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作者(zhe):经典(dian)名(ming)著 文章来源:文言经典(dian)
第十回 鲁翰林怜才择婿 蓬公孙富室招亲
话说娄家两位公子在船上,后面一只大官船赶来,叫拢了船,一个人上船来请。两公子认得是同乡鲁编修家里的管家,问道:"你老爷是几时来家的?"管家道:"告假回家,尚未曾到。"三公子道,"如今在那里?"管家道:"现在大船上,请二位老爷过去。"两公子走过船来,看见贴著"翰林院"的封条,编修公已是方巾便服,出来站在舱门口。编修原是太保的门生,当下见了,笑道:"我方才远远看见船头上站的是四世兄,我心里正疑惑你们怎得在这小船上,不想三世兄也在这里,有趣的紧。请进舱里去。"
让进舱(cang)内,彼此拜见过了(le)(le)坐(zuo)下。三公子(zi)(zi)道(dao)(dao):"京师拜别(bie),不(bu)觉又是半载(zai),世老(lao)先生(sheng)因何(he)告(gao)假回府?"鲁编修道(dao)(dao):"老(lao)世兄,做(zuo)(zuo)穷翰(han)林的(de)(de)人(ren),只(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)望着(zhe)(zhe)几回差(cha)事。现今肥美的(de)(de)差(cha)都被别(bie)人(ren)钻谋去了(le)(le),白白坐(zuo)在(zai)京里(li),赔钱度日(ri)。况且弟年(nian)将五十,又无子(zi)(zi)息,只(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)有一(yi)(yi)个小(xiao)女(nv),还不(bu)曾许(xu)字人(ren)家(jia),思量(liang)不(bu)如(ru)告(gao)假返舍(she),料(liao)理(li)(li)些家(jia)务,再作道(dao)(dao)理(li)(li)。二(er)位世兄为何(he)驾着(zhe)(zhe)一(yi)(yi)只(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)小(xiao)船在(zai)河(he)里(li)?从人(ren)也不(bu)带一(yi)(yi)个,却做(zuo)(zuo)甚么事?"四公子(zi)(zi)道(dao)(dao):"小(xiao)弟总是闲(xian)着(zhe)(zhe)无事的(de)(de)人(ren),因见天气睛暖,同(tong)家(jia)兄出来闲(xian)游,也没甚么事。"鲁编修道(dao)(dao):"弟今早(zao)在(zai)那边镇上(shang)去看一(yi)(yi)个故人(ren),他要留我(wo)一(yi)(yi)饭,我(wo)因匆(cong)(cong)匆(cong)(cong)要返舍(she),就苦辞了(le)(le)他,他却将一(yi)(yi)席(xi)酒(jiu)肴送在(zai)我(wo)船上(shang)。今喜遇着(zhe)(zhe)二(er)位世兄,正好把(ba)酒(jiu)话(hua)旧(jiu),"因问从人(ren)道(dao)(dao):"二(er)号船可曾到?"船家(jia)答(da)应道(dao)(dao):"不(bu)曾到,还离(li)的(de)(de)远哩。"鲁编修道(dao)(dao):"这也罢了(le)(le)。"叫家(jia)人(ren):"把(ba)二(er)位老(lao)爷行李(li)搬上(shang)大(da)船来,那船叫他回去罢。"吩(fen)咐(fu)摆了(le)(le)酒(jiu)席(xi),斟(zhen)上(shang)酒(jiu)来同(tong)饮,说(shuo)了(le)(le)些京师里(li)各衙(ya)门的(de)(de)细话(hua)。
鲁编修(xiu)又问(wen)问(wen)故乡的年岁,又问(wen)近来(lai)刁有几个有名望的人(ren)。三公子因他问(wen)这(zhei)(zhei)一(yi)句(ju)话,就(jiu)(jiu)说(shuo)出杨执中(zhong)(zhong)这(zhei)(zhei)一(yi)个人(ren),可以算(suan)得极高的品行(xing),就(jiu)(jiu)把这(zhei)(zhei)一(yi)张说(shuo)拿出来(lai)送与鲁编修(xiu)看,鲁编修(xiu)看罢,愁着眉(mei)道:"老(lao)世(shi)兄(xiong)(xiong),似你这(zhei)(zhei)等所为,怕不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)是(shi)自古及今的贤公子?就(jiu)(jiu)是(shi)信陵君(jun)、春申(shen)君(jun),也不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)过如此。但这(zhei)(zhei)样(yang)(yang)的人(ren)。盗虚声者(zhe)多,有实(shi)学者(zhe)少。我(wo)老(lao)实(shi)说(shuo):他若果有学问(wen),为甚么不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)中(zhong)(zhong)了(le)(le)(le)(le)去?只做这(zhei)(zhei)两(liang)句(ju)诗当(dang)得甚么,就(jiu)(jiu)如老(lao)世(shi)兄(xiong)(xiong)这(zhei)(zhei)样(yang)(yang)屈尊好士,也算(suan)这(zhei)(zhei)位(wei)杨兄(xiong)(xiong)一(yi)生第一(yi)个好遭际了(le)(le)(le)(le),两(liang)回(hui)(hui)躲着不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)敢见(jian)面(mian),其中(zhong)(zhong)就(jiu)(jiu)可想而知。依愚见(jian),这(zhei)(zhei)样(yang)(yang)人(ren)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)必十分周旋他也罢了(le)(le)(le)(le)。"两(liang)公子听了(le)(le)(le)(le)这(zhei)(zhei)话默然不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)语,又吃了(le)(le)(le)(le)半日酒(jiu),讲了(le)(le)(le)(le)些闲(xian)话,已到城里,鲁编修(xiu)定要送两(liang)位(wei)公子回(hui)(hui)家,然后自己回(hui)(hui)去。
