Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 16
Chapter 16: The Beauty Trap: A Crooked Scheme Hard to Endure
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 V-VI]
CHAP. IE 8 ad is hear
completed his marriage with Shuy-
ping-fin, was notwithstanding greatly
in love with her: and that as well for
her wit and good sense, as for the
beauty and gracefulness of her person.
He was so charmed with her conversa-
tion that he could not endure to stir
abroad : which being related to their
respective parents, they were extreme-
Iy well pleased. e
Let us leave them thus enamoured
of each other, and return to Tah-quay
and the Eunuch Chou.
- CHay, XVI. In the Translator's manuscript.
These
A CHINESE HISTORY. 47
These two persons, who had been
encouraged by Korf. wo make
the proposals abovementioned, hearing
now of the marriage that had taken
place between the young couple, were
inclined to desist ; and sent to inform
that Mandarine of their resolutions.
He was very much chagrined, and dis-
appointed at the news, and resolved
to send some of his servants to the
house of the young lady to liflen and
spy out what was: transacting: he did
the same to the house of the Supreme
Viceroy. The first information he re-
ceived was, that the young Mandarine
Tieh-chung-u had not brought the bride
home to his house, but had gone to
reside with her at her father's. Soon
after it was —— him, that although
they
they were married, they still continued
in separate apartments. He afterwards
learnt, that the bridegroom was so ena -
moured of his lady, that he had not
stirred from her for two or three
days. These. different accounts some-
what puzzled; Kwo-sbo:ju their beha-
viour was singular and mysterious, so
that he imagined there was something
more than ordinary at the bottom. At
length from their living in separate
apartments, he concluded that the mat-
ter was neither more nor less than this,
that the marriage was only a feint, in
order to avoid the proposals of Jah-
quay and the Eunuch Chu. Well,
said he, if they have not yet cohabited,
tis still possible. to separate them, and
spoil their marriage. Tab-quay must
be
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A CHINESE HISTORY. 49
be informed of this, and encouraged to
renew his a application : but then her
friends will refuse him under pretence
of this marriage, and as she seldom
stirs out, he will find no opportunity
to carry her away. Before he takes
any step of this kind, it will be better
to set Chou-thay-kien at work: I will
go and persuade that Eunuch to intice
this Tieh into his house; and when he
has him there to compel him at once
to marry his niece,” 2
Full of these designs he hasted to
the house of Chou thay- ien, to whom
he related as well the information he
ö | had picked up, as the measures which,
he thought necessary to be taken. The
= Eunuch thought them practicable, and
For. IV; E pre-
5o HAU KIOU CHOAAN. promised to give him notice, as soon.
as he had enticed the youth to his
house: desiring him in that case to
come to him immediately. Ko. I- fi
was pleased to fee him so readily adopt
his design, and promised nothing should
delay or prevent his coming. Then
taking his leave he went home, im-
patiently waiting till he should be sent
for. We 7 IS
Tieh- chung u, on account of his pre-
tended marriage had obtained leave
of the Emperor to absent himself ten
days from court. These were expired,
and he must now return: Shuey-ping-/en,
whose judgment and penetration were
admirable, seeing him about to go,
said to him as follows, * Kwo-sbo-su
4 having
OE ATT o ² » AC onSoa a
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nr ˙¹˙Üä AA
A CHINESE HISTORY. 31
having laid a plot with a viewto get
us both disposed of, the one to Tab.
quay, and the other to the niece of
the Eunuch Chou, hath hitherto been
disappointed : it is not however to be
- supposed that he will give us up fo
_ eafily : he will still seek some way to
embroil us. With regard to ab-
quay, as he is not within the pre-
cints of the palace, he would be
liable to reproof from superior tti-
bunals should he do any thing amiss:
and therefore I apprehend nothing
from him. But this Eunuch, who
is a domestic servant of the Empe-
ror's, presuming upon his favour, and
| knowing his mind, regards nothing
but his own inclinations. If there-
fore you go to court, be sure be
RS HG upon
52 HAU KIQU cHOoAAN.
upon your guard against his attempts.“
Jou argue rightly, said Tieh-chung-u,
and talk with your usual judgment
and discretion. _ But this Eunuch is
of a mean, low cast: what can he
do? what is there to be feared from
him?“ She replied, „Such persons
it is true are despicable, and not to
be feared : but at present as things
are circumstanced, and as he hath
got the ear of his Majesty, it would
not be amiss to be upon your guard.”
