詩曰：
紛紛五代亂離間，一旦雲開復見天。草木百年新雨露，車書萬里舊江山。尋常巷陌陳羅綺，幾處樓臺奏管弦。天下太平無事日，鶯花無限日高眠。
诗曰：
纷纷五代乱离间，一旦云开复见天。草木百年新雨露，车书万里旧江山。寻常巷陌陈罗绮，几处楼台奏管弦。天下太平无事日，莺花无限日高眠。
A poem says:
Amid the welter of the Five Dynasties, all chaos and scattering,one day the clouds broke and the sky was seen again.A hundred years of new rain and dew on the grass and trees;ten thousand miles of the old hills and rivers, one in axle and script.In common lanes and alleys silks and gauzes are on show;from tower and terrace, here and there, come pipes and strings.All under heaven at peace, the days without a care,amid endless orioles and blossoms, men sleep till the sun is high.
話說宋朝自陳橋兵變，眾將立太祖為君，江山一統，相傳至太宗，又至真宗，四海昇平，萬民樂業，真是風調雨順，君正臣良。
话说宋朝自陈桥兵变，众将立太祖为君，江山一统，相传至太宗，又至真宗，四海升平，万民乐业，真是风调雨顺，君正臣良。
Now, after the mutiny at Chenqiao, when the generals made Taizu their emperor, the Song dynasty held all the land as one. The crown passed to Taizong and from him to Zhenzong. Peace reigned within the four seas and the people prospered at their work: truly the winds came in season and the rains in measure, the ruler was upright and his ministers good.
一日，早朝，文武班齊，有西臺御史兼欽天監文彥博出班奏道：「臣夜觀天象，見天狗星犯闕、恐於儲君不利。恭繪形圖一張，謹呈御覽。」承奉接過，陳於御案之上。天子看罷，笑曰：「朕觀此圖，雖則是上天垂象，但朕並無儲君，有何不利之處？卿且歸班，朕自有道理。」早朝已畢，眾臣皆散。
一日，早朝，文武班齐，有西台御史兼钦天监文彦博出班奏道：「臣夜观天象，见天狗星犯阙、恐于储君不利。恭绘形图一张，谨呈御览。」承奉接过，陈于御案之上。天子看罢，笑曰：「朕观此图，虽则是上天垂象，但朕并无储君，有何不利之处？卿且归班，朕自有道理。」早朝已毕，众臣皆散。
One day, at the morning audience, when the civil and military officials stood in their ranks, Wen Yanbo, Censor of the Western Terrace and Director of Astronomy, stepped forward and addressed the throne: “Last night your servant watched the heavens and saw the Heavenly Dog star intrude upon the palace, which I fear bodes ill for the heir. I have respectfully drawn a chart of it and humbly present it for Your Majesty’s eyes.” An attendant took it and laid it on the imperial desk. When the Emperor had looked it over, he smiled and said, “We see from this chart that Heaven has indeed sent down a sign. But We have no heir, so whom can it harm? Return to your place, minister. We have Our own view of the matter.” The morning audience over, the ministers all dispersed.
轉向宮內，真宗悶悶不樂，暗自忖道：「自御妻薨後，正宮之位久虛，幸有李、劉二妃現今俱各有娠，難道上天垂象就應於她二人身不成？」才要宣召二妃見駕，誰想二妃不宣而至，參見已畢，跪而奏曰：「今日乃中秋佳節，妾妃等已將酒宴預備在御園之內，特請聖駕今夕賞月，作個不夜之歡。」天子大喜，即同二妃來到園中，但見秋色蕭蕭，花香馥馥，又搭著金風瑟瑟，不禁心曠神怡。真宗玩賞，進了寶殿，歸了御座，李、劉二妃陪侍。宮娥獻茶已畢。
转向宫内，真宗闷闷不乐，暗自忖道：「自御妻薨后，正宫之位久虚，幸有李、刘二妃现今俱各有娠，难道上天垂象就应于她二人身不成？」才要宣召二妃见驾，谁想二妃不宣而至，参见已毕，跪而奏曰：「今日乃中秋佳节，妾妃等已将酒宴预备在御园之内，特请圣驾今夕赏月，作个不夜之欢。」天子大喜，即同二妃来到园中，但见秋色萧萧，花香馥馥，又搭着金风瑟瑟，不禁心旷神怡。真宗玩赏，进了宝殿，归了御座，李、刘二妃陪侍。宫娥献茶已毕。
Back in the inner palace, Zhenzong was out of spirits and thought to himself: “Since the Empress died, her place has long stood empty. Happily, Consort Li and Consort Liu are both with child. Can Heaven’s sign be meant for the two of them?” He was about to send for them when the two consorts arrived unbidden. When they had paid their respects, they knelt and said, “Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. Your handmaids have laid a banquet in the imperial garden, and we beg Your Majesty to view the moon with us tonight and make merry till dawn.” The Emperor was delighted and went with them to the garden at once. The autumn scene was cool and spare, the flowers heavy with fragrance, and a golden autumn wind sighed through it all, so that his heart opened and his spirits soared. When he had enjoyed the sights, Zhenzong went into the hall and took his seat on the throne, with the two consorts in attendance. Palace maids served tea.
大多道：「今日文彥博具奏，他道現時天狗星犯闕，主儲君不利。朕雖乏嗣，且喜二妃俱各有孕，不知將來誰先誰後，是男是女。上天既然垂兆，朕賜汝二人玉璽龍袱各一個，鎮壓天狗衝犯；再朕有金丸一對，內藏九曲珠子一顆，係上皇所賜，無價之寶，朕幼時隨身佩帶，如今每人各賜一枚，將妃子等姓名宮名刻在上面，隨身佩帶。」李、劉二妃聽了，望上謝恩。天子即將金丸解下，命太監陳林拿到尚寶監，立時刻字去了。
大多道：「今日文彦博具奏，他道现时天狗星犯阙，主储君不利。朕虽乏嗣，且喜二妃俱各有孕，不知将来谁先谁后，是男是女。上天既然垂兆，朕赐汝二人玉玺龙袱各一个，镇压天狗冲犯；再朕有金丸一对，内藏九曲珠子一颗，系上皇所赐，无价之宝，朕幼时随身佩带，如今每人各赐一枚，将妃子等姓名宫名刻在上面，随身佩带。」李、刘二妃听了，望上谢恩。天子即将金丸解下，命太监陈林拿到尚宝监，立时刻字去了。
The Emperor said, “Today Wen Yanbo memorialized the throne. He says the Heavenly Dog star is intruding upon the palace, which bodes ill for the heir. Though We have no heir, happily you are both with child — but who can say which of you will be first, or whether it will be a boy or a girl? Since Heaven has sent this omen, We give each of you a dragon cloth stamped with Our jade seal, to ward off the Heavenly Dog. Besides these, We have a pair of gold balls, each with a nine-bend pearl inside. They were a gift from the late Emperor, priceless treasures, and We wore them as a boy. Now We give one to each of you. Your names and your palaces shall be engraved on them, and you are to wear them always.” The two consorts bowed toward the throne and gave thanks. At once the Emperor untied the gold balls and ordered the eunuch Chen Lin to take them to the Directorate of Imperial Seals and have them engraved without delay.
