Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-davis/Chapter 16
Chapter 16: In Spite of the Trap to Ensnare Him, the Hero Does Not Yield
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 XVI.
“IN SPITE OF THE TRAP TO ENSNARE HIM, THE
HERO DOES NOT YIELD.”
With painted face and pencill’d brows, she strove To be the fair she was not; with her fate,
No silken thread was twin’d; she ne’er invok’d The old inhabitant 0’ th’ moon, but sought
By stratagem t’ effect what he denied :
—No mate th’ enamell’d bird of brightest hue For twittering swallows !— The unshaken scorn Of her repulse did blight with dire diegrace
The vernal promise of the bridal.
ALTHOUGH the marriage of Teihchungyu and Shuey- pingsin was confined as yet to its external forms, their esteem and attachment for each other exceeded those of ordinary couples. They remained in the same house for three days without once stirring abroad, a circum- stance which gave great satisfaction to both the Pre- sident and the Censor.
We leave them, and turn to Takwae and the eunuch, who at the minister’s instigation had been very desi- rous, the former to obtain Shueypingsin in marriage, the latter to give his niece to Teihchungyu. They had made use of all their power and influence with that view, and every preliminary was already carefully ar- ranged,—when to their utter astonishment and dismay they heard that the young couple were already united !
Deeming
Deeming their cause was hopeless, they sent a mes-
senger to acquaint the minister.
He heard it with a resolution to prosecute his ‘ven- geance. “ Did I humble myself,” thought he darkly to himself, “‘ to send intreaties and presents to Shuey- keuyih in his distant exile, for no other purpose but to meet with a rebuff? Did I go the length of ad- vising the emperor to punish him, with no other effect than to enhance his deserts? How is my revenge to be satisfied, or my enmity appeased? I made use of Takwae and the eunuch, with the hopes of annoying them—and they proceed with the utmost ease and quiet to conclude their union! This move in the game has proved a failure: what then shall I next attempt?”
He despatched several confidential domestics in secret, to pick up whatever they could learn, near the houses of the President and the Censor. One messenger came back and informed him that the bridegroom, instead of carrying the young lady to his own residence, had es- poused her at her father’s :—another reported, that though the young people had gone through the forms of mar- riage, they still inhabited different chambers ;—a third announced, that they evinced the greatest fondness for each other, and had not moved out for three successive days. The minister was much puzzled at this intelli- gence. “‘ What,” thought he to himself,—“ if their mar- riage was concluded, what prevented the bride being carried to her husband’s house, or what should make him espouse her at her own home ? If they are married,
why
why have they separate chambers ?—and if they live thus
separate, how shall I explain their mutual fondness ?—I
do not understand it! Possibly it is a concerted scheme
to avoid the proposals of Takwae and the eunuch. Well,
let them try their scheme ; but if they still live separate,
their ultimate union may be prevented. Were I now,
however, to urge Takwae to pursue Shueypingsin, it
would be a waste of labour ;—she is too secure in her
privacy. But Teihchungyu’s office requires his daily
attendance at court; and I need only prevail on the
eunuch to inveigle him by some contrivance into his
house, and there force him to perfect the proposed
union with his niece: it will be sufficient to set aside”
their present incomplete espousal.”*
With this resolution, the minister proceeded in person to visit the eunuch, and proposed his plot. The latter very readily assented. “‘ It is a mere tnifle,” said he; “‘ were the object to take away his life, there would be many difficulties ; but this plan of giving him my niece in marriage is a most laudable scheme, and I care not if his majesty knows it to-morrow. Set your mind at rest ; it more than half pertains to myself, and I will take my measures very securely. But when the time arrives, I must beg you to be present, and act the part of a witness to the marriage, in order that he may have nothing to say.”
The
- This, among many others, is a proof that no Chinese can have more
than one wife, properly so called.
The minister willingly agreed to this, and perceiving
the eunuch’s zeal on the occasion, returned with much
delight to his home, where he waited quietly for farther
news.
