花間書齋
成功之門原來虛掩著
正文
庚娘（複仇女神）：
聊齋故事係列四合一（原著-注釋-白話-英譯）
原文：
金大用，中州*舊家子也。聘尤太守*女，字庚娘，麗而賢，逑好甚敦*。以流寇之亂*，家人離逖*，金攜家南竄。途遇少年，亦偕妻以逃者，自言廣陵*王十八，願為前驅。金喜，行止與俱。至河上，女隱告金曰：“勿與少年同舟，彼屢顧我，目動而色變，中叵測也。”金諾之。王殷勤覓巨舟，代金運裝，劬勞臻至*，金不忍卻。又念其攜有少婦，應亦無他。婦與庚娘同居，意度亦頗溫婉。王坐舡*頭上與櫓人傾語，似甚熟識戚好。未幾日落，水程迢遞，漫漫不辨南北。金四顧幽險，頗涉疑怪。頃之，皎月初升，見彌望皆蘆葦。既泊，王邀金父子出戶一豁*，乃乘間擠金入水；金有老父，見之欲號，舟人以篙築*之，亦溺；生母聞聲出窺，又築溺之。王始喊救。母出時，庚娘在後，已微窺之。既聞一家盡溺，即亦不驚，但哭曰：“翁姑俱沒，我安適*歸！”王入勸：“娘子勿憂，請從我至金陵*，家中田廬頗足贍給，保無虞也。”女收涕曰：“得如此，願亦足矣。”王大悅，給奉良殷。既暮，曳女求歡，女托體姅*，王乃就婦宿。 初更既盡，夫婦喧競，不知何由。但聞婦曰：“若所為，雷霆恐碎汝顱矣！”王乃撾婦。婦呼雲：“便死休！誠不願為殺人賊婦！”王吼怒，捽婦出。便聞骨董一聲，遂嘩言婦溺矣。
注釋：
1．中州：指河南省。2．太守：明清對知州、知府的俗稱。知州、知府就是一州之長。而府，則是明清的區劃，比縣大一些。3．逑好甚敦：夫妻感情深厚。逑，匹配。敦，篤厚。語出《詩。周南。關雎》：“窈窕淑女，君子好逑。”4．流寇之亂：指明末李自成起義軍從陝西攻入河南。5．離逖：也稱“離逷”，遠離故土。“逖”、“逷”皆讀“替”。6．廣陵：揚州。7．劬勞臻至：辛勞周到。指跑前跑後照顧得殷勤周到。劬，讀“渠”。8．舡：船。讀“箱”。9．一豁：即“一豁心目”，遠望散心。10．築：捅。11．安適：往那裏去。安，文言中疑問詞，哪裏的意思。適，前往。12．金陵：南京。13．體姅：月經期。姅，讀“半”。14．捽：揪。讀“琢磨”的琢。
白話：
金大用，中州名門之後，娶了尤太守的女兒為妻，字庚娘，美麗而賢惠，夫妻感情深厚。因為流寇作亂，全家人逃離故鄉，金大用攜家帶口往南逃。途中遇到一位年輕人，也和妻一起逃亡，自稱是廣陵的王十八，願意為他們在前邊帶路。金大用非常高興，二人行走止步都在一起。到了一條河上，庚娘悄悄地告訴金大用：“別和那個年輕人乘同一條船，他總看我，兩眼滴溜溜轉，臉色都變了，一定沒安好心。”金大用答應了。王十八獻殷勤尋找大船，替金搬運行李，操勞周到，金不忍推辭。又覺得他還攜帶年輕的妻子，應該不會有別的想法。王的媳婦和庚娘在一起住，脾氣秉性也很溫柔。王十八坐在船頭上與掌櫓的人談得很熱火，好像很熟悉，關係也不錯。沒過多久太陽落山了，水路遙遠，茫茫一片，分不出東南西北。金大用環視四周，僻靜隱蔽，開始產生懷疑。片刻之後，明月東升，放眼望去，都是蘆葦。船停下來之後，王十八邀請金大用父子出來遠望散心，於是乘機把金大用擠到水裏；金大用有老父在身邊，看到之後就想喊，船夫就用篙一捅，他也落水了；金大用母親聽到動靜出來偷偷地看望，船夫也把她捅到水裏淹死了。這個時候王十八才假惺惺地喊救人。母親出來時，庚娘在後麵，已經略微看到些情況。等到聽說一家人都淹死了，她也不驚慌，隻是哭著說：“公公婆婆都死了，我可往那裏去呀！”王十八近來勸道：“娘子別發愁，請跟我一起到金陵，家裏要房有房，要地有地，足能養活你，保你無憂無慮。”庚娘不再哭泣，說：“如果真是這樣，我也就滿足了。”王十八非常高興，伺候得格外殷勤。天一黑，他就拉扯庚娘求歡，庚娘推托說整趕上來月經，王十八才到妻子那裏去睡覺。 一更天剛過，夫婦倆大吵大鬧喧競，不知什麽原因。隻聽媳婦說：“你這樣做，腦袋要遭雷劈的！”王十八就打媳婦。媳婦大聲說：“死了倒幹淨！真不願意給殺人賊做媳婦！”王十八一邊怒吼，一邊揪著媳往外走。隻聽咕咚一聲，接著就聽人們大聲說媳婦淹死了。
英譯：
Jin Dayong was a scholar in Zhongzhou County, Henan Province. He married a beautiful and virtuous wife, Geng Niang.
Shortly after their marriage, a war broke out. Jin and his family fled from his native place. On the way, he met a young man, Wang, who was also a refugee from Guangling (now Yangzhou) running away from home together with his wife. Wang said he was willing to be forerunner. Jin was very happy. From then on, they were always in company with each other, inseparable as body and shadow.
Later on, they were on a river. Geng Niang secretly said to Jin, “Don’t take a same boat with Wang. He often cast furtive glances at me. I’m afraid he harbors evil intentions.”
Jin agreed with his wife. But Wang found a large boat and cordially helped Jin carry luggage. In a word, he spared no efforts to do everything to please Jin. Softhearted by nature, Jin had no heart to decline his kindness. Moreover, Wang had a young wife with him. There should be nothing unexpected.
Wang’s wife stayed together with Geng Niang. The young lady was rather refined in manner. And Wang was concentrated in talking with the boatman on the bow, as if they were on familiar terms with each other.
The sun set before long. On a vast expanse of water, Jin had already lost his bearings. Looking around, he found the circumstances very out-of-way. Filled with suspicion, he realized that his family had fell in a perilous position.
The moon rose up very soon. Boundless reeds greeted his eyes. Having the boat docked, Wang asked Jin and his father to come out of the cabin for relaxation. Taking advantage of Jin’s being lack of vigilance, Wang pushed Jin into the water. Seeing this, Jin’s father wanted to cry. But the boatman struck him into the water with a barge-pole. The poor old man was drowned. Hearing the strange noise, Jin’s mother came out to have a look but was also struck into the river by Wang’s barge-pole. The old lady was drowned, too.
Only at the moment everything finished, did Wang begin to cry for help. He was certainly putting on an act. But the actual state of affairs was unable to escape from Geng Niang’s eyes. The reason was that when Jin’s mother walked out, Geng Niang stealthily stood at the door and therefore indistinctly saw what Wang did, just in time.
Learning other people of the family were all drowned, Geng Niang was very calm. She didn’t show up any sign of astonishment.
She only cried, “My parents-in-law are drowned. Where can I go?”
Wang entered the cabin immediately and comforted her.
“Don’t worry.” Wang said. “You can live with me. I’m a rich man. I have more than enough houses and lands at home. You can rely on me. No problem.”
Geng Niang stopped crying and said, “If so, I’ll be fully satisfied.”
Wild with joy, Wang served her much more cordially. In the evening, he held her and wanted to have something sexual with her. She refused him on a pretext of her being in menstrual period. Wang could do nothing but sleep with his wife.
Shortly after the first watch of the night, Geng Niang heard the couple quarreling fiercely without knowing why.
“It’s wicked of you!” accursed Wang’s wife. “You should be struck by thunderbolt!”
Wang slapped his wife in the face.
“That’s enough! Let me die!” Wang’s wife cried. “I really don’t want to be the wife of a murderer!”
Beside himself with rage, Wang roared and dragged his wife out. Following a splash, his wife drowned herself in the river.