两(liang)(liang)公(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)(zi)进(jin)了(le)家门,看门的(de)(de)禀道(dao):"蘧(qu)小(xiao)少爷来(lai)(lai)了(le),在(zai)(zai)太太房(fang)里坐着(zhe)哩。"两(liang)(liang)公(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)(zi)走(zou)进(jin)内堂(tang)一(yi)见蘧(qu)公(gong)(gong)孙(sun)在(zai)(zai)那里,三太太陪(pei)着(zhe),公(gong)(gong)孙(sun)见了(le)表叔来(lai)(lai),慌忙见礼(li),两(liang)(liang)公(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)(zi)扶(fu)住(zhu),邀到书(shu)房(fang)。蘧(qu)公(gong)(gong)孙(sun)呈(cheng)上乃祖的(de)(de)书(shu)札并带了(le)来(lai)(lai)的(de)(de)礼(li)物。所刻的(de)(de)诗话每(mei)位一(yi)本(ben),两(liang)(liang)公(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)(zi)将此书(shu)略翻(fan)了(le)几页,称赞道(dao):"贤(xian)侄少年如此大才,我等俱(ju)要退(tui)避三舍矣。"蘧(qu)公(gong)(gong)孙(sun)道(dao):"小(xiao)子(zi)(zi)(zi)无(wu)知妄作(zuo),要求表叔指点。"两(liang)(liang)公(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)(zi)欢喜(xi)不已,当夜设席(xi)(xi)接风,留(liu)在(zai)(zai)书(shu)房(fang)歇息。次(ci)早起来(lai)(lai),会(hui)过蘧(qu)公(gong)(gong)孙(sun),就换了(le)衣服,叫(jiao)家人持(chi)帖,坐轿(jiao)子(zi)(zi)(zi)去拜鲁编修。拜罢(ba)回家,即吩(fen)咐(fu)厨役备席(xi)(xi),发(fa)帖请编修公(gong)(gong),明日(ri)接风。走(zou)到书(shu)房(fang)内,向公(gong)(gong)孙(sun)笑着(zhe)说道(dao):"我们明日(ri)请一(yi)位客(ke),劳贤(xian)侄陪(pei)一(yi)陪(pei)。"蘧(qu)公(gong)(gong)孙(sun)问:"是(shi)那一(yi)位?"三公(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)(zi)道(dao):"就是(shi)我这同(tong)乡(xiang)鲁编修。也是(shi)先(xian)太保做会(hui)试总(zong)裁取中的(de)(de)。"四(si)公(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)(zi)道(dao):"究竟(jing)也是(shi)个俗气不过的(de)(de)人,却因我们和他(ta)(ta)世兄弟,又前日(ri)船上遇着(zhe)就先(xian)扰(rao)他(ta)(ta)一(yi)席(xi)(xi)酒(jiu),所以明日(ri)邀他(ta)(ta)来(lai)(lai)坐坐。"
说着,看(kan)门的人进(jin)来禀说:"绍兴姓牛(niu)(niu)的牛(niu)(niu)相(xiang)公(gong)(gong)(gong),叫做牛(niu)(niu)布(bu)(bu)衣(yi)(yi),在(zai)(zai)外(wai)侯(hou)二(er)位老爷。"三(san)公(gong)(gong)(gong)子道:"快请厅上坐。"蘧(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)道:"这牛(niu)(niu)布(bu)(bu)衣(yi)(yi)先(xian)(xian)(xian)生(sheng),可是曾在(zai)(zai)山东(dong)范学(xue)台(tai)幕(mu)中(zhong)的?"三(san)公(gong)(gong)(gong)子道:"正是。你(ni)怎得知?"蘧(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)道:"曾和先(xian)(xian)(xian)父同事,小侄所以知道。"四公(gong)(gong)(gong)子道:"我(wo)们(men)倒忘(wang)了(le)尊(zun)(zun)公(gong)(gong)(gong)是在(zai)(zai)那(nei)里(li)的。"随即出去(qu)会(hui)了(le)牛(niu)(niu)布(bu)(bu)衣(yi)(yi),谈之良久(jiu),便同牛(niu)(niu)布(bu)(bu)衣(yi)(yi)走进(jin)书房。蘧(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)上前拜见(jian),牛(niu)(niu)布(bu)(bu)衣(yi)(yi)说道:"适才会(hui)见(jian)令表叔(shu),才知尊(zun)(zun)大人已谢(xie)宾客,使我(wo)不胜伤感。今幸(xing)见(jian)世兄如(ru)此英英玉(yu)立,可称(cheng)嗣续(xu)有人,又要破涕为笑。"因(yin)问:"令祖(zu)老先(xian)(xian)(xian)生(sheng)康健么?"蘧(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)答(da)道:"托庇粗安(an)。家祖(zu)每常也(ye)时时想念老伯。"牛(niu)(niu)布(bu)(bu)衣(yi)(yi)又说起(qi):"范学(xue)台(tai)幕(mu)中(zhong)查一个童生(sheng)卷子,尊(zun)(zun)公(gong)(gong)(gong)说出伺景(jing)明的一段话,真乃(nai)'谈言微中(zhong),名士(shi)风流'。"因(yin)将(jiang)那(nei)一席(xi)话又述了(le)一遍(bian),两公(gong)(gong)(gong)子同蘧(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)都笑了(le)。三(san)公(gong)(gong)(gong)子道:"牛(niu)(niu)先(xian)(xian)(xian)生(sheng),你(ni)我(wo)数十年(nian)故交(jiao),凡(fan)事忘(wang)形,今又喜得舍表侄得接大教,竟在(zai)(zai)此坐到晚去(qu)。"少(shao)顷,摆(bai)出酒席(xi),四位模酒论文。直吃到日暮,牛(niu)(niu)布(bu)(bu)衣(yi)(yi)告别(bie),两公(gong)(gong)(gong)子问明寓处,送了(le)出去(qu)。