The young Mandarine agreed it would
be proper; then taking his leave of
her went to the palace. |
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As he was thence returning home,
who should meet him but the Eunuch
himself, Holding up his hands, he
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A CHINESE HISTORY. 53
faluted the youth with great famili-
arity. The latter would have pro-
ceeded on his way, but the other
laid hold of his horse's bridle, « I
was even now going, , said he;:to send
to your house 'to defire to speak with
you.? What business, said Tieh-
thung-u, can you have with me?
Your affairs and mine can have no
relation. My province lies without
the palace, and yours within?“ If
it were only on my own account,
replied the Eunuch, I should not
have taken the liberty to stop you :
but J have business of the Emperor's
to impart. to you, which must not
be deferred: you had better then go
home with me, and let us talk it
over there,” | Before I do that,
8 E 3 replied
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54 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. replied 7ich-chung-u, you must tell me
plainly what your business is.” « Sir,
said the other, do you think I would
ga. about to deceive you? or durst
abuse. the Emperor's authority? To
tell you truly then, his Majesty hath |
heard that you are a fine poet; and
requires you to write some verses on
two pieces of painting, which he great-
ly, values.” The youth inquired where
they were: and was answered, at his
house. Tich-chung-u immediately re-
collected the words of his lovely mis-
ress; but found he could not avoid the
snare, as the other had got the Empe-
ror's order. He accordingly went home
| with Chou thay-kien. ZE
When they were got within his
A CHINESE HISTORY. 35
doors, the Eunuch ordered tea to be
brought and a table to be spread for
an entertainment. No! no! said the
young Mandarine, the first things to
be attended to are the pictures, I dare
not enter on any thing else till they
are dispatched.” Sir, replied the
other, you know very well what the
generality of us Euauchs are: we are a
foolish illiterate set of people : however
I cannot but take great satisfaction in
seeing a person of your ingenuity and
learning : I hope therefore you will ho-
nour me fo far as to drink something
with me: and will permit me to shew
the great respect I entertain for you.
I believe if I had sent to invite you,
you would hardly have come: but as
his Majesty's business hath brought
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56 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. '
you here, you must oblige us a little with your company. And pray don't look upon me in the same mean and despicable light as the rest of my bre- thren, since I have obtained this great honour :' upon which account I hope you will overlook the liberty I take of fitting down with you.” „Pray don't talk in this manner, said Tieh- chung-u, are not we both the Emperor's ser- vants? But as there is his Majesty's order to be obeyed; let chat be first dispaiched, and afterwards we will con-
verse together.“ Perhaps, replied
he, when that is performed, you will
not stay any longer. Well then; you
mall write upon one of the pictures
first, and before you take the other in
hand you shall do me the favour to
5 9 = drink
A CHINESE HISTORY. 37
drink a little wine.“ To this the young
Mandarine assented.
Chou-thay-kien then led him into a
hall, and calling a servant, ordered him to take down a painting that was hung up, and lay it on a table. Tieh- chung-2 found it to be a beautiful flower piece, containing the picture of a double jas- min: then taking a pencil he n wrote a few lines over it.
| He had scarcely dale, when word
was brought that the Mandarine Ko-
shorsu was arrived. He was accord-
ingly desired to walk in. The Eu-
nuch Chou told him he was very op-
portunely arrived to meet with the
great Doctor Tieh-cbung u; who was
come
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58 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. come there to write upon some pictures
by the Emperor's order, © And here,
said he, he hath dispatched one in less
time than you would drink off a dish of
rea.” The Mandarine wo. spo- su told
him that those that were masters of their
art were generally expeditious. Pray
my Lord, said the Eunuch Choy, be fo
kind as to read the inscription to me,
and tell me what it contains; that I
may the better talk of it to the Empe-
ror when I carry it to him.” The
other assented, Tieh- chung-u desiring him
to pardon and overlook the faults he
should find in it. When XK wor- po- si
had perused the verses, he cried out,
4 I'hey are written with a great deal
of spirit, and shew a fine understand-
ang.” The Eunuch appeared extreme-
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A CHINESE HISTORY. 53
ly satisfied with this account, and im-
mediately ordered an entertainment to
be served upon the table. 7. leb chung · u
intreated, that he would permit him to
Ng both the pictures now he was about
But the Eunuch would not let him:
ease and pleasure: why can t you then
| first. sit down and regale yourself, and
afterwards. finish the verses at IO;
leisure "Ys
© 1 A P,, V.
