Quicklinks: FAQ Manual Course Homepage (this page). 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 , 12, May 19 Chapters 17-19etc.

Shū Lín 舒琳

贾珍回道：“那陈设的东西早已添了许多，自然临期合式陈设。帐幔帘子，昨日听见琏兄弟说，还不全。那原是一起工程之时就画了各处的图样，量准尺寸，就打发人办去的。想必昨日得了一半。”贾政听了，便知此事不是贾珍的首尾，便叫人去唤贾琏。一时来了。贾政问他：“共有几种？现今得了几种？尚欠几种？”贾琏见问，忙向靴筒内取出靴掖内装的一个纸折略节来，看了一看，回道：“妆蟒绣堆、刻丝弹墨，并各色绸绫大小幔子一百二十架，昨日得了八十架，下欠四十架。帘子二百挂，昨俱得了。外有猩猩毡帘二百挂，湘妃竹帘二百挂，金丝藤红漆竹帘二百挂，黑潦竹帘二百挂，五彩线络盘花帘二百挂，每样得了一半，也不过秋天都全了。椅搭、桌围、床裙、杌套，每分一千二百件，也有了。”

一面说，一面走，忽见青山斜阻。转过山怀中，隐隐露出一带黄泥墙，墙上皆用稻茎掩护。有几百枝杏花，如喷火蒸霞一般。里面数楹茅屋，外面却是桑、榆、槿、柘，各色树稚新条，随其曲折，编就两溜青篱。篱外山坡之下，有一土井，旁有桔槔辘轳之属；下面分畦列亩，佳蔬菜花，一望无际。

贾政笑道：“倒是此处有些道理。虽系人力穿凿，而入目动心，未免勾引起我归农之意。我们且进去歇息歇息。”

"Of the things that have to be placed about," Treasure Merchant explained, a good number have, at an early period, been added, and of course when the time comes everything will be suitably arranged. As for the curtains, screens, and portieres, which have to be hung up, I heard yesterday brother Lien# say that they are not as yet complete, that when the works were first taken in hand, the plan of each place was drawn, the measurements accurately calculated and someone dispatched to attend to the things, and that he thought that yesterday half of them were bound to come in.

Chia Cheng, upon hearing this explanation, readily remembered that with all these concerns Chia Chen had nothing to do; so that he speedily sent some one to go and call Chia Lien.

Having arrived in a short while, "How many sorts of things are there in all?" Chia Cheng inquired of him. "Of these how many kinds have by this time been got ready? and how many more are short?"

At this question， Chia Lien# hastily produced， from the flaps of his boot， a paper pocket-book， containing a list， which he kept inside the tops of his boot. After perusing it and reperusing it， he made suitable reply. "Of the hundred and twenty curtains，" he proceeded， "of stiff spotted silks， embroidered with dragons in relief， and of the curtains large and small， of every kind of damask silk， eighty were got yesterday， so that there still remain forty of them to come. The two portieres were both received yesterday； and besides these， there are the two hundred red woollen portieres， two hundred portieres of Hsiang Fei bamboo； two hundred door-screens of rattan， with gold streaks， and of red lacquered bamboo； two hundred portieres of black lacquered rattan； two hundred door-screens of variegated thread-netting with clusters of flowers. Of each of these kinds， half have come in， but the whole lot of them will be complete no later than autumn. Antimacassars， table-cloths， flounces for the beds， and cushions for the stools， there are a thousand two hundred of each， but these likewise are ready and at hand."

As he spoke， they proceeded outwards， but suddenly they perceived a hill extending obliquely in such a way as to intercept the passage； and as they wound round the curve of the hill faintly came to view a line of yellow mud walls， the whole length of which was covered with paddy stalks for the sake of protection， and there were several hundreds of apricot trees in bloom， which presented the appearance of being fire， spurted from the mouth， or russet clouds， rising in the air. Inside this enclosure， stood several thatched cottages. Outside GREw， on the other hand， mulberry trees， elms， mallows， and silkworm oaks， whose tender shoots and new twigs， of every hue， were allowed to bend and to intertwine in such a way as to form two rows of green fence. Beyond this fence and below the white mound， was a well， by the side of which stood a well-sweep， windlass and such like articles； the ground further down being divided into parcels， and apportioned into fields， which， with the fine vegetables and cabbages in flower， presented， at the first glance， the aspect of being illimitable.

"This is，" Chia Cheng observed chuckling， "the place really imbued with a certain amount of the right principle； and laid out， though it has been by human labour， yet when it strikes my eye， it so moves my heart， that it cannot help arousing in me the wish to return to my native place and become a farmer. But let us enter and rest a while."--Shu Lin (talk) 10:52, 27 April 2021 (UTC)

Sū Xiāo 苏潇

说毕，方欲进去，忽见篱门外路旁有一石，亦为留题之所，众人笑道：“更妙，更妙！此处若悬匾待题，则田舍家风一洗尽矣。立此一碣，又觉许多生色，非范石湖田家之咏不足以尽其妙。”贾政道：“诸公请题。”众人云：“方才世兄云：‘编新不如述旧。’此处古人已道尽矣，莫若直书‘杏花村’为妙。”贾政听了，笑向贾珍道：“正亏提醒了我。此处都好，只是还少一个酒幌，明日竟做一个来，就依外面村庄的式样，不必华丽，用竹竿挑在树梢头。”贾珍答应了，又回道：“此处竟不必养别样雀鸟，只养些鹅、鸭、鸡之类，才相称。”贾政与众人都说：“妙极。”贾政又向众人道：“‘杏花村’固佳，只足犯了正村名，直待请名方可。”众客都道：“是呀。如今虚的，却是何字样好？”

大家正想，宝玉却等不得了，也不等贾政的命，便说道：“旧诗有云：‘红杏梢头挂酒旗’。如今莫若且题以‘杏帘在望’四字。”众人都道：“好个‘在望’！又暗合‘杏花村’意思。”宝玉冷笑道：“村名若用‘杏花’二字，则俗陋不堪了。又有唐人诗云‘柴门临水稻花香’，何不用‘稻香村’的妙？”众人听了，越发同声拍手道：“妙！”贾政一声断喝：“无知的业障！你能知道几个古人，能记得几首旧诗，也敢在老先生前卖弄！方才那些胡说，也不过是试你的清浊，取笑而已，你就认真了！”

After saying so, Master Merchant was about to enter, suddenly noticing a stone beside the road outside the hedge gate, which was for writing something. People laughed :”It is considerably wonderful! If a plaque was hung here to be named, the family style of the field would be washed away completely. In making this plaque, there are a lot more vivid features here, and other than Stone Lake Model's poem about countryside is not enough to express its best.”Master Merchant said,”Please create a name and write it here.” The others suggested:”Stating the previous, compared with the newly-created, is better. There have been a lot from the ancients, so it would be excellent to write down ‘Apricot Blossoms Village.’”After hearing that, Master Merchant smiled at Treasure Merchant:”That reminds me. All is well except for a wine flag. I’ll bring one tomorrow, just like the style of the village outside. There is no need to be gorgeous, just using a bamboo pole in the treetop head.”

Tāng Huì 汤惠

说着，引众人步入茆堂，里面纸窗木榻，富贵气象一洗皆尽。贾政心中自是欢喜，却瞅宝王道：“此处如何？”众人见问，都忙悄悄的推宝玉教他说好。宝玉不听人言，便应声道：“不及‘有凤来仪’多矣。”贾政听了道：“无知的蠢物，你只知朱楼画栋、恶赖富丽为佳，那里知道这清幽气象？终是不读书之过！”宝玉忙答道：“老爷教训的固是，但古人尝云‘天然’，此字不知何意？”

众人见宝玉牛心，都怪他呆痴不改；今见问“天然”二字，众人忙道：“别的都明白，如何‘天然’反不明白？‘天然’者，天之自成，而非人力之所为也。”宝玉道：“却又来！此处置一田庄，分明是人力造作而成：远无邻村，近不负郭，背山山无脉，临水水无源，高无隐寺之塔，下无通市之桥，峭然孤出，似非大观，怎似先处有自然之理，得自然之趣？虽种竹引泉，亦不伤穿凿。古人云‘天然图画’四字，正畏非其地而强为其地，非其山而强为其山，即百般精巧，终不相宜 ……”未及说完，贾政气的喝命：“扠出去！”才出去，又喝命：“回来！”命：“再题一联，若不通，一并打嘴！”宝玉只得念道：

新绿涨添浣葛处，好云香护采芹人。

贾政听了，摇头道：“更不好。”一面引人出来，转过山坡，穿花度柳，抚石依泉，过了荼蘸架，入木香棚，

Saying that he led the party into one of the cottages. It was quite gorgeous, with paper windows and wooden couches. Secretly pleased, he glanced at Precious Jade and asked, “What do you think of this place?” The guests hinted the boy to express his approval. However, Precious Jade ignored these and answered, “It can’t compare with ‘Where the Phoenix Alights’.” “Ignorant idiot!” Master Merchant sighed. “All you care for are red pavilions and painted beams. With your perverse taste for luxury, how can you appreciate the natural beauty of such a quiet cottage? This comes of neglecting your studies.” “Yes sir,” replied Precious Jade. “But the ancients were always using the term ‘natural’. I wonder what they really meant by it? Afraid he will lead to another trouble, the others hastily put in, “You understand everything well, why ask about the term ‘natural’? It means coming from nature, not human efforts.” “That’s it! The cottages here are obviously artificial and out of place with no villages in the distance, no fields near by, no mountains ranges behind, no source for the stream at hand, above, no pagoda from any half hidden temple, below, no bridge leading to a market. Perched here in isolation, it is nothing like as fine a sight as those places which were far-fetched. The bamboos and streams there didn’t look so artificial. What the ancients called ‘a natural picture’ means precisely that when you insist on an unsuitable site and hills where no hills should be, however skillful you go about it the result is not suitable....” “Get out!” thundered Master Merchant. “Stop, come back. Make another couplet. If it is no good I’ll slap your face on both accounts.” Precious Jade had to comply. He said:

“The green tide fills the creek where clothes are washed; Clouds of fragrance surround the girls plucking water-cress.”

Master Merchant shook his head, “Worse and worse.” With that he led the crowd out. The path now curved around a slope, past flowers and willows, rocks and springs, they entered a tree-peony pavilion.--Tang Hui (talk) 14:11, 25 May 2021 (UTC)

Saying that he led the party into one of the cottages. It was quite gorgeous, with paper windows and wooden couches. Secretly pleased, he glanced at Precious Jade and asked, “What do you think of this place?” The guests hinted the boy to express his approval. However, Precious Jade ignored these and answered, “It can’t be compared with ‘A Phoenix Comes With Grace to Rest’.” “Ignorant idiot!” Master Merchant sighed. “All you care for are red pavilions and painted beams. With your perverse taste for luxury, how can you appreciate the natural beauty of such a quiet cottage? This comes of neglecting your studies.” “Yes sir,” replied Precious Jade. “But the ancients were always using the term ‘natural’. I wonder what they really meant by it? Afraid he will lead to another trouble, the others hastily put in, “You understand everything well, why ask about the term ‘natural’? It means coming from nature, not human efforts.” “That’s it! The cottages here are obviously artificial and out of place with no villages in the distance, no fields near by, no mountains ranges behind, no source for the stream at hand, above, no pagoda from any half hidden temple, below, no bridge leading to a market. Perched here in isolation, it is nothing like as fine a sight as those places which were far-fetched. The bamboos and streams there didn’t look so artificial. What the ancients called ‘a natural picture’ means precisely that when you insist on an unsuitable site and hills where no hills should be, however skillful you go about it the result is not suitable....” “Get out!” thundered Master Merchant. “Stop, come back. Make another couplet. If it is no good I’ll slap your face on both accounts.” Precious Jade had to comply. He said:

“The green tide fills the creek where clothes are washed; Clouds of fragrance surround the girls plucking water-cress.”

Master Merchant shook his head, “Worse and worse.” With that he led the crowd out. The path now curved around a slope, past flowers and willows, rocks and springs, they entered a tree-peony pavilion.--Tang Qizhou (talk) 08:34, 29 May 2021 (UTC)

Táng Qǐzhōu 唐启洲 Mr.

越牡丹亭，度芍药圃，入蔷薇院，来到芭蕉坞，盘簇曲折。忽闻水声潺潺，出于石洞；上则萝薜倒垂，下则落花浮荡。众人都道：“好景，好景！”贾政道：“诸公题以何名？”众人道：“再不必拟了，恰恰乎是‘武陵源’三字。”贾政笑道：“又落实了，而且陈旧。”众人笑道：“不然就用‘秦人旧舍’四字也罢。”宝玉道：“越发过露了。‘秦人旧舍’说避乱之意，如何使得？莫若‘蓼汀花溆’四字。”贾政听了道：“更是胡说。”

于是贾政进了港洞，又问贾珍：“有船无船？”贾珍道：“采莲船共四只，座船一只，如今尚未造成。”贾政笑道：“可惜不得入了。”贾珍道：“从山上盘道也可以进去。”说毕，在前导引，大家攀藤抚树过去。只见水上落花愈多，其水愈清，溶溶荡荡，曲折萦纡。池边两行垂柳，杂以桃杏遮天蔽日，真无一些尘土。忽见柳阴中又露出一个折带朱栏板桥来，度过桥去，诸路可通，便见一所清凉瓦舍，一色水磨砖墙，清瓦花堵。那大主山所分之脉，皆穿墙而过。

贾政道：“此处这一所房子，无味的很。”因而步入门时，忽迎面突出插天的大玲珑山石来，四面群绕各式石块，竟把里面所有房屋悉皆遮住。且一株花木也无，只见许多异草：或有牵藤的，或有引蔓的，或垂山巅，或穿石脚，甚至垂檐绕柱，

..., past the Pavilion of Peony and the Garden of Chinese Herbaceous Peony, and reached where the plantain grew, winding and curving. Suddenly they heard the sound of a gushing spring from a cave hidden behind vines, and saw fallen flowers floating on the water below. People exclaimed," What a good scene!" Master Merchant asked them to suggest a name for it.“What would be better than ‘The Spring of Wuling’?” said people.“It's same name as a real place, and how stale it is!” objected Master Merchant with a smile.“Then how about 'The Refuge of a Man of Qin'?”“That's even more impossible,” said Precious Jade. “How can we use something that implies taking refuge in the wartime? I would suggest ‘Smartweed Bank and Flowery Harbor.”“That's more like a nonsense,” commented Master Merchant.

Then Master Merchant strolled to the water’s edge and asked Treasure Merchant, “Any boats here?”“There will be four boats for lotus-gathering and one boat for sight-seeing, but they haven't been prepared yet.”“What a pity we can’t enter it!”“We can go by the path on the hills,” said Treasure Merchant who then led the way, and the others followed there, clinging to creepers and trees. There were more fallen flowers floating on the water, which was clearer than ever as it swirled down. The stream was accompanied by weeping willows and peach and apricot trees, so lush that they screened the sun, and there was no dust in the air. Suddenly, in the shade of the willows, they saw an arched wooden bridge with scarlet railings, over which lay paths to everywhere. However, their attention was caught by an airy house of smooth brick with spotless tiles and an ornamental wall on one of the lesser slopes of the main hill.

