Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 24

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Chapter 24

Chapter Information
Wiki Chapter 24
Translator's MS Chapter XI
Volume III
Status OCR cleaned — footnotes pending

Part of the Hao Qiu Zhuan Wilkinson/Percy translation (1761).

B o 0K m. CHAP 1* K W OL tan perceiving that the Grand Viſitor would not aſſiſt him further in promoting the deſired marriage, but on the contrary had ſet forth a Declaration to Prevent the young lady from being moleſted any more on that ſubject; perceiving alſo that »Cnar. XI. In the Tranſlator's manuſcript. e ET he was unwilling to admit him into his preſence; was no leſs perplexed how to proceed, than at a loſs to account for ſuch an alteration. In this | diſtrheeſ wesnt to the Che- hien to learn what intelligence he could from him; telling him, how much he was mortifi- | cd by the Grand Viſitor's coldneſs, and by the order he had publiſhed. That Mandarine was ſurprized at what he heard: And yet, ſaid he, this is all the work of Shuzy-ping-/in. She hath found means to terrify the Grand Vifitor into what he hath done.” The other objected how impoſſible that was for a young and ſimple girl, who had neither father nor any one elſe to direct her. You muſt not conſider her, ſaid the Che- hien, as a young woman of the ordinary ftamp. Although ſhe is very young, ſhe hath uncommon abilities. When I carried the firſt order to her houſe, ſhe made no objection to it; but received it with very little concern: and when at parting I told heri it wasn ot a thing of trifling conſequence, and that it was too late for her now to recede; ſhe told me ſhe ſhould not alter her own intentions, although the Grand Viſitor might poſfibly depart from his. Her words are ſo punctually accompliſhed, that it is evident ſhe hath occaſioned this change. But how ſhe effected it you muſt inform yourſelf at the tribunal, where the matter was tranſacted.” Kwo-kbetzu followed his advice, and applied to the people of the audience for, in- R B32: telligence ; 7— ; telligence; but without effect: for their maſter, unwilling to become the talk and reflection of the city thus upon his firſt arrival, had given poſitive orders that not a ſyllable ſhould be mentioned of the young lady's appearing before him, nor that ſhe had occaſion- | cd this changei n his meaſures, 8 Twenty days were now paſt in this uncertainty, when an officer from the Grand Viſitor's tribunal came to tell Kewo-kbi-izu that his maſter had ſent for him. He gladly obeyed the ſummons, and preſented himſelf at his audience. The Mandarine received him with much reſpect, and carried him into an inner apartment: where he told him, that when he firſt arrived he was 15 ignorant ignorant of the affair between him and the young lady Shuey-ping-/in, but that his too forward interpoſal in it had like to have been attended with very fatal conſequences. Kwo-kbi-tzu with ſome ſurprize, aſked in what reſpe& any conſequences that were fatal could. reſult to one of his rank; or what harm could ariſe from ſo trifling a | cauſe as the concerting a private wedding: he even ventured to remonſtrate to hisE xcellence the inconſiſtency which had appeared in his conduct, and which ſeemed ſo unfuitable to one of his gravity and office . The Mandarine replied, „ looked _ Shury-ping-fin „ The Chinef idiom is, „ What mould make vou ſpeak with two tongues, one of your

  • gravity and office? Is it not eno when

« you ipeak once ?” Tranſlator” s M.S,

  • ;

