Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 2
Chapter 2: Into the Tiger's Den to Retrieve the Pearl from the Clam
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.
ferred on a youth, said the Mandarine penfively to himself, may produce fatal consequences it may expose him to envy: it may be productive of pride: it may be misrepresented to his prejudice: be followed by neglect. "Son, it may said he, one day calling him to him, the bow will break that is too vi- olently bent: no man should exceed what is sit and becoming. Tab-quay is now a prisoner, but he will one day be at liberty; when you apprehended the people at his house, you disgraced him too much for him ever to forget: he perhaps will hereafter study to requite it, it, and will pay back the injury, he thinks you have done him. I have now, proceeded he, a great office con- ferred on me by the Emperor, which I am obliged to attend: whatever be my success, I cannot abandon it: here I must remain but you are at liberty to go where you please. You have now gained to yourself a great deal of ho nour; you are admired as a youth of uncommon courage and prudence; no- thing at present can add to your repu- tation; it may be forfeited or tar- nished." "Sir, said Tieh-chung-u, I have been so happy, as to entertain the fame sentiments myself: far am I from de- firing so large a share of the public attention : attention I had much rather go out of the way of it, did not the duty I owe you, require me to stay, left you should have occasion for my service." "As to that, replied his father, 'tis no matter; I will excuse you: before I was but a small Mandarine; now I am raised to a superior rank, and six- ed above the malice of my enemies : retire therefore from the court, and and ap- ply yourself to your studies: nay rather go travel, than continue here. I leave you now to your own direction; but keep a strict guard over your passions: learn to curb your resentment, and to fup- prefs that extravagance of warmth, to which your temper is addicted." Tieh-chung-u bowed in token of obe- dience, dience, and went in to take leave of his mother. She was concerned to part with him so suddenly, and intreat- ed him to stay a few days longer. He submitted but before three days were expired, so many people came to visit him that he was quite wearied out. He bad adieu therefore to his father and mother, and set out, at- tended only by Siów-tan. He arrived at the city where he had usually lived but the news of his be- haviour had got there before him; the people were alarmed, and the streets crowded as he passed along. The Mandarines had all notice of his arrival, and visited him in their turns, to congratulate him on his success, and the advancement of his father. "Have "Have I left the court, said Tieh- chung-u, because of the fatiguing fre- quency of visitants, and am come hither purposely to avoid them? better were it to have staid with my father: there I should have had the advantage of being with him, and of acquiring valu- able friends. Here is the same inter- ruption, without the enjoyment of their company. I will, agreeable to my father's permission, go visit the four parts of the world*. When this month is expired, I will resign the house, and all that belongs to it, to the care of my steward, and then I will depart. When
- This, in the mouth of a Chinese, means lit-
the more than the Chinese empire. P. Du Halde tells a pleasant story on this subject. One day some of their literati, desiring P. Chavagnac so shew them a map of the world, they sought a long A his son was encouraged once more to follicit the Che-foo, and to intreat him to try again some way to accomplish a marriage between him and the young lady. The Che-foo sent for her uncle : "Your niece, said he, is of age to be married you are a man of sense, and must know the world: you cannot be ignorant that time is not to be ne- glected and that when young persons are arrived at the marriageable age, it ought not to be deferred. While her father was at liberty to direct her, she did right in waiting for his pleasure therein not knowing perhaps, but he them a magnificent hall of audience afsigned them in the palace. They have no particular office, but have an eye over the government of the whole empire. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 138. 248. P. Semedo, P. 127. was was looking out a proper match for her at court. But she has now no longer that pretence his office is taken away, he is disgraced and sent into Tartary: no one knows whether he's dead or alive. Besides, as she is grown up, and has a great many servants and young men in her house, 'tis to be feared that people will give a liberty to their tongues that will hurt her reputation: you are her uncle, and nearest in blood, cannot you lay your commands upon her, now in the absence of your brother? Kwo-kbé- tzu is a youth of great spirit, ca- pacity and worth; and his father's ad- vancement renders him still more re- fpectable: if she persists in refusing him, she will not easily meet with so va- luable an offer: go home therefore, and per- persuade your niece to accept of him." Sir, replied Shuey-guwin, you speak with great judgment; I shall obey." Taking