且說展爺來至皇親花園，只見一帶簇新的粉牆，露出樓閣重重，用步丈量了一番，就在就近處租房住了。到了二更時分，英雄換上夜行的衣靠，將燈吹滅，聽了片時，寓所已無動靜，悄悄開門，回手帶好，仍然放下軟簾，飛上房，離了寓所，來到花園（白晝間已然丈量過了）。約略遠近，在百寶囊中掏出如意縧來，用力往上一拋（是練就準頭），便落在牆頭之上，用腳尖登住磚牙，飛身而上。到了牆頭，將身爬伏。又在囊中取一塊石子輕輕拋下，側耳細聽。（此名為「投石問路」。下面或是有溝，或是有水，就是落在實地，再沒有聽不出來的。）又將鋼爪轉過，手摟絲縧，順手而下。兩腳落在實地，脊背貼牆，往前面與左右觀看一回，方將五爪絲縧往上一抖，收下來裝在百寶囊中。躡足潛蹤，腳尖兒著地，真有鷺浮鶴行之能。來至一處，見有燈光，細細看時，卻是一明兩暗，東間明亮，窗上透出人影，乃是一男一女，二人飲酒。展爺悄立窗下，只聽得男子說道：「此酒娘子只管吃下，無妨；外間案上那一瓶，斷斷動不得的！」又聽婦人道：「那個酒叫什麼名兒呢？」男子道：「叫作藏春酒。若是婦人吃了，慾火燒身，無不依從。只因侯爺搶了金玉仙來，這婦人至死不從，侯爺急得沒法，是我在旁說道：『可以配藥造酒，管保隨心所欲。』侯爺聞聽，立刻叫我配酒。我說：『此酒大費周折，須用三百兩銀子。』」那婦人便道：「什麼酒費這許多銀子？」男子道：「娘子，你不曉得，侯爺他恨不能婦人一時到手，我不趁此時賺他的銀兩，如何發財呢？我告訴你說，配這酒不過高高花上十兩頭。這個財是發定了！」說畢，哈哈大笑。又聽婦人道：「雖然發財，豈不損德呢！況且又是個貞烈之婦，你如何助紂為虐呢？」男子說道：「我是為窮困所使，不得已而為之。」
且说展爷来至皇亲花园，只见一带簇新的粉墙，露出楼阁重重，用步丈量了一番，就在就近处租房住了。到了二更时分，英雄换上夜行的衣靠，将灯吹灭，听了片时，寓所已无动静，悄悄开门，回手带好，仍然放下软帘，飞上房，离了寓所，来到花园（白昼间已然丈量过了）。约略远近，在百宝囊中掏出如意绦来，用力往上一抛（是练就准头），便落在墙头之上，用脚尖登住砖牙，飞身而上。到了墙头，将身爬伏。又在囊中取一块石子轻轻抛下，侧耳细听。（此名为「投石问路」。下面或是有沟，或是有水，就是落在实地，再没有听不出来的。）又将钢爪转过，手搂丝绦，顺手而下。两脚落在实地，脊背贴墙，往前面与左右观看一回，方将五爪丝绦往上一抖，收下来装在百宝囊中。蹑足潜踪，脚尖儿着地，真有鹭浮鹤行之能。来至一处，见有灯光，细细看时，却是一明两暗，东间明亮，窗上透出人影，乃是一男一女，二人饮酒。展爷悄立窗下，只听得男子说道：「此酒娘子只管吃下，无妨；外间案上那一瓶，断断动不得的！」又听妇人道：「那个酒叫什么名儿呢？」男子道：「叫作藏春酒。若是妇人吃了，欲火烧身，无不依从。只因侯爷抢了金玉仙来，这妇人至死不从，侯爷急得没法，是我在旁说道：『可以配药造酒，管保随心所欲。』侯爷闻听，立刻叫我配酒。我说：『此酒大费周折，须用三百两银子。』」那妇人便道：「什么酒费这许多银子？」男子道：「娘子，你不晓得，侯爷他恨不能妇人一时到手，我不趁此时赚他的银两，如何发财呢？我告诉你说，配这酒不过高高花上十两头。这个财是发定了！」说毕，哈哈大笑。又听妇人道：「虽然发财，岂不损德呢！况且又是个贞烈之妇，你如何助纣为虐呢？」男子说道：「我是为穷困所使，不得已而为之。」
Now, Zhan Zhao came to the imperial kinsman’s garden. A long run of whitewashed wall stood before him, fresh and new, and above it rose roof upon roof of towers and pavilions. He paced out its length, then took lodgings close by. At the second watch the hero changed into his close-fitting night-walker’s clothes and blew out the lamp. He listened for a while: all was quiet in the lodging house. He opened the door softly, reached back to pull it to behind him and let the door curtain fall back into place. Then he sprang up onto the roof, left his lodgings and came to the garden (he had already paced it out by daylight). Gauging the distance, he took his as-you-wish rope from his hundred-treasure pouch and flung it hard upward (his aim came of long practice), and it landed on top of the wall. Bracing the tips of his toes on the edges of the bricks, he went up in a bound. At the top of the wall he lay flat. Then he took a pebble from the pouch, tossed it lightly down and listened closely, his head cocked to one side. (This is called “throwing a stone to ask the way.” Whether there is a ditch below, or water, or the stone lands on solid ground, there is nothing that cannot be told from the sound.) Next he turned the steel claws round, took hold of the silk rope and let himself down it hand over hand. When both feet were on solid ground, he stood with his back pressed to the wall and looked ahead of him and to either side. Only then did he give the five-clawed silk rope a flick upward, bring it down and stow it in his hundred-treasure pouch. Treading softly and leaving no trace, only the tips of his toes touching the ground, he truly moved like a crouching egret or a stalking crane. He came to a place where a lamp was burning. Looking