The headline of the first chapter is already a major roadblock:

第一回　甄士隐梦幻识通灵　贾雨村风尘怀闺秀

First Chapter / Act (第一回):

I identified 2 proper names:

• 甄士隐 Zhēnshìyǐn
• 贾雨村 Jiǎyǔcūn
  

So here is my try:

1. part: 甄士隐 has a dream/vision about the afterworld (?); in a vision he experiences / connects with the afterlife

2. part: 贾雨村 lives an ordinary life / life of a peasant (风尘) but dreams of / longs for (怀) the society ladies (闺秀 guīxiù)

Any other suggestions? If not I will continue with the actual story in the coming days - maybe it is easier than its title...

第一回: Chunk 12

While henning is on holiday I have managed to catch up, here is my effort with the next sentence.

此石听了,不觉打动凡心,也想要到人间去享一享这荣华富贵,但自恨粗蠢 ,不得已,便口吐人言,向那僧道说道:"大师,弟子蠢物,不能见礼了.

Translation:

This stone listened, unconsciously moved [its] mortal heart, and also wanted to enter the human world to enjoy this splendour and wealth, but hating its own crude, foolish [nature], had no alternative but to speak common human words, saying to the Buddhist and Daoist monks: Great Master[s], [this] disciple is a stupid thing, not able to show courtesy.

Breakdown:

此石听了 -> This stone listened

不觉打动凡心 -> unconsciously moved [its] mortal heart 
(凡心 could also mean wholedheartedly but I chose mortal heart because its suits the mystical theme of this section.)

也想要到人间去享一享这荣华富贵 -> also wanted to enter/go to the human world to enjoy this splendour and wealth

但自恨粗蠢 -> but hating its own crudeness/foolishness
(自恨粗蠢 may be a set expression meaning self-loathing etc.)

不得已 -> have no alternative

便口吐人言 -> to speak [informal/common/plain] human words
(This one is a bit difficult, it may be a set expression meaning to speak crudely or to have an uncultured manner of speech, any suggestions?)

向那僧道说道 -> saying to the Buddhist and Daoist monks

大师,弟子蠢物,不能见礼了 -> Great Master[s], [this] disciple is a stupid thing, not able to show courtesy.
(不能见礼 may also be a set phrase meaning uncultured and crude behaviour.)

I was confused by the next few sentences until I realised that the stone was still talking to the two masters. The stone seems to be talking about its unworthy qualities and praising the two masters, then asking them to take it into human society. Here are the next three sentences.

适闻二位谈那人世间荣耀繁华,心切慕之. 弟子质虽粗蠢,性却稍通,况见二师仙形道体,定非凡品,必有补天济世之材,利物济人之德. 如蒙发一点慈心,携带弟子得入红尘,在那富贵场中 , 温柔乡里受享几年,自当永佩洪恩,万劫不忘也.

Translation:

After hearing [you] two discussing the human worlds flourishing glory, [I] eagerly yearn for [this world]. [This] disciples nature, although unrefined, [its] character however [has] a little knowledge; besides, seeing the celestial form and substance of [you] two masters, [your] certain outstanding qualities, surely have the ability to repair heaven and aid the world, a virtue of benefit to the people. If [you] are able to provide a little kindness, carry [this] disciple into human society, [to] enjoy a few years at that wealthy and gentle place, [this disciple] would be eternally grateful and never forget [this kindness].

Breakdown:

适闻二位谈那人世间荣耀繁华,心切慕之. -> After hearing [you] two discussing the human worlds flourishing glory.

弟子质虽粗蠢,性却稍通 -> [This] disciples nature, although unrefined, [its] character however [has] a little knowledge;
(This is a "虽然....却...." clause, meaning "although....however....", but I am still not sure about the meaning of 稍通)

况见二师仙形道体, ->  besides, seeing the celestial form and substance of
[you] two masters

定非凡品, -> [your] certain outstanding qualities
(not sure about the meaning of this, just did a literal translation)

必有补天济世之材, -> surely have the ability/talent to aid heaven and earth.

利物济人之德. -> a virtue of benefit to the world and people

如蒙发一点慈心, -> if receiving a little kindness?
(not sure about this 蒙 and 发 here, they seem to have opposite meanings?)

携带弟子得入红尘 -> carry [this] disciple into the human world/society

在那富贵场中  -> at that wealthy and honourable place

温柔乡里受享几年 -> enjoy a few years in this gentle town/place

自当永佩洪恩 -> oneself would be eternally grateful
(literally: I would be forever hugely grateful?)

万劫不忘也 -> never forget.

The next part has a small difference between the online text and the printed copy I have. The online text has: 此亦静极怂级 and my book has: 此亦静极思动.  I will use the online text, as that is probably the version most of us are reading.

这石凡心已炽,那里听得进这话去,乃复苦求再四.二仙知不可强制,乃道:"此亦静极怂级*,无中生有之数也.既如此,我们便携你去受享受享,只是到不得意时,切莫后悔."

Translation:

This stones desires already ablaze, therein hearing these words, then resumed its miserable beseeching fourfold. The two masters knowing they could not compel [the stone], then sighed, saying:  This [stone should] be exceedingly calm, [we] will formulate a plan. In this way, we will take you to enjoy [the human world], only [if you] are not satisfied, be certain to have no regrets.

Breakdown:

这石凡心已炽 -> This stones desires already ablaze
(Or its heart aflame with desire etc.)

那里听得进这话去 ->  therein hearing these words
(This is a simple construction, but it is difficult to translate the exact meaning.)

乃复苦求再四 -> then resumed its miserable beseeching fourfold.
(复....再四 meaning to reduplicate some action a given number of times.)

二仙知不可强制,乃叹道: -> The two masters knowing they could not compel
[the stone], then sighed, saying:

此亦静极怂级,无中生有之数也 ->  This [stone should] be exceedingly calm, [we] will formulate a plan.
(Another difficult phrase, the lack of pronouns is confusing, so I just guessed the meaning.)

既如此,我们便携你去受享受享 -> In this way, we will take you to enjoy [the human world]
(既如此 could also mean: Thus; Since; Now that; ...)

只是到不得意时,切莫后悔 -> only [if you] are not satisfied, be certain to have no regrets
(Or perhaps: only if [the world] is not pleasing [to you]....)

Finally I can get back to more important things! Here is the next section:

后来, 又不知过了几世几劫,因有个空空道人访道求仙,忽从这大荒山无稽崖青 埂峰下经过,忽见一大块石上字迹分明,编述历历.空空道人乃从头一看,原来就是无 材补天,幻形入世,蒙茫茫大士,渺渺真人携入红尘,历尽离合悲欢炎凉世态的一段故事.

Afterwards, again not knowing how many generations or how many kalpas had passed, a Daoist of the Great Void seeking the path of immortality, suddenly passed below the Qing Geng peak of Wu Ji cliffs on Mount Da Huang, and encountered a great stone with clear writing upon it, narrating a great story. The Daoist of the Great Void read from beginning to end, it was of course [that stone], being unsuitable for the repair of heaven and had magically been taken into the human world by the Great Scholar of the Unconscious Vastness and the Pure Man of Vague Infinity, it was a story of experience and suffering, seperation and reunion, and the sorrow and joys of the world.

后来, 又不知过了几世几劫,因有个空空道人访道求仙 -> Afterwards, again not knowing how many generations or how many kalpas had passed, a (空空道人) Daoist of the Great Void seeking the path of immortality.
(几劫 just use the sanskrit "Kalpa", its suits the mystical tone, 访道求仙 could also be searching for The Way and seeking immortality.)

忽从这大荒山无稽崖青埂峰下经过 -> suddenly passed below the Qing Geng peak of Wu Ji cliffs on Mount Da Huang.

忽见一大块石上字迹分明,编述历历 -> and encountered a great stone with clear writing upon it, narrating a great story. (Not sure about this 历历, my dictionary defines it as meaning clear or distinct.)

空空道人乃从头一看,原来就是无材补天, -> The Daoist of the Great Void read from beginning to end, it was of course [that stone], being unsuitable for the repair of heaven.
(原来就是, always a bit difficult to translate into english, literally means: Originally just is....)

幻形入世,蒙茫茫大士,渺渺真人携入红尘 -> and had magically been taken into the human world by the (蒙茫茫大士) Great Scholar of the Unconscious Vastness and the (渺渺真人) Great Man of Vague Infinity.
(Not sure about the great scholars names here, but they are pretty cool anyway.)

历尽离合悲欢炎凉世态的一段故事. -> it was a story of experience and suffering, seperation and reunion, sorrow and joys of the world.
(Or perhaps it is more correctly: the vicissitudes of the world.)

后面又有一首偈云:

无材可去补苍天,枉入红尘若许年.
此系身前身后事,倩谁记去作奇传?

诗后便是此石坠落之乡,投胎之处,亲自经历的一段陈迹故事.其中家庭闺阁琐事,以及闲情诗词倒还全备,或可适趣解闷,然朝代年纪,地舆邦国,却反失落无考.

The back [of the stone] again has a Buddhist verse saying:

"Having no ability to go to repair heaven, to no avail [I] have entered the world for so many years. This series of life and death matters, who can I ask to go to compose an astonishing story."

After the poem was [written] a historical story of the place that this stone was dropped, the place of its reincarnation and [its] personal experiences. Among them was [written] the trivial affairs of the boudoir as well as the leisurely poetry, all complete in every way, some very amusing and diverting, however the dynasty, age and nation were lost and could not be checked.

Breakdown:

后面又有一首偈云: -> The back [of the stone] again has a (偈)Buddhist verse saying:
(偈: ji4, a buddhist chant or hymn.)

无材可去补苍天,枉入红尘若许年. -> Having no ability to go to repair heaven, (枉) to no avail [I] have entered the world for (若许年) so many years.

(若许年, could also mean: seemingly many years.)

此系身前身后事,倩谁记去作奇传? -> This series of (身前身后) life and death matters, (倩谁) who can I ask to go to compose an (奇传) astonishing story.

诗后便是此石坠落之乡,投胎之处,亲自经历的一段陈迹故事. -> After the poem was [written] a historical story of the (坠落之乡) place that this stone was dropped, the (投胎之处) place of its reincarnation and [its] (亲自经历) personal experiences.

其中家庭闺阁琐事,以及闲情诗词倒还全备,-> Among them was [written] the (琐事) trivial affairs of the (家庭闺阁) family boudoir as well as the (闲情诗词) leisurely poetry, (倒还全备) all complete in every way.

(闺阁: literally, womens pavilion or apartments; 倒还全备: could mean "unexpectedly complete in every possible way".)

或可适趣解闷,然朝代年纪,地舆邦国,却反失落无考.-> some very amusing and diverting, however the (朝代) dynasty, (年纪) age and (地舆邦国) nation were lost and could (无考) not be checked.

(地舆邦国: region and nation?; 却反: on the contrary or unexpectedly?)

This next section is brilliant, but a bit difficult to understand unless you know the historical context of the novel and author. The part about the imperial court/government seems to be a statement concerning the structure/content of classical literature of the time, as 红楼梦 was different from the typical literature in that period. Much literature of that time are stories about imperial or noble persons of great virtue who performed selfless acts of heroism etc, and rarely describe ordinary people and their lives.

空空道人遂向石头说道: "石兄,你这一段故事,据你自己说有些趣味,故编写在此,意欲问世传奇.据我看来,第一件,无朝代年纪可考,第二件,并无大贤大忠理朝廷治风俗的善政, 其中只不过几个异样女子,或情或痴,或小才微善,亦无班姑,蔡女之德能.我纵抄去,恐世人不爱看呢."

The Daoist of the Great Void,  thereupon said to the stone: "Brother stone, your story according to what yourself have said, has some interest, and therefore has been written here, with the intention that it will become a published legend.According to me it seems, firstly, there is no dynasty or year that can be checked, secondly, there is no [mention] of good government by persons of great virtue and loyalty who managed the imperial court and social customs.

It only has a few unusual woman, some passionate and infatuated, some with small talents and virtues, also there is no orderly form, [only] the virtues and abilities of wild woman. Even if I go to copy [this story], I fear that the common people will not like to read it.