次(ci)早,遣家人去邀请鲁(lu)编修(xiu),直到日中(zhong)才(cai)来(lai),头(tou)戴纱帽,身穿(chuan)蟒衣,进了(le)厅事(shi)就(jiu)要进去拜(bai)老师神主。两(liang)(liang)公(gong)子(zi)(zi)再三辞(ci)过,然后宽衣坐(zuo)下(xia),献茶。茶罢,蘧公(gong)孙出(chu)来(lai)拜(bai)见(jian)。三公(gong)子(zi)(zi)道:"这是舍表侄,南昌太守家姑丈(zhang)之(zhi)孙。"鲁(lu)编修(xiu)道:"久慕久慕!"彼此谦让坐(zuo)下(xia),寒暄已毕,摆(bai)上(shang)(shang)两(liang)(liang)席酒(jiu)来(lai)。鲁(lu)编修(xiu)道:"老世兄,这个(ge)(ge)就(jiu)不(bu)(bu)是了(le)。你我(wo)(wo)世交,知已间何必做这些客套!依弟愚见(jian),这厅事(shi)也太阔落,意欲借尊斋,只(zhi)须一(yi)(yi)席酒(jiu),我(wo)(wo)四人促膝谈心,方才(cai)畅(chang)快(kuai)。"两(liang)(liang)公(gong)子(zi)(zi)见(jian)这般说(shuo),竟不(bu)(bu)违命,当下(xia)让到书房里(li)。鲁(lu)编修(xiu)见(jian)瓶、花、炉、几(ji),位(wei)置得宜,不(bu)(bu)觉怡悦。奉席坐(zuo)了(le),公(gong)子(zi)(zi)吩(fen)咐一(yi)(yi)声叫"焚香",只(zhi)见(jian)一(yi)(yi)个(ge)(ge)头(tou)发(fa)齐眉的童子(zi)(zi),在几(ji)上(shang)(shang)捧了(le)一(yi)(yi)个(ge)(ge)古(gu)铜香炉出(chu)去,随即两(liang)(liang)个(ge)(ge)管(guan)家进来(lai)放下(xia)暖(nuan)帘,就(jiu)出(chu)去了(le)。足(zu)有(you)(you)一(yi)(yi)个(ge)(ge)时辰,酒(jiu)斟三巡,那两(liang)(liang)个(ge)(ge)管(guan)家又进来(lai)把暖(nuan)帘卷上(shang)(shang)。但见(jian)书房两(liang)(liang)边墙壁(bi)上(shang)(shang)、板缝里(li),都喷出(chu)香气(qi)来(lai),满座异香袭(xi)人,鲁(lu)编修(xiu)觉飘飘有(you)(you)凌云之(zhi)思(si)。三公(gong)子(zi)(zi)向鲁(lu)编修(xiu)道:"香必要如此烧,方不(bu)(bu)觉得有(you)(you)烟气(qi)。"
编(bian)(bian)修(xiu)赞(zan)叹了(le)一回(hui),同蘧公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)谈及江(jiang)西(xi)的(de)(de)(de)事(shi)(shi),问道(dao)(dao):"令(ling)祖老(lao)先(xian)生南(nan)昌接任便是(shi)(shi)(shi)王讳惠的(de)(de)(de)了(le)?"蘧公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙道(dao)(dao):"正是(shi)(shi)(shi)。"鲁编(bian)(bian)修(xiu)道(dao)(dao):"这(zhei)位王道(dao)(dao)尊却是(shi)(shi)(shi)了(le)不(bu)得(de)。而今朝廷(ting)捕获得(de)他(ta)(ta)甚紧。"三(san)公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)道(dao)(dao):"他(ta)(ta)是(shi)(shi)(shi)降(jiang)了(le)宁王的(de)(de)(de)。"鲁编(bian)(bian)修(xiu)道(dao)(dao):"他(ta)(ta)是(shi)(shi)(shi)江(jiang)西(xi)保荐第一能员,及期就(jiu)是(shi)(shi)(shi)他(ta)(ta)先(xian)降(jiang)顺了(le)。"四公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)道(dao)(dao):"他(ta)(ta)这(zhei)降(jiang),到底也(ye)不(bu)是(shi)(shi)(shi)。"鲁编(bian)(bian)修(xiu)道(dao)(dao):"古语道(dao)(dao)得(de)好:'无(wu)兵(bing)无(wu)粮,因甚不(bu)降(jiang),'只(zhi)是(shi)(shi)(shi)各伪官也(ye)逃脱了(le)许(xu)多,只(zhi)有他(ta)(ta)领着(zhe)南(nan)赣数郡一齐归(gui)降(jiang),所以朝廷(ting)尤把他(ta)(ta)罪状的(de)(de)(de)狠(hen),悬(xuan)赏(shang)捕拿。"公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙听了(le)这(zhei)话(hua),那从前的(de)(de)(de)事(shi)(shi)一字(zi)也(ye)不(bu)敢提。鲁编(bian)(bian)修(xiu)又说(shuo)(shuo)起他(ta)(ta)请仙这(zhei)一段(duan)故事(shi)(shi),两(liang)公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)不(bu)知。鲁编(bian)(bian)修(xiu)细(xi)说(shuo)(shuo)这(zhei)件事(shi)(shi),把《西(xi)江(jiang)月》念了(le)一遍,后来的(de)(de)(de)事(shi)(shi)逐(zhu)句讲解(jie)出来。又道(dao)(dao):"仙乩(ji)(ji)也(ye)古怪(guai),只(zhi)说(shuo)(shuo)道(dao)(dao)他(ta)(ta)归(gui)降(jiang),此后再不(bu)判了(le),还是(shi)(shi)(shi)吉(ji)凶未(wei)定(ding),"四公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)道(dao)(dao):"'几者,动之微,吉(ji)之先(xian)见(jian)。'这(zhei)就(jiu)是(shi)(shi)(shi)那扶乩(ji)(ji)的(de)(de)(de)人一时动乎其机。说(shuo)(shuo)是(shi)(shi)(shi)有神仙,又说(shuo)(shuo)有灵鬼(gui)的(de)(de)(de),都不(bu)相干。"
