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| − | '' | + | = Chapter 26: The False Accusation and the Father's Resolve = |
| + | ''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. Footnotes have been converted from the original endnote/footnote format to inline references.'' | |
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| − | + | ''[Volume III, Book III, Chapters V-VIII]'' | |
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| − | + | CHAP. V.<ref>Chap. XIII. In the Translator's manuscript.</ref> | |
| − | his | + | |
| − | + | Tieh-chung-u taking his leave of the Grand Visitor, went and told Shuey-yeong who had attended him there, all that had past at the tribunal: and concluded with desiring him to recommend him to his mistress, and to present his thanks for the advice she had given him. "It is not in my power, said he, to send any present as an acknowledgment of her goodness: neither could I presume to do it, a single man as I am, to a young unmarried lady." Then delivering his horse to the old servant, and hiring a mule, he departed for his own city; and Shuey-yeong returned to his mistress. | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | Let us now return to Kwo-khe-tzu and his companions, whom we have seen disappointed in their designs on Tieh-chung-u. When they found he was got clear out of their hands, they were ready to burst with rage and madness. The first that broke silence was Shuey-guwin, who said, "Who would have suspected this young man to have been possessed of so much strength and courage?" "It was owing to neither of these that he escaped, said his son-in-law, but he had got Chang-cong-tzu at such disadvantage, that he could neither help himself, nor we conveniently assist him. But he must not go off so: let us muster up a proper company, and go find him out: let us still treat him as he deserves and afterwards give in a petition to the Grand Visitor." This proposal was approved by them all: the young Mandarine Chang instantly promised to bring thirty people; each of the others likewise engaged to raise as many. These to the number of a hundred were soon assembled, and with their masters at their head, Shuey-guwin leading the way, drove along the streets like a swarm of bees. But when they came to the inn, where the young stranger had lodged, they were told that he went away almost as soon as he came home. They were quite disconcerted at this information. "However, said Kwo-khe-tzu to the rest, this shall not serve his turn; we will immediately apply to the Grand Visitor of the province, and he shall do us justice." Shuey-guwin told him, that their enemy was of the province of Pe-king, and therefore was not under that Mandarine's jurisdiction. "Well then, said Kwo-khe-tzu and his companions, we will all together draw up a petition, wherein we will accuse him of endeavouring to raise a rebellion<ref>In order to render this and some of the following pages intelligible, it must be remarked that there is in China, a horrid sect called ''Pe-len-kiao'', always disposed to rebellion, and who are therefore sure to be punished, whenever they are discovered. This sect consists of people, who enter into a confederacy to overturn the established government, for which purpose, with certain magical rites, they elect an Emperor out of their number, distribute among themselves the principal employments of the state, mark out certain families for destruction, and lie concealed till some insurrection of the people affords them an opportunity of putting themselves at their head. China, on account of its vast extent, prodigious populousness and frequency of famines, is very liable to seditions and insurrections, which through the pusillanimity and feebleness of its military government are always dangerous, and indeed have often produced intire revolutions in the state. Now as in these revolutions, it hath frequently happened that some of the very dregs of the people have been raised to the throne; this upon every insurrection encourages the ringleaders to aspire to the empire: who, if they are not nipped in the bud, are sure to draw together the dissolute, the discontented, and the needy; till they form a large body and become very formidable to the government. Upon all these accounts the Mandarines are obliged to be exceedingly jealous and watchful over the least tendency to revolt; and to be careful to extinguish the first and minutest sparks of rebellion, which would otherwise soon involve the whole empire in a flame. P. Semedo, p. 91. Lettres edif. xxvii. 344. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 243.</ref>; this will authorise the Mandarines of any province to lay hold of him. The Grand Visitor must give an account of this at court; where we will send to our fathers and friends to acquaint them of the affair; thus we shall quickly humble him, for all his bravery and valour." | |
| − | + | ||
| − | and his companions, whom we | + | They were exceedingly pleased with this proposal, and accordingly got their petition wrote, which Shuey-guwin signed as a witness: they then repaired to the city of Tong-chang; and finding the audience open for receiving petitions, presented themselves before the tribunal. The Grand Visitor received their petition, and ordered them all out of the hall, except Shuey-guwin. "This paper, said he, contains a strange story of a rebellion attempted in this country by Tieh-chung-u: if he was so dangerous a person, how came you to be so desirous of his company, and to invite him so earnestly to drink wine with you? Did he drop any hint of his intention to raise a tumult or rebellion in the city, in the midst of his cups, or afterwards in the quarrel?" Shuey-guwin finding the Grand Visitor so inquisitive, knew not what to answer, and therefore remained silent. "You are a very sorry fellow, said the Mandarine. I am well acquainted with the whole story: nevertheless if you do not relate it exactly from beginning to end, I will bring your fingers to the Niab-coon or Tormenting-sticks." Shuey-guwin's fear became excessive when he saw the other so angry, and found he should be forced to confess the truth. "Sir, said he, it is true, he was drinking with the others." "Very well, said the Mandarine, if you were drinking all together, I must suppose you all equally guilty: nay it is more likely that you five should form seditious designs upon the city, than he whom you accuse, who perhaps would not join in such an attempt, and so you have agreed to impeach him first." "My Lord, replied he, Kwo-khe-tzu invited this young man to his house out of civility and good will, and when he was in his cups all the secret came out. Nothing would pacify him; he overset the table and fell to fighting, crying out to the young Mandarines, that if there were a thousand of them, he would not regard them: and that if he should come to be Emperor he would destroy the four houses to which they belong. The young gentlemen deeply concerned at these things, could not refrain from lodging a complaint with your Excellency: which they would not have done, had it been false." "A likely story, said