Hao Qiu Zhuan/en1761-en2026/Chapter 11
Chapter 11 — Translation Comparison: 1761 ↔ 2026
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Chapter 11: A Warm Heart Cannot Rest: Rushing a Thousand Li to HelpFrom: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761) [Volume III, Book III, Chapter I] CHAP. I.[1] Kwo-khe-tzu, 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 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 distress he went to the Che-hien to learn what intelligence he could from him; telling him, how much he was mortified 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 Shuey-ping-sin. She hath found means to terrify the Grand Visitor 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 stamp. 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 her it was not 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 possibly 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-khe-tzu followed his advice, and applied to the people of the audience for intelligence; 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 occasioned this change in his measures. Twenty days were now past in this uncertainty, when an officer from the Grand Visitor's tribunal came to tell Kwo-khe-tzu 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 ignorant of the affair between him and the young lady Shuey-ping-sin, but that his too forward interposal in it had like to have been attended with very fatal consequences. Kwo-khe-tzu with some surprize, asked in what respect 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 his Excellence the inconsistency which had appeared in his conduct, and which seemed so unsuitable to one of his gravity and office.[2] The Mandarine replied, "I looked upon Shuey-ping-sin 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-khe-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 herself 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?[3] 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 her favour. By this means she was prevailed on to recall her servant. But until he returned, it was in no wise proper for me to speak to you. The petition is at length brought back. I have it in my possession, and have sent for you to shew it unto you. Here it is!" When Kwo-khe-tzu had 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 assistance." 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 must 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." Kwo-khe-tzu, 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. [When 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 having no permission from him to marry. She only urges the injustice of forcing her into a marriage under these circumstances. And I think she hath reason. Let us think no longer then of compulsive methods: but proceed to others more proper and effectual. And for these 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 same from the father of the young lady. Disgraced and banished as he is, he will hardly refuse it. This once obtained, there is no room to fear that she will deny you any more." Kwo-khe-tzu approved of his advice. He smiled and said, "There 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 so 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. I am contented to go, if it will serve you. This is an undertaking of little trouble. But if it were otherwise, I should set about it with a very good will." Kwo-khe-tzu immediately prepared the letter, and gave it to Chun-kee, whom he liberally furnished with necessaries for his journey; ordering an old servant to attend him. He accordingly set out for the court, in compliance with the request of Kwo-khe-tzu, 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. CHAP. II. [Let us now return to] Tieh-chung-u [who] immediately upon leaving Shan-tong had repaired to his house in the city of Tab-ming. There the lovely Shuey-ping-sin was the subject of his thoughts, as also the affection and kindness with which she had treated him. In pursuance of her advice, he was become a great student of books of the law; and having mastered his too hasty 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[4], 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 to support the fatigues of it. He was a good deal alarmed at this information, which was quite new to him: and immediately ordered his servant to get ready his horse and follow him to court. He accordingly set forwards, and having almost reached the end of his journey, overtook a man mounted on a mule. As he passed by him, he looked in his face and knew him to be Shuey-yeong, the old and faithful servant of 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, I was going in search of you, with whom I have very urgent business." Tieh-chung-u with some surprize asked him, "What business can you have with me? Does it relate to your master or your young lady." He told him it was concerning the latter. The young gentleman's wonder at this was increased. "How, said he! Pray what is the matter? Perhaps Kwo-khe-tzu hath given her fresh disturbance?" Shuey-yeong replied; "It is so, and he 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 importance as 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 Kwo-khe-tzu 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-khe-tzu 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; "Which my lady added he, finding it impossible to avoid, in her extremity drew up this petition, and dispatched me away to find you out; which I have happily accomplished in meeting with you: and if in the course of this affair there should be occasion for money, I come sufficiently provided." Tieh-chung-u was deeply concerned at his tale; and asked the name of the Grand Visitor; wondering how he durst to commit such injustice. 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 gentleman? 'Tis no matter. Do not you offer to strike on the drum: I will carry the petition myself to the proper officer[5]; who will presently give it to the Emperor. When his majesty returns it to the secretary, I will so explain the affair to that minister, that when it comes to be examined 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, replied the other, if you can do us this service, it will be very fortunate for my lady." This said, Tieh-chung-u mounted his horse[6], 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-yeong promised him to follow. Tieh-chung-u put forward full speed, and arrived at his father's audience: where he found a large concourse of people attending, whence he concluded that the Emperor had not permitted him to lay down his office[7]. Then alighting from his horse he went in to pay his duty to his parents, where to his great joy he learnt that he was 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 slow, it might possibly be late before he reached the city; and that he had therefore perhaps put into some inn, intending to wait upon him on the morrow. In the morning he sent Siow-tan again to wait for him, which he did till noon, but the old man never appeared. Tieh-chung-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. Tieh-chung-u then supposed he might have gone 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 thought not 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 Siow-tan to go out again the next morning, and to make all possible inquiry after him. [8]Now it had happened that when Shuey-yeong was almost got to the gate 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. On the morrow Tieh-chung-u arose 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 inhabitants of Tsie-nan 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 cannot in honour but fly to her relief. I should be more cowardly than a woman, should I 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, he hired a mule, and together with his servant, took the road for Shan-tong, hasting away to the relief of the young lady: [about whom he was rendered the more anxious by the disappearing of her servant.] [Ignorant of all this] Tieh-chung-u continued his journey, and as he hasted along, pleased himself with the thought of what vengeance he would take on 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 considerate: "Beside, said he, the noise that it will make, will come to the ears of Shuey-ping-sin: 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-khe-tzu by her prudent conduct without the least confusion or disturbance." 