Hao Qiu Zhuan/zh-en/Chapter 4

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第4回 — Chapter 4

中文原文（繁体） — Percy/Wilkinson (1761)

Other parallel views: 中文 ↔ Percy 1761 | 1761 ↔ 2026 | Modern EN only | Percy 1761 only | 中文 only

中文原文（繁体）

Percy/Wilkinson (1761)

EN · DE · 中文 · 正體 · FR · ES · RU Previous◀ zh Hao_Qiu_Zhuan Nextzh ▶ 第四回 过公子痴心捉月 Chinese original text of Chapter 4 Compare with the modern English translation, Wilkinson/Percy 1761 translation, and other language versions. 第四回 过公子痴心捉月 诗曰： 人生可笑是蚩蚩，眼竖眉横总不和。 春梦做完犹想续，秋云散尽尚思移。 图书与文学 天机有碍尖还钝，野马无缰快已迟。 任是泼天称大胆，争如闺阁小心儿。 话说过公子与香姑做了亲，看破不是冰心小姐，已十分气苦，又被香姑前三后四说出一团道理来，只要寻死觅活，又惊得没摆布，只得叫众侍妾看守劝解，自己梳洗了，瞒着亲友，悄悄来见府尊，哭诉被水运骗了，道：“前面引我相的，却是冰心小姐，后面发庚帖，受财礼，及今嫁过来，却是自家女儿，叫做香姑。银钱费去，还是小事，只是被他愚弄，实情不甘。必恳求公祖大人，推家父薄面，为治晚惩治他一番，方能释恨。”府尊听了，想一想道：“这事虽是水运设骗，然亦贤契做事不老到，既受庚帖，也该查一查他的生辰月日。此事连本府也被他朦胧了，还说是出其不意。贤契行聘，怎么不到水侍郎家，却到水运家去？冰心系水运侄女，回贴称‘小女’，就该动疑了，怎么又迎娶这一日，又到水运家去？岂不是明明娶水运之女？今娶又娶了，亲又结了，若告他抵换，准人肯信？至于偷相一节，又是私事，公庭上怎讲得出口？要惩治他，却也无词。贤契请回，莫若好好安慰家里，不要急出事来，待本府为你悄悄唤水运来，问他个详细，再作区处。”过公子无奈，只得拜谢回家，将好言安慰香姑不提。 却说水运，自夜里嫁了女儿过去，捏着一把汗，睡也睡不着。天才亮，便悄悄叫人到过府门前去打听，却并不见一毫动静，心下暗想道：“这过公子又不是一个好人，难道将错就错罢了？”满肚皮怀着鬼胎。到日中，忽前番府里那个差人又来，说：“太爷请过去说话！”水运虽然心下鹘突，却不敢不去，只得大着胆来见府尊。府尊叫到后堂，便与他坐了，将衙役喝开，悄悄细问：“本府前日原为过宅讲的是你令侄女，你怎么逞弄奸狡，移花接木，将你女儿骗充过去了，这不独是欺骗过公子，竟是欺骗本府了。今日过公子哭诉，说你许多奸狡，要我惩治，本府因你是官家，又怕内中别有隐情，故唤你来问明。你须实言告我，我好详察定罪。” 水运听了，慌忙跪下道：“罪民既在太公祖治下，生死俱望大公祖培植了，怎敢欺骗？昨夜之事，实出万不得已，内中万千委曲，容罪民细述，求大公祖宽宥开恩。”府尊道：“既有委曲，可起来坐下细讲。”水运爬起来坐下，说道：“罪民与过公子议亲，实实是为舍侄女起见。不料舍侄女赋性坚贞，苦苦不从。罪民见他不从，后来就传示太公祖之命，未免说了些势利的言语。不料舍侄女心灵性巧，就满口应承，恐怕勾出祸来，就转过口来，要认我做亲父，方肯相从。罪民只要事成，便认做亲父，罪民恐他有变，就叫他亲笔写了庚帖为定。又不料舍侄女机变百出，略不推辞，提起笔来就写。罪民见写了庚贴，万万无疑，谁知他写的却是小女的八字。罪民一时不察，竟送到太公祖案下，又蒙大公祖发县里送与过宅，一天喜事，可谓幸矣。哪晓得俱堕在舍侄女术中！后来回贴称‘小女’，与罪民自受聘，俱是被他认为亲父惑了。直到昨日临期，催他收拾，他方变了脸，说出前情，一毫不认。罪民事急，无可解救，哭了寻死，他又为我画出这条计来免祸。罪民不得不冒险，只得将小女嫁去，实不是罪民之本心也。窃思小女虽然丑陋，但今既已亲荐枕席，或者转是天缘，统望太公祖开恩！” 府尊一一听了，转欢喜道：“令侄女小小年纪，怎有如此聪慧？真可敬可爱！据你说来，虽是情有可原，只是过公子受了许多播弄，怎肯甘心？”水运道：“就是过公子不甘心，也只为不娶得舍侄女。舍侄女今日嫁了别人，便难处了。昨日之事，舍侄女虽然躲过，却喜得仍静守闺中，过公子若不忘情，容罪民缓缓骗他，以消前愆，未尝不可。”府尊道：“若是令侄女终能归于过公子，这便自无说了，只是你侄女有如此才智，如何骗得他动？”水运道：“前日小女未尝嫁时，他留心防范，故被他骗了。如今小女嫁过去，他心已安了，那里防备得许多！只求太公祖请了过公子来，容罪民设一妙计，包管完成其事。”府尊道：“既是这等说，本府且不深究；若又是诳言，则断不轻恕！”因又差人请过公子相见，水运又将前情说了一遍，与过公子听了。 过公子听完，因回嗔作喜道：“若果有妙计，仍将令侄女嫁过来，则令爱我也不敢轻待。只是令侄女如此灵慧，请问计将安出？”水运道：“也不须别用妙计，只要贤婿回去，与小女欢欢喜喜，不动声色，到了三、六、九作朝的日期，大排筵席，广请亲朋，外面是男亲，内里是女眷，男亲须求太公祖与县尊在座，女眷中舍侄女是小姨女，理也该来赴席。待他来时，可先将前日的庚帖改了他的八字，到其间，贤婿执此，求太公祖与县父母理论，我便在旁撺掇，便不怕他飞上天去，安有不成之理？”过公子听了，满心欢喜道：“此计大妙！”府尊道：“此计虽妙，但令侄女乖巧，有心不肯来。”水运道：“他见三朝六朝没说话，小女的名分已定，他自然不疑。到了九朝十二朝，事愈沉了，既系至亲来请，他好不来？”商量停当，过公子与水运遂辞谢了府尊出来，又各各叮嘱，算计停当方别。正是： 大道分明直，奸人曲曲行。 若无贞与节，名教岂能成？ 过公子回家打点不提。 却说水运到家，将见府尊的事情瞒着不提，却欢欢喜喜的走过来见冰心，道：“我儿，昨日之事，真正亏了你。若不是这个法儿，今日天也乱下来了。”冰心小姐道：“理该如此，也不是什么法儿。”水运道：“我今早耽烦忧，这时候不见动静，想是大家相安无事了。”冰心小姐道：“相安也未必，只是说也无用，故隐忍作后图耳！”水运道：“有甚后图！”遂走了过来，心下暗想道：“这丫头，怎料事这等明白？过家请他，只怕还不肯去。” 到了十二期，先三日，过家就下了五个请帖来：一个请水运，三个请三个儿子，俱是过公子出名；一个是请冰心小姐的，是香姑出名。水运接了都拿过来，与冰心小姐看。因笑道：“这事果都应了你的口，大忧变成大喜。他既请我们合家去做十二期，须都去走走，方见亲情密厚。”冰心小姐道：“这个自然都该去。”水运道：“既是都该去，再无空去之理，须备礼物，先一日送去，使他知道我们都去，也好备酒。”