Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-davis/Chapter 10
Chapter 10: By Her Appeal to the Emperor, Shueypingsin Terrifies the Commissioner
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 X.
“ BY HER APPEAL TO THE EMPEROR, SHUEYPINGSIN TERRIFIES THE COMMISSIONER.”
When peals the thunder in the echoing void, Then quake the hollow-hearted! Th’ innocent Alone unscar’d may listen—while the knave, Full fraught with memory of darkest deeds, Expects each bolt will on his head descend ! How gladly would he close the long account
Of evil render’d—how unwillingly
Augment it by an item !
On reaching the house of his niece with the verses invented by Kwoketsu, Shueyun addressed the young lady thus: “ I wish now that I had not gone to inquire farther concerning that young man, for his guilt might still have remained unknown to us; but you insisted on my going, and the result is very unfavourable.” His niece begged to be informed, and he continued: “ Had I remained quiet, we should have heard the rumour of his being a seducer—still, however, it was a mere ru- mour ; but now such clear and decided proof has been afforded of his guilt, that it not only disgraces himself, but involves us too, with whom he lately lodged.”
“ What is the proof?” inquired Shueypingsin.
“ On my arrival at the magistrate’s,” replied he, “ I found that some busy person had already made the
guilt
guilt of Teihchungyu the subject of a satirical poem,’
and pasted it up on every wall. Thinking that you:
might not believe me, I pulled down one of these, and _
brought it with me, that you might learn what sort of
character he really is.” So saying he presented her
with the paper; which she had no sooner looked over,
than, to his surprise, she began to laugh excessively.
“ Uncle,” said the young lady, “I congratulate you! How lately have you taken to your studies, to be able to indite such fine poetry as this ?”
“* Alas!” exclaimed he, ‘“ how should I attempt to deceive you on such a point, whatever I might do with others! When did you know me capable of making verses ?”
“ Well,” answered his niece, “if you were not the author of these verses, I am quite sure that they pro- ceeded from the masterly pencil of Kwoketsu.”
“ Do not be so unjust,” cried he, beginning to rave and stamp in despair; “ whatever people may say, he has not a bit more learning than your uncle! His mas- terly pencil! why he cannot so much as write: do not persist in calling him the author.”
“He may not be able to write,” said the young lady, “ but he may dictate for all that.”
“But he has no quarrel with this young man,” interrupted her uncle, “ that should induce him to take the trouble of composing such a satire.”
“ That may possibly be true,” replied she, “ still he is
well
well aware that there is such a person as Teihchungyu ;
while every body else in the neighbourhood is unac-
quainted with, and would hardly, therefore, think of
lampooning him. The deception is too gross. I may be
a weak and silly girl, but such a low and vulgar pro-
duction as this can make no impression on me; let
me advise the author, then, to waste no more pains.” Her tone was so decided that Shueyun dared not press her farther on that subject. ‘“‘ We will let that rest,” said he ;—“ but I have something yet to tell you, which demands your serious consideration.” Being requested to explain himself, he continued: “ It is simply this; Kwoketsu cannot give you up, although the want of power on the part of the local authorities has induced him to defer his pursuit; yesterday, how- ever, he learned: that the newly appointed imperial com- missioner is a favourite pupil of his father the minister, and only waits his arrival in order to obtain his inter _ ference. His plan is to come and marry you in your own house.* Now your father being an exile on the frontier, without any means of communication, and I myself
- This mode of espousal is called jichuy, and occurs when a rich man,
having only daughters, adopts a son-in-law to succeed to his property, ‘“* The bridegroom, who instead of taking home the bride to his own house, lives with her at the house of her parents, by so doing deviates from the established forms of espousal ; but having been once so received as a son-in-law, the law protects him in the right which he has acquired, of either remaining there with his wife, or taking her away with him to a separate establishment.""—SraunTon’s Penal Code. Book III. sect. 104, Note.
myself a person of no official rank or influence, what
can a young girl like yourself do to oppose his designs ?”
“ The imperial commissioner,” replied his niece, “ is the delegate of his majesty for the general investigation and redressal of wrongs. Should he countenance a forced marriage out of blind devotion to his ancient tutor, and violate the sanctity of the marriage relation, he will become a mere instrument of injustice, instead of the emperor’s delegate for the promotion of good govern- ment. But who shall venture to incur the stern rigour of the penal laws? Set your heart at rest, uncle—as for myself, I have no apprehensions.