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 will be 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 few days he arrived. CHAP. III. As soon as Tieh-chung-u had arrived at the city of Tsie-nan, he alighted at an inn; and leaving every thing to the care of his servant, went directly to the house of Shuey-keu-ye. He found all quiet at the outward gate, and not a person to be seen: he advanced farther within the great gates, where he found the same stillness. He went up close to the inner gates[9] and met with nothing remarkable, till casting his eyes upon the wall he saw the declaration fixed upon it; he went up to it, and found it issued out by the Grand Visitor. Supposing it was his order to compel her to marry, he was going to take it down to produce it as a proof against him hereafter: but when he read it he found 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 brought over the 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 freedom, it might cause reflections to be cast on them both. "No, said he softly, as I am no relation I cannot take that liberty." 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-guwin 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 at court that the Grand Visitor 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 absence, and without his consent, I looked upon as very extraordinary and therefore come to inquire into it. I thought 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 favour. Satisfied with the sight of that, and concluding the report at Pe-king to be false, I am very well pleased, and shall forthwith return to court." Shuey-guwin smiled at what he heard. "What, said he, could you come away directly 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 kindness, you must not leave us so soon: you must stay a little and rest yourself, while I go and acquaint my niece with the great favour you have done her. You have given yourself a great deal of trouble, and would you return back without taking any refreshment[10]?" "I came not here, said Tieh-chung-u, with a view of making a merit of it with any one, but out of a disinterested regard to justice. It was merely to gratify my natural temper. And therefore I neither deserve thanks, nor will receive them. Ching-leao! farewell! farewell!" said he, and departed. Shuey-guwin would have conversed with him longer, but saw him vanish, as it were, from his sight, without so much as turning his head. As he thought this a great discourtesy and affront, he resolved to be revenged the first opportunity. With this view he sent a servant after him to find out his lodgings, and to pick up what intelligence he could about him. Then he went to his son-in-law, and informed him of the adventure. Kwo-khe-tzu, who was greatly surprized, stamped and said, "This animal is come to carry off my bride. We must find some way to prevent it, either by lodging 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. I 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-cha-yuen, or Superior of the Vice-roys, and what can the Grand Visitor do to him whose father is so much his superior[11]? Leave the affair to me: I have thought of a way, by which we shall reach him, without making any public disturbance, and yet stop his mouth so that he shall not dare to make the least complaint. Tieh-chung-u is very bold of speech[12]: and cares not what he says. I listened to his reasons for coming; which he pretended was purely for the sake of justice: but that is only a blind to conceal his designs on my niece. You must therefore send a servant to his lodgings, as from Shuey-ping-sin: 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 think to be real, and will doubtless comply with it. Now you must plant some stout lusty fellows at the place appointed; who when he comes are to fall upon and beat him severely[13]. How after this will he dare to complain? Or what could he say for himself should any one ask him what he did there in the dark so late?" Kwo-khe-tzu was delighted with this project, and upon being asked whether he thought it feasible, answered "Ay! ay! extremely so! It cannot but succeed; and will let him know that there are people in the city of Tsie-nan who know how to deal with him." They resolved to put their design in execution, which the arrival of Shuey-guwin's servant, who had brought directions where to find him, enabled them to set about immediately. On the other hand Tieh-chung-u, unable to account for this unexpected change in the Grand Visitor's conduct, went to the Che-hien's to see if he could gain any information there. That magistrate was from home, so that he went back again to his lodgings. As he was going in, he heard one 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. He asked what business he had with him? The boy did not immediately answer, but looking round him with great appearance of circumspection, and seeing nobody near, stepped up close to him, and told him softly, that he was sent by Shuey-ping-sin. "How, replied he! and Shuey-yeong at home[14]! What is it she can have sent you to tell me?" The youth answered that she would have sent Shuey-yeong, if she could have trusted a secret with him: but that she had nobody she could depend on so entirely as himself. "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 notice that he was there; all which prevented her from inviting him to come in. "But now, proceeded he, she hath sent me privately to desire you will let her see you, to thank you for 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 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 converge together.[15]" "True, replied the other, my mistress 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 inclination she bears towards you." Tieh-chung-u could contain himself no longer: "You young villain, said he in a rage, who taught you these words? But perhaps, 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? Your 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. 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-hien's audience, and have you there severely punished." At this the boy was so frighted that his soul had almost quitted his body: at last however he resumed courage, and persisted in it that he had said nothing but truth. Which so far provoked Tieh-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 Kwo-khe-tzu, whose 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 not help laughing. "Go, said he, and carry this message back to them that employed you. Tell them that I Tieh-chung-u am an upright and true man; and that Shuey-ping-sin is a woman without any dross or mixture, free from any thing foul as the most transparent stream: let them not then presume to hope they can ever succeed in their shallow plots." All this [and more] he charged the boy to tell his master and Shuey-guwin: after which he dismissed him. Kwo-khe-tzu was impatiently expecting 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-guwin, 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 Tieh-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 would have killed me if I had not confessed the truth. He asked me who sent me to pass these lies and play these tricks upon him? And how I durst come and asperse such a lady as Shuey-ping-sin: one so modest and discreet. At parting he laughed and said, 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 Shuey-guwin said to his son-in-law, "You must not be cast down, notwithstanding all this. I will yet contrive a way to be even with him." "Alas, replied the other, he will be too cunning and hard for you, do what you will. 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 large in the next chapter. CHAP. IV.[16] Kwo-khe-tzu hearing Shuey-guwin say he was not unprovided of an occasion to plague Tieh-chung-u, was desirous to know what it was. He told him, that as his coming so long a journey was all for the sake of his niece, it was not to be doubted but he would yet take an opportunity to speak with her; and therefore he must be watched. "Nay, said he, that he may not do it without our privity, I will go to my niece and make her send for him." "That, said his son-in-law, will be to do him a pleasure; nay will afford him an opportunity to bind the marriage contract with her, and then all my hopes are at an end, and I am utterly lost." "Fear not, replied the other, what I propose is the only means to prevent his doing it[17]." Then taking his leave, he went to the young lady, whom he thus accosted; "Niece, you have certainly great penetration and discernment with regard to mankind: I shall henceforth pay great deference to your opinion. For sometime since, when there was a rumour that Tieh-chung-u had been guilty of a great misdemeanour, and was nothing less than an hypocrite and a cheat, you would not give the least credit to it, but believed as well of him as before. Future inquiries have confirmed your judgment, and I am now satisfied he is a man of great honour, sobriety, and justice." "That, she replied, is an old affair: why do you mention what is past?" He said, "I saw this stranger again to-day: and am therefore convinced he hath the good qualities I spoke of." "How can you know a man's good qualities, said she, by barely seeing him?" He told her, that he had met him that morning coming out of her house; and had inquired his business: "For I was apprehensive, said he, that he had been doing something, which might