leave of the Che-foo, he went to her house with such visible marks of displeasure in his countenance, that she enquired the reason: he told her it was because she had flighted the offers of marriage that had been made to her in favour of Kwo-khé-tzu; especially as the Che-foo had come in person to propose them to her with the greatest `marks of courtesy and respect. "Now your father is in disgrace, proceeded he, you must not expect that Magistrate will give himself the trouble of wait- ing on you any more: he will not shew you so much complaisance. He sent for for me to-day to upbraid me with your contemptuous treatment of the young gentleman; and even exhorted me to ufe the authority I have a right to exert in my brother's absence." He ceased speaking, and Shuey-ping-fin stood fixed in profound silence,: he urged her to answer : "Well, replied she sighing after some time, "as my father is banished, and the Che-foo commands me to respect you as my father, what- ever you are pleased to order I must obey 'tis in vain to refift: you must do in this matter whatever you please." "This ready compliance, answered her uncle overjoyed at her submission, shews your good sense and judgment: you don't perhaps know how wealthy and considerable the house of Kwo-khé-tzu is: is: he is a youth of great merit and understanding: his father is lately pro- moted to a very high office; and should you marry his son, he may be able to restore my brother." "Tis indeed. possible, said the young lady."- σε Well then, replied Shuey-guwin ea- gerly, I'll go and acquaint the Che-foo that you consent to the proposals: give me here the Nean-kung *, or writing of eight letters." "If it must be so, said Shuey-ping-fin, please to let me
- The Nean-kang is a writing of eight letters
or characters, containing an account of the year, month, day, and hour of a person's birth. Transf. -These are called in P. Du Halde's hist. Pa-tfe; and alfo the eight letters of good luck, because for- tune-tellers and diviners calculate nativities by them, &c. It is one of the usual ceremonies before marriage for these to be sent to each party; which is done in order that the good luck attending them may be examined into. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 394, 664. v, 2. p. 45, &c. have have the paper †, and I will write it." It was presently brought, and she wrote upon it according to form. Shuey-guwin took the paper, and fold- ed it up with great content: then bid- ding her adieu, he hafted home to his house, and acquainted his sons and daughter that his niece had at last given her consent. They were too well ac- quainted with her averfion to the match to be over-ready in believing him: "Surely, said they, it must be a work of more difficulty than this to procure her compliance: you may be deceived in her, for she is very artful: she will seem to consent to-day, but put you off to-morrow." He told them, + A red paper usual in such cafes. Transf. that that she had submitted to obey him as her father: "Beside, said he, here is the Nean-kung, as an acknowledgment of the marriage." They saw it and had no farther fcruples : " 'Tis very well, said they, and yet there is one thing wanting; as it is the marriage of persons of quality, and in a Mandarine's fa- mily, the eight letters ought to be in gold upon scarlet taffaty, and not upon paper." He agreed it was pro- per, and ordered them to be fixed on accordingly. He then carried it to the Che-foo, who when he saw it was very well pleased, but told him he could not order the marriage [farther]; he must take the writing to the Che-bien. The latter of these Mandarines re- ceived "Have I left the court, said Tieh- chung-u, because of the fatiguing fre- quency of visitants, and am come hither purposely to avoid them? better were it to have staid with my father: there I should have had the advantage of being with him, and of acquiring valu- able friends. Here is the same inter- ruption, without the enjoyment of their company. I will, agreeable to my father's permission, go visit the four parts of the world*. When this month is expired, I will resign the house, and all that belongs to it, to the care of my steward, and then I will depart. When
- This, in the mouth of a Chinese, means lit-
the more than the Chinese empire. P. Du Halde tells a pleasant story on this subject. One day some of their literati, desiring P. Chavagnac so shew them a map of the world, they sought a long his son was encouraged once more to follicit the Che-foo, and to intreat him to try again some way to accomplish a marriage between him and the young lady. The Che-foo sent for her uncle : "Your niece, said he, is of age to be married you are a man of sense, and must know the world: you cannot be ignorant that time is not to be ne- glected and that when young persons are arrived at the marriageable age, it ought not to be deferred. While her father was at liberty to direct her, she did right in waiting for his pleasure therein not knowing perhaps, but he them a magnificent hall of audience afsigned them in the palace. They have no particular office, but have an eye over the government of the whole empire. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 138. 