Chapter 2: The Attack on the Tiger's Den, and the Skilful Recovery of the Prize

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 II.

“THE ATTACK ON THE TIGERS DEN, AND THE SKILFUL RECOVERY OF THE PRIZE.”

—

Occasions rise, when forms and rules prescrib’d Must to a straighter course of action yield :

He,* whom the sculptur'd column could not blind, Got praise—not so the over-scrupulous fool : Search for the hare amidst her likeliest baunts, And from the birds of prey a lesson learn

In seizing her—'twas thus our hero won

His prize ; and bravely scorning vulgar forms, Fashion’d his conduct as the case demanded,

In less than two days after the Censor had, in con- currence with his son’s advice, presented the petition to the emperor, a secret reply came from his majesty to the prison. Teihying opened it in private, and found that it granted his request, and gave him au- thority to apprehend the ravisher. Much rejoiced at this, he proceeded to erect a table of incense, and to

offer

® Allusion to the stories of Leying and Changknéen. The first of these, being in search of a female who had been forcibly carried off, ransacked in vain the mansion of her ravisher, until, suspecting that the wooden columns of the house might from their size be capable of con- cealing the object of his pursuit, he ordered them to be cut open, and in that manner discovered her. The seconil, being in virtue of his office about to apprehend a criminal of high rank, was so unadvised as to precede his visit to the house of the guilty person by the transmission of a ceremonial ticket, which had the effect of warning his victim of the danger, and causing his escape.

offer up thanks in front of the imperial order ;* then carefully folding up the despatch, lest it should be seen, he began to consider what was best to be done. ‘

“© The emperor’s permission,” thought he, “ is ob- tained; but should I be so unfortunate as to fail in apprehending the parties, I shall be in a dilemma.” He consulted his son, and was for setting out forth- with.

“ Softly, sir,” said the youth ;—* if you leave the prison at once, it will excite attention, and place our enemy on his guard. Wait here a while: let me precede you quietly, and break into his house; then when I have rescued the young woman and her parents, I will give you notice, that you may hasten thither on horseback, and proclaim the imperial order: this will be the safest course.” His father nodded assent ; and charging secresy on the officer of the prison, gave directions to his son to proceed with great caution.

Teihchungyu going straight home, informed his mother of the circumstances, and inquired for his brazen mace, weighing between twenty and thirty pounds, which he had formerly as a boy provided for his own exercise and amusement, being skilful in the use of his weapons, and robust withal. When called to Peking, his father had been apprehensive

lest

This is an indispensable ceremony, on receiving any writing from

the emperor.

lest this weapon might be productive of mischief, and directed that his son should be deprived of it. The lady was therefore startled by his application at this time, and demanded with surprise for what purpose he required it ?

“ IT am going,” replied he, “to explore the ti- ger’s den: and how shall I defend myself without arms?”

Persuaded he was right, she gave directions that it © should be delivered to him, but with a caution that he used it only defensively. The youth then privately ordered that from ten to twenty active attendants should follow at a distance, and be ready at his need. He next called for wine, and refreshed himself; then putting on a military garb, in which he looked like some god, he took his brazen mace, and throwing an ordi- nary dress over all, mounted his white horse, being accompanied by a single attendant, and issued forth at the city gate without being remarked by any one.

On reaching the open road he gave his horse the rein, and soon observed, at some distance on the left hand, a very magnificent mansion, which he knew must be the place. He dismounted at once, and desiring his boy to hold the horse, proceeded cau- tiously to reconnoitre the premises. On either side of the entrance was erected an inscription* to the

honour

constituting one of those parallekems of which the Chimese are so fond, but

honour of the noble inhabitant; and between them stood a triple portal of lofty dimensions, with this notification in golden letters on high: Taz PaLace oF RETIREMENT; CONFERRED BY HIS MasEsTY THE Emprror. All three of the gates were fast shut.* Seeing that he could not enter here, Teihchungya bethought him that there must be a private door else- where; so following the course of a high wall, and turning the corner into a side lane, he perceived, about midway, a small gate with red folding-doors, also closed, and secured with a great padlock. The nobleman’s insignia, which had been pasted cross- wise over the doors, were torn and broken in conse- quence of these having been frequently opened ; and on but which cannot always be rendered very intelligible in English. Lite- rally they are : ‘* Merit, reaching to the northern palace,

Dignity, subjecting the southern heaven !””

