Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 15
Chapter 15: When Parents Command with Bitter Entreaties, How Can One Refuse?
From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)
Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Some scan errors may remain -- compare with the modern translation and Chinese original to verify.
[Volume IV, Book IV, Chapters I-IV]
CHAP 1.
FH UE Y-keu-ys when he came home,
saw to his great satisfaction his
daughter grown up to woman's estate,
and highly improved in her beauty
and accomplishments. He told her
the troubles he had met with had not
been able to render him unhappy, nei-
ther was he at all elevated by his pro-
- Cuar. XV. In the Translator S manuscript.
Vor. IV. 8 1 motion.
2 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. motion. * My greatest pleasure, said
he, is to see you again, and to find you
in health.” He concluded with tel-
ling her, that at court he had met
with a young gentleman, whom he
had chosen for his son-in-law, one who
was in every respect answerable to his
utmost wishes, It struck the young
lady that this might possibly be Tieb-
chung u; she therefore answered, Sir,
you are far advanced in years: it is
a great while since the death of my
mother: you have no child but me: it
is therefore my duty to serve you as long
as I live: and however undeserving I
may be, I will never cease to attend
you.“ The Mandarine her father smi-
led and said, You must not persist
in these resolutions, however commend-
able they may be. It would be very
226575 8 v1 ks
A CHINESE HISTORY. 3
wrong to let flip' the opportunity of
being happily married upon any such
considerations. If my adopted son-in-
law were not a person of superior me-
rit, 1 should hardly have made choice
| of him: nay if he had the least fault
in the world, I should not have ac-
cepted him without having firft con-
sulted you. But he is a youth of fine
understanding, and of spotless integrity :
he is deficient in no one valuable ac-
complishment. I found him in all re-
spects so unexceptionable, that I did not
think it necessury to apply to you first
for your consent.” The young lady,
who by this deseription was confirm-
ed in her opinion, that it must be
the son of the Mandarine Tieb-ying,
made answer, chat indeed nothing
D'S B 2 could
4 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. could be objected to such a person as
he had described : But who knows,
added she, whether there may not be
other objections to the marriage - con-
tract? whether it may be lawful—?“
These words made the Lord President
recall to mind those of the young gen-
tleman, insomuch that he could not
help remarking their resemblance:
he therefore said, Do you know
the person of whom I speak ; it is the
son of the Supreme Viceroy.” *© Sir,
she ' replied,” had it been any one else,
4; would never have consented : and
as it is he, he never will agree to any
such marriage.” „Why not?“ said
her father. She answered, © Because it
would be to break through all the
gangs due to that [honourable en-
gagement,
A CHINESE HISTORY. 5
gagement, and to violate its most
solemn rites.] Shuey Leu y was sur⸗
prized at these words: This youth,
said he, is of no ill descent; but
pure and untainted as yourself : Why
then do you talk of any violation that
would accrue to the rites of marriage?
With that Shuey-ping-/in" related ato
him all that happened during his ab-
sence. And now, added she, after
all this, how can such an alliance
take place without intailing everlast-
ing shame and disgrace on us both?“
When he had heard this relation,
her father was charmed with her de-
licac y and nice sense of honours: If
this. be true, said he to himself, my.
daughter hath not her equal among
women, any more than Tieh cbung⸗u ĩs to
. Fu a |
6 Hau KIOU CHOAAN.
be matched among men.“ Daughter,
said he aloud, I am glad to see you
keep so closely to the paths of virtue:
there is none but you fit to be paired
with fo good and virtuous a youth
as I have chosen. Heaven seems to
have created you both for each other:
this marriage was ordained to take
place between you. I have engaged
to see it performed: you must not
therefore think r. n wrong or
N in it.“
7 8 the resolutions of the fa -
ther of Shuey-ping-/in, whom we shall
leave at present, to inquire after wo-
lbs tau, {her unsuccessful admirer.]
