Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-davis/Chapter 11
Chapter 11: Teihchungyu, Urged by His Attachment, Goes a Hundred Leagues to the Lady's Succour
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 XI.
‘“‘ TRIHCHUNGYU, URGED BY HIS ATTACHMENT, GOES A HUNDRED LEAGUES TO THE LADY'S SUCCOUR.”
Deny not that her peril was a case
To claim his aid—each thought and energy
Was bent to serve her; and his course be hasten'd, To prove himself no ingrate. ‘Twas not passion Alone that urg’d him—justice loudly call’d
For interference—no officious zeal
Was his, for if not he, who else had mov'd?
We have seen the vexation of Kwoketsu, when he found that the commissioner, instead of hastening his marriage, had issued a prohibitory notice in favour of Shueypingsin ;—as well as his rage at being constantly denied in his calls at the great man’s house. Still he was at a loss how to proceed, and accordingly paid a visit to the Chehéen, to see what he could learn from him. That magistrate was startled when he heard of the change in the commissioner’s conduct, and exclaimed, “‘ What can be the meaning of this '—No doubt,” continued he, after a little consideration, “ it must be
VOL. 1. B Shueypingsin
Shueypingsin herself who has exerted her supernatural
powers, and discomfited his lordship.”
“ But by what device,” inquired the other, “ could a young girl, whose father is exiled, and who has never been out of the female apartments, produce such an effect 2”
“ You must not confound her with ordinary cha- racters,” said the magistrate: “ young girl as she is, she possesses the sense and ingenuity of the most ex- traordinary persons in history. When I went to her the other day with the commissioner’s order, she made no objection whatever, but was all compliance; and I even then could not help suspecting she had some scheme in view. At my subsequent visit, when I ad- vised her not to practice any evasions, she replied, ‘ There is no chance of it on my part; but I fancy his lordship may find it necessary to alter his conduct.’ Now since he really has done what she predicted, it must doubtless be in consequence of her own con- trivance. Let me advise you, my young friend, to make inquiries at his lordship’s office; there must certainly be a reason for it.”
Kwoketsu took his leave of the magistrate, and pro- ceeded straight to the commissioner’s. Now it might be imagined, that as Shueypingsin had appeared openly before the tribunal, the attendants of the court must be acquainted with what had passed, and would readily inform him—but his lordship was so afraid of the matter
becoming
becoming notorious, that he had charged his people to _
keep it secret, and the young man therefore could pick
up nothing from them.
He had thus passed more than twenty days in a very unpleasant state of mind, when a messenger arrived from the commiseioner to invite his attendance ; upon which he imagined it could be for no other than a favoura- ble purpose, and accordingly hastened to the audience. To his surprise, the commissioner, after politely leadmg him to an inner apartment, opened the conversation thus: “ My friend, it was solely on your account, that my ignorance of the real state of affairs had nearly in- volved me in the deepest calamity.”
“ The authority of your high office,” replied Kwoketsu, “ exerted as it was to effect the marriage of a young girl, subject to your control, though it may have been productive of some trouble, could hardly be attended with such consequences as you mention. Why should your lordship break faith with me ?”
The other replied, “ It was just this feeling of con- tempt for a young girl under my authority which led me to issue the order, expecting that she must of course bow her head and submit—but this Shueypmgsin turns out to be a very formidable personage, one that is gifted with extraordinary resources. When my order arrived, she was all compliance, without the least change of colour or countenance ; but in the meanwhile, she quietly prepared an address to the emperor, and with
B 2 the
the utmost secrecy despatched a trusty domestic
to Peking, with directions to strike the drum at the
palace gate, and present the accusation against me.
Tell me, now, have I not reason to be afraid of
her ?”
Astonished by what he heard, the young man ex- ’ claimed, “ Surely she never could be so rash! I still suspect it is a falsehood, invented to gain her object. But whence did your lordship learn this ?””
“* The attempt to procure my degradation was not the whole of her daring,” said the commissioner; —“ she brought a copy of the petition and shewed it to me herself.”
‘¢ But you should have torn up her petition,” replied the other, “ and dealt with her in such a summary manner as to break her spirit.”