closely, he saw a house of three rooms, a central room with an inner room on either side. The east room was lit, and on its window showed the shadows of two people, a man and a woman, drinking together. Zhan Zhao stood silently beneath the window and heard the man say, “You can drink this wine all you like, my dear — there’s no harm in it. But that bottle on the table out in the middle room must never, ever be touched!” Then he heard the woman say, “And what’s that wine called?” “It’s called Hidden Spring wine,” said the man. “Once a woman drinks it, the fire of lust burns through her body, and there’s nothing she won’t consent to. It’s like this: the Marquis carried off Jin Yuxian, and the woman would rather die than give in to him. The Marquis was at his wits’ end, and it was me, standing by, who said, ‘A wine could be made with drugs blended in, and you’d be sure to get your heart’s desire.’ The moment he heard it, the Marquis told me to make the wine. I said, ‘This wine takes a great deal of trouble. It will need three hundred taels of silver.’” “What wine could cost so much silver?” said the woman. “You don’t understand, my dear,” said the man. “The Marquis can’t wait to get his hands on the woman. If I don’t make some money out of him now, how am I ever going to get rich? I’ll tell you: making this wine costs ten taels, at the very most. This fortune’s as good as made!” And with that he roared with laughter. Then he heard the woman say, “You may get rich, but won’t it be a stain on your soul? And she’s a chaste woman, ready to die for her honour, besides. How can you help a tyrant do his evil?” The man said, “It’s poverty that drives me to it. I have no choice.”
正在說話間，只聽外面叫道：「臧先生，臧先生。」展爺回頭，見樹梢頭露出一點燈光，便閃身進入屋內，隱在軟簾之外。又聽男子道：「是哪位？」一壁起身，一壁說：「娘子，你還是躲在西間去，不要拋頭露面的。」婦人往西間去了。臧先生走出門來。
正在说话间，只听外面叫道：「臧先生，臧先生。」展爷回头，见树梢头露出一点灯光，便闪身进入屋内，隐在软帘之外。又听男子道：「是哪位？」一壁起身，一壁说：「娘子，你还是躲在西间去，不要抛头露面的。」妇人往西间去了。臧先生走出门来。
While they were talking, someone outside called, “Mr. Zang! Mr. Zang!” Zhan Zhao looked round and saw a speck of lamplight showing through the treetops. He darted into the house and hid just outside the door curtain. He heard the man say, “Who’s that?” and then, as he got up, “My dear, you’d better go and hide in the west room. You mustn’t let yourself be seen.” The woman went off to the west room, and Mr. Zang went out through the door.
這時展爺進入屋內，將酒壺提出，見外面案上放著一個小小的玉瓶；又見那邊有個紅瓶，忙將壺中之酒倒在紅瓶之內，拿起玉瓶的藏春酒倒入壺中，又把紅瓶內的好酒傾入玉瓶之內。提起酒壺，仍然放在屋內。悄地出來，盤柱而上，貼住房簷，往下觀看。
这时展爷进入屋内，将酒壶提出，见外面案上放着一个小小的玉瓶；又见那边有个红瓶，忙将壶中之酒倒在红瓶之内，拿起玉瓶的藏春酒倒入壶中，又把红瓶内的好酒倾入玉瓶之内。提起酒壶，仍然放在屋内。悄地出来，盘柱而上，贴住房檐，往下观看。
Then Zhan Zhao went into the room and carried the wine pot out. On the table in the middle room he saw a tiny jade bottle, and over to one side a red bottle. Quickly he poured the wine from the pot into the red bottle, took up the jade bottle and poured its Hidden Spring wine into the pot, and then poured the good wine from the red bottle into the jade bottle. He picked up the wine pot and put it back in the room where it had been. Then he slipped quietly out, shinned up a pillar, and clinging close under the eaves, watched what went on below.