這裡二位妃子吩咐擺酒，安席進酒。登時鼓樂迭奏，彩戲俱陳，皇家富貴自不必說。到了晚間，皓月當空，照得滿園如同白晝，君妃快樂，共賞冰輪，星斗齊輝，觥籌交錯。天子飲至半酣，只見陳林手捧金丸，跪呈御前，天子接來細看，見金丸上面，一個刻著「玉宸宮李妃」，一個刻著「金華宮劉妃」，鐫的甚是精巧。天子深喜，即賞了二妃。二妃跪領，欽遵佩帶後，每人又各獻金爵二杯，天子並不推辭，一連飲了，不覺大醉，哈哈大笑，道：「二妃子如有生太子者，立為正宮。」二妃又謝了恩。
这里二位妃子吩咐摆酒，安席进酒。登时鼓乐迭奏，彩戏俱陈，皇家富贵自不必说。到了晚间，皓月当空，照得满园如同白昼，君妃快乐，共赏冰轮，星斗齐辉，觥筹交错。天子饮至半酣，只见陈林手捧金丸，跪呈御前，天子接来细看，见金丸上面，一个刻着「玉宸宫李妃」，一个刻着「金华宫刘妃」，镌的甚是精巧。天子深喜，即赏了二妃。二妃跪领，钦遵佩带后，每人又各献金爵二杯，天子并不推辞，一连饮了，不觉大醉，哈哈大笑，道：「二妃子如有生太子者，立为正宫。」二妃又谢了恩。
Meanwhile the two consorts ordered the wine brought, set out the places and offered the first cups. At once drums and music struck up, one piece after another, and every kind of colourful show was put on — of the splendour of the imperial house there is no need to speak. When evening came, a bright moon hung in the sky and lit the whole garden as if it were day. The Emperor and his consorts made merry together, admiring the icy wheel of the moon while the stars all shone and the cups went round and round. When the Emperor was half drunk, Chen Lin came in with the gold balls in his hands and knelt to present them. The Emperor took them and looked them over closely. One was engraved “Consort Li of the Yuchen Palace,” the other “Consort Liu of the Jinhua Palace,” and the carving was exquisitely fine. Much pleased, the Emperor bestowed them on the two consorts at once. They knelt to receive them, and when they had dutifully put them on, each offered him two more golden goblets of wine. The Emperor did not refuse but drank them off one after another, until before he knew it he was very drunk. With a great laugh he said, “Whichever of you two bears a crown prince shall be made Empress!” And the two consorts thanked him once again.
天子酒後說了此話不知緊要，誰知生出無限風波。你道為何？皆出劉妃心地不良，久懷嫉妒之心，今一聞此言，惟恐李妃生下太子立了正宮；自那日歸宮之後，便與總管都堂郭槐暗暗鋪謀定計，要害李妃，誰知一旁有個宮人名喚寇珠，乃劉妃承御的宮人。此女雖是劉妃心腹，她卻為人正直，素懷忠義，見劉妃與郭槐討議，好生不樂。從此後各處留神，悄地窺探。
天子酒后说了此话不知紧要，谁知生出无限风波。你道为何？皆出刘妃心地不良，久怀嫉妒之心，今一闻此言，惟恐李妃生下太子立了正宫；自那日归宫之后，便与总管都堂郭槐暗暗铺谋定计，要害李妃，谁知一旁有个宫人名唤寇珠，乃刘妃承御的宫人。此女虽是刘妃心腹，她却为人正直，素怀忠义，见刘妃与郭槐讨议，好生不乐。从此后各处留神，悄地窥探。
Flushed with wine, the Emperor thought nothing of these words — but who could have known what endless trouble they would stir up? And why, you may ask? It all came from Consort Liu’s wicked heart. She had long nursed her jealousy, and now that she had heard this, she was terrified that Consort Li would bear a prince and be made Empress. From the day she returned to her palace, she and her chief steward, Guo Huai, laid secret plans to destroy Consort Li. But who could have guessed that close at hand was a palace woman named Kou Zhu, Consort Liu’s personal attendant? Though she was Consort Liu’s trusted confidante, she was upright by nature and had always been loyal and true. When she saw Consort Liu and Guo Huai plotting together, she was deeply troubled, and from then on she kept her eyes open everywhere and watched them in secret.
單言郭槐奉了劉妃之命，派了心腹親隨，找了個守喜婆尤氏；這守喜婆就屁滾尿流，又把自己男人托付郭槐，也做了添喜郎了。
单言郭槐奉了刘妃之命，派了心腹亲随，找了个守喜婆尤氏；这守喜婆就屁滚尿流，又把自己男人托付郭槐，也做了添喜郎了。
Our story turns to Guo Huai. On Consort Liu’s orders, he sent one of his trusted attendants to find a midwife — a “keeper of joy” — named Mrs. You. This keeper of joy was so thrilled she all but wet herself, and she got her own man placed with Guo Huai as well, so that he became a “bringer of joy.”
一日，郭槐與尤氏密密商議，將劉妃要害李妃之事，細細告訴。奸婆聽了，始而為難。郭槐道：「若能辦成，你便有無窮富貴。」婆子聞聽，不由滿心歡喜，眉頭一皺，計上心來，便對郭槐道：「如此如此，這般這般。」郭槐聞聽，說：「妙！妙！真能辦成，將來劉妃生下太子，你真有不世之功。」又囑咐臨期不要誤事，並給了好些東西。婆子歡喜而去。郭槐進宮，將此事回明，劉妃歡喜無限，專等臨期行事。
一日，郭槐与尤氏密密商议，将刘妃要害李妃之事，细细告诉。奸婆听了，始而为难。郭槐道：「若能办成，你便有无穷富贵。」婆子闻听，不由满心欢喜，眉头一皱，计上心来，便对郭槐道：「如此如此，这般这般。」郭槐闻听，说：「妙！妙！真能办成，将来刘妃生下太子，你真有不世之功。」又嘱咐临期不要误事，并给了好些东西。婆子欢喜而去。郭槐进宫，将此事回明，刘妃欢喜无限，专等临期行事。
One day Guo Huai and Mrs. You put their heads together in secret, and he told her in detail of Consort Liu’s wish to destroy Consort Li. At first the wicked woman balked. Guo Huai said, “Pull this off and you’ll have riches and honours without end.” At that the woman’s heart filled with glee. She knitted her brows, a plan came to her, and she said to Guo Huai, “Thus and thus, and so and so.” When Guo Huai heard it, he said, “Splendid! Splendid! If you can really bring this off, then when Consort Liu bears a crown prince, yours will be a service beyond compare.” He warned her not to fail when the time came, and gave her a good many presents besides. The woman went away delighted. Guo Huai went into the palace and reported it all, and Consort Liu, overjoyed, waited only for the hour to put it into effect.
光陰迅速，不覺的到了三月，聖駕至玉宸宮看視李妃，李妃參駕，天子說：「免參。」當下閒談，忽然想起明日乃是南清宮八千歲的壽辰，便特派首領陳林前往御園辦理果品，來日與八千歲祝壽。陳林奉旨去後，只見李妃雙眉緊蹙，一時腹痛難禁。天子著驚，知是要分娩了，立刻起駕出宮，急召劉妃帶領守喜婆前來守喜。劉妃奉旨，先往玉宸宮去了。郭槐急忙告訴尤氏。尤氏早已備辦停當，雙手捧定大盒，交付郭槐，一同至玉宸宮而來。
光阴迅速，不觉的到了三月，圣驾至玉宸宫看视李妃，李妃参驾，天子说：「免参。」当下闲谈，忽然想起明日乃是南清宫八千岁的寿辰，便特派首领陈林前往御园办理果品，来日与八千岁祝寿。陈林奉旨去后，只见李妃双眉紧蹙，一时腹痛难禁。天子着惊，知是要分娩了，立刻起驾出宫，急召刘妃带领守喜婆前来守喜。刘妃奉旨，先往玉宸宫去了。郭槐急忙告诉尤氏。尤氏早已备办停当，双手捧定大盒，交付郭槐，一同至玉宸宫而来。
Time flew, and before anyone knew it the third month had come. The Emperor went to the Yuchen Palace to see Consort Li. She made to pay her respects, but he said, “No need for ceremony.” As they chatted, he suddenly remembered that the next day was the birthday of the Eighth Prince of the Nanqing Palace, and he sent his chief eunuch, Chen Lin, to the imperial garden to see to fruit for the birthday greetings. No sooner had Chen Lin gone than Consort Li’s brows drew tight: a pain had seized her belly that she could not bear. The Emperor, alarmed, knew she was about to give birth. He left her palace at once and sent in haste for Consort Liu to bring the midwife and attend the birth. At his command Consort Liu went ahead to the Yuchen Palace. Guo Huai hurried to tell Mrs. You, who had long had everything ready. Holding a large box in both hands, she passed it to Guo Huai, and together they made their way to the Yuchen Palace.
