Hao Qiu Zhuan/en1761-en2026/Chapter 2
Chapter 2 — Translation Comparison: 1761 ↔ 2026
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Chapter 2: Into the Tiger's Den to Retrieve the Pearl from the ClamFrom: 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. Too much honour and respect conferred on a youth, said the Mandarine pensively to himself, may produce fatal consequences: it may expose him to envy: it may be productive of pride: it may be misrepresented to his prejudice: it may be followed by neglect. "Son, said he, one day calling him to him, the bow will break that is too violently bent: no man should exceed what is fit and becoming. Tab-quay is now a prisoner, but he will one day be at liberty; when you apprehended the people at his house, you disgraced him too much for him ever to forget: he perhaps will hereafter study to requite it, and will pay back the injury, he thinks you have done him. I have now, proceeded he, a great office conferred on me by the Emperor, which I am obliged to attend: whatever be my success, I cannot abandon it: here I must remain: but you are at liberty to go where you please. You have now gained to yourself a great deal of honour; you are admired as a youth of uncommon courage and prudence; nothing at present can add to your reputation; it may be forfeited or tarnished." "Sir, said Tieh-chung-u, I have been so happy, as to entertain the same sentiments myself: far am I from desiring so large a share of the public attention: I had much rather go out of the way of it, did not the duty I owe you, require me to stay, lest you should have occasion for my service." "As to that, replied his father, 'tis no matter; I will excuse you: before I was but a small Mandarine; now I am raised to a superior rank, and fixed above the malice of my enemies: retire therefore from the court, and apply yourself to your studies: nay rather go travel, than continue here. I leave you now to your own direction; but keep a strict guard over your passions: learn to curb your resentment, and to suppress that extravagance of warmth, to which your temper is addicted." Tieh-chung-u bowed in token of obedience, and went in to take leave of his mother. She was concerned to part with him so suddenly, and intreated him to stay a few days longer. He submitted: but before three days were expired, so many people came to visit him that he was quite wearied out. He bad adieu therefore to his father and mother, and set out, attended only by Siow-tan. He arrived at the city where he had usually lived: but the news of his behaviour had got there before him; the people were alarmed, and the streets crowded as he passed along. The Mandarines had all notice of his arrival, and visited him in their turns, to congratulate him on his success, and the advancement of his father. "Have I left the court, said Tieh-chung-u, because of the fatiguing frequency of visitants, and am come hither purposely to avoid them? better were it to have staid with my father: there I should have had the advantage of being with him, and of acquiring valuable friends. Here is the same interruption, without the enjoyment of their company. I will, agreeable to my father's permission, go visit the four parts of the world[1]. When this month is expired, I will resign the house, and all that belongs to it, to the care of my steward, and then I will depart." When that time was elapsed, he ordered his travelling furniture to be packed up, and accompanied with only one servant, began his travels. CHAP. III[2]. Tieh-chung-u was already upon the road, and had gone forward for some time, before he could resolve on the course of his journey: at last he determined in favour of Shan-tong[3], a province no less noted for the beauty and fertility of its lands, than for the courtesy and integrity of its inhabitants. He called therefore to Siow-tan, and bade him hire the first ass he could meet with on the road[4], and follow him to Shan-tong: whither we shall at present leave him, pursuing his journey. In the city of Te-nan, the capital of that province, lived at that time a great Mandarine, aged about sixty, who belonged to the Ping-pu, or tribunal of arms[5]; his name was Shuey-kew-yeh: he had lost his wife, and had no other children, but only one daughter, who was so exquisitely beautiful, that it would exceed the power of the most masterly pencil, to express the exactness of her proportion: nor could the whitest lilly, or richest carnation among the flowery tribes, exhibit tints so lovely, as were blended in her cheeks. She was no less distinguished for the rare endowments of her mind, and greatness of her capacity, in which she equalled the most eminent of the opposite sex. Shuey-ping-sin[6], for that was her name, was the darling of her father, who loved her with an affection, equal to that he would have had for a son of the same accomplishments[7], and gave her the entire management of his house: where she governed his family with such admirable skill, that Shuey-kew-yeh, who was continually at court, gave himself no longer any care on that head. She was now a young maid of about seventeen years, and yet the great business of his office so intirely ingrossed her father's attention, as to make him neglect to dispose of her in marriage. This young lady had an uncle, named Shuey-guwin, who affected the appearance of a man of letters, and had great respect shewn him on account of his brother. But he was very illiterate, and the whole aim of his studies was by any indirect means to extort money to spend on his pleasures. He had three sons, as ignorant and illiberal as himself; and also one daughter, in manners and disposition still more unamiable than her brothers, and in person as disagreeable as her manners. She was called Ghiang-koo[8], and was born in the same year with Shuey-ping-sin; than whom she was about two months older. "My brother, said Shuey-guwin, is a very rich and honourable man, but he has never a son: if he dies, all his riches must fall to me: the only obstacle is this girl of his, who remains unmarried, and has the sole possession of my brother's house. Could I once get her disposed of, the whole then would be mine[9]." Upon this, he contrives among his acquaintance to get her married, and prevailed on several of their relations, to come and propose to her a great many matches with men, distinguished for their persons, their possessions, or accomplishments: to all offers of this kind, she gave neither encouragement nor answer[10]; burying her thoughts in profound and invincible silence. This conduct of hers very much perplexed her uncle, who found she was not to be managed in that manner. At last he bethought himself of a young man of quality belonging to the same place, for whom his friends were looking out a wife. The father of this youth, who was of the second order of Mandarines which compose the Emperor's privy council[11], was called Kwo-sho-su: Kwo-khe-tzu was the name of the son. Shuey-guwin went to pay a visit to the young gentleman, and taking an opportunity to tell him of his niece, asked him how he should like her for his wife: "I know nothing of her, said the youth, whether she be handsome or ugly." "She is very handsome, said her uncle, and has a fine understanding." Kwo-khe-tzu expressed some doubt of this. "To convince you of the truth of what I have said, answered he, you shall go home with me: I live next door to her, and she often comes through the garden to visit my daughter, where you will have a good opportunity of seeing her." "If it be so, replied the other, I will attend you." When they were arrived at his house, Shuey-guwin desired him to wait a little in the outward apartment, while he went to see if Shuey-ping-sin was with his daughter: he returned immediately, crying out, "This is a very favourable opportunity, my fair niece is now with her sister[12]: come, let us go see them together." "How can that be? said the other[13]." "I'll carry you, replied he, to a door that has a crevice in it, through which you may see them perfectly well." When Kwo-khe-tzu had seen her; "She is indeed, said he, as you told me; exquisitely charming and beautiful, I will hasten home, and immediately order a person proper for this occasion to come and discourse about the marriage." All the way home, he did nothing but revolve in his mind the charms of the young lady he had seen, which had made the deepest impression on his heart: eager to obtain her, he