Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 18
Chapter 18: When Perfect Jade Is Verified, Propriety Finds Its Good Match at Last
From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)
[Volume IV, Book IV, Chapters VIII-X]
CHAP. VIII.
By it the five memorials were presented to the Emperor. His Majesty received them, and calling together all the Mandarines of his council into his palace, he required them to take the petitions, and examine them carefully. They obeyed his commands, and were agreed as to the truth of the facts, viz. That Kwo-khe-tzu had carried away the lady by force: and that Tieh-chung-u was in her house to be nursed in his illness: but whether their behaviour together afterwards was as pure and unblemished as was represented, they could not determine. To this end it was necessary to inquire of the Mandarine, who filled the post of Che-hien when the affair happened. Immediately an order was issued out to cite that Mandarine before them: who accordingly arrived. The Emperor himself examined him. "You that were then Che-hien of that district, are you acquainted with the affair between Tieh-chung-u and Shuey-ping-sin? Take here these five memorials, consider thoroughly on which side lies the truth, and tell me truly as far as you know; otherwise you shall be punished in the same manner as the offenders themselves." The Pao Che-hien perused the papers, and assured his Majesty that as far as he had opportunity of knowing, the defendants had asserted nothing but the truth; that indeed with regard to the regularity of their marriage afterwards, he was not able to pronounce about it, as it had been celebrated at a distance from his jurisdiction.
The Eunuch Chou told the Emperor, that with respect to every thing that past before, it might possibly be true; but after having been twice married, it was not credible that they had observed so strict a chastity, as they would insinuate. The Emperor agreed that his remark was just. Then he issued out an order for all the Mandarines of the court to meet together at the palace the next morning; and for Tieh-chung-u and the lady to attend them.
CHAP. IX.
The next morning when all the Mandarines were assembled in the palace, together with Tieh-chung-u and his bride, the Emperor himself came amongst them. [When they had performed the profound reverence[1] due to his presence,] his Majesty ordered Tieh-chung-u to stand forth before him. He obeyed; and the Emperor seeing him to be a very graceful and well made youth[2], was pleased with his appearance: "What, said he, are you the person that broke open the gates of Tah-quay, and rescued the old man named Han-juen, together with his wife and daughter?" He answered in the affirmative. "Was it you also that was protector of the general Hu-hiau?" He signified his assent. "These two exploits, said his Majesty, indicate a disposition highly to be applauded; you must certainly have great courage. When you went to the house of Shuey-ping-sin in order to be nursed in your illness, to remain under the same roof with her five nights and days pure and undefiled, is such conduct as was never heard of from the earliest ages until now: it is very extraordinary. Is this also true?" Tieh-chung-u said, "It is very true." "A sincere and faithful man, said his Majesty, may [sometimes] be met with, but one like you it is difficult to find. But you say in your petition you were twice married: how happened that?"
Tieh-chung-u answered, "When I was carried to the house of the young lady to be nursed in my illness, there went abroad many evil reports concerning us: this occasioned us to be married twice. For when our parents agreed upon the marriage covenant, if we had come together at first, our integrity would always have remained in doubt: for the same reason we have hitherto resided in different apartments. And since your Majesty hath called our conduct in question, we two have been as the sun among clouds: now we are in your Majesty's presence, we beseech you to cause the sun to come from behind that obscurity." The Emperor listened to him with great attention, and said, "According to your account Shuey-ping-sin is yet a virgin." He then ordered that young lady to stand forth before him: and when she appeared he thought her beautiful as an angel. He asked if her name was Shuey-ping-sin. She answered, "Yes." "The Mandarine, said he, that was Che-hien of your city hath told me, that three times with great ingenuity you delivered yourself out of the hands of Kwo-khe-tzu. Was it so or not?" She replied,
"I am a poor weak girl: Kwo-khe-tzu found my father was banished into Tartary, and therefore endeavoured to marry me by compulsion. Finding that I was unable to resist his power, I was obliged to practise some artifice to deliver myself out of his hands." The Emperor laughed and said, "You that were afraid of Kwo-khe-tzu, how durst you take a young stranger into your house to nurse him? Were not you afraid that people would raise evil reports of you?" She replied, "When I was called upon to return benefits so great as those I had received, I no longer regarded fame or report." The Emperor laughed again, and said, "In the beginning, when you hardly knew Tieh-chung-u, you took him in without regarding the murmurs and reproaches of the world: afterwards, when you were commanded by your father to marry him, why did you continue in separate apartments?" She replied, "The murmuring at first was but small, and I knew would easily cease together with my acquaintance with that gentleman. But now that a more serious connection was going to take place between us by means of a regular marriage, there was danger of our incurring a disgrace and infamy that would terminate only with our lives. But your Majesty hath summoned me into your presence; and with great shame and trembling I am come to appear before you." The Emperor was greatly pleased with the ingenious modesty and diffidence with which she opened her cause, and said, "Young lady, if you have all along kept yourself pure and undefiled to the present hour, you in particular ought to be celebrated through all parts of the world, as a saint. I now order four Eunuchs to attend this young lady to the Empress[3]: and let her appoint her ladies to examine into this matter."
