Previously
前情
Last time, the bride search at Xixia ended: Xuzhu married the princess, Duan Yu came up out of the dry well with Wang Yuyan in his arms, Murong Fu got nothing at all, and left alone.
上回西夏招亲散场：虚竹娶了公主，段誉抱着王语嫣从枯井里爬上来，慕容复什么都没得着，一个人先走了。
Murong Fu did not go back to Gusu. He went south, faster than Duan Yu.
慕容复没有回姑苏。他往南去了，走得比段誉还急。
Chapter 1: The Drunken Bees
第一回 醉人蜂
Duan Yu went south after his father. With him were the three girls, Wang Yuyan, Mu Wanqing and Zhong Ling, and the two retainers Ba Tianshi and Zhu Danchen: six in all. The chase brought them to the sea of grass on the Yunnan marches.
段誉往南追父亲。身边是王语嫣、木婉清、钟灵三个姑娘，加上巴天石、朱丹臣两位家臣，一共六个人。一路追进了云南边上的草海。
The grass sea is a waste of tall grass, endless to the eye, thick with venomous insects, heavy with miasma. Night was coming, and they could not cross it; they must find shelter.
草海是一大片荒草甸子，一眼望不尽，毒蚊毒虫多，瘴气重。天色将黑，走不出去，得找地方过夜。
Zhong Ling pointed at a thread of smoke in the wood and cried that there was smoke.
钟灵指着林子里一股青烟叫：那边有烟！
Ba Tianshi looked and said it was no miasma but a cooking fire.
巴天石看了一眼，说那不是瘴气，是人家烧饭的烟。
Deep in the wood stood seven or eight plank huts with timber stacked about them: a woodcutters' camp.
林子深处有七八间木屋，堆着木料，是伐木人的住处。
They called; no one answered, and the smoke went on rising.
喊了几声，没人应。烟囱里的烟却一直冒。
There was one old woman in the hut, tending the fire.
屋里只有一个老婆婆，在灶下烧火。
She pointed at her ears, then at her mouth, and made a hoarse sound. Deaf and dumb.
她指指耳朵，又指指嘴，啊啊的叫。是个又聋又哑的。
So the party lodged there.
一行人就在木屋住下。
In the night came the strangeness.
夜里出了怪事。
The old woman lit the lamp, put it out, lit it again, and the click of flint and steel went on and on.
那婆婆一会儿点灯，一会儿熄灯，嗒嗒嗒的打火石响个不住。
Everyone felt for their own: all gone. Every one had been borrowed of her to strike a light, and dummies given back.
各人去摸自己的火石，全没了。都被那婆婆借去打过火，还回来的都是假的。
They went to find her; she was gone.
再去找那婆婆，人已经不见了。
No fire, then they would make one. Ba Tianshi took a blade in each hand and struck the spines together. A spark, another, a dozen, and at last the tinder caught.
没有火，就自己生火。巴天石两手各执一柄单刀，刀背相撞。铮的一声，火星四溅。十来下之后，纸媒终于着了。
Ba Tianshi walked the room and saw rush matting bound with straw rope round several of the posts. He remembered there was none when they came in.
巴天石在屋里转了一圈，看见几根柱子上包着草席，用草绳捆住。他记得刚进来时并没有。
He tore the matting away: couplets were carved on the posts, each missing a character.
扯开草席，柱上刻着对联，都缺字。
One pair read, "Spring ditch, water stirring, the camellia white," answered by "Summer valley, clouds rising, the lychee red." Another ran, "A green skirt and a face of jade, as though we had known each other; in the ninth month the camellias bloom all along the road."
一副是「春沟水动茶花白」，对「夏谷云生荔枝红」。另一副是「青裙玉面如相识，九月茶花满路开」。
Duan Yu put out his hand and filled them in. Where his finger went, the wood fell away in flakes.
段誉伸手就补。指力到处，木屑纷纷而落。
Out of the cuts came a heavy scent of flowers, sweet to faintness.
刻痕里透出一股极浓的花香，甜得发闷。
Zhu Danchen changed colour: this scent may be poison. Stop your noses.
朱丹臣忽然变色：不对，这香气只怕有毒。塞住口鼻。
They clapped hands over mouth and nose, but had breathed deep already. They waited: no dizziness, no nausea. They let their hands down.
众人忙掩住口鼻，可已经吸进去不少。等了半晌，也不头晕心恶，又慢慢放开手。
Then the humming began outside.
再过一会，外头响起了嗡嗡声。
First like distant thunder, then like a bellows at the ear.
先像远雷，后像有人在耳边拉风箱。
A small thing struck the plank wall. Then thump, thump, thump: countless things struck it.
拍的一声，一件细小的东西撞在板壁上。跟着拍拍拍拍，不知多少东西撞上来。
Bees! cried Zhong Ling. It is bees!
钟灵尖叫：蜜蜂！是蜜蜂！
Zhu Danchen wrapped his head in a torn sleeve, pulled the door open, and the swarm came in, tens of thousands of them.
朱丹臣撕下衣襟裹头，刚拉开门，成千成万只蜂冲进屋中。
They stung whatever they met.
见人就刺。
Ba Tianshi, Zhu Danchen, Duan Yu and Mu Wanqing beat them down by main force. The floor was deep in dead bees, and more came against the walls in waves.
巴天石、朱丹臣、段誉、木婉清运足功力扑打。屋里打死了一地，外头的还在一层层撞墙。
Duan Yu took Wang Yuyan in his arms and covered her head and face.
段誉把王语嫣抱在怀里，护住她的头脸。
A great stone struck the roof; two more came through it. The lamps went out.
屋顶砰的一声，一块大石砸下来。跟着又是两块，穿透屋顶，灯灭了。
In a little while all six were senseless.
再过片刻，六个人一齐晕了过去。
These were no wild bees. They were kept. Their stings carried a drug as well as venom.
这些蜂不是野蜂。是有人养的。尾针上除了蜂毒，还下了麻药。
Duan Yu had eaten the manna-frog and no common poison could touch him. But hundreds of stings at once brought even him down.
段誉吃过莽牯朱蛤，本来百毒不侵。可几百只蜂一齐刺下来，他也倒了。
Of the six he had the deepest store of force, and woke first.
六个人里他内力最厚，第一个醒。
He woke in blackness: hands bound, feet bound, a cloth over his eyes, a plug of hemp in his mouth.
醒来时漆黑一团。手被捆住，脚被捆住，眼睛蒙着黑布，嘴里塞着一颗麻核。
He reached for Wang Yuyan. His arm would not move, and she was not there.
他伸手想揽王语嫣。手臂动不了。王语嫣也不在怀里。
Chapter 2: In the Courtyard
第二回 院子里
Beyond a plank partition, someone was speaking.
隔着一重板壁，有人说话。
A woman's voice, sharp: I spent so much thought on catching the old dog of Dali, and you bring me the pup?
一个女子的声音，很厉：我花了这么多心思，要捉拿大理姓段的老狗，你怎么捉了这只小狗来？
An old voice: I did all as the young mistress bid me, and not a step wrong.
一个苍老的声音：婢子一切遵依小姐吩咐，没出半点差池。
Duan Yu knew that voice. It belonged to the deaf-mute old woman who had tended the fire.
段誉认得这个声音。就是木屋里那个又聋又哑的烧火老婆婆。
She was neither deaf nor dumb. The stolen flints, the lamp lit and put out and lit again: all of it had been her work.
原来她不聋，也不哑。骗走一屋人的火石，点了又熄、熄了又点，全是她的差事。
The old dog came south from Xixia by the great road through western Shu, said the woman. Why did he turn east of a sudden? The drugged wine we set out along the road was all drunk by this pup.
女子道：那老狗从西夏南下，沿大路经西川而来，为什么突然折而向东？咱们在途中安排的那些药酒，倒都教这小狗吃了。
Duan Yu understood: the old dog was his father, and the pup was himself.
段誉心里明白：老狗说的是父亲，小狗说的是自己。
The woman snorted: that slave Dao Baifeng is a woman of the Baiyi. Would she bear a son so clever? I will not believe it.
那女子哼了一声：刀白凤这贱婢是个蛮夷女子，她会生这样聪明的儿子？我说什么也不信。
Duan Yu burned to hear his mother insulted, but with the plug in his mouth he could not get out a word.
段誉听她辱及母亲，怒得脸都热了，可嘴里塞着麻核，一个字也吐不出。
It is so long ago, mistress, said the old woman. Why keep it in your heart? It was Master Duan who wronged you, not his son.
老妇劝道：小姐，事情过去这么久了，你何必还放在心上？对不起你的是段公子，又不是他儿子。
At the door a man's voice said clearly: Aunt, your nephew greets you.
这时门外有人朗声道：舅母，甥儿叩见。
The knot of doubt in Duan Yu's mind came loose all at once, and drew tighter again the next instant.
段誉心里那个疑团，一下子解开了；可随即又结得更紧。
It was Murong Fu. He called her aunt; so the woman beyond the partition was the Lady Wang of Manduo Manor at Gusu: Wang Yuyan's mother, and the mother-in-law Duan Yu hoped for.
