Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-davis/Chapter 5
Chapter 5: The Generous Hero Arraigns a Public Tribunal, and to Save Another, Hazards Himself
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 V.
‘¢ THE GENEROUS HERO ARRAIGNS A PUBLIC TRIBUNAL, AND TO SAVE ANOTHER, HAZARDS HIMSELF.”
Like the sea-monster now would he devour
His prey; now seize her like the robber bird ; Thus fertile are the base in foul devices !
They reck not that when destiny’s decree
Forbids success, their best laid schemes are vain ! They came and found her ; but misfortune cross’d Their homeward course—so enmities arise
In narrow paths—though had not tangled grass Beset the way, perchance th’ unrivall'’d pair
Had ne’er been match’d !
Stncg the first arrangement of his scheme in con-- cert with Shueyun, Kwoketsu, in order to secure the possession of the young lady after he had stolen her, engaged the assistance of the two magistrates, who it was settled should be present on the occasion, and place the matter beyond dispute by the inspection of the nuptial ticket. He did not neglect, at the same time, to invite a crowd of relations and friends, that they might witness his triumphant possession of the prize after such disappointments.
In all the pride of success he reached the gate of his own dwelling, and as the chair-bearers waited his directions, he waved his hand and bade them carry the sedan into the house, repeating his orders until they
had
had passed the vestibule, and got as faras the raised
platform in the great hall, where it was placed down.
The Chefoo and those present received him as he en-
tered, and told him that they wished him joy in propor-
tion to the difficulties he had experienced in the pur-
suit of his bride. Kwoketsu stalked up in triumph to
the two magistrates, and making them a slight bow,
‘© [ am not conscious,” said he, “‘ of any thing con-
trary to rule on this occasion, for the person to whom
I was affianced is in reality Shueypingsin—here is
the nuptial ticket in evidence. The deceit which was
practised on me—the substitution of a stalk for a
flower—1 could hardly be expected to endure con-
tentedly, and was therefore compelled to use this vio-
lence in my own right. Let me beg your worships to
decide on my claim.”
They both replied together, that they had not been well acquainted with the commencement * of these espousals, and it was unnecessary to recapitulate now, —that as he had merely brought to pass what should have been effected before, there could be no violation of propriety; and they accordingly desired him to forget his former disappointments, and hasten to en- joy his present good fortune.
“ No,” replied the young man, “‘ that may not be ; a want of formality might give this young lady herself
ground
- From its irregularity, they were desirous to be as ignorant as possi-
ble on the subject.
THE FORTUNATE UNION, 103
ground of complaint ; let every form be publicly ob- served, to prevent disputes between ourselves here- after.”
“ Very well,” said the magistrates, “ let the sedan be opened, and request the young lady to appear and speak for herself.”
Kwoketsu called some of the women to open the sedan; but when they attempted to obey, they found the door fastened with a small padlock, and informed him.
“ Oh, that is a trifle!” cried he, and walking up to the chair, twisted off the padlock. The women then proceeded to unclose the door, into which they looked, and opening it wider and wider, stared at each other in astonishment, without being able to uttef a word. Kwoketsa, seeing them all gazing in motion- less stupidity, began to chide. “ Idiot slaves! make haste and hand the lady out ;—why do you stand gaping there ?”’
They answered in trepidation, that there was no lady for them to hand! and the young man rushed to the front of the sedan, into which he looked, and perceived nothing on the seat but a great yellow bun- dle—not a shadow of any living person! In an ecstacy of rage and disappointment he stamped with his feet, and exclaimed ; ‘‘ Did I not see her plainly in the pavilion? and yet this young girl has again foiled me ;
— it is really detestable !” The
The magistrates and all present walked up to the
chair, into which they looked, and, seeing it empty,
exclaimed in accents of astonishment, “ This young
woman must doubtless be something more than
human !” They turned to Kwoketsu, and advised him
to give up all farther thoughts of her, for her actions
were so mysterious, and so nearly resembled those of
unembodied spirits, that she could not be regarded
as an ordinary mortal. Stupified with vexation and
shame, Kwoketsu became unable to utter a word;
he could only hang down his head and sigh, while
the first magistrate directed that the yellow bundle
and the trunk should be taken out of the chair and
examined. On finding the contents of these to be
nothing but a parcel of stones, the guests all burst
into an immoderate fit of laughter, and when they
had ended a confused sort of consultation, in which
it was discovered that nothing could be done, the
party dropped off one after the other.