the Grand Visitor, that one person should beat and abuse four or five of you. No! no! you must not think to impose on me at this rate." "Sir, said Shuey-guwin, the broken pieces of furniture are still to be seen: nothing is more certain." The Mandarine took him up short, "How should a stranger of another city come and raise such a disturbance, unless he had been provoked by some injury or insult? However if it be as you alledge, have you secured or brought him with you?" "No, he replied; he was like a tyger, there was no taking hold of him: he went away without any one's daring to stop him." |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | The Grand Visitor ordered all he had reported to be taken down in writing by the secretary of the tribunal: then said to him, "Are not you ashamed, an old fellow as you are, to come here with these stories: and to keep company with young rakes, drinking and embroiling yourself in their quarrels? This petition you have brought me is false and scandalous. Go home and tell the four Mandarines' sons to be quiet: I know the whole story, better than they imagine. If it were not for the connections of these young men, I would throw you into prison, where you should die with hunger: however I must make you a present of twenty or thirty bastinadoes<ref>In the orig. it is "of four or five Bamboos" (or charges, each five strokes.) See note, vol. 2. pag. 189.</ref>." At these words Shuey-guwin in great terror, cried out that he was old, and begged he would pardon and not dishonour him so much. "Honour! said the Grand Visitor, what honour have you?" He said, "I am brother to the second Mandarine of the tribunal of arms." "Are you his brother, said the magistrate? why who keeps his house?" "My brother, he replied, hath no son: but only one daughter, who heretofore hath received great favour from your Excellency." "If it be so, replied the Grand Visitor, for her sake I will pardon you: but then tell me truly, who it is that bears such implacable enmity against this young stranger." "I am not his enemy, answered Shuey-guwin; but it is Kwo-khe-tzu, who being disappointed in his design of marrying my niece, by the other's interference, hath ever since retained a secret malice and desire of revenge; and it was in order to gratify his revenge, that he now invited him to his house: but for my part I owe him no kind of ill will." The Grand Visitor ordered his secretary to make a memorandum of this; then giving him back the petition, bade him go tell those young men to mind their studies, and let him hear no more of them: "For this once, said he, I pardon them on account of their fathers: who would find a great deal of trouble, should such complaints be brought against them at court." | |
| − | was got clear out | + | |
| − | were ready to | + | Shuey-guwin having thus obtained leave to retire, was ready to leap out of his skin for joy: but when he was got without the audience where the others were waiting for him, he shrugged up his shoulders, and made signs to them to hold their tongues: at the sight of which, and of the petition which he held in his hand, they were alarmed; and being informed of all that had happened, sent in a Sho-poun<ref>A folded paper with a black cover. Translator.</ref> or billet of thanks, to the Grand Visitor for his lenity, and afterwards returned home not a little ashamed. However Kwo-khe-tzu could not be prevailed on to lay aside his resentment, or to drop his pursuit. On the contrary, he was the more obstinately resolved to persist in both; and recollecting that Chun-kee had been gone some time, he dispatched a messenger to enquire after him. |
| − | The | + | |
| − | + | CHAP. VI. | |
| − | have | + | |
| − | + | Now Chun-kee in performance of his promise had made the best of his way to the court: where as soon as he arrived, he delivered to the minister Kwo-sho-su the letter from his son. As soon as the Mandarine had read the letter, he withdrew with him into his library, and inviting him to sit down, inquired about his son's proposal of marriage with Shuey-ping-sin. "Her father, said he, is now in disgrace: this match cannot be for our credit, as we are advanced to such a degree in the state." "This young lady, replied the other, is endowed with wonderful perfections both of mind and person, and is of unexampled modesty: in short there is not her fellow to be found in the world. Wherefore your son hath sworn either by gentle or violent means to marry her." Kwo-sho-su laughed and said, "I am afraid my son is very weak and simple. If he had a mind to marry her, he needed not have sent to court, when the Che-foo and Che-hien, the fathers of the country, might easily have compleated the marriage for him. You have had a great deal of trouble in coming so far: and now he would give me still more, in requiring me to send without the wall into Tartary for her father's consent." "He hath not been wanting in application to the Che-foo and Che-hien, replied the other; he hath left no means to prevail with her unattempted; but she hath always by very gentle but artful methods found means to elude his pursuit. Your Lordship must not talk of the Che-foo and Che-hien, since the Grand Visitor of the province, who was your pupil, endeavoured to promote the suit of your son, but she so far baffled him, that he hath been glad to put forth a declaration, forbidding any one to molest her on the subject of marriage. Now if a Mandarine of his rank is afraid to meddle with her, who besides dares approach her gates? Kwo-khe-tzu therefore had no other remedy, but to apply to your Lordship." The Mandarine Kwo-sho-su was surprised at this account, and said, "Surely this is a young lady of fine understanding, and it is on that account my son so much admires her. But this Shuey-keu-ye, her father, is a very positive man: if he does not heartily approve of any measure, he is not to be moved to engage in it: besides I am not very intimate with him. He is a man of one word: when he held an audience, there was very little application made to him, because he was known to favour no body. He hath only this daughter; and I remember I once applied to him about her, but without success. However, as he is now in trouble, perhaps he will be more inclined to comply: there seems at present a good opportunity to ask his consent. But in what manner, said Chun-kee, will your Lordship apply to him?" "It must be done, said the other, with all the usual ceremonies. A friend must first be employed to break the matter: afterwards, we must send a present. But here lies the difficulty: as he is distant from us no less than two hundred leagues, I cannot ask any Mandarine of great quality to go so far. I believe I must write a letter and beg the favour of you to carry it, together with the present." Chun-kee replied, "Your Lordship may command my best services. Let me also carry letters to such of the great Mandarines there as are able to influence him." "You are right, said the Minister; and accordingly selecting a fortunate day, he wrote the letters and dispatched him." | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | CHAP. VII. | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | Now the case of the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye<ref>The Editor's additions are included in brackets. The Reader will perceive how abrupt the transition is in the original. The same abruptness is observable throughout the whole history.