as a girl of no conſequence: and when I ſent my order requiring her to compleat the marriage, I never imagined that ſhe would be able to ſet it aſide, much leſs that ſhe. was of ſo diſtinguiſhed A capacity as ſhe appears to be poſſeſſed of. She made no objections to the order, but ſeemed diſpoſed to obey it; yet afterwards drew up a petition to the Emperor, and ſent it to court by a truſty ſervant. Judge from hence of the acuteneſs of her wit.” The ſurprize of Kwo- | kbi-tzu was increaſed, * How, ſaid he, could ſhe dare to ſend a petition to the Emperor ? Perhaps this is only reported to ſtrike you with fear.” She not only ſent it, purſued the Grand Viſitor, but came her- | ſelf felf to my audience, and ſhewed me a copy of it.” © Why did not your Excellency tear the paper, ſaid the youth, and order her to be chaſtiſed ?” Her petition, replied he, had been diſpatched three days. After that time if I had offered to paſs ſentence upon her ; when the Emperor had ſeen the petition and demanded her to be forthcoming, what anſwer could I have returned? For had I behaved to her with the leaſt harſhneſs, ſhe was prepared to plunge a poinard in her boſom. It behoved me therefore to treat her with gentleneſs, and to iſſue forth a Declaration in ;h er favour. By this means ſhe was prevailed on to recall her ſervant. But until he returned, it was in no wiſe proper for ET B a Hau KIOU cHOAAN. me to ſpeak to you. The petitioni sa t length brought back. I have it in my poſſeſſion, and have ſent for you to ſhew it unto you. Here it is! When Kwo-kbe-tzuhad peruſed it, he was aſtoniſhed at her boldneſs. * What a daring and dauntleſs petition is here, ſaid he? Shall ſhe go clear with this? No! I will not quit her yet. I muſt ſtill intreat your Excellency's affiſtance.” The Grand Viſitor replied, © Could I ſerve you in any thing elſe. you might command me. But with regard to my being any further concerned in this marriage, you mult never think of it. And if you ſtill perſiſt in your views on this ſubject, you will perhaps involve yourſelf in a great deal of trouble: for this young lady is immoveable in her reſolutions.” 2 Koro- Ehe- tau Kwo-khe-izu, not knowing what anſwer to make, took his leave of the Grand Viſitor, ſeemingly perſuaded of the reaſonableneſs of his advice, and diſpoſed to comply with it. But he ſtill retained in his boſom a deſire to practiſe farther on the young lady; and the moment he was withdrawn reſolved - to ſpare no means for-its gratification. With this view he ſent for his friend Chun-kee, to whom he communicated the young lady's petition, and all the circumſtances attending it. {W hen he had peruſed it] © Certainly, ſaid he, her petition is very home and ſevere. And | yet ſhe does not object to your perſon or character: but pleads her father's - | abſence, and her havinngo permiſſion . from him to marry. She only urges the _ injuſtice injuſtice of forcing her into a marriage under theſe circumſtances. And I think the hath reaſon. Let us think no longer then of compulſive methods: but proceed to others more proper and effectual. And fort heſe you have now a good opportunity. The Mandarine her father is in baniſhment. Your father is preferred, and hath great intereſt at court. You have nothing to do then but to ſend thither and relate all the matter to him. Aſk his conſent, and intreat him to procure the fame from the fatheorf the young lady. Diſgraced and baniſhed as hie s, he will hardly refuſe it. This once obtained, there is no | | room to fear that ſhe will deny you I any more.” Kwo-kbi-izu approved of 1 his advice. He ſmiled and ſaid, There | | 1 will fi = | will then be no danger that ſhe will take flight again. And yet, ſaid he, when I write to my father, one cannot deſcend to circumſtances upon paper: on the other hand, I have no ſervant capable of diſcharging ſo important a. | truſt. I wiſh you would oblige me fo far as to undertake it. You will help me greatly in this affair with my father.“ This, replied his friend, is no more than to give you a good morrow. Iamc ontented to go, if it will ſerve you. This is an undertaking of little trouble. Butif it were other- | wiſe,I ſhould ft about it witha very good will.” Kwo-kbi-izu immediately prepared the letter, and gave it to Chun-kie, whom he liberally furniſhed with neceſſaries for his journey; journey; ordering an old ſervant to attend him. He accordingly ſet out for the court, in compliance with the requeſt of Roh-- t au, in order to bring his marriage with Shuey-ping-ſin to a ſafe and ſpeedy concluſion, We ſhall at preſent leave him in purſuit | of his journey. par At. C H A P. II. [} Ex us now return to] Tieb- 4 chung-u [who] immediately upon leaving Shan-tong had repaired to his houſe in the city of Tab-ming. There the lovely Shuey-ping-/in was the ſubject of his thoughts, as alſo the affection and kindneſs with which ſhe had treated him. In purſuance of her advice, | | i he he was become a great ſtudent of books of the law; and having maſtered his too haſly and inflexible temper, began to think of qualifying himſelf for ſome employment, and of rendering himſelf _ famous for his learning. One day as he happened to look into the Gazette *, he ſaw an account that his father had petitioned the Emperor for leave to throw up his office, pleading the decline of his health, which rendered him unable

