与探春的丫 鬟侍书二人，正掀帘子出来，手里都捧着茶盘茶钟，周瑞家的便知他姊妹在一处 坐着，也进入内房，只见迎春、探春二人正在窗下围棋。周瑞家的将花送上，说 明原故，他二人忙住了棋，都欠身道谢，命丫鬟们收了。 Jin Chuaner laughed, “That’s what I said.” Mrs. Zhou asked Xiang Ling again, “How old were you when you came here.” and asked again, “Where are your parents now? How old are you? Where are you from originally?” Hearing the ask, Xiang Ling shook her head and said:” I can’t remember.” After Jin Chuaner and Mrs. Zhou heard it, they signed and felt sad for Xiang Ling. A short time later, Mrs. Zhou brought flowers to the back of Lady Wang’s principal room. It turned out that Lady Dowager said that there were too many granddaughters and it was inconvenience for them to squeeze in one place. Only Baoyu and Daiyu were left to relieve the boredom. Yingchun, Tanchun and Xichun were moved to live in three small suites behind Lady Wang’s quarters. Li Wan was ordered to accompany and care for the three girls. So Mrs. Zhou stopped by here now and she saw several girls sitting silently in the small suite and wait to be called. The two people, Yingchun’s servant girl Si Qi and Tanchun’s servant girl Shi Shu, were lifting the curtain out, holding trays and tea-cups. And Mrs. Zhou came to know that sisters were sitting together and she then also entered the inner room. Yingchun and Tanchun were playing chess by the window. Mrs. Zhou offered the flowers to them and made an explanation. Yingchun and Tanchun stopped playing quickly, bowed their thanks and commanded servant girls to take the flowers.

Jin Chuaner laughed, “That’s what I said.” Mrs. Zhou asked Xiang Ling again, “How old were you when you came here.” and asked again, “Where are your parents now? How old are you? Where are you from originally?” Hearing the ask, Xiang Ling shook her head and said:” I can’t remember.” After Jin Chuaner and Mrs. Zhou heard it, they signed and felt sad for Xiang Ling. A short time later, Mrs. Zhou brought flowers to the back of Lady Wang’s principal room. It turned out that Lady Dowager said that there were too many granddaughters and it was inconvenience for them to squeeze in one place. Only Baoyu and Daiyu were left to relieve the boredom. Yingchun, Tanchun and Xichun were moved to live in three small suites behind Lady Wang’s quarters. Li Wan was ordered to accompany and care for the three girls. So Mrs. Zhou stopped by here now and she saw several girls sitting silently in the small suite and wait to be called. The two people, Yingchun’s servant girl Si Qi and Tanchun’s servant girl Shi Shu, were lifting the curtain out, holding trays and tea-cups. And Mrs. Zhou came to know that sisters were sitting together and she then also entered the inner room. Yingchun and Tanchun were playing chess by the window. Mrs. Zhou offered the flowers to them and made an explanation. Yingchun and Tanchun stopped playing quickly, bowed their thanks and commanded servant girls to take the flowers.--Wang Zihan (talk) 12:41, 22 March 2021 (UTC)Wang Zihan

Wáng Zǐhán 王子涵

   周瑞家的答应了，因说：“四姑娘不在房里，只怕在老太太那边呢？”丫鬟们

道：“在那屋里不是？”周瑞家的听了，便往这边屋里来。只见惜春正同水月庵 的小姑子智能两个一处玩笑，见周瑞家的进来，惜春便问他何事。周瑞家的便 将花匣打开，说明原故，惜春笑道：“我这里正和智能儿说，我明儿也剃了头同他 作姑子去，可巧儿又送了花来，若剃了头，却把这花戴在那里？”说着，大家取笑 一回，惜春命丫鬟入画来收了。

   周瑞家的因问智能：“你是什么时候来的？你师父那秃歪剌那里去了？”智

能道：“我们一早就来了。我师父见过太太，就往于老爷府里去了，叫我在这里 等他呢。”周瑞家的又道：“十五的月例香供银子可得了没有？”智能道：“不知 道。”惜春听了，便问周瑞家的：“如今各庙月例银子是谁管着？”周瑞家的道： “是余信管着。”惜春听了笑道：“这就是了。他师父一来了，余信家的就赶上 来，和他师父咕唧了半日，想就是为这事了。” Mrs. Zhou agreed and said , “The fourth girl isn’t in the room. Is she with the old lady, I wonder?” The maids said, “Isn’t she in that room?” Mrs. Zhou heard and went to this room. She found that Xichun was laughing and chatting with Zhineng, a young nun from the Water Moon Nunnery. Xichun asked Mrs. Zhou her business. The flower box was opened and the gift explained. “I was just telling Zhineng that I’d shave my head some day and become a nun too. But now you send the flowers coincidentally and where shall I wear them if my head is shaved?” Talking and joking, Xichun told her maid Ruhua to put the present away. Mrs. Zhou asked Zhineng, “When did you arrive? And where is your bald-headed master?” Zhineng said, “We came early in the morning. After calling on the madam, she went to Mr. Yu’s mansion and told me to wait for her here.” Mrs. Zhou asked, “Have you received the monthly allowance and donation for incense due on the fifteenth?” Zhineng said, “I don’t know.” Then Xichun asked who was in charge of the monthly donation for different temples. Mrs. Zhou replied that it was Yuxin. Xichun giggled, “So that is it. As soon as the master arrived, Mrs. Yu hurried over and whispered with her for a while. That must be why.”

Mrs. Zhou agreed and said , “The fourth girl isn’t in the room. Is she with the old lady?” The maids said, “Isn’t she in that room?” Mrs. Zhou heard and went to this room. She found that Xi Chun was laughing and chatting with Zhi Neng, a young nun from the Water Moon Nunnery. Xi Chun asked Mrs. Zhou what she’s doing here. Zhou opened the flower box and replied. “I was just telling Zhi Neng that I’d shave my head some day and become a nun too. But now you send the flowers coincidentally and where shall I wear them if my head is shaved?” Talking and joking, Xi Chun told her maid Ru Hua to put the box away. Mrs. Zhou asked Zhi Neng, “When did you arrive? And where is your bald-headed master?” Zhi Neng said, “We came early in the morning. After calling on the madam, she went to Mr. Yu’s mansion and told me to wait for her here.” Mrs. Zhou asked, “Have you received the monthly allowance and donation for incense due on the fifteenth?” Zhi Neng said, “I don’t know.” Then Xi Chun asked, “who was in charge of the monthly donation for different temples?” Mrs. Zhou replied, “it was Yu Xin”. Xi Chun giggled, “So that is it. That may be why Mrs. Yu hurried over and whispered with the master for a long time as soon as she arrived.”—Wu Siyi (talk) 12:03, 16 March 2021 (UTC)