换过了(le)席,两(liang)公(gong)(gong)子把蘧(qu)公(gong)(gong)孙的(de)(de)诗和(he)他(ta)刻的(de)(de)诗话请教,极(ji)夸(kua)少年(nian)美(mei)才。鲁(lu)(lu)编(bian)(bian)修(xiu)叹赏了(le)许久,便(bian)向两(liang)公(gong)(gong)子问道(dao):"令表侄(zhi)贵庚?"三公(gong)(gong)子道(dao):"十七(qi)。"鲁(lu)(lu)编(bian)(bian)修(xiu)道(dao):"悬弧之庆(qing)在于(yu)何日(ri)?"三公(gong)(gong)子转问蘧(qu)公(gong)(gong)孙。公(gong)(gong)孙道(dao):"小侄(zhi)是三月十六亥时生的(de)(de)。"鲁(lu)(lu)编(bian)(bian)修(xiu)点了(le)一点头,记在心里。到晚(wan)席散,两(liang)公(gong)(gong)子送(song)了(le)客,各自安(an)歇。
又过了(le)数日,蘧公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙辞别回嘉兴去(qu),两公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)又留(liu)了(le)一日。这日,三公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)在内(nei)书(shu)(shu)房写(xie)回覆(fu)蘧太(tai)守的(de)(de)(de)书(shu)(shu)。才(cai)写(xie)着(zhe),书(shu)(shu)僮进(jin)来(lai)(lai)(lai)道(dao)(dao):"看(kan)(kan)(kan)门(men)的(de)(de)(de)享事。"三公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)道(dao)(dao):"着(zhe)他(ta)(ta)进(jin)来(lai)(lai)(lai)。"看(kan)(kan)(kan)门(men)的(de)(de)(de)道(dao)(dao):"外面有一位(wei)先(xian)生,要求见(jian)二位(wei)老爷(ye)。"三公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)道(dao)(dao):"你回他(ta)(ta)我们不在家(jia),留(liu)下了(le)帖(tie)罢。"看(kan)(kan)(kan)门(men)的(de)(de)(de)道(dao)(dao):"他(ta)(ta)没有帖(tie)子(zi)(zi),问着(zhe)他(ta)(ta)名姓,也不肯说,只说要面会二位(wei)老爷(ye)谈(tan)谈(tan)。"三公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)道(dao)(dao):"那先(xian)生是怎(zen)样一个(ge)人(ren)(ren)?"看(kan)(kan)(kan)门(men)的(de)(de)(de)道(dao)(dao):"他(ta)(ta)有五(wu)六十岁,头上也戴的(de)(de)(de)是方巾(jin),穿的(de)(de)(de)件(jian)茧绸直裰,象个(ge)斯(si)文(wen)人(ren)(ren)。"三公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)惊道(dao)(dao):"想是杨(yang)执中来(lai)(lai)(lai)了(le)。"忙丢(diu)了(le)书(shu)(shu)子(zi)(zi),请出四公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)来(lai)(lai)(lai),告诉他(ta)(ta)如此这般,似乎(hu)杨(yang)执中的(de)(de)(de)行径,因(yin)叫门(men)上的(de)(de)(de):"去(qu)请在厅上坐(zuo),我们就出来(lai)(lai)(lai)会。"看(kan)(kan)(kan)门(men)的(de)(de)(de)应诺去(qu)了(le),请了(le)那人(ren)(ren)到厅上坐(zuo)下。
两公子(zi)(zi)出来(lai)相(xiang)见(jian)(jian)(jian),礼毕(bi),奉坐,那人道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"久仰大(da)名(ming),如(ru)雷灌耳,只(zhi)是无缘(yuan),不曾拜识。"三(san)(san)公子(zi)(zi)道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"先(xian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)贵姓,台甫?"那人道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"晚(wan)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)姓陈(chen),草(cao)字和甫,一向在(zai)京师(shi)(shi)行道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)。昨(zuo)同翰苑鲁(lu)(lu)老(lao)先(xian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)来(lai)游贵乡,今得瞻二位(wei)老(lao)爷(ye)(ye)丰采。三(san)(san)老(lao)爷(ye)(ye)'耳白(bai)于(yu)面(mian),名(ming)满天(tian)下';四(si)老(lao)爷(ye)(ye)土星(xing)明亮(liang),不日(ri)(ri)(ri)该有加官晋(jin)爵之喜(xi)。"两公子(zi)(zi)听罢,才(cai)晓(xiao)得不是杨执中,问(wen)道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"先(xian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)精(jing)于(yu)风鉴?"陈(chen)和甫道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"卜(bu)易(yi)、谈星(xing)。看相(xiang)、算命,内科(ke)、外科(ke),内丹、外丹,以及请仙判事,扶乩笔(bi)录,晚(wan)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)都略知道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)一二。