Breakdown:

空空道人遂向石头说道: -> The Daoist of the Great Void, (遂) thereupon said to the stone:

石兄,你这一段故事,据你自己说有些趣味 -> "Brother stone, your story according to what yourself have said, has some interest,

故编写在此,意欲问世传奇 -> and (故) therefore has been written here, with the (意欲) intention that it will become a (问世) published (传奇) legend.

据我看来,第一件,无朝代年纪可考 -> (据我看来) According to me it seems, firstly, there is no dynasty or year that can be checked

第二件,并无大贤大忠理朝廷治风俗的善政 -> secondly, there is no [mention] of good government by persons of (大贤大忠) great virtue and loyalty who (理) managed the (朝廷治风俗) imperial court and social customs.

其中只不过几个异样女子 -> It contains only a few (异样) unusual woman

或情或痴,或小才微善, 亦无班姑, 蔡女之德能. -> (或情或痴) some passionate and infatuated, (或小才微善) some with small talents and virtues, (亦无班姑) also there is no orderly form, [only] (蔡女之德能) the virtues and abilities of wild woman.

(This part is rather difficult, had to guess the meanings of 亦无班姑 and 蔡女之德能, so they are probably incorrect.)

我纵抄去,恐世人不爱看呢. -> (纵) Even if I go to (抄) copy [this story], I fear that the (世人) common people will not like to read it.

Here is the last part of the stones speech, explaining why the story should be published even though it defies the literary conventions of the time, basically the story is not meant to be a great work of literature, only a light entertainment for ordinary people.

至若离合悲欢,兴衰际遇,则又追踪蹑迹,不敢稍加穿凿,徒为供人之目而反失其真传者.今之人,贫者日为衣食所累,富者又怀不足之心,纵然一时稍闲, 又有贪淫恋色,好货寻愁之事,那里去有工夫看那理治之书?所以我这一段故事, 也不愿世人称奇道妙, 也不定要世人喜悦检读,只愿他们当那醉淫饱卧之时,或避世去愁之际,把此一玩,岂不省了些寿命筋力?就比那谋虚逐妄,却也省了口舌是非之害 ,腿脚奔忙之苦.再者,亦令世人换新眼目,不比那些胡牵乱扯,忽离忽遇,满纸才人淑女,子建文君红娘小玉等通共熟套之旧稿.我师意为何如?"

As for [this story of] separation and union, sorrow and joy, rise and decline, good and bad fortune, [I] have followed and traced it carefully, not daring to add even a little exaggeration, only to provide people with this item and prevent the loss of this true story.

People of today, the impoverished who toil daily for food and clothing, the wealthy who's hearts constantly yearn for more, even if momentarily a little idle, constantly have an insatiable desire for love and sex, these quite idiotic and troublesome matters, [who therefore] can go and have the effort to read this rational type of book.

Therefore, with this story, [I] neither wish for ordinary people to praise with astonishment and say how ingenious [this story is], nor [am i] certain that ordinary people will enjoy reading [this story], [i] only hope that when they lie intoxicated, or wish to escape the worries of the world, with this [story they can] amuse themselves, and certainly recover a little strength.
 

Compared to [those stories] seeking after fabrications, [this story] however can reduce the harmful disputes and bitter rushing about. Moreover, also ordinary people today want to turn over to some new vision, unlike those few reckless and negligent [stories], filled with [such] talented men and gentle women, ZiJian, WenJun, HongNiang, XiaoYu etc, [these] all together familiar conventions of past manuscripts.

My master, what do you think?

Breakdown:

至若离合悲欢,兴衰际遇,则又追踪蹑迹, -> (至若) As for [this story of] (离合) separation and union, (悲欢) sorrow and joy, (兴衰) rise and decline, (际遇) good and bad fortune, [I] have (则) followed and (追踪蹑迹) traced it carefully.(则又追踪蹑迹: this may be a set phrase meaning to accurately reproduce text etc.)

不敢稍加穿凿,徒为供人之目而反失其真传者. -> not daring to add even a little (穿凿) exaggeration, (徒) only to provide people with this item and prevent the loss of this true story.

今之人,贫者日为衣食所累,富者又怀不足之心,纵然一时稍闲, -> People of today, the (贫者) impoverished who toil daily for food and clothing, the (富者) wealthy who's hearts constantly yearn for more, (纵然) even if (一时) momentarily a (稍闲) little idle,

又有贪淫恋色,好货寻愁之事,那里去有工夫看那理治之书? -> constantly have an (贪淫恋色) insatiable desire for love and sex, [these] (好货寻愁之事) quite idiotic and troublesome matters, [who therefore] can go and have the (工夫) effort to read this (理治) rational type of book.

(贪淫恋色: numerous possibilities for this part, i will not list them all here; 寻愁之事: literally, seek worry matter; )

所以我这一段故事, 也不愿世人称奇道妙, 也不定要世人喜悦检读, -> Therefore, with this story, [I] neither wish for ordinary people to (称奇道妙) praise with astonishment and say how ingenious [this story is], nor [am i] certain that ordinary people will (喜悦检读) enjoy reading [this story],

只愿他们当那醉淫饱卧之时,或避世去愁之际,把此一玩,岂不省了些寿命筋力? -> [i] (只愿) only hope that (醉淫饱卧) when they lie intoxicated, or (避世去愁之际) when they wish to escape the worries of the world, with this amusement, [they can] certainly recover a little (寿命筋力) life and strength.

就比那谋虚逐妄,却也省了口舌是非之害 ,腿脚奔忙之苦. -> Compared to [those stories] (谋虚逐妄) seeking after fabrications, [this story] however can reduce the 口(舌是非之害) harmful disputes and (腿脚奔忙之苦) bitter rushing about.

(口舌是非 ,腿脚奔忙: these look like 成语, but I cannot find the exact meanings.)

再者,亦令世人换新眼目,不比那些胡牵乱扯,忽离忽遇,满纸才人淑 女,子建文君红娘小玉等通共熟套之旧稿. ->  Moreover, also ordinary people today [want to] (换新眼目) turn over to some new vision, unlike those few (胡牵乱扯) reckless and (忽离忽遇) negligent [stories], (满纸) pages filled with[such] (才人淑女) talented men and gentle women, (子建文君红娘小玉??) ZiJian, WenJun, HongNiang, XiaoYu etc, [these] all together familiar conventions of past manuscripts.

(胡牵乱扯,忽离忽遇: these look like more 成语, but again I cannot find the exact meanings; 子建文君红娘小玉: famous historical or fictional characters?.)

我师意为何如?" -> My master, what do you think?

This next paragraph describes the response by the Daoist of the Great Void, and is the final part the the introduction. The master copies the story and changes the title, the story is later revised and edited several times, then a poem is added.

空空道人听如此说, 思忖半晌,将<<石头记>>再检阅一遍,因见上面虽有些指奸责佞贬恶诛邪之语,亦非伤时骂世之旨,及至君仁臣良父慈子孝,凡伦常所关之处,皆是称功颂德, 眷眷无穷,实非别书之可比.虽其中大旨谈情,亦不过实录其事,又非假拟妄称, 一味淫邀艳约,私订偷盟之可比.因毫不干涉时世,方从头至尾抄录回来,问世传奇.从此空空道人因空见色,由色生情,传情入色,自色悟空,遂易名为情僧,改<< 石头记>>为<<情僧录>>.东鲁孔梅溪则题曰<<风月宝鉴>>.后因曹雪芹于悼红轩中披阅十载,增删五次,纂成目录,分出章回,则题曰<<金陵十二钗>>.并题一绝云:

　　满纸荒唐言,一把辛酸泪!
　　都云作者痴,谁解其中味?

The Daoist of the Great Void having listened to this speech, said, [i] have pondered this for half a day, with this <<Story of the Stone>> [i have] once again reviewed,  seeing that the aforementioned [story], although relying on some intentionally offensive, reproachful and flattering, censorious and wicked, punishable and heretical words, also has no purpose to harm the times or abuse the world, up to the Emperor [it shows] great filial piety, at every place the feudal order of relationships are all praised as meritorious and extolled as virtuous, [its] tenderness has no bounds, [its] accuracy is incomparable with other books.

Although within the main theme is love and romance, it is also only a factual record of these matters, again [it] cannot be compared [with those stories of] false conjectures and absurd narratives, [those] blindly wanton invitations and gaudy meetings, [those] illicit agreements and stealthy alliances.

Due to to [it] not at all interfering with this world and time, [in this] way [i will] from beginning to end copy and return, [to] publish this legend. Henceforth the Daoist of the Great Void, from the basis of the void seeing beauty, because of beauty was born love, expressing love entered beauty, from beauty awakened the void, thereupon changed his name to Love Monk, and changed [the title of the story from] <<Story of the Stone>> to <<Record of the Love Monk>>.

Kong Mei Xi of Dong Lu again changed the title to <<Precious Mirror of Romance>>. Afterwards, Cao Xue Qin at the Dao Hong House reviewed [the story] ten times and revised it five times, compiled a table of contents, divided it into chapters, and changed the title to <<Twelve Women of Jin Ling>>. Incorporating the verse:

Pages full of absurd words, a handful of bitter tears!
All say the author is mad, who can understand the flavour within?

Breakdown:

空空道人听如此说, 思忖半晌,将<<石头记>>再检阅一遍, ->
The Daoist of the Great Void having listened to this speech, said, [i] (思忖半) have pondered this for half a day, with this <<Story of the Stone>> [i have] (再检阅一遍) once again reviewed,  

因见上面虽有些指奸责佞贬恶诛邪之语,亦非伤时骂世之旨, ->
(因见) seeing that the (上面) aforementioned [story], although relying on some (指奸) intentionally offensive, (责佞) reproachful and flattering, (贬恶) censorious and wicked, (诛邪) punishable and heretical words, also has no (旨) purpose to (伤时骂世) harm the times or abuse the world,

及至君仁臣良父慈子孝,凡伦常所关之处,皆是称功颂德, ->
(及至) up to the (君仁臣) Emperor [it shows] great (父慈子孝) filial piety, at every place the (伦常) feudal order of relationships are all (称功) praised as meritorious and (颂德) extolled as virtuous,

(凡.......之处: every ..... place; 伦常所关: the government and social principles at this time were largely based on Confucianism, a philosophy that emphasises selfless filial piety.)

眷眷无穷,实非别书之可比. ->
[its] (眷眷) tenderness has (无穷) no bounds, [its] accuracy is (可比) incomparable with other books.

虽其中大旨谈情,亦不过实录其事, ->
Although within the (大旨) main theme is (谈情) love and romance, it is also only a (实录) factual record of these matters,

又非假拟妄称, 一味淫邀艳约,私订偷盟之可比. ->
again [it] cannot be compared [with those stories of] (假拟) false conjectures and (妄称) absurd narratives, [those] (一味) blindly (淫邀) wanton invitations and (艳约) gaudy meetings, [those] (私订) illicit agreements and (偷盟) stealthy alliances.

(非....可比: cannot......compare.)

因毫不干涉时世,方从头至尾抄录回来,问世传奇. ->
Due to [it] (毫不) not at all (干涉) interfering with this world and time, [in this] way [i will] (从头至尾) from beginning to end (抄录) copy and return, [to] (问世传奇) publish this legend.

从此空空道人因空见色,由色生情,传情入色,自色悟空,遂易名为情僧, ->
Henceforth the Daoist of the Great Void, from the (因空见色) basis of the void seeing beauty, (由色生情) because of beauty was born love, (传情入色) expressing love entered beauty, (自色悟空) from beauty awakened the void, (遂) thereupon (易) changed his name to Love Monk,

(In other words, the Daoist had a transcendent experience.)

改<< 石头记>>为<<情僧录>>. ->
and changed [the title of the story from] <<Story of the Stone>> to <<Record of the Love Monk>>.

(情: could also be the Sentimental Monk or Affectionate Monk etc.)

东鲁孔梅溪则题曰<<风月宝鉴>>. ->
(孔梅溪) Kong Mei Xi of (东鲁) Dong Lu after this changed the title to <<Precious Mirror of Romance>>.

(风月: matters concerning love.)
 