© Every considerable house, as well as every temple, has a gateway, consisting of one large folding-door in the centre, and a smaller one on either side. These last serve for ordinary occasions; while the first is thrown open for the reception of distinguished guests. The ornamental and honorary gateways in the middle of Chinese streets (sometimes improperly termed triumphal arches) are of a similar construction, though in these the doorways are never furnished with valve. Their beauty arises wholly from the painting and gilding, and not from the proportions, which are weak and flimsy. The roof, and what may be called the entablature, overweigh altogether the long and slender pillars beneath. As we refer the origin of columns in European architecture to the trunks of trees, tapering in proportion as they rise from the ground, so the Chinese pillars may be traced to the original use of the bamboo, which in its slender proportions, and nearly uniform diameter throughout the whole length, assimilates to their columns at present.

on looking through a crevice, he perceived that the bolts within were not fastened. On one side was pasted up this prohibition in large characters :

TaKE NOTICE, His IMPERIAL MaJESTY HAS DECLARED THIS PLACE SACRED FROM INTRUSION} NONE, WHAT- EVER BE THEIR CONDITION, MAY APPROACH OR LOOK IN, WITHOUT. INCURRING THE SEVEREST PENALTIES.

Two lodges withinside were filled with attendants, placed there as a guard. ‘I'he youth perceiving this, would not alarm them yet ; but returning to where his page led the horse, threw off his scholar’s dress, and displayed the military garb underneath ; then, seizing his mace, he got on horseback, and gave directions to Seaoutan to call up the attendants, adding, that if any persons were apprehended, he must instantly fly to his lord (in prison) with the intelligence. :

Teihchungyu then galloped back to the small gate, and jumping off his horse, cried out aloud, “ I have the imperial order to see the nobleman Takwae; go in instantly and announce me.”

Four or five servants, in caps and dresses of cere- mony, rushed out from the lodges, and in the midst of their confusion and alarm gave for answer, that “ their lord was not there.”

s Nonsense!” said the youth, with an exclama- tion of rage, “ I know very well that he is. How dare ye, wretched slaves, act in opposition to the imperial order? Be sure you shall all be seized and

put

pat to death.” The fellows looked at each other; but were so frightened that they could return no answer ;—Wwhile he cried out in a louder tone, to ask what they meant by not opening the gate?

An old domestic at last ventured to speak. ‘“ Who durst open it when our master is absent? Besides, were the gate open, you would not presume to enter, in opposition to the emperor’s prohibition |”

- Not presume to enter with his majesty’s express

warrant?” cried Teihchungyu in a rage; but if you will not ‘open the gate, I must;” so lifting up his mace, he knocked off the padlock and staple at one stroke, and the doors immediately flew open. He strode in with a lofty air; while the servants, fright- ened at his appearance, made no attempt to stop him; but ran into the house in a body, exclaiming against this forcible entry.

When Takwae, in the height of his pride and power, first took possession of the daughter of Han- yuen, he looked upon the latter as a poor scholar who -could obtain no redress for the outrage, littleexpecting that the censor Teihying would become his accuser to theemperor. Onhis majesty ordering the Criminal tri- banal to investigate the matter, he had nothing left but to seize Hanyuen and his wife, and secrete them in his palace, to prevent their giving evidence. Afraid at first of their being discovered even there, he would have changed their hiding-place; but finding that the

Criminal

Criminal tribunal befriended him, and instead of pro- secuting the affair, threw Teibying into prison, he became quite at ease, and gave himself no farther concern on that score. Still apprehensive, however, . that the young lady might seek to put an end to her- self, rather than consent to his wishes, and her father and mother continuing inexorable, he treated them all handsomely for a while; until, provoked by their obstinacy, he had that very day seated himself in his hall, and ordered Hanyuen to be stripped, bound, and brought before him, thinking that blows might have the effect of making him comply.