是慕容复。他叫舅母，那么隔壁这位，就是姑苏曼陀山庄的王夫人——王语嫣的母亲，也是段誉将来的岳母。
Murong Fu was Lady Wang's nephew; Wang Yuyan was his cousin.
慕容复是王夫人的外甥，王语嫣是他的表妹。
Only this was not Gusu. The Lady Wang had long since bought this courtyard inside the borders of Dali, planted it thick with camellias, and kept it against the day Duan Zhengchun should come.
只是这里并不是姑苏。王夫人早在大理国境内置下这一所院子，前后种满茶花，专为等段正淳一人。
So it is you, said the Lady Wang coldly. Very good. You are about to be Emperor of Yan; you will be enthroned soon, I suppose.
王夫人冷冷道：是复官啊。好得很啊，你快做大燕国皇帝了，这就要登基了吧。
It was our ancestors' will, said Murong Fu. I have done nothing, running about the jianghu all these years, and I come to ask my aunt to point the way.
慕容复道：这是祖宗的遗志。甥儿无能，奔波江湖，至今没半点头绪，正要请舅母指点。
What has my surname Wang to do with your family's dream of empire? I forbade you the manor and forbade Yuyan to see you, precisely so we should not be tangled in it.
王夫人道：我姓王的，跟你慕容家的皇帝梦有什么干系？我不许你上曼陀山庄，不许语嫣跟你相见，就是为了怕跟你慕容家牵扯不清。
And then: where is Yuyan? Where did you take her?
她话锋一转：语嫣呢？你带她到哪里去了？
How should I know where she is? said Murong Fu. She has been with the young lord of Dali all along. They may be man and wife by now.
慕容复道：表妹到了哪里，我怎知道？她一直和大理段公子在一起，说不定两个人已经拜了天地，成了夫妻啦。
The Lady Wang brought her palm down on the table: what filth is this? Why did you not look after her, and let a young girl wander the jianghu alone? Have you no feeling for your own cousin?
王夫人砰的一掌拍在桌上：你放什么屁！你怎么不照顾她？让她一个年轻姑娘在江湖上胡乱行走？你竟不念半点表兄妹的情分？
In the next room Duan Yu's heart turned over.
段誉在隔室听得心惊。
It was not her anger that frightened him. He had understood a thing: the woman beyond the partition was Wang Yuyan's mother, and she had been his father's woman too.
他怕的不是王夫人发怒。他想明白了一件事：隔壁这位，既是王语嫣的母亲，也是父亲的旧情人。
He did not dare take the thought further. Half of it was enough to make a man cold at the heart.
他不敢往下想了。那件事只消想到一半，便已叫人从心里发冷。
Four maids came in, lifted Duan Yu, cords and all, and carried him from the side room into the hall.
四名侍婢进来，抬着段誉，连人带绳，从隔室抬到厅上。
Chapter 3: Sixteen Characters
第三回 十六个字
The hall was full.
厅上人不少。
Duan Zhengchun sat in the middle with Dao Baifeng. Both had been struck on the great points and could not move.
正中坐着段正淳和刀白凤，两个都被点了穴，动弹不得。
Beside them were Qin Hongmian, Gan Baobao and Ruan Xingzhu: all of them women Duan Zhengchun had loved.
旁边是秦红棉、甘宝宝、阮星竹，都是段正淳从前的女人。
An old man in a blue robe sat in a chair, his left hand on Duan Zhengchun's right shoulder.
一个青袍老者坐在椅上，左手搭着段正淳的右肩。
It was Duan Yanqing, chief of the Four Great Villains, whom the jianghu called All Evils Fulfilled.
是段延庆。「四大恶人」之首，江湖上叫他「恶贯满盈」。
When they carried him in, Dao Baifeng cried out her son's name and tried to rise, and the Lady Wang pushed her back into the chair.
段誉被横抬进来的时候，刀白凤叫了一声誉儿，要扑过来，被王夫人一掌推回椅里。
Duan Zhengchun smiled bitterly: A-Luo, what do you want with my Yu'er? He has done nothing to you.
段正淳苦笑：阿萝，你拿了我誉儿干什么？他又没得罪你。
The Lady Wang snorted and did not answer.
王夫人哼了一声，不答。
Murong Fu, afraid the old feeling would kindle again and spoil everything, spoke first: how has he not wronged my aunt? He seduced my cousin Yuyan and took her honour.
慕容复生怕王夫人旧情重燃，坏了大事，抢着开口：怎么没得罪我舅母？他勾引我表妹语嫣，玷污了她的清白。
Duan Zhengchun and the Lady Wang cried out together.
段正淳和王夫人同时惊呼。
Duan Zhengchun's face went white. He turned to the Lady Wang and asked low: a girl, and her name is Yuyan?
段正淳脸色惨白，转向王夫人，低声问：是个女孩，叫做语嫣？
That one question was what broke it open.
这一句出口，才是真的捅破了。
The Lady Wang's temper was violent at the best of times, and she had held it this long. Now it broke; she burst into tears and began kicking Duan Yu where he lay.
王夫人的脾气本来暴躁已极，此番已经忍了许久。这时忍不住了，哇的一声哭出来，伸足就往段誉身上乱踢。
She cursed as she kicked: you heartless, fickle man, you ruined me and then you ruined your own daughter! Yuyan, Yuyan: she is your own flesh!
一边踢一边骂：都是你这没良心的薄幸汉子，害了我不算，还害了你的亲生女儿！语嫣，语嫣，她可是你的亲骨肉！
Duan Yu lay on the floor, and the words fell on him like a club.
段誉躺在地上，这句话像一记闷棍。
He had been afraid of this. In the side room, hearing the Lady Wang and Murong Fu talk, he had gone cold with fear, and had not dared to finish the thought.
他早就隐隐怕这件事。在邻室听王夫人和慕容复说话的时候，他心里就发慌，只是不敢把那念头想清楚。
And now she had said it aloud before them all, and there was no room left for doubt. With Mu Wanqing it had happened once already.
此刻王夫人当众亲口说出来，哪里还容他怀疑。木婉清那一回，已经来过一次了。
Then the hall began to turn. A knot of breath stuck in his chest and would not move. His hands and feet went cold, and stiffened.
一会儿只觉得天旋地转。胸间一团气塞住了，冲不转。手足冰冷，渐渐僵硬。
This must be what my uncle calls the fire-deviation, he thought, in terror. The deeper the inner force, the worse it comes.
他心里大惊：这多半便是伯父所说的走火入魔。内功越是深厚，来势越凶险。
And then: if Yuyan is my sister, then all this love of mine comes to nothing. Better to let the fire take me, and turn to dust, and be free of an endless trouble.
随即他又转念：语嫣既是我同父妹子，我这场相思，终究归于泡影。还不如走火入魔，化身为尘为灰，也免了终身的无尽烦恼。
The Crocodile God saw his master on the floor.
南海鳄神看见了地上的师父。
He strode over and took hold of the hemp cord: he is my master, and that is a true thing, not a trick. How can you hurt him?
他大踏步过去，一把扯住牛筋：他是我师父，货真价实，又不是骗我的，怎么可以伤他？
He pulled, and one strand snapped.
用力一扯，牛筋断了一根。
Duan Yanqing had seen the Six Meridians Sword with his own eyes. On Mount Shaoshi it had driven Murong Fu nearly to cut his own throat.
段誉的六脉神剑，段延庆是亲眼见过的。少室山上，慕容复被逼得几乎自刎。
Let Duan Yu out of those cords, and not a man in that courtyard could stand against him.
段誉若脱了缚，这一院子人没有一个是他对手。
Duan Yanqing cried out, thrust, and drove his staff through the Crocodile God's back and out through his chest.
段延庆叫声不好，一杖刺出，直指南海鳄神后背。钢杖贯胸而出。
The Crocodile God turned his head, looked at Duan Yanqing, and his eyes were all a question. He did not understand why the eldest had killed him.
南海鳄神回过头来，看着段延庆，眼里全是疑问。他不懂老大为什么杀他。
Duan Yanqing drew the staff out. Old Four, said he, go and bury him. Let this be a lesson to those who will not hear their eldest.
段延庆抽出钢杖：老四，将他去葬了。这是不听老大之言的榜样。
Those who go with me flourish, said Duan Yanqing with a cold smile. Those who cross me die.
段延庆冷笑道：顺我者昌，逆我者亡。
He raised the staff and drove it down at Duan Yu's chest.
提起钢杖，往段誉胸口戳下去。
And a woman's voice said: Outside Tianlong Temple, beneath the bodhi tree, a beggar all in filth, and Guanyin with her long hair loose.
忽听得一个女子的声音：天龙寺外，菩提树下，化子邋遢，观音长发。
At the words "outside Tianlong Temple" the staff stopped in mid-air.
段延庆听到「天龙寺外」四个字，钢杖就停在半空。
When the four lines were done the staff was shaking, and it drew back inch by inch.