原文：
未幾抵金陵，導庚娘至家，登堂見媼，媼訝非故婦。王言：“婦墮水死，新娶此耳。”歸房，又欲犯。庚娘笑曰：“三十許男子，尚未經人道*耶？市兒初合巹亦須一杯薄漿酒，汝家沃饒，當即不難。清醒相對，是何體段*？”王喜，具酒對酌。庚娘執爵，勸酬殷懇。王漸醉，辭不飲。庚娘引巨碗，強媚勸之，王不忍拒，又飲之。於是酣醉，裸脫促寢。庚娘撤器滅燭，托言溲溺*，出房，以刀入，暗中以手索王項，王猶捉臂作昵聲。庚娘力切之，不死，號而起；又揮之，始殪*。媼仿佛有聞，趨問之，女亦殺之。王弟十九覺焉。庚娘知不免，急自刎，刀鈍鈌*不可入，啟戶而奔，十九逐之，已投池中矣。呼告居人，救之已死，色麗如生。共驗王屍，見窗上一函，開視，則女備述其冤狀。群以為烈，謀斂資作殯。天明集視者數千人，見其容皆朝拜之。終日間得金百，於是葬諸南郊。好事者為之珠冠袍服，瘞藏*豐滿焉。
注釋：
1．人道：男女房事。2。體段：體統。3。溲溺：小解。溲，讀“搜”，排泄小便；小便。溺，小便。5。殪：死；殺死。讀“義”。6。鈍鈌：刀刃不鋒利，叫“鈍”；刀刃卷缺，叫“鈌”，讀“決”。7。瘞藏：陪葬物。讀“義葬”。瘞，埋藏。
白話：
每多久就到了南京，王連忙把庚娘領到家，登堂入室，拜見老夫人。老夫人一看不是原來的媳婦感到十分驚訝。王說：“媳婦落水死了，就新娶了這個媳婦。”王回到房間，又想冒犯庚娘。庚娘笑著說：“三十多的男人了，怎麽還不懂得夫婦之道呀？市井小民初次合房也要喝上一杯薄酒，你家這麽闊氣，這點小事應當不難辦到吧？不然的話，等一覺醒來二人相對，成何體統？”王非常高興，便拿出酒來和庚娘對飲。庚娘端著酒杯，殷勤誠懇地勸酒。王漸漸地喝醉了，推辭不再飲。庚娘拿起大碗，強顏歡笑地繼續勸酒，王不忍心拒絕，又飲了起來。於是喝的爛醉如泥，脫光衣服催促庚娘就寢。庚娘撤掉酒具，吹滅蠟燭，假托要小解，於是走入房間，繼而持刀而入，暗中用手摸索王的脖子，王還抓著庚娘的胳膊發出親昵的聲音。庚娘用力切他，他沒有死，大喊大叫地起來；庚娘又揮刀猛砍，他在死掉。老夫人似乎聽到動靜，過來想問個究竟，庚娘也把她殺了。王的弟弟王十九感覺到發生了什麽事。庚娘知道免不了一死，於是急忙自殺，可是刀子太鈍，刺不進自己的皮肉，就開門逃跑，十九緊追不舍，可是庚娘已經跳進池塘。王十九大呼小叫地告訴鄰居，可庚娘被救上來已經死了，隻見她麵色紅潤，和活人一樣。大家一起給王驗屍，見窗子上有一封信，打開一看，才發現那是庚娘在詳細地述說自己的冤屈。眾人都把庚娘當作烈女看待，為她籌集資金出殯。天亮的時候，圍觀者已經聚集數千人，見到她的麵容，都爭相朝拜。一天下來，籌集的百兩黃金，就把她埋葬在南郊。好事的人還為她置備了帶珍珠的帽子和華貴的壽袍。陪葬物十分豐富。
英譯：
Shortly after the war was over, together with Geng Niang, Wang came back to his native place. Geng Niang was guided into his home to see his parents. Seeing this woman wasn’t her daughter-in-law, Wang’s mother felt quite surprised.
“My wife fell into a river and was drowned.” Wang told his mother. “So I married this new wife.”
Back into his own room, Wang wanted to harass Geng Niang again.
Geng Niang smilingly said, “You have the effrontery to say it! As a man over twenty years old, don’t you know anything about sexual activities? Even the most humble men know they must have themselves half-drunk before doing this sort of things. Now that you’re a rich man, I don’t think it’s difficult for you to drink some wine first. Do this sort of things with a clear head! It’s too disgraceful.”
Wang was very happy to drink with Geng Niang. Yet, with a wine bottle in hand, Geng Niang only urged Wang to drink. Gradually, Wang became drunk and refused to drink anymore. Holding a large bowl, Geng Niang still tried to look cheerful and urged him to drink. Having no heart to refuse her, Wang had to drink continuously. He was finally as drunk as a sow. Taking off clothes, he urged Geng Niang to sleep.
Taking wine and candle away, Geng Niang walked out on the pretext of going to pass urine. A moment later, she came back with a knife in hand. She groped for his head in the dark. Grasping her arm, Wang still muttered in great intimacy.
Exerting her strength, Geng Niang valiantly stabbed Wang, but he was still alive. He cried out and got up. She stabbed him time and again. He died at last. Hearing something unusual, his mother came and wanted to ask. But before opening her mouth, the old lady was already killed by Geng Niang. And meanwhile, Wang’s brother also realized something wrong.
Knowing she could find no hiding-place, Geng Niang immediately committed suicide by cutting her throat. But she failed because the knife was too dull. She could do nothing but push the window open and jump out and run as fast as possible. Wang’s brother ran after her. Geng Niang already jumped into a pond before Wang’s brother could catch up with her.
On hearing the news, many villagers ran over and tried every means to save her without any delay. But Geng Niang already died. Her appearance was extremely beautiful as if she was still alive.
After a postmortem examination for Wang, people found a letter on the window. On reading this letter, they learnt all about her misfortune Geng Niang stated in every detail.
Treating Geng Niang as a heroine, the villagers were busy with raising money for her funeral. After day break, thousands of people gathered here paying their respects to her remains. A large amount of fund was quickly collected. Some kind people also prepared gorgeous grave-clothes and expensive funerary objects for Geng Niang. Geng Niang was buried in the south suburb.
