Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-davis/Chapter 15
Chapter 15: The Parental Injunctions Become Too Pressing to Be Altogether Resisted
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 XV.
“ THE PARENTAL INJUNCTIONS BECOME TOO PRESSING TO BE ALTOGETHER RESISTED.”
So excellent a youth, so chaste and fair
A maiden, each with rarest gifts endow’d—
A flower and a willow that had felt °
The gentle influence—these might well be pair’d ! But rigid maxims govern’d each ; they scorn’d
The weaker course—and breathing nought but virtue, Sought for themselves an union of their own.
Wuewn the president, on reaching home, found his daughter grown up into a graceful young woman, and more beautiful than ever, his joy and satisfaction were complete. “ My sorrows,” said he to her, “ for all that you have suffered in consequence of my absence, and my happiness in being thus honoured and rewarded by the emperor, are as nothing in comparison with the consolation of my heart in finding you thus improved in looks, and unmolested in your peace. I may rejoice, too, in having secured for you a worthy husband, at the same time that I have chosen an excellent son-in-law for myself.”
This unexpected intelligence recalled to Shueypingsin’s recollection the story she had lately heard, and the young lady began to suspect her father must mean Teihchungyu. “ Your years, sir,” replied she, “ now
verge
verge on sixty; my mother no longer remains to you ;
and in default of sons, I myself am left as your only
support. I grieve that, being a daughter, I cannot
continue the family name; but need that prevent my
constantly serving you? Why then wound my heart
by mentioning marriage? With all my defects, I could
ill bear to leave you and abandon my home.” _
“ You must not use that argument,” said her father, smiling ; “ you are very dutiful, but that is no reason why a young woman should give up marriage for the sake of remaining with her parents. Were this son-in- law an every-day sort of person, I should have men- tioned the subject first to yourself. Of his youthfulness and spirit I say nothing,—of his talents and acquire- ments I say nothing,—of his generous resolution in the cause of right I say nothing : but his sagacity to dis- cern menit,—his courage to defy danger,—his strength of character to undertake responsibility—and his eloquence to gain the cause he espoused, were enough to make me love and admire him. Hence my reasons for resolving at once that you should marry him.”
Shueypingsin now fully understood from her father’s speech to what person he alluded, and told him that there was no objection as regarded the individual, but an insuperable obstacle on the score of propriety. The president had already concluded the marriage contract, yet the ambiguous expressions he had before heard from Teihchungyu, who advised him to make inquiries on
his
his return home, so exactly coiriaded with the objections
his: daughter now made, that he.was-very desirous to
escertain the: truth, and therefore spoke out af. onee.
—“ Child,” said: he, “ are you awarethat the son-in-law
whom I mean is Tethchungyu, eldest son of the Censor
Teihying ?”
“ Had it been any other person,” Teplied Shueyping-
“ your daughter would have eamestly deprecated
marriage but if it be Teihchungynu,. that becomes
unnecessary—for the union cannot possibly take place.
Supposing that I myself admitted it as possible, Teih-
chungyu would certainly be of a very contrary senti-
ment, The reason is this—there is an objection, founded
on those rules of propriety which befit an honourable
union. Though the annulment of the contract you have
made will render fruitless your kind care in my behalf,
it will save your daughter from doing that which she
must repent hereafter.” :
The president was both surprised and alarmed. “ Why,” said he “‘ Teihchungyu-never sought to gain your heart by the midnight serenade; nor did you ever accompany him in flight through the morning _ dew.* What obstacle can you mean ?”
1 will inform you, sir,” said Shueypingsin ; and with that she minutely recounted to her father the at- tempts of her unsuccessful admirer to’obtain her,—
her
® Allusion to the story of Szema and -Wunkeun, lovers who eloped together. See notes to Appendix.
her uncle's underhand proceedings,—the stratagem by
which she was carried before the magistrate—her
rescue by Teihchungyu—his subsequent illness and
danger—and the manner in which she conveyed him
home and nursed him. ‘I am not ignorant,” added
she, “ of the distance by which custom separates the
sexes. Though the unusual manner in which we met
with, and assisted each other, was justified by the
occasion, and has bound us in mutual gratitude ;—
yet to think of marriage seems impossible. Under all
circumstances, sir, are these not serious objections ?”’
