Chapter 7: Five Days Are Blamelessly Passed, and the Hero Is Detained to an Entertainment

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 VII.

“ FIVE DAYS ARE BLAMELESSLY PASSED, AND THE HERO 18 DETAINED TO AN ENTERTAINMENT.”

0 marvel not that she, a gifted maid,

With slender waist and hands so delicate,

Could foil and vex her wond'ring enemies !

‘Warm was her heart, though pure—her matchless soul Chaste as translucent ice! Th’ advice she gave Fell on her willing hearer’s listening ear

In welcome words! Firm in her righteous purpose, She needed not support—Conscious of trath Herself, she scorn'd distrust—Alas! had each

Sarict rule of form been rigidly obey’d,

Where had our hero found a safe retreat !

As Shueyun returned home in silence and disgrace, overcome by the eloquence of his niece, whom he had 80 confidently expected to convict of error, he could not help saying to himself, “ This young girl is too ready with her reasons! I have no chance in argument with her, and had better let her alone for the future, whatever mistakes she may seem to commit.”

A message just then arrived from Kwoketsu, begging to see him, so he went over directly and informed his son-in-law that it was really Teihchungyu whom she had conveyed to her house. The other was exceedingly annoyed, “‘ What does she mean,” cried he, “ by

entertaining

entertaining a young man there ?—you are her uncle, sir, and it is your business to teach her better.”

“ Alas!” replied he, “ have I not done my best ?— but she has a mouth as keen as a sword, always at her command! I had hardly said a word before she over- whelmed me with innumerable arguments drawn from the past and the present; I could not open my mouth !” He then detailed what his niece had said ;.but Kwoketsu still stamped and raved, while he persisted in declaring that it was nothing but an affectation of virtue and delicacy—who was to believe her? “‘ As to that,” said Shueyun, I do not believe her myself, but unless we can catch her tripping there is nothing to be done.”

“ Why,” said the other, “ Chingkee told me yester- day, that this youth is very good-looking, and his exploit at the magistrate’s evidently nothing more than a way of ensuring the admiration and good-will of such a beauty in his own favour. Far from believing that her conduct proceeds from any of the fine reasons she gives, I su:vect the whole is a scheme concerted between themcelves. At this time of day, if two young persons live together in the same house, with motives for feeling mutually obliged, let them be the very saints or worthies that we read of, it is impossible they should preserve their virtue.”

“ There is little use in our empty conjectures,” said Shueyun ; “ you had better let me send a young servant girl to secrete herself in the house, and observe

their

their words and actions: if we can only catch them tripping, there will be an end of all their fine pretexts.”

His son-in-law approved of this plan; and Shueyun, on his return home, having waited till it was dusk, desired a little waiting-maid to creep over unobserved through the small door of communication, and conceal- ing herself in a place where some billet-wood was piled up, to observe from time to time what was done within. She obeyed her instructions, and watched during the early part of the night; then waiting until Shuey- pingsin had retired to rest, she stole back again to her master, and reported that Teihchungyu was better, but still in bed, and that whatever he eat or drank was carried to him there. Being asked where the young lady herself remained, and if she either saw or con- versed with the youth, the girl replied, that she super- intended her women in the outer apartment, without ever seeing her guest, and that the chief communication between them was through the boy, who had been desired by his master to request Shueypingsin would oblige him by taking some rest, and not troubling her self so much on his account.

When the girl had answered all his other questions to the same effect, Shueyun stood lost in silent asto- nishment. ‘“ Can this young woman,” thought he, “ really be as clear and spotless as ice or crystal ?— Can she persist in being so unmoved and passionless ? —I cannot believe it.” So he made the girl watch in

the

the same manner for three or four nights successively ; but without getting a word from her to criminate the parties,—and was at last reduced to his wit’s end !

.However, he went over to his son-in-law, and told him of his failure, adding, that Shueypingsin treated the young man with all the distant respect and reserve due from & mere host to a guest, and that there really seemed to be such perfect freedom from reproach in her conduct, that he must do her the justice to suppose she spoke truth.

The other shook his head in token of incredulity. “ Ah! sir,” said he, “ your words might amuse some fool, and persuade him that there have been, and are still, such people as Lewheahoey* in the world! But let me go and prevail on the Chehéen to issue a warrant for the apprehension of one of the female attendants. I will answer for it that a good pinch of the fingers+ will get the evidence we want from her. It may possibly turn out, that all your niece’s fine talking will be put to silence; and you yourself, sir, obliged to say some- thing.in your own defence !”