  • The imperial GazETTE, which is publiſhed

every day at Pe-king, and thence diſperſed thro? all the province, is a large pamphlet of ſeventy or eighty” pages, giving an account of all the public tranſactions in this vaſt empire. It is a collection of all the memorials, petitions, &c. preſented to the Emperor; of the anſwers which he makes to them; of the inftructionsh e delivers cut, &c. The following ſpecimen extracted from the Feſuites Letters, may ſerve to ſhew their form and manner, | © In the Gazette for December 15. 1727, | | | | which w—2e"—3\—o$—x2 p2 o —p 4et2 5nr o82 ro—K"..Ds; rr— e = — r —(SA©DclWoNẼ—Ir=2ebt>—a ſb ea tVT9 e c —gi.E” n — Y nry unable to ſupport the fatigues of it. He was a good deal alarmed at this information, which was quite new to him: which was the third day of the ſecond moon, firſt we find inſerted the titles of ſuch memorials, as arrived at court the third of the eleventh moon, with a ſhort account of the ſubjects of them. For inſtance, The memorial of the Viceroy of Canton concerning the magazines of rice, which require to be renewe—dT. h e memorial of the ge- | neral of the Chineſe troops in the province of Che- Liang, in which he accuſes ſuch a Mandarine of having exacted money of his ſubaltern officers, &c. In this manner notice 1s given of perhaps twenty or thirty memorials. —Secondly are printed the anſwers which are this day given by the Emeror to many other memorials and petitions. If there have been given none, then it is, This day there have been no anſwers given on the part of his majeſiy.— Thirdly are given the inſtructions and orders iſſued out by the Emperor, either of his own voluntary motion, or in anſwer to articles which have been propoſed to him. — Fourthly are publiſhed the deliberations, which the ſovereign courts have preſented to his majeſty to receive his confirmation,—In the /af# lace come many other memorials, which have been diſpatched to the Emperor by the great Mandarines of the provinces; ſuch are the Yi ce- | Toys, him: and immediately ordered his ſervant to get ready his horſe and follow him to court. He accordingly ſet forwards, . rovs, the Generals of the Tartarian or Chins/e troops, and other officers of the firſt rank. — n this collection alſo are inſerted all criminal cauſes puniſhable with death; all public calamities, with the means uſed for relief of the ſufferers; all public expences and diſburlements ; all new laws and regulations: the remonſtrances made to the Emperor concerning his own conduct or deciſions: the day when the Emperor ſacrifices, ploughs, &c. the time fixed for the great Mandarines to aſſemble to receive his inſtruetions: in ſhort whatever relates to the public adminiſtration. The Chine/e Gazette is of great uſe, not only as it affords directions for the Mindarines in diſcharge of their offices, but alto as it is a ſevere check upon their conduct. For it not only contains the names, places of abode, &c. of all new Mandarines, and of thoſe to whoſe places they ſucceed-; but alſo of all that are deprived of their employments and the reaſons for their diſmiſſion; v. this for being tco ſevere or indulgent in his puniſhments; that for embezzeling the Emperor's tribute; another for oppreſſion; a fourth for want of talents tu govern well. Ireven records any praiſes or reprimands beſtowed by the Emperor. As for inſtance, Sach aM and.:rine | hath wards, and having almoſt reached the end of his journey, overtook a man mounted on a mule. As he — hath but an indifferent character; if he FOOn ot mend, I will puniſh him—. I n ſhort whether a Mandarine is accuſed or ſuſpected, is promoted or degraded, is amerced any part of his ſalary or totally caſhiered, it is immediately publiſhed throughout the empire, It is eaſy to imagine what excellent purpoſes of government this mult ſerve, and what influence it muſt have on the Mandarines: and indeed all is but barely neceſſary in an empire ſo extenſive as China, and among a people naturally ſo corrupt as the Chineſe. . N. B. It may be proper to mention that nothing is printed in the Gazezte, but what hath been preſented to the Emperor or comes from him ; thoſe who have the care of it not daring to add a tittle, not even their own reflections, under pain of corporal puniſhment, In the year 1726, a writer belonging to the tribunal, and another employed in the poſt office, were condemned to die, for having inſerted certain falſe hoods in the Gazette. See P. Du Hale, 1. 259. Lettres edii frant, 22 Sc. Where may be ſeen many curious extraci from | the Chineſe Gazette| s, by by him, he looked in his face and knew him to be Shuey-yeong, the old and faithful ſervanotf his fair hoſteſs. He immediately aſked what buſineſs brought him thither, and where he was going. The old man knew him, and leaping from his mule, ſaid, ** Sir, J was going in ſearch of you, with whom I have very urgent buſineſs. 2 Tieb-chung-u with ſome ſurprize aſked him, © What buſineſs can you have with me? Does it relate to your mn after or your young lady.” He told him = was concerning the latter, The young gentleman's wonder at this was increaſed. *©* How, ſaid he! Pray what is the matter? Perhaps Ko0- 22 hath given her freſh diſturbance d Shuey-yeong replied ; « It is ſo, and he Vol. III. +. 18: hath hath driven her to ſuch extremities that ſhe had no other remedy, but to ſend this petition to the court. Believing me incapable of conducting an affair of this importanceas I ought, ſhe hath ordered me to ſeek you out, and intreats you to direct me how to get it delivered.” « That is not difficult, replied the youth: but in what manner hath wo- Ehe- tau troubled your miſtreſs, to occaſion her to take a ſtep of this conſequence ?* The old man told him in brief, that upon the arrival of the Grand Viſitor of the province, who had been a pupil of his father's, Kwo-kbc-1zu had applied to him; and that he had been prevailed upon to be a chief inſtrument in promoting his deſigns, having iſſued out two orders to compel her to marry him; EOBE aLARTE .,*i ” IoL E SMCoHT EO e I O _75 C—2I * byo 2i828 eOlenIt a D1.p=$ O3*, —S I* VVV CPDONi OI Yee ©W4 ee him; Which my lady added he, 3 finding it impoſÞble to avoid, in her F _ extremity drew up this petition, and 1 diſpatched me away to find you out; = whichI have happily accompliſhed in 4 meeting with you: andif in the courſe > of this affair there ſhould:b e occaſion. 7 2 for money, I come ſufficiently provi- + ded.” Tieh-chung-u was deeply con- - cerned at his tale X and aſked the name of the Grand Viſitor ; wondering how > he durſtt o commit ſuch injuſtice. 4 J Shuey-yeong told him his name was Fung hing. He replied, “I know him. Hath he done this? Very well! And your lady's petition is againſt this 2S8RE rErD S noe5opn1t eg aet e P:W RwELE , o W IF RET =„”n 4 5 4*N8'pI%gGK©R) l 8 pso323PF FsL e S F3NrAoO pe P ESSo2D2: s7e .Iw 8 E 1WP 1 PrW>1a+ g ”N E —S C gentleman? *Tis no matter. Do not you offer to ſtrike on the drum: I will carry the petition myſelfto the = proper proper officer“; who will preſently give it to the Emperor. When his majeſty returns it to the ſecretary, I will ſo explain the affair to that mi: niſter, that when it comes to be exa- 4 mined into, the whole truth ſhall be made appear without any diſguiſe or partiality. In conſequence of which the Grand Viſitor will ſoon be diſcharged from his office. Sir, re- In the Tranſlator's M. S. it is, Tong- ching ſu,