248. P. Semedo, P. 127. was was looking out a proper match for her at court. But she has now no longer that pretence his office is taken away, he is disgraced and sent into Tartary not one knows whether he's dead or alive. Besides, as she is grown up, and has a great many servants and young men in her house, 'tis to be feared that people will give a liberty to their tongues that will hurt her reputation: you are her uncle, and nearest in blood, cannot you lay your commands upon her, now in the absence of your brother? Kwo-kbé- tzu is a youth of great spirit, ca- pacity and worth; and his father's ad- vancement renders him still more re- fpectable if she persists in refusing him, she will not easily meet with so va- luable an offer: go home therefore, and per- persuade your niece to accept of him." Sir, replied Shuey-guwin, you speak with great judgment; I shall obey." .66 Taking leave of the Che-foo, he went to her house with such visible marks of difpleasure in his countenance, that she enquired the reason: he told her it was because she had flighted the offers of marriage that had been made to her in favour of Kwo-kbé-tzu; especially as the Che-foo had come in person to propose them to her with the greatest marks of courtesy and respect. "Now your father is in disgrace, proceeded he, you must not expect that Magistrate will give himself the trouble of wait- ing on you any more: he will not shew you so much complaisance. He sent for for me to-day to upbraid me with your contemptuous treatment of the young gentleman; and even exhorted me to use the authority I have a right to exert in my brother's absence." He ceased speaking, and Shuey-ping-fin stood fixed in profound silence, he urged her to answer: "Well, replied the sighing after some time, "as my father is banished, and the Che-foo commands me to respect you as my father, what- ever you are pleased to order I must obey 'tis in vain to refift: you must do in this matter whatever you please." "This ready compliance, answered her uncle overjoyed at her submission, shews your good sense and judgment: you don't perhaps know how wealthy and considerable the house of Kwo-kbé-tzu is: I is: he is a youth of great merit and understanding: his father is lately pro- moted to a very high office; and should you marry his son, he may be able to restore my brother."""Tis indeed. possible, said the young lady.". "Well then, replied Shuey-guwin ea- gerly, I'll go and acquaint the Che-foo that you consent to the proposals: give me here the Nean-kung*, or writing of eight letters." "If it must be so, said Shuey-ping-fin, please to let me
- The Nean-kang is a writing of eight letters
or characters, containing an account of the year, month, day, and hour of a person's birth. Transf. -These are called in P. Du Halde's hist. Pa-tfe; and alfo the eight letters of good luck, because for- tune-tellers and diviners calculate nativities by them, &c. It is one of the usual ceremonies before marriage for these to be sent to each party; which is done in order that the good luck attending them may be examined into. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 394, 664. v, 2. p. 45, &c. have $4 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. have the paper †, and I will write it." It was presently brought, and she wrote upon it according to form. Shuey-guwin took the paper, and fold- ed it up with great content: then bid- ding her adieu, he hafted home to his house, and acquainted his sons and daughter that his niece had at last given her consent. They were too well ac- quainted with her averfion to the match to be over-ready in believing him: "Surely, said they, it must be a work of more difficulty than this to procure her compliance: you may be deceived in her, for she is very artful: she will seem to consent to-day, but put you off to-morrow." He told them, + A red paper usual in such cases. Transf. that ་ I that she had submitted to obey him as her father" Beside, said he, here is the Nean-kung, as an acknowledgment of the marriage." They saw it and had no farther fcruples: "'Tis very well, said they, and yet there is one thing wanting; as it is the marriage of persons of quality, and in a Mandarine's fa- mily, the eight letters ought to be in gold upon scarlet taffaty, and not upon paper." He agreed it was pro- per, and ordered them to be fixed on accordingly. He then carried it to the Che-foo, who when he saw it was very well pleased, but told him he could not order the marriage [farther]; he must take the writing to the Che-bien. The latter of these Mandarines re- ceived ceived the writing, as sent by the other; and carried it the day after to the youth whom it concerned. Kwo-kbé-tzu was no less transported, than if he had found the most valuable jewel in the world. He instantly ordered a Nean- kung to be drawn up on his part, and looking in the calendar for a fortunate day *, made a great entertainment, wherein the Che-foo and Che-bien were
- In the calendar or almanac, which is pub-