“It is very well for you to talk in that way to me,” said he, laughing ; “ but I suspect that when you come before the commissioner, the weight of his authority, and the prospect of near punishment, will give you real cause of fear.”
“ The violation of the laws to evil and cruel pur- poses,” replied Shueypingsin, “ may make the frail humanity of a worthy and exalted character tremble ; but such natural feelings will never compel it to descend from its moral elevation : for being governed by a fixed principle of rectitude, the presence* of the emperor him-
self,
"© Literally “‘ the sight of the emperor himeelf.” This is precisely “ Justum et tenacem propositi virum—non vultus instantis tyranni mente
, quatit solidi." The above is the language of the Confucians, or stoics, who are in fact the only sect in China with any pretensions to morality. The Budhists combine superstition with depravity;—and the Taousze are mere cheats and jugglers.
self, much less his delegate, will never force such a
character to degrade itself. Why then permit your
apprehensions of these worthless people’s power and
influence to govern your conduct ?” .
“ Power and influence,” said her uncle, “‘ are what the greatest persons of past and present times have not been able to shake off; why then couple them with the worthless only? I am ready to acknowledge myeelf one of the worthless order, who are subject to their sway; but suspect, at the same time, that I seek my real advantage thereby.”
“ Well,” observed she smiling, “ if that be the case, let me ask what great advantage you have ever derived from them ?”
“ T see you are disposed to laugh at me,” said he ; “ but though my devotion through life to persons of power and influence may not have advanced me, I have certainly never suffered by such a course. I am only afraid that the contempt which you profess for them will lead you into trouble; and when the time arrives you must not say that I gave you no waming.”
To this his niece replied, ‘ The proverb says well, ‘the winter insect must not talk of summer :—the ephemeris * never knows spring and autumn,’ We are all best acquainted with the nature of our own situations. Let me beg you, uncle, to mind your own affairs: your
niece knows that there are such things as propriety, virtue, © Hceykoo.
virtue, reputation, and self-government. In comparison.
with these, happiness and misery are indifferent to her.
Pray then give yourself no uncalled-for anxiety on my
account.”
Shueyun now perceived that all his attempts to persuade her were vain, so assuming an air of well- intentioned honesty, he told hia niece, that the pains he had taken to convince her were for her good, and he grieved much that she would not listen to him. With that he left her; but on his way out could not help soliloquizing thus: “‘ She neither credits my attempts ‘to defame this youth, nor fears any threats regarding the commissioner ;—truly there seems to be no remedy ! Yet my brother, who is in exile, may remain there for any length of time; and shall the whole family property stay quietly in the possession of this young girl? If the commissioner is coming, I must stir up Kwoketsu to proceed to extremities, and when all parties are embroil- ed by my suggestions, I may take occasion to benefit: myself.”
With this resolution he proceeded straight to Kwo- ketsu, whom he informed of what had passed between his niece and himself; and then asked the other if he did not think she was very provoking. Kwoketsu was much enraged. “‘ Well,” cried he, “let her talk in this style for the present. Wait till the commissioner arrives, and when I have sent in my memorial, we will see whether he chuses to support me, the son of a
minister
minister of state—or your niece, the daughter of a
banished member of the military tribunal.”
“ Could you only forget her,” replied Shueyun, “ we might avoid these unpleasant discussions with my niece, and the humiliation we are obliged to suffer from her ; but if you cannot give her up, our only course is to wait for the commissioner. We will seize on her with a strong hand, and secure her beyond the chance of escape: then let her resort to all her stratagems, she can. But submit at last; but if we go on debating the point with her, think you she will ever* ‘ descend from her high horse’ ?”
Kwoketsu assented, and their conference being thus ended, they parted. After the lapse of a couple of months, the new commissioner was said to be approach- ing. Kwoketsu hurried out to a great distance on the road to meet him, and when they had reached his residence, and burnt incense to the emperor, the great man’s atrival was welcomed by him with mich gifts.
The first press of business being over, Kwoketsu prepared an entertainment, and invited the commis- sioner. The latter could not but accept it from the son of his tutor and superior, and when they had drank a certain quantity of wine, the great man, moved by the attentions of his host, said to him, “ On my first arrival, it has been out of my power to make any return for your kindness: but should you have any wish
which
- Literal.
