中国经典 》 红楼梦 A Dream of Red Mansions 》
第四十七回 呆霸王调情遭苦打 冷郎君惧祸走他乡 CHAPTER XLVII.
曹雪芹 Cao Xueqin
高鹗 Gao E
CHAPTER XLVII.
话说王夫人听见邢夫人来了， 连忙迎了出去。邢夫人犹不知贾母已知鸳鸯之事，正还要来打听信息， 进了院门，早有几个婆子悄悄的回了他，他方知道。待要回去，里面已知， 又见王夫人接了出来，少不得进来，先与贾母请安，贾母一声儿不言语，自己也觉得愧悔。 凤姐儿早指一事回避了。鸳鸯也自回房去生气。薛姨妈王夫人等恐碍着邢夫人的脸面，也都渐渐的退了。邢夫人且不敢出去。
贾母见无人， 方说道：“我听见你替你老爷说媒来了。你倒也三从四德，只是这贤慧也太过了！你们如今也是孙子儿子满眼了，你还怕他，劝两句都使不得，还由着哪憷弦远*。”邢夫人满面通红，回道：“我劝过几次不依。老太太还有什么不知道呢，我也是不得已儿。 "贾母道：“他逼着你杀人，你也杀去？如今你也想想，你兄弟媳妇本来老实，又生得多病多痛，上上下下那不是他操心？你一个媳妇虽然帮着，也是天天丢下笆儿弄扫帚。 凡百事情，我如今都自己减了。他们两个就有一些不到的去处，有鸳鸯，那孩子还心细些， 我的事情他还想着一点子，该要去的，他就要来了，该添什么，他就度空儿告诉他们添了。 鸳鸯再不这样，他娘儿两个，里头外头，大的小的，那里不忽略一件半件， 我如今反倒自己操心去不成？还是天天盘算和你们要东西去？我这屋里有的没的，剩了他一个，年纪也大些，我凡百的脾气性格儿他还知道些。二则他还投主子们的缘法， 也并不指着我和这位太太要衣裳去，又和那位奶奶要银子去。所以这几年一应事情， 他说什么，从你小婶和你媳妇起，以至家下大大小小，没有不信的。所以不单我得靠， 连你小婶媳妇也都省心。我有了这么个人，便是媳妇和孙子媳妇有想不到的， 我也不得缺了，也没气可生了。这会子他去了，你们弄个什么人来我使？你们就弄他那么一个真珠的人来，不会说话也无用。我正要打发人和你老爷说去，他要什么人，我这里有钱，叫他只管一万八千的买，就只这个丫头不能。留下他伏侍我几年，就比他日夜伏侍我尽了孝的一般。你来的也巧，你就去说，更妥当了。”
说毕， 命人来：“请了姨太太你姑娘们来说个话儿，才高兴，怎么又都散了！"丫头们忙答应着去了。众人忙赶的又来。只有薛姨妈向丫鬟道：“我才来了，又作什么去？你就说我睡了觉了。那丫头道：我们罢。你老人家嫌乏，我背了你老人家去。”薛姨妈道：“小鬼头儿，你怕些什么？不过骂几句完了。”说着，只得和这小丫头子走来。贾母忙让坐，又笑道：“咱们斗牌罢。姨太太的牌也生，咱们一处坐着，别叫凤姐儿混了我们去。”薛姨妈笑道：“正是呢，老太太替我看着些儿。就是咱们娘儿四个斗呢，还是再添个呢？"王夫人笑道：“可不只四个。”凤姐儿道：“再添一个人热闹些。”贾母道：“叫鸳鸯来，叫他在这下手里坐着。姨太太眼花了，咱们两个的牌都叫他瞧着些儿。”凤姐儿叹了一声， 向探春道：“你们识书识字的，倒不学算命！"探春道：“这又奇了。这会子你倒不打点精神赢老太太几个钱，又想算命。”凤姐儿道：“我正要算算命今儿该输多少呢，我还想赢呢！你瞧瞧，场子没上，左右都埋伏下了。”说的贾母薛姨妈都笑起来。
一时鸳鸯来了， 便坐在贾母下手，鸳鸯之下便是凤姐儿。铺下红毡，洗牌告幺，五人起牌。斗了一回学规律也要发展。，鸳鸯见贾母的牌已十严，只等一张二饼，便递了暗号与凤姐儿。凤姐儿正该发牌， 便故意踌躇了半晌，笑道：“我这一张牌定在姨妈手里扣着呢。我若不发这一张， 再顶不下来的。”薛姨妈道：“我手里并没有你的牌。”凤姐儿道：“我回来是要查的。”薛姨妈道：“你只管查。你且发下来，我瞧瞧是张什么。”凤姐儿便送在薛姨妈跟前。薛姨妈一看是个二饼，便笑道：“我倒不稀罕他，只怕老太太满了。”凤姐儿听了，忙笑道：“我发错了。”贾母笑的已掷下牌来，说：“你敢拿回去！谁叫你错的不成？"凤姐儿道：“可是我要算一算命呢。这是自己发的，也怨埋伏！"贾母笑道：“可是呢，你自己该打着你那嘴，问着你自己才是。”又向薛姨妈笑道：“我不是小器爱赢钱，原是个彩头儿。 "薛姨妈笑道：“可不是这样，那里有那样糊涂人说老太太爱钱呢？"凤姐儿正数着钱， 听了这话，忙又把钱穿上了，向众人笑道：“够了我的了。竟不为赢钱，单为赢彩头儿。我到底小器，输了就数钱，快收起来罢。”贾母规矩是鸳鸯代洗牌，因和薛姨妈说笑，不见鸳鸯动手，贾母道：“你怎么恼了，连牌也不替我洗。”鸳鸯拿起牌来，笑道：“二奶奶不给钱。 "贾母道：“他不给钱，那是他交运了。”便命小丫头子：“把他那一吊钱都拿过来。”小丫头子真就拿了，搁在贾母旁边。凤姐儿笑道：“赏我罢，我照数儿给就是了。”薛姨妈笑道：“果然是凤丫头小器，不过是顽儿罢了。”凤姐听说，便站起来，拉着薛姨妈，回头指着贾母素日放钱的一个小木匣子笑道：“姨妈瞧瞧，那个里头不知顽了我多少去了。 这一吊钱顽不了半个时辰，那里头的钱就招手儿叫他了。只等把这一吊也叫进去了，牌也不用斗了，老祖宗的气也平了，又有正经事差我办去了。”话说未完，引的贾母众人笑个不住。偏有平儿怕钱不够，又送了一吊来。凤姐儿道：“不用放在我跟前，也放在老太太的那一处罢。一齐叫进去倒省事，不用做两次，叫箱子里的钱费事。”贾母笑的手里的牌撒了一桌子，推着鸳鸯，叫：“快撕他的嘴！”
平儿依言放下钱， 也笑了一*，方回来。至院门前遇见贾琏，问他"太太在那里呢？老爷叫我请过去呢。”平儿忙笑道：“在老太太跟前呢，站了这半日还没动呢。趁早儿丢开手罢。 老太太生了半日气，这会子亏二奶奶凑了半日趣儿，才略好了些。”贾琏道：“我过去只说讨老太太的示下，十四往赖大家去不去，好预备轿子的。又请了太太，又凑了趣儿，岂不好？"平儿笑道：“依我说，你竟不去罢。合家子连太太宝玉都有了不是，这会子你又填限去了。 "贾琏道：“已经完了，难道还找补不成？况且与我又无干。二则老爷亲自吩咐我请太太的，这会子我打发了人去，倘或知道了，正没好气呢，指着这个拿我出气罢。”说着就走。平儿见他说得有理，也便跟了过来。