The president’s satisfaction was redoubled at this
history of his daughter’s conduct. ‘ You have strug-
gled with great hardships!” cried he. “Iam sur-
prised that Teihchungyu should have spoken so in-
distinctly on the late occasion. Child, the address
with which you protected yourself from their attacks,
only proves that you are a young woman of extraor-
dinary merit, and increases my affection for you:
while the courage with which Teihchungyu espoused
and maintained the cause of justice, argues him to be
a youth of equally rare excellence, and adds to the
respect I already feel for him. Every thing consi-
dered, it is plain that, except yourself, there is no
person fit to be his wife—and, except Teihchungyu,
no person worthy to be your husband. You are an
admirable pair, especially produced for each other by
heaven. As for the trials which you encountered,
they
they do you both the greatest credit; and instead of
being an obstacle to your union, can only reflect ad-
ditional lustre on it. Give yourself no farther anxiety
_ about the subject, but depend upon my arranging
every thing for the best.’
The daughter fear’d th’ event her father most Did hope—while various thus their hopes and fears, Their love and kind affection were the same !
We leave the father and daughter to debate the question of marriage, and turn to Kwoketsu. That young man, on the return of his emissary Ching- kee, with the report that Shueykeuyih refused his consent, was seized with extreme vexation. When he afterwards found, however, that his father had presented a paper to the emperor, recommending the execution of his encmy, he was equally elated ; —which elation was converted into a proportionate degree of sorrow and disappointment, when it subse- quently appeared that, in consequence of Teihchung- yu’s interference, the general had acquired honour, and occasioned the recall and promotion of Shueykeuyih.
But when at length it was reported to him, that the father of Shueypingsin had arranged the mar- riage contract with the father of his rival, he was ready to swoon with vexation, and sought for some relief to his bitterness from his friend Chingkee. ‘* After I have exhausted every endeavour,” said he, “ in pursuit of Shueypingsin, this young brute all at
once
once carries her off! When we endeavoured to in-
veigle him here, in order to wreak our vengcance
upon him, it ended in ourselves being the sufferers—
and when we informed against him, he still contrived
to be beforehand with us, and to shame us ail by a
previous information. This, however, might have
been endured, as we partly sought it at his hands—
and I could even have borne to lose all prospect of
obtaining Shueypingsin; but now, through my owa
instrumeutality, he enjoys the most complete success,
and is enabled quietly and composedly to arrange his
union with Shueypingsin. if I die for it, I will yet
serve him a turn !—My good friend, you must really
supply me with a scheme.”
“ We could do nothing,” replied Chingkee, “ with this Shueypingsin while she was living by herself ; and it will be very difficult to attempt any thing now, when her father is promoted so high, and returned to his home.”
“ But his promotion is nothing tome,” said the other.
“ It may be nothing to you,” answered his friend, “ but if you chuse to attack him, it will cost you so much more troable.”
Kwoketsu declared’ “ that the trouble was no mo- tive to deter him.”
‘© Well, then,” said the other, “ we must.not at- tempt to act openly; but contrive by some secret plots to break off the marriage.”
VOL. 11. 1 “ Tf
‘If I. can only do that,” exclaimed Kwoketsu, “ I
shall be most fully satisfied; but how is it to be effected ?”
- It appears to me,” replied his friend, “ that the
high rank and station of the president must render reputation and character of higher consequence to him. We need only, therefore, make up some scan- dalous tales connected with the residence of Teih- chungyu within his house, and spread them abroad, employing at the same time some person to convey them to his own ear; his fear of disgrace may perhaps induce him to break off the match: but if these reports should have no effect in changing his purpose, you might, as a desperate measure, engage some friend in the college of Censors to report the case to the emperor as a public scandal—which would effectually put an end to the marriage.”
Kwoketsu was much pleased. ‘It is a very good
>
scheme,” said he, “ and I will wait upon the two magistrates to-morrow, on purpose to set these rumours afloat.”