四句听完，那钢杖竟抖起来，一寸一寸缩了回去。
He turned his head and met Dao Baifeng's eyes.
他回过头，正对上刀白凤的眼睛。
His voice was almost gone. All he could say was Guanyin Bodhisattva.
嗓子哑得几乎不成声，只叫出一声观世音菩萨。
Dao Baifeng nodded and asked low: do you know whose child this is?
刀白凤点了点头，低声问：你可知这孩子是谁？
One moonlit night more than twenty years ago.
二十多年前的一个月圆之夜。
Duan Yanqing was not yet the worst villain under heaven. He was a wreck of a man: legs cut, face ruined, past speech.
段延庆那时候还不是「天下第一大恶人」。他是一个被砍断双腿、毁了容貌、连话都说不出的废人。
He had crawled to the gate of Tianlong Temple to beg Master Kurong for justice. The monk at the door, seeing a thing scarce a man, told him to wait outside.
他爬到天龙寺外，想求枯荣大师主持公道。知客僧看他不像人，让他在外头等。
He waited till the moon was at its height, and there came a woman all in white.
他等到月亮升到中天，等来一个白衣女子。
She put off her clothes beside him. Duan Yanqing believed he had met a bodhisattva.
那女子在他身边解了衣裳。段延庆当时以为遇上了菩萨。
He wrote seven words in the dust to ask her: are you Guanyin Bodhisattva?
他在泥地上写了七个字问她：你是观世音菩萨？
She nodded. Drops fell by the words, and he could not tell tears from the dew of the willow branch.
她点了点头。有几滴水珠落在字旁，他分不清是眼泪还是杨枝甘露。
Dao Baifeng slowly raised her hand and drew out her pin. Her black hair came down over her shoulders and across her face.
刀白凤缓缓抬手，拔下发簪。一头青丝散下来，垂在肩头，挂在脸前。
It was the shape of that night.
就是那一夜的形相。
Duan Yanqing would not yet believe it.
段延庆还是不肯信。
He reached over, freed her sealed points, then bent to look at Duan Yu's throat.
他伸手过去，先解了刀白凤被封的穴道，再俯身去看段誉的颈子。
There was a fine gold chain. He drew it out; a small gold tablet hung at its end.
颈上一条极细的金链。拉出来，链端挂着一块小金牌。
On one face, "A hundred years of life." He turned it: a line of small characters, born in the eleventh month of the guihai year, the second of Baoding.
一面刻着「长命百岁」。翻过来，一行小字：大理保定二年癸亥十一月廿三日生。
Duan Yanqing counted. In the second month of Baoding 2 he had been set upon, sorely hurt, and come to the gate of Tianlong Temple. The child was born in the eleventh.
段延庆心里一算。保定二年二月，他被人围攻，重伤，到了天龙寺外。这孩子是十一月生的。
Ten months.
十个月。
He had never in his life known the love of a woman, nor the joy of a house.
他一生没有过男女之情，没有过家室之乐。
And in that instant he knew that there was in the world a son of his own blood.
这一刻他忽然知道，世上有一个自己的亲生儿子。
His two staves fell, one after the other. Clang, and clang. He wanted to shout and leap.
两只钢杖先后落地。当的一声，又一声。他只想大叫大跳一场。
But he could not move.
可他动不了。
The Sweet Clear Wind was already in him.
「悲酥清风」已经进了他的身子。
That thud a moment past, at the door, had been Yun Zhonghe going down. Duan Yanqing had taken it for an accident, and reached out by force of will for his staff. It had not stirred.
刚才那一声咕咚，倒在门边的是云中鹤。段延庆当时只当是意外，还运虚劲去抓钢杖。抓了一下，钢杖纹丝不动。
He tried again: nothing. He drew breath, and the breath would not come.
再抓，还是不动。一提气，气也提不上来。
Murong Fu, said he mildly, we of the Duan house are no users of poison. You should have met me with the One Yang Finger.
他淡淡地问：慕容公子，我大理段氏不善用毒，你该当用「一阳指」对付我才是。
Murong Fu smiled: the prince is a hero of his generation, not a common man.
慕容复微笑道：段殿下一代英杰，岂同泛泛之辈？
This Sweet Clear Wind I had from Xixia, said he, and doctored it a little, taking out the part that stings the eyes to tears.
他接着说：在下这「悲酥清风」当年乃是取之西夏，只是略加添补，使之少了一种刺目流泪的气息。
The prince once served under the first rank hall of Xixia. To serve it to him now is no bad example of the Gusu Murong way: a man's own art, returned upon him.
段殿下曾隶籍西夏一品堂麾下。在下以「悲酥清风」相飨，却也不失姑苏慕容氏「以彼之道，还施彼身」的家风。
Duan Yanqing understood at once.
段延庆一听就明白了。
The men of Xixia's first rank hall had used this very drug to lay out the Beggars' Sect; and afterwards eight words had been written on a wall, naming Gusu Murong as the poisoner. It was long ago, and he had thought no more of it.
当年西夏一品堂用这药迷倒丐帮上下，后来墙壁上题着八个字，写明施毒的是姑苏慕容。这些事隔了多日，他早不放在心上。
Murong Fu had brought the drug. But how had it come into the room?
药是慕容复带来的。可药是怎么进到这间屋子里的？
He gave himself the answer: I was too glad, and forgot to watch.
他自己给了答案：是我欢喜过头，忘了提防。
He had seen the tablet, seen his son, and wanted only to shout and leap. That was when it had been done.
他见了那块金牌，见了儿子，一心只想着大叫大跳。药就在那时候下的。
He cursed himself for a careless man.
他在心里骂自己粗心。
In that courtyard two alone did not fall.
这一院里只有两个人没倒。
One was Murong Fu, who had sniffed the antidote beforehand. The other was Duan Yu, and no poison would take him.
一个是慕容复，他事先闻过解药。一个是段誉，他百毒不侵。
Duan Yu lay on the floor, worse off than any poisoned man there.
段誉倒在地上，比中毒的人还难受。
Chapter 4: Four Knocks of the Head
第四回 四个响头
Murong Fu had watched, and seen it plainly: at the sight of that tablet Duan Yanqing's whole face had changed.
慕容复在旁边看着，看得清楚：段延庆见了那块金牌，脸色全变了。
He did not know what was written on it.
他不知道那块牌上写着什么。
He knew only that the card in his hand might be worthless now.
他只知道，自己手里这张牌恐怕要作废。
He must speak before it went worthless.
他得抢在作废之前把话说完。
So he went over, bent both knees, knelt, and knocked his head on the ground four times: tong, tong, tong, tong.
于是他走过去，双膝一曲，跪倒，咚咚咚咚，磕了四个响头。
Everyone was struck dumb.
众人都愣住了。
He held every life in that courtyard. A deep bow would have honoured the man enough. Why kneel? Why knock his head?
他此刻控着全局，人人的生死都在他手里。就算敬段延庆是前辈，深深一揖也够了。何至于跪，何至于磕头。
Duan Yanqing was puzzled too, and his anger eased: they say that when a man bows low he wants something. I am hardly worth such courtesy.
段延庆也愣住了，气倒消了几分：常言道，礼下于人，必有所求。公子行此大礼，在下甚不敢当。
The prince knows my wish already, said Murong Fu.
慕容复道：在下的心愿，殿下早已知晓。
He paused: the prince has no son. I beg the prince to take me as his.
他停了一下：殿下并无子息，恳请殿下收我为义子。
At the words "the prince has no son," Duan Yanqing could not keep his eyes from Dao Baifeng.
段延庆听到「殿下并无子息」六个字，忍不住向刀白凤看了一眼。
Their eyes met, and in that instant a great deal was said.
两个人的目光一碰，那一瞬间说了千言万语。
Then you must take the surname Duan, said he lightly. And being Emperor of Dali, you must put away the thought of restoring Yan. The Murong line ends with you. Can you do all that?
他淡淡道：如此你却须改姓为段了？你做了大理国的皇帝，兴复燕国的念头更须收起。慕容氏从此无后。你可都做得到么？
What he thought was: the drug has me, and I must seem to consent. When it is out of me I shall kill him.
他心里想的是：我此刻身中迷药，只好勉强答允。毒性一解，立时杀了他。
Murong Fu was silent a while: a man who would do great things does not stop at small ones. If I am the prince's son, I am loyal to the Duan house and to nothing else.
慕容复沉吟半晌：成大事者不顾小节。既拜殿下为父，自当忠于段氏，一心不二。
Duan Yanqing laughed heartily, and there and then he said yes.
段延庆哈哈大笑，当场应了下来。
What he said next was true, and it was not about the man kneeling before him.
他说的是一句真话。可这句话里指的人，不是跪在他面前这一个。
"Most excellent, most excellent! I have wandered the jianghu all my life, with no wife and no son, and never thought to get a fine boy in my old age."
— Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, revised edition, chapter 48 「妙极，妙极！老夫浪荡江湖，无妻无子，不料竟于晚年得一佳儿」
——《天龙八部》（修订版·第四十八章） Two lines of tears ran down his cheeks; he bowed his head and put his palms together.