- Though you do possess literary rank,” * said he,

‘ addressing his prisoner, “I have you very safe in this place, and can put you to death if I chuse. How shall such a poor wretch as you find any redress ?”

- You may murder me if you please,” replied

Hanyuen, “ but heaven is not to be insulted—nor the laws violated with impunity. You will have to repent your crime when it is too late; think a little, then, before you act.”

€ You call on me to think,” exclaimed Takwae—

why not consider a little for yourself. It certainly is no disgrace to a poor scholar to have a daughter in the family of anoble.t If youconsent, you shall all of you be sumptuously clothed and fed, and well

provided

Asa protection.

+ That is, as a bandmaid, not as his wife. See Preface.

THE FORTUNATE UNION, 33

provided for ; this will be a good deal better than your present state of poverty.”

“ Tama poor scholar,” replied Hanyuen; “ but the adage says, ‘ better be honored among the little, than despised among the great.*” How shall a disciple of Confucius, from any sordid desire of wealth or luxury, disgrace the sacred religion of the emperor ?”

Takwae now grew enraged, and desired his ser- ‘vants to begin their work with him—when bebold ' four or five of those at the gate came rushing in, exclaiming, “ Alas! my lord, a young man in a military dress, armed with a brazen mace, and pro- claiming a warrant from the emperor, has, in defiance of our opposition, burst into the gate. We know not who he is; but he will be here presently, and we come to put you on your guard.”

Takwae became almost stupified with fright when he heard this, and looking wildly about, would have retreated into an inner room; but Teihchungyu had already strode into the hall, and seeing him standing ‘there, raised his hands and saluted him.

“ My lord, J come on business from his majesty, and must speak with you. How is it that you oppose the imperial pleasure in refusing me admittance ?”’

Seeing that escape was out of the question, Takwae was obliged to come forward. “If you bring his majesty’s order,” said he, “ why had not I previous

Literally, ‘ Better precede a hen, than follow a cow.’

notice, that a table of incense might be prepared ? —Why enter in this rude and boisterous man- ner ?”

“ The order was both secret and urgent,” replied the youth, “ and did not admit of being either di- vulged or delayed.” Then advancing forward with his mace in his right hand, he seized fast hold of Takwae with his left. ‘ I beg leave to ask, since this is a place conferred by the emperor for purposes of retirement and privacy, and not a court of justice, what poor man is this, whom you are stripping and beating ?”

Conscious of bis guilt in imprisoning the poor scholar, and hearing the imperial order so frequently repeated, Takwae became more and more frightened, and would gladly have made his escape: but, seized and detained as he was, it became necessary to put on a bold face. ‘These are my own domestics,” said he, “ under my own government; they have no concern with public justice.” He then desired his people to take away the prisoner, under pretence of inquiring the imperial order; but Teihchungyu would not permit this; and Hanyuen cried aloud from the bottom of the hall, that “ truly he was not a domestic of Takwae, but a poor scholar whom he had seized and imprisoned :”’ calling on the youth at the same time to save his life.

Teihchungyu felt rejoiced to hear that this was

really

THE FORTUNATE UNION, 35

really Hanyuen; but affecting to be much astonished,

- How came you to be concealed here,” inquired

he, “ when the Criminal tribunal had an order to produce you ?—This is a contempt of the emperor, and can hardly be expiated with life !”

The page had by this time come in, and his master made him a sign, which he presently understood. He ran out to summon the attendants in a body, and then galloped off to give information to the Censor in prison. The youth pointed out Hanyuen to his people, and told them to seize him, as he was the emperor’s prisoner. “ If you have been injured by Takwae,” said he, addressing him, “ what pre- vented your going for redress to the Criminal court, instead of lurking here, and conniving at his ill- conduct.”