“That building seems inappropriate here,” remarked Master Merchant. When he stepped in, he was greeted by tall weathered rocks of every description which hid the house from sight. There were no trees and flowers but abundant rare grasses, stretching their vines, falling from the artificial mountains, growing through the rocks, hanging from the eaves, winding the pillar...--Tang Qizhou (talk) 14:42, 6 May 2021 (UTC)

Téng Bìxiá 滕璧霞

萦砌盘阶，或如翠带飘飘，或如金绳蟠屈，或实若丹砂，或花如金桂，味香气馥，非凡花之可比。贾政不禁道：“有趣！只是不大认识。”有的说：“是薜荔藤萝。”贾政道：“薛荔藤萝那得有此异香？”宝玉道：“果然不是。这众草中也有藤萝薜荔，那香的是杜若蘅芜，那一种大约是茝兰，这一种大约是金葛，那一种是金?草，这一种是玉蕗藤，红的自然是紫芸，绿的定是青芷。想来那《离骚》《文选》所有的那些异草，有叫作什么霍纳姜汇的，也有叫作什么纶组紫绛的，还有什么石帆、水松、扶留等样的，见于左太冲《吴都赋》。又有叫作什么绿荑的，还有什幺丹椒、蘸芜、风莲，见于《蜀都赋》。如今年深岁改，人不能识，故皆象形夺名，渐渐的唤差了，也是有的……”未及说完，贾政喝道：“谁问你来？”唬的宝玉倒退，不敢再说。

贾政因见两边俱是超手游廊，便顺着游廊步入，只见上面五间清厦连着卷棚，四面出廊，绿窗油壁，更比前清雅不同。贾政叹道：“此轩中煮茶操琴，亦不必再焚香矣。此造却出意外，诸公必有佳作新题，以颜其额，方不负此。”众人笑道：“莫若‘兰风蕙露’贴切了。”贾政道：“也只好用这四字。其联云何？”一人道：“我想了一对，大家批削改正。”道是：

麝兰芳霭斜阳院，杜若香飘明月洲。 ...grew through the rocks, hung from the eaves, twined round the pillars and carpeted the steps. Some seemed like floating green belts or golden bands; others had berries red as cinnabar and flowers like golden osmanthus which gave off a penetrating scent, unlike the scent of ordinary flowers.“This is charming!” Master Merchant could not help exclaiming,“but I am not familiar with them."“Climbing fig and wistaria?” someone suggested.“Master Merchant said :"but they don’t have such a strange fragrance, do they?”“They certainly don’t,” said Precious Jade. “There are climbing fig and wistaria here, but the fragrance comes from alpinia and snakeroot. That one over there is iris, I fancy, and here we have dolichos, dwarf-mallow and glyrcyrrhia. That crimson plant is purple rue, of course; the green, angelica.A lot of these rare plants are mentioned in the Li Sao and Wen Xuan, plants with names like huona, jiangqian, lunzu and zijiang; shifan, shuisong and fuliu; luyi, danjiao, miwu and fenglian.But after all these centuries scholars can no longer identify these plants, for which new names have been found…”“Who asked your opinion?” roared his father. Precious Jade stepped back nervously and said no more.Finding corridors ran along both sides of this court, Master Merchant led his party down one of these to a cool five-section gallery with roofed verandahs on four sides, green windows and painted walls, more elegant than any they had yet seen.“One could brew tea here and play the lyre without having to burn rare incense.”He sighed appreciatively, “This is certainly unexpected. We need a good inscription, gentlemen, to do it justice.”“What could be apter than ‘Wind in the Orchids and Dew on Angelicas’?” one ventured.“I suppose we have no other choice. Now what about a couplet?”“I have thought of one,” said another. “The rest of you must correct it.”Fragrance of musk-orchids fills the court at dusk,Scent of alpinia floats to the moonlit island.

Wáng Chǔyí 王楚仪

众人道：“妙则妙矣！只是‘斜阳’二字不妥。”那人引古诗“蘼芜满院泣斜阳” 句，众人云：“颓丧，颓丧！”又一人道：“我也有一联，诸公评阅评阅。”念道：

       三径香风飘玉蕙，一庭明月照金兰。

贾政拈须沉吟，意欲也题一联，忽抬头见宝玉在旁不敢作声，因喝道：“怎么你应说话时又不说了？还要等人请教你不成！”宝玉听了回道：“此处并没有什么‘兰麝’、‘明月’、‘洲渚’之类，若要这样着迹说来，就题二百联也不能完。” 贾政道：“谁接着你的头，教你必定说这些字样呢？”宝玉道：‘如此说，则匾上莫若‘蘅芷清芬’四字。对联则是：

吟成豆蔻诗犹艳，睡足荼?梦也香。”

贾政笑道：“这是套的‘书成蕉叶文犹绿’，不足为奇。”众人道：“李太白‘凤凰台’之作，全套‘黄鹤楼’。只要套得妙。如今细评起来，方才这一联竟比‘书成蕉叶’尤觉幽雅活动。”贾政笑道：“岂有此理！”

说着，大家出来，走不多远，则见崇阁巍峨，层楼高起，面面琳宫合抱，迢迢复道萦纤。青松拂檐，玉兰绕砌，金辉兽面，彩焕螭头。贾政道：“这是正殿了。只是太富丽了些。”众人都道：“要如此方是。虽然贵妃崇尚节俭，然今日之尊，礼仪如此，不为过也。”一面说，一面走，只见正面现出一座玉石牌坊，上面龙蟠螭护，玲垅凿就。

“Very good,” they commented. “Only the reference to ‘dusk’ seems inappropriate.”He then quoted the old poem with the line, “The alpinia in the court weeps in the dusk.”“Too sad, too sad,” they protested.“Here’s one for your consideration.” said another.

Along three paths white angelica scents the breeze, In the court a bright moon shines on golden orchids.

Master Merchant thoughtfully tugged at his beard and seemed about to propose a couplet himself when, raising his head, he caught sight of Precious Jade, now afraid to open his mouth. “Well?” he said sternly. “When it’s time to speak you say nothing. Are you waiting to be begged for the favour of your instruction?”“We have no musk, moon or islands here,” said Precious Jade. “If you want allusive couplets of that kind, we can easily compose hundreds.” “Who is putting pressure on you to use those words?”“Well then, I suggest ‘Pure Scent of Alpinia and Iris.’” And for the couplet:

Singing on cardamons makes lovely poetry; Sleeping beneath roses induces sweet dreams.

Master Merchant laughed. “You got that from the line ‘Write on plantain leaves and green is the writing.’ This is mere plagiarism.”“There’s nothing wrong with plagiarism provided it’s well done,” countered the others. “Even Li Bai copied from Yellow Crane Pavilion when he wrote his Phoenix Tower. If you consider this couplet carefully, sir, it is livelier and more poetical than the original. It even looks as if the other line plagiarizes this by our young master.” “Preposterous!” Master Merchant smiled. From there they went on some way until ahead of them loomed towering pavilions enclosed by magnificent buildings, all of them connected by winding passageways. Green pines brushed the eaves, white balustrades skirted the steps, the animal designs glittered like gold and the dragon-heads blazed with colour.“This must be the main reception palace,” observed Master Merchant. “Its one fault is that it is too luxurious.” “Unavoidably so,” they reasoned. “Although Her Royal Highness prizes frugality, this is no more than is due to her present exalted rank.”They were now at the foot of a marble arch finely carved with rampant dragons and coiling serpents.

--Wang Chuyi (talk) 06:22, 8 May 2021 (UTC)

“Very good,” they commented. “Only the reference to ‘dusk’ seems inappropriate.”He then quoted the old poem with the line, “The alpinia in the court weeps in the dusk.”“Too sad, too sad,” they protested.“Here’s one for your consideration.” said another.

Along three paths white angelica scents the breeze, In the court a bright moon shines on golden orchids.

Master Merchant thoughtfully tugged at his beard and seemed about to propose a couplet himself when, raising his head, he caught sight of Precious Jade, now afraid to open his mouth. “Well?” he said sternly. “When it’s time to speak you say nothing. Are you waiting to be begged for the favor of your instruction?”“We have no so called musk, moon or islands here,” said Precious Jade. “If you want allusive couplets of that kind, we can easily compose hundreds.” “Who is putting pressure on you to use those words?”“Well then, I suggest ‘Pure Scent of Alpinia and Iris.’” And for the couplet:

Singing on cardamons makes lovely poetry; Sleeping beneath roses induces sweet dreams.

Master Merchant laughed. “You got that from the line ‘Write on plantain leaves and green is the writing.’ This is mere plagiarism.”“There’s nothing wrong with plagiarism provided it’s well done,” countered the others. “Even Li Bai copied from Yellow Crane Pavilion when he wrote his Phoenix Tower. If you consider this couplet carefully, sir, it is livelier and more poetical than the original. It even looks as if the other line plagiarizes this by our young master.” “Preposterous!” Master Merchant smiled. From there they went on some way until ahead of them loomed towering pavilions enclosed by magnificent buildings, all of them connected by winding passageways. Green pines brushed the eaves, white balustrades skirted the steps, the animal designs glittered like gold and the dragon-heads blazed with colour.“This must be the main reception palace,” observed Master Merchant. “Its one fault is that it is too luxurious.” “Unavoidably so,” they reasoned. “Although Her Royal Highness prizes frugality, this is no more than is due to her present exalted rank.”They were now at the foot of a marble arch finely carved with rampant dragons and coiling serpents.--Wang Jingyi (talk) 15:52, 1 June 2021 (UTC)

Wáng Jìngyí 王静怡

贾政道：“此处书以何文？”众人道“必是‘蓬莱仙境’方妙。” 贾政摇头不语。

宝玉见了这个所在，心中忽有所动，寻思起来，倒像在那里见过的一般，却一时想不起那年那月日的事了。贾政又命他题咏，宝玉只顾细思前景，全无心于此了。众人不知其意，只当他受了这半日折磨，精神耗散，才尽词穷了；再要留难逼迫着了急，或生出事来，倒不便。遂忙都劝贾政道：“罢了，明日再题罢了。”贾政心中也怕贾母不放心，遂冷笑道：“你这畜生，也竟有不能之时了。也罢，限你一日，明日题不来，定不饶你。这是第一要紧处所，要好生作来！”

说着，引人出来，再一观望，原来自进门至此，才游了十之五六。又值人来回，有雨村处遣人回话。贾政笑道：“此数处不能游了。虽如此，到底从那一边出去，也可略观大概。”说着，引客行来，至一大桥，水如晶帘一般奔入。原来这桥便是通外河之闸，引泉而入者。贾政因问：“此闸何名？”宝玉道：“此乃沁芳源之正流，即名‘沁芳闸’。”贾政道：“胡说，偏不用‘沁芳’二字。”

于是一路行来，或清堂，或茅舍，或堆石为垣，或编花为门，或山下得幽尼佛寺，或林中藏女道丹房，或长廊曲洞，或方厦圆亭，贾政皆不及进去。因半日未尝歇息，腿酸脚软，忽又见前面露出一所院落来，

“What should be inscribed here?” asked Master Merchant. “‘The Fairy Land of Penglai’?” He shook his head and said nothing. As for Precious Jade, he felt strangely stirred by this sight, as if he had seen a place of this kind before: though just when he could not remember. Called upon to compose an inscription, he was too preoccupied to think of anything else. The others, not knowing this, imagined that his wits were wandering and he was exhausted after his long ordeal. Fearing that if he were pressed too hard the consequences might be serious, they urged his father to give him a day’s grace. Master Merchant, aware that his mother might well be anxious, said with an ironic smile, “So sometimes you are at a loss too, you young rascal. Very well, I’ll give you until tomorrow. But if no inscription is ready then, so much the worse for you. This is the most important place, so mind you do your best.” They continued with the tour of inspection and had covered little more than half the grounds when a servant reported that someone had arrived with a message from Rain Village. “We can’t see the rest of the places,” said Master Merchant. “But by going out the other way we can at least get a general idea, even if we don’t see them all.” He led the way to a large bridge above a crystal curtain of cascading water. This was the sluice admitting water from outside. Master Merchant asked for a name for it. “Rubbish.” said his father. “Since this is the source of the River of Seeping Fragrance it could be called ‘Seeping Fragrance Lock,”’ Precious Jade suggested. “We just won’t have ‘Seeping Fragrance.” On they went past quiet lodges and thatched huts, stone walls and pergolas of flowers, a temple secluded in the hills and a convent half hidden among the trees, long covered walks, meandering grottoes, square mansions and round kiosks, none of which they had time to enter. However, it was so long since their last rest that all were footsore and weary by the time they saw another lodge in front, --Wang Jingyi (talk) 15:23, 1 June 2021 (UTC)

Wáng Qìnyú 王沁瑜

贾政道：“到此可要歇息歇息了。”说着一径引入，绕着碧桃花，穿过竹篱花障编就的月洞门，俄见粉垣环护，绿柳周垂。贾政与众人进了门，两边尽是游廊相接，院中点衬几块山石，一边种几本芭蕉，那一边是一株西府海棠，其势若伞，丝垂金缕，葩吐丹砂。众人都道： “好花，好花！海棠也有，从没见过这样好的。”贾政道：“这叫做‘女儿棠’，乃是外国之种，俗传出‘女儿国’，故花最繁盛，亦荒唐不经之说耳。”众人道：“毕竟此花不同，‘女国’之说，想亦有之。”宝玉云：“大约骚人咏士以此花红若施脂，弱如扶病，近乎闺阁风度，故以‘女儿’命名。世人以讹传讹，都未免认真了。” 众人都说：“领教，妙解！”

一面说话，一面都在廊下榻上坐了。贾政因道：“想几个什么新鲜字来题？”一客道：“‘蕉鹤’二字妙。”又一个道：“‘崇光泛彩’方妙。”贾政与众人都道：“好个‘祟光泛彩’！”宝玉也道：“妙。”又说：“只是可惜了。”众人问：“如何可惜？”宝玉道：“此处蕉棠两植，其意暗蓄‘红’‘绿’二字在内，若说一样，遗漏一样，便不足取。”贾政道：“依你如何？”宝玉道：“依我，题‘红香绿玉’四字，方两全其美。”贾政摇头道：“不好，不好！”

说着，引人进入房内。 Master Merchant said, “Here we must take a rest.” Then,he led the way in past some double-flowering peach in blossom and through a moon-gate made of bamboo over which climbed flowering plants. Whitewashed walls and green willows confronted them then. Along the walls ran covered corridors, and the rockery in the centre of the courtyard was flanked on one side by plantains, on the other by a red multi-petalled crab-apple tree, its branches trained in the shape of an umbrella, with green trailing tendrils and petals red as cinnabar. “What superb blossoms!” they exclaimed. “We have never seen such a splendid one before.” “This is a foreign variety called ‘Maiden Apple,’” Master Merchant told them. “Tradition has it that it comes from the Land of Maidens, and that it blossoms profusely in that country; but that is nothing but an old wives’ tale.” “If so, how did the name come to be handed down?” they wondered. “Quite likely the name ‘Maiden’ was given by some poet,” said Precious Jade，“because this flower is as red as rouged cheeks and as frail as a delicate girl. Then some vulgar character made up that story and ignorant people believed it.” “A most plausible explanation,” said the others.

They sat down on some benches in the corridor and Master Merchant at once asked for another inscription. “Plantains and Storks’?” one proposed. ‘‘Or ‘Towering Splendour and Shimmering Radiance.’”another one said. Master Merchant and the rest approved, as indeed did Precious Jade , adding, “It’s a pity, though...” Asked to explain himself, he said, “Plantain and crabapple blossom suggest both red and green. It’s a pity to refer to one and not the other.” “What do you suggest then?” Master Merchant said.“ Something like ‘Red Fragrance and Green Jade’ would bring out the charm of both, I think.”“Not fit!” Master Merchant shook his head. He led the way into the building.