“ Alas!” cried Shueyun, “ why murder me with such injurious suspicions? After relating all that she said to me, why involve me in the suspicion which can alone be due to my niece ?”

“ Well,” said the other, “ if you really do not wish

to

Celebrated by Confucius for his cold and immoveable temper.

t See note, p. 122.

to deceive me, suppose you go and try again to make something of this business.”

Shueyun was obliged to return home, while his son- in-law went straight to the magistrate, and informed him of all that had occurred, concluding with a request that he would issue his warrant* for the seizure of one of the young lady’s waiting-maids.

“ As a magistrate,” replied the Chehéen, “ I have prescribed forms to follow ; and whatever be the nature of the case, some accusation must be lodged before I can issue my warrant. Besides, this is a matter relating to the interior of a household—still less then can I in- terfere without previous information.”

“ But if your worship allows such a guilty connec- tion to exist openly under your jurisdiction, what is it but inflicting a severe wound on the public morals.”

“ Were the guilt proved,” said the magistrate, “ it would be as you say; but if there be no guilt in the case, it only redounds the more to the credit of the public morals. This young lady has, on several occa- sions, conducted herself with great prudence, and the young man is already celebrated for his courage and virtue; how then are we to judge them by the usual standard ?”

“ You know, sir,” replied the other, “ what pains and anxiety the pursuit of this girl has cost me: and to see her take up a mere casual acquaintance, and treat him

with _ © This warrant is a slip of wood, with three or four words inscribed.

with all the honours of a distinguished guest, is enough to excite my bitterest resentment.”

“ Do not be precipitate,”. said the magistrate ; “ at- tached to my office is a lad named Tanyew, of such extraordinary cunning and activity, that he can climb over any roofs or walls, and penetrate through any obsta- cles whatever. I have been obliged to sentence him to punishment ; but as you need his services to arrive at the truth of this mystery, I will forgive him on con- dition that he exerts all his skill to discover the nature of their intercourse. We shall then be able to adopt further measures.”

“ There can be.no doubt of their detection and

“and I am much

shame,” replied the young man, obliged by your worship’s offer.” The lad in question was summoned, and being desired by the magistrate to draw near until he knelt close to his chair, was accosted thus: “ Your offences deserve dismissal at least, but if you can make yourself useful in the service to which you are destined, nothing more shall be said.” The fellow touched the ground with his forehead in token of gratitude, declaring that he would do his best; and the magistrate, having ascertained that he was well acquainted with the dwelling of Shueypingsin, proceeded: “There is a young gentleman at present in the house, said to be sick, and as I am doubtful whether this be true, or a mere pretext for something irregular, do you go and

conceal

conceal yourself there, in order to ascertain it. If you behave well, I will certainly grant you a pardon ; but if you either fail to discover the truth, or practise any deception which shall cause trouble, do not expect to live !”

With repeated prostrations and assurances of zeal, Tanyew was released by the magistrate’s onder, and proceeded to execute his new service.

Heaven's light illumines not th’ inverted bowl— There is no evidence like that of sight :

Say not 'twas wrong t’engage a spy,—for else Virtue from vice had ne’er distinguish’d been '

We leave Kwoketsu to wait for news from the Chehéen at home, whither he returned after seeing the emissary despatched, and thanking the magistrate. Their agent obeyed his instructions with great diligence, and lost. no time in reconnoitring the mansion of Shueypingsin. He waited until every thing seemed quiet, and then, gathering himself into the smallest compass possible, crept through an opening end stole towards the outside of the kitchen, where he kee:d them talking of an entertainment which they were preparing for Teihchungyu on his recovery. He then crept softly towards the great hall, and perceived the young lady herself giving directions within. His next exploit was to creep cautiously through the dusk to the back of the hall, where he contrived to climb, by the assistance of the great screen at the door-way, towards the interior of

the

the roof,* and by dint of cunning and activity to reach the main beam of the hall, on the top of which he lay rolled up, and could observe every thing which passed beneath.