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Ho- sis sat down at the first: the
Eunuch with Tieh- chung - u at the se-
cond. After some little conversation
on indifferent subjects, Chou-thay-kiew
Aae him, eo the later, wd.
aid:
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6 HAU KIOU cHOAAN.
said : His Majefly being informed
of your great ingenuity, Kath ordered
these two pictures to be sent here, that
you should write something upon them:
but it was at my intreaty in order
to bring you to my house, "where I
have something to impart to you of
great moment. It is also a peculiar
happiness that this Mandarine hath
chanced to drop i in, and that T can do
it in his presence.** © What, said Ktoo-
Jpo-su, have you of moment to im part
[p. 992]
to this Mandarine in my hearing:
The Eunuch replied, If a drum bi
not struck upon, it returns no sound z if
a bell be not rung, it will not be heard;
excuse me therefore if I enter at once
upon the matter in hand, without far-
ther ceremony, or delay. I have a
niece born with no great beauty; nor
isl | yet
A CHINESE HISTORY. 6
yet. very ill-favoured : but she is very
good tempered, chearful and pleasant.
she is now about eighteen years of age,
and yet I have not hitherto found a
proper match for her. Now, Sir, said he, addressing himself to Tieh-chung-u, you are the man I would chuse for her husband : she is ingaged to no other person: I have got the consent of the Mandarine your father : and yesterday I begged of the Emperor to have the marriage performed: in order to which he gave me these two pictures to ratify the contract.“
How much soever Tieh-chung-u was
surprized, and chagrined to discover this
treachery, he endeavoured ro conceal
it from observation, He even assumed
62 HAU kiou CHOAAN.
an appearance of satisfaction, and told
the Eunuch he was extremely obliged
to him: that his proposal was what
he could not possibly have refused, had
it been in his power to have accepted
of it; but that he was already married
to Shuey-ping-/m, the daughter of the
Lord President of Arms: and that it
was impossible for him to be married
twice .
+Chou-thay-kien smiled and said, . Sir,
- This is to be understood of a primary or
chief wife: it would have been an affront to have thought of the niece of so powerful 2 Eunuch for a secondary one or concubine.
+ From this place to the end of the History,
the translation is carried on in the Portugue/e
language: which the Editor hath rendered into
English. rea.
you
A CHINESE HISTORY. 63
you must not think todeceive me, I have
examined the affair to the bottom:
your proceedings. were a feint, in order
to avoid marrying my niece; as also
to prevent the. addrefles of 7. ah-quay
to the young lady: and as it was fo
easy to see through this imposition, I
wonder you should think of attempting
it.” | Tzeb-chung-u answered, © Your
Lordship surprizes me: in an affair
of any other nature, such. an attempt
might be feasible : but in such a sub-
ject as marriage, how can any impo-
sition take place? If you are really
and truly married, said the Eunuch,
why did not you conduct the bride
home to your house, but on-the con-
trary go to reside in that of her father?
Why also don't you cohabit with your
18 wife ??
64 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. wife? Why do you continue in sepa-
rate apartments ?˙² *I do not bring
home my bride, said the Mandarine
Tieh, because her father hath never a
son; I dwell therefore with him, in
order to attend and comfort him in
his old age: but whether we reside in
the same apartments or not, is an affair
of no consequence to any but our-
selves: it is sufficient that the marriage
hath been duely celebrated. Beside as
your Lordship is continually with the
Emperor, how can you tell what passes
in the house of another person ? and
this being the case, you ought not
to believe any such story.” I shall
not enter any farther into the merits
of these reports, said the other : it con-
cerns not me whether they are true
or
A CHINESE HISTORY. 65
or false: it is sufficient that I have
spoke with his Majesty about your mar-
riage with my niece: and have the
sanction of his authority. It is in vain
therefore to think to avoid it..Not
| z avoid it! said Tieh-cbung-u. From
the remotest antiquity till the present
hour, it hath never been heard of, that
a man endowed: with reason hath been
married to one wife, and then taken
another . I have already espoused a a
- young lady with all the due solemni-
ties of law; for this reason I must re-
fuse all other: yet had you made me
be offer of your niece first, I snould not
have lighted it.“ Before you. had
_ in this manner, said the Gus
- This is till to be understood of the primary
or chief wife. Vide note e supray p 62. |
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66 Hat KISU/ CHOAAN:
nuch, you should have made it ap-
pear - that you were really married.