Mhen Chun: kic returned as we have
” +» 4 | [cen]
A CHINESE HISTORY. 7
feen] without success, nothing could
equal that youth's disappointment : yet
his friend exhorted him not to be cast
down: Tour father, said he, hath
petitioned the Emperor against Shuey-
ken ye, and against an officer espoused
by him; who will both be sentenced to
lose their heads.” KAzwo-kbe-izuliftened
to this account with pleasure, and they
continued to indulge themselves in the
hope of being revenged for the slight
put upon them, when at length * the
5 news
- The Chinese author i puisey'of great in-
consistency in this place: he had told us in the preceding book (pag. 150.] that it was fix months from Hu hiau's reprieve, to his victori- ous return: here he speaks of them both, as happening fo near together, that the same mes⸗ senger that came to tell of the one, brought news of the other.— The above 0 in che FTranslator's MS. runs thus.
While they were talking, chere came in a
3 . B 4 « servant
8 HAU KIOU. CHOAAN.
news arrived that Shuey-keu-yt was re-
called from exile, and promoted to a higher office; and all by the interposal
of Tieb- chung - u; in return for which he
had engaged to give him his daugh-
ter in marriage. The report so affected
Kwo-kbe-tzu, that he raved and stamp-
esdd like a madman, and at last swooned
away. By the assistance of the people,
who came to his relief, he at * re-
« servant from 83 they inquired what news
« he had brought from court. He replied, No
“good news for you, Sir. Why fo, said his
„ master? Because, answered the messenger,
- Tieb-chung-u having got a reprieve for Hu-
©* hiau by offering himself security for him, that general] is returned with success, &c : and both he and Shuey-keu-ye are preferred,
and the latter hath given his daughter in
marriage to Treh-chung-u.”
The Editor hath endeavoured to remove this
inconsistency, as much as he could without de-
parting too much from the original.
covered,
A CHINESE HISTORY. 9
covered, and retiring with Chun-ktt,
said, How indefatigable have I been ?
what steps have I taken? what ex-
pence have I been at? and what per-
plexity have I suffered ? and at length
Tieh-chung-u without any pains at all
| hath carried off the prize. But, if I
die for it, I will prevent the ceremony
from being compleated. Come, said
he to his friend you mult set your wits at work for me.” „Alas! replied the other, when the was lone and friend- less all our attempts proved ineffec- tual : her father is now advanced in dignity, and will quickly be at home; what likelyhood then is there now of success?” „ Well, said the youth, I can now have no hopes of succeeding myself: I shall be sufficiently satisfied, | BO it
ro HAU KIOU CHOAAN. if I can but prevent and disappoint the
other,” 5 We know very well, replied
his friend, the nice and scrupulous tem-
per of her father, and his advancement
will render him {till more jealous of the
reputation of his family; let us apply to
| some of his acquaintance, and get them
to inform him of the secret correspon-
dence between Tzeb-chung-u and his
daughter: if he hears of this he will
certainly. break off the marriage. But
if he should disregard it, we then
will get your father to apply to the
Ko- tau or Public Censor *: whose com-
9181 plaint
1 The Ko-tau is a great Mandarine. who re- Jates to the Emperor whatever he hears amiss of any of the Mandarines : he also tells the Em- peror boldly of any error he is guilty of him- elf. | | Transl.
Or rather the officer here intended is the Pre-
| sident
peror to take away his employment,
and set aside their nuptials.” Nrvo-
kbi-tzu thought this a well - concerted
scheme: and said, To- morrow I will
endeavour to make this matter as pub-
lic as I can among all the Mandarines
of the city.” * By no means, said his
[p. 1]
| kdent of a F; 1 of "Yo ok whose business
it is (not unlike that ameng the Romans) ta
watch over the public manners, sparing neither
Emperor nor Mandarines.—In the discharge of
this office, they often shew surprizing courage
and perseverance: some of them have persisted
for two years together in accusing a Viceroy sup-
ported by all the grandees; and without being
discouraged by delays or opposition, have at
length compelled the court to degrade him, to
avoid incurring the public odium.
The manner of their proceedings is to frame a
memorial and present it to the Emperor, of which
they afterwards disperse copies through all the
provinces. As soon as this memorial is publish-
ed, the ran accused is generally obliged to do
| | ue
A CHINESE HISTORY. 17
plaint against him will cause the Em-
1 Hau KIOU:CHOAAN.”
friend, for the Che. foo and Che. bien know | the Whole truth of the affair, and can contradict such a feport: besides my will now be disposed to solicit the favour of Shut. eu. jc, whe will be upon the 905 | Let us rather defer” it till there come two new magistrates, for the present will soon 800 to court to solicit farther pre-
tuo things: the fr/? is to give in a memorial,
not in his own defence, but containing an hum-
ble acknowledgment of his error: the second is
to retire from his Tribunal, and to suspend all
public execution of his office, till the Emperor
hath answered his petition” either - ae
or condemning him.