  • or the great Mandarine, who receives petitions.“

See alſo vol. 1. p. 36.— But from the accurate Bayer we learn that this is a mitake: the officer, who bears the title here given, preſides over the ceremonies of the court: it being his buſineſs to give anſwer to the other Mandarines on this ſubject.“ The officer probably meant in the text, is the Chung: ſbu, or ſecond chancellor, who (as we learn from the ſame learned writer) is the immediate ſuperintendant of all petitions, and ſupplicatory epiſtles. Vide Bazer: Muſæm Sinicum, tom 2. p. 1 | 1 * 4 of 14 „ 7 : + 7 | ik J | f | {(1| a 7}

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_S, 1 90 fition, plied the other, if you can do us this ſervice, it will be very fortunate for my lady.” This ſaid, Tieb-chung-u mounted his horſe *, and the old ſervant his mule. Then the youth told him, that as his horſe went faſter than he could follow, he would go before to the audience of his father, the Superior of the Viceroys, and would order Siow-tan to ſtay without to receive him. Thither Shuey-yeoung promiſed him to follow, Tieb- -chung-u putt erb full PO and arrived at his father's audience: where he found a large concourſe of < The Author e e e he had diſmounted, this however was a compliment to the young lady's mollage and 2e. 3 prople people attending, whence he concluded that the Emperor had not permittted him to lay down his office“. Then alighting from his horſe he went in to pay his duty to his parents, where to his great joy he learnt thath e was 4 right in his conjecture. When he diſmounted he ordered his ſervant to ſtay without till Shuey-yeong arrived. He waited till night, but the other never came. The young gentleman imagined that as the old man's mule was Now, it might poffibly be late before he reached the city; and that he had A therefore perhaps put into ſome inn, as 1