Wáng Zǐhán 王子涵

只见其中收拾的与别处不同，竟分不出间隔来的。原来四面皆是雕空玲珑木板，或“流云百蝠”，或“岁寒三友”，或山水人物，或翎毛花卉，或集锦，或博占，或万福万寿，各种花样，皆是名手雕镂，五彩销金嵌玉的。一槅一槅，或贮书，或设鼎，或安置笔砚，或供设瓶花，或安放盆景；萁槅式样，或圆，或方，或葵花蕉叶，或连环半璧。真是花团锦簇，玲珑剔透。倏尔五色纱糊，竟系小窗；倏尔彩绫轻覆，竟如幽户。且满墙皆是随依古董玩器之形抠成的槽子，如琴、剑、悬瓶之类，俱悬于壁，却都是与壁相平的。众人都赞：“好精致！难为怎么做的！”

原来贾政走了进来，未到两层，便都迷了旧路，左瞧也有门可通，右瞧也有窗暂隔，及到跟前，又被一架书挡住。回头又有窗纱明透门径可行，及至门前，忽见迎面也进来了一起人，与自己的形相一样，——却是一架大玻璃镜。转过镜去一发见门多了。贾珍笑道：“老爷随我来，从此门出去便是后院，出了后院，倒比先近了。”引着贾政及众人转了两层纱厨，果得一门出去，院中满架蔷薇。转过花障，则见青溪前阻。众人咤异：“这水又从何而来？”贾珍遥指道： “原从那闸起流至那洞口，从东北山坳里引到那村庄里，又开一道岔口，引至西南上，共总流到这里，仍旧合在一处，从那墙下出去。” It was unusually set out with no clear-cut divisions between the different rooms. They were beautifully carved with the motifs “clouds and a hundred bats” of the “three companions of winter”: pine, plum and bamboo, as well as landscapes and figures, birds and flowers, scrollwork, imitation curios and symbols of good fortune or long life. All executed by the finest craftsmen, they were brilliantly coloured and inlaid with gold or precious stones. There were only partitions formed of shelves for books, bronze tripods, stationery, flower vases and miniature gardens, some round, some square, some shaped like sunflowers, plantain leaves or intersecting arcs. The effect was splendid, the workmanship exquisite. Here a strip of coloured gauze concealed a small window, there a gorgeous curtain hid a door. There were also niches on the walls to fit antiques, lyres, swords, vases or other ornaments, which hung level with the surface of the wall. Their amazement and admiration for the craftsmen’s ingenuity knew no bounds. After passing two partitions Jia Zheng and his party lost their way. To their left they saw a door, to their right a window; but when they went forward their passage was blocked by a bookshelf. Turning back they glimpsed the way through another window; but on reaching the door they suddenly saw a party just like their own confronting them: they were looking at a big mirror. Passing round this they came to more doorways. “Follow me, sir,” urged Jia Zhen with a smile. “Let me take you to the back courtyard and show you a short cut.” He conducted them past two gauze screens out into a courtyard filled with rose trellises. Skirting round the fence, Baoyu saw a clear stream in front. All exclaimed in astonishment, “Where does this water come from?” Jia Zhen pointed to a spot in the distance. “It flows from that lock we saw through the ravine, then from the northeast valley to the little farm, where some is diverted southwest. Here both streams converge to flow out underneath the wall.”

Wǔ Sīyí 伍斯仪

众人听了，都道：“神妙之极！”说着，忽见大山阻路，众人都谜了路，贾珍笑道：“随我来。”乃在前导引，众人随着，由山脚下一转，便是平坦大路，豁然大门现于面前，众人都道：“有趣，有趣！搜神夺巧，至于此极！”于是大家出来。

那宝玉一心只记挂着里边姊妹们，又不见贾政吩咐，只得跟到书房。贾政忽想起来道：“你还不去，看老太太记念你。难道还逛不足么？”宝玉方退了出来。至院外，就有跟贾政的小厮上来抱住，说道：“今日亏了老爷喜欢，方才老太太打发人出来问了几次，我们回说老爷喜欢；若不然，老太太叫你进去了，就不得展才了。人人都说，你才那些诗比众人都强，今儿得了彩头，该赏我们了。”宝玉笑道：“每人一吊。”众人道：“谁没见那一吊钱！把这荷包赏了罢。”说着，一个个都上来解荷包，解扇袋，不容分说，将宝玉所佩之物，尽行解去。又道：“好生送上去罢。”一个个围绕着，送至贾母门前。那时贾母正等着他，见他来了，知道不曾难为他，心中自是喜欢。

少时袭人倒了茶来，见身边佩物，一件不存，因笑道：“带的东西必又是那起没脸的东西们解了去了。”林黛玉听说，走过来一瞧，果然一件无存，因向宝玉道：“我给你的那个荷包也给他们了？你明儿再想我的东西，可不能够了！”

“Miraculous!” they marveled. Now another hill blocked their way and they all got lost. But Treasure Merchant laughed and said, “following me,” and as soon as they rounded the foot of the hill they found themselves on a smooth highway not far from the main entrance. “How interesting,” they said. “How fabulous.” And then they left the garden. Precious Jade was longing to get back to the girls, but receiving no dismissal from his father he had to follow him to the library. Now Master Merchant suddenly remembered his presence. “Why are you still here?” he demanded. “Haven’t you had enough of wandering around? The old lady will be worrying about you. She’s wasting her love on you. Off you go, quick.” Then at last Precious Jade could withdraw. As soon as Precious Jade was out of the courtyard, the pages who attended Master Merchant stepped forward to throw their arms around his waist. They said, “It’s lucky for you that the master was in such a good mood today. The old lady sent several times to ask how things were, and you should thank us for telling her he looked pleased. Otherwise she’d have sent for you and you wouldn't have had this chance to shine. Everybody said your poems were the best. “Today’s your lucky day, so give us a tip.” “You shall each have a string of cash,” he promised them. “Who hasn’t seen a string of cash?” cried one. “Give me your pouch.” Swarming round without so much as a “by your leave,” they stripped him of his scented pouch, fan-sheath and other pendants. “Now let’s see him back!” they cried. With one of them carrying him, the others in a troop escorted him along to the outer courtyard of the Grandma Merchant’s apartments. Since she had sent several times to see how her grandson was faring, she was naturally pleased when her nannies and maids brought him in, none the worse for his experience. When presently Aroma handed him tea she noticed that not one of his pendants was left. “So those shameless wretches have taken all your things again,” she remarked with a smile. Mascara Jade Forest came over to see if this was true. Sure enough, all his trinkets had gone. “So you’ve given them that pouch I made you too!” she remarked. “All right, that’s the last thing you’ll ever get from me.”

Wú Xīnxīn 吴欣欣

说毕，生气回房，将前日宝玉嘱咐他做而未完之香袋，章起剪子来就铰。宝玉见他生气，便忙赶过来，早已剪破了。宝玉曾见过这香袋，虽未完工，却十分精巧，无故剪了，却也可气。因忙把衣领解了，从里面衣襟上将所系荷包解了下来，递与黛玉道“你瞧瞧，这是什么东西？我可曾把你的东西给人？”林黛玉见他如此珍重，带在里面，可知是怕人拿去之意，因此又自悔莽撞剪了香袋，低着头一言不发。宝玉道：“你也不用剪，我知你是懒怠给我东西。我连这荷包奉还，何如？”说着掷向他怀中而去。黛玉越发气得哭了，拿起荷包又剪。宝玉忙回身抢住，笑道：“好妹妹，饶了他罢！”黛玉将剪子一摔，拭泪说道：“你不用合我好一阵歹一阵的，要恼就撂开手。”说着赌气上床，面向里倒下拭泪。禁不住宝玉上来“妹妹”长“妹妹”短赔不是。

前面贾母一片声找宝玉。众人回说：“在林姑娘房里。”贾母听说道：“好，好，好！让他姊妹们一处玩玩罢。才他老子拘了他这半天，让他开心一会子罢。只别叫他们拌嘴。”众人答应着。

黛玉被宝玉缠不过，只得起来道：“你的意思不叫我安生，我就离了你。”说着往外就走。宝玉笑道：“你到那里，我跟到那里。”一面仍拿着荷包来带上。黛玉伸手抢道：“你说不要，这会子又带上，我也替你怪臊的！”说着“嗤”的一声笑了。

After uttering these words， she returned into her apartment in high dudgeon， and taking the scented bag， which Precious Jade had asked her to make for him， and which she had not as yet finished， she picked up a pair of scissors， and instantly cut it to pieces.

Precious Jade noticing that she had lost her temper， came after her with hurried step， but the bag had already been cut with the scissors； and as Precious Jade observed how extremely fine and artistic this scented bag was， in spite of its unfinished state， he verily deplored that it should have been rent to pieces for no rhyme or reason. Promptly therefore unbuttoning his coat， he produced from inside the lapel the purse， which had been fastened there. "Look at this！" he remarked as he handed it to Mascara Jade； "what kind of thing is this！ have I given away to any one what was yours？" Lin Mascara Jade， upon seeing how much he prized it as to wear it within his clothes， became alive to the fact that it was done with intent， as he feared lest any one should take it away； and as this conviction made her sorry that she had been so impetuous as to have cut the scented bag， she lowered her head and uttered not a word.

"there was really no need for you to have cut it，" Precious Jade observed； "but as I know that you're loth to give me anything， what do you say to my returning even this purse？"

With these words， he threw the purse in her lap and walked off； which vexed Mascara Jade so much the more that， after giving way to tears， she took up the purse in her hands to also destroy it with the scissors， when Precious Jade precipitately turned round and snatched it from her grasp.

"My dear cousin，" he smilingly pleaded， "do spare it！" and as Mascara Jade dashed down the scissors and wiped her tears： "You needn't，" she urged， "be kind to me at one moment， and unkind at another； if you wish to have a tiff， why then let's part company！" But as she spoke， she lost control over her temper， and， jumping on her bed， she lay with her face turned towards the inside， and set to work drying her eyes.

Precious Jade could not refrain from approaching her. "My dear cousin， my own cousin，" he added， "I confess my fault！"

"Go and find Precious Jade！" dowager Grandma Merchant thereupon gave a shout from where she was in the front apartment， and all the attendants explained that he was in Miss Lin's room.

"All right， that will do！ that will do！" her ladyship rejoined， when she heard this reply； "let the two cousins play together； his father kept him a short while back under check， for ever so long， so let him have some distraction. But the only thing is that you mustn't allow them to have any quarrels." To which the servants in a body expressed their obedience.

Mascara Jade， unable to put up with Precious Jade's importunity， felt compelled to rise. "Your object seems to be，" she remarked， "not to let me have any rest. If it is， I'll run away from you." Saying which， she there and then was making her way out， when Precious Jade protested with a face full of smiles： "Wherever you go， I'll follow！" and as he， at the same time， took the purse and began to fasten it on him， Mascara Jade stretched out her hand， and snatching it away， "You say you don't want it，" she observed， "and now you put it on again！ I'm really much ashamed on your account！" And these words were still on her lips when with a sound of Ch'ih， she burst out laughing.

Yāo Yáng 么阳

宝玉道：“好妹妹，明儿另替我做个香袋儿罢。”黛玉道：“那也瞧我的高兴罢了。”

一面说，一面二人出房，到王夫人上房中去了，可巧宝钗亦在那里。此时王夫人那边热闹非常。原来贾蔷已从姑苏采买了十二个女孩子并聘了教习以及行头等事来了。那时薛姨妈另迁于东北上一所幽静房舍居住，将梨香院另行修理了，就令教习在此教演女戏；又另派家中旧曾学过歌唱的众女人们——如今皆是皤然老妪，着他们带领管理。就令贾蔷总理其日月出入银钱等事，以及诸凡大小所需之物料账目。

又有林之孝家的来回：“采访聘买得十二个小尼姑、小道姑，都到了，连新做的二十分道袍也有了。外又有一个带发修行的，本是苏州人氏，祖上也是读书仕宦之家，因自幼多病，买了许多替身，皆不中用，到底这姑娘入了空门，方才好了，所以带发修行。今年十八岁，取名妙玉。如今父母俱已亡故，身边只有两个老嬷嬷、一个小丫头伏侍。文墨也极通，经典也极熟，模样又极好。因听说 ‘长安’都中有观音遗迹，并贝叶遗文，去年随了师父上来，现在西门外牟尼院住着。他师父精演先天神数，于去冬圆寂了。遗言说他：‘不宜回乡，在此静候，自有结果。’所以未曾扶灵回去。”王夫人便道：“这样我们何不接了他来？”林之孝家的回道：“若请他，他说：‘侯门公府，必以贵势压人，我再不去的。’” Precious Jade said:” Friendly sister, please make a perfume pouch for me in future.” Mascara Jade replied:” That is up to my mood.” While speaking, they left for Lady King’s best room. Precious Hairpin happened to be there. Meanwhile, there was a noise for Rose Merchant had bought twelve girls and employed instructors and professional clothes. At that time, Aunt Marshgrass moved to a quiet house in the northeast, so Pear Fragrance Court was repaired and used for play-training to those girls. And other women in the house who learned singing, now old, was sent to help to manage. Rose Merchant was ordered to take charge in the daily expenses, the tally and other things. Filial Piety Forest's Wife came and said:” The twelve buddhist nuns and Taoist nuns all arrived. The twenty new-made costumes are ready. Besides, there is a haired nun. She is from Soochow. Her family has the tradition of reading and being official. Because of her weak body, though many selected ringers, she has to serve a religious belief in person. After doing so, her health became better. That’s why she still has hair. Now she is 18 years old and named Wonderful Jade. Her parents died, only two old women and a little girl looking after her. She is not only beautiful but also good at reading and writing and she is familiar with classics. Heard of there are Avalokitesvara (Guanyin) relics and the remains of buddhist texts writing on the leaves in Forever Peaceful Capital, she came with her master last year. He was good at reading one’s fortune, but he died in winter. And in his last words, he said ‘It is not suitable to return hometown. Stay still and soon the answer appears.’ So she didn’t sent the remains of her master back to hometown. Now she lives in the Muny yard.” Lady King said: “ Why not pick her up?” Filial Piety Forest's Wife answered: “ If so, she would say: ‘The noble family always overwhelm people with their power, I don’t want to go.’”

“Dear cousin, do make me another sachet tomorrow.” “We’ll have to see how I feel.” They went together then to Lady Wang’s quarters where they happened to find Baochai. Everyone was in a state of great excitement, as the twelve young actresses bought by Jia Qiang in Suzhou had just arrived, together with the instructors he had hired and the costumes for the operas they would perform. Aunt Xue had moved to quiet, secluded quarters in the northeast part of the grounds, and Pear Fragrance Court had been made ready for the rehearsals. Some family maids who had once trained as opera-singers themselves but were now hoary dames were sent to look after the little actresses, while Jia Qiang was put in charge of their daily expenses and the provision of everything they required. Just at this time, Lin Zhixiao’s wife came to report, “The twenty-four little nuns---twelve Buddhist and twelve Taoist---whom I selected and purchased have now arrived, and their twenty-four new habits are ready. There’s another girl, too, who had entered holy orders without shaving her head. She comes from a Suzhou family of scholars and officials. She was delicate as a child, and although they bought many substitute novices for her it was no use---her health didn’t improve until she joined the Buddhist order herself. That’s how she became a lay sister. She’s eighteen this year and her name in religion is Miaoyu. Her parents are dead now and she only has two old nurses and one maid to look after her. She’s widely read and well-versed in the sutras, besides being very good-looking. She came to the capital last year, having heard there were relics of Guanyin here and canons inscribed on pattra leaves. She’s been living in the Sakyamuni Convent outside the West Gate. Her tutor was an excellent diviner, but she passed away last winter. Miaoyu had meant to escort the coffin back to her native place; but as her tutor lay dying she told the girl not to go back home but to wait quietly where she was for something fortune had in store for her. So， she didn’t accompany the coffin back.” “In that case, why not ask her here?” put in Lady Wang. “She’d refuse,” objected Lin Zhixiao’s wife. “She’d be afraid of being looked down on in a noble household.”----Yi Mingxia (talk)

Yì Míngxiá 易明霞

王夫人道：“他既是宦家小姐，自然要傲些，就下个请帖请他何妨？”林之孝家的答应着出去，叫书启相公写个请帖去请妙玉，次日遣人备车轿去接。不知后来如何，且听下回分解。

◎第十八回皇恩重元妃省父母天伦乐宝玉呈才藻

话说被时有人回，工程上等着糊东西的纱绫，请凤姐去开库拿纱绫；又有人来回，请凤姐开库收金银器皿。王夫人并上房丫鬟等皆不得空闲。宝钗说： “咱们别在这里碍手碍脚。”说着，同宝玉等往迎春房中来。