贾琏到了堂屋里，便把脚步放轻了，往里间探头，只见邢夫人站在那里。凤姐儿眼尖， 先瞧见了，使眼色儿不命他进来，又使眼色与邢夫人。邢夫人不便就走，只得倒了一碗茶来，放在贾母跟前。贾母一回身，贾琏不防，便没躲伶俐。贾母便问：“外头是谁？倒象个小子一伸头。 "凤姐儿忙起身说：“我也恍惚看见一个人影儿，让我瞧瞧去。”一面说，一面起身出来。贾琏忙进去，陪笑道：“打听老太太十四可出门？好预备轿子。”贾母道：“既这么样，怎么不进来？又作鬼作神的。”贾琏陪笑道：“见老太太顽牌，不敢惊动，不过叫媳妇出来问问。”贾母道：“就忙到这一时，等他家去，你问多少问不得？那一遭儿你这么小心来着！又不知是来作耳报神的，也不知是来作探子的，鬼鬼祟祟的，倒唬我一跳。什么好下流种子！你媳妇和我顽牌呢，还有半日的空儿，你家去再和那赵二家的商量治你媳妇去罢。”说着众人都笑了。鸳鸯笑道：“鲍二家的，老祖宗又拉上赵二家的。 "贾母也笑道：“可是，我那里记得什么抱着背着的，提起这些事来，不由我不生气！我进了这门子作重孙子媳妇起，到如今我也有了重孙子媳妇了，连头带尾五十四年，凭着大惊大险千奇百怪的事，也经了些，从没经过这些事。还不离了我这里呢！”
贾琏一声儿不敢说， 忙退了出来。平儿站在窗外悄悄的笑道：“我说着你不听，到底碰在网里了。 "正说着，只见邢夫人也出来，贾琏道：“都是老爷闹的事、人民为政之三宝，肯定“民为贵，社稷次之，君为轻”，，如今都搬在我和太太身上。”邢夫人道：“我把你没孝心雷打的下流种子！人家还替老子死呢，白说了几句，你就抱怨了。你还不好好的呢，这几日生气，仔细他捶你。”贾琏道：“太太快过去罢，叫我来请了好半日了。”说着，送他母亲出来过那边去。
邢夫人将方才的话只略说了几句，贾赦无法，又含愧，自此便告病，且不敢见贾母，只打发邢夫人及贾琏每日过去请安。只得又各处遣人购求寻觅，终久费了八百两银子买了一个十七岁的女孩子来，名唤嫣红，收在屋内。不在话下。
这里斗了半日牌，吃晚饭才罢。此一二日间无话。
展眼到了十四日，黑早，赖大的媳妇又进来请。贾母高兴，便带了王夫人薛姨妈及宝玉姊妹等，到赖大花园中坐了半日。那花园虽不及大观园意念，非心之所发。，却也十分齐整宽阔，泉石林木， 楼阁亭轩，也有好几处惊人骇目的。外面厅上，薛蟠，贾珍，贾琏，贾蓉并几个近族的， 很远的也没来，贾赦也没来。赖大家内也请了几个现任的官长并几个世家子弟作陪。 因其中有柳湘莲，薛蟠自上次会过一次，已念念不忘。又打听他最喜串戏，且串的都是生旦风月戏文，不免错会了意，误认他作了风月子弟，正要与他相交，恨没有个引进，这日可巧遇见，竟觉无可不可。且技终涞纫材剿拿*，酒盖住了脸，就求他串了两出戏。下来，移席和他一处坐着，问长问短，说此说彼。
那柳湘莲原是世家子弟， 读书不成，父母早丧，素性爽侠，不拘细事，酷好耍枪舞剑， 赌博吃酒，以至眠花卧柳，吹笛弹筝，无所不为。因他年纪又轻，生得又美，不知他身分的人，却误认作优伶一类。那赖大之子赖尚荣与他素习交好，故他今日请来坐陪。不想酒后别人犹可，独薛蟠又犯了旧病。他心中早已不快，得便意欲走开完事，无奈赖尚荣死也不放。 赖尚荣又说：“方才宝二爷又嘱咐我，才一进门虽见了，只是人多不好说话， 叫我嘱咐你散的时候别走，他还有话说呢。你既一定要去，等我叫出他来，你两个见了再走，与我无干。”说着，便命小厮们到里头找一个老婆子，悄悄告诉"请出宝二爷来。 "那小厮去了没一盏茶时，果见宝玉出来了。赖尚荣向宝玉笑道：“好叔叔，把他交给你，我张罗人去了。”说着，一径去了。
宝玉便拉了柳湘莲到厅侧小书房中坐下，问他这几日可到秦钟的坟上去了。湘莲道：“怎么不去？前日我们几个人放鹰去，离他坟上还有二里。我想今年夏天的雨水勤，恐怕他的坟站不住。我背着众人，走去瞧了一瞧，果然又动了一点子。回家来就便弄了几百钱， 第三日一早出去，雇了两个人收拾好了。”宝玉道：“怪道呢，上月我们大观园的池子里头结了莲蓬， 我摘了十个，叫茗烟出去到坟上供他去，回来我也问他可被雨冲坏了没有。 他说不但不冲，且比上回又新了些。我想着，不过是这几个朋友新筑了。我只恨我天天圈在家里， 一点儿做不得主，行动就有人知道，不是这个拦就是那个劝的，能说不能行。虽然有钱，又不由我使。”湘莲道：“这个事也用不着你操心，外头有我， 你只心里有了就是。眼前十月初一，我已经打点下上坟的花消。你知道我一贫如洗，家里是没的积聚，纵有几个钱来，随手就光的，不如趁空儿留下这一分，省得到了跟前扎煞手。”宝玉道：“我也正为这个要打发茗烟找你，你又不大在家，知道你天天萍踪浪迹， 没个一定的去处。”湘莲道：“这也不用找我。这个事不过各尽其道。眼前我还要出门去走走，外头逛个三年五载再回来。”宝玉听了，忙问道：“这是为何？"柳湘莲冷笑道：“你不知道我的心事，等到跟前你自然知道。我如今要别过了。”宝玉道：“好容易会着， 晚上同散岂不好？"湘莲道：“你那令姨表兄还是那样，再坐着未免有事，不如我回避了倒好。”宝玉想了一想，道：“既是这样，倒是回避他为是。只是你要果真远行，必须先告诉我一声， 千万别悄悄的去了。”说着便滴下泪来。柳湘莲道：“自然要辞的。你只别和别人说就是。 "说着便站起来要走，又道：“你们进去，不必送我。”一面说，一面出了书房。刚至大门前，早遇见薛蟠在那里乱嚷乱叫说：“谁放了小柳儿走了！"柳湘莲听了， 火星乱迸，恨不得靡蝗蛩*，复思酒后挥拳，又碍着赖尚荣的脸面，只得忍了又忍。薛蟠忽见他走出来，如得了珍宝，忙趔趄着上来一把拉住，笑道：“我的兄弟，你往那里去了？ "湘莲道：“走走就来。”薛蟠笑道：“好兄弟，你一去都没兴了，好歹坐一坐，你就疼我了。凭你有什么要紧的事，交给哥，你只别忙，有你这个哥，你要做官发财都容易。” 湘莲见他如此不堪，心中又恨又愧，早生一计，便拉他到避人之处，笑道：“你真心和我好，假心和我好呢？"薛蟠听这话，喜的心痒难挠，乜斜着眼忙笑道：“好兄弟，你怎么问起我这话来？ 我要是假心，立刻死在眼前！"湘莲道：“既如此，这里不便。等坐一坐，我先走， 你随后出来，跟到我下处，咱们替另喝一夜酒。我那里还有两个绝好的孩子，从没出门。你可连一个跟的人也不用带，到了那里，伏侍的人都是现成的。”薛蟠听如此说，喜得酒醒了一半，说：“果然如此？"湘莲道：“如何！人拿真心待你，你倒不信了！"薛蟠忙笑道：“我又不是呆子，怎么有个不信的呢！既如此，我又不认得，你先去了，我在那里找你？"湘莲道：“我这下处在北门外头，你可舍得家，城外住一夜去？"薛蟠笑道：“有了你，我还要家作什么！"湘莲道：“既如此，我在北门外头桥上等你。咱们席上且吃酒去。你看我走了之后你再走，他们就不留心了。”薛蟠听了，连忙答应。于是二人复又入席，饮了一回。那薛蟠难熬，只拿眼看湘莲，心内越想越乐，左一壶右一壶，并不用人让，自己便吃了又吃，不觉酒已八九分了。
