Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-davis/Chapter 18
Chapter 18: The Gem Being Proved to Be Perfect, the Fortunate Union Is Concluded
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 XVIII.
““ THE GEM BEING PROVED TO BE PERFECT, THE
FORTUNATE UNION IS CONCLUDED.”
Full was the council, and the councillors Learn‘d in the ritual—but t’illustrate reason, And widely spread the influence of example, Pertain’d to th’ Emperor.— Forth beaming bright Th’ intelligence supreme their case illumin’d— And every slander ceas'd, and all confess'd
Such virtue could exist.—Then number not
Our pages with the host of vulgar tales—
The history of the good and brave is here !
' Wuewn the five memorials had been presented, the Emperor read them over, and having assembled his council in the Ordinary palace,* referred it to them to decide what measures should be taken.
The council deliberated, and gave this opinion : “ It is plain from the memorials, that the violent measures of the minister’s son led to the acquaintance of Teih- chungyu with Shueypingsin : but since -his criminal designs against either were unsuccessful, he need be treated with the less severity. The generous exertions of Teihchungyu, by which he incurred so much personal risk, were doubtless highly creditable ; and the gratitude of Shueypingsin, who braved suspicion on his account, no less praiseworthy. If, however, alone and retired as
they
- Péen-Gen—-In like manner péen-ce means ‘ garments worm on
ordinary occasions.’
they were, they abused the occasion to clandestine ends,
their previous merit vanishes altogether. Should the
magistrate’s statement—that they were observed, and
proved to be innocent—be true, they have exemplified im
their own persons all that is most excellent in past and
present times. Ignorant as we are of the facts, the
evidence that we can obtain must decide the case. The
present magistrate, however, having been appointed
subsequently to these events, can state only what he
has heard, not what he personally knows :—it is some-
what insufficient evidence. May we therefore humbly
advise your majesty to require a circumstantial relation
from the former officer of the district—the truth and
falsehood may then be distinguished.”
The emperor betokened his assent to their counsel, and issued the following command. “ Let the late magistrate of Leihching Héen make a certified report of all the circumstances relating to Teihchungyu’s treatment during his sickness—there must be no concealment or collusion. Respect this.”
The imperial pleasure was transmitted without delay to the former magistrate, who since his recall had been promoted to the station of inspector-general in the province of Pechele. Being on a visit to one of the cities of his jurisdiction, he learned that Teihchungyu had concluded his marriage with Shueypingsin, and that being accused to the Emperor by one of the Censorate, the present order was the consequence.
He
He received it with the utmost satisfaction. ‘I urged
this marriage to the young man myself,” thought he,
“and nothing but our distant separation would have
prevented my continuing to urge it. My mind has been
long set on it, and I rejoice that he at length attended to
his father’s wishes. The emperor’s order is an excellent
occasion for executing a design which I have some time
entertained.” He accordingly prepared a detailed state-
ment of facts; and his address ran as follows :—
“ Paouteze, inspector-general of Pechele, presents this humble address in obedience to your majesty’s commands.
“ There is no virtwe more disinterested than to afford relief in distress—no greater heroism than to remain un- moved in danger—no integrity superior to that which resists temptation—no talent more estimable than the ability to defeat one’s enemies. When I received from your majesty the charge of Leihching Héen, unworthy as I was, it became my duty to extend the benefits of the imperial rule by espousing the cause of virtue. But it chanced that Kwoketsu, son of the minister, having heard of the beauty of Shueypingsin, daughter of Shueykeuyih, then member, and now president of the military tribunal, determined on espousing her. He prevailed on my immediate superior in office to appoint me the agent of the marriage, which I was bound in obedience to accept. The young lady’s father being in exile, her uncle Shueyun was the promoter of the
match, and after continued persecution, extorted his niece’s verbal compliance. As the presentation of the nuptial ticket is the ordinary mode of announcing the acceptance of proposals, Shueyun despatched such a ticket to Kwoketsu. Shueypingsin, however, who knew her duty, was resolved not marry without her father’s authority ; but, urged to desperation by her uncle, she had the talent to substitute the nuptial ticket of her uncle’s daughter in lieu of her own—a stratagem which Shueyun’s ignorance prevented his detecting. When the wedding day arrived, she declined leaving her house, on the ground of the nuptial ticket not being her’s; and her uncle, urged by the extremity of the case, sent his own daughter instead—while Kwoketsu, who had accepted the ticket without inquiry, was compelled to submit in silence. This was his first discomfiture by Shueypingsin.