Four Eunuchs immediately came forth, and conducted the young lady to the Empress; who received her, and ordered two of her attendants to answer the Emperor's inquiry. They returned, and said, "We have performed your Majesty's command, and pronounce Shuey-ping-sin to be a spotless virgin." Then the Empress treated her with tea, and ordered their report to be carried to the Emperor. His Majesty with great pleasure communicated it to the Mandarines of the court: and said, "Although Shuey-ping-sin hath been twice married to Tieh-chung-u by express order of their parents; and though he was before, five days and nights with her in her house; she hath nevertheless kept herself pure and chaste. This hath been proved beyond all dispute. I am rich, proceeded he, in having so valuable a jewel in my empire. This is a rare incident that hath happened: and affords a light to my people; an example to all my subjects. Yet if I had not examined into the affair myself, so much rare merit had been buried in disgrace: like a precious stone that is irrecoverably lost[4]." He then asked the Mandarines, if this were true or not. They all answered with one mouth, "Your Majesty hath examined and judged; and the decision is very certain and compleat."
The Emperor commanded the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su to stand forth, and said to him, "You are a Minister of state, and one of the first councellors of the empire, why did not you chastise your son? He thrice endeavoured to force away a young lady of quality, and was guilty of other outrages: [in which he was not only countenanced by you: but you endeavoured yourself to defame the innocent.] These are crimes that cannot be pardoned." Kwo-sho-su hearing these words, was struck with great terror and confusion, and falling on his knees, prostrated himself on the ground: "Tieh-chung-u and Shuey-ping-sin, said he, both of them young persons, had cohabited in the same house: finding they had been upon this footing, I could not help suspecting the worst. Your Majesty therefore I hope will pardon me." Then the Emperor commanded Yang-yo to be called forth, and said to him: "You are the Censor of the empire; why did not you make a more exact inquiry into this affair, before you presumed to represent it to me? It was great injustice to give a false representation of a case, wherein the fame and honour of so many persons were concerned. If I had not judged and examined it myself, but had rested satisfied with your report, the truth had been hid under reproach and infamy." That Mandarine hearing words at once so just and severe, was struck with confusion and dismay, and falling upon his knees, prostrated himself on the ground, crying out, "I deserve punishment, let your Majesty do with me what seemeth good." The Emperor then called forth the governor Mey-phey, who presented himself before him. His Majesty said, "As you, though lately made a doctor, and newly promoted to your post, had such regard to justice, and could resist the temptation of so large a bribe: and as you have been the instrument of delivering Shuey-ping-sin from her difficulties, and of restoring her to her good fame; for so much care and pains you deserve to be promoted higher."
Then his Majesty pronounced sentence according to the following declaration.
"I THE EMPEROR dispatch and publish this my order to all my officers throughout the empire.
