Hao Qiu Zhuan/zh-en/Chapter 9
第9回 — Chapter 9
中文原文（繁体） — Percy/Wilkinson (1761)
| 中文原文（繁体） | Percy/Wilkinson (1761) |
|---|---|
第九回 虚捏鬼哄佳人止印佳人喷饭Chinese original text of Chapter 9 Compare with the modern English translation, Wilkinson/Percy 1761 translation, and other language versions. 第九回 虚捏鬼哄佳人止印佳人喷饭 词曰： 大人曰毁，小人谓之捏鬼。既莫瞒天，又难蔽日，空费花唇油嘴。 明眸如水，一当前已透肺肝脑髓。何苦无端，舍此灵明，置身傀儡？ ——《柳梢青》 话说铁公子被李太公胡厮乱缠住了，又被镇守装模作样，琐琐碎碎，心下又好恼，又好笑。到了李老儿家，见拿出酒饭来，也不管好歹，吃得醺醺的，叫小丹铺开行李，竟沉沉的睡去。此时是十四五，正是月圆。铁公子一觉醒来，开眼看时，只见月光照入纱窗，那个桃枝妾，竟坐在他铺旁边，将他身体轻轻摩弄。铁公子一时急躁起来，因用手推开道：“妇人家须惜此廉耻，莫要胡为！”因侧转身，向里依旧睡去。那桃枝妾讨了没趣，要走开又舍不得，只坐了一会，竟连衣服在脚头睡了。 原来李太公虽将妾关在房里，却放心不下，又悄悄在门外窃听，听见铁公子羞削他，心下方明白道：“原来都是这淫妇生心。这个少年到是好人，冤屈了他。”到了天明，就要放他开交，怎奈镇守不曾得钱，又被铁公子挺撞了一番，死命出了文书，定要申到道里去。李太公拗他不过，只得又央了许多人，同拥到道里来。 不期这日正是道尊寿日，府县属官俱来庆贺。此时尚未开门，众官都在外面等候。忽见一伙人，拥了铁公子与桃枝妾来，说是奸情拐带，各各尽叫去看。看见铁公子人物秀美，不像个拐子，因问道：“你甚么人，为何拐他？”铁公子全不答应。又问桃枝：“可是这个人拐你？”桃枝因夜里被铁公子羞削了，有气没处出，便一口咬住道：“正是他拐我。”个个官问他，都是如此说。镇守以为确然，其实得意，只候道尊开门，解进去请功。 正在快活，忽历城县的鲍知县也来了，才下轿，就看见一伙人同着铁公子与一个妇人在内，因大惊问道：“这甚么缘故？”镇守恐怕人答应错了话，忙上前禀道：“这个不知姓名的少年男子，拐带了这李自取的妾逃走，当被众人赶到半路捉住，人赃现获，故本镇解到道爷这里来请功。”鲍知县听了大怒道：“胡说！这是铁都堂的公子铁相公，他在本县，本县为媒，要将水侍郎的千金小姐嫁他为妻，他因未得父命，不肯应承，反抵死走了来。你这地方甚么村姑田妇，冤他拐带！”镇守见说是铁都堂的公子，先软了一半，因推说道：“这不干本镇事，都是李自取来报的，又是这妇人供你的。”鲍知县因叫家人请铁相公来同坐下，因问道：“台兄行后，为何忽遇此事？”铁公子就将林子边遇见一个后生与此妇人同走之事说了一遍，鲍知县道：“只可惜那个后生下曾晓得他的姓名。”铁公子道：“已问知了，就是这李自取的外孙，叫做宣银。” 鲍知县听了，就叫带进那老儿与妇人来，因骂道：“你这老奴才，这大年纪，不知死活，却立这样后生妇人作妾，已不该了。又不知防嫌，让他跟人逃走，却冤赖路人拐带，当得何罪？”李太公道：“小老儿不是冤他，小的妾不见了，却跟了他同走，许多人公同捉获，昨夜到镇，况妾口中又已供明是他，怎为冤他？”鲍知县又骂道：“你这该死的老奴才，自家的外孙宣银与这妇人久己通奸，昨日乘空逃走，幸撞见这铁相公，替你捉回人来。你不知感激，怎到恩将仇报？”李太公听见县尊说出宣银，方醒悟道：“原来是这贼种拐他！怪道日日走来，油嘴滑舌的哄我。”因连连磕头道：“不消说了。老爷真是神明！”鲍知县就要出签去拿宣银，李太公又连连磕头求道：“本该求老爷拿他来正法，但他父亲已死，小的女儿寡居，止他一人，求老爷开恩，小的以后只不容他上门便了。”鲍知县又要将桃枝拶起来，李太公不好开口，亏得铁公子解劝道：“这个桃枝是李老儿的性命，宣银既不究，这桃枝也饶了他罢。”鲍知县道：“这样不良之妇，败坏风俗，就拶死也不为过。既铁相公说，造化了他，赶出去罢，不便究了。”李太公与桃枝忙磕头谢了出去。 镇守又进来再三请罪，鲍知县也斥说了几句，打发去了，然后对铁公子道：“昨日要留台兄小酌，因台兄前疑未释，执意要行，我学生心甚歉然。今幸这些乡人代弟留驾，又得相逢，不识台兄肯忘情快饮，以畅高怀否？”铁公子道：“昨因前之成心未化，故悻悻欲去，今蒙老先生高谊如云，柔情似水，使我铁中玉有如饮醇，莫说款留，虽挥之斥之，亦不忍去矣。”鲍知具听了大喜，因吩咐备酒，候庆贺过道尊，回来痛饮，正是： 模糊世事倏多变，真至交情久自深。 苦问老天颠倒意，大都假此炼人心。 却说鲍知县贺过道尊出来，就在寓处设酒，与铁公子对饮。前回虽也曾请过，不过是客套应酬，不甚浃洽，这番已成了知已，你一杯我一盏，颇觉欣然。 二人吃到半醉之际，无所不言。言到水小姐，鲍知县再三劝勉该成此亲，铁公子道：“知己相对，怎敢违心谎言？我学生初在公庭，看见水小姐亭亭似玉，灼灼如花，虽在愤激之时，而私心几不能自持，及至长寿院住下，虽说偶然相见，过而不留，然寸心中实是未能忘情。就是这一场大病起于饮食不慎，却也因神魂恍惚所至。不期病到昏聩之时，蒙彼移去调治，细想他殷勤周至之意，上不啻父母，下无此子孙，又且一举一动，有情有礼，遂令人将一腔爱慕之私，变成为感激之诚，故至今不敢复萌一苟且之念。设有言及婚姻二字者，直觉心震骨惊，宛若负亵渎之罪于神明。故老先生言一番，而令学生身心一番不安也。非敢故作矫情，以传名高。”鲍知县听了叹息道：“据台兄说来，这水小姐直凛若神明之下敢犯矣。自我学生论来，除非这水小姐今生不嫁人，便可矣。若他父亲回时，皆竟还要行人伦婚姻之礼，则舍台兄这样豪杰，避嫌而不嫁，却别选良缘，岂不更亵神明乎？台兄与水小姐君子也，此正在感恩诚敬之时，自不及此。我学生目击你二人义侠如是，若不成全，则是见义不为也。”铁公子道：“在老先生或别有妙处，在愚学生只觉惕然不敢。”二人谈论快心，只吃到酩酊方住，就同在寓处宿了。 次日，鲍知县有公事要回县，铁公子也要行，就忙忙作别。临别时，鲍知县取了十二两程仪相赠，道：“我学生还有一言奉劝。”铁公子道：“愿领大教。”鲍知县道：“功名二行，虽于真人品无加，然当今之世，绍续 书香，亦不可少。与其无益而浪游，何如拾青紫之芥，以就荣名之为愈乎？”铁公子听了，欣然道：“谨领大教。”遂别了先行，正是： 矛盾冰同炭，绸缪漆与胶。 寸心聊一转，道路已深遥。 这边鲍知县回县不提。 却说铁公子别过县尊，依旧雇了一匹驴回去，一路上思量道：“这鲍知县初见时何等作恶，到如今又何等的用情。人能改过，便限他不得。”又暗想道：“这水小姐若论他瘦弱如春柳之纤，妩媚若海棠之美，便西子、毛嫱也比他不过。况闻他三番妙智，几乎将过公子气死，便是陈平六出奇计，也不过如此，就是仓卒逢难，又能胁至县庭，既至县庭，又能侃侃论列，若无才辨识胆，安能如此？既我之受毒成病，若非他具一双明眼何能看破？即使看破，若无英雄之力量，焉能移得我回去？就是能移我回去，若无水小姐这样真心烈性，义骨侠肠，出于情，入于礼义，鲜不堕入邪淫？就是我临出门，因他叔子一言不合，竟不别而行。在他人必定恼了，他偏打点盘缠，殷勤相赠。若算明白不差毫发者，真要算做当今第一个女子也。我想古来称美妇人，至于西施、卓文君止矣，然西施、卓文君皆无贞节之行；至于孟光、无盐，流芳名教，却又不过一丑妇人。若水小姐，真河洲之好逑，宜君子之辗转反侧以求之者也。若求而得之，真可谓享人间之福矣。但可惜我铁中玉生来无福，与他生同时，又年相配，又人品才调相同，又彼此极相爱重，偏偏的遇得不巧，偏遇在患难之中，公堂之上，不媒的而交言，无礼仪而自接，竟成了义侠豪举，却钟鼓之乐，琴瑟之友，大相悬殊矣？若已成义侠，而再议婚姻，不几此义侠而俱失乎？我若启口，不独他人讥诮，即水小姐亦且薄视我矣。乌乎可也！今唯有拿定主意，终做个感恩知己之人，使两心无愧也。”又想道：“他不独持已精明，就是为我游学避仇发的议论，亦大有可想。即劝我续箕裘世业，不必踽踽凉凉以走天涯，此数语真中我之病痛。我铁中玉若不博得科甲功名，只以此义侠遨游，便名满天下，亦是浪子，终为水小姐所笑矣。我且回去，趁着后年乡会之期，勉完了父母教子之望，然后做官不做官，听我游侠，岂不比今日与人争长竟短，又高了一层！”