A single person remained behind, a particular friend of Kwoketsu, named Chingkee, who had the freedom of his house. He sat quietly in his seat when — the rest had taken their leave, and his friend, going up to him, observed despondingly, “ that well as every thing had been concerted for this day’s enterprize, it had ended in complete disappointment. Surely there must be something in his destiny to prevent
the union !” 6c It
‘ It will be time enough to say that,” replied the
other, “ when you find it impossible to effect your
object ; though were it already effected, I would not
vouch for its being a predestined union. In common
cases, gentle means are used to induce compliance ;
but as you have power on your side, and can carry
her off without fearing any body, the thing may be
easily brought about—why vex yourself?”
‘* Alas !”’ said Kwoketsu, “ do not regard it as so easy a matter! ‘Io run away with her requires no ordinary invention, for she is so completely immured in her house, and so rarely ventures out, that let me possess all possible ingenuity, there is no opportunity for its exertion.”
- Yes,” answered his friend, “ the present situa-
tion of her father affords you an excellent opportu- nity.” Being asked to explain himself, he continued —‘ I understand it is a great while since she heard any news of her father in exile, and being of a filial disposition, she cannot but wish earnestly for his re- call. Do you then prepare on a sheet of red paper a fictitious report, declaring that he has been graciously recalled by his Majesty at the recommendation of the College of Censors, and restored to office. You may send ten or twenty persons* with this straight to her
house,
- It is commonly a part of the punishment of exile to prohibit all
communication between the banished person and those whom he leaves
behind, though the relations are sometimes permitted to accompany the exile.
house, as if in search of a reward for the joyful intel-
ligence. Should she scruple even then to leave her
apartments, they may pretend that they bring a decla-
tion of pardon from the emperor himself, and call on
her to receive it. Her joy on such an occasion might
well deprive her of foresight; but when she hears of
the imperial grant, she cannot venture to do otherwise
than come forth to pay the customary respect. A
chair being prepared, let her be shut up in it at once
and carried off—her ingenuity can scarcely avail her
on such an occasion.”
“ Tt isagood scheme !” exclaimed the other, inter- rupting him with delight.
“ Yes,” continued Chingkee; “ but I fear it may involve us in some trouble.”
«¢ In what trouble should it involve us?’ inquired Kwoketsu confidently.
“ She is of a distinguished family,” replied his friend; ‘this forcible abduction, if you take her straight home, may have such an effect on her deter- mined temper as to drive her to some despcrate remedy. You, however, and the magistrates are one,*
begin
- The expression is a vulgarism, but inserted here as being a parallel
idiom with the original. A curious collection might be made of such little analogies between the Chinese and other languages: as Lun tso,
- to do any thing by rotation;’ Yin taow, ‘to lead the way;’ Ta tsew
Joong, ‘ to raise the wind '—to seek a favour or advantage ; Kan king, ‘to view lightly ;’ Tsing néen, ‘ of green age ’—young ; Shin meth, ‘ very thick’ with a person ; 7a tsing shin, ‘A grand matin; Laow shd, ‘ prisca fides ;' Kae kwo heang, ‘ vertere modum—palinodiam canere,’ &c. &e.
TRE FORTUNATE UNION. 107
begin by addressing them, and carry her after- wards to their respective tribunals, procuring from the superior one a reply to your address, to de- clare tbat she was properly affianced to you, and that therefore you may carry her home. Thus you will be quite safe.” .
- Better and better still!” exclaimed the other,
overjoyed at the fair promise of this plot; and when they hed talked the matter over they separated.
Searce has one villany been foil’d, another Starts in its place—what peace is there for man ! Such pitfalls might a woman's weakness well Have stumbled—trials meet for th’ other sex!