‘“‘ The wonder is, that she had despatched the original address three days before,” said his lord- ship ;—* had I followed my first impulse, and dealt harshly with her, the petition being already des- patched, what should I have said when an order came from his majesty, admitting the petition, and de- manding the several parties ?—This, however, was not all: she drew out a poniard, with which she would have stabbed herself, and involved me in deeper guilt by her own destruction.”
- But allowing that her address had been receiv-
ed,” replied Kwoketsu, ‘there is no reason why
your
your lordship should not have met it by a counter-
address.”
‘© My good friend,” answered the commissioner, “ you have not seen what she wrote! It would have ruined me at once, and left no room for farther expla- nations. Had this paper been received, my own punishment were certain, and both yourself and your father would have been involved in trouble. I had no choice, but was obliged to pacify her by the prohibi- tory notice which I issued, and in return for which she furnished me with the name and description of her domestic, enabling me to send in pursuit of him. My reason for denying you, when you favoured me with calls for several successive days, was the fear lest this petition might not be recovered, in which case malicious persons would find occasion for remarks. The paper, however, being happily brought back, I have requested you to attend for the purpose of inspecting it, and being convinced that I have not broken my faith with you, but been com- pelled to these measures by necessity.”
So saying he drew out the paper, and handed it to the young man.
Kwotketsu, though he could | not understand the whole, was just able to distinguish the words ‘ seek- ing favour with his patron,’ and felt a cold shiver run over him as he exclaimed, ‘“‘ What wonderful resolu- tion does this young girl possess! She richly deserves
my
my hatred. But shall I so easily give up the pursuit?
My resentment at her obstinacy is only equalled by
my determination to persecute her yet. I still hope
that your lordship, out of consideration for my father,
will continue to assist me towards the conclusion of
this match.”
- § On any other subject whatever,” replied the com- missioner, “ I would gladly receive your instructions, but with regard to this marriage your request is a lit- tle unreasonable. Let me advise you to cool on this subject :—if you prosecute it with violence you will be involved in trouble, for I can see that this young woman’s conduct is not to be calculated on—she may not be safely provoked.” .
Perceiving that he gave up the cause altogether, Kwoketsu took leave of his lordship ; but unable still to make up his mind to the disappointment, he sought advice from his friend Chingkee. Having in- formed him of what had passed, “‘ Tell me,” asked he, “ does she not deserve all my resentment, with her aceusation of ‘ seeking favour with his patron,’—a charge that goes so far to implicate my father him- self?”
“ You have a right to be incensed at her petition,” replied his friend, “ but if we weigh fairly her motives for avoiding this marriage, it is not so much from any objection to your mind or person, as from the want of the father’s consent on either hand—nor, according to
the
the established rites of wedlock, is she without reason
on her side. My opinion is, that nothing must
be rashly attempted in this case—but if you are de-
termined to accomplish your purpose, seize the op-
portunity of Shueykeuyih’s exile, and the high situa-
tion and prospects of your own father, to send a per-
son, in the first place, to Peking, and acquainting
your father with the circumstances, prevail on him to
despatch a message from himself to the frontier.
Think you that Shueykenyih, in the midst of his
disgrace, will do otherwise than consent ?—and if the
father’s consent be obtained, we need have no fear of
the daughter escaping us.
. “ You are right!” exclaimed the young man with delight,—“ this is the straight road, and the only one to be taken. But all the circumstances cannot be stated in a letter, and I dare charge none of my domestics with such a mission. Let me beg you to proceed in person to my father; the sight of you will incline him favourably, and produce an excellent result.”
“ Ina matter which so nearly concerns your satisfac- tion,” replied his friend; “I could never think of re- fusing the trust you are willing to confide m me; I will most readily go as you desire.”
. “ Then,” said Kwoketsu joyfully, “with your as- sistance I consider my hopes as already accomplished !” An urgent epistle to his father was prepared with all haste, and every thing requisite being made ready for
the
the journey, he despatched one of his old domestics in
company with Chingkee to the capital.
All vainly do the winged insects ply
Their active toil—now on the topmost boughs
They search for flowers—now glancing quick descend !
All vainly—for the spring its blooming gifts
Denies them ; and the gaudy butterfly
Frets idly—idly frets the busy bee.
