Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-davis/Chapter 17
Chapter 17: The Exposure of Secret Intrigues Leads to the Display of Real Merit
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 XVII.
“ THE EXPOSURE OF SECRET INTRIGUES LEADS TO THE DISPLAY OF REAL MERIT.”
- Tis by the surface only that the crowd
Admire or blame ; few from the heart and mind Conclusions draw. Their hidden cold and warmth Is hardly palpable :—their latent sweets,
Or sours, no tongue can try! When the day-dreams Of some are fied, what need again to waste
Their thoughts in vain surmises ?—'T will appear . On candid inquest, that the wise and good
Claim their own latitude of action.
We have seen how the minister and the eunuch contrived, under plea of the emperor’s order regard- ing some flower-pieces, to inveigle Teihchungyu into the house of the latter, in order to marry his niece ; and how, when they felt quite certain of success, the emperor’s command that Teihchungyu should join the entertainment conferred upon the victorious leader, en- tirely ruined their whole plot.
They were both exceedingly provoked, and consulted what was to be done next. “‘ Though we have heard,” said the minister, “ of their inhabiting separate chambers, the general impression is that they are married, and it really seems a hopeless scheme to get them otherwise contracted. We had better take up the business of his
lodgement
lodgement at her house, and by giving it a colouring of
scandal, prevail on some influential member of the Cen-
sorate to accuse them to the emperor, on the ground
of their disgracing the public morals, by patching up
previous irregularities with marriage. I will then get
you to procure an order from his majesty to the Tribunal
of Rites to investigate their case, while 1 employ the
magistrate of their district to make inquiries, and send
up such a report as shall suit our purpose. In this
manner we may get them apart.”
“ And when they are once apart,” said the eunuch, “ I will petition his majesty concerning my niece’s marriage. The young man will hardly be able to evade it after that.” Their consultation ended, we leave
them to prosecute their plot in secret.
Seek a new name for envy, and "twill prove
- The heart’s depravity.’— The envious strive
To frustrate what is good, and mischief love For its own sake.
Teihchungyu, who had so happily escaped by means of the emperor’s command to attend the banquet, related to his father, on his return home, the events of the day. “It appears to me,” said the Censor, “that your union with Shueypingsin is already virtually concluded, in name at least; and though you continue to occupy separate chambers, it cannot be denied that you are man and wife ;—then why not bring her at once to your own home, instead of exciting attention by this half espousal ? If the emperor's command had not most fortunately
m2 intervened,
164 ‘THE FORTUNATE UNION.
intervened, you would, to say the least, have contracted a dreadful enmity with the eunuch. Go, then, and con- sult with your bride, and arrange a speedy removal to your own home, in order to put an end to their schemes.”
Teihchungyu went accordingly to the young lady, and acquainted her with his father’s advice. She, how- ever, replied, “ I am not unaware, that being virtually your wife, I need not demur to live with you; but past circumstances remain yet the subject of slander ; your fame and merits, expose you to envy and detraction, while I myself am not free from malicious attacks. Were we too hastily to complete our union, we might not be able to prove our innocence hereafter, and it would therefore, be the part of wisdom to defer it.”
“ T am fully aware,” replied he, of the excellence of your motives ; but by so long delaying to carry you home, I feel that I disappoint the earnest wishes of my father and mother.”
““ The only persons whom we need guard against,” said Shueypingsin, “ are the minister and his son, and their extreme rage and disappointment at our success in effecting this union, cannot extend beyond a certain time. If you wish, therefore, to gratify your father and mother, there is no reason why you should not take me to your house, and perform as it were a second espousal ; while 1 trust that you will still consent for the present to our remaining separate, with a view to what may yet happen.”
Teihchungyu
Teihchangyu was overjoyed to find that she was not
unwilling he should carry her home. “ Your proposal,”
said he, “ so well accommodates both parties, that I
cannot but accede to it.”
He accordingly proceeded to acquaint his own parents, as well as the father of his bride, and engaged the astronomical board* to fix the most felicitous period for the solemnization ;—then inviting afresh all those relations and friends who had attended on the last occa- sion, the public became acquainted with the contpletion of the marriage ceremonies, while the young couple, in point of fact, still continued to live separately at home.
All say that when the genial spring doth come, No floweret but shall blow ;—but there's a bud, Within this bow’, still guards its virgin charms.