原來外面來的是跟侯爺的家丁龐福，奉了主人之命，一來取藏春酒，二來為合臧先生講帳。
原来外面来的是跟侯爷的家丁庞福，奉了主人之命，一来取藏春酒，二来为合臧先生讲帐。
The man who had come, as it turned out, was Pang Fu, a household servant who waited on the Marquis. He had come on his master’s orders, partly to fetch the Hidden Spring wine and partly to talk money with Mr. Zang.
這先生名喚臧能，乃是個落第的窮儒，半路兒看了些醫書，記了些偏方，投在安樂侯處作幫襯。當下出來，見了龐福，問道：「主管到此何事？」龐福說：「侯爺叫我來取藏春酒，叫你親身拿去，當面就兌銀子。可是先生，白花花的三百兩，難道你就獨吞嗎？我們辛辛苦苦，白跑不成？多少不拘，總要染染手兒呀。先生，你說怎麼樣？」臧能道：「當得，當得，不能白跑。倘若銀子到手，必要請你吃酒的。」龐福道：「先生真是明白爽快人。好的，咱們倒要交交咧。先生取酒去罷。」臧能回身進屋，拿了玉瓶關上門，隨龐福去了，直奔軟紅堂。哪知南俠見他二人去後，盤柱而下，暗暗的也就跟將下去了。
这先生名唤臧能，乃是个落第的穷儒，半路儿看了些医书，记了些偏方，投在安乐侯处作帮衬。当下出来，见了庞福，问道：「主管到此何事？」庞福说：「侯爷叫我来取藏春酒，叫你亲身拿去，当面就兑银子。可是先生，白花花的三百两，难道你就独吞吗？我们辛辛苦苦，白跑不成？多少不拘，总要染染手儿呀。先生，你说怎么样？」臧能道：「当得，当得，不能白跑。倘若银子到手，必要请你吃酒的。」庞福道：「先生真是明白爽快人。好的，咱们倒要交交咧。先生取酒去罢。」臧能回身进屋，拿了玉瓶关上门，随庞福去了，直奔软红堂。哪知南侠见他二人去后，盘柱而下，暗暗的也就跟将下去了。
This Mr. Zang, whose name was Zang Neng, was a poor scholar who had failed the examinations. He had come late to medicine, reading a few medical books and memorizing some folk remedies, and had attached himself to the Marquis of Anle as a hanger-on. He came out now, saw Pang Fu and asked, “What brings you here, steward?” “His Lordship sent me to fetch the Hidden Spring wine,” said Pang Fu. “You’re to take it to him yourself, and he’ll weigh out your silver then and there. But look here, sir: three hundred taels of shining white silver — surely you’re not going to swallow the lot yourself? Are we to wear ourselves out running about for nothing? Never mind how much, but some of it has got to rub off on our hands. What do you say, sir?” “Quite right, quite right,” said Zang Neng. “You shan’t have run about for nothing. Once the silver is in my hands, I’ll be sure to stand you a drink.” “You’re a man of sense, sir, and a straightforward one,” said Pang Fu. “Good. You and I really must be friends. Go and get the wine, sir.” Zang Neng turned and went into the house, took the jade bottle, shut the door and went off with Pang Fu, straight to the Ruanhong Hall. Little did they know that once the two of them had gone, the Southern Hero slid down the pillar and stole after them.