湘莲便起身出来瞅人不防去了，至门外，命小厮杏奴：“先家去罢，我到城外就来。”说毕，已跨马直出北门论学说。主张“元气之上，无物、无道、无理”。认为“天地，桥上等候薛蟠。没顿饭时工夫，只见薛蟠骑着一匹大马，远远的赶了来， 张着嘴，瞪着眼，头似拨浪鼓一般不住往左右乱瞧，及至从湘莲马前过去，只顾望远处瞧，不曾留心近处，反踩过去了。湘莲又是笑，又是恨，便也撒马随后赶来。薛蟠往前看时， 渐渐人烟稀少，便又圈马回来再找，不想一回头见了湘莲，如获奇珍，忙笑道：“我说你是个再不失信的。”湘莲笑道：“快往前走，仔细人看见跟了来，就不便了。”说着，先就撒马前去，薛蟠也紧紧的跟来。
湘莲见前面人迹已稀，且有一带苇塘，便下马，将马拴在树上，向薛蟠笑道：“你下来，咱们先设个誓，日后要变了心，告诉人去的，便应了誓。”薛蟠笑道：“这话有理。”连忙下了马，也拴在树上，便跪下说道：“我要日久变心，告诉人去的，天诛地灭！"一语未了，只听"Г"的一声，颈后好似铁锤砸下来，只觉得一阵黑，满眼金星乱迸，身不由己，便倒下来， 湘莲走上来瞧瞧，知道他是个笨家，不惯捱打，只使了三分气力，向他脸上拍了几下，登时便开了果子铺。薛蟠先还要挣挫起来，又被湘莲用脚尖点了两点，仍旧跌倒， 口内说道：“原是两家情愿，你不依，只好说，为什么哄出我来打我？"一面说，一面乱骂。 湘莲道：“我把你瞎了眼的，你认认柳大爷是谁！你不说哀求，你还伤我！我打死你也无益， 只给你个利害罢。”说着，便取了马鞭过来，从背至胫，打了三四十下。薛蟠酒已醒了大半，觉得疼痛难禁，不禁有"嗳哟"之声。湘莲冷笑道：“也只如此！我只当你是不怕打的。 "一面说，一面又把薛蟠的左腿拉起来，朝苇中泞泥处拉了几步，滚的满身泥水，又问道：“你可认得我了？"薛蟠不应，只伏着哼哼。湘莲又掷下鞭子，用拳头向他身上擂了几下。薛蟠便乱滚乱叫，说：“肋条折了。我知道你是正经人，因为我错听了旁人的话了。”湘莲道：“不用拉别人，你只说现在的。”薛蟠道：“现在没什么说的。不过你是个正经人， 我错了。”湘莲道：“还要说软些才饶你。”薛蟠哼哼着道：“好兄弟。”湘莲便又一拳。薛蟠"嗳哟"了一声道：“好哥哥。”湘莲又连两拳。薛蟠忙"嗳哟"叫道：“好爷爷，饶了我这没眼睛的瞎子罢！从今以后我敬你怕你了。”湘莲道：“你把那水喝两口。 "薛蟠一面听了，一面皱眉道：“那水脏得很，怎么喝得下去！"湘莲举拳就打。薛蟠忙道：“我喝，喝。”说着说着，只得俯头向苇根下喝了一口，犹未咽下去，只听"哇"的一声， 把方才吃的东西都吐了出来。湘莲道：“好脏东西，你快吃尽了饶你。”薛蟠听了叩头不迭道：“好歹积阴功饶我罢！这至死不能吃的。”湘莲道：“这样气息，倒熏坏了我。”说着丢下薛蟠，便牵马认镫去了。这里薛蟠见他已去，心内方放下心来，后悔自己不该误认了人。待要挣挫起来，无奈遍身疼痛难禁。
谁知贾珍等席上忽不见了他两个，各处寻找不见。有人说：“恍惚出北门去了。”薛蟠的小厮们素日是惧他的，他吩咐不许跟去，谁还敢找去？后来还是贾珍不放心，命贾蓉带着小厮们寻踪问迹的直找出北门，下桥二里多路，忽见苇坑边薛蟠的马拴在那里。众人都道：“可好了！有马必有人。”一齐来至马前，只听苇中有人呻吟。大家忙走来一看，只见薛蟠衣衫零碎，面目肿破，没头没脸，遍身内外，滚的似个泥猪一般。贾蓉心内已猜着九分了， 忙下马令人搀了出来，笑道：“薛大叔天天调情，今儿调到苇子坑里来了。 必定是龙王爷也爱上你风流，要你招驸马去，你就碰到龙犄角上了。”薛蟠羞的恨没地缝儿钻不进去， 那里爬的上马去？贾蓉只得命人赶到关厢里雇了一乘小轿子，薛蟠坐了， 一齐进城。贾蓉还要抬往赖家去赴席，薛蟠百般央告，又命他不要告诉人，贾蓉方依允了，让他各自回家。贾蓉仍往赖家回复贾珍，并说方才形景。贾珍也知为湘莲所打，也笑道：“他须得吃个亏才好。”至晚散了，便来问候。薛蟠自在卧房将养，推病不见。
贾母等回来各自归家时， 薛姨妈与宝钗见香菱哭得眼睛肿了。问其原故，忙赶来瞧薛蟠时，脸上身上虽有伤痕，并未伤筋动骨。薛姨妈又是心疼是无产阶级的阶级专政，这种专政是达到消灭一切阶级差别，，又是发恨，骂一匮*， 又骂一回柳湘莲，意欲告诉王夫人，遣人寻拿柳湘莲。宝钗忙劝道：“这不是什么大事，不过他们一处吃酒，酒后反脸常情。谁醉了，多挨几下子打，也是有的。况且咱们家无法无天，也是人所共知的。妈不过是心疼的缘故。要出气也容易，等三五天哥哥养好了出的去时， 那边珍大爷琏二爷这干人也未必白丢开了，自然备个东道，叫了那个人来， 当着众人替哥哥赔不是认罪就是了。如今妈先当件大事告诉众人，倒显得妈偏心溺爱，纵容他生事招人，今儿偶然吃了一次亏，妈就这样兴师动众，倚着亲戚之势欺压常人。”薛姨妈听了道：“我的儿，到底是你想的到，我一时气糊涂了。”宝钗笑道：“这才好呢。 他又不怕妈，又不听人劝，一天纵似一天，吃过两三个亏，他倒罢了。”薛蟠睡在炕上痛骂柳湘莲，又命小厮们去拆他的房子，打死他，和他打官司。薛姨妈禁住小厮们，只说柳湘莲一时酒后放肆，如今酒醒，后悔不及，惧罪逃走了。薛蟠听见如此说了，要知端的——
An idiotic bully tries to be lewd and comes in for a sound thrashing. A cold-hearted fellow is prompted by a dread of trouble to betake himself to a strange place.