When the minister heard that Teihchungyu had carried his bride home, his vexation was such as to lead him immediately to bribe a member of the Censorate, with whom he was intimate, to present an accusation against the parties. The charges were presently made out, and ran as follows:
“ Wongih, inspector general of the province Shense, addresses his majesty in the case of a marriage con- tracted under circumstances injurious to the public morals, and intreats the imperial goodness to institute an inquiry, with a view to benefit the great cause of morality.
“ Of the five human relations, that between husband
and © By whom the calendar is constructed.
and wife has the priority ;—of the three thousand rites,
that of marriage is the most important. Hence the
separation between the sexes, which the sovereign law
has enjoined in conformity with ancient institutions. The
very lowest of the people observe these ; and there can
be no excuse when persons of rank, of different sexes,
inhabit the same house without any previous forms of
marriage ;—there can be still less when the fathers, being
great officers of state, subsequently unite the same
persons in wedlock, with a knowledge of all the circum-
stances. This, however, has been the conduct of
Shueykeuyih and his daughter ;—of Teihying and his
son,
“Tt is the duty of my office to report to your majesty all things of consequence that I may see and-hear. In passing along the way, I met with a marriage proces- sion,—which in itself is nothing extraordinary ;—but my attention was excited by seeing the road filled with persons who pointed and laughed at the train as it ap- proached, and who stood talking and expressing their astonishment after it had passed. Such was my sur- prise, that I inquired whose were the nuptials, and was informed that it was Teihchungyu, of the imperial college, who espoused the daughter of the president Shueykeuyih. On asking the reason of their exclama- tions, I learned that the bridegroom had been formerly nursed by the bride in her own secluded dwelling—a proceeding to which scandal necessarily attached : while
the
the present conduct of the parents, in bringing about so
irregular a marriage was a disgrace to the public morals.
Greatly disturbed at this intelligence, I dared not to
refrain from reporting it to your majesty.
“ Now marriage being the chief civil rite, if marriage be not duly regulated, ali other rites must run to dis- order ;—a minister’s son being the example of the people, his disgraceful conduct must serve to excuse the same in his inferiors. I humbly entreat your majesty, in consideration of the importance of the case, to com- mand the tribunal of Rites to set on foot an instant inquiry, and ascertain if the couple now married had really such previous acquaintance. The punishment of their delinquency will preserve the cause of morality from injury, and have a deeply beneficial effect in promoting virtuous unions. With this statement of circumstances, I await your majesty’s command in the utmost solicitude.”
When this address had reached the imperial council, the members felt disposed to slight and reject it. “What means can there be,” said they, “ of proving what occurred so long ago in the interior of a female dwelling ; or what utility in investigating a rumour heard in the street ?” The eunuch, however, repeatedly pressed them on the subject, urging the importance of the case; and they at last felt themselves obliged to re- commend that the proper tribunal should take cognizance of it. Not satisfied with this, the eunuch waited until
the
the person, whose business it was, should pregent the
address for hjs majesty’s persona] inspection,
On looking oyer this, the emperor expressed his sur; prise that a young man like Teihchungyu should have been nursed by Shueypingsin, @ female, in her own private. dwelling, and desired to be furnished with some explanation. The Tribunal of Rites was therefore espe- cially commanded to make a clear investigation, and report the result,
When the imperial order was isoued, seversl days had already elapsed since the young couple were regularly espoused at the house of the bridegroom. The alarm of the Censor was great on hearing the newe—he went in haste to speak and consult with his son spd daughter- inlaw. “ What enmity can this Wongih have towards you,” inquired he, “that should lead him to present such an accusation to the emperor ?”
“It is no scheme of his,” replied Teihchungyu, “ but of the minister. We have long anticipated some- thing of the kind, and been prepared for it ;—our ex- pectations are at last confirmed.”
“ But it is quite necessary for you to answer it in your own justification,” observed the Censor.
“ T am aware,” said his son, “ that an explanation will be requisite ; but it is yet too soon. Let me wait until the inquiry has been made, and the reply pre- sented,—it will then be time for my story.”
“ That
“ That may be true,” said his father; “ but as you
are aware thet you haye been accused, it seems advisa-
ble to offer some speedy justification,—people may other-
wise suspect that you are guilty, and have nothing to say
in your own defence.”