rested not a moment to send proposals of marriage. She refused them, and slighted his fairest offers. Kwo-khe-tzu was plunged in the greatest concern, but found no other remedy, than to visit and make his court to the Che-foo, by friends and presents; desiring him to use his interest to make him acceptable to the young lady, he being equally acquainted with both their fathers and families. The Che-foo, unwilling to disoblige him, with some difficulty complied, and made her two visits: but for all he could say he was not able to prevail with her[14]. He acquainted Kwo-khe-tzu with his success: "Very well: we cannot help it: 'tis sufficient:" said the youth with an indifference but ill dissembled; while his heart felt the deepest uneasiness. In a short time after, arrived news from court, that the father of Shuey-ping-sin was fallen into disgrace, and sent an exile into Tartary: and that the father of Kwo-khe-tzu was advanced to the dignity of Co-lau, or Minister of state[15]. Transported with this news, his son was encouraged once more to sollicit the Che-foo, and to intreat him to try again some way to accomplish a marriage between him and the young lady. The Che-foo sent for her uncle: "Your niece, said he, is of age to be married: you are a man of sense, and must know the world: you cannot be ignorant that time is not to be neglected: and that when young persons are arrived at the marriageable age, it ought not to be deferred. While her father was at liberty to direct her, she did right in waiting for his pleasure therein: not knowing perhaps, but he was looking out a proper match for her at court. But she has now no longer that pretence: his office is taken away, he is disgraced and sent into Tartary: no one knows whether he's dead or alive. Besides, as she is grown up, and has a great many servants and young men in her house, 'tis to be feared that people will give a liberty to their tongues that will hurt her reputation: you are her uncle, and nearest in blood, cannot you lay your commands upon her, now in the absence of your brother? Kwo-khe-tzu is a youth of great spirit, capacity and worth; and his father's advancement renders him still more respectable: if she persists in refusing him, she will not easily meet with so valuable an offer: go home therefore, and persuade your niece to accept of him." "Sir, replied Shuey-guwin, you speak with great judgment; I shall obey." Taking leave of the Che-foo, he went to her house with such visible marks of displeasure in his countenance, that she enquired the reason: he told her it was because she had slighted the offers of marriage that had been made to her in favour of Kwo-khe-tzu; especially as the Che-foo had come in person to propose them to her with the greatest marks of courtesy and respect. "Now your father is in disgrace, proceeded he, you must not expect that Magistrate will give himself the trouble of waiting on you any more: he will not shew you so much complaisance. He sent for me to-day to upbraid me with your contemptuous treatment of the young gentleman; and even exhorted me to use the authority I have a right to exert in my brother's absence." He ceased speaking, and Shuey-ping-sin stood fixed in profound silence: he urged her to answer: "Well, replied she sighing after some time, as my father is banished, and the Che-foo commands me to respect you as my father, whatever you are pleased to order I must obey: 'tis in vain to resist: you must do in this matter whatever you please." "This ready compliance, answered her uncle overjoyed at her submission, shews your good sense and judgment: you don't perhaps know how wealthy and considerable the house of Kwo-khe-tzu is: he is a youth of great merit and understanding: his father is lately promoted to a very high office; and should you marry his son, he may be able to restore my brother." "'Tis indeed possible, said the young lady." "Well then, replied Shuey-guwin eagerly, I'll go and acquaint the Che-foo that you consent to the proposals: give me here the Nean-kung[16], or writing of eight letters." "If it must be so, said Shuey-ping-sin, please to let me have the paper[17], and I will write it." It was presently brought, and she wrote upon it according to form. Shuey-guwin took the paper, and folded it up with great content: then bidding her adieu, he hasted home to his house, and acquainted his sons and daughter that his niece had at last given her consent. They were too well acquainted with her aversion to the match to be over-ready in believing him: "Surely, said they, it must be a work of more difficulty than this to procure her compliance: you may be deceived in her, for she is very artful: she will seem to consent to-day, but put you off to-morrow." He told them, that she had submitted to obey him as her father: "Beside, said he, here is the Nean-kung, as an acknowledgment of the marriage." They saw it and had no farther scruples: "'Tis very well, said they, and yet there is one thing wanting; as it is the marriage of persons of quality, and in a Mandarine's family, the eight letters ought to be in gold upon scarlet taffaty, and not upon paper." He agreed it was proper, and ordered them to be fixed on accordingly. He then carried it to the Che-foo, who when he saw it was very well pleased, but told him he could not order the marriage [farther]; he must take the writing to the Che-bien. The latter of these Mandarines received the writing, as sent by the other; and carried it the day after to the youth whom it concerned. Kwo-khe-tzu was no less transported, than if he had found the most valuable jewel in the world. He instantly ordered a Nean-kung to be drawn up on his part, and looking in the calendar for a fortunate day[18], made a great entertainment, wherein the Che-foo and Che-bien were the principal guests. When the feast was over the latter of those magistrates went with the writing to the house of Shuey-guwin. He immediately acquainted his niece of it: and told her, "The day after to-morrow, is a fortunate or good day, when Kwo-khe-tzu designs to send you the nuptial present: command your house to be put in order, and fit out your hall to receive it." "Sir, replied she, if the present should come, order it to your own house. As my father is not at home it will be more proper: and whether it is brought hither or there the difference will be little." "Very well, said her uncle, and what name shall be prefixed to the letter of thanks to be returned for the present?" "Yours, Sir, said she; let your name be to it: you are my father here; my own father being disgraced and banished the prefixing of his name may occasion some discourtesy. And whatever relates to the paying of compliments, or the like, on this occasion it will be proper for you to take upon you." "It is true, said Shuey-guwin, it ought to be so." He then sent to buy a great number of Tieh-tse, or red and gilded papers, to write invitations upon[19], and desired Shuey-ping-sin to write them. She said, "I will do it as you cannot write yourself, but you must not let any one know but that you wrote them." "Very well, said he; there must also be the letter of compliments[20]." "I will write that likewise, said the young lady." When she had finished, she desired her uncle to read it. He obeyed and began thus; "My daughter"— "How, says he, my daughter! what do you mean by that? am not I your uncle?" "Yes, said she, but is not my own father banished, and don't you tell me I must obey you as my father?" Shuey-guwin was satisfied: then he took the papers, and went home rejoicing. "These writings, said he to his children, are in my name, and your cousin is in them stiled my daughter: by which not only her house, but whatever she is now presented with, will be ours." After two days Kwo-khe-tzu sent the customary present[21]: at which Shuey-guwin rejoiced, and put on his habit of ceremony, ordering music to be provided, his house to be adorned, and the great gates thrown open to receive it. The Che-bien accompanied it in person: Shuey-guwin sent for his friends and acquaintance in order to receive him with the greater respect. He made a grand feast on the occasion; and to the servants that brought the present he gave gifts of money[22]; expressing throughout the whole day the supreme content and satisfaction of a man who is near the accomplishment of a favourite project. Shuey-ping-sin heard all these rejoicings without any emotion. When the feast was over and the guests