Expect them not so readily t’ ebandon
Plots of such hopeful promise—scheme on scheme Succeeds in rapid train—but when all's done,
Who knows but they shall rue their barren toil !
Teihchungyu had obtained ten days leave of absence on the occasion of his marriage, and the period being now expired, he prepared to resume his duties at court. Shueypingsin, with her usual penetration and foresight, cautioned him thus. “‘ Although we have disconcerted with great ease and quiet the schemes of the minister, in conjunction with his two agents, I apprehend their plots are not yet exhausted. Now it appears to me that Takwae, notwithstanding his bad character, is still an officer of the court, and kept in check by the dread of disgrace, from attempting any thing very outrageous: on my own part, therefore, I need not fear him. But the eunuch is attached to the emperor’s person, and like his fellows, totally ignorant and careless of what pro- priety demands. I apprehend that he may still prove mischievous, and advise you by all means to be on your guard while attending the court.”
“ Your clear foresight and providence,” replied Teih- chungyu, “lay open the inmost thoughts of those vil- lainous people ; but I regard the whole tribe of eunuchs as contemptible vermin, quite unworthy of my fears.”
“ There
“ There is a sufficient reason, however, for fearing
them,” said she,—“ their nearness to the emperor’s
person: you must not treat them too lightly.” He
nodded in token of assent, and promising to remember
her good counsel, proceeded with the rest to the imperial
audience.
The court being dissolved, he was returning by the way of the eastern gate, when the eunuch himself appeared, as though meeting him by a lucky chance. They exchanged the ordinary civilities, and Teihchungyu would have taken leave, but the other seized him by the arm. “I have met you, sir,” said he,“ most fortunately —and was just on the point of sending to your house.”
“ We are both of us equally servants of his majesty,” replied Teihchungyu; “but you are within the palace, and I without :* I therefore am at a loss to know what is your business with me.”
“ In any private matter of my own,” said the eunuch, “ T should not venture to trouble you ; but it is an order from his majesty, and I presume you cannot decline it.”
With that he urged Teihchungyu to proceed with him on horseback ; but the latter observed, “ If there be an order from his majesty, let me beg you, sir, to acquaint me with the same, and I will obey it.”
“You are over suspicious!” said the eunuch :—“ could I possibly venture to forge or falsify such an order ?
But
- By the regulations of the court, styled Hoeytéen, they are always
kept jealously apart.
But I will tell you the truth at once. The emperor has
two drawings, of which he is much enamoured, and’
understanding that you are an elegant poet, he wishes
you to inscribe a few verses on each.”
“Where are the drawings?” inquired the young man.
“ They are in my house,” replied the other, “ and I therefore beg you will go with me, and write the verses, that I may present them to his majesty.”
Teihchungyu had been placed fully on his guard by Shueypingsin’s counsel ; yet the reiteration by the eunuch of the emperor's order, left him no liberty to chuse ; so he mounted his horse and proceeded at once with his conductor. The latter ushered him into his residence, and tea having been presented, the order was given to serve up a repast :—but here Teihchungyu interfered. “The imperial command,” said he, “ is to compose verses for the drawings,—let me beg you to produce them, in order that I may obey. As for your hospitality, I really cannot venture to trouble you.”
“ We eunuchs, sir,” replied the other, “are quite ignorant of letters, but nevertheless view scholars of a high stamp like yourself with the utmost respect ; we are very glad of an opportunity to cultivate your ac- quaintance over a cup of wine. Had I invited you without a reason, you would never have come ; but the emperor's order has given me a happy occasion of enjoying your company, and it is but fair you should
spend
spend part of the day here :—nay, sir, you must not
altogether despise us.” ,
“ Our functions,” replied Teihchungyu, “ are very dis- tinct, but we are both of «us servants of his majesty. I should hardly, therefore, think of treating you so lightly : —but there is still the imperial command, and admitting that I accept your hospitality, I ought first to attend to my duty.”
“You must not think to take me in so,” said the eunuch laughing—* you want to finish your task, and then make your escape. However, [ will arrange it thus:—there are two of the drawings, and you shall begin by writing the verses on one of the flower-pieces; we will then take some wine together, after which you shall compuse the verses for the other. We shall thus be both accommodated.”