Leaving them to pursue their journey, we turn to Teihchungyu, who on his return from Shantong to his native city, lived entirely at home, and cherished the remembrance of Shueypingsin’s kindness. His liking for an adventurous life gradually wore away, and he turned his mind towards the acquisition of literary honours. Observing one day by chance in the gazette, that his father had petitioned to retire from office on account of sickness, he became alarmed, and in order to satisfy himself as to the real cause of this unexpected step, took horse immediately for Peking, attended by Seaoutan. .
On approaching the capital, he saw at some distance before him a person mounted on a mule. His horse being the faster animal of the two, soon passed the other, and Teihchungyu on turning round, perceived that the stranger was no other than Shueypingsin’s trusty domestic. “I think I know you,” said he: “ what has brought you so far 7”
The man raised his head on being accosted, and at once recognizing the youth, leaped down from his mule,
and
and cried out, “ Sir, you are the very person I wished
to see.”
“ What !” said Teihchungyu with surprise, “ on what errand do you come to me?” And with that he reined in his horse, and eagerly dismounted to make farther inquiry.—‘‘ Is it on account of your master’s business, or your young lady’s, that you were despatched hither ?”
““ My young lady’s,” replied the man, and Teih- chungyn, with a mixture of surprise and alarm, desired to be informed of it.
“ Surely,” said he, “ it must be some fresh villainy of Kwoketsu ?”
“You are quite right, sir,” answered the domestic; “but this last act greatly outdoes all the past, and my young lady, driven to extremity, has sent me to Peking to strike on the drum at the palace-gate and present her petition ; though, apprehending my unfitness for such a charge, she desired me first of all to wait upon you and obtain your assistance.”
“ There will be no difficulty in presenting the peti- tion,” said Teihchungyn ; “‘ but tell me, what wickedness has Kwoketsu practised to drive your lady to such a measure ?”
“ All his former contrivances,” replied the man, “were his own, and he could devise nothing but what was easily circumvented by my lady’s prudence; but the newly arrived commissioner is unfortunately a pupil
of
10 THE FORTUNATE UNION,
. of the minister, and ready to undertake any thing for his sake. He issued several mandates, requiring the Chehéen to see that the marriage was concluded withm a month. There was no opposing this, and accordingly my lady wrote an accusation against him, and commanded me to bring it, in search of your advice and assistance. Being so fortunate as to meet you here, I have only to request you will put me in the way of presenting it: every thing requisite is prepared.
The resentment of Teihchungyu was excited. “ What commissioner has dared,” exclaimed he, “ to act in this mad style?”—The man told him his name.—“ So!” said the youth, “it is that fellow Foongling! I shall be delighted to send up your lady’s petition, and become instrumental to his degradation : ’tis but a small matter, and you need not strike the drum: I will present it at the proper office, and engage them to send it up at the regular period. When a reply has been received, it will be time to move the tribunal of mites to propose his dismissal: we will then see how long he remains in power !”
“ Through your exertions, sir,” replied the man, “my lady’s cause cannot but succeed.”
Teihchungyu now mounted his horse, observing, “‘ It is not fit to discuss the matter on this public road. I will ride on, as my horse is fleet ; do you follow me as quickly as you can to the private office of the inspector general ; I will desire Seaoutan to wait for you at the gate.”
The
THE FORTUNATE UNION, ll
The man promised to obey, and Teihchungyu giving his horse the whip, galloped off at speed. He was not long in reaching his destination, where he found that his father’s application for leave had not been admitted by the emperor; but the doors were as usual crowded with business. He went in straight to wait on his father and mother, and ascertained that his majesty had some weighty matters for the consideration of the inspector’s office, and the application on his father’s part was nothing more than a mere form which custom required.
His mind once at rest on this head, Seaoutan was desired to attend at the outer gate: but the evening arrived, and Shueypingsin’s messenger did not appear. Our hero began to be anxious. “ How is it,” thought he, “ that this man does not make more haste with his lady’s despatch ?—Perhaps his mule has detained him, and he may have put up somewhere for the night; no doubt I shall see him to-morrow.”