冰心小姐道：“正该先送礼去。”水运取了个大红帖子来，要冰心小姐先写定，好去备办。冰心小姐全不推辞，就举起笔，定了许多礼物，与水运去打点。 水运拿了礼帖，满心欢喜，以为中计，遂暗暗传信与过公子，又叫算命先生将他八字推出，暗暗送与过公子，叫他别打金字换过，以为凭据。又时时在冰心小姐背后，探他说些什么，恐怕他临期有变。冰心小姐却毫不露相，也不说不去，也不说去，水运心下拿不稳，只得又暗传信去，叫女儿头一日先着两个婢女来请，说道：“少夫人多多拜上小姐，说凡事多亏小姐扶持，明日千万要请小姐早些过去面谢。”冰心小姐道：“明日乃你少夫人的吉期，自然要来奉贺。”就叫人取茶与他二人吃，一面吃茶，一面便问道：“你少夫人在家做什么！”一个回道：“不做什么”一个道：“今早钉金的红缎子，不知做什么？”冰心小姐道：“钉在上面的，可是几个金字？”婢女道：“正是几个金字。”冰心小姐听了，就推开说别话，婢女吃完茶辞去。冰心小姐亲口许他必来，水运闻知，满心欢喜。 到了次日清晨，过家又打发两个婢女来请，因取了一个小金盒儿，内中盛着十粒黄豆大的滚圆珠子，送与冰心小姐道：“这十粒珠子，是少夫人暗暗送与小姐的，小姐请收了，我们好回话。”冰心小姐看一看，因说道：“明珠重宝，不知是卖，不知是送？若是卖，我买不起；若是少夫人送我，你且暂带回去，待我少停面见少夫人收罢。”婢女不知，就依旧拿了回去。婢女才去，水运来就过来问：“轿子、伞要用几人？”冰心小姐道：“父亲被谪，不宜用大轿、黄伞，只用小轿为宜。昨日南庄有庄户来交租米，我已留下两人伺侯，不劳叔叔费心。”水运来道：“今日过家贵戚满门，我们新亲，必须齐整些为妙。若是两人轿，又不用伞，冷冷落落，岂不惹人耻知？”冰心小姐道：“笑自由他，名我却不犯。”水运强他不过，因说道：“轿子既有了，我们男客先去，你随后就来罢！”竟带了三个儿子先去。正是： 拙计似推磨，慧心如定盘。 收来还放去，偏有许多般！ 却说过公子打听得冰心小姐许了准来，不胜之喜，又拜恳府尊与县尊为他作主，又请出三四个学霸相公，要他作傧相赞成。十颗珠子要赖作他受聘，定的金字庚帖要做证见，又选下七八个有气力的侍妾，要他只等下轿进门，便搀扶定了，防备他事急寻死。又收拾一间精致的内房，内铺的锦绣珠翠，十分富丽，使他动心从情。 清晨使婢妾相请，络绎不绝，直到午后，方有人来报道：“冰心小姐已上轿出门了！”不一时，又有人来报道：“冰心小姐的轿子到半路了！”过公子听了，喜得心花俱开，忙叫乐人伏于大门左右，只候轿一到门，就吹打迎接。过公子心急，自走出门去望，只见远远一乘小轿，四个丫环列在前面，后面几个家人跟随，飘飘而来，就像仙子临风一般。将及到门，过公子不好意思，转走了进去。府尊与县尊坐在大厅上，听说到了，心下暗想道：“这女子前面多少能干，今日到底还落在他们圈套里，可怜又可惜！” 不期水小姐的轿，直抬到门前，刚刚登门歇下，四个丫环卷起轿帘，冰心小姐露出半身，正打算出轿门，里面七八个侍妾，正打算来搀扶，忽门旁鼓乐吹打起来。冰心小姐听了，便登时变了颜色道：“这鼓乐声一团杀气，定有奸人设计害我，进去便落陷坑！”因复转身坐下，叫快抬回去。那两个抬轿的庄户，是早吩咐的，不等冰心小姐说完，早抬上肩，如飞的一般奔回去了。四个丫环与跟随的家人，也忙忙赶去。正是： 珠戏不离龙项下，须撩偏到虎腮边。 始知俏胆如金玉，看得痴愚不值钱。 过公子听得乐响，只认做进来了，忙躲在小厅旁偷看。不期鼓乐响不得一两声就住了，忽七八个侍妾乱跑进来寻公子，公子走出来问道：“怎么水小姐不进来？”众侍妾道：“水小姐轿已下了，因听见乐人打吹，忽吃惊道：‘这鼓乐声一团杀气，定有奸人害我，进去便落陷坑。快回去！’遂复上轿，抬回去了。”过公子跌足道：“你们怎不扯住他？”众侍妾道：“去的甚快，赶之不上。”过公子气得呆了，忙到大厅来，向府尊县尊诉说其事，府尊与县尊听了，又惊又喜，府尊因说道：“这女子真奇了！怎么听见喜乐声，就知要害他？”因对水运道：“令侄女平素果真晓得术数么？”水运道：“他自小跟着父亲读些异书，常在家中断祸福，我们也不信他，不期今日到被他猜着了。”众亲友听见，众皆惊讶。 图书与文学 过公子尚不死心，又吩咐两个婢女去请，说道：“今日十二朝，是亲皆来，故请小姐去会一会，家公子并无他意。为何到门就转？”婢女去了，回来复道：“水小姐说：‘我只道是亲情好意，请去会会，故一请便来。谁知你公子不怀好意，已将庚帖改了，又要将珍珠作聘，叫府县官逼勒我。若不是喜乐声告我，几乎落在你公子圈套。你可多多拜上公子，可好好与少夫人受用，我与他不是姻缘，不要生奸妄想！’”府尊与满堂亲友听了，俱啧啧赞羡道：“这水小姐真不是凡人。”大家乱了半晌，只得排上酒来，吃了散去。 过公子心下不甘，因又留下水运，说道：“我细想令侄女纵然聪慧，哪里就是神仙，说得如此活现？定是你通谋骗我！”水运听说急了，就跪在地下，对天发誓道：“我水运若与侄女通谋哄骗公子，我就全家遭瘟！”过公子忙扶起来说道：“你如果不与他通谋，老实对你说，这样聪慧女子，实实放他不下。”水运道：“贤婿不必冤我，我还有一计。”过公子道：“又有甚计？”水运来说：“这九月二十日，乃他母亲忌辰，年年到这日，必要到南庄母亲坟上去祭扫，兼带着催租，看菊花，已做常规，是年年去的。公子到这日，必须骑匹快马，领着众家丁，躲在南庄前后，等他祭扫完了，转回家去，打开轿夫抬着便走。到了家中，便是公子的人了，听凭公子调停。成不成，却怨我不着。”过公子听了，连声道：“妙，妙。此计甚捷径省力，定要如此行了。但恐怕到那日，或遇风雨不去。”水运道：“舍侄女为人最孝，任是大风大雨，也要去的。”过公子听了，满心欢喜，两下约定，方才别去，正是： 凡人莫妄想天仙，要识麻姑有铁鞭。 毕竟此中寻受用，嘴边三尺是垂涎。 接下过公子打点九月二十日抢亲不提。 且说水运回家，因走过来对侄女道：“过家一团好意，你因甚疑心，到了门却又回来？教我们扫兴，连我也带累没趣！”冰心小姐道：“不消我说，他做的事，他心下自然明白！”水运忙合掌道：“阿弥陀佛！不要冤屈他。今日实是会亲，并无他意，我可以代他发的誓出。”冰心小姐道：“我先听得喜声甚暴，突然三挝，他造谋不浅，今日虽被我识破，决不住手，必然还有两番来寻我，到明日验过，叔叔方知不是我冤他。”数语说得水运毛骨悚然，不敢开口，只得淡淡地走了过去。 到了九月二十，冰心小姐果然叫人打点祭礼，到南庆去拜扫。先一日，就请水运与三兄弟同去，水运想道：“明日过公子领多人来抢亲，那时少不得有一番吵闹。我若同去，未免也打在浑水里，招惹是非。”因回说道：“我明日有要紧的事务要出门，恐怕不能去了。”小姐道：“叔叔既不去，哥哥与兄弟难道也不去？”水运道：“你两个哥哥要管家，只叫你兄弟同去，拜祭伯母坟茔吧。”说定了，就暗暗通信与过公子，说自去不便，只叫小儿子同去，作个耳目。 原来这南庄离城有十二三里，冰心小姐晓得路远，清晨就起来收拾，坐一乘大暖轿，轿幔四面遮得严严的。