bring a reflection upon you; and therefore thought it behoved me to call him to account: but he vindicated himself so handsomely, and appeared to have come hither with so good an intention, that I find him to be a very well-disposed, sincere, honest man." "Uncle, said the young lady, how could you know that he came hither with a good intention?" "He told me, replied he, that hearing at court that the Grand Visitor had issued out two orders to compel you to marry, and knowing how much it must be against your inclinations, he had come hither on purpose to prevent it. That with this view, and to make proper inquiries, he came to-day to your house, but finding upon the wall the Kao-she or declaration in your favour, he was satisfied, and about to return to court. From all this I cannot but conclude favourably of his character." "He acted just in this noble and upright manner, replied his niece, from the very first, when he saw me going to the Che-hien's. He is a youth of that justice and generous ardor, that I could not but do what I did, in recompence of so much merit." "Certainly, said her uncle, the assistance he afforded you at that time, and the kindness you shewed him afterwards, were both highly laudable. And now upon the bare report that you were likely to be injured, he hath come so far to your relief. But would it be right to let him return without any notice of, or thanks for his trouble?" "Your question, said she, is very proper: but what can I do? I am a young woman and single; and must avoid giving further occasion for scandal. What though he hath taken all this trouble, I know he expects no return from me: thoroughly convinced of my grateful temper, he requires no public proof of it." "That is very true, said Shuey-guwin; and yet it would be but right to invite him to come, that you might at least pay your compliments to him." Shuey-ping-sin had learnt from her old servant, that he had met with Tieh-chung-u near Pe-king, and there intreated his assistance; and that he had afterwards been fetched back again without ever explaining the reason of it to him. She therefore readily supposed, that the young gentleman having missed him, was come thither to know the truth of the matter: and imagining there could be no better occasion to inform him of what he must desire to know, consented to follow her uncle's advice. And yet she was not without suspicion, that the latter had some other design in view than he would acknowledge. She told him therefore she would be guided by him, and would prepare a Tieh-tse or paper of invitation, but it must run in his name. She accordingly dispatched Shuey-yeong with it; whom her uncle directed to the young gentleman's lodgings. Tieh-chung-u was reflecting on the oddness of the adventure, and on the inconsistency of the Grand Visitor's conduct, when he saw the old servant enter, who had occasioned him so much perplexity. He was very glad to see him, and eagerly inquired why he did not follow him to Pe-king. The old man informed him of all that happened from the time they parted; and accounted for the change in the Grand Visitor's conduct: at the same time he explained the reason of his abrupt return, and begged his pardon, as he supposed it had occasioned his journey thither. Then telling him that his lady was glad to hear of his arrival, he presented the billet of invitation. Tieh-chung-u was highly pleased with the account he gave him, but would not receive the Tieh-tse. "When I went this morning to her house, said he, I saw the declaration, which satisfied me of her safety: you have now cleared up all remaining doubts; why then should I stay? I will depart to-morrow." "Sir, replied the servant, will not you accept of the invitation, which I bring in the name of my second master[18]?" "There are, said the youth, many reasons why it would be improper. And I must insist upon it that there be no feast or other public acknowledgment on account of my arrival. [Your lady's excellent judgment knows that it would be wrong in me to go, although her complaisance may have induced her to invite me[19].] Return therefore, and present to her my most respectful services." Shuey-yeong did not press him farther, but went and reported to his lady and her uncle what he had said. The latter was much disappointed; but his niece remained very well satisfied with his refusal, supposing it proceeded from a foresight of some mischief intended him. Shuey-guwin, greatly mortified with the disappointment, went to his son-in-law, and related to him what had happened, telling him he looked upon the other's shyness as only counterfeited in order to cover a design of seeing his niece in private. He therefore advised him still to keep a good look out. "This fellow, said Kwo-khe-tzu, is a demon. And as I am a plain man void of all art or cunning, how shall I be able to look out after him. Am not I the chief person of figure in this city? He knows too, how much I desire to marry your niece; yet he is always coming here and soliciting her: in which he opposes me, and declares himself my enemy. He hath already discovered our intentions to deceive him, and therefore will henceforth be distrustful. To what purpose then shall we wait for an occasion to catch him? No: to-morrow I will go myself and visit him in form: he cannot but return the compliment: when he comes I will receive him with great courtesy, and make a handsome entertainment; to which I will invite several young rakes of this city, sons of great Mandarines, and my particular acquaintance: at the same time we will plant some strong lusty fellows near at hand. When he comes we will ply him with wine, and when he is in liquor, provoke him to throw out some affronting expression; which will afford us a handle to fall upon him, and beat him so severely that he shall breathe his last. Then will we present a petition to the Grand Visitor, wherein the disturbance shall be made to appear the effect of his own quarrelsome disposition. Thus shall we get clear of this difficulty, and prevent any body of figure from ever venturing again to try their strength with the principal youths of this city: which we shall also render famous for men of bravery and valour." Shuey-guwin approved of this design, yet could not help expressing some apprehension about the consequence. "What, said the other, have I to fear? do you consider the exalted rank of my father?" "Go then, replied Shuey-guwin, set about it directly, he intends to be gone early in the morning." Upon which the other calling his people together, and preparing a billet of compliments, ordered his chair, and set out immediately with great attendance. When he arrived at the lodgings, he sent in the paper, and Siow-tan informed his master of the visit; who thereupon bade him to return for answer that he was not at home[20]. Kwo-khe-tzu called to the boy, and getting out of his chair talked to him a good while: then got into it again and returned home. Tieh-chung-u learnt from his servant, that Kwo-khe-tzu had inquired after him with great courtesy, and had given him a very kind invitation to see him. "Wherefore is all this shew of kindness, said he to himself? He is certainly my enemy, and only means to deceive me. Besides, what time have I to spend in feasting and merriment? No! I am satisfied that Shuey-ping-sin is in safety, and will return to-morrow." But then he suddenly recollected that the other was the son of a Mandarine of the first rank. "Besides, said he, he came like a To-fang or Whirlwind[21]; he raised the whole city as he came along; and every body is acquainted with the honour he did me. After this, if I do not go, I shall be universally condemned for rudeness and ill-manners; therefore I cannot avoid it. Upon second thoughts I will go early in the morning. He is a man of ease and luxury, and lies in bed late; I will therefore go before he is stirring. I will only leave my compliments for him and will return." Having formed this resolution, he ordered his servant to prepare his bed, and to call him up early. These precautions were however fruitless; for Kwo-khe-tzu had appointed one of his attendants to wait near the inn, and to pick up what information he could about the repayment of his visit. From a servant of the inn this man learnt the directions the young gentleman had given when he retired to rest; of which he did not fail to apprize his master: so that when Tieh-chung-u went in the morning, he found he had long been waiting to receive him. Kwo-khe-tzu gave him the most courteous reception, having even gone out into the street to meet him. "Why! said he, smiling with great appearance of joy, and saluting him in the most respectful manner; Why do you give yourself so much trouble in seeing himself, so highly caressed, imagined it was to cover some evil design. He would gladly have returned, but could not now without great incivility: he accordingly attended him into the great hall, and would