</ref> was as follows: upon receiving notice that a war had broke out with the Tartars, and that there was not any valiant man to head the troops; he had made inquiry after such a person, and had found among the people of his audience a man called Hu-hiau, one of the north-west country, who had offered himself for that service. Of this Shuey-keu-ye informed the Emperor, who consented to employ him, there being none other that cared to go against the enemy. He was accordingly constituted General, with orders to go and visit those parts that were infested, and to act as he should think best for the public service<ref>All the officers of war throughout the Chinese empire, from the highest to the lowest, are under the jurisdiction of the Tribunal of Arms, which, although composed of none but literary Mandarines, hath the absolute and intire direction of all military affairs. In China the profession of arms is held vastly inferior and subordinate to that of letters. This, together with their natural effeminacy, and the constant peace they generally enjoy, will account for the unwarlike turn of the Chinese. | |
| − | + | ||
| − | courage | + | P. Semedo tells us that it was usual [at least in his time] for the Chinese to send with their armies a man of the long robe, who had the supreme command, even over the General himself. This Mandarine was always in the middle of the main Battalia, and many times a day's journey from the field of action; so that although he would be too remote to give orders, he was always ready to run away the first in case of a defeat. P. Semedo, p. 100.</ref>. He executed these orders with such dispatch, that he would not stop to pay the usual visits of ceremony to any of the other Mandarines in command, but went immediately in search of the enemy. This gave so much disgust to those officers that they would not go to his assistance, nor unite their forces with his. Nevertheless he attacked the enemy, and had a sharp engagement for a whole day with equal advantage on both sides. Small as this success was, it was represented still less to the Emperor by the disaffected Mandarines, and both he and Shuey-keu-ye were suspended from their employments: the one being sent to prison, and the other an exile into Tartary. |
| − | of | + | |
| − | law, but he had got Chang- | + | The latter had now remained about a year in banishment: where, although he still retained his dignity of Mandarine, there was taken little notice of him, and he had small hopes of returning home. One morning a servant belonging to his tribunal (for notwithstanding his disgrace he still had a hall of audience assigned him) came to tell him that there was a messenger arrived from Pe-king, with letters from one of the Ministers of state. Shuey-keu-ye, who had looked upon himself as intirely forgotten at court, was surprised at this news. Nevertheless he ordered the messenger to be admitted. Chun-kee was accordingly shewn in, attended by two servants whom he had brought with him. He performed his reverences, and presented a Tieh-tse or billet of compliments. The Mandarine perused it, and finding Chun-kee to be no servant, but a particular acquaintance of the person who sent him, desired him to sit down. "I am so unhappy, said he, as to be out of favour: and it is a long while since I have been taken notice of by any one. How happens it then, that you are come so far to me? Upon what account?" "I should not have taken this liberty, replied the other, had I not been sent by Kwo-sho-su, whose business abroad I sometimes transact: and it is on his account that I have now taken so long a journey." "When I was at court, said Shuey-keu-ye, I had very little acquaintance with that Mandarine. I suppose therefore my punishment is now going to be increased." Chun-kee replied, "It will not be long before your Lordship will return to Pe-king: I am only come at present in behalf of this nobleman's son, who desires your daughter in marriage: but as she hath not your permission or order, I am sent to intreat you to grant it." Then asking the servants for the letter, he presented it to Shuey-keu-ye: who opening it, and having read it, thought that the whole affair was not rightly conducted, according to the manner among people of quality; nor suitably to the dignity of his rank. At the same time being not unacquainted with the character of Kwo-khe-tzu, and having no great opinion of the Mandarine his father, he resolved not to consent to their request. This resolution he was the rather confirmed in, as he supposed if his daughter had approved of it, they would never have sent so far to him. After some pause, Chun-kee took the liberty to ask him if he had read the letter. He replied, "I have, and thank you for the great trouble you have been at in bringing it: I am obliged to Kwo-sho-su for the high honour he doth me: and should esteem it great good fortune that he is pleased to desire my daughter for his son: but only that I am now under his Majesty's displeasure, and removed above two hundred leagues from home, from whence I have been absent five years at court, and one in banishment. As I have no son, and only this daughter, who is unto me as a son, and as such hath the whole direction of my house, I shall therefore permit her to govern herself in this affair according to her own inclinations. If Kwo-khe-tzu had so great a desire to marry her, why did not he apply to the Che-foo and Che-hien, who are the public guardians of the people<ref>The Chinese idiom is, "Who are the Grandfather and Father of the people."</ref>, and to my brother Shuey-guwin? What need had he to take so much trouble in sending so far?" "Sir, replied Chun-kee, you speak very well; and Kwo-khe-tzu did last year pursue the method you describe; but after she had many times put him off, she at length confessed it was because she had not your permission, and so he hath sent me to come for it." |
| − | at | + | |