又一柄黄伞，在前引道，后面四个丫环，是四乘小轿。小兄弟与家人俱骑马，在后面随行，竟从从容容出城，往南庄祭扫。正是： 镜里花枝偏弄影，水中月影惯撩人。 谁知费尽扳捞力，总是明河不可亲。 冰心小姐轿已到了南庄，庄户将庄门大开，让轿直抬到大厅上方下。冰心小姐既进了庄门，便依旧关上，几匹马就在庄外下了。冰心小姐才坐下，庄妇便摆出茶来，冰心小姐就叫小兄弟同吃。吃完茶，就问庄妇道：“后面坟上祭礼，可曾打点么？”庄妇答道：“俱已齐备，只候小姐行礼。” 冰心小姐遂起身，同小兄弟直走到后面母亲的坟上，哭祭了一番，直等化了纸钱，方回身，到庄西一间阁上去看菊花。原来这南庄有东西两层高阁，东边阁下，栽的都是桃花，以备春祭赏玩。今日是秋祭，冰心小姐上了西阁，往下一看，只见阁下满是铺金，菊花开的正盛，有《踏莎行》词为证： 瘦影满篱，香疏三径，深深浅浅黄相映。露下繁花饥可餐，风前雅致谁堪并？ 谈到可怜，懒如新病，恹恹开出秋情性。温言尽日只闲闲，须知诗酒陶家兴。 冰心小姐在西阁上看菊，又四郊一望，正是秋成之时，收的收，割的割，乡人奔来奔去，手脚不停，忽看见两个闲汉，立在一间草屋边看揽稻，有些诧异。因再向两边一看，又见三个闲汉，坐在一堆乱草上，忽眠忽起，再看看，又见小兄弟与一个青衣小厮掩在照墙后说话，冰心小姐心下明白，并无言语。 不多时，庄户摆饭在后厅，叫冰心小姐去吃。冰心小姐下了阁，叫人寻了小兄弟来同吃。吃完饭，小兄弟催冰心小姐道：“路远，没事早些回去。”冰心小姐道：“你且再玩耍片时，我还要吩咐庄户催讨租米。”小兄弟又去了。冰心小姐因叫众庄户，将田庄事务一一吩咐明白，发放了，然后坐在后厅旁小房里，叫丫环将大皮箱出空了衣服，用包袱包起，又取了许多碎石块，放在空箱里，抬到大轿柜底下放了。又叫家人寻一大块石，用包袱包了，放在轿柜上，然后将轿门关上，用锁锁了，入下轿幔遮了。又叫众家人进来，吩咐如此如此，众家人领命。然后自家换了一件青衣，坐在四乘小轿内，却留下一个丫环，叫庄户另寻小轿送来。收拾停当，却叫家人开了庄门，喝道：“轿夫快来，小姐已上了轿！”轿夫正在外面伺候，听得叫，便一齐拥入，各认原轿，照旧抬了出来，黄伞又在前引路。家人又寻小兄弟来，同骑马跟随。 才离庄门，不上一箭路，早东边两个，西边三个，一霎时，跳出一二十个脚夫来，有几个将大轿捉住不放，有几个将抬轿的乱打道：“这地方是我们的生意，你怎么来抬？”打得四个轿夫披头散发，略略放手，另有四个轿夫，接上肩头，抬着飞跑去了。后面骑马的家人看见，忙忙加鞭，赶上前吆喝道：“作死的奴才！这是城中水侍郎的小姐，怎敢抢抬？”那抬轿的听见说是水小姐，一发跑的快，后面家人的马将近赶上，只见过公子带着一簇人，从林中出来，拦住大叫道：“你家小姐，已是我家过公子娶了，你们还赶什么！”家人看见，慌忙勒住马道：“原来是过姑爷抬回去，小人不敢。恐怕小姐明日责罚。”过公子道：“快回去，小姐若责罚你，都在我身上。”说罢，将马加上一鞭去了，众人去赶前边轿子。众家人借此缩住，等小姐的小轿上来，悄悄的抬了回家不提。 却说过公子赶上大轿，欢欢喜喜，拥进城来。只因这一抢，有分教： 欢颜变怒，喜脸成羞。 不知后事如何，且听下回分解。

EN · DE · 中文 · 正體 · FR · ES · RU Previous◀ en-wilkinson Hao_Qiu_Zhuan Nexten-wilkinson ▶ Chapter 4: Young Master Guo's Vain Pursuit: Grasping at the Moon 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. CHAP IX. Kwo-khe-tzu was not so overjoyed that he had secured the prize, as to be neglectful of what might happen; lest therefore upon her arrival at his house, she would make a disturbance and reject the marriage, he made all possible haste to fetch the Magistrates of the city, together with others of his relations and friends; in order to produce her eight letters before them; and to silence whatever she might plead to the contrary. He was transported that he should now recover his credit, in shewing himself capable of outwitting her; and congratulated himself as well for the happy concerting of his project, as for the resolution and dexterity with which it had been executed. He used such expedition in mustering his friends, that he was got home before the chair. It was not however long behind him. He soon saw it coming; his people driving along the streets, and clearing their way like a swarm of wasps. They were going to set it down at the gates: but he would not let them, neither at the second door, but made them carry it into the great hall. Upon this the Che-foo, the Che-bien, and all his relations and friends rose up, and came to meet him, crying out, "Kong-hee, or much joy to you! how rare is it to find a woman so beautiful and so accomplished as Shuey-ping-sin? What cause have you to rejoice in having at length obtained