Teihchungyu was obliged to comply, and the other led him into a back room, where a boy in attendance was ordercd to lay a writing-table with ink, paper, pencils, and ink slab :* while the host himself going up stairs, returned holding up reverently in both hands one of the drawings rolled up. It was placed on the table, and the attendants ordered to open it out for Teihchungyu’s inspection.
He perceived it to be a drawing, by some first-rate
artist,
- “ The four precious implements of the study,’’ according to the
original phrase. It is pretty generally known that they write with a fine hair brush, dipped into Chinese (miscalled Indian) ink, which is rubbed with a little water upon a small slab of black schistose stone.
THE FORTUNATE UNION, 143
artist, of the bell-mouthed flower Calycanthus, ex- tremely rich and elaborate, and truly worthy of its imperial destination.
With all the care that such a task demanded, Teih- chungyu rubbed the ink and prepared his pencil, and having extemporaneously composed a stanza of eight heptameter* verses, inscribed it by the side of the flower which it celebrated.
He had no sooner finished his uudertaking, than the minister Kwoloongtung was announced. The eunuch instantly desired he might be requested to enter. ‘ My lord,” said he to him, “ you come most opportunely: J have received his majesty’s order to request this gentleman to inscribe a couple of flower pieces with some poetry. I of course thought that such a task would require at least half the day, and accordingly prepared a poor repast to detain him: but to my surprise, his extraordinary talent has ena- bled him to write the verses off at once. I cannot read them myself, and will trouble you to let me hear them :—I shall thus be the better prepared to present them to the emperor.”
“ Very willingly,” said the minister, and walking straight up to the table, he read out the verses, which were to this effect.
On
- Tseih yen leu “of seven words or feet.” Chinese verses are
measured by the number of words, which therefore answer to feet in other languages.—See Treatise or Chinese Poetry— Part I.
On the Calycanthus.*
Clad in its paly vest of waxen hue
Bends the fair flow’r—no spendthrift of its sweets :
— That pendent cup, rich storehouse of perfume,
Doth only half unfold its tender petals :
- Tis like some timid tale of sorrow, half
Untold—low drooping on its slender stem, The maiden blossom hangs its bashful head ! No chill winds check its bloom—the flow’ret guards Those vernal hues to vie with brightest buds Of the prolific south !
The minister himself was the first to express his approbation. “ Every word,” cried he, “ is descriptive of the flower !—these lines are a credit to our imperial college.”
The eunuch seemed pleased to hear this. “ Doubt- less,” said he, “if your lordship praises them, they must be good;” and he forthwith commanded the attendants to replace the drawing, and serve up the entertainment.
“* But,” said Teihchungyu, “ there is another draw- ing to be inscribed, why not let me finish that at once ? —I shall thus feel more at my ease in accepting your hospitality.”
“I perceive the great facility,” replied the eunuch, ‘“‘ with which your talents enable you to compose these pieces, and must therefore beg you will take a glass, if it were merely to stimulate your genius.t” So saying, he ushered his guests to the table.
The
- Orig. L& met “ waxen mei-flower.””
t Literally, “to moisten your pencil.”
THE FORTUNATE UNION, 145
The usages of the imperial college required the rela- tive ranks of its members to be strictly observed ; the minister, therefore, occupied the first place, Teih- chungyu the second, while the eunuch himself took the third. They had drank some rounds together, when the latter began the discourse. ‘* His majesty,” said he, ‘ has been long acquainted with the heroic qualities of our friend here; but was less certain of his literary attainments, and therefore required him to inscribe these drawings. Now, as I had in view an excellent proposal myself in connexion with him, I took occa- sion to mention the subject to the emperor ; and hea- ven seems to afford me to-day an opportanity of ob- taining my wishes.”
The minister, pretending entire ignorance, begged to inquire what this proposal might be ?