Any excess in private buildings, any irregu- larity of manners, any innovation or contempt of ancient customs, falls immediately under their cognizance. And as in China a parent is re- sponsible for his children, it would have been a capital crime in Shuey-keu-ye to have reward- ed his daughter's incontinence by letting her marry her gallant. See P. Semedo, p. 126. P. Du Halde, vol. 1.
pag. 70. P. as. p. 227. Lettres edif. Xill, p. 367, | e ferment."
A CHINESE HISTORY. 13
ferment. “ Well, said the other, but
although two new Mandarines should
arrive, they will inquire into the truth
of such a report, and the people of
their audience will be able to set them
right.“ If we consider every ob-
jection, and are discouraged by it, re-
plied Chun ti, we had better desist
and give up the affair. However 1
now recollect a more effectual means WY +
than any we have thought of : when .
I was at court, I observed a very great
intimacy between your father, and 7 4b 2
quay, the great Mandarine who was 1 5 >
so disgraced by your adversary Tiab-
- 2
chung: u. The wife of this noble- man a
was newly dead, and he was looking "i
out for a young and handsome woman 1 i *
to succeed her, Dispatch letter *
1 * =
2 **& A
L *
45 2 4 by
=_ . | N
x - ws
7 2 5
[p. 1]
a8 , I \
= Kg \
3 —
"td
x5
"x
[p. 4]
"2
„ ²˙A PITS ;
Emo
- J 4
[p. 1] 1 1 . 5 y * * * I 4
13 4 Aach as he would, notuithstanding
xy HAU KIOU CHOAAN. fote to your father, and desire him to
recommend Sbuey-ping:sin to him; for
although Tieb-chung-u hath made pro-
posals of marriage, it is not conclu-
ded. Thus your father will at once
-oblige his friend, by helping him to
a young and handsome wife, and you
will be revenged on your adversary ;
whose reputation will also suffer by
the disappointment: at the same time
the whole affair will be conducted with-
oi disturbance or danger.” There is
one difficulty attends this method, said
abs youth: Tah-quay's confinement is
7 yet expired, and no body is ia
cel to converse with him openly: so
my father can only visit him in
av and therefore cannot assist him
his
A CHINESE HISTORY. 15
his power.” This is very true, said
bun- kec, (and will somewhat retard
| the attempt, ] but I have still another
resource, which is not liable to the
fame objection. Your father hath also
contracted a close intimacy with one
of the great Eunuchs of the palace;
one of whom the whole court stands in
awe, as being about the Emperor's per-
son, and having his ear. This gentle-
man, who is called * Chou-tbay-kien or
the Eunuch of danger, hath a niece who
is very ugly, and not yet married.
Ger your father to recommend Jie
chung u as a fit husband for her; he will
not dare to reject the offers of so power-
- ful a courtier as her uncle. Now when
8 Chen or C bass beate. danger, and hb fins a Eunuch. Transl, 5 he
ZZ7—
16 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. he is once married to the Eunuch's
niece, undoubtedly so great a Man-
darine as the Lord President of Arms,
will never give him his only daugh-
ter for a second wife or concubine.“
Kwo-kbe-izu was so pleased with this
advice, that he resolved to write to his
father immediately : But this affair,
said he, is of too much moment to be
intrusted to a common servant; shall
I once more intreat you to embark
| in it?“ His friend readily assented:
Il | and being furnished with money and
q other necessaries once more set out for
the court.
4 [While these lite were contriving Y
cha lived retired in his coun-
=> Ds house : where he pursued his stu-
- 3 201 | dies
8 6, N 2 A COTE C2 8 2 are e CN WE eee 1 2 FR by NN Nn 2
Fe 2 2 LY \ M3 28 . 8 R 8 BY > Y 2 Wt x1 8 r r ² m ůuuůl«rnnn WS (a 22 *
- . o : 7 | q ?
