Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 27

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Chapter 27: The Trial and the Marriage

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 VIII-X — End of Book the Third]

CHAP. VIII (continued).

Tieh-chung-u inquired for his father. His mother told him he was gone upon an affair of great importance: that there was a great officer or valiant man to be brought to justice. He replied, "As there is a war, and valiant men are necessary at this critical juncture, why do they seek to destroy them? I will go and hear the trial: perhaps my father may be drawn over to the opinion of his colleagues, and not follow the dictates of his natural candour and justice." Then going to the audience, he was struck with the sight of Hu-hiau already condemned, and bound, waiting for execution, having been sentenced to lose his head three quarters of an hour after noon. There was a great crowd of spectators; through the midst of whom the youth forced his way to get nearer to the condemned person. He perceived him to be very young; but of a bold and dauntless aspect: his look wild and fierce as that of a tyger: his eyes fiery: his throat large, yet long like a crane's: his body strong and well set.

Tieh-chung-u wondered what default of duty that man could be guilty of who had so promising an appearance. He went up to him, "Sir, said he, of what can they have accused you, who seem to be so valiant a person? How is it, that you have been beaten in war?" At this the other flew into a rage, and sternly said, "A man can die but once: and it matters not in what manner he dies. But I that have strength in my arms to carry the weight of ten peculs, and am master of eighteen different weapons, how should I be beaten by any one? What have I lost? 'Tis all falsely laid to my charge. This I solemnly declare. However I must die: be it so." "That is certain, replied the youth; and yet if you had not been guilty of the charge laid against you, why should justice be exerted in so extraordinary a manner? But if you have any thing to alledge in your vindication, you must speak, now is your time." Hu-hiau fetched a deep sigh and said, "The present times are vile and corrupted." "Well, said Tieh-chung-u, if you are unwilling to break through your reserve, I will only ask you one thing; supposing you should be released, would you undertake to go now against the enemy?" "Why not? replied he; is it not my duty? To do it a thousand times, I should look upon as nothing."

The youth said no more to him, but asked the people what o'clock it was, and was answered past ten. Upon which he opened a way through the crowd, and got into the hall of audience, where were seated the three presidents of the tribunal. He cried out aloud, "Health to you all, my Lords! You are all great officers under his Majesty: it therefore behoves you to do your best for the public weal. At present there is great want of men of valour; and none can be got notwithstanding the proclamation for such to appear. The manner of your present proceedings tends, not to the advantage, but the detriment of the empire. Pray is this man sacrificed to public justice, or any private consideration?" The three Mandarines, who had not very willingly passed sentence upon Hu-hiau, but had done it merely to gratify their superiors, were not displeased to see a person appear in his vindication: although they were disgusted at the little respect he shewed them.

The President of Crimes after some time, perceived he was the son of their colleague, the Supreme Viceroy: who also himself discovered who he was. Upon which he struck his hand on the table and said, "How dare you come here in this impertinent and bold manner, where it is death to do it? Take hold of him and bind him. I acknowledge no relation to him in this place." Tieh-chung-u cried out, "No, no: that is not justice: hear me before you order me to be seized. I only ask your Lordships, why doth the Emperor place the drum at the gate of his palace, but that the people may have redress there, when they can obtain it no where else?" The Supreme Viceroy said, "Who are you? and what acquaintance have you with the condemned person?" He answered, "I know him not, but perceiving him to be a valiant man, and one that may do his country and the Emperor service, I came in his behalf." His father replied, "What business is it of your's what he is, or what he can do?" Then he ordered the officers attending the tribunal to take and bind him. The two other Mandarines desired his imprisonment might be deferred for a moment, and calling him to the table before the tribunal, said, "You shew a good intention and sound principle in what you say, but you must consider that things must be carried on according to the forms of justice, and not with so much precipitation. Hu-hiau hath been a year in prison, and the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye as long in banishment; and hitherto none have appeared in their behalf. The former of these hath to-day been brought to his trial, and been condemned: to acquit him now would be ridiculous, and cause a deal of confusion and anger from the Emperor. The Mandarine Kwo-sho-su hath already informed his Majesty of the sentence of death past by us: how then is it possible to recall it?" Tieh-chung-u hearing these words, fetched a deep sigh, and said, "What you have done is all out of regard to your own interests, and not to the good of your country. Your Lordships cannot but know, that in former days it was frequent for Mandarines to oppose injustice; or at least to refuse to do any thing in prejudice of their country, or against their conscience, notwithstanding it might be strongly pressed upon them by the Emperor himself. Wherefore do you study law and justice, if thus you act subservient to higher powers?"