這裡婦人從西間屋內出來，到了東間，仍然坐在舊處，暗自思道：「丈夫如此傷害天理，作的都是不仁之事。」越思越想，好不愁煩，不由得拿起壺來斟了一杯，慢慢的獨酌。誰知此酒入腹之後，藥性發作，按納不住。正在胡思亂想之際，只聽有人叩門，連忙將門開放，卻是龐祿，懷中抱定三百兩銀子送來。婦人讓至屋內。龐祿將銀子交代明白，回身要走，倒是婦人留住，叫他坐下，便七長八短的說。正在說時，只聽外面咳嗽，卻是臧能回來了。龐祿出來迎接著，張口結舌說道：「這三－－三百兩銀子，已交付大嫂子了。」說完，抽身就走。
这里妇人从西间屋内出来，到了东间，仍然坐在旧处，暗自思道：「丈夫如此伤害天理，作的都是不仁之事。」越思越想，好不愁烦，不由得拿起壶来斟了一杯，慢慢的独酌。谁知此酒入腹之后，药性发作，按纳不住。正在胡思乱想之际，只听有人叩门，连忙将门开放，却是庞禄，怀中抱定三百两银子送来。妇人让至屋内。庞禄将银子交代明白，回身要走，倒是妇人留住，叫他坐下，便七长八短的说。正在说时，只听外面咳嗽，却是臧能回来了。庞禄出来迎接着，张口结舌说道：「这三－－三百两银子，已交付大嫂子了。」说完，抽身就走。
Meanwhile the woman came out of the west room into the east room and sat down again where she had been. “My husband sins against Heaven like this,” she thought to herself, “and everything he does is cruel and wicked.” The more she thought about it, the more wretched she felt, and without thinking she picked up the pot, poured herself a cup and sipped it slowly, drinking alone. But no sooner was the wine inside her than the drug began to work, and she could not keep herself in check. Her head was full of wild fancies when she heard a knock at the door. She hurried to open it. It was Pang Lu, with the three hundred taels of silver clasped in his arms. The woman showed him into the room. Pang Lu handed the silver over, made sure it was all accounted for and turned to go — but it was the woman who kept him, made him sit down and started chattering to him about this and that. She was still talking when there came a cough from outside: Zang Neng was back. Pang Lu came out to meet him. “The th— three hundred taels,” he stammered, “I’ve handed them over to your good lady.” And with that he was off.
臧能見此光景，忙進屋內一看，只見他女人紅撲撲的臉，仍是坐在炕上發怔，心中好生不樂：「這是怎麼了？」說罷，在對面坐了，這婦人因方才也是一驚，一時心內清醒，便道：「你把別人的妻子設計陷害，自己老婆如此防範。你拍心想想，別人恨你不恨？」一句話問的臧能閉口無言，便拿起壺來，斟上一杯，一飲而盡。不多時，坐立不安，心癢難抓，便道：「不好！奇怪得很！」拿起壺來一聞，忙道：「了不得！了不得！快拿涼水來！」自己等不得，立起身來，急找涼水吃下，又叫婦人吃了一口，方問道：「你才吃這酒來麼？」婦人道：「因你去後，我剛吃得一杯酒……」將下句嚥下去了。又道：「不想龐祿送銀子來，才進屋內，放下銀子，你就回來了。」臧能道：「還好，還好！佛天保佑！險些兒把個綠頭巾戴上。只是這酒在小玉瓶內，為何跑在這酒壺裡來了？好生蹊蹺！」婦人方明白，才吃的是藏春酒，險些兒敗了名節，不由的流淚道：「全是你安心不善，用盡機謀，害人不成，反害了自己。」臧能道：「不用說了，我竟是個混帳東西！看此地也不是久居之地，如今有了這三百兩銀子，待明早托個事故，回咱老家便了。」
臧能见此光景，忙进屋内一看，只见他女人红扑扑的脸，仍是坐在炕上发怔，心中好生不乐：「这是怎么了？」说罢，在对面坐了，这妇人因方才也是一惊，一时心内清醒，便道：「你把别人的妻子设计陷害，自己老婆如此防范。你拍心想想，别人恨你不恨？」一句话问的臧能闭口无言，便拿起壶来，斟上一杯，一饮而尽。不多时，坐立不安，心痒难抓，便道：「不好！奇怪得很！」拿起壶来一闻，忙道：「了不得！了不得！快拿凉水来！」自己等不得，立起身来，急找凉水吃下，又叫妇人吃了一口，方问道：「你才吃这酒来么？」妇人道：「因你去后，我刚吃得一杯酒……」将下句咽下去了。又道：「不想庞禄送银子来，才进屋内，放下银子，你就回来了。」臧能道：「还好，还好！佛天保佑！险些儿把个绿头巾戴上。只是这酒在小玉瓶内，为何跑在这酒壶里来了？好生蹊跷！」妇人方明白，才吃的是藏春酒，险些儿败了名节，不由的流泪道：「全是你安心不善，用尽机谋，害人不成，反害了自己。」臧能道：「不用说了，我竟是个混帐东西！看此地也不是久居之地，如今有了这三百两银子，待明早托个事故，回咱老家便了。」
Seeing how things stood, Zang Neng hurried into the room to look. There was his wife, her face flushed rosy red, still sitting dazed on the kang. He was far from pleased. “What’s been going on here?” he said, and sat down facing her. The woman, who had had a fright of her own just then, was for the moment clear in her head. “You lay schemes to ruin other men’s wives,” she said, “and guard your own like this. Put your hand on your heart and think: wouldn’t they hate you for it?” This one question left Zang Neng with nothing to say. He picked up the pot, poured himself a cup and drank it off at a gulp. Before long he could neither sit nor stand still, and his heart itched where he could not scratch. “Something’s wrong!” he said. “This is very strange!” He picked up the pot and sniffed it. “Disaster! Disaster!” he cried. “Quick, fetch some cold water!” Too impatient to wait, he got up himself, hunted out some cold water and drank it down, and made the woman drink a mouthful too. Only then did he ask, “Did you drink this wine just now?” “After you’d gone,” said the woman, “I’d only just had one cup…” and she swallowed what came next. Then she went on, “And then, out of the blue, Pang Lu came with the silver. He’d only just come in and put it down when you came back.” “Thank goodness, thank goodness!” said Zang Neng. “Heaven and the Buddha be praised! I came within a hair of wearing the green turban. But that wine was in the little jade bottle — how did it get into the wine pot? There’s something very fishy here!” Only then did the woman understand that what she had drunk was the Hidden Spring wine, and that she had come within a hair of losing her good name. The tears came in spite of herself. “It’s all because you meant harm,” she said. “You racked your brains for schemes, and instead of harming someone else, you’ve harmed yourself.” “Say no more,” said Zang Neng. “I’ve been a low scoundrel, that’s what! This is no place to stay long, I can see. We have these three hundred taels now. Tomorrow morning I’ll make some excuse, and we’ll go back home.”