so inestimable a treasure?" Kwo-khe-tzu beheld the chair with the most evident satisfaction, and advancing towards the upper end of the hall, returned their compliments with equal civility: "Extraordinary, said he, as this step I have taken may appear, I have been guilty of no unwarrantable violence: this lady was the person to whom I was originally contracted in marriage; and the receiving another woman in her stead, was the effect of her contrivance: the opportunity I now have, permits me but barely to do myself justice: I must therefore desire you all to be my witnesses; and that the Che-foo and Che-bien will be in this affair as my father and mother, in making the marriage firm and valid, and in preventing any farther trouble about it." Those magistrates advised him to bury in profound silence all that was past; telling him they were ready to attest what he had asserted; that since he had brought her there, he was now obliged to marry her, and therefore had nothing to do, but to carry her in, and have performed the usual ceremonies. Kwo-khe-tzu desired before this was done, she might appear before them; that she might have no pretence to complain of compulsive or hasty measures, or that the marriage was conducted otherwise than openly, with the most proper and deliberate decorum. "Well, said the Che-foo, if you would rather have it so, let the chair be opened, and let the lady appear." Kwo-khe-tzu then ordered his women to go to the chair, and lifting up the curtain, to open the door. They went accordingly, but found it lock'd: of which they returned and inform'd their master. He was not surpriz'd at this, attributing it either to her delicacy or her fear. Then going himself and trying in vain to open the lock, at length he broke it. On this, the women advanced to open the door, which as soon as they had done, they stood still for some minutes. Enrag'd at this delay he began to storm at them, asking, why they stood staring, and did not hand their lady out of the chair? With looks of the utmost astonishment and confusion, they told him there was no lady; not so much as the shadow of one. He was greatly surprized, and advancing to the chair to be satisfied himself, instead of the fair Shuey-ping-sin, he saw nothing but a bundle wrapt about with a scarlet cloth. At this he fell a stamping and raving like one distracted: "How can this be possible? said he; one of my own women servants this morning saw her drest, and ready to go into the chair, but a little while before it set out." The Che-foo and Che-bien, with the rest that were invited, went also to the chair, and with equal astonishment saw nobody was in it. "Surely, said they all, this young lady must be a prophetess, and have a power of divining, thus to foresee, and avoid all your pursuits: 'tis enough; you must think no more of her: for whether she be saint or demon, there