  • The Emperor's retaining him in his poſt

was a great mark of truſt and confidence; anda public teſtimony to the integrity of his former ad. miniſtration. This was therefore a proper ſubject for the viſits and congratulations of his friends and dependents. Bp 039 Ek intending ? A. 1* x1 intending to wait upon him on the morrow. In the morning he ſent S0wtan again to wait for him, which he did till noon, but the old man never appeared. Tieb- cbung-u thought he might have been detained by ſome acquaintance of his old maſter's, and that having divulged his buſineſs he had been directed to purſue a different method. However he called to him one of his father's audience, a capable perſon, and ſent him to make inquiry after him. He accordingly went to the tribunal of petitions, and aſked if any one had been there from the daughter of the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye : but he was anſwered that none ſuch had been at that audience. 7 zeh-chung-u then fop poſed he might have gone C4 to to the gate of the palace, where the drum is ſtationed; but word was brought him that he had not been there. He now began to conſider whether the Grand Viſitor might not have got ſomebody to waylay him, or whether he might not ſuddenly have dropt down and expired; which on account of his great age and the fatigue of the journey he thoughnto t improbable. He had ſent about all day long till it was night, and had learnt no news of him, yet he could not be ſatisfied *till he had ordered Siorb. tan to go out again the next morning, and to make all poſſible N after him. On the motrow Tieh chung: u aroſe early, - "0B early, not having been able to ſleep for thinking what could have become of the ſervant with the petition. He ſent every where in ſearch, but could get no account of him, though he continued his inquiries four or five days: which rendered him very uneaſy. He thought if the petition could be once delivered to the Emperor, there would then be no danger from the Grand Viſitor, But he feared it. had not yet reached the hands of his majeſty. This Mandarine, ſaid he, is very powerful, and what can a poor weak girl, with all the wit and ingenuity ſhe is miſtreſs of, do in oppoſition to his authority? She hath no father at home, nor any one elſe to aſſiſt and protect her: all the in habitants © habitants of 7ſt.na n muſt be in the intereſt of her adverſary. Therefore if I do not go to her aſſiſtance there is nobody will appear in her behalf. As I am acquainted with the ſtate of her affairs, I cannoti n honour but fly to her relief. I ſhould be more cowardly than a woman, ſhould J forbear to help her in this exigency, which nothing but my ignorance of her misfortunes could excuſe,” In purſuance of theſe reſolves, he went to take leave of his father and mother, intreating their permiſſion to return to his ſtudies. Then leaving his horſe behind him, for the greater privacy and diſpatch,h e hired a mule, and together with his ſervant, took the road tor Shan-tong, haſting . away to the relief of the young lady: {about 78 whom whom he was rendered the more anxious by the diſappearing of her ſervant.]

  • Now it had happened that when

| Shuey-yeong was almoſt got to theg ate of the city, he was overtaken by the expreſs diſpatched by the Grand Viſitor; who told him he muſt go back with his petition, for that the affair was huſhed up with his miſtreſs and all was in peace; then producing her order for his return, he inſtantly obeyed it. [Ignorant of all this] Tieb-chung-u continued his journeya,nd as he haſted along, pleaſed himſelf with the thought

  • The Editor hath removed this ſhort paragraph

from page 24; where it ſtood between the words [after him.] and [On the morrow] in the Tranſlator's M.S. TA of what vengeance he would take an the Grand Viſitor : reſolving to go directly to his audience, to attack him there before all the world, and bring him to public ſhame for his injuſtice and oppreſſion. But then when he reflected again upon the great office of that Mandarine, and what a crime it would be deemed to affront him publicly although he had never ſo much reaſon on his ſide, he became more confiderate: © Beſide, ſaid he, the noiſe that it will make, will come to the ears of Shuey-ping-/in: who will have a very mean opinion of my management, and deſpiſe me as a common headſtrong fellow: whereas ſhe got the better of Kwo-khi-izu by her prudent conduct without the leaſt confuſion or diſturb- 5 ance.“ "55h BOS ance.” Upon theſe conſiderations he thought it would be better to go to the houſe of the young lady herſelf, and aſk for the two orders which had been iſſued out to compel her to the marriage; © Theſe, ſaid he to himſelf,I will carry to court to my father, and get him to draw up a full and proper petition ; we ſhall then ſee what the Grand Viſitor willb e able to ſay to it.“ Having formed theſe reſolves in his breaſt, he put forward with all ſpeed for the capital of Shan-tong, where in a fer days he arrived. C HAP. III. KMS ſoon as Tieb. chung had arrived at the city of T/#-nan, he alighted alighted at an inn, and leaving every f thing to the care of his ſervant, went directly to the houſe of Shuey-keu-ye. I He found all quieta t the outward gate, and not a perſon to be ſeen : he advanced farther within the Sent gates, where he found the ſame Rillneſs. He went up cloſe to the inner gates * and met with nothing remarkable, till caſting his eyes upon the wall he faw the declaration fixed upon it; he went up to it, and found it iſſued out by _ the Grand. Viſitor. Suppoſing it was 4 his order to compel her to marry,