He remarked that Shueypingsin directed her attendants to place across the middle of the hall a semi-transparent screen, which divided it into two equal parts to the east and west. On the east side was placed a table, with two lofty candles lighted, for Teihchungyu: on the other, a second table for the young lady herself, but without lights. This side, being in comparative obscu- rity, enabled her to observe what passed on the other : while persons without the screen could discern nothing within. On both sides were laid red carpets for the observance of the customary forms at the meeting of distinguished persons. On the east, or outer side, two men servants of the family were ordered to wait upon the ‘guest; while two females stood as channels of com- munication between the temporary apartments.

When the servants chad laid the repast in order on either side of the screen, Seaoutan was desired to invite his master to come forth from his room. Though Teihchungyu was naturally of a robust figure, he had been exceedingly reduced by the poisonous draughts administered to him by his enemies. Five or six days,

however,

however, of rest and remedies, with the care which the young lady herself took in preparing every thing he had drank, restored him gradually to health, and he had. elready regained much of his former good looks. The joy of Shueypingsin, at being instrumental to his re- covery from a danger incurred in her service, had induced her to give him this entertainment : and when he issued from his chamber at her invitation, and perceived the ecreen and other arrangements, a feeling of respect towards his hostess was added to his previous gra- titude.

He took his stand on the red carpet, and told the attendants to inform their lady that he begged to be allowed to testify his respect ; but before they had time to speak, Shueypingsin replied in a clear voice from behind the screen, “ Sir, your poor handmaid has to thank you for the extraordinary goodness and resolution with which you rescued her from the tiger’s jaws, and imposed on her a debt of gratitude which scarcely yields to the greatest. In receiving you here, I perhaps should not have adopted these outward and empty safeguards agaist calumny ; but considering that my father is absent in exile, that we are both single, and that under these peculiar circumstances you condescend to lodge in my house, I have paid some regard in my conduct to the opinion of the world, as the sage* did when he

VOL. 1. M lighted

Kwonyunchang, another name for the person mentioned at page

128, note.

- lighted his taper. I trust that you will neither laugh at me, nor be offended with what I have done.”

“ Lady,” replied he, “ by your admirable prudence in the dangers which assailed you, and especially by your kindness towards myself, you have surpassed the most excellent of your sex in past or present times. Fallen as I was into their wicked snares, and waiting only for death to complete my misfortune, had it not been. for your clear foresight, you would not have known the oc- casion to save me—if not for your address in changing my lodgings, you could not have found a way to save me,—and if not for your noble confidence in yourself, you would not have dared to save me; but uniting in your own person all the prudence and courage most famed in history, you rescued me from my peril without even causing an alarm—from a peril which might have made the boldest pause. Thus you saved my life from the brink of destruction, and the immense obligation I can never repay. Let me request you to take your seat, and accept my humble respects.”

To this she replied: “‘ Your misfortune, sir, was the consequence of your noble exertions in my rescue ; your present happy recovery may mitigate my self-con- demnation for having been the cause; but how shall 1 pretend to any merit on the occasion ?—It is for me to betoken my respect to yourself.”

Both of them now proceeded to make four profound obeisances on either side of the screen, after which

Shueypingsin

Shueypingsin directed a female attendant to present a brimming cup of wine* in her name, and request Teihchungyu to take his seat. He on his side returned the compliment by filling another cup, and directing the attendant to present itto her lady. They then sat down, and before three cups had been drank, Shueypingsin ad- dressed her guest, begging to know the occasion of his visit to that part of the country.

“No particular object drew me hither,” replied he ; my resentment at the unjust imprisonment of my father in Peking led me to assail the nobleman Takwae in his retreat, and to bring out from thence the lady whom he had oppressively seized and concealed there.

He was sentenced by the Emperor to three years’ solitary imprisonment ; and my father, apprehensive of the ef- fects of private revenge against myself, directed me to set forth on a tour of instruction. I little expected that my first arrival here would excite the deadly enmity of this worthless magistrate, and cause him to plot against my life. To your succour, lady, I owe my escape from his machinations,—and _ now he shall feel what I can do in my tum! To-morrow I shall take the liberty of walking into his hall, and asking him publicly how he, who receives the imperial bounty to be the parent of those under his authority, instead of redressing their

Mm 2 wrongs,

our wine glasses: their wine too is very weak. These two circum-

stances may account for the frequent repetition of pledges in every entertainment, among a people who are habitually temperate.

wrongs, aims with the fury of a vulture or a dog at their ruin, for the sake of assisting the degenerate son of aman in power. When I have thus openly shamed, and exposed him to the contempt and ridicule of the whole district, I will wait on the governor of the pro- vince, and call on him to arrest this magistrate for his delinquency: I shall then have received some satis- faction for my resentment. The governor is an old official comrade of my father, and will no doubt listen to my complaint.”