The next morning, however, Seaoutan waited at the gate in vain. The afternoon arrived, and no messenger appeared. Teihchungyu now began to suspect that the man had met with somebody else, as well able to assist him. His only course, therefore, was to send a proper person to the office for presenting memorials, to inquire if an address had been delivered from the daughter of Shueykeuyih ; but the messenger returned with an answer in the negative.
He would not give up the inquiry yet, but despatched
a man
a man to the southern gate of the imperial palace, to
find out if any person had struck on the drum: this
person, however, returned without news.
Teihchungyu now began to suspect the worst. ‘“‘ The man distinctly said,” thought he to himself, “ that my assistance had been contemplated in presenting the memorial : why does he not appear? Doubtless he must have divulged his secret, and some spy or confidential friend of the commissioner has put him out of the way !— or it is just possible that he has been seized with a sudden and fatal malady.” An endless number of conjectures thus passed through his mind ; but the truth never once occur- red to him—namely, that Shueypingsin’s domestic had, on reaching the city-gate, been overtaken and conveyed back by the messenger sent in pursuit of him.
He continued his inquiries for several days in every direction ; but without discovering a trace or shadow of his object, and began then to be seriously alarmed. “* Had Shueypingsin’s memorial only been presented,” thought he, “ the commissioner were no longer formi- dable: but he is still in full power, and she, an unpro- tected female, can with all her prudence and ability do little to oppose him. Her father in exile, and the whole district in which she lives devoted to Kwoketsu, who is there but myself to assist her? According to the old maxim, ‘ A good man will die for his friend ;’ but Shueypingsin has been more than a common friend tome. Were I ignorant of her present danger, I might
have
have an excuse ; but with the full knowledge of it, to
refrain from giving her my succour, were to prove myself,
one of the bearded sex, inferior in courage and gene-
rosity to a tender female! This would indeed be a
breach of the ancient rule.”
His mind once made up, he took leave of his father and mother, under plea of returning home to his studies ; and in order to excite the less notice, rode a mule in lieu of a horse, journeying night and day towards Shantong province, attended solely by his page. While thus intent on succouring his benefactress, he deliberated within himself. ‘‘ Considering the vile act of this thief of a commissioner, it would delight me much to break into his hall of audience, and disgrace him publicly. Let me remember, however, that he is the delegate of the emperor, and after such treatment as this, might present a memorial, accusing me of offering indignity to an imperial commissioner, which would be a plausible charge ;—though did we both* appear for judgment before his majesty, and argue our cause together, there is so much more reason on my side that I should not be afraid of him. But then I have before me the example of Shuey- pingsin herself; who, without betraying the slightest emotion, has discomfited the most powerful enemies. Did I make a disturbance on this occasion, she would despise me as a hot-headed fellow. Let me proceed at
once
- It is not very clear that causes are thus verbally pleaded before the
emperor at the present day; but the above is a faithful version of the
original.
once to the house of Shueypingsin, and providing my-
self there with the commissioner’s two orders, carry
them back to Peking, and engage my father to accuse
him formally before the emperor :—we will then see
what he has to say in his defence !”
Though small the heart that in another’s cause Grows warm, it is awworld of busy thought : —Denied repose, its energies it wastes
In endless musings.
His resolution thus formed, Teihchungyu hastened on without a moment’s delay, and arrived in a few days at his destination, where he first sought a lodging, and leaving his travelling effects in charge of his boy, walked all alone towards the mansion of Shueypingsin.
On approaching the gate-way, every thing appeared quiet ; not an individual could be seen. He walked in at the principal gate, where all was silent, and then entered the inner gate,* where though he saw nobody moving, he observed, fixed against the wall by. the door-side, an authoritative notice, which, on approaching nearer, he perceived to be issued in the commissioner's name. ‘“ Why,” thought he to himself, “ what should make this fellow, after he had already limited a time for the marriage, fix up an additional notice to the same purpose ? But I must take this with me as evidence.” When he read on, however, he discovered that, far from hastening the marriage, it was a prohibitory notice, for-
bidding
- Chinese houses of consequence have a court before them, and the
second gate forms the entrance of the mansion.
bidding all persons to attempt gaining possession of the
young lady by violence!
