Chapter 1: The Hero Visits Peking, and Takes Pity on a Lover in Distress

From: The Fortunate Union, a Chinese Romance. Translated from the Chinese Original by John Francis Davis (London, 1829)

Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1829 print. Some scan errors may remain -- compare with the modern translation and Chinese original to verify.

CHAPTER I.

THE HERO VISITS PEKING, AND TAKES PITY ON A LOVER IN DISTRESS.

Though broad th’ expanse of earth, of hill and stream, Beneath yon broader heaven—though countless years

Still follow years gone by—as rolls the tide

Of human life in endless ebb, how few ‘

The worthies of our race ! ° e « e

Asleep or wake, one object all absorbs

His mind—he yields to passion’s force, and feels Beanty’s* soft sway—and did not adverse fate Seill thwart his hopes, their union were complete !

It is related that there lived during a former dynasty, in the city of Taming,t a young student, whose fa- mily name, with the addition of his personal appella- tion, was Teihchungyu, and his adopted title Tingseng. The features of this youth were so regular and perfect, as to resemble those of some beautiful woman, and

In the original, the phrase “arched eyebrows,” is a poetical term

for female beauty.

+ One of the principal cities of the chief province, in which Peking the capital, is situated.

gained for him, among his neighbours and acquaintance, the nickname of the “ fair lady.” An exterior thus graceful and pleasing might properly have been matched by a soft and yielding disposition ; while that of Teihchungyu,* on the contrary, partook of the rigid inflexibility of iron itself. His impetuous and ardent temper readily betrayed him into acts of intemperate violence: nor was it an easy matter to appease him when once irritated. Some deemed it strange, that in his social dealings with the world, he would meet the rich and great with studied coldness and formality, and readily take offence at the slightest omission on their parts; while on the other hand, did he chance to fall in with any of his poor and humble acquaintance, he would regale them with wine, and entertain them by his conversation, passing the whole day in friendly in- tercourse, without either fatigue or distaste. He pos- sessed, however, one very good quality: for when people in real distress applied to him, he relieved them at once, without regard to their rank or other pretensions ; but as for those flatterers, who came merely to humour him with a view to exciting his favour, he would pre- tend not to hear them. Thus it proved, that while many were justly grateful to him for his benefits, none ever ventured to approach him without having some good title to his bounty. His

Anallusion to the word Teih, signifying iron: most of the names

in Chinese fictions have a reference to the characters of those who bear them.

His father, named Teihying, was of the highest lite- rary order, a man of an upright and straightforward temper, who held a place in the Censorate, and was celebrated for his boldness in giving advice to the sovereign. The mother of Teihchungyu accompanied her husband to his office at court; but their son, be- cause of his violent disposition, and the consequent chance of its involving them in trouble, was left at the family house in his native city. Possessed of great natural endowments, our hero made a proportionate pro- gress in learning, and soon became superior to the genera- lity of persons of his own age and rank. He passed his whole time in retirement, amusing himself with books, and indulging his taste for pleasure, not without wine, amidst flowers and willow groves, hills and streams.

He had reached the age of fifteen or sixteen, when his father and mother determined on chusing him a wife: but the youth himself urged objections. ‘ I am naturally hard to please,” said he; “the choice of a spouse is very different from that of a mere friend, who may be got rid of if he does not suit you; but once married, the union is for life, and should the selection prove to be a bad one, there is not much difference between the two evils of living together, or being di- vorced. On this account, I entreat that you will allow a little more time in a matter of such consequence.” As there was reason in what he said, they complied with

his wishes.

B 2 Thus

Thus it happened that he attained to nearly twenty years of age without marrying, or even thinking of marriage. About this time, as he was one day reading, and drinking in the intervals, he came suddenly upon the history of Pekan,* who fell a victim to the honesty with which he reproved his sovereign. ‘‘ Such fidelity,” thought the youth to himself, “ virtue in a minister; yet, to deserve the highest praise, he should be able to preserve himself from destruction,

is doubtless a noble

at the same time that he arouses his master to a sense of his errors. Let the fervency of his zeal lead him to disregard consequences, he not only fails in his object, but provokes at once his sovereign’s fury, and completes his own ruin; and when it comes to this, where is the use of his fidelity ?”+

Having

© The last emperor of the Shang dynasty had a wife, famed for her sensuality, as well as for her influence over her husband. Various stories are related of the cruelty of this pair, whose vices had at length the natural effect of provoking rebellion among their subjects. One of the emperor's relations having ventured to reprove him, escaped the conse- quences of his temerity by counterfeiting madness: another, whose name was Pekan, was not so wise, or so fortunate. The cruel monarch ordered his heart to be taken out and brought to him for inspection, observing, with an inhuman jest, that he wished to know if the heart of a sage differed from those of other men. The tyrant was dethroned by Woowong, the founder of the next race. When reduced to despair, he arrayed himself in his splendour, and mounting a funeral pile, burnt himeelf to death like Sardanapalus. The Chinese annals place him 1130 years B.C.