“ Did the charges impeach my official duty to the emperor,” replied Teihchungya, “I should feel bound. to present an immediate explanation ; but this accu- sation relates to my private conduct while in Shantong. By deferring my answer, I may perhaps be relieved by the truth of the report from the necessity of any ex- planation ; but if the report proves a false one, I may proceed deliberately to confute its falsehood. At pre- sent I have no grounds to go upon.”
His father, after a pause, agreed that he was mght. “This accuser,” added he, “ belongs to my own de- partment of the Censorate: what does he mean by such an attack 7—I must be very angry with him.”
“ There is no occasion for that, sir,” said his son, “1 will answer for his meeting with his due deserts.” The Censor followed his son’s advice, and agreed to
await the result in patience.
Prepared for trouble ‘ere the trouble eame,
He met it with a mind all undismay’d ; —Assail’d by calumny, his heart was clear,
Th’ attempt to shame him could no blushes raise.
We leave them, and turn to the Tribunal of Rites, who, on receipt of the emperor’s private order, lost no time in transmitting it to the provincial governor of Shantong.
The
The minister Kwoloongtung, for fear that the subor-
dinate authorities might not second his wishes, addressed
.@ secret letter from himself to the new magistrate of the
district, engaging his good offices —;desiring his son, at
the same time, to present such bribes as might secure
the due exaggerations and additions to the real facts in
the report, and make eure of every exertion in their
favour. = ,
. On learning that Teihchungyu had been denounced to the emperor, Kwoketsu felt the utmost delight. He waited not the arrival of the orders, but proceeded straight to the magistrate, taking with him a hundred Wieced of gold, and his father’s letter.
But who might be this new magistrate ?—no other than the scholar himself, whose bride Teihchungyu had rescued from the palace of Takwae! By hard study, he had placed himself on the same list with Teihchungyu at the annual examination, and upon the recall of the former magistrate, was chosen to oupply his place. On the offer of the money, and the perusal of the letter, he soon understood that he was required to make such scandalous additions to the report concerning Teih- chungyu’s stay at the house of Shueypingsin, as would lead to their disgrace,
“ What!” exclaimed he to himself with surprise and alarm, “is it my benefactor that I am called upon to treat in this way? But how shall I proceed? It is an admirable occasion to pay my debt of gratitude. I
must
THE FORTUNATE UNION, 171
must not, however, betray myself to Kwoketsu ;—for that would place him on his guard.” He accordingly accepted the money, and pretended to enter into the scheme: and Kwoketsu, feeling satisfied that his object was gained, went away in high glee.
The new magistrate then proceeded to summon be- fore him the subordinate officers permanently attached to his office, and asked if they knew the occasion of Teihchungyu being nursed at the house of the young lady ?
He learned from them that it originated in Kwo- ketsu’s violent attempt to get possession of the young lady’s person, and that the latter, being rescued by Teih~ chungyu, was led by her gratitude to protect him from the plots of his enemies.
“ But they were both so young,” observed the magis- trate, “that you may perhaps have heard something scandalous in relation to their intercourse ?”
The people replied, that nobody could have aseer- tained what was done im the house, had not the late magistrate, suspecting something wrong, sent a confi- dential dependent, named Tanyew, to conceal himself. at night in the young lady’s mansion, and see what was going on. By this means he ascertained, beyond a doubt, the perfect innocence and virtue of both parties, and ever afterwards respected Teihchungyu like a god.
It was with the utmost satisfaction that the magis-~ trate listened to this account. “ It is not his heroism
alone,”
172 THE FORTUNATE UNION,
alone,” said he to himself, “that is so surpassing— his integrity is equally worthy of respect. I should be guilty of the basest ingratitude, did I not retum such an answer to this inquiry from Peking as must fully clear up his character.” He accordingly sent for the spy, and secured the production of his testimony when required; then summoning the head-priest of the monastery before him, he peremptorily demanded what poison had been administered on that occasion? The priest replied, that Kwoketsu, fearful of the conse- quences, had prohibited the use of actual poison, and limited him to the violent drag patow, in connexion with rhubarb, to reduce their victim to extremity.
Having procured this evidence, our magistrate waited four or five days, until the order came to him from the provincial governor to set an inquiry on foot ; when he made a clear and circumstantial statement of the whole case, from beginning to end. The governor’s duty was merely to transmit the same to the Tribunal of Rites ; —and the latter, on inspecting it, soon perceived that the magistrate’s report proved Teihchungyu to be a prodigy of excellence, and Shueypingsin brighter than gems, and chaster than ice :—while the whole evidence went greatly to criminate the minister’s son.
