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''[Volume IV, Book IV, Chapters V-VI]''
 
''[Volume IV, Book IV, Chapters V-VI]''
  
−
CHAP.
+
CHAP. V.<ref>Chap. XVI. In the Translator's manuscript.</ref>
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IE 8 ad is hear
 
  
 +
''Tieh''-chung-u having completed his marriage with Shuey-ping-sin, was notwithstanding greatly in love with her: and that as well for her wit and good sense, as for the beauty and gracefulness of her person. He was so charmed with her conversation that he could not endure to stir abroad: which being related to their respective parents, they were extremely well pleased.
  
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completed his marriage with Shuy-
+
Let us leave them thus enamoured of each other, and return to Tah-quay and the Eunuch Chou.
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ping-fin, was notwithstanding greatly
 
−
in love with her: and that as well for
 
−
her wit and good sense, as for the
 
−
beauty and gracefulness of her person.
 
−
He was so charmed with her conversa-
 
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tion that he could not endure to stir
 
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abroad : which being related to their
 
−
respective parents, they were extreme-
 
−
Iy well pleased. e
 
  
 +
These two persons, who had been encouraged by Kwo-sho-su to make the proposals abovementioned, hearing now of the marriage that had taken place between the young couple, were inclined to desist; and sent to inform that Mandarine of their resolutions. He was very much chagrined, and disappointed at the news, and resolved to send some of his servants to the house of the young lady to listen and spy out what was transacting: he did the same to the house of the Supreme Viceroy. The first information he received was, that the young Mandarine ''Tieh''-chung-u had not brought the bride home to his house, but had gone to reside with her at her father's. Soon after it was told him, that although they were married, they still continued in separate apartments. He afterwards learnt, that the bridegroom was so enamoured of his lady, that he had not stirred from her for two or three days. These different accounts somewhat puzzled Kwo-sho-su; their behaviour was singular and mysterious, so that he imagined there was something more than ordinary at the bottom. At length from their living in separate apartments, he concluded that the matter was neither more nor less than this, that the marriage was only a feint, in order to avoid the proposals of Tah-quay and the Eunuch Chou. Well, said he, if they have not yet cohabited, 'tis still possible to separate them, and spoil their marriage. Tah-quay must be informed of this, and encouraged to renew his application: but then her friends will refuse him under pretence of this marriage, and as she seldom stirs out, he will find no opportunity to carry her away. Before he takes any step of this kind, it will be better to set Chou-thay-kien at work: I will go and persuade that Eunuch to intice this ''Tieh'' into his house; and when he has him there to compel him at once to marry his niece."
  
−
Let us leave them thus enamoured
+
Full of these designs he hasted to the house of Chou-thay-kien, to whom he related as well the information he had picked up, as the measures which he thought necessary to be taken. The Eunuch thought them practicable, and promised to give him notice, as soon as he had enticed the youth to his house: desiring him in that case to come to him immediately. Kwo-sho-su was pleased to see him so readily adopt his design, and promised nothing should delay or prevent his coming. Then taking his leave he went home, impatiently waiting till he should be sent for.
−
of each other, and return to Tah-quay
 
−
and the Eunuch Chou.
 
  
−
* CHay, XVI. In the Translator's manuscript.
+
''Tieh''-chung-u, on account of his pretended marriage had obtained leave of the Emperor to absent himself ten days from court. These were expired, and he must now return: Shuey-ping-sin, whose judgment and penetration were admirable, seeing him about to go, said to him as follows, "Kwo-sho-su having laid a plot with a view to get us both disposed of, the one to Tah-quay, and the other to the niece of the Eunuch Chou, hath hitherto been disappointed: it is not however to be supposed that he will give us up so easily: he will still seek some way to embroil us. With regard to Tah-quay, as he is not within the precincts of the palace, he would be liable to reproof from superior tribunals should he do any thing amiss: and therefore I apprehend nothing from him. But this Eunuch, who is a domestic servant of the Emperor's, presuming upon his favour, and knowing his mind, regards nothing but his own inclinations. If therefore you go to court, be sure be upon your guard against his attempts." "You argue rightly," said ''Tieh''-chung-u, "and talk with your usual judgment and discretion. But this Eunuch is of a mean, low cast: what can he do? what is there to be feared from him?" She replied, "Such persons it is true are despicable, and not to be feared: but at present as things are circumstanced, and as he hath got the ear of his Majesty, it would not be amiss to be upon your guard." The young Mandarine agreed it would be proper; then taking his leave of her went to the palace.
−
These
 
  
 +
As he was thence returning home, who should meet him but the Eunuch himself. Holding up his hands, he saluted the youth with great familiarity. The latter would have proceeded on his way, but the other laid hold of his horse's bridle. "I was even now going," said he, "to send to your house to desire to speak with you." "What business," said ''Tieh''-chung-u, "can you have with me? Your affairs and mine can have no relation. My province lies without the palace, and yours within." "If it were only on my own account," replied the Eunuch, "I should not have taken the liberty to stop you: but I have business of the Emperor's to impart to you, which must not be deferred: you had better then go home with me, and let us talk it over there." "Before I do that," replied ''Tieh''-chung-u, "you must tell me plainly what your business is." "Sir," said the other, "do you think I would go about to deceive you? or durst abuse the Emperor's authority? To tell you truly then, his Majesty hath heard that you are a fine poet; and requires you to write some verses on two pieces of painting, which he greatly values." The youth inquired where they were: and was answered, at his house. ''Tieh''-chung-u immediately recollected the words of his lovely mistress; but found he could not avoid the snare, as the other had got the Emperor's order. He accordingly went home with Chou-thay-kien.
  
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 47
+
When they were got within his doors, the Eunuch ordered tea to be brought and a table to be spread for an entertainment. "No! no!" said the young Mandarine, "the first things to be attended to are the pictures, I dare not enter on any thing else till they are dispatched." "Sir," replied the other, "you know very well what the generality of us Eunuchs are: we are a foolish illiterate set of people: however I cannot but take great satisfaction in seeing a person of your ingenuity and learning: I hope therefore you will honour me so far as to drink something with me: and will permit me to shew the great respect I entertain for you. I believe if I had sent to invite you, you would hardly have come: but as his Majesty's business hath brought you here, you must oblige us a little with your company. And pray don't look upon me in the same mean and despicable light as the rest of my brethren, since I have obtained this great honour: upon which account I hope you will overlook the liberty I take of sitting down with you." "Pray don't talk in this manner," said ''Tieh''-chung-u, "are not we both the Emperor's servants? But as there is his Majesty's order to be obeyed; let that be first dispatched, and afterwards we will converse together." "Perhaps," replied he, "when that is performed, you will not stay any longer. Well then; you shall write upon one of the pictures first, and before you take the other in hand you shall do me the favour to drink a little wine." To this the young Mandarine assented.
−
These two persons, who had been
 
−
encouraged by Korf. wo make
 
−
the proposals abovementioned, hearing
 
−
now of the marriage that had taken
 
−
place between the young couple, were
 
−
inclined to desist ; and sent to inform
 
−
that Mandarine of their resolutions.
 
−
He was very much chagrined, and dis-
 
−
appointed at the news, and resolved
 
−
to send some of his servants to the
 
−
house of the young lady to liflen and
 
−
spy out what was: transacting: he did
 
−
the same to the house of the Supreme
 
−
Viceroy. The first information he re-
 
−
ceived was, that the young Mandarine
 
−
Tieh-chung-u had not brought the bride
 
−
home to his house, but had gone to
 
−
refide with her at her father's. Soon
 
−
after it was —— him, that although
 
−
they
 
  
 +
Chou-thay-kien then led him into a hall, and calling a servant, ordered him to take down a painting that was hung up, and lay it on a table. ''Tieh''-chung-u found it to be a beautiful flower piece, containing the picture of a double jasmin: then taking a pencil he wrote a few lines over it.
  
−
they were married, they still continued
+
He had scarcely done, when word was brought that the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su was arrived. He was accordingly desired to walk in. The Eunuch Chou told him he was very opportunely arrived to meet with the great Doctor ''Tieh''-chung-u; who was come there to write upon some pictures by the Emperor's order. "And here," said he, "he hath dispatched one in less time than you would drink off a dish of tea." The Mandarine Kwo-sho-su told him that those that were masters of their art were generally expeditious. "Pray my Lord," said the Eunuch Chou, "be so kind as to read the inscription to me, and tell me what it contains; that I may the better talk of it to the Emperor when I carry it to him." The other assented, ''Tieh''-chung-u desiring him to pardon and overlook the faults he should find in it. When Kwo-sho-su had perused the verses, he cried out, "They are written with a great deal of spirit, and shew a fine understanding." The Eunuch appeared extremely satisfied with this account, and immediately ordered an entertainment to be served upon the table. ''Tieh''-chung-u intreated, that he would permit him to finish both the pictures now he was about it. But the Eunuch would not let him: "said he, you do it with the greatest ease and pleasure: why can't you then first sit down and regale yourself, and afterwards finish the verses at leisure?"
−
in separate apartments. He afterwards
 
  
 +
Kwo-sho-su sat down at the first: the Eunuch with ''Tieh''-chung-u at the second. After some little conversation on indifferent subjects, Chou-thay-kien addressing himself to the latter, said: "His Majesty being informed of your great ingenuity, hath ordered these two pictures to be sent here, that you should write something upon them: but it was at my intreaty in order to bring you to my house, where I have something to impart to you of great moment. It is also a peculiar happiness that this Mandarine hath chanced to drop in, and that I can do it in his presence." "What," said Kwo-sho-su, "have you of moment to impart to this Mandarine in my hearing?" The Eunuch replied, "If a drum be not struck upon, it returns no sound; if a bell be not rung, it will not be heard; excuse me therefore if I enter at once upon the matter in hand, without farther ceremony, or delay. I have a niece born with no great beauty; nor is she yet very ill-favoured: but she is very good tempered, chearful and pleasant. She is now about eighteen years of age, and yet I have not hitherto found a proper match for her. Now, Sir," said he, addressing himself to ''Tieh''-chung-u, "you are the man I would chuse for her husband: she is ingaged to no other person: I have got the consent of the Mandarine your father: and yesterday I begged of the Emperor to have the marriage performed: in order to which he gave me these two pictures to ratify the contract."
  
−
learnt, that the bridegroom was so ena -
+
How much soever ''Tieh''-chung-u was surprized, and chagrined to discover this treachery, he endeavoured to conceal it from observation. He even assumed an appearance of satisfaction, and told the Eunuch he was extremely obliged to him: that his proposal was what he could not possibly have refused, had it been in his power to have accepted of it; but that he was already married to Shuey-ping-sin, the daughter of the Lord President of Arms: and that it was impossible for him to be married twice.<ref name="primary_wife">This is to be understood of a primary or chief wife: it would have been an affront to have thought of the niece of so powerful a Eunuch for a secondary one or concubine.</ref>
  
 +
Chou-thay-kien smiled and said,<ref>From this place to the end of the History, the translation is carried on in the Portuguese language: which the Editor hath rendered into English.</ref> "Sir, you must not think to deceive me, I have examined the affair to the bottom: your proceedings were a feint, in order to avoid marrying my niece; as also to prevent the addresses of Tah-quay to the young lady: and as it was so easy to see through this imposition, I wonder you should think of attempting it." ''Tieh''-chung-u answered, "Your Lordship surprizes me: in an affair of any other nature, such an attempt might be feasible: but in such a subject as marriage, how can any imposition take place?" "If you are really and truly married," said the Eunuch, "why did not you conduct the bride home to your house, but on the contrary go to reside in that of her father? Why also don't you cohabit with your wife? Why do you continue in separate apartments?" "I do not bring home my bride," said the Mandarine ''Tieh'', "because her father hath never a son; I dwell therefore with him, in order to attend and comfort him in his old age: but whether we reside in the same apartments or not, is an affair of no consequence to any but ourselves: it is sufficient that the marriage hath been duely celebrated. Beside as your Lordship is continually with the Emperor, how can you tell what passes in the house of another person? and this being the case, you ought not to believe any such story." "I shall not enter any farther into the merits of these reports," said the other: "it concerns not me whether they are true or false: it is sufficient that I have spoke with his Majesty about your marriage with my niece: and have the sanction of his authority. It is in vain therefore to think to avoid it." "Not avoid it!" said ''Tieh''-chung-u. "From the remotest antiquity till the present hour, it hath never been heard of, that a man endowed with reason hath been married to one wife, and then taken another. I have already espoused a young lady with all the due solemnities of law; for this reason I must refuse all other: yet had you made me the offer of your niece first, I should not have slighted it." "Before you had talked in this manner," said the Eunuch,<ref name="primary_wife"/> "you should have made it appear that you were really married. When the bride is once carried to the house of her husband, then it may be reputed a true marriage: then she may be considered as a first or secondary wife: but this cannot properly be done till she is carried from her own house. And this ceremony the Rites require." "I grant your Lordship," said ''Tieh''-chung-u, "that generally speaking this is necessary, but then it is only for the especially in obedience to the express commands of a parent." "You talk of obedience to your parents," said Chou-thay-kien, "will you pay attention to them, and neglect to obey the orders of the Emperor? Do you think then that the private commands of your parents are to take place of those of his Majesty?" "Far from it," said ''Tieh''-chung-u; who began to be vexed, to hear him talk in so unreasonable a manner: "I only say that marriage is a thing of great importance; and ought to be conducted with regularity and order: otherwise you violate the laws and rites of the empire. This is not a private affair between your Lordship and myself, but a thing of public concernment; and if his Majesty will be pleased to consult all the doctors of the empire, he will see that I am right." "What occasion for so much trouble?" said the Eunuch: "or why is it needful to consult all the doctors, when there is present so great a doctor as Kwo-sho-su, one who is so capable of determining the question?" "Very true," replied the youth; "will your Lordship ask him to judge between us?"
  