王夫人日日忙乱，直到十月里才全备了，监督都交清账目；各处古董文玩，俱已陈设齐备；采办鸟雀，自仙鹤、鹿、兔以及鸡、鹅等，已买全，交于园中各处饲养；贾蔷那边也演出二十出杂戏来；一班小尼姑、道姑也都学会念佛经咒。于是贾政方略心安意畅，又请贾母等到园中，色色斟酌，点缀妥当，再无些微不当之处。贾政才敢题本。本上之日，奉旨：“于明年正月十五日上元之日贵妃省亲。”贾府奉了此旨，一发日夜不闲，连年亦不曾好生过的。

转眼元宵在迩，自正月初八，就有太监出来，先看方向：何处更衣，何处燕坐，何处受礼，何处开宴，何处退息。又有巡察地方总理关防太监，带了许多小太监来各处关防，挡围幕；指示贾宅人员何处出人，何处进膳，何处启事，种种仪注。 “A young lady from an official family is bound to be rather proud,” agreed Lady King. “Why not send her a written invitation?” Obedience Forest’s wife agreed and left. One of the secretaries was instructed to make out an invitation, and the following days servants were senet with a carriage and leave that till later. Chapter 18 Unit Spring Visits Her Parents on the Feast of Lanterns Mascara Jade Helps Precious Jade by Passing Him a Poem A servant came just then to request Sister Phoenix to open the storeroom and issue the gauze and silk needed by the workmen fore screens. Another asked her to store away the gold and silver utensils. Meanwhile Lady King and her maids were busy too. So Precious Jade suggested, “Let’s not stay here where we’re only in the way. Let’s go and find Seeking-spring.” She took Precious Jade and Mascara Jade to the rooms of Spring Pleasure and others to while away the time. For Lady King and her helpers, the days passed in a flurry of preparations until, towards the end of the tenth month, all was ready. The stewards had handed in their accounts: antiques and precious objects had been set out; the pleasure grounds were well-stocked with cranes, peacocks, deer, rabbits, chicken and geese to be reared in appropriate places; Wall Merchant had twenty operas ready; and the little Buddhist and Taoist nuns had memorized various sutras and incantations. The Policy Merchant, able at last to breathe more freely, invited the Lady Dowager to make a final inspection of the Garden and see that all was in order with nothing overlooked. This done, he chose an auspicious date and wrote a memorial, and the very same day that it was presented the Son of Heaven permitted to visit her parents for the Feast of Lanterns on the fifteenth of the first month the following year. This threw the whole household into such a commotion that, hard at work day and night, they scarcely had time to celebrate the New Year. In a twinkling the Feast of Lanterns would arrive. On the eighth of the first month eunuchs came from the Palace to inspect the general layout of the Garden and the apartment where the Imperial consort would change her clothes, sit with her family, receive their homage, feast them and retire to rest. The eunuch in charge of security also posted many younger eunuchs as guards by the screened and curtained to the retiring rooms. Detailed instructions were given to all members of the household as to where they should withdraw, where they should kneel, serve food or make announcements—all the exact etiquette to be observed.

“A young lady from an official family is bound to be rather proud,” agreed Lady King. “Why not send her a written invitation?” Obedience Forest’s wife agreed and left. One of the secretaries was instructed to make out an invitation, and the following days servants were senet with a carriage and sedan-chair to fetch Wonderful Jade. As to what followed, we can leave that till later.

Chapter 18 Unit Spring Visits Her Parents on the Feast of Lanterns Mascara Jade Helps Precious Jade by Passing Him a Poem

A servant came just then to request Sister Phoenix to open the storeroom and issue the gauze and silk needed by the workmen fore screens. Another asked her to store away the gold and silver utensils. Meanwhile Lady King and her maids were busy too. So Precious Hairpin Marshgrass suggested, “Let’s not stay here where we’re only in the way. Let’s go and find Seeking-spring.” Then she took Precious Jade to the rooms of Spring Pleasure and others to while away the time. For Lady King and her helpers, the days passed in a flurry of preparations until, towards the end of the tenth month, all was ready. The stewards had handed in their accounts: antiques and precious objects had been set out; the pleasure grounds were well-stocked with cranes, peacocks, deer, rabbits, chicken and geese to be reared in appropriate places; Wall Merchant had twenty operas ready; and the little Buddhist and Taoist nuns had memorized various sutras and incantations. The Policy Merchant, able at last to breathe more freely, invited the Lady Dowager to make a final inspection of the Garden and see that all was in order with nothing overlooked. This done, he chose an auspicious date and wrote a memorial, and the very same day that it was presented the Son of Heaven permitted to visit her parents for the Feast of Lanterns on the fifteenth of the first month the following year. This threw the whole household into such a commotion that, hard at work day and night, they scarcely had time to celebrate the New Year. In a twinkling the Feast of Lanterns would arrive. On the eighth of the first month eunuchs came from the Palace to inspect the general layout of the Garden and the apartment where the Imperial consort would change her clothes, sit with her family, receive their homage, feast them and retire to rest. The eunuch in charge of security also posted many younger eunuchs as guards by the screened and curtained to the retiring rooms. Detailed instructions were given to all members of the household as to where they should withdraw, where they should kneel, serve food or make announcements—all the exact etiquette to be observed.--Yuan Jing (talk) 23:22, 25 May 2021 (UTC)

Yuán Jìng 袁静

外面又有工部官员并五城兵马司打扫街道，撵逐闲人。贾赦等监督匠人扎花灯烟火之类，至十四日，俱已停妥。这一夜，上下通不曾睡。

至十五日五鼓，自贾母等有爵者，俱各按品大妆。大观园内帐舞蟠龙，帘飞彩凤，金银焕彩，珠宝生辉，鼎焚百合之香，瓶插长春之蕊，静悄悄无一人咳嗽。贾赦等在西街门外，贾母等在荣府大门外。街头巷口，用围幕挡严。正等的不耐烦，忽见一个太监骑匹马来了，贾政接着，问其消息。太监云：“早多着呢！未初用晚膳，未正还到宝灵宫拜佛，酉初进大明宫领宴看灯方请旨，只怕戌初才起身呢。”凤姐听了道：“既这样，老太太与太太且请回房，等到了时候，再来也未为晚。”于是贾母等且自便去了。园中赖凤姐照料。执事人等，带领太监们去吃酒饭，一面传人挑进蜡烛，各处点起灯来。

忽听外面跑马之声不一，有十来个太监，喘吁吁跑来拍手儿。这些太监都会意，知道是来了，各按方向站立。贾赦领合族子弟在西街门外，贾母领合族女眷在大门外迎接，半日静悄悄的。忽见两个太监骑马缓缓而来，至西街门下了马，将马赶出围幕之外，便面西站立。半日又是一对，亦是如此。少时便来了十来对，方闻隐隐鼓乐之声，一对对龙旌凤翣，雉羽宫扇，又有销金提炉，焚着御香；然后一把曲柄七凤金黄伞过来，便是冠袍带履。

There were officers of the Ministry of Works and the Chief of the Metropolitan Police sweeping and clearing the streets. Jia she supervised craftsmen making festive lanterns and fireworks. By fourteen, everything was ready. And no one slept at that night. Next day all those with official ranks from Lady Jia put on full ceremonial dresses since 3. am. In the garden, hangings and screens were everywhere, which were embroidered with dangcing dragons and flying phoneix. Gold and silver glittered; pearls and precious stones shimmered. Richly blended incense burnt in the bronze tripods, and fresh flowers filled the vases, silent without any cough.Jia She and the other men waited outside in the west street entrance, while the Lady Dowager and the women waited outside the main gate. The ends of the street and the alleys leading to it all had been screened off. They were growing patiently when a eunuch approached on a big horse. The Lady Dowager welcomed him in and asked for news. “It will be a long time yet,” the eunuch told her. “She is to dine at one, then pray to Buddha in the Palace of the Precious Spirit at half past two, and at five go to feast in the Palace of Great Splendour and look at the display of lanterns before asking leave from the Emperor. She can hardly set out until seven.” Phoenix King said," Such being the case, Lady Dowager and Lady Wang should go inside to rest and come back later." So the Lady Dowager and others retired, leaving Xifeng in charge. She ordered the stewards to invite the eunuchs for treats. Then she had loads of candles carried in for all the lanterns. It was when the candles was lit that a clatter of hooves was heard in the street. The next moment ten or more eunuchs came, clapping their hands as they ran. At this signal the other eunuchs said, “Her Highness is coming!” They all rushed to their posts. Jia She and the young men of the family stood by the entrance of the west street, the Lady Dowager and the women in front of the main gate. It was silent for a long time. Then two eunuchs wearing scarlet uniforms rode slowly up to the entrance of the west street. Dismounting, they led their horses behind the screens, then stood to attention, turning towards the west. After some time another pair of eunuchs appeared, then another, until there were ten pairs lined up and soft music could be heard in the distance. Several pairs of eunuchs carryied dragon banners, others with phoenix fans, pheasant plumes and ceremonial insignia, as well as gold censers burning Imperial incense. Next came a curved-handled yellow umbrella on which were embroidered seven phoenixes, and under this a head-dress, robe, girdle and slippers. After that deacon eunuchs came, bearing a rosary, embroidered handkerchiefs, a rinse-bowl, fly-whisks and the like.--Yuan Jing (talk) 23:48, 13 May 2021 (UTC)

There were officers of the Ministry of Works and the Chief of the Metropolitan Police sweeping and clearing the streets outside. Pardon Merchant supervised craftsmen making festive lanterns and fireworks. By fourteen, everything was ready. And no one slept at that night. Next day all those with official ranks from Lady Merchant put on full ceremonial dresses since 3. am. In the garden, hangings and screens were everywhere, which were embroidered with dangcing dragons and flying phoneix. Gold and silver glittered; pearls and precious stones shimmered. Richly blended incense burnt in the bronze tripods, and fresh flowers filled the vases, silent without any cough. She and the other men waited outside in the west street entrance, while the Lady Dowager and the women waited outside the main gate. The ends of the street and the alleys leading to it all had been screened off. They were growing patiently when a eunuch approached on a big horse. The Lady Dowager welcomed him in and asked for news. “It will be a long time yet,” the eunuch told her. “She is to dine at one, then pray to Buddha in the Palace of the Precious Spirit at half past two, and at five go to feast in the Palace of Great Splendour and look at the display of lanterns before asking leave from the Emperor. She can hardly set out until seven.” Phoenix King said," Such being the case, Lady Dowager and Lady Wang should go inside to rest and come back later." So the Lady Dowager and others retired, leaving Xifeng in charge. She ordered the stewards to invite the eunuchs for treats. Then she had loads of candles carried in for all the lanterns. It was when the candles was lit that a clatter of hooves was heard in the street. The next moment ten or more eunuchs came, clapping their hands as they ran. At this signal the other eunuchs said, “Her Highness is coming!” They all rushed to their posts. Pardon Merchant and the young men of the family stood by the entrance of the west street, the Lady Dowager and the women in front of the main gate. It was silent for a long time. Then two eunuchs wearing scarlet uniforms rode slowly up to the entrance of the west street. Dismounting, they led their horses behind the screens, then stood to attention, turning towards the west. After some time another pair of eunuchs appeared, then another, until there were ten pairs lined up and soft music could be heard in the distance. Several pairs of eunuchs carryied dragon banners, others with phoenix fans, pheasant plumes and ceremonial insignia, as well as gold censers burning Imperial incense. Next came a curved-handled yellow umbrella on which were embroidered seven phoenixes, and under this a head-dress, robe, girdle and slippers. After that deacon eunuchs came, bearing a rosary, embroidered handkerchiefs, a rinse-bowl, fly-whisks and the like--Zhao Ke (talk) 03:13, 22 May 2021 (UTC)

Zhào Kē 赵轲 Mr.

又有执事太监捧着香巾、绣帕、漱盂、拂尘等物。一队队过完，后面方是八个太监抬着一顶金顶金黄绣凤銮舆，缓缓行来。贾母等连忙跪下，早有太监过来，扶起贾母等，那銮舆抬入大门、仪门往东一所院落门前，有太监跪请下舆更衣。于是抬舆入门，太监散去，只有昭容、彩嫔等引元春下舆。只见苑内各色花灯熌灼，皆系纱绫扎成，精致非常。上面有一灯匾，写着“体仁沐德”四个字，元春入室，更衣出，复上舆进园。只见园中香烟缭绕，花影缤纷，处处灯光相映，时时细乐声喧，说不尽这太平景象，富贵风流。

却说贾妃在轿内看了此园内外光景，因点头叹道：“太奢华过费了！”忽又见太监跪请登舟，贾妃下舆登舟，只见清流一带，势若游龙，两边石栏上，皆系水晶玻璃各色风灯，点的如银光雪浪；上面柳杏诸树，虽无花叶，却用各色绸绫纸绢及通草为花，粘于枝上，每一株悬灯万盏；更兼池中荷荇凫鹭之属，亦皆系螺蚌羽毛做就的，诸灯上下争辉，真是玻璃世界，珠宝乾坤。船上又有各种盆景灯，珠帘绣幕，桂楫兰桡，自不必说。已而入一石港，港上一面匾灯，明现着“蓼汀花溆”四字。

看官听说：这“蓼汀花溆”四字及“有凤来仪”等字，皆系上回贾政偶试宝玉之才，何至便认真用了？想贾府世代诗书，自有一二名手题咏，岂似暴发之家，竟以小儿语搪塞了事呢？

There are also deacon eunuchs holding incense towels, embroidered handkerchiefs, gargle pots, feather dusts and other things. After passing by team by team, the back side is eight eunuchs carrying a golden yellow embroidery phoenix imperial carriage, slowly get closer.(After these deacon eunuchs passing by group by group,there came another eight eunuchs in the back side...--Bao Qinwen (talk) 15:20, 8 June 2021 (UTC)) Grandma Merchant hurriedly knelt down, and early eunuchs came to help Grandma Merchant. The imperial carriage was carried into the gate, and along with the gate to the east of a courtyard in front of the eunuchs kneeling. They asked Princess Merchant and her servants got off and changed clothes with their help. So carrying the imperial carriage in, eunuchs were dismissed, and only Braw Appearance and Colourful Concubine helped First Spring get off. In the garden, all kinds of lanterns were like burning, and all were made of gauze satin which were exquisite. There was a light plaque above, written four words, “body benevolence and covered with morality” . First Spring getting into the room, changed clothes, and then went into the park. She saw the garden wreathed by fragrant smoke, with colorful shadows, lights everywhere, fine music loud. This was a peaceful scene with wealth and admiration, which should be difficult to be described.

But Princess Merchant looked at the scene outside the carriage. She nodded and sighed, "It is too luxurious and expensive!" Suddenly eunuchs kneeling to ask for boats, Princess Merchant then got on the boat. The clear stream lay a line, like a wandering dragon and on both sides of the stone fence, there were all crystal glass colorful wind lamps, such as silver light snow waves; The willow apricot trees above, though they have no flowers and leaves, were glued to the branches with colorful silk and silk paper and grass. Each tree was hung with thousands of lights. And the floating heart heron in the pool, were also made of snail feathers, the lights up and down competing, was really a world of glass, jewelry. There were also various bonsai lamps, beaded curtains and embroidered curtains, beautiful boats and orchards, which were needless to talk about. In the past, they had entered a stone port. There was a board lamp on the port, and the words "Smartweed Amifostine Flower Waterside" were visible.