- You must not do that,” said Chingkee, “ for both
of the present magistrates are well acquainted with the truth; and will not only fail to credit you, but clear up the case for the other party. I understand, however, that both of them must soon leave us ;— wait for their departure, and for the arrival of the
new ones, who know none of the particulars. If you go
TH FORTUNATE UNION. 115
go and vilify the parties to these, they will give you full credit; anu their belief being obtained, will serve to support the allegations of any person you employ to accuse them to the emperor.”
“ Whence is it, my friend,’’ said the delighted Kwoketsu, “that you possess such an inventive talent. You must surely be Koongming* himself restored to life.” .
““{ do not wish to deceive you,” snid thé other, —“ and if you despise not my poor counsel, J have something better still in store.”
‘You must be mocking me,” exclaimed the young man ; “ I cannot believe that possible.”
—* Quite possible,” replied his friend: ‘ while last at Peking, I observed that my lord, your father, was extremely intimate with the nobleman Takwae. I learned also how Teihchungyu rescued the young woman, of whom that noble was enamoured, from confinement in lis palace, and caused his being con- demned to solitary confinement for three years ;—he must naturally detest the author of this. I likewise astertained that the imprisoned Takwae had as yet no oh, and that his wife was lately dead. You may, therefore, write to my lord, your father, aiid tell him to address Takwae, acquainting him with thd extraordinary beauty of Shueypingsin, and of Teih- chungyu being contracted to her. Takwae thay be
12 induced
- A famous politician of the period called ‘‘ the Three States.”
induced to stretch his power to get possession of her :
—first, to obtain so handsome a woman; and secondly,
to give vent to his hatred of Teihchungyu. He will
doubtless gladly endeavour to obtain her ; and should
he succeed, it will save us all farther trouble. Is not
this a good scheme ?”
Kwoketsu expressed the most extravagant joy at the proposal.
—* To please you still more,” continued his friend, ‘* I have an additional plot to annoy him.”
‘* As you are good enough to contrive it for me,” said the other, “ pray let me hear what it is.”
‘ I learned, moreover,” replied Chingkee, “ during my stay at Peking, that the eunuch Chow was an- other friend of your father’s. This person, it ap- pears, has a niece who is excessively ugly, and withal still unmarried. Why not induce your father to point out Teihchungyu to the eunuch’s notice ?}— this will be one way of revenging ourselves upon our enemy.”
“Tt is the best scheme of all,’’ exclaimed Kwo- ketsu, “ and shall be the first adopted. There will be no difficulty in prevailing on my father to write; but I must likewise trouble you to undertake the journey.”
“TI cannot consider it as trouble where you are concerned, sir,” replied the other.
Tis
’ Tis rarely that the worthy unoppoe'd
May work their will, so num’rous are the plots
O° th’ mean and base—Unmanageable thus
While human tempers, nought may mend the evil— While men are such, all remedies must fail !
Let us now leave these two to carry their plots into execution. Teihchungyu continued his studies in the retirement of the West-hills until the period of the autumnal examination, when his talents enabled him, with the utmost ease * to take the degree of licentiate. In the following spring examination, he passed with equal ease to the grade of doctor; and on the ultimate examination in the emperor’s palace, was placed in the second of the highest ranks of lite- rature. He was immediately chosen to the office of Shookeihsze in the Hanlin college; and, in considera- tion of having previously declined the office of Tae- chaou, which had been offered to him for his merits in the case of the victorious general, he was now raised an additional step. His glory and happincss were at their full; and as he had completed the age of twenty-two years, his father was very urgent with him to celebrate his marriage: but whenever the name of Shueypingsin was mentioned, he only sighed, and made evasive excuses.—Still, however, would he seek another bride, there was none to suit him!
It
- Literally, “ as easily as picking up etraws."’— Licentiate and Doctor
were the terms adopted by the Jesuits to express the Chinese Keujin and Tsinsze.
It happened just then that the year’s leave of ab-
sence granted to the president Shueykeuyih being
expired, an express was despatched to call him back
to court. The censor Teihying was aware of this,
and took occasion to write him a letter, entreating
that he would bring his daughter to the capital, as the
shortest way to accomplish the union. The president
was‘of the same opinion, and consulted his daughter —
“ As I have to thank his majesty’s favour,” said he,
“ for recalling me to court, it is quite uncertain when
I shall return hither again. At your age, it would be
extremely wrong to leave you by yourself ;—you shall
accompany me to Peking, therefore, and relieve the
solitude of my dwelling.”
