Chapter 14: Teihchungyu Discovers the Qualities of the Valiant Leader, and Hazards His Life to Save Him

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 XIV.

13 . TEIHCHUNGYU DISCOVERS THE QUALITIES OF THE VALIANT LEADER, AND HAZARDS HIS LIFE TO SAVE HIM.”

The pamper’d, dull-eyed judges ne’er discern’d The hero’s merit ; but with false pretexts Confin’d his person, and his death decreed ! He deem’d himeelf all lost ;—but timely aid Snatch’d him from instant peril, and the realm, Safe through his valour, vindicates his fame!

Tue day on which the Triple court ordered the leader to be taken out of prison to attend his trial, happened to be the same on which Teihchungyu entered the capital on his private business. The young man pro- ceeded to make inquiries at home, and asked the reason of his father’s absence. “ He is sitting on the trial of the defeated general,” replied his mother—“ him whom they are going to condemn to death. The case was tried long ago; but his majesty’s commands were lately received to determine his fate. The occasion being urgent, your father left home to attend the court at day- light.”

“ But I hear that the frontier is subject to daily alarms,” exclaimed Teihchungyu; “ why are they con- demning the leader to death, when leaders are most

wanted. I trust my father has made up his mind on the

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the subject. Your son will & and see what they are about.”

“ Tt is very well for you to do that,” replied his mother ; “but remember that this is a most serious affair, per- taining immediately to the emperor:—you should be eautidus how you speak concerning it.” Te

He assented to this counsel, and proceeded with one of his father’s attendants to the place of trial, where he found the general already condemned to Jose hie head, He was bound, and awaited only the time fixed for. his exécution, which was to be shortly after noon.. ‘Teih- chungyu made his way through the crowd to look at him, and observed that the prisoner was not more than ‘about thirty years of age, with an aspect no less stern and formidable than.a tiger’s,* and an exterior that de- noted the highest .degree of energy and resolution, “ How came so promising a person as this in such & situation ?”” exclaimed “Teihchungya to himeelf; and going up to the stranger, “ Leader,” said he,“ your commanding: presence persuades me that you are a valiant warrior—by what chance did you fail ta defeat the enemy?” .. . eons oe

Roused by such a question, the other replied straight way in a voice of thunder: “ The brave man views death as he does his return home—the chances of battle affect him not. With the strength of a thousand

VOL. It. G pounds’

pounds’ weight * in these arms, and the. perfect know- ledge of the military art,+ what have I to do with defeat or failure ?”

Teihchungyu new begged him to explain the reasons of his being in his present situation ; but the other de- clined.—‘‘ When things have arrived at this pass,” said he, “ it is useless to speak.”

“As you please,” replied the young man;—“ but were you again to command on the frontier, could you answer for your success ?”

“ T would engage,” exclaimed the other, “ to slay their leader, and seize their standard, as my own proper work,—and make no boast of it !”

Teihchungyu asked no more questions; but, full of resentment and vexation, hurried directly into the court where the three judges were seated. ‘‘ My lords,” ex- claimed he, “ your high office imposes on you a sincere regard to your country’s welfare. Why then, when the border is attacked, and none can be found to defend it, do you return an obsequious report, and condemn‘this leader to death 1—inflicting thereby a deep injury on the national interest. Is it a public or a private mo- tive that urges you to act in a manner so unworthy of you ?”

The

The Chinese estimate a soldier's strength by the bow which he can

draw—and the strength of the bow they measure by the dead-weight re- quired to bend it.

+ Literally, ‘the eighteen military arts,’ ¢. ¢. the use of the different arms, &c.

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The three members of the Triple court had not ven- tured, after the emperor's approval of his minister’s advice, to record their dissent. At the same time, however, that they confirmed the sentence of behead- ing, and waited only for the imperial warrant to execute the same, they still felt a secret uneasiness at the prisoner’s fate ; and when a person was seen enter ing the court, and thus loudly addressing them, they experienced a mixed sensation of alarm at the dis- turbance, regret for their sentence, and resentment at the intrusion. Discovering, on a closer view, that it was. Teihchungyu, the other two members felt unwilling to be harsh ; but his father struck the table with fury, and rated him in round terms, demanding how he presumed thus madly to address so high a court, assembled there by imperial commission to decide on a capital case ? — The laws admit of no private feelings,” cried he, and ordered the intruder into custody; but Teihchungya loudly exclaimed, “‘ My lord, you are mistaken! The emperor himself suspends the drum at his palace gate, and admits all to state their hardships without reserve. May I not be allowed to right the injured before this very tribunal of life and death ?”