| − | neither help | + | The Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye judged from his discourse, that his daughter was not inclined to marry Kwo-khe-tzu; and therefore he said, "As I am now in disgrace, I look upon it that I have nothing to do with my family, nor can I pretend to dispose of my daughter. I have been here a twelvemonth, and have not so much as sent home one letter: and it is because I am not yet acquitted. Now under these circumstances, should I pretend to give out an order about my daughter, it would aggravate my offence: I dare not therefore offer to do it." Chun-kee said, "Let me have but your word, and it will be sufficient." He was very importunate, insomuch that Shuey-keu-ye grew downright angry, and said, that it was not a thing of a slight or indifferent nature: and custom required that there should be more than two to concert so important an affair as marriage. Without any further satisfaction he dismissed him, but ordered him a lodging: from whence Chun-kee often paid him visits, but to no purpose: he therefore sent to all the neighbouring Mandarines, and got them to speak to him on the subject of the marriage. They were accordingly very urgent and pressing, which made Shuey-keu-ye so uneasy, that he sent for Chun-kee and said, "I never did any ill to the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su; why then doth he give me so much trouble, and is for taking my daughter by force? Go home, and tell him, I will never compel her to act against her inclinations. As for myself, I never expect to carry my bones home again: my life is to me of little value: but I will not make my daughter miserable. Nay, should the Emperor himself order me to compel her, I would still leave her to her own choice: and should all the Mandarines here my superiors do their utmost to make me suffer, I regard it not. Therefore take your letter and your present back again." |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | Chun-kee finding it would be in vain to persist, packed up his baggage and returned to the court. Where being arrived with no little shame for his ill success, he gave back to Kwo-sho-su his letter and present. At which the Minister was very much inraged, and resolved to resent it the first opportunity. It was not long before he found one; for there being a demand for more troops to go against the Tartars, on account of the havoc and loss which had been made of those who went before; that Mandarine, when he advised the Emperor of it, did not fail to lay the blame on the former mismanagement of Shuey-keu-ye, and on that of his general Hu-hiau: representing to his Majesty, that if they were taken off by the punishment they deserved, warriors enow would offer themselves, and bring the war to a conclusion: but that this could not be expected till all suspicion was taken away of their ever returning into employment; in the discharge of which they had both rendered themselves extremely odious. The Emperor approved of this remonstrance, and referred it to the consideration of the San-fa-tseh, or tribunal of three<ref>The ''San-fa-tseh'' is composed of the following tribunals; viz. of the ''Hing-pu'', or Tribunal of crimes; of the ''Tah-le-su'', which may be called The Tribunal of revisors; and of the ''Tieh-cha-yuen'', or Superior Tribunal of visitors. The last of these hath been already described. [See vol. 2. pag. 185. note.] | |
| − | company, and go find him out: let | + | |
| − | us | + | The ''Hing-pu'' or Tribunal of crimes, is one of the six sovereign courts at Pe-king. [See note vol. 2. p. 279.] and hath under it fourteen subordinate tribunals according to the number of provinces. It belongs to them to examine, try and punish all criminals throughout the empire. P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 249, &c. |
| − | afterwards give in a petition to the | + | |
| − | Grand | + | The Tribunal of ''Tah-le-su'', i.e. of supreme reason or justice, is as it were the great Chancery of the empire. It examines in the last appeal the judgments and sentences passed in other tribunals: especially in criminal causes, or in matters of great moment. P. Mag. p. 228. P. Semedo, p. 125. |
| − | approved by them all: the young | + | |
| − | Mandarine Chang | + | When the Tribunal of Crimes hath passed sentence of death on a person, whose crime was not very clear, or when any person is to be condemned in a case that would admit of doubt, the Emperor (says P. Magalhaens) refers it always to the ''San-fa-tseh'', which is as it were his council of conscience. Then the three tribunals abovementioned assemble together, either to re-examine the merits of the cause, or to pass the more solemn sentence. As it is not so easy to corrupt them thus united, as separate, great regard is had to their decision, which is generally confirmed by the Emperor. P. Mag. p. 229. Lettres edif. xix. 162.</ref>: which was commanded to assemble and examine into the conduct of Hu-hiau in order to bring that general to justice. |
| − | bring thirty people; each of the others | + | |
| − | + | CHAP. VIII. | |
| − | + | ||
| − | were | + | The tribunal of three having received the Emperor's commission, appointed a day to hear and determine the cause of Hu-hiau. When that day came, as soon as the Mandarines were seated, the Supreme Viceroy Tieh-ying being one of them, that unfortunate general was brought out of prison and entered upon his trial. |
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| − | + | It happened that about the same time Tieh-chung-u arrived at Pe-king, where he had never been since his return from Shan-tong. | |
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| − | like a | + | What passed farther between them, the next book will inform us. |
| − | came to the inn, where the young | ||
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| − | that he went away | ||
| − | he came home. They were quite | ||
| − | at this information. | ||
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| − | apply to the Grand | ||
| − | of | ||
| − | Shuey- | ||
| − | enemy was of the province of Pe | ||
| − | and therefore was not under that | ||
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| − | we will all together draw up a petition, | ||
| − | wherein we will | ||
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| − | there is in China, a horrid | ||
| − | always | ||
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| − | This | ||
| − | into a confederacy to overturn the | ||
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| − | magical rites, they | ||
| − | number, | ||
| − | employments of the | ||
| − | families for | ||
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| − | of putting | ||
| − | on account of its | ||
| − | and frequency of famines, is very | ||
| − | liable to | ||
| − | the | ||
| − | government are always dangerous, and indeed | ||
| − | have often produced intire revolutions in the | ||
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| − | they | ||
| − | to the government. Upon all | ||
| − | the Mandarines are obliged to be exceedingly jealous | ||
| − | and watchful over the | ||
| − | and to be careful to | ||
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| − | P. Semedo, p. 91. Lettres edif | ||
| − | P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 243. | ||
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| − | and to invite him | ||
| − | wine with you? Did he drop any hint | ||
| − | of his intention to | ||
| − | rebellion in the city, in the | ||
| − | his cups, or afterwards in the quarrel | ||
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| − | and therefore remained | ||
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| − | the Mandarine. I am well acquainted | ||
| − | with the whole | ||
| − | you do not relate it exactly from beginning | ||
| − | to end, I will bring your fingers | ||
| − | to the Niab- coon or | ||
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| − | and found he | ||