The members of the tribunal had engaged their services to the minister, and wished to procure such a statement of the case as might involve Teihchungyu ; but when they found that the present report, on the
contrary,
contrary, was endless in his praise, they were obliged to
send quietly for the minister, and shew it to him.
His rage was unbounded, and broke out into open abuse of the magistrate. “‘ What,” said he, “ does this newly promoted animal, after all my condescensions, and the presents I sent him, go and frame a report m favour of my enemy? Even this might have been borne—but he must needs throw imputations on my son! I will take care that he does not escape the consequences of such behaviour.”
He accordingly begged the tribunal to detain the report for some time, while he proceeded to his friend the member of the Censorate, and prevailed on him to present an accusation against the new magistrate, charging him with ignorance of the past affairs of his district—with corruption—and with the guilt of making false statements; recommending at the same time that he should he arrested and punished. The emperor was advised to order the provineial governor to set.on foot a fresh inquiry on the subject of Teihchungyu’s residence at the mansion of the young lady.
The influence of the eunuch within the place pro- cured the imperial assent to this in less than a couple of days, and when the order reached Shantong, the governor sent for the new magistrate. “ You have been too tenacious of the matter of fact,” said he: —“‘ When the minister wrote to you, admitting that you would not falsely accuse Teihehungyu, it would have
been
174 THE FORTUNATE UNION. -
been quite sufficient had you cleared up his case ;—why accuse Kwoketsu and provoke his father? He has pro- cured your arrest and recall, and I have no means of helping you.”
The. magistrate justified himself from the charge of having said too much. “ When I received the order,” observed he, “ from the Tribunal of Rites, I could only report back what was unanimously declared by every witness, and most fully corroborated ; I did nothing partial for the sake of Teihchungyu, nor with a view to implicate Kwoketsu. I found on investigation, that the entertain- ment of Teihchungyu at the young lady’s house arose entirely from his enemy’s machinations, and was obliged to state the truth. Had I concealed any thing; some other person might have accused me, and then where would have been my defence ?”
“ The consequences of saying too little,” said the
6
governor, laughing, “ might possibly have been felt by you—but they were at least uncertain: while the con- sequences of saying too much have already overwhelmed- you.”
“ The charges under which I now labour,” replied the magistrate, “‘ are false, and may be answered ; while admitting that I had escaped the immediate punishment of the opposite course, the guilt at least would have been real, and I could not escape that. Hence I did not venture to consult present ease at the expense of future sorrow.”
But
“ But after all the pains you have taken to attain
your prescnt rank,’’ said the governor, “ it was hardly
advisable to be so over-scrupulous. Suppose you draw
up a fresh report, and let me carry you through this
business.”
“ The facts,” replied the other, “ are as I have stated them ;—to distort them into another shape would be a violation of my public duty, and of what I owe to his majesty—I dare not follow your advice,”
“ Well then,” replied the governor, “ as you are. so determined, there is the imperial order to arrest you. However, | will. not put it immediately into effect : do you go and prepare yourself with all dili- gence to plead your cause at Peking.”
He bowed, and promised obedience; then sending for his seal of office, he deposited it, in due form, with the governor. On his return home, he secured the secret witness, and the old priest of the monastery —together with the letter from the minister, and the bribe which had been offered to himself—and thus provided, he commenced his journey to the capital.
Nothing did he extenuate, nor add,
But faithfully rehears’d each circumstance
From origin to end—his friend he help'd
On one hand—and on th’ other serv'd his prince.
On his arrival at Peking, he could not, as an ac- cused person, appear before the emperor, bat deliver- ed himself straight to the criminal tribunal, to receive
his
his trial. That tribunal assembled without loss of
time, and proceeded to interrogate him.
‘* By what means,” was it demanded, “ could you, who were appointed so long after that business took place, obtain such proofs as should enable you to pro- nounce both parties innocent of the alleged charge. No doubt you have been bribed on this occasion >”
“ My appointment,” replied he, ‘‘ was subsequent to those events; but I received the order to investi- gate them, and could not but obey. Had the facts been doubtful and ambiguous, I might easily have stated them as such; but all those attached to my office unanimously coucurred in the same statement, and spoke of it as a wonder. To have evaded it, therefore, under the- plea of ignorance, and of its happening previous to my appointment, would have belied the title of my office.”*
“But you were ordered to enquire concerning Teihchungyu and Shueypingsin :—what had you to do with Kwoketsu ?”