When the bride is once carried to the
house of her husband, then it may be re-
puted a true marriage : then she may
be considered as a first br secondary.
wife : but this cannot properly be done
ill she is carried from ber on house. And this ceremony the Rites require.” I grant your Lordship, said Jeb. ehiing-u; that generally speaking this is
_ Especially in obedience to the express
2 commands of a parent,” / 4 You talk
of obedience to your parents, said Chou-
they: kien P will you pay attention to
n 6 8 them,
A CHINESE HISTORY. 67
them; and neglect to obey the orders
of the Emperor? Do you think then
that the private | commands of your
parents are to take place of those of
| his Majesty?” « Far from it,” said
Treb-chung-u; who began to be yexed,
to hear him talk in fo unreasonable a a
manner: I only say that marriage
is a thing of great importance; and
ought to be conducted with regula-
rity and order: otherwise you vio-
late the laws and rites of the empire.
This is not a private affair between
your Lordship and myself, but a thing
of public concernment; and if his Ma-
jesty will be pleased to consult all the
doctors of the empire, he will fee that
I am, right.” What occasion for
so much trouble? said the Eunuch:
157695 * Wb = — or
68 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. or why is it needful to consult all the
doctors, when there is present so great
aà doctor as No- Ho- su, one who is fo
capable of determining the question ?”
Very true, replied the youth; will
your Lordship ask him to Judge be-
tween us?”
„ My Lord,” said the Eunuch, ad-
dressing himself to that Mandarine,
e you have been here some time listening
to the dispute between this gentleman
and myself: be pleased to favour us with
your opinion of the case.” * If you
alone had asked me, said the Minister,
and if the Mandarine Tieh- chung- u him-
self had not also applied to me, I should
not have hazarded a word between you:
but as he also desires it, I will speak
according
IEEE n . Hy wo We. WALKS, Se n EA N - 0 * Tem > m
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FFP
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PP
ODE TAS eee,
A CHINESE HISTORY. 69
according to my conscience, without
partiality to either side. With regard
to the rites of marriage, there are rea-
sons within other reasons, and the sub-
ject contains some things so intricate,
that all the doctors in the empire can-
not infallibly decide upon it. But if
the question turns upon the Emperor's
authority, I am of opinion that the
rites of marriage are subject to it, and
that he may over-rule them at pleasure.
For if you look back through all ages,
you will find that the Emperor hath
power to change the laws of the realm,
and even to abolish the whole estate of
his Mandarinate, by which those laws _
are executed and supported.” Tha
Eunuch Chou hearing these words,
could not conceal his satisfaction: he
laughed and said, * Your Lordship is
9 „ certainly
70 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. certainly right, the Mandarine Tieh can-
not answer one word to this.
Then calling for a cup of wine, he
took it in his hand, and presented it
with great reverence to Awo. sbo- su, in-
treating him to be bridesman or media-
tor to the marriage of his niece. As
you have obtained his Majesty's licence,
replied he, addressing himself to Chay-
thay-kien, it is no longer left to your
discretion; I shall therefore act in that
behalf, for I dare not disobey his Ma-
jesty. Then he drank off the wine .
_O which he addressed himself to
ieb- abung - u: * As the Emperor, said
5 hath nnn to lend his sanc-
of® This * to have been a qo form, "A
wh he testified his intention to act as brides- |
Man or mediator on this occasion, |
tion
ENT Dear un an STS . Wee peo WEE A A A EY; POR BIS nes
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1 oe
OO ISS PAUL Ee rt neworas ix
FPV
A CHINESE HISTORY. yr
tion to this marriage, you cannot refuse
| your compliance, notwithstanding your
prior engagement with Shuzy-ping-/in :
let me then advise you, Sir, to stand off
no longer, but e submit, _ chap
all will be _ *. E BNN
Ande Tieh-c 17-4 was extreme-
ly chagrined and vexed, and could
with much difficulty kept his patience :
he nevertheless found it necessary to
bridle his temper for many reasons.