主意定了，遂一径回大名府去。正是： 言过不在耳，事弃尚惊心。 同一相思意，相思无此深。 按下铁公子回家不提。 却说水小姐自从差水用送盘缠路费与铁公子，去了半日未见回信，心下又恐为奸人所算，十分踌躇，又等到日中，水用方回来报说道：“铁相公此时方出城来，银子、小包已交付铁相公与小丹收了。”冰心小姐道：“铁相公临行可有甚言语吩咐？”水用道：“铁相公只说：他与小姐陌路相逢，欲言恩，恩深难言；欲言情，又无情可言。只叫我多多拜上小姐，别后再不可以他为念就是了。”冰心小姐听了，默然不语，因打发水用去了。暗自想道：“他为我结仇，身临不测，今幸安然而去，也可完我一桩心事。但只虑过公子与叔叔水运相济为恶，不肯忘情，未免要留一番心机相对。” 却喜得水运伤触了铁公子不辞而去，自觉有几分没趣，好几日不走过来。忽这一日笑欣欣走过来，寻见冰心小姐说道：“贤侄女，你知道一件奇事么？”水小姐道：“侄女静处闺中，外面奇事如何得知？”水运道：“前日那个姓铁的，我只道他是个好人，还劝侄女嫁他，早是你还有些主意，不肯轻易听从。若是听从了，误了你的终身，却怎了？你且猜那姓铁的甚等样人？”冰心小姐道：“他的家世，侄女如何得知？看他举止行藏，自是个义侠男儿。”水运听了，打跌道：“是个义侠男儿？侄女一向最有眼力，今日为何走了？”冰心小姐道：“不是义侠男儿，却是甚人？”水运道：“原来是个积年的拐子。前日装病，住在这里，不知要打算做甚会俩。还是侄女的大造化，亏我言语来得尖利，他看见不是头路，下不得手，故假作悻悻而去。谁知瓦罐不离损伤破，才到东镇上，就弄出事来了。”水小姐道：“弄出甚样事来？”水运道：“东镇上一个大户人家，有个爱妾，不知他有甚手段，人不知，鬼不觉，就拐了出来逃走。不料那大户人养的闲汉最多，分头去赶，竟赶上捉住了，先早打个半死，方送到镇守衙门。他若知机识窃，求求镇守，或者打几下放了他，也未可知。谁料他蠢不过，到此田地，要充大头鬼，反把镇守挺撞几句，镇守恼了，将他解到道里去了。都说这一去，拐带情真，一个徒罪是稳的了。”冰心小姐道：“叔叔如何得知？”水运道：“前日鲍知县去与道尊庆寿，跟去的差役，哪一个不看见？纷纷乱传，我所以知道。” 冰心小姐听了冷笑道：“莫说铁公子做了拐子，便是曾参真真杀人，却也与我何干！”水运道：“可知道与你何干，偶然是这等闲论，人生面不熟，实实难看。若要访才，还是知根识本的稳当。”冰心小姐道：“若论起铁公子之事，与侄女无干，也不该置辨。但是叔叔说人生面不熟，实实难看，此语似讥诮侄女眼力不好，看错了铁公子。叔叔若讥诮侄女看错他人，侄女也可以无辨，但恐侄女看错了铁公子，这铁公子是个少年，曾在县尊公堂上，以义侠解侄女之危，侄女又曾以义侠接他来家养病，救他之命。若铁公子果是个积年的拐子，则铁公子与侄女这番举动，不是义侠，是私情矣。且莫说铁公子一生名节，亦被叔叔丑诋尽矣，安可无辨？”水运听了，道：“你说的话，又好恼又好笑。这姓铁的与我往日无冤，近日无仇，我毁谤他做甚么？他做拐子拐人家的妇女，你在闺中自不知道，县前跟班的，哪个不传说，怎怪起我来？侄女若要辨说，是一时失眼错看了他，实实出于无心，这不使得。若说要辨他不是拐子，只怕便跳到黄河里，也洗不清了。”冰心小姐道：“若要辨，正是辨铁公子不是拐子，是小人谤他，方见侄女眼力不差，若论侄女有心无心，这又不必辨了。”水运道：“贤侄女也太执性，一个拐子，已有人看见的，明明白白，还有甚么辨得？” 冰心小姐道：“叔叔说有人看见，侄女莫说不看见，就是闻也不曾闻之，实实没有辨处。但侄女据理详情，这铁公子决非拐子。纵有这影响，不是讹传，定是其中别有缘故。若说他真正自做拐子，侄女情愿将这两只眼睛挖出，输与叔叔。”水运道：“拐的甚么大户人家的爱妾，已有人送到镇守，镇守又送了道尊的衙门了，谅非讹传，又且人赃现获，有甚缘故？你到此田地，还要替他争人品，真叫做溺爱不明了！”冰心小姐道：“侄女此时辨来，叔叔自然不信，但叔叔也不必过于认真，且再去细访一访，便自明白。”水运道：“不访也是个拐子，再访也是个拐子。侄女执意要访，我就再访访，也不差甚么，不过此差得半日工夫。这也罢了。但侄女既据里详情，就知他不是拐子，且请问侄女所据的是哪一段理？所详的是哪一种情？” 冰心小姐道：“情理二字，最精最妙。看破了，便明明白白；看不破，便糊涂到底。岂容易对着不知情理之人辨得明白？叔叔既问，又不敢不说。侄女所据之理，乃雅正之理。大凡举止、言语得理之正者，其人必不邪。侄女看铁公子在公堂至于私室，身所行，无非礼义；口所言，无非伦常，非赋性得理之正者，安能如此？赋性既得理之正，而谓其人是个拐子，此必无之事也。侄女所详之情，乃公私之情。大部情用于公者，必不用于私。侄女见铁公子自相见至于别去，被发缨冠而往救者，皆冷眼，绝不论乎亲疏；履危犯难而不惜者，皆热肠，何曾因乎爱恶？非得情之公者，必不能如此。用情既公，而谓其有拐子之事，此又必无之事也。故侄女看得透，拿得定，虽生死不变者。据叔叔说得千真万实，则是天地生人之性情，皆不灵矣。则是圣贤之名教，皆假设矣，决不然也。且俗说，耳闻是虚，眼观是实，叔叔此时且不要过于取笑，侄女请再去一访。如访得的的确确，果是拐子，一毫不差，那时再来取笑侄女，却也未迟。何以将小人之心，度君于之腹？”水运笑一笑道：“侄女既要讨没趣到底，我便去访个确据来，看侄女再有何说？”冰心小姐笑笑道：“叔叔莫要访问没趣，不来了。” 水运说罢，就走了出来，一路暗想道：“这丫头怎这样拿得稳？莫非真是这些人传说差了？我便到县前再去访问访问。”遂一径走到县前，见个熟衙役便问，也有说果然见一个拐子同一个妇人拴在那里是有的，也有说那少年不是拐子的，皆说得糊糊涂涂。只到落后问着一个贴身的门子，方才知道详细：是李大户误认就是铁公子拐他，亏鲍太爷审出情由，方得明白。水运听了，因心下吃惊道：“这丫头真要算做奇女子了！我已信得真真的，她偏有胆气，咬钉嚼铁，硬说没有，情愿挖出眼睛与我打赌，临出门又说我只怕访得没趣不来了。我起先那等讥诮她，此时真正没脸去见他。”踌躇了半晌，因想道：“且去与过公子商量一商量，再作区处。”因走到过公子家里，将前后之情说了一遍。过公子道：“老丈人不必太依实了，如今已成的还要说做活的，没的还要说做有的，况这铁生有这一番，更添诅几句，替他装点装点，也不叫做全说谎了。”水运道：“谁怕说谎？只是如今没有谎说。”过公子道：“要说谎何难，只消编他几句歌儿，说是人传的，拿去与他看，便是一个证见，有与无谁来对证？”水运道：“此计甚妙。只是这歌儿叫谁编好？”过公子道：“除了我博学高才的过公子，再有谁会编？”水运道：“公子肯自编，自然是绝妙的。就请编了写出来。”过公子道：“编到不打紧，只好念与你听，要写却是写不出。”水运道：“你且念与我听了再处。”过公子因想了一想，念道： 好笑铁家子，假装做公子。 一口大帽子，满身虚套子。 充做老呆子，哄骗痴女子。 看破了底子，原来是拐子。 颈项缚绳子，屁股打板子。 上近穿窬子，下类叫化子。 这样不肖子，辱没了老子。 可怜吴孟子，的的闺中子。 误将流客子，认做鲁男子。 这样装幌子，其实苦恼子。 最恨是眸子，奈何没珠子。 都是少年子，事急无君子。 狗盗大样子，鸡奸小样子。 若要称之子，早嫁过公子。 过公子念完，水运听了，拍掌大笑道：“编得妙！编得妙！只是结尾两句太露相，恐怕动疑，去了罢。”过公子道：“要他动疑，这两句是要紧，少不得的。”水运道：“不去也罢，要写出来，拿与他看，方像真的。”过公子道：“要写也不难。”因叫一个识字的家人来，口念着叫他写出，递与水运道：“老丈人先拿去与他看，且将他骄矜之气挫一挫。他肯了便罢，倘毕竟装模做样，目今山东新按院已点出了，是我老父的门生，等他到了任，我也不去求亲，竟央他做个硬主婚，说水侍郎无子，将我赘了入去，看他再有甚法躲避？”水运着惊道：“若是公子赘了入去，这分家私就是公子承受了，我们空顶着水族分名头，便都无想头了。公子莫若还是娶了来为便。”过郎笑道：“老丈人也忒认真，我入赘之说，不过只要成亲，成亲之后，自然娶回。我过家愁没产业？那肯贪你们的家私，替水家做子孙？”水运听了，方欢喜道：“是我多疑了。且等我拿这歌儿与她看看，若是她看见气馁了，心动了，我再将后面按院主婚之事与她说明，便不怕她不肯了。”过公子听了大喜，道：“快去快来，我专候佳音。” 水运因拿了歌儿，走回家去见冰心小姐。只因这一见，有分教： 金愈炼愈坚，节愈操愈励。 不知冰心小姐又有何说，且听下回分解。 |
