Chapter 12: Aversion Is Aggravated, During an Entertainment, into Hostility

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 XII.

“ AVERSION 18 AGGRAVATED, DURING AN ENTER-

TAINMENT, INTO HOSTILITY.”

So might the witless cur acquaintance seek

.With the fierce tiger—so might shrimps contend With monstrous dragons !—Rout and dire disgrace Await the knaves, scarce safe in base retreat ; And all too late they own just punishment

Their league presumptuous ends.

WueEn Shueyun said that he was in possession of another scheme for annoying Teihchungyu, his son-in- law desired eagerly to hear it. “‘I have not quite matured it yet,” replied the other; “ but considering that he comes from such a distance in behalf of my niece, he must certainly have a design upon her, and all this parade at the discovery of our stratagem is a mere pretence.’ However, I will contrive to make my niece send him a real invitation, and according as he behaves on the occasion, we will take our own measures.”

Here Kwoketsu paused. “I doubt,” said he, “ how this might turn out. They have no means of com- munication at present, and we must beware how we provide them with any.—That would be a pretty scheme, indeed !”

“ The scheme I intend,” said the other, “ is not to unite, but to keep them asunder. Do you be quiet, and let

me

me manage it for the best.” So saying, he took his de- parture, and repaired straight to Shueypingsin’s mansion.

“My good niece!” exclaimed he, “ you possess a singular share of penetration, and I really feel a great respect for your judgment.”

“What do you mean, uncle?” inquired the young lady.

“ Why, when every one else on a late occasion declared that Teihchungyu was a person of no principle, you alone positively maintained the contrary ; and the event shewed that, far from being unprincipled, he is possessed of extraordinary virtue and resolution.”

“ But this is quite an old story,” observed she, “ why do you renew. it ?”

“1 happened to fall in with him lately,” said her uncle, “ and had an opportunity of admiring his ex- cellent qualities.” ,

“ Pray what occasion did he afford you of so doing ?”

“ I came suddenly upon him,” replied he, “as I was passing your door this morning, issuing from your house. It occurred to me, that when I lately proposed his espousing you, he took affront at the mere sugges- tion, and departed in a rage; and I accordingly sus- pected that he could have returned with no good inten- tion. I went up and addressed him, thinking to discover his designs, and expose them. But he proved himself once more to be a worthy character, and to have come here with a worthy motive.”

“ How

“ How did you discover that his motive was a good one ?” asked Shueypingsin.

“ I inquired his reasons, and he informed me that he had heard at Peking of the commissioner’s peremp- tory order, and knew it must be against your own consent. This gave him such uneasiness, that he ‘despised the length of the journey in his hurry to arrive here, and oppose the commissioner. Ignorant of the particulars, he repaired first to your house, to ascertain them from yourself; but on entering the door, and perceiving the order against molesting you, so contrary to what he had previously learned, he concluded that he must have been misinformed, and departed satisfied without even knocking at the gate. Seeing him to be gifted with such virtue and resolution, how could I fail to admire him ?”

“If such be the case,” said his niece, “ you may carry your recollection back to the day on which he rescued me at the magistrate’s. You may then be sensible that such acts are customary with him—not the mere effusions of a moment; and that my gratitude and respect were not misplaced.”

_“ Yes,” replied Shueyun, “ he rescued you on that occasion, and you, in return, saved his life when he fell sick. There was as much benefit conferred on one side as on the other, and no kindness thrown away. But he comes on this occasion to your succour, and finding

that you are safe, retires cheerfully and in silence, without

without seeking your thanks. His deserts, therefore, at your hands far surpass his obligations to yourself ; and were you either to remain ignorant through indif- ference, or, being once aware of it, fail duly to ap- preciate the same, it would be a breach of civility, viewed merely as a matter of form—but estimated by your own feelings, it must be a subject of inevitable regret. Your merits certainly bear no comparison with his at present.”