retired, her uncle invited her to go see the present: she complied with his request. He asked her, who now must take it? "Certainly, said she, it belongs to you, you are my uncle and father; you have been at great expence and trouble; this is but a small return; a trifle hardly worth mentioning, since my house, my people, and my land, and whatever else belongs to me is yours." "Why, said he, should you think they are mine?" "My father, she replied, has no son, and is now in banishment: I only am left, and under your direction as your daughter, therefore all I have is yours: but as I only govern in my father's absence, and cannot learn whether he is dead or alive, I dare not yet deliver up my charge." "Niece, said Shuey-guwin, you have great generosity and penetration, and shew an uncommon knowledge of the world." He then called his three sons and daughter, and bade them take the present and lay it up; and upon her offering to go, entreated her to sit down and drink something with them. This she waved on pretence of some late indisposition, and begged to retire. Shuey-guwin attributed her refusal to that shyness and modesty, which commonly prevails among young ladies upon so delicate an occasion as the receiving of the nuptial present; and permitted her to withdraw. It was now a month that Kwo-khe-tzu had sent his present; when having fitted up his house and prepared every thing for his marriage, he chose a fortunate day, and sent to acquaint Shuey-guwin that he should come on the morrow to fetch home his bride. A piece of news, which the latter received with much satisfaction. He went immediately to inform his niece of it, and desired her to make all suitable preparations. "I have no need, said she, to prepare any thing about me, otherwise than it is." "Ah! ah! said he, you are merry; I know better: you do but jest with me." When he came home, he told his family, that he believed his niece had lost her senses: "She talks of making no preparation for her wedding. 'Tis very whimsical; but perhaps it is only talk: she will doubtless to-night comply with custom and get things in order. Early to-morrow I will go again and see what she has done." The next day Kwo-khe-tzu, according to his promise, sent his gilded chair, his trumpets and music, with a long train of attendants, all in great magnificence and order, to the house of Shuey-guwin. He immediately run to his niece to tell her to get ready, for that the chair was come for her. "What is it you would have me get ready, replied she hastily? Am I not well enough as I am?" "Are you so ignorant, said he, as not to know what you ought to do? Has not the bridegroom sent his chair for you? He is also coming to conduct you himself[23]. Does not he shew you great honour and respect? Why then do you talk at this ridiculous rate?" "What is all that to me, replied the young Lady? I have nothing to say to it, it only relates to my sister[24] your daughter." Shuey-guwin in the greatest consternation at these words, was not able to speak for some time: at last he said; "Is it not for your sake that this young gentleman hath taken so much pains, and put himself to all this trouble and expence? Whom then does he come for? My daughter, do you say, that is as ugly as an evil genius or demon[25] in comparison of you? no such thing." "My father, answered the young lady, is in disgrace; he is banished afar off, and has committed all he has here to my care: in this situation, how can I marry?" "Nay, said he in deep concern, if you are not disposed to marry, who will go about to force you? But why then did you give me your eight letters of Nean-kung?" "Uncle, said she, you was then asleep, and are not yet awake, I should be a fool indeed to give you any such writing while I was averse to marriage. What, said he, did not I procure you the coloured paper? and did not you yourself write upon it?" "If it was so, she replied, let me see it." Shuey-guwin hasted home: "My niece, said he to his sons and daughter, refuses to marry Kwo-khe-tzu; and denies that the Nean-kung was of her writing." Then he took the paper and went to her house. "Here! said he holding it out, will you deny this to be your own hand-writing?" "I acknowledge the writing, replied she: I deny it not: but if the eight letters are found to be mine, I'll be content to marry. Pray uncle, do you know when I was born[26]?" "Doubtless, said he, I do: you were born on the fifteenth day of the eighth moon, at ten o'clock: I remember it perfectly well; it was a feast day, and I was making merry with your father." "Very well, Sir, said she; and when was my cousin Ghiang-koo born, your daughter?" "I must certainly, said he, be well acquainted with my daughter's birth: it was on the sixth day of the sixth moon, in the middle of the day." "Pray, Sir, she proceeded, when you took the paper with you, did not you observe the eight letters written upon it: they are as follows"— here she repeated them— "The writing, you see, relates to your daughter; I am no way concerned in it: why then do you give me so much trouble and perplexity?" Shuey-guwin at this was greatly disturbed. "However, it is sufficient, he cried out in a rage; I saw you write it, and it matters not in what manner it was done." Seeing him begin to make a disturbance, she said to him calmly; "Sir, you must not be so warm: pray go and consult one that can divine[27], and let him see whether those eight letters belong to me or your daughter." She argued in vain, he became still more angry and began to rave and stamp with his feet; saying that she only sought to do him prejudice. "However, said he, it is no matter; you cannot hurt me; truth is truth. Both the Che-foo and Che-bien solicited your consent: the whole city knows of the young gentleman's present. How then can you say it is no concern of yours? you are extremely blameable." "If it was me, whom Kwo-khe-tzu designed to marry, she replied, why did not he order his present to be brought to me here at my own house? The Tieh-tse and letter of compliments, run in your name: and therein you only speak of your daughter; there is not the least mention of me." "How can you thus embroil the matter, said her uncle? the letter relates alone to you, and the form of it was agreed on between us." "If you had no daughter, resumed she, then you might have bestowed that title upon me without reserve: it is not unusual, it is true, to reckon the nieces for daughters, but they are always distinguished by elder and younger: but since in your paper 'tis written simply, my daughter, it can be only understood of Ghiang-koo my cousin. If you will force this marriage upon me, how will it appear reasonable to any Mandarine with whom a petition may chance to be lodged?" "To so much talk and prate, replied Shuey-guwin, it is in vain to give answer. Very well! very well! said he in a violent passion, your design I see is to plague and kill me. If we had proceeded thus far with a man of the lowest rank, how should we avoid trouble and disgrace? much more with such a person as this, who is a youth of great resentment, and whose father is preferred to such power at court. Your abrupt refusal! what disturbance, trouble and confusion will it cause? I shall certainly be ashamed to shew my head: you will force me to lay aside all respect of kindred. I must go lodge a complaint against you before a Mandarine; then how will you be able to unravel and clear up so long a story before him[13]? or how will you avoid exposing yourself to a great deal of shame?" All this he spoke with tears in his eyes. "Uncle, answered Shuey-ping-sin, I shall not make so long a story of it, as you may imagine: I shall only say that you, who are my uncle, taking advantage of my father's absence, would force me, who am left a young and helplefs maid, to marry, in order to take possession of my substance. This will make you appear in so criminal a light, that you will not be able to hold up your head." Shuey-guwin was a good deal alarmed at these words, and began to be more calm. "I would not willingly, said he, bring a petition before a Mandarine: but if I do not, how shall I extricate myself out of these difficulties?" "Uncle, said the young lady, if you will lay aside your ungenerous intentions against me, I'll undertake to bring you off clear." Shuey-guwin wiping his eyes replied, "Alas! that I fear is impossible; it is not in the power of a Saint[28] to deliver me." "Pursue my directions, proceeded she, and this