"There hath appeared an instance of such rare merit that it deserves to be magnified and applauded throughout my dominions; and affords an example of virtue and integrity to all persons of both sexes. Shuey-ping-sin is a young maid of great virtue, and fortitude. By her virtue she thrice resisted the most pressing attacks, in order to preserve herself chaste and pure. By her fortitude she returned the kindnesses of her benefactor, though at the hazard of her reputation: for she carried to her house a man, a stranger, to nurse him in his illness, notwithstanding she was a lonely orphan. All this virtue and excellence lay hid and contemned by the world, till I the Emperor discovered it: I have found that it is most pure and unblemished, and deserves to be extolled through all parts of my empire.
"With regard to Tieh-chung-u, he is a most excellent young man, of great virtue, justice, and courage. He was not afraid to enter into the palace of a man of the first quality, breaking open his gates in order to rescue from oppression an old man, his wife, and daughter. He was likewise protector of the general Hu-hiau, answering for his conduct. He also delivered Shuey-ping-sin out of the hands of violence. He was married to her twice, and yet preserved her purity and chastity together with his own: at the same time that he suffered reproach for his conduct. All this was unknown, but I the Emperor have myself examined into it, and find it true. He is worthy to be praised throughout the empire, and ought to be advanced above all captains. He deserves to receive Shuey-ping-sin for his wife, and she is worthy of such a husband: they are both of transcendant virtue. I the Emperor am extremely satisfied with them both, and applaud them highly. I therefore advance the said Tieh-chung-u to the order of Ta-hio-tse, or Magistrates of approved capacity, and moreover constitute him first Co-lau or Minister of State. And as for Shuey-ping-sin, I make her a Fu-gen or dutchess[5][6]. I myself will be mediator or match-maker between them: on which account I make them a present of a hundred pieces of fine gold[7], and a hundred pieces of gold and silver. I also appoint to each of them ten royal vests out of my own wardrobe, and to each of them a crown. Let them be accompanied with my own music: let all the preparations for their marriage be furnished out from my own palace: and let the bride be carried to the house of her spouse with imperial splendor, accompanied by all the councellors, Mandarines and officers of the court. I the Emperor appoint this for the example and encouragement of the just and good.
"With regard to the Mandarines Shuey-keu-ye and Tieh-ying, I exalt them three degrees[8] higher in their rank, as a reward for the good education they gave their son and daughter.
"As to the governor Mey-phey; I remand him back to his post of Che-hien for three years, afterwards he shall be exalted to a higher office, for his great justice.
"As to the former governor the Pao Che-hien, who gave so just an account of the affair, he is hereby exalted one degree.
"As to the Minister Kwo-sho-su, who in so bad a manner bred up his son, and hath defamed the reputation of worthy persons, he hath deserved death; nevertheless as he hath served me a long time, let him be carried to the Tribunal of Crimes, let him there be divested of his office, and receive fifty strokes or bastinadoes[9].
"As to the Censor Yang-yo, who gave in a false accusation, let him be degraded of his rank three degrees, and amerced three years income of his salary.
"As to the young man Kwo-khe-tzu, who thrice attempted to carry off Shuey-ping-sin, and gave poison to Tieh-chung-u; notwithstanding that it did not take effect, he is guilty of a heinous offence. Let him be delivered therefore to the governor of his city, in order to receive a hundred strokes or bastinadoes[10], and afterwards to be banished twenty leagues from the place for life.
"I the Emperor pronounce this sentence upon every one according to his deserts. Those that do well shall be rewarded: those that do evil shall be punished. Let this sentence be published throughout the empire."
CHAP. X.
The Empress shewed great favour and kindness to Shuey-ping-sin, and dismissed her with very rich presents: commanding four Eunuchs to attend her to the Emperor. His Majesty received her in the most gracious manner, and said, "That you a little maid, should possess such fortitude, and be withal so pure and spotless, affords an instance not to be equalled in history. I have now restored you to that reputation, which you were in danger of losing: and have caused your virtue to be published through all the empire. To-day you may be married with credit and honour, and I wish you both good fortune, and long life: that you may beget a numerous family, who may be all virtuous like their parents, and inherit all the happiness I wish to yourselves."