The two other Mandarines to whom he addressed himself had nothing to reply: but his father cried out, "What! are you mad? I tell you sentence is passed, and he must die." These words very much grieved Tieh-chung-u, who said, "Will you then have no pity on so brave and valiant a man as this?" "Hu-hiau, replied the Supreme Viceroy, is condemned according to law, and his death must be looked upon with no more remorse than that of a kid. Of what service would pity be, where it is out of our power to relieve him?" "This is no common person, said his son, you do not know his qualifications, he is not to be matched among all the great men, that guard the wall of ten thousand furlongs. It hath been customary when such men have committed a fault, not to put them to death, but to let them take it off and atone for it by some service or other of great importance to their country. Why then should not this man be suffered to take off his crime in the same manner?" The two Mandarines agreed it was reasonable: "But who, said they, will be security for his performing such actions, as shall merit a pardon?" Tieh-chung-u said, "I will. Restore him but to his former office, and if he does not answer your expectations, then take off my head."

The two other Mandarines discoursed the matter over with his father: "As your son, said they, hath offered himself security for Hu-hiau here before all the world, we are thereby impowered to draw up a petition in his behalf, without the imputation of partiality, or of taking illegal steps to save his life." The Supreme Viceroy perceiving this was no more than reasonable, ordered the criminal to be sent back to prison, and commanded Tieh-chung-u to draw up a writing of security in his behalf. Which being done and properly signed, he ordered a chain to be fixed round his neck, and sent him to prison after the general.

The three Mandarines after this drew up a petition, wherein they acquainted his Majesty with their proceedings. As it was a time of war, business was not long before it was dispatched, so that if a Mandarine gave in a petition one day, his Majesty would answer it himself the next. The Emperor answered their petition in the following manner.

"Whereas there is a great want of men of valour to serve in the wars without the wall; and whereas Tieh-chung-u, son of the Supreme Viceroy, hath offered himself as security for the good behaviour of Hu-hiau; I therefore suspend his execution, and invest him with the same command he had heretofore. And I likewise give him a sword to put to death any person that shall disobey his command, or neglect his duty: and wherever the war may be, he hath full power to command there, as I expect he will be no where improperly absent. Wherefore if he behaves well, and comes off with success, my favour shall exalt him: otherwise he shall suffer his punishment. Shuey-keu-ye first recommended and assisted him, and now Tieh-chung-u hath offered himself for his security: after this if he doth not behave well, I shall severely call to account those two persons, as much deserving to be punished as himself. Wherefore let him well consider this."

This order was carried by a Mandarine properly attended to Hu-hiau, whom together with Tieh-chung-u they took out of prison. These two persons went to return thanks to the three Mandarines their judges, and afterwards took up their abode in the house of the Supreme Viceroy; where they got every thing ready in order to repair to the wars. Two days after they departed for their charge properly equipped with a gallant retinue of soldiers. When they arrived at the wall, the officers there shewed them great respect, seeing Hu-hiau return with the Emperor's sword. They had not been gone six months, before this general had such signal success that he every where re-established peace and tranquillity. Upon which the Emperor confirmed Hu-hiau in his command, and restored Shuey-keu-ye to his former office. His Majesty also offered to confer a great title on Tieh-chung-u, and would have created him a Mandarine; but he refused to accept of any such distinction, for he said unless he could arrive at that honour by his learning, he was unworthy of it.

CHAP. IX.

The Mandarine Kwo-sho-su was so mortified by this disappointment that he was ashamed to appear in public, and begged to lay down his office under pretence of indisposition. On the other hand, Shuey-keu-ye had no sooner returned to court but he was made Shang-shu, or President of the tribunal of arms. The Mandarines who had threatened him for refusing to listen to their proposals in favour of Kwo-sho-su and his son, were now afraid he would remember them. But he told them when they came to apologize and ask his pardon, that they could not be blamed for acting as they did, and that the harm which might have accrued was owing to himself. As soon as he had waited on the Emperor, he went immediately to visit the Supreme Viceroy and his son. That Mandarine received him in person, but his son was absent: the other inquired after him but was told he was gone into the country to study. "I am come, said Shuey-keu-ye, to pay my acknowledgments to the young gentleman for the benefit I have received from his wisdom and courage; and nothing would rejoice me so much as to see him." "I am very glad, said his father, I will send him to visit you." Upon which the other departed with great satisfaction.