sorrow shall be turned into joy." "Alas! said he, at a time when life and death are indifferent to me, what hope can I have of so favourable a change? However, I would know how you propose to assist me in this affair, so that this young man's resentment may not fall on my head." "Attend then, said she, and do exactly as I would have you: if I mistake not, my cousin Ghiang-koo is just seventeen, of a fit age to be married, you have now a fine opportunity of doing it: send her in my stead, and all the difficulty is over." At these words he hung down his head and paused: at length looking up with a mixture of joy and terror, he said, "Well, but your cousin is very ordinary and disagreeable in her person; and if she should marry Kwo-khe-tzu, he will not like her, and so I shall still be involved in trouble[29]." "Uncle, she replied, leave that to me: in other respects there's nothing irregular; the eight letters are rightly and truly your daughter's: 'tis as true that the present came to your house: all this is notorious. The Tieh-tse run in your name: and in the letter of compliments you say, my daughter: in consequence of all this the chair is now come to your house: then what should hinder you from sending my cousin? on the other hand consider the credit it will be to have him for your son-in-law: does not all this afford you pleasure?" At this the countenance of Shuey-guwin began to clear up: he smiled and said, "Daughter and cousin, how came you, that are a little helpless and lonely maid, to be possessed of so much ingenuity, as at once thus to kill me and restore me to life?" "Sir, replied his niece, it was never my desire to deceive you: this affair was all your own seeking to give me disturbance." "Enough, said he, let that be forgotten: one thing yet remains; your cousin is very aukward, and neither knows how to dress herself out, nor to behave as she ought, on such an occasion: you must go to assist, and instruct her." "I will go, said she, and if any thing be wanting, let me have the blame." She took accordingly two of her maids, and went to dress up her cousin; in order to which she caused her to bathe and wash herself clean from head to foot, to whiten her teeth, to form her eye-brows, and put on cloaths perfumed with the sweetest wood[30] and gums: this took them up a good part of the day: she then instructed her, when she was brought to the house of the bridegroom to behave herself with reserve and modesty; and on coming into his own apartment when he should advance to take off her veil, to run and hide herself in the curtains. She also instructed the two waiting women, when they were to offer him wine[31], to be as liberal of it as possible, and when he should have a mind to retire, to be sure to put out the lights. Then ordering the maids to withdraw and get themselves ready, she took the opportunity of their absence to proceed as follows: "The next morning when the bridegroom sees you, he will perhaps be angry to find you not so handsome as he expected: in that case you must throw yourself into violent fits of crying, and offer to lay violent hands on yourself; this will doubtless make him afraid, and prevent his offering you any ill treatment." Ghiang-koo promised to observe all her directions: and then they took their leaves of each other. Kwo-khe-tzu was now arrived to fetch home his bride. Shuey-guwin went in to see her. "You are very fine, said he, there wants nothing now but a veil for your face: when that is covered you will be perfectly handsome." Then taking her in his arms he carried and seated her in the chair. That ceremony over, the bridegroom mounting his horse with great content, went before the chair towards his house: there he ordered the gates to be thrown open, and desired his female relations to be ready to receive her. He beheld her with great delight as she got out of the chair, and her face being covered she appeared to him like a Saint or Angel[32]. Then walking by her side into the great hall, their friends and relations made them their compliments. After this they retired into his apartment, where he went to take off her veil: upon which, according to her cousin's advice, she ran and hid herself in the bed[33]. The bridegroom then ordered the table to be covered, but Ghiang-koo would not come to sit down. The waiting women desired him to seat himself and drink first. He said, "No: your mistress is ashamed now, and out of modesty will not shew herself, yet perhaps would be glad to take some refreshment: therefore to save her blushes, I'll retire a little while she comes out, and will go and eat with my friends and acquaintance." His relations asked him why he left the lady, and if it were not usual for the bride and bridegroom to eat together? "Shuey-ping-sin, replied he, is a woman of great fashion and delicacy: she ought to be treated with suitable respect, and hath certainly now a just claim to indulgence." Her relations acknowledged it was very kind and respectful: then inviting him to sit down and partake of their entertainment, they quickly fell to drinking, plying one another so fast, that Kwo-khe-tzu became very much fuddled. When all the guests were retired, he went into the bride's chamber; and seeing it full of lights, he approached the bed, and asked her why she did not take her repose? why she stayed for him, and hindered herself from sleeping with so many tapers? Ghiang-koo, as he opened the curtains, turned aside her face, and ordered her women to put out the lights. They hesitated, observing that he was not undressed: but he said, "Whatever your new lady orders, obey her: defer it not upon my account." They obeyed him and retired[34]. The next morning an hour or two after it was day, as he was going to rise and put on his cloaths, he saw the ugly face of his wife. He could not for some time believe his senses: "Surely, said he aloud rubbing his eyes; the Shuey-ping-sin which I saw, was exquisitely beautiful: but who are you? you are not the bride for whom I contracted." "Why not, answered Ghiang-koo? but I expected a lady compleatly handsome, said he, and here is an ill-favoured monster indeed." Then starting up in a rage, he vented his fury in exclamations against Shuey-guwin, pouring on his head a thousand curses. Ghiang-koo hearing him thus abuse her father, calling him dog and villain so to deceive him, was highly troubled: "What, said she, am not I your wife, and is not my father your father-in-law: and do you treat him with no more respect, than thus to abuse him in my hearing?" Kwo-khe-tzu at this was the more perplexed: "'Tis enough, said he, I am soundly cheated! and is Shuey-guwin really your father?" "Is he, said she? most certainly: you must know nothing: you must be very dull of apprehension to doubt it. Why, Shuey-ping-sin is my younger sister; the daughter of my uncle. If you would have married her, why did not you go to her own house, and ask for her there? The Nean-kung you received is really mine: the Tieh-tse run in the name of my father. In his letter he writes, my daughter. 'Twas to his house your present was brought: and thither you came yourself to fetch me away. All the city knows I was carried out of his house, and no other. I am of a family very much honoured and respected; and for you, to whom I am newly married, to treat me and my friends with all this scorn and abuse, is it possible I should bear it? No: I will never live under so much indignity. I will sooner die a thousand deaths." Then working herself up into the greatest transport of rage and grief, she fell to stamp and beat herself furiously: and snatching up a sash that lay in the room, was going to strangle herself with it. Kwo-khe-tzu alarmed at this violence; and fearing the trouble and disgrace in which it would involve him and his family[35] should such an accident happen within his own apartment, and to his new-married bride; flew to her instantly and held her arm: then in a soothing manner begged her to attribute his words to the wine he had drank over-night; it being usually his misfortune to be passionate after it: that she should not be so moved by a few inconsiderate expressions: but that now they were married, they should endeavour to live in peace and amity.