后因曹雪芹于悼红轩中披阅十载,增删五次,纂成目录,分出章回, ->
Afterwards, Cao Xue Qin at the (悼红轩) Dao Hong House (披阅) perused [the story] ten times and (增删) revised it five times, (纂成目录) compiled a table of contents, (分出章回) divided it into chapters,

则题曰<<金陵十二钗>>.并题一绝云: ->
and again changed the title to <<Twelve Women of Jin Ling>>. (并题) Incorporating (一绝云) a verse:

满纸荒唐言,一把辛酸泪! 都云作者痴,谁解其中味? ->
Pages full of (荒唐) absurd words, a handful of (辛酸泪) bitter tears!All say the author is (痴) mad, who can (解) understand the (味) flavour within?

(痴: silly, idiotic, crazy)

Now the story begins by describing the person in the chapter title, 甄士隐, his family and the place he lives.　　

出则既明,且看石上是何故事.按那石上书云:
　　
当日地陷东南, 这东南一隅有处曰姑苏,有城曰阊门者,最是红尘中一二等富贵风流之地. 这阊门外有个十里街,街内有个仁清巷,巷内有个古庙,因地方窄狭,人皆呼作葫芦庙.庙旁住著一家乡宦,姓甄,名费,字士隐.嫡妻封氏,情性贤淑,深明礼义. 家中虽不甚富贵,然本地便也推他为望族了.因这甄士隐禀性恬淡,不以功名为念,每日只以观花修竹, 酌酒吟诗为乐,倒是神仙一流人品.只是一件不足:如今年已半百, 膝下无儿,只有一女,乳名唤作英莲,年方三岁.

Now the origin [of this story] has been made clear, [we] will see what story is [written] on the stone. According to what the book on that stone says:

At that time in the lands of southeast China, in an outlying part of the southeast there is a place called Gu Su, in that place is a city called Chang Men, in the world it is one of the most wealthy and honourable, distinguished and admired of places. This Chang Men in addition, has a street [called] Shi Li Jie, within this street there is a Ren Qing Lane, within the lane is an ancient temple, because this place is very narrow, everybody calls it the Gourd Temple. Beside the temple lives a county official, with the family name Zhen and the given name Fei, and sometimes called Shi Yin. [His] wife's family name is Feng, [her] character is affectionate, virtuous and fair, profoundly intelligent, courteous and righteous.

[This] family, although not very wealthy, was in this locality often praised as distinguished. Because this Zhen Shi Yin's natural disposition was indifferent to fame or fortune, [he] did not study for scholarly honours or official rank, and every day only found pleasure in watching flowers and growing bamboo, drinking wine and reciting poetry, conversely [he has the] moral qualities of a celestial being. [He] only has one inadequacy: Now, already 50 years old, below [his] knees there is no son, only having one daughter, her infant name called Ying Lian, just 3 years of age.

Breakdown:

出则既明,且看石上是何故事.按那石上书云: ->
So the (出则) origin [of this story] is (既明) complete and clear, [we] will see what story is [written] on the stone. (按) According to what the book on that stone says:

(出则既明: may be a set phrase meaning to complete an introduction etc.)　

当日地陷东南, 这东南一隅有处曰姑苏,有城曰阊门者,最是红尘中一二等富贵风流之地. ->
(当日) At that time in the (地陷) lands of (东南) southeast China, in an (一隅) outlying part of the southeast there is a place called (姑苏) Gu Su, in that place is a city called (阊门) Chang Men, in the world it is (一二等) one of the most (富贵) wealthy and honourable, (风流) distinguished and admired of places.

这阊门外有个十里街,街内有个仁清巷,巷内有个古庙,因地方窄狭,人皆呼作葫芦庙. ->
This Chang Men in addition, has a street [called] (十里街) Shi Li Jie, within this street there is a (仁清巷) Ren Qing Lane, within the lane is an (古庙) ancient temple, because this place is (窄狭) very narrow, (人皆) everybody calls it the (葫芦庙) Gourd Temple.

庙旁住著一家乡宦,姓甄,名费,字士隐.嫡妻封氏,情性贤淑,深明礼义. ->
Beside the temple lives a (乡宦) county official, with the family name (甄) Zhen and the given name (费) Fei, and sometimes called (士隐) Shi Yin. [His] wife's family name is (封) Feng, [her] (情性贤淑) character is affectionate, virtuous and fair, (深明礼义) profoundly intelligent, courteous and righteous.

(甄费 -> 字 -> 甄士隐.)

家中虽不甚富贵,然本地便也推他为望族了. ->
[This] family, although not very (富贵) wealthy, in this locality it is often praised as (望族) distinguished.

因这甄士隐禀性恬淡,不以功名为念,每日只以观花修竹, 酌酒吟诗为乐,倒是神仙一流人品. ->
Because this (甄士隐) Zhen Shi Yin's (禀性) natural disposition is (恬淡) indifferent to fame or fortune, [he] did not study for (功名) scholarly honours or official rank, and every day only found pleasure in (观花修竹) watching flowers and growing bamboo, (酌酒吟诗) drinking wine and reciting poetry, (倒是) conversely [he has the] (一流) first class (人品) moral qualities of a (神仙) celestial being.

(以....为....: grammar used twice in this sentence, can be a bit confusing if you mix them up;  观花修竹: looking after/arranging flowers and bamboo? 神仙一流人品: the qualities of a celestial being?)

只是一件不足:如今年已半百, 膝下无儿,只有一女,乳名唤作英莲,年方三岁. ->
[He] only has one inadequacy: Now, already 50 years old, below [his] knees there is no son, only having one daughter, her (乳名) infant name (唤作) called (英莲) Ying Lian, just 3 years of age.

一日,炎夏永昼,士隐于书房闲坐,至手倦抛书,伏几少憩,不觉朦胧睡去.梦至一处,不辨是何地方.忽见那厢来了一僧一道,且行且谈.只听道人问道:"你携了这蠢物 ,意欲何往?"那僧笑道:"你放心,如今现有一段风流公案正该了结,这一干风流冤家, 尚未投胎入世. 趁此机会,就将此蠢物夹带于中,使他去经历经历." 那道人道:"原来近日风流冤孽又将造劫历世去不成? 但不知落于何方何处?"

One scorching hot and never ending day, Shi Yin was sitting idly in his study, until a book dropped from his tired hand, [he] lay prostrate on the table for a little rest, [then] unconsciously fell into a dim sleep. [He] dreamt of a place, [but] was not able to differentiate where [this] place was. Suddenly [he] saw from that side a Buddhist and a Daoist coming, talking as they walked along. [He] only heard the Daoist ask: Where do you wish to carry this stupid thing?

That Buddhist, smiling, replied: You [should] relax, now [i] currently have a romantic and complicated case [that] rightly must be concluded. This affair of romantic predestined love has not yet incarnated and entered the world. [i will] take advantage of this opportunity, to secretly take this stupid thing amidst [this circumstance], and enable it to [have] some experiences.

That Daoist said: As of recently [this] romantic predestined relationship also has not been created and forced to pass through it's course in the world? [You] still do not know at what locality or place this [affair] will settle?

Breakdown:

一日,炎夏永昼,士隐于书房闲坐,至手倦抛书,伏几少憩,不觉朦胧睡去. ->
One (炎夏永昼) scorching hot and never ending day, Shi Yin was (闲坐) sitting idly in his study, (至) until a book (抛) dropped from his (手倦) tired hand, [he] (伏) lay prostrate on the (几) table for a (少憩) little rest, [then] (不觉) unconsciously fell into a (朦胧睡) dim sleep. 

(伏几少憩: lay prostrate for a few moments rest?)

梦至一处,不辨是何地方.忽见那厢来了一僧一道,且行且谈. ->
[He] (梦至一处) dreamt of a place, [but] was (不辨是何地方) not able to differentiate where the place was. (忽见) Suddenly [he] saw from (那厢) that side a Buddhist and a Daoist coming, (且行且谈) talking as they walked along.

只听道人问道:"你携了这蠢物 ,意欲何往?" ->
[He] only heard the Daoist ask: Where do you (意欲) wish to (携) carry this (蠢物) stupid thing?

那僧笑道:"你放心,如今现有一段风流公案正该了结,这一干风流冤家, 尚未投胎入世. ->
That Buddhist, smiling, replied: You [should] relax, now [i] currently have a (风流) romantic and (公案) complicated case [that] (正该) rightly must be concluded. This affair of (风流冤家) romantic predestined love has (尚未) not yet (投胎) incarnated and entered the world.

(冤家: enemy, foe, one's destined love.)

趁此机会,就将此蠢物夹带于中,使他去经历经历."  ->
[i will] (趁) take advantage of this opportunity, to (夹带) secretly take this stupid thing amidst [this circumstance], and (使) enable it to [have] some experiences.

那道人道:"原来近日风流冤孽又将造劫历世去不成? 但不知落于何方何处?" ->
That Daoist said: As of recently [this] romantic (冤孽) predestined relationship also has (造...不成) not been created and (劫) forced to (历世去) pass through it's course in the world? [You] still do not know at (何方何处) what locality or place this [affair] will (落) settle?

(冤孽: sin, enemy, rancour, predestined relationship; 造...不成: some process or action that is incomplete?)

In the next part 甄士隐 is still listening to the two masters in his dream. The masters are having a very unusual discussion...

那僧笑道:"此事说来好笑,竟是千古未闻的罕事.只因西方灵河岸上三生石畔,有绛珠草一株,时有赤瑕宫神瑛侍者, 日以甘露灌溉,这绛珠草始得久延岁月.后来既受天地精华,复得雨露滋养, 遂得脱却草胎木质,得换人形,仅修成个女体,终日游于离恨天外,饥则食蜜青果为膳 , 渴则饮灌愁海水为汤.只因尚未酬报灌溉之德,故其五内便郁结著一段缠绵不尽之意.恰近日这神瑛侍者凡心偶炽,乘此昌明太平朝世,意欲下凡造历幻缘,已在警幻仙子案前挂了号.警幻亦曾问及,灌溉之情未偿,趁此倒可了结的.那绛珠仙子道:`他是甘露之惠,我并无此水可还.他既下世为人,我也去下世为人,但把我一生所有的眼泪还他, 也偿还得过他了.'因此一事,就勾出多少风流冤家来,陪他们去了结此案."

That buddhist monk smiled saying: This matter is quite laughable, actually it is a rare story, unheard of throughout the ages. This is because on the western bank of the Ling River beside the San Sheng Stone, there is a stem of Crimson Pearl Grass, at this time a Shen Ying Attendant of the Red Jade Palace, daily would use sweet dew to water [the plant], [and] this Crimson Pearl Grass was able to grow for many long years.

Afterwards, as well as receiving the essence of heaven and earth, [the grass] again obtained the nourishment of rain and dew, [then] satisfied [it] cast off its grass and wood substance, and began to change into human form, thus creating a female body, [and spent] all day wandering around outside Li Hen Heaven, when hungry for food ate meals of Mi Qing fruit, when thirsty for water drank the Guan Chou seawater.

Only because [she] had still not repaid the favour of irrigation [with sweet dew], consequently [she had] a lingering, inexhaustible desire completely pent up within.

Just recently this Shen Ying Attendant, worldly desires occasionally burning, [to] travel to this flourishing and peaceful imperial world, desiring to descend to the mortal world to experience [a] magical predestined relationship, already at the Jing Huan Celestial Maiden's desk front [had] registered its name.

The Jing Huan Celestial Maiden had already formerly examined [this matter of the] favour of irrigation having not yet been repaid, [so] took advantage of this to reverse and rightly conclude [this matter].

That Crimson Pearl Fairy said: He is the benefactor of the sweet dew, [and] I still have not correctly repaid this water. Now that he [will] descend to the world as a person, I also [will] go down to the world as a person, only with the tears of my whole life return to him, [and] also repay him gratefully.

Consequently in relation to this matter, a number of romantic lovers were brought together, to help them go to finish this case.

Breakdown:

那僧笑道:"此事说来好笑,竟是千古未闻的罕事. ->
That buddhist monk smiled saying: This matter is quite laughable, (竟) actually it is a (罕事) rare story, (未闻) unheard of (千古) throughout the ages.

只因西方灵河岸上三生石畔,有绛珠草一株,时有赤瑕宫神瑛侍者, 日以甘露灌溉,这绛珠草始得久延岁月. ->
This is because on the (西方) western (岸) bank of the (灵河) Ling River (畔) beside the (三生石) San Sheng Stone, there is a (一株) stem of (绛珠草) Crimson Pearl Grass, at this time a (神瑛侍者) Shen Ying Attendant of the (赤瑕宫) Red Jade Palace, daily would use (甘露) sweet dew to (灌溉) water [the plant], [and] this Crimson Pearl Grass was able to (始得) grow for (久延岁月) many long years.