原文：
初，金生之溺也，浮片板上，得不死。將曉至淮上，為小舟所救。舟蓋富民尹翁，專設以拯溺者。金既蘇，詣翁申謝。翁優厚之。留教其子。金以不知親耗，將往探訪，故不決。俄曰：“撈得死叟及媼。”金疑是父母，奔驗果然。翁代營棺木。生方哀慟，又白：“拯一溺婦，自言金生其夫。”生揮涕驚出，女子已至，殊非庚娘，乃十八婦也。向金大哭，請勿相棄。金曰：“我方寸已亂，何暇謀人？”婦益悲。尹審其故，喜為天報，勸金納婦。金以居喪為辭，且將複仇，懼細弱*作累。婦曰：“如君言，脫*庚娘猶在，將以報仇居喪*去之耶？”翁以其言善，請暫代收養，金乃許之。卜葬翁媼，婦縗絰*哭泣，如喪翁姑。既葬，金懷刃托缽，將赴廣陵，婦止之曰：“妾唐氏，祖居金陵，與豺子同鄉，前言廣陵者詐也。且江湖水寇，半伊同黨，仇不能複，隻取禍耳。”金徘徊不知所謀。忽傳女子誅仇事，洋溢河渠*，姓名甚悉。金聞之一快，然益悲，辭婦曰：“幸不汙辱。家有烈婦如此，何忍負心再娶？”婦以業有成說，不肯中離，願自居於媵妾。
注釋：
1．細弱：婦幼老弱等一家老小。2。脫：假如，或許。3．居喪：服喪。是說父母辭世，子女服喪三年。4．卜葬：擇日而葬。卜，選擇。讀“補”。如，卜居，擇地而居。5．縗絰：讀“崔碟”，服喪的一種。6．廣陵：揚州。金陵：南京。7．業有成說：把夫妻關係敲定。
白話：
當初，金大用落水之後，趴在一塊漂浮的木板上，才沒有死。快天亮的時候漂到了淮河上，被小船救起。小船大概是尹姓富翁專門為救落水者準備的。金蘇醒後，就到老翁出表示拜謝。老翁熱情款待他。留他教兒子讀書。金因為不知親人消息，準備四處探訪而猶豫不決。不久有人說：“撈上一對死了的老夫妻。”金懷疑是自己的父母，就跑去看，果然不錯。老翁代他置辦棺木。金生極其哀慟，這時又有人說：“救上來一名落水的婦人，自稱金生是她的丈夫。”金生涕淚橫流，吃驚地往外跑，那女子已經到了，可並不是庚娘，而是王十八的媳婦。她向金大哭，請求他別拋棄她。金說：“我的心緒早已大亂，哪裏有閑功夫幫助別人？”婦人越發悲傷。尹老翁問清來龍去脈，高興地以為是老天的報應，勸金生收留婦人。金以居喪為借口，況且還將複仇，恐怕懼被家小拖住後腿。婦人說：“如果像你所說的那樣，假如庚娘還在，那你就以報仇居喪為由把她趕走嗎？”老翁認為她言之有理，就請求金暫時代他收養，金生這才答應。擇日埋葬父母時，婦人披麻戴孝，哭哭泣泣，如同死了公婆。喪事結束，金生懷揣刀手托缽，要到揚州去，婦人連忙製止說：“我姓唐，祖居南京，和那個狼崽是同鄉，從前說揚州是騙你呢。況且江湖水上的賊寇，一半是他的同黨，仇不能報，隻會招禍呀。”金生徘徊不知如何是好。忽然又傳說女子殺人複仇的事，早在水鄉澤國傳遍了，姓甚名誰也很詳細。金聲聽了感到十分痛快，可也越發悲傷起來，於是辭別婦人說：“萬幸沒有遭到玷汙。家有這樣的貞烈媳婦，怎忍心辜負她再娶呢？”婦人認為金與亡妻的夫妻名分早已鐵定，雖然不肯半途離開，也隻能甘願做小。
英譯：
After falling into the river, Jin grasped a wooden plank. Only because of this, did he have a narrow escape from death. Nearly at day break, he was saved by a little boat which was probably a life-boat belonging to a local rich old man named Yin.
Waking up, Jin paid a visit to the old man extending his hearty thanks. Cordially entertaining him, the old man asked Jin to stay with him as a tutor for his son.
Without knowing anything about his family, Joe was going to look for them, so he couldn’t make his mind whether or not he should accept this kind offer.
Shortly, someone said, “A dead old couple was dredged out of the river.”
Jin suspected they were his parents. He went to have a look and found they really were her parents. The old rich man prepared two coffins for the dead immediately.
Jin’s sorrow had just begun, others said, “A drowned woman was saved. She said her husband was Jin.”
Tears in eyes, Jin hurriedly rushed out. And the woman had already arrived. But she wasn’t his wife Geng Niang. She was just a young lady of eighteen years old. The stranger cried and asked Jin not to abandon her.
“I’m troubled in my heart.” Jin said. “ How can I help others?”
On hearing this, the young lady became more sorrowful than before.
Stealthily pondering over this matter, the old man thought this might be the will of Heaven. Taking this matter as a happy event, he urged Jin to take her.
On the pretext of being in funeral period, Jin declined.
“Besides, I’m going to take revenge.” Jin said. “I’m afraid I’ll be encumbered with a family, if I have one.”
“If Geng Niang is still alive, don’t you have the heart to abandon her on the pretext of taking revenge and being in funeral period?”
Thinking her words quite reasonable, the old man persuaded Jin into accepting the lady for the time being. Only at this moment, did Jin agree to take her.
During the funeral, the young lady cried sorrowfully as if she was the daughter-in-law of Jin’s parents.
After burying his parents, Jin was going to take revenge. But the young lady dissuaded him from doing so.
“I’m Wang’s fellow villager.” She said. “I know his diehard followers are all over the area of rivers and lakes. You can’t avenge yourself. And worse of all, you’ll be involved in disaster.”
While Jin didn’t know what to do next, the rumor was widespread that a woman bravely killed her enemy. Even her name was perfectly clear.
On learning this, Jin was delighted but simultaneously very sorrowful. He came to the young lady to express his refusal again.
“It’s so lucky our family hasn’t been soiled.” He said. “Now that I have this sort of heroine, how can I have the heart to betray her by my re-marriage?”
Taking on the pretext that he already agreed to accept her, the young lady refused to leave. She was even willing to be his concubine.
原文：
會*有副將軍袁公，與尹有舊*，適將西發，過尹，見生，大相知愛，請為記室*。無何，流寇犯順*，袁有大勳，金以參機務*，敘勞*，授遊擊*以歸。夫婦始成合巹之禮。 居數日，攜婦詣金陵，將以展*庚娘之墓。暫過鎮江，欲登金山。漾舟中流，欻一艇過，中有一嫗及少婦，怪少婦頗類庚娘。舟疾過，婦自窗中窺金，神情益肖。驚疑不敢追問，急呼曰：“看群鴨兒飛上天耶！”少婦聞之。亦呼雲：“饞猧兒欲吃貓子腥耶！*”蓋當年閨中之隱謔*也。金大驚，反棹近之，真庚娘。青衣*扶過舟，相抱哀哭，傷感行旅。唐氏以嫡禮*見庚娘。庚娘驚問，金始備述其由。庚娘執手曰：“同舟一話，心常不忘，不圖吳越一家*矣。蒙代葬翁姑，所當首謝，何以此禮相向？”乃以齒序*，唐少庚娘一歲，妹之。
注釋：
1．會：機會，時機。如“恰逢其會”，正趕上機會。此處引申為“當時正好”。2．有舊：有舊交情。3．記室：古代官名，掌管章表書記文檄之職。4．犯順：叛逆。5．參機務：參謀軍機要務。機務指軍事機密。6．敘勞：按照功勞升遷。此處指得官。7．遊擊：下級武官名。8．展：掃墓。
9．饞猧兒欲吃貓子腥耶：饞嘴狗想吃貓剩下的葷腥了吧？猧，狗，讀“窩”。10．隱謔：玩笑話的隱語。謔，讀“穴”，開玩笑。11．青衣：侍女。12．嫡禮：以正妻之禮見庚娘。13．吳越一家：敵對雙方成為一家。吳越，指敵對雙方。吳越，春秋時期兩個諸侯國名。兩國長期處於敵對狀態，交戰數世，後人就常用吳越代稱成敵對雙方。14．齒序：年齡為序。齒，年齡。如”“齒德俱尊”，年紀和品德都令人尊敬。指德高望重的老者。
白話：
當時正好有一位姓袁的副將軍，和尹老翁有舊交情，正好要向西部發兵，路過尹家，見到了金生，非常喜歡他，就請他當了軍中記室。沒過多久，流寇叛亂，袁副將軍立下大功，金生也因為參與軍機而立功，被授予遊擊之官歸鄉探親。夫婦這才正式舉行成婚大禮。 過了幾天，攜帶媳婦前往南京，去給庚娘掃墓。過了鎮江，想登金山。乘船過江的時候，突然從身邊劃過一條船，船裏有一位老太太和一位少婦，他覺得很奇怪，少婦非常像庚娘。船很快地劃過去了，少婦從窗中窺視金生，神情也很像是庚娘。金生又吃驚又懷疑，也不敢追問，就急忙大聲喊道：“看群鴨兒飛上天啦！”少婦聽到後，也大聲喊道：“饞狗想吃貓剩下的葷腥啦！”這都是當年閨中開玩笑的隱語。金生大吃一驚，叫船往回劃近那條船，果真是庚娘。庚娘被侍女攙扶到金生的船上，兩人相抱痛哭，令過往行人也非常悲傷。唐氏就以正妻拜見庚娘。庚娘吃驚地問是怎麽回事，金生才把來龍去脈細說一遍。庚娘拉著唐氏的手說：“同在一條船上這麽一說，這件事真是永遠記在心上難以忘懷了，真沒想到原來的仇敵現在居然成了一家。承蒙你代我埋葬了公婆，我應該首先感謝你，你怎麽能以這種禮節對待我？”於是按照年齡大小，唐氏比庚娘小一歲，以妹妹相稱。
英譯：
The rich old man Yin had a good friend who was a general. One day, the general went west on duty and took the opportunity to pay a visit to Yin. Thinking highly of Jin, the general engaged him as his adjutant. Constantly rendering outstanding services, Jin had become a high-ranking commander before long. Taking a home leave as a good opportunity, he married the young lady.