“ Uncle,” said the young lady, “I value every word of your advice as gold and gems; but I am a solitary female, liable to calumny; and though I feel truly grateful for his services, yet am I compelled to assume this semblance of cold indifference, hoping that as my benefactor knows me well, he will do me justice on this occasion. How would it become me to enter into rivalry with him for the praise of a generous resolution ?”

“ It is very well to talk in that style,” replied he, “but after journeying hither from several hundred miles distance, he will hardly like to lose his trouble altogether. Send him a message, then, inviting him to come and receive your thanks—he will be aware of your gratitude, and cease to wonder at you.”

As Shueypingsin felt sensible that no occasion had yet occurred of acquainting the young gentleman with the circumstances attending her domestic’s recall from Peking, her uncle’s suggestion agreed very well with her own wishes. She knew that he had some scheme

in

in view, but was determined to meet him at his own weapons. “ Uncle,” said she, “‘ your proposal is very reasonable, and I am ready to obey your commands ; but the invitation must run in your name.”

He readily assented to this, and she wrote an invita- tion to Teihchungyu, asking him to partake of some refreshment on the following day at noon. The old domestic was summoned to carry the ticket, and as he did not know our hero’s lodging, the boy who had ascertained it was ordered to be his guide.

It happened fortunately that just as they arrived there, Teihchungyu was deliberating with himself whether he should stay where he was, or return home at once. Unacquainted with the motives which had induced the commissioner to issue his last notice, he was anxious to satisfy himself on that point, but still knew not where to inquire. His joy was great, therefore, on seeing the old domestic, whom he immediately addressed, and reminded of their late rencontre.

“ The moment after I had seen you, sir,” replied the man, “I was overtaken by an express from his ex- cellency, and forced to return without any explanation. On the road, however, I made inquiries, and learned how my young lady presented to the commissioner, in court, a copy of her petition to the emperor: and how his lordship, alarmed at the fatal consequences to himeelf, prevailed on my young lady to let him issue his late notice, and at the same time give him a descrip-

tion

THE FORTUNATE UNION, 31

tion of her messenger, that I might be recalled by express. I little expected, sir, that your noble and disinterested friendship would allow you no rest until you had vanquished the difficulties of so long a journey; and my young lady is so grateful for your trouble, that she sends me to invite you to accept her thanks.” So saying, he presented the ticket.

Teihchungyu was delighted by this explanation, and told the messenger, that his ignorance of the real motives of the commissioner had induced him to delay his departure. “ Now that I have ascertained them from yourself,” added he, “I shall commence my journey in the morning. I ought to pay my respects to your lady, in return for her former kindness ; but the delicate situation in which we are placed is an obstacle. I am afraid lest my coming might excite discussion, and shall accordingly refrain. Take back this ticket, there- fore, and tell your lady, that I am fully sensible of her kindness, but compelled by inevitable necessity to re- main at a distance.”

“ But your well-known integrity, sir, and the esta- blished name of my lady,” replied the man, “ might allow you to accept this invitation, which after all comes only from my lady’s uncle. No slander could attach to this, and your visit would be satisfactory to the feelings of all.”

“My connexion with your lady,” replied Teih- chungyu, “ is founded in a generous and disinterested

friendship,

friendship, and not in empty ceremonies—what need have we of mere vulgar forms ? Go therefore, and present my thanks, for I cannot come on any account.”

This answer was too decisive to allow of the point being farther urged, and the steward returned straight home, where he informed his lady and her uncle of what had passed. Shueypingsin was rejoiced to find that our hero had declined the invitation. “ This young man,” exclaimed she, “ has proved that whatever he does proceeds from a noble and sincere love of virtue ; and the discretion with which he acts on this occasion, is entitled to my highest respect.”

Shueyun could not overcome his vexation, but went as usual to consult with Kwoketsu. “‘ This youngster,” said he, “is possessed of extraordinary cunning; for whether we assail him with truth or falsehood, we can make nothing of him. He says he is going away—but I am sure he is not: he has some scheme in view yet, and I advise you to be on your guard.