Wǔ Sīyí 伍斯仪

   那周瑞家的又和智能儿唠叨了一回，便往凤姐处来，穿夹道，从李纨后窗

下越过西花墙，出西角门，进入凤姐院中。走至堂屋，只见小丫头丰儿坐在凤姐 的房门槛上，见周瑞家的来了，连忙摆手儿，叫他往东屋里去，周瑞家的会意，忙 的蹑手蹑脚的往东边屋里来，只见奶子拍着大姐儿睡觉呢。周瑞家的悄问奶 子：“姐儿睡中觉呢？也该请醒了。”奶子摇头儿。正问着，只听那边一阵笑声， 却有贾琏的声音。接着房门响处，平儿拿着大铜盆出来，叫丰儿舀水进去。

   平儿便进这边来，一见了周瑞家的，便问：“你老人家又来作什么？”周瑞家

的忙起身拿匣子给他说：“送花来。”平儿听了，便打开匣子，拿了四枝，转身去 了；半刻工夫，手里拿出两枝来，先叫彩明来，吩咐他：“送到那边府里，给小蓉大 奶奶戴。”次后方命周瑞家的回去道谢。

   周瑞家的这才往贾母这边来，过了穿堂，顶头忽见他的女儿，打扮着才从

他婆家来。 Mrs.Zhou and Sapiential chatted for a while, then Mrs.Zhou went to Sister Phoenix’s house. She crossed the narrow lane, went pass the West Flower wall behind Li Wan’s window and through the West Side gate, and finally arrived Sister Phoenix’s yard. After walking up to the main room, Mrs.Zhou saw Felicity, the servant girl, sitting on the threshold of the room. On seeing Mrs.Zhou, Felicity waved at her immediately and told her to go to the east room. Mrs.Zhou understood and quickly crept to there, in the room the wet nurse was patting the eldest girl of Wang to sleep. Mrs.Zhou whispered to the nurse, “Is the girl still sleeping? It’s time for her to wake up.” But the nurse shook her head. When asking, Mrs.Zhou heard a burst of laughter and Jia Lian’s voice from the other side. Then Patience holding a big cropper pot, went out of the room where laughter came and asked Felicity to ladle some water into it. Later, Patience went towards the room Mrs.Zhou was in. On seeing her, she asked, “What are you doing here?” Mrs.Zhou stood up instantly and gave her a box, “I am here to send flowers.” Hearing this, Patience opened the box, took four of them and turned away. After about seven minutes, she went back with two flowers in hands. Then she summoned Sunshine and ordered, “ Send them to that house and give them to lady Xiao Rong.” After that, she required Zhou to send her thanks back. Mrs.Zhou went to Granny Merchant’s house. She passed the hallway and came across the her daughter dressing like she’s from her husband’s family.

Mercy Rui Zhou and Sapiential chatted for a while, then Mercy Rui Zhou went to Sister Phoenix’s house. She crossed the narrow lane, went pass the West Flower wall behind Silk Li’s window and through the West Side gate, and finally arrived Sister Phoenix’s yard. After walking up to the main room, Mercy Rui Zhou saw abundance, the servant girl, sitting on the threshold of the room. On seeing Mercy Rui Zhou , Abundance waved at her immediately and told her to go to the east room. Mercy Rui Zhou understood and quickly crept to there, in the room the wet nurse was patting the eldest girl of Wang to sleep. Mercy Rui Zhou whispered to the nurse, “Is the girl still sleeping? It’s time for her to wake up.” But the nurse shook her head. When asking, Mercy Rui Zhou heard a burst of laughter and Fake Romance’s voice from the other side. Then Patience holding a big cropper pot, went out of the room where laughter came and asked Abundance to ladle some water into it. Later, Patience went towards the room Mercy Rui Zhou was in. On seeing her, she asked, “What are you doing here?” Mercy Rui Zhou stood up instantly and gave her a box, “I am here to send flowers.” Hearing this, Patience opened the box, took four of them and turned away. After about seven minutes, she went back with two flowers in hands. Then she summoned Colorful Light and ordered, “ Send them to that house and give them to False Prosperity.” After that, she required Mercy Rui Zhou to send her thanks back. Mercy Rui Zhou went to Granny Merchant’s house. She passed the hallway and came across the her daughter dressing like she’s from her husband’s family.—Wu Siyi (talk) 08:15, 25 April 2021 (UTC)

Wú Xīnxīn 吴欣欣

   周瑞家的忙问：“你这会子跑来作什么？”

他女孩儿说：“妈一向身上好？我在家里等了这半日，妈竟不出去，什么事情这样忙的不回家？我等烦了， 自己先到了老太太跟前请了安了，这会子请太太安去。妈还有什么不了的差 事？手里是什么东西？”周瑞家的笑道：“嗳！今儿偏生来了个刘老老，我自己 多事，为他跑了半日；这会子被姨太太看见了，叫送这几枝花儿与姑娘奶奶们， 这会子还没送完呢。你这会子来，一定有什么事情的。”他女孩儿笑道：“你老 人家倒会猜着！实对你老人家说：你女婿因前儿多吃了几杯酒，和人分争起来， 不知怎的被人放了一把邪火，说他来历不明，告到衙门里，要递解还乡。所以我 来和你老人家商议商议，这个情分，求那一个可了事？”周瑞家的听了道：“我就 知道的。这有什么大不了的！你且家去等我，我送这林姑娘的花儿去了，就回 家来。此时太太二奶奶都不得闲儿，你回去等我，这有什么忙的？”他女孩儿听 说，便回去了，还说：“妈，好歹快来。”

"Why are you here? " promptly inquired Mrs. Chou. "How are you doing, mother？" asked her daughter. "I've been waiting for a long time, but you never come out. What keeps you too busy to go home? I waited till I was tired so that I went on alone and paid my respects to our venerable lady; I'm now, on my way to visit our lady Wang. Is there anything else you haven't done yet? What are you holding in your hand? "Granny Liu came over today. I am willing to accompany her for a walk.” rejoined Chou’s wife smilingly, “While attending to these, Mrs. Hsueh came across me, and asked me to take these flowers to the young ladies， and I've been at it up to this very moment, and haven't done yet! But coming at this time, you must have something to tell me! what's it?" “You're quick at guessing!” exclaimed her daughter with a smile; “I'll tell you what it's all about. The day before yesterday, your son-in-law drank too much, and began altercating with some person or other; and some one， I don't know why, spread some evil report, saying that his antecedents were not clear, and lodged a charge against him at the Yamen, pressing the authorities to deport him to his native place. That's why I've come over to consult with you, as to whom we should appeal to, to do us this favor of helping us out of our dilemma！" “I know.” Mrs. Chou remarked after listening, “It's no big deal. Go home and wait for me and I'll come straightway as soon as I've taken these flowers to Miss Lin; our madame Wang and lady Second have both no leisure to attend to you now, so go back and wait for me! What's the hurry?” Her daughter, upon hearing this, forthwith turned round to go back, when she added as she walked away, “Mom, hurry up!”