_ The poor man began to weep. ‘ When my daugh- ter,” replied he, “‘ was seized by the wicked ravisher, I did all in my power to procure redress: I presumed not to conceal myself from the Criminal tribunal; but, poor and helpless as J am, was carried off by a num- ber of his creatures, as a sheep is seized by a tiger. My wife and [ were immured in this place, and daily threatened with punishment, unless we consented to his demands. Our death awaited us, when you, brave sir, came as if from heaven to our rescue, and re- stored us to the light. Believe me that you found us

here in a pitfall, and with no consent of our own.” n2 “Tt

“ It would seem, then, that your wife and daughter are both here ?” said Teihchungyu.

‘* Indeed, sir, they are,” replied the other. “ My unhappy wife is imprisoned in a back room; and my daughter, who I believe is confined in an upper story, looks daily to death as a refuge. I am even ignorant if she be dead or alive.”

This account excited the high indignation of Teih- chungyu, who made a sign to his people to carry Hanyuen to the back of the house in search of his wife and daughter. Takwae perceived that all was lost; but, enraged at seeing the men going into his private rooms, he became careless of consequences, and loudly vociferated to Teihchungyu, that this sanctuary, conferred by his majesty, and his here- ditary rank, entitled him to the judgment of the emperor. ‘ What man are you,” cried he, “ that dare thus armed to break into my doors on your own proper authority, and insult me thus grossly? Your own crime is sufficient to destroy you, without any interference with the concerns of others.” So saying, he endeavoured to grapple with the youth, but failing in that, called on his servants to apprehend him.

His whole household had assembled at the com- mencement of the affair to assist their lord; but seeing him in the hands of Teihchungyu, who was armed, and withal of a formidable aspect, they had not ventured to come forward. Thus called upon,

however,

however, some of the boldest advanced tu seize the young: man, who exclaimed: ‘‘ Wretched sluves ! whom would you dare to touch?” Then seizing Takwae by the middle, he swayed him round, and at one swecp, sent all the fellows tumbling over one another. His prisoner, being advanced in age, and moreover weak and enervated by luxury, could ill bear this rough treatment. He became sick, dizzy, and out of breath, and could only just wave his hand and cry out to his people, ‘ Be quiet! be quiet !”

Takwae had some friends, nobles like himself, who being informed of what was going on, came directly to the spot, and seeing their acquaintance in such an awkward situation began to remonstrate with Teih- chungyu. “ Sir,” said they, “ be pleased to control your resentment awhile, and let us talk over the mat- ter with you; but do not use force, and violate the dignity of a noble.”

“¢ This fellow,” exclaimed the youth, “ is a wretch who has ‘deceived his sovereign, and infringed the laws—death is no punishment for him: what nobility or dignity is there in the case ?”

‘‘ If there be any thing wrong in his conduct,” said they again, “ it should be properly investigated ; but this kind of treatment cannot be agreeable with the emperor’s wish.”

- What you say is sufficicntly reasonable in itself,”

replicd Teihchungyu, ‘ but you are ignorant of the

circum-

circumstances: the atrocity of this man’s conduct requires another mode of proceeding ; the case is too urgent for the application of common rules.”

We are not acquainted,” said they, “ with the

occasion which has called forth your prowess, and beg to ask whether you came hither to revenge some injury of your own, or to right some other per- son; when we know the facts, we shall be able to judge.”

“< T came for neither of those purposes,” answered he, ‘* but with the emperor’s private order to appre- hend criminals.”

““ Why not let us hear it read?” cried the others,

to remove all doubts ?” '

“ That may readily be done,” replied the youth ; ‘* let an altar of incense be quickly prepared.”