Shueypingsin entirely agreed, with him.—*‘ Of what use,” asked she, “ were your daughter, did she always remain at this distance from you? My most ardent wish is to accompany my, father—but there is one point which I would gladly mention before- hand.”
“ Speak out,” said the president, “ whatever it may be.”
‘* Why,” replied his daughter, “ should the subject of my proposed marriage with Teihchungyu be re- vived on our arrival, 1 would most urgently de- cline it.”
“¢ The president laughed very much at her scruples. © Child,” said he, “* your anxiety is superfluous at present—let us wait till we reach Peking, and then
see
see what is to be done.—But who is to take charge of
our household here in our absence ?”
“ My uncle,” replied she, ‘ may be your principal agent, while the steward and his wife can take charge of the details of our household.”
He complied exactly with his daughter’s advice ; and their business being settled accordingly, they took their departure together for the capital.
While yet in silence lay the father’s wish, The daughter’s heart did all anticipate — So, ’ere the spring arrives, its distant influence Draws forth the buds towards the sunny south !
In about a month afterwards, when the president had settled himself in his own mansion, and paid his respects at court, his official acquaintance all came to wait upon him; and when the censor Teibying had paid his visit, he sent his son to do the same. Now Teihchungya, from personal regard for the president, which was heightened by that minister's near relationship to Shueypingsin, lost no time in attending to his father’s directions; but in so do- ing, announced himself by the ordinary designation amoung friends, instead of using the term “ son-in- law.” The presideot was aware of Teihchangyu’s promotion to the imperial college, and observing: his spirited and elegant exterior, felt the highest satis- faction at the meeting. He received him in the warin- est manner. ‘f This young scholar,’”’ thought he to himself, “ and my daughter, are an admirable match !
But
But can it be possible that he is ignorant of the con-
tract which his father has already made for him, that
he omits to designate himself as my son-in-law? It
would seem that he has the same scruples as my
daughter; and when it comes to concluding the mar-
riage, I fear we may have some trouble: and yet, my
own choice being confirmed by that of the bride-
groom’s parents, there can be little doubt of the young
people complying. Let us wait quietly—the thing
will settle itself.” .
- A little while after, a confidential dependant came
to him in haste, on very private business. “ My lord,” said he, “ I have a relation in the household of the noble Takwae, who informs me that his patron has lost his lady, and is yet without a son. Some- body, it seems, has written to inform him of the beauty and accomplishments of the young lady your daughter, and suggested his applying to the emperor to obtain her. That noble being willing to ascertain the truth, ordered my relation to make inquiries, and he, accordingly, knowing me to be in your lord- ship’s office, came privately to ask me.” On hearing this, the president desired to know what answer he had returned. “I told him,” said the informant, “ that my young lady had been long affianced to Teihchungyu, lately promoted to the imperial college. He next inquired if they had solemnized the mar- riage,—to which I replied in the negative. He then went
weut away, aud I considered it my duty to inform
your lordship of the circumstance.”
‘* Very well,” said the president; ‘if he comes again, you must tell him that the marriage is on the point of being solemnized.” The other promised to obey, and took his leave.
“ This Takwae,”’ thought the president to him- sclf, “is a drunken libertine, who being condemned for his conduct towards that young woman to three years’ solitary confinement, would rather repeat than repent his former deeds. Let him apply to the em- peror ;—I have already concluded the match, and need not fear him. But it will provoke discussion at least, and create enmity between us. I had better mention this to Teihying, and prevail on him to celebrate his son’s marriage at once, to put an end to all disputes. There will be no difficulty in persuading Aim,” added he,—** but I am afraid I shall have some trouble with my daughter.” ,
With this, he went straight to Shueypingsin’s cham- ber. “ Child,” said he, “ I would not willingly force this marriage upon you; but the sooner it is con- cluded, the sooner will unpleasant discussions be prevented.”
‘* What discussion need we fear,” enquired his daughter, “ even should it not be concluded ?”’