Yāo Yáng 么阳

   周瑞家的道：“小人儿家没经过什么事的，就急得这样的。”说着，便到黛玉房中去了。
   谁知此时黛玉不在自己房里，却在宝玉房中，大家解九连环作戏。周瑞家

的进来，笑道：“林姑娘，姨太太着我送花来与姑娘戴。”宝玉听说，便说：“什么 花？拿来与我看。”一面便伸手接过来了，开匣看时，原来是两枝宫制堆纱新巧 的假花，黛玉只就宝玉手中看了一看，便问道：“还是单送我一人，还是别的姑娘 们都有的？”周瑞家的道：“各位都有了，这两枝是姑娘的了。”黛玉冷笑道：“我 就知道，别人不挑剩下的也不给我。”周瑞家的听了，一声儿不言语。宝玉问道： “周姐姐，你作什么到那边去了？”周瑞家的因说：“太太在那里，我回话去了，姨 太太就顺便叫我带来的。”宝玉道：“宝姐姐在家里作什么呢？怎么这几日也不 过来？”周瑞家的道：“身上不大好呢。”宝玉听了，便和丫头们说：“谁去瞧瞧，就 说我和林姑娘打发来问姨娘姐姐安，问姐姐是什么病，吃什么药。论理，我该亲 自来的，就说才从学里回来，也着了些凉，改日再亲来。”说着，茜雪便答应去了。 周瑞家的自去，无话。 Zhou Rui's wife says: "Coming from a small family and experiencing a few, she is easy to be too worried."Then she came into Daiyu's room. Daiyu isn't there, but in Baoyu's room.They are having fun with Nine Interlocking(a puzzle game).Zhou Rui's wife enters with a smile and says:“Miss Lin. your aunt order me to sent flowers for you to wear.”As hearing these words, Baoyu says:" What flowers? Let me have a look." He get the box, finding there are two fake gauze flowers made by royal craftsmen,Daiyu has a gl ance with the flowers in his hands, asking that they are exclusively sent to her or other girls have the same treatment. Zhou Rui's wife said:" Other ladies have already gotten their flowers, so the last two would be hers." Daiyu sneers:“I should have known that I only deserves the remains left by others..”Zhou Rui's wife silent. Bao Yu inquires her why she went to that yard and she explains；“Ms. Wang being there, I was to reply to her.She ,by the way, commend me to bring flowers to Miss Lin.”Baoyu says:“What is Sis. Bao doing these days? She did't come here recently.” Zhou Rui's wife says:“She is not comfortable.”After that,Bao Yu talks with the servant girls:" Anyone of you goes to visit Sister Bao and bring our regards to them, ask which kind of illness she is suffering and what pills she needs. In principle, I should do it by myself, you just find an excuse for me that I just returned from the school and I were having a cold. I'll come another day." Qian Xue receives his order to do so. Zhou Rui's wife leaves by herself, with no more word.

Zhou Rui's wife said: " Not experiencing as from the downtown, she may be very worried." Then she went into Dai Yu's room. Dai Yu wasn't there, but in Bao Yu's room. They were having fun in Nine Interlocking (a puzzle game). Zhou Rui's wife entered with a smile and said, “Miss Lin, your aunt asked me to deliver flowers for you to wear.” After hearing it, Bao Yu said, " What kind of flowers? Let me have a look." He got the box and found two fancy royal fake gauze flowers. Dai Yu only had a glance at the flowers while they were in Bao Yu’s hands, and questioned whether they were exclusively sent to her or other girls also had the same treatment. Zhou Rui's wife said:" Other ladies have already gotten their flowers, so the last two are yours." Dai Yu sneered, “I should have known that I only deserve the things left by others.” Zhou Rui's wife was silent. Bao Yu inquired her why she went to that yard and she explained；“Ms. Wang being there, I went to give a reply to her. So, she commended me to give these flowers to Miss Lin.” Bao Yu said, “What is Sis. Bao doing these days at home? She didn’t visit here recently.” Zhou Rui's wife said, “She is ill.” After that, Bao Yu talked with the servants, " One of you should visit Sister Bao, give greeting to her on behalf of us, ask what she is suffering and what pills she needs. Actually, I should do it by myself. But you just need to find an excuse for me such as I just returned from the school and I have a cold. I'll pay a visit another day." Qian Xue listened to his order. Zhou Rui's wife left by herself, not saying anything else.----Yi Mingxia (talk)

Auspicious Surrounding's wife says: "Coming from a small family and experiencing a few, she is easy to be too worried."Then she came into Daiyu's room. Daiyu isn't there, but in Precious Jade's room.They are having fun with Nine Interlocking(a puzzle game).Auspicious Surrounding's wife enters with a smile and says:“Miss Lin. your aunt order me to sent flowers for you to wear.”As hearing these words, Precious Jade says:" What flowers? Let me have a look." He get the box, finding there are two fake gauze flowers made by royal craftsmen,Daiyu has a gl ance with the flowers in his hands, asking that they are exclusively sent to her or other girls have the same treatment. Auspicious Surrounding's wife said:" Other ladies have already gotten their flowers, so the last two would be hers." Daiyu sneers:“I should have known that I only deserves the remains left by others..”Auspicious Surrounding's wife silent. Precious Jade inquires her why she went to that yard and she explains；“Mrs. King being there, I was to reply to her.She ,by the way, commend me to bring flowers to Miss Lin.”Precious Jade says:“What is Sis. Precious doing these days? She did't come here recently.” Auspicious Surrounding's wife says:“She is not comfortable.”After that,Precious Jade talks with the servant girls:" Anyone of you goes to visit Sister Precious and bring our regards to them, ask which kind of illness she is suffering and what pills she needs. In principle, I should do it by myself, you just find an excuse for me that I just returned from the school and I were having a cold. I'll come another day." Snow Alizarin receives his order to do so.Auspicious Surrounding 's wife leaves by herself, with no more word.