两行眼泪从颊上流下来，低下头，双手合十。
Of everyone in that courtyard, only Dao Baifeng understood him.
满院子的人，只有刀白凤听懂了这句话。
The rest took it that he had consented; the rest took it that the worst villain under heaven was weeping for joy.
别人都当段延庆答应了，都当这「天下第一大恶人」是喜极而泣。
Murong Fu said gladly: my father above me, your son knocks his head.
慕容复喜道：义父在上，孩儿磕头。
His knees bent, and he knelt again.
双膝一屈，又跪了下去。
Chapter 5: Not So, Not So
第五回 非也，非也
And the door opened then.
门就在这时开了。
A man strode in. Before he reached them, his voice was already in the room:
一个人大踏步进来。人还没到跟前，声音先进来了。
"Not so, not so! This must not be done!"
— Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, revised edition, chapter 48 「非也，非也！此举万万不可！」
——《天龙八部》（修订版·第四十八章） It was Bao Butong.
是包不同。
One of the four retainers of the Murong house. He had watched the young master grow up, and his tongue never spared a face.
慕容家四大家将之一。从小看着公子爷长大，一张嘴从不给人留面子。
Murong Fu rose, his face changing: what has Brother Bao to say?
慕容复站起来，脸色微变：包三哥有何话说？
The young master is of the royal blood of Murong of Great Yan, said Bao Butong. How can he take the surname Duan?
包不同道：公子爷是大燕国慕容氏堂堂皇裔，岂可改姓段氏？
If the great thing can be done, well; and if not, a man is still a decent man in the world's eyes.
他接着说：能成大事固然最好，若不成功，终究是世上堂堂正正的好汉子。
But for the young master to take this thing that is neither man nor ghost for a father: he may be emperor one day and still be shamed.
公子爷要是拜这个人不像人、鬼不像鬼的家伙做义父，就算将来做得成皇帝，也不光采。
There are matters you do not yet understand, Brother Bao, said Murong Fu, holding his temper. I shall explain them in time.
慕容复心里的火压着：包三哥，有许多事情，你一时未能明白，以后我自当慢慢分说。
Bao Butong shook his head: not so, not so!
包不同摇头：非也，非也！
The young master's purpose: I am a dull man, but I have guessed a part of it.
他把话挑破了：公子爷，你的用意，包不同虽蠢，也猜到一二。
You mean to do as Han Xin did, and bear the crawl between another man's legs for a season, against the day of your rise.
你是想学韩信，暂忍一时胯下之辱，以备他日的飞黄腾达。
Today take the name Duan; tomorrow, with power in hand, take back the name Murong, and perhaps turn the kingdom's style to Yan.
今日改姓段氏，日后掌到大权，再复姓慕容，甚至将大理的国号改为大燕。
But do that, and you are false to your lord, false to your father, false to men, false to friends. This emperor business: better let it alone.
他停了停，把最后一句说出来：可这么一来，却成了不忠、不孝、不仁、不义之徒。我说这皇帝嘛，不做也罢。
How am I false to lord, to father, to men, to friends? cried Murong Fu.
慕容复大声道：我又如何不忠、不孝、不仁、不义了？
Bao Butong counted them off. You lean on Dali and rebel after: that is false to your lord.
包不同一条一条数：你投靠大理，日后再行反叛，那是不忠。
You take Duan Yanqing for a father: be a son to the Duans and you are no son to the Murongs; be a son to the Murongs and you are none to the Duans.
你拜段延庆为父，孝于段氏，于慕容氏为不孝；孝于慕容氏，于段氏为不孝。
You will put the ministers of Dali to the sword: that is false to men.
你日后残杀大理群臣，是为不仁。
The sentence was not finished.
一句话没说完。
A soft thud, and a palm landed on his back.
波的一声，背心正中一掌。
Bao Butong had counted to "false to men." The fourth he never said. Murong Fu said it for him.
包不同数到「不仁」，第四项还没出口。这一句是慕容复替他补的。
"I sell a friend to buy my own advancement: that is to fail in righteousness."
— Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, revised edition, chapter 48 「我卖友求荣，是为不义。」
——《天龙八部》（修订版·第四十八章） Coldly said. But the words fell on Bao Butong, and they described the man who said them.
话说得冷。可这八个字落在包不同身上，说的却是慕容复自己。
The blow carried his full soft force, and fell on two points that kill.
这一掌使足了阴柔内劲，打在灵台、至阳两处大穴上。
Bao Butong spat out a mouthful of blood and fell dead.
包不同一口鲜血喷出来，倒地死了。
To the last he had not thought the hand would be the young master's.
他到死没有想到，下手的是自己从小扶持长大的公子爷。
Deng Baichuan, Gongye Qian and Feng Boe had stood at the door the whole while, listening.
邓百川、公冶乾、风波恶三个人站在门口，一直在听。
They thought Bao Butong had spoken out of measure, and that his reasoning was sound.
他们觉得包不同的话虽说过火，道理是正的。
Then Murong Fu struck, and all three came into the room at once.
忽见慕容复一掌打下去，三个人一齐冲进屋来。
Feng Boe took the body in his arms: Third Brother, Third Brother, what has happened to you?
风波恶抱住尸身叫：三哥，三哥，你怎么了？
Two lines of tears ran down Bao Butong's cheeks, and his breath had stopped. He had died of the grief of it.
包不同两行清泪从颊边流下来，鼻息已停。他是伤心到了极点才断的气。
Brother Bao always spoke bluntly, and you have known it since you were a boy, said Deng Baichuan. A word of reproof would have served. Why take his life?
邓百川朗声问：包三弟说话向喜顶撞，你从小便知。纵是言语无礼，公子略加责备也就是了，何以竟致取他性命？
He followed me many years; would I kill him for a few blunt words? But I gave myself in all sincerity to the prince as a son, and he came between father and son. How is that to be borne?
慕容复道：他跟随我多年，岂能为了几句顶撞便伤他性命？可我一片赤诚拜段殿下为父，他却来挑拨离间我父子的情谊，这如何容得？
In the young master's heart, said Feng Boe, is Bao Butong, who has gone through death with you these ten years, worth nothing against one Duan Yanqing?
风波恶大声道：在公子爷心中，十余年来跟着你出死入生的包不同，便万万及不上一个段延庆了？
Is the young master's mind made up past recall? asked Gongye Qian coldly.
公冶乾冷冷问：公子爷心意已决，再难挽回了？
It is, said Murong Fu.
慕容复道：不错。
The three looked at one another, and nodded together.
三个人你瞧瞧我，我瞧瞧你，一齐点了点头。
We four are not sworn brothers, said Deng Baichuan, but we pledged to live and die together, and we are as flesh and blood.
邓百川道：公子爷，我兄弟四人虽非结义，却是誓同生死，情若骨肉。
Does Brother Deng mean to avenge Brother Bao? said Murong Fu, his brows lifting. Come all three; I am not afraid.
慕容复长眉一挑：邓大哥要为包三哥报仇么？三位便是齐上，慕容复何惧？
Deng Baichuan sighed long: we have always been servants of the house of Murong. How should we raise a hand to the young master?
邓百川长叹一声：我们向来是慕容氏的家臣，如何敢冒犯公子爷？
We three can serve the young master no longer. A gentleman parts without a foul word. We wish the young master well of it.
他接着说：我们三人是不能再伺候公子了。君子绝交，不出恶声，但愿公子爷好自为之。
A gentleman parts without a foul word: even in leaving, he does not slander the man he leaves.
君子绝交，不出恶声，是说断交也不说对方的坏话。
"The ancients said it: where we fit, we stay; where we do not, we go."
— Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, revised edition, chapter 48 「古人言道：合则留，不合则去。」
——《天龙八部》（修订版·第四十八章） Then Murong Fu was anxious: my father dealt well by you three, and you promised him to help me with all your strength. To walk off now, is that not to break your word?
慕容复这才急了：当年家父待三位不错，三位亦曾答允家父，尽心竭力辅我。这么撒手一去，岂不是违背了昔日的诺言？
Better the young master had not named the old gentleman, said Deng Baichuan, his face grey.
邓百川脸色铁青：公子不提老先生的名字，倒也罢了。
To name him, and then to take another man for father and another name for your own: how does that answer to him?
提起老先生来，这等认他人为父、改姓叛国的行径，又如何对得住老先生？
We swore to help the young master restore Yan and make great the name of Murong. We did not swear to make great the house of Duan and the name of Dali.
我们确曾立誓辅佐公子兴复大燕、光大慕容氏之名，却决不是辅佐公子去兴旺大理、光大段氏的名头。
Murong Fu went white and green by turns, and had no answer.
慕容复脸上青一阵，白一阵，答不上来。
The three bowed to the ground together: we take our leave, young master!
三个人同时一揖到地：拜别公子！
Feng Boe took Bao Butong's body on his shoulder.
风波恶把包不同的尸身扛在肩上。
The three went out with long strides, and did not look back.
三个人出门大步而去，再不回头。
Of the four retainers, one was dead and three were gone.