TRE FORTUNATE UNION. 237
which I can gratify, I shall of course be glad to accede to it.” ,
“ Sir,” replied the other, “ the majesty of your public office, which inspires all under your authority with awe, would deter me from offering any thing private to your notice ; but there is a matter which touches me nearly, in which I would beg your lordship to arbitrate and govern.”
“ What may it be,” inquired the commissioner, “ that touches you so nearly ?”
“‘ My father,” said the young man, “ has been so engrossed by public business as to be unable to pay due attention to his family, and I have as yet never proceeded beyond the inferior connexion, nor been able to espouse a rightful wife.” *
“ That is strange!” exclaimed his friend with sur- prise. “ Did not I hear that you had sent the marriage presents, and were regularly contracted ?”
“ | did no more than send the presents,” replied the other, “‘ and the lady has since changed her mind.”
The commissioner smiled. “ Why, this is still more extraordinary ! With your father’s elevated dignity, and your own youth and flourishing prospects, who is there but would gladly tie the silken net with you ?— Who may this lady be ?”
“ The
© He wishes to pretend that his spouse is only a handmaid, of whom a man may have as many as he pleases, subordinate to the Tse, or rightful wife, of whom he can only have onc—his equal in rank, and espoused with the proper forms.
“The daughter of Shueykeuyih, member of the
military tribunal,” answered Kwoketsu.
“ But this Shueykeuyih is in exile,” observed his friend ;—“‘ who is it that presides in his family during his absence, and sanctions this breach of the contract ?”
“ The mother is dead,” replied the young man, “ and there is none but the daughter herself to preside in the family.” ,
“ But how should a young girl like her presume to change her mind?” said the commissioner; “I suppose she was not aware of the contract.”
.“ Allowing her to be ignorant of the first proposal,” answered the other, “ I still engaged a regular negocia- tor of the match, observed the six ceremonials,* and sent the presents, which were all accepted ; could she be ignorant after this?—but when it came to the point she made a thousand objections, and evaded the match in a multitude of ways.”
“ That being the case,” observed his friend, “ why did you neglect to call in the authority of the two local magistrates ?”
- I did engage their assistance,” replied he, “ but
she thought very lightly of them, and treated them with contempt and indifference. J have, therefore,
no resource but to intreat you to assume your irresis tible
- For the six ceremonials see Morrison's Dictionary, page 692.
These are in practice now reduced to three,—making the proposal,— sending the presents,—and carrying the bride home.
tible authority, and tame for me the delicate pride of
this high-bred lady. When I have perfected this de-
sirable union, my gratitude will not be small—and
she can scarcely venture to offer any opposition.”
It is a fine match,” said the commissioner, ‘ and I consider it my duty to assist you; but I fear the ne- gociators might not have been sufficiently respectable, or the presents not clearly accepted ; in case you pro- ceeded to carry her home irregularly, it were -very unadvised.”
To this Kwoketsu replied, “ The Chehéen was negociator on the occasion, and the contract was made by him in person. Her father being in exile, Shueyun, her uncle, received the marriage presents; all these circumstances are universally known—how then shall she dare to provoke your lordship by her mad obstinacy ?”
‘‘ That being the case,” observed the commis- sioner, “ there is nothing to be said. To-morrow I will prepare an order, authorizing you to carry her home as your wife.” .
- But she may refuse to enter the chair,” said the
other, “or throw some other difficulties in the way ; let me beg you to authorize my espousing her at her own house; she can hardly refuse me then.” The commissioner nodded assent, and when they had finished their wine in high mirth, they separated.
In a day or two the following paper was addressed to the Chehéen.
“ The commissioner’s order. Marriage, being the
source of all the human relations, and possessing
the greatest influence on the public morals, should
not be delayed beyond the fit period. It is stated
that Kwoketsu, son of the minister, has been long
contracted to the daughter of Shueykeuyih, member
of the military tribunal. The Chehéen, it appears,
was engaged as negociator, and by him the six ce-
remonials were duly observed. These preliminary
rites being fulfilled, it is proper to conclude the
marriage forthwith. But as the father of the bride
is absent, let her be espoused at her own house.
I request the Chehéen to convey my instructions to
both parties; let them chuse a fortunate day with-
out loss of time, and proceed to conclude the joyful
rites. Delay not the favourable period, to the detri-
ment of so auspicious a union. A month is limited
for the completion of the nuptials, and let none of the
parties be dilatory, at their peril.”