Yì Míngxiá 易明霞

   原来周瑞家的女婿便是雨村的好友冷子兴，近日因卖古董，和人打官司，

故叫女人来讨情分。周瑞家的仗着主子的势，把这些事也不放在心上，晚间只 求求凤姐儿便完了。

   至掌灯时，凤姐已卸了妆，来见王夫人，回说：“今儿甄家送来的东西，我已

收了；咱们送他的，趁着他家有年下送鲜的船，交绐他带了去了。”王夫人点点 头。凤姐又道：“临安伯老太太生日的礼已经打点了，太太派谁送去？”王夫人 道：“你瞧谁闲着，叫四个女人去就完了，又来问我。”凤姐又道：“今日珍大嫂子 来请我明日去逛逛，明日有没有什么事？”王夫人道：“有事没事，都害不着什么。 每常他来请，有我们，你自然不便；他既不请我们单请你，可知是他诚心叫你散 淡散淡，别辜负了他的心，倒该过去走走才是。”凤姐答应了。当下李纨迎探等 姊妹们亦各定省毕，各归房，无话。 Zhou Rui’s son-in-law turned out to be Len Zixing--the friend of Yu Cun(Rain village). He was engaged in a lawsuit because of selling antiques, so he asked his wife to come to ask for help. With the master’s power and wealth, Zhou Rui’s family didn’t care about the case very much, and only turned to Sister Feng for some help later on. By the time of lighting a lamp, Sister Feng had already taken her make up off and visited Mrs. Wang, and said: “Today I received the gifts given by the Zhen family. Then, I gave our presents to him and let him to take these back by himself, as there were seafood-delivering ships with him.” Mrs. Wang nodded her approvement. Again, Sister Feng said, “The birthday gifts for the dowager—Mrs. Bo in Lin An, were prepared. So, whom would you prefer to deliver the gifts?” Mrs. Wang replied, “Whoever is idle shall do it. You may just select four women to do the task rather than ask me again.” Then, Sister Feng said again, “Today, Mrs. Zhen (the sister-in-law) came to invite me to go out tomorrow. So, is there anything that I need to deal with tomorrow?” Mrs. Wang said, “It does not matter. When she invites you, you are certainly not convenient to have us around. Inviting you only, she sincerely wants to form a better relationship with you. So, do not let her down. You are supposed to pay a visit.” Sister Feng agreed. At that time, the sisters—Li Zhi, Li Ying and Li Tang and so on, finished their greetings and came back respectively without any talking.

Zhou Rui’s son-in-law turned out to be Len Zixing--the friend of Yu Cun. Finding himself engaged in a lawsuit arising from selling antiques, he sent his wife to ask for help. With confidence in her master’s power and wealth, Mrs.Zhou didn’t take this to heart, and only applied to Xifeng to settle the matter. When the lamps were lit and Xifeng had disrobed, she visited Mrs. Wang. “I have taken charge of those things the Zhens sent today,”she announced, “As for our presents to them, I have sent them back by their boats which have come for the New Year provision.”When Mrs. Wang nodded, Xifeng went on, “The birthday gifts for the dowager—Mrs. Bo in Lin An, have been prepared. Who should deliver them, madam?” Mrs. Wang replied, “Any four women you see are free. Why consult me about such trifles?” With a smile Xifeng said, “Today, Mrs. Zhen (the sister-in-law) came to invite me to spend tomorrow with them. I haven’t anything special to do that I know of.” Mrs. Wang said, “Even if you had, it wouldn’t matter. She usually ask us all, which can’t be much fun for you. Since she Invited you only, she obviously wants you to have a little fun, so don’t disappoint her. Even if you had business you ought to go.” Xifeng had just agreed when Li Wan, Yingchun, Tanchun and the other girls came in to say goodnight, after which all retired to their own rooms.--Yuan Jing (talk) 09:44, 16 March 2021 (UTC)

Yuán Jìng 袁静

   次日凤姐梳洗了，先回王夫人毕，方来辞贾母。宝玉听了，也要逛去，凤姐

只得答应着，立等换了衣裳，姐儿两个坐了车，一时进入宁府；早有贾珍之妻尤 氏与贾蓉之妻秦氏，婆媳两个引了多少侍妾丫鬟等接出仪门。

   那尤氏一见了凤姐，必先嘲笑一阵，一手携了宝玉，同人上房来归坐，秦氏

献茶毕，凤姐便说：“你们请我来作什么？拿什么东西来孝敬，就献上来，我还有 事呢。”尤氏秦氏未及答应，几个媳妇们先笑道：“二奶奶，今日不来就罢，既来 了，就依不得二奶奶了。”正说着，只见贾蓉进来请安，宝玉因问：“大哥哥今日不 在家么？”尤氏道：“今日出城请老爷爷安去了。”又道：“可是你怪闷的坐在这 里，何不出去逛逛？”

   秦氏笑道：“今日可巧，上回宝叔要见我兄弟，今儿也在这里，想在书房里，

宝叔何不去瞧一瞧？”宝玉即下炕要走，尤氏便吩咐人：“小心跟着，别委曲着他， 倒比不得跟着老太太过来就罢了。” The next day Phoenix King got up to wash her face and comb her hair. At first she went to tell Lady Wang that she was off. Then she went to the Dosages Lady Jia. And when hearing where she was going, Precious Jade insisting on going with her. Phoenix King had to agree and wait until he had changed his clothes. Then the two of them drove quickly to the Ning Mansion. Cousin Zhen’s wife Madam You and ’s wife Qin Frivolity had gathered a troop of concubines and maids to greet them at the ceremonial gate. Having greeted Phoenix King in her usual teasing fashion, Madam You led Precious Jade to a seat in the drawing room. After Keqing had served tea, Phoenix King asked, “Well, what did you invite me for today? If you have something for me, hand it over quickly. I have other things to deal with.” Before Madam You and Qin Frivolity could reply, the concubines smiled and retorted, “In that case you should not have come. Now that you are here, you can not have it all your own way.” False Prosperity entered then to pay his respects, and Precious Jade asked if Cousin Zhen was at home. “He has gone out of town to inquire his father’s health,” said Madam You. “But you must find it dull siting here. Why not go out for a stroll?” “As it happens,” said Qin Frivolity, “my brother whom Precious Jade was eager to meet last time is here today. He’s probably in the library. Why don’t you go and have a look?” But as Precious Jade slipped down from the Kang, Madam You and Phoenix King interposed, “Steady on. What’s the hurry?” They ordered some maids to go with him. “Don’t let him get into any trouble,” they warned, “The old lady is not here to keep an eye on him today.”--Yuan Jing (talk) 09:29, 14 March 2021 (UTC)

The next day, after Xifeng's washing and dressing, she greeted Ledy Wang and then bade farewell with Grandmother Jia. Baoyu heard about this and would like to follow her. The only thing that Xifeng could do was to promise to go with him. With the clothes changed, they toke a carriage and moved to Ning ’s Mansion. Jia Zhen’s wife Madam You and Jia Rong’s wife Qin Keqing had gathered a troop of concubines and maids to greet them at the ceremonial gate. Having greeted Xifeng in her usual teasing fashion, Madam You led Baoyu to a seat in the drawing room. After Madam Qin had served tea, Xifeng asked, “Well, why did you invite me here today? If you have something for me, hand it over quickly. I have something else to deal with.” Before Madam You and Madam Qing could reply, the concubines smiled and retorted, “In that case you should not have come. Now that you are here, you can not have it all your own way.” Jia Rong entered then to pay his respects, and Baoyu asked if Jia Zhen was at home. “He has gone out of town to pay his respects to his father,” said Madam You. “But you must find it dull siting here. Why not go out for a stroll?” “As it happens,” said Madam Qing, “My brother whom Baoyu was eager to meet last time is here today. He’s probably in the library. Why don’t you go and have a look?” But as Baoyu slipped down from the Kang, Madam You and Xifeng interposed, “Steady on. What’s the hurry?” They ordered some maids to go with him. “Don’t let him get into any trouble,” they warned, “The old lady is not here to keep an eye on him today.”--Zhao Ke (talk) 12:15, 16 March 2021 (UTC)

Zhào Kē 赵轲 Mr.