“ The drum that is not beat,” replied the eunuch, ‘* will not sound.—The bell that is not struck, will not ring. J had better speak out at once what I mean. It is my lot to have a niece of sufficient per- sonal attractions, saperadded to great virtue and mo- desty ; she is just eighteen this year, and we have never been able to find a fit match for her. On dis- covering the youthful merits of our friend here, and learning that he was still single, 1 immediately fixed upon him in my own mind; and meeting with his respected father the Censor, in returning from audi- cence the other day, | acquainted him with my wish—
VoL. IL. L He
He gave his consent ;* and I yesterday acquainted the
emperor, and prayed his majesty to appoint a nego-
ciator of the match. His majesty, in commanding
me to get the verses composed on these drawings,
observed that mei, the name of the flower, was the
same as mei, a marriage agent ;—that the inscription
of the verses was a sufficient conclusion of the match;
and that any farther signification of his pleasure be-
came superfluous, since this hint must suffice for a
person of letters. One of the drawings is finished ;
and you perhaps comprehend me now, sir?” said he
to Teihchungyu.
‘The young man was aware of his drift, but replied, nevertheless, with perfect composure: “ Your kind intentions, sir, it does not befit me to reject: but the unlucky destiny of your poor scholar has already allied him to the family of the President, Shueykeu- yih :—it is impossible for me to contract another en- gagemcent.”
- Do not try to deceive me in that way,” said the
eunuch, laughing, “ for I am in full possession of the truth. The farce which was enacted the other day was just to prevent the union of Shueypingsin with Takwae—so they got you to play a part on the oc-
casion ;
- Rather a daring assertion. The whole story is false, and truly
characterises the impudence of these creatures during the period of history to which this romance refers. The wretched pun is designed to expose the eunuch’s ignorance ;—though the words have the same sound, they are perfectly different.
casion ;—why attempt to deceive me with such a
pretence ?”
“ That is a strange way of talking |” observed Teih- chungyu, “ for deceit may be used on any other occasion but that of marriage, which is the first of the human relations, and the foundation of all morals ;— why then talk about playing a part ? You will-scarcely assert, that after the performance of all the prescribed marriage ceremonies, a man may take another wife,* or the woman espouse another husband ?”
“* Yes,” rejoined the other, “they may, if'they have not cohabited. What prevented your taking the bride home, when you. had:both‘a father and: mother living—but you must needs espouse her at her own house? And if the ceremonies of marriage were pere formed, what should induce you to sleep in separate apartments ?” moat
“‘ The reason for not carrying my wife home,”t replied Teihchungyu, ‘‘ was my father-in-law having no son, and the wish to delay the parting between the father and daughter. As to the rest, sir, it is of toe domestic a nature for you to be acquainted with ; and in your high station, and with your knowledge, you ought not to listen to such uncertain reports.”
“ I do not care,” replied the other, “ whether it.be
' EL? true
© Here ip abundant proof of what is advanced in the Preface ; and
many other passages throughout the work lead to the same cooclu-
sion. , t See vol. i. p. 232, Note.
true or false. I have addressed his majesty, and my
niece is to be your wife—you cannot evade it.”
- There is no evasion in the case,” said Teih-
chungyu; “ but from the remotest age there never was an instance of a person in my situation,—whose business it is to study and determine the rules of propriety and morals,—marrying one wife, and then taking another.”
‘‘ I wish to give you only one wife,” replied the other :—“ who wants you to have two?” ;
T repeat,” said Teihchungyu, “ that my previous
marriage compels me to reject this ;—I should not decline your offer unless engaged.”
- You must not make such distinctions in the
present case,” replied the eunuch ;—“ were you regu- larly married, you might plead priority as an excuse, but your wild and irregular connexion, though it may have priority of date, must nevertheless be considered as secondary.”
‘“‘ Were it a wild and irregular connexion,” re- plied Teihchungyu, “ I should not debate the question of priority, for such a connexion could not enter at all into the calculation ; but when the contracting parties are of the highest rank—when the parents’ commands are obeyed—the proposals regularly accepted—and all the prescribed rites observed, why call it a wild and irregular connexion? Your remark is offensive, sir.”