+ Tacitus more than once expresses a like sentiment: ‘ Obsequiumque ac modestiam, si industria ac vigor adsint, eo laudis excedere, quo ple- rique per abrupta, sed in nullum reipublice usum, ambitiosA morte incla- ruerunt.’— Vit. Agr. c. 42.

Having refreshed himself with another cup or two, Teihchungyu considered that his father was in a situa- tion which exposed him to similar dangers, while the unbending disposition, for which he was so well known, was only the more likely to involve him in a similar fate. He became extremely uneasy on the sub- ject, and began to wish himself at the capital, that he might assist his father with his advice. After passing arestless night, distracted and irresolute amidst a variety of projects, he rose with daylight the next moming, and giving the household in charge to a careful old domestic, ordered his horse and travelling furniture* to be prepared. Then desiring only his trusty atten- dant, Seaoutan, to follow him, he set out on a journey to Peking to see his father and mother.

Strong is the sovereign’s claim, e’en unto death, On his good subjects’ service—nor less strong The claims primeval of paternity ! Unnumber'd though the social links that bind Man to his fellow man, none may compete With the five chief relations.t Teihchungyu travelled with all haste towards the capital : and at the expiration of two days, his anxiety to proceed occasioned his finding himself, on the ap- proach of night, far from any regular resting-place, so that © This generally consists of a quilt or mat to lie upon, and a hard pillow. The Chinese do not incommode themselves with a superfluity of baggage, and used to express their surprise at the large quantity belonging to the embassy of 1816.

+ Viz. prince and subject, father and son, husband and wife, brothers among themselves, and friends reciprocally.

that he was obliged to strike into a path leading toa scattered village, where, indispoged to lose time in se- lecting a lodging, he dismounted at the door of the first house he came to. His boy was desired to hold the horse, while he went in and called. An old woman presently came out, and observing his scholar’s dress, said, “I suppose, sir,” you come from Peking to see the young student Weipei, and would have me

w you his house?” He told her that he knew no such person, but had lost his way, and was in search of a bed for the night. ‘“‘ Then sir,” replied the woman, “ you are welcome to what we can give you ; but we are poor people, and you must excuse an indif- ferent lodging.” He said that he should be glad of any thing she could let him have until the morning: so the boy was desired to bring in the travelling furni- ture, while the old woman found a shed for the horse, and shewing her guest into a little side-room, brought him some tea to drink.

After refreshing himself, Teihchungyu inquired of his hostess, what had made her so curious about the object of his coming to the village, and who that stu- dent might be, of whom she had spoken? “‘ You seem to be ignorant, sir,” replied the woman, “ that this place was not originally called Weitsun,* but that many years since an inhabitant of that name attained to high honours, and his family became so numerous

and

The hamlet of Wei.

THE FORTUNATE UNION, 7

and flourishing, as to occupy the greater part of the neighbourhood and give their own name to it. They soon afterwards declined, and their wealth and numbers gradually diminished, until they were reduced to the meanest condition. Their fortune, however, at length took another turn, and one of the family, after reaching the age of sixteen or seventeen, attained to the rank of Bachelor in Letters. He chanced at Peking to become acquainted with a scholar of the same degree, who con- ceiving an affection for him on account of his youth and early attainments, contracted him to his own daughter. Their poverty was the oocasion of the marriage being delayed for some years, and in the mean while a rich and powerful lord, happening to observe the beauty of the intended bride, was determined to obtain possession of her. The parents would on no account give their con sent, and the great man, enraged thereat, made such a bad use of his power as to send a number of people to seize the lady and carry her off by force. Some person came hither to acquaint the student with his misfortune, and he hurried to Peking to make inquires, but could learn no tidings of either his wife or her relations. He would then have presented a complaint, but could procure no witnesses to back him ; besides which, his enemy was so powerful, that there seemed little chance of obtain- mg redress. This morning he returned home in despair, and after recounting his griefs to his mother, went out, as she apprehended, to drown himself. She flew to all her

her neighbours, and to my husband among the rest, entreating them to pursue him and prevent his inten- tions ; but I know not if they have succeeded. Thus, sir, I was led to suppose on your arrival that you might be a friend come to see him.”