后来既受天地精华,复得雨露滋养, 遂得脱却草胎木质,得换人形,仅修成个女体,终日游于离恨天外,饥则食蜜青果为膳 , 渴则饮灌愁海水为汤. ->
Afterwards, (既受) as well as receiving the (天地精华) essence of heaven and earth, [the grass] (复得) again obtained the (雨露滋养) nourishment of rain and dew, [then] (遂得) satisfied [it] (脱却) cast off its (草胎木质) grass and wood substance, and (得换人形) began to change into human form, (仅修成) thus creating a (女体) female body, [and spent] (终日) all day wandering around outside (离恨天) Li Hen Heaven, when (饥则食) hungry for food ate meals of (蜜青果) Mi Qing fruit, when (渴则饮) thirsty for water drank the (灌愁海水) Guan Chou seawater.

只因尚未酬报灌溉之德,故其五内便郁结著一段缠绵不尽之意. ->
Only because [she] had (尚未) still not (酬报) repaid the favour of (灌溉) irrigation [with sweet dew], (故) consequently [she had] a (缠绵) lingering, (不尽) inexhaustible (意) desire completely (郁结著) pent up (五内便) within.
 
(五内便郁结: literally, knotted viscera?)

恰近日这神瑛侍者凡心偶炽,乘此昌明太平朝世,意欲下凡造历幻缘,已在警幻仙子案前挂了号. ->
Just recently this Shen Ying Attendant, (凡心偶炽) worldly desires occasionally burning, [to] (乘) travel to this (昌明太平) flourishing and peaceful (朝世) imperial world, (意欲) desiring to (下凡) descend to the mortal world to (造历) experience [a] (幻缘) magical predestined relationship, already at the (警幻仙子) Jing Huan Celestial Maiden's (案) desk front [had] (挂了号) registered [its] name.

警幻亦曾问及,灌溉之情未偿,趁此倒可了结的. ->
The Jing Huan Celestial Maiden had (亦曾) already formerly examined [this matter of the] (情) favour of (灌溉) irrigation having not yet been repaid, [so] (趁) took advantage of this to (倒) reverse and (可) rightly (了结) conclude [this matter].

那绛珠仙子道:`他是甘露之惠,我并无此水可还. ->
That Crimson Pearl Fairy said: He is the (惠) benefactor of the sweet dew, [and] I still have not (可还) correctly repaid this water.

他既下世为人,我也去下世为人,但把我一生所有的眼泪还他, 也偿还得过他了.' ->

(既) Now that he [will] descend to the world as a person, I also [will] go down to the world as a person, only with (所有) all the (眼泪) tears of my (一生) whole life return to him, [and] also (偿还得过)repay him gratefully.
 

因此一事,就勾出多少风流冤家来,陪他们去了结此案." ->
(因此) Consequently in (一事) relation to this matter, a (多少) number of (风流冤家) romantic lovers were (勾) brought together, to (陪) help them go to finish (此案) this case.

那道人道: "果是罕闻.实未闻有还泪之说.想来这一段故事,比历来风月事故更加琐碎细腻了."那僧道:"历来几个风流人物,不过传其大概以及诗词篇章而已,至家庭闺阁中一饮一食,总未述记.再者,大半风月故事,不过偷香窃玉,暗约私奔而已,并不曾将儿女之真情发泄一二.想这一干人入世,其情痴色鬼,贤愚不肖者,悉与前人传述不同矣. "那道人道:"趁此何不你我也去下世度脱几个,岂不是一场功德?"那僧道:"正合吾意,你且同我到警幻仙子宫中,将蠢物交割清楚,待这一干风流孽鬼下世已完,你我再去.如今虽已有一半落尘,然犹未全集."道人道:"既如此,便随你去来."

That Daoist said: [This] indeed is a rare story. [i] really have not heard [of this] talk of repaying tears. Presumably this story, compared to romantic incidents throughout the ages [is] even more fine and exquisite. That Buddhist said: Throughout the ages a few distinguished characters, however only passed on a general outline along with their poetic words and writings, of the daily life within the household boudoir, there is always no narrative record.
 

Moreover, more than half of romantic stories, only indulge in illicit relations with women, secret meetings and elopement, not once expressing the true sentiments between men and women. Consider [that] this group of people entering the world, infatuated and lewd, virtuous and unworthy, [are] indeed entirely different to [those] predecessors narratives. That Daoist said: Why don't you and I take advantage of this to go down to the world and free a few of them, how can that not be a meritorious service?

That Buddhist said: Exactly my idea, you along with myself [shall] go to the palace of the goddess Jing Huan, with this stupid thing complete a clear transaction, [then] take this group of romantic sinners down to the world then complet [this matter], you and I will once again go. Now, although already half have descended to the world, [this] scheme is still not complete. That Daoist said: Now it is so, [i] will go with you.

Breakdown:

那道人道: "果是罕闻.实未闻有还泪之说.想来这一段故事,比历来风月事故更加琐碎细腻了." ->
That Daoist said: [This] (果) indeed is a (罕闻) rare story. [i] really have not heard [of this] talk of (还泪) repaying tears. (想来) Presumably this story, compared to (风月事故) romantic incidents (历来) throughout the ages [is] even more (琐碎细腻) fine and exquisite.

那僧道:"历来几个风流人物,不过传其大概以及诗词篇章而已,至家庭闺阁中一饮一食,总未述记. ->
That Buddhist said: Throughout the ages a few (风流人物) distinguished characters, however only passed on their (大概) general outline along with their (诗词) poetic words and (篇章) writings, of the (一饮一食) daily life within the household boudoir, there is always no (述记) narrative record.

(一饮一食: drinking and eating, food and drink?)

再者,大半风月故事,不过偷香窃玉,暗约私奔而已,并不曾将儿女之真情发泄一二. ->
Moreover, (大半) more than half of (风月故事) romantic stories, only (偷香窃玉) indulge in illicit relations with women, (暗约私奔) secret meetings and elopement, not once expressing the (真情) true sentiments between (儿女) men and women. 

(偷香窃玉: a 成语, stealing fragrance and pilfering jade; 暗约私奔: another 成语?; 并不曾...一二: emphatically not once?; 不过....而已: merely...only; however...only;)

想这一干人入世,其情痴色鬼,贤愚不肖者,悉与前人传述不同矣." ->
Consider [that] (这一干) this group of (人入世) people entering the world, (情痴色鬼) infatuated and lewd, (贤愚不肖) virtuous and unworthy, [are] indeed (悉) entirely different to [those] (前人) predecessors (传述) narratives.

那道人道:"趁此何不你我也去下世度脱几个,岂不是一场功德?" ->
That Daoist said: (何不) Why don't you and I take (趁此) advantage of this to go down to the world and (度脱) release a few of them, (岂不是) how can that not be a (功德) meritorious service?

(度脱: release, free, assist?)

那僧道:"正合吾意,你且同我到警幻仙子宫中,将蠢物交割清楚,待这一干风流孽鬼下世已完,你我再去.如今虽已有一半落尘,然犹未全集." ->
That Buddhist said: (正合吾意) Exactly my idea, you along with myself [shall] go to the (警幻仙子宫) palace of the goddess Jing Huan, with this (蠢物) stupid thing (交割清楚) complete a clear transaction, [then] take this group of (风流孽鬼) romantic sinners down to the world then complete [this matter], you and I will once again go. Now, (虽...然...) although (已) already (一半落尘) half have descended to the world, [this] scheme is still not complete.
 

(交割清楚: transact an understanding?; 犹 = 猷: scheme?)

道人道:"既如此,便随你去来." ->
That Daoist said: Now it is so, [i] will go with you.
(便随 = 随便?)

却说甄士隐俱听得明白,但不知所云"蠢物"系何东西.遂不禁上前施礼,笑问道: " 二仙师请了."那僧道也忙答礼相问.士隐因说道:"适闻仙师所谈因果,实人世罕闻 者.但弟子愚浊,不能洞悉明白,若蒙大开痴顽,备细一闻,弟子则洗耳谛听,稍能警省 , 亦可免沉伦之苦."二仙笑道:"此乃玄机不可预泄者.到那时不要忘我二人,便可跳出火坑矣. "士隐听了,不便再问.因笑道:"玄机不可预泄,但适云`蠢物',不知为何, 或可一见否? "那僧道:"若问此物,倒有一面之缘."说着,取出递与士隐.士隐接了看时, 原来是块鲜明美玉,上面字迹分明,镌著"通灵宝玉"四字,后面还有几行小字.正欲细看时,那僧便说已到幻境,便强从手中夺了去,与道人竟过一大石牌坊,上书四个 大字,乃是"太虚幻境".

Then Zhen Shi Yin having heard all this clearly, but did not know what this so called "Stupid Thing" was. [He] could not help but step forward, bowing and smiling asked: My two Celestial Masters please. The masters hastened to reply to the courteous enquiry.

Zhen Shi Yin said:  Having heard everything the masters have discussed of preordained fate, [it] really is a story rarely heard in the world, but [this] disciple is foolish and thick, [and] unable to understand clearly, if you can greatly relieve [my] stupidity and ignorance, and carefully inform [me], [this] disciple will clear [my] ears and listen attentively, [and] be able to [attain] a little awareness, [and] also may avoid sinking into the suffering of human relations.The two celestial masters smiled saying: This secret operation cannot be divulged in advance. At that time, do not forget us two, [then will be] the opportunity [to] jump out of the abyss of suffering.

Zhen Shi Yin hearing this, could not appropriately ask any more questions. So smiling said: [This] secret operation cannot be divulged in advance, but that stupid thing you just spoke about, [i] do not know what it is, perhaps I can have a look at it? The masters replied: if [you] ask of this thing, there must be a reason. Saying so, took out [the stone] and passed it to Shi Yin. Shi Yin accepted it and had a look, [seeing] it was a piece of clear beautiful jade. On top four characters were engraved in distinct handwriting: Tong Ling Bao Yu, on the back there was also several lines of small characters. Just as he was about the start carefully reading, the Buddhist then said: we have already reached the land of dreams, then forcibly snatched back [the stone from Shi Yin's] hand, [then] with the Daoist passed through a great stone archway, with a four character memorial statement, being: Tai Xu Huan Jing.

Breakdown:

却说甄士隐俱听得明白,但不知所云"蠢物"系何东西.遂不禁上前施礼,笑问道: " 二仙师请了." ->
Then Zhen Shi Yin (俱听得明白) having heard all this clearly, but did not know what this (所云) so called "Stupid Thing" was. [He] (不禁) could not help but step forward, (施礼) bowing and smiling asked: My two Celestial Masters please.

(系何东西: related to what thing. 施礼: salute.)

那僧道也忙答礼相问. ->
The masters (忙) hastened to reply to this (礼相问) courteous enquiry.

(礼相问: is 相 used as a conjunction here?)

士隐因说道:"适闻仙师所谈因果,实人世罕闻 者.但弟子愚浊,不能洞悉明白,若蒙大开痴顽,备细一闻,弟子则洗耳谛听,稍能警省 , 亦可免沉伦之苦." ->
Zhen Shi Yin said:  Having heard everything the masters have discussed of (因果) preordained fate, [it] (实人世罕闻) really is a story rarely heard in the world, but [this] disciple is (愚浊) foolish and thick, [and] unable to (洞悉明白) understand clearly, if you can (蒙大开痴顽) greatly relieve [my] stupidity and ignorance, and (备细一闻) carefully inform [me], [this] disciple will (洗耳谛听) clear [my] ears and listen attentively, [and] (稍能警省) be able to [attain] a little awareness, [and] also may 免(沉伦之苦) avoid sinking into the suffering of human relations.

(因果: cause and effect. 蒙大: vastly)

二仙笑道:"此乃玄机不可预泄者.到那时不要忘我二人,便可跳出火坑矣. " ->
The two celestial masters smiled saying: This secret operation cannot be (预泄) divulged in advance. At that time, do not forget us two, [then will be] the opportunity [to] (跳出火坑) jump out of the abyss of suffering.