A CHINESE HISTORY. 17
dies with such application and success,
that at the time of the examination of
students, he was admitted to the degree
of Kiu-jin, or Licentiate * : this happen-
ed in autumn, when the examination is
made through all the provinces. And
soon after when the | second] examina-
tion was held at court he offered him-
self again, and appeared to such advan-
tage that he was created Doctor of
Law, and put foremost on the list.
He was soon after made one of the first
doctors of the empire, being chosen
into the royal college or Han-lin +,
and appointed by the Emperor to be
one of the tutors to his son. He had
no- attained his twenty second year *, I
and
2 See note, vol. . pag. 8. Kc.
"+ Sec note, vol. 3. pag. 75: Kc.
This may seem inconsistent with what hath
Vol. IV. S been
| son should not set aside. |
18 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. and his father and mother only waited.
for Shuey-keu-ye's return to court, in
order to compleat the marriage, which
they resolved the nice scruples of their
CHAP?
been formerly said, of the slow progress of the
Chine/e in their studies; and of the length of
time required for them to pass through their
several degrees. See vol. 2. pag. 86. 98. c.
But it should be observed, that there may be ex-
ceptions to this general rule in favour of extra-
ordinary Genius, or uncommon asliduity.—P,
Parrenin tells ue, that he has known instances
of young men that have been made not only
Doctors, but Hau- lin [or members of the royal
college,] before they were twenty years of age,
— But these were extraordinary instances: andthe
promotion of these young Doctors was owing
not only to the force of genius, and the advantage
of a happy memory, but in part to the great
care and expence their parents had bestowed on
their education. I knew, saith he, the father
of one of these young men, who was not only
a Doctor himself, but had always at his table
three other Doctors, to whom he allowed hand-
some salaries for taking care of his son. The
one of these taught their pupil to compose in
prose and verse; the other to form curious cha-
racters:
A CHINESE HISTORY. 19
- E year was now elapsed which
Shuey-keu:y6 had been allowed to spend in retirement: when the Emperor issued out an order for his return to court: upon the first notice of which the Mandarine 7 jeb-ying wrote a letter, to intreat him to bring the young lady along with him. pon: recen of
rafters : the third infruted W in history and
politics. Ihus by way of conversation they in-
_ billed into his mind and heart the knowledge
of the laws, the principles of morality, the vir-
tues of the great Emperors, and the examples
of a rare sidelity towards the prince, which hath
rendered certain families illustrious: and as the
young man had a lively and apt spirit, he quickly
ecame as learned as his malters.”
See P. Farrenin & letter, dated Aug, 11. 1730. 1 Leteres edif. æxi. \ 204:
C : 2 © this,
20 HAU KIOU- CHOAAN.
this, he told his daughter, that as she
was now grown up to woman's estate,
he intended she should accompany him
ro the court. Shuey-ping-fin testified her
compliance: To what purpose, said
she, am I your daughter? I might as
well not have been born to you, if I
must remain always at a distance. It
is very fitting I should attend you but
then 1 muün humbly intreat one fa-
your.” He asked what it was. She
replied, If at court any offers should
be made about the completion of the
marriage with 7 eb. chung -u, that yu
will be pleased not to consent to it.”
The old Mandarine smiled at her re- quest, and assured her that he would do nothing that should be prejudicial either to her happiness or fame. He 83 . ae then
N
- 5
[p. 1] . q Be Fare [p. 3] [p. 7]
a
A CHINESE HISTORY. 21
then asked her, to whom he should
devolve the care of his house and ef-
fects. She proposed her uncle as the
properest person to have direction with-
out doors, but recommended him to
leave the government within to the
care of &. uc geong. He followed her
advice, and having made suitable pre-
parations departed for Pe- ing, where
in little more than a month he arrived.
As soon; as he had performed his
first duty i in waiting on the Empero 7.
all the great officers came to visit him,
and among the rest the Mandarine
Tich-ying : who afterwards sent his son
to pay him the same compliment. Al-
| though the young Mandarine Tieh in
Uhr: visiting billet which he had dif
C 3 pitched
22 HA KIOU CHOAAN.
patched Before him, called himself only
cousin, and not son-in law, as he should
have done, Shuey-keu-ys attributed it
to his modesty, and admitted his visit.