She had hardly done speaking, when they heard a confused sound of voices in the road, and coming out of the house, perceived a number of people surrounding a young man in the dress of a student, who covered his face and wept.. The old woman called out to her hus- band in the crowd to return home, telling him there was a guest in the house. Upon this he immediately left the throng, and perceiving Teihchungyu, asked his wife if that young gentleman was their guest ?

“ Yes,” replied she, “he has lost his way, and wants a lodging for the night.”

“Tf 0,” said the other, “ why don’t you go and prepare supper, instead of staring about here ?”

. “1 was acquainting this gentleman,” replied the old woman, “ with the history of the young student, and as you are present, can you inform us how it happened that he could discover no traces of his bride, although she was carried off in broad daylight by such a number of persons?” . “There were plenty who could have informed him,” replied the villager; ‘“‘ but his enemy is a power- ful courtier, and few persons would be so rash as to incur danger by mentioning what did not concern them ;

THE -FORTUNATE UNION. 9

them ; however,” continued he, “ though they had re- lated every thing, it would have been of little use to the young gentleman.”

“ Alas, alas!” exclaimed the old woman, “I fear that his misfortunes will kill him!” and so saying she went into the house to prepare supper.

“ How timorous and spiritless are you country peo- ple!” said Teihchungyu, smiling,—“‘ though I can- not help thinking you must be mistaken on this subject, and talk at random.”

The old man assured him that he himeelf, at least, was well-informed, and being asked where he got his information, replied, ‘‘ Sir, you seem to be a stranger, quite unconnected with this affair,—I have therefore no objection to mentioning it before you: but let me ask, where would you suppose that the young lady had been concealed ?”

“She must be lodged in the female apartments of the noble* who carried her off,” said Teihchungyu.

“ That can hardly be the case,” replied the other, since there is always somebody going in and out, and it would be difficult to keep the matter a secret ; but they say that the emperor for some particular de- serts bestowed on him a palace of retirement, sacred

from

It has been very ignorantly asserted, that the Chinese possess nothing

like hereditary nobility. There are five grades of these (besides the descendants of Confucius), who enjoy hereditary rank to all intents and purposes : though official rank in China is certainly of more consequence than chat derived from mere descent.

oe

from all intrusion, whereiri he might dwell and enjoy himself. A nephew of mine, who went to the city to sell forage, saw the young lady seized, and carried to this place.”

“ What then prevented his immediately acquainting the young man,” said our hero, “that he might go and procure the liberation of his bride ?”

“ It was useless,” replied the villager, “ for I my- self spoke to him very earnestly, but he despaired of doing any good.” Being asked if he knew where this palace was situated, ‘“‘ Yes,” continued he; “ it is not much more than half a mile from one of the city gates; the place is well known to every one, but none dare enter it.” By this time the old woman came to say that supper was ready: and when Teihchungyu had satisfied his hunger, he desired his page to prepare a bed for him to sleep.

After breakfast in the morning, he told Seaoutan to weigh out half a tael of silver for their host. The latter, as Teihchungyu was mounting his horse to depart, cautioned him, for fear of mischief, not to say a word at Peking of what had passed between them on the pre- ceding evening. The youth desired him to set his mind at ease, for he should hardly talk of what did not con- cern him: and so taking leave of the old man, he soon found himself on the high road to the capital.

Vain are the crafty villain’s wiles, most vain Often, when vaunted most—disgrace, defeat, Rush headlong in from quarters little fear'd ! Hearken

THE FORTUNATE UNION. ll

Hearken to counsel, friend, and when secure You deem yourself from mortals’ purblind eyes, Think there’s a heaven above, that surveys ail !

Scarcely had he proceeded a mile on the journey, when he perceived at a short distance before him the young student, weeping aloud, and with every outward token of despair calling on heaven, and complaining of his fate. Teihchungyu no sooner discovered who he was, than he made all haste to gallop up, and dis- mounting from his horse, clapped him on the shoulder. “* Friend,” said he, “do not yield to despair,—your difficulties are not insuperable: I will use my endea- vours, and feel confident of having your fair mistress restored to you.”