再說展爺隨至軟紅堂，見龐昱叫使女掌燈；自己手執白玉瓶，前往麗芳樓而去。南俠到了軟紅堂，見當中鼎內焚香，上前抓了一把香灰；又見花瓶內插著蠅刷，拿起來插在領後，穿香逕先至麗芳樓，隱在軟簾後面。只聽得眾姬妾正在那裡勸慰金玉仙，說：「我們搶來，當初也是不從。到後來弄的不死不活的，無奈順從了。倒得好吃好喝的，……」金玉仙不等說完，口中大罵：「你們這一群無恥賤人！我金玉仙有死而已！」說罷，放聲大哭，這些侍妾被她罵的閉口無言。正在發怔，只見換丫鬟二名引著龐昱上得樓來，笑容滿面，道：「你等勸她，從也不從？既然不從，我這裡有酒一杯，叫她吃了，便放她回去。」說罷，執杯上前。金玉仙惟恐惡賊近身，劈手奪過，擲於樓板之上。龐昱大怒，便要吩咐眾姬妾一齊下手。
再说展爷随至软红堂，见庞昱叫使女掌灯；自己手执白玉瓶，前往丽芳楼而去。南侠到了软红堂，见当中鼎内焚香，上前抓了一把香灰；又见花瓶内插着蝇刷，拿起来插在领后，穿香径先至丽芳楼，隐在软帘后面。只听得众姬妾正在那里劝慰金玉仙，说：「我们抢来，当初也是不从。到后来弄的不死不活的，无奈顺从了。倒得好吃好喝的，……」金玉仙不等说完，口中大骂：「你们这一群无耻贱人！我金玉仙有死而已！」说罢，放声大哭，这些侍妾被她骂的闭口无言。正在发怔，只见换丫鬟二名引着庞昱上得楼来，笑容满面，道：「你等劝她，从也不从？既然不从，我这里有酒一杯，叫她吃了，便放她回去。」说罢，执杯上前。金玉仙惟恐恶贼近身，劈手夺过，掷于楼板之上。庞昱大怒，便要吩咐众姬妾一齐下手。
Our story turns back to Zhan Zhao. He followed them to the Ruanhong Hall, where he saw Pang Yu tell the maids to light the way with lamps; then, holding the white jade bottle himself, Pang Yu set off for the Lifang Tower. The Southern Hero went into the Ruanhong Hall. Seeing incense burning in the tripod censer in the middle of the room, he went up and grabbed a handful of the incense ash. Then, seeing a fly whisk standing in a flower vase, he took it and stuck it in the back of his collar. Taking a path among the flowers, he reached the Lifang Tower first and hid behind the door curtain. There he heard the concubines trying to talk Jin Yuxian round. “We were carried off too,” they were saying, “and at first we wouldn’t give in either. But in the end they wore us down till we were neither dead nor alive, and there was nothing for it but to give in. And now, as it turns out, we have the best of everything to eat and drink—” Jin Yuxian would not let them finish. “You shameless pack of sluts!” she cried. “For me, Jin Yuxian, there is nothing left but to die!” With that she burst into loud sobs, and her abuse left the concubines with nothing more to say. They were still standing there at a loss when two maids came up the stairs, leading Pang Yu. He was all smiles. “You’ve been talking to her,” he said. “Will she give in or won’t she? If she won’t, I have a cup of wine here. Get her to drink it, and I’ll let her go home.” With that he stepped forward, cup in hand. Jin Yuxian, afraid only that the villain would come near her, snatched it out of his hand and dashed it to the floor. Pang Yu flew into a rage and was about to order all the concubines to set on her at once.