  • The Tranſlator's calls theſe, te the door,”

—* the great doors,” and © the ſecond & doors.” But they can only be underſtood as belongingto the ſeveral courts before the houſe, | See note vol. I. p. 125. ,„Pr3g -|C.|. ; O DER L3.Ie; a5.5 . sþN3 N>2=N” » ene geOOET7 TpTTh D he was going to take it down to produce it as a proof againſt him heres after : but when he read it he tound it to be quite otherwiſe, and that it forbade any one to moleſt her. He was at a loſs to reconcile this to the account given him by her ſervant on the road: and conſidered whether the young lady might not have brougovhert t he Grand |

  • Viſitor to her party by valuable preſents
or whether her father might

not poſſibly be reſtored again to his office: But ſurely, ſaid he, I ſhould have had news of that.” He was ſtrongly inclined to advance further within: but then he thought if he ſhould be obſerved uſing ſo great frecdom, itt might cauſe reflections to be calt on them both. No, ſaid he ſoftly, as I Ha ." Mt am no relation I cannot take that liber-' ty.“ He therefore concluded to go back again, and pick up what information he could at ſome of the tribunals. Juſt as he was going out Shuey guwwin paſſed by: who was ſtrangely ſurprized to ſee him there, as he had before left the place with ſo much haſte and diſguſt; whence he concluded that he was returned again for no good purpoſe. After ſaluting each other, Shuey-guwin aſked him how long he had been come; and whether he had ſeen his niece. The youth anſwered, I am but juſt arrived

but had I been here longer how

could I preſume to ſee the young lady?” If you did not come with that intention, ſaid the other, what brought you here ?” He told him, that he had | | heard bhleeard at court that the Grand Viſi- 1 tor had given out orders to oblige his niece to conclude, within the ſpace of a month, the marriage, that was ſo contrary to her inclinations. * This > proceeding, ſaid he, in her father's ab-

  • 2 ſence, and without his conſent; I looked

upon as very extraordinary and therefore come to inquire into it. I thought 5 myſelf obliged to do her what ſervice I could; and therefore diſregarded the length of the journey. When I came hither, I found the declaration in her 7 favour, Satisfied with the ſight of that, F and concluding the report at Pe-king to Y be falſe, I am very well pleaſed, and 3 | {hall forthwith return to court.” _ Shuey-guwin ſmiled at what he heard. Vor, III.. What, ———— « What, faid he, could you come away dire&ly upon hearing the report, and yet be ſo well ſatisfied with the bare ſight of the order, as to return immediately? After ſuch a ſignal kind- 1 neſs, you muſt not leave us ſo ſoon: you muſt ſtay a little and reſt yourſelf, while I go and acquaint my niece with 3 the great favour you have done her. You have given yourſelf a great deal of trouble, and would you return back |1 without taking any refreſhment * ?” < I came not here, ſaid Tieb-chung-w, 4

  • Orig. cc Would you return dry St empty * a :

therefore with a view of making a merit of it with any one, but outof a diſin- 4 tereſted regard to juſtice. It was mere- 3 ly to gratify my natural temper. And +3 ow therefore I neither deſerve thanks, nor | will receive them. Cbing-leao! farewell! farewell!“ ſaid he, and departed. | Shuey- gutvin would have converſed with him longer, but ſaw him vaniſh, as it were, from his ſight, without ſo mucas thurn ing his head. As he thought this as a great diſcourteſy and i arffront, he reſolved to be revenged the > firſt opportunity. With this view he 7 ſent a ſervant after him to find out his 2 lodgings, and to pick up what intel- 7 ligence he could about him. Then he vent to his ſon-in-law, and informed him of the adventure. Kwo-kbi-tzu, 4 2 who was greatly ſurprized, ſtamped and faid, „ This animal is come to 1 T carry off my bride. We muſt find 3 ſome way to prevent it, either by lodg- VV ing 1 ing an accuſation againſt him, or by putting ſome public affront upon him. Suppoſe we preſent a petition to the Grand Viſitor about his coming in this clandeſtine manner, and make him aſhamed by expoſing him publicly. J warrant he will not venture to ſhew his face here any more.” Shuey-guwin ſhook his head, and ſaid, That will never do. He is ſon of the Tu-chayuen, or Superior of the Vice-roys, and what can the Grand Viſitor do to him whoſe father is ſo much his ſuperior * ? Leave the affair to me: I have thought of a way, by which we ſhall-reach him, PJti3 7²3R5yOP= " N ˙EJ T ˙FN48*aA.a87H*8O 3C1p. 2W o S5 ex ntenS4 n 8SMSW1eeN.*HE9a Edee ** a —t” N$01 m3a;— Il without making any public diſturbance, | | and yet ſtop his mouth ſo that he ſhalk | See vol, 2. p. 185. note. not | F * ” *

_ „ ;

.