As soon as Madame Wang, so runs our narrative, heard of Madame Hsing's arrival, she quickly went out to welcome her. Madame Hsing was not yet aware that dowager lady Chia had learnt everything connected with Yuean Yang's affair, and she was coming again to see which way the wind blew. The moment, however, she stepped inside the courtyard-entrance, several matrons promptly explained to her, quite confidentially, that their old mistress had been told all only a few minutes back, and she meant to retrace her steps, (but she saw that) every inmate in the suite of rooms was already conscious of her presence. When she caught sight, besides, of Madame Wang walking out to meet her she had no option but to enter. First and foremost, she paid her respects to dowager lady Chia, but old lady Chia did not address her a single remark, so she felt within herself smitten with shame and remorse.
Lady Feng soon gave something or other as an excuse and withdrew. Yuean Yang then returned also quite alone to her chamber to give vent to her resentment; and Mrs. Hsueeh, Madame Wang and the other inmates, one by one, retired in like manner, for fear of putting Madame Hsing out of countenance. Madame Hsing, however, could not muster courage to beat a retreat. Dowager lady Chia noticed that there was no one but themselves in her apartments. "I hear," she remarked, "that you had come to play the part of a go-between for your lord and master! You can very well observe the three obediences and four virtues, but this softness of yours is a work of supererogation! You people have also got now a whole lot of grandchildren and sons. Do you still live in fear and trembling lest he should put his monkey up? Rumour has it that you yet let that disposition of your husband's run riot!"
Madame Hsing's whole face got suffused with blushes. "I advised him time and again," she explained, "but he wouldn't listen to me. How is it, venerable senior, that you don't yet know that he turns a deaf ear to me? That's why I had no choice in the matter!"
"Would you go and kill any one," dowager lady Chia asked, "that he might instigate you to? But consider now. Your brother's wife is naturally a quiet sort of person, and is born with many ailments; but is there anything, whether large or small, that she doesn't go to the trouble of looking after? And notwithstanding that that daughter-in-law of yours lends her a helping hand, she is daily so busy that she 'no sooner puts down the pick than she has to take up the broom.' So busy, that I have myself now curtailed a hundred and one things. But whenever there's anything those two can't manage, there's Yuean Yang to come to their assistance. She is, it's true, a mere child, but nevertheless very careful; and knows how to concern herself about my affairs a bit; indenting for anything that need be indented, and availing herself of an opportunity to tell them to supply every requisite. Were Yuean Yang not the kind of girl she is, how could those two ladies not neglect a whole or part of those matters, both important as well as unimportant, connected with the inner and outer quarters? Would I not at present have to worry my own mind, instead of leaving things to others? Why, I'd daily have to rack my brain and go and ask them to give me whatever I might need! Of those girls, who've come to my quarters and those who've gone, there only remains this single one. She's, besides other respects, somewhat older in years, and has as well a slight conception of my ways of doing things, and of my tastes. In the second place, she has managed to win her mistresses' hearts, for she never tries to extort aught from me, or to dun this lady for clothes or that one for money. Hence it is that beginning from your sister-in-law and daughter-in-law down to the servants in the house, irrespective of old or young, there isn't a soul, who doesn't readily believe every single word she says in anything, no matter what it is! Not only do I thus have some one upon whom I can rely, but your young sister-in-law and your daughter-in-law are both as well spared much trouble. With a person such as this by me, should even my daughter-in-law and granddaughter-in-law not have the time to think of anything, I am not left without it; nor am I given occasion to get my temper ruffled. But were she now to go, what kind of creature would they hunt up again to press into my service? Were you even to bring me a person made of real pearls, she'd be of no use; if she doesn't know how to speak! I was just about to send some one to go and explain to your husband that 'I've got money in here enough to buy any girl he fancies,' and to tell him that 'he's at liberty to give for her purchase from eight to ten thousand taels; that, if he has set his heart upon this girl, he can't however have her; and that by leaving her behind to attend to me, during the few years to come, it will be just the same as if he tried to acquit himself of his filial duties by waiting upon me day and night,' so you come at a very opportune moment. Were you therefore to go yourself at once and deliver him my message, it will answer the purpose far better!"
These words over, she called the servants. "Go," she said, "and ask Mrs. Hsueeh, and your young mistresses to come! We were in the middle of a chat full of zest, and how is it they've all dispersed?"
The waiting-maids immediately assented and left to go in search of their mistresses, one and all of whom promptly re-entered her apartments, with the sole exception of Mrs. Hsueeh.
"I've only now returned," she observed to the waiting-maid, "and what shall I go again for? Just tell her that I'm fast asleep!"
"Dearest Mrs. Hsueeh!" the waiting-maid pleaded, "my worthy senior! our old mistress will get angry. If you, venerable lady, don't appear nothing will appease her; so do it for the love of us! Should you object to walking, why I'm quite ready to carry you on my back."
"You little imp!" Mrs. Hsueeh laughed. "What are you afraid of? All she'll do will be to scold you a little; and it will all be over soon!"
While replying, she felt that she had no course but to retrace her footsteps, in company with the waiting-maid.
Dowager lady Chia at once motioned her into a seat. "Let's have a game of cards!" she then smilingly proposed. "You, Mrs. Hsueeh, are not a good hand at them; so let's sit together, and see that lady Feng doesn't cheat us!"
"Quite so," laughed Mrs. Hsueeh. "But it will be well if your venerable ladyship would look over my hand a bit! Are we four ladies to play, or are we to add one or two more persons to our number?"
"Naturally only four!" Madame Wang smiled.
"Were one more player let in," lady Feng interposed, "it would be merrier!"
"Call Yuean Yang here," old lady Chia suggested, "and make her take this lower seat; for as Mrs. Hsueeh's eyesight is rather dim, we'll charge her to look over our two hands a bit."
"You girls know how to read and write," lady Feng remarked with a smile, addressing herself to T'an Ch'un, "and why don't you learn fortune-telling?"
"This is again strange!" T'an Ch'un exclaimed. "Instead of bracing up your energies now to rook some money out of our venerable senior, you turn your thoughts to fortune-telling!"
"I was just wishing to consult the fates," lady Feng proceeded, "as to how much I shall lose to-day. Can I ever dream of winning? Why, look here. We haven't commenced playing, and they have placed themselves in ambush on the left and right."
This remark amused dowager lady Chia and Mrs. Hsueeh. But presently Yuean Yang arrived, and seated herself below her old mistress. After Yuean Yang sat lady Feng. The red cloth was then spread; the cards were shuffled; the dealer was decided upon and the quintet began to play. After the game had gone on for a time, Yuean Yang noticed that dowager lady Chia had a full hand and was only waiting for one two-spotted card, and she made a secret sign to lady Feng. Lady Feng was about to lead, but purposely lingered for a few moments. "This card will, for a certainty, be snatched by Mrs. Hsueeh," she smiled, "yet if I don't play this one, I won't be able later to come out with what I want."
"I haven't got any cards you want in my hand," Mrs. Hsueeh remarked.
"I mean to see by and bye," lady Feng resumed.
"You're at liberty to see," Mrs. Hsueeh said. "But go on, play now! Let me look what card it is."