Shueypingsin, ever since her happy escape from the last danger, had resolved, for the greater security, to close her doors against every one, not excepting even her own sex. As for her uncle, who so posi- tively asserted that there was no evil intention on the part of Kwoketsu, and whon) the event had proved to be an accomplice with him—even he did not pay her many visits. Nothing now disturbed the young lady’s quiet except’ the recollection of her father,— of whom she had received no intelligence for such a length of time, and whose uncertain fate could not but fill her with anxiety.
She had one morning just finished dressing, when her ear was struck by a loud uproar at the outer gate, and she was told that a number of persons had rush- ed in, bringing with them a great red paper, which
they .
they fixed up aloft in the hall, bawling out at the same
time that her father had received the imperial pardon
and was restored to office, and that they came in
search of a reward with the joyful intelligence. Some
of them added that they had got the imperial edict,
and invited her to come forth and read it. The noise
and confusion were so great, that she could learn
nothing clearly on the subject, and the young lady
therefore proceeded to the apartment at the back of
the great hall to obtain a peep at what was going on.
Without exposing herself to view, she perceived from
thence the red paper fixed up, and several persous
proposing that she should come forth and hear the
edict read.
Fearful of any disrespect towards his majesty’s mandate, she walked out at once into the hall, at- tended by two of her females, and had scarcely ar- rived there, before she was surrounded by the whole party of strangers, some of them exclaiming, “ The imperial edict is at the magistrate’s; let the young lady go thither to hear it.” Hardly was this uttered, before a chair was introduced from the outside, and she was invited to get in.
The whole truth now flashed upon Shueypingsin,— who, however, lost none of her presence of mind, but stood erect in the midst of the hall, and without changing colour in the least, addressed the people thus in her usual tone of voice: ‘ Do not be violent,
but
but listen to what I say. You have been sent hither
by your master to carry me to his house, and must be
aware that, so far from being actuated by any enmity
towards me, he wishes to make me his wife. The
means he uses for the attainment of his end are the
mere consequence of my former incompliance. If I
now yield to his wishes, however, I become his wife,
and at the same time your mistress ; and should you
offer me any indignity, I shall not fail to visit you
with punishment hereafter, when you cannot plead
that you received no warning.” _
It happened that Chingkee was among the crowd, and he immediately replied, “‘ Lady, what you say is an admirable proof of your prudence and foresight ; but it is unnecessary on this occasion, for who present would dare to subject you to any indignity ?”
“ Well then,” said Shueypingsin, “pray let the peo- ple stand aside a little, while I prepare my dress for going out, and give the requisite orders to my servants.”
They immediately obeyed, and extended the circle in which she stood; upon which the young lady desired her females to bring some addition to her dress, and whispering in the ear of one of them directed her to conceal a small dagger with its sheath in the sleeve of her gown. This done, she again addressed herself to those present. “If you wish to obtain the good-will of your master, attend to what I am going to direct ;” and being assured by Chingkee that they would obey
her
her commands, she proceeded: “ this union has cer-
tainly been very contrary to my inclinations, but the
earnestness with which Kwoketsu has thrice sought it,
though in opposition to strict rules, has at least proved
the sincerity'of his attachment, and I cannot bring
myself to give him a peremptory refusal. If, however,
after surprising me in this manner, you were to carry
me straight to his house, it would be so clandestine
and indecent a proceeding, that I would rather die
than give my consent: better, then, take me first to
the two magistrates, and should they approve of the
match, it will no longer bear such an irregular and
disgraceful aspect; and when we reach the house of
Kwoketsu, I may perhaps he induced to listen to his
proposals.”
This agreed very well with their instructions, and Chingkee therefore replied, that they would do exactly as she desired, requesting her at the same time to enter the sedan. Shueypingsin gave some farther directions to her servants, and took with her only a couple of female attendants, and two boys to follow the chair ; though she privately directed a trusty domestic to take down the great red paper from the hall, and bring it after her to the magistrate’s. That done, she cheerfully stepped into the sedan.
The prodigies she view’d with fearless eye,
She heard the thunders with undaunted ear :
Say ye to men’s device a victim she
Must fall ?—The demons own their cunning vain !