“ Every event must have a root and an origin,” replied the magistrate ; ‘and unless [ had stated the causes of those facts, it would have been impossible to explain the facts themselves. The reason why Shueypingsin. received the young man at her house was this—that he had rescued her at the magistrate’s, and was subsequently in danger of his life. The oc-
casion
- Chehden literally means ‘ knowing the affairs of his district.
casion of Shueypingsin being carried by force before
the magistrate, was the pretended imperial pardon
invented by Kwoketso—and Teihchungyu met ber
there, only in consequence of being hustled by the
party who were carrying her off. If Kwoketsu had
not carried her off, Teihchungyu would never bave
rescued her—if Teihchungyu had not rescued her,
Kwoketsu, being a perfect stranger, could have had
no motive to injure him—if Kwoketsu had not at-
tempted to injure him, Shueypingsin was a secluded
female, and would hardly have braved scandal so far
as to remove him to her own house. Such was the
beginuing and end of the affair; and J felt bound to
return a true statement to the tribunal of Rites.”
“ Very well,” —observed his judges ; “ but the resi- dence of Teihchungyu at Shueypingsin’s house was quite a private transaction—how could you tell that there was nothing clandestine in it? This is the ground on which you are accused of corruption.”
‘*1 certainly could know nothing on the subject myself,” replied he; “ but upon investigation I learn- ed, that my predecessor in office had employed 8 con- fideutial dependant to make observations, and thereby discovered those two persons to be the patterns of their sex. It was of too much importance for me to conceal. As to bribery,—I have brought with me a letter which I received from the minister, and a hun- dred pieces of gold which were offered me by his son.
178 THE FORTUNATE UNION,
These I dare not venture to conceal; and producing them thus in open court, trust that your lordsbips will present them for the imperial inspection.”
The tribunal had engaged their services to the minis- ter, and would gladly have persecuted their prisoner ; ' —but his plain story, corroborated by the production of the letter and the bribe, left them no choice. They therefore desired him, under all the circuinstances, to go forth and await the emperor’s pleasure. He ac-
cordingly paid his respects and retired. Unmindful of their own deformities, The base would bring another's faults to view : But when the period of discovery comes, The shame doth all revert upon themselves !
Unable, from the character of the evidence, to do any thing for the minister, the Criminal tribunal had a communication with the tribunal of Rites, and re- ported the case to the emperor. His majesty looked at the report, and observed— There were reasons, it appears, for the reception and succour which Shuey- pingsin gave to Teihchungyu in her house—She had a strong motive in her gratitude, and cannot be blamed.” When he came to the proofs of their inno- cence, the emperor exclaimed, “ If this be true, we may rejoice in having a second Loonantze.”*
The eunuch who acted as private secretary, being in the cause of the eanuch Chow, now putin a sly word. ‘ This must surely be a story,” said he, ‘* got
up ® Vide ante, vol. i. p. 128, note.
THE FORTUNATE UNION, 179
up by the magistrate—there ie, at least, no necessity for its being true: for in that case, the parties them- selves, and their parents, having long since known your majesty's pleasure, would have maintained their own innocence, instead of preserving so continued a silence. Were there nothing intentional in their pre- vious intercourse, how come they at last to be man and wife?—There must certainly be something yet undivulged.””
The emperor listened to this suggestion, but made no reply. An order, however, was sent down to the following effect :
‘‘ The circumstances relating to the former inter- course of Teihchungyu with Sbhueypingsin, and the alliance subsequently contracted between the fami- lies of Shueykeuyih and Teihying, having been so differently stated by different authorities, the parties themselves are commanded to send up their respective explanations. Let Kwoloongtung likewise report con- cerning the alleged attempts of his son to obtain Shuey- pingsin in marriage, and await our decision.”
The imperial command being intimated to all parties, the President and Censor, with their son and daughter, felt that they had nothing to be ashamed of, and therefore prepared their reports in perfect tran- quillity. The minister, however, was in the utmost consternation. “I hoped,” thought he to himself, ‘‘ that I should be more than a match for these peo-
n2 ple;
ple ;—but it has all reverted on myself. If ] disavow
having sent a messenger to the frontier to solicit the
marriage, there will be proofs against me—if I ac-
knowledge having done so, I fear it will confirm the
allegations against my son.” After repeated consi-
deration, he resolved to avow the mission to the fron-
tier, but to deny the attempts on his son’s part, and
accordingly made his statement to this effect :—
- Your majesty’s servant, the minister Kwoloong-
tung, presents this humble memorial in reply.