“ Allowing
- Allowing that the parents’ commands are to be
obeyed,” cried the other,—“ you will hardly say that his majesty’s commands are not to be obeyed? Per- haps you want to make them equal to the emperor himself!”
Perceiving that the eunuch tried to entangle him in his speech, Teihchungyu observed ; ‘“ The important rites of marriage are of national consequence, and not a subject for our. private discussion. Though we may not lightly address his majesty, let us request some members of the tribunal of Rites to consider the case, and determine which of us is correct.”
‘© If you chuse to debate the point,” said the other, ‘¢ where is the need of referring it abroad? Do we want a judge of what the rites demand, here is the minister present, one of the chief members uf the imperial college. You will hardly deny his learning and quali- fications,—a word from him will be sufficient.”’
“ True,”’ observed Teihchungyu,—“ the ceremonial rites are nearly allied to letters, and we may request his lordship’s opinion.”
“ My lord,” said the eunuch to the minister, “ you have heard the whole of my dispute with this gentleman. We beg you to make a fair decision between us—you must not shew any partiality to a fellow member of the imperial college.”
“ Gentlemen,” replied he, “ without your reference I should not have ventured to intrude my opinion. Since
you
you have condescended to ask me, I shall hardly pre-
sume to shew any partiality. As regards the rites of
marriage, there ‘are both ordinary and extraordinary
rites, with the consequences resulting from them ; and
though we consulted the whole wisdom of the Court,
they might labour day and night, and still not define
these with certainty. If you. ask my poor opinion, I
have always understood that the sovereign himself is
the author and origin of every rite. Now his majesty
having issued his command on this occasion, there
is no rite that can supersede it. To oppose this by
quoting either the past or the present, is not merely
a violation of all rites, but a failure in duty to the
emperor.” - oo
-The eunuch burst into a loud laugh. “ Well said !” cried he; “ there is a pretty decisive sentence—that settles the point—our frend here can say nothing to that!” He ordered an attendant to fill up a brimming cup, and walking round to where the minister sat, presented it to him with a profound inclination. “ My lord, may I ask you to conclude the nuptial engage- ment in my behalf, and bring about this excellent union.”
The other took the wine, and handed back the eunuch to his seat. ‘‘ His majesty having given his sanction,” said he, “ I must receive your instructions as though they came from the emperor.” Then drinking off the wine, he turned to Teihchungyu.—‘‘ His majesty’s com- . mand
mand is issued for this marriage, and I apprehend, sir,
that you can no longer contest the point, even though
you had sworn an oath with the President to espouse his
daughter. Submit then with a good grace, and let us
all be merry together.”
Teihchungyu felt quite disposed to give vent to his fury at such treatment as this—but he considered within himself, that in the first place, he must utter nothing disrespectful towards the emperor’s order: secondly, this eunuch was a domestic officer of the palace, and must not be treated with violence: and lastly, situated as he now was in the interior of the house, he must seek some favourable occasion to leave it in company with the minister,—whereas he might frighten him away by proceeding at once to extremities.
—“ Though I feel myself obliged,” said he, “ to obey his majesty’s command, I must at least return home to acquaint my father and mother, select a fortunate day, and send the presents. I cannot accept your proposal on my sole authority.”
“ This comes of reading too many books!” said the eunuch. “ Sir, there is no occasion for such pedantic scruples ; for if you can view the emperor’s command so lightly, you can do any thing you please on your own authority. If the imperial order is to be obeyed, let it be obeyed at once, without quoting these old saws, which have so little to do with it. This very day happens to be one of the most fortunate, points in the
Ecliptic,
Ecliptic,* the feast is prepared, the musicians in waiting,
and his lordship here is the distinguised bridesman.
The apartments within are ready adorned ; then conclude
the nuptials at once, and bring this important business to
a close. If you are afraid your father will take it amiss
that you did not acquaint him, you have only to quote
the emperor’s command. As for the bride’s portion, I
will take care myself that it is ample.”