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Chapter 2: Into the Tiger's Den to Retrieve the Pearl from the ClamModern English translation by Martin Woesler (2025) A poem says: In well-ruled times, all praise propriety and law; Yet who suspects that law itself may harbor flaw? Li Ying's broken pillar — that was counted wise; Zhang Jian's knocking at doors earned no such prize. When trees and grasses cling, the spirits lend their hand; When hawks seize sparrows, is that not heaven's command? Beyond the standing rules that govern every state, The master of expedience holds a separate mandate.
"Not so fast!" said Tie Zhongyu. "The moment you leave prison, Father, you will attract notice and alarm the Marquis of Dagua, putting him on his guard. Far better for you to remain here a while longer. Let me slip out quietly, break open the Hall of Leisured Ease, seize Han Yuan's wife and daughter, and send word back to you. Then you can ride over at speed to proclaim the edict and arrest the man — that would be the perfect plan." Censor Tie nodded in agreement. He concealed the secret edict, admonished the prison warden to say nothing, and quietly instructed his son: "You must exercise the utmost caution on this mission!" Tie Zhongyu accepted his orders and slipped back to their private quarters, where he informed his mother and asked her to bring out the bronze mace he had used as a boy. For Tie Zhongyu had possessed great physical strength from the age of eleven or twelve and delighted in weapons. He had once had a mace forged from tempered bronze, weighing more than twenty jin, which he practiced with constantly. When Censor Tie went to the capital to assume office, he feared the boy would cause trouble with it at home, so Madam Shi had confiscated the mace and brought it to the capital. Tie Zhongyu, not wishing to disobey his parents, had let the matter drop. Now, when Madam Shi heard him ask for it, she exclaimed in alarm: "Your father has always forbidden you to use that thing — why do you want it now?" "I am venturing into a tiger's den," he replied. "I need it for protection." Finding this reasonable, she did not oppose him and had the mace brought out and given to him, adding: "You may use it for defense, but do not go looking for trouble!" Tie Zhongyu agreed. He then quietly summoned a score of capable constables, instructing them to follow at a distance, ready for orders. He called for wine and drank until his spirits rose. Then he changed into a suit of martial clothing, concealed the bronze mace on his person, and made himself look every inch a celestial warrior — though he threw his scholar's robes over the top. Mounting a horse and taking only Xiao Dan with him, he slipped out through the Qihua Gate without a single soul noticing. Once outside the city walls, he gave the horse its head. In no time at all, a grand estate came into view on the left side of the road, with high tiled roofs and soaring ridgepoles — a place of imposing splendor. Tie Zhongyu knew at once this must be it, but he dismounted at a distance and told Xiao Dan to hold the horse. He then strolled slowly toward the entrance and examined it with care. On either side stood two commemorative archways, each bearing four characters: one read "Meritorious Service to the Northern Palace," the other "Martial Prestige over the Southern Skies." Between the archways rose three gate-towers set on tiger-shaped pedestals, and above the central one hung a plaque inscribed in large gold characters: "Imperially Bestowed Hall of Leisured Ease." The three doors beneath the towers were all tightly shut. After surveying the scene and seeing no one entering or leaving, Tie Zhongyu thought: "The main gate does not open. There must be a side entrance for daily use." He followed the long high wall around a corner and, sure enough, found a small gate-tower halfway along, with a pair of vermilion doors — also closed. The doors were fastened with a great padlock and sealed crosswise with two strips of paper. On closer inspection, though the seal-strips remained in place, it was clear the door was regularly opened: the doors were shut but not bolted from within, a crack of light showing between them. On the whitewashed wall beside the gate was posted a proclamation in characters as large as rice bowls: "By order of the Marquis of Dagua: This is an imperially bestowed restricted estate. No official or commoner may approach or peer within, on pain of punishment. Thus decreed." On either side of the gate-tower were two guard-rooms, staffed by a good many watchmen. Tie Zhongyu took all this in. Recognizing that something irregular was afoot, he decided not to alarm the guards rashly. He walked back to where Xiao Dan stood holding the horse, cast off his scholar's robes to reveal his martial garb, took up the bronze mace, and vaulted into the saddle. He gave Xiao Dan his orders: "Summon the constables and have them come at once. Stand ready. The moment we seize our man, ride like the wind and inform my father — tell him to come quickly!" Xiao Dan acknowledged the command. Then Tie Zhongyu spurred his horse to the gate-tower, leapt down, and with the mace in hand bellowed: "By imperial edict — I require an audience with the Marquis of Dagua! Go and announce me at once!" The gatekeepers, caught utterly off guard, stammered in confusion: "His Lordship is at the main residence, not here." Tie Zhongyu roared: "Nonsense! The household staff at the residence stated plainly that he is here. You pack of worthless slaves — how dare you conceal the truth and obstruct an imperial decree! Every last one of you deserves to lose his head!" The servants stared at one another in terror and hastily fell into line. "Open this gate at once!" Tie Zhongyu bellowed. "Stop dawdling if you value your lives!" One elderly servant, seeing how violently the young man was carrying on, steeled himself and said: "This is the estate of a marquis. His Lordship is not here, and who would dare open the gate without his orders? And even if we did open it, this is imperially granted restricted ground — you, sir, would not dare enter!" Tie Zhongyu was furious. "I come on imperial orders to arrest a man — how dare I not enter? If you will not open, I shall open it myself!" He strode forward, raised the bronze mace, and brought it down on the padlock with a single thunderous blow. With a mighty crash the lock shattered and fell to the ground, and the two doors burst open of their own accord. Seeing the gate flung wide, Tie Zhongyu marched straight inside with great strides. The servants, witnessing his ferocious momentum, did not dare stand in his way. They merely shouted in panic: "Disaster! Disaster!" — and ran inside to raise the alarm. Now, the Marquis of Dagua had seized Han Yuan's daughter on a whim, assuming that a poor scholar would have no recourse. He had not expected to run afoul of Censor Tie, who had submitted a memorial impeaching him. Still less had he expected the emperor to approve the memorial and order the Ministry of Justice to investigate. In a sudden panic, with no time to dissemble, he had kidnapped Han Yuan and his wife as well, hiding them all in the Hall of Leisured Ease to eliminate every trace. He had then submitted his own memorial full of lies. At first he had feared discovery and considered moving them, but when the Ministry of Justice proved sympathetic, making no real effort to pursue the matter, and had even thrown Censor Tie into prison, he grew thoroughly complacent and thought no more of danger. His only concern was that the Han girl might try to kill herself — her spirit was fierce and unyielding — and that Han Yuan and his wife might argue and refuse to submit. So every day he plied them with wine and delicacies, pressing his suit; but Han Yuan remained stubbornly resistant. On this particular day, the Marquis had lost patience. He was in the Hall of Leisured Ease, having Han Yuan stripped, bound, and beaten to force his consent. "Though you are a scholar," the Marquis said, "now that you have been brought here, I can have you killed as easily as slaughtering a chicken or a dog. Where would you go to seek justice?" Han Yuan replied: "A scholar may be killed, but I fear that Heaven's justice is not so easily deceived, nor the law of the land so easily evaded. When that time comes, Your Lordship's regret will be too late! I urge you to think three times before acting!" "You tell me to think thrice?" said the Marquis. "Why do you not reflect upon your own position? You are the daughter's father — a poor scholar's daughter — and I offer her a place as concubine in a marquis's household. Is that any disgrace to you? If you consent, she