你道此盒內是什麼東西？原來就是二人定的好計，將狸貓剝去皮毛，血淋淋，光油油，認不出是何妖物，好生難看。二人來至玉宸宮內，別人以為盒內是吃食之物，哪知其中就裡，恰好李妃臨蓐，剛然分娩，一時血暈，人事不知。劉妃、郭槐、尤氏做就活局，趁著忙亂之際，將狸貓換出太子，仍用大盒將太子就用龍袱包好裝上，抱出玉宸宮，竟奔金華宮而來。劉妃即喚寇珠提藤籃暗藏太子，叫她到銷金亭用裙縧勒死，丟在金水橋下。寇珠不敢不應，惟恐派了別人，此事更為不妥，只得提了藤籃，出鳳右門至昭德門外，直奔銷金亭上，忙將藤籃打開，抱出太子。且喜有龍袱包裹，安然無恙，抱在懷中，心中暗想：「聖上半世乏嗣，好容易李妃產生太子，偏遇奸妃設計陷害，我若將太子謀死，天良何在？也罷！莫若抱著太子一同赴河，盡我一點忠心罷了。」剛然出得銷金亭，只見那邊來了一人，即忙抽身，隔窗細看。見一個公公打扮的人，踏過引仙橋，手中抱定一個宮盒，穿一件紫羅袍繡立蟒，粉底烏靴，胸前懸一掛念珠，項左斜插一個拂塵兒，生的白面皮，精神好，雙目把神光顯。這寇承御一見，滿心歡喜，暗暗地念佛說：「好了！得此人來，太子有了救了！」原來此人不是別人，就是素懷忠義、首領陳林。只因奉旨到御園採辦果品，手捧著金絲砌就龍妝盒，迎面而來。一見寇宮人懷抱小兒，細問情由。寇珠將始末根由，說了一回。陳林聞聽，吃驚不小，又見有龍袱為證。二人商議，即將太子裝入盒內，剛剛盛得下。偏偏太子啼哭，二人又暗暗的禱告。祝贊已畢；哭聲頓止。二人暗暗念佛，保佑太子平安無事，就是造化。二人又望空叩首罷，寇宮人急忙回宮去了。
你道此盒内是什么东西？原来就是二人定的好计，将狸猫剥去皮毛，血淋淋，光油油，认不出是何妖物，好生难看。二人来至玉宸宫内，别人以为盒内是吃食之物，哪知其中就里，恰好李妃临蓐，刚然分娩，一时血晕，人事不知。刘妃、郭槐、尤氏做就活局，趁着忙乱之际，将狸猫换出太子，仍用大盒将太子就用龙袱包好装上，抱出玉宸宫，竟奔金华宫而来。刘妃即唤寇珠提藤篮暗藏太子，叫她到销金亭用裙绦勒死，丢在金水桥下。寇珠不敢不应，惟恐派了别人，此事更为不妥，只得提了藤篮，出凤右门至昭德门外，直奔销金亭上，忙将藤篮打开，抱出太子。且喜有龙袱包裹，安然无恙，抱在怀中，心中暗想：「圣上半世乏嗣，好容易李妃产生太子，偏遇奸妃设计陷害，我若将太子谋死，天良何在？也罢！莫若抱着太子一同赴河，尽我一点忠心罢了。」刚然出得销金亭，只见那边来了一人，即忙抽身，隔窗细看。见一个公公打扮的人，踏过引仙桥，手中抱定一个宫盒，穿一件紫罗袍绣立蟒，粉底乌靴，胸前悬一挂念珠，项左斜插一个拂尘儿，生的白面皮，精神好，双目把神光显。这寇承御一见，满心欢喜，暗暗地念佛说：「好了！得此人来，太子有了救了！」原来此人不是别人，就是素怀忠义、首领陈林。只因奉旨到御园采办果品，手捧着金丝砌就龙妆盒，迎面而来。一见寇宫人怀抱小儿，细问情由。寇珠将始末根由，说了一回。陈林闻听，吃惊不小，又见有龙袱为证。二人商议，即将太子装入盒内，刚刚盛得下。偏偏太子啼哭，二人又暗暗的祷告。祝赞已毕；哭声顿止。二人暗暗念佛，保佑太子平安无事，就是造化。二人又望空叩首罢，寇宫人急忙回宫去了。
And what, you may ask, was in the box? It was the very scheme the two of them had hatched: a civet cat, stripped of skin and fur, bloody and glistening, so that no one could have told what monstrous thing it was. A hideous sight. When the two of them reached the Yuchen Palace, everyone took the box for something to eat — who could know what was really inside? Just then Consort Li was in labour. The moment she had given birth, she fainted from loss of blood and knew nothing more. Consort Liu, Guo Huai and Mrs. You played out the trick they had rigged. In the bustle and confusion they swapped the civet cat for the prince, wrapped the prince in the dragon cloth, put him in the same large box and carried him out of the Yuchen Palace, heading straight for the Jinhua Palace. There Consort Liu at once called for Kou Zhu and told her to hide the prince in a rattan basket, take him to the Xiaojin Pavilion, strangle him with her skirt sash and throw him under the Jinshui Bridge. Kou Zhu dared not refuse: if someone else were sent, she feared, it would go even worse. So she took up the basket, went out through the Fengyou Gate and on beyond the Zhaode Gate, straight to the Xiaojin Pavilion. There she hurriedly opened the basket and lifted the prince out. Happily he was wrapped in the dragon cloth and quite unharmed. Holding him to her breast, she thought to herself: “His Majesty has gone half his life without an heir. At long last Consort Li has borne him a prince, and now a wicked consort schemes to destroy him. If I murder the prince, where is my conscience? Very well — better to take the prince in my arms and go into the river with him. That much loyalty, at least, I can show.” She had only just stepped out of the pavilion when she saw someone coming. She drew back at once and peered out through the window. It was a man in eunuch’s dress, crossing the Yinxian Bridge with a palace case held in his arms. He wore a purple silk robe embroidered with a standing python and black boots with white soles; a string of prayer beads hung on his chest, and a fly whisk was tucked slantwise at the left of his collar. He was pale of face and full of vigour, and his eyes shone with a keen light. When Kou Zhu saw him, her heart filled with joy, and she called silently on the Buddha: “Thank goodness! With this man here, the prince is saved!” For this was none other than the chief eunuch Chen Lin, a man ever loyal and true. He had been sent by imperial command to choose fruit in the garden, and now he was coming toward her with a dressing case worked with dragons in gold filigree. Seeing Kou Zhu with a baby in her arms, he asked her closely what it meant, and she told him the whole story from beginning to end. Chen Lin was badly shaken — and there, besides, was the dragon cloth to prove it. The two of them talked it over and put the prince into the case; it was just big enough to hold him. But then, of all times, the prince began to cry. The two prayed silently, and the moment their prayer was done, the crying stopped. Again they called silently on the Buddha: if only he would keep the prince safe from harm, that would be blessing enough. When they had knelt and touched their heads to the ground toward the empty sky, Kou Zhu hurried back to the palace.