Chapter 9: Fabricating Ghosts to Frighten a Beauty, Only to Make Her Burst Out LaughingFrom: 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. Page numbers preserved as [p. N]. Some scan errors may remain -- compare with the modern translation and Chinese original to verify. [Volume II, Book II, Chapters VII-VIII] CHAP. VII.[1] [p. 177] ALTHOUGH Tieh-chung-u was not a little offended at the impertinence of the old man and the Mandarine of the village, yet sometimes he could not forbear laughing at the ridiculous distress in which he was involved; and when supper was brought, made no scruple to eat and drink heartily: then ordering Stow-tan to get ready his bed, without any ceremony lay down to sleep. The moon[2] at this time was near [p. 178] the full and shone very bright: now it happened that he awoke about midnight, and opening his eyes, saw very clearly, Thao-chie sitting on his bedside; who perceiving him to stir, stretched forth her hand to embrace him. Upon which he started and said, "Forbear, woman! How can you offer at an indecency so ill becoming your sex?" This said, he turned himself about again to sleep. The girl was so confounded at this rebuke that she answered not a word; but went and laid her [p. 179] self down near the feet of the bed. Lee-thay-cong, who did not sleep a wink all night, but sat watching without, heard him reprimand the girl for her forwardness: by which he clearly perceived him to be a modest and virtuous youth; and no way inclined to any thing bad.[3] "I am now convinced, said he to himself, that this woman's running away was all her own contrivance. The stranger is faultless, and I have certainly wronged him." For which reason he would gladly have set him at liberty; but reflecting that he was the Mandarine's prisoner and committed to his custody, he contented himself with saying, "To-morrow, when we go be- [p. 180] fore the audience, I will endeavour to set the matter right." At break of day the old man carried with him a purse of money, and went to the Mandarine to desire him to drop the affair, and not bring it before a superior tribunal. The Mandarine [willing to shew his power] answered him sternly, "Did you send me hither, or invest me with this office, that I am to be directed by you in the execution of it? The order[4] was written out last night, and you must all go this morning before the Tao-yee. Come; come; let us set out." The old man seeing there was no remedy, brought the persons in his custody [p. 181] and attended the Mandarine; who set out with them followed by a great crowd of people. Now it happened to be the birth-day of the Tao-yee, and a great number of Mandarines were come to visit him in compliment to the occasion: but as the trumpets had only sounded the first time,[5] and the gates were not yet thrown open, they were all waiting without. When therefore they saw the concourse of people coming, they sent to know what was the matter: and were told that a young man had run away with another person's concubine. The people that were present asked him, how he, who seemed to be a gentleman, could be capable of such an action. Tieh-chung-u made them no answer. Then they asked the girl if that was the person, who had inticed her away. She replied, [p. 183] "Yes; it was he who persuaded me to do it." This answer she gave to every one that asked her; which did not a little please the Mandarine of the village. It happened that at the same time arrived the Pao Che-bien,[6] from whom Tieh-chung-u had so lately