The president told her what he had just heard, and added, ‘‘ if you do not solemnize your wedding at
once,
once, and abstain from raising so many scruples, Ta-
kwae will presently find it out. His intimacy with
the inmates of the palace is great, and if they
concert a plot against us, we may find some diffi-
culty in opposing them ;—do not, then, be too tena-
cious.” _
‘¢ Your daughter,” replied she, “ has no wish to. be tenacious, but only to act as propriety requires. Your informant just now said that somebody had addressed a letter to Takwae ;—now perhaps, sir, you are not aware who the person is that advises that nobleman to seek to obtain me from the emperor ?”
‘* How should I know ?” said her father.
“ Then I can tell you,” continued Shueypingsin, —“ it was the minister Kwoloongtung.”
- But how come you to fix upon him?” enquired
the president.
‘I have long heard,’’ said his daughter, ‘ that Takwae is entirely devoted to intemperance and pro- fligacy, aud a very worthless character ;—and know- ing that the minister seconded the vicious projects of his son, I am convinced that he, too, is the same :— bad and bad naturally combine. Besides, your refusal of his application concerning myself, is one cause of enmity towards us; your recall and promotion, after he had proposed your death, is another ; and the rage with which he must have heard of your giving me to Teibchungyu, is a ¢hird. He accordingly instigates
Takwac
Takwae to persecute me. If not the minister, then
who else should it be ?”
“* Your surmise,” said her father, “ is no doubt quite correct ; and if he be thus mischievous, it be- hoves us to be the more guarded.”
“ It will be most fortunate for this Takwae,” said the young lady, “ if he abstains from molesting me: for should he credit what he hears, and really apply to the emperor, I shall have my remedy. You, sir, need only present a counter-address, and bring for- ward all his misdeeds to his shame.”
—* Child,” said her father, “that may be very true, but it is better to solve enmities, than to contract them ; and I had much rather have the union concluded at once, and render his stratagems unavailing. This will be a better course than shaming him publioly.”
The father and daughter were still debating the question, when it was announced that the Censor Teihying had sent a messenger, requesting to have some conversation with the President. The latter wished particularly to see the Censor, and on the receipt of his message, went at once without attend- ants to his house on horseback, in order to ayoid notice. His host received and conducted him to a back room, whence the attendants being excluded, he took the President’s hand, and said in.g low tone of voice, “ As I was leaving the Court this morning through the Eastern-gate, I came suddenly upon the
eunuch
eunuch Chow who laid hold of me, and said he bad
a niece whom he would marry to my son. I told
him plainly that my son was already contracted—he
enquired to whom—and, as | feared his tricks, I was
obliged to tell him at once it was to your daughter.
“ But,” said he, * the marriage is not yet completed,*
—the presents only have been sent, and you must not
refuse me—let me send a person to negociate the new
match !’”” Now I fear that he will be as unreasonable
and insolent as the rest of his tribe, and make mis-
chievous use of his influence within the palace. To
enter into a contest of words with him would be quite
useless ; and as the marriage contract is already made
between us, why not agree at once to complete the
union, as the best means of preventing discussion.”
“ What,” said the Censor, “ are you in a scrape too?—I am in just such another myself ;” and he recounted minutely what he had heard of Takwae’s intentions from his informant.
“ Well, if we are both of us in that situation,” observed Teihying, “‘ we should seize the occasion, and
marry
- The power and insolence of these eunuchs of the palace during the
dynasty called Ming (the time of the romance) is a part of history, and will be found very strongly depicted in the following pages. Though they did not then make and unmake emperors, as they did at an earlier period of the Chinese annals, the ruin of that family, and their expulsion by the Manchow Tartars, is attributed in some measure to the mischiefs which they secretly caused. It does credit to the policy of the reigning Tartar dynasty, that they have diminished the number, and effectually destroyed the influence, of this tribe.
marry the parties. Then these people will not only be
disabled from molesting us, but admitting that the
emperor’s order is obtained, it can avail them nothing.”
“ There can be no doubt of the expediency of the measure,” replied the president; “but my daughter is very tenacious, and constantly deprecates the union, from scruples respecting that previous acquaintance with your son. I fear she will not willingly leave my house.”
“ They are both of them equally anxious,” said the president, ‘“‘ to do what is right:—my son too is con- stantly raising objections ; what then is to be done ?”