When
THE FORTUNATE UNION. lll
When the emissaries of Kwoketsu had fairly got possession of the young lady, they felt as glad as if they had performed some grand exploit, and the whole twenty or thirty of them hurried along with her towards the magistrates, like a flight of crows or swallows on the wing. Confident in the power and influence of the master whom they served, they were speeding along in this manner, without regarding any obstacles, when it was fated they should fall in with Teihchungyu, who had lately entered the province of Shantong* on his travels, and was riding along leisurely upon his mule, with Seaoutan following him. It was in the act of turning a corner, without being prepared for such a concussion, that he was suddenly met and nearly thrown from his mule by those who were carrying the chair. Irritated by the violence of the blow, he leaped down, and stopping the first chair-bearer by grasping hold of his body, exclaimed, “‘ Villainous slaves, is this a case of fire or sudden death to justify your tearing along thus at mid-day, as if in chase of a thief? Know you who it is you have nearly knocked down ?—what do you mean by this conduct ?”
The followers all ran up to the front in a body, and being stopped by the youth, began to bawl out together at him. Some of them demanded who he was, and
how
® In the original it is printed Honan, an evident mistake, as he is
said before to have resolved on going to Shantong, which is the scene of
the present incident. The text abounds in misprints, and the translator's copy was carefully corrected by a native.
how he dared to stop the marriage procession of the son
of a minister of state; while others cried out, “‘ Whoever
you are, come along with us to the magistrate’s, where
you shall be properly handled.”*
Still more incensed at such insolence, Teihchungyu demanded, “ If this is a state marriage, where are the lanterns and the music?—No, no! it is plain you are carrying off somebody by force. Come to the Chehéen, and let us hear the truth.”
Chingkee, who was concealed among the crowd, now came forward, and perceiving from the youth’s striking exterior that he was a person of rank and station, went up and remonstrated with him quietly ; “ It was a mere accident,” said he, “ not worth notice. I observe from your speech, sir, that you are a stranger here, and can have no concern with this matter: pray let the people go on.”
Teihchungyu now felt really disposed to loosen his hold, but was prevented by a voice from within the chair, which exclaimed in accents of distress: “ I am suffering violent wrong, and rely on your bravery for
succour !” ce So,”
- In the original he states his name, and the others make some
contemptuous puns on it, an attempt to render which may be well dispensed with, considering the difficulty of conveying a jeu de mots from even an European language, which has generally some kind of affinity with our own. They tell him that ‘if he were gold or jewels, much less iron (his name), let him go to the magistrates, and he should be beaten
to fragments.’
“ So,” cried he, resuming his grasp, “ it is just as
I said! Do not think I am going to let you pass;
but make haste and bring the chair to the magistrate’s.”
Seeing that he would not let them go on, the fellows thronged up in a body, and tried to force him aside : but the youth laid about him in such good earnest, that he sent them flying in every direction. Chingkee now interfered in great trepidation: “ Do not use violence, sir,” cried he, “ this affair has already arrived at a point that will not admit of its being passed over. It matters not your going to the magistrate’s now, for whether you go or not, I doubt if the family you have insulted will submit to such treatment. Release the ehair quietly, and allow us to proceed.”
Teihchungyu, however, paid no attention to him, and being already close to the Chehéen’s office, they con- trived after some trouble to reach the gate. Here for the first time the youth relaxed his grasp, and walking up to the stand on which the great drum was placed, took his whip and struck a loud and continued peal. The attendants of the office, alarmed by the sound, rushed out in a body and surrounded him. ‘“‘ Who are you,” cried they, “ that dare thus to strike the drum; make haste in before his worship.”
The magistrate had been prepared to give audience to those who were carrying off Shueypingsin, and to award her by his sentence to Kwoketsu. Being ready seated in court, he was somewhat surprised when,
VOL 1. 1 imstead
instead of seeing the young lady whom he expected, he
heard the drum beat, and presently after observed his peo-
ple bringing in a person in a scholar’s dress, whom they
pointed out as the appellant.* That person, however,
instead of kneeling on his introduction, or offering any
other token of profound respect, merely raised his
joined hands, and saluted the magistrate as among
equals. The latter upon this demanded who he might
be, and for what reason he had struck the drum?