parted. He likewise was come to visit the Tao-yee, and to compliment him on the occasion of the day. As he came out of his chair, he looked round and saw the crowd that was gathered about the youth. Upon which he sent to the Mandarine of the village[7] to inquire what was the matter, and [p. 185] why they crowded so about that young gentleman? He came up and told him, that he had been taken along with a young woman, whom he had seduced; and that having been brought before him, he was willing to carry him to a higher tribunal. When the Che-hien heard this, he was very angry and said, "It is false. I do not believe it. Some villainous trick is played him. Do you know that his name is Tieh-chung-u, son of the Tu-cha-yuen or Superior of the viceroys.[8] He was at my city, and was pressed to marry a young lady of the first rank there, which for par- [p. 186] ticular reasons he declined: And is it likely that he would come to a paultry village and take up with such a dirty thing as this? No: there is some villainy at the bottom." "I know nothing of that, said the other: but he was brought before me by the old man, who was injured: and the woman herself accuses him of being the cause of her elopement. However I have not pretended to determine any thing about it: and for that reason have brought them hither." The Pao Che-hien then ordered his people to look out for a convenient place, where he might sit down and examine into the matter.[9] When he was seated he said to the youth, "You have but just now left my city: how is it that you have caused this crime to be laid to your charge?" Upon which he told him all that had happened. "Well, said the other; and did not you inquire the name of the young man, whom you met with this woman?" "He replied, I did. He is cousin to the old man, and his name is Suan-yin." When the Che-hien heard this, he called for Lee-thay-cong and the girl; and reprimanded the for- [p. 188] mer, saying, "Are not you ashamed, thus advanced in years, to take so young a creature to be your concubine? You were unable to manage and govern her, so she struck up an intimacy with your cousin and would have run away with him. And now when people have endeavoured to restore her to you, you abuse them for it. Is it thus you repay the services which are done you? Your age protects you or I would have you bastinadoed.[10] Tieh-chung-u interceded for him and the young woman, and desired they might be released: which was immediately granted. After which the little Mandarine of the village came up and made his reverence, asking pardon for what he had done. Then the Che-hien said to the young gentleman, "Yesterday I was desirous you should stay with me longer, but could not succeed. To-day I have the good fortune to meet with you again, and as you are detained by this [p. 191] accident, I hope now you will spend a day or two with me." The other told him he was so complaisant he knew not how to refuse him. The Mandarine charmed with his compliance, said, "With your leave then, I will go and present my compliments to the Tao-yee, and instantly come back to you." When he had given his present to that magistrate and wished him joy on his birth-day, he returned home with Tieh-chung-u and made a splendid entertainment for him. When they were at table[11] he every now and then made the fair Shuey-ping-sin the subject of his discourse: which was ever in her praise. "Sir, said the youth, all you say of [p. 193] her is but just. I now look upon you as my friend, and