“ The dismissal to which you would subject him,” replied the young lady, “is certainly what his conduct strictly deserves ; at the same time he could scarcely fail to feel resentment at the public manner in which you disgraced him in his own hall. The habit of turning official power to their own profit is too common among the less worthy magistrates. He knew that my father was banished, while the minister Kwoloongtung was promoted to the Emperor’s council, and therefore na- turally favoured the son of the latter. Consider the toil with which he fitted himself for office, and the difficulty with which he obtained his degrees ; and you will no doubt feel pleased with yourself for your forbearance hereafter, when the anger of the moment has subsided. In your very first rencontre you degraded him by an act of impetuosity ; and as there certainly was something suspicious in the aspect of the succour you afforded me, his vulgar mind was unable to conceive that it could

proceed

proceed from high and generous motives, which lead exalted characters to act differently from the multitude. Let me persuade you to pass it over, and have no- thing more to say to him. When he has considered the matter, he will be certain that our conduct has been irreproachable, and repent his behaviour to yourself.”

Convinced at once by what she said, Teihchungyu re- plied, “‘ Lady, I confess that I have trusted too much to the rectitude of my intentions, and behaved with too much impetuosity :—too well satisfied with myself, I have treated others with too little consideration. Awakened by your excellent advice, I begin to be sensible that my past acts were the result of passion, rather than of reason and justice. As I treated others with violence, it was natural they should seek to do me mischief ; and even the Chehéen’s conduct was nothing more than what my rashness drew upon itself. Charmed by your ob- servations, I lose no time in benefiting by them :—no more will I assume that rude and boisterous demeanour. How happy is my fate, to find in yourself not only a bemefactress and guardian, but likewise the best of counsellors!”

With an impulse of joy and satisfaction he filled up a cup and drank it off ; while his hostess replied, ‘“‘ Sir, your disinterested acts of courage and_ self-devotion proceeded not so much from reflection, as from a natural generosity implanted in you by heaven itself. I cannot suppose it is in my power to benefit you by my poor

advice :

. ®

advice: what I have said was chiefly to induce you to forgive the Chehéen.”

“ 1 shall certainly follow your instructions,” said he, and forgive the injuries he has done me. But some- thing yet remains. I am afraid that what has passed will not allow him to forget me; and although our relative situations put it out of his power to injure me,

“

my apprehension is that from revenge to myself he may seek to sully your reputation. Your conduct has been such as to defy scandal,—yet even unjust scandal is not a thing to be despised, and it will certainly be promoted by my remaining here. Having already to thank you for the complete restoration of my health, it is advisable that I take my departure early to-morrow, in order to stop the calumnious mouths of malicious people.”

“invited you,” replied she, “ to take up your lodging here contrary to the usages of the world, which would discountenance such a step; but there was a sufficient reason in the depth of my obligations, and in the extremity of your danger. Being now reeovered, your departure or stay depends entirely upon yourself, I will not pretend to detain you. Yet to-morrow seems a little soon: let me request you to fix it for two or three days hence: it will then seem as if I had done something more in return for your valuable services.”

“ Lady,” replied he, “ my respect for your opinion is such that I cannot but accede to it.” This said, the . attendants presented more wine ; and Teihchungyu was

80

80 agreeably inspired, that he resumed: “ Stranger as I am, it does not perhaps befit me to trouble you with so much of my speech, but ‘ when a bright mirror* is suspended before me, I cannot but avail myself of its reflection,’ and therefore address you with less seruple, I am nearly twenty, and, thanks to my friends, have been provided with a great number of good instructors, but never met with one whose eloquence made much impression on my natural temper. By an unexpected happiness, I have now encountered an instructress whose words place my mind in entire subjec- tion. I may truly say, ‘to the authors of my existence I owe my life ; but to my friend I owe that which makes life valuable.’+ Gladly would I remain here, to be daily benefited by your advice : the laws of custom, however, forbid this :—in a day or two I must depart, and leave the high-road of instruction for the bye-paths of un- certainty and doubt. There is a question, however, I would yet ask, if I thought you would give me permis- sion.”