Directions being given for this purpose, Takwae, who had in the mean while recovered his breath, observing that his partisans were numerous, began to assume courage. “ Friends,” exclaimed he, “ do not listen to his nonsensical speeches ; he is neither an authorized officer, nor any minister of the emperor : what pretensions has he to the imperial warrant? It is some associate of Hanyuen, who puts on this brave appearance to impose on us. Having impu- dently broken into this sanctuary, and assaulted a noble, his crime is too great to admit of his escaping us. Icall on you to assist me. Send for the two

magis-

magistrates of the district ; tell them that a murderer has broken into my house in open day, and if they do not come to my assistance, they shall hear of it to-morrow.”

His friends now began to think this was all true, and turning toTeihchungyu, “ Such exploits as yours,” said they, “ might succeed in the dark on some poor man in a remote village; but here, and in broad daylight, it could hardly be expected. Where is the warrant for this violence—let it be read: if you can- not produce it, your crime is indeed heavy! You had better tell us your name, and the whole truth. Submit, and we may still do something for you; but if you think to escape us, you will scarcely succeed, even with wings.”

Teihchungyu smiled at this. ‘ What is there to prevent my guing away now, if I pleased?” said he:

- it will be time enough to go when the warrant is

read, and the prisoners are secured.”

“ Then let it be read instantly,” exclaimed the others.

“Iam alone,” said the youth, “ and he has his friends on the spot: he will pervert the meaning, and I shall lose my labour: wait, then, until the magis- trates arrive.”

The others agreed that this was a fair arrangement, and a messenger being sent to hasten the magistrates,* they soon arrived, separately. When informed of the

business,

The Chefoo and Chehéen.

business, the superior officer replied that they must first see the warrant, and would then give their deci- sion. The incense altar was prepared, and the chief magistrate called on the youth to read the paper, re- minding him of his guilt if it should prove informal.

Before he. could return an answer, the attendants announced that Teihying had alighted from his horse at the gate. Takwae, with ill-suppressed alarm, ex- claimed, ‘“‘ When did he get out of prison?” just as his great enemy stalked in with dignity, bolding up reverently in both hands a yellow cover which con- tained the warrant.* Advancing up to the altar of incense, he unfolded the imperial document; while his son took Takwae and made him kneel down in front, ordering the people at the same time to con- duct Hanyuen to the bottom of the steps. He next addressed himself to those present, “ The criminal noble Takwae having refused to surrender the pri- soners, let the imperial warrant be read.”

The Censor, perceiving that the two magistrates were present, addressed himself to the Chefoo. “* Sir, your presence here is fortunate: be pleased to step up and read aloud this peremptory order from his majesty.”

That officer immediately obeyed, and receiving the paper, proceeded to read it out as follows: while

Teih-

This was precisely the way in which the Viceroy of Canton deli-

vered to Lord Amberst the emperor's letter to the Prince Regent; a yellow tent or tabernacle being prepared for the ceremony.

Teihying went and knelt down by. the side of Ta- kwae.*

Teihying informs us that Takwae has seized

and imprisoned Hanyuen, with his wife and daughter : what then prevented the Criminal tribunal from appre- hending them? He is hereby authorized to secure those persons wherever they may be found, and let the tribunal judge and report to us. Should they not. be forthcoming within three days, Teihying shall be severely punished for deceiving us.”

When he had returned thanks for the imperial goodness, the Censor rose to pay his respects to the nobles who were present. These, however, had left the house as soon as they heard the order read ; and the domestics, too, had quietly slunk off. The two magistrates only remained, and. Takwae, seeing that his case was desperate, was obliged to. humble bim- self before Teihying. “ Sir,” said he, “ I am to blame, and hope that you will consider me with indulgence.”

“ I wish only,” replied the Censor, ‘to prove clearly that I have not deceived his majesty—I shall then be satisfied. Hanyuen has declared that his wife and daughter are both here with himself: you had better send for them at once, and prevent our going in to search.”

“No,” said Takwac; ‘ he came here of his own

accord ; his wife and daughter are not here.” “| © This he did in acknowledgment of his still being under the empe- ror’s displeasure ; i. e. until he had cleared himself. It will be seen that he returns to prison as soon as he has executed the order.