there have made him the customary salute; but the other told him it was too ordinary a place for that honour, and therefore begged he might show him farther within the house. He then carried him into the second hall, where the usual ceremonies past between them. This done, they sat down, and Kwo-khe-tzu called for tea. He afterwards took occasion to tell his guest, that he had long since heard of his high reputation, and had wished to have the honour of conversing with him. "When I was first informed of your coming here, said he, I sought for an occasion to see you: and to-day it is my good fortune to be favoured with a visit. I should be glad if you would extend it to eight or ten days." Tieh-chung-u having drunk his tea, set down his cup, and rising from his chair said, "Sir, your regard and friendship certainly demand that I should stay here longer. But I must be gone immediately: strong necessity requires it: could I fly as swift as an arrow from a bow it would not be amiss." This said, he was going away: but Kwo-khe-tzu embraced him saying, "You must then stay three days with me." "It is very certain, he replied, that I must be gone; I beg therefore you will not detain me." He then was going to force himself from him: but the other took hold of his hand, and said, "Although I am unworthy of this favour myself, you ought to shew some respect to my family and rank: you should not have visited me, if you esteemed us all so insignificant. No! now you are come, I must make you owner (or master) of this country[22] by giving you an entertainment." "I would not willingly refuse the many favours you confer on me, said Tieh-chung-u: but I must be gone. Every thing is packed up ready for my departure: and it is impossible for me to stay here longer." "I cannot force you to stay, said the other; but I am ashamed that I am not able to persuade you. However, as you are come so early you must stay and breakfast with me: it shall not detain you long. You must not mortify me by refusing so small a request. After breakfast more-over you may prosecute your journey." "Would you leave me to my own inclinations, said Tieh-chung-u, I could wish to be excused: but if you will have it so, I must submit. Yet according to order and propriety, upon the first visit how can I stay and give you this trouble?" "Between friends, replied the other, you must not talk of trouble." These words were scarcely uttered when Shuey-guwin made his appearance. He saluted the young stranger, and smiling said, "Yesterday my niece hearing of the great favour you did her in coming so far on her account, sent to invite you to her house. I know not what we had done to disoblige you. But as I have now the good fortune to meet with you here, I hope you will let me wait on you to her." Tieh-chung-u replied, "I came hither in the greatest haste, and must return with equal dispatch. I brought nothing with me to present her with, and how can I presume to go to her house with empty hands[23]. To-day I came to visit Kwo-khe-tzu only to pay my respects to him, and to know his door again: I intended to have returned immediately: but though I have been prevailed on to stay a moment, I cannot bear to receive so many favours, and should be glad of your directions how to return them." "Formerly, said Shuey-guwin, good friends would lay all ceremony aside: cannot you do the same by my son-in-law? I look upon you both as better than those of former ages; why then should you follow the corrupt practices of the present times?" Kwo-khe-tzu laughed and said, "My father, you say right: it ought to be so." By so many courteous and obliging speeches Tieh-chung-u was divested of all farther suspicion. He sat down, Kwo-khe-tzu making him take the first chair[24]. Presently after wine was brought. "Because I came early, said the youth, you insisted on my staying to eat a little. Why then do you bring wine? it is not time to drink that yet." "Drink it by degrees, said Kwo-khe-tzu, and we shall not think time unsuitable." Then sitting all of them down, they were very cheerful and drank about for a little while; after which Tieh-chung-u rose up to go. At the same instant word was brought that the young Mandarine Whang was entering the doors. This young gentleman, who was son of the Ping-pu[25], or Mandarine of the third chair of the tribunal of arms, was respectfully saluted by all the company, who afterwards sat down. "Sir, said Kwo-khe-tzu, you come in good time to meet with that gentleman, who is a person of worth and of great reputation for his courage and gallantry." "What! said the other; is that Tieh-chung-u? the young gentleman who forced his way into Tab-quay's palace?" Shuey-guwin assured him it was. "Is it possible! said he. Oh, Sir! have I then the happiness to meet with you here! a happiness which I was prevented from enjoying at court much against my inclinations. Give me here a great goblet." Then offering it with wine to Tieh-chung-u, the latter drank it off and returned it full to him again: thus they continued till each had drunk off three goblets. Tieh-chung-u was now about to go, when he was again prevented by the arrival of the young Mandarine Lee, second son to the Grand President of the royal college[26]. They were rising up to receive him, but he catched hold of a chair, and told them, as friends they must not do so. "Another time, said Kwo-khe-tzu, we may dispense with this ceremony; but to-day we have a stranger with us." With that Tieh-chung-u rose up and made his compliments to him. The other would have prevented it: "Excuse me, Sir, said he, your appearance doth not owe me so much respect! Pray how am I to call you?" Tieh-chung-u told him his name and city. "What! said he, the eldest son of the Supreme Viceroy!" then making him the most profound reverence, he congratulated his good fortune in having met with a person whom he had so often wished to see. Kwo-khe-tzu made them all sit down. By this time Tieh-chung-u perceived the wine began to affect him, and therefore resolved to stay no longer. "With your leave, Sir, said he to the young master of the house, I must now be gone. I know custom forbids that I should go so soon after the arrival of this young gentleman, but I came here early and have drunk a great deal: and therefore must go. The young Mandarine Lee[27] hearing this, changed countenance, and said, "You put a great slight upon me, Sir. Why did not you go at first? What! can't you stay a little while longer? You think me not good enough to drink with you." "Truly, said Shuey-guwin, he hath a great while desired to be gone: and it is not upon your account that he would go now; but if he will not first drink a cup of wine with you, you have reaon to accuse him of being uncivil. Come Sir, do but pay the same compliment to you, as he did to the young Mandarine Whang, then consider him as a guest." The other hearing that, was extremely well pleased, and agreed it was right: upon which they sat down, and each of them drank three cups of wine. This was no sooner over but a servant came to tell of the arrival of the young Mandarine Chang, eldest son to the President of the tribunal of rites[28]: he entered the hall as soon as the servant had spoke: and came staggering along, his cap on one side, with staring eyes and a red bloated face, crying: "Which is this Tieh? this Mandarine's son? if he hath a mind to pass for a valiant fellow in the city of Tsie-nan, why doth he not come and encounter me?" The youth, who had risen up to pay him the usual respects, hearing these words stood still: "I, said he, am called Tieh-chung-u: have you any thing to say to me?" The other made him no answer nor compliment, but stood staring at him in a very discourteous manner, and then burst out into laughter: "I thought, said he, this young Tieh was a terrible fellow. From people's reports, I concluded he had seven heads, and eight galls in his stomach. But his eye-brows are fine and small: he is smock-faced and delicate; and hath all over the air of a dainty young lady. People talk of his being valiant. I fancy it must be a monkey changed into that shape. Come, let us have some wine, we shall presently see whether he is valiant or not." "Certainly, cried the others present, that is the way to try people's strength[29]." "Wine, said Tieh-chung-u, is drunk upon several accounts; but there are only three on which it is proper; and for each of these, three cups are allowable: these are friendship, mirth, and to satisfy nature[30]. As Whang-cong-tzu began with three cups, so will I drink three more, which will be sufficient." "Very well, said the other, sit down then:" and taking him by the sleeve pulled him into the chair. Then calling for two large cups of wine, he put the one into the hand of Tieh-chung-u, and took the other himself. "Wine, said he, discovers the heart. This is the first I shall drink with you." Then taking it off, he turned it up, crying khaen or