“ Provoked by disappointment, he resolved on chang- ing the nuptial ticket, and, after enticing the young lady on a visit to his house as a new connexion, on there seizing and claiming her as his proper wife. But he miscalculated her extraordinary sagacity—for she ac- cepted his invitation, allowed him to collect all his noble acquaintances, and proceeding in her chair even to his very doors, made him extravagantly elate at the thoughts of such complete success ;—when hurrying all at once back to her house, under the plea of an ill-boding sound in the music, she entirely eluded him a second time.
“ Still more provoked, his schemes grew proportion-
ately
ately desperate ;—and on finding that the young lady
went regularly at the autumnal period to sacrifice: at
her mother’s tomb, he laid a strong party in ambush
to serze her. She, however, proceeded openly with a
large attendance, and returned in the same conspicuous
manner, in order to make it the more public. When he
thought that he had possession of her chair and person,
his friends were all assembled to witness his success ;
but on opening the sedan, it proved to be empty, with
the exception of a great heap of stones and a yellow
bundle—upon which the whole assembly joined in
laughing at this third discomfiture of Kwoketsu. ,
“‘ Enraged at his three failures, he counterfeited the news of Shueykeuyih’s recall from exile, and sent a party to her house to announce it. On hearing it was the imperial order, the young lady felt obliged to come forth and receive it; and thus falling into their hands, was carried off :—but she had the resolution to conceal a poniard about her person, prepared to destroy herself in case of need. Teihchungyu then chanced to be on his travels through the province, and being hustled by the procession, became involved in a quarrel, which ended in their all coming before me; who after some inquiry, dismissed the people, and sent the young lady home. I hoped that all parties would remain quiet for the future. Kwoketsu, however, unable to put up with his disgrace, and despairing of success with Shueypingsin, resolved to gratify his revenge on Teihchungyu. He
0 2 employed
employed the priest of the monastery, where the youth
lodged, to injure his health by drugs. Teihchungyu
was ignorant of his own danger; but happily for him,
Shueypingsin was so grateful for the service just re-
ceived at his hands,. that she could not bear to sit still
and see him perish; and accordingly removed him
quietly to her house, and restored him to health by
medical aid. In thus calmly defying calumny and de-
traction, she could be supported solely by the exalted-
ness and purity of her motives. But Kwoketsu, when
he heard of it, became more exasperated than ever :—
he endeavoured to asperse the character of the parties,
and to prevail on me to persecute them as a scandal
to the public morals. My duty required that I should
take the matter up: but I considered that this was an
occasion on which virtue might be displayed, as well as
the reverse, and therefore would not condemn them
without proof. I could obtain this in no other way
than by sending a skilful spy to observe them,—and
through him I discovered the virtues of this extraor-
dinary pair. Their intercourse united the display of
gratitude and friendship with the observance of every
propriety. Their conversation was of the most exalted
character, and without an expression that could bear
any ill-construction ;—in a word, they realized in them-
selves all that is most celebrated in the history of mo-
rals, either past or present. Considering the rarity of such excellence in either sex,
THE FORTUNATE UNION, 197
sex, I concluded that heaven must have produced this pair for each other, and that unless it were Teih- chungyu, Shueypingsin could never have a husband worthy of her;—except Shueypingsin, Teihchungyu could never meet a suitable spouse. I therefore un- dertook myself to be the marriage negociator, and proposed to Teihchungyu this excellent union, cal- culated as it was to throw a lustre on the wedded state ; —to my surprise, however, the young man’s stnctness of scruple took alarm at my proposition, and he de- parted in anger; confirming, at the same time, the high opinion I had formed of his disinterested virtue. I would willingly have brought it to the knowledge of your majesty; but the lowness of my office, and the number of the intermediate channels, made it to be attended with too many difficulties. Heaven, however, seemed resolved to accomplish its purposes ; and Shuey- kenyih being recalled from exile, in consequence of the successful support afforded by Teihchungyu to the leader Howheaou, their marriage was the ultimate re- sult. It doubtless was the work of heaven, though it concerned man alone !—and I rejoiced much at hearing of eo excellent an union, by which the cause of virtue was illustrated. The Censor Wongih, however, without any knowledge of the real facts, presented a false accu- sation against the parties ;—and led by your majesty’s gracious inquiry, which enables me to gratify my anxious wishes, I gladly offer up this circumstantial statement,
in
in which the perfection of virtue, heroism, integrity, and
talent, have been described. Beseeching the impenal
intelligence to clear up the truth, and shed thereby upon
the great cause of morality its due lustre, I await with
gratitude your majesty’s decision.”