−
moured of his lady, that he had not
+
"My Lord," said the Eunuch, addressing himself to that Mandarine, "you have been here some time listening to the dispute between this gentleman and myself: be pleased to favour us with your opinion of the case." "If you alone had asked me," said the Minister, "and if the Mandarine ''Tieh''-chung-u himself had not also applied to me, I should not have hazarded a word between you: but as he also desires it, I will speak according to my conscience, without partiality to either side. With regard to the rites of marriage, there are reasons within other reasons, and the subject contains some things so intricate, that all the doctors in the empire cannot infallibly decide upon it. But if the question turns upon the Emperor's authority, I am of opinion that the rites of marriage are subject to it, and that he may over-rule them at pleasure. For if you look back through all ages, you will find that the Emperor hath power to change the laws of the realm, and even to abolish the whole estate of his Mandarinate, by which those laws are executed and supported." The Eunuch Chou hearing these words, could not conceal his satisfaction: he laughed and said, "Your Lordship is certainly right, the Mandarine ''Tieh'' cannot answer one word to this."
  
 +
Then calling for a cup of wine, he took it in his hand, and presented it with great reverence to Kwo-sho-su, intreating him to be bridesman or mediator to the marriage of his niece. "As you have obtained his Majesty's licence," replied he, addressing himself to Chou-thay-kien, "it is no longer left to your discretion; I shall therefore act in that behalf, for I dare not disobey his Majesty." Then he drank off the wine.<ref>This appears to have been a solemn form, by which he testified his intention to act as bridesman or mediator on this occasion.</ref> After which he addressed himself to ''Tieh''-chung-u: "As the Emperor," said he, "hath been pleased to lend his sanction to this marriage, you cannot refuse your compliance, notwithstanding your prior engagement with Shuey-ping-sin: let me then advise you, Sir, to stand off no longer, but submit, and all will be well."
  
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stirred from her for two or three
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''Tieh''-chung-u was extremely chagrined and vexed, and could with much difficulty keep his patience: he nevertheless found it necessary to bridle his temper for many reasons. In the first place, he considered that they had made the point to rest upon the Emperor's authority: again he reflected that the Eunuch Chou had continual access to his Majesty's presence, and would be able to give what turn he pleased to the affair: he was also fearful that being within that Eunuch's house, he would not suffer him to go out: he was moreover unwilling to quarrel openly with Kwo-sho-su: he therefore answered that Mandarine mildly; "I have nothing to object to your Lordship's opinion, and if his Majesty hath given his order, far be it from me to dispute it. But still it is necessary for me to go, and inform my father and mother; that they may fix on a fortunate day; and settle the terms of the nuptial sum: for I cannot pretend to take upon me to do it without their knowledge." "Sir," said the Eunuch, "you only want to shift off the affair; but it will not serve your turn: if you do not comply, you shew contempt to his Majesty's order: it wholly depends upon yourself whether you will obey it or not: you ought to obey, and not to study these excuses. This is a fortunate day: all that relates to invitations is already performed: the music is prepared: the banquet ready: and here by great good fortune is the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su to act as bridesman: within is the nuptial chamber fitted up for the bridegroom: let us now celebrate your marriage with my niece, and then I shall have discharged the most important duty that relates to this life. If you think, Sir, that your father or mother will complain of being neglected, you must lay the blame on his Majesty's order; and then what complaint can be made? If you make any scruple about the nuptial sum, I will leave that entirely to yourselves: that shall make no ground of dispute." "Really, Sir," said Kwo-sho-su to the young Mandarine ''Tieh'', "my Lord Chou-thay-kien discovers a great affection for you; if now you make any farther excuses, you will certainly pass for an ungrateful person." The young Mandarine replied, "Before one can acknowledge a favour, one ought to be certain of its propriety and reasonableness. I came hither to-day by his Majesty's order to make some verses or encomiums on two pictures. I have already finished one; the other remains to be performed: and how can I dare to take in hand any other business till this is discharged? Now I intreat your Lordship to give me here the other picture, that I may finish it; and then I shall be at liberty to enter upon any other business." "Sir," said the Eunuch, "you say very well: but the other picture is very large, and is laid up in an inner apartment: as therefore it would occasion a great deal of trouble to bring it here, you had better go within to it." Although ''Tieh''-chung-u suspected that there was some secret design in this, which he could not at present discover, he notwithstanding thought it best to comply: which he signified accordingly. "Well then," said the Eunuch, "let us drink once more, afterwards we will go within: for your Lordship is right in proposing, that one thing be finished before another be taken in hand." The young Mandarine ''Tieh'' said to himself, "When I have once dispatched the other picture, I shall perhaps find a means to escape from this house." Accordingly rising up from the table, he said, "Come let us finish the verses: I will drink no more." The Eunuch Chou rose up likewise, and said, "Let us go." The Mandarine Kwo-sho-su expressed also an inclination to accompany them: but the Eunuch gave him a signal with his eye: immediately that Mandarine stopped and said; "It is not necessary that I be present at the composing of these verses, I will wait for your return here without: and when you have finished them I will compleat the business." Then Chou-thay-kien conducted the young Mandarine ''Tieh'' within: by which means he fell into the snare: for as soon as the other had led him into an inner apartment he left him and withdrew; two women servants immediately shutting the doors upon him.
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
days. These. different accounts some-
 
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what puzzled; Kwo-sbo:ju their beha-
 
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viour was singular and mysterious, so
 
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that he imagined there was something
 
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more than ordinary at the bottom. At
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
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length from their living in separate
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
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apartments, he concluded that the mat-
 
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ter was neither more nor less than this,
 
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that the marriage was only a feint, in
 
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order to avoid the proposals of Jah-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
quay and the Eunuch Chu. Well,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
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said he, if they have not yet cohabited,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
tis still possible. to separate them, and
 
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spoil their marriage. Tab-quay must
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
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be
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
eee NEE eee, , MAE TIES TEN =
 
−
= g * * 2 4 2
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
777 r On ues note
 
−
x 5 << p Foe" FIDEL 2 KY 3
 
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−
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−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 49
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
be informed of this, and encouraged to
 
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renew his a application : but then her
 
−
friends will refuse him under pretence
 
−
of this marriage, and as she seldom
 
−
stirs out, he will find no opportunity
 
−
to carry her away. Before he takes
 
−
any step of this kind, it will be better
 
−
to set Chou-thay-kien at work: I will
 
−
go and persuade that Eunuch to intice
 
−
this Tieh into his house; and when he
 
−
has him there to compel him at once
 
−
to marry his niece,” 2
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
Full of these designs he hasted to
 
−
the house of Chou thay- ien, to whom
 
−
he related as well the information he
 
−
ö | had picked up, as the measures which,
 
−
he thought necessary to be taken. The
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
= Eunuch thought them practicable, and
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
For. IV; E pre-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
5o HAU KIOU CHOAAN. promised to give him notice, as soon.
 
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as he had enticed the youth to his
 
−
house: desiring him in that case to
 
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come to him immediately. Ko. I- fi
 
−
was pleased to fee him so readily adopt
 
−
his design, and promised nothing should
 
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delay or prevent his coming. Then
 
−
taking his leave he went home, im-
 
−
patiently waiting till he should be sent
 
−
for. We 7 IS
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
Tieb- chung u, on account of his pre-
 
−
tended marriage had obtained leave
 
−
of the Emperor to absent himself ten
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
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days from court. These were expired,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
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and he must now return: Shuey-ping-/en,
 
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whose judgment and penetration were
 
−
admirable, seeing him about to go,
 
−
said to him as follows, * Kwo-sbo-su
 
−
 
 
−
4 having
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
OE ATT o ² » AC onSoa a
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
eee eee eee " a 2
 
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nr ˙¹˙Üä AA
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 31
 
−
having laid a plot with a viewto get
 
−
us both disposed of, the one to Tab.
 
−
quay, and the other to the niece of
 
−
the Eunuch Chou, hath hitherto been
 
−
disappointed : it is not however to be
 
−
- supposed that he will give us up fo
 
−
_ eafily : he will still seek some way to
 
−
embroil us. With regard to ab-
 
−
quay, as he is not within the pre-
 
−
cints of the palace, he would be
 
−
liable to reproof from superior tti-
 
−
bunals should he do any thing amiss:
 
−
and therefore I apprehend nothing
 
−
from him. But this Eunuch, who
 
−
is a domestic fervant of the Empe-
 
−
ror's, presuming upon his favour, and
 
−
| knowing his mind, regards nothing
 
−
but his own inclinations. If there-
 
−
fore you go to court, be fure be
 
−
RS HG upon
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
52 HAU KIQU cHOoAAN.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
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upon your guard against his attempts.“
 
−
Jou argue rightly, said Tieb-chung-u,
 
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and talk with your usual judgment
 
−
and discretion. _ But this Eunuch is
 
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of a mean, low cast: what can he
 
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do? what is there to be feared from
 
−
him?“ She replied, „Such persons
 
−
it is true are despicable, and not to
 
−
be feared : but at present as things
 
−
are circumstanced, and as he hath
 
−
got the ear of his Majesty, it would
 
−
not be amiss to be upon your guard.”
 
−
The young Mandarine agreed it would
 
−
be proper; then taking his leave of
 
−
her went to the palace. |
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
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[p. 8]
 
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% 14
 
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−
 
 
−
7 ĩ˙ ² «ar to re Teen +
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
As he was thence returning home,
 
−
 
 
−
who should meet him but the Eunuch
 
−
 
 
−
himself, Holding up his hands, he
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
tor ku Oats RR PERRY n *
 
−
j dna ako toni apteccona g * „
 
−
ERS 8 eee e A n 1 WA 9 0 E Ce . ©
 
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r 2 : 8 n _ = aces ha 6 N 12 * 8 7 N N 0 8 3
 
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8 n C er — . a . . *
 
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N * ** ou hh EL OP OW JETT ET 3 D 8 ; THE IR J 1 AE SS RIES 4
 
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_ — 6 4 . * P * D F *
 
−
a r F . : ; n 3 , Pp .
 
−
, n , a 4 . — 4 1
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 53
 
−
faluted the youth with great famili-
 
−
arity. The latter would have pro-
 
−
ceeded on his way, but the other
 
−
laid hold of his horse's bridle, « I
 
−
was even now going, , faid he;:to send
 
−
to your house 'to defire to speak with
 
−
you.? What business, said Tieb-
 
−
thung-u, can you have with me?
 
−
Your affairs and mine can have no
 
−
relation. My province lies without
 
−
the palace, and yours within?“ If
 
−
it were only on my own account,
 
−
replied the Eunuch, I should not
 
−
have taken the liberty to stop you :
 
−
but J have business of the Emperor's
 
−
to impart. to you, which must not
 
−
be deferred: you had better then go
 
−
home with me, and let us talk it
 
−
over there,” | Before I do that,
 
−
8 E 3 replied
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
6 „ —
 
−
ER
 
−
—_— — *. 5 " . _ oy * — - :
 
−
We. 2 n ES — « be h a WA, ITE 2 4 ra
 
−
. W 7 2 „ — a — —— ̃ — - * 2 2
 
−
F py mn, "de SS \
 
−
3 22 N 5 + Sth 3 — — — 1 .
 
−
. = 4 n 2 * * - - 4 _ — — — — ak — s \ T
 
−
Mo — — 8 m 8 " — — : — RE - . l - 1
 
−
"IE «wrote hos Fenn hae” N 3 — —_—
 
−
Vol : — Z e . ; _—_— a 3 es —
 
−
1 we 3 - . 3 . « : 2 — les n — —— - = Sd
 
−
—— — : K 5 . * 0 | , * Rr
 
−
— — * 5 * oy — ; 9
 
−
2 n ＋ ee — N 1
 
−
8 wy . Yr oy nets ns way "4 ec. — —
 
−
1 1 y 9 TITTY. — Ir > 4 * K a " 5
 
−
5 3 . —_ : CIC Pr Mio tonne” _ Ol 7 5 — ——
 
−
N - — — 2 DP p —
 
−
N on
 
−
* "4 —
 
−
{ 1
 
−
- q
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
FF — 2 * a
 
−
a * I * 4 2 , * PR” FW
 
−
Ka bo ? n vie a
 
−
0 - 4 * —— =
 
−
1 — p n N =
 
−
Fe enn *
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
— dt ves
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
— Hin. bd
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ry
 
−
a —
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
[p. 2]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
— F
 
−
* 77 g 72 _
 
−
—— — — 4. e
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
54 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. replied 7ich-chung-u, you must tell me
 
−
plainly what your business is.” « Sir,
 
−
faid the other, do you think I would
 
−
ga. about to deceive you? or durst
 
−
abuse. the Emperor's authority? To
 
−
tell you truly then, his Majesty hath |
 
−
heard that you are a fine poet; and
 
−
requires you to write some verses on
 
−
two pieces of painting, which he great-
 
−
ly, values.” The youth inquired where
 
−
they were: and was answered, at his
 
−
house. Tich-chung-u immediately re-
 
−
collected the words of his lovely mis-
 
−
ress; but found he could not avoid the
 
−
snare, as the other had got the Empe-
 
−
ror's order. He accordingly went home
 
−
| with Chou thay-kien. ZE
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
When they were got within his
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 35
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
doors, the Eunuch ordered tea to be
 
−
brought and a table to be spread for
 
−
an entertainment. No! no! said the
 
−
young Mandarine, the first things to
 
−
be attended to are the pictures, I dare
 
−
not enter on any thing else till they
 
−
are dispatched.” Sir, replied the
 
−
other, you know very well what the
 
−
generality of us Euauchs are: we are a
 
−
foolish illiterate set of people : however
 
−
I cannot but take great satisfaction in
 
−
seeing a person of your ingenuity and
 
−
learning : I hope therefore you will ho-
 
−
nour me fo far as to drink something
 
−
with me: and will permit me to shew
 
−
the great respect I entertain for you.
 
−
I believe if I had sent to invite you,
 
−
you would hardly have come: but as
 
−
his Majesty's business hath brought
 
−
 
 
−
AEM E4 5 you
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
27 5 9 A. 99 FP"; * " - * $ y — 1" * .
 