Lady Feng threw the card in front of Mrs. Hsueeh. At a glance, Mrs. Hsueeh perceived that it was the two spot. "I don't fancy this card," she smiled. "What I fear is that our dear senior will get a full hand."
"I've played wrong!" lady Feng laughingly exclaimed at these words.
Dowager lady Chia laughed, and throwing down her cards, "If you dare," she shouted, "take it back! Who told you to play the wrong card?"
"Didn't I want to have my fortune told?" lady Feng observed. "I played this card of my own accord, so there's no one with whom I can find fault."
"You should then beat your own lips and punish your own self; it's only fair;" old lady Chia remarked. Then facing Mrs. Hsueeh, "I'm not a niggard, fond of winning money," she went on to say, "but it was my good luck!"
"Don't we too think as much?" Mrs. Hsueeh smiled. "Who's there stupid enough to say that your venerable ladyship's heart is set upon money?"
Lady Feng was busy counting the cash, but catching what was said, she restrung them without delay. "I've got my share," she said, laughingly to the company. "It isn't at all that you wish to win. It's your good luck that made you come out a winner! But as for me, I am really a mean creature; and, as I managed to lose, I count the money and put it away at once."
Dowager lady Chia usually made Yuean Yang shuffle the cards for her, but being engaged in chatting and joking with Mrs. Hsueeh, she did not notice Yuean Yang take them in hand. "Why is it you're so huffed," old lady Chia asked, "that you don't even shuffle for me?"
"Lady Feng won't let me have the money!" Yuean Yang replied, picking up the cards.
"If she doesn't give the money," dowager lady Chia observed, "it will be a turning-point in her luck. Take that string of a thousand cash of hers," she accordingly directed a servant, "and bring it bodily over here!"
A young waiting-maid actually fetched the string of cash and deposited it by the side of her old mistress.
"Let me have them," lady Feng eagerly cried smiling, "and I'll square all that's due, and finish."
"In very truth, lady Feng, you're a miserly creature!" Mrs. Hsueeh laughed. "It's simply for mere fun, nothing more!"
Lady Feng, at this insinuation, speedily stood up, and, laying her hand on Mrs. Hsueeh, she turned her head round, and pointed at a large wooden box, in which old lady Chia usually deposited her money. "Aunt," she said, a smile curling her lips, "look here! I couldn't tell you how much there is in that box that was won from me! This tiao will be wheedled by the cash in it, before we've played for half an hour! All we've got to do is to give them sufficient time to lure this string in as well; we needn't trouble to touch the cards. Your temper, worthy ancestor, will thus calm down. If you've also got any legitimate thing for me to do, you might bid me go and attend to it!"
This joke had scarcely been concluded than it evoked incessant laughter from dowager lady Chia and every one else. But while she was bandying words, P'ing Erh happened to bring her another string of cash prompted by the apprehension that her capital might not suffice to meet her wants.
"It's useless putting them in front of me!" lady Feng cried. "Place these too over there by our old lady and let them be wheedled in along with the others! It will thus save trouble, as there won't be any need to make two jobs of them, to the inconvenience of the cash already in the box."
Dowager lady Chia had a hearty laugh, so much so, that the cards, she held in her hand, flew all over the table; but pushing Yuean Yang. "Be quick," she shouted, "and wrench that mouth of hers!"
P'ing Erh placed the cash according to her mistress' directions. But after indulging too in laughter for a time, she retraced her footsteps. On reaching the entrance into the court, she met Chia Lien. "Where's your Madame Hsing?" he inquired. "Mr. Chia She told me to ask her to go round."
"She's been standing in there with our old mistress," P'ing Erh hastily laughed, "for ever so long, and yet she isn't inclined to budge! Seize the earliest opportunity you can get to wash your hands clean of this business! Our old lady has had a good long fit of fuming and raging. Luckily, our lady Secunda cracked an endless stock of jokes, so she, at length, got a bit calmer!"
"I'll go over," Chia Lien said. "All I have to do is to find out our venerable senior's wishes, as to whether she means to go to Lai Ta's house on the fourteenth, so that I might have time to get the chairs ready. As I'll be able to tell Madame Hsing to return, and have a share of the fun, won't it be well for me to go?"
"My idea is," P'ing Erh suggested laughingly, "that you shouldn't put your foot in there! Every one, even up to Madame Wang, and Pao-yue, have alike received a rap on the knuckles, and are you also going now to fill up the gap?"
"Everything is over long ago," Chia Lien observed, "and can it be that she'll cap the whole thing by blowing me up too? What's more, it's no concern of mine. In the next place, Mr. Chia She enjoined me that I was to go in person, and ask his wife round, so, if I at present depute some one else, and he comes to know about it, he really won't feel in a pleasant mood, and he'll take advantage of this pretext to give vent to his spite on me."
These words over, he quickly marched off. And P'ing Erh was so impressed with the reasonableness of his arguments, that she followed in his track.
As soon as Chia Lien reached the reception hall, he trod with a light step. Then peeping in he saw Madame Hsing standing inside. Lady Feng, with her eagle eye, was the first to espy him. But she winked at him and dissuaded him from coming in, and next gave a wink to Madame Hsing. Madame Hsing could not conveniently get away at once, and she had to pour a cup of tea, and place it in front of dowager lady Chia. But old lady Chia jerked suddenly round, and took Chia Lien at such a disadvantage that he found it difficult to beat a retreat. "Who is outside?" exclaimed old lady Chia. "It seemed to me as if some servant-boy had poked his head in."
Lady Feng sprung to her feet without delay. "I also," she interposed, "indistinctly noticed the shadow of some one."
Saying this, she walked away and quitted the room. Chia Lien entered with hasty step. Forcing a smile, "I wanted to ask," he remarked, "whether you, venerable senior, are going out on the fourteenth, so that the chairs may be got ready."
"In that case," dowager lady Chia rejoined, "why didn't you come straight in; but behaved again in that mysterious way?"
"I saw that you were playing at cards, dear ancestor," Chia Lien explained with a strained laugh, "and I didn't venture to come and disturb you. I therefore simply meant to call my wife out to find out from her."
"Is it anything so very urgent that you had to say it this very moment?" old lady Chia continued. "Had you waited until she had gone home, couldn't you have asked her any amount of questions you may have liked? When have you been so full of zeal before? I'm puzzled to know whether it isn't as an eavesdropping spirit that you appear on the scene; nor can I say whether you don't come as a spy. But that impish way of yours gave me quite a start! What a low-bred fellow you are! Your wife will play at cards with me for a good long while more, so you'd better bundle yourself home, and conspire again with Chao Erh's wife how to do away with your better half."
Her remarks evoked general merriment.
"It's Pao Erh's wife," Yuean Yang put in laughingly, "and you, worthy senior, have dragged in again Chao Erh's wife."
"Yes!" assented old lady Chia, likewise with a laugh. "How could I remember whether he wasn't (pao) embracing her, or (pei) carrying her on his back. The bare mention of these things makes me lose all self-control and provokes me to anger! Ever since I crossed these doors as a great grandson's wife, I have never, during the whole of these fifty-four years, seen anything like these affairs, albeit it has been my share to go through great frights, great dangers, thousands of strange things and hundred and one remarkable occurrences! Don't you yet pack yourself off from my presence?"
Chia Lien could not muster courage to utter a single word to vindicate himself, but retired out of the room with all promptitude. P'ing Erh was standing outside the window. "I gave you due warning in a gentle tone, but you wouldn't hear; you've, after all, rushed into the very meshes of the net!"
These reproaches were still being heaped on him when he caught sight of Madame Hsing, as she likewise made her appearance outside. "My father," Chia Lien ventured, "is at the bottom of all this trouble; and the whole blame now is shoved upon your shoulders as well as mine, mother."