The Mandarine Tieh did not approve of his son's keeping a great deal of company, but could not avoid complying with the request of the Lord President; he therefore sent to command his son to visit him. Tieh-chung-u said to the servant who brought the message, "As that Mandarine only came to see us out of compliment, it will be sufficient for my father to return it. It would but interrupt my studies to go to the city: where the public ceremonies would take up more time than I can spare; and so much company is but irksome." He therefore humbly intreated his father not to engage for any return of visits to be made by him.

The servant reported his message to his master, who was so well satisfied with it, that he went and returned the visit alone. Shuey-keu-ye asked for his son: and the other apologized for his absence under pretence that he was indisposed. "Very well, replied he, it is the custom of people of sense and ingenuity not to be forward in making themselves public: as your son is a youth of great wisdom, and chuses to live sequestered from public company, I will go to his house, and see him there." After a short farther discourse they parted.

The Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye thought it a great proof of the young gentleman's discretion and good sense, that he chose to be retired. It increased his desire to see him. He had formed in his mind so favourable an opinion of him, that he thought he would be a very proper match for his daughter, whom now he began to think of marrying. He accordingly sent a servant to the village, where Tieh-chung-u at present resided, to see if he were at home, and being informed that he was, he prepared to see him on the morrow; of which he gave him the due notice.

The name of the village was See-shan, or West-mountain, where Tieh-chung-u lived retired; he had just dined when he received notice that the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye intended him a visit: the name brought to his mind his beautiful daughter, and caused him to fetch a deep sigh, and led him to reflect on the wonderful manner in which things had happened. "I little thought, said he, of contributing to the restoration of that young lady's father, when I became surety for Hu-hiau. I was not only the happy instrument of saving a brave man from death, but of bringing back to honour a Mandarine of so much merit. I might now ask him for his daughter in marriage if I had not become acquainted with her at the Che-hien's tribunal; and if she had not received me afterwards into her house. But alas! after all this public intercourse, our union is impossible, unless I would bring all the calumny in the world both upon her and myself; and confirm the suspicion of a private correspondence." He considered with himself whether it was not possible to find out some means of getting over this difficulty: but his delicacy raised so many scruples, and painted the censure of the world in so terrible a light, as extending not only to himself, but his posterity, that at length he said, "I shall be forced to refuse her, although her father should make me the offer." He was buried in these distracting reflections, when there was shewn into the room an old gentleman dressed in the habit of a doctor of law: who cried out, "Hiong, or brother, what! are you so difficult of access, that I could not see you before to-day?" "Surely, Sir, said the youth, you do not know me, or you would not say this." Then he paid him the compliments due to his appearance. When these were over the old gentleman took hold of his hand, and looking earnestly in his face, said, "When I only heard of you, I conceived a great esteem for you; which after all might possibly have been ill-grounded: but now I must confess the sight of you increases that esteem, and gives me great satisfaction. Yesterday I went to pay you a visit, but only saw your father: he told me you did not care to be seen in public: I therefore came hither privately to visit you." Tieh-chung-u at these words started, saying: "Ah! Sir, you seem to be the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye!" Then getting ready a Tieh-tse, or billet of compliments, and presenting it to him, he said, "I hope, Sir, you will pardon me, that although you are a person of so much honour, I did not know you." "Why did I come here, replied the other, but to thank you for being the cause of my return to court: as likewise to be acquainted with a youth of such uncommon endowments as fame reports you to be possessed of?" "Pray, Sir, excuse me, said Tieh-chung-u, it proceeded from my not being sufficiently acquainted with you, that I did not pay that respect to you I ought in waiting upon you yesterday. I am now very sensible of my error." Then he ordered an entertainment to be got ready. At the sight of that, Shuey-keu-ye was very well pleased, as it would afford them an opportunity for discourse. Accordingly their conversation turned upon history, antiquity, poetry, law, and other subjects proper for learned and ingenious men.