只聽樓梯山響，見使女杏花上樓，喘吁吁稟道：「剛才龐福叫回稟侯爺，太守蔣完有要緊的話回稟，立刻求見，現在軟紅堂恭候著呢！」龐昱聞聽太守黑夜而來，必有要緊之事，回頭吩咐眾姬妾：「你們再將這賤人開導開導，再要扭性，我回來定然不饒！」說著話，站起身來，直奔樓梯。剛下到一層，只見毛哄哄一拂，腦後灰塵飛揚，腳底下覺得一絆，站立不穩，咕嚕嚕滾下樓去。後面兩個丫鬟也是如此。三個人滾到樓下，你拉我，我拉你，好容易才立起身來，奔至樓門。龐昱說道：「嚇殺我也！嚇殺我也！什麼東西毛哄哄的？好怕人也！」丫鬟執起燈一看，只見龐昱滿頭的香灰。龐昱見兩個丫鬟也是如此，大叫道：「不好了！不好了！必是狐仙見了怪了，快走罷！」兩個丫鬟哪裡還有魂咧！三個人不管高低，深一步，淺一步，竟奔軟紅堂而來。
只听楼梯山响，见使女杏花上楼，喘吁吁禀道：「刚才庞福叫回禀侯爷，太守蒋完有要紧的话回禀，立刻求见，现在软红堂恭候着呢！」庞昱闻听太守黑夜而来，必有要紧之事，回头吩咐众姬妾：「你们再将这贱人开导开导，再要扭性，我回来定然不饶！」说着话，站起身来，直奔楼梯。刚下到一层，只见毛哄哄一拂，脑后灰尘飞扬，脚底下觉得一绊，站立不稳，咕噜噜滚下楼去。后面两个丫鬟也是如此。三个人滚到楼下，你拉我，我拉你，好容易才立起身来，奔至楼门。庞昱说道：「吓杀我也！吓杀我也！什么东西毛哄哄的？好怕人也！」丫鬟执起灯一看，只见庞昱满头的香灰。庞昱见两个丫鬟也是如此，大叫道：「不好了！不好了！必是狐仙见了怪了，快走罢！」两个丫鬟哪里还有魂咧！三个人不管高低，深一步，浅一步，竟奔软红堂而来。
Just then there was a thunder of feet on the stairs, and a maid named Xinghua came up, panting. “Pang Fu has just sent word to tell Your Lordship,” she reported, “that Governor Jiang Wan has something urgent to report and asks to see you at once. He’s waiting for you in the Ruanhong Hall now!” When Pang Yu heard that the Governor had come in the dead of night, he knew it must be something urgent. He turned to the concubines. “Talk some more sense into the bitch,” he ordered. “If she’s still stubborn when I come back, I’ll show her no mercy!” As he spoke he got to his feet and made straight for the stairs. He had gone down only one step when something furry brushed against him and dust flew up behind his head. He felt his foot catch, lost his balance and went tumbling head over heels down the stairs. The two maids behind him went the same way. The three of them rolled to the bottom, clutching and pulling at one another, and it was a struggle before they could get to their feet and run for the door. “I’m frightened to death!” cried Pang Yu. “Frightened to death! What was that furry thing? How horrible!” The maids held up a lamp to look: Pang Yu’s head was covered in incense ash. Seeing that the two maids were in the same state, Pang Yu shouted, “This is bad! This is bad! It must be the fox spirits — they’ve taken offence. Quick, let’s go!” As for the two maids, they were frightened out of their wits. Heedless of the ground beneath them, stumbling at every step, the three of them made straight for the Ruanhong Hall.