As he finished the perusal, it was with a mixture of surprise and satisfaction that he exclaimed to himself, “ This is indeed most unaccountable! Did not her messenger tell me that the commissioner had urged her marriage by two successive mandates, and that this was the occasion of her memorial to the emperor ?—What means this notice of a tendency so opposite? Doubt- less Shueypingsin must have bribed the commissioner to change his mind ;* or perhaps her father has been recalled to office, and he dared not provoke one in power by his rashness.”
Unable to explain it, he would have entered the house, and ascertained the truth: but checked himself with this reflection. “She is a solitary female, and I can plead neither relationship, nor any other pretence for going in. Were she in actual danger from her suitors, there would be less objection to such a step; but with this quiet and satisfactory notice at her doors, my en- trance would subject me to the imputation of seeking my own views, under a show of disinterestedness. This will never do! But let me go and inquire elsewhere ; who knows but somebody can give me the information I want.”
As he issued from the outer gateway, he came all at once upon the uncle Shueyun, who chanced to be
passing © Orig. “ to change his face.”
16 THE FORTUNATE UNION,
passing that way. Being mutually acquainted, they could do no otherwise than approach with the customary salutations. Thought Shueyun to himself: “ It is not long since he took his departure in a great passion ; then what brings him here to-day ?—why surely he must be possessed.*—Pray, sir,” said he, addressing the youth, when did you arrive. - May I ask if you have seen my niece yet ?”
“ It was only to-day,” replied Teihchungyu, “ that I reached this place ; and I have not been so presump- tuous as to disturb the young lady your niece.” —
“ Then,” asked the other, “ if not to see my niece, for what purpose might you come ?”
“T heard at Peking,” said the youth, “ that his lordship the commissioner had made such a bad use of his power, as to issue two separate mandates, limiting a month for your niece’s compulsory marriage. I con- sidered that the regulation of a young lady’s marriage concerned none but her parents, and that the com- missioner had no right to commit such an act of oppres- sion in search of his own private views. This was my reason for repairing hither in spite of the distance,—that I might succour your niece in her difficulties. I per- ceived, however, on entering the gate, that his lordship had fixed up a notice, prohibiting all persons from mo- lesting the young lady; and this being quite in conso-
nance
- Cho leaou moo precisely means ‘ possessed by a devil, or evil
spirit.’
nance with the duty of a good magistrate, I concluded
that the report at Peking must be false, and accordingly
took my departure.” .
“ Then, sir,” exclaimed Shueyun, with a rude laugh, “ the occasion of both your coming and going may be said to be equally slight ! No doubt, however, the noblest motives govern your conduct; though there is some share of lightness in your mode of proceeding. But we will let that pase—and since you come from such a dis- tance, you really should stop a little, and let me inform my niece of your reasons for undertaking the journey, that she may feel duly grateful, and come out to thank you—thus your trouble will not have been wholly in vain.”
“ Sir,” replied Teihchungyu, “ my motives for coming hither were not more on account of others, than to satisfy my own mind—that being done, where is the need of either gratitude or thanks?” Then with a very slight imclination, “ Old gentleman,” said he, “ fare- well !” and walked away with a haughty air.
The other would gladly have had another word with him, annoyed as he was by this uncetemonions style. “ What makes the young fellow so insolent ?” thought he to himself; “let me see if I cannot find out a way of paying him off—it would delight me if I could!” After a little consideration, however, he felt quite at a logs as to the means, and resolved to go and consult with Kwoketsu. Desiring a young lad to follow Teihchungyu,
and find out his lodging, he proceeded straight to the house of his son-in-law, whom he acquainted with all the circumstances of the rencontre.
“ What!” cried Kwoketsu, stamping with rage, “ is this fellow come to snatch her from me? See here another cause of hate between us! But of a truth he shall not escape me: I will hazard my life, but I will be revenged !”
“ How do you propose to do that?” inquired the other. ;
“ T will go in search of him in the morning,” replied he, “‘ find out some pretext to pick a quarrel, and then report him to the commissioner: there is no fear, but his lordship will espouse my part.” -
Shueyun shook his head: “ It will never do!— I understand this young man’s father is president of the censorate, and, by his office, the commissioner's immediate superior—let his lordship therefore wish ever so much to assist you, he can do nothing to the preju- dice of his superior’s son.”