“ You are going,” replied the young lady, “ to inquire the way of the blind, and my ignorance will only expose me to your scom; yet the great and wise have not disdained to question the rude and ignorant, and the

subject © They compare a true friend to a polished mirror, by which a man obtains a correct knowledge of himself. t A saying, in allusion to the story of two persons, one of whom being rich and powerful, furnished the other, who was his friend, with assistance and advice.

subject of your hesitation is no doubt worthy of atten- tion. Pray then propose what you have to say, that I may benefit by it myself.”

He replied : “ I arrived at this place in the prosecution of a tour of instruction: but it has appeared to me, that travelling without a fixed object is to travel in vain. It is said, too, that ‘ what is suited to one part of the empire is not suited to another,”* In my unsettled wander- ings, I have found it equally impossible to determine whither I should go, and what I should inquire after. As you have already proved yourself my best guide, let me entreat you to give me this advice also.”

“The tour of the empire,” replied Shueypingsin, doubtless affords the most extensive field of inquiry ; but not a better place of instruction than your own home. The example of the illustrious is the most honoured mode of improvement; but it is better still to possess their virtues as a gift from nature. Changlee is recorded to have said, ‘Had the world never seen a Confucius, then would not Hanyu have ranked as a disciple,’ which implies a reliance on natural gifts ; and in like manner would your disinterested virtues have raised you far above a subordinate rank, had Confucius never lived. I would propose, that you neglect not what is at hand in the search of that which is more remote, nor depend

upon others in preference to yourself. Instead of wan- | dering

dering in search of knowledge, return home and study there. Your father enjoys a high station at the capital : he is your best example. Peking, too, is the residence of the Emperor, and the centre of learning and wisdom. You need not be ashamed of inheriting your father’s profession and honours, nor of occupying a place at court. Why wander alone and independent to the limits of the earth, extorting praise from those who are not known to you? Do you wish to escape envy and strife ?—this is hardly an object ; for all the paths of life abound in contests and trouble—where can you escape them? Such is my opinion, if you approve it.” Teihchungyu was so charmed by her discourse, that he rose with enthusiasm from the table at which he sat, and bending in the direction of the screen: “ Lady,” said he, “ your words have cleared up my mind, and entirely removed my doubts ; accept, I pray you, my best acknowledgments for your kindness.” The atten- dants observing him, lost no time in presenting the great cup,* which he did not refuse; but taking it in his hands, drank off the contents, and then proceeded: “ Whence, is it, lady, that you, whom I should not Suppose to count more than twice eight years, have acquired such wisdom and knowledge? To estimate your sentiments properly, they exceed the powers of the wisest © Takwong, ‘a great cup made of rhinoceros’ horn.’ Such cups are sometimes met with at present, carved into fantastic, and not inelegant

shapes. The rhinoceros’ horn is frequently used for studding waist- belts, and for other ornamental purposes.

wisest sages and brightest stars of learning ;—they could proceed only from one compounded, like yourself, of the finest elements in nature. I am subdued by my admi- ration and respect !”

“ Alas! sir,” replied she, my childish talk can ill ‘deserve the praise of wisdom. I have taken advantage of your good opinion to express my poor sentiments, and your undeserved praises cover me with confusion.”*

The conversation had been carried on so long and with such spirit, and Feihchungyu had taken so much wine, that he feared he might be guilty of some indis- creet speech by staying longer: he, therefore, quitted the table, and taking leave of his hostess, thanked her for her hospitality. She did not offer to detain him, but said: “ I would ask you, sir, to sit longer, were it not for the fear lest on your first recovery it might do you harm.” Her attendants were then directed to take lights, and escort her guest to his own chamber.

Thus ended this entertainment, at which all the con- versation that passed was overheard, and the growing friendship observed between the hostess and her guest, without a single word which could bear an ill-construction.

Th’ unblemished gem reflects the purest ray,

And the blue lily, free from speck or stain,

Breathes odours exquisite—so shone the maid,

Unlike her frailer prototype, whose heart,

Touch’d by the lute,+ a theme bequeath’d for song.