“‘ What have you to do with the prisoner,” inquired his father, “ that you should right his case 2”

“ He is not even an acquaintance,” replied Teih- chungyu. “I can have no reasons on his own account; but the difficulty of finding his substitute impels me to

c 2 intercede

intercede for‘one who is so worthy of being the emperor’s general.”

““ The emperor’s general must live or die as the em- peror pleases,” cried Teihying ;—“ what concern is it of your’s, that you may behave in this mad style? Seize him instantly !”

The attendants now stepped up to lay their hands on the young man; but the other two members of the

court interfered. ‘“‘ Hold!” cried they; and calling him up to the judgment table, they pected Teih- chungyu with good words.

“ Worthy friend, we do not blame your well-intention- ed spirit; but the nation has its laws, judges their dignity, and prisoners their sentence. It is not allowable to ntrude in this rude manner. The leader has already been im- prisoned for more than a year, and Shueykeuyih, who re- commended him, exiled on his account. His offences being proved by several concurrent authorities, how shall he now be found guiltless by his judges? The nation’s laws, the judges’ digmty, and the prisoner’s case, alike forbid this! Admitting, however, that we proposed a mitigation of his punishment, it would be impossible to remit the heaviest part of the sentence.* The minister has advised:

his

That is, he must be strangled, if not beheaded. The well-known

prejudice of the Chinese against the mutilation or dismemberment of the body, renders the sentence of decapitation much more terrible to them than strangulation. It is evidently to a feeling somewhat similar among

his own countrymen that Juvenal alludes, when, speaking of the fate of

Pompey, he adds: “ Hoc

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his decapitation—the emperor has assented—how then shall we attempt to oppose it?

“ Alas!” replied Teihchungyu, sighing, “‘ your lord- ships’ words would better become those worthless ministers who abandon what is right for the sake of their places, their emoluments, or their personal safety ; they: pertain not to that disinterested spirit, which identifies your country’s welfare with yourown! Were the truth as you state it, the lowest capacity might be more than sufficient to conduct the business of the state ; what need of personages of your lordships’ weight to minister for the sovereign! Let me ask you, what meant that saying of the ancient emperor, ‘ Thrice* be death delayed ;’—or of the ancient minister, ‘In three cases only be death inflexibly awarded.’ Your reason- ings, if true, would go far to deprive these sacred characters of their reputation for wisdom.”

The two other judges answered not a word, but his father broke silence.—“‘ Foolish boy, may no more ! this man’s death is inevitable.”

Teihchungyu, however, rejoined with warmth, “ Brave men and worthy leaders are the rare productions of heaven ; if your lordshipe are inflexible, and persist in

condemning “ Hoc cruciatu .

Lentulus, hac pena caruit, ceciditque Cethegus

“ Integer, et jacuit Catilina cadavere toto.” ® Such is the actual practice, in ordinary cases, at the present lay ; “first, by the local magistrate, who refers to the provincial judge ; next, by the provincial judge, who refers to the criminal tribunal ; lastly, by the criminal tribunal, which refers to the emperor.

condemning Howheaou to death, let me entreat you to condemn me with him !”

“ But his guilt and incapacity have been proved,” said Teihying; “ it is only condemning a worthleaa servant ;* is there any thing extraordinary in that ?”

“* Men’s capacities are not s0 easily known,” replied his son; “ the courage and ability of this leader are such, that if he be reappointed to the frontier he shall prove another ‘ wall of a thousand leagues.’+—No hero of the age may compare with him.”

“ Allowing his capacity to be great,” observed the father, “‘ his delinquency is still greater.”

“ The ablest leaders,” said Teihchungyu, “ must ever be liable to commit errors, and hence it is cus- tomary for the emperor to reprieve them for a while, that they may redeem themselves by acts of merit.”

“ But in that case,” remarked one of the judges, “somebody must be surety: will you venture to be answerable for him ?”