‘* Being first induced to select a daughter-in-law, in consideration of her rank and merits, [ afterwards found that she was subject to suspicions, which would not justify my continuing the marriage negociations.
‘¢ My situation being near the imperial person, and having a son who inherited the profession of letters, and aspired to the honours of the imperial college, I deemed that his age required me to select for him a spouse. I was unadvisedly led, by false rumours of the young lady’s merits, to despatch a messenger on a certain day to the frontier, to solicit from Shuey- keuyih, my fellow townsman, his daughter Shuey- pingsin in marriage with my son. But my mes- senger being gone, I was repeatedly assailed with rumours disgraceful to the lady’s reputation, which led me to break off the negociation in the middle: and I know not in what manner the magistrate can, at this day, be able to prove or disprove what oc-
curred
curred at that former period ; or how he pretends so
unjustly to slander my son with the charge of a for-
cible espousal. But if he had espoused her by force,
she must have become his wife :—do they mean, then,
that she ran away from him like Hoongfd,* who is
said to have discovered a hero in the poor and mean
Letsing? This is not easily to be explained.
“Such is my humble reply to his majesty’s in- quiry. I look up and intreat-the celestial intelli- gence not to permit base persons to slander the worthy and honourable :—thus may the great cause of virtue be advanced, and the public morals preserved from injury. I anxiously await the imperial com- mands.”
Teihchungyu now presented his memorial, which ran as follows :—
- Your majesty’s servant Teihchungyu, an officer
of the imperial college, humbly offers up this state- ment in obedience to commands received. The pri- vate history of a family, and the adventures of a fe- male, would never have been intruded on the sight aud hearing of the all-great Emperor,—but his com- mands give weight and importance even to these, and therefore is this circumstantial memorial presented.
‘© When
- The wife of a noble under the dynasty Sxy, who falling’in love
with a person named Letsing, in a low and mean condition, made her escape to him by night, and marriedhim. They fled together to a neigh- bouring state, and became instrumental to the destruction of the reign- ing family, and the rise of the dynasty Ting.
“ When, in compliance with my father’s wishes, I
undertook a tour of instruction through Shantong pro-
vince, my mind was wholly bent on learning, and my
own affairs being neglected for this, I was not likely
to interfere in those of others :—but on reaching Leih-
ching Héen, I was suddenly met by a crowd of people,
who nearly overturned me in their passage. The dispute
which followed conducted me to the magistrate’s tri-
bunal, where I learned for the first time, that it was
Kwoketsu, son of the minister, who had forcibly seized
Shueypingsin, daughter of Shueykeuyih, to make her
his wife. My indignation was roused to see such an
abuse of the marriage rites, and to find the magistrate
driven by power to sanction such violence. But when
I caused the restoration of Shueypingsin, I was equally
unacquainted with her and with her persecutor. I
merely righted a case of oppression in my path, and
had no reason to think that I either conferred obligation
on the one hand, or excited enmity on the other :—the
enmity, however, proved equal to seeking my death by
poison, and the obligation led to rescuing my life from —
the attempt. In the midst of my peril, I knew neither
my enemy, nor my benefactress ;—but after my rescue,
I learned that the person who sought my life was
Kwoketsu, and the person who had saved it was Shuey-
pingsin. Though the attempt was envenomed, I had
escaped it, and might let it rest in silence ;—but with
regard to my benefactress, I was more attentive, and
soon
soon discovered the heroic virtue which despised slander
in a good cause; the wisdom which had foiled her
enemies in every attempt; the benevolence which admi-
nistered aid and medicine in my perilous condition ; the
sense of propriety which still guarded every requisite ob-
servance ; and the sincerity and truth, which were always
the same to the last. My gratitude and respect I could
never adequately prove, and therefore it was impossible
for me to cherish any selfish schemes of my own. Our
late marriage has been in compliance with the com-
mands of my own father and her’s. Mine was led to
it by his wish to select the most worthy daughter-in-
law, and without any regard.to past events—her’s, by
feeling grateful to me for the services I had rendered
him in protecting the leader Howheaou, and with no
knowledge of his daughter’s previous conduct. After
many scruples we complied : for my father-in-law’s
misplaced regard for myself, and my own father’s perfect
acquaintance with the virtues of Shueypingsin, deter
mined them both on perfecting so desirable a match.