The magistrate was told that the word "Smartweed Amifostine Flower Waterside" and the word "A Phoenix Comes with Grace to Rest" were both words that Master Merchant had tried Precious Jade’s talent last time. Why had it been using it seriously? Thinking about Merchant Mansion’s generation(generations--Bao Qinwen (talk) 15:20, 8 June 2021 (UTC)) of poetry, of course it should keep some perfect poem(poems--Bao Qinwen (talk) 15:20, 8 June 2021 (UTC)). For Merchant Mansion, instead of a new money, why it had been prevaricated with some innocent words?--Zhao Ke (talk) 14:03, 7 May 2021 (UTC)

Bào Qìnwén 鲍沁雯

只固当日这贾妃未入宫时，自幼亦系贾母教养。后来添了宝玉，贾妃乃长姊，宝玉为幼弟，贾妃念母午将迈，始得此弟，是以独爱怜之。且同侍贾母，刻未相离。那宝玉未入学之先，三四岁时，已得贾妃口传教授了几本书，识了数千字在腹中。虽为姊弟，有如母子。自入宫后，时时带信出来与父兄说：“千万好生扶养，不严不能成器；过严恐生不虞，且致祖母之忧。”眷念之心，刻刻不忘。前日贾政闻塾师赞他尽有才情，故于游园对聊一试之，虽非名公大笔，却是本家风味；且使贾妃见之，知爱弟所为，亦不负其平日切望之意。因此故将宝玉所题用了。那日未题完之处，后来又补题了许多。

且说贾妃看了四字，笑道：“‘花溆’二字便好，何必‘蓼汀’？”侍坐太监听了，忙下舟登岸，飞传与贾政，贾政即刻换了。彼时舟临内岸，去舟上舆，便见琳宫绰约，桂殿巍峨，石牌坊上“天仙宝境”四大字，贾妃命换了“省亲别墅”四字。于是进入行宫，只见庭燎绕空，香屑布地，火树琪花，金窗玉槛。说不尽帘卷虾须，毯铺鱼獭，鼎飘麝脑之香，屏列雉尾之扇。真是：

金门玉户神仙府，桂殿兰宫妃子家。贾妃乃问：“此殿何无匾额？”随侍太监跪启道：“此系正殿，外臣未敢擅拟。”贾妃点头不语。礼仪太监请升座受礼，两阶乐起。 The Imperial Consort, before she entered the Palace, had been brought up from childhood by the Lady Dowager. And after Precious Jade was born, as Princess Merchant was his elder sister and Precious Jade her younger brother, bearing in mind that their mother had given birth to him late in life, she loved him more than her other brothers and lavished all her care on him. They both stayed with their grandmother and were inseparable. Even before Precious Jade started school, when he was hardly four years old, she taught him to recite several texts and to recognize several thousand characters. she was more like a mother to him than an elder sister. After she entered the Palace she often wrote letters home reminding her parents to educate him well, for unless strictly disciplined he would not amount to much, but if treated too sternly he might also give them cause for anxiety. Her loving concern for him had never ceased. Treasure Merchant, earlier on, had scarcely believed the tutor’s report that Precious Jade had a flair for literary composition. As the Garden happened then to be ready for inspection, he had called on his son for inscriptions in order to test him. And although Precious Jade’s childish efforts were far from inspired, at least they were passable. The family could easily enough have enlisted the help of famous scholars; but it seemed to them that a special interest attached to names chosen by a member of the house. Besides, when the Imperial Consort learned that these were the work of her beloved younger brother, she would feel that he had not fallen short of her hopes. For these reasons Precious Jade’s inscriptions were adopted. Not all had been chosen that day; some he supplied later. But enough of this. When the Imperial Consort saw this name, she commented with a smile: "Just Flowery Harbor" would do. Why Smart-weed Bank" too?" As soon as the eunuch in attendance heard this, he hastily disembarked and went ashore to report to Master Merchant, who immediately had the alteration made. Meanwhile the boat had reached the further shore and again Princess Merchant mounted her palanquin. Before her now there towered the beautiful hall of an imposing palace. The marble archway in front of it bore the inscription: Precious Realm for the Immortal." At once she ordered this to be changed to House of Reunion" As she entered this temporary palace, she saw torches in the courtyard flaring to the sky, powdered incense strewing the ground, flaming trees, jasper flowers, gilded windows and jade balustrades, to say nothing of screens as fine as the shrimp’ s antennae, carpets of otter-skin, musk burning in tripods, and fans made from pheasant plumage. Truly this was: An abode with golden gates and jade doors fit for immortals, its cassia and orchid chambers a worthy setting for the Imperial Consort. After glancing around she asked, "Why has this place no name?" The eunuch attendant fell on his knees. "Because this is the main palace," he replied," no subject outside the Court dared suggest a name.” The eunuch attendant fell on his knees. Because this is the main palace," he replied, "no subject outside the Court dared suggest a name.” The Imperial Consort nodded and said nothing. Another eunuch, the Master of Ceremonies, knelt and begged her to sit in a chair of state to receive the obeisances of her family. On both sides of the steps music was played as two eunuchs ushered in.

The Imperial Consort, before she entered the Palace, had been brought up from childhood by the Grandma Merchant. And after Precious Jade was born, as Princess Merchant was his elder sister and Precious Jade her younger brother, bearing in mind that their mother had given birth to him late in life, she loved him more than her other brothers and lavished all her care on him. They both stayed with their grandmother and were inseparable. Even before Precious Jade started school, when he was hardly four years old, she taught him to recite several texts and to recognize several thousand characters. she was more like a mother to him than an elder sister. After she entered the Palace she often wrote letters home reminding her parents to educate him well, for unless strictly disciplined he would not amount to much, but if treated too sternly he might also give them cause for anxiety. Her loving concern for him had never ceased. Master Merchant, earlier on, had scarcely believed the tutor’s report that Precious Jade had a flair for literary composition. As the Garden happened then to be ready for inspection, he had called on his son for inscriptions in order to test him. And although Precious Jade’s childish efforts were far from inspired, at least they were passable. The family could easily enough have enlisted the help of famous scholars; but it seemed to them that a special interest attached to names chosen by a member of the house. Besides, when the Imperial Consort learned that these were the work of her beloved younger brother, she would feel that he had not fallen short of her hopes. For these reasons Precious Jade’s inscriptions were adopted. Not all had been chosen that day; some he supplied later. But enough of this. When the Imperial Consort saw this name, she commented with a smile: "Just Flowery Harbor" would do. Why Smart-weed Bank" too?" As soon as the eunuch in attendance heard this, he hastily disembarked and went ashore to report to Master Merchant, who immediately had the alteration made. Meanwhile the boat had reached the further shore and again Princess Merchant mounted her palanquin. Before her now there towered the beautiful hall of an imposing palace. The marble archway in front of it bore the inscription: Precious Realm for the Immortal." At once she ordered this to be changed to House of Reunion" As she entered this temporary palace, she saw torches in the courtyard flaring to the sky, powdered incense strewing the ground, flaming trees, jasper flowers, gilded windows and jade balustrades, to say nothing of screens as fine as the shrimp’ s antennae, carpets of otter-skin, musk burning in tripods, and fans made from pheasant plumage. Truly this was: An abode with golden gates and jade doors fit for immortals, its cassia and orchid chambers a worthy setting for the Imperial Consort. After glancing around she asked, "Why has this place no name?" The eunuch attendant fell on his knees. "Because this is the main palace," he replied," no subject outside the Court dared suggest a name.” The Imperial Consort nodded and said nothing. Another eunuch, the Master of Ceremonies, knelt and begged her to sit in a chair of state to receive the obeisances of her family. On both sides of the steps music was played as two eunuchs ushered in.--Chen Keru (talk) 05:47, 7 June 2021 (UTC)

Chén Kērǔ 陈柯汝

二太监引贾赦贾政等于月台下排班上殿，昭容传谕日：“免。”乃退出。又引荣国太君及女眷等自东阶升月台上排班，昭容再谕口：“免。”于是亦退。

茶三献，贾妃降座，乐止；退入侧室更衣，方备省亲车驾出园。至贾母正室，欲行家礼，贾母等俱跪止之。贾妃垂沮，彼此上前厮见，一手挽贾母，一手挽王夫人，三个人满心皆有许多话，俱说不出，只是呜咽对泣而已。邢夫人、李纨、王熙凤、迎春、探春、惜春等，俱在旁垂泪无言。半日，贾妃方忍悲强笑，安慰贾母王夫人道：“当日既送我到那不得见人的去处，好容易今日回家，娘儿们一会不说不笑，反到哭个不了，一会子我去了，又不知多早晚才能一见！”说到这句，不禁又哽咽起来。邢夫人忙上来劝解。贾母等让贾妃归坐，又逐次一一见过，又不免哭泣一番。然后东西两府执事人等在外厅行礼。其媳妇丫鬟行礼毕。贾妃叹道：“许多亲眷，可惜都不能见面。”王夫人启道：“现有外亲薛王氏及宝钗黛玉在外候旨。外誊无职，不敢擅入。”贾妃命请来相见。一时薛姨妈等进来，欲行国礼，命免过，上前各叙阔别。又有贾妃原带进宫的丫鬟抱琴等叩见，贾母连忙扶起，命人别室款待。执事太监及彩嫔昭容各侍从人等，宁府及贾赦那宅两处自有人款待，只留三四十小太监答应。

Two eunuchs ushered Pardon Merchant and Master Merchant to range below the dais. Pardon Merchant and Master Merchant were waiting for visiting Imperial Consort, but were exempted from the ceremony and they withdrew. And then the Lady Dowager of the Rong Mansion and the female relatives were led up the east flight of steps to the dais, but they too were exempted from the ceremony and shown out. After tea had been served three times, First Spring Merchant sat down and music stopped. She dressed up herself in a side chamber and ordered carriages for home to be prepared; and she set up. She arrived at the Lady Dowager’s reception room to pay her respects as a grand-daughter of the house, but before she could do so her grandmother and the other knelt to prevent her. She was crying when she was approaching Lady Dowager and Lady King. She linked her arms with the two. They could not speak out one word but sob though they had a lot to share. Others were sobbing silently: Lady City, Silk Plum, Splendid Phoenix King, Spring-cherish Merchant, Spring Pleasure Merchant, Seeking-Spring Merchant and so on. Only after a long time could First Spring Merchant refrain from soreness and squeeze out a smile. Then she comforted Lady King and Lady Dowager: “After all the trouble, I managed to go back home since you sent me to the untoward place. You ladies did not welcome me with smiles, but non-stop crying. I don’t know when we will meet next time after my leaving this time.” She whimpered. Lady City consoled her in a hurry and Lady Dowager persuaded her to sit down. Then, she changed courtesies with each in turn with sobbing. Next the stewards and attendants of both mansions paid their respects outside the door, and so did their wives and the maids. First Spring Merchant sighed: “ What a pity that I can’t see many other family members.” Lady City started: “Aunt Marshgrass, Precious Hairpin Marshgrass, and Mascara Jade Forest are waiting outside, not being members of the Jia family and having no official status.” First Spring Merchant(Imperial Concubine Merchant) asked them to come in. Aunt Marshgrass, as well as others entered and wanted to pay homage according to Palace etiquette but were exempted by First Spring Merchant. And then they chatted. Musical Instrument Carrier, Imperial Concubine Merchant’s attendant who followed her to the palace kowtowed, and was lifted up by Lady Dowager quickly, who ordered another room to treat her well. Deacon eunuchs and ladies-in-waiting were entertained by members of the staff of both mansions, leaving only three or four young eunuchs in attendance.

Two eunuchs ushered Pardon Merchant and Master Merchant to range under the stairs. Pardon Merchant and Master Merchant were waiting for visiting Imperial Consort exempted from the ceremony and they withdrew. And then the Grandma Merchant of the Rong Mansion and the female relatives were led up the east flight of steps to the dais, and they too were exempted from the ceremony and shown out.

After tea had been served three times, First Spring Merchant sat down with the music stopped. She dressed up herself in a side chamber and ordered the servants to prepare carriages for home. She arrived at Grandma Merchant’s reception room to pay her respects as a grand-daughter of the house, but before she could do so her grandmother and other relatives all knelt to prevent her action. She was crying when she was getting closer to Grandma Merchant and Lady King. She linked her arms with the two. They could not speak out one word but sobbing though they had a lot to share. Others were sobbing silently: Lady City, Silk Plum, Splendid Phoenix King, Cherishing Spring Merchant, Spring Pleasure Merchant, Seeking-Spring Merchant and so on. Only after a long time could First Spring Merchant refrain from soreness and squeezed out a smile. Then she comforted Lady King and Grandma Merchant: “After all the trouble, I’ve managed to go back home since you sent me to the untoward place. You ladies did not welcome me with smiles, but non-stop crying. I don’t know when we will meet next time after my leaving this time.” She whimpered. Lady City consoled her in a hurry and Grandma Merchant persuaded her to sit down. Then, she changed courtesies with each in turn with sobbing. Next the stewards and attendants of both mansions paid their respects outside the door, and so did their wives and the maids. First Spring Merchant sighed: “ What a pity that I can’t see many other family members.” Lady King started: “Aunt Marshgrass, Precious Hairpin Marshgrass, and Mascara Jade Forest are waiting outside, not being members of the Jia family and having no official status.” First Spring Merchant (Imperial Concubine Merchant) asked them to come in. Aunt Marshgrass, as well as others entered and wanted to pay homage according to Palace etiquette but were exempted by First Spring Merchant. And then they chatted. Musical Instrument Carrier, Imperial Concubine Merchant’s attendant who followed her to the palace kowtowed, and was lifted up by Grandma Merchant quickly, who ordered another room to treat her well. Deacon eunuchs and ladies-in-waiting were entertained by members of the staff of both mansions, leaving only thirty or forty young eunuchs in attendance.--Dai Muyu (talk) 14:25, 6 June 2021 (UTC)

Dài Mùyǔ 戴沐雨

母女姊妹，叙些久别情景，及家务私情。

又有贾政至帘外问安，贾妃于内行参等事。又向其父说道：“田舍之家，齑盐布帛，得遂天伦之乐；今虽富贵，骨肉分离，终无意趣。”贾政亦含泪启道：“臣草芥寒门，鸠群鸦属之中，岂意得征风鸾之瑞。今贵人上锡天恩，下昭祖德，此皆山川日月之精奇、祖宗之远德钟于一人，幸及政夫妇。且今上体天地生生之大德，垂古今未有之旷恩，虽肝脑涂地，岂能报效于万一！惟朝乾夕惕，忠于厥职。伏愿我君万岁千秋，乃天下苍生之福也。贵妃切勿以政夫妇残年为念，更祈自加珍爱，惟勤慎肃恭以侍上，庶不负上眷顾隆恩也。”贾妃亦嘱以“国事宜勤，暇时保养，切勿记念。”贾政又启：“园中所有亭台轩馆，皆系宝玉所题；如果有一二可寓目者，请即赐名为幸。”元妃听了宝玉能题，便含笑说道：“果进益了。”贾政退出。元妃因问：“宝玉因何不见？”贾母乃启道：“无职外男，不敢擅入。”元妃命引进来。小太监引宝玉进来，先行国礼毕，命他近前，携手揽于怀内，又抚其头颈笑道：“比先长了好些……”一语未终，泪如雨下。

尤氏凤姐等上来启道：“筵宴齐备，请贵妃游幸。”元妃起身，命宝玉导引，遂同诸人步至园门前。早见灯光之中，诸般罗列，进园先从“有凤来仪”、

There were lots of domestic affairs during the time of separation that her mom and sisters wanted to share with her.

Master Merchant also paid his respect standing outside the curtain, Concubine Merchant asked for the other things inside. Then she talked to her father: "In peasant family, they can still be together to enjoy the family time with crude salt and plain clothes; although we are wealthy now, we have to tolerate the situation of being separated, lacking union and entertainment." Filled with tears, Master Merchant replied: "I was born poorly and in the class of poultry in the society, never imagining our fortune of accepting the appreciation of the Emperor. At present you received the favor of god and inherited the will of ancestors, converging the essence of the nature and the morality of forefathers to one person, which is absolutely our pleasure. Additionally, the Emperor sympathized with sky and earth understandingly and enacted unprecedented gifts toward us. We can return for little compared with what he has done though throwing our liver and brain to the ground. What we could do is to be responsible for our position and hard-working day and night. That our Emperor could live for thousands of years would bring benefits to the whole society, which is our mere hope. Concubine should cherish yourself and be careful to serve the Emperor rather than worry about me and my wife due to our age, and only does that can you show respect to the gift of the Emperor." Concubine Merchant then enjoined that "When working, industrious to it; when resting, enjoy it. Don't miss me." Master Merchant responded: "The pavilions, terraces and halls in the garden were all entitled by Precious Jade Merchant. If you have witnessed one or two of them, please award a name for it as our pleasure." Hearing about Precious Jade's inscription, Concubine Yuan smiled: "It seems that he did make progress." Master Merchant exited. Then, Concubine Yuan asked: "Why does Precious Jade not here?" Grandma Merchant answered: "As a male without any official ranking, he dares not to come in." Concubine Yuan then asked someone to lead him in. The eunuch guided Precious Jade and after giving a salute required by the country, Concubine ordered him to come close, then grasping his hands and hugging him in the arms. At the time, Concubine tapped his head and smiled: "Growing much taller than before..." Having not finished the words, the tears came out of the eyes like the pouring rain.