A few days later, the couple took a boat going south to visit Geng Niang’s grave and offered sacrifices to her. They suddenly found a boat in which there were two women, one old, one young. Of the two, the latter seemed to be Geng Niang. When looking at Jin, her manner was nearly the same as that of Geng Niang. But Jin didn’t dare to follow and the boat passed by quickly.
Having a brain wave, Jin said aloud, “The duck is flying to the sky!”
On hearing this, the young lady replied, “The cat is eating fish!”
These two sentences were the joking words Jin and Geng Niang used to say whenever they were happy. Much astonished, Jin turned round and caught up with her. Truly, she was Geng Niang!
Supported by a maid, Geng Niang stepped over into Jin’s boat. Hugging tightly, they were chocked with tears.
Treating Geng Niang as Jin’s formal wife, Tang made a formal call to her.Greatly surprised, Geng Niang asked what had had happened. Only by then did Jin detail the whole story. Taking Tang’s hands, Geng Niang said, “ We say something like this in a same boat and this makes us never forget this matter. I’ve never expected the original enemies should become members in a same family. I am very grateful to you because you buried my father-in-law and mother-in-law for me. I should thank you first. How can you treak me according to these proprieties?” Since Tang was a year younger than Geng Niang, she treated Geng Niang as her elder sister in age order.
原文：
先是*，庚娘既葬，自不知曆幾春秋。忽一人呼曰：“庚娘，汝夫不死，尚當重圓。”遂如夢醒。捫之四麵皆壁，始悟身死已葬，隻覺悶悶，亦無所苦。有惡少窺其葬具豐美，發塚破棺，方將搜括，見庚娘猶活，相共駭懼。庚娘恐其害己，哀之曰：“幸汝輩來，使我得睹天日。頭上簪珥，悉將去，願鬻*我為尼，更可少得直。我亦不泄也。”盜稽首曰：“娘子貞烈，神人共欽。小人輩不過貧乏無計，作此不仁。但無漏言幸矣。何敢鬻作尼！”庚娘曰：“此我自樂之。”又一盜曰：“鎮江耿夫人寡而無子，若見娘子必大喜。”庚娘謝之。自拔珠飾悉付盜，盜不敢受，固與之，乃共拜受。遂載去，至耿夫人家，托言舡風所迷。耿夫人，巨家，寡媼自度。見庚娘大喜，以為己出。適母子自金山歸也，庚娘緬述*其故。金乃登舟拜母，母款之若婿。邀至家，留數日始歸。後往來不絕焉。
注釋：
1．先是：先，從前。是，這。在這之前，此前。2．鬻：賣。讀“玉”。3．舡：船。讀“紅”。
4．緬述：追述。
白話：
此前，庚娘被埋葬之後，自己也不知過了幾年。忽然有一個人招呼她：“庚娘，你丈夫沒死，還應該重新團圓。”於是就如同從夢中醒來。摸一摸四麵都是牆壁，這才覺悟到已經死了被埋葬在這裏，隻覺得很憋悶，倒也不怎麽痛苦。這時有兩個年輕的歹徒偷看到殉葬品又多又美，就掘墳破棺，剛要收拾殉葬品，見庚娘還活著，雙方對視都很害怕。庚娘恐怕他們傷害自己，就哀求道：“幸虧你們來，才使我重見天日。頭上發簪耳環，都拿去，我願意讓你們把我當尼姑賣掉，還可以再得一點錢。我也不向外泄露這件事。”其中一個盜墓賊連忙磕頭說：“娘子貞烈，神人都欽佩。小人不過太窮沒有辦法，才做這種不仁不義的事。但是不往外泄露就已經萬幸了。哪裏還敢把你當尼姑賣掉呢！”庚娘說：“這是我自願的。”另一名盜墓賊說：“鎮江耿夫人獨身一人，無兒無女，如果見到娘子必然非常高興。”庚娘謝過他們。自己拔下珠寶飾品全都交給盜墓賊，他們不敢收，庚娘堅決要給，兩賊才一起下拜接受。於是把庚娘用船送到耿夫人家，借口說船遇到大風迷失了方向。耿夫人，大戶人家，獨身一人度日。見到庚娘非常高興，把她視為自己所生。剛才母女二人離開金山回家，庚娘把事情前因後果詳細追述一遍。金生連忙登上對方的船，以嶽母相拜，老太太也把金生當女婿款待。邀請他到家裏，留下住上幾天才回家。此後往來不斷。
英譯：
After being buried underground, Geng Niang didn’t know how many years had passed over. A man suddenly called her, “Geng Niang, your husband didn’t die. You should reunite.”
Hearing this, she felt dazed as if just waking up from a dream. Feeling with hands, there were walls all round. Only at this moment, did she realize she already died and was buried deep under the ground. She only felt stuffy but not painful.
It turned out to be an accidental occurrence.
There were several loafers in this area. One day, it suddenly occurred to them that they could get something valuable by robbing a grave. They still remembered there were many expensive funerary objects in Geng Niang’s coffin.
After opening the coffin, they found Geng Niang was still alive. Both the grave robbers and Geng Niang were scared to death. Geng Niang was afraid the evil doers would hurt her.
“As luck would have it, you happen to come here when I need help,” said Geng Niang. “Otherwise, I would never be able to see the daylight again.” She implored them to take pity on her. “There’re some expensive jewelries in my hair. Don’t hesitate to take them all. Even if selling me out as a nun, maybe you can get some money. Whatever you do, I’ll keep secret.”
The head of the grave robbers hurriedly kowtowed to her, saying, “You’re really a virtuous heroine. Both the gods and human beings highly admire and respect you.” He said continuously. “We do this sort of evil things only because of poverty. If you can keep secret for us, we already feel satisfied. How can we get the guts to sell you as a nun?”
“I’m all willingness to let you do,” said Geng Niang.
“The widow Mrs. Gen has no son and daughter,” another grave robber said. “If she sees you, she is certainly delighted.”
Geng Niang thanked them and took off the jewelries from her hair and gave them to the grave robbers. They didn’t dare to accept them. But she persisted in giving them the jewelries. At last, they took them very politely.
They settled Geng Niang into a boat and sent her to Mrs. Gen. The old lady was indeed very delighted and took her as her own daughter. And today, they were just on their way home after a journey and met Jin by chance.
Learning the whole story, Jin was deeply moved and turned round to her new mother a kowtow. And the old lady treated Jin as her own son-in-law.
Cordially invited by Mrs. Gen, Jin and his new wife visited Geng Niang’s new home and stayed there for several days. From then on, the two families had been keeping a very close relationship.
原文：
異史氏曰：“大變當前，淫者生之，貞者死焉。生者裂人眥*，死者雪人涕*耳。至如談笑不驚，手刃*仇讎*，千古烈丈夫中豈多匹儔*哉！誰謂女子，遂不可比蹤彥雲*也？”
注釋：
1．裂人眥：令人恨得眼眶爆裂。眥，眼眶，讀“自”。同“眥”。2．雪人涕：令人涕淚滿麵。雪，擦拭。3．手刃：親手殺掉。刃，動詞，殺。4．仇讎：仇敵。讎，音義皆同“仇”。5．匹儔：匹敵，並列，相提並論。儔，伴侶，讀“籌”。
6．比蹤彥雲：和彥雲相比。意思是說與英雄相比。比蹤，並駕齊驅。相比。彥雲，是曹魏時期王淩的字。王因為反對司馬氏專權被殺。
白話：
作者感言：“重大變故發生後，壞人活著，好人死了。活著的氣得人眼眶爆裂，死了的令人悲傷流淚。（烈女）甚至談笑自由，處變不驚，親手殺掉仇敵，自古以來的豪傑男兒有幾個能和她相比呢！誰說女子不能和彥雲那樣的英烈相比？
英譯：
Author’s Commentary:
With an emergency before us, whoever loose survive, whoever pure and chaste die. The survivors cause our wrath, while the dead make us lament with tears. As for Geng Niang and her like who can kill their enemies without turning a hair and just talking cheerfully and humorously, through the ages, only a few men with fiery temper can compare favorably with them. Who says women cannot run neck and neck with brave men?