shall tell you one thing very truly. When I saw her the first time at your audience, her beauty made the deepest impression on my heart. But afterwards when my ill fortune involved me in trouble, and she was pleased to take me into her house, where she treated me with all the tenderness of a sister: then was I forced to relinquish my hopes. For my having been her guest so long hath caused a suspicion, which, although at present it seems forgotten, would not fail to revive, should such a marriage take place; and we should both be involved in disgrace and unhappiness. Do not urge me therefore any more on this subject, lest you [p. 194] cause me to take an oath to you, that I never will think of it. After what hath passed, to prosecute this marriage would be against all good order." The Che-hien urged him no farther on the subject. When therefore they both had drank till midnight, they retired to rest. In the morning when Tieh-chung-u was about to prosecute his journey, the Pao Che-hien ordered his servants to bring him twelve shoes, or pieces of silver;[12] which he presented to the young [p. 195] gentleman in order to defray his expences on the road. When he would have returned him thanks, he prevented him, saying, "This is not worth mentioning: I only desire you to hear me a word or two. You must not go travelling about the world in this manner. You had better return to your house, and pass your time with books in study. And when the day of examination arrives, you may come to be made a great doctor, and have your name famous throughout the world. But if you proceed in your present method, you will never acquire reputation and glory." "Sir, said the youth, I thank you for your good counsel; and shall not forget it." Then bidding adieu to each other, they parted. [p. 196] When Tieh-chung-u was got upon the road, he could not help reflecting on the change so visible in the Che-hien's behaviour: and especially on the earnestness with which he had urged him to prosecute the marriage. "Is it, said he to himself, from any private views of his own, or from a sincere inclination to serve me? Whatever were his intentions, I have said nothing that can bear an ill construction." Then he reflected on the lovely features and fine person of Shuey-ping-sin; as well as on her great ingenuity and sense. "What a capacity must she [p. 197] possess, would he say; to extricate herself out of so much danger? Again, what goodness must she have, when I had left her house so abruptly upon the discourse of her uncle without taking leaving of her, that she did not resent it: but on the contrary sent me a present for my journey? Another woman would have been highly affronted at my going away in so unhandsome a manner. Whoever can obtain her will be very happy. I am the most unlucky of all mankind. Had I been fortunate, I should have come to the [p. 198] city where she lives like myself, without any disturbance; Then I might have heard of her in such a manner, as with a good grace to have proposed a treaty of marriage, and might perhaps have succeeded. But as my acquaintance commenced with her through trouble and misfortune, there is no touching upon such a subject. I am very unhappy. Her age is exceeding suitable, and so is her condition and temper to mine." As he was going on in this pensive manner, his servant intreated him to mind his way, which they should be in danger of losing, and begged of him not to be so much cast down. "Siow-tan, said he, I was thinking of Shuey-ping-sin, what a lovely and what a sensible lady she is: and how great is my misfortune not to have known her but through troubles and disturbance.