clean! Tieh-chung-u thought he could hardly manage his wine, but finding no other remedy at length he drank it: at which Chang cried out, "That's something like, and as a friend should." Then he ordered two more to be filled. On which Tieh-chung-u would have retired, saying he had drunk a great deal. "I have drunk, said he, three cups with each of these gentlemen, and now one with you. I have had enough; you must therefore excuse me." Chang replied, "What then, will you cut me off two cups? you make me little: I cannot let that pass upon me, who am as considerable as any of this city: come, you must make up my full number." Then taking a second cup, he drank to his health. Tieh-chung-u was now almost overcome with wine, for he had been drinking from early in the morning till ten o'clock, without having eaten a morsel: when therefore Chang had drunk off the second cup he would not pledge him, but put the wine down again upon the table. Which the other seeing, cried out, "Is this handsome! will not you do me the same courtesy that you have done the rest?" "It is not possible for me, said Tieh-chung-u, to drink any more: if it was, I would not refuse you." "This cup, replied the other, you must and shall drink." "If I don't, said he, what then?" Upon which Chang began to roar: saying, "Who are you, you animal? If you thus take upon you, why did not you stay in your own city? What, do you come here to brave us? If you will not comply I shall make you repent it." And with that he threw it in his face. Tieh-chung-u was so provoked with this abuse, that his anger and resentment got the better of his wine: he looked a while stedfastly at him, then rising from his chair seized him by the stomach and shook him severely, saying, "What! dare you get upon the tyger's head and pull out his hairs?" Chang cried out, "What! have you a mind to beat me?" "Yes, replied the other, what of that?" and gave him a box of the ear. Which the other young Mandarines seeing, cried out, "What do you mean by this? we have treated you with good will, and now you are drunk you abuse us for it. Come, come, shut the door, we will drub you till you are sober, and to-morrow carry you to the Grand Visitor." Then Kwo-khe-tzu made a signal, and immediately from a side chamber rushed out seven or eight lusty fellows: while Shuey-guwin pretending to compose the difference, endeavoured to lay hold of his hands. Tieh-chung-u, who was now become sober, perceived their designs against him, and found he was betrayed: nevertheless he cried out, "What! are you a parcel of dogs, that you thus set upon and worry me?" then taking up Chang he threw him headlong to the ground, and gave him two or three hearty kicks. This done he endeavoured to wrest a foot from one of the tables for a weapon, but could not get it loose: Shuey-guwin came up to prevent him, but he received him with a kick or two, that sent him eighteen or twenty covids[31] before him: "Take that, said he. For the sake of your niece, I will give you no more." The two young Mandarines contented themselves with making an outcry, but durst not come near him: instead of which Kwo-khe-tzu ordered the fellows to fall upon him. Then seizing Chang he swung him round: crying out, "I will brain this fellow against the first that offers to approach me." Upon which Chang crying out, begged them to forbear and let him alone. "I desire nothing more, said Tieh-chung-u, than to be suffered to go out: but you shall accompany me to the door." "Ay, ay! with all my heart, said the other, I will go out with you." Which done, Tieh-chung-u dismissed him; "Go, said he, and tell your fellows, if I had been provided with any weapon for my defence, I should not have been afraid of a thousand such as they. What signify four or five drunkards and gluttons, with the porters you have hired? Had it not been for your fathers, I had made some of you halt: but I have been very favourable, and you ought to thank me." This said, he hastened to his lodgings, where Siow-tan had prepared every thing for his departure: here he found Shuey-yeong with a horse ready saddled and waiting for him. Tieh-chung-u inquired the meaning of this: the old man told him that his mistress hearing of the invitation, had suspected it was with an ill design: that her suspicions were afterwards confirmed by the event, which she was also informed of; and though she never doubted but he would get the better, yet foreseeing that it might be followed by a great deal of trouble, she had sent him that horse, which she intreated him to mount immediately, and to go and acquaint the Grand Visitor with the affair. Tieh-chung-u was charmed with her discretion and discernment: "How kind and obliging, said he, is your mistress? I shall never be able to return these favours." He was going to set out, but the master of the house asking him to dine, he accepted his offer; and immediately after, mounting the horse, departed for Tong-chang-foo: to which city the Grand Visitor had removed his tribunal[32]. As soon as he alighted he drew up a petition, wherein he related all that had happened: then hastening to the doors of the audience, he found them shut: but being impatient he went and struck upon the drum. In consequence of which he was bound and carried before the tribunal: where the Grand Visitor had seated himself upon hearing the drum. The youth observed the usual order of respect in offering his petition[33]. The Grand Visitor imagined it was Tieh-chung-u before he opened it, and when he found he was right in his conjecture, he addressed him with great complaisance: "I knew nothing, Sir, of your coming into these parts. When did you arrive and what occasioned your journey?" He told him, that he travelled for his pleasure; but that yesterday coming to Tsie-nan-foo, he had met with people, who had used him very ill; insomuch that he had narrowly escaped with his life: and therefore he applied to his Excellency for justice. "Who dares abuse you, said the Mandarine? I will make an example of them." "Sir, replied he, you will find their names in my petition." He looked into it, and shaking his head, expressed great dislike of the affair. The youth asked him what he was displeased at. The Mandarine shewed a great unwillingness to proceed, saying, "I did not think these young men had been concerned: although they are four of the greatest brutes and libertines in the world." "Why, said Tieh-chung-u, should you make any demur in the matter? Although they be people of the first quality, why should you make a difficulty of chastising them?" "It is not out of fear, replied the other, but their fathers being of my acquaintance at court, complaints of this kind will be very disagreeable to them. They are a parcel of young unthinking rakes, that value themselves only upon their fathers' grandeur. But as this affair is not of so very high a nature, as absolutely to require them to be brought to public trial in all the forms of law and justice; therefore I could wish you would let me find some other way of giving you redress, without making out a formal prosecution." "I am far from desiring to give your Excellency trouble, replied Tieh-chung-u; I am fully satisfied in having acquainted you with it; which I did only that you might set a mark upon them for their actions." The Grand Visitor was very well pleased, and told him, he did him a favour in quitting all farther prosecution. "Come, said he, you must stay a few days with me." The youth thanked him, but urged his desire not to be detained. When the Mandarine found he could not prevail with him, he made up a paper of twelve taels of silver[34], and gave it him, saying, "If you don't accept of it, I shall think you are angry with me." To prevent that suspicion he received it, and withdrew. Where he went will be found in the next chapter.
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Chapter 11: A Warm Heart Cannot Rest: Rushing a Thousand Li to HelpModern English translation by Martin Woesler (2025) To the tune of "Rouged Lips": Say not it is no concern of yours — Every fiber of heart and body is bound to it. He races and flies, Still fearing she will think him slow. Can there be hesitation? It is all a matter of how deep the feeling runs. There is no holding back — Who but I, in this cold and warmth, Shall tend to it?