will live in silks and satins, eating the finest delicacies, enjoying comforts without end. Is that not better than your plain rice and pickled greens?" Han Yuan answered: "Though I am a poor scholar, the proverb says: 'Better to be a rooster's beak than a bull's backside.' How could a disciple of the Sage covet a nobleman's feasts and throw the moral order of the empire into chaos?" The Marquis was livid. He was just ordering his men to apply the instruments more harshly when four or five gatekeepers came rushing in at once, shouting in confusion: "My lord! Disaster! A young warrior outside, carrying a bronze mace, claims he comes with an imperial edict to arrest someone! We tried to stop him, but he smashed the padlock off the door with one blow of his mace and forced his way in! We don't know who he is! He's nearly at the hall — Your Lordship must prepare at once!" The Marquis, stunned and stupefied, was glancing east and west, trying to slip away to the inner hall, when Tie Zhongyu came striding up to the front of the hall. Seeing the Marquis standing above, he clasped his hands in greeting and said: "Your Excellency! I come bearing an imperial decree on a matter of some urgency. Why have you defied the decree and refused me entry?" The Marquis, unable to escape, had no choice but to descend and meet him. "If you bear an imperial edict," he said, "why did you not send word in advance, so that I might set up an incense table to receive it properly? What is the meaning of this rude intrusion?" "The imperial decree is secret and urgent," Tie Zhongyu replied. "How could I risk delay or disclosure?" He stepped forward, mace in his right hand, and with his left seized the Marquis's collar in a vise-like grip. "Pray tell, Your Excellency — this is an imperially bestowed restricted estate, not a magistrate's court. So who is that man down there in the courtyard, stripped and beaten?" The Marquis, frantic with worry since his attempts to conceal Han Yuan had failed, had been thrown into a stupor the moment he heard someone invoking an imperial edict. He tried to break free, but the newcomer held him fast. He had no choice but to brazen it out: "I am merely disciplining my own household servants — what has that to do with the court's laws? If you have an edict to discuss—" He called to his men: "Take this fellow away!" But Tie Zhongyu blocked them. Before he could press the Marquis further, Han Yuan shouted from down in the courtyard: "I am Han Yuan, a degree-holder — not a servant! I have been imprisoned here! General, I beg you to save my life!" When Tie Zhongyu heard that this was indeed Han Yuan, his heart was set at ease. He feigned astonishment: "If you are the degree-holder Han Yuan, the court has ordered the Ministry of Justice to search for you everywhere! Why are you hiding here? Defying an imperial warrant and concealing yourself — that is a capital offense!" By now Xiao Dan had caught up. Tie Zhongyu jerked his chin toward him, and Xiao Dan, understanding at once, rushed out through the gate — on one hand summoning the constables to pour in, on the other galloping off to inform Censor Tie. When Tie Zhongyu saw the constables had arrived, he pointed the bronze mace at Han Yuan and said: "This man is wanted by imperial decree — take him into custody!" Then he turned to Han Yuan: "If you claim you were wronged, you should have gone straight to the Ministry of Justice to plead your case. Why did you hide here and enter into a private arrangement?" At these words Han Yuan burst into tears: "Ever since my daughter was seized by the wicked marquis, I have knocked at Heaven's gate in vain, weeping my story to all who would listen, fearing none would heed me. When the Ministry of Justice issued its warrant, how could I have wished to hide? But I am a weak and solitary scholar, utterly without support. One day a mob of the marquis's thugs, dozens of them, drove me like a tiger drives sheep and carried my wife and me to this place. Here I have been buried alive, beaten day after day, forced to consent to the marriage, with death looming over me at every hour. What unspeakable fortune that I should encounter you, General, descending as if from Heaven to save what remains of my wretched life and restore to me the light of day! I was thrown into this pit against my will — who would willingly enter into kinship with that man?" "From what you say," said Tie Zhongyu, "your wife and daughter are both here as well?" "Indeed," said Han Yuan. "My wife, née Qu, is being held prisoner in a side chamber behind the main hall. As for my daughter Xiangxian, I hear she has been hidden in an upper room of the inner pavilion. She has tried to take her life morning and night — I no longer know whether she is alive or dead." Enraged, Tie Zhongyu ordered the constables to escort Han Yuan inside to search for the women. The Marquis, seeing that the game was up and that he could neither argue his way free nor stop the constables from going in, was driven to desperation. Pointing at Tie Zhongyu, he declared: "This is an imperially bestowed estate! I hold the rank of marquis! Even if there were some transgression, it would require an imperial decree to adjudicate. Who are you, that you dare come here with a bronze mace, smash open the locks, burst into a restricted imperial hall, and humiliate a nobleman? Your own crimes are quite enough to answer for — how dare you meddle in other people's affairs?" He tried to seize Tie Zhongyu in return, but lacked the strength, and shouted to his servants: "Seize this man at once!" By now the household servants, learning that their master had been taken, had come swarming in from all directions and packed the hall. But seeing Tie Zhongyu wielding his bronze mace and holding the Marquis in an iron grip, fierce and fearless, none dared step forward. When the Marquis ordered them to seize the intruder, a few of the bolder ones moved to comply. Tie Zhongyu barked: "You wretched slaves — seize whom, exactly?" He shifted his grip, hoisted the Marquis up by the waist, and swept him through the crowd of servants. The blow landed with such force that every servant it touched was sent tumbling to the ground. The Marquis, a man past forty, weakened by wine and women and softened by a life of luxury, could scarcely endure being hoisted and swung about. When Tie Zhongyu set him down, he was already dizzy and gasping, doubled over and wheezing: "No more! No more!" Now, the Marquis had a circle of friendly marquises and earls, and several of them, having received word of the disturbance, had rushed over to see what was happening. Finding the Marquis in a sorry state at Tie Zhongyu's hands, they stepped forward to mediate: "Sir, we beg you to calm your anger. Whatever the matter, let it be discussed civilly. There is no need for violence — you do injury to the dignity of a nobleman of the realm." "He is a traitor who has deceived his sovereign," said Tie Zhongyu, "and a criminal against the moral order. Death would be too good for him. What dignity? What nobleman?" The noblemen said: "Even if Lord Sha has been guilty of some impropriety, his crimes must be adjudicated through proper channels. There is no precedent under our dynasty for fists and feet to be applied to a peer of the realm." Tie Zhongyu replied: "Gentlemen, you speak of propriety, but you must also recognize expediency. Rooting out evil from a tiger's den calls for different rules. A lone man braving danger cannot abide by ordinary conventions." "We cannot fathom your heroic methods, sir," said the noblemen. "But pray tell us — is today's action a knight-errant's private vendetta? Or a champion of justice righting a wrong? There must be some purpose. Enlighten us, and perhaps we may find common ground." "It is neither," said Tie Zhongyu. "I am simply carrying out His Majesty's secret edict to arrest a man." "If you bear a secret edict, why not produce it and read it aloud, to put all doubts to rest?" "That is easily done," said Tie Zhongyu. "Set up the incense table at once." The noblemen gave orders for the preparations. The Marquis, having recovered his breath and emboldened by the presence of so many noblemen, spoke again: "Gentlemen, do not listen to his nonsense! He is neither an official constable nor an imperial guard — how could he be carrying a decree? He is nothing but Han Yuan's confederate, waving a false edict and putting on a show of force to trick you into handing