陳林手捧妝盒，一腔忠義，不顧死生，直往禁門而來。才轉過橋，走至禁門，只見郭槐攔住道；「你往哪裡去？劉娘娘宣你，有話面問。」陳公公聞聽，只得隨往進宮，卻見郭槐說：「待我先去啟奏。」不多時，出來說：「娘娘宣你進去。」陳公公進宮，將妝盒放在一旁，朝上跪倒，口尊：「娘娘，奴婢陳林參見，不知娘娘有何懿旨？」劉妃一言不發，手托茶杯，慢慢吃茶，半晌，方才問道：「陳林，你提這盒子往哪裡去，上有皇封，是何緣故？」陳林奏道：「奉旨前往御園採揀果品，與南清宮八大王上壽，故有皇封封定，非是奴婢擅敢自專的。」劉妃聽了，瞧瞧妝盒，又看看陳林，復又說道：「裡面可有夾帶？從實說來！倘有虛偽，你吃罪不起。」陳林當此之際把生死付於度外，將心一橫，不但不怕，反倒從容答道：「並無夾帶。娘娘若是不信，請去皇封，當面開看。」說著話，就要去揭皇封。劉妃一見，連忙攔住道：「既是皇封封定，誰敢私行開看！難道你不知規矩麼？」陳林叩頭說：「不敢，不敢！」劉妃沉吟半晌，因明日果是八千歲壽辰，便說：「既是如此，去罷！」陳林起身，手提盒子，才待轉身，忽聽劉妃說：「轉來！」陳林只得轉身。劉妃又將陳林上下打量一番，見他面上顏色絲毫不漏，方緩緩地說道：「去罷。」陳林這才出宮。這也是一片忠心，至誠感應，始終瞞過奸妃，脫了這場大難。
陈林手捧妆盒，一腔忠义，不顾死生，直往禁门而来。才转过桥，走至禁门，只见郭槐拦住道；「你往哪里去？刘娘娘宣你，有话面问。」陈公公闻听，只得随往进宫，却见郭槐说：「待我先去启奏。」不多时，出来说：「娘娘宣你进去。」陈公公进宫，将妆盒放在一旁，朝上跪倒，口尊：「娘娘，奴婢陈林参见，不知娘娘有何懿旨？」刘妃一言不发，手托茶杯，慢慢吃茶，半晌，方才问道：「陈林，你提这盒子往哪里去，上有皇封，是何缘故？」陈林奏道：「奉旨前往御园采拣果品，与南清宫八大王上寿，故有皇封封定，非是奴婢擅敢自专的。」刘妃听了，瞧瞧妆盒，又看看陈林，复又说道：「里面可有夹带？从实说来！倘有虚伪，你吃罪不起。」陈林当此之际把生死付于度外，将心一横，不但不怕，反倒从容答道：「并无夹带。娘娘若是不信，请去皇封，当面开看。」说着话，就要去揭皇封。刘妃一见，连忙拦住道：「既是皇封封定，谁敢私行开看！难道你不知规矩么？」陈林叩头说：「不敢，不敢！」刘妃沉吟半晌，因明日果是八千岁寿辰，便说：「既是如此，去罢！」陈林起身，手提盒子，才待转身，忽听刘妃说：「转来！」陈林只得转身。刘妃又将陈林上下打量一番，见他面上颜色丝毫不漏，方缓缓地说道：「去罢。」陈林这才出宫。这也是一片忠心，至诚感应，始终瞒过奸妃，脱了这场大难。
Chen Lin, the case in his hands and his heart full of loyalty, careless of life and death, made straight for the palace gate. He had just come round the bridge and reached the gate when Guo Huai stepped out and stopped him: “Where are you off to? Consort Liu summons you. She has questions to put to you in person.” Eunuch Chen had no choice but to follow him into her palace, where Guo Huai said, “Wait while I announce you.” Before long he came out again: “Her ladyship will see you.” Eunuch Chen went in, set the case to one side, knelt before her and said respectfully, “My lady, your slave Chen Lin pays his respects. What are my lady’s commands?” Consort Liu said not a word. Teacup in hand, she slowly sipped her tea, and only after a long while did she ask, “Chen Lin, where are you taking this case? And why does it bear the imperial seal?” Chen Lin replied, “By imperial command I went to the garden to pick out fruit for the birthday of the Eighth Prince of the Nanqing Palace. That is why it is sealed with the imperial seal. Your slave would never dare take such a thing upon himself.” Consort Liu heard him out, glanced at the case, looked at Chen Lin, and spoke again: “Is anything smuggled inside? Tell me the truth! If you lie, it will cost you more than you can bear.” At that moment Chen Lin put life and death out of his mind and hardened his heart. Far from showing fear, he answered calmly, “Nothing is smuggled in it at all. If my lady does not believe me, let the seal be removed and the case opened before your eyes.” And as he spoke he reached to tear off the seal. At the sight, Consort Liu hastily stopped him: “It is sealed with the imperial seal — who would dare open it on their own account? Don’t you know the rules?” Chen Lin knocked his head on the floor. “I would not dare, I would not dare!” Consort Liu pondered for a long while. Since the next day really was the Eighth Prince’s birthday, she said, “If that is so, go!” Chen Lin rose, picked up the case, and was just turning to leave when he heard Consort Liu say, “Come back!” He had no choice but to turn round. Again Consort Liu looked him up and down, and only when she saw that his face gave nothing away did she say, slowly, “Go.” Then at last Chen Lin left her palace. It was his perfect loyalty — and Heaven answering a heart so true — that let him deceive the wicked consort from first to last and escape this great peril.
出了禁門，直奔南清宮內，傳：「旨意到。」八千歲接旨入內殿，將盒供奉上面，行禮已畢。因陳林是奉旨欽差，才要賜座，只見陳林撲簌簌淚流滿面，雙膝跪倒，放聲大哭。八千歲一見，唬得驚疑不止，便問道：「伴伴，這是何故？有話起來說。」陳林目視左右。賢王心內明白，便吩咐：「左右迴避了。」陳林見沒人，便將情由，細述一遍。八千歲便問：「你怎麼就知道必是太子？」陳林說：「現有龍袱包定。」賢王聽罷，急忙將妝盒打開，抱出太子一看，果有龍袱；只見太子哇的一聲，竟痛哭不止，彷彿訴苦的一般。賢王爺急忙抱入內室，並叫陳林隨入裡面，見了狄娘娘，又將原由，說了一遍。大家商議，將太子暫寄南清宮撫養，候朝廷諸事安頓後，再做道理。陳林告別，回朝復命。
出了禁门，直奔南清宫内，传：「旨意到。」八千岁接旨入内殿，将盒供奉上面，行礼已毕。因陈林是奉旨钦差，才要赐座，只见陈林扑簌簌泪流满面，双膝跪倒，放声大哭。八千岁一见，唬得惊疑不止，便问道：「伴伴，这是何故？有话起来说。」陈林目视左右。贤王心内明白，便吩咐：「左右回避了。」陈林见没人，便将情由，细述一遍。八千岁便问：「你怎么就知道必是太子？」陈林说：「现有龙袱包定。」贤王听罢，急忙将妆盒打开，抱出太子一看，果有龙袱；只见太子哇的一声，竟痛哭不止，仿佛诉苦的一般。贤王爷急忙抱入内室，并叫陈林随入里面，见了狄娘娘，又将原由，说了一遍。大家商议，将太子暂寄南清宫抚养，候朝廷诸事安顿后，再做道理。陈林告别，回朝复命。
Out through the palace gate he went, straight to the Nanqing Palace, where he announced, “An imperial command!” The Eighth Prince received the command, led him into the inner hall, set the case reverently in the place of honour and made his obeisance to it. Since Chen Lin had come as the Emperor’s envoy, his host was about to offer him a seat — when Chen Lin, tears streaming down his face, dropped to his knees and burst out sobbing. The Eighth Prince was startled and bewildered. “Companion,” he asked, “what is all this? Get up and tell me.” Chen Lin glanced at the attendants on either side. The wise prince understood and ordered, “Leave us.” When Chen Lin saw that no one else was there, he told the whole story in detail. “How can you be so sure it is the crown prince?” the Eighth Prince asked. “He is wrapped in the dragon cloth,” said Chen Lin. At this the wise prince hurriedly opened the case and lifted the crown prince out. There, sure enough, was the dragon cloth. The baby gave a wail and wept on and on, as though pouring out his grievances. The wise prince hurried with him into the inner chambers, telling Chen Lin to follow, and there, before his wife, Consort Di, the whole story was told once more. Together they agreed that the crown prince should be raised in the Nanqing Palace for the time being; once matters at court had settled, they would decide what to do. Chen Lin took his leave and went back to the palace to report on his errand.