(玄机: profound or abstruse operation or theory. 火坑: fiery pit, pit of hell, etc.)

士隐听了,不便再问.因笑道:"玄机不可预泄,但适云`蠢物',不知为何, 或可一见否? "那僧道:"若问此物,倒有一面之缘." ->
Zhen Shi Yin hearing this, could not conveniently ask any more questions. So smiling said: [This] secret operation cannot be divulged in advance, but that stupid thing you just spoke about, [i] do not know what it is, (或可一见否) perhaps I can have a look at it? The masters replied: (若问此物) if [you] ask of this thing, (倒有一面之缘) there must be a reason.
 

说着,取出递与士隐.士隐接了看时, 原来是块鲜明美玉,上面字迹分明,镌著"通灵宝玉"四字,后面还有几行小字. ->
Saying so, (取出递与) took out [the stone] and passed it to Shi Yin. Shi Yin (接了看时) accepted it and had a look, [seeing] it was a (块鲜明美玉) piece of clear beautiful jade. On top four characters were (字迹分明) engraved in distinct handwriting: "Tong Ling Bao Yu", on the back there was also several lines of small characters.

(通灵宝玉: Precious Jade of Spiritual Understanding.)

正欲细看时,那僧便说已到幻境,便强从手中夺了去,与道人竟过一大石牌坊,上书四个 大字,乃是"太虚幻境". ->
(正欲细看) Just as he was about the start carefully reading, the Buddhist then said: we have (已到幻境) already reached the land of dreams, then (强从手中夺) forcibly snatched back [the stone from Shi Yin's] hand, [then] with the Daoist passed through a (石牌坊) great stone archway, with a (上书四个大字) four character memorial statement, being: Tai Xu Huan Jing.

(太虚幻境: Dreamland of the Great Void?)

两边又有一幅对联,道是:假作真时真亦假,无为有处有还无.
士隐意欲也跟了过去,方举步时,忽听一声霹 雳,有若山崩地陷.士隐大叫一声,定睛一看,只见烈日炎炎,芭蕉冉冉,所梦之事便忘 了大半.又见奶母正抱了英莲走来.士隐见女儿越发生得粉妆玉琢,乖觉可喜,便伸手 接来,抱在怀内,斗他顽耍一回,又带至街前,看那过会的热闹.方欲进来时,只见从那 边来了一僧一道: 那僧则癞头跣脚,那道则跛足蓬头,疯疯癫癫,挥霍谈笑而至.及至到了他门前,看见士隐抱著英莲,那僧便大哭起来,又向士隐道:"施主,你把这有命无运, 累及爹娘之物,抱在怀内作甚?"士隐听了,知是疯话,也不去睬他.那僧还说:"舍 我罢,舍我罢!"士隐不耐烦,便抱女儿撤身要进去,那僧乃指著他大笑,口内念了四句 言词道:惯养娇生笑你痴,菱花空对雪澌澌. 好防佳节元宵后, 便是烟消火灭时.

On each side [of the stone arch] was a scroll with antithetical sentences saying:  When falseness serves as truth, then truth is also false, when nothing serves as something, then something is still nothing.

Shi Yin, meaning to follow, just as [he] lifted a foot, suddenly heard a clap of thunder, as if a landslide had fallen. Shi Yin gave a great shout, eyes fixed upon [the scene], but could only see the scorching hot sun and banana plants drooping, and all the matters of the dream were more than half forgotten. Just then he saw a nurse coming over carrying Ying Lian. Shi Yin seeing his daughter growing more and more beautiful, clever and adorable, stretched out his arms to accept her, embraced her to his chest, and played with her for a while, then took her to the street front, to see a passing commotion.

Just then wishing to return inside, [he] saw from one side a Buddhist and a Daoist monk coming: The Buddhist monk had a mangy scalp and was barefooted, the Daoist monk had a lame leg and disheveled hair, [they seemed] to be mentally deranged, as they talked and laughed extravagantly. When [they] reached his front door, seeing Shi Yin embracing Ying Lian, the Buddhist monk let out a great cry, again saying to Shi Yin: Benefactor, what are you doing embracing this thing that is destined to a luckless fate and will implicate [its] parents?

Shi Yin hearing this, knew it was insane talk, and did not pay attention to him. The Buddhist monk also said: She Wo Ba, She Wo Ba! Shi Yin impatiently, still holding his daughter, turned to go inside, the Buddhist monk again pointed at him and laughed aloud, then spoke four sentences saying: [They] will laugh at your foolishness for spoiling and doting on [this child], the flower of the water chestnut is empty when the snow disappears, take care after the Lantern Festival, only then will the smoke clear and the fire be extinguished.

Breakdown:

两边又有一幅对联,道是: 假作真时真亦假,无为有处有还无. ->
On either side [of the stone arch] was a scroll with antithetical sentences saying:  (假作真时) When falseness serves as truth, (真亦假) then truth is also false, when (无为有) nothing serves as something, then (有还无) something is still nothing.

(假作真时真亦假,无为有处有还无: a Buddhist aphorism?)

士隐意欲也跟了过去,方举步时,忽听一声霹 雳,有若山崩地陷.士隐大叫一声,定睛一看,只见烈日炎炎,芭蕉冉冉,所梦之事便忘了大半. ->
Shi Yin, meaning to also follow, just as [he] lifted a foot, suddenly heard a clap of thunder, as if a (山崩地陷) landslide had fallen. Shi Yin gave a great shout, (定睛一看) eyes fixed upon [the scene], but could only see the (烈日炎炎) scorching hot sun and (芭蕉冉冉) banana plants drooping, and (所梦之事) all the matters of the dream were (忘了大半) more than half forgotten.

(忘了大半: almost completely forgotten?)

又见奶母正抱了英莲走来.士隐见女儿越发生得粉妆玉琢,乖觉可喜,便伸手接来,抱在怀内,斗他顽耍一回,又带至街前,看那过会的热闹. ->
Just then he saw a nurse coming over carrying Ying Lian. Shi Yin seeing his daughter (越发生得) growing more and more (粉妆玉琢) beautiful, (乖觉可喜) clever and adorable, stretched out his arms to accept her, embraced her to his chest, and (斗他顽耍一回) played with her for a while, then took her to the street front, to see a passing commotion.

(粉妆玉琢: a 成语?)

方欲进来时,只见从那边来了一僧一道: 那僧则癞头跣脚,那道则跛足蓬头,疯疯癫癫,挥霍谈笑而至. ->
Just then wishing to return inside, [he] saw from one side a Buddhist and a Daoist monk coming: The Buddhist monk had a (癞头跣脚) mangy scalp and was barefooted, the Daoist monk had a (跛足蓬头) lame leg and disheveled hair, [they seemed] to be (疯疯癫癫) mentally deranged, as they (挥霍谈笑) talked and laughed extravagantly.

及至到了他门前,看见士隐抱著英莲,那僧便大哭起来,又向士隐道:"施主,你把这有命无运, 累及爹娘之物,抱在怀内作甚?" ->
When [they] reached his front door, seeing Shi Yin embracing Ying Lian, the Buddhist monk let out a great cry, again saying to Shi Yin: (施主) Benefactor, what are you doing embracing this thing that is (有命无运) destined to a luckless fate and will (累及爹娘) implicate [its] parents?

士隐听了,知是疯话,也不去睬他.那僧还说:"舍我罢,舍我罢!" ->
Shi Yin hearing this, (知是疯话) knew it was insane talk, and (不去睬他) did not pay attention to him. The Buddhist monk also said: She Wo Ba, She Wo Ba!

(舍我罢: give me alms?)

士隐不耐烦,便抱女儿撤身要进去,那僧乃指著他大笑,口内念了四句 言词道:惯养娇生笑你痴,菱花空对雪澌澌. 好防佳节元宵后, 便是烟消火灭时. ->
Shi Yin (不耐烦) impatiently, still holding his daughter, turned to go inside, the Buddhist monk again pointed at him and laughed aloud, then spoke four sentences saying: [They] will (笑你痴) laugh at your foolishness for (惯养娇生) spoiling and doting on [this child], the (菱花空) flower of the water chestnut is empty when the (雪澌澌) snow disappears, (好防) take care (佳节元宵后) after the Lantern Festival, only then will the (烟消火灭) smoke clear and the fire be extinguished.

这里雨村且翻弄书籍解闷. 忽听得窗外有女子嗽声,雨村遂起身往窗外一看,原来是一个丫鬟, 在那里撷花,生得仪容不俗,眉目清明,虽无十分姿色,却亦有动人之处.雨村不觉看的呆了.那甄家丫鬟撷了花,方欲走时,猛抬头见窗内有人,敝巾旧服, 虽是贫窘,然生得腰圆背厚,面阔口方,更兼剑眉星眼,直鼻权腮.这丫鬟忙转身回避, 心下乃想:"这人生的这样雄壮,却又这样褴褛,想他定是我家主人常说的什么贾雨村 了, 每有意帮助周济,只是没甚机会.我家并无这样贫窘亲友,想定是此人无疑了.怪 道又说他必非久困之人. "如此想来,不免又回头两次.雨村见他回了头,便自为这女子心中有意于他,便狂喜不尽,自为此女子必是个巨眼英雄,风尘中之知己也.一时小 童进来, 雨村打听得前面留饭,不可久待,遂从夹道中自便出门去了.士隐待客既散, 知雨村自便,也不去再邀.

Here Yu Cun for the time being, rummaged through some books to divert himself, when he suddenly heard a woman cough outside the window, Yu Cun then got up and went to look out the window, it turned out to be a servant girl, there picking flowers, her appearance uncommon, features bright and clear, even if not extremely good looking, she however also had the ability to move people. Yu Cun sat unconsciously staring [at the girl]. The Zhen family servant girl finished plucking the flowers, then just about to go, suddenly looked up seeing someone in the window, wearing shabby old clothes, although poor, he had a powerful stature/physique, face wide and mouth square, dashing eyebrows and bright eyes, straight nose and prominent cheeks.

The servant girl quickly turned away, in her mind thinking: In this life there is this type of magnificent but ragged [man], he is certainly that Jia Yu Cun that our family master frequently speaks of, [and is] often inclined to help [him], only not having any opportunity to do so. My family furthermore, does not have this type of impoverished relation, [i] think it is without doubt this person. No wonder the master often says he is a person who will certainly not be in difficult circumstances for long. Presuming this, [she] could not avoid turning her head twice [to look at Yu Cun].

Yu Cun seeing her turn her head, of course knew that this woman had an interest in him, and he felt wild with joy, since of course this woman certainly must be a great heroine, and [would be his] intimate friend in this world. After a short while a child entered, Yu Cun enquired and heard the guest at the front of the house was staying for a meal, so not be able to stay long, then went out through a passageway and left the house. Shi Yin, after entertaining his guests and seeing them out, knew that Yu Cun had already gone and did not go to look for him.

Breakdown:

这里雨村且翻弄书籍解闷.  ->
Here Yu Cun (且) for the time being, (翻弄) rummaged through some (书籍) books to (解闷) divert himself. 

忽听得窗外有女子嗽声,雨村遂起身往窗外一看,原来是一个丫鬟, 在那里撷花,生得仪容不俗,眉目清明,虽无十分姿色,却亦有动人之处. ->
Then he suddenly heard a woman cough outside the window, Yu Cun then got up and went to look out the window, (原来是) it turned out to be a (丫鬟) servant girl, there (撷花) picking flowers, her (仪容不俗) appearance uncommon, (眉目清明) features bright and clear, (虽无十分姿色) even if not extremely good looking, she however also (有动人之处) had the ability to move people.

雨村不觉看的呆了. ->
Yu Cun sat (不觉) unconsciously (看的呆) staring  [at the girl].

那甄家丫鬟撷了花,方欲走时,猛抬头见窗内有人,敝巾旧服, 虽是贫窘,然生得腰圆背厚,面阔口方,更兼剑眉星眼,直鼻权腮. ->
The Zhen family servant girl (撷了花) finished plucking the flowers, (方欲走时) then just about to go, (猛抬头) suddenly looked up (见窗内有人) seeing someone in the window, (敝巾旧服) wearing shabby old clothes, although (贫窘) poor, he had a (腰圆背厚) powerful physique, (面阔口方) face wide and mouth square, (兼剑眉星眼) dashing eyebrows and bright eyes, (直鼻权腮) straight nose and prominent cheeks.