“ If Howheaou be restored to his command,” re- plied Teihchungyu, “ J entreat that my own head may answer for his misconduct, as the just punishment of such rashness !”

The other two judges now turned to Teihying, and said, “ Since your lordship’s son thus publicly tenders

his

Nootae, ‘ A useless horse ;’ applied sometimes by the ministers to

themselves in addressing the sovereign.

+ The Chinese name for their great wall.

his personal responsibility, it befits us to make a formal Tepresentation, and request his majesty’s pleasure.” Teihying was compelled, under the circumstances of the case, to assent to this: the leader was accordingly re- manded to prison ; and Teihchungyu, being called upon to enter into a written engagement on the spot, was placed in custody for the time being. The three members of the court next prepared their report, and sent it up in due order. As an urgent express had just arrived from the border, this reply was received on the following morning to their address.

“ An able leader being required on the frontier, the son of Teihying pledges himself for the ability of Howheaou to settle its disturbed state. We rejoice at such public spirit, remit for a while the general’s punish- ment, and allow him to resume on triak his former com- mand. We confer on him, moreover, a sword, as a special mark of authority, and command him to proceed with his troops to the succour of any part of the border which may be attacked. Should his merits deserve it, he will be promoted—bat in the event of his failure, his head will be exposed on the frontier, as a warning to presumptuous incapacity. Shueykeuyih, who before recommended, and Teihchungyu who now supports him, will be rewarded or punished, according to the success or failure of the general. How sincerely do we hope that his past errors may serve but to enhance his future merits !—Let him reflect on the difference between

falling

‘88 . THE FORTUNATE UNION.

falling by the laws, and falling by the enemy "Respott this”

“When the emperor’s pleasute was made known to the leader in prison, he first returned thanks in due form, and then issued forth from confinement: © Pre- viously, however, to entering on the business of his command, he mounted a horse and proceeded straight to make his acknowledgments to Teihchungyu. As each was fully able to appreciate. the other’s merits, their mutual satisfaction was great at the meeting. -Teih- chungyu detained the leader to dine with him, .and they passed the remainder of the day very agreeably, in drinking and conversing of the art of war. ‘They then ‘bade adieu to.each other, and the military tribunal, being sensible of the urgency of affairs on the frontier, made diligent arrangements for the supply of troops, and hastened the general’s departure.

On his arrival at the border, although merely under a reprieve, the circumstance of a sword having been especially conferred by the emperor, secured him from any molestation on the part of the local commanders. Thus left at full liberty to exercise his discretion, he had to report five victories over the enemy in less than six months, and the frontier became at once restored to perfect tranquillity. The emperor expressed great satis- faction, and promoted his general. Shueykeuyih, who had at the first been restored to his station as member of the military tribunal, was in consequence of the

leader’s

leader's repeated successes, appointed president of the same. Teihchungyu, who had all the credit of being surety for the merits of the victorious Howheaou, was nominated by his majesty to an office in the imperial College ;—but he petitioned to be allowed to attain it in the regular course of literary promotion. As for the minister, he felt himself put to such shame, that be pleaded illness for remaining at home !-

To feed his selfish spleen did he annoy

His nobler foe—but each vicissitude

Of fate’s incalculable maze once past, _ Too late repentance was the meed he earn’d !

Shueykevyih, thus promoted and recalled to court, was at the height of his glory and happiness. Those civil and military authorities on the frontier, who had before so busily molested him at the instigation of the minister, were now utterly dismayed :—they all entreated his forgiveness in the most humble manner. But he was of too generous a temper to discuss the matter with them. Soon after his arrival at Peking, when he had attended an audience, and thanked the imperial bounty, he heard of the part which Teihchungyu had performed in the restoration and successes of the general—and also learmed, for the first time, his heroie conduct in rescuing Hanyuen, his wife and daughter, from the palace of Takwae. The sense of his private obligations was equalled by his admiration of such heroic qualities, and soon after his promotion to the

first

‘first place in the military tribunal, he proceeded to visit both father and son. Teihying received him, and after some trifling conversation, the President expressed a desire to see the Censor’s son. Teihying, however, informed him, that the ensuing autumn being the return of the great triennial examination, Teihchungyu was studying in the retirement of the West-hills, and had thereby lost the honour of this meeting.