| − | the truth. Sir, | ||
| − | he was drinking with the others. | ||
| − | Very well, | ||
| − | you were drinking all together, I | ||
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| − | is more likely that you five | ||
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| − | whom you | ||
| − | not join in | ||
| − | you have agreed to impeach him | ||
| − | My Lord, replied he, Kwo- | ||
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| − | invited this young man to his | ||
| − | out of civility and good will, and when | ||
| − | he was in his cups all the | ||
| − | out. Nothing would pacify him; he | ||
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| − | crying out to the young Mandarines, | ||
| − | that if there were a | ||
| − | he would not regard them: and that | ||
| − | if he | ||
| − | would | ||
| − | they belong. The young gentlemen | ||
| − | deeply concerned at | ||
| − | not refrain from lodging a complaint | ||
| − | with your | ||
| − | would not | ||
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| − | the Grand | ||
| − | beat and | ||
| − | no! you | ||
| − | me at this rate. | ||
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| − | guwin, the broken pieces of furniture | ||
| − | are | ||
| − | certain. | ||
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<references/> | <references/> | ||
[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]] | [[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]] | ||
Latest revision as of 17:54, 29 March 2026
Chapter 26: The False Accusation and the Father's Resolve
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. Footnotes have been converted from the original endnote/footnote format to inline references.
[Volume III, Book III, Chapters V-VIII]
CHAP. V.[1]
Tieh-chung-u taking his leave of the Grand Visitor, went and told Shuey-yeong who had attended him there, all that had past at the tribunal: and concluded with desiring him to recommend him to his mistress, and to present his thanks for the advice she had given him. "It is not in my power, said he, to send any present as an acknowledgment of her goodness: neither could I presume to do it, a single man as I am, to a young unmarried lady." Then delivering his horse to the old servant, and hiring a mule, he departed for his own city; and Shuey-yeong returned to his mistress.
Let us now return to Kwo-khe-tzu and his companions, whom we have seen disappointed in their designs on Tieh-chung-u. When they found he was got clear out of their hands, they were ready to burst with rage and madness. The first that broke silence was Shuey-guwin, who said, "Who would have suspected this young man to have been possessed of so much strength and courage?" "It was owing to neither of these that he escaped, said his son-in-law, but he had got Chang-cong-tzu at such disadvantage, that he could neither help himself, nor we conveniently assist him. But he must not go off so: let us muster up a proper company, and go find him out: let us still treat him as he deserves and afterwards give in a petition to the Grand Visitor." This proposal was approved by them all: the young Mandarine Chang instantly promised to bring thirty people; each of the others likewise engaged to raise as many. These to the number of a hundred were soon assembled, and with their masters at their head, Shuey-guwin leading the way, drove along the streets like a swarm of bees. But when they came to the inn, where the young stranger had lodged, they were told that he went away almost as soon as he came home. They were quite disconcerted at this information. "However, said Kwo-khe-tzu to the rest, this shall not serve his turn; we will immediately apply to the Grand Visitor of the province, and he shall do us justice." Shuey-guwin told him, that their enemy was of the province of Pe-king, and therefore was not under that Mandarine's jurisdiction. "Well then, said Kwo-khe-tzu and his companions, we will all together draw up a petition, wherein we will accuse him of endeavouring to raise a rebellion[2]; this will authorise the Mandarines of any province to lay hold of him. The Grand Visitor must give an account of this at court; where we will send to our fathers and friends to acquaint them of the affair; thus we shall quickly humble him, for all his bravery and valour."
They were exceedingly pleased with this proposal, and accordingly got their petition wrote, which Shuey-guwin signed as a witness: they then repaired to the city of Tong-chang; and finding the audience open for receiving petitions, presented themselves before the tribunal. The Grand Visitor received their petition, and ordered them all out of the hall, except Shuey-guwin. "This paper, said he, contains a strange story of a rebellion attempted in this country by Tieh-chung-u: if he was so dangerous a person, how came you to be so desirous of his company, and to invite him so earnestly to drink wine with you? Did he drop any hint of his intention to raise a tumult or rebellion in the city, in the midst of his cups, or afterwards in the quarrel?" Shuey-guwin finding the Grand Visitor so inquisitive, knew not what to answer, and therefore remained silent. "You are a very sorry fellow, said the Mandarine. I am well acquainted with the whole story: nevertheless if you do not relate it exactly from beginning to end, I will bring your fingers to the Niab-coon or Tormenting-sticks." Shuey-guwin's fear became excessive when he saw the other so angry, and found he should be forced to confess the truth. "Sir, said he, it is true, he was drinking with the others." "Very well, said the Mandarine, if you were drinking all together, I must suppose you all equally guilty: nay it is more likely that you five should form seditious designs upon the city, than he whom you accuse, who perhaps would not join in such an attempt, and so you have agreed to impeach him first." "My Lord, replied he, Kwo-khe-tzu invited this young man to his house out of civility and good will, and when he was in his cups all the secret came out. Nothing would pacify him; he overset the table and fell to fighting, crying out to the young Mandarines, that if there were a thousand of them, he would not regard them: and that if he should come to be Emperor he would destroy the four houses to which they belong. The young gentlemen deeply concerned at these things, could not refrain from lodging a complaint with your Excellency: which they would not have done, had it been false." "A likely story, said the Grand Visitor, that one person should beat and abuse four or five of you. No! no! you must not think to impose on me at this rate." "Sir, said Shuey-guwin, the broken pieces of furniture are still to be seen: nothing is more certain." The Mandarine took him up short, "How should a stranger of another city come and raise such a disturbance, unless he had been provoked by some injury or insult? However if it be as you alledge, have you secured or brought him with you?" "No, he replied; he was like a tyger, there was no taking hold of him: he went away without any one's daring to stop him."