[13] Were I to search the world through, I should never meet with one of so many perfections, and such transcendent goodness." "I believe, Sir, said he, her equal is not be found under heaven.[14]" [p. 199] "Now, said his master, I will go home and stay a year, and when the examination is held, will offer myself a candidate. If I come off with credit and success, I shall have fulfilled my duty to my father and mother. Whether I am promoted to an office or not, I shall be unconcerned, provided I can but acquire a name. Then will Shuey-ping-sin hear of it, and be convinced how steadily I adhere to my word, and how punctually I follow the advice she gave me." Having confirmed himself in these resolutions, he put forward on the [p. 200] road towards the city of Tah-ming, the place of his birth. CHAP. VIII. [p. 200] SHUEY-PING-SIN having sent her servant with a present of money and sweetmeats [as was before related] was not a little impatient, when she found he did not return. Her fears suggested some mischief had happened, so that she was plunged in great anxiety and concern, till the afternoon, when her mes- [p. 201] senger came back. She inquired the reason of his stay, and was informed that the young stranger was but just departed from the city: that her present had been delivered to him, and that with it he had hired a mule for his journey. She asked what he had said at his departure. Then Shuey-yeong faithfully related all that he was ordered to report. She said nothing to him farther at that time, but bidding him refresh himself retired to her apartment. When she was alone, she reflected, that although Tieh-chung-u had met with disturbance on her account, she had made him all the returns in her power: that he was now fully recovered, and was no longer involved in trouble for her sake. This gave her a satisfaction, which was alone interrupted by her fears of some new attack from Kwo-khe-tzu and her uncle: to prevent and obviate these would, she thought, require her attention. [p. 202] Shame for the ill success of his schemes had kept Shuey-guwin for some days from her house; when one morning she saw him enter with a visible satisfaction in his countenance. He came up and asked if she had heard the news. "How should I who am a woman and live recluse, she answered, know what passes abroad in the world?" He replied, "I will tell you. When you brought home to your house the young stranger Tieh, I thought so highly of him, as to propose him to you for a husband. Your steady refusal was a great proof of your judgment and penetration. If you had consented, you would have been very unhappy. Whom could you believe this stranger to be?" She replied, "I know nothing of him or his family. But his discourse and actions shewed him to [p. 203] be a man of sense and honour." Her uncle affected to laugh at this very heartily: "Ay, ay! said he, a man of great sense and honour to be sure! You have always discovered great discernment hitherto. Your eyes were like the sun. How came they now to be so eclipsed? Tieh-chung-u is an impostor; his pretended sickness was all a cheat. What ill intentions he had, I know not: but you are very lucky, that he did nothing here to involve you in disgrace. The pitcher goes often up and [p. 204] down the well, but is broken at last.