(腰圆背厚: literally, round waist and thick back? strong physique/powerful stature?)

这丫鬟忙转身回避, 心下乃想:"这人生的这样雄壮,却又这样褴褛,想他定是我家主人常说的什么贾雨村 了, 每有意帮助周济,只是没甚机会. ->
The (丫鬟) servant girl quickly (转身回避) turned away, in her mind thinking: In this life there is this type of (雄壮) magnificent but (褴褛) ragged [man], he is certainly that Jia Yu Cun that our family master frequently speaks of, [and is] often (有意) inclined to (帮助周济) help [him], only not having any opportunity to do so. 

我家并无这样贫窘亲友,想定是此人无疑了.怪道又说他必非久困之人. " ->
My family furthermore, does not have this type of (贫窘亲友) impoverished relation, [i] think it is (无疑) without doubt this person. (怪) No wonder the master often says he is a person who will (必非久困) certainly not be in difficult circumstances for long.

如此想来,不免又回头两次.雨村见他回了头,便自为这女子心中有意于他,便狂喜不尽,自为此女子必是个巨眼英雄,风尘中之知己也. ->
(如此想来) Presuming this, [she] could (不免) not avoid turning her head twice [to look at Yu Cun]. Yu Cun seeing her turn her head, (自) of course knew that this (心中有意于他) woman had an interest in him, and he felt (狂喜不尽) wild with joy, since of course this woman certainly must be a (巨眼英雄) great (?) heroine, and [would be his] (知己) intimate friend (风尘中) in this world.

(巨眼英雄: 是个成语吗?)

一时小童进来, 雨村打听得前面留饭,不可久待,遂从夹道中自便出门去了. ->
After a short while a child entered, Yu Cun (打听) enquired and heard the guest at the (前面) front of the house was (留饭) staying for a meal, so (不可久待) not be able to stay long, then went out through a (夹道) passageway and (出门去) left the house.

士隐待客既散, 知雨村自便,也不去再邀. ->
Shi Yin, (待客既散) after entertaining his guests and seeing them out, knew that Yu Cun had already gone and (不去再邀) did not go to look for him.

士隐听得明白,心下犹豫,意欲问他们来历. 只听道人说道: "你我不必同行,就此分手,各干营生去罢.三劫后,我在北邙山等你, 会齐了同往太虚幻境销号."那僧道:"最妙,最妙!"说毕,二人一去,再不见个踪影了. 士隐心中此时自忖:这两个人必有来历,该试一问,如今悔却晚也.

这士隐正痴想, 忽见隔壁葫芦庙内寄居的一个穷儒----姓贾名化,表字时飞,别 号雨村者走了出来.这贾雨村原系胡州人氏,也是诗书仕宦之族,因他生于末世,父母 祖宗根基已尽, 人口衰丧,只剩得他一身一口,在家乡无益,因进京求取功名,再整基业.自前岁来此,又淹蹇住了,暂寄庙中安身,每日卖字作文为生,故士隐常与他交接. 当下雨村见了士隐,忙施礼陪笑道:"老先生倚门伫望,敢是街市上有甚新闻否?"士隐 笑道: "非也.适因小女啼哭,引他出来作耍,正是无聊之甚,兄来得正妙,请入小斋一 谈,彼此皆可消此永昼."说着,便令人送女儿进去,自与雨村携手来至书房中.小童献 茶.方谈得三五句话,忽家人飞报:"严老爷来拜."士隐慌的忙起身谢罪道:"恕诳驾之 罪,略坐,弟即来陪."雨村忙起身亦让道:"老先生请便.晚生乃常造之客,稍候何妨." 说着,士隐已出前厅去了.

Shi Yin heard this clearly, but his mind was not resolute, desiring to ask them their origin. Only hearing the Daoist say: You and I need not travel together, at this point we will part company, each to go and finish our jobs. After three ages, I will wait for you at Bei Mang Mountain, after we meet, together we will go to the Dreamland of the Great Void to cancel this name/order/business.

The Buddhist said: Wonderful, wonderful! Having finished speaking, the two masters departed, leaving no trace. Shi Yin in his mind pondered this moment, thinking: These two people certainly have a history, [i] should have tried to ask, now regretfully it is too late.

Shi Yin was just wishfully thinking this, when suddenly he saw a poor scholar who lived next door in the Gourd Temple, his family name Jia, given name Hua, literary name Shi Fei, also known as Yu Cun, emerge from [the temple]. This Jia Yu Cun was originally from Hu Zhou, also from a family of scholars and officials, because he was born late, his parents ancestral base was already depleted, and the number of people in the family had declined, until there was only himself remaining, staying at his hometown was useless, therefore he entered the capital to seek official rank, and restore the foundations of his estate. Since he had arrived the year before last, he had lived in difficult circumstances, temporarily depending on the temple for shelter, each day writing letters and documents for a living, consequently Shi Yin often associated with him.

Immediately Yu Cun saw Shi Yin, he hastened to salute and smiling said: Old Sir, leaning on the door and gazing into the distance for so long, there must certainly be some great news on the streets? Shi Yin smiling said: No. It is because my little daughter was crying, I brought her outside to play, and [i] am really bored senseless, it is wonderful that you have arrived, please come into my room for a chat, together we can pass the time of this never ending day. Have said this, he called somebody to take his daughter inside, then himself took Yu Cun's hand and led him into the study, then a child came to offer tea. The had only spoken a few words, when suddenly a family member flew in to report: Master Yan has come to pay a visit. Shi Yin, flustered, hastily rose and apologized saying: Please forgive my rudeness, sit a while, I will return shortly. Yu Cun quickly rose also saying: Old Sir, please do as you wish.  [I am your] junior and a common guest, and may as well wait a moment.This said, Shi Yin then went out to the antechamber.

Breakdown:

士隐听得明白,心下犹豫,意欲问他们来历. ->
Shi Yin heard this clearly, but his (心下犹豫) mind was not resolute, desiring to ask them their (来历) origin.

只听道人说道: "你我不必同行,就此分手,各干营生去罢. ->
Only hearing the Daoist say: You and I need not travel together, (就此)at this point we will (分手) part company, (各干营生去罢) each to go and finish our jobs.

三劫后,我在北邙山等你, 会齐了同往太虚幻境销号." ->
(三劫后) After three ages, I will wait for you at (北邙山) Bei Mang Mountain, after we meet, together we will go to the (太虚幻境) Dreamland of the Great Void to (销号) cancel this name.

(销号: to finish this business?)

那僧道:"最妙,最妙!"说毕,二人一去,再不见个踪影了.  ->
The Buddhist said: (最妙,最妙) Wonderful, wonderful! Having finished speaking, the two masters departed, (再不见个踪影) leaving no trace.

士隐心中此时自忖:这两个人必有来历,该试一问,如今悔却晚也. ->
Shi Yin in his (心中) mind (忖) pondered (此时) this moment, thinking: These two people certainly have a history, [i] (该试一问) should have tried to ask, (如今悔却晚) now regretfully it is too late.

这士隐正痴想, 忽见隔壁葫芦庙内寄居的一个穷儒----姓贾名化,表字时飞,别号雨村者走了出来. ->
Shi Yin was (正痴想) just wishfully thinking this, when suddenly he saw a (穷儒) poor scholar who (寄居) lived (隔壁葫芦庙内) next door in the Gourd Temple, his (姓贾) family name Jia, (名化) given name Hua, (表字时飞) literary name Shi Fei, (别号雨村) also known as Yu Cun, emerged [from the temple].
 

这贾雨村原系胡州人氏,也是诗书仕宦之族,因他生于末世,父母祖宗根基已尽, 人口衰丧,只剩得他一身一口,在家乡无益,因进京求取功名,再整基业. ->
This Jia Yu Cun was (原系) originally from (胡州) Hu Zhou, also from a (诗书仕宦之族) family of scholars and officials, (因他生于末世) because he was born late, his (父母祖宗根基) parents ancestral base was (已尽) already depleted, and the (人口衰丧) number of people in the family had declined, (只剩得他一身一口) until there was only himself remaining, (在家乡无益) staying at his hometown was useless, (因进京) therefore he entered the capital to (求取功名) seek official rank, and (再整基业) restore the foundations of his estate.

自前岁来此,又淹蹇住了,暂寄庙中安身,每日卖字作文为生,故士隐常与他交接. ->
(自前岁来此) Since he had arrived the year before last, he had (淹蹇住) lived in difficult circumstances, (暂寄庙中安身) temporarily depending on the temple for shelter, each day writing letters and documents for a living, (故士隐常与他交接) consequently Shi Yin often associated with him.

当下雨村见了士隐,忙施礼陪笑道:"老先生倚门伫望,敢是街市上有甚新闻否?" -> (当下) Immediately Yu Cun saw Shi Yin, he hastened to (施礼) salute and smiling said: (老先生) Old Sir, (倚门伫望) leaning on the door and gazing into the distance for so long, there must certainly be some (甚新闻) great news on the streets?
 
士隐笑道: "非也.适因小女啼哭,引他出来作耍,正是无聊之甚,兄来得正妙,请入小斋一 谈,彼此皆可消此永昼." ->
Shi Yin smiling said: No. It is because my little daughter was (啼哭) crying, I (引他出来作耍) brought her outside to play, and [i] (正是无聊之甚) am really bored senseless, it is (兄来得正妙) wonderful that you have arrived, (请入小斋一 谈) please come into my room for a chat, (彼此皆) together we (可消此永昼) can pass the time of this never ending day.

说着,便令人送女儿进去,自与雨村携手来至书房中.小童献茶. ->
Have said this, he (令人送女儿进去) called somebody to take his daughter inside, then himself (雨村携手) took Yu Cun's hand and led him (来至书房中) into the study, then (小童献茶) a child came to offer tea.

方谈得三五句话,忽家人飞报:"严老爷来拜." ->
(方谈得三五句话) The had only spoken a few words, when (忽家人飞报) suddenly a family member flew in to report: (严老爷来拜) Master Yan has come to pay a visit.

士隐慌的忙起身谢罪道:"恕诳驾之罪,略坐,弟即来陪." ->
Shi Yin, (慌的忙起身) flustered, hastily rose and (谢罪) apologized saying: (恕诳驾之罪) Please forgive my rudeness, (略坐) sit a while, (弟即来陪) I will return shortly.

雨村忙起身亦让道:"老先生请便.晚生乃常造之客,稍候何妨." 说着,士隐已出前厅去了. ->
Yu Cun quickly rose also saying: Old Sir, (请便) please do as you wish. [I am your] (晚生) junior and a (常造之客) common guest, and (稍候何妨) may as well wait a moment. This said, Shi Yin then (已出前厅去) went out to the antechamber.

一日,早又中秋佳节.士隐家宴已毕,乃又另具一席于书房,却自己步月至庙中来 邀雨村. 原来雨村自那日见了甄家之婢曾回顾他两次,自为是个知己,便时刻放在心 上.今又正值中秋,不免对月有怀,因而口占五言一律云:
　　未卜三生愿,频添一段愁.
　　闷来时敛额,行去几回头.
　　自顾风前影,谁堪月下俦?
　　蟾光如有意, 先上玉人楼.

雨村吟罢,因又思及平生抱负,苦未逢时,乃又搔首对 天长叹,复高吟一联曰:

      玉在椟中求善价, 钗于奁内待时飞.

恰值士隐走来听见, 笑道:"雨村兄真抱负不浅也! " 雨村忙笑道:"不过偶吟前人之句,何敢狂诞至此."因问:"老先生何兴至此?" 士隐笑道:"今夜中秋,俗谓`团圆之节',想尊兄旅寄僧房,不无寂寥之感,故特具小酌 , 邀兄到敝斋一饮,不知可纳芹意否?"雨村听了,并不推辞,便笑道:"既蒙厚爱,何敢 拂此盛情."说着,便同士隐复过这边书院中来.须臾茶毕,早已设下杯盘,那美酒佳肴 自不必说. 二人归坐,先是款斟漫饮,次渐谈至兴浓,不觉飞觥献斝起来.当时街坊上 家家箫管,户户弦歌,当头一轮明月,飞彩凝辉,二人愈添豪兴,酒到杯干.雨村此时已 有七八分酒意,狂兴不禁,乃对月寓怀,口号一绝云:

　　时逢三五便团圆,满把晴光护玉栏.
　　天上一轮才捧出,人间万姓仰头看.