四大家将，一死三走。
A man who means to restore a kingdom must have men about him.
一个人要复国，身边总得有人。
He had done away with the last of them.
他把最后几个也弄没了。
Murong Fu laughed drily and said to Duan Yanqing: my father sees it. These four were my household men, with me many years. And to be true to the Duan house I have killed one with my own hand and driven out three.
慕容复干笑几声，向段延庆道：义父明鉴，这四人是孩儿的家臣，随我多年。但孩儿为了忠于大理段氏，不惜亲手杀其一人，逐其三人。
I come to Dali alone. Let that show a heart without a second thought.
孩儿孤身而入大理，足见忠心不二，绝无异志。
Duan Yanqing nodded, and answered in four words:
段延庆点了点头，只答四个字。
"Good, good! Most excellent."
— Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, revised edition, chapter 48 「好，好！甚妙。」
——《天龙八部》（修订版·第四十八章） He said the four words lightly. But behind them lay a reckoning: of everything he had promised, he would not have to do a single thing.
这四个字说得很轻。可它背后是一笔账：他答应过的事，一条也不必做。
Chapter 6: A Sword
第六回 一柄剑
Murong Fu took a small porcelain bottle from his breast. It was the antidote.
慕容复从怀里取出一个小瓷瓶。这是解药。
Once given, Duan Yanqing would be free of the drug, and he would have nothing left to hold over the man.
递出去，段延庆的毒就解了，他手里就再没有可以挟制这个人的东西。
His hand stopped in the air. He changed his mind.
他的手停在半空。他改了主意。
The sword came out of its sheath with a hiss.
刷的一声，长剑出鞘。
My father, said he, your son's first service shall be to kill this Duan Yu, and put an end to Duan Zhengchun's line, so that he must needs leave the throne to my father.
他道：义父，孩儿第一件功劳，便是将段誉这小子先行杀了，以绝段正淳的后嗣，教他非将皇位传于义父不可。
The little bottle went back into his breast.
那个小瓷瓶，又塞回了怀里。
Duan Yu lay on the floor and heard every word.
段誉躺在地上，听得清清楚楚。
What he thought was: so Yuyan is my sister after all, and I have no wish to live. Kill me with that sword, and nothing could be better.
他心里想的却是：语嫣又变成了我的妹子，我早就不想活了。你一剑将我杀死，那是再好也没有。
He did not dodge, and did not plead. His mother gave a cry.
他不闪，也不求。母亲一声惨呼。
Your filial heart does you credit, said Duan Yanqing, but the boy is a pest, and has crossed me more than once.
段延庆开口了：孩儿，你孝心可嘉。但这小子太过可恶，多次得罪为父。
His uncle and the man he calls father took my throne and left me a cripple. Let me kill the boy with my own hand, and my anger will be eased.
他伯父、他父亲夺我皇位，害得我全身残废。为父亲手杀了这小贼，方泄我心头之恨。
Murong Fu said yes, and turned to hand the sword over.
慕容复应了一声是，转身要把剑递过去。
And then: I am a fool. My father's antidote first.
他心里一动：啊哟，该当先替义父解毒才是。
He sheathed the sword and brought the bottle out again.
剑还入鞘，那个小瓷瓶又取了出来。
And in that moment caught a look of satisfaction in Duan Yanqing's eye, as though the man were signalling to someone.
就在这时，他瞥见段延庆眼里有一点得意之色，像是正跟谁在使眼色。
He followed the look: Dao Baifeng. She nodded slightly, and her face held gratitude and joy.
顺着眼光看过去，是刀白凤。她微微点头，脸上是感激和喜悦。
Murong Fu's heart sank.
慕容复心里一沉。
He did not know what passed between them. He knew only that his wager had gone wrong, and that he must find another.
他不知道这两个人在打什么哑谜。他只知道，自己这一注押错了，得另押一注。
And the bottle stayed in his hand.
瓶子仍旧攥在手里。
Then the Lady Wang began to rail at him for courting his new father and forgetting his aunt.
恰好王夫人叫起来，骂他新拜了爹，就一心一意去讨好那个丑八怪，把舅母丢在一边。
Murong Fu heard her gladly.
慕容复一听，正中下怀。
He held the bottle to the Lady Wang's nose: his aunt first.
他把瓷瓶递到王夫人鼻端：先给舅母解毒。
She smelled a foul stench that turned her stomach, and the strength came back into her limbs.
王夫人闻到一股恶臭，冲鼻欲呕，四肢的劲力却渐渐回来了。
So the antidote passed into the Lady Wang's keeping, and Duan Yanqing's share was still owing.
解药就这么到了王夫人手上。段延庆那一份，还欠着。
He turned: Prince, you will be enthroned within the month, and within another month yield to the prince of Yanqing.
他转过头：镇南王，限你一个月内登基，再过一个月，便禅位于延庆太子。
My throne can go only to my son, said Duan Zhengchun coldly. I will yield it early if you like; to another man, never.
段正淳冷冷道：我的皇位只能传给我儿段誉。要我提早传位，倒是不妨；要传给旁人，却是万万不能。
Then I kill the boy first, said Murong Fu in a rage, and you may yield to his ghost!
慕容复怒道：好吧，我先将段誉这小子一剑杀了，你传位给他的鬼魂吧！
Kill my son, and do you think I shall be led by you? said Duan Zhengchun. Kill us all, then.
段正淳道：你杀了我儿子，难道我还甘心受你摆布？不妨将我们一伙人一起都杀了。
Duan Yanqing was anxious about something else.
段延庆心里急的是另一件事。
The man is stubborn, said he. If he kills himself our whole plan is smoke. Let the boy alone; he is in our hands and will not fly. Give me the antidote.
这人性子倔强，倘若他就此自尽，咱们的大计便归泡影。段誉这小子暂且不杀，既在咱们父子掌中，便不怕他飞上天去。你将解药给我再说。
Murong Fu said yes, and held the bottle the tighter.
慕容复应了一声，却把瓶子攥得更紧。
Murong Fu hesitated.
慕容复一时踌躇。
He thought of another way.
他想到另一条路。
The Lady Wang had told him: Duan Zhengchun will not bend to a threat. But his women he holds dearer than his own life.
王夫人曾经说过：段正淳性子刚强，决不屈服于威胁之下。可他对他的女人，看得比自己性命还重。
He set the point at Ruan Xingzhu's breast: one nod from the prince, and I loose you all. If you truly refuse, this sword must go in.
他把剑尖指到阮星竹胸口：镇南王，你点一点头，我立时替大伙儿解药。你若当真不允，我这一剑只好刺下去了。
Duan Zhengchun turned his face away.
段正淳侧过头去。
Murong Fu drew the words out: one, two. At three, the sword went into Ruan Xingzhu's breast with a hiss.
慕容复拖长了声音：一，二。三字出口，嗤的一声，长剑刺入阮星竹胸中。
Save her, quick! cried the Lady Wang. I never told you to kill her; it was only to frighten the heartless wretch.
王夫人叫起来：快，快救活她！我又没叫你真的杀她，只不过要吓吓这没良心的家伙而已。
Murong Fu shook his head: the feud is made in any case. One more or one less, what difference?
慕容复摇摇头：反正已经结下深仇，多杀一个少杀一个，有什么分别。
The point turned on Qin Hongmian: the jianghu calls you a man of feeling, Prince, and you will not speak one word to save her. One, two, three.
剑尖又指住秦红棉：镇南王，枉江湖上说你多情多义，你连一句救她性命的话也不肯说。一，二，三。
Qin Hongmian did not beg.
秦红棉死前没有讨饶。
A moment before, she had cursed the Lady Wang for the day she came to Gusu to kill her and failed. That was the last thing she said.
她方才还骂过王夫人：那日我带女儿到姑苏杀你，只恨没杀了。这一句骂完，人就没了。
Gan Baobao was white with fear, and held herself straight: I am the wife of Zhong Wanchou and have nothing to do with the Prince. I will not shame the name of Zhong of Wanqiu Valley.
甘宝宝已经吓得面无人色，还是硬撑着说：我是钟万仇的妻子，跟镇南王没有干系，没的玷辱了我万仇谷钟家的声名。
Murong Fu laughed coldly: who does not know that Duan Zhengchun takes all comers, maid, widow or another man's wife?
慕容复冷笑：谁不知段正淳兼收并蓄，闺女也好，孀妇也好，有夫之妇也好，一般的来者不拒。
A few sharp questions, and she was killed too.
几声喝问，把她也杀了。
Then the Lady Wang was afraid.
王夫人这才怕了。
She killed without blinking, but her own nephew had killed three in as many breaths, and her heart knocked in her chest.
她平素杀人不眨眼，可看着自己的外甥在顷刻之间连杀三人，一颗心突突乱跳。
A'luo, said Duan Zhengchun softly, of all the women in the world I love only you. My three women killed, what of it? So long as he does not touch you, I am easy.