+ "Oe not dare to make the leaſt complaint. Tich-chung-u is very bold of ſpeech : and cares not what he ſays. I liſtened to his reaſons for coming; which he pretended was purely for the fake of juſtice : but that is only a, blind to conceal his deſigns on my niece. You muſt therefore ſend 2 ſervant to his lodgings, as from Shuey-ping-/in : he muſt ſay that his miſtreſs heard he was at her houſe in the morning, but having a great many viſitors could not then wait on him; ſhe had therefore ſent to acquaint him that ſhe muſt needs ſpeak with him, and that at ten o'clock at night he muſt come to the garden door. This meſſage he will ＋ Orig. © Hath a very hard mouth,“ „ think think to be real, and will doubtleſs comply with it. Now you mult plant ſome ſtout luſty fellows at the place appointed ; who when he comes are to fall upon and beat him ſeverely *. How aiter this will he dare to eomplain? Or what could he ſay for himſelf ſhould any one aſk him what he did there in the dark fo late?“ Kwo-khe-tzu was delighted with this project, and upon being aſked whether The original is, Break his head and ſwell his eyes as big as lanthora—s T.h”at the Reader may fully conceive the boldneſs of this expreſſion, he ought to be informed that the Chineſe lanthorns are very large, frequently four or five feet long and proportionably wide. Upon feſtiva! occaſions they exhibit them of twentyfive or thirty feet diameter, ſo that P. Le Compte aſtures us; that ** In China one may eat, drink, fleep, receive viſits, act comedies and dance a ball in a lanthorn. Tom. I. p. 246. See note, 7 *

  • 32w41, 4 y

Lb223ioÄy Fs„ Aa A>h;x2W35ſe1 0a Y% ht iE2n15s e {ie 4r3G aVn.tpa*x . jeo*e " 4 D.2*«2»Co[ cn 2.Te eC ItaTSe e88*r** r3öI he thought i it feaſible, anſuered « Ay! q ay ! extremely ſo! It cannot but ſucceed

and will let him know that there

are people in the city of T/ze-nan who XZ know how to deal with him.” They reſolved to put their deſign in exe- = cution, which the arrival of Shueyguwin's ſervant, who had brought directions where to find. him, enabled them to ſet about immediately. On the other hand 2 ieh chung - a, unable to account for this unexpected change in the Grand Viſitor's conduct, vent to the Che- hien's to ſee if he could gain any information there. That magiſtrate was from home,ſ o that he went back again to his lodgings. As he was going in, he heard one D4- behind behind him ſay, © Sir, I have waited here a great while, having a meſſage to deliver to you.” He turned his head aſide, and found he was addreſſed by a youth of about fourteen or fifteen years. Hea ſked what buſineſs he had with him? The boy did not immediately anſwer, but looking round him with great appearance 4 of circumſpection, and ſeeing nobody near, ſtepped up cloſe to him, and told him ſoftly, that he was ſent by Shueyping- ſin. © How, replied he! and Shueyyeeng at home“! What is it ſhe can have ſent you tot ell me?“ The youth ' anſwered thſahe twoul d have ſent Shueyyeong, if ſhe could have truſted a ſecret The Author ſeems here to have forgot, that Tich-ch;img-u was ignorant what was become of that ſervant. Yide ſupra pag. 27, &c. with EEE 1 HATE with him : but that ſhe had nobody ſhe could depend on ſo entirely as himſelf, 4 Well, ſaid he, what is your buſineſs ?** The boy told him, that his lady heard in the morning that he was at her houſe, and would have come out to him, but for fear of ſcandal, and leſt it ſhould be known that there was a ſecret correſpondence between them : but eſpecially as he had given no no+ tice that he was there; all which prevented her from inviting him to come in. % But now, proceeded he, ſhe hath ſent me privateltyo deſire you will let her ſee you, to thank you ſor the trouble you have been at in coming ſo long a journey.“ Tieh-chung-u replied, Go home and tell your lady that I came here to redreſs an injury, out out of a mere regard to juſtice, and therefore ſhe muſt not think herſelf | obliged to me. And as to ſeeing her, ſhe is a woman and I am a man; which is not like a friendſhip between two of the ſame ſex, who may freely communicate and converſe together.” 3 « True, replied the other, my miſtreſs 4 knows that a man and woman“ may not converſe together freely: therefore ſent me to invite you to come to the garden door at ten o'clock at night, where ſhe hath a word or two to whiſper in your ear, which nobody will know of. You muſt not refuſe her, and thereby diſappoint the good incli- 3 nation ſhe bears towards you.“ Tieb. 1 In the original it is, Can xor converſe 5 together. | 3 19 cs chung-u