After these topics were exhausted, the old Mandarine said, he had one word to speak, which he hoped the other would not take amiss. "My Lord, said Tieh-chung-u, as I am your son and disciple, why do you shew me so much condescension?" "I have no son, replied the other, but one only daughter, who hath just attained her eighteenth year. If I am not partial to her, I never saw a young woman of such beautiful features, or of so fine a person: and as to knowledge in books, I believe there are none able to converse with her, except yourself. This I mention, as I have a great value for you; but if you don't believe me, examine first into the truth of it and I shall have her for your wife." Tieh-chung-u was so surprised, and confounded at these words, that he could give no answer, but remained as it were thunderstruck, and sighed deeply with a great appearance of concern in his face. Shuey-keu-ye observing his looks, said, "Perhaps you are already engaged." The other shook his head, and answered, "No!" "Perhaps then, replied he, you do not think all is true that I tell you." "Sir, said the youth, it is impossible for a man or woman to excell in understanding so much as she doth, but a whole kingdom must be acquainted with it. You have spoke nothing but truth, and your offer would be exceedingly acceptable to any one, but myself: circumstanced as I am, I should be very blameable to accept of it." The Mandarine hearing him speak so obscurely, said, "You are a person of an open generous heart; you must tell me what you mean." "Sir, said he, when you get home you will understand every thing." The Lord President imagined there might be something or other amiss, which had not yet reached his ears: this he thought the more probable, as he had been so long from home, and had not heard any news from thence: he therefore dropt the subject, and after some little discourse upon indifferent topics took his leave, and went home.

As he went along he could not forbear reflecting on the engaging aspect of Tieh-chung-u, and what a proper husband he would be for his daughter; he therefore could not easily resolve to part with him. And yet he thought he could discern in his words and manner, as through a mist, that he had a secret inclination for her, although he seemed to have some great objection: what that was he could not possibly divine, unless she had been guilty of any misconduct: "But that, said he, cannot be; I know her to be of the most steady temper, and immoveable virtue. Perhaps this Kwo-khe-tzu, out of revenge for my refusing him my daughter, hath played her some trick, or reported ill of her, which hath occasioned this disgust in Tieh-chung-u: however all these objections will vanish, if the offer prove but agreeable to the Mandarine his father." He therefore resolved to get an intimate acquaintance to go and talk over the affair with the latter; for from what he had heard of his daughter's carriage and ingenuity, he thought there was none but Tieh-chung-u worthy to obtain her.

CHAP. X.

Shuey-keu-ye having learnt from the friend he employed, that his proposals were exceedingly acceptable to the Supreme Viceroy, made a great entertainment for that Mandarine, who when he returned told his wife all that had happened. The lady Sheh agreed that their son was of a proper age to be married; and that Shuey-ping-sin was a very desirable person: for she had heard how she had conducted herself while she was persecuted by Kwo-khe-tzu, and that she was a most ingenious and agreeable young lady. She thought therefore that such another could not be found for their son, and that it would be a great happiness to fix him so well. "And yet, said she, if you ask his consent, you will not obtain it; for he will be so nice and curious that he must examine every thing to the bottom, and will be raising difficulties without occasion, and without end. As the reputation of Shuey-ping-sin is so established, and her merits and accomplishments so great, we may contract first, and acquaint him with it afterwards." The Mandarine Tieh approved of her opinion, and told her it intirely agreed with his own. Then choosing a fortunate day, he made the customary present to the parent of the young lady. At the same time, he and his wife sent to their son, and wished him joy, informing him of the engagement they had entered into in his behalf. He was very much surprised, and immediately went to his father and mother. "Marriage, said he, is an affair of consequence, and should not be too precipitately managed. You have been wholly guided by report: but who can answer for the truth of reports? You may have been deceived in the accounts of this lady: and there may be cause to repent it as long as one lives." His father asked him whether he suspected Shuey-ping-sin to be ugly? "No! said he: I believe that her complexion is fair and clear as the most limpid stream." "Perhaps, replied the other, you are doubtful of her wit and sense?" "Her understanding, he replied, surpasses even that of our sex: in whatsoever she does there appears such discretion; all her actions are conducted with such beautiful order, that it exceeds imagination." "Perhaps then, said his father, she hath been guilty of something wrong." "No, he answered, she hath never done any thing the least amiss." With that the Supreme Viceroy and the lady Sheh burst into laughter, that he should make a scruple of marrying a young lady with so many perfections, and who had not one quality but what deserved the greatest praise. "Nay, proceeded the youth, I should willingly marry this young lady, even if it exposed me to so great a misfortune as your displeasure; for she is never absent from my thoughts: but alas! there is a difficulty, which I can never get over, that shuts me out from all thoughts of such an undertaking." This said, he immediately told them all that happened between him and the young lady: and concluded with observing, that his having so lately been the means of restoring her father, would add strength to the suspicion of their criminal correspondence. As therefore the loss of their good fame was to be the consequence of their nuptials, he could not think of purchasing even that happiness at so dear a rate. His father commended his nice concern for his reputation: "But what hath happened, said he, may be justified and cleared up. You are but a young man, and not so well able to judge as myself. However this union may be rendered more free from censure by your caution." Then his father and mother both observed to him, that they were advanced in years: and that any delay was so much loss of their happiness, as they could enjoy none equal to that of seeing him married. "You must not, said they, yield to these scruples: retire to your studies, and banish them from your thoughts. At a proper time we shall send for you. It is too late now for you to object to this marriage, for our contract cannot be set aside." Tieh-chung-u, perceiving the anxious concern of his parents, thought it would not become him to contend with them farther: but imagined that if he himself should consent, the young lady could not easily be prevailed on. He therefore said no more, but taking his leave of them, returned to his studies.