When the Chehéen received this and consider- ed it attentively, he was aware that it must be the work of Kwoketsu, relying on the commissioner’s connexion with his father. That magistrate would at first have presented a public address, but feared the young man’s resentment—he would then have held his peace altogether, but here again he apprehended that the commissioner, in treating Shueypingsin too lightly, might get himself into trouble, and then reproach him
for
for not giving him warning. He accordingly wrote a
private note to the following effect :
‘* I certainly acted as negociator in proposing this match; but it was at the desire of Kwoketsu and the young lady’s uncle Shueyun, in opposition to the wishes of the young lady herself. It has therefore re- mained unconcluded. I have received your lordship’s directions, and it is my duty to respect them; but considering the determined resolution of Shueyping- sin to remain single, and the address with which she has constantly eluded marriage, I am fearful lest, in receiving the order, she might assume the pride of her rank, and wound your lordship’s dignity by her refu- sal. I therefore make this representation of the truth, and wait for farther commands.”
“ What !” exclaimed the great man in arage, “am not I, with the authority of imperial commissioner, a match for this young girl?” He accordingly issued a second order.
“* The Commissioner again sends instructions to the Chehéen. If, according to his statement, Shueypingsin were averse from the match, for whom did that ma- gistrate act as negociator, and settle the contract ? Does he not contradict himself? He ought to have communicated my order instantly to Shueypingsin, who, being the daughter of an officer in disgrace, could hardly presume to offer any opposition. Should she prove disobcdieut, let her be brought before my
VOL. 1. R tribunal,
tribunal, that I may interrogate and punish her. Obey
this mandate.”
On.observing the peremptory strain in which this setond paper was worded, the Chehéen judged that he could no longer consider the rights of the ques- tion, but must proceed to obey his orders. He first communicated the commissioner’s instructions to Kwoketsu,—who of course very readily assented,—and then went on to the residence of Shueypingsin. He left his chair at the door, and walked into the great hall, desiring a servant to inform the young lady that he had come on business from the commissioner, and wished to speak with her.
Shueypingsin, when she heard the message, became aware that they had executed their threatened inten- tion, and walked out, attended by two female slaves, towards the back of the hall, where she took her station behind a hanging screen. The magistrate, being in- formed that the young lady waited his instructions within, addressed himself in the direction of the screen: « The business on which I come, young lady, is no other than the marriage which Kwoketsu wishes to conclude with you. He employed me as negociator, but your unwillingness has hitherto proved an obstacle. The newly arrived commissioner being a pupil of his father, Kwoketsu has engaged his authority to effect the match ; and his lordship, not fully aware of the whole truth, has issued a paper, requiring me to transmit
his
his directions to both parties, who are to chuse a
fortunate day, and complete the nuptials ns a public
example. Thus compelled, { have communicated the
order to Kwoketsu, who received it very joyfully ;
and now convey the same to yourself, young lady,
begging that you will obey his lordship and make early
preparations.”
To this Shueypingsin replied from within the screen, “ I¢ does not befit me to decline the marriage; but without my father’s authority I am unwilling to make ehoice of a husband, and therefore trust your wor- ship will represent my case.”
“ I stated the circumstance to his lordship on re- céiving the order,” said the magistrate, ‘ but he sur- prised me by an answer in which I myself was se- verely rated, and the language was so peremptory that I could only transmit his commands. Whe- ther ‘you resolve to obey or not, it should be done with deliberation—as for myself, I do not pretend to control you.”
On her requesting to see the two papers, the ma- pistrate desired his clerk to hand them to the female attendants; and when the young lady bad read them attentively, she replied, “ My unwillingness to marry ‘Kwoketsu is not a matter uf choicc, for were I to take it upon myself to wed during my father’s exile, and he found fault with meon his return, there would remain no excuse formy conduct. These mandates of thecom-
rR 2 missioner
missioner are so absolute, that it is impossible, espe-
cially for a helpless girl like myself, to dispute them,
—and I can hardly be charged with following my own
inclinations on the occasion. But yet, should they be
returned to his lordship on the conclusion of the mar-
riage, and he himself be recalled to court, no proofs’
will remain in my own justification. May I request
your worship, therefore, to obtain them for me. My
father will then perceive that my present compliance
proceeded from a necessary submission to authority,
and not from any wish of my own to conclude the
marriage.”
‘© You are very provident, replied the magistrate, — I will address the commissioner, and procure his sanction to your retaining the two papers.”