The student looked up with surprise, and perceiving the stranger’s imposing exterior, “ Alas! sir,” cried he, ‘“ I am but poor and mean, undeserving of the notice of such a person as yourself. I cannot guess how you should have learned whol am. Your kind consolations are entitled to my warmest thanks; but these misfor tunes seem to be a judgment from heaven, and allowing you to be possessed of superhuman power, I fear you can do me no good !”

Our hero laughed, and exclaimed, “ It is the mere sting of a bee! if I do not set it all to rights, you shall be at liberty to say that the age of achievements is past.”

“ Sir,” said the other with increased surprise, “ I fear the intensity of my grief has impaired my under-

standing,

standing, and I may have spoken disrespectfully in doubting the ability of one who now appears to me possessed of extraordinary goodness and power. But let me beg your name and title, that I may know and remember to whom I stand so much indebted.”

“* J will not tell you that just now,” said the youth, “but pray let me know your own particular designation, and what your present plans are; for it is necessary that I should be informed.”

The other acquainted him with his designation, and then added, “ I should have been driven by my misery to seek death, had it not been for two reflections: first, that my mother must in such a case be left child- less ; secondly, that under the government, and almost in the presence of so divine an emperor, it seemed im- possible that the wicked noble who robbed me of my betrothed wife could be allowed to persist in his violence and injustice. Last night, after some irresolution, I wrote a statement of my case, and was just now on my road to Peking, where, indifferent to my fate, I would have gone to all the various tribunals, and accused my enemy. I knew that his rank and opulence made him a very unequal opponent to myself, but the business had arrived at such a pitch as to put these considera- tions out of the question.”

He then drew the document from his sleeve, and still weeping, requested Teihchungyu to peruse it, and judge of the extremity of his hardship. The

youth

youth read the paper, and found that his father-in-law, named Hanyuen, was a scholar of the same degree with the student himself, and that the ravisher was Takwae, a noble of high rank. ‘“ Very well,” said he to the other ; “ this statement is clear and well drawn up; but to be effectual, 1t must be submitted to the emperor’s own inspection ; if taken to the tribunals, the different officers will support each other ; if you present it your- self to his majesty, that too will prove unavailing ; but entrust it to my care, and I may perhaps find out a way to assist you.”

The student bowed low. “Sir, your kindness to-

wards me is like the influence of Spring on a dying tree.* But it is not fit that I remain idle while you are labouring for me—let me follow your horse’s steps to Peking, where I shall be ready to obey your commands.” “ No,” said Teihchungyu, “ were you to go with me, it might excite attention, and place your enemies on their guard ; you had better return home, and in ten days hence, if I have any good news to communicate, you shall hear it.”

“ Your goodness, sir,” replied the other, “ surpasses

the

In Cowper’s beautiful address to Yardley Oak, we have the same

ne “ Yet life still lingers in thee, and puts forth

Proof not contemptible of what she can,

Even where death predominates. The Spring Finds thee not less alive to her sweet force,” &c.

the heavens and the earth! But alas, you labour in vain for an ill-fated wretch like myself!” and with that his tears began to flow afresh.

“ What is there in the whole world,” exclaimed Teihchungyu, “ that a young man like yourself need despair of accomplishing? Take heart, then, and cease this childish mood.”

The student thanked him gratefully, and our hero, putting the paper into his sleeve, and bidding the other . a hasty adieu, mounted his horse and proceeded with his attendant towards the capital. The young man, overwhelmed with conflicting emotions, stood by the way-side and followed him with his eyes. The whole appeared like a dream, which he hardly dared to think was true, and yet would not willingly believe to be false. In this state he lingered until Teihchungyu and his horse vanished from his sight: and then, turning round, walked pensively towards his home.

No resting-place the troubled bosom finds, Th’ embitter’d soul in sighs must seek relief. Say not, that tears to women’s softer mood, Or babes alone pertain—by grief opprest, The sternest oft will weep.