Magistrate Bao was genuinely surprised: "What can be the reason?" After a moment's thought he said: "It must be that Miss Shui has worked some new marvel and brought the Inspector to heel." Young Master Guo said: "Her father is not at home. She is a young girl who never leaves her chambers. What marvel could she possibly work?" Magistrate Bao said: "Do not underestimate Miss Shui. Though she is merely a young woman, she possesses the resolution of the greatest heroes of all time. The other day, when I brought the Inspector's orders to her, she agreed to everything without a murmur — and I immediately suspected she had some plan in reserve. Later, when I went back to impress upon her that she must not change her mind, she replied: 'I shall not change my mind — I only fear the Inspector will change his.' And now the Inspector has indeed changed his mind. Is this not her doing?" Young Master Guo had no choice but to take his leave and resume his inquiries at the Inspector's office. Under normal circumstances, since the whole office knew about Miss Shui's dramatic appearance at court, the truth should have come to light easily. But the Inspector, fearing the scandal, had ordered everyone to keep silent, and so Young Master Guo could learn nothing. He stewed in frustration for more than twenty days. Then, unexpectedly, the Inspector sent for him. Young Master Guo, imagining good news, hurried to the appointment. But when they met in the private chambers, Inspector Feng spoke first: "In attending to your matter, I very nearly brought a great disaster upon myself." Young Master Guo said: "To promote a marriage in your jurisdiction — even if there are some complications — how can that lead to disaster? Why has Your Excellency reversed your position?" Inspector Feng said: "I too thought of Miss Shui as merely a girl under my jurisdiction, and so I issued my orders to compel her submission. But this Miss Shui turns out to be a formidable individual — a woman of great intelligence and vast resourcefulness. When my orders arrived, she did not so much as bat an eye. She accepted everything with the utmost composure. Then, in secret, she composed a memorial to the throne, dispatched a household servant to the capital, and had him strike the Drum of Grievances to impeach me. Can you believe such audacity?" Young Master Guo was stunned: "A young girl — would she really dare go so far? I suspect this is a bluff, designed to buy her time." Inspector Feng said: "It was no bluff. She had the temerity to bring the memorial to me in person — here, at this very court." Young Master Guo said: "Then Your Excellency should have torn it up and punished her severely. That would have put an end to it." Inspector Feng said: "She was clever enough to dispatch the original three days before coming to see me. If I had punished her severely and the original arrived at court — if the throne accepted it and demanded the accused — what then? And that was not all: she stood before me with a dagger in her hand, ready to kill herself. If she had died, the situation would have been beyond all remedy." Young Master Guo said: "Even if her memorial reached the throne, Your Excellency could submit a counter-memorial. Surely you could prevail against her." Inspector Feng said: "You have not seen her memorial. She demolished my position utterly — there is no angle from which to mount a defense. If the memorial had been accepted, not only would I have been ruined, but you and your father would have been dragged into it as well. And so I had no choice but to issue the proclamation to pacify her, obtain from her the servant's name and description, and send a man racing after him day and night to bring the memorial back. The reason I could not receive you these past days was my fear that the memorial might not be intercepted in time, and that if our meetings became public knowledge, it would only add fuel to the fire. Fortunately, the memorial has now been recovered. I have asked you here today to see it for yourself, so that you will understand I did not reverse my position capriciously — I simply had no choice." He produced Miss Shui's memorial and showed it to Young Master Guo. Young Master Guo, though he did not fully grasp all its implications, was chilled by the phrase "fawns upon his patron and abuses his power." He said: "What insolence! Truly unforgivable. Can we really let this stand? I simply cannot contain my fury, and I simply cannot give her up. I beg Your Excellency, for my father's sake, to find some other way." Inspector Feng said: "In any other matter, I would gladly oblige. But this match with Miss Shui — frankly, there are irregularities. I advise you to let it go. Pressing the matter further will only lead to disaster. This young woman's actions are utterly unpredictable — she is not someone to trifle with." Young Master Guo, seeing the Inspector's refusal, had no recourse. He went home and summoned his confidant Cheng Qi to devise a plan. He recounted the gist of the memorial and said: "She accuses me of 'fawning upon his patron and abusing power' — dragging my own father into it! Is that not outrageous?" Cheng Qi said: "Her memorial may be vicious, but if you look at it from her perspective — she is fighting to the death to avoid the marriage. She does not object to your appearance or your talent. Her only insistence is that both parties must have their fathers' consent. On the strict proprieties of marriage, she is not wrong. I think this match simply cannot be forced. If you are absolutely determined to have her, the only way is this: your father will soon be Grand Secretary. Write to him at once, explain the situation, and ask him to act. He can send someone to the garrison where Vice-Minister Shui is serving his sentence and propose the match there. Think about it — Shui, in his present disgrace, will hardly refuse. And once her father has consented, she can fly to heaven for all the good it will do her." Young Master Guo was overjoyed: "Of course! The highway lies straight before me — why have I been taking byroads?" He wrote an earnest letter to his father, provided traveling funds, and dispatched Cheng Qi along with an old family servant to carry the proposal to the capital. As the verse says: You search the whole tree for blossoms and find none, Then go to dig for roots beneath. Who would have thought that spring was in the neighbor's garden? Butterflies and bees buzzing — all in the wrong direction. We shall set aside Cheng Qi's journey to the capital for the moment. Now Tie Zhongyu, after returning from Shandong to his family home in Daming Prefecture, carried in his heart an abiding admiration for Miss Shui. He gradually curbed his headstrong ways and devoted himself solely to study, intent on success in the examinations. One day, reading the official gazette, he saw that his father, Censor-in-Chief Tie, had submitted a memorial pleading illness. Not knowing the reason, he grew anxious. Taking Xiao Dan and riding post-haste, he hurried to the capital to see his father. As he neared the capital, he noticed a man on a donkey riding ahead of him. Tie Zhongyu's horse was faster, and as he overtook the donkey he glanced back — and recognized Shui Yong, servant of the Shui household. He pulled up in surprise: "Shui Yong! What brings you here?" Shui Yong looked up, saw Tie Zhongyu, and scrambled off his donkey in haste: "I was just coming to find you, sir!" Tie Zhongyu was alarmed: "Find me? What for?" He reined in his horse and dismounted. "Is it on account of the master, or the young lady?" Shui Yong said: "On account of the young lady." Tie Zhongyu started again: "What has happened to the young lady? Is it Young Master Guo making trouble again?" Shui Yong said: "Exactly — Young Master Guo making trouble again. Worse than before. My young lady is in such distress that she has sent me to the capital to strike the Drum of Grievances and submit a memorial. But she feared I would bungle it, so she told me to find you first, sir, and ask for your guidance." Tie Zhongyu said: "Submitting a memorial is simple enough. But first tell me — what has Young Master Guo done that is so terrible it requires a memorial?" Shui Yong said: "Before, when Young Master Guo was acting on his own, his schemes were shallow and my young lady could parry them as they came. But now the new Provincial Inspector is the elder Guo's protégé, and he has thrown his full weight behind the match — issuing two official orders to the county, demanding the marriage be completed within a month. How can she stand against that? My young lady had no choice but to compose a memorial impeaching him, and she sent me to find you for guidance. It is my great good fortune to have run into you. Please, sir, take me to the proper office at once. I have the necessary funds with me." Tie Zhongyu, hearing this, was incensed: "Which Inspector dares behave like this?" Shui Yong said: "His name is Feng." Tie Zhongyu said: "It must be that scoundrel Feng Ying! If the young lady has composed a memorial, it will certainly be devastating. There is no difficulty here. We need not even use the Drum — I shall deliver it to the Office of Transmission, and have it presented to the throne at once. When the reply comes down, I shall ask the Supervising Censors to file supplementary impeachments — and then let us see how long that scoundrel keeps his post!" Shui Yong said: "If you would do that for us, sir, everything would be resolved." Tie Zhongyu spurred his horse: "We cannot talk on the road. My horse is fast — I shall