“ T look on him,” exclaimed the other, “as a perfect devil! What isan honest man* like me todo with him ? I would willingly maintain some figure in this neigh- bourhood ; but he, well knowing that I wish to espouse your niece, perversely comes and forms an intrigue with her. Does not this make him my declared enemy ? You contrived a snare for him, but he avoided it with ease—you tried to take him in, but he was too knowing

for

There seems some irony in this.

for you. What means have I, then, of guarding against him? My only resource is to call upon him to-morrow, and say that I have been attracted by his great fame to pay my respects. This will oblige him to return my visit: I will then prepare an entertainment, and invite three of my noble acquaintances to join in a drinking bout. We will ply him with wine till he is drunk, and then pick a quarrel about this very business. Some sturdy fellows shall be concealed near at hand, and we will set upon him at once, and belabour him till he is half dead: Then, when he carries his complaint before the com- missioner, let his lordship be ever so willing to favour him, as the son of his immediate superior, still he dare do nothing to our prejudice. However the affair may turn out, we shall at least force him to quit the neigh- bourhood ; for he never can look us in the face after it. —lIs not this a delightful plan ?”

Shueyun was extravagantly pleased. “‘ A delightful plan, indeed !” exclaimed he ;—“‘ if you can only execute it.”

“ And why not?” said the young man; “ his father is a member of the censorate, but mine is on the point of being minister of state ; there is some slight diffe- rence between us.’

“ Then if your mind is made up,” observed the other, “ you had better call immediately, for fear he should slip away early to-morrow.”

Kwoketsu accordingly desired one of his people to

prepare a large red ceremonial ticket, in which he courteously styled himself ‘ younger brother,’ and then seating himself in his sedan, proceeded with a huge retinue to the lodging of Teihchungyu. When the latter saw the ticket, and knew who his visitor was, he felt such a repugnance to the meeting, that he made his escape in a great hurry, and told Seaoutan to say that he was not at home. Kwoketsu notwithstanding stepped out of his chair, and walking in at the door delivered a great many complimentary messages to the attendant; after

which he re-entered his sedan, and took his departure. Teihchungyu now began to delktberate with him- self. ‘“ What is the reason of his coming to visit me, his declared enemy? No doubt it is the repeated failure of his plots that makes him try once more if he can injure me. You want to play me a trick !” thought he laughing to himself; “ but I fear you will hardly suc- ceed. My business here is finished: I will return to- morrow ; it is no time for me to be idling with him— nor is there any occasion to return the visit.” After a little consideration, however, he added: “ This is a worthless fellow to be sure; but still the son of a minster. Did I omit noticing a visit made with such ceremony, it might be thought I gave myself uncivil airs. Considering his dissipated habits, he no doubt rises late. I will send in a ticket very early in the morning, and proceed at once on my journey. The call at least will have been returned, and he can have nothing

nothing to say. In this manner I shall completely satisfy the demands, both of civility towards him, and of prudence as regards myself.” ,

With this resolution he rose next morning before the sun, and desiring his boy to prepare all things in readi- ness for starting, proceeded, attended by a lad who was attached to the lodging, to exchange K woketsu’s ticket of ceremony. The latter, however, had placed a per- son in waiting, who, the moment he perceived Teih- chungyu on the move, flew to give information, and Kwoketsu, by the time his visitor had reached the gate, was ready dressed to receive him. He came out all smiles. ‘“ My unsuccessful visit of yesterday was only a slight token of respect; I did not presume to expect you would return it.” Then with much ceremony he ushered his guest into the mansion.

Teihchungyu never intended to go beyond the ex- change of tickets ; but being received with such a sem- blance of cordiality, he was obliged, though without relaxing his reserve, to present his ticket, and accom- pany Kwoketsu as far as the outer hall. There he would have gone through the customary ceremonies ; but his host stopped him. “This is not a fit place !” said he, and forthwith ushered the youth into the inner hall, where they saluted each other in form, and having taken their seats, tea was served up. Kwoketsu began the conversation. “I have long heard of your fame, sir, and been very anxious to meet you. When you con-

p 2 descended

~descended to honour our poor district with a visit, I ‘lost no time in trying to see you; but you were absent on business, and I have dwelt on the disappointment ever since. I rejoice in your present condescension : .—may I venture to prepare a ten-days’ entertainment, as some consolation for my late chagrin ?”