The village was not above twelve or fifteen miles from Peking, and our hero travelled with such expedi- tion as to arrive there by noon. He resolved to take the statement directly to his father, and consult with him on petitioning the emperor for a warrant to proceed against Takwae. On arniving at the private

door

door of his father’s house he observed, to his great surprise and concern, that not a single attendant was to be seen. Wondering what could be the matter, he dismounted in haste and entered the hall of audience, where none of the clerks or other officers were in wait- ing. Still more alarmed by these appearances, he hur- ried towards the inner apartments, which he found shut. He then called aloud to the people within, who instantly recognised his voice, and opening the doors, exclaimed as they met him: “ Alas! sir, things have gone very ill; my lord has offended the emperor by an address, and just been thrown into prison!” They added, that he had come most opportunely, and urged — his going immediately to consult with his mother.

Teihchungyu asked with the greatest surprise what this address could be; and without waiting for an answer, walked straight into the room where his mother was sitting. As soon as the latter saw him she caught hold of his sleeve, and exclaimed with tears, “‘ My son, it is well that you are here! Your father, in his anxious solicitude to perform the part of a faithful minister, was constantly presenting memorials ; and a misfortune has at length befallen him, which puts his life in some danger.”

The young man was much alarmed by this intelli- gence ; but seeing his mother in such distress, he could not but endeavour to offer her some consolation: so kneeling down, he entreated her to be composed :

“ Though

“ Though this affair were as arduous as the heavens,” said he, “ we might still find out a remedy; tell me then, mother, what was the petition, and in what manner worded, thus fearfully to provoke the anger of the emperor ?”

The lady raised him, and desiring that he would sit down by her side, proceeded to relate as follows. “Your father was returning from the audience a few days since, when he was stopped half way by an old man and his wife, who with dishevelled hair and torn garments stood before his horse’s head, and cried out for justice. Being asked who they were, and what was the matter, the old man stated that he was a scholar, named Hanyuen, and that his daughter being already affianced, but not yet married, a powerful noble had heard of her beauty, and sent a peremptory message to demand her as his mistress. The father replied, that pledges had already passed between the betroth- ed, and that he would rather die than give his assent to such a proposal; adding at the same time some other expressions which exasperated the great man, who then made a vile use of his power, and sent a number of the wretches* in his pay to enter the house by force, and carry off the daughter. The father pursued and endeavoured to prevent them; but in so doing only exposed himself to be beaten and maltreated in a shocking manner. Your father was much moved

by

Literally ‘ vultures and dogs.’

by this detail of the outrage, and presently addressed a petition to the emperor, praying him to degrade and punish the ravisher. Had your father proceeded with due caution, he would, at the same time that he pre- sented the address, have secured Hanyuen and his wife as witnesses: but exasperated feelings unhappily deprived him of his usual foresight. When his ma- jesty’s order was issued to the Criminal tribunal to sub- ject the offender to trial and punishment, that wicked

_ noble, being possessed of abundant wealth and re- sources, contrived to place the old man and his wife out of the way, and to secrete their daughter beyond the reach of inquiry; so that when the trial came on, there were no prosecutors. He then presented a memo- rial to the emperor, accusing your father of slandering a faithful minister and deceiving his sovereign, winning over at the same time to his cause the judges of the tribunal, who advised his majesty that your father should be degraded and punished. The emperor was highly offended, and issued an order for his imprison- ment; and though some of his powerful friends would gladly have exerted themselves to save him, yet the want of accusers and witnesses in this case made it im- possible—and alas! I fear that the worst still remains behind.”

On hearing his mother’s story, Teihchungyu felt perfectly relieved, and told her that she might set her mind at rest. “ Any matter connected with the palace,”

VOL. 5. c observed

observed he, “ might have proved very serious: but as for Takwae, and his seizure of the scholar’s daugh- ter, ’tis but a trifle.”

“That may be true,” said the lady; “ but still

the parties are not forthcoming, and it amounts in ap- pearance to the crime of deceiving the emperor.” _ “ Had my father,” replied he, “‘ made use of false names and fictitious circumstances to implicate Takwae, such would have been the complexion of his offence ; but Hanyuen is a person of literary rank, and his daughter being carried off in the sight of great numbers, it was nothing more than the duty of my father’s office to take notice of the affair—much less a crime against his sovereign.”

Finding that his mother still despaired of discover- ing the secreted parties, Telhchungyu observed, “ that when robbers and malefactors, in spite of their various tricks and disguises, were discovered in the remotest districts, what difficulty could there be in finding this scholar and his family, who, oppressed and maltreated as they had been, were shut up within the very pre- cincts of the court? Besides,” added he, “ I myself have all the necessary information respecting them.”