- On the perusal of this paper, high satisfaction was apparent on the emperor’s countenance.
“ This Shueypingsin,” said his majesty, “ with such mental resources, is a most extraordinary young woman ; —and Teihchungyu, whose virtue has been so much tried, must doubtless be intended by heaven to be her match. What possessed that Censor to present such a wild and incorrect statement !”
His majesty was about to issue his decree, awarding honours and distinctions to such unexampled merit,—but the eunuch Chow was still in close communication with, and had engaged the assistance of his colleague, who acted as secretary within the palace, and who therefore took this opportunity to put in his suggestion.
“ The circumstances,” said he, “ relating to the resi- dence of the young people under the same roof, rest solely on the evidence of that secret emissary of the magistrate ; and should there be any falsehood in this, your majesty’s decree in their favour would act very much to the prejudice of the imperial dignity. It ap- pears to me, moreover, that the memorials of the parties themselves are open to much suspicion.”
“ In what respect?” inquired the emperor.
“ The
“ The statement of Teihchungyu,” said the secretary,
“ asserts, ‘ that though the nuptial festival has been twice
celebrated, they have yet been content with the mere
name of marriage—they have not really completed it ;’
while Shueypingsin’s memorial in like manner states,
that ‘ notwithstanding their having gone through the
ceremonies of marriage, their scruples have still kept
them separate,’ as a precaution against the attacks of
calumny. Now this boast seems to imply, that she
is still in her former unmarried state, which is hardly
to be believed ; and if this part of the history should
be untrue, it unavoidably throws discredit on all the
rest. May I humbly suggest to your majesty the ne-
cessity of farther inquiry.”
“Then,” said the emperor, “ to-morrow at noon, let Teihchungyu and Shueypingsin be presented to us in full audience at the ordinary palace, where we will address them in person.”
The secretary conveyed this order to the council, and they promulgated the same to all the great officers; who upon the following day repaired in full assembly to the imperial audience.
The sun’s effulgence had begun to beam, When lo! a passing cloud obscur'd his rays; —Bu soon the floating mist shall be dispers'd, And the bright azure firmament appear !
When the emperor had ascended his throne, the as- sembled courtiers paid their respects ; and his majesty then desired that Teihchungyu should be presented to
him.
him. He advanced and prostrated himself to the
ground. The son of heaven was pleased with his youth
and comeliness. ‘“‘ Was it you,” said his majesty,
“‘ that entered by force into the palace of Takwae, and
rescued thence the poor scholar, with his wife and
daughter ?”
“Tt was your majesty’s servant,” replied Teih- chungyu.
— And who became surety for the leader How- heaou ?” The youth again answered in the affirmative.
“ Those two actions,” continued the emperor, “ de- note courage and sagacity in which we sincerely rejoice. Courage and sagacity however, are comparatively com- mon virtues :—but if, according to the magistrate’s report concerning your stay at the house of Shueypingsin, you spent five days and nights alone under the same roof with a young female, without abusing the occasion, it is a miracle worthy of history. We ask you if this be true ?”
“Tt is quite true,” answered Teihchungyu ; “ but we boast not of that as a miracle, which our duty re- quired of us,”
“ We believe it to be true,” observed the emperor ; “ but the time elapsed has made the testimonies less decisive. You say in your memorial, that ‘though the nuptial festival has been twice celebrated, you have been yet contented with the name of marriage ;—you have not really completed it. What is the reason of this ?