“ I¢ is my belief,” said the Censor, “ that with their uncommon beauty and sense, it is impossible but they love each other, and would willingly tie the silken knot. What makes them decline it, is the wish to avoid the scandal which might attach to their previous intercourse ; and they avoid that scandal from a dread of disgracing the great cause of morality. These fears and scruples merely prove the uncommon worth and merits of either, and must be duly appreciated both by us and others. Could we live unmolested, and by degrees persuade them to complete the marriage, it would be very well ; but this vexatious business of Tak wae, and of the eunuch, rises up to annoy us in the very midst of our plans, and makes all temporizing impossible. Let us then endeavour to persuade either party to yield to the exigency of the case, and perfect this good work, as the best means of preventing discussions. Though they speak so strongly at
present,
present, they will probably listen to counsel.” Teihying
agreed that this was perfectly reasonable, and in fact the
only course to be adopted. They then separated.
Rare is the union of two fairest flowers
On the same stem—some cloud must ever dim
The moon’s full brightness !—Tangled briar and thorn
Beset their path perplex’d; and free from blame
Must either be; ’ere they consent to wed,
__ —=This matchless pair!
' Teihying, immediately after the departure of his visitor, sent for his son home. After informing him of what had just passed, “ This marriage,” added he, “should really be no longer delayed on any aecount. You must not vex my heart by too firmly adhering to your former arguments.”
“ J should never presume; sir,” replied the young man, “to oppose your commands ; but the ancient sayes, in matters that related to moral conduct, were conais- tent in the midst of every difficulty. Why should I do otherwise ; or allow the contemptible sting of a wasp to disturb the even tenor of my innocent course? As to the eunuch, he acts merely at the instigation of the minister—what harm can he do ?”
“ You may be able to guide yourself clear of diffi- culties,” said the Censor ;—“ still you should act with some consideration fdr Shueypingsin.”
“ we
“* If such be your plan, sir,” replied his son, must advise the president to give out abroad that the marriage is really completed, in order to stop their
farther
farther pursuit of us; while at home we still live apart,
as a precaution against any future attack.”
His father paused.—‘ If we give out that they are man and wife,” thought he, “ the externals of marriage will at least have been settled ; and as for the rest, we may let them do as they please.”
—<What you propose,” added he to his son, “ will equally suit both sides of the question; and I consent to your plan.” He then inimediately gave ditections to chuse a fortunate time for the union ; and on the follow- ing day ‘received a note from the president to this effect.
“ On my retum home, I communicated to my daughter the subject of our conversation, thinking she must com- ply: but with the same rigidness of scruple, she desired still to avoid scandal, without any fear of the troubles that threaten. After repeated exhortations, she now agrees to the external ceremonies of marriage, from the necessity of the case, but at home desires to remain in her present state. I apprehend that if the marriage be once given out as celebrated, the union cannot ultimately be avoided. I have therefore listened to her, confident in the gradual accomplishment of our wishes. I know not if you will approve ; but write purposely to beg your instructions. My card accompanies this.”
Teihying read the note with much sectet satisfaction. “ Truly,” thought he, “they are a pair destined by heaven for each other. With such a daughter-in-law, my thresh- hold may be pronounced happy: the great cause of
virtue
virtue is illustrated by her example. But if my ‘son
brings her home, and they still live separate, it will give
rise to remarks. Let him, therefore, go and espouse
her at her own house ; nobody can be acquainted with
what passes there.” He accordingly communicated this
idea to the president in his reply.
The latter was better pleased than ever with a propoeal which prevented his daughter leaving her home; and when they had chosen a fortunate day between them, the object being to let every body know, a great number of the chief personsat court were invited to partake of the nuptial feast. The day commenced with music, and all the bustle of preparation ; and when evening* came on, the Censor, in his own official character, accompanied by his son as a member of the imperial college, both of them in their ceremonial habits, and seated in state sedans, proceeded to the President’s house to solemnize the wedding.