The old gentleman was mightily plea-
sed to see him become a great Man-
darine, and grown a very personable
man *, which made him think him
the more suitable match for his daugh-
ter, esteeming them both only born
for each other. Let this young and
nn pair, Gn he to himself,)
- That is, dy was 1 fat nad jolly. —
«The Chine/e, says P. Le Compte, differ from us in their idea of beauty and comeliness. - They re- quire a man to be large, corpulent and burly: to have a large forehead, little flat eyes, a short nose, Lars rather of the largest, a little mouth, a long beard and black hairs. A man according to them is well made, when he fills his easy chair, and by his grav ity and bulk, e a large an pompous figure.“ ee tom. 1. Pag 191.
object
A CHINESE HISTORY. 23
object never so much to the marriage,
we old folks will over-rule them, and
make them happy in spite of them-
selves.” |
After some conversation Tieb-chung-u
took his leave and retired. As soon
as he was gone, the secretary belong-
ing to Shuey-keu-ye's tribunal came in
and said, Sir, I have a relation,
who is servant to the Mandarine Tab-
quay; he hath been here to tell me
that, as his master is confined, he could
not visit your Lordship, neither could
he send a billet of compliments in
due form, but he notwithstanding pre-
sents his services and wishes of good
health: he told me farther, that ab-
quay having lost his wise, is very de-
„„ sirous
24 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. firous to marry again; and hearing
that you have brought the young lady
your daughter with you to court, he
intends to get the Mandarine Kzo-/þ5-
sua to come in his behalf, and conclude
a marriage · contract for her. © Well !
said Shuey-keu-ye, and what answer did
you make to Tab-quay's servant?” 1
told him, said the other, that she had
been long engaged to the Mandarine
Tieh-chung-u. Upon which he inquired
when the marriage was to be conclu-
ded; but I was not able to inform him.
Of this our discourse, I thought it my
duty to inform your Lordship.” The
Mandarine ordered him, if any one
e
should hereafter question him on that
5 subject, to tell them that the nuptials
would be celebrated within the space |
org
[p. 4]
[p. 21] [p. 1] [p. 3]
[p. 75]
N ER Met es n F es:
A CHINESE HISTORY. 25
of two days. This Mandarine, said
Shuey-keu ye to himself, is a person of
very ill character, his proposals are
only meant to give us disturbance. But
should he apply to the Emperor him-
self, there will be nothing to fear, as
my daughter is already. disposed of :
however it is better to have the mar-
riage completed to prevent the worst
that may happen.“ He then went to
his daughter's apartment, and told her
she must not think it unreascnable,
that he renewed the subject of her
union with Tieb- chung -u, for that it was
necessary it should take place immedi- |
diately. Then he related to her all
that his secretary had told him: Now,
said he, if we do not hasten. the com-
Pletion of your marriage, this Tag-
15. N quey
[p. 15]
[p. 8]
26 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. guay may perhaps involve us in a great
deal of trouble.“ It instantly occur-
red to the young lady, that Kwo-kbz-
zu or his father were at the bottom
of this business. She communicated
her conjectures to her father, And
yet, added she, if ab- quay should
persist in giving us disturbance, upon
proper application to his Majesty it
may perhaps involve him in fresh
disgrace, and be a means of renew-
ing his former punishment.” The
wisest course, said Shuey-keu-ye, is not
to oppose an enemy, but to avoid
him. If we conclude this marriage
out of hand, his design will be de-
feated. —Before his daughter could
reply, there came in a servant, to tell
him that the Supreme Viceroy had
sent
PO CAP Pon Ot get er RY ME 6A Re RSO Se
A CHINESE HISTORY. 27
sent his service, and begged he would
savour him with his company at his
house, for that he had urgent business
to communicate to him. This is
a good opportunity, said Shuey-keu-ye ;
J had thoughts myself of going thi-
ther. I will therefore lay all ceremony
_ aside. Let my horse be got ready,”
He accordingly went as fast as he
could.
As soon as he alighted, the Man-
darine Tieh-ying took him by the hand,
and led him into the hall: This
morning, said he, as I was coming
from court, I met the Eunuch Cheu-
thay-kien; who making me a very low
bow, said, he begged a favour which
he hoped I would not refuse him:
OM os
28 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. that he had a niece. whom he should
be glad to have married to my son.