is no fathoming her contrivances: she must surely be of no common capacity." Kwo-khe-tzu was too much mortified and confounded to answer a syllable. The Che-foo seeing him cast down and dejected, ordered them to take out the bundle and see what was in it. Opening it they found only a box filled with pebble stones. At this every body laugh'd: and taking their leave, left Kwo-khe-tzu to bewail his disgrace. He was so disturbed in his mind, that for some time he did not perceive they had left him: at length raising up his head and looking round, he saw his hall empty, and nobody left, except one friend, who sat unobserv'd in a corner, and seem'd buried in profound thought. The name of this person was Chun-kee. Taking courage to find he was not totally deserted, the youth called out, inviting him to come and sit down with him, and to talk over the affair that had happen'd. "To-day, said he, after having thought myself secure of the accomplishment of my wishes beyond all possibility of disappointment, how have I been deceived, and shamed and mortified? I cannot account for the trick she hath play'd me; it seems to exceed all human power: and yet I cannot forget her; neither shall I give her up, as those here advised me. Tell me how you would act in like situation?" "This young lady, answer'd Chun-kee, is very subtle; she is no less uncomplying and obstinate: to think to obtain her therefore by soft and gentle means, will be involving yourself in an endless pursuit: nothing but downright force can succeed with her." "Alas! replied the other, of what little effect bare force can be, the disappointment of this day may shew: besides, after this unsuccessful attempt, she will not easily fall in my way again: her youth and sex will afford her no occasion to stir out for the future: nor will she readily venture of herself." "Do not despair, said the other, I have bethought myself of an expedient, that does not seem unlikely." Kwo-khe-tzu listen'd with great attention. "Her father, proceeded Chun-kee, is in banishment, and I hear 'tis a long while that she hath had no news of him: I hear also that she preserves for him the most ardent affection, and continually feeds an hope that he will one day obtain the Emperor's pardon." "All this, said the other, may be very true: but what is it to our purpose?" "You must get, said his friend, a coloured paper, upon which let it be written, that a great Mandarine hath procured a pardon for him, and that the Emperor has restored him to his office again. Send this dispatch to her house by a train of twenty messengers, and let her be called upon to receive the mandate with due respect. This will oblige her to come out to meet it. Then let a chair be ready, and the moment she steps out of the hall force her into it and away." Kwo-khe-tzu applauded this scheme, and thought it might be successful. "But stay, proceeded