[15] He had no sooner left this city, but coming to the village Tong-chin he was guilty of a very scandalous action." She eagerly inquired, "What he had [p. 206] done?" "He went into the house, said he, of a rich man there, who had a [p. 207] beautiful concubine, of whom he was very fond. What brought him there I [p. 208] know not, but Tieh-chung-u carried this woman away. The rich men in the [p. 209] villages, have a greater authority over the inhabitants, than those of the city; So that a great many people were dispatched after them, who overtook them both together; when they came up with [p. 210] them, blows ensued, in consequence of which they beat him till he was almost killed. Then they carried him before the Mandarine of the village. There he disputed with, and so provoked that magistrate, that he gave out an order to carry him before the Tao-yee. The result I have not heard: but when he came before that audience, I doubt not but he would let fall some provoking word, and procure himself to be beat so severely, as not to survive it." [p. 211] "Pray, Sir, said Shuey-ping-sin, how came you to know all this?" He replied, "The Che-hien having been to pay his compliments[16] to that Man- [p. 213] darine, all his people give this account." His niece upon this, laughed and said, "Why do you tell me, that Tieh-chung-u is a bad man and a cheat? If you should come and report that CON-FU-CEE[17] was guilty of murder; what were that to me?" "It is true, said her uncle, this is nothing to you. I only tell you a fact I have heard. I could not but be sorry to see you receive a person into your house, whom you neither knew, nor whence he was. If you would look out for men that are truly wise and learned, you should go nearer home; where their characters and families are well known; where you may easily be informed what studies they follow, and what repute they are in for their learning." "Uncle, said [p. 214] she, although what you have been telling me were true, I am no way concerned in it; nor is it any business of mine to enter upon its confutation. Yet such is the opinion I have of that young gentleman, and such proofs have I seen of his integrity and worth, that I am persuaded this is a malicious and groundless calumny." "This young man, he replied, is no enemy of mine. Why then should I report this, if it were not true? It was related to me thus, by the Che-hien's people. You are mistaken therefore if you think him an honest man; you might as well say, The yellow river is clear.[18]" "Till I see it with my own [p. 216] eyes, she replied, I shall still deem him incapable of any thing base. This story is incredible: It cannot be. Perhaps it was some one, who resembled him in person, that was taken for him. Uncle, be so good as to make farther inquiry into this affair: and if you find it to be, as you have related, I will venture to give up both my eyes. For certain I am, that he cannot have been guilty of so dishonourable a thing." Shuey-guwin laughed and said, "I would not have you lose your eyes, but keep them in their places. However, to convince you, I will go again and inquire; and when you find it true, how will you be able to look me in the face?" "I rather believe, Sir, said she, you will be ashamed to see me, when you find you are mistaken." [p. 217] Shuey-guwin was a little piqued at her answer, and hasted to the Che-hien's audience. He inquired of the officers. Some said that Tieh-chung-u was guilty. Others believed he was falsely accused. At last he met with one who had been present at the