- We deemed that the suspicions which attached to
our
our rendering each other important services, forbad
our contracting the marriage union :—but urged by our
parents’ wishes, we felt obliged to comply, as far as
the celebration of the marriage ceremonies. Had we
become man and wife at once, the suspicions relating
to our previous intercourse would have attached to
us through life, without a possibility of refutation.
We have, therefore, occupied separate apartments unto
this day :—not from a love of notoriety, but to silence
people’s mouths, and wait until your majesty’s com-
mand permitted us to complete a union, which should
do honour ta the name of marriage.”
His majesty was much gratified by this reply. “ We are to understand from your statement,” said he, “ that Shueypinggin is still a maiden ?”
The order was then given that Shueypingsin should be presented. She came forward, and prostrated her self to the ground. The son of heaven turned his eyes upon her, and saw that she surpassed a flower or a willow in delicacy and grace;—that she was the very perfection of female beauty. His majesty asked if her name were not Shueypingsin ;—and when she had an- swered in a distinct voice that it was, the emperor continued : “‘ The former magistrate of -your district has described to us, in his memorial, the uncommon address with which you thrice discomfited the schemes of Kwo- ketsu. Did these things really occur as related ?”
“ A simple maiden like myself,” replied she, ‘“ would
not
not have ventured into such a contest with Kwoketsu,
had he not taken advantage of my father’s exile, and
my own defenceless condition, to use his power and
influence to my prejudice. I was compelled to adopt
those measures as the only means of escaping misery.”
“ But with such ability to escape misfortune,” ob- served the emperor, “ how came you not also to avoid the scandal which attached to moving Teihchungyu to your house.”
“I felt bound to pay a debt of gratitude,” re- plied she, “‘compared with which such scandal appeared trifling.”
- But,” observed his majesty, laughing, “ if you
cared so little for calumny when you were so liable to it—why be so over-scrupulous as to live separately, after being married with your parents’ consent ?”
“ The other was but the calumny of a day,” re- plied she, ‘‘ and might have received its own refuta- tion by my espousing another :—but the consequences of the late attack upon us would have continued through life; and, but fur our caution, we might have riven our hearts, and shed our blood, without being able to prove our innocence. I should not have been able to appear before your majesty with that confi- dence which supports me this day.”
The emperor listened to her with evident satisfac- faction: “ Then,” exclaimed he, “ you are a pair that
surpass
surpass even the most celebrated couple in history.*
We feel bound to assert your innocence.” His ma-
jesty accordingly commanded that four of the atten-
dants of the inner palace should conduct Shueypingsin
to the empress, who, with her ladies, might prove her
innocence. They, accordingly, proceeded to wait
upon the empress.
The brightest gem, untried, is but a coarse Unshapely pebble: and the purest gold, Unsifted, may be fraught with sandy soil : —Twice wedded, the third rite did yet remain, To make their fragrant name the boast of ages !
Not long afterwards, two of the attendants returned with the empress’s reply, declaring that her majesty, with the ladies of the palace, had proved beyond all question the innocence and virtue of Shueypingsin ; with whom the empress was so pleased, that she had detained her to an entertainment, and returned this report in the mean while.
The emperor rejoiced at what he heard, and turning to his counsellors :—** They had already,” said his ma- jesty, “‘ with their parents’ sanction, twice celebrated the nuptial festival ; but out of regard to their honour and reputation, and to do credit to the great cause of morality and virtue, they still remained apart. The innocence of their former acquaintance of five days is now indisputably proved ;—this truly is the most un- rivalled of ForTUNATB UNIONS! Had we listened to
floating
- Leanghoong and Mengkwong.
204 THE FORTUNATE UNION,
floating calumnies, and forborne ourself to interrogate them, what a lasting injury to such uncommon ex- cellence !”
The minister Kwoloongtung was then commanded to approach. ‘“ Notwithstanding your high station,” said the emperor, “you brought up your son so ill, as to occasion those three violent attempts to possess himself of Shueypingsin: and unless her admirable understanding and address had enabled her to fuil him, her disgrace and ruin had been inevitable. Such violent and unprincipled conduct on his part shall not go unpunished. You yourself, too, slandered and vilified these worthy persons in such a manner, as had well nigh caused the purity of the gem to receive a stain :—and, not content with this, endeavoured to bribe a public officer in the discharge of his duty. These are crimes of the highest degree.”