In the first place, he considered that
they had made the point to rest
upon the Emperor's authority: a-
gain he reflected that the Eunuch
Choy had continual aecess to his Ma-
jesty's presence, and would be able
to give what turn he pleased to the
T4; affair:
»2 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. affair: he was also fearful that being
within that Eunuch's house, he would
not suffer him to go out: he was
moreover. unwilling to quarrel open-
ly with Kwo-s60-su : he therefore an-
swered that Mandarine mildly z * I
have nothing to object to your Lord-
ship's opinion, and if his Majesty hath
given his order, far be it from me to
dispute it. But still it is necessary
for me to go, and inform my father
and mother; that they may fix on
a fortunate day; and settle the terms
of the nuptial sum : for I cannot pre-
tend to take upon me to do it without
their knowledge.“ Sir, said the
-Eunuch, you only want to shift off
the affair; but it will not serve your
-turn: if you do not comply, you shew
| contempt
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A CHINESE HISTORY. 73
_ contempt to his Majesty's order: it
wholly depends upon yourself whether
you will obey it or not: you oveht
to obey, and not to study these excuses,
This is a fortunate day : all that re-
ates to invitations is already perform-
ed: the music is prepared : the banquet
ready : and here by great good fortune
is the Mandarine K*w0-sbo-su to act as
bridesman: within is the nuptial cham-
ber fitted up for the bridegroom: let
us now celebrate your marriage with my
niece, and then I shall have discharged
the most important duty that relates
to this life. If you think, Sir, that
your father or. mother. will complain
of being neglected, you must lay the
blame on his Majesty's order; and then
what complaint can be made ? If you
1 make
14 HAU KtOU: cHOAAN.
make any scruple about "the nuptial
sum, I will leave that entirely to your-
selves: that shall make no ground of
dispute.” « Really, Sir, said Neo-
Ho- su to the young Mandarine Tieh,
my Lord Chou-thay-kien discovers a great
affection for you; if now you make
any farther excuses, you will certainly
pass for an ungrateful person.” The
young Mandarine replied, * Before
one can acknowledge a favour, one
ought to be certain of its propriety
and reasonableness. I came hither to-
| day 'by his Majesty's order to make
some verses or encomiums on two pic-
tures. I have already finished one;
the other remains to be performed :
and how can J dare to take in hand
2 70 other business till this is dis-
charged?
A CHINESE HISTORY. yg
charged? Now I intreat your Lard-
ship to give me here the other picture, that I may finish it; and then J shall be at liberty to enter upon any other business.“ . Sir, said the Eunuch, you say very well: but the ather picture is very large, and is laid up in an inner apartment: as therefore it would oe-
aiasion a great deal of trouble to bring
it here, you had better go within to it.“
Although Tieh-chung-u suspected that
there was some secret design in this,
which he could nat at present discover,
he notwithstanding thought it best to
comply : which he signified accard-
ingly, „ Well then, said the Eunuch,
let us drink once more, afterwards we
will go within: for your Lordship is
TUM in proposing, that 0 one thing be fi-
nished
76 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. nished before another be taken in hand.
The young Mandarine Tieh said to him-
self, When I have once dispatched the
other picture, I shall perhaps find a
means to escape from this house.” Ac-
cordingly rising up from the table, he
said, Come let us finish the verses : I
will drink no more.” The Eunuch
Chou rose up likewise, and said, * Let
us go.“ The Mandarine Kwo-sbo-su
expressed also an inclination to accom-
pany them: but the Eunuch gave him
a signal with his eye: pa immediately
that Mandarine stopped and said; It
is not necessary that I be present at
the composing of these verses, I will
wait for your return here without : and
chen you have finished them [ will
compleat the .
| Then
A CHINESE HISTORY. 77
Then Chou-thay-kien conducted the
young Mandarine Tieh within: by
which means he fell into the snare: for
as soon as the other had led him into an
inner apartment he left him and with-
drew; two women servants immediately
| shutting the doors upon him. 2
CHAP. VI.
F1EH-chung-u being thus shut up
within the inner apartments of the
Eunuch's palace, found them all adorn -
ed and fitted out in the most splendid
manner. He entered one of the cham-
bers, which shone with the richest and
most elegant furniture; and faw in
it a lady seated in a chair, who was
n with jewels, and the costliest
ornaments
78 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. -
ornaments in great profusion. . Tieh-
chung-u seeing her thus dressed out
like a princess, composed the follow-
ing verses in his mind.
I have seen ber figure, it is finely trick'd
_ out with ornaments,
But ber mouth is wide as the hw her bead high-as a mountain. *
May the demons look upon ber, and bring
ber to shame *, |
This lady, who was no other than the
+ acai being the young: Mar-
297 *7T by words 9) the FIRE? translation are,
Vis sua fieura, ita bem ornada ; -
Mas a bica he grande e larga como o Ly tus
he alta como monte; |
Os demonios wvihde, faztm werftibdr.