His mother appeared scarcely to believe this: upon which he asked her reproachfully if she thought him capable of deceit? “‘ Then,” exclaimed she, with joy, “ if such be really the case, hasten, as soon as you have refreshed yourself, to your father in prison, impart to

him

him this intelligence, and pat an end to his sorrow.” So saying, the lady desired her attendants to prepare a repast for her son, and causing him to change his tia- velling dress, gave orders that a sufficient number of persons might be ready to attend him to the prison. Teihchungyu, however, paused, and told them not to be ina hurry. He went into the library, and wrote out an address to the emperor; then requesting his mother to give him the seals of his father’s office, he put the whole up, together with the young student’s memorial, into his sleeve, and calling for his servants, proceeded towards the prison to visit his father.

Tis fortitude’s proud attribute and boast

In time of trial to be self-possest :

—When danger threatens, mind is most requir'd! Did mere brute rage usurp the honours due

To nobler courage, long might this remain Robb’d of its proper meed !

When Teihchungyu arrived at the prison, the officer in charge of it knewwhohe was, and received him with civility. “ Your father is within,” said he, leading him towards the interior, “‘ you can go in and see him; and as you may wish for some private conversation I will not accompany you.”

The youth thanked him, and entered the apartment, where he saw his father sitting up in a dignified man- ner, unencumbered with fetters. Having paid the cus- tomary respect, “‘ Sir,” said he, “ I have been guilty

c 2 of

of great negligence in not coming sooner to wait upon and assist you.”

The censor arose from his seat with surprise, and said, “I am here, in my proper character, as a faith- ful minister—what is the reason that I see you in this place, at a time when you should be attending to your studies at home ?”

“ | heard,” replied his son, “ that your loyalty had involved you in trouble: how was it possible for me to remain at a distance ?”

Teihying paused.—‘‘ Your coming,” said he, “ was certainly an act of duty—lI perceived there were abuses, and deemed it right to speak my mind: but whether I be listened to or not— whether I live or die—must remain with the emperor, and your presence can do me no good whatever.” ”

“ Sir,” replied Teihchungyu, “ it is doubtless the business of your station to speak your mind: but it is prudent, at the same sime, to select occasions, when Temonstrance may be attended with effect. Those who without regarding such opportunities, satisfy themselves with the mere boldness of their interference, are like the inconsiderate mortals who, continually chasing the wind and catching at shadows, think to get themselves a name by the mere loudness of their outeries. Do such deserve the name of faithful and useful ministers, or is this the object of his majesty in instituting their office ?”

“ When

“ When I reported the affair,” said Teihying sighing, “ Thad every reason to suppose there was sufficient evidence; nor was it possible to foresee the wiles which have been practised by that villain. When Hanyuen and his wife openly called on me for protection, I re- presented their case ; and it was equally impossible to divine that when the Criminal tribunal had received orders to apprehend all persons concerned, the chief accusers should be secreted out of the reach of inquiry ;—thus throwing all the responsibility on myself. Events have turned out in direct variance with my expectations: I may, therefore, be acquitted of the charge of ‘ persecut- ing the wind and catching at shadows,’ no less than of a wish to deceive my sovereign.”

“ Tt is true,” observed his son, “ that we cannot foresee every contingency ; but we should adopt all the precautions in our power. Instead, however, of dwel- ling on what is past, let us consult on a remedy for the evil, lest a further delay produce further mischief. As long as there is hope, sir, why should you lose your time in inactivity, while your enemies are plotting against you ?”

“ If I remain inactive, it proceeds from necessity ; where can be the utility of exerting myself, as long as I have no means of tracing those people ?”

“ There are traces enough of them,” said Teihchungyu, “ but the Criminal tribunal favour Takwae, and remain inactive. You, sir, should obtain the emperor’s express

authority

22 THE FORTUNATE UNION,

authority to prosecute this case in person, and you will no doubt succeed.”

“ There would not be much difficulty in that,” ob- served the censor ;-—“ but if, after all, the people should not be discovered, it would only aggravate my own offence.”

Teihchungyu then took occasion to inform him, that the place of concealment was known to himself; but as it was sacred from intrusion, the imperial permission must be obtained to enter it, and apprehend the parties.