Chun-kee, we must at the same time make some provision for our own security. Shuey-ping-sin is the daughter of a Mandarine of good family: and when she sees herself thus suddenly beset and carried away by violence, it may cause her to commit some desperate action: perhaps to strangle herself with her garter; or to stab herself with her scissors, or some other implement she may have about her. To prevent therefore the blame of any such action, you shall present a petition to the Che-foo and Che-bien to summon her before them at your suit: by which you will have their officers to accompany your people, and their authority for your sanction: and at the same time that you are screen'd from the consequences of the attempt, you will have those magistrates ready to compleat the marriage." Kwo-khe-tzu could not conceal his satisfaction at so artful and at the same time so safe a contrivance: "This, says he, is a thousand times better than any I have undertaken before: nothing remains but to fix the time for its execution." When they had settled this point between them, they parted. Shuey-ping-sin, having thus a third time narrowly escaped falling into the hands of her persecutor, kept herself very close at home, and would scarcely suffer any one to go in or out of her house. As for Shuey-guwin and his sons, being sensible she strongly suspected them, they came in her way as little as possible. Yet greatly as she had been harrassed, alarmed and terrified, her concern on that account was light, compared with what she suffered for the sake of her father. His misfortunes and disgrace were the constant subject of her thoughts: and if she sometimes encouraged an hope, that he would one day be restored to his family and his friends, it was as often interrupted by doubt and stifled by despair. One morning as she was employed in dressing her head, she was alarmed by a great noise and disturbance in the street at the gate of her court: she sent an old woman of her attendants to inquire the meaning of it. But before she could get to the gate, it was already broken down, and a great many people came running in with the coloured paper, who cried out, "Good news! much joy to Shuey-ping-sin!" These words, though not very distinctly heard, reached the ears of the young lady: she therefore hastened into the hall, and stood behind the door to be the better satisfied: where she saw the people, and heard very plainly what they said: crying aloud, "Here is the Emperor's mandate, she must come out immediately to meet and receive it." Upon this, accompanied by two of her maids, she ventured out and was instantly surrounded. She asked where the order was: they answered, at the Che-foo's, and that she must go there: and immediately a chair was brought into the hall. Perceiving how matters were conducted, she began to suspect all was not right, and that some evil design