"I'll take you, you unfilial thing and..." Madame Hsing shouted. "People lay down their lives for their fathers; and you are prompted by a few harmless remarks to murmur against heaven and grumble against earth! Won't you behave in a proper manner? He's in high dudgeon these last few days, so mind he doesn't give you a pounding!"
"Mother, cross over at once," Chia Lien urged; "for he told me to come and ask you to go a long time ago."
Pressing his mother, he escorted her outside as far as the other part of the mansion. Madame Hsing gave (her husband) nothing beyond a general outline of all that had been recently said; but Chia She found himself deprived of the means of furthering his ends. Indeed, so stricken was he with shame that from that date he pleaded illness. And so little able was he to rally sufficient pluck to face old lady Chia, that he merely commissioned Madame Hsing and Chia Lien to go daily and pay their respects to her on his behalf. He had no help too but to despatch servants all over the place to make every possible search and inquiry for a suitable concubine for him. After a long time they succeeded in purchasing, for the sum of eighty taels, a girl of seventeen years of age, Yen Hung by name, whom he introduced as secondary wife into his household.
But enough of this subject. In the rooms on the near side, they protracted for a long time their noisy game of cards, and only broke up after they had something to eat. Nothing worthy of note, however, occurred during the course of the following day or two. In a twinkle, the fourteenth drew near. At an early hour before daybreak, Lai Ta's wife came again into the mansion to invite her guests. Dowager lady Chia was in buoyant spirits, so taking along Madame Wang, Mrs. Hsueeh, Pao-yue and the various young ladies, she betook herself into Lai Ta's garden, where she sat for a considerable time.
This garden was not, it is true, to be compared with the garden of Broad Vista; but it also was most beautifully laid out, and consisted of spacious grounds. In the way of springs, rockeries, arbours and woods, towers and terraces, pavilions and halls, it likewise contained a good many sufficient to excite admiration. In the main hall outside, were assembled Hsueeh P'an, Chia Chen, Chia Lien, Chia Jung and several close relatives. But Lai Ta had invited as well a number of officials, still in active service, and numerous young men of wealthy families, to keep them company. Among that party figured one Liu Hsiang-lien, whom Hsueeh P'an had met on a previous occasion and kept ever since in constant remembrance. Having besides discovered that he had a passionate liking for theatricals, and that the parts he generally filled were those of a young man or lady, in fast plays, he had unavoidably misunderstood the object with which he indulged in these amusements, to such a degree as to misjudge him for a young rake. About this time, he had been entertaining a wish to cultivate intimate relations with him, but he had, much to his disgust, found no one to introduce him, so when he, by a strange coincidence, came to be thrown in his way, on the present occasion, he revelled in intense delight. But Chia Chen and the other guests had heard of his reputation, so as soon as wine had blinded their sense of shame, they entreated him to sing two short plays; and when subsequently they got up from the banquet, they ensconced themselves near him, and, pressing him with questions, they carried on a conversation on one thing and then another.
This Liu Hsiang-lien was, in fact, a young man of an old family; but he had been unsuccessful in his studies, and had lost his father and mother. He was naturally light-hearted and magnanimous; not particular in minor matters; immoderately fond of spear-exercise and fencing, of gambling and boozing; even going to such excesses as spending his nights in houses of easy virtue; playing the fife, thrumming the harp, and going in for everything and anything. Being besides young in years, and of handsome appearance, those who did not know what his standing was, invariably mistook him for an actor. But Lai Ta's son had all along been on such friendly terms with him, that he consequently invited him for the nonce to help him do the honours.
Of a sudden, while every one was, after the wines had gone round, still on his good behaviour, Hsueeh P'an alone got another fit of his old mania. From an early stage, his spirits sunk within him and he would fain have seized the first convenient moment to withdraw and consummate his designs but for Lai Shang-jung, who then said: "Our Mr. Pao-yue told me again just now that although he saw you, as he walked in, he couldn't speak to you with so many people present, so he bade me ask you not to go, when the party breaks up, as he has something more to tell you. But as you insist upon taking your leave, you'd better wait until I call him out, and when you've seen each other, you can get away; I'll have nothing to say then."
While delivering the message, "Go inside," he directed the servant-boys, "and get hold of some old matron and tell her quietly to invite Mr. Pao-yue to come out."
A servant-lad went on the errand, and scarcely had time enough elapsed to enable one to have a cup of tea in, than Pao-yue, actually, made his appearance outside.
"My dear sir," Lai Shang-jung smilingly observed to Pao-yue, "I hand him over to you. I'm going to entertain the guests!"
With these words, he was off.
Pao-yue pulled Lia Hsiang-lien into a side study in the hall, where they sat down.
"Have you been recently to Ch'in Ch'ung's grave?" he inquired of him.
"How could I not go?" Hsiang-lien answered. "The other day a few of us went out to give our falcons a fly; and we were yet at a distance of two li from his tomb, when remembering the heavy rains, we've had this summer, I gave way to fears lest his grave may not have been proof against them; so evading the notice of the party I went over and had a look. I found it again slightly damaged; but when I got back home, I speedily raised a few hundreds of cash, and issued early on the third day, and hired two men, who put it right."
"It isn't strange then!" exclaimed Pao-yue, "When the lotus blossomed last month in the pond of our garden of Broad Vista, I plucked ten of them and bade T'sai Ming go out of town and lay them as my offering on his grave. On his return, I also inquired of him: whether it had been damaged by the water or not; and he explained that not only had it not sustained any harm, but that it looked better than when last he'd seen it. Several of his friends, I argued, must have had it put in proper repair; and I felt it irksome that I should, day after day, be so caged at home as to be unable to be my own master in the least thing, and that if even I move, and any one comes to know of it, this one is sure to exhort me, if that one does not restrain me. I can thus afford to brag, but can't manage to act! And though I've got plenty of money, I'm not at liberty to spend any of it!"
"There's no use your worrying in a matter like this!" Liu Hsiang-lien said. "I am outside, so all you need do is to inwardly foster the wish; that's all. But as the first of the tenth moon will shortly be upon us, I've already prepared the money necessary for going to the graves. You know well enough that I'm as poor as a rat; I've no hoardings at home; and when a few cash find their way into my pocket, I soon remain again quite empty-handed. But I'd better make the best of this opportunity, and keep the amount I have, in order that, when the time comes, I mayn't find myself without a cash."
"It's exactly about this that I meant to send Pei Ming to see you," Pao-yue added. "But it isn't often that one can manage to find you at home. I'm well aware how uncertain your movements are; one day you are here, and another there; you've got no fixed resort."
"There's no need sending any one to hunt me up!" Liu Hsiang-lien replied. "All that each of us need do in this matter is to acquit ourselves of what's right. But in a little while, I again purpose going away on a tour abroad, to return in three to five years' time."
When Pao-yue heard his intention, "Why is this?" he at once inquired.
Liu Hsiang-lien gave a sardonic smile. "When my wish is on a fair way to be accomplished," he said, "you'll certainly hear everything. I must now leave you."
"After all the difficulty we've had in meeting," Pao-yue remarked, "wouldn't it be better were you and I to go away together in the evening?"
"That worthy cousin of yours," Hsiang-lien rejoined, "is as bad as ever, and were I to stay any longer, trouble would inevitably arise. So it's as well that I should clear out of his way."
Pao-yue communed with himself for a time. "In that case," he then observed, "it's only right, that you should retire. But if you really be bent upon going on a distant tour, you must absolutely tell me something beforehand. Don't, on any account, sneak away quietly!".