向在(zai)京师(shi)(shi),蒙(meng)各部院大(da)人及四(si)衙(ya)门的老(lao)先(xian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)请个不歇,经晚(wan)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)许过他升迁的,无不神验(yan)。不瞒二位(wei)老(lao)爷(ye)(ye)说,晚(wan)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)只(zhi)是个直言(yan),并不肯(ken)阿(a)谀趋奉,所以这(zhei)(zhei)些当道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)大(da)人,俱(ju)蒙(meng)相(xiang)爱。前日(ri)(ri)(ri)正同鲁(lu)(lu)老(lao)先(xian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)笑说,自离江西,今年到(dao)贵省,屈捐(juan)二十年来(lai)。,已(yi)是走过九省了(le)!"说罢哈(ha)(ha)哈(ha)(ha)大(da)笑。左右捧(peng)上茶来(lai)吃了(le)。四(si)公子(zi)(zi)问(wen)道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"今番是和鲁(lu)(lu)老(lao)先(xian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)同船(chuan)来(lai)的?愚(yu)弟兄那日(ri)(ri)(ri)在(zai)路遇见(jian)(jian)(jian)鲁(lu)(lu)老(lao)先(xian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng),在(zai)船(chuan)上盘恒了(le)一日(ri)(ri)(ri),却不曾会见(jian)(jian)(jian)。"陈(chen)和甫道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"那日(ri)(ri)(ri)晚(wan)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)在(zai)二号(hao)船(chuan)上,到(dao)晚(wan)才(cai)知道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)二位(wei)老(lao)爷(ye)(ye)在(zai)彼。这(zhei)(zhei)是晚(wan)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)无缘(yuan),迟(chi)这(zhei)(zhei)几日(ri)(ri)(ri),才(cai)得拜见(jian)(jian)(jian)。"三(san)(san)公子(zi)(zi)道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"先(xian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)言(yan)论(lun)轩爽,愚(yu)兄弟也(ye)觉得恨相(xiang)见(jian)(jian)(jian)之晚(wan)。"陈(chen)和甫道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"鲁(lu)(lu)老(lao)先(xian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)有句话(hua)托晚(wan)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)来(lai)面(mian)致(zhi)二位(wei)老(lao)爷(ye)(ye),可借尊斋一话(hua)。"两公子(zi)(zi)道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"最好(hao)。"
当下(xia)让到书(shu)房(fang)里(li),陈和甫(fu)(fu)举眼四面(mian)一(yi)看,见院(yuan)宇深沉,琴书(shu)潇(xiao)洒,说(shuo)道:"真是(shi)'天上(shang)神仙府(fu),人间宰相家(jia)(jia)'!"说(shuo)毕(bi),将(jiang)椅子(zi)(zi)移近跟前道:"鲁(lu)老(lao)先(xian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)有一(yi)个令爱,年(nian)(nian)方及(ji)笄,晚(wan)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)在(zai)(zai)他(ta)府(fu)上(shang)是(shi)知道的(de),这(zhei)(zhei)位小姐(jie)德性温良,才(cai)貌出众,鲁(lu)老(lao)先(xian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)和夫人因(yin)无(wu)子(zi)(zi)息,爱如掌上(shang)之(zhi)珠(zhu),许多(duo)(duo)人家(jia)(jia)求亲,只是(shi)不(bu)允。昨在(zai)(zai)尊府(fu)会见南昌蘧太(tai)爷的(de)公(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun),著实爱他(ta)才(cai)华,所以托晚(wan)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)来(lai)问(wen),可曾毕(bi)过姻(yin)事?"三公(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)道:"这(zhei)(zhei)便是(shi)舍表侄,却(que)还(hai)不(bu)曾毕(bi)姻(yin)。极(ji)承鲁(lu)老(lao)先(xian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)相爱,只不(bu)知他(ta)这(zhei)(zhei)位小姐(jie)贵庚多(duo)(duo)少?年(nian)(nian)命(ming)可相妨碍(ai)?"