“ Who I am, sir,” replied Teihchungyu, “ you need not inquire, nor is there any necessity for me to answer. But I fell in, on the road, with a case of violent oppres- sion and wrong, at which I felt so shocked as to take the liberty of striking the drum. I have to beg your worship’s interference to adjust it, and to ascertain what is the real nature of the transaction ;—I shall at the same time have an opportunity of observing how your worship administers justice.”
The Chehéen, perceiving something in the appear- ance and speech of Teihchungyu which excited his apprehensions, did not venture to be hasty with him, but asked with troubled voice and countenance what was the case of oppression he alluded to ?—Before there was time for a reply the whole party of Kwoketsu’s people
were
- Adrum is placed at the door of every magistrate’s office, to secure a
reception to appeals from the people in urgent cases. Such appeals, how- ever (and they lie gradatim from the lowest tribunal up to the Emperor himeelf) are always attended with great hazard, as they subject the ap- pellant to severe punishment should his case be deemed frivolous or inadmissible.
were thronging in; but Shueypingsin had not yet shewn
herself in court, when Chingkee took occasion to pass
himeelf off for a domestic of his friend, and going up to
the magistrate, addressed him thus: “ Our master
Kwoketsu has long since been engaged to marry the
young lady whom we have brought hither; but she
changed her mind, and wished to break off the match,
for which reason we have been commanded to convey the
lady before your worship, and, first obtaining your sanc-
tion, carry her home for the completion of the marriage.”
“ Well,” replied the magistrate, “ that being the case, it is right that the match be solemnized forthwith ; why appeal to me?—Do not bring the lady in, but carry her home at once.”
Chingkee upon this turned short round, and stopped the people from entering, telling them they had his worship’s sanction for the marriage. But Shueypingsin, who had reached the middle of the passage leading into court, finding she was to be prevented from enter ing, called out aloud that she was wronged, and ran a few paces forward; upon which the attendants placed their weapons across, saying that the order had been given to depart, and she must obey it.
Perceiving the situation she was reduced to, and that they wanted to hurry her off, Shueypingsin sat down on the floor, and exclaimed loud enough to be heard in court: “It is your duty, as the people’s parent,* to
12 redress © The Chehten is called ‘ the father and mother’ of his district.
116 THE FORTUNATE UNION:
yedress their wrongs, instead of thus turning a deaf ear to their complaints.”
- The Chehéen persisted in ordering her to be taken
away, when Teihchungyu, losing all patience, started up fiercely with a voice of thunder, and rushing to- wards the table, extended his arm towards the tribunal as he exclaimed: “‘ Most stupid and worthless magistrate that you are, thus to listen, in this hall of public justice, to only one side of the question—thus to repress the com- plaints of the injured! Such iniquity is quite unparal- leled. You might play these tricks with impunity were there nobody greater than a Chehéen in the empire ; but you shall find that there are authorities above e you who will not suffer it to pass.”
Finding himself rated in this humihating style, the Chehéen became incensed in his turn, and striking the table with his hand, exclaimed, “ What man are you, that dare thus to give a loose to your insolence in the emperor’s public court ?”
Teihchungyu replied to this with a loud laugh: “A mighty high court, truly, must it be in my estimation ! who to rescue the oppressed have broken into a noble’s sanctuary, conferred on him by the emperor himself, while nobody dared to charge me with insolence.”
. Now it so happened that this magistrate, who had: not long filled his present situation, being in the neigh-’ bourhood of Peking when Teihchungyu performed his’ exploit, was well acquainted with the circumstances,
and
.THE FORTUNATE UNION. “117
‘and his consternation was not small at meeting him on -such an occasion as this. ‘“‘ Sir,” exclaimed he in an zaltered tone, you must doubtless be the eldest son of -the Censor Teihying ?”
. “As you seem not to be unacquainted with me,” -replied the young man, “ this knowledge may perhaps ‘serve to restrain you in your unjust acts.”