over the prisoner. But now that he has come, if he has no edict, then he has trespassed on restricted ground and assaulted a peer of the realm — those are no small crimes! I certainly cannot let him go. I count on your support! And have someone send word at once to the prefect and magistrate that an armed bandit has invaded in broad daylight. If they do not come to our aid, they shall answer for it tomorrow!" The noblemen, hearing this, began to waver. They turned to Tie Zhongyu: "Bandits who seize people by force generally operate in remote places, under cover of darkness, preying on rural gentry — and even then they may succeed only by luck. This is the estate of a marquis, in the very shadow of the throne, in broad daylight — how could any bandit hope to succeed here? Your actions today do seem excessively high-handed. If you truly have an edict, produce it by all means. If it turns out to be a lie, the penalty will be severe. Better to tell the truth, give your real name, and bow your head in submission. Perhaps we can intercede for you and your life may yet be spared. But if you rely on brute force and bluster, hoping to escape — I fear you have entered a stronghold from which no wings can carry you!" Tie Zhongyu said coolly: "If I wished to leave, what would stop me? But it is still early. Let me first read out the edict and take the prisoners into custody — then I shall depart at my leisure." "If you have an edict, why not read it at once?" they pressed. "I am here alone," said Tie Zhongyu, "and his faction is numerous. If I read the edict and he uses his superior force to resist, that will only make things harder. He has sent for the prefect and magistrate — let us wait until they arrive, and then I shall read it. That way there will be no untoward incident." "That is a fair point," they conceded, and sent servants to hurry the officials along. Before long, the magistrate of Daxing County arrived. Seeing the scene before him, he could not decide what to do. Shortly after, the circuit judge of Shuntian Prefecture arrived as well. The noblemen received him and explained the situation. The circuit judge said: "The truth or falsehood of the matter is hard to determine at a glance, but it all comes down to whether or not there is an imperial edict. That will settle it at once." He ordered the incense table to be prepared. In no time, a fine incense burner was lit at the center of the hall, and a pair of bright candles were set burning. The circuit judge addressed Tie Zhongyu: "Sir, if you bear an imperial edict to arrest someone, you should read it aloud before all present so that the accused may submit. This unseemly grappling is hardly in accordance with the law." Tie Zhongyu was about to reply when attendants rushed in to report: "Censor Tie has just dismounted at the front gate!" The Marquis, hearing this out of nowhere, was struck with alarm: "He was in prison — when did he get out?" He had not finished speaking when Censor Tie walked in, bearing a yellow silk bundle in both hands, and ascended the hall with grave dignity. Just then the incense table was brought forward. He placed the bundle upon it, unwrapped it, and took out the imperial decree. Tie Zhongyu, seeing this, immediately forced the Marquis to kneel before the incense table. He also ordered the constables to bring Han Yuan forward and make him prostrate himself at the foot of the steps, then announced to all present: "The accused marquis Sha Li has defied the edict and refused to come forth. Let the decree be read, and the premises searched!" Censor Tie, seeing the circuit judge and the magistrate present along with the noblemen, turned to the circuit judge and said: "Your Honor's arrival is most opportune. Please come up to the dais — His Majesty has issued a stern decree, and I would be obliged if you would read it." The circuit judge dared not refuse. He hurried up, received the document, and Censor Tie went to kneel beside the Marquis before the incense table. The circuit judge then read the decree aloud: "Whereas Censor Tie Ying has reported that the Marquis of Dagua, Sha Li, did seize the aggrieved party Han Yuan together with Han Yuan's wife and daughter: if these persons truly exist, why has the Ministry of Justice failed to locate them? Tie Ying is hereby authorized to conduct the search himself, without restriction as to any prohibited area. If the persons are found, the Ministry of Justice shall conduct a thorough investigation and report its findings. If within three days no one is found, Tie Ying shall be deemed to have deceived his sovereign and punished accordingly. So decreed." When the circuit judge had finished reading, Censor Tie performed the ritual obeisance and rose to his feet, intending to greet the noblemen. But no sooner had the decree been read than the noblemen, realizing the Marquis's cause was lost, slipped away to a man. Most of the household servants gradually melted away as well. Only the circuit judge and the magistrate came forward to pay their respects. The Marquis, reduced to utter helplessness, could only stand up, bow deeply to Censor Tie, and say: "I have committed offenses, and I throw myself on your mercy." Censor Tie said: "I have no desire to press matters to the extreme. I only wish to establish that no one has deceived the emperor. Now that Han Yuan has been found here, and he testifies that his wife and daughter are within, it would be difficult to conceal them any longer. Would it not be better to call them out, rather than force a search?" "Han Yuan came here of his own accord," the Marquis insisted. "His wife and daughter are not here." "If Your Lordship says they are not here," said Censor Tie, "then I dare not assert otherwise. But I am duty-bound to conduct a search as decreed, and the truth will become apparent." He ordered Tie Zhongyu to lead the constables and escort Han Yuan inside to search. The Marquis tried to block them, but it was hopeless. Now, although this hall was a residential building, no family members actually lived there. When the searchers reached the inner hall, they could faintly hear the sound of weeping. Han Yuan called out in a loud voice: "My child, do not weep! An imperial decree has been issued, and justice will be done! Come out quickly!" From a side chamber near the hall, Han Yuan's wife, Madam Qu, was heard answering: "I am here! Come and rescue me first!" The searchers rushed to the door, which was locked. Tie Zhongyu gave another blow of his mace, and the door burst open. Madam Qu emerged, her hair disheveled, and without a pause ran deeper inside, weeping: "I fear my daughter has been tormented to death!" "She has not died," said Han Yuan. "She was still weeping just a moment ago." Madam Qu hurried up to the pavilion chamber, where she found her daughter trying desperately to come downstairs, only to be held back by three or four maids and serving-women who would not let her pass. Madam Qu shouted: "The imperial decree has come! Who dares obstruct?" Only then did the maids and women stand aside. Madam Qu looked around the room, which was heaped with silks, satins, pearls, and jade; she pushed them all aside, took a plain white head-cloth, wrapped it around her daughter's head to cover her disheveled hair, and led her down. Han Yuan was there to receive them, and together with Tie Zhongyu and the constables, they all came down to the main hall. Before Censor Tie, Han Yuan knelt with his wife and daughter, kowtowing in tearful gratitude: "The three lives of my humble family have all been saved by Your Excellency's benevolence — truly an act of merit that will echo through ten thousand generations!" Censor Tie said: "Do not thank me. This is the grace of the emperor. All matters rest with the Ministry of Justice. I myself do not yet know what lies ahead." Then, turning to the magistrate of Daxing County, he said: "These three are wanted persons under a special imperial warrant. Although constables will escort them, I fear there may yet be some mishap. I would trouble Your Honor to accompany them to the Ministry of Justice and deliver them safely, to prevent any further complications." The magistrate accepted the order and instructed the constables to take Han Yuan and his wife and daughter away. Censor Tie then gestured toward the Marquis and addressed the circuit judge: "Lord Sha is a nobleman of high rank — I would not presume to treat him discourteously. May I trouble Your Honor to