陈和甫(fu)(fu)笑道:"这(zhei)(zhei)个倒(dao)不(bu)消虑,令表侄八字(zi),鲁(lu)老(lao)先(xian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)在(zai)(zai)尊府(fu)席上(shang)已经问(wen)明在(zai)(zai)心里(li)了(le),到家(jia)(jia)就是(shi)晚(wan)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)查(cha)算(suan),替他(ta)两人合婚:小姐(jie)少公(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)一(yi)岁(sui),今年(nian)(nian)十六(liu)岁(sui)了(le),天生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)一(yi)对(dui)好夫妻,年(nian)(nian)、月、日(ri)、时,无(wu)一(yi)不(bu)相合,将(jiang)来(lai)福寿绵长,子(zi)(zi)孙(sun)众多(duo)(duo),一(yi)些也没有破(po)绽的(de)。"四公(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)向(xiang)三公(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)道:"怪道他(ta)前日(ri)在(zai)(zai)席间谆(zhun)(zhun)谆(zhun)(zhun)问(wen)表侄生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)的(de)年(nian)(nian)月,我道是(shi)因(yin)甚么,原来(lai)那时已有意在(zai)(zai)那里(li)。"三公(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)道:"如此(ci)极(ji)好。鲁(lu)老(lao)先(xian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)错爱,又蒙陈先(xian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)你(ni)来(lai)作伐,我们即刻写书(shu)与(yu)家(jia)(jia)姑(gu)丈,择吉央媒到府(fu)奉求。"陈和甫(fu)(fu)作别(bie)道:"容日(ri)再来(lai)请(qing)教(jiao),今暂告别(bie),回(hui)(hui)鲁(lu)老(lao)先(xian)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)活去。、两公(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)送过陈和甫(fu)(fu),回(hui)(hui)来(lai)将(jiang)这(zhei)(zhei)话说(shuo)与(yu)蘧公(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)道:"贤侄,既有此(ci)事,却(que)且休要就回(hui)(hui)嘉兴,我们写书(shu)与(yu)大(da)爷,打发盛从回(hui)(hui)去取了(le)回(hui)(hui)音来(lai),再作道理,"蘧公(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)依命(ming)住下(xia)。
家人(ren)去了十余日,领着蘧(qu)太守(shou)的回(hui)书来见两公(gong)(gong)子(zi)道:"太老爷(ye)听了这(zhei)(zhei)(zhei)话(hua),甚是(shi)欢喜(xi),向小人(ren)吩咐说:自己(ji)不(bu)能远来,这(zhei)(zhei)(zhei)事总(zong)央(yang)烦二(er)位(wei)(wei)老爷(ye)做主,央(yang)媒(mei)拜允,一(yi)是(shi)二(er)应老爷(ye)拣(jian)择(ze);或(huo)娶过(guo)去,或(huo)招在(zai)这(zhei)(zhei)(zhei)里,也是(shi)二(er)位(wei)(wei)老爷(ye)斟酌。呈上回(hui)书并白(bai)银五(wu)百两,以为聘礼之用(yong),大相(xiang)公(gong)(gong)也不(bu)必(bi)回(hui)家,住在(zai)这(zhei)(zhei)(zhei)里办这(zhei)(zhei)(zhei)喜(xi)事。太老爷(ye)身(shen)体是(shi)康强的,一(yi)切放心。"两公(gong)(gong)子(zi)收了回(hui)书、银子(zi),择(ze)个吉日,央(yang)请陈和甫为媒(mei),这(zhei)(zhei)(zhei)边添上一(yi)位(wei)(wei)媒(mei)人(ren),就是(shi)牛布衣。
当(dang)日两位月老齐(qi)(qi)到(dao)(dao)娄(lou)府(fu)乡(xiang)设(she)席款待过(guo),二(er)位坐(zuo)上轿子,管(guan)家持帖,去鲁编(bian)修(xiu)家求(qiu)亲。鲁编(bian)修(xiu)那里也设(she)席相留,回了(le)允帖,并带了(le)庚(geng)帖过(guo)来。到(dao)(dao)第三日,娄(lou)府(fu)办齐(qi)(qi)金银珠翠首饰(shi),装蟒(mang)刻丝绸缎绫罗衣服(fu),羊(yang)酒、果(guo)品,共是几十(shi)(shi)抬,行(xing)过(guo)礼(li)去,又备了(le)谢媒(mei)之礼(li),陈(chen)、牛二(er)应,每(mei)位代衣帽银十(shi)(shi)二(er)两,代果(guo)酒银四两,俱各(ge)欢喜。两公子就托陈(chen)和(he)甫(fu)选(xuan)定花烛(zhu)之期,陈(chen)和(he)甫(fu)选(xuan)在(zai)十(shi)(shi)二(er)月初八日不将大吉(ji)(ji),送过(guo)吉(ji)(ji)期去。鲁编(bian)修(xiu)说,只得一个女儿,舍(she)不得嫁(jia)出门(men),要蘧公孙入赘。娄(lou)府(fu)也应允了(le)。