The Chehéen hurried up from his seat. ‘“ The fame of your deeds, sir,” said he with a profound obeisance, “ reached me like the distant sound of the spring thun- ‘der. I regret that I never had the advantage of seeing .you before, and that our first meeting should be under ‘such circumstances ; I trust, nevertheless, to clear up this unpleasant subject, if you will only have a little patience with me.” He then invited the youth to take the guest’s seat, while those at the door brought in tea } and when they had drank together, the magistrate con- tinued: “ You are, no doubt, aware that throughout this business I have been influenced by no personal advantage, but obliged to give way to Kwoketsu’s family influence.” - “ Tt was entirely by accident,” replied Teihchungyu, “ that I fell in with these people. I am wholly unac- quainted with every circumstance relating to them. It is to your worship, therefore, that I must look for infor- ‘mation.”
The magistrate expressed his astonishment, and said he had taken it for granted that Teihchungyu: came
thither
thither on purpose, with the full previous knowledge of
what had happened. After paying the youth a compli-
ment on his disinterested exertions in favour of persons
im no way connected with himself, he proceeded to in-
form him who Shueypingsin was, and how Kwoketsu,
in love with her beauty, had determined to get posses-
sion of her: in what manner her uncle had tried to force
her consent, and the art with which she had substi-
tuted his daughter’s nuptial ticket instead of her own ;
—then the stratagem of inviting her to a feast, and the
way in which she escaped, even after reaching the
door ;——and lastly, the adventure at the southern farm,
with the capture of a heap of stones instead of the young
lady.
Teihchungyu was charmed with the history of such admirable address and ingenuity, and his heart was touched in favour of so much excellence in a young girl. “‘ According to your worship’s account,” said he, “she must surely be allied to the extraordinary characters of whom we read in remote antiquity: take no more rash steps regarding her, for she is not so easily to be gained ;” and, so saying, without regarding the magistrate, he rose up hastily and walked towards the entrance, where Shueypingzsin still remained, to observe her. He then found that her beauty fully corresponded with what he had just heard of the excellent qualities of her mind.
“ With the delicacy of a flower, her complexion dis-
played
¥
played a clear brilliancy which put to shame the bright radiance of the day: with the buoyant lightness of the swallow, her movements were ordered with inimitable grace and propriety. The arches of her brows were like the outlines of the vernal hills in the distance ; but in their changeful expression, they shamed the varying tints of even the vernal hills. The brightness of her eyes equalled that of the clear wave in autumn ; but the Giving sentiment which flowed from them made you wonder how the autumnal wave had lost its deity.* Her waist, like a thread in fineness, seemed ready to break— yet was it straight and erect, nor feared the fanning breeze: the shadowy graces of her person it was as difficult to delineate, as the form of the white bird rising from the ground by moonlight. The natural gloss of her hair resembled the bright polish of a mirror, without the false assistance of unguents: her face was perfectly lovely in itself, and needed not paint to adornit. The native intelligence of her mind seemed to have gathered strength from retirement ; and beholding her, you might know she was of a superior order of beings: the cold and rigid strictness of her manners, severe as she herself was soft and delicate, proved her to be no ordinary in- habitant of the female apartments. Her sweet and femi- nine disposition, comparable to fragrant flowers, might lead one at first to class her with other fair ones: but the perfection of this pearl, the polish of this gem, dis-
coverable
- Called Lihshin. ,
120 \FHE FORTUNATE UNION.
coverable on a longer acquaintance, proved that she possessed qualities not inferior to the most spirited of the opposite sex.” . Struck by her appearance, Teihchungyu advanced a few steps forward, and with a low inclination said, “Lady, or rather goddess descended to mix with mortals, pardon my blindness and ignorance in not sooner discovering you—but } have just heard the recital of your admirable prudence and address in escaping former dangers, and am unable to compre- hend how you at last fell into the power of these wretches*—may I entreat that you will inform me ?” - Shueypingsin rose quickly at his approach, and re- turning his salutation, replied: ‘While my father’s unhappy exile was the constant subject of my thoughts, I was suddenly informed that a copy of the emperor’s gracious pardon had arrived. Unable to imagine that any person could be so rash as to coun- terfeit this, I came out to receive it, and fell into their snare.” With this she produced her concealed dagger, and holding it up, continued, “ I was aware of the desperate nature of my situation, and there-. fore prepared to sacrifice my life when it came to the worst ; but having met with so valiant a deliverer as yourself, the day of my expected death has been con- verted into a renewal of existence.” ‘* But what was this copy of the imperial pardon ” inquired
- Literully, ‘ rats.’