As he spoke, the tears trickled down his cheeks.
"I shall, of course, say good-bye to you," Liu Hsiang-lien rejoined. "But you must not let any one know anything about it!"
While uttering these words, he stood up to get away. "Go in at once," he urged, "there's no need to see me off!"
Saying this, he quitted the study. As soon as he reached the main entrance, he came across Hsueeh P'an, bawling out boisterously, "Who let young Liu-erh go?"
The moment these shouts fell on Liu Hsiang-lien's ear, his anger flared up as if it had been sparks spurting wildly about, and he only wished he could strike him dead with one blow. But on second consideration, he pondered that a fight after the present festive occasion would be an insult to Lai Shang-jung, and he perforce felt bound to stifle his indignation.
When Hsueeh P'an suddenly espied him walking out, he looked as delighted as if he had come in for some precious gem. With staggering step he drew near him. Clutching him with one grip, "My dear brother," he smirked. "where are you off to?"
"I'm going somewhere, but will be back soon," Hsiang-lien said by way of response.
"As soon as you left," Hsueeh P'an smiled, "all the fun went. But pray sit a while! If you do so, it will be a proof of your regard for me! Don't flurry yourself. With such a senior brother as myself to stand by you, it will be as easy a job for you to become an official as to reap a fortune."
The sight of his repulsive manner filled the heart of Hsiang-lien with disgust and shame. But speedily devising a plan, he drew him to a secluded spot. "Is your friendship real," he smiled, "or is it only a sham?"
This question sent Hsueeh P'an into such raptures that he found it difficult to check himself from gratifying his longings. But glancing at him with the corner of his eye, "My dear brother," he smiled, "what makes you ask me such a thing? If my friendship for you is a sham, may I die this moment, before your very eyes."
"Well, if that be so," Hsiang-lien proceeded, "it isn't convenient in here, so sit down and wait a bit. I'll go ahead, but come out of this yourself by and bye, and follow me to my place, where we can drink the whole night long. I've also got there two first-rate young fellows who never go out of doors. But don't bring so much as a single follower with you, as you'll find, when you get there, plenty of people ready at hand to wait on you."
So high did this assignation raise Hsueeh P'an's spirits that he recovered, to a certain extent, from the effects of wine. "Is it really so?" he asked.
"How is it," Hsiang-lien laughed, "that when people treat you with a sincere heart, you don't, after all, believe them?"
"I'm no fool," eagerly exclaimed Hsueeh P'an, "and how could I not believe you? But since this be the case, how am I, who don't even know the way, to find your whereabouts if you are to go ahead of me?"
"My place is outside the northern gate." Hsiang-lien explained. "But can you tear yourself away from your home to spend the night outside the city walls?"
"As long as you're there," Hsueeh P'an said, "what will I want my home for?"
"If that be so," Hsiang-lien resumed, "I'll wait for you on the bridge outside the northern gate. But let us meanwhile rejoin the banquet and have some wine. Come along, after you've seen me go; they won't notice us then."
"Yes!" shouted Hsueeh P'an with alacrity as he acquiesced to the proposal.
The two young fellows thereupon returned to the feast, and drank for a time. Hsueeh Pan, however, could with difficulty endure the suspense. He kept his gaze intent upon Hsiang-lien; and the more he pondered within himself upon what was coming, the more exuberance swelled in his heart. Now he emptied one wine-kettle; now another; and, without waiting for any one to press him, he, of his own accord, gulped down one drink after another, with the result that he unconsciously made himself nearly quite tipsy. Hsiang-lien then got up and quitted the room, and perceiving every one off his guard, he egressed out of the main entrance. "Go home ahead," he directed his page Hsing Nu. "I'm going out of town, but I'll be back at once."
By the time he had finished giving him these directions, he had already mounted his horse, and straightway he proceeded to the bridge beyond the northern gate, and waited for Hsueeh P'an. A long while elapsed, however, before he espied Hsueeh P'an in the distance, hurrying along astride of a high steed, with gaping mouth, staring eyes, and his head, banging from side to side like a pedlar's drum. Without intermission, he glanced confusedly about, sometimes to the left, and sometimes to the right; but, as soon as he got where he had to pass in front of Hsiang-lien's horse, he kept his gaze fixed far away, and never troubled his mind with the immediate vicinity.
Hsiang-lien felt amused and angry with him, but forthwith giving his horse also the rein, he followed in his track, while Hsueeh P'an continued to stare ahead.
Little by little the habitations got scantier and scantier, so pulling his horse round, (Hsueeh P'an) retraced his steps. The moment he turned back, he unawares caught sight of Hsiang-lien, and his spirits rose within him, as if he had got hold of some precious thing of an extraordinary value. "I knew well enough," he eagerly smiled, "that you weren't one to break faith."
"Quick, let's go ahead!" Hsiang-lien smilingly urged. "Mind people might notice us and follow us. It won't then be nice!"
While instigating him, he took the lead, and letting his horse have the rein, he wended his way onwards, followed closely by Hsueeh P'an. But when Hsiang-lien perceived that the country ahead of them was already thinly settled and saw besides a stretch of water covered with a growth of weeds, he speedily dismounted, and tied his horse to a tree. Turning then round; "Get down!" he said, laughingly, to Hsueeh P'an. "You must first take an oath, so that in the event of your changing your mind in the future, and telling anything to anyone, the oath might be accomplished."
"You're quite right!" Hsueeh P'an smiled; and jumping down with all despatch, he too made his horse fast to a tree, and then crouched on his knees.
"If I ever in days to come," he exclaimed, "know any change in my feelings and breathe a word to any living soul, may heaven blast me and earth annihilate me!"
Scarcely had he ended this oath, when a crash fell on his ear, and lo, he felt as if an iron hammer had been brought down to bear upon him from behind. A black mist shrouded his eyes, golden stars flew wildly about before his gaze; and losing all control over himself, he sprawled on the ground.
Hsiang-lien approached and had a look at him; and, knowing how little he was accustomed to thrashings, he only exerted but little of his strength, and struck him a few blows on the face. But about this time a fruit shop happened to open, and Hsueeh P'an strained at first every nerve to rise to his feet, when another slight kick from Hsiang-lien tumbled him over again.
"Both parties should really be agreeable," he shouted. "But if you were not disposed to accept my advances, you should have simply told me in a proper way. And why did you beguile me here to give me a beating?"
So speaking, he went on boisterously to heap invective upon his head.
"I'll take you, you blind fellow, and show you who Mr. Liu is," Hsiang-lien cried. "You don't appeal to me with solicitous entreaties, but go on abusing me! To kill you would be of no use, so I'll merely give you a good lesson!"
With these words, he fetched his whip, and administered him, thirty or forty blows from his back down to his shins.
Hsueeh P'an had sobered down considerably from the effects of wine, and found the stings of pain so intolerable, that little able to restrain himself, he gave way to groans.
"Do you go on in this way?" Hsiang-lien said, with an ironical smile. "Why, I thought you were not afraid of beatings."
While uttering this taunt, he seized Hsueeh P'an by the left leg, and dragging him several steps into a miry spot among the reeds, he rolled him about till he was covered with one mass of mud. "Do you now know what stuff I'm made of?" he proceeded to ask.
Hsueeh P'an made no reply. But simply lay prostrate, and moaned. Then throwing away his whip Hsiang-lien gave him with his fist several thumps all over the body.
Hsueeh P'an began to wriggle violently and vociferate wildly. "Oh, my ribs are broken!" he shouted. "I know you're a proper sort of person! It's all because I made the mistake of listening to other people's gossip!"