聊齋故事係列四合一（原著-注釋-白話-英譯）
原文：
金大用，中州*舊家子也。聘尤太守*女，字庚娘，麗而賢，逑好甚敦*。以流寇之亂*，家人離逖*，金攜家南竄。途遇少年，亦偕妻以逃者，自言廣陵*王十八，願為前驅。金喜，行止與俱。至河上，女隱告金曰：“勿與少年同舟，彼屢顧我，目動而色變，中叵測也。”金諾之。王殷勤覓巨舟，代金運裝，劬勞臻至*，金不忍卻。又念其攜有少婦，應亦無他。婦與庚娘同居，意度亦頗溫婉。王坐舡*頭上與櫓人傾語，似甚熟識戚好。未幾日落，水程迢遞，漫漫不辨南北。金四顧幽險，頗涉疑怪。頃之，皎月初升，見彌望皆蘆葦。既泊，王邀金父子出戶一豁*，乃乘間擠金入水；金有老父，見之欲號，舟人以篙築*之，亦溺；生母聞聲出窺，又築溺之。王始喊救。母出時，庚娘在後，已微窺之。既聞一家盡溺，即亦不驚，但哭曰：“翁姑俱沒，我安適*歸！”王入勸：“娘子勿憂，請從我至金陵*，家中田廬頗足贍給，保無虞也。”女收涕曰：“得如此，願亦足矣。”王大悅，給奉良殷。既暮，曳女求歡，女托體姅*，王乃就婦宿。 初更既盡，夫婦喧競，不知何由。但聞婦曰：“若所為，雷霆恐碎汝顱矣！”王乃撾婦。婦呼雲：“便死休！誠不願為殺人賊婦！”王吼怒，捽婦出。便聞骨董一聲，遂嘩言婦溺矣。
注釋：
1．中州：指河南省。2．太守：明清對知州、知府的俗稱。知州、知府就是一州之長。而府，則是明清的區劃，比縣大一些。3．逑好甚敦：夫妻感情深厚。逑，匹配。敦，篤厚。語出《詩。周南。關雎》：“窈窕淑女，君子好逑。”4．流寇之亂：指明末李自成起義軍從陝西攻入河南。5．離逖：也稱“離逷”，遠離故土。“逖”、“逷”皆讀“替”。6．廣陵：揚州。7．劬勞臻至：辛勞周到。指跑前跑後照顧得殷勤周到。劬，讀“渠”。8．舡：船。讀“箱”。9．一豁：即“一豁心目”，遠望散心。10．築：捅。11．安適：往那裏去。安，文言中疑問詞，哪裏的意思。適，前往。12．金陵：南京。13．體姅：月經期。姅，讀“半”。14．捽：揪。讀“琢磨”的琢。
白話：
金大用，中州名門之後，娶了尤太守的女兒為妻，字庚娘，美麗而賢惠，夫妻感情深厚。因為流寇作亂，全家人逃離故鄉，金大用攜家帶口往南逃。途中遇到一位年輕人，也和妻一起逃亡，自稱是廣陵的王十八，願意為他們在前邊帶路。金大用非常高興，二人行走止步都在一起。到了一條河上，庚娘悄悄地告訴金大用：“別和那個年輕人乘同一條船，他總看我，兩眼滴溜溜轉，臉色都變了，一定沒安好心。”金大用答應了。王十八獻殷勤尋找大船，替金搬運行李，操勞周到，金不忍推辭。又覺得他還攜帶年輕的妻子，應該不會有別的想法。王的媳婦和庚娘在一起住，脾氣秉性也很溫柔。王十八坐在船頭上與掌櫓的人談得很熱火，好像很熟悉，關係也不錯。沒過多久太陽落山了，水路遙遠，茫茫一片，分不出東南西北。金大用環視四周，僻靜隱蔽，開始產生懷疑。片刻之後，明月東升，放眼望去，都是蘆葦。船停下來之後，王十八邀請金大用父子出來遠望散心，於是乘機把金大用擠到水裏；金大用有老父在身邊，看到之後就想喊，船夫就用篙一捅，他也落水了；金大用母親聽到動靜出來偷偷地看望，船夫也把她捅到水裏淹死了。這個時候王十八才假惺惺地喊救人。母親出來時，庚娘在後麵，已經略微看到些情況。等到聽說一家人都淹死了，她也不驚慌，隻是哭著說：“公公婆婆都死了，我可往那裏去呀！”王十八近來勸道：“娘子別發愁，請跟我一起到金陵，家裏要房有房，要地有地，足能養活你，保你無憂無慮。”庚娘不再哭泣，說：“如果真是這樣，我也就滿足了。”王十八非常高興，伺候得格外殷勤。天一黑，他就拉扯庚娘求歡，庚娘推托說整趕上來月經，王十八才到妻子那裏去睡覺。 一更天剛過，夫婦倆大吵大鬧喧競，不知什麽原因。隻聽媳婦說：“你這樣做，腦袋要遭雷劈的！”王十八就打媳婦。媳婦大聲說：“死了倒幹淨！真不願意給殺人賊做媳婦！”王十八一邊怒吼，一邊揪著媳往外走。隻聽咕咚一聲，接著就聽人們大聲說媳婦淹死了。
英譯：
Jin Dayong was a scholar in Zhongzhou County, Henan Province. He married a beautiful and virtuous wife, Geng Niang.
Shortly after their marriage, a war broke out. Jin and his family fled from his native place. On the way, he met a young man, Wang, who was also a refugee from Guangling (now Yangzhou) running away from home together with his wife. Wang said he was willing to be forerunner. Jin was very happy. From then on, they were always in company with each other, inseparable as body and shadow.
Later on, they were on a river. Geng Niang secretly said to Jin, “Don’t take a same boat with Wang. He often cast furtive glances at me. I’m afraid he harbors evil intentions.”
Jin agreed with his wife. But Wang found a large boat and cordially helped Jin carry luggage. In a word, he spared no efforts to do everything to please Jin. Softhearted by nature, Jin had no heart to decline his kindness. Moreover, Wang had a young wife with him. There should be nothing unexpected.
Wang’s wife stayed together with Geng Niang. The young lady was rather refined in manner. And Wang was concentrated in talking with the boatman on the bow, as if they were on familiar terms with each other.
The sun set before long. On a vast expanse of water, Jin had already lost his bearings. Looking around, he found the circumstances very out-of-way. Filled with suspicion, he realized that his family had fell in a perilous position.
The moon rose up very soon. Boundless reeds greeted his eyes. Having the boat docked, Wang asked Jin and his father to come out of the cabin for relaxation. Taking advantage of Jin’s being lack of vigilance, Wang pushed Jin into the water. Seeing this, Jin’s father wanted to cry. But the boatman struck him into the water with a barge-pole. The poor old man was drowned. Hearing the strange noise, Jin’s mother came out to have a look but was also struck into the river by Wang’s barge-pole. The old lady was drowned, too.
Only at the moment everything finished, did Wang begin to cry for help. He was certainly putting on an act. But the actual state of affairs was unable to escape from Geng Niang’s eyes. The reason was that when Jin’s mother walked out, Geng Niang stealthily stood at the door and therefore indistinctly saw what Wang did, just in time.
Learning other people of the family were all drowned, Geng Niang was very calm. She didn’t show up any sign of astonishment.
She only cried, “My parents-in-law are drowned. Where can I go?”
Wang entered the cabin immediately and comforted her.
“Don’t worry.” Wang said. “You can live with me. I’m a rich man. I have more than enough houses and lands at home. You can rely on me. No problem.”
Geng Niang stopped crying and said, “If so, I’ll be fully satisfied.”
Wild with joy, Wang served her much more cordially. In the evening, he held her and wanted to have something sexual with her. She refused him on a pretext of her being in menstrual period. Wang could do nothing but sleep with his wife.
Shortly after the first watch of the night, Geng Niang heard the couple quarreling fiercely without knowing why.
“It’s wicked of you!” accursed Wang’s wife. “You should be struck by thunderbolt!”
Wang slapped his wife in the face.
“That’s enough! Let me die!” Wang’s wife cried. “I really don’t want to be the wife of a murderer!”
Beside himself with rage, Wang roared and dragged his wife out. Following a splash, his wife drowned herself in the river.