−
4 l . "Wo oo - 2 7 "As ua”
 
−
* — Be 2 L - a
 
−
— 8 - | = =
 
−
= . * — - — — Coa——_— — — — — N |
 
−
* £4 & y "AS" * K - — 22 > on n CEE K 1 1 4 — — — " — - 2 —
 
−
8 N ELF, N 8 8 23 * "a 0s >a SIA Cool a 1 mo => Da — . " 8 1 5 _ — — . u * — In — — — 2
 
−
22 222 2 — p hos 1 þ IS, a — 8 r. —
 
−
— — S * « — — > do —— aq py hoy n 2 : 2 * 2 A 1 — — 5 . 5 : - — 5 A
 
−
” — > * PY ny 8 LT A 9 4 , . — 3 W nk o 2 * + OD ——— — . ” —— — 2 — — 3
 
−
* 3 4 5 "4 hy or 9 . 4 - — bo 2
 
−
1 A jo 5 4
 
−
= W "NO + _— ir — n 5 of — Fo F « * ;
 
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oy 4 1 4 — * * 5 —_ * — . 5 AY 1 4 - ' wr ay
 
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[ . 5 o 2 2.05 —2 —— — Matte — 2 2 es >. 2 .
 
−
* — A ICT IL : — r J 0 I WEIS. - — — — ms — — —̃ =
 
−
* * 2 * a 2 ——— 4 * N e e | oO 2 2 - . 2 ——— 2 — as. *
 
−
6 > 2 22 1 * 7 AS — 1 22 2 A 3 Þ _ —  — — — *
 
−
n * 1
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
56 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. '
 
−
 
 
−
you here, you must oblige us a little
 
−
with your company. And pray don't
 
−
look upon me in the same mean and
 
−
despicable light as the rest of my bre-
 
−
thren, since I have obtained this great
 
−
honour :' upon which account I hope
 
−
you will overlook the liberty I take of
 
−
fitting down with you.” „Pray don't
 
−
talk in this manner, said Tieh- chung-u,
 
−
are not we both the Emperor's ser-
 
−
vants? But as there is his Majesty's
 
−
order to be obeyed; let chat be first
 
−
dispaiched, and afterwards we will con-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
verse together.“ Perhaps, replied
 
−
he, when that is performed, you will
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
not stay any longer. Well then; you
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
mall write upon one of the pictures
 
−
first, and before you take the other in
 
−
hand you shall do me the favour to
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
5 9 = drink
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 37
 
−
drink a little wine.“ To this the young
 
−
Mandarine assented.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
Chou-thay-kien then led him into a
 
−
hall, and calling a servant, ordered him
 
−
to take down a painting that was hung
 
−
up, and lay it on a table. Tieb- chung-2
 
−
found it to be a beautiful flower piece,
 
−
containing the picture of a double jas-
 
−
min: then taking a pencil he n
 
−
wrote a few lines over it.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
| He had scarcely dale, when word
 
−
was brought that the Mandarine Ko-
 
−
shorsu was arrived. He was accord-
 
−
ingly desired to walk in. The Eu-
 
−
nuch Chou told him he was very op-
 
−
portunely arrived to meet with the
 
−
great Doctor Tieb-cbung u; who was
 
−
come
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
— * * = — ma — —-—
 
−
— 0 a4 ' 5 * 12 2 —— —— grets POSSE -
 
−
— — - — — — — — no longs —— —
 
−
. bs s - — —— bs
 
−
5 * _ — = 4 — 2 pay, 7 00 —
 
−
—_— — — — = ES 1 r 1 ro arms "# * 5 bs — 3 9 * —
 
−
2 2 9 N 3 — 1 _ r
 
−
— — —i- : 9
 
−
— — — — — — „ Bn erent War pn Rn es n__ ———_——__— 7 ——— —-— — —
 
−
R ES 246 _— i — * 8 rr N "I
 
−
[p. 5]
 
−
[p. 4]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
58 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. come there to write upon some pictures
 
−
by the Emperor's order, © And here,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
faid he, he hath dispatched one in less
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
time than you would drink off a dish of
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
rea.” The Mandarine wo. spo- su told
 
−
him that those that were masters of their
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
art were generally expeditious. Pray
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
my Lord, said the Eunuch Choy, be fo
 
−
kind as to read the inscription to me,
 
−
and tell me what it contains; that I
 
−
may the better talk of it to the Empe-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ror when I carry it to him.” The
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
other assented, Tieb- chung-u defiring him
 
−
to pardon and overlook the faults he
 
−
should find in it. When XK wor- po- si
 
−
had perused the verses, he cried out,
 
−
4 I'hey are written with a great deal
 
−
of spirit, and shew a fine understand-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ang.” The Eunuch appeared extreme-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
5 SUES ga age C 8 "a „ er [ee tee e eee
 
−
4 . * * . jo
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
BY
 
−
[p. 4]
 
−
[p. 4]
 
−
8.
 
−
$7
 
−
N
 
−
[p. 7]
 
−
bag
 
−
F
 
−
[p. 5]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
[p. 1]
 
−
FEES {oct 35 ALL ! 7c rde re i e e e wa
 
−
x * * 0 a *
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
£6 175 said he, you doi It with the greatest
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 53
 
−
ly fatisfied with this account, and im-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
mediately ordered an entertainment to
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
be served upon the table. 7. leb chung · u
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
intreated, that he would permit him to
 
−
Ng both the pictures now he was about
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
But the Eunuch would not let him:
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ease and pleasure: why can t you then
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
| first. sit down and regale yourself, and
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
afterwards. finish the verses at IO;
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
leisure "Ys
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
© 1 A P,, V.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
| T wo —_ Gs . ery
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
Ho- sis sat down at the first: the
 
−
Eunuch with Tieb- chung - u at the se-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
cond. After some little conversation
 
−
on indifferent subjects, Chou-thay-kiew
 
−
Aae him, eo the later, wd.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
aid:
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
2 — 2 2
 
−
- yt
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
— —— —————— 2 — — por
 
−
N þ L 4
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
D
 
−
> okay \
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
[p. 2]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
eee — 2
 
−
"$a
 
−
= - A ©
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
——— WR —̃—— . —e— —
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
— „ 7
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
— —— — — no ge
 
−
—̃ 2Vͤ—
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ar
 
−
DE... = —
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ö i
 
−
[p. 8]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
[p. 4]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
[1
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
222 „%cã. Poo. nt —— -
 
−
n * 0
 
−
by * £486" 4 5h fs
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
o * ,
 
−
reer — eee — coy A >
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
4 » I by 9 r ry
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A = %
 
−
2 8
 
−
4 *
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
6 HAU KIOU cHOAAN.
 
−
faid : His Majefly being informed
 
−
of your great ingenuity, Kath ordered
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
these two pictures to be sent here, that
 
−
you should write something upon them:
 
−
but it was at my intreaty in order
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
to bring you to my house, "where I
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
have something to impart to you of
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
great moment. It is also a peculiar
 
−
happiness that this Mandarine hath
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
chanced to drop i in, and that T can do
 
−
it in his presence.** © What, said Ktoo-
 
−
Jpo-su, have you of moment to im part
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
[p. 992]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
to this Mandarine in my hearing:
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
The Eunuch replied, If a drum bi
 
−
not struck upon, it returns no sound z if
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
a bell be not rung, it will not be heard;
 
−
excuse me therefore if I enter at once
 
−
upon the matter in hand, without far-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ther ceremony, or delay. I have a
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
niece born with no great beauty; nor
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
isl | yet
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 6
 
−
yet. very ill-favoured : but she is very
 
−
good tempered, chearful and pleasant.
 
−
she is now about eighteen years of age,
 
−
 
 
−
and yet I have not hitherto found a
 
−
 
 
−
proper match for her. Now, Sir, said
 
−
he, addressing himself to Tieb-chung-u,
 
−
you are the man I would chuse for her
 
−
husband : she is ingaged to no other
 
−
person: I have got the consent of the
 
−
Mandarine your father : and yesterday
 
−
I begged of the Emperor to have the
 
−
marriage performed: in order to which
 
−
he gave me these two pictures to ratify
 
−
the contract.“
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
How much soever Tieb-chung-u was
 
−
surprized, and chagrined to discover this
 
−
treachery, he endeavoured ro conceal
 
−
it from observation, He even assumed
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
62 HAU kiou CHOAAN.
 
−
an appearance of satisfaction, and told
 
−
the Eunuch he was extremely obliged
 
−
to him: that his proposal was what
 
−
he could not possibly have refused, had
 
−
it been in his power to have accepted
 
−
of it; but that he was already married
 
−
to Shuey-ping-/m, the daughter of the
 
−
Lord President of Arms: and that it
 
−
was impossible for him to be married
 
−
twice .
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
+Chou-thay-kien smiled and said, . Sir,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
* This is to be understood of a primary or
 
−
chief wife: it would have been an affront to
 
−
have thought of the niece of so powerful 2
 
−
Eunuch for a secondary one or concubine.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
+ From this place to the end of the History,
 
−
the translation is carried on in the Portugue/e
 
−
language: which the Editor hath rendered into
 
−
English. rea.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
you
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 63
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
you must not think todeceive me, I have
 
−
examined the affair to the bottom:
 
−
your proceedings. were a feint, in order
 
−
to avoid marrying my niece; as also
 
−
to prevent the. addrefles of 7. ah-quay
 
−
to the young lady: and as it was fo
 
−
easy to see through this imposition, I
 
−
wonder you should think of attempting
 
−
it.” | Tzeb-chung-u answered, © Your
 
−
Lordship surprizes me: in an affair
 
−
of any other nature, such. an attempt
 
−
might be feasible : but in such a sub-
 
−
ject as marriage, how can any impo-
 
−
sition take place? If you are really
 
−
and truly married, said the Eunuch,
 
−
why did not you conduct the bride
 
−
home to your house, but on-the con-
 
−
trary go to reside in that of her father?
 
−
Why also don't you cohabit with your
 
−
 
 
−
18 wife ??
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
64 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. wife? Why do you continue in sepa-
 
−
rate apartments ?˙² *I do not bring
 
−
home my bride, said the Mandarine
 
−
Tieb, because her father hath never a
 
−
son; I dwell therefore with him, in
 
−
order to attend and comfort him in
 
−
his old age: but whether we reside in
 
−
the same apartments or not, is an affair
 
−
of no consequence to any but our-
 
−
selves: it is sufficient that the marriage
 
−
hath been duely celebrated. Beside as
 
−
your Lordship is continually with the
 
−
Emperor, how can you tell what passes
 
−
in the house of another person ? and
 
−
this being the case, you ought not
 
−
to believe any such story.” I shall
 
−
not enter any farther into the merits
 
−
of these reports, said the other : it con-
 
−
cerns not me whether they are true
 
−
 
 
−
or
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 65
 
−
or false: it is sufficient that I have
 
−
spoke with his Majesty about your mar-
 
−
riage with my niece: and have the
 
−
sanction of his authority. It is in vain
 
−
therefore to think to avoid it..Not
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
| z avoid it! faid Tieb-cbung-u. From
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
the remotest antiquity till the present
 
−
hour, it hath never been heard of, that
 
−
a man endowed: with reason hath been
 
−
married to one wife, and then taken
 
−
 
 
−
another . I have already espoused a a
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
* young lady with all the due solemni-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ties of law; for this reason I must re-
 
−
fuse all other: yet had you made me
 
−
be offer of your niece first, I snould not
 
−
have lighted it.“ Before you. had
 
−
_ in this manner, said the Gus
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
* This is till to be understood of the primary
 
−
or chief wife. Vide note e supray p 62. |
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
Vor. IV. — nuch,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
1 4
 
−
Ls: 1 f
 
−
8 o
 
−
22 i
 
−
\ 1 % A
 
−
i}. 2 ;
 
−
\ «MN s 4
 
−
[p. 14]
 
−
o ;
 
−
31 ity
 
−
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−
l . 2
 
−
K
 
−
[p. 1]
 
−
298 : 1
 
−
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−
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−
4 Fi * 1
 
−
19 17
 
−
[p. 9]
 
−
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−
1 14
 
−
U n : Ih |
 
−
G my 2
 
−
7 %
 
−
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−
4 4
 
−
Li __
 
−
: * * 5
 
−
[p. 1]
 
−
1 2 1 b
 
−
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−
vi
 
−
£7 4.4
 
−
Ly
 
−
» = *7
 
−
[p. 4]
 
−
[p. 91]
 
−
9 5
 
−
(+: |
 
−
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−
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−
0 *
 
−
[p. 1]
 
−
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−
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−
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−
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−
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−
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−
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−
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−
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−
[p. 1]
 
−
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−
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−
1 q
 
−
4 4
 
−
jp [4
 
−
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−
[p. 1]
 
−
[p. 111]
 
−
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−
| #58
 
−
[p. 113]
 
−
£ * E
 
−
[p. 1]
 
−
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−
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−
[p. 1]
 
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−
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−
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5 24 4 p
 
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1H
 
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od WF 5
 
−
a £
 
−
"2 1 1
 
−
A; E iy. XA :
 
−
* hu 4
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
necessury, but then it is only for the
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
[p. 5]
 
−
i
 
−
[p. 1]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
66 Hat KISU/ CHOAAN:
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
nuch, you should have made it ap-
 
−
pear - that you were really married.
 
−
When the bride is once carried to the
 
−
house of her husband, then it may be re-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
puted a true marriage : then she may
 
−
be considered as a first br secondary.
 
−
wife : but this cannot properly be done
 
−
 
 
−
ill she is carried from ber on house.
 
−
And this ceremony the Rites require.”
 
−
I grant your Lordship, said Jeb.
 