段正淳忽然柔声道：阿萝，天下这许多女人之中，我便只爱你一个。你外甥杀了我三个相好，那有什么打紧？只须他不来伤你，我便放心了。
The words were very gentle. And they turned the Lady Wang cold with fear.
话说得极温柔。王夫人听在耳里，怕得浑身发冷。
She understood: Duan Zhengchun hated her to the bone, and meant to turn her nephew's sword on her.
她明白段正淳恨极了她，是要挑拨外甥来杀她。
Do not believe him, nephew, she cried.
她叫：好甥儿，你可莫信他的话。
Murong Fu half believed, and the point swung of itself to her breast. Blood from the blade fell drop by drop on her skirt.
慕容复将信将疑，剑尖却自然而然地指向了她胸口。剑上的血一滴一滴落在她衣襟下摆。
Do you hate me so, said the Lady Wang, her voice shaking, do you truly want me dead?
王夫人颤声道：段郎，段郎！难道你真的恨我入骨，想害死我吗？
Then Duan Zhengchun's heart softened, and he cursed her: you thief of a bawd, with lard for brains, to go mad over an old jealousy and bring three women I loved to their deaths!
段正淳心里一软，破口骂道：你这贼虔婆，猪油蒙了心，却去喝那陈年旧醋，害得我三个心爱的女人都死于非命！
Were my hands free I would cut you in ten thousand pieces. Murong Fu, drive the sword in!
我手足若得了自由，非将你千万万剐不可。慕容复，快一剑刺过去啊！
The harder he cursed, the less likely Murong Fu was to kill her.
他骂得越狠，慕容复越不会杀她。
The Lady Wang understood, and she was past reason.
王夫人心里明白，可她已经乱了。
The man she had thought of for a dozen years was before her; three bodies lay on the floor; a bloody sword was at her breast.
十几年朝思暮想的人忽然就在眼前，三具尸首横在地上，一柄血淋淋的长剑对着自己胸口。
Tears ran down her face: so many years apart, and at last we meet again. Will you not say one kind word? The daughter I bore you, Yuyan: have you seen her?
她泪珠滚滚而下：段郎，咱俩好容易盼得重见，你怎么一句好话也不对我说？我给你生的女儿语嫣，你见过她没有？
You killed three women I loved, said Duan Zhengchun harshly. I hate you to the marrow. Now I would gladly kick you and be eased.
段正淳厉声道：你害死了我三个心爱的女子，我恨你入骨。现下我更恨不得重重踢你几脚，方消心头之气。
A'lang, a'lang, she wept. And she threw herself forward onto the point.
王夫人泣道：段郎，段郎！突然向前一扑，往剑尖上撞了过去。
Murong Fu could not decide; he would have drawn the sword back, and would not. In that instant of doubt the sword went into her breast.
慕容复一时拿不定主意，想撤剑，又不想撤。就这么一迟疑，长剑已刺入王夫人胸膛。
He drew it out. The blood came from her in a jet.
他缩手拔剑。鲜血从她胸口直喷出来。
Do you hate me so much? she said, her voice shaking.
王夫人颤声道：段郎，你真的这般恨我么？
Duan Zhengchun saw that the wound was mortal and that she could not live, and two lines of tears ran down: A'luo, I cursed you to save your life.
段正淳眼见这一剑深中要害，她再难活命，两道眼泪流下来：阿萝，我这般骂你，是为了想救你性命。
I cannot say how glad I am that we have met again. How should I hate you? My heart toward you is as it was the day I gave you a manduo flower.
今日重会，我真是说不出的欢喜。我怎会恨你？我对你的心意，永如当年送你一朵曼陀花之日。
The Lady Wang smiled a little and said low: then that is well.
王夫人嘴角露出微笑，低声道：那就好了。
You promised that we should go to the cave in the Wuliang Mountains of Dali, where I lived with my mother as a child, and stay there, the two of us, and never come out. Do you remember?
她说：你曾答允我，咱俩将来要到大理无量山中，我小时候跟妈妈一起住过的山洞里去，从此在洞里双宿双飞，再也不出来。你还记得吗？
Of course I remember, said Duan Zhengchun. We shall go tomorrow, and look at your mother's jade statue.
段正淳道：我自然记得。咱们明儿就去，去瞧瞧你妈妈的玉像。
That will be good, she said, her face alight. There is a sword's shadow on the rock there, red and green, very beautiful. Look, look, do you see it?
王夫人满脸喜色：那真好。那块石壁上，有一把宝剑的影子，红红绿绿的，真好看。你瞧，你瞧，你见到吗？
Her voice sank, her head fell to one side, and she was dead.
声音渐说渐低，头一侧，死了。
Murong Fu turned the point slowly to Dao Baifeng: your women die for you one by one, Prince. Will you have your own wife die last?
慕容复把剑尖慢慢指向刀白凤胸口：镇南王，你心爱的女子一个个都为你而死，难道最后连你的原配王妃，你也要她死么？
Duan Yu lay on the floor and heard the names go by: Ruan Xingzhu, Qin Hongmian, Gan Baobao, the Lady Wang.
段誉躺在地上，耳边一个个名字过去：阮星竹、秦红棉、甘宝宝、王夫人。
And the words the Lady Wang had screamed in the hall still turned in his ear: she is your own flesh.
王夫人在厅上哭骂的那句话，还在他耳朵里转：她可是你的亲骨肉。
Yuyan was his sister. He had long since ceased to want to live.
语嫣是他的妹子。他早就不想活了。
And then Murong Fu said: I shall count to three. If you still refuse, your princess dies of your refusal.
可这时慕容复说了一句：我再数一，二，三。你如仍然不允，你的王妃可就给你害死了。
Something broke in Duan Yu's chest.
段誉心里轰的一声。
And he no longer wanted to die. He forgot the cords on him, forgot that his breath had gone astray, forgot that Yuyan was his sister. He remembered one thing: his mother was to die.
他忽然不想死了。他忘了身上还捆着牛筋，忘了自己走火入魔，忘了语嫣是妹子。他只记得一件事：妈妈要死。
His breath had been running in a wrong channel. In that panic he stopped attending to it, and of itself it went back to the right one.
内息本来岔在歧路上，这一急，反倒不去管它，自己归了正道。
He sprang up and drove his head at Murong Fu's belly.
他一跃而起，低头向慕容复小腹撞去。
The blow missed; his shoulder took the edge of the table. He wrenched, and the cords on his hands snapped.
这一撞没撞中，肩头重重撞在桌沿上。双手一挣，牛筋崩断。
Murong Fu cursed him and thrust.
慕容复骂了一声好小子，一剑刺来。
The cloth was still over his eyes and the plug was still in his mouth. He could not see where the man was, and his hands beat the air.
段誉眼上还蒙着黑布，嘴里还塞着麻核，看不见人在哪里，双手乱挥乱舞。
The sword took him in the shoulder. He jumped, in pain.
一剑刺中他肩头。他吃痛，纵身跃起。
The jump carried him ten feet; his head struck the beam with a bang.
这一跃高过一丈，脑袋砰的撞在屋梁上。
In the air he thought: I cannot see, and he can kill me and I cannot kill him.
他在半空里想：我眼睛看不见，只有他能杀我，我却不能杀他。
He kicked, and the cords on his feet parted.
脚上一挣，牛筋也断了。
Years before, in the mill, Murong Fu had come at him as a Xixia general named Li, thrust for thrust. He had lived through it by the Lingbo Stride.
那年在磨坊，慕容复假扮西夏的李将军，也是这么一剑一剑刺他。那一次他逃得了，靠的是凌波微步。
His left foot touched the floor; he stepped half a pace aside and turned his body. The sword went by his belly, a few inches clear.
左足一着地，斜跨半步，身子微侧。一剑从他肚子外平平掠过，相去不过数寸。
Murong Fu's sword came faster and faster, a green shimmer, a great green ball rolling about the hall.
慕容复一剑快似一剑，青光闪闪，一柄长剑使得像个大青球，在厅上滚来滚去。
Duan Yu went left and right inside that circle, leaning and lurching, and never lost a strip of his sleeve.
段誉在剑圈里左上右落，东歪西斜，衣带也没被削下一片。
Kill the boy, and be quick! cried Duan Yanqing hoarsely. If he pulls that cloth off, you and I are dead men.
段延庆在旁边看着，忽然哑着嗓子叫：孩儿，你快快将段誉这小子杀了！若是他将眼上的黑布拉去，只怕你我都要死在他手下！
Murong Fu started: are you mad? You have told him.
慕容复一怔，心想：你好糊涂，这是提醒他么？
And so it was. Duan Yu paused, and pulled the cloth away.
果然是一言惊醒梦中人。段誉一呆，伸手扯下黑布。
Light, and a sword coming at his face. He started, his feet went wrong, the sword took his left leg, and he fell.
眼前一亮，一柄长剑正刺向面门。他一惊，脚步乱了。嗤的一声，左腿中剑，摔倒在地。
Murong Fu drove the sword down.
慕容复大喜，挺剑刺落。
Duan Yu, on his side, answered with the Shaoze Sword.