lished every year in great form, by the Em- peror's authority, beside aftronomical calcula- tions, &c. the days and hours are divided into lucky and unlucky by judicial aftrology, to which the Chinese are much addicted; therein is marked by characters, the time to let blood, &c. nay the lucky minute to ask a favour of the Emperor, to honour the dead, offer sacrifice, marry, build, invite friends, and every thing elfe relating to public and private affairs. This calendar is in every body's hands, and is regard- ded as an oracle. } See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 133. the the pfincipal guests. When the sealt was over the latter of thofe magistrates went with the writing to the house of Shuey-guwin. He immediately acquainted his niece of it: and told her, "The day af- ter to-morrow, is a fortunate or good day, when Kwo-kké-tzu designs to send you the nuptial present: command your house to be put in order, and sit out your hall to receive it." "Sir, replied she, if the present should come, order it to your own house. As my father is not at home it will be more proper: and whether it is brought hither or there the difference will be little." 66 Very well, said her uncle, and what name shall be prefixed to to the letter of thanks to be returned for the present ?" "Yours, Sir, said she; let your name be to it: you are my father here; my own father being disgraced and banished the prefixing of his name may occasion some difcour- tefy. And whatever relates to the paying of compliments, or the like, ont this occasion it will be proper for you to take upon you." "It is true, said Shuey-guwin, it ought to be so." He then sent to buy a great number of Tieh-tfe, or red and gilded papers,' to write invitations upon *, and desired Shuey-ping-fin to write them. She said, "I will do it as you cannot write yourself,
- Tieh-tfe is alfo a general name for visiting
or complimentary billets of any kind. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 296, 7. but but you must not let any one know but that you wrote them." « Very well, said he; there must also be the letter of compliments *." " I will write that likewise, said the young lady." When she had finished, she desired her uncle to read it. He obey- ed and began thus; "My daughter"— "How, says he, my daughter! what do you mean by that? am not I your uncle?" "Yes, said she, but is not my own father banished, and don't you tell me I must obey you as my father?" Shuey-guwin was satisfied: then he took
- 'Tis the custom for the parents of the young
people, to write a paper of compliments three times to each other, with great professions of courtesy and respect, and with much affected. humility, declaring themselves unworthy of the honour intended their son or daughter. Transf. the the papers, and went home rejoicing. "These writings, said he to his chil- dren, are in my name, and your cousin is in them stiled it my daughter: by which not only her house, but whatever she is now presented with, will be ours." After two days Kwo-kbé-tzu sent the customary present*: at which Shuey- guwin rejoiced, and put on his habit of
- The Chinese give no portions with their
daughters on the contrary the father receives from the bridegroom a certain fum agreed upon. beforehand; of which however a great part is laid out in cloaths, &c. for the bride. This ce- remony seems as efsential with them as the giv- ing of a ring is with us, only among the great it is managed with more generosity," for with thefe (says P. Semedo) there is no talk of mo- ney." By which expression it should seem that the nuptial present is not neceffarily restrained. to money. However both he and P. Du Halde agree, that presents of jewels, &c. are sent to the bride on this occasion. P. Semedo. p. 71. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 304. ceremony, A CHINESE HISTORY gr ceremony, ordering music to be pro- vided, his house to be adorned, and the great gates thrown open to receive it. The Che-bien accompanied it in person: Shuey-guwin sent for his friends and acquaintance in order to receive him with the greater respect. He made a grand feast on the occasion; and to the servants that brought the present he gave gifts of money; expressing throughout the whole day the supreme content and satisfaction of a man who is near the accomplishment of a fa- vourite project. Shuey-ping-fin heard all these rejoi- cings without any emotion. When the feast was over and the guests retired, her uncle invited her to go see the pre- ceived the writing, as sent by the other; and carried it the day after to the youth whom it concerned. Kwo-kbé-tzu was no less transported, than if he had found the most valuable jewel in the world. He instantly ordered a Nean- kung to be drawn up on his part, and looking in the calendar for a fortunate day *, made a great entertainment, wherein the Che-foo and Che-bien were
- In the calendar or almanac, which is pub-