At this just rebuke from the son of heaven, the minister’s fright and trepidation deprived him of all power of defence. Prostrate on the earth, he divested himself of his cap of ceremony,* and could plead nothing in extenuation but his ignorance of the ex- traordinary virtuc and excellence of this young couple, by which he had been led so unworthily to slander them.
The guilty member of the Ceusorate was next sum-
moned.
- A mark of the greatest humility and self-abasement seems to be
this self-privation of onc uf the principal distinctions of rank.
moned. * Your office,” said the emperor, “ required
you to bring real delinquencies to light, and to act on
our behalf as a guardian and promoter of virtue; in-
stead of which you listened to the floating rumours in
your path, and unjustly accused persons who were
truly noble and upright. What a wound should we
have inflicted on the great cause of virtue, by listening
unadvisedly to your accusations!” The terror which
the culprit experienced at this reprimand threw him
into a profuse sweat, and he was content to lie pros-
trate, with his forehead to the ground. .
It was with high satisfaction that his majesty then called for the new magistate, and commended him. “ Your conduct on first entering office, thus boldly to speak out in the cause of right —thus fearlessly to tell the truth in spite of all the weight of authority and rank has afforded us real gratification.” The imperial council were then commanded to draw out a notifica- tion of the emperor’s decision regarding the several parties, to this effect."
“ We know that the relative duties are most ho- noured by a strict observance, especially under cir- cumstances of difficulty :—that the excellence of virtue lies in continuing inflexible, particularly when secrecy affords impunity.
“ Shueypingsin,an anprotected female, thrice calmly defeated her violent enemies,—an extraordinary in- stance of merit. She gratefully protected her deliverer
in
in his peril, and braved calumny without hesitation
. for his sake, displaying an intelligence and decision
which are not to be rivalled. ‘he most unrivalled
part of her conduct, however, was after the celebra-
tion of the marriage ceremonies, stil] to remain in her
maiden state, from a regard to her future honour:
this was setting an example of saint-like virtue !—
Teihchungyu, in delivering his victims from the tiger’s
den, und in discovering the leader’s merits at a period
so critical, discovered a noble resolution, the gift of
heaven alone. Then he rescued Shueypingsin, as
though she had been his nearest relation ;—while he
lived in her house with all the respect and reserve of
a guest. In their intercourse, they made the ex-
pression of their mutual friendship and esteem com-
patible with the observance of every decorum :—they
followed the impulse of their minds, without relin-
quishing virtue and propricty. Lastly, by his self-
denial after marriage, he proved still more his firm-
ness under trial.
“‘ The espousal of the noble Teihchungyu to the chaste Shucypingsin may truly be entitled the For- tuNnaTE Union of heroism and virtue! It affords us the highest satisfaction. We raise Teihchungyu to the dignity of a counsellor of state, and confer on Shuey- pingsin the rank of a lady of the empire. We bestow on them the imperial gift of a hundred taéls of fine gold, and a hundred rolls of embroidered silk, with
ten
THE: FORTUNATE UNION. 207
ten ceremonial habits, and a head-dress of ceremony each. Attended by our own music, lanterns, and banners, let them return home, and again celebrate their marriage, as the glorious triumph of virtue.
- Shueykeuyih and Teihying are each promoted a
step on account of the merits of their children, and as a reward for uniting in marriage persons so worthy of each other. The new magistrate, who examined so conscientiously, reported so truly, and displayed such unbending integrity, will receive an especial appoint- ment at the expiration of his present office. Paoutsze, the former magistrate, has highly gratified us by the fulness and clearness of his report, and by his regard for true merit.
“ Kwoloongtung, in return for allowing his son to injure worthy persons, deserves severe marks of our displeasure ; but in consideration of his long services, we are contented to degrade him three steps. Won- gih, as the punishment of his false representation, is amerced in half a year’s salary. Kwoketsu, who thrice endeavoured to effect a violent espousal, and once sought the life of his rival—though the attempt was unsuccessful, has displayed a detestable disposi- tion. Let him receive, in the criminal court of his district, one hnodred blows as some chastisement for his misdeeds.—Alas ! if virtue were not distinguish- ed, where would be the cxamples for mankind ?—If vice escqgped punishment, where would be the efficacy
of
of the laws? We act for the general good—let all
observe and obey. A special edict.”