凤姐道：“既这么着，何不请进这小爷来，我也见见，难道我是见不得他的？” 尤氏笑道：“罢，罢！可以不必见他。比不得咱家的孩子们，胡打海摔跌惯了的。 人家的孩子，都是斯斯文文惯了的，不像你这样泼辣货形象，倒要被你笑话死了呢。” 凤姐笑道：“我不笑话就罢，竟叫快领去。” 贾蓉道：“他生得腼腆，没见过大阵仗儿，婶子见了，没得生气。”凤姐啐道： “他是‘哪吒’，我也要见一见。别放你娘的屁了。再不带来给你一顿好嘴巴 子！”贾蓉笑道：“我不敢强，就带他来。”一会子，果然带了一个小后生来，较宝 玉略瘦些，眉清目秀，粉面朱唇，身材俊俏，举止风流，似在宝玉之上；只是怯怯 羞羞有女儿之态，腼腆含糊的向凤姐作揖问好，凤姐喜的先推宝玉笑道：“比下 去了！”便探身一把携了这孩子的手，就命他身边坐下，慢慢问他年纪读书等事， 方知他学名叫秦钟。 早有凤姐跟的丫鬟媳妇们，看见凤姐初见秦钟，并未备得表礼来，遂忙过 那边去告诉平儿。

"In this case, why not invite him to visit me?" Mrs Feng said, "Or is it wrong for me to meet him?" Madam You laughed, 

"Well, well, it is not necessary. He is nothing to my children who are used to bumps and grazes. Those who act gentle are children of other families, while you are such a ferocious woman. I will be laughed at. " Mrs Feng said, "It would be fine if I do not laugh. Go and lead him here. " Jia Rong said, "He is green and inexperienced, who has an undemonstrative

appearance.I am afraid that you will not feel vigorous." Mrs Feng spat some words, "I will meet him even if he is Nazha. 

Stop speaking nonsenses! Bring him here or getting a slap on the face." Jia Rong said, "Of course I do not flaunt my superiority. I will bring him here soon." A few minutes latter, she came with a little boy who was a little thinner than Baoyu,

with comely eyebrows, pretty eyes, a pink face, red lips and a perfect stature, which made him a sense of Baoyu but 

even better. He was shy and acted like a female. After his coy greeting of bow to Mrs Feng, she pushed Baoyu with joy

and said, "He looks better!" Then she stretched forward to grasp the boy's hand and let him sit by her, asking him things 

such as age and study. Then she finally got his name, Qin Zhong. Those who already knew Mrs Feng very well seeing that she did not act with correct etiquettes at the first meeting with Qin Zhong, rushed to tell Miss Ping about this. --Zhao Ke (talk) 02:40, 12 March 2021 (UTC)

"In this case, why not invite him to visit me?" Sister Phoenix said, "Or is it wrong for me to meet him?" Madam You laughed, "Well, well, it is not necessary. He is nothing to my children who are used to bumps and grazes. Those who act gentle are children of other families, while you are such a ferocious woman. I will be laughed at. " Sister Phoenix said, "It would be fine if I do not laugh. Go and lead him here. "Prosperity Merchant said, "He is green and inexperienced, who has an undemonstrative appearance.I am afraid that you will not feel vigorous." Sister Phoenix spat some words, "I will meet him even if he is Nataku. Stop speaking nonsenses! Bring him here or getting a slap on the face." Prosperity Merchant said, "Of course I do not flaunt my superiority. I will bring him here soon." A few minutes latter, she came with a little boy who was a little thinner than Precious Jade, with comely eyebrows, pretty eyes, a pink face, red lips and a perfect stature, which made him a sense of Precious Jade but even better. He was shy and acted like a female. After his coy greeting of bow to Sister Phoenix, she pushed Precious Jade with joy and said, "He looks better!" Then she stretched forward to grasp the boy's hand and let him sit by her, asking him things such as age and study. Then she finally got his name, Frivolity Bell. Those who already knew Sister Phoenix very well seeing that she did not act with correct etiquettes at the first meeting with Frivolity Bell, rushed to tell Miss Ping about this. --Zhao Ke (talk) 08:30, 26 April 2021 (UTC)

平儿素知凤姐与秦氏厚密，遂自作主意，拿了一匹尺头，两个 “状元及第”的小金锞子，交付来人送过去，凤姐还说太简薄些。秦氏等谢毕， 一时吃过了饭，尤氏、凤姐、秦氏等抹骨牌，不在话下。

   宝玉秦钟二人随便起坐说话，那宝玉自一见秦钟人品，心中便有所失，痴

了半日，自己心中又起了个呆意，乃自思道：“天下竟有这等的人物！如今看了， 我竟成了泥猪癞狗了。可恨我为什么生在这侯门公府之家？若也生在寒儒薄 宦之家，早得与他交接，也不枉生了一世。我虽比他尊贵，可知绫锦纱罗，也不 过裹了我这枯株朽木；美酒羊羔，也只不过填了我这粪窟泥沟。‘富贵’二字， 不啻遭我荼毒了！”秦钟自见宝玉形容出众，举止不浮，更兼金冠绣服，艳婢矫 童，——“果然怨不得人人溺爱他，可恨我偏生于清寒之家，那能与他交接，可 知‘贫富’二字限人，亦世界上大不快事。”二人一样的胡思乱想。宝玉又问他 读什么书，秦钟见问，便依实而答。二人你言我语，十来句后，越觉亲密起来。

   一时摆上茶果吃茶，宝玉便说：“我们两个又不吃酒，把果子摆在里间小炕

上，我们那里坐去，省得闹你们。”于是二人进里间来吃茶。秦氏一面张罗与凤 姐摆果酒，一面忙进来嘱宝玉道：“宝叔，你侄儿年小，倘或言语不防头，你千万 看着我，不要睬他。他虽腼腆，却性子左强，不大随和些是有的。”宝玉笑道：“你 去罢，我知道了。”秦氏又嘱了他兄弟一回，方去陪凤姐。