We accordingly maintained what we deemed right, and
contracted the marriage, without paying farther regard
to what might be said. Although, however, the nuptial
festival has been twice celebrated, we have as yet been
content with the mere name of marriage, in compliance
with our parents’ wishes ; we have not really com-
pleted it, from a regard to our honour.
“* These private details would not have been intruded
on
op your majesty’s attention, except in obedience to the
imperial command, by which I am required to present
this true statement of facts. I await in anxiety and awe
the decision of your majesty.”
The statement of Shueypingsin next followed, to this effect :
“ Shueypingsin, wife of Teihchungyu, of the imperial college, humbly addresses her memorial to his majesty.
“ Repeated trials are requisite to prove the virtue of gold :—to be free from flaws, is the first test of a gem’s value. It was my ill fate in early youth to lose my mother; while my father offended your majesty, and was exiled to the frontier. Thus alone and deserted at home, it much rather became me to drink my tears in silence and solitude, than wildly to turn my thoughts towards marriage. It was however my unhappy fate to fall in the way of Kwoketsu, son of the minister, who observing my unprotected condition, formed the reso- lution to obtain me. I was still able to frustrate all his wily schemes—but at length, in open defiance of your sacred majesty, and with an audacity unequalled, he relied so far on his father’s high station as to send a crowd of his dependants to my house, under pretence of announcing the imperial pardon, and thus carried me off by force. I was as a leaf blown by the winds, or as a bird in the hands of its destroyer. Virtue and the laws alike withheld their protection, and I looked to
death as my only refuge—when, most happily, we were met
roet by Teihchungyu, in his tour through the province ;
—he arrested my ravishers, and with a noble indignation
compelled the magistrate to send me safely home. This
act, however, was like the spontaneous burst of the
thunder-cloud—it was performed with no particular
reference to myself, nor with any prospect of return.
In the mean while my wicked enemy, conscious of failure
in his open violence, adopted the secret scheme of poi-
soning my deliverer by the hands of the priest with.
whom he lodged. While thus helpless and in peril, it
was impossible for me whom he had so greatly served,
unless I had been a she-wolf or a tigress, to sit by
and see him sacrificed without once attempting to save
him. Hence I contrived his removal to my house, and
effected his cure through medical aid. .This doubtless
was not in exact conformity with my situation as a
female ; but the extremity of the case called for an
extreme remedy ; and perhaps charity and wisdom might
mot condemn me. I braved scandal, because I was
conscious of innocence: but to conclude our adventure
by marriage, seemed calculated to increase our embar-
rasament. Hence when my father wished, out of gra-
titude to Teihchungyu, to make me his wife, I petsisted
in declining ; and hence too, though we have complied
with our parents’ wishes in going through the ceremonies
of marriage, our scruples have yet kept us separate. The
motive was neither pride, nor love of notoriety ; but a wish
to preserve ourselves inviolate from the stain of reproach.
“ With
“ With reference to Kwoketsu’s desperate schemes—
his engaging the assistance of the commissioner, and the
ultimate attempt to force my exiled father’s consent,
—these acts were doubtless the excess of violence and
corruption ; and their late endeavours, after every pre-
vious failure, to invade your majesty’s ear through the
representations of a censor, prove that both father and
son are unrepenting in guilt. The nation’s laws, how-
ever, and your majesty’s wisdom, will dispose of their
case ;—it befits not me to intrude any comment: but,
in obedience to the imperial command, I offer up
this true memorial, and anxiously attend the final
decision.”
Shueypingsin’s address was followed by that of her father-in-law. -
“ Teihying, member of the imperial Censorate, pre- sents a humble statement of facts in obedience to his majesty’s command.
“Your servant has understood, that the father’s commands constitute the main foundation of a rightful mariage, and that a virtuous daughter-in-law is the proper object of the parents’ selection. If both these essentials exist, the rites of wedlock cannot be disgraced, but rather, honour must accrue to the cause of virtue. —We therefore felt ourselves beyond the reach of detrac- tion. Your servant’s office constitutes him an example to the empire ;—whatever he perceives wrong it is his peculiar duty to set right. He would therefore not readily
have
have exposed himself to scorn or blame by failing in so
important a point as the selection of a proper match for
his son. This son, though an unworthy member of the
imperial college, is not unacquainted with what propriety
and virtue demand. I had long sought for him a
Spouse, and found none suitable: but at length dis-
covered that Shueykeuyih, president of the military
tribunal, had a daughter, Shueypingsin, who though
immured in seclusion, was yet known to possess ex-
traordinary virtue and understanding, and who, notwith-
standing her unprotected condition, had foiled every
attempt of her violent and unprincipled suitors...