−
ehiing-u; that generally speaking this is
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
_ Especially in obedience to the express
 
−
2 commands of a parent,” / 4 You talk
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
of obedience to your parents, said Chou-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
they: kien P will you pay attention to
 
−
n 6 8 them,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 67
 
−
them; and neglect to obey the orders
 
−
of the Emperor? Do you think then
 
−
that the private | commands of your
 
−
parents are to take place of those of
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
| his Majesty?” « Far from it,” said
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
Treb-chung-u; who began to be yexed,
 
−
to hear him talk in fo unreasonable a a
 
−
manner: I only say that marriage
 
−
is a thing of great importance; and
 
−
ought to be conducted with regula-
 
−
rity and order: otherwise you vio-
 
−
late the laws and rites of the empire.
 
−
This is not a private affair between
 
−
your Lordship and myself, but a thing
 
−
of public concernment; and if his Ma-
 
−
jesty will be pleased to consult all the
 
−
doctors of the empire, he will fee that
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
I am, right.” What occasion for
 
−
so much trouble? faid the Eunuch:
 
−
157695 * Wb = — or
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
68 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. or why is it needful to consult all the
 
−
doctors, when there is present so great
 
−
aà doctor as No- Ho- su, one who is fo
 
−
capable of determining the question ?”
 
−
Very true, replied the youth; will
 
−
your Lordship ask him to Judge be-
 
−
tween us?”
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
„ My Lord,” said the Eunuch, ad-
 
−
dressing himself to that Mandarine,
 
−
e you have been here some time listening
 
−
to the dispute between this gentleman
 
−
and myself: be pleased to favour us with
 
−
your opinion of the case.” * If you
 
−
alone had asked me, faid the Minister,
 
−
and if the Mandarine Tieb- chung- u him-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
self had not also applied to me, I should
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
not have hazarded a word between you:
 
−
but as he also desires it, I will speak
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
according
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
IEEE n . Hy wo We. WALKS, Se n EA N - 0 * Tem > m
 
−
711 d go He I Cats ISR as a tara: ren fanny ber act ne tier bit, 1
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
FFP
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
— * — — e _ a a
 
−
5 POO LS PTY Re Pn ee ae, SEW Ie 74: , e bo on: ol
 
−
1 . 4 : % bod ARIES EEE TE a hs Tu Bog: . OH. ;
 
−
* 4 * a g 7 * a - | .
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
PP
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ODE TAS eee,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 69
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
according to my conscience, without
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
partiality to either side. With regard
 
−
to the rites of marriage, there are rea-
 
−
sons within other reasons, and the sub-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ject contains some things so intricate,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
that all the doctors in the empire can-
 
−
not infallibly decide upon it. But if
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
the question turns upon the Emperor's
 
−
authority, I am of opinion that the
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
rites of marriage are subject to it, and
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
that he may over-rule them at pleasure.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
For if you look back through all ages,
 
−
you will find that the Emperor hath
 
−
power to change the laws of the realm,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
and even to abolish the whole estate of
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
his Mandarinate, by which those laws _
 
−
are executed and supported.” Tha
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
Eunuch Chou hearing these words,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
could not conceal his satisfaction: he
 
−
laughed and said, * Your Lordship is
 
−
9 „ certainly
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
70 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. certainly right, the Mandarine Tieb can-
 
−
not answer one word to this.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
Then calling for a cup of wine, he
 
−
took it in his hand, and presented it
 
−
with great reverence to Awo. sbo- su, in-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
treating him to be bridesman or media-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
tor to the marriage of his niece. As
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
you have obtained his Majesty's licence,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
replied he, addressing himself to Chay-
 
−
thay-kien, it is no longer left to your
 
−
discretion; I shall therefore act in that
 
−
behalf, for I dare not disobey his Ma-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
jesty. Then he drank off the wine .
 
−
_O which he addressed himself to
 
−
ieb- abung - u: * As the Emperor, said
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
5 hath nnn to lend his sanc-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
of® This * to have been a qo form, "A
 
−
wh he testified his intention to act as brides- |
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
Man or mediator on this occasion, |
 
−
tion
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ENT Dear un an STS . Wee peo WEE A A A EY; POR BIS nes
 
−
, bl N - 4 8 . * * 8 1
 
−
1 oe
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
OO ISS PAUL Ee rt neworas ix
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
FPV
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. yr
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
tion to this marriage, you cannot refuse
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
| your compliance, notwithstanding your
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
prior engagement with Shuzy-ping-/in :
 
−
let me then advise you, Sir, to stand off
 
−
no longer, but e submit, _ chap
 
−
all will be _ *. E BNN
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
Ande Tieb-c 17-4 was extreme-
 
−
ly chagrined and vexed, and could
 
−
with much difficulty kept his patience :
 
−
he nevertheless found it necessary to
 
−
bridle his temper for many reasons.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
In the first place, he confidered that
 
−
they had made the point to rest
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
upon the Emperor's authority: a-
 
−
gain he reflected that the Eunuch
 
−
Choy had continual aecess to his Ma-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
jesty's presence, and would be able
 
−
to give what turn he pleased to the
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
T4; affair:
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
»2 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. affair: he was also fearful that being
 
−
within that Eunuch's house, he would
 
−
not suffer him to go out: he was
 
−
moreover. unwilling to quarrel open-
 
−
ly with Kwo-s60-su : he therefore an-
 
−
swered that Mandarine mildly z * I
 
−
have nothing to object to your Lord-
 
−
ship's opinion, and if his Majesty hath
 
−
given his order, far be it from me to
 
−
dispute it. But still it is necessary
 
−
for me to go, and inform my father
 
−
and mother; that they may fix on
 
−
a fortunate day; and settle the terms
 
−
of the nuptial sum : for I cannot pre-
 
−
tend to take upon me to do it without
 
−
their knowledge.“ Sir, faid the
 
−
-Eunuch, you only want to shift off
 
−
the affair; but it will not serve your
 
−
-turn: if you do not comply, you shew
 
−
| contempt
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
CFF f A — Cots 2 5
 
−
; 8 : 8 I RIO Dy — EE PEPPER ac * W
 
−
 
 
−
: : d , 3 . : : . n n OTE 7 * 3 5 WAS 8 3 LE . - Zee
 
−
8 8 ae 4 * 2 8 * 4 by — 5 3 * : 4
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
JSC ² AAA 000 N 1 ——— : '
 
−
G « A el EN N e Id % AY. c 8 7 1 x * vg 7 5 9 2 4 Ba " PER” ala 4 *
 
−
5 : JJ Ou ons PO Oey One HET ¾%ͤ—» POT APR or ERIE D oe ores ad aac W
 
−
4 8 = 8 - G mw. N * I Re , "IN p 7 * . 5 % 5 * * 4
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 73
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
_ contempt to his Majesty's order: it
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
wholly depends upon yourself whether
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
you will obey it or not: you oveht
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
to obey, and not to study these excuses,
 
−
This is a fortunate day : all that re-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ates to invitations is already perform-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ed: the music is prepared : the banquet
 
−
ready : and here by great good fortune
 
−
is the Mandarine K*w0-sbo-su to act as
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
bridesman: within is the nuptial cham-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ber fitted up for the bridegroom: let
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
us now celebrate your marriage with my
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
niece, and then I shall have discharged
 
−
the most important duty that relates
 
−
to this life. If you think, Sir, that
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
your father or. mother. will complain
 
−
of being neglected, you must lay the
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
blame on his Majesty's order; and then
 
−
what complaint can be made ? If you
 
−
1 make
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
14 HAU KtOU: cHOAAN.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
make any scruple about "the nuptial
 
−
sum, I will leave that entirely to your-
 
−
selves: that shall make no ground of
 
−
dispute.” « Really, Sir, said Neo-
 
−
Ho- su to the young Mandarine Tieb,
 
−
my Lord Chou-thay-kien discovers a great
 
−
affection for you; if now you make
 
−
any farther excuses, you will certainly
 
−
pass for an ungrateful person.” The
 
−
young Mandarine replied, * Before
 
−
one can acknowledge a favour, one
 
−
ought to be certain of its propriety
 
−
and reasonableness. I came hither to-
 
−
| day 'by his Majesty's order to make
 
−
some verses or encomiums on two pic-
 
−
tures. I have already finished one;
 
−
the other remains to be performed :
 
−
and how can J dare to take in hand
 
−
2 70 other business till this is dis-
 
−
charged?
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. yg
 
−
charged? Now I intreat your Lard-
 
−
 
 
−
ship to give me here the other picture,
 
−
that I may finish it; and then J shall
 
−
be at liberty to enter upon any other
 
−
business.“ . Sir, said the Eunuch, you
 
−
say very well: but the ather picture
 
−
is very large, and is laid up in an inner
 
−
apartment: as therefore it would oe-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
aiasion a great deal of trouble to bring
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
it here, you had better go within to it.“
 
−
Although Tieb-chung-u suspected that
 
−
there was some secret design in this,
 
−
which he could nat at present discover,
 
−
he notwithstanding thought it best to
 
−
comply : which he signified accard-
 
−
ingly, „ Well then, said the Eunuch,
 
−
let us drink once more, afterwards we
 
−
will go within: for your Lordship is
 
−
TUM in proposing, that 0 one thing be fi-
 
−
nished
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
76 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. nished before another be taken in hand.
 
−
The young Mandarine Tieb said to him-
 
−
self, When I have once dispatched the
 
−
other picture, I shall perhaps find a
 
−
means to escape from this house.” Ac-
 
−
cordingly rising up from the table, he
 
−
said, Come let us finish the verses : I
 
−
will drink no more.” The Eunuch
 
−
Chou rose up likewise, and said, * Let
 
−
us go.“ The Mandarine Kwo-sbo-su
 
−
expressed also an inclination to accom-
 
−
pany them: but the Eunuch gave him
 
−
a signal with his eye: pa immediately
 
−
that Mandarine stopped and said; It
 
−
is not necessary that I be present at
 
−
the composing of these verses, I will
 
−
wait for your return here without : and
 
−
chen you have finished them [ will
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
compleat the .
 
−
| Then
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 77
 
−
Then Chou-thay-kien conducted the
 
−
young Mandarine Tieb within: by
 
−
which means he fell into the snare: for
 
−
as soon as the other had led him into an
 
−
inner apartment he left him and with-
 
−
drew; two women servants immediately
 
−
| shutting the doors upon him. 2
 
−
 
 
  
 
CHAP. VI.
 
CHAP. VI.
  
 +
''Tieh''-chung-u being thus shut up within the inner apartments of the Eunuch's palace, found them all adorned and fitted out in the most splendid manner. He entered one of the chambers, which shone with the richest and most elegant furniture; and saw in it a lady seated in a chair, who was adorned with jewels, and the costliest ornaments in great profusion. ''Tieh''-chung-u seeing her thus dressed out like a princess, composed the following verses in his mind.
  
−
F1EH-chung-u being thus shut up
+
: ''I have seen her figure, it is finely trick'd out with ornaments,''
−
within the inner apartments of the
+
: ''But her mouth is wide as the sea, her head high as a mountain.''
−
Eunuch's palace, found them all adorn -
+
: ''May the demons look upon her, and bring her to shame.''<ref>The words of the Portuguese translation are, ''Vis sua fieura, ita bem ornada; Mas a bica he grande e larga como o mar, a testa he alta como monte; Os demonios a vihao, fazem-na envergonhar.'' This specimen may serve to shew the incorrectness of the MS. version.</ref>
−
ed and fitted out in the most splendid
 
−
manner. He entered one of the cham-
 
−
bers, which shone with the richest and
 
−
most elegant furniture; and faw in
 
−
it a lady seated in a chair, who was
 
−
n with jewels, and the costliest
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ornaments
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
78 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. -
 
−
ornaments in great profusion. . Tieh-
 
−
chung-u seeing her thus dressed out
 
−
like a princess, composed the follow-
 
−
ing verses in his mind.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
I have seen ber figure, it is finely trick'd
 
−
_ out with ornaments,
 
−
 
 
−
But ber mouth is wide as the hw her
 
−
bead high-as a mountain. *
 
−
 
 
−
May the demons look upon ber, and bring
 
−
 
 
−
ber to shame *, |
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
This lady, who was no other than the
 
−
+ acai being the young: Mar-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
297 *7T by words 9) the FIRE? translation are,
 
−
Vis sua fieura, ita bem ornada ; -
 
−
Mas a bica he grande e larga como o Ly tus
 
−
he alta como monte; |
 
−
 
 
−
Os demonios wvihde, faztm werftibdr.
 
−
 
 
−
This specimen, may serve to > they the incor-
 
−
reftress of the MS. version.” ,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
darine
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 79
 
−
datine enter, ross up from her chair,
 
−
and made signs to her women to per-
 
−
form their reverences to him: who
 
−
asked him to draw near, and converse
 
−
with their lady. Far from complying
 
−
wich their request he drew back; but
 
−
seeing all the doors were shut upon
 
−
him, and that there was no remedy,
 
−
at length he went some what nearer the
 
−
lady, and bowed to her very low,;
 
−
which done, he drew back a little aa
 
−
before: all this while the lady never
 
−
opened her mouth. One of the most
 
−
aged of the female attendants seeing
 
−
this, came up to sieb- bung a, and faid
 
−
to him: * Your Lordship came here
 
−
within the women's apartments to mar-
 
−
ry my lady : * husband and wife being
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
This is a literal version of the Portuguese, viz. *
 
−
Marido e mulher sendo caxado, dous sam ue bun corps
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
de huma carne. | |
 
−
| 2 | Once
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
8 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. once married, are both of one body,
 
−
of one flesh.. You are now Lord of
 
−
all this house. ; You need not there-
 
−
fore be reserved or bashful: but may
 
−
come and sit down here with your la-
 
−
dy.“ I came here, said he, by the
 
−
Emperor's command to write verses
 
−
upon two pictures belonging to his
 
−
Majesty : how then can you fay I
 
−
came here to marry ?” The pictures
 
−
you speak of, said the servant, are with-
 
−
out; if therefore your Lordship only
 
−
came on that account, why did not
 
−
you stay in the outer apartments ?
 