Sister Phoenix and Madam Outstanding walked forward and reported: "The feast has already prepared, and we are pleased to invite you to come to enjoy it." Concubine Yuan stood up and asked Precious Jade to lead her, and then followed other people walking to the gateway.--Dai Muyu (talk) 08:46, 8 June 2021 (UTC)

Dèng Dān 邓丹

“红香绿玉”、“杏帘在望”、“蘅芷清芬”等处，登楼步阁，涉水缘山，眺览徘徊。一处处铺陈不一，一桩桩点缀新奇。贾妃极加奖赞，又劝：“以后不可太奢了，此皆过分。”既而来至正殿，谕免礼归坐，大开筵宴，贾母等在下相陪，尤氏、李纨、凤姐等捧羹把盏。

元妃乃命笔砚伺候，亲拂罗笺，择其喜者赐名。题其园之总名曰“大观园”，正殿匾额云：“顾思思义”，对联云：

       天地启宏慈，赤子苍生同感戴；古今垂旷典，九州万国被恩荣。

又改题：“有凤来仪”赐名“潇湘馆”，“红香绿玉”改作“怡红快绿”赐名“怡红院”，“蘅芷清芬”赐名“蘅芜院”，“杏帘在望”赐名“浣葛山庄”；正楼曰“大观楼”，东面飞楼曰“缀锦楼”，西面叙楼日“含芳阁”；更有“蓼风轩”、“藕香榭”、 “紫菱洲”、“荇叶渚”等名。又有四字匾额如“梨花春雨”、“桐剪秋风”、“获芦夜雪”等名，不可胜纪。又命旧有匾联不可摘去。于是先题一绝句云：

衔山抱水建来精，多少工夫筑始成。夭上人间诸景备，芳园应锝“大

   观”名。

写毕，向诸姊蛛笑道：“我素乏捷才，且不长于吟咏，姊妹辈素所深知；今夜聊以塞责，不负斯景而已。异日少暇，必补撰‘大观园记’并‘省亲颂’等文，以记今日之事。

Past “Where the Phoenix Alights,” “Crimson Fragrance and Green Jade,” “Approach to Apricot Tavern” and “Pure Scent of Alpinia and Iris” they strolled, mounting pavilions, crossing streams, climbing miniature hills and enjoying the view from various different points. All the buildings were distinctively furnished, and each corner had such fresh, unusual features that Yuanchun was lavish with her praise and approval. But she cautioned them: “You mustn’t be so extravagant in future. This is far too much!” When they reached the main reception palace she desired them to dispense with ceremony and take their seats. It was a sumptuous banquet. The Lady Dowager and the rest sat at tables on either side, while Madam You, Li Wan and Xifeng passed round dishes and poured the wine. Meanwhile Yuanchun asked for writing-brush and inkstone and with her own hand wrote names for the spots she liked best. For the main reception palace she wrote the inscription:

Recalling Imperial Favour, Mindful of Duty. And the couplet:Compassion vast as the universe extends to old and young,

Grace unknown before honours every state and land.The pleasure grounds were named the Grand View Garden.“Where the Phoenix Alights” was renamed “Bamboo Lodge”.“Crimson Fragrance and Green Jade” was changed to “Happy Red and Delightful Green” and also called Happy Red Court. The name “Pure Scent of Alpinia and Iris” was altered to “Alpinia Park”. The “Approach to Apricot Tavern” became “Hemp Washing Cottage.” The main pavilion became “Grand View Pavilion”; Its eastern wing “Variegated Splendour Tower,” that on the west “Fragrant Tower.” Other names given were “Smartweed Breeze Cot”, “Lotus Fragrance Anchorage”, “Purple Caltrop Isle” and “Watercress Isle”. She composed a dozen or so other inscriptions too such as “Pear Blossom in Spring Rain”, “Plane Trees in Autumn Wind” and “Artemisia in Evening Snow”. The rest of the inscriptions cannot all be recorded here. The other former inscriptions at her order remained unaltered. Then the Imperial Consort wrote this verse: Enfolding hills and streams laid out with skill, what labor went to build this pleasure ground! For these, the finest sights of earth and heaven, Not fitter name than “Grand View” can be found. With a simile she showed this to the girls and said, “I have never had a ready wit or any skill in versifying, as all of you know, but tonight I had to try my hand at a verse in honor of these pleasure grounds. Some day when I have more time, I promise to write a Description of Grand View Garden and a panegyric called The Family Reunion to commemorate this occasion.--Deng Dan1 (talk) 06:58, 19 May 2021 (UTC)

The pleasure grounds were named the Grand View Garden.“Where the Phoenix Alights” was renamed “Bamboo Lodge”.“Crimson Fragrance and Green Jade” was changed to “Happy Red and Delightful Green” and also called Happy Red Court. The name “Pure Scent of Alpinia and Iris” was altered to “Alpinia Park”. The “Approach to Apricot Tavern” became “Hemp Washing Cottage.” The main pavilion became “Grand View Pavilion”; Its eastern wing “Variegated Splendour Tower,” that on the west “Fragrant Tower.” Other names given were “Smartweed Breeze Cot”, “Lotus Fragrance Anchorage”, “Purple Caltrop Isle” and “Watercress Isle”. She composed a dozen or so other inscriptions too such as “Pear Blossom in Spring Rain”, “Plane Trees in Autumn Wind” and “Artemisia in Evening Snow”. The rest of the inscriptions cannot all be recorded here. The other former inscriptions at her order remained unaltered. Then the Imperial Consort wrote this verse: Enfolding hills and streams laid out with skill, what labor went to build this pleasure ground! For these, the finest sights of earth and heaven, Not fitter name than “Grand View” can be found. --Ding Zhongxia (talk) 09:42, 2 June 2021 (UTC)Ding Zhongxia

Dīng Zhòngxià 丁仲夏

妹等亦各题一匾一诗，随意发挥，不可为我微才所缚。且知宝玉竟能题咏，一发可喜。此中潇湘馆蘅芜苑二处，我所极爱；次之怡红院浣葛山庄，此四大处，必得别有章句题咏方妙。前所题之联虽佳，如今再各赋五言律一首，使我当面试过，方不负我自幼教授之苦心。”宝玉只得答应了，下来自去构思。

迎春、探春、惜春三人中，要算探春又出于姊妹之上，然自忖亦难与薛林争衡，只得勉强随众塞责而已。李纨也勉强凑成一律。贾妃挨次看姊妹们的，写道是：

旷性怡情(匾额)迎春

园成景物特精奇，奉命羞题额旷怡。谁信世间有此境，游来宁不畅神思？

万象争辉(匾额)探春

名园筑就势巍巍，奉命多惭学浅微。精妙一时言不尽，果然万物有光辉。

文章造化(匾额)惜春

山木横拖千里外，楼台高超五云中。园修日月光辉里，景夺文章造化功。

文采风流(匾额)李纨

秀水明山抱复回，风流文采胜蓬莱。绿裁歌扇迷芳草，红衬湘裙舞落梅。珠玉自应传盛世，神仙何幸下瑶台。名园一自邀游赏，未许凡人到此来。

Now I want each of you to write an inscription and a poem to go with it. Do your best, and don’t feel restricted by my lame attempt. It was such a delightful surprise to me to find that Precious Jade can compose inscriptions and poems. The Bamboo Lodge and Alpinia Park are the places I like best, and after them Happy Red Court and Hemp Washing Cottage. We must have four poems specially written for these. Although Precious Jade’s couplets composed earlier are charming, I want him now in my presence to write four lushi in five-character lines on each of these places. That will repay the efforts I made to teach him when he was a little boy.” Precious Jade had to agree and went off to rack his brains. Of Yingchun, Tanchun and Xichun, Tanchun was the cleverest, but she realized that she was no match for Baochai and Mascara Jade. Still she had to write something, as the others were doing. Li Wan, too, contrived to compose a verse of sorts. The Imperial Consort looked first at the girls’ attempts. Here is what they had written: REFRESHING THE HEART (Yingchun) Landscapes strange and rare here we find, Bashfully, at the word of command, I take up my pen; Who dreamed of such loveliness in the world of men? A stroll through these grounds refreshes heart and mind. ALL THINGS VIE IN SPLENDOUR (Tanchun) This garden laid out with consummate art, I blush, with my poor skill, its fame to render. Past telling are the marvels in this place, For here, indeed, all things compete in splendour. REFINEMENT IN CREATION (Xichun) This landscape stretches to infinity, Its high pavilions soaring to the sky; Laid out in radiance of the moon and sun, Nature itself is by these scenes outdone. Bright hills and crystal water intertwine, No fairy isle is half as fair or fine. Green fans of singers mid sweet herbs are lost, Plum-petals by red skirts of dancers tossed. Rare verses should record this golden hour, Our joy at the nymph’s descent from jasper tower. Once she has visited these lovely grounds, No mortal foot may overstep their bounds.

Dù Xīnyǔ 杜心语

凝晖钟瑞(匾额)薛宝钗

芳园筑向帝城西，华日祥云笼罩奇。高柳喜迁莺出谷，修篁时待凤来仪。文风已著宸游夕，孝化应隆归省时。睿藻仙才瞻仰处，自惭何敢再为辞？

世外仙源(匾额)林黛玉

宸游增悦豫，仙境别红尘。借得山川秀，添来气象新。香融金谷酒，花媚玉堂人。何幸邀恩宠，宫车过往频。

元妃看毕，称赏一番，又笑道：“终是薛林二妹之作与众不同，非愚姊妹所及。”原来林黛玉安心今夜大展奇才，将众人压倒，不想贾妃只命一匾一咏，倒不好违谕多做，只胡乱做一首五言律应命罢了。

彼时宝玉尚未做完，才做了“潇湘馆”与“蘅芜苑”两首，正做“怡红院”一首，起稿内有“绿玉春犹卷”一句。宝钗转眼瞥见，便趁众人不理论，推他道： “贵人因不喜‘红香绿玉’四字，才改了‘怡红快绿’；你这会子偏又用‘绿玉’二字，岂不是有意和他分驰了？况且蕉叶之典故颇多，再想一个改了罢。”宝玉见宝钗如此说，便拭汗说道：“我这会子总想不起什么典故出处来。”宝钗笑道： “你只把‘绿玉’的‘玉’字改作‘蜡’字就是了。”宝玉道：“‘绿蜡’可有出处？”

Glory and auspiciousness are all gathered here (the title of the poem), written by Xue Baochai

The beautiful grand view garden is built in the west of the capital. The bright sunshine and colorful clouds cover the treasures in the garden.

The towering willows happily welcome the yellow warbler from the valley, and the high bamboo bushes are waiting for the Phoenix to come here.

The imperial court's enlightenment is more obvious on the night when the imperial concubine travels, and the emperor's filial piety is more prosperous when the imperial concubine goes home to visit relatives.

Looking up to the poems of the virtuous imperial concubine's genius, how could those learned Taifu dare to write again?

Fairyland outside the world (the title of the poem), written by Lin Daiyu

Where is this famous Grand View Garden built? It's like a fairyland in the sky, not in the world. Skillfully with the help of the original beauty of the landscape, but also ingenuity to add a new Dou Qiao scenery. Tonight, the empress of Yuanfei went home to visit her relatives. She drank wine and wrote poems in the garden. The strong fragrance of flowers blended into the wine helped her to be more elegant, and the flowers opened more charming to her. So lucky to get the favor of the emperor, now as a lady, every trip has a palace carriage guard of honor. It's really beautiful and remarkable.

After reading their poems, Yuan Fei praised them and said with a smile, "in the end, Xue Baochai and Lin Daiyu's poems are different. The other sisters are far inferior to them."

Originally, Lin Daiyu was ready to show her skills and concentrate on overwhelming everyone tonight, but she didn't expect that Princess Jia would only write a plaque and chant. She was also embarrassed to disobey orders and create more poems, so she could only write a five character metrical poem.

At this time, Jia Baoyu had not finished his poem, so he wrote two poems: "Xiaoxiangguan" and "juanwuyuan". He was writing the poem "yihongyuan". In the first draft, there was a sentence "lvyuchunyoujuan". When Xue Baochai caught a glimpse of it, she pushed Jia Baoyu and said, "because you don't like the word" red fragrant green jade ", you changed the word" happy red and green "; Now you use the word "green jade" again. Didn't you mean to fight against her? What's more, there are so many allusions about banana leaves that you just want to change them. " Seeing that Xue Baochai said so, Jia Baoyu wiped away her sweat and said, "I can't think of any allusions at this time." Xue Baochai said with a smile, "you can only change the word" jade "from" green jade "to" wax. " Jia Baoyu said: "does green wax have a source?"

Guō Yàbō 郭亚波

宝钗悄悄的咂嘴点头笑道：“亏你今夜不过如此，将来金殿对策，你大约连‘赵钱孙李’都忘了呢！唐朝韩翊咏芭蕉诗头一句：‘跨烛无烟绿蜡干’，都忘了么？” 宝玉听了，不觉洞开心意，笑道：“该死！眼前现成之句一时竟想不到。姐姐真可谓‘一字师’了。从此只叫你师傅，再不叫姐姐了。”宝钗亦悄悄的笑道：“还不快做上去，只姐姐妹妹的。谁是你姐姐？那上头穿黄袍的才是你姐姐呢。” 一面说笑，因怕他耽延工夫，遂抽身走开了。

宝玉续成了此首，共三首。此时黛玉未得展才，心上不快。因见宝玉构思太苦，走至案旁，知宝玉只少“杏帘在望”一首，因叫他抄录前三首，却自己吟成一律，写在纸条上，搓成个团子，掷向宝玉跟前。宝玉打开一看，觉比自己做的三首高得十倍，遂忙恭楷誊完呈上。贾妃看是：

有凤来仪，宝玉秀玉初成实，堪宜待凤凰。竿竿青欲滴，个个绿生凉。迸砌防阶水，穿帘碍鼎香。莫摇分碎影，好梦正初长。

蘅芷清芬蘅芜满静苑，萝薛助芬芳。软衬三春草，柔拖一缕香。轻烟迷曲径，冷翠湿衣裳。谁谓“池塘”曲，谢家幽梦长。

怡红快绿深庭长日静，两两出婵娟。绿蜡春犹卷，红妆夜未眠。凭栏垂绎袖，倚石护清烟。对立东风里，主人应解怜。

杏帘在望杏帘招客饮，在望有山庄。菱荇鹅儿水，桑榆燕子梁。一畦春韭绿，十里稻花香。盛世无饥馁，何须耕织忙。

With a mocking smile and a smack of the lips she nodded. “If you’re in such a state tonight, by the time you sit for the Palace Examination I dare say you’ll even forget the first primer you ever read. Have you forgotten the opening line of that poem on the plantain by the Tang poet Qian Xu, ‘Smokeless the cold candles, the green wax is dry’?” Precious Jade Merchant felt as if a veil had been lifted from his eyes. “How stupid of me!” he chuckled. “Fancy forgetting a ready-made phrase like that. You’re really my ‘one-word-teacher.’ From now on I shall have to address you as ‘master’, not as ‘sister’ any more.” Suppressing a smile Precious Hairpin Marshgrass replied, “Hurry up and finish instead of talking such nonsense. Who are you calling ‘sister’? That’s your sister sitting up there in the golden robes. Why call me your sister?” Afraid to delay him by chatting, she slipped away. Precious Jade Merchant persevered until three poems were done and Marscara Jade Forest, depressed at having no chance to shine, came up to his desk where he was struggling alone, meaning to help him out by writing a couple of poems for him. Asked if he had finished, Precious Jade Merchant said, “I’ve only done three. All left now is Approach to Apricot Tavern.” “Well then, let me do that for you, while you copy out the other three.” After thinking for a moment with lowered head, she scribbled the poem out on a slip of paper, screwed it into a ball and tossed it to Precious Jade Merchant. When he smoothed it out he found it ten times better than his own attempts. He was overjoyed. Having hurriedly copied it out with care he presented all four poems to First Spring Merchant. This is what she read:

WHERE THE PHOENIX ALIGHTS The fruit fresh formed on jade stalks rare, Makes for the phoenix fitting fare; So green each stem they seem to drip, With coolness seeping from each verdant tip. Bursting through stones, they change the water’s track, Piercing through screens, hold tripod’s incense back; Let none disturb these chequered shades, That sweetly she may dream till daylight fades.