“ The object of my visit,” said the President, “ was to express my obligations to both father and son. I am struck with a real admiration of such elevated qualities in so young a person. It would be a source of lasting satisfaction to see him but once :—fate, however, seems to have decreed that we should not meet.”

“ My wild and turbulent son,” replied the Censor, “has acquired an empty reputation by his conduct, which to myself is a source of real concern, and re- garding which I have often remonstrated with him. I cannot think him worthy of your lordship’s praises.”

“ His heroism and love of rectitude deserve not to be stigmatized as wild and turbulent,” said Shueykeuyih ; “ it is not the reputation, but the reality of excellence, that I admire in him,—and hence my great wish for an interview.”

“ Rude and untutored as he is,” said Teihying, “ my son will have reason to rejoice at your lordship’s con- descension ; I will send him to wait upon you.”

“ Tf so,” said the President, “ I beg you will give

me

me early notice, and let me be duly prepared to receive him.” He repeated his earnest injunctions, and then took leave.

He checks his steed where partial preference guides His choice, and specifies each latent wish :

Why, and for whom, this earnest diligence! —’Twas all for him, the hero of our tale!

Teihying in fact did not desire that his son should be disturbed by visits just now; but he could not alto- gether decline the pressing advances of the President, and accordingly sent a messenger to the West-hills to acquaint Teihchungyu, and desire him to come and return the compliment which had been paid him.

His son, on receiving the message, thought to himself, “ It was a mere call in acknowledgment of the services I happened to render him and the general—there is hardly any occasion for the meeting.” He therefore said to the messenger, “ Tell your lord that I am anxious to pursue my occupations here, and entreat he will decline for me any visits that may be paid us.”

Teihying was persuaded, on the receipt of this answer, that it was the best course, and accordingly proceeded by himself to return the visit of the president. “ My son has heard,” said he, “ of the honour which your lordship did him, and would have obeyed my summons to wait ®n you, did not indisposition prevent him. I therefore come to make his excuse ;—but as soon as he goes out, he will certainly pay his respects.”

“ The worthies of old,” replied Shueykeuyih, “ were

- oftener

‘92 .THE FORTUNATE UNION.

oftener ‘heard of, than seen. This is the case of your lordship’s son; and it inspires me with a stil higher respect for him.” When his visitor had departed, the president thought to himself, “ My daughter’s beauty and good sense are so surpassing, that I have long and unsuccessfully sought a proper match for her. Now the conduct and character of this Teihchungyu are exactly suitable, and I understand that he is still un married ; besides which, there are my personal obli- ‘gations to him. If I do not secure his alliance, I may be justly accused of missing the fittest occasion. But I am still ignorant of his figure and address, and must satisfy my curiosity by a personal interview.”

With ‘yo resolution, he sent a messenger to find out if the youth were then at the West-hills, and received an answer in the affirmative. Very early on the following morning, therefore, without acquainting any one, he attired himself in an ordinary dress, and mounting a horse, went out quietly with only three or four private followers to visit Teihchungyu.

The notice* of the president’s intended visit had reached the youth one morning, just as he was finishing breakfast. It renewed in his mind the remembrance of Shueypingsin, and threw him into a deep reverie. “‘ How strangely—how unexpectedly,” thought he, “ do human events occur! In rescuing the leader from death, I

have been the occasion of Shueykeuyih’s recall and promotion.

It is customary to give notice of a visit shortly before it takes place.

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promotion. Had I never chanced to meet with Shuey- pingsin, my present connexion with her father might have enabled me to seek her in marriage, with every prospect of his consent. But, subject as we now are to calumny, not only is it unfit to make the proposal, but, admitting that her father hints it to myself, it must be declined:—for to accept it would be contrary to our reputation and our duty. Thus it turns out, that our friendship, our mutual services, and our chances. of union, are all frustrated.—Oh, heaven ! that we mortals should be so harassed!”

In the midst. of these reflections, he on a sudden perceived walking into his lodging, habited in a plain dress, an elderly man with a long beard. The stranger approached, and accosted him thus :-— Friend, hew difficult it is to get a sight of you! You do not mind making people pine for your society.” i

Thus taken by surprise, the youth did not guess who the stranger might be. “‘ My disposition,” replied he, “ig so unsociable, that if you have thought of me, it was only because you had not seen me :—and now that we have met, I fear you will think no more about me.”