Kwoketsu was startled. “ Very true!” said he; “it never occurred to me: then what am I to do?”
“ Tt strikes me,” replied the other, “‘ that we need not proceed to any great lengths * with him just now. Let us begin by playing him a trick, and getting him into a scrape : we will then give him a good sound beating,
without
- Lit. ‘move any great weapons.’
THE FORTUNATE UNION, IX
without his having much to complain of. This is about as much as he deserves from us.”
“ Well,” said his son-in-law, “ let us see if we can manage it—but, tell me, how are we to commence with him ?”
“ This Teihchungyu, with all his talking,” said Shueyun, “is but a youngster after all: I am pretty certain that his true motive in journeying so far was some scheme of his own relating to my niece. When I came so unexpectedly upon him, he thought it ne- cessary to make up that fine story, as a cover to his real designs. My suspicion is, that he is puzzled to find out some way of getting an interview with her: your plan, then, will be to meet him half-way by a contrivance of your own, and send a young boy, as if from my niece herself, to say that she had been aware of his arrival at her gate this morning, but was prevented from going out to meet him by the fear of notice: that she depends on having an interview with him this evening, about the setting of the first watch, at the gate of the back-garden, being anxious. to communicate to him something of consequence. Now a god or a genius could never guess that this was false—wait, therefore, until he arrives, and let some stout fellows that you have previously laid in am- bush, beat him black and blue.* Where can he go
c 2 to
© Orig. ‘ beat him till his head is blue, and his eyes swollen.’
tocomplain after this? Tell me, is it a good scheme
or not ?”
Kwoketsu was so pleased with it, that his whole face became one universal smile. ‘“ A most admira- ble plot!” cried he, “ it cannot but succeed: and then when he has been well cudgelled, I will send him a letter, to let him know that the choice spirits of our part of the country are not to be rashly pro- voked.” So saying, he sent for a clever smooth- tongued boy of his household, and making him per- fect in a plausible story, told him exactly how he was to convey it to Teihchungyu. The lad was ready enough at his lesson, and had just learned it by heart, when the other boy, who had been sent by Shueyun in search of the place of lodging, luckily returned in time to be sent with him as a guide.
Teihchungyu, at a loss to account for the sudden change in the commissioner’s conduct, and anxious to discover the reason, had gone straight to the Chehéen’s to make inquiries; but that magistrate happened fo be out on business, and the young man returned to his lodging. The guide, on perceiving his approach, pointed him out to his companion as the person he was to address, and the latter then went to meet Teihchungyu on his entrance, and fol- lowing him into the lodging, addressed him in a low voice by his name: “ Sir,” said he, “ where have you been? I have waited here some time for you.”
Teihchungyu,
Teihchungyu, turning his head round and seeing a
boy of fourteen or fifteen, inquired to whom he be-
longed, and what was his business? The boy would
not answer at first; but looking about with an
affectation of caution, went close up, and said in a
whisper, “Sir, [ am sent by my young lady, Shuey~
pingsin.”
s* What!” exclaimed he, with a mixture of sur- prise and suspicion, “were there not the steward, and other fitter persons than yourself ?—But let me hear, what is your errand ?”
“© My young lady might have sent others,” replied the boy; “ but she thought it more advisable to em- ploy me, who am in her confidence, and can most fitly communicate what she has at heart.”
“© What may that be?” inquired Teihchungyu.
“* She bids me say, sir, that when you were so good as to call this morning, she was aware of it, and would have come out to meet you—but it was impossible, in the first place, to speak unreservedly before people—next, to have been seen would have excited scandal—besides which, you had neither knocked at the door, nor entered the hall, and to detain you then would have appeared strange. So grateful, however, does she feel to you for coming thus far, that she must thank you in person, and ac- cordingly sends me with this private message.”
“ Then go back and inform your lady,” said Teih- chungyu,
chungyu, “ that I came hither to redress her wrongs ;
but it was chiefly to satisfy my own mind, and with
no prospect of meeting her. Your lady is so good as
to acknowledge my intentions ; but there is no ne-
cessity for her to thank me in person, for there is a
difference between the intercourse of ordinary friends
and persons situated as we are.”