誰知劉妃已將李妃生產妖孽，奏明聖上。天子大怒，立將李妃貶入冷宮下院，加封劉妃為玉宸宮貴妃。可憐無靠的李妃受此不白之冤，向誰申訴？幸喜冷宮的總管姓秦名鳳，為人忠誠，素與郭槐不睦，已料此事必有奸謀；今見李妃如此，好生不忍，向前百般安慰。又吩咐小太監余忠：「好生服侍娘娘，不可怠慢。」誰知余忠更有奇異之處，他的面貌酷肖李妃的玉容，而且素來做事豪俠，往往為他人奮不顧身，因此秦鳳更加疼愛他，雖是師徒，情如父子。他今見娘娘受此苦楚，恨不能以身代之，每欲設計救出，只是再也想不出法子來，也只得罷了。
谁知刘妃已将李妃生产妖孽，奏明圣上。天子大怒，立将李妃贬入冷宫下院，加封刘妃为玉宸宫贵妃。可怜无靠的李妃受此不白之冤，向谁申诉？幸喜冷宫的总管姓秦名凤，为人忠诚，素与郭槐不睦，已料此事必有奸谋；今见李妃如此，好生不忍，向前百般安慰。又吩咐小太监余忠：「好生服侍娘娘，不可怠慢。」谁知余忠更有奇异之处，他的面貌酷肖李妃的玉容，而且素来做事豪侠，往往为他人奋不顾身，因此秦凤更加疼爱他，虽是师徒，情如父子。他今见娘娘受此苦楚，恨不能以身代之，每欲设计救出，只是再也想不出法子来，也只得罢了。
But Consort Liu, as it turned out, had already reported to the Emperor that Consort Li had given birth to a monster. The Emperor flew into a rage. At once he banished Consort Li to the lower court of the Cold Palace and raised Consort Liu to Noble Consort of the Yuchen Palace. Poor Consort Li, with no one to turn to, suffered a wrong she could never clear — and to whom could she appeal? Happily the steward of the Cold Palace, a man named Qin Feng, was loyal and honest and had long been at odds with Guo Huai. He had already guessed there was foul play behind this, and now, seeing Consort Li in such a state, he could not bear it and did all he could to comfort her. He also told a young eunuch, Yu Zhong, “Wait on her ladyship well. Never neglect her.” And there was something more remarkable still about Yu Zhong: his face was the very image of Consort Li’s lovely features. He had always been gallant in all he did, often throwing himself into danger for others without a thought for himself, so that Qin Feng loved him all the more; they were master and pupil, but they felt like father and son. Seeing her ladyship suffer so, Yu Zhong longed to take her place. Again and again he tried to think of a way to get her out, but no plan would come, and he could only let it be.
且說劉妃此計已成，滿心歡喜，暗暗地重賞了郭槐與尤氏，並叫尤氏守自己的喜。到了十月滿足，恰恰也產了一位太子，奏明聖上。天子大喜，即將劉妃立為正宮，頒行天下。從此人人皆知國母是劉后了。待郭槐猶如開國的元勛一般，尤氏就為掌院，寇珠為主宮承御。清閒無事。
且说刘妃此计已成，满心欢喜，暗暗地重赏了郭槐与尤氏，并叫尤氏守自己的喜。到了十月满足，恰恰也产了一位太子，奏明圣上。天子大喜，即将刘妃立为正宫，颁行天下。从此人人皆知国母是刘后了。待郭槐犹如开国的元勋一般，尤氏就为掌院，寇珠为主宫承御。清闲无事。
Now Consort Liu’s plot had succeeded, and she was delighted. She secretly rewarded Guo Huai and Mrs. You handsomely and had Mrs. You attend her own delivery. When her ten months were up, she too, as it happened, gave birth to a prince, and the Emperor was told. The Emperor, overjoyed, made her his Empress at once and proclaimed it throughout the empire, so that from then on everyone knew the mother of the realm was Empress Liu. She treated Guo Huai like a hero who had helped found the dynasty; Mrs. You was put in charge of her household, and Kou Zhu was made chief attendant of her palace. All was quiet and at ease.
誰想樂極生悲，過了六年，劉后所生之子，竟至得病，一命嗚呼。聖上大痛，自歎半世乏嗣，好容易得了太子，偏又夭亡，焉有不心疼的呢？因為傷心過度，竟是連日未能視朝。這日八千歲進宮問安。天子召見八千歲，奏對之下，賜座閒談，問及世子共有幾人，年紀若干。八千歲一一奏對，說至三世子，恰與劉后所生之子歲數相仿。天子聞聽，龍顏大悅，立刻召見，進宮見駕。一見世子，不由龍心大喜，更奇怪的，是形容態度與自己分毫不差，因此一樂，病就好了。即傳旨將三世子承嗣，封為東宮守缺太子。便傳旨叫陳林帶往東宮參見劉后，並往各宮看視。陳林領旨，引著太子，先到昭陽正院朝見劉后，並啟奏說：「聖上將八千歲之三世子，封為東宮太子，命奴婢引來朝見。」太子行禮畢。劉后見太子生的酷肖天子模樣，心內暗暗詫異。陳林又奏還要到各宮看視。劉后說：「既如此，你就引去；快來見我，還有話說呢。」陳林答應著，隨把太子引往各宮去。
谁想乐极生悲，过了六年，刘后所生之子，竟至得病，一命呜呼。圣上大痛，自叹半世乏嗣，好容易得了太子，偏又夭亡，焉有不心疼的呢？因为伤心过度，竟是连日未能视朝。这日八千岁进宫问安。天子召见八千岁，奏对之下，赐座闲谈，问及世子共有几人，年纪若干。八千岁一一奏对，说至三世子，恰与刘后所生之子岁数相仿。天子闻听，龙颜大悦，立刻召见，进宫见驾。一见世子，不由龙心大喜，更奇怪的，是形容态度与自己分毫不差，因此一乐，病就好了。即传旨将三世子承嗣，封为东宫守缺太子。便传旨叫陈林带往东宫参见刘后，并往各宫看视。陈林领旨，引着太子，先到昭阳正院朝见刘后，并启奏说：「圣上将八千岁之三世子，封为东宫太子，命奴婢引来朝见。」太子行礼毕。刘后见太子生的酷肖天子模样，心内暗暗诧异。陈林又奏还要到各宫看视。刘后说：「既如此，你就引去；快来见我，还有话说呢。」陈林答应着，随把太子引往各宫去。
But who would have thought it? Joy at its height turns to sorrow. Six years later the son Empress Liu had borne fell ill and breathed his last. His Majesty was stricken with grief. Half his life he had gone without an heir, he lamented; at long last he had had a crown prince, and now the boy had died young — how could his heart not ache? So deep was his sorrow that for days on end he could not hold court. One day the Eighth Prince came to the palace to ask after his health. The Emperor received him, and after the formalities offered him a seat and chatted with him, asking how many sons he had and how old they were. The Eighth Prince answered each question in turn, and when he came to his third son, the boy proved to be about the same age as Empress Liu’s son. At this the Emperor’s face lit up with delight. He summoned the boy to the palace at once, and the moment he saw him his heart leapt for joy — and stranger still, the boy’s looks and bearing were exactly like his own. The Emperor was so pleased that his illness was cured. He at once issued a decree adopting the third son as his heir and naming him Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace, to fill the empty place. Then he ordered Chen Lin to take the boy to the Eastern Palace, to present him to Empress Liu, and to visit each of the other palaces. Chen Lin received the command and led the crown prince first to the Zhaoyang Court to pay his respects to Empress Liu. “His Majesty has made the Eighth Prince’s third son Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace,” he announced, “and commanded your slave to bring him to pay his respects.” The crown prince made his bows. Empress Liu saw how closely the crown prince resembled the Emperor and secretly wondered at it. Chen Lin added that they had still to visit the other palaces. “In that case, take him,” said the Empress. “But come back to me soon. I have more to say.” Chen Lin assented and led the crown prince off to the other palaces.
路過冷宮，陳林便向太子說：「這是冷宮，李娘娘因產生妖物，聖上將李娘娘貶入此宮。若說這位娘娘，是最賢德的。」太子聞聽產生妖物一事，心中就有幾分不信。這太子乃一代帝王，何等天聰，如何信這怪異之事？可也斷斷想不到就在自己身上，便要進去看視。恰好秦鳳走出宮來，（陳林素與秦鳳最好，已將換太子之事悄悄說明：「如今八千歲的世子就是抵換的太子。」秦鳳聽了大喜。）先參見了太子，便轉身進宮奏明李娘娘，不多時，出來說道：「請太子進宮。」陳林一同引進，見了娘娘，太子不由得淚流滿面。這正是母子天性攸關。陳林一見，心內著忙，急將太子引出，乃回正宮去了。
路过冷宫，陈林便向太子说：「这是冷宫，李娘娘因产生妖物，圣上将李娘娘贬入此宫。若说这位娘娘，是最贤德的。」太子闻听产生妖物一事，心中就有几分不信。这太子乃一代帝王，何等天聪，如何信这怪异之事？可也断断想不到就在自己身上，便要进去看视。恰好秦凤走出宫来，（陈林素与秦凤最好，已将换太子之事悄悄说明：「如今八千岁的世子就是抵换的太子。」秦凤听了大喜。）先参见了太子，便转身进宫奏明李娘娘，不多时，出来说道：「请太子进宫。」陈林一同引进，见了娘娘，太子不由得泪流满面。这正是母子天性攸关。陈林一见，心内着忙，急将太子引出，乃回正宫去了。
As they passed the Cold Palace, Chen Lin said to the crown prince, “This is the Cold Palace. Consort Li gave birth to a monster, so His Majesty banished her here. But if you ask about this lady, there is none more virtuous.” Hearing about the birth of a monster, the crown prince was more than a little doubtful. This was a future emperor, gifted by Heaven with keen understanding — how could he believe such an uncanny tale? Yet never could he have guessed that it concerned himself. He wanted to go in and see her. Just then Qin Feng came out. (Chen Lin had always been his closest friend and had quietly told him about the swapped prince: “The Eighth Prince’s son is the very prince they switched.” Qin Feng had been overjoyed to hear it.) He paid his respects to the crown prince, then turned and went in to tell Consort Li. Before long he came out again and said, “Please come in, Your Highness.” Chen Lin led him in, and when the crown prince saw her ladyship, the tears streamed down his face before he knew it. Truly, this was the bond that nature sets between mother and child. Seeing this, Chen Lin grew anxious and hurried the crown prince out, and they went back to the Empress’s palace.