   一时凤姐尤氏又打发人来问宝玉：“要吃什么，外面有，只管要去。”宝玉只

答应着，也无心在饮食间，只问秦钟近日家务等事。秦钟因言：“业师于去岁辞 馆，家父年纪老了，残疾在身，公务繁冗，因此尚未议及延师，目下不过在家温习 旧课而已。再读书一事，也必须有一二知己为伴，时常大家讨论，才能进益 ……”宝玉不待说完，便道：“正是呢，我们家却有个家塾，合族中有不能延师的 便可入塾读书，亲戚子弟可以附读。我因上年业师回家去了，也现荒废着。家 父之意，亦欲暂送我去，且温习着旧书，待明年业师上来，再各自在家亦可。家 祖母因说：一则家学里子弟太多，生恐大家淘气，反不好；二则也因我病了几天， 遂暂且耽搁着。如此说来，尊翁如今也为此事悬心，今日回去，何不禀明，就在 我们这敝塾中来，我也相伴，彼此有益，岂不是好事？”秦钟笑道：“家父前日在家 提起延师一事，也曾提起这里的义学倒好，原来要和这里的亲翁商议引荐；因这 里又有事忙，不便为这点小事来聒絮的。宝叔果然度小侄或可磨墨涤砚，何不 速速的作成，彼此不致荒废，又可以常相谈聚，又可以慰父母之心，又可以得朋 友之乐，岂不美事？”宝玉道：“放心，放心。咱们回来先告诉你姐夫姐姐和琏二 嫂子，今日你回家就禀明令尊，我回去禀明了祖母，再无不速成之理。”二人计议 已定，那天气已是掌灯时分，出来又看他们玩了一回牌，算账时，却又是秦氏尤 氏二人输了戏酒的东道，言定后日吃这东道，一面又吃了晚饭。

   因天黑了，尤氏说：“派两个小子送了秦相公家去。”媳妇们传出去半日，秦

钟告辞起身，尤氏问：“派谁送去？”媳妇们回说：“外头派了焦大，谁知焦大醉 了，又骂呢。”尤氏秦氏都道：“偏又派他作什么？那个小子派不得？偏又惹 他。”凤姐道：“成日家说，你太软弱了，纵得家里人这样，还了得呢！”尤氏道： “你难道不知这焦大的？连老爷都不理他，你珍大哥哥也不理他。因他从小儿 跟着太爷出过三四回兵，从死人堆里把太爷背了出来，得了命；自己挨着饿，却 偷了东西给主子吃；两日没水，得了半碗水，给主子吃，他自己喝马溺。不过仗 着这些功劳情分，有祖宗时，都另眼相待，如今谁肯难为他？他自己又老了，又 不顾体面，一味的好酒，喝醉了无人不骂。我常说给管事的，以后不要派他差 使，只当他是个死的就完了。今儿又派了他。”凤姐道：“我何曾不知这焦大？ 到底是你们没主意，何不远远的打发他到庄子上去就完了。”说着，因问：“我们 的车可齐备了？”众媳妇们说：“伺候齐了。”凤姐也起身告辞，和宝玉携手同行。

   尤氏等送至大厅口，见灯火辉煌，众小厮都在丹墀侍立。那焦大又恃贾珍

不在家，因趁着酒兴，先骂大总管赖二，说他：“不公道，欺软怕硬，有好差使派了 别人；这样黑更半夜送人，就派我，没良心的忘八羔子！瞎充管家！你也不想想 焦大太爷跷起一只腿，比你的头还高些。二十年头里的焦大太爷眼里有谁？别 说你们这一把子的杂种们！”

   正骂得兴头上，贾蓉送凤姐的车出来，众人喝他不住，贾蓉忍不得便骂了

几句，叫人：“捆起来！等明日酒醒了，问他还寻死不寻死！”那焦大那里有贾蓉 在眼里？反大叫起来，赶着贾蓉叫：“蓉哥儿，你别在焦大跟前使主子性儿。别 说你这样儿的，就是你爹、你爷爷，也不敢和焦大挺腰子呢！不是焦大一个人， 你们做官儿，享荣华，受富贵？你祖宗九死一生挣下这个家业，到如今不报我的 恩，反和我充起主子来了。不和我说别的还可，再说别的，咱们白刀子进去，红 刀子出来！”凤姐在车上说与贾蓉：“还不早些打发了没王法的东西！留在家 里，岂不是害？亲友知道，岂非笑话咱们这样的人家，连个规矩都没有。”贾蓉答 应“是了”。

   众人见他太撒野，只得上来了几个，揪翻捆倒，拖往马圈里去。焦大益发

连贾珍都说出来，乱嚷乱叫，说：“要往祠堂里哭太爷去，那里承望到如今生下这 些畜生来！每日偷狗戏鸡，爬灰的爬灰，养小叔的养小叔子，我什么不知道？咱 们‘胳膊折了往袖子里藏’！”众小厮见他说出来的话有天没日的，唬得魂飞魄 丧，便把他捆起来，用土和马粪满满的填了他一嘴。

   凤姐和贾蓉也遥遥听得，都装作听不见。宝玉在车上听见，因问凤姐道：

“姐姐，你听他说‘爬灰的爬灰’，是什么？”凤姐连忙喝道：“少胡说！那是醉汉 嘴里胡唚，你是什么样的人，不说没听见，还倒细问！等我回了太太，仔细捶你 不捶你！”吓得宝玉连忙央告：“好姐姐，我再不敢说这些话了。”凤姐哄他道： “好兄弟，这才是。等回去咱们回了老太太，打发人家学里说明了，请了秦钟家 学里念书去要紧。”说着自回荣府而来。要知端详，且听下回分解。

   ◎第八回 贾宝玉奇缘识金锁  薛宝钗巧合认通灵
   话说宝玉和凤姐回家，见过众人，宝玉便回明贾母要秦钟上家塾之事，自己

也有个伴读的朋友，正好发愤；又着实称赞秦钟的人品行事，最使人怜爱。凤姐 又在一旁帮着说：“改日秦钟还来拜老祖宗哩。”说得贾母喜悦起来。凤姐又趁 势请贾母后日过去看戏。贾母虽年高，却极有兴头。至后日，尤氏来请，遂携了 王夫人、林黛玉、宝玉等过去看戏。至晌午，贾母便回来歇息了。王夫人本是好 清净的，见贾母回来，也就回来了。然后凤姐坐了首席，尽欢至晚而罢。

   却说宝玉送贾母回来，待贾母歇了中觉，竟欲还去看戏，又恐搅的秦氏等

人不便，因想起宝钗近日在家养病，未去亲候，意欲去望他。若从上房后角门过 去，又恐遇见别事缠绕，又恐遇他父亲，更为不妥，宁可绕远路而去。当下众嬷 嬷丫鬟伺候他换衣服，见不换，仍出二门去了；众嬷嬷丫鬟只得跟随出来，还只 当他去那边府中看戏。谁知到了穿堂，便向东向北绕厅后而去。偏顶头遇见了 门下清客相公詹光、单聘仁二人走来，一见了宝玉，便都赶上来笑着，一个抱住 腰，一个携着手，都道：“我的菩萨哥儿！我说做了好梦呢，好容易遇见了你。”说 着，请了安，又问好，又唠叨了半日，才走开。老嬷嬷叫住，因问：“你二位爷是往 老爷跟前来的不是？”他二人点头道：“老爷在梦坡斋小书房里歇中觉呢，不妨 事的。”一面说，一面走了。