Immediately Tieh-chung-u, Shuey-ping-sin, and all the Mandarines, returned thanks to the Emperor for his goodness, and withdrew. Then the new-married couple set out for their house, accompanied by the Mandarines in great pomp and magnificence: and as they passed along in procession, the streets resounded with the applauses and acclamations of the people. Thus did Shuey-ping-sin after all her troubles at length attain to the highest glory: which gave occasion to the following verses.
- The roses till they are opened, yield no fragrance:
- The precious stones till they are ground, cast no lustre:
- Time of great cold occasions the greatest speed: So doth adversity produce virtue.[11]
When the young couple were arrived at their house in all this splendor, a table was placed in the middle of the hall, which was lighted up in the most brilliant manner: Then in the presence of all the company the bride and bridegroom bowed down their heads, and making their courtesies and reverence, expressed their gratitude to the Emperor and Empress for all their favours. They also bowed down their heads to their father and mother with great duty and reverence. Afterwards they performed their respects to all the Mandarines who accompanied them home, giving them many thanks. This ended, a magnificent banquet was served up with great splendor and elegance.
When the feast was over Tieh-chung-u and his lovely bride performed the usual ceremonies: after which the Mandarines took their leaves, and went back to the palace to inform the Emperor that all things were compleated, and that the new married couple returned their most grateful acknowledgements for his Majesty's favours.
Kwo-sho-su bore the submitting to his own punishment with resignation; but when he saw the sentence passed on his son, he was overwhelmed with an affliction not to be expressed. The Censor Yang-yo was also greatly affected with the reproof he met with. Thus all received the chastisement due to their faults. On which account Tieh-chung-u composed the following verses.
- The bad man doth not consider how the end may turn out:
- When the time cometh, he shall not escape; he shall find according to his works.
- Consider the example thou beholdest.
- Resolve to do well, and good fortune shall not fail to redound to thee.[12]
Tieh-chung-u and Shuey-ping-sin after they were married, lived happily many years; having the greatest affection for each other. Tieh-chung-u extolled his charming wife, expatiating on her virtue and merit, and thanking her for the benefits he had received at her hands in times past, attributing to her the high rank to which he was at present exalted. On the other hand she was as full in her encomiums on her beloved husband: thanking him a thousand times for the many favours she had received from him, assuring him that she could never sufficiently repay them; that she was not worthy to be his handmaid; but though she was his wife, she would be always humble and obedient to him her husband, serving him all her life with the greatest affection. Accordingly they made the most excellent couple:
- The two married come home by every road with great splendor and fragrance:
- It is in order that their good works and example may be spread abroad:
- While their worth lay hid within the heart it was not perceived:
- Now the time is arrived that it is published through all the world.[13]
From this time Tieh-chung-u and Shuey-ping-sin husband and wife, lived together in the greatest harmony, observing the most exemplary virtue; and serving the Emperor with all sincerity: He executing the office of Co-lau or first Minister and counsellor of the state; with great fidelity and skill, so that he was beloved and admired of all.
Both Tieh-chung-u and Shuey-ping-sin afford a striking example of virtue and integrity to be spread abroad for ever!
Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History, is concluded.
From these words one might be assured that the foregoing history is founded on real fact.
N. B. The Editor hath endeavoured to exhibit the exact form in which the Author concludes his book.
End of Chapter 18
- ↑ This is done by prostrating themselves nine times before his throne, each time striking their forehead against the ground. See P. Du Halde, &c.
- ↑ It should seem from hence that Tieh-chung-u was not before personally known to the Emperor, notwithstanding he was appointed tutor to his son. This is very credible, as his appointment was made at the recommendation of the Han-lin, or Royal College.
- ↑ As every one knows, the Emperor of China hath a good number of wives; though but one, to whom he gives the title of Empress or select consort, is alone allowed to sit at table with him. Women of the next order are reckoned nine of a second rank, and twenty-seven of a third rank, and all of them styled Queens. Next to them are those styled Queens, but who are in reality rather concubines: and of these he takes as great a number as he pleases, and keeps them in different apartments from the former, except he should take a particular fancy to any one of them, and bring her into the inward court. But in general he shews the most respect and favour to those who bring him most children, especially to the mother of the first son, though they are all inferior to her, whom he hath chosen to be the imperial consort, and are obliged to wait on her, while she sits at table with him. Mod. Univ. Hist. viii. 164. Sed. vide P. Magal. pag. 290, 308. &c. P. Semedo, pag. 113. &c. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 293. N. B. The Mandarines take care in the several provinces to chuse out the most beautiful young virgins, and to present them to the Emperor; who chuses one of the fairest and most agreeable to be the Empress.