原文：
未幾抵金陵，導庚娘至家，登堂見媼，媼訝非故婦。王言：“婦墮水死，新娶此耳。”歸房，又欲犯。庚娘笑曰：“三十許男子，尚未經人道*耶？市兒初合巹亦須一杯薄漿酒，汝家沃饒，當即不難。清醒相對，是何體段*？”王喜，具酒對酌。庚娘執爵，勸酬殷懇。王漸醉，辭不飲。庚娘引巨碗，強媚勸之，王不忍拒，又飲之。於是酣醉，裸脫促寢。庚娘撤器滅燭，托言溲溺*，出房，以刀入，暗中以手索王項，王猶捉臂作昵聲。庚娘力切之，不死，號而起；又揮之，始殪*。媼仿佛有聞，趨問之，女亦殺之。王弟十九覺焉。庚娘知不免，急自刎，刀鈍鈌*不可入，啟戶而奔，十九逐之，已投池中矣。呼告居人，救之已死，色麗如生。共驗王屍，見窗上一函，開視，則女備述其冤狀。群以為烈，謀斂資作殯。天明集視者數千人，見其容皆朝拜之。終日間得金百，於是葬諸南郊。好事者為之珠冠袍服，瘞藏*豐滿焉。
注釋：
1．人道：男女房事。2。體段：體統。3。溲溺：小解。溲，讀“搜”，排泄小便；小便。溺，小便。5。殪：死；殺死。讀“義”。6。鈍鈌：刀刃不鋒利，叫“鈍”；刀刃卷缺，叫“鈌”，讀“決”。7。瘞藏：陪葬物。讀“義葬”。瘞，埋藏。
白話：
每多久就到了南京，王連忙把庚娘領到家，登堂入室，拜見老夫人。老夫人一看不是原來的媳婦感到十分驚訝。王說：“媳婦落水死了，就新娶了這個媳婦。”王回到房間，又想冒犯庚娘。庚娘笑著說：“三十多的男人了，怎麽還不懂得夫婦之道呀？市井小民初次合房也要喝上一杯薄酒，你家這麽闊氣，這點小事應當不難辦到吧？不然的話，等一覺醒來二人相對，成何體統？”王非常高興，便拿出酒來和庚娘對飲。庚娘端著酒杯，殷勤誠懇地勸酒。王漸漸地喝醉了，推辭不再飲。庚娘拿起大碗，強顏歡笑地繼續勸酒，王不忍心拒絕，又飲了起來。於是喝的爛醉如泥，脫光衣服催促庚娘就寢。庚娘撤掉酒具，吹滅蠟燭，假托要小解，於是走入房間，繼而持刀而入，暗中用手摸索王的脖子，王還抓著庚娘的胳膊發出親昵的聲音。庚娘用力切他，他沒有死，大喊大叫地起來；庚娘又揮刀猛砍，他在死掉。老夫人似乎聽到動靜，過來想問個究竟，庚娘也把她殺了。王的弟弟王十九感覺到發生了什麽事。庚娘知道免不了一死，於是急忙自殺，可是刀子太鈍，刺不進自己的皮肉，就開門逃跑，十九緊追不舍，可是庚娘已經跳進池塘。王十九大呼小叫地告訴鄰居，可庚娘被救上來已經死了，隻見她麵色紅潤，和活人一樣。大家一起給王驗屍，見窗子上有一封信，打開一看，才發現那是庚娘在詳細地述說自己的冤屈。眾人都把庚娘當作烈女看待，為她籌集資金出殯。天亮的時候，圍觀者已經聚集數千人，見到她的麵容，都爭相朝拜。一天下來，籌集的百兩黃金，就把她埋葬在南郊。好事的人還為她置備了帶珍珠的帽子和華貴的壽袍。陪葬物十分豐富。
英譯：
Shortly after the war was over, together with Geng Niang, Wang came back to his native place. Geng Niang was guided into his home to see his parents. Seeing this woman wasn’t her daughter-in-law, Wang’s mother felt quite surprised.
“My wife fell into a river and was drowned.” Wang told his mother. “So I married this new wife.”
Back into his own room, Wang wanted to harass Geng Niang again.
Geng Niang smilingly said, “You have the effrontery to say it! As a man over twenty years old, don’t you know anything about sexual activities? Even the most humble men know they must have themselves half-drunk before doing this sort of things. Now that you’re a rich man, I don’t think it’s difficult for you to drink some wine first. Do this sort of things with a clear head! It’s too disgraceful.”
Wang was very happy to drink with Geng Niang. Yet, with a wine bottle in hand, Geng Niang only urged Wang to drink. Gradually, Wang became drunk and refused to drink anymore. Holding a large bowl, Geng Niang still tried to look cheerful and urged him to drink. Having no heart to refuse her, Wang had to drink continuously. He was finally as drunk as a sow. Taking off clothes, he urged Geng Niang to sleep.
Taking wine and candle away, Geng Niang walked out on the pretext of going to pass urine. A moment later, she came back with a knife in hand. She groped for his head in the dark. Grasping her arm, Wang still muttered in great intimacy.
Exerting her strength, Geng Niang valiantly stabbed Wang, but he was still alive. He cried out and got up. She stabbed him time and again. He died at last. Hearing something unusual, his mother came and wanted to ask. But before opening her mouth, the old lady was already killed by Geng Niang. And meanwhile, Wang’s brother also realized something wrong.
Knowing she could find no hiding-place, Geng Niang immediately committed suicide by cutting her throat. But she failed because the knife was too dull. She could do nothing but push the window open and jump out and run as fast as possible. Wang’s brother ran after her. Geng Niang already jumped into a pond before Wang’s brother could catch up with her.
On hearing the news, many villagers ran over and tried every means to save her without any delay. But Geng Niang already died. Her appearance was extremely beautiful as if she was still alive.
After a postmortem examination for Wang, people found a letter on the window. On reading this letter, they learnt all about her misfortune Geng Niang stated in every detail.
Treating Geng Niang as a heroine, the villagers were busy with raising money for her funeral. After day break, thousands of people gathered here paying their respects to her remains. A large amount of fund was quickly collected. Some kind people also prepared gorgeous grave-clothes and expensive funerary objects for Geng Niang. Geng Niang was buried in the south suburb.