到十(shi)二(er)月初(chu)八(ba),娄(lou)府(fu)(fu)张(zhang)灯结彩,先(xian)请两(liang)位月老(lao)吃了(le)(le)一(yi)日(ri)。黄(huang)昏时(shi)(shi)(shi)分,大吹大擂起来(lai)(lai)。娄(lou)府(fu)(fu)一(yi)门(men)官衔灯笼(long)就有八(ba)十(shi)多对(dui),添上(shang)蘧(qu)太守家灯笼(long),足摆(bai)了(le)(le)三四(si)(si)条街,还(hai)摆(bai)不了(le)(le)。全副执事(shi)(shi),又是(shi)一(yi)班细乐(le),八(ba)对(dui)纱(sha)(sha)灯。这时(shi)(shi)(shi)天(tian)气初(chu)晴(qing),浮云尚不曾退尽,灯上(shang)都用绿(lv)绸雨帷(wei)罩着(zhe)(zhe),引着(zhe)(zhe)四(si)(si)人(ren)大轿,蘧(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)(sun)端坐在(zai)内。后(hou)面四(si)(si)乘(cheng)轿子(zi),便是(shi)娄(lou)府(fu)(fu)两(liang)公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)、陈(chen)和甫、牛布衣,同(tong)送(song)(song)公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)(sun)入赘。到了(le)(le)鲁(lu)(lu)(lu)宅(zhai)门(men)口(kou),开门(men)钱送(song)(song)了(le)(le)几(ji)封,只见(jian)重(zhong)门(men)洞开,里面一(yi)派乐(le)声(sheng),迎了(le)(le)出来(lai)(lai),四(si)(si)位先(xian)下轿进去(qu),两(liang)公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)穿着(zhe)(zhe)公(gong)(gong)(gong)服(fu),两(liang)山人(ren)也(ye)穿着(zhe)(zhe)吉服(fu)。鲁(lu)(lu)(lu)编(bian)(bian)(bian)修(xiu)纱(sha)(sha)帽蟒(mang)袍,缎靴金带,迎了(le)(le)出来(lai)(lai),揖让升阶;才是(shi)一(yi)班细乐(le),八(ba)对(dui)绛(jiang)纱(sha)(sha)灯,引着(zhe)(zhe)蘧(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)(sun),纱(sha)(sha)帽宫袍,簪(zan)花披红(hong),低头(tou)进来(lai)(lai),到了(le)(le)厅事(shi)(shi),先(xian)奠了(le)(le)雁,然后(hou)拜见(jian)鲁(lu)(lu)(lu)编(bian)(bian)(bian)修(xiu)。编(bian)(bian)(bian)修(xiu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)奉(feng)(feng)新婿正(zheng)面一(yi)席(xi)坐下,两(liang)公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)、两(liang)山人(ren)和鲁(lu)(lu)(lu)编(bian)(bian)(bian)修(xiu)两(liang)列相陪。献过三遍茶,摆(bai)上(shang)酒(jiu)席(xi),每人(ren)一(yi)席(xi),共(gong)是(shi)六席(xi),鲁(lu)(lu)(lu)编(bian)(bian)(bian)修(xiu)先(xian)奉(feng)(feng)了(le)(le)公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)(sun)的席(xi),公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)(sun)也(ye)回奉(feng)(feng)了(le)(le)。下面奏着(zhe)(zhe)细乐(le)。鲁(lu)(lu)(lu)编(bian)(bian)(bian)修(xiu)去(qu)奉(feng)(feng)众位的席(xi)。建公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)(sun)偷眼看时(shi)(shi)(shi),是(shi)个旧(jiu)旧(jiu)的三间厅古老(lao)房子(zi),此时(shi)(shi)(shi)点几(ji)十(shi)枝(zhi)大蜡烛,却极其(qi)辉煌。
须臾(yu),坐定(ding)了(le)(le)(le)(le)席(xi)(xi)一(yi)(yi)乐声止了(le)(le)(le)(le)。蘧公(gong)孙下(xia)(xia)(xia)来(lai)(lai)告过丈人(ren)同二位(wei)表叔的(de)席(xi)(xi),又和两山人(ren)平行了(le)(le)(le)(le)礼,入席(xi)(xi)坐了(le)(le)(le)(le)。戏(xi)(xi)子(zi)(zi)上(shang)(shang)来(lai)(lai)参(can)了(le)(le)(le)(le)堂,磕头下(xia)(xia)(xia)去,打动锣(luo)鼓,跳了(le)(le)(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)出"加宫(gong)",演(yan)了(le)(le)(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)出"张仙(xian)送子(zi)(zi)",一(yi)(yi)出"封赠"。这时下(xia)(xia)(xia)了(le)(le)(le)(le)两天雨(yu)才住,地(di)下(xia)(xia)(xia)还不甚干,戏(xi)(xi)子(zi)(zi)穿着新靴,都(dou)从(cong)廊下(xia)(xia)(xia)板上(shang)(shang)大(da)宽(kuan)转走(zou)了(le)(le)(le)(le)上(shang)(shang)来(lai)(lai)。唱完三出头,副(fu)末(mo)执(zhi)着戏(xi)(xi)单(dan)上(shang)(shang)来(lai)(lai)点戏(xi)(xi),才走(zou)到蘧公(gong)孙席(xi)(xi)前跪下(xia)(xia)(xia),恰好侍席(xi)(xi)的(de)管家(jia)捧上(shang)(shang)头一(yi)(yi)碗(wan)(wan)(wan)脍燕(yan)窝来(lai)(lai)上(shang)(shang)在(zai)桌上(shang)(shang)。管家(jia)叫(jiao)一(yi)(yi)声"免",副(fu)末(mo)立起(qi),呈上(shang)(shang)戏(xi)(xi)单(dan)。忽(hu)然乒乓一(yi)(yi)声响,屋梁(liang)上(shang)(shang)掉(diao)(diao)(diao)下(xia)(xia)(xia)一(yi)(yi)件东(dong)西来(lai)(lai),不左不右,不上(shang)(shang)不下(xia)(xia)(xia),端端正正掉(diao)(diao)(diao)在(zai)燕(yan)窝碗(wan)(wan)(wan)里(li),将碗(wan)(wan)(wan)打翻(fan)。那热汤溅(jian)了(le)(le)(le)(le)副(fu)末(mo)一(yi)(yi)脸,碗(wan)(wan)(wan)里(li)的(de)菜泼(po)了(le)(le)(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)桌子(zi)(zi)。