Teihchungyu, however, when he had partaken of the tea, rose from his seat. “‘ In return, sir, foryour politeness, I ought to stay and receive your instruction; but my thoughts tend towards home like the arrow to its mark : I am compelled to depart this moment, though I may perhaps, on some other occasion, accept your hospi- tality.”

With this he walked towards the door; but Kwo- ketsu stopped him. “‘ To meet thus without drinking,” cried he, “ would make us the scoff of the moon and winds !—Admitting that you are in haste, I must still insist on your remaining three days.”

“T am really compelled to depart,” replied Teih- chungyu ;—“ itis not a matter of choice. I must indeed beg you to excuse me!”

So saying, he again made towards the entrance ; but the other laid hold of his arm.—‘‘ I'am but an obscure individual, but yet of respectable parent- age: you should not thus despise me altogether. If you really despise me, why favour me with this visit ? —but having so favoured me, you must let me act the part of a host. My earnestness is the mere wish to

discharge

THE FORTUNATE UNION, "97

discharge the obligations of hospitality. I can have no other views, and know not why you resist me with such pertinacity.” :

“ In return for your kindness,” answered Teihchungyu, “T can hardly bring myself to say that I will go; but all things are prepared, and I am scarcely at liberty to chuse.”

“If you are determined to go,” said Kwoketsu, “ 1 would not willingly urge your stay; but.to see you come thus early, and go away again without breaking your fast, would make me very uneasy. I venture not to detain you long—only while I prepare a slight re- freshment, after which you shall be at liberty to depart. Thus our friendly feelings will be mutually satisfied :—can you still refuse to remain 2”

Teihchungyu, with all his unwillingness to stay, felt

’ obliged to yield to the extreme earnestness of his host. “In a mere visit,” observed he, “ why should I give you so much trouble?” .

“‘ When friends meet,” replied the other, “ they forget all such considerations: these ceremonious ex- pressions do not become a person of your frank tem- per. oo

While he was speaking, Shueyun suddenly arrived, and making Teihchungyu a low obeisance, addressed him with a face full of smiles: “ Sir, my niece, in gratitude for your kindness, desired me to invite you to

accept

”

accept a small mark of‘our devotion: your unexpected refusal we cannot explain—but fate has happily thrown me again in your way this morning.”

“ Circumstances,” replied Teihchungyu, “ forbade my accepting the invitation with which you honoured me. My intention this morning was merely to pay a transient visit: but this gentleman is so good as to urge my stay very pressingly. I was just wavering — between the impropriety of remaining, and the inci- vility of going.—Your fortunate arrival will serve to de- cide me.”

“ Friends of old,” exclaimed Shueyun, “ improved every occasion of meeting. It is hard, sir, if you and my son-in-law are not as good as they—or should be more subservient than they were to mere forms; it would be a great mistake !”

Kwoketsu laughed aloud. “ My good father-in-law speaks to the purpose!” cried he: and the youth, pressed so urgently to remain, was inclined to forget what had passed, and take their civility in good part. Wine was presently served up, and the host invited him to take the principal seat.

Teihchungyu demurred. “‘ You take compassion on my morning fast, and bestow a breakfast on me; but why introduce the wine? I apprehend it is hardly the time of day to drink.”

The other, however, ridiculed the idea. “ Let us

only

only take our wine quietly, and the proper time will be sure to arrive !”—They all joined in a laugh at this joke, and seated themselves.