. © Twill not contradict you,” answered the other, ‘* but we must obey the emperor's order and look for them.” So saying, he directed his son and the rest to begin the search: which Takwae would gladly have prevented, but could not. None of his own family were in the house; but as soon as the party went in, they presently heard somebody weeping, and Hanyuen cried out to his daughter “ to dry her tears, for her deliverance was at hand.” His wife, too, who was in a side room, cried out to be released. They found the door locked, but Teihchungyu soon knocked it open with his mace, and the poor woman ran out, being, like her husband, in great apprehen- sion for their daughter. ,

The latter, on hearing her father’s voice, endeavour - ed to come down, but was prevented by several female attendants, who however immediately released her, when the mother made known the emperor’s order. There were heaps of fine garments and jewels in the apartment, thrown on one side; and the young lady’s face and dishevelled hair being shaded with a plain covering, she was conducted down to the hall, where the father, mother, and daughter, all three knelt down before the Censor, and thanked him gratefully for their deliverance.

“ You need not thank me,” replied he, “ it pro- ceeds entirely from the emperor’s goodness: but your case is still before the Criminal court, who alone

may

may decide it.” Then turning to the second magis- trate, “ These three are his majesty’s prisoners—it will be best for you to deliver them in person to the tribunal.”

When that officer had conducted them away, the | Censor observed to the superior magistrate, “ that Takwae’s rank entitled him to be treated with con- sideration, and he ought therefore to escort him to the proper tribunal in person; that as for himself, he lay still under the emperor’s displeasure, and must return to prison.” So saying, he mounted his horse, and departed in company with his son.

Dragg'd from his lair, the savage tiger owns

His hunter’s prowess ;—and the wily fox,

Track’d in his flight, to arts superior yields.

The pearl,* long-lost, to its glad owner given,

Prov’d generous deeds, though rare, no fabled things. —

We will not stop to relate the various arts of influence and bribery to which Tukwae had recourse, with a view to escaping the punishment of his mis- deeds ; but proceed to observe, that the Censor, on his return to the prison, made out a clear statement of his successful proceedings, and sent it up to the em-

peror. On the following morning, this reply was received : “ Teih- © Hépoo Héen, in Canton province, was of old famous for its pearls. There was a pure and upright magistrate of that district, who, having received a valuable present of pearls from one of the inhabitants, said no- thing at the time, but sent them back to the owner after his departure from the government of the place. “‘ The return of the pearls to Hdpoo Héen,”’ is become proverbial for any act of disinterestedness.

“ Teihying, by discovering and apprehending the persons who were secreted, has proved the truth of his representation, and vindicated himself. Let him leave his confinement, and fill his former office for a: time, until the decision of the Criminal tribunal be known: he may then be promoted. Respect this.”.

When he had: returned thanks for the imperial bounty, the Censor proceeded to join his family, and was joyfully received by his wife and son.

The Criminal court in the meanwhile, though they would gladly have assisted Takwae, having already involved themselves on his account, were obliged to be cautious on the present occasion. The testimony of the three persons who had been seized and con- fined by that wicked noble was so irresistible, that they were compelled to pronounce him guilty ; though at the end of their report to the emperor they added a few words in his favour. ‘ Takwae,” said they, “ is some forty years of age, and it was from his anxiety alone to obtain an heir that he desircd to possess the virtuous young woman in question. After taking her to his house, he made use of no criminal violence, but ‘sought her consent by mere kindness and persuasion. The merits of his ancestors, too, may entitle him to indulgence: the final decision, however, must be pronounced by your majesty ; it does not befit us, your ministers, to say more on the subject, but to await the imperial command with

reve-

reverence.” In two days the following answer was received :