His father grew impatient. “‘ The Criminal court,” exclaimed he, “ have received orders in vain to find them; I myself have fruitlessly engaged the exertions of my friends in power; and do you, just arrived at the capital, pretend to know so much about it ?—Go to, you are a prating, self-sufficient boy !”

Teihchungyu replied, that in a matter of life and death, it was quite impossible for him to be guilty of such levity ; and then, looking round to see that nobody was within hearing, he recounted all that he had learned from the young student and the villager, presenting at the same time the student’s memorial for his father’s inspec- tion.

Teihying was rejoiced at the perusal of the document. “ This memorial,” cried he, “ will suffice to exculpate me, even though the people should not be discovered :— still, however, I cannot help suspecting that they are not secreted in that place.”

His

His son observed, that as the palace was sacred from all intrusion, there could be no doubt whatever of its being the place of concealment.

“ But when Takwae found his case growing despe- rate, would he not effect the death of these people, with a view to making himself secure ?”

“ He is sufficiently bad,” answered Teihchungyu ; “ but I believe him to be nothing worse than a de- bauched libertine, who has abused his rank and power :— itdoes not follow that he is a murderer to boot. Be- sides, his attachment to the young woman’s beauty would not let him give her up: and the security of his fortress, the connivance of the Criminal tribunal, and your being in prison, would all tend to make him feel secure. Think no more about that, sir, I beg.” .

“ What you say is very true,” observed his father ; “ and this is no time for scruples. Wait until I have written a petition, and in the meanwhile procure my seal from home, that I may present it directly.”

“ You need not take that trouble, sir,” answered the youth, “ for I have both the petition and the seal ready. If you approve this paper, it may go without any alteration.” So saying, he presented the writing to his father, who opened and perused it as follows :

“ The imprisoned Teihying, late inspector-general of Honan province, humbly addresses his imperial Ma- jesty, to intreat that he may be furnished with authority for apprehending certain persons, and thereby clear

himeelf

himself from imputed blame. To make use of the eyes and ears of his servants is the virtue of the sovereign : to offer up his poor advice is the duty of the minister. Hence a member of the Censorate is permitted to re- port what he hears, although such a representation, made without proof, has been the cause of my present flisgrace.

“When the hereditary noble Takwae in open day carried off the daughter of the scholar Hanyuen, already betrothed, and thus offended against morality* and the ritual laws, I besought your Majesty to command that the Criminal tribunal should try that noble, with a view to vindicate the ritual laws and the cause of morality ; but the wicked culprit, with diabolical artifice, secreted the complainant, that he might deceive heaven+ (your Majesty), while the Criminal tribunal through improper motives connived at and favoured him, and converted me, your Majesty’s adviser, into the guilty party. In the simpleness of my integrity, I could derive no profit from corruption: heaven} well knows the purity of my intentions: and it now only remains that I intreat my sacred master, in compassion to his servant who has suffered wrong, to issue an order, authorizing me to ap-

prehend © Mingheaou, ‘the famous doctrine’ of Confucius—a system of moral philosophy, L¢fd, ‘ the ritual laws,’—of equal consequence among the Chinese. t+ Here the word t’hzex, ‘heaven,’ is used in almost the same sentence with two different meanings ; first, as the emperor—secondly, in its usual sense. This may serve to shew the idea which the Chinese entertain of their sovereign !

prehend the parties myself. Should the order arrive in the morning, and I fail to produce them before night, I will cheerfully await the severest punishment; but should they be forthcoming, then the discovery of their secretion will be a sufficient proof of the guilt and inno- cence of the respective parties. In the event of your Ma- jesty’s gracious command being issued, I intreat that it may be secret, to prevent Takwae again shifting the hiding-place—and that there may be no restriction to the extent of search, in order to complete the elucidation of the facts. With the greatest anxiety I await your Majesty’s pleasure. Appended to this is the statement of the young scholar himself, in further evidence.”

Teihying was much pleased with the address, which he pronounced to be clear and well written, and so agreeable with his own wishes, as to require no alte- ration. He folded it up, and delivered it to the governor of the prison, who received his directions to forward it to the proper office for receiving memorials. But to lear the result—to see the cage of jasper* broken, and the golden lock destroyed, let the reader proceed to the following chapter.

The cage of jasper broken, the variegated pheenix flew out, The golden lock destroyed, the dragon regained his liberty.”

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Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-davis/Chapter 1

Chapter 1: The Hero Visits Peking, and Takes Pity on a Lover in Distress

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