“ | was impatient that my son should be contracted to her, but still at a loss for some one to propose the match ; when the President himself, on his return from exile, thinking the young couple admirably suited to each other, became very desirous that my son should espouse his daughter. The marrage was the con- sequence of our mutual wishes : and as it was attended with every lawful preliminary, we felt ourselves inde- pendent of calumny.
“ My son, however, made objections on the ground of his previous adventure with the young lady: but when I inquired into the circumstances, I discovered that the rescue at the magistrate’s was an act of the most: generous resolution ; and the subsequent conduct of the young lady, an example of grateful benevolence. Though the mean and base may give such actions bad
names,
names, the virtuous and noble will appreciate them as
they deserve. They were not merely blameless, but
worthy of the highest admiration. The Three stars,
therefore, shone upon their nuptials, in spite of all their
scruples; and my son carried his bride home in com-
pliance with our wishes. At the same time, however, that
they went through the prescribed ceremonies of marriage,
they persisted with unnecessary strictness in living apart :
though as this concerned none but themselves, we
made no objections.
“In regard to the late attacks of our enemies, we can attribute these to nothing but disappointment at their own failure. Their false and slanderous imputa- tions will hardly escape the wisdom and penetration of your majesty. I therefore presume not to comment upon them, but reverently offer up this statement in obedience to the imperial command, waiting the result with anxiety and awe.” .
Lastly came the memorial of the President.
“Shueykeuyih, president of the Military tribunal, pre- pares thisaddress. Your majesty’s servant has ever under- stood, that wedlock is a joyful rite—not an occasion for the abuse of power : that concord should prevail in marriage, —not violence and intimidation. It is said in the ancient book of odes, that ‘where there is the least opposition or doubt, it is generally fatal to the nuptials ;’ how much more when forcible seizure is made, as if by a baad of robbers! Perceiving that her suitor trusted to his rank
and
and power, to dispense with the observance of all pro-
prety, my daughter made a vow of death in preference
to submission, and retreated from his addresses. It was
my unhappy fate to lose my wife, and to have no male
offspring ;—only this daughter, whom I fondly wished
to supply the defect. It does not befit me to boast of
her retired and feminine virtues; but I may say that
she is not altogether defective in the qualities that best
ado her sex. She was not likely, while her father
remained in distant exile, to give herself away in
marriage without the due observance of all the rites.
Still Kwoketsu carried on his violent suit. At one time
he counterfeited the imperial pardon, to seize her in my
house—at another, he endeavoured to carry her off by
stratagem at the Southern farm—lastly, with the rapacity
of a bird or beast of prey, he endeavoured to overwhelm
her with the commissioner's power. His wickedness
therefore was complete !—and unless my daughter’s own
ability had saved her from the tiger’s jaws, she must
certainly have been his victim.
“ The son’s acts might be regarded as the conduct of a young man spoiled by wealth and luxury; but what is to be said of his father the minister, your majesty’s exalted servant, and the guardian of the ritual observances ! He was so blinded by partiality to his son, as to assail me by threats in my place of exile; and had the fear of consequences extorted my consent, the cause of virtue would have received a fatal blow. I considered
that
that myself and daughter were as nothing, in com-
parison with the immutable claims of morality and
justice. My resolute denial provoked the minister's
resentment, and he proposed to your majesty that I
should suffer death ;—little expecting that the merits and
success of the reprieved general would convert my
proposed death into pardon and advancement. The
minister then bought over a member of the Censorate
to attack my daughter’s character :—he little thought
that this attack would lead to the vindication of her
innocence. This vindication your majesty will find in
my daughter’s own address; I presume not to intrude
it afresh on the imperial intelligence. The extreme
guilt, however, of the minister and his son are such,
that in offering up this true memorial to your majesty, I
humbly suggest that they may be subjected to trial,
and their punishment determined. I anxiously wait the
imperial commands.”
The five memorials being thus presented, would the reader learn the result, and see the honours that awaited virtue and innocence at the hands of the emperor, he must peruse the next chapter.