The minister now put in a word. “ Your intentions, sir, are very liberal, and if our friend here refuses to comply, it will be a bad return for so much kindness.”
“ The obligations of propriety precede those of gratitude,” replied Teihchungyu.— My purpose in coming hither to-day was not marriage, but to obey the emperor’s order, and compose verses on those two drawings. There is but one of them finished, and it is impossible for me to discuss any private business until both are completed—I heg therefore that the other draw- ing may be produced. When I have performed my duty to his majesty, there will be quite time enough for other matters.”
“ That is all very well,” said the eunuch, “ but the next drawing is large, and not so conveniently brought down—better go up-stairs, and compose the verses there.”
Teihchungyu
© Hwangtaou, ‘ The yellow path,’ is the Ecliptic in Chinese astro- nomy: and they describe it as crossing the Equinoctial, on the armillary sphere, in the manner of two rings applied to each other at an inclina~ tion, and having a common centre. For this they had to thank their Arabian and European instructors.
Teihchungyu did not suspect the trick that was to be
played him, and therefore replied, that above or below
was the same thing, and he would do whichever was
most convenient. “‘ When you have taken another
cup of wine,” added his host, “I will beg you to go
upstairs, and finish the second copy of verses.”
Teihchungyu hoped that when the business of the drawings was completed, he should be able to find out a way to make his escape: he therefore rose from table, saying, “‘ Our business is pressing, I will take no more wine.”
The eunuch rose too, and raising his joined hands, begged his guest to proceed. Teihchungyu, seeing the minister rise up, proposed that he should accompany them; and the latter was moving in that direction, when he received a wink from the eunuch, which stop- ped him. “ This is a duty especially imposed by the emperor on yourself alone, sir,” said he to Teihchungyu: —‘ I had better wait here until your task is finished, and conclude our business on your return.” Teihchungyu apologized for leaving him thus alone, and proceeded up-stairs, followed by the eunuch.
The fish should shun the scented bait°—the fowl Avoid the twanging bow ; but common peril Could ne’er dismay our hero! Lo, the bird, Whose flight excursive could th’ horizon scan, Is prisoner by a chirping swallow made! Scarcely © The translator was at a loss to account for the meaning of the ex- pression ‘ scented bait,’ so common in Chinese, and was surprised to meet with a complete explanation in s quarter where he certainly did not
- Scarcely had he stepped into the chamber above,
when the eunuch, who was behind him, stole suddenly
down stairs, and a couple of attendants instantly closed
the doors. Teihchungyu, on looking round, perceived
the whole apartment to be decked out in all the varie-
gated splendour of a nuptial chamber. In the middle
was placed an embroidered screen, before which there
sat a female gaily adorned.
In pearis and gold all gorgeously attir'd,
. No arts could deck her native ugliness!
The demon king might view her as his own:
—She carried terror to a bridegroom’s eye !
At first sight of Teihchungyn, the lady rose, and desired her maids to usher him in. He would readily have made his escape, but the doors being fast closed in the rear, he walked up and saluted her with a low inclination ;—which done, he turned round, and stood still with his face in another direction. The lady said not a word, but an elderly attendant took up the dis- course in her stead. “‘ Sir, we presume you come here to your nuptials ; but why this distant behaviour towards your bride ;—you are invited to take your seat beside
our lady.” “ T came
not search for it. ‘* The predilection of many species of fish for all strongly odorous substances is well known to every one who has ob- served the habits of this class of animals, and is often made subservient to the objects of the angler.”— Philos. Trans. for 1827, p. 136. The paper, which contains the above observation, explains on this ground the use of a sub-maxillary odoriferous gland, found in the genus cro- codilus, which devours fish, and which is thus curiously provided by nature with a means of attracting its prey towards its jaws.
THE FORTUNATE UNION, 155
‘* T came,” said Teihchungyu, “ by the emperor’s order, to write verses on some drawings—who pre- tends that I came to my nuptials ?”
‘“* The two-drawings,” replied the old woman, “are in the room below—what should prevent your obey- ing the emperor’s command, and inscribing them there? This is our lady’s sleeping chamber—how could a mere stranger have been permitted to come thus far ?”