原文：
初，金生之溺也，浮片板上，得不死。將曉至淮上，為小舟所救。舟蓋富民尹翁，專設以拯溺者。金既蘇，詣翁申謝。翁優厚之。留教其子。金以不知親耗，將往探訪，故不決。俄曰：“撈得死叟及媼。”金疑是父母，奔驗果然。翁代營棺木。生方哀慟，又白：“拯一溺婦，自言金生其夫。”生揮涕驚出，女子已至，殊非庚娘，乃十八婦也。向金大哭，請勿相棄。金曰：“我方寸已亂，何暇謀人？”婦益悲。尹審其故，喜為天報，勸金納婦。金以居喪為辭，且將複仇，懼細弱*作累。婦曰：“如君言，脫*庚娘猶在，將以報仇居喪*去之耶？”翁以其言善，請暫代收養，金乃許之。卜葬翁媼，婦縗絰*哭泣，如喪翁姑。既葬，金懷刃托缽，將赴廣陵，婦止之曰：“妾唐氏，祖居金陵，與豺子同鄉，前言廣陵者詐也。且江湖水寇，半伊同黨，仇不能複，隻取禍耳。”金徘徊不知所謀。忽傳女子誅仇事，洋溢河渠*，姓名甚悉。金聞之一快，然益悲，辭婦曰：“幸不汙辱。家有烈婦如此，何忍負心再娶？”婦以業有成說，不肯中離，願自居於媵妾。
注釋：
1．細弱：婦幼老弱等一家老小。2。脫：假如，或許。3．居喪：服喪。是說父母辭世，子女服喪三年。4．卜葬：擇日而葬。卜，選擇。讀“補”。如，卜居，擇地而居。5．縗絰：讀“崔碟”，服喪的一種。6．廣陵：揚州。金陵：南京。7．業有成說：把夫妻關係敲定。
白話：
當初，金大用落水之後，趴在一塊漂浮的木板上，才沒有死。快天亮的時候漂到了淮河上，被小船救起。小船大概是尹姓富翁專門為救落水者準備的。金蘇醒後，就到老翁出表示拜謝。老翁熱情款待他。留他教兒子讀書。金因為不知親人消息，準備四處探訪而猶豫不決。不久有人說：“撈上一對死了的老夫妻。”金懷疑是自己的父母，就跑去看，果然不錯。老翁代他置辦棺木。金生極其哀慟，這時又有人說：“救上來一名落水的婦人，自稱金生是她的丈夫。”金生涕淚橫流，吃驚地往外跑，那女子已經到了，可並不是庚娘，而是王十八的媳婦。她向金大哭，請求他別拋棄她。金說：“我的心緒早已大亂，哪裏有閑功夫幫助別人？”婦人越發悲傷。尹老翁問清來龍去脈，高興地以為是老天的報應，勸金生收留婦人。金以居喪為借口，況且還將複仇，恐怕懼被家小拖住後腿。婦人說：“如果像你所說的那樣，假如庚娘還在，那你就以報仇居喪為由把她趕走嗎？”老翁認為她言之有理，就請求金暫時代他收養，金生這才答應。擇日埋葬父母時，婦人披麻戴孝，哭哭泣泣，如同死了公婆。喪事結束，金生懷揣刀手托缽，要到揚州去，婦人連忙製止說：“我姓唐，祖居南京，和那個狼崽是同鄉，從前說揚州是騙你呢。況且江湖水上的賊寇，一半是他的同黨，仇不能報，隻會招禍呀。”金生徘徊不知如何是好。忽然又傳說女子殺人複仇的事，早在水鄉澤國傳遍了，姓甚名誰也很詳細。金聲聽了感到十分痛快，可也越發悲傷起來，於是辭別婦人說：“萬幸沒有遭到玷汙。家有這樣的貞烈媳婦，怎忍心辜負她再娶呢？”婦人認為金與亡妻的夫妻名分早已鐵定，雖然不肯半途離開，也隻能甘願做小。
英譯：
After falling into the river, Jin grasped a wooden plank. Only because of this, did he have a narrow escape from death. Nearly at day break, he was saved by a little boat which was probably a life-boat belonging to a local rich old man named Yin.
Waking up, Jin paid a visit to the old man extending his hearty thanks. Cordially entertaining him, the old man asked Jin to stay with him as a tutor for his son.
Without knowing anything about his family, Joe was going to look for them, so he couldn’t make his mind whether or not he should accept this kind offer.
Shortly, someone said, “A dead old couple was dredged out of the river.”
Jin suspected they were his parents. He went to have a look and found they really were her parents. The old rich man prepared two coffins for the dead immediately.
Jin’s sorrow had just begun, others said, “A drowned woman was saved. She said her husband was Jin.”
Tears in eyes, Jin hurriedly rushed out. And the woman had already arrived. But she wasn’t his wife Geng Niang. She was just a young lady of eighteen years old. The stranger cried and asked Jin not to abandon her.
“I’m troubled in my heart.” Jin said. “ How can I help others?”
On hearing this, the young lady became more sorrowful than before.
Stealthily pondering over this matter, the old man thought this might be the will of Heaven. Taking this matter as a happy event, he urged Jin to take her.
On the pretext of being in funeral period, Jin declined.
“Besides, I’m going to take revenge.” Jin said. “I’m afraid I’ll be encumbered with a family, if I have one.”
“If Geng Niang is still alive, don’t you have the heart to abandon her on the pretext of taking revenge and being in funeral period?”
Thinking her words quite reasonable, the old man persuaded Jin into accepting the lady for the time being. Only at this moment, did Jin agree to take her.
During the funeral, the young lady cried sorrowfully as if she was the daughter-in-law of Jin’s parents.
After burying his parents, Jin was going to take revenge. But the young lady dissuaded him from doing so.
“I’m Wang’s fellow villager.” She said. “I know his diehard followers are all over the area of rivers and lakes. You can’t avenge yourself. And worse of all, you’ll be involved in disaster.”
While Jin didn’t know what to do next, the rumor was widespread that a woman bravely killed her enemy. Even her name was perfectly clear.
On learning this, Jin was delighted but simultaneously very sorrowful. He came to the young lady to express his refusal again.
“It’s so lucky our family hasn’t been soiled.” He said. “Now that I have this sort of heroine, how can I have the heart to betray her by my re-marriage?”
Taking on the pretext that he already agreed to accept her, the young lady refused to leave. She was even willing to be his concubine.
原文：
會*有副將軍袁公，與尹有舊*，適將西發，過尹，見生，大相知愛，請為記室*。無何，流寇犯順*，袁有大勳，金以參機務*，敘勞*，授遊擊*以歸。夫婦始成合巹之禮。 居數日，攜婦詣金陵，將以展*庚娘之墓。暫過鎮江，欲登金山。漾舟中流，欻一艇過，中有一嫗及少婦，怪少婦頗類庚娘。舟疾過，婦自窗中窺金，神情益肖。驚疑不敢追問，急呼曰：“看群鴨兒飛上天耶！”少婦聞之。亦呼雲：“饞猧兒欲吃貓子腥耶！*”蓋當年閨中之隱謔*也。金大驚，反棹近之，真庚娘。青衣*扶過舟，相抱哀哭，傷感行旅。唐氏以嫡禮*見庚娘。庚娘驚問，金始備述其由。庚娘執手曰：“同舟一話，心常不忘，不圖吳越一家*矣。蒙代葬翁姑，所當首謝，何以此禮相向？”乃以齒序*，唐少庚娘一歲，妹之。
注釋：
1．會：機會，時機。如“恰逢其會”，正趕上機會。此處引申為“當時正好”。2．有舊：有舊交情。3．記室：古代官名，掌管章表書記文檄之職。4．犯順：叛逆。5．參機務：參謀軍機要務。機務指軍事機密。6．敘勞：按照功勞升遷。此處指得官。7．遊擊：下級武官名。8．展：掃墓。
9．饞猧兒欲吃貓子腥耶：饞嘴狗想吃貓剩下的葷腥了吧？猧，狗，讀“窩”。10．隱謔：玩笑話的隱語。謔，讀“穴”，開玩笑。11．青衣：侍女。12．嫡禮：以正妻之禮見庚娘。13．吳越一家：敵對雙方成為一家。吳越，指敵對雙方。吳越，春秋時期兩個諸侯國名。兩國長期處於敵對狀態，交戰數世，後人就常用吳越代稱成敵對雙方。14．齒序：年齡為序。齒，年齡。如”“齒德俱尊”，年紀和品德都令人尊敬。指德高望重的老者。
白話：
當時正好有一位姓袁的副將軍，和尹老翁有舊交情，正好要向西部發兵，路過尹家，見到了金生，非常喜歡他，就請他當了軍中記室。沒過多久，流寇叛亂，袁副將軍立下大功，金生也因為參與軍機而立功，被授予遊擊之官歸鄉探親。夫婦這才正式舉行成婚大禮。 過了幾天，攜帶媳婦前往南京，去給庚娘掃墓。過了鎮江，想登金山。乘船過江的時候，突然從身邊劃過一條船，船裏有一位老太太和一位少婦，他覺得很奇怪，少婦非常像庚娘。船很快地劃過去了，少婦從窗中窺視金生，神情也很像是庚娘。金生又吃驚又懷疑，也不敢追問，就急忙大聲喊道：“看群鴨兒飛上天啦！”少婦聽到後，也大聲喊道：“饞狗想吃貓剩下的葷腥啦！”這都是當年閨中開玩笑的隱語。金生大吃一驚，叫船往回劃近那條船，果真是庚娘。庚娘被侍女攙扶到金生的船上，兩人相抱痛哭，令過往行人也非常悲傷。唐氏就以正妻拜見庚娘。庚娘吃驚地問是怎麽回事，金生才把來龍去脈細說一遍。庚娘拉著唐氏的手說：“同在一條船上這麽一說，這件事真是永遠記在心上難以忘懷了，真沒想到原來的仇敵現在居然成了一家。承蒙你代我埋葬了公婆，我應該首先感謝你，你怎麽能以這種禮節對待我？”於是按照年齡大小，唐氏比庚娘小一歲，以妹妹相稱。
英譯：
The rich old man Yin had a good friend who was a general. One day, the general went west on duty and took the opportunity to pay a visit to Yin. Thinking highly of Jin, the general engaged him as his adjutant. Constantly rendering outstanding services, Jin had become a high-ranking commander before long. Taking a home leave as a good opportunity, he married the young lady.
