单是那些女尼女道重进园来，都喜欢的了不得，欲要到各处逛逛，明日预备迸宫。
The little novices were thrilled to be back in the Garden and were eager to revisit their favourite haunts, imagining that the next day would be taken up with preparations for their visit to the Palace.
不料赖大使吩咐了看园的婆子并小厮看守，惟给了些饭食，却是一步不准走开。
However, Lai Da ordered the matrons and pages there to keep watch and to supply them with food but not allow them to stir a single step.
那些女孩子摸不着头脑，只得坐着，等到天亮。
So the girls, although puzzled by this, had to stay there quietly until it was light.
园里各处的丫头虽都知道拉进女尼们来，预备宫里使唤，却也不能深知原委。
The maids in the different lodges in the Garden had heard of their arrival and summons to the Palace, but did not know the real facts of the case.
到了明日早起，贾政正要下班，因堂上发下两省城工估销册子，立刻要查核，一时不能回家，便叫人回来告诉贾琏，说：“赖大回来，你务必查问明白。
The next morning, Jia Zheng was about to leave his office when the minister sent him estimates of the costs for public works in two provinces, which he had to check at once before going home.
He therefore sent Jia Lian instructions not to wait for his return but to make a thorough investigation as soon as Lai Da was back,
该如何办就如何办了，不必等我。”
and then to take what action he thought fit.
贾琏奉命，先替芹儿喜欢，又想道：“若是办得一点影儿都没有，又恐贾政生疑，不如回明二太太，讨个主意办去，便是不合老爷的心，我也不至甚担干系。”
Jia Lian received these instructions with relief, mainly on young Qin's behalf, as he would now be spared the Master's wrath.
On further reflection, however, it occurred to him that he might attract Jia Zheng's suspicion if he were to brush the entire affair under the carpet.
It would be wiser to consult Lady Wang.
Then if he incurred the Master's displeasure, at least he would not be solely responsible.
主意定了，进内去见王夫人，陈说：“昨日老爷见了揭帖生气，把芹儿和女尼女道等都叫进府来查办。
Having decided on this course of action, Jia Lian :went to see Lady Wang and told her what had happened, concluding:‘Uncle Zheng was extremely angry about the anonymous poster and gave orders for Lai Da to bring young Qin and all the girls here for questioning.
若是芹儿这么样起来，这还成咱们家的人了么？
“If young Qin really has behaved in this degrading fashion, the family should have nothing more to do with him.
但只这个贴帖儿的也可恶，这些话可是混嚼说得的么？
Mind you, it's a despicable way to carry on, to go putting posters up about people...
Do you suppose there is any truth in it?”
你到底问了芹儿有这件事没有呢？”
Have you asked Qin whether there's any truth in it?”
太太想，别说他干了没有，就是干了，一个人干了混账事也肯应承么？
But think, madam, who would admit to anything so shameless even if he'd really done it?”
但只我想芹儿也不敢行此事：知道那些女孩子都是娘娘一时要的，倘或闹出事来，怎么样呢？
Personally I don't think he did.
He knows that the girls are liable to be called to Court at short notice, and would be too scared of a scandal.
依侄儿的主见，要问也不难，若问出来，太太怎么个办法呢？”
We could find out the truth easily enough.
But what then?
What do you suggest?”
王夫人道：“如今那些女孩子在那里？”
“Where are those girls now?”
贾琏道：“都在园里锁着呢。”
“They are locked up in the Garden,” replied Jia Lian.
王夫人道：“姑娘们知道不知道？”
“Do the others know that they are there?”
贾琏道：“大约姑娘们也都知道是预备宫里头的话，外头并没提起别的来。”
“They probably all know by now.
But so far as they are concerned the girls are on their way to the Palace.
That is what everyone has been told.”
这些东西一刻也是留不得的。
“We must get rid of these creatures immediately, once and for all.
头里我原要打发他们去来着，都是你们说留着好，如今不是弄出事来了么？
I was in favour of packing them off before, but the rest of you insisted on keeping them and now see what's come of it!
贾母还坐了半天，然后扶了珍珠回去了，王夫人等跟着过来。
After some time the old lady left, leaning on Zhenzhu's arm and accompanied by Lady Wang and the others.
只见平儿笑嘻嘻的迎上来，说：“我们奶奶知道老太太在这里赏花，自己不得来，叫奴才来伏侍老太太、太太们。
As she was leaving, Patience came hurrying up, her face wreathed in smiles: “Mrs Lian heard that you were here viewing the flowers,” she said, “and though she couldn't come herself, she asked me to come and attend to Your Ladyships and to bring this parcel.
还有两匹红送宝二爷包裹这花，当作贺礼。”
It contains two rolls of red silk for Master Bao to decorate the trees with, and comes with Mrs Lian's congratulations on the happy event.”
袭人过来接了，呈与贾母看。
Aroma came forward to receive the parcel and presented it to Grandmother Jia, who beamed with delight.