劉后正在宮中悶坐細想，忽見太子進宮面有淚痕，追問何故啼哭。太子又不敢隱瞞，便說：「適從冷宮經過，見李娘娘形容憔悴，心實不忍，奏明情由，還求母后遇便在父王跟前解勸解勸，使脫了沉埋，以慰孩兒悽慘之忱。」說著，便跪下去了。劉后聞聽，便心中一驚，假意連忙攙起，口中誇贊道：「好一個仁德的殿下！只管放心，我得便就說便了。」太子仍隨著陳林上東宮去了。
刘后正在宫中闷坐细想，忽见太子进宫面有泪痕，追问何故啼哭。太子又不敢隐瞒，便说：「适从冷宫经过，见李娘娘形容憔悴，心实不忍，奏明情由，还求母后遇便在父王跟前解劝解劝，使脱了沉埋，以慰孩儿凄惨之忱。」说着，便跪下去了。刘后闻听，便心中一惊，假意连忙搀起，口中夸赞道：「好一个仁德的殿下！只管放心，我得便就说便了。」太子仍随着陈林上东宫去了。
Empress Liu was sitting in her palace, brooding, when the crown prince came in with tear stains on his face, and she pressed him to say why he had been crying. The crown prince dared not hide it from her. “Just now I passed the Cold Palace,” he said, “and saw Consort Li, so wasted and worn that I truly could not bear it. That is the reason. I beg you, Mother, when the chance comes, to plead for her with Father, so that she may be freed from her living burial and your child’s grieving heart be comforted.” And with that he knelt down. At his words Empress Liu’s heart gave a jolt, but with feigned tenderness she hurried to raise him and praised him: “What a kind and good prince! Set your mind at rest — I’ll speak to him when I get the chance.” The crown prince went back with Chen Lin to the Eastern Palace.
太子去後，劉后心中哪裡丟得下此事，心中暗想：「適才太子進宮，猛然一見，就有些李妃形景；何至見了李妃之後，就在哀家跟前求情！事有可疑。莫非六年前叫寇珠抱出宮去，並未勒死，不曾丟在金水橋下？」因又轉想：「曾記那年有陳林手提妝盒從御園而來，難道寇珠擅敢將太子交與陳林，攜帶出去不成？若要明白此事，須拷問寇珠這賤人，便知分曉。」越想愈覺可疑，即將寇珠喚來，剝去衣服，細細拷問，與當初言語一字不差。劉后更覺惱怒，便召陳林當面對證，也無異詞。劉后心內發焦，說：「我何不以毒攻毒，叫陳林掌刑追問。他二人做的事，如今叫一人受苦，焉有不說的道理。」便命陳林掌刑，拷問寇珠。劉后雖是如此心毒，哪知橫了心的寇珠，視死如歸。可憐她柔弱身軀，只打得身無完膚，也無一字招承，正在難分難解之時，見有聖旨來宣陳林。劉后惟恐耽延工夫，露了馬腳，只得打發陳林去了。寇宮人見了陳林已去，「大約劉后必不干休，與其零碎受苦，莫若尋個自盡。」因此觸檻而死。劉后吩咐將屍抬出，就有寇珠心腹小宮人偷偷埋在玉宸宮後。劉后因無故打死宮人，威逼自盡，不敢啟奏，也不敢追究了。劉后不得真情，其妒愈深，轉恨李妃不能忘懷，悄與郭槐商議，密訪李妃嫌隙，必須置之死地方休，也是合當有事。
太子去后，刘后心中哪里丢得下此事，心中暗想：「适才太子进宫，猛然一见，就有些李妃形景；何至见了李妃之后，就在哀家跟前求情！事有可疑。莫非六年前叫寇珠抱出宫去，并未勒死，不曾丢在金水桥下？」因又转想：「曾记那年有陈林手提妆盒从御园而来，难道寇珠擅敢将太子交与陈林，携带出去不成？若要明白此事，须拷问寇珠这贱人，便知分晓。」越想愈觉可疑，即将寇珠唤来，剥去衣服，细细拷问，与当初言语一字不差。刘后更觉恼怒，便召陈林当面对证，也无异词。刘后心内发焦，说：「我何不以毒攻毒，叫陈林掌刑追问。他二人做的事，如今叫一人受苦，焉有不说的道理。」便命陈林掌刑，拷问寇珠。刘后虽是如此心毒，哪知横了心的寇珠，视死如归。可怜她柔弱身躯，只打得身无完肤，也无一字招承，正在难分难解之时，见有圣旨来宣陈林。刘后惟恐耽延工夫，露了马脚，只得打发陈林去了。寇宫人见了陈林已去，「大约刘后必不干休，与其零碎受苦，莫若寻个自尽。」因此触槛而死。刘后吩咐将尸抬出，就有寇珠心腹小宫人偷偷埋在玉宸宫后。刘后因无故打死宫人，威逼自尽，不敢启奏，也不敢追究了。刘后不得真情，其妒愈深，转恨李妃不能忘怀，悄与郭槐商议，密访李妃嫌隙，必须置之死地方休，也是合当有事。
When the crown prince had gone, Empress Liu could not put the matter out of her mind. She thought to herself: “When the crown prince came in just now, at first glance there was something of Consort Li about him. And why, after seeing Consort Li, should he come begging me on her behalf? There’s something suspicious here. Six years ago, when I had Kou Zhu carry the baby out of the palace — could it be that she never strangled him and never threw him under the Jinshui Bridge?” Then another thought struck her: “I remember that year Chen Lin came from the imperial garden carrying a case. Can Kou Zhu have dared hand the prince over to Chen Lin to be smuggled out? To get to the bottom of this, I must have that bitch Kou Zhu tortured — then I shall know.” The more she thought about it, the more suspicious it seemed. She had Kou Zhu summoned at once, stripped and closely questioned under torture, but her answers did not differ by a single word from what she had said at the time. Angrier still, the Empress summoned Chen Lin to confront her face to face, but his story did not differ either. Fuming, the Empress said, “Why not fight poison with poison? I’ll have Chen Lin do the beating and the questioning. The two of them did this together — make one suffer at the other’s hands, and how can they not talk?” So she ordered Chen Lin to wield the rod and question Kou Zhu. Cruel as the Empress’s heart was, she had not reckoned with Kou Zhu, who had made up her mind and looked on death as going home. Her poor frail body was beaten until not an inch of skin was whole, and still she confessed not a word. Just when there seemed no way out of the deadlock, an imperial summons came for Chen Lin. Afraid that any delay would give the game away, the Empress had no choice but to send Chen Lin off. When Kou Zhu saw him go, she thought: “The Empress will never let this rest. Rather than suffer by inches, better to end it myself.” And so she dashed her head against the railing and died. Empress Liu ordered the body carried out, and a young palace maid who had been close to Kou Zhu secretly buried her behind the Yuchen Palace. Since she had beaten a palace woman for no reason and driven her to her death, the Empress dared not report it to the Emperor, nor pursue the matter further. But having failed to get the truth, her jealousy grew deeper than ever. Her hatred turned on Consort Li and would not let her go. She conferred quietly with Guo Huai, and they set about secretly searching for some fault in Consort Li: they would not rest until she was dead. And, as fate would have it, trouble was on its way.