   说的宝玉也笑了，于是转弯向北奔梨香院来。可巧银库房的总领名唤吴

新登与仓上的头目名戴良，还有几个管事的头目，共七个人，从账房里出来，一 见宝玉，赶来都一齐垂手站立；独有一个买办，名唤钱华，因他多日未见宝玉，忙 上来打千儿请宝玉的安，宝玉忙含笑拉他起来。众人都笑说：“前儿在一处看 见二爷写的斗方儿，字法越发好了，多早晚赏我们几张贴贴。”宝玉笑道：“在那 处看见了？”众人道：“好几处都有，都称赞的了不得，还和我们寻呢。”宝玉笑 道：“不值什么，你们说给我的小么儿们就是了。”一面说，一面前走，众人待他过 去，方都各自散了。

   闲言少述，且说宝玉来至梨香院中，先人薛姨妈屋中来，见薛姨妈打点针

黹与丫鬟们呢。宝玉忙请了安，薛姨妈一把拉住了他，抱入怀中笑说：“这么冷 天，我的儿！难为你想着来，快上炕来坐着罢。”命人倒滚滚的茶来。宝玉因问： “哥哥不在家？”薛姨妈叹道：“他是没笼头的马，天天逛不了，那里肯在家一 日？”宝玉道：“姐姐可大安了？”薛姨妈道：“可是呢，你前儿又想着打发人来瞧 他。他在里间不是，你去瞧。他那里比这里暖和，你那里坐着，我收拾收抬就进 来和你说话儿。”

   宝玉听了，忙下炕来至里间门前，只见吊着半旧的红绸软帘。宝玉掀帘一

步进去，先就看见宝钗坐在炕上作针线，头上挽着黑漆油光的纂儿，蜜台色的棉 袄，玫瑰紫二色金银鼠比肩褂，葱黄绫于棉裙，一色儿半新不旧，看去不觉奢华。 唇不点而红，眉不画而翠，脸若银盆，眼如水杏。罕言寡语，人谓装愚；安分随 时，自云“守拙”。

   宝玉一面看，一面问：“姐姐可大愈了？”“宝钗抬头只见宝玉进来，连忙起身

含笑答道：“已经大好了，多谢记挂着。”说着，让他在炕沿上坐了，即令莺儿倒茶 来，一面又问老太太姨娘安，又问别的姊妹们好；一面看宝玉头上戴着累丝嵌宝 紫金冠，额上勒着二龙捧珠金抹额，身上穿着秋香色立蟒白孤腋箭袖，系着五色 蝴蝶鸾绦，项上挂着长命锁、记名符，另外有那一块落草时衔下来的宝玉。宝钗 因笑说道：“成日家说你的这玉，究竟未曾细细的赏鉴，我今儿倒要瞧瞧。”说着 便挪近前来。宝玉亦凑上去，从项上摘了下来，递在宝钗手内。宝钗托在掌上， 只见大如雀卵，灿若明霞，莹润如酥，五色花纹缠护。看官们须知道，这就是大 荒山中青埂峰下的那块顽石幻相，后人曾有诗嘲云：

       女娲炼石已荒唐，又向荒唐演大荒。失去幽灵真境界，幻来新就臭皮
   囊。好知运败金无彩，堪叹时乖玉不光。白骨如山忘姓氏，无非公子与红
   妆。 

那顽石亦曾记下他这幻相并癞僧所镌的篆文，今亦按图画于后，但其真体最小， 方从胎中小儿口中衔下。今若按其体画，恐字迹过于微细，使观者大废眼光，亦 非畅事。故按其形式，无非略展放些，使观者便于灯下醉中可阅。今注明此故， 方不至以胎中之儿口有多大，怎得衔此狼犺蠢大之物为谤。

   宝钗看毕，又从先翻过正面来细看，口里念道：“莫失莫忘，仙寿恒昌。”念了

两遍，乃回头向莺儿笑道：“你不去倒茶，也在这里发呆作什么？”莺儿嘻嘻的笑 道：“我听这两句话，倒像和姑娘项圈上的两句话是一对儿。”宝玉听了，忙笑道： “原来姐姐那项圈上也有八个字？我也赏鉴赏鉴。”宝钗道：“你别听他的话，没 有什么字。”宝玉央道：“好姐姐，你怎么瞧我的呢！”宝钗被他缠不过，因说道： “也是个人给了两句吉利话儿，錾上了，所以天天带着；不然沉甸甸的，有什么趣 儿？”一面说，一面解了排扣，从里面大红袄上将那珠宝晶莹、黄金灿烂的璎珞摘 将出来。宝玉忙托着锁看时，果然一面有四个字，两面八个字，共成两句吉 谶。——亦曾按式画下形相： 宝玉看了，也念了两遍，又念自己的两遍，因笑问：“姐姐，这八个字倒与我的是 一对儿。”莺儿笑道：“是个癞头和尚送的，他说必须錾在金器上……”宝钗不待 他说完，便嗔他不去倒茶，一面又问宝玉从那里来。

   宝玉此时与宝钗就近，只闻一阵阵的香气，不知是何气味，遂问：“姐姐熏

的是何香？我竟从未闻过这味儿。”宝钗笑道：“我最怕熏香，好好的衣服，熏的 烟火气的？”宝玉道：“既如此，是什么香？”宝钗想了一想，说：“是了，是我早起 吃了冷香丸的香气。”宝玉笑道：“什么‘冷香丸’，这么好闻？好姐姐，给我一丸 尝尝。”宝钗笑道：“又混闹了，一个丸药也是混吃的？”

   一语未了，忽听外面人说：“林姑娘来了。”话犹未了，林黛玉已摇摇摆摆的

来了，一见宝玉，便笑道：“哎哟！我来的不巧了。”宝玉等忙起身让坐，宝钗因笑 道：“这话怎么说？”黛玉道：“早知他来，我就不来了。”宝钗道：“我不解这意？” 黛玉笑道：“要来时一齐来，要不来一个也不来；今儿他来，明儿我来，如此间错 开了来，岂不天天有人来了？也不至太冷落，也不至太热闹。姐姐如何不解这 意思？”

   宝玉因见他外面罩着大红羽缎对襟褂子，因问：“下雪了么？”地下婆子们

说：“下了这半日了。”宝玉道：“取了我的斗篷来。”黛玉便笑道：“是不是？我来 了他就该去了。”宝玉道：“我何曾说要去？不过拿来预备着。”宝玉的奶母李嬷 嬷因说道：“天又下雪，也要看早晚的，就在这里和姐姐妹妹一处玩玩罢。姨妈 那里摆茶果呢。我叫丫头去取了斗篷来，说给小么儿们散了罢。”宝玉应了。 李嬷嬷出来，命小厮们：“都散了。”