The Grand Visitor ordered all he had reported to be taken down in writing by the secretary of the tribunal: then said to him, "Are not you ashamed, an old fellow as you are, to come here with these stories: and to keep company with young rakes, drinking and embroiling yourself in their quarrels? This petition you have brought me is false and scandalous. Go home and tell the four Mandarines' sons to be quiet: I know the whole story, better than they imagine. If it were not for the connections of these young men, I would throw you into prison, where you should die with hunger: however I must make you a present of twenty or thirty bastinadoes[3]." At these words Shuey-guwin in great terror, cried out that he was old, and begged he would pardon and not dishonour him so much. "Honour! said the Grand Visitor, what honour have you?" He said, "I am brother to the second Mandarine of the tribunal of arms." "Are you his brother, said the magistrate? why who keeps his house?" "My brother, he replied, hath no son: but only one daughter, who heretofore hath received great favour from your Excellency." "If it be so, replied the Grand Visitor, for her sake I will pardon you: but then tell me truly, who it is that bears such implacable enmity against this young stranger." "I am not his enemy, answered Shuey-guwin; but it is Kwo-khe-tzu, who being disappointed in his design of marrying my niece, by the other's interference, hath ever since retained a secret malice and desire of revenge; and it was in order to gratify his revenge, that he now invited him to his house: but for my part I owe him no kind of ill will." The Grand Visitor ordered his secretary to make a memorandum of this; then giving him back the petition, bade him go tell those young men to mind their studies, and let him hear no more of them: "For this once, said he, I pardon them on account of their fathers: who would find a great deal of trouble, should such complaints be brought against them at court."
Shuey-guwin having thus obtained leave to retire, was ready to leap out of his skin for joy: but when he was got without the audience where the others were waiting for him, he shrugged up his shoulders, and made signs to them to hold their tongues: at the sight of which, and of the petition which he held in his hand, they were alarmed; and being informed of all that had happened, sent in a Sho-poun[4] or billet of thanks, to the Grand Visitor for his lenity, and afterwards returned home not a little ashamed. However Kwo-khe-tzu could not be prevailed on to lay aside his resentment, or to drop his pursuit. On the contrary, he was the more obstinately resolved to persist in both; and recollecting that Chun-kee had been gone some time, he dispatched a messenger to enquire after him.
CHAP. VI.
Now Chun-kee in performance of his promise had made the best of his way to the court: where as soon as he arrived, he delivered to the minister Kwo-sho-su the letter from his son. As soon as the Mandarine had read the letter, he withdrew with him into his library, and inviting him to sit down, inquired about his son's proposal of marriage with Shuey-ping-sin. "Her father, said he, is now in disgrace: this match cannot be for our credit, as we are advanced to such a degree in the state." "This young lady, replied the other, is endowed with wonderful perfections both of mind and person, and is of unexampled modesty: in short there is not her fellow to be found in the world. Wherefore your son hath sworn either by gentle or violent means to marry her." Kwo-sho-su laughed and said, "I am afraid my son is very weak and simple. If he had a mind to marry her, he needed not have sent to court, when the Che-foo and Che-hien, the fathers of the country, might easily have compleated the marriage for him. You have had a great deal of trouble in coming so far: and now he would give me still more, in requiring me to send without the wall into Tartary for her father's consent." "He hath not been wanting in application to the Che-foo and Che-hien, replied the other; he hath left no means to prevail with her unattempted; but she hath always by very gentle but artful methods found means to elude his pursuit. Your Lordship must not talk of the Che-foo and Che-hien, since the Grand Visitor of the province, who was your pupil, endeavoured to promote the suit of your son, but she so far baffled him, that he hath been glad to put forth a declaration, forbidding any one to molest her on the subject of marriage. Now if a Mandarine of his rank is afraid to meddle with her, who besides dares approach her gates? Kwo-khe-tzu therefore had no other remedy, but to apply to your Lordship." The Mandarine Kwo-sho-su was surprised at this account, and said, "Surely this is a young lady of fine understanding, and it is on that account my son so much admires her. But this Shuey-keu-ye, her father, is a very positive man: if he does not heartily approve of any measure, he is not to be moved to engage in it: besides I am not very intimate with him. He is a man of one word: when he held an audience, there was very little application made to him, because he was known to favour no body. He hath only this daughter; and I remember I once applied to him about her, but without success. However, as he is now in trouble, perhaps he will be more inclined to comply: there seems at present a good opportunity to ask his consent. But in what manner, said Chun-kee, will your Lordship apply to him?" "It must be done, said the other, with all the usual ceremonies. A friend must first be employed to break the matter: afterwards, we must send a present. But here lies the difficulty: as he is distant from us no less than two hundred leagues, I cannot ask any Mandarine of great quality to go so far. I believe I must write a letter and beg the favour of you to carry it, together with the present." Chun-kee replied, "Your Lordship may command my best services. Let me also carry letters to such of the great Mandarines there as are able to influence him." "You are right, said the Minister; and accordingly selecting a fortunate day, he wrote the letters and dispatched him."