- The noble Takwae, enjoying high hereditary

rank, forgot his duty, and carried off the daughter of Hanyuen, betrothed to the scholar Weipei. This act was sufficiently unlawful; but when the Censor accused him to us, far from repenting of his former offence, he seized the parents of the young woman, and concealing them in the retreat which we had conferred on him, accused Teihying in return of having deceived us. His guilt is very atrocious, and being regularly proved against him, ought to be punished with degradation and death. But in .con- sideration of the merits of his family, we cannot punish his crime as it deserves. Let him be confined to his palace for three years, and deprived of one year’s revenue, which is to be given to Hanyuen in reparation of injuries sustained. As the latter shewed a brave determination in the defence of his prin- ciples, and proved himself a worthy disciple of the true doctrine,* let him be rewarded with an official situation, in which his merits will not be thrown away; and let his daughter, who maintained her virtue, be happily united with her betrothed lover. Teihying, in reward of the uprightness and deter- mination of his conduct, which has given us high satisfaction, is promoted to be one of the chiefs of

the

Of Confucius,

the Censorate. Let the Criminal tribunal be amerced in three months’ salary, for having unjustly favoured Takwae.—Respect this.”

The whole of Peking was presently filled, on re- ceipt of this edict, with the fame of Teihchungyu’s exploit. Every one became anxious to see and be acquainted with him, and his visitors were pouring in from morning till night. The gratitude of Hanyuen and the young student, his son-in-law, of whom the first had obtained promotion, and the second a spouse, through the exertions of our hero, was boundless. They treated him as a superior, ora god! But the Censor became very uneasy on his son’s account. s* Heaven,” said he to him, “ will not allow mortals to be too proud and elated. Recollect that pros- perity and adversity are very nearly allied ;—it is but a short time since I was in prison—my fortune then seemed to be at the lowest ebb; but the emperor’s goodness as suddenly restored me to the height of prosperity. The unprincipled Takwae can never for- get the disgrace you have brought upon him, and will certainly seek revenge for the indignities you offered to his person. As for myself, J am the minister of the emperor, and entirely at his disposal: life and death, happiness and misery, I must equally accept at his hands: but you are free to rove whither you please ;—better then retire from this dangerous place. The gradual extension of your fame, and intercourse

in

in the metropolis, may expose you to the machina- tions of the envious and malicious. I advise you, therefore, under pretext of travelling for information, to retire to some distance. It will have the usual effect of magnifying your merits, as every thing which is imperfectly known, is more esteemed than that which is familiar and vulgar.”’*

“ T myself, sir,” replied his son, “ am tired of so much society, and entertain the same sentiments with yourself: still, considering that your censorial office peculiarly subjects you to men’s resentment, I can- not feel easy in leaving you exposed to it alone.”

“ T have clothed myself in uprightness,’ said his father, “ and walked in the straight path of rectitude; besides, being now happily exalted by the emperor to a higher station, I may despise little slanders, and feel secure from any great evil. You need not, therefore, remain on that account; but when you go, neglect not to prosecute your studies, nor forget to make the virtuous ancients your models: and on no account

let the impetuosity of your temper betray you into trouble.”

The youth bowed low, and thanked his father for his advice ; and in two or three days more, finding that his visitors rather increased than diminished, he made preparations for his journey, and bidding adieu

to

to his father and mother, set off on his return to the family house, accompanied by his page.

He came—by urgent calls of duty led,

He went—to foil the vengeance of his foes : The destinies that o’er his movements hung Heav'n will in time reveal!

On his arrival, however, Teihchungyu found that the fame of his own exploit, and of his father’s pro- motion, had preceded him. Not only did his relations and friends throng to wait upon him, but the whole district was thrown into a commotion. “ Should it be always thus,” thought he to himself, ‘I had bet- ter have remained at home in Peking. I must follow ‘my father’s advice and go to some distance, under plea of travelling for instruction.”

After the expiration of a month he delivered the house in charge to a domestic, and proceeded, ac- companied by Seacutan, on his travels. But this ex- pedition must be separately related :—to learn the effects of spirited resolution, and the embarrassments that resulted from services mutually rendered, it will be necessary to peruse the following chapters.

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Chapter 2: The Attack on the Tiger's Den, and the Skilful Recovery of the Prize

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