A few days later, the couple took a boat going south to visit Geng Niang’s grave and offered sacrifices to her. They suddenly found a boat in which there were two women, one old, one young. Of the two, the latter seemed to be Geng Niang. When looking at Jin, her manner was nearly the same as that of Geng Niang. But Jin didn’t dare to follow and the boat passed by quickly.
Having a brain wave, Jin said aloud, “The duck is flying to the sky!”
On hearing this, the young lady replied, “The cat is eating fish!”
These two sentences were the joking words Jin and Geng Niang used to say whenever they were happy. Much astonished, Jin turned round and caught up with her. Truly, she was Geng Niang!
Supported by a maid, Geng Niang stepped over into Jin’s boat. Hugging tightly, they were chocked with tears.
Treating Geng Niang as Jin’s formal wife, Tang made a formal call to her.Greatly surprised, Geng Niang asked what had had happened. Only by then did Jin detail the whole story. Taking Tang’s hands, Geng Niang said, “ We say something like this in a same boat and this makes us never forget this matter. I’ve never expected the original enemies should become members in a same family. I am very grateful to you because you buried my father-in-law and mother-in-law for me. I should thank you first. How can you treak me according to these proprieties?” Since Tang was a year younger than Geng Niang, she treated Geng Niang as her elder sister in age order.
原文：
先是*，庚娘既葬，自不知曆幾春秋。忽一人呼曰：“庚娘，汝夫不死，尚當重圓。”遂如夢醒。捫之四麵皆壁，始悟身死已葬，隻覺悶悶，亦無所苦。有惡少窺其葬具豐美，發塚破棺，方將搜括，見庚娘猶活，相共駭懼。庚娘恐其害己，哀之曰：“幸汝輩來，使我得睹天日。頭上簪珥，悉將去，願鬻*我為尼，更可少得直。我亦不泄也。”盜稽首曰：“娘子貞烈，神人共欽。小人輩不過貧乏無計，作此不仁。但無漏言幸矣。何敢鬻作尼！”庚娘曰：“此我自樂之。”又一盜曰：“鎮江耿夫人寡而無子，若見娘子必大喜。”庚娘謝之。自拔珠飾悉付盜，盜不敢受，固與之，乃共拜受。遂載去，至耿夫人家，托言舡風所迷。耿夫人，巨家，寡媼自度。見庚娘大喜，以為己出。適母子自金山歸也，庚娘緬述*其故。金乃登舟拜母，母款之若婿。邀至家，留數日始歸。後往來不絕焉。
注釋：
1．先是：先，從前。是，這。在這之前，此前。2．鬻：賣。讀“玉”。3．舡：船。讀“紅”。
4．緬述：追述。
白話：
此前，庚娘被埋葬之後，自己也不知過了幾年。忽然有一個人招呼她：“庚娘，你丈夫沒死，還應該重新團圓。”於是就如同從夢中醒來。摸一摸四麵都是牆壁，這才覺悟到已經死了被埋葬在這裏，隻覺得很憋悶，倒也不怎麽痛苦。這時有兩個年輕的歹徒偷看到殉葬品又多又美，就掘墳破棺，剛要收拾殉葬品，見庚娘還活著，雙方對視都很害怕。庚娘恐怕他們傷害自己，就哀求道：“幸虧你們來，才使我重見天日。頭上發簪耳環，都拿去，我願意讓你們把我當尼姑賣掉，還可以再得一點錢。我也不向外泄露這件事。”其中一個盜墓賊連忙磕頭說：“娘子貞烈，神人都欽佩。小人不過太窮沒有辦法，才做這種不仁不義的事。但是不往外泄露就已經萬幸了。哪裏還敢把你當尼姑賣掉呢！”庚娘說：“這是我自願的。”另一名盜墓賊說：“鎮江耿夫人獨身一人，無兒無女，如果見到娘子必然非常高興。”庚娘謝過他們。自己拔下珠寶飾品全都交給盜墓賊，他們不敢收，庚娘堅決要給，兩賊才一起下拜接受。於是把庚娘用船送到耿夫人家，借口說船遇到大風迷失了方向。耿夫人，大戶人家，獨身一人度日。見到庚娘非常高興，把她視為自己所生。剛才母女二人離開金山回家，庚娘把事情前因後果詳細追述一遍。金生連忙登上對方的船，以嶽母相拜，老太太也把金生當女婿款待。邀請他到家裏，留下住上幾天才回家。此後往來不斷。
英譯：
After being buried underground, Geng Niang didn’t know how many years had passed over. A man suddenly called her, “Geng Niang, your husband didn’t die. You should reunite.”
Hearing this, she felt dazed as if just waking up from a dream. Feeling with hands, there were walls all round. Only at this moment, did she realize she already died and was buried deep under the ground. She only felt stuffy but not painful.
It turned out to be an accidental occurrence.
There were several loafers in this area. One day, it suddenly occurred to them that they could get something valuable by robbing a grave. They still remembered there were many expensive funerary objects in Geng Niang’s coffin.
After opening the coffin, they found Geng Niang was still alive. Both the grave robbers and Geng Niang were scared to death. Geng Niang was afraid the evil doers would hurt her.
“As luck would have it, you happen to come here when I need help,” said Geng Niang. “Otherwise, I would never be able to see the daylight again.” She implored them to take pity on her. “There’re some expensive jewelries in my hair. Don’t hesitate to take them all. Even if selling me out as a nun, maybe you can get some money. Whatever you do, I’ll keep secret.”
The head of the grave robbers hurriedly kowtowed to her, saying, “You’re really a virtuous heroine. Both the gods and human beings highly admire and respect you.” He said continuously. “We do this sort of evil things only because of poverty. If you can keep secret for us, we already feel satisfied. How can we get the guts to sell you as a nun?”
“I’m all willingness to let you do,” said Geng Niang.
“The widow Mrs. Gen has no son and daughter,” another grave robber said. “If she sees you, she is certainly delighted.”
Geng Niang thanked them and took off the jewelries from her hair and gave them to the grave robbers. They didn’t dare to accept them. But she persisted in giving them the jewelries. At last, they took them very politely.
They settled Geng Niang into a boat and sent her to Mrs. Gen. The old lady was indeed very delighted and took her as her own daughter. And today, they were just on their way home after a journey and met Jin by chance.
Learning the whole story, Jin was deeply moved and turned round to her new mother a kowtow. And the old lady treated Jin as her own son-in-law.
Cordially invited by Mrs. Gen, Jin and his new wife visited Geng Niang’s new home and stayed there for several days. From then on, the two families had been keeping a very close relationship.
原文：
異史氏曰：“大變當前，淫者生之，貞者死焉。生者裂人眥*，死者雪人涕*耳。至如談笑不驚，手刃*仇讎*，千古烈丈夫中豈多匹儔*哉！誰謂女子，遂不可比蹤彥雲*也？”
注釋：
1．裂人眥：令人恨得眼眶爆裂。眥，眼眶，讀“自”。同“眥”。2．雪人涕：令人涕淚滿麵。雪，擦拭。3．手刃：親手殺掉。刃，動詞，殺。4．仇讎：仇敵。讎，音義皆同“仇”。5．匹儔：匹敵，並列，相提並論。儔，伴侶，讀“籌”。
6．比蹤彥雲：和彥雲相比。意思是說與英雄相比。比蹤，並駕齊驅。相比。彥雲，是曹魏時期王淩的字。王因為反對司馬氏專權被殺。
白話：
作者感言：“重大變故發生後，壞人活著，好人死了。活著的氣得人眼眶爆裂，死了的令人悲傷流淚。（烈女）甚至談笑自由，處變不驚，親手殺掉仇敵，自古以來的豪傑男兒有幾個能和她相比呢！誰說女子不能和彥雲那樣的英烈相比？
英譯：
Author’s Commentary:
With an emergency before us, whoever loose survive, whoever pure and chaste die. The survivors cause our wrath, while the dead make us lament with tears. As for Geng Niang and her like who can kill their enemies without turning a hair and just talking cheerfully and humorously, through the ages, only a few men with fiery temper can compare favorably with them. Who says women cannot run neck and neck with brave men?
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