So saying, he ushered his visitor in, and made the customary obeisance ; which the other having returned, took hold of Teihchungyu’s hand, and considering him awhile, replied, ‘‘ Without seeing you, I could have but a vague idea of what you were ;—but having once seen you, I shall think more of you than ever.

On

94. THE FORTUNATE UNION,

On my first return to the capital, I repaired to your house, and though I saw your father, had not the satisfaction of meeting yourself. I went home disap- pointed ; and when your father honoured me with a visit, his excellent son would not confer on me his regards.: I therefore come in this private manner to obtain an interview, and hope you will not be offended at the intrusion.”

“ What,”—exclaimed Teihchungyu with surprise, ‘ it surely must be his lordship the President !”

“ J am your disciple,” replied the stranger, and then called an attendant to present his ticket.

“ Your lordship,” said Teihchungyu, * in consi-

dering the service, which I rendered the general, as instrumental in dispersing the light clouds which ob- scured your own brightness, has paid me a compli- _ ment which I cannot venture to claim.” ‘ T come here,” answered the President, “ not so much to thank you for restoring me to life and honours, as from respect.to one, who at so early an age is possessed of such extraordinary sagacity, and so much generous resolution—from my wish to view an extraordinary hero of modern times.”

“ It is extremely liberal and condescending in your lordship,” said Teihchungyu, “ thus to forego the privileges of your age and station. I fear I have been guilty of disrespect.” He then invited his guest to take his seat, and ordered an entertainment to be laid

out

out, of which, hurried and unprepared as it was, be’ invited the President to partake with him.

Shueykeuyih had a particular wish to prove the youth’s talent and information, and accordingly plied him with questions on difficult subjects :—while Tcih-- chungyu, in consideration of the distance from which: his distinguished guest had come to visit him, enter- tained him to his best, and conversed frecly as if he had met with a friend. They discoursed of his- tory and letters, and of the celebrated persons of antiquity—they treated of morals, and settled the true meaning of the maxims transmitted by the great sages—they discussed the principles of government, and adjusted their correct limits—and the abundant relish and acumen of their conversation had been thus sustained for some time, when the gestures and smiles of the President began to evince his surprise and satisfaction. He was endless in his praises, and complimented Teihchungyu with declaring “ that his talents seemed to be the especial gift of heaven.”

After some farther discourse, the President could no longer prevail on himself to disguise his wishes. —‘*‘ I have an object at heart,” said he, ** which cus- tom would forbid me to mention in the first instance to yourself; but as we are both of us far removed above the bondage of formal rules, [ need not be afraid to speak.”

‘* | stand in the relation of your lordsbip’s son and

junior,”

junior,” replied Teihchungyu, “‘and, whatever yow have to say, shall gratefully receive your instruc- tion.” mo

“ It is my misfortune,” said his guest, “ to have no son, and only one daughter, who is eighteen this year. In speaking of her beauty, it befits me not to boast, that she is without an equal in the empire ;— but as to her intellectual qualities, I believe that none but yourself can rival her within the Four Seas:* This may seem like a partial boast, and you are not bound to believe me ;—let me beg you, then, to re- member tiny words, and inquire of others; and should you find them true, you may perchance con- sent to weave the silken net, aud conclude this excel- lent and auspicious union. Do not be displeased at my proceeding with so little ceremony, on an occa- sion of such delicacy and importance.”

Teihchungyu listened in silence, and after a short pause sighed deeply as he exclaimed, ‘‘ Ob, heaven ! since thou hast so fitted us for each other, why afflict us with so wretched a destiny ?—Alas, there is no re- medy!” The president observed his sorrow, and mquired if he had contracted some other engagement ; but the youth shook his head. “ I might look

abroad,”

A phrase for their empire, to which we have a remarkable parallel

among ourselves. Blackstone says, “that the law somewhat loosely phrases ‘ out of the kingdom of England,’ by extra quatuor maria.” If the term be a loose one with reference to our insular country, it is a singularly absurd one as applied to China.

abroad,” said he, “ for a spouse within the limits of the empire, and find none buat such as Wunkeun !”

- Then if not already contracted,” observed his

visitor, “ you perhaps regard my daughter as no bet- ter than the rest of her sex.”