段誉侧卧在地上，还了一剑「少泽剑」。
His leg was pouring blood, and the Six Meridians Sword came from him in full flood.
他腿上鲜血泉涌，六脉神剑却使得气势纵横。
In a few exchanges there was a ringing note: Murong Fu's sword left his hand, flew up, and stuck in the beam.
数招之间，铮的一声，慕容复长剑脱手，直飞上去，插进屋里的大梁。
Then the force took him in the shoulder.
跟着波的一声，他肩头中了剑气。
He knew that to stay was to die; he cried out, went through the window, and ran.
他知道再留片刻就是死，大叫一声，从窗子跳出去，飞奔而逃。
Duan Yu got up by the back of a chair: Mother, Father, are you hurt?
段誉扶着椅子站起来：妈，爹爹，没受伤吧？
He took the little bottle from the Lady Wang's hand, held it to his parents, and then, as his father directed, loosed the points that had been sealed.
他从王夫人手里取过小瓷瓶，先给父母闻了解药，又依父亲指点，解开两人被封的穴道。
Duan Zhengchun rose and pulled the sword down out of the beam.
段正淳站起来，从梁上拔下那柄长剑。
Four women's blood was on the blade. To each of them he had once promised to grow old.
剑锋上沾着四个女子的血。每一个都曾和他有过白头之约。
He turned to Dao Baifeng: I have wronged you, wife.
他回头向刀白凤道：夫人，我对你不起。
In my heart they were all as you were, every one of them my treasure. I loved them truly, and I love you as truly.
在我心中，这些女子和你一样，个个是我心肝宝贝。我爱她们是真，爱你也是一样的真诚。
Do not, cried Dao Baifeng, and flung herself at him.
刀白凤叫了一声「淳哥，你不可」，和身扑过去。
Too late. He had set the point to his own breast, over the heart, and driven it in.
迟了。段正淳已把剑尖插进自己胸膛，对准了心脏。
Dao Baifeng pulled the sword out and pressed her hand to the wound: a'lang, had you a thousand women, a thousand times ten thousand, I should love you the same.
刀白凤伸手拔出长剑，左手按住他的伤口：淳哥，你便有一千个、一万个女人，我也是一般爱你。
There were times I could not bear it and was angry with you. That is past. And that too was for love of you.
我有时心中想不开，生你的气。可是那是从前的事了，那也正是为了爱你。
The blade had reached his heart. He did not hear her.
剑到气绝。这些话，他已经听不见了。
Dao Baifeng turned the sword on herself.
刀白凤回过长剑，往自己胸口刺下。
And Duan Yu cried: Mother!
只听得段誉叫了一声：妈！
She faltered, the point went wide, and took her in the belly.
她一分心，剑尖偏了，刺进了小腹。
Duan Yu's legs were like vinegar; he could not stand, and came to her on his hands.
段誉两条腿像灌满了醋，站不起来，双手着地爬过去。
Your father and I are gone, she said. Look after yourself.
刀白凤道：孩儿，爹和妈都去了，你好好照料自己。
You cannot die, you cannot!
段誉哭道：妈，你不能死，不能死！
Be like your uncle, she said. Be a good emperor.
刀白凤道：你要学你伯父，做一个好皇帝。
Give me the antidote, said Duan Yanqing. I will save your mother.
忽听得段延庆道：快拿解药给我闻，我来救你母亲。
It was you, said Duan Yu in a rage, who took my father and brought him to this death. There is no quarrel deeper than ours.
段誉大怒：都是你这奸贼，捉了我爹爹来，害得他死于非命！我跟你有不共戴天之仇！
He caught up a staff from the floor and would have brought it down on Duan Yanqing's head.
他抓起地上的一根钢杖，就要往段延庆头上劈落。
No! she cried. You must not commit this sin. Put your head down; I will tell you.
刀白凤尖声叫道：不可！你不能犯这大罪！你俯下头来，我跟你说。
Duan Yu put his ear to her lips.
段誉把耳朵凑到她唇边。
And his mother said softly: my son, this Duan Yanqing is your true father.
只听得母亲轻轻说道：孩儿，这个段延庆，才是你真正的父亲。
Your father wronged me, and in my anger I did a thing that wronged him. And then you were born.
你爹爹对不起我，我在恼怒之下，也做了一件对不起他的事。后来便生了你。
Your father never knew. He always thought you were his. You are not.
你爹爹不知道，一直以为你是他的儿子。其实不是的。
You must never harm him; that would be the sin of killing your father.
你千万不能伤害他，否则便是犯这杀父的大罪。
Duan Yu held her and cried: Mother, Mother, it is not true, it is not true!
段誉抱着母亲，叫道：妈，妈，这不是真的，不是真的！
Her breath was going.
母亲的呼吸越来越弱。
Give me the antidote, said Duan Yanqing, and I will save her.
段延庆道：快给解药，我好救你妈。
Duan Yu had no thought to spare. He picked the bottle up off the floor and held it to the man's nose.
段誉哪里还顾得想别的，拾起地上的小瓷瓶，去给他闻了。
His strength came back; he caught up his staff and struck the points about the wound.
段延庆劲力一复，立刻抓起钢杖，嗤嗤几下点了伤口四周的穴道。
She shook her head: you must not touch me again.
刀白凤摇了摇头：你不能再碰一碰我的身子。
And to her son: there is more I must tell you.
她又转向儿子：孩儿，我还有话跟你说。
Duan Yu put his ear down again.
段誉又把耳朵凑过去。
This man and your father share the surname and the generation, she said, but they are no brothers.
刀白凤道：我这个人和你爹爹虽是同姓同辈，却算不得是什么兄弟。
Those daughters of your father's, Miss Wang, Miss Zhong: whichever you love, take. It is only brother and sister that may not marry.
你爹爹的那些女儿，什么王姑娘、钟姑娘，你爱哪一个便可娶哪个。只要不是亲兄妹就是了。
Tears ran down Duan Yu's face, and he had no thought for liking or not liking.
段誉泪水滚滚而下，哪里还想得喜欢不喜欢。
She sighed: my good boy. I am sorry I shall not see you in the dragon robe, on the throne, a good little emperor.
刀白凤叹了口气：乖孩子，可惜我没能亲眼见到你身穿龙袍，坐在皇帝的宝座上，做一个乖乖的小皇帝。
She pressed her hand on the hilt, and the blade went through her.
她伸手在剑柄上一按，剑刃透体而过。
Mother! cried Duan Yu.
段誉大叫：妈！
She closed her eyes slowly, and there was still a smile at the corner of her mouth.
她缓缓闭上眼睛，嘴角还带着笑。
Chapter 7: The Paper Crown
第七回 纸冠
Something numbed Duan Yu's back; then the points at his waist, his leg, his shoulder were struck.
段誉背上忽然一麻，跟着腰间、腿上、肩头几处大穴都被人点中。
A thin voice came into his ear: I am your father, Duan Yanqing. To spare the Prince of Zhennan's name I speak to you by thought-transmission. You heard what your mother said?
一个细细的声音钻进耳朵：我是你的父亲段延庆。为了顾全镇南王的颜面，我此刻是以「传音入密」之术与你说话。你母亲的话，你都听见了？
I heard nothing, I heard nothing! cried Duan Yu. I want only my own father and mother.
段誉叫道：我没听见，我没听见！我只要我自己的爹爹、妈妈。
Will you not own me? said Duan Yanqing in a rage.
段延庆大怒：难道你不认我？
I will not, I will not! I do not believe it!
段誉叫道：不认，不认！我不相信！
Your life is in my hand, and to kill you is nothing, said Duan Yanqing. And you are my son in truth. To deny your own father, is that not a great impiety?
段延庆道：此刻你性命在我手中，要杀你易如反掌。何况你确是我的儿子。你不认生身之父，岂非大大的不孝？
Duan Yu had no answer.
段誉答不上来。
He knew his mother had not lied. But for twenty years he had called Duan Zhengchun father, and the man had been kindness itself to him. How could he own a stranger?
他明知母亲的话不假，可二十多年叫段正淳做爹爹，那人待他一直慈爱有加，怎么忍心去认一个不相干的人做父？
And his parents' death could be laid at this man's door. To take his enemy for a father, that he could not do.
何况父母之死，可以说是被这个人害的。要他认仇为父，更是万万不能。
Kill me if you will, he said between his teeth. I will never own you.
他咬牙道：你要杀便杀，我可永远不会认你。
Duan Yanqing was angry, and disappointed.
段延庆又气又失望。
I have a son, he thought, and my son will not own me. Better to have none.
他心里想：我虽有儿子，但儿子不认我为父，怎如是没有儿子。
He raised the staff over Duan Yu's back.
他提起钢杖，往段誉背上戳下去。
The tip was at the cloth, and his heart failed him, and he sighed long.
杖端刚要碰到衣衫，他心里一软，一声长叹。
I have had a hard life, and there is no kin left to me in the world. I have a son at last. How can I kill him with my own hand?
我吃了一辈子苦，在这世上更无亲人。好容易有了个儿子，怎么又忍心亲手杀他？
If you will not kill me, why not do it quickly?