@HE FORTUNATE UNION. ¥21
inquired the astonished youth ; upon which the young Jady desired one of her females to.take the red paper from the domestic whom she had secretly charged with the same, and present it for Teihchungyu’s in- spection. The. latter, when he had looked’ over it, walked towards the magistrate, and asked him if it were true or counterfeit; but he declared his total ignorance of the existence of such a document, and inquired from whence it came? Teihchungyu, who supposed that he was pretending ignorance, put the paper into his slecve.* “ It was sufficiently iniquitous,” exclaimed he with indignation, ‘ to practice force apon a young lady of high rank :—but to counterfeit the imperial command !—I shall proceed early on the morrow to the governor of the province—These cul- prits your worship must be answerable for: be- ware lest they escape.” - He then prepared to depart, but the magistrate, in great trepidation, detained him. “1 entreat, sir, that you will not be precipitate ;—stop, I beg, until I have examined these people, and obtained some clue to the subject.” With that he ordered Chingkee and the rest to be brought in. ‘‘ Ye band of wretched slaves,”+ cried he, “ where does this paper come from ?” They
- © Literally, “ sleeved it,” as we say to pocket any thing. It is an advantageous feature of the Chinese language thus frequently to make a verb of the substantive.
t Orig. “ Ignorant if you be dead or alive,” to express the danger they stood in.
They stared at each other in consternation, but
said not a word: upon which the magistrate or-
dered the ancle-pressers* to be brought, and the pri-
soners, hearing this terrible sentence, exclaimed alto-
gether, “ It has nothing to do with us, sir, but was
prepared by Kwoketsu, who ordered us to fix it up.”
I believe that to be true,” said his worship, “ and shall refrain from beating you just now, guilty slaves as you are, from respect to my honoured guest ;” so saying, he ordered them away into safe custody, and at the same time directed his people to provide a commodious chair, and carry the young lady safely back to her own house.
His domestics were then commanded to prepare a repast, to which Teihchungyu was intreated to stay. He, seeing Shueypingsin was secure from her persecutors, felt a degree of joy and satisfaction which led him to assent easily to the Chehéen’s re- quest, and he took his share of the wine. His host then seized the occasion to address him as follows : ‘Though the counterfeit pardon is the act of Kwo- ketsu, it is not likely that his father has any know- Jedge of it ; should you make astir, however, before the provincial authorities, the consequences will attach not only to the young man himself, but extend necessarily to
his ® Three sticks joined triangularly. The leg being introduced, and the ends of two of the sticks drawn together by cords, severe pain is
occasioned. Smaller sticks are used to squeeze women’s fingers, in forcing evidence.
his father. For this reason, sir, I beg that you will
consider the case again before you proceed to act
upon it.”
‘* My concern in this business,” replied the young man, “is entirely the result of accident, and I inter- fered for no other purpose than to afford succour to the injured lady; but if Kwoketsu can give up his pursuit of her altogether, I do not even know him by sight, and can therefore have no object in pushing the matter farther.”
The Chehéen was overjoyed at this, and exclaim- ed, “I admire your principles, sir, in carrying your interference no farther than is necessary.”* When they had sat and drank for some time longer, Teih- chungyu prepared to take leave; and the magistrate, finding that he was unprovided with a lodging, di- rected one of his servants to attend him to the neigh- bouring monastery, called Changshow Yuen.t They parted, with an engagement to meet again on the fol- lowing morning.
We leave Teihchungyu for the present, and turn to Kwoketsu, who being presently informed of what had taken place, set off in great tribulation to the residence of his friend the Chefoo, and told him that Shueypingsin being carried to the Chehéen’s office, some young man, a friend or relation of that
magis- © Literally, “if uneven, you plane it—if smooth, you let it alone ;” & proverb. + “ Hall of long life.”