“ Your master has doubtless displayed an admira- ble turn for stratagem,” said Teihchungyu ;—“ but it is unfortunate he should have chosen me as the sub- ject, for I shall hardly serve his turn.”
“ Sir,” replied the attendant, “ you had better ac- quiesce with a good grace. What is the use of talkin in that style?” .
“You have contrived to get me into this place,” said Teihchungyu ; “ but I was brought here under the pretext of the emperor's order to inscribe those drawings. This deceit has been practised in open day, and the minister below has witnessed it—you will hardly succeed with me. Perhaps you think-I am to lose my senses to this beautiful creature here ; but my temper and disposition answer to my name ; * I am at least three parts more immoveable than Lew- heahoey or.Kwonyunchang. What is the use, then, of this charming bait to entrap me ?”
Now. © That is, ‘ Iron.’
Now the lady’s modesty happened to be much on a
par with her beauty ;—she had put on a little show of
reserve, and held her peace at his first entrance.
Perceiving by her stolen glances his extreme youth
apd comeliness, which assimilated him rather to one of
the other sex, she became quite in love with our hero.
His last sneer, however, enraged her beyond endur-
ance. ‘“ What unmannerly insolence is this !” cried
she; ‘ my uncle’s station in the palace entitles me to
be treated with some respect. The application to
the emperor concerning you was intended as a favour ;
what do you mean, then, by saying that we entrap
you, or by boasting that we shall not succeed? As
you talk in that style, however, we will use a little of
the freedom that belongs to the inmates of the palace,
and shew you whether we will succeed or not :”’ so say-
ing, she commanded her women to drag him before her.
They instantly obeyed, and crowded up to himina body.—“ Do you hear our lady, sir ?—you had better comply at once, and prevent our using violence.”
Teihchungyu scarcely knew whether to be angry or to laugh at this strange scene. However, he said not a word,—and the women, provoked at his silence, and urged by their mistress’s anger, threw themselves upon him; one trying to push, and another to drag him—making at the same time a loud outcry. Teih- chungyu could readily have shaken them off ; but con-
sidering that they were a parcel of women, and fearful of
of furnishing them with any pretext of complaint, he
determined to be quict. ‘ There is a proverb,”
thought he to himself, “ which says, ‘ The fairies of
the hill* are no match for the cautious old priest.’ I
will not mind these creatures.”’—He then took a chair,
and seated himself at the other end of the room, with-
out paying any regard to the women’s clamour.
When force hath reach’d its limit, it becomes ‘Weakness extreme—the firmness that retires,
Yet yields not, is of all the most enduring :
Seek ye an emblem of this quality ?
The wat'ry element is fittest found.
While they were still surrounding him, the eunuch suddenly issued from a back room. He commanded the women to retire, asking them how they durst be- have with such rudeness to a person of rank. Then turning to Teihchungyu, “ Sir,” said he, “ the mar- riage has proceeded so far, that I do not perceive how you can decline it—better comply at once, and pre- vent our falling out.”
‘* It is not I who decline it,” replied Teihchungyn, —* but the ritual forbids such a connexion.”
“ How so ?” inquired the other.
‘* Are you not aware,” replied Teibchungyu, “ that there is a regulation of the court, which prohibits all intercourse between officers of government, and eu-
nuchs
© These are said to delight in frustrating the attempts made by the devotees of Fo, or Buddha, to reach a superhuman state ; and whenever the latter chance to waver the least in their faith or practice, the mali- cious spirits acquire a dominion over them. .
158 THB FORTUNATE UNION.
nuchs of the palace? If ordinary intercourse be for« bidden, how can such an alliance be permitted ?”
“That is an antiquated rule,” said the other ;—
- would you have it take place of an immediate order
from the emperor ?”
“In obeying the imperial order,” replied Teih- chungyu, “ it is first necessary to acknewledge it, and return thanks ; but I have seen no authority for such an order, nor have I gone through the prescribed forms in return: to hurry over the marriage in this style is quite impossible—you must give the subject a due consideration, sir.”