Now it so happened that the whole party were on very fair terms with the bottle,* and they had no sooner raised their hands to their mouths, than they felt a suf- ficient taste for what they were about. All three pledged each other without flinching, and when they had drank for some time, Teihchungyu began to think it was time to stop ;—but those on the left and nght suddenly an- nounced, that the third son of Wong, member of the military tribunal, had. arrived.

The party of course stopped to receive him, and Kwoketsu, when he had helped his new guest to a seat, observed, ‘‘ Friend Wong, you come very opportunely. This gentleman (pointing to Teihchungyu), is a cele- brated character—you could hardly dispense with seeing him.” ;

“ Surely,” replied the other, “ it must be Teih- chungyu, who signalized himself by breaking his way into Takwae’s palace.!”

“ The very same, the very same,” quickly exclaimed Shueyun, upon which the other,. with many demonstra- tions of profound respect, filled up a great wine-cup, and presenting it to Teihchungyu, added, “I borrow my friend’s wine thus slightly to evince my deep re- gard.”

Our © Literally, ‘ keopeihseng’—a fermenting cake, used in making wine.

Our hero received it, and pouring out another cup in return, paid back the civility. “ I am rude, and unworthy of your compliment,” said he,—“ your golden and gem-like merits alone deserve honour.”

On the conclusion of their mutual civilities, three cups* had been drank by each, and Teihchungyu was going to declare he would take no more—when the attendants announced that the second son of Le, member of the imperial college, was at the door. The party would have risen to receive him, but he came up to the table and prevented them, exclaiming, “ Friends like us must not be ceremonious,—I will take my seat here !”

“ But we have a new guest from a distance among us,” observed the host; upon which Teihchungyu rose to pay his respects; but the other, without so much as bowing, stared at him as he exclaimed,—“ A goodly personage! I beg to inquire you name, sir ?”

Teihchungyu informed him.—“‘ Oh !” said the visitor, “ the eldest son of the censor of that name!” and after a profusion of bows, he expressed his satisfaction at a meeting he had long wished for. Kwoketsu now helped the new guest to a seat ;—but Teihchungyu, already affected by the wine he had drank, and anxious to depart, declined participating farther in their festivi- ties.

“ Perhaps,”

“ Perhaps,” said he, “ I ought not to take my leave on this gentleman’s first arrival: but I came here so early, have exceeded my quantity so much, and am so hurried in my journey, that I must beg to be allowed to go away.”

The new guest affected to be much hurt. “ You are rude, sir!” exclaimed he; “ if you wished to go, you might have gone before :—cannot you stop a moment after my arrival? You mean, perhaps, that I am not good enough to drink with you !”

Shueyun now affected to interpose. “‘ This gentleman has long proposed going,—it is mot for the reason you apprehend. Still it would be rude to decline taking wine with a newly arrived guest. Three cups have already been taken with the last visitor; let three, then, be taken with this—after which, permission to go or stay will rest with our host, and cannot concern us.” His decision was much applauded by the others, and Teih- chungyu consented to sit down again, and take three cups with the guest last arrived.

—No sooner was this done, however, than the at- tendants announced the approach of another visitor, the eldest son of Chang, a person of station. Before any reply could be given, the young man himself came swaggering in, his dress in disorder, his eyes askant, and full of a depraved expression, and the whole of his speckled visage bearing marks of intemperance. He had made himself drunk already, and as he entered,

exclaimed,

42 THE FORTUNATE UNION,

exclaimed, “ Where is this Teihchungyu, that comes to shew off his exploits in our part of the world—how is it I have not met him before?”

- The youth had got up, prepared to salute him : but, thus uncivilly accosted, he stood erect and replied, “ I am the person you require, sir—what are your com- mands?”

. The other, without bowing, stared repeatedly at him in an.insolent manner, and at length exclaimed with a loud laugh, “ Why, I expected to see a very. fierce looking fellow, with at least seven heads and as many hearts ;* but these delicate features, and this fair face, might better befit some young lady! ’Tis a mere effeminate !—but let that rest ; it is time that we ‘yh him with a little wine.”