We

The original conveys the same idea as—
Salsusque per artus Sudor iit.’

Virgil applies this expression to a goddess. —Aineid, B. v

+ See notes to appendix.

We leave Shueypingsin, who having directed her people to wait on Teihchungyu until he was asleep, and set- tled the affairs of her house, retired to rest ;—and proceed to Tanyew, concealed as he was on the main-beam of the hall, where he had distinctly seen and heard all that passed:below. He waited only until every thing was quiet, when he crept down from his hiding-place, and stealing across the premises, got out at the wall where he had entered. The night being far advanced, he went to his own home to sleep, but with the break of day proceeded to the magistrate with his report.

That officer took him into a private apartment, and com- menced a minute inquiry into the result of his mission. The emissary related in the clearest manner every thing as it happened : his concealment in the roof,—the semi- transparent screen across the hall—the table spread out- side for Teihchungyu, with its two bright tapers, shedding a snowy lustre—the other table spread within for the young lady herself, without lights, and in comparative obscurity—the carpets of ceremony on each side of the screen, the mutual compliments, and the four salutations ; —and lastly, the entertainment of which they each par- took. ‘‘ During the conversation,” said he, “it was ob- served by Teihchungyu that his severe illness was an injury inflicted by your worship ; but as you had not contrived to kill him, it was possible he might find an occasion of effecting your destruction in return.”

Here the magistrate, in the utmost consternation,

exclaimed,

exclaimed, “ How was it he threatened to injure me ?” | .

“ He said,” replied the other, “‘ that the governor of the province was his father’s official comrade ;* that he should first of all break his way into your worship’s hall; and ask you why, instead of behaving like a parent to those under your authority, and redressing their wrongs, you treated them like a cruel vulture or dog, for the sake of favouring persons in power. When he had disgraced your worship, and made you the scorn and ridicule of the whole district, he proposed callmg on the governor to degrade you from office—then arrest, and submit you to trial.”

The Chehéen, on hearing this, struck his feet against the ground in the greatest trepidation. “‘ How !”—cried he, and would have ordered his people on the instant to exhibit a notice, declaring that his worship could hear no causes to-day; but Tanyew told him not to be alarmed, for Teihchungyu was not coming after all.

“ How not coming?” demanded the magistrate.

“ Thanks to the young lady,” replied the spy, “ she dissuaded him from it repeatedly, by urging that your attempts to injure him arose naturally from the outrage he had committed on your worship; she observed, too, that persons of their superior characters naturally be- haved in a great and exalted manner, which vulgar-

minded

Tungnden, ‘ same year,’ means one who was preferred to literary

or official rank in the same year.

minded people like yourself could not be expected to comprehend ; and she said that your worship, perceiving her father was exiled, while the father of Kwoketsu had been promoted to the Emperor’s privy-council, therefore favoured the son of the latter—which was another proof of meanness of mind, and accordingly you were beneath his notice.* She observed, besides, that the services they had rendered each other were a sufficient cause to make people suspect they were urged by private motives ; but your worship must soon discover that they were as clear and unspotted as ice or crystal, and therefore repent your conduct; she added, that after the labour and application which the attainment of your degrees had cost you, it was a pity to ruin you on such an occa- sion as this. The young man declared that she was quite right, and felt so well pleased with her senti- ments, that he entirely abandoned his intentions of revenge.”

The magistrate was delighted. “‘ This young lady,” exclaimed he, “ is an admirable person ; I rejoice that I sent her safely home on the last occasion from my office. But what said they besides—was there any conversation of an irregular nature ?”

“ Their whole discourse,” replied the other, “ turned on letters, and on characters celebrated for virtue and

wisdom. ® The Chinese author displays some art in obliging the Chehéen to listen to a string of the worst possible compliments to himself. The obvious

moral conveyed, is the degrading situation to which a man is reduced, by making use of worthless agents in the prosecution of bad actions.

wisdom. They complimented each other’s eloquence, and each seemed to relish the harmony of the other’s sentiments. They carried on their conversation, in the intervals of the entertainment, during a whole watch.* So ‘much was said that I cannot recollect it; but every word did I hear distinctly, all of the most respectful and decorous nature,—not a phrase nor an idea that could bear any ill construction. The worthies of old must surely be revived in their persons !”