- With her admirable perfections,” said Teih-

chungyu, ‘ a whole nation cannot fail to be acquaint- ed, fur she is a pattern of female excellence; but I lament that we have been doomed to meet in the crooked by-paths of trouble, instead of the high-road of regular espousal. Did I act like the robber-bird, that invades the dwelling to which it has no right, I should violate the great maxims of morality ;—yet to sit still and lose the chance of so excellent an union has already filled me with regrets that will last through life; and your lordship’s kind proposal can only aggravate my incurable sorrow !”

The president thought that Teihchungyu spoke in a mysterious, constrained, and unintelligible manner, and therefore said to him, ‘ I know you to be of a frank and open temper ; whatever may be your inter- nal thoughts, pray speak them out plainly—why deal in such ambiguities ?”

‘* My lord,” replied his host, “ they are no ambi- guities, but the sincere effusion of my feelings ;—you will obtain an explanation of them when you return home.”

Shueykeuyih’s long absence from his household,

and that stoppage of all written communication which left him in entire ignorance of his daughter’s proceedings—joined to the inexplicable character of Teihchungyu’s words—made him fear lest there might be something which could not be readily divulged ; so, without farther questions he finished his repast, and after some conversation on indifferent subjects, took his leave.

He came, to see the pattern of his age :

To question the most gifted of her sex,

Return’d he—anxious thus, and full of toil,

The care of those who scheme their offspring’s good !

The president, on his way home, thought to him- self,—‘* This is a most elegant and admirable young man! I must not give him up as my son-in-law. But his answer was quite unintelligible—as if willing, and as if not—as if pleased, and as if annoyed— what can be the reason of it? Perhaps he thinks some harm of my daughter ;—but I know full well the natural goodness of her disposition, and that there is no hypocrisy about her. Some malicious report has been spread by Kwoketsu, in conse- quence of his failure to obtain her in marriage. It signifies not—let me go and settle the match with the father—then let the storm rage, it cannot hurt us !”

With this resolution he selected a fortunate day, and engaged one of his colleagues in office to break

his

his mind to Teihying. The latter had learned that the minister’s attempts to persecute Shueykeuyih while in exile, had all arisen at the instigation of his disappointed son, and this circumstance brought to his knowledge the extraordinary merits of Shuey- pingsin. He had already thought of uniting his son to her; his joy, therefore, was great on seeing the negociator arrive from Shueykcuyih—and he gave his hearty consent to the proposed match. The Presi- dent, on receiving this favourable answer, imme- diately exchanged visits with the Censor, and invited him to an express entertainment on the occasion, as a precaution against any change of mind,—desiring his agent to urge the final conclusion of the marriage contract. The Censor conferred with his lady on the subject. ‘* Our son’s age,” said he, “ requires that he should be married, and did we wait until he made up his own mind, it would not very soon happen. I find that this Shueypingsin is not merely beautiful in per- son, but of uncommon meatal endowments. When Kwoketsu tried a hundred schemes to get possession of her, she foiled him by as many resources of her own, which proves her to be a superior young woman, and a fit match for our son. The proposal, too, coming from her father, should decide us on seizing so excellent an occasion.” “ From all I hear,” replied his lady, ‘ of the vir- H 2 tues

100 THE FORTUNATE UNION. -

tues and talents of Shueypingsin, I consider you should decide on the matter at once, without men- tioning it to our son, for he will certainly make abundance of excuses.”

Teihying expressed his concurrence with this ad- vice, and accordingly, without informing their son, they prepared the presents, chose the day, and em- ployed a friend to negociate and conclude the contract. When that was done, they sent a messenger to con- gratulate Teihchungyu. He was taken completely by surprise, and hurried into the city. ‘ Marriage,” said he to his father and mother, “ is an affair of such consequence, that to secure welfare in the end, we should be the more tenacious of what is right in the

beginning. If I hurry into this match, to which obsta-"

cles exist, from a mere admiration of beauty and talent, occasion will be afforded for scandal and mis- representation, and disgrace attach to us through life.”

—“ Let me ask you,” said his father, “ is there any fault to be found with the young lady’s looks ?”

€ She is doubtless composed of the finest elements

in vature,” exclaimed Teihchungyu :—‘ who shall say she is not beautiful !”