The rest of the party all agreed that this was the best possible method of proving him. Teihchungyu, however, temperately replied, “ Wine is taken on ac- count of friendship, for the sake of chearfulness, and as an occasional indulgence; every one has his own reasons for drinking. One sage confined himself to three cups ; while another passed whole nights in drink- ing with disordered head-gear—and a hundred excellent occasions present themselves, without the necessity of what you propose.”

“ If

Not to be absurd, it was necessary to translate by an equivalent

in this place. The original, Tan, means ‘the gall,’ in which the Chinese chuse to place the seat of courage. ‘ Great gall,’ with them, has the meaning of ‘great heart’ in English.

- “ Tf there are a hundred excellent: occasions,” retorted

the drunken visitor, “how do you know that this is not one of them?” So saying, he motioned to. Teihchungyu to sit down with him, and desiring the attendants to fill up two large cups, presented one to the youth, and taking the other in his hands, seid, “ Friends drink together from their hearts—this is my first. meeting with you, sir, and I should wish to be better acquainted with your disposition ; let us try it with this cup of wine.” He then drank off his own at once, and holding up the inverted cup to his antagonist, called on him to do the same. Teihchungyu, seeing him drink off the cup so heartily, was compelled perforce to do the same by his own, and exhibited his empty cup in retum. The other expressed his satisfaction. ‘“‘ This is friendly !” cried he—and then called on the servants to fill up Teihchungyu, however, would take no more: “I have sat too long,” said he, “ and drank too much already. Three cups a-piece I took with the two guests last arrived; and one, sir, with yourself :—my powers are limited, and I really cannot drink any more.”

“ But why take only a single cup with me,” cried the other, “ when you have taken three a-piece with the other two guests? You wish to offer me an insult ; but I am determined to maintain my reputation, and will not put up with slights from any man—certainly

not

not from you.” So saying, he drank off the cup which he held in his hand, and again exhibited it empty to Teihchungyu.

The latter, who had come so early, and sat drink- ing so long without the accompaniment of a regular meal, was nearly overcome already: he therefore took the cup which was presented to him, but would not. drink it ;—and when the other began to urge him rudely, he placed down the cup and threw himself back in his chair, with an air of determination, shaking _ his head in token of refusal ; but saying nothing.

The insolent visitor now flew into a violent rage. “ It was agreed,” cried he, “ we should drink together; why do you not answer my pledge: have you a mind to bully me?”

Teihchungyu, giddy with what he had drank, sat back in his chair, and persisted in refusal. ‘‘ If I could drink with you,” said he, “ I would :—but as I cannot, I will not. What is there to bully you in that?”

The other grew still more enraged, and roared out, “ Do you dare to say you will not drink the wine?”

“ And what if I will not?” said Teihchungyu.

His antagonist now lost all restraint. “ You young brute,” exclaimed he ; “‘ play off your exploits at homie ; but how dare you come here to assume such airs ?—You shall drink the wine in spite of yourself!” So snatching up the cup, he threw the contents all over the other’s head and face.

Teihchungyu

THE FORTUNATE UNION, 45

Teihchungyu had all his recollection about him, and this abuse and insult at once aroused the fire of his temper ;—he was sobered in a moment, and jumping up, seized his antagonist, whom he shook with fury. “You daring villain! is it thus you tempt death in the tiger’s jaws?” The other, finding himself so hand- led, asked if he presumed to strike him.—“ And what if I do?” replied the youth, slapping him at the same time across the face. .

The other two visitors, seeing their friend beaten, began to abuse Teihchungyu, and exclaimed against his treating one of the company in that manner. Kwoketsu, too, put in a word. “ What return is this,” cried he, “ for my hospitality? How dare you give a loose to your drunkenness in this place ?—But make haste—shut the doors, and prevent his escape: we will beat him till he is sober, and then carry him to the commissioner for his reward.” With this he made a concerted signal, and there instantly appeared seven or eight stout fel- lows, who rushed out from the two side-rooms, and surrounded them in a body.