迎頭遇見龐福，便問道：「有什麼事？」龐福回道：「太守蔣完說緊急之事，要立刻求見，在軟紅堂恭候。」龐昱連忙撢去香灰，整理衣衿，大搖大擺，步入軟紅堂來。太守參見已畢，在下座坐了。龐昱問道：「太守深夜至此，有何要事？」太守回道：「卑府今早接得文書，聖上特派龍圖閣大學士包公前來查賑，算來五日內必到。卑府一聞此信，不勝驚惶，特來稟知侯爺，早為準備才好。」龐昱道：「包黑子乃吾父門生，諒不敢不迴避我。」蔣完道：「侯爺休如此說。聞得包公秉正無私。不畏權勢，又有欽差御賜御鍘三口，甚屬可畏。」又往前湊了一湊，道：「侯爺所作之事，難道包公不知道麼？」龐昱聽罷，雖有些發毛，便硬著嘴道：「他知道，便把我怎麼樣麼？」蔣完著急，道：「『君子防患未然。」這事非同小可，除非是此時包公死了，萬事皆休。」這一句話提醒了惡賊，便道：「這有何難！現在我手下有一個勇士名喚項福，他會飛簷走壁之能，即可派他前往兩三站去路上行刺，豈不完了此事？」太守道：「如此甚好。必須以速為妙。」龐昱連忙叫龐福，去喚項福立刻來至堂上。惡奴去不多時，將項福帶來，參過龐昱，又見了太守。
迎头遇见庞福，便问道：「有什么事？」庞福回道：「太守蒋完说紧急之事，要立刻求见，在软红堂恭候。」庞昱连忙撢去香灰，整理衣衿，大摇大摆，步入软红堂来。太守参见已毕，在下座坐了。庞昱问道：「太守深夜至此，有何要事？」太守回道：「卑府今早接得文书，圣上特派龙图阁大学士包公前来查赈，算来五日内必到。卑府一闻此信，不胜惊惶，特来禀知侯爷，早为准备才好。」庞昱道：「包黑子乃吾父门生，谅不敢不回避我。」蒋完道：「侯爷休如此说。闻得包公秉正无私。不畏权势，又有钦差御赐御铡三口，甚属可畏。」又往前凑了一凑，道：「侯爷所作之事，难道包公不知道么？」庞昱听罢，虽有些发毛，便硬着嘴道：「他知道，便把我怎么样么？」蒋完着急，道：「『君子防患未然。」这事非同小可，除非是此时包公死了，万事皆休。」这一句话提醒了恶贼，便道：「这有何难！现在我手下有一个勇士名唤项福，他会飞檐走壁之能，即可派他前往两三站去路上行刺，岂不完了此事？」太守道：「如此甚好。必须以速为妙。」庞昱连忙叫庞福，去唤项福立刻来至堂上。恶奴去不多时，将项福带来，参过庞昱，又见了太守。
They ran straight into Pang Fu, and Pang Yu asked him, “What is it?” “Governor Jiang Wan says it’s a matter of urgency,” Pang Fu replied. “He asks to see you at once and is waiting in the Ruanhong Hall.” Pang Yu hastily brushed off the incense ash, straightened his clothes and swaggered into the Ruanhong Hall. When the Governor had paid his respects, he took a lower seat. “What urgent business brings you here so late at night, Governor?” asked Pang Yu. “This morning,” the Governor replied, “this humble governor received a dispatch. His Majesty has specially sent Lord Bao, Grand Academician of the Longtu Pavilion, to inspect the relief, and by my reckoning he is bound to arrive within five days. When I heard the news I was beside myself with alarm, and I have come expressly to inform Your Lordship, so that you can make ready in good time.” “Black Bao is one of my father’s protégés,” said Pang Yu. “I don’t suppose he’ll dare do anything but keep out of my way.” “Don’t say so, my lord,” said Jiang Wan. “I hear Lord Bao is upright and impartial and has no fear of the powerful. What’s more, as imperial commissioner he has been granted three imperial guillotines by His Majesty. He is a man to be feared.” He leaned in a little closer. “The things Your Lordship has been doing — do you suppose Lord Bao knows nothing of them?” At this Pang Yu felt a prickle of fear, but he talked tough. “And if he does know, what can he do to me?” Jiang Wan grew anxious. “‘The gentleman guards against trouble before it comes,’” he said. “This is no small matter. The only thing that would settle it all is for Lord Bao to die, here and now.” These words put an idea into the villain’s head. “Nothing easier!” he said. “I have a brave man in my service named Xiang Fu, who can fly over eaves and run along walls. I can send him two or three post stations up the road to kill Bao on his way. Wouldn’t that settle the matter?” “Excellent,” said the Governor. “But it must be done quickly.” Pang Yu at once called Pang Fu and sent him to bring Xiang Fu to the hall immediately. The wicked servant was not gone long before he came back with Xiang Fu, who paid his respects to Pang Yu and then greeted the Governor.