I told him it could not be, for he was
already engaged. He replied, © Whar
though he is engaged to Shuey-ping-/in,
it signifies little, as the marriage is
not yet completed.” These Eunuchs,
added the Mandarine Jeb, are saucy
impertinent rascals, and presume upon
the great employ ments they fill: there-
fore to be plagued no more on this
subject, L have sent to your Lordship
that we may get the wedding con-
cluded as soon as possible. What.
said Shuey-keu-ye, have you then met
with this trouble? Such another ap-
plication hath been this day made to
myself.“ Upon which he related all
that his e had told him. N ow.
said
[p. 29]
said he, this > bling the case, et us put an
end to the affair. When the marriage |
ceremony is once over, even his Ma-
jesty's order will not be of force to
set it aside. Nay let it be concluded
this very day: and yet my daughter
will hardly be prevailed with; she ar-
ues against breaking the laws of de-
cency and custom.“ „My son, said
the other, talks in the same strain.““
After all, said Shucy-keu-ye, I believe
| they secretly love each other: we must/
not therefore regard their objections,”
but exert our paternal authority.“
“True, said the Mandarine Ticb - and
yet if these impertinent applications had
not been made to us, we might have
indulged them with longer time: but
as it is, there is not an hour to be
| loft:
30 Hab KIOU CHOAAN. .
lost: I believe they would hardly be
brought to give up each other, and
therefore will, now comply with our
desires. Here they parted.
The Mandarine Treb-ying instantly:
sent for his son, and related to him all
that happened both to the President of
Arms and to himself. Now, said he,
this being the case, if you don't con-
sent to marry the young lady, you
will cause a great deal of trouble both
to her and yourself; which there are
no other means to prevent Or avoid.“
Sir, replied his son, whatever you
command, tis my duty to obey you.
I am only concerned at the hastiness
of the proceedings. As to: the Eu- nuch's application, it is certainly the contrivance
A CHINESE HISTORY. 31
contrivance of Kwo-sho-su : but what
signifies his proposing ' his niece to
me? he will but lose his labour.”
« Well, said his father, although you
can so easily resist this attack your-
self, you must give the young lady
some assistance in her difficulty.“ Sir,
said the youth, be pleased then to
acquaint the Mandarine her father to
give it out that we are married.
This will stop the mouths of these
people, and rescue us from their im-
pertinence: at the same time, we may
within doors remain single till a more
favourable juncture, The Manda-
rine Tieb approved very well of his
son's discourse: and did not insist
upon his further compliance. Pro-
| _ vided,
32 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. vided, said he, you can but satisfy
the world that you are married, you may act in private as you please.“ Then he commissioned proper people to chuse out a fortunate day for the celebration of their nuptials. |
02 H Ap. In:
A ARLY on the morrow the Manda-
& 4 rine Shuey-keu-ye sent a letter to the
Supreme Viceroy, which he opened,
and read to the following effect. Af-
& ter I had talked with your Lordship
yesterday, I went home and propo-
« {ed to my daughter the completion
&« of the marriage; which she could by
no means be brought to consent to:
% however,
ger Ng Ne
F777
On * N A
PPT
A CHINESE: HISTORY: 5 3
ce however, after: a great many argu-
“ments, at length she yielded that
6 it snould be reported abroad she
racks) married to your son; on con-
dition that at home she should till
«continue in her present state. I have
therefore sent to consult your Lord-
« ship, whether you think this will be
„ {ufficient. 92 105
The Mandarine Tieb-ying was high-
ly pleased with the letter: but could
not help thinking it very extraordi-
nary that this young couple should
both adopt the fame opinions. Cer-
tainly, said he. Heaven hath designed
this pair for each other: there is a
wonderful similitude in their fortunes,
r. IV. D manners
34 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. manners and sentiments. But yet, he
added, if they do not live under the
same roof, it will soon be discovered
that they are not married: I will there-
fore send my son to reside in the house
of Sbuey-keu. y“; and then whether they
are married or not, their true situation
will not be known abroad.” He ac-
cordingly sent to ask the other's opi-
nion concerning this proposal : who
intirely approved of it. They soon after
visited each other, and chusing a for-
tunate day celebrated the marriage;
at which a great number of Manda-
rines assisted with the highest splen-
dour and magnificence. Tieb- chung -u
went in state to the house of the bride,
„ECC. ⁵² A ALA eres wid gigs, cnt "
A CHINESE HISTORY. 35
Mandarines. When he: arrived-at the
door, the Lord President came out in
person to receive him: and after the
usual ceremonies were over, there was
a great entertainment prepared for the
guests, The bridegroom however left
them, and was led into rhe i 1nner *
2 N 765 | 4:5 210
| | As it was now evening, the rooms
were lighted up with greatest splendor:
and as soon as he was come into the se-
cond hall, SHuey ping: iu entered also,
followed by a long train of female
attendants. She received him with
the fame easy chearfulness, as she
would have received a friend: she
bewaged no particular emotion or
G ˖· uĩ =»