- ↑ His Majesty's own words contain a more indelicate, but at the same time a more exact image. The literal Portuguese version is, Com hia pedra precioza caida no esterco. "Like a precious stone fallen into dung."
- ↑ See vol. I. pag. 74. note.
- ↑ The titles of honour bestowed on women in China, are independent of, and bear no affinity to those of men. See various kinds of female titles in P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 633, 4, 5, 6. The title given in the text seems to be originally the same with that mentioned in vol. 1. pag. 23. The Editor could find no account of it in any other book.
- ↑ In the Portuguese, Cem Pas de ouro. It should have been observed in the former note, pag. 109, that what the Portuguese and several other nations call Loaves of Gold, are by the English called Shoes of Gold; and by the Dutch Goltschuit or Boats of Gold: from their oblong curved form resembling a Shoe or Boat. A hundred of these are worth more than 10,000l. sterling. They are of the very finest and purest gold. Tavernier, part 2. pag. 8. The Portuguese version of this passage is, E cem pessarios de ouro de prata e de totas maneiras: the Editor confesses he knows not what to make of the word pessarios, which he hath not found explained in any dictionary. It seems derived from pesar to weigh.
- ↑ These degrees are a kind of honorary distinctions; and where a Mandarine's conduct deserves either slight reward or punishment, his superiors are content with raising or lowering his rank three or four degrees: what renders these distinctions important, is the Mandarine's being obliged to put at the top of whatever orders he issues out, the number of degrees he hath been advanced or degraded. For instance, A. B. raised three degrees, or turned back so many degrees, doth give notice, &c. By this means his reward or punishment is known to the common people. When a person hath been raised ten degrees, he may expect to be advanced to a superior Mandarinate: on the contrary, if he has been depressed ten degrees, he is in danger of losing his employment. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. pag. 258.
- ↑ In China the greatest ministers are not beyond the reach of punishment; upon detection of their guilt the Emperor treats them with as little ceremony as the meanest of his subjects. Instances of this kind often occur in the court of Pe-king, and occasion very little noise or disturbance. P. Le Compte tells us, that when he was in China three Mandarines of the rank of Co-lau or Prime Minister had taken bribes. The Emperor who was informed of it, deprived them upon the spot of all their employments. "I know not, says he, what became of the other two; but the third, an ancient magistrate, venerable for his age, and esteemed for his capacity, was condemned to guard one of the gates of the palace, with a company of common soldiers among whom he was enrolled. I saw him myself one day in this state of humiliation, he was upon duty as a private centinel; but in passing by him, I shewed him the same respect that every one else did, in bowing the knee to him: for all the Chinese still retained a respect for the shadow of that dignity with which he had been so lately invested." See vol. 1. pag. 78. of this work.
- ↑ No fewer blows than these are generally sufficient to dispatch a person. See vol. 2. p. 185. note.
- ↑ The words of the Portuguese version are as follows, viz. As rojas nas estas apertos, nas nas cheros. As peuras preciozas nas fas lustro nai moidas. No tempo de grande frio fas nacer fulas cie de fula. The last of these lines the Editor honestly confesses he knows not what to make of, and has substituted the last line of the English version merely as a conjectural emendation.
- ↑ The Portuguese is: O man home, mal fas, nas atenia o fim como vira: Chegando o tempo nas escapara, conforme obra achara. Con deste te do exemplo do que ves: Vrepon ba home de bem fazer, a boa fave e gloria ha de ter.
- ↑ The Portuguese words are, Os dous caxados vem a casa par todo caminho com grande lux e cheire: Por bom obra e exemplo que se estende Dentro de coragas que home nas intende; Ja chegou o tempo que por todo mundo se estende.