Here Shueyun affected to interpose, and counsel those present not to proceed to violence—his real intention being to secure the youth’s hands. Teihchungyu was fully alive to his situation, and perceived plainly the snare into which they had inveigled him.—But he only laughed at them. “ You pack of wretched dogs!” cried he, “do you presume to. set upon me in this

way ?”

way?” so saying he seized and secured the beginner of the fray on the spot, and with one hand upset the table, tumbling all that stood upon it to the ground. Shueyun, who had come close up to him, now felt his strength. —“ Nothing but my consideration for your niece prevents my treating you worse!” cried Teihchungyu, as he hurled him with one effort to several feet distance, where he lay on the ground, prostrate and unable to move.

The other two visitors, seeing his fierceness and strength, were content to remain at a distance, bawling out “ Treason! treason!” while Kwoketsu stepped up, supported by his men :—but Teihchungyu at the same moment grasped his prisoner, as he had done Takwae on a former occasion, and sweeping him round, sent his assailants tumbling about in all directions. The young man whom he handled thus roughly was a luxurious rake, weak and worn out ;—he lay prostrate on the spot where he was flung down, his head swimming, his eyes dancing, and all sick with the wine he had drank.—“ Be quiet, friends!” cried he, “ let us have a parley.”

“ T have nothing to parley about,” said Teihchungyu, — only shew me quietly to the door, and all shall be well: but if you attempt to detain me, I will be the death of every one of you.”

The other eagerly assented.—“ I will go with you— I will go with you !” exclaimed he: and Teihchungyu then

° placed

placed him upright on his legs, and grasping him with one hand, walked out towards the entrance. Those who looked on, enraged as they were, did not venture to interfere, but stood aloof and talked big. “What rash behaviour is this,” cried they, “ within the limits of the city 7—but let him go; we will have him humbled presently !”

Teihchungyu paid no attention to them; but walked out beyond the principal gate with his prisoner in his grasp, and there set him ‘at liberty. “I will trouble you, friend,” said he, “to go back and in- form your companions, that with a sword in my hand I would not allow an army to confine me; what folly, then, in three or four wretched debauchees, aided by a few filthy clowns, to think they could beard the tiger in his fury! Nothing but my regard for their respectable kindred prevents my handling them very roughly, and breaking some of their bones. In return for my sparing their lives, let them burn incense and prostrate them- selves night and morning, as some recompense for such undeserved clemency ;—be sure to tell them this from me.” So saying, he raised his hands ceremoniously, and bidding the other adieu, walked deliberately towards his lodging.

On arriving there, he found Seaoutan all in readi- ness with his travelling furniture, accompanied by Shueypingsin’s chief domestic, who was holding a horse, and waiting to see him. Ignorant of the reason of this, he questioned the man, who replied, * “ My young lady

discovered,

discovered, sir, that Kwoketsu would detain you to- day to partake of an entertainment, and felt certain, all circumstances considered, that it must end in a quarrel. She was equally certain that you would discomfit and disgrace him, and that he, in consequence, would never let the affair drop until he had provoked a serious dis~ cussion. Fearful lest you might incautiously depart from this place, and leave them at liberty to present a false accusation, which hereafter it might be too late to repel, and having learned that the commissioner is hold- ing a circuit court in the neighbouring city Tong- changfoo,* my lady advises that you proceed at once to seek a personal audience of his lordship, and represent the villainous conduct of Kwoketsu. Your statement once recorded, let them attempt as they will to dupe his lordship, it will be of no consequence. For this purpose, sir, I was ordered to prepare a horse and at- tend on you.”

Teihchungyu was charmed by what he heard. “ How can your lady interest herself so much on my ac- count?” said he,—‘‘ I can make no adequate return for such kindness. How unerring is she in her cal- culations! how provident of the future! I can never sufficiently honour her; but her instructions shall be scrupulously obeyed.” So saying, he entered the lodging, and when he had taken his mid-day meal, and bid adieu to his host, proceeded on horseback,

with

See Map.

with Seaoutan and the old domestic, towards Tong- changfoo.