They were thus contesting the point in the room above, when a couple of inferior eunuchs came run- ning in with all speed, and called away their master down stairs. ‘Ihe fact was, that the victorious gene- ral from the border had brought with him to Peking a great number of prisoners, together with a large quantity of valuable tribute ; and the emperor, in re- ceiving him at court, had decreed him a banquet in the imperial presence. ‘Teihchungyu being the occa- sion of the leader’s re-appointment and success, his majesty commanded that he should partake of the entertainment, and the attendant officers hastened to his residence to summon him. On hearing that he had accompanied the eunuch home, they hurried to the house of the latter, where they found his horse and attendants waiting at the gate. ‘They imme-
» diately
diately sent in a message to the eunuch; and when
he answered their summons, and heard what they had
to say, his disappointment and rage deprived him of
utterance! He stared at the minister, and the minis-
ter stared at him, without saying a word ;—while the
state messengers urged that their business was
pressing.
There was no remedy—and the eunuch ordered the doors to be thrown open. Teihchungyu came down without knowing the reason; but on hearing the message, and perceiving the urgency of those who delivered it, he prepared to take his departure. The disappointed eunuch now gave vent to his malice. ‘* The emperor’s command requires you to attend the banquet,” said he—* but it requires you no less to inscribe the two drawings. You have inscyibed only one of them; and when his majesty expresses his anger to-morrow, do not plead that I gave you no timely notice.” :
“ I urged you long ago to let me finish the verses,” said Teibchungyu, “ but you kept the drawing out of my reach—how was I to inscribe it?”
The said drawing had been all the while in the lower room, but purposely concealed, with a view to entice Teihchungyu up-stairs. Once up-stairs, how-. ever, it had been carefully displayed upon the table below, with a view to get him into a scrape. The eunuch now pointed it out with his finger. ‘ There
1s
is the drawing on the writing table. If you screen
your disubedience to his majesty under the pretence
that the drawing was concealed, his lordship the
minister is luckily present to witness the contrary.”
Teihchungyu walked up to the table without making a reply, and opening out the drawing, per- ceived that it was a blush-coloured Plum-blossom, different altogether from the preceding flower piece. He again rubbed the ink and prepared his pencil, which the state messengers perceiving, urgently pressed his immediate departure, saying that the verses would require time, and they feared being too late for the
. banquet.
“ There is nohurry,”—replied Teihchungyu, and so saying, he wrote off the verses in a flowing hand ; then placing down the pencil, he bade a slight adieu to the minister, and walked out at once ;—the eunuch being obliged to attend him to the gate, and see him on horseback.
Alone and dauntless did he walk, secure In native courage—proud in matchless talent : In him the first of heroes was revived— The first of bards in him did re-appear !
On his return into the house, the eunuch requested his friend to read out to him the last copy of verses. They were to this effect.
“© Ona blush-coloured Plum-blossom.”’ See in itself one blossom richly blending A complex beauty—marvel bright and rare ! Admire its glowing hues, it boasts withal
A snowy lustre—taud each paler charm,
And lo, the morning tints are on its petals !
Such the faint blush that cupe unwonted lend
To pallid cheeke—So wakes the early maid,
When beauty claims her matutinal care !
—Forgive the poet's hesitating strain :
How hard at once ¢’ aimire ané to Gescribe !
Though the cunuch was unable to judge of the merit of the lines, he still perceived the facility with which they had been composed. “ This young fel- low,” said he, ‘‘ has a most extraordinary talent; he will hardly relinquish Shueypingsin, who F under- stand, too, is a young woman of uncommon under- standing.
- T am just as determined as he can be not to re-
linquish ber ;” replied the minister,—% I must revive that affair of his invitation to her house, and prevail on some bold member of the Censorate to present a remonstrance to the emperor, with a view to break off the marriage ;—I shall then have my revenge.”
But to see the mirror grow brighter as it was rubbed, and the fount run clearer as it flowed, the reader must proceed to the next chapter.
VOL. Il. M