The conversation thus ended, he rose and returned to his office. “ I have been trying,” thought the magistrate, “ to effect a match between this young woman and Teihchungyu ; but she, who a little while ago would not listen to the proposal of marrying his rival, is now quite ready with her consent, and asks only to retain the commissioner’s order !—I really cannot understand it. His power, then, has prevailed at last! However, if she gives up the point there is nothing to be said, and I must address his lordship according to her desire.” F
When he read the paper which the Chehéen pre- sented, the commissioner laughed aloud. ‘“ Why,
they
they told me,” exclaimed he, “that this young lady
was very scrupulous—how happens it that her scru-
ples vanish so suddenly at the sight of my order?”
The following answer was accordingly returned.
‘* It is stated that Shueypingsin, in the absence of her father’s authority, is unwilling to be responsible for the pending match, and begs to retain my order in her own justification. Her filial conduct is very praiseworthy. But the fragrant season must not be lost; let the marriage be speedily concluded, as an excellent example. The two previous orders may be retained in evidence.”
The Chehéen went in person to deliver this to Sbueypingsin, and, as he rose to depart, counselled her thas: ‘ The matter now rests with the commissioner, and not with Kwoketsu: you cannot possibly alter your mind. It is incumbent on you to prepare your- self; and when Kwoketsu has chosen a fortunate day, I will come again to inform you.”
“ It is very true,” replied the young lady, “ that the matter now rests with the commissioner, and I cannot presume to change my mind—but I suspect that when his lordship has considered awhile, he may be disposed to change his own mind.”
“ He is the protégé of a minister of state,” ob- served the magistrate, “and secure of his patron’s zealous aid: what should induce Aim to change?”
“ TI donot pretend to answer for him,” said Shuey-
pingsin,
pingsin ; “ but should he really remain inflexible, it
will be quite impossible for me to avoid the marriage,
however much I may wish to escape it.”
The magistrate took his leave and proceeded to Kwoketsu, whom he called upon to select a fortunate day for the conclusion of the nuptials. That young man, on finding that Shueypingsin had consented, could not disguise the excess of his joy—he began immediately to prepare himself, and here we leave him for the present.
Say ye the peach blossoms are blown,* and ask What stops the bridal ?—Know the birds must pair Or willingly, or never.—Swarms of fow]
Flit round the river-islet ; but none wed,
Save kind with kind.
The commissioner was not displeased to see the young lady yield to his authority, as it gave him an oppor- tunity of obliging his patron’s son. After the lapse of a few days he opened the gates of his tribunal for the reception of appeals, and his court was soon filled with some hundreds of persons, who crowded in with their memorials, and knelt down in the entrance way. The commissioner directed that their petitions should be re- ceived, and the parties themselves dismissed until a re- ply could be returned : upon which the crowd dispersed in a body, and there remained behind only a single
person
- Here are allusions to two or three odes in the Sheeking. ‘ The
season of peach blossoms’ poetically means spring, or that of marriage : —*‘ the river-islet birds ’ are figurative of persons about to be wedded.
person—a young woman, who still knelt immoveably
in her place. The attendants of the court desired her
rudely to depart; but she rose, and advancing a few
steps forward, knelt down as before. “I have pro-
voked his lordship,” cried she, “ and do not wish to
avoid death. I desire only to end my life here, as a
public example, and in vindication of the dignity of the
imperial commissioner.”
So saying, she took out a glittering poniard from her sleeve, and was going to stab herself on the spot ; but the commissioner, seeing her from where he sat, called out in alarm to his attendants to prevent her. He then inquired who she was, and the nature of her complaint, desiring that she would not be rash, but state her griefs plainly, in order to their being redressed.
“ The guilty person you see before you,” replied she, “is the daughter of the exiled Shueykeuyih, late mem- ber of the military tribunal. Only seventeen years of age, my mother long since dead, and my father in exile ;—living in desolate and solitary seclusion, and mourning* my unhappy lot,—the idea of marriage was farthest from my thoughts. But the wicked Kwoketsu concerted a hundred schemes to get possession of my person, and by several villainous attempts, had nearly succeeded in conquering my unprotected weakness. He now takes advantage of his family influence to revive his wolfish schemes, and would cause the unsullied gem
to
- Literally, ‘ eating bitter herbs, and drinking my tears.’