Abundant resolution arms the hero,

And cautious wisdom is the maiden'’s guard: Each aids the other when occasion calls,

And each kind deed tends strictness to the tie.

He found on his arrival that the commissioner was holding his court, and presently drew up a formal ac- cusation, in which he charged the four young men and Shueyun with conspiring against him, and called on his lordship to issue his authority for their arrest and pu- nishment. On reaching the gate, he did not wait for the usual forms of presenting the paper, but struck upon the drum: and the attendants, without any cere- mony, hurried him before the tribunal. Teihchungyu, with a due respect to the representative of the emperor, went through the customary form of kneeling, and then handed up his address.

The commissioner thought he knew the stranger, and when he had glanced over the paper, and confirmed his surmise, he read no farther, but leaving his seat, and or- dering the gates to be closed, desired his attendants to request Teihchungyu would walk up. The young man, on complymg with the summons, would have repeated the customary respect; but his lordship prevented him, and desired that this should be considered as a private interview. When they had taken their seats, and tea had been served, the commissioner inquired when he had arrived, and the occasion of his coming.

“* I visited this part of the country,” replied Teih- chungyu, “‘ with no intention of troubling your lord- ship ; but fell in unexpectedly with a gang of scoundrels, who conspired to injure, and in fact went near to mur- der me. I have happily escaped from them; but nevertheless feel the injury they intended, and there- fore: present myself before your tribunal, to beg your lordship will do me justice.” -

“* Who could have been so rash as to conspire against you?” inquired the Commissioner :—“ I will certainly execute the law against them in full rigour.” So say- ing, he resumed his perusal of the address, and read it to the end: upon which he knit his brows, and after an interval of perplexed silence, expressed his regret at the names of the offenders.

““ To weed out the profligate, and expel the base, is your lordship’s particular vocation,” said Teihchungyu ; “ and as you are secure in your high office, there is the less need of hesitation, or of indulgence to such per- sons as these.”

“ It is not that I wish to shew them any indulgence,” replied the other; ‘‘ but their fathers are persons of high station, and the punishment of the sons might bring such disgrace upon them as would be highly in- convenient.* Besides, these fellows are a mere parcel

of

Fathers are frequently punished for the faults of their children, as

well as rewarded for their merits; and this responsibility is supposed to be compensated by the absolute power which they possess over them

during

of luxurious and debauched libertines—if I tried to wam them, they would never reform; and if I wished to disgrace them by a report, my influence at court would probebly be inadequate to the purpose. I will there- fore take no hasty step—but as they have ill-treated you on this occasion, allow me a little time to devise some mode of punishment.”

“ I see there is a difficulty in the matter,” observed Teihchungyu, “and will not trouble your lordship farther—but I am a distant stranger, and unless my report had been made in time, there is reason to fear that my enemies might have contrived some diabolical * falsehoods after my departure, which I could not easily repel. Since the mirror of your lordship’s bright in- telligence has shone upon their offence, I shall depart with a mind at ease; but request you will have the goodness to place this report on record.”

The commissioner expressed his satisfaction at such an arrangement. “I am deeply impressed with a sense of your moderation, sir,—may I beg you to pass a few days here, and give me an opportunity of evincing my esteem.”

Teihchungyu, however, was anxious to proceed on | his journey; and when the commissioner found he was not to be prevailed on, he presented him with

E 2 twelve during life. In no country has the ‘ patria potestas’ existed in a higher degree than in China.

Ju kwei, ju hw5, ‘like devils and imps.’

twelve taéls, which the youth accepted, and took his

leave. The court had powers to aid him—but he scorn’d To insist on vengeance—and with candid eye, Dispassionate, survey’d the case perplex’d. To learn where Teihchungyu next proceeded, the _ reader must consult a subsequent chapter.

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Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-davis/Chapter 12

Chapter 12: Aversion Is Aggravated, During an Entertainment, into Hostility

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