−
Obedience to the Emperor's command
 
−
did not require you to come in hi-
 
−
ther. These are the apartments be-
 
−
longing to the women; which none
 
−
ever enter but my lady and our-
 
−
selves. Tou could never have come
 
−
. e
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 8r
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
here, but in order to marry her.“
 
−
« Your lady's uncle, said he, the Eu-
 
−
nuch Chou, with many wiles inticed
 
−
me within: he hath deceived me. This
 
−
is very disrespectful treatment of one of
 
−
my rank, and is an affront to his Ma-
 
−
jesty, by whose favour I am advanced
 
−
to be one of the first doors of the em-
 
−
pire.** „As your Lordship is now
 
−
here, | said the servant, be easy and chear-
 
−
ful; why do you talk of any thing that
 
−
happened to you without ?” He re-
 
−
plied in a rage, * You are all of you
 
−
concerned in this picee of treachery.
 
−
Jour master hath ensnared me by pre-
 
−
tending the pictures were here within,
 
−
and this the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su can
 
−
testify. But you are all of you deceived
 
−
in thinking to conquer me: my name
 
−
Vol. IV. ga G EE”
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
82 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. is Tieb, that is Jon; my body, my
 
−
heart are all of iron, hard and in-
 
−
flexible, it is impossible to move me.
 
−
I am more steady and resolute than
 
−
those two ancient heroes Lieu-hiau-
 
−
whey and Quan- in-chang * „ who are
 
−
so famous in history for being firm
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
*. The first of these is mentioned before in vol.
 
−
2. p. 69. as also in the following paslage of a
 
−
Chinese author, translated by P. Halde. See
 
−
vol. 1. p. 439.
 
−
 
 
−
« You have heard of the celebrated Lieu-biau-
 
−
* aubey. Neither the most frightful poverty
 
−
„with which he was threatened, nor the first
 
−
4c rank of the empire, with which he was tempt-
 
−
< tered, could in the least incline him to vice, or
 
−
draw him aside from virtue.
 
−
 
 
−
The second of these, Quan -in-chang, was a
 
−
great general, so remarkable for his brave and
 
−
gallant atchievements, that he is to this day re-
 
−
vered by the Chinese ; who in remembrance of
 
−
his fublime virtue, adore him as a god, and set
 
−
ph images in Honour of him in their idol- tem-
 
−
[p. 12]
 
−
| x See before, vol. 3. P. 331: note,—See alfo
 
−
0 Kao. P. 125. we
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 83
 
−
and unshaken. But indeed what effect
 
−
can be expected from such shallow
 
−
plots as these? This girl is not only
 
−
ugly: but also shameless. Notwith-
 
−
standing her fine ornaments, I regard
 
−
her not: she is a low and worthless
 
−
creature, and not to be regarded.“
 
−
The young lady, although at first sne
 
−
was charmed with the graceful figure
 
−
of the young Mandarine Dieb, and
 
−
did not behold without some emotion,
 
−
the fine features, and fair complexion
 
−
of that beautiful youth; hearing this
 
−
abuse, could no longer contain herself,
 
−
but broke silence, and said, Sir, you
 
−
treat me very ill, niece as I am to a
 
−
great officer of the Emperor, and one
 
−
who stands continually in his presence.
 
−
This honour puts him upon a level
 
−
[p. 55]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
84 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. with any of the Mandarines, so that [
 
−
have a right to be considered with all
 
−
the distinction of a Siaum-Zsieh or Man-
 
−
darine's daughter *. His Majesty hath
 
−
commanded a marriage to be conclu-
 
−
ded between you and me: in which
 
−
there is nothing wrong or indecent,
 
−
Why then do you complain of plots |
 
−
against you ? How dare you presume to
 
−
call me low and worthless. You disgrace
 
−
the honour of my family. But since !
 
−
am so immodest and shameless, I will
 
−
make you know whether I am to be
 
−
regarded or not.” Then she called
 
−
out to her women, Bring this fellow
 
−
here before me.“ All the attendants
 
−
went up to him, and said, Our lady
 
−
orders us to bring you to her to Pay
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
See vol. 1. pag. 114. note. 21411
 
−
4 J : 7 — V her
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 35
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
her the reverence and respect due to
 
−
her quality: if you do not comply,
 
−
we must force you.” Notwithstand-
 
−
ing he was so much discomposed and
 
−
chagrined, he could not help smiling
 
−
at them: but he neither stirred nor an-
 
−
swered a syllable.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
The women enraged at this con-
 
−
tempt, fell all upon him at once, striv-
 
−
ing to force and drag him up before
 
−
their mistress, not without great tu-
 
−
mult and disturbance. Tieb- chung ·
 
−
however provoked at the ridiculous si-
 
−
tuation in which he saw. himself, reflect.
 
−
ed that it would be very indecent, and
 
−
unmanly for him to contend, and fight
 
−
with women: he therefore mustered
 
−
up his patience, and comforted him-
 
−
V
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
#6 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. self with the old proverb, „Who re-
 
−
gards the little demons of the wood ?” *
 
−
Then drawing. a chair to him, he sat
 
−
down: and while the women were
 
−
struggling and talking round. him, he
 
−
remained calm and unmoved ; repeat-
 
−
ing to himselt the following verses:
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
- Hard substances became soft »
 
−
80 fee turn t0 parte
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
- The Chinese 1 suppose every ont af the
 
−
universe to be under the influence of good or bad
 
−
spirits, who have their respective districts, This
 
−
premised, the application of the Proverb is ob-
 
−
vious. Nothing can place the feeble efforts of
 
−
these women in a more contemptible light, than
 
−
to compare them to "those little diminutive
 
−
fiends, who only presiding over untrequented
 
−
solitudes, have very little Power or opportunity
 
−
of doing mischief, notwithstanding: their na-
 
−
tural malignity.
 
−
 
 
−
| The Porruguese words are Quem faga caso dot
 
−
diabolbings do mate © 1 suppole it it r be Dia-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ae
 
−
Hard .
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 87
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
. Hard and soft at times are strong
 
−
Mater is soft ; who can resist its force“?
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
In the midst of this disturbance came
 
−
in the Eunuch Chou himself, having
 
−
entered through another door; who
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
booking round him, cried out to the
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
women, © What is the meaning of
 
−
this? Retire, How dare ye presume
 
−
to offer this rudeness in the presence
 
−
of people of quality? Then addres-
 
−
sing himself to Tieh- chung u on the subject
 
−
of the marriage, he said, ** Well, Sir,
 
−
it is in vain to resist; you had better
 
−
cop and put an end to all this
 
−
EP. The Partogneh words are,
 
−
 
 
−
Cousa dura chegou de eftar mole,
 
−
 
 
−
Cousa mole wem se fazer dura,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
Dura e mole estas forte,
 
−
A agoa mole quem pode resastir faa forga ?
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
05-4 © © 7"
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
88 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. disturbance.“ He answered, „] don't
 
−
_ refuse my compliance: but we mult
 
−
pay obedience to the laws.” © Why
 
−
not ?” said the other. Your Lord-
 
−
ship, replied he, forgets there is a
 
−
book of the laws, which contains an
 
−
injunction for the Mandarines with-
 
−
in the palace to have no dealings or
 
−
contracts with the Mandarines with-
 
−
out *. Now as there is this doubt
 
−
about the lawfulness of our engage-
 
−
ment, what matters it, if we defer its
 
−
ee for the present ?** That in-
 
−
Junction,
 
−
„This is a renulntion which the Chines Em-
 
−
rerors have frequently found it necessary to re.
 
−
vive, in order to curb the exorbitant power of
 
−
the Eunuchs, and to break through their con-
 
−
nections with the other great officers. See P.
 
−
Da Halde, vol. 1. p. 226 &fc. e 44
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
N. B. By the Mandarines within he palace is
 
−
reculiarly meant the Eunuchs : these being by
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
perly
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 89
 
−
junction, said the Eunuch, is old and
 
−
obsolete: what occasion to observe an
 
−
obsolete law? But it is necessary to
 
−
obey the present commands of the
 
−
Emperor, and to execute what he in-
 
−
joins. The other is old and out of
 
−
date.“ Tieb- cbung- u replied, If your
 
−
Lordship would have me execute those
 
−
commands, shew me your patent; that
 
−
I may first thank his Majesty for his
 
−
favourable notice of me *. Nay, Sir,
 
−
 
 
−
|  thew
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
perly the only domestics the Emperor hath : and
 
−
these are so numerous, that P. Semedo tells us,
 
−
in his time their number was seldom so small as
 
−
| 12000. In the reign of a weak Emperor, the
 
−
 
 
−
Eunuchs generally gain the ascendant, and grow
 
−
to an unsufferable pitch of insolence. Since the
 
−
Tartar race hath been in possession of the throne
 
−
of China, the number of these gentry hath been
 
−
lessened, and their authority diminisned.
 
−
P. Semedo, p. 114. & Auth, sup. citat.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
C Je is an  indispensible duty with the Man-
 
−
| darines,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
go HAU KIOU CHOAAN. shew me the patent For how can I
 
−
| presume to conclude this marriage,
 
−
thus hand over head, before I have
 
−
returned the Emperor thanks?”
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
While this contention lasted between
 
−
them, there came two little Eunuchs
 
−
in great haste to the house of Chou-
 
−
thay-kien : he was called out to speak
 
−
to them. They told him that H. hiau,
 
−
General of the Tartarian frontiers, was
 
−
returned from the war, n. with
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
"8 to pay 7 acknowledgments to the
 
−
Emperor, upon every the least notice taken
 
−
of them, by: doing him immediate homage:
 
−
which is — Ke by prostrating themselves
 
−
nine times on the ground before him, or in hie
 
−
absence: before his empty throne.
 
−
 
 
−
See P. Du Halde, &c. **
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
The Chingse title is T I which p.
 
−
Du Halde interprets Commandant General di
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
Melic, Voi Tom. 3. fr. index. 255
 
−
him
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 91
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
him a multitude of prisoners: that
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
there were also come with him many am-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
bassadors, loaded with tribute of great
 
−
value“: and that the Emperor had or-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
dered a banquet for them. They add-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ed, As the Mandarine Tieb-chung-u
 
−
was the patron and protector of the
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
General, his Majesty commands him to
 
−
accompany them. The banquet is
 
−
prepared: we have already been at this
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
nobleman's house to seek him, but
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
he was not there; we were told be
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
« The ideas of Anbassader and Tr — are in-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
e among the enden See vol. 2. p. 92.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
288.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
make it a geacral rule not to send any them-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
selves to other courts. | Vet they have _ once.
 
−
departed from this rule, in sending a splendid
 
−
ambassage to Rusia, in the reign of the 1 mpress
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
Anne.
 
  
 +
This lady, who was no other than the niece of the Eunuch, seeing the young Mandarine enter, rose up from her chair, and made signs to her women to perform their reverences to him: who asked him to draw near, and converse with their lady. Far from complying with their request he drew back; but seeing all the doors were shut upon him, and that there was no remedy, at length he went somewhat nearer the lady, and bowed to her very low; which done, he drew back a little as before: all this while the lady never opened her mouth. One of the most aged of the female attendants seeing this, came up to ''Tieh''-chung-u, and said to him: "Your Lordship came here within the women's apartments to marry my lady: husband and wife being<ref>This is a literal version of the Portuguese, viz. ''Marido e mulher sendo caxado, dous sam hum corpo de huma carne.''</ref> once married, are both of one body, of one flesh. You are now Lord of all this house. You need not therefore be reserved or bashful: but may come and sit down here with your lady." "I came here," said he, "by the Emperor's command to write verses upon two pictures belonging to his Majesty: how then can you say I came here to marry?" "The pictures you speak of," said the servant, "are without; if therefore your Lordship only came on that account, why did not you stay in the outer apartments? Obedience to the Emperor's command did not require you to come in hither. These are the apartments belonging to the women; which none ever enter but my lady and ourselves. You could never have come here, but in order to marry her." "Your lady's uncle," said he, "the Eunuch Chou, with many wiles inticed me within: he hath deceived me. This is very disrespectful treatment of one of my rank, and is an affront to his Majesty, by whose favour I am advanced to be one of the first doctors of the empire." "As your Lordship is now here," said the servant, "be easy and chearful; why do you talk of any thing that happened to you without?" He replied in a rage, "You are all of you concerned in this piece of treachery. Your master hath ensnared me by pretending the pictures were here within, and this the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su can testify. But you are all of you deceived in thinking to conquer me: my name is ''Tieh'', that is ''Iron''; my body, my heart are all of iron, hard and inflexible, it is impossible to move me. I am more steady and resolute than those two ancient heroes Lieu-hiau-whey and Quan-in-chang,<ref>The first of these is mentioned before in vol. 2. p. 69. as also in the following passage of a Chinese author, translated by P. Du Halde. See vol. 1. p. 439. "You have heard of the celebrated Lieu-hiau-whey. Neither the most frightful poverty with which he was threatened, nor the first rank of the empire, with which he was tempted, could in the least incline him to vice, or draw him aside from virtue." The second of these, Quan-in-chang, was a great general, so remarkable for his brave and gallant atchievements, that he is to this day revered by the Chinese; who in remembrance of his sublime virtue, adore him as a god, and set up images in honour of him in their idol-temples. See before, vol. 3. p. 331. note. See also Du Halde, p. 125.</ref> who are so famous in history for being firm and unshaken. But indeed what effect can be expected from such shallow plots as these? This girl is not only ugly: but also shameless. Notwithstanding her fine ornaments, I regard her not: she is a low and worthless creature, and not to be regarded." The young lady, although at first she was charmed with the graceful figure of the young Mandarine ''Tieh'', and did not behold without some emotion, the fine features, and fair complexion of that beautiful youth; hearing this abuse, could no longer contain herself, but broke silence, and said, "Sir, you treat me very ill, niece as I am to a great officer of the Emperor, and one who stands continually in his presence. This honour puts him upon a level with any of the Mandarines, so that I have a right to be considered with all the distinction of a Siaou-tsieh or Mandarine's daughter.<ref>See vol. 1. pag. 114. note.</ref> His Majesty hath commanded a marriage to be concluded between you and me: in which there is nothing wrong or indecent. Why then do you complain of plots against you? How dare you presume to call me low and worthless. You disgrace the honour of my family. But since I am so immodest and shameless, I will make you know whether I am to be regarded or not." Then she called out to her women, "Bring this fellow here before me." All the attendants went up to him, and said, "Our lady orders us to bring you to her to pay her the reverence and respect due to her quality: if you do not comply, we must force you." Notwithstanding he was so much discomposed and chagrined, he could not help smiling at them: but he neither stirred nor answered a syllable.
  