124 - THE FORTUNATE UNION.
magistrate, had been invited into court, the young lady hhad been sent home again ina chair, and his own people, after being threatened with punishment, had all been lodged in prison. With the reason of this, he added, he was wholly unacquainted.
“ That is strange!” replied the Chefoo; “ wait a little, and I will send for him.”
This had hardly been said, before the other magis- trate was announced, and being immediately invited in, was asked by his superior concerning the young man whom he had treated with such distinction. “© You seem unaware, sir,” replied the Chehéen; “that he is the famous Teihchungyu, son of the Censor Teihying, who though only twenty years of age, has already attained such universal celebrity. While I was awaiting my present appointment at Peking, I became acquainted with the circumstances attending his rescue of a young female, who had been carried off by the nobleman Takwae, and lodged in a sanctuary bestowed by the emperor ; notwithstand- ing which, this young man burst his way in, armed with a heavy brazen mace, and brought her out in safety. For this action he was much extolled by his imperial Majesty, who severely punished the guilty noble; and the fame of this youth spread over the whole province. This morning, by a most extraordi- nary chance, he fell in with Shueypingsin as they were bringing her to my office, and having there as-
certained
THE FORTUNATE UNION.: 125
certained every circumstance, he took possession of the red paper which was prepared by Kwoketsu, and. put it up into his sleeve, declaring that he would: earry that forged copy of an imperial decree before the governor of the province. Had he been allowed: to do this, the consequences must have been terrible, not only to the father of Kwoketsu, but to yourself, sir, as well as to me. This was the reason of my conduct towards him, and no desire on my part to’ shew him any superfluous civility.”
“So,” exclaimed the Chefoo, “this is a very: awkward business !”
Kwoketsu, however, observed,* ‘“ Let him vapour’ away like ahero! I do not pretend to be his match in’ that; but the rank and influence of his father at court. are much inferior to those cnjoyed by mine: and he has no business, besides, to n:eddle with my affairs.: Your worship will still give me a little of your assis-- tance, I hope.” ;
- Alas,” said his friend, “it is not that I am un-
willing to assist you; but he has got possession of that paper prepared by yourself, and it is impossible to do any thing under such circumstances ;—this it is that compels me to be cautious with him.” i
“Very well, sir,” replied the young man, “be as cautious as you chuse, and let the union which I am‘ so anxious to accomplish, vanish and end in nothing.” :
“To accomplish such unions,” said the other,
- rests
- With his usual confidence and audacity.
“rests with heaven—to scheme them only is in the
power of man—why speak to me in this style, my
good friend ?”
“Why, what more is to be done,” exclaimed Kwo- ketsu, “after you have allowed this opportunity to slip by ?”
© You mistake,” said the Chehéen ;— something may still be done. He is by himself in the monastery whither } have sent him to lodge. Return home, and consult safely with a proper counsellor—you may yet discover a way of assisting yourself.”
The young man took leave of his two friends, and went home in search of Chingkee, to whom he related the parting observation of the Chehéen, and required his advice. ‘ When he placed us in custody,” replied his friend, ‘it was merely to save appearanccs, and amuse Teihchungyu. Now as he tells you that your enemy is by himself in the monastery, he evidently means that you should take the hint and contrive some scheme of revenge.”
“ Very true, very true !” exclaimed Kwoketsu with delight. ‘But what shall we do with him? Shall we hire people to beat him in broad day, or get some- body to kill him in the dark ?”
“ Kithee of these plans might be dangerous,’ plied the other. He then drew near, and whispered cautiously in the ear of Kwoketsu what he would ad- vise him to do.
” re-
- Good,”
S¢ Good,” cried he, with evident satisfaction, “an
excellent plan! But it must not be delayed, lest he
escape us.” He accordingly arranged with his friend
the mode of proceeding. But to learn what followed,
—to observe the noble return of gratitude for benefits
received, and virtue divesting itself of ordinary forms,
the reader must proceed to the next chapter.