This specimen, may serve to > they the incor- reftress of the MS. version.” ,
darine
A CHINESE HISTORY. 79
datine enter, ross up from her chair,
and made signs to her women to per-
form their reverences to him: who
asked him to draw near, and converse
with their lady. Far from complying
wich their request he drew back; but
seeing all the doors were shut upon
him, and that there was no remedy,
at length he went some what nearer the
lady, and bowed to her very low,;
which done, he drew back a little aa
before: all this while the lady never
opened her mouth. One of the most
aged of the female attendants seeing
this, came up to sieb- bung a, and said
to him: * Your Lordship came here
within the women's apartments to mar-
ry my lady : * husband and wife being
This is a literal version of the Portuguese, viz. *
Marido e mulher sendo caxado, dous sam ue bun corps
de huma carne. | |
| 2 | Once
8 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. once married, are both of one body,
of one flesh.. You are now Lord of
all this house. ; You need not there-
fore be reserved or bashful: but may
come and sit down here with your la-
dy.“ I came here, said he, by the
Emperor's command to write verses
upon two pictures belonging to his
Majesty : how then can you fay I
came here to marry ?” The pictures
you speak of, said the servant, are with-
out; if therefore your Lordship only
came on that account, why did not
you stay in the outer apartments ?
Obedience to the Emperor's command
did not require you to come in hi-
ther. These are the apartments be-
longing to the women; which none
ever enter but my lady and our-
selves. Tou could never have come
. e
A CHINESE HISTORY. 8r
here, but in order to marry her.“
« Your lady's uncle, said he, the Eu-
nuch Chou, with many wiles inticed
me within: he hath deceived me. This
is very disrespectful treatment of one of
my rank, and is an affront to his Ma-
jesty, by whose favour I am advanced
to be one of the first doors of the em-
pire.** „As your Lordship is now
here, | said the servant, be easy and chear-
ful; why do you talk of any thing that
happened to you without ?” He re-
plied in a rage, * You are all of you
concerned in this picee of treachery.
Jour master hath ensnared me by pre-
tending the pictures were here within,
and this the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su can
testify. But you are all of you deceived
in thinking to conquer me: my name
Vol. IV. ga G EE”
82 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. is Tieh, that is Jon; my body, my
heart are all of iron, hard and in-
flexible, it is impossible to move me.
I am more steady and resolute than
those two ancient heroes Lieu-hiau-
whey and Quan- in-chang * „ who are
so famous in history for being firm
- . The first of these is mentioned before in vol.
2. p. 69. as also in the following paslage of a Chinese author, translated by P. Halde. See vol. 1. p. 439.
« You have heard of the celebrated Lieu-biau-
- aubey. Neither the most frightful poverty
„with which he was threatened, nor the first 4c rank of the empire, with which he was tempt- < tered, could in the least incline him to vice, or draw him aside from virtue.
The second of these, Quan -in-chang, was a great general, so remarkable for his brave and gallant atchievements, that he is to this day re- vered by the Chinese ; who in remembrance of his fublime virtue, adore him as a god, and set ph images in Honour of him in their idol- tem- [p. 12] | x See before, vol. 3. P. 331: note,—See alfo 0 Kao. P. 125. we
A CHINESE HISTORY. 83
and unshaken. But indeed what effect
can be expected from such shallow
plots as these? This girl is not only
ugly: but also shameless. Notwith-
standing her fine ornaments, I regard
her not: she is a low and worthless
creature, and not to be regarded.“
The young lady, although at first sne
was charmed with the graceful figure
of the young Mandarine Dieb, and
did not behold without some emotion,
the fine features, and fair complexion
of that beautiful youth; hearing this
abuse, could no longer contain herself,
but broke silence, and said, Sir, you
treat me very ill, niece as I am to a
great officer of the Emperor, and one
who stands continually in his presence.
This honour puts him upon a level
[p. 55]
84 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. with any of the Mandarines, so that [
have a right to be considered with all
the distinction of a Siaum-Zsieh or Man-
darine's daughter *. His Majesty hath
commanded a marriage to be conclu-
ded between you and me: in which
there is nothing wrong or indecent,
Why then do you complain of plots |
against you ? How dare you presume to
call me low and worthless. You disgrace
the honour of my family. But since !
am so immodest and shameless, I will
make you know whether I am to be
regarded or not.” Then she called
out to her women, Bring this fellow
here before me.“ All the attendants
went up to him, and said, Our lady
orders us to bring you to her to Pay
See vol. 1. pag. 114. note. 21411
4 J : 7 — V her
A CHINESE HISTORY. 35
her the reverence and respect due to
her quality: if you do not comply,
we must force you.” Notwithstand-
ing he was so much discomposed and
chagrined, he could not help smiling
at them: but he neither stirred nor an-
swered a syllable.