CHAP. VII.
Now the case of the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye[5] was as follows: upon receiving notice that a war had broke out with the Tartars, and that there was not any valiant man to head the troops; he had made inquiry after such a person, and had found among the people of his audience a man called Hu-hiau, one of the north-west country, who had offered himself for that service. Of this Shuey-keu-ye informed the Emperor, who consented to employ him, there being none other that cared to go against the enemy. He was accordingly constituted General, with orders to go and visit those parts that were infested, and to act as he should think best for the public service[6]. He executed these orders with such dispatch, that he would not stop to pay the usual visits of ceremony to any of the other Mandarines in command, but went immediately in search of the enemy. This gave so much disgust to those officers that they would not go to his assistance, nor unite their forces with his. Nevertheless he attacked the enemy, and had a sharp engagement for a whole day with equal advantage on both sides. Small as this success was, it was represented still less to the Emperor by the disaffected Mandarines, and both he and Shuey-keu-ye were suspended from their employments: the one being sent to prison, and the other an exile into Tartary.
The latter had now remained about a year in banishment: where, although he still retained his dignity of Mandarine, there was taken little notice of him, and he had small hopes of returning home. One morning a servant belonging to his tribunal (for notwithstanding his disgrace he still had a hall of audience assigned him) came to tell him that there was a messenger arrived from Pe-king, with letters from one of the Ministers of state. Shuey-keu-ye, who had looked upon himself as intirely forgotten at court, was surprised at this news. Nevertheless he ordered the messenger to be admitted. Chun-kee was accordingly shewn in, attended by two servants whom he had brought with him. He performed his reverences, and presented a Tieh-tse or billet of compliments. The Mandarine perused it, and finding Chun-kee to be no servant, but a particular acquaintance of the person who sent him, desired him to sit down. "I am so unhappy, said he, as to be out of favour: and it is a long while since I have been taken notice of by any one. How happens it then, that you are come so far to me? Upon what account?" "I should not have taken this liberty, replied the other, had I not been sent by Kwo-sho-su, whose business abroad I sometimes transact: and it is on his account that I have now taken so long a journey." "When I was at court, said Shuey-keu-ye, I had very little acquaintance with that Mandarine. I suppose therefore my punishment is now going to be increased." Chun-kee replied, "It will not be long before your Lordship will return to Pe-king: I am only come at present in behalf of this nobleman's son, who desires your daughter in marriage: but as she hath not your permission or order, I am sent to intreat you to grant it." Then asking the servants for the letter, he presented it to Shuey-keu-ye: who opening it, and having read it, thought that the whole affair was not rightly conducted, according to the manner among people of quality; nor suitably to the dignity of his rank. At the same time being not unacquainted with the character of Kwo-khe-tzu, and having no great opinion of the Mandarine his father, he resolved not to consent to their request. This resolution he was the rather confirmed in, as he supposed if his daughter had approved of it, they would never have sent so far to him. After some pause, Chun-kee took the liberty to ask him if he had read the letter. He replied, "I have, and thank you for the great trouble you have been at in bringing it: I am obliged to Kwo-sho-su for the high honour he doth me: and should esteem it great good fortune that he is pleased to desire my daughter for his son: but only that I am now under his Majesty's displeasure, and removed above two hundred leagues from home, from whence I have been absent five years at court, and one in banishment. As I have no son, and only this daughter, who is unto me as a son, and as such hath the whole direction of my house, I shall therefore permit her to govern herself in this affair according to her own inclinations. If Kwo-khe-tzu had so great a desire to marry her, why did not he apply to the Che-foo and Che-hien, who are the public guardians of the people[7], and to my brother Shuey-guwin? What need had he to take so much trouble in sending so far?" "Sir, replied Chun-kee, you speak very well; and Kwo-khe-tzu did last year pursue the method you describe; but after she had many times put him off, she at length confessed it was because she had not your permission, and so he hath sent me to come for it."
The Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye judged from his discourse, that his daughter was not inclined to marry Kwo-khe-tzu; and therefore he said, "As I am now in disgrace, I look upon it that I have nothing to do with my family, nor can I pretend to dispose of my daughter. I have been here a twelvemonth, and have not so much as sent home one letter: and it is because I am not yet acquitted. Now under these circumstances, should I pretend to give out an order about my daughter, it would aggravate my offence: I dare not therefore offer to do it." Chun-kee said, "Let me have but your word, and it will be sufficient." He was very importunate, insomuch that Shuey-keu-ye grew downright angry, and said, that it was not a thing of a slight or indifferent nature: and custom required that there should be more than two to concert so important an affair as marriage. Without any further satisfaction he dismissed him, but ordered him a lodging: from whence Chun-kee often paid him visits, but to no purpose: he therefore sent to all the neighbouring Mandarines, and got them to speak to him on the subject of the marriage. They were accordingly very urgent and pressing, which made Shuey-keu-ye so uneasy, that he sent for Chun-kee and said, "I never did any ill to the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su; why then doth he give me so much trouble, and is for taking my daughter by force? Go home, and tell him, I will never compel her to act against her inclinations. As for myself, I never expect to carry my bones home again: my life is to me of little value: but I will not make my daughter miserable. Nay, should the Emperor himself order me to compel her, I would still leave her to her own choice: and should all the Mandarines here my superiors do their utmost to make me suffer, I regard it not. Therefore take your letter and your present back again."