The President met them at the door, and conducted them to the front hall, where the relatives and visitors were assembled: and the ceremonies of introduction being concluded, Teihchungyu was detained to par- take of the entertainment: after which he was con- ducted towards the inner state-room to meet his bride. Night had already set in, and across the front of the apartment was suspended a semi-transparent curtain, through which shone the light of the lamps and tapers as brilliant as the day : while in the rooms
on
- See vol. i. p. 251, for the hour of nuptials.
on cither side were lodged the musicians, ready to
strike up a peal from within. At the top of the room
were prepared two tables for the uuptial féte: and
below them, on the left and right, two crimson car-
pets were ready spread. A crowd of females sur-
rounded Shueypingsin as she stood waiting on the
right side; and upon Teihchungyu’s approach to the
screen, two of them quickly drew it aside, and in-
vited him to go in.
Upon his entrance, Shueypingsin, far from display- ing any of the childish bashfuluess common to her age and sex, received him with a cheerfol and atten- tive courtesy. ‘ The services for which I have had to thank you, sir,” said she, “ are deeply engraven on my heart, and J can never sufficiently requite them. Cuutrary to our expectations, heaven seems to have an inteut to compassionate us ; and our parents have unconsciously seconded our wishes. I rejoice in this opportunity of expressing my gratitude: pray take the guest’s place, and accept my service.”
‘Teihchungyu bad admired the uncommon beauty of his bride when he first met her at the magistrate’s tribunal; but she was then habited in a plain and simple dress—and seeing her now set off with gold and gems, and attired like a goddess, he felt altogether overpowered as he exclaimed: ‘ Lady, my thank- fuluess for your past bounty I have never ventured publicly to express, lest others should slander your
sweet name; but in my dreams and inmost thoughts I offered up to you the secret tribute of lasting grati- tude. Being now so happy as to approach your di- vine presence, let me pay the fit tribute of respect.”
They both repaired to the crimson carpets, and went through the prescribed form of four inclinations to the ground: while the attendants caused the mu- sicians to play a low and solemn air. These cere- monies being concluded, the music ceased ; and when the bride and bridegroom had taken their seats, tea was served up by the females in waiting.
As it was the nuptial feast, the distinctions of host and guest were waived, nor did either do the honours : but after a little conversation, the wine was served up, and they drank the three cups together. Teih- chungyu then said : “ Lady, your kindness in rescuing my life, from the pitfall which was laid for it, I have long since had occasion to acknowledge, and therefore will not again comment upon :—but while wandering with unsettled purpose, had it not been for your excellent advice, I know not where I might have been at this day. It does not befit me to boast of my recent promotion, save to thank you for the share that your goodness had in it. These are obligations which I can never dismiss from my heart.”
‘© Who is there,” said Shueypingsin, “ but is ca- pable of offering advice—a child can shew the way to him who asks—but to follow and attend to it is the
difficulty.
difficulty. That you adopted it, sir, was entirely your
own merit ; and can reflect no credit on myself. To
speak of the great deeds by which you have benefited
me—the rescue at the magistrate’s was comparatively
easy—but the case of the general, before the Triple
court, and so nearly affecting the emperor himeelf,
was certainly no trifle! And yet you undertook it as
an ordinary measure: and in performing an act of
more than human generosity, were able by your elo-
quence to move both the emperor and his servants,
and to convert disgrace into merit. Thus were mv
father’s life and dignities restored ! No services could
exceed these; and though I sacrificed my life, I could
not recompense a ten-thousandth part. What then
induced me to evade the proposition of becoming
your wife? It was this—the calumny that hed at-
tached to our former acquaintance. Though both of
as were conscious of innocence, there were many who
wronged us :—even now, there are those who envy,
who hate, and who calumniate us. How, then, could
we be secure from the taint of scandal? Hed we
listened to our fathers’ propositions, and sought at
once the nuptial union, we should have been victims
to this, without a remedy. Rather let ws wait until
the floating clouds have dispersed, and conclude our
marriage under a clear sky and broad day: thus my
own poor fate will not injure nor involve your higher
destinies.—I know not if you approve my sentiments.”
K 2 Teih-
Teihchungyu bowed his head in concurrence.—
“ Though,” said he, “ [ look forward to the comple-
tion of our union more anxiously than rain is desired
in the midst of drought, though it is the constant
object of my highest hopes, and though with the
concurrent desire of our parents, I cannot but wish to
complete my own happiness, I have hesitated,—from
the fear lest an indiscreet indulgence of my own
wishes might entail after- regret upon yourself. When
asked for the reason of my scruples, I found it diffi-
cult to answer; but as your own opinions so per-
fectly accord with mine, let us abide by our mutual
resolution: and if the event turn out happy, we may
regard it as the consequence of this day’s resolution.”’