— That being the case,” said the Censor, “ per- haps she is deficient in mental endowments ?”

“The perfect ease and self-possession,” replied his son, “ with which she executed her unfathomable

plans,

plans, must amply disprove that—who shall deny her superior sense ?”

—“ Perhaps, then,” said Teihying, “ there is some- thing against her character ?”

‘* Were the character of Shueypingsin to be can- vassed,” exclaimed the young man, “ there is nought that she should be afraid of, before yods or demons— nothing that need shun the light—who shall impeach her perfect correctness ?””

The Censor and his lady could not help laughing outright.—* If Shueypingsin,” cried they, “ is so perfect as you describe, and we have besides made a regular contract for you, what is there to apprehend from people’s remarks ?”

‘ T presume to conceal nothing before you,” replied Teihchungyu ;—“ sleeping or awake, I have dwelt upon the retired virtues of this young lady, but de- spaired to possess her. If heaven seems now to second my wishes, what should make me assume scruples which | do not really feel? But, unhappily, we are severed by destiny. I met and saw her under difficulties, and we rendered each other mutual ser- vices ;—which, though strict custom forbade them, were justified by the occasion, but which have never- theless subjected us to calumny. Should we now contract marriage, our former acts will be construed as being performed with an ulterior view. I had better, therefore, even sacrifice so excellent a spouse, than

do

do what is contrary to strict rectitude.” He then re- lated minutely how he fell in with the agents of Kwoketsu, as they were carrying off the young lady— how he succoured her at the magistrate’s—his subse- quent illness and danger—and the way in which Shueypingsin conveyed him to her house, and nursed him.

When the Censor and his lady had heard their son’s story, their joy and satisfaction were redoubled. “It is plain, from your own shewing,” said they, “that Shueypingsin and yourself have a mutual claim upon each other. The subject is already public and declared, and you have neither of you reason to be ashamed of it.. You commenced with difficulties and dangers, and acted as the occasion demanded—you end with a regular espousal, and al} things are conducted in order. What suspicions need you wish to avoid? These scruples, at the pre- sent day, cannot dissipate any suspicion that might before have attached to you. You have acted con- . sistently throughout, and the union accords with the strictest propriety. Feel no more anxious doubts on the subject, but return tranquilly to your studious re- tirement, and await at once your promotion and your marriage*—the chief consolation of our de-

clining years.” Perceiving

Literally, “ greater and lesser promotion.” The last is a phrase for

marriage.

Perceiving that their minds were made up, Teih- chungyu felt be could urge no further objections for the present. ‘There is no occasion, thought he, to be very strenuous in my opposition; for, admitting that I consent, it is pretty certain that Shueypingsin herself will oppose it. Let me wait until the time arrives, and be guided by the occasion.” With that he bade adieu to his father and mother, and returned to his occupations at the West-hills.

In the glad path of rectitude persists The hero—equal scruples arm the maid! O’er such the old® inhabitant o’ th’ moon Remits his power—to such the liberty Of some seems license.

The president was full of satisfaction at having se- cured Teihchungyu as the future husband of his daughter. He began to consider his long absence from home, and the dangers that continually beset persons in office; and at length petitioned the em- peror for leave of absence, on the plea of impaired health. His majesty, however, in consideration of the hardship he had endured in his late exile, declined accepting the proffered resignation ;t—but when the petition had been thrice repeated, he gave his consent. The absence was for one year; and the president was appointed to travel by post at the public

charge, © Yuélsou, ‘the old man of the moon,’ the Chinese god of marriage, who ties together, with an invisible silken cord, all predestined couples. + This is considered as a great compliment : the minister insisting on his unfitness for his station, and the emperor declaring, on the other hand, that his talents cannot be spared.

charge, and to resume his functions at the expi- ration of the period. Shueykeuyih prepared with joy for his departure; and the news of the especial distinction conferred on him by the emperor, being rapidly spread, was soon carried to his native town.