−
"ON id. Bay eri, tom. 1. dedicatio. FOE
+
The women enraged at this contempt, fell all upon him at once, striving to force and drag him up before their mistress, not without great tumult and disturbance. ''Tieh''-chung-u however provoked at the ridiculous situation in which he saw himself, reflected that it would be very indecent, and unmanly for him to contend, and fight with women: he therefore mustered up his patience, and comforted himself with the old proverb, "Who regards the little demons of the wood?"<ref>The Chinese suppose every part of the universe to be under the influence of good or bad spirits, who have their respective districts. This premised, the application of the Proverb is obvious. Nothing can place the feeble efforts of these women in a more contemptible light, than to compare them to those little diminutive fiends, who only presiding over unfrequented solitudes, have very little power or opportunity of doing mischief, notwithstanding their natural malignity. The Portuguese words are ''Quem faga caso dos diabolhinhos do mato.'' I suppose it should be ''Diabolinhos.''</ref> Then drawing a chair to him, he sat down: and while the women were struggling and talking round him, he remained calm and unmoved; repeating to himself the following verses:
  
 +
: ''Hard substances become soft,''
 +
: ''So soft things turn to hard:''
 +
: ''Hard and soft at times are strong,''
 +
: ''Water is soft; who can resist its force?''<ref>The Portuguese words are, ''Cousa dura chegou de estar mole, Cousa mole vem se fazer dura, Dura e mole estas forte, A agoa mole quem pode resistir sua forga?''</ref>
  
−
[p. 14]
+
In the midst of this disturbance came in the Eunuch Chou himself, having entered through another door; who looking round him, cried out to the women, "What is the meaning of this? Retire. How dare ye presume to offer this rudeness in the presence of people of quality?" Then addressing himself to ''Tieh''-chung-u on the subject of the marriage, he said, "Well, Sir, it is in vain to resist; you had better comply and put an end to all this disturbance." He answered, "I don't refuse my compliance: but we must pay obedience to the laws." "Why not?" said the other. "Your Lordship," replied he, "forgets there is a book of the laws, which contains an injunction for the Mandarines within the palace to have no dealings or contracts with the Mandarines without.<ref>This is a regulation which the Chinese Emperors have frequently found it necessary to revive, in order to curb the exorbitant power of the Eunuchs, and to break through their connections with the other great officers. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 226, &c. N. B. By the Mandarines within the palace is peculiarly meant the Eunuchs: these being properly the only domestics the Emperor hath: and these are so numerous, that P. Semedo tells us, in his time their number was seldom so small as 12,000. In the reign of a weak Emperor, the Eunuchs generally gain the ascendant, and grow to an unsufferable pitch of insolence. Since the Tartar race hath been in possession of the throne of China, the number of these gentry hath been lessened, and their authority diminished. P. Semedo, p. 114.</ref> Now as there is this doubt about the lawfulness of our engagement, what matters it, if we defer its completion for the present?" "That injunction," said the Eunuch, "is old and obsolete: what occasion to observe an obsolete law? But it is necessary to obey the present commands of the Emperor, and to execute what he injoins. The other is old and out of date." ''Tieh''-chung-u replied, "If your Lordship would have me execute those commands, shew me your patent; that I may first thank his Majesty for his favourable notice of me."<ref>It is an indispensible duty with the Mandarines, to pay their acknowledgments to the Emperor, upon every the least notice taken of them, by doing him immediate homage: which is performed by prostrating themselves nine times on the ground before him, or in his absence before his empty throne. See P. Du Halde, &c.</ref> "Nay, Sir, shew me the patent. For how can I presume to conclude this marriage, thus hand over head, before I have returned the Emperor thanks?"
−
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−
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−
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−
 
 
−
 
 
−
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−
mark of vassalage and submission, and therefore
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
came
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
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−
 
 
−
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−
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−
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k _ 2
 
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−
Ko At + Ana. oc "ER Jo
 
−
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−
92 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. came home this morning with your
 
−
Lordship. We are accordingly come
 
−
hither to inquire after him: the messen-
 
−
ger of state waits for him in the out-
 
−
ward court, and his servants are attend-
 
−
ing there with his horse. Please to in-
 
−
form him to come away immediately.“
 
−
Not satisfied with this account, the
 
−
Eunuch Chou went himself to the gate
 
−
accompanied with the Minister Kzv0--
 
−
sho-su: and finding it to be literally as
 
−
they had related, these two looked
 
−
at each other in great confusion, not
 
−
knowing what to say; especial ly when
 
−
they saw there was allo come the Man-
 
−
darine whose business it was to pro-
 
−
vide the banquet, and that the sum-
 
−
mons would admit of no delay. Find-
 
−
ing there was no remedy, the Eunuch
 
−
I. TS ordered
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 93
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ordered the doors to be opened, and
 
−
Tieh-chung-u to be suffered to come
 
−
forth. The latter was wondering what
 
−
could occasion this unexpected de-
 
−
liverance, when the Mandarine of the
 
−
banquet, and the Emperor's messenger
 
−
informed him of the invitation, which
 
−
required his immediate attendance.
 
−
Chou-thay-kien greatly chagrined, said,
 
−
* They say the Emperor commands
 
−
you to attend the banquet: his Ma-
 
−
jesty also commanded you to write the
 
−
verses. Lou have finished one picture,
 
−
yet another remains to be dispatched.
 
−
To-morrow, when his Majesty will
 
−
demand of me why they were not
 
−
done; what shall I answer ? You can-
 
−
not go ttill both are: finished.” This
 
−
ke said with a malicious design to
 
−
543152 em-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
94 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. embarrass him, and render him inca-
 
−
pable of complying with the order.
 
−
But Tieb-chung-u answered, © I have
 
−
long been desiring you to let me have
 
−
the other picture that I might dispatch
 
−
it: yet you would not give it me.
 
−
This picture is here without, but you
 
−
deceived me, and inticed me to go
 
−
within : however bring the picture here,
 
−
and I will finish it.” The Eunuch
 
−
Chou brought him the picture; when
 
−
in a moment he finished all the verses,
 
−
end taking his leave, went away.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
Chou-thay-kien who accompanied him
 
−
to the gate, returned to his friend wo-
 
−
shorsu, and said. What astonishing
 
−
abilities hath this young man ? And
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
who would have thought he could have
 
−
- _ escaped
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 93
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
escaped the snare * ? This unexpected
 
−
message from the Emperor hath broke
 
−
through all our measures.” They. re-
 
−
mained both of them enraged and
 
−
vexed at a disappointment so little fore-
 
−
seen. After some time K#wo-fbo-/ie
 
−
broke silence, and said, . Let us look
 
−
out for some other expedient. The
 
−
marriage with Shuey-ping: n is not
 
−
completed: it is well known that
 
−
they do not sleep in the same chamber.
 
−
I will yet cause them to be separated.
 
−
Think not I propose an impracticable
 
−
 
 
−
attempt. I will revive the suspicions
 
−
that have been fo long dormant, with
 
−
regard to her carrying him home to
 
−
her house to attend him in his illness.
 
−
I will refute this pretended excule, and
 
−
Here is g tedious recapitulation in the orig.
 
−
 
 
−
- I accuse
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
——— = C1777
 
−
— we off bb Js |
 
−
2 E
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
_ —ͤ + *. AI eo LID ᷑¶ iti re er ror —
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
— — — — r . e
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
2 N
 
−
. 17
 
−
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−
 
 
−
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96 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. accuse them of disorderly and unlawful
 
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motives. I will relate this to the Censor
 
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of the empire, who is obliged by his office
 
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proach this will bring on the laws: es-
 
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pecially as they are people of such rank
 
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in the state. Your Lordship shall lend
 
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jeesty summon the Tribunal of Rites
 
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While this contention lasted between them, there came two little Eunuchs in great haste to the house of Chou-thay-kien: he was called out to speak to them. They told him that Hu-hiau, General of the Tartarian frontiers,<ref>The Chinese title is ''Ti-toc,'' which P. Du Halde interprets ''Commandant General de la Milice.'' See Du Halde, tom. 3. index.</ref> was returned from the war, with him a multitude of prisoners: that there were also come with him many ambassadors, loaded with tribute of great value:<ref>The ideas of Ambassador and Tribute are inseparable among the Chinese. See vol. 2. p. 92. They look upon sending an embassy, as a mark of vassalage and submission, and therefore make it a general rule not to send any themselves to other courts. Yet they have once departed from this rule, in sending a splendid ambassage to Russia, in the reign of the Empress Anne. See Bayeri, tom. 1. dedicatio.</ref> and that the Emperor had ordered a banquet for them. They added, "As the Mandarine ''Tieh''-chung-u was the patron and protector of the General, his Majesty commands him to accompany them. The banquet is prepared: we have already been at this nobleman's house to seek him, but he was not there; we were told he came home this morning with your Lordship. We are accordingly come hither to inquire after him: the messenger of state waits for him in the outward court, and his servants are attending there with his horse. Please to inform him to come away immediately." Not satisfied with this account, the Eunuch Chou went himself to the gate accompanied with the Minister Kwo-sho-su: and finding it to be literally as they had related, these two looked at each other in great confusion, not knowing what to say; especially when they saw there was also come the Mandarine whose business it was to provide the banquet, and that the summons would admit of no delay. Finding there was no remedy, the Eunuch ordered the doors to be opened, and ''Tieh''-chung-u to be suffered to come forth. The latter was wondering what could occasion this unexpected deliverance, when the Mandarine of the banquet, and the Emperor's messenger informed him of the invitation, which required his immediate attendance. Chou-thay-kien greatly chagrined, said, "They say the Emperor commands you to attend the banquet: his Majesty also commanded you to write the verses. You have finished one picture, yet another remains to be dispatched. To-morrow, when his Majesty will demand of me why they were not done; what shall I answer? You cannot go till both are finished." This he said with a malicious design to embarrass him, and render him incapable of complying with the order. But ''Tieh''-chung-u answered, "I have long been desiring you to let me have the other picture that I might dispatch it: yet you would not give it me. This picture is here without, but you deceived me, and inticed me to go within: however bring the picture here, and I will finish it." The Eunuch Chou brought him the picture; when in a moment he finished all the verses, and taking his leave, went away.
  
 +
Chou-thay-kien who accompanied him to the gate, returned to his friend Kwo-sho-su, and said, "What astonishing abilities hath this young man? And who would have thought he could have escaped the snare?<ref>Here is a tedious recapitulation in the original.</ref> This unexpected message from the Emperor hath broke through all our measures." They remained both of them enraged and vexed at a disappointment so little foreseen. After some time Kwo-sho-su broke silence, and said, "Let us look out for some other expedient. The marriage with Shuey-ping-sin is not completed: it is well known that they do not sleep in the same chamber. I will yet cause them to be separated. Think not I propose an impracticable attempt. I will revive the suspicions that have been so long dormant, with regard to her carrying him home to her house to attend him in his illness. I will refute this pretended excuse, and accuse them of disorderly and unlawful motives. I will relate this to the Censor of the empire, who is obliged by his office to report it to his Majesty. I will tell him, that after having had an unlawful amour, they now would increase the scandal by a patched-up marriage: and I will remonstrate the contempt and reproach this will bring on the laws: especially as they are people of such rank in the state. Your Lordship shall lend your assistance to forward and strengthen this accusation. Then will his Majesty summon the Tribunal of Rites to examine into it: in the mean time, I will apply to the Che-hien of the city where the affair happened, and will get him to turn over all the papers of his office, in order to procure minutes of the case, wherewith to support the accusation. After this, the least that can happen will be their being divorced and separated for ever." "True," said the Eunuch Chou; "and when once they are separated, it will be an easy matter to speak to the Emperor about the marriage with my niece." These resolutions they formed, both agreeing that in order to render them effectual, the utmost secrecy and caution were necessary.
  
 
----
 
----
  
 
''End of Chapter 16''
 
''End of Chapter 16''
 +
 +
<references/>
  
 
[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]
 
[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

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Chapter 16: The Beauty Trap: A Crooked Scheme Hard to Endure

From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)

Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Some scan errors may remain -- compare with the modern translation and Chinese original to verify.

[Volume IV, Book IV, Chapters V-VI]

CHAP. V.[1]

Tieh-chung-u having completed his marriage with Shuey-ping-sin, was notwithstanding greatly in love with her: and that as well for her wit and good sense, as for the beauty and gracefulness of her person. He was so charmed with her conversation that he could not endure to stir abroad: which being related to their respective parents, they were extremely well pleased.

Let us leave them thus enamoured of each other, and return to Tah-quay and the Eunuch Chou.

These two persons, who had been encouraged by Kwo-sho-su to make the proposals abovementioned, hearing now of the marriage that had taken place between the young couple, were inclined to desist; and sent to inform that Mandarine of their resolutions. He was very much chagrined, and disappointed at the news, and resolved to send some of his servants to the house of the young lady to listen and spy out what was transacting: he did the same to the house of the Supreme Viceroy. The first information he received was, that the young Mandarine Tieh-chung-u had not brought the bride home to his house, but had gone to reside with her at her father's. Soon after it was told him, that although they were married, they still continued in separate apartments. He afterwards learnt, that the bridegroom was so enamoured of his lady, that he had not stirred from her for two or three days. These different accounts somewhat puzzled Kwo-sho-su; their behaviour was singular and mysterious, so that he imagined there was something more than ordinary at the bottom. At length from their living in separate apartments, he concluded that the matter was neither more nor less than this, that the marriage was only a feint, in order to avoid the proposals of Tah-quay and the Eunuch Chou. Well, said he, if they have not yet cohabited, 'tis still possible to separate them, and spoil their marriage. Tah-quay must be informed of this, and encouraged to renew his application: but then her friends will refuse him under pretence of this marriage, and as she seldom stirs out, he will find no opportunity to carry her away. Before he takes any step of this kind, it will be better to set Chou-thay-kien at work: I will go and persuade that Eunuch to intice this Tieh into his house; and when he has him there to compel him at once to marry his niece."