' to meet with disgrace. Weeping I reflect, that al-
though my father be in exile, he is of elevated rank ;
and though I myself be an insignificant individual, my
cause is that of all secluded females. It is a case in
which the established rites and the cause of morality
are deeply concerned. How then shall I, without my
father’s consent on the one hand, and without the in-
tervention of negociators on the other, so far lose my-
self, as to bury my reputation through a dread of unjust
power! The late violence of Kwoketsu, though trouble-
some, was but the attempt of some petty robber,
against whom precautions might avail: but he has now
abused the. authority of the commissioner, who is dele-
gated by the imperial bounty, and procured a public
order, by which the established rites and the cause of
morality are treated with contempt and outrage. The
dread of so much power deprived me of all courage and
presence of mind. I knew that if I attempted to pre-
serve my honour, my family and myself must fall vic-
tims to unjust influence—but to die once is nothing in
comparison with the loss of virtue! No earthly re-
source was left to me; but, resolved to sacrifice my life
in vindication of my wrongs, I despatched, on a certain
day, my domestic slave to the imperial palace, to strike
on the drum, and present my complaint. But doubtless
the consciousness of wrong must have led an inex-
perienced maiden like myself to use expressions, too
little respectful, and too well calculated to involve mc
in
in guilt towards his majesty. I know that my offence
admits not of pardon, and therefore throw myself be-
fore your lordship’s tribunal, and cheerfully yield up my
life.”
So saying, she raised the poniard once more to stab
herself. The commissioner had paid little regard to her account of Kwoketsu’s violence—but when he heard that she had despatched a domestic to the emperor’s pelace he was seized with dread, and seeing her ready to kill herself, cried out to a young lad* by his side to rush forward and prevent her. “ There is a great deal in your case,” said he, which it was impossible for me to be acquainted with ; but let me ask you, since the Chehéen declares that he himself was negociator for your marriage, how say you there was no negociator ?”
“ The ceremonies,” she replied, “ which were per- formed by the Chehéen, were for the daughter of my uncle Shueyun. She has long since been espoused by Kwoketsu as his rightful wife.t How then could the Chehéen’s intervention be on account of my marriage also ?”
“ What!” exclaimed the commissioner,—“ then he has already taken a wife! This being the case, you should have explained the truth to me—what made you so rashly address the emperor ?”
“If my presenting an ordinary petition,” said Shuey-
pingsin,
- Onaccount of her sex and rank. t See Preface.
“c
.
250 THE FORTUNATE! UNION,
pingsin, “ could have set the matter right, your lordship should not have proceeded with such certainty on the strength of Kwoketsu’s mere assertions. Had I not addressed his majesty, my wrong would never have been righted.”
“ But the province of marriage,” replied he, * per- tains to the local authorities ; how could you presume to refer it to the emperor? Your address no doubt con- tains some irrelevant matter, and if so, who do you think will be the sufferer ?” ,
“ I could scarcely fail,” said she, “to weigh well my expressions in petitioning his majesty; but I have the copy here, and beg* your lordship to inspect it.” So saying, she took the paper from her bosom and handed it up to the commissioner, who read as fol- lows :—
“ Shueypingsin, the offending daughter of Shuey- keuyih, late member of the military tribunal, but now in exile on the frontier, reverently addresses his ma- jesty—the purport of her petition being the unjust conduct of the provincial Commissioner, who in order to seek favour with his patron, has endeavoured to com- pel the youthful daughter of an officer of state into wedlock, without the observance of the due forms, and to the great prejudice of the public morals. She humbly deems that the sacred cause of morality+ is the most
important
- Literally, ‘ dare to beg your lightening glance.’
+t Mingkeaou, ‘the famous doctrine’ of Confucius —his system of morals.