‘* We act under restraint,” replied Shueypingsin,— “but it is the only way to frustrate the schemes of our enemies without trouble.”
“It is my belief,” said Teihchungyu, “ that as Takwae and the eunuch are perfect strangers, this impish scheme is the contrivance of the minister and his son, who have made them dupes. Their contri- vances will fail on this occasion ; but the evil dispo- sition of our enemies must still remain, and I know not what plan they may try next.”
“‘ What is unaccomplished,” said the young lady,
- may be frustrated: what remains to the future may
be prevented—but our espousal of to-day is already accomplished—it can neither be frustrated nor pre-
vented ;
vented; and they have nothing left but to scatter re-
ports, and misinterpret our actions, in order to inter-
rupt our happiness. My reason for recommending at
present only the external forms of our marriage, is,
that every one may hereafter be convinced we have
always been innocent; our slanderers will then be
confounded.”
“ Lady, you advise well,” replied Teihchungyu ; “it is the best means of repelling such wicked ca- lumniators ; and proves your good sense and your virtue to be equally perfect. But, as regards the oc- casion on which you restored me to health, and when we lived together under the same roof, our innocence could be truly known to none but heaven, earth, yourself, and me.* Beyond these four, who shall bear witness in our favour? When our slanderers begio their attacks, those who know us will esteem us as we deserve; but where shall others find the evidence to acquit us; and our ultimate union being thus prevented, what is the remedy ?”
“© We need not be anxious as to that,” said Shuey- pingsin :—“ I have heard that what heaven has begun, heaven will invariably accomplish ; and that such im- pediments as these are nothing but trials of virtue. The good man perseveres—-the base one succumbs 3 and this is the difference between them. Your lofti-
uess of principle, and firmness of temper, unchanged and
- “ Only four knew it’—a phrase.
and unmoved. by rank and power, if not the gift of
heaven, could not be what they are. For myself, I
am but a simple maiden, and yet I have some small
sense of what is right. Had we not been intended
for each other, we should, instead of meeting as we
did, have remained apart like the sun and moon in
the east and west—we should have harmonized no
better than things which are most unsuited to each
other. But you came across me in the highway, and
nobly compassionated my danger; while J, in return,
disregarded calumny tu requite you. Heaven’s inten-
tion respecting us may partly be gathered from what
is past. Although, however, your residence in my
house was for the best purpose, it exposed us to re-
proach, and compelled us to practise the greater
reserve: and now that we have our parents’ consent,
and the regular intervention of friends, though the
match be unexceptionable in itself, our private
scruples still remain. We do not complete the union,
which is quite in our power, from a regard to our good
name ; and such a course is in strict accordance with
the will of heaven, which, did it fail to second us by
accomplishing our ultimate union, in vain would have
produced and brought us together! But heaven’s in-
tentions are altogether mysterious, and beyond the
reach of our shallow conjectures. Await them in
tranquillity: if it surveys our actions, it will certainly
clear up these doubts: and, admitting that it should
not,
not, we may at least remain as we are, with the name
of marriage, and the reality of friendship and esteem.
We may yet enjoy life in each other’s society, and
perhaps afford the subject of a tale hereafter.”
His brow expanded with delight, as Teihchungyu listened to her words. “ Your excellent discourse,” said he, “has removed the weeds that choked my understanding ! I shall evermore seek to do what is best, and patiently await the will of heaven without needless anxiety or doubt.”
Thus they continued their mutual converse; dis- coursing first of Kwoketsu’s wicked schemes, which induced their acquaintance and friendship ; and then of his father the minister’s envenomed disposition, which led to the discovery of the leader’s merita.
In form united, what was there to bar
Their perfect union ?——wedded or unwed,
All tranquil was their course, and none but such As eatimate their motives rightly, know
The wisdom of th’ inspir’d of old!
But to learn the sequel ; to see this pair again ham- pered in toils, which lead to a repetition of the marriage ceremonies; the reader must look to the following chapter.