Full of these designs he hasted to the house of Chou-thay-kien, to whom he related as well the information he had picked up, as the measures which he thought necessary to be taken. The Eunuch thought them practicable, and promised to give him notice, as soon as he had enticed the youth to his house: desiring him in that case to come to him immediately. Kwo-sho-su was pleased to see him so readily adopt his design, and promised nothing should delay or prevent his coming. Then taking his leave he went home, impatiently waiting till he should be sent for.

Tieh-chung-u, on account of his pretended marriage had obtained leave of the Emperor to absent himself ten days from court. These were expired, and he must now return: Shuey-ping-sin, whose judgment and penetration were admirable, seeing him about to go, said to him as follows, "Kwo-sho-su having laid a plot with a view to get us both disposed of, the one to Tah-quay, and the other to the niece of the Eunuch Chou, hath hitherto been disappointed: it is not however to be supposed that he will give us up so easily: he will still seek some way to embroil us. With regard to Tah-quay, as he is not within the precincts of the palace, he would be liable to reproof from superior tribunals should he do any thing amiss: and therefore I apprehend nothing from him. But this Eunuch, who is a domestic servant of the Emperor's, presuming upon his favour, and knowing his mind, regards nothing but his own inclinations. If therefore you go to court, be sure be upon your guard against his attempts." "You argue rightly," said Tieh-chung-u, "and talk with your usual judgment and discretion. But this Eunuch is of a mean, low cast: what can he do? what is there to be feared from him?" She replied, "Such persons it is true are despicable, and not to be feared: but at present as things are circumstanced, and as he hath got the ear of his Majesty, it would not be amiss to be upon your guard." The young Mandarine agreed it would be proper; then taking his leave of her went to the palace.

As he was thence returning home, who should meet him but the Eunuch himself. Holding up his hands, he saluted the youth with great familiarity. The latter would have proceeded on his way, but the other laid hold of his horse's bridle. "I was even now going," said he, "to send to your house to desire to speak with you." "What business," said Tieh-chung-u, "can you have with me? Your affairs and mine can have no relation. My province lies without the palace, and yours within." "If it were only on my own account," replied the Eunuch, "I should not have taken the liberty to stop you: but I have business of the Emperor's to impart to you, which must not be deferred: you had better then go home with me, and let us talk it over there." "Before I do that," replied Tieh-chung-u, "you must tell me plainly what your business is." "Sir," said the other, "do you think I would go about to deceive you? or durst abuse the Emperor's authority? To tell you truly then, his Majesty hath heard that you are a fine poet; and requires you to write some verses on two pieces of painting, which he greatly values." The youth inquired where they were: and was answered, at his house. Tieh-chung-u immediately recollected the words of his lovely mistress; but found he could not avoid the snare, as the other had got the Emperor's order. He accordingly went home with Chou-thay-kien.

When they were got within his doors, the Eunuch ordered tea to be brought and a table to be spread for an entertainment. "No! no!" said the young Mandarine, "the first things to be attended to are the pictures, I dare not enter on any thing else till they are dispatched." "Sir," replied the other, "you know very well what the generality of us Eunuchs are: we are a foolish illiterate set of people: however I cannot but take great satisfaction in seeing a person of your ingenuity and learning: I hope therefore you will honour me so far as to drink something with me: and will permit me to shew the great respect I entertain for you. I believe if I had sent to invite you, you would hardly have come: but as his Majesty's business hath brought you here, you must oblige us a little with your company. And pray don't look upon me in the same mean and despicable light as the rest of my brethren, since I have obtained this great honour: upon which account I hope you will overlook the liberty I take of sitting down with you." "Pray don't talk in this manner," said Tieh-chung-u, "are not we both the Emperor's servants? But as there is his Majesty's order to be obeyed; let that be first dispatched, and afterwards we will converse together." "Perhaps," replied he, "when that is performed, you will not stay any longer. Well then; you shall write upon one of the pictures first, and before you take the other in hand you shall do me the favour to drink a little wine." To this the young Mandarine assented.

Chou-thay-kien then led him into a hall, and calling a servant, ordered him to take down a painting that was hung up, and lay it on a table. Tieh-chung-u found it to be a beautiful flower piece, containing the picture of a double jasmin: then taking a pencil he wrote a few lines over it.

He had scarcely done, when word was brought that the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su was arrived. He was accordingly desired to walk in. The Eunuch Chou told him he was very opportunely arrived to meet with the great Doctor Tieh-chung-u; who was come there to write upon some pictures by the Emperor's order. "And here," said he, "he hath dispatched one in less time than you would drink off a dish of tea." The Mandarine Kwo-sho-su told him that those that were masters of their art were generally expeditious. "Pray my Lord," said the Eunuch Chou, "be so kind as to read the inscription to me, and tell me what it contains; that I may the better talk of it to the Emperor when I carry it to him." The other assented, Tieh-chung-u desiring him to pardon and overlook the faults he should find in it. When Kwo-sho-su had perused the verses, he cried out, "They are written with a great deal of spirit, and shew a fine understanding." The Eunuch appeared extremely satisfied with this account, and immediately ordered an entertainment to be served upon the table. Tieh-chung-u intreated, that he would permit him to finish both the pictures now he was about it. But the Eunuch would not let him: "said he, you do it with the greatest ease and pleasure: why can't you then first sit down and regale yourself, and afterwards finish the verses at leisure?"

Kwo-sho-su sat down at the first: the Eunuch with Tieh-chung-u at the second. After some little conversation on indifferent subjects, Chou-thay-kien addressing himself to the latter, said: "His Majesty being informed of your great ingenuity, hath ordered these two pictures to be sent here, that you should write something upon them: but it was at my intreaty in order to bring you to my house, where I have something to impart to you of great moment. It is also a peculiar happiness that this Mandarine hath chanced to drop in, and that I can do it in his presence." "What," said Kwo-sho-su, "have you of moment to impart to this Mandarine in my hearing?" The Eunuch replied, "If a drum be not struck upon, it returns no sound; if a bell be not rung, it will not be heard; excuse me therefore if I enter at once upon the matter in hand, without farther ceremony, or delay. I have a niece born with no great beauty; nor is she yet very ill-favoured: but she is very good tempered, chearful and pleasant. She is now about eighteen years of age, and yet I have not hitherto found a proper match for her. Now, Sir," said he, addressing himself to Tieh-chung-u, "you are the man I would chuse for her husband: she is ingaged to no other person: I have got the consent of the Mandarine your father: and yesterday I begged of the Emperor to have the marriage performed: in order to which he gave me these two pictures to ratify the contract."

How much soever Tieh-chung-u was surprized, and chagrined to discover this treachery, he endeavoured to conceal it from observation. He even assumed an appearance of satisfaction, and told the Eunuch he was extremely obliged to him: that his proposal was what he could not possibly have refused, had it been in his power to have accepted of it; but that he was already married to Shuey-ping-sin, the daughter of the Lord President of Arms: and that it was impossible for him to be married twice.[2]

Chou-thay-kien smiled and said,[3] "Sir, you must not think to deceive me, I have examined the affair to the bottom: your proceedings were a feint, in order to avoid marrying my niece; as also to prevent the addresses of Tah-quay to the young lady: and as it was so easy to see through this imposition, I wonder you should think of attempting it." Tieh-chung-u answered, "Your Lordship surprizes me: in an affair of any other nature, such an attempt might be feasible: but in such a subject as marriage, how can any imposition take place?" "If you are really and truly married," said the Eunuch, "why did not you conduct the bride home to your house, but on the contrary go to reside in that of her father? Why also don't you cohabit with your wife? Why do you continue in separate apartments?" "I do not bring home my bride," said the Mandarine Tieh, "because her father hath never a son; I dwell therefore with him, in order to attend and comfort him in his old age: but whether we reside in the same apartments or not, is an affair of no consequence to any but ourselves: it is sufficient that the marriage hath been duely celebrated. Beside as your Lordship is continually with the Emperor, how can you tell what passes in the house of another person? and this being the case, you ought not to believe any such story." "I shall not enter any farther into the merits of these reports," said the other: "it concerns not me whether they are true or false: it is sufficient that I have spoke with his Majesty about your marriage with my niece: and have the sanction of his authority. It is in vain therefore to think to avoid it." "Not avoid it!" said Tieh-chung-u. "From the remotest antiquity till the present hour, it hath never been heard of, that a man endowed with reason hath been married to one wife, and then taken another. I have already espoused a young lady with all the due solemnities of law; for this reason I must refuse all other: yet had you made me the offer of your niece first, I should not have slighted it." "Before you had talked in this manner," said the Eunuch,[2] "you should have made it appear that you were really married. When the bride is once carried to the house of her husband, then it may be reputed a true marriage: then she may be considered as a first or secondary wife: but this cannot properly be done till she is carried from her own house. And this ceremony the Rites require." "I grant your Lordship," said Tieh-chung-u, "that generally speaking this is necessary, but then it is only for the especially in obedience to the express commands of a parent." "You talk of obedience to your parents," said Chou-thay-kien, "will you pay attention to them, and neglect to obey the orders of the Emperor? Do you think then that the private commands of your parents are to take place of those of his Majesty?" "Far from it," said Tieh-chung-u; who began to be vexed, to hear him talk in so unreasonable a manner: "I only say that marriage is a thing of great importance; and ought to be conducted with regularity and order: otherwise you violate the laws and rites of the empire. This is not a private affair between your Lordship and myself, but a thing of public concernment; and if his Majesty will be pleased to consult all the doctors of the empire, he will see that I am right." "What occasion for so much trouble?" said the Eunuch: "or why is it needful to consult all the doctors, when there is present so great a doctor as Kwo-sho-su, one who is so capable of determining the question?" "Very true," replied the youth; "will your Lordship ask him to judge between us?"

"My Lord," said the Eunuch, addressing himself to that Mandarine, "you have been here some time listening to the dispute between this gentleman and myself: be pleased to favour us with your opinion of the case." "If you alone had asked me," said the Minister, "and if the Mandarine Tieh-chung-u himself had not also applied to me, I should not have hazarded a word between you: but as he also desires it, I will speak according to my conscience, without partiality to either side. With regard to the rites of marriage, there are reasons within other reasons, and the subject contains some things so intricate, that all the doctors in the empire cannot infallibly decide upon it. But if the question turns upon the Emperor's authority, I am of opinion that the rites of marriage are subject to it, and that he may over-rule them at pleasure. For if you look back through all ages, you will find that the Emperor hath power to change the laws of the realm, and even to abolish the whole estate of his Mandarinate, by which those laws are executed and supported." The Eunuch Chou hearing these words, could not conceal his satisfaction: he laughed and said, "Your Lordship is certainly right, the Mandarine Tieh cannot answer one word to this."

Then calling for a cup of wine, he took it in his hand, and presented it with great reverence to Kwo-sho-su, intreating him to be bridesman or mediator to the marriage of his niece. "As you have obtained his Majesty's licence," replied he, addressing himself to Chou-thay-kien, "it is no longer left to your discretion; I shall therefore act in that behalf, for I dare not disobey his Majesty." Then he drank off the wine.[4] After which he addressed himself to Tieh-chung-u: "As the Emperor," said he, "hath been pleased to lend his sanction to this marriage, you cannot refuse your compliance, notwithstanding your prior engagement with Shuey-ping-sin: let me then advise you, Sir, to stand off no longer, but submit, and all will be well."

Tieh-chung-u was extremely chagrined and vexed, and could with much difficulty keep his patience: he nevertheless found it necessary to bridle his temper for many reasons. In the first place, he considered that they had made the point to rest upon the Emperor's authority: again he reflected that the Eunuch Chou had continual access to his Majesty's presence, and would be able to give what turn he pleased to the affair: he was also fearful that being within that Eunuch's house, he would not suffer him to go out: he was moreover unwilling to quarrel openly with Kwo-sho-su: he therefore answered that Mandarine mildly; "I have nothing to object to your Lordship's opinion, and if his Majesty hath given his order, far be it from me to dispute it. But still it is necessary for me to go, and inform my father and mother; that they may fix on a fortunate day; and settle the terms of the nuptial sum: for I cannot pretend to take upon me to do it without their knowledge." "Sir," said the Eunuch, "you only want to shift off the affair; but it will not serve your turn: if you do not comply, you shew contempt to his Majesty's order: it wholly depends upon yourself whether you will obey it or not: you ought to obey, and not to study these excuses. This is a fortunate day: all that relates to invitations is already performed: the music is prepared: the banquet ready: and here by great good fortune is the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su to act as bridesman: within is the nuptial chamber fitted up for the bridegroom: let us now celebrate your marriage with my niece, and then I shall have discharged the most important duty that relates to this life. If you think, Sir, that your father or mother will complain of being neglected, you must lay the blame on his Majesty's order; and then what complaint can be made? If you make any scruple about the nuptial sum, I will leave that entirely to yourselves: that shall make no ground of dispute." "Really, Sir," said Kwo-sho-su to the young Mandarine Tieh, "my Lord Chou-thay-kien discovers a great affection for you; if now you make any farther excuses, you will certainly pass for an ungrateful person." The young Mandarine replied, "Before one can acknowledge a favour, one ought to be certain of its propriety and reasonableness. I came hither to-day by his Majesty's order to make some verses or encomiums on two pictures. I have already finished one; the other remains to be performed: and how can I dare to take in hand any other business till this is discharged? Now I intreat your Lordship to give me here the other picture, that I may finish it; and then I shall be at liberty to enter upon any other business." "Sir," said the Eunuch, "you say very well: but the other picture is very large, and is laid up in an inner apartment: as therefore it would occasion a great deal of trouble to bring it here, you had better go within to it." Although Tieh-chung-u suspected that there was some secret design in this, which he could not at present discover, he notwithstanding thought it best to comply: which he signified accordingly. "Well then," said the Eunuch, "let us drink once more, afterwards we will go within: for your Lordship is right in proposing, that one thing be finished before another be taken in hand." The young Mandarine Tieh said to himself, "When I have once dispatched the other picture, I shall perhaps find a means to escape from this house." Accordingly rising up from the table, he said, "Come let us finish the verses: I will drink no more." The Eunuch Chou rose up likewise, and said, "Let us go." The Mandarine Kwo-sho-su expressed also an inclination to accompany them: but the Eunuch gave him a signal with his eye: immediately that Mandarine stopped and said; "It is not necessary that I be present at the composing of these verses, I will wait for your return here without: and when you have finished them I will compleat the business." Then Chou-thay-kien conducted the young Mandarine Tieh within: by which means he fell into the snare: for as soon as the other had led him into an inner apartment he left him and withdrew; two women servants immediately shutting the doors upon him.