The women enraged at this con-
tempt, fell all upon him at once, striv-
ing to force and drag him up before
their mistress, not without great tu-
mult and disturbance. Tieh- chung ·
however provoked at the ridiculous si-
tuation in which he saw. himself, reflect.
ed that it would be very indecent, and
unmanly for him to contend, and fight
with women: he therefore mustered
up his patience, and comforted him-
V
- 6 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. self with the old proverb, „Who re-
gards the little demons of the wood ?” * Then drawing. a chair to him, he sat down: and while the women were struggling and talking round. him, he remained calm and unmoved ; repeat- ing to himselt the following verses:
- Hard substances became soft »
80 fee turn t0 parte
- The Chinese 1 suppose every ont af the
universe to be under the influence of good or bad
spirits, who have their respective districts, This
premised, the application of the Proverb is ob-
vious. Nothing can place the feeble efforts of
these women in a more contemptible light, than
to compare them to "those little diminutive
fiends, who only presiding over untrequented
solitudes, have very little Power or opportunity
of doing mischief, notwithstanding: their na-
tural malignity.
| The Porruguese words are Quem faga caso dot diabolbings do mate © 1 suppole it it r be Dia-
ae
Hard .
A CHINESE HISTORY. 87
. Hard and soft at times are strong
Mater is soft ; who can resist its force“?
In the midst of this disturbance came
in the Eunuch Chou himself, having
entered through another door; who
booking round him, cried out to the
women, © What is the meaning of
this? Retire, How dare ye presume
to offer this rudeness in the presence
of people of quality? Then addres-
sing himself to Tieh- chung u on the subject
of the marriage, he said, ** Well, Sir,
it is in vain to resist; you had better
cop and put an end to all this
EP. The Partogneh words are,
Cousa dura chegou de eftar mole,
Cousa mole wem se fazer dura,
Dura e mole estas forte,
A agoa mole quem pode resastir faa forga ?
05-4 © © 7"
88 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. disturbance.“ He answered, „] don't
_ refuse my compliance: but we mult
pay obedience to the laws.” © Why
not ?” said the other. Your Lord-
ship, replied he, forgets there is a
book of the laws, which contains an
injunction for the Mandarines with-
in the palace to have no dealings or
contracts with the Mandarines with-
out *. Now as there is this doubt
about the lawfulness of our engage-
ment, what matters it, if we defer its
ee for the present ?** That in-
Junction,
„This is a renulntion which the Chines Em-
rerors have frequently found it necessary to re.
vive, in order to curb the exorbitant power of
the Eunuchs, and to break through their con-
nections with the other great officers. See P.
Da Halde, vol. 1. p. 226 &fc. e 44
N. B. By the Mandarines within he palace is
reculiarly meant the Eunuchs : these being by
perly
A CHINESE HISTORY. 89
junction, said the Eunuch, is old and
obsolete: what occasion to observe an
obsolete law? But it is necessary to
obey the present commands of the
Emperor, and to execute what he in-
joins. The other is old and out of
date.“ Tieh- cbung- u replied, If your
Lordship would have me execute those
commands, shew me your patent; that
I may first thank his Majesty for his
favourable notice of me *. Nay, Sir,
| thew
perly the only domestics the Emperor hath : and
these are so numerous, that P. Semedo tells us,
in his time their number was seldom so small as
| 12000. In the reign of a weak Emperor, the
Eunuchs generally gain the ascendant, and grow to an unsufferable pitch of insolence. Since the Tartar race hath been in possession of the throne of China, the number of these gentry hath been lessened, and their authority diminisned. P. Semedo, p. 114. & Auth, sup. citat.
C Je is an indispensible duty with the Man-
| darines,
go HAU KIOU CHOAAN. shew me the patent For how can I
| presume to conclude this marriage,
thus hand over head, before I have
returned the Emperor thanks?”
While this contention lasted between
them, there came two little Eunuchs
in great haste to the house of Chou-
thay-kien : he was called out to speak
to them. They told him that H. hiau,
General of the Tartarian frontiers, was
returned from the war, n. with
"8 to pay 7 acknowledgments to the
Emperor, upon every the least notice taken
of them, by: doing him immediate homage:
which is — Ke by prostrating themselves
nine times on the ground before him, or in hie
absence: before his empty throne.
See P. Du Halde, &c. **
The Chingse title is T I which p.