The magistrate listened in silence, but could scarcely bring himself to believe it. “What,” exclaimed he, “ could a young woman, beautiful as a flower—could a young man, bright as a gem, pass the evening alone in the same house, and sit at the same entertainment, possessing as they do great intellectual accomplishments, and being mutually beholden to each other—could they pass a whole evening without being moved, and conduct themselves like the characters recorded in history or fable? You have certainly been deceiving me for their sakes !”

“ Sir,” replied the other, ‘‘ I have no connexion with them, and never received the least gift at their hands. Why should I utter falsehoods on their account, in- jurious to your worship 2”

Convinced at last that it must be true, the magistrate expressed his admiration. “ Who shall maintain,” said he with a sigh, “ that the old times are not rivalled by the present! This Teihchungyu is an extraordinary

hero,

A period of two hours.

hero, highly gifted by nature ; and this Shueypingsin as extraordinary a heroine, equally beholden to education ! The authority of this district being in my hands, I ought to make known their merits, and obtain for them somé mark of distinction * from the Emperor.”

He proceeded to remit the punishment of Tanyew ac- cording to promise, and directed him to be set at large ; after which he began to soliloquize thus: “ Official power and influence must have their sway,t+ yet extraordinary and admirable persons like this youth and maiden should not be subject to their effects. Besides, the one is daughter to a member of the military tribunal, the other, son to one of the censorate; how could I be such a fool as to attempt injuring them! Let me suppose that his just resentment had led this youth to com- plain of me to my superiors, it would have been a little too late to seek the protection of the minister! Again, it befits me, who have attained by my exertions to the

first © The local magistrate is expected to notice (through his superiors) to the Emperor, any great examples of merit among those under his

jurisdiction: and persons even of extraordinary age, or with an unusual number of descendants, are sometimes reported in this manner.

t It is the mistaken policy of the Chinese government to allow its delegates in great measure to pay themselves. The regular salary of an officer of rank is inadequate to his station; the most virtuous rob the people the least, but they nearly all avail themselves of the “ devil's plea, necessity.’ The observations of Montesquieu regarding Turkey are, (though with very considerable reservation), applicable to China. The real taxation of this country is not to be estimated from statistical or official returns, or from what reaches the coffers of the government: a portion consists in the fruits of official malversation.

first literary rank, and who am not uncelebrated, to de- serve men’s approbation by deeds of worth, instead of merely following the stream of example—a manifest in- justice to myself. It seems, too, that this young lady respected my literary rank, and predicted my reforma- tion: how then can I neglect to respect myself, or allow this reformation to be delayed! Where can such a re- formation more properly commence, than in the instance of these two persons? Considering the disinterested courage and other splendid qualities of this Teihchungyu, if he be not united to Shueypingsin, there is none else fit for him :—and to estimate properly the almost fabulous mental endowments of this Shueypingsin, if it be not Teihchungyu, there is none to match her. How can I do better than change my course entirely, and devote myself to the completion of their mutual happiness ? Thus I may at once throw my past errors into shade, and behave in a manner befitting my respectable station.” Scarcely had he made this resolution, when Kwoketsu came in to hear the news. The magistrate told him all that he had learned from the spy, and concluded with this advice: ‘‘ My good friend, you must not attempt to treat her aa an ordinary female of the same age. I have no difficulty in perceiving from her behaviour that she is a very uncommon and admirable person—she will never be compelled to throw herself away. Take my advice, and give up all thoughts of her: you may easily find some other object of pursuit.” Satisfied

TRE FORTUNATE UNION. 177

Satisfied now that the intercourse between Teih- chungyu and Shueypingsin afforded not the slightest ground for scandal, and perceiving that the Chehéen very bluntly took leave of his cause, Kwoketsu became convinced of the hopelessness of his schemes :—he stood stupified for some moments, and then walked off.

The magistrate sent messengers toinquire ifTeihchungyu had left his temporary lodging, and desired them to as- certain when our hero really intended to return home, as he had some particular plans in relation to him. But to learn the result—to see the hardness of the gem resist | friction, and its purity triumph over defilement, the reader must peruse the following chapter.

VOL. 1. N

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Chapter 7: Five Days Are Blamelessly Passed, and the Hero Is Detained to an Entertainment

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