accompany him to the court of law? As for myself, I am still a prisoner under investigation and must return to my cell to await judgment." With that, he rose, collected Tie Zhongyu, and they departed on horseback. As the verse says: Brave was the hero who dared enter the tiger's lair; Keen was the strategist who traced the hidden trail. The pearl retrieved, the clam restored to Hepu's shore — A deed to rival Xu and Yu through ages evermore. After Censor Tie's departure, the Marquis prevailed upon the circuit judge and hastened to enlist his powerful friends and relatives, secretly distributing bribes at the Ministry of Justice and the Grand Secretariat, hoping to escape punishment. But of this we shall say no more. Now, Censor Tie returned to prison and immediately wrote a detailed memorial describing how he had found Han Yuan, his wife, and his daughter at the Marquis's Hall of Leisured Ease, and how they had been sent to the court of justice for investigation. The memorial was submitted at once. The next morning, the imperial rescript came down: "Since Tie Ying has recovered Han Yuan together with his wife and daughter from the restricted Hall of Leisured Ease, it is clear not only that his conduct has been irreproachable, but that his impeachment was well founded. He is hereby released from prison and restored to his former post, pending the outcome of the Ministry of Justice's investigation, after which further promotion and reward shall follow. So decreed." Upon receiving this decree, Censor Tie performed the ritual of gratitude and left prison. He returned to his private quarters, where Tie Zhongyu met him, and husband and wife, father and son were reunited in joy. But of their happiness we shall say no more. As for the Ministry of Justice, though it had received the Marquis's entreaties, the fact that it had failed to arrest anyone had exposed it to charges of partiality, and it dared not shield him any further. With Han Yuan and his wife and daughter all firmly attesting to the abduction, there was no avenue of escape. The Ministry had no choice but to submit a faithful report of the Marquis's crimes, though at the end of its memorial it added a few words of mitigation: "We would note that Sha Li is past forty and without an heir, which explains the intensity of his desire for a virtuous maiden. Furthermore, after the abduction, he sought to win her through persuasion, and no violation of her person occurred. If His Majesty, in consideration of the meritorious service of his forebears, should find grounds for some measure of clemency, we submit the matter for the imperial decision, not presuming to take it upon ourselves." Two days later, the imperial edict was issued: "The Marquis of Dagua, Sha Li, enjoys a lofty title and high position. Instead of cultivating his virtue and governing his household, he tyrannically abducted the daughter of the scholar Han Yuan — a girl already betrothed to the scholar Wei Pei — to make her his concubine, in flagrant violation of propriety. When impeached by Censor Tie Ying, far from repenting and confessing his guilt, he kidnapped Han Yuan and his wife and concealed them in his imperially granted restricted estate, then accused Censor Tie of making false charges. His deception and villainy are crimes of the gravest order. According to the sentence proposed by the Ministry of Justice, he should rightfully be stripped of his title and put to death. However, in consideration of the illustrious merits of his forebears, We are loath to impose the extreme penalty. He is to be confined in the Hall of Leisured Ease for three years, in lieu of exile. One year's stipend shall be given to Han Yuan to compensate for the losses he suffered through the abduction. The maiden Han Xiangxian, having preserved her chastity undefiled, shall be married to Wei Pei, who shall choose an auspicious date for the wedding. Han Yuan, who steadfastly upheld the moral order and refused to yield even unto death, has shown himself a worthy Confucian scholar; he is hereby appointed to an instructorship by tribute examination, so that his learning shall not have been in vain. Censor Tie Ying, who reported the facts faithfully and did not flinch before the powerful, is to be commended for his integrity. Moreover, his daring penetration of the tiger's den demonstrates great resourcefulness and vigor; he is hereby promoted to Commissioner of the Censorate. The officials of the Ministry of Justice, who showed favoritism in their pursuit of the case, shall forfeit three months' salary. So decreed." After the decree was issued, the whole city buzzed with the story of how young Tie Zhongyu had stormed the Hall of Leisured Ease and rescued Han Xiangxian. He was hailed as a man of extraordinary valor, a great knight-errant. People clamored to meet him; visitors seeking an audience or an introduction arrived at his door from morning to evening without cease. Han Yuan owed his appointment to the young man's efforts, and Wei Pei owed his marriage to the imperial command — both were so grateful to Tie Zhongyu that they revered him as a parent and worshipped him as a god. Only Censor Tie was troubled. He said to his son: "Heaven's law abhors excess, and fortune and misfortune are ever intertwined. A few days ago I was falsely accused and thrown into prison — my life hung by a thread. Then, by the emperor's grace, I was not merely pardoned but promoted. One might call that miraculous good luck. Yet the Marquis has been confined because of us — how can he forget his resentment? And you seized him by the arm and chest, humiliating him grievously. He must be watching us like a tiger, biding his time for revenge. I am the emperor's servant; my life belongs to the court, and whatever fortune or calamity befalls me, I cannot shirk it. But you are free to go where you please in the four corners of the world — why remain in this dangerous place? Moreover, your fame is growing and your circle of acquaintances widening — all of which invites trouble. Better to use the pretext of traveling for study and put a great distance between yourself and this place. Be like the divine dragon that shows its head but never its tail, so that none can fathom your movements. To perceive the opportune moment — that is what it means to be truly wise." Tie Zhongyu replied: "I had precisely this intention, for I am weary of social obligations. But I worry about you, Father. You hold an office on the path of remonstrance and are constantly making enemies. Standing alone here, I cannot be at ease." Censor Tie said: "I conduct myself with integrity and walk the straight path. Now that His Majesty has been pleased to commend me and elevate me to this high position, even if there are petty slanders, no great calamity is likely. You need not concern yourself. But when you go, you must diligently pursue your Confucian studies and take the sages as your model. You must not rely on your hot blood and chivalrous impulses and fall into the ways of the wandering knight-errant." Tie Zhongyu bowed deeply: "I shall heed your instructions, Father." After two or three more days, finding the stream of visitors ever increasing, he packed his belongings, took leave of his parents, and with only Xiao Dan in attendance, set out for home. As the verse says: His coming seemed for filial love; His going looked like fleeing harm. If you would know the why and how — Old Heaven has not told its tale. When Tie Zhongyu arrived home, he found that the whole region of Daming already knew how he had stormed the Hall of Leisured Ease and rescued Han Xiangxian, and that Censor Tie had been promoted to Commissioner of the Censorate. Not only were friends and relatives unusually attentive, but even the prefect and magistrate showed him the greatest respect. Tie Zhongyu thought to himself: "If things go on like this, I might as well have stayed in the capital, at least to be near my parents. Better to follow my father's advice: under the pretext of traveling for study, I can go far away." He entrusted the household affairs to the family steward, packed his belongings and travel money, and with only Xiao Dan for company, set off on his scholarly wanderings. And from this departure arose the following: Chivalry and passion — wrongs not easily untangled; The moral order and desire — a torment to the soul. As for what befell Tie Zhongyu when he set out on his journey, the reader must wait for the next chapter to learn. |