PURE SCENT OF ALPINIA AND IRIS Alpinia fills the courtyard free from dust, By climbing fig its fragrance reinforced; Softly they heighten the fresh green of spring, Gently they trail their perfume, ring on ring. A light mist hides the winding path from view, From covered walks drips chill and verdant dew. But who will celebrate the pool in song? Lost in a dream, at peace, the poet sleeps long.

HAPPY RED AND DELIGHTFUL GREEN In quiet court long days pass tranquilly, A charming match, plantain and apple-tree; The green wax leaves in spring are yet furled tight, The blossom decked in red keeps watch at night; With crimson sleeves one sweeps the balustrade, One, misty green, is by the rocks arrayed. Facing each other in the soft east wind, They surely bring their mistress peace of mind!

APPROACH TO APRICOT TAVERN A grove of apricots, a tavern-sign, And a hillside hamlet beyond; Elms, mulberries, swallows on rafters, And geese on the caltrop pond. In the fields spring leeks are green, All round, the paddy flowers scent the breeze; None goes hungry in these good times, Ploughman and weaver alike can take their ease.

--Huang Fangfang (talk) 05:27, 9 June 2021 (UTC) 1 the Tang poet Qian Xu→the Tang poet Korea Assistance 2 “How stupid of me!”→“How stupid I am!” 3 From now on I shall have to address you as ‘master’, not as ‘sister’ any more.”→From now on I shall have to address you as my ‘master’, not as my ‘sister’ any more.” 4 Asked if he had finished→Asking if he had finished 5 After thinking for a moment with lowered head→After thinking for a moment with her lowered head

Huáng Fāngfāng 黄芳芳

贾妃看毕，喜之不尽，说：“果然进益了！”又指“杏帘”一首为四首之冠，遂将“浣葛山庄”改为“稻香村”。又命探春将方才十数首诗，另以锦笺誊出，令太监传与外厢。贾政等看了，都称颂不已。贾政又进《归省颂》。元春又命以琼酪金脍等物，赐与宝玉并贾兰。此时贾兰尚幼，未谙诸事，只不过随母依叔行礼而已。

那时贾蔷带领一班女戏子在楼下，正等得不耐烦，只见个太监飞跑下来，说：“做完了诗了，快拿戏目来！”贾蔷忙将戏目呈上，并十二个人的花名册子。少时，点了四出戏：第一出，《豪宴》；第二出，《乞巧》；第三出，《仙缘》；第四出，《离魂》。贾蔷忙张罗扮演起来，一个个歌有裂石之音，舞有天魔之态，虽是妆演的形容，却做尽悲欢情状。

刚演完了，一个太监执一金盘糕点之属进来，问：“谁是龄官？”贾蔷便知是赐龄官之物，连忙接了，命龄官叩头。太监又道：“贵妃有谕，说：‘龄官极好，再做两出戏，不拘那两出就是了。’”贾蔷忙答应了，因命龄官做《游园》《惊梦》二出。龄官自为此二出原非本角之戏，执意不从，定要做《相约》《相骂》二出。贾蔷扭他不过，只得依他做了。贾妃甚喜，命：“莫难为了这女孩子，好生教习。”额外赏了两匹宫绸，两个荷包，并金银锞子食物之类。

After seeing these, Princess Merchant was overjoyed and said, "Surely, you have made a progress!" Then, she appointed the "Apricot Curtain" as the crown of four poems, and transferred "Hemp- Washing Cottage" to "Rice Fragrance Village". In addition, she ordered Seeking-Spring to copy the poems out with delicate and ornate letter paper, and sent an eunuch to bring these to the outside. Master Merchant and others all praised them a lot. Master Merchant wrote the "Praises for Returning Home" as well. First Spring also was ordered to give wine, sugar, gold and other items to Precious Jade and Cymbidium Merchant. At that time, Cymbidium Merchant was still young and did not know anything. She just followed his mother and uncle to give a salute.

Rose Merchant, followed by a group of female actors, was waiting impatiently downstairs. At that moment, a eunuch flew down the stairs and said: "The project of making poems has finished. Quickly please give me the contents of plays!" Rose Merchant hurried up passing on the contents, together with the roster of twelve people. After a while, four plays were ordered: the first, the "A Grand Banquet", the second, "Qi Qiao", the third, "Fairy", the fourth, "Missing Souls". Rose Merchant hastily prepared people to play up. They all could sing with the sound of cracked stone, and dance with the state of the devil. Although they made up well, they presented sadness happiness extremely.

As soon as the performance was over, an eunuch came in with a golden plate with cakes and asked, "Who is the 龄官official?" Rose Merchant knew it was to be given to Charmante. She quickly received it and ordered Charmante to kowtow.The eunuch said, "Your concubine has an order, saying, 'Charmante performed very well. Make another two plays. You are not limited to make those very two.'" Rose Merchant agreed quickly, ordering the Charmante to make "Garden Travel" and "Surprising Dreams" two plays. Charmante thought that those two had not been her own plays where she played the leading role. So she insisted on rejecting to perform, and persisted to perform "Meeting" and "Scolding". Rose Merchant failed to persuade her but to allow her do what she wanted to do. Princess Merchant was very happy, ordering: "Don't let this girl feel awkward. Teach her attentively." There were additional rewards: two palace silk, two bags, some small pieces of gold and silver, some food and so on.

Huáng Lìpèi 黄沥霈

然后撤筵，将未到之处，复又游玩。忽见山环佛寺，忙盥手进去焚香拜佛，又题一匾云：“苦海慈航”；又额外加恩与一班幽尼女道。

少时，太监跪启：“赐物俱齐，请验按例行赏。”乃呈上略节。贾妃从头看了无话，即命照此而行。太监下来，一一发放。原来贾母的是金玉如意各一柄，沉香拐杖一根，伽楠念珠一串，“富贵长春”宫缎四匹，“福寿绵长”宫绸四匹，紫金 “笔锭如意”锞十锭，“吉庆有余”银锞十锭。邢夫人等二分，只减了如意、拐、珠四样。贾敬、贾赦、贾政等每分御制新书二部，宝墨二匣，金银盏各二只，表礼按前。宝钗黛玉诸姊妹等，每人新书一部，宝砚一方，新样格式金银锞二对。宝玉亦同。贾兰是金银项圈二个，金银锞二对。尤氏、李纨、凤姐等皆金银锞四锭，表礼四端。另有表礼二十四端，清钱一千串，是赏与贾母王夫人及各姊妹房中奶娘众丫鬟的。贾珍、贾琏、贾环、贾蓉等皆是表礼一端，金银锞一对。其余彩缎百匹，白银千两，御酒数瓶，是赐东西两府及园中管理工程、陈设、答应及司戏、掌灯诸人的。外又有清钱五百串，是赐厨役、优伶、百戏、杂行人等的。

众人谢恩已毕，执事太监启道：“时已丑正三刻，请驾回銮。”贾妃不由的满眼又滚下泪来，却又勉强笑着，拉了贾母王夫人的手不忍放，再四叮咛：“不须记挂，好生保养。

When the banquet had been cleared, and Charmante once more continued her visit through those places to which she had not been. She quite caught sight of the Buddhist Temple encircled the hills and promptly rinsing her hands, she walked in and burnt incense and worshipped Buddha. She also composed an idea for a tablet, "a humane boat on the world's bitter sea", and went once again so far as to show additional grace to a company of ascetic nuns and Taoist priestesses.

A eunuch came in a short while and reverently fell on his knees. "The presents are all in readiness," he reported, " and may please you to check them and to distribute them, in compliance with custom," and he presented her a list which the Merchant consort skimmed from the very top and without raising any objection, and readily commanding that action could be taken according to the list. A eunuch descended and issued the gifts one after another. The presents for Grandma Merchant consisted, of two scepters, one of gold, the other of jade with " may your wishes be fulfilled" inscribed on them; a staff made of lign-aloes; a string of chaplet beads of Jia-nan fragrant wood; four rolls of imperial satin with words "Affluence and honors and Perennial Spring"; four rolls of imperial silk with the words "Perennial Happiness and Longevity"; ten purple gold ingots, representing "a pen as you like", and ten silver ingots with the device "Felicitous Blessings." While the two shares of Madam City →Lady City--Huang Xiaolan (talk) 11:24, 25 May 2021 (UTC) and Madam King →Lady King--Huang Xiaolan (talk) 11:24, 25 May 2021 (UTC) were received four things in all, only shorts of Grandma Merchant by the scepters and staffs. Master Merchant, Pardon Merchant, Honor Merchant and the others had been each distributed a work newly written by the Emperor, two boxes of superior ink, and gold and silver cups, two pairs of each; their other gifts being identical with those above. Jeweled Hairpin, Mascara Jade Forest, all the sisters and the rest were assigned each a copy of a new book, a fine slab, and two pair of gold and silver ornaments of new kind and original in shape; Precious Jade Merchant likewise receiving the same presents. Cymbidium Merchant's gifts consisted of two necklets, one of gold, the other of silver, and two pairs of gold ingots. Mrs. You, the widow Silk Plum, Lady Phoenix and the others had, each of them, four ingots of gold and silver; and four pieces of silk. In addition, there were presents consist of twenty-four pieces of silk and a thousand strings of good cash to be allotted to the nurses and waiting maids in the apartments of Grandma Merchant, Madam King →Lady King--Huang Xiaolan (talk) 11:24, 25 May 2021 (UTC) and the respective sisters; while Treasure Merchant, Romance Merchant, Ring Merchant, Prosperity Merchant and the rest had, everyone, a piece of silk, and a pair of gold and silver ingots for presents. As regards the other gifts, there were a hundred rolls of various colored silks, a thousand ounces of pure silver, and several bottles of imperial wine intended to be allotted upon all the men-servants of the mansions, on the East and the West, as well as upon those who had been in the garden overseeing works, arranging the decorations and in waiting to answer calls and who looked after the theatres and managed the lanterns. Besides, there being five hundred strings of pure cash for the cooks, waiters, jugglers and hundred of actors and every kind of domestics.

The whole party had finished by giving expression to their thanks for her bounty, when the managers and eunuchs respectfully announced: " It is already a quarter to three, and may please your Majesty to turn back to your chariot." The Merchant consort's eyes brimmed over, much against she will, and she once more gave vent to tears. However, forcing herself to put on a smile again, she clasped Grandma Merchant's and Madam King's →Lady King--Huang Xiaolan (talk) 11:24, 25 May 2021 (UTC) hands and could not bring herself to let them go' and she repeatedly impressed their minds that there was no need to give away any concern and that they should take good care of their health.

Huáng Xiàolán 黄笑兰

如今天恩浩荡，一月许进内省视一次，见面尽容易的，何必过悲。倘明岁天恩仍许归省，不可如此奢华糜费了。”贾母等已哭的哽噎难言了。贾妃虽不忍别，奈皇家规矩，违错不得的，只得忍心上舆去了。这里诸人好容易将贾母劝住，及王夫人搀扶出园去了。未知如何，下回分解。

◎第十九回情切切良宵花解语意绵绵静日玉生香

话说贾妃回宫，次日见驾谢恩，并回妻归省之事，龙颜甚悦，又发内帑彩缎金银等物，以赐贾政及各椒房等员，不必细说。

且说荣宁二府中连日用尽心力，真是人人力倦，各各神疲，又将园中一应陈设动用之物收拾了两三天方完。第一个凤姐事多任重，别人或可偷闲躲静，独他是不能脱得；二则本性要强，不肯落人褒贬，只扎挣着与无事的人一样。第一个宝玉是极无事最闲暇的。偏这一早，袭人的母亲又亲来回过贾母，接袭人家去吃年茶，晚间才得回来。因此，宝玉只和众丫头们掷骰子赶围棋作戏。正在房内玩得没兴头，忽见丫头们来回说：“东府里珍大爷来请过去看戏，放花灯。”宝玉听了，便命换衣裳。才要去时，忽又有贾妃赐出糖蒸酥酪来；宝玉想上次袭人喜吃此物，便命留与袭人了，自己回过贾母，过去看戏。

谁想贾珍这边唱的是《丁郎认父》、《黄伯央大摆阴魂阵》，更有《孙行者大闹天宫》、《姜太公斩将封神》等类的戏文。倏尔神鬼乱出，忽又妖魔毕露。

Thanks to the Emperor’s kindness you can now come to the Palace once a month to see me, so we shall have many chances to meet again. There is no need to be upset. If next year by Imperial grace, I’m allowed another visit home, you must promise not to be so extravagant. Grandma Merchant and other women were sobbing too bitterly to make any reply. But although First Spring could hardly bear to leave, she could not disobey the Imperial regulations and had no alternative but to re-enter her palanquin which carried her away. The whole household did their best to console the Grandma Merchant and Lady King as they helped them out of the Garden. But more of this in the next chapter.

Chapter 19 An Eloquent Maid Offers Earnest Advice One Fine Night A Sweet Girl Shows Deep Feeling One Quiet Day

The day after her return to the Palace the Imperial Consort appeared before the Emperor to thank him for his kindness, and so pleased him with an account of her visit home that he sent rich gifts of satin, gold and silver from his privy store to Master Merchant and other fathers of visiting ladies. But no more of this.

The inmates of the Rong and Ning Mansions were completely worn out after their recent exertions, and it took several days to remove and store away all the decoration and other movables from the Garden. The heaviest responsibility devolved upon Splendid Phoenix, who, unlike the others, had not a moment's respite; but she was always so eager to shine, so anxious to give no one a handle against her, that she strove to carry out her many tasks as if they were nothing. Precious Jade, on the other hand, was the one with the least to do and the most leisure. One morning Aroma’s mother came and asked the Grandma Merchant permission to take her daughter home to tea and keep her until the evening. So Precious Jade was left to amuse himself with the other maids at dice or draughts. He was feeling rather bored when a girl announced that a message had come from Treasure Merchant inviting him over to the Ning Mansion to watch some operas and see their New Year lanterns. While Precious Jade was changing his clothes before setting out, a gift of sweetened junket arrived from the Imperial Consort. Remembering how Aroma had enjoyed this delicacy the last time they had some, he asked them to keep it for her. Then, having taken his leave of the Grandma Merchant, he went over to the other mansion.

He was rather taken aback to find them performing operas like Master Ding Finds His Father, Huang Boyang Deploys Chosts in a Battle, Monkey Plays Havoc in Heaven and The Patriarch Jiang Kills Generals and Deifies Them. In all these, especially the two last, gods, ghosts monsters

Huáng Zǐlóng 黄梓龙 Mr.