36 HAU KIOU' CHOAAN.
gesture, but accosted him with a de-
cent and becoming freedom. Sir,
said sne, I am ever sensible of the for-
mer benefits I received at your hands: and was my life to be laid down in your behalf, it would not discharge the debt I owe. you. By my father's order I have the good fortune to meet with you here this day; which af⸗ fords me an opportunity of b returning you thanks for the services you have done me.“ Then making a deep court'sy sne presented him with a seat. Tieb- bung -u seeing the graceful ease with which she accosted him, and the beauty of her person set off with the richness and exactness of her dress, thought her handsomer than she had even appeared
n i ;
4 +44 _
A CHINESE / HISTORY. 3
to him at their first encounter: he was
so ravished with the sight of her, that
he thought she could be nothing less
than an angel from heaven. When
he had recovered his surprize, hay re-
plied, Madam, the benefit I have
received at your hands is so great
that I want words to express it: A
deep sense of it is however engraved
in my heart, and is the subject of my
daily thoughts and nightly dreams, By
your father's permission, I have the
good fortune to meet with you here
this day, to pay you my acknowledg
ments.” This said, he saluted her with
great respect. Then a carpet was spread,
and they both together performed the
_ usual ceremony of bowing their heads
D ge they
down to the ground. After which
38 HAU KIOU: CHOAAN.
retiring to two different tables they
3 three e of wine to each other.
e E rieh i # thus ad-
dressed the young lady, Madam, I
am so much obliged to you for all
your favours, especially for the good
instructions you gave me, that I shall |
ever retain them in my memory. It
is owing to you that I am arrived to
the great honours conferred upon me,
If I had not had the happiness ' of
meeting with you, I should very like-
ly have been still a wanderer.” * Your
present advancement, said the young
lady, was not owing to any thing
1 could fay ; which was but trifling.
A mere child might by chance point
3 . Out
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A CHINESE HISTORY. 39
out the way to those that had lost it.
| The source of your reputation was your
redressing the injury of the young lady,
who had been forced away; and your
appearing in behalf of the General, Hu-
hiau : these were actions so brave, that
none beside yourself were equal to
them. You also got my father resto-
red to the Emperor's favour: a bene-
fit that can be never repaid. . How hap-
py am I then, that I can now offer you
my service ! But, Sir, permit me to pro-
pose one word or two. When I invited
you to my house in order to attend
you in your illness, Heaven knows we
were void of all bad intentions; but
the malignity of the world led them
to speak. very ili of us abroad: and
shall we now for the sake of a few days
D 4 ..
40 HAU RIOU CHOAAN.
of mirth and pleasure, obscure the re-
maining part of our lives? In my
opinion it would be much better to
stay, and see this cloud pass over
besore we conclude the marriage far-
ther. These are | my sentiments, and
I should be very glad if yours were
the same.” Tich-chung-u hearing this,
made her a very low bow, and told
her, he highly approved of her opi-
nion; which he had as much wish-
ed her to adopt, as a shower of rain
is desired in a time of drought. It
is true, said he, the commands of our
parents would be sufficient to warrant
our completing the marriage: but as
it would cause a deal of reflection,
I am intirely of your opinion that
|: 1 it will be better to wait a little while
1 1 longer,”
A CHINESE /HISTORY.