定(ding)睛看时,原来(lai)(lai)是一(yi)(yi)个老(lao)鼠从(cong)梁(liang)上(shang)(shang)走(zou)滑了(le)(le)(le)(le)脚,掉(diao)(diao)(diao)将下(xia)(xia)(xia)来(lai)(lai)。那老(lao)鼠掉(diao)(diao)(diao)在(zai)滚热的(de)汤里(li),吓了(le)(le)(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)惊,把(ba)碗(wan)(wan)(wan)跳翻(fan),爬(pa)起(qi)就从(cong)新郎官身上(shang)(shang)跳了(le)(le)(le)(le)下(xia)(xia)(xia)去,把(ba)簇新的(de)大(da)红(hong)缎补服(fu)都(dou)弄油了(le)(le)(le)(le)。众人(ren)都(dou)失了(le)(le)(le)(le)色,忙将这碗(wan)(wan)(wan)撤去,桌子(zi)(zi)打抹干净,又取一(yi)(yi)件圆(yuan)领与(yu)公(gong)孙换了(le)(le)(le)(le)。公(gong)孙再三谦让,不肯点戏(xi)(xi),商(shang)议了(le)(le)(le)(le)半日,点了(le)(le)(le)(le)"三代荣",副(fu)末(mo)领单(dan)下(xia)(xia)(xia)去。
须臾(yu),酒(jiu)过数巡,食(shi)供两(liang)套,厨(chu)下(xia)捧上(shang)汤(tang)(tang)来(lai)(lai)(lai)(lai)。那(nei)厨(chu)役(yi)雇的(de)是个乡(xiang)下(xia)小使,他(ta)(ta)(ta)趿了(le)(le)(le)一(yi)双(shuang)钉鞋,捧着(zhe)六碗(wan)粉(fen)(fen)(fen)汤(tang)(tang),站在(zai)丹墀里尖着(zhe)眼睛看(kan)(kan)戏。管家(jia)才掇了(le)(le)(le)四碗(wan)上(shang)去,还有两(liang)碗(wan)不(bu)曾(ceng)端,他(ta)(ta)(ta)捧着(zhe)看(kan)(kan)戏,看(kan)(kan)到戏场上(shang)小旦(dan)装出一(yi)个妓者,扭(niu)扭(niu)捏捏的(de)唱,他(ta)(ta)(ta)就看(kan)(kan)昏了(le)(le)(le),忘其(qi)所以然,只道粉(fen)(fen)(fen)汤(tang)(tang)碗(wan)已(yi)是端完了(le)(le)(le),把(ba)(ba)盘(pan)子向地下(xia)一(yi)掀,要倒那(nei)盘(pan)子里的(de)汤(tang)(tang)脚,却叮(ding)当一(yi)声(sheng)响,把(ba)(ba)两(liang)个碗(wan)和(he)粉(fen)(fen)(fen)汤(tang)(tang)都打碎(sui)在(zai)地下(xia)。他(ta)(ta)(ta)一(yi)时慌(huang)了(le)(le)(le),弯下(xia)腰去抓那(nei)粉(fen)(fen)(fen)汤(tang)(tang),又被两(liang)个狗争着(zhe),咂嘴弄舌的(de)来(lai)(lai)(lai)(lai)抢那(nei)地下(xia)的(de)粉(fen)(fen)(fen)汤(tang)(tang)吃。他(ta)(ta)(ta)怒从心(xin)上(shang)起,使尽平生气力(li),跷起一(yi)只脚来(lai)(lai)(lai)(lai)踢(ti)去,不(bu)想那(nei)狗倒不(bu)曾(ceng)踢(ti)着(zhe),力(li)太用猛了(le)(le)(le),把(ba)(ba)一(yi)只钉鞋踢(ti)脱了(le)(le)(le),踢(ti)起有丈把(ba)(ba)高。陈和(he)甫(fu)坐(zuo)在(zai)左(zuo)边的(de)第一(yi)席。席上(shang)上(shang)了(le)(le)(le)两(liang)盘(pan)点心(xin),一(yi)盘(pan)猪(zhu)肉心(xin)的(de)烧卖,一(yi)盘(pan)鹅(e)油白(bai)糖蒸的(de)饺儿,热供供摆(bai)在(zai)面前,又是一(yi)大深碗(wan)索粉(fen)(fen)(fen)八宝攒汤(tang)(tang),正待(dai)举起箸来(lai)(lai)(lai)(lai)到嘴,忽然席口一(yi)个乌(wu)黑(hei)的(de)东西的(de)溜(liu)溜(liu)的(de)滚了(le)(le)(le)来(lai)(lai)(lai)(lai),乒(ping)乓一(yi)声(sheng),把(ba)(ba)两(liang)盘(pan)点心(xin)打的(de)稀烂(lan)。陈和(he)甫(fu)吓了(le)(le)(le)一(yi)惊,慌(huang)立起来(lai)(lai)(lai)(lai),衣袖(xiu)又把(ba)(ba)粉(fen)(fen)(fen)汤(tang)(tang)碗(wan)招翻,泼了(le)(le)(le)一(yi)桌(zhuo)。满坐(zuo)上(shang)都觉(jue)得诧异。
鲁编修(xiu)自觉(jue)得(de)此事不(bu)(bu)甚吉(ji)利(li),懊恼了(le)一回,又不(bu)(bu)好说。随即悄(qiao)悄(qiao)叫(jiao)管家(jia)到跟前(qian)骂了(le)几句(ju),说:"你们都做(zuo)(zuo)甚么?却叫(jiao)这样人捧盘,可恶(e)之极!过了(le)喜事,一个(ge)个(ge)都要(yao)重(zhong)责(ze)!"乱着,戏子正本做(zuo)(zuo)完,众家(jia)人掌了(le)花烛,把蘧公孙送进新房。厅上众客换席看(kan)戏,直到天明(ming)才(cai)散。
次日,蘧(qu)公孙(sun)(sun)上(shang)厅(ting)谢亲,设席饮酒(jiu)。席终(zhong),归到新(xin)房(fang)里,重(zhong)新(xin)摆(bai)酒(jiu),夫妻(qi)举(ju)案齐眉,此时鲁小姐卸了浓(nong)装,换几伴雅淡衣服,蘧(qu)公孙(sun)(sun)举(ju)眼细音,真有(you)沉鱼(yu)落雁之(zhi)容,闭月羞花之(zhi)貌。三四个(ge)丫鬟(huan)养娘,轮流侍奉,又(you)有(you)两(liang)个(ge)贴身侍女(nv),一(yi)个(ge)叫做采苹,一(yi)个(ge)叫做双(shuang)红,都是袅娜(na)轻盈,十分(fen)(fen)颜色,此时蘧(qu)公孙(sun)(sun)恍如(ru)身游阁苑蓬莱,巫山(shan)洛浦。只因这一(yi)番(fan),有(you)分(fen)(fen)教:闺阁继家声(sheng),有(you)若名师之(zhi)教,草(cao)茅隐贤土,又(you)招好客之(zhi)踪。毕竟(jing)后事如(ru)何,且听下回分(fen)(fen)解(jie)。