段誉叫道：你不杀我，为什么不快快下手？
Duan Yanqing struck open the points that held him and, still speaking by the voice sent through inner power, said one sentence:
段延庆拍开他被封的穴道，仍用传音入密，说了一句。
"I do not kill my own son!"
— Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, revised edition, chapter 48 「我不杀我自己的儿子！」
——《天龙八部》（修订版·第四十八章） Since you will not own me, use the Six Meridians Sword and kill me, and avenge Duan Zhengchun and your mother.
你既不认我，大可用六脉神剑来杀我，为段正淳和你母亲报仇。
He threw out his chest and waited.
他挺起胸膛，等着。
Duan Yu raised his hand, and let it fall. Let it fall, and raised it again.
段誉举起手，又放下。放下，又举起。
A man strikes when he strikes, said Duan Yanqing. What is there to fear?
段延庆道：男子汉大丈夫，要出手便出手，又有何惧？
Duan Yu set his teeth, drew back his hand, and said: my mother would not lie to me. I will not kill you.
段誉一咬牙，缩回了手：妈妈不会骗我，我不杀你。
Duan Yanqing laughed aloud for joy.
段延庆大喜，哈哈大笑。
He knew that his son had owned him after all.
他知道儿子终于是认了自己。
He set his two staves to the ground and went off, light as a leaf. He did not give one glance to Yun Zhonghe, senseless on the floor.
双杖点地，飘然而去。对晕倒在地的云中鹤，竟没看一眼。
He had wept a long while when seven or eight women appeared at the door.
哭到后来，门口来了七八个女子。
The two at their head were alike as two of a pair: Zhujian and Jujian, two of the four maids of the Vulture Palace.
领头两个长得一模一样，是虚竹手下灵鹫宫四姝里的竹剑和菊剑。
Our master knew the young lord would be in danger on the road, said Zhujian, and sent us to help. We came too late.
竹剑说：我家主人料到段公子途中会有危难，命我们赶来救援，不幸还是慢了一步。
Duan Yu asked, through tears, after Wang Yuyan.
段誉哭着问起王语嫣。
Jujian answered plainly: Miss Wang and the others were shut in a cellar. They are out, and unhurt.
菊剑答得干脆：王姑娘她们被关在地牢里，已经救出来了，安好无恙。
It was noon the next day before he saw them.
第二天午间，王语嫣等人才真正到跟前。
Wang Yuyan, Mu Wanqing and Zhong Ling, with Ba Tianshi and Zhu Danchen: five of them, stupid with the bee poison still.
王语嫣、木婉清、钟灵，加上巴天石、朱丹臣，五个人昏昏沉沉，连日来的蜂毒还没退。
They had not woken since the stings, and the women of the Vermilion Heaven division brought them in.
他们自被刺倒之后一直没有醒，是灵鹫宫朱天部诸女送来的。
Fan Hua, Hua Hegen and the others had the antidote and their sealed points loosed.
范骅、华赫艮几个人闻了解药，身上的穴道也解了。
Hua Hegen saw Yun Zhonghe still on the floor and cut him down in his anger. The fourth villain under heaven lost his head there.
华赫艮看见云中鹤还躺在地上，怒从心起，一刀砍下。天下第四恶人，就此身首分离。
Duan Yu became Emperor of Dali.
段誉在大理做了皇帝。
His uncle Duan Zhengming had taken vows at Tianlong Temple, and meant the throne to go to Duan Zhengchun. By the time the order reached him, Duan Zhengchun was dead in that courtyard. Of the Duan line of his generation only he was left.
伯父段正明在天龙寺出了家，本想传位给段正淳。旨意到时，段正淳已死在那一场变故里。段家这一辈，只剩他一个。
Duan Zhengming took off his yellow cap: his head had long been shaved, and twelve burns from the ordination incense stood on his crown.
段正明把黄缎便帽一摘，头上早已剃光，顶门上烧着十二点香疤。
Of this matter only you and Duan Yanqing know, said he. You need not have told me, and you told me all, and that speaks for you.
他说：此中缘由，世上唯你和段延庆二人得知。你原本不须向我禀明，但你竟然直言无隐，足见坦诚。
Your father and I have no sons. You are of the name Duan in any case; and were you not, I would still make you my heir.
我与你爹爹均无子嗣。别说你本就姓段，就算不是姓段，我也决意立你为嗣。
This throne was the prince of Yanqing's by right. I have sat in it these decades and been ashamed.
我这皇位，本来是延庆太子的。我窃居其位数十年，心中常自惭愧。
Later he came back to Dali from abroad.
后来有一次，他从外面回大理。
Almost at the capital, with the light going and Tianlong Temple still twenty miles off, the party stopped to rest.
将到京城，天色渐黑，离天龙寺还有六十余里，一行人找了个地方歇脚。
And a child's voice came out of the wood: Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I have bowed to you, why do you not give me sweets?
忽听得树林里有个孩子的声音叫：陛下，陛下，我已拜了你，怎么还不给我吃糖？
Everyone wondered: who here knows the emperor?
众人一听都奇怪：怎地有人认得陛下？
A voice in the wood said: you must say "ten thousand years to the Emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand," and then you shall have sweets.
林中有人说道：你们要说「愿吾皇万岁，万岁，万万岁」，才有糖吃。
The voice was very familiar.
这声音十分熟悉。
Duan Yu and Wang Yuyan started; they took each other's hand, stood behind a tree, and looked.
段誉和王语嫣吃了一惊，两个人手挽着手，隐身树后看过去。
Murong Fu sat on an earthen grave with a tall paper crown on his head, solemn as an emperor.
慕容复坐在一座土坟上头，头戴一顶高高的纸冠，神色俨然。
Seven or eight village children knelt before the grave, shouting and bowing: ten thousand years to the Emperor!
七八个乡下孩子跪在坟前乱叫乱拜：愿吾皇万岁，万岁，万万岁！
Some held out their hands: give me sweets, give me cakes!
有的伸出手来：给我糖，给我糕饼！
"Rise, my loyal ministers. Now that I have restored Great Yan and taken the great throne, every man shall have his reward."
— Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, revised edition, closing pages have his reward. 「众爱卿平身，朕既兴复大燕，身登大宝，人人皆有封赏。」
——《天龙八部》（修订版·全书结尾） A woman stood at the graveside with her head bowed.
坟边垂首站着一个女子。
It was A'bi.
是阿碧。
She wore pale green, and her bright face was worn and sorrowful.
她身穿浅绿衣衫，明艳的脸上颇有凄楚憔悴之色。
From a basket she took sweets and cakes and handed them round to the children.
她从一只篮子里取出糖果糕饼，分给众小儿。
"Good children, come again tomorrow, and there will be sweets again!"
— Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, revised edition, closing pages 「大家好乖，明天再来玩，又有糖果糕饼吃！」
——《天龙八部》（修订版·全书结尾） Her voice caught as she spoke, and the tears fell one by one into the bamboo basket.
说话之间呜咽起来，一滴一滴的眼泪落进了竹篮。
Wang Yuyan knew that her cousin's mind was gone and the dream of riches had him deeper than ever, and she was sad.
王语嫣知道表哥神智已乱，富贵梦越做越深，不禁凄然。
Duan Yu saw A'bi's face and was filled with pity; he wanted to call to her and take her and Murong Fu back to Dali and settle them well.
段誉看见阿碧的神情，怜惜之念大起，只想招呼她和慕容复回大理去，好好安顿。
And then he saw how she looked at Murong Fu.
可他又看见她瞧着慕容复的那种眼色。
There was no end of tenderness in it. And Murong Fu wore the look of a man whose every wish was granted.
那眼里柔情无限。而慕容复也是一副志得意满之态。
Duan Yu was brought up short.
段誉心里一凛。
"Each has his own lot. Murong and A'bi, as they are: I think them pitiable. Who knows but that in their own hearts they are content? Why should I meddle?"
— Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, revised edition, closing pages 「各有各的缘法，慕容兄与阿碧如此，我觉得他们可怜，其实他们心中，焉知不是心满意足？我又何必多事？」
——《天龙八部》（修订版·全书结尾） He tugged gently at Wang Yuyan's sleeve and made a sign.
他轻轻拉了拉王语嫣的衣袖，做了个手势。
And they all drew quietly away.
众人都悄悄退了开去。
Three men: and by this point each had his own end.
三个人，到这里各有各的下场。
Duan Yu was emperor. Xuzhu was a consort. Murong Fu wore a paper crown and sat on an earthen grave.
段誉做了皇帝。虚竹做了驸马。慕容复戴一顶纸冠，坐在一座土坟上。
And there was one more, who had done nothing at all. He had gone back to Liao.
还有一个人，什么也没有做。他回了大辽。
What waited for him there was an order to lead the army south.
等着他的，是一道要他领兵南下的旨意。
Murong Fu sat on the grave facing south, and his mouth went on and on.
慕容复在土坟上南面而坐，口中兀自喃喃不休。
To know what happened next, listen to the next instalment.
欲知后事如何，且听下回分解。