此時南俠早在窗外竊聽，一切定計話兒俱各聽得明白了。因不知項福是何等人物，便從窗外往裡偷看，見果然身體魁梧，品貌雄壯，真是一條好漢，可惜錯投門路。只聽龐昱說：「你敢去行刺麼？」項福道：「小人受侯爺大恩，別說行刺，就是赴湯投火也是情願的。」南俠外邊聽了，不由罵道：「瞧不得這麼一條大漢，原來是一個諂諛的狗才。可惜他辜負了好胎骨！」正自暗想，又聽龐昱說：「太守，你將此人領去，應如何派遣吩咐，務必妥協機密為妙。」蔣完連連稱「是」，告辭退出。
此时南侠早在窗外窃听，一切定计话儿俱各听得明白了。因不知项福是何等人物，便从窗外往里偷看，见果然身体魁梧，品貌雄壮，真是一条好汉，可惜错投门路。只听庞昱说：「你敢去行刺么？」项福道：「小人受侯爷大恩，别说行刺，就是赴汤投火也是情愿的。」南侠外边听了，不由骂道：「瞧不得这么一条大汉，原来是一个谄谀的狗才。可惜他辜负了好胎骨！」正自暗想，又听庞昱说：「太守，你将此人领去，应如何派遣吩咐，务必妥协机密为妙。」蒋完连连称「是」，告辞退出。
All this while the Southern Hero had been listening outside the window, and he had heard every word of their plotting. Not knowing what sort of man Xiang Fu might be, he peeped in through the window and saw that he was indeed a big, powerfully built man with a bold and manly bearing — a fine figure of a fellow, truly, and a pity that he had taken service with the wrong master. He heard Pang Yu say, “Do you dare go and kill him?” “Your Lordship has been so good to me,” said Xiang Fu, “that never mind killing a man — I’d gladly go through boiling water and fire for you.” Hearing this outside, the Southern Hero could not help cursing him to himself: “Who’d have thought it, to look at such a big strapping fellow? He’s nothing but a fawning cur. He’s unworthy of the fine frame he was born with!” As he was thinking this, he heard Pang Yu say, “Governor, take this man with you. However you send him and whatever orders you give him, see that it’s properly done and kept secret.” Jiang Wan said “Yes, yes” over and over, took his leave and withdrew.
太守在前，項福在後。走不幾步，只聽項福說：「太守慢行，我的帽子掉了。」太守只得站住。只見項福走出好幾步，將帽子抬起。太守道：「帽子如何落得這麼遠呢？」項福道：「想是樹枝一刮，蹦出去的。」說罷，又走幾步，只聽項福說：「好奇怪！怎麼又掉了？」回頭一看，又沒人。太守也覺奇怪。一同來至門首，太守坐轎，項福騎馬，一同回衙去了。
太守在前，项福在后。走不几步，只听项福说：「太守慢行，我的帽子掉了。」太守只得站住。只见项福走出好几步，将帽子抬起。太守道：「帽子如何落得这么远呢？」项福道：「想是树枝一刮，蹦出去的。」说罢，又走几步，只听项福说：「好奇怪！怎么又掉了？」回头一看，又没人。太守也觉奇怪。一同来至门首，太守坐轿，项福骑马，一同回衙去了。
The Governor went in front, with Xiang Fu behind. They had gone only a few steps when Xiang Fu said, “Wait a moment, Governor. My hat has fallen off.” The Governor had to stop. Xiang Fu went a good few paces off and picked up his hat. “How did your hat fall so far away?” asked the Governor. “I suppose a branch caught it and sent it flying,” said Xiang Fu. They had gone on a few more steps when Xiang Fu said, “That’s very odd! How has it fallen off again?” He looked round — and again there was no one. The Governor thought it strange too. They came to the gate together; the Governor got into his sedan chair, Xiang Fu mounted his horse, and they went back to the yamen together.
你道項福的帽子連落二次，是何原故？這是南俠試探項福學業何如。頭次從樹旁經過，即將帽子從項福頭上提了拋去，隱在樹後，見他毫不介意；二次走至太湖石畔，又將帽子提了拋去，隱在石後，項福只回頭觀看，並不搜查左右。可見粗心，學藝不精，就不把他放在心上，且回寓所歇息便了。
你道项福的帽子连落二次，是何原故？这是南侠试探项福学业何如。头次从树旁经过，即将帽子从项福头上提了抛去，隐在树后，见他毫不介意；二次走至太湖石畔，又将帽子提了抛去，隐在石后，项福只回头观看，并不搜查左右。可见粗心，学艺不精，就不把他放在心上，且回寓所歇息便了。
Why, you may ask, did Xiang Fu’s hat fall off twice in a row? It was the Southern Hero, testing what Xiang Fu’s training was worth. The first time, as they passed a tree, he plucked the hat off Xiang Fu’s head, tossed it away and hid behind the tree, and he saw that Xiang Fu paid it no mind at all. The second time, as they came past a Taihu rock, he plucked the hat off again, tossed it away and hid behind the rock; and Xiang Fu only looked back, without searching about him on either side. Clearly the man was careless and had never mastered his art. So Zhan Zhao thought no more of him and went back to his lodgings to rest.
未識如何，下回分解。
未识如何，下回分解。
To learn what happened next, read the next chapter.