+ ="

1 5 4 5 RE "Bp chung-u could contain himſelf no longer: XZ «< You young villain, ſaid he in a rage,

  1. who taught you theſe words? But per-
  2. haps, ſaid he ſoftly with great concern,

perhaps your miſtreſs's troubles have affected her underſtanding.” Then immediately after recollecting himſelf,

  • Theſe words, ſaid he, could never come

from that young lady. There is ſome contrivance or villainy in this meſſage.“ Upon which, ſeizing the boy and menacing to beat him, How dare you, ſaid he, come with theſe lies to impoſe upon me? Tour miſtreſs and I are the only two perſons in the world, who dare keep the path of ſtrict honour and virtue: and therefore I will never believe there could come from her expreſſions ſo wanton and unhandſome. ——i—— oy.w7 y ..— —IE—*IE E AR—— — ſome. Nor yet could ſuch a young monkey, as you, ſay all this of yourſelf. Tell me then the truth; and inform me who ſent you, and you will obtain my pardon. Otherwiſe I will carry you to the Che-kien's audience, and have you there ſeverely puniſhed.” At this the boy was fo frighted that his ſoul had almoſt quitted his body : at laſt however he reſumed courage, and perſiſtedi n it that he had ſaid nothing but truth. Which ſo far provoked ! ich-chung-u that he gave him two or three boxes on the ear, bidding him inſtantly confeſs, or he would beat him without mercy. The boy's courage forſook him, and he acknowledged the falſhood, confeſsing he was ſent by K<w0-&b&-izu, whoſe ſervant * 1 N not help laughing. 50 Go, ſaid he, and carry this meſſage back to them I Tieb chung u am an upright and true in their ſhallow plots.” All this [and be diſmiſſed him. ſervant he was, and begging he would pardon what he had done in obedience to his maſter. Tieh-chung-u let him go, and though he was vexed, could that employed you. Tell them that man; and that Shyey-ping-/in is a woman without any droſs or mixture, free from any thing foul as the moſt tranſparent ſtream : ler them not then preſume to hope they can ever ſucceed more] he charged the boy to tell his maſter and Sbuey- guten after which Kwo-kbi-tz4 was impatiently expect · ing ing to hear the ſucceſs of his meſſage, and had waited a good while, when at length he ſaw his ſervant come with a confuſed and ſorrowful countenance, He aſked him what was the matter. On which the boy related all that had happened. Shuey-gumwin, who was preſent, ſuppoſed the boy had miſtaken his meſſage. You were ordered, ſaid he, to paſs for the ſervant of my niece. Had you done ſo, he would not have hurt you. The boy aſſured him he had punctually obeyed his orders: but that Tieb-chung-u was no ordinary perſon. © Before I ſpoke, ſaid he, the quickneſs of his looks made me afraid, and when I came to deliver my meſſage, he would not have patience to hear me out, but beat me ſeverely, and

  • | and would have killed me if I had not

1 confeſſed the truth. He aſked me Y | who ſent me to pals theſe lies and pl ay | 1 | theſe tricks upon him? And how I durſt come and aſperſe ſuch a ladya s Shucy- X 71img-/in: one ſo modeſt and diſcreet. At parting he laughed and faid, the perſons that employed you are villains : but let them take care how they offer to pull up the tyger's whiſkers.” _ At this relation they both were ſilent for ſome time. At length Shuecy- 3 | guwin ſaid to his ſon-in-law, Tou XZ muſt not be caſt down, notwithſtanding all this. I will yet contrive a way -F to be even with him.” © Alas, replied 9 the other, he will be too cunning JF and hard for you, do what you will. _ There There is no remedy.” * Fear not, he replied: I will find out a remedy, that ſhall not fail. What he intended, will be ſeen at largei n the next chapter. |


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