Shuey-keu-ye having concerted the marriage between Tieh-chung-u and his daughter, remained very well satisfied; and as he had been so long absent, had a great desire to see his family. He accordingly petitioned his Majesty for leave to retire, as being old and infirm. The Emperor, who was desirous to make up to him the time he had lost in disgrace and banishment, would not consent that he should so soon lay down his office. He nevertheless petitioned three times. The Emperor at length seeing him so determined, gave him leave to retire for one year, ordering him after the expiration of it to return to court: at the same time he issued out a mandate, requiring the Mandarines every where to entertain him as he passed along, and to supply him with whatever he might want. Highly pleased with this, he immediately prepared every thing for his journey, and set out from Pe-king with a very splendid retinue, attended by a long train of great Mandarines, who accompanied him quite out of the city. But the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su was not of their number, having been ashamed to appear in public.

As soon as the news of what had happened arrived at Tsi-nan-foo, all the Mandarines who resided in or near that city, put up chops or red papers with congratulatory inscriptions: and every great officer and person of fashion went to the house of Shuey-keu-ye to compliment his daughter on the news. This ceremony they performed three times. The first time, they congratulated her on her father's return from banishment; the second time on his promotion; and lastly, on the permission he had obtained to retire from court. Shuey-ping-sin at first gave no credit to the news: for having been so oft deceived by Kwo-khe-tzu, she was afraid to appear: but afterwards when she saw it was all true, yet could not comprehend how her father should have such good fortune, as at once to be restored and advanced to honour.

Shuey-guwin was not long before he went to her: "Do you know, said he, by what means it hath happened that your father is thus of a sudden returned home with so much honour and promotion?" She replied, "I do not: but was thinking with some amazement how it could have happened." "Let me tell you, said he, that it is all through the means of Tieh-chung-u." At which she laughed, and said, "I cannot believe what you say: it seems very fabulous." "Why not believe it, said he?" She replied, "Because Tieh-chung-u is not in any office or power; but on the contrary is but a simple student, and out of the way of contributing to such an event." "It proceeded originally, said he, from Kwo-khe-tzu. He applied to his father to send an embassy to my brother to solicit his consent. Which he refusing, that Mandarine renewed an accusation against him, and also against Hu-hiau a general chosen by him, charging them with mismanagement in the wars: upon which the Emperor appointed a Tribunal of Three in order to bring that general to his trial. He was there condemned, and ready to be executed, when Tieh-chung-u interposed and became his surety: in consequence of which, the general was restored to his command, and had such remarkable success that he acquired great honour, not only to himself, but also to that young gentleman and your father."

Shuey-ping-sin inquired of her uncle what authority he had for this report, and seemed to doubt whether it were true. "Not true, said he? why should you question it? Wherefore else were the papers put up? Did not the Mandarines themselves come hither to compliment you on the occasion?" She smiled at his warmth, and said, "If this be true, then doubtless Tieh-chung-u is a traitor, that could be so impudent and bold before the Tribunal of Three. Why don't you petition against him, as one that is going to raise a rebellion?" Her uncle begged that nothing more might be said on that subject, assuring her that he was now reformed. "I go no more, said he, among those rakes: who abused me very much in forcing me into what I did." As soon as he was withdrawn, Shuey-ping-sin set herself to reflect on the events that had happened. She could not but admire, that fortune should give that youth so many occasions to assist her; and all through their accidental meeting in the streets. "The service he hath done me is great, said she, but nothing to what he hath done my father. His virtue and generosity demand of me the most grateful acknowledgments: miserable I am, that I cannot yield him my love."

Shuey-ping-sin continued in daily expectation of seeing her father: when at length a servant came to inform her of his approach. All the Mandarines went out of the city to meet him: and at noon he came home. She advanced into the great hall to receive him, where nothing could equal the joy of them both.

What past farther between them, the next book will inform us.

The End of Book the Third.