important part of the imperial government, and that, of
all the human relations, marriage gives rise to the first in
order. Therefore in arranging every union, the interven-
tion of negociators is indispensable, and previous to the
assent of the parties themselves, the authority of the pa-
rents must be obtained. When all this has been done, the
Six ceremonials must be observed, and the Three stars *
shed their influence on the dwelling—the bride may
then be carried to her new house. But a case like the
present is‘unheard-of! The father of the male party at
court, and not even represented by a delegate—the
father of the female in exile, and no word of consent
given—the commissioner enters the province, and before
he attends to any business, issues two furious mandates
in succession, compelling the petitioner to submit to an
irregular marriage, merely to seek favour with his pa-
tron, and recompense private benefits! This is the
conduct of Foongling !—The petitioner, a helpless fe-
male, could ill oppose him, and has no means of pre-
serving her honour, except by destroying herself pub-
licly
© Marriages in China have always been celebrated in the evening: hence the allusion in one of the odes of the ancient classic Sheeking : ‘ The three stars shine on thé gate;’ that is, the three stars of the Chinese constellation, corresponding to a part of Scorpio and Antares, (which, however, cannot always appear in the evening), are risen in the
east. The two following lines are used on bridal occasions, exhibited at the doors of the house :
San sing tsae hoo ; ‘ The three stars of evening shine on the gate.’ Pih leang ying mun, ‘ A hundred cars throng the portal.’
licly before his tribunal. But lest her unavenged
injuries should hereafter rise up in the shape of calami-
ties to trouble your majesty’s reign,* she despatches her
domestic emissary, at all hazards, to strike on the drum
at the palace gate, and intreats the imperial benevolence
to pity her hard case, and punish the commissioner as
he justly deserves. Then, although the petitioner will
have ceased to exist, she may perchance prove the
means of life and safety to others in a similar situation.
This memorial is offered up with profound awe.”
When the commissioner had seen the beginning of the petition, in which he was accused of “ seeking favour with his patron,” his fears threw him into a cold sweat ;—as he read on attentively, he fell a trembling,— and when he had finished the agitated perusal, his ter- ror was ready to convert itself into rage, which would have vented itself on the victim before him; but seeing her hold the knife in her grasp, and the determination with which she purposed to destroy herself, he be- thought him of the consequences—and wavered. He
then © This is rather a curious passage, and has been rendered as literally as possible. The Chinese say, ‘‘ When the Emperor abandons virtue, heaven gives him warning by prodigies, as eclipses of the sun and moon, &c. Should he disregard these, prodigies still more striking and serious are the consequence, as droughts, famines, wars, the rushing down of mountain tops, and such like. Confucius himself declared, ‘ When a government is to be prosperous, there will be prognostics of felicity ; when a government is to be overturned, there will be prog- nostics of evil.’ In this manner the fall of the Mongol Tartar dynasty is said to have been predicted.” J translate the note of my native scribe on the passage in the context.
then gave up his evil purpose, and quieted her with
kind words. ‘“ I have been deceived,” said he, “ on
my first arrival, by Kwoketsu, who declared that every
preliminary had been settled for your union ; it was for
this reason I exerted my authority: my motive was
good, and I knew not that so much had been wanting.
I request, young lady, that you will retire in peace to
your home. I will issue an order that you shall not be
molested by any ill-intentioned persons. But the peti-
tion which you have sent must be recovered ;—and this
had better be done with all secrecy.”
“ Your lordship is very indulgent,” replied Shuey- pingsin ; “and I can ask for nothing more—but, alas ! my servant has already been despatched three days !”
“ Three months should make no difference!” ex- claimed he, and a trusty domestic was instantly sent, with a description of the young lady’s messenger, and a strict charge to go day and night in pursuit of him. Shueypingsin, when she had returned her acknowledg- ments, left the hall, and stepped into a small sedan, in which she was carried home so quietly, that not only Kwoketsu and her uncle, but the Chehéen himself, remained ignorant of what had passed.
Kwoketsu, in the height of his elation, had selected a fortunate day for the nuptials, and informed Shueyun : who went over to his niece, and congratulated her, say- ing that the bridegroom had fixed the period for espous- ing her at her own house.
She
She smiled on hearing this. ‘ Uncle,” said the young
lady, “‘ pray tell me if it is to be in this life, or in the life
to come ?”*
- Do not laugh at me,” cried he, “ you have done
that enough already—but as regards.the commissioner, the delegate of his majesty, and the awarder of life and death, I suspéct Ae is not to be laughed at.”
‘To this she replied, “ Sir, you are my uncle and my father’s ‘representative ;: I should hardly think of offering such a slight—but if the commissioner of to-day should prove to:be a very different personage from the commissioner of yesterday, I think I may be allowed to laugh at ‘him;”:.;.. —-. 4
“© How happened it,” asked Shueyun, “ that when his two orders came down, you received them so quietly ?—you should have taken that opportunity to laugh at him.”