4k
| longer.“ < Our parents“ impatience,
said the young lady, proceeds from the
impertinence of Tab- quay and the Eu-
nuch: [but your regard for decency
and good order merits my regard, and
greatly heightens my opinion of you.“
The people you mention, answered
he, know nothing about us; and are
unacquainted with our affairs: they are
incited to trouble us by Kwo-sho Ju;
but when they see the step we have taken, their mouths. will be stopped, and they can proceed no farther.” And yet, said Shuey-ping- 2 they may sill shew their spite by raising ill and
calumnious reports of us. Upon all
these accounts it is best to forbear a
while.” „ For my part, said Tieb-
chung-u, when] came ill into your house,
I thought
42 HAU |KIQU. C TOA A
1 thought none knew of it but four,
namely, Heaven and Earth, you and
myself”
It is usual with the Chine/e to \ freak of The
Heaven and The Earth, as intelligent beings,
or divinities. Thus in their books it is said,
Heaven hears and sees every thing. [P. Du
Halde, v. T. p. 407. u.] And in their imperial
edicts, The protection of [ Tien-ti] the Hea-
ven and the Earth, which comes from on high.“
[ibid. p. 528. But the Jaesuites alledge that a
these are only phrases to signify the Deity, the
Sovereign Lord of Heaven and Earth.
It is very remarkable that the CY have
no particular term in all their language that ex-
Pressly denotes the Supreme Being, or an-
swers to our word GOD. Hence they have been
branded with the character of professed atheists,
But whatever their Zzterati may be at present,
it is certain that the CHingse have had from the
earliest antiquity various forms of expreslion,
and a multitude of religious rites, which prove
their belief of a Divine Providence. | See note,
vol. 1. p. 15 5
Among the other buildings consecrated to religious worship, there are at Pe-king two very superb ones. Ihe one is called Tien-Tang, or The Temple of Heaven; the other 7 :i-tang, or
The TRI of the Earth, To these the Em-
Peror
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A CHINESE HISTORY. 4g
myself.” «Well, fad me, if Heaven
hath ee = thing, it will —
— "os every year in great tate, and with
his.own hands offers sacnfrce to The Heaven,
and to The Earth, at which times he lays aside
his robes, and appears in a plain vestment of black, or sky-c toured damask, This is an office so essential to his dignity, that for any one else to perform it, would be at once to aspire to the throne,
The Emperor's sacrifice to the Earth is attend- ed with a ceremony, which deserves particular notice. On a certain day in the spring he appears in the character of a husbandman, and with two oxen who have their horns gilt, and with a plough
finely varnished, &c. he ploughs up several fur-
rows, and afterwatds sows them with his own
hand: his principal Lords afterwards do the
like, 'till they have — the whole spot set
apart for that purpose : P. Magalhazns tells us,
that at the same time the Empress with her ladies
dresses him a homely dinner, which they after-
-wards eat together, &c.
This ceremony hath been observed from time
immemorial in order to encourage agriculture,
the profession of which is deemed very honour-
able in China, and there are annual rewards
proposed to such as excell in it.
See P. Du Halde, vol. 1, pag. 275. 660. F. Magal. ch. 2 1. Martin. Hist. p. 11. &c.
Our
44 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. Our parents commands would justify
our union in the eye of the world: but
as there is this secret reason for our
sorbearance, we must only feign to be
husband and wife: this may pass with
the public, till the difficulty is re-
moved that prevents us from being
such in reality. The young Man-
darine was charmed with her discretion,
and said, Your ingenious reasoning
informs my mind, at the same time
that it Airengrhens | [my resolutions, in
virtue *, n | 2
Thus they held conversation on their
Patent circumstances, and on the great
regard that ought to be paid to honour
In the Translator's M. S. it is, * Strengthens
my regard to the great law of nature.“
and
A CHINESE HISTORY. 45
and virtue: they also related the various
passages that had happened, as well
through the persecution of Kwo-kbe-
224, as through the plots of him and
his father. They were very pleasant
and chearful: and having drunk
just enough to put them in mind
to have the tables removed, they rose
up, and retired into two separate cham-
bers. So that their marriage was no
otherwise completed than as to the
outward appearance, and belief of it.
| What happened in consequence of
_ these measures will be found in the fol-
lowing chapter, [1517 9Vp51
5 * * 3 5 5 [ * - s i 8 & .
Pa 4 ; 7 : 7 pe 1 . Z 14 ; | *
| y = I * *
E ee 14 . „ : 4 30
1 0 pe 1 1 y
9 OC > i
a= —— —Uü5 —— . 7—? — —
46 HAU KIQU/CHOAAN,
End of Chapter 15