内中扬幡过会，号佛行香，锣鼓喊叫之声，远闻巷外。满街上个个都赞：“好热闹戏，别人家断不能有的。”宝玉见繁华热闹到如此不堪的田地，只略坐了坐，便走往各处闲耍。先是进内去和尤氏并丫头姬妾说笑了一回，便出二门来。尤氏等仍料他出来看戏，遂也不曾照管。贾珍、贾琏、薛蟠等只顾猜谜行令，百般作乐，纵时不见他在座，只道在里边去了，也不理论。至于跟宝玉的小厮们，那年纪大些的，知宝玉这一来了必是晚间才散，因此偷空也有会赌钱的，也有往亲友家去吃年茶的，或赌或饮，都私自散了，待晚间再来；那些小些的，都钻进戏房里瞧热闹去了。

宝玉见一个人没有，因想：“素日这里有个小书房内曾挂着一轴美人，极画的得神。今日这般热闹，想那里自然无人，那美人也自然是寂寞的，须得我去望慰他一回。”想着，便往那厢来。刚到窗前，闻得房内呻吟之声。宝玉倒唬了一跳：“敢是美人活了不成?”乃大着胆子，舐破窗纸，向内一看，那轴美人却不曾活，却是茗烟按着一个女孩子，也干那警幻所训之事。宝玉禁不住大叫：“了不得！”一脚踹进门去，将那两个唬开了，抖衣而颤。

茗烟见是宝玉，忙跪下哀求。宝玉道：“青天白日，这是怎么说！珍大爷知道，你是死是活？”一面看那丫头，虽不标致倒白净，些微亦有动人心处，羞的脸红耳赤，低首无言。

and ogres took the stage among waving pennants, temple processions, invocations to Buddha and offerings of incense, while the din of gonging, drumming and shouting carried to the street outside. The passersby commented appreciatively that no other family but the Jias could afford to put on such a lively entertainment. Only Baoyu, disgusted by suchrowdy, showy proceedings, soon slipped away to amuse himself elsewhere. First he went to the inner rooms to chat with Madam You and tease the maids and concubines there. And when he strolled out of the inner gate they did not see him off, assuming that he was going back to watch the performance. The menfolk - Jia Zhen, Jia Lian,Xue Pan and the restwere having such а good time gaming and drinking that they did not worry about his ;absence either, taking it for granted that he hagone inside. As for the servants who had come with him, the older ones, not expecting him to leave before dusk, sneaked off to gamble, drink New Year tea with relatives and friends or visit some brothel or tavern, intending to be back bydark. The younger ones, for their part, squeezed into the theatre to watch the fun.

When Baoyu found himself alone he thought, "There"s а marvellously lifelike painting of а beauty in the small study here. In all this excitement today she must be lonely. l"d better go and cheer her up." He made his way towards the study.As he neared the window he heard a moaning inside which pulled him up with a start.Could the beauty in the picture have come to life? Screwing up his courage, he made a hole inthe window-paper with his tongue and peepedthrough. No, the painted beauty had not come Tlife, but his page Mingyan was holding down аgirl and indulging in the game taught Baoyu by the Goddess of Disenchantment.Heavens above!"As Baoyu charged into the room, the trembling lovers quickly broke apart. And whenMingyan saw who it was, he fell on his knees tobeg for mercy. "A fine way to carry on in broad daylight!"cried Baoyu. Do you want Lord Jia Zhen to killyou?" Meanwhile he was sizing up the maid, nobeauty but а girl with а fair complexion and a certain charm. Red to the ears with shame,she hung her head in silence.

and ogres took the stage among waving pennants, temple processions, invocations to Buddha and offerings of incense, while the din of gonging, drumming and shouting carried to the street outside. The passersby commented appreciatively that no other family but the Jias could afford to put on such a lively entertainment. Only Precious Jade Merchant, disgusted by such rowdy, showy proceedings, soon slipped away to amuse himself elsewhere. First he went to the inner rooms to chat with Madam You and tease the maids and concubines there. And when he strolled out of the inner gate they did not see him off, assuming that he was going back to watch the performance. The menfolk - Treasure Merchant, Romance Merchant,Dragon Marshgrass and the rest were having such а good time gaming and drinking that they did not worry about his ;absence either, taking it for granted that he had gone inside. As for the servants who had come with him, the older ones, not expecting him to leave before dusk, sneaked off to gamble, drink New Year tea with relatives and friends or visit some brothel or tavern, intending to be back by dark. The younger ones, for their part, squeezed into the theater to watch the fun. When Precious Jade Merchant found himself alone he thought, "There"s a lifelike painting of а beauty in the small study here. In all this excitement today she must be lonely. l"d better go and cheer her up." He made his way towards the study.As he neared the window he heard a moaning inside which pulled him up with a start.Could the beauty in the picture have come to life? Screwing up his courage, he made a hole in the window-paper with his tongue and peeped through. No, the painted beauty had not come to life, but his page Tealeaf was holding down аgirl and indulging in the game taught Precious Jade Merchant by the Goddess of Disenchantment.Heavens above!"As Precious Jade Merchant charged into the room, the trembling lovers quickly broke apart. And when Tealeaf saw who it was, he fell on his knees to beg for mercy. "A fine way to carry on in broad daylight!"cried Precious Jade Merchant. Do you want Lord Treasure Merchant to kill you?" Meanwhile he was sizing up the maid, no beauty but а girl with а fair complexion and a certain charm. Red to the ears with shame,she hung her head in silence. ——Li Yihao

Lǐ Yìhào 李艺浩

宝玉跺脚道：“还不快跑？”一语提醒了那丫头，飞也似的去了。宝玉又赶出去叫道：“你别怕，我是不告诉人的。”急得茗烟在后叫：“祖宗，这是分明告诉人了！”宝玉因问：“那丫头十几岁了？”茗烟道：“不过十六七岁了。”宝玉道：“连他的岁数也不问问，别的自然越发不知了，可见他白认得你了。可怜，可怜！”又问：“名字叫什么？“茗烟笑道：“若说出名字来话长，真正新鲜奇文。他说他母亲养他的时节，做了一个梦，梦得了一匹锦，上面是五色富贵不断头的‘卍’字花样，所以他的名字就叫作万儿。”宝玉听了笑道：“真也新奇，想必他将来有些造化。”说着，沉思一会。

茗烟因问：“二爷为何不看这样的好戏？”宝玉道：“看了半日，怪烦的，出来逛逛，就遇见你们了。这会子作什么呢？”茗烟微微笑道：“这会子没人知道，我悄悄的引二爷往城外逛去，一会儿再往这里来，他们就不知道了。”宝玉道：“不好，仔细花子拐了去。且是他们知道了，又闹大了。不如往近些的地方去，还可就来。”茗烟道：“就近地方谁家可去？这却难了。”宝玉笑道：“依我的主意，咱们竟找花大姐姐去，瞧他在家作什么呢。”茗烟笑道：“好，好！倒忘了他家。”又道：“他们知道了，说我引着二爷胡走，要打我呢？”宝玉道：“有我呢。”茗烟听说，拉了马，二人从后门就走了。幸而袭人家不远，不过一半里路程，转眼已到门前。 Precious Jade Merchant stamped foot and said: "still not fast run?" This word reminded that girl, so she run away quickly. "Don't be afraid. I don't tell anyone." Tealeaf was so anxious that she cried: "This is clearly to tell others!" "Is that girl in her teens?", asked by Precious Jade Merchant. Tealeaf said: "Sixteen or seventeen years old." "She did not even asked how old he is," said Precious Jade Merchant, "and of course she didn't know anything else. What a poor girl!" "What was his name?" he continued to ask. Tealeaf said with a smile:"It is a long story behind his name, and his name was really a fresh and strange. He said that her mother had a dream about getting a brocade with five colors with .. in it when she raised him, so his name is called Wan er." Precious Jade laughed and said, "That is a novelty. There may be have luck for him". After this words, he kept thinking for a while.

As a result, Tealeaf asked: "Why not see such good play?" "I've been watching it for half a day, and it makes me really annoying. So hang out and meet you. What are we going to do?"" said Precious Jade Merchant. Tealeaf slightly smiled: "No one notice us, I quietly lead you to go out towards the city, and then come back, so they do not know this trip." Precious Jade Merchant said, "That is not a good idea. Be careful with human traders. And if they know, it will make a big fuss. So be better to some close place." Tealeaf relied, "Whose house can we go? It's hard." Precious Jade Merchant said with a smile, "According to my idea, let's go to Sister Hua's and to see what her family are doing." Tealeaf said with a smile again: "Good, good! I forgot her family. If they know it is I that incite you, other people want to beat me?" "I am with you," said Precious Jade Merchant.After hearing this promise, she pulled up their horses and left from the back door." Fortunately, it was not far from the Aroma's house, half a mile away. They arrived in the blink of an eye. ——Li Yihao

Liú Tíngyáng 刘廷阳

茗烟先进去叫袭人之兄花自芳。此时袭人之母接了袭人与几个外甥女儿几个侄女儿来家，正吃果茶，听见外面有人叫“花大哥”，花自芳忙出去看时，见是他主仆两个，唬的惊疑不定，连忙抱下宝玉来，至院内嚷道：“宝二爷来了！”别人听见还可，袭人听了，也不知为何，忙跑出来迎着宝玉，一把拉着问：“你怎么来了？”宝玉笑道：“我怪闷的，来瞧瞧你作什么呢。”袭人听了，才把心放下来，说道：“你也胡闹了，可作什么来呢？”一面又问茗烟：“还有谁跟来？”茗烟笑道： “别人都不知，就只我们两个。”袭人听了，复又惊慌说道：“这还了得！倘或撞见了人，或是遇见了老爷，街上人挤马碰，有个闪失，也是玩得的？你们的胆子比斗还大。都是茗烟调唆的，回去我定告诉嬷嬷们打你。”茗烟撅了嘴道：“二爷骂着打着叫我引了来的，这会子推到我身上。我说别要来罢！不然，我们还去罢。”花自芳忙劝道：“罢了，已是来了，也不用多说了。只是茅檐草舍，又窄又不干净，爷怎么坐呢？”

袭人之母也早迎了出来。袭人拉了宝玉进去。宝玉见房中三五个女孩儿，见他进来，都低了头，羞脸通红。花自芳母子两个恐怕宝玉冷，又让他上炕，又忙另摆果桌，又忙倒好茶。袭人笑道：“你们不用白忙，我自然知道，果子也不用摆了，不敢乱给东西吃。”

Liú Zhuōfán 刘卓凡 Mr.

一面说，一面将自己的坐褥拿了，铺在一个杌子上，宝玉坐了；用自己的脚炉垫了脚，向荷包内取出两个梅花香饼儿来，又将自己的手炉掀开焚上，仍盖好，放与宝玉怀内；然后将自己的茶杯斟了茶，送与宝玉。彼时他母兄已是忙着齐齐整整的摆上一桌子果品来，袭人见总无可吃之物，因笑道：“既来了，没有空去的理，好歹尝一点儿，也是来我家一趟。”说着，便拈了几个松子瓤，吹去细皮，用手帕托着送与宝玉。

宝玉看见袭人两眼微红，粉光融滑，因悄问袭人道：“好好的哭什么？”袭人笑道：“何尝哭！才迷了眼揉的。”因此便遮掩过了。因见宝玉穿着大红金蟒孤腋箭袖，外罩石青貂裘排穗褂，说道：“你特为往这里来，又换新衣服，他们就不问你往那里去的？”宝玉笑道：“原是珍大爷请过去看戏换的。”袭人点头，又道： “坐一坐就回去罢，这个地方不是你来的。”宝玉笑道：“你就家去才好呢，我还替你留着好东西呢。”袭人笑道：“悄悄的，叫他们听着什么意思。”一面又伸手从宝玉项上将“通灵玉”摘下来，向他姊妹们笑道：“你们见识见识。时常说起来都当稀罕，恨不能一见，今儿可尽力瞧了。再瞧什么稀罕物儿，也不过是这么个东西。”说毕，递与他们传看了一遍，仍与宝玉挂好，

Aroma took her seat pad and stretched it on a foot-stool; then, Precious Jade sit down. She put her foot stove under her foot and took out two plum flower sweet cakes from her pouch. After that, she burned her hand stove and put it in Precious Jade’s arms. Then, she made one cup of tea for Precious Jade. By that time, her brother had been busy on laying out a lot of nuts on the table neatly. Aroma still thought that nothing is suitable for Precious Jade’s taste and said: “You have come to our home, so there is no reason for you to leave with hunger. Please have some food which at least proves that you have come to our home.” She picked up several pinenut kernels and blew away the thin pericarp. Then, she put them on a napkin and she gave them to Precious Jade. He saw that her eyes were slight red, so he asked secretly why she was crying. Aroma smiled and said: “I am not crying! I rubbed my eyes just now because of the dust.” The lie convinced Precious Jade. Seeing Precious Jade wore a large red gold python with armpit sleeves and a stone blue sable coat, she asked: “You put on your new clothes and head for here intentionally. No one have asked about your destination?” He laughed and said: “The clothes were changed when Treasure Merchant invited me to watch a play.” Aroma nodded and said: “You go back quickly. This place is not suitable for you to come.” “It is good for you to come back with me. I still keep some good things for you,” he said. Aroma said: “Quiet. It not good for other people to hear it.” Then, she stretched out her hands and took down the precious jade from his neck. She talked to her sisters: “See. When talking about it, you regard it as a rare treasure and wish to see it. Today, you should stare at it carefully. There is nothing rarer than this one.” she gave the jade to them and let them see it one by one. After that, she hung it back around his neck.

Péng Jiāyù 彭佳钰

又命他哥哥去雇一乘小轿，或雇一辆小车，送宝玉回去。花自芳道：“有我送去，骑马也不妨了。”袭人道：“不为不妨，为的是碰见人。”

花自芳忙去雇了一顶小轿来，众人也不好相留，只得送宝玉出去。袭人又抓些果子与茗烟，又把些钱与他买花炮放，教他：“不可告诉人，连你也有不是。” 一面说着，一直送宝玉至门前，看着上轿，放下轿帘。茗烟二人牵马跟随。来至宁府街，茗烟命住轿，向花自芳道：“须得我同二爷还到东府里混一混，才过去的，不然人家就疑惑了。”花自芳听说有理，忙将宝玉抱出轿来，送上马去。宝玉笑道：“倒难为你了。”于是仍进了后门来，俱不在话下。

却说宝玉自出了门，他房中这些丫鬟们都越性恣意的玩笑，也有赶围棋的，也有掷骰抹牌的，磕了一地的瓜子皮。偏奶母李嬷嬷拄拐进来请安，瞧瞧宝玉，见宝玉不在家，丫鬟们只顾玩闹，十分看不过，因叹道：“只从我出去了不大进来，你们越发没了样儿了，别的嬷嬷越不敢说你们了。那宝玉是个‘丈八的灯台——照见人家，照不见自己’的，只知嫌人家腌臜，这是他的屋子，由着你们遭塌，越不成体统了。”

Then she asked her brother to hire a sedan-chair or a small carriage and escort Precious Jade home. “I can see him back quite safely on horseback,” said Zifang. “That’s not the point. I’m afraid of his meeting someone.”

Then Zifang hurried out to hire a sedan-chair, and not daring to detain Precious Jade. They saw him out. Aroma gave Tealeaf some sweetmeats and money to buy firecrackers, warning him that he must keep this visit secret if he wanted to steer clear of trouble. She saw Precious Jade out of the gate, watched him get into the chair and lowered its curtains. Her brother and Tealeaf followed behind with the horse. When they reached the street where the Ning Mansion stood, Tealeaf ordered the chair to stop and told Zifang, “We must look in here for a while before going home, if we don’t want people to suspect anything.” Since this made good sense, Zifang handed Precious Jade out and helped him to mount his horse, while the boy apologized for troubling him. Then they slipped through the back gate, and there we will leave them.

During Precious Jade’s absence, the maids in his apartments amused themselves as they were pleased at draughts, dice and cards, until the floor was strewn with melon-seed shells. Nanny Plum chose this moment to hobble along with her cane to call on Precious Jade and see how he was. She shook her head over the way the maids were carrying on behind his back. “Since I’ve moved out and don’t come so often, you’ve grown quite out of hand,” she scolded. “The other nurses don’t dare take you to task either. ”As for Precious Jade, he’s like a ten-foot lampstand that sheds light on others but none on itself. He complains that other people are dirty, yet leaves you to turn his own rooms topsy-turvy. Disgraceful, I call it.”

--Peng Jiayu (talk) 05:09, 28 April 2021 (UTC)

20210421 culture

Contents