Chun-kee finding it would be in vain to persist, packed up his baggage and returned to the court. Where being arrived with no little shame for his ill success, he gave back to Kwo-sho-su his letter and present. At which the Minister was very much inraged, and resolved to resent it the first opportunity. It was not long before he found one; for there being a demand for more troops to go against the Tartars, on account of the havoc and loss which had been made of those who went before; that Mandarine, when he advised the Emperor of it, did not fail to lay the blame on the former mismanagement of Shuey-keu-ye, and on that of his general Hu-hiau: representing to his Majesty, that if they were taken off by the punishment they deserved, warriors enow would offer themselves, and bring the war to a conclusion: but that this could not be expected till all suspicion was taken away of their ever returning into employment; in the discharge of which they had both rendered themselves extremely odious. The Emperor approved of this remonstrance, and referred it to the consideration of the San-fa-tseh, or tribunal of three[8]: which was commanded to assemble and examine into the conduct of Hu-hiau in order to bring that general to justice.
CHAP. VIII.
The tribunal of three having received the Emperor's commission, appointed a day to hear and determine the cause of Hu-hiau. When that day came, as soon as the Mandarines were seated, the Supreme Viceroy Tieh-ying being one of them, that unfortunate general was brought out of prison and entered upon his trial.
It happened that about the same time Tieh-chung-u arrived at Pe-king, where he had never been since his return from Shan-tong.
What passed farther between them, the next book will inform us.
- ↑ Chap. XIII. In the Translator's manuscript.
- ↑ In order to render this and some of the following pages intelligible, it must be remarked that there is in China, a horrid sect called Pe-len-kiao, always disposed to rebellion, and who are therefore sure to be punished, whenever they are discovered. This sect consists of people, who enter into a confederacy to overturn the established government, for which purpose, with certain magical rites, they elect an Emperor out of their number, distribute among themselves the principal employments of the state, mark out certain families for destruction, and lie concealed till some insurrection of the people affords them an opportunity of putting themselves at their head. China, on account of its vast extent, prodigious populousness and frequency of famines, is very liable to seditions and insurrections, which through the pusillanimity and feebleness of its military government are always dangerous, and indeed have often produced intire revolutions in the state. Now as in these revolutions, it hath frequently happened that some of the very dregs of the people have been raised to the throne; this upon every insurrection encourages the ringleaders to aspire to the empire: who, if they are not nipped in the bud, are sure to draw together the dissolute, the discontented, and the needy; till they form a large body and become very formidable to the government. Upon all these accounts the Mandarines are obliged to be exceedingly jealous and watchful over the least tendency to revolt; and to be careful to extinguish the first and minutest sparks of rebellion, which would otherwise soon involve the whole empire in a flame. P. Semedo, p. 91. Lettres edif. xxvii. 344. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 243.
- ↑ In the orig. it is "of four or five Bamboos" (or charges, each five strokes.) See note, vol. 2. pag. 189.
- ↑ A folded paper with a black cover. Translator.
- ↑ The Editor's additions are included in brackets. The Reader will perceive how abrupt the transition is in the original. The same abruptness is observable throughout the whole history.
- ↑ All the officers of war throughout the Chinese empire, from the highest to the lowest, are under the jurisdiction of the Tribunal of Arms, which, although composed of none but literary Mandarines, hath the absolute and intire direction of all military affairs. In China the profession of arms is held vastly inferior and subordinate to that of letters. This, together with their natural effeminacy, and the constant peace they generally enjoy, will account for the unwarlike turn of the Chinese. P. Semedo tells us that it was usual [at least in his time] for the Chinese to send with their armies a man of the long robe, who had the supreme command, even over the General himself. This Mandarine was always in the middle of the main Battalia, and many times a day's journey from the field of action; so that although he would be too remote to give orders, he was always ready to run away the first in case of a defeat. P. Semedo, p. 100.
- ↑ The Chinese idiom is, "Who are the Grandfather and Father of the people."
- ↑ The San-fa-tseh is composed of the following tribunals; viz. of the Hing-pu, or Tribunal of crimes; of the Tah-le-su, which may be called The Tribunal of revisors; and of the Tieh-cha-yuen, or Superior Tribunal of visitors. The last of these hath been already described. [See vol. 2. pag. 185. note.] The Hing-pu or Tribunal of crimes, is one of the six sovereign courts at Pe-king. [See note vol. 2. p. 279.] and hath under it fourteen subordinate tribunals according to the number of provinces. It belongs to them to examine, try and punish all criminals throughout the empire. P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 249, &c. The Tribunal of Tah-le-su, i.e. of supreme reason or justice, is as it were the great Chancery of the empire. It examines in the last appeal the judgments and sentences passed in other tribunals: especially in criminal causes, or in matters of great moment. P. Mag. p. 228. P. Semedo, p. 125. When the Tribunal of Crimes hath passed sentence of death on a person, whose crime was not very clear, or when any person is to be condemned in a case that would admit of doubt, the Emperor (says P. Magalhaens) refers it always to the San-fa-tseh, which is as it were his council of conscience. Then the three tribunals abovementioned assemble together, either to re-examine the merits of the cause, or to pass the more solemn sentence. As it is not so easy to corrupt them thus united, as separate, great regard is had to their decision, which is generally confirmed by the Emperor. P. Mag. p. 229. Lettres edif. xix. 162.