examination. From him he learnt the whole truth of the matter. Shuey-guwin was so ashamed of his mistake, that he did not venture at first to return to his niece. "This girl, said he, is as cunning as a witch. She is mistaken in nothing. What shall I now do to get clear of this affair? I will go and consult Kwo-khe-tzu." To his house he repaired; where he told him all that had passed, and how [p. 218] ashamed he should be to contradict his story. "Sir, and father-in-law, he replied, you are surely a saint. Who in these days, beside yourself, makes any scruple of reporting a fact, as they would have it? Who scruples to say the thing that is not?[19] Tieh-chung-u hath given us a good handle, and shall not we make a song or history of him? There are those, who can convert the least shadow into substance; and if they catch hold of a word, will compose a volume." "You say true, replied the other: but whom shall we get to draw up this ballad?" "Who should do it but myself, said Kwo-khe-tzu? Am not I a student? I can do that surely!" Shuey- [p. 219] guwin said, "If you will do it, it will be very sufficient." "But although I should compose this song, said the other, I do not chuse to write it." "That, replied his father-in-law, may be performed by another hand. To procure it to be written shall be my care. Come, let us see what you will make of it." Kwo-khe-tzu stood a little to recollect himself, and thus began.[20] Kwo-khe-tzu having repeated the foregoing lines, Shuey-guwin, who had listened to them with great attention, clapped his hands and cried out, "Excellent! Excellently good! But I am afraid, said he, from the particular [p. 220] manner of the description, my niece will scarcely believe they are of any body's composing but our own." "Let her think so, if she pleases, replied the other; that signifies nothing." Shuey-guwin procured a person to write them; and then took them with him: but before he went, the other said to him, "If your niece will be influenced in my favour by those lines, it will be well. If not, I shall soon be able to plague her; for in a short time there will come a Ngan-yuen or Grand Visitor into this province,[21] who was a pupil of my father's. Him will I get to oblige her to marry me. And as your brother hath no son, instead of [p. 222] bringing her home to my house, I will go and solemnize the marriage at her own.[22] Then what tricks will she find to evade it?" Here Shuey-guwin started, and said, "I thought, at first, you only wanted my niece. Now I find you would have all she is possessed of. I cannot consent to this. You must carry her home, otherwise her [p. 223] house and effects will be yours; nor will it be in my power to handle then so much as a straw." "Sir, and father-in-law, said Kwo-khe-tzu, can you think I have any thing in view beside your niece? You cannot but know I want for nothing. I am son of a prime minister; and have every thing at command. As for your brother's house, when I am once possessed of his daughter, you may depend on that and all that belongs to it." "I am satisfied, said the other, I will go and carry the verses to my niece. If she acquiesces, it is well. If she scolds, or is angry, I will give her a hint about the Grand Visitor. And whatever she says, I will come and impart to you." "Well, go then, replied the youth; I will wait here till you bring me an answer." [p. 224] What the young lady says to this, we must look for in the next chapter.
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