CHAP. VI.

Tieh-chung-u being thus shut up within the inner apartments of the Eunuch's palace, found them all adorned and fitted out in the most splendid manner. He entered one of the chambers, which shone with the richest and most elegant furniture; and saw in it a lady seated in a chair, who was adorned with jewels, and the costliest ornaments in great profusion. Tieh-chung-u seeing her thus dressed out like a princess, composed the following verses in his mind.

I have seen her figure, it is finely trick'd out with ornaments,
But her mouth is wide as the sea, her head high as a mountain.
May the demons look upon her, and bring her to shame.[5]

This lady, who was no other than the niece of the Eunuch, seeing the young Mandarine enter, rose up from her chair, and made signs to her women to perform their reverences to him: who asked him to draw near, and converse with their lady. Far from complying with their request he drew back; but seeing all the doors were shut upon him, and that there was no remedy, at length he went somewhat nearer the lady, and bowed to her very low; which done, he drew back a little as before: all this while the lady never opened her mouth. One of the most aged of the female attendants seeing this, came up to Tieh-chung-u, and said to him: "Your Lordship came here within the women's apartments to marry my lady: husband and wife being[6] once married, are both of one body, of one flesh. You are now Lord of all this house. You need not therefore be reserved or bashful: but may come and sit down here with your lady." "I came here," said he, "by the Emperor's command to write verses upon two pictures belonging to his Majesty: how then can you say I came here to marry?" "The pictures you speak of," said the servant, "are without; if therefore your Lordship only came on that account, why did not you stay in the outer apartments? Obedience to the Emperor's command did not require you to come in hither. These are the apartments belonging to the women; which none ever enter but my lady and ourselves. You could never have come here, but in order to marry her." "Your lady's uncle," said he, "the Eunuch Chou, with many wiles inticed me within: he hath deceived me. This is very disrespectful treatment of one of my rank, and is an affront to his Majesty, by whose favour I am advanced to be one of the first doctors of the empire." "As your Lordship is now here," said the servant, "be easy and chearful; why do you talk of any thing that happened to you without?" He replied in a rage, "You are all of you concerned in this piece of treachery. Your master hath ensnared me by pretending the pictures were here within, and this the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su can testify. But you are all of you deceived in thinking to conquer me: my name is Tieh, that is Iron; my body, my heart are all of iron, hard and inflexible, it is impossible to move me. I am more steady and resolute than those two ancient heroes Lieu-hiau-whey and Quan-in-chang,[7] who are so famous in history for being firm and unshaken. But indeed what effect can be expected from such shallow plots as these? This girl is not only ugly: but also shameless. Notwithstanding her fine ornaments, I regard her not: she is a low and worthless creature, and not to be regarded." The young lady, although at first she was charmed with the graceful figure of the young Mandarine Tieh, and did not behold without some emotion, the fine features, and fair complexion of that beautiful youth; hearing this abuse, could no longer contain herself, but broke silence, and said, "Sir, you treat me very ill, niece as I am to a great officer of the Emperor, and one who stands continually in his presence. This honour puts him upon a level with any of the Mandarines, so that I have a right to be considered with all the distinction of a Siaou-tsieh or Mandarine's daughter.[8] His Majesty hath commanded a marriage to be concluded between you and me: in which there is nothing wrong or indecent. Why then do you complain of plots against you? How dare you presume to call me low and worthless. You disgrace the honour of my family. But since I am so immodest and shameless, I will make you know whether I am to be regarded or not." Then she called out to her women, "Bring this fellow here before me." All the attendants went up to him, and said, "Our lady orders us to bring you to her to pay her the reverence and respect due to her quality: if you do not comply, we must force you." Notwithstanding he was so much discomposed and chagrined, he could not help smiling at them: but he neither stirred nor answered a syllable.

The women enraged at this contempt, fell all upon him at once, striving to force and drag him up before their mistress, not without great tumult and disturbance. Tieh-chung-u however provoked at the ridiculous situation in which he saw himself, reflected that it would be very indecent, and unmanly for him to contend, and fight with women: he therefore mustered up his patience, and comforted himself with the old proverb, "Who regards the little demons of the wood?"[9] Then drawing a chair to him, he sat down: and while the women were struggling and talking round him, he remained calm and unmoved; repeating to himself the following verses:

Hard substances become soft,
So soft things turn to hard:
Hard and soft at times are strong,
Water is soft; who can resist its force?[10]

In the midst of this disturbance came in the Eunuch Chou himself, having entered through another door; who looking round him, cried out to the women, "What is the meaning of this? Retire. How dare ye presume to offer this rudeness in the presence of people of quality?" Then addressing himself to Tieh-chung-u on the subject of the marriage, he said, "Well, Sir, it is in vain to resist; you had better comply and put an end to all this disturbance." He answered, "I don't refuse my compliance: but we must pay obedience to the laws." "Why not?" said the other. "Your Lordship," replied he, "forgets there is a book of the laws, which contains an injunction for the Mandarines within the palace to have no dealings or contracts with the Mandarines without.[11] Now as there is this doubt about the lawfulness of our engagement, what matters it, if we defer its completion for the present?" "That injunction," said the Eunuch, "is old and obsolete: what occasion to observe an obsolete law? But it is necessary to obey the present commands of the Emperor, and to execute what he injoins. The other is old and out of date." Tieh-chung-u replied, "If your Lordship would have me execute those commands, shew me your patent; that I may first thank his Majesty for his favourable notice of me."[12] "Nay, Sir, shew me the patent. For how can I presume to conclude this marriage, thus hand over head, before I have returned the Emperor thanks?"

While this contention lasted between them, there came two little Eunuchs in great haste to the house of Chou-thay-kien: he was called out to speak to them. They told him that Hu-hiau, General of the Tartarian frontiers,[13] was returned from the war, with him a multitude of prisoners: that there were also come with him many ambassadors, loaded with tribute of great value:[14] and that the Emperor had ordered a banquet for them. They added, "As the Mandarine Tieh-chung-u was the patron and protector of the General, his Majesty commands him to accompany them. The banquet is prepared: we have already been at this nobleman's house to seek him, but he was not there; we were told he came home this morning with your Lordship. We are accordingly come hither to inquire after him: the messenger of state waits for him in the outward court, and his servants are attending there with his horse. Please to inform him to come away immediately." Not satisfied with this account, the Eunuch Chou went himself to the gate accompanied with the Minister Kwo-sho-su: and finding it to be literally as they had related, these two looked at each other in great confusion, not knowing what to say; especially when they saw there was also come the Mandarine whose business it was to provide the banquet, and that the summons would admit of no delay. Finding there was no remedy, the Eunuch ordered the doors to be opened, and Tieh-chung-u to be suffered to come forth. The latter was wondering what could occasion this unexpected deliverance, when the Mandarine of the banquet, and the Emperor's messenger informed him of the invitation, which required his immediate attendance. Chou-thay-kien greatly chagrined, said, "They say the Emperor commands you to attend the banquet: his Majesty also commanded you to write the verses. You have finished one picture, yet another remains to be dispatched. To-morrow, when his Majesty will demand of me why they were not done; what shall I answer? You cannot go till both are finished." This he said with a malicious design to embarrass him, and render him incapable of complying with the order. But Tieh-chung-u answered, "I have long been desiring you to let me have the other picture that I might dispatch it: yet you would not give it me. This picture is here without, but you deceived me, and inticed me to go within: however bring the picture here, and I will finish it." The Eunuch Chou brought him the picture; when in a moment he finished all the verses, and taking his leave, went away.

Chou-thay-kien who accompanied him to the gate, returned to his friend Kwo-sho-su, and said, "What astonishing abilities hath this young man? And who would have thought he could have escaped the snare?[15] This unexpected message from the Emperor hath broke through all our measures." They remained both of them enraged and vexed at a disappointment so little foreseen. After some time Kwo-sho-su broke silence, and said, "Let us look out for some other expedient. The marriage with Shuey-ping-sin is not completed: it is well known that they do not sleep in the same chamber. I will yet cause them to be separated. Think not I propose an impracticable attempt. I will revive the suspicions that have been so long dormant, with regard to her carrying him home to her house to attend him in his illness. I will refute this pretended excuse, and accuse them of disorderly and unlawful motives. I will relate this to the Censor of the empire, who is obliged by his office to report it to his Majesty. I will tell him, that after having had an unlawful amour, they now would increase the scandal by a patched-up marriage: and I will remonstrate the contempt and reproach this will bring on the laws: especially as they are people of such rank in the state. Your Lordship shall lend your assistance to forward and strengthen this accusation. Then will his Majesty summon the Tribunal of Rites to examine into it: in the mean time, I will apply to the Che-hien of the city where the affair happened, and will get him to turn over all the papers of his office, in order to procure minutes of the case, wherewith to support the accusation. After this, the least that can happen will be their being divorced and separated for ever." "True," said the Eunuch Chou; "and when once they are separated, it will be an easy matter to speak to the Emperor about the marriage with my niece." These resolutions they formed, both agreeing that in order to render them effectual, the utmost secrecy and caution were necessary.

End of Chapter 16

  1. ↑ Chap. XVI. In the Translator's manuscript.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 This is to be understood of a primary or chief wife: it would have been an affront to have thought of the niece of so powerful a Eunuch for a secondary one or concubine.
  3. ↑ From this place to the end of the History, the translation is carried on in the Portuguese language: which the Editor hath rendered into English.
  4. ↑ This appears to have been a solemn form, by which he testified his intention to act as bridesman or mediator on this occasion.
  5. ↑ The words of the Portuguese translation are, Vis sua fieura, ita bem ornada; Mas a bica he grande e larga como o mar, a testa he alta como monte; Os demonios a vihao, fazem-na envergonhar. This specimen may serve to shew the incorrectness of the MS. version.
  6. ↑ This is a literal version of the Portuguese, viz. Marido e mulher sendo caxado, dous sam hum corpo de huma carne.
  7. ↑ The first of these is mentioned before in vol. 2. p. 69. as also in the following passage of a Chinese author, translated by P. Du Halde. See vol. 1. p. 439. "You have heard of the celebrated Lieu-hiau-whey. Neither the most frightful poverty with which he was threatened, nor the first rank of the empire, with which he was tempted, could in the least incline him to vice, or draw him aside from virtue." The second of these, Quan-in-chang, was a great general, so remarkable for his brave and gallant atchievements, that he is to this day revered by the Chinese; who in remembrance of his sublime virtue, adore him as a god, and set up images in honour of him in their idol-temples. See before, vol. 3. p. 331. note. See also Du Halde, p. 125.
  8. ↑ See vol. 1. pag. 114. note.
  9. ↑ The Chinese suppose every part of the universe to be under the influence of good or bad spirits, who have their respective districts. This premised, the application of the Proverb is obvious. Nothing can place the feeble efforts of these women in a more contemptible light, than to compare them to those little diminutive fiends, who only presiding over unfrequented solitudes, have very little power or opportunity of doing mischief, notwithstanding their natural malignity. The Portuguese words are Quem faga caso dos diabolhinhos do mato. I suppose it should be Diabolinhos.
  10. ↑ The Portuguese words are, Cousa dura chegou de estar mole, Cousa mole vem se fazer dura, Dura e mole estas forte, A agoa mole quem pode resistir sua forga?
  11. ↑ This is a regulation which the Chinese Emperors have frequently found it necessary to revive, in order to curb the exorbitant power of the Eunuchs, and to break through their connections with the other great officers. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 226, &c. N. B. By the Mandarines within the palace is peculiarly meant the Eunuchs: these being properly the only domestics the Emperor hath: and these are so numerous, that P. Semedo tells us, in his time their number was seldom so small as 12,000. In the reign of a weak Emperor, the Eunuchs generally gain the ascendant, and grow to an unsufferable pitch of insolence. Since the Tartar race hath been in possession of the throne of China, the number of these gentry hath been lessened, and their authority diminished. P. Semedo, p. 114.
  12. ↑ It is an indispensible duty with the Mandarines, to pay their acknowledgments to the Emperor, upon every the least notice taken of them, by doing him immediate homage: which is performed by prostrating themselves nine times on the ground before him, or in his absence before his empty throne. See P. Du Halde, &c.
  13. ↑ The Chinese title is Ti-toc, which P. Du Halde interprets Commandant General de la Milice. See Du Halde, tom. 3. index.
  14. ↑ The ideas of Ambassador and Tribute are inseparable among the Chinese. See vol. 2. p. 92. They look upon sending an embassy, as a mark of vassalage and submission, and therefore make it a general rule not to send any themselves to other courts. Yet they have once departed from this rule, in sending a splendid ambassage to Russia, in the reign of the Empress Anne. See Bayeri, tom. 1. dedicatio.
  15. ↑ Here is a tedious recapitulation in the original.
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