"There's no need for you to drag in other people!" Hsiang-lien went on. "Just confine yourself to those present!"
"There's nothing up at present!" Hsueeh P'an cried. "From what you say, you're a person full of propriety. So it's I who am at fault."
"You'll have to speak a little milder," Hsiang-lien added, "before I let you off."
"My dear younger brother," Hsueeh P'an pleaded, with a groan.
Hsiang-lien at this struck him another blow with his fist.
"Ai!" ejaculated Hsueeh P'an. "My dear senior brother!" he exclaimed.
Hsiang-lien then gave him two more whacks, one after the other.
"Ai Yo!" Hsueeh P'an precipitately screamed. "My dear Sir, do spare me, an eyeless beggar; and henceforth I'll look up to you with veneration; I'll fear you!"
"Drink two mouthfuls of that water!" shouted Hsiang-lien.
"That water is really too foul," Hsueeh P'an argued, in reply to this suggestion, wrinkling his eyebrows the while; "and how could I put any of it in my mouth?"
Hsiang-lien raised his fist and struck him.
"I'll drink it, I'll drink it!" quickly bawled Hsueeh P'an.
So saying, he felt obliged to lower his head to the very roots of the reeds and drink a mouthful. Before he had had time to swallow it, a sound of 'ai' became audible, and up came all the stuff he had put into his mouth only a few seconds back.
"You filthy thing!" exclaimed Hsiang-lien. "Be quick and finish drinking; and I'll let you off."
Upon hearing this, Hsueeh P'an bumped his head repeatedly on the ground. "Do please," he cried, "lay up a store of meritorious acts for yourself and let me off! I couldn't take that were I even on the verge of death!"
"This kind of stench will suffocate me!" Hsiang-lien observed, and, with this remark, he abandoned Hsueeh Pan to his own devices; and, pulling his horse, he put his foot to the stirrup, and rode away.
Hsueeh Pan, meanwhile, became aware of his departure, and felt at last relieved in his mind. Yet his conscience pricked him for he saw that he should not misjudge people. He then made an effort to raise himself, but the racking torture he experienced all over his limbs was so sharp that he could with difficulty bear it.
Chia Chen and the other guests present at the banquet became, as it happened, suddenly alive to the fact that the two young fellows had disappeared; but though they extended their search everywhere, they saw nothing of them. Some one insinuated, in an uncertain way, that they had gone outside the northern gate; but as Hsueeh P'an's pages had ever lived in dread of him, who of them had the audacity to go and hunt him up after the injunctions, he had given them, that they were not to follow him? But waxing solicitous on his account, Chia Chen subsequently bade Chia Jung take a few servant-boys and go and discover some clue of him, or institute inquiries as to his whereabouts. Straightway therefore they prosecuted their search beyond the northern gate, to a distance of two li below the bridge, and it was quite by accident that they discerned Hsueeh P'an's horse made fast by the side of a pit full of reeds.
"That's a good sign!" they with one voice exclaimed; "for if the horse is there, the master must be there too!"
In a body, they thronged round the horse, when, from among the reeds, they caught the sound of human groans, so hurriedly rushing forward to ascertain for themselves, they, at a glance, perceived Hsueeh P'an, his costume all in tatters, his countenance and eyes so swollen and bruised that it was hard to make out the head and face, and his whole person, inside as well as outside his clothes, rolled like a sow in a heap of mud.
Chia Jung surmised pretty nearly the truth. Speedily dismounting, he told the servants to prop him up. "Uncle Hsueeh," he laughed, "you daily go in for lewd dalliance; but have you to-day come to dissipate in a reed-covered pit? The King of the dragons in this pit must have also fallen in love with your charms, and enticed you to become his son-in-law that you've come and gored yourself on his horns like this!"
Hsueeh P'an was such a prey to intense shame that he would fain have grovelled into some fissure in the earth had he been able to detect any. But so little able was he to get on his horse that Chia Jung directed a servant to run to the suburbs and fetch a chair. Ensconced in this, Hsueeh P'an entered town along with the search party.
Chia Jung still insisted upon carrying him to Lai Ta's house to join the feast, so Hsueeh P'an had to make a hundred and one urgent appeals to him to tell no one, before Chia Jung eventually yielded to his solicitations and allowed him to have his own way and return home.
Chia Jung betook himself again to Lai Ta's house, and narrated to Chia Chen their recent experiences. When Chia Chen also learnt of the flogging (Hsueeh P'an) had received from Hsiang-lien, he laughed. "It's only through scrapes," he cried, "that he'll get all right!"
In the evening, after the party broke up, he came to inquire after him. But Hsueeh P'an, who was lying all alone in his bedroom, nursing himself, refused to see him, on the plea of indisposition.
When dowager lady Chia and the other inmates had returned home, and every one had retired into their respective apartments, Mrs. Hsueeh and Pao-ch'ai observed that Hsiang Ling's eyes were quite swollen from crying, and they questioned her as to the reason of her distress. (On being told), they hastily rushed to look up Hsueeh P'an; but, though they saw his body covered with scars, they could discover no ribs broken, or bones dislocated.
Mrs. Hsueeh fell a prey to anguish and displeasure. At one time, she scolded Hsueeh P'an; at another, she abused Liu Hsiang-lien. Her wish was to lay the matter before Madame Wang in order that some one should be despatched to trace Liu Hsiang-lien and bring him back, but Pao-ch'ai speedily dissuaded her. "It's nothing to make a fuss about," she represented. "They were simply drinking together; and quarrels after a wine bout are ordinary things. And for one who's drunk to get a few whacks more or less is nothing uncommon! Besides, there's in our home neither regard for God nor discipline. Every one knows it. If it's purely out of love, mother, that you desire to give vent to your spite, it's an easy matter enough. Have a little patience for three or five days, until brother is all right and can go out. Mr. Chia Chen and Mr. Chia Lien over there are not people likely to let the affair drop without doing anything! They'll, for a certainty, stand a treat, and ask that fellow, and make him apologise and admit his wrong in the presence of the whole company, so that everything will be properly settled. But were you now, ma, to begin making much of this occurrence, and telling every one, it would, on the contrary, look as if you had, in your motherly partiality and fond love for him, indulged him to stir up a row and provoke people! He has, on this occasion, had unawares to eat humble pie, but will you, ma, put people to all this trouble and inconvenience and make use of the prestige enjoyed by your relatives to oppress an ordinary person?"
"My dear child," Mrs. Hsueeh rejoined, "after listening to the advice proffered by her, you've, after all, been able to foresee all these things! As for me, that sudden fit of anger quite dazed me!"
"All will thus be square," Pao-ch'ai smiled, "for, as he's neither afraid of you, mother, nor gives an ear to people's exhortations, but gets wilder and wilder every day that goes by, he may, if he gets two or three lessons, turn over a new leaf."
While Hsueeh P'an lay on the stovecouch, he reviled Hsiang-lien with all his might. Next, he instigated the servant-boys to go and demolish his house, kill him and bring a charge against him. But Mrs. Hsueeh hindered the lads from carrying out his purpose, and explained to her son: "that Liu Hsiang-lien had casually, after drinking, behaved in a disorderly way, that now that he was over the effects of wine, he was exceedingly filled with remorse, and that, prompted by the fear of punishment, he had effected his escape."
But, reader, if you feel any interest to know what happened when Hsueeh P'an heard the version his mother gave him, listen to what you will find in the next chapter.
请欣赏:
请给我换一个看看！ 拜托，快把噪音停掉！我读累了，想听点音乐或者请来支歌曲！
【选集】红楼一春梦 |
|
|