且說李妃自見太子之後，每日傷感，多虧秦鳳百般開解，暗將此事，一一奏明。李妃聽了，如夢方醒，歡喜不盡，因此每夜燒香，祈保太子平安。被奸人訪著，暗在天子前啟奏，說：「李妃心下怨恨，每夜降香詛咒，心懷不善，情實難宥。」天子大怒，即賜白綾七尺，立時賜死。誰知早有人將信暗暗透於冷宮。秦鳳一聞此言，膽裂魂飛，忙忙奏知李娘娘。李娘娘聞聽，登時昏迷不醒。正在忙亂，只見余忠趕至面前，說道：「事不宜遲！快將娘娘衣服脫下，與奴婢穿了。奴婢情願自身替死。」李妃甦醒過來，一聞此言，只哭得哽氣倒噎，如何還說得出話來，余忠不容分說，自己摘廠花帽，扯去網巾，將髮散開，挽了一個綹兒；又將自己衣服脫下，放在一旁，只求娘娘早將衣服賜下。秦鳳見他。如此忠烈，又是心疼，又是羨慕，只得橫了心在旁催促更衣。李妃不得已將衣脫下，與他換了，便哭說道：「你二人是我大恩人了！」說罷，又昏過去了。秦鳳不敢耽延，忙忙將李妃移至下房，裝作余忠臥病在牀。剛然收拾完了，只見聖旨已到，欽派孟彩嬪驗看。秦鳳連忙迎出，讓至偏殿暫坐。「俟娘娘歸天後，請貴人驗看就是了。」孟彩嬪一來年輕，不敢細看；二來感念李妃素日恩德，如今遭此凶事，心中悲慘，如何想得到是別人替死呢。不多時，報道：「娘娘已經歸天了，請貴人驗看。」孟彩嬪聞聽，早已淚流滿面，哪裡還忍近前細看，便道：「我今回覆聖旨去了。」此事若非余忠與娘娘面貌彷彿，如何遮掩得過去。於是按禮埋葬。
且说李妃自见太子之后，每日伤感，多亏秦凤百般开解，暗将此事，一一奏明。李妃听了，如梦方醒，欢喜不尽，因此每夜烧香，祈保太子平安。被奸人访着，暗在天子前启奏，说：「李妃心下怨恨，每夜降香诅咒，心怀不善，情实难宥。」天子大怒，即赐白绫七尺，立时赐死。谁知早有人将信暗暗透于冷宫。秦凤一闻此言，胆裂魂飞，忙忙奏知李娘娘。李娘娘闻听，登时昏迷不醒。正在忙乱，只见余忠赶至面前，说道：「事不宜迟！快将娘娘衣服脱下，与奴婢穿了。奴婢情愿自身替死。」李妃苏醒过来，一闻此言，只哭得哽气倒噎，如何还说得出话来，余忠不容分说，自己摘厂花帽，扯去网巾，将发散开，挽了一个绺儿；又将自己衣服脱下，放在一旁，只求娘娘早将衣服赐下。秦凤见他。如此忠烈，又是心疼，又是羡慕，只得横了心在旁催促更衣。李妃不得已将衣脱下，与他换了，便哭说道：「你二人是我大恩人了！」说罢，又昏过去了。秦凤不敢耽延，忙忙将李妃移至下房，装作余忠卧病在床。刚然收拾完了，只见圣旨已到，钦派孟彩嫔验看。秦凤连忙迎出，让至偏殿暂坐。「俟娘娘归天后，请贵人验看就是了。」孟彩嫔一来年轻，不敢细看；二来感念李妃素日恩德，如今遭此凶事，心中悲惨，如何想得到是别人替死呢。不多时，报道：「娘娘已经归天了，请贵人验看。」孟彩嫔闻听，早已泪流满面，哪里还忍近前细看，便道：「我今回复圣旨去了。」此事若非余忠与娘娘面貌仿佛，如何遮掩得过去。于是按礼埋葬。
Our story turns to Consort Li. Ever since she had seen the crown prince, she had grieved day after day. Fortunately Qin Feng did all he could to comfort her, and in secret he told her the whole story, point by point. Consort Li was like one waking from a dream, and her joy knew no bounds. From then on she burned incense every night and prayed for the crown prince’s safety. But the plotters got wind of it, and they reported to the Emperor in secret: “Consort Li harbours resentment. Every night she burns incense and lays curses. Her heart is wicked — this is truly unpardonable.” The Emperor flew into a rage and at once sent her seven feet of white silk: she was to die that very hour. But someone had already slipped word of it to the Cold Palace. When Qin Feng heard, he was frightened out of his wits and hurried to tell Consort Li, who fainted on the spot and lay senseless. In the midst of the turmoil, Yu Zhong rushed up to them and said, “There’s no time to lose! Quick, take off her ladyship’s clothes and let me put them on. I will gladly die in her place.” Consort Li came to, and when she heard this she wept until she choked and gasped for breath — how could she say a word? Yu Zhong would hear no argument. He pulled off his flowered cap, tore away his hairnet, shook his hair loose and coiled it into a knot; then he took off his own clothes, laid them to one side, and begged only that her ladyship give him hers quickly. Seeing such fierce loyalty, Qin Feng was heartbroken and full of admiration at once; he could only harden his heart and stand by, urging them to change. Consort Li had no choice but to take off her clothes and exchange them with him. Weeping, she said, “You two are my great benefactors!” — and with that she fainted again. Qin Feng dared not delay. He hurried Consort Li off to the servants’ quarters and passed her off as Yu Zhong, sick in bed. He had only just finished when the imperial decree arrived, with Lady Meng, one of the palace concubines, sent by the Emperor to inspect the body. Qin Feng hurried out to meet her and showed her to a side hall to wait. “When her ladyship has ascended to heaven, I will ask Your Ladyship to inspect her.” For one thing, Lady Meng was young and did not dare look closely; for another, she remembered Consort Li’s many past kindnesses, and to see her come to such a terrible end grieved her to the heart — how could it occur to her that someone else had died in her place? Before long word came: “Her ladyship has ascended to heaven. Will Your Ladyship please inspect the body?” At these words Lady Meng was already in tears. How could she bear to go near and look closely? She said only, “I will go back now and report to His Majesty.” Had Yu Zhong not looked so much like her ladyship, how could the deception ever have passed? And so the body was buried with due rites.
此事已畢，秦鳳便回明余忠病臥不起。郭槐原與秦公公不睦，今聞余忠患病，又去了秦鳳膀臂，正中心中機關，便不容他調養，立刻逐出，回籍為民。因此秦鳳將假余忠抬出，特派心腹人役送至陳州家內去了，後文再表。
此事已毕，秦凤便回明余忠病卧不起。郭槐原与秦公公不睦，今闻余忠患病，又去了秦凤膀臂，正中心中机关，便不容他调养，立刻逐出，回籍为民。因此秦凤将假余忠抬出，特派心腹人役送至陈州家内去了，后文再表。
When this was done, Qin Feng reported that Yu Zhong was ill and could not leave his bed. Guo Huai had never got on with Eunuch Qin, and now, hearing that Yu Zhong was sick, he saw a chance to lop off Qin Feng’s right arm — it suited his designs exactly. He would not allow the young eunuch time to recover but had him thrown out at once and sent back to his native place as a commoner. So Qin Feng had the false Yu Zhong carried out and sent with trusted men to his home in Chenzhou. But more of that later.