Shueypingsin had, in the meanwhile, been loaded by the bounty of the empress with a profusion of jewels and ornaments ; and her four attendants were at length directed to conduct her back to his majesty’s presence. The emperor beheld her with increased satisfaction. ‘We have had abundant instances,” said he, “ of maidens who preferred remaining as they were, to being contracted in marriage; but never of so excellent a pair as this, who, though so mutually fond, and already espoused in form, were determined to live apart rather than become the sub- jects of calumny and detraction. This has been a height and degree of virtue peculiar to yourselves. Your union is this day to be celebrated anew, in the sight of the whole empire, and reflects increased lustre on the great cause of virtue. Proceed home now, and continue as heretofore to illustrate by your conduct the character and mora's of our reign.”
Teihchungyu, his bride, and all the assembled court, then bowed down and acknowleged the im- perial bounty—and the hum of joy and gratulation resembled the distant roll of thunder. The imperial attendants had received their orders; and as they filed off in pairs, the ornamented lanterns in all their radiance—the harmonious band in full sound—and the marshalled banners in their variegated splendour
—escorted
THE FORTUNATE UNION, 209
—escorted the renowned and happy couple, as they proceeded homewards attended by a vast company.
The choicest bud, unblown, exhales no sweets, —No radiance can the untried gem display : Misfortune, like the winter cold that binds The embryo fragrance of the flow’r, doth lend A fresher charm to fair prosperity !
The young couple, on their arrival at home, first paid their adoration to the supreme powers of heaven and earth ; they then erected an altar of incense, and betokened their gratitude for the imperial favours ; after which they proceeded to pay the due honours to their parents, and to celebrate their nuptials for the third time.—This last occasion, so eminently honour- ed by the emperor's express command, was the theme of loud and universal admiration among the whole court, who dwelt on the virtues and merits of the distinguished pair.
The degraded minister, urged to the extremity of shame and rage at his own misfortune, and at the punishment of his son, wreaked his vengeance on Chingkee, their ill-adviser, whom he persecuted to the utmost. His friend, too, the member of the cen- sorate, was exceedingly annoyed by the forfeiture of his emoluments. Shueyun, a fish that by good luck had slipped out of the net, was nevertheless thrown by his excessive fright into a violent illness, during which he had leisure to repent his misdeeds, and. to
feel grateful for the clemency of his brother and his niece, whom he never again offended.
As for the eunuch, he took a lesson from this signal instance of the emperor’s justice and impartiality, to abandon for the future his corrupt and hazardous
practices.
Vain were their wily plottings, nor matur'd
Aught, but their authors’ misery—Unwise !
That with a worthier course might have compell’d Men to respect, and demons to forbear !
The conduct of Teihchungyu and his bride being thus publicly vindicated, and proved to be unsullied as the gem, and clear as ice, their joy on the oc- casion of their final nuptials was unalloyed by repen- tance or sorrow. They partook together of the nup- tial feast, which was spread in the bridal apartments, and expressed to each other their mutual obligations : —Teihchungyu thanking his bride for the prudence by which she had confuted all the slanders of their enemies ; and she, in like manner, thanking her hus- band for the firmness with which he had promoted their joint views. When the entertaininent was con- cluded, their female attendants left them to them- selves in their splendidly decorated chamber—the
“bridegroom brilliant as a gem—the bride lovely as a flower—and both of them at the height of their wishes. The following verses have been composed in their praise :—
The bridal thrice repeated, they became Wedded at last, and through them were display'd The
The social duties in each varied form !
Integrity was theirs, and well-placed trust :
Their seeret confidence had none partaken :
Virtue had been their silken bond of union,
And natural sense of fitness well supplied
Th’ abeenee of forms conventional—Say not Through them the sacred cause but once did shine— It gather’d lustre for a thousand years !
Their virtuous and admirable course of life, subse- quent to marriage, corresponded with their charac- ter; and each action was worthy of being transmitted to the world in a second work—but here the present narrative must conclude.
END OF THE ROMANCE.