lished every year in great form, by the Em- peror's authority, beside astronomical calcula- tions, &c. the days and hours are divided into lucky and unlucky by judicial aftrology, to which the Chinese are much addicted; therein is marked by characters, the time to let blood, &c. nay the lucky minute to ask a favour of the Emperor, to honour the dead, offer sacrifice, marry, build, invite friends, and every thing elfe relating to public and private affairs. This calendar is in every body's hands, and is regard- ded as an oracle. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 133. the I the pfincipal guefts. When the feast was over the latter of those magistrates went with the writing to the house of Shuey-guwin. He immediately acquainted his niece of it and told her, "The day af- ter to-morrow, is a fortunate or good day, when Kwo-khé-tzu designs to send you the nuptial present: command your house to be put in order, and sit out your hall to receive it." "Sir, replied she, if the present should come, order it to your own house. As my father is not at home it will be more proper: and whether it is brought hither or there the difference will be little." 66 Very well, said her uncle, and what name shall be prefixed to to the letter of thanks to be returned for the present?" 66 Yours, Sir, said she; let your name be to it: you are my father here; my own father being disgraced and banished the prefixing of his name may occasion some difcour- tefy. And whatever relates to the paying of compliments, or the like, on this occasion it will be proper for you to take upon you." "It is true, said Shuey-guwin, it ought to be so." He then sent to buy a great number of Tieh-tfe, or red and gilded papers,' to write invitations upon *, and desired Shuey-ping-fin to write them. She said, "I will do it as you cannot write yourself,
- Tieh-tfe is also a general name for visiting
or complimentary billets of any kind. P. Du Halde, vol. 1, p. 296, 7. but but you must not let any one know but that you wrote them.' « Very well, said he; there must also be the letter of compliments *." " I will write that likewise, said the young lady." When she had finished, she desired her uncle to read it. He obey- ed and began thus; "My daughter"- "" "How, says he, my daughter! what do you mean by that? am not I your uncle ?" "Yes, said she, but is not my own father banished, and don't you tell me I must obey you as my father?" Shuey-guwin was satisfied: then he took
- 'Tis the custom for the parents of the young
people, to write a paper of compliments three times to each other, with great professions of courtesy and respect, and with much affected humility, declaring themselves unworthy of the honour intended their son or daughter. Transf. the the papers, and went home rejoicing. "These writings, said he to his chil- dren, are in my name, and your cousin is in them stiled it my daughter: by which not only her house, but whatever she is now presented with, will be ours." After two days Kwo-khé-tzu sent the customary present *: at which Shuey- guwin rejoiced, and put on his habit of
- The Chinese give no portions with their
daughters on the contrary the father receives from the bridegroom a certain fum agreed upon beforehand; of which however a great part is laid out in cloaths, &c. for the bride. This ce- remony seems as efsential with them as the giv- ing of a ring is with us, only among the great it is managed with more generosity," for with thefe (says P. Semedo) there is no talk of mo- ney." By which expression it should seem that the nuptial present is not neceffarily restrained to money. However both he and P. Du Halde agree, that presents of jewels, &c. are sent to the bride on this occasion. P. Semedo. p. 71. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 304. ceremony, ceremony, ordering music to be pro- vided, his house to be adorned, and the great gates thrown open to receive it. The Che-bien accompanied it in person: Shuey-guwin sent for his friends and acquaintance in order to receive him with the greater respect. He made a grand feast on the occasion; and to the servants that brought the present he gave gifts of money; expressing throughout the whole day the supreme content and satisfaction of a man who is near the accomplishment of a fa- vourite project. Shuey-ping-fin heard all thefe rejoi- cings without any emotion. When the feast was over and the guests retired, her uncle invited her to go see the pre- sent: <6 sent: she complied with his request. He asked her, who now must take it? Certainly, said she, it belongs to you, you are my uncle and father; you have been at great expence and trouble; this is but a small return; a trifle hardly worth mentioning, since my house, my people, and my land, and whatever elfe belongs to me is yours." “Why, said he, should you think they are mine?" "My father, she replied, has no son, and is now in banishment: I only am left, and under your di- rection as your daughter, therefore all I have is yours: but as I only go- vern in my father's absence, and can- not learn whether he is dead or alive, I dare not yet deliver up my charge." "Niece, said Shuey-guwin, you have great great generosity and penetration, and shew an uncommon knowledge of the world." He then called his three sons and daughter, and bade them take the present and lay it up; and upon her offering to go, entreated her to sit down and drink something with them. This she waved on pretence of some late indifpofition, and begged to retire. Shuey-guwin attributed her re- fufal to that shynefs and modesty, which commonly prevails among young la- dies upon so delicate an occasion as the receiving of the nuptial present; and permitted her to withdraw.