Du Halde interprets Commandant General di
Melic, Voi Tom. 3. fr. index. 255
him
A CHINESE HISTORY. 91
him a multitude of prisoners: that
there were also come with him many am-
bassadors, loaded with tribute of great
value“: and that the Emperor had or-
dered a banquet for them. They add-
ed, As the Mandarine Tieh-chung-u
was the patron and protector of the
General, his Majesty commands him to
accompany them. The banquet is
prepared: we have already been at this
nobleman's house to seek him, but
he was not there; we were told be
« The ideas of Anbassader and Tr — are in-
e among the enden See vol. 2. p. 92.
288.
make it a geacral rule not to send any them-
selves to other courts. | Vet they have _ once.
departed from this rule, in sending a splendid
ambassage to Rusia, in the reign of the 1 mpress
Anne.
"ON id. Bay eri, tom. 1. dedicatio. FOE
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92 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. came home this morning with your
Lordship. We are accordingly come
hither to inquire after him: the messen-
ger of state waits for him in the out-
ward court, and his servants are attend-
ing there with his horse. Please to in-
form him to come away immediately.“
Not satisfied with this account, the
Eunuch Chou went himself to the gate
accompanied with the Minister Kzv0--
sho-su: and finding it to be literally as
they had related, these two looked
at each other in great confusion, not
knowing what to say; especial ly when
they saw there was allo come the Man-
darine whose business it was to pro-
vide the banquet, and that the sum-
mons would admit of no delay. Find-
ing there was no remedy, the Eunuch
I. TS ordered
A CHINESE HISTORY. 93
ordered the doors to be opened, and
Tieh-chung-u to be suffered to come
forth. The latter was wondering what
could occasion this unexpected de-
liverance, when the Mandarine of the
banquet, and the Emperor's messenger
informed him of the invitation, which
required his immediate attendance.
Chou-thay-kien greatly chagrined, said,
- They say the Emperor commands
you to attend the banquet: his Ma- jesty also commanded you to write the verses. Lou have finished one picture, yet another remains to be dispatched. To-morrow, when his Majesty will demand of me why they were not done; what shall I answer ? You can- not go ttill both are: finished.” This ke said with a malicious design to 543152 em-
94 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. embarrass him, and render him inca-
pable of complying with the order.
But Tieh-chung-u answered, © I have
long been desiring you to let me have
the other picture that I might dispatch
it: yet you would not give it me.
This picture is here without, but you
deceived me, and inticed me to go
within : however bring the picture here,
and I will finish it.” The Eunuch
Chou brought him the picture; when
in a moment he finished all the verses,
end taking his leave, went away.
Chou-thay-kien who accompanied him
to the gate, returned to his friend wo- shorsu, and said. What astonishing abilities hath this young man ? And
who would have thought he could have
- _ escaped
A CHINESE HISTORY. 93
escaped the snare * ? This unexpected
message from the Emperor hath broke
through all our measures.” They. re-
mained both of them enraged and
vexed at a disappointment so little fore-
seen. After some time K#wo-fbo-/ie
broke silence, and said, . Let us look
out for some other expedient. The
marriage with Shuey-ping: n is not
completed: it is well known that
they do not sleep in the same chamber.
I will yet cause them to be separated.
Think not I propose an impracticable
attempt. I will revive the suspicions that have been fo long dormant, with regard to her carrying him home to her house to attend him in his illness. I will refute this pretended excule, and Here is g tedious recapitulation in the orig.
- I accuse
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96 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. accuse them of disorderly and unlawful
motives. I will relate this to the Censor
of the empire, who is obliged by his office
to report it to his Majesty. I will tell
him, that after having had an unlawful
amour, they now would increase the
scandal by a patched · up marriage: and
1 will remonstrate the contempt and re-
proach this will bring on the laws: es-
pecially as they are people of such rank
in the state. Your Lordship shall lend
your assistance to forward and strength-
en this accusation. Then will his Ma-
jeesty summon the Tribunal of Rites
to examine into it: in the mean time, I
will apply to the Che- hien of the city
where the affair happened, and will get
him to turn over all the papers of his of-
kice, i in order to procure minutes of the
Y case
A cHñNESE | HISTORY. 9
case, Where with to st upport the accusa-
tion. After this, the least that can
happen will be their being divorced
and separated for ever.“ True, said
the Eunuch Chou; and when once they
are separated, it will be an easy matter
to speak to the Emperor about the
marriage with my niece;? These re- "2
solutions. they formed, both agreeing
that in order to render them effectual,
the utmost nee and caution W
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End of Chapter 16