   这里薛姨妈已摆了几样细巧茶果，留他们吃茶。宝玉因夸前日在那边府

里珍大嫂子的好鹅掌鸭信。薛姨妈连忙把自己糟的取来与他尝。宝玉笑道： “这个须就酒方好。”薛姨妈使命人灌了上等的酒来。李嬷嬷便上来道：“姨太 太，酒倒罢了。”宝玉笑央道：“妈妈，我只吃一杯。”李妈道：“不中用，当着老太 太、太太，那怕你吃一坛呢。想那日我眼错不见一会，不知是那个没调教的，只 图讨你的好，给了你一口酒吃，葬送得我挨了两日的骂。姨太太不知他性子又 可恶，吃了酒更弄性。有一日老太太高兴，又尽着他吃，什么日子又不许他吃， 何苦我白赔在里面？”薛姨妈笑道：“老货，只管放心吃你的去！我也不许他吃 多了。便是老太太问，有我呢。”一面命小丫头：“来，让你奶奶去也吃杯搪搪寒 气。”那李嬷嬷听如此说，只得且和众人吃酒去。这里宝玉又说：“不必烫暖了， 我只爱吃冷的。”薛姨妈道：“这可使不得，吃了冷酒，写字手打颤儿。”宝钗笑 道：“宝兄弟，亏你每日家杂学旁收的，难道就不知道酒性最热，若热吃下去，发 散的就快；若冷吃下去，便凝结在内，五脏去暖他，岂不受害？从此还不改了。 快不要吃那冷的了。”宝玉听这话有情理，便放下冷的，令人烫来方饮。

   黛玉磕着瓜子儿，只管抿着嘴笑。可巧黛玉的丫鬟雪雁走来与黛玉送小

手炉，黛玉因含笑问他说：“谁叫你送来的？难为他费心，那里就冷死了我！”雪 雁道：‘紫鹃姐姐怕姑娘冷，叫我送来的。”黛玉一面接了，抱在怀中，笑道：“也 亏你倒听他的话，我平日和你说的，全当耳旁风；怎么他说了你就依，比圣旨还 快些！”宝玉听这话，知是黛玉借此奚落他，也无回复之词，只嘻嘻的笑一阵罢 了。宝钗素知黛玉是如此惯了的，也不去睬他。薛姨妈因道：“你素日身子单 弱，禁不得冷的，他们记挂着你倒不好？”黛玉笑道：“姨妈不知道。幸亏是姨妈 这里，倘或在别人家，岂不要恼的？难道看得人家连个手炉也没有？巴巴儿的 从家里送个手炉来。不说丫头们太小心，还只当我素日是这等轻狂惯了呢。” 薛姨妈道：“你是个多心的，有这样想，我就没有这些心。”

   说话时，宝玉已是三杯过去了。李嬷嬷又上来拦阻。宝玉正在个心甜意

洽之时，又兼姊妹们说说笑笑的，那里肯不吃？只得屈意央告：“好妈妈，我再吃 两杯就不吃了。”李嬷嬷道：“你可仔细今儿老爷在家，提防着问你的书！”宝玉 听了此话，便心中大不悦，慢慢的放下酒，垂了头。黛玉忙说：“扫了大家的兴！ 舅舅若叫你，只说姨妈留着呢。这个妈妈，他吃了酒，又拿我们来醒脾了。”一面 悄推宝玉，使他赌赌气；一面悄悄的咕哝说：“别理那老货！咱们只管乐咱们 的。”那李妈也素知黛玉的，因说道：“林姐儿，你不要助着他了。你倒劝他，只怕 他还听些。”林黛玉冷笑道：“我为什么助他？我也不犯着劝他。你这妈妈太小 心了，往常老太太又给他酒吃，如今在姨妈这里多吃了一口，料也不妨事。必定 姨妈这里是外人，不当在这里的，也未可知。”李嬷嬷听了，又是急，又是笑，说 道：“真真这林姐儿，说出一句话来，比刀子还利害，我这话算什么！”宝钗也忍不 住笑着把黛玉腮上一拧，说道：“真真的这个颦丫头的一张嘴，叫人恨又不是，喜 欢又不是。”薛姨妈一面又说：“别怕，别怕，我的儿！来了这里，没好的你吃，别 把这点子东西吓的存在心里，倒叫我不安。只管放心吃，有我呢。越发吃了晚 饭去，便醉了，就跟着我睡罢。”因命：“再烫些酒来，姨妈陪你吃两杯，可就吃饭 罢。”宝玉听了，方又鼓起兴来。李嬷嬷因吩咐小丫头：“你们在这里小心着，我 家去换了衣服就来。”悄悄的回姨太太：“别由他的性儿多吃了。”说着便家去 了。

   这里虽还有两三个婆子，都是不关痛痒的，见李嬷嬷走了，也都悄悄自寻

方便去了。只剩两个小丫头，乐得讨宝玉的欢喜。幸而薛姨妈千哄万哄，只容 他吃了几杯，就忙收过了。作了酸笋鸡皮汤，宝玉痛喝了几碗，又吃了半碗多碧 粳粥，一时薛林二人也吃完了饭，又酽酽的喝了几碗茶。薛姨妈方放了心。雪 雁等三四人，也吃了饭进来伺候。黛玉因问宝玉道：“你走不走？”宝玉乜斜倦 眼道：“你要走我和你一同走。”黛玉听说，遂起身道：“咱们来了这一日，也该回 去了。”说着，二人便告辞。

   小丫头忙捧过斗笠来，宝玉便把头略低一低，叫他戴上，那丫头便将这大

红猩毡斗笠一抖，才往宝玉头上一合，宝玉便说：“罢了，罢了！好蠢东西！你也 轻些儿，难道没见别人戴过？让我自己戴罢。”黛玉站在炕沿上道：“过来，我与 你戴罢。”宝玉忙近前来。黛玉用手轻轻笼住束发冠儿，将笠沿掖在抹额之上， 将那一颗核桃大的绛绒簪缨扶起，颤巍巍露于笠外。整理已毕，端像了一会，说 道：“好了，披上斗篷罢。”宝玉听了，方接了斗篷披上。薛姨妈忙道：“跟你们的 妈妈都还没来呢，且略等等。”宝玉道：“我们倒去等他们，有丫头们跟着也够 了。”薛姨妈不放心，吩咐两个妇女跟着送了他兄妹们去。

   他二人道了扰，一径回至贾母房中。贾母尚未用晚饭，知是薛姨妈处来，

更加喜欢。因见宝玉吃了酒，遂命他自回房中歇着，不许再出来了，因令人好生 看待着。忽想起跟宝玉的人来，遂问众人：“李奶子怎么不见？”众人不敢直说 他家去了，只说：“才进来的，想有事又出去了。”宝玉踉跄回顾道：“他比老太太 还受用呢，问他作什么！没有他只怕我还多活两日。”一面说，一面来至自己卧 室，只见笔墨在案。晴雯先接出来，笑道“好好叫我研了墨，早起高兴，只写了 三个字