One day, earlier the Mid-autumn festival had come again. Shi Yin's family banquet had already finished, and he had another feast prepared in his study, then he walked in the moonlight to the Gourd Temple seeking Yu Cun. Yu Cun since that day he had seen the Zhen family servant girl looking back at him twice, [and knew she] certainly would be his intimate friend, as a result he was constantly thinking about [her]. Just now it was again Mid-autumn, and he could not avoid  [expressing] his yearning to the moon, as a result he composed a verse with each sentence containing five characters, saying:

The unpredictable desires of life, repeatedly increases worry.
Frowning in the time of low spirits, go out and look around a few times.Only seeing a shadow before the wind, who may be a companion under the moon.In the moonlight if having this desire, first go to the Jade Peoples Pavilion.

Yu Cun finished reciting, and because he had constantly been thinking of his life ambitions, and hardship had not met with opportunity, so [he] again scratched his head and sighed deeply to the sky, and once again recited aloud an antithetical couplet saying:

The jade in the casket demands a good price, the woman in the mirrored dressing room awaits the time to fly.

Just then Shi Yin walked over and hearing this, smiled saying: Brother Yu Cun's true ambition is not shallow. Yu Cun quickly smiled and replied: [I was] only by chance reciting some predecessor's words, who would dare to wildly boast in this way. Then Yu Cun asked: Old Sir, what desire brings you here? Shi Yin smiled saying: Tonight is the mid-autumn festival, commonly called the "Reunion Festival", thinking [that my] respected brother is living away from home in the temple, must be feeling lonely, therefore [i have] specially prepared a small meal, and request [my] brother to come to my shabby room for a drink, not knowing if [you] can accept this meager suggestion? Hearing this, Yu Cun certainly could not refuse, then smiling said: [i have] already received such generous affection, who would dare to oppose such great kindness. Having said this [he] returned with Shi Yin to his library/study.

The moment the tea was finished, already cups and plates had been set down, then of course it is not necessary to speak of that good wine and fine food. The two men sat together, at first [they] slowly poured the wine and drank, then gradually [they] began to talk very excitedly, and unconsciously the cups flew and the wine vessels were offered up. At this time in the neighborhood, in every household [could be heard] the song of flutes and strings, overhead a round bright moon, flying with splendid brightness, the two men became increasingly exuberant, their cups dry as soon as the wine arrived. By this time Yu Cun, already 7 or 8 parts tipsy, with unrestrained excitement, toward the moon expressed his yearning, saying the verse:

On the fifteenth is the time of the complete circle, fully shining upon the jade guardrail.The heavenly circle's brilliance is extolled, and the worlds ten thousand families look up with admiration.

Breakdown:

一日,早又中秋佳节.士隐家宴已毕,乃又另具一席于书房,却自己步月至庙中来邀雨村. ->
One day, earlier the Mid-autumn festival had come again. Shi Yin's (家宴已毕) family banquet had already finished, and he had (另具一席) another feast prepared in his study, then he (步月至庙) walked in the moonlight to the Gourd Temple seeking Yu Cun.

原来雨村自那日见了甄家之婢曾回顾他两次,自为是个知己,便时刻放在心上. ->
Yu Cun since that day he had seen the (甄家之婢) Zhen family servant girl (回顾) looking back at him twice, [and knew she] (自为是个知己) certainly would be his intimate friend, as a result he was (时刻放在心上) constantly thinking about [her].

今又正值中秋,不免对月有怀,因而口占五言一律云: ->
Just now it was again Mid-autumn, and he could not avoid [expressing] his (对月有怀) yearning to the moon, (因而) as a result he (口占) composed (五言一律云) a verse with each sentence containing five characters, saying:

(对月有怀: literally, to express one's thoughts to the moon, wish upon the moon?)

未卜三生愿,频添一段愁. 闷来时敛额,行去几回头. 自顾风前影,谁堪月下俦? 蟾光如有意, 先上玉人楼. ->
The (未卜) unpredictable (三生愿) desires of life, (频添一段愁) repeatedly increases worry. (敛额) Frowning in the (闷来时) time of low spirits, (行去几回头) go out and look around a few times. (自顾风前影) Only seeing a shadow before the wind, (谁堪月下俦) who may be a companion under the moon. (蟾光如有意) In the moonlight if having this desire, (先上玉人楼) first go to the Jade Peoples Pavilion.

(三生: the three states of existence, past, present and future. 玉人楼: must be either metaphorical or a reference to some other story.)

雨村吟罢,因又思及平生抱负,苦未逢时,乃又搔首对天长叹,复高吟一联曰: ->
Yu Cun (吟罢) finished reciting, and because he had (思及平生抱负) constantly been thinking of his life ambitions, and (苦未逢时) hardship had not met with opportunity, so [he] again (搔首对天长叹) scratched his head and sighed deeply to the sky, and (复高吟一联) once again recited aloud an antithetical couplet saying:

玉在椟中求善价, 钗于奁内待时飞. ->
The (玉在椟中) jade in the casket (求善价) demands a good price, the (钗于奁内) woman in the mirrored dressing room (待时飞) awaits the time to fly.

恰值士隐走来听见, 笑道:"雨村兄真抱负不浅也! " ->
(恰值) Just then Shi Yin walked over and hearing this, smiled saying: Brother Yu Cun's (真抱负不浅) true ambition is not shallow! 

雨村忙笑道:"不过偶吟前人之句,何敢狂诞至此."因问:"老先生何兴至此?" ->
Yu Cun quickly smiled and replied: [I was] only (偶吟前人之句) by chance reciting some predecessor's words, (何敢狂诞至此) who would dare to wildly boast in this way. The Yu Cun asked: Old Sir, (何兴至此) what desire brings you here?

士隐笑道:"今夜中秋,俗谓`团圆之节',想尊兄旅寄僧房,不无寂寥之感,故特具小酌, 邀兄到敝斋一饮,不知可纳芹意否?" ->
Shi Yin smiled saying: Tonight is the mid-autumn festival, (俗谓) commonly called the (团圆之节) "Reunion Festival", thinking [that my] (尊兄) respected brother is (旅寄僧房) living away from home in the temple, (不无寂寥之感) must be feeling lonely, (故特具小酌) therefore [i have] specially prepared a small meal, and (邀兄到敝斋一饮) request [my] brother to come to my shabby room for a drink, (不知可纳芹意) not knowing if [you] can accept this meager suggestion?

雨村听了,并不推辞,便笑道:"既蒙厚爱,何敢拂此盛情."说着,便同士隐复过这边书院中来. ->
Hearing this, Yu Cun (并不推辞) certainly could not refuse, then smiling said: [i have] (既蒙厚爱) already received such generous affection, (何敢拂此盛情) who would dare to oppose such great kindness. Having said this [he] returned with Shi Yin to his library/study.

须臾茶毕,早已设下杯盘,那美酒佳肴自不必说. ->
(须臾) The moment the (茶毕) tea was finished, (早已) already (设下杯盘) cups and plates had been set down, then (自不必说) of course it is not necessary to speak of that (美酒佳肴) good wine and fine food.  

二人归坐,先是款斟漫饮,次渐谈至兴浓,不觉飞觥献斝起来. ->
The two men sat together, at first [they] (款斟漫饮) slowly poured the wine and drank, then (次渐谈至兴浓) gradually [they] began to talk very excitedly, and (不觉飞觥献) unconsciously the cups flew and the wine vessels offered up.

当时街坊上家家箫管,户户弦歌,当头一轮明月,飞彩凝辉,二人愈添豪兴,酒到杯干.
->
At this time (街坊上) in the neighborhood, in (家家...户户...) every household [could be heard] the (箫管弦歌) song of flutes and strings, (当头一轮明月) overhead a round bright moon, (飞彩凝辉) flying with splendid brightness, the (二人愈添豪兴)  two men became increasingly exuberant, their (酒到杯干) cups dry as soon as the wine arrived.

雨村此时已有七八分酒意,狂兴不禁,乃对月寓怀,口号一绝云: ->
By this time Yu Cun was (已有七八分酒意) already 7 or 8 parts tipsy, with (狂兴不禁) unrestrained excitement, (对月寓怀) toward the moon expressed his yearning, saying the verse:

时逢三五便团圆,满把晴光护玉栏.天上一轮才捧出,人间万姓仰头看. ->
(时逢三五) On the fifteenth is the time of the (团圆) complete circle, (满把晴光护玉栏) fully shining upon the jade guardrail. The (天上一轮才捧出) heavenly circle's brilliance is extolled, and the (人间万姓仰头看) world's ten thousand families look up with admiration.

士隐听了,大叫:"妙哉!吾每谓兄必非久居人下者, 今所吟之句,飞腾之兆已见,不日可接履于云霓之上矣.可贺,可贺!"乃亲斟一斗为贺.雨村因干过,叹道:"非晚生酒后狂言,若论时尚之学,晚生也或可去充数沽名 ,只是目今行囊路费一概无措,神京路远,非赖卖字撰文即能到者."士隐不待说完,便道:"兄何不早言.愚每有此心,但每遇兄时,兄并未谈及,愚故未敢唐突.今既及此,愚虽不才, `义利'二字却还识得.且喜明岁正当大比,兄宜作速入都,春闱一战,方不负兄之所学也.其盘费余事,弟自代为处置,亦不枉兄之谬识矣!"当下即命小童进去,速封五十两白银,并两套冬衣.又云:"十九日乃黄道之期,兄可即买舟西上,待雄飞高举 , 明冬再晤,岂非大快之事耶!"雨村收了银衣,不过略谢一语,并不介意,仍是吃酒谈笑.那天已交了三更,二人方散.

Shi Yin having heard this, shouted: Wonderful! I often say that my brother certainly cannot for long live in a lowly position, now because of these words [you] recite, soaring portents are already visible, within the next few days [you] may indeed receive honour above the clouds. Congratulations, Congratulations! Then himself poured a cup as a reward. Yu Cun after finishing [his cup], sighed saying: I am not raving after drinking wine, it seems that the "Analects" are the fashionable subject of study, I perhaps should also go to make up the numbers and achieve recognition, only seeing that now [I am] totally unable to arrange luggage and traveling expenses, the road to Shen Jing is long, and I cannot rely upon writing letters and documents to accomplish this.

Shi Yin did not wait for him to finish speaking, then said: Brother, why did you not speak of this earlier. I have often had this intention, but every time we meet, you do not speak up, and I did not dare to be rude. Now since [we have] arrived at this, although I am not talented, I however know the two characters, 'Justice and Profit'. Besides, happily next year is just the time of the main competition, my brother should go quickly to the capital, to compete in the annual examinations, then all your knowledge will not fail you. [I will] check my financial situation, and myself handle this matter, and again our absurd friendship will indeed not be in vain.

Immediately, [Shi Yin] ordered a young servant to go and pack 50 pieces of silver, along with two sets of winter clothes. Again saying: The 19th is the period of the ecliptic, then my brother can hire a boat to go west, [you] are about to become mighty and fly to a high [position], next winter we will meet again, how can that not be a hugely gratifying matter! Yu Cun received the silver and clothes, but only spoke a brief thanks, not at all taking offence, and continued eating, drinking, talking and laughing. This night was already past the third watch, when the two men separated.

Breakdown:

士隐听了,大叫:"妙哉!吾每谓兄必非久居人下者, 今所吟之句,飞腾之兆已见,不日可接履于云霓之上矣. ->
Shi Yin having heard this, shouted: (妙哉) Wonderful! (吾每谓) I often say that (兄必非久居人下者) my brother certainly cannot for long live in a lowly position, (今所吟之句) now because of these words [you] recite, (飞腾之兆已见) soaring portents are already visible, (不日) within the next few days [you] may (矣) indeed (接履) receive honour (于云霓之上) above the clouds.
 

可贺,可贺!"乃亲斟一斗为贺. ->
(可贺,可贺) Congratulations, Congratulations! (乃亲) Then himself (斟一斗为贺) poured a cup as a reward.