ride ahead. Follow as quickly as you can to the Censor-in-Chief's private residence. I shall have Xiao Dan wait for you at the gate." Shui Yong agreed. Tie Zhongyu whipped his horse and was gone like the wind. He arrived at the residence in no time. His father, Censor-in-Chief Tie, had submitted his memorial of illness as a formality — it had not been accepted, and the residence was still bustling with activity. Tie Zhongyu hurried inside, paid his respects to his parents, and learned that his father's memorial was merely a routine matter connected to a major policy debate requiring the Censor-in-Chief's involvement. Nothing serious. Relieved, he immediately sent Xiao Dan to the gate to wait for Shui Yong. Xiao Dan waited until evening — no sign of him. Tie Zhongyu surmised: "Miss Shui specifically sent him to ask me to submit the memorial — why hasn't he come? Perhaps his donkey is slow and he arrived late and found lodgings for the night. He will surely come in the morning." The next morning he sent Xiao Dan to the gate again. Xiao Dan waited until past noon — still no sign. Tie Zhongyu grew uneasy: "Could he have found some influential acquaintance who submitted the memorial for him, and so did not need to come to me?" He dispatched a capable clerk to the Office of Transmission to inquire whether a memorial had been submitted by the daughter of Vice-Minister Shui. The clerk came back: "No such memorial." Tie Zhongyu, still not satisfied, sent someone to the Gate of the Meridian to ask whether anyone had struck the Drum of Grievances that day. Again: "No." Now Tie Zhongyu was truly alarmed. He thought: "Shui Yong told me plainly he wanted my help to submit the memorial — why has he vanished? Could the Inspector's agents have discovered what was afoot and done away with him in secret? Or has he fallen suddenly ill?" A thousand anxious thoughts raced through his mind. It never occurred to him that Shui Yong, just as he was approaching the capital gates, had been overtaken by Inspector Feng's officer and sent back. Tie Zhongyu dispatched people in every direction to search — for three, then five days — without a trace. Tie Zhongyu grew desperate. He thought: "If the memorial had been accepted and submitted, Miss Shui would have nothing to fear from the Inspector. But now the memorial has not been submitted, and the Inspector's authority is bearing down on her. However capable she may be, she is one woman alone — how can she hold out? Her father is in exile, and in all of Licheng County everyone is currying favor with Young Master Guo. If I do not go to her aid, who will? As the saying goes: 'A man of honor will die for one who truly knows him.' Miss Shui and I, Tie Zhongyu — we are kindred spirits of the rarest kind. If I did not know, I might be excused. But I know, and to stand by and do nothing — a man with whiskers and eyebrows, outdone by a girl — would that not be to betray a kindred spirit?" His mind made up, he took leave of his parents, claiming he was going home to study. But in secret, without even riding his horse, he hired a donkey and, with only Xiao Dan for company, rode day and night toward Licheng County in Shandong, determined to help Miss Shui. As he rode, he pondered: "By rights, I should march straight into the scoundrel's court, give him a piece of my mind, and make a public spectacle of him — that would be satisfying. But he is a Provincial Inspector, touring on behalf of the Son of Heaven. If I did that, he could submit a memorial accusing me of insulting an imperial envoy, and he would have the better argument. Even at the imperial court, though his case is weak and mine is strong, I would not fear him — but I remember how Miss Shui overcame her adversaries without stirring a ripple. If I create a great uproar, she will only laugh at me again for acting on hot blood. Better to go first to Miss Shui, secure the Inspector's two orders demanding the marriage, take them to the capital, and have my father submit a memorial impeaching him for 'fawning upon his patron and abusing his power, compelling a senior minister's daughter into an illegitimate match.' Then let us see how he extricates himself!" As the verse says: Though the warm heart is single, Within it are ten thousand thoughts. Until the mind comes to rest in safety, The restless pacing never ends. Tie Zhongyu's plan was settled. He pressed on without stopping and within days reached Licheng County. He found lodgings, left his baggage with Xiao Dan to guard, and walked to the Shui mansion. The gate was quiet — not a soul coming or going. He entered the outer gate; still no one. He passed through the second gate, and though he saw no one, he noticed a proclamation posted on the wall. He went closer and read it — and it was indeed the Inspector's proclamation prohibiting forced marriages. He thought: "That scoundrel issued two orders demanding a forced marriage — and now he issues a proclamation against it? What a puzzle! Did Miss Shui manage to submit her memorial after all, and the result came down in her favor? Or has Vice-Minister Shui been reinstated, and the Inspector does not dare offend? Or did she bribe him?" He could make no sense of it. He wanted to go inside and ask, but then he thought: "She lives alone. I am neither kin nor friend. If she were in danger from a forced marriage, I might go in and inquire without impropriety. But with this perfectly placid proclamation posted at her gate — if I go in now, it would look like I was using public duty as a pretext for private designs. That is absolutely not permissible. Let me go outside and make discreet inquiries. Perhaps someone knows." He turned to leave. Just as he stepped through the main gate, he ran straight into Shui Yun walking past. They recognized each other and exchanged greetings. Shui Yun thought: "He left in such a huff before — what brings him back? He must have caught the fever too." He asked: "When did you arrive, sir? Have you seen my niece?" Tie Zhongyu said: "I arrived just today. I have not presumed to disturb your niece." Shui Yun said: "If you have not seen my niece, then why are you here?" Tie Zhongyu said: "While in the capital, I heard that Inspector Feng had been abusing his authority — issuing one order after another, demanding that your niece be married off within a month. I reflected that a girl's marriage is her father's decision — what business is it of a Provincial Inspector? My sense of justice was offended, and so I traveled a thousand li to lend my support. But just now, inside the gate, I saw the Inspector's proclamation — prohibiting forced marriages — a measure of good governance. I realize that the reports I heard in the capital were mistaken. And so I shall depart." Shui Yun laughed heartily: "So the Iron young gentleman has truly 'come at what he heard, and goes at what he sees'! A noble deed, to be sure — but rather hasty in execution. Be that as it may, since you have come all this way, you should at least stay a moment. Let me tell my niece, so she may come out and thank you properly. Otherwise this long journey of yours will have been entirely in vain." Tie Zhongyu said: "I did not come entirely for another person's sake — I came mainly to ease the unrest in my own heart. Now that my heart is at peace, what need is there for gratitude, or for thanks?" He cupped his hands: "I bid you good day, sir." And without another word he turned and strode away. Shui Yun tried to say more, but Tie Zhongyu had already rounded the corner. Shui Yun was thoroughly vexed. He thought: "That arrogant puppy — still as insufferable as ever! How can I teach him a lesson?" After pondering without result, he thought: "I had better consult with Young Master Guo." He first sent a boy to follow Tie Zhongyu discreetly and discover where he was lodging. Then he went straight to see Young Master Guo and told him everything. Young Master Guo stamped his foot: "The wretch has come back to steal my bride! I will not stand for this! I shall spare no effort to deal with him." Shui Yun said: "But how?" Young Master Guo said: "Tomorrow I shall seek him out and, on some pretext, provoke a quarrel. Then I shall have a few strong men lying in wait. We shall beat him half to death — and where will he go to complain? Then I shall report it to the Inspector. Even if old Feng knows the boy is the Censor-in-Chief's son and wants to protect him, he cannot very well punish us either. In the end, they will patch it up somehow and let him go — and he will never dare so much as look at a citizen of Licheng County again. Would that not be satisfying?" Shui Yun shook his head: "That will not do. I have heard that his father is Censor-in-Chief — the Inspector's own superior. Even if the Inspector wanted to act on your behalf, he would not dare cross the Censor-in-Chief's son." Young Master Guo was alarmed: "You are right — I had not thought of that. What then?" Shui Yun said: "I have a