My lady is aware of that,” replied the lad; “ but she has met you before, and fears you might think her ungratefully proud did apprehension of scandal make her decline seeing you now. To avoid the re- marks of idle people, however, she begs you to repair, at the setting of the first watch, to the back-garden gate. It may be done with all possible secrecy and convenience—pray then do not disappoint my lady.”
Teihchungyu now broke into a violent rage.
- Nonsense !— where does all this come from ?
Will you make me believe your lady has lost her wits ?”
' 6 She acts with the best intention, sir,” said the boy ; “ why are you so angry ?”
“ How,” thought he to himself, “ should Shuey- pingsin, who has always conducted herself with such scrupulous delicacy, ever send such a message ! Shall I believe that she has changed her very identity since we parted *—There is some trickery in this!” Then grasping the boy with one hand, while he threatened his face with the other: ‘“ You young villain,” cried
he,
he, “ how have you the assurance to come here and
attempt to defame with such vile imputations a young
lady who is the pattern of theage! Think you I am
not far removed above the reach of such tricks, that
you dare to approach me with this loose story? But
a youngster like yon could never have invented it—
somebody has sent you! Tell me then truly to whom
you belong, and who charged you with this message,
and [ will spare you :—but be guilty of the least pre-
varication, and I will carry you to the magistrate, who
shall flog you to death, you little villain !”
The boy, with all his ingenuity, finding himself in the rude grasp of Teihchungyu, and in instant — danger of being beaten, grew half dead with terror, which was increased by the way in which his most hidden thoughts seemed to be divined. Still he would have persisted in saying that Shucypingsin sent him; but on receiving several hard blows about the face and ears, his resolution forsook him. He confessed that Kwoketsu was his master—that Shueyun had taught him the story—and that the young lady had nothing to do with it—entreating the youth at the same time to spare him. |
Tcihchungyu now laughed aloud, as he exclaimed : “ Do such infernal imps pretend to play off their tricks in broad day!” Then letting the boy go, “I will spare you,” said he, ‘as you have confessed the truth; but inform that old slave Shucyun from me,
that
that Shueypingsin and I are beings far superior to
himself, and that it is impossible for such a worthless
fellow as he is to appreciate our conduct—I advise
him not to seek his own sorrow. Now go about your
business,”
The boy was too well satisfied with his own escape to utter another word: so covering his face with his sleeve, he found his way home as fast as he could. The two friends were still sitting there, waiting for his answer; and when they saw him come back, hanging down his head and sobbing, they were terribly discon- eerted. ‘ What is the matter?” inquired Kwoketsu.
The boy was so full of his misfortune, that on seeing his master he burst into a violent fit of crying, “IT have to thank that old gentleman for it all!” exclaimed he.
“ Me!’’ said Shucyun, “ what do you mean? I told you to go and personate my niece’s servant, and convey a message which could not fail to delight him.”
‘S'You are quite wrong, sir,” said the boy; ‘‘ you consider that gentleman too lightly: his eyes look into your face with more skill than a fortune-teller’s, and when he opens his lips to speak, it is just as if he saw and knew every thing.”’ The lad then related, word for word, the meeting as it occurred.* ‘“ When
I was « The reader is spared a mere verbal repetition. These occasional redundancies are not peculiar to Chinese works. ‘ Edita ne brevibus pereat mihi charta libellis,
- Dicatur potius, tov SarapessPopesves.”
I was coming away,” added he, turning to Shueyun,
“* he abused you, sir, and called you an infernal imp.
He told me to advise you not to take the tiger by the
beard, for you would only seek your own sorrow by
it.”
The two friends stared at each other, without being able to utter a word ; but when they had remained stu- pified for some moments, Shueyun broke into a passion and exclaimed, ‘‘ What a hateful young brute it is! —However, I am determined not to give him up yet.”
“ Give him up or not,” observed Kwoketsu, “ you can make nothing of him.”
‘* Never mind,” replied the other; ‘I have another scheme in store, which I think will make me even with him—and ther I am satisfied.”
But to learn what this scheme was, and to see the evil intended for another fall back upon himself, we must resort to the next chapter.
( 26.) >