從此秦鳳踽踽涼涼，淒悽慘慘，時常思念徒兒死的可憐又可敬，又惦記著李娘娘在家中怕受了委曲。這日晚間正在傷心，只見本宮四面火起，秦鳳一見已知是郭槐之計，一來要斬草除根，二來是公報私仇。」我縱然逃出性命，也難免失火之罪；莫若自焚，也省得與他做對。」於是秦鳳自己燒死在冷宮之內。此火果然是郭槐放的，此後劉后與郭槐安心樂意，以為再無後患了。就是太子也不知其中詳細，誰也不敢泄漏。又奉旨欽派陳林督管東宮，總理一切，閒雜人等不准擅入。這陳林卻是八千歲在天子面前保舉的，從此太平無事了。如今將仁宗的事已敘明了，暫且擱起，後文自有交代。
从此秦凤踽踽凉凉，凄凄惨惨，时常思念徒儿死的可怜又可敬，又惦记着李娘娘在家中怕受了委曲。这日晚间正在伤心，只见本宫四面火起，秦凤一见已知是郭槐之计，一来要斩草除根，二来是公报私仇。」我纵然逃出性命，也难免失火之罪；莫若自焚，也省得与他做对。」于是秦凤自己烧死在冷宫之内。此火果然是郭槐放的，此后刘后与郭槐安心乐意，以为再无后患了。就是太子也不知其中详细，谁也不敢泄漏。又奉旨钦派陈林督管东宫，总理一切，闲杂人等不准擅入。这陈林却是八千岁在天子面前保举的，从此太平无事了。如今将仁宗的事已叙明了，暂且搁起，后文自有交代。
From then on Qin Feng was lonely and forlorn, sad and wretched. He thought often of his pupil, whose death was as pitiful as it was admirable, and he worried that Consort Li might be suffering hardship and slights in that household. One evening, as he sat grieving, fire broke out on every side of the palace. Qin Feng knew at once that this was Guo Huai’s doing: for one thing, he meant to pull up the weeds root and all; for another, he was settling a private score under cover of public duty. “Even if I escape with my life,” he thought, “I can’t escape the blame for the fire. Better to burn myself, and be spared any more of this feud with him.” And so Qin Feng burned to death inside the Cold Palace. The fire had indeed been set by Guo Huai. From then on Empress Liu and Guo Huai rested easy, believing that nothing could ever come back to trouble them. Even the crown prince knew nothing of the details, and no one dared let them slip. By imperial decree Chen Lin was appointed to oversee the Eastern Palace and manage all its affairs, and no idle outsiders were allowed in. It was the Eighth Prince who had recommended Chen Lin to the Emperor. From then on all was peace. Now that the story of Renzong has been told, let us set it aside for the moment; it will be taken up again later.
便說包公降生，自離娘胎，受了多少折磨，較比仁宗，坎坷更加百倍，正所謂「天將降大任」之說。閒言少敘，單表江南廬州府合肥縣內有個包家村，住一包員外，名懷，家富田多，騾馬成群，為人樂善好施，安分守己，因此人人皆稱他為「包善人」，又曰「包百萬」。包懷原是謹慎之人，既有百萬之稱，自恐擔當不起。他又難以攔阻眾人，只得將包家村改為包村，一是自己謙和，二免財主名頭。院君周氏。夫妻二人皆四旬以外。所生二子，長名包山，娶妻王氏，生了一子，尚未滿月；次名包海，娶妻李氏，尚無兒女。他弟兄二人雖是一母同胞，卻大不相同：大爺包山為人忠厚老誠，正直無私，恰恰娶了王氏，也是個好人；二爺包海為人尖酸刻薄，奸險陰毒，偏偏娶了李氏，也是心地不端。虧得老員外治家有法，規範嚴肅，又喜大爺凡事寬和，諸般遜讓兄弟，再也叫二爺說不出後來，就是妯娌之間，王氏也是從容和藹，在小嬸前毫不較量，李氏雖是刁悍，她也難以施展。因此一家尚為和睦，每日大家歡歡喜喜。父子兄弟春種秋收，務農為業，雖非詩書門第，卻是勤儉人家。
便说包公降生，自离娘胎，受了多少折磨，较比仁宗，坎坷更加百倍，正所谓「天将降大任」之说。闲言少叙，单表江南庐州府合肥县内有个包家村，住一包员外，名怀，家富田多，骡马成群，为人乐善好施，安分守己，因此人人皆称他为「包善人」，又曰「包百万」。包怀原是谨慎之人，既有百万之称，自恐担当不起。他又难以拦阻众人，只得将包家村改为包村，一是自己谦和，二免财主名头。院君周氏。夫妻二人皆四旬以外。所生二子，长名包山，娶妻王氏，生了一子，尚未满月；次名包海，娶妻李氏，尚无儿女。他弟兄二人虽是一母同胞，却大不相同：大爷包山为人忠厚老诚，正直无私，恰恰娶了王氏，也是个好人；二爷包海为人尖酸刻薄，奸险阴毒，偏偏娶了李氏，也是心地不端。亏得老员外治家有法，规范严肃，又喜大爷凡事宽和，诸般逊让兄弟，再也叫二爷说不出后来，就是妯娌之间，王氏也是从容和蔼，在小婶前毫不较量，李氏虽是刁悍，她也难以施展。因此一家尚为和睦，每日大家欢欢喜喜。父子兄弟春种秋收，务农为业，虽非诗书门第，却是勤俭人家。
Now we come to the birth of Lord Bao. From the moment he left his mother’s womb he suffered torment upon torment, his lot a hundred times harder than Renzong’s. This is what is meant by the saying, “When Heaven is about to lay a great charge on someone.” But enough idle talk. Our story turns to Jiangnan, to Bao Family Village in Hefei County, Luzhou Prefecture. There lived a squire named Bao Huai. His family was rich, with broad fields and herds of mules and horses. He loved to do good and give to the poor, and he kept to his station and minded his own affairs, so everyone called him Bao the Good (Bao Shanren), or else Millionaire Bao (Bao Baiwan). Bao Huai was by nature a cautious man. Having been dubbed a millionaire, he feared the name was more than he could carry. Yet he could hardly stop people talking, so he changed the name of Bao Family Village to plain Bao Village — partly out of modesty, and partly to shake off the name of a rich man. His wife was Madam Zhou, and both of them were past forty. They had two sons. The elder, Bao Shan, had married Madam Wang, who had borne him a son not yet a month old. The younger, Bao Hai, had married Madam Li, and they had no children yet. Though the brothers were born of one mother, they were nothing alike. The elder, Bao Shan, was honest and steady, upright and unselfish, and as luck would have it he had married Madam Wang, who was just as good. The younger, Bao Hai, was sharp-tongued and mean, crafty and vicious, and as ill luck would have it he had married Madam Li, whose heart was no better. Fortunately the old squire ran his household well and kept strict order; and happily the elder son was easygoing in everything and gave way to his brother at every turn, so that the younger never found anything to say against him. Between the two wives it was the same: Madam Wang was so calm and gentle, and so unwilling to compete with her sister-in-law, that for all Madam Li’s shrewish spite, she found no room to use it. So the family still lived in harmony, and every day passed happily. Father, sons and brothers sowed in spring and reaped in autumn, making their living from the land. They were not a house of scholars, but they were a hard-working and thrifty family.
不意老院君周氏安人年已四旬開外，忽然懷孕。員外並不樂意，終日憂愁。你說這是什麼意思呢？老來得子是快樂，包員外為何不樂？只因夫妻皆是近五旬的人了，已有兩個兒子，並皆娶媳生子，如今安人又養起兒女來了。再者院君偌大年紀，今又生產，未免受傷；何況乳哺三年更覺辛勞，如何禁得起呢，因此每日憂煩，悶悶不樂，竟是時刻不能忘懷。這正是
家遇吉祥反不樂，時逢喜事頓添愁。
不意老院君周氏安人年已四旬开外，忽然怀孕。员外并不乐意，终日忧愁。你说这是什么意思呢？老来得子是快乐，包员外为何不乐？只因夫妻皆是近五旬的人了，已有两个儿子，并皆娶媳生子，如今安人又养起儿女来了。再者院君偌大年纪，今又生产，未免受伤；何况乳哺三年更觉辛劳，如何禁得起呢，因此每日忧烦，闷闷不乐，竟是时刻不能忘怀。这正是
家遇吉祥反不乐，时逢喜事顿添愁。
Then, unexpectedly, the old mistress, Madam Zhou, already past forty, found herself with child. The squire was not pleased at all; he went about worried all day long. What, you may ask, did that mean? A son in old age is a joy — so why was Squire Bao unhappy? Because husband and wife were both nearing fifty. They already had two sons, both married and with children, and now here was Madam Zhou having babies all over again. Besides, at her age another birth was bound to do her harm, and the three years of nursing after it would be harder still — how could she stand it? So every day he fretted and brooded, unable to put it out of his mind for a moment. Truly:
good fortune came to the house, yet brought no joy;a happy event arrived, and with it fresh sorrow.
未審後事如何，且聽下回分解。
未审后事如何，且听下回分解。
To learn what happened next, read the next chapter.