was in agitation against her: but finding it too late to retreat, she mustered up a noble courage and resolution, and concealing her fear and surprize, waved her hand to be heard: "You that are now come here, said she, upon this pretence, belong to, or are sent by Kwo-khe-tzu; and the reason he sends you hither to take me, is not because he hates me or is my enemy, but it rather proceeds from his violent regard: and therefore if I comply with his desires and marry him, don't I not only gratify his utmost wishes, but also immediately become your mistress? As therefore it will then be in my power to punish you as I please, be careful how you are guilty here of any indecency." Chun-kee, who was in the crowd, hearing what she said, cried out, "It is very true, Lady, and therefore if you will please to go into the chair, no one will offer the least discourtesy." "Well then, said she, stand aside a little and give me room; let me speak to my people, and make some little change in my dress." Then calling a female attendant to bid her bring her cloaths, she whispered in her ear, to conceal a knife in the sleeve of her gown. All this was performed, and she accordingly changed her habit. Then having given orders to her servants about the management of her house, she addressed herself once more to the people: "To-day, said she, if you would gain an interest in your master, by doing me a favour, you must oblige me in one thing." "If you will but marry Kwo-khe-tzu, replied Chun-kee, there is nothing we shall dare to refuse you." She proceeded, "It is now three times that that young Lord hath come to marry me: it is not in my power to resist him any longer, but then you must not carry me directly to his house; for I will sooner dye, than be married there by force, and in a low clandestine manner. Therefore carry me first to the Mandarines of the city: and let the marriage be performed openly and honourably before those Magistrates, suitable to the dignity of my rank, and of his pretensions." "You say right, said Chun-kee, it shall be as you order, you shall go first to the Che-bien, then to the Che-foo, and afterwards to the house of your husband: thus will every thing be decent and regular." Shuey-ping-sin then ordering two of her maids to attend her, and bidding one of her servants to take down the coloured paper, which had been fixed to the gate, and to bring it along to the Che-bien's, called for the chair, and threw herself into it. The people of Kwo-khe-tzu, who were about thirty in number, having thus got possession of the prize, which had so often eluded their master's pursuit, with the utmost alacrity and speed took up the chair and ran away with it through the city, regardless of every thing they met in their passage; like a flight of crows, that are winging their way through the air. They had now almost reached the audience of the