雨村因干过,叹道:"非晚生酒后狂言,若论时尚之学,晚生也或可去充数沽名 ,只是目今行囊路费一概无措,神京路远,非赖卖字撰文即能到者." ->
Yu Cun after finishing [his cup], sighed saying: (晚生) I am not (酒后狂言) raving after drinking wine, (若) it seems that the (论) "Analects" are the (时尚) fashionable subject (之学) of study, I (也或可去) perhaps can also go to (充数) make up the numbers and (沽名) achieve recognition, (只是) only (目今) seeing now [I am] (一概无措) totally unable to arrange (行囊路费) luggage and traveling expenses, the (神京路远) road to Shen Jing is long, and I (非赖) cannot rely upon (卖字撰文) writing letters and documents (即能到者) to accomplish this.

(论: the Analects of Confucius, mandatory study for imperial officials at the time?)

士隐不待说完,便道:"兄何不早言.愚每有此心,但每遇兄时,兄并未谈及,愚故未敢唐突. ->
Shi Yin did (不待说完) not wait for him to finish speaking, then said: Brother, (何不早言) why did you not speak of this earlier. (愚每有此心) I have often had this intention, (但每遇兄时) but every time we meet, you (并未谈及) do not speak up, and (愚故未敢唐突) I did not dare to be rude. 

今既及此,愚虽不才, `义利'二字却还识得.且喜明岁正当大比,兄宜作速入都,春闱一战,方不负兄之所学也. ->
(今既及此) Now since [we have] arrived at this, (愚虽不才) although I am not talented, I (却还识得) however know the two characters, (义利) 'Justice and Profit'. (且) Besides, (喜明岁) happily next year is (正当大比) just the time of the main competition, my brother (宜作速入都) should go quickly to the capital, to (春闱一战) compete in the annual examinations, (方) then (兄之所学) all your knowledge will (不负) not fail you.

(春闱一战: literally, to battle in the imperial examination hall?; 方不负兄之所学: all your learning will not be for nothing?; 义利: righteousness?)

其盘费余事,弟自代为处置,亦不枉兄之谬识矣!" ->
[I will] (盘费余事) check my financial situation, and (弟自代为处置) I myself handle this matter, and again our (谬识) absurd friendship will indeed (不枉) not be in vain.

(盘费余事: examine the matter of surplus funds?;  不枉兄之谬识: it will not be in vain that you mistakenly know me?)

当下即命小童进去,速封五十两白银,并两套冬衣. ->
(当下) Immediately, [Shi Yin] (命) ordered a (小童进去) young servant to go and (速封五十两白银) quickly pack 50 pieces of silver, (并两套冬衣) along with two sets of winter clothes.  

又云:"十九日乃黄道之期,兄可即买舟西上,待雄飞高举, 明冬再晤,岂非大快之事耶
!" ->
Again saying: The (十九日乃黄道之期) 19th is the period of the ecliptic, my brother can then (买舟西上) hire a boat to go west, [you] (待雄飞高举) are about to become mighty and fly to a high [position], (明冬再晤) next winter we will meet again, (岂非大快之事) how can that not be a hugely gratifying matter!

雨村收了银衣,不过略谢一语,并不介意,仍是吃酒谈笑. ->
Yu Cun received the silver and clothes, (不过略谢一语) but only spoke a brief thanks, (并不介意) not at all taking offence, and (仍是吃酒谈笑) continued eating, drinking, talking and laughing.

那天已交了三更,二人方散. ->
This night was (已交了三更) already past the third watch, (二人方散) when the two men separated.

(已交了三更: nights were divided into 2 hour periods, 5 更 per night.)

士隐送雨村去后,回房一觉,直至红日三竿方醒.因思 昨夜之事, 意欲再写两封荐书与雨村带至神都,使雨村投谒个仕宦之家为寄足之地. 因使人过去请时, 那家人去了回来说:"和尚说,贾爷今日五鼓已进京去了,也曾留下 话与和尚转达老爷, 说`读书人不在黄道黑道,总以事理为要,不及面辞了.'

The time specifiations in here make this chunk a bit challenging - but also interesting (红日三竿 and 五鼓).

My try:
After 士隐took leave of 雨村, he returned to the house to sleep. He woke up only late in the morning. Thinking about what happened the night before, he wanted to write recommendation letters that 雨村 could take to the capital to hand them over to an official for 雨村 to reside there. Therefore he asked someone in the house to go over. When this person came back he reported: “The monk said, Sir 贾 already left shortly before dawn today to go to the capital. He had left a message for the monk to tell the gentleman: It said: educated people are not superstitious, career is always most important, no time for a farewell.”

 

Breakdown:

士隐送雨村去后,回房一觉
After士隐took leave of 雨村, he returned to the house (一觉) to sleep

直至红日三竿方醒
Up to  (红日三竿) “when the sun was three bamboo poles high” = about 8-9 o’clock = relatively late(方) first/only he woke up

因思 昨夜之事
Because thinking of what happened last night

意欲再写两封荐书与雨村带至神都
He then wanted to write two (or several?) recommendations (两封荐) for 雨村 to take them to the capital

使雨村投谒个仕宦之家为寄足之地
(and) make 雨村 (投谒) hand over an inquiry to the (仕宦之家) house of the official (寄足之地) for a place to stay & “work” (well, I am not sure if “stay & work” fits here for寄足之地: advising, writing poems,…)

因使人过去请时, 那家人去了回来说
Therefore when he asked someone to go over, when (那家人) that (belonging to the family/household) person came back he said:

"和尚说,贾爷今日五鼓已进京去了,
The monk said, Sir 贾 today (五鼓) [at the time of the five drums – last phase before dawn] shortly before dawn, already went to the (进京) capital

也曾留下 话与和尚转达老爷,
Also had left a message for the monk to tell to the 老爷 (let me freely tranlate that as "gentleman")

说`读书人不在黄道黑道,
It said (读书人) educated people are not (黄道黑道) superstitious

总以事理为要,
(事理) Career is always most (要) important

不及面辞了.
No time for (面辞) personal farewell

It gets dramatic!

士隐听 了,也只得罢了.真是闲处光阴易过,倏忽又是元霄佳节矣.士隐命家人霍启抱了英莲 去看社火花灯,半夜中,霍启因要小解,便将英莲放在一家门槛上坐着.待他小解完了 来抱时,那有英莲的踪影?急得霍启直寻了半夜,至天明不见,那霍启也就不敢回来见 主人, 便逃往他乡去了.

My try:
士隐 heard this but could not do something about it. He idled and time passed quickly, then soon come the moon festival. 士隐 ordered the servant 霍启 to take (his daughter) 英莲 and go look for the festival. At midnight [霍启] heard nature calling (No. 1), and left 英莲 at the doorstep. By the time he finished his “business”, 英莲 was gone. Nervously 霍启 looked for her all night long – until after dawn. Then 霍启 did not dare to come back to his master and fled to another town.

Breakdown:

士隐听 了,也只得罢了
士隐 heard this (得罢了) but could do nothing about it

真是闲处光阴易过
(真是) Actually (闲处) idled and (光阴) time (易过) passed quickly

倏忽又是元霄佳节矣.
Then (倏忽) soon the (元霄佳节) moon festival came

士隐命家人霍启抱了英莲 去看社火花灯
士隐 ordered his servant 霍启 to hold (his daughter) 英莲 and go look for the (社火花灯) festival (performance and decoration)
社火 --> traditional art performance
花灯 --> decoration with flowers

半夜中
At midnight

霍启因要小解,
霍启 because he wanted to (小解 = 小便 = No. 1) get some relief

便将英莲放在一家门槛上坐着坐着
Therefore left 英莲 at (门槛) the doorstep

待他小解完了 来抱时,
By the time he finished his “business”

那有英莲的踪影?
Where is英莲? (where are traces of 英莲)

急得霍启直寻了半夜,
Nervously 霍启 looked for her all night long (half the night).

至天明不见,
Until (天明) dawn was not seen --> until dawn was over

那霍启也就不敢回来见 主人,
Then 霍启 also did not dare to come back to his master

便逃往他乡去了.
And fled to (他乡) another town

不想这日三月十五,葫芦庙中炸供,那些和尚不加小心,致使油锅火逸,便烧着窗 纸. 此方人家多用竹篱木壁者,大抵也因劫数,于是接二连三,牵五挂四,将一条街烧 得如火焰山一般. 彼时虽有军民来救,那火已成了势,如何救得下?直烧了一夜,方渐 渐的熄去,也不知烧了几家.

My try:
Unexpectedly at the day of March, the 15th, in the monastery 葫芦 there was food frying for scarifying to the gods. Those monks were not careful enough to prevent the fryer from bursting into flames, then the window curtains caught fire. In this place everybody extensively used bamboo fences and the wooden walls for building houses, probably it was predetermined fate. As a result step by step the street turned burning like a sort of “Mountain of Flames”. Although firemen came for rescue, at that time the fire already had become powerful, how could it be stopped? It had already been burning a whole night, when it was slowly extinguished and it was unclear how many homes were burned down.

Breakdown:
不想这日三月十五
(不想) unexpectedly at the day of March the fifteenth

葫芦庙中炸供,
in the monastery 葫芦(炸供) there was food frying for scarifying to the gods

那些和尚不加小心,
those monks (不加小心) were not careful enough

致使油锅火逸
to prevent the fryer from bursting into flames

便烧着窗 纸   
then the (窗 纸, lit. „Window paper“) window curtains caught fire
 
此方人家多用竹篱木壁者
In this place everybody (多用) extensively used (竹篱) bamboo fences and the wooden walls (木壁者) [for building houses]

大抵也因劫数
(大抵) probably (劫数) it was predetermined fate

于是接二连三, 牵五挂四
As a result (接二连三) one after another, 牵五挂四 (one after another) -> step by step

将一条街烧 得如火焰山一般
the street turned burning like a (一般) sort of (火焰山) Mountain of Flames (also insurmountable obstacle)

彼时虽有军民来救,
(彼时) That time although (军民) firemen [lit: soldiers and civilians] came for rescue

那火已成了势,
That fire already had become (势) powerful

如何救得下?
How to save (=stop the fire)?

直烧了一夜
[Already] Burning a whole night

方渐 渐的熄去
(方) Just/then it was slowly extinguished

也不知烧了几家.
And it (不知) was unclear how many homes were burned down

他岳丈名唤封肃,本贯大如州人氏,虽是务农,家中都还殷实.今见女婿这等狼狈 而来, 心中便有些不乐.幸而士隐还有折变田地的银子未曾用完,拿出来托他随分就 价薄置些须房地,为后日衣食之计.那封肃便半哄半赚,些须与他些薄田朽屋.

I have some trouble with three parts in this section that I marked red in the breakdown.

My try:
His father in law was called 封肃, a native from a place called大如州. Although being in the agriculture business, the family nevertheless was well-off. Now that he saw the son in law hat come in such a difficult situation, he therefore felt very unhappy. Fortunately the money 士隐 got from selling off his land had not yet been used up. He took it and entrusted it to him to get a share which was - under consideration of the market price - a rather small field and house. Preparing for the living later that 封肃 therefore was half cheating, half making money. He gave him a little meager field and a rotten house.

Breakdown:
他岳丈名唤封肃,
His father in law was called 封肃

本贯大如州人氏
That (贯) native place 大如州 [was his] (人氏) place of origin -> He was a native from a place of 大如州

虽是务农,
Although (务农) being in the agriculture business

家中都还殷实.
the family nevertheless was (殷实) well-off

今见女婿这等狼狈 而来,
Now that he saw the son in law hat come in such a (狼狈) difficult situation

心中便有些不乐.
He therefore felt (有些 - “a bit”, I guess this is understatement) very unhappy (in his heart)

幸而士隐还有折变田地的银子未曾用完,
Fortunately the money 士隐 got from selling off his land (未曾) was not yet used up.

拿出来托他随分就 价薄置房地,
He took it (托他) and entrusted it to him (随分) to get a share (就价, “by the price”) – [which was] under consideration of the market price - (薄置) a meager field and house

为后日衣食之计
Preparing for the living later

那封肃便半哄半赚,
That 封肃 therefore was half cheating, half making money

些须与他些薄田朽屋
(与他) Gave him (些须) a little (薄田) meager field and a (朽屋) rotten house