The reporters had inscribed their intelligence on large red * tickets, announcing, in the first instance, the recall from exile—tben the promotion to the sta- tion of president ;—and now, lastty, the return home at the public charge. Shueypingsin, when she first heard the news, was unwilling to give it implicit credence, fearful of some new trick on the part of her enemies ; and though, when the magistrates sent their own people to inform her, she could not do otherwise than believe the facts, she still remained wholly igno- rant as to the causes of such sudden events. A couple of days had been thus passed by her in doubt and perplexity, when Shucyun hurried over, as if to make a merit of it, and asked his niece to guess who had been the author of her father’s restoration to his dignities ?

‘“* T am quite ignorant on the subject,” replied the young lady, ‘‘and was just now endeavouring to ac- count for it.”

‘“* Then,” said Shueyun,” it was entirely occasioned by Teihchungyu addressing the emperor, and tender- ing his personal responsibility.”

His

The first reporters of good news have a customary claim to some

reward. See vot. i. p. 108. Red is the colour of compliment and joy: the mourning colours being white, black, and a species of dull grey, or ash.

His niece smiled at this, and said it must be mere extravagance, for how should Teihchungyu, who was no minister of state, but a mere scholar, address his majesty ?

‘© He was not responsible for my brother,’’ replied her uncle, “ but for the unfortunate leader on account of whose failure my brother was exiled, and with whose guilt and punishment he had become asso- ciated. When you rejected Kwoketsu on the plea of requiring my brother’s consent, he engaged the as- sistance of his father, the minister, who despatched a messenger with a written proposal to my brother in exile. To his surprise, however, your father refused his consent; and the minister, full of rage and malice, took occasion of the troubles on the frontier to per- suade the emperor that they were all occasioned by my brother’s recommendation of the unfortunate ge- neral, who, together with his patron, ought to be condemned to death. His majesty consented, and the Triple court bad already sent forth the gencral bound to his punishment, when Teihchungyu fell in with him, and being struck by his appearance, went straight before the tribunal, and offered himself as security that the prisoner, if again employed, should redeem his offence. They were obliged to report this to the emperor, who gave his permission; and the leader, being restored to his command on the border, proved himself a hero, and acquired great werit by

slaying

slaying and dispersing the enemy. The cmperor declared, with satisfaction, that your father had the credit of first recommending so worthy a personage, and accordingly revoked his sentence of exile, and raised him to the station of president of his tribunal. —Now if you revert to the author of all this, who was it but Teihchungyu ?”

“ How not true?” exclaimed her uncle,— it is in the gazette !””

“ Well, then,” said Shueypingsin, smiling, “ you should go immediately and accuse him of treason— this kidnapper of women, who dared so rashly to present himself before the Triple court.”

He perceived that his niece was quizzing him, but thought it best not to be offended,—so laughing it off as well as he could, “ No more of that business,” cried he ; “ I was drawn into it by a pack of silly young men, and shall know better than to heed them in futare.” With that he was glad to escape, and hide his confu- sion elsewhere.

Shueypingsin now began to soliloquize. ‘ There would seem to be some extraordinary fate connecting Teihchungyu and myself. The accident that brought him to my succour was sufficiently extraordinary, but in addition to it all, my exiled father, who has not the most distant connexion with him, becomes re-

stored

stored to favour through his means, although without his intention. This indeed is wonderful ! But, strange as this may be, it would appear that our mutual ser- vices and gratitude are all in vain,—for our ultimate union is impogsible ! Heaven seems to have a purpose in it, which may not be discovered, though our crosses and perplexities are sufficienty apparent.” Such were the melancholy reflections with which she passed her

days and nights.

With nature stedfast in the canse of right, Her gentle temper ever was alive

To soft impressions—blending thus together The warmth of passion with the rigid rule

Of principle, she shone example bright Of rarest excellence !

The president’s approach was shortly afterwards announced to his daughter. The distinctions conferred on him by the emperor obliged the magistrates to go forth and receive him in state : while Shueyun himself failed not to accompany the throng beyond the city, mounted on horseback. Towards noon, Shueykeuyih was escorted with much bustle to his home, where his daughter waited in readiness to receive him. The joy with which they dwelt upon their happy meeting was equalled only by the regret with which they spoke of their long and distant separation. But to learn the sequel, and ascertain the singular conversation that passed between the president and bis daughter, let us proceed to the next chapter.

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Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-davis/Chapter 14

Chapter 14: Teihchungyu Discovers the Qualities of the Valiant Leader, and Hazards His Life to Save Him

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