Che-bien, when in crossing a street, they ran against a young gentleman mounted on a mule with such violence, that they had like to have beaten both to the ground. Upon this the stranger, who was dressed in a student's habit, and was followed by one servant, instantly dismounted, and not a little incensed at their rudeness, laid hold of the chairmen, calling them impertinent and clownish rascals: "You are not, said he, escaping from fire or thieves, wherefore then do you hurry along at this uncivil and disorderly rate, overturning every thing in your way? How durst you affront me in this audacious manner?" They answered, that they were employed about a marriage of distinction; and who should hinder them? "Were you gold or diamonds, iron or glass, said they, go with us to the Che-bien, and we will grind you to powder." "If this marriage, replied he, is between people of quality, where are the usual ceremonies to attend it? Where is the chair of state adorned for that purpose? Where is the music, and other splendid attendance? Here is nothing of all this; but you rather seem to be villains that have stolen away some unfortunate lady: and as that is the case, I will go along with you to the audience myself." Chun-kee hearing what he said, and perceiving by his mien, that he was not an ordinary person, addressed him very respectfully, and said, "Pray, Sir, excuse the incivility done you by these fellows, who are clowns and know no better: they deserve correction, but in truth are not worthy your notice: better let them alone." The stranger recollected himself, and was going away; when of a sudden he heard a voice from the chair crying out for succour: "I am greatly injured: you seem to be a person of valour: O assist and save me!" Upon which he laid his hand on the chair, and once more stopped it: saying, "Is this then the reason of your indecent haste? Come away, I will go with you to the Mandarine's audience." The chairmen thus interrupted, seeing he would not quit them, went to fall upon him with their fists: but loosing the chair, he so well exerted himself, that he quickly laid many of them at his feet. Upon which Chun-kee came up to him, and said: "Sir, you must not beat the people thus; though you would not before have gone to the Che-bien, now we must oblige you: let go the chair; and we will go there together." "By no means, said the young stranger: not 'till I am got to the door of the audience." As soon as they were arrived there, he raised the end of his whip, and struck the great drum that stood at the door: upon which all the people came out, wondering at his boldness. The Che-bien, who had expected the chair, sate in the hall waiting for it, when hearing the drum beat, he could not conceive what was the matter: immediately he saw his people come in, bringing in the stranger: "This, they said, is the person that beat on the drum."