better plan. We need not make a grand production of it. Just give him a little taste of humiliation — knock him about, leave him black and blue, with no one to complain to — and that will be satisfaction enough." Young Master Guo said: "If we could manage that, so much the better. But how?" Shui Yun said: "This Tie fellow, for all his tough talk, is young. I suspect his real motive in coming here is my niece. He ran into me just now and had to put on a brave face, talking about justice and all that. But in his heart he is dying for a chance to see her. If we play upon that — send a boy to invite him, claiming the message comes from Miss Shui, saying she learned of his visit this morning and wishes to meet him tonight at the first watch, at the back garden gate, to have a confidential word — even a god could not tell it was a trick. When he arrives, you have some tough fellows hidden in ambush. Beat him black and blue — and where will he turn for redress?" Young Master Guo was so pleased that his whole face lit up: "Brilliant! A stroke of genius! We shall give him a thrashing and let him know that the heroes of Licheng County are not to be trifled with." He called out a clever, smooth-talking page boy and carefully rehearsed him in what to say — do this, say that. The boy was indeed clever, and understood everything perfectly. Just as the instructions were complete, the boy whom Shui Yun had sent to find Tie Zhongyu's lodgings returned. Shui Yun had the boy lead the page to the spot. Now Tie Zhongyu, troubled by the Inspector's proclamation and unable to learn its true cause, had gone to the county hall to ask Magistrate Bao for an explanation. But Magistrate Bao was away on business. Tie Zhongyu returned to his lodgings. The Shui household boy, seeing him approach, pointed him out to the page: "That is the Iron young gentleman coming now." The page took note of his face. He let Tie Zhongyu enter the lodgings, then followed him in. In a low voice he called out: "Master Tie — where have you been all day? I have been waiting a long time." Tie Zhongyu turned and saw a page boy of about fourteen or fifteen. "Whose boy are you?" he asked. "What do you want with me?" The page did not answer at once. He looked around carefully, and seeing that no one was nearby, he sidled up to Tie Zhongyu and said in a whisper: "I was sent by Miss Shui." Tie Zhongyu was suspicious: "Miss Shui has her chief steward Shui Yong and other servants. Why would she not send one of them, but send you instead?" The page said: "The young lady was going to send Shui Yong, but she said it would be inconvenient for him to speak freely. So she sent me instead. I am the young lady's personal attendant — I can communicate her innermost thoughts." Tie Zhongyu said: "What innermost thoughts require your communication?" The page said: "The young lady says that this morning she learned of your visit, sir. She wished to come out and see you, but — firstly, with everyone watching, it was not convenient for a private conversation; secondly, if anyone had seen, there would have been talk; thirdly, since you did not knock at the gate or send in a card, she could not very well invite you in without its looking improper. And so she restrained herself. But she is deeply grateful for your kindness in coming all this way, and she must thank you in person. So she has sent me to you in secret." Tie Zhongyu said: "Go back and tell the young lady this: though Tie Zhongyu came here because he could not bear to see injustice done, it was to ease his own conscience — not to see the young lady's face. Even if the young lady feels gratitude, there is no reason and no propriety in meeting. Men and women are not the same as friends." The page said: "The young lady is well aware that a man and a woman should not meet. But she says that since you have already met before, and since today you have traveled such a distance for her sake, to refuse a meeting now on grounds of propriety would be a breach of friendship. She wishes to propose that you come at the first watch of the night, quietly, to the back garden gate, where the two of you might speak briefly. No one will know — it will be convenient for both sides. She earnestly hopes you will not break the appointment, lest you disappoint the young lady's heart." Tie Zhongyu heard this and exploded with fury: "Nonsense! What kind of talk is this? Has your young lady lost her mind?" The page said: "My young lady means it with the best intentions — why is the Iron young gentleman angry?" Tie Zhongyu was seething, but even in his anger he thought: "Miss Shui has always been the strictest upholder of propriety — how could she say such things? Could she really have become a different person in so short a time? There must be a trick behind this." He seized the boy by the collar with one hand and raised the other as if to strike: "You little wretch! How dare you come here with a honey-trap to deceive me? Miss Shui is a heroine among women of our age — how dare you put such filthy words in her mouth? And I, Tie Zhongyu, am a man as bright and clean as polished steel — how dare you try to lure me with such lewd talk? These words are beyond anything a boy your age could invent — someone put you up to this. Tell me the truth: whose boy are you, and who taught you these words? Tell me honestly and I shall let you go. But if you hedge by so much as half a word, I shall drag you to the county hall and have the magistrate beat you to death!" The page had been speaking with such fluency and conviction when Tie Zhongyu suddenly grabbed him. The boy was terrified out of his wits. And when Tie Zhongyu laid bare the whole deception before he could even finish, the page was more terrified still. At first he tried to bluff: "It truly was Miss Shui who sent me. These are truly the young lady's own words." But after two sharp slaps across the mouth, the truth came tumbling out: "I am actually Young Master Guo's page. These words were all taught me by old Master Shui. It truly has nothing to do with me — please spare me, sir!" Tie Zhongyu threw his head back and laughed: "Goblins and ghosts, daring to play their tricks in the broad light of day!" He released the boy: "Since you have told the truth, I shall let you go. Tell that old wretch of the Shui family this: I, Tie Zhongyu, am a man of iron principle, and Miss Shui is a woman beyond compare. Our actions are governed by nothing but righteousness and honor — and petty men cannot so much as begin to fathom them. Tell him to stop asking for trouble. Now go!" The page, freed at last, dared not utter another word. He pulled his sleeve across his face and ran crying all the way back. Shui Yun and Young Master Guo were still sitting together waiting for news when the page stumbled in, crestfallen and tearful. Young Master Guo demanded: "What happened to you?" The page, having endured such a beating, burst into tears at the sight of his master: "It is all old Master Shui's fault!" Shui Yun said: "I told you to go as a Shui household boy, deliver Miss Shui's message — he should have been delighted. How is it my fault?" The page said: "Old Master Shui, you underestimate the Iron young gentleman far too much! He is terrifyingly sharp. Those two eyes of his see right through you — better than any fortune-teller. That mouth of his can discuss anything as though he had witnessed it himself. The moment I said I was sent by Miss Shui, he was already suspicious — 'If Miss Shui sent you, why not send the chief steward? Why send you?' I said I was the young lady's personal attendant, trusted with her private thoughts. Already his face was dark, and he demanded: 'What private thoughts?' I had no choice but to deliver old Master Shui's whole message about Miss Shui inviting him to a secret meeting in the back garden. Before I was halfway through, he flew into a rage, grabbed me by the collar, and started hitting me: 'Whose boy are you, you little wretch? How dare you come here with a honey-trap! Miss Shui is a paragon of virtue — how dare you put such filthy words in her mouth!' And: 'Who taught you all this? Tell the truth or I shall have you beaten to death at the county hall!' I held out at first, but after two slaps I could not hold out any more, and I told him everything. As I was leaving he called old Master Shui a goblin and a ghost, and said to tell him to stop pulling a tiger's whiskers and asking for trouble." Young Master Guo and Shui Yun stared at each other, speechless. After a long, stunned silence, Young Master Guo ground his teeth: "That insufferable wretch! I absolutely will not let him off. Yet I cannot think how to get at him." Shui Yun said: "I have one more plan — I am determined to pay him back!" And this plan was to lead to the truth of the saying: Those who create mischief for others End by suffering the mischief themselves. To learn what plan Shui Yun had in mind, read on in the following chapter. |