“ And who knows,” said his niece, “ but such was
my intention in -receiving them?” She had scarcely uttered this, when a servant came to announce, that some official person from the commissioner was wait- ing outside, with a written notice, which he wished to deliver to the young lady. Shueypingsin purposely assumed an air of grave thought, as she exclaimed,
- What notice can this be?” .
oe Oh
© An expression of the Budhists, or Metempsychosists. She alludes to his faith in their doctrines; which, in regard to hell and purgatory (teyS and yewming), are exactly described in the sixth Book of Virgil, line 738.
‘* Oh nothing,” said her uncle; “ it is merely to
hasten you in your preparations ; but wait while Igoand
inquire—if it is nothing more you need not come out.”
“ Very good,” replied the young lady; and her uncle went out to receive the emissary, demanding the business of his visit. ‘‘ No doubt it is to urge the completion of the marriage ?” said he.
- By no means,’”’ replied the messenger: “ his
lordship commands me to say, that the first press of business left him no time to learn the truth of the lady’s case, and he only yesterday ascertained that her father being exiled, she was left alone and unpro- tected at home, without being affianced to any one; —lest, therefore, unprincipled persons should attempt to molest her, his lordship especially sends this pro- hibitory order.”
So saying he took the paper from an attendant, and gave it to Shueyun. The latter, astounded by what he heard, exclaimed to himself, ‘* What is all this ?” He uttered not a word, however, but asking the offi- cer to be seated, carried the paper to his niece.
- The commissioner sends this,” said he, “ I do
not understand why—pray read it out that I may hear.”
His niece opened the paper, and read it out dis- tinctly as follows : “* Notice from the Commissioner. It appears that Shueykeuyih, member of the military board, being exiled on the frontier, his only daughter
lives
- lives unaffianced in solitude at home. Her peculiar
situation requires that J call upon the two local ma-
gistrates to take her under their careful protection.
Should any violent and unprincipled persons offer to
molest the young lady, the authorities of the district
and those pertaining to her household are command-
ed to report it instantly, that I may apprehend and
punish the offenders severely.”
“ Why, this is some charm to frighten away sprites !” said Shueypingsin laughing; “ it is of little use tome! However, as he sends it, I must take it in proof of good will at least—it shall not be rejected.” So saying, she gave her uncle a paper containing two taels of silver for the principal messenger, aud another, holding a tenth of the same sum, for his follower, requesting that he would dismiss them.
Shueyun spoke not a word, so stupified was he by his astonishment, but carried the two enclosures to the people and sent them away: then going back to Shueypingsin, ‘“ My good niece,” exclaimed he, ‘ you were quite right—this commissioner is not the com- missioner of yesterday; but, after the peremptory order to hasten the marriage, how comes this sudden notice to forbid the same ?—It is quite beyond my comprehension.”
“ There is nothing difficult in the matter,” replied she. ‘“* When he first arrived here, he fancied I was a poor defenceless girl whom he might easily oppress,
and
and -aceordingly gave orders for the marriage, in
complitnent to Kwoketsu. Having discovered, how-
ever, that your niece is not to be trifled with, he
begins to tremble for his office—hence his change
of conduct, and this complimént to myself.”
- Bat my brother is absent,” said her uncle;
“ what means can you have of injuring his lordship, that he should be afraid of you ?”
- Do not ask me now, uncle,” replied she, laugh-
ing ;—‘* wait a couple of days, and the thing will ex- plain itself.”
Full of doubts and perplexities, Shueyun took his departure, and quietly informed Kwoketsu of the notice which had been issued by the commissioner. The young man would not believe him. “ It is im- possible !” exclaimed he.
- Tam not deceiving you,” said the other; “ but
make haste—go and try to find out the reason your- self.”
Finding that he was in earnest, Kwoketsu was seized with consternation; he ordered a chair, and hurried away to call upon the commissioner. No press of business bad hitherto prevented the latter from admitting his friend; but to-day, although at leisure in a back-room, the answer was given that he was busy, and could see nobody. Kwoketsu was obliged to return home. The next day he went again, and so on for three or four days ; but the answer still
VOL. 1. 8 was,
was, that he could not be seen. Vexed and enraged
at such treatment, the young man exclaimed, ‘“‘ What
is the meaning of this change! But if he behaves to
me with such contempt, I must send a letter to Pe-
king,—we will then see how long he retains his office !”
But to observe the disgrace of the worthless Kwo- ketsu, and the merits of the chaste Shueypingsin, it is necessary to proceed to another chapter.